bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Whole genomes show contrasting trends of population size changes and genomic diversity for an Amazonian endemic passerine over the late quaternary
Authors: Dalapicolla Jeronymo , Weir Jason T. , Vilaça Sibelle Torres , Quaresma Tânia Fontes , Schneider Maria P. C. , Vasconcelos Ana Tereza R. , Aleixo Alexandre 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe “Amazon tipping point” is a global change scenario resulting in replacement of uplandterra‐firmeforests by large‐scale “savannization” of mostly southern and eastern Amazon. Reduced rainfall accompanying the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) has been proposed to have acted as such a tipping point in the past, with the prediction thatterra‐firmeinhabiting species should have experienced reductions in population size as drier habitats expanded. Here, we use whole‐genomes of an Amazonian endemic organism (Scale‐backed antbirds –Willisornisspp.) sampled from nine populations across the region to test this historical demography scenario. Populations from southeastern Amazonia and close to the Amazon–Cerradoecotone exhibited a wide range of demographic patterns, while most of those from northern and western Amazonia experienced uniform expansions between 400 kya and 80–60 kya, with gradual declines toward 20 kya. Southeastern populations ofWillisorniswere the last to diversify and showed smaller heterozygosity and higher runs of homozygosity values than western and northern populations. These patterns support historical population declines throughout the Amazon that affected more strongly lineages in the southern and eastern areas, where historical “tipping point” conditions existed due to the widespread replacement of humid forest by drier and open vegetation during the LGM.
Demography and movement patterns of a freshwater ciliate: The influence of oxygen availability
Authors: Brans Victor , Manzi Florent , Jacob Staffan , Schtickzelle Nicolas 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn freshwater habitats, aerobic animals and microorganisms can react to oxygen deprivation by a series of behavioural and physiological changes, either as a direct consequence of hindered performance or as adaptive responses towards hypoxic conditions. Since oxygen availability can vary throughout the water column, different strategies exist to avoid hypoxia, including that of active ‘flight’ from low‐oxygen sites. Alternatively, some organisms may invest in slower movement, saving energy until conditions return to more favourable levels, which may be described as a ‘sit‐and‐wait’ strategy. Here, we aimed to determine which, if any, of these strategies could be used by the freshwater ciliate Tetrahymena thermophila when faced with decreasing levels of oxygen availability in the culture medium. We manipulated oxygen flux into clonal cultures of six strains (i.e. genotypes) and followed their growth kinetics for several weeks using automated image analysis, allowing to precisely quantify changes in density, morphology and movement patterns. Oxygen effects on demography and morphology were comparable across strains: reducing oxygen flux decreased the growth rate and maximal density of experimental cultures, while greatly expanding the duration of their stationary phase. Cells sampled during their exponential growth phase were larger and had a more elongated shape under hypoxic conditions, likely mirroring a shift in resource investment towards individual development rather than frequent divisions. In addition to these general patterns, we found evidence for intraspecific variability in movement responses to oxygen limitation. Some strains showed a reduction in swimming speed, potentially associated with a ‘sit‐and‐wait’ strategy; however, the frequent alteration of movement paths towards more linear trajectories also suggests the existence of an inducible ‘flight response’ in this species. Considering the inherent costs of turns associated with non‐linear movement, such a strategy may allow ciliates to escape suboptimal environments at a low energetic cost.
Modelling of sap flux density of oak in a humid region in China
Authors: Liu Yujie , Chen Zhengbing , Cheng Lei , Qin Shujing , Wan Liuliu , Yin Jiabo , Xu Jijun , Wang Yongqiang , Zhang Quan , Zhang Lu 
Published: April 2024

AbstractTranspiration plays a vital role in determining the watershed water cycle. However, we still have little knowledge of the characteristics of tree transpiration in the Hanjiang River Basin, which is the water source for the middle route of South‐to‐North water diversion project. Here, we measured sap flux density of oak trees (Quercus, the dominant species here) at the 10‐min resolution for 2 years and explored its response to the environmental conditions. The incoming short‐wave radiation and vapour pressure deficit well explained the variation of daytime sap flux density, and a statistical model was then proposed to calculate the daytime sap flux density correspondingly; then a nighttime sap flux density module was proposed based on the daytime sap flux density calculation. Sap flux density showed clear counter‐clockwise hysteresis response to incoming short‐wave radiation, and clockwise hysteresis response to vapour pressure deficit. Our sap flux density model can well reproduce the corresponding hysteresis response to incoming short‐wave radiation and vapour pressure deficit. This study unravelled the environmental controls of sap flux density of the oak trees in the Hanjiang River Basin, proposed an efficient model for the sap flux density simulation, provided important knowledge for understanding the corresponding forests' water use, which is of critical significance in determining the water availability for the middle route of the South‐to‐North water diversion project.
