bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pollinator competition and the contingency of nectar depletion during an early spring resource pulse
Authors: Sponsler Douglas B. , Hamilton Murray , Wiesneth Michael , Steffan‐Dewenter Ingolf 
Published: June 2024

AbstractConcerns about competition between pollinators are predicated on the assumption of floral resource limitation. Floral resource limitation, however, is a complex phenomenon involving the interplay of resource production by plants, resource demand by pollinators, and exogenous factors—like weather conditions—that constrain both plants and pollinators. In this study, we examined nectar limitation during the mass flowering of rosaceous fruit trees in early spring. Our study was set in the same region as a previous study that found severe nectar limitation in summer grasslands. We used this seasonal contrast to evaluate two alternative hypotheses concerning the seasonal dynamics of floral resource limitation: either (H1) rates of resource production and consumption are matched through seasonal time to maintain a consistent degree of resource limitation, or (H2) a mismatch of high floral resource production and low pollinator activity in early spring creates a period of relaxed resource limitation that intensifies later in the year. We found generally much lower depletion in our spring study compared to the near 100% depletion found in the summer study, but depletion rates varied markedly through diel time and across sampling days, with afternoon depletion rates sometimes exceeding 80%. In some cases, there were also pronounced differences in depletion rates across simultaneously sampled floral species, indicating different degrees of nectar exploitation. These findings generally support the seasonal mismatch hypothesis (H2) but underscore the complex contingency of nectar depletion. The challenge of future work is to discern how the fluctuation of resource limitation across diel, inter‐diel, and seasonal time scales translates into population‐level outcomes for pollinators.
Stable isotopes (15N) facilitate non‐invasive labelling of large quantities of macroinvertebrates across different species and feeding types
Authors: Enss Julian , Nachev Milen , Jochmann Maik A. , Schmidt Torsten C. , Feld Christian K. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractWhile macroinvertebrate dispersal operates at the individual level, predictions of their dispersal capabilities often rely on indirect proxies rather than direct measurements. To gain insight into the dispersal of individual specimens, it is crucial to mark (label) and capture individuals. Isotopic enrichment with 15N is a non‐invasive method with the potential of labelling large quantities of macroinvertebrates. While the analysis of 15N is widely utilised in food web studies, knowledge on the specific utility of isotopic enrichment with 15N for mass labelling of macroinvertebrate individuals across different taxa and feeding types is limited. Previous studies have focused on single species and feeding types, leaving gaps in our understanding of the broader applicability of this method. Therefore, this study aimed to test and compare isotopic mass enrichment across several macroinvertebrate taxa and feeding types. We released 15NH4Cl at five stream reaches in North‐Rhine Westphalia, Germany, and successfully enriched 12 distinct macroinvertebrate taxa (Crustacea and Insecta). Significant enrichment was achieved in active and passive filter feeders, grazers, shredders and predators, and predominantly showed positive correlations with the enrichment of the taxa's main food sources phytobenthos and particulate organic matter. Enrichment levels rose rapidly and peaked at distances between 50 m and 300 m downstream of the isotopic inlet; significant enrichment occurred up to 2000 m downstream of the isotopic inlet in all feeding types. Macroinvertebrate density estimates on the stream bottom averaged to a total of approximately 3.4 million labelled individuals of the 12 investigated taxa, thus showing the high potential of isotopic (15N) enrichment as a non‐invasive method applicable for mass labelling across different macroinvertebrate feeding types. Hence, isotopic enrichment can greatly assist the analysis of macroinvertebrate dispersal through mark‐and‐recapture experiments, as it allows to measure the movement at the level of individual specimens.
Regional and local factors interact to shape colonization and extinction dynamics of invasive Hydrilla verticillata in a patchy landscape
Authors: Armstrong Joshua T. , Bulluck Lesley P. , Davidson Andrew T. , Stunkle Charles Ryland , Vonesh James R. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractUnderstanding the response of species to global change requires disentangling the drivers of their distributions across landscapes. Colonization and extinction processes, shaped by the interplay of landscape‐level and local patch‐level factors, are key determinants of these distributions. However, disentangling the influence of these factors, when larger‐scale processes manifest at local scales, remains a challenge. We addressed this challenge by investigating the colonization and extinction dynamics of the aquatic plant, Hydrilla verticillata, in a complex riverine rock pool system. This system, with hundreds of rock pools experiencing varying flooding frequencies, provided a natural laboratory to examine how a single landscape‐level disturbance can differentially impact colonization and extinction depending on local patch characteristics to shape species distributions. Using 5 years of data across over 500 sites and more than 5000 surveys, we employed dynamic occupancy models to model colonization, extinction, and changes in Hydrilla patch occupancy while accounting for imperfect detection. Our results revealed that larger, infrequently flooded pools closer to the river were more likely to be colonized. In contrast, local extinction of Hydrilla was more likely in smaller pools closer to the river that flooded frequently. These findings underscore the importance of considering context‐dependence in species distribution models. The same landscape‐level disturbance (flooding) had opposing effects on colonization and extinction, with the direction and magnitude of these effects varying with local patch characteristics. Our study highlights the need for integrating local and landscape‐level factors, and considering how larger‐scale processes play out at the patch level, to understand the complex dynamics that shape species distributions.
