bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Weak reciprocal relationships between productivity and plant biodiversity in managed grasslands
Authors: Andraczek Karl , Dee Laura E. , Weigelt Alexandra , Hinderling Judith , Prati Daniel , Le Provost Gaëtane , Manning Peter , Wirth Christian , van der Plas Fons 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Relationships between plant biodiversity and productivity are highly variable across studies in managed grasslands, partly because of the challenge of accounting for confounding's and reciprocal relationships between biodiversity and productivity in observational data collected at a single point in time. Identifying causal effects in the presence of these challenges requires new analytical approaches and repeated observations to determine the temporal ordering of effects.

Though rarely available, data collected at multiple time points within a growing season can help to disentangle the effects of biodiversity on productivity and vice versa. Here we advance this understanding using seasonal grassland surveys from 150 managed grassland sites repeated over 2 years, along with statistical methods that are relatively new in ecology, that aim to infer causal relationships from observational data. We compare our approach to common methods used in ecology, that is, mixed‐effect models, and to analyses that use observations from only one point in time within the growing seasons.

We find that mixed models overestimated the effect of biodiversity on productivity by two standard errors as compared to our main models, which find no evidence for a strong positive effect. For the effect of productivity on biodiversity we found a negative effect using mixed models which was highly sensitive to the time at which the data was collected within the growing season. In contrast, our main models found no evidence for an effect. Conventional models overestimated the effects between biodiversity and productivity, likely due to confounding variables.

Synthesis. Understanding the biodiversity‐productivity relationships is a focal topic in ecology, but unravelling their reciprocal nature remains challenging. We demonstrate that higher‐resolution longitudinal data along with methods to control for a broader suite of confounding variables can be used to resolve reciprocal relationships. We highlight future data needs and methods that can help us to resolve biodiversity‐productivity relationships, crucial for reconciling a long‐running debate in ecology and ultimately, to understand how biodiversity and ecosystem functioning respond to global change.
Short photoperiod inhibited gonadal growth and elevated hypothalamic Dio3 expression unrelated to promoter DNA methylation in young Brandt's voles
Authors: QIAO Yanting , LI Ning , SONG Ying , LIU Xiaohui , WANG Dawei 
Published: August 2024

AbstractPhotoperiod, the length of daylight, has a significant impact on the physiological characteristics of seasonal breeding animals, including their somatic and gonadal development. In rodents, expression of deiodinase type II (Dio2) and III (Dio3) in the hypothalamus is crucial for responding to photoperiodic signals. However, research on the photoperiodism of hypothalamic gene expression and the corresponding regulatory mechanism in Brandt's voles living in the Mongolian steppes is limited. In this study, we gradually changed day length patterns to simulate spring (increasing long photoperiod, ILP) and autumn (decreasing short photoperiod, DSP). We compared the somatic and gonadal development of voles born under ILP and DSP and the expression patterns of five reproduction‐related genes in the hypothalamus of young voles. The results showed that DSP significantly inhibited somatic and gonadal development in both female and male offspring. Compared with ILP, Dio3 expression was significantly upregulated in the hypothalamus under DSP conditions and remained elevated until postnatal week 8 in both males and females. However, there was no significant difference in the methylation levels of the proximal promoter region of Dio3 between ILP and DSP, suggesting that methylation in the proximal promoter region may not be involved in regulating the expression of Dio3. These findings suggest that hypothalamic expression of Dio3 plays a key role in the photoperiodic regulation of gonadal activity in Brandt's voles. However, it appears that CpGs methylation in the promoter region is not the main mechanism regulating Dio3 expression.
