bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Environmental constraints can explain clutch size differences between urban and forest blue tits: Insights from an egg removal experiment
Authors: Pitt Mark D. , Alhowiti Norah S. S. , Branston Claire J. , Carlon Eugenio , Boonekamp Jelle J. , Dominoni Davide M. , Capilla‐Lasheras Pablo 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Urban environments present novel ecological challenges to wild species. In birds, urban populations generally exhibit reduced clutch sizes compared to forest populations. However, whether smaller urban clutches are adaptive or a result of environmental constraints is unclear.

To investigate these two hypotheses, we quantified the ability of urban and non‐urban blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus) to lay new eggs after an experimental manipulation aimed to increase egg production. We removed the first four eggs laid by urban and forest birds to test their ability to produce new eggs. If the urban environment imposes constraints on egg production, we predicted that urban birds would not lay new eggs. If the small clutches of urban birds are an adaptive response, we predicted they would lay new eggs to reach the optimal clutch size for the environment.

Consistent with the environmental constraint hypothesis, our results suggest that urban females do not lay new eggs to the same extent as forest birds following egg removal. Forest birds laid approximately two new eggs after our experimental manipulation, while urban birds laid approximately 0.36 new eggs following egg removal.

Our manipulation resulted in a brood reduction in the urban experimental nests, yet there was no difference in the number of fledged offspring between urban control and experimental nests. This suggests that females might be misjudging urban habitat quality and produce a clutch with more eggs than nestlings they can rear.

Overall, our results suggest that environmental constraints could limit the number of eggs that urban females lay, generating urban versus non‐urban differences in this trait.
Early‐life variation in migration is subject to strong fluctuating survival selection in a partially migratory bird
Authors: Ugland Cassandra R. , Acker Paul , Burthe Sarah J. , Fortuna Rita , Gunn Carrie , Haaland Thomas R. , Harris Michael P. , Morley Timothy I. , Newell Mark A. , Swann Robert L. , Wanless Sarah , Daunt Francis , Reid Jane M. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Population dynamic and eco‐evolutionary responses to environmental variation and change fundamentally depend on combinations of within‐ and among‐cohort variation in the phenotypic expression of key life‐history traits, and on corresponding variation in selection on those traits. Specifically, in partially migratory populations, spatio‐seasonal dynamics depend on the degree of adaptive phenotypic expression of seasonal migration versus residence, where more individuals migrate when selection favours migration.

Opportunity for adaptive (or, conversely, maladaptive) expression could be particularly substantial in early life, through the initial development of migration versus residence. However, within‐ and among‐cohort dynamics of early‐life migration, and of associated survival selection, have not been quantified in any system, preventing any inference on adaptive early‐life expression. Such analyses have been precluded because data on seasonal movements and survival of sufficient young individuals, across multiple cohorts, have not been collected.

We undertook extensive year‐round field resightings of 9359 colour‐ringed juvenile European shags Gulosus aristotelis from 11 successive cohorts in a partially migratory population. We fitted Bayesian multi‐state capture‐mark‐recapture models to quantify early‐life variation in migration versus residence and associated survival across short temporal occasions through each cohort's first year from fledging, thereby quantifying the degree of adaptive phenotypic expression of migration within and across years.

All cohorts were substantially partially migratory, but the degree and timing of migration varied considerably within and among cohorts. Episodes of strong survival selection on migration versus residence occurred both on short timeframes within years, and cumulatively across entire first years, generating instances of instantaneous and cumulative net selection that would be obscured at coarser temporal resolutions. Further, the magnitude and direction of selection varied among years, generating strong fluctuating survival selection on early‐life migration across cohorts, as rarely evidenced in nature. Yet, the degree of migration did not strongly covary with the direction of selection, indicating limited early‐life adaptive phenotypic expression.

