bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
How does spatial micro‐environmental heterogeneity influence seedling recruitment in ironstone outcrops?
Authors: Dayrell Roberta L. C. , Fuzessy Lisieux Franco , Azevedo Luísa O. , Lambers Hans , Veneklaas Erik J. , Silveira Fernando A. O. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractQuestionsEnvironmental filters limit the set of potentially coexisting species in plant communities. Paradoxically, some of the world's most biodiverse communities are subjected to strong abiotic filters. We explored how environmental heterogeneity provides conditions for niche segregation in a harsh megadiverse ecosystem, focusing on fine‐scale factors that drive seedling recruitment. Due to the environmental stress (mainly nutrient and water scarcity), we expected the prevalence of positive plant interactions over negative ones to contribute to species coexistence.LocationIronstone outcrop (canga) at Serra da Calçada, southeast Brazil.MethodsWe characterised microhabitats with one or neither of two dominant shrubs Mimosa calodendron (Fabaceae) and Lychnophora pinaster (Asteraceae), and assessed which micro‐environmental attributes affect seedling survival, growth, and abundance, as well as adult richness in the ecosystem.ResultsSpatial heterogeneity in the community was mostly driven by differences in substrate properties, and plots with Mimosa calodendron and Lychnophora pinaster exhibited different biotic and abiotic conditions from those lacking these species. Microhabitats under both shrubs had greater adult richness, and those occupied by Mimosa calodendron had greater seedling abundance, suggesting positive effects of environmental conditions associated with these plants. Nevertheless, we identified two potential negative plant–plant interactions: larger crown area of the two dominant shrubs was associated with lower species richness, and greater understorey plant cover with lower seedling abundance. Over one year, 63% of the recorded seedlings survived, but measured attributes failed to predict survival. Seedling relative growth rates were species‐specific and lower in microsites where the rocky substrate is fragmented. The most abundant seedling taxa occurred in association with specific microhabitats.ConclusionsOur study suggested that fine‐scale spatial heterogeneity determines the outcome of plant–plant interactions in a stressful ecosystem. Micro‐environmental heterogeneity allows for the spatial segregation of species recruitment, thereby broadening the range of viable strategies within a harsh megadiverse ecosystem.
Pharmacologic manipulation of skin pigmentation
Authors: Kindl Gabriel H. , D’Orazio John A. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractSkin complexion is among the most recognizable phenotypes between individuals and is mainly determined by the amount and type of melanin pigment deposited in the epidermis. Persons with dark skin complexion have more of a brown/black pigment known as eumelanin in their epidermis whereas those with fair skin complexions have less. Epidermal eumelanin acts as a natural sunblock by preventing incoming UV photons from penetrating into the skin and therefore protects against UV mutagenesis. By understanding the signaling pathways and regulation of pigmentation, strategies can be developed to manipulate skin pigmentation to improve UV resistance and to diminish skin cancer risk.
Visible light regulates anthocyanin synthesis via malate dehydrogenases and the ethylene signaling pathway in plum (Prunus salicina L.)
Authors: Zhang Guojing , Cui Xiaohui , Niu Junping , Ma Fengwang , Li Pengmin 
Published: March 2021

AbstractLight regulates anthocyanins synthesis in plants. Upon exposure to visible light, the inhibition of photosynthetic electron transfer significantly lowered the contents of anthocyanins and the expression levels of key genes involved in anthocyanins synthesis in plum fruit peel. Meanwhile, the expression levels of PsmMDH2 (encoding the malate dehydrogenase in mitochondria) and PschMDH (encoding the malate dehydrogenase in chloroplasts) decreased significantly. The contents of anthocyanins and the levels of the key genes involved in anthocyanin synthesis decreased significantly with the treatment of 1‐MCP (an inhibitor of ethylene perception) but were enhanced by the exogenous application of ethylene. The ethylene treatment could also recover the anthocyanin synthesis capacity lowered by the photosynthetic electron transfer inhibition. Silencing PsmMDH2 and PschMDH significantly lowered the contents of anthocyanins in plum fruit. At low temperature, visible light irradiation induced anthocyanin accumulation in Arabidopsis leaves. However, the mmdh, chmdh, and etr1‐1 mutants had significantly lower anthocyanins content and expressions of the key genes involved in anthocyanins synthesis compared to wild type. Overall, the present study demonstrates that both photosynthesis and respiration were involved in the regulation of anthocyanin synthesis in visible light. The visible light regulates anthocyanin synthesis by controlling the malate metabolism via MDHs and the ethylene signaling pathway.
