bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Best practices in the flow cytometry of microalgae
Authors: Čertnerová Dora , Galbraith David W. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractMicroalgae are photosynthetic microorganisms with a major influence on global ecosystems. Further, owing to the production of various secondary metabolites, microalgae are also intensively studied for their enormous potential in biotechnology and its applications. While flow cytometry (FCM) is a fast and reliable method particularly suitable for genome size estimation in plant and animal studies, its application to microalgae often comes with many methodological challenges due to specific issues (e.g., cell wall composition, and presence of various secondary metabolites). Sample preparation requires considerable amounts of biomass, chemical fixation, and/or extraction of cellular components. In genome size estimation, appropriate methods for isolation of intact nuclei (using lysis buffers, razor‐blade chopping, various enzymes, or bead‐beating of cells) are essential for successful and high‐quality analyses. Nuclear DNA amounts of microalgae diverge greatly, varying by almost 30,000‐fold (0.01 to 286 pg). Even though new algal reference standards for genome size are now being introduced, animal red blood cells and nuclei from plant tissues are still predominantly used. Due to our limited knowledge of microalgal life cycles, particular caution should be taken during 1C/2C‐value (or ploidy level) assignments.
On using reinforcement learning for network slice admission control in 5G: Offline vs. online
Authors: Bakri Sihem , Brik Bouziane , Ksentini Adlen 
Published: February 2021

SummaryAchieving a fair usage of network resources is of vital importance in Slice‐ready 5G network. The dilemma of which network slice to accept or to reject is very challenging for the Infrastructure Provider (InfProv). On one hand, InfProv aims to maximize the network resources usage by accepting as many network slices as possible; on the other hand, the network resources are limited, and the network slice requirements regarding Quality of Service (QoS) need to be fulfilled. In this paper, we devise three admission control mechanisms based on Reinforcement Learning, namely, Q‐Learning, Deep Q‐Learning, and Regret Matching, which allow deriving admission control decisions (policy) to be applied by InfProv to admit or reject network slice requests. We evaluated the three algorithms using computer simulation, showing results on each mechanism's performance in terms of maximizing the InfProv revenue and their ability to learn offline or online.
Uniform data set language measures for bvFTD and PPA diagnosis and monitoring
Authors: Staffaroni Adam M. , Weintraub Sandra , Rascovsky Katya , Rankin Katherine P. , Taylor Jack , Fields Julie A. , Casaletto Kaitlin B. , Hillis Argye E. , Lukic Sladjana , Gorno‐Tempini Maria Luisa , Heuer Hilary , Teylan Merilee A. , Kukull Walter A. , Miller Bruce L. , Boeve Bradley F. , Rosen Howard J. , Boxer Adam L. , Kramer Joel H. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIntroductionThe Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration Module (FTLD‐MOD) includes a neuropsychological battery designed to assess the clinical features of FTLD, although much is unknown about its utility. We investigated FTLD‐MOD and Uniform Data Set 3.0 (UDS) language tests for differential diagnosis and disease monitoring.MethodsLinear regressions compared baseline performances in 1655 National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center participants (behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD, n = 612), semantic variant primary progressive aphasia (svPPA, n = 185), non‐fluent/agrammatic variant PPA (nfvPPA, n = 168), logopenic variant PPA (lvPPA, n = 109), and controls (n = 581)). Sample sizes to detect treatment effects were estimated using longitudinal data.ResultsAmong PPAs, the FTLD‐MOD language tasks and UDS Multilingual Naming Test accurately discriminated svPPA. Number Span Forward best discriminated lvPPA; Phonemic:Semantic Fluency ratio was excellent for nfvPPA classification. UDS fluency and naming measures required the smallest sample size to detect meaningful change.DiscussionThe FTLD‐MOD and UDS differentiated among PPA subtypes. UDS 3.0 measures performed best for longitudinal monitoring.
