bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A stylized model of stochastic ecosystems with alternative stable states
Authors: Stecher Michael , Baumgärtner Stefan 
Published: May 2022

AbstractWe construct a generic ecosystem model that features the basic mechanisms of alternative stable states as well as two different stochastic influences. In particular, we use a mean‐reverting jump‐diffusion process to model the evolution of the ecosystem state over time. We review key concepts of multistability theory and the simple heuristics commonly employed to illustrate them. We then provide mathematical definitions for these concepts in the model context. Our contribution to the literature is twofold: we improve the representation of stochasticity in, and clarify key concepts of, multistability theory. The simplicity of the model enables a number of applications, such as finding economically optimal management strategies, identifying criteria for sustainable ecosystem management in a stochastic viability framework, deriving the probability of a regime shift, or empirically identifying the factors which have caused a specific regime shift.
The influence of urban exposures and residence on childhood asthma
Authors: Grant Torie L. , Wood Robert A. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractChildren with asthma who live in urban neighborhoods experience a disproportionately high asthma burden, with increased incident asthma and increased asthma symptoms, exacerbations, and acute visits and hospitalizations for asthma. There are multiple urban exposures that contribute to pediatric asthma morbidity, including exposure to pest allergens, mold, endotoxin, and indoor and outdoor air pollution. Children living in urban neighborhoods also experience inequities in social determinants of health, such as increased poverty, substandard housing quality, increased rates of obesity, and increased chronic stress. These disparities then in turn can increase the risk of urban exposures and compound asthma morbidity as poor housing repair is a risk factor for pest infestation and mold exposure and poverty is a risk factor for exposure to air pollution. Environmental interventions to reduce in‐home allergen concentrations have yielded inconsistent results. Population‐level interventions including smoking bans in public places and legislation to decrease traffic‐related air pollution have been successful at reducing asthma morbidity and improving lung function growth. Given the interface and synergy between urban exposures and social determinants of health, it is likely population and community‐level changes will be needed to decrease the excess asthma burden in children living in urban neighborhoods.
Food allergy in early childhood increases the risk of oral allergy syndrome in schoolchildren: A birth cohort study
Authors: Song Kun‐Baek , Park Min Jee , Choi Eom Ji , Jung Sungsu , Yoon Jisun , Cho Hyun‐Ju , Kim Bong‐Seong , Ahn Kangmo , Kim Kyung Won , Shin Youn Ho , Suh Dong In , Hong Soo‐Jong , Lee So‐Yeon 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe level of pollen in Korea has increased over recent decades. Research suggests that oral allergy syndrome (OAS) may be more frequent in childhood than previously recognized. We aimed to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of OAS in children aged 6–10 years from a general‐population‐based birth cohort.MethodsWe analyzed 930 children from the cohort for childhood origin of asthma and allergic diseases (COCOA). Allergic diseases were diagnosed annually by pediatric allergists. The skin prick tests were performed with 14 common inhalant allergens and four food allergens for the general population of children aged 3 and 7 years.ResultsOf the 930 eligible children, 44 (4.7%) aged 6–10 years were diagnosed with OAS. The mean age at onset was 6.74 years. OAS prevalence was 7.2% among children with allergic rhinitis (AR) and 19.1% among those with pollinosis, depending on comorbidity. OAS was more prevalent in schoolchildren with atopic dermatitis, food allergy, and sensitization to food allergens and grass pollen in early childhood. In schoolchildren with AR, only a history of food allergy until the age of 3 years increased the risk of OAS (aOR 2.971, 95% CI: 1.159–7.615).ConclusionFood allergy and food sensitization in early childhood were associated with OAS in schoolchildren with AR. Further study is required to elucidate the mechanism by which food allergy in early childhood affects the development of OAS.
