bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Endozoochorous seed dispersal by golden snub‐nosed monkeys in a temperate forest
Authors: YAO Hui , BAI Yanpei , CHEN Yuan , CHEN Haochun , YANG Wanji , RUAN Xiangdong , XIANG Zuofu 
Published: October 2020

AbstractSeed dispersal is essential for plant recruitment and the maintenance of biodiversity. Colobine monkeys are primarily folivorous, but they also consume fruits and are often assumed to be seed predators. Although they are known to be epizoochorous seed dispersers, their role as endozoochorous seed dispersers needs reassessment. We examined potential endozoochory in golden snub‐nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus roxellana) at Dalongtan in Shennongjia National Park, central China, by assessing potential germination of ingested seeds (n = 1806, 9 species) from fecal samples. Intact seeds were in almost all fecal samples (ranging from 5–130 seeds), and ingested seeds were from small seeded species (seed width <4.5 mm). The 2 most abundant species were Actinidia arguta (73%) and Rosa caudata (15%). The fruits of A. arguta were unripe when ingested (i.e. effective seed predation) and the ingested seeds did not germinate in the trials. Therefore, ingestion of unripe seeds does not lead to effective seed dispersal. However, germination rates of defecated R. caudata (9%) were greater than control seeds (6% and 0%), demonstrating potential endozoochorous seed dispersal. Thus, colobine monkeys do indeed disperse mainly small‐seeded from multi‐seeded fruits through potential endozoochory and this process enhances the recruitment of seedlings.
The effect of gene flow from unsampled demes in landscape genetic analysis
Authors: Shirk Andrew J. , Landguth Erin L. , Cushman Samuel A. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAn assumption of correlative landscape genetic methods is that genetic differentiation at neutral markers arises solely from the degree to which the intervening landscape between individuals or populations resists gene flow. However, this assumption is violated when gene flow occurs into the sampled population from an unsampled, differentiated deme. This may happen when sampling within only a portion of a population's extent or when closely related species hybridize with the sampled population. In both cases, violation of the modelling assumptions has the potential to reduce landscape genetic model selection accuracy and result in poor inferences. We used individual‐based population genetic simulations in complex landscapes within a model selection framework to explore the potential confounding effect of gene flow from unsampled demes. We hypothesized that as gene flow from outside the sampling extent increased, model selection accuracy would decrease due to the formation of a hybrid zone where allele frequencies were perturbed in a way that was not correlated with effective distances between sampled individuals. Surprisingly, we found this expectation was unfounded, because the reduced accuracy due to admixture was counteracted by an increase in allelic diversity as alleles spread from the unsampled deme into the sampled population. These new alleles increased the power to detect landscape genetic relationships and even slightly improving model selection accuracy overall. This is a reassuring result, suggesting that sampling the full extent of a population or related species that may hybridize may be unnecessary, as long as other well‐established sampling requirements are met.
Does Public Enforcement Work in Weak Investor Protection Countries? Evidence from China*
Authors: Ke Bin , Zhang Xiaojun 
Published: October 2020

ABSTRACTWe examine the efficacy of public enforcement in weak investor protection countries by examining the outcomes of a comprehensive public enforcement campaign in China. The campaign, launched in 2007, was designed to help enforce China's first mandatory Corporate Governance Code, issued in 2002. The 2007 campaign was characterized by several important features: (i) the campaign required firms to identify their problems before the securities regulators conducted on‐site inspections; (ii) the campaign provided a detailed checklist of the status of a firm's compliance with the Code; (iii) the campaign was transparent with regard to the disclosure and correction of identified problems; and (iv) the campaign threatened penalties for firms that failed to correct the identified governance problems in a timely manner. Our empirical analyses suggest that the 2007 campaign was effective in improving publicly listed firms' corporate governance. The corporate governance improvement was associated with a reduction in earnings management, higher earnings response coefficients, and higher operating accounting performance. In addition, we find preliminary evidence that the detailed checklist is partially responsible for the efficacy of the campaign. Our results suggest that public enforcement, if properly implemented, works in increasing shareholder value in weak investor protection countries.
