bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Continuous reference curves for common hematology markers in the CALIPER cohort of healthy children and adolescents on the Sysmex XN‐3000 system
Authors: Wilson Siobhan , Bohn Mary Kathryn , Hall Alexandra , Higgins Victoria , Abdelhaleem Mohamed , Adeli Khosrow 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIntroductionClinicians and healthcare professionals rely heavily on health‐associated standards, such as reference intervals (RIs), for appropriate laboratory test result interpretation. RIs are commonly partitioned into discrete age/sex bins based on statistical and/or clinical significance. In pediatric hematology, such partitioning does not adequately represent complex variation in analyte concentrations throughout maturation. The objective of this study was to establish continuous RIs for common hematological parameters in the healthy pediatric Canadian Laboratory Initiative on Pediatric Reference Intervals (CALIPER) cohort.MethodsData from healthy CALIPER children and adolescents (6 months‐<19 years) were used to generate continuous RIs (ie, 2.5th and 97.5th quantiles) for 19 hematological parameters. Continuous curves were statistically established with nonparametric quantile regressions. Flagging rate analysis was completed for the established continuous upper and lower reference limits and subsequently compared to previously published discrete CALIPER reference intervals for all parameters.ResultsContinuous RIs were established for 19 hematology parameters, where seven required sex‐specific reference curves. Based on flagging rate assessment, continuous RIs appear to more accurately estimate hematological reference limits over the pediatric age range, especially for analytes with complex age‐ and sex‐specific reference value patterns.ConclusionsThis is the first study to generate continuous RIs for a breadth of hematological markers in a healthy pediatric Canadian population. The increased power of continuous reference intervals to accurately estimate the complex relationship between hematological analyte concentration and age during a time of extensive growth and development is expected to improve laboratory test result interpretation and, subsequently, pediatric clinical decision‐making.
Association between xylem vasculature size and freezing survival in winter barley
Authors: Tamang Bishal G. , López José R. , McCoy Erik , Haaning Allison , Sallam Ahmad , Steffenson Brian J. , Muehlbauer Gary J. , Smith Kevin P. , Sadok Walid 
Published: August 2021

AbstractWinter survival is a major yield‐limiting factor in winter barley grown in the Upper Midwest, where winter temperatures regularly reach −20°C or lower. Here, we tested the hypothesis that improved freezing survival is associated with smaller xylem vessel diameters as a mechanism that minimizes physical damage arising from intracellular ice formation, using leaf vasculature as a proxy trait. A second goal was to test whether such anatomical differences could be captured non‐destructively via gas exchange measurements. We first identified a group of 11 winter barley genotypes that exhibited differential field winter survival. We then conducted xylem diameter measurements on the first three leaves on all genotypes in two independent experiments based on 1,188 images, in addition to leaf gas exchange measurements. Freezing‐tolerant genotypes consistently exhibited significantly smaller metaxylem vessel diameters irrespective of leaf rank, and this difference was not influenced by hardening, indicating that this trait is heritable. Additionally, genotypes with smaller vasculature tended to exhibit lower stomatal conductance and transpiration rates. Our data indicate that genotypes with leaf xylem diameters smaller than 30 µm are prime donor parents and could be identified using gas exchange measurements, pointing to new phenotyping approaches to accelerate breeding for freezing survival.
Nitrogen stress inhibits root growth by regulating cell wall and hormone changes in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)
Authors: Chen Jing , Wang Zhanbiao , Liu Shaodong , Zhang Siping , Ge Changwei , Shen Qian , Ma Huijuan , Zhang Xiaomeng , Dong Helin , Zhao Xinhua , Liu Ruihua , Pang Chaoyou 
Published: August 2021

AbstractRoots play an important role in the response to nitrogen stress in cotton. To better understand the molecular and physiological mechanisms underlying the adaptation of cotton roots to nitrogen stress, the responses of genes in roots to nitrogen changes were analysed by RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq), and morphological and physiological indicators were measured for verification. This study revealed that lack of nitrogen stress (LN, 0 mm) and excess nitrogen stress (HN, 8 mm) inhibited root growth. Moderate nitrogen (MN, 4 mm) resulted in the largest values for root length, projected area and volume. Nitrogen stress regulated root growth via two mechanisms. Nitrogen stress decreased root growth by regulating cell wall growth via alterations in the cell wall composition and the expression of cell wall‐related genes. Under LN and HN, the contents of cellular polysaccharide and glucan reached their lowest levels, whereas the contents of lignin and cellulose reached their highest levels. Lower expression of EXPA17, EXLB1 and PME3 as well as higher expression of EXLA1, WAT1, CESA1, CESA3, CAD6, COMT1, SAMS, LAC4 and NAC081 were obtained under nitrogen stress compared to MN, indicating that nitrogen stress increases lignin and cellulose synthesis and promotes root ageing. Nitrogen stress also decreased root growth by affecting the contents and regulation of salicylic acid (SA), jasmonic acid (JA) and abscisic acid (ABA). Nitrogen significantly upregulated the expression of PAD4, ALD1, WRKY70, WAKL10, MYB44, FER, LHY and BHLH112 as well as significantly downregulated that of TGA6, BT1, BT2 and PYL4. The changes in the expression of these genes under nitrogen stress resulted in significant increases in the SA, JA and ABA contents in roots. Our results suggested that nitrogen stress inhibits the growth of the cotton root system by affecting cell wall growth and hormone regulation. These results contribute to our understanding of how nitrogen regulates cotton root growth at the genetic and physiological levels, and they provide a theoretical basis for the efficient utilization of nitrogen resources.
