bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Shifting State–Business Relations in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Post‐2014
Authors: Nosova Anastasia 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThis study aims to explore how state–business relations in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have been developing following the fall in oil prices in 2014 and the subsequent increased pressure to implement economic reforms. The main argument is that due to a combination of factors, the positions of the established business community vis‐à‐vis the ruling powers in those countries have become weaker. The factors are: 1) economic pressure and necessity to reform since the 2014 decline in oil prices; 2) the generational shift and subsequent centralizing tendencies in the ruling circles in some of the states; and 3) increased geopolitical rivalry and antagonism between the GCC members, including intensified competition for foreign investment and external political support. Meanwhile the governments have acquired more control over commercial activities that used to be the realm of the business elite. Although these changes are happening to a varying extent and at a different pace in each GCC country, the trend is recognizable in all six.
The Ins and Outs of Iranian Industrial Resilience under Sanctions
Authors: Batmanghelidj Esfandyar 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThis paper draws on export data from four of Iran’s key trade partners—the European Union, China, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Turkey—to examine the robust and positive correlations between the export of parts and machinery to Iran and Iran’s industrial output, as measured by production index data published by the Central Bank of Iran for industrial enterprises with over 100 employees. The period of analysis is 2000 to 2017. It may seem intuitive that the output of Iranian manufacturers depends on the ability of companies to source intermediate goods such as parts and machinery. However, the imposition of sanctions on Iran is shown to have temporarily decoupled the relationship between European industrial exports to Iran and the Iranian industrial production index—the index remained stable even as European exports fell. An analysis of trade data for the other three trade partners included in this study quantitatively substantiates reports noting that in order to sustain the industrial production index, Iran engaged in processes that can be collectively described as “import reflection.” This entails substituting European intermediate inputs with Chinese inputs while also circumventing sanctions pressures on trade by sourcing European inputs via re‐export from the UAE and Turkey. These processes were fundamental to Iran’s economic resilience in the face of multilateral sanctions and have played a central role in Iran’s defense of its industrialized economy and particularly its non‐oil exports as the administration of US President Donald Trump pursues a new unilateral campaign of “maximum pressure” sanctions.
Update on diagnosis, pathophysiology, and management of diabetic kidney disease
Authors: Sugahara Mai , Pak Wai Lun Will , Tanaka Tetsuhiro , Tang Sydney C. W. , Nangaku Masaomi 
Published: February 2021

AbstractDiabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a chronic complication of diabetes mellitus which may eventually lead to end‐stage kidney disease (ESKD). Despite improvements in glycaemic control and blood pressure management with renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system (RAAS) blockade, the current therapy cannot completely halt DKD progression to ESKD in some patients. DKD is a heterogeneous disease entity in terms of its clinical manifestations, histopathology and the rate of progression, which makes it difficult to develop effective therapeutics. It was formerly considered that albuminuria preceded kidney function decline in DKD, but recent epidemiological studies revealed that a distinct group of patients presented kidney dysfunction without developing albuminuria. Other comorbidities, such as hypertension, obesity and gout, also affect the clinical course of DKD. The pathophysiology of DKD is complex and multifactorial, involving both metabolic and haemodynamic factors. These induce activation of intracellular signalling pathways, oxidative stress, hypoxia, dysregulated autophagy and epigenetic changes, which result in kidney inflammation and fibrosis. Recently, two groups of antidiabetic drugs, sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors and glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) receptor agonists, were demonstrated to provide renoprotection on top of their glucose‐lowering effects. Several other therapeutic agents are also being developed and evaluated in clinical trials.
Modelling predicts tomatoes can be bigger and sweeter if biophysical factors and transmembrane transports are fine‐tuned during fruit development
Authors: Chen Jinliang , Beauvoit Bertrand , Génard Michel , Colombié Sophie , Moing Annick , Vercambre Gilles , Gomès Eric , Gibon Yves , Dai Zhanwu 
Published: February 2021

Summary

The trade‐off between yield and quality, a major problem for the production of fleshy fruits, involves fruit expansive growth and sugar metabolism.

Here we developed an integrative model by coupling a biophysical model of fleshy fruit growth processes, including water and carbon fluxes and organ expansion, with an enzyme‐based kinetic model of sugar metabolism to better understand the interactions between these two processes. The integrative model was initially tested on tomato fruit, a model system for fleshy fruit.

The integrative model closely simulated the biomass and major carbon metabolites of tomato fruit developing under optimal or stress conditions. The model also performed robustly when simulating the fruit size and sugar concentrations of different tomato genotypes including wild species. The validated model was used to explore ways of uncoupling the size–sweetness trade‐off in fruit. Model‐based virtual experiments suggested that larger sweeter tomatoes could be obtained by simultaneously manipulating certain biophysical factors and transmembrane transports.

