bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
‘Latent reserves’: A hidden treasure in National Forest Inventories
Authors: Portier Jeanne , Wunder Jan , Stadelmann Golo , Zell Jürgen , Abegg Meinrad , Thürig Esther , Rohner Brigitte 
Published: August 2020

Abstract

In a Europe shaped by centuries of forest management, the task of today's scientists in characterising, understanding and modelling natural forests is highly challenging. Although numerous forest reserves exist, most remain hardly comparable case studies. Contrarily, National Forest Inventories (NFIs) consist of systematically distributed sample plots with varying time since last intervention and provide representative data. These characteristics make NFIs a unique opportunity to investigate hidden natural forests.

Here we propose using NFI plots free of human influence for >40 to >70 years (‘latent reserves’) to conduct large‐scale studies on near‐natural forests. We tested this original concept in Swiss forests. We characterised compositional and structural attributes of ‘latent reserves’ and compared them with those of managed forests to assess whether the former demonstrated more signs of naturalness than the latter. As an example of an application, we analysed the tree‐ and stand‐level factors affecting natural tree mortality in ‘latent reserves’.

Up to 15.3% of Swiss NFI plots fulfilled the criteria of ‘latent reserves’, and most of these plots were distributed at mid‐ to high elevations where accessibility and management opportunities are limited. ‘Latent reserves’ showed more signs of naturalness than managed forests—a higher proportion of broadleaves, higher mortality rates, higher stand density and more deadwood. However, their size structure and basal area did not differ from those of managed forests, most likely because of a lower site productivity. Although ‘latent reserves’ were transitioning towards a natural state, more time without management might be required for these forests to become fully detached from the effects of past management, especially at high elevations. Mortality analyses in ‘latent reserves’ showed that species‐specific tree mortality had a U‐shaped response to tree size, was negatively related to tree growth and was higher when competition was stronger.

Synthesis. Our findings demonstrate the potential of ‘latent reserves’ to study near‐natural forests at the country level, and point to further opportunities for larger‐scale collaborations. Investigating ‘latent reserves’ represents a first step towards a deeper understanding of such forests using existing long‐term data and shows promise for further research in Europe.
Depuration processes affect the Vibrio community in the microbiota of the Manila clam, Ruditapes philippinarum
Authors: Zampieri Angela , Carraro Lisa , Cardazzo Barbara , Milan Massimo , Babbucci Massimiliano , Smits Morgan , Boffo Luciano , Fasolato Luca 
Published: August 2020

