bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predicting how defaunation‐induced changes in seed predation and dispersal will affect tropical tree populations
Authors: Williams Peter Jeffrey , Brodie Jedediah F. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThe loss of large animals due to overhunting and habitat loss potentially affects tropical tree populations and carbon cycling. Trees reliant on large‐bodied seed dispersers are thought to be particularly negatively affected by defaunation. But besides seed dispersal, defaunation can also increase or decrease seed predation. It remains unclear how these different defaunation effects on early life stages ultimately affect tree population dynamics. We reviewed the literature on how tropical animal loss affects different plant life stages, and we conducted a meta‐analysis of how defaunation affects seed predation. We used this information to parameterize models that altered matrix projection models from a suite of tree species to simulate defaunation‐caused changes in seed dispersal and predation. We assessed how applying these defaunation effects affected population growth rates. On average, population‐level effects of defaunation were negligible, suggesting that defaunation may not cause the massive reductions in forest carbon storage that have been predicted. In contrast to previous hypotheses, we did not detect an effect of seed size on changes in seed predation rates. The change in seed predation did not differ significantly between exclosure experiments and observational studies, although the results of observational studies were far more variable. Although defaunation surely affects certain tree taxa, species that benefit or are harmed by it and net changes in forest carbon storage cannot currently be predicted based on available data. Further research on how factors such as seed predation vary across tree species and defaunation scenarios is necessary for understanding cascading changes in species composition and diversity.
A toolkit for open and pluralistic conservation science
Authors: Burgman Mark , Chiaravalloti Rafael , Fidler Fiona , Huan Yizhong , McBride Marissa , Marcoci Alexandru , Norman Juliet , Vercammen Ans , Wintle Bonnie , Yu Yurong 
Published: September 2022

AbstractConservation science practitioners seek to preempt irreversible impacts on species, ecosystems, and social–ecological systems, requiring efficient and timely action even when data and understanding are unavailable, incomplete, dated, or biased. These challenges are exacerbated by the scientific community's capacity to consistently distinguish between reliable and unreliable evidence, including the recognition of questionable research practices (QRPs, or “questionable practices”), which may threaten the credibility of research, including harming trust in well‐designed and reliable scientific research. In this paper, we propose a “toolkit” for open and pluralistic conservation science, highlighting common questionable practices and sources of bias and indicating where remedies for these problems may be found. The toolkit provides an accessible resource for anyone conducting, reviewing, or using conservation research, to identify sources of false claims or misleading evidence that arise unintentionally, or through misunderstandings or carelessness in the application of scientific methods and analyses. We aim to influence editorial and review practices and hopefully to remedy problems before they are published or deployed in policy or conservation practice.
DYNC1H1‐related epilepsy: Genotype–phenotype correlation
Authors: Liu Wenwei , Cheng Miaomiao , Zhu Ying , Chen Yi , Yang Ying , Chen Hui , Niu Xueyang , Tian Xiaojuan , Yang Xiaoling , Zhang Yuehua 
Published: September 2022

AbstractAimTo explore the phenotypic spectrum and refine the genotype–phenotype correlation of DYNC1H1‐related epilepsy.MethodThe clinical data of 15 patients with epilepsy in our cohort and 50 patients with epilepsy from 24 published studies with the DYNC1H1 variants were evaluated.ResultsIn our cohort, 13 variants were identified from 15 patients (seven males, eight females). Twelve variants were de novo and seven were new. Age at seizure onset ranged from 3 months to 4 years 5 months (median age 1 year). Common seizure types were epileptic spasms, focal seizures, tonic seizures, and myoclonic seizures. Mild‐to‐severe developmental delay was present in all patients. Six patients were diagnosed with West syndrome and one was diagnosed with epileptic encephalopathy with continuous spikes and waves during slow sleep (CSWS). Collectively, in our cohort and published studies, 17% had ophthalmic diseases, 31% of variants were located in the stalk domain, and 92% patients with epilepsy had a malformation of cortical development (MCD).InterpretationThe phenotypes of DYNC1H1‐related epilepsy included multiple seizure types; the most common epileptic syndrome was West syndrome. CSWS is a new phenotype of DYNC1H1‐related epilepsy. One‐third of the variants in patients with epilepsy were located in the stalk domain. Most patients had a MCD and developmental delay.What this paper adds

