bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Current and past climate co‐shape community‐level plant species richness in the Western Siberian Arctic
Authors: Zemlianskii Vitalii , Brun Philipp , Zimmermann Niklaus E. , Ermokhina Ksenia , Khitun Olga , Koroleva Natalia , Schaepman‐Strub Gabriela 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe Arctic ecosystems and their species are exposed to amplified climate warming and, in some regions, to rapidly developing economic activities. This study assesses, models, and maps the geographic patterns of community‐level plant species richness in the Western Siberian Arctic and estimates the relative impact of environmental and anthropogenic factors driving these patterns. With our study, we aim at contributing toward conservation efforts for Arctic plant diversity in the Western Siberian Arctic. We investigated the relative importance of environmental and anthropogenic predictors of community‐level plant species richness in the Western Siberian Arctic using macroecological models trained with an extensive geobotanical dataset. We included vascular plants, mosses and lichens in our analysis, as non‐vascular plants substantially contribute to species richness and ecosystem functions in the Arctic. We found that the mean community‐level plant species richness in this vast Arctic region does not decrease with increasing latitude. Instead, we identified an increase in species richness from South‐West to North‐East, which can be well explained by environmental factors. We found that paleoclimatic factors exhibit higher explained deviance compared to contemporary climate predictors, potentially indicating a lasting impact of ancient climate on tundra plant species richness. We also show that the existing protected areas cover only a small fraction of the regions with highest species richness. Our results reveal complex spatial patterns of community‐level species richness in the Western Siberian Arctic. We show that climatic factors such as temperature (including paleotemperature) and precipitation are the main drivers of plant species richness in this area, and the role of relief is clearly secondary. We suggest that while community‐level plant species richness is mostly driven by environmental factors, an improved spatial sampling will be needed to robustly and more precisely assess the impact of human activities on community‐level species richness patterns. Our approach and results can be used to design conservation strategies and to investigate drivers of plant species richness in other arctic regions.
White‐tailed deer detection rates increase when coyotes are present
Authors: Clipp Hannah L. , Pesi Sarah M. , Miller Madison L. , Gigliotti Laura C. , Skelly Brett P. , Rota Christopher T. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPredator species can indirectly affect prey species through the cost of anti‐predator behavior responses, which may involve shifts in occupancy, space use, or movement. Quantifying the various strategies implemented by prey species to avoid adverse interactions with predators can lead to a better understanding of potential population‐level repercussions. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine predator–prey interactions by quantifying the effect of predator species presence on detection rates of prey species, using coyotes (Canis latrans) and white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in Central Appalachian forests of the eastern United States as a model predator–prey system. To test two competing hypotheses related to interspecific interactions, we modeled species detections from 319 camera traps with a two‐species occupancy model that incorporated a continuous‐time detection process. We found that white‐tailed deer occupancy was independent of coyote occupancy, but white‐tailed deer were more frequently detectable and had greater detection intensity at sites where coyotes were present, regardless of vegetation‐related covariates. In addition, white‐tailed deer detection rates at sites with coyotes were highest when presumed forage availability was relatively low. These findings suggest that white‐tailed deer may be exhibiting an active avoidance behavioral response to predators by increasing movement rates when coyotes are present in an area, perhaps due to reactive evasive maneuvers and/or proactive attempts to reduce adverse encounters with them. Concurrently, coyotes could be occupying sites with higher white‐tailed deer densities. Because white‐tailed deer did not exhibit significant shifts in daily activity patterns based on coyote occupancy, we further suggest that white‐tailed deer in our study system generally do not use temporal partitioning as their primary strategy for avoiding encounters with coyotes. Overall, our study implements a recently developed analytical approach for modeling multi‐species occupancy from camera traps and provides novel ecological insight into the complex relationships between predator and prey species.
Floral resource partitioning of coexisting bumble bees: Distinguishing species‐, colony‐, and individual‐level effects
Authors: Ye Zhong‐Ming , He Yong‐Deng , Bergamo Pedro J. , Orr Michael C. , Huang Wen , Jin Xiao‐Fang , Lun Han‐Ning , Wang Qing‐Feng , Yang Chun‐Feng 
Published: March 2024

AbstractResource partitioning is considered a key factor in alleviating competitive interactions, enabling coexistence among consumer species. However, most studies have focused on resource partitioning between species, ignoring the potentially critical role of intraspecific variation in resource use. We investigated floral resource partitioning across species, colonies, and individuals in a species‐rich bumblebee community in the diversification center of bumblebees. We used a total of 10,598 bumblebees belonging to 13 species across 5 years in the Hengduan Mountains of southwest China. First, we evaluated the influence of a comprehensive set of floral traits, including both those related to attractiveness (flower color and shape) and rewards (pollen, sugar ratio, nectar volume, sugar concentration, and amino acid content) on resource partitioning at the species level in bumblebee–plant networks. Then, we explored intraspecific resource partitioning on the colony and individual levels. Our results suggest that bumblebee species differ substantially in their use of the available floral resources, and that this mainly depends on flower attractiveness (floral color and shape). Interestingly, we also detected floral resource partitioning at the colony level within all commonest bumblebee species evaluated. In general, floral resource partitioning between bumblebee individuals decreased with species‐ and individual‐level variation in body size (intertegular span). These results suggest that bumblebee species may coexist via the flexibility in their preferences for specific floral traits, which filters up to support the co‐occurrence of high numbers of species and individuals in this global hotspot of species richness.