SummaryAs filter‐feeders, bivalve molluscs accumulate Vibrio into edible tissues. Consequently, an accurate assessment of depuration procedures and the characterization of the persistent Vibrio community in depurated shellfish represent a key issue to guarantee food safety in shellfish products. The present study investigated changes in the natural Vibrio community composition of the Ruditapes philippinarum microbiota with specific focus on human pathogenic species. For this purpose, the study proposed a MLSA‐NGS approach (rRNA 16S, recA and pyrH) for the detection and identification of Vibrio species. Clam microbiota were analysed before and after depuration procedures performed in four depuration plants, using culture‐dependent and independent approaches. Microbiological counts and NGS data revealed differences in terms of both contamination load and Vibrio community between depuration plants. The novel MLSA‐NGS approach allowed for a clear definition of the Vibrio species specific to each depuration plant. Specifically, depurated clam microbiota showed presence of human pathogenic species. Ozone treatments and the density of clams in the depuration tank probably influenced the level of contamination and the Vibrio community composition. The composition of Vibrio community specific to each plant should be carefully evaluated during the risk assessment to guarantee a food‐safe shellfish‐product for the consumer.
Peer‐based comparison and firms' discretionary cost decisions
Authors: Van Caneghem Tom , Aerts Walter , Madadian Oveis 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThis study investigates whether firms engage in peer‐based benchmarking in their decision‐making regarding selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A) for a large sample of U.S. listed firms. Peer‐based comparison relates to comparing own performance against the performance of a meaningful reference group of other firms. SG&A are to a large extent discretionary, but optimal levels of (relative) SG&A are hard to assess. Based on the behavioural theory of the firm and institutional theory, we argue that peer‐based comparison is likely to be an important input to managers' SG&A decision processes. Results show that peer‐based comparison significantly drives changes in firms' reported SG&A. In addition, the effect of peer‐based comparison is found to depend on the firm's life cycle stage. Findings further indicate that peer‐based comparison has a significantly stronger effect in reference groups characterised by high(er) SG&A similarity. Results are robust to using several industry classification systems, as well as, multiple approaches to identify firm life cycles.
Lesson‐Drawing from New Zealand and Covid‐19: The Need for Anticipatory Policy Making
Authors: Mazey Sonia , Richardson Jeremy 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe Covid‐19 pandemic has seen most governments worldwide having to think on their feet rather than implementing detailed and well‐rehearsed plans. This is notwithstanding the fact that a pandemic was bound to happen, sooner or later (and will happen again). The effectiveness of national responses has varied enormously. Globally, New Zealand has been perceived as setting the gold standard in ‘curve crushing’, and for a short period achieved Covid‐free status. For this achievement, much credit is due to the New Zealand government, especially to Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern. However, post‐lockdown the New Zealand government has encountered a number of Covid policy implementation problems (many of which could have been anticipated). Nevertheless, Covid‐19 might still turn out to have been a seismic shock to existing policy processes and policy frames (such as austerity). If so, there are grounds for hope that in the future, governments and voters might be less short‐term in their outlook. Perhaps anticipatory, rather than reactive policy making, might become more fashionable?
Mistakes in Algorithmic Trading of Cryptocurrencies
Authors: Loke Alexander 
Published: August 2020

AbstractHow should the doctrine of unilateral mistake apply when a programming error results in a buyer's algorithmic trading programme accepting an offer generated by the seller's trading programme to exchange cryptocurrencies at 250 times the current market rate? How should the knowledge element be adapted given that algorithmic trading necessarily means that the traders’ minds were not engaged at the moment the contract was formed? These novel issues came before the Singapore Court of Appeal in Quoine Pte Ltd v B2C2 Ltd. The decision further cautions customers of cryptocurrency exchanges not to assume that they have property rights in the cryptocurrencies held by the exchange and to examine carefully the nature of asset holding arrangement found in the documentation.
Psychosexual distress following routine primary human papillomavirus testing: a longitudinal evaluation within the English Cervical Screening Programme
Authors: Bennett KF , Waller J , McBride E , Forster AS , Di Gessa G , Kitchener H , Marlow LAV 
Published: August 2020

ObjectiveTo assess psychosexual distress over a 12‐month period among women receiving different human papillomavirus (HPV) and cytology results in the context of the English HPV primary screening pilot.DesignLongitudinal, between‐group study.SettingFive sites in England where primary HPV testing was piloted.PopulationWomen aged 24–65 years (n = 1133) who had taken part in the NHS Cervical Screening Programme.MethodsWomen were sent a postal questionnaire soon after receiving their screening results (baseline) and 6 and 12 months later. Data were analysed using linear regression models to compare psychosexual outcomes between groups receiving six possible combinations of HPV and cytology screening results, including a control group with normal cytology and no HPV test.Main outcome measuresPsychosexual distress, assessed using six items from the Psychosocial Effects of Abnormal Pap Smears Questionnaire (PEAPS‐Q).ResultsAt all time points, there was an association between screening result group and psychosexual distress (all P < 0.001). At baseline, mean psychosexual distress score (possible range: 1–5) was significantly higher among women with HPV and normal cytology (B = 1.15, 95% CI 0.96–1.34), HPV and abnormal cytology (B = 1.02, 95% CI: 0.78–1.27) and persistent HPV (B = 0.90, 95% CI 0.70–1.10) compared with the control group (all P < 0.001). At the 6 and 12 month follow ups the pattern of results were similar, but coefficients were smaller.ConclusionsOur findings suggest receiving an HPV‐positive result can cause psychosexual distress, particularly in the short‐term. Developing interventions to minimise the psychosexual burden of testing HPV‐positive will be essential to avoid unnecessary harm to the millions of women taking part in cervical screening.Tweetable abstractReceiving an HPV‐positive result following primary HPV testing can cause psychosexual distress, particularly in the short‐term.
Fabrication and characterization of a promising oregano‐extract/psyllium‐seed mucilage edible film for food packaging
Authors: Hajivand Pegah , Aryanejad Sara , Akbari Iman , Hemmati Azadeh 
Published: August 2020

