bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Soil moisture thresholds explain a shift from light-limited to water-limited sap velocity in the Central Amazon during the 2015–16 El Niño drought
Authors: Meng Lin , Chambers Jeffrey , Koven Charles , Pastorello Gilberto , Gimenez Bruno , Jardine Kolby , Tang Yao , McDowell Nate , Negron-Juarez Robinson , Longo Marcos , Araujo Alessandro , Tomasella Javier , Fontes Clarissa , Mohan Midhun , Higuchi Niro 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Transpiration is often considered to be light- but not water-limited in humid tropical rainforests due to abundant soil water, even during the dry seasons. The record-breaking 2015–16 El Niño drought provided a unique opportunity to examine whether transpiration is constrained by water under severe lack of rainfall. We measured sap velocity, soil water content, and meteorological variables in an old-growth upland forest in the Central Amazon throughout the 2015–16 drought. We found a rapid decline in sap velocity (−38 ± 21%, mean ± SD.) and in its temporal variability (−88%) during the drought compared to the wet season. Such changes were accompanied by a marked decline in soil moisture and an increase in temperature and vapor pressure deficit. Sap velocity was largely limited by net radiation during the wet and normal dry seasons; however, it shifted to be primarily limited by soil moisture during the drought. The threshold in which sap velocity became dominated by soil moisture was at 0.33 m3 m−3 (around −150 kPa in soil matric potential), below which sap velocity dropped steeply. Our study provides evidence for a soil water threshold on transpiration in a moist tropical forest, suggesting a shift from light limitation to water limitation under future climate characterized by increased temperature and an increased frequency, intensity, duration and extent of extreme drought events.
Sustainable intensification in the Brazilian cattle industry: the role for reduced slaughter age
Authors: Skidmore Marin Elisabeth , Sims Kaitlyn M , Rausch Lisa L , Gibbs Holly K 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThe cattle industry in the Brazilian Amazon causes vast deforestation while producing at only one-third of the sustainable capacity. Slaughtering cattle at a younger age directly increases production per hectare per year, all else equal, and provides a potential path for sustainable intensification. Here we show that slaughter age is decreasing in the Amazon biome, but this increase in productivity varies across space and throughout the cattle supply chain. We characterize the properties and municipalities that have reduced slaughter age, providing insights into the incentives and barriers to this form of intensification. Most notably, reductions in slaughter age occurred in regions with low remaining forest cover and on properties with little current deforestation, suggesting that ranchers intensify via slaughter age as an alternative to deforestation. We then estimate how changing production practices to reduce slaughter age can reduce enteric methane emissions, accounting for production of additional feed. Our results indicate that reducing slaughter age through improved pasture and feed sources are a path to lower global GHG emissions from cattle production, particularly as beef is increasingly produced in developing countries with historically higher emissions. Yet in the Amazon, deforestation remains the leading source of GHG emissions, necessitating that any effort to reduce slaughter age must be coupled with strict enforcement of zero-deforestation policy. Our findings demonstrate the potential of policy limiting deforestation as a means to reduce both emissions from deforestation and enteric emissions from cattle.
On the Robin spectrum for the equilateral triangle*
Authors: Rudnick Zeév , Wigman Igor 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
The equilateral triangle is one of the few planar domains where the Dirichlet and Neumann eigenvalue problems were explicitly determined, by Lamé in 1833, despite not admitting separation of variables. In this paper, we study the Robin spectrum of the equilateral triangle, which was determined by McCartin in 2004 in terms of a system of transcendental coupled secular equations. We give uniform upper bounds for the Robin–Neumann gaps, showing that they are bounded by their limiting mean value, which is hence an almost sure bound. The spectrum admits a systematic double multiplicity, and after removing it we study the gaps in the resulting desymmetrized spectrum. We show a spectral gap property, that there are arbitrarily large gaps, and also arbitrarily small ones, moreover that the nearest neighbour spacing distribution of the desymmetrized spectrum is a delta function at the origin. We show that for sufficiently small Robin parameter, the desymmetrized spectrum is simple.
Enhanced near-infrared reflectance and functional characteristics of nano metal oxide embedded alkyd coatings
Authors: Benitha V S , Jeyasubramanian K , Prabhin V S 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
The main idea of the research is to formulate alkyd based smart coatings with high NIR-reflectance to decrease the cooling load in order to maintain cool comfort in buildings. In addition to the NIR reflectance studies, the physical characteristics of the coating such as glossiness, hiding power, spreading area, volatile organic contents are evaluated. Heat reflective coatings are prepared by ball milling technique utilizing white metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) titanium oxide (TiO2), zinc oxide (ZnO) and zirconium oxide (ZrO2) as pigments. The x-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) results reveal the prepared metal oxide pigments are of high purity. Bonding interaction between the alkyd resin and the NPs are studied using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR).The spectral reflectance of the prepared coatings are measured using spectrophotometer in the solar spectrum range, wherein ZnO based nanocoatings shows better results. The cool comfort is measured for ZnO nanocoatings in an enclosed glass cabinet and the differences in temperature with respect to exposure to sunlight are highlighted. Finally, a prototype coated with ZnO NPs maintains lower indoor temperature than the commercially available white paint coated model in the order of 2.7 °C.
An extendable Space-Time Curvature Mode model
Authors: Kornreich Philipp G 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Einstein calculated the curvature of space-time from a Field equation based on an equation of motion derived by the variation of a geodetic path and a second rank Metric tensor. In this study a Space-Time Curvature Mode (STCM) model is calculated from a series of coupled Field equations derived from the variation of a Taylor series expansion of a Lagrangian potential of the STCM. The Taylor series expansion coefficients are Metric tensors of increasing rank. The STCM model can be extended to any number of Field equations. The coupled Field equations of the STCM describe the warping of space-time by masses and energy fields, and the effect of the curved space-time on the motion of masses and energy fields. This results in a description of space coordinates that have locally positive and negative slopes as a function of the time coordinate and can describe a Universe with at times an accelerating expansion and at later times a contracting Universe. This study replaces the postulated concepts of Einstein’s Cosmological constant and postulated concepts of Dark Mass and Dark Energy. It is shown that the Hamiltonian is conserved.
Ultrasound emergency lateral-to-medial parasternal pericardiocentesis with high frequency probe in COVID-19: a case report
Authors: Ferro Baldassare , Vegnuti Lara , Santonocito Orazio , Roncucci Paolo 
Published: May 2022