Pilot study of an Alzheimer's disease risk assessment program in a primary care setting
Authors: Korthauer Laura E. , Denby Charles , Molina David , Wanjiku Janet , Daiello Lori A. , Drake Jonathan D. , Grill Josh D. , Ott Brian R. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIntroductionThe goal of this study was to pilot a referral‐based cognitive screening and genetic testing program for Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk assessment in a primary care setting.MethodsPrimary care providers (PCPs; N = 6) referred patients (N = 94; M = 63 years) to the Rhode Island Alzheimer's Disease Prevention Registry for apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotyping and cognitive screening. PCPs disclosed test results to patients and counseled them about risk factor modification.ResultsCompared to the Registry as a whole, participants were younger, more likely to be non‐White, and had lower cognitive screening scores. Mild cognitive impairment participants correctly reported a higher perceived risk of developing AD. Patients who recalled being counseled about modifiable risk factors were more likely to report positive health behavior changes.DiscussionA referral‐based program for cognitive and genetic AD risk assessment in a primary care setting is feasible, acceptable to patients, and yielded a more demographically diverse sample than an AD prevention registry.
Nesting, brood rearing, and summer habitat selection by translocated greater sage‐grouse in North Dakota, USA
Authors: Lazenby Kade D. , Coates Peter S. , O’Neil Shawn T. , Kohl Michel T. , Dahlgren David K. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractHuman enterprise has led to large‐scale changes in landscapes and altered wildlife population distribution and abundance, necessitating efficient and effective conservation strategies for impacted species. Greater sage‐grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus; hereafter sage‐grouse) are a widespread sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) obligate species that has experienced population declines since the mid‐1900s resulting from habitat loss and expansion of anthropogenic features into sagebrush ecosystems. Habitat loss is especially evident in North Dakota, USA, on the northeastern fringe of sage‐grouse’ distribution, where a remnant population remains despite recent development of energy‐related infrastructure. Resource managers in this region have determined a need to augment sage‐grouse populations using translocation techniques that can be important management tools for countering species decline from range contraction. Although translocations are a common tool for wildlife management, very little research has evaluated habitat following translocation, to track individual behaviors such as habitat selection and fidelity to the release site, which can help inform habitat requirements to guide selection of future release sites. We provide an example where locations from previously released radio‐marked sage‐grouse are used in a resource selection function framework to evaluate habitat selection following translocation and identify areas of seasonal habitat to inform habitat management and potential restoration needs. We also evaluated possible changes in seasonal habitat since the late 1980s using spatial data provided by the Rangeland Analysis Platform coupled with resource selection modeling results. Our results serve as critical baseline information for habitat used by translocated individuals across life stages in this study area, and will inform future evaluations of population performance and potential for long‐term recovery.
Influence of renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system inhibitors on plasma levels of angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2
Authors: Zimmermann Tobias , Walter Joan Elias , Lopez‐Ayala Pedro , Strebel Ivo , Amrein Melissa , Koechlin Michael , Honegger Ursina , Mueller Christian ,   BASEL VIII Investigators
Published: February 2021

AbstractAimsConcern has been raised that treatment with angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers may increase the expression of angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), which acts as the entry receptor for SARS‐CoV‐2, and lead to an increased risk of death from SARS‐CoV‐2. We aimed to address this concern by evaluating the in vivo relationship of treatment with ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) with circulating plasma concentrations of ACE2 in a large cohort of patients with established cardiovascular disease (n = 1864) or cardiovascular risk factors (n = 2144) but without a history of heart failure.Methods and resultsAngiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 was measured in 4008 patients (median age 68, 33% women, 31% on ACE‐inhibitors, 31% on ARB) using the SOMAscan proteomic platform (SomaLogic Inc, Colorado, USA). Plasma concentration of ACE2 was comparable in 1250 patients on ACE inhibitors (mean 5.99) versus patients without ACE inhibitors (mean 5.98, P = 0.54). Similarly, plasma concentration of ACE2 was comparable in 1260 patients on ARB (mean 5.99) versus patients without ARB (mean 5.98, P = 0.50). Plasma concentration of ACE2 was comparable in 2474 patients on either ACE inhibitors or ARB (mean 5.99) versus patients without ACE inhibitors or ARB (mean 5.98, P = 0.31). Multivariable quantile regression model analysis confirmed the lack of association between treatment with ACE inhibitors or ARB and ACE2 concentrations. Body mass index showed the only positive association with ACE2 plasma concentration (effect 0.015, 95% confidence interval 0.002 to 0.028, P = 0.024).ConclusionsIn a large cohort of patients with established cardiovascular disease or cardiovascular risk factors but without heart failure, ACE inhibitors and ARB were not associated with higher plasma concentrations of ACE2.
