bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Facilitators and barriers to implementing the Diabetes Prevention Program in rural church settings: A qualitative study using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research
Authors: Rawal Smita , Snead Caleb A. , Soiro Frantz D. , Lawrence Jeffery , Rivers Brian M. , Young Henry N.
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The CDC's Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) is an effective lifestyle intervention to prevent type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, DPP implementation in rural areas is limited. This study sought to address this gap by implementing DPP in rural church settings through a community–academic partnership and identifying implementation facilitators and barriers.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional qualitative study. Semistructured interviews guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) assessed church leaders' and lifestyle coaches' perceptions of implementing DPP in rural churches. Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes through an inductive approach; then, these emergent themes were deductively linked to CFIR constructs. COREQ guidelines were used to report study findings.

Findings

Twenty‐five stakeholders participated. Facilitators to implementing DPP included its evidence‐based effectiveness in preventing T2D, as well as support from the academic partner in terms of funding, training, and communication. Additionally, DPP's alignment with community needs, along with the active engagement of pastors in participant recruitment, supported implementation. Several barriers hindered DPP implementation, including transportation and childcare issues, as well as program participants' medical conditions/disabilities limiting their participation. Furthermore, rural residents' reluctance to adopt lifestyle changes and loyalty to family churches posed challenges to their engagement in DPP.

Conclusions

This study identified contextual factors influencing DPP implementation in rural communities. Findings highlight the importance of tailored strategies that leverage facilitators while proactively addressing barriers, including rural residents' reluctance to attend programs outside their church, resistance to lifestyle changes, and transportation issues to ensure successful DPP implementation in rural areas.
Population Genomics of Adaptive Radiations: Exceptionally High Levels of Genetic Diversity and Recombination in an Endemic Spider From the Canary Islands
Authors: Escuer Paula , Guirao‐Rico Sara , Arnedo Miquel A. , Sánchez‐Gracia Alejandro , Rozas Julio
Published: October 2024

The spider genus Dysdera has undergone a remarkable diversification in the oceanic archipelago of the Canary Islands, with ~60 endemic species having originated during the 20 million years since the origin of the archipelago. This evolutionary radiation has been accompanied by substantial dietary shifts, often characterised by phenotypic modifications encompassing morphological, metabolic and behavioural changes. Hence, these endemic spiders represent an excellent model for understanding the evolutionary drivers and to pinpoint the genomic determinants underlying adaptive radiations. Recently, we achieved the first chromosome‐level genome assembly of one of the endemic species, D. silvatica, providing a high‐quality reference sequence for evolutionary genomics studies. Here, we conducted a low coverage‐based resequencing study of a natural population of D. silvatica from La Gomera island. Taking advantage of the new high‐quality genome, we characterised genome‐wide levels of nucleotide polymorphism, divergence and linkage disequilibrium, and inferred the demographic history of this population. We also performed comprehensive genome‐wide scans for recent positive selection. Our findings uncovered exceptionally high levels of nucleotide diversity and recombination in this geographically restricted endemic species, indicative of large historical effective population sizes. We also identified several candidate genomic regions that are potentially under positive selection, highlighting relevant biological processes, such as vision and nitrogen extraction as potential adaptation targets. These processes may ultimately drive species diversification in this genus. This pioneering study of spiders that are endemic to an oceanic archipelago lays the groundwork for broader population genomics analyses aimed at understanding the genetic mechanisms driving adaptive radiation in island ecosystems.
Contrasting Genomic Diversity and Inbreeding Levels Among Two Closely Related Falcon Species With Overlapping Geographic Distributions
Authors: Martin Audrey M. , Johnson Jeff A. , Berry Robert B. , Carling Matthew , Martínez del Rio Carlos
Published: October 2024

Genomic resources are valuable to examine historical demographic patterns and their effects to better inform management and conservation of threatened species. We evaluated population trends and genome‐wide variation in the near‐threatened Orange‐breasted Falcon (Falco deiroleucus) and its more common sister species, the Bat Falcon (F. rufigularis), to explore how the two species differ in genomic diversity as influenced by their contrasting long‐term demographic histories. We generated and aligned whole genome resequencing data for 12 Orange‐breasted Falcons and 9 Bat Falcons to an annotated Gyrfalcon (F. rusticolus) reference genome that retained approximately 22.4 million biallelic autosomal SNPs (chromosomes 1–22). Our analyses indicated much lower genomic diversity in Orange‐breasted Falcons compared to Bat Falcons. All sampled Orange‐breasted Falcons were significantly more inbred than the sampled Bat Falcons, with values similar to those observed in island‐mainland species comparisons. The distribution of runs of homozygosity showed variation suggesting long‐term low population size and the possibility of bottlenecks in Orange‐breasted Falcons contrasting with consistently larger populations in Bat Falcons. Analysis of genetic load suggests that Orange‐breasted Falcons are less likely to experience inbreeding depression than Bat Falcons due to reduced inbreeding load but are at elevated risk from fixation of deleterious gene variants and perhaps a reduced adaptive potential. These genomic analyses highlight differences in the historical demography of two closely related species that have influenced their current genomic diversity and should result in differing strategies for their continued conservation.
A Latitudinal Gradient of Reference Genomes
Authors: Linck Ethan B. , Cadena Carlos Daniel
Published: October 2024

