bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Geological Imprint on Plant Biodiversity: Eastern Australia's Cenozoic Volcanic Flora
Authors: Nguyen Ngoc , Buettel Jessie C. , Brook Barry W. 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTAimAustralia's distinct geological history provides key insights into the diversity of its flora. While previous studies have predominantly focused on climate as the main driver of species richness, growing evidence suggests that geological factors also play an important role. This study aims to investigate the influence of Cenozoic volcanic lithologies on terrestrial vascular plant diversity in eastern Australia, disentangling the relative contributions of climate and geology to biodiversity patterns.LocationEastern Australia.TaxonTerrestrial vascular plants.MethodsWe assessed the patterns of species richness in this region by examining whether sites with Cenozoic volcanic lithologies harbour greater vascular plant diversity, using a permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA). We then used a supervised machine learning algorithm (decision trees) coupled with partial canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) to discriminate the environmental variables influencing species richness and site composition in 230 sites in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania.ResultsSoil profile variability and terrain ruggedness, influenced by underlying volcanic lithologies, emerged as primary predictors of species richness. We found species composition, indicative of distinct ecological communities, showed greater similarity within lithological types and varied significantly across volcanic complexes at different latitudes. Notably, areas of higher species richness corresponded with a greater diversity of stratigraphic units within protected zones.Main ConclusionsOur study reveals a significant imprint of Cenozoic volcanic activity on present‐day plant species richness and distribution in eastern Australia. We show that geological features, particularly lithology and site complexity, play a crucial role in shaping species richness beyond previously recognised climatic factors. These findings highlight the importance of integrating geological and edaphic factors into conservation strategies, thereby broadening our understanding of ecological dynamics, and guiding more effective biodiversity conservation.
Impacts of interacting with an AI chatbot on preservice teachers' responsive teaching skills in math education
Authors: Lee Dabae , Son Taekwon , Yeo Sheunghyun 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackgroundArtificial Intelligence (AI) technologies offer unique capabilities for preservice teachers (PSTs) to engage in authentic and real‐time interactions using natural language. However, the impact of AI technology on PSTs' responsive teaching skills remains uncertain.ObjectivesThe primary objective of this study is to examine whether interaction with a responsive AI‐based chatbot that acts as a virtual student improves pre‐service teachers' noticing abilities. The second objective is to compare how the presence or absence of chatbot responses affects changes in PSTs' questioning practices. Finally, the third objective is to investigate how the experience of interacting with the responsive virtual student affects PSTs' perceptions of the effectiveness of their questioning, their satisfaction with the interactions, and their confidence about interacting with a real student compared to the non‐responsive chatbot.MethodsA randomised controlled pre‐ and post‐test design was used with 50 PSTs. PSTs' noticing, interaction with the chatbot, and post‐survey data were collected, and a t‐test was conducted to examine significant differences by group.Results and ConclusionIn the experimental group, the virtual student responded to PSTs' questions, while in the control group, she did not. Notable differences were observed in their questioning practices.TakeawaysOverall, AI‐based chatbots hold promise for enhancing PSTs' responsive teaching skills. Future research is needed to examine the long‐term impact of responsive chatbot use on PSTs' noticing skills.
Morphological analysis and cytotoxicity of acrylamide on SPC212 human mesothelioma cells: Do low doses induce proliferation, while high doses cause toxicity?
