bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Importance of sources of variability, scales and experimental design: A case study about the effects of biochar and slurry application on soil properties in agricultural silty loam soils
Authors: Ludwig Bernard , Song Xiaona , Gunina Anna , Greenberg Isabel , Dippold Michaela A. , Piepho Hans‐Peter 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIn designed experiments, different sources of variability and an adequate scale of measurement need to be considered, but not all approaches in common usage are equally valid. In order to elucidate the importance of sources of variability and choice of scale, we conducted an experiment where the effects of biochar and slurry applications on soil properties related to soil fertility were studied for different designs: (a) for a field‐scale sampling design with either a model soil (without natural variability) as an internal control or with composited soils, (b) for a design with a focus on amendment variabilities, and (c) for three individual field‐scale designs with true field replication and a combined analysis representative of the population of loess‐derived soils. Three silty loam sites in Germany were sampled and the soil macroaggregates were crushed. For each design, six treatments (0, 0.15 and 0.30 g slurry‐N kg−1 with and without 30 g biochar kg−1) were applied before incubating the units under constant soil moisture conditions for 78 days. CO2 fluxes were monitored and soils were analysed for macroaggregate yields and associated organic carbon (C). Mixed‐effects models were used to describe the effects. For all soil properties, results for the loess sites differed with respect to significant contributions of fixed effects for at least one site, suggesting the need for a general inclusion of different sites. Analysis using a multilevel model allowed generalizations for loess soils to be made and showed that site:slurry:biochar and site:slurry interactions were not negligible for macroaggregate yields. The use of a model soil as an internal control enabled observation of variabilities other than those related to soils or amendments. Experiments incorporating natural variability in soils or amendments resulted in partially different outcomes, indicating the need to include all important sources of variability.Highlights
Effects of biochar and slurry applications were studied for different designs and mixed‐effects models were used to describe the effects.
Including an internal control allowed observation of, e.g., methodological and analytical variabilities.
The results suggested the need for a general inclusion of different sites.
Analysis using a multilevel model allowed generalizations for loess soils.
The results indicated the need to include all important sources of variability.
Biosecurity risks related to recycling of mollusc shell waste for shellfish reef restoration in Australia
Authors: Diggles Ben K. 
Published: April 2021

SummaryA risk analysis was undertaken to assess the biosecurity risks involved with recycling mollusc shell waste for restoration of shellfish reefs in Australia. The hazard identification stage identified 20 diseases and 14 groups of marine pests upon which detailed risk assessment was undertaken. The qualitative risk assessment process involved release, exposure and consequence assessment, to arrive at an unmitigated risk estimation as well as risk estimates for several shell treatments, including 3, 4 or 6 months desiccation in sunlight, exposure to hot water at 55°C for 10 min or 80°C for 5 min, bathing in freshwater for > 24 h or in vinegar (4% acetic acid) for 30 min. The effectiveness of these treatments as risk management options were then compared to inform development of protocols for biosecure treatment of mollusc shells. The appropriate level of protection (ALOP) was expressed in qualitative terms as ‘very low’, representing an annual probability between 1 in 20 and 1 in 100 years. The outcomes from the risk analysis indicated that heating recycled mollusc shells in water at 80°C for > 5 min would meet the ALOP for all pests and diseases of concern. This method has limited throughput, however, and thus may be useful only for pilot scale restoration projects. Desiccation of mollusc shells in sunlight for 4 months at > 20°C was also within the ALOP for all hazards examined. However, if ambient weather conditions at the recycling facility prevent the shell pile drying out or exceeding 20°C for several months of the year, extending the desiccation period to 6 months with at least one shell turnover is recommended to provide sufficient safety margin to ensure the ALOP is met. Desiccation of mollusc shells can be undertaken at vast scales at minimal cost, and thus appears suitable for shellfish restoration at environmentally meaningful scales.
