bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Birds and insects respond differently to combinations of semi‐natural features in farm landscapes
Authors: Hall Mark A. , Nimmo Dale G. , Bennett Andrew F. 
Published: August 2022

Abstract

Semi‐natural features among farmland have a key role in maintaining wildlife in rural landscapes. Practical conservation requires knowledge of which combinations of features are of greatest value and whether this differs among faunal groups. We used a ‘landscape’ approach to investigate the relative importance to birds and insects (bees, flies, wasps) of combinations of three wooded features typical of farmland in south‐eastern Australia: scattered trees, wooded roadsides and wooded streamside vegetation.

We selected 44 landscapes (1 km diameter) representing four combinations: (a) landscapes with all three features present, (b) landscapes lacking scattered trees, (c) lacking wooded roadsides and (d) lacking wooded streamsides. We surveyed birds and selected insects, and compared mean alpha (α, site), beta (β, between site) and gamma (γ, landscape) diversity for each taxon between landscape types; and gamma (γ) diversity of bird species displaying breeding activity.

Mean α‐diversity of birds was reduced in landscapes lacking wooded roadsides or streams, relative to those with all three wooded features; while species differentiation (β‐diversity) increased in these landscapes. Loss of streamside vegetation had the greatest landscape‐scale impact, reducing γ‐diversity by ~33% for all land‐birds and ~50% for woodland birds. Bird breeding activity declined by ~50% in landscapes lacking wooded streamsides. In contrast, insects showed little response, except bees for which mean α‐diversity was greater in more open landscapes lacking scattered trees or wooded roadsides, compared with those containing all wooded features. This did not lead to differences in landscape‐level (γ) diversity.

Synthesis and applications. Birds and insects respond differently to combinations of semi‐natural features in rural landscapes, highlighting the need to better meet the requirements of multiple faunal groups in nature conservation activities. Wooded features, especially streamside vegetation, are critical for maintaining diversity and breeding activity of woodland birds. Given a general lack of knowledge of the insect fauna in some regions and varied results here, a prudent approach is to foster a diverse farmland mosaic comprising semi‐natural habitats together with floristically rich, modified features that provide temporally dynamic resources. These combined landscape features are important for faunal conservation, while also supporting farm productivity and ecosystem services.
Elite recruitment in US finance: How university prestige is used to secure top executive positions
Authors: Bühlmann Felix , Schoenberger François , Ajdacic Lena , Foureault Fabien 
Published: August 2022

AbstractStatus attainment theories assert that individuals are recruited based on the length and functional background of their training. Elite theories assume that top managers often deviate from these socially acceptable mechanisms of status attainment to entrench their advantage. In this study, focusing on the US financial sector, we investigate whether educational institution prestige—rather than the subject or length of education—increasingly influences appointments to top executive positions. We analyze 1987 US top executive managers affiliated with 147 firms from both financial and non‐financial sectors in 2005 and 2018. Our study demonstrates that alumni of prestigious universities have a strikingly higher likelihood of attaining a top executive role in finance than in non‐finance. Within finance it is no longer investment banking, but private equity, that contains the highest proportion of elite university graduates. Our findings suggest that notwithstanding the major power shifts between finance and non‐finance—and also within the finance sector—elite groups still dominate the most symbolically valued education, and as a result, top managerial positions.
Functional characterization of sex pheromone receptors in Spodoptera frugiperda, S. exigua, and S. litura moths
Authors: Zhang Sai , Liu Fang , Yang Bin , Liu Yang , Wang Gui‐Rong 
Published: August 2022

