bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Combining in situ and ex situ plankton image data to reconstruct zooplankton (&gt;1 mm) volume and mass distribution in the global ocean
Authors: Soviadan Yawouvi Dodji , Dugenne Mathilde , Drago Laetitia , Biard Tristan , Trudnowska Emilia , Lombard Fabien , Romagnan Jean-Baptiste , Jamet Jean-Louis , Kiko Rainer , Gorsky Gabriel , Stemmann Lars 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Plankton size spectra are important indicators of the ecosystem state, yet such measurements are typically biased by the available sampling methods. Here, we combined individual size measurement from two zooplankton imaging approaches—in situ observation by the Underwater Vision Profiler5 and Multinet-collection supplemented by ex situ imaging via Zooscan—obtained in the global ocean, to calculate zooplankton normalized biovolume size spectra (NBSS) for all organisms larger than 1 mm. The reconstructed NBSS combining both datasets resulted in increased biomass estimates by adding organisms poorly sampled by either of the methods. The optimal values measured by both methods are used to reconstruct the zooplankton biovolume and biomass distributions. The reconstructed slopes appeared steeper and closer to those measured only by the UVP5 (+7.6%) and flatter than those obtained only from the Multinet (−20%), particularly in tropical and temperate latitudes. The main difference in tropical and temperate NBSS from the two devices is due to the fragile rhizarians that were not accounted for when using net data. When possible, we suggest using in situ and ex situ technologies together, and we provide potential indications on how to correct for missing components of the community when only one method is available.
Nuclear factor-Y–polycomb repressive complex2 dynamically orchestrates starch and seed storage protein biosynthesis in wheat
Authors: Chen Jinchao , Zhao Long , Li Haoran , Yang Changfeng , Lin Xuelei , Lin Yujing , Zhang Hao , Zhang Mengxia , Bie Xiaomin , Zhao Peng , Xu Shengbao , Seung David , Zhang Xiansheng , Zhang Xueyong , Yao Yingyin , Wang Dongzhi , Xiao Jun 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The endosperm in cereal grains is instrumental in determining grain yield and seed quality, as it controls starch and seed storage protein (SSP) production. In this study, we identified a specific nuclear factor-Y (NF-Y) trimeric complex in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), consisting of TaNF-YA3-D, TaNF-YB7-B, and TaNF-YC6-B, and exhibiting robust expression within the endosperm during grain filling. Knockdown of either TaNF-YA3 or TaNF-YC6 led to reduced starch but increased gluten protein levels. TaNF-Y indirectly boosted starch biosynthesis genes by repressing TaNAC019, a repressor of cytosolic small ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase 1a (TacAGPS1a), sucrose synthase 2 (TaSuS2), and other genes involved in starch biosynthesis. Conversely, TaNF-Y directly inhibited the expression of Gliadin-γ-700 (TaGli-γ-700) and low molecular weight-400 (TaLMW-400). Furthermore, TaNF-Y components interacted with SWINGER (TaSWN), the histone methyltransferase subunit of Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), to repress TaNAC019, TaGli-γ-700, and TaLMW-400 expression through trimethylation of histone H3 at lysine 27 (H3K27me3) modifications. Notably, weak mutation of FERTILIZATION INDEPENDENT ENDOSPERM (TaFIE), a core PRC2 subunit, reduced starch but elevated gliadin and LMW-GS contents. Intriguingly, sequence variation within the TaNF-YB7-B coding region was linked to differences in starch and SSP content. Distinct TaNF-YB7-B haplotypes affect its interaction with TaSWN-B, influencing the repression of targets like TaNAC019 and TaGli-γ-700. Our findings illuminate the intricate molecular mechanisms governing TaNF-Y–PRC2-mediated epigenetic regulation for wheat endosperm development. Manipulating the TaNF-Y complex holds potential for optimizing grain yield and enhancing grain quality.
Comparing Regional and National Climate Policy Preferences: An Analysis of Political Parties in the Basque Country and Catalonia
Authors: Enguer Joan 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Recent research has uncovered positive connections between parties’ center-periphery and climate policy preferences when they compete in regional elections, with pro-periphery parties using climate concerns to bolster their territorial claims. However, the particular significance of climate change at the regional level, due to its more direct impacts in this arena, raises questions about the extent to which these parties replicate similar behaviors in national elections. To address this gap, this article analyzes the manifestos of parties that secured representation during the 2016 and 2019 Spanish general elections, as well as in the regional elections held during overlapping periods in Catalonia (2017 and 2021) and the Basque Country (2016 and 2020). The empirical findings reveal that parties with stronger pro-decentralization and pro-independence stances allocate more content to climate change and adopt more favorable positions on this issue in their regional manifestos compared to their national counterparts.
Moral reconciling at career launch: politics, race, and occupational choice
Authors: Clair Matthew , Hunt Sophia 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Recent research suggests that college-educated young adults, especially those who are politically liberal and/or racially marginalized, exhibit moral reservations about their intended occupations. How do they justify entering occupations that conflict with their morals, and with what consequences? This article examines the case of 74 mostly liberal prospective law school students from a range of racial backgrounds followed over 2 years. In interviews at career launch, respondents criticized the legal profession for its perceived perpetuation of inequality and violence. Despite their moral reservations, they articulated three occupational justification narratives for attending law school: lifting up (exceptional lawyering); leveraging out (legal education for nonlawyer aspirations); and leaning in (conscientious class mobility/maintenance). These narratives differentiate between morally ‘good’ and ‘bad’ occupational domains—a cultural-cognitive process we term moral reconciling. We theorize how moral reconciling at career launch charts young adults down different early career trajectories, with implications for occupational sorting and change.
Antibiotic Cold War and Ernst Chain’s Visit to China in 1961
Authors: Li Yanchang 
Published: September 2024

