bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of salinity on the germination of wheat and barley in South Africa
Authors: Bagwasi Gaesejwe , Agenbag Gert A. , Swanepoel Pieter A. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractField crops are most susceptible to salt stress in the early stages of growth. There is a general belief that barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is more salt‐tolerant than wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), yet little is known regarding the response of different South African wheat and barley cultivars to saline conditions. An experiment was conducted to study the effects of salinity on seed germination in three South African spring wheat cultivars (SST 027, SST 056, and SST 087) and three spring barley cultivars (Nemesia, Erica, and Hessekwa). The experiment was conducted in petri dishes in a growth incubator at a constant temperature of 20 °C for 7 d. Seeds were exposed to five NaCl solutions with electrical conductivity (EC) levels of 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20 dS m−1 and were compared with those exposed to a solution with an EC of 0 dS m−1 (distilled water), which served as a control. The experiment design was a completely randomized design. The study showed that salinity influenced seed germination in all wheat and barley cultivars. Although all cultivars showed a reduction in total germination percentage with increasing salinity from EC levels of 0 to 20 dS m−1, the differences were only significant (P < .05) at high EC levels (16–20 dS m−1). Wheat cultivars outperformed barley cultivars at EC levels of 0, 4, 8, 12, and 16 dS m−1. The study showed that salinity influenced seed germination in both wheat and barley, but barley was less salt‐tolerant during germination than wheat.
A Gaussian alternative to using improper confidence intervals
Authors: Plante André 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe problem posed by exact confidence intervals (CIs) which can be either all‐inclusive or empty for a nonnegligible set of sample points is known to have no solution within CI theory. Confidence belts causing improper CIs can be modified by using margins of error from the renewed theory of errors initiated by J. W. Tukey—briefly described in the article—for which an extended Fraser's frequency interpretation is given. This approach is consistent with Kolmogorov's axiomatization of probability, in which a probability and an error measure obey the same axioms, although the connotation of the two words is different. An algorithm capable of producing a margin of error for any parameter derived from the five parameters of the bivariate normal distribution is provided. Margins of error correcting Fieller's CIs for a ratio of means are obtained, as are margins of error replacing Jolicoeur's CIs for the slope of the major axis. Margins of error using Dempster's conditioning that can correct optimal, but improper, CIs for the noncentrality parameter of a noncentral chi‐square distribution are also given.
Influence of chromatic and lighting on the visual environment of the elderly: A critical literature review
Authors: Guerry Estelle , Caumon Céline , Bécheras Elodie , Zissis Georges 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe use of color and lighting as factors for adapting the housing of the elderly is tending to develop, in response to demographic data on the aging of the population and its impact on lifestyles. Adapting the environment for those over 60 years has become a national issue for public policy. So this article takes stock of the studies carried out on this issue. We have to review all the literature devoted to this subject, focusing on research products dealing with the color and light interaction in the indoor environment of seniors.
Model‐Based Meta‐Analysis Compares DAS28 Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment Effects and Suggests an Expedited Trial Design for Early Clinical Development
Authors: Leil Tarek A. , Lu Yasong , Bouillon‐Pichault Marion , Wong Robert , Nowak Miroslawa 
Published: August 2020

A nonlinear mixed effects modeling approach was used to conduct a model‐based meta‐analysis (MBMA) of longitudinal, summary‐level, baseline‐corrected 28‐joint Disease Activity Score (ΔDAS28) clinical trial data from seven approved rheumatoid arthritis (RA) drugs (abatacept, adalimumab, certolizumab, etanercept, rituximab, tocilizumab, and tofacitinib), representing 130 randomized clinical trials in 27,355 patients. All of the drugs except tocilizumab were found to have relatively similar ΔDAS28 time courses and efficacy (baseline‐corrected and placebo‐corrected) at 24 weeks and beyond of approximately 0.87–1.3 units in the typical RA patient population. Tocilizumab was estimated to have a differentially greater response of 1.99 at 24 weeks, likely due to its disproportionate effect on the acute‐phase cytokine interleukin‐6. Baseline DAS28, disease duration, percentage of male participants, and the year of conduct of the trial were found to have statistically significant effects on the timing and/or magnitude of ΔDAS28 in the control arms. Clinical trial simulations using the present MBMA indicated that abatacept, certolizumab, etanercept, tocilizumab, and tofacitinib would be expected to have a greater than 70% probability of showing a statistically significant difference vs. control at Week 6 with a sample size of ~ 30 patients per arm. In future RA clinical trials, an interim analysis conducted as early as 6 weeks after treatment initiation, with relatively small sample sizes, should be sufficient to detect the ΔDAS28 treatment effect vs. placebo.