Global inequality rooted in legacies of colonialism and uneven development can lead to systematic biases in scientific knowledge. In ecology and evolutionary biology, findings, funding and research effort are disproportionately concentrated at high latitudes, while biological diversity is concentrated at low latitudes. This discrepancy may have a particular influence in fields like phylogeography, molecular ecology and conservation genetics, where the rise of genomics has increased the cost and technical expertise required to apply state‐of‐the‐art methods. Here, we ask whether a fundamental biogeographic pattern—the latitudinal gradient of species richness in tetrapods—is reflected in the available reference genomes, an important data resource for various applications of molecular tools for biodiversity research and conservation. We also ask whether sequencing approaches differ between the Global South and Global North, reviewing the last 5 years of conservation genetics research in four leading journals. We find that extant reference genomes are scarce relative to species richness at low latitudes and that reduced representation and whole‐genome sequencing are disproportionately applied to taxa in the Global North. We conclude with recommendations to close this gap and improve international collaborations in biodiversity genomics.
Trypanosoma cruzi infection enhances olfactory response in Triatoma pallidipennis Stål (Hemiptera: Triatominae) to compounds potentially useful for insect control
Authors: Jiménez‐Santiago Berenice , Flores‐Villegas Any Laura , Cruz‐Esteban Samuel , Cabrera‐Bravo Margarita , Toriello Conchita
Published: October 2024

In Mexico, Triatoma pallidipennis is a major vector of Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease. Current efforts are focused on developing attractants to control these vectors, using volatile substances derived from vertebrate hosts or compounds known to attract hematophagous insects. However, the efficacy of these compounds in attracting parasite‐infected triatomines remains to be evaluated. In this study, we assessed the attractant activity of octenol (1‐octen‐3‐ol), nonanal and a mixture of odorants consisting of ammonium hydroxide, lactic acid and hexanoic acid (in a ratio of 1:0.2:0.4 respectively), at concentrations of 1, 10 and 100 ng on the N3, N4 and N5 nymphal stages of T. pallidipennis, both infected and non‐infected with T. cruzi. We also evaluated the synergistic effect of the most effective compounds and doses. All experiments were performed in a laboratory using a Y‐type glass olfactometer. We found that both infected and non‐infected N3 and N4 nymphs were attracted to low doses of octenol, nonanal and the odorant mixture. Particularly noteworthy was the synergistic effect observed between the odorant mixture and nonanal, which significantly increased attraction of T. cruzi–infected individuals. These findings contribute to the development of baited traps utilising these compounds for monitoring triatomines in epidemiological studies or for mass trapping to control these vectors.
How do you assert a graph? Towards an account of depictions in scientific testimony
Authors: Dethier Corey
Published: October 2024

I extend the literature on norms of assertion to the ubiquitous use of graphs in scientific papers and presentations, which I term “graphical testimony.” On my account, the testimonial presentation of a graph involves commitment to both (a) the in‐context reliability of the graph's framing devices and (b) the perspective‐relative accuracy of the graph's content. Despite apparent disagreements between my account and traditional accounts of assertion, the two are compatible and I argue that we should expect a similar pattern of commitments in a set of cases that extends beyond the graphical one. I end by demonstrating that the account resolves apparent tensions between the demands of honesty and the common scientific practice of presenting idealized or simplified graphs: these “distortions” can be honest so long as there's the right kind of alignment between the distortion and the background beliefs and values of the audience.
Wood nutrients: Underexplored traits with functional and biogeochemical consequences
Authors: Dalling James W. , Flores Manuel R. , Heineman Katherine D.
Published: October 2024

Resource storage is a critical component of plant life history. While the storage of nonstructural carbohydrates in wood has been studied extensively, the multiple functions of mineral nutrient storage have received much less attention. Here, we highlight the size of wood nutrient pools, a primary determinant of whole‐plant nutrient use efficiency, and a substantial fraction of ecosystem nutrient budgets, particularly tropical forests. Wood nutrient concentrations also show exceptional interspecific variation, even among co‐occurring plant species, yet how they align with other plant functional traits and fit into existing trait economic spectra is unclear. We review the chemical forms and location of nutrient pools in bark and sapwood, and the evidence that nutrient remobilization from sapwood is associated with mast reproduction, seasonal leaf flush, and the capacity to resprout following damage. We also emphasize the role wood nutrients are likely to play in determining decomposition rates. Given the magnitude of wood nutrient stocks, and the importance of tissue stoichiometry to forest productivity, a key unresolved question is whether investment in wood nutrients is a relatively fixed trait, or conversely whether under global change plants will adjust nutrient allocation to wood depending on carbon gain and nutrient supply.
Carotenoid‐carbohydrate crosstalk: evidence for genetic and physiological interactions in storage tissues across crop species
Authors: Villwock Seren S. , Li Li , Jannink Jean‐Luc
Published: October 2024