Summary
The Cold War severely hindered the flow of antibiotic knowledge and medicines between different factions. With the continuous blockade by the USA and the deterioration of the Sino–Soviet relationship, China made some geopolitical efforts in its science diplomacy. British Nobel Laureate Ernst Chain’s month-long visit to China in 1961 was one such effort. During and after the visit to China, Chain gave the Chinese some sound advice and helped establish academic connections. Through reconstructing the wary contacts between the two sides—before, during and after the visit—this article illustrates the PRC’s predicament on antibiotics and its efforts to escape from it, elaborates Chain’s visit and the British response in the context of the antibiotic Cold War, analyses the reasons why Chain was invited and demonstrates the cooperation and confrontation between and within the factions over antibiotics during Cold War, as well as the porousness of the Iron Curtain.
The Intensity of Local Immigration Conflict: Variations across Space and Time
Authors: de Wilde Marieke 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT
Many municipalities in the United States have experienced conflict over immigration, but the intensity of these conflicts varies. It is important to understand why one place experiences more conflict than another, because highly intense conflicts can have big impacts on local responses to immigration. This paper contributes to the immigration literature by constructing a measure of conflict intensity to assess what factors affect the intensity of local conflicts over immigration. A dataset on local conflict over day laborers in California in the period 1985–2020 is employed to assess how conflicts vary by time and space. This paper argues that demographics and politics do not play a major role when it comes to conflict intensity, while contact mediated by time and space is a decisive factor. Initial contact can boost conflict intensity as it may magnify differences and breed feelings of fear. However, endured encounters provide the opportunity to develop connections and allow communities to get familiar with immigrant day laborers.
O01 LISTEN TO YOUR HEART AND MIND: A FEASIBILITY STUDY ON COMBINED SCREENING OF RAISED BLOOD PRESSURE, ATRIAL FIBRILLATION, COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT AND HEARING LOSS
Authors: Tan Isabella , Sharma Mridula , Morgan Catherine , Brodaty Henry , Gnanenthiran Sonali R , Numbers Katya , Liu Hueiming , Ouyang Menglu , Kitterick Padraig , Incerti Paola , Schutte Aletta E 
Published: September 2024

Background and Objective.
Detection rates of hypertension continues to be suboptimal worldwide. The risk of hypertension increases substantially in older adults aged ≥65 years, a group also at increased risk of atrial fibrillation (AF), cognitive decline and hearing loss—all factors associated with hypertension. This pilot study aimed to 1) implement a combined screening strategy for these health conditions, and 2) assess feasibility and acceptability of the combined screening.

