bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plant community dynamics and carbon sequestration in Sphagnum‐dominated peatlands in the era of global change
Authors: Oke Tobi A. , Hager Heather A. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAimHydroclimatic shifts and anthropogenic‐driven nitrogen deposition are major outcomes of global change that could compromise the functioning of many peatlands as a carbon sink. For Sphagnum‐dominated peatlands, an emerging hypothesis is that the change could be triggered by shifts in competitive dominance among plant functional groups, specifically from the currently predominant decay‐resistant Sphagnum to the more decomposable vascular plants. However, the relationship between Sphagnum and vascular plant occurrence is notably complex and also includes facilitative interactions that are crucial to the productivity of Sphagnum, and therefore, carbon sequestration.LocationGlobal.TaxaNorthern peatlands—Sphagnum moss and vascular plants.Time periodPresent day and the future.MethodsWe use a conceptual review to examine underlying mechanisms for the competitive exclusion hypothesis and the nature of facilitative interactions between Sphagnum and vascular plants under potential global change conditions. We complement the review with an empirical study of peatlands with contrasting hydrology to provide some critical insights into the potential effects of change in plant communities on carbon sequestration. We also propose a conceptual model that presents probable combinations of global change factors and their implications for carbon sequestration.ResultsVegetation structure in Sphagnum‐dominated peatland appears to be driven largely by hydrology, rather than competition among plant functional groups. The peat deposit also exerts some controls (e.g., nutrient immobilization) on biotic structure, thereby acting as resistance against an abrupt shift in plant communities.Main conclusionsPeatland controls that constrain vegetation shifts have developed over a millennial time‐scale in many peatlands, and the pace of climate change may not allow enough time for the establishment of those mechanisms in younger peatlands. Thus, the persistence of a given peatland as a carbon sink also likely depends on the successional stage of the peatland.
Development of a simple method to measure masseter muscle mass
Authors: Murakami Masaharu , Iijima Katsuya , Watanabe Yutaka , Tanaka Tomoki , Iwasa Yasuyuki , Edahiro Ayako , Ohara Yuki , Motokawa Keiko , Shirobe Maki , Hirano Hirohiko 
Published: July 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo develop a simple method to estimate masseter muscle mass.BackgroundThe masseter muscle is important for optimal oral function. A decrease in the masseter muscle mass may affect the oral and physical function of the whole body; therefore, it is an important entity to measure. However, to date, no easy measurement method has been developed for the same. Herein, we devised a simple method to estimate masseter muscle mass. In addition, we compared our method with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and skeletal muscle mass (SMM) to verify its validity.Materials and methodsWe recorded the age, sex, masseter muscle mass (by MRI), number of retained natural teeth, number of functional teeth, length and thickness of masseter muscle, and skeletal muscle mass in 53 community‐dwelling elderly people (21 men and 32 women, average age 72.9 ± 4.5 years). The estimated masseter muscle mass was calculated by multiplying the length, width and thickness of the muscle.ResultsThe correlation coefficient between masseter muscle mass and estimated masseter muscle mass was r = .903; thus, a strong correlation was recognised. The correlation coefficient between the estimated masseter muscle mass and SMM was r = .279, considering age and sex.ConclusionWe obtained substantial results using our method for estimating the masseter muscle mass and verified its validity by comparing it with masseter muscle mass measured by MRI and SMM. We believe that our proposed technique is simple and useful for estimating masseter muscle mass.
Increased adiposity in children with obesity is associated with low red blood cell omega‐3 fatty acid status and inadequate polyunsaturated fatty acid dietary intake
Authors: Mak Ivy L. , Cohen Tamara R. , Vanstone Catherine A. , Weiler Hope A. 
