bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Novel Wx alleles generated by base editing for improvement of rice grain quality
Authors: Huang Xiaorui , Su Fei , Huang Sheng , Mei Fating , Niu Xiaomu , Ma Changle , Zhang Hui , Zhu Xiaoguo , Zhu Jian‐Kang , Zhang Jinshan 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAmylose content (AC), which is regulated by the Waxy (Wx) gene, is a major indicator of eating and cooking quality (ECQ) in rice (Oryza sativa). Thus far, only a limited number of mutations in the N‐terminal domain of Wx were found to have a major impact on the AC of rice grains and no mutations with such effects were reported for other regions of the Wx protein. Here, nucleotide substitutions in the middle region of Wx were generated by adenine and cytosine base editors. The nucleotide substitutions led to changes in 15 amino acid residues of Wx, and a series of novel Wx alleles with ACs of 0.3%–29.43% (wild type with AC of 19.87%) were obtained. Importantly, the waxyabe2 allele showed a “soft rice” AC, improved ECQ, favorable appearance, and no undesirable agronomic traits. The transgenes were removed from the waxyabe2 progeny, generating a promising breeding material for improving rice grain quality.
Body composition assessment in children with inflammatory bowel disease: A comparison of different methods
Authors: von Graffenried Thea , Godin Jean‐Philippe , Schoepfer Alain , Breton Isabelle , Martin Francois‐Pierre , Nydegger Andreas 
Published: April 2021

AimTo assess different techniques to measure body composition in paediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease using dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry as a reference method. We hypothesised that a three‐compartment model may demonstrate superiority over other methods as skinfold thickness equations and bioelectrical impedance analysis.MethodsBody composition was assessed using skinfold thickness equations, bioelectrical impedance analysis and the three‐compartment model. Data obtained with these methods were compared to the results obtained by dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry. Statistical analysis was performed using Spearman's correlation and Bland–Altman's limits of agreement method.ResultsTwenty‐one paediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease were included: 11 females and 10 males; mean age for the entire group: 14.3 years, range 12–16 years. In children with inflammatory bowel disease, skinfold thickness equations, bioelectrical impedance analysis and the three‐compartment model showed reliable measurements with small differences in the percentage of total body fat and good limits of agreements.ConclusionThe assessment of body composition using bioelectrical impedance analysis provides a valid and accurate method in children with inflammatory bowel disease as compared to dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry. In the future, superiority of 3‐compartment model in research and clinical settings of nutritional intervention and disease status in children with inflammatory bowel disease remains to be demonstrated.
Proactive proximity monitoring with instance segmentation and unmanned aerial vehicle‐acquired video‐frame prediction
Authors: Bang Seongdeok , Hong Yeji , Kim Hyoungkwan 
Published: April 2021

AbstractTo prevent struck‐by accidents at construction sites, construction object movement should be predicted to avoid dangerous situations. This paper proposes a vision‐based proactive proximity‐monitoring method based on predictions of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)‐acquired video frames. The method has three modules. The first module recognizes workers, excavators, and dump trucks on a pixel level. The second module predicts construction objects’ future locations and postures. The third module generates proactive safety information, including the future direction and speed of objects moving toward the worker. For the evaluation of the method, 1,940 images extracted from nine UAV‐acquired videos recorded at real construction sites were used as the dataset. The method recognized construction objects with a mean average precision of 94.32%, predicted the future frame after 1 s with an F‐measure of 80.59%, and recorded mean proximity errors of 0.43, 0.91, and 1.22 m for the frames after 1, 2, and 3 s, respectively.
