bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Structural Analysis for Qazzaz Metamorphic Core Complex, Northwestern Arabian Shield, Saudi Arabia
Authors: AL‐HASHIM Mansour H. , KASSEM Osama M.K. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractIdentifying deformational mechanisms and associated structures at various scales, ranging from regional‐scale structures to microscopic fabric, is crucial for the assessment of tectonic development. Thirty‐three samples were taken from the Qazzaz metamorphic core complex to estimate the finite strain for felsic and mafic minerals. These samples included gneisses rocks, monzogranite, and metavolcano–sedimentary rocks for both the Thalbah and Bayda groups. Using the Rf/j and Fry methods, the axial ratios (XZ) range about 2.20 to 7.10 and 1.90 to 9.10, respectively. For various rock units, the strain measurements show moderate to highly deformation. Most of the observed samples show shallow WNW dipping along a N to WNW trend of finite strain (X). The short axes (Z) based to be subvertical foliation related with a subhorizontal foliation. The results demonstrate that contacts generated at semi‐brittle to ductile deformation and that the strain of magnitude has the same value for different lithologic units. It concluded that nappe generation in orogens results from pure shear deformation.
Surface and Deep Structure of the Hanshan–Wuwei Basins in the Lower Yangtze Region: Implications for Mesozoic Tectonic Evolution of the South China Block
Authors: KAN Tianxiang , LI Longming , ZHENG Hongjun , LI Jiahao , ZHAO Xilin , CHEN Mo 
Published: October 2024

AbstractIndicating the tectonic features of the Hanshan–Wuwei basin can reconstruct the framework of the basins formed in Mesozoic and further understand the Mesozoic tectonic evolution of the South China Block. Studies on surface structure, regional stress field and deep geophysical characteristics of the Mesozoic Hanshan–Wuwei basin in Lower Yangtze region were carried out. NE–NNE trending folds and faults developed in the northern margin of the basins. The reconstruction of tectonic stress fields indicates four stress stages dominating the basins' evolution including NW–SE compression, N–S compression, NW–SE extension and NWW–SEE compression. 2D seismic profiles reveal coexistence of thrust, strike‐slip and normal faults in the basin. Combined with regional geological studies, the geodynamic processes for the formation of the Hanshan–Wuwei basin can be divided into five stages: 1) During the Late Triassic, EW trending foreland basin was formed by N–S compression; 2) From Mid‐Jurassic to Late Jurassic, continuous compression strengthened the foreland deformation and formed thrust nappes. In this stage, the integrated foreland basin was compartmentalized or fragmented, and transferred to the broken foreland basin; 3) NE‐trending sinistral strike‐slip movement at the beginning of the Early Cretaceous; 4) Regional extension resulted in normal faults and rift basins developing in the Late Cretaceous; 5) The NWW–SEE compression at the end of the Late Cretaceous caused NW sinistral strike‐slip faults to form, which partly transformed the rift basin.
Climate and Soil Geochemistry Influence the Soil Organic Carbon Content in Drylands of the Songliao Plain, Northeast China
Authors: LIU Kai , DAI Huimin , SONG Yunhong , LIANG Shuai , YANG Zhongfang 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe understanding of the spatial distribution of soil organic carbon (SOC) and its influencing factors is crucial for comprehending the global carbon cycle. However, the impact of soil geochemical and climatic conditions on SOC remains limited, particularly in dryland farming areas. In this study, we aimed to enhance the understanding of the factors influencing the distribution of SOC in the drylands of the Songliao Plain, Northeast China. A dataset comprising 35,188 measured soil samples was used to map the SOC distribution in the region. Multiple linear regression (MLR) and random forest models (RFM) were employed to assess the importance of driving indicators for SOC. We also carried out partial correlation and path analyses to further investigate the relationship between climate and geochemistry. The SOC content in dryland soils of the Songliao Plain ranged from 0.05% to 11.63%, with a mean value of 1.47% ± 0.90%. There was a notable increasing trend in SOC content from the southwest to the northeast regions. The results of MLR and RFM revealed that temperature was the most critical factor, demonstrating a significant negative correlation with SOC content. Additionally, iron oxide was the most important soil geochemical indicator affecting SOC variability. Our research further suggested that climate may exert an indirect influence on SOC concentrations through its effect on geochemical properties of soil. These insights highlight the importance of considering both the direct and indirect impact of climate in predicting the SOC under future climate change.
