bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Range‐wide population genomic structure of the Karner blue butterfly, Plebejus (Lycaeides) samuelis
Authors: Zhang Jing , Aunins Aaron W. , King Timothy L. , Cong Qian , Shen Jinhui , Song Leina , Schuurman Gregor W. , Knutson Randy L. , Grundel Ralph , Hellmann Jessica , Grishin Nick V. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe Karner blue butterfly, Plebejus (Lycaeides) samuelis, is an endangered North American climate change‐vulnerable species that has undergone substantial historical habitat loss and population decline. To better understand the species' genetic status and support Karner blue conservation, we sampled 116 individuals from 22 localities across the species' geographical range in Wisconsin (WI), Michigan (MI), Indiana (IN), and New York (NY). Using genomic analysis, we found that these samples were divided into three major geographic groups, NY, WI, and MI‐IN, with populations in WI and MI‐IN each further divided into three subgroups. A high level of inbreeding was revealed by inbreeding coefficients above 10% in almost all populations in our study. However, strong correlation between FST and geographical distance suggested that genetic divergence between populations increases with distance, such that introducing individuals from more distant populations may be a useful strategy for increasing population‐level diversity and preserving the species. We also found that Karner blue populations had lower genetic diversity than closely related species and had more alleles that were present only at low frequencies (<5%) in other species. Some of these alleles may negatively impact individual fitness and may have become prevalent in Karner blue populations due to inbreeding. Finally, analysis of these possibly deleterious alleles in the context of predicted three‐dimensional structures of proteins revealed potential molecular mechanisms behind population declines, providing insights for conservation. This rich new range‐wide understanding of the species' population genomic structure can contextualize past extirpations and help conserve and even enhance Karner blue genetic diversity.
Current species protection does not serve its porpoise—Knowledge gaps on the impact of pressures on the Critically Endangered Baltic Proper harbour porpoise population, and future recommendations for its protection
Authors: Koschinski Sven , Owen Kylie , Lehnert Kristina , Kamińska Katarzyna 
Published: September 2024

AbstractSuccessful management requires information on pressures that threaten a species and areas where conservation actions are needed. The Baltic Proper harbour porpoise population was first listed as Critically Endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature in 2008. Now, 16 years later, there is no change in conservation status despite ample conservation policy calling for its protection and an urgent need for management action to protect this population. Here, we provide an overview of the current status of the population, highlight knowledge gaps on the impact of pressures, and make recommendations for management of anthropogenic activities. Based on an exceeded limit for anthropogenic mortality, the high concentrations of contaminants in the Baltic Sea, combined with reductions in prey availability and increases in underwater noise, it is inferred that this population is likely still decreasing in size and conservation action becomes more urgent. As bycatch and unprotected underwater explosions result in direct mortality, they must be reduced to zero. Inputs of contaminants, waste, and existing and emerging noise sources should be minimised and regulated. Additionally, ecosystem‐based sustainable management of fisheries is paramount in order to ensure prey availability, and maintain a healthy Baltic Sea. Stranding networks to routinely assess individuals for genetic population assignment and health need to be expanded, to identify rare samples from this population. Knowledge is still scarce on the population‐level impact of each threat, along with the cumulative impact of multiple pressures on the population. However, the current knowledge and management instruments are sufficient to apply effective protection for the population now. While bycatch is the main pressure impacting this population, urgent conservation action is needed across all anthropogenic activities. Extinction of the Baltic Proper harbour porpoise population is a choice: decision‐makers have the fate of this genetically and biologically distinct marine mammal population in their hands.
