bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The changes in species composition mediate direct effects of climate change on future fire regimes of boreal forests in northeastern China
Authors: Huang Chao , He Hong S. , Liang Yu , Hawbaker Todd J. , Henne Paul D. , Xu Wenru , Gong Peng , Zhu Zhiliang 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Direct effects of climate change (i.e. temperature rise, changes in seasonal precipitation, wind patterns and atmospheric stability) affect fire regimes of boreal forests by altering fire behaviour, fire seasons and fuel moisture. Climate change also alters species composition and fuel characteristics, which subsequently alter fire regimes. However, indirect effects of climate change are often simplified or neglected in the direct climate–fire relationship models and dynamic global vegetation models. This may result in high uncertainties associated with existing projections of fire regimes for climate change scenarios. Moreover, few studies have examined fire regime predictions beyond the 21st century, and consequently, how the fire regimes of boreal forests would respond to climate change at the long term (>100 years) are not clear.

We develop a coupled modelling framework integrating direct and indirect effects of climate change to predict fire occurrence probability and burned area for boreal forests in northeastern China. We applied repeated measures ANOVA to quantify direct and indirect effects of climate change on fire regimes in the short (0–50 years), medium (60–100 years) and long term (150–200 years).

Results showed that for the 21st century, direct effects of climate change are likely to exert a stronger influence on fire regimes than indirect effects. However, increases in fire occurrence probability and burned area will accelerate the transition of boreal forests to temperate forests in the period 2100–2200, and thereby reduce fire occurrence probability and burned area. This suggests that vegetation change will mediate direct effects of climate change on fire regimes of boreal forests at the long term.

Synthesis and applications. Vegetation change will mediate direct effects of climate change on fire regimes of boreal forests at the long term. This finding suggested that policymakers may consider adaptive management by planting deciduous species to reduce fire occurrence probability and resistant management by reducing competition to promote boreal species under changing climate conditions.
Smart speaker devices can improve speech intelligibility in adults with intellectual disability
Authors: Smith Elizabeth , Sumner Petroc , Hedge Craig , Powell Georgina 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundSuccessful communication is vital to quality of life. One group commonly facing speech and communication difficulties is individuals with intellectual disability (ID). A novel route to encourage clear speech is offered by mainstream smart speakers (e.g., Amazon Alexa and Google Home). Smart speakers offer four factors important for learning: reward immediacy, spaced practice, autonomy/intrinsic motivation and reduced social barriers. Yet the potential of smart speakers to improve speech intelligibility has not been explored before.AimsTo determine whether providing individuals with intellectual disabilities with smart speaker devices improved ratings of speech intelligibility for (1) phrases related to device use and (2) unrelated words via a semi‐randomized controlled trial.Methods & ProceduresIn a semi‐randomized controlled trial, an intervention group of adults with ID (N = 21) received smart speakers, while a control group (N = 22) did not. Before and after about 12 weeks, participants were recorded saying smart speaker‐related phrases and unrelated words. Naïve participants then rated the intelligibility of the speech recordings.Outcomes & ResultsThe group that received smart speakers made significantly larger intelligibility gains than the control group. Although the effect size was modest, this difference was found for both smart speaker‐related phrases and unrelated words.Conclusions & ImplicationsWhile the mechanism of action remains to be determined, the presence of smart speakers in the home had a demonstrable impact on ratings of speech intelligibility, and could provide cost‐effective inclusive support for speech and communication improvement, improving the quality of life of vulnerable populations.
What this paper addsWhat is already known on the subject
Speech intelligibility is a key obstacle for social relationships and quality of life across several vulnerable populations (children with speech difficulties, older adults with dementia, individuals with ID). Anecdotal reports suggest mainstream smart speakers (e.g., Amazon Alexa, Google Home), could improve speech intelligibility.What this paper adds to existing knowledge
We used a semi‐randomized controlled trial to show that using a smart speaker for about 12 weeks could improve ratings of speech intelligibility in adults with ID for both smart speaker‐related phrases and unrelated words.What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?
These initial findings suggest that smart speaker technology could be a novel, and inclusive, route to improving speech intelligibility in vulnerable populations.
Strength in Numbers Women in Olympic-Style Weightlifting
Authors: Huebner Marianne , Meltzer David E. , Perperoglou Aris 
Published: March 2021

