bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Paediatric eosinophilic oesophagitis in New Zealand: A 3‐year prospective study
Authors: Roberts Amin J , Day Andrew S , Sinclair Jan , Dickson Nigel , Porter Jody , Wellington Grace , Evans Helen M 
Published: February 2021

AimEosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE) is a rare, chronic, relapsing immune/antigen‐mediated disease characterised by symptoms of oesophageal dysfunction, with a paucity of data among New Zealand (NZ) children. This 3‐year prospective study aimed to characterise EoE diagnosed nationally and to describe initial treatment strategies adopted.MethodsInformation on new diagnoses of paediatric EoE was obtained via the New Zealand Paediatric Surveillance Unit, through monthly questionnaires.ResultsFrom February 2014 to January 2017, 73 new cases (74% male) of EoE were reported, including 74% NZ European, 10% Asian, 7% Māori, 5% Middle‐Eastern and 3% Pacific peoples. Median age of symptom onset was 4 years; dysphagia (48%) was the most common, followed by vomiting/regurgitation (40%), food impaction (19%) and epigastric pain (16%). A co‐morbid history of other allergic conditions was present in 62% of patients, and 41% had a first degree relative with atopy. Seventy‐nine percent of patients had abnormal endoscopic findings, most commonly linear furrows and white plaques; none had strictures. Median eosinophil count per high‐powered field was 40 and 50 in the mid and distal oesophagus, respectively. Fifty‐four percent of patients were initially managed with dietary manipulation alone (four required elemental feeds, five nasogastric tubes). Fifty‐four percent of patients were treated with swallowed corticosteroids and 7% with prednisone. One patient was also treated with a leukotriene receptor antagonist.ConclusionThis first prospective study on paediatric patients with EoE in NZ finds similar demographics and disease characteristics as in other populations despite our unique ethnic population. Long‐term prospective observational data should significantly improve our knowledge of this rare condition.
Conspecific negative density dependence does not explain coexistence in a tropical Afromontane forest
Authors: Abiem Iveren , Dickie Ian , Kenfack David , Chapman Hazel 
Published: February 2021