Carotenoids play essential roles in photosynthesis, photoprotection, and human health. Efforts to increase carotenoid content in several staple crops have been successful through both conventional selection and genetic engineering methods. Interestingly, in some cases, altering carotenoid content has had unexpected effects on other aspects of plant metabolism, impacting traits like sugar content, dry matter percentage, fatty acid content, stress tolerance, and phytohormone concentrations. Studies across several diverse crop species have identified negative correlations between carotenoid and starch contents, as well as positive correlations between carotenoids and soluble sugars. Collectively, these reports suggest a metabolic interaction between carotenoids and carbohydrates. We synthesize evidence pointing to four hypothesized mechanisms: (1) direct competition for precursors; (2) physical interactions in plastids; (3) influences of sugar or apocarotenoid signaling networks; and (4) nonmechanistic population or statistical sources of correlations. Though the carotenoid biosynthesis pathway is well understood, the regulation and interactions of carotenoids, especially in nonphotosynthetic tissues, remain unclear. This topic represents an underexplored interplay between primary and secondary metabolism where further research is needed.
What do they look for and what do they find? A coproduced qualitative study on young people's experiences of searching for mental health information online
Authors: Loades M. E. , Higson‐Sweeney N. , Teague B. , Leas J. , Payne‐Cook C. , Slastikova A. V. , Peel H. , Chamberlain G. , Ferguson L. , Janes K. , Rhodes T. , Roupa E. C. , Biddle L.
Published: October 2024

Background

Many young people (YP) struggle with their mental health and look online for help. To capitalise on their digital presence, we need to better understand how and where they seek information online and what they think of what they find.

Method

We recruited 24 YP (aged 13–18 years). Online interviews were co‐conducted by research team members and trained young researchers. We presented a persona with depression symptoms and asked about potential sources of information/support they might seek. They were also asked to think aloud while searching online and reviewing mental health resources (NHS, Young Minds). We used reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

Analysis generated four themes: (1) the online help‐seeking process, showcasing where YP look for information and why; (2) the mismatch between the information YP expected to find and the reality; (3) the strategies YP employed to determine a source's trust and credibility and (4) individual differences that can influence help‐seeking.

Conclusion

Participants initiated their online search by Googling symptoms. They trusted NHS websites for basic medical information, while charities provided detailed content. Despite scepticism about content, social media offered validation. Online resources should prioritise visual appeal, user‐friendliness, age‐appropriate and personalised content and peer insights. Codesign is imperative to ensure high‐quality, impactful research.
Improving photosynthetic efficiency of rice via over‐expressing a ferredoxin‐like protein gene from Methanothermobacter thermautotrophicus
Authors: Yan Xin , Si FengFeng , Zhu Danpeng , Chen Qiusheng , Hu Zhao , Wang Ting , Ying Suping , Tang Yunting , Yang Jing , Ding Xia , Li Yu , Liu Yizhen , Wang Zhaohai , Peng Xiaojue
Published: October 2024

Ferredoxins (Fds) are crucial in various essential plant metabolic processes, including photosynthesis, fermentation and aerobic nitrogen fixation, due to their role in electron transport rate (ETR). However, the full scope of ferredoxin's function across prokaryotes and eukaryotic plants remains less understood. This study investigated the effect of MtFd from Methanothermobacter thermoautotrophicus on rice photosynthetic efficiency. We found that MtFd was localized in the chloroplasts of rice protoplasts. Transgenic analysis showed that MtFd significantly enhanced the photosynthetic capacity compared to the wild‐type plants. This enhancement was evident through increased ETR, NADPH content and net photosynthetic rates, as well as decreased non‐photochemical quenching (NPQ). Despite similar biomass to wild type plants, MtFd transgenic plants exhibited a marked increase in grain size and the 1000‐grian weight. The elevated ETR and surplus free electrons in transgenic plants result in a considerable rise in cellular ROS content, which in turn enhances the enzymatic activity of the antioxidant system. In summary, our findings suggest that introducing the Fd protein from M. thermoautotrophicus into transgenic rice improves photosynthetic efficiency by accelerating ETR, which triggers the cellular oxidative stress response.
Reduced diffusional limitations in carnation stems facilitate higher photosynthetic rates and reduced photorespiratory losses compared with leaves
Authors: Yiotis Charilaos , Chondrogiannis Christos
Published: October 2024

Green stem photosynthesis has been shown to be relatively inefficient but can occasionally contribute significantly to the carbon budget of desert plants. Although the possession of green photosynthetic stems is a common trait, little is known about their photosynthetic characteristics in non‐desert species. Dianthus caryophyllus is a semi‐woody species with prominent green stems, which show similar photosynthetic anatomy with leaves. In the present study, we used a combination of gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence measurements, some of which were taken under varying O2 and CO2 partial pressures, to investigate whether the apparent anatomical similarities between the species' leaves and stems translate into similar photosynthetic physiology and capacity for CO2 assimilation. Both organs displayed high photosynthetic electron transport rates (ETR) and similar values of steady‐state non‐photochemical quenching (NPQ), albeit leaves could attain them faster. The analysis of OJIP transients showed that the quantum efficiencies and energy fluxes along the photosynthetic electron transport chain are largely similar between leaves and stems. Stems displayed higher total conductance to CO2 diffusion, similar biochemical properties, significantly higher photosynthetic rates and lower water use efficiency than leaves. Leaf ETR was more sensitive to sub‐ambient O2 and super‐ambient CO2 partial pressures, while leaves also displayed a higher relative rate of Rubisco oxygenation. We conclude that the highly responsive NPQ and the enhanced photorespiration and WUE in leaves represent photoprotective and water‐conserving adaptations to the high incident light intensities they experience naturally, at the expense of higher CO2 assimilation rates, which the vertically orientated stems can readily attain.
Conversion of lipids into carbohydrates rescues energy insufficiency in rapeseed germination under waterlogging stress
Authors: Yang Haiyun , Bai Chenyang , Ai Xueying , Yu Haiqiu , Xu Zhenghua , Wang Jing , Kuai Jie , Zhao Jie , Wang Bo , Zhou Guangsheng
Published: October 2024

