bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Drivers of wood decay in tropical ecosystems: Termites versus microbes along spatial, temporal and experimental precipitation gradients
Authors: Wijas Baptiste J. , Flores‐Moreno Habacuc , Allison Steven D. , Rodriguez Luciana Chavez , Cheesman Alexander W. , Cernusak Lucas A. , Clement Rebecca , Cornwell Will K. , Duan Elizabeth S. , Eggleton Paul , Rosenfield Marc V. , Yatsko Abbey R. , Zanne Amy E. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Models estimating decomposition rates of dead wood across space and time are mainly based on studies carried out in temperate zones where microbes are dominant drivers of decomposition. However, most dead wood biomass is found in tropical ecosystems, where termites are also important wood consumers. Given the dependence of microbial decomposition on moisture with termite decomposition thought to be more resilient to dry conditions, the relative importance of these decomposition agents is expected to shift along gradients in precipitation that affect wood moisture.

Here, we investigated the relative roles of microbes and termites in wood decomposition across precipitation gradients in space, time and with a simulated drought experiment in tropical Australia. We deployed mesh bags with non‐native pine wood blocks, allowing termite access to half the bags. Bags were collected every 6 months (end of wet and dry seasons) over a 4‐year period across five sites along a rainfall gradient (ranging from savanna to wet sclerophyll to rainforest) and within a simulated drought experiment at the wettest site. We expected microbial decomposition to proceed faster in wet conditions with greater relative influence of termites in dry conditions.

Consistent with expectations, microbial‐mediated wood decomposition was slowest in dry savanna sites, dry seasons and simulated drought conditions. Wood blocks discovered by termites decomposed 16–36% faster than blocks undiscovered by termites regardless of precipitation levels. Concurrently, termites were 10 times more likely to discover wood in dry savanna compared with wet rainforest sites, compensating for slow microbial decomposition in savannas. For wood discovered by termites, seasonality and drought did not significantly affect decomposition rates.

Taken together, we found that spatial and seasonal variation in precipitation is important in shaping wood decomposition rates as driven by termites and microbes, although these different gradients do not equally impact decomposition agents. As we better understand how climate change will affect precipitation regimes across the tropics, our results can improve predictions of how wood decomposition agents will shift with potential for altering carbon fluxes.

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Levi's and Lalaland.ai collaboration crisis
Authors: Maiolo Lila 
Published: January 2024

