bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The relationship between plasma taurine levels in early pregnancy and later gestational diabetes mellitus risk in Chinese pregnant women
Authors: Liu Peng Ju , Liu Yanping , Ma Liangkun , Liu Lihong , Hu Ting , An Zhuoling , Yao Ai Min , Xia Liang Yu 
Published: April 2021

AbstractTaurine is a sulfur-containing amino acid that plays an important role in glucose homeostasis. However, it remains unknown whether the plasma concentration of taurine affects the risk of later gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) development. We recruited 398 singleton-pregnancy women and followed up them during the course of pregnancy. We measured the plasma concentrations of taurine based on blood samples collected at nine-week gestation on average and obtained the data regarding both mothers and their infants from medical records. There was a significant increment in the mean value of HOMA-β across the tertiles of plasma taurine in multiparous women rather than in primiparous women. After adjustment for confounders, an increase of plasma taurine was nominally and significantly associated with a decrease risk of GDM; moreover, women with plasma taurine concentrations in the lowest tertile and in the second tertile had a higher risk of GDM than did those with plasma taurine in the top tertile in multiparous women other than primiparous women. Plasma taurine level seems to be associated with insulin secretion in early pregnancy and be more closely associated with β-cell function and the risk of GDM development in multiparas in comparison to primiparas.
Side effects of the metacognitive training for depression compared to a cognitive remediation training in patients with depression
Authors: Dietrichkeit Mona , Hagemann-Goebel Marion , Nestoriuc Yvonne , Moritz Steffen , Jelinek Lena 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAlthough awareness of side effects over the course of psychotherapy is growing, side effects are still not always reported. The purpose of the present study was to examine side effects in a randomized controlled trial comparing Metacognitive Training for Depression (D-MCT) and a cognitive remediation training in patients with depression. 84 patients were randomized to receive either D-MCT or cognitive remediation training (MyBrainTraining) for 8 weeks. Side effects were assessed after the completion of each intervention (post) using the Short Inventory of the Assessment of Negative Effects (SIAN) and again 6 months later (follow-up) using the Negative Effects Questionnaire (NEQ). D-MCT and MyBrainTraining did not differ significantly in the number of side effects. At post assessment, 50% of the D-MCT group and 59% of the MyBrainTraining group reported at least one side effect in the SIAN. The most frequently reported side effect was disappointment in subjective benefit of study treatment. At follow-up, 52% reported at least one side effect related to MyBrainTraining, while 34% reported at least one side effect related to the D-MCT in the NEQ. The most frequently reported side effects fell into the categories of “symptoms” and “quality”. Our NEQ version was missing one item due to a technical error. Also, allegiance effects should be considered. The sample size resulted in low statistical power. The relatively tolerable number of side effects suggests D-MCT and MyBrainTraining are safe and well-received treatment options for people with depression. Future studies should also measure negative effects to corroborate our results.
Discovering key transcriptomic regulators in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma using Dirichlet process Gaussian mixture model
Authors: Hossain Sk Md Mosaddek , Halsana Aanzil Akram , Khatun Lutfunnesa , Ray Sumanta , Mukhopadhyay Anirban 
Published: April 2021

AbstractPancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most lethal type of pancreatic cancer, late detection leading to its therapeutic failure. This study aims to determine the key regulatory genes and their impacts on the disease’s progression, helping the disease’s etiology, which is still mostly unknown. We leverage the landmark advantages of time-series gene expression data of this disease and thereby identified the key regulators that capture the characteristics of gene activity patterns in the cancer progression. We have identified the key gene modules and predicted the functions of top genes from a reconstructed gene association network (GAN). A variation of the partial correlation method is utilized to analyze the GAN, followed by a gene function prediction task. Moreover, we have identified regulators for each target gene by gene regulatory network inference using the dynamical GENIE3 (dynGENIE3) algorithm. The Dirichlet process Gaussian process mixture model and cubic spline regression model (splineTimeR) are employed to identify the key gene modules and differentially expressed genes, respectively. Our analysis demonstrates a panel of key regulators and gene modules that are crucial for PDAC disease progression.
Universal superlattice potential for 2D materials from twisted interface inside h-BN substrate
Authors: Zhao Pei , Xiao Chengxin , Yao Wang 
Published: April 2021

