bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phenological mismatches between above- and below-ground plant responses to climate warming: a global synthesis
Authors: Liu Huiying , Wang Hao , Li Nan , Shao Junjiong , Zhou Xuhui , Thakur Madhav 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Climate warming is changing above-ground phenology of plants around the world1, 2. However, warming effects on below-ground phenology of plants are unclear despite that roots play a vital role in carbon cycling3. By conducting a global meta-analysis, we show a phenological mismatch between above- and below-ground plant responses to climate warming. Herbaceous plants advanced both the start and end of the growing season based on their above-ground responses, resulting into a shorter growing season. Below-ground phenophases did not exhibit any obvious changes in herbaceous plants. In contrast, climate warming did not affect the length of above-ground growing season but extended the below-ground growing season of woody plants. These results highlight that climate warming can differentially affect above- and below-ground plant phenology with mismatches arising in herbaceous plants via less responsive below-ground phenology whereas mismatches in woody plants via more responsive below-ground phenology. Mismatches in above- and below-ground plant phenology imply that terrestrial carbon cycling models exclusively based on above-ground responses are less accurate, which highlight the urgent need to incorporate below-ground plant phenology into future Earth system models.
Spatial Scale Transformation-based Estimation Model for Fresh Grass Yield: A Case Study of the Xilingol Grassland, Inner Mongolia, China
Authors: Liu Haixin , Zhang Anbing , Zhao Yuling , Zhao Anzhou , Wang Dongli 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Estimating the grass yield of a grassland is of vital theoretical and practical significance for reasonably determining its grazing capacity and maintaining its ecological balance. On that account, this paper first compares model precision by adopting normalized differential vegetation index (NDVI) and net primary productivity (NPP) as grass yield estimation factors, and then proposes a spatial scale transformation (SST)-based estimation model for fresh grass yield (FGY) adopting NPP as its estimation factor. Next, it takes the grassland in Xilingol League, Inner Mongolia as the study area for precision verification and grass yield estimation. Results indicated that: (1) The precision of the model adopting NPP as the estimation factor was clearly higher than that of the model adopting NDVI. (2) Through modifying NPP, the SST-based FGY estimation model could greatly improve estimation precision. The relative precisions of the estimation models constructed using linear and power functions were 18.16% and 18.35%, respectively. (3) The estimation models constructed using linear and power functions were employed to estimate the grass yield of the grassland in Xilingol League, and the total FGYs estimated by them were 8.777×10 10 kg and 8.583×10 10 kg, respectively. The two models obtained roughly the same estimates, but there were significant differences between them in the spatial distributions of FGY per unit.
Endophthalmitis Panorama in The Jerusalem Area
Authors: Sanchez Juan Martin , Elinav Hila , Tiosano Liran , Amer Radgonde 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Purpose: The spectrum of microbial infections and the pattern of their susceptibility is variable among communities. Researching this data will lead to the establishment of the most appropriate national management strategies. The purpose of this study was to analyze the epidemiological, clinical, microbial spectrum and antibiotic susceptibility of endophthalmitis cases in a tertiary referral center in Jerusalem.Methods: Retrospective review of medical charts of patients presenting with endophthalmitis over a 12-year-period.Results: Included were 74 eyes of 70 patients (males 56%). Mean age±SD at presentation was 60±19.5 years. Exogenous endophthalmitis accounted for 78% of cases; of which, 62% followed an intraocular surgery, 21% occurred after intravitreal injections, 10% followed infectious keratitis and 7% were post-traumatic. Endogenous cases were predominantly observed in diabetic patients. Microbial isolates were identified in 44 samples. Of them, gram-positive bacteria were the predominant microorganisms detected in 33 samples (75%); Staphylococcus epidermidis and Enterococcus faecalis were the most commonly detected pathogens. Mean presenting±SD LogMAR visual acuity (VA) was 2.38±1.21 and it improved at last follow-up to 1.7±1.37 (p=0.004, paired t-test). Cases secondary to gram-positive microbes were associated with improved VA during the follow-up while cases secondary to gram-negative microbes was correlated with poor final VA (p=0.046, r2=0.4). There was no evidence of bacterial resistance in the antibiograms for either vancomycin, ceftazidime, ceftriaxone or amikacin.Conclusions: Intraocular surgery remains the most common event preceding endophthalmitis with coagulase-negative staphylococci being the most frequently detected microorganisms. The microbial spectrum of endophthalmitis is similar to that in the western world.
