bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Propagating observation errors to enable scalable and rigorous enumeration of plant population abundance with aerial imagery
Authors: Zaiats Andrii , Caughlin T. Trevor , Cruz Jennyffer , Pilliod David S. , Cattau Megan E. , Liu Rongsong , Rachman Richard , Maliha Maisha , Delparte Donna , Clare John D. J. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Estimating and monitoring plant population size is fundamental for ecological research, as well as conservation and restoration programs. High‐resolution imagery has potential to facilitate such estimation and monitoring. However, remotely sensed estimates typically have higher uncertainty than field measurements, risking biased inference on population status.

We present a model that accounts for false negative (missed plants) and false positive (misclassified or double‐counted plants) error in counts from high‐resolution imagery via integration with ground data. We apply it to estimate the abundance of a foundational shrub species in post‐wildfire landscapes in the western United States. In these landscapes, plant recruitment is crucial for ecological recovery but locally patchy, motivating the use of spatially extensive measurements from unoccupied aerial systems (UAS). Integrating >16 ha of UAS imagery with >700 georeferenced field plots, we fit our model to generate insights into the prevalence and drivers of observation errors associated with classification algorithms used to distinguish individual plants, relationships between abundance and landscape context, and to generate spatially explicit maps of shrub abundance.

Raw counts of plant abundance in high‐resolution imagery resulted in substantial false negative and false positive observation errors. The probability of detecting (p) adult plants (0.25 m tall) varied between sites within 0.52 <  < 0.82, whereas the detection of smaller plants (<0.25 m) was lower, 0.03 <  < 0.3. On average, we estimate that 19% of all detected plants were false positive errors, which varied spatially in relation to topographic predictors. Abundance declined toward the interior of previous wildfires and was positively associated with terrain roughness.

Our study demonstrates that integrated models accounting for imperfect detection improve estimates of plant population abundance derived from inherently imperfect UAS imagery. We believe such models will further improve inference on plant population dynamics—relevant to restoration, wildlife habitat and related objectives—and echo previous calls for remote sensing applications to better differentiate between ecological and observational processes.
Election administration harms and ballot design: A study of Florida's 2018 United States Senate race
Authors: Morse Michael , Herron Michael C. , Meredith Marc , Smith Daniel A. , Martinez Michael D. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractWe introduce a typology of election administration harms and apply it to empirically study the consequences of ballot design. Our typology distinguishes between individual, electoral, and systemic harms. Together, it clarifies why ballot design can be a particular vulnerability in election administration. Using both ballot‐level and precinct‐level data, we revisit Florida's 2018 United States Senate race, in which Broward County's ballot design flouted federal guidelines and, according to critics, was pivotal to the outcome. We estimate that Broward's ballot design induced roughly 25,000 voters to undervote in a race determined by about 10,000 votes and that these excess undervotes were concentrated among low‐information voters. Broward's ballot did not, however, affect the outcome of the election. Nonetheless, flawed ballot designs are still concerning in an age of voter distrust. Given the risk that flawed ballots can cause systemic harm, we offer a roadmap for procedural reforms to improve ballot design.
Vitrectomy in Small idiopathic MAcuLar hoLe (SMALL) study: Internal limiting membrane peeling versus no peeling
Authors: Marolo Paola , Caselgrandi Paolo , Fallico Matteo , Parisi Guglielmo , Borrelli Enrico , Ricardi Federico , Gelormini Francesco , Ceroni Luca , Reibaldi Michele ,   SMALL Study Group
Published: October 2024

AbstractPurposeTo compare vitrectomy with and without internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling in small idiopathic macular holes.MethodsRetrospective multicentre study including consecutive eyes with ≤250 μm idiopathic macular hole treated with vitrectomy. The primary outcome was hole closure rate. Best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) change, closure patterns on optical coherence tomography, rates of external limiting membrane (ELM) and ellipsoid zone (EZ) recovery, and rate of complications were also investigated.ResultsIn total, 693 eyes were included. Hole closure rate was 98% in the peeling and 85% in the no‐peeling group (p < 0.001). At 12 months, mean BCVA change was 0.38 ± 0.22 logMAR in the peeling and 0.45 ± 0.21 logMAR in the no‐peeling group (p = 0.02); 66% versus 80% of eyes had a U‐shaped morphology, respectively; EZ recovery rate was 75% and 93%, respectively (p = 0.02). In the no‐peeling group, eyes with a vitreomacular traction (VMT) showed a 96% closure rate, comparable to the peeling group (p = 0.40). The incidence of adverse events was similar except for dissociated optic nerve fibre layer (55% in the peeling vs. 9% in the no‐peeling group, p < 0.001).ConclusionsIn small idiopathic macular holes, ILM peeling provides a higher closure rate compared to no‐peeling; however, if a VMT is present closure rates are comparable. In closed macular holes, the no‐peeling technique provides advantages in terms of visual outcome and anatomical recovery.
