bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Variability of water supply affected shoot biomass and root depth distribution of four temperate grassland species in monocultures and mixtures
Authors: Haughey Eamon , McElwain Jennifer C , Finn John A 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAimsResearch on the effects of extreme rainfall events on ecosystem function has primarily focussed on drought or flooding events, which usually include changes to mean or total rainfall, annually or over a season. However, less is known about the effects of increased rainfall variability without change to mean or total amounts. We investigated the effects of increased variation of water supply on shoot and root biomass as well as the distribution of root biomass of four grassland plant species, grown in monoculture and mixture communities.MethodsPerennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L., shallow-rooting grass), chicory (Cichorium intybus L., deep-rooting forb), white clover (Trifolium repens L., shallow-rooting legume) and red clover (Trifolium pratense L., deep-rooting legume) were established in mesocosms. Four plants of the same species were grown in monoculture communities and one of each species grown in four-species communities. Water supply was manipulated such that; compared with a baseline level with low variation in water supply, there was a treatment with medium variation (±40%) and another with high variation (±80%). Shoot and root biomass were measured, and vertical root distribution models fitted.Important FindingsCompared with the low variation treatment, shoot biomass was significantly reduced under high variation for white clover, red clover and four-species communities. Under all conditions, four-species communities produced more shoot and root biomass than predicted by species performance in monoculture (overyielding). Under increased water variation, chicory monocultures allocated a higher proportion of root biomass to deeper soil layers while the total root biomass of white clover monocultures was significantly reduced. These results indicate that increased variability of water supply can negatively affect the shoot and root biomass production of single and multi-species grasslands. There is a need for further investigation of water variation effects on the functioning of multi-species grassland systems at field scale.
Hybrid laparoscopic and open repair of post-nephrectomy flank hernia
Authors: Gan Siang Wei , Bruening Martin , Bhattacharjya Shantanu 
Published: July 2020

AbstractSurgical repair of flank hernia is not routinely performed, due to perceived technical difficulties with the surgery and risk of recurrence, or the misconception that flank hernia is solely due to a denervation injury. Due to the rareness of flank hernia in the literature, there is no general consensus on the best method of surgical repair. We present the case of a patient with a symptomatic large flank hernia following open nephrectomy, in which a hybrid technique of open and laparoscopic flank hernia repair with sublay mesh and bone anchor fixation was successfully performed with good outcome. This case highlights the benefits of the hybrid approach, which allowed a laparoscopic assessment of the defect and adhesiolysis, followed by the open repair which enabled adequate mesh overlap, fixation to surrounding tissues and bone anchor fixation.
What drives photosynthesis during desiccation? Mosses and other outliers from the photosynthesis–elasticity trade-off
Authors: Perera-Castro Alicia V , Nadal Miquel , Flexas Jaume 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
In vascular plants, more rigid leaves have been linked to lower photosynthetic capacity, associated with low CO2 diffusion across the mesophyll, indirectly resulting in a trade-off between photosynthetic capacity (An) and bulk modulus of elasticity (ε). However, we evaluated mosses, liverworts, and Chara sp., plus some lycophytes and ferns, and found that they behaved as clear outliers of the An–ε relationship. Despite this finding, when vascular and non-vascular plants were plotted together, ε still linearly determined the cessation of net photosynthesis during desiccation both in species with stomata (either actively or hydro-passively regulated) and in species lacking stomata, and regardless of their leaf structure. The latter result challenges our current view of photosynthetic responses to desiccation and/or water stress. Structural features and hydric strategy are discussed as possible explanations for the deviation of these species from the An–ε trade-off, as well as for the general linear dependency between ε and the full cessation of An during desiccation.
Exercise Dose Associated With Military Service: Implications for the Clinical Management of Inherited Risk for Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Segre Elena M , Hellwig Lydia D , Turner Clesson , Dobson Craig P , Haigney Mark C 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIntroductionHigh levels of aerobic exercise in individuals who have a gene mutation associated with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) are associated with clinical disease progression. Guidelines consequently restrict patients from competitive athletics. However, there is minimal literature to guide the safe dosing of physical activity outside of the setting of competitive athletics. Patients may be physically active pursuant to a variety of careers, including military service. This study aimed to define a therapeutic window for exercise for ARVC gene-positive individuals that are compatible with continuing military service and general health while maintaining a level of exercise below that which risks disease progression.Materials and MethodsUsing standard metabolic equations, we calculated the minimum VO2 max (amount of oxygen utilized at peak exercise capacity) required to pass the physical fitness tests for each branch. We then developed a sample exercise prescription to maintain this level of fitness. We compared the prescribed exercise load with the physical activity levels associated with non-inferior clinical outcomes in ARVC gene-positive individuals. Additionally, we determined the physical activity exposure sustained by service members based on self-report data and compared these values with the upper limit of safe exercise exposure.ResultsBased on a review of the currently available literature, aerobic exercise exposure less than 700 to 1,100 MET-hours/year (metabolic equivalent-hours per year) is not associated with inferior clinical outcomes for gene-positive individuals. A military service member needs 600 to 700 MET-hours/year to minimally pass the physical fitness test. However, many military members are exercising in excess of this minimum, with typical exposures between 900 and 2,400 MET-hours/year.ConclusionsA therapeutic window of aerobic exercise may exist for ARVC gene-positive individuals which would allow continuation of military service while maintaining levels of exercise restriction associated with non-inferior clinical outcomes.
Is there a spectral turnover in the spin noise of millisecond pulsars?
Authors: Goncharov Boris , Zhu Xing-Jiang , Thrane Eric 
Published: July 2020

