bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimization of UV light source conditions for photocatalytic activity of methyl orange using TiO2
Authors: Sativa S O , Zulfikar M A , Alni A 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Methyl orange is one of the azo compounds which carcinogenic and damages the water system if untreatead properly. This compound is used in the textile industry as a coloring agent. Dyestuff waste produced from the textile industry is generally a non-biodegradable organic compound, which cause environmental pollution, especially at the aquatic environment. As organic waste, it is necessary to treat this compound to be harmless and safe for the environment. One of the method to remove dye waste is by using photocatalytic reaction using TiO2 as semiconductor. In this study, optimization of UV light source conditions of the photocatalytic reaction was carried out inside a photoreactor system using TiO2 synthesized by hydrothermal method. Optimization of the distance of UV lamps from the surface of methyl orange solution and UV lamps power has been done under the artificial UV light sources with 254 nm wavelength. The percentage of degradation was determined by measuring the absorbance of methyl orange solution before and after degradation using UV-Vis spectrophotometer. It shows that the optimum photocatalytic activity for the distance of UV lamps and UV lamps power is 20 cm and 20 Watt respectively. Physically, there was color changing during the reaction from orange to colorless.
A systematic comparison of normalization methods for eQTL analysis
Authors: Yang Jiajun , Wang Dongyang , Yang Yanbo , Yang Wenqian , Jin Weiwei , Niu Xiaohui , Gong Jing 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) analysis has been widely used in interpreting disease-associated loci through correlating genetic variant loci with the expression of specific genes. RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq), which can quantify gene expression at the genome-wide level, is often used in eQTL identification. Since different normalization methods of gene expression have substantial impacts on RNA-seq downstream analysis, it is of great necessity to systematically compare the effects of these methods on eQTL identification. Here, by using RNA-seq and genotype data of four different cancers in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, we comprehensively evaluated the effect of eight commonly used normalization methods on eQTL identification. Our results showed that the application of different methods could cause 20–30% differences in the final results of eQTL identification. Among these methods, COUNT, Median of Ratio (MED) and Trimmed Mean of M-values (TMM) generated similar results for identifying eQTLs, while Fragments Per Kilobase Million (FPKM) or RANK produced more differential results compared with other methods. Based on the accuracy and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, the TMM method was found to be the optimal method for normalizing gene expression data in eQTLs analysis. In addition, we also evaluated the performance of different pairwise combinations of these methods. As a result, compared with single normalization methods, the combination of methods can not only identify more cis-eQTLs, but also improve the performance of the ROC curve. Overall, this study provides a comprehensive comparison of normalization methods for identifying eQTLs from RNA-seq data, and proposes some practical recommendations for diverse scenarios.
Teacher Reactions to Trauma Disclosures from Syrian Refugee Students
Authors: Mayor Christine 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Despite the growing interest in creating trauma-informed schools, including for trauma-affected refugee students, little research has focused on the perspectives of teachers supporting these youths. This qualitative study focused on one school district in southwestern Ontario, Canada; it examined 11 narratives from seven teachers that centered on Syrian refugee student trauma disclosures in the classroom. Two full narratives are provided to illustrate the key thematic findings: teachers feel unsettled by unexpected disclosures, teachers are disturbed by students’ lack of affect, tension exists between emotional expression and containment, and teachers engage in meaning making when hearing the stories students want to tell. These findings are discussed within the wider research context of emotional labor, vicarious trauma, and burnout, and indicate that additional support is needed for teachers given the reported professional and personal strain that trauma disclosures can cause. This is not only important for the well-being of teachers but is also critical for Syrian refugee and other trauma-affected students to learn within a more equitable educational environment. School social workers are discussed as a possible resource for providing this ongoing training and support for teachers.
Prevalence, distribution, and determinants of pulmonary venous systolic flow reversal in severe mitral regurgitation
Authors: Itakura Kiho , Utsunomiya Hiroto , Takemoto Hajime , Takahari Kosuke , Ueda Yusuke , Izumi Kanako , Ikenaga Hiroki , Hidaka Takayuki , Fukuda Yukihiro , Nakano Yukiko 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Aims
This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and distribution of pulmonary venous systolic flow reversal (PVSFR) in patients with severe mitral regurgitation (MR), and to examine the relationship between PVSFR profile and cardiac parameters.