Authors: Kacar Sedat , Tomsuk Ozlem 
Published: November 2024

AbstractAcrylamide is broadly utilized in numerous areas with different purposes including being an additive, flocculating, sealing, dry strength improver and polymerizing agent, and so forth. Furthermore, it forms in certain food products at high temperatures. It poses serious hazard since its readily water‐soluble and very reactive nature. Besides in vivo studies, several in vitro studies with various cell lines are carried out to evaluate its toxicity. However, of these cell line studies, there are no mesothelium or mesothelioma cell lines. To fill this lacuna, we aimed at examining various dose range of acrylamide on SPC212 human mesothelioma cell line. First, we executed MTT and neutral red cytotoxicity tests and ascertained IC50 dose. Next, we performed inverted, light (haematoxylin–eosin and May Grünwald), fluorescent (DAPI) and confocal microscope (AO/EB) analyses as well as immunohistochemistry for Bax, Bcl‐2 and PCNA proteins. As a result, we found IC50 of acrylamide at 2.65 mM. Starting from 3.13 mM of acrylamide dose, a deep decrease in cell proliferation was observed. Particularly in MTT assay, a proliferative action of acrylamide was detected at 0.39 and 0.78 mM, supported with inverted microscope images. In light microscope analysis, several cellular degenerations, including condensed and kidney‐shaped nucleus were evident. In AO/EB staining, cells with apoptotic characteristics augmented dose‐dependently, being upheld by a parallel uptick in Bax and a dimunition in Bcl‐2 staining. Besides, PCNA decreased at IC50 dose of acrylamide. This is the acrylamide‐associated first study conducted on SPC212 mesothelioma cells encompassing advanced morphological analysis. We believe this study to be an incentive for future studies.
Hydrogen sulfide alleviates neural degeneration probably by reducing oxidative stress and aldose reductase expression
Authors: Shen Wenqi , Hu Tingyu , Wang Xin , Zhang Xiaoyan , Lu Junxi , Lu Huijuan , Hu Yanyun , Liu Fang 
Published: November 2024

AbstractWe investigated the potential role of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) as a novel therapy for diabetic peripheral neuropathy in diabetic rats. A single dose of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg) was applied to the rats for the diabetic rat models. Sodium bisulfide (50 μmol/kg/d) was injected intraperitoneally daily for 2 weeks as H2S treatment. Electromyogram, haematoxylin eosin staining, transmission electron microscopy, western blotting and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay were then performed. H2S treatment did not affect body weights, blood glucose levels or liver function of diabetic rats, while the creatine levels of the H2S‐treated diabetic rats decreased compared with the diabetic control rats. H2S treatment for 2 weeks did not affect the sciatic nerve conduction velocity of the diabetic rats. However, H2S treatment relieved neurons loss and cell atrophy of dorsal root ganglion, and axon degeneration of sciatic nerve in diabetic rats. Serum super oxide dismutase (SOD) levels and SOD2 levels in the sciatic nerve of diabetic rats were lower than the non‐diabetic rats but were restored after H2S treatment. Serum and sciatic nerve homogenate malondialdehyde and aldose reductase expression were higher in diabetic rats but decreased significantly after H2S treatment. Our study revealed that H2S alleviates neural degeneration in diabetic rats probably by reducing oxidative stress and downregulating aldose reductase expression.
The regulation of ovarian degeneration in Pampus argenteus by heat shock protein genes under low‐temperature stress
Authors: Qin Chunlai , Li Chang , Ding Ming , Wang Yi , Li Yaya , Wang Yajun , Wang Xubo , Guo Chunyang 
Published: November 2024

AbstractTemperature is a crucial environmental factor that significantly impacts the growth, development, metabolism, and physiological functions of fish. To study the effects of low‐temperature on the gonadal development of silver pomfret (Pampus argenteus), a cold period by gradually lowering the water temperature from 18°C to 9°C was simulated. The results showed that hsp70, hsp90a, and hsp90b were widely expressed in the tissues of P. argenteus, with hsp70 primarily expressed in the pituitary, hsp90a and hsp90b mainly expressed in the lateral. The hsps were involved in the development process of P. argenteus from 1 to 27 days post‐hatching (dph). The expression levels of hsp70 and hsp90b were highest at 17 dph, while the levels of hsp90a were at 25 dph. Under the condition of 9°C, regressed oocyte were observed in the ovaries, the oocyte diameter significantly decreased, and the ovaries degenerated 100% after low‐temperature stress. The expression levels of hsps in the ovaries were significantly higher than in the control group, while the expression levels in the testes were significantly lower than in the control group. Taken together, hsps may regulate the ovarian degeneration under low‐temperature stress. Male fish rapidly completed meiosis and maintained the testes in the prophase of meiosis to resist the low‐temperature stress.
