bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pollen dispersal distance is determined by phenology and ancillary traits but not floral gender in an andromonoecious, fly-pollinated alpine herb
Authors: Chen Kai-Hsiu , Pannell John R. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractPollen-mediated gene flow and spatial genetic structure have rarely been studied in alpine plants that are pollinated by dipteran insects. In particular, it is not clear how different floral traits, such as floral gender, phenology, and ancillary traits, may affect pollen dispersal distance within alpine plant populations. In this study, we conducted a paternity analysis to track pollen flow in a population of Pulsatilla alpina, an andromonoecious alpine herb producing male and bisexual flowers. We found that the pollen was dispersed over short distances (mean = 3.16 m), with a dispersal kernel following a Weibull distribution. Nonetheless, spatial genetic structure was weak in the population (Sp statistic = 0.013), pointing to effective seed dispersal and/or high inbreeding depression. The pollen dispersal distance was independent of the gender of the flower of origin but depended positively on floral stalk height and negatively on flowering date and tepal length. Although male siring success did not correlate with pollen dispersal distance, selection may favour traits that increase the pollen dispersal distance as a result of reduced bi-parental inbreeding. Our study not only provides new insights into the nature of pollen dispersal of alpine plants, but also reveals the effects of floral traits on a component of male reproductive success.
On sofic approximations of non amenable groups
Authors: Hayes Ben , Kunnawalkam Elayavalli Srivatsav 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIn this paper we exhibit for every non amenable group that is initially sub-amenable (sometimes also referred to as LEA), two sofic approximations that are not conjugate by any automorphism of the universal sofic group. This addresses a question of Pǎunescu and generalizes the Elek–Szabo uniqueness theorem for sofic approximations.
Differences in the organization of the primary motor cortex in people with and without low back pain and associations with motor control and sensory tests
Authors: Klerx Sabrine P. , Bruijn Sjoerd M. , Coppieters Michel W. , Kiers Henri , Twisk Jos W.R. , Pool-Goudzwaard Annelies L. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractDifferences in organization of the primary motor cortex and altered trunk motor control (sensing, processing and motor output) have been reported in people with low back pain (LBP). Little is known to what extent these differences are related. We investigated differences in 1) organization of the primary motor cortex and 2) motor and sensory tests between people with and without LBP, and 3) investigated associations between the organization of the primary motor cortex and motor and sensory tests. We conducted a case-control study in people with (N=25) and without (N=25) LBP. The organization of the primary motor cortex (Center of Gravity (CoG) and Area of the cortical representation of trunk muscles) was assessed using neuronavigated transcranial magnetic stimulation, based on individual MRIs. Sensory tests (quantitative sensory testing, graphaesthesia, two-point discrimination threshold) and a motor test (spiral-tracking test) were assessed. Participants with LBP had a more lateral and lower location of the CoG and a higher temporal summation of pain. For all participants combined, better vibration test scores were associated with a more anterior, lateral, and lower CoG and a better two-point discrimination threshold was associated with a lower CoG. A small subset of variables showed significance. Although this aligns with the concept of altered organization of the primary motor cortex in LBP, there is no strong evidence of the association between altered organization of the primary motor cortex and motor and sensory test performance in LBP. Focusing on subgroup analyses regarding pain duration can be a topic for future research.
Distinction of chia varieties in vivo and in vitro based on the flow cytometry and rosmarinic acid production
Authors: Motyka Sara , Szopa Agnieszka , Ochatt Sergio J. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Flow cytometry has made a significant contribution to the study of several complex fundamental mechanisms in plant cytogenetics, becoming a useful analytical tool to understand several mechanisms and processes underlying plant growth, development, and function. In this study, the genome size, DNA ploidy level, and A-T/G-C ratio were measured for the first time for two genotypes of chia, Salvia hispanica, an herbaceous plant commonly used in phytotherapy and nutrition. This study also evaluated, for the first time by flow cytometry, the capacity to produce organic acids of tissues stained with LysoTracker Deep Red after elicitation with either yeast extract or cadmium chloride. Rosmarinic acid content differed between the two chia varieties treated with different elicitor concentrations, compared with non-elicited plant material. Elicited tissues of both varieties contained a higher content of rosmarinic acid compared with non-elicited cultures, and cadmium chloride at 500 μM was much better than that at 1000 μM, which led to plant death. For both genotypes, a dose-response was observed with yeast extract, as the higher the concentration of elicitor used, the higher rosmarinic acid content, resulting also in better results and a higher content of rosmarinic acid compared with cadmium chloride. This study demonstrates that flow cytometry may be used as a taxonomy tool, to distinguish among very close genotypses of a given species and, for the first time in plants, that this approach can also be put to profit for a characterization of the cytoplasmic acid phase and the concomitant production of secondary metabolites of interest in vitro, with or without elicitation.

