bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
From drones to bones: Assessing the importance of abiotic factors for salmonid spawning behaviour and embryonic development through a multidisciplinary approach
Authors: Horta‐Lacueva Quentin J.‐B. , Ólafsdóttir Jónína H. , Finn Fia , Fiskoviča Edite , Ponsioen Lieke , de la Cámara Marina , Kapralova Kalina H. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe ecology of salmonids is tightly linked to their spawning habitats, but the link between spawning site selection and phenology is poorly understood. To address this, we studied the Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus) from the postglacial lake Thingvallavatn (Iceland) through a multidisciplinary approach involving aerial surveys, behavioural observations, temperature monitoring and embryo rearing experiments. Aerial footage revealed that most nests (i.e. redds) were established in shallow parts of the spawning area, and we reported through direct observations trends for stronger male–male competition and for more frequent courtship behaviours in shallow than in deep redds. While water depth did not correlate with temperature at the time of spawning, the temperatures recorded at the shallow redds were consistently lower in the two months following the video recordings, likely because of the proximity of glacial outlets. Laboratory experiments demonstrated that the temperature regimes in shallow waters can delay hatching with about a month, likely impacting the phenology of the offspring. The viability of the Arctic charr in Thingvallavatn may thus depend on physical features like groundwater springs and upwelling water flows acting as “temperature shelters”.
α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor modulation of accumbal dopamine release covaries with novelty seeking
Authors: Leach Amy C. , Pitts Elizabeth G. , Siciliano Cody A. , Ferris Mark J. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractHeightened novelty‐seeking phenotypes are associated with a range of behavioural traits including susceptibility to drug use. These relationships are recapitulated in preclinical models, where rats that exhibit increased exploratory activity in novel environments (high responders—HR) acquire self‐administration of psychostimulants more rapidly compared to rats that display low novelty exploration (low responders—LR). Dopamine release dynamics in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) covaries with response to novelty, and differences in dopaminergic signalling are thought to be a major underlying driver of the link between novelty seeking and drug use vulnerability. Accumbal dopamine release is controlled by local microcircuits including modulation through glutamatergic and nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) systems, but whether these mechanisms contribute to disparate dopamine signalling across novelty phenotypes is unclear. Here, we used ex vivo voltammetry in the NAc of rats to determine if α7 nAChRs contribute to differential dopamine dynamics associated with individual differences in novelty exploration. We found that blockade of α7 nAChRs attenuates tonic dopamine release evoked by low‐frequency stimulations across phenotypes but that phasic release is decreased in LRs while HRs are unaffected. These stimulation frequency‐ and phenotype‐dependent effects result in a decreased dynamic range of release exclusively in LRs. Furthermore, we found that differential α7 modulation of dopamine release in LRs is dependent on AMPA but not NMDA receptors. These results help to form an understanding of the local NAc microcircuitry and provide a potential mechanism for covariance of dopamine dynamics and sensitivity to the reinforcing effects of drugs of abuse.
Sevoflurane protects mice from cerebral ischaemic injury by regulating microRNA‐203‐3p/HDAC4/Bcl‐2 axis
Authors: Song Jie , He Ke , Yang Longqiu , Shen Jun 
Published: February 2022

AbstractSevoflurane (Sevo) is neuroprotective in ischaemic injury, but its specific mechanism in the disease from microRNA‐203‐3p/histone deacetylases 4/B‐cell lymphoma 2 (miR‐203‐3p/HDAC4/Bcl‐2) axis asks for a comprehensive explanation. A middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) mouse model was established by nylon suture method. miR‐203‐3p and HDAC4 expression was measured in mouse brain tissues. The MCAO mice were exposed to Sevo or injected with miR‐203‐3p‐ or HDAC4‐related plasmids. In response to Sevo treatment or plasmid interference, neurological function, brain pathology, neuronal apoptosis and inflammation were determined. The interactions of miR‐203‐3p and HDAC4, and HDAC4 and Bcl‐2 were verified. MCAO mice presented down‐regulated miR‐203‐3p and up‐regulated HDAC4. Sevo improved neurological function, brain pathological damage and reduced neuronal apoptosis and inflammation in MCAO mice, while overexpressing miR‐203‐3p further enhanced those effects. HDAC4 overexpression antagonized the impacts of miR‐203‐3p up‐regulation on MCAO mice. The targeting relation existed between miR‐203‐3p and HDAC4, as well as between HDAC4 and Bcl‐2. It is clearly elucidated that miR‐203‐3p enhances the protective effects of Sevo on MCAO mice through elevating Bcl‐2 and down‐regulating HDAC4, potentially and clinically offering an effective treatment method with Sevo for cerebral ischaemic injury.
