bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Male Reproductive Traits Display Increased Phenotypic Variation in Response to Resource Quality and Parental Provisioning in a Tropical Rainforest Dung Beetle, Onthophagus c.f. babirussa
Authors: Yap Sean , Toh Kai Xin , Puniamoorthy Nalini 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTReproductive traits that mediate differential fitness associated with mate acquisition and fertilisation success are often strongly linked to the overall condition. We investigated the effects of resource quality and parental provisioning in the phenotypic expression of sexual and non‐sexual traits in a rainforest dung beetle, Onthophagus c.f. babirussa (Eschscholtz, 1822) from Singapore. F1 individuals were reared from wild‐caught beetles and paired up to produce offspring (F2), and F2 larvae from the same F1 parents were reared on two dung substrates (herbivore and omnivore) in a full‐sib design. Sexual traits displayed greater phenotypic variation in response to dung resource quality, with the precopulatory trait (horn length) responding more than the postcopulatory trait (testes weight). Notably, genotype‐by‐environment interactions between parental lines (genotype) and dung type (environment) affected male body size and horn length only, suggesting sex‐specific variance in plasticity associated with sexually selected precopulatory traits. Dung type had significant effects on all measured traits. Offspring that were provisioned higher quality resource (omnivore dung) had larger absolute and relative trait values. Parental lines only significantly affected female body size but none of the male traits, suggesting an important role of environment and resource partitioning in determining precopulatory success of male offspring. Parental provisioning of larval resource varied with resource quality and brood sequence. Parents provisioned more dung when herbivore dung was presented than when they were given omnivore dung and provisioned more dung for their earlier broods when using herbivore dung but not omnivore dung. This suggests a trade‐off between early offspring fitness and resource quality. We tested directly for genotype‐by‐environment (G × E) interactions in the expression of several morphological traits relevant to dung beetle fitness and documented that offspring with similar phenotypes may result from completely different parental resource allocation strategies. We discuss the importance of studying parental investment on trait variation and its implications on dung beetle ecology.
Diversity of Orchid in Abies nephrolepis Nature Reserve in Shanxi, China
Authors: Chen Xiaojiang , Li Jiajia , Wei Wenjiao , Fu Qianru , Zheng Qingrong , Li Meihong , Li Xing 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTAbies nephrolepis Nature Reserve has complex habitats and rich species diversity but lacks systematic ecological surveys. We focused on Orchid in Abies nephrolepis Nature Reserve, investigated and analyzed Orchid diversity and changes in community structure according to the characteristics of the alpine valleys in the study area, in terms of altitude gradient and habitat type, using the sample line method and the quadrat method. The results showed that 11 genera and 13 species of Orchidaceae were found in the survey, among which the species richness of Malaxis monophyllos was the highest, Neottia puberula was the second highest, and the species richness of Tulotis ussuriensis was the lowest, and the species with relative plurality ≥ 10% were Malaxis monophyllos (51.69%), Neottia puberula (14.77%), and Cypripedium guttatum (11.15%). The results of diversity analysis showed that Orchidaceae species were rich and the diversity index were the highest in the middle altitude area of 1950–2250 m; the distribution of Orchidaceae in the low altitude area was obviously clustered, and the similarity with the high altitude area was low. With the increase in altitude, the number of species showed an increase and then a decrease, showing a single‐peak state, which was in line with the theory of “Intermediate altitude expansion hypothesis”. The species and number of Orchidaceae in different habitats of Abies nephrolepis Nature Reserve also varied considerably, with Shannon‐Wiener diversity index being the highest in EV4 (Abies nephrolepis + Picea meyeri + Picea wilsonii + Larix gmelinii var. principis‐rupprechtii—Lonicera hispida—Carex lanceolata community) and EV5, and the smallest in EV1 habitats, Pielow evenness index being the highest in EV5 habitats and the lowest in EV1 habitats, and Simpson's index being the highest in EV5 habitats and the lowest in EV1 habitats. This study provides a scientific basis for strengthening regional monitoring of species diversity and protecting biodiversity.
