bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Seed mucilage interacts with soil microbial community and physiochemical processes to affect seedling emergence on desert sand dunes
Authors: Hu Dandan , Zhang Shudong , Baskin Jerry M. , Baskin Carol C. , Wang Zhaoren , Liu Rong , Du Juan , Yang Xuejun , Huang Zhenying 
Published: September 2018

AbstractSeedling emergence is a critical stage in the establishment of desert plants. Soil microbes participate in plant growth and development, but information is lacking with regard to the role of microbes on seedling emergence. We applied the biocides (captan and streptomycin) to assess how seed mucilage interacts with soil microbial community and physiochemical processes to affect seedling emergence of Artemisia sphaerocephala on the desert sand dune. Fungal and bacterial community composition and diversity and fungal–bacterial interactions were changed by both captan and streptomycin. Mucilage increased soil enzyme activities and fungal–bacterial interactions. Highest seedling emergence occurred under streptomycin and mucilage treatment. Members of the phyla Firmicutes and Glomeromycota were the keystone species that improved A. sphaerocephala seedling emergence, by increasing resistance of young seedlings to drought and pathogen. Seed mucilage directly improved seedling emergence and indirectly interacted with the soil microbial community through strengthening fungal–bacterial interactions and providing favourable environment for soil enzymes to affect seedling emergence. Our study provides a comprehensive understanding of the regulatory mechanisms by which soil microbial community and seed mucilage interactively promote successful establishment of populations of desert plants on the barren and stressful sand dune.
Exposure to non‐ionizing electromagnetic radiation of public risk prevention instruments threatens the quality of spermatozoids
Authors: Tirpak Filip , Slanina Tomas , Tomka Marian , Zidek Radoslav , Halo Marko , Ivanic Peter , Gren Agnieszka , Formicki Grzegorz , Stachanczyk Katarzyna , Lukac Norbert , Massanyi Peter 
Published: September 2018

ContentsThe use of artificial insemination in cattle breeding has evolved to global extent, and insemination doses are often shipped via air transport which requires strict radiation‐based examinations. For the determination of effect of non‐ionizing radiation (NIR), to which are beings frequently exposed due to protection of airport or cultural event security, freshly ejaculated and cryopreserved bovine spermatozoa were used as experimental model. Following radiation with hand‐held metal detector in various exposition times (0, 10 s, 15, 30 and 60 min—groups FR, FR10, FR15, FR30 and FR60) the spermatozoa underwent motility and DNA fragmentation analyses. Study on cryoconserved semen treated with NIR was performed in time intervals 0, 10 s, 1 and 5 min (insemination doses radiated before cryoconservation—CB, CB10, CB1, CB5; samples radiated after freezing—CA, CA10, CA1 and CA5). Fresh semen and insemination doses radiated after cryoconservation showed significantly lower total and progressive motility. No effect on motility parameters was detected in semen extended with cryopreservative medium and radiated prior to freezing. Surprisingly, NIR showed a potential to stimulate spermatozoa velocity; however, the effect was modulated throughout the post‐thawing incubation. Based on the DNA fragmentation assay, sperm DNA stayed intact. Present study underlines the potential harm of NIR, which is frequently used in everyday life, with overall adverse impact on human and animal reproduction. Current study also points out on interesting short‐term spermatozoa stimulation induced by NIR.
Understanding Changes in Attitudes Toward Suicide Between 1980s and 2010s in the United States*
Authors: Tong Yi , Phillips Julie A. 
Published: September 2018

ObjectivesThis study examines individual characteristics associated with suicide acceptability in the United States and how (1) effects of these characteristics on attitudes have changed over time and (2) the degree to which shifts in attitudes are explained by changes in population characteristics.MethodsWe use General Social Survey (GSS) data from the 1980s (n = 4,840) and 2010s (n = 5,607) and conduct an Oaxaca decomposition.ResultsAlthough Americans remain largely unaccepting of suicide, except in the case of incurable disease, a greater percentage found suicide to be acceptable in 2010s than in 1980s. Individuals who are male, white, more educated, less religious, and more politically liberal find suicide more acceptable. Changes over time in population composition (e.g., rising education levels and declines in religion) account for about 50 percent of the rise in suicide acceptability between 1980s and 2010s.ConclusionsResults hint at shifting societal patterns, but the causal direction between attitudes and behavior cannot be determined.
Topic Modeling: Latent Semantic Analysis for the Social Sciences
Authors: Valdez Danny , Pickett Andrew C. , Goodson Patricia 
Published: September 2018

