bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Promotion effect of nitrogen-doped functional carbon nanodots on the early growth stage of plants
Authors: Chen Qiong , Ren Xiaohua , Li Yuqian , Liu Beibei , Wang Xiuli , Tu Jiangping , Guo Zhijiang , Jin Gong , Min Guanghui , Ci Lijie 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe objective of this paper is to study the effects of nitrogen-doped functional carbon nanodots (N-FCNs) on the early growth stage of plants. Hydrosoluble and biocompatible N-FCNs with high content of available N (ammonium and amino groups) and carboxyl groups are synthesized by a super green electrochemical method. N-FCNs universally express good eurytopic influence on different species of plants by inducing seeds germination, promoting root development, biomass accumulation, root cell length, chlorophyll level and transpiration of young seedlings. When functional carbon nanodots without N doping (FCNs) promote tomato and corn seeds germination rate by 92.4% and 76.2% maximally, N-FCNs could further improve the germination rate by about 17.0% and 25.5%. N-FCNs can even significantly raise the green vegetable (pakchoi) yield to 2.1 and 1.4 times on the 18th and 30th day. Leaf chlorophyll content is also increased to 1.36 and 1.55 times compared with FCNs treated group and the control group, respectively. The promotion effect of the nanodots is apparently depended on their composition, nanostructure, as well as plant species and age. Nanoscale structure and abundant hydrophilic functional groups can enable N-FCNs regulating the seed germination and plant growth by promoting the uptake and transportation of water and nutrients. The accumulation and transport of N-FCNs are investigated, which reveals N-FCNs are friendly to cells because they are absorbed and transported through nonprotoplast pathway in plant. As a result, N-FCNs have great potential for horticulture application as a biocompatible nano-medium to regulate both metabolism and early development of plants.
TCP transcription factors suppress cotyledon trichomes by impeding a cell differentiation-regulating complex
Authors: Lan Jingqiu , Zhang Jinzhe , Yuan Rongrong , Yu Hao , An Fengying , Sun Linhua , Chen Haodong , Zhou Yue , Qian Weiqiang , He Hang , Qin Genji 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Trichomes are specialized epidermal cells that act as barriers against biotic and abiotic stresses. Although the formation of trichomes on hairy organs is well studied, the molecular mechanisms of trichome inhibition on smooth organs are still largely unknown. Here, we demonstrate that the CINCINNATA (CIN)-like TEOSINTE BRANCHED1/CYCLOIDEA/PCF (TCP) transcription factors inhibit the formation of trichomes on cotyledons in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). The tcp2/3/4/5/10/13/17 septuple mutant produces cotyledons with ectopic trichomes on the adaxial sides. The expression patterns of TCP genes are developmentally regulated during cotyledon development. TCP proteins directly interact with GLABRA3 (GL3), a key component of the MYB transcription factor/basic helix–loop–helix domain protein/WD40-repeat proteins (MYB–bHLH–WD40, MBW) complex essential for trichome formation, to interfere with the transactivation activity of the MBW complex in cotyledons. TCPs also disrupt the MBW complex–R3 MYB negative feedback loop by directly promoting the expression of R3 MYB genes, which enhance the repression of the MBW complex. Our findings reveal a molecular framework in which TCPs suppress trichome formation on adaxial sides of cotyledons by repressing the activity of the MBW complex at the protein level and the transcripts of R3 MYB genes at the transcriptional level.
Safety and clinical activity of atacicept in the long-term extension of the phase 2b ADDRESS II study in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Wallace Daniel J , Isenberg David A , Morand Eric F , Vazquez–Mateo Cristina , Kao Amy H , Aydemir Aida , Pudota Kishore , Ona Victor , Aranow Cynthia , Merrill Joan T 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Objectives
Atacicept reduced SLE disease activity in the phase 2b ADDRESS II study, particularly in patients with high disease activity (HDA; SLEDAI-2K ≥10) at screening. We assessed long-term safety and efficacy of atacicept in the long-term extension (LTE) of ADDRESS II.

