bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
How does grassland management affect physical and biochemical properties of temperate grassland soils? A review study
Authors: Mayel Sonia , Jarrah Mahboube , Kuka Katrin 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIncreasing management intensity of grassland through increased grazing intensity, mowing frequency and fertilizer input have attracted more attention to the consequences of grassland management practices on reduced soil quality and grassland yield. Given the importance of soil attributes in generating resilience in soil‐vegetation‐livestock systems, a better insight of the dynamic of these complex systems is warranted. The maintenance of proper soil physical, chemical and biological properties indicates the basis of a resilient grassland system. This review summarizes research approaches and outcomes of the effects of grazing, mowing, and applying fertilizer on soil physical and biochemical characteristics with the aim of providing useful guidelines to researchers, land managers, and policy makers to maintaining and improving soil attributes and grassland productivity. Based on the studied literatures, choice of management intensity on grasslands appears to be more critical. Light to moderate grassland management intensities have positive effects on soil properties, but frequent or incorrect management practices may cause undesirable consequences. Various factors such as the geographic region, and plant group functions additionally could have an effect on management regimes, so it can be concluded that optimal management method should be adapted to regional and local circumstances.
Individual social capital and migration
Authors: Hotchkiss Julie L. , Rupasingha Anil 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis paper determines how individual, relative to community, social capital is related to individual decisions to move. We use non‐public data from the Social Capital Community Benchmark Survey to predict multi‐dimensional social capital for observations in the Current Population Survey. We find evidence that individuals are much less likely to have moved to a community with average social capital levels lower than their own and confirm that higher individual social capital (across multiple dimensions) is negatively related to migration decisions.
COVID‐19 pandemic effects on nursing education: looking through the lens of a developing country
Authors: Agu Chinwendu F. , Stewart Jodian , McFarlane‐Stewart Nadine , Rae Tania 
Published: January 2021

BackgroundCOVID‐19 pandemic has impacted the way things are done in walks of life including nursing education in both developing and developed countries. Nursing schools all over the world as well as in developing countries responded to the pandemic following the guidelines of the World Health Organisation and different countries specific guidelines regarding the pandemic.AimThis reflective piece aims to describe the effect of COVID‐19 on nursing education in developing countries.ResultFace‐to‐face teaching and learning were converted to virtual remote learning and clinical experiences suspended to protect the students from the pandemic. Specific but broader responses to the pandemic in the Caribbean and other developing countries have been shaped by financial, political and other contextual factors, especially the level of information technology infrastructure development, and the attendant inequities in access to such technology between the rural and urban areas. Internet accessibility, affordability and reliability in certain areas seem to negatively affect the delivery of nursing education during the COVID‐19 lockdown.Conclusion and Implications for Nursing and/or Health PolicyThe impact of COVID‐19 on nursing education in the Caribbean and other parts of the world has shown that if adequate measures are put in place by the way of disaster preparedness and preplanned mitigation strategies, future crises like COVID‐19 will have less impact on nursing education. Therefore, health policymakers and nursing regulatory bodies in the developing countries should put policies in place that will help in responding, coping and recovering quickly from future occurrences.
