bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Covariation of Skull and Brain Morphology in Domestic Dogs
Authors: Barton Sophie A. , Kent Marc , Hecht Erin E. 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTDespite their distinct embryonic origins, the skull and brain are highly integrated. Understanding the covariation between the skull and brain can shed light on anatomical, cognitive, and behavioral traits in extant and extinct species. Domestic dogs offer a unique opportunity to investigate skull–brain covariation due to their diverse skull morphologies and neural anatomy. To assess this question, we examined T2‐weighted MRI studies of 62 dogs from 33 breeds, plus an additional 17 dogs of mixed or unknown breeds. Scans were opportunistically collected from a veterinary teaching hospital of dogs that were referred for neurological examination but did not have grossly observable structural brain abnormalities. As the neurocrania of dogs become broader and shorter, there is a significant decrease in the gray matter volume of the right olfactory bulb, frontal cortex, marginal gyrus, and cerebellum. On the other hand, as the neurocrania of dogs become narrower and longer, there is a significant decrease in the gray matter volume of the olfactory bulb, frontal cortex, temporal cortex, amygdala, hypothalamus, hippocampus, periaqueductal gray, cerebellum, and brainstem. Selective breeding for specific skull shapes may impact canine brain anatomy and function.
Set Up and Utilization of a Three‐Dimensional In Vitro Bioreactor System for Human Intestinal Studies and Microbial Co‐Cultures
Authors: Rudolph Sara E. , Bethi Eesha , Iglesias‐Ledon Lilianne , Kumarasinghe Hirunika U. , Da'darah Omar , Salgam Gautham K. , Vieira Karolinny C. , Chen Ying , Kaplan David L. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe study of human intestinal physiology and host‐microbe interactions is crucial for understanding gastrointestinal health and disease. Traditional two‐dimensional cell culture models lack the complexity of the native intestinal environment, limiting their utility in studying intestinal biology. Here, we present a detailed protocol for the set up and utilization of a three‐dimensional (3D) in vitro bioreactor system for human intestinal studies and bacterial co‐culture. This article outlines the design and assembly of the bioreactor system, scaffold fabrication, bacterial culture techniques, analysis methods, and troubleshooting tips. By providing step‐by‐step instructions, the goal is to enable other laboratories to utilize physiologically relevant tissue models of the human intestine, incorporating key features, such as nutrient flow, multiple human cell types, 3D architecture, and microbial communities. The incorporation of commensal bacteria into the bioreactor system allows for the investigation of complex host‐microbe interactions, providing insight into gastrointestinal health and pathology. This article serves as a comprehensive resource for scientists seeking to advance their understanding of intestinal biology toward the development of novel therapeutic strategies for gastrointestinal disorders. © 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC.Basic Protocol 1: Scaffold designBasic Protocol 2: Intestinal cell culture: Caco2 cellsBasic Protocol 3: Intestinal cell culture: organoidsBasic Protocol 4: Bioreactor design and set upBasic Protocol 5: Bacteria in 3D bioreactor set upBasic Protocol 6: Bacteria and drug dosing
Individual timing consistency across long‐distance songbird migrations
Authors: Bridges Colin G. , Bani Assadi Saeedeh , Garroway Colin J. , Fraser Kevin C. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractMigration timing in long‐distance migratory birds plays an essential role in individual survival and fitness and is thought to be driven by circannual routines cued by photoperiod with some plasticity to environmental conditions. We examined the individual order of migration timing in purple martins (Progne subis), a neotropical migratory songbird that travels between breeding sites throughout eastern North America and nonbreeding sites in Brazil. Migration timing data were collected for 295 different individual purple martins over 9 years using light‐level geolocators deployed at breeding sites across the range. We used linear mixed‐effect models to examine the influence of the rank order of individual departure dates in one season on the rank order of four subsequent migration events while controlling for the effects of breeding latitude, sex, and age. Overall, we found evidence for consistent individual timing that can extend across 8 months and 12,000–24,000 km of migration. Individual rank order of migration timing in purple martins was generally conserved across migrations with consistent timings between fall departure dates from, and spring arrival dates to the breeding site the following year (0.28 ± 0.03, 95% CI 0.22–0.34), as well as at a finer scale across fall migration (0.33 ± 0.05, 95% CI 0.23–0.43), over the stationary nonbreeding period (0.39 ± 0.04, 95% CI 0.31–0.47), and across spring migration (0.03 ± 0.001, 95% CI 0.028–0.032). These results demonstrate that purple martins exhibit consistency in individual migration timing throughout the annual cycle that is likely driven by inherent individual circannual schedules. We additionally found that migration distance played a significant role, as the consistency of individual timing lessened over longer distances. Understanding how individual birds time migrations and if individuals are consistent between events can provide insight into how birds respond to shifts in their environment with climate change.
