bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Deep‐sequencing of Solanum commersonii small RNA libraries reveals riboregulators involved in cold stress response
Authors: Esposito S. , Aversano R. , Bradeen J. M. , Di Matteo A. , Villano C. , Carputo D. 
Published: December 2018

Abstract

Among wild species used in potato breeding, Solanum commersonii displays the highest tolerance to low temperatures under both acclimated (ACC) and non‐acclimated (NACC) conditions. It is also the first wild potato relative with a known whole genome sequence. Recent studies have shown that abiotic stresses induce changes in the expression of many small non‐coding RNA (sncRNA).

We determined the small non‐coding RNA (sncRNAome) of two clones of S. commersonii contrasting in their cold response phenotypes via smRNAseq.

Differential analysis provided evidence that expression of several miRNAs changed in response to cold stress conditions. Conserved miR408a and miR408b changed their expression under NACC conditions, whereas miR156 and miR169 were differentially expressed only under ACC conditions. We also report changes in tasiRNA and secondary siRNA expression under both stress conditions.

Our results reveal possible roles of sncRNA in the regulatory networks associated with tolerance to low temperatures and provide useful information for a more strategic use of genomic resources in potato breeding.
Multi‐stakeholder perspectives on spatial planning processes for mariculture in the Mediterranean and Black Sea
Authors: Corner Richard A. , Aguilar‐Manjarrez José , Massa Fabio , Fezzardi Davide 
Published: December 2018

AbstractAquaculture provides more than half of the fish used for human consumption, contributing to food security and nutrition, economic growth and improved livelihoods. Aquaculture production in countries bordering the Mediterranean and Black Sea has grown steadily, though not homogenously, mainly based on marine species. To boost development, there is a need to support governance to establish activities within a coordinated spatial planning process. Knowledge of aquaculture spatial planning processes are assessed through consultations with stakeholders from 21 countries using a structured questionnaire, internal review and a workshop to determine major barriers to the implementation in the region. Results suggest different levels of knowledge of regulatory systems in the countries surveyed. Aquaculture zoning is widespread. Site selection is a long and inefficient process, a barrier to investment, exacerbated by an apparent lack of a clear distribution of power and responsibilities. Area management is the least implemented part of the spatial planning process, with few examples of an integrated approach. Poor social acceptance of aquaculture, low technical knowledge and understanding of spatial planning concepts, and a lack of meaningful communication are among the problems highlighted by stakeholders. Although recent advances are evident, the integration of aquaculture with other users of marine space remains a work in progress that requires a specific regulatory framework, capacity building, transparency, good communication and participatory processes. Application of spatial planning following an ecosystem approach to aquaculture can contribute to improvements that have the potential to counter the negative externalities of unplanned or uncoordinated development.
Effectiveness of a novel oral health education technique in maintenance of gingival health and plaque removal efficacy among institutionalized visually impaired children of Bhubaneswar city: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Das Diptajit , Suresan Vinay , Jnaneswar Avinash , Pathi Jayashree , Bala Subramaniam Goutham 
Published: December 2018