Subjects with bipolar disorder showed different reward system activation than subjects with major depressive disorder in the monetary incentive delay task
Authors: Wakatsuki Yumi , Ogura Yukiko , Hashimoto Naoki , Toyomaki Atsuhito , Miyamoto Tamaki , Nakagawa Shin , Inoue Takeshi , Kusumi Ichiro 
Published: May 2022

BackgroundDifferentiating between bipolar disorder (BD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) during the depressive episode is an important clinical challenge. Reward system abnormalities have received much attention as one of the biological underpinnings of BD and MDD, but few studies have directly compared these abnormalities in remitted and depressed states.MethodsThis was a functional MRI study using the Monetary Incentive Delay task in 65 patients (BD [n = 33], MDD [n = 32]) and 33 healthy controls (HC). Regions of interest (ROI) analysis with 21 ROIs related to reward anticipation and 17 ROIs related to gain outcome were implemented, as well as whole‐brain analysis. The difference in the dimensional effect of depression on brain activation was also examined.ResultsRelative to the HC group, BD patients showed significantly decreased activation during reward anticipation in the anterior cingulate cortex, anterior insula (AI), and putamen, and MDD patients showed significantly decreased activation in the AI and brainstem. The dimensional effect of depression severity showed a trend‐level difference between BD and MDD in the right brainstem and left AI.ConclusionsThe current study showed a possible differential effect of depression on the reward system between MDD and BD. Further studies on reward systems might offer reliable markers to distinguish between MDD and BD patients in the depressive phase.
Root growth direction in simulated microgravity is modulated by a light avoidance mechanism mediated by flavonols
Authors: Villacampa Alicia , Fañanás‐Pueyo Iris , Medina F. Javier , Ciska Malgorzata 
Published: May 2022

AbstractIn a microgravity environment, without any gravitropic signal, plants are not able to define and establish a longitudinal growth axis. Consequently, absorption of water and nutrients by the root and exposure of leaves to sunlight for efficient photosynthesis is hindered. In these conditions, other external cues can be explored to guide the direction of organ growth. Providing a unilateral light source can guide the shoot growth, but prolonged root exposure to light causes a stress response, affecting growth and development, and also affecting the response to other environmental factors. Here, we have investigated how the protection of the root from light exposure, while the shoot is illuminated, influences the direction of root growth in microgravity. We report that the light avoidance mechanism existing in roots guides their growth towards diminishing light and helps establish the proper longitudinal seedling axis in simulated microgravity conditions. This process is regulated by flavonols, as shown in the flavonoid‐accumulating mutant transparent testa 3, which shows an increased correction of the root growth direction in microgravity, when the seedling is grown with the root protected from light. This finding may improve the efficiency of water and nutrient sourcing and photosynthesis under microgravity conditions, as they exist in space, contributing to better plant fitness and biomass production in space farming enterprises, necessary for space exploration by humans.
An ERP megastudy of Chinese word recognition
Authors: Tsang Yiu‐Kei , Zou Yun 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThis article reports the first ERP (event‐related potential) megastudy in traditional Chinese word recognition. Fifty‐one native Chinese undergraduates in Hong Kong, who were native Cantonese speakers, provided ERP data to 1020 two‐character words and 204 two‐character pseudowords in a go/no‐go lexical decision task (go trials: pseudowords). The item list and the ERP data were compiled into a database called “E‐MELD” (ERP MEgastudy of Lexical Decision). To illustrate how E‐MELD can be utilized in research of traditional Chinese word recognition, a series of linear mixed‐effects (LME) models were conducted to examine how properties at word (contextual diversity, number of strokes, and concreteness) and character (contextual diversity, number of homophones, and semantic transparency ratings) levels influenced the ERP amplitudes in different time windows. The results showed that in all time windows, both word and character variables influenced the amplitudes of ERP signals, which argued against the proposal that Chinese two‐character words are recognized holistically. At the same time, there was no evidence that character effects preceded word effects (i.e., no evidence of character‐mediated word recognition). Overall, the pattern suggests that characters and words are accessed simultaneously in Chinese word recognition. E‐MELD is made available online, such that interested researchers can download it and use the data innovatively for their research purpose.
