bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A lesson unlearned? Underestimating tree cover in drylands biases global restoration maps
Authors: Fagan M. E. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractTwo recent global maps of tree restoration potential have identified vast regions where tree cover could be increased, ranging from 0.9 to 2.3 billion hectares. Both maps, however, emphasized dryland regions, with arid biomes making up 36%–42% of potential restoration area. Dryland biomes have repeatedly been recognized as inappropriate regions for expanding tree cover due to the risks of biodiversity loss, water overconsumption, and fire, so maps that highlight these regions for restoration must sustain careful scrutiny. Here, I show that both recent attempts to map restoration potential in arid regions have been hindered by underlying errors in the global tree cover maps they used. Systematic underestimates of existing sparse tree cover led directly to large overestimates of the potential for tree recovery in drylands. The Atlas of Forest Landscape Restoration Opportunities (Laestadius et al., Unasylva, 2011, 62, 47) overestimated tree restoration potential across a third of arid biomes by between 7% and 20% (55–166 million hectares [Mha]). Similarly, Bastin, Finegold, Garcia, Mollicone, et al. (Science, 2019, 365, 76) overestimated tree restoration potential across all arid biomes by 33%–45% (316–440 Mha). These inaccuracies limit the utility of this research for policy decisions in drylands and overstate the potential for tree planting to address climate change. Given this long‐standing but underappreciated challenge in mapping global tree cover, I propose various ways forward that keep this lesson in mind. To better monitor and restore tree cover, I call for re‐interpretation and correction of existing global maps, and for a new focus on quantifying sparse tree cover in drylands and other systems.
Corruption, market quality, and entry deterrence in emerging economies
Authors: Dastidar Krishnendu Ghosh , Yano Makoto 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIn many emerging economies incumbent firms often use dubious means to deter entry of other firms. We analyze this scenario in a three‐stage game of entry deterrence. The incumbent has incomplete information about the entrant's costs but can increase this cost by resorting to unfair means (e.g. bribing a politician who harms the entrant). We completely characterize the optimal bribe and show that this depends on the “fairness index” and the “differentiation” parameter. We also show that zero bribes need not maximize welfare and market quality. Our results seem to be compatible with anecdotal evidence from emerging economies such as India.
Contrasting impact of androgens on male and female adiposity, fat distribution and insulin resistance in childhood and adolescence (EarlyBird 75)
Authors: Chynoweth Jade , Hosking Joanne , Jeffery Alison , Pinkney Jonathan 
Published: July 2020

SummaryObjectivesTo investigate associations between androgens (testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate [DHEAS] and androstenedione), adiposity, fat distribution and insulin resistance (IR) during childhood and adolescence.MethodsThree hundred and seven children (170 [55.4%] boys; 137 [44.6%] girls) recruited at age 5 and studied annually until age 16: androgens (liquid chromatography tandem‐mass spectrometry), anthropometry, body composition (dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry) and IR (homeostasis model assessment).ResultsEarly adiposity was associated with earlier detection of androstenedione in both sexes, and DHEAS in boys. At puberty, higher androgen levels were associated with favourable metabolic changes in boys, but adverse metabolic effects in girls. In boys, higher free testosterone (FT) was associated with lower body fat and android/gynoid fat ratio (AGR) (both P < .001), but in girls higher total testosterone was associated with higher AGR. In girls only, higher androstenedione (P = .02) and FT (P = .01) was associated with higher IR during puberty.ConclusionsIn pre‐pubertal children, adiposity is associated with higher secretion of androgen precursors. After pubertal onset, higher testosterone is associated with lower adiposity and AGR in boys, but higher AGR and IR in girls. Therefore, androgens have modest sex‐specific associations with children's total body fat, fat distribution and IR.
A behind‐the‐scenes tour of the IEDB curation process: an optimized process empirically integrating automation and human curation efforts
Authors: Salimi Nima , Edwards Lindy , Foos Gabriele , Greenbaum Jason A. , Martini Sheridan , Reardon Brian , Shackelford Deborah , Vita Randi , Zalman Leora , Peters Bjoern , Sette Alessandro 
Published: July 2020

