bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Statistically bias-corrected and downscaled climate models underestimate the severity of U.S. maize yield shocks
Authors: Lafferty David , Sri Ryan , Haqiqi Iman , Hertel Thomas , Keller Klaus , Nicholas Robert 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Efforts to understand and quantify how a changing climate can impact agriculture often rely on bias-corrected and downscaled climate information, making it important to quantify potential biases of this approach. Previous studies typically focus their uncertainty analyses on climatic variables and are silent on how these uncertainties propagate into human systems through their subsequent incorporation into econometric models. Here, we use a multi-model ensemble of statistically downscaled and bias-corrected climate models, as well as the corresponding CMIP5 parent models, to analyze uncertainty surrounding annual maize yield variability in the United States. We find that the CMIP5 models considerably overestimate historical yield variability while the bias-corrected and downscaled versions underestimate the largest historically observed yield shocks. We also find large differences in projected yields and other decision-relevant metrics throughout this century, leaving stakeholders with modeling choices that require navigating trade-offs in resolution, historical accuracy, and projection confidence.
Using ferric sulfate, sodium hydroxide, and chitosan to harvest marine microalgae Chlorella vulgaris and recycling the culture medium
Authors: Cai Jinling , Wang Yu , Feng Chenchen , Zhang Xinzhi 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Microalgae are widely used in biofuels, medicine, food, and feed industries. However, harvesting microalgal biomass is a major difficulty that hinders their industrial application. In this study, three flocculants (ferric sulfate, sodium hydroxide, and chitosan) were used to harvest the marine microalga Chlorella vulgaris, and floc characteristics including flocculation efficiency, concentration factor, and flocs morphology were studied. The results showed that the tested flocculants can efficiently harvest C. vulgaris. The flocculation efficiencies of ferric sulfate (0.9 g/L), sodium hydroxide (0.6 g/L), and chitosan (30 mg/L) were 93.4% ± 0.8%, 96.5% ± 0.6%, and 98.8% ± 1.3% within 70, 100, and 12 min, respectively. The total carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids contents in C. vulgaris were not influenced by the test flocculants after harvesting. When compared with fresh f/2 medium, the recycled medium could also efficiently support C. vulgaris growth. Among the three flocculants tested, chitosan was ideal owing to its high efficiency, low dosage requirement, short harvesting time, and reutilization of culture medium.
Joining thin-walled structures without protuberance by two-strokes flattening clinching process
Authors: Peng Hao , Chen Chao , Li Haijun , Gao Xiaolei 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Clinching technologies have better performance in joining different sheet materials. However, the protuberance and mechanical behaviors of clinched joints have always been needed to be improved. In this paper, a new clinching method, named two-strokes flattening clinching (TFC) process, was proposed to improve the mechanical behaviors of joints and flatten the protuberance. Mechanical testing including tension shearing tests were employed under quasi-static conditions to evaluate the different mechanical behaviors between TFC and conventional clinched joints. The influences of the different forming forces on mechanical response of these joints were studied. The static strength, energy absorption, material flow and failure modes of TFC and conventional clinched joints were investigated comparatively. The experimental results demonstrated that the tension-shear strength of TFC clinched joints was increased by 30.3% compared with conventional clinched joints at the forming force of 30 kN. Furthermore, the material flow analysis showed that the thickness and interlock of TFC clinched joints were increased by 79% and 45.9%, respectively. The energy absorption of TFC clinched joint was increased by 82%. In addition, the TFC process did not change the failure mode of clinched joints, and the failure mode of all clinched joints was neck fracture.
