bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long‐term ecological legacies in western Amazonia
Authors: Åkesson Christine M. , McMichael Crystal N. H. , Raczka Marco F. , Huisman Seringe N. , Palmeira Mona , Vogel Johnny , Neill David , Veizaj Jason , Bush Mark B. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractModifications of Amazonian forests by pre‐Columbian peoples are thought to have left ecological legacies that have persisted to the modern day. Most Amazonian palaeoecological records do not, however, provide the required temporal resolution to document the nuanced changes of pre‐Columbian disturbance or post‐disturbance succession and recovery, making it difficult to detect any direct, or indirect, ecological legacies on tree species.Here, we investigate the fossil pollen, phytolith and charcoal history of Lake Kumpaka, Ecuador, during the last 2,415 years inc. 3–50 year time intervals to assess ecological legacies resulting from pre‐Columbian forest modification, disturbance, cultivation and fire usage.Two cycles of pre‐Columbian cultivation (one including slash‐and‐burn cultivation, the other including slash‐and‐mulch cultivation) were documented in the record around 2150–1430 cal. year BP and 1250–680 cal. year BP, with following post‐disturbance succession dynamics. Modern disturbance was documented afterc. 10 cal. year BP. The modern disturbance produced a plant composition unlike those of the two past disturbances, as fire frequencies reached their peak in the 2,415‐year record. The disturbance periods varied in intensity and duration, while the overturn of taxa following a disturbance lasted for hundreds of years. The recovery periods following pre‐Columbian disturbance shared some similar patterns of early succession, but the longer‐term recovery patterns differed.Synthesis. The trajectories of change after a cessation of cultivation can be anticipated to differ depending on the intensity, scale, duration and manner of the past disturbance. In the Kumpakarecord, no evidence of persistent enrichment or depletion of intentionally altered taxa (i.e. direct legacy effects) was found but indirect legacy effects, however, were documented and have persisted to the modern day. These findings highlight the strengths of using empirical data to reconstruct past change rather than relying solely on modern plant populations to infer past human management and ecological legacies, and challenge some of the current hypotheses involving the persistence of pre‐Columbian legacies on modern plant populations.
Chemometric strategies for nondestructive and rapid assessment of nitrate content in harvested spinach using Vis‐NIR spectroscopy
Authors: Mahanti Naveen Kumar , Chakraborty Subir Kumar , Kotwaliwale Nachiket , Vishwakarma Anand Kumar 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe overuse of nitrogenous fertilizers leads to an increase in the nitrate content of green leafy vegetables. Consumption of food with excess nitrate is not advisable because it results in human ailment. In this study, spinach leaves were harvested from plants grown under nine varying (0 to 400 kg/ha) nitrogenous fertilizer doses. A total of 261 samples were used to predict the nitrate content in spinach leaves using Vis‐NIR (350 to 2,500 nm). The nitrate content was measured destructively using the ion‐selective conductive method. Partial least square (PLS) regression models were developed using whole spectra and featured wavelengths. Spectral data were pre‐processed using different spectral pre‐processing techniques such as Savitzky–Golay (SG) derivative, standard normal variate (SNV), multiplicative scatter correction (MSC), baseline correction, and detrending. The predictive accuracy of the PLS model had improved after pre‐processing of spectral data with MSC (RPDCV = 1.767; SECV = 545.745; biasCV = −3.107; slopeCV = 0.698) and SNV (RPDCV = 1.768; SECV = 545.337; biasCV = −3.201; slopeCV = 0.698) technique, but this was not significant (P < 0.05) as compared with raw spectral data (RPDCV = 1.679; SECV = 572.669; biasCV = −7.046; slopeCV = 0.687). The effective wavelengths for measurement nitrate content in spinach leaves were identified as 558, 706, 780, 1,000, and 1,420 nm. The performance of PLS model developed with effective wavelengths also had good prediction accuracy (RPDCV = 1.482; SECV = 648.672; biasCV = −3.805; slopeCV = 0.565) but significantly lower than the performance of model developed with full spectral data. The overall results of this study suggest that Vis‐NIR spectroscopy can be an important tool and has great potential for the rapid and nondestructive assessment of nitrate content in harvested spinach, with a view to ascertain the suitability of the harvest for food uses.Practical ApplicationBetter production and brighter color of leafy vegetable drive the farming community to overuse nitrogenous fertilizer. This has resulted in higher nitrate content in vegetables. It has been widely reported that consumption of these vegetables has carcinogenic effects on human beings. The prediction of nitrate content in leafy vegetables by traditional methods is time‐consuming (30 min, including sample preparation time), destructive, and tedious; moreover, it cannot be used for inline applications. This study reports spectroscopy‐based rapid (<5 s) assessment technique for nitrate measurement. A multivariable PLS model was developed using wavelengths representing nitrate content. This model can be adopted by food industries for inline applications.
