bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A simple model for the evolution of temperature-dependent sex determination explains the temperature sensitivity of embryonic mortality in imperiled reptiles
Authors: Lawson Lauren , Rollinson Njal 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
A common reptile conservation strategy involves artificial incubation of embryos and release of hatchlings or juveniles into wild populations. Temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD) occurs in most chelonians, permitting conservation managers to bias sex ratios towards females by incubating embryos at high temperatures, ultimately allowing the introduction of more egg-bearing individuals into populations. Here, we revisit classic sex allocation theory and hypothesize that TSD evolved in some reptile groups (specifically, chelonians and crocodilians) because male fitness is more sensitive to condition (general health, vigor) than female fitness. It follows that males benefit more than females from incubation environments that confer high-quality phenotypes, and hence high-condition individuals. We predict that female-producing temperatures, which comprise relatively high incubation temperatures in chelonians and crocodilians, are relatively stressful for embryos and subsequent life stages. We synthesize data from 28 studies to investigate how constant temperature incubation affects embryonic mortality in chelonians with TSD. We find several lines of evidence suggesting that warm, female-producing temperatures are more stressful than cool, male-producing temperatures. Further, we find some evidence that pivotal temperatures (TPiv, the temperature that produces a 1:1 sex ratio) may exhibit a correlated evolution with embryonic thermal tolerance. If patterns of temperature-sensitive embryonic mortality are also indicative of chronic thermal stress that occurs post-hatching, then conservation programs may benefit from incubating eggs close to species-specific TPivs, thus avoiding high-temperature incubation. Indeed, our models predict that, on average, a sex ratio of &gt;75% females can generally be achieved by incubating eggs only 1°C above TPiv. Of equal importance, we provide insight into the enigmatic evolution of TSD in chelonians, by providing support to the hypothesis that TSD evolution is related to the quality of the phenotype conferred by incubation temperature, with males produced in high-quality incubation environments.
Commoners on Crusade: The Creation of Political Space?
Authors: Tyerman C J 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
According to a monastic chronicler from Lower Saxony, in October 1147, at Nicaea in Asia Minor, tensions within the crusade host of Conrad III of Germany threatened to erupt into mutiny. The chronicler pinned the blame on rumours that Conrad proposed bailing out the poverty-stricken and amateurish infantry and despatching them by sea directly to the Holy Land. The putative recipients angrily rejected royal largesse and authority, electing their own leader, a man called Bernard, and condemning Conrad with the words: ‘Since he scorns to have common people (plebem) with him, we refuse to follow him as king’. In this story, the king backed down. Whether or not these events actually happened, the incident conforms to similar descriptions of popular challenges to crusade leadership emerging from almost all the large-scale crusade campaigns to the eastern Mediterranean from the First Crusade onwards. Shared features include collective non-noble identity; organised popular political action; active public dialogue between commanders and their followers; social tensions that expose suspicions of elite self-interest and backsliding; and an outline of a coherent set of commoner ideological principles revolving around a desire to maintain, and occasionally to assert, communal fraternity across social groups in a common cause.
Pump flow setting and assessment of unloading in clinical practice
Authors: Møller Jacob Eifer , Hassager Christian , Bonello Laurent , Delmas Clement , Pappalardo Federico 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The rationale for mechanical circulatory support (MCS) in cardiogenic shock is to restore cardiac output in selected patients when critically low or in case of refractory cardiac arrest. Furthermore, an MCS device that moves blood from either the left atrium or the left ventricle to the systemic circulation will potentially unload the ventricle. These devices are used alone or in combination with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO). If a left-sided Impella device is used, it should be run at the highest possible performance level during treatment while avoiding suction events. When combined with VA-ECMO, the Impella device should be run at a lower performance level, ensuring sufficient left ventricular emptying but avoiding suction. Continuous monitoring is pivotal and patients managed outside the catheterization laboratory should be monitored with an arterial line, a central venous catheter, frequent use of pulmonary artery catheters and regular imaging by transthoracic echocardiogram.
Aromatic compound-degrading taxa in an anoxic coal seam microbiome from the Surat Basin, Australia
Authors: C Campbell Bronwyn , Gong Se , Greenfield Paul , J Midgley David , T Paulsen Ian , C George Simon 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT
Methane is an important energy resource internationally, and a large proportion of this methane is produced by microbial communities living in coal seams. Despite the value of this resource for human energy security, our understanding of the metabolic roles played by specific taxa during the biodegradation of coal to methane in situ is quite limited. In order to develop a greater understanding of microbial catabolism on coal, a community from a coal seam in the Surat Basin, Australia, was incubated on 10 different aromatic organic compounds: coronene, benzo[a]pyrene, pyrene, phenanthrene, naphthalene, ethylbenzene, phenol, benzoate, vanillate and syringate. Each of these aromatic compounds either occurs in coal or is a possible product of the coal biodegradation process. 16S rRNA sequencing revealed substantial changes to each community in response to each aromatic carbon substrate provided. Abundant taxa from these substrate-specific communities were identified and their probable catabolic roles proposed based on literature searches of related taxa. This study is the first to link specific coal seam taxa to aromatic substrates available in coal seam environments. Two conceptual models of the putative degradation pathways and key taxa responsible are proposed.
Bacteria responsible for antimonite oxidation in antimony-contaminated soil revealed by DNA-SIP coupled to metagenomics
Authors: Zhang Miaomiao , Kolton Max , Li Zhe , Lin Hanzhi , Li Fangbai , Lu Guimei , Gao Pin , Sun Xiaoxu , Xu Rui , Xu Fuqing , Sun Weimin 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT
Antimony (Sb), the analog of arsenic (As), is a toxic metalloid that poses risks to the environment and human health. Antimonite (Sb(III)) oxidation can decrease Sb toxicity, which contributes to the bioremediation of Sb contamination. Bacteria can oxidize Sb(III), but the current knowledge regarding Sb(III)-oxidizing bacteria (SbOB) is limited to pure culture studies, thus underestimating the diversity of SbOB. In this study, Sb(III)-oxidizing microcosms were set up using Sb-contaminated rice paddies as inocula. Sb(III) oxidation driven by microorganisms was observed in the microcosms. The increasing copies and transcription of the arsenate-oxidizing gene, aioA, in the microcosms during biotic Sb(III) oxidation indicated that microorganisms mediated Sb(III) oxidation via the aioA genes. Furthermore, a novel combination of DNA-SIP and shotgun metagenomic was applied to identify the SbOB and predict their metabolic potential. Several putative SbOB were identified, including Paracoccus, Rhizobium, Achromobacter and Hydrogenophaga. Furthermore, the metagenomic analysis indicated that all of these putative SbOB contained aioA genes, confirming their roles in Sb(III) oxidation. These results suggested the concept of proof of combining DNA-SIP and shotgun metagenomics directly. In addition, the identification of the novel putative SbOB expands the current knowledge regarding the diversity of SbOB.
Classroom undergraduate research experiences are a “CURE” that increases engagement by students and teachers
Authors: Scott Kathleen M 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT
It is widely acknowledged that having experience conducting research is invaluable for undergraduate science students. Most undergraduate research is undertaken by students in a mentor's laboratory, but this limits the number of opportunities for students, as each laboratory can only take on a certain number of undergraduate researchers each semester. Additionally, it is also widely acknowledged that it is difficult for teachers to meet research goals while providing the best possible coursework for undergraduate students. Both of these bottlenecks can be circumvented via Classroom Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs), which integrate research into the curricula of structured undergraduate classes. Students enrolled in classes that include CUREs conduct research to address open-ended questions as part of their coursework. In this commentary, I describe the many ways in which CUREs are helpful for students and teachers, as well as considerations for designing successful CUREs. I provide several examples of CUREs from Microbial Physiology laboratory classes and Genomics classes that I have taught. Results from these CUREs have been successfully integrated into many peer-reviewed publications in which the students are co-authors, which has been a boon both to students’ post-baccalaureate opportunities, as well as my research agenda.
High-resolution genetic dissection of the major QTL for tipburn resistance in lettuce,Lactuca sativa
Authors: Macias-González Miguel , Truco Maria Jose , Han Rongkui , Jenni Sylvie , Michelmore Richard W 
Published: March 2021

