bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Environmental and prey‐based factors underpinning variability in prairie dogs eaten by black‐footed ferrets
Authors: Dierenfeld Ellen S. , Whitehouse‐Tedd Katherine , Dermauw Veronique , Hanebury Louis R. , Biggins Dean E. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe endangered black‐footed ferret (Mustela nigripis) has been the focus of intensive captive breeding and reintroduction projects for several decades. To better understand nutritional provision during captivity, primary prey items (prairie dogs) of free‐ranging black‐footed ferret populations were sampled from 6 native habitat sites in Wyoming and Colorado over a one‐year period. Morphometrics and nutritional analyses including proximate composition (water, crude fat, crude protein, ash), vitamins A and E, and select macro‐ and microminerals were conducted on black‐tailed (BT, Cynomys ludovicianus, n = 81) and white‐tailed (WT, C. leucurus; n = 58) prairie dogs. Stomach and intestinal contents were extracted and sampled separately from other carcass components. Multivariate linear modeling of data was used to determine the influence of environmental (season, site) and prey‐based (species, age, sex) factors on prey nutritional composition. Seasonality impacted the nutrient profiles of prairie dogs as food for black‐footed ferrets, affecting carcass, stomach, and intestinal samples in most nutrients evaluated for both species. Carcass and subcutaneous fat concentrations were lowest in spring for both species compared with other seasons. Conversely, fat‐soluble vitamin A in carcasses was highest in the spring for both species. Vitamin E was also highest in the spring for WT, but highest in the winter for BT, although no comparative winter data were available for the hibernating WT. Macronutrient composition did not differ between sexes for WT, but carcass fat was higher, hence protein lower, in female vs male BT. Age class and site‐specific differences detected for some nutrients suggested possible underlying feeding ecology differences. Given the ongoing concerns regarding ex situ population sustainability and the documented role of nutrition in black‐footed ferret health and reproduction, these seasonal nutrient profiles provide valuable guidelines for optimizing managed feeding programs for this endangered species, and similar considerations in prey nutrient variability can be applied to feeding programs of other carnivorous species.
Arthropod facilitation mediated by abandoned dead domatia
Authors: Novais Samuel , Cristóbal‐Perez E. Jacob , Aguirre‐Jaimes Armando , Quesada Mauricio 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIn ant–plant mutualistic interactions, plants provide shelter (domatia) and/or food to ants and in exchange, and ants provide protection against herbivores. After plant tissue senescence, ants are expected to abandon dead domatia, leaving these empty spaces available for other arthropods. In this study, we tested for the role of the mutualistic interaction between Cordia alliodora and Azteca pittieri in promoting new habitats for arthropods through abandoned dead domatia. We predicted that species richness, abundance, and colonization frequency of secondary arthropods would be greater in dead branch domatia (dead domatia) compared with live branch domatia (live domatia). During March 2019, we selected 38 C. alliodora trees in a Mexican tropical dry forest. For each tree, we collected five live and five dead domatia, for 380 domatia in total. We found six morphospecies of secondary arthropods colonizing live domatia, while 42 were present in dead domatia. Ants were the most species‐rich group (10 species) in abandoned dead domatia and utilized them as nesting sites (25 nests). Secondary arthropod species richness, abundance, and colonization frequency were greater in dead domatia compared with live domatia. We concluded that the Azteca–Cordia mutualistic interaction is an important habitat facilitator by promoting new habitats for arthropods through abandoned dead domatia.
Light‐Induced Dynamic Stability of Oxygen Vacancies in BiSbO4 for Efficient Photocatalytic Formaldehyde Degradation
Authors: Ran Maoxi , Cui Wen , Li Kanglu , Chen Lvcun , Zhang Yuxin , Dong Fan , Sun Yanjuan 
Published: January 2021

Defect engineering has been regarded as a versatile strategy to maneuver the photocatalytic activity. However, there are a few studies concerning how to maintain the stability of defects, which is important to ensure sustainable photocatalytic performance. Here, a novel strategy to modulate the structural properties of BiSbO4 using light‐induced dynamic oxygen vacancies is reported by us for efficient and stable photocatalytic oxidation of formaldehyde. Interestingly, the continuous consumption and replenishment of vacancies (namely dynamic vacancies) ensure the dynamic stability of oxygen vacancies, thus guaranteeing the excellent photocatalytic stability. The oxygen vacancies could also accelerate the electron migration, inhibit the photogenerated electron/hole recombination, widen the light absorption spectra, and thus improve the photocatalytic formaldehyde removal performance. Combined with the results of in situ DRIFTS, the reaction mechanism for each step of formaldehyde oxidation is revealed. As supported by DFT calculation of Gibbs free energy, the introduction of oxygen vacancies into BiSbO4 can promote spontaneous process of formaldehyde oxidation. Our work highlights a promising approach for stabilizing the defects and proposes the photocatalytic reaction mechanism in combination with the thermodynamic functions.