Predator becomes prey: Martial eagle predation of lion cubs in the greater Mara region, Kenya
Authors: Hatfield Richard Stratton , Parmuntoro Lemein , Thomsett Simon , Reynolds Patrick , Elliot Nicholas B. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIn many intact African savannah ecosystems, martial eagles are the top avian predator, while lions are the top terrestrial predator. Here, we report seven records of martial eagle predation or attempted predation of lion cubs in the greater Mara region, Kenya. These events resulted in the death of nine lion cubs, most of which were at least partially consumed, and are the first detailed records of this behaviour to be published. While these observations represent intraguild interactions, we suggest that they reflect neither intraguild predation nor interspecific killing. Rather, the ecology of both species coupled with the details of our records suggest that martial eagles opportunistically kill lion cubs purely to eat them. We hope that by publishing these records we will encourage others to share their observations of raptors predating on large mammalian carnivores, thus improving our understanding of a behaviour that we suspect may be more widespread than the current lack of evidence suggests.
Using spatial distribution modeling of commercial species to inform management of small‐scale fisheries in a Mediterranean marine protected area
Authors: La Manna G. , Ronchetti F. , Moro Merella M. , Vargiu R. , Perretti F. , Ceccherelli G. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractMarine protected areas (MPAs) make an essential contribution to the spatial management of critical areas, the conservation of coastal species exploited by human activities, and the sustainable use of marine resources. Within MPAs, fishing closure areas are among the most used small‐scale fishery management tools, even though their effectiveness largely remains untested or controversial. To reduce the impact of small‐scale fisheries on marine resources, a seasonal fishing closure area (SFCA) was established beginning in 2022 in autumn–winter season inside the Capo Caccia–Isola Piana MPA (Sardinia, northwestern Mediterranean Sea). Here, we assessed a posteriori whether the areas of higher habitat suitability for eight species/taxa of relevant ecological value and economic interest to small‐scale fisheries were included in the established SFCA, adequately meeting the ecological objectives of the MPA. Thus, landing data (from 2019 to 2023) were used as occurrence records to develop MaxEnt distribution models for the eight target species/taxa. The model outputs allow us to draw important insights about the spatial adequacy of the SFCA established within the MPA aimed to protect the most exploited marine resources. Furthermore, the modeling exercises were useful for understanding the local processes influencing species' habitat selection and to identify essential areas for the target species that could remain unrevealed in larger‐scale investigations.