ObjectiveTopic modeling (TM) refers to a group of methods for mathematically identifying latent topics in large corpora of data. Although TM shows promise as a tool for social science research, most researchers lack awareness of the tool's utility. Therefore, this article provides a brief overview of TM's logic and processes, offers a simple example, and suggests several possible uses in social sciences.MethodsUsing latent semantic analysis in our example, we analyzed transcripts of the 2016 U.S. presidential debates between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump.ResultsResulting topics paralleled the most frequent policy‐related Internet searches at the time. When divided by candidate, changes in emergent topics reflected individual policy stances, with nuanced differences between the two.ConclusionFindings underscored the utility of TM to identify thematic patterns embedded in large quantities of text. TM, therefore, represents a valuable addition to the social scientist's methodological tool set.
Bone marrow harvest in donors with anaemia
Authors: Bartnik Krzysztof , Pruszczyk Katarzyna , Skwierawska Kamila , Król Małgorzata , Płachta Milena , Moskowicz Albert , Zakrzewski Tomasz , Urbanowska Elżbieta , Jędrzejczak Wiesław Wiktor , Snarski Emilian 
Published: September 2018

BackgroundBone marrow harvest (BMH) for haematopoietic stem cell transplantation is a well‐established procedure. The guidelines of World Marrow Donor Association provide information on donor selection. However, some of the guidelines regarding donors with anaemia prior to harvest lack in supporting data from clinical studies. With this study, we aimed to provide such data.Material and MethodsIn this retrospective, single‐centre study, we analysed the interplay between haemoglobin levels and BMH and BMH impact on haemoglobin levels in a cohort of 149 unrelated BM donors, including 13 subjects with mild anaemia.ResultsThe BMH led to significantly lower decrease in haemoglobin levels in donors with anaemia than in control group (1·79 g/dl vs. 2·56 g/dl, P < 0·0001). The following parameters: BMH volume (ml), BMH volume/donor body weight (ml/kg), total nucleated cells (TNC) in product (×108) and TNC/kg recipient body weight in product (×108/kg) did not differ significantly between those two analysed groups (P > 0·05). Median BM volume harvested from anaemic donors was 16·34 ml/kg; none of them required blood transfusion after BMH.ConclusionMild anaemia prior to BMH does not significantly impact the collection results. The BMH is safe and feasible in donors with mild anaemia.
Effects of lorazepam and baclofen on short‐ and long‐latency afferent inhibition
Authors: Turco Claudia V. , El‐Sayes Jenin , Locke Mitchell B. , Chen Robert , Baker Steven , Nelson Aimee J. 
Published: September 2018

Key points
Short‐latency afferent inhibition (SAI) is modulated by GABAA receptor activity, whereas the pharmacological origin of long‐latency afferent inhibition remains unknown.
This is the first study to report that long‐latency afferent inhibition (LAI) is reduced by the GABAA positive allosteric modulator lorazepam, and that both SAI and LAI are not modulated by the GABAB agonist baclofen.
These findings advance our understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying afferent inhibition.
AbstractThe afferent volley evoked by peripheral nerve stimulation has an inhibitory influence on transcranial magnetic stimulation induced motor evoked potentials. This phenomenon, known as afferent inhibition, occurs in two phases: short‐latency afferent inhibition (SAI) and long‐latency afferent inhibition (LAI). SAI exerts its inhibitory influence via cholinergic and GABAergic activity. The neurotransmitter receptors that mediate LAI remain unclear. The present study aimed to determine whether LAI is contributed by GABAA and/or GABAB receptor activity. In a double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled study, 2.5 mg of lorazepam (GABAA agonist), 20 mg of baclofen (GABAB agonist) and placebo were administered to 14 males (mean age 22.7 ± 1.9 years) in three separate sessions. SAI and LAI, evoked by stimulation of the median nerve and recorded from the first dorsal interosseous muscle, were quantified before and at the peak plasma concentration following drug ingestion. Results indicate that lorazepam reduced LAI by ∼40% and, in support of previous work, reduced SAI by ∼19%. However, neither SAI, nor LAI were altered by baclofen. In a follow‐up double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled study, 10 returning participants received placebo or 40 mg of baclofen (double the dosage used in Experiment 1). The results obtained indicate that SAI and LAI were unchanged by baclofen. This is the first study to show that LAI is modulated by GABAA receptor activity, similar to SAI, and that afferent inhibition does not appear to be a GABAB mediated process.
Analysis of water polo injuries during 8904 player matches at FINA World Championships and Olympic games to make the sport safer
Authors: Mountjoy Margo , Miller Jim , Junge Astrid 
Published: September 2018