Benefit–Risk Assessment of Esketamine Nasal Spray vs. Placebo in Treatment‐Resistant Depression
Authors: Katz Eva G. , Hough David , Doherty Teodora , Lane Rosanne , Singh Jaskaran , Levitan Bennett 
Published: August 2020

This post hoc analysis assessed the benefit–risk profile of esketamine nasal spray + oral antidepressant (AD) induction and maintenance treatment in patients with treatment‐resistant depression (TRD). The Benefit–Risk Action Team framework was utilized to assess the benefit–risk profile using data from three induction studies and one maintenance study. Benefits were proportion of remitters or responders in induction studies and proportion of stable remitters or stable responders who remained relapse‐free in the maintenance study. Risks were death, suicidal ideation, most common adverse events (AEs), and potential long‐term risks. Per 100 patients on esketamine + AD vs. AD + placebo in induction therapy, 5–21 additional patients would remit and 14–17 additional patients would respond. In maintenance therapy, 19–32 fewer relapses would occur with esketamine. In both cases, there was little difference in serious or severe common AEs (primarily dissociation, vertigo, and dizziness). These findings support a positive benefit–risk balance for esketamine + AD as induction and maintenance treatment in patients with TRD.
Sowing date, genotype choice, and water environment control soybean yields in central Argentina
Authors: Vitantonio‐Mazzini Lucas N. , Gómez Damián , Gambin Brenda L. , Di Mauro Guido , Iglesias Rodrigo , Costanzi Jerónimo , Jobbágy Esteban G. , Borrás Lucas 
Published: August 2020

AbstractSoybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] is one of the most important crops worldwide, and Argentina is the third largest global grain producer and the worlds´ largest meal exporter. Under the continuous challenge of increasing crop yields, especially in the central temperate region of the country, there is a growing need to optimize management in relation to the environment that each specific farm and paddock presents. Understanding the impact of available technologies and management options can help optimize crop design. Here, we identify and quantify the effect of the most relevant variables affecting soybean yield by analyzing a database that includes 53 field trials with four common commercial genotypes, reporting 50 management and environmental variables. Linear mixed‐effect models revealed that two management decisions (genotype and sowing date selection) and three environmental variables (rainfall during the reproductive crop period from R1 to R7, soil type [Hapludoll vs. Argiudoll], and water table presence above or below 2 m of depth from the surface) helped explain ∼40% of total yield variability, which ranged from 1,675 to 7,226 kg ha−1 and averaged 5,133 kg ha−1. Water table presence generated higher and more stable yields particularly in coarse‐textured Hapludolls and under low‐rainfall conditions. Results highlight specific management and environmental conditions that affect soybean crop yields in the region, pointing to effective pathways toward yield gap reductions.
To meet grand challenges, agricultural scientists must engage in the politics of constructive collective action
Authors: Jordan N. , Gutknecht J. , Bybee‐Finley K. A. , Hunter M. , Krupnik T. J. , Pittelkow C. M. , Prasad P. V. V. , Snapp S. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAgriculture now faces grand challenges, with crucial implications for the global future. These include the need to increase production of nutrient‐dense food, to improve agriculture's effects on soil, water, wildlife, and climate, and to enhance equity and justice in food and agricultural systems. We argue that certain politics of constructive collective action—and integral involvement of agricultural scientists in these politics—are essential for meeting grand challenges and other complex problems facing agriculture in the 21st century. To spur reflection and deliberation about the role of politics in the work of agricultural scientists, we outline these politics of constructive collective action. These serve to organize forceful responses to grand challenges through coordinated and cooperative action taken by multiple sectors of society. In essence, these politics entail (1) building bonds of affinity within a heterogenous network, (2) developing a shared roadmap for collective action, and (3) taking sustained action together. These emerging politics differ markedly from more commonly discussed forms of political activity by scientists, e.g., policy advisory, policy advocacy, and protest. We present key premises for our thesis, and then describe and discuss a politics of constructive collective action, the necessary roles of agricultural scientists, and an agenda for exploring and expanding their engagement in these politics.
