bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Phylogenetic Architecture of Recruitment Networks
Authors: Gleiser Gabriela , Alcántara Julio M. , Bascompte Jordi , Garrido José L. , Montesinos‐Navarro Alicia , Paterno Gustavo B. , Valiente‐Banuet Alfonso , Verdú Miguel 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTAimPlant recruitment involves both stochastic and deterministic processes. Recruits may establish independently or interact nonrandomly with canopy plants. We explore this deterministic aspect by testing whether recruitment patterns are influenced by the phylogenetic history of canopy and recruiting plants. Since the effect of canopy plants in recruitment can be positive (facilitation), negative (competition) or neutral, we also estimated the phylogenetic signal separately for each interaction type. Furthermore, we assessed whether environmental stress influenced the phylogenetic signal, under the expectation that more severe environmental conditions will lead to stronger phylogenetic signatures in network structure.LocationGlobal.Time Period1998–2021.Major Taxa StudiedAngiospermae.MethodsWe analysed recruitment interactions occurring in 133 plant communities included in the RecruitNet database, which encompasses a wide range of biomes and vegetation types. The phylogenetic signal in canopy–recruit interactions was quantified in different dimensions of the recruitment niche, represented by the level of interaction generalisation, and by the taxonomic and evolutionary composition of the group of canopy plants.ResultsWe found significant phylogenetic signals in more networks than expected by chance. Canopies’ evolutionary history influenced facilitative and competitive but not neutral interactions. The phylogenetic signal in the recruitment niche strengthened in arid regions, suggesting that stressful habitats promote the occurrence of conserved recruitment interactions where closely related species recruit in association with closely related canopy species.Main ConclusionsDespite the strong influence of stochastic processes on plant recruitment, evolutionary history plays a significant role in driving the recruitment process, especially in harsh environments. In particular, the historical effect becomes more important when canopy species have a significant impact on the performance of recruits, either through facilitation or competition. More generally, we show that the analysis of different dimensions of the ecological niche can reveal important insights on the functional roles of interacting species.
Butterfly Diversity Patterns Provide New Insights Into Biodiversity Conservation in China
Authors: Wang Di , Zhang Yifan , Lu Liangzhi , Li Sheng , Wang Rongjiang 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTAimGlobally, the knowledge of insect distributions is largely insufficient, and that hinders conservation actions against biodiversity loss. Focusing on butterfly diversity, we aimed to fill knowledge gaps and provide new insights into biodiversity conservation in China.LocationChina.Time PeriodOccurrence records from 1950 to 2023.Major Taxa StudiedButterflies, Lepidoptera.MethodsWe collected butterfly occurrence records from published literature, online databases and our butterfly specimens, and then used either species distribution models or expansion from actual occurrence sites to estimate species distribution ranges in China. We identified key environmental variables that are related to butterfly biodiversity patterns, and delineated priority conservation areas based on butterfly distributions.ResultsWe report the first country‐wide inventory and mapping of China's 1920 butterfly species. The identified hotspots of species richness are distributed mainly in southwestern, southern and southeastern China. Among variables strongly correlated with species richness, the most important one is actual evapotranspiration. Conservation priority areas under the Convention on Biological Diversity 17% area target overlapped well with the hotspots, but only 29.8% of them are covered by existing nature reserves. When that protection target increases to 30%, the additional areas are located mainly in southern China, with its large cities and intensive agriculture.Main ConclusionsWe find that some protected butterfly species have a larger area of habitat than most species, implying that the list of protected butterflies in China should be revised. Urban and farmland landscapes may help sustain butterfly diversity and they should be considered in conservation planning.