Effect of SWCNT Volume Fraction on The Viscosity of Water Based Nanofluids
Authors: Namarvari Hossein , Razmara Naiyer , Miranda Caetano Rodrigues 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Nanofluids have drawn special attention during the last decades due to their various unique properties. It is revealed that the addition of nanotubes to the base materials can significantly change their properties. In the present work, the viscosity of water containing nanotube is calculated using the Molecular Dynamics Simulation for different volume fractions in the range between 0.557% and 3% at two temperatures (298K and 313K). The Green–Kubo equilibrium method is applied for calculating viscosity. The studied nanotube is an Armchair (6,6) single-walled carbon nanotube. The results show the potential of the Molecular Dynamics Simulation technique as a powerful tool in the prediction of nanofluid properties beside the experimental results. A new relationship for viscosity is offered for volume fractions of ϕ ≤ 3%, according to the obtained results.
A TEMPO-catalyzed oxidation-reduction method to probe surface and anhydrous crystalline-core domains of cellulose microfibril bundles
Authors: Shiga Tanîa M. , Yang Haibing , Penning Bryan W. , Olek Anna T. , McCann Maureen C. , Carpita N.C. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
A modified TEMPO-catalyzed oxidation of the solvent-exposed glucosyl units of cellulose to uronic acids, followed by carboxyl reduction with NaBD 4 to 6-deutero- and 6,6-dideuteroglucosyl units, provided a robust method for determining relative proportions of disordered amorphous, ordered surface chains, and anhydrous core-crystalline residues of cellulose microfibrils inaccessible to TEMPO. Both glucosyl residues of cellobiose units, digested from amorphous chains of cellulose with a combination of cellulase and cellobiohydrolase, were deuterated, whereas those from anhydrous chains were undeuterated. By contrast, solvent-exposed and anhydrous residues alternate in surface chains, so only one of the two residues of cellobiosyl units was labeled. Although current estimates indicate that each cellulose microfibril comprises only 18 to 24 (1 , 4)- b eta-D-glucan chains, we show here that microfibrils of walls of Arabidopsis leaves and maize coleoptiles, and those of secondary wall cellulose of cotton fibers and poplar wood, bundle into much larger macrofibrils, with 67 to 86% of the glucan chains in the anhydrous domain. These results indicate extensive bundling of microfibrils into macrofibrils occurs during both primary and secondary wall formation. We discuss how, beyond lignin, the degree of bundling into macrofibrils contributes an additional recalcitrance factor to lignocellulosic biomass for enzymatic or chemical catalytic conversion to biofuel substrates.
Experimental Evidence for Opposing Effects of High Deer Density on Tick-Borne Disease Prevalence and Hazard
Authors: Gandy Sara Louise , Kilbride Elizabeth , Biek Roman , Millins Caroline , Gilbert Lucy 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Identifying the mechanisms driving disease risk is challenging for multi-host pathogens, such as Borrelia. burgdorferi s.l., the tick-borne bacteria causing Lyme disease. Deer are tick reproduction hosts but do not transmit B. burgdorferi s.l., resulting in potentially opposing effects on transmission. Here, we use a deer exclosure experiment to test three hypotheses for how high deer density shapes B. burgdorferi s.l. prevalence in ticks: (H1) high transmission on rodents due to higher tick densities; alternatively, (H2) low B. burgdorferi s.l. prevalence because more ticks feed on deer rather than transmission-competent rodents (dilution effect); (H3) ecological cascades, whereby lower vegetation decreases rodent abundance thus reducing transmission. Although we found support for all three mechanisms, prevalence was reduced almost 3-fold in high deer density plots compared to exclosures, suggesting that the dilution (H2) and cascade (H3) mechanisms outweighed the increased opportunities for transmission (H1). High deer density led to lower vegetation and fewer rodents, providing evidence for an ecological cascade. However, Lyme disease hazard (density of infected ticks) was increased 5-fold at high deer densities due to an 18-fold rise in tick density. This demonstrates that reproduction hosts like deer can drive up vector-borne disease hazard at high densities, despite simultaneously reducing pathogen prevalence.
