bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Riparian response guilds shift in response to flow alteration in montane streams of the southern Rocky Mountains
Authors: Scott Julian A. , Merritt David M. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe southern Rocky Mountains serve as the headwaters of the West, providing water to agriculture, industry, recreation, and millions of people in 17 western states. Eighty percent of the water draining land managed by the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service (Forest Service) is from snowmelt. The demand for this water continues to grow with increasing population throughout the arid West. The Forest Service is obliged to manage these watersheds for a diverse set of interests including extraction of forest products and other natural resources, providing recreational opportunities, and delivering fresh water. The Forest Service is simultaneously required to sustain the ecological condition of the managed lands for future generations. Satisfying these demands requires quantitative approaches to balance the ecological impacts against the benefits of water development. In this study, we (1) measured riparian vegetation at nine sites in the Medicine Bow‐Routt National Forests, (2) identified twelve trait‐based riparian vegetation‐flow response guilds (functionally similar groups of plants), (3) constructed reach‐scale hydraulic models for each site, (4) classified sites by hydro‐geomorphic characteristics, and (5) modeled observed guild distributions as a function of duration of stream inundation and site characteristics. To illustrate the application of these models in quantifying ecological impacts of water development and management decisions, flow scenarios were developed to simulate the effects of upstream diversions and reservoirs. Guild distribution models were then used to forecast alterations to vegetation patterns under the flow simulations. Even in these relatively moist montane riparian areas, stream inundation duration explained much of the variability in guild distributions. Controlling for groundwater contributions to the moisture regime improved the predictive ability of the models. Plot‐level guild diversity was found to be most correlated to the maximum height of species in the guild, shade tolerance, and seed mass. Plots were identified with relatively low species diversity and high guild diversity, suggesting niche partitioning and a target guild composition for restoring resilient riparian vegetation assemblages. We demonstrate the transferability of guild models across rivers to assist in the decision‐making process for evaluating water development and forecasting riparian vegetation response.
A note on the trade‐off between waiting times and quality in a constrained hospital market
Authors: Lisi Domenico , Pignataro Giacomo 
Published: October 2020

AbstractWhile aging population and technological innovation are expected to increase healthcare demand in the future, increase in healthcare spending is not likely to be sustainable in times of fiscal constraint. This might lead to a tightening of hospital capacity and, potentially, to higher patient waiting times. This paper studies waiting times and quality in a healthcare market where semi‐altruistic hospitals operate at full capacity. We show that in this context a trade‐off between waiting times and quality emerges which, if hospitals dislike patients to wait, decreases the incentive for the quality of care. We also show that, when hospitals operate at full capacity, standard waiting time policies involving targets and penalties (e.g., “Targets and Terror” in England) can meet the target at the expense of a lower quality of care, with relevant implications for the empirical evaluation of waiting time policy.
Recruitment and retention strategies, policies, and their barriers: A narrative review in the Eastern Mediterranean Region
Authors: Khalil Merette , Alameddine Mohamad 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundUnderstanding factors affecting recruitment and retention of health workers in rural and remote communities is necessary for proper policy development and the equitable achievement of Universal Health Coverage.AimReview and synthesize the literature on interventions used to retain health workforce in rural and remote areas by low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR).MethodWe carried out a narrative review of literature (peer‐reviewed and gray) on the distribution and retention of health workers in rural and remote areas in the LMICs of the EMR. Out of the 130 retrieved articles, 21 met the inclusion criteria and were studied using WHO's Global Recommendations For Increasing Access To Health Workers In Remote And Rural Areas Through Improved Retention (education, regulation, financial, and personal/professional) as the analytical framework for extractions.ResultsThere is a dearth of literature on retention in rural areas in the EMR and a complete absence of evaluation studies for implemented intervention. Various LMICs in the EMR have implemented interventions across one or more of the WHO four categories, especially educational and regulatory interventions. Limitations in the number and quality of published studies, fragmented data, over‐representation of certain cadres in research and policies, and poor governance were chief barriers to the design, implementation, and evaluation of health workforce retention policies in rural and remote areas. The main challenges for EMR countries are in policy implementation and evaluation. Strengthening data governance and health information systems would improve evidence‐based policies and enhance retention in rural and remote areas.ConclusionsThere is a need for a focused research agenda supported by regional collaboration to guide policymakers on factors, challenges, and best practices that need to be considered for improving the distribution and retention of the health workforce by cadre, gender, and region.
