bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interactions of the Osteokines, Glucose/Insulin System and Vascular Risk Networks in Patients With Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes (VNDS 15)
Authors: Zusi Chiara , Bonetti Sara , Rinaldi Elisabetta , Csermely Alessandro , Boselli Maria Linda , Travia Daniela , Santi Lorenza , Bonora Enzo , Bonadonna Riccardo C. , Trombetta Maddalena 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTBackground and AimBone as an endocrine organ regulates metabolic processes independently of mineral metabolism through the production/release of proteins collectively named ‘osteokines’. Relevant connections were reported between the insulin/glucose system, calcification of the atherosclerotic plaque, and several osteokines. We aimed to test the hypothesis that the osteokine network could be involved in beta‐cell function, insulin sensitivity, and vascular damage in a cohort of people with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes (T2D).Subjects and MethodsIn 794 drug‐naive, GADA‐negative, newly‐diagnosed T2D patients (mean ± SD age: 59 ± 9.8 years; BMI: 29.3 ± 5.3 kg/m2; HbA1c: 6.6 ± 1.3%) we assessed: plasma concentration of osteocalcin (OCN), osteopontin (OPN), RANKL, and its putative decoy receptor osteoprotegerin (OPG); insulin sensitivity (SI) by hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp; beta cell function (BCF), estimated by OGTT minimal modelling and expressed as derivative (DC) and proportional (PC) control. Echo‐doppler of carotid and lower limb arteries were also performed in 708 and 701 subjects, respectively.ResultsOCN, RANKL and OPG were significantly associated with PC (p < 0.02); OCN was positively related to DC (p = 0.018). OPG was associated with lower IS (p < 0.001). Finally, the higher RANKL levels, the greater was the severity of atherosclerosis in common carotid artery (p < 0.001). Increased OPG and OPN concentrations were related to subclinical atherosclerosis in peripheral arteries of lower limbs (p = 0.023 and p = 0.047, respectively).ConclusionThese data suggest that, in patients with newly diagnosed T2D, the osteokine network crosstalks with the glucose/insulin system and may play a role in modulating the atherosclerotic process.
Diagnosis of the fragmentation of urban ecological network structure and its social‐ecological responses
Authors: Hong Wuyang , Liang Minde , Guo Renzhong , Ma Tao , Li Yelin , Wang Weixi 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe fragmentation of ecological network structures has become a common problem faced by cities. By establishing the urban ecological network under a specific socio‐ecological system framework, we aimed to propose a quantitative index to diagnose the fragmentation of the network structure, and to construct detection model to explore the driving factors and mechanism of the network fragmentation. Using Shenzhen City as an example, we used the Floyd–Prim algorithm to generate the skeleton structure of the ecological network and construct a density discontinuity index to diagnose network fragmentation. Combined with the ecological network scenario, social‐ecological system framework and a two‐layer indicator system were constructed. The detection models were then established to explore the drivers of network disruption and their mode of impact. The models show that the average degree of network fragmentation in Shenzhen was 0.13, and the density of about 85% of corridor discontinuities was greater than 0.01, reflecting the serious state of structural fragmentation. Corridors with more severe structural fragmentation have poorer social‐ecological coordination. The fragmentation in Shenzhen was mainly affected by the activities of actors (A) at the microlevel and the resource system (RS) at the macrolevel. The methods and the framework of socio‐ecosystem analysis proposed in this paper can reveal the driving factors and influence modes of network fragmentation, providing decision‐making reference for ecological restoration practice in urbanized areas.
