bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
History of Diversification and Adaptation from North to South Revealed by Genomic Data: Guanacos from the Desert to Sub-Antarctica
Authors: León Fabiola , Pizarro Eduardo J , Noll Daly , Pertierra Luis R , Gonzalez Benito A , Johnson Warren E , Marín Juan Carlos , Vianna Juliana A 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
The increased availability of quality genomic data has greatly improved the scope and resolution of our understanding of the recent evolutionary history of wild species adapted to extreme environments and their susceptibility to anthropogenic impacts. The guanaco (Lama guanicoe), the largest wild ungulate in South America, is a good example. The guanaco is well adapted to a wide range of habitats, including the Sechura Desert, the high Andes Mountains to the north, and the extreme temperatures and conditions of Navarino Island to the south. Guanacos also have a long history of overexploitation by humans. To assess the evolutionary impact of these challenging habitats on the genomic diversity, we analyzed 38 genomes (∼10 to 16×) throughout their extensive latitudinal distribution from the Sechura and Atacama Desert to southward into Tierra del Fuego Island. These included analyses of patterns of unique differentiation in the north and geographic region further south with admixture among L. g. cacsilensis and L. g. guanicoe. Our findings provide new insights on the divergence of the subspecies ∼800,000 yr BP and document two divergent demographic trajectories and to the initial expansion of guanaco into the more southern portions of the Atacama Desert. Patagonian guanacos have experienced contemporary reductions in effective population sizes, likely the consequence of anthropogenic impacts. The lowest levels of genetic diversity corresponded to their northern and western limits of distribution and some varying degrees of genetic differentiation. Adaptive genomic diversity was strongly linked with environmental variables and was linked with colonization toward the south followed by adaptation.
The Mediating Role of Kynurenine Pathway Metabolites on the Relationship Between Inflammation and Muscle Mass in Oldest–Old Men
Authors: Hetherington-Rauth Megan , Johnson Eileen , Migliavacca Eugenia , Langsetmo Lisa , Hepple Russell T , Ryan Terence E , Ferrucci Luigi , Breuillé Denis , Corthesy John , Lane Nancy E , Feige Jérôme N , Napoli Nicola , Tramontana Flavia , Orwoll Eric S , Cawthon Peggy M 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Tryptophan (TRP) metabolites along the kynurenine (KYN) pathway (KP) have been found to influence muscle. Proinflammatory cytokines are known to stimulate the degradation of TRP down the KP. Given that both inflammation and KP metabolites have been connected with loss of muscle, we assessed the potential mediating role of KP metabolites on inflammation and muscle mass in older men. Five hundred and five men (85.0 ± 4.2 years) from the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men cohort study with measured D3-creatine dilution (D3Cr) muscle mass, KP metabolites, and inflammation markers (C-reactive protein [CRP], alpha-1-acid glycoprotein [AGP] and a subsample [n = 305] with interleukin [IL-6, IL-1β, IL-17A] and tumor necrosis factor-α [TNF-α]) were included in the analysis. KP metabolites and inflammatory markers were measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and immunoassays, respectively. 23%–92% of the inverse relationship between inflammatory markers and D3Cr muscle mass was mediated by KP metabolites (indirect effect p &lt; .05). 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid (3-HAA), quinolinic acid (QA), TRP, xanthurenic acid (XA), KYN/TRP, 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HK)/3-HAA, QA/3-HAA, and nicotinamide (NAM)/QA mediated the AGP relationship. 3-HAA, QA, KYN/TRP, 3-HK/XA, HKr ratio, 3-HK/3-HAA, QA/3-HAA, and NAM/QA mediated the CRP. KYN/TRP, 3-HK/XA, and NAM/QA explained the relationship for IL-6 and 3-HK/XA and QA/3-HAA for TNF-α. No mediation effect was observed for the other cytokines (indirect effect p &gt; .05). KP metabolites, particularly higher ratios of KYN/TRP, 3-HK/XA, 3-HK/3-HAA, QA/3-HAA, and a lower ratio of NAM/QA, mediated the relationship between inflammation and low muscle mass. Our preliminary cross-sectional data suggest that interventions to alter D3Cr muscle mass may focus on KP metabolites rather than inflammation per se.
Linking Aging to Cancer: The Role of Chromatin Biology
Authors: Corveleyn Laura , Sen Payel , Adams Peter , Sidoli Simone 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Epigenetic changes have been established to be a hallmark of aging, which implies that aging science requires collaborating with the field of chromatin biology. DNA methylation patterns, changes in relative abundance of histone post-translational modifications, and chromatin remodeling are the central players in modifying chromatin structure. Aging is commonly associated with an overall increase in chromatin instability, loss of homeostasis, and decondensation. However, numerous publications have highlighted that the link between aging and chromatin changes is not nearly as linear as previously expected. This complex interplay of these epigenetic elements during the lifetime of an organism likely contributes to cellular senescence, genomic instability, and disease susceptibility. Yet, the causal links between these phenomena still need to be fully unraveled. In this perspective article, we discuss potential future directions of aging chromatin biology.
What Does It Mean to “Age Well” Among British and Javanese Older Adults? A Cross-Cultural Qualitative Study
Authors: Sulandari Santi , Coats Rachel O , Taufik Taufik , Johnson Judith 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Objectives
This study aimed to investigate perceptions of what it means to “age well” and to explore similarities and differences between a Western and non-Western culture (Britain and Java).