A Comparative Study of Ore‐bearing Dikes and a Barren Dike in the Zaozigou Gold Deposit, Western Qinling: Zircon Morphology, U‐Pb Chronology and Geochemical Constraints
Authors: LIU Jiawang , WANG Shuzhi , WANG Tao , CAO Chong , QIU Junting , XIE Fenquan 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe Zaozigou gold deposit lies south of the Xiahe–Hezuo regional fault zone in the western Qinling orogenic belt and contains many intermediate to felsic dikes. Diorite porphyry, quartz diorite porphyry and biotite diorite porphyry are mineral‐bearing dikes, whereas granite porphyry is unrelated to gold mineralization. To compare the relationship between different dikes and mineralization, this study analyzed the cathodoluminescence (CL) of zircon crystals in all four types of dikes exposed in the Zaozigou deposit, using a zircon typological classification. The formation temperature of the granite porphyry (734°C) was higher than the average temperature of the other three types of dikes (704°C), whereas the former's alkalinity index (395) was lower than the average alkalinity index of the other three dikes (425). The ΣREE amount of granite porphyry (147.18 ppm) was smaller than the average ΣREE amount of the other three dikes (246.80 ppm) and its δEu value (0.33) was larger than the average δEu values of the other three dikes (0.30). The U‐Pb ages of zircon in the four types of dikes were relatively consistent with the crystallization ages of approximately 240 Ma, which indicates that all four types of dikes intruded in the Middle Triassic. Compared to the other three ore‐bearing dikes, the morphology of the zircon crystals in the barren dikes evolved from S13 to S5 and then returned to S13. These results indicate that the barren dike underwent an increase in temperature and a decrease in alkalinity, which may be an important reason for the absence of mineralization.
Incidence rate of chronic kidney disease and its association with long‐term nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug use in ankylosing spondylitis: A nationwide population‐based study
Authors: Hwang Subin , Kim Ye‐Jee , Ahn Soo Min , Koo Bon San 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAimAnkylosing spondylitis (AS) predominantly affects the spine and sacroiliac joints, with rare renal involvement. We investigated the incidence rate and risk factors for chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients with AS and its relationship with long‐term nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID) use.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed data of patients diagnosed with AS from the Korean National Health Insurance service. The 3‐month, 6‐month, and 1‐year Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society (ASAS) NSAID Intake Scores were categorized into four groups, as follows: =0, >0 and ≤33.3, 33.3–66.6, and >66.6.ResultsOf the 12 000 patients with AS, 150 were identified with CKD, and the incidence rate was 4.64 per 10 000 patient‐years. Factors significantly associated with CKD included age ≥60 years, Charlson Comorbidity Index, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus. In the nested case–control analysis, among the ASAS NSAIDs Intake Scores for 0–365 days from diagnosis, the ≥66.6 group had a significantly lower odds ratio than those of the =0 group.ConclusionThe present study established the incidence rate of CKD in Korean patients with AS. Though older age and comorbidities were found to be associated with a higher CKD risk, long‐term NSAID use was associated with a lower risk. Therefore, the optimal use of NSAIDs in inflammatory diseases requires extensive research.
Bond of allegiance? The three lines on Dilmun seals
Authors: Højlund Flemming 
Published: August 2024

AbstractStamp seals of the Dilmun type have kept their characteristic shape and boss decoration of three lines and four dotted circles for several 100 years. Although the carving of the shape of the seal and the design on the obverse normally reveal a confident experience, the cutting of the three lines on the reverse is generally irregular and clumsy. It is suggested that the former was in the hands of a professional seal carver, whereas the latter was carried out by the seal owner, perhaps as a sign of allegiance to the king.