Key points
• Genome size, ploidy level, A-T/G-C ratio, and cytoplasm acid phase of S. hispanica
• Cytometry study of cytoplasm acid phase of LysoTracker Deep Red-stained plant cells
• Yeast extract or cadmium chloride elicited rosmarinic acid production of chia tissues

Graphical Abstract
Neurological involvement in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation-associated thrombotic microangiopathy
Authors: Liu Wanying , Zhu Xiaojian , Xiao Yi 
Published: May 2024

AbstractTransplantation-associated thrombotic microangiopathy (TA-TMA) is a well-recognized serious complication of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). The understanding of TA-TMA pathophysiology has expanded in recent years. Dysregulation of the complement system is thought to cause endothelial injury and, consequently, microvascular thrombosis and tissue damage. TA-TMA can affect multiple organs, and each organ exhibits specific features of injury. Central nervous system (CNS) manifestations of TA-TMA include posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, seizures, and encephalopathy. The development of neurological dysfunction is associated with a significantly lower overall survival in patients with TA-TMA. However, there are currently no established histopathological or radiological criteria for the diagnosis of CNS TMA. Patients who receive total body irradiation (TBI), calcineurin inhibitors (CNI), and severe acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) are at a high risk of experiencing neurological complications related to TA-TMA and should be considered for directed TA-TMA therapy. However, the incidence and clinical manifestations of TA-TMA neurotoxicity remain unclear. Studies specifically examining the involvement of CNS in TMA syndromes are limited. In this review, we discuss clinical manifestations and imaging abnormalities in patients with nervous system involvement in TA-TMA. We summarize the mechanisms underlying TA-TMA and its neurological complications, including endothelial injury, evidence of complement activation, and treatment options for TA-TMA.
Visualizing histone H4K20me1 in knock-in mice expressing the mCherry-tagged modification-specific intracellular antibody
Authors: Sato Yuko , Takenoshita Maoko , Ueoka Miku , Ueda Jun , Yamagata Kazuo , Kimura Hiroshi 
Published: May 2024

AbstractDuring development and differentiation, histone modifications dynamically change locally and globally, associated with transcriptional regulation, DNA replication and repair, and chromosome condensation. The level of histone H4 Lys20 monomethylation (H4K20me1) increases during the G2 to M phases of the cell cycle and is enriched in facultative heterochromatin, such as inactive X chromosomes in cycling cells. To track the dynamic changes of H4K20me1 in living cells, we have developed a genetically encoded modification-specific intracellular antibody (mintbody) probe that specifically binds to the modification. Here, we report the generation of knock-in mice in which the coding sequence of the mCherry-tagged version of the H4K20me1-mintbody is inserted into the Rosa26 locus. The knock-in mice, which ubiquitously expressed the H4K20me1-mintbody, developed normally and were fertile, indicating that the expression of the probe does not disturb the cell growth, development, or differentiation. Various tissues isolated from the knock-in mice exhibited nuclear fluorescence without the need for fixation. The H4K20me1-mintbody was enriched in inactive X chromosomes in developing embryos and in XY bodies during spermatogenesis. The knock-in mice will be useful for the histochemical analysis of H4K20me1 in any cell types.
Tackling school segregation with transportation network interventions: an agent-based modelling approach
Authors: Michailidis Dimitris , Tasnim Mayesha , Ghebreab Sennay , Santos Fernando P. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractWe address the emerging challenge of school segregation within the context of free school choice systems. Households take into account both proximity and demographic composition when deciding on which schools to send their children to, potentially exacerbating residential segregation. This raises an important question: can we strategically intervene in transportation networks to enhance school access and mitigate segregation? In this paper, we propose a novel, network agent-based model to explore this question. Through simulations in both synthetic and real-world networks, we demonstrate that enhancing school accessibility via transportation network interventions can lead to a reduction in school segregation, under specific conditions. We introduce group-based network centrality measures and show that increasing the centrality of certain neighborhood nodes with respect to a transportation network can be an effective strategy for strategic interventions. We conduct experiments in two synthetic network environments, as well as in an environment based on real-world data from Amsterdam, the Netherlands. In both cases, we simulate a population of representative agents emulating real citizens’ schooling preferences, and we assume that agents belong to two different groups (e.g., based on migration background). We show that, under specific homophily regimes in the population, school segregation can be reduced by up to 35%. Our proposed framework provides the foundation to explore how citizens’ preferences, school capacity, and public transportation can shape patterns of urban segregation.
Construction of copulas for bivariate failure rates
Authors: Wu Shaomin , Dui Hongyan , Hu Linmin 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis paper aims to develop a method to construct an asymmetric copula, based on which a closed form of the cumulative bivariate failure rate can be obtained. The construction method differs from existing ones. This new method can facilitate the derivation of some results such as the estimation of the expected number of occurrences for a system whose failure process is modelled by a bivariate stochastic process or the expected cost in optimisation of maintenance policies.
Gesture recognition with a 2D low-resolution embedded camera to minimise intrusion in robot-led training of children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Ercolano Giovanni , Rossi Silvia , Conti Daniela , Di Nuovo Alessandro 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Growing evidence shows the potential benefits of robot-assisted therapy for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). However, when developing new robotics technologies, it must be considered that this condition often causes increased anxiety in unfamiliar settings. Indeed, children with ASD have difficulties accepting changes like introducing multiple new technological devices in their routines, therefore, embedded solutions should be preferred. Also, in this context, robots should be small as children find the bigger ones scary. This leads to limited computing resources onboard as small batteries power them. This article presents a study on gesture recognition using video recorded only by the camera embedded in a NAO robot, while it was leading a clinical procedure. The video is 2D and low quality because of the limits of the NAO-embedded computing resources. The recognition is made more challenging by robot movements, which alter the vision by moving the camera and sometimes by obstructing it with the robot’s arms for short periods. Despite these challenging real-world conditions, in our experiments, we have tuned and improved state-of-the-art algorithms to yield an accuracy higher than $$90\%$$

