bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Greater microbial carbon use efficiency and carbon sequestration in soils: Amendment of biochar versus crop straws
Authors: Liu Zhiwei , Wu Xiulan , Liu Wei , Bian Rongjun , Ge Tida , Zhang Wei , Zheng Jufeng , Drosos Marios , Liu Xiaoyu , Zhang Xuhui , Cheng Kun , Li Lianqing , Pan Genxing 
Published: October 2020

AbstractWhile high soil carbon stability had been well known for biochar‐amended soils, how conversion of crop residues into biochar and subsequent biochar amendment (BA) would favor microbial carbon use and carbon sequestration had not been clearly understood. In this study, topsoil samples were collected from an upland soil and a paddy soil, both previously amended with straw and straw‐derived biochar. These samples were incubated with 13C‐labeled maize residue (LMR) for 140 days to compare carbon mineralization, metabolic quotient (qCO2), and microbial carbon use efficiency (CUE) under laboratory incubation. 13C‐phospholipid fatty acid (13C‐PLFA) was used to trace the use of substrate carbon by soil microorganisms. Comparing to straw amendment (SA), BA significantly decreased the native soil organic carbon (SOC) mineralization rates by 19.7%–20.1% and 9.2%–12.0% in the upland and paddy soils, respectively. Meanwhile, total carbon mineralization from the newly added LMR was significantly decreased by 12.9% and 11.1% in the biochar‐amended soils, compared with the straw‐amended soils from the upland and paddy sites, respectively. Furthermore, compared to non‐amended soils, the qCO2 value was unchanged in straw‐amended soils, but was notably decreased by 15.2%–18.6% and 8.9%–12.5% in biochar‐amended upland and paddy soils, respectively. Microbial CUE was significantly greater in biochar‐amended soils than in straw‐amended soils due to the increasing dominance of fungi in carbon utilization. Compared to SA, BA increased CUE by 23.0% in the upland soil and 21.2% in the paddy soil. This study suggests that BA could outperform SA in the long term to enhance the biological carbon sequestration potential of both upland and paddy soils. This could be due mainly to biochar input as a special substrate to promote microbial community evolution and increase the fungal utilization of carbon substrates, especially for the soil with lower SOC levels.
Confidence regions of two‐stage stochastic linear complementarity problems
Authors: Liu Yongchao , Yan Wuwenqing , Zhao Shengchao 
Published: October 2020

AbstractTwo‐stage stochastic linear complementarity problems (TSLCP) model a large class of equilibrium problems subject to data uncertainty, and are closely related to two‐stage stochastic optimization problems. The sample average approximation (SAA) method is one of the basic approaches for solving TSLCP and the consistency of the SAA solutions has been well studied. This paper focuses on building confidence regions of the solution to TSLCP when SAA is implemented. We first establish the error‐bound condition of TSLCP and then build the asymptotic and nonasymptotic confidence regions of the solutions to TSLCP by error‐bound approach, which is to combine the error‐bound condition with central limit theory, empirical likelihood theory, and large deviation theory.
Managerial discretion to delay the recognition of goodwill impairment: The role of enforcement
Authors: Filip Andrei , Lobo Gerald J. , Paugam Luc 
Published: October 2020

AbstractUnder International Financial Reporting Standards, managers can use two approaches to increase the estimated fair value of goodwill in order to justify not recognizing impairment: (1) make overly optimistic valuation assumptions, and (2) increase future cash flow forecasts by inflating current cash flows. Because enforcement constrains the use of optimistic valuation assumptions, we hypothesize that enforcement influences the relative use of these two choices. We test this hypothesis by comparing a sample of 1,958 firms from 36 countries that are likely to delay recognizing goodwill impairment (suspect firms) to a sample of control firms. First, we find that firms in high‐enforcement countries use a higher discount rate to test goodwill for impairment than firms in low‐enforcement countries. We also find a more positive association between discount rate and upward cash flow management for suspect firms than for control firms. This result is consistent with suspect firms substituting optimistic valuation assumptions with inflated current cash flows. Second, we find that, relative to control firms, suspect firms exhibit higher upward cash flow management in high‐enforcement countries than in low‐enforcement countries. Third, we show that suspect firms in high‐enforcement countries are more likely to eventually impair goodwill.