AbstractAimThis study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a novel health education method—Audio Tactile Performance (ATP) technique—in maintenance of gingival health and plaque removal efficacy among institutionalized visually impaired children of Bhubaneswar city.Methods and resultsA parallel arm, single blinded randomized controlled trial was conducted among 10‐ to 15‐year‐old visually impaired children. Clinical examinations were done by the examiner blinded to group allocations. Oral health education materials (Braille and audio) were given to control group and ATP technique was given to test group. Clinical examinations for plaque and gingival scores were assessed at baseline, 30 days interval, and 90 days interval. The trial was registered with the Clinical Trial Registry of India (CTRI/2017/05/008551). In control group, a greater plaque reduction was observed at 30 days interval (3.58 ± 1.3) when compared to baseline (2.63 ± 2.02) and 90 days interval (3.14 ± 0.88), and this difference was statistically significant. For whole mouth, in test group, a greater reduction in gingival scores was observed at 90 days interval (2.65 ± 1.64) when compared to baseline (4.58 ± 1.63) and 30 days interval (1.23 ± 2.43), and this difference was statistically significant.ConclusionATP was found to be at par with the control group (Braille and audio aids).
Physiological contagion in parent–child dyads during an emotional challenge
Authors: Shih Emily W. , Quiñones‐Camacho Laura E. , Karan Alexander , Davis Elizabeth L. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractParents and children mutually influence each other’s behavior, but little work has examined how parent–child dyads influence one another’s physiological responding under conditions of emotional challenge. This is important to examine because physiological substrates underlie the development of self‐regulation. We examined this in 97 parent–child dyads who participated in a frustrating laboratory challenge that first perturbed the affective state of the dyad and then allowed recalibration. Children were between 3 and 7 years of age (M = 5.80 years, SD = 1.25 years; 41 boys). Respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) and pre‐ejection period (PEP) were assessed continuously as measures of parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous system activity, respectively. Actor–partner interdependence models were used to quantify the extent of physiological contagion between partners. The expected actor effects were found for RSA and PEP, and a partner effect was found for RSA only. Specifically, parents’ RSA reactivity to perturbation influenced children’s RSA reactivity during recalibration. This provides additional evidence for parent–child coregulation, during which parents support their children’s regulatory efforts. We found no partner effects for PEP. Taken together, our results suggest that the two ANS branches may serve different regulatory functions, with parasympathetic functioning relating more strongly to social interactions and dyadic challenges like those in the current study. This study provides the first evidence of physiological contagion in an emotionally challenging context between parents and children.
The association of caregivers’ and children’s characteristics with children’s social preference and being a class leader in China
Authors: Liu Lisha , Xu Liangyuan , He Xiaoli , Li Yanfang 
Published: December 2018

AbstractChildren’s social status in China includes both informal (e.g., social preference) and formal (e.g., class leader) statuses. This study examines the associations among caregivers’ characteristics, children’s characteristics, children’s social preference, and being a class leader by using multiple sources of information (caregiver reports, self‐ratings, sociometric methods, and achievement data). The participants were 1,926 fourth‐ to ninth‐ graders (Mage = 12.7; 49.7% males) and their primary caregivers. The caregivers’ characteristics were found to be related more closely to class leader than to social preference. Both higher children’s interpersonal character and academic achievement were associated with higher social preference and class leader; however, academic achievement showed stronger relationships with both types of status than interpersonal character. The children’s characteristics mediated the associations between caregivers’ characteristics and children’s social statuses. The grade difference test showed that interpersonal character had a stronger association with social preference, and academic achievement had a stronger association with class leader in secondary school than in primary school. The results suggest that children’s characteristics (especially academic achievement) are strongly related to Chinese children’s social preference and being a class leader. In addition, the potential role of caregivers’ characteristics and the influence of child age are noteworthy.
Ideological Orientations, LGBT Contact, and Formation of LGBT Policy Position*
Authors: Kordsmeier Briana , Tumlison Creed , Song Geoboo 
Published: December 2018

ObjectiveWe seek to understand how political ideology and LGBT contact experiences exert influence on an individual's level of LGBT policy support.MethodsWe apply multivariate regression and posterior simulation‐based conditional process analysis using data collected from a recent national survey of 1,500 American adults.ResultsWe find that LGBT contact moderates the effects of individuals’ political ideology on the formation of their LGBT policy preference in distinctive ways. Furthermore, such analytical results hold nuanced differences depending on the specific topic of LGBT policy in consideration.ConclusionThese findings are significant in terms of previous understandings of the contact theory of attitude change. Regarding the formation of policy positions, it is not simply contact, ideology, or the combination of the two that is influential. Instead, there appears to be a distinction in attitudinal valence toward what a specific policy represents, and thus the support for LGBT equality in that domain.
Successful lung transplantation for chronic Mycobacterium abscessus infection in advanced cystic fibrosis, a case series
Authors: Raats Daan , Lorent Natalie , Saegeman Veroniek , Vos Robin , van Ingen Jakko , Verleden Geert , Van Raemdonck Dirk , Dupont Lieven 
Published: December 2018