Adaptive radiation of the Callicarpa genus in the Bonin Islands revealed through double‐digest restriction site‐associated DNA sequencing analysis
Authors: Setsuko Suzuki , Narita Satoshi , Tamaki Ichiro , Sugai Kyoko , Nagano Atsushi J. , Ujino‐Ihara Tokuko , Kato Hidetoshi , Isagi Yuji 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe Bonin Islands, comprised of the Mukojima, Chichijima, and Hahajima Islands, are known for their isolated and distinctive habitats, hosting a diverse array of endemic flora and fauna. In these islands, adaptive radiation has played a remarkable role in speciation, particularly evident in the Callicarpa genus that is represented by three species: Callicarpa parvifolia and C. glabra exclusive to the Chichijima Islands, and Callicarpa subpubescens, distributed across the entire Bonin Islands. Notably, C. subpubescens exhibits multiple ecotypes, differing in leaf hair density, flowering time, and tree size. In this study, we aimed to investigate species and ecotype diversification patterns, estimate divergence times, and explore cryptic species within Callicarpa in the Bonin Islands using phenotypic and genetic data (double‐digest restriction site‐associated DNA sequencing). Genetic analysis revealed that C. parvifolia and C. glabra both formed single, distinct genetic groups. Conversely, C. subpubescens consisted of six genetic groups corresponding to different ecotypes and regions, and a hybrid group resulting from the hybridization between two of these genetic groups. Population demography analysis focusing on six Chichijima and Hahajima Islands‐based species/ecotypes indicated that all species and ecotypes except one ecotype diverged simultaneously around 73–77 kya. The star‐shaped neighbor‐net tree also suggests the simultaneous divergence of species and ecotypes. The species and ecotypes that simultaneously diverged adapted to dry environments and understory forests, suggesting that aridification may have contributed to this process of adaptive radiation. Moreover, leaf morphology, flowering time, and genetic analyses suggested the presence of two cryptic species and one hybrid species within C. subpubescens.
Population re‐establishment and spatial dynamics of crowberry (Empetrum nigrum ssp. hermaphroditum), a foundation species in restored alpine ecosystems
Authors: Sulavik Jan , Auestad Inger , Boudreau Stéphane , Halvorsen Rune , Rydgren Knut 
Published: September 2024

AbstractMany ecosystems are defined and shaped by one or a few common, foundation species. Even though such species hold a key role in the restoration of these ecosystems, the demographic processes involved in their re‐establishment have rarely been studied. Foundation species' population dynamics, re‐establishment history, and the abiotic and biotic factors that affect individual establishment at restored sites can be studied by addressing population spatial patterns and age structure. Such an approach to studying population dynamics is particularly relevant for long‐lived species with low mortality, such as shrubs in alpine areas. We studied a population of the foundation species Empetrum nigrum ssp. hermaphroditum at an alpine spoil heap site and found evidence of population re‐establishment starting within a decade after construction. High Empetrum densities close to the spoil heap edges indicated that short distances to seed sources in the surroundings had a strong positive effect on establishment of individuals. Empetrum individuals were significantly clustered, which indicated intraspecific facilitation. As revealed by spatial analyses of recruits and older, established individuals, clustering developed gradually over time, which indicated a shift from no interaction to increased facilitation. We conclude that intraspecific facilitation promotes Empetrum reestablishment at the studied alpine spoil heap. Synthesis: We show that population spatial patterns and age structure can be successfully used to unveil the re‐establishment history of a foundation species in a restoration context. Efficient seed dispersal and intraspecific facilitation seem to be important factors behind Empetrum's successful re‐establishment at alpine spoil heaps. Identification of abiotic and biotic factors determining foundation species' establishment success at restored sites can support planning and improve success of restoration.