Pathways for accidental biocontrol: The human‐mediated dispersal of insect predators and parasitoids
Authors: Fenn‐Moltu Gyda , Liebhold Andrew M. , Weber Donald C. , Bertelsmeier Cleo 
Published: October 2024

AbstractIntroductions of insect predators and parasitoids for biological control are a key method for pest management. Yet in recent decades, biological control has become more strictly regulated and less frequent. Conversely, the rate of unintentional insect introductions through human activities is rising. While accidental introductions of insect natural enemies can potentially have serious ecological consequences, they are challenging to quantify as their movements go largely unobserved. We used historical border interception records collected by the US Department of Agriculture from 1913 to 2018 to describe the diversity of entomophagous insects transported unintentionally, their main introduction pathways, and trends in host specificity. There were 35,312 interceptions of insect predators and parasitoids during this period, representing 93 families from 11 orders, and 196 species from these families. Commodity associations varied, but imported plants and plant products were the main introduction pathway. Most interceptions originated with commodities imported from the Neotropical, Panamaian, and Western Palearctic regions. Among the intercepted species, 27% were found in material originating from more than one country. Two thirds of species were polyphagous host generalists. Furthermore, 25% of species had already been introduced intentionally as biological control agents internationally, and 4.6% have documented negative impacts on native biodiversity or human society. Most of the intercepted species that have not established in the United States are host generalists or have at least one known host species available. The unintentional transport of diverse natural enemy insects has the potential to cause substantial ecological impacts, both in terms of controlling pests through accidental biocontrol and disrupting native communities. Characterizing the insects being transported and their introduction pathways can inform biosecurity practices and management.
Identifying Priority Areas for the Indian Leopard (Panthera pardus fusca) Within a Shared Landscape
Authors: Kolekar Aparna , Hockings Kimberley , Metcalfe Kristian , Gubbi Sanjay 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTHabitat loss is one of the primary drivers of large felid decline. The leopard (Panthera pardus), a generalist large felid species, has the behavioural and dietary flexibility to exploit different habitat types of varying human influence. Understanding habitat selection in a shared landscape is critical for the development of conservation strategies and managing negative human–leopard interactions. The development of conservation policy requires data on large spatial scales, which is mostly lacking, especially within shared landscapes in India. This study aims to determine habitat selection by Indian leopards and the anthropogenic, environmental, and climatic variables contributing to this selection. Leopard occurrence records were obtained from an occupancy survey conducted in the five administrative districts in Karnataka (28,375 km2). 267 randomly selected 30 km2 grids were each walked for 10 km and all leopard signs were recorded. Environment variables were chosen to reflect land use, climatic, topographic, and human disturbances that could affect habitat selection at a resolution of 0.1 km2. The mean ensemble model was projected to the state of Karnataka. Habitat selection predicted by the ensemble model was driven by proximity to forest cover and rocky outcrops, higher precipitation, and negatively by distance to cropland and roads. Protected Areas and Reserved Forests in the study covered 47% of the predicted habitat, while 25% is within human‐use areas such as human habitation and croplands. This study predicts that half of the habitat selected by leopards is outside of protected areas and reserved forests. The selection of human‐use areas is predicted because of the availability of cover from irrigated croplands and the proximity to natural cover that provides refuge. Livestock density did not drive large‐scale habitat selection. The preservation of natural cover and rocky outcrops that provide refuge between protected areas is paramount for leopard conservation.
How Do Age and Attitudes Affect the Quality of Data Collected by Young Citizen Scientists in an Ecological Research Project?
Authors: Aivelo Tuomas 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTCitizen science is increasingly used to collect ecological data. Specifically, participation of school students in authentic research has been suggested as having a multitude of benefits from serving as data collection to providing science education. Nevertheless, the overall quality and quantity of data is concerning for ecologists who are using data for research. In the Helsinki Urban Rat Project, lower‐ and upper secondary school students (13–19‐year‐old) collect data on urban rat occurrence using track plates that record rat footprints. I measured the success of school‐aged citizen scientists in collecting and submitting data, and I determined the accuracy of the data they submitted by comparing their results to the results from professional researchers. Furthermore, I used additional questionnaire to relate success and accuracy to student attributes, including age, attitudes about biology as a school subject, interest in the environment and disgust sensitivity toward rats. I learned that, in contrast to results from previous studies, age was not a significant variable but rather available support from a teacher and voluntary participation with rewards were associated with higher data quality. Additionally, attitudes played a part in observer quality: higher liking of biology as a school subject was associated with lower accuracy, whereas a higher interest in the environment was associated with higher accuracy. The young citizen scientists provided broadly accurate data, although false‐positive observations were comparatively common. The results suggest that the quality and quantity of citizen‐generated data are not straightforwardly dependent on the selected target groups. Citizen science activities should be planned by careful consideration of the context as, for example, the organization of the participation strongly shapes the participatory activities.