Impact of a 16‐week strength training program on physical performance, body composition and cardiac remodeling in previously untrained women and men
Authors: Grandperrin Antoine , Ollive Pierre , Kretel Yanis , Maufrais Claire , Nottin Stéphane 
Published: March 2024

AbstractEven if more and more women are involved in strength‐training (ST) programs in fitness centers, studies on strength gain, body composition, and cardiac remodeling were mainly conducted in men and whether they are similar in women remains to be explored. In this context, the aim of our study was to assess the effect of a supervised ST program on strength gains, body composition, and cardiac remodeling in previously untrained women and men. 17 healthy and previously untrained young women and 17 young men participated in a supervised 16‐week ST program built according to the recommendation of the American College of Sports Medicine in terms of intensity, and strictly using similar volume and intensity in both groups. Strength performance, body composition, and cardiac remodeling were evaluated every 4 weeks. Cardiac adaptations were assessed using resting echocardiography, including regional 2D‐Strain analysis of the left atrium and ventricle (LA and LV, respectively). Despite lower values at baseline, women exhibited similar or even higher strength gains compared to men. ST induced a decrease of body and abdominal fat mass and an increase of lean body mass in both groups. Similar cardiac remodeling was observed in women, and women, including an early and progressive LV and LA enlargement throughout the ST program, without any alteration of LV diastolic and systolic functions. These findings underlie that ST programs are highly suitable for women to enhance their strength performance and their cardiovascular health.
The effects of custom‐made mouthguard design on physiological parameters and players' perception in rugby union
Authors: Karaganeva Raya , Tomlinson David J. , Pinner Susan , Taylor Rebecca L. , Burden Adrian , Winwood Keith 
Published: March 2024

AbstractSome sports participants are often reluctant to wear a mouthguard due to issues with comfort, breathing and communication. However, there is limited evidence that investigates the use of custom‐made mouthguards and variations in design as key factors to minimise these issues. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the effect of custom‐made mouthguard design on cardiopulmonary function, exercise performance and perception of comfort in rugby union players. Fourteen rugby players (aged 20.2 ± 1.19 years) were recruited to undertake a rugby‐specific exercise protocol on a treadmill over four conditions (no mouthguard and three custom‐made mouthguard designs). Cardiopulmonary responses were assessed using breath‐by‐breath analysis, in conjunction with blood lactate (BLa) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE). Maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) was assessed before and after the study to identify any changes in players' level of performance. Participants scored each mouthguard in relation to preference, comfort, breathing, protection and retention. There were no differences in oxygen uptake (p = 0.785, = 0.021), ventilation (p = 0.952, = 0.007), respiratory exchange ratio (p = 0.564, = 0.039) and heart rate (p = 0.830, = 0.017), whilst participants performed with the selected custom‐made mouthguards. However, RPE was higher without a mouthguard than whilst using two of the mouthguards during the first 3 min of exercise, in combination with higher BLa accumulation (p ≤ 0.05). Although there was no statistical difference between mouthguard designs in the ratings around comfort, there was a preference towards mouthguards with reduced palatal coverage. Individual preference in design may improve compliance of wearing a mouthguard without affecting physiological parameters.
Online longitudinal monitoring of brain health in former contact sport athletes: A study of acceptability and ethicality
Authors: Boucher Ellen Frances , Grey Michael J. , Hornberger Michael , Hanson Sarah 
Published: March 2024

AbstractRetrospective studies reveal that retired professional football players are at an increased risk of dementia. Prospective, longitudinal evidence in athletes diverse in sex, playing level, age and sport are now needed to understand the link between contact sport and dementia. The SCORES (Screening Cognitive Outcomes after Repetitive head impact Exposure in Sport) project investigates brain health online of former contact and non‐contact sport athletes as they age. Longitudinal study success is dependent on recruitment and retention. Both are influenced by perceived acceptability of participation. The SCORES project also offers regular feedback on assessment performance to participants, which raises ethical challenges. This study was designed to explore acceptability of the SCORES project to improve recruitment, retention and ensure ethicality amongst participants. Eight participants were purposively sampled and interviewed based on Sekhon's theoretical framework for assessing acceptability. Responses were analysed deductively against this framework. Main findings were that promoting altruistic and personal benefits of participation could aid recruitment. Conversely, computer literacy and the possibility of discovering a decline in their brain health was a potential barrier. Participants identified clarity of instructions, regular non‐intrusive researcher contact, low assessment burden, emphasis on participation as voluntary and the promotion of a community as avenues towards improving retention. They identified assessment frustration and challenging assessments as possible reasons for attrition. Participants viewed feedback as both necessary and important and made suggestions for ensuring ethicality. Findings from this study demonstrate how longitudinal online studies of athletes can be improved to aid recruitment, retention and ethicality.