AbstractMarianne Huebner, David E. Meltzer and Aris Perperoglou explain how statistics can be used to compare weightlifting performances between athletes of different ages and weight categories, and how the increase in female weightlifters has led to more data and more appropriate comparisons
CRISPR/Cas12a‐mediated genome engineering in the photosynthetic bacterium Rhodobacter capsulatus
Authors: Zhang Yang , Yuan Jifeng 
Published: March 2021

SummaryPurple non‐sulfur photosynthetic bacteria (PNSB) such as Rhodobacter capsulatus serve as a versatile platform for fundamental studies and various biotechnological applications. In this study, we sought to develop the class II RNA‐guided CRISPR/Cas12a system from Francisella novicida for genome editing and transcriptional regulation in R. capsulatus. Template‐free disruption method mediated by CRISPR/Cas12a reached ˜ 90% editing efficiency when targeting ccoO or nifH gene. When both genes were simultaneously edited, the multiplex editing efficiency reached > 63%. In addition, CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) using deactivated Cas12a was also evaluated using reporter genes egfp and lacZ, and the transcriptional repression efficiency reached ˜ 80%. In summary, our work represents the first report to develop CRISPR/Cas12a‐mediated genome editing and transcriptional regulation in R. capsulatus, which would greatly accelerate PNSB‐related researches.
Do Financing Constraints Lead to Incremental Tax Planning? Evidence from the Pension Protection Act of 2006*
Authors: Campbell John L. , Goldman Nathan C. , Li Bin 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACTOver the past three decades, academic research has sought to understand how cash shortfalls impact a firm's ability to take all available value‐increasing investment projects. We investigate whether firms facing greater financing constraints turn to tax strategies that generate lower cash effective tax rates (ETRs) to mitigate the adverse effect of these financing constraints. We use the Pension Protection Act of 2006 (PPA 2006) as an exogenous shock to financing constraints for pension firms, but not for other firms. Using a difference‐in‐differences research design, we predict and find that pension firms experience a decrease in their cash ETRs by 1.8%–2.4% after the PPA 2006, relative to other firms. These cash tax savings mitigate the investment shortfall brought about by financing constraints by 19%. We also predict and find that the decline in cash ETRs is greater among firms more adversely affected by the PPA 2006. Our paper sheds light on the direction, causality, and economic magnitude of the association between financing constraints and tax planning activities. We also provide insight into the role of tax planning activities within firms' broader corporate business strategies in responding to financing constraints.
From ‘ovoid jars’ to ‘torpedo jars’: Investigations into bitumen‐lined transport containers in the Gulf and the Indian Ocean in antiquity (second century BCE–third century CE)
Authors: Durand Caroline 
Published: March 2021

AbstractResearch into bitumen‐lined ‘torpedo jars’, widely distributed throughout the Gulf and the Indian Ocean between the third and ninth centuries CE, has developed considerably in recent years, shedding new light on maritime trade connections during the Sasanian and early Islamic periods. Based on pottery finds from Failaka (Kuwait) and Thaj (Saudi Arabia), recently studied by the author, this article draws attention to an earlier type of bitumen‐lined jar characterised by an ovoid profile and a greenish fabric, including vegetal temper. These ovoid jars, presumably of Mesopotamian origin, are commonly found on ‘Classical’/pre‐Sasanian sites located along the Gulf’s shores, and their specific fabric has also been identified recently in Oman and southern India. They provide evidence for the existence of extensive Mesopotamian trade, probably in wine, with the Gulf region and more broadly with the Indian Ocean during the late Seleucid and Characenian periods.
Late Islamic water collection systems on Failaka Island: Preliminary results of the Kuwait–Georgian Archaeological Mission in 2018–2019
Authors: Chkhvimiani Jimsher , Mamiashvili Vazha , Bakhtadze Nodar , Kvavadze Eliso 
Published: March 2021

