bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Seasonal drought treatments impact plant and microbial uptake of nitrogen in a mixed shrub grassland on the Colorado Plateau
Authors: Finger‐Higgens Rebecca , Hoover David L. , Knight Anna C. , Wilson Savannah L. , Bishop Tara B. B. , Reibold Robin , Reed Sasha C. , Duniway Michael C. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractFor many drylands, both long‐ and short‐term drought conditions can accentuate landscape heterogeneity at both temporal (e.g., role of seasonal patterns) and spatial (e.g., patchy plant cover) scales. Furthermore, short‐term drought conditions occurring over one season can exacerbate long‐term, multidecadal droughts or aridification, by limiting soil water recharge, decreasing plant growth, and altering biogeochemical cycles. Here, we examine how experimentally altered seasonal precipitation regimes in a mixed shrub grassland on the Colorado Plateau impact soil moisture, vegetation, and carbon and nitrogen cycling. The experiment was conducted from 2015 to 2019, during a regional multidecadal drought event, and consisted of three precipitation treatments, which were implemented with removable drought shelters intercepting ~66% of incoming precipitation including: control (ambient precipitation conditions, no shelter), warm season drought (sheltered April–October), and cool season drought (sheltered November–March). To track changes in vegetation, we measured biomass of the dominant shrub, Ephedra viridis, and estimated perennial plant and ground cover in the spring and the fall. Soil moisture dynamics suggested that warm season experimental drought had longer and more consistent drought legacy effects (occurring two out of the four drought cycles) than either cool season drought or ambient conditions, even during the driest years. We also found that E. viridis biomass remained consistent across treatments, while bunchgrass cover declined by 25% by 2019 across all treatments, with the earliest declines noticeable in the warm season drought plots. Extractable dissolved inorganic nitrogen and microbial biomass nitrogen concentrations appeared sensitive to seasonal drought conditions, with dissolved inorganic nitrogen increasing and microbial biomass nitrogen decreasing with reduced soil volumetric water content. Carbon stocks were not sensitive to drought but were greater under E. viridis patches. Additionally, we found that under E. viridis, there was a negative relationship between dissolved inorganic nitrogen and microbial biomass nitrogen, suggesting that drought‐induced increases in dissolved inorganic nitrogen may be due to declines in nitrogen uptake from microbes and plants alike. This work suggests that perennial grass plant–soil feedbacks are more vulnerable to both short‐term (seasonal) and long‐term (multiyear) drought events than shrubs, which can impact the future trajectory of dryland mixed shrub grassland ecosystems as drought frequency and intensity will likely continue to increase with ongoing climate change.
Disentangling eukaryotic biodiversity patterns from man‐made environments (port and marina) and nearby coral reefs in the Red Sea: A focus on the surveillance of non‐indigenous species
Authors: Aylagas Eva , Shchepanik Hailey , Pearman John K. , Parisi Bruno , Curdia Joao , Berumen Michael L. , Carvalho Susana 
Published: August 2024

AbstractMan‐made environments such as ports and marinas are gateways for many marine non‐indigenous species (mNIS) transported via shipping worldwide. These habitats are often the focus of biosecurity programs for the surveillance of mNIS, but there have been few studies investigating the distribution of biofouling communities in natural habitats and nearby artificial habitats. Here, following a DNA metabarcoding approach, we tested for differences in spatio‐temporal trends of biological pioneer communities established after one‐week colonization between a port, a marina, and coral reefs using two different matrices (PVC panels and water samples) in the central Red Sea. In addition, we aimed to investigate differences in the prevalence of mNIS between man‐made and natural habitats during the summer and winter seasons, and whether the number and patterns of mNIS differed between the port (an active historic port subjected to intense shipping traffic) and the marina (a small recently developed marina utilized by small and medium research vessels). The community structure from samples collected at the two coral reefs showed greater similarity to each other compared to that obtained from the port and the marina. A total of 29 mNIS were detected across all sites, of which 16 were reported in the Red Sea for the first time, with Jeddah port hosting 28 mNIS. By applying standardized methodological approaches, this study provides comparable data regarding the monitoring of introduced and invasive species, particularly within the data‐poor Red Sea, a major shipping corridor. This study serves as the foundation for implementing a robust and rapid baseline monitoring system to assess native biodiversity and facilitate the early detection of NIS.