An accelerated boundary element method via cross approximation of integral kernels for large‐scale cathodic protection problems
Authors: Gortsas Theodore V. , Tsinopoulos Stephanos V. , Polyzos Demosthenes 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe boundary element method (BEM), combined with hierarchical matrices (HM) and adaptive cross approximation (ACA) techniques, is a powerful tool for treating large‐scale cathodic protection (CP) problems in offshore engineering. Although HM‐ACA/BEM achieves significant memory and time reduction compared to conventional BEM, its application to large‐scale CP problems remains time consuming. In this work, a new, more efficient HM‐ACA/BEM is proposed. The linear system coefficient matrix, obtained by BEM, is partitioned hierarchically into admissible and nonadmissible submatrices. The low‐rank approximation of the admissible submatrices is accomplished indirectly, via a hybrid approach, utilizing approximations of the fundamental solutions and performing only a small number of integrations. The approximation of the fundamental solutions is obtained by a novel, two‐step procedure, which uses a small number of Lebedev points. The proposed methodology is general and integral kernel independent, and thus can be applied to all differential equations solved by BEM. The efficiency of the proposed method is demonstrated by solving a large‐scale CP problem dealing with the protection of an oil–steel offshore platform by sacrificial anodes.
The IC‐D score for predicting prophylactic cardioverter‐defibrillator implantation following acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Clementy Nicolas , Bensaid Reda , Bouteau Jérémie , Fedida Joël , Kiavue Yoann , Socie Pierre , Ackermann Romain , Goralski Marc , Fauchier Laurent , Bernard Anne , Angoulvant Denis , Babuty Dominique 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundA reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤35% ≥6 weeks following an acute myocardial infarction (MI) may indicate prophylactic implantation of a cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD). We sought to find predictors of absence of significant left ventricular (LV) remodeling post‐MI.MethodsAll consecutive patients hospitalized for acute MI with an LVEF ≤35% at discharge in our institution from 2010 were retrospectively included. Patients were assigned to two groups according to the persistence of an LVEF ≤35% (ICD+) or a recovery >35% (ICD‐). Logistic regression was performed to build a predictive score, which was then externally validated.ResultsAmong a total of 1533 consecutive MI patients, 150 met inclusion criteria, 53 (35%) in the ICD+ group and 97 in the ICD group. After multivariable analyses, an LVEF ≤25% at discharge (adjusted OR 6.23 [2.47 to 17.0], p < .0001) and a CPK peak at the MI acute phase >4600 UI/L (adjusted OR 9.99 [4.27 to 25.3], p < .0001) both independently predicted non‐recovery at 6 weeks. The IC‐D (Increased Cpk—LV Dysfunction) score predicted persistent LVEF ≤35% with areas under curve of 0.83 and 0.73, in the study population and in a multicenter validation cohort of 150 patients, respectively (p < .0001).ConclusionsThe association of a severely reduced LVEF and a major release of myocardial necrosis biomarkers at the acute phase of MI predict unfavorable remodeling, and prophylactic ICD implantation.
Practitioners' identification of informal caregivers' difficulties with activities of daily living interventions for older people with dementia in Japan
Authors: Suwa Sayuri , Yumoto Akiyo , Ueno Mari , Yamabe Tomoko , Hoshishiba Yumiko , Sato Mihoko 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundOlder people with dementia who cannot perform daily activities independently due to cognitive impairment need support at home and in the community. This study identified aspects of activities of daily living (ADL) interventions that advanced dementia care practitioners recognise as challenging for informal caregivers to perform.MethodsWe conducted a self‐administered cross‐sectional survey on advanced dementia care practitioners, including certified nurses, specialising in gerontological, community health, home care, and visiting nursing, nurses specialising in dementia certified by the Japanese Nursing Association, and dementia care leaders certified by prefectural governors. The participants rated a caregivers' extent of difficulty in aspects of ADL interventions on a four‐point Likert scale. Factor analysis was performed to determine ADL intervention aspects that are recognised by advanced dementia care practitioners as challenging for informal caregivers.ResultsThe highest loaded factors for mild, moderate, and severe cognitive impairment stages were ‘right time to draw attention,’ ‘opportunities to perform ADL,’ and ‘communicating how to perform ADL without giving up,’ respectively. Therefore, it is imperative to educate informal caregivers about the effects of cognitive impairment on ADL performance in people with dementia and enable them to provide concrete ADL interventions and tips to support the persons' autonomy and independence. The Cronbach's alpha values of the highest loaded factors for mild, moderate, and severe cognitive impairment stages were 0.851, 0.925, and 0.946, respectively. Moreover, the cumulative contribution ratios of each stage were 46.04%, 50.52%, and 47.36%, respectively.ConclusionThis study dealt with identifying informal caregivers' difficulties with ADL interventions across the stages of dementia. Informal caregivers should be supported on aspects of ADL interventions that are potentially difficult for them to perform. Useful educational content and approaches in training programs for informal caregivers should be developed to enable them to help people with Alzheimer's disease maintain ADL performance toward ‘ageing in place’ even as the disease progresses.