Abstract

Background
The pathological involvement of the heart is frequent in SARS-Coronavirus-2 infection (COVID-19) with various clinical and echocardiographic manifestations during the course of the disease.

Case summary
A 69-year-old female patient with severe COVID-19-related acute respiratory distress syndrome undergoing mechanical ventilation developed acute left ventricular dysfunction, that successfully improved with vasoactive therapy. After 5 days, she suddenly developed hemodynamic instability due to acute onset of pericardial effusion, which required emergency pericardiocentesis. Ultrasound-guided parasternal pericardiocentesis with high-frequency linear probe and lateral-to-medial in-plane approach was performed by inserting a central venous catheter using a Seldinger technique. 700 mL of serous fluid was drained resolving the acute critical state.

Discussion
Pericardial effusion with cardiac tamponade is a rare manifestation of Covid-19. Despite the diffusion of echocardiography, emergency cardiac procedures could be particularly difficult to be performed in a pandemic scenario of limited resources and the heterogeneous skills of the professional figures involved in the management of COVID-19 patients. The spread of expertise in ultrasound-guided vascular cannulation makes this approach attractive for anesthesiologists, emergency medicine and critical care specialists too. Furthermore in this pericardiocentesis’ technique, the high-frequency linear probe adds optimal spatial resolution to maintain a close control of the needle’s direction. However the need of a good parasternal view and a deep ultrasound knowledge are crucial to avoid iatrogenic complications. In conclusion, ultrasound-guided lateral-to-medial parasternal pericardiocentesis with high-frequency linear probe is an alternative to treat potential lethal acute haemodynamic instability due to cardiac tamponade.
Gradient and Acceleration of Decline in Physical and Cognitive Functions in Older Adults: A Disparity Analysis
Authors: Ip Edward H , Chen Shyh-Huei , Rejeski W Jack , Bandeen-Roche Karen , Hayden Kathleen M , Hugenschmidt Christina E , Pierce June , Miller Michael E , Speiser Jaime L , Kritchevsky Stephen B , Houston Denise K , Newton Robert L , Rapp Stephen R , Kitzman Dalane W 
Published: May 2022

