bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bifurcation and Chaos Analysis for a Discrete Ecological Developmental Systems
Authors: Jiang Xiaowei , Chen Chaoyang , Zhang Xian-He , Chi Ming , Yan Huaicheng 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
This work concentrates on the dynamic analysis including bifurcation and chaos of a discrete ecological developmental systems. Specifically, it is a prey-predator-scavenger (PPS) system, which is derived by Euler discretization method. By choosing the step size h as a bifurcation parameter, we determine the set consist of all system’s parameters, in which the system can undergo flip bifurcation (FB) and Neimark-Sacker bifurcation (NSB). The theoretical results are verified by some numerical simulations. It is shown that the discrete systems exhibit more interesting behaviors, including the chaotic sets, quasiperiodic orbits, and the cascade of period-doubling bifurcation in orbits of periods-2, 4, 8, 16. Finally, corresponding to the two bifurcation behaviors discussed, the maximum Lyapunov exponent is numerically calculated, which further verifies the rich dynamic characteristics of the discrete system.
Morphological and Molecular Description of a New Species of Myxobolus (Myxosporea: Myxobolidae) Infecting Planiliza Macrolepis (Smith, 1846) From India
Authors: CORREYA MARY SONIYA , P. Vijayagopal , N.K. Sanil 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The present paper describes a novel species of Myxobolus parasitizing the gill filaments of the largescale mullet, Planiliza macrolepis from Cochin backwaters, Kerala, India. The parasite develops in the gill filaments; plasmodia elongated, milky white, measured 1.37 – 2.18 (1.78 ± 0.35) mm x 0.07-0.12 (0.10 ± 0.02) mm in size. Mature myxospores ovoid in valvular view, biconvex in sutural view with smooth shell valves and measured 6.24 - 7.02 (6.63 ± 0.23) × 5.01 - 6.18 (5.68 ± 0.25) μm in size. Polar capsules equal, oval with pointed anterior ends, 3.07 – 3.58 (3.33 ± 0.12) × 1.68 – 2.42 (2.09 ± 0.18) μm in size. Polar filaments with 4 coils, measured 29.61 ± 4.75 μm in length when extruded. Sporoplasm binucleate with a rudimentary nucleus and a vacuole. A comparison with related Myxobolus species revealed significant morphological & morphometric differences. In BLASTN and genetic distance analysis, the present parasite showed high divergence with other myxosporean sequences, indicating its molecular uniqueness. In Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian Interference analysis, the present species stands out with M. ramadus as sister branch within the Myxobolus clade. In infected gill filaments, the plasmodia caused swelling/deformation, compression of lamellae and reduction in respiratory surface area. Three of 222 P. macrolepis screened were infected, indicating a prevalence of 1.3%. Considering the morphological, morphometric, molecular and phylogenetic differences with the previously described species of myxosporeans, along with the dissimilarities in host and geographical locations, the present parasite is treated as a new species and the name Myxobolus cochinensis n. sp. is proposed.
Novel coronavirus mitigation measures implemented by radiotherapy centres in low and middle-income countries: a systematic review
Authors: Donkor Andrew , Atuwo-Ampoh Vivian Della , Opie Craig , Yakanu Frederick , Lombe Dorothy , Khader Jamal 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Aim: To identify strategies adopted by radiotherapy centres in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) to mitigate the effects of COVID-19.Background: Studies summarising COVID-19 mitigation strategies designed and implemented by radiotherapy centres in LMICs to avoid delays, deferrments and interruptions of radiotherapy services are lacking.Materials and Methods: A systematic review was conducted and reported in accordance with the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis guideline. Ovid Embase, Ovid MEDLINE and CINAHL were searched for peer-reviewed articles that reported measures adopted by radiotherapy centres in LMICs to reduce the risk of COVID-19. Information on different strategies were extracted from the included studies and textual narrative synthesis was conducted.Results: Of the 60 articles retrieved, eleven were included. Majority of the studies were conducted in China. Ten of the included studies employed a qualitative design. Four themes were identified: preparing and equipping staff; reinforcing infection prevention and control policies; strengthening coordination and communication; and maintaining physical distancing. Studies reported that radiotherapy centres have: formed COVID-19 response multidisciplinary team; maximised the use of telehealth; adjusted the layout of waiting areas; divided staff into teams; dedicated a room for isolating suspected cases; and adopted triage systems.Conclusions: Local adaptation of established global strategies coupled with timely development of guidelines, flexibility and innovation have allowed radiotherapy leaders to continue to deliver radiotherapy services to cancer patients in LMICs during the COVID-19 crisis. Robust and quality data collection must be encouraged in LMICs to provide an evidence-based knowledge for use in the event of another pandemic.