Filling the gaps in gene banks: Collecting, characterizing, and phenotyping wild banana relatives of Papua New Guinea
Authors: Eyland David , Breton Catherine , Sardos Julie , Kallow Simon , Panis Bart , Swennen Rony , Paofa Janet , Tardieu François , Welcker Claude , Janssens Steven B. , Carpentier Sebastien C. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractSince natural habitats are disappearing fast, there is an urgent need to collect, characterize, and phenotype banana (Musa spp.) crop wild relatives to identify unique genotypes with specific traits that fill the gaps in our gene banks. We report on a collection mission in Papua New Guinea carried out in 2019. Seed containing bunches were collected from Musa peekelii ssp. angustigemma (N.W.Simmonds) Argent (3), M. schizocarpa N. W. Simmonds (4), M. balbisiana Colla (3), M. acuminata ssp. banksii (F. Muell.) Simmonds (14), M. boman Argent (3), M. ingens Simmonds (2), M. maclayi ssp. maclayi F.Muell. ex Mikl.‐Maclay (1), and M. lolodensis Cheesman (1). This material, together with the seeds collected during a previous mission in 2017, form the basis for the development of a wild banana seed bank. For characterization and phenotyping, we focused on the most ubiquitous indigenous species of Papua New Guinea: M. acuminata ssp. banksii, the ancestor of most edible bananas. We calculated that the median genomic dissimilarity of the M. acuminata ssp. banksii accessions was 4% and that they differed at least 5% from accessions present in the International Transit Centre, the world's largest banana gene bank. High‐throughput phenotyping revealed drought avoidance strategies with significant differences in root/shoot ratio, soil water content sensitivity, and response towards vapor pressure deficit (VPD). We deliver a proof of principle that the wild diversity is not yet fully covered in the gene banks and that wild M. acuminata ssp. banksii populations contain individuals with unique traits, useful for drought tolerance breeding programs.
Canola oil compared with sesame and sesame‐canola oil on glycaemic control and liver function in patients with type 2 diabetes: A three‐way randomized triple‐blind cross‐over trial
Authors: Raeisi‐Dehkordi Hamidreza , Amiri Mojgan , Zimorovat Alireza , Moghtaderi Fatemeh , Zarei Sadegh , Forbes Scott C. , Salehi‐Abargouei Amin 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundThis study aimed to compare the effects of sesame (SO), canola (CO), and sesame‐canola (SCO: a blend) oils on glycaemic control markers and liver function enzymes in adults with type 2 diabetes.MethodsIn this randomized, triple‐blind, three‐way, cross‐over clinical trial, participants replaced their usual oil with the intervention oils for 9 weeks. Serum fasting blood sugar, fasting serum insulin (FSI), insulin resistance (HOMA2‐IR), beta‐cell function (HOMA2‐%B), insulin sensitivity (HOMA2‐%S), quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI), as well as serum liver function enzymes were measured at baseline and end of intervention periods.ResultsNinety‐two participants completed all treatment periods. After adjusting for confounders, all treatment oils resulted in significant improvements in FSI and HOMA2‐%S (p < 0.05). SO and SCO led to favourable changes in HOMA2‐IR and QUICKI (p < 0.05). Following CO and SCO, there was a significant decrease in HOMA2‐%B (p < 0.05). The sex‐stratified analysis revealed that FSI and HOMA2‐IR were decreased after SO compared to CO in males (p = 0.024). Serum gamma‐glutamyltransferase (GGT) was significantly lower following SO compared to CO in females (p = 0.02), however, the difference in change values was not significant (p = 0.058).ConclusionsSO consumption appears to improve glycaemic control markers in males and serum GGT in females compared with CO in patients with type 2 diabetes (registration code: IRCT2016091312571N6).
