bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Memory, fear, and manipulated sectarianism: Exploring Christian views and intercommunal dynamics in Al‐Hasakah amidst the Syrian uprising
Authors: Dukhan Haian , Hawat Sinan 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe Syrian uprising and subsequent civil war have been extensively studied with a predominant emphasis on sectarianism between the Sunni and Alawite sects. This narrow focus overlooks the profound influence of other religious and ethnic elements within Syrian society. This article aims to broaden the analytical lens by examining the position and attitudes of Christians in the Al‐Hasakah governorate regarding the Syrian uprising and opposition forces. The article addresses two key inquiries: first, the factors influencing Christians' position in Al‐Hasakah regarding the Syrian uprising, and second, the ramifications of these positions on intercommunal relationships in the region. The paper argues that the collective memory of fear experienced by Christians, manipulated by the Syrian regime, has contributed to the emergence of “sectarianism from below” and “sectarianism from above.” The former reflects the construction of sectarian identities by Christians in response to discrimination and marginalization, while the latter pertains to influential institutions perpetuating sectarian identities and divisions. The findings highlight the complex interplay of factors shaping communal attitudes and relations during times of upheaval and conflict.
Credit risk correlation and the cost of bank loans
Authors: Javadi Siamak , Osah Theophilus 
Published: June 2024

AbstractUsing several approaches to compute firms’ credit risk correlation, we provide robust empirical evidence that lenders charge higher loan spreads to borrowers with higher credit risk correlation. Consistent with the theoretical literature, we find that the credit risk correlation effect is concentrated in investment‐grade firms, driven by tightening lending conditions, and more pronounced for firms with higher rollover risk. We also show that banks whose borrowers have higher average credit risk correlation, have greater default risk themselves. Overall, our results indicate that banks view credit risk correlation as an important risk factor.
Leaf area predicts conspecific spatial aggregation of woody species
Authors: Xi Jingjing , Li Guolin C. , Wang Min , Veresoglou Stavros D. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAimAddressing how woody plant species are distributed in space can reveal inconspicuous drivers that structure plant communities. The spatial structure of conspecifics varies not only at local scales across co‐existing plant species but also at larger biogeographical scales with climatic parameters and habitat properties. The possibility that biogeographical drivers shape the spatial structure of plants, however, has not received sufficient attention.LocationGlobal synthesis.Time Period1997–2022.Major Taxa StudiedWoody angiosperms and conifers.MethodsWe carried out a quantitative synthesis to capture the interplay between local scale and larger scale drivers. We modelled conspecific spatial aggregation as a binary response through logistic models and Ripley's L statistics and the distance at which the point process was least random with mixed effects linear models. Our predictors covered a range of plant traits, climatic predictors and descriptors of the habitat.ResultsWe hypothesized that plant traits, when summarized by local scale predictors, exceed in importance biogeographical drivers in determining the spatial structure of conspecifics across woody systems. This was only the case in relation to the frequency with which we observed aggregated distributions. The probability of observing spatial aggregation and the intensity of it was higher for plant species with large leaves but further depended on climatic parameters and mycorrhiza.Main ConclusionsCompared to climate variables, plant traits perform poorly in explaining the spatial structure of woody plant species, even though leaf area is a decisive plant trait that is related to whether we observe homogenous spatial aggregation and its intensity. Despite the limited variance explained by our models, we found that the spatial structure of woody plants is subject to consistent biogeographical constraints and that these exceed beyond descriptors of individual species, which we captured here through leaf area.
