bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Humpback whales in the Southwest Atlantic Ocean: investigating their breeding movements by satellite tracking
Authors: Landine Anne , Zerbini Alexandre N. , Danilewicz Daniel , Sucunza Federico , Andriolo Artur 
Published: June 2024

AbstractUnderstanding animals' movements is essential to assess habitat use, life‐history strategies, and population dynamics. Here, we investigate the movement and behavior patterns of 153 humpback whales in the Southwest Atlantic Ocean (SWA) using data obtained by satellite telemetry between 2003 and 2019 during the species' breeding season (August–December) off the Brazilian coast. Switching state space models were applied to estimate behavior states (bmode) classified as Area Restricted Search (ARS), Transiting (TRANS), or uncertain. Whales were distributed from 4°S to 24°S, and five clusters of ARS behavior were identified along the Brazilian coast. Generalized linear mixed modeling revealed three main results: (1) a transition towards more sinuous behavioral states with increasing latitude; (2) more sinuous movement behavior around new moons; (3) movement behavior was temporally dynamic throughout the breeding season over the years, particularly in 2019. The results then revealed important regions where humpback whales cluster to engage in mating and nursing behaviors, highlighting the influence of spatial location and environmental cycles on their behavior. Estimated movement behavior presented here improves the knowledge about the habitat use and movement patterns of SWA humpback whales in their breeding ground and can be used to mitigate potential human‐related impacts.
Positive roles of the Ca2+ sensors GbCML45 and GbCML50 in improving cotton Verticillium wilt resistance
Authors: Yi Feifei , Li Yuzhe , Song Aosong , Shi Xinying , Hu Shanci , Wu Shuang , Shao Lili , Chu Zongyan , Xu Kun , Li Liangliang , Tran Lam‐Son Phan , Li Weiqiang , Cai Yingfan 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAs a universal second messenger, cytosolic calcium (Ca2+) functions in multifaceted intracellular processes, including growth, development and responses to biotic/abiotic stresses in plant. The plant‐specific Ca2+ sensors, calmodulin and calmodulin‐like (CML) proteins, function as members of the second‐messenger system to transfer Ca2+ signal into downstream responses. However, the functions of CMLs in the responses of cotton (Gossypium spp.) after Verticillium dahliae infection, which causes the serious vascular disease Verticillium wilt, remain elusive. Here, we discovered that the expression level of GbCML45 was promoted after V. dahliae infection in roots of cotton, suggesting its potential role in Verticillium wilt resistance. We found that knockdown of GbCML45 in cotton plants decreased resistance while overexpression of GbCML45 in Arabidopsis thaliana plants enhanced resistance to V. dahliae infection. Furthermore, there was physiological interaction between GbCML45 and its close homologue GbCML50 by using yeast two‐hybrid and bimolecular fluorescence assays, and both proteins enhanced cotton resistance to V. dahliae infection in a Ca2+‐dependent way in a knockdown study. Detailed investigations indicated that several defence‐related pathways, including salicylic acid, ethylene, reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide signalling pathways, as well as accumulations of lignin and callose, are responsible for GbCML45‐ and GbCML50‐modulated V. dahliae resistance in cotton. These results collectively indicated that GbCML45 and GbCML50 act as positive regulators to improve cotton Verticillium wilt resistance, providing potential targets for exploitation of improved Verticillium wilt‐tolerant cotton cultivars by genetic engineering and molecular breeding.
Myths of Zimbabwean urban nationalism: Narratives of modernity and exceptionalism in the economic crisis
Authors: Pikovskaia Kristina 
Published: June 2024