Use and perception of telemedicine in people with type 1 diabetes during the COVID‐19 pandemic—Results of a global survey
Authors: Scott Sam N. , Fontana Federico Y. , Züger Thomas , Laimer Markus , Stettler Christoph 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIntroductionThe COVID‐19 pandemic has forced rapid reconsideration as to the way in which health care is delivered. One potential means to provide care while avoiding unnecessary person‐to‐person contact is to offer remote services (telemedicine). This study aimed to (1) gather real‐time information on the use and perception of telemedicine in people living with type 1 diabetes and (2) assess the challenges, such as restricted access to health care and/or medical supplies.MethodsAn anonymous questionnaire was widely distributed between 24 March and 5 May 2020 using an open‐access web‐based platform. Data were analysed descriptively, and results were stratified according to age, sex and HbA1c.ResultsThere were 7477 survey responses from individuals in 89 countries. Globally, 30% reported that the pandemic had affected their healthcare access due to cancelled physical appointments with their healthcare providers. Thirty‐two per cent reported no fundamental change in their medical follow‐up during this period, with 9% stating that no personal contact was established with their doctors over the duration of the study. Twenty‐eight per cent received remote care through telephone (72%) or video‐calls (28%). Of these, 86% found remote appointments useful and 75% plan to have remote appointments in the future. Glucose control, indicated by HbA1c, was positively associated with positive perception of telemedicine. In males, 45% of respondents with an HbA1c > 9% rated telemedicine not useful compared to those with lower HbA1c, while 20% of females with an HbA1c > 9% rated it not useful (χ2 = 14.2, P = .0016).ConclusionRemote appointments have largely been perceived as positive in people with type 1 diabetes with the majority (75%) stating that they would consider remote appointments beyond the pandemic. Age and level of education do not appear to influence perception of telemedicine, whereas poor glucose control, particularly in males, seems to negatively affect perception.
Prognostic impact of additional mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists in octogenarian heart failure patients
Authors: Abe Takuro , Jujo Kentaro , Kametani Motoko , Minami Yuichiro , Fukushima Noritoshi , Saito Katsumi , Hagiwara Nobuhisa 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAimsGuideline‐directed medical therapy (GDMT) including beta‐blockers and renin–angiotensin system inhibitors is shown to reduce mortality risk in patients with heart failure (HF) and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). However, there is little evidence about the efficacy of additional administration of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) with GDMT in patients ≥80 years presenting with HF. We aimed to investigate the prognostic impact of GDMT with MRA in relation to the age of patients with HF.Methods and resultsThis observational study included patients admitted for HF with reduced LVEF who were discharged alive; among them, 224 patients were ≥80 years, and 661 patients were <80 years. Both populations were divided into three groups depending on whether they received GDMT with or without MRA or single/no GDMT drugs (GDMT+MRA+, GDMT+MRA−, or non‐GDMT, respectively). The primary endpoint was all‐cause mortality. In patients ≥80 years, all‐cause mortality was the lowest in the GDMT+MRA+ group (log‐rank trend, P = 0.034), and no significant differences were observed between the GDMT+MRA− and non‐GDMT groups. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that GDMT+MRA+ was superior to GDMT+MRA−, even after adjusting for parameters at discharge (hazard ratio: 0.32, 95% confidence interval: 0.11–0.99). In patients <80 years, GDMT reduced all‐cause mortality; however, additional MRA was not associated with an improved outcome.ConclusionsThe results of this study suggest that additional MRA to GDMT at discharge is one of the therapeutic options for elderly HF patients with reduced LVEF. This finding is not well documented in previous clinical trials.
