bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of the sunflower seed coat in the control of seed dormancy and germination: phytohormone profile and their interaction with seed tissues
Authors: Bel Zoé Del , Andrade Andrea , Lindström Lilia , Alvarez Daniel , Vigliocco Ana , Alemano Sergio 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
The seed coat is a multifunctional tissue that plays an important role in dormancy and germination of sunflower seeds. In addition, abscisic acid (ABA) and gibberellins (GAs) are the primary phytohormones that antagonistically regulate seed dormancy, although other phytohormones such as auxins (AUX) and Jasmonates (JAs) also play a critical role in the modulation of these processes. Here, we investigated the role of the seed coat in imposition and release of sunflower seed dormancy. We evaluated the endogenous level of ABA, jasmonic acid (JA) and indol-3-acetic acid (IAA) in dry and imbibed seed coats of two inbred Helianthus annuus lines (B123 and B91), and analysed the seed coat anatomy of their dry cypselas. The results showed that the dormancy of B123 seeds is associated with a low content of ABA, JA and IAA in seed coat, and a high content of these phytohormones in the embryo. A dry storage period increased ABA and JA contents in the seed coat, although it decreased them in the embryo. Both the embryo and seed coat showed a reduction in IAA after the storage period. No relevant differences were registered in the histological analysis of the seed coat. Altogether, our results remark the relevance of the interaction between the seed coat and the embryo in the release of dormancy in sunflower seeds.
Exercise with Wearable Hip-assist Robot Improved Physical Function and Walking Efficiency in Older Adults
Authors: Lee Su-Hyun , Kim Jihye , Lim Bokman , Lee Hwang-Jae , Kim Yun-Hee 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
A wearable assistive device has the potential to elicit a pre-rehabilitation effect in elderly people when used as a training tool during regular physical activity and exercise. We developed delayed output feedback control for a wearable hip-assistive robot, the EX1, to provide gait assistance. Our purpose in this study was to investigate the effects of long-term exercise with EX1 on gait, physical function, and cardiopulmonary metabolic energy efficiency in elderly people. This study used parallel experimental (exercise with EX1) and control groups (exercise without EX1). A total of 60 community-dwelling elderly persons participated in 18 exercise intervention sessions during six weeks, and all participants were assessed at 5 time points: before exercise, after 9 exercise sessions, after 18 sessions, and 1 month and 3 months after the last session. Spatiotemporal gait parameters, kinematics, kinetics, muscle activation, metabolic energy cost efficiency, and physical function improved significantly after exercise with EX1. The effectiveness of EX1 exercise was maintained for at least 3 months. Our findings provide evidence supporting the application of EX1 in physical activity and gait exercise is effective to improve age-related declines in gait, physical function, and cardiopulmonary metabolic efficiency among older adults.
Views of healthcare professionals on the inclusion of genes associated with non-syndromic hearing loss in reproductive genetic carrier screening
Authors: Freeman Lucinda , Kirk Edwin , Scully Jackie Leach , Delatycki Martin 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Genes associated with non-syndromic hearing loss (NSHL) are frequently included in panels for reproductive genetic carrier screening (RGCS), despite a lack of consensus on whether NSHL is a condition appropriate for inclusion in RGCS. We conducted a national online survey using a questionnaire to explore the views of clinicians who facilitate RGCS or provide care to deaf individuals in Australia and New Zealand regarding the inclusion of such genes in RGCS. Results were analysed descriptively, and thematic analysis of free-text responses was performed. The questionnaire was completed by 386 respondents including genetic healthcare providers, obstetricians, ear nose and throat specialists and general practitioners. The majority of respondents agreed that genes associated with NSHL should be included in RGCS, but there were differences between the groups. 74% of clinicians working in a hearing clinic agreed these genes should be included compared to 67% of genetic healthcare providers, 54% of reproductive care healthcare providers and 44% of general practitioners. A majority of respondents agreed that moderate to profound deafness is a serious disability, although genetic healthcare providers were less likely to agree than other groups. Overall, respondents recognised that including NSHL upholds prospective parents’ right to information. However, they also identified major challenges, including concern that screening may express a discriminatory attitude towards those living with deafness. They also identified the complexity of defining the severity of deafness.