Mitonuclear and phenotypic discordance in an Atlantic Forest frog hybrid zone
Authors: de Sá Fábio P. , Akopyan Maria , Santana Erika M. , Haddad Célio F. B. , Zamudio Kelly R. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractDiscordance between mitochondrial and nuclear DNA is common among animals and can be the result of a number of evolutionary processes, including incomplete lineage sorting and introgression. Particularly relevant in contact zones, mitonuclear discordance is expected because the mitochondrial genome is haploid and primarily uniparentally inherited, whereas nuclear loci are evolving at slower rates. In addition, when closely related taxa come together in hybrid zones, the distribution of diagnostic phenotypic characters and their concordance with the mitochondrial or nuclear lineages can also inform on historical and ongoing dynamics within hybrid zones. Overall, genetic and phenotypic discordances provide evidence for evolutionary divergence and processes that maintain boundaries among sister species or lineages. In this study, we characterized patterns of genetic and phenotypic variation in a contact zone between Cycloramphus dubius and Cycloramphus boraceiensis, two sister species of frogs endemic to the Atlantic Coastal Forest of Brazil. We examined genomic‐scale nuclear diversification across 19 populations, encompassing the two parental forms and a contact zone between them. We compared the distribution of genomic DNA variability with that of a mitochondrial locus (16S) and two morphological traits (dorsal tubercles and body size). Our results reveal multiple divergent lineages with ongoing admixture. We detected discordance in patterns of introgression across the three data types. Cycloramphus dubius males are significantly larger than C. boraceiensis males, and we posit that competition among males in the hybrid zone, coupled with mate choice by females, may be one mechanism leading to patterns of introgression observed between the species.
Optimising recovery of DNA from minimally invasive sampling methods: Efficacy of buccal swabs, preservation strategy and DNA extraction approaches for amphibian studies
Authors: Martin R. , Mullin K. E. , White N. F. D. , Grimason N. , Jehle R. , Wilkinson J. W. , Orozco‐terWengel P. , Cunningham A. A. , Maddock S. T. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractStudies in evolution, ecology and conservation are increasingly based on genetic and genomic data. With increased focus on molecular approaches, ethical concerns about destructive or more invasive techniques need to be considered, with a push for minimally invasive sampling to be optimised. Buccal swabs have been increasingly used to collect DNA in a number of taxa, including amphibians. However, DNA yield and purity from swabs are often low, limiting its use. In this study, we compare different types of swabs, preservation method and storage, and DNA extraction techniques in three case studies to assess the optimal approach for recovering DNA in anurans. Out of the five different types of swabs that we tested, Isohelix MS‐02 and Rapidry swabs generated higher DNA yields than other swabs. When comparing storage buffers, ethanol is a better preservative than a non‐alcoholic alternative. Dried samples resulted in similar or better final DNA yields compared to ethanol‐fixed samples if kept cool. DNA extraction via a Qiagen™ DNeasy Blood and Tissue Kit and McHale's salting‐out extraction method resulted in similar DNA yields but the Qiagen™ kit extracts contained less contamination. We also found that samples have better DNA recovery if they are frozen as soon as possible after collection. We provide recommendations for sample collection and extraction under different conditions, including budgetary considerations, size of individual animal sampled, access to cold storage facilities and DNA extraction methodology. Maximising efficacy of all of these factors for better DNA recovery will allow buccal swabs to be used for genetic and genomic studies in a range of vertebrates.
Simplified Environmental Flow Metrics and Environmental Water Requirements for Mediterranean Seasonal Rivers
Authors: Green Douglas , Savadamuthu Kumar 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTThe flow regime of a river is well established as being one of the key drivers of riverine ecosystem type, diversity and condition. This is especially true of seasonal rivers that experience a cease to flow period over the dry months of the year. To effectively assess changes in the components of the flow regime, it is required that flow data be quantified into metrics for ease of assessment and to effectively relate changes to environmental outcomes. Previous methods have used large numbers of, often complex, flow metrics to assess the flow regime. These metrics are often highly internally correlated with each other, and their complicated nature makes communication difficult. We suggest that the high correlation and the targeted nature of ecological flow regime assessment means a smaller number of well selected metrics can be used more effectively that large suites of generic metrics. We report on a series of six flow metrics that cover the whole of the flow regime, are reported annually and are simple to assess and interpret. We further expand on the practical use of these metrics as environmental indicators in their application to the highly variable seasonal rivers of southern Australia by using a moving average approach rather than single years. This approach accounts for, and allows for, the interannual variability expected in these systems. Environmental water requirements are defined using upper and lower bounds of a moving average for each metric over an environmentally stable period. We argue that this approach represents a more representative and robust approach to the assessment of environmental water requirements that is simpler and easier to interpret and communicate that existing flow regime assessment methods.