Treatment of Subclinical Hyperthyroidism and Incident Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Jay Mohammad , Huan Peter , Cliffe Nikki , Rakoff Jonah , Morris Emily , Kavsak Peter , Luthra Meera , Punthakee Zubin 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTContextTreating overt hyperthyroidism prevents atrial fibrillation (AF). Though subclinical hyperthyroidism (SH) has been associated with AF, it is unknown whether treating SH prevents AF.ObjectiveWe aimed to identify the association between treating SH and incident AF.DesignIn a pharmacoepidemiologic retrospective cohort study, patients diagnosed with SH between 2000 and 2021 were followed.PatientsOutpatients ≥ 18 years with biochemical SH and without prior AF, hypothyroidism, thyroid cancer, pituitary disease, or pregnancy were included.Main OutcomesThe primary outcome was incident AF. Secondary outcomes were ECG and echocardiographic features associated with AF.ResultsOf 2169 patients screened, 360 (131 treated and 229 untreated) were followed up for a mean of 4.27 years. In the treated and untreated groups, AF occurred in 4 (3.1%) and 15 (6.6%) patients (p = 0.15), and AF incidence was 0.8% and 1.4%/year (p = 0.31), respectively. The hazard ratio (HR) for treatment as a time‐dependent variable was 0.60 (95% CI 0.19–1.92; p = 0.39). As some cases of AF were documented nearly simultaneously with SH treatment, a sensitivity analysis was performed reassigning two patients diagnosed with AF < 30 days after starting SH treatment to the untreated group. Here, in the treated and untreated groups, AF occurred in 1.6% and 7.4% (p = 0.02), and AF incidence was 0.4% and 1.8%/year (p = 0.02), respectively. The HR was 0.25 (0.06–1.13; p = 0.07). There were no differences in ECG or echocardiographic features.ConclusionThere was an overall trend towards lower incidence and prevalence of AF following treatment of SH, supporting the need for larger scale studies.
Evaluation of an Algorithmic‐Level Left‐Corner Parsing Account of Surprisal Effects
Authors: Schuler William , Yue Shisen 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis article evaluates the predictions of an algorithmic‐level distributed associative memory model as it introduces, propagates, and resolves ambiguity, and compares it to the predictions of computational‐level parallel parsing models in which ambiguous analyses are accounted separately in discrete distributions. By superposing activation patterns that serve as cues to other activation patterns, the model is able to maintain multiple syntactically complex analyses superposed in a finite working memory, propagate this ambiguity through multiple intervening words, then resolve this ambiguity in a way that produces a measurable predictor that is proportional to the log conditional probability of the disambiguating word given its context, marginalizing over all remaining analyses. The results are indeed consistent in cases of complex structural ambiguity with computational‐level parallel parsing models producing this same probability as a predictor, which have been shown reliably to predict human reading times.
The effect of eccentric arm cycling on muscle damage and injury‐related biomarkers
Authors: Gottschalk Frode , Gennser Mikael , Eiken Ola , Elia Antonis 
Published: October 2024

AbstractPurposeThere is a scarcity of information regarding the effect of upper‐body eccentric exercise on biomarkers of muscle damage. This study sought to investigate the effect of eccentric arm cycling on muscle damage [exercise‐induced muscle damage (EIMD)].MethodTen subjects performed a 15 min eccentric arm cycling protocol (cadence 49 ± 7 rpm, power absorbed 248 ± 34 W). Maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) of the elbow flexors was evaluated at rest and at 5 min, 24 h, and 48 h post‐exercise. In addition, blood samples were drawn at rest and thereafter at 30 min, 24 h, and 48 h intervals after exercise for quantification of creatine kinase (CK), myoglobin, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and endothelin (ET‐1) concentrations. Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) was assessed using a category ratio scale (0–10).ResultsMyoglobin was increased from baseline at 30 min post‐exercise (+114%, 46.08 ± 22.17 µg/L, p = 0.018). Individual peak values were higher than baseline values for CK (+72.8%, 204 ± 138 U/L, p = 0.046) and LDH (+17%, 3.3 ± 0.88 nmole/min/mL, p = 0.017), but not for ET‐1 (+9%, 1.4 ± 0.48 pg/mL, p = 0.45). DOMS was reported at 24 h (median 4) and 48 h (median 4) post‐exercise and MVC of the elbow flexors were reduced from baseline (216 ± 44 N) at 5 min (−34%, 147 ± 61 N, p < 0.001), 24 h (−17%, 181 ± 56 N, p = 0.005) and 48 h (−9%, 191 ± 54 N, p = 0.003).ConclusionEccentric arm cycling incites EIMD with reduced MVC and elevation of myoglobin, CK and LDH.