Partnering with Local Hospitals and Public Health to Manage COVID‐19 Outbreaks in Nursing Homes
Authors: Montoya Ana , Jenq Grace , Mills John P. , Beal Jennifer , Diviney Chun Erin , Newton Duane , Gibson Kristen , Mantey Julia , Hurst Kristen , Jones Karen , Mody Lona 
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVESAlmost half of deaths related to COVID‐19 in the United States are linked to nursing homes (NHs). We describe among short‐term and long‐term residents at three NHs in Michigan the outbreak identification process, universal testing, point prevalence of COVID‐19, and subsequent containment efforts, outcomes, and challenges.DESIGNOutbreak investigation.SETTINGThree NHs in southeast Michigan.PARTICIPANTSAll residents (N = 215) at three NHs (total beds = 356) affiliated with a large academic healthcare system.METHODSUpon detection of confirmed cases within the facility, each NH in collaboration and consultation with local hospital, public health officials, and parent corporation implemented immediate facility‐wide testing and the following intervention measures: cohorting of COVID‐19 positive residents; communication regarding testing and results with residents, healthcare professionals, and families; personal protective equipment reeducation and use throughout facilities; and dedicated staffing for infected patients cohorted in a dedicated COVID‐19 wing. We collected patient data regarding demographics, symptoms, comorbidities, hospitalization, and 14‐day outcomes.RESULTSA total of 29 cases of COVID‐19 were identified at three participating NHs. Nineteen cases of COVID‐19 were identified through symptom‐triggered testing from March 23 to April 23, 2020; 10 (4.7%) additional cases were identified through universal testing of 215 residents conducted from April 7 to 15, 2020. The hospitalization rate was 37.9%. The case fatality rate was 20.7% (6/29); these patients had multiple comorbidities. No residents who tested positive through the point‐prevalence survey required hospitalization, and five were discharged home within 14 days.CONCLUSIONProactive and coordinated steps between NH medical directors and administrators, referral hospitals including their laboratories, and local public health officials are necessary to rapidly respond to an outbreak and limit the transmission of COVID‐19. This coordinated public health approach may save lives, minimize the burden to the healthcare system, and reduce healthcare costs.
Law against the Rule of Law: Assaulting Democracy
Authors: ERMAKOFF IVAN 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThis article examines how authoritarian contenders use law to advance an agenda geared to exclusive state power in light of a paradigmatic case: the National Socialists’ takeover of the German state apparatus in spring 1933. This case highlights two ways in which an office holder is able to expand his power in an authoritarian fashion through legal dispositions. A conjunctural use of law for authoritarian purposes draws on legal statutes to undercut the political capacity of opponents and competitors, hollow out institutional checks, and crucially hamper civil freedoms. Taking advantage of constitutional provisions that make institutional subversion from within possible (‘constitutional Trojan horses’), a structural use of legal statutes reorders the power structure by reallocating decisional rights. In both cases, law serves as a weapon against the rule of law. These considerations raise the question of the standards by which we are to judge the legality of such acts. Contemporary instances of democratic backsliding are cases in point.
A pilot study on the effect offat loadingon the gastrointestinal tract of healthy dogs
Authors: Palerme J.‐S. , Silverstone A. , Riedesel E. A. , Simone K. M. , Pomrantz J. S. 
Published: October 2020

ObjectiveTo assess the effect of a high fat meal (fat loading) on gastrointestinal motility and the appearance of intestinal villi using video capsule endoscopy and ultrasound.Materials and MethodsFour healthy staff‐owned dogs were included in a prospective blinded crossover study. Dogs had initial baseline video capsule endoscopy to measure gastrointestinal transit times and allow for visual assessment of intestinal mucosa. Abdominal ultrasound was also performed to obtain intestinal wall measurements and assess for the presence of mucosal hyperechoic speckling. All dogs had diagnostics repeated twice between one and two hours after ingestion of either corn oil or dairy cream for a total of four control and 16 fat loaded studies.ResultsDogs in the corn oil group had greater mean gastric emptying times (740.3 ± 187.6 minutes vs. 237.9 ± 155 minutes) and total transit times (54.50 ± 22.2 hours vs. 23.25 ± 6.1 hours) than controls. Feeding of a fatty meal resulted in substantial retention of the capsules (10 of 16) within the stomach. While intestinal wall thickness of fat loaded dogs did not differ from control dogs, mucosal hyperechoic speckling scores of the duodenum of dairy cream dogs were greater when compared to control dogs (1.625 ± 0.518 vs. 0.500 ± 0.577).Clinical SignificanceData from this pilot study provides further evidence that feeding of a small high fat meal results in ultrasonographic as well as visual changes to the intestinal mucosa of healthy dogs. This data suggests that previous recommendations to feed fatty meals to dogs with lymphangiectasia might not allow differentiation with healthy individuals. In addition, due to the marked effect on gastric emptying time, video capsule endoscopy should be avoided in dogs fed a high fat meal.