Instrumentally assessed gait quality is more relevant than gait endurance and velocity to explain patient‐reported walking ability in early‐stage multiple sclerosis
Authors: Carpinella Ilaria , Gervasoni Elisa , Anastasi Denise , Di Giovanni Rachele , Tacchino Andrea , Brichetto Giampaolo , Confalonieri Paolo , Rovaris Marco , Solaro Claudio , Ferrarin Maurizio , Cattaneo Davide 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackground and purposePeople with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) often report walking limitations even when the gold standard Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) indicates normal walking endurance/autonomy. The present multicenter study on early‐stage PwMS aims at analyzing which aspects are associated with patient‐reported walking limitations measured with the 12‐item Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale (MSWS‐12).MethodsEighty‐two PwMS (EDSS ≤ 2.5) were assessed using the Fullerton Advanced Balance Scale—short (FAB‐s), the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and the 6‐min Walk Test (6MWT), the latter administered also to 21 healthy subjects. Participants performed the 6MWT wearing three inertial sensors on ankles and trunk. Instrumented metrics describing gait velocity (stride length and frequency) and quality (regularity, symmetry, instability) were computed from sensor data. Fatigue (FSS), balance (FAB‐s), walking endurance (6MWT) and instrumented metrics were entered in a multiple regression model with MSWS‐12 as dependent variable.ResultsGait symmetry, gait instability, fatigue and balance were significantly associated with self‐rated walking ability, whilst walking endurance and velocity were not. Fatigue, balance, gait symmetry and instability were more impaired in participants reporting mild‐to‐moderate (MSMM‐PWL, 25 ≤ MSWS‐12 < 75) compared to those reporting none‐to‐minimal (MSnm‐PWL, 0 ≤ MSWS‐12 ≤ 25) perceived walking limitations. Compared to healthy subjects, gait symmetry and stability were reduced in MSnm‐PWL and MSMM‐PWL, even in those participants with EDSS ≤ 1.5.ConclusionInstrumentally assessed gait quality aspects (symmetry and instability) are associated with patient‐reported walking ability in early‐stage PwMS and seem sensitive biomarkers to detect subtle impairments even in the earliest stages of the disease (EDSS ≤ 1.5). Future studies should assess their ability to follow walking change due to MS progression or pharmacological/rehabilitation interventions.
Assessment of the genetic contribution to brain magnetic resonance imaging lesion load and atrophy measures in multiple sclerosis patients
Authors: Clarelli Ferdinando , Rocca Maria Assunta , Santoro Silvia , De Meo Ermelinda , Ferrè Laura , Sorosina Melissa , Martinelli Boneschi Filippo , Esposito Federica , Filippi Massimo 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackground and purposeMultiple sclerosis (MS) susceptibility is influenced by genetics; however, little is known about genetic determinants of disease expression. We aimed at assessing genetic factors influencing quantitative neuroimaging measures in two cohorts of progressive MS (PMS) and relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS) patients.MethodsNinety‐nine PMS and 214 RRMS patients underwent a 3‐T brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, with the measurement of five MRI metrics including T2 lesion volumes and measures of white matter, grey matter, deep grey matter, and hippocampal volumes. A candidate pathway strategy was adopted; gene set analysis was carried out to estimate cumulative contribution of genes to MRI phenotypes, adjusting for relevant confounders, followed by single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) regression analysis.ResultsSeventeen Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways and 42 Gene Ontology (GO) terms were tested. We additionally included in the analysis genes with enriched expression in brain cells. Gene set analysis revealed a differential pattern of association across the two cohorts, with processes related to sodium homeostasis being associated with grey matter volume in PMS (p = 0.002), whereas inflammatory‐related GO terms such as adaptive immune response and regulation of inflammatory response appeared to be associated with T2 lesion volume in RRMS (p = 0.004 and p = 0.008, respectively). As for SNPs, the rs7104613T mapping to SPON1 gene was associated with reduced deep grey matter volume (β = −0.731, p = 3.2*10−7) in PMS, whereas we found evidence of association between white matter volume and rs740948A mapping to SEMA3A gene (β = 22.04, p = 5.5*10−6) in RRMS.ConclusionsOur data suggest a different pattern of associations between MRI metrics and functional processes across MS disease courses, suggesting different phenomena implicated in MS.