Quantifying the relationship and contribution of mitochondrial respiration to systemic exercise limitation in heart failure
Authors: Knuiman Pim , Straw Sam , Gierula John , Koshy Aaron , Roberts Lee D. , Witte Klaus K. , Ferguson Carrie , Bowen Thomas Scott 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAimsHeart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) induces skeletal muscle mitochondrial abnormalities that contribute to exercise limitation; however, specific mitochondrial therapeutic targets remain poorly established. This study quantified the relationship and contribution of distinct mitochondrial respiratory states to prognostic whole‐body measures of exercise limitation in HFrEF.Methods and resultsMale patients with HFrEF (n = 22) were prospectively enrolled and underwent ramp‐incremental cycle ergometry cardiopulmonary exercise testing to determine exercise variables including peak pulmonary oxygen uptake (V̇O2peak), lactate threshold (V̇O2LT), the ventilatory equivalent for carbon dioxide (V̇E/V̇CO2LT), peak circulatory power (CircPpeak), and peak oxygen pulse. Pectoralis major was biopsied for assessment of in situ mitochondrial respiration. All mitochondrial states including complexes I, II, and IV and electron transport system (ETS) capacity correlated with V̇O2peak (r = 0.40–0.64; P < 0.05), V̇O2LT (r = 0.52–0.72; P < 0.05), and CircPpeak (r = 0.42–0.60; P < 0.05). Multiple regression analysis revealed that combining age, haemoglobin, and left ventricular ejection fraction with ETS capacity could explain 52% of the variability in V̇O2peak and 80% of the variability in V̇O2LT, respectively, with ETS capacity (P = 0.04) and complex I (P = 0.01) the only significant contributors in the model.ConclusionsMitochondrial respiratory states from skeletal muscle biopsies of patients with HFrEF were independently correlated to established non‐invasive prognostic cycle ergometry cardiopulmonary exercise testing indices including V̇O2peak, V̇O2LT, and CircPpeak. When combined with baseline patient characteristics, over 50% of the variability in V̇O2peak could be explained by the mitochondrial ETS capacity. These data provide optimized mitochondrial targets that may attenuate exercise limitations in HFrEF.
Effects of corona virus disease‐19 control measures on air quality in North China
Authors: Zheng Xiangyu , Guo Bin , He Jing , Chen Song Xi 
Published: February 2021

AbstractCorona virus disease‐19 (COVID‐19) has substantially reduced human activities and the associated anthropogenic emissions. This study quantifies the effects of COVID‐19 control measures on six major air pollutants over 68 cities in North China by a Difference in Relative‐Difference method that allows estimation of the COVID‐19 effects while taking account of the general annual air quality trends, temporal and meteorological variations, and the spring festival effects. Significant COVID‐19 effects on all six major air pollutants are found, with NO2 having the largest decline (−39.6%), followed by PM2.5 (−30.9%), O3 (−16.3%), PM10 (−14.3%), CO (−13.9%), and the least in SO2 (−10.0%), which shows the achievability of air quality improvement by a large reduction in anthropogenic emissions. The heterogeneity of effects among the six pollutants and different regions can be partly explained by coal consumption and industrial output data.