AbstractLateral superlattices in 2D materials provide a powerful platform for exploring intriguing quantum phenomena, which can be realized through the proximity coupling in forming moiré pattern with another layer. This approach, however, is invasive, material-specific, and requires small lattice mismatch and suitable band alignment, largely limited to graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs). Hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) of antiparallel (AA′) stacking has been an indispensable building block, as dielectric substrates and capping layers for realizing high-quality van der Waals devices. There is also emerging interest on parallelly aligned h-BN of Bernal (AB) stacking, where the broken inversion and mirror symmetries lead to out-of-plane electrical polarization. Here we show the that laterally patterned electrical polarization at a nearly parallel interface within the h-BN substrate can be exploited to create noninvasively a universal superlattice potential in general 2D materials. The feasibility is demonstrated by first principle calculations for monolayer MoSe2, black phosphorus, and antiferromagnetic MnPSe3 on such h-BN. The potential strength can reach 200 meV, customizable in this range through choice of distance of target material from the interface in h-BN. We also find sizable out-of-plane electric field at the h-BN surface, which can realize superlattice potential for interlayer excitons in TMD bilayers as well as dipolar molecules. The idea is further generalized to AB-stacked h-BN subject to torsion with adjacent layers all twisted with an angle, which allows the potential and field strength to be scaled up with film thickness, saturating to a quasi-periodic one with chiral structure.
Lingual Exercise in Older Veterans With Dysphagia: A Pilot Investigation of Patient Adherence
Authors: Krekeler Brittany N. , Yee Joanne , Daggett Sarah , Leverson Glen , Rogus-Pulia Nicole 
Published: April 2021

Purpose
Adherence is a concern in dysphagia management. Poor adherence with recommendations can negatively affect treatment efficacy and patient outcomes. For exercise-based therapies, low adherence can alter the dose of exercise delivered to the muscle, which can diminish impact of exercise. It has been established that low adherence is a problem in dysphagia treatments; however, relationships among levels of adherence and outcomes from exercise-based interventions have not been explored.

Method

In this retrospective pilot study, data were collected from a multicenter clinical demonstration program in the Veterans Affairs hospital system to examine the relationships between patient adherence with a device-facilitated lingual exercise regimen. Outcomes were compared pre- and posttreatment using a paired
t
test or Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-ranks test, and relationships among adherence and outcome measures were evaluated using Pearson or Spearman rank correlation coefficients, as appropriate.

Results

Patient adherence was evenly distributed across participants: Adherence at the front sensor was 59.3% (
SD
= 28.2), ranging from 5.5% to 95.8%; the back sensor adherence was 55.9% (
SD
= 29.8), ranging from 1.1% to 97.2%. Maximum isometric pressure (MIP) generation, at both the front and back sensors, was increased from pre- to posttreatment (
p
< .0001, front;
p
= .008, back). Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) scores were also significantly improved at the posttreatment time point as compared to baseline (
p
= .005). However, there were no significant correlations among adherence and outcome measures (front sensor adherence vs. ΔMIP,
r
= −.161,
p
= .342; back sensor adherence vs. ΔMIP,
r
= .002,
p
= .991; front sensor adherence vs. ΔFOIS,
r
= −.183,
p
= .279; back sensor adherence vs. ΔFOIS,
r
= −.160,
p
= .399).