Determining the Fish Migration Patterns Based on Fish Habitat Assessment at a River Confluence
Authors: Liu Shikang , Xi Yuqian , Zhang Chengdi , Zhang Wenyi , Ouyang Lijian , Giet William Bol Yaak , Pan Dongzi , Yao Weiwei 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTMuch effort has been devoted to predicting fish migration routes to assist target species migration, and yet, fish migration science and practice remain imperfect. This study aimed to predict the migration paths of Gymnocypris przewalskii at the river confluence in the Qinghai Lake basin. The authors proposed an approach for fish migration route prediction, which involves a hydrodynamic module, a habitat model and a fish migration module. The TELEMAC‐MASCARET system was used to simulate hydrodynamic conditions and statistical analyses were carried out. During the flood season, G. przewalskii migrates downstream, whereas during the migratory season, they migrate upstream. The results indicate that flow velocity was the most significant hydrodynamic parameter affecting fish migration behaviour. The optimal flow velocity range for the target fish species was between 0.7 and 1.7 m/s. The impact of water depth was only observed in low discharge situations. Besides, the temperature plays a vital role in determining fish migration and abundance. However, the results reveal that in the morning hours, the temperature exhibits a range of 10°C to 16°C, and in the noon, the average temperature ranges from 16°C to 19°C, with a maximum temperature reaching 23°C. These temperature variations enable fish to migrate towards the tributary offering a more favourable water temperature during route selection at a river confluence. The study concludes that future research should consider incorporating the swimming capacity of the focal fish species to provide insights into fish migration patterns.
Phenology forecasting models for detection and management of invasive annual grasses
Authors: Prevéy J. S. , Pearse I. S. , Blumenthal D. M. , Howell A. J. , Kray J. A. , Reed S. C. , Stephenson M. B. , Jarnevich C. S. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractNon‐native annual grasses can dramatically alter fire frequency and reduce forage quality and biodiversity in the ecosystems they invade. Effective management techniques are needed to reduce these undesirable invasive species and maintain ecosystem services. Well‐timed management strategies, such as grazing, that are applied when invasive grasses are active prior to native plants can control invasive species spread and reduce their impact; however, anticipating the timing of key phenological stages that are susceptible to management over vast landscapes is difficult, as the phenology of these species can vary greatly over time and space. To address this challenge, we created range‐wide phenology forecasts for two problematic invasive annual grasses: cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum), and red brome (Bromus rubens). We tested a suite of 18 mechanistic phenology models using observations from monitoring experiments, volunteer science, herbarium records, timelapse camera imagery, and downscaled gridded climate data to identify the models that best predicted the dates of flowering and senescence of the two invasive grass species. We found that the timing of flowering and senescence of cheatgrass and red brome were best predicted by photothermal time models that had been adjusted for topography using gridded continuous heat‐insolation load index values. Phenology forecasts based on these models can help managers make decisions about when to schedule management actions such as grazing to reduce undesirable invasive grasses and promote forage production, quality, and biodiversity in grasslands; to predict the timing of greatest fire risk after annual grasses dry out; and to select remote sensing imagery to accurately map invasive grasses across topographic and latitudinal gradients. These phenology models also have the potential to be operationalized for within‐season or within‐year decision support.
