bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Detecting genetic signals of selection in heavily bottlenecked reindeer populations by comparing parallel founder events
Authors: de Jong Menno J. , Lovatt Fiona , Hoelzel A. Rus 
Published: February 2021

AbstractFounder populations are of special interest to both evolutionary and conservation biologists, but the detection of genetic signals of selection in these populations is challenging due to their demographic history. Geographically separated founder populations likely to have been subjected to similar selection pressures provide an ideal but rare opportunity to overcome these challenges. Here we take advantage of such a situation generated when small, isolated founder populations of reindeer were established on the island of South Georgia, and using this system we look for empirical evidence of selection overcoming strong genetic drift. We generated a 70 k ddRADseq single nucleotide polymorphism database for the two parallel reindeer founder populations and screened for signatures of soft sweeps. We find evidence for a genomic region under selection shared among the two populations, and support our findings with Wright–Fisher model simulations to assess the power and specificity of interpopulation selection scans—namely Bayescan, OutFLANK, PCadapt and a newly developed scan called Genome Wide Differentiation Scan (GWDS)—in the context of pairwise source–founder comparisons. Our simulations indicate that loci under selection in small founder populations are most probably detected by GWDS, and strengthen the hypothesis that the outlier region represents a true locus under selection. We explore possible, relevant functional roles for genes in linkage with the detected outlier loci.
Plant 3D genomics: the exploration and application of chromatin organization
Authors: Pei Liuling , Li Guoliang , Lindsey Keith , Zhang Xianlong , Wang Maojun 
Published: February 2021

SummaryEukaryotic genomes are highly folded for packing into higher‐order chromatin structures in the nucleus. With the emergence of state‐of‐the‐art chromosome conformation capture methods and microscopic imaging techniques, the spatial organization of chromatin and its functional implications have been interrogated. Our knowledge of 3D chromatin organization in plants has improved dramatically in the past few years, building on the early advances in animal systems. Here, we review recent advances in 3D genome mapping approaches, our understanding of the sophisticated organization of spatial structures, and the application of 3D genomic principles in plants. We also discuss directions for future developments in 3D genomics in plants.
Effect of a virtual self‐management intervention for atrial fibrillation during the outbreak of COVID‐19
Authors: Rosman Lindsey , Armbruster Tiffany , Kyazimzade Sayyad , Tugaoen Zachary , Mazzella Anthony J. , Deyo Zack , Walker Jennifer , Machineni Sriram , Gehi Anil 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundAs the pandemic continues to unfold, effective, technology‐based solutions are needed to help patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) maintain their health and well‐being during the outbreak of COVID‐19.MethodsThis single‐center, pilot study investigated the effects of a 4‐week (eight sessions) virtual AF self‐management program. Questionnaires were completed at baseline and 1 week after the intervention, and assessed AF knowledge, adherence to self‐management behaviors, mental health, physical function, and disease‐specific quality of life in patients with AF. Secondary outcomes included knowledge of COVID‐19, intervention, acceptability, and satisfaction.ResultsOf 68 patients who completed baseline questionnaires, 57 participated in the intervention and were included in the analysis (mean age of 73.4 ± 10.0 years, 60% male). Adherence to AF self‐monitoring behaviors, including monitoring their heart rate (p < .001), heart rhythm (p = .003), and blood pressure (p = .013) were significantly improved at the end of the intervention compared with baseline. Symptom identification (p = .007) and management (p < .001) also improved. Reductions in sleep disturbance (p < .001), anxiety (p = .014), and depression (p = .046) were also observed. Misinformation and inaccurate beliefs about COVID‐19 were significantly reduced at the end of the intervention compared with baseline.ConclusionsThis pilot study suggests that a virtual patient education program could have beneficial effects on adherence to guideline‐recommend self‐care of AF, emotional wellbeing, physical function, and knowledge of COVID‐19 in patients with AF. Future randomized studies in larger samples are needed to determine the clinical benefits of the intervention.