ABO blood type association with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection mortality: A single‐center population in New York City
Authors: Szymanski James , Mohrmann Laurel , Carter Jamal , Nelson Randin , Chekuri Sweta , Assa Andrei , Spund Brian , Reyes‐Gil Morayma , Uehlinger Joan , Baron Sarah , Paroder Monika 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) has a variable clinical course with significant mortality. Early reports suggested higher rates of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in patients with type A blood and enrichment of type A individuals among COVID‐19 mortalities.Study Design and MethodsThe study includes all patients hospitalized or with an emergency department (ED) visit who were tested for SARS‐CoV‐2 between March 10, 2020 and June 8, 2020 and had a positive test result by nucleic acid test (NAT) performed on a nasopharyngeal swab specimen. A total of 4968 patients met the study inclusion criteria, with a subsequent 23.1% (n = 1146/4968) all‐cause mortality rate in the study cohort. To estimate overall risk by ABO type and account for the competing risks of in‐hospital mortality and discharge, we calculated the cumulative incidence function (CIF) for each event. Cause‐specific hazard ratios (csHRs) for in‐hospital mortality and discharge were analyzed using multivariable Cox proportional hazards models.ResultsType A blood was associated with the increased cause‐specific hazard of death among COVID‐19 patients compared to type O (HR = 1.17, 1.02–1.33, p = .02) and type B (HR = 1.32,1.10–1.58, p = .003).ConclusionsOur study shows that ABO histo‐blood group type is associated with the risk of in‐hospital death in COVID‐19 patients, warranting additional inquiry. Elucidating the mechanism behind this association may reveal insights into the susceptibility and/or immunity to SARS‐CoV‐2.
Closed-Form Synthesis of Force-Generating Planar Four-Bar Linkages
Authors: Soper R. Randall , Scardina Michael , Tidwell Paul , Reinholtz Charles , Lo Presti Michael A. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
This paper presents a technique for synthesizing four-bar linkages to produce a specified resisting force or torque. The resisting energy is provided by a weight acting on the other grounded link. The linkage serves as a nonlinear mechanical advantage function generator.
Force and velocity synthesis methods have been extensively discussed in the literature. The general approach, however, has been to assume that the specified force or velocity occurs at a prescribed position. This results in the loss of design parameters that are being used unnecessarily to control position. In this application, force input to the linkage is specified as a function of only the input link position and the magnitude and direction of the weight force.
Mechanical advantage synthesis can be achieved at as many as seven precision points. The method presented in this paper allows free selection of two parameters and viewing one infinity of solutions.
A Multi-Field Space-Time Finite Element Method for Structural Acoustics
Authors: Thompson Lonny L. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
A Computational Structural Acoustics (CSA) capability for solving scattering, radiation, and other problems related to the acoustics of submerged structures has been developed by employing some of the recent algorithmic trends in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), namely time-discontinuous Galerkin Least-Squares finite element methods. Traditional computational methods toward simulation of acoustic radiation and scattering from submerged elastic bodies have been primarily based on frequency domain formulations. These classical time-harmonic approaches (including boundary element, finite element, and finite difference methods) have been successful for problems involving a limited range of frequencies (narrow band response) and scales (wavelengths) that are large compared to the characteristic dimensions of the elastic structure. Attempts at solving large-scale structural acoustic systems with dimensions that are much larger than the operating wavelengths and which are complex, consisting of many different components with different scales and broadband frequencies, has revealed limitations of many of the classical methods. As a result, there has been renewed interest in new innovative approaches, including time-domain approaches. This paper describes recent advances in the development of a new class of high-order accurate and unconditionally stable space-time methods for structural acoustics which employ finite element discretization of the time domain as well as the usual discretization of the spatial domain. The formulation is based on a space-time variational equation for both the acoustic fluid and elastic structure together with their interaction. Topics to be discussed include the development and implementation of higher-order accurate non-reflecting boundary conditions based on the exact impedance relation through the. Dirichlet-to-Neumann (DtN) map, and a multi-field representation for the acoustic fluid based on independent pressure and velocity potential variables. Numerical examples involving radiation and scattering of acoustic waves are presented to illustrate the high-order accuracy achieved by the new methodology for CSA.
A Practical Algorithm for the Efficient Computation of Eigenvector Derivatives
Authors: Lin R. M. , Wang Z. , Lim M. K. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Derivatives of eigenvalues and eigenvectors have become increasingly important in the development of modern numerical methods for areas such as structural design optimization, dynamic system identification and dynamic control, and the development of effective and efficient methods for the calculation of such derivatives has remained to be an active research area for several decades. In this paper, a practical algorithm has been developed for efficiently computing eigenvector derivatives of generalized symmetric eigenvalue problems. For eigenvector derivative of a separate mode, the computation only requires the knowledge of eigenvalue and eigenvector of the mode itself and an inverse of system matrix accounts for most computation cost involved. In the case of two close modes, the modal information of both modes is required and the eigenvector derivatives can be accurately determined simultaneously at minor additional computational cost. Further, the method has been extended to the case of practical structural design where structural modifications are made locally and the eigenvalues and eigenvectors and their derivatives are of interest. By combining the proposed algorithm together with the proposed inverse iteration technique and singular value decomposition theory, eigenproperties and their derivatives can be very efficiently computed. Numerical results from a practical finite element model have demonstrated the practicality of the proposed method. The proposed method can be easily incorporated into commercial finite element packages to improve the computational efficiency of eigenderivatives needed for practical applications.
