bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Strength assessment and durability of self-compacting concrete manufactured with various fine aggregates subjected to acidic curing environment
Authors: Douara Taha Hocine , Guettala Salim , Hadji Tarek , Attia Ahmed 
Published: July 2021

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to contribute with experimental study of the effects of binary and ternary combinations of river sand (RS), crushed sand (CS) and dune sand (DS) on the physical and mechanical performances of self-compacting concrete (SCC) subjected to acidic curing environments, HCl and H2SO4 solutions.

Design/methodology/approach
Five SCCs were prepared with the combinations 100% RS, 0.8RS + 0.2CS, 0.6RS + 0.2CS + 0.2DS, 0.6RS + 0.4DS and 0.6CS + 0.4DS. The porosity of sand, fluidity, deformability, stability, compressive strength and sorptivity coefficient were tested. SCCs cubic specimens with a side length of 10 cm were submerged in HCl and H2SO4 acids, wherein the concentration was 5%, for periods of 28, 90 and 180 days. The resistance to acid attack was evaluated by visual examination, mass loss and compressive strength loss.

Findings
The results showed that it is possible to partially substitute the RS with CS and DS in the SCC, without strongly affecting the fluidity, deformability, stability, compressive strength and durability against HCl and H2SO4 attack. The two combinations, 0.8RS + 0.2CS and 0.6RS + 0.2CS + 0.2DS, improved the compactness and the resistance to acid attacks of SCC. Consequently, the improvement in SCC compactness, by the combination of RS, CS and DS, decreased the sorptivity coefficient of SCC and increased its resistance to acid attacks, in comparison with that made only by RS.

Originality/value
The use of RS is experiencing a considerable increase in line with the development of the country. To satisfy this demand, it is necessary to substitute this sand with other materials more abundant. The use of locally available materials is a very effective way to protect the environment, improve the physico-mechanical properties and durability of SCC and it can be a beneficial economical alternative. Few studies have addressed the effect of the binary and ternary combination of RS, CS and DS on the resistance to acid attacks of SCC.
Improving intra‐ and inter‐annual GPP predictions by using individual tree inventories and leaf growth dynamics
Authors: Fang Jing , Lutz James A. , Shugart Herman H. , Yan Xiaodong , Xie Wenqiang , Liu Feng 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Carbon sequestration is a key ecosystem service provided by forests. Inventory data based on individual trees are considered to be the most accurate method for estimating forest productivity. However, the estimations of forest photosynthesis from inventory data remain understudied, particularly when considering the growth and development of individual trees under the background of global change.

Here, we used the leaf growth process with phenology and non‐structural carbohydrates (NSC) storage to revise an individual‐tree‐based carbon model, FORCCHN. This model couples leaf development and biomass to quantify gross primary productivity (GPP) in the forests, where growth is decoupled from photosynthesis in daily step. The model was initialized with inventory‐based forest data rather than the more widely used satellite‐based data.

We tested the model against measured above‐ground woody biomass, growth of leaf biomass, daily gross ecosystem exchange (GEE) and yearly GEE at five representative forest sites in the Northern Hemisphere. We also compared the results from the original model and the revised model at five forest sites. Including leaf growth dynamics and inventory‐based initialization improved the predicted performance (r2) of GPP by an average of 33%.

Synthesis and applications. Our results suggest that the appropriate vegetation data sources (i.e. inventory or satellite selection) and the effective predictions of the growth process should be considered when developing future carbon cycle models and forest carbon estimation options. Applying and improving such carbon models to evaluate carbon sequestration is an important part of forest carbon sink management.
Functional characterization of a high‐affinity iron transporter (PiFTR) from the endophytic fungus Piriformospora indica and its role in plant growth and development
Authors: Verma Nidhi , Narayan Om Prakash , Prasad Durga , Jogawat Abhimanyu , Panwar Sneh Lata , Dua Meenakshi , Johri Atul Kumar 
Published: July 2021