These results reveal how dynamic early‐life expression of and selection on a key life‐history trait, seasonal migration, can emerge across seasonal, annual, and multi‐year timeframes, yet be substantially decoupled. This restricts the potential for adaptive phenotypic, microevolutionary, and population dynamic responses to changing seasonal environments.
Influence of Neltuma flexuosa and rainfall event on the germination of Leptochloa crinita and Pappophorum caespitosum in two different locations along a stress gradient in the central Monte desert
Authors: Sartor Carmen E. , Greco Silvina A. , Allegretti Liliana I. , Arancibia Celeste , Pucheta Eduardo , Villagra Pablo E. , Passera Carlos B. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIn drylands, grass germination occurs after a large rainfall event. However, trees influence the water requirements for germination either by decreasing the rate of evaporation from soil surface or by interception rainfall with their canopy. The aim of this work was to evaluate the role of Neltuma flexuosa tree on the germination of Leptochloa crinita and Pappophorum caespitosum grasses in response to precipitation events of different sizes. The experiment was conducted in two locations within the Monte desert, Argentina: a semi‐arid location with an average annual precipitation of 345 mm and an arid location with an average annual precipitation of 156 mm. Six microsites were established under N. flexuosa canopies and six microsites in open areas at both locations. Within each microsite, 35 seeds of each grass species were exposed to precipitation events of varying sizes. This procedure was repeated 14 times across two growing seasons. Germinated seeds were counted in the laboratory. Generalized linear mixed models were then applied to evaluate the effects of accumulated precipitation and the microsite on the grass germination in both locations. Results showed that N. flexuosa did not influence the germination of either grass species in the arid location. However, in the semi‐arid location, N. flexuosa facilitated the germination of P. caespitosum only. Large precipitation events would act as an environmental signal for these perennial grasses, allowing them to germinate in favorable years regardless of the microsite or the location.
On the motivation for pharmaceutical manufacturer coupons: Brand loyalty or customer acquisition?
Authors: Gibbons Jason Brian , Hermosilla Manuel , Trujillo Antonio 
Published: September 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo generate evidence regarding the offensive (customer acquisition) versus defensive (customer retention) motivation for pharmaceutical manufacturer coupons.Data Sources and Study SettingRetail prescriptions from IQVIA's Formulary Impact Analyzer data between 2017 and 2019.Study DesignOrdinary least squares regression models with person, therapeutic class, drug, and time‐fixed effects to measure the association between switching medications and coupon usage as well as the association between patient out‐of‐pocket spending and switching to a drug and using a coupon. To study switching type heterogeneity, reanalysis of associations for any type of switch, generic‐brand switches, and brand‐brand switches. Reestimation of baseline analyses for sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitors, anticoagulants, and inhaled corticosteroids/long‐acting beta2‐agonists to assess heterogeneity by drug class and market maturity.Data Collection1,167,132 privately insured patients that utilized at least one coupon between 2017 and 2019 for one or more prescriptions.Principal FindingsCoupon usage was associated with a 1.0 percentage point reduction in any kind of drug switch in the full sample and by 0.65–2.9 percentage points for the drug class subgroups. However, these estimates are governed by market dynamics; the probability of switching increased by 40% on the first coupon usage before declining by more than 50% on subsequent coupons. Switching after the first coupon use may be explained by systematic savings implied by coupon use; we find coupons reduced patient out‐of‐pocket spending by $45.00 (i.e., the majority of patient out‐of‐pocket costs). In subgroup analyses, coupon savings were $6.43 larger than average for anticoagulants, characterized by the highest levels of brand and generic competition among the considered therapeutic classes.ConclusionsPharmaceutical manufacturers may be using coupons to acquire customers and then build brand loyalty, especially in markets with more generic competition. Antitrust authorities and other regulators should scrutinize the impact of coupons on market competitiveness and drug spending.
Sulforaphane nanoparticles coated with zein‐propylene glycol alginate attenuate N‐diethylnitrosamine‐induced liver injury in mice
Authors: Wang Qilei , Feng Zhenzhen , Shi Chan , Lyu Xingang , Fan DaiDi 
Published: September 2024