ABSTRACTPulsar timing arrays provide a unique means to detect nanohertz gravitational waves through long-term measurements of pulse arrival times from an ensemble of millisecond pulsars. After years of observations, some timing array pulsars have been shown to be dominated by low-frequency red noise, including spin noise that might be associated with pulsar rotational irregularities. The power spectral density of pulsar timing red noise is usually modelled with a power law or a power law with a turnover frequency below which the noise power spectrum plateaus. If there is a turnover in the spin noise of millisecond pulsars, residing within the observation band of current and/or future pulsar timing measurements, it may be easier than projected to resolve the gravitational-wave background from supermassive binary black holes. Additionally, the spectral turnover can provide valuable insights on neutron star physics. In the recent study by Melatos and Link, the authors provided a derivation of the model for power spectral density of spin noise from superfluid turbulence in the core of a neutron star, from first principles. The model features a spectral turnover, which depends on the dynamical response time of the superfluid and the steady-state angular velocity lag between the crust and the core of the star. In this work, we search for a spectral turnover in spin noise using the first data release of the International Pulsar Timing Array. Through Bayesian model selection, we find no evidence of a spectral turnover. Our analysis also shows that data from PSRs J1939+2134, J1024–0719, and J1713+0747 prefers the power-law model to the superfluid turbulence model.
Fast-rotating giant stars behind the Coma Berenices star cluster
Authors: Casal Estefanía , Fernández Matilde , Alfaro Emilio J , Casanova Víctor , Tobaruela Ángel 
Published: July 2020

ABSTRACT
In the frame of a study of the empirical isochrones of young stellar clusters, we have carried out BVIc Johnson–Cousins photometry of a sample of K and M stars of the Coma Berenices star cluster. All these stars have known rotational periods. Our main goal is to get a valuable reference on the colour–magnitude diagram, Mv versus B − V, for stars with ages within 400–800 Myr. For this purpose, we obtained BVIc photometry with an average upper limit for the precision of about 0.025 mag and used parallaxes from the Gaia Data Release 2. We found that one-third of our sample is located well above the cluster main sequence and these stars are confirmed as background giants by their radial velocities in the Gaia Data Release 2. This misclassification shows that giants with short-surface rotational periods can mimic main-sequence stars if they are located at the appropriate distance. We recommend caution when using rotational periods in order to determine cluster membership. Besides, the gyrochronology technique should be used only when the luminosity class of the stars is well known. Finally, our cleared sample supports an age of ∼600 Myr for Coma Berenices, rather than an age of ∼800 Myr.
A Conversation between Jacques Bouveresse and Hilary Putnam
Authors: Bouveresse Jacques , Putnam Hilary 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe following interview took place between Jacques Bouveresse and Hilary Putnam on May 11, 2001 in Paris at the Collège de France. Sandra Laugier was present, preserved the transcription, and proposed that we publish the text here. It was translated into English by Marie Kerguelen Feldblyum LeBlevennec and lightly edited by Jacques Bouveresse, Juliet Floyd, and Sandra Laugier. Themes covered in the interview include the question of Wittgenstein’s importance in contemporary philosophy, Putnam’s development with respect to realism, especially in philosophy of mathematics, and the differences and motivations for realism in mathematics, physics, and ethics. The editors thank Marie Kerguelen Feldblyum LeBlevennec for her translation, and Jacques Bouveresse, Mario De Caro, and Sandra Laugier for permission to publish this transcription.
Neutrophils are key mediators in crescentic glomerulonephritis and targets for new therapeutic approaches
Authors: Antonelou Marilina , Evans Rhys D R , Henderson Scott R , Salama Alan D 
Published: July 2020

