bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Seismotectonics and Spatio-temporal Variations in Seismicity Rates along Andaman Trench
Authors: Bhat Gulam Rasool , Iqbal Vazeem , Yousuf Maqbool , Wani Suhail 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The earthquake Frequency Magnitude Distribution (FMD) or b values have been meticulously used in the last two decades as a deterministic earthquake precursor or indicator, in earthquake forecasting or probabilistic seismic hazard assessment studies, in a variety of tectonic and stress regimes. In the present study, temporal fluctuations of b values were analysed by means of 185 well located (Mw ≥ 5) earthquakes, in the region of Andaman and Nicobar Islands (N10° to 14°) for a time period of ~100 years (1918 to 2018). Variation in b value rates before and after the 2004 great Sumatra-Andaman earthquake (Mw 9.3) was analysed, preceded by a comprehensive geodynamic and seismotectonic-crustal deformation overview along the Andaman trench section. The analysis suggest a precursory drop in b values from 1.05 ± 0.05 (1918 to 2004) to 0.90 ± 0.05 post 2004 earthquake (2004 to 2018) reflecting a greater slip deficit and strain localization, that exceeds considerably the pattern of energy release in this region. Further, the region of Andaman and Nicobar Islands have witnessed a poor slip distribution (on-fault reactivation) from the great earthquakes that nucleated near the Sumatra segment, and have ruptured few large earthquakes, with no accounts of great earthquake (&gt;Mw 8) during the last century. This emphasizes that, strain accumulation has been concentrated over a long period of time, and can contribute a destructive deformation event in near future.
New Finding of Silica-deficient Sapphirine-bearing Granulites from NNE of Suranganar Village, Southern Madurai Block, India
Authors: Rai Swapnil Kumar , Prakash Divya , Yadav Roopali , Jaiswal Srishti , Kumar R.S. , Singh Chandra Kant 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
An infrequent occurrence of sapphirine from metapelite rocks of the Cardamom hills of South India has been reported. This report of sapphirine may not be the first from the Southern Granulite Terrane (SGT) but is essentially from a new locality. The studied metapelites are silica-undersaturated devoid of garnet and the sapphirine symplectites. The symplectites of orthopyroxene + cordierite, orthopyroxene + K-feldspar + cordierite, orthopyroxene + sapphirine + cordierite ± K-feldspar ± biotite, orthopyroxene + biotite + cordierite + K-feldspar are discernible. The textural patterns show partial to complete pseudomorphism of the initially formed orthopyroxene and sapphirine and their succeeding decomposition to present stage. The relative XMg calculated for the key minerals show the trend as: Crd &gt; Spr &gt; Bt &gt; Opx. The pseudosection modelling and the calculated P-T diagram drawn from the average bulk composition of the studied metapelite connote isothermal decompression with peak pressure and temperature conditions stable at ~10 Kbar and ~985 °C respectively. The assemblage reported in this study has an important bearing on the crustal evolution of the high-grade metamorphism exhumed from a deeper level of the crust.
First Fossil Legume Flower of Papilionoid Affinity from India
Authors: Hazra Taposhi , Hazra Manoshi , Bera Subir , Khan Mahasin Ali 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Fabaceae, presently a significant dominant taxon of the tropical vegetation of India, has been recognized as the most widespread and common component of Indian Cenozoic flora and known from numerous fossil woods, leaflets, pollen, and fruits. However, unfortunately no fossil legume flower has been reported from the Cenozoic sediments of India so far. Here, for the first time an extinct papilionoid flower is documented from the latest Neogene (Pliocene: Rajdanda Formation) sediments of Chotanagpur Plateau, eastern India. The fossil flower is characterized by a long pedicel, five-lobed calyx, campanulate calyx tube with unequal calyx teeth, corolla with well-preserved standard and wing petal and is recognized as Neopapilionia indica Hazra, Hazra M and Khan gen. et sp. nov. The palaeoclimatic significance in terms of the present-day distribution of its modern analogue is also discussed.
