bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
What can we learn from 100,000 freshwater forecasts? A synthesis from the NEON Ecological Forecasting Challenge
Authors: Olsson Freya , Carey Cayelan C. , Boettiger Carl , Harrison Gregory , Ladwig Robert , Lapeyrolerie Marcus F. , Lewis Abigail S. L. , Lofton Mary E. , Montealegre‐Mora Felipe , Rabaey Joseph S. , Robbins Caleb J. , Yang Xiao , Thomas R. Quinn 
Published: February 2025

AbstractNear‐term, iterative ecological forecasts can be used to help understand and proactively manage ecosystems. To date, more forecasts have been developed for aquatic ecosystems than other ecosystems worldwide, likely motivated by the pressing need to conserve these essential and threatened ecosystems and increasing the availability of high‐frequency data. Forecasters have implemented many different modeling approaches to forecast freshwater variables, which have demonstrated promise at individual sites. However, a comprehensive analysis of the performance of varying forecast models across multiple sites is needed to understand broader controls on forecast performance. Forecasting challenges (i.e., community‐scale efforts to generate forecasts while also developing shared software, training materials, and best practices) present a useful platform for bridging this gap to evaluate how a range of modeling methods perform across axes of space, time, and ecological systems. Here, we analyzed forecasts from the aquatics theme of the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) Forecasting Challenge hosted by the Ecological Forecasting Initiative. Over 100,000 probabilistic forecasts of water temperature and dissolved oxygen concentration for 1–30 days ahead across seven NEON‐monitored lakes were submitted in 2023. We assessed how forecast performance varied among models with different structures, covariates, and sources of uncertainty relative to baseline null models. A similar proportion of forecast models were skillful across both variables (34%–40%), although more individual models outperformed the baseline models in forecasting water temperature (10 models out of 29) than dissolved oxygen (6 models out of 15). These top performing models came from a range of classes and structures. For water temperature, we found that forecast skill degraded with increases in forecast horizons, process‐based models, and models that included air temperature as a covariate generally exhibited the highest forecast performance, and that the most skillful forecasts often accounted for more sources of uncertainty than the lower performing models. The most skillful forecasts were for sites where observations were most divergent from historical conditions (resulting in poor baseline model performance). Overall, the NEON Forecasting Challenge provides an exciting opportunity for a model intercomparison to learn about the relative strengths of a diverse suite of models and advance our understanding of freshwater ecosystem predictability.
Inbreeding Depression Manifested in Progeny From Fragmented Populations of the Wind‐Pollinated Dioecious Conifer Afrocarpus gracilior (Pilg.) C. N. Page
Authors: Abate Nigussu Begashaw , Degu Hewan Demissie , Kalousová Marie , Abebe Tesfaye 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTHuman activities such as agriculture, urbanization, and logging have caused widespread destruction of forests, leading to forest fragmentation. Fragmentation has been shown to reduce genetic diversity and increase inbreeding in forest populations, potentially leading to inbreeding depression manifested through decreased reproductive success and progeny vigor. The severity of these impacts, however, varies among species and is largely influenced by their mating systems. This study examines the effects of forest fragmentation on Afrocarpus gracilior, a dioecious, wind‐pollinated conifer, by assessing genetic diversity, reproductive success, and early progeny fitness. Our analysis revealed alarmingly low genetic diversity and high genetic drift, especially in small and isolated populations. Consistent with these findings, reduced progeny fitness was observed, with small populations showing 53% lower germination rates, 33% reduced acclimatization, 30% slower diameter growth, 41% reduced height growth, and an 80% increase in leaf scorch. Correlation analysis further confirmed a strong relationship between the genetic diversity and progeny fitness traits. These findings suggest that inbreeding depression severely affects the fitness of progeny from small and isolated populations of A. gracilior, posing a serious threat to their long‐term survival. The implications for conservation and restoration efforts are immense, underscoring the need to prioritize genetically diverse populations for conservation and strategically procure seeds to support the survival of this species.