Exploring the dynamic microbial tapestry of South Asian rivers: insights from the Ganges and Yamuna ecosystems
Authors: Chaturvedi Sadashiv , Chakraborty Biswameet , Min Liu , Kumar Amit , Pathak Bikram , Kumar Rupesh , Yu Zhi‐Guo 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis review meticulously examines the dynamics of river microbiomes, with an emphasis on the Ganges and Yamuna rivers of South Asia. These rivers are vital for both ecological and cultural landscapes and offer to understand the interaction between ecological and anthropogenic factors and their impact on microbial communities and activities. Ecological and hydrological factors such as seasonal changes, water flow and physico‐chemical properties of rivers influence microbial diversity and abundance. The effect of heavy metals from industrial and agricultural sources on the river microbiome and how these pollutants modify microbial community structures and ecosystem health are not understood well yet. This underscores the need for sustainable water treatment and remediations for practical engineering solutions. The study reveals how these interactions, whether symbiotic or competitive, affect the composition and functionality of riverine microbial communities. An innovative aspect of our research is the potential of river microbiomes as indicators of urban sewage contamination. We demonstrate how microbial patterns can signal pollution levels, proving valuable for environmental monitoring, management and mitigation. A special attention to the role of microbes in river ecosystems' biogeochemical cycles has been paid to how these microbes contribute to nutrient recycling, organic matter decomposition and overall ecosystem productivity, underlining their crucial role in maintaining the aesthetic value of the river. Additionally, study evaluates the latest methodologies for analysing microbiome metagenomic data, including functional annotation and microbial community analysis techniques. Findings highlight the key importance of understanding river microbiomes for hydrology, ecology and microbiology researchers.
Broadband multi‐layered stepped cone shaped metamaterial absorber for energy harvesting and stealth applications
Authors: Bağmancı Mehmet , Wang Lulu , Sabah Cumali , Karaaslan Muharrem , Paul Liton Chandra , Rani Tithi , Unal Emin 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn this study, a broadband polarization and angle‐independent metamaterial absorber (MA) is investigated in the microwave range. It is made up of a periodic array of multi‐layered metal‐dielectric stepped cones. Since the dimensions of the layers forming the unit cell are different, each layer resonates at different frequencies with overlapping bands. The overall response of the structure, with its extremely wide bandwidth, can be obtained by summing all the overlapping frequency responses corresponding to each layer. In numerical simulation, it is observed that the absorption at normal incidence is above 90% in the frequency range between 9.68 and 17.45 GHz and 95% in the frequency range between 9.91 and 14.86 GHz. The energy harvesting ratios of the structure are also evaluated in a wide spectral band. A power ratio of around 90% is obtained in the same frequency range in accordance with absorption response. A noticeable harvesting efficiency of up to 82% is observed, which represents the energy level converted into electrical energy on resistors.
Characterization and utilization of industrial wastewater in biorefinery systems: A comprehensive approach
Authors: Castellanos Humberto Garcia , Aryanfar Yashar , fardinnia Hamidreza , Arslan Busra , Ilbas Mustafa , Keçebaş Ali 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis review explores the innovative utilization of industrial effluents in biorefinery applications, addressing the environmental challenges posed by the complex mixture of pollutants in industrial wastewater. It emphasizes the transformation of these effluents into valuable resources, such as biofuels, biochemicals, and bioplastics, through advanced biotechnological processes including anaerobic digestion, fermentation, enzymatic conversion, and microbial biomass production. The study highlights the critical role of microbial biocatalysts in breaking down diverse pollutants and transforming waste into wealth, thereby contributing to sustainable industrial practices and a circular economy. Challenges such as variability in effluent composition, inhibitory substances, and the necessity for robust bioprocesses are discussed, along with suggestions for future research directions like effluent characterization, development of specialized microbial consortia, and effective monitoring and control strategies. The review underscores the importance of collaboration between industry, academia, and government to advance biorefinery technologies, ultimately advocating for a sustainable and resource‐efficient future through the innovative treatment of industrial wastewaters.