AbstractHerein, Psyllium‐seed mucilage (PSM) and oregano extract (OE) were incorporated into the design of a promising, biodegradable, and antimicrobial edible film to enhance the shelf life of food. Various OE‐PSM films with different concentrations of OE, PSM, and glycerol, as a plasticizer, were fabricated. Further physicochemical, mechanical, and structural studies demonstrated an enhancement in the films' thickness, extensibility, and water‐related properties (excluding water vapor permeability [WVP]) by increasing the glycerol and OE content. Also, the final OE‐PSM films presented a bit yellow and opaque appearance. The effectiveness of fabricated films against microbial attacks was confirmed by the in vitro zone of inhibition measurement against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, almost 118 and 77 mm, respectively. In addition, the efficiency of films on the extension of the postharvest lifetime of strawberries to 16 days was optically approved by determining the coated strawberries decay. All mentioned above confirmed the potential of the developed OE‐PSM as a promising edible film.Practical ApplicationRecently, new technology and materials have prompted to meet the consumers' demand for healthier and safer food. To support this claim, we developed a productive edible film (plasticized OE‐PSM film) which showed acceptable biodegradability, mechanical stability, water resistance, and antimicrobial efficiency. The unique properties of this edible film have made it a promising film, which is not only potent to extend the shelf life of food products, leading to facilitate the commercialization activities, but also inexpensive and more available over the traditional synthetic ones. These properties turn this film to a productive candidate, deserve to be implemented by the food and agricultural industries.
Chromosomal‐level genomes of three rice planthoppers provide new insights into sex chromosome evolution
Authors: Ma Weihua , Xu Le , Hua Hongxia , Chen Mengyao , Guo Mengjian , He Kang , Zhao Jing , Li Fei 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe brown planthopper Nilaparvata lugens, white‐backed planthopper Sogatella furcifera, and small brown planthopper Laodelphax striatellus are three major insect pests of rice. They are genetically close; however, they differ in several ecological traits such as host range, migration capacity, and in their sex chromosomes. Though the draft genome of these three planthoppers have been previously released, the quality of genome assemblies need to be improved. The absence of chromosome‐level genome resources has hindered in‐depth research of these three species. Here, we performed a de novo genome assembly for N. lugens to increase its genome assembly quality with PacBio and Illumina platforms, increasing the contig N50 to 589.46 Kb. Then, with the new N. lugens genome and previously reported S. furcifera and L. striatellus genome assemblies, we generated chromosome‐level scaffold assemblies of these three planthopper species using HiC scaffolding technique. The scaffold N50s significantly increased to 77.63 Mb, 43.36 Mb and 29.24 Mb for N. lugens, S. furcifera and L. striatellus, respectively. To identify sex chromosomes of these three planthopper species, we carried out genome re‐sequencing of males and females and successfully determined the X and Y chromosomes for N. lugens, and X chromosome for S. furcifera and L. striatellus. The gene content of the sex chromosomes showed high diversity among these three planthoppers suggesting the rapid evolution of sex‐linked genes, and all chromosomes showed high synteny. The chromosome‐level genome assemblies of three planthoppers would provide a valuable resource for a broad range of future research in molecular ecology, and subsequently benefits development of modern pest control strategies.
Histone methyltransferase Smyd3 is a new regulator for vascular senescence
Authors: Yang Di , Wei Gang , Long Fen , Nie Hongbo , Tian Xiaoli , Qu Lefeng , Wang ShuangXi , Li Peng , Qiu Yue , Wang Yang , Hong Wanjin , Ni Ting , Liu Xinhua , Zhu Yi Zhun 
Published: August 2020

