bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intrapopulation differences in polar bear movement and step selection patterns
Authors: Wilson Ryan R. , Martin Michelle St. , Regehr Eric V. , Rode Karyn D. 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
The spatial ecology of individuals often varies within a population or species. Identifying how individuals in different classes interact with their environment can lead to a better understanding of population responses to human activities and environmental change and improve population estimates. Most inferences about polar bear (Ursus maritimus) spatial ecology are based on data from adult females due to morphological constraints on applying satellite radio collars to other classes of bears. Recent studies, however, have provided limited movement data for adult males and sub-adults of both sexes using ear-mounted and glue-on tags. We evaluated class-specific movements and step selection patterns for polar bears in the Chukchi Sea subpopulation during spring.

Methods
We developed hierarchical Bayesian models to evaluate polar bear movement (i.e., step length and directional persistence) and step selection at the scale of 4-day step lengths. We assessed differences in movement and step selection parameters among the three classes of polar bears (i.e., adult males, sub-adults, and adult females without cubs-of-the-year).

Results
Adult males had larger step lengths and less directed movements than adult females. Sub-adult movement parameters did not differ from the other classes but point estimates were most similar to adult females. We did not detect differences among polar bear classes in step selection parameters and parameter estimates were consistent with previous studies.

Conclusions
Our findings support the use of estimated step selection patterns from adult females as a proxy for other classes of polar bears during spring. Conversely, movement analyses indicated that using data from adult females as a proxy for the movements of adult males is likely inappropriate. We recommend that researchers consider whether it is valid to extend inference derived from adult female movements to other classes, based on the questions being asked and the spatial and temporal scope of the data. Because our data were specific to spring, these findings highlight the need to evaluate differences in movement and step selection during other periods of the year, for which data from ear-mounted and glue-on tags are currently lacking.
Heritage hydrology: a conceptual framework for understanding water fluxes and storage in built and rock-hewn heritage
Authors: Sass Oliver , Viles Heather 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Water plays a vital role in the deterioration and conservation of built and rock-hewn heritage and it is generally agreed that climate change is significantly changing the environmental controls on stone decay. We here introduce the framework of heritage hydrology as a holistic way of conceptualising the flows and stores, processes and impacts of water interacting with building materials. We distinguish the basic types of stone-built buildings, ruins and free-standing walls, and rock-hewn sites. Analogous to catchment hydrology, heritage hydrology can be subdivided into water fluxes and water reservoirs, further subdivided into inputs (e.g. wind-driven rain, capillary rise), throughputs (e.g. runoff down façade), storages (moisture content) and outputs (evaporation and runoff). Spatial patterns of moisture are different between buildings and rock-hewn sites, both presenting hydrological complexities. The interaction between mean and short-term precipitation, wind, radiation and resulting evaporation may lead to very different impacts at different heritage sites. We here differentiate between the detail scale, the façade scale and the building or site scale. Patterns at different sites can be very variable on different scales due to the multitude of influencing parameters and it is not clear which scale of moisture variations is actually relevant for decay processes. Temporal patterns are equally scale-dependent and include short-term fluctuations in temperature and rainfall, high-magnitude episodic events such as floods and storms, and longer-term changes as a result of seasonality, interannual variability and secular trends or climate change. Based on the outlined framework we advocate a research agenda for heritage hydrology in the future. This should focus on (1) finding the best combinations of methods to measure and model spatio-temporal patterns in moisture; (2) researching the major factors controlling spatio-temporal patterns in moisture; (3) figuring out which spatio-temporal patterns are most important for driving deterioration and how their respective scales interact.
Effect of nitrogen fertilizer on the resistance of rice near-isogenic lines with BPH resistance genes
Authors: Lin Shau-Ching , Li Yi , Hu Fang-Yu , Wang Chih-Lu , Kuang Yun-Hung , Sung Chang-Lin , Tsai Shin-Fu , Yang Zhi-Wei , Li Charng-Pei , Huang Shou-Horng , Liao Chung-Ta , Hechanova Sherry Lou , Jena Kshirod K. , Chuang Wen-Po 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
Nitrogen is an essential macronutrient for plant growth and development. Crops with a high nitrogen input usually have high yields. However, outbreaks of brown planthoppers (Nilaparvata lugens; BPH) frequently occur on rice farms with excessive nitrogen inputs. Rice plants carrying BPH resistance genes are used for integrated pest management. Thus, the impact of nitrogen on the resistance of rice near-isogenic lines (NILs) with BPH resistance genes was investigated.