Methods
Qualitative interviews explored how Javanese and British older adults defined aging well, establishing the similarities and differences between cultures. Javanese (n = 14) and British (n = 15) adults aged 61–80 (mean age = 68) participated. The data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis and organized with NVivo.

Results
Four themes were identified that captured what it means to age well across cultures: (a) good health is a springboard for aging well; (b) holding a positive outlook is a decisive factor in aging well; (c) “having enough” and “feeling safe” provide peace of mind; and (d) spirituality and religiosity provide tranquility. Although both cultures mentioned similar factors, there were variations in the interpretations and emphasis within themes. For example, Javanese participants emphasized the importance of the social environment whereas British participants highlighted the physical environment.

Discussion
Differences between cultures are important for understanding how best to support people as they age. For example, in Java, aging well may be best supported by providing a vibrant social environment. For people in Britain, having a safe and secure physical environment may be more important.
Using Clustering Methods to Map the Experience Profiles of Dementia Caregivers
Authors: Ashida Sato , Lynn Freda B , Thompson Lena , Koehly Laura M , Williams Kristine N , Donohoe Maria S 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background and Objectives
Caregivers of persons living with dementia report wide-ranging lived experiences, including feelings of burden and frustration but also positivity about caregiving. This study applies clustering methodology to novel survey data to explore variation in caregiving experience profiles, which could then be used to design and target caregiver interventions aimed at improving caregiver well-being.

Research Design and Methods
The k-means clustering algorithm partitioned a sample of 81 caregivers from the Midwest region of the United States on the basis of 8 variables capturing caregiver emotions, attitudes, knowledge, and network perceptions (adversity: burden, anxiety, network malfeasance; network nonfeasance; positivity: positive aspects of caregiving, preparedness and confidence in community-based care, knowledge about community services for older adults, and network uplift). The experience profile of each segment is described qualitatively and then regression methods were used to examine the association between (a) experience profiles and caregiver demographic characteristics and (b) experience profiles and study attrition.

Results
The clustering algorithm identified 4 segments of caregivers with distinct experience profiles: Thriving (low adversity, high positivity); Struggling with Network (high network malfeasance); Intensely Struggling (high adversity, low positivity); Detached (unprepared, disconnected, but not anxious). Experience profiles were associated with significantly different demographic profiles and attrition rates.

Discussion and Implications
How caregivers respond to support interventions may be contingent on caregivers’ experience profile. Research and practice should focus on identifying public health strategies tailored to fit caregiver experiences.

Clinical Trial Registration
NCT03932812
War-Related Life Course Stress and Late-Life Subjective Age in Northern Vietnam
Authors: Korinek Kim , Young Yvette , Schmidt Jefferson , Toan Tran Khanh , Zimmer Zachary 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background and Objectives
The role of early life stressors in subjective aging is weakly understood, especially in low- to middle-income countries. This paper investigated how early life stressors encountered in armed conflict influence subjective age among Vietnamese older adults who experienced war over decades of their early life.