Effects of three methionine sources in diets on temporal B0AT1 and ASCT2 mRNA expression in different intestinal segments of cobia, Rachycentron canadum
Authors: He Yuanfa , Chi Shuyan , Tan Beiping , Dong Xiaohui , Yang Qihui , Liu Hongyu , Zhang Shuang 
Published: October 2020

AbstractA 4‐week feeding trial was conducted using five groups of hybrid grouper (61.15 ± 0.15 g) to explore the potential effects of three methionine (Met) sources. Five isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets were formulated that included a fishmeal (FM) diet; nonsupplemented (NS) diet; or NS diets with the addition of the L‐methionine (L‐Met), DL‐methionine (DL‐Met), or coated Met (Co‐Met) to obtain the same Met level as the FM diet. Fish were randomly distributed into sea cages (30 fish per cage). Weight gain and specific growth rate in the DL‐Met group and FM group were significantly higher than those in all other groups (p < .05). In the proximal and distal intestines, of the 20 gene and time combinations (10 per gene), there were 14 combinations (70%) in which there were no significant differences in gene expression levels between the FM and DL‐Met groups (p > .05). The main reason for the same growth effect between the DL‐Met and FM groups may be attributed to the synchronized absorption at most time points after feeding, which had similar expression patterns of B0AT1 and ASCT2 of the proximal and distal intestines between two groups.
Hepatitis E seroprevalence and viremia rate in immunocompromised patients: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Buescher Gustav , Ozga Ann‐Kathrin , Lorenz Eva , Pischke Sven , May Jürgen , Addo Marylyn M. , Horvatits Thomas 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackground and AimsHepatitis E is an infectious disease of the liver caused by the hepatitis E virus (HEV). Immunocompromised patients present a particular risk group, as chronification of hepatitis E leading to life‐threatening cirrhosis occurs when these patients are infected. Therefore, this study aims to estimate and compare the anti‐HEV seroprevalence and the rate of HEV RNA positivity in transplant recipients and patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).MethodsThis systematic review and meta‐analysis involved a literature search (PubMed, Scopus; 1,138 studies) including 120 studies from 1996 to 2019, reporting anti‐HEV seroprevalence and/or HEV‐RNA positivity. Statistical analysis was performed using a linear mixed‐effects meta regression model.ResultsAnti‐HEV seroprevalence in 14 626 transplant recipients ranged from 6% (95% CI: 1.9‐17.2) to 29.6% (95% CI: 21.6‐39.) in different commercially available assays and did not differ significantly compared to 20 825 HIV positive patients (range: 3.5% (95% CI: 0.9‐12.8) – 19.4% (95% CI: 13.5‐26.9). In contrast, HEV‐RNA positivity rate was significantly higher in transplant recipients than in HIV positive patients (1.2% (95% CI: 0.9‐1.6) vs 0.39% (95% CI: 0.2‐0.7); P‐value = 0.0011).ConclusionAnti‐HEV seroprevalence did not differ significantly between transplant recipients and HIV positive patients. Interestingly, rates of HEV‐RNA positivity, indicating ongoing infection, were significantly higher in transplant recipients. These findings demonstrate that transplant patients have an elevated risk of chronic infection in comparison to HIV patients at comparable risk of HEV‐exposure.