Waterlogging stress, particularly during seed germination, significantly affects plant growth and development. However, the physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying waterlogging stress responses during rapeseed germination remain unclear. In this study, two rapeseed cultivars, Xiangzayou518 (waterlogging‐sensitive) and Dadi199 (waterlogging‐tolerant), were used to explore the physiological mechanisms underlying rapeseed response to waterlogging stress during germination. Our results showed that waterlogging significantly decreased the emergence percentage and seedling growth rate. During the radicle elongation period (from 48 to 96 h post‐germination), the most sensitive period to waterlogging during germination, sugar content, and glycolysis efficiency were significantly decreased, but anaerobic fermentation was enhanced. In tolerant cultivars, when the energy supply was insufficient, the conversion efficiency of lipids into sugar increased, and the activities of isocitrate lyase, malate synthase, and fructose‐1, 6‐diphosphatase were enhanced by 11.63, 19.06, and 20.37%, respectively, at 72 h post‐germination under waterlogging stress. Transcriptome data showed that the differentially expressed genes were significantly enriched in glucose and lipid metabolism pathways when comparing waterlogged stress and normal conditions. These results indicate that waterlogging affects seed germination in rapeseed by inhibiting carbohydrate metabolism, and the conversion capacity of lipids into sugar under waterlogging stress was stronger in tolerant cultivars than in sensitive cultivars, thus rescuing the insufficient energy supply in seed germination and seedling growth. This study reveals the physiological mechanism of rapeseed response to waterlogging stress during seed germination and provides a valuable reference for improving waterlogging tolerance.
Potency evaluation of different GNRH analogues on ovulation induction and reproductive performance of doe rabbit
Authors: Viudes‐de‐Castro M. P. , Marco‐Jiménez F. , Miralles‐Bover H. , Vicente J. S.
Published: October 2024

Gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) ‐supplemented extenders have emerged as a welfare‐orientated method to induce ovulation in the artificial insemination (AI) of rabbits. The main factor that limits the bioavailability of GnRH analogue on intravaginal administration is the proteolytic activity of enzymes present in rabbit seminal plasma. The use of GnRH analogues with higher biological potency would allow us to decrease their concentration in the seminal dose without compromising effectiveness. The current study was designed to assess the efficacy of various GnRH analogues concerning their ability to induce ovulation in rabbit AI. The base solution used for experimental extenders contained an aminopeptidase inhibitor. Four experimental groups were used, females from the Control group were induced to ovulate with an intramuscular administration of 1 μg of buserelin, while in the other three groups females received an intravaginal administration of 3.5 μg of buserelin (BUS), deslorelin (DES) or fertirelin (FER) within the seminal dose. Results showed that the ovulation frequency was similar in all groups studied. A concentration of 3.5 μg of the different GnRH analogues tested in this study showed similar potency in inducing ovulation in non‐lactating females, yielding comparable results in terms of pregnancy rate at birth and prolificacy.
Seasonality analysis on cryopreserved doses from the autochthonous cattle breeds Asturiana de la Montaña and Asturiana de los Valles
Authors: Tamargo Carolina , Salman Amer , Fernández‐Alegre Estela , Fueyo Carmen , Arija Cristina , Fernández Ángel , Merino María J. , Martínez‐Pastor Felipe , Caamaño J. Néstor , Hidalgo Carlos O.
Published: October 2024

Germplasm banking is a fundamental tool for the preservation of autochthonous breeds. Semen cryopreservation is effective for this task, but protocols are adapted to commercial species, and post‐thawing sperm quality could be sensitive to environmental cues. We compared the post‐thawing sperm quality in doses from the CBA‐SERIDA bank in northern Spain for the Asturiana de la Montaña (AM) and Asturiana de los Valles (AV) autochthonous cattle breeds. Doses from 23 AM and 16 AV bulls (ejaculates from at least three different seasons) were assessed for motility (computer‐assisted sperm analysis), physiology and chromatin status (flow cytometry) after thawing and after 5 h at 38°C. Data were analysed using linear mixed‐effects and cosinor models for seasonal and breed effects and by correlations with the association of sperm quality with temperature‐humidity index (THI), considering the interval of spermatogenesis plus maturation. The breed affected sperm quality, with higher motility for AV and higher apoptotic ratio, mitochondrial activity, reactive oxygen species, DNA fragmentation and chromatin immaturity for AM. However, seasonality effects were minimal, and THI was not associated with sperm quality. In summary, the season seems to be a minor factor in the post‐thawing quality of the AM and AV autochthonous breeds, well‐adapted to their local environment.
Development of an equine endometrial histology scoring system to complement the Kenney–Doig scale
Authors: Martínez‐Bartolomé I. , Masot J. , Serres C.
Published: October 2024