AbstractZimbabwe has distinct urban nationalist myths stemming from the colonial period—urban modernity and economic exceptionalism. The modernity myth has been constructed from the colonial period and came to be associated with urban order, lifestyle and social mobility. The economic exceptionalism myth refers to Zimbabwe's past exceptional economic performance during the colonial and early postcolonial periods. However, the economic crisis and informalisation from the late 1990s have challenged these myths as neither previous practices of urban modernity nor the feeling of exceptional economic performance is attainable any more. In this context, people in the informal sector reimagine what these nationalist myths mean to them. In particular, they engage in debates about which economic practices are modern enough to be implemented in urban areas, especially in the city centre, and how to identify themselves make a claim to urban modernity. The memory of economic exceptionalism in the meantime acts as a reference point in discussions about future national development. All these translate into the question of legitimacy—of the informal economy and its practices and the government that failed to uphold the modernity and exceptionalism myths.
NPCC4: New York City climate risk information 2022—observations and projections
Authors: Braneon Christian , Ortiz Luis , Bader Daniel , Devineni Naresh , Orton Philip , Rosenzweig Bernice , McPhearson Timon , Smalls‐Mantey Lauren , Gornitz Vivien , Mayo Talea , Kadam Sanketa , Sheerazi Hadia , Glenn Equisha , Yoon Liv , Derras‐Chouk Amel , Towers Joel , Leichenko Robin , Balk Deborah , Marcotullio Peter , Horton Radley 
Published: June 2024

AbstractNew York City (NYC) faces many challenges in the coming decades due to climate change and its interactions with social vulnerabilities and uneven urban development patterns and processes. This New York City Panel on Climate Change (NPCC) report contributes to the Panel's mandate to advise the city on climate change and provide timely climate risk information that can inform flexible and equitable adaptation pathways that enhance resilience to climate change. This report presents up‐to‐date scientific information as well as updated sea level rise projections of record. We also present a new methodology related to climate extremes and describe new methods for developing the next generation of climate projections for the New York metropolitan region. Future work by the Panel should compare the temperature and precipitation projections presented in this report with a subset of models to determine the potential impact and relevance of the “hot model” problem. NPCC4 expects to establish new projections‐of‐record for precipitation and temperature in 2024 based on this comparison and additional analysis. Nevertheless, the temperature and precipitation projections presented in this report may be useful for NYC stakeholders in the interim as they rely on the newest generation of global climate models.
Mapping of quantitative trait loci for agronomic and morpho‐physiological traits under drought environments in spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)
Authors: Sayed Haitham , Al‐Yassin Adnan , Ceccarelli Salvatore , Grando Stefania , Stotz Henrik U. , Fitt Bruce D. L. , Baum Michael 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBarley production is severely affected by drought caused by the unpredictable Mediterranean weather patterns, which include uneven rainfall and extreme temperatures. This leads to a decrease in crop yield. However, to tackle this issue, landraces and wild species are crucial sources of variation for stress adaptive traits. By incorporating these traits into improved varieties, we may see an increase in yield and stability under drought conditions. Seventy‐six quantitative traits loci (QTLs) identified traits were mapped using recombinant inbred lines (RIL) population Arta × Harmal‐2//Esp/1808‐4L, evaluated at six dry and semi‐dry areas over 3 years. The study investigated traits such as grain yield, biological yield, harvest index, kernel weight, seed per head, days to heading, kernel filling duration, growth vigour, growth habit, lodging and plant height. Numerous QTLs were discovered that are associated with various phenotypic traits related to grain yield, kernel yield, duration of filling period and days to heading. For areas with less than 250 mm/annum of rainfall, QTLs were identified on chromosome 2H for biological yield, days to heading, and kernel weight, on 1H for harvest index, and on 2H, 4H, and 5H for kernel weight. For semi‐dry areas with rainfall less than 450 mm, QTLs were found on chromosome 6H for grain yield, 2H and 5H for kernel weight, 1H and 6H for seed per head, and 2H for days to heading. Notably, these QTLs significantly explain more than 10% of phenotypic variation. The 2H chromosome was found to have the most important QTL and pleiotropic effect for yield and its components, such as kernel weight, days to heading, and biological yield. The cross Arta/Harmal was adapted, and mechanisms were developed to cope with drought stress, reflected by the significant and positive correlation of biological yield and harvest index with grain yield. Chromosomes 1H, 2H, 4H and 5H harbour more than 60% of mapped QTLs for dry areas. It is worth noting that the QTLs mentioned earlier, along with the kernel weight QTLs (QKW 1.5, QKW2.7b, QKW4.1, QKW6.7, QKW6.9), have consistently exhibited positive effects on crop yield in semi‐dry and dry areas, making them potential candidates for breeding drought‐tolerant crops. Genomic co‐localisation of the QTL for Arta/Harmal population suggested that selection for drought through linked markers can be an option for drought tolerance selection for barley in dry areas.
Sap flow through partially embolized xylem vessel networks
Authors: Jacobsen Anna L. , Venturas Martin D. , Hacke Uwe G. , Pratt Robert Brandon 
Published: June 2024