Nearly 40% of patients with DYNC1H1 variants had epilepsy.
Ninety‐two percent of patients with DYNC1H1‐related epilepsy had malformation of cortical development.
More than 10% of patients with DYNC1H1‐related epilepsy were diagnosed with West syndrome.
Continuous spikes and waves during slow sleep could be a new phenotype of DYNC1H1 variants.
One‐third of the variants in patients with epilepsy were located in the stalk domain.
Association of type 1 diabetes and age at diagnosis of type 2 diabetes with brain volume and risk of dementia in the UK Biobank: A prospective cohort study of community‐dwelling participants
Authors: Shang Xianwen , Hill Edward , Liu Jiahao , Zhu Zhuoting , Ge Zongyuan , Wang Wei , He Mingguang 
Published: September 2022

AbstractAimsTo investigate the association of type 1 diabetes (T1D) and age at diagnosis of type 2 diabetes (T2D) with brain structure and incident dementia.MethodsOur analysis was based on the UK Biobank. We included 1376 participants with diabetes and 2752 randomly selected controls for brain volume analysis, and 25,141 participants with diabetes and 50,282 randomly selected controls for dementia analysis. Brain volume was measured using magnetic resonance imaging. Dementia was identified using hospital inpatient records and mortality register data until January 2021.ResultsT2D diagnosed at a younger age was associated with larger reductions in brain volume. After adjustment for glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and other covariates, only T2D diagnosed <50 years was associated with smaller total brain volume (β (95% CI): −14.56 (−24.67, −4.44) ml), and grey (−6.47[−12.75, −0.20] ml) and white matter volumes (−8.08[−14.66, −1.51] ml). Corresponding numbers for total brain, grey matter and white matter volumes associated with T1D were −62.86 (−93.71,‐32.01), −34.27 (−53.72, −14.83), and −28.59 (−47.65, −9.52) ml, respectively. During a median follow‐up of 11.9 years, 2035 new dementia cases were identified. Younger age at diagnosis of T2D was associated with larger excessive risk of dementia, whereas T2D diagnosed <50 years was associated with the largest hazard ratio (HR) (95% CI: 2.03[1.53–2.69]) in the multivariable analysis. The HR (95% CI) for dementia associated with T1D was 2.08 (1.40–3.09).ConclusionIndividuals with T1D or T2D diagnosed at younger age are at larger excessive risk of brain volume reduction and dementia.
An exploration of clinical communication needs among undergraduate dental students
Authors: Botelho Michael George , Lee Uen Ying Alice , Luk Kai Yan Carmen 
Published: September 2022

AbstractIntroductionThis study examines undergraduate dental students' perceptions of their self‐confidence in communicating with patients and paradental staff.Materials and MethodsA survey questionnaire was designed based on a literature review and input from students and academic staff relating to clinical communication skills with 19 questions across 7 domains. Through email, a convenience sampling of undergraduate students were invited to complete the survey questionnaire. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of the responses was performed with a thematic analysis to the open‐ended questions.ResultsIn total, 102 students were surveyed from 4 years of students with a 36.6% response rate. Students reported some areas of low confidence across various communication domains, in particular, building rapport, behavioural change, management of patient expectation and breaking bad news. Students reported insufficient confidence and knowledge in specialist clinical areas, layperson terms and success rates and longevity of treatment items when communicating with patients. Information sheets and visual aids such as models or photos were suggested by students to be helpful in patient communication. Students also reported challenges in communication with nurses when they might challenge or change their clinical decisions in front of their patients.ConclusionOur study reveals areas of low confidence among undergraduate dental students in communication towards patients and paradental staff. Barriers and challenges have been identified with an action plan suggested accordingly. There is a need for additional training in the form of learning content and communications experiences, and channels of communications for undergraduate students.
Efficacy of Helicobater pylori eradication in patients with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma of the stomach: A systematic review
Authors: De Francesco Vincenzo , Manta Raffaele , Marmo Riccardo , Marmo Clelia , Rago Angela , Antonelli Giulio , Hassan Cesare , Zullo Angelo 
Published: September 2022

