bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plant traits related to precipitation sensitivity of species and communities in semiarid shortgrass prairie
Authors: Wilcox Kevin R. , Blumenthal Dana M. , Kray Julie A. , Mueller Kevin E. , Derner Justin D. , Ocheltree Troy , Porensky Lauren M. 
Published: October 2020

Summary

Understanding how plant communities respond to temporal patterns of precipitation in water‐limited ecosystems is necessary to predict interannual variation and trends in ecosystem properties, including forage production, biogeochemical cycling, and biodiversity.

In North American shortgrass prairie, we measured plant abundance, functional traits related to growth rate and drought tolerance, and aboveground net primary productivity to identify: species‐level responsiveness to precipitation (precipitation sensitivity Sspp) across functional groups; Sspp relationships to continuous plant traits; and whether continuous trait–Sspp relationships scaled to the community level.

Across 32 plant species, we found strong bivariate relationships of both leaf dry matter content (LDMC) and leaf osmotic potential Ψosm with Sspp. Yet, LDMC and specific leaf area were retained in the lowest Akaike information criterion multiple regression model, explaining 59% of Sspp. Most relationships between continuous traits and Sspp scaled to the community level but were often contingent on the presence/absence of particular species and/or land management at a site.

Thus, plant communities in shortgrass prairie may shift towards slower growing, more stress‐resistant species in drought years and/or chronically drier climate. These findings highlight the importance of both leaf economic and drought tolerance traits in determining species and community responses to altered precipitation.
Impact of parasitic lifestyle and different types of centromere organization on chromosome and genome evolution in the plant genus Cuscuta
Authors: Neumann Pavel , Oliveira Ludmila , Čížková Jana , Jang Tae‐Soo , Klemme Sonja , Novák Petr , Stelmach Katarzyna , Koblížková Andrea , Doležel Jaroslav , Macas Jiří 
Published: October 2020

Summary

The parasitic genus Cuscuta (Convolvulaceae) is exceptional among plants with respect to centromere organization, including both monocentric and holocentric chromosomes, and substantial variation in genome size and chromosome number. We investigated 12 species representing the diversity of the genus in a phylogenetic context to reveal the molecular and evolutionary processes leading to diversification of their genomes.

We measured genome sizes and investigated karyotypes and centromere organization using molecular cytogenetic techniques. We also performed low‐pass whole genome sequencing and comparative analysis of repetitive DNA composition.

A remarkable 102‐fold variation in genome sizes (342–34 734 Mbp/1C) was detected for monocentric Cuscuta species, while genomes of holocentric species were of moderate sizes (533–1545 Mbp/1C). The genome size variation was primarily driven by the differential accumulation of LTR‐retrotransposons and satellite DNA. The transition to holocentric chromosomes in the subgenus Cuscuta was associated with loss of histone H2A phosphorylation and elimination of centromeric retrotransposons. In addition, basic chromosome number of holocentric species (x = 7) was smaller than in monocentrics (x = 15 or 16).