Abstract

Background
Substantive previous work has shown that both gait speed and global cognition decline as people age. Rates of their decline, as opposed to cross-sectional measurements, could be more informative of future functional status and other clinical outcomes because they more accurately represent deteriorating systems. Additionally, understanding the sex and racial disparity in the speed of deterioration, if any, is also important as ethnic minorities are at an increased risk of mobility disability and dementia.

Method
Data from 2 large longitudinal intervention studies were integrated. Rates of decline were derived from individual-level measures of gait speed of 400-m walk and scores on the Modified Mini Mental State Examination (3MSE). We also assessed age-associated declines and accelerations in changes across the ages represented in the studies (age range 53–90).

Results
The mean rate of decline in 400-m gait speed across individuals was 0.03 m/s per year, and multivariable analysis showed a significant acceleration in decline of −0.0013 m/s/y2 (p &lt; .001). Both race and sex moderated the rate of decline. For global cognition, the mean rate of decline was 0.05 of a point per year on the 3MSE scale, and acceleration in the rate of decline was significant (−0.017 point/y2, p &lt; .001), but neither sex nor race moderated the decline.

Conclusion
Rate of decline in physical but not cognitive function appears moderated by sex and race. This finding, as well as rates and accelerations of decline estimated herein, could inform future intervention studies.

Clinical Trials Registration Number
NCT00017953 (Look AHEAD); NCT01410097 (Look AHEAD ancillary); NCT00116194 (LIFE).
Wither the Trade Regime?
Authors: Goldstein Judith 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Democratic governance, liberal values, and the open trading regime are facing interconnected existential challenges. For most of the post-WWII period, they were “legs to the same stool.” Today, the connections among the three have frayed, and this has implications for the future of the liberal international economic order. While the trade regime successfully incorporated smaller autocratic states, the rise of China and increasing tension among signatories to the WTO has challenged the rule-based trading system. This essay argues that even with these divisions among the memberships, all trading nations, including China, need the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT)/WTO. Trade requires market predictability; exporters and their home governments require some means to adjudicate conflict. The GATT/WTO remains the best, and perhaps the only, organization that can facilitate such coordination and finesse the changing nature of the international system to assure an open world economy.
How to Pay Attention to the Words We Use: The Reflexive Review as a Method for Linguistic Reflexivity
Authors: Alejandro Audrey , Knott Eleanor 
Published: May 2022