Realization of a Novel Chaotic System Using Coupling Dual Chaotic System
Authors: Mousa Salam K. , Jamal Raied K. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
This paper establishes coupling between two various chaotic systems for Lorenz and Rössler circuits. The x-dynamics of Lorenz circuit was coupled numerically with the x dynamics of Rössler circuit. As a result of the optical coupling between these two chaotic systems, it has been observed an exceptional variation in the time series and attractors, which exhibits a novel behavior, leading to a promises method for controlling the chaotic systems. However, performing fast Fourier transforms (FFT) of chaotic dynamics before and after coupling showed an increase in the bandwidth of the Rössler system after its coupling with the Lorenz system, which, in turn increases the possibility of using this system for secure and confidential optical communications.
Comparation of Bacterial and Archaea Diversity in Uncultivated and Cultivated Typical Black Soil in Northeast China
Authors: Zhao Duo , Zhang Wei , Shen Guinan , Yuan Yuan , Gao Yamei , Song Fuqiang , Wei Dan , Yan Lei , Gu Ji-Dong , Wang weidong 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Understanding the effects of tillage on the community composition and diversity of bacteria and archaea is useful for the long-term sustainable utilization of black soil. In this study, non-disturbed virgin black soil (NDBS) in the past 60 years, and the adjacent black soil under the arable land farming (DFBS) and paddy rice (PBS) for 3 years were chosen to investigate the microbial characteristics and their relationship with physical and chemical properties. The microbial diversity was investigated using 16S rRNA genes high-throughput sequencing technique and its relationship with soil physic-chemical properties was analyzed by redundancy analysis. The diversity of archaea decreased significantly after arable land farming. After conversion from arable land farming to rice paddy, the diversity of bacteria increased significantly, while the diversity of archaea increased significantly. In DFBS, the available phosphorus increased significantly, yet pH, organic matter and available potassium decreased significantly. However, the pH and available phosphorus increased significantly, organic matter and total nitrogen decreased significantly in PBS. The soil pH had the closest correlation with the microbial diversity. These indicated that tillage disturbance changed the diversity of bacteria and archaea as well as physical and chemical properties in black soil.
QTL Fine Mapping of a Novel Genomic Region Associated With High Out-crossing Rate Derived From Oryza Longistaminata and Development of New CMS Lines in Rice, O. Sativa L.
Authors: Prahalada G.D. , Marathi Balaram , Vinarao Ricky , Kim Sung-Ryul , Diocton Reynaldo , Ramos Joie , Jena Kshirod 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: High seed cost due to poor seed yield severely limits the adoption of hybrid rice by farmers. Increasing the out-crossing rate is one of the key strategies to increase hybrid seed production. Out-crossing rate is highly influenced by the size of female floral traits, which capture pollen grains from male donor plants. Results: In the current study, we identified 14 QTLs derived from the perennial wild rice Oryza longistaminata by composite interval mapping for five key floral traits: stigma length (five), style length (three), stigma breadth (two), stigma area (one), and pistil length (three). QTL analysis and correlation studies revealed that these stigma traits were positively correlated and pleiotropic to the stigma length trait. We selected the major-effect QTL qSTGL8.0 conferring long stigma phenotype for further fine mapping and marker-assisted selection (MAS). The qSTGL8.0 (~3.9 Mb) was fine mapped using newly developed internal markers and was narrowed down to ~2.9 Mb size (RM7356‒RM256 markers). Further, the flanking markers were validated in a segregating population and in progenies from different genetic backgrounds. The markers PA08-03 and PA08-18 showed the highest co-segregation with the stigma traits. The qSTGL8.0 was introgressed into two cytoplasmic male sterile (CMS) lines, IR58025A and IR68897A, by foreground, background, and trait selection approaches. Conclusion: The qSTGL8.0 introgression lines in CMS backgrounds showed a significantly higher seed setting rate (2.5‒3.0-fold) than the original CMS lines in testcrosses with their corresponding maintainer lines. The newly identified QTLs especially qSTGL8.0, will be quite useful for increasing out-crossing rate and this will contribute to increase seed production and decrease seed cost.
