bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing the Response to Genomic Selection by Simulation
Authors: Buntaran Harimurti , Bernal-Vasquez Angela Maria , Gordillo Andres , Wimmer Valentin , Sahr Morten , Piepho Hans-Peter 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
The goal of any plant breeding program is to maximize genetic gain for traits of interest. In classical quantitative genetics, the genetic gain can be obtained from what is known as “Breeder’s equation”. In the past, only phenotypic data was used to compute the genetic gain. The advent of genomic prediction has opened the door to the utilization of dense markers for estimating genomic breeding values or GBV. The salient feature of genomic prediction is the possibility to carry out genomic selection with the assistance of the kinship matrix, hence, improving the prediction accuracy and accelerating the breeding cycle. However, estimates of GBV as such do not provide the full information on the number of entries to be selected as in the classical response to selection. In this paper, we use simulation, based on a fitted mixed model for genomic prediction in a multi-environmental framework, to answer two typical questions of a plant breeder: (1) How many entries need to be selected to have a defined probability of selecting the truly best entry from the population; (2) What is the probability of obtaining the truly best entries when some top-ranked entries are selected.
Effect of α-tocopheryloxy acetic acid on the infection of mice with Plasmodium berghei ANKA in vivo and humans with P. falciparum in vitro
Authors: Ariefta Nanang R , Kume Aiko , Nishikawa Yoshifumi , Taniguchi Tomoyo , Umemiya-Shirafuji Rika , Kasai Shunji , Suzuki Hiroshi 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
BackgroundMalarial parasites are susceptible to oxidative stress. The effects of α-tocopheryloxy acetic acid (α-TEA), a vitamin E analog, on infection by Plasmodium berghei ANKA and P. falciparum in mice and human red blood cells (RBCs), respectively, were examined in this study. MethodsFor in vivo studies in mice, RBCs infected with P. berghei ANKA were inoculated via intraperitoneal injection and α-TEA was administered to C57BL/6J male mice after infection. The blood–brain barrier (BBB) permeability was examined by Evans blue staining in experimental cerebral malaria at 7 days after infection. The in vitro inhibitory effect of α-TEA on P. falciparum 3D7 (chloroquine-sensitive strain) and K1 (multidrug-resistant strain) was tested using a SYBR Green I-based assay.ResultsWhen 1.5 % α-TEA was administered for 14 days after infection, 88 % of P. berghei ANKA-infected mice survived during the experimental period. Nevertheless, all the control mice died within 12 days of infection. Furthermore, the Evans blue intensity in α-TEA-treated mice brains was less than that in untreated mice, indicating that α-TEA might inhibit the destruction of the BBB and progression of cerebral malaria. The in vitro experiment revealed that α-TEA inhibited the proliferation of both the 3D7 and K1 strains.ConclusionsThis study showed that α-TEA is effective against murine and human malaria in vivo and in vitro, respectively. Although α-TEA alone has a sufficient antimalarial effect, future research could focus on the combined effect of α-TEA and already existing drugs. The prophylactic antimalarial activity of premedication with α-TEA may also be an interesting perspective in the future.
