bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The bacterial communities of Alaskan mosses and their contributions to N2-fixation
Authors: Holland-Moritz Hannah , Stuart Julia E. M. , Lewis Lily R. , Miller Samantha N. , Mack Michelle C. , Ponciano Jose Miguel , McDaniel Stuart F. , Fierer Noah 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Mosses in high-latitude ecosystems harbor diverse bacterial taxa, including N2-fixers which are key contributors to nitrogen dynamics in these systems. Yet the relative importance of moss host species, and environmental factors, in structuring these microbial communities and their N2-fixing potential remains unclear. We studied 26 boreal and tundra moss species across 24 sites in Alaska, USA, from 61 to 69° N. We used cultivation-independent approaches to characterize the variation in moss-associated bacterial communities as a function of host species identity and site characteristics. We also measured N2-fixation rates via 15N2 isotopic enrichment and identified potential N2-fixing bacteria using available literature and genomic information.

Results
Host species identity and host evolutionary history were both highly predictive of moss microbiome composition, highlighting strong phylogenetic coherence in these microbial communities. Although less important, light availability and temperature also influenced composition of the moss microbiome. Finally, we identified putative N2-fixing bacteria specific to some moss hosts, including potential N2-fixing bacteria outside well-studied cyanobacterial clades.

Conclusions
The strong effect of host identity on moss-associated bacterial communities demonstrates mosses’ utility for understanding plant-microbe interactions in non-leguminous systems. Our work also highlights the likely importance of novel bacterial taxa to N2-fixation in high-latitude ecosystems.
cfDNA deconvolution via NIPT of a pregnant woman after bone marrow transplant and donor egg IVF
Authors: Zhu Jianjiang , Hui Feng , Mao Xuequn , Zhang Shaoqin , Qi Hong , Du Yang 
Published: February 2021

AbstractCell-free DNA is known to be a mixture of DNA fragments originating from various tissue types and organs of the human body and can be utilized for several clinical applications and potentially more to be created. Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), by high throughput sequencing of cell-free DNA (cfDNA), has been successfully applied in the clinical screening of fetal chromosomal aneuploidies, with more extended coverage under active research.In this study, via a quite unique and rare NIPT sample, who has undergone both bone marrow transplant and donor egg IVF, we investigated the sources of oddness observed in the NIPT result using a combination of molecular genetics and genomic methods and eventually had the case fully resolved. Along the process, we devised a clinically viable process to dissect the sample mixture.Eventually, we used the proposed scheme to evaluate the relatedness of individuals and the demultiplexed sample components following modified population genetics concepts, exemplifying a noninvasive prenatal paternity test prototype. For NIPT specific applicational concern, more thorough and detailed clinical information should therefore be collected prior to cfDNA-based screening procedure like NIPT and systematically reviewed when an abnormal report is obtained to improve genetic counseling and overall patient care.
Competing mortality risks: predicted cardiovascular disease risk versus predicted risk of breast cancer mortality in patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy in a single Irish center
Authors: Prior Lisa , Featherstone Hannah , O’Reilly David , Nugent Killian , Lim Marvin , McCaffrey John , Higgins Michaela J , Kelly Catherine M. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Due to advances in care, most women diagnosed with breast cancer do not die from the disease itself. Instead, cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the most frequent cause of death. Many breast cancer patients are older and have established CVD risk factors. They are at further risk due to exposure to anthracyclines, HER2 targeted agents, endocrine therapy and radiotherapy. In this study, we compared the 10-year predicted risk of breast cancer mortality versus that of cardiovascular (CV) morbidity/mortality in breast cancer patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy using online predictive risk calculators. Furthermore, we evaluated the predicted outcome of CV risk factor optimisation on their overall CV risk.