AbstractSulforaphane‐loaded nanoparticles (NP‐SF) were prepared in this study to improve their biological effects. Based on propylene glycol alginate and zein as wall materials and anthocyanin and CaCl2 as crosslinking agents, the NPs were encapsulated by the crosslinking method and freeze‐dried. With the increasing contents of anthocyanin and Ca2+, the encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity of NP‐SF were both increased. In vitro simulated digestion experiments showed controlled release of SF from the NPs. The pharmacokinetics confirmed that NP‐SF exerted a slower release effect in rats, with improved SF bioavailability and protective effects on liver injury induced by N‐diethylnitrosamine in mice. NP‐SF reduced serum indicators of liver injury, increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes and GSH levels, and reduced malondialdehyde levels in the liver. In addition, SF activated the Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway and upregulated the expression of the Nrf2 downstream genes NQO1 and heme oxidase 1. High doses of NP‐SF, in particular, had a higher therapeutic effect. In conclusion, encapsulation enhanced the biological activity of SF and promoted physiological function.
Effect of packaging label color on consumer perception of Greek protected designation of origin table olives “Kalamata”
Authors: Kontousias Dimitrios , Defteraios Konstantinos , Panagiotou Malamatenia , Naziri Eleni , Koukoumaki Danai Ioanna , Gkatzionis Konstantinos 
Published: September 2024

AbstractKalamata table olives are a widely exported Greek protected designation of origin (PDO) product with distinct organoleptic profile. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of label color on the flavor perception of pasteurized and unpasteurized Kalamata PDO olives. Consumer perception was assessed in two studies. First, four packaged products with green, blue, red, and purple labeling were assessed by participants (n = 106) for preference using rating scales, and emotional profiles were obtained using a check‐all‐that‐apply list of 33 emotions developed in language native to the participants (Greek). The green label resulted to more positive emotion profiling of olive products (i.e., “healthy,” “pleased,” and “satisfied” with mean scores correspondingly equal to 2.99, 2.95, and 2.87), and red labeled olives resulted to willingness to pay more. In the second study, unpasteurized and pasteurized olives in red and green labeled glass jars were sensorially assessed by participants (n = 124) using rating scales, showing that green labeled products are liked most (mean scores; 5.12 and 5.12), whereas red labeled was scored less (mean scores; 4.96 and 4.67), along emotion profiles with emojis. Principal component analysis of emotional reactions revealed grouping of samples based only on pasteurization/no pasteurization, without been affected by the color of the label, and did not relate to the liking scores. The results showed that sensory perception of olives is significantly affected by the color of packaging (p‐value <0.05) due to emotional reactions and color of packaging can enhance the perception of olives’ quality as improvement of the processing is limited by the PDO status.
Characterization of ultrasonic‐assisted antifungal film loaded with fermented walnut meal on Rosa roxburghii Tratt during near‐freezing temperature storage
Authors: Hu Yue , Wan Shuangju , Zhao Ruijie , Cao Lisha , Fu Chengxin , Ren Di Feng 
Published: September 2024

AbstractFermented walnut meal (FW) has antifungal activity against Penicillium victoriae, a fungus responsible for Rosa roxbughii Tratt spoilage. This study characterized and applied ultrasonic‐assisted antifungal film loaded with FW to preserve R. roxbughii Tratt during near‐freezing temperature (NFT). Results showed that O2 and CO2 transmission rates decreased by 80.02% and 29.05%, respectively, and antimicrobial properties were improved with ultrasound at 560 W for 5 min and 1% FW. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction results revealed ultrasound improved hydrogen bonds and inductive effect via ─NH, ─OH, and C═O bonds. The addition of FW led to the formation of CMCS‐GL‐FW polymer via C═O bond. Thermogravimetric analysis and transmission electron microscope results demonstrated thermal degradation process was decomposed by ultrasound, and the internal structure of P. victoriae was accelerated by the addition of FW. Compared to the U‐CMCS/GL group, the vitamin C content, peroxidase, and catalase activities of U‐CMCS/GL/FW were enhanced by 4.24%, 8.52%, and 14.3% during NFT (−0.8 to −0.4°C), respectively. Particularly, the fungal count of the U‐CMCS/GL/FW group did not exceed 105 CFU g−1 at the end of storage, and the relative abundance of P. victoriae decreased to 0.007%. Our findings provide an effective route for agricultural waste as natural antifungal compounds in the active packaging industry.Practical ApplicationIn this study, the barrier and antimicrobial properties of film were successfully improved by ultrasonic treatment and loaded fermented walnut meal. The ultrasonic‐assisted antifungal film loaded with fermented walnut meal effectively delayed the degradation of nutrients and reduced microbial invasion of Rosa roxburghii Tratt. These results provide a theoretical basis for the application of agricultural waste in the food packaging industry.
Data‐driven artificial intelligence‐based streamflow forecasting, a review of methods, applications, and tools
Authors: Jahanbani Heerbod , Ahmed Khandakar , Gu Bruce 
Published: September 2024

