bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
LeWoS: A universal leaf‐wood classification method to facilitate the 3D modelling of large tropical trees using terrestrial LiDAR
Authors: Wang Di , Momo Takoudjou Stéphane , Casella Eric 
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Leaf‐wood separation in terrestrial LiDAR data is a prerequisite for non‐destructively estimating biophysical forest properties such as standing wood volumes and leaf area distributions. Current methods have not been extensively applied and tested on tropical trees. Moreover, their impacts on the accuracy of subsequent wood volume retrieval were rarely explored.

We present LeWoS, a new fully automatic tool to automate the separation of leaf and wood components, based only on geometric information at both the plot and individual tree scales. This data‐driven method utilizes recursive point cloud segmentation and regularization procedures. Only one parameter is required, which makes our method easily and universally applicable to data from any LiDAR technology and forest type.

We conducted a twofold evaluation of the LeWoS method on an extensive dataset of 61 tropical trees. We first assessed the point‐wise classification accuracy, yielding a score of 0.91 ± 0.03 in average. Second, we evaluated the impact of the proposed method on 3D tree models by cross‐comparing estimates in wood volume and branch length with those based on manually separated wood points. This comparison showed similar results, with relative biases of less than 9% and 21% on volume and length respectively.

LeWoS allows an automated processing chain for non‐destructive tree volume and biomass estimation when coupled with 3D modelling methods. The average processing time on a laptop was 90s for 1 million points. We provide LeWoS as an open‐source tool with an end‐user interface, together with a large dataset of labelled 3D point clouds from contrasting forest structures. This study closes the gap for stand volume modelling in tropical forests where leaf and wood separation remain a crucial challenge.
Better care for less money: cost‐effectiveness of integrated care in multi‐episode patients with severe psychosis
Authors: Karow A. , Brettschneider C. , Helmut König H. , Correll C.U. , Schöttle D. , Lüdecke D. , Rohenkohl A. , Ruppelt F. , Kraft V. , Gallinat J. , Lambert M. 
Published: December 2019

