bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Complex burn prioritization models as a decision-support tool for managing prescribed fires in large, heterogeneous landscapes: an example from Everglades National Park, Florida, USA
Authors: Nocentini Andrea , Alarcon Caryl , Gue Michael , Mullins Troy , Ruiz Pablo , Tupaj Mayavati , Kominoski John S. , O'Brien Joseph , Ross Michael 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Prescribed fire is an essential strategy employed by natural resource managers to serve ecological objectives of fire management. However, limited operational resources, environmental conditions, and competing goals result in a finite number of burn days, which need to be allocated towards maximizing the overall benefits attainable with fire management. We developed a decision-support framework and a burn prioritization model for wetlands and wildland-urban interfaces in Everglades National Park (Florida, USA). The model included criteria relative to the conservation of plant communities, the protection of endangered faunal species, the protection of human life, the protection of cultural, archeological, and recreational resources, and the control of invasive plant species. A geographic information system was used to integrate the multiple factors affecting fire management into a single spatially and temporally explicit management model, which provided a quantitative computations-alternative to decision making that is usually based on qualitative assessments.
Results
The model outputs were 50-meter grid maps showing prioritization scores for the pixels which are targets of prescribed fire. During the 50 years of simulated prescribed fires run for model validation, the mean burned surface corresponded to 716 ± 501 km2 y− 1. Mean fire return intervals, simulated for marshes, prairies, and pine rocklands were 9.9 ± 1.7, 7.3 ± 1.9, 4.0 ± 0.7 years, respectively. Mean fire return intervals, simulated within the A. maritimus mirabilis, A. troglodyta floridalis and S. acis bartrami butterflies, and E. floridanus critical habitats were 7.4 ± 1.5, 3.9 ± 0.2, 6.5 ± 2.9 years, respectively.
Conclusions
By performing fine-scale spatial computations, the model supported diverse fire regimes across the wetland landscape, based on spatial variability of ecosystem types and species habitats, while satisfying the need to protect human life, cultural heritage, and infrastructure. Employment of the burn prioritization model will allow the achievement of optimal or near-optimal fire return intervals for the higher-priority conservation objectives, by applying a quantitative methodology to fire management planning. We recommend using decision-support frameworks and models for managing fire return intervals, while also accounting for finer-scale fire characteristics, such as patchiness, seasonality, severity, and intensity.
Diversity of Lepidoptera: A Comparative Analysis of Butterfly Populations in Zunheboto District, Nagaland, India
Authors: MISHRA JYOTI RANJAN , ACHUMI TOBOLI K , DEB MITRAJIT 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

In recent times, butterflies have been frequently utilized as bioindicators for assessing environmental changes around us. With over the last few decades, urbanization and modernization of northeast India are taking place in an overwhelming and very fast pace. In this study, butterfly diversity and their habitat preferences were evaluated in the Zunheboto district of Nagaland, India. The aim of this study was the evaluation of changes in species composition across different habitats over time. This study records 43 species across six families and employs direct observation methods across jhum fields of different ages (15 years and 5 years old, respectively) and village areas to derive species richness and diversity indices. Our results indicate a significant presence of the Nymphalidae family, with 24 species, implying high adaptability to various habitats. The more recent jhum fields showed an increase in biodiversity, showing vegetation destruction, thus more light penetration, and hence it becomes easier for the generalist species to colonize. The study also underlines the ecological significance of village areas as biodiversity hotspots supporting unique species not found in agricultural fields. Such findings bring out the need for habitat preservation and emphasize the potential resilience of butterfly populations towards environmental changes under sustainable management. The paper sheds light on understanding changes in butterfly diversity with respect to habitat changes and underlines the necessity of conservation strategies to incorporate habitat protection and sustainable land use practices.