AbstractObjectivesThe role of Helicobater pylori eradication in the treatment of high‐grade diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) of the stomach is unclear.MethodsWe performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis of currently available data. DLBCL‐remission rate after eradication therapy, post‐remission maintenance, and response rate in the case of additional oncological therapy were extracted.ResultsBy considering data of seven studies, the DLBCL remission was achieved in 81 (53.3%; 95% CI = 45.3–61.2) out of 152 H. pylori eradicated patients. The regression rate did not differ between pure DLCBL and DLCBL with MALT component, between stage I and stage II disease, and between Caucasians and Asians. Disease regression was maintained in all patients after at a median of 63 months (range: 46–29) follow‐up. In those non‐responders, DLBLC remission after additional chemo‐immunotherapy was achieved in 63 (98.4%; 95% CI = 95.4–100) out of 64 patients.ConclusionsData this systematic review suggest considering H. pylori eradication as first‐line therapy to treat infected patients with early‐stage, high‐grade gastric lymphoma.
The dynamic changes of soil air‐filled porosity associated with soil shrinkage in a Vertisol
Authors: Wang Yuekai , Zhang Zhongbin , Guo Zichun , Xiong Peng , Peng Xinhua 
Published: September 2022

AbstractSoil aeration is critical for crop growth, which is generally assessed by air‐filled porosity (AFP). In non‐rigid soils with high shrinkage and swelling, the AFP is not only related to the total porosity and soil moisture, but also to the soil shrinkage behaviour. However, the relationship between AFP and soil shrinkage has not been clarified. The objectives of this study were to (1) establish a mathematical equation to describe the behaviours of AFP associated with soil shrinkage (AFPsh); and (2) to evaluate the influence of tillage practice on the AFPsh. Undisturbed soil core samples were collected from the 0–10 cm to 10–20 cm layers in a Vertisol under four tillage treatments (No tillage, NT; Rotary tillage, RT; Subsoiling, SS; Deep ploughing, DP) to measure the changes in the volumes of soil core, soil water and air at different soil matric potentials. Our results showed that an equation of AFPsh as a function of moisture ratio (ϑ) was well established based on the developed soil shrinkage model (R2 > 0.990, RMSE <0.012). Compared with the AFP under a constant pore assumption (AFPc), the AFPsh was significantly decreased by 10.6% to 60.3% as soil water matric potentials were at <−33 kPa in the 0–10 cm layer or at <−10 kPa in the 10–20 cm layer (p < 0.05). According to the AFPsh curve of the Vertisol, soil moisture content (θ) was approximately 68%–80% of the field capacity when AFPsh reached non‐limiting status (0.10 cm3 cm−3), where the soil matric potential was close to the wilting point (−1500 kPa). Deep tillage treatment (SS and DP) increased AFPsh, showing good performance in decreasing the risk of soil aeration deficit relative to the NT and RT treatment. Our results demonstrate that neglecting the porosity variations during shrinkage may lead to a high bias in the AFP prediction.Highlights
An equation of AFP associated with soil shrinkage was established.
AFP was significantly decreased when soil shrinkage was considered for a Vertisol.
The Vertisol was easily subjected to both water and air stress due to soil shrinkage.
Deep tillage practises improved soil aeration in the Vertisol.
Neurobehavioral deficits and a progressive ictogenesis in the tetrodotoxin model of epileptic spasms
Authors: Le John T. , Ballester‐Rosado Carlos J. , Frost James D. , Swann John W. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractObjectiveOur goal was to determine whether animals with a history of epileptic spasms have learning and memory deficits. We also used continuous (24/7) long‐term electroencephalographic (EEG) recordings to evaluate the evolution of epileptiform activity in the same animals over time.MethodsObject recognition memory and object location memory tests were undertaken, as well as a matching to place water maze test that evaluated working memory. A retrospective analysis was undertaken of long‐term video/EEG recordings from rats with epileptic spasms. The frequency and duration of the ictal events of spasms were quantified.ResultsRats with a history of epileptic spasms showed impairment on the three behavioral tests, and their scores on the object recognition memory and matching to place water maze tests indicated neocortical involvement in the observed impaired cognition. Analysis of EEG recordings unexpectedly showed that the ictal events of spasms and their accompanying behaviors progressively increased in duration over a 2‐week period soon after onset, after which spasm duration plateaued. At the same time, spasm frequency remained unchanged. Soon after spasm onset, ictal events were variable in wave form but became more stereotyped as the syndrome evolved.SignificanceOur EEG findings are the first to demonstrate progressive ictogenesis for epileptic spasms. Furthermore, in demonstrating cognitive deficits in the tetrodotoxin model, we have met a criterion for an animal model of West syndrome. Animal models will allow in‐depth studies of spasm progression's potential role in cognitive regression and may elucidate why early treatment is considered essential for improved neurodevelopmental outcomes in children.
