bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Climate and vegetation structure shape ant communities along elevational gradients on the Colorado Plateau
Authors: Uhey Derek A. , Hofstetter Richard W. , Remke Michael , Vissa Sneha , Haubensak Karen A. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractTerrestrial animal communities are largely shaped by vegetation and climate. With climate also shaping vegetation, can we attribute animal patterns solely to climate? Our study observes ant community changes along climatic gradients (i.e., elevational gradients) within different habitat types (i.e., open and forest) on the Colorado Plateau in the southwestern United States. We sampled ants and vegetation along two elevational gradients spanning 1,132 m with average annual temperature and precipitation differences of 5.7°C and 645mm, respectively. We used regression analyses and structural equation modeling to compare the explanatory powers and effect sizes of climate and vegetation variables on ants. Climate variables had the strongest correlations and the largest effect sizes on ant communities, while vegetation composition, richness, and primary productivity had relatively small effects. Precipitation was the strongest predictor for most ant community metrics. Ant richness and abundance had a negative relationship with precipitation in forested habitats, and positive in open habitats. Our results show strong direct climate effects on ants with little or no effects of vegetation composition or primary productivity, but contrasting patterns between vegetation type (i.e., forested vs. open) with precipitation. This indicates vegetation structure can modulate climate responses of ant communities. Our study demonstrates climate‐animal relationships may vary among vegetation types which can impact both findings from elevational studies and how communities will react to changes in climate.
The heterogeneous effect of retirement on informal care behavior
Authors: Bergeot Julien , Fontaine Roméo 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIt is often argued that the increased labor market participation of seniors threatens family support provided to dependent elderly people. The purpose of this paper is to assess the causal effect of retirement on the frequency of care provided by individuals aged 55–69 years to their elderly parent. Using data from the Survey of Health, Aging and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), we estimate an endogenous switching model that allows the retirement effect to be heterogeneous with respect to observed and unobserved characteristics. To tackle the possible endogeneity of selection into retirement, we use the heterogeneity of retirement rules between and within European countries. On average, being retired does not significantly impact the probability of providing care but significantly increases the frequency of care conditional on being caregiver. The same pattern is observed regardless of the individual observed characteristics, even if the provision of informal care appears to be less sensitive to the retirement status when the child cannot rely on the other parent to provide care or when both parents are in poor health. These results suggest that pension system reforms should not affect the number of caregivers. Some adverse effects on the intensity of involvement among caregivers are nevertheless expected.
Projection of extreme flood inundation in the Mekong River basin under 4K increasing scenario using large ensemble climate data
Authors: Try Sophal , Tanaka Shigenobu , Tanaka Kenji , Sayama Takahiro , Hu Maochuan , Sok Ty , Oeurng Chantha 
Published: July 2020

AbstractProjecting changes in the frequency and intensity of future precipitation and flooding is critical for the development of social infrastructure under climate change. The Mekong River is among the world's large‐scale rivers severely affected by climate change. This study aims to define the duration of precipitation contributing to peak floods based on its correlation with peak discharge and inundation volume in the Lower Mekong Basin (LMB). We assessed the changes in precipitation and flood frequency using a large ensemble Database for Policy Decision‐Making for Future Climate Change (d4PDF). River discharge in the Mekong River Basin (MRB) and flood inundation in the LMB were simulated by a coupled rainfall‐runoff and inundation (RRI) model. Results indicated that 90‐day precipitation counting backward from the day of peak flooding had the highest correlation with peak discharge (R2 = .81) and inundation volume (R2 = .81). The ensemble mean of present simulation of d4PDF (1951–2010) showed good agreement with observed extreme flood events in the LMB. The probability density of 90‐day precipitation shifted from the present to future climate experiments with a large variation of mean (from 777 to 900 mm) and SD (from 57 to 96 mm). Different patterns of sea surface temperature significantly influence the variation of precipitation and flood inundation in the LMB in the future (2051–2110). Extreme flood events (50‐year, 100‐year, and 1,000‐year return periods) showed increases in discharge, inundation area, and inundation volume by 25%–40%, 19%–36%, and 23%–37%, respectively.