Published: July 2020

SummaryThe association between total dietary fat intake and measures of body fatness in children with obesity remains inconsistent. This study aimed to determine whether dietary long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) and LCPUFA status relate to body composition in children with obesity. Children (n = 63, 9.0 ± 0.2 year, BMI Z‐score 3.1 ± 0.2) were divided into tertiles of percentage body fat assessed by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry. Diet was assessed 3‐days food diaries. Fatty acid proportions in red blood cells (RBC) were measured by gas chromatography. Data stratified by sex and Tanner stages were compared with a MIXED model ANOVA. Associations between RBC fatty acid status and dietary intakes were examined with Spearman correlation. Moderate correlations were observed between RBC eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) proportions, dietary EPA and DHA (r = 0.39, P < .05) as well as fish servings (r = 0.33, P < .05). Dietary LCPUFA did not differ among tertiles. Children in tertile 3 had lower RBC α‐linolenic acid (−40%) and EPA + DHA (−15%) proportions adjusted for age, Tanner stages and race compared with tertile 1. The lower omega‐3 LCPUFA status in children with greater adiposity is consistent with suboptimal intakes of omega‐3 LCPUFA and fish in the diet.
Growth zoning of garnet porphyroblasts: Grain boundary and microtopographic controls
Authors: Dempster Tim J. , Coleman Sarah , Kennedy Ross , Chung Peter , Brown Roderick W. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractChemical zoning in the outer few 10s of microns of garnet porphyroblasts has been investigated to assess the scale of chemical equilibrium with matrix minerals in a pelitic schist. Garnet porphyroblasts from the Late Proterozoic amphibolite facies regional metamorphic mica schists from Glen Roy in the Scottish Highlands contain typical prograde growth zoning patterns. Edge compositions have been measured via a combination of analysis of traverses across the planar edges of porphyroblast surfaces coupled to X‐ray mapping of small areas within polished thin sections at the immediate edge of the porphyroblasts. These approaches reveal local variation in garnet composition, especially of grossular (Ca) and almandine (Fe) components, with a range at the edge from <7 mol.% grs to >16 mol.% grs, across distances of less than 50 µm. This small‐scale patchy compositional zoning is as much variation as the core–rim compositional zoning across the whole of a 3 mm porphyroblast. Ca and Fe heterogeneity occurs on a scale suggesting a combination of inefficient diffusive exchange across grain boundaries during prograde growth and the evolving microtopography of the porphyroblast surface control garnet composition. The latter creates haloes of compositional zoning adjacent to some inclusions, which typically extend from the inclusion towards the porphyroblast edge during further growth. The lack of a consistent equilibrium composition at the garnet edge is also apparent in the internal zoning of the porphyroblast and so processes occurring during entrapment of some mineral inclusions have a profound influence on the overall chemical zoning. Garnet compositions and associated zoning patterns are widely used by petrologists to reconstruct P–T–t paths for crustal rocks. The evidence of extremely localized (10–50 µm scale) equilibrium during growth further undermines these approaches.
Nomogram to predict postpartum hemorrhage in cesarean delivery for women with scarred uterus: A retrospective cohort study in China
Authors: Chen Bingnan , Zhang Liyang , Wang Di , Li Jiapo , Hou Yue , Yang Tian , Li Na , Qiao Chong 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAimTo develop nomograms predicting the risk of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) in cesarean delivery for singleton pregnant women with a scarred uterus in the north of China.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted. Totally 3722 singleton pregnant women with a scarred uterus who underwent a cesarean delivery in a large teaching hospital of north China between January 2013 and December 2017 were enrolled. Nomograms, a kind of user‐friendly tool, were developed to predict PPH (blood loss ≥1000 mL or accompanied by signs or symptoms of hypovolemia within 24 h after the birth process) based on the model generated by logistic regression analysis. The discrimination and calibration of models were evaluated, and decision curve analysis was developed.ResultsAmong 3722 enrolled women, 243 (6.53%) had PPH. There are six identified factors associated with PPH: maternal age, placental location, placenta previa, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, fetal position and placenta accreta spectrum (PAS). The model achieved a good calibration (Hosmer‐Lemeshow test P value 0.77) and discrimination (area under curve c‐statistics 0.90, 95% confidence interval 0.86–0.93). Decision curve analysis showed the threshold probability by using our model is between 1.0% and 85.7%. A nomogram was developed accordingly. And another nomogram for women without placenta previa and PAS was also developed.ConclusionTwo nomograms were first generated to predict PPH, respectively, for women with a scarred uterus and for women with a scarred uterus who do not have placenta previa or PAS. Placental location and fetal position were found to be closely related to PPH.