Predator–prey space use and landscape features influence movement behaviors in a large‐mammal community
Authors: Bassing Sarah B. , Satterfield Lauren , Ganz Taylor R. , DeVivo Melia , Kertson Brian N. , Roussin Trent , Wirsing Aaron J. , Gardner Beth 
Published: October 2024

AbstractPredator hunting strategies, such as stalking versus coursing behaviors, are hypothesized to influence antipredator behaviors of prey and can describe the movement behaviors of predators themselves. Predators and prey may alter their movement in relation to predator hunting modes, yet few studies have evaluated how these strategies influence movement behaviors of free‐ranging animals in a multiple‐predator, multiple‐prey system. We fit hidden Markov models (HMM) with movement data derived from >400 GPS‐collared ungulates and large predators in eastern Washington, USA. We used these models to test our hypotheses that stalking (cougars [Puma concolor]) and coursing (gray wolves [Canis lupus]) predators would exhibit different broad‐scale movement behaviors consistent with their respective hunting strategies in areas that increased the likelihood of encountering or capturing ungulate prey (e.g., habitats selected by deer [Odocoileus spp.]). Similarly, we expected that broadscale movement behaviors of prey would change in response to background levels of predation risk associated with each predator's hunting strategy. We found that predators and ungulate prey adjusted their broadscale movements in response to one another's long‐term patterns of habitat selection but not based on differences in predator‐hunting strategies. Predators changed their movement behaviors based on the type of prey, whereas ungulates generally reduced movement in areas associated with large predators, regardless of the predator's hunting strategy. Both predator and prey movements varied in response to landscape features but not necessarily based on habitat that would facilitate specific hunting behaviors. Our results suggest that predators and prey adjust their movements at broad temporal scales in relation to long‐term patterns of risk and resource distributions, potentially influencing their encounter rates with one another at finer spatiotemporal scales. Habitat features further influenced changes in movement, resulting in a complex combination of movement behaviors in multiple‐predator, multiple‐prey systems.
Effect of inulin on preventing drunkenness and relieving acute alcoholic intoxication of mice and preparation of its hangover beverage
Authors: Lan Honglin , Li Xingguo , Zhang Yunhui , Wan Jiahao , Wang Yanbin , Cao Jintao , Bai Zhouya , Luo Denglin , Han Sihai , Yue Chonghui , Gao Haiyan 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of different types of inulin on acute alcoholic intoxication (AAI) in mice and prepare its hangover beverage. Basic physical and chemical properties of different types of inulin (short‐chain inulin, long‐chain inulin, and phosphorylated long‐chain inulin) were analyzed and given by gavage at a dose of 400 mg kg−1 day−1 for a continuous period of 7 days through animal behavior experiments, and the inebriation percentage, mortality rate, duration of inebriation, and sobering time were recorded with the righting reflex as the judgment criterion. The results showed that, compared with the control group, the drunkenness and mortality rates of short‐chain inulin decreased by 12% and 100%, respectively, and the sober time decreased by 18%, while alcohol tolerance was also improved. The best formula for a short‐chain inulin hangover drink was determined to be: 0.4% granulated sugar, 0.5% citric acid, and 0.5% pectin. These suggest that short‐chain inulin may have potential in preventing AAI.
Nutritional composition, phytochemical profile, and health benefits of Hylocereus Undatus (pitaya): A comprehensive review
Authors: Bishoyi Ashok Kumar , Saeed Farhan , Shehzadi Umber , Shankar Amar , Balaji Jadhav , Kaur Jaspreet , Afzaal Muhammad , Imran Ali , Rasheed Musarrat , Hussain Bilal , Hussain Muzzamal , Ahmed Aftab , Islam Fakhar , Kinki Abdela Befa 
Published: October 2024

AbstractHylocereus undatus, occasionally referred to as the dragon fruit or white‐fleshed pitaya, is a rich in nutrients fruit appreciated because of its colorful look and health benefits. It is inexpensive in calories but packed with minerals like iron, magnesium, and calcium in addition to essential nutrients like vitamin C and B vitamins. Similarly rich in dietary fiber, particularly promotes gut wellness and improves digestion, is pitaya. It additionally contains antioxidants, such as phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and betalains, which help with scavenging free radicals and reducing the detrimental effects of oxidative stress on the human body. The substantial amount of betalains in Hylocereus undatus phytochemical composition is notable because it contributes to the plant's anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant properties. There has been an association among these phytochemicals and a decreased likelihood of contracting long‐term conditions such as diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. Omega‐3 fatty acids and omega‐6 fatty acids, in particular, that reduce cholesterol levels while improving blood circulation, are plentiful in the fruit's seeds and are beneficial to heart wellness. The objective of this review is to highlight the nutritional profile, phytochemical and health benefits of Hylocereus undatus in detail.