Perinatal Loneliness and Isolation Early in the COVID‐19 Pandemic in New York City: A Qualitative Study
Authors: West Brooke S. , Ehteshami Lida , McCormack Clare , Beebe Beatrice , Atwood Ginger D. , Austin Judy , Chaves Vitoria , Hott Violet , Hu Yunzhe , Hussain Maha , Kyle Margaret H. , Kurman Georgia , Lanoff Marissa , Lavallée Andréane , Manning Jeremiah Q. , McKiernan Mary T. , Pini Nicolò , Smotrich Grace C. , Fifer William P. , Dumitriu Dani , Goldman Sylvie 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionDuring the COVID‐19 pandemic, birthing parents were identified as a high‐risk group with greater vulnerability to the harms associated with SARS‐CoV‐2. This led to necessary changes in perinatal health policies but also to experiences of maternal isolation and loneliness, both in hospital settings, due to infection mitigation procedures, and once home, due to social distancing.MethodsIn this study, we qualitatively explored birthing and postpartum experiences in New York City during the early days of the pandemic when lockdowns were in effect and policies and practices were rapidly changing. Using thematic analysis, our focus was on experiences of isolation, navigating these experiences, and the potential impacts of isolation and loneliness on maternal health for 55 birthing people.ResultsParticipants described numerous stressors related to isolation during the birthing process, including reconciling their hopes for their birth with the realities of the unknown and separation from partners, family, and friends in the hospital. During the postpartum period, loneliness manifested as having limited or no contact with family and friends, which led to feelings of a need for strengthened social support systems. The impact of these negative experiences shaped mental health. Overall, we found that solitary experiences during birthing and postpartum isolation were major sources of stress for participants in this study.DiscussionTo support impacted families and prepare for future crisis events, clinicians and researchers must prioritize the development of strong clinical and social support structures for perinatal people to ensure both maternal and child health.
Assessment of response to PRRT including anatomical and molecular imaging as well as novel biomarkers
Authors: Kong Grace , Noe Geertje , Chiang Cherie , Herrmann Ken , Hope Thomas A. , Michael Michael 
Published: November 2024

AbstractPeptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) is an effective treatment for both oncological and hormone control and is a widely accepted standard of care treatment for patients with neuroendocrine neoplasms (NEN). Its use is anticipated to increase significantly, and this demands accurate tools and paradigms to assess treatment response post PRRT. This article outlines the current role and future developments of anatomical, molecular imaging and biomarkers for response assessment to PRRT, highlighting the challenges and provides perspectives for the need to focus on a multimodality, multidisciplinary and individualised approach for patients with this complex heterogeneous disease.
Early‐life disadvantage and parent‐to‐child financial transfers
Authors: Cheng Kent Jason Go 
Published: November 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo determine (1) how parental childhood disadvantage is associated with parent‐to‐child financial transfers for schooling and other unspecified purposes and (2) whether the association holds when parental socioeconomic status (years of education, family income, wealth) is considered.BackgroundCumulative inequality theory posits that early life disadvantage may not only adversely affect one's resource accumulation across the life course, but it may also shape one's ability to provide assistance to offspring.MethodData from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics were used to estimate zero‐inflated negative binomial regression models to predict the amount of parent‐to‐child transfers (N = 2364 for school transfers, N = 3618 for other transfers), controlling for parents' and children's sociodemographic factors. Childhood disadvantage score (0 as reference, 1, 2, 3, 4+) was constructed using 13 items that reflect the economic, psychosocial, environmental, and health domains of early life. The associations of each domain with financial transfers were also estimated.ResultsParents with 4+ disadvantages gave about $2200 less for schooling. Economic and environmental disadvantage lessened levels of school transfers, while environmental disadvantage decreased the odds of being a non‐provider of other transfers. The disparity in transfer amounts generally narrowed when the mediating role of parental socioeconomic status was accounted for.ConclusionHigher education has become one of the major mechanisms through which class stratification, social inequality, and health disparities ensue. Educational outcomes among current cohorts of young adults could have been shaped by the preceding generation's childhood through intergenerational exchanges.