AbstractArchaeological investigations on Failaka Island, conducted by the Kuwait–Georgian Archeological Mission, have recorded a variety of sites dating from different time periods, from the Bronze Age to the late Islamic/modern period. The largest proportion of recorded sites consist of late Islamic seasonal settlement structures found in the north‐eastern part of the island. It is possible that they were connected to fishing and associated activities such as stock‐farming and agriculture, which is confirmed by the results of palynological analysis. These sites are divided into two chronological phases: one from the seventeenth to eighteenth century and the second from the nineteenth to the first half of the twentieth century. In 2018, excavations at the water collection systems within these settlements began. The results gathered so far indicate that there were two kinds of well structures. The first are interpreted as shallow filtration well pits; the second are deep wells used for collecting water from deep underground. Both systems were used to collect rainwater, which was then filtered and stored. Marine and freshwater forms of algae were found in the basal sediments of the pits, which offers evidence for the accumulation and filtration of water.
Flow‐driven risk shifting of high‐performing funds
Authors: Jin Xuejun , Shen Yifan , Yu Bin , Qian Meifen 
Published: March 2021

AbstractUsing a sample of open‐end equity mutual funds in China from 2004 to 2017, this study investigates the motivations and consequences of flow‐driven fund risk shifting behaviour. We find that funds experiencing large inflows tend to reduce their degree of risk‐taking. However, good past performance drives funds with high net flows to increase their risk level. High‐performing funds increase risk by increasing turnover, increasing the proportion of equity holdings, and buying more winner stocks. Moreover, risk shifting caused by the flow‐driven trades of high‐performing funds worsens fund performance in the ensuing two quarters before recovering in the third quarter. Finally, high abnormal flow, high performance sourced from luck, young fund age, and small fund size enhance the risk shifting of high‐performing funds when experiencing high flow.
Thousands of bats: A portrait of the chiropteran fauna of Palmas city, Central Brazil
Authors: Benvindo‐Souza Marcelino , de Souza Santos Lia Raquel , Elias Borges Rinneu , Alves de Assis Rhayane , de Melo e Silva Daniela , Zortéa Marlon , Missel Pacheco Susi 
Published: March 2021

AbstractUrban development remodels the natural landscape and reconfigures local faunal communities. This study investigated for the first time the composition of bats in the city of Palmas, a rapidly growing urban centre in the state of Tocantins, Brazil. We recorded twenty‐three species of bats, most of them frugivorous, and we try to launch light on a large colony of urban insectivorous bats. This bat colony contained an estimated one million broad‐eared bats (Nyctinomops laticaudatus), and resided under the Fernando Henrique Cardoso Bridge of Friendship and National Integration, over the Tocantins River, between April and the beginning of October. This site has been certified as a Site of Special Importance for Bat Conservation by the Latin American and Caribbean Bat Conservation Network. The protection of the city’s bats in general, and the bridge colony, in particular, will depend on efforts to raise the awareness of state and municipal authorities, programmes of environmental education and even the exploitation of the potential for local tourism.
The distribution and immunolocalization of fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) in the rat oviduct during early pregnancy and the post‐partum period
Authors: Alan Emel , Liman Narin 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe mammalian oviduct provides a favourable environment for several reproductive processes, including ovum transport, sperm capacitation, fertilization and pre‐implantation embryonic development. This environment is regulated by cyclic ovarian steroids, that is oestrogen, and growth factors. Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) regulate the differentiation and growth of various cell types in the female genital tract. This study aimed to determine the localization of FGF1, FGF2, FGF receptor 1 (FGFR1) and 2 (FGFR2) in the rat oviduct, by immunohistochemistry, on day 5 of pregnancy and post‐partum days 1, 3 and 5, and to demonstrate the possible functions of these proteins during early pregnancy and the post‐partum period. On all examination days, cytoplasmic and nuclear FGF1 immunoreactivity was detected in the epithelium lining the infundibulum, ampulla and isthmus of the oviduct. Immunoreactivity was much stronger in the basal bodies of the cilia on the epithelium lining the infundibulum and ampulla. FGF1 immunoreactivity was also detected in stromal cells, myocytes and endothelial cells. Cytoplasmic FGF2 immunoreactivity was observed in the tunica muscularis, vascular myocytes and endothelial cells. While strong cytoplasmic FGF2 immunoreactions were observed in the stromal cells of the lamina propria, the luminal epithelium, some stromal cells and smooth muscle cells displayed a rather weak FGFR1 and FGFR2 immunoreactivity. Immunoreaction intensity did not differ between the periods examined. This study shows that FGF1, FGF2, FGFR1 and FGFR2 are produced by rat oviduct cells during pregnancy and the post‐partum period, and reproductive physiology is regulated not only by hormonal mechanisms, but also by growth factors.
Comparing the Rate of Nicotine Metabolism Among Smokers With Current or Past Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Schnoll Robert , Paul Wileyto E. , Bauer Anna‐Marika , Fox Erica , Leone Frank , Lerman Caryn , Tyndale Rachel F. , George Tony P. , Hawk Larry , Cinciripini Paul , Quinn Mackenzie , Purnell Janelle , Hatzell Jane , Hitsman Brian 
Published: March 2021