Achieving economy‐wide gains from residential energy efficiency improvements: The importance of timing and funding approach in driving the transition
Authors: Katris Antonios , Turner Karen 
Published: August 2024

AbstractResidential energy efficiency improvements are generally considered integral to achieving climate change targets. Alongside the primary benefits of reducing energy use and consumer bills, there is increasing policy interest in the potential for energy efficiency programmes to deliver economy‐wide gains, measured by gross domestic product, employment, household real incomes and spending power etc. Our previous research shows that such sustained gains are likely over time. Here, we consider how transitory outcomes are likely to be heavily influenced by the timing of actions and who pays, how and when. Insight in this regard is crucial for policy makers considering the mix and timing of measures to reach net zero outcomes that are economically as well as technically feasible. We consider alternative funding, distributions and timeframes for residential retrofitting costs and projects using a UK economy‐wide scenario simulation model. The key insight is that while government support for the provision of low‐cost finance options is strategically important in alleviating budget constraints and mitigating potential short‐term negative impacts on household spending, producer responses to the wind down of retrofitting spending can disrupt the adjustment of the economy. Here we identify pros and cons of different trajectories of action towards high‐level energy efficiency policy targets.
Long‐term gender disparities in new‐onset heart failure after acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Merella Pierluigi , Talanas Giuseppe , İsgender Mehriban , Micheluzzi Valentina , Atzori Enrico , Bilotta Ferruccio , Wanha Wojciech , Bandino Stefano , Grzelakowska Klaudyna , Petretto Gerardo , Kubica Jacek , Wojakowski Wojciech , Casu Gavino , Navarese Eliano P. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAimsA paucity of studies addressed sex‐related differences in clinical outcomes in the long term following acute coronary syndrome (ACS) treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). In these patients, it remains uncertain whether heart failure (HF) might exert a differential impact on the prognosis in the long term.MethodsWe queried a large‐scale database of ACS patients undergoing PCI. The primary endpoint was new‐onset HF. Secondary endpoints included mortality, myocardial infarction, re‐PCI and ischaemic stroke. Propensity score matching was generated to balance group characteristics. A total of 3334 patients after propensity score matching were analysed. Follow‐up was assessed at the 5 year term.ResultsAt 5 year follow‐up, HF risk increased significantly in males versus females {17.9% vs. 14.8%, hazard ratio [HR] [95% confidence interval (CI)] = 1.22 [1.03–1.44], P = 0.02}. At 5 year follow‐up, mortality was significantly higher in the male cohort as compared with the female cohort [HR (95% CI) = 1.23 (1.02–1.47), P = 0.02]. On landmark analysis, differences in mortality emerged after the first year and were maintained thereafter. Ischaemic outcomes were comparable between cohorts.ConclusionsFollowing ACS, males experienced a greater long‐term risk of developing new‐onset HF as compared with females. This difference remained consistent across all prespecified subgroups. Mortality was significantly higher in males. No differences were observed in ischaemic outcomes. New‐onset HF emerges as a primary contributor to long‐term gender disparities after ACS and a strong predictor of mortality in men with HF.
A local and hierarchical Koopman spectral analysis of fluid dynamics
Authors: Zhang Wei , Wei Mingjun 
Published: August 2024

AbstractA local and hierarchical Koopman spectral analysis is proposed to extend Koopman spectral analysis typically used in a linear system or an ergodic process to its application in general nonlinear dynamics. The continuous and analytic Koopman eigenfunctions and eigenvalues, derived from operator perturbation theory, are capable of dealing with a nonlinear transition process with mathematical rigorousness. A proliferation rule is identified to derive high‐order eigenvalues and eigenfunctions from lower‐order ones, thus various spectral patterns may be generated through recursive proliferations. The locally linear map around each state constructs base local Koopman eigenvalues and eigenfunctions from an algebraic eigenvalue problem, and high‐order ones are generated via the proliferation rule to express the systematic nonlinearity. The aforementioned hierarchy simplifies the Koopman spectral analysis and is verified by studying the development of Kármán vortex streets. The triangular chain and the lattice distribution of Koopman eigenvalues confirm the critical role of the proliferation rule and the hierarchy structure of Koopman eigenvalues. The local spectral analysis on the transition process shows that the periodic flow forms as the growth rates of the critical Koopman modes reduce to zero, and meanwhile, the Koopman modes at the same frequency superpose on each other to form the well‐known Fourier or Floquet modes, where the latter are the enhanced nonlinear motions due to the alignment of Koopman eigenvalues with the critical ones.