The integrative fleshy fruit model provides a promising tool to facilitate the targeted bioengineering and breeding of tomatoes and other fruits.
Optimized single‐point left ventricular pacing leads to improved resynchronization compared with multipoint pacing
Authors: San Antonio Rodolfo , Guasch Eduard , González‐Ascaso Ana , Jiménez‐Arjona Rafael , Climent Andreu M. , Pujol‐López Margarida , Doltra Adelina , Alarcón Francisco , Garre Paz , Liberos Alejandro , Trotta Omar , Quinto Levio , Borràs Roger , Arbelo Elena , Roca‐Luque Ivo , Atienza Felipe , Brugada Josep , Fernández‐Avilés Francisco , Guillem María S. , Sitges Marta , Tolosana Jose María , Mont Lluís 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundMultipoint pacing (MPP) in cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) activates the left ventricle from two locations, thereby shortening the QRS duration and enabling better resynchronization; however, compared with conventional CRT, MPP reduces battery longevity. On the other hand, electrocardiogram‐based optimization using the fusion‐optimized intervals (FOI) method achieves more significant reverse remodeling than nominal CRT programming. Our study aimed to determine whether MPP could attain better resynchronization than single‐point pacing (SPP) optimized by FOI.MethodsThis prospective study included 32 consecutive patients who successfully received CRT devices with MPP capabilities. After implantation, the QRS duration was measured during intrinsic rhythm and with three pacing configurations: MPP, SPP‐FOI, and MPP‐FOI. In 14 patients, biventricular activation times (by electrocardiographic imaging, ECGI) were obtained during intrinsic rhythm and for each pacing configuration to validate the findings. Device battery longevity was estimated at the 45‐day follow‐up.ResultsThe SPP‐FOI method achieved greater QRS shortening than MPP (‐56 ± 16 vs. ‐42 ± 17 ms, p < .001). Adding MPP to the best FOI programming did not result in further shortening (MPP‐FOI: ‐58 ± 14 ms, p = .69). Although biventricular activation times did not differ significantly among the three pacing configurations, only the two FOI configurations achieved significant shortening compared with intrinsic rhythm. The estimated battery longevity was longer with SPP than with MPP (8.1 ± 2.3 vs. 6.3 ± 2.0 years, p = .03).ConclusionsSPP optimized by FOI resulted in better resynchronization and longer battery duration than MPP.
Associative transcriptomics study dissects the genetic architecture of seedling biomass‐related traits in rapeseed (Brassica napus L.)
Authors: Xu Jinsong , Zhan Hui , Xie Yanping , Tian Gang , Xie Lingli , Xu Benbo , Zhao Yongguo , Lu Guangyuan , Zhang Xuekun 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIt was observed that the seedling biomass was correlated with final seed yield in many crops. It is helpful to dissect the genetic architecture of seedling biomass‐related traits for high yield breeding of rapeseed (Brassica napus L.). To date, the genetic architecture of seedling biomass‐related traits is still unclear in B. napus. To identify candidate genes associated with high seedling biomass, a genome‐wide association study of seedling biomass‐related traits under normal growth condition and waterlogging stress was conducted with 156 B. napus accessions. We detected six peaks including 55 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) significantly associated with the above‐mentioned traits in SNP association analysis and 142 UniGenes showed significantly associated with traits in gene expression marker (GEM) association analysis. Candidate genes located within the linkage disequilibrium (LD) blocks were identified, such as ADP GLUCOSE PYROPHOSPHORYLASE LARGE SUBUNIT 1 (BnaC2APL1), PS II OXYGEN‐EVOLVING COMPLEX 1 (BnaC9PSBO1), their ortholog in the Arabidopsis thaliana has been shown to play key roles in starch biosynthesis and photosynthesis. Resequencing of genomic regions revealed the non‐synonymous SNPs in coding regions may be the functional polymorphisms in the two candidate genes. Our results provide insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying the establishment of high‐seedling biomass B. napus and lay a foundation for the characterization of candidate genes aimed at developing high‐seedling B. napus varieties.
Connective appendages in Huberia bradeana (Melastomataceae) affect pollen release during buzz pollination
Authors: Bochorny T. , Bacci L. F. , Dellinger A. S. , Michelangeli F. A. , Goldenberg R. , Brito V. L. G. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Floral structures, such as stamen appendages, play crucial roles in pollinator attraction, pollen release dynamics and, ultimately, the reproductive success of plants. The pollen‐rewarding, bee buzz‐pollinated flowers of Melastomataceae often bear conspicuous staminal appendages. Surprisingly, their functional role in the pollination process remains largely unclear. We use Huberia bradeana Bochorny & R. Goldenb. (Melastomataceae) with conspicuously elongated, twisted stamen appendages to investigate their functional role in the pollination process.