Sinkhole formation induced by descending groundwater in a karst aquifer near a limestone quarry
Authors: Arjwech Rungroj , Everett Mark E. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis study presents case studies conducted in northeast Thailand, where sinkhole collapses have continuously occurred in certain areas. Rapid descent of groundwater in a karst aquifer has the potential to induce sinkhole collapses within the karst morphology. Field investigations have revealed surface expressions of potentially hazardous sinkholes associated with zones of groundwater depression and abandoned groundwater wells. 2D electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) profiles were executed along the trend of such sinkhole collapses. The ERT results were combined to outline potentially dangerous cavities and continuous fractures. Sinkhole collapses in this scenario are primarily induced by groundwater depression and rainfall. Groundwater flows through conduits connecting a quarry with a karst cavern network, and dewatering of the quarry reduces the surrounding groundwater level. Runoff from rainfall percolates within overburden and enters air‐filled cavities. Additionally, quarry blasting activities may cause vibrations that trigger the formation of sinkholes. Observations of surficial collapse features were generally consistent with geophysical ERT‐interpreted subsurface cavities and fractures. Consequently, implementing regulatory measures to restrict the depth of limestone quarrying that affects groundwater levels may be necessary to prevent sinkhole collapses. The sinkhole formation phenomenon underscores a critical link between groundwater fluctuations and the stability of karst landscapes.
Pricing Vulnerable Options With Variance Gamma Systematic and Idiosyncratic Factors by Laplace Transform Inversion
Authors: Guo Fenglong 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTThis paper studies the pricing of vulnerable options with systematic and idiosyncratic factors incorporated. Variance gamma processes are employed to model price jumps caused by the arrivals of systematic and idiosyncratic relevant information. A parsimonious pricing measure is developed and Laplace transforms of option price and Greek letters are given. Numerical results are obtained by a two‐sided Euler inversion method in an efficient and accuracy way. It shows that in contrast to idiosyncratic factors, the effect of systematic factors on vulnerable options is strongly affected by the skewness and leptokurtosis features of systematic variance gamma processes.
The role of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells in the spatiotemporal vascularization of the human and mouse neocortex
Authors: Liu Kaiyi , Kang Zhiruo , Yang Min , Chen Fangbing , Xia Mingyang , Dai Wenjuan , Zheng Shiyi , Chen Huiyao , Lu Q. Richard , Zhou Wenhao , Lin Yifeng 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBrain vasculature formation begins with vessel invasion from the perineural vascular plexus, which expands through vessel sprouting and growth. Recent studies have indicated the existence of oligodendrocyte‐vascular crosstalk during development. However, the relationship between oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) and the ordered spatiotemporal vascularization of the neocortex has not been elucidated. Our findings suggest that OPCs play a complex role in the vessel density of the embryonic and postnatal neocortex. Analyses of normal human and mouse embryonic cerebral cortex show that vascularization and OPC distribution are tightly controlled in a spatially and temporally restricted manner, exhibiting a positive correlation. Loss of OPCs at both embryonic and postnatal stages led to a reduction in vascular density, suggesting that OPC populations play a role in vascular density. Nonetheless, dynamic observation on cultured brain slices and staining of tissue sections indicate that OPC migration is unassociated with the proximity to blood vessels, primarily occurring along radial glial cell processes. Additionally, in vitro experiments demonstrate that OPC secretions promote vascular endothelial cell (VEC) growth. Together, these observations suggest that vessel density is influenced by OPC secretions.
Revitalizing Colleague‐Specific Human Capital: Boomerang and Pipeline‐Based Hiring in a 41‐Year Multilevel Study of Employee Mobility
Authors: Wang Lan , Cotton Rick 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTAmidst the decline of permanent employment contracts and the rapid shortening of career cycles, organizations often face challenges in fully capitalizing on employee mobility. This study adopts a multilevel perspective to explore how mobility impacts both individual and team performance, focusing on acquiring colleague‐specific human capital through two talent acquisition strategies: boomerang hiring and pipeline‐based hiring. Using a unique Major League Baseball database spanning 41 years, including 19,927 player‐year records and 1156 team‐year records, our analysis reveals that individuals engaged in boomerang and pipeline‐based hiring and possessing higher levels of individual colleague‐specific human capital, experience greater benefits from mobility in terms of individual performance. Moreover, these hiring strategies allow organizations to effectively harness colleague‐specific human capital. Specifically, team performance is positively influenced by a greater proportion of boomerang hiring through team colleague‐specific human capital resources. Similarly, a higher ratio of pipeline‐based hiring, alongside other recurrent hiring practices, positively impacts team performance through team colleague‐specific human capital resources. Our findings provide valuable insights for organizations aiming to rejuvenate their colleague‐specific human capital resources through strategic hiring practices to achieve sustained success.
