bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Leaves of isoprene‐emitting tobacco plants maintain PSII stability at high temperatures
Authors: Pollastri Susanna , Jorba Ignasi , Hawkins Timothy J. , Llusià Joan , Michelozzi Marco , Navajas Daniel , Peñuelas Josep , Hussey Patrick J. , Knight Marc R. , Loreto Francesco 
Published: April 2019

Summary

At high temperatures, isoprene‐emitting plants display a higher photosynthetic rate and a lower nonphotochemical quenching (NPQ) compared with nonemitting plants. The mechanism of this phenomenon, which may be very important under current climate warming, is still elusive.

NPQ was dissected into its components, and chlorophyll fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) was used to analyse the dynamics of excited chlorophyll relaxation in isoprene‐emitting and nonemitting plants. Thylakoid membrane stiffness was also measured using atomic force microscope (AFM) to identify a possible mode of action of isoprene in improving photochemical efficiency and photosynthetic stability.

We show that, when compared with nonemitters, isoprene‐emitting tobacco plants exposed at high temperatures display a reduced increase of the NPQ energy‐dependent component (qE) and stable (1) chlorophyll fluorescence lifetime; (2) amplitude of the fluorescence decay components; and (3) thylakoid membrane stiffness.

Our study shows for the first time that isoprene maintains PSII stability at high temperatures by preventing the modifications of the surrounding environment, namely providing a more steady and homogeneous distribution of the light‐absorbing centres and a stable thylakoid membrane stiffness. Isoprene photoprotects leaves with a mechanism alternative to NPQ, enabling plants to maintain a high photosynthetic rate at rising temperatures.
Observed variation in soil properties can drive large variation in modelled forest functioning and composition during tropical forest secondary succession
Authors: Medvigy David , Wang Gangsheng , Zhu Qing , Riley William J. , Trierweiler Annette M. , Waring Bonnie G. , Xu Xiangtao , Powers Jennifer S. 
Published: April 2019

Summary

Censuses of tropical forest plots reveal large variation in biomass and plant composition. This paper evaluates whether such variation can emerge solely from realistic variation in a set of commonly measured soil chemical and physical properties.

Controlled simulations were performed using a mechanistic model that includes forest dynamics, microbe‐mediated biogeochemistry, and competition for nitrogen and phosphorus. Observations from 18 forest inventory plots in Guanacaste, Costa Rica were used to determine realistic variation in soil properties.

In simulations of secondary succession, the across‐plot range in plant biomass reached 30% of the mean and was attributable primarily to nutrient limitation and secondarily to soil texture differences that affected water availability. The contributions of different plant functional types to total biomass varied widely across plots and depended on soil nutrient status. In Central America, soil‐induced variation in plant biomass increased with mean annual precipitation because of changes in nutrient limitation.

