bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterising the herbivore community and its impact on Sonchus oleraceus (Asterales: Asteraceae) in its invaded range in Australia
Authors: Ollivier Mélodie , Labouyrie Maëva , Raghu Sathyamurthy , Tavoillot Johannes , Tixier Marie‐Stéphane , Lesieur Vincent 
Published: April 2023

AbstractSonchus oleraceus is an annual species native to Eurasia and Northern Africa that has become a major weed of cultivated fields and ruderal areas in Australia. Populations are difficult to manage in cropping systems because of the development of resistance to common herbicides. Biological control is being investigated as an additional tactic for managing the weed. A literature review was conducted to identify the phytophagous arthropod species already associated with the species in Australia to guide such a biological control programme. To identify opportunities for biological control agents to aid in management, we undertook field surveys across Queensland and South Australia in different environments. We also investigated factors that may influence their performance in Australia. Both the literature review and field surveys identified 21 arthropod species associated with S. oleraceus in Australia, most of them being generalist species and pests of exotic origin. Capitula were the most damaged plant part while stems were relatively free from insects, except aphids. The field surveys recorded an unexpected new interaction between S. oleraceus and the gall midge, Contarinia jongi (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae). This association was surprising as the midge, only known to develop on Alstroemeria (Liliales: Alstroemeriaceae), a very distant relative to S. oleraceus (Asterales: Asteraceae), was reported in Australia only a few years ago under greenhouse conditions. The midge and the moth Eublemma cochylioides (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) were the two species that occurred most frequently in developing flower head samples. We considered their infestation rate as a proxy of herbivory and tested whether the environment surrounding the plant may influence herbivory. Both E. cochylioides and C. jongi showed the highest infestations in ruderal sites compared with the sites located in conventional farming areas. We discuss the implications of our results in the context of selecting and releasing candidates for the biological control of the weed, especially in agricultural landscapes.
Observations on the effects of fire on East African Afroalpine vegetation
Authors: van der Hoek Yntze , Bugingo Louange César , Tuyisingize Deogratias , Eckardt Winnie , Bizuru Elias , Ngiramahoro Maurice 
Published: April 2023

AbstractAn accidental fire that affected vegetation across an elevational gradient on the eastern slope of Mount Muhabura in Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda) provided a unique opportunity to compare the richness, diversity, composition and elevational distribution of plant taxa across burned and unburned Afromontane habitats 1 and 9 years after the fire. Although richness and local α‐diversity were comparable, community composition differed across burned and unburned habitats with the former having a lower cover of woody perennials and a higher cover of herbaceous annuals. We confirm the role of fire in shaping Afromontane vegetation, which is important information for protected area management.
What is the optimal range of glycemic control for non‐diabetic patients undergoing gastroenterological surgery? A single‐center randomized controlled trial using an artificial pancreas
Authors: Tanioka Nobuhisa , Maeda Hiromichi , Uemura Sunao , Munekage Masaya , Kitagawa Hiroyuki , Namikawa Tsutomu , Kuroiwa Hajime , Fujimoto Shimpei , Seo Satoru , Hanazaki Kazuhiro 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBackgroundThis study aimed to determine the optimal target range of perioperative glycemic control for gastroenterological surgery. A closed‐loop‐type artificial pancreas (AP) was used to diminish the negative impact of hypoglycemia and glycemic variability during tight glycemic control.MethodsIn this single‐center randomized trial, non‐diabetic patients were assigned to tight (80–110 mg/dL) or moderate glycemic control (110–140 mg/dL) groups between August 2017 and May 2021. AP was used from the intraoperative period until discharge from the intensive care unit. The primary endpoint was the serum interleukin (IL)‐6 level on the third postoperative day (3POD), and the secondary endpoints included clinical outcomes.ResultsRecruitment was closed before reaching the planned number of patients due to slow enrollment. Tight glycemic control (n = 62) resulted in lower mean glucose levels than moderate glycemic control (n = 66) (121.3 ± 10.8 mg/dL vs. 133.5 ± 12.0 mg/dL, p < 0.001). Insulin was administered at a 65% higher rate for tight glycemic control, achieving appropriate glucose control more than 70% of the treatment time. No hypoglycemia occurred during the AP treatment. No significant difference was observed in serum IL‐6 levels on 3POD (23.4 ± 31.1 vs. 32.1 ± 131.0 pg/mL, p = 0.64), morbidity rate, surgical mortality rate, or length of hospital stay between the two groups.ConclusionsClinically relevant short‐term results did not differ, implying that 80–110 and 110–140 mg/dL are permissible glycemic control ranges when using AP in non‐diabetic patients undergoing gastroenterological surgery. (Registered in UMIN; UMIN000028036).
