bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biomass fine‐scale variation is predictive of functional composition and diversity in grazed grassland
Authors: Caram Nicolas , Casalás Felipe , Wallau Marcelo O. , Soca Pablo , Pillar Valério D. , Cadenazzi Monica , Boggiano Pablo 
Published: February 2023

AbstractQuestionsThe adjustment of grazing pressure affects above‐ground biomass and its variation in space and time, which is a tool in grassland management for biodiversity conservation and livestock production. Here we ask to what extent the variation in above‐ground biomass at the scale of quadrats is predictive of (1) community‐weighted means (CWMs) of leaf traits and functional groups, and (2) functional diversity in grasslands.LocationNative grasslands (Campos) of northeastern Uruguay.MethodsFour paddocks of a replicated, randomized experiment, managed under high and low grazing pressure for 10 years, were monitored for above‐ground biomass and species composition during autumn, winter and spring of 2017 using 20 cm × 20 cm permanent quadrats. Thirteen dominant species were assessed seasonally for leaf dry matter content (LDMC), specific leaf area (SLA), leaf tensile strength (LTS), and leaf width (LW), which were used in cluster analysis to define functional groups. We computed CWMs and functional diversity at the quadrat scale, which we related to the above‐ground biomass by using linear mixed models attached to a maximum permutation test.ResultsWe identified four functional groups (FGs A, B, C and D), which considered the phenological seasonality of species and thus the highly intra‐functional group variability of leaf traits across seasons. Lower levels of biomass increased the dominance of species with lower LDMC and wider leaves (FG A and B), while higher levels of biomass increased species with higher LDMC and narrower leaves (FG D, represented by Nassella charruana), and increased the functional diversity.ConclusionsFine‐scale variation of above‐ground biomass is predictive of functional composition and diversity in grazed grasslands. Grazing management practices that create and maintain spatiotemporal heterogeneity can be used to favor the conservation of biodiversity and the functionality of native grasslands.
Goal‐directedness enhances letter‐speech sound learning and consolidation in an unknown orthography
Authors: Verwimp Cara , Snellings Patrick , Wiers Reinout W. , Tijms Jurgen 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThis study examined how top‐down control influenced letter‐speech sound (L‐SS) learning, the initial phase of learning to read. In 2020, 107 Dutch children (53 boys, Mage = 106.845 months) learned eight L‐SS correspondences, either preceded by goal‐directed or implicit instructions. Symbol knowledge and artificial word‐reading ability were assessed immediately after learning and on the subsequent day to examine the effect of sleep. Goal‐directed children were faster and more efficient in learning a new script and had better learning outcomes compared to children who were not instructed about the goal of the task. This study demonstrates that directing children toward the goal can promote L‐SS learning and consolidation, giving insights into how top‐down control influences the initial phase of reading acquisition.
Oral health inequalities and disability: Closing the gap
Authors: Faulks Denise 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThe social determinants of health impact disproportionately on disabled people creating a cumulative risk of unequal oral health outcomes, compounded by impairment. Problems in early life, education and employment, poor social status and support, social exclusion, poverty and stress characterize the life course of many disabled people. Ableism and exclusion combine to ensure that disabled voices are rarely heard, ignorance and indifference lead to prejudice in policy‐making and enforcement and negative media attitudes fuelled by political austerity lead to stigmatization. Yet, the health disparities experienced by disabled people are still perceived as being uniquely caused by a medical condition or impaired body function, excluding disabled people from the inequalities discourse. In parallel, the influence of medical conditions within other marginalized groups are minimized (e.g. mental health), leading to the underestimation of the impact of disability on oral health generally. The common ground between all groups subject to oral health inequalities can be conceptualized using the WHO International Classification of Functioning. Outcomes for all might be improved by emphasizing this common ground; by considering disability as a primary variable, such as gender or age; by identifying disabled people within existing inequalities research; and by explicitly including disabled people in future research.
