bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Resource dilution effect rather than resource concentration hypothesis explains the patterns of pre‐dispersal seed predation of an African cycad along an elevational gradient in South Africa
Authors: Sadiki Kantakwa Grégoire , Yessoufou Kowiyou , Suinyuy Terence N. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe genus Encephalartos is entirely endemic to Africa, and like most cycad species, the genus is at risk of extinction. One of the threats jeopardising the future of the genus is reproduction failure, a failure that is still poorly understood. Our objective was to investigate what predisposes Encephalartos species to seed damages through predation, a potential cause of reproduction failure. We collected functional traits of 430 individuals of Encephalartos villosus, as well as data on pre‐dispersal seed predation, habitat type and elevation in the Origi Gorge Nature Reserve, South Africa. Then, we analysed our data by fitting a structural equation model. We found that plants tend to be taller when moving from open to close habitat, whereas plant height tends to increase along elevation. In addition, taller plants tend to have more leaves, and plant canopy size shows significant positive relationship with elevation, plant height and number of leaves. These findings suggest a leaf height–canopy dimension strategy perhaps in response to environmental stresses imposed by elevation. We tested the effects of habitat types on seed production. Although there were significantly more seeds in open habitats, open habitats showed the lowest proportion of predated seeds. Finally, we tested the effects of elevation on seed production. We found that seed production decreases along elevation while the proportion of predated seeds increases. Under the resource concentration hypothesis, these findings (where there are more resources, predation is low) are unexpected, suggesting rather that it is the resource dilution effect that matches the pre‐dispersal seed predation patterns in our study area. We suggest that anthropogenic pressures at lower elevation due to easy access may cause seed predators to shift towards higher elevation where they cause heavier damage to seed, thus perhaps contributing to the extinction risk of the genus Encephalartos.
Prognostic value of left atrial reverse remodelling in patients hospitalized with acute decompensated heart failure
Authors: Nagumo Sakura , Ebato Mio , Tsujiuchi Miki , Mizukami Takuya , Maezawa Hideyuki , Omura Ayumi , Kubota Megumi , Ohmi Maho , Numajiri Yuki , Kitai Hitomi , Toshida Tsutomu , Iso Yoshitaka , Suzuki Hiroshi 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAimsLeft atrial (LA) volume index (LAVI) in chronic heart failure (HF) predicts cardiovascular outcomes. However, the association between LAVI reduction during acute decompensated HF (ADHF) and its prognostic potential is limited. We hypothesized that LA reverse remodelling (LARR) after ADHF therapy would be associated with better clinical outcomes.MethodsThis retrospective study analysed clinical outcomes and the LAVI reduction rate of 363 out of 861 patients hospitalized for ADHF who underwent two‐point echocardiography at admission and discharge between January 2015 and December 2019. The mean age was 74.3 ± 13.6 years, and the mean ejection fraction (EF) was 38.9 ± 15.2%. The follow‐up echocardiogram was performed 13.0 [9.5, 20] days after admission. As the median LAVI reduction rate was 7.02%, the LARR was defined as an LAVI reduction rate >7%.ResultsDuring the 34.0 ± 20.2 months of follow‐up, 117 patients (32.2%) reached the primary endpoint defined as cardiovascular death and rehospitalization for ADHF. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis showed that patients with LARR had a better prognosis. Multivariate analysis indicated that LARR was an independent predictor of cardiovascular events. Similar findings were observed in the subgroup analyses of patients with persistent/permanent atrial fibrillation and those with non‐HF with reduced EF. Among patients who were brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) responders, defined as a relative reduction of >70% in BNP from admission to discharge, non‐LARR was observed in 41.6%. BNP responders without LARR experienced worse prognoses.ConclusionsLARR in the early vulnerable phase after hospitalization for ADHF was associated with better long‐term clinical outcomes.