Stress‐induced premature senescence activated by the SENEX gene mediates apoptosis resistance of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma via promoting immunosuppressive cells and cytokines
Authors: Wang Jiyu , Tao Qianshan , Pan Ying , Wanyan Zhixiang , Zhu Fengfeng , Xu Xuanxuan , Wang Huiping , Yi Liuying , Zhou Mei , Zhai Zhimin 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe underlying cause of relapsed and refractory (r/r) diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is usually related to apoptosis resistance to antitumor drugs. The recent years have provided lots of evidence that tumor cells may undergo stress‐induced premature senescence (SIPS) in response to chemotherapy, but how SIPS affects lymphoma cells remains inconclusive.MethodsFifty‐two DLBCL patients, including 6 newly diagnosed (ND), 17 complete remissions (CR), and 29 (r/r), were enrolled in this study. We used a senescence‐associated‐β‐galactosidase (SA‐β‐Gal) staining kit for senescence staining. Suppressive immune cells including regulatory T cells (Treg) and myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSC) were detected by flow cytometry (FCM). Secreted cytokines were measured by ELISA Kit and SENEX gene expression was detected by a quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. We used 40 nM doxorubicin to induce the SIPS model of DLBCL in vitro. Apoptosis and proliferation activity of senescent LY8 cells were respectively detected by FCM and CCK8. SENEX gene was silenced by RNA interference.ResultsThe proportion of senescent lymphoma cells was significantly increased in r/r DLBCL patients, concomitant with increased Treg, MDSC, and various secreted cytokines with proinflammatory and immunosuppressive effects. The SENEX gene was significantly elevated in the SIPS model. Senescent DLBCL cells had good antiapoptotic ability and proliferative activity accompanied by increased immunosuppressive cytokines. Interestingly, when we silenced the SENEX gene in the DLBCL cell line, the results were the opposite to the above.ConclusionSIPS activated by the SENEX gene mediates apoptosis resistance of r/r DLBCL via promoting immunosuppressive cells and cytokines.
Band structure engineering through van der Waals heterostructing superlattices of two‐dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides
Authors: Zhao Xin‐Gang , Shi Zhiming , Wang Xinjiang , Zou Hongshuai , Fu Yuhao , Zhang Lijun 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe indirect‐to‐direct band‐gap transition in transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) from bulk to monolayer, accompanying with other unique properties of two‐dimensional materials, has endowed them great potential in optoelectronic devices. The easy transferability and feasible epitaxial growth pave a promising way to further tune the optical properties by constructing van der Waals heterostructures. Here, we performed a systematic high‐throughput first‐principles study of electronic structure and optical properties of the layer‐by‐layer stacking TMDCs heterostructing superlattices, with the configuration space of [(MX2)n(M′X′2)10−n] (M/M′ = Cr, Mo, W; X/X′ = S, Se, Te; n = 0‐10). Our calculations involving long‐range dispersive interaction show that the indirect‐to‐direct band‐gap transition or even semiconductor‐to‐metal transition can be realized by changing component compositions of superlattices. Further analysis indicates that the indirect‐to‐direct band‐gap transition can be ascribed to the in‐plane strain induced by lattice mismatch. The semiconductor‐to‐metal transition may be attributed to the band offset among different components that is modified by the in‐plane strain. The superlattices with direct band‐gap show quite weak band‐gap optical transition because of the spacial separation of the electronic states involved. In general, the layers stacking‐order of superlattices results in a small up to 0.2 eV band gap fluctuation because of the built‐in potential. Our results provide useful guidance for engineering band structure and optical properties in TMDCs heterostructing superlattices.image