Conservation implications of range dynamics in endangered populations: An example with brown bears
Authors: Díaz‐Fernández Manuel , Naves Javier , Revilla Eloy 
Published: February 2023

AbstractMonitoring changes in the status of threatened and endangered species is critical for conservation, especially when these changes can be more dynamic than management actions. We studied how the range of the endangered Cantabrian brown bear (Ursus arctos) population has recovered after a long period of decrease. We estimated the presence range (using all available data on bear presence) and the breeding range (using data on females with cubs presence) in: 1982–1992, 1993–2002, and 2003–2012; to analyze temporal dynamics in the spatial extension of these ranges between periods. For the presence range, we observed an initial reduction of 25% between the first two periods maintaining two isolated subpopulations, followed by an increase of 70% in the third period that merged the subpopulations into a single population. The breeding range represented about 50% of the presence range and was stable between the two first periods and increased by 30% in the last period. Despite that increase two spatial breeding cores remained separated across all periods. Generalized linear models analyzing the factors affecting extinction and colonization between periods showed that bears expanded to areas closer to the center of the population and with low human disturbance. Our model projection predicted correctly a 77% of the areas newly colonized for the period 2013–2022 (112% increases in relation to 2003–2012). Finally, we identified that the recovery plans defining the guidelines for the management of this population are outdated and its application only covers around 50% of the current presence range and 40% of the predicted range. More dynamic legal and management approaches are needed to avoid conservation success turning into failure, especially for charismatic species whose management is often subject to social conflicts.
Identification of dispersive soils via computational intelligence
Authors: Derakhshani Ali , Moein Behzad , Habibagahi Ghassem 
Published: February 2023

AbstractWhen exposed to water, dispersive (D) soils are eroded and washed away by underground or surface flowing waters. Although soil dispersion is due to its chemical composition, the results of the commonly used chemical method, that is, the Sherard approach, do not match with those of the popular robust Pinhole test. Due to the deficiency of the chemical method, this study aimed to employ artificial intelligence (AI)‐based approaches for predicting the D classification of the soils. To this end, a database containing 321 records of the results of chemical and Pinhole tests on borrow soil samples was collected from various construction sites in Iran. The predictive models for soil dispersion evaluation were developed using the artificial neural network (ANN) and the support vector machine (SVM). The D classification results were presented as output classes versus target classes. Through the comparison of statistical indices, it was found that the results of the proposed models conform to those of the Pinhole test. It was also shown that the ANN model is more accurate than the SVM model for predicting the dispersion potential of the soil. Furthermore, it was indicated that the new models significantly outperform the Sherard method in determining the D classification of the soil.HighlightsDispersive soils can be classified employing artificial intelligence (AI)‐based methods.AI‐based approaches have superior predictive ability in contrast to traditional approachs.ANN and SVM techniques can accurately identify soil dispersion potential.Higher accuracy of new methods compared to common Sherard approach was validated with Pinhole test results.
Evaluating the contribution of the gene TARDBP in Italian patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Lattante Serena , Sabatelli Mario , Bisogni Giulia , Marangi Giuseppe , Doronzio Paolo Niccolò , Martello Francesco , Renzi Anna Gloria , Del Giudice Elda , Leon Alberta , Cimbolli Paola , Marchione Daniela , Costantino Umberto , Lucioli Gabriele , Bernardo Daniela , Meleo Emiliana , Patanella Agata Katia , Romano Angela , Zollino Marcella , Conte Amelia 
Published: February 2023

AbstractBackground and objectivesGenetic variants in the gene TARDBP, encoding TDP‐43 protein, are associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in familial (fALS) and sporadic (sALS) cases. Objectives of this study were to assess the contribution of TARDBP in a large cohort of Italian ALS patients, to determine the TARDBP‐associated clinical features and to look for genotype–phenotype correlation and penetrance of the mutations.MethodsA total of 1992 Italian ALS patients (193 fALS and 1799 sALS) were enrolled in this study. Sanger sequencing of TARDBP gene was performed in patients and, when available, in patients' relatives.ResultsIn total, 13 different rare variants were identified in 43 index cases (10 fALS and 33 sALS) with a cumulative mutational frequency of 2.2% (5.2% of fALS, 1.8% of sALS). The most prevalent variant was the p.A382T followed by the p.G294V. Cognitive impairment was detected in almost 30% of patients. While some variants, including the p.G294V and the p.G376D, were associated with restricted phenotypes, the p.A382T showed a marked clinical heterogeneity regarding age of onset, survival and association with cognitive impairment. Investigations in parents, when possible, showed that the variants were inherited from healthy carriers and never occurred de novo.ConclusionsIn our cohort, TARDBP variants have a relevant frequency in Italian ALS patients and they are significantly associated with cognitive impairment. Clinical presentation is heterogeneous. Consistent genotype–phenotype correlations are limited to some mutations. A marked phenotypic variability characterizes the p.A382T variant, suggesting a multifactorial/oligogenic pathogenic mechanism.