We demonstrated that the transition to holocentricity in Cuscuta was accompanied by significant changes in epigenetic marks, chromosome number and the repetitive DNA sequence composition.
Adolescent eating disorder with catheter‐related bloodstream infection
Authors: Tamura Akira , Minami Koichi , Tsuda Yuko , Mizumoto Kazuhiro , Suzuki Hiroyuki 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundTreatment of adolescent eating disorder requires early improvement of nutritional status. Central venous hyperalimentation is used but catheter‐related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) is a complication. There have been no reports examining risk factors for CRSBI in eating disorders.MethodsThe subjects were 51 patients who received nutritional therapy with the use of a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) from January 2012 to December 2019. The courses of weight and white blood cell (WBC) count were examined retrospectively during nutritional therapy. Onset factors for CRBSI were determined and a case series of CRBSI caused by Candida parapsilosis is presented.ResultsThe day of minimum weight occurred on or before day 7 in 37 of the 51 patients, and this day was preceded by the day with the lowest WBC at a significant rate. The minimum weight day was significantly delayed in CRSBI cases compared with non‐CRBSI cases (P = 0.02). In the case series of CRBSI caused by C. parapsilosis, the median WBC count before CRBSI decreased to 2,570 (1,680–3,270)/μL at a median of day (12–90) 36. Catheter‐related bloodstream infection developed at a median of day (26–133) 38. The PICC was immediately removed and an antifungal drug was started, leading to cure with no after effects in all subjects.ConclusionsIn patients with an eating disorder treated with nutritional therapy using a PICC, prolonged resistance to weight gain became a risk factor for developing CRBSI. White blood cell counts recover after weight gain, which suggests that there is a risk of developing CRBSI, even with improved appetite and weight gain.
SphereWalker: A Hexapod Walking Machine
Authors: Larochelle Pierre , Mao Xiaoyang 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
This article describes the design and the development of a novel six-legged robotic walking machine named SphereWalker. The six legs are arranged into pairs, and each pair of legs is supported and actuated by a single spherical four-bar mechanism. Two of the four-bar mechanisms are operated in a synchronous fashion, while the middle one is operated at 180 deg out of phase with respect to the other two. A physical prototype has been built, a digital twin has been generated, an actuation and control system has been designed, and the technology has been patented.
Mechanical Tests Results of Laser Shock Peening-Treated Austenitic Steel
Authors: Špirit Zbyněk , Kaufman Jan , Chocholoušek Michal , Strejcius Josef 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
The presented paper is focused on laser shock-peening technology for hardening the metallic material surface. The material surface hardening improve fatigue performance, static properties, and resistance to stress corrosion cracking of metallic material, which is achieved by creating a pressure residual stress with. The hardening is achieved by shock waves, which are generated by confining the laser-induced plasma to cause a large pressure shock wave over a significant surface area. In the present study, effects of laser shock peening (LSP) on static and dynamic mechanical properties of austenitic stainless steel for nuclear industry were investigated. The tested material was austenitic stainless steel GOST 08CH18N10T (AISI 321H-UNS S32109) for nuclear industry (water–water energetic reactors).
Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis of Floating Offshore Wind Turbines in Severe Pitching Conditions
Authors: Ortolani Andrea , Persico Giacomo , Drofelnik Jernej , Jackson Adrian , Sergio Campobasso M. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
The unsteady aerodynamics of floating wind turbines is more complex than that of fixed-bottom turbines, and the uncertainty of low-fidelity predictions is higher for floating turbines. Navier–Stokes computational fluid dynamics (CFD) can improve the understanding of rotor and wake aerodynamics of floating turbines, and help improving lower-fidelity models. Here, the flow field of the NREL 5 MW rotor with fixed tower, and subjected to prescribed harmonic pitching past the tower base are investigated using blade-resolved CFD compressible flow COSA simulations and incompressible flow FLUENT simulations. CFD results are also compared to predictions of the FAST wind turbine code, which uses blade element momentum theory (BEMT). The selected rotor pitching parameters correspond to an extreme regime unlikely to occur without faults of the turbine safety system, and thus relevant to extreme aerodynamic load analysis. The rotor power and loads in fixed-tower mode predicted by both CFD codes and BEMT are in very good agreement. For the floating turbine, all predicted periodic profiles of rotor power and thrust are qualitatively similar, but the power peaks of both CFD predictions are significantly higher than those of BEMT. Moreover, cross-comparisons of the COSA and FLUENT predictions of blade static pressure also highlight significant compressible flow effects on rotor power and loads. The CFD analyses of the downstream rotor flow also reveal wake features unique to pitching turbines, primarily the space- and time-dependence of the wake generation strength, highlighted by intermittency of the tip vortex shedding.
Comparison of foveal thickness in preschool children with a history of retinopathy of prematurity and laser photocoagulation or anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatment: a prospective, longitudinal study
Authors: Lee Yung-Sung , Teh Wee-Min , Tseng Hsiao-Jung , Hwang Yih-Shiou , Lai Chi-Chun , Wu Wei-Chi 
Published: October 2020