AbstractTipburn is an important physiological disorder of lettuce, Lactuca sativa L., related to calcium deficiency that can result in leaf necrosis and unmarketable crops. The major quantitative trait locus (QTL), qTPB5.2, can account for up to 70% of the phenotypic variance for tipburn incidence in the field. This QTL was genetically dissected to identify candidate genes for tipburn by creating lines with recombination events within the QTL and assessing their resistance to tipburn. By comparing lines with contrasting haplotypes, the genetic region was narrowed down to ∼877 Kb that was associated with a reduction of tipburn by ∼60%. Analysis of the lettuce reference genome sequence revealed 12 genes in this region, one of which is a calcium transporter with a single nucleotide polymorphism in an exon between haplotypes with contrasting phenotypes. RNA-seq analysis of recombinants revealed two genes that were differentially expressed between contrasting haplotypes consistent with the tipburn phenotype. One encodes a Teosinte branched1/Cycloidea/Proliferating Cell factor transcription factor; however, differential expression of the calcium transporter was detected. The phenotypic data indicated that there is a second region outside of the ∼877 Kb region but within the QTL, at which a haplotype from the susceptible parent decreased tipburn by 10–20%. A recombinant line was identified with beneficial haplotypes in each region from both parents that showed greater tipburn resistance than the resistant parent; this line could be used as the foundation for breeding cultivars with more resistance than is currently available.
Municipal health promotion programs: is childhood obesity a concern at local level in Portugal?
Authors: Pereira Margarida , Padez Cristina , Nogueira Helena 
Published: March 2021