We studied the effect of stamen appendages on pollinator behaviour and reproductive success by comparing manipulated flowers (appendages removed) with unmanipulated flowers. To assess bee pollinator behaviour, we measured three properties of buzzes (vibrations) produced by bees on Huberia flowers: frequency, duration and number of buzzes per flower visit. We measured male and female reproductive success by monitoring pollen release and deposition after single bee visits. Finally, we used artificial vibrations and laser vibrometry to assess how flower vibrational properties change with the removal of stamen appendages.

Our results show that the absence of staminal appendages does not modify bee buzzing behaviour. Pollen release was higher in unmanipulated flowers, but stigmatic pollen loads differ only marginally between the two treatments. We also detected lower vibration amplitudes in intact flowers as compared to manipulated flowers in artificial vibration experiments.

The presence of connective appendages are crucial in transmitting vibrations and assuring optimal pollen release. Therefore, we propose that the high diversity of colours, shapes and sizes of connective appendages in buzz‐pollinated flowers may have evolved by selection through male fitness.
Left‐hemispheric predominance on appropriateness evaluation of restructuring during chunk decomposition problem solving
Authors: Zhang Zhonglu , Lei Yi , Xing Qiang , Li Hong 
Published: February 2021

AbstractRestructuring refers to achieving satisfactory solutions by breaking obstacles or forming novel associations in problem‐solving. One critical question arises regarding how an appropriate solution is processed in our brain during the restructuring of problem representations. This study aims to explore the electrophysiological correlates of appropriateness evaluation of restructuring by employing a chunk decomposition task. During loose or tight chunk decomposition, participants needed to assess whether they could get a valid solution after probe removal from a source character chunk. As reflected by the late positive complex, the processing of appropriateness exhibited the greatest effect (appropriate vs. inappropriate) in left parietal regions for tight chunk decomposition, but exhibited insignificant differences across most brain regions for loose chunk decomposition. This study provides the first primary electrophysiological evidence that both hemispheres contribute to and the left hemisphere plays a predominant role in evaluating the appropriateness of restructuring in problem solving.
Realistic (3D) looming of emotional visual stimuli: Attentional effects at neural and behavioral levels
Authors: Fernández‐Folgueiras Uxía , Méndez‐Bértolo Constantino , Hernández‐Lorca María , Bódalo Cristina , Giménez‐Fernández Tamara , Carretié Luis 
Published: February 2021