AbstractQuestionsA leading hypothesis for species coexistence in species‐rich, lowland tropical forests is conspecific negative density dependence (CNDD), driven by host‐specific pests and pathogens and competition for available resources. The extent to which this applies to Afromontane forests with relatively low diversity, a high frequency of single‐species stands, relatively few pests and pathogens and larger edge:core ratios, is unknown. We hoped that the results of our investigation would either confirm the generality of CNDD across these different tropical forest types or offer novel insights into alternative mechanisms leading to the maintenance of Afromontane tree species diversity.LocationNgel Nyaki Forest Reserve, southeastern Nigeria.MethodsWe monitored the survival of 10,741 seedlings of 93 species over two years in a long‐term Forest Global Earth Observatory (ForestGEO) study plot in a montane forest in Nigeria. We assessed the effect of conspecific and heterospecific seedling and adult neighbours on the survival of every seedling and seedling guild (shade vs light‐demanding; canopy vs understorey; edge specialists vs generalists; small vs large seedlings).ResultsWe found strong evidence for non‐species‐specific positive and negative density dependence. CNDD was stronger in canopy species and light‐demanding species than in the other growth form and shade tolerance guilds.ConclusionsOur study offers some clear predictions about drivers of community coexistence in this environment, which will require further testing using field‐based experiments.
Plant functional traits involved in the assembly of canopy–recruit interactions
Authors: Perea Antonio J. , Garrido José L. , Alcántara Julio M. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractQuestionsThe assembly of plant communities depends strongly on mechanisms that determine the recruitment of different plant species. Studying recruitment using a trait‐based approach may help in the search for general or dominant mechanisms involved in this process. Here, we try to disentangle what traits of saplings and established (canopy) plants can be considered as functional for recruitment, and whether the complementarity of these functional traits may be a driver of the plant community assembly.LocationRegional. Two pine–oak forest communities in Sierra Sur de Jaén and one in Sierra de Segura, southeast of the Iberian peninsula.MethodsIn each forest community, we established three 50 m × 50 m plots, where we identified the saplings of each species recruiting under the canopy of each species or in open interspaces. The study focuses on 37 woody species. Measures of 18 traits were conducted for 30 saplings and 10 adults of each species.ResultsSeed mass and the ratio height:basal diameter of saplings were positively associated with species abundance in the sapling bank under vegetation, while abundance in the sapling bank in open interspaces was only related to the type of mycorrhizal association. On the other hand, some traits of adult plants (leaf mass per unit area [LMA], seed dispersal mechanism, leaf habit and branch density) favour the recruitment of other species in their close proximity. However, we found only circumstantial evidence of canopy/recruit trait complementarity affecting recruitment.ConclusionsOur results suggest that the assembly of canopy–recruit interactions is primarily driven by the filtering effect of canopy species on recruitment, through traits that affect both seed arrival and soil properties. Species abundance in the sapling bank was related to resource acquisition traits. We did not find any clear evidence supporting that trait complementarity is involved in the interaction between canopy and recruit species.
Burgeoning right of publicity: An overview of the Indian experiences
Authors: Mahalwar Vandana 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe Right of Publicity is one of the emerging rights in India which protects individuals from unauthorized use of their name and likeness by others. While some countries like United States recognize the right of publicity and have specific statutory law for the protection of right, on the other hand, India recognizes the right merely through few judicial pronouncements. This article looks into the origin and embryonic development of right of publicity through the jurisprudence evolved by Indian courts. It reviews how the courts' disparate treatment through the privacy doctrine, the IP laws and the tort of passing off has complicated the jurisprudence relating to the right of publicity. In this context, it goes on to critically analyse, first, the legal possibilities through the Indian Intellectual property laws which can be resorted to prevent the unauthorized use of persona, second, some leading case laws which offer guidance on enforceability of the right of publicity. In light of this analysis, the author suggests that in India, right of publicity needs to be detangled from other overlapping rights. It attempts to rationalize the need for an exclusive law addressing the right, instead of any adjustments or alterations to the current legal framework.
Sexual trait may simultaneously indicate sperm production and nutritional fitness in uniparental nest‐guarding fish: a case study on Amur sleeper
Authors: Mozsár A. , Specziár A. , Pirger Zs. , Czeglédi I. , Kati S. , Nagy S.A. , Nyeste K. , Somogyi D. , Antal L. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe reproductive success of uniparental males depends much on their nutritional stage (i.e. body condition). Therefore, secondary sexual traits should convey information not only on fecundity but also on nutritional stage. To test this hypothesis, we evaluate relationships between head crest height (HCH), as a secondary sexual trait, relative testes mass (an indicator of sperm production), body condition (an indicator of nutritional status) and body mass of males of uniparental Amur sleeperPerccottus gleniiin two contrasting habitats. Furthermore, we examined whether head crest is only a pure investment to advertise male fitness – either to females, rival males or other fish approaching the nest – or it comprises some regainable energy as well. We found that HCH is closely related to relative testes mass, and body condition especially at the beginning of the reproductive period. The head crest consisted of a swollen connective tissue in the supraorbital region of the head, and an oedematous epaxial muscle in the nuchal region. Furthermore, the head crest also comprised of adipose tissue, although not as much as assumed. Therefore, we argue that HCH represents a reliable signal of multiple aspects of male quality; it indicates readiness to spawn and could potentially effectively facilitate female choice towards large males with high fecundity and great nutritional stage, which is essential to good guarding performance. Moreover, the head crest itself also could contribute to nest‐guarding performance by virtually enlarging body size and by representing a minor fat reserve.
Grasping behavior in the white‐tailed sea eagle (Accipitridae, Aves) explained by muscle architecture
Authors: Mosto María Clelia , Cassini G. H. , Picasso M. B. J. , Krone O. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractHindlimbs of raptors play an essential role in feeding due to the grasping abilities that allow them to hunt and kill their prey. This study explores and quantifies for the first time the structural and mechanical features of the digit flexor muscles in one of the largest piscivorous European raptors, the white‐tailed sea eagle. We studied the myological architecture of nine muscles of five females and five males of Haliaeetus albicilla. We found that (1) reversed sexual dimorphism was not reflected in any of these structural or mechanical variables; (2) when the physiological cross‐sectional area values of muscles were scaled altogether against body mass, they had a positive allometric tendency, implying that larger muscles have proportionally higher physiological cross‐sectional area values than smaller ones. Conversely, different scaling patterns were obtained when each flexor was analyzed individually: Only three muscles were positively allometric, and four muscles were isometric. (3) Three major groups can be identified in relation to the different features here analyzed: (1) flexor digitorum longus, flexor hallucis longus and tibialis cranialis: large muscles, with high physiological cross‐sectional area and tendon cross‐sectional area, low tendon/belly ratio and isometric; (2) flexor hallucis brevis: small muscle, with intermediate physiological cross‐sectional area and tendon cross‐sectional area, low tendon/belly ratio, short fiber length and isometric; (3) musculi perforans and perforans et perforatus: intermediate muscles, with low physiological cross‐sectional area and tendon cross‐sectional area, high tendon/belly ratio and allometric. Haliaeetus albicilla hunts mainly fish, an elusive prey, and their muscles have an anatomical design related to their common purpose, to grip prey. However, different patterns that characterize each muscle might respond to different requirements related to this particular prey item and hunting behavior and to the role each digit can perform.
A 3‐year longitudinal survey of overactive bladder in community‐dwelling male residents aged 40 years and above
Authors: Yang Evelyn , Hu Suh‐Woan , Chen Sung‐Lang , Chen Gin‐Den , Ng Soo‐Cheen 
Published: February 2021