AbstractSap is transported through numerous conduits in the xylem of woody plants along the path from the soil to the leaves. When all conduits are functional, vessel lumen diameter is a strong predictor of hydraulic conductivity. As vessels become embolized, sap movement becomes increasingly affected by factors operating at scales beyond individual conduits, creating resistances that result in hydraulic conductivity diverging from diameter‐based estimates. These effects include pit resistances, connectivity, path length, network topology, and vessel or sector isolation. The impact of these factors varies with the level and distribution of emboli within the network, and manifest as alterations in the relationship between the number and diameter of embolized vessels with measured declines in hydraulic conductivity across vulnerability to embolism curves. Divergences between measured conductivity and diameter‐based estimates reveal functional differences that arise because of species‐ and tissue‐specific vessel network structures. Such divergences are not uniform, and xylem tissues may diverge in different ways and to differing degrees. Plants regularly operate under nonoptimal conditions and contain numerous embolized conduits. Understanding the hydraulic implications of emboli within a network and the function of partially embolized networks are critical gaps in our understanding of plants occurring within natural environments.
Low concentrations of soybean lecithin nanoparticles had a positive impact on Holstein bulls' cryopreserved semen
Authors: Abdel‐Ghani Mohammed A. , El‐Sharawy Mohamed E. , Zaid Ebtsam K. , Shehabeldin Ahmed M. , Dessouki Sherif M. , Moustapha Moustapha E. , Metwally Abd El‐Salam M. , El‐Shamaa Ibrahim S. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractSpermatozoa can experience negative changes when subjected to freezing and thawing, including lowered motility, viability and acrosome response. Herein, the effects of different concentrations of soybean lecithin nanoparticles on cryopreserved Holstein bull semen were examined. Semen was collected, cryopreserved and utilized for sperm kinetic parameter analysis following dilution, equilibration and thawing with 0.5% soybean lecithin (E1), the control extender, and 0.75% (E2), 0.5% (E3), 0.25% (E4) and 0.125% (E5) of lecithin nanoparticles. Results revealed that following dilution, the progressive motility (PM) at E3, E4 and E5 of lecithin nanoparticles was higher (p < .05) than it was for E2. After equilibration, compared to the E1, E2, and E3 values, the PM, vitality, normal morphology, membrane integrity and intact acrosome values at the E5 were consistently greater (p < .05). Comparing the percentages of intact acrosome and membrane integrity at E2 and E3 to E4 and E5, a substantial decrease (p < .05) was seen. Following thawing, the percentage of PM improved at E2 and E5, even though their mean PM values were similar (p > .05) compared to E1, E3 and E4. Vigour and progression parameters of sperm (DAP, DCL, DSL, VAP, VCL, VSL and STR) at E5 were higher (p < .05) than those at E1, E2, E3 and E4. In conclusion, the cryopreserved sperm from Holstein bulls revealed outstanding properties both after equilibration and after thawing with 0.125% lecithin nanoparticles, and they were sensitive to high dosages.
SARS‐CoV‐2 delta variant in African lions (Panthera leo) and humans at Utah's Hogle Zoo, USA, 2021–22
Authors: Oltjen Heather , Crook Erika , Lanier William A. , Rettler Hannah , Oakeson Kelly F. , Young Erin L. , Torchetti Mia , Van Wettere Arnaud J. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAimsWe conducted a One Health investigation to assess the source and transmission dynamics of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in African lions (Panthera leo) at Utah's Hogle Zoo in Salt Lake City from October 2021 to February 2022.Methods and ResultsFollowing observation of respiratory illness in the lions, zoo staff collected pooled faecal samples and individual nasal swabs from four lions. All specimens tested positive for SARS‐CoV‐2 by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). The resulting investigation included: lion observation; RT‐PCR testing of lion faeces every 1–7 days; RT‐PCR testing of lion respiratory specimens every 2–3 weeks; staff interviews and RT‐PCR testing; whole‐genome sequencing of viruses from lions and staff; and comparison with existing SARS‐CoV‐2 human community surveillance sequences. In addition to all five lions, three staff displayed respiratory symptoms. All lions recovered and no hospitalizations or deaths were reported among staff. Three staff reported close contact with the lions in the 10 days before lion illness onset, one of whom developed symptoms and tested positive for SARS‐CoV‐2 on days 3 and 4, respectively, after lion illness onset. The other two did not report symptoms or test positive. Two staff who did not have close contact with the lions were symptomatic and tested positive on days 5 and 8, respectively, after lion illness onset. We detected SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA in lion faeces for 33 days and in lion respiratory specimens for 14 weeks after illness onset. The viruses from lions were genetically highly related to those from staff and two contemporaneous surveillance specimens from Salt Lake County; all were delta variants (AY.44).ConclusionsWe did not determine the sources of these infections, although human‐to‐lion transmission likely occurred. The observed period of respiratory shedding was longer than in previously documented SARS‐CoV‐2 infections in large felids, indicating the need to further assess duration and potential implications of shedding.
Uniqueness of Ricci flows from non‐atomic Radon measures on Riemann surfaces
Authors: Topping Peter M. , Yin Hao 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIn previous work (Topping and Yin, https://arxiv.org/abs/2107.14686), we established the existence of a Ricci flow starting with a Riemann surface coupled with a non‐atomic Radon measure as a conformal factor. In this paper, we prove uniqueness, settling Conjecture 1.3 of Topping and Yin (https://arxiv.org/abs/2107.14686). Combining these two works yields a canonical smoothing of such rough surfaces that also regularises their geometry at infinity.
The hallmarks of a tradeoff in transcriptomes that balances stress and growth functions
Authors: Dalldorf Christopher , Rychel Kevin , Szubin Richard , Hefner Ying , Patel Arjun , Zielinski Daniel C. , Palsson Bernhard O. 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