Forensic STR and SNP Genotyping of Formalin‐Fixed Skeleton Samples With Illumina's ForenSeq System
Authors: Yang Tingting , Gao Linlin , Zhang Jiarong , Xie Wei , Hu Wenjing , Yan Jiangwei 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTFormalin fixatives are widely used in forensics to preserve tissues. However, extracting high‐quality genomic DNA from formalin‐fixed samples is challenging. Traditional short tandem repeat (STR) analysis using capillary electrophoresis (CE) for forensic DNA typing frequently results in failure. Massively parallel sequencing (MPS) can handle many samples and thousands of genetic markers, usually single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and STRs, in a single test. Thus, it is useful for assessing highly deteriorated forensic evidence. Few studies have examined the effectiveness of STRs and SNPs genotyping of formalin‐fixed skeletons using MPS. In this study, 55 skeletal samples from 5 individuals that were treated under different formalin fixation times (5–75 days) were examined and sequenced using the ForenSeq DNA Signature Prep Kit on the Illumina MiSeq FGX platform. The results showed that as the duration of formalin fixation increased, the detection rates of STRs and SNPs gradually decreased. After 75 days of fixation, the average detection rates for STRs and SNPs were 4% and 10%, respectively. The cumulative discrimination power (CDP) of individual identification SNPs (iiSNPs) was >0.9999 on the 45th day. However, the CDP of STRs was 0.9930 on the 22nd day. Low detection rates were observed for six STRs (D1S1656, PentaE, D22S1045, PentaD, DX8378 and DX10103) and five SNPs (rs2920816, rs354439, rs1736442, rs338882 and rs1031825). In conclusion, DNA extracted from formalin‐fixed skeletons decomposes rapidly over time, and MPS technology can be a useful tool for detecting forensic genetic markers in such samples.
Epigenetic Age Estimation by Detecting DNA Methylation Status in Buccal Swabs
Authors: Guan Zimeng , Wang Jiaqi , Liu Zidong , Yang Chengwen , Xu Xin , Wang Xinjie , Zhang Gengqian 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTThe analysis of DNA methylation (DNAm) levels at specific CpG sites represents one of the most promising molecular techniques for estimating an individual's age. To date, a considerable number of studies have reported the development of age prediction models on the basis of DNAm in body fluids, with only a few utilizing buccal swabs. The objective of this study was to identify age‐dependent methylation CpG sites in three different genes (HOXC4, TRIM59, and ELOVL2) in buccal swab samples from the Chinese Han population. A total of 461 buccal swabs, with an age range of 0.4–80.8 years, were divided into a training set (n = 325) and a validation set (n = 136). Samples were analyzed by pyrosequencing in order to identify age‐related genes with correlation coefficient. A random forest regression model was ultimately proposed, including eight CpGs in three genes, with a mean absolute error (MAE) of 2.119 years. The model performs independent validation set with an MAE of 4.391 years. Our findings illustrate that buccal swabs present a suitable alternative to biological traces for age prediction based on DNAm pattern using pyrosequencing and random forest regression, offering the additional advantage of being collected noninvasively.
The bidirectional role of music effect in epilepsy: Friend or foe?
