bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Feral pig (Sus scrofa) disturbance facilitates establishment of resource‐acquisitive species in Hawaiian forest understories
Authors: Peyton Michael , Curras Mauriel Rodriguez , Hotchkiss Sara 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Invasive mammals exert pervasive effects on vegetation communities in island systems through several pathways, including by introducing novel disturbances. In Hawai‘i, feral pigs pose a particular threat to endemic species that evolved in the absence of native ungulates. The effects of pig soil disturbance on understory vegetation are contingent on the distribution and density of disturbed patches and subsequent species responses influenced by traits conferring growth and reproductive strategies. However, little is known about how these traits influence native‐ non‐native species turnover in response to pig disturbance, or how such disturbances affect trait‐mediated responses to other environmental variables.

Here we quantify the effects of leaf traits and dispersal attributes on species responses to pig soil disturbance at two spatial scales—0.5 m2 patches embedded along 20 m transects within sites—across a gradient of pig density in a Hawaiian montane wet forest using Bayesian mixed models.

Native and non‐native species demonstrated divergent responses, with increasing presence and abundance of non‐native species in the understory as soil disturbance within patches and sites increased. Dominant patterns in measured traits tracked the leaf economic spectrum (LES), with non‐native species tending toward resource‐acquisitive traits. Species with resource‐acquisitive traits, regardless of identity, were favoured with disturbance and responded positively to light availability in disturbed sites. Models showed species primarily dispersed by wind were more prevalent in disturbed patches and sites than those dispersed by endozoochory, while seed mass had no effect.

Our results suggest pig activity influences community composition and favours non‐native species establishment, and these effects are mediated in part by traits conferring rapid resource acquisition. We also show that the extent of disturbance at the site‐scale is relevant for the influence of leaf architecture on understory responses to light availability, demonstrating how the effects of disturbance are scale‐dependent and can influence species sorting along independent environmental gradients.

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Wood density and leaf size jointly predict woody plant growth rates across (but not within) species along a steep precipitation gradient
Authors: Fajardo Alex , Siefert Andrew , Laughlin Daniel C. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Functional traits have been proposed to define key dimensions of plant ecological strategies, but we lack consensus on whether traits can accurately predict plant demography. Despite theoretical expectations, it has been challenging to find consistent relationships between functional traits and growth.

In this study, we quantified inter‐ and intraspecific trait variation (ITV) and individual growth rates of woody plants across a steep moisture gradient that varies 10‐fold in annual precipitation (350–3700 mm) in southern Chile and used a hierarchical Bayesian model to predict growth as a function of trait values.

We show that large‐leaved species with lower stem tissue density exhibited the fastest growth rates, and these two traits exhibited the highest proportion of interspecific variation. Predictions of growth improved considerably (R2 of the best model increased from 0.28 to 0.49) when species‐level multiple traits and their interactions were considered. The inclusion of ITV, however, did not improve models of growth rate.

We found that trait–growth rate relationships were not always consistent across levels of biological organization; relationships observed at the interspecific level did not necessarily hold at the intraspecific level. We found that the relationships between wood density or leaf size and growth were consistent in direction across the precipitation gradient, and the relationships between leaf economics traits and growth were weak and site‐specific.

Synthesis. Although using more than one functional trait considerably improved growth predictions, wood density and leaf size successfully predicted growth rates across (not within) species, which is consistent with a whole‐plant carbon economy. We assert that these two traits are intimately linked and ultimately describe a continuum of plant architecture and carbon economy that covers multiple trait syndromes.
Spatio‐temporal incidence of malaria patients in Incheon Metropolitan City
Authors: An Jung‐A , Lee Jeong Hyeon , Kim-Jeon MyungDeok , Hong Sung‐Jong , Kwon Hyung Wook 
Published: December 2023