Superficial fungal infections in adults in Northern Finland between 2010 and 2021: A register‐based study
Authors: Mäntyniemi Teemu , Säntti Suvi , Kiviniemi Eetu , Jokelainen Jari , Huilaja Laura , Sinikumpu Suvi‐Päivikki 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackground and AimsSuperficial fungal infections are common dermatological reasons to visit a doctor in primary care in Finland. However, their variable clinical picture and minor symptoms may lead to delayed diagnosis. We aimed to investigate the epidemiology and patient profile of fungal infections treated in secondary care over a decade.MethodsThis is a retrospective study including adult patients with a fungal infection in the scalp, nails, or superficial skin diagnosed at the Oulu University Hospital, Finland between the years 2010 and 2021.ResultsThere were 573 patients with male predominance (57.6%). All studied fungal infections were more common in the oldest age group (>61 years). The number of fungal infections increased from the year 2017 onward. Only one‐third (37.7%) of the patients were referred to the dermatology clinic because of a suspected dermatophyte infection, and in 46.0% of cases, the diagnostic delay exceeded 6 months. The most common fungal infection was tinea pedis (n = 295, 51.5%) followed by tinea unguium (n = 275, 48.0%); as concomitant infection, they were present in 108 (18.8%) of all patients. The most common pathogen causing a fungal infection was Trichophyton rubrum.ConclusionDuring the study period, the incidence of diagnosed superficial fungal skin infections increased. There was a remarkable diagnostic delay from the onset of symptoms to diagnosis in these most common dermatological conditions.
An overview of the role of chemokine CX3CL1 (Fractalkine) and CX3C chemokine receptor 1 in systemic sclerosis
Authors: Pezeshkian Fatemehsadat , Shahriarirad Reza , Mahram Hadiseh 
Published: October 2024

AbstractIntroductionSystemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex autoimmune disease characterized by fibrosis, vascular damage, and immune dysregulation. Fractalkine or chemokine (C‐X3‐C motif) ligand 1 (CX3CL1), a chemokine and adhesion molecule, along with its receptor CX3CR1, have been implicated in the inflammatory processes of SSc. CX3CL1 functions as both a chemoattractant and an adhesion molecule, guiding immune cell trafficking. This systematic review examines the role of CX3CL1 and its receptor CX3CR1 in the pathogenesis of SSc, with a focus on pulmonary and vascular complications.MethodsA systematic literature search was conducted across databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science from inception to November 2020. The search focused on studies investigating the CX3CL1/CX3CR1 axis in the context of SSc.ResultsThe review identified elevated CX3CL1 expression in SSc patients, particularly in the skin and lungs, where CX3CR1 is expressed on infiltrating immune cells. Higher levels of CX3CL1 were correlated with the severity of interstitial lung disease in SSc patients, indicating a potential predictive marker for disease progression. CX3CR1‐positive monocytes and NK cells were recruited to inflamed tissues, contributing to fibrosis and tissue damage. Animal studies showed that inhibition of the CX3CL1/CX3CR1 axis reduced fibrosis and improved vascular function.ConclusionThe CX3CL1/CX3CR1 axis plays a key role in immune cell recruitment and fibrosis in SSc. Elevated CX3CL1 levels are associated with lung and vascular complications, making it a potential biomarker for disease progression and a promising therapeutic target.