AbstractMoths possess an extremely sensitive and diverse sex pheromone processing system, in which pheromone receptors (PRs) are essential to ensure communication between mating partners. Functional properties of some PRs are conserved among species, which is important for reproduction. However, functional differentiation has occurred in some homologous PR genes, which may drive species divergence. Here, using genome analysis, 17 PR genes were identified from Spodoptera frugiperda, S. exigua, and S. litura, which belong to 6 homologous groups (odorant receptor [OR]6, 11, 13, 16, 56, and 62); of which 6 PR genes (OR6, OR11, OR13, OR16, OR56, and OR62) were identified in S. frugiperda and S. exigua, and 5 PR genes were identified in S. litura, excluding OR62. Using heterologous expression in Xenopus oocytes, we characterized the functions of PR orthologs including OR6, OR56, and OR62, which have not been clarified in previous studies. OR6 orthologs were specifically tuned to (Z,E)‐9,12‐tetradecadienyl acetate (Z9,E12‐14:OAc), and OR62 orthologs were robustly tuned to Z7‐12:OAc in S. frugiperda and S. exigua. The optimal ligand for OR56 was Z7‐12:OAc in S. frugiperda, but responses were minimal in S. exigua and S. litura. In addition, SfruOR6 was male antennae‐specific, whereas SfruOR56 and SfruOR62 were male antennae‐biased. Our study further clarified the functional properties of PRs in 3 Spodoptera moth species, providing a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms of intraspecific communication and interspecific isolation in Spodoptera.
Effect of nutritional supplementation on mortality in peritoneal dialysis patients: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Cui Luke , Gong Rong 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBackgroundMalnutrition is a common clinical problem in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients and is a predictor of mortality. This work analyzes the effect of nutritional supplementation for PD patients on all‐cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD)‐related deaths by meta‐analysis.MethodsA study about nutritional interventions for PD patients on all‐cause or CVD‐related mortality is included.ResultsEight studies were included. The results showed that nutritional intervention can reduce all‐cause mortality in PD patients (HR, 0.71; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.64–0.79; p < 0.01). In CVD‐related mortality, the results also showed that nutritional interventions significantly reduce CVD‐related mortality (HR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.64–0.87; p < 0.01). In exploratory analysis, vitamin D, folic acid, and high‐plant‐protein ratio intake have relative advantages.ConclusionAppropriate nutritional supplementation to PD patients can effectively reduce all‐cause and CVD‐ related mortality in clinical practice, especially for vitamin D, folic acid, sodium supplements, and a high proportion of plant protein.
Cilostazol treatment for preventing adverse cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes and coronary atherosclerosis: Long‐term follow‐up of the ESCAPE study
Authors: Sohn Minji , Chun Eun Ju , Lim Soo 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBackgroundPreviously, in the ESCAPE study, a randomized controlled trial, we found that 12 months of cilostazol administration significantly decreased coronary artery stenosis and the noncalcified plaque component compared with aspirin. The goal of the current study was to evaluate the effect of cilostazol treatment on cardiovascular events up to 7 years after the end of the original study.MethodsAfter the end of the ESCAPE study with patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and mild to moderate coronary artery stenosis, we decided to extend the ESCAPE study to investigate the long‐term effect of cilostazol and aspirin, named the ESCAPE‐extension study. The study participants had been investigated for cardiovascular events for up to 7 years, bringing the total follow‐up time to a median of 5.2 years (interquartile range 3.6‐6.7 years). Adverse events were also investigated.ResultsAmong 100 participants from the original study, 88 were included in this extension study. Cilostazol treatment reduced the incidence of cardiovascular events in the patients with T2DM when compared with aspirin for a 5.2‐year median follow‐up (hazard ratio 0.24; 95% CI, 0.07‐0.83). The cardiovascular benefit of cilostazol therapy was maintained along with age, sex, systolic blood pressure, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and coronary artery calcium score. No serious adverse events in the cilostazol group were noted in the follow‐up period.ConclusionsIn this ESCAPE‐extension study, cilostazol treatment proved its efficacy in reducing cardiovascular events compared with aspirin in diabetic patients with subclinical coronary artery disease, suggesting the beneficial role of cilostazol in the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease.
Comparison of destructive and nondestructiveDNAextraction methods for the metabarcoding of arthropod bulk samples
Authors: Kirse Ameli , Bourlat Sarah J. , Langen Kathrin , Zapke Björn , Zizka Vera M. A. 
Published: August 2022

