bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Radial growth responses of post oak (Quercus stellata) to climate variability and management in southeastern Oklahoma, USA
Authors: Adhikari Arjun , Masters Ronald E. , Adams Henry D. , Will Rodney E. 
Published: August 2021

We investigated radial growth of post oak (Quercus stellata Wangenh.) growing in a range of stand structures (forest to savanna) created in 1984 by different harvesting, thinning, and prescribed fire intervals. We related ring width index (RWI) to monthly and seasonal climate variables and time since fire to assess impacts of climate variability and interactions with management on radial growth. The RWI of all treatments was positively correlated to minimum daily temperature the previous September and precipitation late spring and early summer the current year, and negatively correlated to maximum daily temperatures and drought index late spring – early summer. June weather was most strongly correlated in four of five treatments. While stand structure affected absolute diameter growth, the RWI of savanna and forest stands responded similarly to climate variability, and low intensity prescribed fire did not influence RWI. On average, a 100 mm reduction in June precipitation decreased RWI by 7%, a 1 °C increase in previous-year September daily minimum temperature increased RWI by 3.5%, and a 1 °C increase in June maximum daily temperature decreased RWI by 3.7%. Therefore, negative effects of drought and warmer spring and summer temperatures may be reduced by a longer growing season under warmer climate scenarios. However, management did not appear to influence RWI.
Welcome to AI Matters 7(2)
Authors: Leite Iolanda , Karpatne Anuj 
Published: August 2021

Welcome to the second issue of this year's AI Matters Newsletter.
We start with a report on upcoming SIGAI Events by Dilini Samarasinghe and Conference reports by Louise Dennis, our conference coordination officer. In our regular Education column, Carolyn Rosé discusses the role of AI in education in a post-pandemic reality. We then bring you our regular Policy column, where Larry Medsker covers interesting and timely discussions on AI policy, for example whether governments should play a role in reducing algorithmic bias. This issue closes with an article contribution from Li Dong, one of the runner-ups in the latest AAIS/SIGAI dissertation award, on the use neural models to build natural language interfaces.
Integration of Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cell Application in Hydroxyapatite-Based Scaffolds in the Treatment of Vertebral Bone Defect due to Spondylitis Tuberculosis: A Translational Study
Authors: Rahyussalim Ahmad Jabir , Nugroho Ahmad , Zufar Muhammad Luqman Labib , Fathurrahman Irfan , Kurniawati Tri 
Published: August 2021

Background. Vertebral bone defect represents one of the most commonly found skeletal problems in the spine. Progressive increase of vertebral involvement of skeletal tuberculosis (TB) is reported as the main cause, especially in developed countries. Conventional spinal fusion using bone graft has been associated with donor-site morbidity and complications. We reported the utilization of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) combined with hydroxyapatite (HA) based scaffolds in treating vertebral bone defect due to spondylitis tuberculosis. Materials and Methods. Three patients with tuberculous spondylitis in the thoracic, thoracolumbar, or lumbar region with vertebral body collapse of more than 50 percent were included. The patient underwent a 2-stage surgical procedure, consisting of debridement, decompression, and posterior stabilization in the first stage followed by anterior fusion using the lumbotomy approach at the second stage. Twenty million UC-MSCs combined with HA granules in 2 cc of saline were transplanted to fill the vertebral bone defect. Postoperative alkaline phosphatase level, quality of life, and radiological healing were evaluated at one-month, three-month, and six-month follow-up. Results. The initial mean ALP level at one-month follow-up was

48.33
±
8.50

U
/
L

. This value increased at the three-month follow-up but decreased at the six-month follow-up time,

97
±
8.19

U
/
L

and

90.33
±
4.16

U
/
L

, respectively. Bone formation of 50-75% of the defect site with minimal fracture line was found. Increased bone formation comprising 75-100% of the total bone area was reported six months postoperation. A total score of the SF-36 questionnaire showed better progression in all 8 domains during the follow-up with the mean total score at six months of

