bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Agricultural Irrigation Area Prediction Based on Improved Random Forest Model
Authors: Gao Guangda , Wang Maofa , Huang Hongliang , Tang Weiyu 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The food problem is a major problem of common concern in the world, and the prediction of irrigation area can promote the solution of food and agricultural problems. In this paper, the data of grain production and irrigation area in the world are analyzed. An improved Random Forest Regression model is proposed and applied to the prediction of irrigation area. Based on ordinary Random Forest and Limit Tree Regression algorithm, an improved random forest prediction model for irrigation area in China is proposed. Firstly, the arithmetic mean value (AMM) of mean square error (MSE) and mean absolute error (MAE) was used as the evaluation index of the improved impure function and irrigation area prediction effect. Then, the grid search method is used to determine the optimal number of decision trees (70 trees and 30 trees respectively) in ordinary random forest and limit tree regression, and a new improved random forest model is established. After following, the model is compared with other prediction models, and 10 fold cross validation shows the rationality of the model. Finally, the error analysis of the improved Random Forest model shows that the prediction error is small. It is expected to be applied in the annual analysis of irrigation area in China.﻿
Early Detection of Exacerbation of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection using Fitbit (DEXTERITY Pilot Study)
Authors: Yamagami Kan , Nomura Akihiro , Kometani Mitsuhiro , Shimojima Masaya , Sakata Kenji , Usui Soichiro , Furukawa Kenji , Takamura Masayuki , Okajima Masaki , Watanabe Kazuyoshi , Yoneda Takashi 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Some patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) experienced sudden death because of sudden symptom deterioration. Thus, an alarm system that could detect early signs of COVID-19 exacerbation beforehand, to prevent serious illness or death of patients while receiving outpatient treatment at home or in hotels is necessary. Here, we tested whether estimated oxygen variations (EOV), a relative physiological scale that represents users’ blood oxygen saturation level during sleep measured by Fitbit, predicted COVID-19 symptom exacerbation. Study period was from August to November 2020. We enrolled 23 COVID-19 patients diagnosed by SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction-positive (mean age ± standard deviation, 50.9 ± 20 years; 70% female), let each patient wore the Fitbit for 30 days; COVID-19 symptoms were exacerbated in 6 (26%). High EOV signal (a patient’s oxygen level exhibits significant dip and recovery within the index period) had 80% sensitivity before symptom exacerbations, whereas resting heart rate signal only had 50% sensitivity. Coincidental obstructive sleep apnea syndrome confirmed by polysomnography was detected in a patient by consistently high EOV signals. This pilot study successfully detected early COVID-19 symptoms exacerbation by measuring EOV and may help to identify early signs of COVID-19 exacerbation.
Impact of Imprecise Household Location on Effective Coverage Estimates Generated through Linking Household and Health Provider Data by Geographic Proximity
Authors: Carter Emily D , Munos Melinda K 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Combining household and health provider data can be used to estimate coverage of interventions and identify barriers to use. Without data on specific sources of care utilized by individuals, researchers often assign individuals to healthcare providers based on geographic proximity. The Demographic and Health Survey (DHS), a common source of population health data, does not collect data on the location of participant households. They present displaced data on the central point within household clusters. This may introduce error into analyses based on the distance between households and providers. Methods: We assessed the effect of imprecise household location on quality-adjusted effective coverage of child curative services estimated by linking sick children to providers based on geographic proximity. We used data on care-seeking for child illness and health provider quality in Southern Province, Zambia. The dataset included the location of respondent households, a census of providers, and data on the exact outlets utilized by sick children included in the study. We displaced the central point of each household cluster point five times. We calculated quality-adjusted coverage by assigning each sick child to a provider’s care based on