Assessment of software‐derived predictive algorithms for platelet yield and blood cell count after apheresis
Authors: Cienfuegos‐Pecina Eduardo , Ayala‐De la Cruz Sergio , Leal‐Nava Erika R. , Pérez‐Olvera Jorge A. , Llaca‐Díaz Jorge M. , Avilés‐Rodríguez Luz E. , Pérez‐Chávez Fernando , Díaz‐Chuc Erik A. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIntroductionAlgorithms have been developed to predict the platelet yield after apheresis from the donor's data, as well as the effect on the blood cell count, to extract an acceptable platelet number without affecting the donor. However, the evaluation of these algorithms has not been widely reported. This study aimed to assess the accuracy of the predictive algorithms of the Trima Accel v. 6 blood collection system.MethodsPlatelet concentrates (PCs) obtained by apheresis were analyzed. Platelet count and hematocrit were compared pre‐ and post‐apheresis. Calculated post‐apheresis platelet count (CPAPC), hematocrit (CPAH), and platelet yield (CPY), and their actual values were correlated. The bias of the algorithms was assessed with Bland‐Altman plots, and the prediction of the extraction of single or double platelet products was evaluated.ResultsTwo hundred and seventy‐nine PCs were analyzed. Post‐apheresis platelet count (PAPC) and hematocrit were decreased. A moderate correlation was observed between CPY and the actual yield, with a negative bias, and a trend to increase alongside the magnitude of the measurements. CPAPC and CPAH were strongly correlated with their actual values without bias. Prediction of single or double platelet product extraction showed a significant agreement with the actual outcomes.ConclusionsThe predictive algorithm for the platelet yield showed bias, and a trend to underestimate the actual platelet yields when they are higher. The algorithms for the prediction of the PAPC and hematocrit did not show bias, proving their accuracy. Prediction of a single or double platelet product extraction has a strong agreement with the APY.
Reaction kinetics of a series of alkenes with ClO and BrO radicals: A theoretical study
Authors: Gupta Parth , Rajakumar B. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractQuantum chemical calculations were used to investigate the mechanism and kinetics of the reaction of XO (X = Cl, Br) radicals with linear C2to C4alkenes. Two reaction routes, namely, addition and H‐abstraction, were investigated as part of the XO‐radical initiated degradation of these alkenes. Energies and structural parameters were obtained at the CCSD(T)/CBS//M062x/cc‐pVTZ level of theory, and the canonical variational transition state theory with small‐curvature tunneling corrections was used to calculate rate constants at temperatures spanning 200‐3000 K. The addition of the electron‐deficient XO radical onto the olefinic moiety was the major degradation channel, owing to its low barrier heights. Moreover, the H‐abstraction route also played a key role in governing the fate of the alkene in the high‐temperature regime, when compared to the addition routes. The computed branching ratios for various reaction routes further ascertained the relative dominance of the addition and H‐abstraction routes over the studied temperature range. The computed kinetic and thermodynamic parameters can be beneficial towards designing a better chemical kinetic model, relevant for both atmospheric as well as combustion systems. In addition to this, the formed HOCl (or HOBr) can damage the ozone layer and cause ecological imbalance.