Chronic Toxicity of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance–Free Firefighting Foams to Aquatic Organisms
Authors: Fuller Neil , Suski Jamie G. , Lanasa Sarah , Chanov Michael K. , Jones Devin K. , Haskins David L. , Quinlin Kathryn A. , Wigren Maggie A. , Hoverman Jason T. , Choi Youn J. , Sepulveda Maria S. , Lee Linda S. , Lotufo Guilherme R. , Kennedy Alan , May Lauren , Harmon Ashley , Biber Thomas , Melby Nicolas , Moore David W. , Key Peter B. , Chung Katy W. , Wirth Edward F. , Anderson Todd A. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Amid global concern regarding the health and environmental impacts of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), there is an urgent need to develop and implement alternative products without PFAS. Consequently, PFAS-free firefighting foams used for fire suppression have been developed for use in military and residential settings. To facilitate the selection of lower-risk PFAS-free foams, the present study focused on the chronic toxicity of seven PFAS-free and one PFAS-containing foam to six aquatic species. Target species included two cladocerans, Daphnia magna and Ceriodaphnia dubia; the chironomid Chironomus dilutus; the mysid Americamysis bahia; and two fish species, Pimephales promelas and Cyprinodon variegatus, with endpoints including growth, development, reproduction, and survival. To facilitate comparison and product toxicity rankings, effective concentrations (20%, 50%) and no- and lowest-observed-effect concentrations (NOECs and LOECs, respectively) were calculated. Effective concentrations, NOECs, and LOECs varied by over an order of magnitude among foams and species, with several of the PFAS-free formulations ranked as highly toxic based on US Environmental Protection Agency alternatives assessment hazard criteria. Overall, the PFAS-free foams were found to exhibit either similar or greater toxicity compared to the PFAS-containing reference foam across several species and endpoints. Nonmonotonic and hormetic dose responses were observed in D. magna for several of the tested foams, with increased reproduction and growth at intermediate exposures. Generally, tested foam toxicity rankings were consistent with a related acute toxicity study using the same species and formulations, and other research using soil invertebrates. Combined with related efforts for other taxa including mammals, birds, and plants, the present research will facilitate the selection of appropriate PFAS-free firefighting foams that minimize harm to the environment. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:2436–2454. © 2024 SETAC
Stakeholder Engagement as a Core Component of Recreational Marine Fisheries Research, Education, and Conservation
Authors: Adams Aaron J. , Boucek Ross E. , Lewis Justin P. , Lombardo Steven M. , Perez Addiel U. , Wilson JoEllen K. , Brownscombe Jacob W. , Griffin Lucas P. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Effective modern conservation depends on active stakeholder participation. Although stakeholder engagement is increasing, the extent of this engagement and the successful application of outcomes to science and management varies regionally and among types of fisheries. A collaborative model that emphasizes knowledge coproduction with stakeholders better identifies research needs and conservation threats, and influences research and policy outcomes. Stakeholder integration can be facilitated by nongovernment organizations, such as boundary organizations. Bonefish and Tarpon Trust is a science-based, conservation organization founded in 1998 by recreational fishers and fishing guides that focuses on marine recreational fisheries in the Caribbean Sea and western North Atlantic Ocean. The Trust engages fishers directly, incorporating their knowledge and perspectives to identify conservation concerns, shape research, contribute to data collection, and disseminate information, and work with resource managers and scientific researchers to address conservation and management needs. This approach is demonstrated in case studies that show integration of recreational fishers in science, assessment of conservation threats, and application of findings to management for the recreational flats fishery in the Caribbean Sea and western North Atlantic Ocean, in the context of broader efforts of stakeholder collaboration toward actionable science to inform management.
Optimizing heat transfer in solar air heater ducts through staggered arrangement of discrete V‐ribs
Authors: Dubey Manoj Kumar , Prakash Om 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis research paper details an experimental study on airflow dynamics in a solar air heater. The heater's design incorporates unique, discrete V‐shaped ribs with staggered elements to enhance thermal performance. The study investigates the influence of various roughness parameters on flow characteristics. These parameters include a relative coarseness pitch (P/e) ratio of 12, a rib inclination angle (α) of 60°, a relative coarseness height (e/Dh) of 0.043, and a staggered element arrangement with a positioning ratio (p′/P) of 0.65. Additionally, the investigation includes scenarios with three gaps (Ng) between elements and a gap‐to‐rib width (g/e) ratio of 4. The research focuses on how changes to the Reynolds number, ranging from 3000 to 14,000, and alterations to the ratio of staggered element positioning to rib height (r/e), from 2 to 5, impact the flow dynamics. The outcomes indicate a significant boost in heat transfer performance, with the Nusselt number rising to 3.76 compared with a conventional smooth duct. The highest thermal efficiency recorded was 86%, at an r/e ratio of 3.5. These results underscore the potential of using discrete V‐ribs with staggered elements in rectangular ducts to improve heat transfer efficiency.