AbstractMalaria, a globally significant mosquito‐borne infectious disease, re‐emerged in the Republic of Korea, and manifested annually in regions close to the demilitarized zone. Notably, Incheon Metropolitan City has witnessed an alarming upswing in malaria infections in recent years, drawing attention to this public health issue. This research was conducted to catch spatio‐temporal and ecological landscape encompassing malaria patients and mosquito vectors in Incheon over the past decade. The top two incidences of malaria cases were found in Ganghwa‐gun and Seo‐gu, an occurrence potentially attributed to their geographic proximity to North Korea. Furthermore, the incidence of malaria infections displayed a seasonal pattern commencing in March, reaching its peak between June and August, and decreasing to a minimum in November. A correlation was noted between prevalence of malaria cases and number of mosquito breeding sites, such as ponds and rice fields within the region. Collectively, these research outcomes underlined the importance of systematically and holistically advocating mosquito elimination measures to enhance the efficacy of malaria eradication policies. These measures encompass the establishment of a robust mosquito outbreak surveillance system, targeted control of vector mosquitoes, residual pesticide spray, management of mosquito breeding sites, and adoption of repellents during outdoor activities.
Cpne7 deficiency induces cellular senescence and premature aging of dental pulp
Authors: Lee Yoon Seon , Park Yeoung‐Hyun , Hwang Geumbit , Seo Hyejin , Ki Si Hyoung , Bai Shengfeng , Son Chul , Roh Seong Min , Park Su‐Jin , Lee Dong‐Seol , Lee Ji‐Hyun , Seo You‐Mi , Shon Won Jun , Jeon Daehyun , Jang Mi , Kim Sahng G. , Seo Byoung‐Moo , Lee Gene , Park Joo‐Cheol 
Published: December 2023

AbstractOnce tooth development is complete, odontoblasts and their progenitor cells in the dental pulp play a major role in protecting tooth vitality from external stresses. Hence, understanding the homeostasis of the mature pulp populations is just as crucial as understanding that of the young, developing ones for managing age‐related dentinal damage. Here, it is shown that loss of Cpne7 accelerates cellular senescence in odontoblasts due to oxidative stress and DNA damage accumulation. Thus, in Cpne7‐null dental pulp, odontoblast survival is impaired, and aberrant dentin is extensively formed. Intraperitoneal or topical application of CPNE7‐derived functional peptide, however, alleviates the DNA damage accumulation and rescues the pathologic dentin phenotype. Notably, a healthy dentin‐pulp complex lined with metabolically active odontoblasts is observed in 23‐month‐old Cpne7‐overexpressing transgenic mice. Furthermore, physiologic dentin was regenerated in artificial dentinal defects of Cpne7‐overexpressing transgenic mice. Taken together, Cpne7 is indispensable for the maintenance and homeostasis of odontoblasts, while promoting odontoblastic differentiation of the progenitor cells. This research thereby introduces its potential in oral disease‐targeted applications, especially age‐related dental diseases involving dentinal loss.
Frequency of epilepsy and pathological EEG findings in a Norwegian sample of children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: Impact on cognition and adaptive functioning
Authors: Gerstner Thorsten , Henning Oliver , Løhaugen Gro , Skranes Jon 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundFetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) comprises a combination of developmental, cognitive, and behavioral disabilities that occur in children exposed to alcohol prenatally. A higher prevalence of epilepsy and pathological electroencephalographic (EEG) features have also been reported in individuals with FASD. We examined the frequency of epilepsy, pathological EEG findings, and their implications for cognitive and adaptive functioning in children with FASD.MethodsWe conducted a cross‐sectional study of 148 children with FASD who underwent a multidisciplinary assessment and a 120‐min EEG recording. Group comparisons and regression analyses were performed to test the associations between epilepsy and pathological EEG findings, FASD subgroups and neurocognitive test results and adaptive functioning.ResultsThe frequency of epilepsy was 6%, which compares with 0.7% in Norway overall. Seventeen percent of children without epilepsy had pathological EEG findings. Attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was diagnosed in 64% of the children. Children with epilepsy and/or pathological EEG findings had comparable cognitive and adaptive scores to those with normal EEG. However, children with frontal EEG pathology (without epilepsy) had significantly lower scores on the IQ indices Processing speed and Working memory than FASD children without such findings, irrespective of ADHD comorbidity.ConclusionsThere was a greater prevalence of epilepsy among children with FASD than in the general Norwegian population. A greater frequency of EEG pathology was also evident in children without epilepsy, across all FASD subgroups. Irrespective of epilepsy, ADHD comorbidity, and FASD subgroup, children with frontal EEG pathology, despite having a normal total IQ, showed significantly slower processing speed and poorer working memory, which may indicate specific executive function deficits that could affect learning and adaptive functioning.
A study of the genotoxicity, fertility and early embryonic development toxicity of rotigotine behenate extended‐release microspheres
Authors: Zhao Xinyu , Guo Chunmin , Zhang Hong , Yu Xin , Du Guagnying , Tian Jingwei , Liu Wanhui , Song Tao , Chen Xiaobo , Guo Wei 
Published: December 2023

