bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Incomplete recovery of tree community composition and rare species after 120 years of tropical forest succession in Panama
Authors: Elsy Alexander D. , Pfeifer Marion , Jones Isabel L. , DeWalt Saara J. , Lopez Omar R. , Dent Daisy H. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractDetermining how fully tropical forests regenerating on abandoned land recover characteristics of old‐growth forests is increasingly important for understanding their role in conserving rare species and maintaining ecosystem services. Despite this, our understanding of forest structure and community composition recovery throughout succession is incomplete, as many tropical chronosequences do not extend beyond the first 50 years of succession. Here, we examined trajectories of forest recovery across eight 1‐hectare plots in middle and later stages of forest succession (40–120 years) and five 1‐hectare old‐growth plots, in the Barro Colorado Nature Monument (BCNM), Panama. We first verified that forest age had a greater effect than edaphic or topographic variation on forest structure, diversity and composition and then corroborated results from smaller plots censused 20 years previously. Tree species diversity (but not species richness) and forest structure had fully recovered to old‐growth levels by 40 and 90 years, respectively. However, rare species were missing, and old‐growth specialists were in low abundance, in the mid‐ and late secondary forest plots, leading to incomplete recovery of species composition even by 120 years into succession. We also found evidence that dominance early in succession by a long‐lived pioneer led to altered forest structure and delayed recovery of species diversity and composition well past a century after land abandonment. Our results illustrate the critical importance of old‐growth and old secondary forests for biodiversity conservation, given that recovery of community composition may take several centuries, particularly when a long‐lived pioneer dominates in early succession.Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.
Bank ownership and firm performance
Authors: Chakraborty Pavel 
Published: October 2023

AbstractDoes a bank's ownership matter for the performance of a firm to which it is connected, especially in the event of a crisis? I study this question through the effect of the 2008–9 crisis on Indian manufacturing firms to provide evidence on a new channel that can matter significantly for a firm's performance—bank ownership. I find that firms connected to private (domestic and foreign) banks earned around 10% and 25% less from sales and exports, respectively, during the crisis, as compared to firms having banking relationships with public‐sector banks. This happened as private banks were affected differentially in terms of credit supply from the Central Bank and withdrawal of deposits. Firms connected to private banks also laid off more workers, and imported fewer capital goods. Finally, these effects are significant across the size distribution of the firms (except the smallest firms), for firms producing intermediates, and about 40% less for firms that belong to a business group.
Ruxolitinib in patients with polycythemia vera resistant and/or intolerant to hydroxyurea: European observational study
Authors: Theocharides Alexandre , Gisslinger Heinz , De Stefano Valerio , Accurso Vincenzo , Iurlo Alessandra , Devos Timothy , Egyed Miklos , Lippert Eric , Delgado Regina Garcia , Cantoni Nathan , Dahm Anders E. A. , Sotiropoulos Damianos , Houtsma Erik , Smyth Aoife , Iqbal Amir , Di Matteo Paola , Zuurman Mike , te Boekhorst Peter A. W. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundHydroxyurea (HU) is a commonly used first‐line treatment in patients with polycythemia vera (PV). However, approximately 15%–24% of PV patients report intolerance and resistance to HU.MethodsThis phase IV, European, real‐world, observational study assessed the efficacy and safety of ruxolitinib in PV patients who were resistant and/or intolerant to HU, with a 24‐month follow‐up. The primary objective was to describe the profile and disease burden of PV patients.ResultsIn the 350 enrolled patients, 70% were >60 years old. Most patients (59.4%) had received ≥1 phlebotomy in the 12 months prior to the first dose of ruxolitinib. Overall, 68.2% of patients achieved hematocrit control with 92.3% patients having hematocrit <45% and 35.4% achieved hematologic remission at month 24. 85.1% of patients had no phlebotomies during the study. Treatment‐related adverse events were reported in 54.3% of patients and the most common event was anemia (22.6%). Of the 10 reported deaths, two were suspected to be study drug‐related.ConclusionThis study demonstrates that ruxolitinib treatment in PV maintains durable hematocrit control with a decrease in the number of phlebotomies in the majority of patients and was generally well tolerated.