three measures of geographic proximity (absolute distance, travel time, and geographic radius) from the household location, cluster point, and displaced cluster locations. We compared the estimates of quality-adjusted coverage to each other and estimates calculated using each sick child’s true source of care. Results: Fewer children were linked to their true source of care using cluster locations than household locations. Estimates of coverage were not statistically different using different measures of geographic proximity or household location. Estimates did not vary significantly from estimates produced using each sick child’s true source of care. Conclusions: Use of original or displaced cluster location did not produce statistically different coverage estimates than using household location. However, it did reduce the proportion of children that linked to their true source of care. The limited effect of household location imprecision on quality-adjusted coverage estimates could be due to a lack of variability in provider quality. These findings may not hold in a setting with more considerable variation in provider quality. This work was supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Grant Number INV-006966
Comparison of the influence of silica-rich supplementary cementitious materials on cement mortar composites: Mechanical and microstructural assessment
Authors: Sevim Ozer , Sengul Cagrı Goktug 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The silica-rich supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) are the key components of mechanical and microstructural properties. The use of SCMs results in improving the mechanical and microstructural properties and decreasing the environmental burden caused by cement production. In this regard, this paper reports a study to compare the influence of silica-rich supplementary cementitious materials (slag, fly ash, and bottom ash) having similar Blaine fineness on cement mortar composites in terms of mechanical and microstructural properties. First, supplementary cementitious materials (slag, fly ash, and bottom ash) were ground at similar cement Blaine fineness (~ 3300 cm2/g) and then by replacing 5% and 20% with cement, the 7-, 28-, 90-day mechanical and microstructural properties of cement mortar composites incorporating SCMs were examined. As a result, it was observed that the compressive strength and microstructural properties of cement mortar composites incorporating slag gave maximum strength and microstructural properties according to samples with fly ash and bottom ash having similar fineness and this will decrease the required amount of cement for the target properties by using slag, thus the number of CO2 emitted to nature will also decrease.
Yeasts with Fermentative Potential Associated with Fruits of Camu-Camu (Myrciaria Dubia, Kunth) from North of Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Matos Italo Thiago Silveira Rocha , de Souza Vanderly Andrade , D'Ângelo Giovana do Rosário , Astolfi-Filho Spartaco , Vital Marcos José Salgado 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
PurposeConsidering the high biotechnological potential of yeasts associated to edible fruits, a screening for these microbes able to alcoholic fermentation was performed in ripe fruits of camu-camu.MethodsFruits of camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia, Kunth) were collected in north of brazilian Amazon, in floodplain of Cauamé river. Yeasts were isolated, and fermentation capability was evaluated using Durham tubes. Quantitative assays were performed to calculate ethanol yield (g.g–1), specific growth rate (h–1) and ethanol productivity (g.L–1.h–1). Taxonomic identification was performed by ribosomal genes nucleotides sequences analysis by alignment using BLASTn.ResultsA total of fifteen yeasts colonies were isolated, and eight of them presented the ability to ferment glucose to ethanol. Six of them were identified as three different species: Candida orthopsilosis, Pichia kudriavzevii and Meyerozyma caribbica. When cultured in broth containing 180 g.L–1 of glucose, M. caribbica reaches 91.7 percent of the maximum theoretical ethanol concentration (84.4 g.L–1), presenting ethanol yield and productivity of 0.4688 g.g–1 and 0.781 g.L–1.h–1, respectively.Conclusions﻿The endophytic microbiota of camu-camu includes C. orthopsilosis, P. kudriavzevii and M. caribbica. This paper is a rare report of C. orthopsilosis with endophytic habit, because most of the references indicate it as human pathogenic. Besides this, M. caribbica is a promising fermenter for alcoholic beverages, due to its osmotolerance and high ethanol yield. This is the first paper reporting endophytic yeasts associated with fruits of Myrciaria dubia.