Predicting COVID-19 positivity and hospitalization with multi-scale graph neural networks
Authors: Skianis Konstantinos , Nikolentzos Giannis , Gallix Benoit , Thiebaut Rodolphe , Exarchakis Georgios 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
The pandemic of COVID-19 is undoubtedly one of the biggest challenges for modern healthcare. From the beginning of the outbreak, new variants have also proven to be even more contagious, accelerating the spread and stressing the healthcare system. In order to analyze the spatio-temporal aspects of the spread of COVID-19, technology has helped us to track, identify and store information regarding positivity and hospitalization, across different levels of municipal entities. In this work, we present a method for predicting positive and hospitalized cases at the department level of France via a novel multi-scale graph neural network, integrating information from fine-scale geographical zones of a few thousand inhabitants. Our model manages to outperform baselines and deep learning models, presenting low errors in both prediction tasks. We specifically point out the importance of our contribution in predicting hospitalization since hospitals became critical infrastructure during the pandemic. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work to exploit high-resolution spatio-temporal data in a multi-scale manner, incorporating additional knowledge, such as vaccination rates and population mobility data. We believe that our method may improve future estimations of positivity and hospitalization, which is crucial for healthcare planning.
An integrated skin cancer education program in renal transplant recipients and patients with glomerular disease
Authors: Thet Zaw , Lam Alfred King-yin , Ng Shu-Kay , Aung Soe Yu , Han Thin , Ranganathan Dwarakanathan , Newsham Stephanie , Borg Jennifer , Pepito Christine , Khoo Tien Kheng 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Sun-protective strategies focusing on skin cancer awareness are needed in immunosuppressed patients at risk of skin cancers. The study aims to determine the effect of an integrated skin cancer education program on skin cancer awareness and sun-protective behaviours in renal transplant recipients (RTRs) and patients with glomerular disease (GD) treated with long-term immunosuppressants. A pilot prospective cohort study was undertaken in Central Queensland, Australia was undertaken among adult RTRs and patients with GD, who completed survey questionaries on skin cancer and sun-health knowledge (SCSK), sun-protection practices and skin examination pre- and post-education. Fifty patients (25 RTRs, 25 patients with GD) participated in the study. All of them completed questionnaires at pre-, 3-month post-education and 92%(n = 46) at 6-month post-education. There was a significant increase in SCSK scores from baseline at 3-months (p < 0.001) and 6-months post-intervention (p < 0.01). Improved knowledge was retained for 6 months after education. There were significant changes in 2 of 8 photoprotective behaviours at 6 months. Interventional education enhanced regular self-skin examination rate (p < 0.001) as well as the frequency of full skin checks by general practitioners (p < 0.001). Overall, RTRs had better compliance with sun-protective methods and higher skin examination rates by themselves and/ or general practitioners before and after the intervention of education compared to patients with GD. To conclude, an integrated skin cancer education program improved knowledge of skin cancer and skin health as well as the frequency of self-skin examination and formal skin assessments. However, improvement in patient compliance did not extend to other sun-protective practices.
Low genetic diversity in an African invasive Poaceae in Brazil
Authors: Scorsim Bárbara , Diamante Nathália Alves , Fabrin Thomaz Mansini Carrenho , Silveira Márcio José da , Thomaz Sidinei Magela , de Oliveira Alessandra Valéria 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Poaceae has numerous species that are highly invasive thorough the planet. Urochloa, native to Africa, stands out in terms of invasion and impacts in South America. However, the correct identification of the species included in this genus is complex due to their morphological similarity with other species and there is a lack of studies involving the genetic variability of some species in Brazil, which is important for understanding the invasion mechanisms and planning control measures. In this study, we evaluated the genetic variability of the invasive exotic Poaceae Urochloa arrecta in different Brazilian regions, by using the nuclear marker ITS and the chloroplast marker trnL-trnF. The sequences obtained were compared with those available in GenBank (NCBI). The results indicated a low genetic differentiation among the sampled populations. Seven and ten distinct haplotypes were identified for ITS and trnL-trnF, respectively, and most specimens shared a single haplotype. These results indicate that a limited number of propagules were introduced in the invasive range and/or that this species reproduces mainly through asexual reproduction. This last possibility is suggested by the great regeneration and colonization rates of asexual propagules of this species. The data obtained are useful for understanding the invasion mechanisms of the group in the region.
