bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Drastic changes in ground-dwelling beetle communities following high-intensity deer culling: insights from an island ecosystem
Authors: Dawson Blake M , Evans Maldwyn J , Barton Philip S , Soga Masashi , Tochigi Kahoko , Koike Shinsuke 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The overabundance of large herbivores can have detrimental effects on the local environment due to overgrazing. Culling is a common management practice implemented globally that can effectively control herbivore populations and allow vegetation communities to recover. However, the broader indirect effects of culling large herbivores remain relatively unknown, particularly on insect species such as ground-dwelling beetles that perform key ecosystem processes such as decomposition. Here we undertook a preliminary investigation to determine how culling sika deer on an island in North Japan impacted ground-beetle community dynamics. We conducted pitfall trapping in July and September in 2012 (before culling) and again in 2019 (after culling). We compared beetle abundance and community composition within 4 beetle families (Carabidae, Scarabaeidae, Geotrupidae, and Silphidae), across seasons and culling treatments. We found each family responded differently to deer culling. Scarabaeidae displayed the greatest decline in abundance after culling. Silphidae also had reduced abundance but to a lesser extent compared to Scarabaeidae. Carabidae had both higher and lower abundance after culling, depending on the season. We found beetle community composition differed between culling and season, but seasonal variability was reduced after culling. Overall, the culling of large herbivores resulted in a reduction of ground-dwelling beetle populations, particularly necrophagous species dependent on dung and carrion for survival. Our preliminary research highlights the need for long-term and large-scale experiments to understand the indirect ecological implications of culling programs on ecosystem processes.
Mitral annular disjunction in idiopathic ventricular fibrillation patients: just a bystander or a potential cause?
Authors: Verheul L M , Guglielmo M , Groeneveld S A , Kirkels F P , Scrocco C , Cramer M J , Bootsma M , Kapel G F L , Alings M , Evertz R , Mulder B A , Prakken N H J , Balt J C , Volders P G A , Hirsch A , Yap S C , Postema P G , Nijveldt R , Velthuis B K , Behr E R , Wilde A A M , Hassink R J 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Aims
Previously, we demonstrated that inferolateral mitral annular disjunction (MAD) is more prevalent in patients with idiopathic ventricular fibrillation (IVF) than in healthy controls. In the present study, we advanced the insights into the prevalence and ventricular arrhythmogenicity by inferolateral MAD in an even larger IVF cohort.

Methods and results
This retrospective multi-centre study included 185 IVF patients [median age 39 (27, 52) years, 40% female]. Cardiac magnetic resonance images were analyzed for mitral valve and annular abnormalities and late gadolinium enhancement. Clinical characteristics were compared between patients with and without MAD. MAD in any of the 4 locations was present in 112 (61%) IVF patients and inferolateral MAD was identified in 24 (13%) IVF patients. Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) was found in 13 (7%) IVF patients. MVP was more prevalent in patients with inferolateral MAD compared with patients without inferolateral MAD (42 vs. 2%, P &lt; 0.001). Pro-arrhythmic characteristics in terms of a high burden of premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) and non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) were more prevalent in patients with inferolateral MAD compared to patients without inferolateral MAD (67 vs. 23%, P &lt; 0.001 and 63 vs. 41%, P = 0.046, respectively). Appropriate implantable cardioverter defibrillator therapy during follow-up was comparable for IVF patients with or without inferolateral MAD (13 vs. 18%, P = 0.579).