AimsTo determine longitudinal differences in foveal thickness in preschool-aged patients with or without a history of type I retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).MethodsA study of 201 eyes, including 32 laser±intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB)-treated eyes, 37 IVB-treated eyes, 14 spontaneously regressed ROP eyes, and 118 age-matched controls were enrolled in this study. The retinal thicknesses (full, inner and outer) were measured in the foveal area at 6-month intervals four consecutive times by optical coherence tomography.ResultsThe foveal thicknesses among the four groups were similar at all four visits (all p>0.05) after gestational age (GA) adjustment and remained similar with no differences after the full retinal thickness was divided into inner and outer thicknesses (all p>0.05). The full and outer foveal thicknesses of premature children increased over time (0.17 μm/month and 0.17 μm/month; p=0.0001 and 0.0003, respectively), but the inner foveal thickness remained unchanged with time (0.002 μm/month; p=0.09). Moreover, the positive correlation with best-corrected visual acuity was stronger for outer foveal thickness than for inner foveal thickness (γ=0.281, p<0.0001 and γ=0.181, p<0.0001, respectively).ConclusionThe thickness of fovea in laser±IVB-treated, IVB-treated, regressed ROP and preterm eyes showed no difference after GA adjustment. The whole and outer foveal thicknesses increased with time in preschool-aged children over a 1.5-year follow-up period, but the inner foveal thickness remained unchanged with time.
Visual acuity outcomes and anti-VEGF therapy intensity in macular oedema due to retinal vein occlusion: a real-world analysis of 15 613 patient eyes
Authors: Ciulla Thomas , Pollack John S , Williams David F 
Published: October 2020

Background/AimsTo assess visual acuity (VA) outcomes and antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy intensity in retinal vein occlusion (RVO)-related macular oedema (ME).MethodsA retrospective study was completed in treatment-naïve patients with RVO-related ME from 2013 to 2019, using the Vestrum Health Retina Database.ResultsMean baseline age was 72.4 years and 54% were women. In 6 months, in 8876 eyes with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO)-related ME, after a mean of 4.5 anti-VEGF injections, VA increased by 9.4 letters (95% confidence interval (CI) for change in VA +8.94 to +9.78, p<0.001) from a baseline of 55.1 letters. In 6737 eyes with central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO)-related ME, after a mean of 4.6 anti-VEGF injections over 6 months, VA improved by 9.2 letters (95% CI +8.50 to +9.87, p<0.001) from a baseline of 37.2 letters. In 1 year, VA gain was similar (BRVO: 7.4 injections, +8.1 letters, 95% CI +7.55 to +8.57, p<0.001; CRVO: 7.6 injections, +7.1 letters, 95% CI +6.31 to +7.95, p<0.001). In 6 months and 1 year, mean letters gain increased with number of anti-VEGF injections. Patient eyes with baseline VA of 20/40 or better tended to lose VA in 1 year.ConclusionMean change in VA correlates with treatment intensity, but patients with better VA at presentation are susceptible to vision loss, reflecting a ceiling effect. Assessed with the same database, VA gains compare favourably with 1-year VA gains in neovascular age-related macular degeneration and diabetic ME, but exhibit a larger gap when compared with corresponding randomised controlled trials.
Use of interrupted time series methods in the evaluation of health system quality improvement interventions: a methodological systematic review
Authors: Hategeka Celestin , Ruton Hinda , Karamouzian Mohammad , Lynd Larry D , Law Michael R 
Published: October 2020

BackgroundWhen randomisation is not possible, interrupted time series (ITS) design has increasingly been advocated as a more robust design to evaluating health system quality improvement (QI) interventions given its ability to control for common biases in healthcare QI. However, there is a potential risk of producing misleading results when this rather robust design is not used appropriately. We performed a methodological systematic review of the literature to investigate the extent to which the use of ITS has followed best practice standards and recommendations in the evaluation of QI interventions.MethodsWe searched multiple databases from inception to June 2018 to identify QI intervention studies that were evaluated using ITS. There was no restriction on date, language and participants. Data were synthesised narratively using appropriate descriptive statistics. The risk of bias for ITS studies was assessed using the Cochrane Effective Practice and Organisation of Care standard criteria. The systematic review protocol was registered in PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42018094427).ResultsOf 4061 potential studies and 2028 unique records screened for inclusion, 120 eligible studies assessed eight QI strategies and were from 25 countries. Most studies were published since 2010 (86.7%), reported data using monthly interval (71.4%), used ITS without a control (81%) and modelled data using segmented regression (62.5%). Autocorrelation was considered in 55% of studies, seasonality in 20.8% and non-stationarity in 8.3%. Only 49.2% of studies specified the ITS impact model. The risk of bias was high or very high in 72.5% of included studies and did not change significantly over time.ConclusionsThe use of ITS in the evaluation of health system QI interventions has increased considerably over the past decade. However, variations in methodological considerations and reporting of ITS in QI remain a concern, warranting a need to develop and reinforce formal reporting guidelines to improve its application in the evaluation of health system QI interventions.
Comparative analysis of objective and subjective outcomes of two different intraocular lenses: trifocal and extended range of vision
Authors: Pedrotti Emilio , Carones Francesco , Talli Pietro , Bonacci Erika , Selvi Federico , Galzignato Alice , Besutti Andrea , De Gregorio Alessandra , Marchini Giorgio 
Published: October 2020

