bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Native shrub and plant diversity mitigate plant invasion in eastern China's humid grasslands
Authors: Zhang Linhan , Chi Xiulian , Sun Mingyao , Chen Xuechun , Lan Shan , Zhang Yiwei , Su Xiangyan , Tang Chun‐guang , Wang Qinggang 
Published: November 2024

AbstractQuestionUnderstanding the factors influencing plant invasions is essential for effective prevention and control actions. However, the relative importance of the biotic resistance, resource availability, and propagule pressures on invasive plants in fragmented grasslands of humid and semi‐humid regions remains unclear.LocationsShandong Province, eastern coastal China.MethodThis study is based on community composition and soil nutrient data from 42 grassland plots of 30 × 30 m surveyed between 2021 and 2022. In each plot, we sampled six sub‐plots of 2 × 2 m, totaling 24 m2. We used beta regressions and general linear models to examine the coverage, relative coverage and relative richness of invasive plants in relation to community structure (such as richness and coverage of native shrubs, species richness, phylogenetic diversity and functional traits of native herbaceous plant), macroclimate, soil nutrients and human activities. Partial regressions and Random Forest analyses were used to assess the relative importance of different predictors.ResultsThe coverage, relative coverage and relative richness of invasive plants decreased with the richness and coverage of shrubs, but increased with phylogenetic diversity of native herbaceous plant. Community structure factors, particularly shrub richness and coverage, exhibited higher relative importance on invasive‐plant performance compared to other variables.ConclusionsOur results indicate that diversity–invasibility relationships are sensitive to the choice of diversity index. Overall, native shrubs within the local community play a crucial role in buffering against the spread and establishment of invasive plants in humid grasslands, underscoring the significance of biotic resistance in plant invasion.
Productivity and Task Heterogeneity in Online Labor Markets: A Bonus Payment Experiment
Authors: Mourelatos Evaggelos , Giannakopoulos Nicholas , Tzagarakis Manolis 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTWe use an online experiment to investigate how monetary rewards and within‐task heterogeneity interact with workers’ productivity. By uniquely conceptualizing objective difficulty and complexity, we first investigate whether within‐task heterogeneity results in responses that are elicited solely by task characteristics related to the computational efficiency of the task doer. The subtasks’ difficulty and complexity have a robust reverse effect on every productivity outcome of the participant workers. Second, we find that monetary rewards mainly act as moderators of within‐task heterogeneity. Our investigation identified monetary rewards as a key moderator of within‐task heterogeneity. Notably, higher rewards effectively counteract the detrimental impact of task complexity and difficulty, yet we observe diminishing returns with extreme reward values. The study's central contribution lies in its uncovering of a complementary relationship. An optimally designed task coupled with a judicious reward policy not only eases workers’ perceived complexity and difficulty but also alleviates uncertainties that might otherwise hinder the achievement of high‐quality outcomes. This nuanced understanding provides valuable insights for shaping efficient task structures and reward strategies in the realm of online labor markets. An analysis of almost 20,396 crowdsourcing responses supports the theoretical model and hypotheses.
No Sign of Homogenisation in Reef Fish Communities Across an Ecological Transition Zone Exposed to Warming
Authors: Silva Fernanda C. , Quimbayo Juan P. , Spanheeden Dencker Tim , Pecuchet Laurene , Floeter Sergio R. , Lindegren Martin 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTAimMarine organisms are responding to warming by altering their distribution ranges, causing biogeographic range shifts and in some cases, favouring the community homogenisation. Transition zones can act as natural laboratories to explore the consequences of homogenisation. However, these habitats are relatively poorly studied in coastal areas. In this study, we aimed to investigate biotic homogenisation and changes in reef fish community composition from both a taxonomic and trait‐based perspective.LocationSeven islands in the South‐western Atlantic transition zone.MethodsWe used a long‐term survey data set of reef fish species abundances and traits of communities to calculate beta‐diversity indices. By analysing the data, we derived temporal trends of beta‐diversity values by separately comparing the North and South regions of the transition zone and performed pairwise comparisons to explore their dynamics when considered together.ResultsContrary to previous expectations, we found no sign of homogenisation. The colder islands (Southern) experienced a decrease in taxonomic and trait richness metrics, whereas for the warmer islands (Northern), the taxonomic and trait richness fluctuated without any significant temporal trends.Main ConclusionsWhile taxonomic composition may change over time, the trait composition is generally more conserved, highlighting the trait redundancy in South‐western Atlantic communities and supporting the idea that these communities can maintain a range of ecological processes despite changes in taxonomic composition. Finally, the study revealed that despite non‐homogenisation, the species that contribute most to variation, especially in the South, have common trait combinations indicating an increase in the trait redundancy of fish communities over time. We underline that local‐scale conservation efforts may be particularly effective in preserving and protecting species and ecological functions in areas experiencing unique and fast changes in biodiversity.