Elite Dynamics and China's Influence in Latin America
Authors: Bull Benedicte , Rosales Antulio 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTThe rise of China as a trading partner, lender and investor is among the most significant developments in the global political economy over the last two decades. This shift has created important new opportunities for developing countries, but it has also introduced new challenges, with benefits and drawbacks unevenly distributed across different nations. This article argues that understanding the developmental consequences of China's involvement requires studying not only Chinese priorities and modalities but also the interests and strategies of local elites. The development of Latin America has been profoundly influenced by these elite interests, which are shaped by the region's integration into the global economy. Elites may leverage the benefits of the relationship to China to enhance their rent‐seeking capabilities and limit competition, thereby hindering development and perpetuating inequality in Latin America. This argument is examined through the contrasting cases of Chile and Venezuela; while Chile's approach to China has been dominated by private sector elites, Venezuela's approach has been driven by governmental elites. In both cases, integration with China is shaped by and has in turn strengthened interests and strategies of the elites.
Risk Management in Deadly Times: The U.S. Life Insurance Industry in the 1918–9 Influenza Pandemic
Authors: Cortes Gustavo S. , Verdickt Gertjan 
Published: October 2024

AbstractUsing a novel, hand‐collected dataset of U.S. life insurance companies during the influenza pandemic of 1918–9, we show that high‐exposure life insurers charged higher prices on new policies vis‐à‐vis less exposed firms. Although the disease surprisingly increased the mortality rates among younger adults, it also increased awareness of the importance of life insurance. We argue that price increases were a crucial risk management tool. Coupled with a surge in demand and coverage, it prevented further financial distress. Although devastating for public health, the influenza pandemic was not too severe for the life insurance industry.
WONOEP appraisal: The role of glial cells in focal malformations associated with early onset epilepsies
Authors: Cases‐Cunillera Silvia , Quatraccioni Anne , Rossini Laura , Ruffolo Gabriele , Ono Tomonori , Baulac Stéphanie , Auvin Stéphane , O'Brien Terence J. , Henshall David C. , Akman Özlem , Sankar Raman , Galanopoulou Aristea S. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractEpilepsy represents a common neurological disorder in patients with developmental brain lesions, particularly in association with malformations of cortical development and low‐grade glioneuronal tumors. In these diseases, genetic and molecular alterations in neurons are increasingly discovered that can trigger abnormalities in the neuronal network, leading to higher neuronal excitability levels. However, the mechanisms underlying epilepsy cannot rely solely on assessing the neuronal component. Growing evidence has revealed the high degree of complexity underlying epileptogenic processes, in which glial cells emerge as potential modulators of neuronal activity. Understanding the role of glial cells in developmental brain lesions such as malformations of cortical development and low‐grade glioneuronal tumors is crucial due to the high degree of pharmacoresistance characteristic of these lesions. This has prompted research to investigate the role of glial and immune cells in epileptiform activity to find new therapeutic targets that could be used as combinatorial drug therapy. In a special session of the XVI Workshop of the Neurobiology of Epilepsy (WONOEP, Talloires, France, July 2022) organized by the Neurobiology Commission of the International League Against Epilepsy, we discussed the evidence exploring the genetic and molecular mechanisms of glial cells and immune response and their implications in the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental pathologies associated with early life epilepsies.
