bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Typical Crossmodal Numerosity Perception in Preterm Newborns
Authors: Anobile Giovanni , Morrone Maria C. , Ricci Daniela , Gallini Francesca , Merusi Ilaria , Tinelli Francesca 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Premature birth is associated with a high risk of damage in the parietal cortex, a key area for numerical and non-numerical magnitude perception and mathematical reasoning. Children born preterm have higher rates of learning difficulties for school mathematics. In this study, we investigated how preterm newborns (born at 28–34 weeks of gestation age) and full-term newborns respond to visual numerosity after habituation to auditory stimuli of different numerosities. The results show that the two groups have a similar preferential looking response to visual numerosity, both preferring the incongruent set after crossmodal habituation. These results suggest that the numerosity system is resistant to prematurity.
A Migrant Woman Sustaining la lucha: A Feminist Takeover of the Organization Process of on-Demand Delivery Workers in Ecuador
Authors: Hidalgo Cordero Kruskaya , Salazar Daza Carolina 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
This article focuses on the multiple violations of labor rights that on-demand delivery workers are facing in Ecuador—as well as their resistance. By presenting a case study of a recent organizational process to raise awareness of workers’ demands, we bring forward the role of women in platform workers organizations. Our reflections are based on data collected and analyzed from a survey of 148 anonymous delivery workers from three Ecuadorian cities; an in-depth interview; and our involvement in the project “Platform Observatory”. The analysis draws upon theoretical, methodological, and analytical frameworks developed by Feminist Economics. Our findings highlight how a migrant woman sustains la lucha—the fight—in a masculinized sector and her struggles to keep the organization alive. Moreover, we contribute to generating an archive of workers’ demands and their organization process in the country.
History from Fragments: Art, Family, and Biography in Sato Moughalian’s Feast of Ashes: The Life and Art of David Ohannessian
Authors: Lessersohn Nora , Piñon Erin 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
This is a co-authored piece which gives each author the opportunity to draw from their areas of expertise, and to speak to the multiple dimensions of a given work. These review essays are part of a larger effort to make interdisciplinary connections and extend the reach of Armenian Studies.
Review Essay
Authors: Bobelian Michael , Mamigonian Marc A. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
In this essay, the authors respond to Laura Robson’s “Memorialization and Assimilation: Armenian Genocide Memorials in North America,” published in Mashriq & Mahjar in 2017, regarding analysis of the history of Armenian Genocide memorials in the U.S., the relationship between these memorials and Holocaust memorials, and Armenian assimilation in America.
Observed Influence of Soil Moisture on the North American Monsoon: An Assessment Using the Stepwise Generalized Equilibrium Feedback Assessment Method
Authors: Wang Yuechun , Quiring Steven M. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe evidence shows that soil moisture has an important influence on North American monsoon (NAM) precipitation. This study evaluates the local and nonlocal feedbacks of soil moisture on summer (June–September) precipitation in the NAM region using observational data. We applied a multivariate statistical method known as the Stepwise Generalized Equilibrium Feedback Assessment (SGEFA) to control for internal atmospheric variability and sea surface temperature (SST) forcings so that we could isolate the impact of soil moisture feedbacks on NAM precipitation. Our results identify feedback pathways between soil moisture and precipitation in the NAM region and in the southern Rocky Mountains (SRM) region. Wet soils in the SRM result in lower-than-normal local surface temperature, weaker water vapor transport from the eastern Pacific and the Gulf of California (GOC), and less monsoon precipitation. Precipitation over the U.S. Great Plains also significantly increases when there are wet soils in the SRM. This occurs due to an enhanced water vapor influx into this region. On the other hand, anomalously wet soils in the NAM region increase NAM precipitation by enhancing local moist static energy and increasing the strength of the monsoonal circulation. Our observational results using SGEFA agree well with previous numerical modeling studies. This study highlights the critical role of land–atmosphere interactions for understanding NAM variability.
Role of angiopoietin-2 in venous thrombus resolution and chronic thromboembolic disease
Authors: Hobohm Lukas , Kölmel Sebastian , Niemann Caroline , Kümpers Philipp , Krieg Valentin J. , Bochenek Magdalena L. , Lukasz Alexander H. , Reiss Yvonne , Plate Karl-Heinz , Liebetrau Christoph , Wiedenroth Christoph B. , Guth Stefan , Münzel Thomas , Hasenfuß Gerd , Wenzel Philip , Mayer Eckhard , Konstantinides Stavros V. , Schäfer Katrin , Lankeit Mareike 
Published: May 2021