Whole‐body MRI in pediatric undefined inflammatory conditions
Authors: Giani Teresa , Matteoni Veronica , Perrone Anna , Simonini Gabriele , Cimaz Rolando 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundWhole‐body magnetic resonance imaging (WBMRI) is a multiregional imaging technique suitable for investigating the extent of multisystemic diseases without exposure to radiation, with a high sensitivity to bone alterations. The aim of our study was to evaluate the role of WBMRI in the workup of children with non‐specific musculoskeletal features and non‐indicative laboratory and instrumental data, who were suspected to have a rheumatologic disease.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed medical records, including laboratory tests and radiological data of 34 children who had been evaluated due to non‐specific musculoskeletal manifestations, for which a WBMRI was prescribed.ResultsWe included 34 children, 19 females and 15 males, mean age 10 years (range 2–16 years), with the following clinical features: diffuse arthralgia (12 children), persistent fever (2 children), persistent fever and diffuse arthralgia (20 children). Serologic inflammatory markers were increased in 29/34 patients. Twenty‐five children had already received X‐ray and / or ultrasound before WBMRI, with a negative / uninformative result. WBMRI was performed 3–6 weeks (median, 3.5 weeks) after the initial presentation of symptoms. In 22/34 (65%) children, WBMRI revealed some abnormalities that supported the final diagnosis. Twelve out of 34 children (35%) were be affected by chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis.ConclusionsWBMRI is helpful in pediatric rheumatology for the differential diagnosis of undefined inflammatory conditions. It appears to be a promising tool, especially in the detection of multifocal bone lesions. The diagnosis that mainly benefits from WBMRI in our series is chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis. WBMRI can also help in excluding neoplastic diseases.
Comparative study of imiquimod 3.75% vs. photodynamic therapy for actinic keratosis of the scalp
Authors: Cortelazzi Chiara , Odorici Giulia , Castagnetti Elisa , Pellacani Giovanni , Di Nuzzo Sergio 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackground/purposeTo assess efficacy, tolerability, adverse effects, recurrence, and aesthetic results of imiquimod 3.75% vs. photodynamic therapy with 5‐aminolaevulinic acid (MAL‐PDT) for actinic keratosis (AK).MethodsA small randomized, intraindividual right‐left pilot study for AK treatment of multiple scalp lesions was performed. Patients were treated with imiquimod and subsequently MAL‐PDT (on opposite sides of the scalp) 14 days apart. Study end points were evaluated with clinical and dermoscopic examinations at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months.ResultsNine male bald patients were enrolled. Imiquimod achieved a slightly higher overall clearance rate than MAP‐PDT (68.1% vs 56.5%). According to AK degree of severity, clearance rates were greater for degree I and III with imiquimod (68.8%, 64.5% and 75% with imiquimod vs. 48%, 69.8%, and 66.7% for MAL‐PDT, respectively). At 12 months, a slightly higher total recurrence rate was noted for imiquimod compared with MAL‐PDT (9.9% vs. 8.6%); new lesions were 2 degree I for imiquimod and 4 degree I for MAL‐PDT. For both treatments, pain was moderate/strong (even if MAL‐PDT seems to be less tolerable) adverse effects are common and transient; aesthetic results excellent.ConclusionBoth imiquimod and MAL‐PDT were effective in the reduction in the number of AK. In the long‐term, both present a good effectiveness maintained over time with excellent aesthetic results. A combination or sequential therapy could optimize the management of the cancerization field.
Complete genome sequences and properties of Spartina mottle virus isolates from hybrid Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon × Cynodon transvaalensis)
Authors: Thomas John E. , Raymond Myriam , Tran Nga T. , Crew Kathleen S. , Teo Ai Chin , Geering Andrew D. W. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractFull genome sequences are presented for two isolates of Spartina mottle virus (SpMoV) from two accessions of the hybrid turf grass Cynodon dactylon × C. transvaalensis (Bermuda grass, green couch), originally from the USA but detected during post‐entry quarantine in Australia. Both isolates had a genome of 9,346 nucleotides, encoding a single polyprotein of 3,029 amino acids and predicted to be cleaved into 10 mature proteins. Phylogenetic analysis strongly supported placement in a new genus within the family Potyviridae. The isolates possess 715–780 × 11–12 nm flexuous virions and produce cylindrical (pinwheel) inclusions in infected cells. They were mechanically transmitted to several species in the Poaceae including Zea mays (maize, sweet corn), Chloris gayana (Rhodes grass), and Echinochloa colona (awnless barnyard grass).