Methods and results
A total of 125 patients with severe MR who had transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) performed were reviewed. Of these, 121 (96.8%) patients showed all four pulmonary venous (PV) flows by TOE. They were categorized into three groups by the MR aetiology: degenerative MR (DMR) (n = 72), ventricular functional MR (V-FMR) (n = 20), and atrial functional MR (A-FMR) (n = 16). Eighteen (16.7%) patients had PVSFR in all four PVs. Twenty-nine (26.9%) had PVSFR in three PVs, 23 (21.3%) in two PVs, and 23 (21.3%) in one PV. PVSFR appeared at right PVs more frequently compared with left PVs. A high number of PVSFR was significantly correlated with higher pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) and 3D vena contracta area (3D-VCA). With regard to MR aetiology, the number of PVSFRs was correlated with high 3D-VCA in patients with DMR and A-FMR, while it was correlated with high PCWP in patients with V-FMR. Laminar-type PVSFR appeared more frequently in FMR compared with DMR, and it had a relationship with higher PCWP and lower right ventricular fractional area change (RVFAC).

Conclusion
All four PV were detected in 96.8%, and 16.8% patients had PVSFR in all four PVs. PCWP and 3D-VCA were correlated with the number of PVSFRs in severe MR patients. Laminar-type PVSFR was related to higher PCWP and lower RVFAC.
Volatile organic compounds: from figurants to leading actors in fungal symbiosis
Authors: Minerdi Daniela , Maggini Valentina , Fani Renato 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACTSymbiosis involving two (or more) prokaryotic and/or eukaryotic partners is extremely widespread in nature, and it has performed, and is still performing, a key role in the evolution of several biological systems. The interaction between symbiotic partners is based on the emission and perception of a plethora of molecules, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), synthesized by both prokaryotic and eukaryotic (micro)organisms. VOCs acquire increasing importance since they spread above and below ground and act as infochemicals regulating a very complex network. In this work we review what is known about the VOCs synthesized by fungi prior to and during the interaction(s) with their partners (either prokaryotic or eukaryotic) and their possible role(s) in establishing and maintaining the symbiosis. Lastly, we also describe the potential applications of fungal VOCs from different biotechnological perspectives, including medicinal, pharmaceutical and agronomical.
Population structure and genetic diversity of the Pee Dee cotton breeding program
Authors: Billings Grant T , Jones Michael A , Rustgi Sachin , Hulse-Kemp Amanda M , Campbell B Todd 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Accelerated marker-assisted selection and genomic selection breeding systems require genotyping data to select the best parents for combining beneficial traits. Since 1935, the Pee Dee (PD) cotton germplasm enhancement program has developed an important genetic resource for upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), contributing alleles for improved fiber quality, agronomic performance, and genetic diversity. To date, a detailed genetic survey of the program’s eight historical breeding cycles has yet to be undertaken. The objectives of this study were to evaluate genetic diversity across and within-breeding groups, examine population structure, and contextualize these findings relative to the global upland cotton gene pool. The CottonSNP63K array was used to identify 17,441 polymorphic markers in a panel of 114 diverse PD genotypes. A subset of 4597 markers was selected to decrease marker density bias. Identity-by-state pairwise distance varied substantially, ranging from 0.55 to 0.97. Pedigree-based estimates of relatedness were not very predictive of observed genetic similarities. Few rare alleles were present, with 99.1% of SNP alleles appearing within the first four breeding cycles. Population structure analysis with principal component analysis, discriminant analysis of principal components, fastSTRUCTURE, and a phylogenetic approach revealed an admixed population with moderate substructure. A small core collection (n &lt; 20) captured 99% of the program’s allelic diversity. Allele frequency analysis indicated potential selection signatures associated with stress resistance and fiber cell growth. The results of this study will steer future utilization of the program’s germplasm resources and aid in combining program-specific beneficial alleles and maintaining genetic diversity.
Incident Dementia, Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) Levels, and Potentially Preventable Hospitalizations in People Aged 65 and Older With Diabetes
Authors: Zaslavsky Oleg , Yu Onchee , Walker Rod L , Crane Paul K , Gray Shelly L , Sadak Tatiana , Borson Soo , Larson Eric B 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundThis study was aimed to determine whether incident dementia and HbA1c levels are associated with increased rates of potentially preventable hospitalizations (PPHs) in persons with diabetes.MethodA total of 565 adults aged 65+ ever treated for diabetes were enrolled from Adult Changes in Thought study. PPHs were from principal discharge diagnoses and included diabetes PPH (dPPH), respiratory PPH (rPPH), urinovolemic PPH (uPPH), cardiovascular PPH, and other PPH. Poisson generalized estimating equations estimated rate ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the associations between dementia or HbA1c measures and rate of PPHs.ResultsA total of 562 individuals contributed 3 602 dementia-free years, and 132 individuals contributed 511 dementia follow-up years. One hundred twenty-eight (23%) dementia-free individuals had 210 PPH admissions and a crude rate of 58 per 1 000 person-years, while 55 (42%) individuals with dementia had 93 PPH admissions and a crude rate of 182 per 1 000 person-years. The adjusted RR (95% CI) comparing rates between dementia and dementia-free groups were 2.27 (1.60, 3.21) for overall PPH; 5.90 (2.70, 12.88) for dPPH; 5.17 (2.49, 10.73) for uPPH; and 2.01 (1.06, 3.83) for rPPH. Compared with HbA1c of 7%–8% and adjusted for dementia, the RR (95% CI) for overall PPH was 1.43 (1.00, 2.06) for &gt;8% HbA1c and 1.18 (0.85, 1.65) for &lt;7% HbA1c. The uPPH RR was also increased, comparing &gt;8% and &lt;7% HbA1c levels.ConclusionIncident dementia is associated with higher rates of PPHs among people with diabetes, especially PPHs due to diabetes, urinary tract infection (UTI), and dehydration. Potential evidence suggested that HbA1c levels of &gt;8% versus lower levels are associated with higher rates of overall PPHs and UTI- and dehydration-related PPHs.
The effectiveness of national-level containment and closure policies across income levels during the COVID-19 pandemic: an analysis of 113 countries
Authors: Pincombe Morgan , Reese Victoria , Dolan Carrie B 
Published: April 2021