AbstractEndothelial cell senescence is one of the main risk factors contributing to vascular diseases. As increasing number of “epigenetic drugs” entering clinical trials, understanding the mechanism of epigenetic regulation in vascular aging has significant implications in finding targets to cure vascular diseases. However, the epigenetic regulation of endothelial senescence remains unclear. Based on the findings that increased protein level of histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4) methyltransferase Smyd3 and elevated H3K4me3 modification happened in angiotensin II (Ang II)‐induced senescence in rat endothelial cells, we are curious about whether and how Smyd3 can regulate endothelial senescence. We found that an increase of Smyd3 alone promoted senescence‐associated phenotypes, while knockdown of Smyd3 blocked senescence in endothelial cells. Furthermore, Smyd3‐specific inhibitor reversed vascular senescence‐associated phenotypes at cellular level. Importantly, Ang II‐induced vascular senescence can be greatly alleviated in Smyd3 knockout (KO) mice and those treated with Smyd3 inhibitor. Mechanistically, Smyd3 directly bound to the promoter region of Cdkn1a (coding for p21), then caused its increased H3K4me3 level and elevated gene expression, and ultimately gave rise to senescence‐associated phenotypes. Intriguingly, Smyd3‐mediated p21 upregulated expression also exists in human tissues of vascular disease, indicating it is probably an evolutionarily conserved mechanism in regulating vascular senescence. Thus, Smyd3 can act as a novel factor regulating endothelial senescence through transcriptionally promoting p21 expression. Blocking the Smyd3‐p21 signaling axis may also have potential medical implications in treating diseases related to vascular aging.
SS‐31 and NMN: Two paths to improve metabolism and function in aged hearts
Authors: Whitson Jeremy A. , Bitto Alessandro , Zhang Huiliang , Sweetwyne Mariya T. , Coig Rene , Bhayana Saakshi , Shankland Eric G. , Wang Lu , Bammler Theo K. , Mills Kathryn F. , Imai Shin‐Ichiro , Conley Kevin E. , Marcinek David J. , Rabinovitch Peter S. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe effects of two different mitochondrial‐targeted drugs, SS‐31 and NMN, were tested on Old mouse hearts. After treatment with the drugs, individually or Combined, heart function was examined by echocardiography. SS‐31 partially reversed an age‐related decline in diastolic function while NMN fully reversed an age‐related deficiency in systolic function at a higher workload. Metabolomic analysis revealed that both NMN and the Combined treatment increased nicotinamide and 1‐methylnicotinamide levels, indicating greater NAD+ turnover, but only the Combined treatment resulted in significantly greater steady‐state NAD(H) levels. A novel magnetic resonance spectroscopy approach was used to assess how metabolite levels responded to changing cardiac workload. PCr/ATP decreased in response to increased workload in Old Control, but not Young, hearts, indicating an age‐related decline in energetic capacity. Both drugs were able to normalize the PCr/ATP dynamics. SS‐31 and NMN treatment also increased mitochondrial NAD(P)H production under the higher workload, while only NMN increased NAD+ in response to increased work. These measures did not shift in hearts given the Combined treatment, which may be owed to the enhanced NAD(H) levels in the resting state after this treatment. Overall, these results indicate that both drugs are effective at restoring different aspects of mitochondrial and heart health and that combining them results in a synergistic effect that rejuvenates Old hearts and best recapitulates the Young state.
Histopathological evaluation of different regenerative protocols using Chitosan‐based formulations for management of immature non‐vital teeth with apical periodontitis: In vivo study