Results
We tested these NILs using a standard seedbox screening test and a modified bulk seedling test under different nitrogen treatments. The amount of nitrogen applied had an impact on the resistance of some lines with BPH resistance genes. In addition, three NILs (NIL-BPH9, NIL-BPH17, and NIL-BPH32) were further examined for antibiosis and antixenosis under varying nitrogen regimes. The N. lugens nymph population growth rate, honeydew excretion, female fecundity, and nymph survival rate on the three NILs were not affected by different nitrogen treatments except the nymph survival rate on NIL-BPH9 and the nymph population growth rate on NIL-BPH17. Furthermore, in the settlement preference test, the preference of N. lugens nymphs for IR24 over NIL-BPH9 or NIL-BPH17 increased under the high-nitrogen regime, whereas the preference of N. lugens nymphs for IR24 over NIL-BPH32 was not affected by the nitrogen treatments.

Conclusions
Our results indicated that the resistance of three tested NILs did not respond to different nitrogen regimes and that NIL-BPH17 exerted the most substantial inhibitory effect on N. lugens growth and development.
Ultrasensitive and real-time optical detection of cellular oxidative stress using graphene-covered tunable plasmonic interfaces
Authors: Kim Hakchun , An Hyun Ji , Park Junhee , Lee Yohan , Kim Min Seob , Lee Seungki , Kim Nam Dong , Song Jihwan , Choi Inhee 
Published: May 2022

AbstractReactive oxygen species (ROS) regulate various physiological and pathological conditions in cells by interacting with signaling molecules and inducing oxidative stress. Therefore, sensitive monitoring of ROS levels in living cells is important to track cellular state and study the complex role of ROS in the development of various pathologies. Herein, we present an optically tunable plasmonic interface covered with graphene to monitor cellular ROS levels with superior sensitivity and cellular comfortability. As a sensing principle, we employed plasmon resonance energy transfer (PRET)-based spectral quenching dips modulated by redox-active cytochrome c for real-time monitoring. By transferring graphene layers to plasmonic nanoparticles immobilized on a glass substrate, the scattering profiles of the nanoprobes were adjusted in terms of the position, width, and intensity of the peaks to determine the optimal conditions for measuring the PRET signal. Using the optimized graphene-covered plasmonic nanoprobe, we obtained calibration curves over a wide concentration range from femtomoles to millimoles for hydrogen peroxide based on the change in the PRET signal. Before monitoring cellular ROS, we confirmed that a high density of cells adhered well to the graphene-covered plasmonic interface by observing immunofluorescence images of the cytoskeleton of the immobilized cells. Finally, we monitored the real-time ROS generated by the cells under oxidative stress conditions by directly measuring the spectral changes of the probes around the cells. We believe that the proposed graphene-covered tunable plasmonic interface has versatile applicability for investigating cellular stress and disease progression by monitoring ROS levels under various cellular conditions.
Comparison of corneal tomography using a novel swept-source optical coherence tomographer and rotating Scheimpflug system in normal and keratoconus eyes: repeatability and agreement analysis
Authors: Herber Robert , Lenk Janine , Pillunat Lutz E. , Raiskup Frederik 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackgroundTo determine the repeatability and agreement using corneal tomography of a swept-source optical coherence tomographer (SS-OCT) compared to a rotating Scheimpflug camera (RSC) in normal eyes and keratoconus (KC) eyes.MethodsThis prospective repeatability analysis was performed at the Department of Ophthalmology of University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden, Germany. Forty-three normal and 57 KC eyes were enrolled in the study. Three consecutive measurements were performed by the same operator on each device. Corneal parameters of anterior and posterior corneal surface, such as simulated keratometry (SimK), as well as central and thinnest corneal thickness were evaluated. Repeatability and agreement were assessed by using the coefficient of repeatability and Bland-Altman analysis.ResultsThe repeatability of anterior corneal parameters was comparable between RSC and SS-OCT in normal eyes (repeatability < 0.5 D). Repeatability was increased in mild and moderate KC for all parameters using both devices. In moderate KC, repeatability of Kmax was 1.33 D and 0.78 D for RSC and SS-OCT, respectively. Repeatability of posterior corneal parameters was consistently better for SS-OCT. Significant offsets and wide ranges of limits of agreement were found between the devices for SimK and corneal thickness values.ConclusionsSS-OCT showed highly repeatable measurements of anterior and posterior corneal parameters in normal and KC eyes. Compared to RSC, the SS-OCT had a better repeatability of anterior corneal parameters in mild and moderate KC as well as posterior corneal parameters in all groups. Both devices should not be used interchangeably in the diagnostic process of patients.Trial registrationNCT04251143 at Clinicaltrials.gov, registered on 12 March 2018,https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04251143?cond=Keratoconus&cntry=DE&city=Dresden&draw=2&rank=1
Press water from the mechanical drying of Douglas-fir wood chips has multiple beneficial effects on lignocellulolytic fungi
Authors: Reppke Manfred J. , Gerstner Rebecca , Windeisen-Holzhauser Elisabeth , Richter Klaus , Benz J. Philipp 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
The mechanical drying of wood chips is an innovative method that improves the heating value of sawmill by-products in an energy-efficient continuous process. The liquid that comes out of the wood chips as press water (PW), however, contains a variety of undissolved as well as dissolved organic substances. The disposal of the PW as wastewater would generate additional costs due to its high organic load, offsetting the benefits in energy costs associated with the enhanced heating value of the wood chips. Our research explored if the organic load in PW could be utilized as a substrate by cellulolytic filamentous fungi. Hence, using the industrially relevant Ascomycete Trichoderma reesei RUT-C30 as well as several Basidiomycete wood-rotting fungi, we examined the potential of press water obtained from Douglas-fir wood chips to be used in the growth and enzyme production media.