Methods
This was a cross sectional study. All patients with resected Stage I-III breast cancer who received adjuvant chemotherapy at our centre from September 2015 to November 2016 were identified. Data recorded included demographics, tumor characteristics, treatments and CV risk factors. To calculate predicted 10-year risk of CVD and impact of lifestyle changes, we used the JBS3 (Joint British Society) online risk calculator. To calculate the predicted 10-year risk of breast cancer mortality, we used the PREDICT calculator. Biostatistical methods included Wilcoxon signed rank test for predicted CVD risk pre and post cardiovascular risk optimization.

Results
We identified 102 patients. Of this cohort, 76 patients were ≥ 50 years & 26 were < 50 years of age. The group had significant baseline cardiovascular risk factors: increased BMI (68 %, n = 70), ex-smoking (34 %, n = 35), current smoking (13 %, n = 13), hypertension (47 %, n = 47) and dyslipidemia (57 %). Of the total group, 48 % had a high (> 20 %) and 37 % had a moderate (10–20 %) 10-year predicted breast cancer mortality risk. Regarding 10-year predicted risk of CVD, 11 % and 22 % fell into the high (> 20 %) and moderate (10–20 %) risk categories, respectively. Assuming CV risk factor optimisation, there was a predicted improvement in median 10-year CV risk from 26.5 to 9.9 % (p = .005) in the high CVD risk group and from 14.0 to 6.6 % (p < .001) in the moderate CVD risk group.