AbstractContinuous dopaminergic stimulation (CDS) has become an important strategy for the development of drugs to treat Parkinson's disease (PD). Rotigotine behenate extended‐release microspheres (RBEM) for injection represent a new treatment regime for CDS and are undergoing clinical trials. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of RBEM on genotoxicity, fertility and early embryonic development. We used the Ames test, Chinese hamster lung (CHL) cell chromosome aberration test and the mouse bone marrow micronucleus test, to evaluate the genotoxicity of RBEM. These tests were all negative, thus indicating that RBEM did not induce genotoxicity. In reproduction toxicity testing in male rats on obvious findings following intramuscular administration (i.m.) of RBEM at up to 540 mg/kg (P > 0.5), when female rats were administered with RBEM in the dose range of 60 to 540 mg/kg given (i.m.), there were clear effects on fertility and early embryonic development. These results indicated that RBEM could induce toxicity in female rats and exert effect on fertility and early embryonic development stage.
Advancing ethics support in military organizations by designing and evaluating a value‐based reflection tool
Authors: van Baarle Eva , van Baarle Steven 
Published: December 2023

AbstractMilitary employees face all sorts of moral dilemmas in their work. The way they resolve these dilemmas—how they decide to act based on their moral deliberations—can have a substantial impact both on society and on their personal lives. Hence, it makes sense to support military employees in dealing with these dilemmas. Military organizations already support their personnel by adopting compliance‐based approaches that focus, for instance, on enforcing moral rules. At the same time, however, they struggle to develop value‐based approaches that could foster moral learning by improving employees' understanding of personal values, others' values, and their responsibility for others. Consequently, military employees are not adequately supported in their ethical decision‐making when confronted with complex situations. To address this issue, drawing on a design research approach, we develop and evaluate the use of a value‐based reflection tool to support military employees with their moral decision‐making. The design and evaluation of the value‐based reflection tool were informed by five semistructured interviews, notes on 45 joint reflection meetings with trainers, and evaluation notes of 755 participants. Our findings suggest the value‐based reflection tool is a promising way to foster actors' moral competence in organizational settings by triggering the social mechanisms of reflection, empathy, and psychological safety. This study is the first to illustrate that value‐based ethics support can complement compliance‐based ethics support in a military organization. Furthermore, it demonstrates design research's potential to develop actionable knowledge for ethics support practices in organizations.
What's going on in there? Canadian government policy labs and public value management
Authors: Wellstead Adam M. , Ottenhof Nora , Evans Bryan , Gofen Anat 
Published: December 2023

AbstractGovernment‐based policy labs have established themselves across the Canadian policy landscape. This article argues these labs contribute to public value management. We begin by reviewing the public value management literature, followed by Canadian contributions to the policy lab literature. Then, our inventory of 35 current Canadian government‐based policy labs is descriptively analyzed, including trends in spatial concentration, the tools and methods employed, their focus areas, the number of years in existence, and their primary role in the policy process. We randomly selected nine of these labs, provide more details of their activities, and present a preliminary public value management typology to analyze policy labs.
The important role of mothers during displacement: Direct and indirect effects of the refugee context on Syrian refugee children's mental health
Authors: Popham Cassandra M. , McEwen Fiona S. , Karam Elie , Pluess Michael 
Published: December 2023

AbstractRefugee children are at increased risk for mental health problems, including post‐traumatic stress, depression, and externalizing problems. The refugee environment, maternal mental health, and parenting may reduce or exacerbate that risk. This study investigated their direct and indirect associations with child mental health cross‐sectionally in a sample of Syrian refugee child–mother dyads in Lebanon in 2017–19. Mediating pathways were tested using structural equation modeling with 1446 dyads (child: Mage = 11.39, 52.1% females) and again 1 year later with 872 (child: Mage = 12.17, 53.1% females) of the original sample. Mediating pathways from the refugee environment through maternal mental health and parenting to child outcomes were detected, emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach to refugee mental health.
A nomogram prediction of implant apical non‐coverage on bone‐added transcrestal sinus floor elevation: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Gao Jiayu , Yang Yufei , Yin Wumeng , Zhao Xiangqi , Qu Yili , Yang Xingmei , Wu Yingying , Xiang Lin , Man Yi 
Published: December 2023