AbstractDNA metabarcoding is routinely used for biodiversity assessment, in particular targeting highly diverse groups for which limited taxonomic expertise is available. Various protocols are currently in use, although standardization is key to its application in large‐scale monitoring. DNA metabarcoding of arthropod bulk samples can be conducted either destructively from sample tissue, or nondestructively from sample fixative or lysis buffer. Nondestructive methods are highly desirable for the preservation of sample integrity but have yet to be experimentally evaluated in detail. Here, we compare diversity estimates from 14 size‐sorted Malaise trap samples processed consecutively with three nondestructive approaches (one using fixative ethanol and two using lysis buffers) and one destructive approach (using homogenized tissue). Extraction from commercial lysis buffer yielded comparable species richness and high overlap in species composition to the ground tissue extracts. A significantly divergent community was detected from preservative ethanol‐based DNA extraction. No consistent trend in species richness was found with increasing incubation time in lysis buffer. These results indicate that nondestructive DNA extraction from incubation in lysis buffer could provide a comparable alternative to destructive approaches with the added advantage of preserving the specimens for postmetabarcoding taxonomic work but at a higher cost per sample.
Efficacy of disinfection procedures performed prior to regenerative endodontic therapy: An integrative review
Authors: da Silva Magalhães Ketillyn , Kuerten Gil Ana Clara , Goulart Taynara Santos , Schuldt Daniela Peressoni Vieira , Coelho Beatriz Serrato , Figueiredo Daniela de Rossi , Garcia Lucas da Fonseca Roberti , de Almeida Josiane 
Published: August 2022

AbstractThe aim of this integrative review was to identify whether the disinfection procedures performed prior to regenerative endodontic treatment were effective on biofilm removal from the root canals. The research was based on PubMed, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (Lilacs) and Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) databases. Four articles were selected; one of the studies was in vivo and the others ex vivo. Different disinfection procedures were studied, characterised mainly by the use of intracanal medication, highlighting the double antibiotic paste, triple antibiotic paste and calcium hydroxide paste. Disinfection ability was evaluated against Enterococcus faecalis and multispecies biofilms by using the fluorescence technique and colony forming unit counting, for 7 to 21 days. Double antibiotic paste and triple antibiotic paste demonstrated excellent antibiofilm activity, unlike CH paste that showed limited disinfection, even when associated with different antimicrobial agents. Triple antibiotic paste was the most effective medication against biofilm.
Regulatory role of melatonin on epidermal growth factor receptor, Type I collagen α1 chain, and caveolin 1 in granulosa cells of sheep antral follicles
Authors: Wang Wenjuan , Lv Jianshu , Duan Hongwei , Ding Ziqiang , Zeng Jianlin , Lv Chen , Hu Junjie , Zhang Yong , Zhao Xingxu 
Published: August 2022

AbstractWe investigated the expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), Type I collagen α1 chain (COL1A1), and caveolin 1 (CAV1) during follicular development and examined the regulatory role of melatonin (MLT) on EGFR, COL1A1, and CAV1 in sheep antral ovaries. The expression was detected in granulosa and theca cells by immunohistochemistry. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were used to examine the expression levels of EGFR, COL1A1, and CAV1 in small (≤2 mm), medium (2–5 mm), and large (≥5 mm) follicles. The mRNA and protein levels of EGFR, COL1A1, and CAV1 were found to be the highest in large follicles. Furthermore, cultured granulosa cells were treated with MLT (10−7–10−11 M), luzindole (nonselective MT1 and MT2 receptor antagonist, 10−7 M), and 4‐phenyl‐2‐propanamide tetraldehyde (4P‐PDOT, MT2 selective antagonist, 10−7 M) to detect the regulatory role of MLT on EGFR, COL1A1, and CAV1. Results indicated COL1A1 and CAV1 were at least partially regulated by MLT through MT1 and MT2 pathways, whereas EGFR was not. This study provided a reference for further studies on MLT regulatory role on EGFR, COL1A1, and CAV1 during sheep follicular development and elucidated the physiological mechanism of MLT regulator production.
Does donor conception violate human dignity?
Authors: Schuman Olivia 
Published: August 2022