ObjectiveTo evaluate objective and subjective outcomes after bilateral implantation of two different multifocal intraocular lenses, which correct pseudophakic presbyopia in an adequate and homogeneous population court.Methods and analysisFifty patients were evaluated at 3 months after bilateral implantation, at the Eye Clinic of University of Verona and at the Carones Ophthalmology Center Milano, as follows: Tecnis Symfony (25 patients), Alcon PanOptix (25 patients). Main outcomes were uncorrected and best-corrected distance visual acuity (UDVA and BCVA) at 4 m, 60 cm (best distance corrected intermediate visual acuity (BDCIVA) and uncorrected intermediate visual acuity), 40 cm (best distance corrected near visual acuity (BDCNVA) and uncorrected near visual acuity (UNVA)), objective refractive outcome, defocus curve, contrast sensitivity (Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) cut-off), optical quality (Strehl ratio), aberrometry (root mean square RMS 4 mm), subjective quality of life (National Eye Institute Refractive Error Quality of Life score (NEI-RQL-42 score) test).ResultsSymfony and PanOptix showed BCVA and UDVA comparable results. Symfony presented significant better outcomes at BDCIVA (p=0.001), while PanOptix showed better performances at BDCNVA and UNVA (p=0.01). Symfony achieved better results in RMS 4 mm (p=0.024) and in MTF cut-off (p=0.041). In the questionnaire NEI-RQL-42, PanOptix presented better scores in ‘near vision’ and ‘spectacles independence’, whereas Symfony in ‘symptoms’ and ‘clarity of vision’.ConclusionBoth intraocular lenses are valid options to avoid pseudophakic presbyopia, even though they present different features which make them unique. Symfony allows patients to achieve a better objective and subjective quality of vision and contrast sensitivity; PanOptix provides better outcomes in near vision and spectacles independence requirements.
Multi-method evaluation of a national clinical fellowship programme to build leadership capacity for quality improvement
Authors: Toma Madalina , Blamey Avril , Mahal Dawn , Gray Nicola M , Allison Laura , Thakore Shobhan , Bowie Paul 
Published: October 2020

BackgroundThis paper reports the results of the evaluation of the Scottish Quality and Safety Fellowship (SQSF)—a 10-month, lead-level international educational programme established in 2008 with the overarching aim of developing clinicians with advanced quality improvement knowledge, technical ability and essential leadership skills. The evaluation explores four levels of educational and practice outcomes associated with (1) the reaction of fellows to SQSF participation, (2) learning gained, (3) subsequent behaviour changes and (4) the overall impact on national and international level capability and capacity building.MethodsA theory-informed multi-method design was applied using (1) a search and review of the SQSF organisational database to tabulate personal, professional and demographic characteristics; (2) semi-structured telephone interviews with 16 participants using purposive and self-selected sampling; and (3) a cross-sectional online evaluation survey across all 10 cohorts involving 222 fellowsResultsSQSF was positively perceived as a high-quality learning experience containing a well-balanced mix of theory and practice, with a majority of respondents reporting career changing benefits. Most participants reported improved social, behavioural and emotional skills, knowledge and attitudes and, with sustained support of their host organisations, were able to apply and share learning in their workplace. The impact of the SQSF on a wider national and international level capability and capacity was both mediated and moderated by a wide range of interrelated contextual factors.ConclusionsThis multi-method evaluation demonstrates that SQSF has achieved significant positive outcomes for the great majority of participants. Some tentative recommendations are provided with the aim of further enhancing fellowship content, delivery, transfer and future evaluations of wider impacts at regional, national and international health system levels.
Prognostic value of plasma big endothelin-1 in left ventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy
Authors: Fan Peng , Zhang Ying , Lu Yi-Ting , Yang Kun-Qi , Lu Pei-Pei , Zhang Qiong-Yu , Luo Fang , Lin Ya-Hui , Zhou Xian-Liang , Tian Tao 
Published: October 2020

