bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A multidimensional assessment of Antarctic terrestrial biological data
Authors: Patterson Charlotte R. , Helmstedt Kate J. , Terauds Aleks , Shaw Justine D. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractAimThe globally significant communities of terrestrial Antarctica face an uncertain future amid growing threats in the region. Emerging data‐driven approaches must be leveraged to predict and understand patterns of biodiversity across the continent. A new comprehensive database of Antarctic biological occurrence records, the Biodiversity of Ice‐free Antarctica Database, will enable such novel fundamental and applied biodiversity modelling. However, there are limitations of assembled occurrence databases that, if unaccounted for, can result in poor model inference and outcomes. We perform a data quality assessment of the new database to highlight its potential and to identify data limitations that must be considered during modelling.LocationAntarctica.MethodsWe assessed the coverage of the Biodiversity of Ice‐free Antarctica Database across geographic, environmental, taxonomic, and temporal dimensions at several spatial scales.ResultsWe demonstrate great potential for the database to improve our understanding of many at risk and poorly known Antarctic functional groups. We also provide evidence for limitations of the database across data dimensions, including low geographic coverage that is biased towards research stations, poor coverage of environmental variation across the landscape, and long periods since records were last collected. The magnitude of these limitations varies substantially by region and spatial scale.Main ConclusionsIn combination, data limitations have a range of implications for terrestrial Antarctic modelling, including heightening the risk of model extrapolation. For future use, we recommend prioritising, mitigating, and presenting context‐specific model uncertainty, advancing strategic data collection, and exploiting shared modelling challenges elsewhere in the world to maximise the opportunities for this unique dataset to robustly advance science and conservation in Antarctica.
Rhodolith Beds in Brazil—A Natural Heritage in Need of Conservation
Authors: Schubert Nadine , Magris Rafael A. , Berchez Flávio , Bernardino Angelo F. , Ferreira Carlos E. L. , Francini‐Filho Ronaldo B. , Gaspar Tainá L. , Pereira‐Filho Guilherme H. , Rossi Sergio , Silva João , Sissini Marina N. , Soares Marcelo O. , Tâmega Frederico T. S. , Tuya Fernando , Horta Paulo A. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTAimBrazil harbours the largest known extent of rhodolith beds (RBs) in the world, a habitat whose ecological and economic importance have been widely overlooked. This creates a dire situation that is likely to worsen with the rapidly expanding human activities, considering that less than 5% of Brazil's ocean area is fully protected. We assessed the importance of Brazilian RBs for supporting biodiversity, at a country‐wide level, and identified multi‐criteria hotspots that, in face of lack of protection and presence of anthropogenic threats, could safeguard conservation seascapes across Southwestern Atlantic waters.LocationSouthwestern Atlantic Ocean.MethodsWe performed a systematic review of studies on Brazilian RBs to retrieve information regarding their spatial distribution and associated biodiversity. Multi‐criteria hotspots were identified based on the areas where high species diversity co‐occurs with a high presence of endemic, threatened and commercially important species. Furthermore, we assessed how well RBs are covered by marine protected areas (MPAs), as well as their spatial overlap with multiple threats.ResultsExisting records for Brazilian RBs indicate > 1000 different species, mostly fish and algae, including significant numbers of endemic, threatened and commercially important species. Most of the RBs are either unprotected or only partially protected, including the majority of the biodiversity hotspots identified by our analysis. Among the main potential threats to RBs, bottom trawling ranks highest, while the expansion of seabed mining and oil and gas activities may sharply increase the risk of cumulative impacts on RBs in the near future.Main ConclusionsOur large‐scale quantitative assessment confirms the significant role of RBs as biodiversity hotspots. This information could be leveraged to help meet the twin goals of RB conservation, through the establishment of highly‐protected MPAs in hotspot areas, and their sustainable use through an ecosystem‐based approach that accounts for vulnerabilities of RBs to multiple threats.