Conclusions
Benefits predicted with a CVD risk intervention model indicates that this should be incorporated into routine breast oncology care.
Assessment of nutritional status and associated factors among adolescent girls in Afar, Northeastern Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Hadush Gebrehiwot , Seid Oumer , Wuneh Abel Gebre 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundA body of evidences showed that adolescent undernutrition is a serious public health problem in developing countries including Ethiopia. Adolescence period is the last chance for curbing the consequences of undernutrition and breaking the intergenerational cycle of malnutrition and poor health. Despite this fact, they have been considered as a low-risk group for poor health and nutrition problems than the young children or the very old. This study aimed to assess prevalence of nutritional status and associated factors among adolescent girls in Afar, Northeastern Ethiopia, 2017.MethodsA school-based cross-sectional study design was conducted among 736 adolescent girls from February15 to March 05, 2017 in Afar, Northeastern Ethiopia, 2017. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select study participants. A pretested and structured interviewer-administered questionnaire and anthropometric measurements was used to collect the data. The collected data were entered in to Epi Data version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 20.0 for further statistical analysis. Body Mass Index for age (thinness) and height for age (stunting) was used to assess undernutrition of adolescent girls by using the new 2007 WHO Growth Reference. Data were analyzed using bivariate and multivariable logistic regression. The degree of association between dependent and independent variables were assessed using odds ratio with 95% confidence interval, and variables withpvalue < 0.05 were considered significant.ResultsThe study revealed that the prevalence of thinness and stunting were 15.8% (95% CI 13.3–18.5%) and 26.6% (95% CI 23.5–29.9%), respectively. Being at an early adolescent age (AOR = 2.89, 95% CI 1.23–6.81) for thinness and being at an early adolescent age (AOR = 1.96, 95% CI 1.02–3.74), household food insecure (AOR = 2.88, 95% CI 1.15–7.21), menstruation status (AOR = 2.42, 95% CI 1.03–5.71), and availability of home latrine (AOR = 3.26, 95% CI 1.15–4.42) for stunting were the independent predictors among the adolescent girls.ConclusionsThe prevalence of thinness and stunting is above the public health importance threshold level. Thus, Multi-sector-centered nutrition interventions to improve nutritional status of disadvantaged adolescent girls through providing comprehensive nutritional assessment and counseling services at community, school, and health facility levels, and creating household’s income-generating activities are recommended before they reach conception to break the intergenerational cycle effect of malnutrition.
Operational optimization of a building-level integrated energy system considering additional potential benefits of energy storage
Authors: Liu Sai , Zhou Cheng , Guo Haomin , Shi Qingxin , Song Tiancheng E. , Schomer Ian , Liu Yu 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAs a key component of an integrated energy system (IES), energy storage can effectively alleviate the problem of the times between energy production and consumption. Exploiting the benefits of energy storage can improve the competitiveness of multi-energy systems. This paper proposes a method for day-ahead operation optimization of a building-level integrated energy system (BIES) considering additional potential benefits of energy storage. Based on the characteristics of peak-shaving and valley-filling of energy storage, and further consideration of the changes in the system’s load and real-time electricity price, a model of additional potential benefits of energy storage is developed. Aiming at the lowest total operating cost, a bi-level optimal operational model for day-ahead operation of BIES is developed. A case analysis of different dispatch strategies verifies that the addition of the proposed battery scheduling strategy improves economic operation. The results demonstrate that the model can exploit energy storage’s potential, further optimize the power output of BIES and reduce the economic cost.
A pilot case-control study using a one health approach to evaluate behavioral, environmental, and occupational risk factors for chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology in Sri Lanka
Authors: M Pry Jake , Jackson Wendi , Rupasinghe Ruwini , Lishanthe Guneratne , Badurdeen Zied , Abeysekara Tilak , Chandrajith Rohana , Smith Woutrina , Wickramasinghe Saumya 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundChronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) was first recognized in Sri Lanka in the early 1990s, and since then it has reached epidemic levels in the North Central Province of the country. The prevalence of CKDu is reportedly highest among communities that engage in chena and paddy farming, which is most often practiced in the dry zone including the North Central and East Central Provinces of Sri Lanka. Previous studies have suggested varied hypotheses for the etiology of CKDu; however, there is not yet a consensus on the primary risk factors, possibly due to disparate study designs, sample populations, and methodologies.MethodsThe goal of this pilot case-control study was to evaluate the relationships between key demographic, cultural, and occupational variables as risk factors for CKDu, with a primary interest in pesticide exposure both occupationally and through its potential use as an ingredient in brewed kasippu alcohol. An extensive one health focused survey was developed with in cooperation with the Centre for Research, Education, and Training on Kidney Diseases of Sri Lanka.ResultsA total of 56 CKDu cases and 54 control individuals were surveyed using a proctored, self-reported questionnaire. Occupational pesticide exposure and alcohol consumption were not found to be significant risk factors for CKDu. However, a statistically significant association with CKDu was observed with chewing betel (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 6.11, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.93, 19.35), age (aOR: 1.07, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.13), owning a pet dog (aOR: 3.74, 95% CI: 1.38, 10.11), water treatment (aOR: 3.68, 95% CI: 1.09, 12.43) and pests in the house (aOR: 5.81, 95% CI: 1.56, 21.60).ConclusionsThe findings of this study suggest future research should focus on practices associated with chewing betel, potential animal interactions including pests in the home and pets, and risk factors associated with water.
Evaluation of Packaging Materials in Freeze-Drying: Use of Polymer Caps and Nested Vials and Their Impact on Process and Product Attributes
Authors: Wenzel Tim , Gieseler Henning 
Published: February 2021

AbstractCurrent trends in the pharmaceutical industry led to a demand for more flexible manufacturing processes with smaller batch sizes. Prepackaged nested vials that can be processed as a unit were introduced into the market to fulfill this need. However, vial nests provide a different thermal environment for the vials compared to a hexagonal packaging array and could therefore influence product temperature profiles, primary drying times, and product quality attributes. Polymer caps with the possibility of vial closure inside the freeze-drying chamber were developed to remove the risks and need of a crimping process. A general concern with the use of such caps is the possibility of an increase in resistance to water vapor flow out of the vial. This case study investigated the effect of the LyoSeal® and PLASCAP® polymer caps and EZ-fill® nests on the freeze-drying process. Amorphous and partially crystalline model formulations were freeze-dried. Process data and product quality attributes were compared for regularly stoppered vials and vials with polymer caps as well as vials in a hexagonal packaging array and nested vials. The results indicated no increased resistance or impeded water vapor flow by the polymer caps. Differences in the macro- and microscopic appearances of products and a trend towards lower product temperatures were observed for the investigated nest type compared to a regular hexagonal packaging array. Consequently, the polymer caps could be used as an alternative to regular stoppers without affecting freeze-drying process data or product quality attributes, while the different thermal environment of nested vials should be considered.
Protocol for a controlled, randomized, blind, clinical trial to assess the effects of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation dorsolateral prefrontal cortex associated with balance training using games in the postural balance of older people
Authors: Kunitake Andre Issao , Corrêa João Carlos Ferrari , Nascimento Klaine Silva , Oliveira Bianca Barioni Cardoso de , Muniz Natalia Maciel , Silva Soraia Micaela , Corrêa Fernanda Ishida 
Published: February 2021