The CRK14 gene encoding a cysteine‐rich receptor‐like kinase is implicated in the regulation of global proliferative arrest in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Imai Sho , Hirozawa Hikaru , Sugahara Shingo , Ishizaki Chisato , Higuchi Mayu , Matsushita Yuma , Suzuki Takamasa , Mochizuki Nobuyoshi , Nagatani Akira , Ueguchi Chiharu 
Published: June 2024

AbstractGlobal proliferative arrest (GPA) is a phenomenon in monocarpic plants in which the activity of all aboveground meristems generally ceases in a nearly coordinated manner after the formation of a certain number of fruits. Despite the fact that GPA is a biologically and agriculturally important event, the underlying molecular mechanisms are not well understood. In this study, we attempted to elucidate the molecular mechanism of GPA regulation by identifying the gene responsible for the Arabidopsis mutant fireworks (fiw), causing an early GPA phenotype. Map‐based cloning revealed that the fiw gene encodes CYSTEIN‐RICH RECEPTOR‐LIKE KINASE 14 (CRK14). Genetic analysis suggested that fiw is a missense, gain‐of‐function allele of CRK14. Since overexpression of the extracellular domain of CRK14 resulted in delayed GPA in the wild‐type background, we concluded that CRK14 is involved in GPA regulation. Analysis of double mutants revealed that fiw acts downstream of or independently of the FRUITFULL‐APETALA2 (AP2)/AP2‐like pathway, which was previously reported as an age‐dependent default pathway in GPA regulation. In addition, fiw is epistatic to clv with respect to GPA control. Furthermore, we found a negative effect on WUSCHEL expression in the fiw mutants. These results thus suggest the existence of a novel CRK14‐dependent signaling pathway involved in GPA regulation.
Metal phosphide poisoning in a disaster‐stricken area. Can early hemodialysis improve outcomes?
Authors: Abdo Najjar , Mohamed Sekkarie , Luyckx Valerie , Mohammad Alabdullah , Rahman Sulaiman Abdu el , Christine Kuhn , Alexander Jetter , Khaled Hajj Nasan , Lina Murad , Oussama Rifai Ahmad , Alasfar Sami , Ahmad AlhajHusain 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundPhosphide metal poisoning results in tens of thousands of fatalities per year worldwide. The mortality in critically ill patients often exceeds 50%. The available treatment is supportive and there is no antidote. Dialysis is recommended to treat advanced complications but has not been prescribed early in the process. In this study we report our experience in using dialysis in the early hours of presentation of the patients and suggest it can favorably improve the prognosis. We also draw attention to the risk of suicide under conditions of chronic conflict such as those in northwestern Syria, and to the lack of necessary mental health support for patients after suicide attempts.MethodsRetrospective review of records of patients poisoned with aluminum phosphide and admitted to critical care facilities in northwestern Syria between July 2022 and June 2023.ResultsDuring the observation period 16 cases were encountered. Suicide was the reason of the poisoning in 15 patients, the median patient age was 18 years and over two thirds of the patients were female. Early dialysis was used in 11 patients who were critically ill and their mortality rate was 18%.ConclusionsPhosphide metal poisoning is common in the disasters stricken area of northwestern Syria. Most cases are suicidal and impact young females. Early dialytic interventions may favorably impact the outcomes.
Appraisal analysis of the vague expressions in academic lectures using English as an academic lingua franca in an EMI university
Authors: Jin Xiaoling 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis study aims to compare how lecturers, also being different English as a lingua franca (ELF) users use various vague expressions in academic lectures in a Chinese English‐medium instruction (EMI) university. The study adopts the framework of appraisal grounded in systemic functional linguistic theory to classify all vague expressions according to intensity, amount, and categorisation. It is found that vagueness in relation to amount with no gradable features was used most frequently in the 12 academic lectures of the study, followed by those related to no‐scaled categorisation and upscaled intensity. The use of vague expressions is further examined from an academic ELF perspective. We discover that native‐speaker lecturers may use more vague expressions concerning amount whereas ELF lecturers may prefer those concerning intensity. Finally, we suggest some pedagogical implications of using vagueness in ELF communication for delivering academic lectures in the EMI university context.