Adult children's responsiveness to parental needs during the pandemic
Authors: Lin I‐Fen , Wiemers Emily E. , Chin Janecca A. , Strauss Anna Wiersma , Seltzer Judith A. , Hotz V. Joseph 
Published: November 2024

AbstractObjectivesGuided by the life‐course principles of linked lives embedded in historical time and place, we investigated whether nonresident adult children provided financial and time assistance to parents in response to their needs during the COVID‐19 pandemic.BackgroundAdult children are an important source of support for older adults during crises, yet their ability to help parents may have been constrained during the pandemic.MethodData were extracted from the 2016, 2018, and 2020 waves of the Health and Retirement Study. We employed three analytic strategies. First, we examined how nonresident adult children responded to parental needs during the pandemic. Second, we compared the financial and time assistance received during the pandemic with earlier periods. Third, we assessed whether support patterns varied depending on the severity of the pandemic in places where parents lived. All analyses used linear probability models, adjusting for pre‐pandemic characteristics.ResultsParents facing economic hardship more often received money help and those experiencing difficulty buying food for nonfinancial reasons more often received time help from adult children compared to those without such challenges. Moreover, both financial and time assistance from adult children increased during the pandemic compared to pre‐pandemic levels. Hardships increased the probability of receiving money and time help from adult children when parents lived in areas with a high level of pandemic severity.ConclusionAdult children became more responsive to parental needs during the COVID‐19 pandemic, underscoring the importance of linked lives across generations during times of crisis.
The fall and rise of parental financial investments during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Hastings Orestes P. , Amorim Mariana , Kornrich Sabino 
Published: November 2024

AbstractObjectiveThis research note investigates changes in American parents' financial investments in children during the COVID‐19 pandemic, as well as whether and how changes in parents' spending varied based on parental education.BackgroundParents purchase goods, experiences, and services that shape children's human capital and life chances. Socioeconomic differences in parental expenditures on children represent an important pathway for perpetuating inequality across generations. The COVID‐19 pandemic disrupted children's lives in ways that may have changed these levels of investment.MethodThe 2015–2022 Consumer Expenditure Survey (CEX) is used to describe spending on five key categories of investments in children's human capital (educational spending, extracurricular activities and lessons, computers and tablets, formal childcare, informal childcare) overall and by parental education. Mediation analysis assesses the extent school closures explain these changes.ResultsChildcare and extracurricular expenditures initially decreased significantly and then gradually recovered to pre‐pandemic levels by the end of 2021. Cutbacks were primarily among more educated families. However, spending on schooling increased in 2021 and computer and tablet purchases spiked in 2020, particularly among more educated families. Mediation analysis suggests that when expenditures were most affected by the pandemic (in 2020), school closures explained 50%–70% of those changes.ConclusionThis note provides evidence that during the pandemic socioeconomic inequalities in child‐related spending decreased in some categories of spending (e.g., childcare and extracurriculars) and increased in others (e.g., computers and tablets). Many changes appeared short‐term, but changes in education point to possible longer‐term shifts in parents' preferences about children's educational environments.
Dental Functional Status as a Possible Risk Factor of Sarcopenia: A Computed Tomography‐Based Study
Authors: Gürhan Ceyda , Dinç Funda 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundFunctional dentition may be associated with sarcopenia by affecting chewing activity.ObjectivesThe objective of this study is to determine the sarcopenia status of participants using computed tomography (CT)‐based data and to investigate the association of sarcopenia with functional dentition, as well as denture condition.MethodsThe study included 309 patients. The number of teeth was recorded. Functional dentition was evaluated based on the following parameters: (1) ≥ 1 tooth in the maxilla and mandible; (2) ≥ 10 teeth in each arch; (3) the presence of 12 anterior teeth; (4) 3–4 premolar posterior occlusal pairs (POPs) and (5) ≥ 1 molar POP bilaterally. The denture condition was also evaluated. CT‐based assessment of sarcopenia was performed via measurement of the psoas muscle area at the level of the L3 vertebra and its hounsfield unit (HU) radiodensity on non‐contrast‐enhanced images. HU average calculation (HUAC), which is an imaging marker of sarcopenia, was performed. Gender‐specific quartiles were then generated, and the lowest quartile of HUAC scores within each gender group was set as the cut‐off point.ResultsA total of 76 (24.5%) of the patients had sarcopenia, and 233 (75.5%) did not have sarcopenia. The mean number of teeth in the sarcopenia group was 17.12 ± 8.39, compared to 22.24 ± 6.72 in those without sarcopenia (p < 0.001). The relationship between functional dentition and sarcopenia was also significant. There was a positive relationship between ill‐fitting dentures and sarcopenia (p < 0.001).ConclusionsThis unique perspective of the study contributes to the existing knowledge regarding the role of tooth loss in sarcopenia, highlighting the importance of functional occlusion.