BackgroundDefective angiogenesis, incomplete thrombus revascularisation and fibrosis are considered critical pathomechanisms of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) after pulmonary embolism. Angiopoietin-2 (ANGPT2) has been shown to regulate angiogenesis, but its importance for thrombus resolution and remodelling is unknown.MethodsANGPT2 plasma concentrations were measured in patients with CTEPH (n=68) and acute pulmonary embolism (n=84). Tissue removed during pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) for CTEPH was analysed (immuno)histologically. A mouse model of inferior vena cava ligation was used to study the kinetics of venous thrombus resolution in wild-type mice receiving recombinant ANGPT2viaosmotic pumps, and in transgenic mice overexpressing ANGPT2 in endothelial cells.ResultsCirculating ANGPT2 levels were higher in CTEPH patients compared to patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension and healthy controls, and decreased after PEA. Plasma ANGPT2 levels were elevated in patients with pulmonary embolism and diagnosis of CTEPH during follow-up. Histological analysis of PEA specimens confirmed increased ANGPT2 expression, and low levels of phosphorylated TIE2 were observed in regions with early-organised pulmonary thrombi, myofibroblasts and fibrosis. Microarray and high-resolution microscopy analysis could localise ANGPT2 overexpression to endothelial cells, and hypoxia and transforming growth factor-β1 were identified as potential stimuli. Gain-of-function experiments in mice demonstrated that exogenous ANGPT2 administration and transgenic endothelial ANGPT2 overexpression resulted in delayed venous thrombus resolution, and thrombi were characterised by lower TIE2 phosphorylation and fewer microvessels.ConclusionOur findings suggest that ANGPT2 delays venous thrombus resolution and that overexpression of ANGPT2 contributes to thrombofibrosis and may thus support the transition from pulmonary embolism to CTEPH.
Assessing the impacts of cell wall composition on the optimum stage for “Uradome” in moso bamboo
Authors: Furusawa Yuka , Ashitani Tatsuya 
Published: May 2021

AbstractSnow damage is problematic when cultivating bamboo shoots, and “Uradome”, the practice of removing the tips of new shoots, is used as a preventative measure. Producers perform “Uradome” at empirical times, but there is no scientific basis for this. We hypothesized that differences in the structure and composition of the cell wall might affect the optimal timing of "Uradome" and analyzed the cell wall components of the “Uradome” portion. The lower plant sections broken by the “Uradome” had larger cellulose and lignin depositions than the upper sections. However, there were no differences in the lignin structure or ratio between the upper and lower nodes of the broken sections. This suggests that differences in the degree of cellulose and lignin deposition have significant effects on “Uradome” sites, and that the timing coincides with the development of one or two juvenile branches, which growers empirically consider to be the appropriate time. These results are considered to be new findings that scientifically support the cultivation management of bamboo that has been conducted empirically.
TarDB: an online database for plant miRNA targets and miRNA-triggered phased siRNAs
Authors: Liu Jing , Liu Xiaonan , Zhang Siju , Liang Shanshan , Luan Weijiang , Ma Xuan 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
In plants, microRNAs (miRNAs) are pivotal regulators of plant development and stress responses. Different computational tools and web servers have been developed for plant miRNA target prediction; however, in silico prediction normally contains false positive results. In addition, many plant miRNA target prediction servers lack information for miRNA-triggered phased small interfering RNAs (phasiRNAs). Creating a comprehensive and relatively high-confidence plant miRNA target database is much needed.