Comparison between Heat Pipes based condenser and Conventional condenser of Power Plant
Authors: Tarla Mallikharjuna Rao 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
This paper explores the feasibility of using heat pipes for steam condensation and heat pipe based condenser. The concept of heat pipes for steam condensation is newly proposed and studied herewith. . CFD analysis and Experimental studies carried on the single heat pipe for steam condensation. Experimental setup and results of heat pipes based steam condenser presented. Properties like Effectiveness, heat transfer surface area, exergy analysis for the conventional condenser made of simple copper tubes and heat pipe based condenser are compared
Prescribing antibiotics: Factors associated with C-reactive protein testing in general practice. A register-based study
Authors: Sydenham Rikke Vognbjerg , Hansen Malene Plejdrup , Justesen Ulrik Stenz , Pedersen Line Bjørnskov , Aabenhus Rune Munck , Wehberg Sonja , Jarbøl Dorte Ejg 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background The use of C-reactive protein (CRP) tests is shown to safely reduce antibiotic prescribing for acute respiratory tract infections (RTIs). The aim of this study was to explore patient and clinical factors associated with the use of CRP testing when prescribing antibiotics recommended for RTIs. Methods A nation-wide retrospective cross-sectional register-based study based on first redeemed antibiotic prescriptions issued to adults in Danish general practice between July 2015 and June 2017. Only antibiotics recommended for treatment of RTIs were included in the analysis (penicillin-V, amoxicillin, co-amoxicillin or roxithromycin/clarithromycin). Logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios for patient-related and clinical factors on performing a CRP test in relation to antibiotic prescribing. Results A total of 984,149 patients redeemed at least one antibiotic prescription during the two-year period. Of these, 487,939 (49.6%) were labelled with the clinical indication RTI. Patients aged 75 years and above, with a Charlson Comorbidity Index of more than one, unemployed or on disability pension, living alone, and immigrants or descendants of immigrants had lower odds of having a CRP test performed in relation to an antibiotic prescription. Being followed in practice for a chronic condition and having CRP tests performed in the previous year were associated with higher odds of CRP testing in relation to antibiotic prescribing. Conclusions Differences were observed in the use of CRP tests among subgroups of patients indicating that both sociodemographic factors and comorbidity influence the decision to use a CRP test in general practice. Potentially, this means that CRP tests are not used to an optimal extent for all groups of patients. This leaves room for improved use of CRP tests to increase diagnostic certainty and further promote rational prescribing of antibiotics.
Fixed Prosthetic Restorations With Sandblasted Surface Implants: Long-term Results of a Clinical Study
Authors: Velasco-Ortega Eugenio , Jimenez-Guerra Alvaro , Ortiz-Garcia Ivan , Moreno-Muñoz Jesus , Nuñez-Marquez Enrique , Nicolas-Silvente Ana I. , Lopez-Lopez Jose , Monsalve-Guil Loreto 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Sandblasting is a standard procedure used for treating the implant surface to enhance the osseointegration with known clinical success. This retrospective cohort study aimed to evaluate the long-term clinical outcomes of sandblasted implants. Two hundred fifty-five MG Osseous screw implants were placed in 81 patients using a two-stage surgical technique and conventional loading protocol (three-months). Implant and prosthetic clinical findings were evaluated during a 15-years follow-up. Four implants were lost during the healing period, and 103 fixed prostheses were placed over the 251 implants left: 58 single-crowns, 31 partially fixed bridges, and 14 full-arch fixed restorations. Fourteen implants were lost during the follow-up period. Clinical results indicated an implant survival rate of 92.9%. 11.8% of implants showed peri-implantitis as the primary biological complication. The mean marginal bone loss was 1.76 ± 0.38 mm, ranging from 0.9 to 2.8 mm. The most frequent complication was mechanical prosthodontic complications (20.9%). Sandblasted surface implants inserted in both maxillary and mandibular areas produce favorable outcomes and stable tissue conditions when a delayed loading protocol is followed.