The well‐being and burden of caregiving for patients with Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Vescovelli Francesca , Ruini Chiara 
Published: February 2021

AbstractObjectivesWell‐being and positive psychological functioning may protect caregivers from experiencing burden. Despite this, research has scarcely explored these variables among caregivers of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). This research endeavoured (1) to measure differences in distress and well‐being between caregivers of PD patients and caregivers assisting individuals suffering from non‐neurodegenerative age‐related health problems (controls); and (2) to evaluate the predictors of well‐being, distress and caregiver burden in the total sample of caregivers.MethodsThe study has a cross‐sectional design. 100 caregivers were recruited from centres for ageing individuals. 50 caregivers assisted patients with PD, while the other 50 were considered as controls. Participants completed self‐report questionnaires concerning psychological well‐being, life satisfaction, post‐traumatic growth, distress and symptomatology. Multiple regression analysis was performed on the dataset of the total sample (N = 100), exploring the possible predictors and correlates of caregiver burden.ResultsCaregivers who assisted patients with PD significantly experienced more depression, more distress and less well‐being when compared to controls. The main significant correlates of caregiver burden were older age, less psychological well‐being and more depression.ConclusionsParkinson's disease caregivers reported more impairment in psychological well‐being and higher rates of distress. In the total sample of caregivers (of patients with PD and of healthy individuals), depression and specific areas of well‐being (environmental mastery, personal growth) correlated to the burden of caregiving. Psychosocial interventions focused on these dimensions may help caregivers to better cope with the possible burden of the assistance.
Pathways to Modern Family Planning: A Longitudinal Study on Social Influence among Men and Women in Benin
Authors: Igras Susan , Burgess Sarah , Chantelois‐Kashal Heather , Diakité Mariam , Giuffrida Monica , Lundgren Rebecka 
Published: February 2021

AbstractDespite improvements in family planning (FP) knowledge and services in West Africa, unmet need for FP continues to grow. Many programs apply a demographically and biologically driven definition of unmet need, overlooking the complex social environment in which fertility and FP decisions are made. This longitudinal, qualitative cohort study captures the changing nature of FP need, attitudes and behaviors, taking into account life context to inform understanding of the complex behavior change process. Purposively sampled, 25 women and 25 men participated in three rounds of in‐depth interviews over 18 months. Analyses used a social network influence lens. Findings suggest alignment of six foundational building blocks operating at individual, couple, services, and social levels is essential to meet FP need. If one block is weak, a person may not achieve met need. Women and men commonly follow five pathways as they seek to fulfill their FP need. Some pathways achieve met need (determined users, quick converters), some do not (side effect avoiders), and some do not lead to consistent FP outcomes (male‐priority decision makers, gender–egalitarian decision makers). Findings clarify the role of social determinants of FP and offer insight into program approaches informed by user typologies and return on program investments.