SummaryIron (Fe) is a micronutrient required for plant growth and development; however, most Fe forms in soil are not readily available to plants, resulting in low Fe contents in plants and, thereby, causing Fe deficiency in humans. Biofortification through plant‐fungal co‐cultivation might be a sustainable approach to increase crop Fe contents. Therefore, we aimed to examine the role of a Piriformospora indica Fe transporter on rice Fe uptake under low Fe conditions. A high‐affinity Fe transporter (PiFTR) from P. indica was identified and functionally characterized. PiFTR fulfilled all criteria expected of a functional Fe transporter under Fe‐limited conditions. Additionally, PiFTR expression was induced when P. indica was grown under low Fe conditions, and PiFTR complemented a yeast mutant lacking Fe transport. A knockdown (KD) P. indica strain was created via RNA interference to understand the physiological role of PiFTR. We observed that the KD‐PiFTR‐P. indica strain transported a significantly lower amount of Fe to colonized rice (Oryza sativa) than the wild type (WT) P. indica. WT P. indica‐colonized rice plants were healthier and performed significantly better than KD‐PiFTR‐P. indica‐colonized rice plants. Our study offers potential avenues for an agronomically sound amelioration of plant growth in low Fe environments.
When All That Glitters Is Gold: Dominated Plan Choice on Covered California for the 2018 Plan Year
Authors: RASMUSSEN PETRA W. , ANDERSON DAVID 
Published: July 2021