Methods.
Adults aged ≥65 years without a prior diagnosis of cognitive impairment and dementia were invited to attend a combined screening appointment through advertisements posted in university and community group newsletters and noticeboards. Participants underwent blood pressure (BP) and AF screening using an oscillometric BP monitor with AF detection (Microlife WatchBP Office 2G), cognitive assessment (General Practitioner Assessment of Cognition, GPCOG), and audiometric testing. A subset of participants was invited to participate in a post-study process evaluation interview.

Results.
Of the 35 participants (age 73±6 years, 51% females), 26 (74%) had hypertension (on antihypertensive medication: n=20; measured: n=6; unaware: n=2; uncontrolled: n=4). Possible AF was detected in two participants and seven had possible cognitive decline (GPCOG score <9). Hearing loss was detected in 13 participants. Interviews (n=16, 50% females) revealed that combined screening was acceptable and feasible as participants felt it was “convenient”, “saves time”, “a brilliant idea”, and that “… conditions are related and therefore appropriate to be together”. Most participants were already aware of their hypertension status, thus screening did not result in increased hypertension awareness except for one with uncontrolled hypertension who proceeded to purchase a home BP monitor. One participant with detected AF visited a cardiologist and confirmed non-AF arrhythmia. All interviewees found the appointment duration (approximately 60-75 minutes) was not too long nor too taxing.

Conclusions.
Combined screening in older adults with increased cardiovascular risk is feasible and acceptable and should be considered for future screening programs in older adults.
O19 CAUSAL INFERENCE FOR HYPERTENSION DETECTION WITH WEARABLE DEVICES
Authors: Ding Xiaorong 
Published: September 2024

Background and Objective:
Hypertension is a leading cause of cardiovascular disease and premature death worldwide and it puts a heavy burden on the healthcare system. It is, therefore, very important to detect and evaluate hypertension and related cardiovascular events so as for early prevention, detection and management. Hypertension can be evaluated in real time with wearable noninvasive cardiac signals, such as electro-cardiogram (ECG) and photoplethysmography (PPG). Most previous studies predicted hypertension from ECG and PPG signals with extracted features that are correlated with hypertension. However, correlation is sometimes unreliable and may be affected by confounding factors. In this study, we explored the feasibility of predicting the risk of hypertension using causal inference methods. Additionally, we paid special attention to and verified the reliability and effectiveness of causality compared to correlation.

Methods:
Firstly, we constructed causal graphs by the Greedy Equivalence Search algorithm, and then applied causal strategies to obtain the optimal causal graph. Finally, we used machine learning classification algorithms to achieve hypertension prediction.

Results:
The machine learning classification models achieve great classification performance, with accuracy being 0.89, precision being 0.92, recall being 0.82, and F1-score being 0.87, which outperformed the correlation-based hypertension detection.

Conclusions:
The results indicate that the causal inference-based approach can potentially clarify the mechanism of hypertension detection with noninvasive signal and effectively detect hypertension. In addition, the results also re-veal that causality is more reliable and effective compared to correlation.
O20 CURRENT 24-HOUR AMBULATORY BLOOD PRESSURE TECHNOLOGIES SHOULD BE RECONSIDERED AS THE REFERENCE STANDARD FOR VALIDATION OF CUFFLESS BLOOD PRESSURE DEVICES
Authors: Bothe Tomas Lucca , Pilz Niklas , Patzak Andreas , Heinz Viktor , Sharman James E. , Picone Dean S. 
Published: September 2024

Background and Objective:
Recommendations for the validation of cuffless blood pressure (BP) devices were recently released by the European Society of Hypertension (ESH). In this recommendation, 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) is the reference standard for a newly proposed ‘awake-asleep’ accuracy test. However, this reference standard may be inappropriate because ABPM is subject to measurement insecurities, and it is unknown if it would pass the awake-asleep test. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine if ABPM itself would pass the awake-asleep test recommended for validation of cuffless BP devices.