Show me how to grow fast in turbulent times: Balancing human resource practices between employee training and educational attainment
Authors: Giotopoulos Ioannis , Konstantinou Vasilis , Kontolaimou Alexandra , Tsakanikas Aggelos 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThis paper explores whether there is a balance or a trade‐off with respect to human resource (HR) practices that high‐growth firms (HGFs) are likely to use in adverse economic conditions. Drawing on the human capital theory, two major HR practices related to the educational level of employees and the use of formal employee training are examined as critical components of a cost‐efficient strategy, pursued by small and large HGFs in times of crisis. To this end, the empirical analysis uses data derived from an extensive two‐wave survey on 1500 Greek manufacturing and services firms at the peak of the Greek economic crisis. The results reveal two different patterns in the HR management: HGFs of larger size tend to employ persons with lower educational attainment and subsequently invest in formal training to increase their skills. On the contrary, smaller HGFs prefer to hire employees with specialized knowledge acquired from advanced formal education and avoid the provision of subsequent training. The study contributes to the literature by highlighting the way large and small HGFs manage the human capital embedded in their employees to outperform in crisis‐hit economies.
Effect of baseline infarct size on endovascular thrombectomy with or without intravenous alteplase in stroke patients: A subgroup analysis of a randomized trial (DIRECT‐MT)
Authors: Jia Zhen Yu , Zhang Yong Xin , Cao Yue Zhou , Zhao Lin Bo , Shi Hai Bin , Zhang Lei , Li Zi Fu , Shen Hong Jian , Lou Min , Zhang Yong Wei , Yin Guo Cong , Ye Xiao Fei , Yang Peng Fei , Liu Sheng , Liu Jian Min ,   for the DIRECT‐MT Investigators
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackground and purposeDIRECT‐MT showed that endovascular thrombectomy was noninferior to thrombectomy preceded by intravenous alteplase with regard to functional outcome in patients with acute ischemic stroke. In this post hoc analysis, we examined whether infarct size modified the effect of alteplase.MethodsAll patients with baseline Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score (ASPECTS) grades were included. The primary outcome was the 90‐day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score. Multivariate ordinal logistic regression analysis was used to calculate the adjusted common odds ratio (OR) for better functional outcome based on the mRS for thrombectomy alone versus combination therapy. An interaction term was entered to test for an interaction with baseline ASPECTS subgroups: 0–4 versus 5–7 versus 8–10.ResultsOf 649 patients, 323 (49.8%) were in the thrombectomy‐alone group and 326 (50.2%) in the combination‐therapy group. There was no significant treatment‐by‐trichotomized ASPECTS interaction with alteplase prior to endovascular treatment for the primary endpoint of ordinal mRS (p‐value interaction term relative to ASPECTS 8–10: ASPECTS 0–4, p = 0.386; ASPECTS 5–7, p = 0.936). Adjusted common ORs for improvement in the 90‐day mRS with thrombectomy alone compared with combination therapy were 1.99 (95% confidence interval = 0.72–5.46) for ASPECTS 0–4, 1.07 (0.62–1.86) for ASPECTS 5–7, and 1.03 (0.74–1.45) for ASPECTS 8–10. There was no significant difference in the safety outcomes between the two groups.ConclusionsBaseline infarct size may not modify the effect of alteplase prior to endovascular thrombectomy with regard to favorable functional outcomes and adverse events.