Impact of serological and PCR testing requirements on the selection of COVID‐19 convalescent plasma donors
Authors: Carter Jason A. , Freedenberg Alex T. , Romeiser Jamie L. , Talbot Lillian R. , Browne Nicholas J. , Cosgrove Megan E. , Shevik Margaret E. , Generale Laura M. , Rago Molly G. , Caravella Giuseppina A. , Ahmed Tahmeena , Mamone Linda J. , Bennett‐Guerrero Elliott ,   The Stony Brook Medicine COVID Plasma Trial Group
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundConvalescent plasma is undergoing randomized trials as a potential therapeutic option for COVID‐19 infection. Little empirical evidence exists regarding the determination of donor eligibility and experiences with donor selection.Study Design and MethodsThis prospective study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in New York to select plasma donors for a randomized, double‐blind, controlled convalescent plasma trial. Clearance for donation required successful completion of an online questionnaire and an in‐person screening visit, which included (a) completion of a Donor Health Questionnaire (DHQ), (b) Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody testing using an immunochromatographic anti‐ severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) test, (c) Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing if <28 days from symptom resolution, and (d) routine blood bank testing.ResultsAfter receiving 3093 online questionnaires, 521 individuals presented for in‐person screening visits, with 40.1% (n = 209) fully qualifying. Subjects (n = 312) failed to progress due to the following reasons: disqualifying answer from DHQ (n = 30, 9.6%), insufficient antibodies (n = 198, 63.5%), persistent positive PCR tests (n = 14, 4.5%), and blood donation testing labs (n = 70, 22.4%). Importantly, 24.6% and 11.1% of potential donors who reported having PCR‐diagnosed infection had low or undetectable SARS‐CoV‐2 antibody levels, respectively. Surprisingly, 62.9% (56/89) of subjects had positive PCR tests 14–27 days after symptom resolution, with 13 individuals continuing to be PCR positive after 27 days.ConclusionIt is feasible for a single site to fully qualify a large number of convalescent plasma donors in a short period of time. Among otherwise qualified convalescent plasma donors, we found high rates of low or undetectable antibody levels and many individuals with persistently positive PCR tests.
Aorta, liver, and portal vein CT contrast enhancement during the portal venous phase are positively associated with abdominal fat percentage in dogs
Authors: Kan Jennifer , Milne Marjorie 
Published: February 2021

AbstractContrast‐enhanced computed tomography (CT) is increasingly being used as a standard diagnostic test for dogs with suspected abdominal pathology. The iodinated contrast dose is commonly calculated based on linear increases in total body weight. However, body fat is not metabolically active and contributes little to dispersing or diluting the contrast medium in the blood. The aim of this retrospective single‐center analytic study was to investigate the possible correlation between abdominal organ and vessel enhancement, and abdominal fat percentage in dogs. We hypothesized that, when dosing intravenous iodinated contrast according to total body weight, there would be a positive association between the degree of contrast enhancement of selected organs and vessels with increasing abdominal fat percentage. Vascular and parenchymal attenuation data were collected from 62 multiphasic abdominal CECT scans performed on dogs over a 5‐year period at U‐Vet Werribee Animal Hospital between February 2014 and February 2019. Findings based on a linear regression model showed a positive association of aorta (P = .005), liver (P = .045), and portal vein (P = .001) enhancement to abdominal fat percentage during the portal venous phase. Authors recommend that other body size parameters, such as lean body weight, should be considered when calculating iodine dose for abdominal contrast‐enhanced CT in dogs.
Fully Coupled Large Eddy Simulation-Conjugate Heat Transfer Analysis of a Ribbed Cooling Passage Using the Immersed Boundary Method
Authors: Oh Tae Kyung , Tafti Danesh K. , Nagendra Krishnamurthy 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The study focuses on evaluating fully coupled conjugate heat transfer (CHT) simulation in a ribbed cooling passage with a fully developed flow assumption using large eddy simulation (LES) with the immersed boundary method (IBM-LES-CHT). The IBM-LES and the IBM-CHT frameworks are validated by simulating purely convective heat transfer in the ribbed duct, and a laminar boundary layer flow over a 2D flat plate with heat conduction, respectively. For the main conjugate simulations, a ribbed duct geometry with a blockage ratio of 0.3 is simulated at a bulk Reynolds number of 10,000 with a conjugate boundary condition applied to the rib surface. The nominal Biot number is kept at 1, which is similar to the comparative experiment. It is shown that the time scale disparity between turbulent fluid flow and heat conduction in solid can be overcome by using an artificially high solid thermal diffusivity. While the diffusivity impacts the instantaneous fluctuations in temperature and heat transfer, it has an insignificant effect on the predicted Nusselt number. Comparison between IBM-LES-CHT and iso-flux heat transfer simulations shows that the iso-flux case predicts higher local Nusselt numbers at the back face of the rib. Furthermore, the local Nusselt number augmentation ratio (EF) predicted by IBM-LES-CHT is compared with experiment and another LES conjugate simulation. The present LES calculations predict higher EFs on the leading face of the rib and show a different trend at the trailing face when CHT is activated.