Genotype and cytokinin effects on soybean yield and biological nitrogen fixation across soil temperatures
Authors: Kempster Robert , Barat Mercedes , Bishop Laura , Rufino Mariana , Borras Lucas , Dodd Ian C. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractHigh nitrogen (N) supply is required for high‐yielding soybean, but low soil temperatures in either early production systems or cool environments delay nodulation and limit biological nitrogen fixation (BNF). Because cytokinins are key signalling hormones in mediating nodule formation and our initial controlled environment experiment indicated that seed cytokinin treatment increased early BNF and total nodule area, it was used in field trials. Cytokinin was applied (seed or foliar) to two commercial soybean genotypes (DM50I17 and DM40R16) in field trials with early (September and early November) and conventional (late November) sowing dates in Argentina. In the field, DMR50I7 achieved consistent yields across sowing dates because increased BNF compensated for limited soil N uptake in early sowing dates, also leading to 25% higher nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). Surprisingly, soil N uptake was more cold‐sensitive than BNF with greater and prolonged N fixation in early sowing, perhaps through delayed nodulation, leading to improved N harvest index. Cytokinin seed treatment increased BNF (26%) in DM40R16 especially in early sowing dates. Although cytokinin improved cold tolerance of BNF, this was not explained by altered nodulation and did not increase yield. Here we show genetic differences in N supply in commercial soybean genotypes and the importance of BNF to maintain yield in early sown soybean.
Parenthood is associated with lower suicide risk: a register‐based cohort study of 1.5 million Swedes
Authors: Dehara Marina , Wells Michael B. , Sjöqvist Hugo , Kosidou Kyriaki , Dalman Christina , Sörberg Wallin Alma 
Published: October 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo determine whether parenthood among 25‐ to 44‐year‐olds is associated with a lower suicide rate in men and women in Sweden, and whether this is explained by selection into parenthood.MethodsIn total, 1,582,360 Swedish women and men, born between 1967 and 1985, and childless at their 25th birthday, were followed from 1992 to 2011. All data originated from linkage to national Swedish registers. Cox regression models were used with time‐varying parenthood status to estimate adjusted hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals (aHR;CI) for suicide.ResultsHaving one, two, three or more children was associated with 64%, 79% and 78% lower suicide rate, respectively, compared with having no children, in models with basic adjustments. When a wide range of indicators of selection into parenthood were taken into account, the suicide rate was 58% lower in parents with one child and 70% lower in parents with two or more children compared with childless individuals (aHR 0.42 [95% CI 0.36‐0.48]; 0.30 [95% CI 0.25‐0.35]; 0.30 [95% CI 0.21‐0.42]). In fathers with one, two, three or more children suicide rate was 54%, 64% and 59% lower, respectively, compared with non‐fathers whereas in mothers was 70%, 83% and 93% lower, respectively, compared with non‐mothers.ConclusionParenthood among 25‐to 44‐year‐olds is associated with a lower suicide risk in both men and women but to a larger extent among women, and particularly in parents with two or more children. Although selection into parenthood is possible, a protective effect of parenthood on suicide is likely in both men and women.
Evaluating extinction debt in fragmented forests: the rapid recovery of a critically endangered primate
Authors: Alcocer‐Rodríguez M. , Arroyo‐Rodríguez V. , Galán‐Acedo C. , Cristóbal‐Azkarate J. , Asensio N. , Rito K. F. , Hawes J. E. , Veà J. J. , Dunn Jacob C. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractFragmented tropical forests can be highly dynamic, with the spatial configuration of forest patches changing through time. Yet, the lack of longitudinal studies limits our understanding of how patch dynamics affect biodiversity, especially when there is a time lag in species extinctions (extinction debt). We assessed how temporal changes in patch size, shape complexity and isolation affect populations of the Mexican howler monkey (Alouatta palliata mexicana), hypothesizing that we would find an extinction debt in this relatively long‐lived species. We assessed patch occupancy, subpopulation size and immature‐to‐female ratio in 39 forest patches from Los Tuxtlas, Mexico, in both 2001 and 2013. To identify time‐lag responses to habitat disturbance, we related demographic attributes in 2013 to patch metrics in 2001 and 2013 and tested whether primate subpopulations were better predicted by current or historical patch characteristics. We also assessed how changes in patch metrics affected each demographic attribute between 2001 and 2013. Patch size and shape complexity increased over time, whereas isolation decreased. These positive spatial changes were accompanied by a 1.6‐fold increase in mean subpopulation size over the same period. In addition, occupancy and immature‐to‐female ratio were similarly related to patch attributes in both years, suggesting that there is no extinction debt. Our findings are ‘good news’, suggesting that forest recovery over a relatively short period can promote the recovery of this Critically Endangered taxon. They also highlight the importance of preventing forest loss and promoting forest regeneration in human‐modified tropical landscapes.