Transplanting as an option to cope with abiotic stress in high‐altitude lowland rice production systems in East Africa
Authors: Abera Bayuh Belay , Senthilkumar Kalimuthu , Cotter Marc , Asch Folkard 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe current practice of direct seeding in East‐African high‐altitude rice farming systems is constrained by water availability early in the season and low temperatures later in the season at the crop's critical reproductive stage. Thus, productivity is restricted as only short‐duration varieties can be grown due to the risk of crop failure. To fully exploit the yield potential of such rainfed systems, the best combination of crop establishment methods and climatic ‘best fit’ genotypes is required. In this study, nine rice genotypes were evaluated under direct seeding and transplanting in the 2016 and 2017 cropping seasons with the aim of identifying genotype by environment by management combinations best fitting the high‐altitude, rainfed rice production systems. On average across all genotypes, transplanting had a positive yield effect of 18% in 2016 and 23% in 2017. Regarding the phenological development, individual phenophases were not significantly affected by transplanting relative to direct seeding; however, vegetative development stages in transplanted rice tended to be about 15% longer than when direct seeded. Even though transplanting led to extended vegetative growth, the time in the nursery allowed the plants to escape the cold spell late in the season. The results from the current study provide options to adapt cropping calendars by combining genetic resources with targeted crop management, thus improving and stabilizing yields of rainfed lowland rice farming systems at high altitude.
Exploring perceptions of positive mental health in young adults with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Bailey Darcie‐Anne , Ford Laurie , Knight Victoria F. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundDespite having higher levels of mental health difficulties than the general population, limited research exists about how individuals with intellectual disabilities view mental health. Providing education about mental health literacy can contribute to maintaining positive mental health. Individuals who understand positive mental health are more likely to take steps to improve their mental health.AimsThis study explores how young adults with intellectual disabilities conceptualise and define the concept of positive mental health.Materials & MethodsEight participants were interviewed using phenomenographic methods.ResultsUsing phenomenography as the approach, four categories of description emerged from the analysis and included defining positive mental health as related to physical health, lack of clarity about positive mental health, positive qualities (emotions and actions) and mental health components.DiscussionThis study highlights the need for further research, exploring how to provide support through psychoeducation to individuals with intellectual disabilities about mental health.
Patterns and drivers of leaf‐litter ant diversity along a tropical elevational gradient in Mexico
Authors: Pérez‐Toledo Gibrán Renoy , Valenzuela‐González Jorge E. , Moreno Claudia E. , Villalobos Fabricio , Silva Rogerio R. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractAimGiven their high environmental variation over relatively short distances, mountains represent ideal systems for evaluating potential factors shaping diversity gradients. Despite a long‐standing interest in ecological gradients, ant diversity patterns and their related mechanisms occurring on mountains are still not well understood. Here, we (i) describe species diversity patterns (α and β) of leaf‐litter ants along the eastern slope of Cofre de Perote in Veracruz, Mexico; and (ii) evaluate climatic and spatial factors in determining these patterns.LocationVeracruz, Mexico.TaxonLeaf‐litter ants.MethodsWe sampled 320 m2 of leaf litter spread across eight equally spaced sites from sea level to 3500 m of elevation. We used regression models to predict α‐diversity patterns with climatic (temperature and precipitation) and spatial (geometric constraints) variables. We also assessed, through multiple regression based on distance matrices (MRM), the relative importance of habitat filtering and dispersal limitations for shaping total dissimilarity (βsor), turnover (βsim) and nestedness (βnes).ResultsA hump‐shaped pattern was observed in the α‐diversity. This pattern is best explained by the temperature gradient. β‐diversity showed a nonlinear pattern along the elevational gradient with total dissimilarity and turnover components better explained by habitat filtering (i.e. temperature distances). Turnover had higher contribution to total dissimilarity rather than the nestedness component.Main conclusionsThe significance effect of temperature on both α‐ and β‐diversity patterns reinforces its widespread importance in shaping litter ant diversity patterns across elevational gradients. The hump‐shaped pattern in species richness is probably the result of harsh abiotic conditions at the base and the top of the mountain combined with biotic attrition in lowland sites. The niche specialization of ant species in their optimal thermal zones may explain total dissimilarity and ant species replacement along the studied gradient. Taken all together, these results suggest a high relevance of temperature‐driven mechanisms in the origin and maintenance of the biodiversity of such insects and probably another ectothermic taxa.