Potential mechanisms of soil nitrogen content heterogeneity associated with biocrust development in drylands
Authors: Wu Li , Rossi Federico , Lan Shubin 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBiological soil crusts (biocrusts) are complex communities of micro‐ and macro‐organisms dwelling at the soil surface in dryland regions worldwide, which contribute to important ecological functions in these areas. Biocrusts may reach different developmental stages, associated to autogenic succession of specific phototrophic organisms. However, notwithstanding the large amount of existing literature, little is known regarding the relationship between biocrust stages of development and soil nutrient dynamics. In this opinion paper, we specifically focused on soil nitrogen, and compared the total nitrogen content and potential nitrogenase activity of different developmental types of biocrust (‐covered) soils. Based on published reports, we looked at a possible relationship between nitrogen content at the soil surface and biocrust development, discussing the potential mechanisms leading to the observed soil nitrogen content heterogeneity. The results showed that a higher nitrogen content remained associated to the presence of moss‐dominated biocrusts, and this biocrust morphotype was characterized by a lower potential nitrogenase activity compared to the cyanobacteria‐ and/or lichen‐dominated biocrusts. We hypothesized that these seemingly contradictory findings might be attributed to three potential mechanisms: nitrogen inheritance, nutrient retention and nutrient transfer, which we hereby examined one by one. Altogether, our opinion supports the theory of biocrust succession from incipient cyanobacteria‐dominated stages to more ‘mature’ stages dominated by mosses. We stress how the heterogeneous distribution of soil nitrogen, which is closely related with biocrust development and community types, eventually affects regional and even global nitrogen dynamic and storage.
Multi‐aspect permutation tests for model selection
Authors: Barzizza Elena , Biasetton Nicolò , Ceccato Riccardo 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIn typical machine learning frameworks, model selection is of fundamental importance: commonly, multiple models have to be trained and compared in order to identify the one with the best predictive performances. The aim of this study is to provide a new tool to improve the model selection process, allowing the user to identify the algorithm which significantly outperforms the other candidates. It proposes a robust model selection procedure based on a multi‐aspect permutation test which makes it possible to detect differences in both location and variability between two paired samples of prediction errors. A new extension of the nonparametric combination (NPC) methodology is therefore introduced and is integrated with an appropriate ranking procedure in order to deal with the comparison of candidate models. A simulation study is conducted to evaluate the performances of this testing procedure in 2‐sample and ‐sample problems, by generating data from various well‐known distributions and simulating several possible null and alternative scenarios. The adoption of the proposed technique in machine learning model selection problems is then discussed by means of multiple real data applications. These applications confirm what emerges from the simulation study: the introduced NPC‐based approach performs well under several different scenarios and represents a valuable tool for robust machine learning model selection.
WegFormer: Transformers for weakly supervised semantic segmentation
Authors: Liu Chunmeng , Li Guangyao 
Published: October 2023

AbstractAlthough convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have achieved remarkable progress in weakly supervised semantic segmentation (WSSS), there are still deficiencies of object incompleteness due to the lack of receptive field and insufficient utilization of global context information of CNN. Based on the above observations, we propose a simple and effective method, WegFormer. Specifically, WegFormer captures the global context information with the Vision Transformer (ViT) as the classification network and is equipped with Deep Taylor Decomposition (DTD) principle and Soft Erase (SE) module to generate more integral pseudo labels and smooth further. However, we observe that although the generated pseudo‐labels are more complete, they intrude into the background region, that is, background incompleteness problem. The Efficient Potential Object Mining (EPOM) module we propose solves this problem well. Extensive experiments on the challenging PASCAL VOC 2012 and MS COCO 2014 demonstrate the effectiveness of WegFormer, where superior results of and are obtained on the PASCAL VOC 2012 and MS COCO 2014 validation sets, respectively.
Triacylglycerol, total fatty acid, and biomass accumulation of metabolically engineered energycane grown under field conditions confirms its potential as feedstock for drop‐in fuel production
Authors: Cao Viet Dang , Kannan Baskaran , Luo Guangbin , Liu Hui , Shanklin John , Altpeter Fredy 
Published: October 2023

AbstractMetabolic engineering for hyperaccumulation of lipids in vegetative tissues of high biomass crops promises a step change in oil yields for the production of advanced biofuels. Energycane is the ideal feedstock for this approach due to its exceptional biomass production and persistence under marginal conditions. Here, we evaluated metabolically engineered energycane with constitutive expression of the lipogenic factors WRINKLED1 (WRI1), DIACYLGLYCEROL ACYLTRANSFERASE1 (DGAT1), and OLEOSIN1 (OLE1) for the accumulation of triacylglycerol (TAG), total fatty acid (TFA), and biomass under field conditions at the University of Florida‐IFAS experiment station near Citra, Florida. TAG and TFA accumulation were highest in leaves (up to 9.9% and 12.9% of DW, respectively), followed by juice from crushed stems, stems, and roots. TAG and TFA accumulation increased up to harvest time and correlated highest with OLE1 and DGAT1 expression. Biomass dry weight, TAG, and TFA content differed greatly depending on DGAT1 and OLE1 expression in transgenic lines with similar WRI1 expression. Biomass did not significantly differ between WT and line L2 with DAGT1 and OLE1 expressed at low levels and TAG and TFA accumulating to 12‐ and 1.6‐fold that of WT leaves, respectively. In contrast, line L13, with intron‐mediated enhancement of DGAT1 expression, displayed a 245‐ to 330‐fold increase in TAG and a 4.75‐ to 6.45‐fold increase in TFA content compared with WT leaves and a biomass reduction of 52%. These results provide the basis for developing novel feedstocks for expanding plant lipid production and point to new prospects for advanced biofuels.