Ceramide‐based risk score CERT‐1 improves risk prediction for overall mortality and adverse cardiovascular outcomes in patients with and without cardiovascular disease: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Mantovani Alessandro , Lunardi Gianluigi , Bonapace Stefano , Molinero Agustin E. , Morandin Riccardo , Fiorio Veronica , Molon Giulio , Byrne Christopher D. , Targher Giovanni 
Published: December 2024

AbstractAimsWhether the plasma‐based ceramide‐based risk score CERT1 improves risk prediction for cardiovascular disease (CVD) is uncertain.Materials and MethodsBaseline and follow‐up data were combined from two cohorts, 334 patients with established/suspected CVD and 196 patients with type 2 diabetes followed for a median of 74 months (interquartile range 54–79 months). For the calculation of CERT1 risk score, we measured four specific plasma ceramides [Cer(d18:1/16:0), Cer(d18:1/18:0) and Cer(d18:1/24:1)] and their ratios to Cer(d18:1/24:0). Based on the CERT1 risk score, patients were split into four risk categories (low, moderate, increased or high risk). The primary outcome was a composite of overall mortality and incident nonfatal CVD outcomes (including myocardial infarction, ischaemic stroke or permanent atrial fibrillation).ResultsOne hundred and thirty‐nine patients developed the primary composite outcome (72 nonfatal CVD outcomes and 67 total deaths) during follow‐up. Baseline CERT1 risk categories were significantly associated with the risk of developing the primary composite outcome (adjusted HR for high vs. low‐risk category 2.43, 95% CI 1.39–4.22, p = 0.002, and adjusted HR for increased vs. low‐risk category 2.16, 95% CI 1.28–3.63, p = 0.004). Receiver operator characteristic curve analysis showed that adding CERT1 risk score to traditional CVD risk factors and pre‐existing CVD, improved the discriminatory capability of the regression model for predicting the primary composite outcome (AUROC 0.691 [95% CI 0.674–0.769] vs. 0.722 [95% CI 0.642–0.742], p = 0.0275).ConclusionsThe ceramide‐based risk score CERT1 risk score improves risk prediction for long‐term risk of overall mortality and adverse cardiovascular outcomes in patients with and without CVD.
Profiles of Perfectionism and Their Relations to Task Disengagement, Test Anxiety, and Depression in South Korean High School Students: The Mediating Role of Achievement Goals
Authors: Chung Yoonkyung , Shin Joo Yeon 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThis study examined the profiles of 437 South Korean high school students, defined by their scores on four subscales of perfectionism (i.e., organisation, personal standards, concern for mistakes, and doubts about actions) from a person‐centered perspective. We then assessed the mean differences across class memberships in the levels of task disengagement, test anxiety, and depression. Latent profile analysis identified four distinct profiles of individuals: non‐perfectionist, average‐mixed perfectionist, adaptive perfectionist, and high‐mixed perfectionist. Adaptive perfectionists exhibited the most adaptive features across academic and psychological indicators, whereas high‐mixed perfectionists exhibited the most maladaptive features. Compared with adaptive perfectionists, non‐perfectionists and average‐mixed perfectionists pursued mastery goals to a lesser extent, leading to increased task disengagement and depression. Implications for the role of mastery goals in designing interventions to support students' efforts to engage in tasks and decrease test anxiety and depression were suggested. Directions for future research were also discussed.
Tumor Lysis Syndrome in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patients Treated With a Venetoclax Based Regimen
Authors: Rowe Margaret , Babushok Daria , Carroll Martin , Carulli Alison , Frey Noelle , Gill Saar , Hexner Elizabeth , Hirsh Rebecca , Hossain Nasheed , Lai Catherine , Loren Alison , Luger Selina , Maillard Ivan , McCurdy Shannon , Matthews Andrew , Martin Mary Ellen , Paralkar Vikram R , Perl Alexander , Porter David , Pratz Keith , Stadtmauer Edward , Bruno Ximena Jordan 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTVenetoclax with hypomethylating agents (HMA) is the standard of care for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in patients ineligible for intensive chemotherapy and is associated with tumor lysis syndrome (TLS). TLS prophylaxis and the use of Cairo Bishop versus Howard diagnostic criteria are not standardized. Here we report TLS prophylaxis and incidence in a retrospective cohort of 100 consecutive AML patients treated with venetoclax and HMA. Thirty four patients developed laboratory Cairo Bishop TLS; 8 of these met criteria for clinical Cairo Bishop TLS. Only 6 of patients met Howard TLS criteria. Fourteen patients had spontaneous TLS. Ninety two out of 100 patients had a white blood cell count (WBC) < 25 000 cells/μL at treatment start. Prophylaxis like the original venetoclax trial with allopurinol (56%), intravenous fluids (21%), and frequent lab monitoring (56%) was less common. There was a trend toward increased Cairo Bishop TLS in patients with WBC ≥ 15 000 cells/μL. In our study Howard TLS criteria better identified patients with significant TLS. Aggressive TLS prophylaxis was uncommon in our cohort and is likely unnecessary for most patients at low risk of TLS.