AbstractDespite the imperative to pay attention to the words we use as a routine dimension of research, the methodological and pedagogical tools illustrating how to work on our own use of language are largely missing within and beyond international relations (IR). To address this gap, we develop a method—the “Reflexive Review”—which adds a linguistic and reflexive dimension to the common practice of a literature review. This method is accessible for researchers who are neither linguistic specialists nor working on language and can be integrated within a standalone research project. First, we review the existing traditions used in IR to investigate language—quantitative text analysis, conceptual analysis, discourse analysis, deconstruction, and problematization—and assess their interest and limits regarding linguistic reflexivity. Second, we introduce four methodological steps for conducting the Reflexive Review, by reviewing literature to: (1) build a list of “priority words” that may need reflexive attention; (2) look for metalinguistic statements to synthesize how the literature has explicitly discussed these words; (3) identify patterns of word use, as collectively shared meanings that coexist and that we should become aware of; and (4) compare the identified uses of language with our own. Third, we demonstrate the Reflexive Review in practice based on a word commonly used in IR: “local.” We identify four patterns of the word use of “local” in IR literature as: a class of actors, a level of analysis, community, and experiences of the everyday. In sum, we demonstrate how a Reflexive Review enables us to implement reflexivity in practice and make more conscious linguistic choices, to support more nuanced, ethical, and rigorous analysis and empirical work.
Optimal managements of elderly patients with glioblastoma
Authors: Arakawa Yoshiki , Mineharu Yohei , Uto Megumi , Mizowaki Takashi 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Optimizing the management of elderly patients with glioblastoma is an ongoing task in neuro-oncology. The number of patients with this tumor type is gradually increasing with the aging of the population. Although available data and practice recommendations remain limited, the current strategy is maximal safe surgical resection followed by radiotherapy in combination with temozolomide. However, survival is significantly worse than that in the younger population. Surgical resection provides survival benefit in patients with good performance status. Hypofractionated radiotherapy decreases toxicities while maintaining therapeutic efficacy, thus improving treatment adherence and subsequently leading to better quality of life. The intensity of these treatments should be balanced with patient-specific factors and consideration of quality of life. This review discusses the current optimal management in terms of efficacy and safety, as well as future perspectives.
Field-grown ictB tobacco transformants show no difference in photosynthetic efficiency for biomass relative to the wild type
Authors: Ruiz-Vera Ursula M , Acevedo-Siaca Liana G , Brown Kenny L , Afamefule Chidi , Gherli Hussein , Simkin Andrew J , Long Stephen P , Lawson Tracy , Raines Christine A 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
In this study, four tobacco transformants overexpressing the inorganic carbon transporter B gene (ictB) were screened for photosynthetic performance relative to the wild type (WT) in field-based conditions. The WT and transgenic tobacco plants were evaluated for photosynthetic performance to determine the maximum rate of carboxylation (Vc, max), maximum rate of electron transport (Jmax), the photosynthetic compensation point (Γ*), quantum yield of PSII (ΦPSII), and mesophyll conductance (gm). Additionally, all plants were harvested to compare differences in above-ground biomass. Overall, transformants did not perform better than the WT on photosynthesis-, biomass-, and leaf composition-related traits. This is in contrast to previous studies that have suggested significant increases in photosynthesis and yield with the overexpression of ictB, although not widely evaluated under field conditions. These findings suggest that the benefit of ictB is not universal and may only be seen under certain growth conditions. While there is certainly still potential benefit to utilizing ictB in the future, further effort must be concentrated on understanding the underlying function of the gene and in which environmental conditions it offers the greatest benefit to crop performance. As it stands at present, it is possible that ictB overexpression may be largely favorable in controlled environments, such as greenhouses.
A new look at the frequency-dependent damping of slow-mode waves in the solar corona
Authors: Kolotkov Dmitrii Y , Nakariakov Valery M 
Published: May 2022

ABSTRACT
Being directly observed in the Doppler shift and imaging data and indirectly as quasi-periodic pulsations in solar and stellar flares, slow magnetoacoustic waves offer an important seismological tool for probing many vital parameters of the coronal plasma. A recently understood active nature of the solar corona for magnetoacoustic waves, manifested through the phenomenon of wave-induced thermal misbalance, led to the identification of new natural mechanisms for the interpretation of observed properties of waves. A frequency-dependent damping of slow waves in various coronal plasma structures remains an open question, as traditional wave damping theories fail to match observations. We demonstrate that accounting for the back-reaction caused by thermal misbalance on the wave dynamics leads to a modification of the relationship between the damping time and oscillation period of standing slow waves, prescribed by the linear theory. The modified relationship is not of a power-law form and has the equilibrium plasma conditions and properties of the coronal heating/cooling processes as free parameters. It is shown to readily explain the observed scaling of the damping time with period of standing slow waves in hot coronal loops. Functional forms of the unknown coronal heating process, consistent with the observed frequency-dependent damping, are seismologically revealed.
Dynamic susceptibility contrast MRI may contribute in prediction of stereotactic radiosurgery outcome in brain metastases
Authors: Starck Lea , Skeie Bente Sandvei , Moen Gunnar , Grüner Renate 
Published: May 2022

Abstract

Background
Following stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), predicting treatment response is not possible at an early stage using structural imaging alone. Hence, the current study aims at investigating whether dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC)-MRI estimated prior to SRS can provide predictive biomarkers in response to SRS treatment and characterize vascular characteristics of pseudo-progression.