Unveiling Mispricing Risks: Nonlarge Homogeneous Portfolio Factor Copula Models for Enhanced Valuation of Subordinated Loan Securitization
Authors: Kim Sung Ik 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis paper presents an innovative factor copula model for collateralized loan obligation (CLO) tranche valuation, incorporating non‐Gaussian distributions and dynamic correlations without relying on the large homogeneous portfolio (LHP) assumption. Through numerical analyses and comparisons with LHP models, I find that non‐LHP models produce higher tranche spreads, especially for lower‐rated tranches. Sensitivity analysis reveals varying sensitivities to changes in the number of collaterals, risk‐free rate, average collateral ratings, recovery rates, and time to maturity. The non‐LHP one‐factor copula models, including stochastic correlation and random factor loading models, outperform LHP models in root mean squared errors when calibrated to market data. The results underscore the importance of considering model limitations in CLO tranche pricing and highlight potential mispricing of spread risk in higher‐rated tranches using LHP models. The proposed models contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of CLO tranche pricing by accounting for various factors and assumptions influencing fair premiums.
The effectiveness of neck stretching exercises in alleviating neck pain and self‐reported disability after thyroidectomy: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of clinical trials
Authors: Albazee Ebraheem , Alsubaie Hemail M. , Hintze Justin M. , O'Riordan Isobel , Timon Conrad , Kinsella John , Lennon Paul , Fitzgerald Conall W. R. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThyroidectomy can lead to significant challenges such as neck pain, disability, and limited range of motion. Therefore, our objective is to conduct a systematic review and meta‐analysis of clinical trials to investigate the clinical effectiveness of neck stretching exercises in alleviating neck pain and self‐reported disability immediately after thyroidectomy. We systematically searched PubMed, CENTRAL, Scopus, and Web of Science from inception until July 28th, 2023. We assessed the selected trials for the risk of bias using both the RoB‐2 and ROBINS‐I tools. Our specific outcomes were the severity of neck pain and self‐reported disability after thyroidectomy. The results were synthesized using risk ratio (RR) and standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) in a random‐effects model using Stata software. Nine clinical trials, comprising five randomized and four non‐randomized trials, were included, with a total of 1026 patients. Neck stretching exercises were significantly associated with improved mean pain scores both after 1 week (n = 625 patients, SMD = −2.43, 95% CI [−4.65, −0.22], p = 0.03, I2 = 98%) and 1 month (n = 545 patients, SMD = −4.11, 95% CI [−8.12, −0.11], p = 0.04, I2 = 99%). Similarly, neck stretching exercises were significantly associated with improved mean self‐reported disability scores both after 1 week (n = 298 patients, SMD = −0.70, 95% CI [−1.36, −0.04], p = 0.04, I2 = 87%) and 1 month (n = 298 patients, SMD = −0.42, 95% CI [−0.65, −0.19], p = 0.0004, I2 = 0%). The pooled analysis showed heterogeneity (chi‐square p < 0.01, I2 > 80%), except for the mean self‐reported neck disability score after 1 month, which showed homogeneity (chi‐square p > 0.01, I2 = 0%). This systematic review and meta‐analysis, involving 1026 patients, revealed the potential benefits of neck stretching exercises in alleviating neck pain and self‐reported disability after thyroidectomy. However, further research is required to address methodological limitations, evaluate long‐term outcomes, investigate potential moderators (i.e., the duration or intensity of the exercise program), and explore patients' analgesic consumption.
Breaking the Degeneracy of Sense Codons – How Far Can We Go?