AbstractPulmonary Mycobacterium abscessus infection in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients is difficult to treat and considered a contra‐indication for lung transplantation in most centers. We present four CF patients with chronic pulmonary M abscessus infection, in whom lung transplantation was performed. Through intensive treatment before transplantation, we achieved control of the infection in all but one patient. After a mean of 16 months of follow up, 3 patients are doing well, without evidence of local or disseminated recurrence. One patient died early post‐transplant due to an unrelated cause. These findings support the possibility of lung transplantation with favorable outcome in CF patients with M abscessus infection.
Platelet transfusions and mortality in necrotizing enterocolitis
Authors: Patel Ravi M. , Josephson Cassandra D. , Shenvi Neeta , Maheshwari Akhil , Easley Kirk A. , Stowell Sean , Sola‐Visner Martha , Ferrer‐Marin Francisca 
Published: December 2018

BACKGROUNDPrior studies have suggested an association between platelet transfusions (PTXs) and worse outcomes among infants with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), potentially mediated by proinflammatory factors released by platelets. However, the effects of storage on platelet proinflammatory factor release and the confounding role of illness severity on NEC outcomes have not been determined.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSFirst, neuropeptide Y (a potent splanchnic vasoconstrictor released by platelets) was measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in fresh frozen plasma and in the supernatant of leukoreduced apheresis‐derived platelets at different times during storage. Next, we evaluated the relationship between PTX rates and death in a multicenter cohort of very‐low‐birth‐weight infants with NEC, adjusting for illness severity.RESULTSNeuropeptide Y levels increased over time in the supernatant of leukoreduced apheresis‐derived platelets and were 4.4‐fold and 8.9‐fold higher than in fresh frozen plasma on Days 2 and 3 of storage, respectively (p < 0.001). Among 598 very‐low‐birth‐weight infants, 44 developed NEC. In unadjusted analysis, PTX rate was 30.3 (95% confidence interval [CI], 11.5–80.1) per 100 infant‐days among infants who died, compared to 6.0 (95% CI, 3.2–11.2) among survivors (incidence rate ratio, 5.1; 95% CI, 1.6–16.2; p = 0.006). In multivariable analysis, there was no association between PTX rate and mortality (incidence rate ratio, 3.0; 95% CI, 0.6–15.0; p = 0.18), although estimation was imprecise.CONCLUSIONProinflammatory mediators accumulate in platelet suspensions during storage. Although PTX rates were not associated with increased mortality among infants with NEC in our study, our estimates suggest the potential for such an association that needs evaluation in larger studies.
The effect of red blood cell transfusion on iron metabolism in critically ill patients
Authors: Boshuizen Margit , van Hezel Maike E. , van Manen Lisa , Straat Marleen , Somsen Yvemarie B.O. , Spoelstra‐de Man Angelique M.E. , Blumberg Neil , van Bruggen Robin , Juffermans Nicole P. 
Published: December 2018

BACKGROUNDAnemia of inflammation (AI) has a high prevalence in critically ill patients. In AI, iron metabolism is altered, as high levels of inflammation‐induced hepcidin reduce the amount of iron available for erythropoiesis. AI is treated with red blood cell (RBC) transfusions. The effect of RBC transfusion on iron metabolism during inflammatory processes in adults is unknown. We investigated the effect of RBC transfusion on iron metabolism in critically ill patients.METHODSIn a prospective cohort study in 61 critically ill patients who received 1 RBC unit, levels of iron variables were determined before, directly after, and 24 hours after transfusion in septic and nonseptic patients.RESULTSSerum iron levels were low and increased after transfusion (p = 0.02). However, RBC transfusion had no effect on transferrin saturation (p = 0.14) and ferritin levels (p = 0.74). Hepcidin levels increased after RBC transfusion (p = 0.01), while interleukin‐6 levels decreased (p = 0.03). In septic patients, RBC transfusion induced a decrease in haptoglobin levels compared to baseline, which did not occur in nonseptic patients (p = 0.01). The effect of RBC transfusion on other iron variables did not differ between septic and nonseptic patients.CONCLUSIONTransfusion of a RBC unit transiently increases serum iron levels in intensive care unit patients. The increase in hepcidin levels after transfusion can further decrease iron release from intracellular storage making it available for erythropoiesis. RBC transfusion is associated with a decrease in haptoglobin levels in septic compared to nonseptic patients, but did not affect other markers of hemolysis.
Synthesis and Characteristics of Carbon Nanotube Using Plasma Arc Discharge
Authors: Mohamed Sultan Suhana , Azahurin Nurul Syazwani , Mohamad Azam 
Published: December 2018