A Stochastic Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Algorithm for Dynamic Load Prioritization in Grid-Interactive Efficient Buildings
Authors: Kundu Soumya , Bhattacharya Arnab , Chandan Vikas , Radhakrishnan Nikitha , Adetola Veronica , Vrabie Draguna 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Increasing deployment of advanced sensing, controls, and communication infrastructure enables buildings to provide services to the power grid, leading to the concept of grid-interactive efficient buildings. Since occupant activities and preferences primarily drive the availability and operational flexibility of building devices, there is a critical need to develop occupant-centric approaches that prioritize devices for providing grid services, while maintaining the desired end-use quality of service. In this paper, we present a decision-making framework that facilitates a building owner/operator to effectively prioritize loads for curtailment service under uncertainties, while minimizing any adverse impact on the occupants. The proposed framework uses a stochastic (Markov) model to represent the probabilistic behavior of device usage from power consumption data, and a load prioritization algorithm that dynamically ranks building loads using a stochastic multi-criteria decision-making algorithm. The proposed load prioritization framework is illustrated via numerical simulations in a residential building use-case, including plug-loads, air-conditioners, and plug-in electric vehicle chargers, in the context of load curtailment as a grid service. Suitable metrics are proposed to evaluate the closed-loop performance of the proposed prioritization algorithm under various scenarios and design choices. Scalability of the proposed algorithm is established via computational analysis, while time-series plots are used for intuitive explanation of the ranking choices.
Parameter Identification and Sensitivity Analysis for Zero-Dimensional Physics-Based Lithium-Sulfur Battery Models
Authors: Xu Chu , Cleary Timothy , Li Guoxing , Wang Donghai , Fathy Hosam 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
This paper examines parameter estimation for Lithium-Sulfur (Li-S) battery models from experimental data. Li-S batteries are attractive compared to traditional Lithium-ion batteries, thanks largely to their potential to achieve higher energy densities. The literature presents a number of Li-S battery models with varying fidelity and complexity levels. This includes both high-fidelity diffusion-reaction models as well as zero-dimensional models that neglect diffusion dynamics while capturing the underlying reduction-oxidation reaction physics. This paper focuses on four zero-dimensional models, representing different possible sets of redox reactions. There is a growing need for using experimental data sets to both parameterize and compare these models. To address this, Li-S coin cells were fabricated and tested. In parallel, a sensitivity analysis of key model parameters was conducted. Using this analysis, a subset of model parameters was selected for identification and estimation in all four Li-S battery models.
Extended Physics-Based Reduced-Order Capacity Fade Model for Lithium-Ion Battery Cells1
Authors: Salyer Zachary , D’Arpino Matilde , Canova Marcello 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Aging models are necessary to accurately predict the state of health (SOH) evolution in lithium-ion battery systems when performing durability studies under realistic operations, specifically considering time-varying storage, cycling, and environmental conditions, while being computationally efficient. This article extends existing physics-based reduced-order capacity fade models that predict degradation resulting from the solid electrolyte interface (SEI) layer growth and loss of active material (LAM) in the graphite anode. Specifically, the physics of the degradation mechanisms and aging campaigns for various cell chemistries are reviewed to improve the model fidelity. In addition, a new calibration procedure is established relying solely on capacity fade data and results are presented including extrapolation/validation for multiple chemistries. Finally, a condition is integrated to predict the onset of lithium plating. This allows the complete cell model to predict the incremental degradation under various operating conditions, including fast charging.