Policy Points
Purchasing health insurance is a complex task with multiple potential points of failure.
In 2018, following the silver‐loading price shock, 20.2% of households earning above 200% of the federal poverty level with coverage through the two Covered California insurers who sold dominated silver plans purchased the inferior, dominated silver plan.
Individuals who were automatically reenrolled were more likely to purchase an inferior, dominated plan.
Automatic reenrollment rules and marketplace choice architecture should be modified to avoid placing people into dominated health insurance policies and help consumers more easily select superior coverage for themselves.
ContextThe Affordable Care Act (ACA) individual health insurance marketplaces rely on purchasers to make informed choices to impose price and quality discipline on a complex array of insurance products. A sudden and minimally expected policy shock in the fall of 2017—the termination of direct federal payment for cost‐sharing reduction (CSR) subsidies—led to a substantial change in the relative prices of silver and gold plans on the Covered California insurance marketplace. From 2014 to 2017, all gold plans in California were more expensive than comparable silver plans that were offered by the same insurer using the same network in the same county. For the 2018 plan year, however, some gold plans that had lower cost sharing also had lower premiums than did comparable silver plans, resulting in silver “dominated” plans being sold through Covered California.MethodsWe used the Covered California enrollment and product files from 2014 to 2018 in a retrospective data analysis of plan choice. We examined individuals earning above 200% of the federal poverty level who purchased plans from insurers who sold dominated silver plans in 2018.FindingsWe found that 3.9% of all Covered California enrollees in 2018 chose a strictly and transparently dominated plan. Among households with incomes above 200% of the federal poverty level that were enrolled in plans from the two insurers that offered dominated plans, 20.2% chose a dominated plan. Households that actively enrolled in 2018 and were enrolled in a silver plan in the previous year enrolled in a dominated plan at higher rates than did new enrollees and those who were enrolled in nonsilver plans in the previous year. More than 30% of households that had their coverage automatically renewed in 2018 enrolled in a dominated plan. On average, households enrolled in dominated plans in 2018 spent an additional $38.87 per month in premiums.ConclusionsHouseholds routinely chose dominated plans and were exposed to both higher monthly premiums and higher potential cost sharing. Health insurance marketplaces should improve decision supports and choice curation to eliminate the possibility of individuals choosing dominated plans.
Guidelines for reasonable and appropriate care in the emergency department (GRACE): Recurrent, low‐risk chest pain in the emergency department
Authors: Musey Paul I. , Bellolio Fernanda , Upadhye Suneel , Chang Anna Marie , Diercks Deborah B. , Gottlieb Michael , Hess Erik P. , Kontos Michael C. , Mumma Bryn E. , Probst Marc A. , Stahl John H. , Stopyra Jason P. , Kline Jeffrey A. , Carpenter Christopher R. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThis first Guideline for Reasonable and Appropriate Care in the Emergency Department (GRACE‐1) from the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine is on the topic: Recurrent, Low‐risk Chest Pain in the Emergency Department. The multidisciplinary guideline panel used The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach to assess the certainty of evidence and strength of recommendations regarding eight priority questions for adult patients with recurrent, low‐risk chest pain and have derived the following evidence based recommendations: (1) for those >3 h chest pain duration we suggest a single, high‐sensitivity troponin below a validated threshold to reasonably exclude acute coronary syndrome (ACS) within 30 days; (2) for those with a normal stress test within the previous 12 months, we do not recommend repeat routine stress testing as a means to decrease rates of major adverse cardiac events at 30 days; (3) insufficient evidence to recommend hospitalization (either standard inpatient admission or observation stay) versus discharge as a strategy to mitigate major adverse cardiac events within 30 days; (4) for those with non‐obstructive (<50% stenosis) coronary artery disease (CAD) on prior angiography within 5 years, we suggest referral for expedited outpatient testing as warranted rather than admission for inpatient evaluation; (5) for those with no occlusive CAD (0% stenosis) on prior angiography within 5 years, we recommend referral for expedited outpatient testing as warranted rather than admission for inpatient evaluation; (6) for those with a prior coronary computed tomographic angiography within the past 2 years with no coronary stenosis, we suggest no further diagnostic testing other than a single, normal high‐sensitivity troponin below a validated threshold to exclude ACS within that 2 year time frame; (7) we suggest the use of depression and anxiety screening tools as these might have an effect on healthcare use and return emergency department (ED) visits; and (8) we suggest referral for anxiety or depression management, as this might have an impact on healthcare use and return ED visits.
Palaeopathological Study of the Mompaderno Cranium (Croatian Istria) Reveals Interpersonal Violence during Early Bronze Age
Authors: Vincenti Giorgia , Vinci Giacomo , Fabbri Pier Francesco , Tuniz Claudio , Marzaioli Fabio , Passariello Isabella , Arbulla Deborah , Bernardini Federico 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe Mompaderno cranium was found in 1883 at Baderna/Mompaderno in Croatian Istria. It was suspected to date from the Mesolithic or Neolithic period, but radiocarbon analyses, performed by accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) on collagen extracted from two teeth, have provided an age range of 2,202–1928 cal. BC, which corresponds to the Early Bronze Age in the investigated region. Macroscopic observations and X‐ray micro‐tomography (micro‐CT) of the cranium have shown antemortem sharp force trauma on the frontal bones, probably caused by a bronze axe, and a related osteomyelitis likely caused by an infection of the wound. The study has also revealed a previous depressed fracture and an osteolytic area interpreted as intradiploic meningioma. Results provide rare and earliest evidence of interpersonal violence in the northern Adriatic region.
Win some, lose some: Mesocosm communities maintain community productivity despite lower phosphorus availability because of increased species diversity
Authors: DeCock Eva , De Schrijver An , Schelfhout Stephanie , Wasof Safaa , Vanhellemont Margot , Moeneclaey Iris , Mertens Jan , Verheyen Kris , Baeten Lander 
Published: July 2021