Fast growth phenotypes are achieved through optimal transcriptomic allocation, in which cells must balance tradeoffs in resource allocation between diverse functions. One such balance between stress readiness and unbridled growth in
E. coli
has been termed the fear versus greed (f/g) tradeoff. Two specific RNA polymerase (RNAP) mutations observed in adaptation to fast growth have been previously shown to affect the f/g tradeoff, suggesting that genetic adaptations may be primed to control f/g resource allocation. Here, we conduct a greatly expanded study of the genetic control of the f/g tradeoff across diverse conditions. We introduced 12 RNA polymerase (RNAP) mutations commonly acquired during adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) and obtained expression profiles of each. We found that these single RNAP mutation strains resulted in large shifts in the f/g tradeoff primarily in the RpoS regulon and ribosomal genes, likely through modifying RNAP-DNA interactions. Two of these mutations additionally caused condition-specific transcriptional adaptations. While this tradeoff was previously characterized by the RpoS regulon and ribosomal expression, we find that the GAD regulon plays an important role in stress readiness and ppGpp in translation activity, expanding the scope of the tradeoff. A phylogenetic analysis found the greed-related genes of the tradeoff present in numerous bacterial species. The results suggest that the f/g tradeoff represents a general principle of transcriptome allocation in bacteria where small genetic changes can result in large phenotypic adaptations to growth conditions.

IMPORTANCE

To increase growth,
E. coli
must raise ribosomal content at the expense of non-growth functions. Previous studies have linked RNAP mutations to this transcriptional shift and increased growth but were focused on only two mutations found in the protein’s central region. RNAP mutations, however, commonly occur over a large structural range. To explore RNAP mutations’ impact, we have introduced 12 RNAP mutations found in laboratory evolution experiments and obtained expression profiles of each. The mutations nearly universally increased growth rates by adjusting said tradeoff away from non-growth functions. In addition to this shift, a few caused condition-specific adaptations. We explored the prevalence of this tradeoff across phylogeny and found it to be a widespread and conserved trend among bacteria.
Child Opportunity Index and clinical characteristics at diabetes diagnosis in youth: type 1 diabetes versus type 2 diabetes
Authors: Hoyek Kim , Libman Ingrid , Mkparu Nkeiruka , Hong Yong Hee , Arslanian Silva , Vajravelu Mary Ellen 
Published: June 2024