Policy approaches to increase external investment by US pension funds in African countries
Authors: Preston Daniel 
Published: October 2024

AbstractLimited external investment has dampened the prospect for a prosperous African continent that capitalises on economic integration and its demographic dividend. This article explores US pension funds as a candidate for increased investment by framing it through an institutional lens and the scholarly understanding of the risk–return dynamics in private capital allocation. The original research is centered on interviews of senior‐level professionals who work in the US pension fund investment ecosystem as well as experts at multilateral organisations. It identifies the primary investment impediments articulated in interviews and offers approaches policymakers in OECD member countries could undertake to increase the scale of US pension fund investment in African countries. These include: (1) Transform guarantee programs in size, scope, and risk tolerance; (2) Establish large pass‐through investment vehicles; (3) Focus resources to improve capital markets in African countries; and (4) Mandate development organisations to coordinate and proactively collaborate with firms in the US investment ecosystem.
Time to detection of serious adverse events by continuous vital sign monitoring versus clinical practice
Authors: Jensen Marie Said Vang , Eriksen Vibeke Ramsgaard , Rasmussen Søren Straarup , Meyhoff Christian Sylvest , Aasvang Eske Kvanner 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundContinuous vital sign monitoring detects far more severe vital sign deviations (SVDs) than intermittent clinical rounds, and deviations are to some extent related to subsequent serious adverse events (SAEs). Early detection of SAEs is pivotal to allow for effective interventions but the time relationship between detection of SAEs by continuous vital sign monitoring versus clinical practice is not well‐described at the general ward.AimTo quantify the time difference between detection of SAEs by continuous vital sign monitoring and clinical suspicion of deterioration (CSD) in major abdominal surgery patients.MethodsFive hundred and five patients had their vital signs continuously monitored in combination with usual clinical practice consisting of National Early Warning Score assessments at least every 8'th hour, assessments during rounds, and other kinds of staff‐patient interactions. The primary outcome was the time difference between the first chart note of CSD versus the first SVD, detected by continuous vital sign monitoring, in patients with a subsequent confirmed SAE during or up to 48 h after end of continuous vital sign monitoring.ResultsOut of the 505 continuously monitored patients, 142 patients had a combination of both postoperative SAE, CSD and SVD, and thus were included in the primary analysis. The median time from the first SVD to SAE was 42.8 h (interquartile range 19.8–72.1 h) compared to 13 minutes (interquartile range − 4.8 to 3.5 h) for CSD with a median difference of 48.1 h (95% confidence interval 43.0–54.8 h), p‐value < .001.ConclusionContinuous vital sign monitoring detects signs of oncoming SAEs in the form of SVD hours before CSD, potentially allowing for earlier and more effective treatments to reduce the extent of SAEs.