AbstractDespite heterogeneity in income levels, countries implemented similarly strict containment and closure policies to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic. This research assesses the effectiveness of these containment and closure policies, which we defined as larger decreases in mobility and smaller COVID-19 case and death growth rates. Using daily data for 113 countries on mobility and cumulative COVID-19 case and death counts over the 130 days between February 15, 2020 and June 23, 2020, we examined changes in mobility, morbidity, and mortality growth rates across the World Bank’s income group classifications. Containment policies correlated with the largest declines in mobility in higher income countries. High-income countries also achieved lower COVID-19 case and death growth rates than low-income countries. This study finds better epidemiological outcomes of containment and closure policies for higher income countries than lower income countries. These findings urge policymakers to consider contextual differences, including levels of economic activity and the structure of the economy, when crafting policies in response to public health emergencies.
Inertial Tail Effects during Righting of Squirrels in Unexpected Falls: From Behavior to Robotics
Authors: Fukushima Toshihiko , Siddall Robert , Schwab Fabian , Toussaint Séverine L D , Byrnes Greg , Nyakatura John A , Jusufi Ardian 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Arboreal mammals navigate a highly three dimensional and discontinuous habitat. Among arboreal mammals, squirrels demonstrate impressive agility. In a recent “viral” YouTube video, unsuspecting squirrels were mechanically catapulted off of a track, inducing an initially uncontrolled rotation of the body. Interestingly, they skillfully stabilized themselves using tail motion, which ultimately allowed the squirrels to land successfully. Here we analyze the mechanism by which the squirrels recover from large body angular rates. We analyzed from the video that squirrels first use their tail to help stabilizing their head to visually fix a landing site. Then the tail starts to rotate to help stabilizing the body, preparing themselves for landing. To analyze further the mechanism of this tail use during mid-air, we built a multibody squirrel model and showed the righting strategy based on body inertia moment changes and active angular momentum transfer between axes. To validate the hypothesized strategy, we made a squirrel-like robot and demonstrated a fall-stabilizing experiment. Our results demonstrate that a squirrel’s long tail, despite comprising just 3% of body mass, can inertially stabilize a rapidly rotating body. This research contributes to better understanding the importance of long tails for righting mechanisms in animals living in complex environments such as trees.
The role of institutional trust in preventive practices and treatment-seeking intention during the coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak among residents in Hubei, China
Authors: Wong Li Ping , Wu Qunhong , Hao Yanhua , Chen Xi , Chen Zhuo , Alias Haridah , Shen Mingwang , Hu Jingcen , Duan Shiwei , Zhang Jinjie , Han Liyuan 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Background
We aimed to investigate the association between institution trust and public responses to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak.