Geopolymers made using organic bases. Part II: Crystallization and physical properties
Authors: Samuel Devon , Kriven Waltraud M. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIt was previously demonstrated that geopolymers can be synthesized using organic bases rather than alkali hydroxides, thereby removing the alkali cations from the composition and allowing other ceramics to be made. This work compared the microstructures of Al2O3·2SiO2 and Al2O3·4SiO2 bodies made using guanidine and tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAOH) with equivalent sodium geopolymers. The guanidine and sodium samples were similar, whereas TMAOH caused a clear difference in structure. Sodium and guanidine geopolymers with overall compositions of 3Al2O3·2SiO2 were also synthesized with the aim of developing a castable route to bulk mullite. The development of crystalline phases was followed by powder x‐ray diffractometry for all of these compositions after thermal treatment at temperatures up to 1600°C. The microstructures after firing at 1600°C were examined by scanning electron microscopy. When heated, the Al2O3·2SiO2 and Al2O3·4SiO2 compositions transformed from amorphous phases into a mixture of fine, needle‐shaped, mullite crystals and amorphous silica, while 3Al2O3·2SiO2 compositions became entirely mullite, with the shape of the mullite crystals being dependent on the type of precursors used. All samples exhibited substantial amounts of porosity, which could be reduced with improved processing techniques. This work demonstrated that alumina‐rich guanidine geopolymers are a potential route to casting bulk mullite bodies.
‘Key skills’ building in schools as a possible approach to reducing and preventing challenging behaviour
Authors: Armstrong Heather , McDowell Claire , Leavey Gerard , Denne Louise D. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundBuilding ‘key skills’ may help prevent the development of challenging behaviour in children with an intellectual disability. The aim of this paper was to extend the current limited evidence in this area.MethodWe undertook two studies with children with an intellectual disability in school settings: (1) a cross‐sectional replication study exploring the relationship between ‘key skills’ and challenging behaviour. (2) a longitudinal study follow‐up exploring change in ‘key skill’ levels and challenging behaviour.ResultsThe replication study recruited 74 participants, those scoring lowest in ‘key skill’ had a 94% chance of having challenging behaviour; those with the highest scores had a 6% chance.The follow‐up study recruited 39 participants, we found a significant increase in children's ‘key skill’ level (p < .001) and a decrease in their challenging behaviour (p = .046).ConclusionBuilding ‘key skills’ in children with an intellectual disability may help reduce or prevent challenging behaviour.
Exploring the implementation of COVID‐19 infection control guidance in congregate living settings supporting those with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Authors: Rianto Michelle , Freeman Matthew , Di Rezze Briano 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe COVID‐19 pandemic has put the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) at risk, including those residing in congregate living settings. This study aimed to explore the experiences of congregate living agencies supporting individuals with IDD when implementing infection control guidance during the COVID‐19 pandemic for the purpose of identifying recommendations for future implementation. Interpretive description was the methodological approach used for this qualitative study. Data were collected through a semi‐structured focus group with administrative personnel from developmental services (DS) congregate living agencies supporting adults with IDD in Ontario, Canada. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Our findings identified successes and challenges related to the implementation of infection control guidelines in practice, as well as strategies used during the implementation of guidelines. Five main themes were identified—Communication, Collaboration, Finding and Managing Resources, Agency Capacity, and Future Considerations. Effective communication and collaboration within agencies, as well as between agencies and local public health units or governing ministries, led to the successful implementation of infection control guidance. Prior experience with pandemics, as well as managers with knowledge of infectious disease and infection control, was crucial in interpreting and implementing COVID‐19 infection control guidance. DS agencies experienced successes and challenges when implementing infection control guidelines. The needs of DS agencies and individuals with IDD should be prioritized when developing infection control guidance to ensure that implementation is feasible and appropriate for congregate living settings and the population supported.