Movement asymmetries in horses presented for prepurchase or lameness examination
Authors: Hardeman Aagje M. , Egenvall Agneta , Serra Bragança Filipe M. , Koene Marc H. W. , Swagemakers Jan‐Hein , Roepstorff Lars , van Weeren Rene , Byström Anna 
Published: April 2021

SummaryBackgroundThe increasing popularity of objective gait analysis makes application in prepurchase examinations (PPE) a logical next step. Therefore, there is a need to have more understanding of asymmetry during a PPE in horses described on clinical evaluation as subtly lame.ObjectivesThe objective of this study is to objectively compare asymmetry in horses raising minor vet concerns in a PPE and in horses raising major vet concerns with that found in horses presented with subtle single‐limb lameness, and to investigate the effect of age/discipline on the clinicians' interpretation of asymmetry on the classification of minor vet concerns in a PPE.Study DesignClinical case‐series.MethodsHorses presented for PPE (n = 98) or subjectively evaluated as single limb low‐grade (1–2/5) lame (n = 24, 13 forelimb lame, 11 hindlimb lame), from the patient population of a single clinic, were enrolled in the study provided that owners were willing to participate. Horses undergoing PPE were assigned a classification of having minor vet concerns (n = 84) or major vet concerns (n = 14) based on findings during the dynamic‐orthopaedic part of the PPE. Lame horses were only included if pain‐related lameness was confirmed by an objective improvement after diagnostic analgesia exceeding daily variation determined for equine symmetry parameters using optical motion capture. Clinical evaluation was performed by six different clinicians, each with ≥8 years of equine orthopaedic experience. Vertical movement symmetry was measured using optical motion capture, simultaneously with the orthopaedic examination. Data were analysed using previously described parameters and mixed model analysis and least squares means were used to calculate differences between groups.ResultsThere was no effect of age or discipline on the levels of asymmetry within PPE horses raising minor vet concerns. MinDiff and RUD of the head discriminated between forelimb lame and PPE horses raising minor vet concerns; MinDiff, MaxDiff, RUD of the Pelvis, HHDswing and HHDstance did so for hindlimb lameness. Two lameness patterns differentiated both forelimb and hindlimb lame from PPE horses with minor vet concerns: RUD Poll + MinDiff Withers – RUD Pelvis and RUD Pelvis + RUD Poll − MinDiff Withers. Correcting for vertical range of motion enabled differentiation of PPE horses with minor vet concerns from PPE horses with major vet concerns.Main LimitationsObjective data only based on trot on soft surface, limited number of PPE horses with major vet concerns.ConclusionsCombinations of kinematic parameters discriminate between PPE horses with minor vet concerns and subtly lame horses, though overlap exists.
Human pluripotent stem cells: An alternative for 3D in vitro modelling of skin disease
Authors: Khurana Preeti , Kolundzic Nikola , Flohr Carsten , Ilic Dusko 
Published: April 2021

AbstractTo effectively study the skin and its pathology, various platforms have been used to date, with in vitro 3D skin models being considered the future gold standard. These models have generally been engineered from primary cell lines. However, their short life span leading to the use of various donors, imposes issues with genetic variation. Human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)‐technology holds great prospects as an alternative to the use of primary cell lines to study the pathophysiology of human skin diseases. This is due to their potential to generate an unlimited number of genetically identical skin models that closely mimic the complexity of in vivo human skin. During the past decade, researchers have therefore started to use human embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells (hESC/iPSC) to derive skin resident‐like cells and components. These have subsequently been used to engineer hPSC‐derived 3D skin models. In this review, we focus on the advantages, recent developments, and future perspectives in using hPSCs as an alternative cell source for modelling human skin diseases in vitro.