Perceptual ratings of pronunciation for L2 learners of English as a function of task type, word position, and listener expertise
Authors: Nissen Shawn L. , Kemmey Rachel , Hartshorn K. James 
Published: October 2023

AbstractSecond language (L2) learners of English must learn to produce English phonemes, words, and sentences. These L2 learners make many errors when learning English; they may change the place or manner of articulation, insert vowels, or delete consonants. Obstruent sounds, such as fricatives, affricates, and stops, can be especially difficult for L2 learners. This study analyzed native English speakers’ perception of the quality of obstruents produced by native Mandarin Chinese and Korean speakers. Target words containing obstruents had been produced in three different tasks: in a carrier phrase, in a paragraph, and in a spontaneous speech sample. Obstruents were produced in word‐initial position and word‐final position. Raters with differing levels of expertise listened to these words and rated the perceptual quality of the obstruents within the words. This study found that overall, English obstruent productions by native Mandarin and Korean L2 speakers learning English were rated most clear when produced in word‐initial position in a carrier phrase or a paragraph. The lowest ratings given were of obstruents in word‐final position in spontaneous speech. No significant differences were found for listener expertise level. Combined with future research, results from this study will help educate the field of second language instruction as to how the speech of Korean and Mandarin learners of English is perceived. It also provides additional information on the effect that listener expertise has on the judgment of L2 speech production.
Criminalizing mobilities: Exit restrictions in post‐Soviet Central Asia
Authors: Turaeva Rano 
Published: October 2023

AbstractPost‐Soviet authoritarianisms have seen many faces where mobilities skyrocked (tens of millions of migrants in Russia from Central Asia) and economies collapsed. Mobilities and freedom of mobility became number one topic of political agendas of many post‐Soviet countries. Mobilities have been administered, organized, restricted and criminalized to address increased outmigration from Central Asia. Such counties as Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan (also Belorussia) introduced exit restrictions for their nationals to have a better control of their citizens and their migration plans. By now only Uzbekistan and Tajikistan abolished this system more or less only recently, whereas Turkmenistan follows a strict version of controlling mobility of its citizens both in the country and abroad. The paper is based on a decade anthropological research in the region since 2005. The paper includes a case study of Turkmen students studying outside of Turkmenistan and experiences of Uzbek nationals living abroad (before 2021). Besides ethnographic material detailing the experiences of migrants exiting Central Asia and living abroad, the paper offers an overview of the legal and political background on exit regulations.
Navigating changes: A qualitative study exploring the health‐related quality of life of breast cancer survivors during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic
Authors: Yip Ka‐Huen , Yip Yuk‐Chiu , Tsui Wai‐King , Chan Chun‐Sze Angela , Mo Yuen‐Han , Smith Graeme Drummond 
Published: October 2023

AbstractAimsTo explore the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on the health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) of breast cancer survivors.DesignWe utilized a qualitative descriptive approach to facilitate interviews among 25 participants, all of whom are survivors of breast cancer and have received treatment in Hong Kong within the preceding 3 years.MethodsContent analysis was performed to understand how patients' HRQoL views and experiences changed during coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.ResultsThe results included six themes delineating the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic: (i) survivor sensitivities in pandemic times, (ii) coping and conditioning in pandemic times, (iii) transforming work and home dynamics in pandemic times, (iv) cognitive resilience and adaptation to the COVID‐19 protective measures, (v) social resilience in pandemic times and (vi) healthcare adaptation and coping in pandemic times.ConclusionThis study provides insights into the experiences and challenges of breast cancer survivors during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Some survivors had new physical and psychological symptoms, including fear and anxiety, isolation, pain, lymphoedema and burnout, which potentially have long‐term impact upon HRQoL.Implications for the profession and/or patient careThis study highlights the unique challenges faced by breast cancer survivors during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, including accessing healthcare services and the impact of social isolation. Healthcare providers should consider the holistic needs of breast cancer survivors in the provision of health care and develop supportive interventions, including telehealth services and online support groups, to address these challenges and improve their HRQoL.ImpactSurgery aimed at treating breast cancer or reducing its risk generally influences the appearance of breast areas and donor sites. The continuing effects of these changes on body image and HRQoL are well‐reported, although studies have ineffectively examined the initial experiences of women regarding their postoperative appearance, particularly during the pandemic.Reporting methodThe checklist of consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) was utilized.Patient or public contributionA small selection on breast cancer survivors contributed to the design of this study, in particular the content of the semi‐structured interviews.