Research Design and Methods
We analyzed survey data from the 2018 Vietnam Health and Aging Study involving 2,447 Vietnamese older adults who encountered diverse war-related stressors in early adulthood. The analytical sample (N = 2,341) included 50.9% women and 49.1% men, with an average age of 69.8. 41.1% are military veterans. We conducted survey-adjusted multinomial logistic regression analyses with mediation to predict the probability of feeling younger or older than one’s chronological age. We examined how childhood adversity (i.e., childhood hunger and low parental SES) and wartime stressors (i.e., war-related violence, malevolent environment, and military service) influenced late-life subjective age, both directly and as mediated by late-life mental, functional, and physical health.

Results
We found significant associations between early adulthood war-related stressors and subjective age. Formal military service significantly lessened the relative risk of feeling subjectively old, and more plentiful wartime violence exposures significantly increased the risk of feeling younger than one’s chronological age. Violence exposure’s effects were both direct and indirect through functional and mental health. Conversely, greater exposure to wartime malevolent conditions (e.g., shortages of clean water and evacuations) and multiple episodes of severe hunger in childhood increased the risk of feeling older, effects both direct and mediated by late-life functional and mental health.

Discussion and Implications
Results suggest wartime stressors, especially war’s malevolent environments and severe childhood hunger, experienced in many conflict-affected populations globally, have the potential to subjectively “age” survivors. Yet, not all war exposures are equal, and some may yield psychological and socioeconomic resources that support healthy aging.
Beclin-mediated Autophagy Drives Dorsal Longitudinal Flight Muscle Histolysis in the Variable Field Cricket, Gryllus lineaticeps
Authors: Diaz Tomás , Treidel Lisa A , Menze Michael A , Williams Caroline M , Lebenzon Jacqueline E 
Published: May 2024