Seismic response and failure mechanism of underground frame structures based on dynamic centrifuge tests
Authors: Xu Chengshun , Zhang Zihong , Li Yang , Du Xiuli 
Published: February 2021

AbstractDuring the 1995 Kobe earthquake in Japan, the Daikai subway station suffered total collapse, which made the research on the seismic failure mechanism of underground frame structures become a hot topic. The author has carried out a lot of research on earthquake failure mechanism of underground frame structures based on numerical method. To validate and further study the seismic failure response and mechanism of underground frame structures, a series of comparative dynamic centrifuge tests were carried out. The research conclusions are as follows. The vertical earthquake action significantly increased the axial pressure on the columns of an underground frame structure, reducing their horizontal deformation capacity. The columns subjected to high axial compression were prone to brittle damage under a relatively strong horizontal earthquake, which led to the overall collapse of an underground frame structure. The areas near the intersection of the ceiling slab and the sidewalls were the weak part of the underground frame structure and were vulnerable to tensile cracks under earthquake. The columns' top and bottom were the fragile parts and were prone to concrete cracking or even shear failure under an earthquake. If the columns could remain intact and effectively provided vertical support under a strong earthquake, it was beneficial to reduce the risk of the overall collapse of an underground frame structure.
MYB rearrangements and over‐expression in T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Bardelli Valentina , Arniani Silvia , Pierini Valentina , Pierini Tiziana , Di Giacomo Danika , Gorello Paolo , Moretti Martina , Pellanera Fabrizia , Elia Loredana , Vitale Antonella , Storlazzi Clelia Tiziana , Tolomeo Doron , Mastrodicasa Elena , Caniglia Maurizio , Chiaretti Sabina , Ruggeri Loredana , Roti Giovanni , Schwab Claire , Harrison Christine J , Almeida André , Pieters Tim , Van Vlierberghe Pieter , Mecucci Cristina , La Starza Roberta 
Published: February 2021

AbstractWe investigated MYB rearrangements (MYB‐R) and the levels of MYB expression, in 331 pediatric and adult patients with T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T‐ALL). MYB‐R were detected in 17 cases and consisted of MYB tandem duplication (tdup) (= 14) or T cell receptor beta locus (TRB)‐MYB (= 3). As previously reported, TRB‐MYB was found only in children (1.6%) while MYB tdup occurred in both age groups, although it was slightly more frequent in children (5.2% vs 2.8%). Shared features of MYB‐R T‐ALL were a non‐early T‐cell precursor (ETP) phenotype, a high incidence of NOTCH1/FBXW7 mutations (81%) and CDKN2AB deletions (70.5%). Moreover, they mainly belonged to HOXA (=8), NKX2‐1/2‐2/TLX1 (=4), and TLX3 (=3) homeobox‐related subgroups. Overall, MYB‐R cases had significantly higher levels of MYB expression than MYB wild type (MYB‐wt) cases, although high levels of MYB were detected in ~ 30% of MYB‐wt T‐ALL. Consistent with the transcriptional regulatory networks, cases with high MYB expression were significantly enriched within the TAL/LMO subgroup (P = .017). Interestingly, analysis of paired diagnosis/remission samples demonstrated that a high MYB expression was restricted to the leukemic clone. Our study has indicated that different mechanisms underlie MYB deregulation in 30%‐40% of T‐ALL and highlighted that, MYB has potential as predictive/prognostic marker and/or target for tailored therapy.
Changes in connexin 43 in inflammatory skin disorders: Eczema, psoriasis, and Steven‐Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis
Authors: Tan Mandy L. L. , Kwong Hui L. , Ang Chia C. , Tey Hong L. , Lee Joyce S. S. , Becker David L. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundConnexin 43 (Cx43) plays a central role in the inflammatory response and wound healing. Targeting Cx43 expression reduces inflammation in a variety of injuries. The expression pattern of Cx43 has not been described for many inflammatory skin diseases.ObjectivesTo describe the expression patterns of Cx43 in eczema, psoriasis, Steven‐Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis.MethodsArchival skin biopsies from patients with eczema, psoriasis, and Steven‐Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrosis were identified and examined, with sister sections stained for Cx43 and imaged by confocal microscopy. All samples were compared to age and site‐matched normal skin controls.ResultsEpidermal Cx43 is reduced in acute eczema, absent in regions of spongiosis, and is highly elevated in subacute and chronic eczema. In plaque psoriasis, Cx43 is overexpressed in areas with psoriasiform hyperplasia with a fish‐scale‐like appearance but is lost in regions surrounding neutrophil microabscesses. Cx43 staining is strong in the neutrophils within these microabscesses. In SJS/TEN, Cx43 expression is elevated in areas bordering normal tissue but is rapidly lost in areas of keratinocyte necrosis.ConclusionsDynamic changes in Cx43 levels are seen in inflammatory skin diseases and may represent future potential therapeutic targets.