Unpaired nucleotides on the stem of microRNA precursor are important for precise cleavage by Dicer‐like 1 in Arabidopsis
Authors: Hirata Rikako , Makabe Tomoya , Mishiba Kei‐ichiro , Koizumi Nozomu , Hamdan Samir M. , Iwata Yuji 
Published: February 2022

AbstractDicer‐like 1 (DCL1) is a core component of the plant microRNA (miRNA) biogenesis machinery. MiRNA is transcribed as a precursor RNA, termed primary miRNA (pri‐miRNA), which is cleaved by DCL1 in two steps to generate miRNA/miRNA* duplex. Pri‐miRNA is a single‐stranded RNA that forms a hairpin structure with a number of unpaired bases, hereafter called mismatches, on its stem. In the present study, by using purified recombinant Arabidopsis DCL1, we presented evidence that mismatches on the stem of pri‐miRNA are important for precise DCL1 cleavage. We showed that a mismatch at the loop‐distal side of the end of miRNA/miRNA* duplex is important for efficient cleavage of pri‐miRNA in vitro, as previously suggested in planta. On the contrary, mismatches distant from the miRNA/miRNA* duplex region are important for determining the cleavage position by DCL1. The purified DCL1 proteins cleaved mutant pri‐miRNA variants without such mismatches at a position at which wild‐type pri‐miRNA variants are not usually cleaved, resulting in an increased accumulation of small RNA different from miRNA. Therefore, our results suggest that, in addition to the distance from the ssRNA‐dsRNA junction, mismatches on the stem of pri‐miRNA function as a determinant for precise processing of pri‐miRNA by DCL1 in plants.
Distinguishing Mountain Front and Mountain Block Recharge in an Intermontane Basin of the Himalayan Region
Authors: Dar Tanveer , Rai Nachiketa , Kumar Sudhir 
Published: February 2022

AbstractIntermontane basin aquifers worldwide, particularly in the Himalayan region, are recharged largely by the adjoining mountains. Recharge in these basins can occur either by water infiltrating from streams near mountain fronts (MFs) as mountain front recharge (MFR) or by sub‐surface mountain block infiltration as mountain block recharge (MBR). MFR and MBR recharge are challenging to distinguish and are least quantified, considering the lack of extensive understanding of the hydrological processes in the mountains. This study used oxygen and hydrogen isotopes (δ18O and δ2H), electrical conductivity (EC) data, hydraulic head, and groundwater level data to differentiate MFR and MBR. Groundwater level data provide information about the groundwater‐surface water interactions and groundwater flow directions, whereas isotopes and EC data are used to distinguish and quantify different recharge sources. The present methodology is tested in an intermontane basin of the Himalayan region. The results suggest that karst springs (KS) and deep groundwater (DGW) recharge are dominated by snowmelt (47% ± 10% and 46% ± 9%) as MBR from adjacent mountains, insignificantly affected by evaporation. The hydraulic head data and isotopes indicate Quaternary shallow groundwater (SGW) aquifer system recharge as MFR of local meteoric water with significant evaporation. The results indicate several flow paths in the aquifer system, a local flow for KS, intermediate flow for SGW, and regional flow for DGW. The findings will significantly impact water resource management in the area and provide vital baseline knowledge for sustainable groundwater management in other Himalayan intermontane basins.
Flapless application of enamel matrix derivative in non‐surgical periodontal treatment: A systematic review
Authors: Chatzopoulos Georgios S. , Anastasopoulos Menelaos , Zarenti Sofia , Doufexi Aikaterini‐Elisavet , Tsalikis Lazaros 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackground and ObjectiveTo assess the effects of the flapless application of enamel matrix derivative (EMD) in combination with non‐surgical periodontal treatment (NSPT) when compared to non‐surgical periodontal treatment alone in adult patients.Material and methodsAn electronic literature search was conducted in MEDLINE, Scopus and Cochrane Library up to March 2021 complemented by a manual search. Human longitudinal studies of >5 participants and at least 3 months follow‐up were eligible for inclusion in the review. Clinical outcomes were extracted and pooled. Meta‐analysis of the included studies was not possible due to methodological differences.ResultsA total of 1199 publications were identified and reviewed for eligibility. Nine of them fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Eight studies were randomized clinical trials. The clinical findings of the majority of the included studies demonstrated that the adjunctive use of EMD with NSPT could lead to significantly improved treatment outcomes including higher PPD reduction, more CAL gain, more robust BOP reduction, higher number of sites with PPD < 5 mm and more frequent pocket closure which reduces the need for further periodontal surgical treatment. Limited biological, microbiological and histological findings were reported. Minimal adverse events were observed.ConclusionThe flapless application of EMD during NSPT leads to an improved clinical outcome in regards to CAL gain and PPD reduction when compared to conventional treatment alone. The potential effect on the biological and microbiological outcome is unclear.