Similar weight loss with semaglutide regardless of diabetes and cardiometabolic risk parameters in individuals with metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease: Post hoc analysis of three randomised controlled trials
Authors: Armstrong Matthew J. , Okanoue Takeshi , Sundby Palle Mads , Sejling Anne‐Sophie , Tawfik Mohamed , Roden Michael 
Published: November 2024

AbstractAimsWeight loss mediated by glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) analogues is lower in patients with type 2 diabetes versus those without. Type 2 diabetes and obesity are risk factors for metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and associated steatohepatitis (MASH). We evaluated weight changes in adults with MASLD/MASH with or without type 2 diabetes receiving the GLP‐1 analogue semaglutide.Materials and MethodsThis was a post hoc analysis of data from three 48–72‐week randomised trials investigating the effect of semaglutide versus placebo in adults with MASLD (NCT03357380) or biopsy‐confirmed MASH (NCT02970942 and NCT03987451). Pooled data for semaglutide (0.4 mg once daily and 2.4 mg once weekly [n = 163]) and placebo (n = 137) were analysed at 1 year. Weight changes were analysed by type 2 diabetes status (type 2 diabetes [n = 209], pre‐type 2 diabetes [n = 51] and no diabetes [n = 40]) and by other cardiometabolic risk parameters using analysis of covariance and Spearman's rank correlations.ResultsThe overall mean weight change was −11.1 kg (−11.7%) and −0.7 kg (−0.6%) with semaglutide and placebo, respectively. While numerically higher for people without type 2 diabetes, estimated treatment differences with semaglutide versus placebo were similar overall for people with type 2 diabetes (−10.2 kg; −10.8%), pre‐type 2 diabetes (−9.8 kg; −10.2%) and no diabetes (−11.6 kg; −13.1%). Differences between groups were not statistically significant (p > 0.50 for all). Baseline fasting plasma glucose, glycated haemoglobin, insulin levels, insulin resistance and lipids did not correlate with weight change.ConclusionsPeople with MASLD/MASH had similar semaglutide‐mediated weight loss regardless of type 2 diabetes status and other cardiometabolic risk parameters.