Diagnostic performance of routine electrophoresis and immunofixation for the detection of immunoglobulin paraproteins (M‐Proteins) in dogs with multiple myeloma and related disorders: Part 1 – Current performance
Authors: Moore A Russell , Harris R. Adam , Jeffries Christina , Ashton Laura , Avery Paul R. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundRoutine electrophoresis [agarose gel electrophoresis (AGE) and capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE)] and species‐specific immunofixation (IF) can be used alone or in combination to detect immunoglobulin paraprotein (M‐protein) and diagnose secretory myeloma‐related disorders (sMRD).ObjectiveWe aimed to evaluate the performance of AGE, CZE, CZE plus IF (CZE‐IF), and AGE plus IF (AGE‐IF) for detecting canine serum M‐proteins.MethodsOne hundred canine cases that had AGE, CZE, and routine IF performed on serum, and where B‐cell lineage neoplasia (such as B‐cell lymphoma and plasma cell tumors) had been diagnosed or excluded, were evaluated. Routine IF protocols targeted IgG‐FC, IgA, and IgM heavy chains and light chains. IgG4 IF and free light chain IF were also performed. B‐cell lineage neoplasms with an M‐protein detected, using any available method, were classified as sMRD. Datasets from AGE, CZE, IF, CZE‐IF, and AGE‐IF (electrophoretograms, gel images, and fraction concentrations) were composed and reviewed. The sensitivity, specificity, and Youden's index for M‐protein detection were determined for each dataset.ResultsThe combination of AGE‐IF or CZE‐IF was more sensitive (82.9%) than CZE alone (72.0%) or AGE alone (64.6%) and more specific (66.1%, 48.3%, 51.7%, respectively). Immunofixation could be used alone to detect M‐proteins (sensitivity 82.9%, specificity 61.9%), but there were technical challenges that complicated the performance and evaluation of the test. Myeloma with free light chains only was found in 5/41 cases of sMRD.ConclusionsAdding routine IF to routine electrophoresis increases the ability to accurately identify M‐proteins; however, there is still room for further diagnostic performance improvements.
MXene Nanoflakes Confined in Multichannel Carbon Nanofibers as Electrocatalysts for Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Tian Yaxi , Huang Huawen , Chen Chen , Deng Yuanfu , Zhang Lei 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries have been research hotspots because of their significant advantages in high-energy density and low cost. However, the notorious shuttle effect results in poor electrochemical performance, which is a serious obstacle for their practical application. The delicate design of sulfur hosts is a very important strategy to suppress the shuttle effect. Herein, MXene nanoflakes confined within multichannel carbon nanofibers (MXene@MCNF) have been successfully synthesized as robust electrocatalysts for Li–S batteries based on a simple electrospun method followed by a carbonization process. This unique structure effectively prevents the restacking of MXene nanoflakes, which is conducive to improve the electrocatalytic activity of MXene for propelling the redox reaction of polysulfides owing to the abundant exposure of surface active sites. Moreover, the multichannel hollow structure can inhibit the outward dissolution of polysulfides via the physical confinement caused by their abundant pore structures and alleviate the huge volume change of sulfur cathode. Benefiting from these aforementioned advantages, MXene@MCNF-sulfur (MXene@MCNF-S) cathode delivers a high capacity of 1177 mA h/g at 0.2 C and excellent cycling stability after 200 cycles at 2.0 C.