Larval occurrence and environmental factors associated with spawning of Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas in Matsushima Bay, Japan
Authors: Yokouchi Katsumi , Ito Hiroshi , Togawa Mai , Ueda Kenichi , Kakehi Shigeho 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThe spawning of Pacific oysters is an important phenomenon for aquaculture because the Japanese oyster culture industry has traditionally utilized natural seed collection from sea areas. The relationship between spawning and environmental factors was investigated on the spawning dates, which were estimated from larval occurrence based on the temperature‐dependent growth rate from 2012 to 2020 in Matsushima Bay, a key area for oyster seedling production located in eastern Japan. The annual minimum temperature tended to increase and occur earlier during the 9 years, suggesting warming in the bay. The integrated temperature reaching 600°C, which is as an index for the onset of spawning, was limited to 9 days from late June to early July, and exhibited no trends. Larval abundance at each spawning had a significant relationship with the change of sunshine hours from the previous day, the daily mean seawater temperature, and the maximum tidal range. With relatively extreme environmental factors, mass spawning between neap and half tides was more frequent than one during other tides. A significant relationship was found between precipitation during the rainy season and the mass spawning dates. An empirical method of predicting a mass spawning date was proposed using the relationship to precipitation during the rainy season to ensure efficient seedlings and a constant nationwide supply of Pacific oysters for the aquaculture industry.
Large old trees increase growth under shifting climatic constraints: Aligning tree longevity and individual growth dynamics in primary mountain spruce forests
Authors: Begović Krešimir , Schurman Jonathan S. , Svitok Marek , Pavlin Jakob , Langbehn Thomas , Svobodová Kristyna , Mikoláš Martin , Janda Pavel , Synek Michal , Marchand William , Vitková Lucie , Kozák Daniel , Vostarek Ondrej , Čada Vojtech , Bače Radek , Svoboda Miroslav 
Published: September 2022

AbstractIn a world of accelerating changes in environmental conditions driving tree growth, tradeoffs between tree growth rate and longevity could curtail the abundance of large old trees (LOTs), with potentially dire consequences for biodiversity and carbon storage. However, the influence of tree‐level tradeoffs on forest structure at landscape scales will also depend on disturbances, which shape tree size and age distribution, and on whether LOTs can benefit from improved growing conditions due to climate warming. We analyzed temporal and spatial variation in radial growth patterns from ~5000 Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] H. Karst) live and dead trees from the Western Carpathian primary spruce forest stands. We applied mixed‐linear modeling to quantify the importance of LOT growth histories and stand dynamics (i.e., competition and disturbance factors) on lifespan. Finally, we assessed regional synchronization in radial growth variability over the 20th century, and modeled the effects of stand dynamics and climate on LOTs recent growth trends. Tree age varied considerably among forest stands, implying an important role of disturbance as an age constraint. Slow juvenile growth and longer period of suppressed growth prolonged tree lifespan, while increasing disturbance severity and shorter time since last disturbance decreased it. The highest age was not achieved only by trees with continuous slow growth, but those with slow juvenile growth followed by subsequent growth releases. Growth trend analysis demonstrated an increase in absolute growth rates in response to climate warming, with late summer temperatures driving the recent growth trend. Contrary to our expectation that LOTs would eventually exhibit declining growth rates, the oldest LOTs (>400 years) continuously increase growth throughout their lives, indicating a high phenotypic plasticity of LOTs for increasing biomass, and a strong carbon sink role of primary spruce forests under rising temperatures, intensifying droughts, and increasing bark beetle outbreaks.
Rewarding academics: Experiences of the Tenure Track System in Pakistan
Authors: Khan Tayyeb Ali , Jabeen Nasira , Christensen Tom 
Published: September 2022

