bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long‐term active restoration of extremely degraded alpine grassland accelerated turnover and increased stability of soil carbon
Authors: Bai Yanfu , Ma Lina , Degen Abraham A. , Rafiq Muhammad K. , Kuzyakov Yakov , Zhao Jingxue , Zhang Rui , Zhang Tao , Wang Wenyin , Li Xiaogang , Long Ruijun , Shang Zhanhuan 
Published: September 2020

AbstractSoil nutrient contents and organic carbon (C) stability are key indicators for restoration of degraded grassland. However, the effects of long‐term active restoration of extremely degraded grassland on soil parameters have been equivocal. The aims of this study were to evaluate the impact of active restoration of degraded alpine grassland on: (a) soil organic matter (SOM) mineralization; and (b) the importance of biotic factors for temperature sensitivity (Q10) of SOM mineralization. Soils were sampled from intact, degraded and restored alpine grasslands at altitudes ranging between 3,900 and 4,200 m on the Tibetan Plateau. The samples were incubated at 5, 15 and 25°C, and Q10 values of SOM mineralization were determined. Structural equation modeling was used to evaluate the importance of vegetation, soil physico‐chemical properties and microbial parameters for Q10 regulation. The Q10 of N mineralization was similar among intact, degraded and restored soils (0.84–1.24) and was higher in topsoil (1.09) than in subsoil (0.92). The best predictive factor of CO2‐Q10 for intact grassland was microbial biomass, for degraded grassland was basal microbial respiration, and for restored grassland was soil bulk density. Restoration by planting vegetation decreased the Q10 of SOM mineralization as soil bulk density, the most important negative predictor, increased in restored grassland. The Q10 of SOM mineralization in topsoil was 14% higher than in subsoil because of higher microbial abundance and exo‐enzyme activities. The NH4+ content was greatest in intact soil, while NO3− content was greatest in degraded soil. The SOM mineralization rate decreased with grassland degradation and increased after long‐term (>10 years) restoration. In conclusion, extremely degraded grassland needs proper long‐term management in active restoration projects, especially for improvement of soil nutrients in a harsh environment.
Managing menopause at work: The contradictory nature of identity talk
Authors: Steffan Belinda 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThis article explores how older women experience and manage menopause at work by asking how female workers construct their work identity around their experiences of menopause at work. Based on qualitative data from 21 women in Edinburgh, UK, findings suggest that women engaged in conflicting behaviors to manage and make sense of their menopausal bodies at work. On the one hand, women engaged in a highly resilient, neoliberal discourse around controlling and managing the symptoms at work. Conversely, data emerged reflecting a negative and self‐deprecating identity talk in how women described themselves in relation to the menopause. This article responds to the call for more nuanced empirical work on factors affecting extending working lives and experiences of menopause at work. While research output generally acknowledges the need for organizations to better understand individuals’ needs at work and not to be blinded by anti‐ageing discourses, this article recognizes that individual women themselves must also heed this advice to more effectively navigate the menopause through continued labor force participation. This article also concludes that menopause management at work must consider that individual women face their own unique cocktail of menopause symptoms, as such blanket human resources policies on their own might be inadequate to improve employment outcomes of women challenged and interrupted by the menopause.
Groundwater Plans in the United States: Regulatory Frameworks and Management Goals
Authors: Gage Allison , Milman Anita 
Published: September 2020

AbstractGroundwater management plans are an important tool for preventing and addressing degradation and depletion of the resource. Through plans, water users and regulators set forth goals and identify strategies to address the needs of multiple resource users while considering physical constraints of the groundwater resource. This research examines the status of groundwater management plans in the United States, identifying in which states groundwater management plans are produced and the circumstances that lead to the inclusion of quantifiable goals in those plans. Findings indicate that legal and regulatory requirements for quantifiable goals can lead to the development of more comprehensive groundwater management plans, and, that such goals can be set even when uncertainties exist.