Chloride source delineation in an urban‐agricultural watershed: Deicing agents versus agricultural contributions
Authors: Oberhelman Andrew , Peterson Eric W. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAnalyses (n = 525) of chloride (Cl−), bromide (Br−), nitrate as nitrogen (NO3‐N), sodium (Na+), calcium (Ca2+) and potassium (K+) in stream water, tile‐drain water and groundwater were conducted in an urban‐agricultural watershed (10% urban/impervious, 87% agriculture) to explore potential differences in the signature of Cl− originating from an urban source as compared with an agricultural source. Only during winter recharge events did measured Cl− concentrations exceed the 230 mg/L chronic threshold. At base flow, nearly all surface water and tile water samples had Cl− concentrations above the calculated background threshold of 18 mg/L. Mann–Whitney U tests revealed ratios of Cl− to Br− (p = .045), to NO3‐N (p < .0001), to Ca2+ (p < .0001), and to Na+ (p < .0001) to be significantly different between urban and agricultural waters. While Cl− ratios indicate that road salt was the dominant source of Cl− in the watershed, potassium chloride fertilizer contributed as an important secondary source. Deicing in watersheds where urban land use is minimal had a profound impact on Cl− dynamics; however, agricultural practices contributed Cl− year‐round, elevating stream base flow Cl− concentrations above the background level.
Performing gynecologic cancer surgery during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Turkey: A multicenter retrospective observational study
Authors: Dursun Polat , Dervisoglu Haluk , Daggez Mine , Turan Taner , Kiliç Fatih , Tekin Özlem M. , Üreyen Işin , Toptaş Tayfun , Demirayak Gökhan , Önder Ayşe B. , Çelik Çetin , Bayramoğlu Denizhan , Guzel Ahmet B. , Arioz Dagistan T. , Bilir Filiz , Ozdemir Isa A. , Tasci Tolga , Karalok Alper , Karateke Ateş 
Published: July 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo report the perioperative outcomes of 200 patients with gynecologic cancer who underwent surgery during the Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID‐19) pandemic and the safety of surgical approach.MethodsData of patients operated between March 10 and May 20, 2020, were collected retrospectively. Data were statistically analyzed using IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Statistics for Windows v. SP21.0.ResultsData of 200 patients were included. Their mean age was 56 years. Of the patients, 54% (n=108), 27.5% (n=55), 12.5% (n=25), and 2% (n=4) were diagnosed as having endometrial, ovarian, cervical, and vulvar cancer, respectively. Of them, 98% underwent non‐emergent surgery. A minimally invasive surgical approach was used in 18%. Stage 1 cancer was found in 68% of patients. Surgeons reported COVID‐related changes in 10% of the cases. The rate of postoperative complications was 12%. Only two patients had cough and suspected pneumonic lesions on thoracic computed tomography postoperatively, but neither was positive for COVID‐19 on polymerase chain reaction testing.ConclusionBased on the present findings, it is thought that gynecologic cancer surgery should continue during the COVID‐19 pandemic while adhering to the measures. Postponement or non‐surgical management should only be considered in patients with documented infection.Gynecologic cancer surgery should continue during the COVID‐19 pandemic while adhering to measures. Only 1% of patients developed COVID‐19‐related symptoms during the postoperative follow‐up period.