Do high‐dose progestins impair sexual function in women treated for endometriosis? A prospective observational longitudinal study
Authors: Oppenheimer Anne , Verdun Stéphane , Perot Mathilde , Du Cheyron Joseph , Panel Pierre , Fauconnier Arnaud 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIntroductionHigh‐dose progestins are used as an effective therapy for painful symptoms of endometriosis but their impact on sexual function has been poorly studied. The study aims to assess the impact of high‐dose progestin on sexual function among women treated for endometriosis.Material and methodsIn this bicenter prospective observational study, women with endometriosis who received medical or surgical treatment for endometriosis and who were sexually active were included. They completed the Sexual Activity Questionnaire (SAQ, a validated tool) before (T0) and 12 months after (T1) endometriosis treatment. We classified patients into two groups according to whether they were using high‐dose progestins at T1: a high‐dose progestin group and a control group. The main outcome was sexual function measured by the SAQ score (from 0 to 30) at T1. The secondary outcomes were each individual SAQ item, the dyspareunia 100‐mm visual analog scale (VAS) and the quality of life assessed with EuroQoL Group 5D Index (EQ‐5D) at T1. We also assessed the change in dyspareunia VAS and quality of life between T0 and T1. The Ethics Committee of Ile‐de‐France (Act 2004‐806, 9 August 2004) approved the study.ResultsAmong 214 women included, 25 (12%) were exposed to high‐dose progestins at T1. The SAQ score of women exposed to high‐dose progestins was significantly lower compared with the control group, with or without adjustment for covariates (15.5 ± 6.3 vs 18.3 ± 6.2, P = .03, adjusted effect size −0.44 [95% CI −0.86 to −0.02], P = .04). High‐dose progestin intake at T1 was associated with a lower subscore on two SAQ items: pleasure (1.8 ± 0.8 vs 2.2 ± 0.9, P = .02), and satisfaction with frequency of intercourse (1.2 ± 1.2 vs 1.8 ± 1.1, P = .02). In the overall population, dyspareunia VAS and quality of life assessed by EQ‐5D improved between T0 and T1 (45 ± 29 at T0 vs 28 ± 29 at T1, P < .001; 0.78 ± 0.14 at T0 vs 0.86 ± 0.14 at T1, P < .001, respectively). At T1, the groups did not differ significantly for dyspareunia VAS (effect size 0.36 [95% CI −0.06 to 0.78], P = .10) and quality of life (EQ‐5D, effect size 0.02 [95% CI −0.40 to 0.44], P = .91).ConclusionIn this observational study, high‐dose progestins impair the sexual function of women treated for endometriosis even though they improved dyspareunia.