Spatial Distribution Characteristics and Evaluation of Soil Pollution in Coal Mining Area of Loess Plateau in Northern Shaanxi
Authors: Wang Na , Luo Yuhu , Liu Zhe , Sun Yingying 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
The ecological environment of the Loess Plateau in Northern Shaanxi is fragile, and the soil pollution caused by the development of coal resources can not be ignored. in this study, Shigetai Coal Mine in the Loess Plateau of Northern Shaanxi was selected for field investigation and sampling, the content of heavy metals in soil was analyzed, the environmental pollution status in the study area was evaluated by single factor pollution index method, comprehensive pollution index method and potential ecological risk index method, and the spatial distribution characteristics of heavy metals were discussed by geostatistics method. The results show that the average contents of heavy metals Hg, Cd, Pb and Cr are 2.03, 1.36, 1.11 and 1.23 times of the soil background value of Shaanxi Province, respectively. The average contents of other heavy metals are lower than the soil background value of Shaanxi Province. Hg and Cd show medium variation, as, Pb, Cr, Zn, Ni and Cu show strong variation. The skewness coefficient and kurtosis coefficient of soil Cd, as and Cu in the study area are high, In cumulative state. Single factor pollution index (Pi) and potential ecological risk index (E) show that heavy metal Hg is the main pollution factor, mainly concentrated in the East and north of the study area. The comprehensive index of potential ecological risk (RI) in the study area is 1336.49, showing a very high ecological risk, and its distribution characteristics are consistent with the distribution of potential ecological risk index (E) of Hg. The ecological risk early warning results show that Hg is in the light warning situation, Cd, Pb and Cr are in the early warning situation, the high value area of ecological risk early warning in the study area is mainly distributed in the East and North, and the whole study area presents an obvious zonal distribution law. In the process of coal mining, the soil is greatly disturbed. The ecological management of the mining area should be combined with the local natural conditions and regional environmental characteristics, and according to the principle of "adjusting measures to local conditions and implementing measures by classification". Adopt an environmentally sustainable approach to governance to achieve eco-environmental protection and high-quality development of coal resources.
The challenge of care coordination by midwives during the COVID-19 pandemic: a national descriptive survey
Authors: GAUCHER Laurent , DUPONT Corinne , GAUTIER Sylvain , BAUMANN Sophie , ROUSSEAU Anne 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: As part of a decades-long process of restructuring primary care, independent (also known as community) healthcare workers are being encouraged to work in groups to facilitate their coordination and continuity of care in France. French independent midwives perform about half of the early prenatal interviews that identify mothers' needs during pregnancy and then refer them to the appropriate resources. The French government, however, structured the COVID-19 pandemic response around public health institutions and did not directly mobilise these community healthcare workers during the lockdown phase. These responses have raised questions about their role within the healthcare system in crises. This survey’s main objectives were to estimate the proportion of independent midwives who experienced new difficulties in referring women to healthcare facilities or other caregivers and in collaborating with hospitals during the first stage of this pandemic. The secondary objective was to estimate the proportion, according to their mode of practice, of independent midwives who considered that all the women under their care had risked harm due to failed or delayed referral to care. Methods: We conducted an online national survey addressed to independent midwives in France from 29 April to 15 May 2020, around the end of the first lockdown (17 March–11 May, 2020). Results: Of the 5264 registered independent midwives in France, 1491 (28.3%) responded; 64.7% reported new or greater problems during the pandemic in referring women to health facilities or care-providers, social workers in particular, and 71.0% reported new difficulties collaborating with hospitals. Nearly half (46.2%) the respondents considered that all the women in their care had experienced, to varying degrees, a lack of or delay in care that could have affected their health. This proportion did not differ according to the midwives’ form of practice: solo practice, group practice with other midwives only, or group practice with at least two types of healthcare professionals. Conclusions: The pandemic has degraded the quality of pregnant women’s care in France and challenged the French model of care, which is highly compartmentalised between an almost exclusively independent primary care (community) sector and a predominantly salaried secondary care (hospital) sector.
Evaluation of the zootechnical parameters of 'Poulet du Faso' fed with rations formulated by the design of experiments method
Authors: KY Inoussa , PARKOUDA Charles , SOMDA Marius , DICKO Mamoudou Hama 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of feed formulation using the design of experiments methodology on the zootechnical performance of the local hen in Burkina Faso. The experimental flock consisted of one hundred (100) 11-day-old chicks of the "Poulet du Faso" breed, randomly divided into ten lots of ten chicks. Ten feed rations resulting from the formulation by the experimental design method were prepared to feed the ten batches of poultry. Feed intake, live weight, average daily gain and feed efficiency were monitored weekly for 9 weeks. At the end of the study, the average daily food consumption varied from 112.30 ± 50.79 to 119.49±52.11g/d, the average live weight of the subjects varied from 1089.53±0.07g to 1660±0.12g. The average daily gain varied from 22.81±2.11g/d to 31.92±2.85g and the consumption index varied from 3.92±1.92 to 5.34±2.68. The dissemination of this information to poultry farmers could improve their production yields and the profitability of their activity.
