bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predicting Cotton Fiber Properties with Fiber Length Parameters Measured by Dual-beard Fibrograph
Authors: Zhou Jinfeng , Xu Bugao 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Cotton fiber properties, although influenced tremendously by plant growing conditions, are largely dictated by cotton variety, and therefore certain associations inherently exist among the properties. Previous studies have examined cotton properties that have direct impacts on others, e.g., fiber maturity on strength, but latent associations between fiber properties, such as fiber length vs. maturity, have not been explored. This paper focuses on investigating the relationships between fiber length and other important properties (e.g., strength and maturity), and creating the regression models to predict these properties in case the testing conditions are unattainable. We firstly selected 117 cotton samples and divided them into a training set (100 samples) and a testing set (17 samples). We then measured the fiber length parameters with Dual-beard Fibrograph (DBF) that can generate accurate fiber length distributions, and the seven other fiber properties, strength, elongation, micronaire, nep, fineness, immature-fiber-content and maturity-ratio, with High Volume Instrument (HVI) and Advanced Fiber Information System (AFIS). Finally, we performed multivariate regression, Bland-Altman plot, clustering and other statistical analyses to assess the correlations, multicollinearity, agreements and clusters of the fiber properties. It was found that fiber length parameters had moderate associations (0.3<|r|<0.7) with the seven properties, and the prediction errors on the training set varied from 2.25% (for maturity-ratio) to 14.36% (for nep). The Bland-Altman analysis proved that for any of the seven properties, more than 94.9% of the predicted and actual points were within the 95% limits of agreement and without systematic biases. The regression models based on cotton clusters significantly lowered the prediction errors because the cluster centroids better represented the collective features of the fiber properties. The analyses on the testing set showed the prediction models can generate comparable results for both the training and testing sets, and demonstrated good generalization over new samples.
Genetic Relationships among Sorghum Lines and Correlation between Genetic Distance and Hybrid Performance
Authors: Emrey Tafere Mulualem , Mindaye Taye Tadesse , Kebede Sentayehu Alamerew 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] is an important grain crop in many parts of the world, especially in dry regions. It is an important crop for food and feed and its role in energy production is also currently growing. The demand for food and feed has shown an increasing trend due to the increasing human population and economic growth. Sorghum hybrids have demonstrated superior performances in the developed world as compared to their inbred parents. However, the technologies are not being used by Ethiopian farmers because of lack of farmers preferred traits in the hybrids developed so far. This study was conducted to identify the genetic potential of selected sorghum inbred lines involving landraces, introduced and improved lines and its effect on combining ability and hybrid performance to use for hybrid development. Genetic diversity of 37 inbred lines used for the test hybrids was assessed using 7339 SNP markers. The data were then analyzed using statistical packages (DarWin, PowerMarker, and GenAlex). The genotypes were grouped into four clusters, with the Ethiopian landraces depicting clear distinction from the introduced and breeding lines. The result implies that efforts might be needed to bring the best genes from the landraces for the hybrid breeding. Genetic distance between inbred lines estimates based on SNP markers ranged from 0.02 to 0.358 with an average of 0.247, indicating the very narrow genetic distance for this study. The regression analysis indicates that grain yield showed an increment as the genetic distance among parental lines increased.