Unravelling features of the peculiar galaxy ESO 287-IG50
Authors: Freitas-Lemes Priscila , Rocha-Poppe Paulo César da , Faúndez-Abans Maximiliano , de Oliveira-Abans Mariângela , Rodrigues Irapuan , Tello Julio César , Fernandes-Martin Vera Aparecida 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

This observational study investigates the effects of interaction on the kinematics and chemical abundance of the peculiar galaxy ESO 287-IG50, which may be a polar ring galaxy in an ongoing formation process. The study utilized BVRI broad band imagery and longslit spectroscopy in the wavelength range of 4240 − 8700 ̊A, and empirical methods were used to investigate the metallicity of the H II regions in ESO 287-IG50 and its implications on its formation history. The STARLIGHT stellar population synthesis code was used to analyze the data,and standard diagnostic diagrams were employed to classify the main ionizing source of selected emission-line regions. Image analysis using filtering techniques revealed an inner ring with perpendicular structures at both ends, which could be the inner part of a bisymmetric spiral structure. Photometric analysis showed dusty filaments crossing the central structure, which was identified as the redder region of the galaxy, dominated by a non-negligible amount of dust. Shell-like structures, which could be remnants of a galaxy merging process, were also found. Image analysis through filtering revealed what appears to be an inner ring, with perpendicular structures at both ends, which could be the inner part of a bisymmetric spiral structure. Photometric analysis shows dusty filaments crossing the central structure. This region would be dominated by a non negligible amount of dust, identified as the redder region of the galaxy. A heliocentric radial velocityof 17 689 ± 45 km s-1 was measured, and the velocity profile exhibited a clear rotational behavior, with peak velocities of 110 km s-1 to the SW and 80 km s-1 to the other side. The analysis of the nuclear region using the STARLIGHT code revealed a stellar population consisting of approximately one-third young stars and two-thirds old stars. The predominance of an aged stellar population, a distinctive feature in galaxies undergoing interaction processes, can be attributed to the prolonged evolutionary period of this galaxy, as evidenced by the shell structures we identified as indicators of this interaction process. The [N II]λ6584/Hα ratio suggests that ESO 287-IG50 may be an AGN due to the excess of Nitrogen relative to Hydrogen in the residual spectrum, a feature not yet reported in the literature. Studying the line ratios and EW(Hα), we notice that this galaxy exhibits a peculiar AGN, with a non-stellar origin ionization mechanism.
Quantitative plant resistance enhances pathogen adaptation to ecological stresses
Authors: Zhan Jiasui , Zhan Jiasui , Yang Li-na , Yang Li-na , Pan Zhechao , Pan Zhechao , Nkurikiyimfura Oswald , Nkurikiyimfura Oswald , Lu Jianjun , Lu Jianjun , Wang Yan-Ping , Wang Yan-Ping , Wang Ying , Wang Ying , Waheed Abdul , Waheed Abdul , Fang Hanmei , Fang Hanmei , Thrall Peter , Thrall Peter , Burdon Jeremy , Burdon Jeremy , Sui Qijun , Sui Qijun 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Host-pathogen interactions play an important role in shaping ecosystems with many fundamental and applied implications. However, many aspects of the processes, consequences and mechanisms of these antagonistic interactions are still unknown. Evolutionary theory hypothesizes that quantitative plant resistance (QPR) enhances pathogen pathogenicity, therefore, threatening ecological function and sustainability but this hypothesis has rarely been tested empirically. Here, we present results from an eco-evolutionary study of a quantitative plant-pathogen interaction using 16 potato varieties and >2000 Phytophthora infestans strains. Twelve functional traits in the P. infestans populations derived from the varieties were compared. Our results indicate that QPR enhances pathogen pathogenicity and facilitates pathogen adaptation to other disease management attempts including the development of qualitative plant resistance and fungicides, and to environmental and chemical stresses including salinity, UV radiation, H2O2, heat and cold. QPR also increases pathogen spore production and potential of sexual recombination thereby enhancing the generation of new variation for adaptation. Genome-wide analyses indicate that the observed patterns of functional variation result from escalated selection from potato with higher QPR and that a substantial of genome are involved in the adaptation genetically and epigenetically. Our results highlight a potential risk to ecological function and resilience associated with continuing deployment of QPR, particularly under future climate conditions and are expected to stimulate further investigation into this important phenomenon with many host-pathogen systems.