A systematic review with meta‐analysis of the effects of arm exercise training programs on arteriovenous fistula maturation among people with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Nantakool Sothida , Rerkasem Kittipan , Reanpang Termpong , Worraphan Salinee , Prasannarong Mujalin 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThis study systematically reviewed the evidence and quantified the effectiveness of arm exercise training programs, before and after arteriovenous fistula (AVF) operation on AVF maturation, among people with chronic kidney disease. Scopus, CINAHL, PubMed, Science Direct, Cochrane Library, and reference lists were searched. Experimental studies that investigated the effect of arm exercise before and post‐operation on AVF maturations were included. Screened and extracted data were administered by two independent reviewers. Seven studies with preoperative exercise were included in a systematic review, while five studies were analyzed in a meta‐analysis. Preoperative exercise significantly increased vessel diameters and grip strength after training. Postoperative exercise had higher clinical and ultrasonographic (US) maturation rates and arterial blood flow than controls (risk ratio [RR], 1.44; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.23–1.69; RR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.02–1.57; weight mean difference, 166.03; 95% CI, 27.58–304.49, respectively). Subgroup analysis showed that isometric exercise training promoted clinical and US maturations (RR, 2.40; 95% CI, 1.51–3.82; RR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.02–2.30, respectively), whereas isotonic exercise promoted clinical maturation (RR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.03–1.34). Grip strength had a greater trend in the intervention group than controls (standardized mean difference, 0.59; 95% CI, −0.06 to 1.25). In conclusion, arm exercise training improves vascular function, which is essential before surgery. The meta‐analysis suggested that arm exercise training promotes AVF clinical and US maturations after surgery. Subgroup analysis suggested that isometric‐arm exercise training may have a larger effect on AVF maturation. However, more studies are needed to draw a solid conclusion.
Student views on transition to higher education in Ireland: Challenges, impacts and suggestions
Authors: Denny Eleanor 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThis paper examines students’ perspectives on the main transitional challenges experienced when commencing higher education. It explores which students are most affected by the transition and is the first paper to provide an overview of student recommendations to help improve the transition in an Irish context. The study involves large‐scale surveys and focus groups across four higher education institutions and explores a range of transitional challenges (including academic, social and course‐specific aspects). Over 1,100 student suggestions to improve transition are analysed and many of these recommendations could be easily implemented beyond Ireland. Ten overall recommendations are made which include, among others, specific supports for mature students and those with longer commuting distances, course‐specific introductory skills modules to be given by current students, a first year ‘starter’ pack with course‐specific orientation materials, and the introduction of a student‐shadowing programme for prospective students.
Novel mullite‐cordierite ceramic refractory fabricated from halloysite and talc
Authors: Cheraitia Abdallah , Redjimi Zahia , Bououdina Mohamed 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThis research work aims to fabricate industrial refractory bricks using cheap and abundant kaolin DD3 constituted of Halloysite. The fabrication process consists on mixing the crushed raw materials (Kaolin/Clay, Fireclay, Talc) with the respective proportions and an optimized granulometry, shaped by a uniaxial hydrostatic pressure of 250 bars, followed by drying at 100°C and sintering at 1300°C. The addition of Talc ‐ at first with water, Fireclay and AP/DD3‐ as a source of MgO promotes the increase of Cordierite formation in order to obtain high heat resistance shock and reduced thermal expansion. Three assays are studied with AP Clay and DD3 Kaolin weight ratios (100/0, 50/50 and 0/100) % corresponding to (ER0, ER1 and ER2) respectively. Mineralogical analysis results of the new refractory bricks, indicate the presence of Mullite and Cordierite as major phases besides Corundum and Quartz as minor phases. All products (ER0, ER1 and ER2) are found to be argillaceous refractory with Alumina concentration (40 < Al2O3 < 45%, FC 40 group) and a melting point higher than 1600°C. The mechanical resistance of the samples is of the same order of magnitude; reaching 51 MPa.