Participatory Development of an International Information Brochure on the Multimodal Assessment of Disorders of Consciousness
Authors: Hohl Melissa , Willacker Lina , Raiser Theresa Marie , Rosenfelder Martin Justinus , Kuehlmeyer Katja , Bassi Marta , Comanducci Angela , Valota Chiara , Sitt Jacobo Diego , Bender Andreas 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundDisorders of consciousness (DoC) refers to a group of clinical conditions of altered consciousness. To improve their diagnosis and prognosis, multimodal assessment can be of great importance. Informal caregivers of people with DoC who are confronted with new technologies as such can benefit from interventions to expand their health literacy, i.e., the ability to use information to make health decisions for oneself and others.MethodsWe developed an information brochure on multimodal assessment for DoC in a participatory process, with decisions made by a steering group. The process was based on a methodological framework for the development of patient decision aids that built on the International Patient Decision Aid Standards (IPDAS).ResultsOn the background of a broad variety of needs, the priority was to focus on the explanation of multimodal testing and provide information about its uncertainty. Its development aimed at enhancing informal caregivers' understanding of implications of results from multimodal assessment and its relevance for prognosis. It should avoid the portrayal of information that could lead to the impression of false hope or suboptimal rehabilitation care. Informal caregivers rated its usability and acceptability highly, though they preferred less technical language.ConclusionThe participatory process was crucial to the project. Future studies should investigate the effectiveness of the brochure in fostering informal caregivers' health literacy.Patient or Public ContributionInformal caregivers of people with DoC were deliberately included in the steering group and they participated in a field test of the prototype brochure.
Impact of prenatal exposure to delta 9‐tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol on birth size and postnatal growth trajectories
Authors: Moore Brianna F. , Mueller Noel T. , Perng Wei , Sauder Katherine A. , Hébert Emily T. , Hoyt Adrienne T. , Wymore Erica M. , Boyle Kristen E. , Su Emily J , Shapiro Allison L. B. , Kinney Gregory , Sempio Cristina , Klawitter Jost , Christians Uwe , Dabelea Dana 
Published: December 2024

SummaryBackgroundPrenatal exposure to cannabis (or more specifically, delta 9‐tetrahydrocannabinol [Δ9‐THC]) has been consistently linked to low birthweight. Animal models further show that Δ9‐THC is associated with rapid postnatal growth. Whether this association is modified by breastfeeding is unknown.MethodsIn this exploratory study, we followed 128 mother–child pairs through 3 years. Urinary Δ9‐THC and cannabidiol (CBD) were measured mid‐gestation. Generalized linear models estimated the associations between Δ9‐THC and neonatal body composition. A mixed‐effects model estimated the association between Δ9‐THC and body mass index (BMI) z‐score trajectories. Interaction was assessed by a three‐way product term (Δ9‐THC × breastmilk months × age).ResultsFifteen children (12%) had Δ9‐THC exposure; three had concomitant CBD exposure. Prenatal exposure to Δ9‐THC alone was associated with lower fat mass (−95 g, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −174, −14) and neonatal adiposity (−2.1%; 95% CI: −4.2, −0.4) followed by rapid postnatal growth (0.42 increase in BMI z‐score per square root year; 95% CI: 0.12, 0.72). Breastfeeding modified this association (p = 0.04), such that growth was similar for those breastfed for 5 months whereas a shorter duration of breastfeeding was associated with 1.1 higher BMI z‐score at 3 years (95% CI: 0.21, 2.05).ConclusionsOur study suggests that prenatal exposure to Δ9‐THC may alter early‐life growth. Breastfeeding may stabilize rapid postnatal growth, but the impact of lactational exposure requires further investigation.
Effects of Applicants' Use of Generative AI in Personnel Selection: Towards a More Nuanced View?
Authors: Lievens Filip , Dunlop Patrick D. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTGenerative AI (GenAI) has made rapid inroads in assessment, as a growing number of applicants rely on it as a coach in unproctored assessments of various selection procedures. This had led to assertions that applicants' GenAI use undermines key assumptions of the predictive model underlying selection and is thus disruptive for organizations' current unproctored assessments, thereby invoking various strategies of organizations to deter and detect its use. In this provocation article, we present a more nuanced view. To this end, we start by reviewing the recent research related to the effects of applicants' use of GenAI in assessment and discuss the evidence of the potential of applicant GenAI use to disrupt assessment validity. Next, we draw on test coaching frameworks to discuss three scenarios of how applicants' use of GenAI might affect an assessment's mean scores and criterion‐related validity. These perspectives highlight that the use of GenAI might not only exert negative consequences but potentially have also positive consequences for both applicants and organizations. It is pivotal to distinguish among these scenarios because they lead to different strategies for organizations to deal with applicant use of GenAI.