Closely related species differ in their traits, but competition induces high intra‐specific variability
Authors: Janíková Eva , Konečná Marie , Lisner Aleš , Applová Markéta , Blažek Petr , E‐Vojtkó Anna , Götzenberger Lars , Lepš Jan 
Published: September 2024

AbstractTheories explaining community assembly assume that biotic and abiotic filters sort species into communities based on the values of their traits and are thus based on between‐species trait variability (BTV). Nevertheless, these filters act on individuals rather than on species. Consequently, the selection is also influenced by intraspecific trait variability (ITV) and its drivers. These drivers may be abiotic (e.g., water availability) or biotic (e.g., competition). Although closely related species should have similar traits, many of them coexist. We investigated the relative magnitudes of BTV and ITV in coexisting closely related species and how their individual traits differ under different drivers of ITV. We manipulated conditions in a greenhouse pot experiment with four common Carex species, where individuals of each species originated from four source localities. Individuals were grown in factorial combinations of two moisture levels, with and without a competitor (grass species Holcus lanatus, a frequent competitor). We analyzed the variability of six morphological traits on individuals in the greenhouse and three morphological traits in the source localities. Species identity was the main determinant of differences in most traits. Competition exerted a greater effect than water availability. For leaf dry matter content (LDMC) and vegetative height, competition's effect even exceeded the variability among species. On the contrary, for specific leaf area (SLA) and clonal spread, the interspecific differences exceeded ITV induced by experimental treatments. SLA measured in the greenhouse closely correlated with values measured in field populations, while LDMC did not. The variability caused by source locality of ramets in the greenhouse was small, although sometimes significant. Closely related species differ in their traits, but for some traits, ITV can exceed BTV. We can expect that ITV can modify the processes of community assembly, particularly among coexisting closely related species.
Habitat suitability and distribution patterns of Rouget's rail (Rougetius rougetii Guérin‐méneville, 1843) in Ethiopia
Authors: Argaw Hailu Tilahun , Bekele Afework , Atickem Anagaw , Stenseth Nils Chr. , Tsegaye Diress , Bogale Bezawork Afework 
Published: September 2024

AbstractGeographical distribution and diversity patterns of bird species are influenced by climate change. The Rouget's rail (Rougetius rougetii) is a ground‐dwelling endemic bird species distributed in Ethiopia and Eritrea. It is a near‐threatened species menaced by habitat loss, one of the main causes of population declines for bird species. The increasing effects of climate change may further threaten the species’ survival. So far, the spatial distribution of this species is not fully documented. With this study, we develop current potential suitable habitat and predict the future habitat shift of R. rougetii based on environmental data such as bioclimatic variables, population density, vegetation cover, and elevation using 10 algorithms. We evaluated the importance of environmental factors in shaping the bird's distribution and how it shifts under climate change scenarios. We used 182 records of R. rougetii from Ethiopia and nine bioclimatic, population density, vegetation cover, and elevation variables to run the 10 model algorithms. Among 10 algorithms, eight were selected for ensembling models according to their predictive abilities. The current suitable habitats for R. rougetii were predicted to cover an area of about 82,000 km2 despite being highly fragmented. The model suggested that temperature seasonality (bio4), elevation, and mean daily air temperatures of the driest quarter (bio9) contributed the most to delimiting suitable areas for this species. R. rougetii is sensitive to climate change associated with elevation, which leads shrinking distribution of suitable areas. The projected spatial and temporal pattern of habitat loss of R. rougetii suggests the importance of climate change mitigation and implementing long‐term conservation and management strategies for this threatened endemic bird species.
Match workload and international travel associated with (ACL) injuries in professional women's football
Authors: den Hollander Steve , Culvin Alex , Kerkhoffs Gino , Gouttebarge Vincent 
Published: September 2024

AbstractWomen's football has grown in popularity, competitiveness and professionalism, increasing the demands placed on players and their injury risk. This study aimed to identify differences in the match workload and international travel between injured and non‐injured professional women's footballers. The study was conducted as an observational, retrospective, case‐control study over two football seasons (2021/2022 and 2022/2023) in four top‐tier European women's football leagues. Fifty‐eight professional women football players (81 injuries) formed the injury group and were matched with 81 elite women football players (162 non‐injuries), from the same league, to form the control group. For each injury, cumulative match workload (minutes played, appearances, days between matches, rest) and international travel (distances, time, time zones crossed) were calculated over a 28‐day period preceding the injury, for both the injured players and matched controls. The injured group had a higher number of instances of less than 5 days between matches compared to the controls (p = 0.03, effect size = 0.3, small). The anterior cruciate ligament injury group made more appearances (p = 0.09, effect size = 0.8, moderate), had more instances of less than 5 days between matches (p = 0.09, effect size = 0.8, moderate) and had less rest time (p = 0.12, effect size = 0.8, moderate) than the control group. No meaningful differences were observed between the hamstring injury group and the control group. These findings underscore the importance of careful consideration when developing match fixture schedules in elite women's football, particularly concerning the number of matches scheduled in a short period. Strategies to increase rest and recovery are recommended to safeguard players against injuries.