Evolution of evapotranspiration in the context of land cover/climate change in the Han River catchment of China
Authors: Chen Ziying , Nong Xiaomin , Zang Chuanfu , Ou Wentao , Qiu Liya 
Published: August 2024

AbstractEvapotranspiration (ET) stands as a pivotal element in the terrestrial‐atmospheric energy interchange, modulated by a complex array of factors including land use dynamics and climate change. The elucidation of regional and temporal patterns, alongside the mechanisms underpinning ET and its components, amidst environmental shifts, has emerged as a focal point in contemporary hydrological discourse. The Han River catchment, under the influence of the subtropical monsoon, presents an exemplary case study for hydrological inquiry due to its distinct catchment characteristics. This research probes the evolution and influencing mechanisms of ET within the catchment from 2000 to 2018, employing the improved Shuttleworth–Wallace model (i.e., SWH model), multivariate statistical techniques and additional methodologies. Findings reveal that (1) the annual mean ET, evaporation (E) and vegetation transpiration (T) within the Han River catchment from 2000 to 2018 were quantified at 1156.77, 784.21 and 372.56 mm, respectively. The overall spatial pattern showed a gradual decrease from the Chaoshan Plain area identified as having higher values compared to other regions, which may be attributed to the weakened vegetation cooling effect and the indirect effect of the heat island effect brought about by construction land expansion. (2) The significant decrease of E may be attributed to the optimization of vegetation growth conditions in the catchment, resulting in more solar radiation intercepted by the vegetation canopy. (3) Climatic alterations exerted a notable influence on ET, E and T than land use changes. Temperature, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), net radiation and wind speed were identified as the most consequential factors affecting ET. This study lays a scientific groundwork for subsequent exploration into the spatio‐temporal dynamics and mechanisms influencing evapotranspiration and its elements in the Han River catchment, contributing to a broader understanding of hydrological cycling.
The transcriptional landscape and clinico‐biological characterization of human endogenous retroviruses in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Shi Xinrui , Lu Minyi , Li Xukun , Li Jiaqi , Bao Siqi , Jia Caifeng , Chen Hongyan , Zhou Meng 
Published: August 2024

AbstractHuman endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are emerging as critical elements in host genomic regulation. Aberrant HERV transcription has been implicated in developmental and tissue‐specific aging and pathological processes. In this study, we presented a comprehensive locus‐specific characterization of the HERV expression landscape in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). We demonstrated the transcriptional diversity among patients and identified 12 clinically relevant HERVs in the SCH cohort, which were experimentally validated by Real‐Time Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT‐qPCR) in the CAMS cohort. ESCC patients were stratified into three HERV‐based subtypes (HERVhigh, HERVmedian and HERVlow) with distinct clinical and biological characteristics. The HERVhigh subtype was associated with worse survival, increased CD4+ T cells infiltration and decreased metabolic activity, whereas the HERVlow subtype was characterized by abundant CD8+ T cells, increased metabolic activity, and better survival. The HERV‐based tumor subtyping was further robustly validated by RNA sequencing and RT‐qPCR in two additional external cohorts. Our findings demonstrate the clinical significance of HERVs for tumor subtyping and prognosis, provide insights into the functional role of HERVs and a valuable resource for developing novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets in ESCC.
TCellSI: A novel method for T cell state assessment and its applications in immune environment prediction
Authors: Yang Jing‐Min , Zhang Nan , Luo Tao , Yang Mei , Shen Wen‐Kang , Tan Zhen‐Lin , Xia Yun , Zhang Libin , Zhou Xiaobo , Lei Qian , Guo An‐Yuan 
Published: August 2024

AbstractT cell is an indispensable component of the immune system and its multifaceted functions are shaped by the distinct T cell types and their various states. Although multiple computational models exist for predicting the abundance of diverse T cell types, tools for assessing their states to characterize their degree of resting, activation, and suppression are lacking. To address this gap, a robust and nuanced scoring tool called T cell state identifier (TCellSI) leveraging Mann–Whitney U statistics is established. The TCellSI methodology enables the evaluation of eight distinct T cell states—Quiescence, Regulating, Proliferation, Helper, Cytotoxicity, Progenitor exhaustion, Terminal exhaustion, and Senescence—from transcriptome data, providing T cell state scores (TCSS) for samples through specific marker gene sets and a compiled reference spectrum. Validated against sizeable pseudo‐bulk and actual bulk RNA‐seq data across a range of T cell types, TCellSI not only accurately characterizes T cell states but also surpasses existing well‐discovered signatures in reflecting the nature of T cells. Significantly, the tool demonstrates predictive value in the immune environment, correlating T cell states with patient prognosis and responses to immunotherapy. For better utilization, the TCellSI is readily accessible through user‐friendly R package and web server (https://guolab.wchscu.cn/TCellSI/). By offering insights into personalized cancer therapies, TCellSI has the potential to improve treatment outcomes and efficacy.