Whole Genome Sequencing Reveals Clade‐Specific Genetic Variation in Blacklegged Ticks
Authors: Cassens Jacob , Oliva Chávez Adela S. , Tufts Danielle M. , Zhong Jianmin , Faulk Christopher , Oliver Jonathan D. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTTicks and tick‐borne pathogens represent the greatest vector‐borne disease threat in the United States. Blacklegged ticks are responsible for most human cases, yet the disease burden is unevenly distributed across the northern and southern United States. Understanding the genetic characteristics influencing phenotypic differences in tick vectors is critical to elucidating disparities in tick‐borne pathogen transmission dynamics. Applying evolutionary analyses to molecular variation in natural tick populations across ecological gradients will help identify signatures of local adaptation, which will improve control and mitigation strategies. In this study, we performed whole genome nanopore sequencing of individual (n = 1) blacklegged ticks across their geographical range (Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and Texas) to evaluate genetic divergence among populations. Our integrated analyses identified genetic variants associated with numerous biological processes and molecular functions that segregated across populations. Notably, northern populations displayed genetic variants in genes linked to xenobiotic detoxification, transmembrane transport, and sulfation that may underpin key phenotypes influencing tick dispersal, host associations, and vectorial capacity. Nanopore sequencing further allowed the recovery of complete mitochondrial and commensal endosymbiont genomes. Our study provides further evidence of genetic divergence in epidemiologically relevant gene families among blacklegged tick clades. This report emphasizes the need to elucidate the genetic basis driving divergence among conspecific blacklegged tick clades in the United States.
Training‐induced change of diastolic function in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Gevaert Andreas B. , Winzer Ephraim B. , Mueller Stephan , De Schutter Stephanie , Beckers Paul J. , Hommel Jennifer , Linke Axel , Wisløff Ulrik , Adams Volker , Pieske Burkert , Halle Martin , Van Craenenbroeck Emeline M. , Van De Heyning Caroline M. 
Published: February 2025

AbstractAimsExercise training improves aerobic capacity (V̇O2peak) in patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), but underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We aimed to evaluate whether exercise training could improve systolic and diastolic function during exercise.MethodsThis was a substudy of the multicentre Optimizing Exercise Training in HFpEF (OptimEx‐Clin) trial, in which 180 patients with HFpEF were randomized 1:1:1 to guideline control, moderate continuous training or high‐intensity interval training. All patients included at two out of five participating sites underwent exercise echocardiography at baseline and 3 months. Patients of both training groups were pooled and compared with guideline control.ResultsA total of 61 patients (mean age 73 ± 7 years, 72% female) were included. At baseline, E/e′ increased from 17.0 ± 5.7 to 19.5 ± 6.1 and systolic pulmonary artery pressure from 31 ± 8 to 51 ± 11 mmHg (both P < 0.001). Right ventricular function did not change significantly (maximal tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion 24.7 ± 4.0 mm, P = 0.051 vs. baseline).At 3 months, patients randomized to exercise training improved V̇O2peak (control +0.2, training +2.7 mL/kg/min, P = 0.006) and demonstrated small but significant improvements in exercise E/e′ (control 21.7 ± 7.5 to 22.8 ± 9.2, training 18.3 ± 5.0 to 17.2 ± 4.1, P = 0.044). No significant changes were observed in ejection fraction, mitral or tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, S′, A′ or systolic pulmonary artery pressure (P > 0.05). Changes in E/e′ were not associated with the change in V̇O2peak.ConclusionsIn patients with HFpEF, exercise echocardiography revealed increases in filling pressures as well as a failure to augment right ventricular function during exercise. After 3 months of exercise training, HFpEF patients demonstrated a small improvement in diastolic function (exercise E/e′), but this did not explain the improved aerobic capacity.
Comorbidity trajectories before and after the diagnosis of heart failure: A UK Biobank cohort study
Authors: MacGowan Hugo , Brown Oliver I. , Drozd Michael , Walker Andrew M.N. , Giannoudi Marilena , Straw Sam , Paton Maria F. , Gierula John , McGinlay Melanie , Griffin Kathryn J. , Witte Klaus K. , Kearney Mark T. , Cubbon Richard M. 
Published: February 2025

AbstractAimsHeart failure (HF) is frequently associated with multiple comorbidities. We aimed to define their trajectory of accrual to identify opportunities for disease prevention.Methods and resultsWe identified all participants in the UK Biobank cohort study diagnosed with HF prior to enrolment or during follow‐up, who had disease occurrence data available from both primary and secondary care records (n = 9824). We established the time between diagnosis of HF and 16 common comorbidities to determine the rate and sequence of comorbidity accrual in relation to HF. Stratified analyses considered associations with sex and age at diagnosis of HF. In chronological sequence, HF was the median fourth diagnosis for men and women. As the age at HF diagnosis increased, HF came later in the sequence of diseases (median second in under 50 years to fifth in those aged 80–90 years). In all age strata, comorbidities accumulated for over a decade before HF and this accelerated in the years immediately before HF. The median time between comorbidity and HF diagnoses ranged from depression preceding HF by 10.7 years to dementia proceeding HF by 0.7 years; all comorbidities presented earlier in women. Atrial fibrillation/flutter was the commonest disease to immediately precede HF, followed by hypertension, cancer, myocardial infarction and osteoarthritis.ConclusionHeart failure is most often diagnosed in people with established multiple long‐term conditions. There is a protracted window of opportunity during which interventions to prevent HF could be applied, often in disease contexts where this is not routine care, such as cancer and osteoarthritis.