AbstractObjectivesTo identify the risk indicators and develop and validate a nomogram prediction model of implant apical non‐coverage by comprehensively analyzing clinical and radiographic factors in bone‐added transcrestal sinus floor elevation (TSFE).Material and MethodsA total of 260 implants in 195 patients receiving bone‐added TSFE were included in the study. The population was divided into a development (180 implants) and a validation (80 implants) cohort. According to 6 months post‐surgery radiographic images, implants were categorized as “apical non‐coverage” or “apical covered.” The association of risk factors including clinical and radiographic parameters with implant apical non‐coverage was assessed using regression analyses. A nomogram prediction model was developed, and its validation and discriminatory ability were analyzed.ResultsThe nomogram predicting bone‐added TSFE's simultaneously placed implant's apex non‐coverage after 6 months. This study revealed that sinus angle, endo‐sinus bone gain, implant protrusion length, graft contact walls, and distal angle were predictors of implant apical non‐coverage. The generated nomogram showed a strong predictive capability (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.845), confirmed by internal validation using 10‐fold cross‐validation (Median AUC of 0.870) and temporal validation (AUC = 0.854). The calibration curve and decision curve analysis demonstrated good performance and high net benefit of the nomogram, respectively.ConclusionsThe clinical implementation of the present nomogram is suitable for predicting the apex non‐coverage of implants placed simultaneously with bone‐added TSFE after 6 months.
Valproic acid ameliorates cauda equina injury by suppressing HDAC2‐mediated ferroptosis
Authors: Kong Qingjie , Li Fudong , Sun Kaiqiang , Sun Xiaofei , Ma Jun 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIntroductionPersistent neuroinflammatory response after cauda equina injury (CEI) lowers nociceptor firing thresholds, accompanied by pathological pain and decreasing extremity dysfunction. Histone deacetylation has been considered a key regulator of immunity, inflammation, and neurological dysfunction. Our previous study suggested that valproic acid (VPA), a histone deacetylase inhibitor, exhibited neuroprotective effects in rat models of CEI, although the underlying mechanism remains elusive.MethodsThe cauda equina compression surgery was performed to establish the CEI model. The Basso, Beattie, Bresnahan score, and the von Frey filament test were carried out to measure the animal behavior. Immunofluorescence staining of myelin basic protein and GPX4 was carried out. In addition, transmission electron microscope analysis was used to assess the effect of VPA on the morphological changes of mitochondria. RNA‐sequencing was conducted to clarify the underlying mechanism of VPA on CEI protection.ResultsIn this current study, we revealed that the expression level of HDAC1 and HDAC2 was elevated after cauda equina compression model but was reversed by VPA treatment. Meanwhile, HDAC2 knockdown resulted in the improvement of motor functions and pathologic pain, similar to treatment with VPA. Histology analysis also showed that knockdown of histone deacetylase (HDAC)‐2, but not HDAC1, remarkably alleviated cauda equina injury and demyelinating lesions. The potential mechanism may be related to lowering oxidative stress and inflammatory response in the injured region. Notably, the transcriptome sequencing indicated that the therapeutic effect of VPA may depend on HDAC2‐mediated ferroptosis. Ferroptosis‐related genes were analyzed in vivo and DRG cells further validated the reliability of RNA‐sequencing results, suggesting HDAC2‐H4K12ac axis participated in epigenetic modulation of ferroptosis‐related genes.ConclusionHDAC2 is critically involved in the ferroptosis and neuroinflammation in cauda equina injury, and VPA ameliorated cauda equina injury by suppressing HDAC2‐mediated ferroptosis.
Study of the ketohexokinase inhibitor PF‐06835919 as a clinical cytochrome P450 3A inducer: Integrated use of oral midazolam and liquid biopsy
Authors: Qiu Ruolun , Fonseca Kari , Bergman Arthur , Lin Jian , Tess David , Newman Lauren , Fahmy Alia , Useckaite Zivile , Rowland Andrew , Vourvahis Manoli , Rodrigues David 
Published: December 2023