Hexavalent chromium reduction by ZnO, SnO2 and ZnO-SnO2 synthesized using biosurfactants from extract of Solanum macrocarpon
Authors: Onwudiwe Damian , Oyewo Opeyemi , Ogunjinmi Oluwasayo Esther , Ojelere Olusola 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
In this study, ZnO, SnO2 and their composite (ZnO-SnO2) were synthesized by green route using aqueous extract of Solanum macrocarpon fruit and were used for the photo-reduction of hexavalent chromium. The synthetic route involved a two-step procedure, induced by temperature via calcination at 350 and 600 ºC. The composite was prepared by the treatment of a mixture of the precursor compounds to a temperature up to 800 ºC, and the extension of the temperature to 1000 ºC, resulted in the emergence of ZnO-SnO2-ZTO. The nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and UV–vis spectroscopy. The XRD studies of the binary oxides confirmed a hexagonal wurtzite structure for the ZnO and a cubic structure for the SnO2, without any change in the diffraction patterns or supplementary diffraction peaks. The morphology of the nanoparticles indicated fairly spherical shapes for the ZnO, that tend to agglomerate with increase in temperature. The SnO2 showed rectangular shapes at both temperatures of reaction, while the ZnO-SnO2 composite showed the presence of both morphologies of the component binary oxides. In the photo-enhanced degradation study, under ultra-violet light, the effect of pH (2–8), concentration of chromium(VI) (2–8 ppm), and photocatalyst dosage (25–150 mg/L) on the reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) were investigated. The reduction showed higher efficiency in acidic environment than in the alkaline environment, and also with increase in photocatalyst dosage. The composite exhibited the highest photoreduction efficiency, above 90%, at the optimum condition of pH 2, 150 mg/L photocatalyst, 2 ppm chromium solution after 90 min. These low-cost and non-toxic metal oxide and their green synthesized composite have great potentials for Cr(VI) pollution clean-up from waste water.
Resource Allocation Among Cladodes of Opuntia Robusta From East-central Mexico
Authors: León-Solano Héctor Javier , Janczur Mariusz Krzysztof , González-Camarena Emilio , Czarnoleski Marcin , Jenner Bartosz , Sandoval-Molina Mario Alberto 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The Optimal Defense Hypothesis (ODH) predicts that younger, more valuable plant organs should be better defended. We tested this hypothesis in Opuntia robusta Wendl. since its sequential, hierarchical and segmented architecture permits the consideration of a possible reallocation of secondary metabolites among cladodes with different age. We performed a field study taking samples of vegetative tissues from cladodes of different orders during eight months, and a field experiment, by covering either apical or basal cladodes with a fabric. We determined the content of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (4-HBA), chlorogenic acid (CGA), quercetin (QUE) and salicylic acid (SA). 4-HBA and CGA followed the predictions of ODH. QUE followed an inverse tendency. SA did not show any tendency related either with the position of the cladode or the treatment (light vs. shade) however, its concentration was positively correlated with the concentration of 4-HBA. As we detected SA only in a low proportion of cladodes and 4-HBA in all cladodes, we hypothesize the conversion of the latter metabolite to the former one. Contrary to ODH, CGA presented lower concentrations in apical than in basal cladodes when co-occurred with SAL, and QUE was transferred from apical (younger) to basal (older) cladodes. In this study, we found contradictions in the premises and outcomes of both the Resource Availability Hypothesis (RAH) and the ODH, suggesting that a new hypothesis concerning the plant defense against stress factors should be proposed.
Serum IgG Level Is A Predicting Factor for the Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy In Patients With Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Nakaya Seiichi , Ogawa Ryo , Hayakawa Shunsuke , Fujihata Shiro , Okubo Tomotaka , Sagawa Hiroyuki , Tanaka Tatsuya , Takahashi Hiroki , Matsuo Yoichi , Takiguchi Shuji 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BackgroundDespite the established oncological benefits of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for esophageal squamous cell cancer, not all cases demonstrate benefit. Hence, predicting the response to chemotherapy before treatment is desirable. Some reports have shown that immune factors are related to the chemotherapy response. This study aimed to investigate the utility of serum IgG levels for predicting chemotherapy response.MethodsResponse to chemotherapy and pretreatment serum IgG levels were examined in 77 cases who underwent esophagectomy after neoadjuvant chemotherapy for esophageal squamous cell cancer.ResultsThe effective response group had significantly lower serum IgG levels than the ineffective response group (p < 0.001). Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed serum IgG level to be an independent predictor for response to chemotherapy (p = 0.001). Furthermore, cases with effective pathological response had significantly lower pretreatment serum IgG levels than those who did not (p = 0.006).ConclusionsOur finding showed that serum IgG levels can be a predictor of the response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.Trial registrationThis retrospective study was approved by the review board of Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences (reception number: 60-18-0008).