Information and communication technology use among children separated from one or both parents: A scoping review
Authors: Baude Amandine , Henaff Gaël , Potin Émilie , Bourassa Audrey , Saint‐Jacques Marie‐Christine , Noël Julie 
Published: February 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe development and diversification of information and communication technology (ICT) are changing the way family members communicate with each other, creating new opportunities for interaction. When children and parents do not live together on a day‐to‐day basis, these technologies may represent privileged means to keep in touch and maintain a relationship.ObjectiveThis article aims to review the literature on the use of ICT among children separated from one or both parents, paying particular attention to two contexts: parental separation and foster care.MethodA scoping review was conducted using the Arksey and O'Malley (2005) framework and the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines (Tricco et al., 2018). The data were analyzed using thematic analysis.ResultsOf the 847 references identified, 11 were selected (six related to parental separation and five related to foster care). The literature dated from 1997 to 2020 and was particularly sparse and heterogeneous (e.g., the definition of ICT and characteristics of participants). Three topics emerged: (a) ICT practices and usage patterns, (b) ICT practices: opportunities and issues, and (c) sociolegal support issues.ImplicationThis study highlights the need for all legal and psychosocial actors to consider the place of digital technology in family relationships.
Functional substitutability of native herbivores by livestock for soil carbon stock is mediated by microbial decomposers
Authors: Roy Shamik , Naidu Dilip G. T. , Bagchi Sumanta 
Published: February 2023

AbstractGrazing by large mammalian herbivores impacts climate as it can favor the size and stability of a large carbon (C) pool in the soils of grazing ecosystems. As native herbivores in the world's grasslands, steppes, and savannas are progressively being displaced by livestock, it is important to ask whether livestock can emulate the functional roles of their native counterparts. While livestock and native herbivores can have remarkable similarity in their traits, they can differ greatly in their impacts on vegetation composition which can affect soil‐C. It is uncertain how these similarities and differences impact soil‐C via their influence on microbial decomposers. We test competing alternative hypotheses with a replicated, long‐term, landscape‐level, grazing‐exclusion experiment to ask whether livestock in the Trans‐Himalayan ecosystem of northern India can match decadal‐scale (2005–2016) soil‐C stocks under native herbivores. We evaluate multiple lines of evidence from 17 variables that influence soil‐C (quantity and quality of C‐input from plants, microbial biomass and metabolism, microbial community composition, eDNA, veterinary antibiotics in soil), and assess their inter‐relationships. Livestock and native herbivores differed in their effects on several soil microbial processes. Microbial carbon use efficiency (CUE) was 19% lower in soils under livestock. Compared to native herbivores, areas used by livestock contained 1.5 kg C m−2 less soil‐C. Structural equation models showed that alongside the effects arising from plants, livestock alter soil microbial communities which is detrimental for CUE, and ultimately also for soil‐C. Supporting evidence pointed toward a link between veterinary antibiotics used on livestock, microbial communities, and soil‐C. Overcoming the challenges of sequestering antibiotics to minimize their potential impacts on climate, alongside microbial rewilding under livestock, may reconcile the conflicting demands from food‐security and ecosystem services. Conservation of native herbivores and alternative management of livestock is crucial for soil‐C stewardship to envision and achieve natural climate solutions.