Methods
An Internet-based, cross-sectional survey was administered on 29 January 2020. A total of 4393 adults ≥18 y of age and residing or working in the province of Hubei, central China were included in the study.

Results
The majority of the participants expressed a great degree of trust in the information and preventive instructions provided by the central government compared with the local government. Being under quarantine (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 2.35 [95% confidence interval {CI} 1.80 to 3.08]) and having a high institutional trust score (OR 2.23 [95% CI 1.96 to 2.53]) were both strong and significant determinants of higher preventive practices scores. The majority of study participants (n=3640 [85.7%]) reported that they would seek hospital treatment if they suspected themselves to have been infected with COVID-19. Few of the participants from Wuhan (n=475 [16.6%]) and those participants who were under quarantine (n=550 [13.8%]) expressed an unwillingness to seek hospital treatment.

Conclusions
Institutional trust is an important factor influencing adequate preventive behaviour and seeking formal medical care during an outbreak.
Performance and serum parameters of calves (Bos taurus) subject to milk restriction associated with supplementation with 2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio)butanoic acid
Authors: Brito Rosiane F , França Aldi F S , Pansani Aline P , Castro Carlos H , Colugnati Diego B , Souza Luciano F , Rabelo Luiza A , Nunes-Souza Valéria , Xavier Carlos H , Oliveira Graciele A , Corrêa Daniel S , Ramos Adriano T , Macedo Larissa M , Ferreira Reginaldo N 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Our aim with this study was to evaluate the consumption, performance, quantitative characteristics of carcasses, biochemical profile, plasma levels of ghrelin and leptin, expression of the receptor for ghrelin (GHS-R1a) in the hypothalamus and duodenum, and the number of goblet cells in the duodenum of calves subjected to milk volume restriction and supplemented with 2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio)butanoic acid (HMTBa). We used 21 Holstein mixed-breed calves, aged between 3 and 15 d with an average weight of 36.8 kg, and housed in pens with troughs for hay, concentrate, and water. The study included two consecutive experimental periods (first period [P1] and second period [P2]) of 21 d each, with 7 d of adaptation to the diet and facilities. The calves were distributed in a completely randomized design in three treatments with seven repetitions. 1) Control: 6 liters of milk/d during P1 and 6 liters of milk/day during P2; 2) RES (milk restriction): 3 liters of milk/day during P1 and 6 liters of milk/day during P2; and 3) RES + HMTBa: 3 liters of milk/day during P1 and 6 liters of milk/day during P2 + 3.3 g of HMTBa/day in both periods. HMTBa was supplied in milk, and the amount of concentrated ration and hay provided and leftovers were recorded daily to estimate dry matter (DM) and crude protein consumption. Mean daily weight gain (DWG), final weight (FW), and feed conversion (FC) were obtained at the beginning and at the end of each 21-d period. Plasma concentrations of ghrelin and leptin, triglycerides, total protein, urea, lactate, creatinine, alkaline phosphatase, and cholesterol were measured for P1 and P2 at the end of each 21-d period. At the end of P2, animals were slaughtered; sections of the duodenum were collected to evaluate the expression of GHS-R1a and quantity of goblet cells; hypothalamus was used to evaluate the expression of GHS-R1a; rumen was used to evaluate the thickness of epithelium and keratin and the density, height, and width of ruminal papillae. In P1, total DM consumption, FW, DWG, glucose, and triglycerides were lower in the RES and RES + HMTBa groups (P &lt; 0.001). In P2, there was an improvement in the FC of the RES + HMTBa group (compared with Control and RES groups) and a lower urea concentration in the RES group (compared with Control and RES + HMTBa groups) (P &lt; 0.001). No differences were observed among groups regarding hormonal concentrations, histological parameters, and GHS-R1a expression in the duodenum and hypothalamus. Therefore, milk restriction combined with HMTBa supplementation promoted greater compensatory gain by a mechanism independent of changes in GHS-R1a expression and hormone levels of ghrelin and leptin.
Complications of Cranioplasty in Relation to Material: Systematic Review, Network Meta-Analysis and Meta-Regression
Authors: Henry Jack , Amoo Michael , Taylor Joseph , O’Brien David P 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Cranioplasty is a ubiquitous neurosurgical procedure consisting of reconstruction of a pre-existing calvarial defect. Many materials are available, including polymethylmethacrylate in hand-moulded (hPMMA) and prefabricated (pPMMA) form, hydroxyapatite (HA), polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and titanium (Ti).