Research and development of smart irrigation in China*
Authors: Yu Yingduo , Li Zhao , Gao Zhanyi 
Published: July 2020

AbstractSmart irrigation systems are the focus of modern agriculture and have many engineering applications in China, in a still growing trend. According to the communication mode between the irrigation controller and the on‐farm execute devices, such as solenoids and sensors, irrigation controllers currently used in agriculture fields can be classified into three categories: (a) multi‐wire controller, (b) wireless controller, and (c) two‐wire decoder controller. The characteristics and application scopes of these three irrigation controllers are summarized and analysed; the result shows that the wireless controller and two‐wire decoder controller are more suitable for the large‐scale intensive irrigated agriculture in China. In addition, control of irrigation systems is gradually progressing from the conventional open‐loop mode to the closed‐loop mode, which can achieve precise irrigation decisions based on sensor feedback and crop water requirement model. Furthermore, non‐destructive testing technologies, such as crop canopy infrared temperature sensors and meteorological sensors, which can safely reflect crop drought or soil moisture over a large area are preferred as feedback sensors of irrigation controllers. More importantly, with the development of the internet, local operation of irrigation controllers is gradually being replaced by remote control, and then by comprehensive control and management, based on cloud computation. The application of internet technology can efficiently manage multiple irrigation controllers located in different places, make big data collections, share irrigation experiences, and make reasonable irrigation decisions much easier. This paper introduces the development of smart irrigation in China. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Scaling up clinical pharmacy practice in Africa: Current challenges and the future
Authors: Njuguna Benson , Berhane Haftay , Ndemo Francis Abuga , Opanga Sylvia 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe potential of clinical pharmacy to improve patient health outcomes is yet to be fully realized in Africa as the practice remains scarce. In this paper, we highlight the current status, gaps, and opportunities for clinical pharmacy scale‐up in the region. Persistent gaps in clinical pharmacy practice include undergraduate and postgraduate curricula that are inadequate in producing practice‐ready clinical pharmacists. Experiential training is insufficient, and its effectiveness is limited by an inadequate number of trained clinical pharmacy preceptors at practice sites. At the institutional level, a lack of formalized job descriptions, low numbers of practicing clinical pharmacists, and lack of tools to facilitate documentation of clinical pharmacy activities and interventions pose practice challenges. Finally, there is inadequate policy and legislation to guide the increase of clinical pharmacy practice. Curriculum reform of the traditional Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) program at the undergraduate level is needed to prepare pharmacy students for direct patient care roles. In addition, there is a need to increase Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) programs and adopt innovative postgraduate programs for clinical pharmacist specialization, such as residencies and fellowships. Experiential training can be strengthened by making it longitudinal, and conducting it in practice sites with trained clinical pharmacy preceptors. At the level of hospital institutions, clear job descriptions need to be crafted for clinical pharmacists, and systems to facilitate documentation of their activities and interventions created. Finally, national policy and legislation on clinical pharmacy practice is needed to facilitate required training and practice reforms, and guide hospital implementation of clinical pharmacy practice.
The role of protein kinase C alpha in tri‐ortho‐cresyl phosphate‐induced autophagy in human neuroblastoma SK‐N‐SH cells
Authors: Deng Qiang , Jiang Lan , Mao Liang , Song Xiao‐Hua , He Chu‐Qi , Li Xiao‐Ling , Zhang Zhao‐Hui , Zeng Huai‐Cai , Chen Jia‐xiang , Long Ding‐Xin 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAs an organophosphorus ester, tri‐ortho‐cresyl phosphate (TOCP) has been widely used in agriculture and industry. It is reported that TOCP can induce organophosphate‐induced delayed neuropathy (OPIDN) in sensitive animal and human species. However, the exact molecular mechanisms underlying TOCP‐induced neurotoxicity are still unknown. In this study, we found that TOCP could induce autophagy by activating protein kinase C alpha (PKCα) signaling in neuroblastoma SK‐N‐SH cells. PKCα activators could positively regulate TOCP‐induced autophagy by increasing the expression levels of neighbor BRCA1 gene protein 1 (NBR1), LC3 and P62 autophagic receptor protein. Furthermore, PKCα activation impaired the ubiquitin‐proteasome system (UPS), resulting in inhibition of proteasome activity and accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins. UPS dysfunction could stimulate autophagy to serve as a compensatory pathway, which contributed to the accumulation of the abnormally hyperphosphorylated tau proteins and degradation of impaired proteins of the MAP 2 and NF‐H families in neurodegenerative disorders.