ObjectiveTo compare cost‐effectiveness of integrated care with therapeutic assertive community treatment (IC‐TACT) versus standard care (SC) in multiple‐episode psychosis.MethodTwelve‐month IC‐TACT in patients with schizophrenia‐spectrum and bipolar I disorders were compared with a historical control group. Primary outcomes were entropy‐balanced cost‐effectiveness based on mental healthcare costs from a payers’ perspective and quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs) as a measure of health effects during 12‐month follow‐up.ResultsAt baseline, patients in IC‐TACT (n = 214) had significantly higher illness severity and lower functioning than SC (n = 56). Over 12 months, IC‐TACT had significantly lower days in inpatient (10.3 ± 20.5 vs. 28.2 ± 44.9; P = 0.005) and day‐clinic care (2.6 ± 16.7 vs. 16.4 ± 33.7; P = 0.004) and correspondingly lower costs (€−55 084). Within outpatient care, IC‐TACT displayed a higher number of treatment contacts (116.3 ± 45.3 vs. 15.6 ± 6.3) and higher related costs (€+1417). Both resulted in lower total costs in IC‐TACT (mean difference = €−13 248 ± 2975, P < 0.001). Adjusted incremental QALYs were significantly higher for IC‐TACT versus SC (+0.10 ± 0.37, P = 0.05). The probability of cost‐effectiveness of IC‐TACT was constantly higher than 99%.ConclusionIC‐TACT was cost‐effective compared with SC. The use of prima facies ‘costly’ TACT teams is highly recommended to improve outcomes and save total cost for patients with severe psychotic disorders.
A multimodal investigation of cerebellar integrity associated with high‐risk cannabis use
Authors: Sweigert Julia , Pagulayan Kathleen , Greco Gabriella , Blake Matthew , Larimer Mary , Kleinhans Natalia M. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractWith legalization efforts across the United States, cannabis use is becoming increasingly mainstream. Various studies have documented the effects of acute and chronic cannabis use on brain structure and cognitive performance, including within the frontal executive control network, but little attention has been given to the effects on the cerebellum. Recent evidence increasingly points to the role of the cerebellum in various nonmotor networks, and the cerebellum's expression of cannabinoid receptors may pose particular vulnerabilities to the consequences of cannabis use. Using a combined approach of resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), the present study aims to assess how cannabis use relates to the cerebellum's intrinsic functional connectivity and underlying white matter structure and whether these properties are associated with craving or severity of cannabis use. Resting‐state fMRI and DTI data, as well as self‐reports of substance use history, were analyzed from a sample of 26 adults at risk for cannabis use disorder (CUD) and an age‐ and sex‐matched comparison group of 25 cannabis‐naïve adults (control). Results demonstrated that individuals at risk for a CUD showed key differences in cerebellar functional connectivity, with specific impacts on the dorsal attention and default mode networks. In addition, group differences in white matter were localized to the middle cerebellar peduncle (MCP), with a relationship between lower MCP diffusivity and higher levels of self‐reported craving. These findings lend further support to the cerebellum's role in key cognitive networks and potential consequences for substance use disorders.
Development of the Angioedema Control Test—A patient‐reported outcome measure that assesses disease control in patients with recurrent angioedema
Authors: Weller Karsten , Donoso Tamara , Magerl Markus , Aygören‐Pürsün Emel , Staubach Petra , Martinez‐Saguer Inmaculada , Hawro Tomasz , Altrichter Sabine , Krause Karoline , Siebenhaar Frank , Metz Martin , Zuberbier Torsten , Freier Denise , Maurer Marcus 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundRecurrent angioedema (AE) is an important clinical problem in the context of chronic urticaria (mast cell mediator–induced), ACE‐inhibitor intake and hereditary angioedema (both bradykinin‐mediated). To help patients obtain control of their recurrent AE is a major treatment goal. However, a tool to assess control of recurrent AE is not yet available. This prompted us to develop such a tool, the Angioedema Control Test (AECT).MethodsAfter a conceptional framework was developed for the AECT, a list of potential AECT items was generated by a combined approach of patient interviews, literature review and expert input. Subsequent item reduction was based on impact analysis, inter‐item correlation, additional predefined criteria for item performance, and a review of the item selection process for content validity. Finally, an instruction section was generated, and an US‐American‐English version was developed by a structured translation process.ResultsA 4‐item AECT with recall periods of 4 weeks and 3 months was developed based on 106 potential items tested in 97 patients with mast cell mediator‐induced (n = 49) or bradykinin‐mediated recurrent AE (n = 48). Eighty‐four items were excluded based on impact analysis. The remaining 22 items could be further reduced by a method‐mix of inter‐item correlation, additional predefined criteria for item performance and review for content validity.ConclusionsThe AECT is the first tool to assess disease control in recurrent AE patients. Its retrospective approach, its brevity and its simple scoring make the AECT ideally suited for clinical practice and trials. Its validity and reliability need to be determined in future independent studies.
Interleukin 31 in insect bite hypersensitivity—Alleviating clinical symptoms by active vaccination against itch
Authors: Olomski Florian , Fettelschoss Victoria , Jonsdottir Sigridur , Birkmann Katharina , Thoms Franziska , Marti Eliane , Bachmann Martin F. , Kündig Thomas M. , Fettelschoss‐Gabriel Antonia 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundInsect bite hypersensitivity (IBH) is the most common seasonal pruritic allergic dermatitis of horses occurring upon insect bites. In recent years, a major role for IL‐31 in allergic pruritus of humans, monkeys, dogs, and mice was acknowledged. Here, we investigate the role of IL‐31 in IBH of horses and developed a therapeutic vaccine against equine IL‐31 (eIL‐31).MethodsIL‐31 levels were quantified in allergen‐stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and skin punch biopsies of IBH lesions and healthy skin from IBH‐affected and healthy horses. The vaccine consisted of eIL‐31 covalently coupled to a virus‐like particle (VLP) derived from cucumber mosaic virus containing a tetanus toxoid universal T‐cell epitope (CuMVTT). Eighteen IBH‐affected horses were recruited and immunized with 300 μg of eIL‐31‐CuMVTT vaccine or placebo and IBH severity score was recorded.ResultsIL‐31 was increased in PBMCs and exclusively detectable in skin lesions of IBH‐affected horses. Vaccination against eIL‐31 reduced delta clinical scores when compared to previous untreated IBH season of the same horses and to placebo‐treated horses in the same year. The vaccine was well tolerated without safety concerns throughout the study.ConclusionTH2‐derived IL‐31 is involved in IBH pathology and accordingly the immunotherapeutic vaccination approach targeting IL‐31 alleviated clinical scores in affected horses.
Delta‐shaped anastomosis vs circular stapler anastomosis after laparoscopic distal gastrectomy with Billroth I reconstruction: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hosoda Kei , Mieno Hiroaki , Ema Akira , Ushiku Hideki , Washio Marie , Song Ildae , Watanabe Masahiko , Yamashita Keishi , Hiki Naoki 
Published: December 2019