Diversification of farmed fish species: A means to increase aquaculture production in Nigeria
Authors: Oboh Angela 
Published: May 2022

AbstractAquaculture produces about half the fish consumed globally and is the fastest‐growing food sector. In Africa, fish is one of the major sources of animal protein, and although the need for increased production of farmed fish to make up for the decline in capture fisheries is acknowledged, efforts put into aquaculture in the continent have not yielded commensurate results. The success recorded in aquaculture in Nigeria is based on the production of the African catfish. However, a high level of production and resilience within the aquaculture sector has been shown to be positively correlated with the culture of several species or species items. Thus, enhanced diversification of species and farming systems may boost aquaculture in Nigeria, as diversification of farming systems would allow optimum utilization of the abundant natural resources in the country. Many indigenous fish species that can be domesticated for culture have been identified. A great deal of scientific research and collaboration between major stakeholders, including the government, private industries, research institutions, and researchers, is required, so the production of these species can thrive like the already farmed catfish in Nigeria. As the successful domestication of any fish species takes a lot of time, effort, and resources, the species that have already proven to some extent to thrive in Nigeria, should be explored first. It is recommended that the best strategy for diversification of aquaculture for Nigeria is to increase the use of some already farmed species and the employment of a variety of production systems.
Measuring feelings about choices and risks: The Berlin Emotional Responses to Risk Instrument (BERRI)
Authors: Petrova Dafina , Cokely Edward T. , Sobkow Agata , Traczyk Jakub , Garrido Dunia , Garcia‐Retamero Rocio 
Published: May 2022

AbstractWe introduce a brief instrument specifically validated for measuring positive and negative feelings about risks—the Berlin Emotional Responses to Risk Instrument (BERRI). Based on seven studies involving diverse adults from three countries (n = 2120), the BERRI was found to robustly estimate anticipatory affective reactions derived from subjective evaluations of positive (i.e., assured, hopeful, and relieved) and negative emotions (i.e., anxious, afraid, and worried). The brief BERRI outperformed a 14‐item assessment, uniquely tracking costs/benefits associated with cancer screening among men and women (Studies 1 and 2). Predictive validity was further documented in paradigmatic risky choice studies wherein options varied over probabilities and severities across six contexts (health, social, financial, technological, ethical, and environmental; Study 3). Studies 4–6, conducted during the Ebola epidemic and COVID‐19 pandemic, indicated BERRI responses were sensitive to subtle effects caused by emotion‐related framing manipulations presented in different cultures and languages (the United States, Spain, and Poland). Study 7 indicated BERRI responses remained stable for 2 weeks. Although the BERRI can provide an estimate of overall affect, choices were generally better explained by the unique influences of positive and negative affect. Overall, results suggest the novel, brief instrument can be an efficient tool for high‐stakes research on decision making and risk communication.
The Impact of Using the Web in a Mixed-Mode Follow-up of a Longitudinal Birth Cohort Study: Evidence from the National Child Development Study
Authors: Goodman Alissa , Brown Matt , Silverwood Richard J. , Sakshaug Joseph W. , Calderwood Lisa , Williams Joel , Ploubidis George B. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractA sequential mixed-mode data collection, online-to-telephone, was introduced into the National Child Development Study for the first time at the study's age 55 sweep in 2013. The study included a small experiment, whereby a randomised subset of study members was allocated to a single mode, telephone-only interview, in order to test for the presence of mode effects on participation and measurement. Relative to telephone-only, the offer of the Web increased overall participation rates by 5.0 percentage points (82.8% vs. 77.8%; 95% confidence interval for difference: 2.7% to 7.3%). Differences attributable to mode of interview were detected in levels of item non-response and response values for a limited number of questions. Most notably, response by Web (relative to telephone) was found to have increased the likelihood of non-response to questions relating to pay and other financial matters, and increased the likelihood of ‘less desirable’ responses. For example, response by Web resulted in the reporting of more units of alcohol consumed, and more negative responses to subjective questions such as self-rated health, self-rated financial status and well-being. As there was evidence of mode effects, there is the potential for biases in some analyses, unless appropriate techniques are utilised to correct for these.