AbstractLevi Strauss & Co., a popular fashion label commonly known as Levi's, was involved in a crisis situation in March 2023 as a result of their partnership with Lalaland.ai, an artificial intelligence (AI) company. The partnership was created with the intention of using AI‐generated models to show more diversity in Levi's modelling. However, the brand received intense backlash and criticism following the partnership's announcement for cheapening diversity by failing to use real models. In the format of a case study, this paper describes the situation and evaluates Levi's crisis response in this relevant and dynamic dilemma.
The clinical efficacy and safety of granulocyte and monocyte adsorptive apheresis in patients with Crohn's disease: A multicenter retrospective pilot study
Authors: Ueno Nobuhiro , Saito Seisuke , Sato Masahiro , Sugiyama Yuya , Kobayashi Yu , Murakami Yuki , Sugimura Kohjiro , Sasaki Takahiro , Sakatani Aki , Takahashi Keitaro , Tanaka Kazuyuki , Serikawa Shinya , Ando Katsuyoshi , Kashima Shin , Muto Momotaro , Inaba Yuhei , Moriichi Kentaro , Tanabe Hiroki , Okumura Toshikatsu , Fujiya Mikihiro 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIntroductionA remission induction therapy of granulocyte and monocyte adsorptive apheresis (GMA) was given to patients with Crohn's disease (CD). However, establishing an appropriate treatment strategy for GMA in patients with CD remains unclear.MethodsThis study evaluated the clinical efficacy and subsequent clinical progression after GMA in patients with CD who underwent GMA in seven independent institutions in Japan from 2010 to 2023.ResultsSixteen patients were enrolled. The overall remission and response rates were 25.0% and 68.8%, respectively. All patients responding to GMA received biologics that were continuously used and 36.4% of patients remained on the same biologics 52 weeks after GMA. Notably, all patients who continued the same biologics had previously experienced a loss of response to biologics.ConclusionGMA may exhibit effectiveness even in cases with refractory CD. Moreover, it represents a potential novel therapeutic option for refractory CD with loss of response to biologics.
Exploring factors associated with self‐rated health in individuals with diabetes and its impact on quality of life: Evidence from the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe
Authors: Brückner Rosa Marie , Schönenberg Aline , Wientzek Rebecca , Schreiber Mandy , Prell Tino 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundSelf‐rated health (SRH), a measure of self‐reported general health, is a robust predictor of morbidity and mortality in various populations, including people with diabetes. Diabetes is negatively associated with SRH and quality of life (QoL). Little is known about how people with diabetes rate their health and which aspects influence the rating. Also, the predictive value of SRH on future QoL has not yet been evaluated.MethodsWe analyzed data from 46 592 participants of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). Using linear regression, we aimed to determine which sociodemographic, socioeconomic, medical, social, mental, and health behavior factors determine SRH in people with diabetes. In addition, we analyzed the predictive value of SRH on future QoL using the generalized estimating equations procedure.ResultsWe determined that country, current job situation, hospitalization, pain, polypharmacy, memory, eyesight, activities of daily living, number of chronic diseases, and depression are all linked to SRH. Together these variables explained 38% of the SRH's variance, whereas depression, pain, and memory had the greatest influence on SRH of people with diabetes. We also found that SRH independently predicted future QoL, supported by a regression coefficient of β = −1.261 (Wald chi‐square test, χ2 = 22.097, df = 1, p < .05).ConclusionsAs SRH is linked to future QoL, we conclude that incorporating SRH assessment into medical evaluations can help health care professionals gaining a more comprehensive understanding of an individual's health trajectory and supporting patients to enhance their QoL.image
Egg‐sensitised infants have elevated CD4+ effector memory T regulatory cells from birth
Authors: Gamez Cristina , Leffler Jonatan , Clark Sharon , Corscadden Karli , Prescott Susan L. , Palmer Debra J. , Strickland Deborah 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundIgE‐mediated sensitisation to egg is common in infants. In some cases, the processes leading to egg sensitisation are established in early life, even before introduction to solid foods. The underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood.MethodsWe performed detailed immune cell phenotyping of peripheral blood mononuclear cells and determined in vitro cytokine responses following allergen specific and non‐specific immune stimulation. To determine if unique immune profiles were linked to early‐life egg sensitisation, we compared 92 infants at 4–6 months of age, with (EggCAP+, n = 41) and without (EggCAP−, n = 51) early egg sensitisation. Additionally, 47 cord blood samples were analysed. For a subset of participants (n = 39), matching cord blood mononuclear cells were assessed by flow cytometry to establish the impact of IgE sensitisation on immune developmental trajectories.ResultsEggCAP+ infants were found to exhibit a unique immune phenotype characterised by increased levels of circulating CD4+ T regulatory cells (Treg), CD4+ effector memory (EM) Treg and increased expression of the IgE receptor, FcεR1, on basophils. The increased CD4+ EM Treg profiles were already present in cord blood samples from EggCAP+ infants. A general Th2‐skewing of the immune system was observed based on increased IL‐13 production following phytohemagglutinin stimulation and by comparing immune developmental trajectories, EggCAP+ infants displayed an expansion of basophils and reduced levels of CD4− T cells compared to EggCAP− infants.ConclusionsImmunological profiles associated with egg sensitisation are detectable in infant circulation at 4–6 months of age and at birth. Understanding the immune mechanisms underlying early‐life sensitisation could provide important insights for future food allergy prevention strategies.
Differences in segmental fat accumulation patterns by sex and ethnicity: An international approach
Authors: Wong Arden K. , Asatiani Ketevan , Chávez‐Manzanera Emma , Elmer David J. , Heymsfield Steven B. , Hong Sangmo , Ilesanmi‐Oyelere Lilian , Kagawa Masaharu , Klobucar Sanja , Obeid Omar A. , Plotnikoff Ronald C. , Sardinha Luís B. , Sloughter J. McLean , Silva Analiza M. , Shultz Sarah P. 
Published: January 2024