Involvement of healthcare staff in hospital hygiene during emergency hemodialysis
Authors: El Mahdi Razzok , Imane Machmachi , Adil Maleb , Hassane Mekhfi , Yassamine Bentata 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundHealthcare‐associated infections are still a worrying health problem that complicates patient care and increases morbidity and mortality. The incidence of infections in hemodialysis patients is still high and they constitute the second cause of hospitalization and death in this category.AimsThe study's objective was to evaluate nursing and medical staff's involvement in hospital hygiene.MethodsThis is an observational study that took place within the hemodialysis unit of a Moroccan university hospital from March 2021 to June 2021. A surface swabbing technique for bacteriological examination was also carried out.ResultsThe study revealed some shortcomings regarding hand hygiene which was respected by the nurses in only 17.5% of sessions and in 42.2% by the doctors. Other shortcomings in asepsis measures, were also noted such as the non‐change of gloves after skin preparation (1.03%) and before manual compression. The serological status of patients concerning HBV, HVC, and HIV was also not always known (31.1%). The bacteriological samples from the surfaces also showed colonization of the medical devices and the ultrasound scanner used for the ultrasound‐guided introduction of the central catheters. The results of the study showed some deviations concerning the recommendations; however, they are comparable to other studies conducted internationally, especially in terms of hand hygiene.ConclusionOur study results highlight some shortcomings adherence to hygiene measures like inconsistent disinfection of medical devices and dialysis stations, as well as insufficient hand hygiene practices among some staff members. However, we observed an improvement in practices following the implementation of awareness‐raising sessions. To maintain improved hygiene practices and prevent infections, it is crucial to provide ongoing training for staff, ensure adequate resources, and regularly monitor compliance with hygiene standards.
Determination of osteopontin in monitoring retinal damage in metabolic syndrome
Authors: D'Amico Ramona , Siracusa Rosalba , Cordaro Marika , Fusco Roberta , Interdonato Livia , Franco Gianluca Antonio , Cuzzocrea Salvatore , Di Paola Rosanna , Impellizzeri Daniela 
Published: October 2024

AbstractMetabolic syndrome (MetS) is becoming an increasing public health challenge. Many of the individual components of MetS are associated with ocular changes, but it is not yet clear what the association is. It is known that MetS can lead to diabetes and hence its consequences such as retinopathy. Osteopontin (OPN) is a phosphoglycoprotein that appears to be implicated in diabetic retinopathy. Given the involvement of OPN in retinal damage, the aim of this research was to evaluate OPN expression and its variation over time in a model of MetS induced by 30% fructose consumption for 1, 2 and 3 months. The weight of the animals and the consumption of food and fructose/water were evaluated during the experiment. The results showed a time‐dependent increase in weight and liquid consumption in animals treated with fructose, while there was no significant difference in food consumption. Subsequently, the biochemical parameters confirmed that the animals treated with fructose, over time, underwent alterations like those found in patients with MetS. We then moved on to the evaluation of OPN and microglia. In both cases, we observed a time‐dependent increase in OPN and Iba‐1 in fructose consumption. Furthermore, the results showed a gradual loss of ZO‐1 and occludin levels over time. Thus identification of OPN in patients with MetS could be used as an early marker of retinal damage, and this could help to prevent the complications related to the progression of this pathology.