Conclusions
These findings suggest that patient adherence with this lingual exercise program was not related to the increases in lingual pressure generation or improvement in functional oral intake observed in this cohort. These preliminary findings suggest the need for future, prospective, controlled, and randomized clinical trials to further investigate patient adherence with a lingual exercise program and related impacts of adherence on exercise dose and swallowing-related outcomes.
Demarcated redness associated with increased vascular density/size: a useful marker of flat-type dysplasia in patients with ulcerative colitis
Authors: Ikebata Akiyoshi , Shimoda Masayuki , Okabayashi Koji , Uraoka Toshio , Maehata Tadateru , Sugimoto Shinya , Mutaguchi Makoto , Naganuma Makoto , Kameyama Kaori , Yahagi Naohisa , Kanai Takanori , Kitagawa Yuko , Kanai Yae , Iwao Yasushi 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackground and study aims Recent advances in endoscopic equipment and diagnostic techniques have improved the detection of dysplasia in the inflamed mucosa of patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). However, it remains difficult to endoscopically identify flat-type dysplasia which has been formerly recognized as invisible dysplasia.Patients and methods In this retrospective, single-center study, we endoscopically identified 10 cases of flat-type-predominant dysplasia by targeted biopsy among 38 intramucosal dysplasia lesions from patients with UC who underwent surgical or endoscopic resection from 2007 to 2017. Their endoscopic and histological features were examined, including color changes, intramucosal vascular density/size, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression.Results All flat-type-predominant dysplasias were endoscopically recognized as demarcated red-colored areas and histologically diagnosed as low- (LGDs) or high-grade dysplasias (HGDs). Immunohistochemical examination using resected specimens revealed that flat-type dysplasia was characterized by significantly increased CD34-positive vascular density (LGDs, 1.7-fold, P < 0.01; HGDs, 2.2-fold, P < 0.01) and size (LGDs, 1.03-fold, P < 0.01; HGDs, 1.11-fold, P < 0.01) in the mucosa, compared to adjacent non-neoplastic areas. Increased numbers of vessels were observed at the base of the mucosa in LGDs, whereas HGDs contained increased/enlarged vessels throughout the mucosa. Moreover, VEGF expression was elevated in all dysplastic epithelia.Conclusions Demarcated red-colored areas, histologically characterized by an increased vascular density/size in the mucosa, are an endoscopic sign of formerly invisible flat-type dysplasia in patients with UC and should be considered for targeted biopsy. Prospective studies focusing on the mucosal color change for their early detection would be desirable in the future.
Synthesis of [6,6,m]-Tricyclic Compounds via [4+2] Cycloaddition with Au or Cu Catalyst
Authors: Oh Chang Ho , Kang Juyeon , Ham Seunghwan , Seong Chaehyeon 
Published: April 2021

AbstractWe synthesized [6,6,6]- and [6,6,7]-tricyclic compounds via intramolecular [4+2] cycloaddition by gold or copper catalysts. Substrates for cyclization were prepared by coupling reactions between eight types of diyne and four types of aromatic moieties. We have successfully synthesized eleven tricyclic compounds.
Extending the “Reach” of the Short-Scar Facelift with Energy Devices—An Early Report
Authors: Fedok Fred G. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractFacial rejuvenation has become more popular. A wider breadth of the patient population is seeking procedures to preserve their youthful facial attributes and to remedy age-related deleterious changes. Along with this increasing interest in facial rejuvenation is also the expressed desire for any interventions to be relatively low risk, with limited recovery, and with achievable positive results. Many new technologies have become available in an attempt to improve age-related facial changes. The radiofrequency (RF)-based technologies are largely directed toward skin tightening and toward reducing and remodeling subcutaneous fat. It can be contemplated that the combination of RF-based technology with limited surgical procedures may extend the patient selection for less invasive procedures while improving potential results. This is a report of the combination of radiofrequency technologies—percutaneous and transcutaneous—with short scar face techniques in facial rejuvenation.
Combining Laser Resurfacing and Facial Rejuvenation Surgery
Authors: Hessler Jill L. , Trujillo Oscar 
Published: April 2021

AbstractFacial aging is a multifactorial process involving skin laxity, volume loss, facial rhytids and solar elastosis. Surgical interventions can address the laxity of the skin and restore volume loss but do not fully correct the texture of the skin. Historically, there were concerns over the safety of combining laser resurfacing with facelifting procedures, but now there is much evidence to support the safe use of this combination treatment. When done appropriately, the combination of laser resurfacing with facial rejuvenation surgery can provide a synergistic effect for optimal clinical results. Here, we review the many laser options available and how they may be combined safely with surgical facial rejuvenation. We also review clinical contexts and candidate selection to provide safe, reliable results and minimize complications.
How university diversity rationales inform student preferences and outcomes
Authors: Starck Jordan G. , Sinclair Stacey , Shelton J. Nicole 
Published: April 2021