Finite Element Modeling of Microstructural Changes During Equal Channel Angular Drawing of Pure Aluminium
Authors: CARUSO SERAFINO , Imbrogno Stano 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Grain refinement by severe plastic deformation (SPD) techniques, as a mechanism to control microstructure (recrystallization, grain size changes,…) and mechanical properties (yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, strain, hardness variation…) of pure aluminium conductor wires, is a topic of great interest for both academic and industrial research activities. This paper presents an innovative finite element (FE) model able to describe the microstructural evolution and the continuous dynamic recrystallization (CDRX) that occur during equal channel angular drawing (ECAD) of commercial 1370 pure aluminium (99.7% Al). A user subroutine has been developed based on the continuum mechanical model and the Hall-Petch (H-P) equations to predict grain size variation and hardness change. The model is validated by comparison with the experimental results and a predictive analysis is conducted varying the channel die angles. The study provides an accurate prediction of both the thermo-mechanical and the microstructural phenomena that occur during the process characterised by large plastic deformation.
Efficacy of capacitive resistive monopolar radiofrequency in the physiotherapeutic treatment of chronic pelvic pain syndrome: study protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Carralero-Martínez Andrea , Pérez Miguel Ángel Muñoz , Pané-Alemany Regina , Blanco-Ratto Laia , Kauffmann Stephanie , Ramírez-García Inés 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background

Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS) is a multifactorial disorder that affects 5.7–26.6% of women and 2.2–9.7% of men, characterized by a hypersensitivity of the central and peripheral nervous system affecting bladder and genital function. People with CPPS have much higher rates of psychological disorders (anxiety, depression, and catastrophizing) that increase the severity of chronic pain and worsen quality of life. Myofascial therapy, manual therapy, and treatment of trigger points are proven therapeutic options for this syndrome. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of capacitive resistive monopolar radiofrequency (CRMRF) at 448 KHz as an adjunct treatment to the other physiotherapeutic techniques for reducing pain and improving the quality of life of patients with CPPS.
Methods

This triple-blind (1:1) randomized controlled trial will include 80 women and men with CPPS. Participants will be randomized into CRMRF activated group or CRMRF deactivated group, together with physiotherapeutic techniques and pain education. The groups will receive treatment for 10 consecutive weeks. Pain intensity (with the VAS), quality of life (with the SF-12), kinesiophobia (with the TSK-11) and catastrophism (with the PCS) will be evaluated at the beginning, at the sixth and the tenth session.
Discussion

The results of this study will make it possible to prove that CRMRF benefits the treatment of patients with CPPS together with physiotherapeutic techniques and pain education. These results could offer another conservative treatment option for these patients.
Trial registration:

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03797911. Registered 8 January 2019, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03797911
The first steps toward a global pandemic: Reconstructing the demographic history of parasite host switches in its native range
Authors: Techer Maeva , Roberts John , Cartwright Reed , Mikheyev Alexander 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Host switching allows parasites to expand their niches. However, successful switching may require suites of adaptations and may decrease performance on the old host. As a result, reductions in gene flow accompany many host switches, driving speciation. Because host switches tend to be rapid, it is difficult to study them in real time and their demographic parameters remain poorly understood. As a result, fundamental factors that control subsequent parasite evolution, such as the size of the switching population or the extent of immigration from the original host, remain largely unknown. To shed light on the host switching process, we explored how host switches occur in independent host shifts by two ectoparasitic honey bee mites (Varroa destructor and V. jacobsoni). Both switched to the western honey bee (Apis mellifera) after it was brought into contact with their ancestral host (Apis cerana), ~70 and ~12 years ago, respectively. Varroa destructor subsequently caused worldwide collapses of honey bee populations. Using whole-genome sequencing on 63 mites collected in their native ranges from both the ancestral and novel hosts, we were able to reconstruct the known temporal dynamics of the switch. We further found multiple previously undiscovered mitochondrial lineages on the novel host, along with genetic equivalent of tens of individuals that were involved in the initial host switch. Despite being greatly reduced, some gene flow remains between mites adapted to different hosts. Our findings suggest that while reproductive isolation may facilitate fixation of traits beneficial for exploitation of the new host, ongoing genetic exchange may allow genetic amelioration of inbreeding effects.