Methods
In the 24-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled ADDRESS II study, patients received weekly atacicept (75 or 150 mg) or placebo. Atacicept was continued at the same dose in atacicept-treated patients in the LTE; placebo-treated patients switched to atacicept 150 mg. Long-term safety was the primary endpoint. Secondary endpoints included SLE responder index (SRI)-4 and SRI-6 response rates and flares.

Results
In total, 253 patients entered the ADDRESS II LTE; 88 received atacicept 150 mg, 82 atacicept 75 mg and 83 placebo/atacicept 150 mg. Median active treatment duration in the LTE was 83.8 weeks. Frequencies of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were similar across groups (90.4–93.2%), and 12.5%, 14.6% and 21.7% of patients in the atacicept 150 mg, atacicept 75 mg and placebo/atacicept 150 mg groups reported serious TEAEs during the treatment period. The proportions of patients with TEAEs leading to discontinuation were 5.7%, 4.9% and 10.8%, respectively. SRI-4 and SRI-6 response rates were maintained with atacicept in the modified intent-to-treat and HDA populations and those on continuous 150 mg had a reduced risk of first severe flare and longer time to first severe flare vs those who initially received placebo.

Conclusion
Long-term treatment with atacicept 150 mg in SLE patients had an acceptable safety profile, with durable efficacy.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov, http://clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02070978.
Is the intima-media thickness of temporal and axillary arteries influenced by cardiovascular risk?
Authors: Martire María Victoria , Cipolletta Edoardo , Di Matteo Andrea , Di Carlo Marco , Jesus Diogo , Grassi Walter , Filippucci Emilio 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Objectives
To measure with US the intima-media thickness (IMT) of temporal (superficial, parietal and frontal branches) and axillary arteries in subjects without a diagnosis of GCA and/or PMR with different cardiovascular (CV) risk; and to assess the performance of previously proposed cut-off values for normal IMT.

Methods
Subjects ≥ 50 years without a diagnosis of GCA or PMR were included. Bilateral US of the temporal arteries, including the frontal and parietal branches, and axillary arteries was performed by two sonographers using a 10–22 MHz and 6–18 MHz probe. The following previously proposed cut-offs were considered: superficial temporal artery: 0.42 mm; frontal branch: 0.34 mm; parietal branch: 0.29 mm; axillary artery: 1.0 mm.

Results
A total of 808 arteries in 101 subjects were evaluated; of these, 31 (30.7%) were classified as very high CV risk, seven (6.9%) as high, 34 (33.7%) as moderate and 29 (28.7%) as low risk. Subjects with very high or high risk showed higher IMT than those with moderate or low risk in the superficial temporal arteries [0.23 (s.d. 0.07) vs 0.20 (s.d. 0.04), P &lt; 0.01] and in the axillary arteries [0.54 (s.d. 0.17) vs 0.48 (s.d. 0.10), P = 0.002] . The IMT was higher than the reference cut-off in 13/808 (1.6%) arteries, in ≥1 artery in 10/101 subjects (10.1%). Of these 10 subjects, 8 (80%) were classified as having very high or high risk.

Conclusion
Our results suggest that CV risk might influence the US-determined IMT of the temporal and axillary arteries in subjects without GCA. Therefore, in patients with suspected GCA, particular attention should be paid when measuring the IMT in those patients with very high/high CV risk.
Factors associated with incident severe pulmonary arterial hypertension in systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases: a nationwide study
Authors: Chen Hsin-Hua , Lin Ching-Heng , Hsieh Tsu-Yi , Chen Der-Yuan , Ying Jia-Ching , Chao Wen-Cheng 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Objective
To assess the association of severe pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) with particulate matter &lt;2.5 μm (p.m.2.5) and clinical data in patients with systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARDs).