Results
The addition of PW supernatant to liquid cultures of T. reesei RUT-C30 resulted in a significant enhancement of the endoglucanase and endoxylanase activities with a substantially shortened lag-phase. A partial replacement of Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, as well as a complete replacement of Fe2+, Mn2+, Zn2+ by supplementing PW of the liquid media was achieved without negative effects on enzyme production. Concentrations of PW above 50% showed no adverse effects regarding the achievable endoglucanase activity but affected the endoxylanase activity to some extent. Exploring the enhancing potential of several individual PW components after chemical analysis revealed that the observed lag-phase reduction of T. reesei RUT-C30 was not caused by the dissolved sugars and ions, nor the wood particles in the PW sediment, suggesting that other, so far non-identified, compounds are responsible. However, also the growth rate of several basidiomycetes was significantly enhanced by the supplementation of raw PW to the agar medium. Moreover, their cultivation in liquid cultures reduced the turbidity of the PW substantially.

Conclusions
PW was identified as a suitable media supplement for lignocellulolytic fungi, including the cellulase and xylanase producer T. reesei RUT-C30 and several wood-degrading basidiomycetes. The possibility to replace several minerals, trace elements and an equal volume of fresh water in liquid media with PW and the ability of fungal mycelia to filter out the suspended solids is a promising way to combine biological wastewater treatment with value-adding biotechnological applications.
Gender, nutritional disparities, and child survival in Nepal
Authors: Fledderjohann Jasmine , Channon Melanie 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
This paper examines seemingly contradictory evidence from extant research that son preference is high, but male disadvantage in mortality is increasing in Nepal. To do so, we documented the timing, geographic patterning, and extent of gendered patterns in mortality and feeding practices for children under-five.

Methods
We applied pooled multilevel regression models and survival analysis to five rounds of data from Nepal’s nationally representative Demographic and Health Surveys (1996–2016). We controlled for potential sociodemographic confounders, including child, maternal, household, and regional correlates, and disaggregated findings by birth order and sibling gender.