Spatiotemporal dynamics of Atlantic reef fishes off the southeastern U.S. coast
Authors: Cao Jie , Craig J. Kevin , Damiano Matthew D. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractUnderstanding the spatiotemporal dynamics of fish species is a central concern in fish ecology and crucial for guiding management and conservation efforts. We constructed a joint species distribution model (JSDM) to simultaneously estimate the spatiotemporal distributions and densities for 21 reef fish species in the southeastern United States (SEUS). The model separately estimates encounter probability and positive density, and accounts for unobserved spatial and spatiotemporal variation using latent factors, where the correlations among species are induced. We applied the model to video data collected from a large‐scale, fishery independent survey. A clustering method was applied to the results of the JSDM to group species based on spatial and spatiotemporal synchrony in encounter probability and positive density. We found strong spatial associations among most of the reef fish species. However, species did exhibit differences in occupied habitat that varied with latitude and/or depth. Within their area of occupied habitat, almost all the species share similar spatial pattern of average density. However, for some species, annual distributions were less correlated with their expected average distributions perhaps due to differing responses to underlying spatiotemporal drivers. Some species show significant declines in abundance, for example, black sea bass, red porgy, and blueline tilefish, while a small number of species showed evidence of shifts in distribution, for example, black sea bass. The findings suggest that spatiotemporal management strategies may be of limited utility for reducing bycatch in these highly mixed reef fisheries due to high spatial correlations in occupied habitat and spatial patterns in density. Species‐specific responses to environmental change may also influence the spatiotemporal structure of reef assemblages. This work suggests management attention is needed for some of the lesser known species as they are showing declining trends in abundance.
Sex and size matter: Intricate dominance relationships in an East African large carnivore guild
Authors: Havmøller Rasmus Worsøe , Parsons Arielle W. , Havmøller Linnea Worsøe , Kays Roland 
Published: June 2024

AbstractHuman disturbance has the potential to alter competitive interactions, favoring species better able to adapt to areas used by humans. One such species is the spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta), which has been successful in human‐dominated areas throughout Africa. In addition, hyenas are frequently successful in kleptoparasiting prey brought down by other carnivore species (e.g., leopards [Panthera pardus]). In the Udzungwa Mountains of Tanzania, leopard density declines sharply close to human settlements, and hyenas are their only competitors. Using camera trap data and a spatio‐temporal occupancy model, we assessed the relative dominance of each species through spatial co‐occurrence, altered activity patterns and temporary site avoidance. We tested the hypothesis that hyenas gain a competitive advantage over leopards in human‐dominated areas due to their relatively higher tolerance for anthropogenic activities. We found that while hyena occupancy was best predicted by prey occupancy and not strongly affected by landscape factors associated with humans, leopards, especially male leopards, were less likely to be detected close to human settlements. Female leopards, which are smaller than males, exhibited activity shifts and temporary site avoidance in response to hyenas. In response to male leopards, hyenas shifted their activity patterns to become more active around dusk and dawn. These results suggest that while hyenas may be behaviorally dominant over female leopards, they are subordinate to male leopards. We found that male leopards and hyenas were less likely to co‐occur closer to people, especially where prey was scarce, suggesting subordinance of hyenas to male leopards may be mitigated by human disturbance. Furthermore, young male leopards shifted their activity patterns to be more diurnal in response to hyena presence, suggesting that dominance relationship between hyenas and leopards develops with age and is probably related to body size. These results indicate that human disturbance has the potential to affect the competitive relationship between leopards and hyenas in the Udzungwa Mountains, but that relationships will vary with sex and body size.
A New Family of Fe(II) 1‐Propyl‐1H‐Imidazole Complexes with Mono‐, Bi‐, and Tetra‐Nuclear Members
Authors: Zeni Willi , Müller Danny , Seifried Marco , Welch Jan M. , Stöger Berthold , Giester Gerald , Reissner Michael , Miletich Ronald , Weinberger Peter 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe synthesis of [Fe(PrIm)6](BF4)2 with the intention of investigating its magnetic and structural properties led to the discovery of a new family of Fe(II) 1‐propyl‐1H‐imidazole complexes, which were obtained by simply changing the reaction conditions. The structural, magnetic and electronic properties were investigated.