Methods
We used the 2003–2017 nationwide data in Taiwan to identify patients with SARDs, including systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic sclerosis, dermatomyositis/polymyositis and primary Sjögren’s syndrome. We identified 479 cases with severe PAH and selected controls matched (1:4) for age, sex, and index year. We used conditional logistic regression analysis to determine factors associated with risks for severe PAH shown as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results
We found that severe PAH was highly associated with interstitial lung disease (OR, 8.57; 95% CI: 5.52, 13.32), congestive heart failure (OR, 7.62; 95% CI: 5.02, 11.55), valvular heart disease (OR, 3.34; 95% CI: 2.03, 5.50) and slightly associated with thyroid diseases (OR, 1.88; 95% CI: 1.18, 3.00), but not the level of exposure to p.m.2.5. Increased risk for PAH was found in patients receiving corticosteroid (prednisolone equivalent dosage, mg/day, OR, 1.03; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.05), biologics (OR, 2.18; 95% CI: 1.15, 4.12) as well as immunosuppressants, including ciclosporin (OR, 2.17; 95% CI: 1.31, 3.59), azathioprine (OR, 1.96; 95% CI: 1.48, 2.61), cyclophosphamide (OR, 2.01; 95% CI: 1.30, 3.11) and mycophenolate mofetil/mycophenolic acid (OR, 2.42; 95% CI: 1.37, 4.27), and those with the highest level of insured amount (reference, lowest level; OR, 0.53; 95% CI: 0.34, 0.83).

Conclusion
The population-based study identified risks for severe PAH in patients with SARDs, and these findings provide evidence for PAH risk stratification in patients with SARDs.
Cell type classification and discovery across diseases, technologies and tissues reveals conserved gene signatures and enables standardized single-cell readouts
Authors: Chamberlain Mathew , Hanamsagar Richa , Nestle Frank O. , de Rinaldis Emanuele , Savova Virginia 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACTAutoimmune diseases are a major cause of mortality1,2. Current treatments often yield severe insult to host tissue. It is hypothesized that improved “precision medicine” therapies will target pathogenic cells selectively and thus reduce or eliminate severe side effects, and potentially induce robust immune tolerance3. However, it remains challenging to systematically identify which cellular phenotypes are present in cellular ensembles. Here, we present a novel machine learning approach, Signac, which uses neural networks trained with flow-sorted gene expression data to classify cellular phenotypes in single cell RNA-sequencing data. We demonstrate that Signac accurately classified single cell RNA-sequencing data across diseases, technologies, species and tissues. Then we applied Signac to identify known and novel immune-relevant precision medicine candidate drug targets (n = 12) in rheumatoid arthritis. A full release of this workflow can be found at our GitHub repository (https://github.com/mathewchamberlain/Signac).
Decision making under interval uncertainty: toward (somewhat) more convincing justifications for Hurwicz optimism-pessimism approach
Authors: Chinnakum Warattaya , Berrout Ramos Laura , Iyiola Olugbenga , Kreinovich Vladik 
Published: February 2021

Purpose
In real life, we only know the consequences of each possible action with some uncertainty. A typical example is interval uncertainty, when we only know the lower and upper bounds on the expected gain. A usual way to compare such interval-valued alternatives is to use the optimism–pessimism criterion developed by Nobelist Leo Hurwicz. In this approach, a weighted combination of the worst-case and the best-case gains is maximized. There exist several justifications for this criterion; however, some of the assumptions behind these justifications are not 100% convincing. The purpose of this paper is to find a more convincing explanation.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors used utility approach to decision-making.

Findings
The authors proposed new, hopefully more convincing, justifications for Hurwicz’s approach.

Originality/value
This is a new, more intuitive explanation of Hurwicz’s approach to decision-making under interval uncertainty.
Remote deepwater subsea pipeline maintenance system
Authors: Luo Yu , Jiao Xiangdong , Fang Zewei , Zhang Shuxin , Wu Xuan , Wang Dongyao , Chu Qin 
Published: February 2021

Purpose
This paper aims to propose a diverless weld bead maintenance welding technology to prevent the leakage of subsea oil and gas pipeline and solve the key problems in the maintenance of subsea pipeline.

Design/methodology/approach
Based on the analysis of the cross-section of the fillet weld, the multi-layer and multi-pass welding path planning of the submarine pipeline sleeve fillet weld is studied, and thus a multi-layer and multi-pass welding path planning strategy is proposed. A welding seam filling method is designed, and the end position of the welding gun is planned, which provides a theoretical basis for the motion control of the maintenance system.

Findings
The trajectory planning and adjustment of multi-layer and multi-pass fillet welding and the motion stability control of the rotating mechanism are realized.