AbstractPakistan introduced the Tenure Track System (TTS) as a new performance‐based reform in public universities in 2005. The purpose of this study is to understand the experiences of higher education authorities, university leaders and tenure‐track faculty about the implementation of this reform. This is a qualitative interpretive study and utilised a nested case study design, focusing on two cases—Science Faculty and Social Sciences and Humanities Faculty in a large provincial university. It utilises three perspectives taken from organisation theory—instrumental, cultural and myth perspectives. The main results show instrumental problems of hierarchical authority and horizontal coordination, lack of expertise to implement, cultural compatibility problems through active resistance from some groups and active use of symbols to modify the impression of a challenging reform implementations. Summing up, this is a Western‐inspired reform that meet challenging conditions in Pakistan, making is rather less successful.
Potential applications of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) extracts and their phytochemicals as functional ingredients in food and medicinal supplements: a narrative review
Authors: AL Ubeed Hebah M.S. , Brennan Charles S. , Schanknecht Ellen , Alsherbiny Muhammad A. , Saifullah Md , Nguyen Kien , Vuong Quan V. 
Published: September 2022

SummaryEdible hemp products or superfood refers to Cannabis sativa or industrial hemp. In general, hemp is a rich source of functional metabolites, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), and other cannabinoids. Hemp has been widely used in food products, such as bread, cookies, meatballs, energy bars, cooking oil, snacks, and crackers. Hemp has been used for development of cosmetics and supplements. However, the use of hemp is far below its potential because of major challenges such as non‐cost‐effective extraction and isolation, stability and toxicity of the extracts, and legislation related to the use of the extracts. This narrative review comprehensively analyses major phytochemicals in hemp and hemp extracts, and also discusses the most common challenges in applications of hemp‐derived phytochemicals and hemp extracts in food and pharmaceutical products like stability, toxicity, legal limitations, isolation/extraction and purification. In addition, this review outlines current applications of hemp extracts and proposes future trends for utilising hemp phytochemicals and extracts in food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical products to increase applications of hemp extracts and their phytochemicals for health benefits.
Temperature effect on mechanical and thermal properties of multicomponent rare‐earth zirconate pyrochlores
Authors: Fan Yun , Wu Qi , Yao Yun , Wang Jiemin , Zhao Juanli , Liu Bin 
Published: September 2022

AbstractIn order to explore the temperature‐dependent structural and mechanical/thermal property evolution of pyrochlores, multicomponent rare‐earth zirconates (4RE1/4)2Zr2O7 (RE = La, Nd, Sm, Eu, and Gd) and corresponding single‐component compounds are investigated by molecular dynamics simulations. The structural parameters and mechanical/thermal properties reported in experiments are well reproduced. With temperature enhancement, the bond lengths become large and polyhedrons tend to deform more, whereas the second‐order elastic constants and polycrystalline mechanical moduli gradually reduce. It can be explained by the obvious change of (ZrO6) polyhedrons originating from the Zr–O bond stretching. Furthermore, thermal conductivities show decreasing tendency owing to a sharp decline of the phonon mean free path related to enhanced phonon scattering. As a big influence of temperature on (ZrO6) polyhedrons occurs, the multicomponent design at the Zr‐site is suggested to be paid more attention. This work is expected to shield light on the design for multicomponent pyrochlores as thermal barrier coatings.