Functional properties of dietary quercetin in cardiovascular health and disease
Authors: Xu Kuo , Qu Liqun , Li Hui , Ren Xia , Yan Ning , Fu Xianjun 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe increasing incidence of cardiovascular diseases has resulted in an escalating need for natural dietary supplements with cardioprotective properties. This review provides a thorough analysis of laboratory and clinical studies conducted on dietary quercetin, a widely available flavonoid, and its influence on the management of cardiovascular health and disease. The references cited in this review were obtained from reputable databases, including SciFinder, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov, with a specific focus on the period spanning from 1999 to 2023 pertaining to this subject matter. Notably, a bibliometric approach was used to analyze the bibliometric attribute trends of the research on quercetin associated with vascular health for the first time. Numerous investigations conducted on animal and human subjects at different phases of cardiac illness have consistently shown that the administration of quercetin substances improves cardiac function, suggesting the potential efficacy of quercetin in the management of heart disease. Evidently, the consumption of quercetin through dietary sources holds promise in conferring significant cardiovascular benefits through physiological mechanisms and biochemical signaling pathways, thus positioning it as a promising dietary contender for the prevention of cardiovascular disorders. Renewable food resources, including lovage leaves, elderberry, and radish leaves, which are abundant in quercetin, exhibit significant potential for the development and production of novel healthcare products with the objective of preventing cardiovascular disorders. This review is anticipated to provide valuable insights for the advancement of cardioprotective functional foods in the foreseeable future.
Diosmin: A promising phytochemical for functional foods, nutraceuticals and cancer therapy
Authors: Rahman Lubna , Talha Khalil Ali , Ahsan Shahid Syed , Shinwari Zabta Khan , Almarhoon Zainab M. , Alalmaie Amnah , Sharifi‐Rad Javad , Calina Daniela 
Published: June 2024

AbstractDiosmin, a potent bioflavonoid derived from citrus fruits, has gained significant attention for its anticancer potential, reflecting a critical need in the ongoing battle against cancer. Amidst increasing cancer incidence, the quest for safer and more effective treatments has brought diosmin to the forefront, given its unique pharmacological profile distinct from other flavonoids. Diosmin's anticancer mechanisms are multifaceted, involving apoptosis induction, angiogenesis inhibition, and metastasis prevention. Extensive research encompassing cellular studies, animal models, and limited clinical trials underscores its efficacy not only against cancer but also in managing chronic venous insufficiency and hemorrhoids, attributing to its anti‐inflammatory properties. Furthermore, diosmin exhibits low toxicity and complements conventional chemotherapy, proposing its utility as an adjunct therapy in cancer treatment protocols. The review delves into the specific anticancer advantages of diosmin, distinguishing it from the broader flavonoid category. It provides a detailed analysis of its implications in preclinical and clinical settings, advocating for its consideration in the oncological therapeutic arsenal. By juxtaposing diosmin with other herbal medicines, the review offers a nuanced perspective on its role within the wider context of natural anticancer agents, emphasizing the need for further clinical research to substantiate its efficacy and safety in oncology.
Fig seed oil improves intestinal damage caused by 5‐FU‐induced mucositis in rats
Authors: Alan Nurten , Oran Nazan Tuna , Yılmaz Pınar Akokay , Çelik Aslı , Yılmaz Osman 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIntestinal mucositis poses a significant concern associated with cancer therapy. This study aims to investigate the protective and/or healing effect of fig seed oil (FSO) on 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU)‐induced intestinal mucositis by targeting inflammatory markers and histologic changes in rats. Albino Wistar adult rats were randomly divided into four groups, including three male and three female animals. All the animals in the four groups had a normal standard diet and water throughout the experimental period, which lasted up to 11 days. Rats were administered FSO 0.6 mL (mucositis FSO group) and FSO 0.2 mL (mucositis FSO‐R group) daily throughout the experiment. These two groups and one additional group (mucositis group) were given an intraperitoneal injection of 5‐FU (300 mg/kg) on Day 5 of the experiment. In contrast, the fourth group (Control group) was given an intraperitoneal saline injection on Day 5 of the experiment. FSO treatment ameliorated 5‐FU‐induced intestinal mucositis. On immunohistologic examination, FSO suppressed significantly the activation of NF‐κB and expression of IL‐β and TNF‐α of the harvested intestinal tissue. The reduced dose FSO (mucositis FSO‐R) was as effective as the full dose (mucositis FSO) in suppressing IL‐β and TNF‐α production, but was not as effective as the full dose in suppressing NF‐κB. On light microscopy, FSO attenuated significantly 5‐FU‐induced anomalies, such as the reduction of intestinal villus length and Goblet cell count. The reduced dose FSO (mucositis FSO‐R) was as effective as the full dose (mucositis FSO) in restoring villus length, but was not as effective as the full dose in restoring Goblet cell count. The findings of the study suggest that FSO inhibits 5‐FU‐induced intestinal mucositis via modulation of mucosal inflammation.