Comparative Evaluation of Madhuca Longifolia and Jatropha Curcas Extracted Biodiesel.
Authors: Chatterjee Rajeshwari , Mukherjee Sanat Kumar , Paul Biswajit , Chattopadhyaya Somnath 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
In order to fulfil the growing need to replace fossil fuels, investigations exploring the production of biodiesel from agricultural biomass have gained attention. The purpose behind this study is to examine the efficiency of biodiesel extracted from Madhuca longifolia and Jatropha curcas by means of pre-treatment followed by two step acid-base homogeneous catalyst method. The Madhuca and Jatropha biodiesels were blended with diesel at different percentages. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) showed a strong presence of fatty acid profile, and triglyceride ester linkage at 1744 cm− 1. UV–Vis spectra confirmed the presence of conjugated dienes in the extracted biodiesels. UV absorbance at 320 nm decreases linearly with blend percentage. 1HNMR and 13C NMR confirmed the presence of methyl ester moiety at 3.6 ppm and methoxy carbon at 51.2 ppm in biodiesel distinguishing it from diesel. Raman spectra exhibited C = O stretching at 1725 cm− 1 indicating conversion of Madhuca and Jatropha oil into biodiesel. The engine performance and emission tests of these biodiesels were evaluated. In the engine performance tests, the variations of brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC), exhaust gas temperature (EGT), and brake thermal efficiency (BTE) versus brake power were studied. The emission tests of different blends were done in terms of carbon mono-oxide, nitrous oxide, and unburnt hydrocarbon (UHC). The Jatropha biodiesel exhibited less mean BSFC, EGT and emitted less CO and UHC than Madhuca biodiesel. The average decrease in BTE was more in Jatropha biodiesel than Madhuca biodiesel.
Prognostic Values of Coronary Artery Calcium Score and 123I-BMIPP SPECT In Patients With Non-Ischemic Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Hashimoto Hidenobu , Nakanishi Rine , Mizumura Sunao , Hashimoto Yukiko , Okamura Yuriko , Ota Kyoko , Yamazaki Junichi , Ikeda Takanori 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Purpose
This study aimed to determine whether coronary artery calcium score (CACS) can be a prognostic indicator for the development of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) and compare the value of CACS with that of the 123I-betamethyl-p-iodophenyl-pentadecanoic acid (123I-BMIPP) defect score (BDS) in patients with non-ischemic heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (NIHFpEF).
Methods
Among 643 consecutive patients hospitalized due to acute heart failure, 108 (74 ± 13y) were identified to have NIHFpEF on non-contrast regular chest computed tomography and 123I-BMIPP single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). We evaluated whether CACS and BDS were associated with MACEs using multivariate Cox models.
Results
Thirty-two MACEs developed at a mean follow-up period of 2.4 years. Higher CACS (hazard ratio [HR] 2.27, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.10–4.67) and higher BDS (HR 22.14, 95% CI 7.95–61.60) were significantly associated with the development of MACEs. Patients showing higher CACS and BDS carried a significantly higher risk for developing MACE (HR 23.65, 95% CI 10.33–54.13, p < 0.001).
Conclusion
CACS, as well as BDS, could serve as potential prognostic indicators in patients with NIHFpEF.
Effectiveness of a Group Educational Intervention – Prolact - In Primary Care to Promote Exclusive Breastfeeding. A Cluster Randomized Clinical Trial.