Near-Optimal Receding Horizon Control of Thermal Energy Storage
Authors: Qureshi O. A. , Armstrong P. R. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractEfficient plant operation can be achieved by properly loading and sequencing available chillers to charge and discharge thermal energy storage (TES) reservoirs at optimal rates and times. TES charging sequences are often determined by heuristic rules that typically aim to reduce utility costs under the time-of-use rates. However, such rules of thumb may result in significantly suboptimal performance on some days. Rigorous optimization, on the other hand, is computationally expensive and can be unreliable if not carefully implemented. A novel receding-horizon control (RHC) algorithm is developed to reliably compute near-optimal control for charging and discharging the stratified sensible cool storage reservoir of a chiller plant. The algorithm provides a constant coefficient-of-performance (or cost-per-ton-hour) 24 h dispatch plan under which chillers operate at higher capacity during more favorable weather conditions. The algorithm uses a one-dimensional search requiring at most N2/2 evaluations per day of chiller performance where N is the number of planning horizon time-steps and chiller performance is modeled as a function of capacity fraction and ambient wet- or dry-bulb temperature. Analysis of four hot climates, ranging from dry to humid, indicates 2.4–2.6% energy savings under a flat electricity rate relative to the same plant operating without TES. Annual cost savings from 6% to 9% were found for electricity billed under a simple (10 a.m.–10 p.m.) time-of-use rate with no demand or ratchet components.
Theoretical and Experimental Studies of Impact Energy and Rock-Drilling Efficiency in Vibro-Impact Drilling
Authors: Cao Quan , Shi Huaizhong , Xu Weiqiang , Xiong Chao , Yang Zhaoliang , Ji Ran 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Vibro-impact drilling has been proven to be a viable technique for enhancing the rate of penetration (ROP) in deep and ultra-deep well drilling. It is essential to study the effects of impact parameters on impact energy and rock-drilling efficiency for impact tool design and operating parameter optimization. In this paper, the influences of impact parameters including impact frequency, dynamic loading amplitude, and loading on impact energy were analyzed by a theoretical method. Then, a full-scale drilling experiment was conducted to study the rock-drilling efficiency. The results are as follows: the optimal frequency is higher than the resonance frequency of the rock. The impact energy increases with the dynamic loading amplitude. The penetration rate at dynamic loading amplitude of 4 kN (0.13137 mm/s) is 38.7% higher than that of 2 kN (0.09473 mm/s). When the impact frequency is lower than 150 Hz, the rock-drilling efficiency increases with the impact frequency and dynamic loading amplitude. The penetration rate is 0.1051 mm/s at impact frequency of 150 Hz, which is 29.8% higher than that of 10 Hz. The impact energy and penetration rate at square loading waveform are the largest. The impact energy per second at loading waveform of square, sine, and triangle is 19.6 J, 12 J, and 7.91 J, respectively, when the impact frequency is set to optimal frequency of impact energy. This study provides a theoretical guidance for the optimization design of vibro-impact drilling technology.
Association of maternal body mass index with intellectual disability risk
Authors: Lee Priscilla Ming Yi , Tse Lap Ah , László Krisztina D , Wei Dang , Yu YongFu , Li Jiong 
Published: April 2021

ObjectivesThe study aimed to investigate the association between maternal body mass index (BMI) in early pregnancy and children’s intellectual disability (ID) risk in the absence of chromosomal disorders, neurofibromatosis and tuberous sclerosis, taking adverse birth outcomes, maternal hypertension/diabetes and maternal socioeconomic status into consideration.MethodsWe conducted a cohort study of singletons without common genetic defects born in Sweden during 1992–2006, and followed them from birth until 31 December 2014 (n=1 186 836). Cox proportional hazards models were used to analyse the association between maternal BMI in early pregnancy and the risk of offspring’s ID.ResultsThe risk of ID was higher in children born to mothers who were underweight (HR=1.21, 95% CI=1.07 to 1.36), overweight (HR=1.28, 95% CI=1.21 to 1.34) or had obesity class I (HR=1.63, 95% CI=1.53 to 1.74), obesity class II (HR=2.08, 95% CI=1.88 to 2.30) and obesity class III (HR=2.31, 95% CI=1.46 to 3.65) than in children born to normal weight mothers. Results remained consistent after excluding children with adverse birth outcome or born to mothers with gestational hypertension/diabetes. Analysis stratified by maternal education and annual household income showed that the association between maternal underweight and children’s ID risk was attenuated among children of mothers with tertiary education or with high income.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that maternal underweight or overweight/obesity in early pregnancy was associated with the development of ID in their offspring. This association was independent of the effect of adverse birth outcomes and maternal hypertension/diabetes. High socioeconomic status may attenuate the risk of ID among children of underweight mothers. This study highlights the importance of improving health education before conception to reduce children’s ID risk.