Early clinical observation of supra‐hemodiafiltration with endogenous reinfusion in the treatment of uremic pruritus
Authors: Zha Fei , Li Wenwen , Shi Chunhua , Deng Yanyan , Shen Jianming 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBackgroundTo evaluate the clinical efficacy of supra‐hemodiafiltration with endogenous reinfusion (Supra‐HFR) for pruritus in uremic maintenance hemodialysis (HD) patients and explore the possible mechanism.MethodsThis study prospectively included 60 patients with uremia who underwent maintenance hemodialysis and developed pruritus. Patients were randomly divided into a study group (30 cases) and a control group (30 cases). Patients in the study group underwent dialysis once a week with Supra‐HFR and twice a week with HD. The group received HD dialysis 3 times a week. Visual analog scales (VAS) scores, 5‐D itch scale scores, and 12‐Item Pruritus Severity Scale (12‐PSS) were used to evaluate the itching degree of patients. Quality of life was assessed using KDTA and SF‐36 scores. Blood levels of hypersensitive C‐reactive protein, calcium ion (Ca2+), phosphorus ion (P3+), free parathyroid hormone (iPTH), and β2‐microglobulin (β2‐MG) were compared between the two groups before treatment and at follow‐up 24 weeks after treatment.ResultsBefore treatment, there was no significant difference in VAS, 5‐D itch scale, and 12‐PSS score between the study group and the control group (all p > 0.05). After 24 weeks of treatment, the VAS score of the study group (2.82 ± 0.91) was significantly lower than that of the control group (7.47 ± 1.32, p < 0.001), the 5‐D itch scale score of the study group (9.47 ± 2.34) was significantly lower than that of the control group (18.53 ± 4.02, p < 0.001), the 12‐PSS score of the study group (11.20 ± 1.81) was significantly lower than that of the control group (16.47 ± 2.09, p < 0.001). KDTA of the study group (64.17 ± 8.07 vs. 47.83 ± 13.46, p < 0.001) and SF‐36 scores (65.37 ± 6.28 vs. 55.90 ± 14.28, p = 0.002) were significantly higher than that in the control group. The levels of hs‐CRP, P3+, iPTH, and β2‐MG in the study group after treatment were lower than those before treatment, and lower than those in the control group after treatment (all p < 0.05).ConclusionsThe Supra‐HFR can effectively reduce the itching symptoms of uremia patients and improve their quality of life.
The effect of commitment in the public goods game with endogenous institution formation
Authors: Inaba Misato , Kawamura Tetsuya , Ogawa Kazuhito 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThis study focuses on the endogenous formation of institutions for the provision of public goods. Institutions that impose a contribution on their members can increase social welfare. However, without powerful executive authority, not all players become institutional members, and those who choose not to join the institution do not contribute to public goods. Endogenous institution formation—for example, international treaties to prevent global warming—may be a solution. This study examines the effect of commitment on endogenous institution formation for solving the public goods problem. We compared two rules in which participants either committed to join or did not join an institution. Under both rules, players who proposed to form an institution could withdraw from it during the formation process. Under the breakaway rule, the institution can be formed even if some proposers withdraw, whereas under the unanimity rule, the institution is never formed if at least one proposer withdraws. Thus, the unanimity rule required the commitment of proposers for institution formation. Our experimental result showed that the unanimity rule increased the contribution to public goods, whereas the breakaway rule did not. Our findings suggest that the commitment to become a member of an institution is essential for endogenous institution formation.