Population, light, and the size distribution of cities
Authors: Düben Christian , Krause Melanie 
Published: July 2020

AbstractWe provide new insights on the city size distribution of countries around the world. Using more than 10,000 cities delineated via geospatial data and a globally consistent city identification scheme, we investigate distributional shapes in all countries. In terms of population, we find that Zipf's law holds for many, but not all, countries. Contrasting the distribution of population with the distribution of economic activity, measured by nighttime lights, across cities we shed light on the globally variant magnitude of agglomeration economies. Deviations from Zipf's law are to a large extent driven by an undue concentration in the largest cities. They benefit from agglomeration effects which seem to work through area rather than through density. Examining the cross‐country heterogeneity in the city size distribution, our model selection approach suggests that historical factors play an important role, in line with the time of development hypothesis.
Synergistic association of clioquinol with antifungal drugs against biofilm forms of clinical Fusarium isolates
Authors: de Chaves Magda Antunes , Ferreira do Amaral Thaís , Monteiro da Silva Rodrigues Coutinho Natália , Fernanda Andrzejewski Kaminski Taís , Teixeira Mário Lettieri , Flavio Souza de Oliveira Luís , de Andrade Saulo Fernandes , Fuentefria Alexandre Meneghello 
Published: July 2020

SummaryBackgroundThe influence of biofilm on the complexity of fungal diseases has been reported in recent years, especially in non‐invasive mycoses such as keratitis and onychomycosis. The difficulty in treating cases of fusariosis in the human medical clinic exemplifies this situation, because when Fusarium spp. are present in the form of biofilm, the permeation of antifungal agents is compromised.ObjectivesThis study proposes an association of clioquinol, an inhibitor of fungal cells with antifungal drugs prescribed to combat fusariosis in humans.MethodsSusceptibility was assessed by microdilution in broth. Formation of biofilm by staining with violet crystal. Inhibition and removal of biofilm using the MTT colorimetric reagent. Time‐kill combination, hypoallergenicity test, cytotoxicity test and toxicity prediction by computer analysis were also performed.ResultsClioquinol associated with voriconazole and ciclopirox inhibited biofilm formation. Possibly, clioquinol acts in the germination and elongation of hyphae, while voriconazole prevents cell adhesion and ciclopirox the formation of the extracellular polymeric matrix. The CLIO‐VRC association reduced the biofilm formation by more than 90%, while the CLIO‐CPX association prevented over 95%. None of the association was irritating, and over 90% of the leucocytes remained viable. Computational analysis does not reveal toxicity relevant to CLIO, whereas VRC and CPX showed some risks for systemic use, but suitable for topical formulations.ConclusionsThe combination of CLIO‐VRC or CLIO‐CPX proved to be a promising association strategy in the medical clinic, both in combating fungal keratitis and onychomycosis, since they prevent the initial process of establishing an infection, the formation of biofilm.
Rituximab in treatment of collapsing FSGS—A case series
Authors: Girimaji Niveditha , Bharati Joyita , Nada Ritambhra , Rathi Manish , Kohli Harbir Singh , Ramachandran Raja 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundCollapsing focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (cFSGS) is an aggressive glomerular disease presenting as a nephrotic syndrome that has lower rates of remission with conventional immunosuppressive therapy and rapidly progresses to end‐stage‐renal‐disease (ESRD). We report eight cases of HIV‐negative cFSGS treated with rituximab.MethodsThe current report is a retrospective case series of cFSGS treated with rituximab from January 2011 to March 2020, at varying phases of the disease.ResultsEight out of the 70 cFSGS patients received rituximab. The median age of patients was 30 years (IQR 24.25‐37.5); five patients were males. The median serum creatinine, mean serum albumin and median 24 hours urinary protein at presentation was 0.9 (IQR 0.66‐1.27) mg/dL, 2.95 ± 1.15 g/dL, 4.87 (IQR 1.64‐5.75) g/day, respectively. Two patients were steroid‐resistant, one steroid and tacrolimus dependent, one steroid and cyclosporine dependent, two steroids and tacrolimus resistant, one steroid, tacrolimus, cyclophosphamide, mycophenolate mofetil resistant and one steroid‐resistant and tacrolimus dependent before rituximab therapy. Rituximab was given either as targeted therapy (after an initial dose of 375 mg/m2; patients having CD‐19 levels >5/μL or >1% at 1 month received additional low‐dose [100 mg] of rituximab), or weekly regimen. Five patients received CD‐19 targeted rituximab; three received weekly doses of 375 mg/m2, cumulative doses being 820 ± 228.03 mg, and 1800 ± 721.11 mg, respectively. At the end of median follow‐up of 15 months, five (62.5%) patients were in remission (three partial, two complete remissions), two (25%) were resistant to therapy; one (12.5%) progressed to ESRD.ConclusionRituximab is reasonably safe and achieves/maintains remission in 60% of cFSGS cases.