Bed nucleus of the stria terminalis network responses to unpredictable threat in early alcohol abstinence
Authors: Zabik Nicole L. , Flook Elizabeth A. , Feola Brandee , Benningfield Margaret M. , Silveri Marisa M. , Winder Danny G. , Blackford Jennifer Urbano 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundAnxiety during early alcohol abstinence, likely resulting from neural changes caused by chronic alcohol use, contributes to high relapse rates. Studies in rodents show heightened activation during early abstinence in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST)—a neural hub for anxiety—and its extended anxiety‐related corticolimbic network. Despite the clinical importance of early abstinence, few studies investigate the underlying neural mechanisms.MethodsTo address this gap, we investigated brain function in early alcohol abstinence (EA = 20, 9 women) relative to controls (HC = 20, 11 women) using an unpredictable threat task shown to engage the BNST and corticolimbic brain regions involved in anxiety and alcohol use disorder (AUD). Group, anxiety, and sex were predictors used to determine whole‐brain activation and BNST functional connectivity.ResultsWe found widespread interactions of group × anxiety and group × anxiety × sex for both activation and BNST connectivity during unpredictable threat. In the EA group, higher anxiety was correlated with activation in the BNST, rostral anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), insula (men only), and dorsal ACC (men only). In the HC group, higher anxiety was negatively correlated with activation in the BNST, nucleus accumbens, thalamus, and insula (men only). For connectivity, anxiety was positively correlated in EA and negatively correlated in HC, between the BNST and the amygdala, ventromedial prefrontal cortex (PFC), and dorsomedial PFC; EA men showed stronger BNST‐vmPFC connectivity than HC men.ConclusionsThese novel findings provide preliminary evidence for alterations in the BNST and anxiety‐related corticolimbic brain regions in early alcohol abstinence, adding to growing literature in humans supporting the BNST's role in anxiety and sex‐dependent effects of chronic alcohol use.
Media coverage and disclosure of short‐termism tone: Evidence from China
Authors: Ni Yingzhao 
Published: August 2024

AbstractUsing the frequency of short‐term‐oriented words scaled by the frequency of total words in Management Discussions and Analysis (MD&A) texts as the measure for disclosed short‐termism tone, we find in the Chinese A‐share stock market that media coverage induces covered firms to use less short‐termism tone. The effect is more likely to be caused by the tone management in strategic reaction to media coverage. Furthermore, the effect is stronger for firms with poorer corporate governance quality and varies depending on firms' operating conditions. Combined, the findings imply that firms respond to media pressure strategically through short‐termism tone management.
Rapid in‐field diagnostics to detect pyrethroid resistance in the redlegged earth mite, Halotydeus destructor (Trombidiformes: Penthaleidae) (Tucker)
Authors: Umina Paul A. , Cheng Xuan , Jasper Moshe E. , Maino James , Arthur Aston L. , Endersby‐Harshman Nancy M. , Binns Matthew , Hoffmann Ary A. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractPyrethroid resistance in the redlegged earth mite (Halotydeus destructor) continues to be a persistent and expanding problem across the grain belt of Australia, requiring ongoing monitoring to detect emerging local resistance issues. Detection of field resistance in H. destructor currently relies upon the collection and transport of live mites, followed by laborious experiments involving laboratory pesticide bioassays or fairly complex genetic screening assays. Both approaches require trained scientists and are time‐consuming and therefore do not provide rapid feedback to farmers. To facilitate the rapid detection of resistance issues, we developed a novel bioassay that can be readily applied in the field using commercially available materials and without the need for training. Although effective in detecting field resistance, this approach was found to be unsuitable in situations where the resistance allele frequency within a mite population was low. To address this limitation, we developed a loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP)‐based assay. This approach was successful in distinguishing between homozygote (SS) and heterozygote (RS) mites and, therefore, capable of detecting resistance at low frequency. These tools should help in the ongoing real‐time monitoring of resistance in this important agricultural pest.
A novel tetrahedral framework nucleic acid‐derived chemodynamic therapy agent for effective glioblastoma treatment
Authors: Li Xiaodie , Li Lei , Fu Xin , Huang Shiqian , Wang Yuhao , Yang Yuepeng , Zhou Shuqin , Zou Zhaowei , Peng Qing , Zhang Chao 
Published: August 2024

AbstractChemodynamic therapy (CDT) has garnered significant attention for treating diverse malignant tumours due to its minimally invasive nature, reduced damage to healthy tissues, and potential mitigation of side effects. However, its application in glioblastoma (GBM) is hindered by the diminished capacity of CDT agents to traverse the blood–brain barrier (BBB), inadequate tumour targeting efficiency, and restricted availability of H2O2 within the tumour microenvironment (TME). To address these challenges, we devised a novel CDT agent (Fe@tFNAs‐ANG‐3AT) based on a tetrahedral framework nucleic acids (tFNAs). Fe@tFNAs‐ANG‐3AT was constructed by anchoring iron ions (Fe3+) onto the dual appendages‐modified tFNAs. Specifically, one appendage, Angiopep‐2 (ANG, a penetrating peptide), facilitates Fe@tFNAs‐ANG‐3AT penetration across the BBB and selective targeting of tumour cells. Simultaneously, the second appendage, 3‐Amino‐1,2,4‐triazole (3AT, a H2O2 enzyme inhibitor), augments the H2O2 levels required for effective CDT treatment. Upon tumour cell internalization, the loaded Fe3+ in Fe@tFNAs‐ANG‐3AT is reduced to Fe2+ by the overexpressed glutathione (GSH) in the TME, catalysing the generation of cytotoxic hydroxyl radicals (·OH) and inducing tumour cell death via elevated oxidative stress levels within tumour cells. It is anticipated that Fe@tFNAs‐ANG‐3AT holds promise as a transformative treatment strategy for GBM.