Synopsis
Flight muscle histolysis is a widespread strategy used by insects to break down functional flight muscle and modulate the energetic costs associated with flight muscle use and maintenance. The variable field cricket, Gryllus lineaticeps, undergoes histolysis during their transition between dispersal flight and reproduction. Despite the importance of histolysis on insect reproduction and fitness, the molecular mechanisms driving this flight muscle breakdown are not well understood. Here, we show that beclin-mediated autophagy, a conserved lysosomal-dependent degradation process, drives breakdown of dorsal longitudinal flight muscle in female flight-capable G. lineaticeps. We found that female G. lineaticeps activate autophagy in their dorsal longitudinal flight muscle (DLM), but to a greater extent than the neighboring dorsoventral flight muscle (DVM) during histolysis. RNA interference knockdown of beclin, a gene that encodes a critical autophagy initiation protein, delayed DLM histolysis, but did not affect DVM histolysis. This suggests that crickets selectively activate autophagy to break down the DLMs, while maintaining DVM function for other fitness-relevant activities such as walking. Overall, we confirmed that autophagy is a critical pathway used to remodel flight muscle cells during flight muscle histolysis, providing novel insights into the mechanisms underlying a major life history transition between dispersal and reproduction.
High-order Lagrange-Galerkin methods for the conservative formulation of the advection-diffusion equation
Authors: Bermejo Rodolfo , Colera Manuel 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
We introduce in this paper the numerical analysis of high order both in time and space Lagrange-Galerkin methods for the conservative formulation of the advection-diffusion equation. As time discretization scheme we consider the Backward Differentiation Formulas up to order $q=5$. The development and analysis of the methods are performed in the framework of time evolving finite elements presented in C. M. Elliot and T. Ranner, IMA Journal of Numerical Analysis41, 1696–1845 (2021). The error estimates show through their dependence on the parameters of the equation the existence of different regimes in the behavior of the numerical solution; namely, in the diffusive regime, that is, when the diffusion parameter $\mu $ is large, the error is $O(h^{k+1}+\varDelta t^{q})$, whereas in the advective regime, $\mu \ll 1$, the convergence is $O(\min (h^{k},\frac{h^{k+1} }{\varDelta t})+\varDelta t^{q})$. It is worth remarking that the error constant does not have exponential $\mu ^{-1}$ dependence.
Dietary glycine supplementation activates mechanistic target of rapamycin signaling pathway in tissues of pigs with intrauterine growth restriction
Authors: He Wenliang , Posey Erin A , Steele Chandler C , Savell Jeffrey W , Bazer Fuller W , Wu Guoyao 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) cell signaling pathway serves as the central mechanism for the regulation of tissue protein synthesis and growth. We recently reported that supplementing 1% glycine to corn- and soybean meal-based diets enhanced growth performance between weaning and market weights in pigs with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Results of recent studies have revealed an important role for glycine in activating mTOR and protein synthesis in C2C12 muscle cells. Therefore, the present study tested the hypothesis that dietary glycine supplementation enhanced the mTOR cell signaling pathway in skeletal muscle and other tissues of IUGR pigs. At weaning (21 d of age), IUGR pigs and litter mates with normal birth weights (NBW) were assigned randomly to one of the two groups: supplementation with either 1% glycine or 1.19% l-alanine (isonitrogenous control) to a corn- and soybean meal-based diet. Tissues were obtained from the pigs within 1 wk after the feeding trial ended at 188 d of age to determine the abundances of total and phosphorylated forms of mTOR and its two major downstream proteins: eukaryotic initiation factor 4E-binding protein-1 (4EBP1) and ribosomal protein S6 kinase-1 (p70S6K). Results showed that IUGR decreased (P &lt; 0.05) the abundances of both total and phosphorylated mTOR, 4EBP1, and p70S6K in the gastrocnemius muscle and jejunum. In the longissimus lumborum muscle of IUGR pigs, the abundances of total mTOR did not differ (P &gt; 0.05) but those for phosphorylated mTOR and both total and phosphorylated 4EBP1 and p70S6K were downregulated (P &lt; 0.05), when compared to NBW pigs. These adverse effects of IUGR in the gastrocnemius muscle, longissimus lumborum muscle, and jejunum were prevented (P &lt; 0.05) by dietary glycine supplementation. Interestingly, the abundances of total or phosphorylated mTOR, 4EBP1, and p70S6K in the liver were not affected (P &gt; 0.05) by IUGR or glycine supplementation. Collectively, our findings indicate that IUGR impaired the mTOR cell signaling pathway in the tissues of pigs and that adequate glycine intake was crucial for maintaining active mTOR-dependent protein synthesis for the growth and development of skeletal muscle.
CCT6A alleviates pulmonary fibrosis by inhibiting HIF-1α-mediated lactate production