Postnatal di‐2‐ethylhexyl phthalate exposure affects hippocampal dentate gyrus morphogenesis
Authors: Komada Munekazu , Nagao Tetsuji , Kagawa Nao 
Published: July 2020

AbstractDi‐2‐ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) is the most commonly used phthalate for the production of flexible polyvinyl chloride. Recent studies in humans reported a widespread DEHP exposure, raising concerns in infants whose metabolic and excretory systems are immature. DEHP is a potential endocrine‐disrupting chemical, but the effects of postnatal DEHP exposure on neuronal development are unclear. The dentate gyrus (DG) is critical in the consolidation of information from short‐ to long‐term memory, as well as spatial learning. We evaluated neurodevelopmental toxicity due to neonatal DEHP exposure by assessing neurogenesis in the DG. Newborn mice were orally administered DEHP from postnatal day (PND) 12 to 25. We performed immunostaining using neuronal markers at different stages to assess whether DEHP exposure affects neurons at specific differentiation stages at PND 26 and PND 110. We found that in mice, postnatal DEHP exposure led to a decrease in the number of Type‐1, ‐2a, ‐2b, and ‐3 neural progenitor cells, as well as granule cells in the hippocampal DG at PND 26. Further, the results showed that neural progenitor cell proliferation and differentiation were also reduced in the hippocampal DG of the DEHP‐exposed mice. However, no effect on memory and learning was observed. Overall, our results suggest that neurodevelopmental toxicity due to postnatal DEHP exposure might affect postnatal DG morphogenesis.
Normocalcemic Hyperparathyroidism: A Heterogeneous Disorder Often Misdiagnosed?
Authors: Zavatta Guido , Clarke Bart L 
Published: July 2020

ABSTRACTNormocalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism (NHPT) was first described over 10 years ago, but uncertainties still remain about its definition, prevalence, and rates of complications. As a result, consensus management guidelines for this condition have not yet been published. Several hypotheses have been proposed for the pathophysiology of NHPT, but it may be a heterogeneous disorder with multiple causes, rather than a single etiology that explains this biochemical phenotype. A common clinical concern is whether NHPT should be treated surgically when complications are already present at first recognition of the disorder, rather than following patients clinically over time. The literature on NHPT is based mostly on larger studies of population‐based cohorts and smaller studies from referral centers. Lack of rigorous diagnostic criteria and selection bias inherent in populations seen at tertiary referral centers may explain the heterogeneity of reported rates of bone and renal complications in relation to consistently mild laboratory alterations. Unresolved questions remain about the significance of NHPT when it is diagnosed biochemically without evident bone or kidney complications. Moreover, its natural history remains to be elucidated because a proportion of what is classified as NHPT may revert to normal spontaneously, thus revealing previously unrecognized secondary hyperparathyroidism. These issues indicate that caution should be used in recommending surgery for NHPT. This review will focus on recent issues regarding the pathophysiology, evaluation, and management of NHPT. © 2020 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
The Association of Methotrexate, Sulfasalazine, and Hydroxychloroquine Use With Fracture in Postmenopausal Women With Rheumatoid Arthritis: Findings From the Women's Health Initiative
Authors: Carbone Laura , Vasan Sowmya , Elam Rachel , Gupta Sandeepkumar , Tolaymat Omar , Crandall Carolyn , Wactawski‐Wende Jean , Johnson Karen C 
Published: July 2020

ABSTRACTThis study was conducted to evaluate the extent to which disease‐modifying antirheumatic medications (DMARDs) used as part of a triple therapy for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) including methotrexate, sulfasalazine, and hydroxychloroquine are associated with fractures in postmenopausal women with RA. Incident fractures following use of methotrexate, sulfasalazine, and/or hydroxychloroquine in postmenopausal women with RA in the Women's Health Initiative were estimated by Cox proportional hazards using hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs after consideration of potential confounders. There were 1201 women with RA enrolled in the Women's Health Initiative included in these analyses, of which 74% were white, 17% were black, and 9% were of other or unknown race/ethnicity. Of the women with RA, 421 (35%) had not used methotrexate, sulfasalazine, or hydroxychloroquine, whereas 519 (43%) women had