Phenotypic variation of root-system architecture under high P and low P conditions in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)
Authors: Kirchgesser Julian , Hazarika Mousumi , Bachmann-Pfabe Silvia , Dehmer Klaus J , Kavka Mareike , Uptmoor Ralf 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background Phosphorus (P) is an essential macronutrient required for plant metabolism and growth. Its acquisition by plants depends on the availability of dissolved P in the rhizosphere and on the characteristics of P uptake mechanisms such as root-system architecture (RSA). Compared to other crops, potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) has a relatively poor P acquisition efficiency. This is mainly due to its shallow and sparsely branched root system, resulting in a rather limited exploitable soil volume. Aim of this study is to reveal phenotypic variability of RSA and its reactions to P deficiency.ResultsOnly one out of 22 RSA-traits showed a significant increase under low-P conditions. This indicates an overall negative effect of P scarcity on potato root growth. Differences among genotypes, however, were statistically significant for 21 traits, revealing a high variability in potato RSA. Using a principal component analysis (PCA), we were able to classify genotypes into three groups with regard to their root-system size. Genotypes with both small and large root systems reacted to low-P conditions by in- or decreasing their relative root-system size to medium, whereas genotypes with an intermediate root system size showed little to no changes. ConclusionsWe observed a huge variation in both the potato root system itself and its adaptation to P deficiency. This may enable the selection of potato genotypes with an improved root-zone exploitation. Eventually, these could be utilized in the development of new cultivars adapted to low-P environments with better resource-use efficiencies.
PrEP risk perception and adherence among men who have sex with men: a prospective cohort study based on growth mixture model
Authors: Lin Bing , Liu Jiaxiu , Zhong Xiaoni 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background: It can be considered that pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) risk perception is the negative experiences or concerns about taking PrEP. The aim of this study is to explore the longitudinal trajectory of PrEP risk perception among men who have sex with men (MSM) and its impact on adherence.Methods: Data related to PrEP risk perception and adherence were derived from a prospective, open-label, cohort study in Western China from 2013 to 2015. Subjects who were divided into the medicine group took oral PrEP daily. The PrEP risk perception scale was constructed, and the growth mixture model (GMM) was used to classify PrEP risk perception. Finally, the effect of different levels of PrEP risk perception on drug adherence was explored using generalized estimating equations (GEE) with relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).Results: The PrEP risk perception scale consists of 4 dimensions and 16 items with Cronbach's alpha=0.828 and a good model fit. According to the GMM analysis, the subjects' PrEP risk perceptions were separated into two groups: a "high risk perception-declining group" (n=133) and a "low risk perception-smooth group" (n=493), where the proportion of high levels of drug adherence were 57.89% and 68.35%, respectively (p=0.0237). High levels of PrEP risk perception in the MSM population hinder drug adherence (RR=0.6993, 95% CI: 0.4961 to 0.9856, p=0.0411).Conclusion: This study demonstrates that high levels of PrEP risk perception in the MSM population are an obstacle to drug adherence, emphasizing the necessity of focusing on PrEP risk perception in this population.
MEKK4-mediated Phosphorylation of HOXA10 at Threonine 362 facilitates embryo adhesion to the endometrial epithelium
Authors: Yan Guijun , Zhang Mei , Zhang Qun , Cao Zhiwen , Cai Xinyu , Liu Jingyu , Jiang Yue , Zhu Yingchun , Zhou Jidong , Yu Lina , Zhen Xin , Hu Yali , Sun Haixiang 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Embryo adhesion is a very important step in the embryo implantation process. Homeobox A10 (HOXA10), a key transcriptional factor of endometrial receptivity, is indispensable for embryo adhesion. However, how to control the activation status of HOXA10 remains elusive. Here, we found that Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 4 (MEKK4) was associated with HOXA10 and directly phosphorylated HOXA10 at threonine 362. This MEKK4-mediated phosphorylation enhanced HOXA10-mediated transcriptional responses and adhesion between the embryo and endometrial epithelium. Specific deletion or kinase inactivation of MEKK4 in endometrial epithelial cells attenuates adhesion between embryo and epithelium. Therefore, the identification of MEKK4 as a novel physiological positive regulator of HOXA10 activation provides mechanistic insights to improve embryo implantation success. Moreover, when Thr362 was mutated to alanine (T362A) to mimic its dephosphorylation, the protein stability and transcriptional regulation of HOXA10 were decreased. In addition, HOXA10 -promoted embryo adhesion was weakened after the mutation of Thr362, suggesting that the phosphorylation of HOXA10 at this site may be a new indicator for evaluating endometrial receptivity and judging the ‘implantation window’.