Conclusion
A high prevalence of inferolateral MAD and MVP is a consistent finding in this large IVF cohort. The presence of inferolateral MAD is associated with a higher PVC burden and non-sustained VTs. Further research is needed to explain this potential interplay.
The RU486-dependent activation of the GeneSwitch system in adult muscles leads to severe adverse effects in Drosophila
Authors: Zappia Maria Paula , Damschroder Deena , Westacott Anton , Wessells Robert J , Frolov Maxim V 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Robust genetic systems to control the expression of transgenes in a spatial and temporal manner are a valuable asset for researchers. The GeneSwitch system induced by the drug RU486 has gained widespread use in the Drosophila community. However, some concerns were raised as negative effects were seen depending on the stock, transgene, stage, and tissue under study. Here, we characterized the adverse effects triggered by activating the GeneSwitch system in adult muscles using the MHC-GS-GAL4 driver. When a control, mock UAS-RNAi transgene was induced by feeding adult flies with RU486, we found that the overall muscle structure, including myofibrils and mitochondrial shape, was significantly disrupted and led to a significant reduction in the lifespan. Remarkably, lifespan was even shorter when 2 copies of the driver were used even without the mock UAS-RNAi transgene. Thus, researchers should be cautious when interpreting the results given the adverse effects we found when inducing RU486-dependent MHC-GS-GAL4 in adult muscles. To account for the impact of these effects we recommend adjusting the dose of RU486, setting up additional control groups, such as a mock UAS-RNAi transgene, as comparing the phenotypes between RU486-treated and untreated animals could be insufficient.
Seismic cycle controlled by subduction geometry: novel 3-D quasi-dynamic model of Central Chile megathrust
Authors: Herrera Marco T , Crempien Jorge G F , Cembrano José , Moreno Marcos 
Published: February 2024

SUMMARY
Subduction earthquakes show complex spatial and temporal rupture patterns, exhibiting events of varied sizes, which rupture distinct or overlapping fault segments. Elucidating first-order controlling conditions of rupture segmentation and return periods of large earthquakes is therefore critical for seismic and tsunami hazard estimations. The Chilean subduction zone frequently hosts several Mw &gt; 8 earthquakes, with heterogeneous recurrence rates and locations. Here, we implement 3-D quasi-dynamic rate and state frictional models to investigate the role of plate interface geometry on the distribution of interseismic coupling and coseismic ruptures in Central Chile. First, we develop synthetic-parametric models that show how dip and strike variations may increase the probabilities to produce partial seismic barriers, which tend to avoid the production of large earthquake ruptures and modulate rupture lengths. Then, we simulate the subduction seismic cycle processes on Central Chile (25°S–38°S), imposing depth-dependent frictional properties on a realistic non-planar 3-D subduction interface geometry. Similar to results obtained for synthetic-parametric models, after 5000 yr of simulation, regions with abrupt dip or strike changes increase the probabilities of stopping coseismic propagation of simulated Mw 8.0–9.0 earthquakes. Our simulated earthquake sequences on the Central Chile subduction zone delimit rupture areas that match geometrical interface features and historical earthquakes, results that point to the crucial role of fault interface geometry on seismic cycle segmentation along strike.
The EU Data Act in context: a legal assessment
Authors: Casolari Federico , Buttaboni Carlotta , Floridi Luciano 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The present article analyses the main legal features of the EU Data Act, identifying some innovative aspects and shortcomings. Moving from the general approach elaborated by the Union towards data governance—a value-based approach flowing from the idea of enforcing the strategic autonomy of the Union—the article considers first the most relevant piece of legislation that complements the DA, that is, the EU Data Governance Act, and then assesses the DA in light of both the original proposal of the European Commission and the position adopted by the two EU co-legislatures—the European Parliament and the Council. An overview of the major competitive legal approaches to the governance of IoT data (namely, the USA and Chinese approaches) is also discussed, stressing possible synergies and conflicts with the EU’s approach.
Heptavalent O-Antigen Bioconjugate Vaccine Exhibiting Differential Functional Antibody Responses Against Diverse Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolates
Authors: Wantuch Paeton L , Knoot Cory J , Robinson Lloyd S , Vinogradov Evgeny , Scott Nichollas E , Harding Christian M , Rosen David A 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Klebsiella pneumoniae is the leading cause of neonatal sepsis and is increasingly difficult to treat owing to antibiotic resistance. Vaccination represents a tractable approach to combat this resistant bacterium; however, there is currently not a licensed vaccine. Surface polysaccharides, including O-antigens of lipopolysaccharide, have long been attractive candidates for vaccine inclusion. Herein we describe the generation of a bioconjugate vaccine targeting 7 predominant O-antigen subtypes in K. pneumoniae. Each bioconjugate was immunogenic in isolation, with limited cross-reactivity among subtypes. Vaccine-induced antibodies demonstrated varying degrees of binding to a wide variety of K. pneumoniae strains. Furthermore, serum from vaccinated mice induced complement-mediated killing of many of these strains. Finally, increased capsule interfered with the ability of O-antigen antibodies to bind and mediate killing of some K. pneumoniae strains. Taken together, these data indicate that this novel heptavalent O-antigen bioconjugate vaccine formulation exhibits limited efficacy against some, but not all, K. pneumoniae isolates.
Different Eco-Friendly Spectrophotometric Approaches Including Direct and Manipulations of Zero and Ratio Spectra for Simultaneous Determination of Novel Nasal Spray Combination Used in Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Reda Alaa , Saleh Hanaa , Bahgat Eman A , Fawzy Michael Gamal 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
The presentation of rhinitis has drawn increasing attention in recent years due to the possibility of overlap or confusion between allergic rhinitis symptoms and those of COVID-19. Azelastine hydrochloride (AZH) and mometasone furoate (MOF) are two of the most efficient combinations for enhancing the symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis.