Authors: Jones Clark A. , Hartman Matthew C. T. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractGenetic code expansion aims to incorporate non‐canonical amino acids (ncAAs) into biological systems, enhancing protein functionality or enabling the in vitro selection of peptides from diverse mRNA displayed libraries. Typically, genetic code expansion has involved reassignment of stop codons to ncAAs through orthogonal translation systems. This review instead focuses on efforts to expand the genetic code by breaking the redundancy of sense codons in vitro and in vivo. In vivo, orthogonal aminoacyl‐tRNA synthetase (AARS)/tRNA/AA systems are able to compete with endogenous machinery, enabling partial to full codon reassignment. Recent approaches, like genome recoding, offer potential solutions to reduce competition. In vitro studies utilize cell extract‐based or reconstituted translation systems, allowing precise control of codon usage via gene design and tRNA addition, making breaking of sense degeneracy easier. In these systems several unsplit codon boxes have been successfully reassigned multiple to ncAAs. These efforts showcase both the successes and challenges in achieving orthogonality and selective codon decoding and point towards a future where the 64 codons can encode more than 30 monomers, enabling new advances in synthetic biology and drug discovery.
Extracellular vesicles miR‐31‐5p promotes pancreatic cancer chemoresistance via regulating LATS2‐Hippo pathway and promoting SPARC secretion from pancreatic stellate cells
Authors: Qin Cheng , Zhao Bangbo , Wang Yuanyang , Li Zeru , Li Tianyu , Zhao Yutong , Wang Weibin , Zhao Yupei 
Published: August 2024

AbstractPancreatic cancer remains one of the most lethal malignant diseases. Gemcitabine‐based chemotherapy is still one of the first‐line systemic treatments, but chemoresistance occurs in the majority of patients. Recently, accumulated evidence has demonstrated the role of the tumour microenvironment in promoting chemoresistance. In the tumour microenvironment, pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) are among the main cellular components, and extracellular vesicles (EVs) are common mediators of cell‒cell communication. In this study, we showed that SP1‐transcribed miR‐31‐5p not only targeted LATS2 in pancreatic cancer cells but also regulated the Hippo pathway in PSCs through EV transfer. Consequently, PSCs synthesized and secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteins (SPARC), which was preferentially expressed in stromal cells, stimulating Extracellular Signal regulated kinase (ERK) signalling in pancreatic cancer cells. Therefore, pancreatic cancer cell survival and chemoresistance were improved due to both the intrinsic Hippo pathway regulated by miR‐31‐5p and external SPARC‐induced ERK signalling. In mouse models, miR‐31‐5p overexpression in pancreatic cancer cells promoted the chemoresistance of coinjected xenografts. In a tissue microarray, pancreatic cancer patients with higher miR‐31‐5p expression had shorter overall survival. Therefore, miR‐31‐5p regulates the Hippo pathway in multiple cell types within the tumour microenvironment via EVs, ultimately contributing to the chemoresistance of pancreatic cancer cells.
Proper edge colorings of planar graphs with rainbow C4 ${C}_{4}$‐s
Authors: Gyárfás András , Martin Ryan R. , Ruszinkó Miklós , Sárközy Gábor N. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractWe call a proper edge coloring of a graph a B‐coloring if every 4‐cycle of is colored with four different colors. Let denote the smallest number of colors needed for a B‐coloring of . Motivated by earlier papers on B‐colorings, here we consider for planar and outerplanar graphs in terms of the maximum degree . We prove that for planar graphs, for bipartite planar graphs, and for outerplanar graphs with . We conjecture that, for sufficiently large, for planar , and for outerplanar .