SummaryThe Immune Epitope Database and Analysis Resource (IEDB) provides the scientific community with open access to epitope data, as well as epitope prediction and analysis tools. The IEDB houses the most extensive collection of experimentally validated B‐cell and T‐cell epitope data, sourced primarily from published literature by expert curation. The data procurement requires systematic identification, categorization, curation and quality‐checking processes. Here, we provide insights into these processes, with particular focus on the dividends they have paid in terms of attaining project milestones, as well as how objective analyses of our processes have identified opportunities for process optimization. These experiences are shared as a case study of the benefits of process implementation and review in biomedical big data, as well as to encourage idea‐sharing among players in this ever‐growing space.
Recent influenza activity in tropical Puerto Rico has become synchronized with mainland US
Authors: Paz–Bailey Gabriela , Quandelacy Talia M. , Adams Laura E. , Olsen Sonja J. , Blanton Lenee , Munoz-Jordan Jorge L. , Lozier Matthew , Alvarado Luisa I. , Johansson Michael A. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundWe used data from the Sentinel Enhanced Dengue Surveillance System (SEDSS) to describe influenza trends in southern Puerto Rico during 2012‐2018 and compare them to trends in the United States.MethodsPatients with fever onset ≤ 7 days presenting were enrolled. Nasal/oropharyngeal swabs were tested for influenza A and B viruses by PCR. Virologic data were obtained from the US World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Laboratories System and the National Respiratory and Enteric Virus Surveillance System (NREVSS). We compared influenza A and B infections identified from SEDSS and WHO/NREVSS laboratories reported by US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) region using time series decomposition methods, and analysed coherence of climate and influenza trends by region.ResultsAmong 23,124 participants, 9% were positive for influenza A and 5% for influenza B. Influenza A and B viruses were identified year‐round, with no clear seasonal patterns from 2012 to 2015 and peaks in December‐January in 2016‐2017 and 2017‐2018 seasons. Influenza seasons in HHS regions were relatively synchronized in recent years with the seasons in Puerto Rico. We observed high coherence between absolute humidity and influenza A and B virus in HHS regions. In Puerto Rico, coherence was much lower in the early years but increased to similar levels to HHS regions by 2017‐2018.ConclusionsInfluenza seasons in Puerto Rico have recently become synchronized with seasons in US HHS regions. Current US recommendations are for everyone 6 months and older to receive influenza vaccination by the end of October seem appropriate for Puerto Rico.
Glycation of fibronectin inhibits VEGF‐induced angiogenesis by uncoupling VEGF receptor‐2‐c‐Src crosstalk
Authors: Chen Tangting , Dong Jinling , Zhou Haiyan , Deng Xin , Li Rong , Chen Ni , Luo Mao , Li Yongjie , Wu Jianbo , Wang Liqun 
Published: July 2020

AbstractGlycation of extracellular matrix proteins has been demonstrated to contribute to the pathogenesis of vascular complications. However, no previous report has shown the role of glycated fibronectin (FN) in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)‐induced angiogenesis. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effects of glycated FN on VEGF signalling and to clarify the molecular mechanisms involved. FN was incubated with methylglyoxal (MGO) in vitro to synthesize glycated FN, and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were seeded onto unmodified and MGO‐glycated FN. Then, VEGF‐induced angiogenesis and VEGF‐induced VEGF receptor‐2 (VEGFR‐2) signalling activation were measured. The results demonstrated that normal FN‐positive bands (260 kD) vanished and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) appeared in MGO‐glycated FN and glycated FN clearly changed to a higher molecular mass. The glycation of FN inhibited VEGF‐induced VEGF receptor‐2 (VEGFR‐2), Akt and ERK1/2 activation and VEGF‐induced cell migration, proliferation and tube formation. The glycation of FN also inhibited the recruitment of c‐Src to VEGFR‐2 by sequestering c‐Src through receptor for AGEs (RAGE) and the anti‐RAGE antibody restored VEGF‐induced VEGFR‐2, Akt and ERK1/2 phosphorylation, endothelial cell migration, proliferation and tube formation. Furthermore, the glycation of FN significantly inhibited VEGF‐induced neovascularization in the Matrigel plugs implanted into subcutaneous tissue of mice. Taken together, these data suggest that the glycation of FN may inhibit VEGF signalling and VEGF‐induced angiogenesis by uncoupling VEGFR‐2‐c‐Src interaction. This may provide a novel mechanism for the impaired angiogenesis in diabetic ischaemic diseases.
Legal Instrument Choice in the European Union
Authors: Hurka Steffen , Steinebach Yves 
Published: July 2020

AbstractRegulations and directives are the central legal instruments used by the EU. In some instances, the Commission is not legally required to choose a specific legal instrument, but can make this decision autonomously. However, we know surprisingly little about the factors that influence this decision. Based on an original dataset of all directives and regulations proposed by the European Commission in ordinary legislative procedures between 2009 and 2018, we find that the choice of a legal instrument is strongly determined by prior policy decisions and varies systematically across policy areas depending on the extent to which they have traditionally been addressed under the co‐decision procedure. In addition, we find that the Commission's use of regulations increases under conditions of increased euroscepticism, indicating that instead of granting dissenting member states more room to manoeuvre, the Commission prefers to keep them on a short leash.
Female sperm storage mediates post‐copulatory costs and benefits of ejaculate anticipatory plasticity in the guppy
Authors: Cardozo Gabriela , Devigili Alessandro , Antonelli Pietro , Pilastro Andrea 
Published: July 2020