SGLT2 inhibition improves endothelium‐independent vasodilatory function in type 2 diabetes: A double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled crossover trial
Authors: Kristensen Didde Kidmose , Mose Frank Holden , Buus Niels Henrik , Duus Camilla Lundgreen , Mårup Frederik Husum , Bech Jesper Nørgaard , Nielsen Steffen Flindt 
Published: November 2024

AbstractAimsThe objective of this study was to examine the effects of empagliflozin on endothelium‐dependent and endothelium‐independent vasodilatation and systemic hemodynamic parameters and to assess the role of the nitric oxide (NO) system in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM).Materials and MethodsIn this double‐blind, placebo‐controlled cross over trial, patients with T2DM were treated with either empagliflozin 10 mg or matching placebo for 4 weeks. Following a 2‐week washout, participants were crossed over to 4 weeks of the opposite treatment. Forearm blood flow (FBF) was measured after each treatment period using venous occlusion plethysmography. Acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) were infused into the brachial artery to assess endothelium‐dependent and endothelium‐independent vasodilatory function, respectively. Total peripheral resistance, 24‐h blood pressure (BP) and biochemical markers of NO activity were measured as well.ResultsSixteen participants completed the trial. The mean age was 68 ± 8 years, and 69% were male. The SNP response increased by 21% (geometric mean ratio 1.21, 95% CI: 1.09; 1.33) during treatment with empagliflozin compared to placebo (p ≤ 0.001), but not during acetylcholine infusion (p = 0.290). Empagliflozin decreased 24‐h systolic BP by 5 mmHg (95% CI: −9; −1 mmHg) (p = 0.015), diastolic BP by 2 mmHg (95% CI: −5; 0 mmHg) (p = 0.029) and systemic vascular resistance by 48 dyn×s/m5 (95% CI: −94; −1 dyn×s/m5) (p = 0.044). Furthermore, empagliflozin reduced plasma levels of nitrite and urinary levels of NOx.ConclusionsEmpagliflozin improves endothelium‐independent vasodilation, reduces vascular resistance and lowers 24‐h BP in patients with T2DM, whereas no change in endothelial‐dependent vasodilation was observed.Trial registrationEU Clinical Trials Register number: 2019‐004303‐12 (https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu/ctr-search/trial/2019-004303-12/DK).
Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathies (CIDP) with monotruncular onset: Frequency, clinical features, electrophysiology, and evolution
Authors: Pascaud Julie , Fortanier Etienne , Salort‐Campana Emmanuelle , Verschueren Annie , Keriel Pierrick , Grapperon Aude‐Marie , Kouton Ludivine , Attarian Shahram , Delmont Emilien 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackgroundMultifocal chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) is the most frequent variant of CIDP. It is characterized by asymmetric multifocal sensory and motor impairments. Few cases with monotruncular onset have been described. The aim of the study was to characterize the clinical, electrophysiological, and radiological features of these monotruncular‐onset CIDP cases.MethodsThe records of 145 patients with focal/multifocal CIDP followed in the hospital department revealed 16 patients with an initial clinical involvement limited to one nerve for at least 6 months.ResultsMedian diagnostic delay was 24 months. The ulnar nerve was the most frequently involved nerve (44%, 7/16).Based on extensive electrodiagnostic testing at initial evaluation, 5 patients (31%) met the electrodiagnostic criteria for CIDP and 8 patients (50%) for possible CIDP. Conduction blocks (CB) were the most frequent conduction abnormalities.Motor evoked potentials using a triple‐stimulation technique showed proximal CB in 12/13 patients. Plexus magnetic resonance imaging was abnormal in 13/15 patients (86%), with bilateral short tau inversion recovery (STIR)‐hypersignal in 7 patients. Intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIg) were efficient for 12/15 patients (80%).During follow‐up (median 8 years), 3 patients retained monotruncular involvement while 13 had a multitruncular worsening. The only difference was that IVIg treatment was started earlier in patients who were still monotruncular at the last visit (11 vs. 87 months, p = 0.015).ConclusionsMonotruncular onset occurred in 11% of the focal/multifocal CIDP cases. Supportive criteria are highly valuable for positive diagnosis of this condition. The natural course tends to be progressive, involving more nerve trunks. Early treatment may prevent the disease from spreading.