2912.5
±
116.67

from all patients. Conclusion. Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells combined with hydroxyapatite-based scaffold utilization represent a prospective alternative therapy for bone formation and regeneration of vertebral bone defect due to spondylitis tuberculosis. Further clinical investigations are needed to evaluate this new alternative.
Systematic Profiling of DNMT3A Variants Reveals Protein Instability Mediated by the DCAF8 E3 Ubiquitin Ligase Adaptor
Authors: Huang Yung-Hsin , Chen Chun-Wei , Sundaramurthy Venkatasubramaniam , Słabicki Mikołaj , Hao Dapeng , Watson Caroline J. , Tovy Ayala , Reyes Jaime M. , Dakhova Olga , Crovetti Brielle R. , Galonska Christina , Lee Minjung , Brunetti Lorenzo , Zhou Yubin , Tatton-Brown Katrina , Huang Yun , Cheng Xiaodong , Meissner Alexander , Valk Peter J.M. , Van Maldergem Lionel , Sanders Mathijs A. , Blundell Jamie R. , Li Wei , Ebert Benjamin L. , Goodell Margaret A. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Clonal hematopoiesis is a prevalent age-related condition associated with a greatly increased risk of hematologic disease; mutations in DNA methyltransferase 3A (DNMT3A) are the most common driver of this state. DNMT3A variants occur across the gene with some particularly associated with malignancy, but the functional relevance and mechanisms of pathogenesis of the majority of mutations are unknown. Here, we systematically investigated the methyltransferase activity and protein stability of 253 disease-associated DNMT3A mutations, and found that 74% were loss-of-function mutations. Half of these variants exhibited reduced protein stability and, as a class, correlated with greater clonal expansion and acute myeloid leukemia development. We investigated the mechanisms underlying the instability using a CRISPR screen and uncovered regulated destruction of DNMT3A mediated by the DCAF8 E3 ubiquitin ligase adaptor. We establish a new paradigm to classify novel variants that has prognostic and potential therapeutic significance for patients with hematologic disease.