Antioxidant potential of extracts from peels and stems of yellow‐fleshed and white cassava varieties
Authors: Ekeledo Esther , Latif Sajid , Abass Adebayo , Müller Joachim 
Published: September 2020

SummaryThis study focused on the exploration of the potentials of extracting antioxidants from peels and stems of yellow‐fleshed and white cassava varieties. The effect of particle size (0.2 and 0.5 mm) and variety on the phenolic content and antioxidant activity was assessed. The peels of the yellow‐fleshed cassava variety with a particle size of 0.2 mm showed the highest phenolic content with 681.5 GAE mg 100 g−1 and antioxidant activity of 19% and 425 μM TE g−1 dry matter using DPPH and FRAP assays respectively. The stems of the white cassava with a particle size of 0.2 mm exhibited high phenolic content (442.4 GAE mg 100 g−1) and antioxidant activity of 12.8% and 234 μM TE g−1, better than the stem of the yellow‐fleshed cassava. These results indicate that phenolic and antioxidant extractions were influenced by variety, the plant parts and particle size for the antioxidant assays.
Guidelines for reporting randomized controlled trials in paediatric dentistry based on the CONSORT statement
Authors: Jayaraman Jayakumar 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe significance of randomized controlled trials (RCT) depends on how thoroughly the results were reported. Reporting of RCTs should be accurate and transparent and encompasses design, implementation, analysis, and results of the trial. The Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) statement and its extension were developed to guide the researchers to report clinical trials in a systematic manner. Despite this recommendation, the overall reporting quality of RCTs still remains suboptimal.AimTo describe the relevance and importance of CONSORT reporting guidelines and explain the items using examples derived from randomized trials published in Paediatric Dentistry.MethodsThis is a narrative review that illustrates the importance of reporting items in the CONSORT guidelines from relevant sources. RCTs published in the International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry between 2017 and 2020 were identified from PubMed and Scopus databases and through handsearching. An explanation has been provided for each of the 37 items in the 2010 CONSORT checklist and 17 items in the CONSORT extension for reporting abstracts.ConclusionThis explanation and elaboration document would enable investigators to report trials in Paediatric Dentistry with accuracy and transparency as well as for reviewers and editors in evaluating the suitability of RCTs for publication.
Corticosteroids alleviate lipopolysaccharide‐induced inflammation and lung injury via inhibiting NLRP3‐inflammasome activation
Authors: Yang Jia‐Wei , Mao Bei , Tao Ru‐Jia , Fan Li‐Chao , Lu Hai‐Wen , Ge Bao‐Xue , Xu Jin‐Fu 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe role of corticosteroids in acute lung injury (ALI) remains uncertain. This study aims to determine the underlying mechanisms of corticosteroid treatment for lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced inflammation and ALI. We used corticosteroid treatment for LPS‐induced murine ALI model to investigate the effect of corticosteroid on ALI in vivo. Moreover, LPS‐stimulated macrophages were used to explore the specific anti‐inflammatory effects of corticosteroids on NLRP3‐inflammasome in vitro. We found corticosteroids attenuated LPS‐induced ALI, which manifested in reduction of the alveolar structure destruction, the infiltration of neutrophils and the inflammatory cytokines release of interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) and interleukin‐18 (IL‐18) in Lung. In vitro, when NLRP3‐inflammasome was knocked out, inflammatory response of caspase‐1 activation and IL‐1β secretion was obviously declined. Further exploration, our results showed that when corticosteroid preprocessed macrophages before LPS primed, it obviously inhibited the activation of caspase‐1 and the maturation of IL‐1β, which depended on inhibiting the nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) signal pathway activation. However, when corticosteroids intervened the LPS‐primed macrophages, it also negatively regulated NLRP3‐inflammasome activation through suppressing mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) production. Our results revealed that corticosteroids played a protection role in LPS‐induced inflammation and ALI by suppressing both NF‐κB signal pathway and mtROS‐dependent NLRP3 inflammasome activation.