Timing of sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor initiation and post‐discharge outcomes in acute heart failure with diabetes: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Wu Che‐Yuan , Shah Baiju R. , Sharma Abhinav , Sheng Yiru , Liu Peter P. , Kopp Alexander , Saskin Refik , Edwards Jodi D. , Swardfager Walter 
Published: September 2024

AimsResults from randomized trials suggest benefit of sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor initiation in clinically stable acute heart failure. We aim to examine the real‐world effectiveness of early versus delayed post‐discharge SGLT2 inhibitor initiation in people with acute heart failure and type 2 diabetes.Methods and resultsUsing linkable administrative databases in Ontario, Canada, individuals aged 66 years or older with type 2 diabetes who were discharged to the community from acute care hospitals for heart failure between 1 July 2016 and 31 March 2020 were included in this retrospective, population‐based cohort study. The primary outcome was hospitalization for heart failure (HHF) or cardiovascular mortality as a composite. Follow‐up started from discharge for maximum 1 year. We compared outcomes between post‐discharge SGLT2 inhibitor initiation within 3 days, 4–90 days, or 91–180 days, versus delayed initiation for at least 180 days. The ‘clone‐censor‐weight’ approach with a target trial emulation framework was used to address time‐related biases. There were 9641 eligible individuals. After cloning and artificial censoring, there were 38 564 clones, 12 439 person‐years, and 7584 events. Compared to delayed initiation for at least 180 days, initiation within 3 days post‐discharge was associated with a lower 1‐year risk of HHF or cardiovascular mortality (risk ratio [RR] 0.65, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.45–0.83), while initiation 4–90 days (RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.72–0.93) or 91–180 days (RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.79–0.97) showed smaller risk reduction.ConclusionReal‐world evidence supports early SGLT2 inhibitor initiation to reduce HHF or cardiovascular mortality in acute heart failure and type 2 diabetes.
Geomorphological evolution in transitional environments on the eastern coast of Brazil
Authors: Moreira Vinícius Borges , Lämmle Luca , Torres Bruno Araújo , Donadio Carlo , Perez Filho Archimedes 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe morphology of the coastal landscape in transitional environments results from the gradual and complex dynamics of natural processes at different scalarity, capable of elaborating and remodeling the relief. Their arrangements and interactions are reflected in the configuration and evolution of the landscape and waterscape governed by allogenic factors (climate, tectonics and, more recently, anthropogenic) generating autogenic responses in environmental systems. In this sense, several studies have demonstrated the importance of sea level oscillations, sedimentary balance and river‐coastline displacements associated with climate fluctuations during the Quaternary. However, there is still a relative lack of recent research that focuses on the last glacial maximum (LGM) and the Holocene for the eastern Brazilian coast. In this way, the intense morphodynamics between estuarine and deltaic systems could become interpretative keys in the general understanding of these environments worldwide because they are located in a particular context within the connectivity of these geomorphological systems. To investigate these processes between the Jequitinhonha, Pardo and Una Rivers, detailed mapping and geomorphic topographic profiles were carried out using pre‐selected digital elevation models, and fieldworks were carried out on land and water to validate the mappings and to collect samples. Then, they were subjected to geochronological analysis using Optically Stimulated Luminescence and grain size distribution to recognize the depositional age and characterize the surficial cover. It was possible to identify five depositional landscape units: fluvial terraces, fluvial‐marine terraces and three staggered levels of marine terraces. Based on these results, a paleogeographic reconstruction of the evolutionary phases of this eastern sector of Brazil's coast was carried out, chronologically covering the Pleistocene/Holocene transition up to the present. The aim is to understand littoral dynamics as a response to both fluvial adjustments and oscillations of the regional relative sea level.