Examining the Feasibility and Functionality of Common Analysis Methods for Longitudinal Data with Binary Outcomes
Authors: Zaniletti Isabella , Dueck Amylou C. , DeWees Todd A. 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
Previous literature often indicates that binary longitudinal data, such as responder analysis with patient-reported outcomes to evaluate treatment risks and benefits in cancer randomized controlled trials, need complex statistical approaches for a thorough evaluation of the treatment effect and consequently elaborated clinical design and power calculation for prospective trials. This simulated analysis aims to evaluate six common statistical techniques used for binary longitudinal data to explore the feasibility and overall functionality of these methods in comparison to more complex modeling techniques.
Methods
We simulated data to represent a typical clinical trial design, with dichotomous outcome, and treatment vs control group at three waves T1, T2, and T3. We evaluated five sample size conditions ranging from small to large with 1,000 replicates each. We then evaluated results from six statistical techniques (Generalized linear model [GLM] with generalized estimating equations [GEE], Generalized linear mixed model [GLMM], Logistic regression, Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel [CMH], Chi-square, and Fisher’s Exact test) and their ability in detecting difference between treatment groups under different conditions.
Results
While less elaborated models always achieved convergence, the convergence rate of GLMM with unstructured covariance matrix ranged from 7–43%. The proportion of detected significant differences between control and treatment expectedly increased with the increasing of the sample size but remained somewhat similar across modeled outcome and sample size scenarios.
Conclusions
Overall results indicated that, with careful consideration, straightforward modelling approaches which require less assumptions in design and power calculation are sufficient to ensure meaningful, adequately powered, evaluation of treatment effect.
Serum and Plasma Levels of Ba, But Not Those of Soluble C5b-9, Might be Affected by Renal Function in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients
Authors: Yamane Ryoko , Yasuda Yoshinari , Oshima Aki , Suzuki Yasuhiro , Kojima Hiroshi , Kim Hangsoo , Fukui Sosuke , Maruyama Shoichi , Ito Yasuhiko , Mizuno Masashi 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
BackgroundDuring the recent few decades, pathogenic mechanisms associated with uncontrolled activation of the complement (C) system and development of anti-C agents have been closely investigated in the field of nephrology. The usefulness of some C products such as C5a and sC5b-9 for diagnostic and prognostic purposes remains controversial. On the other hand, decreased renal function is being observed in many patients with or without nephritis as a background factor in progressively aging societies. We therefore investigated whether renal function influenced the evaluation of various complement components and activation products.MethodsTo investigate the influence of renal function on evaluations of C3, C4, CH50, Ba, C5a and sC5b-9, 40 patients were retrospectively chosen from among 844 patients without active glomerulonephritis from 2009 to 2016. We measured plasma and serum levels of C3, C4, CH50, Ba, C5a and sC5b-9 using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and compared the findings with inulin clearance (Cin) as a marker of preserved renal function.ResultsBoth plasma and serum levels of Ba correlated significantly with Cin, but other values did not. Compared with patients with Cin ≥60 or ≥30 mL/min/1.73 m2, plasma and serum levels of Ba were increased in patients with Cin decreased to <60 or <30 mL/min/1.73 m2, but levels of C5a and sC5b-9 were not.ConclusionThe influence of renal function might need to be considered when evaluating Ba, but not C5a and sC5b-9, in plasma and serum samples from chronic kidney disease patients.
Aptamer-Antibody Hybrid ELONA That Uses Hybridization Chain Reaction to Detect EN2, A Urinary Biomarker for Bladder and Prostate Cancer
Authors: Kim Eunseon , Kang Minji , Ban Changill 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
We report an EN2-specific (Kd = 8.26 nM) aptamer, and a sensitive and specific enzyme-linked oligonucleotide assay (ELONA) for rapid and sensitive colorimetric detection of bladder and prostate cancer biomarker EN2 in urine. The assay relies on an aptamer-mediated hybridization chain reaction (HCR) to generate DNA nanostructures that bind to EN2 and simultaneously amplify signals. The assay can be performed within 2.5 h, and has a limit of detection of 0.34 nM in buffer and 2.69 nM in artificial urine. Moreover, this assay showed high specificity as it did not detect other urinary proteins, including biomarkers of other cancers. The proposed ELONA is inexpensive, highly reproducible, and has great chemical stability, so it may enable development of a simple, sensitive and accurate diagnostic tool to detect bladder and prostate cancers early.