Legacy Effects of Plant Community Structure Are Manifested in Microbial Biofilm Development With Consequences for Ecosystem CO2 Emissions
Authors: Wyatt Kevin H. , Cieslik Jillian , Dieleman Catherine M. , Kane Evan S. , Rober Allison R. , Sullivan Barrett , Turetsky Merritt R. 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTTo better understand linkages between hydrology and ecosystem carbon flux in northern aquatic ecosystems, we evaluated the relationship between plant communities, biofilm development, and carbon dioxide (CO2) exchange following long‐term changes in hydrology in an Alaskan fen. We quantified seasonal variation in biofilm composition and CO2 exchange in response to lowered and raised water table position (relative to a control) during years with varying levels of background dissolved organic carbon (DOC). We then used nutrient‐diffusing substrates (NDS) to evaluate cause–effect relationships between changes in plant subsidies (i.e., leachates) and biofilm composition among water table treatments. We found that background DOC concentration determined whether plant subsidies promoted net autotrophy or heterotrophy on NDS. In conditions where background DOC was ≤ 40 mg L−1, plant subsidies promoted an autotrophic biofilm. Conversely, when background DOC concentration was ≥ 50 mg L−1, plant subsidies promoted heterotrophy. Greater light attenuation associated with elevated levels of DOC may have overwhelmed the stimulatory effect of nutrients on autotrophic microbes by constraining photosynthesis while simultaneously allowing heterotrophs to outcompete autotrophs for available nutrients. At the ecosystem level, conditions that favored an autotrophic biofilm resulted in net CO2 uptake among all water table treatments, whereas the site was a net source of CO2 to the atmosphere in conditions that supported greater heterotrophy. Taken together, these findings show that hydrologic history interacts with changes in dominant plant functional groups to alter biofilm composition, which has consequences for ecosystem CO2 exchange.
Australian Parental Leave Policy, Employers' Cognitive Bias, and Mothers' Wages: Penalty or Premium?
Authors: Lee Dongju , Craig Lyn 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTThis paper utilizes a natural experiment created by Australia's first national mandate for paid parental leave in 2011, to investigate employer‐side mechanisms in motherhood wage penalties. Drawing on literature on cognitive bias, we hypothesize that maternity leave taking behaviors could trigger employer discrimination. We test this proposition by comparing whether and how four types of leave‐taking behaviors affect the wage prospects of working mothers. Using fixed effect models with lagged dependent variables and nationally representative panel data, the Household Income and Labor Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) for the period 2005–2019, this study reveals that before the mandate, mothers who had to use unpaid leave due to ineligibility for employer‐funded leave suffered pay penalties. After the mandate, mothers who forwent paid leave received pay premiums. Our study contributes to debates about parental leave policy and gender discrimination in the labor market by indicating that employers interpret contrasting leave taking behaviors differently, and reward employees in accordance with what they believe maternity leave behaviors imply about working mothers' conformity to the “ideal worker” norm.
A Landscape of Toleration: Central Europe in the Early Modern Era
Authors: Ptaszyński Maciej , Schunka Alexander 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTThe question of religious toleration was crucial in the early modern era. Challenging simplistic views of toleration as mere peaceful coexistence, this essay explores its complexities from a historical perspective. It argues that toleration was a deliberate choice demanding effort and served as a flexible political tool in various contexts. Drawing on examples from Brandenburg‐Prussia and Poland‐Lithuania, it shows how toleration shaped political assets and public opinion. This essay introduces the concept of a “toleration landscape” to depict its multifaceted influence on society. Ultimately, it asserts Central Europe's pivotal role in early modern toleration, bridging historical divides between Eastern and Western Europe.
Unexpectedly high variability in determining tumour extent in prostatic biopsies: implications for active surveillance
Authors: Bernhardt Marit , Weinhold Leonie , Bremmer Felix , Chan Emily , Cheng Liang , Collins Katrina , Downes Michelle , Greenland Nancy , Hommerding Oliver , Iczkowski Kenneth A , Jufe Laura , Kreft Tobias , van Leenders Geert , Oxley Jon , Perry‐Keene Joanna , Reis Henning , Schmid Matthias , Tsuzuki Toyonori , Wobker Sara , Wiliamson Sean R , Kweldam Charlotte , Kristiansen Glen 
Published: November 2024

AimsTumour content in prostatic biopsies is an important indicator of prostate cancer volume and patient prognosis. Consequently, guidelines typically recommend reporting it as a percentage or linear length (mm). This study aimed to determine the current practices for reporting tumour content in prostatic biopsies and evaluated the consistency among pathologists in diagnosing 10 standard biopsy cases of prostate cancer to assess interobserver variability.Methods and resultsA web‐based survey gathered data on demographics, experience and attitudes regarding the reporting of prostate cancer and its extent in biopsies. Virtual microscopy allowed analysis of 10 biopsy cases, each consisting of a single slide of prostate cancer. Self‐reports from 304 participants recruited via the International Society of Urological Pathology and the German Society of Pathology were analysed. Most participants (43.4%) reported tumour extent as percentage of the biopsy core, 37.6% reported percentages and mm and 18.3% reported mm exclusively. The methods used to determine percentages showed an unexpected spread of choices, leading to considerable variability in results. Additionally, 40.8% of participants took part in the practical segment of the survey. The reported measures of tumour extent confirmed a notable interobserver variability, which was significantly higher for reported percentages.ConclusionA high rate of interobserver variability in reporting tumour content in prostatic biopsies was found. This matter is especially critical for patients who are candidates for active surveillance. Reporting absolute measures of tumour content has the advantage of lower variability in comparison to percentages.
Impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the HIV care continuum and associated factors in middle‐income countries: A mixed‐methods systematic review
Authors: Ojukwu Emmanuela , Pashaei Ava , Maia Juliana Cunha , Omobhude Oserekpamen Favour , Tawfik Abdulaziz , Nguyen Yvonne 
Published: November 2024

AbstractIntroductionThe HIV care continuum during the COVID‐19 era faced specific challenges. The pandemic, affecting the delivery of HIV care, exacerbated existing healthcare inequities and vulnerabilities in middle‐income countries with limited financial resources. This study aims to set the stage for the systematic review, focusing on the impact of COVID‐19 on HIV care in middle‐income countries with a focus on barriers and facilitators.MethodsA systematic search of relevant literature, including electronic databases and manual assessment of references, was done. The review included quantitative, qualitative and mixed‐methods studies conducted in middle‐income countries, with no age or gender restrictions. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used for reporting the results.ResultsIn the course of our systematic review, a comprehensive examination of the pertinent literature published between 2020 and 2024 yielded a total of 76 studies. This adverse impact was prominently attributed to an amalgamation of factors intrinsically associated with pandemic‐induced restrictions, fear of contracting the COVID‐19 and fear of disclosing HIV status. Moreover, an emergent theme observed in select studies underscored the enduring trend of HIV treatment continuity, which was facilitated by the burgeoning utilization of telemedicine within this context.DiscussionThe pandemic negatively affected income and increased vulnerability to HIV across all phases of the HIV care continuum, except for viral suppression. Prevention measures, such as pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), were compromised, leading to increased risky behaviours and compromised mental health among people living with HIV. HIV testing and diagnosis faced challenges, with reduced access and frequency, particularly among key populations. The pandemic also disrupted linkage and retention in care, especially in urban areas, exacerbating barriers to accessing necessary HIV treatment. Additionally, this review highlights the complex and multifaceted landscape of the pandemic's impact on HIV medical appointments, adherence and treatment engagement, with various barriers identified, including fear of COVID‐19, economic constraints and disruptions in healthcare services.ConclusionsThe coexistence of pandemics has had negative effects on the HIV care continuum, with restrictions on services, an increase in care gaps and a break in the transmission chain in middle‐income countries.
The Role of CSR Report Assurance and ESG Rating in Bank Manager's Judgement on ESG Lending Decisions
Authors: Isack Markus , Aschauer Ewald 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTThe increasing number of ESG‐linked financial instruments demonstrates the need for reliable information on companies' ESG performance, which is a challenge for users. Debates surround the effects of reliability‐enhancing instruments like corporate social responsibility (CSR) report assurance and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) rating services on decisions related to ESG‐linked financial instruments. Using experimental evidence from 156 bank managers, we show that assurance positively impacts ESG‐linked credit lending decisions, with an additional positive impact when a neutral ESG rating is present in conjunction. When ESG performance and ESG rating improve, reasonable assurance can further amplify this positive effect. Additionally, our research indicates that the implementation of a positive ESG rating positively influences ESG‐linked credit lending decisions, irrespective of any assurance factors. These findings have various implications, as they draw attention to the decision‐making relevance of CSR report assurance and ESG ratings, as well as the understanding of assurance levels.