One of the least disturbed marine coastal ecosystems on Earth: Spatial and temporal persistence of Darwin’s sub‐Antarctic giant kelp forests
Authors: Mora‐Soto Alejandra , Capsey Austin , Friedlander Alan M. , Palacios Mauricio , Brewin Paul E. , Golding Neil , Dayton Paul , Van Tussenbroek Brigitta , Montiel Américo , Goodell Whitney , Velasco‐Charpentier Catalina , Hart Tom , Macaya Erasmo C. , Pérez‐Matus Alejandro , Macias‐Fauria Marc 
Published: August 2021

AbstractAimMarine habitats and their dynamics are difficult to systematically monitor, particularly those in remote locations. This is the case with the sub‐Antarctic ecosystem of the giant kelp Macrocystis pyrifera, which was already noted by Charles Darwin in his accounts on the Voyage of the Beagle and recorded on the nautical charts made during that expedition. We combined these and other nautical charts from the 19th and early 20th centuries with surveys conducted in the 1970s and 1980s and satellite detection algorithms from 1984 to 2019, to analyse kelp distribution through time and the factors that correlate with it.LocationMarine ecoregions of Channels and Fjords of Southern Chile, Falkland Islands (Malvinas), and the island of South Georgia.TaxonMacrocystis pyrifera.MethodsWe characterised 309 giant kelp forests by their coastal geospatial attributes. Statistically significant variables were included in a conditional inference tree to predict kelp forest size. Sea surface temperature (SST) records were analysed to confirm temperature ranges over the last four decades. Nautical charts, historical surveys, aerial photogrammetry, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) surveys and satellite imagery were overlaid to assess spatial distribution of kelp forest canopies, spanning the period 1829–2020.ResultsConsidering the extensive natural and human caused changes over the last two centuries, this diverse kelp ecosystem is remarkably persistent. We found that the ocean currents and wave exposure, combined with the geomorphological settings of the coastline are the most critical factors predicting the extent of the kelp forests.Main conclusionsWe have described the long‐term ecological persistence of the kelp forests in this vastly under‐studied region that offers a conceptual biogeographical model supporting the global importance proposed by Charles Darwin 200 years ago (Darwin, 1845). In the current context of global change, the need for conservation of this persistent and well‐preserved marine ecosystem has never been more important.
Impact of repeating somatic cues on the depth of experiencing for withdrawers and pursuers in emotionally focused couple therapy
Authors: Kailanko Sari , Wiebe Stephanie A. , Tasca Giorgio A. , Laitila Aarno A. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractEmotionally Focused Couple Therapy, an experiential modality, views emotion central to therapeutic change. In this exploratory study, we examined therapists' repetition of somatically focused interventions (therapist verbalizing somatic cues, such as facial expressions) and their impact on clients' emotional experiencing in‐session. We also assessed difference for withdrawing versus pursuing partners. The sample included 13 EFT therapists who worked with one couple each for a single session. From transcripts we coded therapists' repetition of somatically focused interventions and clients' depth of experiencing pre‐and post‐intervention. Multilevel modeling demonstrated that a higher number of repetitions of somatically focused interventions predicted greater increase in depth of experiencing, unlike length of time spent repeating interventions. Somatically focused interventions resulted in greater increase in depth of experiencing for withdrawing as compared to pursuing partners. The results of this exploratory study suggest that such interventions may be a specific technique of EFT therapists that enhances emotional experiencing especially among withdrawing partners.
Correlative imaging using super‐resolution fluorescence microscopy and soft X‐ray tomography at cryogenic temperatures provides a new way to assess virosome solutions for vaccine development
Authors: Okolo Chidinma A. , Jadhav Archana , Phillips Patrick , Dumoux Maud , McMurray Amanda A. , Joshi Vishwas D. , Pizzey Claire , Harkiolaki Maria 
Published: August 2021

AbstractActive virosomes (AVs) are derivatives of viruses, broadly similar to ‘parent’ pathogens, with an outer envelope that contains a bespoke genome coding for four to five viral proteins capable of eliciting an antigenic response. AVs are essentially novel vaccine formulations that present on their surface selected viral proteins as antigens. Once administered, they elicit an initial ‘anti‐viral’ immune response. AVs are also internalised by host cells where their cargo viral genes are used to express viral antigen(s) intracellularly. These can then be transported to the host cell surface resulting in a second wave of antigen exposure and a more potent immuno‐stimulation. A new 3D correlative microscopy approach is used here to provide a robust analytical method for characterisation of Zika‐ and Chikungunya‐derivatised AV populations including vesicle size distribution and variations in antigen loading. Manufactured batches were compared to assess the extent and nature of batch‐to‐batch variations. We also show preliminary results that verify antigen expression on the surface of host cells. We present here a reliable and efficient high‐resolution 3D imaging regime that allows the evaluation of the microstructure and biochemistry of novel vaccine formulations such as AVs.