AbstractCrescentic glomerulonephritis (CGN) results from a diverse set of diseases associated with immune dysregulation and the breakdown of self-tolerance to a wide range of autoantigens, some known and some that remain unknown. Experimental data demonstrate that neutrophils have an important role in the pathogenesis of CGN. Upon activation, neutrophils generate reactive oxygen species, release serine proteases and form neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), all of which can induce direct tissue damage. In addition, serine proteases such as myeloperoxidase and proteinase 3, presented on NETs, can be processed and recognized as autoantigens, leading to the generation and maintenance of autoimmune responses in susceptible individuals. The basis of the specificity of autoimmune responses in different patients to NET proteins is unclear, but relates at least in part to differences in human leucocyte antigen expression. Conditions associated with CGN are often characterized by aberrant neutrophil activation and NETosis and, in some, impaired NET degradation. Targeting neutrophil degranulation and NETosis is now possible using a variety of novel compounds and may provide a promising therapeutic alternative to glucocorticoid use, which has been a mainstay of management in CGN for decades and is associated with significant adverse effects. In this review, we discuss the evidence supporting the role of neutrophils in the development of CGN and the pathways identified in neutrophil degranulation and NETosis that may translate to novel therapeutic applications.
Effects of (−)-epicatechin on mitochondria
Authors: Daussin Frédéric N , Heyman Elsa , Burelle Yan 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Mitochondrial dysfunction is observed in a broad range of human diseases, including rare genetic disorders and complex acquired pathologies. For this reason, there is increasing interest in identifying safe and effective strategies to mitigate mitochondrial impairments. Natural compounds are widely used for multiple indications, and their broad healing properties suggest that several may improve mitochondrial function. This review focuses on (−)-epicatechin, a monomeric flavanol, and its effects on mitochondria. The review summarizes the available data on the effects of acute and chronic (−)-epicatechin supplementation on mitochondrial function, outlines the potential mechanisms involved in mitochondrial biogenesis induced by (−)-epicatechin supplementation and discusses some future therapeutic applications.
The Adaptation of Pain Assessment Tools from High-Income to Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Psychometric Properties of a Set of Chronic Pain Questionnaires in Mongolian and New Zealand Patient Samples
Authors: Tuck Natalie L , Khuvtsagaan Bayalagmaa , Rashid Usman , Aamir Tipu , Goucke Roger , Regjii Bazarragchaa , Dorjbal Ehkh-Amgalan , Lundeg Ganbold , Bean Debbie J 
Published: July 2020

AbstractObjectiveChronic pain is a leading cause of disability in low- and middle-income countries; however, pain assessment tools have generally been developed and validated in high-income countries. This study examines the psychometric properties of a set of translated pain (and distress) questionnaires in Mongolia and documents the characteristics of people seeking treatment for chronic pain in Mongolia, compared with those in New Zealand, which is representative of high-income countries.DesignCross-sectional, observational.SettingHospital-based pain treatment centers in New Zealand and Mongolia.SubjectsPeople seeking treatment for chronic pain in Mongolia (N = 142) and New Zealand (N = 159).MethodsThe Brief Pain Inventory, the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale–21, the Pain Catastrophizing Scale, and the Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire were translated into Mongolian and administered to patients attending a hospital-based pain service. Questionnaires that were completed by patients in New Zealand were used for comparisons. Internal reliability, convergent validity, and factor structure were assessed in both groups.ResultsPatients in Mongolia were older and reported lower pain intensity, interference, and distress and higher pain self-efficacy than those in New Zealand. The translated questionnaires had good internal consistencies, and the relationships between pain variables were similar across both groups. The factor structure for the Pain Catastrophizing Scale was consistent across both groups, but this was not the case for the Brief Pain Inventory or the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale–21.ConclusionsFindings indicate that some pain outcome measures may be appropriate for use in Mongolia and should be investigated in other low- and middle-income countries.
COVID-19 and Mental Health: An Examination of 911 Calls for Service
Authors: Lersch Kim M 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to explore the rate and geographic distribution of 911 calls for service related to mental health issues during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in the City of Detroit, MI, USA. The results suggest that the total number of calls for mental health issues was at the lowest level when compared with the same time period for the previous 3 years. Furthermore, as both the daily reported COVID-19 cases and related deaths increased over time, there was a significant decline in both suicide threats and suicides in progress. Significant hot spots were found for the total calls as well as for threats of suicide. These hot spots did not coincide with the spatial distribution of reported cases of COVID-19 by ZIP code. While higher and lower areas of reported cases were found, these differences by ZIP code were not found to be significant. When compared with the previous 3 years of data, the hot spot area was much smaller in 2020, implying that the mental health-related calls for service were more evenly spread throughout the city.
Association of antimalarial drugs with decreased overall and cause specific mortality in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Jin Ziyi , Wang Fan , Pan Wenyou , Liu Lin , Wu Min , Hu Huaixia , Ding Xiang , Wei Hua , Zou Yaohong , Qian Xian , Wang Meimei , Wu Jian , Tao Juan , Tan Jun , Da Zhanyun , Zhang Miaojia , Li Jing , Feng Xuebing , Sun Lingyun 
Published: July 2020

Abstract

Objective
To evaluate the association and dose–response pattern between antimalarial drugs and overall and cause specific mortality in SLE patients.