In Central America, large variation in plant biomass and ecosystem composition arises mechanistically from realistic variation in soil properties. The degree of biomass and compositional variation is climate sensitive. In general, model predictions can be improved through better representation of soil nutrient processes, including their spatial variation.
Dynamics of intracellular mannan and cell wall folding in the drought responses of succulent Aloe species
Authors: Ahl Louise Isager , Mravec Jozef , Jørgensen Bodil , Rudall Paula J. , Rønsted Nina , Grace Olwen M. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractPlants have evolved a multitude of adaptations to survive extreme conditions. Succulent plants have the capacity to tolerate periodically dry environments, due to their ability to retain water in a specialized tissue, termed hydrenchyma. Cell wall polysaccharides are important components of water storage in hydrenchyma cells. However, the role of the cell wall and its polysaccharide composition in relation to drought resistance of succulent plants are unknown. We investigate the drought response of leaf‐succulent Aloe (Asphodelaceae) species using a combination of histological microscopy, quantification of water content, and comprehensive microarray polymer profiling. We observed a previously unreported mode of polysaccharide and cell wall structural dynamics triggered by water shortage. Microscopical analysis of the hydrenchyma cell walls revealed highly regular folding patterns indicative of predetermined cell wall mechanics in the remobilization of stored water and the possible role of homogalacturonan in this process. The in situ distribution of mannans in distinct intracellular compartments during drought, for storage, and apparent upregulation of pectins, imparting flexibility to the cell wall, facilitate elaborate cell wall folding during drought stress. We conclude that cell wall polysaccharide composition plays an important role in water storage and drought response in Aloe.
Seasonality of i.v. immunoglobulin responsiveness in Kawasaki disease
Authors: Kido Shinji , Ae Ryusuke , Kosami Koki , Matsubara Yuri , Makino Nobuko , Sasahara Teppei , Kuwabara Masanari , Aoyama Yasuko , Yashiro Mayumi , Yanagawa Hiroshi , Nakamura Yosikazu 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundEvidence suggests that seasonal variation in the onset of Kawasaki disease (KD) exists worldwide. Whether a seasonal component to successful i.v. immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy exists in KD‐positive children, however, is unknown. We addressed this question by focusing on patients with primary onset KD who were non‐responsive to IVIG treatment, in the large nationwide Japanese KD survey datasets from 2009 to 2016.MethodsIn these datasets, the IVIG therapy non‐responders were defined as patients whose fever persisted ≥24 h or recurred ≤24 h after the end of the initial IVIG treatment (dosage, 2,000 mg/kg). Those who successfully responded to this treatment were defined as IVIG responders. The consecutive monthly trend of the proportion of IVIG non‐responders was analyzed throughout the study period to investigate seasonal periodicity on Fourier analysis, and the monthly distributions of non‐responders and responders were compared.ResultsFrom a total of 113 691 KD‐positive patients, 15.7% were IVIG non‐responders, and 61% were male. The proportion of non‐responders increased across each calendar year with fluctuation, and Fourier analysis indicated seasonal periodicity. The seasonality effect differed between responders and non‐responders, with the proportion of responders tending to increase in autumn through winter, while the non‐responders showed a decreasing trend in autumn. The seasonality effect tended to differ by sex.ConclusionsThe results indicate that the currently unknown etiological agents of KD might differ between IVIG responders and non‐responders. In addition, immune reactivity against such agents possibly differs by sex in the IVIG non‐responders.
Ecotypic differentiation reveals seed colour‐related alkaloid content in a crop wild relative
Authors: Moncalvillo B. , Méndez M. , Iriondo J. M. 
Published: April 2019

Abstract

Crop wild relatives can be a useful source of genotypes that maximise crop survival and yield in specific habitats. Lupinus angustifolius is an annual forb with crop varieties derived from a narrow genetic basis but that are cultivated worldwide. Its seeds have high nutritional value, but they naturally contain alkaloids with anti‐nutritive factors. The study of its wild populations can be useful to find genotypes that contribute to higher climate resilience and greater yield under stressing environmental conditions.

Using a common garden, we evaluated ecotypic differentiation in four natural populations from two contrasting latitudes in terms of plant biomass, seed mass and number, alkaloid content in seeds for the three main alkaloids present in the plant and seed colour, including its possible influence on post‐dispersal predation. Correlations among traits were also assessed.

We found differences among populations for all traits except final biomass. Northern populations had lighter seeds and a tendency to yield more seeds when they produced white seeds, compared to southern populations and variegated seeds. Regardless of latitude, populations showed differences in alkaloid concentration, with all three alkaloids found generally in high or low concentrations in each population. Proportion of white seed morphs varied in each population. Seed colour did not influence predator preference. In addition, white seed colour was related to a low alkaloid content.

Our results evidence the existence of natural ecotypic differentiation in L. angustifolius not only due to latitudinal range, but also to local environmental factors. White seed coat colour could be used as a visual clue for identification of low‐alkaloid genotypes, a priority trait in L. angustifolius breeding programmes.
An Approach for Managing Operating Assets for Humanitarian Development Programs
Authors: Keshvari Fard Milad , Eftekhar Mahyar , Papier Felix 
Published: April 2019