Flight initiation distance differs among eumelanin‐based color morphs in feral pigeons
Authors: Frantz A. , Baneux M. , Pichon L. , Renier S. , Vilanova J. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractOrganisms facing anthropogenic activities usually exhibit phenotypic responses assumed to enhance coping with disturbance. These responses include a decreasing degree of reaction toward potentially risky situations (“behavioral tolerance”) with increasing disturbance. Though melanin is associated with many phenotypic traits, including pigmentation and behavior, the potential relationship between behavioral tolerance and melanin has never been explored. Such relationship may potentially result from either direct association between melanin and behavior (e.g., genetic correlation) or indirectly through a coloration‐dependent behavior‐modulating factor (e.g., differential predation or human preferences in cities toward color morphs). Feral pigeons (Columba livia) represent an ideal biological system to test for these hypotheses, due to their presence in cities worldwide, their considerable variation in eumelanin‐based coloration, ranging from white to black plumage, and their close proximity to humans. We measured Flight Initiation Distance (FID, classically used for behavioral tolerance assessment) of feral pigeons of 4 different eumelanin‐based color morphs in sites differing in their urbanization rate and pedestrian traffic within the restricted scale of a city center (Paris). Urbanization rate and pedestrian traffic had no effect on FID, maybe because of the small spatial scale considered. FID varied with eumelanin‐based coloration: white pigeons had lower FID (104.6 cm; i.e., higher behavioral tolerance) than darker morphs (232.3 cm for Blue bar, 184.4 cm for T‐pattern & Checker, and 181.8 cm for Spread color morphs). Though the exact underlying causes remain to be identified, we propose different possible mechanisms for this relationship that remain to be investigated in future work.
Osteoporosis Knowledge and Its Risk Factors in Older Adults With Upper Extremity Fragility Fractures: A National Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Shao Mengqi , Qiu Chen , Song Mi , Tang Nan , Song Jie , Su Qingqing , Li Jianan , Wang Youting , Chen Jingru , Gao Yuan 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTIt is crucial to recognize upper extremity fragility fractures as sentinel events that allow healthcare professionals the opportunity to identify and address underlying factors contributing to poor bone health, thereby reducing the risk of future fragility fractures. This study seeks to evaluate the extent of understanding and factors influencing osteoporosis in older adults with upper extremity fragility fractures, aiming to establish a foundation for enhancing their comprehension. A total of 1443 participants in 31 provinces were included in this study as survey subjects from September to November 2023. A general information questionnaire and an osteoporosis knowledge assessment tool were used for a cross‐sectional survey. The univariate analysis and logistic regression were used to analyze the risk factors. The score of osteoporosis knowledge assessment tool of participants was 10.00 (7.00, 12.00), with only 24.95% scoring above 12 points. Being in an eastern hospital, suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, being diagnosed as severe osteoporosis, having bone mineral density testing, receiving osteoporosis health education, and receiving health education by phone were associated with higher knowledge of osteoporosis. The osteoporosis knowledge of older adults with upper extremity fragility fractures needs to be improved. To help the secondary prevention of osteoporosis, the standardized osteoporosis health education should be strengthened, and attention should be paid to key groups.