AbstractIntroductionThe aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of delta‐shaped anastomosis compared to circular stapler anastomosis in laparoscopic distal gastrectomy with Billroth I reconstruction.MethodsThis is a single‐center randomized controlled study. Eligibility criteria included histologically proven gastric adenocarcinoma in the lower third of the stomach, clinical stage I tumor. Patients were preoperatively randomized to circular stapler anastomosis or delta‐shaped anastomosis. The primary endpoint is the number of analgesics used during three days after surgery. We compared the surgical outcomes of the two groups. Postoperative quality of life was evaluated using the Postgastrectomy Syndrome Assessment Scale‐45. This trial was registered at the UMIN Clinical Trials Registry as UMIN000025160.ResultsBetween December 2016 and September 2018, 39 patients (delta‐shaped anastomosis 18, circular stapler anastomosis 21) were enrolled. There was no difference in the number of analgesics used during three days after surgery (median nine: delta‐shaped anastomosis vs nine: circular stapler anastomosis, P = .91). There was no difference in the overall proportion with in‐hospital grade II–IIIB surgical complications (11%: delta‐shaped anastomosis, 14%: circular stapler anastomosis). There was no operation‐related death in either arm. Regarding postoperative quality of life evaluated one month after surgery, diarrhea subscale was significantly worse in delta‐shaped anastomosis than in circular stapler anastomosis.ConclusionWe did not demonstrate the advantage of delta‐shaped anastomosis in terms of postoperative pain. Since delta‐shaped anastomosis tended to cause postoperative abdominal symptoms related to diarrhea, we should carefully apply the delta‐shaped anastomosis to laparoscopic distal gastrectomy with Billroth I reconstruction.
Teachers’ multicultural attitudes and perspective taking abilities as factors in culturally responsive teaching
Authors: Abacioglu Ceren Su , Volman Monique , Fischer Agneta H. 
Published: December 2019

BackgroundCulturally responsive teaching (CRT) has been associated with increased student engagement and achievement. Its practice in classrooms, however, has been shown to be less than optimal. Nonetheless, certain teacher qualities have been suggested to facilitate its practice.AimsThe current study sought quantitative evidence in support of two of these teacher qualities, namely teachers’ multicultural attitudes, and their perspective taking abilities. By identifying the strength of the suggested relationships, we aimed to examine the generalizability of previous findings in the literature and inform teachers’ professional development and interventions.SampleA total of 143 primary school teachers from different parts of the Netherlands responded to our online survey.MethodsWe conducted a multivariate multiple regression analysis to investigate the relationship between these qualities and teachers’ engagement in two separate but related components of CRT (i.e., socially sensitive and culturally sensitive teaching).ResultsResults of our analysis yielded significant relationships between the two teacher qualities and the frequency with which teachers engage in socially and culturally sensitive teaching. Perspective taking was a stronger predictor for both aspects of CRT.ConclusionThese findings signal the significance of incorporating especially perspective taking experiences and exercises into teacher education and professional development programmes, which could benefit all students regardless of their backgrounds. Our results are promising as these qualities are malleable and thus can be improved.
Are preschoolers who spontaneously create patterns better in mathematics?
Authors: Wijns Nore , De Smedt Bert , Verschaffel Lieven , Torbeyns Joke 
Published: December 2019