Navigating the emotional terrain of prison reentry: State‐sanctioned gendered violence
Authors: Kellett Nicole Coffey 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe emotional experiences of incarceration are directly tied to state‐sanctioned gendered violence. Most incarcerated women have a history of trauma, stemming directly from broader socio‐political and economic forces, which is further rendered throughout the incarceration and reentry process. The carceral system in the United States disrupts family and social support systems, fails to provide accessible and adequate mental health and substance use services, and denies stabilization resources such as housing, employment, and citizenry for women once released from prison, yet their emotional experiences are largely absent in analyses of this gendered violence. Drawing from a larger intimate ethnography project with a woman, LaTasha, recently released from a 25‐year to life prison sentence, this article examines how women negotiate and express emotions within the context of prison reentry contributing to feminist anthropological scholarship on state‐sanctioned gender violence. Through an in‐depth analysis of the challenges LaTasha faces in rebuilding relationships with family, navigating a system in which she has been outcasted, and asserting herself after being systematically disempowered, we gain insight into the ways in which carceral systems have prevented emotional complexity resulting in a form of incipient and largely invisible violence.
Protein identification and potential bioactive peptides from pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima) seeds
Authors: Lin Chu‐Ti , Tejano Lhumen A. , Panjaitan Fenny Crista A. , Permata Vinny Nabila Surya , Sevi Tesalonika , Chang Yu‐Wei 
Published: April 2024

AbstractPumpkin is an economically important crop all over the world. Approximately, 18%–21% of pumpkins, consisting of peels and seeds by‐products, are wasted during processing. In addition, the seeds are rich in protein and have the potency of bioactive peptide production. This study aims to recognize the proteins and investigate the potential bioactive peptides from pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima) seeds. Pumpkin seeds were subjected to hot air drying (HAD) at 55°C for 12 h and freeze‐drying (FD) at −80°C for 54 h before they were powdered, analyzed, and precipitated by isoelectric point to obtain pumpkin seed protein isolates (PSPI). PSPI comprised 11S globulin subunit beta, 2S seed storage albumin, and chaperonin CPN60‐1. To generate hydrolysate peptides, PSPI was hydrolyzed using papain, pepsin, and bromelain. FD group pepsin hydrolysates had the highest peptide content of 420.83 mg/g. ACE inhibition and DPP‐IV inhibition activity were analyzed for each enzymatic hydrolysate. The pepsin hydrolyzed sample exhibited the highest ACE inhibition of 70.26%, and the papain hydrolyzed sample exhibited the highest DPP‐IV inhibition of 30.51%. The simulated gastrointestinal digestion (SGID) conducted by pepsin and pancreatin increased ACE inhibitory activity from 76.93% to 78.34%, and DPP‐IV inhibited activity increased from 58.62% to 77.13%. Pepsin and papain hydrolysates were fractionated using ultrafiltration to measure ACE and DPP‐IV inhibition activity. The highest free radical scavenging abilities were exhibited by the <1 kDa hydrolysate fractions with 78.34% ACE inhibitory activities and 79.55% DPP‐IV inhibitory activities. This research revealed that pumpkin seeds had the potency to produce bioactive peptides.