ObjectiveTo analyse injuries of water polo players reported during four Summer Olympic Games (2004, 2008, 2012, 2016) and four Federation Internationale de Natation World Championships (2009, 2013, 2015, 2017).MethodsInjuries during training and matches were reported daily by the team physicians and the local medical staff at the sports venues using an established surveillance system.ResultsA total of 381 injuries were reported, equivalent to 14.1 injuries per 100 players (95% CI ±1.42). The most frequent diagnoses were laceration (12.7%) and contusion (10.9%) of head, followed by (sub-)luxation/sprain of hand (9.5%) and contusion of trunk (6.5%) or hand (6.2%). More than half of the injuries (57.0%) occurred due to contact with another player. A quarter of the injuries (25.4%) were expected to result in absence from training or match; 10 (2.9%) resulted in an estimated time-loss of 3 or more weeks. About three-quarters of injuries (75.6%) occurred during matches, 86 during training. The incidence of match injuries was on average 56.2 injuries per 1000 match hours (95% CI ±6.74). The incidence of time-loss match injuries (14.7; 95% CI ±3.44) was significantly higher in men than in women.ConclusionsA critical review of water polo in-competition rules and the implementation of a Fair Play programme may help to mitigate the high incidence of contact injuries incurred during matches. A water polo-specific concussion education programme including recognition, treatment and return to play is recommended. Finally, a prospective injury surveillance programme would help to better define water polo injuries outside of the competition period.
The association of household fine particulate matter and kerosene with tuberculosis in women and children in Pune, India
Authors: Elf Jessica L , Kinikar Aarti , Khadse Sandhya , Mave Vidya , Suryavanshi Nishi , Gupte Nikhil , Kulkarni Vaishali , Patekar Sunita , Raichur Priyanka , Paradkar Mandar , Kulkarni Vandana , Pradhan Neeta , Breysse Patrick N , Gupta Amita , Golub Jonathan E 
Published: September 2018

ObjectivesHousehold air pollution (HAP) is a risk factor for respiratory disease, however has yet to be definitively associated with tuberculosis (TB). We aimed to assess the association between HAP and TB.MethodsA matched case–control study was conducted among adult women and children patients with TB and healthy controls matched on geography, age and sex. HAP was assessed using questionnaires for pollution sources and 24-hour household concentrations of particulate matter <2.5 μm in diameter (PM2.5).ResultsIn total, 192 individuals in 96 matched pairs were included. The median 24-hour time-weighted average PM2.5was nearly seven times higher than the WHO’s recommendation of 25 µg/m3, and did not vary between controls (179 µg/m3; IQR: 113–292) and cases (median 157 µg/m3; 95% CI 93 to 279; p=0.57). Reported use of wood fuel was not associated with TB (OR 2.32; 95% CI 0.65 to 24.20) and kerosene was significantly associated with TB (OR 5.49, 95% CI 1.24 to 24.20) in adjusted analysis. Household PM2.5was not associated with TB in univariate or adjusted analysis. Controlling for PM2.5concentration, kerosene was not significantly associated with TB, but effect sizes ranged from OR 4.30 (95% CI 0.78 to 30.86; p=0.09) to OR 5.49 (0.82 to 36.75; p=0.08).ConclusionsUse of kerosene cooking fuel is positively associated with TB in analysis using reported sources of exposure. Ubiquitously high levels of particulates limited detection of a difference in household PM2.5between cases and controls.
VAWT versus HAWT: a comparative performance study of 2–6 MW rated capacity turbines
Authors: Paraschivoiu Ion , Ammar Sami , Saeed Farooq 
Published: September 2018