A small dose of dexmedetomidine decreased the postoperative bleeding by reducing cough and emergence agitation after thyroidectomy – A randomized, double-blind, controlled study
Authors: Kim Sang Hun , Kim Yoo Seok , Kim Seongcheol , Jung Ki Tae 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Bleeding after a thyroidectomy occurs due to violent cough during the emergence. Dexmedetomidine is helpful for smooth emergence and suppressing the cough. The purpose of the present study was to compare the effect of dexmedetomidine on postoperative bleeding after thyroidectomy.
Methods: Randomized, double-blind, controlled trial in female patients (ASA I–II, aged 20 to 60 years) were conducted. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups. About fifteen minutes before the end of the surgery, dexmedetomidine was administered (0.6 μg/kg/hr) without a loading dose in group D (n=69), and normal saline was administered in group S (n=70) at the same infusion rate. Hemodynamic data, coughing reflex, extubation time, Ramsay sedation scale (RSS), recovery time were assessed during the administration of study drugs and recovery from anesthesia. Amounts of postoperative hemorrhage were measured for 3 days.
Results: A total of 139 patients were analyzed. The incidence of severe cough was significantly decreased in group D compared to group S (4.3% vs. 11.5%, P = 0.022). Emergence agitation in the postanesthetic care unit was significantly decreased in group D compared to group S (P = 0.01). Postoperative bleeding showed a significant decrease in group D compared to group S until the second postoperative day (P = 0.015).
Conclusions: Dexmedetomidine can decrease postoperative bleeding by reducing coughing and emergence agitation after thyroidectomy.
Trial registration: This study was registered at http://clinicaltrials.gov (registration number NCT02412150, 09/04/2015).
Occurrence and Distribution of Technology-critical Elements (TCE) in Recent Freshwater and Marine Pristine Lake Sediments in Croatia: a Case Study
Authors: Bačić N. , Mikac Nevenka , Lučić Mavro , Sondi Ivan 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The appearance and vertical distribution of technology-critical elements (TCE) such as Li, Nb, Sc, Ga, Y, La, Sb, Ge, Te, and W were investigated in sediment cores taken in pristine freshwater and marine lakes located within protected areas of Croatia (Plitvice Lakes, Visovac Lake, and Mir Lake). These lake systems are isolated from the direct impact of human activities, and accordingly, the geochemical research in such environments may help to assess temporal trends in historical deposition of anthropogenic TCE. The analytical method of choice in determining the concentration of TCEs was High resolution inductively coupled plasma - mass spectrometry (HR ICP-MS). The results obtained have shown that the measured TCE spanned with wide ranges of concentrations, as a result of the different input of terrigenous material into the investigated lake systems which is further diluted by the formation of authigenic and biogenic carbonates. Evaluation of the anthropogenic impact on TCE levels showed low enrichment of Sb and Te in the upper sediment layers of the Mir Lake and the Plitvice Lakes. Despite that, concentrations of investigated TCE were low, compared to results described in the literature, indicating that the investigated remote lakes can be considered uncontaminated with these elements.