Globalization and the labor share in China: Firm‐level evidence
Authors: Yang Chih‐Hai , Tsou Meng‐Wen 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThis study examines the relationship between economic globalization (measured by exports and foreign direct investment) and the labor share in China's manufacturing sector. Using a large firm‐level panel dataset for 2001–2007, we find that the labor shares are significantly higher in exporting firms and foreign‐invested enterprises (FIEs), where the export status is more important than foreign ownership. The origins of the FDI and export types do matter. The aforementioned positive associations are primarily driven by ordinary exports and FIEs from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, whereas processing exports exhibit a negative association with the labor share. Our baseline results are about the between‐firm variations within industries. When controlling for firm fixed effects, the labor share remains to be higher for a firm becoming an exporter or increasing export intensity, while the labor share is lower when a firm get a foreign investor or increase their exports. Finally, total factor productivity and innovation are negatively correlated with the labor share, suggesting that technological progress may play a role in the decline of the labor share in China.
Signaling pathways involved in environmental sensing in Trypanosoma cruzi
Authors: Lander Noelia , Chiurillo Miguel A. , Docampo Roberto 
Published: October 2020

AbstractTrypanosoma cruzi is a unicellular parasite and the etiologic agent of Chagas disease. The parasite has a digenetic life cycle alternating between mammalian and insect hosts, where it faces a variety of environmental conditions to which it must adapt in order to survive. The adaptation to these changes is mediated by signaling pathways that coordinate the cellular responses to the new environmental settings. Major environmental changes include temperature, nutrient availability, ionic composition, pH, osmolarity, oxidative stress, contact with host cells and tissues, host immune response, and intracellular life. Some of the signaling pathways and second messengers potentially involved in the response to these changes have been elucidated in recent years and will be the subject of this review.
Staphylococcus aureus lacking a functional MntABC manganese import system has increased resistance to copper
Authors: Al‐Tameemi Hassan , Beavers William N. , Norambuena Javiera , Skaar Eric P. , Boyd Jeffrey M. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractS. aureus USA300 isolates utilize the copBL and copAZ gene products to prevent Cu intoxication. We created and examined a ΔcopAZ ΔcopBL mutant strain (cop‐). The cop‐ strain was sensitive to Cu and accumulated intracellular Cu. We screened a transposon (Tn) mutant library in the cop‐ background and isolated strains with Tn insertions in the mntABC operon that permitted growth in the presence of Cu. The mutations were in mntA and they were recessive. Under the growth conditions utilized, MntABC functioned in manganese (Mn) import. When cultured with Cu, strains containing a mntA::Tn accumulated less Cu than the parent strain. Mn(II) supplementation improved growth when cop‐ was cultured with Cu and this phenotype was dependent upon the presence of MntR, which is a repressor of mntABC transcription. A ΔmntR strain had an increased Cu load and decreased growth in the presence of Cu, which was abrogated by the introduction of mntA::Tn. Over‐expression of mntABC increased cellular Cu load and sensitivity to Cu. The presence of a mntA::Tn mutation protected iron‐sulfur (FeS) enzymes from inactivation by Cu. The data presented are consistent with a model wherein defective MntABC results in decreased cellular Cu accumulation and protection to FeS enzymes from Cu poisoning.
Visceral hypersensitivity is together with psychological distress and female gender associated with severity of IBS‐like symptoms in quiescent ulcerative colitis
Authors: Mavroudis Georgios , Strid Hans , Jonefjäll Börje , Simrén Magnus 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundA subset of ulcerative colitis (UC) patients in remission demonstrate IBS‐like symptoms. Visceral hypersensitivity is a key pathophysiological mechanism in IBS, but its relevance to IBS‐like symptoms in inactive UC remains unclear.MethodsUC patients in remission (UCR) were screened for IBS‐like symptoms. Rectal sensitivity was assessed with rectal balloon distensions, with determination of sensory thresholds and unpleasantness/pain intensity ratings. Patients completed questionnaires evaluating gastrointestinal (GI) and psychological symptoms. Age‐ and gender‐matched IBS subjects and healthy controls (HC) also underwent a rectal sensitivity test.Key ResultsWe included 36 UCR patients (18 with IBS‐like symptoms (UCR + IBS) and 18 without (UCR − IBS)), 36 IBS subjects, and 14 HC. UCR and IBS patients were more sensitive to rectal balloon distensions than HC, but no differences between UCR and IBS patients were observed. UCR + IBS patients had lower sensory thresholds and higher unpleasantness ratings than UCR − IBS. In UCR patients, the overall GI symptom severity, pain, and bloating, but not diarrhea, constipation or satiety, were associated with rectal sensitivity. In multivariate analyses, rectal sensitivity, psychological distress, and female gender were identified as factors independently associated with GI symptom severity. 61% of UCR patients demonstrated rectal hypersensitivity, and these patients more commonly reported at least mild bloating and pain, and overall GI symptoms, compared to those with normal rectal sensitivity.Conclusion & InferencesVisceral hypersensitivity was associated with IBS‐like symptoms, in particular pain and bloating, in inactive UC. Together with psychological factors and female gender, visceral hypersensitivity seems to be involved in GI symptom generation in quiescent UC.