Vitamin D binding protein induces skeletal muscle atrophy and contributes to cancer-associated muscle wasting
Authors: Filigheddu Nicoletta , Raiteri Tommaso , Reano Simone , Scircoli Andrea , Zaggia Ivan , Antonioli Alessandro , Faletti Stefania , Favero Francesco , Manfredi Marcello , Pelicci Giuliana , Cora' Davide , Scotti Lorenza , Kew Richard , Prodam Flavia , Porporato Paolo 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The maintenance of skeletal muscle is of pivotal importance, as its loss is often associated with progressive pathologies, generally worsening the prognosis. Increased levels of vitamin D binding protein (VDBP) were reported in diseases susceptible to muscle wasting, including several tumors. We hypothesized that VDBP might participate in muscle wasting and investigated its direct effects on skeletal muscle homeostasis. Here we demonstrate that VDBP induces atrophy independently of vitamin D. In C2C12 myotubes, we identified intracellular actin dynamics perturbation and subsequent mitochondrial dysfunction as the main molecular mechanisms of VDBP-induced atrophy. Coherently, the ectopic introduction of VDBP in mice lacking the protein (Gc-knockout mice) induced muscle atrophy and decreased strength. Finally, we present proof-of-concept evidence that VDBP contributes to cancer-associated muscle wasting. Altogether, these findings provide novel insights into the biological function of VDBP as a pro-atrophic hormone with potential implications for the treatment of muscle wasting.
Deep learning for discriminating non-trivial conformational changes in molecular dynamics simulations of SARS-CoV-2 spike-ACE2
Authors: Santos Lucas Moraes dos , Mendonça José Gutembergue , Lobo Yan Jeronimo , de Lima Leonardo Henrique Franca , Rocha Gerd Bruno , de Melo-Minardi Raquel Cardoso 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Purpose: Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations produce a substantial volume of high-dimensional data, and traditional methods for analyzing these data pose significant computational demands. Advances in MD simulation analysis combined with deep learning-based approaches have led to the understanding of specific structural changes observed in MD trajectories, including those induced by mutations. In this study, we model the trajectories resulting from MD simulations of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-ACE2, specifically the receptor-binding domain (RBD), as interresidue distance maps, and use deep convolutional neural networks to predict the functional impact of point mutations, related to the virus's infectivity and immunogenicity.
Results: Our model was successful in predicting mutant types that increase the affinity of the S protein for human receptors and reduce its immunogenicity, both based on MD trajectories (precision = 0.718; recall = 0.800; F1 = 0.757; MCC = 0.488; AUC = 0.800) and their centroids. In an additional analysis, we also obtained a strong positive Pearson's correlation coefficient equal to 0.776, indicating a significant relationship between the average sigmoid probability for the MD trajectories and binding free energy (BFE) changes. Furthermore, we obtained a coefficient of determination of 0.602. Our 2D-RMSD analysis also corroborated predictions for more infectious and immune-evading mutants and revealed fluctuating regions within the receptor-binding motif (RBM), especially in the the β1’/β2’ -C loop. This region presented a significant standard deviation for mutations that enable SARS-CoV-2 to evade the immune response, with RMSD values of 5Å in the simulation.
Conclusion: This methodology offers an efficient alternative to identify potential strains of SARS-CoV-2, which may be potentially linked to more infectious and immune-evading mutations. Using clustering and deep learning techniques, our approach leverages information from the ensemble of MD trajectories to recognize a broad spectrum of multiple conformational patterns characteristic of mutant types. This represents a strategic advantage in identifying emerging variants, bypassing the need for long MD simulations. Furthermore, the present work tends to contribute substantially to the field of computational biology and virology, particularly to accelerate the design and optimization of new therapeutic agents and vaccines, offering a proactive stance against the constantly evolving threat of COVID-19 and potential future pandemics.