AbstractData‐driven artificial intelligence (DDAI) prediction has gained much attention, especially in recent years, because of its power and flexibility compared to traditional approaches. In hydrology, streamflow forecasting is one of the areas that took advantage of utilizing DDAI‐based forecasting, given the weakness of the old approaches (e.g., physical‐based approaches). Since many different techniques and tools have been used for streamflow forecasting, there is a new way to explore them. This manuscript reviews the recent (2011–2023) applications of DDAI in streamflow prediction. It provides a background of DDAI‐based techniques, including machine learning algorithms and methods for pre‐processing the data and optimizing or enhancing the machine learning approaches. We also explore the applications of DDAI techniques in streamflow forecasting. Finally, the most common tools for utilizing DDAI techniques in streamflow forecasting are presented.
METTL14‐mediated lncRNA‐FAS‐AS1 promotes osteoarthritis progression by up‐regulating ADAM8
Authors: Zhang Zhehua , Mao Honggang , Li Fang , Wang Dahai , Liu Yan 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackgroundOsteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent degenerative disease. We explored the role and regulatory mechanisms of lncRNA‐FAS‐AS1 in OA progression.MethodsWe exposed human immortalized chondrocytes to IL‐1β for 24 h to induce an OA cell model. The target molecule levels were assessed using western blot and quantitative real‐time PCR (RT‐qPCR). Cell viability and apoptosis were measured using CCK‐8 and flow cytometry. The m6A modification of FAS‐AS1 was determined using MeRIP. We examined the binding relationships between FAS‐AS1, Fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1), and A disintegrin and metalloproteinase 8 (ADAM8) using RIP and RNA pull‐down. The OA animal model was established by separating the medial collateral ligament and medial meniscus. Safranin‐O staining and Mankin's scale were employed to evaluate pathological changes within the cartilage.ResultsFAS‐AS1, METTL14, and ADAM8 were upregulated, and the JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway was activated in OA mice and IL‐1β‐induced chondrocytes. FAS‐AS1 knockdown inhibited extracellular matrix degradation in IL‐1β‐induced chondrocytes; however, ADAM8 overexpression reversed this effect. FAS‐AS1 maintained the stability of ADAM8 mRNA by recruiting FMR1. METTL14 knockdown repressed FAS‐AS1 expression in an m6A‐dependent manner. FAS‐AS1 overexpression reversed the inhibitory effects of METTL14 knockdown on JAK/STAT3 signaling and cartilage damage in the OA model both in vitro and in vivo.ConclusionMETTL14‐mediated FAS‐AS1 promotes OA progression through the FMR1/ADAM8/JAK/STAT3 axis.
A dramatic response to an immune checkpoint inhibitor plus chemotherapy in a patient with metastatic metaplastic carcinoma of the breast: A case report
Authors: Koi Yumiko , Tajiri Wakako , Kawasaki Junji , Akiyoshi Sayuri , Ijichi Hideki , Nakamura Yoshiaki , Koga Chinami , Koga Yutaka , Taguchi Kenichi , Tokunaga Eriko 
Published: September 2024