Legumain deficiency halts atherogenesis by modulating T cell receptor signaling
Authors: Xiang Xuying , Zhang Feng , Nie Lei , Guo Xiaoqing , Qin Mengting , Chen Jiaojiao , Jiang Dailiang , Zhang Zhentao , Mao Ling 
Published: October 2024

AbstractAtherosclerosis is an age‐related pathological process associated with elevated levels of legumain in plaques and plasma. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of legumain in the progression of atherosclerotic plaques, with a particular focus on functional and phenotypic changes in CD4+ T cells. Apolipoprotein E‐deficient (Apoe−/−) mice were crossed with legumain‐deficient (Lgmn−/−) mice to generate Lgmn−/−Apoe−/− mice. CD4+ T cells accumulated in the atherosclerotic plaques of Apoe−/− mice fed a high‐fat diet. Deletion of legumain attenuated the deposition of CD4+ T cells in plaques and reduced the number of atherosclerotic lesions. The levels of CD4+ T cells in the blood, lymph nodes, and spleen were decreased in Lgmn−/− mice. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that the deletion of legumain decreased the differentiation, survival, and function of CD4+ memory T cells by suppressing the T cell receptor (TCR) signaling pathway. These changes are accompanied by the downregulation of the antiapoptotic protein B‐cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl‐2) and the reduced release of interleukin (IL)‐2 and interferon (IFN)‐γ. These results suggest that legumain deficiency may play a role in the development of atherosclerosis by impairing the survival, proliferation, and function of CD4+ T cells. Inhibition of legumain activity may be an innovative therapy for the treatment of atherosclerosis.
Association of bone turnover markers and craving reduction in patients with alcohol use disorder during withdrawal: Exploring the role of bone‐brain axis
Authors: Tsao Hsuan Megan , Huang Ming‐Chyi , Liu Tung‐Hsia , Chang Hu‐Ming , Chung Ren‐Hua , Kuo Hsiang‐Wei , Chen Andrew C. H. , Yang Rong‐Sen , Liu Yu‐Li 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundAlcohol use disorder (AUD) is associated with imbalanced bone turnover and psychological symptoms, but the relationship between bone and brain remains unclear. The study analyzed serum levels of a bone formation marker, procollagen type 1 N‐terminal propeptide (P1NP), and bone resorption marker, C‐terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX‐1), in AUD patients before and after 2 weeks of alcohol withdrawal and investigated their correlation with psychological symptoms.MethodsNinety patients with AUD and 117 healthy controls were recruited. P1NP and CTX‐1 levels were measured using Enzyme‐Linked Immunosorbent Assay. The Penn Alcohol Craving Scale (PACS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) were assessed in the AUD group at baseline, week 1, and week 2 of withdrawal.ResultsBaseline CTX‐1 levels, along with the CTX‐1/P1NP and P1NP/CTX‐1 ratio, were higher in the AUD group than controls. Over the 2‐week withdrawal, PACS, BDI, and BAI scores demonstrated significant reductions. P1NP (p < 0.001) and P1NP/CTX‐1 ratio increased (p < 0.001), while CTX‐1/P1NP ratio decreased (p < 0.001), indicating a propensity toward bone formation. Univariate analysis revealed that reductions in PACS, BDI, and BAI scores during withdrawal correlated with increased P1NP levels and decreased CTX‐1/P1NP ratios. However, multivariate analysis indicated that only PACS score reductions correlated with these changes.ConclusionsBone metabolism shifted toward increased bone formation and decreased bone resorption during 2‐week alcohol withdrawal. The correlation between improvements in bone turnover markers and reduction in craving scores during withdrawal supports the concept of the bone‐brain axis.
Farm dams: A valuable interim step in small‐bodied threatened fish conservation
Authors: Raymond Scott M. C. , Ryall Jordi , Fanson Ben , Day Sally , Koehn John D. , Todd Charles R. , Kitchingman Adrian , Loeun Kim , Iscaro Ben , Hogan Liam , Wootten Henry , Rose Peter 
Published: October 2024

AbstractFreshwater fish are facing an extinction crisis on a global scale, with increasing demand for human water consumption driving the regulation and degradation of freshwater ecosystems. Flow regulation especially poses a threat to small‐bodied floodplain and creek specialist species through increasing population fragmentation and isolation, loss and degradation of habitats, and interactions with predators and competitors, resulting in reductions in species' range and abundance. Conserving and recovering many small‐bodied fish species will likely require translocation from wild habitats to refuge habitats to reduce extinction risk and provide buffers against catastrophic natural events (e.g., drought, bushfires). We assessed the value of semi‐artificial farm dams, an abundant feature in the Australian landscape, as interim refugia for the threatened southern pygmy perch Nannoperca australis (Percicthyidae). We compared the relative abundance, population size–structure and body condition of fish introduced (3–4 years prior) into three farm dams with those of three nearby creeks to assess the feasibility of farm dams as a resource to assist small‐bodied native fish conservation and recovery. Farm dams had higher abundance of fish, and equivalent size structure and body condition compared with creek populations, highlighting that suitable farm dams are a valuable and underutilized asset for threatened species' conservation globally.