AbstractThe moral acceptability of anonymous gamete donation remains contested. Although the view that the value of parent–child relationships should not depend on genetic ties is “nearly axiomatic” among philosophers and bioethicists, one well‐known dissenter remains: David Velleman. I argue that most rebuttals to Velleman have simply talked past him because they have failed to understand his fundamental point—that donor conception is a violation of human dignity and as such is wrong even if it does not harm individuals. I challenge Velleman on his own terms by endorsing his metaphysical picture before showing that donor conception is not necessarily a violation of human dignity. I show this by arguing that gamete donation is held to a double standard of self‐knowledge. I develop an account of the self that recognizes that certain kinds of challenges to one's flourishing can contribute to an individual's strength and self‐knowledge. I defend my view against objections that genetic knowledge is categorically different from other ways of knowing oneself and I show that donor conception can respect human dignity as long as it meets certain conditions.
A conceptual framework to predict social information use based on food ephemerality and individual resource requirements
Authors: Kohles Jenna E. , O'Mara M. Teague , Dechmann Dina K. N. 
Published: August 2022

ABSTRACTEnvironmental variability poses a range of challenges to foraging animals trying to meet their energetic needs. Where food patches are unpredictable but shareable, animals can use social information to locate patches more efficiently or reliably. However, resource unpredictability can be heterogeneous and complex. The behavioural strategies animals employ to exploit such resources also vary, particularly if, when, and where animals use available social information. We reviewed the literature on social information use by foraging animals and developed a novel framework that integrates four elements – (1) food resource persistence; (2) the relative value of social information use; (3) behavioural context (opportunistic or coordinated); and (4) location of social information use – to predict and characterize four strategies of social information use – (1) local enhancement; (2) group facilitation; (3) following; and (4) recruitment. We validated our framework by systematically reviewing the growing empirical literature on social foraging in bats, an ideal model taxon because they exhibit extreme diversity in ecological niche and experience low predation risk while foraging but function at high energy expenditures, which selects for efficient foraging behaviours. Our framework's predictions agreed with the observed natural behaviour of bats and identified key knowledge gaps for future studies. Recent advancements in technology, methods, and analysis will facilitate additional studies in bats and other taxa to further test the framework and our conception of the ecological and evolutionary forces driving social information use. Understanding the links between food distribution, social information use, and foraging behaviour will help elucidate social interactions, group structure, and the evolution of sociality for species across the animal kingdom.
Weight loss with glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists in Bardet‐Biedl syndrome
Authors: Ganawa Shawg , Santhosh Smrithi Hema , Parry Lucy , Syed Akheel A. 
Published: August 2022

SummaryBardet–Biedl syndrome (BBS) is a rare genetic condition, characterized by ciliary protein dysfunction, leading to multi‐organ damage. People with BBS can develop early‐onset severe obesity and associated problems including the metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease. Weight management can be challenging with the lack of effective medical therapies so far. We report a patient with BBS who underwent successful weight reduction through the use of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists.
Combination of chemically modified SDF‐1α mRNA and small skin improves wound healing in diabetic rats with full‐thickness skin defects
Authors: Luo Zucheng , Bian Yujie , Zheng Rui , Song Yonghuan , Shi Li , Xu Haiting , Wang Huijing , Li Xiaoyan , Tao Zhenyu , Wang Anyuan , Liu Ke , Fu Wei , Xue Jixin 
Published: August 2022

AbstractObjectivesDiabetes mellitus is associated with refractory wound healing, yet current therapies are insufficient to accelerate the process of healing. Recent studies have indicated chemically modified mRNA (modRNA) as a promising therapeutic intervention. The present study aimed to explore the efficacy of small skin engineered to express modified mRNAs encoding the stromal cell‐derived factor‐1α (SDF‐1α) facilitating wound healing in a full‐thickness skin defect rat model. This study, devised therapeutic strategies for diabetic wounds by pre‐treating small skin with SDF‐1α modRNA.Materials and MethodsThe in vitro transfection efficiency was evaluated using fluorescence microscopy and the content of SDF‐1α in the medium was determined using ELISA after the transfection of SDF‐1α into the small skin. To evaluate the effect of SDF‐1α modRNA and transplantation of the small skin cells on wound healing, an in vivo full‐thickness skin defect rat model was assessed.ResultsThe results revealed that a modRNA carrying SDF‐1α provided potent wound healing in the small skin lesions reducing reduced scar thickness and greater angiogenesis (CD31) in the subcutaneous layer. The SDF‐1α cytokines were significantly secreted by the small skin after transfection in vitro.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated the benefits of employing small skin combined with SDF‐1α modRNA in enhancing wound healing in diabetic rats having full‐thickness skin defects.
Recent declines in genetic diversity with limited dispersal among coastal cactus wren populations in San Diego County, California
Authors: Vandergast Amy G. , Kus Barbara E. , Smith Julia G. , Mitelberg Anna 
Published: August 2022