Methods:
Dual arm, simultaneous ABPM were recorded using two identical cuff-based devices (TM-2430, A&D, Japan) among 46 healthy adults (22±2.3 years; 54% female). The awake-asleep test was defined as the difference between the left arm ABPM minus right arm ABPM for assessing the change in BP between awake-asleep time (ESH recommendations: mean difference ± SD ≤5±8 mmHg, correlation r>0.7 for test and reference values; awake-asleep BP components calculated based on personalized sleeping times). Measurement artefacts were identified by analysis of the cuff deflation pressure curves and hydrostatic pressure differences (body position) between the cuffs.

Results:
ABPM did not pass the awake-asleep test due to higher than acceptable measurement variability for systolic BP, -0.1±8.6 mmHg, r=0.69 and partially met requirements for diastolic BP, -0.7±5.9 mmHg, r=0.63. After correction for measurement artefacts and hydrostatic pressure differences, ABPM passed the awake-asleep test for systolic BP (-1.7±5.0 mmHg, r=0.76) but still did not meet requirements for diastolic BP due to insufficient correlation (r=0.64).

Conclusion:
In this analysis, ABPM itself did not meet the awake-asleep test criteria recommended by the ESH. Using current ABPM technologies as a reference standard for cuffless BP validation protocols may need to be reconsidered and they need improvement before use for this purpose. Improving ABPM through better measurement artefact detection could be an initial solution which would also improve its value for clinical decision making.
O65 SARCOPLASMIC CALCIUM ATPASE (SERCA) PROTEOLYSIS BY MATRIX METALLOPROTEINASE (MMP)-2 CONTRIBUTES TO VASCULAR DYSFUNCTION IN EARLY HYPERTENSION
Authors: Castro Michele , Blascke de Mello Marcela , Parente Juliana , Pernomian Laena , de Oliveira Isadora , Pedersoli Carina , Awata Wanessa , Tirapelli Carlos , Arantes Eliane , Tostes Rita , Schulz Richard 
Published: September 2024

Background and objective:
Hypertension-induced increased matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 activity proteolyzes extra- and intracellular proteins in aortas and contributes to vascular dysfunction. MMP-2 proteolyzes sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase (SERCA) in the heart during ischemia and reperfusion injury, thus impairing cardiac function. SERCA activity is also impaired in the arteries of hypertensive animals. We investigated whether hypertension-induced increased MMP-2 activity in aorta contributes to SERCA proteolysis, vascular remodeling and dysfunction.

Methods:
Aortas from male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats, incubated or not with angiotensin II (AngII) and MMP inhibitors, ONO-4817 or doxycycline (Doxy), were used for zymography and co-immunoprecipitation of SERCA with MMP-2. Male SD rats were also submitted to two kidney-one clip (2K-1C) or Sham surgery and treated with Doxy from third to seventh day post-surgery. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was assessed basally and daily by tail-cuff plethysmography. After 7 days, aortas were collected for gel and in situ zymography, western blot to SERCA, ATPase activity assay, vascular reactivity to phenylephrine and acetylcholine, Ki-67 immunofluorescence and hematoxylin/eosin stain. A7r5 cells were incubated or not with AngII, in the presence or absence of SERCA inhibitor, tapsigargin, to assess intracellular calcium concentrations.

Results:
AngII increased MMP-2 activity in aortas and MMP-2 co-immunoprecipitated with SERCA. SBP was increased in 2K-1C rats and Doxy did not reduce it, but decreased MMP-2 activity and prevented SERCA proteolysis in aortas. Intracellular calcium concentrations were increased in A7r5 cells incubated with AngII and/or SERCA inhibitor, tapsigargin. Cross sectional area, media to lumen ratio and Ki-67 were all increased in the aortas of hypertensive rats and Doxy decreased Ki-67 cell proliferation. In 2K-1C rats, arterial contraction to phenylephrine was accentuated but Doxy ameliorated only the impaired relaxation to acetylcholine.