SummaryExcess fat on the body impacts obesity‐related co‐morbidity risk; however, the location of fat stores affects the severity of these risks. The purpose of this study was to examine segmental fat accumulation patterns by sex and ethnicity using international datasets. An amalgamated and cross‐calibrated dataset of dual x‐ray absorptiometry (DXA)‐measured variables compiled segmental mass for bone mineral content (BMC), lean mass (LM), and fat mass (FM) for each participant; percentage of segment fat (PSF) was calculated as PSFsegment = (FMsegment/(BMCsegment + LMsegment + FMsegment)) × 100. A total of 30 587 adults (N = 16 490 females) from 13 datasets were included. A regression model was used to examine differences in regional fat mass and PSF. All populations followed the same segmental fat mass accumulation in the ascending order with statistical significance (arms < legs < trunk), except for Hispanic/Latinx males (arms < [legs = trunk]). Relative fat accumulation patterns differed between those with greater PSF in the appendages (Arab, Mexican, Asian, Black, American Caucasian, European Caucasian, and Australasian Caucasian females; Black males) and those with greater PSF in the trunk (Mexican, Asian, American Caucasian, European Caucasian, and Australasian Caucasian males). Greater absolute and relative fat accumulation in the trunk could place males of most ethnicities in this study at a higher risk of visceral fat deposition and associated co‐morbidities.
Feasibility, accuracy, and usability analysis of MapAML, a first‐in‐class app for integrated diagnosis in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Moyen Thaís B. , Tomaz Victoria , Campregher Paulo V. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractPerforming a comprehensive diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is complex and involves the integration of clinical information, bone marrow morphology, immunophenotyping, cytogenetic, and molecular analysis, which can be challenging to the general hematologist. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usability and accuracy of MapAML, a smartphone app for integrated diagnosis in AML, created to aid the hematologist in its clinical practice. App performance was evaluated in dedicated sessions, in which 21 hematologists or fellows in hematology performed an integrated diagnosis of deidentified real‐world clinical AML cases, first without and posteriorly with MapAML use. Diagnosis accuracy increased after MapAML utilization, with the average score going from 7.08 without app to 8.88 with app use (on a scale from 0 to 10), representing a significant accuracy improvement (p = .002). Usability evaluation was very favorable, with 81% of users considering the app very or extremely simple to use. There was also a significant increase in confidence to perform a complete and accurate diagnosis in AML after app use, with 61.9% of the participants willing to use the app in their clinical practice. In this study, MapAML increased accuracy with excellent usability for integrated diagnosis in AML.
Fatigue limit estimation of metals based on the thermographic methods: A comprehensive review
Authors: Zaeimi Mohammad , De Finis Rosa , Palumbo Davide , Galietti Umberto 
Published: January 2024

AbstractInfrared thermography has been under review in the last 30 years due to its versatility and potential in the detection of the thermal signature associated with intrinsic energy phenomena due to dissipative processes, specifically those relying on mechanical fatigue. Nowadays, it is a well‐established technique that can support mechanical and structural engineers to implement a damage‐tolerant design, assess the residual life, and finally characterize the fatigue behavior of materials. The aim of this work is to review all thermography‐based approaches and procedures for fatigue limit estimation by rapid tests, drawing considerations on the applicability of thermal methods in fatigue assessment of mechanical components, proposing the capabilities of different thermal indices in fatigue assessment, and discussing the pros and cons of each method as well as the open points. On one hand, this review intends to sum up what has already been done in the field; on the other hand, it provides a guideline to direct new researches toward issues that should be resolved or understood.
Preparation method investigation and structure identification by XRD and Raman techniques for A2B2O7 composite oxides
Authors: Zhang Shijing , Xu Junwei , Lu Chengxin , Ouyang Rumeng , Ma Jiamei , Zhong Xusheng , Fang Xiuzhong , Xu Xianglan , Wang Xiang 
Published: January 2024