Topical effect of benzalkonium bromide on wound healing and potential cellular and molecular mechanisms
Authors: Zhang Jianghe , Yan Yan , Li Yujie , Shen Chengcheng , Zhang Yiming 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBenzalkonium bromide (BB) has been widely used as a skin antiseptic for wound management. However, BB had proinflammation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) induction effect, making its role in wound healing complex and unclear. A rat full‐thickness skin defect wound model was established. The effects of BB, povidone iodine (PVP‐I), chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG), and normal saline (NS) on wound healing and infection control were then evaluated based on wound healing rate (WHr) and bacterial killing. The wound tissues were sectioned for histopathological evaluation and nuclear factor E2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) expression determination. The ROS production, Nrf2 activation, and heme oxygenase 1 (HO‐1) expression of the HaCat cells and the cytotoxicity treated with BB were further explored. Compared with NS, PVP‐I, and CHG, BB showed the best wound infection control efficiency while delayed wound healing with the WHr of 91.42 ± 5.12% at day 20. The wound tissue of the BB group showed many inflammatory cells but few granulation tissue and capillaries and no obvious collagen deposition, resulting in the lowest histopathological scores of 4.17 ± 0.75 for BB group. BB showed higher cytotoxicity on HaCat cells with the lowest IC25, IC50, and IC75 of 1.90, 4.16, and 9.09 g/mL compared with PVP‐I and CHG. TUNEL staining evaluated the cytotoxicity of BB on wound tissue, which indicates the high apoptosis index BB group (5.05 ± 1.77). Compared with PVP‐I and CHG, BB induced much more cell apoptosis. The results of flow cytometry and fluorescence staining showed that PVP‐I, CHG, and BB induced ROS production in a concentration‐dependent manner and cells treated with BB had the highest ROS production at the same inhibition concentration. The cells and the wound tissues treated with BB showed highest Nrf2 activation and HO‐1 expression than PVP‐I and CHG. BB was highly efficient in wound infection control while delayed wound healing. The prolonged and strengthened inflammation and the raised ROS production originating from BB administration may contribute to delayed wound healing.
Acute physical and mental stress resulted in an increase in fatty acids, norepinephrine, and hemodynamic changes in normal individuals: A possible pathophysiological mechanism for hypertension—Pilot study
Authors: Motta e Motta Josiane , Souza Ludmila Neves , Vieira Bianca Bassetto , Delle Humberto , Consolim‐Colombo Fernanda Marciano , Egan Brent M. , Lopes Heno Ferreira 
Published: January 2021

AbstractHypertension is often associated with metabolic changes. The sustained increase in sympathetic activity is related to increased blood pressure and metabolic changes. Environmental stimuli may be related to increased sympathetic activity, blood pressure, and metabolic changes, especially in genetically predisposed individuals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the response of fatty acids to physical and mental stress in healthy volunteers and the hemodynamic, hormonal, and metabolic implications of these stimuli. Fifteen healthy individuals with a mean age of 31 ± 7 years, of both sexes, were evaluated. They were assessed at baseline and after combined physical and mental stress (isometric exercise test, Stroop color test). Blood samples were collected at baseline and after stimulation for glucose, insulin, fatty acid, and catecholamine levels. Blood pressure, heart rate, cardiac output, systemic vascular resistance, and distensibility of the large and small arteries were analyzed. The data obtained at baseline and after stimuli were from the same individual, being the control itself. Compared to baseline, after physical and mental stress there was a statistically significant increase (p < .05) in free fatty acids, norepinephrine, diastolic blood pressure, peripheral vascular resistance, and distensibility of the large and small arteries. In conclusion, the combination of physical and mental stress raised fatty acids, norepinephrine, diastolic blood pressure, and peripheral vascular resistance in healthy individuals.
Inhibition of hepatocyte nuclear factor 1β contributes to cisplatin nephrotoxicity via regulation of nf‐κb pathway
Authors: Zhang Yan , Hao Jielu , Du Zijun , Li Peiyao , Hu Jinghua , Ruan Mengna , Li Shulian , Ma Yuanfang , Lou Qiang 
Published: January 2021

AbstractCisplatin nephrotoxicity has been considered as serious side effect caused by cisplatin‐based chemotherapy. Recent evidence indicates that renal tubular cell apoptosis and inflammation contribute to the progression of cisplatin‐induced acute kidney injury (AKI). Hepatocyte nuclear factor 1β (HNF1β) has been reported to regulate the development of kidney cystogenesis, diabetic nephrotoxicity, etc However, the regulatory mechanism of HNF1β in cisplatin nephrotoxicity is largely unknown. In the present study, we examined the effects of HNF1β deficiency on the development of cisplatin‐induced AKI in vitro and in vivo. HNF1β down‐regulation exacerbated cisplatin‐induced RPTC apoptosis by indirectly inducing NF‐κB p65 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation. HNF1β knockdown C57BL/6 mice were constructed by injecting intravenously with HNF1β‐interfering shRNA and PEI. The HNF1β scramble and knockdown mice were treated with 30 mg/kg cisplatin for 3 days to induce acute kidney injury. Cisplatin treatment caused increased caspase 3 cleavage and p65 phosphorylation, elevated serum urea nitrogen and creatinine, and obvious histological damage of kidney such as fractured tubules in control mice, which were enhanced in HNF1β knockdown mice. These results suggest that HNF1β may ameliorate cisplatin nephrotoxicity in vitro and in vivo, probably through regulating NF‐κB signalling pathway.