Mathematical Modeling of Cancerous Tumor Evolution Incorporating Drug Resistance
Authors: Ochieng Francis Oketch 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTCancer is a deadly disease characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. Tumors, the masses formed by these abnormal cells, can vary significantly in size, composition, and behavior. Understanding tumor dynamics is crucial for the development of effective treatments. A novel computational model is presented to analyze the evolution of tumor tissue over time, incorporating drug resistance and the convective mass flux of tumor cell movement for a more realistic representation of tumor dynamics. The governing equations are numerically solved using the finite difference method with forward‐time central‐space discretization. The predictive capabilities of the model were evaluated by investigating the impact of drug therapy on cell death and the sensitivity of the model's outcome to initial nutrient and drug concentrations. Key findings revealed that higher initial nutrient concentrations promote tumor growth, highlighting the importance of monitoring and managing nutrient levels in patients. The tumor consumes nutrients at a faster rate than they can diffuse inward, leading to nutrient gradients and potential necrosis in the core. High drug concentrations do not always correlate with increased cell death due to factors such as drug toxicity or resistance development. The relationship between drug concentration and cell death is nonlinear, suggesting that there might be an optimal drug concentration range to maximize efficacy. These insights offer valuable guidance for optimizing drug delivery and designing effective tumor control strategies. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of tumor growth and the development of more effective cancer treatments to improve patient outcomes. In addition, the proposed model serves as a valuable tool for researchers and clinicians to explore different treatment regimens and predict patient responses to therapy.
HMGB1 blood levels and neurological outcomes after traumatic brain injury: Insights from an exploratory study
Authors: Ngadimon Irma Wati , Mohan Devi , Shaikh Mohd Farooq , Khoo Ching Soong , Tan Hui Jan , Lee Yu Mey , Chamhuri Nor Syazwani , Fadzil Farizal , Zolkafli Nursyazwana , Arulsamy Alina , Thanabalan Jegan , Aledo‐Serrano Angel , Cheong Wing Loong 
Published: February 2025

AbstractObjectivePosttraumatic epilepsy (PTE) and cognitive impairment are severe complications following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Neuroinflammation likely contributes, but the role of specific inflammatory mediators requires clarification. High‐mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is an inflammatory cytokine released after brain injury that may be involved. This prospective longitudinal study investigated whether serum HMGB1 levels are associated with PTE development and cognitive decline over 12 months post‐TBI.MethodsSerum samples were collected from 41 TBI patients, including mild and moderate to severe, at baseline, 6, and 12 months following TBI. HMGB1 was quantified by ELISA alongside interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Cognitive assessments using validated neuropsychological assessments were performed at 6 and 12 months. The occurrence of PTE was also tracked.ResultsHMGB1 remained elevated at 12 months post‐TBI only in the subgroup (n = 6) that developed PTE (p = 0.026). PTE was associated with moderate to severe TBI cases. Higher HMGB1 levels at 12 months correlated with a greater decline in Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination scores (p < 0.05). Reductions in HMGB1 (p < 0.05), IL‐1β (p < 0.05) and TNF (p < 0.001) levels from 6 to 12 months correlated with improvements in cognitive scores. Multivariate regression analysis confirmed that HMGB1 level changes were independently associated with cognitive trajectory post‐TBI (p = 0.003).SignificanceThe study highlights the importance of understanding the interactions between HMGB1 and inflammatory markers in posttraumatic neuroinflammatory responses. Targeting HMGB1 and associated markers may offer a promising strategy for managing chronic neuroinflammation and mitigating cognitive deficits in TBI patients, emphasizing the potential for targeted therapeutic interventions in this context.Plain Language SummaryThis study examines how a protein called HMGB1 may contribute to epilepsy and cognitive deficits after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Patients with higher HMGB1 levels were more likely to develop epilepsy and experience significant cognitive decline within a year. Reducing HMGB1 and related inflammation was associated with better cognitive function and overall brain health. These findings suggest that HMGB1 could be a valuable marker and a potential target for treatments to prevent epilepsy and improve brain recovery after TBI.