Cd8αα+T Cells Exert a Pro-inflammatory Role in Patients With Psoriasis&nbsp;
Authors: Zhang Yangyang , Lin Yiting , Wang Lei , Sun Xiuwen , Dang Erle , Xue Ke , Zhang Weigang , Zhang Qian , Li Junqin , Zhang Kaiming , Wang Gang , Li Bing 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Psoriasis is a common chronic inflammatory disease caused by excessive activation of CD4+T cells, including Th17, Th1, and Th22. The role of CD8+T cells in psoriasis pathogenesis remains poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to identify the phenotype of CD8+T cells in patients with psoriasis and to investigate its role in the formation of lesions. First of all, we identify CD8αα+T cell as a main subset of CD8+T cells infiltrated in lesions of patients with psoriasis. Furthermore, we found that epidermal CD8αα+T cells exhibited tissue-resident memory T cells (TRM) phenotypes and dermal CD8αα+T cells exhibited effector memory (TEM) phenotypes in psoriatic lesions. Thereafter, by coculturing CD8αα+T cells with autogenous CD4+T cells to investigate the function of CD8αα+T cells, we found that CD8αα+T cells from patients with psoriasis could promote the proliferation of CD4+T effector cells; while CD8αα+T cells from healthy controls exerted immunosuppressive function. Finally, we demonstrate that CD8αα+T cells from patients with psoriasis did not express the markers of regulatory T cells, and produce IL-17 and IFN-γ. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that CD8αα+T cells contribute to the pathogenesis of psoriasis by producing pro-inflammatory factors.
Medicinal Plants from the Ankaratra Mountain In Madagascar: Diversity and Uses
Authors: Andrianarivelo Miora Henintsoa , Rakotondrafara Andriamalala , Rakotosaona Rianasoambolanoro , Rakotoarimanana Vonjison , Rakotonirina Christian Marius , Ratasiarivelo Jeannine , Rakotoarisoa Falitiana Marrino , Rasamison Vincent Emile , Richard RAKOTONANDRASANA Stéphan 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThe Ankaratra Mountain, the third summit of Madagascar, is covered in a large part by herbaceous vegetations. It is among regions where ethnobotanical works have not been done yet. Besides, there have not been so far any surveys of medicinal plants conducted in savannah vegetation from Madagascar. The objective of the present communication was to study the diversity of medicinal species encountered in this mountain, the most used species in traditional medicine and the most important species used to treat diseases with medicinal plants.MethodsThe voucher specimens of surveyed species in the Ankaratra Mountain were shown individually to 26 local traditional healers. Semi-structured interview was employed and dealt with the main questions such as: do you know this plan? Do you know the uses of this species in traditional medicine? Do you know the method of preparation?ResultsOf the two hundred and three species (203) of medicinal plants inventoried in the Ankaratra Mountain, 139 (73.9%) are endemic and 69 (33.9%) are new to the ethnopharmacopea. The savannah vegetation hosts the highest number of species (35.5%). They are also more cited than the forestry species. Endemic species are the most used (FC=77.8%) and the most important (FL=71.6%). The most diversified and the most used genera are dominated by the best-represented ones in endemic species. The most cited diseases are those which require particular knowledge and those frequently encountered in Madagascar.ConclusionThis work provides the first information on the ethnobotany of plant species in the Ankaratra Mountain. These data can be considered as a valuable tool to support any actions directed to the conservation of the flora from the massif. The ecological study of the most cited endemic species and the most important in the treatment of diseases as well as their chemical and pharmacological investigations are among our perspectives of research.
Determinants of Non-Exclusive Breastfeeding Practice During the First 6 Months After an Elective Caesarean Birth:&nbsp;A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Mohamad Noraini , Saddki Norkhafizah , Johar Nazirah , Sulaiman Zaharah , Ismail Tengku Alina Tengku 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Caesarean birth is associated with higher rate of non-exclusive breastfeeding (NEBF) than vaginal birth. NEBF refers to the provision of food or fluid besides breast milk, excluding drugs and vitamins, to infants before 6 months of age. This study determined the prevalence and factors associated with NEBF practice during the first 6 months after an elective caesarean birth.Methods: This prospective cohort study recruited 171 mothers who underwent an elective caesarean birth at two tertiary hospitals in Kelantan, Malaysia. Face-to-face interviews were conducted 2 days after the caesarean birth to obtain information on the variables of interest. Follow-up phone calls were made at 1, 3 and 6 months after birth to determine the prevalence of NEBF. Simple and multiple logistic regressions were used for data analysis.Results: The prevalence of NEBF was 19.9%, 40.4% and 57.9% at 1 month, 3 months and 6 months, respectively. Factors found to be associated with NEBF practice at 1 month were age of the last child, last child breastfeeding practice, and confidence with adequacy of breast milk. Last child breastfeeding practice was also found to be associated with NEBF practice at 3 months, as well as perception of insufficient of breast milk supply. At 6 months, perception of insufficient breast milk supply remains as one of factors associated with NEBF practice, together with experience of breast pain as baby suckled.Conclusion: The prevalence of NEBF increased as the child grew older. Perceived breast milk insufficiency was the only factor associated with NEBF at all months.