Irrigation schedule optimization based on the combination of an economic irrigation quota and the AquaCrop model*
Authors: Zhao Yong , Li Fawen , Jiang Rengui 
Published: February 2021

AbstractCurrently, with the shortage of agricultural water resources, research on water‐saving irrigation is of great significance for the improvement of water productivity. In this research, the economic irrigation quotas for summer maize in years with different precipitation levels were determined according to the growth function of summer maize, aiming to maximize the net benefit of water consumption units. Based on the economic irrigation quotas, the irrigation schedule of summer maize was optimized by the AquaCrop model. The results show that in wet years, summer maize does not need irrigation. In normal years, summer maize only needs to be irrigated once at the seedling stage and once at the jointing stage to reach a maximum yield of 7.23 t/ha and a water productivity of 2.25 kg/m3, with an irrigation quota of 25 mm and a total irrigation amount of 50 mm. In dry years, summer maize needs to be irrigated once at the seedling stage, jointing stage, and flowering stage, with an irrigation quota of 46.6 mm and a total irrigation amount of 140 mm. Under this condition, the summer maize yield reaches a maximum of 7.20 t/ha, and the water productivity is 1.99 kg/m3.
Virtual Dasein: Ethnography in Cyberspace
Authors: Martin Varisco Daniel 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe cyberculture created by individuals who enter cyberspace is a fieldsite only recently visited by anthropologists. In this essay I argue that one way of approaching the ethnography of cyberspace is to treat it as virtual Dasein, in which the issue becomes being there in something-like-a-world yet still being in the world. Ethnographers now need to consider the impact of the Internet on the people they study, even in the remotest villages. The promise and potential peril of virtual reality calls for critical assessment of the economic and political consequences of cyberspace development. Finally, our own involvement with the Internet demands a reflexivity that goes beyond musing over the mutant prospect of becoming cyborgs to assessing a new combination of humans, technology and information.
Surfing the App Souq: Islamic Applications for Mobile Devices
Authors: Bunt Gary R. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThis article introduces issues associated with Islamic apps for mobile devices, and surveys some of the products that have emerged into the market. It considers the potential impact of mobile phone interfaces in relation to interpretations of Islam and the use of Islamic resources, given that mobile devices have widened potential audiences for online materials in various forms, especially in areas where other forms of digital access may be more problematic. The article also explores some of the religious and ethical concerns associated with mobile phone use.
Overcoming the Digital Divide: The Internet and Political Mobilization in Egypt and Tunisia
Authors: Kuebler Johanne 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe potential of the Internet as a political tool intrigues scientists and politicians alike. Particularly in the Middle East, the most frequent narrative is that the mere availability of alternative sources of information will empower political actors that are marginalized by the traditional media controlled by authoritarian regimes. Indeed, the protest movements in authoritarian countries interact creatively with this new medium to get their message across in an environment marked by censorship and repression. Comparing the patterns of Internet use for political mobilization in Egypt and in Tunisia, this article shows how the Internet as a relative free space can be a vital factor in opening windows and expanding the realm of what can be said in public. However, the Internet as such appears not to be sufficient to radically transform the society as a whole. Instead, the case of Egypt shows how traditional media such as the press can serve as a bridge to the general public sphere, helping to operate results of discussions online and to transform the newly acquired space of discussion into actual power on the street.