AbstractMales of many species evolved the capability of adjusting their ejaculate phenotype in response to social cues to match the expected mating conditions. When females store sperm for a prolonged time, the expected fitness return of plastic adjustments of ejaculate phenotype may depend on the interval between mating and fertilization. Although prolonged female sperm storage (FSS) increases the opportunity for sperm competition, as a consequence of the longer temporal overlap of ejaculates from several males, it may also create variable selective forces on ejaculate phenotype, for example by exposing trade‐offs between sperm velocity and sperm survival. We evaluated the relationship between the plasticity of ejaculate quality and FSS in the guppy, Poecilia reticulata, a polyandrous live‐bearing fish in which females store sperm for several months and where stored sperm contribute significantly to a male's lifelong reproductive success. In this species, males respond to the perception of future mating opportunities by increasing the quantity (number) and quality (swimming velocity) of ready‐to‐use sperm (an anticipatory response called ‘sperm priming’). Here we investigated (a) the effect of sperm priming on in vitro sperm viability at stripping and its temporal decline (as an estimate of sperm survival), and (b) the in vivo competitive fertilization success in relation to female sperm storage using artificial insemination. As expected, sperm‐primed males produced more numerous and faster sperm, but with a reduced in vitro sperm viability at stripping and after 4 hr, compared with their counterparts. Artificial insemination revealed that the small (nonsignificant) advantage of primed sperm when fertilization immediately follows insemination is reversed when eggs are fertilized by female‐stored sperm, weeks after insemination. By suggesting a plastic trade‐off between sperm velocity and viability, these results demonstrate that prolonged female sperm storage generates divergent selection pressures on ejaculate phenotype.
Automatic sorting of fresh tea leaves using vision‐based recognition method
Authors: Chen Zhiwei , He Leiying , Ye Yang , Chen Jianneng , Sun Liang , Wu Chuanyu , Chen Lin , Wang Rongyang 
Published: July 2020

AbstractMechanical tea harvesting using plucking machines is highly efficient, but harvested raw fresh tea leaves (FTLs) are always low quality because they contain a mixture of old leaves and leaf debris. To address this problem, this study developed an automatic sorting machine with a vision‐based recognition method to extract high‐quality FTLs from plucked raw FTLs. First, the raw FTLs were separated one by one after passing through three sequential conveyor belts with increasing speed, and were then classified into four grades using a vision‐based recognition method. Finally, the FTLs were blown by air nozzles into collection boxes according to their specific grade. In the recognition method, the shape‐based feature of each FTL is extracted by establishing the FTL's topological structure, and the support vector machine model is used for classification. The experimental results revealed that the vision‐based recognition method performed satisfactorily with an accuracy rate of 94% and precision rate of 85%. The sorting success rate and efficiency of the automatic sorting machine were approximately 80% and 15 kg hr−1, respectively. The results indicate that the developed automatic sorting machine can effectively and efficiently sort raw FTLs, which may improve the profitability and promote the automation of tea processing.
Google search trends in onychomycosis: Influences of flip flops and advertising
Authors: Gupta Aditya K. , Quinlan Emma M. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundOnychomycosis is a fungal infection of the nail, affecting 5.5% of the population. Individuals affected by this disease experience increased anxiety about this disorder and a decreased quality of life. There are multiple available treatments across the globe, leading people to search online for information on the various therapies.AimsTo analyze Google search trends of fungal infection and treatment keywords and the influence of different geographical locations, season, regulatory decisions, and advertisements on these trends.MethodsIn May, 2020 we used Google Trends to determine the relative interest of various fungal infection and treatment keywords worldwide and in the US, the UK, Canada, and Australia. Notable peaks were investigated for contemporaneous news events.ResultsIn general, searches for toenail fungus and associated treatment terms peak during the summer months. Interest in individual treatments peaks when a product is launched, is the subject of an advertising campaign, or becomes more available to the public through approval or reclassification. Yeast infection, thrush, and ringworm terms are consistently searched more often than toenail fungus, jock itch, or foot fungus; all terms are most popular in the summer months, with toenail fungus reaching annual popularity one month prior to jock itch.DiscussionIn general, interest in toenail fungus and treatments is the highest when social anxiety about toenail appearance and the occurrence of fungal infection is the greatest. Curiosity about treatment products increases with their availability and visibility to the public. Combining the power of seasonal interest and advertising generates the greatest search profile for onychomycosis treatments.
The relationship between effort–reward imbalance and empathy among clinical nurses: A cross‐sectional online survey
Authors: Kong Lingling , Li Wencai , Wang Hongmei , Xu Ning , Xu Qing , Sun Li , Chen Hongying , Liu Jiangtao , Bi Yongxia , Szto Peter 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAims and objectivesTo understand the factors that influence nurses empathy towards patients and to explore its influence on effort–reward imbalance involving empathy.BackgroundEmpathy is highly valued in nurse–patient relationships. However, currently, little evidence currently exists on the impact of work‐related stress measured by effort–reward imbalance and empathy.DesignAn anonymous, cross‐sectional online survey using a sample of convenient was conducted.MethodsConvenient online sampling was conducted with select nurses from seven cities in Shandong province, China. The nurses worked in clinical settings in 10 different hospitals. Two questionnaires, for example the Effort‐Reward Imbalance Questionnaire and the Jefferson Scale of Physician Empathy, were used. Medians, percentages, related analysis and regression analysis were used to measure the relationship between Effort‐Reward Imbalance and empathy levels among nurses in China. In addition, this study adhered to the EQUATOR checklist, STROBE (see Supplementary file 1).ResultsAmong 1,077 participants, 26.5% stated experiencing an Effort‐Reward Imbalance, with a mean empathy score among Chinese nurses, was 109.78 ± 13.98. Multiple regression analysis revealed that females and head nurses had higher levels of empathy, and that those who had no experience learning about empathy‐related courses and an Effort‐Reward Imbalance ratio were negatively associated with empathy.ConclusionsGender, department, position, experience learning about empathy‐related courses and Effort‐Reward Imbalance ratio were significant elements related to nurses’ empathy levels.Relevance to clinical practiceAs we all know, empathy can affect the relationship between nurse and patient. If nurses are in an Effort‐Reward Imbalance, they may have less empathy. It is advised to improve the reward level of nurses, so that the level of empathy towards patients is enhanced.
Resident learning trajectories in the workplace: A self‐regulated learning analysis
Authors: Brydges Ryan , Tran Judy , Goffi Alberto , Lee Christie , Miller Daniel , Mylopoulos Maria 
Published: July 2020