Growing quantities of low-cost wind power still require predictable, supportive regulatory environments and appropriate market designs. The challenge of integrating greater amounts of variable wind power into the grid is a growing concern that must be addressed. For offshore wind — still at early stages of the deployment journey — much remains to be accomplished to develop and integrate large-scale systems and to reduce costs. In this study, aerodynamic performance and feasibility of multi-megawatt vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs) is compared to existing, similarly rated horizontal axis wind turbines. Two types of three-bladed VAWTs have been designed, one with the Darrieus (H-type) and the other with the Troposkien (Φ-type) rotor configuration, in the 2, 4, and 6 MW rated capacity range based on an optimal parametric study. This comparative performance study shows that VAWTs are not only characterized by superior performance but also exhibit a very simple design that is cost effective from both manufacturing and maintenance perspectives.
On braneworld monomial inflation
Authors: Laamara R. Ahl , ES-SOBBAHI H. , Ennadifi S. E. 
Published: September 2018

We investigate a monomial inflationary scalar model in the braneworld Randall–Sundrum type II model. In the high-energy regime, we determine the slow-roll parameters as well as the perturbation spectrum of the model. According to the known observational data, the corresponding results and the solutions of the equation of motion on the brane are discussed.
A workflow for parametric sensitivity analysis of heat and gas release from a deep geological repository for SF/HLW
Authors: Papafotiou Alexandros , Namhata Argha , Singh Abhishek , Williams Mark , Jigmond Marius , Marschall Paul 
Published: September 2018

Abstract
A key component of the site comparison planned for the deep geological disposal of spent fuel and high-level waste (SF/HLW) in Switzerland is the assessment of the evolution of repository-induced perturbations in the repository nearfield associated with thermal effects from heat production due to radioactive decay of radionuclides, as well as gas pressures developing in the backfilled underground structures from the anaerobic corrosion of the steel waste canisters and tunnel support materials. The assessment of such effects is integrated in the site comparison through safety indicators used to evaluate repository performance. In this context, probabilistic assessments need to integrate the uncertainty of the entire ensemble of input parameters, and estimate the propagation to these indicators in a reliable and computationally efficient manner. This paper presents the development of a methodology for an indicator-based assessment of heat- and gas-induced effects in a SF/HLW repository in Opalinus Clay integrating a probabilistic treatment of parametric uncertainty. The workflow is demonstrated using preliminary data, repository configurations and indicators. Complementary simulations are presented to demonstrate the feedback to the optimization of repository design in order to mitigate repository-induced effects that can potentially compromise the safety function of the engineered and natural barriers.
The Enhanced Sealing Project (ESP): 2009–17 monitoring of a full-scale shaft seal installed in granitic rock
Authors: Dixon D. , Priyanto D. , Hansen J. , Farhoud R. , ŽivkoviĆ A. 
Published: September 2018

Abstract
The Enhanced Sealing Project (ESP) is monitoring the thermal–hydraulic–mechanical (THM) responses of a full-scale shaft seal at Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) former Underground Research Laboratory (URL) site. The evolution of such a full-scale construction has direct relevance to closure design of repository shafts (and tunnels) in a range of host rock types.

The shaft seal is installed across a water-bearing fracture (fracture zone (FZ2) at
c.
270 m depth), marking the interface between deeper, more saline groundwater and nearer-surface freshwater environments. Intended to demonstrate an ability to install a sealing structure that can limit the movement of water between the two hydrological regimes, the main shaft seal consists of a 40% bentonite clay: 60% fine aggregate by dry mass component (
c.
6 m thickness) sandwiched between two 3 m-thick concrete segments in the approximately 5 m-diameter main shaft. The clay and concrete components provide the primary hydraulic sealing and mechanical constraint to the sealing material, respectively.