Results
We found evidence of regional variation in mortality, with girls in wealthy urban areas faring the worst in terms of mortality rates. Girls’ comparative mortality advantage compared to boys in the neonatal period masks their mortality disadvantage in later periods. Mortality has fallen at a faster rate for boys than girls in most cases, leading to widening of gender inequalities. We also found evidence of female disadvantage in breastfeeding duration, which was linked to higher mortality risks, but no gender disparities in the consumption of other food items. Sibling gender and birth order also mattered for breastfeeding duration: Young girls with older sisters but with no brothers were most disadvantaged.

Conclusion
While we did not find evidence of postnatal discrimination in access to solid and semi-solid foods, girls in Nepal face a disadvantage in breastfeeding duration. Girls with older sisters but no older brothers facing the greatest disadvantage, with risks being particularly concentrated for girls aged 1–4 years. This disadvantage is linked to an increased risk of mortality. To address this, community-based health programs could be expanded to continue targeted healthcare for children beyond 12 months of age, with particular focus on nutrition monitoring and health service provision for girls.
Anti-reflux surgery in neonates and infants: analysis of indications, outcomes, and link to mortality among primary and secondary gastroesophageal reflux patients
Authors: Mostafa Ibrahim A. , Hader Hamad A. , Khan Safwan A. , Hilal Ahmed M. , Gathradi Mohamed A. , Ibrahim Ashraf H. M. 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
The indications and benefits of anti-reflux surgery (ARS) in neonates and infants are uncertain. Prematurity, operation before 1 year of age, neurological impairment (NI), and chronic lung disease (CLD) are risk factors for surgical failure. We aim to document the indications, management, and outcomes of ARS in this age group and compare them among primary and secondary gastroesophageal reflux (GERD).

Results
Between January 2008 and December 2019, 24 males and 22 females had ARS; 13 (28.3%) for primary while 33 (71.7%) for secondary GERD. The mean gestational age was 34.6 weeks (range 24–41) and mean birth weight was 2000 gm (range 600–3300). The weight at time of referral ranged from 1.4 kg to 4 kg (mean 2.2 kg). There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding the previous data. The group of primary GERD presented mainly with recurrent aspiration (n = 8), recurrent apnea (n = 5), and recurrent desaturations with or shortly after feeds (n = 4). The group of secondary GERD were referred for poor sucking with failure to thrive (FTT) (n = 25), recurrent aspiration (n = 20), and gastrostomy request (n = 14). The risk factors for secondary GERD were neurologically impaired (n = 22), post-esophageal atresia (EA) repair (n = 9), hiatus hernia (n = 4), thoracic stomach (n = 2), N-type tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF, n = 4), and congenital esophageal stenosis (CES, n = 4). The operations included open Nissen’s fundoplication (ONF) (n = 4) and modified open Thal’s fundoplication (MOTF) (n = 42). There were 8 mortalities in the secondary group, unrelated to surgery. Morbidities after Nissen’s fundoplication included wrap migration, gas bloat, and reoperation in one, laparotomy for intestinal obstruction (IO) in one. Following MOTF, there were two cases of transient recurrent GERD which improved with time and laparotomy in one for IO.

Conclusions
Diagnostic tests remain a challenge. Isolated TEF and CES may require fundoplication for staged management. Cases of the primary group did better with MTFO. Prematurity, CLD and age < 2 months were not significant risk factors for fundoplication failure or mortality. Neurological impairment was a risk factor for mortality.
Clinical profile and outcome of acute kidney injury in a tertiary care center of eastern Nepal
Authors: Singh Dipendra , Thapaliya Bishal , Bhatta Gaurab , Yadav Dipak Kumar , Shrestha Shailendra , Singh Jitendra , Shah Sandesh 
Published: May 2022