Objective
This work concerns applying and validating different accurate and simple spectrophotometric approaches for simultaneous quantification of the binary mixture of AZH and MOF in raw material, laboratory-prepared mixtures, and pharmaceutical preparation. Moreover, assessment of the environmental impact of the applied approaches on the environment was also a key goal of this study.

Methods
AZH was determined using the direct spectrophotometric (D0) method, while four reliable spectrophotometric approaches namely, induced dual wavelength (IDW), ratio subtraction (RS), ratio difference (RD), and ratio derivative (1DD) were used for MOF determination.

Results
The methods were validated in line with the International Conference of Harmonization standards. In the AZH range of (5–56 µg/mL) and MOF range of (2–20 µg/mL), the linearity of the proposed approaches was investigated with high accuracy findings. There were no significant differences between the obtained results and those of the reported method when compared statistically. Furthermore, the applied spectrophotometric methods were deemed to be eco-friendly according to Green Analytical Procedure Index (GAPI) and Analytical Greenness Calculator (AGREE) assessment metrics.

Conclusions
The applied spectrophotometric methods are simpler, more eco-friendly, and take a shorter time to precisely estimate many measurements compared to the only reported chromatographic analysis.

Highlights
Neither publications of novel spectrophotometric methods nor reported green ones have been available for simultaneous determination of the binary mixture of AZH and MOF, so this work has a great significance and novelty in the area of pharmaceutical analysis.
Two new species of freshwater crabs of the genus Bottapotamon Türkay & Dai, 1997 (Decapoda: Brachyura: Potamidae) from China
Authors: Cheng Ruo-Ying , Lu Yuan-Biao , Zou Jie-Xin 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
We report on two new species of BottapotamonTürkay & Dai, 1997: B. lushanensesp. nov. from Lushan Mountain, Jiujiang City, Jiangxi Province and B. yongzhouensesp. nov. from Ningyuan County, Yongzhou City, Hunan Province, China. The two new species are morphologically compared with the other eight congeners, and can be distinguished by characters of the carapace and the male first gonopods. A phylogenetic tree was produced based on sequences of partial COX1. The establishment of the two new species was supported by both the results of the molecular analyses and the morphological descriptions,. This study brings the number of Bottapotamon species to ten.
Estimate of the revenue and economic contribution of the professional pest management industry in Georgia, United States
Authors: Winkles Jacob L , Campbell Benjamin L , Forschler Brian T 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The Professional Pest Management Industry (PPMI) dates back over a century in the United States. Stakeholder calls for economic studies of the PPMI include, in the 1980s, the National Research Council, although there has been little to no progress on that topic. US Census and Bureau of Labor Statistics data indicate that revenue and employment for the PPMI in Georgia increased 117% from 1997 to 2021. We determined the revenue, employment, and economic contributions for the PPMI in Georgia, United States, using 2 methodologies applied to IMPLAN: primary survey data in combination with an open records request and publicly available Federal Economic data. Estimates of average revenue for the Georgia PPMI in 2021 were $833–$988 million, using the survey/open records and publicly available data, respectively. We utilized an economic modeling program, IMPLAN, to estimate the economic contributions by the Georgia PPMI in 2021 to be between $1.7 and $2.0 billion, with 13,000–14,000 jobs for the 2 respective data sets. We describe the methods and provide tutorials for other states or national organizations to follow to generate justifiable, comparable economic information on the PPMI. In addition, we discuss the unique position of the PPMI as heavily regulated by State Departments of Agriculture to advocate for including the PPMI economic values when reporting agricultural economic contributions.
Efficacy of conventional and organic pesticides following ingestion by Delia radicum (Diptera: Anthomyiidae)
Authors: Dugger Chloe Denise , Lightle Danielle , Matteson Monte , Rasmussen Ann , Buckland Kristine 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Cabbage maggot (CM) (Delia radicum L.) is a devastating pest of Brassicaceae crops throughout the world, including the Willamette Valley in western Oregon, USA. Chemical control methods for this pest are limited, with reduction or elimination of chlorpyrifos tolerances and expensive alternative chemistries; therefore, there is an increasing need for novel chemical control options. Adult feeding, a strategy used with insecticide-treated baits for other fly species, has yet to be tested as an option for a chemical control delivery for cabbage maggot. Treated bait can exploit the feeding behavior of CM and expose them to insecticides in a field setting. In this study, the