Kenney–Doig scale is considered the international standard method for classifying uterine biopsies in mares; however, its objectivity has been questioned by various studies. In the present study, we analysed the degree of agreement between two pathologists when assessing the same set of 201 uterine biopsies, obtaining a slight to moderate level of agreement (κ = .34/κw = .57). Subsequently, we developed a numerical scale based on the evaluation of histological parameters, including inflammation, fibrosis, glandular density and lymphatic lacunae. Partial scores were summed to obtain a fifth parameter called Summation. The correlation between both scales was demonstrated (p < .0001), and their combined use resulted in a notable increase in the degree of agreement between the two pathologists (κ = .53/κw = .67).
Methodological approaches in vitrification: Enhancing viability of bovine oocytes and in vitro‐produced embryos
Authors: Mogas Teresa , García‐Martínez Tania , Martínez‐Rodero Iris
Published: October 2024

Cryopreservation of bovine oocytes and embryos is essential for long‐term preservation and widespread distribution of genetic material, particularly in bovine in vitro embryo production, which has witnessed substantial growth in the past decade due to advancements in reproductive biotechnologies. Among current cryopreservation methods, vitrification has emerged as the preferred cryopreservation technique over slow freezing for preserving oocytes and in vitro‐produced (IVP) embryos, as it effectively addresses membrane chilling injury and ice crystal formation. Nonetheless, challenges remain and a simple and robust vitrification protocol that guarantees the efficiency and viability after warming has not yet been developed. Furthermore, although slow cooling can easily be adapted for direct transfer, an easier and more practical vitrification protocol for IVP embryos is required to allow the transfer of IVP embryos on farms using in‐straw dilution. In addition, the susceptibility of bovine oocytes and embryos to cryoinjuries highlights the need for novel strategies to improve their cryotolerance. This manuscript examines various methodological approaches for increasing the viability of bovine oocytes and IVP embryos during vitrification. Strategies such as modifying lipid content or mitigating oxidative damage have shown promise in improving cryotolerance. Additionally, mathematical modelling of oocyte and embryo membrane permeability has facilitated the rational design of cryopreservation protocols, optimizing the exposure time and concentration of cryoprotectants to reduce cytotoxicity.
High cooling rate of 60°C/min around ice nucleation during cryopreservation compromises chicken sperm viability
Authors: Toledano‐Díaz Adolfo , Robledo Rosalina , Alba Esther , Fernández‐Alaez Pablo , García‐Casado Pedro , Bernal Berenice , Castaño Cristina , Torres Olga , Rauw Wendy M. , Santiago‐Moreno Julián
Published: October 2024

The present study compares two protocols for the cryopreservation of chicken semen. Both protocols had an initial low cooling rate in the first step, followed by higher cooling rates around ice nucleation (Protocol 1) or following the dissipation of the latent heat of fusion (Protocol 2) in the second step. Semen ejaculates obtained from 12 roosters were diluted with Rootex with 6% dimethylformamide and frozen following either Protocol 1 (from +5°C to −10°C at 5°C/min and from −10°C to −130°C at 60°C/min) or Protocol 2 (from +5°C to −35°C at 7°C/min and from −35°C to −140°C at 60°C/min). Compared with fresh semen, following both protocols, cryopreservation resulted in reduced post‐thaw sperm quality (p < .001). Post‐thaw percentage of sperm with an intact plasma membrane was greater using Protocol 2 than Protocol 1 (p < .05). The results suggest that high cooling rates around the time of ice nucleation are not recommendable.
Effective use of artificial insemination as an ex situ conservation method for the capercaillie
Authors: O'Brien Emma , Sabater Alexia Siegmund , Toledano‐Díaz Adolfo , Castaño Cristina , de Pedro Aguilar Gabriel , Cubero David , Łukaszewicz Ewa , Santiago‐Moreno Julián
Published: October 2024

With the threat of extinction looming over many species, the development of assisted reproduction techniques for use in conservation programmes is imperative. This work explores the feasibility and efficacy of artificial insemination in the capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus), a species in critical danger of extinction. Nine young, male birds were used as sperm donors for five young females. Three of the females laid 19 viable eggs, of which 13 were fertilized (68%). This research contributes to the scientific understanding of the capercaillie's reproductive biology and provides practical insights that could be instrumental in the conservation and recovery of the species.
Effect of long‐term oral administration of the flavonoid quercetin on the antioxidant profile of young and adult reproductive rabbit does
Authors: Vicente‐Carrillo A. , Jordán‐Rodríguez D. , Cáceres‐Martín E. , Gómez‐León A. , Rebollar P. G. , Lorenzo P. L. , García‐García R. M. , Arias‐Álvarez M.
Published: October 2024