Every year, humanitarian organizations assign a sizable portion of their limited financial resources to procure, operate and maintain operating assets, without which service delivery would be nearly impossible. In this study, using vehicles to represent operating assets, we identify policies for sizing and allocating operational capacity to minimize the expected deprivation costs in a humanitarian development context. First, we develop a stochastic dynamic programming model, and then an efficient heuristic policy that considers the interaction of asset purchasing and operating decisions when the budget is uncertain. Based on a dataset provided by a large international organization, we estimate the parameters of our model to run numerical experiments. Results demonstrate the following: (i) Although budget uncertainty increases the expected deprivation costs and decreases capacity utilization, the negative impact of budget uncertainty is mitigated if budget savings between periods is allowed; (ii) a policy for minimizing the expected deprivation costs over time may avoid using all available assets in all periods; (iii) in situations in which the variation in the criticality of missions is large, both the expected deprivation costs and fleet utilization decrease; and (iv) in most conditions, a centralized asset procurement model outperforms a decentralized model, not only in terms of logistic costs but also in minimizing the expected deprivation costs.
Potential Airborne Asbestos Exposure and Risk Associated with the Historical Use of Cosmetic Talcum Powder Products
Authors: Burns Amanda M. , Barlow Christy A. , Banducci Amber M. , Unice Kenneth M. , Sahmel Jennifer 
Published: April 2019

AbstractOver time, concerns have been raised regarding the potential for human exposure and risk from asbestos in cosmetic‐talc–containing consumer products. In 1985, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted a risk assessment evaluating the potential inhalation asbestos exposure associated with the cosmetic talc consumer use scenario of powdering an infant during diapering, and found that risks were below levels associated with background asbestos exposures and risk. However, given the scope and age of the FDA's assessment, it was unknown whether the agency's conclusions remained relevant to current risk assessment practices, talc application scenarios, and exposure data. This analysis updates the previous FDA assessment by incorporating the current published exposure literature associated with consumer use of talcum powder and using the current U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) nonoccupational asbestos risk assessment approach to estimate potential cumulative asbestos exposure and risk for four use scenarios: (1) infant exposure during diapering; (2) adult exposure from infant diapering; (3) adult exposure from face powdering; and (4) adult exposure from body powdering. The estimated range of cumulative asbestos exposure potential for all scenarios (assuming an asbestos content of 0.1%) ranged from 0.0000021 to 0.0096 f/cc‐yr and resulted in risk estimates that were within or below EPA's acceptable target risk levels. Consistent with the original FDA findings, exposure and corresponding health risk in this range were orders of magnitude below upper‐bound estimates of cumulative asbestos exposure and risk at ambient levels, which have not been associated with increased incidence of asbestos‐related disease.
Semiparametric Mixed Effects Models for Unsupervised Classification of Italian Schools
Authors: Masci Chiara , Paganoni Anna Maria , Ieva Francesca 
Published: April 2019

Summary
The main purpose of the paper is to improve research on school effectiveness by applying a new strategy for uncovering subpopulations of schools that differ in terms of distribution of student outcomes. We propose a semiparametric mixed effects model with an expectation–maximization algorithm to estimate its parameters and we apply it to the Italian Institute for the Educational Evaluation of Instruction and Training data of 2013–2014 as a tool for the identification of latent subpopulations of schools. The semiparametric assumption provides the random effects of the mixed effects model to be distributed according to a discrete distribution with an (a priori) unknown number of support points. This modelling induces an automatic clustering of schools (the higher level of hierarchy), where schools within the same cluster share the same random effects. The latent subpopulations of schools identified may then be exploited through the use of multinomial models that include school level features. The novelties introduced by this paper are twofold: first, the semiparametric expectation–maximization algorithm is an innovative method that could be used in many classification problems; second, its application to education data represents a new approach to study school effectiveness.
How to communicate soil expertise more effectively in the information age when aiming at the UN Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Bouma Johan 
Published: April 2019