Research limitations/implications
It provides the basis for the prototype design of the submarine pipeline maintenance and welding robot system, and also lays the foundation for the in-depth research on the intelligent maintenance system of submarine pipeline.

Originality/value
The maintenance of diverless subsea pipeline is a new type of maintenance method, which can solve the problem of large amount of subsea maintenance work with high efficiency.
The work–family balance of British working women during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Adisa Toyin Ajibade , Aiyenitaju Opeoluwa , Adekoya Olatunji David 
Published: February 2021

PurposeThe COVID-19 pandemic has affected women in unique gender-specific ways, particularly their traditional status as home managers. This study aims to draw on the role theory to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on women's work–family balance during the lockdown.Design/methodology/approachThe current COVID-19 pandemic, which has altered the ways in which we live and work, requires specific methodological tools to be understood. The authors, therefore, opted for an interpretive–constructivist and constructivist–phenomenologist approach. The dataset, thus, comprises of semi-structured interviews with 26 working women in the UK.FindingsThe findings illustrate how the COVID-19 lockdown has intensified British women's domestic workload and has, thus, caused unbridled role conflict, which has further been exacerbated by structural and interactional roles undertaken by women, especially during the lockdown. Remote working has contributed to women's role congestion and role conflict and poses severe challenges to role differentiation. Furthermore, we found that the lockdown has facilitated the rediscovery of family values and closeness, which is connected to the decline in juvenile delinquency and low crime rate that has resulted from the lockdown.Originality/valueThrough the lens of the role theory, this study concludes that the cohabitation of work and family duties within the domestic space undermines the ability to achieve work–family balance and role differentiation due to the occurrence of inter-role conflicts. This study enriches our understanding of the effect of remote working on female employees' work–family balance during the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic lockdown.
Development of novel pH-sensitive azo dyes from Cardanol as a bioresource
Authors: Mestry Siddhesh Umesh , Mahajan Umesh Ratan , M. Aswathy , Mhaske Shashank T. 
Published: February 2021

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to use the bio-based resource as the starting material for the synthesis of azo dye. Cardanol is one of the most used bio-based resources for carrying out the synthesis of various compounds having numerous end applications. The study presents an attempt to develop an azo dye from Cardanol having end applications in pH-responsive dyes.

Design/methodology/approach
The cardanol was sulfonated to block the para position by which ortho positioned hydroxyl group after diazotization and coupling will provide necessary pH-sensitivity. The diazotization of two naphthalene derivatives, i.e. 1-naphthol-8-amino-3,6-disulfonic acid (H-acid) and 7-amino-4-hydroxy-2-naphthalene sulfonic acid (J-acid) was carried out using the standard practice, and the diazotized compounds were coupled with the sulfonated cardanol. The obtained dyes were characterized by Fourier transform infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance, carbon-hydrogen-nitrogen-sulfur analysis and hydroxyl value. The colour properties were checked using UV-vis spectrophotometry and density functional theory, while thermogravimetric analysis was used for the thermal degradation studies of both the dyes.

Findings
Water-soluble cardanol-based azo dyes were prepared successfully having good thermal stability, and the obtained results are being presented in this paper.

Originality/value
The originality lies between the use of cardanol as a bio-based resource for the synthesis of azo-dye and the obtained azo-dye has the pH-sensitivity.
Investigation on the performance of fiber reinforced concrete subjected to standard fire exposure
Authors: Varghese Alwyn , N. Anand , Andrushia Diana , Arulraj Prince 
Published: February 2021

Purpose
Aim of this research work is to examine the stress–strain behavior and modulus of elasticity of fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC) exposed to elevated temperature. The purpose of this paper is to study the effect of standard fire exposure on the mechanical and microstructure characteristics of concrete specimens with different strength grade.

Design/methodology/approach
An electrical bogie hearth furnace was developed to simulate the ISO 834 standard fire curve. Specimens were exposed to high temperatures of 821°C, 925°C and 986°C for the duration of 30, 60 and 90 min, respectively, as per standard fire curve. Peak stress, peak strain, modulus of elasticity and damage level of heated concrete specimens were evaluated by experimental investigation. SEM-based microstructure investigation has been carried out to analyze the microstructure characteristics of heated concrete specimens.