In industrialized farms, rabbit does undergo intensive production rhythms which overlap lactation and gestation, leading to a high energy mobilization and increasing oxidative stress. Accordingly, we hypothesize that administration of the flavonoid quercetin (QUR) may improve the antioxidant status of young and adult rabbit reproductive females. In this study, the effect of daily oral administration of 300 mg/kg QUR for 8 weeks was assessed on the antioxidant profile of 24 New Zealand × Californian rabbit does, assigned to 4 experimental groups: rearing young (8–16 weeks old) and adult does at the end of their reproductive life (12–14 months old, with at least 3–4 reproductive cycles) treated (YQ and AQ) or not (YC and AC) with QUR, respectively. Plasma glutathione (GSH), as well as serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured during the experimental period. To assess the health status of the animals, a physical examination was also performed. GSH plasma concentrations were significantly higher in young does at weeks 1 and 4, but not at week 8 of the experiment, irrespectively of QUR administration. An increase in GSH plasma concentration was observed during the 8‐week experiment in both AQ and AC groups. Furthermore, QUR administration did not alter either SOD or MDA serum activity and concentration in any group during the experimental period. Physical examination revealed no differences between the experimental groups. In conclusion, under our experimental conditions, QUR did not modify the general clinical or the antioxidant profile of young and adult reproductive rabbit females.
Media viscosity affects post‐thaw ram sperm rheotactic behaviour
Authors: Martín‐Maestro A. , Abril‐Parreño L. , Soler A. J. , Fair S.
Published: October 2024

The aim of this experiment was to assess the effect of media viscosity on ram sperm motility, kinematics and rheotaxis in vitro by using methylcellulose as a media thickener. Frozen–thawed semen of three rams was thawed and diluted in Tyrode's albumin lactate pyruvate (TALP) media supplemented with 0%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, 0.5%, 0.6% and 0.7% w/v of methylcellulose. Sperm motility and kinematic characteristics were analysed using computer‐assisted sperm analysis (CASA). The rheotactic behaviour was assessed in a microfluidic channel, and the number of spermatozoa that passed the 10 mm point of a microfluidic channel over a 2min period against a flow rate of 30 μm/sec was assessed. The use of media with higher viscosity (higher levels of methylcellulose) resulted in significantly lower (p < .05) sperm motility and kinematic parameters. Moreover, higher levels of methylcellulose reduced (p < .05) the number of spermatozoa that exhibited positive rheotaxis. In conclusion, viscosity affected the kinematic properties and rheotactic behaviour of ram sperm.
Effect of silver nanoparticles on donkey sperm parameters and ultrastructure
Authors: Pérez Verónica , Crespo Francisco , López Angela I. , Cárdenas Soledad , Bautista María José , Hidalgo Manuel , Dorado Jesus , Ortiz Isabel
Published: October 2024

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on donkey sperm parameters and ultrastructure. AgNPs were synthesized, purified and resuspended in the extender. Nine frozen–thawed donkey sperm samples were exposed to different concentrations of AgNPs (0, 1.25, 2.5, 5, 12.5, 25 and 50 μg/mL). Sperm parameters: total (TMOT, %) and progressive (PMOT, %) sperm motility, plasma (LIVE, %) and acrosomal membrane integrity (AIS, %), and sperm morphology (MORF, %) were evaluated immediately after AgNPs exposure (T0) and after 2 h of incubation (T2). The interaction beween AgNPs and spermatozoa was visualized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). At T0, sperm motility and AIS were reduced (p < .05) when using concentrations ≥50 and ≥25 μg/mL, respectively. At T2, sperm motility and LIVE were significantly decreased (p < .05) in concentrations ≥25 and ≥50 μg/mL, respectively. TEM analysis revealed nanoparticle adhesion to the acrosomal region of the plasma membrane. In conclusion, AgNPs at concentrations ≥25 μg/mL impair motility, acrosome and plasma membrane integrity of donkey sperm, which may be mediated by adhesion to the acrosomal region of the sperm surface membrane.
Ethical aspects associated with genome alteration techniques applied to animal reproduction research
Authors: Montoliu Lluis
Published: October 2024

The revolution in biology triggered by the different genome‐editing tools has of course arrived to the research field of animal reproduction. Yeast meganucleases, zinc‐finger nucleases, TALEN and, particularly, the several generations of CRISPR tools have landed in animal reproduction thereby providing novel strategies to optimize or modify some of the features and capabilities of the recipient animals. All these genome‐editing proposals and activities are associated with ethical considerations regarding how those planned genome alterations might affect important animal welfare issues. The ethical dimension of all these genome editing must be seriously considered. Hence, all ethical aspects bound to any given genome‐edited allele in animals should be discussed in order to ensure that we are maximizing benefits and reducing any potential risk or negative considerations of these modifications. In this review, I will summarize some of the experiments reported aiming to investigate or improve animal reproduction and I will address the ethics issues that should also be considered.
Restoring native forests from Pinus radiata plantations: natural regeneration of native tree species in response to different harvesting treatments in central Chile
Authors: Kremer Klaus N. , Bauhus Jürgen
Published: October 2024