AbstractContextResearch in workplace learning has emphasised trainees’ active role in their education. By focusing on how trainees fine‐tune their strategic learning, theories of self‐regulated learning (SRL) offer a unique lens to study workplace learning. To date, studies of SRL in the workplace tend to focus on listing the factors affecting learning, rather than on the specific mechanisms trainees use to regulate their goal‐directed activities. To inform the design of workplace learning interventions that better support SRL, we asked: How do residents navigate their exposure to and experience performing invasive procedures in intensive care units?MethodsIn two academic hospitals, we conducted post‐call debriefs with residents coming off shift and later sought their elaborated perspectives via semi‐structured interviews. We used a constant comparative methodology to analyse the data, to iteratively refine data collection, and to inform abductive coding of the data, using SRL principles as sensitising concepts.ResultsWe completed 29 debriefs and nine interviews with 24 trainees. Participants described specific mechanisms: identifying, creating, avoiding, missing and competing for opportunities to perform invasive procedures. While using these mechanisms to engage with procedures (or not), participants reported: distinguishing trajectories (i.e. becoming attuned to task‐relevant factors), navigating trajectories (i.e. creating and interacting with opportunities to perform procedures), and co‐constructing trajectories with their peers, supervisors and interprofessional team members.ConclusionsWe identified specific SRL mechanisms trainees used to distinguish and navigate possible learning trajectories. We also confirmed previous findings, including that trainees become attuned to interactions between personal, behavioural and environmental factors (SRL theory), and that their resulting learning behaviours are constrained and guided by interactions with peers, supervisors and colleagues (workplace learning theory). Making learning trajectories explicit for clinician teachers may help them support trainees in prioritising certain trajectories, in progressing along each trajectory, and in co‐constructing their plans for navigating them.
Maternal behaviors of gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus) on a summer foraging site
Authors: Burnham Rianna E. , Duffus David A. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe weaning period for gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus) calves is important for maternal instruction and learning. We examined observational and acoustic data from a foraging site for evidence of calf development and mother‐young information transfer. Site survey data demonstrated an initial prioritization of calf protection by using shallow shoreline areas. Foraging in more open water was only noted in late summer, perhaps an indicator of the maturation of the calf. Other indicators of development were found in acoustic recordings made over two summers. Motherese call types have been reported from recordings made in breeding lagoons, but have not before been described outside of calving regions. They were present in recordings from this study site, predominantly in the early summer and not heard past late July. We suggest vocal repertoire may evolve as the calf ages, and more adult calling behaviors eventually replace motherese. Long‐term mark‐recapture analyses demonstrated a high return of calves to the area to forage in summers subsequent to weaning, suggesting maternally inherited prey preference and site use behaviors. From our findings we suggest a calf's first summer is a highly critical period for development and may be formative in shaping future behaviors and habitat use patterns.