Histopathological features predicated long-term clinical outcomes in patients with vanishing bile duct syndrome
Authors: LV Tingting , Yu Haitian , Han Xiao , Wee Aileen , Liu Jimin , Li Min , Xu Jinghang , Hu Xiaoli , Li Jia , Duan Weijia , Wang Tailing , Jia Jidong , Zhao Xinyan 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background The clinicopathological features and long-term outcomes of vanishing bile duct syndrome (VBDS) remains to be revealed. The aim of this study was to elucidate the clinicopathological features and identify potential factors for poor prognosis in patients with VBDS.Methods This retrospective study recruited patients with liver biopsy-proven VBDS who were followed up at five hospitals in northern China from January 2003 to April 2022. Clinical and pathological data at time of biopsy were reviewed. Clinical outcomes including development of cirrhosis, decompensation events, liver transplantation (LT) or liver-related death were recorded. Cox regression analysis was used to identify risk factors in the prediction of dismal outcomes.Results A total of 183 patients were finally included. The median age at the diagnosis was 47 (38, 55) years, with 77.6% being women. During a median follow-up time of 4.8 years, 48.1% of the patients developed compensated or decompensated cirrhosis, with 27 die and 15 received liver transplantation. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that hepatocellular cholestasis (HR 2.953, 95%CI 1.437-6.069), foam cells (HR 2.349, 95%CI 1.092-5.053), and advanced fibrosis (HR 2.524, 95%CI 1.313-4.851) were independent predictors for LT or liver-related deaths. A nomogram formulated with the above factors showed good consistency with concordance index of 0.746 (95% CI 0.706-0.785). Conclusions Nearly half of the patients with VBDS progressed to end-stage liver disease and 23% of them had LT or liver-related death within two years after diagnosis. Histological factors including hepatocellular cholestasis, foam cells and advanced fibrosis were independently associated with poor prognosis in patients with VBDS.
Specific alterations in riboproteomes composition of isonicotinic acid treated Arabidopsis seedlings
Authors: Zainab Fakih , Plourde Mélodie B. , Fourcassié Victor , Bourassa Sylvie , Droit Anrand , Germain Hugo 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Plants have developed strategies to deal with the great variety of challenges they are exposed to. Among them, common targets are the regulation of transcription and translation to finely modulate protein levels during both biotic and abiotic stresses. Increasing evidence suggests that ribosomes are highly adaptable modular supramolecular structures which remodel to adapt to stresses. Each Arabidopsis thaliana ribosome consists of approximately 80 distinct ribosomal proteins (RPs), each of which being encoded by two to seven genes. To investigate the identity of ribosomal proteins of the small subunit (RPS) and of the large subunit (RPL) as well as ribosomes-associated proteins, we analysed by LC/MS/MS immunopurified ribosomes from A. thaliana leaves treated with isonicotinic acid (INA), an inducer of plant innate immunity. We quantified a total of 2084 proteins. 165 ribosome-associated proteins showed increased abundance while 52 were less abundant. Of the 55 identified RPS (from a possibility of 104 encoding genes), 16 were deregulated. Similarly, from the 148 possible RPL, 81 were detected and 9 were deregulated. Our results revealed potential candidates involved in innate immunity that could be interesting targets for functional genomic studies.