Methods
In this retrospective study, perfusion-weighted DSC-MRI image data acquired with a temporal resolution of 1.45 seconds were collected from 41 patients suffering from brain metastases. Outcome was defined based on lesion volume changes in time (determined on structural images) or death. Motion correction and manual lesion delineation were performed prior to semi-automated, voxel-wise perfusion analysis. Statistical testing was performed using linear regression and a significance threshold at P = .05. Age, sex, primary cancers (pulmonary cancer and melanoma), lesion volume, and dichotomized survival time were added as covariates in the linear regression models (ANOVA).

Results
Relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV) and relative cerebral blood flow (rCBF) were found to be significantly lower prior to SRS treatment in patients with increasing lesion volume or early death post-SRS (P ≤ .01).

Conclusion
Unfavorable treatment outcome may be linked to low perfusion prior to SRS. Pseudo-progression may be preceded by a transient rCBF increase post-SRS. However, results should be verified in different or larger patient material.
Supratherapeutic Tacrolimus Concentrations With Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients Requiring Hospitalization: A Case Series Using Rifampin for Reversal
Authors: Rose Dusten T , Gandhi Saurin M , Bedard Rachael A , Mondy Kristin E , Chu Alexander L , Gamble Kelly C , Gee Amanda T , Kundra Monica A , Williams Amber L , Lee Brian K 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir was recently granted emergency use authorization for mild to moderate coronavirus disease 2019. Drug–drug interactions between ritonavir and tacrolimus are underappreciated by nontransplant providers. We describe 2 solid organ transplant recipients prescribed nirmatrelvir/ritonavir for outpatient use who developed tacrolimus toxicity requiring hospitalization and were managed with rifampin for toxicity reversal.
CalScope: Monitoring Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Seroprevalence From Vaccination and Prior Infection in Adults and Children in California May 2021–July 2021
Authors: Mehrotra Megha L , Lim Esther , Lamba Katherine , Kamali Amanda , Lai Kristina W , Meza Erika , Szeto Irvin , Robinson Peter , Tsai Cheng-ting , Gebhart David , Fonseca Noemi , Martin Andrew B , Ley Catherine , Scherf Steve , Watt James , Seftel David , Parsonnet Julie , Jain Seema 
Published: May 2022

Abstract

Background
Understanding the distribution of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibodies from vaccination and/or prior infection is critical to the public health response to the pandemic. CalScope is a population-based serosurvey in 7 counties in California.

Methods
We invited 200 000 randomly sampled households to enroll up to 1 adult and 1 child between April 20, 2021 and June 16, 2021. We tested all specimens for antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid and spike proteins, and each participant completed an online survey. We classified participants into categories: seronegative, antibodies from infection only, antibodies from infection and vaccination, and antibodies from vaccination only.

Results
A total of 11 161 households enrolled (5.6%), with 7483 adults and 1375 children completing antibody testing. As of June 2021, 33% (95% confidence interval [CI], 28%–37%) of adults and 57% (95% CI, 48%–66%) of children were seronegative; 18% (95% CI, 14%–22%) of adults and 26% (95% CI, 19%–32%) of children had antibodies from infection alone; 9% (95% CI, 6%–11%) of adults and 5% (95% CI, 1%–8%) of children had antibodies from infection and vaccination; and 41% (95% CI, 37%–45%) of adults and 13% (95% CI, 7%–18%) of children had antibodies from vaccination alone.

Conclusions
As of June 2021, one third of adults and most children in California were seronegative. Serostatus varied regionally and by demographic group.