Background and ObjectivesPersons with current or past major depressive disorder (MDD) vs those without have higher smoking rates. The nicotine metabolite ratio (NMR) represents variation in the rate of nicotine metabolism and has been associated with smoking behaviors and response to tobacco treatments. We compared NMR between smokers with current or past MDD (MDD+) vs smokers without MDD (MDD−). We also assessed correlates of NMR and compared withdrawal and craving between MDD+ and MDD− smokers.MethodsUsing baseline data from two clinical trials and propensity score weighting based on sex, race, body mass index, and smoking rate, we compared NMR between MDD+ (N = 279) and MDD− (N = 1575) smokers. We also compared groups on and nicotine withdrawal and craving.ResultsMean NMR (β = −.02, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.05 to 0.01, P = .13) and the distribution of smokers across NMR quartiles (odds ratio [OR] = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.50 to 1.16, P = .21) were similar between MDD+ and MDD− samples. This relationship was not affected by antidepressant medication. In the MDD+ sample, African Americans had significantly lower mean NMR, while older smokers and smokers with lower education had higher mean NMR (Ps < .05). MDD+ smokers had significantly higher withdrawal and craving than MDD− smokers (Ps < .05).Discussion and ConclusionsWhile variability in NMR may not explain differences in smoking rates between MDD+ and MDD− smokers, MDD+ smokers report increased withdrawal and craving.Scientific SignificanceIn this first study to assess NMR among MDD+ smokers, the findings underscore the need to address withdrawal and craving within smoking cessation treatments for those with MDD. (Am J Addict 2021;00:00–00)
Unexplained recurrent miscarriages: predictive value of immune biomarkers and immunomodulatory therapies for live birth
Authors: Kolanska Kamila , Dabi Yohann , Dechartres Agnès , Cohen Jonathan , Ben Kraiem Yasmine , Selleret Lise , Mathieu d’Argent Emmanuelle , Placais Leo , Cheloufi Meryem , Johanet Catherine , Rosefort Audrey , Bornes Marie , Suner Ludovic , Delhommeau Francois , Ledée Nathalie , Chabbert Buffet Nathalie , Darai Emile , Antoine Jean Marie , Fain Olivier , Kayem Gilles , Mekinian Arsène 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIntroductionRecurrent miscarriages are defined as three or more early miscarriages before 12 weeks of gestation. The aim of this study was to describe a cohort of women with unexplained recurrent miscarriages, evaluate several potential biomarkers of immune origin, and describe the outcome of pregnancies under immunomodulatory therapies.MethodsWomen having a history of at least 3 early miscarriages without any etiology were recruited from 3 university hospitals.ResultsAmong 101 women with recurrent miscarriages, overall, 652 pregnancies have been included in the analysis. Women which experienced miscarriages were older (33.3 ± 5.4 versus 31.9 ± 6.7; p = 0.03), with history of more pregnancies (4 (2–6) versus 3.5 (1–5.75); p 0.0008), and less frequently the same partner (406 (74%) versus 79 (86%); p=0.01). There was no difference in the level and frequencies of biomarkers of immune origin (NK, lymphocyte, gamma globulins and blood cytokine levels and endometrial uNK activation status), except the higher rates of positive antinuclear antibodies in women with live birth (12 (13%) versus 36 (7%); p=0.03). Among the 652 pregnancies, 215 (33%) have been treated and received either aspirin/low weighted molecular heparin (LMWH) and/or combined to different lines of immunomodulatory treatment. Patients with pregnancy under treatment had a significantly higher rate of cumulative live birth rate than those with untreated ones (43.0% vs 34.8%; p = 0.04). When compared to patients with untreated pregnancies, patients with steroids during the pregnancy had twice more chances to obtain live birth (OR 2.0, CI95% 1.1 – 3.7, p = 0.02).ConclusionsUnexplained recurrent miscarriages could have improved obstetrical outcome under immunomodulatory therapies and in particular steroids.
Defining competency for Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists training: An exploratory study of Victorian Integrated Training Program coordinators’ understanding of competency
Authors: Pagram Heather , Bilszta Justin L.C. , Szabo Rebecca A. 
Published: March 2021