Associations of pregnancy complications and neonatal characteristics with bipolar disorder in the offspring: Nationwide cohort and sibling‐controlled studies
Authors: Beer Rachael J. , Cnattingius Sven , Susser Ezra S. , Villamor Eduardo 
Published: April 2023

AbstractObjectivesTo investigate associations of neonatal characteristics and pregnancy complications with bipolar disorder (BPD) in offspring.MethodsWe conducted a nationwide cohort study among 2,059,578 non‐malformed singleton live‐births in Sweden born 1983–2004. Using national registries with prospectively recorded information, we followed participants for a BPD diagnosis from 13 up to 34 years of age. We compared BPD risks between exposure categories using hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) from adjusted Cox models. We also conducted sibling‐controlled analyses among 1,467,819 full siblings.ResultsThere were 14,998 BPD diagnoses. Risk of BPD was 0.74% through 25 years of age. Very/extremely preterm birth (22 to 31 weeks) was related to increased BPD HRs in sibling‐controlled analyses; compared with a gestational age of 37 weeks, adjusted HR (95% CI) for 31, 28, and 22 weeks were, respectively, 1.31 (0.99, 1.74), 2.09 (1.15, 3.79), and 5.74 (1.15, 28.63). Spontaneous but not medically indicated very/extremely preterm birth was associated with increased risk. Compared with vaginal birth, caesarean section birth was associated with 1.20 (1.08, 1.33) and 1.58 (1.06, 2.36) times higher BPD risk in general and sibling cohorts, respectively. Small‐for‐gestational age (SGA) birth was related to increased BPD HRs in general cohort and sibling analyses (HRs [95% CI] were 1.22 [1.06, 1.39] and 1.68 [1.13, 2.50], respectively); only term SGA was associated with increased risk. Head circumference‐for‐gestational age, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and placental abruption were not associated with BPD.ConclusionsVery/extremely preterm birth, caesarean birth, and SGA are related to BPD incidence.
The ethical significance of consent to postmortem organ retrieval
Authors: Łuków Paweł 
Published: April 2023

AbstractSupporters of opt‐in organ procurement policies typically claim that the absence of consent to postmortem transplantable organ retrieval is a normative barrier to such retrieval. On this ground, justification of opt‐out policies is demanded. The paper shows that postmortem organ retrieval is normatively different from live organ removal, and so the doctrine of informed consent does not apply to it in the way it does in other types of cases. First, seen as the instrument of protection of autonomy or the right to self‐determination, informed consent cannot be relied on in the case of dead persons; secondly, viewed as an instrument of annulment of harm or wrong to the dead (volenti non fit injuria), informed consent relies on indefensible accounts of posthumous harm or wrong. Postmortem organ retrieval in cases of absence of the decedent's consent and refusal is governed by other norms than those related to consent. Such norms include, among others, respectful treatment of human remains (such as those found in regulations of medicine, law enforcement, and research) and avoidance of inherently wrong contexts and purposes (such as killing for the purpose of organ retrieval or trade in the human body or its parts). It is concluded that the onus probandi is on the supporters of opt‐in, rather than opt‐out, policies of posthumous organ retrieval.