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate the short‐term evolution and risk factors of overactive bladder (OAB) in community‐dwelling male residents aged 40 years and above in central Taiwan.MethodsThis was a 3‐year longitudinal cohort study. From January 2012 to December 2012, community residents aged 40 years and above, living in central Taiwan, were invited to participate in this study. A yearly Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS) questionnaire was used to assess the prevalence, incidence, remission, persistence, and relapse of OAB for three consecutive years. OAB was defined as total OABSS ≧4 and urgency score ≧2.ResultsNine hundred forty‐one male residents aged ≧40 years were recruited. The prevalence of OAB was 15%. The male residents with OAB were older, had a history of urological surgery, were unemployed, had lower educational levels, and lower yearly incomes compared with male residents without OAB. The prevalence increased with age when stratified into different age cohorts (40‐49, 7%; 50‐59, 12.7%; 60‐69, 18.2%; ≧70, 32%; P < .001). Age ≧60 (odds ratio [OR] 2.58; 95% CI, 1.62‐4.11) and history of urological surgery (OR 2.85; 95% CI, 1.29‐6.30) were the major risk factors after multivariable logistic regression analysis. Eight hundred participants completed all the 3 years' questionnaires. The second‐ and third‐year incidence rates of OAB were 10% (69/691) and 6.2% (42/674), respectively. The remission rates were 47.7% (52/109) and 46% (58/126), respectively. The two‐year OAB persistence rate was 30.3% (33/109).ConclusionsThe prevalence and yearly incidence of OAB are high in community‐dwelling male residents aged ≧40 years in central Taiwan. Age is an important risk factor.
Bats and wetlands: synthesising gaps in current knowledge and future opportunities for conservation
Authors: Mas Maria , Flaquer Carles , Rebelo Hugo , López‐Baucells Adrià 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Wetland areas have decreased by up to 33% globally over the past ten years, threatening the biodiversity they support and essential ecosystem services they provide. Despite this, the importance of wetlands for bat conservation and the consequences of losing these habitats are not comprehensively understood.