Enhanced hepatoprotective effects of empagliflozin and vitamin D dual therapy against metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatohepatitis in mice by boosted modulation of metabolic, oxidative stress, and inflammatory pathways
Authors: Farrash Wesam F. , Idris Shakir , Elzubier Mohamed E. , Khidir Elshiekh B. A. , Aslam Akhmed , Mujalli Abdulrahman , Almaimani Riyad A. , Obaid Ahmad A. , El‐Readi Mahmoud Z. , Alobaidy Mohammad A. , Salaka Afnan , Shakoori Afnan M. , Saleh Alaa M. , Minshawi Faisal , Samkari Jamil A. , Alshehre Sallwa M. , Refaat Bassem 
Published: October 2024

AbstractAlthough single treatment with sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) or vitamin D3 (VD3) inhibited metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatohepatitis (MASH) development in diabetic patients, their combination has not been explored previously. Hence, this study investigated the hepatoprotective effects of SGLT2i (empagliflozin) and/or VD3 against MASH in type 2 diabetic mice. Forty Mice were assigned into negative (NC) and positive (PC) controls, SGLT2i, VD3, and SGLT2i + VD3 groups. All animals, except the NC group, received high‐fructose/high‐fat diet (8 weeks) followed by diabetes induction. Diabetic mice then received another cycle of high‐fructose/high‐fat diet (4 weeks) followed by 8 weeks of treatment (five times/week) with SGLT2i (5.1 mg/kg/day) and/or VD3 (410 IU/Kg/day). The PC group demonstrated hyperglycaemia, dyslipidaemia, elevated liver enzymes, and increased non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease activity score (NAS) with fibrosis. Hepatic glucose transporting molecule (SGLT2) with lipogenesis (SREBP‐1/PPARγ), oxidative stress (MDA/H2O2), inflammation (IL1β/IL6/TNF‐α), fibrosis (TGF‐β1/α‐SMA), and apoptosis (TUNEL/Caspase‐3) markers alongside the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway increased in the PC group. Conversely, hepatic insulin‐dependent glucose transporter (GLUT4), lipolytic (PPARα/INSIG1), antioxidant (GSH/GPx1/SOD1/CAT), and anti‐inflammatory (IL‐10) molecules with the inhibitor of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway (PTEN) decreased in the PC group. Whilst SGLT2i monotherapy outperformed VD3, their combination showed the best attenuation of hyperglycaemia, dyslipidaemia, and fibrosis with the strongest modulation of hepatic glucose‐transporting and lipid‐regulatory molecules, PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, and markers of oxidative stress, inflammation, fibrosis, and apoptosis. This study is the first to reveal boosted hepatoprotection for SGLT2i and VD3 co‐therapy against diabetes‐induced MASH, possibly via enhanced metabolic control and modulation of hepatic PI3K/AKT/mTOR, anti‐inflammatory, anti‐oxidative, and anti‐fibrotic pathways.
Prevalence of Autosomal Monosomy and Trisomy Estimated Using Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Genotype Intensity Chip Information in a Large Population of Juvenile Dairy and Beef Cattle
Authors: Ryan Cliona A. , Purfield Deirdre C. , Matthews Daragh , Rathje Claudia , Valldecabres Ainhoa , Berry Donagh P. 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTAneuploidy, a genetic condition characterised by the deletion (monosomy) or duplication (trisomy) of a chromosome, has been extensively studied in humans, particularly in the context of trisomy on chromosome 21, also known as Down syndrome. Research on autosomal aneuploidy in live‐born cattle has been limited to case reports, resulting in a lack of prevalence estimates of aneuploidy in cattle. Furthermore, the viability or lethality of aneuploidy on specific autosomes in cattle has not been well documented. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of autosomal aneuploidy in a large population of new‐born and juvenile beef and dairy cattle using single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) chip genotype intensity data. Of the population of 779,138 cattle genotyped when younger than 15 months of age, 139 cattle (i.e., 0.017%) were diagnosed with one case of autosomal trisomy. Trisomy in only 10 different autosomes were detected (BTA 4, 6, 12, 15, 20, 24, 26, 27, 28 and 29) albeit the one case of trisomy detected on Bos taurus autosome (BTA) 4 was in an additional population of 341,927 cattle that were genotyped at > 15 months of age and was therefore excluded from prevalence estimates to minimise bias. The prevalence of trisomy per chromosome was generally inversely related to the length of the chromosome. Although the number of affected individuals was few, there was no evidence of differences in prevalence by breed, inbreeding level or parental age. The parental origin of the detected cases of trisomy was maternal for 92% of the cases. No cases of monosomy were detected despite the large dataset, which included calves genotyped at birth, indicating the potential lethal nature of monosomy in cattle. Cytogenetic testing was used to verify three of the animals with detected autosomal trisomy who were still alive. Eighteen of the 139 animals identified with autosomal trisomy were recorded as being stillborn, resulting in a prevalence of autosomal aneuploidy in live‐born cattle of 0.015%. Of the 121 live‐born cattle with autosomal trisomy, a total of 68 died on farm at, on average (standard deviation), 6.8 (8.7) months of age. All animals with autosomal trisomy on BTA 6, 12, 15, 20 or 24 were either stillborn or died on farm within 15 days of birth. This study is the first report of trisomy on BTA 4, 6, 15, 20 and 27 in live‐born cattle, as well as the first to document fertile cows with trisomy on BTA 4, 27 or 28. Given that genotype intensity SNP data from SNP‐chips are readily available, identifying animals affected with autosomal aneuploidy as well as quantifying and monitoring the incidence can be easily undertaken.