Carbon nanoparticles (CNP) were synthesized in arc plasma discharge using a simple, low-cost and toxic-free precursor gas. The structural and electrical characteristics were examined. The diameter and the height of the grown CNP was 28.5 μm and 316.7 μm , respectively. SEM image showed existence of a high density and uniform nanostructures within the cylindrical bulk CNP tube. The average diameter of the nanoparticles is 600 nm. The electrical characteristics revealed low resistance with R = 7.23 mΩ with Cu electrodes. In addition, the device exhibited a high conductivity of 6.8 x 105 Scm-1. These results indicate the potential of CNP material for power device applications.
Evaluation of Wind Energy Potential for Power Generation in some Coastal Cities in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Authors: Udoakah Ye-Obong , Ikafia Ubong 
Published: December 2018

The wind potential of three coastal sites, Ibeno (Latitude 4° 33' 54.2"N & Longitude 8° 4' 21.3"E), Oron (Latitude 4°48'26.53"N & Longitude 8°14'15.74"E) and Okobo (Latitude 4°41'48.48"N & Longitude 8°15'23.23"E) in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria was investigated. Using data obtained from the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET) and the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron for Ibeno, Okobo and Oron respectively for a period of five years (2012-2016), a statistical analysis was performed. Using empirical method, the overall average Weibull distribution parameters in terms of k and c, mean power density and mean wind speed were determined for the three locations to be 3.29, 4.74 & 4.11, 7.72, 6.54 & 6.40 m/s, 344.68, 236.10 & 185.18 w/m2 and 8.24, 7.26 & 6.70 m/s respectively for Ibeno, Oron and Okobo. The results indicate that all the locations had a wind speed range higher than the 5-6 m/s recommended for electricity generation and a wind density value greater than 100 W/m2. Resulting from the analysis, the overall annual energy production was projected to be 15.23, 10.45 & 8.19 GW for Ibeno, Oron and Okobo respectively, leading to the conclusion that the three cities located along the coastal lines of Akwa Ibom, would be viable for commercial wind power production.
Scenario Based Two-Stage Stochastic Programming Approach for the Midterm Production Planning of Oil Refinery
Authors: Mohd Noh Norshela , Bahar Arifah , Zainuddin Zaitul Marlizawati 
Published: December 2018

Recently, oil refining industry is facing with lower profit margin due to uncertainty. This causes oil refinery to include stochastic optimization in making a decision to maximize the profit. In the past, deterministic linear programming approach is widely used in oil refinery optimization problems. However, due to volatility and unpredictability of oil prices in the past ten years, deterministic model might not be able to predict the reality of the situation as it does not take into account the uncertainties thus, leads to non-optimal solution. Therefore, this study will develop two-stage stochastic linear programming for the midterm production planning of oil refinery to handle oil price volatility. Geometric Brownian motion (GBM) is used to describe uncertainties in crude oil price, petroleum product prices, and demand for petroleum products. This model generates the future realization of the price and demands with scenario tree based on the statistical specification of GBM using method of moment as input to the stochastic programming. The model developed in this paper was tested for Malaysia oil refinery data. The result of stochastic approach indicates that the model gives better prediction of profit margin.
Micro and Macro Determinants of Delisting and Liquidity in Indonesian Stock Market: A Time-Dependent Covariate of Survival Cox Approach
Authors: Prastyo Dedy Dwi , Rucy Yurike Nurmala , Sigalingging Advendos D.C. , Suhartono Suhartono , Fam Soo-Fen 
Published: December 2018