Survival Rate and Associated Risk Factors in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Yari Mehran , Rahim Fakher , Maraghi Elham , Banari Mahmood , Valipour Aliasghar , Khafaie Morteza Abdullatif 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background and aim: The incidence of End-stage of kidney disease (ESRD) is increasing substantially. According to official reports in Iran, the annual rate of increase in the ESRD is 11%, and evidence shows that the number of patients in the next 5 years will double. The current study aims to assess the survival rate and its predictors in hemodialysis patients. Methods: Retrospective single-center analysis was performed using data from educational Hospitals affiliated with the faculty of medicine of Abadan University of Medical Sciences (southwestern region of Iran) from Jan 2002 to Dec 2017. Data were collected from patients' demographic records and patients' clinical records. The patient survival period was plotted using the Kaplan-Mire survival curve. Using a leg-rank test, we compared the median survival rate among the levels of the factors studied. Also, the Cox regression model was used to study the effect of the same variables on the desired time. Results: Overall, 389 patients were enrolled in the study, of which 216 (55.5%) were men and 173 (44.5 %.) were from urban residences. Seventy-nine percent were married and 229 (60.1%) patients were illiterate. The probability of patients’ one, five, and ten years of survival were 0.92, 0.46, and 0.02, respectively. The Cox regression model shows that the risk of death in hemodialysis patients with high blood pressure is 1.45 times higher than in those without hypertension (P < 0.01). On the other hand, factors such as rural residence (P <0 .05), older age (P< 0.01), Permanent Catheter (P < 0.05), and high serum creatinine (P < 0.05) and BUN level (P<0.01) increase adjusted hazard ratio in hemodialysis patients. Conclusion: Our study explored the mortality and associated risk factors in Iranian dialysis patients from the Southwestern region. We found that the cumulative hazard of mortality was significantly higher in hemodialysis patients than in those with other types of renal failure after adjusting for various confounders. The increased risk of death in hemodialysis patients could be due to their inadequate, inconvenient, or inappropriate access to healthcare services. Further studies are necessary to devise preventive and national strategies for hemodialysis patients.
Empirical Modeling of Optimum Tilt Angle for Flat Solar Collectors and PV Panels
Authors: Issaq Sonia Z. , Talal Shamil , Azooz Aasim 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Global historical experimental measurements regarding temporal and geographical variations of sky clearness index worldwide and their associated diffused light estimations are used to model the optimum tilt angle between a flat solar collector, or a PV solar panel and the horizontal for all latitudes within both hemispheres. Equations for the yearly, seasonal and monthly relations between optimum tilt angle and latitude angle are obtained. General good agreements between this modeling results and most of both experimental and other models predictions are found. A freely downloadable MATLAB software that output yearly, seasonal and monthly optimum tilt angle for any latitude is made available.