efficacy of 5 organic and 5 conventional insecticides was compared in laboratory bioassays of treated bait stations in Aurora, Oregon, USA. The mortality of adult female cabbage maggot flies was assessed over time following ingestion of insecticides. Among organic insecticides tested, spinosad was highly effective 4 h after exposure, while pyrethrins + azadirachtin was moderately effective following 18 h after exposure. Flies exposed to conventional-use pesticides zeta-cypermethrin and bifenthrin had high mortality 1.75 h after exposure, while spinetoram had moderate efficacy 2 h after exposure. Insecticides identified with high or moderate efficacy may have the potential for use in baits or lure formulations that could be used to augment the control of cabbage maggots in field settings.
Backlash and Beyond: Three Perspectives on the Politics of International Justice
Authors: Bates Genevieve 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
This review essay evaluates three new books on international justice, focusing in particular on cooperation and backlash against the International Criminal Court: Africa and the Backlash Against International Courts by Peter Brett and Line Engbo Gissel, Saving the International Justice Regime by Courtney Hillebrecht, and State Behavior and the International Criminal Court by Franziska Boehme. It provides an overview of the books and explores how each work analyses African state responses to the ICC investigation in Darfur, then assesses the implications of the books for understanding contemporary debates about international justice.
PLK1 phosphorylation of ZW10 guides accurate chromosome segregation in mitosis
Authors: Bellah Sm Faysal , Xiong Fangyuan , Dou Zhen , Yang Fengrui , Liu Xing , Yao Xuebiao , Gao Xinjiao , Zhang Liangyu 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Stable transmission of genetic information during cell division requires faithful chromosome segregation. Mounting evidence has demonstrated that polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) dynamics at kinetochores control correct kinetochore–microtubule attachments and subsequent silencing of the spindle assembly checkpoint. However, the mechanisms underlying PLK1-mediated silencing of the spindle checkpoint remain elusive. Here, we identified a regulatory mechanism by which PLK1-elicited zeste white 10 (ZW10) phosphorylation regulates spindle checkpoint silencing in mitosis. ZW10 is a cognate substrate of PLK1, and the phosphorylation of ZW10 at Ser12 enables dynamic ZW10–Zwint1 interactions. Inhibition of ZW10 phosphorylation resulted in misaligned chromosomes, while persistent expression of phospho-mimicking ZW10 mutant caused premature anaphase, in which sister chromatids entangled as cells entered anaphase. These findings reveal the previously uncharacterized PLK1–ZW10 interaction through which dynamic phosphorylation of ZW10 fine-tunes accurate chromosome segregation in mitosis.
Finding unveiled: Culex thalassius (Diptera: Culicidae), a new mosquito species emerges in the Cabo Verde archipelago
Authors: Gonçalves Adéritow Augusto Lopes Macedo , Lopes Luís Filipe Vieira da Silva , Monteiro Davidson Daniel Sousa , da Moura Aires Januário Fernandes , Sousa Carla Alexandra Gama Carrilho da Costa , Leal Silvânia da Veiga 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Mosquito-borne diseases can pose significant burdens. In many countries, they pose a risk to national economies and the well-being of humans and animals. To mitigate this, mosquito surveillance is crucial to assess the real and potential transmission of mosquito-borne diseases. Between 2020 and 2023, mosquito larvae were collected from both indoor and outdoor breeding sites in urban and rural areas of 4 municipalities of Santiago and Boavista Islands in Cabo Verde. Mosquitoes were identified morphologically and by polymerase chain reaction-based techniques that targeted the mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase subunit I sequence. During this period, 6,825 breeding sites were assessed, and of 8,094 mosquito specimens screened, 194 specimens of Culex thalassius were identified for the first time in the country in 4 municipalities of Santiago and Boavista Islands. This new finding highlights the importance of including entomological surveillance in health systems. Although this species has only been detected on a few islands, it is important to continuously monitor it to determine its distribution, spread/dispersal, density, and potential involvement in pathogen transmission.
Ethnobotanical study of Zhuang medicinal herbs of Ardisia: variety systematization, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, clinical application, and toxicity
Authors: Tian-Liang  , Xie Qiaohui , Shama Ribu , Yu Jiaoneng , Xi-Gu-Ri-Gan  , Bao Qianhang , Su Hongxin , Liu Bo , Borjigidai Almaz 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Objectives
This study aimed to systematize the Zhuang medicinal herbs of Ardisia (ZMHA) in China, to clarify the traditional use in Zhuang medicine and the dynamics of international research on phytochemistry, pharmacology, clinical application, and toxicity.