Underrepresentation of Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma in Clinical Trials for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Authors: Puckrin Robert , Owen Carolyn , Peters Anthea 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundAlthough chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) are the same biologic disease entity and warrant identical treatment approaches, patients with SLL have frequently been excluded from clinical trials in CLL.MethodsThis study assessed the representation of patients with SLL among Phase II or III clinical trials cited in the 2024 National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) treatment guidelines.ResultsPatients with SLL were explicitly eligible for only 21 (38%) of the 56 clinical trials for CLL, comprising 222 (6%) of the 3440 enrolled patients. Notably, 380 patients with SLL were enrolled in 16 separate non‐CLL clinical trials alongside patients with indolent B‐cell lymphomas such as follicular lymphoma. In CLL trials, patients with SLL were included in a greater proportion of studies evaluating BTK inhibitors (67%) or BTK/BCL2 inhibitor combinations (67%) compared to BCL2 inhibitors (0%) or chemoimmunotherapy (0%).ConclusionsAlthough recent and upcoming trials show a promising trend toward the inclusion of patients with SLL, further advocacy is needed to raise awareness of the biological similarities between CLL and SLL and to promote the representation of patients with SLL in CLL/SLL clinical research.
Geochemical and microbial responses to limestone and peat treatment of incubated hypermonosulfidic sediments
Authors: Kononova Liubov , Johnson Anders , Engblom Sten , Stén Pekka , Yu Changxun , Österholm Peter , Kessler Vadim , Seisenbaeva Gulaim , Dopson Mark , Åström Mats , Högfors‐Rönnholm Eva 
Published: December 2024

AbstractFine‐grained hypermonosulfidic sediments are widespread on the coastal plains of the northern Baltic Sea that when drained, cause the formation and dispersion of acid and toxic‐metal species. In this study, a 30‐month laboratory oxidation experiment with such a sediment was performed in incubation cells. To minimize or prevent acidification, limestone was applied in two grain sizes: agricultural limestone with particles that were all <3.15 mm and half of them <0.80 mm, and fine‐grained limestone with a median grain size of 2.5 μm. The amount of limestone applied corresponded to the theoretical acidity contained in the sulfides, as well as four times that amount. Another treatment included addition of peat to the low limestone dose to test its effects on immobilizing sufhur and metals. The pH of the drainage water and solid phase decreased to pH <4.0 in the control, and to pH <5.0 in the coarse‐grained low‐limestone treatment, but remained near‐neutral in the other treatments. Hence, the fine‐grained limestone effectively hindered acidity formation in contrast with the coarse‐grained limestone when applied in amounts corresponding to the potential acidity held in the sulfides. The limestone treatments further overall decreased the rate of pyrite oxidation, slowed down the movement of the oxidation front, strongly minimized the formation of dissolved and solid‐phase labile Al, and caused formation of gypsum as well as more labile secondary Fe(III) phases than corresponding Fe phases formed in the control. The limestone and peat treatments also caused shifts in the 16S rRNA gene‐based microbial communities, where the control developed acidophilic iron and sulfur oxidizing communities that promoted acidity and metal release. Instead, the limestone‐treated unacidified incubations developed acid tolerance to neutrophilic communities of iron and sulfur oxidizers that promoted sulfate formation without acidity release. The results showed that limestone treatments have several biogeochemical effects, and that using a fine‐grained limestone as amendment was favourable in terms of minimizing acidity formation and metal release.