Impact of cardiac rehabilitation on mortality and morbidity in diabetic versus non-diabetic patients: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Dababneh Emad Hanna , Saha Sumanta , Östlundh Linda , Al-Rifai Rami H , Oulhaj Abderrahim 
Published: April 2021

BackgroundCardiac rehabilitation (CR) decreases the morbidity and mortality risk among patients with cardiac diseases; however, the impact of CR on patients with diabetes remains underexplored. This is a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis methodology to explore if the effect of CR on mortality and morbidity is the same in patients with type 2 diabetes compared with patients without diabetes.Methods and analysisInterventional and non-interventional studies comparing the effect of CR, for at least 1 month, on all-cause mortality and cardiovascular outcomes including fatal and non-fatal myocardial infarction, revascularisation and rehospitalisation in adults with cardiac diseases will be deemed eligible for inclusion. Studies published between 1990 and 2020 will be searched in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, CINAHL, Scopus and in registries for randomised controlled trials. Eligible studies will be selected using the Covidence software, and their salient details regarding the design, population, tested interventions and outcomes of interest will be gathered. The quality of studies to be deemed eligible and reviewed will be assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration and National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s tools. The appraisal process will be based on the study design (interventional and non-interventional). In the meta-analysis step, the pooled effect of CR on the outcomes will be estimated. All meta-analyses will be done using the random-effects model approach (inverse-variance method).I2and p value of χ2statistics will guide the heterogeneity assessment. Subgroup analyses will also be performed. The small study effect will be investigated by generating the funnel plots. The symmetry of the latter will be tested by performing Egger’s test.Ethics and disseminationThe systematic review will use data from published literature; hence, no ethical approval will be required. Findings of the systematic review and meta-analysis will be published in peer-reviewed international journals and will be disseminated in local and international scientific meetings.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42020148832.
Risks and benefits of antioxidant dietary supplement use during cancer treatment: protocol for a scoping review
Authors: Wieland L. Susan , Moffet Ilana , Shade Sydney , Emadi Ashkan , Knott Cheryl , Gorman Emily F. , D"Adamo Christopher 
Published: April 2021

IntroductionAntioxidant dietary supplements are used by many patients with cancer to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy and improve prognosis. While some research indicates oral antioxidant supplementation reduces side effects and improves patient survival, other studies suggest the use of antioxidant dietary supplements may interfere with chemotherapy and reduce its curative effects. There is a need to clarify the evidence base on the impact of dietary antioxidant supplementation during chemotherapy on both side effect and treatment efficacy outcomes. We will use a scoping review approach to identify what systematic review evidence exists regarding beneficial and harmful effects of dietary antioxidant supplements when used during cancer treatment.Methods and analysisWe will use Arksey & O’Malley and Joanna Briggs Institute methods for scoping reviews. We will systematically search PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Scopus, Dissertations & Theses Global and the Cochrane Library from inception to October 2020. Systematic reviews of randomised controlled trials of oral dietary antioxidant supplements used by participants receiving curative chemotherapy, radiotherapy or other biological therapy for cancer will be eligible. Two reviewers will screen citations and full texts for inclusion and chart data on research questions from included reviews. Two reviewers will assess the overall confidence in systematic review results using A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews-2 (AMSTAR-2), and summarised evidence will focus on reviews rated at high or moderate overall confidence. Tables will be used to map existing evidence and identify evidence gaps for safety and effectiveness outcomes.Ethics and disseminationThis scoping review does not require ethical approval as it is a secondary assessment of available literature. The results will be presented at conferences and submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. We will also disseminate results to community and clinical stakeholders and involve them in developing subsequent research to address critical existing gaps in the evidence as identified by the scoping review.