Background Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a global problem and it is encountered both in community and in-hospital patients. AKI has caused very significant damage to the health sector with high morbidity and mortality rates as well as a financial burden to the family. AKI contributes to a 3% incidence of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Sepsis and hypovolemia-associated ischemia is the most common cause of AKI. AKI has various risk factors, modes of presentation and outcomes. Also, the prevalence varies across the different populations. There is a paucity of data about the clinical profile of AKI in the eastern part of Nepal. This study aims to assess the age, comorbid conditions, the severity of AKI, mode of treatment, and outcome of patients with AKI admitted to the Nobel Medical College and Teaching Hospital, Biratnagar, Nepal. Methods This is a cross-sectional analytical study conducted at a Nobel Medical College Teaching Hospital, Biratnagar, Nepal from July 2018 to June 2019 AD. Results In this study, 192 patients diagnosed with AKI were included. Male patients accounted for 52.7%. The mean age was 48.6±18.73 years. Most of the patients (74.5%) were below <60 years of age. The average duration of hospital stay was 8 days. The common cause of AKI was sepsis in 71.9%. Diabetes mellitus (DM) was seen in 52.6% of patients. Most of the patients (41%) were at stage III AKI at the time of admission. Hemodialysis was done in 14.6% and 85.4% were managed conservatively. Average sessions of hemodialysis were 3.61. Complete recovery was seen in 69.8% of the patients. Conclusions We observed that early diagnosis, avoidance of nephrotoxic agents, and early, aggressive, and appropriate interventions result in improved patient outcomes. However late presentations of AKI have a higher hospital mortality rate.
Potential for Paramedic roles in Irish General Practice: A qualitative study of stakeholder’s perspectives
Authors: Barry Tomás , Batt Alan , Agarwal Gina , Booker Matthew , Casey Mary , McCombe Geoff 
Published: May 2022

Background: Irish health policy emphasises the role of Primary Care and General Practice however, there is a growing shortage of General Practitioners (GPs) in Ireland. Paramedics have traditionally focused on emergency care in the community. More recently Paramedics have taken on roles in General Practice in international jurisdictions, but not yet in Ireland. This study aimed to explore key stakeholder perceptions of ‘the potential for Paramedic roles in Irish General Practice’. Methods: We conducted an exploratory, qualitative stakeholder consultation study incorporating in-depth semi structured telephone interviews followed by thematic analysis. Interviews were conducted with a total of eighteen participants that included six senior Paramedics (Advanced Paramedics), seven General Practitioners (GPs), three Practice Nurses and two Practice Managers. Results: Participants in this study expressed polarised views on the potential for Paramedic roles in Irish General Practice. Paramedics were enthusiastic, highlighting opportunity for professional development and favourable working conditions. GP’s, Practice Nurses and Managers were more circumspect and had concerns that Paramedic scope and skillset was not currently aligned to General Practice care. GP’s, Practice Nurses and Managers emphasised a greater role for expanded General Practice Nursing. There were varied perceptions on what the potential role of a Paramedic in General Practice might entail, but consensus that Government support would be required to facilitate any potential developments. Conclusions: The findings of this research can inform future development of novel roles in Irish General Practice and suggests that there is appetite from within the Paramedic profession to pursue such roles. A pilot demonstration project, grounded in an action research framework could address data gaps and potential concerns. Any future developments should occur in tandem with and with due consideration for the expansion of General Practice Nursing in Ireland.
The Change in Permeability of Larch Boxed-Heart Timber During Drying After High Temperature and Low Humidity Treatment
Authors: Sun Yao-Xing , Kang Chun-Won , Li Chengyuan 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Japanese larch (Larix kaempferi) boxed-heart timbers with the dimension of 100 × 100 × 1,000 mm were dried after being steamed at 100°C and 0°C wet-bulb depression for 5 hours, and then dried at 120°C and 30°C wet-bulb depression for 8, 12, and 16 hours, respectively. The radial permeability of the surface layers of the timbers during drying was measured to discover the moisture movement mechanism in the transverse direction. The radial permeability in the surface layers of pretreated timbers decreased and tended to decrease as pretreating time increased. The decreased permeability can be attributed to the reduced distance between microfibrils inside the surface layers of pretreated timbers attributable to the pretreatment. This reduced distance decreases the moving rates of the bound water and water vapor from the inner part to surface layers of pretreated timbers during drying. Therefore, the average drying rate of pretreated timbers was decreased.