Natural Ventilation in Urban Buses: From Negative Pressure To Velocity-Driven Dispersion of Aerosols
Authors: Pichardo-Orta F. Alexei , Patiño-Luna Oscar Adrían , Vélez-Cordero J. Rodrigo 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
In this report we analyze the air streams formed across the open windows (natural ventilation) of an urban bus model and the resulted dispersion of aerosols emitted in the passenger area. The methods include computational fluid dynamics simulations and three ways to characterize the dispersion of passive tracers: a continuous concentration-based model, a discrete random model and a parametric scalar based on the so-called mean age of air. We also conducted experiments using a 1:10 scale bus model and CO2 as a passive tracer to assess the ventilation characteristics. We found that dispersion and expulsion of aerosols is driven by a negative pressure field in the standard bus design equipped with lateral windows. Also, the average age of air is 6 minutes while the air streams promote aerosol accumulation at the front (driver’s area). To speed up the expulsion of aerosols and reduce their in-cabin accumulation, we proposed a bus bodywork prototype having a frontal intake of air. The expulsion of aerosols in this case is driven by a frontal velocity field while the average age of air is reduced to 50 seconds which manifests as an increase of the aerosols expulsion rate.
Prognostic Value of Coronary Artery Calcium Scores from 1.5 mm Slice Reconstructions of Electrocardiogram-gated Computed Tomography Scans in Asymptomatic Individuals
Authors: Kim Suh Young , Suh Young Joo , Lee Hye-Jeong , Kim Young Jin 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
It is unknown whether the thinner slice reconstruction has added value relative to 3 mm reconstructions in predicting major adverse cardiac events (MACEs). This retrospective study included 550 asymptomatic individuals who underwent cardiac CT. Coronary artery calcium (CAC) scores and severity categories were assessed from 1.5 and 3 mm scans. CAC scores obtained from 1.5 and 3 mm scans were compared using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Cox proportional hazard models were developed to predict MACEs based on clinical variables, the degree of coronary artery stenosis on coronary CT angiography and the presence of CAC on both scans. Model performances were compared using the time-dependent ROC curve and integrated area under the curve (iAUC) methods. The CAC scores obtained from 1.5 mm scans were significantly higher than those from 3 mm scans (median, interquartile range 4.5[0-71] vs. 0[0-48.4]; p < 0.001). Multivariable models showed no significant difference in predictive accuracy of the presence of CAC between 1.5 and 3 mm scans (iAUC, 0.716 vs. 0.738; 95% confidence interval for difference, -0.199–0.155). In conclusion, CAC scores obtained from 1.5 mm scans are significantly higher than those from 3 mm scans, but do not provide added prognostic value relative to 3 mm scans.
The Protective Effect of the Experimental TiF4 and Chitosan Toothpaste on Erosive Tooth Wear in Vitro
Authors: Francese Monique , Gonçalves Isabela , Vertuan Mariele , Souza Beatriz , Magalhães Ana 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
This study evaluated the protective effect of an TiF4 and chitosan toothpaste on erosive tooth wear (ETW) in vitro. Bovine samples were randomly assigned to toothpastes (n=12): 1) TiF4 (1400 ppm F−), 2) 0.5%. chitosan (75% deacetylation, 500 mPas), 3) TiF4 (1400 ppm F−) plus 0.5%. chitosan (75% deacetylation, 500 mPas), 4) Placebo, 5) Erosion Protection (Elmex® - GABA, Suíça, 1400 ppm F−). Twelve samples were only eroded. All samples were submitted to erosive pH cycles and the groups 1-5 to abrasive challenges using toothpastes’ slurries plus 45 s of treatment, for 7 days. The final profile was overlaid to the baseline one for the ETW calculation (µm). The data were subjected to Kruskal-Wallis/Dunn tests. TiF4 toothpastes, regardless of the presence of chitosan, were able to significantly reduce ETW compared to placebo, while chitosan alone was similar to placebo for both tissues. The toothpastes containing TiF4 were even superior to the commercial Elmex® toothpaste on enamel wear, which were also significantly different from placebo. TiF4 and Elmex® toothpastes minimized the impact of brushing on eroded surface compared to the other groups. In conclusion, TiF4 toothpastes, regardless the presence of chitosan, showed to be effective in minimizing ETW in vitro.