Equipping medical students for ward round learning
Authors: Collett James , Webster Emma , Gray Amy , Delany Clare 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackgroundWhile ward rounds offer a rich opportunity for learning, the environment is chaotic, and medical students can struggle to maximise this potential. Few studies have focused on the best way to equip students for ward round learning. One proposed tool developed to orient students' learning on the ward round is called the Seek, Target, Inspect and reflect, Closure and clerk (STIC) model. This study examines the effect of using this model on the student experience of ward round learning.MethodsSeven medical students with clinical attachments on medical wards in two rural hospitals in New South Wales, Australia, participated in three sequential focus groups over an 8‐week period. Students were asked about learning practices on ward rounds, what factors influenced their learning and how using the STIC model impacted on their experience. Thematic analysis was applied to focus group transcripts.FindingsStudents valued learning opportunities from ward rounds but felt the learning potential was largely dependent on the team to which they were attached. Students reported the STIC model promoted greater agency and enabled them to be more self‐directed and able to negotiate the chaotic context. Students also valued the focus group discussions about their learning as an avenue to share and better understand their experiences of learning on ward rounds.ConclusionStudent experience of ward rounds can be influenced via (1) structured learning tools (STIC model) to better orient students and (2) facilitated discussions with peers to assist in developing skills of negotiating and directing one's own learning. Both should be more explicitly integrated in medical curricula.
A process‐driven geo‐analysis engine to support online collaborative geographic experiments
Authors: Ma Zaiyang , Chen Min , Zheng Zhong , Zhao Yiming , Yue Songshan , Wen Yongning , Lü Guonian 
Published: May 2022

AbstractGeographic experiments, as a comprehensive research approach, are utilized to explore natural and social worlds. To help geographically dispersed people engage in geographic experiments and improve experimental outcomes, online collaborative geographic experiments have received increasing attention. As a new generation of geo‐analysis tools, VGEs (virtual geographic environments) can provide computer‐aided tools to serve geographic experiments. They can not only provide the collaborative GIS capabilities, but also implement geographic simulations using different cyberspace dispersed geographic models. For the complicated and interaction‐intensive online collaborative geographic experiments, VGEs also need to help experts implement geographic experiments following a well‐defined process. Nevertheless, the process is hardly considered in the existing support systems of collaborative geographic experiments. Therefore, we clarify the categories and relationships of interactions during the process of collaborative geographic experiments and design a process‐driven geo‐analysis engine. Through this engine, participants can maintain the processes of their collaborative geographic experiments, as well as implement interactions throughout the entire process. To verify the capability of the engine, it is used to support the case study on traffic noise simulation. The results suggest that the engine could assist the different geo‐analysis applications with a well‐defined process.
Risk of variant Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease transmission by blood transfusion in Australia
Authors: McManus Hamish , Seed Clive R. , Hoad Veronica C. , Kiely Philip , Kaldor John M. , Styles Claire E. , Yang Hong , Law Matthew , Gosbell Iain B. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesMost of the 233 worldwide cases of variant Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (vCJD) have been reported in the United Kingdom and 3 have been associated with transfusion‐transmission. To mitigate the potential vCJD risk to blood safety, Australian Red Cross Lifeblood imposes restrictions on blood donation from people with prior residency in, or extended travel to, the United Kingdom during the risk period 1980–1996. We have modified a previously published methodology to estimate the transfusion‐transmission risk of vCJD associated with fresh component transfusion in Australia if the UK residence deferral was removed.Materials and MethodsThe prevalence of current pre‐symptomatic vCJD infection in the United Kingdom by age at infection and genotype was estimated based on risk of exposure to the bovine spongiform encephalopathy agent for the period 1980–1996. These results were used to estimate the age‐specific prevalence of undiagnosed, pre‐symptomatic vCJD in the Australian population in the current year due to prior UK residency or travel. The primary model outputs were the 2020 vCJD risks/unit of vCJD contamination, transfusion‐transmission (infections) and clinical cases.ResultsThe overall (prior UK residency in and travel to United Kingdom, 1980–1996) mean risk of contamination per unit was 1 in 29,900,000. The risks of resulting vCJD transmission (infection) and clinical case were 1 in 389,000,000 and 1 in 1,450,000,000, respectively.ConclusionOur modelling suggests that removing the Lifeblood donation deferral for travel to, or UK residence, would result in virtually no increased risk of vCJD transfusion‐transmission and would be a safe and effective strategy for increasing the donor base.