In situ cell electrospun using a portable handheld electrospinning apparatus for the repair of wound healing in rats
Authors: Xu Shunen , Lu Tao , Yang Long , Luo Siwei , Wang Zhen , Ye Chuan 
Published: February 2022

AbstractSlow or non‐healing wounds caused by full‐thickness skin wounds of various origins have become a difficult challenge in clinical wound treatment. In particular, large full‐thickness skin wounds often lead to serious chronic skin wounds that do not heal. Electrospinning technology and stem cell treatment for wound repair have attracted much attention due to its unique advantages. In the current study， we electrospun polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and bone marrow–derived stem cells (BMSCs) by a handheld electrospinning device, the distribution and interaction of cells and fibres were determined by light and electron microscopy and the cell viability and proliferation were determined by live/dead cell staining. The tissues were analysed by histology with Haematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) and Masson staining and immunohistochemical staining. We found that the fibres were distributed uniformly and BMSCs were distributed between the fibres. Cytotoxicity and cell proliferation tests proved its good biocompatibility. Histological staining shows it can accelerate wound healing and appendages regeneration by promoting granulation tissue repair. The instant PVA/stem cell fibres prepared by a handheld electrospinning device strongly promote the repair of full‐thickness skin wounds in rats. The proposed electrospinning technology is expected to have great potential in household, outdoor and battlefield first aid.
Development and characterization of elephant foot yam starch based pH‐sensitive intelligent biodegradable packaging
Authors: Singh Rashmi , Kaur Jasjot , Bansal Radhika , Sharanagat Vijay Singh , Singh Lochan , Kumar Yogesh , Patel Ajay 
Published: February 2022

AbstractIn the present study, biodegradable intelligent films (pH indicators) were developed using elephant foot yam starch and Xanthan gum in the combination of red cabbage (RC, anthocyanins) and Beetroot (BR, betalain) (10% to 40%). Fourier‐transform infrared spectrum confirmed that the increase in extract concentration did not affect the chemical bonding, but it decreased the film's moisture content, water activity, and solubility. The addition of extract increased the phenolic, flavonoid, and antioxidant activity of the film. The film showed an excellent response (color change) for different pH levels, and the color transition from purple to deep pink in the acidic medium and purple to green in the basic medium was observed for RC films. However, the color transition for BR films was from red to brown in the acidic medium and from red to yellow in the acidic medium, hence it can be used as spoilage indicates for different food products.
Clinical outcomes of monoclonal antibody therapy during a COVID‐19 outbreak in a skilled nursing facility—Arizona, 2021
Authors: Dale Ariella P. , Hudson Matthew J. , Armenta Darunee , Friebus Heather , Ellingson Katherine D. , Davis Kat , Cullen Theresa , Brady Shane , Komatsu Kenneth K. , Stone Nimalie D. , Uyeki Timothy M. , Slifka Kara Jacobs , Pérez‐Vélez Carlos M. , Keaton Amelia A. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundAdult residents of skilled nursing facilities (SNF) have experienced high morbidity and mortality from SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and are at increased risk for severe COVID‐19 disease. Use of monoclonal antibody (mAb) treatment improves clinical outcomes among high‐risk outpatients with mild‐to‐moderate COVID‐19, but information on mAb effectiveness in SNF residents with COVID‐19 is limited. We assessed outcomes in SNF residents with mild‐to‐moderate COVID‐19 associated with an outbreak in Arizona during January–February 2021 that did and did not receive a mAb.MethodsMedical records were reviewed to describe the effect of bamlanivimab therapy on COVID‐19 mortality. Secondary outcomes included referral to an acute care setting and escalation of medical therapies at the SNF (e.g., new oxygen requirements). Residents treated with bamlanivimab were compared to residents who were eligible for treatment under the FDA's Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) but were not treated. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine association between outcomes and treatment status.ResultsSeventy‐five residents identified with COVID‐19 during this outbreak met eligibility for mAb treatment, of whom 56 received bamlanivimab. Treated and untreated groups were similar in age and comorbidities associated with increased risk of severe COVID‐19 disease. Treatment with bamlanivimab was associated with reduced 21‐day mortality (adjusted OR = 0.06; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.39) and lower odds of initiating oxygen therapy (adjusted OR = 0.07; 95% CI: 0.02, 0.34). Referrals to acute care were not significantly different between treated and untreated residents.ConclusionsmAb therapy was successfully administered to SNF residents with COVID‐19 in a large outbreak setting. Treatment with bamlanivimab reduced 21‐day mortality and reduced initiation of oxygen therapy. As the COVID‐19 pandemic evolves and newer immunotherapies gain FDA authorization, more studies of the effectiveness of mAb therapies for treating emerging SARS‐CoV‐2 variants of concern in high‐risk congregate settings are needed.