The impact of credit rating information on disclosure quality
Authors: Chi Yung‐Ling , Flynn Sean 
Published: April 2021

AbstractDo credit ratings affect the information content of corporate disclosure? Using novel data on rating analysts to obtain exogenous variation in rating information, we find that greater uncertainty in credit ratings increases the quality of information disclosed by the firm. This is consistent with the firm attempting to reduce overall uncertainty about value by improving the quality of its own disclosure. We further show that improved disclosure is beneficial to firms. Our results are consistent with theories in which improvements in one type of information can crowd out other types, and they suggest that policies aimed at improving rating accuracy may, in fact, reduce the quality of corporate disclosure.
Global patterns and drivers of rainfall partitioning by trees and shrubs
Authors: Yue Kai , De Frenne Pieter , Fornara Dario A. , Van Meerbeek Koenraad , Li Wang , Peng Xin , Ni Xiangyin , Peng Yan , Wu Fuzhong , Yang Yusheng , Peñuelas Josep 
Published: April 2021

AbstractSpatiotemporal redistribution of incident rainfall in vegetated ecosystems results from the partitioning by plants into intercepted, stemflow, and throughfall fractions. However, variation in patterns and drivers of rainfall partitioning across global biomes remains poorly understood, which limited the ability of climate models to improve the predictions of biome hydrological cycle under global climate change scenario. Here, we synthesized and analyzed the partitioning of incident rainfall into interception, stemflow, and throughfall by trees and shrubs at the global scale using 2430 observations from 236 independent publications. We found that (1) globally, median levels of relative interception, stemflow, and throughfall accounted for 21.8%, 3.2%, and 73.0% of total incident rainfall, respectively; (2) rainfall partitioning varied among different biomes, due to variation in plant composition, canopy structure, and macroclimate; (3) relative stemflow tended to be driven by plant traits, such as crown height:width ratio, basal area, and height, while relative interception and throughfall tended to be driven by plant traits as well as meteorological variables. Our global assessment of patterns and drivers of rainfall partitioning underpins the role of meteorological factors and plant traits in biome‐specific ecohydrological cycles. We suggest to include these factors in climate models to improve the predictions of local hydrological cycles and associated biodiversity and function responses to changing climate conditions.
Multiple diversity facets of crucial microbial groups in biological soil crusts promote soil multifunctionality
Authors: Li Hua , Chen Youxin , Yu Gongliang , Rossi Federico , Huo Da , De Philippis Roberto , Cheng Xiaoli , Wang Weibo , Li Renhui 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAimMicrobial diversity is one of the most important factors for maintaining the performance of multiple functions in soils (multifunctionality). However, existing studies typically consider the taxonomic richness or Shannon diversity of the entire community. We know little about the connection network of taxonomic and phylogenetic facets of diversity and their collective impact on multifunctionality. In this study, the linkages of effects of diversity within functional groups were disentangled in drylands.LocationThe central Tibetan Plateau.Time periodPresent.Major taxa studiedPhototrophs and diazotrophs (mainly cyanobacteria).MethodsGiven the carbon‐ and nitrogen‐limited nature of drylands, we conducted a high‐throughput sequencing of C/N‐fixing functional groups from biocrusts and evaluated multiple facets of diversity (i.e., richness, evenness and phylogeny‐related trait dissimilarity), together with seven crucial variables of soil functioning to calculate multifunctionality. The relationships between multifaceted diversity and abundance with individual functions and multifunctionality were validated by a set of solid statistical analyses.ResultsWe found that the integrated biodiversity index was a stronger predictor of multifunctionality than richness. The divergent performance of different facets of diversity determined the idiosyncratic effect of each functional group on soil multifunctionality. Moreover, the evaluation of functional significance at the species level gave important clues on the trade‐offs and redundancy in each functional group, explaining the distinct patterns of effects of diversity. Richness was the dominant factor for diazotrophs to maximize multifunctionality, whereas phylogenetic dissimilarity was the essential one for phototrophs.Main conclusionsOur study demonstrated that multiple facets of diversity should be considered when assessing the effects of biodiversity. In contrast to the community level, within‐functional group measures might adequately capture the features of diversity that are most correlated with soil multifunctionality. Our results provide a perspective to bridge the gap between taxonomic and trait‐based approaches for elucidating the biodiversity–ecosystem function relationship.