Electrochemical Oxidative Cyclization: Synthesis of Polysubstituted Pyrrole from Enamines
Authors: Chen Zhiwei , Shi Guang , Tang Wei , Sun Jie , Wang Wenxing 
Published: January 2021

AbstractA conceptually novel method for the preparation of pyrrole is described by electrochemical‐oxidation‐induced intermolecular annulation via enamines. In a simple undivided cell, based on a sodium acetate‐facilitated, polysubstituted pyrrole derivations has been facilely synthesized under external oxidant‐free condition. This electrosynthetic approach providing an environmentally benign protocol for C−C bond cross‐coupling and oxidative annulation, which features unparalleled broad scope of substrates and practicality.
Signal crayfish burrowing, bank retreat and sediment supply to rivers: A biophysical sediment budget
Authors: Sanders H. , Rice S.P. , Wood P.J. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBurrowing into riverbanks by animals transfers sediment directly into river channels and has been hypothesised to accelerate bank erosion and promote mass failure. A field monitoring study on two UK rivers invaded by signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) assessed the impact of burrowing on bank erosion processes. Erosion pins were installed in 17 riverbanks across a gradient of crayfish burrow densities and monitored for 22 months. Bank retreat increased significantly with crayfish burrow density. At the bank scale (<6 m river length), high crayfish burrow densities were associated with accelerated bank retreat of up to 253% and more than a doubling of the area of bank collapse compared with banks without burrows. Direct sediment supply by burrowing activity contributed 0.2% and 0.6% of total sediment at the reach (1.1 km) and local bank (<6 m) scales. However, accelerated bank retreat caused by burrows contributed 12.2% and 29.8% of the total sediment supply at the reach and bank scales. Together, burrowing and the associated acceleration of retreat and collapse supplied an additional 25.4 t km−1 a−1 of floodplain sediments at one site, demonstrating the substantial impact that signal crayfish can have on fine sediment supply. For the first time, an empirical relation linking animal burrow characteristics to riverbank retreat is presented. The study adds to a small number of sediment budget studies that compare sediment fluxes driven by biotic and abiotic energy but is unique in isolating and measuring the substantial interactive effect of the acceleration of abiotic bank erosion facilitated by biotic activity. Biotic energy expended through burrowing represents an energy surcharge to the river system that can augment sediment erosion by geophysical mechanisms.
Establishment of a standardized dietary model for nanoparticles oral exposure studies
Authors: Li Yan , Jiang Kun , Cao Hui , Yuan Min , Ye Tai , Xu Fei 
Published: January 2021

AbstractFood matrices could affect the physicochemical properties of nanoparticles (NPs) and define the biological effects of NPs via oral exposure compared with the pristine NPs. We established a standardized dietary model based on Chinese dietary reference intakes and Chinese dietary guidelines to mimic the exposure of NPs in real life and to evaluate further the biological effect and toxicity of NPs via oral exposure compared with current models. The standardized dietary model prepared from the primary emulsion was dried into powder using spray drying compared with commercial food powder and then was reconstituted compared with the fresh sample. The average particle size (295.59 nm), potential (−23.78 mV), viscosity (0.04 pa s), and colors (L*, a*, b* = 84.13, −0.116, 8.908) were measured and characterized of the fresh sample. The flowability (repose angle = 37.28° and slide angle = 36.75°), moisture (2.68%), colors (L*, a*, b* = 94.16, −0.27, 3.01), and bulk density (0.45 g/ml) were compared with commercial food powder. The size (310.75 nm), potential (−23.98 mV), and viscosity (0.04 pa s) of reconstituted model were similar to the fresh sample. Results demonstrated that the model was satisfy the characterizations of easy to fabrication, good stability, small particle size, narrow particle size distribution, strong practicability, and good reproducibility similar to most physiological food state and will be used to evaluate NPs’ safety.