Comparative study of second‐line labor induction methods in patients with unfavorable cervix after first‐line low‐dose oral misoprostol
Authors: Nace Marie‐Cécile , Delotte Jérôme , Gauci Pierre‐Alexis 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectiveThe present study aimed to evaluate low‐dose oral misoprostol induction, and compare different methods used in second‐line induction in patients with a Bishop score less than 6.MethodsThis retrospective study analyzed the medical history and courses of pregnancy of all patients induced with first‐line of low‐dose oral misoprostol (50 μg every 4 h with a total of 200 μg/24 h) from April 2021 to June 2022 in a university hospital center, and reported outcomes according to the second‐line method of induction.ResultsAmong 437 labor inductions with low‐dose oral misoprostol, 120 patients required a second‐line induction. Predictive factors of first‐line failure were higher body mass index (P = 0.011), absence of premature rupture of membranes (P = 0.021) and earlier term of pregnancy (P < 0.001). Regarding second methods of induction of labor, time from induction to delivery was shorter in the oxytocin group than the dinoprostone and misoprostol groups (24.0 vs. 41 and 51.0 h, respectively; P < 0.001), and was also significantly shorter in the dinoprostone than the misoprostol group (P = 0.048). Cesarean section rates did not differ between the three groups (P = 0.651). There were no clinically significant differences in adverse events between the groups.ConclusionNormal body mass index, previous rupture of membranes and later term of induction of labor were the three favoring success factors during first‐line oral misoprostol. In cases of a Bishop score <6, oxytocin may be the best option to reduce duration to delivery, with the same maternal‐fetal outcomes, including a similar rate of vaginal delivery.
Maternal methylosome protein 50 is essential for embryonic development in medaka Oryzias latipes
Authors: Duan Shi , Yang Qing , Wu Fan , Li Zhenyu , Hong Wentao , Cao Mengxi , Chen Xinhua , Zhong Xueping , Zhou Qingchun , Zhao Haobin 
Published: April 2024

AbstractMethylosome protein 50 (Mep50) is a protein that is rich in WD40 domains, which mediate and regulate a variety of physiological processes in organisms. Previous studies indicated the necessity of Mep50 in embryogenesis in mice Mus musculus and fish. This study aimed to further understand the roles of maternal Mep50 in early embryogenesis using medaka Oryzias latipes as a model. Without maternal Mep50, medaka zygotes developed to the pre‐early gastrula stage but died later. The transcriptome of the embryos at the pre‐early gastrula stage was analyzed by RNA sequencing. The results indicated that 1572 genes were significantly upregulated and 741 genes were significantly downregulated in the embryos without maternal Mep50. In the differentially expressed genes (DEGs), the DNA‐binding proteins, such as histones and members of the small chromosome maintenance complex, were enriched. The major interfered regulatory networks in the embryos losing maternal Mep50 included DNA replication and cell cycle regulation, AP‐1 transcription factors such as Jun and Fos, the Wnt pathway, RNA processing, and the extracellular matrix. Quantitative RT‐PCR verified 16 DEGs, including prmt5, H2A, cpsf, jun, mcm4, myc, p21, ccne2, cdk6, and col1, among others. It was speculated that the absence of maternal Mep50 could potentially lead to errors in DNA replication and cell cycle arrest, ultimately resulting in cell apoptosis. This eventually resulted in the failure of gastrulation and embryonic death. The results indicate the importance of maternal Mep50 in early embryonic development, particularly in medaka fish.
Leadership development in genetic counseling graduate programs
Authors: Polanski Amanda , Hall April , Reiser Catherine , Uttal Katherine , Kuhl Ashley 
Published: April 2024

AbstractLeadership is emerging as an important component of health professional training. This study aimed to characterize current leadership development in accredited genetic counseling programs. Semi‐structured interviews with program leadership were conducted to explore their program's leadership curricula and their perspectives on the meaning of leadership and its place in genetic counseling training. Eleven interviews were conducted and focused on seven categories related to study goals. Using the Framework Method, themes were generated within the predefined categories. Categories and themes included Defining Leadership (Positional vs Non‐positional, Beliefs about Leadership, Role of Leadership in the Field of Genetic Counseling), Leadership Curricula Origin and Delivery (Course‐based and Longitudinal, Explicit vs. Implicit, Origin of Material), Role of Faculty and Students (Role of Faculty, Expectations for Students and Qualities of Students), Skills, Evaluation, Priority (Potential for Improvement, Barriers and Facilitators), and Standards (Current Incorporation, Potential Incorporation). All programs had some form of leadership development, but many participants lacked a personal or program definition of leadership. Leadership development varied in curricula and delivery, but most were longitudinal and faculty‐driven, with communication, teaching, advocacy, and collaboration as commonly taught skills. However, leadership development opportunities were rarely labeled as such, and participants identified labeling current leadership development as the top area for improvement. Labeling leadership development could improve assessment of current efforts and the ability to address gaps in leadership curricula. This would lay the foundation for necessary intentional leadership development, in turn helping us better advocate for our patients and the profession.