Sediment and Nutrient Transfer from an Inter-montane Agricultural Catchment in Himachal Himalayas of Northwestern India
Authors: Singh Jagdeep , Singh Omvir 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The present study aims to quantify the transfer of sediments and nutrients from an inter-montane agricultural catchment located in lower Himachal Himalayas of north western India. The study is based on long-term water quality data for July to September months for the period 2004 to 2010. The data for this study has been procured from Bhakra Beas Management Board, Sundernagar. The study has revealed a high degree of transfer and variability in sediment and nutrient concentrations, loads and yields, causing pollution downstream. The sediment concentrations have varied from 10 to 8117 mg/l with a variability of 54%. The micro nutrients concentrations have varied from 0.03 to 0.41 mg/l for zinc, 0.13 to 6.64 mg/l for iron and 0.02 to 1.30 mg/l for copper. Among the macro nutrients, highest concentrations have been observed for sulphate (11.81 mg/l) followed by phosphate (0.97 mg/l) and nitrate (0.40 mg/l). The correlation analysis has revealed that sediment and nutrient flux from the catchment are dependent on amount of stream flow. However, the extent of correlations has been, in general, low or non-significant. The findings of this study will have key implications for future sediment and nutrient transfer from agricultural catchments of north western Himalayan region.
Do Somatic Cells Really Sacrifice Themselves? Why an Appeal to Coercion May be a Helpful Strategy in Explaining the Evolution of Multicellularity
Authors: Stencel Adrian , Suárez Javier 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAn understanding of the factors behind the evolution of multicellularity is one of today’s frontiers in evolutionary biology. This is because multicellular organisms are made of one subset of cells with the capacity to transmit genes to the next generation (germline cells) and another subset responsible for maintaining the functionality of the organism, but incapable of transmitting genes to the next generation (somatic cells). The question arises: why do somatic cells sacrifice their lives for the sake of germline cells? How is germ/soma separation maintained? One conventional answer refers to inclusive fitness theory, according to which somatic cells sacrifice themselves altruistically, because in so doing they enhance the transmission of their genes by virtue of their genetic relatedness to germline cells. In the present article we will argue that this explanation ignores the key role of policing mechanisms in maintaining the germ/soma divide. Based on the pervasiveness of the latter, we argue that the role of altruistic mechanisms in the evolution of multicellularity is limited and that our understanding of this evolution must be enriched through the consideration of coercion mechanisms.
Reflecting on professional identity in undergraduate medical education: implementation of a&nbsp;novel longitudinal course
Authors: Désilets Valérie , Graillon Ann , Ouellet Kathleen , Xhignesse Marianne , St-Onge Christina 
Published: March 2021

Background Today’s healthcare professionals face numerous challenges. Improving reflection skills has the potential to contribute to the better management of complex patients and healthcare systems, as well as to improve professional practice. However, the question of how reflection skills can inform professional identity development at the undergraduate medical education level remains unanswered.
Approach The authors developed and implemented a 4-year course that aims to engage students in a reflective process to increase their awareness of their professional identity development. The course is structured around three types of pedagogical activities: workshops, reflections deposited in an electronic portfolio, and individual discussions with mentors.
Evaluation Sixty-four 1st year students (33%) and 17 mentors (50%) from the 2017–2018 cohort completed evaluation questionnaires. For the 2018–2019 academic year, 73 1st year students (34%) and 27 2nd year students (14%), as well as 20 1st year (59%) and 19 2nd year mentors (57%) replied. Students and mentors considered that the pedagogical activities contributed to the development of students’ professional identity through the acquisition of reflection skills, but some elements were perceived as challenging, notably, completing the portfolio, finding a subject to reflect about and the timing of the proposed activities.
Reflection An important preoccupation when wanting to foster the development of professional identity through the acquisition of reflection skills is the authenticity of students’ reflection. We tried to favor authentic reflection, by having a mentee-mentor pair throughout the entire 4‑year course. A rigorous evaluation process helped us identify and promptly correct issues as they surfaced.