Statewide neurology inpatient whole body and brain 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography utilisation patterns demonstrate avenues for optimisation
Authors: Goh Rudy , Bellinge Jamie , Gim Haelynn , Howson Sarah , El‐Masri Shaddy , Triplett James , Vallat Wilson , Patel Sandy , Bacchi Stephen 
Published: December 2024

Abstract18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18F‐FDG PET) can provide unique insights; however, access may be difficult. In this 2‐year statewide study of all neurology inpatient admissions, 27.9% (41/147) of PET (any field of view) demonstrated significant abnormalities. At sites without on‐site PET access, the proportion of patients receiving PET was lower (P < 0.01), and the time from admission to receiving PET was longer (P = 0.018), as compared to those with on‐site access. Investigation of strategies to improve access is warranted.
Stability of Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Nasal Aspirate From Patients Infected With RSV
Authors: Yamamoto Atsuko , Hayasaki‐Kajiwara Yoko , Baba Takamichi , Okaga Saori , Kakui Mayumi , Shishido Takao 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundEvaluation of infectious virus titer is a challenge for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) clinical trials because of the labile nature of RSV and rapid loss of infectivity without proper specimen handling. However, there has been no rigorous investigation into RSV stability in clinical specimens.MethodsRSV stability was investigated by evaluating virus titers and defined as titer variation from baseline within three standard deviations of our titration assay. RSV stability in viral transport medium (VTM) at 4°C and the effect of freezing method on stability were evaluated using RSV‐A2 stock. RSV stability in nasal aspirates collected in VTM at 4°C was estimated by regression analysis of virus titers measured at several time points. Stability of these specimens stored at −80°C for 10–15 months after freezing by the method, which maintained RSV‐A2 stability, was also assessed.ResultsThree standard deviations were calculated from our titration assay as 0.97 log10 50% tissue culture infectious dose (TCID50/mL), and RSV stability was defined as variation of virus titer from baseline within 1.0 log10TCID50/mL. RSV‐A2 in VTM at 4°C was stable for at least 120 h. Freezing at −80°C negatively affected virus stability, whereas freezing in liquid nitrogen or a dry ice‐ethanol bath did not. RSV in nasal aspirates was stable for 2 days at 4°C and for 10–15 months at −80°C after snap freezing.ConclusionsRSV in nasal aspirates in VTM was estimated to be stable for 2 days at 4°C and for approximately 1 year at −80°C.
La2O3‐modified C/C‐ZrC composites with long‐term cyclic ablation resistance
Authors: Zhang Yi , Hu Dou , Guo Lingxiang , Liu Bing , Wang Xiaoshuang , Fu Qiangang 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe compactness of in situ protective film for carbon‐based composites during ablation is particularly important for improving their service life. Herein, La2O3‐modified C/C‐ZrC composites were designed by vacuum filtration combined with reactive melt infiltration to construct an in situ dense protective structure. Experimental results show that adding La element could improve the cyclic ablation performance of C/C‐ZrC composites significantly. As the La2O3 addition amount is 5.6 wt.%, the linear ablation rate of La2O3‐modified C/C‐ZrC composites is –2.62 µm/s and 0.18 µm/s after exposure to an oxyacetylene flame (4.2 MW/m2) for 40 s and 240 s, far superior to that of C/C‐ZrC composites (40 s, –6.2 µm/s). The excellent ablation resistance was attributed to the introduction of La element partially weakened Zr‐O bonds to induce more oxygen vacancies, which facilitated the sintering of ZrO2 and eventually promoted the compactness and tetragonal phase stability of the Zr‐La‐O layer.