Assessing the Electrochemical Performance of a Novel Low‐Cost Screen‐Printed Electrode Based on Apis mellifera Beeswax Modified with Vulcan@Chitosan Used for Acetominophen Detection
Authors: Gallina Fernando C. , Oliveira Igor G. S. , da Silva Adriana C. , de Carvalho Adriana E. , Barros Willyam R. P. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe present work reports the development of a highly sensitive electrochemical platform, constructed using screen printed electrode based on Apis mellifera beeswax (SPWE) – employed as substrate, and its application for acetaminophen (AC) detection. The sensor was produced using graphite ink and varnish glass solubilized in acetone. The SPWE was modified with a dispersion of chitosan (0.5% m/v) − functionalized Vulcan XC72R carbon black (Vulcan@Chitosan). Electrochemical characterization was performed using cyclic voltammetry (−0.7 to +0.8 V vs. pseudo‐graphite) and chronoamperometry in 0.1 mol L−1 KCl in the presence of 1.0 mmol L−1 [Fe(CN)6]3−/[Fe(CN)6]4−. Through the application of differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) using 0.1 mol L−1 PBS at pH 6.5, the proposed SPWE/Vulcan@Chitosan sensor was found to exhibit significant improvements in current response relative to the AC electrochemical detection. The sensor exhibited linear dynamic range of 0.05 to 4.0 μmol L−1 (n= 3), with R2= 0.992 and theorical LOD of 0.013 μmol L−1 (RSD= 3.80%). The AC detection was conducted in real matrices of river water, synthetic urine and synthetic saliva using the DPV technique yielded a mean recovery rate of 103% (RSD= 3.52%), exhibiting a high degree of accuracy. The SPWE/Vulcan@Chitosan electrochemical platform demonstrated high stability, good reproducibility and satisfactory repeatability; the current responses were not affected by the reutilization of the beeswax substrate for the production of new electrode. The findings of this study show that the proposed modified electrode is a simple, low‐cost sensing device which has proven to be highly efficient when applied for the AC detection in different matrices.
Effect of soil hydrological conditions on rainfall erosion on coastal saline soil slopes
Authors: Tang Shengqiang , She Dongli , Lv Haishen , Wang Hongde , Sun Xiaoqin 
Published: September 2024

AbstractSoil erosion on bare slopes in coastal reclamation areas reduces the efficiency of water conservation projects and poses a threat to the water environment in saline tidal flats. Slope shape and soil hydrological conditions are affected by severe soil detachment and rapid sedimentation processes during rainfall, which in turn influence soil erosion processes. In this study, the influences of slope gradient, slope length, initial soil water content and groundwater depth on slope erosion processes of saline sodic soils were investigated through simulated rainfall experiments. We found that the effect of slope gradient on soil loss varied with slope length. For the long‐slope treatments with the same total length of initially air‐dried soil (AD), the unit width sediment yield rate (Rs) significantly (p = 0.05) increased with increasing slope gradient from 30° to 60°. For the short‐slope treatments with different total lengths, opposite trends were observed for the runoff rate and Rs variation with increasing gradient. The Rs values of the slopes with initially saturated surface soil (SS) and a groundwater depth of 0.8 m (GW) were significantly (p = 0.05) greater than that under the AD treatment. On the 60° SS treatment slopes and 45° and 60° GW treatment slopes, soil erosion induced distinct collapse failure and altered the original slope shape, yielding lower gradients and larger lengths, which significantly (p = 0.05) increased Rs in turn. Canonical correlation analysis (CCA) revealed that 71.6% of the variance in the set of dependent variables (sediment yield and runoff) could be explained by the first pair of canonical variables, which mainly represented slope topography factors, and 12.1% of the variance could be explained by the second pair, which mainly represented soil hydrological conditions. The conclusions of this study could provide a theoretical foundation for slope protection in coastal reclamation areas.