Screening of a genome‐reduced Corynebacterium glutamicum strain library for improved heterologous cutinase secretion
Authors: Hemmerich Johannes , Labib Mohamed , Steffens Carmen , Reich Sebastian J. , Weiske Marc , Baumgart Meike , Rückert Christian , Ruwe Matthias , Siebert Daniel , Wendisch Volker F. , Kalinowski Jörn , Wiechert Wolfgang , Oldiges Marco 
Published: September 2020

SummaryThe construction of microbial platform organisms by means of genome reduction is an ongoing topic in biotechnology. In this study, we investigated whether the deletion of single or multiple gene clusters has a positive effect on the secretion of cutinase from Fusarium solani pisi in the industrial workhorse Corynebacterium glutamicum. A total of 22 genome‐reduced strain variants were compared applying two Sec signal peptides from Bacillus subtilis. High‐throughput phenotyping using robotics‐integrated microbioreactor technology with automated harvesting revealed distinct cutinase secretion performance for a specific combination of signal peptide and genomic deletions. The biomass‐specific cutinase yield for strain GRS41_51_NprE was increased by ~ 200%, although the growth rate was reduced by ~ 60%. Importantly, the causative deletions of genomic clusters cg2801‐cg2828 and rrnC‐cg3298 could not have been inferred a priori. Strikingly, bioreactor fed‐batch cultivations at controlled growth rates resulted in a complete reversal of the screening results, with the cutinase yield for strain GRS41_51_NprE dropping by ~ 25% compared to the reference strain. Thus, the choice of bioprocess conditions may turn a ‘high‐performance’ strain from batch screening into a ‘low‐performance’ strain in fed‐batch cultivation. In conclusion, future studies are needed in order to understand metabolic adaptations of C. glutamicum to both genomic deletions and different bioprocess conditions.
Comparative effects of varenicline or combination nicotine replacement therapy versus patch monotherapy on candidate mediators of early abstinence in a smoking cessation attempt
Authors: Kim Nayoung , McCarthy Danielle E. , Piper Megan E. , Baker Timothy B. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackground and aimsThe phase‐based model of smoking cessation treatment suggests that treatment needs may vary across phases (e.g. pre‐cessation, cessation). This study tested the comparative effects of varenicline and combination nicotine replacement therapy (C‐NRT) relative to nicotine patch monotherapy on pre‐cessation and cessation phase candidate withdrawal, expectancy and motivation mediators; relations between mediators and abstinence; and indirect effects of enhanced treatments on abstinence via candidate mediators.DesignSecondary mediation analysis of data from the open‐label, randomized Wisconsin Smokers’ Health Study 2, a comparative effectiveness trial of varenicline or C‐NRT, versus patch monotherapy, in adults who smoked, recruited via media and community outreach.SettingResearch clinics in Madison and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.ParticipantsA total of 1051 daily smokers motivated to quit smoking (52.5% female; mean age = 48.1, standard deviation = 11.6).InterventionsTwelve weeks of varenicline (n = 407) or 12 weeks of combination nicotine patch and nicotine lozenge therapy (n = 421), both compared with 12 weeks of patch control condition (n = 230), with individual smoking cessation counseling.MeasurementsThe primary abstinence outcome was biochemically verified 7‐day point‐prevalence abstinence 4 weeks post‐target quit day (TQD). Candidate mediators (craving, positive smoking expectancies, withdrawal symptoms, and quitting motivation) were assessed via ecological momentary assessment from 1 week prior (pre‐cessation phase) to 4 weeks after (cessation phase) the TQD.FindingsPre‐cessation and cessation mean levels and slopes of craving [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 0.34–0.79], smoking expectancies (aOR = 0.46–0.79) and quitting motivation (aOR = 1.35–7.21) significantly predicted 4‐week post‐TQD abstinence (P < 0.05). Significant varenicline mediation occurred via greater suppression in pre‐cessation craving [mediated effect (ab) = 0.09, standard error (SE) = 0.03, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.04–0.14] and smoking expectancies (ab = 0.06, SE = 0.02, 95% CI = 0.02–0.12). C‐NRT mediation occurred via greater reduction in pre–post‐TQD changes in craving (ab = 0.04, SE = 0.02, 95% CI = 0.01–0.08) and expectancies (ab = 0.03, SE = 0.02, 95% CI = 0.001–0.07), relative to patch monotherapy.ConclusionAmong adult smokers seeking to quit, varenicline seems to work through its effects on suppression of craving and smoking expectancies pre‐cessation while combination nicotine replacement therapy mediation seems to work through cessation‐related reduction in craving and smoking expectancies changes.