Subclinical effects of adapalene‐benzoyl peroxide: a prospective in vivo imaging study on acne micromorphology and transfollicular delivery
Authors: Fuchs C.S.K. , Ortner V.K. , Hansen F.S. , Philipsen P.A. , Haedersdal M. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundAdapalene–benzoyl peroxide (A‐BPO) is a first‐line topical treatment for acne vulgaris. In vivo reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) detect micromorphological changes over time and visualize transfollicular delivery.ObjectivesTo visualize temporal, subclinical effects of A‐BPO on acne micromorphology using RCM and OCT, and evaluate their impact on transfollicular delivery of microparticulate carrier systems.MethodsFifteen patients with mild to moderate acne received a 6‐week course of A‐BPO. Micromorphological changes were evaluated at time 0, 3 and 6 weeks with RCM (n = 1190 images) and OCT (n = 210 scans). Transfollicular delivery of microparticles was assessed at baseline and week 6.ResultsIn vivo imaging visualized steady normalization of skin micromorphology in response to A‐BPO over 6 weeks, including decreased hyperkeratinization of follicular borders (RCM median decrease −71.2%, P < 0.05), reduced intrafollicular keratinous content (RCM median decrease −47.7%, P < 0.05) and increased epidermal thickness (OCT median increase of 25.25%, P < 0.05). Imaging visualized microparticles in the follicular unit. Despite a visible reduction in keratin and sebum, transfollicular microparticle delivery appeared unaffected.ConclusionsReflectance confocal microscopy and OCT detect A‐BPO‐induced changes in micromorphology and visualize transfollicular microparticle delivery. Keratolysis and sebolysis did not have a measurable effect on transfollicular delivery of microparticles.
Transparency, civic capital and political accountability: A virtuous relation?
Authors: Albanese Giuseppe , Galli Emma , Rizzo Ilde , Scaglioni Carla 
Published: January 2021

AbstractOur paper investigates the intertwined relation among transparency, civic capital and political accountability in a large sample of Italian municipalities using a new indicator of institutional transparency. Firstly, we test the hypothesis that civic capital affects transparency of public administrations; secondly, we verify whether in municipalities where civic capital is high, citizens’ attention toward government accountability is also high, making it politically unfeasible to disregard the demand for transparency. We find that civic capital positively affects transparency and the latter, in turn, is politically rewarding for the local administrators only conditional to the level of civic capital. Our findings are robust to different samples and endogeneity concerns.
Residual radicular cyst: A remnant or a distinct entity? Reigniting the debate
Authors: Upadya Varsha Haridas , Sequeira Joyce P. , James Jijy , Bhat Hari Kishore , Kolari Vinayakrishna 
Published: January 2021

ABSTRACTResidual radicular cysts also called residual cysts, are inflammatory odontogenic cysts of the tooth‐bearing areas of the jaws. Some authors believe that they are not distinct entities, but represent previously undetected or persistent radicular cysts. Though they are slow‐growing and are usually found incidentally, they have the potential to reach massive sizes, displace adjacent structures and transform into benign and malignant tumours. In comparison to other odontogenic cysts, there is a paucity of literature regarding residual cysts. This article comprehensively reviews the literature available on the etiopathogenesis, presentation, microscopic and biochemical features, management and prognosis of residual cysts along with a report of a large residual cyst in the maxilla, displacing the maxillary sinus. The cyst presented 10 years after extraction of the offending teeth and was filled with brownish‐red semisolid content, which is uncommon. The lesion was enucleated and no postoperative complications were observed.