Soils in ancient irrigated agricultural terraces in the Atacama Desert, Chile
Authors: Sandor Jonathan A. , Huckleberry Gary , Hayashida Frances M. , Parcero‐Oubiña César , Salazar Diego , Troncoso Andrés , Ferro‐Vázquez Cruz 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe Atacama Desert is among the driest places on Earth, yet ancient agricultural systems are present in the region. Here, we present a study of terraced agricultural soils in the high‐altitude eastern margin of the Atacama Desert in northern Chile, mainly dating to the Late Intermediate Period (ca. 950–1400 AD) and Inka period (ca. 1400–1536 AD). Terraced fields were compartmentalized to distribute limited irrigation water originating mainly from springs. Natural soils used for agriculture are mostly Aridisols developed on Pleistocene alluvial fan terraces and hillslopes underlain by volcanic bedrock. One research objective is to evaluate long‐term soil change from agriculture. In this hyperarid climate, agriculture is only possible with irrigation, so natural soils on the same geomorphic surface adjacent to irrigated soils provide baseline data for assessing anthropogenic soil change. Data from soil profiles and surface transects indicate intentional soil change through terracing, removal of soil rock fragments, and probable fertilization. Agricultural soils have anthropogenic horizons ranging from 16 to 54 cm thick. Most agricultural soils have higher phosphorus levels, suggesting enrichment from fertilization. Changes in soil organic carbon and nitrogen are also evident. Unintentional anthropogenic soil change resulted from CaCO3input through irrigation with calcareous spring water. Initial studies suggest that agriculture here was sustainable in the sense of conserving soils, and maintaining and possibly improving soil productivity over centuries.
Evaluation of actual evapotranspiration measured by large‐scale weighing lysimeters in a humid alpine meadow, northeastern Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Dai Licong , Fu Ruiyu , Guo Xiaowei , Ke Xun , Du Yangong , Zhang Fawei , Li Yikang , Qian Dawen , Zhou Huakun , Cao Guangmin 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe accurate estimation of evapotranspiration (ET) is essential for assessing water availability and requirements of regional‐scale terrestrial ecosystems, and for understanding the hydrological cycle in alpine ecosystems. In this study, two large‐scale weighing lysimeters were employed to estimate the magnitude and dynamics of actual evapotranspiration in a humid alpine Kobresia meadow from January 2018 to December 2019 on the northeastern Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau (QTP). The results showed that daily ETa averaged 2.24 ± 0.10 mm day −1 throughout the study period, with values of 3.89 ± 0.14 and 0.81 ± 0.06 mm day−1 during the growing season and non‐growing season, respectively. The cumulative ETa during the study period was 937.39 mm, exceeding precipitation (684.20 mm) received at the site during the same period by 37%, suggesting that almost all precipitation in the lysimeters was returned to the atmosphere by evapotranspiration. Furthermore, the cumulative ETa (805.04 mm) was almost equal to the maximum potential evapotranspiration estimated by the FAO‐56 reference evapotranspiration (ET0) (801.94 mm) during the growing season, but the cumulative ETa (132.25 mm) was 113.72% less than the minimum equilibrium ETeq) (282.86 mm) during the non‐growing season due to the limited surface moisture in frozen soil. The crop coefficient (Kc) also showed a distinct seasonal pattern, with a monthly average of 1.01 during the growing season. Structural equation model (SEM) and boosted regression tree (BRT) show that net radiation and air temperature were the most important factors affecting daily ETa during the whole study period and growing season, but that non‐growing season ETa was dominated by soil water content and net radiation. The daily Kc was dominated by net radiation. Furthermore, both ETa and Kc were also affected by aboveground biomass.