AbstractSoil use and management play a key role, when maintaining or restoring soil quality, as an estimated 30% of soils in the world suffer from various forms of degradation. Several of the seventeen UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), approved in 2015 by 195 governments, are land‐related, providing a stimulating challenge for soil research. Unfortunately, soil degradation is still prominent, even though decades of research have resulted in restorative and innovative forms of soil management, generating successful case studies all over the world. Why don't enough farmers adopt such research results? Some argue that the problem of soil degradation is mainly socio‐economic rather than technical. However, this is not correct as the soil–water–plant–climate system raises many basic, unresolved questions about soil behaviour. More attention is needed for information sharing and knowledge building to link the research arena with stakeholders and policy makers. This is particularly urgent because the information revolution, which is fundamentally changing attitudes of increasingly critical stakeholders, presents a challenge to distinguish between relevant and irrelevant information on Internet and social media. Continuous interaction with land users in the field and sharing knowledge in a joint‐learning mode is needed more than ever, recognizing that different forms of knowledge can contribute to acceptance in the practice of land‐use innovations and lead to realization of land‐related SDGs. Such forms of interaction take much time, which is of limited availability in current research regimes, and implies a need for change. Soil scientists need assistance from communication experts to facilitate interaction processes.
Network‐based approaches for soil health research and extension programming in North Dakota, USA
Authors: Wick Abbey F. , Haley Jean , Gasch Caley , Wehlander Terry , Briese Lee , Samson‐Liebig Susan 
Published: April 2019