Shrinking body size and climate warming: Many freshwater salmonids do not follow the rule
Authors: Solokas Mary A. , Feiner Zachary S. , Al‐Chokachy Robert , Budy Phaedra , DeWeber J. Tyrell , Sarvala Jouko , Sass Greg G. , Tolentino Scott A. , Walsworth Timothy E. , Jensen Olaf P. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractDeclining body size is believed to be a universal response to climate warming and has been documented in numerous studies of marine and anadromous fishes. The Salmonidae are a family of coldwater fishes considered to be among the most sensitive species to climate warming; however, whether the shrinking body size response holds true for freshwater salmonids has yet to be examined at a broad spatial scale. We compiled observations of individual fish lengths from long‐term surveys across the Northern Hemisphere for 12 species of freshwater salmonids and used linear mixed models to test for spatial and temporal trends in body size (fish length) spanning recent decades. Contrary to expectations, we found a significant increase in length overall but with high variability in trends among populations and species. More than two‐thirds of the populations we examined increased in length over time. Secondary regressions revealed larger‐bodied populations are experiencing greater increases in length than smaller‐bodied populations. Mean water temperature was weakly predictive of changes in body length but overall minimal influences of environmental variables suggest that it is difficult to predict an organism's response to changing temperatures by solely looking at climatic factors. Our results suggest that declining body size is not universal, and the response of fishes to climate change may be largely influenced by local factors. It is important to know that we cannot assume the effects of climate change are predictable and negative at a large spatial scale.
Mechanism of improving the mechanical properties of Si3N4/TiC ceramic tool materials prepared by spark plasma sintering
Authors: Mu Xiaoyu , Chen Zhaoqiang , Zhang Shuai , Chen Hui , Xiao Guangchun , Yi Mingdong , Zhang Jingjie , Zhou Tingting , Xu Chonghai 
Published: February 2023

AbstractSpark plasma sintering (SPS) is a new sintering method having shorter sintering time and higher densification speed than the traditional sintering methods. In this paper, the Si3N4/TiC ceramic tool material is sintered by SPS. The microstructure and mechanical properties of the material under different sintering parameters are compared. The sintering process of the material is then analyzed, and the best sintering parameters are obtained. Heat the material to 1600°C and keep the temperature for 15 min, then continue to heat to 1700°C and keep the temperature for 10 min, Si3N4/TiC ceramic tool material has high mechanical properties, its bending strength, fracture toughness, and Vickers hardness are 959 MPa, 8.61 MPa·m1/2, and 15.21 GPa, respectively. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis shows that under this condition, the sintering additives and Si3N4/TiC material form the liquid phase, which makes the Si3N4 particles rearrange, dissolve, precipitate, and transform into rod shape β‐Si3N4. In addition, under the action of pulse current and external pressure, electric sparks are generated between TiC particles, which allows the material transfer and particle refinement. Therefore, the β‐Si3N4 has uniform grain size, and it is vertically and horizontally arranged in the structure, which makes the material have excellent mechanical properties.
Evaluación de las prácticas de trabajo decente en las empresas. Análisis de las metodologías de calificación ambiental, social y de gobernanza
Authors: LOUCHE Céline , DELAUTRE Guillaume , BALVEDI PIMENTEL Gabriela 
Published: February 2023

ResumenLas agencias de calificación ambiental, social y de gobernanza (ASG) han adquirido una función preeminente en el ámbito de la inversión responsable como proveedoras de datos no financieros. La bibliografía anterior sobre la construcción de métricas ASG no esclarece los procedimientos de las agencias para evaluar el trabajo decente. A partir del análisis de seis agencias de calificación, los autores investigan cómo se miden y evalúan los resultados empresariales en la dimensión de trabajo decente, señalando las dificultades conexas. El objetivo es determinar en qué medida la inversión responsable y las calificaciones ASG contribuyen a promover y a mejorar el trabajo decente en las empresas.