Aims: This study aims to evaluate the additional effect of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (a-tDCS) applied on dorsolateral pré-frontal cortex on training postural balance with the use of video games in the aged. Methods: This is a blinded, randomized, controlled clinical trial protocol, with older people of both genders. Participants will be randomized into three training groups: Group 1 (videogame balance training), group 2 (videogame balance training associated with anodal tDCS), group 3 (videogame balance training associated with sham tDCS). The training will be carried out twice a week for four weeks, totaling eight sessions, and will be performed with the Nintendo Wii videogame console, using games that stimulate the postural balance associated with tDCS, with anode applied over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and cathode on the contralateral supraorbital region at 2 mA for 20 minutes. The postural balance will be assessed using the Mini Test of the Balance Assessment System and posturography. Evaluations will be carried out before and after eight training sessions and 30 days after the end of treatment. Discussion: Some studies show favorable results from the use of video games in improving postural balance in older people; however, their effect does not remain long-term. TDCS associated with other therapies can potentiate and prolong the effects of these therapies owing to its ability to stimulate neurotrophins important for neurogenesis, facilitating tasks that require attention, and helping to consolidate learning and memory. The effect of the two associated techniques on balance has not yet been tested in this population. Registration: Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials ID U1111-1213-4266; registered on 15 October 2018.
Consistent Allocation of Emission Responsibility in Fossil Fuel Supply Chains
Authors: Gopalakrishnan Sanjith , Granot Daniel , Granot Frieda 
Published: February 2021

Since 2016, Canada’s federal government has pledged to factor in upstream emissions during the environmental impact assessment of fossil fuel energy projects. The upstream emissions attributable to a proposed project could be compared against a rejection threshold—a maximum permissible level of emissions—or the firm could be mandated to offset the attributed emissions. We adopt a cooperative game-theoretic model and propose the nucleolus mechanism to apportion upstream emission responsibilities in a fossil fuel supply chain, represented by a directed tree, wherein the nodes correspond to various entities in the supply chain such as extractors, distributors, refineries, and end consumers. The nucleolus allocation avoids the distortionary effects of double counting and exhibits a certain consistency property that is especially important in a regulatory context wherein fossil fuel supply chains span multiple legal jurisdictions. We develop a polynomial-time algorithm to compute the nucleolus and further prove that it arises as the unique subgame perfect equilibrium allocation of a noncooperative game induced by two easily stated and verifiable policies, thereby providing an implementation framework. We then demonstrate the strong Nash stability of the nucleolus mechanism subject to the two policies, study its sensitivity to parameter changes, and characterize it on the basis of fairness considerations. Furthermore, under the common assumption that the emissions allocated to a firm and the resulting financial penalties do not impact the revenues from the firm’s core operations, we also provide lower-bound guarantees on the welfare gains it delivers to firms in the fossil fuel supply chain and on the incentives it offers such firms to adopt emission abatement technologies. Finally, we contextualize our discussion with a case study on a proposed expansion of the Trans Mountain pipeline in Western Canada. This paper was accepted by Chung Piaw Teo, optimization.
Experimental simulation of time and frequency transfer via an optical satellite–ground link at 10-18 instability
Authors: Shen Qi , Guan Jian-Yu , Zeng Ting , Lu Qi-Ming , Huang Liang , Cao Yuan , Chen Jiu-Peng , Tao Tian-Qi , Wu Jin-Cai , Hou Lei , Liao Sheng-Kai , Ren Ji-Gang , Yin Juan , Jia Jian-Jun , Jiang Hai-Feng , Peng Cheng-Zhi , Zhang Qiang , Pan Jian-Wei 
Published: February 2021