AbstractFarmer adoption of practices to build soil health can be enhanced using a knowledge network supported by programs and resources that incorporate technical, social and experiential learning pathways. University Extension plays a critical role in building and supporting the knowledge network by serving as (a) a boundary organization to create space for conversations to occur, (b) network manager to facilitate learning and (c) builder of social capital to encourage trust in the network. The North Dakota State University (NDSU) Soil Health Program was used to illustrate the above approach. Between 2014 and 2016, 32 informal discussion groups, called Soil Health Café Talks, reached 156 individuals. A knowledge network of all participants was developed using NodeXL. The 10 most influential individuals in the network included two scientists, five farmers, one crop consultant and two Extension specialists. All non‐NDSU participants received an evaluation form. Respondents increased their frequency of discussing cover crops with other individuals and increased sharing equipment across farming operations (i.e., vertical tillage implements and no‐till drills). Of the topics discussed, over 25% of respondents adopted practices using cover crops (interseeding and using cover crops for weed control and adjusting rotations to incorporate cover crops) as a result of attending Café Talks. Respondents also increased their use of NDSU Soil Health online resources such as Twitter (22%), YouTube (23%) and the web page (21%) as follow‐up information to Café Talks. Network‐based approaches have proven to be successful in encouraging on‐farm adoption of soil health‐building practices.
Comparison of titer results obtained using immediate spin one‐dilution techniques to a reference method
Authors: Yazer Mark H. , Dunbar Nancy M. , Bub Carolina Bonet , Condict Brittany E. , Dunn Robyn , Janoušková Miloslava , Kutner Jose , Landová Ludmila , Lejdarová Hana , Nesvačilová Božena , Pacasová Rita , Procházková Renata , Řehořová Lenka , Raval Jay S. , Ziman Alyssa , Bohonĕk Miloš 
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUNDMany transfusion services determine the titer of potentially incompatible plasma‐containing products by performing a one‐dilution titer at their selected titer threshold. This study compared the results of immediate spin (IS) one‐dilution titers determined by three methods with a reference standard method.METHODSPlasma‐containing products from group A and O donors were titered using the participant's routine IS one‐dilution titer method. No time or temperature incubations were performed, and antihuman globulin reagent was not used. The samples were then tested using a reference method, which was a saline tube test with a 1‐hour room temperature incubation; antihuman globulin was not used in the reference method. The results of the one‐dilution titer were then compared to that obtained in the reference method.RESULTSNine centers participated in this study. There were 698 antibodies from 374 units tested by the manual IS tube one‐dilution titer method; sensitivity was 0.88 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.83–0.92), and specificity was 1.00 (95% CI, 0.98–1.00). There were 412 antibodies from 206 units tested by the manual and automated IS buffered gel card one‐dilution titer method; sensitivity was 0.95 (95% CI, 0.91–0.98), and specificity was 0.87 (95% CI, 0.81–0.91). There were 98 antibodies from 49 units tested by an automated microplate IS one‐dilution titer method; sensitivity was 0.76 (95% CI, 0.71–0.93), and specificity was 0.96 (95% CI, 0.92–0.99). All three methods had an accuracy rate of 90% or greater.CONCLUSIONThe manual and automated one‐dilution titer methods are suitable for screening plasma‐containing units, although more evaluation of the automated microplate method might be required.
Effect of leukoreduction and pathogen reduction on the hemostatic function of whole blood
Authors: Thomas Kimberly A. , Shea Susan M. , Yazer Mark H. , Spinella Philip C. 
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUNDThere is renewed interest in the use of whole blood (WB) for resuscitation of patients in hemorrhagic shock. Leukoreduction with platelet‐sparing filters and pathogen reduction may be used to improve the safety profile of WB, yet the effects of leukoreduction and pathogen reduction on WB hemostatic function are not well characterized.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSBlood from 32 healthy group O donors was divided into treatment groups (n = 8 for each group): untreated, pathogen reduced (PR+), leukoreduced using an in‐line filter (LR+), or PR+LR+. Units were stored without agitation for 21 days between 1° and 6°C, with sampling on days 0 (pre‐ and post‐treatments), 1, 3, 5, 10, 15, and 21 for hemostatic function as assessed by thromboelastometry, thrombin generation, platelet activation factors, and platelet impedance aggregometry.RESULTSFrom day 3 (D3) to D15 of storage, platelet count was reduced in PR+/LR+ units compared to PR−/LR− units. From D10 to D21 of storage, maximum clot firmness (MCF) was reduced in PR+/LR+ units compared to PR−/LR− units. From D3 to D21 of storage, platelet aggregation was reduced in PR+/LR+ units compared to PR−/LR− units. Total thrombin generation was similar in all groups from D0 to D21.CONCLUSIONSThe combination of LR with a platelet‐sparing filter and PR significantly reduces hemostatic function compared to either treatment alone or untreated WB. The clinical consequences of LR and PR of WB in patients with severe bleeding should be examined in trials before both are used in combination in patients.
A prospective evaluation of thromboelastometry (ROTEM) to identify acute traumatic coagulopathy and predict massive transfusion in military trauma patients in Afghanistan
Authors: Cohen Jared , Scorer Thomas , Wright Zachary , Stewart Ian J. , Sosnov Jonathan , Pidcoke Heather , Fedyk Chriselda , Kwan Hana , Chung Kevin K. , Heegard Kelly , White Christopher , Cap Andrew 
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUNDHemorrhage is the leading cause of preventable trauma‐related mortality and is frequently aggravated by acute traumatic coagulopathy (ATC). Viscoelastic tests such as rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) may improve identification and management of ATC. This study aimed to prospectively evaluate changes in ROTEM among combat casualties during the first 24 hours and compare the capabilities of our conventional clotting assay (international normalized ratio [INR], >1.2) to a proposed integrated ROTEM model (INR >1.2 with the addition of tissue factor pathway activation thromboelastometry [EXTEM] A5 ≤35 mm and/or EXTEM LI30 <97% on admission) to identify ATC and predict massive transfusion (MT).STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSThis was a prospective observational study of trauma patients treated in NATO hospitals in Afghanistan between January 2012 and June 2013. ROTEM (EXTEM, functional fibrinogen thromboelastometry, APTEM, EXTEM with the addition of a fibrinolysis inhibitor) was performed on admission and at 6 and 24 hours by a designated research team. Treatment teams did not have access to the ROTEM results.RESULTSROTEM values were available for 40 male casualties. The integrated ROTEM model classified 15% more patients with ATC than with INR alone and increased the detection of those that required MT by 22%. The sensitivity of the integrated ROTEM model to predict MT was higher than with INR greater than 1.2 (86% vs. 64%); however, specificity with both definitions for predicting MT was poor (38% vs. 50%, respectively).CONCLUSIONThese observations support the importance of early identification of and intervention in ATC. Integrating ROTEM into the definition of ATC would increase detection of those requiring MT arguing for its use as an adjunct to clinical presentation in the ultimate decision to initiate MT.