An analysis of the academic capacity of anaesthesia in the UK by publication trends and academic units
Authors: Ratnayake G. , El‐Boghdadly K. , Pandit J. J. 
Published: September 2020

SummaryOver a decade ago, bibliometric analysis predicted the disappearance of UK publishing in anaesthesia by 2020. We repeated this analysis to assess if this had turned out to be the case, searching PubMed for papers associated with UK consultant anaesthetists for 2017–2019 across 15 journals. Although the rate of decline has flattened using the same search filter, including a wider range of publication types shows that outputs still remain at half 1990s levels (381 papers for all 3 years combined), authored by 769 anaesthetists, 274 of whom are associated with an academic centre. There are now 11 identifiable academic units, and a further 15 places where anaesthetists have affiliations with academic centres as individuals. The majority of papers (71%) are in secondary analysis (observational, database and association studies, surveys and meta‐analyses), rather than in primary research (clinical trials or laboratory studies). These data reflect the current academic capacity in terms of publications, academic units and staffing. We discuss how this information can be used to inform a new strategy for UK academic anaesthesia.
Risk factors for emergency room use and rehospitalization among opioid‐exposed newborns in Massachusetts
Authors: Hwang Sunah S. , Liu Chia‐ling , Yu Qi , Cui Xiaohui , Diop Hafsatou 
Published: September 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the risk factors for receipt of emergency room (ER) care and rehospitalization among opioid‐exposed newborns in Massachusetts.Design/MethodsWe analyzed two linked data sets from 2002 to 2010: (a) Massachusetts Pregnancy to Early Life Longitudinal Data System and (b) Massachusetts Bureau of Substance Abuse Services Management Information System. Generalized estimating equations were used to assess the independent association of maternal and infant characteristics with ER use and rehospitalization in the first year of life.ResultsFour thousand and five hundred and twenty‐four maternal‐infant dyads affected by OUD were included in the analysis. In adjusted analysis, risk factors for receipt of ER care included Hispanic ethnicity (aOR 1.63 [95% CI 1.30‐2.05]), lower education levels (aOR 1.54‐1.69 [95% CI 1.12‐2.31]), nonprivate insurance (aOR 1.44 [95% CI 1.11‐1.86]), and presence of maternal chronic conditions (aOR 1.14 [95% CI 1.01‐1.29]). Risk factors for rehospitalization included prematurity (aOR 1.44 [95% CI 1.14‐1.82]), low birthweight (aOR 2.02 [95% CI 1.63‐2.49]), and nonprivate insurance (aOR 1.58 [95% CI 1.13‐2.22]). Prolonged infant birth hospitalization was protective against both ER use (aOR 0.84 [95% CI 0.73‐0.96]) and rehospitalization (aOR 0.63 [95% CI 0.53‐0.75]).ConclusionsClinical and sociodemographic characteristics are risk factors for receipt of ER care and rehospitalization among opioid‐exposed newborns in Massachusetts.
Next‐generation sequencing in hypoplastic bone marrow failure: What difference does it make?