Microvascular and neural alterations in carotid cavernous fistulas: An optical coherence tomography angiography study
Authors: Wen Xin , Gao Xiang , Li Zhongjun , Wang Jing , Liang Jiaqi , Zhou Chong , Cai Wangqing , Xiao Jianhui 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBackgroundCurrent modalities for diagnosing carotid cavernous fistula (CCF) are inaccurate in analysing retinal microcirculations and nerve fibre changes. Retinal microvascular and neural alterations occur in CCF patients and can be quantitatively measured using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). We measured the neurovascular changes in the eyes of CCF patients and used OCTA as a supplementary method.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study studied 54 eyes of 27 unilateral CCF subjects and 54 eyes of 27 healthy age‐ and sex‐matched controls. OCTA parameters in the macula and optic nerve head (ONH) were analysed using a one‐way analysis of variance with further Bonferroni corrections. Parameters with statistical significance were included in a multivariable binary logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated.ResultsThere was significantly less deep‐vessel density (DVD) and ONH‐associated capillary density in both eyes of CCF patients than in controls, while the differences between the affected and contralateral eyes were insignificant. The retinal nerve fibre layer and ganglion cell complex thickness were lower in the affected eyes than in the contralateral or controlled eyes. ROC curves identified DVD and ONH‐associated capillary density as significant parameters in both eyes of CCF patients.ConclusionThe retinal microvascular circulation was affected in both eyes of unilateral CCF patients. Microvascular alterations occurred before retinal neural damage. This quantitative study suggests a supplementary measurement for diagnosing CCF and detecting early neurovascular impairments.
OaIF: Occlusion‐Aware Implicit Function for Clothed Human Re‐construction
Authors: Tan Yudi , Guan Boliang , Zhou Fan , Su Zhuo 
Published: April 2023

AbstractClothed human re‐construction from a monocular image is challenging due to occlusion, depth‐ambiguity and variations of body poses. Recently, shape representation based on an implicit function, compared to explicit representation such as mesh and voxel, is more capable with complex topology of clothed human. This is mainly achieved by using pixel‐aligned features, facilitating implicit function to capture local details. But such methods utilize an identical feature map for all sampled points to get local features, making their models occlusion‐agnostic in the encoding stage. The decoder, as implicit function, only maps features and does not take occlusion into account explicitly. Thus, these methods fail to generalize well in poses with severe self‐occlusion. To address this, we present OaIF to encode local features conditioned in visibility of SMPL vertices. OaIF projects SMPL vertices onto image plane to obtain image features masked by visibility. Vertices features integrated with geometry information of mesh are then feed into a GAT network to encode jointly. We query hybrid features and occlusion factors for points through cross attention and learn occupancy fields for clothed human. The experiments demonstrate that OaIF achieves more robust and accurate re‐construction than the state of the art on both public datasets and wild images.
The role of Espin in the stereocilia regeneration and protection in Atoh1‐overexpressed cochlear epithelium
Authors: Yang Xuechun , Qi Jieyu , Zhang Liyan , Tan Fangzhi , Huang Hongming , Xu Chunlai , Cui Yong , Chai Renjie , Wu Peina 
Published: April 2023

AbstractHair cells (HCs) in mammals cannot spontaneously regenerate after damage. Atoh1 overexpression can promote HC regeneration in the postnatal cochlea, but the regenerated HCs do not possess the structural and functional characteristics of HCs in situ. The stereocilia on the apical surface of HCs are the first‐level structure for sound conduction, and regeneration of functional stereocilia is the key basis for the reproduction of functional HCs. Espin, as an actin bundling protein, plays an important role in the development and structural maintenance of the stereocilia. Here, we found that the upregulation of Espin by AAV‐ie was able to induced the aggregation of actin fibres in Atoh1‐induced HCs in both cochlear organoids and explants. In addition, we found that persistent Atoh1 overexpression resulted in impaired stereocilia in both endogenous and newly formed HCs. In contrast, the forced expression of Espin in endogenous and regenerative HCs was able to eliminate the stereocilia damage caused by persistent Atoh1 overexpression. Our study shows that the enhanced expression of Espin can optimize the developmental process of stereocilia in Atoh1‐induced HCs and can attenuate the damage to native HCs induced by Atoh1 overexpression. These results suggest an effective method to induce the maturation of stereocilia in regenerative HCs and pave the way for functional HC regeneration via supporting cell transdifferentiation.