Speciation and gene flow across an elevational gradient in New Guinea kingfishers
Authors: Linck Ethan , Freeman Benjamin G. , Dumbacher John P. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractClosely related species with parapatric elevational ranges are ubiquitous in tropical mountains worldwide. The gradient speciation hypothesis proposes that these series are the result of in situ ecological speciation driven by divergent selection across elevation. Direct tests of this scenario have been hampered by the difficulty inferring the geographic arrangement of populations at the time of divergence. In cichlids, sticklebacks and Timema stick insects, support for ecological speciation driven by other selective pressures has come from demonstrating parallel speciation, where divergence proceeds independently across replicated environmental gradients. Here, we take advantage of the unique geography of the island of New Guinea to test for parallel gradient speciation in replicated populations of Syma kingfishers that show extremely subtle differentiation across elevation and between historically isolated mountain ranges. We find that currently described high‐elevation and low‐elevation species have reciprocally monophyletic gene trees and form nuclear DNA clusters, rejecting this hypothesis. However, demographic modelling suggests selection has likely maintained species boundaries in the face of gene flow following secondary contact. We compile evidence from the published literature to show that although in situ gradient speciation in labile organisms such as birds appears rare, divergent selection and post‐speciation gene flow may be an underappreciated force in the origin of elevational series and tropical beta diversity along mountain slopes.
Rapid evolution and plasticity of genitalia
Authors: Dale Broder E. , Ghalambor Cameron K. , Handelsman Corey A. , Ruell Emily W. , Reznick David N. , Angeloni Lisa M. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractGenital morphology exhibits tremendous variation and is intimately linked with fitness. Sexual selection, nonmating natural selection and neutral forces have been explored as potential drivers of genital divergence. Though less explored, genitalia may also be plastic in response to the developmental environment. In poeciliid fishes, the length of the male intromittent organ, the gonopodium, may be driven by sexual selection if longer gonopodia attract females or aid in forced copulation attempts or by nonmating natural selection if shorter gonopodia allow predator evasion. The rearing environment may also affect gonopodium development. Using an experimental introduction of Trinidadian guppies into four replicate streams with reduced predation risk, we tested whether this new environment caused the evolution of genitalia. We measured gonopodium length after rearing the source and introduced populations for two generations in the laboratory to remove maternal and other environmental effects. We split full‐sibling brothers into different rearing treatments to additionally test for developmental plasticity of gonopodia in response to predator cues and food levels as well as the evolution of plasticity. The introduced populations had shorter gonopodia after accounting for body size, demonstrating rapid genital evolution in 2–3 years (8–12 generations). Brothers reared on low food levels had longer gonopodia relative to body size than those on high food, reflecting maintenance of gonopodium length despite a reduction in body size. In contrast, gonopodium length was not significantly different in response to the presence or absence of predator cues. Because the plastic response to low food was maintained between the source and introduced populations, there was no evidence that plasticity evolved. This study demonstrates the importance of both evolution and developmental plasticity in explaining genital variation.
Kinetic modeling of ultrasonic‐assisted extraction of punicalagin from pomegranate peel
Authors: Rakshit Madhulekha , Srivastav Prem P. , Bhunia Kanishka 
Published: September 2020

AbstractUltrasonic‐assisted extraction of punicalagin from pomegranate peel was investigated. The influence of individual parameters, namely, solvent volume (20–60 mL), amplitude (30–70%), and duty cycle (60–100%) on punicalagin extraction was studied. The optimal condition of extraction was found to be: 40 mL solvent volume, 60% amplitude, and 90% duty cycle. Different kinetic models such as Peleg's model, first order kinetics, power law model, and mass transfer model were used to mathematically describe the extraction mechanism. Initial extraction rate, equilibrium punicalagin concentration, effective diffusivity, model constants, and diffusional exponent have been calculated using these models. The study revealed that first order kinetics () best fitted the experimental data. Fifteen other hydrolysable tannins were identified using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry in the polyphenolic extract obtained under optimized condition.Practical applicationThere has been a paradigm change to functional food due to prevailing lifestyle diseases. Hence, the interest in the extraction of bioactive compounds from food processing by‐products has increased as a result of various health benefits exhibited by these compounds. Punicalagin (C48H28O30) is an ellagitannin that is predominantly found in pomegranate peel. It is a great natural source of antioxidants, and therefore, it can find its application in products such as food additives, pharmaceuticals (as drugs and supplements), and cosmetics. The finding of this study emphasizes the kinetic investigation of the punicalagin extraction process to describe the mechanisms that drive them.