Authors: Santamaría-Martín María Jesús , Iglesias Susana Martín , Schwarz Christine , Rico-Blázquez Milagros , Portocarrero-Nuñez Julián Alexander , Diez-Izquierdo Laura , Llamosas-Falcón Laura , Rodríguez-Barrientos Ricardo , PROLACT Group , Cura-González Isabel 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: The rates of exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months in Spain are far from the target recommended by the World Health Organization, which is 50% by 2025. Evidence of the effectiveness of group interventions in late postpartum is limited. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the PROLACT group educational intervention for increasing the proportion of mother-child dyads with exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months compared to the usual practice in primary care.Method: Multicentre cluster randomized clinical trial. A total of 434 mother-child dyads (215 in the control group and 219 in the intervention group) who breastfed exclusively in the first 4 weeks of the infant's life and agreed to participate were included. The main outcome variable was exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months. Secondary variables were the type of breastfeeding, reasons for abandonment, degree of adherence and satisfaction with the intervention. To study the effectiveness, the difference in the proportions of dyads with exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months was calculated, and the relative risk (RR) and number needed to treat (NNT) were calculated with their 95% CIs. To study the factors associated with the maintenance of exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months, a multilevel logistic regression model was fitted. All analyses were performed according to intention to treat.Results: The percentage of dyads with exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months was 22.4% in the intervention group and 8.8% in the control group. The PROLACT intervention obtained an RR of 2.53 (95% CI 1.54-4.15) and an NNT of 7 (95% CI 5-14). The factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months were the PROLACT intervention, OR 3.51 (95% CI 1.55-7.93); age > 39 years, OR 2.79 (95% CI 1.02-7.6); previous breastfeeding experience, OR 2.61 (95% CI 1.29-5.29); monthly income/person > 833.33 €, OR 2.15 (95% CI: 0.996-4.65); planning to start work before the infant was 6 months old, OR 0.35 (0.19-0.63); and use of a pacifier, OR 0.58 (95% CI 0.30-1.11).Conclusions: The PROLACT group educational intervention in primary care is more effective than the usual practice for maintaining exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months.Trial registration: The trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov under code number NCT01869920 (03/06/2013).
WITHDRAWN: Column Experiments on Arsenic Removal Through Adsorption From Water Using Different Natural and Synthetic Adsorbents
Authors: Khan Shahnoor Alam , Imteaz Monzur Alam 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
With the aim of exploring a best adsorbent from locally available sands for removing arsenic from water, eight different adsorbents are tested through column experiments using those materials as filter bed. Based on earlier batch experimental results five locally available sands (Scoria, Skye, Iron ore, NT red and TGS), one commercial sand (GFH) and two synthetic sands (IOCS and IOCS-AOCS) were selected for the column experiments. Target was to treat arsenic from water up to WHO standard level of 10 µg/L for a considerable period. It is found that Skye sand is capable to treat arsenic-contaminated water to the WHO standard for the longest period, followed by TGS, Iron ore and NT red sands. Scoria sand is unable to treat water up to the WHO standard. Although, GFH, IOCS and IOCS-AOCS are capable to remove arsenic to an excellent level, however practically not suitable as they get clogged due to accumulation of finer particles in the filter bed. Also, it is found that artificial coatings enhance the arsenic removal capabilities, however susceptible to clogging.
Comparison of Annual Maximum and Peaks Over Threshold Methods with Automated Threshold Selection in Flood Frequency Analysis: A Case Study for Australia
Authors: Pan Xiao , Rahman Ataur 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Flood frequency analysis (FFA) enables fitting of distribution functions to observed flow data for estimation of flood quantiles. Two main approaches, Annual Maximum (AM) and peaks-over-threshold (POT) are adopted for FFA. POT approach is under-employed due to its complexity and uncertainty associated with the threshold selection and independence criteria for selecting peak flows. This study evaluates the POT and AM approaches using data from 188 gauged stations in south-east Australia. POT approach adopted in this study applies a different average numbers of events per year fitted with Generalised Pareto (GP) distribution with an automated threshold detection method. The POT model extends its parametric approach to Maximum Likelihood Estimator (MLE) and Point Moment Weighted Unbiased (PMWU) method. Generalised Extreme Value (GEV) distribution using L-moment estimator is used for AM approach. It has been found that there is a large difference in design flood estimates between the AM and POT approaches for smaller average recurrence intervals (ARI), with a median difference of 25% for 1.01 year ARI and 5% for 50 and 100 years ARIs.