Authors: Skibenes Sofie T. , Clausen Ida , Raaschou‐Jensen Klas 
Published: September 2020

AbstractHypoplastic bone marrow failure is a diagnostic feature of multiple haematological disorders, which also share a substantial overlap of clinical symptoms. Hence, discrimination of underlying disorders in patients presenting with hypoplastic bone marrow failure remains a major challenge in the clinic. Recent next‐generation sequencing (NGS) studies have broadened our understanding of the varying molecular mechanisms and advanced diagnostics of disorders exhibiting hypoplastic bone marrow failure. In this article, we present a literature review of NGS studies of haematological disorders associated with hypoplastic bone marrow failure and highlight the relevance of NGS for improved clinical diagnostics and decision‐making.
Evaluation of new compositions of 10% hydrogen peroxide‐based bleaching agents containing trimetaphosphate and fluoride on enamel demineralization
Authors: dos Santos Ana L. E. , Delbem Alberto C. B. , Danelon Marcelle , Marcon Laércio N. , Shinohara Mirela S. 
Published: September 2020

This study evaluated the effect on enamel demineralization of 10% hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) gels containing different concentrations of sodium trimetaphosphate (TMP) and sodium fluoride (NaF) combined with the daily use of fluoridated or placebo dentifrice. Bovine enamel blocks were selected by surface hardness (n = 72) and randomly assigned to one of the following experimental treatments: 10% H2O2; 10% H2O2 + 3% TMP + 0.1% NaF; and 10% H2O2 + 0.3% TMP + 0.05% NaF, each with or without fluoridated dentifrice. H2O2‐based gels were applied for 30 min d−1 followed by treatment with dentifrice (1 min). Enamels blocks were stored in artificial saliva at 37°C between sessions during the 14 days of experiment. Percentage of surface hardness loss (%SH) was calculated, and the blocks were cut into halves to analyze cross‐sectional hardness (ΔKHN). Polarized light microscopy images were obtained of the longitudinal sections of the samples. Enamel treated with fluoridated dentifrice presented lower hardness loss than those treated with placebo dentifrice (%SH and ΔKHN). Use of TMP‐ and NaF‐based gels, regardless of concentration, led to the lowest %SH values. Specimens treated with 10% H2O2 gel had the highest %SH and ΔKHN values. Gels with 10% H2O2 + 3% TMP + 0.1% NaF showed the lowest ΔKHN values. Microscopy images clearly showed that the addition of TMP and NaF to the H2O2‐based gels was effective in reducing the loss of hardness, and the fluoridated dentifrice helped minimize it in all treatments.
Within‐patient phylogenetic reconstruction reveals early events in Barrett’s Esophagus
Authors: Smith Lucian P. , Yamato Jon A. , Galipeau Patricia C. , Paulson Thomas G. , Li Xiaohong , Sanchez Carissa A. , Reid Brian J. , Kuhner Mary K. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBarrett's Esophagus is a neoplastic condition which progresses to esophageal adenocarcinoma in 5% of cases. Key events affecting the outcome likely occur before diagnosis of Barrett's and cannot be directly observed; we use phylogenetic analysis to infer such past events. We performed whole‐genome sequencing on 4–6 samples from 40 cancer outcome and 40 noncancer outcome patients with Barrett's Esophagus, and inferred within‐patient phylogenies of deconvoluted clonal lineages. Spatially proximate lineages clustered in the phylogenies, but temporally proximate ones did not. Lineages with inferred loss‐of‐function mutations in both copies of TP53 and CDKN2A showed enhanced spatial spread, whereas lineages with loss‐of‐function mutations in other frequently mutated loci did not. We propose a two‐phase model with expansions of TP53 and CKDN2A mutant lineages during initial growth of the segment, followed by relative stasis. Subsequent to initial expansion, mutations in these loci as well as ARID1A and SMARCA4 may show a local selective advantage but do not expand far: The spatial structure of the Barrett's segment remains stable during surveillance even in patients who go on to cancer. We conclude that the cancer/noncancer outcome is strongly affected by early steps in formation of the Barrett's segment.