AbstractAimsThe restoration of degraded ecosystems typically focuses on establishing assemblages of target species, but successful recovery should also be evaluated by the ecosystem's functioning to guarantee long‐term persistence. We investigated how the processes underlying community assembly (i.e. species loss, species gain and changes in abundance of resident species) influenced ecosystem functioning in experimental grassland communities in different states of restoration.LocationA greenhouse experiment in northern Flanders, Belgium.MethodsWe set up a mesocosm experiment with communities of 19 planted species, ranging from slow‐growing species from poorly productiveNardusgrasslands to fast‐growing species from highly productiveLolium perennegrasslands. We categorised the mesocosms into different grassland restoration states based on known abiotic and biotic restoration barriers for semi‐natural grassland restoration: soil phosphorus levels and soil biota communities. After two growing seasons, we used the CAFE approach, an ecological application of the Price equation, to partition the effects of plant community assembly on ecosystem functioning (here community productivity) for the different restoration states.ResultsAdding soil biota communities sampled from referenceNardusgrasslands vs more intensively managed grasslands did not have a significant effect on either plant species richness or biomass productivity. Lower soil phosphorus concentrations (i.e. abiotic restoration) resulted in a higher plant species richness. However, the net effect on productivity was close to zero. The increase in productivity caused by species gains was compensated through decreases in productivity caused by species loss and by decreases in the abundance or functioning of species that are present in both abiotically degraded and abiotically restored states.ConclusionsNot only species richness but also species identity resulted in changes in ecosystem functioning (i.e. productivity), even though the net functional effects were close to zero. More specifically, we found that species richness‐driven increases in productivity were counterbalanced by resource‐driven and species identity‐driven reductions in productivity.
Effect of Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass on the pharmacokinetic‐pharmacodynamic relationships of liquid and controlled‐release formulations of oxycodone
Authors: Ladebo Louise , Abuhelwa Ahmad Y. , Foster David J. R. , Kroustrup Jens P. , Pacyk Grzegorz J. , Kongstad Kenneth T. , Drewes Asbjørn M. , Christrup Lona L. , Olesen Anne E. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe physiological changes following Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery may impact drug release from mechanistically different controlled‐release tablets, making generic substitution inappropriate. This study aimed to characterise the pharmacokinetic‐pharmacodynamic relationships of oxycodone from a lipid‐based and water‐swellable controlled‐release tablet in RYGB patients. Twenty RYGB patients received 10‐mg oral solution oxycodone or 20‐mg controlled‐release (water‐swellable or lipid‐based) oxycodone in a three‐way, randomised, semiblinded and cross‐over study. Blood sampling and pupillary recordings were conducted over a 24‐h period. A previously established pharmacokinetic‐pharmacodynamic model of these three formulations in healthy volunteers was used in the analysis as a reference model. No differences in absorption kinetics were seen between controlled‐release formulations in patients. However, the absorption lag time was 11.5 min in patients vs 14 min in healthy volunteers for controlled‐release tablets (P < 0.001). Furthermore, oral bioavailability was 14.4% higher in patients compared to healthy volunteers regardless of formulation type (P < 0.001). Oxycodone pharmacodynamics were not significantly affected by formulation or patient status. However, baseline pupil diameter was inversely correlated with age (P < 0.001) and plasma concentrations of oxycodone at half‐maximum effect were 31% lower in males compared to females (P < 0.05). Generic substitution of monophasic lipid‐based and water‐swellable controlled‐release oxycodone tablets may be considered safe in RYGB patients.
Case of autoimmune glial fibrillary acidic protein astrocytopathy associated with Epstein–Barr virus reactivation
Authors: So Hayato , Ohashi Takashi , Yamagishi Sae , Mori Harushi , Takanashi Jun‐ichi 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundIn autoimmune glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) astrocytopathy, brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) shows no abnormal findings in many cases, which attributes to misdiagnoses. To our knowledge, magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) findings have never been reported for autoimmune GFAP astrocytopathy.Case presentationA 17‐year‐old girl presented with impaired consciousness and delirium; her cerebrospinal fluid was positive for Epstein–Barr virus. Reduced diffusion in the splenium of the corpus callosum on brain MRI led to a tentative diagnosis of mild encephalitis/encephalopathy with a reversible splenial lesion. On repeatedly carrying out brain MRI, new lesions characteristic of autoimmune GFAP astrocytopathy were identified. MRS showed a low concentration of myo‐inositol, an astrocyte‐specific marker. Intravenous methylprednisolone gradually resolved the patient’s symptoms, while the MRS findings were normalized as her symptoms resolved. Anti‐GFAP antibody was positive in the patient’s cerebrospinal fluid.ConclusionsThe MRI findings characteristic of autoimmune GFAP astrocytopathy might not be present at the illness onset when triggered by Epstein–Barr virus reactivation. Our results suggest that MRS might show astrocytic dysfunction and be useful in evaluating treatment progress.
Urinary peptidome and diabetic retinopathy in the DIRECT‐Protect 1 and 2 trials
Authors: Rotbain Curovic Viktor , Magalhães Pedro , He Tianlin , Hansen Tine W. , Mischak Harald , Rossing Peter ,   the DIRECT Programme Study Group
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundGiven the association of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and kidney disease, we investigated the urinary peptidome to presence and deterioration of DR in a post hoc analysis of trials investigating the effect of candesartan on progression of DR in type 1 and type 2 diabetes, respectively.MethodsBaseline urinary peptidomic analysis was performed on a random selection of 783 and 792 subjects in two randomized controlled trials, DIRECT‐Protect 1 and 2, respectively. End points were two‐step (RET2) and three‐step (RET3) change in Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study protocol (ETDRS) defined level. Peptide levels were correlated to baseline EDTRS level in a discovery set of 2/3 of the participants from DIRECT‐Protect 1. The identified peptides were then validated cross‐sectionally in the remaining 1/3 from DIRECT‐Protect 1. Thereafter, peptides identified in the discovery set were assessed in the entire DIRECT‐Protect 1 and 2 cohorts and significant peptides were tested longitudinally.ResultsFollow‐up ranged 4.0–4.7 years. 24 peptides were associated with baseline DR in the discovery set. COL3A1 (seq: NTG~) and COL4A1 (seq: DGA~) were associated with baseline DR in the validation set (Rho: −.223,p < 0.001 and Rho: −.141,p = 0.024). Neither was significantly associated with end points. Assessing the 24 identified peptides in the entire cohorts, several collagen peptides were associated with baseline DR and end points; however, there was no overlap across diabetes types.ConclusionsWe identified several urinary peptides (mainly collagen) associated with the presence of DR, however they could not be conclusively associated with worsening of DR.
Inflation concerns and mass preferences over exchange‐rate policy
Authors: Aklin Michaël , Arias Eric , Gray Julia 
Published: July 2021