Coxmodel is popular in survival analysis. In the case of time-varying covariate; several subject-specific attributes possibly to change more frequently than others. This paper deals with that issue. This study aims to analyze survival data with time-varying covariate using a time-dependent covariate Cox model. The two case studies employed in this work are (1) delisting time of companies from IDX and (2) delisting time of company from LQ45 (liquidity index). The survival time is the time until a company is delisted from IDX or LQ45. The determinants are eighteen quarterly financial ratios and two macroeconomics indicators, i.e., the Jakarta Composite Index (JCI) and BI interest rate that changes more frequent. The empirical results show that JCI is significant for both delisting and liquidity whereas BI rate is significant only for liquidity. The significant firm-specific financial ratios vary for delisting and liquidity.
Sprint Interval Training and the School Curriculum: Benefits Upon Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Physical Activity Profiles, and Cardiometabolic Risk Profiles of Healthy Adolescents
Authors: Martin-Smith Rhona , Buchan Duncan S. , Baker Julien S. , Macdonald Mhairi J. , Sculthorpe Nicholas F. , Easton Chris , Knox Allan , Grace Fergal M. 
Published: December 2018

Background: This study examined the impact of a 4-week school-based sprint interval training program on cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), daily physical activity (PA) behavior, and cardiometabolic risk (CMR) outcomes in adolescents. Methods: A total of 56 adolescents (22 females) were allocated to either an intervention (n = 22; 17.0 [0.3] y) or control group (n = 30; 16.8 [0.5] y). Intervention group performed 5 to 6, 30 second “all out” running sprints, interspersed with 30-second rest intervals, 3 times per week, for 4 consecutive weeks, whereas control group performed their normal physical education lessons. CRF was estimated from the 20-m multistage fitness test and PA behavior was determined using accelerometry. Fasting blood samples were obtained to measure biochemical markers of CMR. Results: Significant group × time interactions were observed for CRF (5.03 [1.66 to 8.40]; P < .001; d = 0.95), sedentary time (136.15 [91.91 to 180.39]; P = .004; d = 1.8), moderate PA (57.20 [32.17 to 82.23]; P < .001; d = 1.5), vigorous PA (5.40 [4.22 to 6.57]; P < .001; d = 1.2), fasting insulin (0.37 [−0.48 to 1.21]; P = .01; d = 1.0), homeostasis model of assessment-insulin resistance (0.26 [0.15 to 0.42]; P < .001; d = 0.9), and clustered CMR score (0.22 [−0.05 to 0.68]; P < .001; d = 10.63). Conclusion: Findings of this study indicate that 4 weeks of school-based sprint interval training improves CRF, improves PA profiles, and maintains CMR in adolescents during the school term.
Understanding ‘missed appointments’ for pills and injectables: a mixed methods study in Senegal
Authors: Cavallaro Francesca L , Duclos Diane , Cresswell Jenny A , Faye Sylvain , Macleod David , Faye Adama , Lynch Caroline A 
Published: December 2018

IntroductionHigh discontinuation rates of contraceptive methods have been documented in sub-Saharan Africa. However, little is known about gaps within individual episodes of method use, despite their implications for unintended pregnancies. The objective of this mixed methods study was to examine the prevalence of, and explore the factors contributing to, delays in repeat appointments for pills and injectables in Senegal.MethodsFirst, we constructed a longitudinal data set of women’s contraceptive consultations using routine records from 67 facilities in Senegal. Consultations for pills and injectables were classified as on time, delayed or with unknown delay status based on time since previous appointment. We described the prevalence of delayed appointments and used backward stepwise regression to build a mixed-effects model to investigate risk factors for delay. Second, we conducted workshops with family planning (FP) providers, and indepth interviews and focus group discussions with women of reproductive age, to explore factors contributing to delays.ResultsAlmost one-third (30%) of appointments for pills and injectables were delayed, resulting in risk of pregnancy. Previous delay, pill use, lower educational level, higher parity, third and subsequent visits, and Islamic faith were independently predictive of delays (p<0.04 for all). Although women’s ‘forgetfulness’ was initially mentioned as the main reason for delays by women and providers, examining the routines around appointment attendance revealed broader contextual barriers to timely refills—particularly widespread covert use, illiteracy, financial cost of FP services and limited availability of FP services.ConclusionDelays in obtaining repeat pills and injections are common among contraceptive users in Senegal, exposing women to unintended pregnancies. Strategies to reduce such delays should move beyond a narrow focus on individual women to consider contraceptive behaviour within the broader socioeconomic and health systems context. In particular, effective interventions addressing low acceptability of contraception and appointment reminder strategies in high illiteracy contexts are needed.