Identification of appropriate reference genes for gene expression studies in mice left ventricles from different developmental stages
Authors: Ren Jie , Zhang Ningning , Li Xiangjie , Sun Xiaogang , Song Jiangping 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Aims: Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) is the standard assay used for revealing the gene expression characteristics. However, the RT-qPCR studies all need reference genes for normalization to make the results comparable, which should hold a high expression stability during all experimental datasets. So far, there was no optimal set of reference genes identified in mice left ventricles (LV) across embryonic and postnatal stages. The objective of our research was to identify the appropriate reference genes in mice LV from different developmental stages.Methods and Results: we investigated the gene expressions of common 21 candidate housekeeping genes in mice LV from 7 different developmental stages, almost throughout the whole period of the mouse lifespan. The expression of some candidate reference genes, such as 18S and Actb, apparently fluctuated. The stability of potential reference genes was evaluated by a number of methods, such as GeNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, Delta-Ct and RefFinder method. we identified a set of optimal reference genes that can be reliably used for normalization of RT-qPCR experiments in different developmental stages of mice LV. Our results showed that following genes should not be used as reference genes in mice LV development studies: 18S, Hmbs, Ubc, Psmb4, Tfrc and Actb. And the Rplp0 appeared to represent a good choice. Conclusions: Our study provides the expression stability of the commonly used reference genes in process of LV development and maturation. We also identified a set of optimal reference genes under different conditions. Our findings may be helpful in future studies to investigate the gene expression patterns and mechanism of mammalian heart development.
An integrated analysis of the competing endogenous RNA network associated of prognosis of stage I lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Xu Yuan , Lin Guofu , Liu Yifei , Lin Xianbin , Lin Hai , Guo Zhifeng , Xu Yingxuan , Lin Qinhui , Chen Shaohua , Yang Jiansheng , Zeng Yiming 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Accumulating evidence indicates that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involving in the tumorigenesis and metastasis of lung cancer. The aim of the study is to systematically characterize the lncRNA-associated competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network and identify key lncRNAs in the development of stage I lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Methods: Totally, 1,955 DEmRNAs, 165 DEmiRNAs and 1,107 DElncRNAs were obtained in 10 paired normal and LUAD tissues. And a total of 8,912 paired lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network was constructed. Using the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset, the module of ME turquoise was revealed to be most relevant to the progression of LUAD though Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA). Results: Of the lncRNAs identified, LINC00639, RP4-676L2.1 and FENDRR were in ceRNA network established by our RNA-sequencing dataset. Using univariate Cox regression analysis, FENDRR was a risk factor of progression free survival (PFS) of stage I LUAD patients (HRs=1.69, 95%CI 1.07-2.68, P< .050). Subsequently, differential expression of FENDRR in paired normal and LUAD tissues was detected significant by real-time quantitative (qRT-PCR) (P <0.001). Conclusions: This study, for the first time, deciphered the regulatory role of FENDRR/miR-6815-5p axis in the progression of early-stage LUAD, which is needed to be established in vitro and in vivo.