The Effect of Diathermy Power Settings on Oral Cavity Mucosal Contraction: A Rat Model
Authors: Warshavsky Anton , Shivatzki Shaked , Kampel Liyona , Leider‐Trejo Leonor , Shapira Udi , Muhanna Nidal , Ungar Omer J. , Fliss Dan M. , Kaplan Ilana , Horowitz Gilad 
Published: October 2020

Objectives/HypothesisThe effects of different electrocautery power settings on mucosal contraction and margin status in the oral cavity have not been well established. The aim of this study was to examine how different levels of electrocautery energy outputs affect oral mucosal tissue margins.Study DesignAnimal model.MethodsA model of 23 adult rats was used (two specimens per rat). After anesthetizing the animals, a 6‐mm biopsy punch marked the resection margin on the buccal mucosa (one per cheek). The specimens were excised by means of three energy levels, a cold knife, and monopolar diathermy that was set on either 20 W or 30 W cut modes. The specimens were evaluated for extent of contraction.ResultsA total of 45 samples were obtained and measured, including 15 specimens in the cold‐knife group, 15 specimens in the 20 W group, and 15 specimens in the 30 W group. The median diameters of the specimens after resection were 4.5 mm for the cold‐knife group (interquartile range [IQR] = 4.0–5.0), 3.5 mm for the 20 W group (IQR = 3.5–4.0), and 2.8 mm for the 30 W group (IQR = 2.5–3.0). Specimen contraction was 25.0%, 41.7%, and 53.3%, respectively. The difference in shrinkage between each pair was statistically significant: cold knife versus 20 W, P = .001; cold knife versus 30 W, P < .0001; and 20 W versus 30 W, P < .001.ConclusionsDiathermy power settings result in a significant difference of mucosal tissue contraction, with higher outputs resulting in a narrower mucosal margin. It is imperative that the surgical team take into consideration the diathermy settings during initial resection planning. Laryngoscope, 131:E1514–E1518, 2021
Effects of nitrogen and phosphorus additions on decomposition and accumulation of soil organic carbon in alpine meadows on the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Li Jin Hua , Zhang Rui , Cheng Bing Heng , Ye Lu Feng , Li Wen Jin , Shi Xiao Ming 
Published: October 2020

AbstractNitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) additions to grasslands increase aboveground plant biomass and modify plant community composition, thereby affecting plant‐derived organic carbon (C) input to soil and soil C cycling and storage. However, the effects of N and P additions on soil organic C (SOC) decomposition and sequestration are not fully understood and their underlying mechanisms are poorly known. This study aimed to explore the mechanisms underlying SOC decomposition and SOC content decline in the topsoil of alpine meadows on the Tibetan Plateau after 9‐years of field N and P additions. Stoichiometric characteristics of soil and microorganisms and their effects on microbial decomposition, including priming effects (PEs), C substrates decomposition, and microbial C use efficiency (CUE), were investigated by adding 13C labeled substrate (glucose or vanillin). Results showed that N and P additions differentially affected the magnitude and direction of PEs and SOC decomposition, accelerated mineralization of glucose and vanillin by 33–45% and 11–45%, respectively, but decreased microbial CUE of glucose and vanillin by 9–15% and 11–48%, respectively. These effects were caused by differential increase in microbial activity and acceleration of microbial decomposition due to N and P additions, and induced lower soil ecological stoichiometric ratios and higher microbial C:N:P ratios. The above effects led to different magnitudes of decomposition and accumulation of SOC and plant‐derived C substrate and thus decline in SOC content depending on N and P additions. We found that long‐term N and P additions would weaken soil functioning as a C pool for alpine meadows on the Tibetan Plateau.
Drivers of water quality changes within the Laurentian Great Lakes region over the past 40 years
Authors: Mahdiyan Octavia , Filazzola Alessandro , Molot Lewis A. , Gray Derek , Sharma Sapna 
Published: October 2020

AbstractWater quality of freshwater lakes within the Laurentian Great Lakes region is vulnerable to degradation owing to multiple environmental stressors including climate change, alterations in land use, and the introduction of invasive species. Our research questions were two‐fold: (1) What are the temporal patterns and trends in water quality? (2) Are climate, invasive species and lake morphology associated with changes in water quality? Our study incorporated timeseries data for at least 20 years from 36 lakes in Ontario and Wisconsin sampled between 1976 and 2016. We evaluated patterns in water quality (total phosphorus [TP], total nitrogen, dissolved organic carbon [DOC], and chlorophyll a [Chl a]) using segmented regression analysis which identified significant breakpoints in Chl a and TP in the 1900s to mid‐2000s after which Chl a and TP began to increase, whereas breakpoints in DOC exhibited increasing trends prior to the year 2000 with levels declining afterward. Next, we examined linear trends in water quality and climate (temperature and precipitation) using Sen slope analysis where, generally, over the past 40 years, lake TP and Chl a have significantly declined, whereas DOC has increased. Lastly, we conducted a redundancy analysis (RDA) to identify how climate, lake morphology, and the presence of invasive dreissenid mussels contributed to changes in water quality. The RDA revealed that precipitation, air temperature, and morphology explained 73.1% of the variation in water quality trends for the Great Lakes whereas precipitation, temperature, morphology, and occurrence of mussels explained 45.6% of the variation for smaller inland lakes.