Microwave-based satellite–ground links are used to transfer time and frequency in various applications such as metrology, navigation, positioning, and very long baseline interferometers. The existing approaches, however, cannot fully satisfy the requirements of these applications. In this study, we investigated the possibility of an optical-based satellite–ground link, where the transferred carriers are pulsed lasers, resulting in a link with a high time resolution and a large ambiguous range. First, we analyzed the parameters of satellites in different orbits and concluded that high-orbit links enable more stable time–frequency comparison or dissemination by taking advantage of the long duration, a large common view range, and the lower relativistic effects. Subsequently, we performed a 16 km free-space transfer experiment to simulate links in the loss, noise, and delay effects. The link exhibits an instability of

4
×

10

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18

at 3,000 s and an approximately 10 fs time deviation with an average loss of 72 dB, corresponding to the loss of a satellite–ground link at geostationary earth orbit (GEO). Based on these results, we expect that the instability of the time–frequency transfer via a GEO link might reach

10

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18

at 10,000 s.
Access to malaria prevention and control interventions among seasonal migrant workers: A multi-region formative assessment in Ethiopia
Authors: Argaw Mesele Damte , Woldegiorgis Asfawesen GebreYohannes , Workineh Habtamu Aderaw , Akelom Berhane Alemayhu , Abebe Mesfin Eshetu , Abate Derebe Tadesse , Ashenafi Eshetu Gezahegn 
Published: February 2021

Background
Mobile or seasonal migrant workers are at increased risk for acquiring malaria infections and can be the primary source of malaria reintroduction into receptive areas. The aim of this formative assessment was to describe access to malaria prevention and control interventions among seasonal migrant or mobile workers in seven regional states of Ethiopia.

Methods
A cross-sectional formative assessment was conducted using a qualitative and quantitative mixed-method design, between October 2015 and October 2016. Quantitative data were collected from organizations that employ seasonal migrant workers and were analyzed using Microsoft Excel and ArcGIS 10.8 (Geo-spatial data). Qualitative data were collected using in-depth interview from 23 key informants (7 seasonal migrant workers, and 16 experts and managers of development projects who had hired seasonal migrant workers), which were recorded, transcribed, translated, coded, and thematically analyzed.

Results
There were 1,017,888 seasonal migrant workers employed in different developmental organizations including large-scale crop cultivating farms, sugar cane plantations, horticulture, road and house construction work, and gold mining and panning. Seasonal migrant workers’ housing facilities were poorly structured and overcrowded (30 people living per 64 square meter room) limiting the use of indoor residual spraying (IRS), and forcing seasonal migrant workers not to use long lasting insecticidal treated nets (LLINs). Seasonal migrant workers are engaged in nighttime activities when employment includes watering farmlands, harvesting sesame, and transporting sugar cane from the field to factories. Despite such high-risk living conditions, access and utilization of preventive and curative services by the seasonal workers were limited. Informal migrant worker employment systems by development organizations and inadequate technical and financial support coupled with poor supply chain management limited the planning and delivery of malaria prevention and treatment strategies targeting seasonal migrant workers.

Conclusions
Seasonal migrant workers in seven regions of Ethiopia were at substantial risk of acquiring malaria. Existing malaria prevention, control and management interventions were inadequate. This will contribute to the resurgence of outbreaks of malaria in areas where transmission has been lowered. A coordinated action is needed among all stakeholders to identify the size of seasonal migrant workers and develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to address their healthcare needs.