New solution of beauty problem by Staphylococcus hominis: Relevance between skin microbiome and skin condition in healthy subject
Authors: Ohshima Hiroshi , Kurosumi Motonori , Kanto Hiromi 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackground/aimsRecently, it was suggested that skin microbiome is related to some skin disease. The possibility of affecting the skin might be high, but there were few reports of the influence on the skin condition in healthy subjects. Our aim was to evaluate the relationship between skin condition and skin microbiome in healthy subjects.MethodsExperiment 1: 293 Japanese healthy women were divided into two groups, good skin properties and poor skin properties by 14 skin physiology parameter values on the cheek using noninvasive method. Differences of abundance of bacterial species on the cheek between the two groups were evaluated. Experiment 2: 11 Japanese healthy women were applied Staphylococcus hominis (S. hominis) on half‐side of cheek for eight times in 1 month. Difference of change of physiology parameter values comparing to placebo side was evaluated.ResultsExperiment 1: Multiple skin bacterial species were found to be significantly relevant in 14 physiology parameters. The abundance of S. hominis on the cheek with good skin properties group was significantly higher than poor skin properties group. Experiment 2: The application of S. hominis improved significantly the conspicuous pore number, melanin index, and the wrinkle count compared to placebo side.ConclusionWe found many skin bacterial species that might improve the skin condition in healthy women. In particular, S. hominis might have the potential to improve multiple skin beauty problems.
A Memory-Greedy Policy With Guaranteed Convergence for Accelerating Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Yu Xinglin , Wu Yuhu , Sun Xi-Ming , Zhou Wenya 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Balancing the exploration and exploitation in reinforcement learning is a commonly dilemma and time-wasting work. In this paper, a novel exploration policy used in Q-Learning, called Memory-greedy policy, is proposed to accelerate learning. By memory storage and playback, the probability of random action selecting can be effectively dealt with or reduced, which hence speeds up learning. The principle of this policy is analyzed by maze scene, and the theoretical convergence is given according to dynamic programming.
Mini-sternotomy versus conventional sternotomy for aortic valve replacement: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Hancock Helen C , Maier Rebecca H , Kasim Adetayo , Mason James , Murphy Gavin , Goodwin Andrew , Owens W Andrew , Akowuah Enoch 
Published: January 2021

ObjectiveTo compare clinical and health economic outcomes after manubrium-limited mini-sternotomy (intervention) and conventional median sternotomy (usual care).DesignA single-blind, randomised controlled trial.SettingSingle centre UK National Health Service tertiary hospital.ParticipantsAdult patients undergoing aortic valve replacement (AVR) surgery.InterventionsIntervention was manubrium-limited mini-sternotomy performed using a 5–7 cm midline incision. Usual care was median sternotomy performed using a midline incision from the sternal notch to the xiphisternum.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe primary outcome was the proportion of patients who received a red cell transfusion postoperatively and within 7 days of index surgery. Secondary outcomes included proportion of patients receiving a non-red cell blood component transfusion and number of units transfused within 7 days and during index hospital stay, quality of life and cost-effectiveness analyses.Results270 patients were randomised, received surgery and contributed to the intention to treat analysis. No difference between mini and conventional sternotomy in red-cell transfusion within 7 days was found; 23/135 patients in each arm received a transfusion, OR 1.0 (95% CI 0.5 to 2.0) and risk difference 0.0 (95% CI −0.1 to 0.1). Mini-sternotomy reduced chest drain losses (mean 181.6 mL (SD 138.7) vs conventional, mean 306·9 mL (SD 348.6)); this did not reduce red-cell transfusions. Mean valve size and postoperative valve function were comparable between mini-sternotomy and conventional groups; 23 mm vs 24 mm and 6/134 moderate or severe aortic regurgitation vs 3/130, respectively. Mini-sternotomy resulted in longer bypass (82.7 min (SD 23.5) vs 59.6 min (SD 15.1)) and cross-clamp times (64.1 min (SD 17.1) vs 46·3 min (SD 10.7)). Conventional sternotomy was more cost-effective with only a 5.8% probability of mini-sternotomy being cost-effective at a willingness to pay of £20 000/QALY (Quality Adjusted Life Years).ConclusionsAVR via mini-sternotomy did not reduce red blood cell transfusion within 7 days following surgery when compared with conventional sternotomy.Trial registration numberISRCTN29567910; Results.