Improved deep learning for automatic localisation and segmentation of rectal cancer on T2‐weighted MRI
Authors: Zhang Zaixian , Han Junqi , Ji Weina , Lou Henan , Li Zhiming , Hu Yabin , Wang Mingjia , Qi Baozhu , Liu Shunli 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIntroductionThe automatic segmentation approaches of rectal cancer from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are very valuable to relieve physicians from heavy workloads and enhance working efficiency. This study aimed to compare the segmentation accuracy of a proposed model with the other three models and the inter‐observer consistency.MethodsA total of 65 patients with rectal cancer who underwent MRI examination were enrolled in our cohort and were randomly divided into a training cohort (n = 45) and a validation cohort (n = 20). Two experienced radiologists independently segmented rectal cancer lesions. A novel segmentation model (AttSEResUNet) was trained on T2WI based on ResUNet and attention mechanisms. The segmentation performance of the AttSEResUNet, U‐Net, ResUNet and U‐Net with Attention Gate (AttUNet) was compared, using Dice similarity coefficient (DSC), Hausdorff distance (HD), mean distance to agreement (MDA) and Jaccard index. The segmentation variability of automatic segmentation models and inter‐observer was also evaluated.ResultsThe AttSEResUNet with post‐processing showed perfect lesion recognition rate (100%) and false recognition rate (0), and its evaluation metrics outperformed other three models for two independent readers (observer 1: DSC = 0.839 ± 0.112, HD = 9.55 ± 6.68, MDA = 0.556 ± 0.722, Jaccard index = 0.736 ± 0.150; observer 2: DSC = 0.856 ± 0.099, HD = 11.0 ± 10.1, MDA = 0.789 ± 1.07, Jaccard index = 0.673 ± 0.130). The segmentation performance of AttSEResUNet was comparable and similar to manual variability (DSC = 0.857 ± 0.115, HD = 10.0 ± 10.0, MDA = 0.704 ± 1.17, Jaccard index = 0.666 ± 0.139).ConclusionComparing with other three models, the proposed AttSEResUNet model was demonstrated as a more accurate model for contouring the rectal tumours in axial T2WI images, whose variability was similar to that of inter‐observer.
Iron deficiency in astrocytes alters cellular status and impacts on oligodendrocyte differentiation
Authors: Marcora María Silvina , Mattera Vanesa Soledad , Goñi Pilar , Aybar Florencia , Correale Jorge Daniel , Pasquini Juana Maria 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIron deficiency (ID) has been shown to affect central nervous system (CNS) development and induce hypomyelination. Previous work from our laboratory in a gestational ID model showed that both oligodendrocyte (OLG) and astrocyte (AST) maturation was impaired. To explore the contribution of AST iron to the myelination process, we generated an in vitro ID model by silencing divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1) in AST (siDMT1 AST) or treating AST with Fe3+ chelator deferoxamine (DFX; DFX AST). siDMT1 AST showed no changes in proliferation but remained immature. Co‐cultures of oligodendrocyte precursors cells (OPC) with siDMT1 AST and OPC cultures incubated with siDMT1 AST‐conditioned media (ACM) rendered a reduction in OPC maturation. These findings correlated with a decrease in the expression of AST‐secreted factors IGF‐1, NRG‐1, and LIF, known to promote OPC differentiation. siDMT1 AST also displayed increased mitochondrial number and reduced mitochondrial size as compared to control cells. DFX AST also remained immature and DFX AST‐conditioned media also hampered OPC maturation in culture, in keeping with a decrease in the expression of AST‐secreted growth factors IGF‐1, NRG‐1, LIF, and CNTF. DFX AST mitochondrial morphology and number showed results similar to those observed in siDMT1 AST. In sum, our results show that ID, induced through two different methods, impacts AST maturation and mitochondrial functioning, which in turn hampers OPC differentiation.