The natural forests of south‐central Chile are known as world biodiversity hotspot. Due to increasing societal demands and certification commitments, a vast extension of these forests that was replaced by commercial exotic tree plantations is now to be restored. Given the magnitude of the area involved, large‐scale approaches based on natural regeneration require consideration. However, experimental evidence for this approach to restoration is lacking in different regions. We conducted a large‐scale replicated experiment to evaluate the response of natural regeneration of native tree species to different harvesting treatments (clearcut, strip‐cutting, and unharvested control) in 20‐year‐old Pinus radiata plantations. For 2 years, we monitored variations in (1) regeneration basal area (dRBA), (2) maximum sapling height (dMH), (3) frequency of free‐growing regeneration (dFGR), and (4) diversity of regenerating tree species. The harvesting treatment had significant effects on dRBA, dMH, and dFGR. The clearcuts showed the highest values of dRBA and dFGR of native species, but also, the highest dRBA of P. radiata regeneration. The strip‐cuttings showed the highest dMH of native species and the highest values of richness, Shannon, and Simpson diversity. Our results suggest that both clearcuts and strip‐cuttings facilitate natural regeneration. Although clearcuts may allow higher rates of natural regeneration establishment than strip‐cuttings, they require periodic control of P. radiata regeneration to prevent suppression of established native regeneration. Strip‐cuttings may require fewer management interventions and allow for higher initial species diversity, although with a potentially longer establishment period and higher risk of damage from residual P. radiata trees experiencing wind throw.
A direct approach for solving the cubic Szegö equation
Authors: Matsuno Yoshimasa
Published: October 2024

We study the cubic Szegö equation which is an integrable nonlinear nondispersive and nonlocal evolution equation. In particular, we present a direct approach for obtaining the multiphase and multisoliton solutions as well as a special class of periodic solutions. Our method is substantially different from the existing one which relies mainly on the spectral analysis of the Hankel operator. We show that the cubic Szegö equation can be bilinearized through appropriate dependent variable transformations and then the solutions satisfy a set of bilinear equations. The proof is carried out within the framework of an elementary theory of determinants. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the eigenfunctions associated with the multiphase solutions satisfy the Lax pair for the cubic Szegö equation, providing an alternative proof of the solutions. Last, the eigenvalue problem for a periodic solution is solved exactly to obtain the analytical expressions of the eigenvalues.
The histone chaperones ASF1 and HIRA are required for telomere length and 45S rDNA copy number homeostasis
Authors: Machelová Adéla , Dadejová Martina Nešpor , Franek Michal , Mougeot Guillaume , Simon Lauriane , Le Goff Samuel , Duc Céline , Bassler Jasmin , Demko Martin , Schwarzerová Jana , Desset Sophie , Probst Aline V. , Dvořáčková Martina
Published: October 2024

Genome stability is significantly influenced by the precise coordination of chromatin complexes that facilitate the loading and eviction of histones from chromatin during replication, transcription, and DNA repair processes. In this study, we investigate the role of the Arabidopsis H3 histone chaperones ANTI‐SILENCING FUNCTION 1 (ASF1) and HISTONE REGULATOR A (HIRA) in the maintenance of telomeres and 45S rDNA loci, genomic sites that are particularly susceptible to changes in the chromatin structure. We find that both ASF1 and HIRA are essential for telomere length regulation, as telomeres are significantly shorter in asf1a1b and hira mutants. However, these shorter telomeres remain localized around the nucleolus and exhibit a comparable relative H3 occupancy to the wild type. In addition to regulating telomere length, ASF1 and HIRA contribute to silencing 45S rRNA genes and affect their copy number. Besides, ASF1 supports global heterochromatin maintenance. Our findings also indicate that ASF1 transiently binds to the TELOMERE REPEAT BINDING 1 protein and the N terminus of telomerase in vivo, suggesting a physical link between the ASF1 histone chaperone and the telomere maintenance machinery.
Putting the Ghost in the Machine: Emulating Cognitive Style in Large Language Models
Authors: Agarwal Vasvi , Jablokow Kathryn , McComb Christopher
Published: October 2024

Large Language Models (LLMs) have emerged as pivotal technology in the evolving world. Their significance in design lies in their transformative potential to support engineers and collaborate with design teams throughout the design process. However, it is not known whether LLMs can emulate the cognitive and social attributes which are known to be important during design, such as cognitive style. This research evaluates the efficacy of LLMs to emulate aspects of Kirton’s Adaption–Innovation theory, which characterizes individual preferences in problem-solving. Specifically, we use LLMs to generate solutions for three design problems using two different cognitive style prompts (adaptively framed and innovatively framed). Solutions are evaluated with respect to feasibility and paradigm relatedness, which are known to have discriminative value in other studies of cognitive style. We found that solutions generated using the adaptive prompt tend to display higher feasibility and are paradigm-preserving, while solutions generated using the innovative prompts were more paradigm-modifying. This aligns with prior work and expectations for design behavior based on Kirton's Adaption–Innovation theory. Ultimately, these results demonstrate that LLMs can be prompted to accurately emulate cognitive style.
Deep Learning-Driven Analysis of a Six-Bar Mechanism for Personalized Gait Rehabilitation
Authors: Khan Naveed Ahmad , Hussain Shahid , Spratford Wayne , Goecke Roland , Kotecha Ketan , Jamwal Prashant K.
Published: October 2024