Significance
There are numerous reasons why institutions of higher education may choose to embrace diversity. A common rationale sanctioned by the US Supreme Court is that diversity provides compelling educational benefits and is thus instrumentally useful. We show that such instrumental rationales are the predominant rationale for diversity efforts in American higher education, are preferred by White Americans and not by Black Americans, that they are expected to advantage White Americans, and that they correspond to greater racial disparities in academic achievement. Overall, these findings suggest that the rationales behind universities’ embrace of diversity have nonlegal consequences that should be considered in institutional decision making.
Cyclosorus parasiticus (parasitic maiden fern).
Authors: Buddenhagen Chris 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Cyclosorus parasiticus (=Christella parasitica) is a fern that is widespread throughout tropical Asia and some of the Polynesian islands, and also found in a few other parts of the tropics; its spores are likely to be spread long distances by the wind. It is not certain that it was introduced anywhere by humans, but this is thought to be probably the case in Hawaii (although the means of introduction is not known); it is regarded there as a threat to some native plants (sources differ as to the conservation significance of some of these). Throughout its range it can be a weed of plantations, but it is not a regulated pest anywhere. It is sometimes used medicinally.
Cotton leaf curl virus (leaf curl disease of cotton).
Authors: Brown Judith K 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Leaf curl disease of cotton caused by the CLCuD-complex of begomoviruses is endemic to Pakistan and India and perhaps other nearby locales in south Asia. It has been introduced from there to China and the Philippines on ornamental plants, from where it has spread to infect cotton and okra in China. Losses are difficult to assess, but early estimates (pre-1990) range up to 20% when infection occurs early in the growing season and/or with highly susceptible cultivars. Viruliferous whiteflies on infested/infected plants harbouring CLCuD-begomoviruses imported to other cotton-growing countries, in particular, are of concern in preventing introduction under optimal circumstances. No seed transmission is known to occur.
Lilioceris lilii (lily leaf beetle).
Authors: Kenis Marc 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

L. lilii is a Eurasian chrysomelid beetle that was first found in Quebec, Canada, in 1943, from where it has spread to several Canadian Provinces, and Vermont and Maine in the USA. It was also reported in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1992, and it is now found in several New England States. It is also alien and invasive in the UK and, probably, in Northern Europe. The beetle most probably spreads with the sale and movement of potted lilies, flowering bulbs or cut flowers. In countries where it is invasive, it is a serious pest of cultivated lilies and fritillaries. Without control methods, leaves and flowers are totally defoliated by larvae. In North America, it also represents a threat to native lilies.
Miconia calvescens (miconia).
Authors: Rojas-Sandoval Julissa , Acevedo-Rodríguez Pedro , Meyer Jean-Yves , Loope Lloyd , Brooks Simon 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

A datasheet on Miconia calvescens covering, as an economically important tree, its taxonomy, importance, silviculture, distribution, biology and ecology, uses, products and pests.
Plyometric exercise enhances twitch contractile properties but fails to improve voluntary rate of torque development in highly trained sprint athletes
Authors: Zimmermann Haiko Bruno , Costa Filipe Estácio , Sakugawa Raphael , MacIntosh Brian , Diefenthaeler Fernando , Dal Pupo Juliano 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACTPurpose: The objective of this study was to evaluate a plyometric conditioning activity (3 sets of 5 countermovement jumps, [CA]) for twitch properties and voluntary knee extension. Methods: After a familiarization session, fourteen highly trained sprint athletes, 12 men (23.25 ± 7.17 years) and 2 women (23.0 ± 2.8 years) performed 2 experiments, each in a randomized order (crossover design). In one experiment, the time‐course of twitch contractile properties was evaluated with and without the previous CA at 2, min intervals to 10 min of recovery. In the second session, maximal voluntary knee extension was evaluated at the same recovery intervals, for control and experimental condition in random order. Results: Mixed‐model ANOVA with Bonferroni post‐hoc revealed significant differences between pre‐test and 2 min (p < 0.01, ES = 0.42) and 4 min (p < 0.01, ES = 0.20) for peak twitch torque of quadriceps femoris muscles confirming postactivation potentiation [PAP] at these times. Twitch rate of torque development (RTD) was significantly greater than pre‐test value only at 2 min (p < 0.01, ES = 0.58) after the CA. Twitch contraction time and ½ relaxation time were not significantly difference from pre‐test values after the CA (p > 0.05). No significant difference was observed for voluntary RTD following CA. Conclusion: The plyometric CA increased twitch peak torque and RTD consistent with PAP; however, there was no effect of CA on voluntary RTD of knee extension at any time after the plyometric CA. Even with PAP confirmed, we observed that the CA fails to improve isometric RTD of quadriceps femoris muscles.