BackgroundEarly patterning competence has recently been identified as an important precursor of mathematical development. Whereas the focus of this research has been on children’s ability regarding repeating patterns, children might also differ in their spontaneous attention to patterns.AimsThe present study aimed to explore 4‐ to 5‐year olds’ Spontaneous Focusing On Patterns (SFOP) and its association with their patterning and mathematical ability.SampleParticipants were 378 children (Mage = 4 years 10 months; 191 boys) from 17 preschools.MethodsSpontaneous Focusing On Patterns was measured with a construction task in which children had to build a tower with 15 blocks of three different colours. The constructions of the children were grouped into three categories (i.e., pattern, random, and sorting). We additionally administered tasks assessing their patterning ability, mathematical ability, spatial ability, and visuospatial working memory.ResultsWhen building a tower, 37% of the preschoolers spontaneously created a pattern, 49% made a random construction, and 14% sorted the blocks per colour. Preschoolers who spontaneously created a pattern had better patterning and mathematical ability than children in the random group. Group differences in patterning ability and spatial skills accounted for the difference in mathematical ability.ConclusionsThe current data suggest that children’s spontaneous attention to patterns is an important component of their mathematical ability. Children’s spontaneous pattern constructions may provide opportunities to discuss and practice patterns in preschool settings or at home, but more research is required to further analyse the role of SFOP in early mathematical development.
Are conceptual knowledge and procedural knowledge empirically separable? The case of fractions
Authors: Lenz Katja , Dreher Anika , Holzäpfel Lars , Wittmann Gerald 
Published: December 2019

BackgroundConcerning students’ difficulties with fractions, many explanatory approaches are based on the distinction between conceptual knowledge and procedural knowledge. For further research in this field, it is thus crucial to make these constructs accessible to valid measurement.AimsIn this study, we aim at developing a test instrument that affords valid measurement of students’ conceptual and procedural fraction knowledge, including in particular empirical validation of this distinction.SampleThe data used in this study were from 8th‐ and 9th‐grade students (N = 235) in Germany.MethodsFacilitated by expert discussions, items from previous studies were developed further and assigned to either a conceptual scale or procedural scale. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to investigate the underlying structure of the data including model comparisons (1‐dimensional; conceptual–procedural, verbal–non‐verbal). Further analyses in terms of validation focused on reliability and on correlations of the knowledge types with general cognitive abilities.ResultsIt was found that the theoretically assumed 2‐dimensional model fitted the data best. Correlations of the two knowledge types with general cognitive abilities differed significantly. Furthermore, the latent constructs could be reliably estimated from its indicators.ConclusionsOur findings indicate that the empirical separation of conceptual and procedural fraction knowledge is possible: A theoretically grounded test instrument was developed that allows measuring the knowledge types with a sufficient degree of validity. These findings address a research gap that was pointed out repeatedly and gives rise to further research into reasons and remedies for students’ difficulties in dealing with fractions.
Illness Risk Representation beliefs underlying adolescents’ cardiovascular disease risk appraisals and the preventative role of physical activity
Authors: Newby Katie , Varnes Laura , Yorke Eleanor , Meisel Susanne F. , Fisher Abi 
Published: December 2019

ObjectivesThe primary aim was to explore adolescents’ cardiovascular disease risk appraisals and establish whether they understood the preventative role of physical activity (PA). The secondary aim was to examine whether adolescents’ cardiovascular disease risk appraisal fitted with the Illness Risk Representations (IRR) framework.DesignQualitative.MethodsThirty‐one adolescents aged between 13 and 15 years participated in semi‐structured interviews. Data were analysed using Framework Analysis.ResultsKnowledge of lifestyle behaviours contributing to cardiovascular disease was good. Participants reflected on their current (or expected future) patterns of these behaviours when making judgements about lifetime risk. They struggled however to explain how different health behaviours, including PA, affected the development of the disease. Cardiovascular disease was viewed as potentially fatal, but participants had only a superficial understanding of the consequences of, or treatments for, the disease. The IRR framework, as proposed by Cameron (2003, https://cancercontrol.cancer.gov/brp/research/theories_project/cameron.pdf), largely captured the way in which adolescents’ made judgements about their risk of cardiovascular disease.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that adolescents are underestimating their risk of cardiovascular disease due to unhelpful beliefs. Interventions should: provide clear and simple explanations of how different health behaviours contribute to cardiovascular risk, highlight discrepancies that exist between current levels of preventative behaviour and that required to confer a protective effect, expose the false belief that a lack of PA in early life can be compensated for in later adulthood, and aid understanding of the true impact that the disease and its treatment could have of health and quality of life outcomes.
Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Physical activity (PA) throughout one's lifetime can reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

The majority of adolescents’ do not meet the recommended levels of PA.