Through a systematic literature review, we quantified the knowledge gaps regarding bats in wetlands by: 1) assessing research trends over time; 2) evaluating research biases in geography, themes, species, seasons, and methodology; 3) creating the ‘bat Knowledge Index’ (bKI), a standard indicator for measuring how well‐studied bats in wetlands are per country; 4) compiling and summarising the ecological responses of bats to wetlands; and 5) assessing how bat researchers perceive the role of wetlands for bat conservation.

We found strong similarities between the reviewed studies and the bat researchers’ perceptions. However, although 75% of respondents considered wetlands important for bat conservation, they rarely studied these habitats. Most of the studies took place in developed countries, leaving critical gaps in countries where wetlands are rapidly decreasing. The bKI can be used as a tool for land managers to prioritise conservation actions and resources for the protection of bats in wetlands geographically.

Research topics were found to be biased towards habitat selection and species inventory, with many topics only superficially explored. There was also an important seasonal bias, resulting in many unanswered questions during energetically demanding periods for bats (e.g. migration). However, constantly evolving technological developments, such as bat lures and tracking devices, might aid new studies in these habitats.

Up to 66% of studies reported that wetlands benefit bat activity or species richness, mainly because of high prey densities and the availability of fresh water. However, the low number of studies and all the identified research gaps make ‘bats and wetlands’ a largely underexplored ecological interaction between a poorly studied animal taxon and an increasingly threatened habitat.
A compressive sensing method for processing and improving vision‐based target‐tracking signals for structural health monitoring
Authors: Ngeljaratan Luna , Moustafa Mohamed A. , Pekcan Gokhan 
Published: February 2021

AbstractMonitoring large structures using a vision‐based target‐tracking (TT) system while maintaining the full resolution of high‐speed cameras may limit the data size or the sampling rate selection. Also, similar to wireless sensors networks where data loss often occurs during data transmission, TT signals could possibly lose data due to overexposure. The overall goal of this paper is to demonstrate the validity of compressive sensing (CS) for TT time signal processing when faced with challenges such as data loss. The first part of the study is concerned with signal length where TT signals could be further compressed while original data length is already minimum. Next, CS is investigated for improving and recovering TT signals from the possibility of signal loss as well as enhancing sampling rate for system identification purposes. Two case studies were used to obtain the signals for CS processing. The first case included four field‐monitoring tests of a footbridge that were conducted using different sampling rates TT with limited data length to use full cameras resolution. The second case study was concerned with measuring the shifting of the modal properties of a large‐scale bridge model from white‐noise excitation after earthquake loading. The results show that with limited signal length, lower sampling rates, or data loss, CS techniques can successfully improve TT signals.
Machine Learning and Theological Traditions of Analogy
Authors: Davison Andrew 
Published: February 2021