Comparison of mechanical and tribological properties of CrBN coatings modified by Ni or Cu incorporation
Authors: Wang Qianzhi , Jin Xuxin , Zhou Fei 
Published: March 2021

AbstractTo compare the merits of Ni and Cu, the mechanical and tribological properties of CrBN coatings modified by Ni or Cu incorporation were studied. The results demonstrated that the CrBN-Cu coatings presented a lower friction coefficient than CrBN and CrBN-Ni coatings owing to the improved lubrication effect of the CuO layer originating from the tribochemical reaction. However, the hardness decline due to Cu incorporation was much greater than that of Ni incorporation. Thus, the CrBN-Cu coatings exhibited a higher wear rate than the CrBN coating. In contrast, the plastic deformation enhancement induced by Ni incorporation exceeded the hardness decline. Therefore, the wear of CrBN-Ni coatings partially turned to plastic deformation to present a lower wear rate than that of the CrBN coating.
Farmers’ agricultural tractor preferences in Ethiopia: a choice experiment approach
Authors: Workneh Wubamlak Ayichew , Ujiie Kiyokazu , Matsushita Shusuke 
Published: March 2021

AbstractUnless supported by agricultural mechanization, achieving sustainable development goals is generally challenging in sub-Saharan African countries, specifically so in Ethiopia. Animal power is the dominant mode for plowing, threshing, and transportation in Ethiopia and yet, at the same time little effort was employed to assess subsistence farmer’s tractor demand in the study area. This study was conducted to understand the preferences of wheat producer subsistence farmers for agricultural tractors in Ethiopia in 2017. A random sample of 79 households participated in either rental or purchase choice experiments. The descriptive statistics revealed that 42% of respondents chose to buy tractors, and 43% preferred to use rental services. The random parameter logit estimation result showed that plowing-and-transporting tractors were preferred by the farmers who participated in the purchase design. They are also willing to pay ETB 149,142 (USD 6516) for transporting-only tractors, ETB 218,253 (USD 9536) for plowing-only tractors, and ETB 367,957 (USD 16,077) for plowing-and-transport-only tractors. However, due to the exclusion of high wheat producers in the rent experiment, the current rental price was found to be far from the 99% confidence interval of the estimated price. The government should promote and encourage the appropriate use of agricultural tractors that are affordable for subsistence farmers through rental or purchase. Conservative agriculture should also be practiced as the over-use of tractors may disrupt biodiversity and natural biological process.
c-CSN: Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Data Analysis by Conditional Cell-Specific Network
Authors: Li Lin , Dai Hao , Fang Zhaoyuan , Chen Luonan 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The rapid advancement of single-cell technologies has shed new light on the complex mechanisms of cellular heterogeneity. However, compared to bulk RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) suffers from higher noise and lower coverage, which brings new computational difficulties. Based on statistical independence, cell-specific network (CSN) is able to quantify the overall associations between genes for each cell, yet suffering from a problem of overestimation related to indirect effects. To overcome this problem, we propose the c-CSN method, which can construct the conditional cell-specific network (CCSN) for each cell. c-CSN method can measure the direct associations between genes by eliminating the indirect associations. c-CSN can be used for cell clustering and dimension reduction on a network basis of single cells. Intuitively, each CCSN can be viewed as the transformation from less “reliable” gene expression to more “reliable” gene–gene associations in a cell. Based on CCSN, we further design network flow entropy (NFE) to estimate the differentiation potency of a single cell. A number of scRNA-seq datasets were used to demonstrate the advantages of our approach. 1) One direct association network is generated for one cell. 2) Most existing scRNA-seq methods designed for gene expression matrices are also applicable to c-CSN-transformed degree matrices. 3) CCSN-based NFE helps resolving the direction of differentiation trajectories by quantifying the potency of each cell. c-CSN is publicly available at https://github.com/LinLi-0909/c-CSN.