Individual peak alpha frequency correlates with visual temporal resolution, but only under specific task conditions
Authors: Haarlem Clinton S. , Mitchell Kevin J. , Jackson Andrew L. , O'Connell Redmond G. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe study of alpha band oscillations in the brain is a popular topic in cognitive neuroscience. A fair amount of research in recent years has focused on the potential role these oscillations may play in the discrete sampling of continuous sensory information. In particular, the question of whether or not peak frequency in the alpha band is linked with the temporal resolution of visual perception is a topic of ongoing debate. Some studies have reported a correlation between the two, whereas others were unable to observe a link. It is unclear whether these conflicting findings are due to differing methodologies and/or low statistical power, or due to the absence of a true relationship. Replication studies are needed to gain better insight into this matter. In the current study, we replicated an experiment published in a 2015 paper by Samaha and Postle. Additionally, we expanded on this study by adding an extra behavioural task, the critical flicker fusion task, to investigate if any links with peak alpha frequency are generalizable across multiple measures for visual temporal resolution. We succeeded in replicating some, but not all of Samaha and Postle's findings. Our partial replication suggests that there may be a link between visual temporal resolution and peak alpha frequency. However, this relationship may be very small and only apparent for specific stimulus parameters. The correlations found in our study did not generalize to other behavioural measures for visual temporal resolution.
Invasion by red imported fire ants depletes soil microarthropod communities in agricultural systems
Authors: Zhang Saichao , Qiao Zhihong , Yao Haifeng , Li Zhipeng , Yan Qibao , Potapov Anton , Sun Xin 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBiological invasion is one of the major challenges to changing ecosystems worldwide. Red fire ants are a prime example of invasive soil animals. However, the impacts of their invasion on the native soil animal communities are still poorly understood. Here, we investigated how the biomass and diversity of soil microarthropods (incl., Collembola and Acari) vary between areas affected by red fire ants at different degrees (i.e., OA, occurrence area, 0–20 m from the nest; PCA, prevention and control area, 20–50 m; POA, potential occurrence area, 50–100 m). We also tested whether the potential effects of ant invasion on other animals are associated with changes in soil properties in the invaded areas. Our results showed a decline of 64% in species richness, 74% in density, and 72% in biomass of microarthropods in OA in comparison with POA. This reduction was mainly driven by the decrease of Acari, while no reduction in Collembola biomass was observed. Despite soil properties being significantly different between ant‐impacted areas, structural equation models indicated that the direct association of invasion with microarthropod communities is stronger than the indirect association mediated by soil properties. Therefore, we consider that direct biological interaction is more likely the major mechanism behind the observed changes in microarthropod communities. The effects of red fire ants were different among taxonomic and functional groups, with litter‐dwelling Collembola, Oribatida, and Mesostigmata (Acari) affected more negatively than soil‐dwelling and surface‐dwelling Collembola. Further, red fire ants affected the turnover component of beta‐diversity (i.e., replacement of species) for both Collembola and Acari. However, the impact on the nestedness component, which is related to species local extinction and population decline, was only detected for Acari. Our study shows that red fire ant invasion is associated with the depletion of soil microarthropod community, and especially highlights that Acari are more vulnerable to this invasion compared to Collembola. The divergent response between different taxonomic and functional groups of microarthropods and the consequent shift in microarthropod communities may have important significance to soil ecological functioning in the impacted areas.