User Experience and Therapeutic Alliance of Treatment Completers of Clinician‐Supported Versus Self‐Help Online Intervention for Eating Disorders: A Mixed Methods Approach
Authors: Barakat Sarah , Rom Sean , Kim Marcellinus , Aouad Phillip , Maguire Sarah 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundPoor rates of retention associated with digital interventions necessitate understanding of factors influencing engagement. This study presents a secondary analysis of a three‐arm, randomised controlled trial of an online self‐help treatment for bulimia nervosa (clinician‐supported, self‐help and waitlist control).AimsThe study aimed to understand the effect of added clinician‐support, or lack of support, upon user experience and therapeutic alliance.MethodAt post‐treatment, 61 participants completed a battery of self‐report questionnaires assessing user experience and therapeutic alliance. Data were analysed using mixed methods (regression and thematic analyses).ResultsQuantitative analyses indicated clinician‐supported participants reported higher levels of treatment satisfaction and therapeutic alliance, however differences were not significant after controlling for covariates. Intervention effectiveness ratings were positively associated with post‐treatment reductions in binge episodes and eating disorder psychopathology. Qualitative data were organised into four themes: (1) human support, (2) content, structure and digital set up, (3) process of therapeutic change and (4) positive feedback.ConclusionsOverall, the intervention was found to have positive ratings of user experience and therapeutic alliance in both supported and unsupported versions. The qualitative analyses revealed a strong preference for human support. The findings shed light on the complex interactions between digital and human elements of blended treatment delivery.Trial RegistrationThe trial was pre‐registered with the Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12619000123145p)
Gastrodia flavilabellaSS Ying (Orchidaceae: Gastrodieae), a New Addition to the Flora of India With Unique Characteristics and Red List Assessment
Authors: Sarkar Kingsuk , Khanal Madhusudhan , Sarkar Shuvadip , Rai Santosh Kumar , Ashraf Syed Abdul Hakeem , Sariga K. S. , Bora Devanjal , Sen Animesh 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTGastrodia flavilabella SS Ying (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae: Gastrodieae) a holomycotrophic terrestrial orchid has been reported for the first time in India from Sikkim Himalaya. A detailed taxonomical description along with color photo plates have been provided to aid in easy identification along with details regarding the phenology and habitat. Conservation assessment of G. flavilabella has been done following IUCN guidelines.
Impact of Coronavirus Disease 2019 on Fertility: An Integrative Review
Authors: Ikeda Wakaha , Yamazaki Yuka , Inaba Yutaka 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTThis integrative review aimed to explore the impact of the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) on fertility to establish foundational knowledge and guide future epidemiological studies. The PubMed and Central Journal of Medicine databases were searched, yielding 80 relevant articles published between 2019 and 2021. Of these, 14 were published in Japanese and 66 in English. None of the Japanese studies met the inclusion criteria. Fourteen English‐language studies, all of which were retrieved from PubMed, were included in the final analysis. No relevant literature was found in the Central Journal of Medicine. The keywords used were COVID‐19, fertility, and demographics. COVID‐19 led to an increase in unplanned pregnancies and abortions in developing countries. Fever associated with the infection was suggested to have reduced sperm concentration and motility, and the spread of the infection caused young couples to delay childbearing, potentially decreasing fertility. Conversely, relatively older couples showed fewer changes in their childbearing plans, indicating that COVID‐19 had both positive and negative effects on fertility. Physical, psychological, and economic factors as well as sex, age, and cultural background exerted complex effects on fertility. Herein, the impact of social crises on fertility rates has been discussed in the context of the recent COVID‐19 pandemic. Analysing the effects of this pandemic on fertility rates is crucial for understanding future demographic trends and national strengths. This study provides valuable data for future research in this field.
Internal Heat Source and Doubly Concentrated Newtonian Fluid Layer Dynamics Under Modulated Induced Magnetic Field
Authors: Singh Pervinder , Chadha Naresh M. , Gupta Vinod K. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTRegarding the various issues and incidents pertaining to Rayleigh–Bénard convective system in industrial and technical domains, a great deal of important information and research has emerged. However, there are still certain physical phenomena that are not explored but have a significant impact on the Rayleigh–Bénard convective system. One example of such a phenomenon is the simultaneous action of two concentrated solutes mixed with Newtonian fluid from opposite ends, with an external time‐modulated magnetic field influenced by the internal heat source. The mathematical representation of the considered problem is based on the fundamental laws of fluid dynamics. This article attempts to shed some light on the impact of the internal Rayleigh number and the Chandrasekhar number on the convective system. To understand the impact of two concentrations with internal heat source and magnetic field modulation on the transport process, a weakly nonlinear theory and Fredholm's solvability condition are applied. A nonautonomous differential equation, known as the Ginzburg–Landau (GL) equation, is derived in terms of the amplitude of convection. An in‐built function of the software MATHEMATICA is used to determine the solution of GL equation and to plot the graphs of dimensionless parameters vs transport phenomena. The Chandrasekhar number (), delayed the transport process while and contribute to increase the heat and mass transport.