A multi-centre, randomized, 12-month, parallel-group, feasibility study to assess the acceptability and preliminary impact of family navigation plus usual care versus usual care on attrition in managing pediatric obesity: A study protocol
Authors: Ball Geoff , O’Neill Marcus G. , Noor Rafat , Alberga Angela , Azar Rima , Buchholz Annick , Enright Michelle , Geller Josie , Ho Josephine , Holt Nicholas L. , Lebel Tracy , Rosychuk Rhonda J. , Tarride Jean-Eric , Zenlea Ian 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Pediatric obesity management can be successful, but some families discontinue care prematurely (i.e., attrition), limiting treatment impact. Attrition is often a consequence of barriers and constraints that limit families’ access to obesity management. Family Navigation (FN) can improve access, satisfaction with care, and treatment outcomes in diverse areas of healthcare. To help our team prepare for a future effectiveness trial, the objectives of our randomized feasibility study are to (i) explore children's and caregivers' acceptability of FN and (ii) examine attrition, measures of study rigour and conduct, and responses to FN + Usual Care vs Usual Care by collecting clinical, health services, and health economic data.METHODS: In our 2.5-year study, 108 6–17-year-olds with obesity and their caregivers will be randomized (1:1) to FN + Usual Care or Usual Care after they enroll in obesity management clinics in Edmonton, Calgary, and Mississauga, Canada. Our Stakeholder Steering Committee and research team will use Experience-Based Co-Design to design and refine our FN intervention to reduce families’ barriers to care, maximizing the intervention dose families receive. FN will be delivered by a navigator at each site who will use logistical and relational strategies to enhance access to care, supplementing obesity management. Usual Care will be offered similarly at each clinic, adhering to expert guidelines. At enrollment, families will complete a multidisciplinary assessment, then meet regularly with a multidisciplinary team of clinicians for obesity management. Over 12 months, both FN and Usual Care will be delivered virtually and/or in-person, pandemic permitting. Data will be collected at 0, 3, 6, and 12 months post-baseline. We will explore child and caregiver perceptions of FN acceptability as well as evaluate attrition, recruitment, enrolment, randomization, and protocol integrity against pre-set success thresholds. Data on clinical, health services, and health economic outcomes will be collected using established protocols. Qualitative data analysis will apply thematic analysis; quantitative data analysis will be descriptive.DISCUSSION: Our trial will assess the feasibility of FN to address attrition in managing pediatric obesity. Study data will inform a future effectiveness trial, which will be designed to test whether FN reduces attrition. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial was registered prospectively at clinicaltrials.gov (#NCT05403658; first posted: June 3, 2022); full details available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05403658.
Experimental Analysis of Fundamental Water Droplet Coalescence Mechanisms on a Single Vertical Fiber
Authors: Schwarzwälder Alexander , Dittler Achim , Meyer Jörg 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
In mist filtration, fiber-based coalescers are an established form of filtering droplets contained in mist. The filtration process can be divided into different process steps, describing the impact of the droplets on fibers, the liquid transport, and the formation of fluid structures. According to the current state of knowledge, the transport of fluid along the fibre is caused by gravitational draining, pressure, shearing, and electrostatic forces. The formation of fluid structures includes the creation of larger droplets by coalescing and fluid sails between adjacent fibres [1–3].
In order to investigate mechanisms inside depth filters on a microscopic level, investigations are often reduced to single fibers [1, 4–6]. Zhang et al. [7] observed self-propelled detachment of coalesced droplets which were arranged side by side on identical axial position. In this work, the coalescence mechanisms of axial distributed water droplets on a vertical fiber, subjected to gravity, are investigated. This is done with the latest high-speed camera technology commercially available. Automated tracking of droplets is used for a frame-by-frame investigation of droplet position, size, and oscillation behaviour.
Characteristic coalescence mechanisms are reported and describe the process of fluid formation. The first coalescence mechanism is identified by the coalescence of droplets contained in mist with an adhering droplet at the fiber. The second coalescence mechanism describes the coalescence of two closely spaced sessile droplets on a fiber. As a result, the newly formed droplet oscillates and can begin to drain. Furthermore, the coalescence mechanism of a draining and sessile droplet is investigated.
Additional observed mechanisms describe the process of droplet transportation. These mechanisms are: gravitational draining, droplet bouncing, and droplet sweeping.