Limits to discretion and automated risk assessments in EU border control: Recognising the political in the technical
Authors: Musco Eklund Amanda 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis article analyses how the automation of border control challenges the rule of law requirement on sufficient limits to discretion by using the idea expressed by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) non‐delegation doctrine that it is possible to make a clear distinction between technically complex assessments and political discretion. To illustrate these challenges, the article uses the examples of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) and the conferral of discretionary powers to EU agency Frontex to establish pre‐determined risk criteria. The article argues that not recognising the inherent political aspects of exercising technical powers leads to insufficient limits to discretionary powers in the context of automated risk assessments. Beyond raising serious rule of law concerns of arbitrary exercise of power, the idea that technical assessments and policy choices can be clearly separated enables ‘algorithmic discretion’ as a new form of administrative discretion.
Decoding Frontex's fragmented accountability mosaic and introducing systemic accountability ‐ System Reset
Authors: Gkliati Mariana 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIn response to widespread human rights violations involving the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex), multiple accountability mechanisms were activated, leading to the resignation of the agency's executive director. Does this mean the current framework can ensure Frontex's overall accountability? Playing with IT metaphors, this article scrutinises Frontex's accountability framework as a whole. It explores a holistic understanding of accountability, which includes judicial and non‐judicial (administrative, democratic, social) accountability mechanisms that can together safeguard the Rule of Law. The article highlights the fragmented and ineffective current accountability framework. It challenges traditional accountability notions and suggests a ‘system reset’, introducing the concept of systemic accountability. Systemic accountability addresses systemic issues underlying consistent rights violations through focused structural solutions. As an accountability model, it can be applied further than Frontex operations to the complex realities of shared administration at external borders, where multiple actors and obscured accountabilities lead to systemic violations.
Datafication of the hotspots in the blind spot of supervisory authorities
Authors: Tas Sarah 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe hotspot approach used to contain asylum seekers at the borders of Europe has been heavily criticized for deplorable conditions and multiple fundamental rights violations. This article dives into an underexplored issue in the hotspots, namely its datafication. It explores the question of the protection of personal data, and analyses whether the supervisory arrangements in place are sufficient to ensure the protection of personal data of individuals at the borders, or whether, as the current European Data Protection Supervisor states it, data protection is too often suspended at European Union borders. While supervision is in place to monitor the hotspots, this contribution shows that it remains limited and that many blind spots exist that fully escape any supervision. These emerge, for example by reasons of the complex legal framework of the hotspots, or of the informal nature of the exchanges of data.
On the notch sensitivity of as‐built Laser Beam Powder Bed–Fused AlSi10Mg specimens subjected to Very High Cycle Fatigue tests at ultrasonic frequency up to 109 cycles
Authors: Tridello Andrea , Boursier Niutta Carlo , Benelli Alessandro , Pagnoncelli Ana Paula , Rossetto Massimo , Berto Filippo , Paolino Davide Salvatore 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe notch effect significantly influences the fatigue response of components and is particularly relevant for parts produced with additive manufacturing (AM) processes, characterized by complex geometries and possible geometric discontinuities inducing local and critical peak stresses. Moreover, the low surface quality, as well as manufacturing defects and residual stresses, interacts with the local peak stress induced by geometric discontinuities, complicating the assessment of the notch effect for AM parts and requiring extensive experimental fatigue investigations. In the present paper, the notch sensitivity of as‐built AlSi10Mg specimens produced with the laser beam powder bed fusion in the Very High Cycle Fatigue regime is investigated. Ultrasonic fatigue tests up to 109 cycles have been carried out on rectangular bars and rectangular bars with a central through‐thickness hole. The notch effect has been found to significantly affect the fatigue response of the investigated AlSi10Mg specimens, with surface defects having a main role and pointing out the influence of the surface quality on the crack formation.