AbstractExchange‐rate policies are cornerstones of the world economy. They also have fundamental welfare and distributional consequences on nations, firms, and individuals. How do individuals internalize these consequences? We challenge the conventional wisdom on the source of mass preferences and argue that many individuals understand currency policies through the lens of inflation. Specifically, we argue that people who are concerned about inflation are more likely to support a fixed exchange rate regime and are more likely to oppose depreciation. We present observational and experimental evidence across middle‐income (Argentina and Serbia) and developed (United Kingdom) countries to support our argument. Further tests suggest that fears over purchasing power—instead of debt or savings considerations—drive inflation concerns.
Negotiating exclusion: Regulatory barriers in preferential trade agreements
Authors: Çınar İpek , Gulotty Robert 
Published: July 2021

AbstractTrade negotiations now center on regulations. This paper argues that these negotiations can raise uncertainty over fixed costs. We develop a simple model of exporter competition to show how uncertainty generated by negotiations redistributes profits across firms. We show that regulatory uncertainty reduces competition by deterring entry on the part of less productive firms and shifting market share toward top producers. Empirically, we show that this negotiation‐driven uncertainty can help explain the economically concentrating effects of preferential agreements. Preferential trade agreements combine tariff concessions with regulatory changes that ensure the benefits of the agreement are limited to member states. Using novel data covering firm‐level export activity and public investment decisions in the automotive and automotive parts sectors during NAFTA, we find that negotiation‐driven uncertainty deterred non‐North American producers while benefiting the top American auto manufacturers.
Shift happens: Evaluating the ability of autumn stocked walleye Sander vitreus to shift to natural prey
Authors: Grausgruber Emily E. , Weber Michael J. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractHatchery propagation techniques, such as pellet‐rearing, can result in altered feeding behaviour. Walleye Sander vitreus (Mitchill) is a commonly propagated sportfish, yet little is known regarding its ability to switch to live prey post‐stocking. The objectives were to evaluate temporal changes in diet composition and condition as well as evaluate the relationship between total length and presence of different prey consumed by stocked walleye fry and fingerlings. Fingerling walleye had higher average proportions of empty stomachs and benthic invertebrates but less fish that stocked walleye fry. The presence of zooplankton, benthic invertebrates or fish was not related to walleye length. Walleye condition was similar between cohorts and did not change over days post‐stocking. Percent similarity index values between cohorts were variable (0.0 to 67.9%). It was concluded that stocked walleye fingerlings consume lower quality prey items than stocked fry counterparts at least up to 49‐day post‐stocking, which may have implications for post‐stocking survival.