Paleoclimate Fluctuations Facilitate the Biogeographical History of Endemic Species of Freshwater Crabs in China via Cycles of Introgressive Hybridisation and Habitat Isolation
Authors: Shi Boyang , Wang Ruxiao , Song Danhong , Xu Juanjuan , Zhu Lin , Sun Yufang , Hu Rui , Cumberlidge Neil , Pan Da , Sun Hongying 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTAimThe impact of Pleistocene climate fluctuations on the biogeographical history of aquatic species has been a topic of enduring debate. This issue poses particular challenges for parapatric closely related species, especially those situated in transition zones where species assemblages occur between distinct zoogeographic boundaries.LocationEastern China.TaxonFive closely related Sinopotamon species and subspecies, S. shensiense, S. honanense, S. y. yangtsekiense, S. y. shanxianense, and S. y. tongbaiense.MethodsThese parapatric Sinopotamon species and subspecies, distributed along the boundary between the Palaearctic and Oriental realms in eastern China, offer an ideal model for addressing these challenges. We explored the biogeographic history of these species by conducting a comparative phylogeographic analysis using nine microsatellite loci and two mitochondrial DNA sequences, combined with morphological variation and fine‐tuned ecological niche modelling.ResultsOur phylogeographic analyses consistently revealed two well‐supported clades: clade A, for S. y. yangtsekiense, and clade B, which includes other species showing polyphyletic patterning and significant gene introgression. The Nanyang Basin and surrounding mountains regions (NBSM) was identified as a critical shared refuge and hybrid zone, facilitating interspecific introgression through at least two putative hybridisation events. During the Late Pleistocene glacial cycles, introgressive hybridisation of these species occurred in the NBSM, followed by rapid expansion and colonisation of heterogenous habitats during interglacial cycles, with dispersal corridors largely aligning with the local river system. In particular, the diffusion corridor of S. honanense significantly disrupted the continuous distribution of S. y. shanxianense and S. y. tongbaiense, indicating that S. honanense has replaced S. y. shanxianense and S. y. tongbaiense in the NYSM and caused a disruption in its distribution.Main ConclusionsThe biogeographic histories of the species in clade B are consistent with a mixing–isolation–mixing model, which suggests that populations experienced repeated introgressive hybridisation during glacial periods and regional habitat isolation during interglacial periods. Our findings represent a classic case of fine tracking biogeographical scenarios in parapatric species and provide unprecedented insights into the evolutionary radiation of the freshwater fauna that occupies zoogeographic boundaries.
Urea as a key nitrogen source for the invasion of the southern coast of Portugal by the brown seaweed Rugulopteryx okamurae (Dictyotales, Phaeophyceae)
Authors: Herrero Javier Jiménez , Alexandre Ana , Silva João , Santos Rui 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe invasive seaweed Rugulopteryx okamurae, native to East Asia, is spreading rapidly along the western Mediterranean and southern Portugal, severely affecting coastal biodiversity, ecosystem structure, and economic sectors such as fisheries and tourism. This study examined the nutrient uptake kinetics of R. okamurae, including ammonium, nitrate, urea, amino acids, and phosphate, and their role in nitrogen and phosphorus budgets based on laboratory growth rates. R. okamurae demonstrated the highest uptake for ammonium (Vmax = 57.95 μmol · g−1 DW · h−1), followed by urea (7.74 μmol · g−1 DW · h−1), nitrate (5.37 μmol · g−1 DW · h−1), and amino acids (3.71 μmol · g−1 DW · h−1). The species showed higher uptake affinity for urea (α = 1.8), which accounted for 70% of nitrogen uptake. Phosphate uptake was low, and total nitrogen uptake exceeded growth requirements. These findings suggest that R. okamurae relies on organic nitrogen (urea) and may guide toward effective management strategies to mitigate its spread in coastal ecosystems.
Predictive Factors for HBsAg Loss in Chronic HBeAg‐Negative Hepatitis B Virus Infection: Insights From a 5‐Year French Cohort
Authors: Causse Xavier , Potier Pascal , Valéry Antoine , Labadie Hélène , Macaigne Gilles , Cadranel Jean‐François , Fontanges Thierry , Mouna Lina , Roque‐Afonso Anne‐Marie ,   the PIBAC Study Group of Association Nationale des Hépato‐Gastroentérologues des Hôpitaux Généraux (ANGH)
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTPrognostic factors for the long‐term evolution of chronic hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)‐negative hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection may vary depending on local epidemiology. We aimed to identify these factors in France, where the epidemiology is influenced by diverse immigration. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)‐positive, HBeAg‐negative adults with normal transaminase levels and viral loads < 20,000 IU/mL for 1 year, without viral co‐infection or advanced liver disease, were enrolled for a 5‐year follow‐up. A total of 564 patients were recruited from 23 centres (54.4% women, mean age 42.3 ± 12 years, 47.7% from sub‐Saharan Africa). HBV DNA was detectable but < 2000 IU/mL for most (71.3%). Genotypes E (27.8%) and A (20.0%) were predominant. The mean HBsAg titre was 3.8 ± 3.4 log IU/mL, > 1000 IU/mL in 60% of cases, and higher in genotype E (p < 0.0001). During follow‐up, 18 patients received antiviral treatment, 9 for viral reactivation (0.3% per year) and 9 preemptively. HBsAg loss occurred in 39 patients (1.4% per year). These patients were older (p < 0.0001), more frequently treated for dyslipidemia, hypertension or diabetes (p < 0.05), and had lower baseline HBV DNA (p = 0.0112) and HBsAg (p < 0.0001), but similar levels of HBcrAg compared to those who did not clear HBsAg. Baseline HBsAg was the only independent predictor of HBsAg loss (p = 0.009). In this cohort, HBsAg < 153 IU/mL predicted clearance with 87% sensitivity and specificity. In conclusion, baseline HBsAg accurately predicted seroclearance at 5 years in patients with chronic HBeAg‐negative infection, regardless of genotype, sex, or geographical origin, indicating that this marker is widely applicable for reducing the frequency of patient monitoring.