Significance:
DNMT3A has emerged as the most important epigenetic regulator and tumor suppressor in the hematopoietic system. Our study represents a systematic and high-throughput method to characterize the molecular impact of DNMT3A missense mutations and the discovery of a regulated destruction mechanism of DNMT3A offering new prognostic and future therapeutic avenues.
See related commentary by Ma and Will, p. 23.
This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1
An Analysis of the Influence of Noneffective Instructions in Linear
Genetic Programming
Authors: Sotto Léo Françoso Dal Piccol , Rothlauf Franz , de Melo Vinícius Veloso , Basgalupp Márcio P. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Linear Genetic Programming (LGP) represents programs as sequences of instructions and has a Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) dataflow. The results of instructions are stored in registers that can be used as arguments by other instructions. Instructions that are disconnected from the main part of the program are called noneffective instructions, or structural introns. They also appear in other DAG-based GP approaches like Cartesian Genetic Programming (CGP). This article studies four hypotheses on the role of structural introns: noneffective instructions (1) serve as evolutionary memory, where evolved information is stored and later used in search, (2) preserve population diversity, (3) allow neutral search, where structural introns increase the number of neutral mutations and improve performance, and (4) serve as genetic material to enable program growth. We study different variants of LGP controlling the influence of introns for symbolic regression, classification, and digital circuits problems. We find that there is (1) evolved information in the noneffective instructions that can be reactivated and that (2) structural introns can promote programs with higher effective diversity. However, both effects have no influence on LGP search performance. On the other hand, allowing mutations to not only be applied to effective but also to noneffective instructions (3) increases the rate of neutral mutations and (4) contributes to program growth by making use of the genetic material available as structural introns. This comes along with a significant increase of LGP performance, which makes structural introns important for LGP.
A Childs’ Right to Family Life when Placed in Public Care; an Analysis of Whether Current Norwegian Practice is in Systematic Contradiction to Human Rights
Authors: Gerdts-Andresen Tina 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Based on both ECHR and CRC being incorporated into Norwegian law and underpinning the Child Welfare Act, this study aimed to clarify whether the current Norwegian practice is in systematic contradiction to human rights. The article is based on 94 Norwegian care orders comprising 117 children from newborn to 16 years old and analysis whether the child and parents’ right to contact are safeguarded in the care orders. Contradictions and dilemmas between Conventional rights and Norwegian practice are addressed. The article’s contribution presents analytical results, which describe the County Social Welfare Boards’ practice when issuing care orders. The result reinforces the suspicion that current Norwegian practice may be in systematic contradiction to human rights.
Trade Relations between the European Union and Palestine: Assessment and Potential Improvements
Authors: Khalil Amir , Le Roux Gaël 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
This article examines the bilateral relationship between the European Union and the Palestinian Authority. The EU’s policy towards Palestine, as with other neighboring countries, has always closely linked the economic and political elements of the relationship. Besides financial aid to support Palestine’s socio-economic development and state-building, trade between the EU and Palestine has had an increasingly important role in this regard. The article reviews the possibilities for improvement of EU-Palestine trade exchanges within the existing framework of cooperation by illustrating how implementation, capacity building, and support for regional and global economic integration are key and realistic options for both parties to reap the benefits from the trade agreements in place.
Comparative analysis of Phytochemical Constituents and Antioxidant activity of two Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cultivars
Authors: Kolar Firdose R. , Lingasur Saadiqa M. , Kumathalli Tejashvi M. , Gurikar Shweta A. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is a widely used fruit, which contains several interesting bioactive compounds and possess health-promoting properties. Seeing the importance of this fruit, it is crucial to study its quality characteristics. Hence, in the current study, we assessed phenolic content, flavonoid content and antioxidant activity of different plant parts (leaves, rind and arils) of two pomegranate cultivars (Kesar and Ganesh). The analysis of phytochemical constituents in the cultivars revealed that, the content of phenolics ranged from 49.3 to 602 mg TAE/g plant material and the content of flavonoids ranged from 0.27 to 18.8 mg RE/g plant material. The maximum amount of phenolics and flavonoids was observed in the rind extracts as compared to the leaves and arils in both the cultivars. On the other hand, the antioxidant activity determined by different antioxidant models exhibited various degrees of antioxidant activity in different plant parts of the cultivars and was found to be highest in rind and aril extracts than that of leaves. Among the solvents methanol and ethanol gave highest extraction yields as compared to water and acetone. Total phenolics and flavonoids were significantly different with methanol and ethanol being the most efficient solvent and acetone being the least efficient one. Correlation between the antioxidant activity and phenolics and flavonoid content was found to be significant. Thus the results strongly indicated that there were significant differences between pomegranate cultivars. Generally the cultivar Ganesh has higher antioxidant activity as well as total phenolics and flavonoid content in comparison to Kesar.
From Civil Conflict to Crusade: Mobilisation and National Identity in the Spanish Civil War
Authors: Peñalba-Sotorrío Mercedes 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
For decades after its conclusion, the Spanish Civil War (1936–39) was officially described by the newly imposed dictatorship as a Crusade. However, the appropriation of a mythologised medieval past was not just the product of post-war legitimisation. This article explores how, using “crusade” as a placeholder for Reconquista, the rebel army and its supporters responded to three distinct developments: a reaction to Republican anticlericalism; the imposition of a national identity in which Catholicism was understood as an essential element of Spanishness and the basis for its greatness; and a very practical need for popular mobilisation both at home and abroad. However, as this study demonstrates, the adoption of a crusading rhetoric and medieval mythology was a transnational development, in which distinct anti-Bolshevik campaigns, with origins in Rome and Spain, fed off each other and intersected, sometimes in intricate and hidden ways, within the increasingly polarised international context of the 1930s.
Investigation of a non-linear complementary relationship model for monthly evapotranspiration estimation at global flux sites
Authors: Gan Guojing , Liu Yuanbo , Chen Dongxu , Zheng Chaolei 
Published: August 2021