OBJECTIVE
To perform a network meta-analysis (NMA) to assess the relationship between materials and complications of cranioplasty.

METHODS
PubMed/MEDLINE, Google Scholar, EMBASE, Scopus, and The Cochrane Library were searched from January 1, 1990 to February 14, 2021. Studies detailing rates of any of infections, implant exposure, or revision surgery were included. A frequentist NMA was performed for each complication. Risk ratios (RRs) with 95% CIs were calculated for each material pair.

RESULTS
A total of 3620 abstracts were screened and 31 full papers were included. Surgical revision was reported in 18 studies and occurred in 316/2032 cases (14%; 95% CI 11-17). PEEK had the lowest risk of re-operation with a rate of 8/157 (5%; 95% CI 0-11) in 5 studies, superior to autografts (RR 0.20; 95% CI 0.07-0.57), hPMMA (RR 0.20; 95% CI 0.07-0.60), Ti (RR 0.39; 95% CI 0.17-0.92), and pPMMA (RR 0.14; 95% CI 0.04-0.51). Revision rate was 131/684 (19%; 95% CI 13-25; 10 studies) in autografts, 61/317 (18%; 95%CI 9-28; 7 studies) in hPMMA, 84/599 (13%; 95% CI 7-19; 11 studies) in Ti, 7/59 (9%; 95% CI 1-23; 3 studies) in pPMMA, and 25/216 (12%; 95% CI 4-24; 4 studies) in HA. Infection occurred in 463/4667 (8%; 95% CI 6-11) and implant exposure in 120/1651 (6%; 95% CI 4-9).

CONCLUSION
PEEK appears to have the lowest risk of cranioplasty revision, but further research is required to determine the optimal material.
VipariNama: RNA viral vectors to rapidly elucidate the relationship between gene expression and phenotype
Authors: Khakhar Arjun , Wang Cecily , Swanson Ryan , Stokke Sydney , Rizvi Furva , Sarup Surbhi , Hobbs John , Voytas Daniel F 
Published: April 2021

AbstractSynthetic transcription factors have great promise as tools to help elucidate relationships between gene expression and phenotype by allowing tunable alterations of gene expression without genomic alterations of the loci being studied. However, the years-long timescales, high cost, and technical skill associated with plant transformation have limited their use. In this work, we developed a technology called VipariNama (ViN) in which vectors based on the tobacco rattle virus are used to rapidly deploy Cas9-based synthetic transcription factors and reprogram gene expression in planta. We demonstrate that ViN vectors can implement activation or repression of multiple genes systemically and persistently over several weeks in Nicotiana benthamiana, Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). By exploring strategies including RNA scaffolding, viral vector ensembles, and viral engineering, we describe how the flexibility and efficacy of regulation can be improved. We also show how this transcriptional reprogramming can create predictable changes to metabolic phenotypes, such as gibberellin biosynthesis in N. benthamiana and anthocyanin accumulation in Arabidopsis, as well as developmental phenotypes, such as plant size in N. benthamiana, Arabidopsis, and tomato. These results demonstrate how ViN vector-based reprogramming of different aspects of gibberellin signaling can be used to engineer plant size in a range of plant species in a matter of weeks. In summary, ViN accelerates the timeline for generating phenotypes from over a year to just a few weeks, providing an attractive alternative to transgenesis for synthetic transcription factor-enabled hypothesis testing and crop engineering.