Toward the Development of the Trojan Female Technique in Pest Insects: Male‐Specific Influence of Mitochondrial Haplotype on Reproductive Output in the Seed Beetle Acanthoscelides obtectus
Authors: Lea Vlajnić , Uroš Savković , Jelena Jović , Sanja Budečević , Biljana Stojković , Mirko Đorđević 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBiocontrol techniques that impair reproductive capacity of insect pests provide opportunities to control the dynamics of their populations while minimizing collateral damage to non‐target species and the environment. The Trojan Female Technique, or TFT, is a method of the trans‐generational fertility‐based population control through the release of females that carry mitochondrial DNA mutations that negatively affect male, but not female, reproductive output. TFT is based on the evolutionary hypothesis that, due to maternal inheritance of mitochondria, mutations which are beneficial or neutral in females but harmful in males can accumulate in the mitochondrial genome without selection acting against them. Although TFT has been theoretically substantiated, empirical work to date has focused only on Drosophila melanogaster populations, while the existence of male‐biased mutations and the TFT approach in economically important pest species remain unexplored. Here, we examined the sex‐specific effects of three distinct and naturally occurring mitochondrial haplotypes (MG1a, MG1d, and MG3b) on several reproductive and life history traits in the seed beetle Acanthoscelides obtectus. Our results revealed that males harboring the MG3b mitotype exhibited lower early fecundity and fertility, while there were no effects on females or longevity in either sex. Our experiments provide support for the existence of the mitochondrial variant that specifically impairs male reproductive output in pest insects. These results can be harnessed to further develop TFT as a novel form of biocontrol with broad applicability to economic pests and disease vector insects.
Physicochemical and functional properties of a novel clodronate‐containing chelating gel: A comparative in vitro study
Authors: Wright Patricia P. , Diamond Elise S. , Selvaprithiviraj Vignesh , Peters Ove A. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractAimAll commercial chelating gels contain EDTA which reacts chemically with sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl). This research aimed to develop a non‐EDTA clodronate gel and to measure physicochemical and functional gel properties of the novel and commercial gels.MethodologyA 1.37 M clodronate gel was made by combining polyethylene glycol (PEG) 400 and tetrasodium clodronate. File‐Eze™, Glyde™, Odontoprep®, RC‐Prep®, SlickGel™ ES and the clodronate gel were tested in pH, density and viscosity experiments. pH: A pH meter was used at 23°C. Viscosity: A rheometer recorded viscosity at a shear rate of 10/s at 35°C. Free available chlorine (FAC): NaOCl reactivity with the clodronate gel was compared to a 4% NaOCl control by measuring FAC with iodometric titration. Tissue Dissolution: File‐Eze, Glyde, RC‐Prep and clodronate gel mixtures with 4% NaOCl, PBS (phosphate buffered saline) (negative control) and 4% NaOCl (positive control) were tested. Percentage weight losses of porcine palatal mucosa were recorded over 5 min at 35°C. Smear Layer Removal (SLR): Scanning electron micrography and ImageJ software assessed the SLR ability of File‐Eze, Glyde, RC‐Prep, clodronate gel, PBS (negative control) and 15% EDTA (positive control) by calculating the area fraction percentage of the image occupied by open dentinal tubules (AF%).ResultspH: Values ranged from 5.78 ± 0.09 (RC‐Prep) to 11.34 ± 0.05 (clodronate gel). Viscosity: Ranges were 6390 ± 290 (File‐Eze) to 714 ± 50 mPa.s (Odontoprep). FAC: The clodronate gel differed significantly from 4% NaOCl (p < 0.0001, two‐way anova, Šídák's tests), albeit with small absolute differences. Tissue Dissolution: All gel–NaOCl mixtures, except for clodronate gel‐NaOCl, differed significantly to 4% NaOCl (p < 0.0001, one‐way AVOVA, Tukey's multiple comparisons test). Weight losses were: 4% NaOCl, 30.0 ± 3.7%; clodronate gel‐4% NaOCl, 29.2 ± 3.5%; whilst other gel–4% NaOCl mixtures ranged from 2.8 ± 2.0% to −0.6 ± 4.5% and PBS was −0.13 ± 3.3%. SLR Ability: Median AF%s were: 15% EDTA‐9.7%; File‐Eze‐8.7%; clodronate gel‐5.8%; Glyde‐2.5%; RC‐Prep‐2.2%; PBS‐0.22%. All gels differed to 15% EDTA (p < 0.0001, Kruskal–Wallis, Dunn's tests) except File‐Eze.ConclusionsThe gels varied in physical properties, but none of them both dissolved organic tissue in NaOCl mixtures and removed smear layer well. Thus, none of the gels tested possessed all functional properties required of a chelating gel for glide path creation.