Methods
Medical records including information on HCQ/chloroquine (CQ) prescription were extracted from Jiangsu Lupus database. The database was designed to collect data from SLE patients that first-hospitalized during 1999–2009 in Jiangsu province, China, and a follow-up for survival status was performed in 2010 and 2015. Cox and restricted cubic spline models were used to estimate the hazard ratio and 95% CI.

Results
We identified 221 deaths among 2446 SLE patients in total. Compared with non-users, decreased overall mortality was associated with either HCQ or CQ users, with adjusted hazard ratio (95% CI) of 0.49 (0.35, 0.67) and 0.49 (0.27, 0.87), respectively. The association between HCQ/CQ and overall mortality was similar across subgroups, such as patients with comorbidities and organ involvements. Interestingly, both the time and the daily dosage of HCQ/CQ use were related to decreased mortality of SLE in a linear dose–response relationship. In cause specific analyses, HCQ/CQ was inversely associated with death from renal insufficiency and other organ (cardiopulmonary, gastrointestinal and haematological) involvements, with adjusted hazard ratio (95% CI) of 0.23 (0.09, 0.55) and 0.25 (0.10, 0.62), respectively, yet it was not significantly associated with mortality from infection and neuropsychiatric involvements.

Conclusion
Antimalarial drugs were associated with lower risk of SLE mortality, especially renal insufficiency- and other organ involvement-related death. The protective effects for survival might be augmented by adherence and full dosage of these drugs.
Relaxed Random Walks at Scale
Authors: Fisher Alexander A , Ji Xiang , Zhang Zhenyu , Lemey Philippe , Suchard Marc A 
Published: July 2020

AbstractRelaxed random walk (RRW) models of trait evolution introduce branch-specific rate multipliers to modulate the variance of a standard Brownian diffusion process along a phylogeny and more accurately model overdispersed biological data. Increased taxonomic sampling challenges inference under RRWs as the number of unknown parameters grows with the number of taxa. To solve this problem, we present a scalable method to efficiently fit RRWs and infer this branch-specific variation in a Bayesian framework. We develop a Hamiltonian Monte Carlo (HMC) sampler to approximate the high-dimensional, correlated posterior that exploits a closed-form evaluation of the gradient of the trait data log-likelihood with respect to all branch-rate multipliers simultaneously. Our gradient calculation achieves computational complexity that scales only linearly with the number of taxa under study. We compare the efficiency of our HMC sampler to the previously standard univariable Metropolis–Hastings approach while studying the spatial emergence of the West Nile virus in North America in the early 2000s. Our method achieves at least a 6-fold speed increase over the univariable approach. Additionally, we demonstrate the scalability of our method by applying the RRW to study the correlation between five mammalian life history traits in a phylogenetic tree with $3650$ tips.[Bayesian inference; BEAST; Hamiltonian Monte Carlo; life history; phylodynamics, relaxed random walk.]
Stakeholders’ Perspective for Improved Universal Newborn Hearing Screening Uptake in Odisha, India
Authors: Sahoo Krushna Chandra , Dwivedi Rinshu , Athe Ramesh , Bhattacharya Debdutta , Rajsekhar Kavitha , Pati Sanghamitra 
Published: July 2020

abstractUniversal Newborn Hearing Screening (UNHS) is a significant public health initiative as early diagnosis and intervention are critical for children’s cognitive development. In India, priority for UNHS has been provided since 2013; however, there are various operational challenges associated with it. There is a lack of multi-stakeholders perspective on UNHS, which is crucial for improving the service intake. Therefore, this study attempted to understand the perspective of various stakeholders to explore the practices, processes and technologies used in the existing UNHS landscape in Odisha, India. The qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted among various stakeholders including 15 mothers, 5 service providers (audiologists), 10 districts and state-level programme managers. Data were analysed using content analysis approaches. Two major themes emerged were ‘social-shaping of technology for UNHS’ and ‘mothers’ understanding and experience on UNHS’. Employee retention, equipment limitations, facilities maintenance and little knowledge among mothers about hearing screening have been described as major operational challenges. The study revealed that to increase universal coverage ‘screening technology should be socially shaped’. There seems to be a need for ‘portable technology with ease to use and better diagnostic accuracy’ for first-stage screening at various levels of healthcare facilities along with community literacy on UNHS.