Assessing the quality of public services: For‐profits, chains, and concentration in the hospital market
Authors: Kunz Johannes S. , Propper Carol , Staub Kevin E. , Winkelmann Rainer 
Published: June 2024

AbstractWe examine variation in US hospital quality across ownership, chain membership, and market concentration. We propose a new measure of quality derived from penalties imposed on hospitals under the flagship Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program, and use regression models to risk‐adjust for hospital characteristics and county demographics. While the overall association between for‐profit ownership and quality is negative, there is evidence of substantial heterogeneity. The quality of for‐profit relative to non‐profit hospitals declines with increasing market concentration. Moreover, the quality gap is primarily driven by for‐profit chains. While the competition result mirrors earlier findings in the literature, the chain result appears to be new: it suggests that any potential quality gains afforded by chains are mostly realized by not‐for‐profit hospitals.
Harnessing modelling of heat transport to delineate brine leakage through a karst system: The Dead Sea Works' evaporation ponds case study
Authors: Levy Yehuda , Levi Eldad , Artzi Yohanan , Gvirtzman Haim 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe industrial evaporation ponds of the Dead Sea Works are located in the Dead Sea rift valley, Israel. To prevent brine leakage, the ponds were sealed by 40‐m deep impermeable dikes, except in the Ye'elim alluvial fan, at the northwest corner, where the leakage continues. The average leakage at present is approximately 100 million cubic meters per year, a significant portion of which discharges via a spring located approximately 0.5 km north of the ponds' embankment; the rest flows into the Dead Sea underground. We hypothesized two main reasons for the increase in leakage over time: the dropping level of the Dead Sea, which increases the hydraulic gradient, and the diameter expansion of the subsurface karst network of fast‐flowing conduits. The brine in the evaporation ponds is warmer than the ground in the summer, colder in the winter. Therefore, the brine leaking within the karst conduits warms and cools, respectively, the surrounding porous medium, as detected by field monitoring. One of the conduits was also detected through a geoelectrical survey. In addition, we identified an increased brine‐leakage rate in the winter. We propose that this results from temporal changes in the diameter of the conduits due to the infiltration of low‐salinity water entering the network. The diluted water dissolves the salt and causes the conduits to expand. Using a numerical model that solves the coupled groundwater flow and heat transport equations, we were able to reproduce all of these field observations and validate the suggested explanations.
Evaluation of self‐collected nasal, urine, and saliva samples for molecular detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 using an EUA approved RT‐PCR assay and a laboratory developed LAMP SARS‐CoV‐2 test
Authors: Purcell‐Wiltz Ana , Zamuner Fernando Tadeu , Caraballo Karem , De Jesus Lorena , Miranda Yaima , Ortiz Denise , Negrón Amanda García , Ortiz Andrea Cortés , Baez Adriana , Romaguera Josefina , Jiménez Ivonne , Ortiz Alberto , Acevedo Jorge , Viera Liliana , Sidransky David , Guerrero‐Preston Rafael 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAs the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus spread throughout the world, millions of positive cases of COVID‐19 were registered and, even though there are millions of people already vaccinated against SARS‐CoV‐2, a large part of the global population remains vulnerable to contracting the virus. Massive nasopharyngeal sample collection in Puerto Rico at the beginning of the pandemic was limited by the scarcity of trained personnel and testing sites. To increase SARS‐CoV‐2 molecular testing availability, we evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of self‐collected nasal, saliva, and urine samples using the TaqPath reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) COVID‐19 kit to detect SARS‐CoV‐2. We also created a colorimetric loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) laboratory developed test (LDT) to detect SARS‐CoV‐2, as another strategy to increase the availability of molecular testing in community‐based laboratories. Automated RNA extraction was performed in the KingFisher Flex instrument, followed by PCR quantification of SARS‐CoV‐2 on the 7500 Fast Dx RT‐PCR using the TaqPath RT‐PCR COVID‐19 molecular test. Data was interpreted by the COVID‐19 Interpretive Software from Applied Biosystems and statistically analyzed with Cohen's kappa coefficient (k). Cohen's kappa coefficient (k) for paired nasal and saliva samples showed moderate agreement (0.52). Saliva samples exhibited a higher viral load. We also observed 90% concordance between LifeGene‐Biomarks' SARS‐CoV‐2 Rapid Colorimetric LAMP LDT and the TaqPath RT‐PCR COVID‐19 test. Our results suggest that self‐collected saliva is superior to nasal and urine samples for COVID‐19 testing. The results also suggest that the colorimetric LAMP LDT is a rapid alternative to RT‐PCR tests for the detection of SARS‐CoV‐2. This test can be easily implemented in clinics, hospitals, the workplace, and at home; optimizing the surveillance and collection process, which helps mitigate global public health and socioeconomic upheaval caused by airborne pandemics.