Conclusion:
Doxy reduced MMP-2 activity in the aortas of 2K-1C rats and prevented the ATPase activity impairment and MMP-2-induced SERCA proteolysis and vascular dysfunction.
O40 TELOMERE LENGTH AS A BIOMARKER FOR KIDNEY HEALTH: EVIDENCE FROM A MENDELIAN RANDOMISATION STUDY
Authors: Akinnibosun Olutope Arinola , Nguyen H. , Xu X. , Prestes P. R. , Eales J. , Samani N. J. , Tomaszewski M. , Charchar F. J. 
Published: September 2024

Background and Objective:
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a significant public health challenge, often progressing undetected until advanced stages. Early detection through biomarkers can enhance CKD management and improve patient outcomes. Previous studies suggested a link between telomeres and kidney health, but these results were inconsistent. This study aims to clarify the association between telomere length, kidney function and disease, and assess its causality using Mendelian randomisation (MR).

Methods:
Using the UK Biobank data, we examined the relationship between leukocyte telomere length (LTL) and kidney health. We performed multiple linear and logistic regression analyses using estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) measures and reported kidney disease diagnoses, adjusting for age, sex, white blood cell count, body mass index, and hypertension. The causality of associations was tested using MR with established genetic instruments.

Results:
338,143 participants were included in our analysis. The cohort had an average age of 56.52 years, with 54.41% being females. LTL was associated with eGFR from serum creatinine (eGFRcrea, beta = 0.001, p <0.01), serum cystatin C (eGFRcys, beta = 0.004, p <0.0001), and their combination (eGFRcreacys, beta = 0.003, p <0.0001). Additionally, longer LTL was associated with reduced odds of CKD (OR = 0.94 [95% CI 0.93-0.96], p <0.0001). Significant associations were also observed between LTL and acute renal failure (OR = 0.95 [95% CI 0.93-0.97], p <0.0001), and hypertensive kidney disease (OR = 0.91 [95% CI 0.86-0.96], p <0.001). MR analysis supported a causal effect of LTL on eGFRcrea (Effect size = 0.006, Bonferroni corrected p = 0.04). However, no causal effect was observed between LTL and CKD or other kidney diseases. Bi-directional MR analysis revealed that the relationship between LTL and kidney function is unidirectional.

Conclusions:
Longer LTL correlates with better kidney function and reduced kidney disease risk. MR findings suggest a potential causal relationship between LTL and kidney function, highlighting telomeres as promising biomarkers for early detection of CKD.
O53 RENOMETABOLIC DISORDER IN EXPERIMENTAL RAT MODEL OF PCOS IS REVERSED VIA INHIBITION OF PYRUVATE DEHYDROGENASE KINASE 4
Authors: Areloegbe Stephanie Esosa Joy , Fafure Adedamola , Olaniyi Kehinde 
Published: September 2024

Background and Objective:
Chronic Kidney disorders is a global public health problem, including in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and is characterized by renal fibrosis, nephrotoxicity and glomerulonephritis, which increases the possibility of renal failure and organ transplant. Pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 (PDK4) has been implicated in mitochondria dysfunction, contributing to metabolic dysregulation in different organs, including kidney. Studies have shown the metabolic regulatory impact of probiotics in human and experimental models. Hence, the present study investigated the therapeutic potential of probiotics on renometabolic disorders associated with experimental PCOS model. The study in addition elucidates the probable involvement of PDK4 in PCOS-associated renometabolic disorders.

Methods:
Eight-week-old nulliparous female Wistar rats were randomly allotted into four groups (n=6). Letrozole (1 mg/kg) was used to induce PCOS for 3 weeks. Thereafter, probiotics (2 x 107 CFU) was administered for 6 weeks, uninterruptedly. Biochemical parameters, histological analysis, immunohistochemistry and gene expression were carried out with appropriate methods.

Results
Experimental PCOS rats were characterized with elevated circulating testosterone and the presence of multiple ovarian cysts. In addition, rat with PCOS also manifested insulin resistance, increased plasma urea and creatinine levels, increased renal Gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT), MDA, NF-kappa B, TNF-alpha, TGF-beta 1, caspase-6, HDAC2, while a decrease in G6PD, GSH, renal NO and eNOS, when compared with animals in the control rats. These were associated with elevated level of PDK4 in the renal tissue. However, administration of probiotics ameliorates these renal/metabolic abnormalities.

Conclusion:
Altogether, the results from the present study revealed that probiotics ameliorates renal dysfunction in PCOS via downregulation of PDK4.