Spatiotemporal variation characteristics, sources and trends of air quality in special region from 2016 to 2020 - A case study of Panzhihua, China
Authors: Yang Yan , Wu Xiqiao , Huang Xing , Liu Chaorong , Luo Dan 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

This study based on daily data of six major pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2, CO and O3) from 2016 to 2020, the spatiotemporal variation characteristics of air quality in Panzhihua and its surrounding cities were analyzed. On this basis, trajectory model is used to analyze the origin and direction of migration of the pollutants in the days with high pollution degree, so as to find a method to prevent and control the air pollution in the cities with special geographical location. The results show that the concentration of pollutants in the study area showed an overall downward trend, but Ozone showed an opposite trend. The air quality in the study area has been significantly improved. Air quality was the best in 2018, followed by 2020. The annual variation trend of PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2 and CO is U-shaped (flat W), while the O3 is M-shaped. In addition, the monthly average concentration of pollutants in Panzhihua is higher than these in its surrounding cities. O3 has a significant correlation with its various precursor pollutants, and the air pollution situation is complex and diverse. According to the analysis of pollutant diffusion trajectory, the direction of pollution source in Panzhihua city is southwest and the diffusion direction is east and southeast.
Exploring the impact of thermal and surface characteristics of burning wood on water droplet evaporation
Authors: Albadi Ahmed , Lai Yufeng , Fisk Callum , Hobbs Matthew , Davies Matthew , Willmott Jon , Zhang Yang 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The effect of wood surface features on droplet spread and evaporation are crucial mechanisms of suppression in wildfire. In this work, we report the first investigation into the mechanism of wood surface cooling by characterising the thermal and surface features of burning wood impacted by a water droplet. A distilled water droplet with a diameter of 2 mm was applied by an on-demand droplet generator and impacted the top surface of a burning wood sample at a speed of 2 m/s. The process was captured by an innovative imaging system, containing a visual camera, two thermal cameras, and an infrared radiation thermometer (IRT) to evaluate droplet impact, droplet evaporation time, droplet temperature evolution, surface wetting, and surface temperature. Additionally, the surface roughness of wood samples was assessed using a non-contact optical method to study texture variation at different burning stages. The results of this study indicated that evaporation time for droplets under the same conditions varied depending on the burning stage of the impacted wood samples. Three stages of droplet lifetime were observed: spreading, combined absorption and evaporation, and evaporation of absorbed water. At maximum spreading, the droplet experiences pinning, causing the contact area to remain constant until depletion of the visible water layer on the surface. Rapid heating of droplets was observed after spread on the surface. The effect of wood surface structures on evaporation of droplets is reported. Insights into these mechanisms contribute to the optimisation of fire suppression strategies, especially in enhancing the efficacy of broadly implemented water-based suppression systems in varied fire scenarios.
Evaluation of PRDM10 Gene Rearrangement by Immunohistochemical and Molecular Methods in Pleomorphic Soft Tissue Tumors
Authors: Aksin Merve , Erdogan Kivilcim Eren , Mirioglu Akif , Toyran Tugba , Gonlusen Gulfiliz 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcomas are aggressive soft tissue tumors that do not exhibit any identifiable histological differentiation. Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcomas (UPS) occupies a significant place among soft tissue tumors, although less commonly seen benign mimickers like low-grade myxofibrosarcomas (low-grade MFS), superficial CD34-positive fibroblastic tumors (SC34FT), myofibroblastic sarcomas, myxoinflammatory fibroblastic sarcomas (MIFS) and pleomorphic hyalinizing angiectatic tumors (PHAT) should not be forgotten in the differential diagnosis. In recent years, PRDM10 fusion transcript has been detected in soft tissue tumors with pleomorphic morphology. In our study, we aimed to detect PRDM10 gene rearrangement in soft tissue tumors with pleomorphic morphology using immunohistochemical and molecular methods and to evaluate them with clinicopathological findings. Pleomorphic soft tissue tumors with low mitotic and necrotic scores; which originally diagnosed as UPS, MFS, myofibroblastic sarcoma, and PHAT (totally 33 cases), were selected. In our study, five cases showed immunohistochemical positivity with PRDM10; two cases showed both nuclear and cytoplasmic staining while three showed only cytoplasmic staining and four cases had break-apart signals with FISH. We found that two cases initially diagnosed as low-grade UPS which showed break-apart signals in FISH, may actually be SC34FT considering the clinical, morphological, immunohistochemical and molecular findings. The lack of PRDM10 staining in one of these two cases suggests a low sensitivity of the PRDM10 immunomarker. In conclusion, soft tissue tumors that has PRDM10 gene rearrangement, superficial location, low mitotic activity, no necrosis and CD34 positivity exhibit distinct clinical and prognostic features, suggesting potential overlap with the tumor spectrum of SC34FT.