Femoral Neck Width Predict Low Bone Mass in Patients with Multiple Hereditary Exostoses
Authors: Matsumoto Kazu , Ogawa Hiroyasu , Nozawa Satoshi , Akiyama Haruhiko 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Recent report revealed multiple hereditary exostoses (MHE) patients showed the osteoporosis. This study aimed to determine if proximal femur deformities can indicate low bone mass in MHE patients and to investigate the correlation between Z-score or T-score and hip geometry parameters. Patients and Methods: Twenty MHE patients from unrelated families were included in this study. Bone mineral density (BMD) of both femoral neck (n = 40) was examined using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. We examined femoral neck axis length (FNAL), femoral head diameter (FHD), femoral neck width (FNW), femoral shaft width (FSW), and femoral neck angle (FNA) and calculated the femoral head-neck ratio (FHNR=FHD/FNW). We examined the correlation between these parameters and Z-score or T-score using linear regression analysis followed by Spearman rank correlation coefficient.Results: Of the patients, 91.7% (22 of 24) male and 100% (16 of 16) female had a Z-score <0 in the femoral neck area. Results also showed that the femoral neck area of 62.5% (15 of 24) male and 56.3% (9 of 16) female patients are within the range for osteopenia. The femoral neck are of seven patients (17.5%) were found to be within the range for osteoporosis. These results suggest that MHE patients tend to have low bone mass. We found a significant correlation between FNW and Z-score (r = -0.3924, P = 0.0123), but there was no significant difference between Z-score and FNAL, FHD, FSW, NSA, and FHNR. We also found that there were significant differences between T-score and FNW and T-score and FHNR (r = -0.4787, P = 0.0018 and r = 0.3636, P = 0.0211, respectively). There was no significant difference between T-score and the other parameters.Conclusions: We found that the femoral neck width significantly correlates with Z-score or T-score. These results suggest that the femoral neck width may be a reliable predicting factor of bone mineral density.
Environmental Complexity, but Not Stocking Density, Positively Impacts Affective States of Broiler Chickens
Authors: Anderson M.G. , Campbell A.M. , Crump A. , Arnott G. , Jacobs L. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Affective state can bias an animal’s judgement. Animals in positive affective states can interpret ambiguous cues more positively (“optimistically”) than animals in negative affective states. Thus, judgement bias tests can determine an animal’s affective state through their responses to ambiguous cues. We tested the effects of environmental complexity and stocking density on affective states of broiler chickens through a multimodal judgement bias test. Broilers were trained to approach reinforced locations signaled by one color and not to approach unreinforced locations signaled by a different color. Trained birds were tested for latencies to approach three ambiguous cues of intermediate color and location. Broilers discriminated between cues, with shorter latencies to approach ambiguous cues closest to the reinforced cue than cues closest to the unreinforced cue, validating the use of the test in this context. Broilers housed in high-complexity pens approached ambiguous cues faster than birds in low-complexity pens­–an optimistic judgement bias, suggesting the former were in a more positive affective state. Broilers from high-density pens tended to approach all cues faster than birds from low-density pens, possibly because resource competition in their home pen increased food motivation. Overall, our study suggests that environmental complexity improves broilers’ affective states, implying animal welfare benefits of environmental enrichment.
Changes in Elbow Joint Contact Area in Symptomatic Valgus Instability of the Elbow in Baseball Players
Authors: Numaguchi Kyosuke , Momma Daisuke , Matsui Yuki , Oohinata Jun , Yamaguchi Takayoshi , Inoue Nozomu , Kondo Eiji , Iwasaki Norimasa 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the joint contact area of the dominant side and that of the non-dominant side without valgus instability in symptomatic pitchers. Ten symptomatic elbow medial ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) deficient baseball pitchers participated in this study. Computed tomography (CT) data from the dominant and non-dominant elbows were obtained with and without elbow valgus stress. The CT imaging data of each elbow joint were reconstructed using a 3D reconstruction software package, and the radiocapitellar and ulnohumeral joint contact areas were calculated. The center of the contact area and the translation from the position without stress to the position with valgus stress were also calculated. With elbow valgus stress, the contact area changed, and the center of the radiocapitellar joint contact area translated significantly more laterally in the dominant elbow than in the non-dominant elbow (P = 0.0361). In addition, the center of the ulnohumeral joint contact area translated significantly more posteriorly in the dominant elbow than in the non-dominant elbow (P = 0.0413). These changes in contact areas could be the reason for cartilage injury at the posterior trochlea in pitchers with UCL deficiency.