Benefits of Treatment With Favipiravir in Hospitalized Patients for COVID-19: a Retrospective Observational Case-control Study
Authors: Uçan Anıl , Çerçi Pamir , Efe Serdar , Akgün Hakan , Özmen Ahmet , Yağmuroğlu Aysel , Bilgin Muzaffer , Avcı Deniz 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Although more than a year past since COVID-19 was defined, there is no specific treatment yet. Since COVID-19 management differs over time, it is hard to determine which therapy is more efficacious. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the regimen with Favipiravir (FPV) and determine if the timing of FPV addition offers any improvement. Methods: A retrospective observational case-controlled cohort study was performed between March and Sep-tember 2020, including adults with COVID-19 in a single-center in Turkey. We categorized patients into age-sex matched three groups, group 1 (n=48) and group 2 (n=48) included patients treated with the combination of FPV plus Hydroxychloroquine (HQ) early and late, respectively. Group 3 (n=48) consisted of patients on HQ monot-herapy. In Group 2, if the respiratory or clinic condition had not improved sufficiently, FPV was added on or after day 3. Results: We found that starting FPV early had an impact on PCR negativity and the progression of the disease. 'No progression' was defined as the absence of a new finding in the control radiological examination and the absence of accompanying clinical deterioration. Also, the decrease in C-reactive protein (CRP) was greater in Group 1 than Group 3 (p <0.001). However, we found that early initiation of FPV treatment did not have a posi-tive effect on the estimated survival time. Conclusions: According to this retrospective study results, we believe that for better clinical outcomes, FPV treatment should be started promptly to enhance antiviral effects and improve clinical outcomes.
Effects of Cottonseed Meal on Growth Performance, Liver Redox Status, and Serum Biochemical Parameters in Goslings
Authors: Yu Jun , Yang Haiming , Sun Qingyu , Xu Xuean , Yang Zhengfeng , Wang Zhiyue 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Cottonseed meal (CSM), a relatively rich source of protein and amino acids, is used as an inexpensive alternative to soybean meal (SBM) in poultry diets. Two experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of CSM on growth performance, liver redox status, and serum biochemical parameters in goslings. In experiment 1, 300 1-d-old male goslings were randomly divided into 5 groups (10 goslings/replicate, 6 replicates/group) and subjected to a 28-d experiment. In experiment 2, 240 28-d-old male goslings were randomly divided into 5 groups (8 goslings/replicate, 6 replicates/group) and subjected to a 35-d experiment. Five isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets were formulated to produce diets in which 0% (control), 25% (CSM25), 50% (CSM50), 75% (CSM75), and 100% (CSM100) of protein from SBM was replaced by protein from CSM.Results: In experiment 1, dietary CSM was associated with linear decreases in body weight, average daily feed intake and average daily gain and linear increases in the feed-to-gain ratio and mortality from 1 to 28 d of age (P < 0.05). Increased dietary CSM was associated with linear decreases in the hydroxyl radical scavenging ability and superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities in the liver (P < 0.05). Dietary CSM was associated with linear decreases in serum total protein, albumin, and globulin concentrations and linear increases in serum uric acid concentrations (P < 0.05). In experiment 2, the growth performance from 29 to 63 d, redox status indicators (except for malondialdehyde [MDA]) in the liver, and serum biochemical parameters at d 63 were not affected by dietary CSM concentrations (P > 0.05). The MDA content in the liver in the CSM100 group was lower than those in the other four groups (P < 0.05).Conclusion: CSM in gosling diets should not exceed 7.08% in the early growth stage (d 1 to 28), but it can be increased to 22.65% from d 29 to 63. A high concentration of CSM may reduce growth performance in 1- to 28-d-old goslings due to decreases in feed intake, liver metabolism and antioxidant capacity.