Fluvial responses to Holocene climatically induced coastline migration in the Iguape River estuary (Southeast Brazil)
Authors: Souza André de Oliveira , Filho Archimedes Perez , Arruda Emerson Martins , Cerrone Ciro , Lämmle Luca 
Published: September 2024

AbstractRivers represent intricate geomorphological systems that exhibit sensitivity to even subtle base‐level changes. This study examines the geomorphological response of Ribeira de Iguape River, located along the southern coast of São Paulo state, Brazil, to hydrological changes and coastline migration resulting from Holocene climate pulses. Using a multidisciplinary approach, including geomorphological and stratigraphical analyses, optically stimulated luminescence dating, grain‐size analyses, interpretation of satellite images, mapping and reassessment of previous studies, we investigated the potential impacts of these geomorphological dynamics on the river system. Our study reveals two distinct orders of low fluvial terraces, typically inserted no more than 10 m above the average channel discharge, which are geochronologically correlated with the low marine terraces that document the former coastline position at the river mouth, as previously identified in other studies. Such findings indicate a deposition phase when the coastline was stabilised on the inner continent in the Medieval Warm Period, as well as an erosion phase when the coastline migrated seaward during the Little Ice Age. This research contributes to improving our understanding of how rivers can respond to base‐level changes and provides valuable insights into the dynamic interactions between river systems and coastal environments.
Performance Analysis of a Renewable‐Powered Multi‐Gas Floating Storage and Regasification Facility for Ammonia Vessels With Reconversion to Hydrogen
Authors: Andriani Dindha , Sajid Muhammad Usman , Bicer Yusuf 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTNatural gas and renewable energy carriers play critical roles in the energy supply chain due to rising energy consumption demands and a significant shift toward cleaner energy. However, the requirement to liquefy and regasify liquefied natural gas (LNG) and renewable energy carriers for transportation makes the entire process expensive and challenging. Hence, a floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) plant provides a solution to the aforementioned problems with the additional benefit of being more affordable, time‐efficient, and having less land footprint requirement than the conventional onshore facility. The proposed integrated FSRU in this study, is powered by renewable energy, including solar and ocean thermal energy. The subsystems of integrated FSRU consist of parabolic dish collectors (PDC), Rankine cycle, organic Rankine cycle (ORC), multi‐stage flashing (MSF) desalination unit, decomposition, reliquefication, and regasification plants, which provide valuable commodities such as freshwater, electricity, hydrogen, and heating. It can also cater to standard multi‐gas harboring vessels for storage and regasification of sustainable energy carriers. The study assesses the performance of the proposed system thermodynamically by analyzing mass, energy, entropy, and exergy balance equations using the engineering equation solver (EES) software. Furthermore, parametric studies were conducted to understand the interlinkage among various variables. The analytical results show that the proposed system is able to produce 1.82 MW of electricity, 2056 kg/day of fresh water, and 338.3 kg/day of hydrogen, achieving an overall system energy efficiency of 32.7% and exergy efficiency of 79.3%. This approach aims to foster energy diversification, enhance energy security, and support the transition toward sustainable energy systems, as well as further the advancement of maritime transport systems.
Corporate foresight for the benefit of corporates' innovation climate
Authors: Wach Bernhard , Schwarz Jan O. , von Held Felix 
Published: September 2024

AbstractCorporate foresight (CF) can be considered a future‐oriented capability that incorporates perceiving and prospecting. Extant CF‐related studies tackle the CF−innovation relationship but do not provide details on how CF relates to innovation climate. As we assume that the innovation climate of companies is a relevant antecedent to innovation, we conduct a quantitative empirical study with 147 upper‐tier managers to investigate how CF and the respective training of managers relate to a corporate's innovation climate. Results show that strong perceiving and prospecting positively influence the innovation climate, whereby prospecting is of particular importance. Further, we find that training managers in future‐oriented capabilities is only under certain circumstances (i.e., low prospecting) beneficial to the innovation climate in companies.