AbstractPrevious research shows that endogenous attention (the controlled selection of certain aspects of our environment) is enhanced toward emotional stimuli due to its biological relevance. Although looming affective stimuli such as threat seem even more critical for survival, little is known about their effect on endogenous attention. Here, we recorded neural (event‐related potentials, ERPs) and behavioral responses (errors and reaction times) to explore the combined effect of emotion and looming motion. 3D‐recreated static and moving animals assessed as emotionally positive, negative, and neutral, were presented to participants (n = 71), who performed an indirect categorization task (vertebrate vs. invertebrate). Behavioral results showed better task performance, as reflected by lower number of errors and reaction times, in response to threatening stimuli. Neural indices revealed significant early (P1p, 150 milliseconds), intermediate (P2p, 240), and late (LPP, 450) effects, the latter being more intensely associated with behavior, as revealed by regression analyses. In general, neural indexes of attention to both static and dynamic stimuli showed a positivity offset in early stages and a negativity bias in subsequent phases. However, and importantly, the progressive inclusion of negative stimuli in the attentional focus is produced earlier in the case of dynamic (at P2p latency) than in static versions (at LPP). These results point to an enhancement of attention, particularly in temporal terms, toward stimuli combining motion and biological significance.
Oral health perceptions, behaviors, and barriers among differently abled and healthy children
Authors: Rajput Soni , Kumar Amit , Puranik Manjunath P. , Sowmya KR , Chinam Nivedita 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAimTo describe and compare the oral health perceptions, behaviors, and barriers for utilization of dental care among differently abled and healthy children.MethodsParticipants in this cross‐sectional study were differently abled and healthy children belonging to the age group of 7‐15 years. A questionnaire for measuring the children's perceptions, behaviors, and barriers was developed, validated, and applied to this study. Cronbach's α was calculated to test reliability, and test‐retest reliability was assessed by Pearson's correlation test. Chi‐square/Fisher exact test, Mann‐Whitney U test, and factor analysis were also applied. Statistical significant differences were defined as P < 0.05, two‐tailed.ResultsA total number of 300 children in each group participated in the study. The correlations of test and retest for the questionnaire ranged from 0.69 to 0.86 (P < 0.05) with Cronbach's α score of 0.862. More than half in both the groups were aware of the presence of fluoride in their toothpaste, and parents agreed that a child's dental health is satisfactory yet only one‐third of them perceived dental problems as serious. Regarding brushing twice daily, the frequency was better in the study group (26.3% and 17.3%, P = 0.01), most of them changed their toothbrush between 3 and 6 months (67.3% and 82.0%, P < 0.001), and tongue cleaner were regularly used as an oral hygiene aid (62.3% and 88.5%, P = 0.01). Members of the study group appear to have visited the dentist (26.0%) more as compared to the control group (17.7%) (P = 0.01), and most of the respondents (50.0% and 41.5%) consulted the dentist on account of dental caries. In the study group, no priority care (8.82±2.81), difficulty in communicating with the dentist (7.85±1.92), treatment cost (6.90±1.98) and fear of dental instruments (6.90±1.98), respectively, were the barriers with the highest means of scores, whereas in the control group it was related to affordability and fear. Facilities in dental clinics excluding wheelchairs (76.3% and 76.7%) and corridor signs (66.3% and 61.7%) were lacking.ConclusionKnowledge and attitude scores were adequate but there was a discrepancy present concerning oral health practices. Dental health was not viewed as a threat, and therefore, not many visited the dentist. Priority care and communication problems were the central issues among differently abled children, while among healthy children, the main factor was cost and fear.
Regulating road rage
Authors: Bjureberg Johan , Gross James J. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractRoad rage has been a problem since the advent of cars. Given the ubiquity of road rage and its potentially devastating consequences, understanding road rage and developing interventions to curb it are important priorities. Emerging theoretical and empirical advances in the study of emotion and emotion regulation have provided new insights into why people develop road rage and how it can be prevented and treated. In the current article, we suggest an integrative conceptual framework for understanding road rage, based upon a psychological analysis of emotion and emotion regulation has been suggested. We begin by defining road rage and other key constructs. We then consider the interplay between road rage generation and road rage regulation. Using an emotion regulation framework, we describe key points at which emotion‐regulation difficulties can lead to road rage, followed by strategies that may alleviate these difficulties have been described. We suggest that this framework usefully organizes existing research on road rage, while exposing key directions for future research.
Long‐term Outcomes of team‐based learning
Authors: Langer Arielle L. , Binder Adam F. , Scigliano Eileen 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundTeam‐based learning (TBL) is associated with improved end‐of‐course exam performance, but the impact on long‐term retention is unknown. We compared the impact of three teaching methods: traditional case‐based small group discussion (TSG), TBL or no small group reinforcement on short‐term understanding and long‐term retention after a haematology course.MethodsKnowledge assessments were conducted prior to, immediately after and 14 months after course completion. Several topics covered by TSG were switched to TBL and could be directly compared.ResultsWe recruited 24% of eligible students (n = 70). Of these, 48 completed the final assessment (69% retention). Pre‐course, participants scored 31% correctly, which increased to 78% post‐course with significant differences: TBL 87%; TSG 78%; no small group 76% (p < 0.01 for both comparisons). At long‐term follow‐up, the effect of the teaching method was no longer significant: TBL 75%; TSG 67% (p = 0.14); no small group 70% (p = 0.36). When restricted to topics converted from TSG to TBL, the long‐term benefit was not shown: TSG 59%; TBL 54% (p = 0.47).Findings and DiscussionWe confirm increased understanding gained by using TBL, but this did not lead to better long‐term retention. Improved scores on short‐term testing has value for student well‐being and competitiveness for residency application. TBL may still be of long‐term benefit through modelling team decision making and self‐directed learning that are core features of how clinical medicine is practiced. However, our findings argue against justifying the adoption of TBL on the basis of superior long‐term retention.
Design of an Ankle Rehab Robot With a Compliant Parallel Kinematic Mechanism
Authors: Jalgaonkar Nishant , Kim Adam , Awtar Shorya 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
In this article, we present the design of a novel ankle rehabilitation robot (ARR), called the Flex-ARR, that employs a compliant parallel kinematic mechanism (PKM) with decoupled degrees-of-freedom. While multiple ARRs have been developed and commercialized, their clinical adoption has been limited primarily because they do not emulate the natural motion of the ankle. Based on a review of existing ARRs and their limitations, this article defines functional requirements and design specifications for an optimal ARR. These are then used to develop a design strategy followed by conceptual and detailed design of a novel ARR. The proposed Flex-ARR is designed to collocate the biological center of rotation of the ankle with that of the robot's center of rotation to allow natural ankle motion. The strategic use of a compliant PKM in the Flex-ARR not only absorbs any residual misalignment between these two centers but also helps inherently accommodate variations in user foot sizes with minimal adjustments. Detailed design includes the ARR structure with adjustable features, compliant PKM optimization, sensor and actuator selection, and an alignment tool.