Hepatic Steatosis and Fibrosis, Cardiorespiratory Fitness, and Metabolic Mediators in the Community
Authors: Florea Victor V. , Gajjar Priya , Huang Shi , Tang Jingxian , Zhao Shilin , Davenport Megan , Mi Michael Y. , Haff Madeleine , Zhang Xiaoyu , Miller Patricia E. , Vasan Ramachandran S. , Liu Ching‐Ti , Lewis Gregory D. , Shah Ravi V. , Long Michelle T. , Nayor Matthew 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackground and AimsIndividuals with steatotic liver disease (SLD) are at high cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, but approaches to characterise and mitigate this risk are limited. By investigating relations, and shared metabolic pathways, of hepatic steatosis/fibrosis and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), we sought to identify new avenues for CVD risk reduction in SLD.MethodsIn Framingham Heart Study (FHS) participants (N = 2722, age 54 ± 9 years, 53% women), vibration‐controlled transient elastography (VCTE) was performed between 2016–2019 to assess hepatic steatosis (continuous attenuation parameter [CAP]) and fibrosis (liver fibrosis measure [LSM]). Concurrently, participants underwent maximum effort cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), and metabolomic profiling (201 circulating metabolites) was performed in a subsample (N = 1268).ResultsMean BMI was 28.0 ± 5.3, 27% had hepatic steatosis, 7.6% had fibrosis, and peak oxygen uptake (VO2) was 26.2 ± 6.8 mL/kg/min in men and 20.7 ± 6.0 mL/kg/min in women (95% predicted overall). In linear models adjusted for cardiometabolic risk factors, greater CAP and LSM were associated with lower peak VO2 (p ≤ 0.002 for all), and the CAP association remained significant after BMI adjustment (p < 0.0001). We observed shared metabolic architecture of CAP, LSM, and peak VO2, with metabolites mediating up to 35% (for CAP) and 74% (for LSM) of the association with peak VO2. Metabolite mediators included amino acids and derivatives implicated in cardiometabolic risk and both protective and deleterious lipid species.ConclusionsHepatic steatosis and fibrosis are associated with CRF impairment in the community, and these relations are partly mediated by pathways of altered lipid metabolism and general cardiometabolic risk.
Autoimmune‐Like Hepatitis Related to SARS‐CoV‐2 Vaccination: Towards a Clearer Definition
Authors: Efe Cumali , Uzun Sarp , Matter Matthias S. , Terziroli Beretta‐Piccoli Benedetta 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTVaccines are the most effective tool against COVID‐19 and are generally safe. Very rare and heterogeneous cases of acute liver injury associated to all types of SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccines have been reported, mostly with autoimmune features. Epidemiological studies used heterogeneous diagnostic criteria and included different populations. Immunological studies in selected cases of acute liver injury linked to mRNA SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccines suggest that it has a unique pathophysiology, the vaccine‐encoded spike protein playing a central role in triggering the aberrant immune response. In most series, liver injury was observed more often following the second vaccine dose. Latency from vaccination to the diagnosis of hepatitis was 1–147 days after the last vaccine dose. Raised immunoglobulin G levels and positive anti‐nuclear and/or anti‐smooth muscle antibodies are frequent. The vast majority of reported cases have been treated with corticosteroids, mostly associated with azathioprine. Outcome is generally favourable, but cases requiring liver transplantation or causing death have been reported. The heterogeneous clinical entity of acute liver injury linked to SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccines includes patients requiring long‐term immunosuppression, similarly to autoimmune hepatitis, and patients with self‐limiting liver damage, possibly representing a unique form of autoimmune‐like hepatitis, which we suggest being referred to as SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccine‐associated liver injury (SVALI). Further studies are needed to investigate the pathogenic mechanisms related to the immune response to the spike viral protein in the liver.