Findings
The results revealed that carbon fiber reinforced concrete was found to be better than the FRC made with other fibers on improving the modulus of elasticity of concrete. An empirical relationship has been established to predict the modulus of elasticity of temperature exposed specimens with different type of fiber and grade of concrete. In comparison with low melting point fibers, high melting point fibers exhibited higher modulus of elasticity under all tested conditions. Surface damage and porosity level of concrete with carbon and basalt fibers were found to be lower than other FRC.

Originality/value
Empirical relationship was developed to determine the modulus of elasticity of concrete exposed to elevate temperature, and this will be useful for concrete design applications. This research work may be useful for finding the residual compressive strength of concrete exposed to elevate temperature. So that it will be helpful to identify the suitable repair/retrofitting technique for reinforced concrete elements.
Benchmarking the performance of Pool‐seq SNP callers using simulated and real sequencing data
Authors: Guirao‐Rico Sara , González Josefa 
Published: February 2021

AbstractPopulation genomics is a fast‐developing discipline with promising applications in a growing number of life sciences fields. Advances in sequencing technologies and bioinformatics tools allow population genomics to exploit genome‐wide information to identify the molecular variants underlying traits of interest and the evolutionary forces that modulate these variants through space and time. However, the cost of genomic analyses of multiple populations is still too high to address them through individual genome sequencing. Pooling individuals for sequencing can be a more effective strategy in Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) detection and allele frequency estimation because of a higher total coverage. However, compared to individual sequencing, SNP calling from pools has the additional difficulty of distinguishing rare variants from sequencing errors, which is often avoided by establishing a minimum threshold allele frequency for the analysis. Finding an optimal balance between minimizing information loss and reducing sequencing costs is essential to ensure the success of population genomics studies. Here, we have benchmarked the performance of SNP callers for Pool‐seq data, based on different approaches, under different conditions, and using computer simulations and real data. We found that SNP callers performance varied for allele frequencies up to 0.35. We also found that SNP callers based on Bayesian (SNAPE‐pooled) or maximum likelihood (MAPGD) approaches outperform the two heuristic callers tested (VarScan and PoolSNP), in terms of the balance between sensitivity and FDR both in simulated and sequencing data. Our results will help inform the selection of the most appropriate SNP caller not only for large‐scale population studies but also in cases where the Pool‐seq strategy is the only option, such as in metagenomic or polyploid studies.
Cone beam computed tomography in dentistry: practitioner awareness and attitudes. A scoping review
Authors: Stokes Kelsie , Thieme Raine , Jennings Ernest , Sholapurkar Amar 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACTFamiliarity with cone beam computed tomography is a requisite for all dental practitioners involved in its use or referral. This scoping review examines the knowledge, attitudes, competence and confidence of dental practitioners and students towards cone beam computed tomography in the dental setting. A search of Medline, Scopus, Web of Science and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature was conducted to identify and chart existing evidence. Relevant studies written in English and published after 1998 and up to July 2020 were included. Of 679 papers, 39 studies were included for analysis. Key findings include deficient knowledge despite a widespread recognition of its importance and willingness to increase proficiency in its use, as well as a largely positive and optimistic view of the technology. Future studies on practitioners’ knowledge and attitudes towards cone beam computed tomography are suggested to consider the contexts of an Australian setting.
A new approach to individualize dialysis fluid sodium concentration using a four‐stream, bicarbonate‐based fluid delivery system
Authors: Lew Susie Q. , Cheng Yuk‐Lun , Tzamaloukas Antonios H. , Ing Todd S. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractWe propose a new 45X, four‐stream, triple‐concentrate, bicarbonate‐based dialysis fluid delivery system, allowing a wide range of dialysis fluid sodium concentrations\\ (DFNa) without affecting the concentrations of other crucial solutes. The four streams consist of product water (W), and concentrates with sodium chloride (S), acid (A), and sodium bicarbonate (B). An adjustment in the DFNa in this new system requires changes only in the W and S concentrate streams. The ingredients in A and B concentrates do not change.