Action research as a catalyst for change: Empowered nurses facilitating patient participation in rehabilitation
Authors: Steensgaard Randi , Kolbaek Raymond , Jensen Julie Borup , Angel Sanne 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBased on action research as a practitioner‐involving approach, this article communicates the findings of a two‐year study on implementing patient participation as an empowering learning process for both patients and rehabilitation nurses. At a rehabilitation facility for patients who have sustained spinal cord injuries, eight nurses were engaged throughout the process aiming at improving patient participation. The current practice was explored to understand possibilities and obstacles to patient participation. Observations, interviews and logbooks, creative workshops and reflective meetings led to the development and testing of four new rehabilitation initiatives aimed at enhancing patient participation. This study suggests that skills of critical reflection from action research toolbox shed light on both the notion of patient participation and caring in nursing rehabilitation. By actively involving nurses in research, the knowledge development stems from practice and the solutions therefore became practice‐oriented. In addition, the personal and professional development experienced by the involved nurses points to a secondary gain in the form of an analytical and reflective approach to complex issues in relation to patient participation, rehabilitation in general and the individual nurses' sense of professional pride.
Strengths and Weaknesses of Canadian Express Entry System: Experts’ Perceptions
Authors: Bures Oldrich , Klvanova Radka , Stojanov Robert 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThis article offers an analysis of the first four years of functioning of Express Entry, a new on‐line application management system to select skilled entrants for Canada's key economic immigration programs leading to permanent residence. Based on interviews with 20 experts on Canadian immigration policies, we identified a number of strengths and weaknesses of the Canadian Express Entry system related to four areas: immigration policy making, processing of applications, selection of immigrants, and retention of immigrants. Since these areas are integral parts of immigration policies in all countries and Canada is a long‐term leader in the design of points‐based systems for selection of skilled immigrants, we also specify several lessons from the Canadian experience with the Express Entry system for other countries seeking to attract skilled immigrants.
Maternal periconceptional folate status and infant atopic dermatitis: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Ye Ying , Dou Li‐Min , Zhang Yi , Dou Ya‐Lan , Zhao Piao‐Ping , Jiang Yuan , Gao Wei , Ji Mi , He Lin‐Feng , Niu Da‐Yan , Zhang Lei , Gao Xiao‐Hua , Li Yun , Xiao Li‐Ping , Huang Jun , Zhang Xiao‐Hua , Wang Liu‐Hui , Yan Wei‐Li 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundMaternal folate status is linked with the risk of allergic disorders including atopic dermatitis (AD) in children, but findings remain inconclusive. We aim to assess the relationship between maternal folate status in early gestation and early‐onset infant AD, based on a prospective mother‐child cohort study.MethodsPregnant women were recruited at 12‐14 weeks of gestation. Red blood cell folate (RBC folate) and serum folate concentrations were examined at enrollment. Periconceptional folic acid supplementation was investigated through a self‐administered questionnaire. The primary outcome was AD incidence before 6 months of age, diagnosed according to Williams’ criteria. Multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate associations of maternal folate status with infant AD by adjusting parental and child covariates.ResultsIn total, 107 (23.4%) of 458 infants developed AD before 6 months, with more male infants affected (P = .002). Higher maternal RBC folate levels (per 100 ng/mL) were associated with an increased risk of AD (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.16, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04‐1.31). An RBC folate level ≥620 ng/mL was associated with increased infant AD by 91% (aOR 1.91, 95% CI 1.09‐3.36). However, associations were not observed for maternal serum folate at early gestation or periconceptional folic acid supplement intakes.ConclusionsWe provide the first evidence that higher maternal RBC folate concentrations during early gestation are associated with increased early‐onset infant AD. Our findings support the importance of maintaining appropriate folate levels during the periconceptional period to reduce the risk of AD in infants.