Magnetically Responsive Polymeric Microparticles for the Triggered Delivery of a Complex Mixture of Human Placental Proteins
Authors: Lanier Olivia L. , Ficarrotta Joseph M. , Adjei Isaac , Wable Dayita , Lewis Camryn , Nacea Christopher , Sharma Blanka , Dobson Jon , McFetridge Peter 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBone loss through traumatic injury is a significant clinical issue. Researchers have created many scaffold types to mimic an extracellular matrix to provide structural support for the formation of new bone, however functional regeneration of larger scaffolds has not been fully achieved. Newer scaffolds aim to deliver bioactive molecules to improve tissue regeneration. To achieve a more comprehensive regenerative response, a magnetically triggerable polymeric microparticle platform is developed for the on‐demand release of a complex mixture of isolated human placental proteins. This system is composed of polycaprolactone (PCL) microparticles, encapsulating magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), and placental proteins. When subjected to an alternating magnetic field (AMF), the MNPs heat and melt the PCL, enhancing the diffusion of proteins from microparticles. When the field is off, the PCL re‐solidifies. This potentially allows for cyclic drug delivery. Here the design, synthesis, and proof‐of‐concept experiments for this system are reported. In addition, it is shown that the proteins retain function after being magnetically released. The ability to trigger the release of complex protein mixtures on‐demand may provide a significant advantage with wounds where stagnation of healing processes can occur (e.g., large segmented bone defects).
The lean startup method: Early‐stage teams and hypothesis‐based probing of business ideas
Authors: Leatherbee Michael , Katila Riitta 
Published: October 2020

AbstractResearch SummaryWe examine a learning‐by‐doing methodology for iteration of early‐stage business ideas known as the “lean startup.” The purpose of this article is to lay out and test the key assumptions of the method, examining one particularly relevant boundary condition: the composition of the startup team. Using unique and detailed longitudinal data on 152 NSF‐supported lean‐startup (I‐Corps) teams, we find that the key components of the method—hypothesis formulation, probing, and business idea convergence—link up as expected. We also find that team composition is an important boundary condition: business‐educated (MBA) members resist the use of the method, but appreciate its value ex post. Formal training in learning‐by‐thinking methods thus appears to limit the spread of learning‐by‐doing methods. In this way, business theory constrains business practice.Managerial SummaryLean startup methodology has rapidly become one of the most common and trusted innovation and entrepreneurship methods by corporations, startup accelerators, and policymakers. Unfortunately, it has largely been portrayed as a one‐size‐fits‐all solution—its key assumptions subject to little rigorous empirical testing, and the possibility of critical boundary conditions ignored. Our empirical testing supports the key assumptions of the method, but points to business education of team members as a critical boundary condition. Specifically, MBAs resist the use of the method despite being in a strong position to leverage it. Results from a post hoc analysis we conducted also suggest that more engagement with the method relates to higher performance of the firm in the 18‐month period following the lean startup intervention.
Systems Thinking Approach to Implementing Kanban: A case study
Authors: Senapathi Mali , Drury‐Grogan Meghann L. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAgainst the backdrop of the growing adoption of Kanban in a variety of software development domains, this paper reports on how a Systems Thinking approach was used to implement Kanban within a business unit of a government organization. Based on an in‐depth case study in the development organization, we describe how Kanban practices such as visualization, manage flow, classes of service, and board design were implemented. Stages in the double diamond design thinking process of exploring an issue more widely (divergent thinking) and then taking focused action (convergent thinking) were incorporated to adapt Kanban practices such as board design. Positive experiences included improved visibility, improved collaboration, and improvements in lead time. Challenges included lack of team buy‐in, setting work‐in‐progress limits, and short‐term Kanban coach. We present the key lessons learned and offer practical recommendations on how teams can better produce knowledge work in today's fast‐paced dynamic business environment.