Recent advances in robotics and artificial intelligence have highlighted the potential for the integration of computational intelligence in enhancing the functionality and adaptability of robotic systems, particularly in rehabilitation. Designing robotic exoskeletons for the lower limb rehabilitation of post-stroke patients requires frequent adjustments to accommodate individual differences in leg anatomy. This complex engineering challenge necessitates a deep understanding of human physiology, robotics, and optimization to develop adaptive robotic systems and also to swiftly quantify the required adjustments and implement them for each patient. The conventional approaches, which mostly rely on heuristics and manual tuning, often struggle to achieve optimal results. This paper presents a novel method that integrates a genetic algorithm with a deep learning approach to generate a gait trajectory of the ankle joint from a six-bar linkage mechanism of fixed dimensions. Later, using the same approach, the inverse kinematics solution for this mechanism is also devised whereby, the set of the link dimensions of the six-bar linkage mechanism is obtained for the given gait trajectory of an individual to achieve customization. We simulated the kinematic behavior of the six-bar linkage mechanism within defined mechanical constraints and utilized the generated data for training a feedforward neural network and long short-term memory models. The proposed model, when trained, can produce accurate lengths for the desired gait trajectories in the sagittal plane and vice versa, which further validates our proposed approach for inverse kinematics solution. Moreover, to evaluate the efficiency of deep learning models, we have conducted an extensive error-based, comparative, and sensitivity analysis using different performance indices. The results highlight the potential of the proposed deep-learning-driven approach in the design analysis of gait rehabilitation robots.
Co-Simulation of CFD and Hydraulic System for Wireline Deep Transient Test
Authors: Chang Yong , Tao Chen , Gisolf Adriaan
Published: October 2024

In a recent deep transient test field job, the pressure discrepancy between the pressure gauge readings from the two flowlines was observed. To investigate and understand such discrepancies, a CFD and hydraulic system co-simulation method was implemented to simulate different scenarios of events that happened in the downhole testing tool. CFD using Star-CCM+ performs flow simulation of miscible multispecies fluids in the rock and in the tool annulus sealed by the dual packers. The hydraulic model is fully coupled with the CFD simulation, with consideration of the variations of the fluid density and viscosity through the tool hydraulic system, as well as the tool operations uncertainties from the valve controls, the pump-out flow rate variations, etc. The simulations help in understanding the fluids flow through the tool annulus and local convection in the annulus. It is concluded that the discrepancy of build-up pressures most likely results from the plugging of the guard valve. When the guard valve is plugged, the flow rate at the guard inlet is much smaller. Therefore, the mixed fluid density in the guard line is higher, which leads to a larger pressure discrepancy for the build-up pressure.

The co-simulation approach implemented in this study provides a solid way to model the downhole tool operations and enables engineers to perform more realistic what-if analyses for pre-job planning and post-job troubleshooting.
Rubbing-induced site-selective deposition of 2D material patterns on nanomembranes
Authors: Chen Mingze , An Xiaoqiu , Ki Seungjun , Liang Xiaogan
Published: October 2024

2D-layered materials (e.g., graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides) have attracted huge attention due to their unique mechanical and electrical properties. Emerging research efforts, which seek to combine device characterization and high-resolution electron micrography analysis for 2D-layered device features, demand nano/microlithographic techniques capable of producing ordered 2D material patterns on ultrathin membranes with nanoscale thicknesses. However, such membranes are so fragile that most conventional lithographic techniques can be hardly performed on them to generate 2D material patterns. Our previous works have demonstrated that the rubbing-induced site-selective (RISS) deposition method can produce arbitrary 2D semiconductor (e.g., MoS2 and Bi2Se3) patterns on regular device substrates. This fabrication route prevents the vulnerable 2D-layered structures from the detrimental damage introduced by plasma etching and resist-based lithography processes. In this work, we explore the applicability of RISS for directly producing 2D material patterns on nanomembranes. Specifically, this work shows that a polymeric interfacing layer on the rubbing template features, which can effectively prevent stress concentration during the rubbing process, is crucial to successful implementation of RISS processes on nanomembranes. Furthermore, we carried out the mechanics simulation of the Von Mises stress and pressure distribution on the RISS-processed membrane to identify the optimal rubbing load, which can generate sufficient triboelectric charge for material deposition but no damage to the membrane. Using this approach, we have successfully demonstrated the deposition of Bi2Se3 patterns on 25 nm SiOx nanomembranes and high-resolution transmission electron micrography characterization of the crystallographic structures.
High-quality draft genome of
Lactiplantibacillus plantarum
strain APC2688 isolated from human feces
Authors: Valderrama Benjamin , Daly Isabelle , Gunnigle Eoin , Rea Mary C. , Kenny John , Coakley Mairead , Cryan John F. , Clarke Gerard , Nagpal Jatin
Published: October 2024

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum
is a commensal bacterial species often found within the human gut. To expand our knowledge about this human-associated taxon with potential probiotic properties, here we present the draft genome sequence of
Lactiplantibacillus plantarum
strain APC2688, isolated from a human fecal sample.