Different Relationships Between Steps and Movements and Healthy Biomarkers in People With and Without Disability
Authors: Chiu Chungyi , Covello-Jones Alicia R. , Montenegro Esteban , Brooks Jessica M. , Shen Sa 
Published: March 2021

Background: Physical activity benefits have been extensively studied. However, the public health guidelines seem unclear about the relationships between steps and movements with healthy biomarkers for people with (PWD) and without disabilities (PWOD), respectively. While public health guidelines illustrate types of exercise (eg, running, swimming), it is equally important to provide data-driven recommended amounts of daily steps or movements to achieve health biomarkers and further promote a physically active lifestyle. Methods: Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003–2006 were used. The authors conducted sensitivity, specificity, and receiver-operating-characteristic curve analyses regarding cut points from ActiGraph 7164 of daily steps and movements for health biomarkers (eg, body mass index, cholesterol) in PWD (2178 participants) and PWOD (4414 participants). The authors also examined the dose relationships of steps, movements, and healthy biomarkers in each group. Results: The authors found significant differences in the cut points of daily steps and movement for health biomarkers in PWD and PWOD. For daily steps, cut points of PWD were ranged from 3222 to 8311 (area under the receiver-operating-characteristic curve [AUC] range = 0.52–0.93) significantly lower than PWOD’s daily steps (range = 5455–14,272; AUC = 0.58–0.87). For daily movement, cut points of PWD were ranged from 115,451 to 430,324 (AUC = 0.53–0.91) significantly lower than the PWOD’s daily movements (range = 215,288–282,307; AUC = 0.60–0.88). The authors found strong but different dose relationships of many biomarkers in each group. Conclusions: PWD need fewer daily steps or movement counts to achieve health biomarkers than PWOD. The authors provided data-driven, condition-specific recommendations on promoting a physically active lifestyle.
What factors explain the much higher diabetes prevalence in Russia compared with Norway? Major sex differences in the contribution of adiposity
Authors: Iakunchykova Olena , Averina Maria , Wilsgaard Tom , Malyutina Sofia , Kudryavtsev Alexander V , Cook Sarah , Wild Sarah , Eggen Anne Elise , Hopstock Laila Arnesdatter , Leon David A 
Published: March 2021

IntroductionCompared with many other countries Russia has a high prevalence of diabetes in men and women. However, contrary to what is found in most other populations, the risk is greater among women than men. The reasons for this are unclear.Research design and methodsPrevalence and risk factors for diabetes at ages 40–69 years were compared in two population-based studies: Know Your Heart (KYH) (Russia, 2015–2018, n=4121) and the seventh wave of the Tromsø Study (Tromsø 7) (Norway, 2015–2016, n=17 649). Diabetes was defined by the level of glycated hemoglobin and/or self-reported diabetes and/or diabetes medication use. Marginal structural models were used to estimate the role of key risk factors for diabetes in differences between the studies.ResultsAge-standardized prevalence of diabetes was higher in KYH compared with Tromsø 7 in men (11.6% vs 6.2%) and in women (13.2% vs 4.3%). Age-adjusted ORs for diabetes in KYH compared with Tromsø 7 were 2.01 (95% CI 1.68 to 2.40) for men and 3.66 (95% CI 3.13 to 4.26) for women. Adiposity (body mass index and waist circumference) explained none of this effect for men but explained 46.0% (39.6, 53.8) for women. Addition of smoking and C reactive protein, as further mediators, slightly increased the percentage explained of the difference between studies to 55.5% (46.5, 66.0) for women but only to 9.9% (−0.6, 20.8) for men.ConclusionsAdiposity is a key modifiable risk factor that appears to explain half of the almost threefold higher female prevalence of diabetes in Russia compared with Norway, but none of the twofold male difference.