IntroductionAmong youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D), longitudinal poor glycemic control is associated with adverse socioeconomic conditions at the neighborhood level. Child Opportunity Index (COI), which encompasses measures of education, health, environment, social, and economic factors, is associated with obesity in youth but has not been evaluated in youth with new-onset T1D or type 2 diabetes (T2D). We hypothesized that lower COI would be associated with adverse clinical outcomes at diabetes diagnosis, and due to differing risk factors and pathophysiology, that youth with new-onset T2D would have lower COI than youth with T1D.Research design and methodsRetrospective cohort of youth with new-onset diabetes admitted to a large academic pediatric hospital. COI was compared by diabetes type using t-tests and Χ2tests. Multivariable linear and logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate associations between COI and clinical characteristics, stratified by diabetes type and adjusted for age and sex.ResultsThe cohort (n=484) differed in race and age by diabetes type (T1D: n=389; 10.0% black, 81.2% white; age 9.6±0.2 years; T2D: n=95; 44.2% black, 48.4% white; age 14.8±0.3 years). Youth with T2D had lower COI (p<0.001). Low COI was associated with diabetic ketoacidosis in T1D and T2D. Black youth with low COI had the highest hemoglobin A1c among youth with T2D and the highest obesity prevalence among youth with T1D.ConclusionsCOI is associated with differing characteristics at diagnosis in youth-onset T1D and T2D but is worse among youth with T2D overall. These findings underscore the need to address socioeconomic adversity when designing interventions to reduce T2D risk and to improve outcomes at diabetes diagnosis in youth.
Exploring factors influencing quality of life variability among individuals with coeliac disease: an online survey
Authors: Elwenspoek Martha , Banks Jonathan , Desale Prajakta Pratap , Watson Jessica , Whiting Penny 
Published: June 2024

ObjectivePatients with coeliac disease (CD) need to follow a strict gluten-free diet to manage symptoms and prevent complications. Restrictions imposed by the diet can be challenging and affect quality of life (QoL). We explored sources of variation in QoL among patients with CD.DesignWe conducted an online survey of coeliac patients in the UK, including a CD-specific QoL tool (CD-QOL V.1.0), questions on diet adherence and an optional comment box at the end. The survey was disseminated via social media and went live between January and March 2021. We performed multiple linear regression and free text analysis.ResultsWe found a median CD-QOL score of 61 (IQR 44–76, range 4–100, n=215) suggesting good QoL (Good >59); however, the individual QoL scores varied significantly. Regression analyses showed that people who found diet adherence difficult and people adhering very strictly had a lower QoL. Free text comments suggested that people who adhered very strictly may do so because they have symptoms with minimal gluten exposure. People who found diet adherence difficult may be people who only recently started the diet and were still adjusting to its impact. Comments also highlighted that individuals with CD often perceive a lack of adequate follow-up care and support after diagnosis.ConclusionBetter support and follow-up care is needed for people with CD to help them adjust to a gluten-free diet and minimise the impact on their QoL. Better education and increased awareness are needed among food businesses regarding cross-contamination to reduce anxiety and accidental gluten exposure.
Self-compassion letter tool for healthcare worker well-being: a qualitative descriptive analysis
Authors: Powell Melissa , Sexton Bryan , Adair Kathryn C 
Published: June 2024

Objective
This qualitative study aimed to identify categories within therapeutic self-compassion letters written by healthcare workers. Resulting categories were assessed for their relevance to the construct of self-compassion.

Design
This was a qualitative descriptive study that used summative content analysis and inductive coding.

Setting
A US-based academic healthcare system.

Participants
Healthcare workers who attended a self-compassion webinar were recruited.

Intervention
The online self-compassion tool asked participants to write a letter to themselves from the perspective of a friend providing support and encouragement.

Results
116 letters were analysed. Five major categories emerged: Looking Forward, Reaffirming Self, Reaffirming Reminders, Hardships and Self-Disparagement. Respondents’ letters were mostly positively framed and forward thinking, including their hopes of improving themselves and their lives in the future. Negative content generally described hardships and often served to provide self-validation or perspective on obstacles that had been overcome.

Conclusion
The writing prompt elicited content from the writers that reflected the core elements of self-compassion (ie, self-kindness, common humanity, mindfulness). Continued research to further understand, refine and improve the impact of therapeutic letter writing to enhance well-being is warranted to reduce burnout and promote quality patient care.