Summary
Health promotion programs, targeted at distinct health outcomes such as childhood obesity, at local level are increasingly used worldwide. Therefore, there is a need to better understand the role of local governments (municipalities) as key public health promoters namely in the prevention of obesity in children. We aimed to provide some input regarding this issue in Portugal. First, we identified health-enhancing programs promoted by Portuguese municipalities in which children could participate. Then, we conducted a document analysis to provide clues about how municipalities conceptualized child health by retrieving information on which topics the programs were focused in, or acted upon, and identifying which socio-ecological model levels were addressed (or not) by each program. The 77 identified programs were promoted by 30 of the 308 Portuguese municipalities and only 11 programs addressed childhood obesity. Most programs focused in the individual health determinants and provided limited information which disabled its deeper analysis. Portuguese municipalities seem to disregard their potential as public health promoters. Childhood obesity is a major public health concern at national (and global) level but the same does not emerge locally. Municipalities are the closest government entities to the population, and it is their responsibility to ensure the population’s quality of life, by addressing the social determinants and the physical environments. Therefore, municipalities should acknowledge health in their actions and delineate health improvement programs considering current evidence, specifically in the case of childhood obesity prevention that besides being a health problem in itself, is a risk factor for non-communicable diseases.
Effect of barcode technology on medication preparation safety: a quasi-experimental study
Authors: Küng Kaspar , Aeschbacher Katrin , Rütsche Adrian , Goette Jeannette , Zürcher Simeon , Schmidli Jürg , Schwendimann René 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background
Medication errors are a common problem in hospitals and a major driver of adverse patient outcomes. Barcode verification technology is a promising strategy to help ensure safe medication preparation practices.

Objectives
The objectives of this study were (i) to assess the effects of a barcode-assisted medication preparation and administration system regarding the rate of medication preparation errors and (ii) to compare the time spent on medication preparation tasks by medical staff.

Methods
A quasi-experimental study with a pre–post design was conducted, from August 2017 to July 2018, in two mixed medical/surgical units of a tertiary teaching hospital. The primary aim was to assess the effects of a barcode-based electronically assisted medication preparation and administration system linked to the hospital’s electronic medication administration record regarding the rate of medication preparation errors and time-based staff performance. Data were collected using direct observation. Adjusted and unadjusted logistic models were used for error frequencies and linear regression models for time performance.

Results
5932 instances of medication selection and dosing during 79 medication preparation procedures were observed. The overall medication preparation error incidence decreased from 9.9% at baseline to 4.5% at post-intervention, corresponding to a relative risk reduction of 54.5% (P &lt; 0.001). However, the adjusted effect by registered nurses (RNs) and nurses’ work experience of total medication preparation errors showed only borderline significance (odds ratio [OR] 0.64, P = 0.051). For adjusted error-specific analyses, significant error reductions were found in wrong medication errors (OR 0.38, P &lt; 0.010) and wrong dosage errors (OR 0.12, P = 0.004). Wrong patient, wrong form and ambiguous dispenser errors did not occur at post-intervention. Errors of omission (OR 1.53, P = 0.17), additional doses (OR 0.63, P = 0.64) and wrong dispenser boxes (OR 0.51, P = 0.11) did not change significantly. The time necessary to prepare medications for a 24-h period also decreased significantly—from 30.2 min to 17.2 min (beta = −6.5, P = 0.047), while mean preparation time per individual medication dose fell from 24.3 s to 15.1 s (beta = −5.0, P = 0.002).

Conclusion
Use of the new barcode technology significantly reduced the rate of some medication preparation errors in our sample. Moreover, the time necessary for medication preparation, both per 24-h period and per single-medication dose, was significantly reduced.
A Survey of Sigma Metrics across Three Academic Medical Centers
Authors: Feldhammer Matthew , Brown Megan , Colby Jennifer , Bryksin Janetta , Milstid Bryan , Nichols James H 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background
Sigma metric calculations provide laboratories an objective means to assess analytical method performance. Methods with higher sigma values are desirable because they are more reliable and may use less frequent quality control in order to maintain optimal performance. Sigma metrics can also serve as a tool when comparing method performance across assay and manufacturer platforms.

Methods
Sigma values were calculated for 28 common chemistry and 24 immunoassay assays across 3 academic medical centers. Method imprecision and percent bias relative to peer group means was tabulated from Bio-Rad quality control (QC) data. Sigma values were calculated for each method using allowable total error (TEa) from either the CLIA evaluation limits or desirable biological variation. Average sigma values were generated for each site and graded as optimal: &gt;6 sigma; good: 5–6 sigma; marginal: 3–5 sigma; or poor: &lt;3 sigma. Analysis of NIST SRM1950 standards for a subset of analytes allowed an estimation of absolute bias.