The effectiveness of using a molded sorbent: Modified polyvinylpyrrolidone for the combined treatment of chronic endometritis
Authors: Barinov Sergey V. , Tirskaya Yuliya I. , Borisova Anna V. , Pyanova Lidiya G. , Di Renzo Gian Carlo 
Published: January 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo improve the management of patients with chronic endometritis (CE) by using a molded sorbent—modified by polyvinylpyrrolidone (FSMP).MethodsThis prospective study included 70 patients with CE divided into two groups: group 1 (n = 23) received traditional antibiotic therapy (from days 3 to 10 of the menstrual cycle); group 2 (n = 47), received antibiotics and FSMP was inserted from days 5 to 10.ResultsAt the end of therapy, group 1 had massive growth of pathogenic microflora in 21.7%, moderate growth in 69.6%, and no growth in 8.7% of cases. In group 2, after combined therapy, massive growth was observed in 4.3%, moderate growth in 44.7%, and no growth in 51.0%. In group 2 after 5 days, serum levels of interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) were 1.9 times, of IL‐6 were 7.0 times, and of IL‐8 and IL‐1 receptor antagonist were 1.3 times lower than in group 1. In uterine cavity aspirates, IL‐1β decreased around 4.8 times, IL‐6 by 11.8 times, IL‐8 by 3.2 times, tumor necrosis factor‐α by 3.9 times, and IL‐1 receptor antagonist by 2.1 times in comparison to group 1.ConclusionCombined therapy of FSMP with antibiotics is more effective in treating CE, because it contributes to the almost complete elimination of pathogens and toxins from the uterine cavity, blocking the local pro‐inflammatory cascade.
Use of therapeutic plasma exchange in heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia: A population‐based study
Authors: Soares Ferreira Júnior Alexandre , Boyle Stephen H. , Kuchibhatla Maragatha , Akinyemiju Tomi , Onwuemene Oluwatoyosi A. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundHeparin‐induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is characterized by anti‐heparin/platelet factor 4 immune complexes, which are removed by therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE). Our main objective was to study TPE outcomes in HIT using a large administrative claims database.Study design and methodsWe used the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) to identify hospital discharges of adult patients (≥18) with a primary or secondary diagnosis of HIT. Cases were classified into two groups based on TPE use. The primary outcome was in‐hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes were thrombotic events, major bleeding, hospital length of stay (LOS), and charges. Multivariable regression analysis, controlling for age and medical comorbidities, was used to examine the association of TPE with study outcomes.ResultsA HIT diagnosis was made in 22 165 discharges, of which 90 (0.4%) received TPE. Corresponding national estimates are 106 435 and 439, respectively. TPE was not associated with decreased in‐hospital mortality (OR = 1.72; 95%CI: 0.93‐3.17, P = .085). However, TPE was associated with a higher likelihood of major bleeding (OR = 2.35; 95%CI: 1.40‐3.68, P = .0009), primarily driven by gastrointestinal bleeding (OR = 2.21; 95%CI: 1.17‐4.17, P = .015). TPE was also associated with higher hospital LOS (20.5 vs 10 day, P < .0001) and charges (USD 211181 vs USD 81654, P < .0001).ConclusionTPE's association with increased bleeding and a prolonged hospital course indicates that it is being used in HIT cases with a severe clinical phenotype. Future studies are needed to better characterize the HIT phenotype that will most benefit from TPE.
Political, economic, financial uncertainty, and real earnings management
Authors: Jain Ajeet , Jackson Dave , Sakaki Hamid 
Published: January 2021

AbstractWe examine the relationship between uncertainty (political, economic, and financial) on real earnings management (REM). Covering nine presidential elections in the U.S. from 1980 to 2012, we find that firms limit overproduction in pre‐election years followed by reductions in REM activities in election years. We also show that economic and financial uncertainty (FU) stimulate firms’ use of REM through cutting back discretionary expenses such as advertising, research and development, and selling, general, and administrative expenses. We also find that firms with higher agency costs reduce REM during election years whereas larger firms accelerate REM during political, economic policy, and FU.
Forensic analytics using cluster analysis: Detecting anomalies in data
Authors: Goh Clarence , Lee Benjamin , Pan Gary , Seow Poh Sun 
Published: January 2021

AbstractCluster analysis is a data analytics technique that can help forensic accountants effectively detect anomalies in complex financial datasets. This article provides a description of clustering analysis, discusses how it can be implemented to detect anomalies in data, and illustrates its use through a worked example using the Tableau software.