Npac Is a Co-Factor of Histone H3K36me3 and Regulates Transcriptional Elongation in Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells
Authors: Yu Sue , Li Jia , Ji Guanxu , Ng Zhen Long , Siew Jiamin , Lo Wan Ning , Ye Ying , Chew Yuan Yuan , Long Yun Chau , Zhang Wensheng , Guccione Ernesto , Loh Yuin Han , Jiang Zhi-Hong , Yang Henry , Wu Qiang 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Chromatin modification contributes to pluripotency maintenance in embryonic stem cells (ESCs). However, the related mechanisms remain obscure. Here, we show that Npac, a “reader” of histone H3 lysine 36 trimethylation (H3K36me3), is required to maintain mouse ESC (mESC) pluripotency since knockdown of Npac causes mESC differentiation. Depletion of Npac in mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) inhibits reprogramming efficiency. Furthermore, our chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing (ChIP-seq) results of Npac reveal that Npac co-localizes with histone H3K36me3 in gene bodies of actively transcribed genes in mESCs. Interestingly, we find that Npac interacts with positive transcription elongation factor b (p-TEFb), Ser2-phosphorylated RNA Pol II (RNA Pol II Ser2P), and Ser5-phosphorylated RNA Pol II (RNA Pol II Ser5P). Furthermore, depletion of Npac disrupts transcriptional elongation of the pluripotency genes Nanog and Rif1. Taken together, we propose that Npac is essential for the transcriptional elongation of pluripotency genes by recruiting p-TEFb and interacting with RNA Pol II Ser2P and Ser5P.
Reducing the risk of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea following translabyrinthine surgery of the posterior fossa
Authors: Cooper Matthew W. , Ward Bryan K. , Sharon Jeffery , Francis Howard W. 
Published: March 2021

ObjectiveTo describe the procedure and results of an adapted closure and reconstruction technique for translabyrinthine surgery that focuses on identifying and managing potential pathways for CSF egress to the middle ear and Eustachian tube.MethodsRetrospective review of a cohort of translabyrinthine acoustic neuroma cases that were reconstructed using this technique.ResultsIn addition to meticulous packing of potential conduits using soft tissue, hydroxyapatite cement is used to seal opened air cell tracts prior to obliteration of the mastoid defect using adipose tissue. Early results of a small patient cohort using this technique are encouraging and there were no wound infections. There was a single case of CSF rhinorrhea associated with incomplete sealing of opened petrous apex cells, with no recurrence after appropriate implementation of the described protocol during revision surgery.ConclusionProactive management of potential conduits of CSF egress including opened air cell tracts has a high likelihood of reducing rates of rhinorrhea and need for revision surgery after the translabyrinthine approach to the posterior fossa.
What Happens to the Worried Well? Follow-Up of Subjective Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Sutherland Margaret , Kirk Andrew , Karunanayake Chandima P. , O’Connell Megan E. , Morgan Debra G. 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT:Background:Increasing concern around perceived neurocognitive decline is increasing the number of referrals to specialists and anxiety for patients. We aimed to explore the likelihood of the “worried well” experiencing neurocognitive decline and developing a neurological diagnosis.Methods:A total of 166 “worried well” patients who attended the Rural and Remote Memory Clinic (RRMC) between 2004 and 2019 were included in this study. Demographic, health, social, and behavioral factors were measured at the initial visit. Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD), and Functional Activities Questionnaire (FAQ) scores were measured and compared at initial assessment and at 1-year follow-up. MMSE scores over time were assessed with a mean follow-up of 2.95 years (SD 2.87).Results:No statistically significant difference was seen in MMSE, CESD, or FAQ scores when comparing clinic day to 1-year follow-up, and no consistent pattern of MMSE score over time was seen. Of the 166 patients with subjective cognitive impairment (SCI) on initial assessment, 5 were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) at 8.5, 3.5, 5, 3, and 1.75 years; 2 were diagnosed with MCI at 1 and 2 years; 1 was diagnosed with vascular cognitive impairment at 5 years; and 1 was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) at 0.5 years.Conclusion:The likelihood of a patient with SCI developing a neurological diagnosis is reassuringly low (9/166), but not irrelevant. This, along with the benefits of early diagnosis and treatment for dementia, leads us to believe that patients with SCI should still be seen in follow-up at least at the 1-year mark.