AbstractA2B2O7 oxides comprise four subcrystalline phase structures, which include the layered perovskite, pyrochlore, disordered defect fluorite, and rare‐earth C‐type structures. Herein, a series of A2B2O7 oxides have been synthesized using simple methods, and the X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopic characteristics of their subcrystalline phase structures are systematically summarized. It was found that the rA/rB ratio can be used to correctly determine the subcrystalline phase structure of the A2B2O7 oxides when the A‐site ions are rare‐earth ions. Although the A‐site ions are the main‐group metal ions, the rA/rB ratio cannot be used to accurately determine probably due to f electrons. Raman spectroscopy proves to be the most effective method for determining the subcrystalline phase structure, which is followed by XRD. The characteristic Raman spectral bands of disordered defect fluorites are closely related to their B‐site ion oxides with fluorite phase structures. For these A2B2O7 oxides with rA/rB ratios located at the edge value possessing the same elemental composition, different subcrystalline phase structures have been prepared by adopting different synthesis methods and calcination temperatures. The crystal phase of A2B2O7 oxides comprising two types of subcrystalline structures with a lower disorder degree is more stable at high temperatures.
Individual differences in executive function affect learning with immersive virtual reality
Authors: Lawson Alyssa P. , Mayer Richard E. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundImmersive virtual reality (IVR) is a new technology that could motivate learners, but also could contain distracting elements that increase cognitive demands on learners. In contrast, learning with conventional media, such as a narrated slideshow could be less motivating, but also less distracting.ObjectivesThis experiment investigates: (1) in what situations executive function and working memory capacity play a role in learning in IVR and a slideshow lesson and (2) whether people learn science content better with IVR or with a narrated slideshow lesson.MethodParticipants watched a lesson on ocean acidification either using a head‐mounted display IVR device or a pre‐recorded narrated slideshow lesson. A week later, they took a test on this material and completed tasks to assess executive function and working memory capacity.Results and ConclusionOn a post‐test, there was no difference between IVR and slideshow lessons, but there were differences in the role of executive function in learning with these two media. For students learning in IVR, executive function correlated significantly with post‐test scores, such that learners with stronger executive function did better on the posttest than those with weaker executive function, while for students learning with a slideshow lesson, executive function and working memory capacity did not correlate significantly with posttest scores. This research indicates that it is important to understand how a learner's attentional controls impact their understanding when using IVR for learning.
European expert consensus statement on the systemic treatment of alopecia areata
Authors: Rudnicka L. , Arenbergerova M. , Grimalt R. , Ioannides D. , Katoulis A. C. , Lazaridou E. , Olszewska M. , Ovcharenko Y. S. , Piraccini B. M. , Prohic A. , Rakowska A. , Reygagne P. , Richard M. A. , Soares R. O. , Starace M. , Vañó‐Galvan S. , Waskiel‐Burnat A. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractAlopecia areata is an autoimmune form of non‐scarring hair loss. It is usually characterized by limited areas of hair loss. However, the disease may progress to complete scalp and body hair loss (alopecia totalis, alopecia universalis). In patients with alopecia areata hair loss significantly impacts the quality of life. Children and adolescents with alopecia areata often experience bullying, including physical aggression. The disease severity evaluation tools used in clinical practice are: the Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) score and the Alopecia Areata Scale (AAS). A SALT score equal to or greater than 20 constitutes a commonly accepted indication for systemic therapy in alopecia areata. When using the AAS, moderate to severe alopecia areata should be considered a medical indication for systemic treatment. Currently, the only two EMA‐approved medications for alopecia areata are baricitinib (JAK 1/2 inhibitor) for adults and ritlecitinib (JAK 3/TEC inhibitor) for individuals aged 12 and older. Both are EMA‐approved for patients with severe alopecia areata. Other systemic medications used off‐label in alopecia areata include glucocorticosteroids, cyclosporine, methotrexate and azathioprine. Oral minoxidil is considered an adjuvant therapy with limited data confirming its possible efficacy. This consensus statement is to outline a systemic treatment algorithm for alopecia areata, indications for systemic treatment, available therapeutic options, their efficacy and safety, as well as the duration of the therapy.
Bargaining power in the market for intellectual property: Evidence from licensing contract terms
Authors: Kankanhalli Gaurav , Kwan Alan 
Published: January 2024