A new dawn? Population baselines of snow leopards and other mammals of the Kishtwar High Altitude National Park, India
Authors: Khanyari Munib , Sanyal Oyndrila , Chandan Pankaj , Bajaj Deepti , Sharma Charu , Rana Manoj , Sharma Neeraj , Bashir Tawqir , Suryawanshi Kulbhushansingh 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAccurately assessing the status of threatened species requires reliable population estimates. Despite this necessity, only a small proportion of the global distribution range of the vulnerable snow leopard (Panthera uncia) has been systematically sampled. The Indian section of the Greater Himalayas, which includes Kishtwar High Altitude National Park (KHANP), harbours potential snow leopard habitat. Nevertheless, there has been limited ecological and conservation research focusing on species that are specific to KHANP, as well as limited research on the broader biodiversity of the Greater Himalayas. We used Spatially Explicit Capture‐Recapture (SECR) models to provide—to our knowledge—the first robust snow leopard population density and abundance estimates from KHANP. We also provide a Relative Abundance Index (RAI) for non‐volant mammals (excluding small rodents). Our study sampled three catchments within the Dachhan region of KHANP—Kibber, Nanth and Kiyar—using 44 cameras over a 45‐day period between May and June 2023. We identified four unique snow leopard individuals across 15 detections in nine camera locations. SECR analysis estimated a density of 0.50 snow leopards per 100 km2 (95% confidence interval: 0.13–1.86), corresponding to an abundance of four individual (4–9) adults. Camera trapping revealed a total of 16 mammal species, including the endangered Kashmir musk deer (Moschus cupreus). Marmots (Marmota caudata) had the highest RAI of 21.3 (±0.2). Although the estimated density and abundance of snow leopards in our study area had relatively wide 95% confidence intervals, our combined results of snow leopard densities and RAIs of prey species such as ibex and marmots indicate that KHANP is a potentially important area for snow leopards. Given the geopolitical history of Jammu and Kashmir in India, the region where KHANP is located, wildlife research remains a low priority. We hope our study encourages authorities to support further research. This study is an initial step towards evaluating the potential of KHANP as a conservation landscape under the Government of India's Project Snow Leopard.
Mitigating the effect of COVID‐19 in a postemergency phase: The role of sense of community and individual resilience
Authors: Rizzo Marco , Fedi Angela , Brodsky Anne E. , Rochira Alessia , Zhao Jenny , Mannarini Terri 
Published: August 2024

AbstractTo identify and confirm patterns of relationships connecting sense of community (SOC) and individual resilience with psychological well‐being, via the mediation of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) impacts on life domains. An online survey was conducted with a sample of adults (n = 650) 1 year after the COVID‐19 outbreak in Italy and the United States (April–December 2021). Utilizing a Structural Equation Model, we tested a mediation model (n = 563) to identify the associations between SOC and individual resilience and the perceived impacts of the emergency situation and psychological well‐being. Results revealed that during the crisis, SOC had an influence on psychological well‐being, but only by mediating the effects of COVID‐19 impacts on life domains. Independently, individual resilience had a direct influence on psychological well‐being. The findings support the importance of the interaction of individual and collective variables that played different roles at different phases of the pandemic. The findings suggest for possible interventions to enhance well‐being during crises.
Identification of novel BCL11A variant in a patient with developmental delay and behavioural differences
Authors: Zha Jian , Chen Yong , Cao Fangfang , Zhong Jianmin , Yu Xiongying , Wu Huaping 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe BCL11A gene is involved in disorders including intellectual disability syndrome (IDS), encodes a zinc finger protein highly expressed in haematopoietic and brain and acts as a transcriptional repressor of foetal haemoglobin (HbF). De novo variants in BCL11A have been associated with IDS, which is characterized by developmental delays, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and speech and language delays. The reports of BCL11A gene variants are still limited worldwide, and additional cases are needed to expand the variant and phenotype spectrums.MethodsThe patient is a 5‐year‐old girl who was hospitalized due to developmental delays. After analysing her clinical and pathological characterizations, whole‐exome sequencing (WES) was performed for pathogenic genetic variants of developmental delay and behavioural differences. Candidate variant in BCL11A gene was identified and further validated by Sanger sequencing.ResultsA heterozygous variant, c.1442delA (p.Glu481Glyfs*25), was identified in exon 4 of the BCL11A gene through WES. This variant results in a truncated expression of the encoded protein. This de novo variant was confirmed by Sanger sequencing. The language delay and behavioural differences were prominent in our patient.ConclusionOur finding demonstrates that BCL11A variant may cause developmental delay and behavioural differences, expanding the genetic spectrum of the BCL11A gene.
Risk assessment and genetic counseling for hematologic malignancies—Practice resource of the National Society of Genetic Counselors
Authors: Stewart Brittany L. , Helber Hannah , Bannon Sarah A. , Deuitch Natalie T. , Ferguson Meghan , Fiala Elise , Hamilton Kayla V. , Malcolmson Janet , Pencheva Bojana , Smith‐Simmer Kelcy 
Published: August 2024

AbstractHematologic malignancies (HMs) are a heterogeneous group of cancers impacting individuals of all ages that have been increasingly recognized in association with various germline predisposition syndromes. Given the myriad of malignancy subtypes, expanding differential diagnoses, and unique sample selection requirements, evaluation for hereditary predisposition to HM presents both challenges as well as exciting opportunities in the ever‐evolving field of genetic counseling. This practice resource has been developed as a foundational resource for genetic counseling approaches to hereditary HMs and aims to empower genetic counselors who encounter individuals and families with HMs in their practice.