Intraspecific Convergence of Flower Size Correlates With Pollinator Size on Different Mountains: A Case Study of a Bumblebee-Pollinated Lamium (Lamiaceae) Flowers in Japan
Authors: Toji Tsubasa , Ishimoto Natsumi , Egawa Shin , Nakase Yuta , Hattori Mitsuru , Itino Takao 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BackgroundGeographic differences in flower size sometimes reflect geographic differences in pollinator size. However, we know little about whether this flower size specialization to the regional pollinator size occurred independently at many places or occurred once and then spread across the distribution range of the flower species. ResultsWe investigated the relationship between the local corolla tube length of flowers and morphological traits of local pollinators in 12 populations of Lamium album var. barbatum on two different mountains in the Japan Alps. Then, using 10 microsatellite markers, we analyzed genetic differentiation among the 12 populations. The results showed that local corolla tube length was correlated with the average size of relevant morphological traits of the local pollinators: corolla tube length was greater in populations visited frequently by the largest flower visitors, Bombus consobrinus queens, than it was in other populations. We also found that the degree of genetic similarity between populations more closely reflected interpopulation geographic proximity than interpopulation similarity in corolla tube length.ConclusionsAlthough genetic similarity of populations was highly associated with geographic proximity, corolla tube length varied independently of geographic proximity and was associated with local pollinator size. These results suggest that in L. album var. barbatum, long corolla tube length evolved independently in populations on different mountains as a convergent adaptation to locally abundant large bumblebee species.
Marivivens Aquimaris Sp. Nov., Isolated from Seawater
Authors: Kim Jeong Ah , Lee Binna , Kang Ji Young , Song Jae Jun , Choi Jong Hyun 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
A Gram-stain-negative, strictly aerobic, non-flagellated, rod-shaped bacterium, designated GSB7T, was isolated from seawater collected at the Yellow Sea coast of South Korea. Catalase and oxidase activities were positive. Growth occurred at pH 6.0–9.0 (optimum pH 7.0), 10–40 °C (optimum 30 °C) and with 0–8% NaCl (optimum 1–2%). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain GSB7T belonged to the genus Marivivens, showing the sequence similarities of 96.3, 96.1, and 96.0% with Marivivens niveibacter HSLHS2T, Limimaricola hongkongensis DSM17492T, Marivivens donghaensis AM-4T, respectively. The respiratory quinone was ubiquinone-10 and the major fatty acids were summed feature 8 (C18:1 ω7c and/or C18:1 ω6c), C18:1 ω7c 11-methyl, C16:0 and C10:0 3-OH. The polar lipids comprised phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, one unidentified aminolipid, and five unidentified lipids. The DNA G+C content calculated from the whole-genome sequence was 60.6 mol%. On the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and genotypic characteristics presented in this study, strain GSB7T is suggested to represent a novel species of the genus Marivivens, for which the name Marivivens aquimaris sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is GSB7T (=KCTC 82026T=JCM 34042T).