Authors: Abbas Khaled Farouk , Tawfik Hossam , Hashem Ahmed Abdel Rahman , Ahmed Hany Mohamed Aly , Abu‐Seida Ashraf Mohamed , Refai Hanan Mohamed 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThis study aimed to assess regenerative treatment protocols for maturogenesis of immature teeth with apical periodontitis in dogs. Apical periodontitis was induced in immature premolars of 8 mongrel dogs teeth that were divided into 5 groups; regeneration via blood clotting (REG group); chitosan loaded with demineralised bone matrix (REG‐CD group); chitosan loaded with dexamethazone corticosteroid (REG‐CC group); and positive and negative control groups. All groups showed comparable apical hard tissue formation and significantly different from the control group. Results also showed decrease in inflammatory tissue reaction, bone resorption and periodontal ligament thickness. Tissue reaction and inflammatory infiltrates were significantly less in REG‐CC group compared to others. Other parameters showed no significant difference. In conclusion, regenerative endodontic techniques using chitosan‐based formulations have the potential to be used as an alternative for root maturation in teeth with apical periodontitis.
Anaphylaxis to drugs: Overcoming mast cell unresponsiveness by fake antigens
Authors: Pichler Werner J. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractOur understanding of IgE‐mediated drug allergy relies on the hapten concept, which is well established in inducing adaptive reactions of the immune system to small molecules like drugs. The role of hapten‐carrier adducts in re‐challenge reactions leading to mast cell degranulation and anaphylaxis is unclear. Based on clinical observations, the speed of adduct formation, skin and in vitro tests to inert drug molecules, a different explanation of IgE‐mediated reactions to drugs is proposed: These are (a) A natural role of reduced mast cell (MC) reactivity in developing IgE‐mediated reactions to drugs. This MC unresponsiveness is antigen‐specific and covers the serum drug concentrations, but allows reactivity to locally higher concentrations. (b) Some non‐covalent drug‐protein complexes rely on rather affine bindings and have a similar appearance as covalent hapten‐protein adducts. Such drug‐protein complexes represent so‐called “fake antigens,” as they are unable to induce immunity, but may react with and cross‐link preformed drug‐specific IgE. As they are formed very rapidly and in high concentrations, they may cause fulminant MC degranulation and anaphylaxis. (c) The generation of covalent hapten‐protein adducts requires hours, either because the formation of covalent bonds requires time or because first a metabolic step for forming a reactive metabolite is required. This slow process of stable adduct formation has the advantage that it may give time to desensitize mast cells, even in already sensitized individuals. The consequences of this new interpretation of IgE‐mediated reactions to drugs are potentially wide‐reaching for IgE‐mediated drug allergy but also allergy in general.
Comparison between video‐assisted retroperitoneal debridement and small incision pancreatic necrosectomy in infected pancreatic necrosis
Authors: Zhang Jin‐Bao , Sun Bei 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundDebridement and drainage have always been mainstream treatment for infected pancreatic necrosis (IPN), and the application of minimally invasive necrosectomy is becoming increasingly widespread. However, few studies have compared video‐assisted retroperitoneal debridement (VARD) and small incision pancreatic necrosectomy (SIPN) individually. Our aim was to compare VARD and SIPN by evaluating outcomes.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed patients with IPN who underwent either VARD or SIPN between 2010 and 2019 in China. Data relative to patient demographics, major complications, health care resource utilization and mortality were collected. Statistical analyses used were the two‐tailed Student's t‐test and the chi‐squared test.ResultsOf 59 patients, 31 patients underwent SIPN and 28 patients were treated with VARD. SIPN and VARD had similar treatment success and mortality rates. The rate of reintervention due to lack of clinical improvement was significantly lower in the SIPN group (32% versus 61%; P = 0.028). In addition, the length of total hospital stay was 60 days in the SIPN group and 72 days in the VARD group (P < 0.0001) and mean total costs was significantly less in the SIPN group than in the VARD group (P = 0.008).ConclusionGiven the shorter hospitalization period, lower total cost and lower rate of reinterventions, SIPN may be superior to the step‐up approach for patients with IPN than for those with VARD.