Effect of Ethanol on Brain Electrical Tissue Conductivity in Social Drinkers
Authors: Cao Jun , Ball Iain K. , Summerell Elizabeth , Humburg Peter , Denson Tom , Rae Caroline D. 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundHow the biophysics of electrical conductivity measures relate to brain activity is poorly understood. The sedative, ethanol, reduces metabolic activity but its impact on brain electrical conductivity is unknown.PurposeTo investigate whether ethanol reduces brain electrical tissue conductivity.Study TypeProspective.SubjectsFifty‐two healthy volunteers (aged 18–37 years, 22 females, 30 males).Field Strength/Sequence3 T, T1‐weighted, multi‐shot, turbo‐field echo (TFE); 3D balanced fast‐field echo (bFFE).AssessmentBrain gray and white matter tissue conductivity measured with phase‐based magnetic resonance electrical properties tomography (MREPT) compared before and 20 minutes after ethanol consumption (0.7 g/kg body weight). Differential conductivity whole brain maps were generated for three subgroups: those with strong ( > 0.1 S/m; N = 33), weak (0.02 S/m ≤  ≤ 0.1 S/m; N = 9) conductivity decrease, and no significant response ( < 0.02 S/m, N = 10). Maps were compared in the strong response group where breath alcohol rose between scans, vs. those where it fell.Statistical TestsAverage breath alcohol levels were compared to the differential conductivity maps using linear regression. T‐maps were generated (threshold P < 0.05 and P < 0.001; minimum cluster 48 mm3). Differential conductivity maps were compared with ANOVA.ResultsWhole‐group analysis showed decreased conductivity that did not survive statistical thresholding. Strong responders (N = 33) showed a consistent pattern of significantly decreased conductivity ( > 0.1 S/m) in frontal/occipital and cerebellar white matter. The weak response group (N = 9) showed a similar pattern of conductivity decrease (0.02 S/m ≤  ≤ 0.1 S/m). There was no significant relationship with breath alcohol levels, alcohol use, age, ethnicity, or sex. The strong responders' regional response was different between ascending (N = 12) or descending (N = 20) alcohol during the scan.Data ConclusionEthanol reduces brain tissue conductivity in a participant‐dependent and spatially dependent fashion.Evidence Level1Technical EfficacyStage 2
Anti‐Spike IgG antibodies as correlates of protection against SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in the pre‐Omicron and Omicron era
Authors: Seekircher Lisa , Astl Manfred , Tschiderer Lena , Wachter Gregor A. , Penz Julia , Pfeifer Bernhard , Huber Andreas , Afonso Pedro M. , Gaber Manfred , Schennach Harald , Siller Anita , Willeit Peter 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAnti‐Spike IgG antibodies against SARS‐CoV‐2, which are elicited by vaccination and infection, are correlates of protection against infection with pre‐Omicron variants. Whether this association can be generalized to infections with Omicron variants is unclear. We conducted a retrospective cohort study with 8457 blood donors in Tyrol, Austria, analyzing 15,340 anti‐Spike IgG antibody measurements from March 2021 to December 2022 assessed by Abbott SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG II chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay. Using a Bayesian joint model, we estimated antibody trajectories and adjusted hazard ratios for incident SARS‐CoV‐2 infection ascertained by self‐report or seroconversion of anti‐Nucleocapsid antibodies. At the time of their earliest available anti‐Spike IgG antibody measurement (median November 23, 2021), participants had a median age of 46.0 years (IQR 32.8–55.2), with 45.3% being female, 41.3% having a prior SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, and 75.5% having received at least one dose of a COVID‐19 vaccine. Among 6159 participants with endpoint data, 3700 incident SARS‐CoV‐2 infections with predominantly Omicron sublineages were recorded over a median of 8.8 months (IQR 5.7–12.4). The age‐ and sex‐adjusted hazard ratio for SARS‐CoV‐2 associated with having twice the anti‐Spike IgG antibody titer was 0.875 (95% credible interval 0.868–0.881) overall, 0.842 (0.827–0.856) during 2021, and 0.884 (0.877–0.891) during 2022 (all p < 0.001). The associations were similar in females and males (Pinteraction = 0.673) and across age (Pinteraction = 0.590). Higher anti‐Spike IgG antibody titers were associated with reduced risk of incident SARS‐CoV‐2 infection across the entire observation period. While the magnitude of association was slightly weakened in the Omicron era, anti‐Spike IgG antibody continues to be a suitable correlate of protection against newer SARS‐CoV‐2 variants.
ZFYVE19 gene mutation: A novel variant of progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis
Authors: Ben Sabbahia Dalal , Atrasssi Meriem , Bennani Nissrine , Benmoussa Abdelhakim , Abkari Abdelhak 
Published: August 2024

AbstractA recent nonsyndromic phenotype, newly linked to mutations in the ZFYVE19 gene, is characterized by the appearance of cholestasis accompanied by an increase in serum gamma‐glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT) from infancy or early childhood. Affected individuals generally present with hepatosplenomegaly and may develop portal hypertension. The disease is thought to be the result of cholangiocyte‐specific ciliary dysfunction, indicating a ciliopathy that appears to be limited to the liver. Here, we describe the case of an infant born to first‐degree consanguineous parents, in whom neonatal cholestasis accompanied by elevated GGT led to the discovery of a ZFYVE19 deficiency. The diagnosis was established following an in‐depth analysis of the complete exome sequencing.