Association of screen time and sleep duration among Spanish 1‐14 years old children
Authors: Cartanyà‐Hueso Àurea , Lidón‐Moyano Cristina , Martín‐Sánchez Juan Carlos , González‐Marrón Adrián , Matilla‐Santander Nuria , Miró Queralt , Martínez‐Sánchez Jose M. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundDue to the change in screen time usage in the last decade, there is needed to add more evidence about the relationship of screen time and sleep duration.ObjectiveTo assess the association between screen time and sleep duration among Spanish children between 1 and 14 years old.MethodsWe used data from the 2017 Spanish National Health survey, conducted on a representative sample of the Spanish population. We categorised daily leisure screen time as 0‐59, 60‐119, 120‐179, and ≥180 minutes. We classified sleep duration, depending on the age, as proper sleep duration and short sleep duration. We calculated unadjusted, and adjusted prevalence ratio (PR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of short sleep duration according to daily leisure screen time after adjusting for potential confounders. PR’s were derived from fitting generalised linear models with Poisson distribution and robust variance.ResultsOf the 5517 Spanish children aged 1‐14 years, 44.3% spent 120 minutes or more of daily leisure screen time and 23.6% had short sleep duration. 24.5% and 28.2% of children spending between 120 and 179 minutes and exceeding 180 minutes of daily leisure screen time suffered short sleep duration, respectively. In the adjusted model, higher patterns of daily leisure screen time were associated with short sleep duration: adjusted PR120‐179 = 1.34 (95% CI 1.18, 1.54) and adjusted PR≥180 = 1.48 (95% CI 1.27, 1.73).ConclusionsAround one out of four Spanish children between 1 and 14 years old, exceeding 120 minutes of daily leisure screen time, had short sleep duration. More scientific research is needed for institutions to work on providing novel healthcare programmes that consider these new determinants of child health.
Emerging technologies and problem definition uncertainty: The case of cybersecurity
Authors: Lewallen Jonathan 
Published: July 2020

AbstractFor governments to regulate, they must first define the problem and decide which policymakers have the authority to make decisions. Technological development can disrupt the authority‐allocation process by fostering uncertainty about which actors are responsible for making policy. This article examines the role that changing technology has played in the development of cybersecurity policy in the United States. New technologies have increased the type and scope of assets vulnerable to cyberthreats, and with them the number of governing units who can claim jurisdiction over cybersecurity‐related issues. Uncertainty about the nature of the problem has led the U.S. Congress to rely heavily on bureaucratic witnesses and focus on how existing regulations can be brought to bear. Emerging technologies create regulatory challenges for governance not only through unforeseen consequences but through uncertainty over who can regulate. Fragmented authority can produce piecemeal responses and a reliance on existing frameworks that benefit regulated industries.
Theory of Systemic Risks: Insights from Physics and Chemistry
Authors: Lucas Klaus 
Published: July 2020

AbstractSystemic risks, as opposed to conventional risks, bear the danger of destroying entire systems. Their understanding and governance remain a serious challenge. The phenomena of systemic risks show many analogies with those of dynamic structure generation in the systems of nature, technology, and society, including simple model systems of physics and chemistry. By analyzing these model systems, the elementary processes and the generic mechanisms by which they generate macroscopic dynamic structures become evident. Generalizing these insights makes it possible to formulate the basic framework of a theory of systemic risks with elements providing hints for adequate governance strategies. Although these insights cannot be applied to societal processes one by one, they reveal generic patterns and clusters.