AbstractPF‐06835919, a ketohexokinase inhibitor, presented as an inducer of cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) in vitro (human primary hepatocytes), and static mechanistic modeling exercises predicted significant induction in vivo (oral midazolam area under the plasma concentration‐time curve [AUC] ratio [AUCR] = 0.23–0.79). Therefore, a drug–drug interaction study was conducted to evaluate the effect of multiple doses of PF‐06835919 (300 mg once daily × 10 days; N = 10 healthy participants) on the pharmacokinetics of a single oral midazolam 7.5 mg dose. The adjusted geometric means for midazolam AUC and its maximal plasma concentration were similar following co‐administration with PF‐06835919 (vs. midazolam administration alone), with ratios of the adjusted geometric means (90% confidence interval [CI]) of 97.6% (90% CI: 79.9%–119%) and 98.9% (90% CI: 76.4%–128%), respectively, suggesting there was minimal effect of PF‐06835919 on midazolam pharmacokinetics. Lack of CYP3A4 induction was confirmed after the preparation of subject plasma‐derived small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) and conducting proteomic and activity (midazolam 1′‐hydroxylase) analysis. Consistent with the midazolam AUCR observed, the CYP3A4 protein expression fold‐induction (geometric mean, 90% CI) was low in liver (0.9, 90% CI: 0.7–1.2) and non‐liver (0.9, 90% CI: 0.7‐1.2) sEVs (predicted AUCR = 1.0, 90% CI: 0.9–1.2). Likewise, minimal induction of CYP3A4 activity (geometric mean, 90% CI) in both liver (1.1, 90% CI: 0.9–1.3) and non‐liver (0.9, 90% CI: 0.5‐1.5) sEVs was evident (predicted AUCR = 0.9, 90% CI: 0.6‐1.4). The results showcase the integrated use of an oral CYP3A probe (midazolam) and plasma‐derived sEVs to assess a drug candidate as inducer.
The influence of graphite on the physical, thermal, and mechanical properties of silica‐based ceramic cores
Authors: Naghibi Ayat , Kazemi‐nafchi Arqavan , Bavand‐vandchali Mohammad , Nayyeri Mohammad Javad 
Published: December 2023

AbstractDue to their excellent thermal stability and chemical resistivity against molten metals, silica‐based ceramic cores have been prepared for use in nickel‐based superalloy investment casting via injection molding under 12 kPa pressure and 115°C temperature. This paper evaluated the effect of graphite as an additive on the thermal and mechanical properties of silica‐based ceramic cores. The results show that adding graphite increases the core's modulus of rupture (MOR) and hot MOR (at 1200°C) by 6% and 35% to 10.65 and 18 MPa, respectively. According to phase analysis by X‐ray diffraction, the presence of graphite reduced the crystallization behavior of fused silica and increased the open and closed porosity amounts by 2.5%–33.6%. Additionally, the formation of the in situ SiC phase due to reduction reactions decreases the shrinkage and enhances the strength of graphite‐containing bodies. No difference in the thermal expansion coefficient of samples in the presence of graphite has been detected.
Mechanical properties and strengthening mechanism of SiC particle reinforced porcelain
Authors: Zhou Yizhao , Li Yueming , Sun Yi , Li Kai , Wan Detian , Bao Yiwang 
Published: December 2023

AbstractMechanical properties of porcelain based on feldspar porcelain as a matrix with SiC particles as a reinforcing phase were studied in terms of the effects of SiC content, firing temperature, and holding time. A maximum flexural strength of 122 ± 4 MPa was achieved for a sample with 8 wt% SiC content treated at 1260°C for 30 min, which is 90.6% as high as than that of the unmodified matrix (64 ± 5 MPa). The fracture toughness and elastic modulus of the former sample were 1.71 MPa · m1/2 and 89.975 GPa, respectively. Because the thermal expansion coefficient of SiC (4.40 × 10−6/°C) is smaller than that of the glass phase (6.60 × 10−6/°C), the SiC particles remain in a state of compressive stress after the porcelain cooling. This characteristic restricts crack growth and offsets the tensile stress of the glass phase, restraining crystal growth owing to the tensile stress pinning the grains, such that the mechanical properties are improved.