Strategic switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) production within row cropping systems: Regional‐scale assessment of soil erosion loss and water runoff impacts
Authors: Wang Enheng , Cruse Richard M. , Sharma‐Acharya Bharat , Herzmann Daryl E. , Gelder Brian K. , James David E. , Flanagan Dennis C. , Blanco‐Canqui Humberto , Mitchell Robert B. , Laird David A. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractA strong need exists for tools to assess the efficacy of conservation practices across large regions supporting informed policy decisions that may lead to better soil and water conservation while optimizing agricultural production options. Perennial warm‐season grasses (WSGs) such as switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), can be grown on marginally productive and/or environmentally sensitive lands to meet growing bioenergy demands while reducing water runoff and soil erosion compared to current row crop systems. Quantifying the soil and water conservation effects of WSG when strategically placed on the landscape would help support decisions favoring both economic and environmental benefits. We used the Daily Erosion Project (DEP) to simulate the effects of WSGs on hillslope water runoff and soil loss for 2008–2016 across eight major land resource areas (MLRA) in the Midwest United States. Four different scenarios (baseline or existing conditions and switchgrass grown on slopes ≥3%, ≥6%, and ≥10%) were modeled. Across all hillslope groups replacing row crops with switchgrass reduced yearly water runoff and soil loss by 3.2%–12.1% and 43.7%–95.5% compared with the baseline levels, respectively. Water and soil conservation efficiency (water runoff reductions or soil loss reductions associated with 1% increase in switchgrass coverage) increased with slope as 10% > 6% > 3% for all MLRAs. Switchgrass replacement on slopes ≥10% reduced average soil loss estimates as much as 22.6 Mg ha−1 year−1 for the most erosive MLRA (baseline soil erosion rate of 28.6 Mg ha−1 year−1) and resulted in all MLRA erosion estimates ≤6.0 Mg ha−1 year−1. For soil loss, an apparent interaction existed between slope group and total annual precipitation; as annual precipitation increased, the difference in soil loss between slope groups increased. Soil loss was more sensitive to these factors than was water runoff. Policy supporting a renewable energy industry while strategically improving soil and water resources seems globally advantageous.
An uneven playing field: Experiences of female legal practitioners in Zimbabwe
Authors: Maunganidze Farai , Bonnin Debby 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThis article focuses on women legal practitioners in Zimbabwe. Despite extensive legislation outlawing gender‐based discrimination, Zimbabwean women have not been able to achieve equality in the workplace. The article explores the conundrum posed by, on the one hand, an increase in enrollments and graduations of women law students, and on the other hand, fewer women entering legal practice. The article suggests three dynamics lie behind the failure of practice to attract and retain female lawyers. First, overt discrimination faced by female lawyers. Second, the structuring of the profession and work environment, which creates an “uneven playing field.” And third, the attitudes of male practitioners and partners as well as the spouses of women lawyers, which affect the entry and retention of women in the profession as well as their career prospects. Subsequently, women legal practitioners are accorded a lower professional status than men and are underrepresented in important facets of legal practice. The study was premised on social role theory and the concept of the glass ceiling. Forty‐six participants were interviewed in an interpretivist approach study where data was analyzed using thematic analysis with the assistance of ATLAS TI 8.
Applying a Regional Transport Modeling Framework to Manage Nitrate Contamination of Groundwater
Authors: Yang Lihong , Zheng Chunmiao , Andrews Charles B. , Wang Chengjian 
Published: September 2020

AbstractRegional nitrate contamination in groundwater is a management challenge involving multisector benefits. There is always conflict between restricting anthropogenic activities to protect groundwater quality and prioritizing economic development, especially in productive agriculture dominated areas. To mitigate the nitrate contamination in groundwater, it is necessary to develop management alternatives that simultaneously support environmental protection and sustainable economic development. A regional transport modeling framework is applied to evaluate nitrate fate and transport in the Dagu Aquifer, a shallow sandy aquifer that supplies drinking water and irrigation water for a thriving agricultural economy in Shandong Province in east coastal China. The aquifer supports intensive high‐value vegetable farms and nitrate contamination is extensive. Detailed land‐use information and fertilizer use data were compiled and statistical approaches were employed to analyze nitrogen source loadings and the spatiotemporal distribution of nitrate in groundwater to support model construction and calibration. The evaluations reveal that the spatial distribution and temporal trends of nitrate contamination in the Dagu Aquifer are driven by intensive fertilization and vertical water exchange, the dominant flow pattern derived from intensive agricultural pumping and irrigation. The modeling framework is employed to assess the effectiveness of potentially applicable management alternatives. The predictive results provide quantitative comparisons for the trend and extent of groundwater quality mitigation under each scenario. Recommendations are made for measures that can both improve groundwater quality and sustain productive agricultural development.