This paper presents the monitoring results of the ESP from its installation in 2009 through to mid-2017. At present, the seal is still not completely water-saturated, pressures within it are still developing and flooding of the upper shaft is continuing. The ESP provides a comprehensive long-term dataset that will assist in calibrating numerical models describing the performance of placement room/shaft/tunnel seals in a Deep Geological Repository.
Multiphase flow and underpressured shale at the Bruce nuclear site, Ontario, Canada
Authors: Plampin Michelle R. , Neuzil C. E. 
Published: September 2018

Abstract
Hydraulic testing has revealed dramatic underpressures in Paleozoic shales and carbonates at the Bruce nuclear site in Ontario. Although evidence from both laboratory and field studies suggests that a small amount of gas-phase methane could be present in the shale, previous studies examining causal linkages between the gas phase and the underpressure have been inconclusive. To better elucidate processes in such a system, we used a highly simplified 1D representation of the site to test, by using iTOUGH2-EOS7C, the effects of various factors on the evolution of gas-phase methane and pressures within the system. Heterogeneity was represented by three stratigraphic regions with slightly different capillary pressure characteristics and, in one case, three thin distinct zones with very different characteristics. Underpressure occurred only when gas pressures set as an initial condition required it, and even in this case it was geologically short-lived. We conclude that the presence of multiple fluid phases is unlikely to explain the underpressure at the site; we suggest that the influence of gas-phase methane on porewater flow is minimal. This is consistent with prior conceptualizations of the underpressured section as a thick aquiclude, in which solute transport occurs extremely slowly, bounded by aquifers of significantly higher permeability.
Switching from Epoetin Alfa (Epogen®) to Epoetin Alfa-Epbx (Retacrit<sup>TM</sup>) Using a Specified Dosing Algorithm: A Randomized, Non-Inferiority Study in Adults on Hemodialysis
Authors: Thadhani Ravi , Guilatco Ruffy , Hymes Jeffrey , Maddux Franklin W. , Ahuja Ajay 
Published: September 2018

<b><i>Background:</i></b> For patients with anemia undergoing hemodialysis, erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) are typically dosed via precise algorithms. Using one such algorithm, we assessed the maintenance of hemoglobin levels in patients switched from epoetin alfa reference product (Epogen®) to epoetin alfa-epbx (Retacrit<sup>TM</sup>; a biosimilar to US-licensed Epogen®/Procrit®). <b><i>Methods:</i></b> This randomized, open-label, non-inferiority study was conducted at Fresenius Medical Care North America (FMCNA) hemodialysis centers. Patients with anemia and chronic kidney disease undergoing maintenance hemodialysis and receiving routine intravenous (IV) Epogen® were randomized 1: 1 to switch to IV Retacrit<sup>TM</sup> or continue standard-of-care (Epogen®) for 24 weeks, using analogous versions of the FMCNA ESA-dosing algorithm. The primary endpoint was the proportion of time patients’ hemoglobin was 9–11 g/dL during weeks 17–24. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Of 432 randomized patients, 418 received treatment (Retacrit<sup>TM</sup>, <i>n</i> = 212; standard-of-care, <i>n</i> = 206) and comprised the full analysis set. A similar proportion of patients discontinued from each arm. The proportion of time patients’ hemoglobin was within the target range was 61.9% (95% CI 57.5–66.2) in the Retacrit<sup>TM</sup> arm and 63.3% (95% CI 58.7–67.7) in the standard-of-care arm. The difference in proportions between treatment arms was –1.4% (95% CI –7.6 to 4.9), and the lower bound of the confidence interval was within the pre-specified non-inferiority margin of –12.5%. There was no statistically significant difference between arms in the mean change from baseline in the weekly mean ESA dose during weeks 17–24, and no clinically relevant differences in safety outcomes. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Switching to Retacrit<sup>TM</sup> was non-inferior to continuing ­Epogen® in maintaining hemoglobin levels in patients receiving hemodialysis, when both ESAs were dosed using a specified algorithm (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02504294).