Authors: Gao Shajing , Gong Yiwei , Xu Cenglin , Chen Zhong 
Published: October 2024

AbstractEpilepsy is a prevalent neurological disease that impacts around 70 million individuals globally. Anti‐seizure medications (ASMs) are the first choice for clinicians to control unprovoked epileptic seizures. Although more than 30 ASMs are available in the market, patients with epilepsy (PWEs) still show poor responses to adequate drug treatment. Meanwhile, long‐term medications not only bring heavy financial burdens but also lead to undesirable side effects. Music, a ubiquitous art form throughout human history, has been confirmed as therapeutically effective in various neurological conditions, including epilepsy. This alternative therapy offers convenience and a relatively safe approach to alleviating epileptic symptoms. Paradoxically, besides anti‐convulsant effect, some particular music would cause seizures inversely, indicating the pro‐convulsant effect of it. Considering that investigating the impact of music on epilepsy emerges as a compelling subject. In this review, we tried to present the following sections of content on this topic. Initially, we overviewed the impact of music on the brain and the significant progress of music therapy in central neurological disorders. Afterward, we classified the anti‐convulsant and pro‐convulsant effects of music in epilepsy, relying on both clinical and laboratory evidences. Finally, possible mechanisms and neural basis of the music effect were concluded, and the translational potentials and some future outlooks about the music effect in epilepsy were proposed.Plain Language SummaryEpilepsy is an extremely severe neurological disorder. Although anti‐seizure medications are preferred choice to control seizures, the efficacy is not satisfied due to the tolerance. Anecdotal music effect had been deemed functional diversity but not clarified on epilepsy, pro‐convulsive, or anti‐convulsive. Here, we reviewed this interesting but puzzling topic, as well as illustrating the potential mechanisms and its translational potential.
Numerical simulation of multiphase flow and prediction of sediment wear in a large Pelton turbine
Authors: Qin Mengjun , Yu Zhishun , Wu Baofu , Pang Jiayang , Jiang Dengyun , Zhang Haiku , Liu Jitao , Hua Hong , Liu Xiaobing 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe problem of sediment wear presents a significant challenge for hydraulic turbines operating in sediment‐rich rivers, particularly for high‐head Pelton turbines. In this study, the VOF model, SST k–ω model, and DPM model were employed to simulate the gas–liquid–solid three‐phase flow within a large Pelton turbine, which operates under a rated water head of 671 m and has a single capacity of 500 MW, at a hydropower station situated on a sediment‐laden river. The sediment wear prediction model, derived from the sediment wear test of the model turbine, was utilized to forecast the sediment wear on the flow components of the Pelton turbine at the hydropower station. The results show that there are obvious pressure and velocity gradients near the nozzle outlet of the Pelton turbine in the power station, and the wear of the nozzle surface is gradually increasing, and the wear in the downstream area of the nozzle is more serious. The wear rate at the needle tip surface reached 1.372 μm/h, while the socket ring surface exhibited a wear rate of 3.175 μm/h. he highest wear rate recorded for the water bucket is 0.940 μm/h. After a year of continuous operation, the maximum erosion observed was 5.62 mm on the runner bucket made of stainless steel and wear‐resistant metal, 8.23 mm on the spray needle, and 19.05 mm on the nozzle mouth ring, highlighting the severity of sediment wear on the Pelton turbine. It is recommended that surface treatment technology be applied to the flow‐through components of the Pelton turbine at this hydropower station to enhance the wear resistance of the turbine and extend the operational life of the unit.
Hybrid Radial‐Axial Flow for Enhanced Thermal Performance in Packed Bed Energy Storage
Authors: Al‐Azawii Mohammad M. S. , Anderson Ryan 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTIn this work, a hybrid radial‐axial (HRA) system is used to store thermal energy in a packed bed. The heat transfer fluid (HTF) is delivered via a perforated radial pipe placed at the center of the packed bed along the axial length. Hot fluid flows from the center toward the wall through the holes (like other radial systems), but then leaves via the traditional axial flow exit, creating the HRA flow configuration. A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model is used to analyze the thermal performance of the packed bed during the charging process utilizing the new HRA system. Alumina beads of 6 mm were filler materials and air was HTF with inlet temperature of 75°C for proof of concept. The present paper focuses on two aims: (1) utilizing CFD models to analyze flow and temperature profiles in the packed bed; (2) comparing the model results to experimental results published in a previous HRA flow study and to traditional axial flow. Two HRA configurations were considered based on previous experimental designs, one with uniform holes in the central pipe (R1) and one with gradients in the hole sizes to promote even flow from the central pipe into the bed (R2). The numerical results agree with the experimental results in both cases. The HRA system performance depends on the flow profile created by the hole designs, and it can perform better than the axial flow depending on the design of the radial pipe. Design R2, which promotes even flow from the central pipe into the bed, has higher charging efficiency than standard axial flow methods. For HRA design R2 at 0.0048 m3/s (7 SCFM, standard cubic feet per minute), numerical results for charging efficiency were 75.5% versus 73.8% for traditional axial flow. For HRA design R2 at 0.0061 m3/s (9 SCFM), numerical charging efficiency was 80.5% versus 78.1% for traditional axial flow. These results are consistent with experimental data.