AbstractWe present a unique case of metastatic metaplastic breast carcinoma responding dramatically to immunochemotherapy. A 46‐year‐old Japanese woman with primary metaplastic carcinoma of the breast, which was immunohistochemically confirmed to be triple‐negative breast cancer, underwent radical surgery, followed by adjuvant chemotherapy with an anthracycline and a taxane. Since multiple lung metastases were detected two months post‐chemotherapy and the primary site was shown to be PD‐L1‐positive, the immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) pembrolizumab plus gemcitabine/carboplatin was initiated. While the treatment was discontinued after 15 days due to suspected drug‐induced pneumonitis, the lung metastases significantly shrank with no development of new lesions for three months. The patient remained alive as of approximately 15 months after the recurrence date. This case highlights the potential of immunochemotherapy in treating metaplastic breast carcinomas.
Genomic responses to climatic challenges in beef cattle: A review
Authors: Colombi Daniele , Perini Francesco , Bettini Stefano , Mastrangelo Salvatore , Abeni Fabio , Conte Giuseppe , Marletta Donata , Cassandro Martino , Bernabucci Umberto , Ciampolini Roberta , Lasagna Emiliano 
Published: September 2024

AbstractClimate change is a major concern for the near future and for livestock breeding. Cattle breeding, due to its greenhouse gas emissions, is one of the most implicated industries. Consequently, the main future goals are to breed animals resilient to climate change, with the aim of lowering the livestock impact on the environment and selecting animals that will be able to resist different, unsuitable, and changing climates. The aim of this literature review is to compare the most recent studies on the response and adaptation of beef cattle breeds to extreme environments, in terms of genes and pathways involved. Beef breeding is just starting to implement genomics in its selection plans, and shedding light on the genomic responses to extreme climates could speed up and simplify the adaptation of these breeds to climate change. This review discusses the genes involved in climatic stress responses, including those related to extremely cold climates, in beef and dual‐purpose cattle breeds. Genes were associated with productive traits, coat and skin structure and development, thermotolerance, cellular physiology and DNA repair mechanisms, immune system, and fertility traits. The knowledge of genes and pathways involved in climate resilience should be taken into consideration for further selection in beef cattle breeding and could promote the valorization of local breeds adapted to extreme environmental conditions. The use of local or resilient breeds could enhance the environmental and social sustainability, animal welfare, and production, compared with the introduction of cosmopolitan breeds with uncertain adaptation in uncontrolled environmental areas.
Development of a large diameter in vitro flow loop thrombogenicity test system
Authors: Serna Carlos , Parrish Anna , Patel Mehulkumar , Srinivasan Keerthana , Malinauskas Richard , Lu Qijin , Jamiolkowski Megan 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackgroundTo accommodate a wider range of medical device sizes, a larger in vitro flow loop thrombogenicity test system using 9.5 ‐mm inner diameter (ID) tubing was developed and evaluated based on our previously established 6.4 ‐mm ID tubing system.MethodsFour cardiopulmonary bypass roller pumps were used concurrently to drive four flow loops during testing. To ensure that each pump produced a consistent thrombogenic response for the same material under the same test conditions, a novel dynamic roller occlusion setting method was applied. Five materials with varying thrombogenic potentials were tested: polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), silicone, 3D‐printed nylon, latex, and nitrile rubber (BUNA). Day‐old bovine blood was heparinized to a donor‐specific concentration and recirculated through the flow loops containing test materials at 20 rpm for 1 h at room temperature. Material thrombogenicity was characterized by measuring the thrombus surface coverage, thrombus weight, and platelet (PLT) count reduction.ResultsThe larger tubing system can differentiate thrombogenic materials (latex, BUNA) from the thromboresistant PTFE material. Additionally, silicone and the 3D‐printed nylon exhibited an intermediate thrombogenic response with significantly less thrombus surface coverage and PLT count reduction than latex and BUNA but more thrombus surface coverage than PTFE (p < 0.05).ConclusionThe 9.5 ‐mm ID test system can effectively differentiate materials of varying thrombogenic potentials when appropriate pump occlusion settings and donor‐specific anticoagulation are used. This system is being assessed in an interlaboratory study to develop standardized best practices for performing in vitro dynamic thrombogenicity testing of medical devices and materials.