Social complexities of informed consent and assent among young males undergoing voluntary medical male circumcision in Eswatini
Authors: Moyer Eileen , Baas Rufus , Shabalala Fortunate 
Published: May 2022

IntroductionAs part of an effort to meet ambitious male circumcision targets in Eswatini, programme implementers have increasingly focused on young males, raising questions about informed consent. Males aged 10–19 years account for more than two-thirds of those circumcised since 2008 when internationally funded circumcision campaigns began in Eswatini. The ethical guidelines of these programmes conform to international standards, requiring that informed consent or assent be obtained prior to surgery. This article examines clients’ levels of circumcision-related knowledge following the assent process, as well as how ethical guidelines were enacted in everyday practice in a setting where family dynamics and norms relating to autonomy and consensus make obtaining informed consent complex, especially when clients are incentivised with football kits and other material goods to encourage circumcision.MethodsWe conducted qualitative research in a health clinic where circumcision services for HIV prevention were being offered. Methods included focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, participant observation and informal interviews with young men undergoing circumcision in the clinic.ResultsImplementers paid little attention to risks, focusing more on benefits of circumcision. Incentives, usually in the form of sporting goods, increased participation, while also limiting autonomy. We also found that parental authority overpowers young males’ preferences regarding circumcision. Young males’ understanding of the risks associated with circumcision was poor. Most assumed HIV testing was obligatory.ConclusionThe drive to eliminate HIV infections in Eswatini has opened the door for interventions such as targeted circumcision campaigns. In contradiction to international ethical guidelines and the policies of the Ministry of Health and voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) implementers, we conclude that, in practce, respect for young males’ rights and decision-making in the VMMC consent process is limited by complex social, economic and political realities.
Evaluation of the Norwegian version of the Dyspnoea-12 questionnaire in patients with COPD
Authors: Garratt Andrew Malcolm , Nerheim Ellen Margrethe , Einvik Gunnar , Stavem Knut , Edvardsen Anne 
Published: May 2022

BackgroundThe Dyspnoea-12 (D-12) questionnaire is widely used and tested in patients with breathing difficulties. The objective of this study was to translate and undertake the first evaluation of the measurement properties of the Norwegian version of the D-12 in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) attending a 4-week inpatient pulmonary rehabilitation programme.MethodsConfirmatory factor analysis was used to assess structural validity. Fit to the Rasch partial credit model and differential item functioning (DIF) were assessed in relation to age, sex and comorbidity. Based on a priori hypotheses, validity was assessed through comparisons with scores for the COPD Assessment Test (CAT), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scales (HADS) and clinical variables.ResultsThere were 203 (86%) respondents with a mean age (SD) of 65.2 (9.0) years, and 49% were female. The D-12 showed satisfactory structural validity including presence of physical and affective domains. There was acceptable fit to Rasch model including unidimensionality for the two domains, and no evidence of DIF. Correlations with scores for the CAT, HADS and clinical variables were as hypothesised and highest for domains assessing similar aspects of health.ConclusionsThe Norwegian version of the D-12 showed good evidence for validity and internal consistency in this group of patients with COPD, including support for two separate domains. Further testing for these measurement properties is recommended in other Norwegian patients with dyspnoea.