ObjectiveTo determine the prognostic role of big endothelin-1 (ET-1) in left ventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy (LVNC).MethodsWe prospectively enrolled patients whose LVNC was diagnosed by cardiac MRI and who had big ET-1 data available. Primary end point was a composite of all-cause mortality, heart transplantation, sustained ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation and implanted cardioverter defibrillator discharge. Secondary end point was cardiac death or heart transplantation.ResultsAltogether, 203 patients (median age 44 years; 70.9% male) were divided into high-level (≥0.42 pmol/L) and low-level (<0.42 pmol/L) big ET-1 groups according to the median value of plasma big ET-1 levels. Ln big ET-1 was positively associated with Ln N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide, left ventricular diameter, but negatively related to age and Ln left ventricular ejection fraction. Median follow-up was 1.9 years (IQR 0.9–3.1 years). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that, compared with patients with low levels of big ET-1, those with high levels were at greater risk for meeting both primary (p<0.001) and secondary (p<0.001) end points. The C-statistic estimation of Ln big ET-1 for predicting the primary outcome was 0.755 (95% CI 0.685 to 0.824, p<0.001). After adjusting for confounding factors, Ln big ET-1 was identified as an independent predictor of the composite primary outcome (HR 1.83, 95% CI 1.27 to 2.62, p=0.001) and secondary outcome (HR 1.93, 95% CI 1.32 to 2.83, p=0.001).ConclusionsPlasma big ET-1 may be a valuable index to predict the clinical adverse outcomes in patients with LVNC.
Prevalence and patterns of scavenging by brown bears (Ursus arctos) on salmon (Oncorhynchusspp.) carcasses
Authors: Lincoln A.E. , Wirsing A.J. , Quinn T.P. 
Published: October 2020

Scavenging, an underappreciated mechanism of prey consumption for many predators, can contribute substantially to nutritional intake. Facultative scavengers such as brown bears (Ursus arctos Linnaeus, 1758) may both kill and scavenge Pacific salmon (genus Oncorhynchus Suckley, 1861), though the extent of scavenging and factors affecting this behavior are unclear. We tagged 899 sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka (Walbaum in Artedi, 1792)) carcasses and placed them on streambanks over 5 years at multiple sites in southwestern Alaska (USA) where brown bears annually prey on spawning sockeye salmon. Examination of carcasses revealed overall scavenging rates of 15% after 1 day and 54% after 3 days. Scavenging rate varied by site and year and increased throughout the salmon run. Contrary to predictions, scavenging was more frequent in senescent or bear-killed carcasses than ripe carcasses. Carcass consumption ranged from minimal to almost complete; body and brain tissues were most frequently consumed after 3 days (68% and 63% of carcasses, respectively). We also documented secondary scavenging (i.e., tissue consumption on two separate events) and delayed scavenging (i.e., scavenging observed after 3 days but not 1 day). Taken together, the results indicated that scavenging in these streams contributes significantly to total consumption of salmon by bears, with ramifications for other components of these salmon-dependent ecosystems.
Classical de Sitter solutions in three dimensions without tachyons?
Authors: Farakos Fotis , Tringas George , Van Riet Thomas 
Published: October 2020

AbstractWe continue the study of compactifications of massive IIA supergravity on G2 orientifolds and demonstrate that breaking supersymmetry with anti-D2 and anti-D6 sources leads to 3d theories for which the typical tachyons haunting classical dS solutions can be absent. However for a concrete torus example the meta-stable dS window disappears after a quantization of fluxes and charges. We discuss the prospects of more general G2 compactifications and argue that they could potentially alleviate the tachyon problem by introducing larger tadpole numbers and warped throats. However, exactly those ingredients then seem to push the vacuum towards the brink of perturbative brane–flux decay in the open string sector. This is either a remarkable illustration of the no-dS swampland conjecture or such vacua live in very difficult to control regions of parameter space.