bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Explaining ethnic disparities in COVID-19 mortality: population-based, prospective cohort study
Authors: Batty G. David , Gaye Bamba , Gale Catharine R , Hamer Mark , Lassale Camille 
Published: February 2021

AbstractEthnic disparities in COVID-19 hospitalizations and mortality have been reported but there is scant understanding of how these inequalities are embodied. The UK Biobank prospective cohort study comprises around half a million people who were aged 40-69 years at study induction between 2006 and 2010 when information on ethnic background and potential explanatory factors was captured. Study members were linked to a national mortality registry. In an analytical sample of 448,664 individuals (248,820 women), 354 deaths were ascribed to COVID-19 between 5th March and the end of follow-up on 17th September 2020. In age- and sex-adjusted analyses, relative to White participants, Black study members experienced around seven times the risk of COVID-19 mortality (odds ratio; 95% confidence interval: 7.25; 4.65, 11.33), while there was a doubling in the Asian group (1.98; 1.02, 3.84). Controlling for baseline comorbidities, socioeconomic circumstances, and lifestyle factors explained 53% of the differential in risk for Asian people (1.37; 0.68, 2.77) and 27% in Black study members (4.28; 2.67, 6.86). The residual risk in ethnic minority groups for COVID-19 deaths may be ascribed to unknown genetic factors or unmeasured phenotypes, most obviously racial discrimination.
Effects of Resistant Starch on Symptoms, Fecal Markers and Gut Microbiota in Parkinson’s Disease – The RESISTA-PD Trial
Authors: Becker Anouck , Schmartz Georges Pierre , Gröger Laura , Grammes Nadja , Galata Valentina , Philippeit Hannah , Weiland Jacqueline , Ludwig Nicole , Meese Eckart , Tierling Sascha , Walter Jörn , Schwiertz Andreas , Spiegel Jörg , Wagenpfeil Gudrun , Faßbender Klaus , Keller Andreas , Unger Marcus M. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe composition of the gut microbiome is linked to multiple diseases, including Parkinson’s disease (PD). Bacteria producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and fecal SCFA concentrations are reduced in PD. SCFAs exert various beneficial functions in humans. In the interventional, monocentric, open-label clinical trial RESISTA-PD (NCT02784145) we aimed at altering fecal SCFAs by an 8-week prebiotic intervention with resistant starch (RS). We enrolled 87 subjects in three study-arms: 32 PD patients receiving RS (PD + RS), 30 control subjects receiving RS, and 25 PD patients receiving solely dietary instructions. We performed paired-end 100 base pair length metagenomic sequencing of fecal samples using the BGISEQ platform at an average of 9.9 GB. RS was well-tolerated. In PD + RS, fecal butyrate concentrations increased significantly and fecal calprotectin concentrations dropped significantly after 8 weeks of RS. Clinically, we observed a reduction in non-motor symptoms load in PD + RS. The reference-based analysis of metagenomes highlighted stable alpha-diversity and beta-diversity across the three groups, including bacteria producing SCFAs. Reference-free analysis suggested punctual, yet pronounced differences in the metagenomic signature in PD + RS. RESISTA-PD highlights that a prebiotic treatment with RS is safe and well-tolerated in PD. The stable alpha-diversity and beta-diversity alongside altered fecal butyrate and calprotectin concentrations calls for long-term studies, also investigating whether RS is able to modify the clinical course of PD.
Leaf economics explained by optimality principles
Authors: Wang Han , Prentice I. Colin , Wright Ian J. , Qiao Shengchao , Xu Xiangtao , Kikuzawa Kihachiro , Stenseth Nils Chr. 
Published: February 2021

SUMMARYThe worldwide leaf economics spectrum relates leaf lifespan (LL) to leaf dry mass per unit area (LMA)1. By combining three well-supported principles2-4, we show that an isometric relationship between these two quantities maximizes the leaf’s net carbon gain. This theory predicts a spectrum of equally competent LMA-LL combinations in any given environment, and how their optimal ratio varies across environments. By analysing two large, independent leaf-trait datasets for woody species1,5, we provide quantitative empirical support for the predicted dependencies of LL on LMA and environment in evergreen plants, and for the distinct predicted dependencies of LMA on light, temperature, growing-season length and aridity in evergreen and deciduous plants. We thereby resolve the long-standing question of why deciduous LMA tends to increase (with increasing LL) towards the equator, while evergreen LMA and LL decrease6. We also show how the statistical distribution of LMA within communities can be modelled as an outcome of environmental selection on the global pool of species with diverse values of LMA and LL.
Transcriptomic and genetic analyses identify the Krüppel-like factor dar1 as a master regulator of tube-shaped long tendon development
Authors: Quentin Laurichesse , Blandine Moucaud , Krzysztof Jagla , Cédric Soler 
Published: February 2021