Clinical and genetic analysis of five children with ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency: two novel mutations
Authors: Zhang Chen , Wang Guan , Huo Qin , Li Meng , Xu Rui , Dong Meng 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background: Cases and studies of neurological symptoms caused by genetic metabolic diseases have been widely reported. Ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency (OTCD) is the most common inherited defect of urea genesis, which due to mutations in the OTC gene located on chromosome Xp21.1. In this study, we analyzed the clinical and genetic characteristics of 5 Chinese children diagnosed with OTCD.Methods: A total of 5 patients (2 males, 3 females) from 5 unrelated families were diagnosed with OTCD by biochemical and molecular analysis between 2015 and 2021. Clinical manifestations, biochemical features and OTC gene sequencing analysis were reviewed retrospectively. Results: All the patients were late-onset and the median onset age was 2.9 years (range 1.8–4 years). Neurological symptoms were the most clinical manifestations including coma, dyssomnia and seizure. The peak plasma ammonia levels ranged from 149 to 1263 mmol/L and alanine transaminase (ALT) levels ranged from 64 to1316 U/L. 2 of them had received CRRT treatment and only one patient was admitted liver transplantation. By Dec 2021, 3 patients had survived and 2 were deceased. 4 of them were detected blood amino acids or urinary organic acids. All of them were completed whole-exome sequencing (WES) and two novel mutations were revealed (c.617dupT and c.664-1G>C).Conclusion: OTCD diagnosis was confirmed in the 5 Chinese children by biochemical findings and genetic analysis, together with 2 novel mutations in the OTC gene. These data will contribute to a better understanding of the clinical course and molecular genetic characteristics of Chinese patients with OTCD.
The K/HDEL receptor does not recycle, but instead acts as a Golgi-gatekeeper
Authors: Alvim Jonas , Bolt Robert , An Jing , Kamisugi Yasuko , Cuming Andrew , Silva-Alvim Fernanda , Hu Meiyi , Hirsz Dominique , Denecke Jurgen 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
The K/HDEL receptor (ER retention defective 2 or ERD2) does not recycle between compartments when sorting ER chaperones, contrary to the favoured model. A conserved C-terminal di-leucine motif specifically prevents ERD2 Golgi-to-ER transport and is not required for ER export. The Golgi-retention mechanism strips Golgi-membranes of the GTPase ARF1 so that ERD2 avoids accompanying its ligands in retrograde transport. When this motif is deleted or masked, introducing a fast ER-to-Golgi export signal or an alternative cis-Golgi retention signal re-activates ERD2. Meanwhile, forcing retrograde transport renders the receptor non-functional. We have established an in vivo ligand/receptor ratio far greater than 100 to 1, and propose a gatekeeper model to explain how few receptors at the Golgi can prevent the secretion of highly abundant soluble ER proteins. The underlying mechanism is conserved across kingdoms and will yield valuable insight into Golgi-mediated cargo sorting and cisternal compartment maintenance.
Effect of distillery industry discharge waste water and dye in aqueous solution treated by chemical modified Penicillium biomass on Arachis hypogaea (groundnut) growth parameters and anti oxidants profile
Authors: Karthickrajanamasivayam Selvaraj , Avinash Govindarajpadmavathi , Samrat Krishnappa , Kavisri Manikannan , Arvindbharani Rajansowri 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
In this present study, phytotoxicity of high strength distillery industry discharge waste water and methyl orange dye in aqueous solution that treated by chemically modified fungal biomass Penicillium on Arachis hypogaea was investigated. Biomass of Penicillium strain was subjected to a simple eco-friendly acid treatment which brought about highly stable, structurally modified fungal biomass (CMFBM). CMFBM thus obtained was evaluated for wastewater treatment efficacy of high strength distillery industry discharge wastewater by determination of various pollutants level. Results of this study revealed CMFBM treatment exhibited notable removal of pollutants Batch adsorption studies were carried out to demonstrate the adsorption efficacy of methyl orange dye in an aqueous solution. Studies reveal that CMFCB exhibited high adsorption efficacy and the rate of adsorption was affected by dosage and time Phytotoxicity studies reveals that the CMFBM treated industry waste water discharge and dye in aqueous solution was not shown any phytotoxic effect on groundnut. No impact on seedlings emergence, growth parameters like shoot length, new branches emerged, total foliage density, total chlorophyll content and enzymatic anti oxidants profile clearly demonstrates the non target effect of CMFBM treated industry discharged waste water and methyl orange dye in aqueous solution. The present investigation would propose the possible utilization of CMFBM in waste water treatment process and irrigation.