Incremental prognostic value of a novel metabolite‐based biomarker score in congestive heart failure patients
Authors: McGranaghan Peter , Düngen Hans‐Dirk , Saxena Anshul , Rubens Muni , Salami Joseph , Radenkovic Jasmin , Bach Doris , Apostolovic Svetlana , Loncar Goran , Zdravkovic Marija , Tahirovic Elvis , Veskovic Jovan , Störk Stefan , Veledar Emir , Pieske Burkert , Edelmann Frank , Trippel Tobias Daniel 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAimsThe Cardiac Lipid Panel (CLP) is a newly discovered panel of metabolite‐based biomarkers that has shown to improve the diagnostic value of N terminal pro B type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP). However, little is known about its usefulness in predicting outcomes. In this study, we developed a risk score for 4‐year cardiovascular death in elderly chronic heart failure (CHF) patients using the CLP.Methods and resultsFrom the Cardiac Insufficiency Bisoprolol Study in Elderly trial, we included 280 patients with CHF aged >65 years. A targeted metabolomic analysis of the CLP biomarkers was performed on baseline serum samples. Cox regression was used to determine the association of the biomarkers with the outcome after accounting for established risk factors. A risk score ranging from 0 to 4 was calculated by counting the number of biomarkers above the cut‐offs, using Youden index. During the mean (standard deviation) follow‐up period of 50 (8) months, 35 (18%) subjects met the primary endpoint of cardiovascular death. The area under the receiver operating curve for the model based on clinical variables was 0.84, the second model with NT‐proBNP was 0.86, and the final model with the CLP was 0.90. The categorical net reclassification index was 0.25 using three risk categories: 0–60% (low), 60–85% (intermediate), and >85% (high). The continuous net reclassification index was 0.772, and the integrated discrimination index was 0.104.ConclusionsIn patients with CHF, incorporating a panel of three metabolite‐based biomarkers into a risk score improved the prognostic utility of NT‐proBNP by predicting long‐term cardiovascular death more precisely. This novel approach holds promise to improve clinical risk assessment in CHF patients.
Design of Solid‐contact Ion‐selective Electrode with Graphene Transducer Layer for the Determination of Flavoxate Hydrochloride in Dosage Form and in Spiked Human Plasma
Authors: Mahmoud Amr M. , Ragab Mona T. , Ramadan Nesrin K. , El‐Ragehy Nariman A. , El‐Zeany Badr A. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractEco‐friendly solid‐contact ion selective electrode was fabricated and optimized for the determination of flavoxate hydrochloride in presence of its main metabolite. The process is based on carbon screen printed electrode and polyvinyl chloride polymeric sensing membrane. The first optimization step involved the ionophore selection through screening various ionophores, where calix[4]arene showed the highest affinity towards flavoxate. The second step, a graphene nanocomposite interlayer was employed as the ion‐to‐electron transducer between the carbon electrode and the polymeric ion sensing membrane. The graphene layer decreased the potential drift down to <500 μV/h and improved the electrode stability.
A new algorithm for estimating ground elevation and vegetation characteristics in coastal salt marshes from high‐resolution UAV‐based LiDAR point clouds
Authors: Pinton Daniele , Canestrelli Alberto , Wilkinson Benjamin , Ifju Peter , Ortega Andrew 
Published: August 2020

ABSTRACTSalt marshes are transitional zones between ocean and land, which act as natural buffers against coastal hazards. The survival of salt marshes is governed by the rate of organic and inorganic deposition, which strongly depends on vegetation characteristics, such as height and density. Vegetation also favours the dissipation of wind waves and storm surges. For these reasons, an accurate description of both ground elevation and vegetation characteristics in salt marshes is critical for their management and conservation. For this purpose, airborne LiDAR (light detection and ranging) laser scanning has become an accessible and cost‐effective tool to map salt marshes quickly. However, the limited horizontal resolution (~1 m) of airborne‐derived point clouds prevents the direct extraction of ground elevation, vegetation height and vegetation density without the coupling with imagery datasets. Instead, due to the lower flight altitude, UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle)‐borne laser scanners provide point clouds with much higher resolution (~5 cm). Although methods for estimating ground level and vegetation characteristics from UAV LiDAR have been proposed for flat ground, we demonstrate that a sloping ground increases prediction errors. Here we derive a new formulation that improves the estimation by employing a correction based on a LiDAR‐derived estimate of local ground slope. Our method directly converts the 3D distribution of UAV LiDAR‐derived points into vegetation density and height, as well as ground elevation, without the support of additional datasets. The proposed formulation is calibrated by using measured density and height of Spartina alterniflora in a marsh in Sapelo Island, Georgia, USA, and successfully tested on an independent dataset. Our method produces high‐resolution (40 × 40 cm2) maps of ground elevation and vegetation characteristics, thus capturing the large gradients in the proximity of tidal creeks. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.