BackgroundCompetency‐based medical education (CBME) is increasingly employed by postgraduate training programs worldwide, including obstetrics and gynaecology. Focusing on assessment of outcomes rather than time‐in‐training, and utilising a well‐defined curricular framework, CBME aims to train doctors capable of meeting the needs of modern society. When this study was undertaken, in 2019, the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) had a time‐based curriculum and was due to undergo a curriculum review starting in 2020.AimsTo explore Victorian RANZCOG Integrated Training Program (ITP) coordinators’ understanding of the concept of competency and how it is taught and assessed within RANZCOG training.Materials and MethodsA qualitative, grounded theory design using semi‐structured interviews was employed. Victorian RANZCOG ITP coordinators from inner and outer metropolitan, and regional sites, were approached to participate. Transcripts were coded and analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsThemes identified were: Competence, Vision and Innovation, Structures, ITP Coordinator Role and Teaching and Learning. Competence was defined as a combination of independent practice and understanding of ones’ own limits, in addition to required clinical skills and knowledge. Enablers and barriers to achieving competency were identified and associated with structures, human and logistical factors. Victorian ITP coordinators believed the current training program has positive elements but could be further improved.ConclusionsSeveral areas for future research were identified regarding understanding of competency, relevant if RANZCOG is to introduce a CBME framework. Replicating this research across all RANZCOG jurisdictions in Australia and New Zealand would be prudent to determine if the themes are universal.
Evaluation of the potential role of shear wave elastography as a promising predictor of sperm retrieval in non‐obstructive azoospermic patients: A prospective study
Authors: Abdelaal Alaaeldien Mohamed Abdelmoniem , El‐Azizi Hatem Mohamed , GamalEl Din Sameh Fayek , Abdulsalam Mohammad Azzazi Omar , Shokr Mohamed Mohamed 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesTesticular sperm extraction (TESE) has been a useful diagnostic and therapeutic tool with sperm retrieval opportunity varying according to the pathological finding in azoospermic patients. Sonoelastography (SE) is an exciting radiologic method that can measure relative elasticity of different tissues in a selected region of interest (ROI) by depending on fast cross‐correlation technique and a combined autocorrelation method. Real‐time elastography (RTE) can be used for structural analysis of testicular tissue to detect pathological tissue alterations. We aimed in the current study to evaluate the efficacy of shear wave elastography (SWE) in predicting sperm retrieval in non‐obstructive azoospermic (NOA) patients undergoing TESE.Patients and methodsThis prospective study included 50 NOA patients who did two successive semen analyses with normal or elevated gonadotrophic hormones. All participants were subjected to SWE imaging on the testes by a radiologist. The measurements were recorded in terms of kPa using the SWE mode. They were done on each testis in the longest longitudinal plane. SWE images were viewed using dual mode: elasticity mode (kPa) and propagation (arrival time contour) mode then patients underwent TESE.ResultsA significant difference in SWE values was observed between patients with successful sperm retrieval and those with negative sperm retrieval providing 94.7% negative predictive value and 50.0% positive predictive value for sperm retrieval in NOA patients undergoing TESE with 75.0% sensitivity and 85.71% specificity (p  =  0.0001). Mean stiffness index measured by SWE correlated significantly with the histopathological types as 8 patients only were diagnosed as having severe hypospermatogenesis.Discussion and ConclusionThese prime data suggest that SWE as a non‐invasive, easily applicable, and repeatable imaging method has a promising potential to be one of the reliable sonographic modalities that can be used as one of the predictors for sperm retrieval in NOA patients.