AbstractWe study a novel database of intellectual property (IP) licensing agreements sourced from filings made by publicly listed corporations, a large fraction of which firms (initially) disclose with redacted terms. In contrast to the benchmark that IP quality alone determines the pricing of IP, we argue that bargaining power between licensing counterparties plays a critical role in explaining several patterns in observed royalty rates. Licensors with differentiated technology and high market power charge higher royalty rates, while larger‐than‐rival licensees pay lower royalty rates. Licensors command premium royalty rates for contract exclusivity, especially in competitive markets. Finally, we employ this framework and setting to understand the pricing implications of nondisclosure: licensors redact payment terms when they transact at lower royalty rates, consistent with preserving bargaining power for future negotiations. Our findings offer a new explanation for innovator secrecy and have several practical takeaways for transfer pricing and patent litigation.
Juvenile downstream migration patterns of an anadromous fish, allis shad (Alosa alosa), before and after the population collapse in the Gironde system, France
Authors: Boussinet Elodie , Nachón David José , Sottolichio Aldo , Lochet Aude , Stoll Stefan , Bareille Gilles , Tabouret Helene , Pécheyran Christophe , Acolas Marie‐Laure , Daverat Françoise 
Published: January 2024

AbstractDiadromous fish have exhibited a dramatic decline since the end of the 20th century. The allis shad (Alosa alosa) population in the Gironde‐Garonne‐Dordogne (GGD) system, once considered as a reference in Europe, remains low despite a fishing ban in 2008. One hypothesis to explain this decline is that the downstream migration and growth dynamics of young stages have changed due to environmental modifications in the rivers and estuary. We retrospectively analysed juvenile growth and migration patterns using otoliths from adults caught in the GGD system 30 years apart during their spawning migration, in 1987 and 2016. We coupled otolith daily growth increments and laser ablation inductively‐coupled plasma mass spectrometry measurements of Sr:Ca, Ba:Ca, and Mn:Ca ratios along the longest growth axis from hatching to an age of 100 days (i.e., during the juvenile stage). A back‐calculation allowed us to estimate the size of juveniles at the entrance into the brackish estuary. Based on the geochemistry data, we distinguished four different zones that juveniles encountered during their downstream migration: freshwater, fluvial estuary, brackish estuary, and lower estuary. We identified three migration patterns during the first 100 days of their life: (a) Individuals that reached the lower estuary zone, (b) individuals that reached the brackish estuary zone, and (c) individuals that reached the fluvial estuary zone. On average, juveniles from the 1987 subsample stayed slightly longer in freshwater than juveniles from the 2016 subsample. In addition, juveniles from the 2016 subsample entered the brackish estuary at a smaller size. This result suggests that juveniles from the 2016 subsample might have encountered more difficult conditions during their downstream migration, which we attribute to a longer exposure to the turbid maximum zone. This assumption is supported by the microchemical analyses of the otoliths, which suggests based on wider Mn:Ca peaks that juveniles in 2010s experienced a longer period of physiological stress during their downstream migration than juveniles in 1980s. Finally, juveniles from the 2016 subsample took longer than 100 days to exit the lower estuary than we would have expected from previous studies. Adding a new marker (i.e., Ba:Ca) helped us refine the interpretation of the downstream migration for each individual.