Changing beliefs about the risk of cardiovascular disease might be a useful strategy to motivate engagement in PA.

What does this study add?

An increased understanding of adolescents’ knowledge of cardiovascular disease and the link with PA.

Identification of strategies to change adolescents’ risk perceptions of cardiovascular disease in ways that could motivate PA.

Evidence to support the Illness Risk Representation framework.
Do state‐owned enterprises benefit more from China's cereal grain tariff‐rate quota regime?
Authors: Xie Chaoping , Grant Jason H. , Boys Kathryn A. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractIn 2016, the United States launched a formal dispute with the World Trade Organization (WTO) concerning China's wheat, corn, and rice tariff‐rate quota (TRQs) administration. A formal panel was requested in August 2017, with several major grain exporters, including Canada, joining as third‐party members. This study employs two unique micro‐level datasets to investigate the role of state‐owned and non‐state‐owned enterprises’ (SOE and non‐SOE, respectively) in China's agricultural imports. Results suggest that SOEs are noticeably more active in importing quota‐bound commodities compared to quota‐free imported commodities. Moreover, the larger role of SOEs in China's cereal grain imports is negatively correlated with China's food security targets, as measured by estimated prior year stocks‐to‐use ratios. Conversely, above average food security targets in China's cereal grain market leads to an important extensive margin adjustment of non‐SOE import participation. Finally, we find very little compelling evidence that China's September reallocation of unused TRQ has any economic or statistically significant impact on non‐SOE entry into importing or the intensity with which their imports occur.
The Sphkl/SlP pathway regulates angiogenesis via NOS/NO synthesis following cerebral ischemia‐reperfusion
Authors: Lv Man-Hua , Li Shi , Jiang Yong‐Jia , Zhang Wei 
Published: December 2019

AbstractAimsSphingosine kinase 1 (Sphk1) and the signaling molecule sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P) are known to be key regulators of a variety of important biological processes, such as neovascularization. Nitric oxide (NO) is also known to play a role in vasoactive properties, whether Sphk1/S1P signaling is able to alter angiogenesis in the context of cerebral ischemia‐reperfusion injury (IRI), and whether such activity is linked with NO production, however, remains uncertain.MethodsWe used immunofluorescence to detect the expression of Sphk1 and NOS in cerebral epithelial cells (EC) after IR or oxygen‐glucose deprivation (OGDR). Western blotting was used to detect the Sphk1 and NOS protein levels in brain tissues or HBMECs. Adenovirus transfection was used to inhibit Sphk1 and NOS. An NO kit was used to detect NO contents in brain tissues and epithelial cells. Tube formation assays were conducted to measure angiogenesis.ResultsWe determined that EC used in a model of cerebral IRI expressed Sphk1, and that inhibiting this expression led to decreased expression of two isoforms of NO synthase (eNOS and iNOS), as well as to decrease neovascularization density and NO production following injury. In HBMECs, knocking down Sphk1 markedly reduced NO production owing to reduced eNOS activity, and inhibiting eNOS directly similarly decreased NO production in a manner which could be reversed via exogenously treating cells with S1P. We further found that knocking down Sphk1 reduced HBMEC eNOS expression, in addition to decreasing the adhesion, migration, and tube formation abilities of these cells under OGDR conditions.ConclusionsBased on these results, we therefore postulate that Sphk1/S1P signaling is able to mediate angiogenesis following cerebral IRI via the regulation of eNOS activity and NO production. As such, targeting these pathways may potentially represent a novel means of improving patient prognosis in those suffering from cerebral IRI.