AbstractTo ensure locomotion and body stability, the active role of muscle contractions relies on a stereotyped muscle pattern set in place during development. This muscle patterning requires a precise assembly of the muscle fibers with the skeleton via a specialized connective tissue, the tendon. Despite evident disparities, little is known about the molecular basis of tendon diversity. Like in vertebrate limbs,Drosophilaleg muscles make connections with specific long tendons that extend through different segments. During leg disc development, cell precursors of long tendons rearrange and collectively migrate to form a tube-shaped structure. A specific developmental program underlies this unique feature of tendon-like cells in theDrosophilamodel. We provide for the first time a transcriptomic profile of leg tendon precursors through fluorescence-based cell sorting. From promising candidates, we identified the Krüppel-like factor dar1 as a critical actor of leg tendon development. Specifically expressed in leg tendon precursors, loss ofdar1disrupts actin-rich filopodia formation and tendon elongation. Our findings show that dar1 acts downstream of stripe as a critical regulator of cytoskeleton remodeling and mediates the recruitment of new stripe-positive tendon progenitors in a cell non-autonomous manner.
A structured reflective process supports student awareness of employability skills development in a science placement module
Authors: Mello Luciane V. , Varga-Atkins Tunde , Edwards Steve W. 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACTPlacements are often an extra-curricular activity of a science degree. This study reports on the outcomes of a final year credit-bearing 6-week placement module that was specifically designed to develop and enhance students’ employability skills. A key element of this module was that the student placements were not just evaluated from a science perspective, but with an emphasis on meaningful reflection and evaluation of employability skills development. Students recorded their levels of confidence in skills before, during and after the placement via an Online Reflective Log, as part of a module’s summative assessment. First, results showed that taking part in the placement and conducting their own independent research helped students to make connections between their scientific knowledge, otherwise constrained within the walls of the undergraduate science lab, and the wider impact of their research on society. Another theme that emerged concerned career choices and aspirations, and the placement experience either confirmed prior choices or opened new horizons. The Online Reflective Log helped students to feel supported by their university supervisor who were at a distance, while feedback on their tasks challenged them to reflect on the scientific and personal skills as they were engaged in scientific activities during placement. Students agreed that they had further developed their employability skills during the placement. Students acknowledged it was challenging to have to acquire evidence of skills development but appreciated the usefulness of this reflection in relation to their future careers.
Maternal behavioural thermoregulation facilitated evolutionary transitions from egg laying to live birth
Authors: Pettersen Amanda K. , Feiner Nathalie , Noble Daniel W.A. , While Geoffrey M. , Uller Tobias , Cornwallis Charlie K. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractLive birth is a key innovation that has evolved from egg laying ancestors over 100 times in reptiles. However, egg-laying lizards and snakes often possess preferred body temperatures that are lethal to developing embryos, which should select against egg retention. Here, we demonstrate that thermal mismatches between mothers and offspring are widespread across the squamate phylogeny. This mismatch is resolved by gravid females adjusting their body temperature towards the thermal optimum of embryos. Importantly, phylogenetic reconstructions suggest this thermoregulatory behaviour evolved in egg-laying species prior to the evolution of live birth. Maternal thermoregulatory behaviour therefore bypasses the constraints imposed by a slowly evolving thermal physiology and has likely been a key facilitator in the repeated transitions to live birth.
Loss of PABPC1 is compensated by elevated PABPC4 and correlates with transcriptome changes
Authors: Xie Jingwei , Wei Xiaoyu , Chen Yu 
Published: February 2021

AbstractCytoplasmic poly(A) binding protein (PABP) is an essential translation factor that binds to the 3’ tail of mRNAs to promote translation and regulate mRNA stability. PABPC1 is the most abundant of several PABP isoforms that exist in mammals. Here, we used the CRISPR/Cas genome editing system to shift the isoform composition in HEK293 cells. Disruption of PABPC1 elevated PABPC4 levels. Transcriptome analysis revealed that the shift in the dominant PABP isoform was correlated with changes in key transcriptional regulators. This study provides insight into understanding the role of PABP isoforms in development and differentiation.
A model of working memory for latent representations
Authors: Hedayati Shekoofeh , O′Donnell Ryan , Wyble Brad 
Published: February 2021