Laparoscopic surgery in patients with cystic fibrosis: A systematic review
Authors: El Boghdady Michael , Ewalds‐Kvist Béatrice M. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIntroductionLaparoscopic surgery may be advantageous for cystic fibrosis (CF) patients because it leads to fewer complications than open surgery. However, it could still lead to pulmonary and cardiovascular complications in CF patients. We aimed to systematically review the use of laparoscopic surgery in CF patients.MethodsA systematic review was performed in compliance with PRISMA guidelines. A literature search was performed using PubMed/MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, EMBASE, and Google Scholar, with “cystic fibrosis and laparoscopic surgery” and “cystic fibrosis and minimally invasive surgery” used as the search terms. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria were applied. The protocol was registered with the PROSPERO register.ResultsSix studies met the predetermined inclusion criteria; accordingly, two studies provided high‐quality evidence and four provided moderate‐quality evidence. The interrater correlation was convincing (rs = .95, P = .02, two‐tailed). Therefore, three quantitative studies and three qualitative studies were assessed and evidence‐graded in accordance with the GRADE protocol.ConclusionThe benefits of laparoscopic surgical interventions for patients with CF were supported with good evidential value and recognized as a safe and suitable surgical option.
Oral priming with oligodeoxynucleotide particles from Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG attenuates symptoms of dextran sodium sulfate‐induced acute colitis in mice
Authors: Shigemori Suguru , Namai Fu , Ogita Tasuku , Sato Takashi , Shimosato Takeshi 
Published: October 2020

AbstractHere, we investigated the effect of prophylactic oral treatment with carbonate apatite‐based particles (ID35caps) containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG‐derived immunostimulatory oligodeoxynucleotides (ID35) when used in mice with acute colitis. Mice were administered orally with control particles (carbonate apatite particles, Caps), ID35, or ID35caps for 2 days, and then were given free access to drinking water containing 3% (w/v) dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) for 5 days (Days 0–5) to induce acute colitis. Body weight change, fecal bleeding, and stool consistency were monitored and scored as a disease activity index (DAI) to assess symptoms of colitis. On Day 10, animals were euthanized and the colon length was measured to evaluate inflammatory tissue injury. Prophylactic oral treatment with ID35caps significantly suppressed DSS‐induced elevation of the DAI score and shortening of the colon compared to the respective parameters in DSS‐exposed mice treated with Cap or ID35. We conclude that oral priming with ID35caps attenuates symptoms and inflammatory colonic injury in a mouse model of DSS‐induced acute colitis. This finding suggests that ID35caps may be a new oral agent for preventing intestinal inflammation.
Middle to Late Pleistocene environments based on stable organic carbon and nitrogen isotopes of loess‐palaeosol sequences from the Carpathian Basin
Authors: Pötter Stephan , Schmitz Arndt , Lücke Andreas , Schulte Philipp , Obreht Igor , Zech Michael , Wissel Holger , Marković Slobodan B. , Lehmkuhl Frank 
Published: October 2020

Stable organic carbon and nitrogen isotopes can be used to interpret past vegetation patterns and ecosystem qualities. Here we present these proxies for two loess‐palaeosol sequences from the southern Carpathian Basin to reconstruct the palaeoenvironment during the past 350 ka and establish regional commonalities and differences. Before now, isotopic studies on loess sequences from this region were only conducted on deposits from the last glacial cycle. We conducted methodological tests involving the complete decalcification of the samples prior to stable isotope analyses. Two decalcification methods (fumigation method and wet chemical acidification), different treatment times, and the reproducibility of carbon isotope analyses were tested. Obtained results indicate that the choice of the decalcification method is important for organic carbon stable isotope analyses of loess‐palaeosol sequences because ratios vary by more than 10‰ between the wet chemical and fumigation methods, due to incomplete carbonate removal by the latter. Therefore, we suggest avoiding the fumigation method for studies on loess‐palaeosol sequences. In addition, our data show that samples withTOCcontent <0.2% bear increased potential for misinterpretation of their carbon isotope ratios. For our sites, C3‐vegetation is predominant and no palaeoenvironmental shifts leading to a change of the dominant photosynthesis pathway can be detected during the Middle to Late Pleistocene. Furthermore, the importance of further stable nitrogen isotope studies is highlighted, since this proxy seems to reflect past precipitation patterns and reveals favourable conditions in the southern Carpathian Basin, especially during interstadials.