AbstractProgress in machine learning or artificial intelligence presents us with computer systems that exhibit properties at least in some way akin to aspects of human (or wider animal) cognition. In naming and thinking about these machine learning capacities, it would seem ill‐advised either to suggest simple equivalence with human faculties, or complete disjunction. A rich seam of theological writing on the subject of analogy offers a middle way, explored here from the writings of Thomas Aquinas, Thomas de Vio Cajetan and Francisco Suárez. These authors offer a wide variety of accounts as to how an analogy might function, or be justified. We begin with accounts that place the emphasis on the ingenuity of the speaker, in applying a word beyond its usual domain, and move through to accounts where analogy is said to rest more objectively on a connection in reality, in this case between the human being and the computer. Such a connection may be direct, arising from the human as maker, or rest upon a joint relation to something more ultimate still. This, towards the conclusion of the article, raises questions about the origin, from a theological perspective, of all such faculties or capacities in God. We end with the observation that while much theological writing on scientific themes involves the theologian taking account of what the sciences reveal about the world, sometimes, as here, it is possible for the theologian to offer resources, often philosophical, in return.
Epidemiology and Mycology of Candidaemia in non‐oncological medical intensive care unit patients in a tertiary center in the United States: Overall analysis and comparison between non‐COVID‐19 and COVID‐19 cases
Authors: Macauley Precious , Epelbaum Oleg 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe epidemiology and mycology of invasive candidiasis in the ICU is well‐described in certain types of critically ill patients but not in others. One population that has been scarcely studied is non‐neutropenic patients admitted specifically to medical ICUs. Even less is known about the broader category of medical ICU patients without active oncological disease. This group constitutes a very large share of the patients requiring critical care across the globe, especially in the era of the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic. We analysed medical ICU candidaemia episodes that occurred in non‐oncological patients in our tertiary academic centre in the United States from May 2014 to October 2020 to determine the incidence and species distribution of the associated isolates. We then separately considered non‐COVID‐19 and COVID‐19 cases and compared their characteristics. In the non‐COVID‐19 group, there were 38 cases for an incidence of 1.1% and rate of 11/1000 admissions. In the COVID‐19 group, there were 12 cases for an incidence of 5.1% and rate of 51/1000 admissions. In the entire sample, as well as separately in the non‐COVID‐19 and COVID‐19 groups,Candida albicans accounted for a minority of isolates. Compared to non‐COVID‐19 patients with candidaemia, COVID‐19 patients had lower ICU admission SOFA score but longer ICU length of stay and central venous catheter dwell time at candidaemia detection. This study provides valuable insight into the incidence and species distribution of candidaemia cases occurring in non‐oncological critically ill patients and identifies informative differences between non‐COVID‐19 and COVID‐19 patients.
Practical Intelligibility and Moral Skepticism: Should Realists Worry About Grass‐Counters and Hand‐Claspers?
Authors: Lott Micah 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe focus of this paper is the following claim: as a purely conceptual matter, the moral truths could be pretty much anything, and we should assume this in assessing our reliability at grasping moral truths. This claim, which I call No Content, plays a key role in an important skeptical argument against realist moral knowledge – the Normative Lottery Argument. In this paper, I argue that moral realists can, and should, reject No Content. My argument centers on the idea of practical intelligibility. I explore different aspects of practical intelligibility, and I argue that such intelligibility sets a constraint on the possibilities we should consider when assessing our reliability at grasping moral truths.
Calm on the surface, dynamic on the inside. Molecular homeostasis of Anabaena sp. PCC 7120 nitrogen metabolism
Authors: Perin Giorgio , Fletcher Tyler , Sagi‐Kiss Virag , Gaboriau David C. A. , Carey Mathew R. , Bundy Jacob G. , Jones Patrik R. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractNitrogen sources are all converted into ammonium/ia as a first step of assimilation. It is reasonable to expect that molecular components involved in the transport of ammonium/ia across biological membranes connect with the regulation of both nitrogen and central metabolism. We applied both genetic (i.e., Δamt mutation) and environmental treatments to a target biological system, the cyanobacterium Anabaena sp PCC 7120. The aim was to both perturb nitrogen metabolism and induce multiple inner nitrogen states, respectively, followed by targeted quantification of key proteins, metabolites and enzyme activities. The absence of AMT transporters triggered a substantial whole‐system response, affecting enzyme activities and quantity of proteins and metabolites, spanning nitrogen and carbon metabolisms. Moreover, the Δamt strain displayed a molecular fingerprint indicating nitrogen deficiency even under nitrogen replete conditions. Contrasting with such dynamic adaptations was the striking near‐complete lack of an externally measurable altered phenotype. We conclude that this species evolved a highly robust and adaptable molecular network to maintain homeostasis, resulting in substantial internal but minimal external perturbations. This analysis provides evidence for a potential role of AMT transporters in the regulatory/signalling network of nitrogen metabolism and the existence of a novel fourth regulatory mechanism controlling glutamine synthetase activity.