Key findings
There are 25 species of ZMHA, approximately 938 compounds from the different part, including triterpenoids, phenolics, volatile oils, etc. Pharmacological activity studies have also shown that this genus has anti-tumour, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, etc., and significant effects on respiratory, digestive, urinary, and musculoskeletal system diseases without toxic side effects.

Summary
The Ardisia has a medicinal history of nearly a thousand years, mainly for treating diseases of the injuries, musculoskeletal, and symptomatic system in Zhuang medicine. Some plants, such as A. crenata, A. gigantifolia, and A. japonica, are also commonly used in folk Zhuang medicine formulas, to treat musculoskeletal, injury, respiratory, and urinate systems disease. These diseases are related to inflammation. These could provide a new direction for future new drug development research. Therefore, species identification and resource investigation should be strengthened, and conducted in vitro mechanism, in vivo pharmacology, clinical efficacy, and toxicology studies and establish a perfect quality standard system.
Preparation of glycyrrhizic acid-modified BSA-nanoparticles and evaluation of their hepatic cellular distribution
Authors: Tang Hongping , Qiu Xinyu , Chen Yue , Yan Li , Zhao Jie , Cao Bing tao , He Yujing , Hao Jifu 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Orientation to specific cells is an important topic in active targeting strategy for nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems. While these administered nanoparticles will be sequestrated within the liver, their cellular distribution behaviors in the liver are not clear. The aim of this study was to fabricate glycyrrhizic acid (GL) modified BSA nanoparticles and evaluate their hepatic cellular distribution.

Methods
GL-modified BSA (GL-BSA) was tailored according to the periodate oxidation method, then GL-BSA nanoparticles loaded with paclitaxel (PTX@GL-BSA NPs) were prepared through self-assembly approach. In vitro cellular uptake was assessed by FITC-labeled BSA nanoparticles and immunofluorescent analysis was performed to track their relative distribution in the liver.

Key findings
The fabricated PTX@GL-BSA NPs were spherical structure with the particle size of 179 nm and a negative potential (−17.3 mV). Flow cytometry (FCM) studies exhibited that the accumulation of GL-BSA nanoparticles was 5.3-fold compared with BSA nanoparticles in HepG2 cells. The Nanoparticles were preferentially accumulated in the sinusoidal endothelial cells rather than the Kupffer cells.

Conclusions
This study provides useful information to understand the distribution of hepatic targeting nanoparticles when using GL-modified BSA nanoparticles, which helps to further use for effective treatment of liver disease.