AbstractHabitat loss and fragmentation can lead to smaller and more isolated populations and reduce genetic diversity and evolutionary potential. Conservation programs can benefit from including monitoring of genetic factors in fragmented populations to help inform restoration and management. We assessed genetic diversity and structure among four major populations of the Cactus Wren (Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus) in San Diego County in 2011–2012 and again in 2017–2019, using 22 microsatellite loci. We found a significant decline in heterozygosity in one population (San Pasqual) and a decline in allelic richness and effective population size in another (Sweetwater). Genetic diversity in the remaining two populations was not significantly different over time. Local diversity declined despite evidence of dispersal among some populations. Approximately 12% of genetically determined family groups (parents, offspring, siblings) included one or more members sampled in different territories with distances ranging from 0.2 to 10 km. All but one inferred dispersal events occurred within the same genetic population. Population structure remained relatively stable, although genetic differentiation tended to increase in the later sampling period. Simulations suggest that at currently estimated effective sizes, populations of Cactus Wrens will continue to lose genetic diversity for many generations, even if gene flow among them is enhanced. However, the rate of loss of heterozygosity could be reduced with increased gene flow. Habitat restoration may help bolster local population sizes and allelic richness over the long term, whereas translocation efforts from source populations outside of San Diego may be needed to restore genetic diversity in the short term.
Democracy, state capacity and public finance
Authors: Easaw Joshy Z. , Leppälä Samuli 
Published: August 2022

AbstractThe paper addresses how democracy can affect public finance and state capacity investment. We show that the effect of democracy on public policy can take two forms: direct and indirect. The direct effect transpires when increasing democracy leads to an increase in public expenditure which results in increased public goods provision and reduced political rent. The indirect effect emerges when increased democracy leads to a reduction in state capacity investment and, subsequently, to a reduction in public goods provision. Paradoxically, lower political rents deteriorate the incumbent's incentive to invest in state capacity, at the expense of public goods provision.
Exploring service user perspectives of behavioural family therapy in early intervention in psychosis
Authors: Grant Ashley , Dargan Peter , Mather Stacey 
Published: August 2022

AbstractAimsFamily intervention (FI) is recommended in national guidance to be offered to all service users accessing an early intervention in psychosis (EIP) team, due to the consistent evidence base in reducing relapse and rehospitalisation rates. However, FI implementation is poor nationally. Although barriers have been identified at the level of staff member and the organisation, there is a paucity of research identifying service user perspectives.MethodsA qualitative questionnaire design was used to explore service user perspectives of behavioural family therapy (BFT) within a specialist EIP service in northwest England.ResultsMost participants contacted reported they lacked knowledge and understanding of BFT, with 54% reporting that this intervention had not been offered to them. This finding was unexpected and is inconsistent with the offer of BFT documentation in their clinical notes. Reasons for accepting BFT included to increase understanding of family members and for them to also be supported. Reasons for declining BFT included a preference for one‐to‐one interventions and not wanting family involved in their care.ConclusionsNational guidance on FI for psychosis is not reliably being translated to clinical practice, with many participants reporting that they were not offered this intervention. A key factor in accepting or declining an offer of BFT appeared to be whether participants wanted family members to be involved in their care. A lack of understanding of the BFT approach was evident, it is recommended that the offer of FI in psychosis is improved for service users to make an informed decision.