Pharmacokinetics of nalbuphine administered intravenously and subcutaneously in goats (Capra aegagrus hircus)
Authors: Garcia Jessica D. , Smith Joe S. , Minich David , Hopson Makenna , Rahn Rebecca , Hampton Chiara , Graves Meggan , Bussières Geneviève , Mulon Pierre‐Yves , Ebner Lisa S. , Cox Sherry 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetics (PK) of intravenously (IV) and subcutaneously (SC) administered nalbuphine in domestic goats. Nalbuphine hydrochloride was administered at 0.8 mg/kg for both IV and SC routes in six goats with a minimum of 10‐day washout period between sample collection phases. Eighteen plasma samples were collected over a 36‐hour period, analyzed using reverse phase high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Plasma data were analyzed using compartmental and noncompartmental approaches. Following IV nalbuphine administration, elimination half‐life, area under the plasma concentration time curve from time 0 to infinity (AUC0 − ∞), concentration at time zero (C0), and total body clearance were 120.4 ± 39.1 (min−1 ± SD), 17311.01 ± 7227.32 (min·ng·mL−1 ± SD), 675.6 ± 337.13 (ng·mL−1 ± SD), and 44.5 ± 13.8 (mL·min−1·kg−1 ± SD), respectively. After SC nalbuphine administration, elimination half‐life, area under the plasma concentration time curve from time 0 to infinity (AUC0 − ∞), and maximum plasma drug concentration were 129 ± 52.9 (min−1 ± SD), 20826.5 ± 14376.2 (min·ng·mL−1), and 368.03 ± 503.78 (ng·mL−1). Calculated bioavailability for the SC route was 138 ± 126 (% ± SD). Nalbuphine in goats is characterized by rapid elimination and high subcutaneous bioavailability and may be a safe analgesic opioid option in goats in the future.
Pemphigus oral lesions area index (POLAI): A new scoring scale for assessing oral pemphigus vulgaris
Authors: Wang Fei , Zhang Xuefeng , Yao Yihuan , Wang Jiongke , Shi Yujie , Liu Tiannan , Xu Hao , Zhou Yu , Dan Hongxia , Zeng Xin 
Published: June 2024

AbstractObjectivesCurrent scales for Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) do not adequately represent the clinical variability of oral lesions. This study aimed to develop an independent scale, the Pemphigus Oral Lesions Area Index (POLAI), for assessment of oral PV exclusively, and compare POLAI, Pemphigus Disease Area Index (PDAI), Autoimmune Bullous Skin Disorder Intensity Score (ABSIS) and Oral Disease Severity Score (ODSS) regarding inter‐ and intra‐observer reliability and validity.Materials and MethodsRetrospective cohort included 209 sets of digital‐photographs. Additional clinical cohort included 32 PV patients. All visits were assessed by four clinicians using the PDAI, ABSIS, ODSS and POLAI, and were rated by three specialists using the Physician's Global Assessment (PGA).ResultsThe intraclass correlation coefficient showed the inter‐observer reliability with 0.89 and 0.86 for PDAI, 0.87 for ABSIS, 0.93 for ODSS, 0.96 for POLAI, and 0.97 and 0.96 for PGA. Intra‐observer agreements showed excellent reliability for all 4 scores. Highest correlation was observed between PGA and POLAI (correlation coefficients were 0.96). The mean time taken to complete each scale was within 1.5 min.ConclusionPOLAI is valid for the assessment of oral PV with superior inter‐ and intra‐observer reliability to PDAI, ABSIS and ODSS, and is feasible in clinic.
Negative excess oral and pharyngeal cancer mortality in Europe during the early pandemic years
Authors: Petti Stefano 
Published: June 2024

AbstractObjectiveThe COVID‐19 pandemic had direct and indirect effects on oral and pharyngeal cancer (OPC) mortality due to high COVID‐19 mortality risk among cancer patients, and to the COVID‐19 response that caused treatment delays and reduced routine visits. This study investigated the excess OPC mortality in Europe during the early pandemic years.MethodsMortality and population data were gathered from the Eurostat database. The 2011–2019 mortality rates were used to estimate the 2020–2021 expected rates through joinpoint trend analysis. The excess mortality rates (observed minus expected mortality) with 95% confidence intervals (95 CIs) were assessed.ResultsStatistically significant negative excess age‐standardized and crude (age strata <65 and ≥65 years) OPC mortality rates in males and females, in the European Union (EU, 27 countries) and Europe were reported. The estimated OPC missing deaths in EU were 831 (95 CI, 630–985) and 1240 (95 CI, 1039–1394) in 2020 and 2021, respectively, with differences between sexes, age strata, and countries. The OPC deaths in the EU and Europe were 3.6% and 3.5% lower than expected.ConclusionMissing OPC deaths reported in Europe in 2020–2021 could be explained by changes in death certification of OPC patients who developed COVID‐19, rather than a real OPC mortality decline.