Host–virus interactions and defense mechanisms for giant viruses
Authors: Chelkha Nisrine , Levasseur Anthony , La Scola Bernard , Colson Philippe 
Published: October 2020

AbstractGiant viruses, with virions larger than 200 nm and genomes larger than 340 kilobase pairs, modified the now outdated perception of the virosphere. With virions now reported reaching up to 1.5 μm in size and genomes of up to 2.5 Mb encoding components shared with cellular life forms, giant viruses exhibit a complexity similar to microbes, such as bacteria and archaea. Here, we review interactions of giant viruses with their hosts and defense strategies of giant viruses against their hosts and coinfecting microorganisms or virophages. We also searched by comparative genomics for homologies with proteins described or suspected to be involved in defense mechanisms. Our search reveals that natural immunity and apoptosis seem to be crucial components of the host defense against giant virus infection. Conversely, giant viruses possess methods of hijacking host functions to counteract cellular antiviral responses. In addition, giant viruses may encode other unique and complex pathways to manipulate the host machinery and eliminate other competing microorganisms. Notably, giant viruses have evolved defense mechanisms against their virophages and they might trigger defense systems against other viruses through sequence integration. We anticipate that comparative genomics may help identifying genes involved in defense strategies of both giant viruses and their hosts.
Empathy maps in communication skills training
Authors: Cairns Patrick , Pinker India , Ward Andrew , Watson Evelyn , Laidlaw Anita 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundEmpathy is a cornerstone of patient‐centred care. However, empathy levels among health care professionals and medical students are currently suboptimal. An empathy map is a tool which aids in understanding another person’s perspective. Empathy maps have up until now not been used in a medical education setting.ObjectiveTo assess the attitudes towards, applicability and usefulness of empathy maps as part of medical student’s communication skills training.MethodsEmpathy map training was introduced to first‐year medical student communication skills training at two UK‐based medical schools. Twenty‐eight participants in total agreed to be interviewed about their experiences using the empathy map, including sixteen students and twelve patient partners who assisted with communication skills training.ResultsMedical students and patient partners perceive value in empathy map training. Medical students stated that the empathy map training impacted on their views of empathy and patient‐centredness by highlighting the importance of patient‐centred care. Medical students and patient partners enjoyed the experience of completing the empathy map and had suggestions for how it could be improved in the future.ConclusionsEmpathy maps could provide a cost‐effective way to encourage empathic and patient‐centred care in medical education. Furthermore, there is no reason why empathy maps would not aid in any caring profession. Further research is needed to confirm that empathy maps do increase empathy.
Acceptance of open source geospatial software: Assessing QGIS in South Africa with the UTAUT2 model
Authors: Henrico Susan , Coetzee Serena , Cooper Antony , Rautenbach Victoria 
Published: October 2020

AbstractGeospatial information and technologies are widely used in South Africa, initially mostly with proprietary software but today, mature, open source alternatives such as QGIS are available. We wanted to find out if and why South African users accepted QGIS, globally the most widely used free and open source GIS. We adapted the extended unified theory of acceptance and use of technology model to test several hypotheses regarding the acceptance and use of QGIS in South Africa. 205 registered members of the Geo‐Information Society of South Africa completed a structured questionnaire. Results show that habit has the most significant influence on behavioural intention to use QGIS, followed by facilitating conditions, price value and social influence. Performance expectancy, effort expectancy, hedonic motivation and access to source code played no significant role. The findings show that adoption of QGIS in South Africa is not primarily influenced by benefits attributed to open source software, such as cost benefits, customizability, improved reliability, quality and security. The results are useful for developers of any GIS product and for choosing a GIS product for an organization, because they provide insight into the behavioural intentions of users.