Quantifying coordinative patterns in steady‐state running: The impact of footwear and foot strike on joint coupling variability
Authors: Garofolini Alessandro , Mickle Karen J. , McLaughlin Patrick , Taylor Simon 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIn this study, we aimed to compare and contrast the intralimb coordinative patterns of habitual forefoot strikers (FFS) and rearfoot strikers (RFS) during steady‐state running across three different shoe types: minimalist, neutral and cushioned shoes. To describe these coordinative patterns, we implemented the concept of the ‘preferred movement path’ which represents the movement path that runners naturally select in response to their physical capacity and external environment. We quantified cycle‐to‐cycle consistency (ACC) and within‐trial variance in coordination patterns (SoV) using joint angle data from the ankle and knee for ankle‐knee coupling and from the knee and hip for knee‐hip coupling. Additionally, we calculated the measure of shape difference in joint coupling as the sum of squared distances (SSD) between/within conditions and groups. The percentage of runners who displayed shape differences below certain SSD thresholds was also evaluated. Our findings revealed no significant group or shoe type effect on any of the variability measures (ACC: p = 0.460 for ankle‐knee and p = 0.832 for knee‐hip; SoV: p = 0.345 for ankle‐knee and p = 0.755 for knee‐hip). However, there was a significant (p < 0.001) shape difference observed between the most extreme shoe conditions. Despite this, when runners switched shoes, 70%–90% of them maintained their original coordinative pattern across both joint couplings, indicating a strong adherence to their preferred movement path. This suggests that while shoe type can influence the shape of the coordinative pattern, the inherent movement tendencies of the runners remain largely consistent.
Leukocytes and lactate responses to cycling and running at the same target heart rate
Authors: Kodesh Einat , Law Pearl , Haddad Fadia , Stehli Annamarie , Falk Bareket , Radom‐Aizik Shlomit 
Published: March 2024

AbstractHeart Rate (HR) is widely used for erobic exercise intensity prescriptions and/or studies of exercise training. It is often assumed that exercising at a given HR results in similar physiological response, regardless of exercise modality. This study aimed to gauge cellular immune mobilization to submaximal exercise at a given target HR on a cycle ergometer (CE) and treadmill (TM). Thirteen healthy male adults (23.2 ± 3.5 y.o) completed 4 laboratory visits. Participants performed two graded exercise tests to exhaustion on CE and TM and two 30‐min constant exercise challenges at 70% HR reserve on CE or TM in random order. Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) was recorded every 5 min, and blood was drawn before and after exercise to measure leukocytes subpopulation levels, lactate, and IL‐6. HR was successfully “clamped” during the exercise in CE and TM (CE 156.7 ± 1.1; TM 159.3 ± 1.6 bpm). Cycling was perceived as more strenuous than running and was accompanied by a greater increase in lactate post‐exercise (p < 0.0001; 6.2 ± 0.3 vs. 2.9 ± 0.3 mmol/L). IL‐6 and leukocytes subpopulations were significantly elevated post‐exercise (p < 0.003) with no difference between exercise modalities (monocytes; CE 57.6% TM 61.2%, granulocytes; CE 41.37%, TM 50.1%, lymphocytes; CE 91.03%, TM 78.8%). The findings revealed that HR is not sufficient in and of itself to fully assess the metabolic stress associated with a given exercise modality. However, despite different metabolic and subjective stress, the IL‐6 and leukocyte counts relative changes were similar in the two modalities.