Authors: Yan Peishuo , Yang Kun , Xu Mengwei , Zhu Miaomiao , Duan Yudi , Li Wenwen , Liu Lulu , Liang Chenxi , Li Zhongzheng , Pan Xin , Wang Lan , Yu Guoying 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a lethal progressive fibrotic lung disease. The development of IPF involves different molecular and cellular processes, and recent studies indicate that lactate plays a significant role in promoting the progression of the disease. Nevertheless, the mechanism by which lactate metabolism is regulated and the downstream effects remain unclear. The molecular chaperone CCT6A performs multiple functions in a variety of biological processes. Our research has identified a potential association between CCT6A and serum lactate levels in IPF patients. Herein, we found that CCT6A was highly expressed in type 2 alveolar epithelial cells (AEC2s) of fibrotic lung tissues and correlated with disease severity. Lactate increases the accumulation of lipid droplets in epithelial cells. CCT6A inhibits lipid synthesis by blocking the production of lactate in AEC2s and alleviates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice. In addition, our results revealed that CCT6A blocks HIF-1α-mediated lactate production by driving the VHL-dependent ubiquitination and degradation of HIF-1α and further inhibits lipid accumulation in fibrotic lungs. In conclusion, we propose that there is a pivotal regulatory role of CCT6A in lactate metabolism in pulmonary fibrosis, and strategies aimed at targeting these key molecules could represent potential therapeutic approaches for pulmonary fibrosis.
Habitat-specific allocations of elements in Atriplex lentiformis seeds indicate adaptation to metal toxicity
Authors: Murawska-Wlodarczyk Kamila , van der Ent Antony , Wlodarczyk Tomasz , Słomka Aneta , Paterson David J , Brueckner Dennis , Przybyłowicz Wojciech J , Mesjasz-Przybyłowicz Jolanta , Ryan Chris C , Maier Raina M , Babst-Kostecka Alicja 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Self-sustaining vegetation in metal-contaminated areas is essential for rebuilding ecological resilience and community stability in degraded lands. Metal-tolerant plants originating from contaminated post-mining areas may hold the key to successful plant establishment and growth. Yet, little is known about the impact of metal toxicity on reproductive strategies, metal accumulation, and allocation patterns at the seed stage. Our research focused on the metal tolerant Atriplex lentiformis. Specifically, we examined the effects of toxic metal(loid) concentration in soils on variability in its reproductive strategies, including germination patterns, elemental uptake, and allocation within the seeds. We employed advanced imaging techniques like synchrotron X-ray fluorescence microscopy (2D scans and 3D tomograms) combined with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry to reveal significant differences in metal(loid) concentration and distribution within the seed structures of A. lentiformis from contrasting habitats. Exclusive Zn hotspots of high concentrations were found in the seeds of the metallicolous accession, primarily in the sensitive tissues of shoot apical meristems and root zones of the seed embryos. Our findings offer novel insights into phenotypic variability and metal tolerance and accumulation in plants from extreme environments. This knowledge can be applied to enhance plant survival and performance in land restoration efforts.
“Uncertain Thresholds”: An Interview with Carmen Maria Machado
Authors: Milne Leah A 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
This interview with award-winning novelist, essayist, and short story writer Carmen Maria Machado took place shortly after she delivered her reading and keynote address at the 2023 MELUS conference. In the interview, she discusses the complications of her liminal identity as a queer, fat, mixed-race, and white-presenting woman, as well as numerous personal and professional influences influencing her views on race and culture. She also talks about her books, the 2017 short fiction collection Her Body and Other Parties and the 2019 experimental memoir In the Dream House, and discusses the short story that she read at the MELUS conference and that will appear in a forthcoming short story collection, A Brief and Fearful Star. Privilege and the politics of reading and writing across boundaries such as race and nationality form the basis for additional contemplations about the ethics underlying multi-ethnic and mixed-race narratives.
Impacts of the 12C(α, γ)16O reaction rate on 56Ni nucleosynthesis in pair-instability supernovae
Authors: Kawashimo Hiroki , Sawada Ryo , Suwa Yudai , Moriya Takashi J , Tanikawa Ataru , Tominaga Nozomu 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT
Nuclear reactions are key to our understanding of stellar evolution, particularly the $^{12}{\rm C}(\alpha ,\gamma)^{16}{\rm O}\,$ rate, which is known to significantly influence the lower and upper ends of the black hole (BH) mass distribution due to pair-instability supernovae (PISNe). However, these reaction rates have not been sufficiently determined. We use the mesa stellar evolution code to explore the impact of uncertainty in the $^{12}{\rm C}(\alpha ,\gamma)^{16}{\rm O}\,$ rate on PISN explosions, focusing on nucleosynthesis and explosion energy by considering the high resolution of the initial mass. Our findings show that the mass of synthesized radioactive nickel (56Ni) and the explosion energy increase with $^{12}{\rm C}(\alpha ,\gamma)^{16}{\rm O}\,$ rate for the same initial mass, except in the high-mass edge region. With a high (about twice the starlib standard value) rate, the maximum amount of nickel produced falls below 70 M⊙, while with a low rate (about half of the standard value) it increases up to 83.9 M⊙. These results highlight that carbon ‘preheating’ plays a crucial role in PISNe by determining core concentration when a star initiates expansion. Our results also suggest that the onset of the expansion, which means the end of compression, competes with collapse caused by helium photodisintegration, and the maximum mass that can lead to an explosion depends on the $^{12}{\rm C}(\alpha ,\gamma)^{16}{\rm O}\,$ reaction rate.