Social factors predicting improvement of frailty in community‐dwelling older adults: Korean Frailty and Aging Cohort Study
Authors: Jang Ah Ram , Won Chang Won , Sagong Hae , Bae Eunjung , Park Hyena , Yoon Ju Young 
Published: April 2021

AimThe study aimed to identify social factors predicting improvement of frailty in community‐dwelling older adults after 2 years using a population‐based cohort study.MethodsWe analyzed data from the 2016 and 2018 Korean Frailty and Aging Cohort Study. The participants of this study were 1428 community‐dwelling older adults aged 70–84 years who were recruited from 10 medical centers across different regions. Frailty was measured using the five‐item FRAIL scale, which evaluates fatigue, resistance, ambulation, illness and weight loss. Multilevel logistic regression analysis was used to examine baseline social factors that predict frailty improvement after 2 years by frailty status.ResultsIn frail older adults, higher participation in social activities (odds ratio [OR] 1.17, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02–1.34) was significantly associated with frailty improvement. In pre‐frail older adults, there were no significant social factors predicting the improvement of frailty status; however, other modifiable factors such as high and moderate levels of physical activity (OR 1.17, 95% CI 1.07–1.28, OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.03–1.25, respectively) and low depressive symptoms (OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.84–0.91) were associated with pre‐frail improvements. High levels of physical activity (OR 1.16, 95% CI 1.02–1.33) were also associated with improvements of frailty.ConclusionsDifferent strategies depending on the level of frailty are necessary to improve frailty status. Timely and appropriate interventions can promote frailty improvement and prevent negative health outcomes in community‐dwelling older adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2021; 21: 465–471.
Formulation of topical acidic products and acidification of the skin – Contribution of glycolic acid
Authors: Lukic Milica , Filipovic Mila , Pajic Nevena , Lunter Dominique , Bozic Dragana , Savic Snezana 
Published: April 2021

AbstractObjectiveThe acidic skin pH is one of the regulating factors of skin barrier homeostasis. Topical products as extrinsic factors which influence skin pH could be used for acidification of the skin and consequent beneficial effect. To formulate stabile and safe topical emulsion product with low pH is on‐going challenge and areas interesting to explore are related to the effect of acidic products on the skin pH together with development of protocols for these studies. Aim of our work was to investigate formulations of acidic topical products with glycolic acid (GA) stabilized with long chain alkyl polyglucoside emulsifier, in regard to the specific colloidal structure of the vehicle, together with effect of products with different concentration of acidic active on skin pH.MethodsInvestigated formulations were basic vehicle and two creams with glycolic acid (concentration 2 and 10 wt%). Microstructure was investigated by polarization microscopy, Raman spectral imaging, thermal analysis and rheological measurements. Effects on the skin were assessed by measurement of biophysical skin parameters in vivo studies (5‐hour, 24‐hour and 7‐days). In vitro screening of antimicrobial activity was performed against bacteria Staphylococcus epidermidis.ResultsPolarization micrographs and Raman images have shown that GA does not disturb the specific colloidal structure. Together with rheological and thermal analysis obtained results have shown that GA in higher concentrations contributes to vehicles’ lamellar structure. In 5‐hour study the mean values of skin pH ranged from 3.98‐4.25 and 3.89‐4.10 after application of products with smaller and higher GA concentration. GA samples lowered skin surface pH to 5 and less in 24‐hour and 7‐day study, with stronger effect of sample with more GA. Sample with 10% of GA had significant inhibitory effect on growth of S. epidermidis in 1:1 concentration.ConclusionsInvestigated APG emulsifier could be used as a stabilizer for acidic topical products with GA which are characterized by satisfactory safety profile. Topical products induce acidification of the skin after short‐ and long‐term application without barrier impairment or sign of irritation. Acidification of the skin depends on presence of ingredients which are proton donors and their concentrations.