Effects of positive behaviour support delivered by direct staff on challenging behaviours and quality of life of adults with intellectual disabilities: A multicentre cluster‐controlled trial
Authors: Bruinsma Eke , van den Hoofdakker Barbara J. , Hoekstra Pieter J. , de Kuijper Gerda M. , de Bildt Annelies A. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundEffects of staff provided positive behaviour support (PBS) for individuals with intellectual disabilities are unclear.MethodUsing a multicentre non‐randomised cluster controlled design, 26 teams of residential group homes, including 245 staff members of 167 individuals with intellectual disabilities, were allocated to a PBS or control group. Conducting multilevel analyses (n = 123) we examined individuals' changes in irritability, other challenging behaviours and quality of life.ResultsCompared to controls, irritability did not significantly decrease more in the intervention group, but lethargic behaviours did. Personal development and self‐determination significantly increased. Irritability of individuals in the PBS group with higher levels of irritability or lower levels of intellectual disability significantly reduced more compared to controls.ConclusionsPBS was effective in reducing irritability of individuals with severe levels of irritability or intellectual disabilities. Moreover, PBS decreased lethargic behaviours and improved several domains of quality of life.
Microhymenoptera in roadside verges and the potential of arthropod‐friendly mowing for their preservation
Authors: Haas‐Renninger Maura , Weber Justus , Felske Isabel , Kimmich Thomas , Csader Michael , Betz Oliver , Krogmann Lars , Steidle Johannes L. M. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe worldwide decline of insects is one of the major challenges for humankind. One of its main drivers is intensive farming, which reduces habitats and food resources for insect populations and causes direct mortality by pesticides. In addition, mowing of grassland poses another threat to insects, especially when it is done frequently, such as in roadside verges. Roadside verges comprise large areas worldwide and can serve as habitats for animals and plants and as corridors to connect populations when they are maintained ecologically, for example when mowing is done arthropod‐friendly and with low frequency. Microhymenoptera are highly diverse, mostly show a parasitoid lifestyle and occur in large numbers in meadows and grasslands. Although they have an important ecological function in regulating their arthropod host populations, they were mostly neglected in studies on the influence of mowing on insects. Therefore, we assessed which families of microhymenoptera occur in roadside verges and meadows, examined if they are affected by the mowing process with a conventional mulching mower, and studied which groups benefit from arthropod‐friendly mowing, using the mowing head Eco 1200 plus from MULAG, and a flushing bar made of track tarpaulin. In our experimental grassland plots, we found specimens of 18 families from the six microhymenoptera superfamilies Chalcidoidea, Ceraphronoidea, Diaprioidea, Ichneumonoidea, Platygastroidea and Proctotrupoidea. Mowing with a conventional mulching mower caused a significant loss of up to 64% for parasitoid Hymenoptera. The Eco 1200 plus showed an arthropod‐friendly effect only on the number of individuals of Chalcidoidea, saving 38% of individuals compared with the conventional mower. The flushing bar showed a significant effect on total number of individuals with a reduction only on Chalcidoidea and a tendency for Ichneumonoidea with 30% and 47%, respectively. Our study demonstrates the detrimental effect of mowing with a conventional mulching mower on microhymenoptera and shows that this effect can be partly reversed for Chalcidoidea and Ichneumonoidea through the arthropod‐friendly mower and a flushing bar. Our study highlights the importance to consider microhymenoptera in the context of insect decline.
Clinical evaluation of subgingival open sandwich restorations: 3‐year results of a randomized double‐blind trial
Authors: Ismail Hoda S. , Ali Ashraf I. , El. Mehesen Rabab , Garcia‐Godoy Franklin , Mahmoud Salah H. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractObjectivesTo provide a 3‐year follow‐up of previously treated patients to assess and compare the periodontal responses and clinical performance of proximal subgingival open sandwich restorations.Materials and MethodsNinety‐five adults participated in the study, with a combined total of 120 compound Class II cavities. These cavities had gingival margins located below the CEJ. Four different restorative materials were used to elevate the dentin/cementum gingival margins of the cavities: resin‐modified glass ionomer, glass hybrid, flowable bulk‐fill composite, or ion‐releasing material, which were then completed with the same overlaying composite. Different periodontal and clinical evaluations, based on the criteria set by the World Dental Federation (FDI) criteria, were performed at different time intervals, including baseline, 6 months, 1, 2, and 3 years.ResultsThe type of base material did not affect the periodontal evaluations. There were no statistically significant differences between different time intervals or base material groups in any of the evaluated FDI parameters. However, the ion‐releasing material scored significantly worse in the radiographic evaluation than any of the other groups.ConclusionsAll tested materials are suitable for proximal subgingival open sandwich restorations, as long as the restoration/tooth margin is at least 2‐mm away from the bone crest.Clinical SignificanceClinicians can confidently choose any of the tested materials for proximal subgingival open sandwich restorations, as they have shown good outcomes from both periodontal and clinical perspectives.