Results
Clinical chemistry assays displayed similar method performance across all 3 study sites. Immunoassays showed significant differences between manufacturers, and a majority of assays failed to meet an optimal level of performance. Different TEa values produced different sigma metrics with more stringent TEa limits based on biological variation, resulting in poorer performance estimates than the wider CLIA limits. Analysis of NIST standards revealed similar performance.

Conclusions
Sigma metrics are comparable for chemistry but not immunoassay platforms. The selection of total allowable error goals led to differences in sigma metrics.
Informatics for public health and health system collaboration: Applications for the control of the current COVID-19 pandemic and the next one
Authors: Lenert Leslie A , Ding Wei , Jacobs Jeff 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Public health faces unprecedented challenges in its efforts to control COVID-19 through a national vaccination campaign. Addressing these challenges will require fundamental changes to public health data systems. For example, of the core data systems for immunization campaigns is the immunization information system (IIS); however, IISs were designed for tracking the vaccinated, not finding the patients who are high risk and need to be vaccinated. Health systems have this data in their electronic health records (EHR) systems and often have a greater capacity for outreach. Clearly, a partnership is needed. However, successful collaborations will require public health to change from its historical hierarchical information supply chain model to an ecosystem model with a peer-to-peer exchange with population health providers. Examples of the types of informatics innovations necessary to support such an ecosystem include a national patient identifier, population-level data exchange for immunization data, and computable electronic quality measures. Rather than think of these components individually, a comprehensive approach to rapidly adaptable tools for collaboration is needed.
Alien woody plant invasions in natural forests across China
Authors: Wang Yupin , Fei Songlin , Tang Zhiyao , Sun Yuanfeng , Chen Guoping , Wang Xiangping , Wang Shaopeng , Fang Jingyun 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAimsAlien plant invasion has become a major global environmental issue, causing severe economic and ecological damages. Severe invasions have been reported in some regions of China. However, most studies have been conducted at local and provincial levels, and the overall degree of invasion in natural forests across China remains unclear. Here, we explored the biogeographic patterns and their environmental and socioeconomic controls of the invaded alien woody plants in natural forests across the country.MethodsWe compiled the data of 3573 natural forest plots across the mainland China and mapped spatial distribution of alien woody plant invasion. We also used logistic regression models to identify the key socioeconomic and environmental factors that were associated with the observed invasion patterns.Important FindingsWe found that only 271 plots among 3573 natural forest plots were invaded by alien woody plants, accounting for 7.58% of all plots. Among all 2825 woody plant species across all plots surveyed, only 5 alien species (0.177%) were found. Both human activities and climate factors were related to the observed invasion patterns. Since China’s natural forests are mostly located in remote mountainous areas with limited human disturbance, alien woody plant invasions are less than those reported in North America and Europe. However, with the development of transportation and increased economic activities in mountainous areas, more invasions by alien plants may be expected in the future. Therefore, proactive management and policy making are desired to prevent or slow down the invasion processes.
Clonal performance of Scirpus yagara in multiple levels of substrate heterogeneity and submergence
Authors: Wang Tong , Yang Liyu , Shao Runyu , Hu Jiangtao , Liu Chunhua , Yu Dan 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Aims
Environmental heterogeneity affects the performance of clonal aquatic plants. Few researchers integrated two aspects of heterogeneity into the study of clonal plant ecology. The aims of the present study are to (i) test whether different substrate heterogeneity and submergence exert similar effects on plant performance and (ii) explore the foraging behaviour.

Methods
In this study, Scirpus yagara was subjected to multiple levels of substrate heterogeneity and submergence. Substrate treatments included one homogeneous substrate and three heterogeneous substrates (two-patch, four-patch and eight-patch). Water level treatments included 0, 10 and 30 cm. Traits including ramet number, generation number, leaf number, bulb number, ramet height, culm length, rhizome length, clonal radius, spacer length, spacer thickness, total biomass, biomass of bulbs and biomass per bulb were measured.

Important Findings
Deeper water levels significantly reduced variables associated with growth such as ramet number, generation number, leaf number and bulb number, while substrate patchiness induced significant variations in traits such as spacer length and spacer thickness. Significant interactive effects of the two factors were found for ramet number, leaf number and spacer length. Scirpus yagara showed colonization towards the lake sediment patch in two-patch and four-patch substrates, and more structures were placed in the lake sediment patch. Especially for the two-patch substrate, all structures occupied the lake sediment patch. Two-sided intrusion was observed in the eight-patch substrate, which induced an even allocation of structures in different patches. The foraging behaviour was correlated with the patch size.