The ultrastructure of cartilage tissue and its swelling response in relation to matrix health
Authors: Brown Emma Te Tūmanako , Simons Joni M. L. J. W. , Thambyah Ashvin 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThis multi‐length scale anatomical study explores the influence of mild cartilage structural degeneration on the tissue swelling response. While the swelling response of cartilage has been studied extensively, this is the first study to reveal and correlate tissue microstructure and ultrastructure, with the swelling induced cartilage tissue strains. Cartilage sample strips (n = 30) were obtained from the distal‐lateral quadrant of thirty mildly degenerate bovine patellae and, following excision from the bone, the cartilage strips were allowed to swell freely for 2 h in solutions of physiological saline and distilled water successively. The swelling response of this group of samples were compared with that of healthy cartilage, with (n = 20) and without the surface layer (n = 20). The subsequent curling response of cartilage showed that in healthy tissue it was highly variable, and with the surface removed some samples curved in the opposite direction, while in the mildly degenerate tissue group, virtually all tissue strips curved in a consistent upward manner. A significant difference in strain was observed between healthy samples with surface layer removed and mildly degenerate samples, illustrating how excision of the surface zone from pristine cartilage is insufficient to model the swelling response of tissue which has undergone natural degenerative changes. On average, total tissue thickness increased from 940 µm (healthy) to 1079 µm (mildly degenerate), however, looking at the zonal strata, surface and transition zone thicknesses both decreased while deep zone thickness increased from healthy to mildly degenerate tissue. Morphologically, changes to the surface zone integrity were correlated with a diminished surface layer which, at the ultrastructural scale, correlated with a decreased fibrillar density. Similarly, fibrosity of the general matrix visible at the microscale was associated with a loss of later interconnectivity resulting in large, aggregated fibril bundles. The microstructural and ultrastructural investigation revealed that the key differences influencing the tissue swelling strain response was (1) the thickness and extent of disruption to the surface layer and (2) the amount of fibrillar network destructuring, highlighting the importance of the collagen and tissue matrix structure in restraining cartilage swelling.
Wild versus lab house mice: Effects of age, diet, and genetics on molar geometry and topography
Authors: Savriama Yoland , Romestaing Caroline , Clair Angéline , Averty Laetita , Ulmann Julie , Ledevin Ronan , Renaud Sabrina 
Published: August 2021

AbstractMolar morphology is shaped by phylogenetic history and adaptive processes related to food processing. Topographic parameters of the occlusal surface, such as sharpness and relief, can be especially informative regarding diet preferences of a species. The occlusal surface can however be deeply modified by wear throughout an animal's life, potentially obliterating other signals. Age being difficult to assess in wild populations, especially small rodents, experimental studies of wear through age in laboratory populations may constitute a powerful way to assess its impact on molar geometry and topography, and to validate descriptors of molar morphology that could mitigate this issue. Molar morphology was therefore quantified using 3D geometric morphometrics and topographic estimates in four groups of house mice: wild‐trapped mice, lab‐bred offspring of these wild mice, typical laboratory mice, and their hybrids. Three descriptors of the molar morphology were considered: the surface of the whole molar row, the surface of the first upper molar, and a truncated template of the first upper molar mimicking advanced wear. Increasing wear with age was demonstrated in the different groups, with a more pronounced effect in the wild‐trapped population. The geometry of the molar row is not only modified by wear, but also by the relative position of the late developing molars on the jaw due to loading during mastication. As a consequence, the alignment of the molars is modified in wild mice, showing a qualitative difference between wild animals and their lab‐bred offspring. Results obtained from the lab should thus be transferred with caution to the interpretation of differences in wild populations. Topographic estimates computed for the first upper molar seems to provide more stable parameters than those based on the whole molar row, because issues related to non‐planar occlusal surface along the molar row are discarded. The truncated template was proven efficient in discarding the wear effect to focus on genetic differences, allowing an efficient characterization of the hybridization signature between wild and lab mice. Dominance of the wild phenotype for the first molar shape supports that the lab strain evolved in a context of relaxation of the selective pressures related to nutrition.