Lifestyle Risk Factors and Cognitive Outcomes from the Multidomain Dementia Risk Reduction Randomized Controlled Trial, Body Brain Life for Cognitive Decline (BBL‐CD)
Authors: McMaster Mitchell , Kim Sarang , Clare Linda , Torres Susan J. , Cherbuin Nicolas , DʼEste Catherine , Anstey Kaarin J. 
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVESTo evaluate the efficacy of a multidomain intervention to reduce lifestyle risk factors for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and improve cognition in individuals with subjective cognitive decline (SCD) or mild cognitive impairment (MCI).DESIGNThe study was an 8‐week two‐arm single‐blind proof‐of‐concept randomized controlled trial.SETTINGCommunity‐dwelling individuals living in Canberra, Australia, and surrounding areas.PARTICIPANTSParticipants were 119 individuals (intervention n = 57; control n = 62) experiencing SCD or MCI.INTERVENTIONThe control condition involved four educational modules covering dementia and lifestyle risk factors, Mediterranean diet, physical activity, and cognitive engagement. Participants were instructed to implement this information into their own lifestyle. The intervention condition included the same educational modules and additional active components to assist with the implementation of this information into participants’ lifestyles: dietitian sessions, an exercise physiologist session, and online brain training.MEASUREMENTSLifestyle risk factors for AD were assessed using the Australian National University‐Alzheimer's Disease Risk Index (ANU‐ADRI), and cognition was assessed using Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale‐Cognitive subscale, Pfeffer Functional Activities Questionnaire, Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), Trail Making Test‐B, and Category Fluency.RESULTSThe primary analysis showed that the intervention group had a significantly lower ANU‐ADRI score (χ2 = 10.84; df = 3; P = .013) and a significantly higher cognition score (χ2 = 7.28; df = 2; P = .026) than the control group. A secondary analysis demonstrated that the changes in lifestyle were driven by increases in protective lifestyle factors (χ2 = 12.02; df = 3; P = .007), rather than a reduction in risk factors (χ2 = 2.93; df = 3; P = .403), and cognitive changes were only apparent for the SDMT (χ2 = 6.46; df = 2; P = .040). Results were robust to intention‐to‐treat analysis controlling for missing data.CONCLUSIONResults support the hypothesis that improvements in lifestyle risk factors for dementia can lead to improvements in cognition over a short time frame with a population experiencing cognitive decline. Outcomes from this trial support the conduct of a larger and longer trial with this participant group.
Plasma isoprostanoids assessment as Alzheimer’s disease progression biomarkers
Authors: Peña‐Bautista Carmen , Álvarez Lourdes , Baquero Miguel , Ferrer Inés , García Lorena , Hervás‐Marín David , Cháfer‐Pericás Consuelo 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAlzheimer's Disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease worldwide. So, there is a need to identify AD early diagnosis and monitoring biomarkers in blood samples. The aim of this study was to analyse the utility of lipid peroxidation biomarkers in AD progression evaluation. Participants (n = 19) were diagnosed with AD at early stages (Time 0, T0), and they were re‐evaluated 2 years later (Time 1, T1). Plasma biomarkers from AD patients were determined at both times. Some analytes, such as dihomo‐isoprostanes (17‐epi‐17‐F2t‐dihomo‐IsoP, 17‐F2t‐dihomo‐IsoP, Ent‐7(RS)‐7‐F2t‐dihomo‐IsoP), and neuroprostanes (10‐epi‐10‐F4t‐NeuroP) showed very high probability of showing an increasing trend over time. Baseline values allowed to develop an affordable preliminary regression model to predict long‐term cognitive status. So, some lipid peroxidation biomarkers would deserve consideration as useful progression AD biomarkers. The developed prediction model would constitute an important minimally invasive approach in AD personalized prognosis and perhaps could have some interest also in experimental treatments evaluation.
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