AbstractVisual knowledge obtained from our lifelong experience of the world plays a critical role in our ability to build short-term memories. We propose a mechanistic explanation of how working memories are built from the latent representations of visual knowledge and can then be reconstructed. The proposed model, Memory for Latent Representations (MLR), features a variational autoencoder with an architecture that corresponds broadly to the human visual system and an activation-based binding pool of neurons that binds items’ attributes to tokenized representations. The simulation results revealed that the shapes of familiar items can be encoded and retrieved efficiently from latents in higher levels of the visual hierarchy. On the other hand, novel patterns that are completely outside the training set can be stored from a single exposure using only latents from early layers of the visual system. Moreover, a given stimulus in working memory can have multiple codes, representing specific visual features such as shape or color, in addition to categorical information. Finally, we validated our model by testing a series of predictions against behavioral results obtained from WM tasks. The model provides a compelling demonstration of how visual knowledge yields compact visual representation for efficient memory encoding.
Plasmodium falciparumKelch13 and its artemisinin-resistant mutants assemble as hexamers in solution: a SAXS data driven shape restoration study
Authors: Goel Nainy , Dhiman Kanika , Kalidas Nidhi , Mukhopadhyay Anwesha , Ashish  , Bhattacharjee Souvik 
Published: February 2021

AbstractArtemisinin-resistant mutations in PfKelch13 identified worldwide are mostly confined to its BTB/POZ and KRP domains. To date, only two crystal structures of the BTB/POZ-KRP domains as tight dimers are available, which limits structure-based interpretations of its functionality. Our solution Small-Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) data driven shape restoration of larger length of protein brought forth that: i) PfKelch13 forms a stable hexamer in P6 symmetry, ii) interactions of the N-termini drive the hexameric assembly, and iii) the six KRP domains project independently in space, forming a cauldron-like architecture. While artemisinin-sensitive mutant A578S packed like the wild-type, hexameric assemblies of dominant artemisinin-resistant mutant proteins R539T and C580Y displayed detectable differences in spatial positioning of their BTB/POZ-KRP domains. Lastly, mapping of mutations known to enable artemisinin resistance explained that most mutations exist mainly in these domains because they are non-detrimental to assembly of mutant PfKelch13 and yet can alter the flux of downstream events essential for susceptibility to artemisinin.
Beverage made from babassu nut kernels and grape fruit: physicochemical properties and sensory acceptance
Authors: Silva Euzedith Sousa , Mendonça Gislane Romano , Pinto Rodrigo Anacleto , Lemos Tatiana de Oliveira , Abreu Virgínia Kelly Gonçalves , Pereira Ana Lúcia Fernandes 
Published: February 2021

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to develop plant-based babassu milk flavored with grape fruit (GF).Design/methodology/approachA four mixed beverages formulations containing 15%, 25%, 35% and 45% GF were produced. The pH, titratable acidity (TA), soluble solids (SS), sugar: acid ratio and color analysis were performed. Sensory evaluation was measured by the hedonic scale, just-about-right (JAR) scale and purchase intent. Moreover, a check-all-that-apply (CATA) form was applied to obtain description data on the formulations.FindingsThe pH values of mixed beverages decreased (p < 0.05) when the concentration of GF increased, while the TA and the SS increased (p < 0.05). The GF addition provided the product with greater opaque and redness. Sensory evaluation revealed good consumer acceptance. For the hedonic scale, 35% and 45% GF contributed to the higher acceptance of color, appearance, flavor and overall liking attributes. For JAR data, the flavor grape term was highest in the JAR region (51%) with 45% GF. Based on the frequency of terms cited by consumers in the CATA test, the treatment with 15% GF was described by babassu flavor, strange and low astringency terms. For purchase intent, most consumers would buy the product with 35% and 45% GF.Originality/valueThis study demonstrates that babassu, an almond little used industrially, is an alternate to plant-based milk. The higher sensory acceptance occurs when 45% GF is used for its flavoring. The CATA indicated that ideal sweetness, striking, acid and ideal grape flavor described the better beverage.
Photogrammetry versus 3D scanner: producing 3D models of museums’ artifacts
Authors: Khries Hashem Mohammad 
Published: February 2021

Purpose
This paper aims to help archaeologists, museums’ curators and technicians in understanding the principle of using the photogrammetry and 3D scanner for the museum archaeological objects in a practical way by presenting specific examples for both methods. Another purpose is to evaluate the performance offered by the photogrammetry and the three-dimensional (3D) scanner device, with the aim of providing a suitable solution to the different shapes and sizes of the archaeological objects.