Commercial applications of quantum computing
Authors: Bova Francesco , Goldfarb Avi , Melko Roger G. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractDespite the scientific and engineering challenges facing the development of quantum computers, considerable progress is being made toward applying the technology to commercial applications. In this article, we discuss the solutions that some companies are already building using quantum hardware. Framing these as examples of combinatorics problems, we illustrate their application in four industry verticals: cybersecurity, materials and pharmaceuticals, banking and finance, and advanced manufacturing. While quantum computers are not yet available at the scale needed to solve all of these combinatorics problems, we identify three types of near-term opportunities resulting from advances in quantum computing: quantum-safe encryption, material and drug discovery, and quantum-inspired algorithms.
Computing the surface electronic states on the (100), (110) and (111) surfaces of FCC monatomic crystals
Authors: Bourahla Boualem , Belayadi Adel 
Published: January 2021

In this study, we carry out a simulation of the surface band structures for face-centered cubic (fcc) leads that end up in (100), (110) and (111) surfaces. The surface Hamiltonian matrix is constructed from tight-binding approach and the secular equations of the surface eigenvalue problem. The solution of the problem is performed by integrating the Landauer–Büttiker formalism (LBF) in the phase field matching approach (PFMA). The LBF provides the quantum scattering properties and the PFMA connects the bulk modes to those of the surface based on the quantum scattering coefficients. The combination of these methods allows calculating the electronic bands in the three directions mentioned above. We report the results of ordered slabs for Ag, described as [Formula: see text]-like orbital and Ni given as [Formula: see text]-type orbitals. To show the impact of expanding the crystal wavefunction, we reveal the calculation of the localized states for Rh, Cu, Pt given as [Formula: see text]-type orbitals as first calculation then [Formula: see text]-coupling orbitals as second calculation. The results of the nonordered slabs are applied to Pd and Ir. Cutting the crystals affects the internal energy of the surface atoms, which will be subject to a relaxation effect until equilibrium is achieved.
SYNTHESIS OF ORGANIC–INORGANIC HYBRID COATINGS FOR THE PROTECTION OF ALUMINUM SUBSTRATES
Authors: LEI BING , MENG GUOZHE , LIU WEI 
Published: January 2021

A silica-based organic–inorganic hybrid coating has been developed for corrosion protection of aluminum substrates by dip-coating technique. The hybrid sols were prepared by hydrolysis and condensation of trimethoxy(7-octen-1-yl)silane (TMOS) and tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) in the presence of acetic acid. Structural characterization of the hybrid coatings was performed using powder X-ray diffraction analysis (PXRD). The morphology of the coating has been studied by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and potentiodynamic polarization (PDP) tests have been performed, and the results showed that the silane coatings had high corrosion resistance. The heat treatment of the coatings at various temperatures have been investigated, and the results show that 130∘C is an optimized temperature. The results expose that the hybrid coating enhanced the corrosion protection of aluminum in aqueous 3.5% NaCl solution.
The Sequence of Mediation Efforts in the Conflict between the Government of Uganda and the Lord’s Resistance Army
Authors: Aduda Levke 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
What impact have different mediation outcomes had on subsequent mediation onset and success in the conflict between the government of Uganda and the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA)? Intrastate conflicts commonly see more than one mediation effort. These efforts can result in different outcomes. Assessing the impact of different mediation outcomes on subsequent mediation efforts in the conflict between the governments of Uganda and the LRA, it becomes apparent that reneged agreements have aggravated subsequent mediation efforts, while mediation ending without an agreement and previous mediation success do not reduce the chances of subsequent mediation onset (and success). This suggests that short-lived agreements are not only likely to lead to renewed conflict, but also make further mediation efforts more difficult.