Evaluation of the feasibility and impacts of in situ simulation in emergency medicine—a mixed-method study protocol
Authors: Truchot Jennifer , Boucher Valérie , Raymond-Dufresne Éliane , Malo Christian , Brassard Éric , Marcotte Jean , Martel Guillaume , Côté Geneviève , Garneau Christian , Bouchard Gino , Emond Marcel 
Published: March 2021

IntroductionIn situ simulation (ISS) consists of performing a simulation in the everyday working environment with the usual team members. The feasibility of ISS in emergency medicine is an important research question, because ISS offers the possibility for repetitive, regular simulation training consistent with specific local needs. However, ISS also raises the issue of safety, since it might negatively impact the care of other patients in the emergency department (ED). Our hypothesis is that ISS in an academic high-volume ED is feasible, safe and associated with benefits for both staff and patients.MethodsA mixed-method, including a qualitative method for the assessment of feasibility and acceptability and a quantitative method for the assessment of patients’ safety and participants’ psychosocial risks, will be used in this study.Two distinct phases are planned in the ED of the CHU de Québec-Université Laval (Hôpital de l’Enfant-Jésus) between March 2021 and October 2021. Phase 1: an ISS programme will be implemented with selected ED professionals to assess its acceptability and safety and prove the validity of our educational concept. The number of cancelled sessions and the reasons for cancellation will be collected to establish feasibility criteria. Semistructured interviews will evaluate the acceptability of the intervention. We will compare unannounced and announced ISS. Phase 2: the impact of the ISS programme will be measured with validated questionnaires for the assessment of psychosocial risks, self-confidence and perceived stress among nonselected ED professionals, with comparison between those exposed to ISS and those that were not.Ethics and disseminationThe CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research ethics board has approved this protocol (#2020–5000). Results will be presented to key professionals from our institution to improve patient safety. We also aim to publish our results in peer-reviewed journals and will submit abstracts to international conferences to disseminate our findings.
Content analysis of reported activities of the United Nations Road Safety Collaboration Members during the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011–2020
Authors: Flannigan Sean Alan , Khayesi Meleckidzedeck 
Published: March 2021

ObjectiveSeveral activities were planned for the Decade of Action (DOA) for Road Safety 2011–2020, covering key policies and interventions on road safety. Knowledge of the activities implemented by key actors is currently lacking in the literature. This study answers the question: what activities were implemented during the DOA by the United Nations Road Safety Collaboration (UNRSC) members?DesignThe study used content analysis techniques to extract and analyse information from five United Nations Secretary General’s reports, which summarise the activities reported by UNRSC members.SettingThe primary setting for this study are 116 countries in which activities supporting the DOA were conducted.Outcome measuresFrequency of themes and subthemes that emerged from reported activities are identified and cross-tabulated by year of report, country level of income, geographical region and organisation type.ResultsOver the entire DOA, establishment of institutions and lead agencies as well as the development of national strategies featured prominently under the theme of management. This theme was steadily reported across regions, country income level and organisation type. Workshops, training and major events regarding road safety increased in frequency of reporting throughout the decade as did developing and promoting the basic road and vehicle systems supportive of road safety. It is further noted that other key activities like infrastructure and behaviour change that are required for a balanced approach to road safety policy were also attended to by various organisations. Activities related to road safety enforcement and post-crash response as well as activities in low-income countries appeared to be less reported.ConclusionThe wide range of activities reported by UNRSC members over the entire DOA need to be sustained and evaluated in years to come if they are to have a significant impact on reducing road traffic deaths and injuries at national and international levels.
Mediators and theories of change in psychotherapy with adolescents: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Taubner Svenja , Saliba Andrea , Heinonen Erkki , Protić Sonja , Volkert Jana , Adler Asta , Barkauskiene Rasa , Conejo Cerón Sonia , Di Giacomo Dina , Ioannou Yianna , Mestre Jose M , Moreno-Peral Patricia , Mucha Vieira Filipa , Mota Catarina Pinheiro , Raleva Marija , Rangel Santos Henriques Margarida Isabel , Røssberg Jan Ivar , Schmidt Stefanie J. , Stepišnik Perdih Tjaša , Ulberg Randi , Sales Célia M D 
Published: March 2021

IntroductionApproximately 75% of mental disorders emerge before the age of 25 years but less than half receive appropriate treatment. Little is known about the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic change of adolescents in psychotherapy. The ‘European Network of Individualised Psychotherapy Treatment of Young People with Mental Disorders’, funded by the European Cooperation in Science and Technology, will conduct the first systematic review to summarise the existing knowledge on mediators and theories of change in psychotherapy for adolescents.MethodA systematic review will be conducted, conforming to the reporting guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement recommendations. Electronic databases (PubMed and PsycINFO) have been systematically searched on 23 February 2020, for prospective, longitudinal and case-control designs which examine mediators of change. Participants will be adolescents between 10 and 19 years of age who suffer from a mental disorder or psychological difficulties and receive an intervention that aims at preventing, ameliorating and/or treating psychological problems.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval is not required for this systematic review as no primary data will be collected. The results will be published in a peer-reviewed journals and at conference presentations and will be shared with stakeholder groups. The whole data set will be offered to other research groups following recommendations of the open science initiative. Databases with the systematic search will be made openly available following open science initiatives.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42020177535.