Results
Here, we report TarDB, an online database that collects three categories of relatively high-confidence plant miRNA targets: (i) cross-species conserved miRNA targets; (ii) degradome/PARE (Parallel Analysis of RNA Ends) sequencing supported miRNA targets; (iii) miRNA-triggered phasiRNA loci. TarDB provides a user-friendly interface that enables users to easily search, browse and retrieve miRNA targets and miRNA initiated phasiRNAs in a broad variety of plants. TarDB has a comprehensive collection of reliable plant miRNA targets containing previously unreported miRNA targets and miRNA-triggered phasiRNAs even in the well-studied model species. Most of these novel miRNA targets are relevant to lineage-specific or species-specific miRNAs. TarDB data is freely available at http://www.biosequencing.cn/TarDB.

Conclusions
In summary, TarDB serves as a useful web resource for exploring relatively high-confidence miRNA targets and miRNA-triggered phasiRNAs in plants.
Comparative transcriptome profiling and co-expression network analysis uncover the key genes associated withearly-stage resistance to Aspergillus flavus in maize
Authors: Liu Huanhuan , Wu Haofeng , Wang Yan , Wang Huan , Chen Saihua , Yin Zhitong 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
The fungus Aspergillus flavus (A. flavus) is a serious threat to maize (Zea mays) production worldwide. It causes considerable yield and economic losses, and poses a health risk to humans and livestock due to the high toxicity of aflatoxin. However, key genes and regulatory networks conferring maize resistance to A. flavus are not clear, especially at the early stage of infection. Here, we performed a comprehensive transcriptome analysis of two maize inbred lines with contrasting resistance to A. flavus infection.

Results
The pairwise comparisons between mock and infected kernels in each line during the first 6 h post inoculation (hpi) showed that maize resistance to A. flavus infection was specific to the genotype and infection stage, and defense pathways were strengthened in the resistant line. Further comparison of the two maize lines revealed that the infection-induced up-regulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the resistant line might underlie the enhanced resistance. Gene co-expression network analysis by WGCNA (weighted gene co-expression network analysis) identified 7 modules that were significantly associated with different infection stages, and 110 hub genes of these modules. These key regulators mainly participate in the biosynthesis of fatty acid and antibiotics. In addition, 90 candidate genes for maize resistance to A. flavus infection and/or aflatoxin contamination obtained in previous studies were confirmed to be differentially expressed between the resistant and susceptible lines within the first 6 hpi.

Conclusion
This work unveiled more A. flavus resistance genes and provided a detailed regulatory network of early-stage resistance to A. flavus in maize.
Is geriatric depression scale a valid instrument to screen depression in Chinese community-dwelling elderly?
Authors: Huang Feifei , Wang Huijun , Wang Zhihong , Zhang Jiguo , Du Wenwen , Jia Xiaofang , Wang Liusen , Zhang Bing 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
The geriatric depression scale (GDS) is used widely as a screening instrument for depression worldwide. The present study aims to examine the reliability and validity of the GDS with 30 items (GDS-30) in Chinese cognitively normal elderly, and to preliminarily investigate the appropriateness of the GDS-30 among screened mild cognitive impairment (MCI) elderly and among the large-scale community-dwelling Chinese elderly.

Methods
A total of 12,610 Chinese elderly completed GDS-30 in the project of Community-based Cohort Study on Nervous System Diseases. Of these, 5503 individuals with the ability to perform basic daily living activities were randomly sampled to further complete the Montreal Cognitive Assessment to screen for MCI. The cutoff value of screened depression was 11, and the cutoff values of MCI were education-dependent. Internal consistency was used to evaluate the reliability. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used to determine the factor structure. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted to assess the construct validity in the elderly screened normal cognition, screened MCI, and the whole population, respectively.

Results
The Kuder-Richardson coefficient (KR20) was 0.834, 0.821 and 0.840 for the cognitively normal elderly, screened MCI and the whole population, respectively. EFA showed that GDS-30 can be either a four-factor model (named positive mood, dysphoria, worry, and social withdrawal-cognitive impairment) or a two-factor model (named depression and positive mood). The latter was easier to interpret. CFA showed that the two-factor model fitted well in the elderly with normal cognition, with screened MCI, and the whole sample. The factors loaded from 0.900 to 0.588, 0.882 to 0.529, and 0.888 to 0.556 in these three populations respectively.