AbstractProper parameterization of the parameter (αe) that governs the wet environment evaporation is critical for the regional estimation of evapotranspiration (ET) using the generalized complementary relationship (GCR) model. Here, we proposed a global parameterization for the GCR model. We found that the GCR model is sensitive to the parameter αe, which varies spatially with the climate aridity index (AI, the ratio between the apparent potential ET and the precipitation) across 60 sites that span a large variety in climate types worldwide. We found that αe and the AI are generally more strongly correlated in drier climates (AI > 2) where water supply instead of energy supply is the limiting factor for actual ET. The strong correlation between αe and AI can be partly explained by 1) the usage of the air temperature measurements in the non-potential conditions instead of potential conditions, and 2) the insensitivity of the actual ET to the apparent potential ET in the drier climate. Temporally, the parameter αe exhibits seasonal courses at monthly scales and decreases with increasing of vapor pressure deficit (VPD) in a hysteresis loop. Incorporation of the seasonal course and hysteresis significantly improved the model performances at most of the sites. The global parameterization we established can help the GCR model to be a more useful tool for regional and global ET estimations.
Clinical Trial to Reconfirm the Efficacy and Safety of Cefetamet Pivoxil Treatment in Sinusitis Patients: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Parallel Designed, Multicenter, Active Comparator Study (CASIS Study)
Authors: Park Chan-Soon , Cho Jin Hee , Lee Heung-Man , Kim Kyung-Su , Kim Jin Kook , Kim Dong-Young , Baek Byoung Joon , Kim Hyun Jun , Kim Yong-Dae , Hwang Chi Sang , Kim Seon Tae , Cho Seok Hyun , Kim Yong Min , Lee Seung Hoon , Jeong Jin Hyeok , In Seung Min , Kim Byung Guk 
Published: August 2021

Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of cefetamet pivoxil for the treatment of acute bacterial rhinosinusitis in Korean patients compared to treatment with cefdinir. Methods: A prospective, multicenter, randomized double-blind, comparative study was conducted by the Departments of Otorhinolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery at 17 hospitals or universities in the Republic of Korea from March 2017 to April 2019. A total of 309 patients were screened and 249 patients participated in the study. Results: Treatment with cefetamet pivoxil for 2 weeks showed 82.4% clinical cure and improvement rates in patients with acute bacterial rhinosinusitis compared to 84.68% in those taking cefdinir for 2 weeks, showing that cefetamet pivoxil administered twice a day for 2 weeks was as effective as cefdinir 3 times a day for 2 weeks for the treatment of acute bacterial rhinosinusitis. The overall adverse reaction rates of both drugs were 10.56% in the cefetamet pivoxil group and 15.49% in the cefdinir group, without serious adverse events or drug reactions. Conclusions: Cefetamet pivoxil twice a day was as efficacious and safe as cefdinir 3 times a day for the treatment of acute bacterial rhinosinusitis, which suggested that cefetamet pivoxil may be a suitable alternative to cefdinir.
Voice Outcomes Following Colon Interposition
Authors: Suresh Aishwarya , Martha Vishnu V. , Sataloff Robert T. 
Published: August 2021

Significance Statement This case highlights the consequences of colon interposition on phonation and swallowing. Findings in this patient included laryngopharyngeal reflux, vocal fold paralysis, poor esophageal peristalsis, failed bolus transfers, and others. The mechanical and functional differences between the colon and the esophagus can impact bolus transfer, reflux, and phonation. Further research is required to identify the mechanisms by which colon interposition can impact voice and swallowing.
Clinical Approaches To External Auditory Canal Hemangiomas: A Systematic Review
Authors: Alshalan Afrah , Khurayzi Tawfiq , Assiri Majed , Alsanosi Abdulrahman 
Published: August 2021

Objectives Hemangioma is a common soft tissue tumor that can be categorized mainly into cavernous, capillary, and venous subtypes. It usually develops in the head and neck and rarely in the external auditory canal (EAC). Methods A systematic review of patients with capillary hemangioma of the EAC was performed. A computerized systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science to extract relevant studies for a qualitative review. Results A total of 38 patients were included in the systematic review, and half of them were men. Hearing loss was the most common presenting feature (n = 19; 50%), followed by aural fullness (n = 15; 39.4%). Cavernous hemangioma was the predominant type (n = 22, 57.8%). Endaural and transcanal surgical approaches were the most frequent, with ten (26.3%) and nine (23.6%) cases, respectively. Most of the patients (n = 31; 81.5%) had no recurrence. Conclusions Hemangioma of the EAC may not be uncommon as healthcare professionals may expect. Hearing loss, aural fullness, and tinnitus are possible symptoms, but many patients remain asymptomatic. Surgical excision is the main effective management option, and complete resolution is the most prevalent outcome. Computed tomography assists in the diagnosis, but histopathological examination after resection is mandatory for the definitive diagnosis.
Consistency of associations of systolic and diastolic blood pressure with white matter hyperintensities: A meta-analysis
Authors: Wilkinson Imogen , Webb Alastair John Stewart 
Published: August 2021