Design/methodology/approach
The author used the camera Canon EOS 1300 D for photographing and Einscan Pro 2X Plus as a 3D scanning device for several years on different kinds of objects made of various materials, including ceramic, stone, glass and metal.

Findings
This paper showed that both approaches create 3D models with high resolution in easy and different ways.

Practical implications
Handling objects and preparing them for photographing or scanning has involved a number of caveats and challenges regarding the risk of damage that the author had to bear in mind.

Originality/value
This paper is completely based on the author’s personal experiences of creating 3D image of various objects in the project of Documentation of Objects in the Jordanian Archaeological Museums.
Construction process innovation on Brock Commons Tallwood House
Authors: Staub-French Sheryl , Pilon Angelique , Poirier Erik , Fallahi Azadeh , Kasbar Mohamed , Calderon Francisco , Teshnizi Zahra , Froese Thomas 
Published: February 2021

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present the construction process innovations that enabled the successful delivery of the hybrid mass timber high-rise building in Canada, the Brock Commons Tallwood House at the University of British Columbia. It is one of a set of papers examining the project, including companion papers that describe innovations in the mass timber design process and the impact of these innovations on construction performance. The focus of this paper is on innovation in the construction phase and its relationship to innovations implemented in previous project phases.Design/methodology/approachA mixed-method, longitudinal case study approach was used in this research project to investigate and document the Tallwood House project over a three-year period. Both quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis techniques were used. Members of the research team observed prefabrication and construction, conducted periodic interviews and reviewed project artefacts.FindingsThe research identified three innovation “clusters,” including the use of innovative tools, techniques and strategies in the design and construction processes and the role they played in delivering the project. The “clusters” were further characterized according to the type of “connectivity” they afforded, either facilitation, operationalization or materialization. These two perspectives support a compounding view on innovation and help to understand how it can flow throughout a project’s life cycle and across its supply chain. Three process-based innovations were initiated during the design phase, integrated design process, building information modeling and virtual design and construction and flowed through to the construction phase. These were seen to enable the creation of connections that were crucial to the overall success of the project. These innovations were operationalized and enacted through the construction phase as design for manufacturing and assembly and prefabrication, staged construction and just-in-time delivery, integration of safety and risk management and a rigorous quality control and quality assurance process. Finally, a full-scale mock-up was produced for practice and constructability assessment, materializing the radical product innovation that was the mass timber structure. These strategies are used together for a synergistic and integrated approach to increase productivity, expedite the construction schedule and develop an innovative building product.Originality/valueThis paper details an in-depth investigation into the diffusion dynamics of multiple systemic innovations for the construction process of a unique building project, the tools and techniques used by the construction manager and team, and the challenges, solutions and lessons learned.
HMSIW- and QMSIW-based antenna for wireless communication application
Authors: Vala Alpesh , Patel Amit V. , Mahant Keyur , Chaudhari Jitendra , Mewada Hiren K. 
Published: February 2021

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to design and develop half-mode substrate-integrated waveguide (HMSIW)- and quarter-mode substrate-integrated waveguide (QMSIW)-based antennas for wireless communication application. The developed antennas offer advantages in terms of compactness, high gain and better isolation between the ports.

Design/methodology/approach
Initially, the tri-band substrate-integrated waveguide-based antenna is designed using a slot on the ground plane. Then, the same structure has been bisected into two parts for the development of the HMSIW structure. Again the concept of the slot is used for the realization of a dual-band antenna. QMSIW-based structure is designed with further dividing HMSIW structure into two parts. Simulation has been carried out with the use of a high-frequency structure simulator (HFSS) software, which used a finite element-based solver for the full-wave analysis.

Findings
The proposed HMSIW-based dual-band antenna resonates at two different frequencies, namely, 5.81 GHz with 4.5 dBi gain and at 6.19 GHz with 6.8 dBi gain. Isolation between two ports is 20 dB. The overall dimensions of the proposed model are 0.39 λ × 0.39 λ. Similarly, QMSIW-based antenna is resonated at 5.66 GHz of the frequency with the 3 dBi gain. Frequency tuning is also carried out with the change in the slot dimension to use the proposed antenna in various C (4–8 GHz) band applications.

Originality/value
The proposed antennas can use C band wireless frequency application. The proposed structure provides better performance in terms of isolation between the ports, small size, high front-to-back ratio and higher gain. It is fabricated for the proof of concept with the RT Duroid 5880 substrate material having a 2.2 permittivity. Measured results show a similar kind of performance as a simulated one.