90
%

in the gesture classification, with the best accuracy being $$94\%$$

94
%

. This level of accuracy is suitable for evaluating the children’s performance and providing information for the diagnosis and continuous assessment of the therapy. We have also considered the performance improvement of using a low-power GPU-AI accelerator embedded system, which could be included in future robots, to enable gesture analysis during the therapy, which could be adapted to the child’s performance.

Graphical abstract
Enhancing EfficientNetv2 with global and efficient channel attention mechanisms for accurate MRI-Based brain tumor classification
Authors: Pacal Ishak , Celik Omer , Bayram Bilal , Cunha Antonio 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe early and accurate diagnosis of brain tumors is critical for effective treatment planning, with Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) serving as a key tool in the non-invasive examination of such conditions. Despite the advancements in Computer-Aided Diagnosis (CADx) systems powered by deep learning, the challenge of accurately classifying brain tumors from MRI scans persists due to the high variability of tumor appearances and the subtlety of early-stage manifestations. This work introduces a novel adaptation of the EfficientNetv2 architecture, enhanced with Global Attention Mechanism (GAM) and Efficient Channel Attention (ECA), aimed at overcoming these hurdles. This enhancement not only amplifies the model’s ability to focus on salient features within complex MRI images but also significantly improves the classification accuracy of brain tumors. Our approach distinguishes itself by meticulously integrating attention mechanisms that systematically enhance feature extraction, thereby achieving superior performance in detecting a broad spectrum of brain tumors. Demonstrated through extensive experiments on a large public dataset, our model achieves an exceptional high-test accuracy of 99.76%, setting a new benchmark in MRI-based brain tumor classification. Moreover, the incorporation of Grad-CAM visualization techniques sheds light on the model’s decision-making process, offering transparent and interpretable insights that are invaluable for clinical assessment. By addressing the limitations inherent in previous models, this study not only advances the field of medical imaging analysis but also highlights the pivotal role of attention mechanisms in enhancing the interpretability and accuracy of deep learning models for brain tumor diagnosis. This research sets the stage for advanced CADx systems, enhancing patient care and treatment outcomes.
Looking for a preventive approach to sexual harassment in academia. A systematic review
Authors: Zara Georgia , Binik Oriana , Ginocchio Debora , Merzagora Isabella , Giannini Annamaria , Addabbo Tindara , Castelli Lorys , Criscenti Clarissa , Ferrari Silvia , Di Tella Marialaura , Freilone Franco , Lausi Giulia , Rossetto Ilaria , Veggi Sara , De Fazio Giovanna Laura 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe systematic review (PRISMA) on sexual harassment (SH) in academia looks at studies conducted since 2018 with the aim to direct updated research findings toward an effective prevention perspective. The findings confirm that academia is a breeding ground for SH due to power imbalances and that vulnerabilities related to the macro-dynamics of power, social and cultural inequalities are risk factors for SH. It is recommended that SH prevention interventions in academia 1. adopt a socio-ecological perspective; 2. include evidence-based programs such as those dedicated to bystanders; 3. are integrated with each other through valuable networking and multistakeholder involvement and 4. pay attention to support complaints, victim listening and intake activities. Future SH studies should promote: SH standardized definitions, intersectional perspectives, “all targets” surveys, research on protective factors, research on perpetrator perspective. Future interventions should act at the cultural level fighting structural inequality and a greater enhancement of evidence-based programs is required.
Integrated monitoring and modeling to disentangle the complex spatio-temporal dynamics of urbanized streams under drought stress
Authors: López Moreira Mazacotte Gregorio Alejandro , Tetzlaff Doerthe , Marx Christian , Warter Maria Magdalena , Wu Songjun , Smith Aaron Andrew , Soulsby Chris 
Published: May 2024