Highlights
A plyometric CA significantly increased twitch peak torque (at 2 and 4 min) and twitch rate of torque development (at 2 min) of quadriceps femoris muscles, indicating postactivation potentiation (PAP).
No effect was observed for twitch contraction time and ½ relaxation time after the CA.
No improvement was observed on voluntary rate of torque development evaluated at the same time intervals.
High yield (⩾108/pulse) DD neutron generator based on a compact, transportable and low energy plasma focus device
Authors: Niranjan Ram , Srivastava R , Joycee J , Joshi K D 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
A pulsed DD neutron generator based on the plasma focus (PF) device has been developed. The PF device was assembled using a single energy storage capacitor (10 µF) and a triggerable spark gap switch in a compact geometry. The anode of the PF device was made of SS304 material with its tip modified using a high purity tungsten insert. Excluding the power supply, the size of the overall system was 0.6 × 0.6 × 1.0 m and the weight was less than 100 kg. A maximum DD neutron yield of (3.1 ± 0.2) × 108 neutrons/pulse and average DD neutron yield of (2.24 ± 0.16) × 108 neutrons/pulse (pulse duration = 35 ± 4 ns) into 4π sr were observed at a capacitor bank energy of 3.1 kJ (25 kV) and at 4.5 mbar D2 gas filling pressure. The experimentally observed average neutron yield was found to be around 30% more than the estimated yield obtained using scaling laws for neutrons (Y
n ≈ 1.7 × 10−10
I
0
3.3; I
0 is the peak discharge current in A). For a peak discharge current of 258 kA at 3.1 kJ, the neutron yield was estimated to be 1.23 × 108 neutrons/pulse. The higher neutron production was attributed to the efficient design of the PF device as well as to the low erosion of the anode tip because of the tungsten insert. Using the time-of-flight method, maximum neutron energy was calculated to be 3.91 ± 0.16 MeV in the radial direction at 4.5 mbar filling pressure. Numerical parametrization using the five-phase Lee model code was performed and found to be similar to PF devices developed across the world.
Tropical dry forest resilience and water use efficiency: an analysis of productivity under climate change
Authors: Stan Kayla D , Sanchez-Azofeifa Arturo , Duran Sandra M , Guzman Q J Antonio , Hesketh Michael , Laakso Kati , Portillo-Quintero Carlos , Rankine Cassidy , Doetterl Sebastian 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Tropical dry forests (TDFs) worldwide have an environment-sensitive phenological signal, which easily marks their response to the changing climatic conditions, especially precipitation and temperature. Using TDF phenological characteristics as a proxy, this study aims to evaluate their current continental response to climate change across the Americas. Here, we show that TDFs are resilient to water stress and droughts by increasing their rain use efficiency (RUE) in drier years and recovering to average RUE in the year following the drought. Additionally, we find that TDF productivity trends over the past 18 years are spatially clustered, with sites in the northern hemisphere experiencing increased productivity, while equatorial regions have no change, and the southern hemisphere exhibiting decreased productivity. The results indicate that the TDF will be resilient under future climatic conditions, particularly if there are increasing drought conditions.