The Solid‐State Battery Applicational Technology: Material Characteristics and Charge–Discharge Mechanisms of Iron Chloride Electrodes
Authors: Chen Zhi‐Yue , Hung Fei‐Yi , Chang Kai‐Chieh 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTThis study delves into the unique characteristics of an iron chloride cathode with a solid‐state electrolyte (SSE) and the construction of a button cell battery (BT cell) for its evaluation. The iron ions in this system can provide either divalent or trivalent ions, which possess a higher electrical capacity (~200 mAh/g) and competitive advantages. The solid‐state electrolyte materials, iron compounds (chloride, oxide), exhibit high activation in electrochemistry. After the cycle test, the ferric chloride electrolyte transforms into another iron hydroxide compound due to its high activation. The study examines iron, ferric oxide (Fe2O3), and ferrous chloride (FeCl2) as cathode materials and evaluates their impact on the battery. Cyclic voltammetry compares the potential and current values of the redox reactions among the three. Finally, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) explores the ferric chloride layer and iron hydroxide in ferrous chloride. The study focuses on the high electrochemical activity of the iron chloride layer and explores the crystal structure and composition for electrochemical analysis. The findings of this study are crucial for understanding the potential of iron‐ion batteries and the role of iron compounds in improving battery performance.
The impact of the size of the energy deficit on the rate of body weight in 6 months and willingness to continue reduction program conducted online–An intervention study
Authors: Woźniak Jakub , Woźniak Katarzyna , Pajtel Kornelia , Wrzosek Michał , Włodarek Dariusz 
Published: September 2024

AbstractOverweight and obesity are among the most serious public health problems, making new methods for their prevention, as well as treatment, constantly being sought. This study was designed as a 6 month intervention study. The main objective was to evaluate the effect of an energy deficit (10%, 20%, and 25%—groups D10, D20, and D25, respectively) on the rate of weight loss and waist and hip circumferences. The protocol was completed by 180 participants. Men as well as women comprised 90 patients each. The mean body mass index (BMI) was 30.5 ± 5.0 kg/m2 (min 21.3–max 49.2). Among the patients, there were 86 with a BMI indicating overweight. Fifty‐four patients had class 1 obesity, while the remaining 30 patients had class 2 or greater obesity. After 6 months of intervention, the D10 group noted a 7.6% (median) reduction in weight, the D20 group a 9.9% (median) reduction in weight, and the D25 group a 10.3% (median) reduction in weight. After the intervention, 51.7% of patients chose to continue further weight reduction already outside the research protocol. Key factors influencing the willingness to stay on the diet longer than 6 months were higher baseline body weight and/or higher BMI and a rate of weight loss of at least 1.5% of body weight per month. In summary, it appears that a larger energy deficit (on the order of 20%–25%) is most appropriate in terms of weight loss lasting 6 months and motivation for continued therapy.
The impact of long‐term care insurance on the utilization of inpatient service: Evidence and mechanisms in China
Authors: Han Xiao , Wang Hanyang , Du Xia 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThis paper empirically investigates the impact of public long‐term care insurance (LTCI) on the utilization of inpatient services and associated expenditures among disabled Chinese individuals, using data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study from 2011 to 2018. Employing a staggered difference‐in‐difference approach within a propensity score matching framework (PSM‐DID), the study finds that the introduction of LTCI significantly reduces the likelihood of inpatient service usage by 4.2%, the annual number of inpatient admissions by 10.2%, the annual inpatient cost by 16.2%, the out‐of‐pocket expenses by 20.7%, and the reimbursement expenditure by the public medical insurer by 9.9%. The study further explores the mechanisms underlying these effects and identifies that the Substitution Effect, where care services in community healthcare centers and nursing homes replace hospitalizations, outweighs the Income Effect generated by LTCI benefits. By leveraging the quasi‐natural experimental setting of diverse LTCI policies across cities, the study also examines the heterogeneous impacts of LTCI based on household income, eligibility criteria, and reimbursement methods. The findings underscore the positive role of LTCI in controlling medical expenses and alleviating congestion in urban hospitals, offering valuable insights for promoting “Healthy Aging”.