AbstractWe have a poor understanding of how urban drainage and other engineered components interact with more natural hydrological processes in green and blue spaces to generate stream flow. This limits the scientific evidence base for predicting and mitigating the effects of future development of the built environment and climate change on urban water resources and their ecosystem services. Here, we synthesize > 20 years of environmental monitoring data to better understand the hydrological function of the 109-km2 Wuhle catchment, an important tributary of the river Spree in Berlin, Germany. More than half (56%) of the catchment is urbanized, leading to substantial flow path alterations. Young water from storm runoff and rapid subsurface flow provided around 20% of stream flow. However, most of it was generated by older groundwater (several years old), mainly recharged through the rural headwaters and non-urban green spaces. Recent drought years since 2018 showed that this base flow component has reduced in response to decreased recharge, causing deterioration in water quality and sections of the stream network to dry out. Attempts to integrate the understanding of engineered and natural processes in a traditional rainfall-runoff model were only partly successful due to uncertainties over the catchment area, effects of sustainable urban drainage, adjacent groundwater pumping, and limited conceptualization of groundwater storage dynamics. The study highlights the need for more extensive and coordinated monitoring and data collection in complex urban catchments and the use of these data in more advanced models of urban hydrology to enhance management.
The Impact of Land Conversion on Primate Habitats: Refining the Extent of Occurrence Data for Four Capuchin Species in North and Northeastern Brazil
Authors: Farias Anailda T. , Hamilton Stuart E. , Pires Luciana B. M. , Canale Gustavo R. , Santos Ricardo R. , Presotto Andrea 
Published: May 2024

AbstractConversion of primate forest habitat is a global concern with significant implications for primate populations. Although the geospatial Extent of Occurrence (EOO) data provided for primates by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature are widely used, they do not accurately reflect the existing extent of primate species because of ongoing habitat loss. We focused on four capuchin monkey species (Sapajus apella, S. flavius, S, libidinosus, and S. xanthosternos), all native to North and Northeastern Brazil, to prioritize research by the Capuchin Action Network. We refined the EOOs for the four primate species using MapBiomas land cover data. We accounted for areas of agriculture, urban, and mining and updated the EOOs of the four species. Additionally, we evaluated the Conservation Units in each EOO. Conservation Units are protected areas critical to mitigating habitat loss in Brazil. Our results show that S. apella has lost the smallest amount of its EOO (13%), while S. flavius has lost the most (77%). Agriculture was the leading cause of land cover change, followed by urbanization and mining. We provide an updated EOO for the four capuchin species and highlight the need for conservation efforts to address the challenges posed by human activities in the capuchin species’ habitats.
Association Between Challenging Behaviour and Sleep Problems in Adults Enrolled in the Global Angelman Syndrome Registry
Authors: Coleman Heather , Mannion Arlene , Whelan Sally , Tones Megan , Heussler Helen , Bellgard Matthew , Leader Geraldine 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAngelman Syndrome (AS) is a rare genetic disorder that impacts 1:20,000 people. Challenging behaviour, such as severe injurious behaviour, aggression and frequent unprovoked episodes of laughter are a significant problem among adults with AS that adversely impacts an individual’s quality of life. This study, for the first time, aims understand the characteristic of challenging behaviour, its frequency, and the factors associated with it in adults with AS. Data from participants with AS (N = 37; aged 18–46 years) registered with the Global Angelman Registry, were divided into challenging behaviour and non-challenging behaviour groups based on the presence or absence of 50% of the behaviours recorded in the registry. Descriptive statistics, chi-squared and t-test analysis were conducted to assess the impact of variables on challenging behaviour. Multiple regressions were conducted to investigate the predictors of challenging behaviour. 56% of the sample presented with challenging behaviour. Disorders of arousal, self-injury, behaviour dysregulation, repetitive behaviour, and the lack of physical therapy accounted for 59% of the variance of challenging behaviour in this population. It was found that challenging behaviour was very common in this population. A significant association was found between challenging behaviour and both sleep arousal and the lack of physical therapy. Sleep arousal and the lack of physical therapy were the key factors associated with challenging behaviour in this study. Targeted interventions are needed to decrease challenging behaviour and future research should focus on sleep interventions and increased opportunities for physical therapy.