Emerging Trends in Nanotechnology-based Delivery Approaches: Hexakis (m-PE) Macrocycles as a Novel Therapeutics
Authors: Pasban Samaneh , Raissi Heidar 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Hexakis (m-phenylene ethynylene) (m-PE) macrocycles, with aromatic backbones and multiple hydrogen-bonding side chains, had a very high propensity to self-assemble via H-bond and π-π stacking interactions to form nanotubular structures with defined inner pores. Such stacking of rigid macrocycles is leading to novel applications that enable the researchers to explored mass transport in the sub-nanometer scale. Herein, we performed density functional theory (DFT) calculations to examine the drug delivery performance of the hexakis dimer as a novel carrier for doxorubicin (DOX) agent in the chloroform and water solvents. Based on the DFT results, it is found that the adsorption of DOX on the carrier surface is typically physisorption with the adsorption strength values of -115.14 and -83.37 kJ/mol in outside and inside complexes, respectively, and so that the essence of the drug remains intact. The negative values of the binding energies for all complexes indicate the stability of the drug molecule inside and outside the carrier's cavities. The energy decomposition analysis (EDA) has also been performed and shown that the dispersion interaction has an essential role in stabilizing the drug-hexakis dimer complexes. To further explore the electronic properties of dox, the partial density of states (PDOS and TDOS) are calculated. The atom in molecules (AIM) and Becke surface (BS) methods are also analyzed to provide an inside view of the nature and strength of the H-bonding interactions in complexes. The obtained results indicate that in all studied complexes, H-bond formation is the driving force in the stabilization of these structures, and also chloroform solvent is more favorable than the water solution. Overall, our findings offer insightful information on the efficient utilization of hexakis dimer as drug delivery systems to deliver anti-cancer drugs.
Assisted Reproduction in Spain, Outcome and Socioeconomic Determinants of Access
Authors: Alon Ido , Dominguez Jaime Pinilla 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Research Question: We analyzed two questions. First, the effectiveness of public Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) in Spain compared with private ones, measured by the time since initiating ART treatment until achieving pregnancy, accounting for age and socioeconomic factors. Second, socioeconomic determinants of access to ART, referring primarily to financial means derived by employment, income, and wealth. Design: We applied statistical models on data extracted from the national Spanish Fertility Survey from 2018. The first topic was analyzed by competing risk survival analysis conducted on a sample of 667 women who initiate ART treatment since 2000. The second, by a Bivariate Probit model conducted on a sample of 672 women older than 41 years who required ART services. Results: The first analysis raised that throughout the treatment, patients treated exclusively in private clinics had on average a higher cumulative incidence of becoming pregnant compared with patients who approached public clinics. The second analysis raised that both higher household equivalent income and higher education increase the likelihood of accessing ART in a private clinic and decrease the tendency of accessing public clinics or failing to access any service. Moreover, being single decreases the likelihood of accessing public clinics or ART services in general. Conclusions: Long waiting periods could be the main reason for the lower incidence of getting pregnant in public healthcare, explaining why patients choose private over public care. We develop a broader discussion over the extent of Spanish public funding of ART, the unequal medical outcome, and potential options for optimization.
Immunoscore Combining CD8, FoxP3 and CD68 Expression and Distribution Predicts the Prognosis of Head and Neck Cancer Patients
Authors: Furgiuele Sonia , Descamps Géraldine , Lechien Jérôme R. , Dequanter Didier , Journe Fabrice , Saussez Sven 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Purpose: The objective of this study was to assess immune cell infiltrates to develop an immunoscore for prognosis and to investigate its correlation with clinical data of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinomaMethods: CD8, FoxP3 and CD68 were evaluated by immunohistochemistry in 258 carcinoma samples and counted in stromal and intra-tumoral compartments. Optimal cut-offs were assessed to divide population regarding to survival while the prognostic value was established by using Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression models for each immune marker alone and in combination.Results: We found with univariate analysis that infiltration of immune cells in both compartments was predictive for RFS and OS. Multivariate analysis revealed that CD8+ number influenced independently patient prognosis. Additionally, the combination of CD8, FoxP3 and CD68 in an immunoscore provided a significant association with OS (p=0.002, HR=9.87). Such immunoscore stayed significant (p=0.018, HR=11.17) in a multivariate analysis in comparison to tumour stage and histological grade which had lower prognostic values.Conclusion: Altogether, our analysis indicated that an immunoscore including CD8, FoxP3 and CD68 immunostaining was a strong, independent, and significant prognostic marker which could be introduced into the landscape of current tools to improve the clinical management of head and neck cancer patients.