Environmental determinants of leaf litter ant community composition along an elevational gradient
Authors: Fichaux Mélanie , Vleminckx Jason , Courtois Elodie A. , H. C. Delabie Jacques , Galli Jordan , Tao Shengli , Labrière Nicolas , Chave Jérôme , Baraloto Christopher , Orivel Jérôme 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAnt communities are extremely diverse and provide a wide variety of ecological functions in tropical forests. Here, we investigated the abiotic factors driving ant composition turnover across an elevational gradient at Mont Itoupé, French Guiana. Mont Itoupé is an isolated mountain whose top is covered by cloud forests, a biogeographical rarity that is likely to be threatened according to climate change scenarios in the region. We examined the influence of six soil, climatic, and LiDAR‐derived vegetation structural variables on leaf litter ant assembly (267 species) across nine 0.12‐ha plots disposed at three elevations (ca. 400, 600, and 800m asl). We tested (a) whether species cooccurring within a same plot or a same elevation were more similar in terms of taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic composition, than species from different plots/elevations, and (b) which environmental variables significantly explained compositional turnover among plots. We found that the distribution of species and traits of ant communities along the elevational gradient was significantly explained by a turnover of environmental conditions, particularly in soil phosphorus and sand content, canopy height, and mean annual relative humidity of soil. Our results shed light on the role exerted by environmental filtering in shaping ant community assembly in tropical forests. Identifying the environmental determinants of ant species distribution along tropical elevational gradients could help predicting the future impacts of global warming on biodiversity organization in vulnerable environments such as cloud forests.
Cryptic sexual dimorphism reveals differing selection pressures on continental islands
Authors: Ó Marcaigh Fionn , Kelly David J. , Analuddin Kangkuso , Karya Adi , Lawless Naomi , Marples Nicola M. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBirds are well known for their sexual dimorphism. But not all forms of dimorphism are the same, and differences in morphology can be so subtle that they are not detected by casual observation. We report that this is the case with the Sulawesi Babbler (Pellorneum celebense), the first reported instance of sexual dimorphism in this species or any of the ground babblers of the South‐East Asian islands. Our finding is based on a combination of morphometric analyses, genetic sexing, and observation of breeding condition. We highlight the utility of unsupervised clustering approaches, widely used in the biomedical literature, for the investigation of sexual dimorphism in ecological and evolutionary contexts. The sexual dimorphism was weaker on the mainland of Sulawesi and stronger on the continental islands of Kabaena, Muna, and Buton. This suggests that different evolutionary pressures have led the species to partition niches differently in these habitats, which separated only recently in geological history. This kind of intraspecific niche partitioning is an intrinsic part of the ecological niche of such species, one we must not miss if we are to fully understand these endlessly fascinating organisms and systems.Abstract in Bahasa Indonesian is available with online material
Non‐continuous reproductive phenology of animal‐dispersed species in young forest restoration plantings
Authors: de Almeida Crislaine , Viani Ricardo Augusto Gorne 
Published: October 2020

AbstractTree species that produce resources for fauna are recommended for forest restoration plantings to attract pollinators and seed dispersers; however, information regarding the flowering and fruiting of these species during early growth stages is scarce. We evaluated the reproductive phenology of animal‐dispersed tree species widely used in Atlantic Forest restoration. We marked 16 animal‐dispersed tree species in 3‐ to 8‐year‐old forest restoration plantings in Itu‐São Paulo, southeast Brazil. We noted the age of the first reproductive event, flowering and fruiting seasonality, percentage of trees that reached reproductive stages, and intensity of bud, flower, and fruit production for each species. Flowering and fruiting are seasonal for most species; only two, Cecropia pachystachya and Ficus guaranitica, exhibited continuous flowering and fruiting throughout the year; we also identified Schinus terebinthifolia and Dendropanax cuneatus fruiting in the dry season during resource scarcity. Therefore, we recommend all as framework species, that is, species that are animal‐dispersed with early flowering and fruiting potential, for forest restoration. Further, we recommend identifying and planting similar animal‐dispersed tree species that produce fruits constantly or in the dry season to maximize fauna resource availability throughout the year in tropical forest restoration plantings.Abstract in Portuguese is available with online material