The effect of nirmatrelvir‐ritonavir on viral clearance and length of hospital stay in patients infected with SARS‐CoV‐2 omicron variants
Authors: Wang Yu , Zhao Danyang , Chen Xubo , Liu Xinbing , Xiao Wenying , Feng Liuliu 
Published: February 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has caused heavy burdens on national healthcare systems. Nirmatrelvir‐ritonavir (Paxlovid) may be one of the most promising therapeutic drugs, with reports of up to 89% reduction rates in hospitalization risk and death among patients with mild‐to‐moderate COVID‐19 who are at risk of developing severe disease. However, limited studies have investigated the effects of this class of drugs on viral clearance and length of hospital stay.MethodsIn this study, we retrospectively analyzed the characteristics of patients infected with the Omicron variant of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) and investigated the effects of oral nirmatrelvir‐ritonavir on viral clearance and length of hospital stay in mild‐to‐moderate COVID‐19 patients at high risk for progression to severe disease.ResultsThe median SARS‐CoV‐2 negative conversion time was 16 (13–20) versus 13 (10–16) days (control group versus nirmatrelvir‐ritonavir group, p < 0.001), the median length of hospital stay was 13 (10–16) versus 12 (13–14) days (control group versus nirmatrelvir‐ritonavir group, p = 0.01), and the SARS‐CoV‐2 negative conversion time and length of hospital stay were significantly shorter in the nirmatrelvir‐ritonavir group than in the control group. When controlling for hypertension, chronic kidney disease, severity status of COVID‐19, use of antibiotic agent, and COVID‐19 vaccine received, multiple stepwise linear regression analysis showed that nirmatrelvir‐ritonavir treatment was negatively associated with the SARS‐CoV‐2 negative conversion time and length of hospital stay.ConclusionNirmatrelvir‐ritonavir reduces the viral clearance time and length of hospital stay in hospitalized patients with COVID‐19. Nirmatrelvir‐ritonavir might be a promising drug to reduce the virus load and the heavy burden of healthcare systems.
Alpha‐ketoglutarate up‐regulates autophagic activity in peri‐implant environment and enhances dental implant osseointegration in osteoporotic mice
Authors: Liu Ruojing , Gao Yi , Huang Li , Shi Bing , Yin Xing , Zou Shujuan 
Published: February 2023

AbstractAimThe osseointegration of dental implants is impaired in patients with osteoporosis, leading to significantly higher failure rates. This study set out to investigate the potential effects of alpha‐ketoglutarate (α‐KG) on implant osseointegration in an osteoporotic mouse model.Materials and MethodsFemale C57BL/6 mice received ovariectomy and bilateral first maxillary molar extraction at the age of 7 weeks. Dental implants were inserted 8 weeks after tooth extraction. In one of the groups, α‐KG was administered via drinking water throughout the experimental period. Specimens were collected on post‐implant days (PIDs) 3, 7, 14, and 21 for micro‐CT, histological, and immunohistochemical analyses. At the same time, bone‐marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) treated with α‐KG were interrogated for osteogenic differentiation, autophagic activity, and apoptosis.Resultsα‐KG supplementation in drinking water resulted in enhanced dental implant osseointegration in ovariectomized mice, with up‐regulated osteogenic and autophagic activity and down‐regulated osteoclast differentiation and cell apoptosis. α‐KG‐treated BMMSCs showed enhanced activity in proliferation, survival, colony formation, and osteogenic differentiation, as well as autophagic activity.ConclusionsSystemic α‐KG supplementation effectively prevents the failure of dental implant osseointegration in mice under an osteoporotic state.