Peacemaking past & present: A syllabus
Authors: Clinton Michael 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis article discusses a seminar‐style course on peace history offered as an option in the general education program at Gwynedd Mercy University since the Spring 2020 semester. After describing the context that led to the development of the course, it outlines features of the course syllabus, such as course topics, assignments, and resources. It offers specific suggestions for reading material and other content, discussion threads, in‐class activities, options for short essays, and research paper topics. Instructors may find the syllabus helpful as a catalyst for developing ideas for their own course emphasizing peace as a theme in history or as a source for topics about peace to include piecemeal in syllabi in survey and other courses.
Short‐term fire exclusion affects germination and seed traits in tropical savannas
Authors: Zirondi H. L. , Ooi M. K. J. , Fidelis A. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

In fire‐prone ecosystems, plant traits are influenced by the fire regime, thus reproduction and establishment can be altered by this disturbance. Changes in fire frequency and history can therefore influence seed and germination traits.
We investigated the effects of short‐term fire exclusion on seed and germination traits of species from tropical open savannas. Seeds from 27 species were collected from two areas with distinct fire histories: recently and frequently burned (RB) or unburned for 5 to 7 years (E). Seeds from both areas underwent germination trials under optimal conditions for 30 days. Also, 10 species were exposed to high temperature treatments (100 or 200 °C) and seed and germination traits measured. Comparisons were then made for each trait, analysing each species separately, between the two areas.
Approximately 85% of species studied had at least one of their germination traits altered in the RB area compared to the E area. Clear differences included lower viability and faster germination in seeds from RB areas. Seed traits of 70% of measured species differed between the two areas.
Our results show species‐specific trait response to different fire histories. For example, faster germination and lower viability of seeds from RB plots suggest selection for faster maturing individuals and differences in resourcing, respectively, under a regime of frequent fire. This study provides insights into fire effects on regeneration responses of tropical savanna species and also points to the need for more studies evaluating the effects of fire history on seed traits.
Contemporary Concise Review 2023: Asthma
Authors: Politis John , Bardin Philip G. , Leong Paul 
Published: June 2024

SUMMARY OF KEY POINTS
Asthma research and management needs to meet the priorities of the end user—patients, carers and clinicians.
A better understanding of the natural history of asthma and the progression of disease has highlighted the importance of early identification of patients with asthma and the potential role of early intervention.
Management of mild asthma requires a consistent approach with the same detail and consideration used when managing severe disease.
Evidence around treatable traits approaches continues to evolve, supporting the role of a personalized medicine in asthma.
Oral corticosteroid (OCS) stewardship continues to be an urgent issue in asthma management. Strategies to taper OCS doses and the implementation of biologic therapies for their steroid sparing benefits will be important steps to address this problem.
The concept of remission in asthma provides an ambitious target and treatment outcome.
Computed tomographic angiography of a presumed acquired transhepatic portosystemic shunt in a miniature horse filly
Authors: Iranmanesh Maryam , Sato Amy F. , Tenney Wade , Brinker Emily J. , Cortez Keaton , Mazan Melissa 
Published: June 2024

AbstractA 1‐year‐old Miniature Horse filly was presented for chronic lethargy and hyporexia. Elevated liver enzymes, bile acids, and ammonia were noted on bloodwork. The primary differential diagnosis was a portosystemic shunt (PSS). Three‐phase computed tomographic angiography findings were consistent with a transhepatic portosystemic shunt. Percutaneous liver biopsy confirmed severe diffuse hepatic changes, most likely due to chronic pyrrolizidine alkaloid toxicosis, and medical management was elected. Based on an extensive literature review, this is the first report of a transhepatic portosystemic collateral vessel in a horse. Computed tomographic angiography is feasible and useful for the diagnosis of PSS in miniature horses.