On financial frictions and firm's market power
Authors: Casares Miguel , Deidda Luca G. , Galdon‐Sanchez Jose E. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThere are two opposing welfare effects of market power in a model with monopolistic competition, loan defaults and moral hazard. The loss of output produced if firms set a higher mark‐up over marginal costs confronts with some gain due to higher expected profits and the reduction of defaults. Such tradeoff results in an optimal level of market power that decreases with the efficiency of liquidation following default on a loan. If moral hazard is pervasive, credit rationing cuts down the default rates and mitigates the welfare cost of financial frictions.
Proteomic profiling of cutaneous melanoma explains the aggressiveness of distant organ metastasis
Authors: Azimi Ali , Patrick Ellis , Teh Rachel , Kim Jennifer , Fernandez‐Penas Pablo 
Published: April 2023

AbstractDespite recent developments in managing metastatic melanomas, patients' overall survival remains low. Therefore, the current study aims to understand better the proteome‐wide changes associated with melanoma metastasis that will assist with identifying targeted therapies. The latest development in mass spectrometry‐based proteomics, together with extensive bioinformatics analysis, was used to investigate the molecular changes in 60 formalin‐fixed and paraffin‐embedded samples of primary and lymph nodes (LN) and distant organ metastatic melanomas. A total of 4631 proteins were identified, of which 72 and 453 were significantly changed between the LN and distant organ metastatic melanomas compared to the primary lesions (adj. p‐value <0.05). An increase in proteins such as SLC9A3R1, CD20 and GRB2 and a decrease in CST6, SERPINB5 and ARG1 were associated with regional LN metastasis. By contrast, increased metastatic activities in distant organ metastatic melanomas were related to higher levels of CEACAM1, MC1R, AKT1 and MMP3‐9 and decreased levels of CDKN2A, SDC1 and SDC4 proteins. Furthermore, machine learning analysis classified the lesions with up to 92% accuracy based on their metastatic status. The findings from this study provide up to date proteome‐level information about the progression of melanomas to regional LN and distant organs, leading to the identification of protein signatures with potential for clinical translation.
Theoretical analysis of two cracks in sandstone under the simultaneous action of pressure and shear stress
Authors: Huang Jianwei , Wang Hanbing , Zhou Lei , Zhu Zheming , Deng Ze , Wang Zhihong 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe cracked rock mass could slide along the weak side under the action of compressive loads and shear loads in landslides; thus, the stability evaluation of the crack in rock mass media is of particular importance. The formulas of stress intensity factors (SIFs) for each crack tip are theoretically derived by implementing complex function theory. The results of the analytical solutions are then compared with the predicted results of the finite element analysis via ABAQUS software, revealing a slight relative error. Photo elastic experiment and static compression tests are conducted to verify the correctness of theoretical results. The obtained results reveal that the internal pressure leads to the increasing SIFs of mode II at crack tips. Further, the larger the difference between the horizontal and vertical compressive stresses, the more likely the occurrence of shear failure in the cracked rock mass. For the two cracks, the most dangerous point is the inner crack tip of the longer crack.
Fracture evolution and fracture mechanism of tunnel surrounding rock: A case study based on laboratory tests and theoretical analysis
Authors: Xiao Weijing , Zhang Dongming , Li Shujian , Lu Jun 
Published: April 2023

AbstractTo explore the fracture characteristics and fracture mechanism of the surrounding rock of straight‐walled arched tunnels, this study first carried out biaxial compression tests on rock samples and analyzed the disaster evolution characteristics under loading. Then, a stress distribution function was established using a complex function, and the distribution characteristics of the surrounding rock stress field were determined. Finally, combining the stress field with results obtained by computational tomography and acoustic emission measurements, the dynamic evolution of the main fracture mechanism of the tunnel surrounding rock was comprehensively analyzed, and the fracture mechanism of the surrounding rock of the straight‐walled arched tunnel was elucidated. The research results strengthen the understanding of rock fracture evolution during tunnel construction and operation and provide a basis for tunnel construction and surrounding rock stability analysis.