used methotrexate, 83 (7%) sulfasalazine, and 363 (30%) hydroxychloroquine alone or in combination at some time during study follow‐up. Over a median length of 6.46 years of follow‐up, in multivariable adjusted models, no statistically significant association was found between methotrexate (HR, 1.1; 95% CI, 0.8–1.6), sulfasalazine (HR, 0.6; 95% CI, 0.2–1.5), or hydroxychloroquine (HR, 1.0; 95% CI, 0.7–1.5) use and incident fractures or between combination therapy with methotrexate and sulfasalazine or methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine use (HR, 0.9; 95% CI, 0.5–1.6) and incident fractures. In conclusion, postmenopausal women with RA receiving any component of triple therapy should not be expected to have any substantial reduction in fracture risk from use of these DMARDs. © 2020 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Vitamin C inhibits glycidamide‐induced genotoxicity and apoptosis in Sertoli cells
Authors: Orta Yilmaz Banu , Yildizbayrak Nebahat , Aydin Yasemin 
Published: July 2020

AbstractExposure to the food contaminant acrylamide and its reactive epoxide metabolite glycidamide (GA) induces reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐mediated oxidative stress and subsequent cellular death. Recent studies have revealed that the toxic effects of acrylamide may be due to GA, especially on male reproductive system cells. In this regard, it is important to determine the effects of GA on Sertoli cells, which are essential cells for the male reproductive system. Antioxidants should be consumed in sufficient quantities to minimise the effects of environmental pollutants. This study aimed to determine the direct toxic effects of GA and protective effects of vitamin C (VitC) against GA‐induced damage in Sertoli cells by measuring cell viability, cytotoxicity, lipid peroxidation, ROS, antioxidant enzyme levels, apoptosis and DNA damage. Sertoli cells were exposed to GA for 24 hours at four different concentrations (ranging between 1 and 1000 μM) and in addition to these GA concentrations to VitC (50 μM). The results of cytotoxicity markers, such as cell viability and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) showed that GA significantly reduced cell viability and increased LDH levels. We also found that GA induced overproduction of intracellular ROS, increased lipid peroxidation in cellular membrane and triggered cell apoptosis and genotoxicity. In addition, VitC supplementation ameliorated the adverse effects of GA on Sertoli cells. Consequently, these findings suggest that GA may damage the cell function in Sertoli cells, depending on the concentration. Additionally, it was evidenced that VitC has an ameliorative effect on toxicity caused by GA.
Three‐component reaction for synthesis of2‐amino‐6‐aryl‐5‐(phenylamino)‐3,7‐dihydro‐4H‐pyrrolo[2,3‐d]pyrimidin‐4‐one derivatives in water
Authors: Yang Xiaopeng , Li Chunmei , Qi Chenze , Zhang Furen 
Published: July 2020

AbstractA new three‐component domino reaction for the synthesis of 2‐amino‐6‐aryl‐5‐(phenylamino)‐3,7‐dihydro‐4H‐pyrrolo[2,3‐d]pyrimidin‐4‐one derivatives4using acetic acid as catalyst has been established. The reaction was performed in aqueous media using readily available and inexpensive 2,6‐diaminopyrimidin‐4(3H)‐one1, 2,2‐dihydroxy‐1‐arylethan‐1‐one2and aniline3as substrates. The simple and efficient one‐pot three‐component approach, inexpensive catalyst, green reaction media, make the present methodology a good synthetic procedure.
The variability of the serological response to SARS‐corona virus‐2: Potential resolution of ambiguity through determination of avidity (functional affinity)
Authors: Bauer Georg 
Published: July 2020

AbstractData on the serological response toward severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) in 16 recent reports were analyzed and a high degree of variability was shown. Immunoglobulin M (IgM) responses were either found earlier than IgG, or together with IgG, later than IgG, or were missing. Therefore, clear distinctions between early, intermediate, and past infections are obviously not possible merely on the basis of IgM and IgG determinations. A review of publications on the serology of other virus groups shows that variable IgM responses can be found as well and therefore are not unique for SARS‐CoV‐2 infections. A model to explain this variability is proposed. The inclusion of avidity determination into regular diagnostic procedures has allowed to resolve such “atypical” serological constellations. The potential use of avidity determination for the diagnosis of COVID‐19, for risk assessment, epidemiological studies, analysis of cross reactions, as well as for the control of vaccination programs is suggested and discussed.