The extent and impact of exotic vine invasions in fragmented mesic forests in Eastern Australia
Authors: Bernich Adam , French Kris 
Published: October 2024

AbstractExotic vines threaten biodiversity causing damage to forest structure. We investigated the distribution of exotic vines across different patchily distributed plant communities. We surveyed patches of 12 threatened, mesic forest communities along the coastal plain in New South Wales, Australia to determine how exotic and native vine distribution and density were influenced by characteristics of forest patches and neighbouring land use. Vine density and stem widths were measured in quadrats in the edge and interior of patches. Canopy cover, number of dead trees, area to perimeter ratio and surrounding land use were recorded for each patch. Our results show that exotic vine assemblages were influenced by anthropogenic land use surrounding patches but not influenced by community type. Most exotic vine species were present across the whole region where surveys were undertaken. Exotic vines species were sometimes at high densities but had smaller stem widths than native species and there was no change in density from the edges into the interior. Araujia sericifera and Ipomoea cairica were the most prevalent exotic species and together with the fast edge growing Anredera cordifolia are of key concern. In contrast, native vine assemblages were species rich, with some individuals having large stem widths suggesting greater age and we found species composition varied with plant community type. Native vines showed continual recruitment and appeared more specialized to the attributes of each plant community. Surrounding anthropogenic land uses (residential, agricultural and industrial) were the most important factors predicting invasion of exotic vines and were more important than the length of edges. This suggests that the surrounding matrix characteristics were influencing degradation of the interior of these patches, rather than exotic vines invading along an invasion front from the edge. Exotic vines need to be controlled across the entirety of patches, rather than a focus on edge control practices.
Avian prey intake and breeding success parity of the powerful owl in dry, inland Victoria
Authors: van Harten Emmi , Lawrence Ruth 
Published: October 2024

AbstractApex predators are vulnerable to environmental changes which can cascade through trophic levels of an ecosystem. Investigating prey‐predator relationships is important for directing conservation efforts and understanding how species may respond to ecosystem changes. This case study examined the diet and breeding success of the threatened powerful owl Ninox strenua in central Victoria where the box‐ironbark forests have undergone widespread clearing, fragmentation, and degradation. The powerful owl preys predominantly on arboreal mammals, however, some birds are also consumed. By analysing the contents of regurgitated owl pellets of two owl pairs, we found that birds comprised 29.3% of all prey items and contributed the largest proportion of prey biomass for one pair (34.4%). All mammalian prey species identified in the pellet remains are dependent on tree hollows, which are now a scarce and competitive resource in box‐ironbark forests. Despite consuming a diet lower in mammalian prey than found in other studies, breeding success over five consecutive years was 1.4 chicks fledged per pair per year, which is notably higher than historical observations in the region and similar to powerful owls in other parts of their distribution. Our observations suggest that flexibility in prey selection enables powerful owls to occupy ranges that have undergone significant ecosystem change.