Conclusions
The GDS-30 has good reliability and validity and can be appropriately applied to screen depression in the large-scale community-dwelling Chinese elderly regardless of the presence of mild cognitive impairment.
Population structure and diversity of Plasmodium falciparum in children with asymptomatic malaria living in different ecological zones of Ghana
Authors: Amoah Linda Eva , Abukari Zakaria , Dawson-Amoah Maame Esi , Dieng Cheikh Cambel , Lo Eugenia , Afrane Yaw Asare 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
Genetic diversity in Plasmodium falciparum populations can be used to describe the resilience and spatial distribution of the parasite in the midst of intensified intervention efforts. This study used microsatellite analysis to evaluate the genetic diversity and population dynamics of P. falciparum parasites circulating in three ecological zones of Ghana.

Methods
A total of 1168 afebrile children aged between 3 to 13 years were recruited from five (5) Primary schools in 3 different ecological zones (Sahel (Tamale and Kumbungu), Forest (Konongo) and Coastal (Ada and Dodowa)) of Ghana. Asymptomatic malaria parasite carriage was determined using microscopy and PCR, whilst fragment analysis of 6 microsatellite loci was used to determine the diversity and population structure of P. falciparum parasites.

Results
Out of the 1168 samples examined, 16.1 and 39.5% tested positive for P. falciparum by microscopy and nested PCR respectively. The genetic diversity of parasites in the 3 ecological zones was generally high, with an average heterozygosity (He) of 0.804, 0.787 and 0.608 the rainy (peak) season for the Sahel, Forest and Coastal zones respectively. The mean He for the dry (off-peak) season were 0.562, 0.693 and 0.610 for the Sahel, Forest and Coastal zones respectively. Parasites from the Forest zone were more closely related to those from the Sahel than from the Coastal zone, despite the Coastal zone being closer in physical distance to the Forest zone. The fixation indexes among study sites ranged from 0.049 to 0.112 during the rainy season and 0.112 to 0.348 during the dry season.

Conclusion
A large asymptomatic parasite reservoir was found in the school children during both rainy and dry seasons, especially those in the Forest and Sahel savannah zones where parasites were also found to be related compared to those from the Coastal zone. Further studies are recommended to understand why despite the roll out of several malaria interventions in Ghana, high transmission still persist.
Using patients’ own knowledge of early sensations and symptoms to develop an interactive, individualized e-questionnaire to facilitate early diagnosis of lung cancer
Authors: Levitsky Adrian , Bernhardson Britt-Marie , Henoch Ingela , Olin Maria , Kölbeck Karl , Rystedt Nadja , Tishelman Carol , Eriksson Lars E. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
One reason for the often late diagnosis of lung cancer (LC) may be that potentially-indicative sensations and symptoms are often diffuse, and may not be considered serious or urgent, making their interpretation complicated. However, with only a few exceptions, efforts to use people’s own in-depth knowledge about prodromal bodily experiences has been a missing link in efforts to facilitate early LC diagnosis. In this study, we describe and discuss facilitators and challenges in our process of developing and initial testing an interactive, self-completion e-questionnaire based on patient descriptions of experienced prodromal sensations and symptoms, to support early identification of lung cancer (LC).

Methods
E-questionnaire items were derived from in-depth, detailed explorative interviews with individuals undergoing investigation for suspected LC. The descriptors of sensations/symptoms and the background items obtained were the basis for developing an interactive, individualized instrument, PEX-LC, which was refined for usability through think-aloud and other interviews with patients, members of the public, and clinical staff.

Results
Major challenges in the process of developing PEX-LC related to collaboration among many actors, and design/user interface problems including technical issues. Most problems identified through the think-aloud interviews related to design/user interface problems and technical issues rather than content, for example we re-ordered questions to be in line with patients’ chronological, rather than retrospective, descriptions of their experiences. PEX-LC was developed into a final e-questionnaire on a touch-screen smart tablet with one background module covering sociodemographic characteristics, 10 interactive, individualized modules covering early sensations and symptoms, and a 12th assessing current symptoms.