Association of neutrophil-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and liver fibrosis: a nationally representative cross-sectional study by NHANES from 2017 to 2020
Authors: Lu Yangni , Xu Xianli , Wu Jianlin , Ji Lei , Huang Huiya , Chen Maowei 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
The neutrophil-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (NHR) has emerged as a promising biomarker reflecting inflammation and lipid dysregulation. Mounting evidence indicates that these metabolic disturbances play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This study aims to elucidate the interplay among NHR, NAFLD, and liver fibrosis.
Methods
This cross-sectional investigation utilized data from the 2017–2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Weighted multivariate logistic regression models were applied to explore the association between NHR and both NAFLD and liver fibrosis. Smoothed curve fitting and threshold effect analysis were conducted to uncover potential nonlinear relationships. Subgroup analyses were conducted to assess the consistency of these associations across different groups.
Results
The study encompassed 4602 participants. Our results demonstrated a significant positive association between NHR and NAFLD (OR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.01–1.18). However, no significant association was found between NHR and liver fibrosis (OR = 1.02; 95% CI: 0.96–1.09). The analysis of smoothed curve fitting and threshold effect indicated an inverted U-shaped relationship between NHR and NAFLD, with a turning point at 5.92.
Conclusion
Our findings highlight a positive correlation between elevated NHR levels and NAFLD prevalence. However, no significant association was observed between NHR and liver fibrosis prevalence. Further prospective research is warranted to verify these results in a longitudinal setting.
Assessing the Impact of Auxiliary Kandar Dam Construction on Effective Lifespan of Main Kandar Dam Reservoir: A Case Study from District Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan"
Authors: alam Fakhari alam , Alam Fakhri , Bo Dong , salam Muhammad , Zhng Longyu , Khan Gul Daraz , alam Fakhari alam , ullah waheed 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The current study investigated the impact of constructing the Auxiliary Kandar Dam on the Main Kandar Dam reservoir's effective lifespan in District Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Storage capacities were assessed through a grid survey, with computer software (SURFER) used for calculations. Sediment yield was determined using the HR Wallingford yield prediction Model (WSYPM). The capacity of Main Kandar Dam reservoir was 1,000,365 m³, while the Auxiliary Kandar Dam's capacity was 1,994,974 m³. Over 9 years, 196,654 m³ of sediment was deposited into the Auxiliary Kandar Dam reservoir, leading to a 9% reduction in its storage capacity. Main Kandar Dam exhibited a trap efficiency of 90.48%, which decreased with the inflow ratio dropping from 0.508 to 0.194. In 6 years, 175,501 m³ of sediment was deposited into Main Kandar Dam reservoir, resulting in a 61.78% reduction in its capacity over 41 years. Observed sediment rates for both reservoirs closely matched the WSYPM-predicted values. The construction of the Auxiliary Kandar Dam in 2014 extended the Main Kandar Dam's effective life by 34 years (2022–2056). Additional construction in 2016 or 2022 could further extend the lifespan by 80 years (2022–2102) or 68 years (2022–2090) respectively. If the left Auxiliary Dam is built in 2025, the Main Kandar Dam's life is anticipated to increase by 66 years (2022–2088). This option would extend the lifespan by 65 years beyond the current estimate, projecting a total life from 1972 to 2079 as 107 years.