GAS ION SOURCE PERFORMANCE OF THE ENVIRONMICADAS AT HEKAL LABORATORY, DEBRECEN, HUNGARY
Authors: Molnár Mihály , Mészáros Marianna , Janovics Róbert , Major István , Hubay Katalin , Buró Botond , Varga Tamás , Kertész Titanilla , Gergely Virág , Vas Ádám , Orsovszki Gergely , Molnár Anita , Veres Mihály , Seiler Martin , Wacker Lukas , Jull A J Timothy 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACTA coupled accelerator mass spectrometer–gas interface system has been successfully operating at the Hertelendi Laboratory of Environmental Studies, Debrecen, Hungary, since 2013. Over the last 6 years more than 500 gas targets were measured below 100 µg carbon content for carbon isotopic composition. The system was tested with blanks, OxII, IAEA-C1, IAEA-C2, and IAEA-C7 standards. The performance of our instrumentation shows good agreement with other published gas-interface system data and also shows a quite good agreement with the nominal value of international standard samples. There is a measurable but quite small memory effect after modern samples, but this does not significantly affect the final results. Typical ion currents at the low energy side were between 10–15 µA with a 5% CO2 in He mixing ratio. The relative errors average ±6% for samples greater than or equal to 10 µgC sample with mean count rates of 300 counts per microgram C for OxII. The blank is comparable with other systems, which is 0.0050 ± 0.0018 F14C or 34,000–47,000 yr BP, which allows for the routine measurement of both of small environmental and archeological samples.
Effects of multiple stressors on northern leopard frogs in agricultural wetlands
Authors: Marcogliese David J. , King Kayla C. , Bates Kieran A. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractNatural and anthropogenic stressors, including parasites and pesticides, may induce oxidative stress in animals. Measuring oxidative stress responses in sentinel species that are particularly responsive to environmental perturbations not only provides insight into host physiology but is also a useful readout of ecosystem health. Newly metamorphosed northern leopard frogs (Lithobates pipiens), a sentinel species, were collected from agricultural and non-agricultural wetlands exposed to varying concentrations of the herbicide atrazine. Significant effects of certain parasites' abundance and their interaction with atrazine exposure on frog oxidative stress were identified. Specifically, increased protein levels were detected in frogs infected with echinostome metacercariae. In addition, the nematodeOswaldocruziasp. was significantly associated with increased thiol concentration and catalase activity. Significant parasite × atrazine interactions were observed for atrazine exposure and the abundance ofOswaldocruziasp. on thiol, as thiol concentrations increased with parasite abundance at low atrazine localities and decreased in high atrazine wetlands. In addition, a significant interaction between the abundances ofOswaldocruziasp. and gorgoderid trematodes on thiol concentrations was observed. These findings demonstrate that studies of oxidative stress on animals in natural ecosystems should account for the confounding effects of parasitism, particularly for amphibians in agricultural landscapes.
THE SPECIFICITY OF EVENT EXPRESSION IN FIRST LANGUAGE INFLUENCES EXPRESSION OF OBJECT PLACEMENT EVENTS IN SECOND LANGUAGE
Authors: Lewandowski Wojciech , Özçalışkan Şeyda 
Published: March 2021

AbstractSpeakers show cross-linguistic differences in expressing placement events involving support (cup on table) and containment (apple in bowl) in first language (L1) contexts. They rely on either more-general (e.g., Spanish for support, Polish for containment) or more-specific (e.g., German, Polish for support; Spanish, German for containment) descriptions. Relatively less is known about the expression of placement events in second language (L2) production contexts. In this study, we examined object-placement event descriptions produced by two groups of L1 Polish speakers—with either German or Spanish as their L2—in comparison to monolingual speakers of German, Spanish, and Polish, using an animated event description task. Bilingual speakers showed greater effect of L1 patterns in moving from a more-general to a more-specific system and L2 patterns in moving from a more-specific to a more-general or between two more-specific systems, suggesting that the specificity of event expression in L1 influences patterns of placement expression in L2.
Spectrum of clinical presentation of COVID-19 in paediatric patients with cardiomyopathy and heart failure
Authors: Mantell Benjamin S. , Lytrivi Irene D. , Lee Teresa M. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAs the United States’ original epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic and one of the leading national paediatric heart failure/cardiomyopathy programs, we describe our experience with the spectrum of COVID-19 in the paediatric heart failure population.