Incorporating familial risk, lifestyle factors, and pharmacogenomic insights into personalized noncommunicable disease (NCD) reports for healthcare funder beneficiaries participating in the Open Genome Project
Authors: De Klerk Manie , Van Der Merwe Nicole , Erasmus Johny , Whati Lindiwe , Moremi Kelebogile E. , Olivier Daniel W. , Kotze Maritha J. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractIntroductionAn ethics‐guided decision‐making framework was developed for applying pathology‐supported genetic testing, a multifaceted pharmacodiagnostic approach that translates population risk stratification into clinical utility. We introduce this service, supported by the Open Genome Project, which aligns with the beneficence principle in personalized medicine.MethodsGenetic testing of six noncommunicable disease pathways was conducted as part of a pilot program, benchmarked against a readiness checklist for implementation of genomic medicine in Africa. Patient referral criteria were determined using healthcare funder claims data, employing the Adjusted Clinical Groupers and Resource Utilization Band risk rating structure to identify potential nonresponders to treatment.ResultsThree of the 135 doctors (2.2%) invited expressed immediate disinterest in the pilot, while 24 (17.8%) actively participated. Inherited, lifestyle‐triggered, and therapy‐related pathologies were simultaneously assessed in case reports, with special medical scheme reimbursement tariff codes applied to 25 patient referrals. The findings were used by the participating genetic counselor to select three patients for whole exome sequencing, utilizing a novel, level‐up data processing algorithm for adaptive reporting.ConclusionThis study demonstrated the implementation of genomics into an evolving workflow for patients with a history of frequent clinic visits. Eliminating the cost barrier provided valuable insights to guide future reimbursement policy decisions.
Long‐Term Impacts of Selective Logging in a Tropical Rainforest in the East Region of Cameroon
Authors: Mokake S. E. , Chuyong G. B. , Egbe E. A. 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTAlthough selective logging has become the primary cause of degradation in many African countries, little is known about its long‐term effects. This study investigated the long‐term effects of selective logging on forest tree species diversity and dynamics in the East Region of Cameroon. Six permanent monitoring plots of 1 ha each in unlogged and logged forests were established in 2005 and a recensus in 2011. Each 1 ha plot was divided into 25, 20 × 20 m quadrats. Each 20 × 20 m quadrat was further divided into 16, 5 × 5 m subquadrats, where the diameter at breast height (DBH) of all trees ≥ 2 cm was measured. There was a decrease in plant species density and richness in all forest types. Sloetiopsis usambarensis was the most important species in the unlogged forests and forests logged 21 years ago. The most important family was Putrangivaceae, Euphorbiaceae and Violaceae in the unlogged forests and forests logged 11 and 21 years ago, respectively. The frequency distribution of stem size classes indicated a reversed J‐shape of tropical forests. The above ground biomass (AGB) recovered more than 50% in all forests, and the unlogged forest had the highest AGB (961.8 Mg/ha). Larger stems indicated a forest at a stage of recovery from disturbance. Silvicultural management should be considered.
Can Corporate Site Visits Improve ESG Ratings?
Authors: Tang Songlian , He Lingfei , Meng Lei , Liu Chengchi 
Published: October 2024

AbstractAs environmental, social, and governance (ESG) becomes an increasingly popular criterion for investment screening, drivers of ESG performance have attracted attention from a wide range of stakeholders. In this study, we test whether corporate site visits can improve ESG ratings using a unique dataset of site visits from Chinese listed firms. We find that corporate site visits can lead to improved ESG performance for listed firms, which is robust even after adding a series of control variables, alternative model specifications, and accounting for endogeneity issues. This effect is attributed to the mediating effects of ESG information disclosure and corporate internal control quality. We also find that the more ESG‐related discussion during site visits the better managers learn to improve ESG performance of their firms. Furthermore, there is evidence that the positive effect of site visits on ESG are more pronounced among firms that are not audited by Big Four accounting firms, not cross‐listed, and when Qualified Foreign Institutional Investors are involved. Overall, this paper contributes to the literature by providing complementary evidence that site visits are an important platform for communicating between investors and corporate management, which can have profound implications on incentivizing managers to deliver better ESG performance. Our findings also offer practical and policy implications to regulators on the promotion and implementation of ESG in listed firms.