Institutional investors and workplace safety
Authors: Chung Chune Young , Choi Wonseok , Pham Huy 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThis study examines how institutional investors influence workplace safety. Using data from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, we find that firms with higher institutional ownership have significantly lower injury and illness rates, especially those with dedicated investors who are geographically proximate to their establishments and high union coverage levels. Our analysis indicates that such firms adopt employee‐friendly corporate cultures and invest in organizational capital and workplace safety. Overall, this study offers novel and robust evidence of the monitoring role of institutional investors in shaping workplace safety outcomes.
Dislocation and amorphous ribbons strengthening in tungsten silicide under high pressure and temperature
Authors: Zeng Yingying , Liang Hao , Pu Jieru , Liu Lei , Pan Xiaolong , Luo Hao , Niu Zhenwei , Zhang Wei , Bian Liang 
Published: December 2024

AbstractTungsten disilicide (WSi2) is a promising material for high‐temperature applications due to its excellent mechanical properties and superior thermal stability. This study aims to investigate the mechanisms underlying the performance enhancement of polycrystalline WSi2 and tungsten silicide (W‐Si) composites synthesized by high‐temperature and high‐pressure (HPHT) strategies, focusing on their phase composition and microstructure. The results show that high pressure can effectively reduce the synthesis temperature of the tungsten silicide system, with the phase composition and microstructure of the products being dominated by the treatment temperature. The high intergranular strain resulting from the reactive process and the HPHT environment facilitated the formation of high‐density dislocations, including dislocation arrays and networks with multiple orientations, especially near the grain boundaries. Additionally, a 3‐nm thick amorphous ribbons were identified between these boundaries. This microstructure, characterized by high‐density dislocations and amorphous ribbons, confers exceptional mechanical properties and oxidation resistance. The differences in oxidation behavior between powder and bulk WSi2 samples underscore the complex relationship between phase stability and material properties under varying processing conditions. These findings indicate that dislocations and amorphous ribbons can achieve in high‐temperature ceramics with strong covalent bonding, which is essential for the design and synthesis of advanced W‐Si‐based ceramics.
Exploring the Role of the Metaverse in English Speaking Proficiency Tests
Authors: Shin Dongkwang , Kwon Suh Keong , Noh Wonjun Izac , Hwang Yohan 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundThis study examines the evolution of English speaking proficiency test methods, which have traditionally relied on face‐to‐face interactions to assess communicative language competence. Recently, computer‐based language tests have also been used on a larger scale, albeit with concerns about their impact on measurement.ObjectivesThis paper investigates the potential of the metaverse in the context of Oral Proficiency Interviews (OPI) for evaluating the speaking proficiency of English learners. Specifically, the research centres on the utilisation of one of the recently emerging metaverse platforms (Zepeto) to conduct OPI tests based on the comparison of the results obtained from the traditional face‐to‐face tests and an online video conferencing platform (Zoom).MethodsA total of 60 EFL young pupils participated in three different speaking tasks via the three modes given in a counter‐balanced order. The test scores of the three modes were rated and analysed to examine the degree to which different test modes had an effect on them. A questionnaire with 10 items (plus one sub‐question) was used to investigate participants' experiences and perceptions of three speaking assessment modes.Results and ConclusionsThe results show that test‐takers performed significantly better in the metaverse test mode than in the other two modes, while no significant difference was found between the face‐to‐face and online video conferencing modes. The sub‐scores of speaking test criteria such as task completion, pronunciation, language use and fluency were also analysed for comparison, and similar results were found except for the sub‐scores of the language use criteria. Responses to the questionnaire also showed that the metaverse platform was the most helpful and preferred mode.Implications for PracticeBased on the findings, this study suggests that the new testing modes incorporated with virtual environments have great potential to be alternatives to traditional testing modes.