Co-Creating Cultures of Sustainability and Co-Imagining the Teaching Green Building: The Use of a Participatory Photovoice Process in a HPGB Context
Authors: Reimer-Watts Benjamin Kai , Abel Esther , Coulombe Simon , Riemer Manuel 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Despite understanding the severity of the climate crisis, global action remains highly insufficient to address this challenge. Buildings are significant contributors to climate change due to their substantial global emissions, but can also contribute to urgent climate solutions. High-performance green buildings (HPGBs) can reduce operational building-level emissions dramatically, and potentially offer other benefits that support building users’ wellbeing and sustainable behaviours. HPGBs can provide useful environments to engage and influence culture, and can act as publicly visible symbols of emergent local clean economies. However, a gap remains in knowing how best to support the emergence of citizen-led cultures of sustainability (COS) within green building spaces, an effort that could also help address the noted ‘performance gap’ of green buildings that has been linked to occupant behaviours. With the intention of investigating and supporting a growing citizen-led COS in a green building, this study applied an empowerment-based Photovoice method in the context of the HPGB evolv1, located in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. Six building users (citizens) took and selected photographs, participated in facilitated group discussions and individual interviews, and contributed toward three public exhibitions based on research findings.
Based on thematic analysis, findings suggest building citizens know what a COS means to them, and existing barriers and enablers within/around the evolv1 building toward achieving this. In addition, participants recognized the impact of specific green building features on their own personal sustainability-related values and practices, including the influence of sustainability symbolism within the building environment. Lastly, participants articulated specific recommendations for further promoting and growing a COS at evolv1. Significant themes identified are discussed in relation to and expansion of Cole (2014)’s Teaching Green Building (TGB) Model for Learning, providing preliminary insights into the degree to which evolv1 may or may not presently embody key aspects of a TGB. This study contributes to deepening understandings of how researchers and building citizens can support the emergence of COS within green buildings and related environments, with key takeaways that can be usefully applied to other settings, and theoretical and practical implications. Research findings encourage action toward supporting engaged, citizen-led COS, to advance more sustainable futures.
Smallholders Livestock Keepers Breeding Choice and Its Implication on Poverty Reduction in Tanzania
Authors: Kitole Felician Andrew 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
The paper examines forces behind smallholder livestock keepers’ decision towards breeding choices by widening the choices between improved dairy and beef cattle and traditional breeds and its implication in poverty reduction in Tanzania. The study has utilized the Tanzania household panel data survey of 2017/18 entailing all 27 mainland regions by focusing on the smallholder livestock keepers. The study shows that majority of smallholder livestock keepers are residing in rural areas constituting 85.87% with the sector being dominated by males owning 76.665 of entire livestock. However, the traditional breeds are dominant forming 56.43% of entire breeds in the country followed by improved beef and dairy breeds with 40.51% and 3.06% respectively. The sector is characterized by low education whereas 55.38% of the smallholder livestock keepers have no formal education, those with primary education are 41.74% and those with higher education are just 1.03% countrywide. Moreover, the multinomial logit results showed that choices of smallholder livestock keepers on cattle breeding categories significantly depend on a residence, national zoning, income diversification (farming and business ownership), education as well as per capita income with 52.45% living below the poverty line. The study recommends that the national livestock development program and livestock master plan should reconsider poverty as the focal point of change for the sectoral development and actors.