Optimizing Concentrated Solar Power: High‐Temperature Molten Salt Thermal Energy Storage for Enhanced Efficiency
Authors: Boretti Alberto 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTMolten salts (MSs) thermal energy storage (TES) enables dispatchable solar energy in concentrated solar power (CSP) solar tower plants. CSP plants with TES can store excess thermal energy during periods of high solar radiation and release it when sunlight is unavailable, such as during cloudy periods or at night. This capability allows these plants to provide reliable, dispatchable power, ensuring a continuous electricity supply to the grid. This paper examines the challenges and opportunities of utilizing higher‐temperature molten salt formulations to enhance power cycle efficiency. Drawing on existing literature, performance analysis of existing power plants, and novel simulation results, we project the expected technological improvements by the end of this decade. By using 15 h of TES and a higher temperature MS formulation, with heat transfer fluid hot temperatures of 700°C, and a power cycle 350 bar 700°C of efficiency 48%, the annual electricity production from a 115 MW power plant in Daggett, California is 688 GWh, the total installed cost is $684 m while the 25‐year LCOE is 6.37 c/kWh.
Functional and physicochemical characterization of a novel pearl millet—Soy milk‐based synbiotic beverage
Authors: Srivastava Urvashi , Singh Anchal , Ahmed Mazia , Iqbal Unaiza , Saini Pinki 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis study presents the physicochemical and functional characterization of a novel fermented pearl millet–soy milk‐based synbiotic beverage. The synbiotic fermented pearl millet beverage was optimized at 40% pearl millet and 10.41% sugar, with hedonic score of more than eight for all the responses, through response surface methodology. The fermented synbiotic beverage, with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strains exceeding 108 colony‐forming units/mL, exhibited superior nutritional and physicochemical qualities when compared with the unfermented counterpart. The viability percent of lactic acid bacteria in the developed beverage was found to be significantly high (87.83%). The survivability of probiotic culture was 76.71% in simulated gastric juice and 73.87% in simulated intestinal juice after sample storage for 25 days. The result showed that millets stand out as a promising raw material for developing fermented nondairy synbiotic beverages, particularly when combined with microbial strains such as L. plantarum.
Serpentinised Mantle Section of Neoproterozoic Ophiolite at Al‐Barramiya District, North Arabian‐Nubian Shield: Tectono‐Magmatic Evolution and Metamorphism
Authors: Abuamarah Bassam A. , Seddik Amany M. A. , Azer Mokhles K. , Chen Yi‐Xiang , Darwish Mahmoud H. 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTThis research focuses on the field observations, petrography, mineral chemistry and geochemistry of the serpentinised peridotite of Al‐Barramiya ophiolitic sequence to place constraints on their magmatic history and their geodynamic evolution. Al‐Barramiya ophiolitic rocks are a dismembered ophiolite which was strongly deformed and metamorphosed under greenschist to lower amphibolite facies. They comprise a mantle section dominated by highly serpentinised peridotite with less metapyroxenite and chromitite, as well as a crustal portion represented by metagabbros. Along shear zones, the ophiolite sequence was affected by several types of alteration. Extensive carbonate alteration is common in the ultramafic section, resulted in talc carbonates, listvenites and magnesite, while rodingitisation is common in the metagabbro resulted in rodingite. Despite the extensive serpentinisation, some fresh relics of primary mantle minerals such as Cr‐spinel, olivine and pyroxenes are preserved sporadically in the serpentinised peridotite. Few Cr‐spinel crystals are sometimes surrounded by subhedral flakes of Cr‐chlorite (kämmererite) that was formed due to replacement of Cr‐spinel during later alteration or regional metamorphism. The serpentinite samples are depleted in the total REE (0.56–1.19 ppm) with slightly negative to slightly positive Eu anomalies (0.89–1.28). The fresh cores of Cr‐spinel have Cr# mostly > 60, and the relics of pyroxenes and olivine are Mg‐rich suggesting that the Al‐Barramiya serpentinites are residual to high degrees of melt extraction. The estimated degrees of partial melting range between 18.2% and 20.7%. All the mineralogical and geochemical characteristics of the ultramafic section of the Al‐Barramiya ophiolites are most consistent with its formation in a fore‐arc setting.