Efficient probabilistic tsunami inundation prediction considering random tsunami sources and failure probability of seawalls
Authors: Fukutani Yo , Yasuda Tomohiro , Yamanaka Ryoichi 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Probabilistic tsunami inundation assessment ordinarily requires many inundation simulations that consider various uncertainties; thus, the computational cost is very high. In recent years, active research has been conducted to reduce the computational cost. In this study, we successfully reduced the number of random tsunami sources to 20% of the original numbers by applying proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) to tsunami inundation depth distributions obtained from random tsunami sources. Additionally, we stochastically treated the failure degree of seawalls and incorporated its impact into the evaluation model for tsunami inundation hazard because the failure degree of seawalls has a significant impact on the tsunami inundation depth assessment for land areas. Although the randomness of the slip distribution in tsunami sources has been studied extensively in the past, the idea of simultaneously modelling the failure degree of seawalls is an outstanding feature of this study. Finally, we developed tsunami inundation distribution maps to represent the probability of occurrence of inundation depth for the next 50 years and 10 years by using a number of tsunami inundation distributions that consider the randomness of the tsunami sources and the failure probability of the seawalls.
An Immunostimulatory Glycolipid That Blocks SARS-CoV-2, RSV, and Influenza Infections In Vivo
Authors: Ho David , Tsuji Moriya , Nair Manoj , Masuda Kazuya , Castagna Candace , Chong Zhenlu , Darling Tamarand , Seehra Kuljeet , Ribeiro Ágata , Ferreira Geovane , Corredor Laura , Coelho-dos-Reis Jordana Alves , Tsuji Yukiko , Boon Adrianus , Diamond Michael , Huang Yaoxing 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
The fear and devastation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has been mitigated by the successful development and deployment of prophylactic vaccines that substantially lowered the incidences of symptomatic infection, hospitalization, and death. However, as the causative agent SARS-CoV-2 continues to spread and evolve worldwide, vaccine-breakthrough infections have become frequent, especially after the emergence of viral variants that are antigenically distant from the ancestral strain used in the current vaccines. Additional approaches are therefore needed in our prevention tool kit. Here, we report on a glycolipid termed 7DW8-5 that exploits the host innate immune system to enable rapid control of viral infections in vivo. This glycolipid binds to CD1d on antigen-presenting cells and thereby stimulates NKT cells to release a cascade of cytokines and chemokines. The intranasal administration of 7DW8-5 prior to virus exposure significantly blocked infection by three different variants of SARS-CoV-2, as well as by respiratory syncytial virus and influenza virus, in mice or hamsters. We also found that this protective antiviral effect is both host-directed and mechanism-specific, requiring both the CD1d molecule and interferon-γ. A chemical compound like 7DW8-5 that is easy to administer and cheap to manufacture may be useful not only in slowing the spread of COVID-19 but also in responding to future pandemics due to a respiratory virus long before vaccines or drugs are developed.
Mechanical metal-insulator transition in 2D graphene phononic crystals
Authors: Kirchhof Jan , Bolotin Kirill I. 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
We present of a tunable phononic crystal which undergoes a phase transition from
mechanically insulating to mechanically transmissive (metallic). Specifically, in our
simulations for a phononic lattice under biaxial tension (σxx = σyy = 0.01 N/m), we find a
bandgap in the range of 48.8 – 56.4 MHz, which we can close by increasing the degree of
tension uniaxiality (σxx/σyy) to 1.7. To manipulate the tension distribution, we design a
realistic device of finite size, where σxx/σyy is tuned by applying a gate voltage to a
phononic crystal made from suspended graphene. We show that the phase transition can
be probed via acoustic transmission measurements and that the phononic bandgap
persists even after the inclusion surface contaminants and random tension variations
present in realistic devices. The proposed system acts as a transistor for phonons with an
on/off ratio of 105 (100 dB suppression) and is thus a valuable extension for phonon logic
applications. In addition, this mechanical analogue to a metal-insulator transition
(mMIT) allows tunable coupling between mechanical entities (e.g. mechanical qubits).