Solid‐contact ion‐selective sensor for the direct determination of procyclidine HCl and application of in‐line dissolution profiling of its tablets
Authors: Gaber Radwa Ahmed , Hassan Nagiba Y. , Ramadan Nesrin K. , Ragab Mona T. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe ability to obtain accurate analytical results without sample pre‐treatment or derivatization is a key element for an eco‐friendly method of analysis. In this work, green electro analytical method was developed and evaluated for the selective determination of the anti‐cholinergic drug Procyclidine Hydrochloride in both pure and dosage forms as well as in dissolution medium without sample pre‐treatment. Firstly, screening of four ionophore‐doped polyvinyl chloride‐based membranes were conducted to detect the one with highest affinity towards the studied drug. Accordingly, calix[4]arene‐doped membrane exhibited the optimum results. Then optimization was carried out by designing screen‐printed and glassy carbon solid‐contact ion‐selective electrodes with multiwall carbon nanotube and graphene nanocomposite as ion to electron transducers. The fabricated screen‐printed sensor with graphene nanocomposite was characterized according to IUPAC recommendations. It acquired the fastest and most stable response, along with thermal stability up to 30 °C. It also displayed a slope of 43.9±0.2 mV/decade in a pH range of 2–5. The proposed sensor successfully obtained a linear range of 1×10−5–1×10−2 M and the theoretical limit of detection was 6.3×10−6 M. Finally, it was used in applications such as in‐line dissolution monitoring and quantification of procyclidine in its dosage form without prior sample pre‐treatment or derivatization steps. Furthermore, the graphene nanocomposite transducer has been imaged by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM).
The impact of air pollution on crude oil futures market
Authors: Yao Ting , Zhang Yue‐Jun 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis study investigates whether and how air pollution can affect the crude oil futures market. The results indicate that, although air pollution does not significantly affect oil returns, it does have a significant negative impact on volatility and liquidity in the crude oil futures market in the presence of pit trading. Furthermore, air pollution near the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) negatively affects both volatility and liquidity, whereas the effect magnitude diminishes as the distance from the NYMEX increases. In general, this study reveals that air pollution affects investors in the crude oil futures market directly through its physical or cognitive impact.
Early ambulation after fibular free flap surgery is associated with reduced length of stay, increased mobility independence, and discharge to home
Authors: McCrary Hilary C. , Dunklebarger Mitchell F. , Fechter Brett J. , Drejet Sarah M. , Monroe Marcus M. , Buchmann Luke O. , Hunt Jason P. , Cannon Richard B. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundFibula free flaps (FFF) are one of the most common bony flaps utilized. This paper describes a quality improvement project aimed at increasing early ambulation.MethodsA review of FFF patients at an academic hospital was completed (2014–2023). In 2018, an institutional change to encourage early ambulation without placement of a boot was made. Changes in hospital disposition and physical therapy outcomes were evaluated.ResultsA total of 168 patients underwent FFF reconstruction. There was a statistically significant lower length of stay in Group 2 (early ambulation, no boot) (8.1 vs. 9.4; p = 0.04). A higher rate of discharge to a skilled nursing facility was noted in Group 1 (delayed ambulation with boot) (21.3% vs. 11.9%; p = 0.009). A higher proportion of patients in Group 2 demonstrated independence during bed mobility, transfers, and gait (p < 0.05).ConclusionsEarly ambulation without boot placement after FFF is associated with decreased length of hospital stay, improved disposition to home and physical therapy outcomes.
Variation in canopy conductance of Cunninghamia lanceolata forest and its response to environmental factors after an extreme rainfall event
Authors: Xing Wanqiu , Cheng You , Yang Lilin , Wang Weiguang 
Published: March 2024

AbstractCanopy conductance (gc) is a crucial parameter in simulating evapotranspiration and modulating water exchange, but its variation mechanism has regional uncertainties and complex environmental co‐controls. In addition, the effect of extreme rainfall on gc cannot be ignored under the changing climate. Here, we investigated the variation and environmental controls on gc and the effect of extreme rainfall events in a Cunninghamia lanceolata forest across the subtropical area of Southern China. In July 2020, an extreme rainstorm hit the source area of the Xin'an River, with the cumulative rainfall on July 7 and 8 reaching 216.6 mm. The thermal diffusion probe method was used to measure the density of sap flow, and the environmental factors such as air temperature (Ta), net solar radiation (Rn) and soil water content (SWC) were monitored during the growing seasons of 2020 and 2021. Ultimately, gc obtained by the Penman‐Monteith equation was adopted since the result from the Köstner equation was overestimated. gc showed a unimodal curve on the diurnal scale, and this characteristic was more obvious after the extreme rainfall. Daily gc appeared a fluctuating pattern with a maximum in summer. gc was simultaneously affected by Ta, Rn, water vapour pressure difference (VPD), SWC, among which Ta was the most significant driving factor at both the diurnal and daily timescales. The regulation of Ta, VPD and SWC on gc had obvious thresholds, and the most definite response mode was VPD (2020: 1.25 kPa; 2021: 0.95 kPa). SWC and Ta were the dominant factors after the rainfall period, and the promotion effect of VPD on post‐rainy days turned to inhibition effect on typical sunny days. These findings will further reveal the water exchange mechanism between atmosphere and vegetation and impacts of environmental factors in subtropical coniferous forests, especially after the extreme rainfall events.