A critical perspective on uncertainty appraisal and sensitivity analysis in life cycle assessment
Authors: Lo Piano Samuele , Benini Lorenzo 
Published: February 2022

AbstractIn this study, we review approaches for uncertainty appraisal in the life cycle assessment literature. We cover the acknowledgment of stochastic and epistemic uncertainty in uncertainty and sensitivity analysis and knowledge quality assessment, respectively. Consistent with previous works, our findings indicate that uncertainty is only appraised in a few studies on life cycle assessment. Most of these contributions cover only one of the phases of life cycle assessment, mainly the life cycle inventory phase. Less attention has been devoted to the phases of goal and scope definition and life cycle impact assessment. Additionally, in most studies, uncertainty analysis and sensitivity analysis have been applied independently, as it is wrongly assumed they cover different uncertainty spaces. We also identify the scope for improvement in the appraisal of epistemic uncertainty and the correct definition of the probability distribution of the uncertain factors. We conclude by highlighting studies in which sensible practices have been adopted, identifying open challenges, and suggesting possible ways forward.
A TWAIL critique of intellectual property and related disputes in investor‐state dispute settlement
Authors: Upreti Pratyush Nath 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThis article analyses intellectual property (IP) disputes in investor‐state dispute settlement (ISDS) through the lenses of Third World approaches to international law (TWAIL) and how a reformist TWAIL approach might be used to address the concerns related to IP‐ISDS disputes. It has three objectives. First, to discuss TWAIL and its readings of IP. Using the TWAIL framework, the article illustrates TWAILers’ positions on the Agreement on Trade‐Related Aspects of Intellectual Property (TRIPS) are an ideologist project that aims to transplant IP norms to developing countries and the role of actors, particularly industrialist lobbying in the making of international IP norms. Despite such views, the compromise that was made in the form of TRIPS’ flexibilities being threatened by ISDS mechanisms. Thus, the second objective of this article is to demonstrate the implications that recent IP‐related ISDS disputes could potentially undermine the balance achieved through TRIPS. The last objective is to demonstrate how the Global South is regaining its sovereign regulatory control through a reformist approach.
Integrated root phenotypes for improved rice performance under low nitrogen availability
Authors: Ajmera Ishan , Henry Amelia , Radanielson Ando M. , Klein Stephanie P. , Ianevski Aleksandr , Bennett Malcolm J. , Band Leah R. , Lynch Jonathan P. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractGreater nitrogen efficiency would substantially reduce the economic, energy and environmental costs of rice production. We hypothesized that synergistic balancing of the costs and benefits for soil exploration among root architectural phenes is beneficial under suboptimal nitrogen availability. An enhanced implementation of the functional–structural model OpenSimRoot for rice integrated with the ORYZA_v3 crop model was used to evaluate the utility of combinations of root architectural phenes, namely nodal root angle, the proportion of smaller diameter nodal roots, nodal root number; and L‐type and S‐type lateral branching densities, for plant growth under low nitrogen. Multiple integrated root phenotypes were identified with greater shoot biomass under low nitrogen than the reference cultivar IR64. The superiority of these phenotypes was due to synergism among root phenes rather than the expected additive effects of phene states. Representative optimal phenotypes were predicted to have up to 80% greater grain yield with low N supply in the rainfed dry direct‐seeded agroecosystem over future weather conditions, compared to IR64. These phenotypes merit consideration as root ideotypes for breeding rice cultivars with improved yield under rainfed dry direct‐seeded conditions with limited nitrogen availability. The importance of phene synergism for the performance of integrated phenotypes has implications for crop breeding.