Comparative Methylation and RNA-Seq Expression Analysis in CpG Context to Identify Genes Involved in Backfat vs Liver Diversification in Nanchukmacdon Pig
Authors: Arora Devender , Park Jong-Eun , Lim Dajeong , Choi Bong-Hwan , Cho In-Cheol , Srika Krishnamoorthy , Kim Jaebum , Park Woncheoul 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: DNA methylation and demethylation at CpG island is one of the main regulatory mechanisms at the transcriptional level that give cells the possibility to respond to different stimuli. These regulatory mechanisms help in developing tissue without affecting the genomic composition or undergone selection. Liver and Backfat play important role in regulating lipid metabolism and control various pathways involved in reproductive performance, meat quality, and immunity. Genes inside these tissue stores plethora of information and their understanding are required to enhance tissue characteristics in the future generation. Results: In this study, to understand the differentiation mechanism we have performed whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) and RNA-seq analysis and identified 16 CpG islands were involved in differentially methylation regions (DMRs) as well differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between liver and backfat. Among the identified differentially-methylated genes (C7orf50, ACTB, MLC1) in backfat and (TNNT3, SIX2, SDK1, CLSTN3, LTBP4, CFAP74, SLC22A23, FOXC1, GMDS, GSC, GATA4, SEMA5A, HOXA5) in the liver were identified. Motif analysis for DMRs was also performed to understand the major role of methylated motif for tissue-specific differentiation. Gene ontology studies revealed the association with collagen fibril organization, BMP signaling pathway in backfat and Cholesterol biosynthesis, bile acid and bile salt transport, immunity-related pathways in methylated genes expressed in the liver. Conclusion: Our finding could help in understanding how methylation on certain genes plays an important role and can be used as biomarkers to study tissue specific characteristics.
Effects of the Transcription Factor Ace2 from Trichoderma Reesei on Cellulase and Hemicellulase Expression in Trichoderma Orientalis EU7-22
Authors: Li Yuyu , Xue Yong , Liu Jian , Gan Lihui , Long Minnan 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Trichoderma orientalis (T. orientalis) EU7-22 has a complete cellulase system and shows a remarkable enzyme activity with high potential in the industry. Ace2 is an important transcriptional factor for cellulase and hemicellulase expression in Trichoderma reesei (T. reesei). However, the ace2 gene can not be found in the genome of T. orientalis. Researches show that the mechanism of cellulase transcriptional regulation in T. orientalis keeps high similarity with T. reesei up till now. So, in this study, the ace2 of Trichoderma reesei QM9414 was heterologous expressed in T. orientalis EU7-22. As a result, xylanase activity and β-glucosidase activity of ace2 heterogeneous expression strains are improved and total cellulase activity is decreased. The result of qPCR is in accordance with enzyme activities. This study provides a reference for an in-depth study on transcriptional regulation mechanisms of T. orientalis.
Identification and Characterization of Rice Circular RNAs Responding to Xanthomonas Oryzae pv. Oryzae Invasion
Authors: Wang Peihong , Wang Sai , Wu Yan , Nie Wenhan , Yiming Ayizekeranmu , Liang Jingling , Ahmad Iftikhar , Fu Luoyi , Guo Longbiao , Zhu Bo , Chen Gongyou 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThe emerging role of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in various biological processes have advanced our knowledge of transcriptional and post-transcriptional gene regulation. The number and expression of plant circRNAs vary with species and treatments. However, the expression profile and the potential role of circRNAs during plant response to pathogen invasion are still elusive. ResultsIn this study, we identified 3517 circRNAs from PXO99A-infected rice leaves using the ribosomal RNA (rRNA) depleted RNA-Sequencing technique coupled with the CIRI2 and CIRCexplorer2 pipeline. Among them, 2994 (85.13%) circRNAs arised from the exons of their parent genes, 1214 circRNAs were previously unknown and 276 circRNAs exhibited differential expression profiles upon PXO99A infection over time. In addition, 31 differentially expressed circRNAs (DEcircRNAs) were predicted as the corresponding 121 miRNAs sponges. Functional analysis of both host genes and target mRNAs suggested that these identified circRNAs might play an important role in reprogramming rice responses to PXO99A invasion, mainly by mediating photorespiration, chloroplast, peroxisome and diterpenoid biosynthesis associated pathways.Conclusion﻿These results inferred a potential functional role of circRNAs in the regulation of rice immunity and provide novel clues for revealing the molecular mechanisms of rice-PXO99A interaction.