Conclusions
Close collaboration with patients throughout the process was intrinsic for developing PEX-LC. Similarly, we recognized the extent to which clinicians and technical experts were also important in this process. Similar endeavors should assure all necessary competence is included in the core research team, to facilitate timely progress. Our experiences developing PEX-LC combined with new empirical research suggest that this individualized, interactive e-questionnaire, developed through systematizing patients’ own formulations of their prodromal symptom experiences, is both feasible for use and has potential value in the intended group.
Combination of gemcitabine, nab-paclitaxel, and S-1(GAS) as the first-line treatment for patients with locally advanced or advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: study protocol for an open-label, single-arm phase I study
Authors: Chang Chen , Li Xiaofen , Cao Dan 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is still a highly fatal malignancy among the most common cancers. More powerful treatments are expecting to bring hope for patients. Biweekly gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel/S-1 (GAS) was proved safe and effective for patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer in Japan. The objective of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and toxicity of GAS (repeated every 3 weeks) in the treatment of locally advanced or advanced pancreatic cancer and determine the recommended dose of S-1 in this combination.

Methods
This is an open-label, single-arm, and single-center phase I trial. Patients who have been diagnosed with locally advanced or advanced PDAC pathologically without previous systemic treatments will be enrolled and be treated with GAS chemotherapy every 3 weeks (nab-paclitaxel 125 mg/m 2, ivgtt, day1, 8; gemcitabine 1000 mg/m2, day1, 8; different doses of S-1 within a dose escalation scheme) until the presence of disease progression (PD), intolerable adverse events (AEs), or requirement of patients and researchers. The primary endpoints are maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and dose-limiting toxicity (DLT). The secondary endpoints include safety, objective response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).

Discussion
This trial will adjust the administration of GAS to make it more effective for Chinese patients, while exploring the toxicity and feasibility of this adjustment.

Trial registration
ChiCTR, (ChiCTR1900027833). Registered 30 November 2019.
The population-based prevalence of trachomatous scarring in a trachoma hyperendemic setting: results from 152 impact surveys in Amhara, Ethiopia
Authors: Astale Tigist , Ebert Caleb D. , Nute Andrew W. , Zerihun Mulat , Gessese Demelash , Melak Berhanu , Sata Eshetu , Ayele Zebene , Ayenew Gedefaw , Callahan E. Kelly , Haile Mahteme , Zeru Taye , Tadesse Zerihun , Nash Scott D. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
Trachomatous scarring (TS) results from repeated infection with the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. Pronounced scarring is an underlying cause of trachomatous trichiasis (TT) that can lead to blindness. Since the condition is irreversible, TS in adults has been considered a marker of past exposure to trachoma infection. The aim of this report was to estimate the population-based prevalence of TS within Amhara, Ethiopia, a region with a historically high burden of trachoma.

Methods
District-level multi-stage cluster surveys were conducted in all districts between 2010 and 2015 to monitor the impact of approximately 5 years of trachoma interventions. Approximately 40 households were sampled per cluster and all participants ages ≥ 1 year were graded for the 5 World Health Organization simplified signs. Before each survey round, trachoma graders participated in a 7-day training and reliability exam that included cases of TS. TS prevalence estimates were weighted to account for sampling design and adjusted for age and sex using post-stratification weighting.

Results
Across the 152 districts in Amhara, 208,510 individuals ages 1 year and older were examined for the signs of trachoma. Region-wide, the prevalence of TS was 8.2 %, (95 % Confidence Interval [CI]: 7.7–8.6 %), and the prevalence among individuals ages 15 years and older (n = 110,137) was 12.6 % (95 % CI: 12.0–13.3 %). District-level TS prevalence among individuals ages 15 years and older ranged from 0.9 to 36.9 % and was moderately correlated with district prevalence of TT (r = 0.31; P < 0.001). The prevalence of TS increased with age, reaching 22.4 % among those ages 56 to 60 years and 24.2 % among those ages 61 to 65 years. Among children ages 1 to 15 years TS prevalence was 2.2 % (95 % CI: 1.8–2.8 %), increased with age (P < 0.001), and 5 % of individuals with TS also had trachomatous inflammation-intense (TI).

Conclusions
These results suggest that Amhara has had a long history of trachoma exposure and that a large population remains at risk for developing TT. It is promising, however, that children, many born after interventions began, have low levels of TS compared to other known trachoma-hyperendemic areas.