Background White matter hyperintensities are the commonest manifestation of cerebral small vessel disease, associated with stroke, functional impairment, and cognitive decline. They are commonly preceded by hypertension, but the magnitude and clinical importance of this association is unclear. Aims Quantify the relationship between blood pressure and white matter hyperintensities across studies. Methods PubMed and EMBASE were searched for studies reporting associations between concurrent or historic blood pressure and white matter hyperintensities. Beta coefficients from linear models were extracted, whether standardized, unstandardized, unadjusted or adjusted for age, sex, and cardiovascular risk factors. Beta-coefficients were combined by fixed and random effects meta-analysis, combining standardized beta-coefficients or unstandardized coefficients measured by consistent methods. Results Twenty-five of 3230 papers were eligible, including 53,392 participants. Systolic blood pressure was significantly associated with white matter hyperintensity volume (WMHV) after maximal adjustment (standardized beta 0.096, 95%CI 0.06–0.133, p < 0.001, I2 = 65%), including for concurrent readings (b = 0.106, p < 0.001) or readings five years previously (b = 0.077, p < 0.001), and for younger or older populations (mean age < 65: b = 0.114; >65 b = 0.069). Unstandardized, adjusted associations were similar for raw WMHV, log-transformed WMHV, or WMHV as percentage of intracranial volume. Unadjusted associations with systolic blood pressure (SBP) were greater (standardized beta = 0.273, 0.262–0.284, p < 0.0001). However, while associations with DBP were weaker than SBP (standardized beta = 0.065, p < 0.001), they were minimally affected by adjustment for age. Conclusions A standard deviation increase in SBP is associated with 10% of a standard deviation increase in WMHV, providing the current best estimate of the potential reduction in progression of white matter hyperintensities expected with good control of blood pressure.
A modified ileal conduit technique in patients undergoing radical cystectomy: Single-centre experience
Authors: Chiancone Francesco , Persico Francesco , Fabiano Marco , Fedelini Maurizio , Meccariello Clemente , Fedelini Paolo 
Published: August 2021

Objective: We aimed to evaluate perioperative outcomes and complications of a modified technique of ileal conduit diversion. Methods: Forty-seven cases of radical cystectomy with modified ileal conduit diversion were performed at our institution from January 2015 to January 2020. After radical cystectomy, a segment of ileum was used to pack the conduit and was placed below the digestive anastomosis. Then, the mesentery window of the ileo-ileal anastomosis was sutured. The ureters were anastomosed on their native side on single loop ureteral stents. All procedures were performed by a single surgical team. Intra- and postoperative complications were classified and reported according to the Satava and Clavien–Dindo grading systems. Results: The mean age of population was 66.40±10.14 years, and 76.6% were male. Concomitant diabetes was found in 31.9% of patients. About three quarters of patients had T2G3 bladder cancer. Mean blood loss was 449.36±246.50 ml, and hospitalization was 10.32±5 days. With a mean follow-up of 17.36±12.63 months, the recurrence rate was 17%, and 14.9% of patients died of bladder cancer. Out of the 47 patients, three (4.3%) experienced intraoperative complications, while 15 (31.9%) had postoperative complications. Of these, only three patients experienced Clavien–Dindo complications ⩾grade 3. Multivariate logistic regression model showed that diabetes ( p=0.023) and higher blood loss ( p=0.010) were significantly associated with an increased risk of postoperative complications. We reported one case of ureterointestinal anastomosis stenosis on the left side and none on the right side. Despite our results being promising, larger randomized trials with longer follow-up are needed to explore further the feasibility of this technique on a larger scale. Conclusion: We describe a safe and simple surgical technique with a similar postoperative complications rate and a lower incidence of ureteroileal anastomosis stenosis compared to the standard technique. Level of evidence 4.