Plant availability and leaching of 15N-labelled mineral fertilizer residues retained in an agricultural soil for 25 years: a lysimeter study
Authors: Sørensen Peter , Pedersen Betina N. , Thomsen Ingrid K. , Eriksen Jørgen , Christensen Bent T. 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Purpose: The crop uptake and leaching of labelled fertilizer N applied 25-30 years ago was measured in different agricultural cropping systems to improve the understanding and quantification of the long-term fate of fertilizer N. Methods: 15N-labelled mineral fertilizers were added to a field plot with different crops over 5 years. After 12 years arable cropping the top-soil was relocated to lysimeters with set-aside grassland for the next 13 years. The lability of the residual 15N in soil was then tested over a period of two years by either converting to fertilized and cut grass, or by replacing the set-aside grassland with spring barley (+/- autumn cover crop) or vegetation-free fallow, all receiving unlabelled mineral N fertilizers. The crop uptake and leaching of 15N was determined over the 2-year period.Results: The 15N residing in soil before set-aside decreased by 24% during the 13 years under set-aside grassland. Crop uptake and leaching of 15N were generally highest in the first test year after termination of the set-aside. The leaching of residual 15N in soil declined in the order: vegetation-free soil (4.7%), spring barley (1.9%), spring barley + cover crop (0.7%), and production grassland (0.2%). Corresponding losses for the second leaching period were 2.7%, 0.9%, 0.4%, and 0.06%. There was a constant relationship between the leaching loss of 15N and total N. Conclusions: After residing in soil for 25-30 years, the lability of labelled mineral N fertilizer residues were slightly higher than the lability of bulk soil N. Autumn vegetation was crucial for reducing leaching losses.
An educative framework for analysing risk perceptions
Authors: Garthwaite Kathryn , Birdsall Sally , France Bev 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
When secondary school students were asked about the socio-scientific issue of using sodium fluoroacetate (1080) poison to control New Zealand’s possum pests, they provided a wide range of responses. Their responses showed that they considered this method of control to be risky and contentious. Such contentious issues are an example of the complexity involved in using a socio-scientific approach to investigate an aspect of post-normal science. This paper provides the background to and development of a new risk perceptions analysis framework that was employed to qualitatively interpret these diverse viewpoints. Four Cultural Types (Nature Benign, Nature Tolerant, Nature Ephemeral and Nature Capricious) are accommodated within this framework. Each Cultural Type has a particular view of risk that is defined using common characteristics and is differentiated by unique individual attributes. It is proposed that this framework has the potential to analyse students’ responses to this contentious issue of 1080 use. The framework could be used as an educative tool in classrooms to investigate the range of views within society about issues that involve risk. Additionally, it could be used to assist students to gain awareness of their own view as well as develop an appreciation about the differing views of risk held by other people when discussing contentious issues.
Recycling nonlocality in a quantum network
Authors: Mao Ya-Li , Li Zheng-Da , Steffinlongo Anna , Guo Bixiang Guo , Liu Biyao , Xu Shufeng , Gisin Nicolas , Tavakoli Armin , Fan Jingyun 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
The nonlocality of an entangled qubit pair can be recycled for several Bell experiments. Here, we go beyond standard Bell scenarios and investigate the recycling of nonlocal resources in a quantum network. First, we show that the ability to recycle nonlocality can be independent of the size of the network. Then, we realize a photonic quantum 3-branch star network in
which three sources of entangled pairs independently connect three outer parties with a central node. After measuring, each outer party respectively relays their system to an independent secondary measuring party. We experimentally demonstrate that the outer parties can perform unsharp measurements that are strong enough to violate a network Bell inequality with the central party, but weak enough to maintain sufficient entanglement in the network to allow the three secondary parties to do the same. Moreover, the violations are strong enough to exclude any model based on standard projective measurements on the EPR pairs emitted in the network. Our experiment brings together the research program of recycling quantum resources with that of Bell nonlocality in networks.