Synthesis of mesoporous carbon platelets of high surface area and large porosity from polymer blends‐calcium phosphate nanocomposites for high‐power supercapacitor
Authors: Chen Shi‐Kung , Chang Kuo‐Hsin , Hsu Chun‐Han , Lim Zheng‐Yi , Du Fang‐Yi , Chang Kai‐Wen , Chang Mong‐Chen , Lin Hong‐Ping , Hu Chi‐Chang , Tang Chih‐Yuan , Lin Ching‐Yen 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIn this manuscript, we provided a new synthetic method to conveniently synthesize the mesoporous carbon platelets of high surface area (>1,000 m2/g), large pore size (≈8.0 nm), and short channel length (<100 nm) for the application in high‐power supercapacitor. A co‐assembly approach to prepare the phenol formaldehyde‐Pluronic F127‐calcium phosphate composite was proposed. In such composites, the PF‐F127 organic parts occluded within the Ca3(PO4)2 crystals can be converted to mesoporous carbon platelets and the calcium phosphate is easily removed in an acidic aqueous solution rather than using a highly corrosive HF solution for silica removal. In practice, the platelets of relatively large mesopores, short pore channels, high specific surface area, and good electronic conductivity to meet the high power demands. It shows that the mesoporous carbon can have a rectangle‐like shape i‐E curve measured at a very high scan rate of 4,000 mV/s in 4.0 M H2SO4. The novel mesoporous carbon platelets electrode exhibits only 29% loss when the scan rate is varied from 100 to 4,000 mV/s. The above perfect capacitive performances confirm the promising applicability of this novel mesoporous carbon for supercapacitors of ultrahigh power.
Secret powers: Acts of Googling in the therapeutic relationship
Authors: Trub Leora , Magaldi Danielle 
Published: January 2021

AbstractObjectiveThe ease of online searching has diminished people's expectations of privacy and the ability to control access to information about oneself, which can alter basic assumptions about the therapy relationship.MethodThis grounded theory study explored psychotherapists’ experiences of searching online for patients and being searched for by patients, among 28 clinicians of primarily psychodynamic orientation.ResultsMany therapists search online for information about patients, but often minimize or rationalize this action and do not share it with their patients. Meanwhile, while they believe their patients search for them, they find it difficult to raise the topic directly in therapy. Thus, when it comes to online searching and discovery of information, an air of secrecy pervades the therapeutic relationship.ConclusionsDespite the serious implications that the pervasiveness of online searching has for the treatment relationship, therapists lack sufficient support for exploring their motivations, curiosities, and urges surrounding this action.
Intraoperative bile culture helps choosing antibiotics in pancreaticoduodenectomy: Mechanistic profiling study of complex rink between bacterobilia and postoperative complications
Authors: Itoyama Rumi , Okabe Hirohisa , Yamashita Yo‐ichi , Kitamura Fumimasa , Uemura Norio , Nakao Yosuke , Yusa Toshihiko , Imai Katsunori , Hayashi Hiromitsu , Baba Hideo 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundPostoperative complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is still a major concern. The aim of this study was to propose how to choose antibiotics, based on bacterial sensitivity profiling involved in postoperative complications after PD.MethodsTwo hundred and thirty patients underwent PD between 2008 and 2018 at Kumamoto University Hospital. We enrolled 121 patients who had both intraoperative bile culture and drain culture on postoperative day (POD) 3. The clinical impact of the bacterial profile on postoperative outcome was retrospectively analyzed.ResultsMultivariate regression analysis revealed that intraperitoneal contamination on POD3 was independently associated with postoperative complications (odds ratio 2.62, P = .02). The bacteria in intraperitoneal drain on POD3 showed 94.9% similarity with those in bile collected during surgery. The major species were Enterococcus (44.6%) and Enterobacter (38.5%). Enterobacter species caused a higher rate of postoperative complications than others (83% vs 54%, P = .04). Three out of five Enterococcus faecium were resistant to carbapenems that were active against all Gram‐negative rods.ConclusionsIntraperitoneal contamination on POD3, which had similar bacterial species as bile collected during surgery, was correlated with postoperative complications. The bacterial antibiotic sensitivity profile may help selecting optimal antibiotics against infectious postoperative complications in PD.
Assets, cash transfers and urban livelihoods in South Africa
Authors: Nnaeme Chibuikem , Patel Leila , Plagerson Sophie 
Published: January 2021

AbstractHow access to cash transfers (CTs) contributes to assets and livelihoods is not well understood in development contexts. This qualitative study draws on the sustainable livelihoods approach and describes how beneficiaries acquire, mobilise and convert a diversity of assets into livelihood strategies amidst high levels of unemployment and poverty. We find that receipt of CTs had a catalytic effect enabling the pursuit of livelihoods, facilitating capital accrual and asset conversion. Among the study implications is the need to complement CTs with policies that encourage social and productive goals and recognise the informal economy in employment growth.