bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identifying environmental factors affecting the microbial community composition on outdoor structural timber
Authors: Schrader Lauritz , Trautner Jochen , Tebbe Christoph C. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Timber wood is a building material with many positive properties. However, its susceptibility to microbial degradation is a major challenge for outdoor usage. Although many wood-degrading fungal species are known, knowledge on their prevalence and diversity causing damage to exterior structural timber is still limited. Here, we sampled 46 decaying pieces of wood from outdoor constructions in the area of Hamburg, Germany; extracted their DNA; and investigated their microbial community composition by PCR amplicon sequencing of the fungal ITS2 region and partial bacterial 16S rRNA genes. In order to establish a link between the microbial community structure and environmental factors, we analysed the influence of wood species, its C and N contents, the effect of wood-soil contact, and the importance of its immediate environment (city, forest, meadow, park, respectively). We found that fungal and bacterial community composition colonising exterior timber was similar to fungi commonly found in forest deadwood. Of all basidiomycetous sequences retrieved, some, indicative for Perenniporia meridionalis, Dacrymyces capitatus, and Dacrymyces stillatus, were more frequently associated with severe wood damage. Whilst the most important environmental factor shaping fungal and bacterial community composition was the wood species, the immediate environment was important for fungal species whilst, for the occurrence of bacterial taxa, soil contact had a high impact. No influence was tangible for variation of the C or N content. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that wood colonising fungal and bacterial communities are equally responsive in their composition to wood species, but respond differently to environmental factors.

Key points
• Perenniporia meridionalis and Dacrymyces are frequently associated with wood damage
• Fungal community composition on timber is affected by its surrounding environment
• Bacterial community composition on structural timber is affected by soil contact
The serine/threonine protein kinase MpSTE1 directly governs hyphal branching in Monascus spp.
Authors: Duan Yali , Chen Xizhu , Wang Tingya , Li Mu 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Monascus spp. are commercially important fungi due to their ability to produce beneficial secondary metabolites such as the cholesterol-lowering agent lovastatin and natural food colorants azaphilone pigments. Although hyphal branching intensively influenced the production of these secondary metabolites, the pivotal regulators of hyphal development in Monascus spp. remain unclear. To identify these important regulators, we developed an artificial intelligence (AI)–assisted image analysis tool for quantification of hyphae-branching and constructed a random T-DNA insertion library. High-throughput screening revealed that a STE kinase, MpSTE1, was considered as a key regulator of hyphal branching based on the hyphal phenotype. To further validate the role of MpSTE1, we generated an mpSTE1 gene knockout mutant, a complemented mutant, and an overexpression mutant (OE::mpSTE1). Microscopic observations revealed that overexpression of mpSTE1 led to a 63% increase in branch number while deletion of mpSTE1 reduced the hyphal branching by 68% compared to the wild-type strain. In flask cultures, the strain OE::mpSTE1 showed accelerated growth and glucose consumption. More importantly, the strain OE::mpSTE1 produced 9.2 mg/L lovastatin and 17.0 mg/L azaphilone pigments, respectively, 47.0% and 30.1% higher than those of the wild-type strain. Phosphoproteomic analysis revealed that MpSTE1 directly phosphorylated 7 downstream signal proteins involved in cell division, cytoskeletal organization, and signal transduction. To our best knowledge, MpSTE1 is reported as the first characterized regulator for tightly regulating the hyphal branching in Monascus spp. These findings significantly expanded current understanding of the signaling pathway governing the hyphal branching and development in Monascus spp. Furthermore, MpSTE1 and its analogs were demonstrated as promising targets for improving production of valuable secondary metabolites.

Key points
• MpSTE1 is the first characterized regulator for tightly regulating hyphal branching
• Overexpression of mpSTE1 significantly improves secondary metabolite production
• A high-throughput image analysis tool was developed for counting hyphal branching
Acute myeloid leukemia with rare recurring translocations—an overview of the entities included in the international consensus classification
Authors: Rørvik Synne D. , Torkildsen Synne , Bruserud Øystein , Tvedt Tor Henrik Anderson 
Published: March 2024

AbstractTwo different systems exist for subclassification of acute myeloid leukemia (AML); the World Health Organization (WHO) Classification and the International Consensus Classification (ICC) of myeloid malignancies. The two systems differ in their classification of AML defined by recurrent chromosomal abnormalities. One difference is that the ICC classification defines an AML subset that includes 12 different genetic abnormalities that occur in less than 4% of AML patients. These subtypes exhibit distinct clinical traits and are associated with treatment outcomes, but detailed description of these entities is not easily available and is not described in detail even in the ICC. We searched in the PubMed database to identify scientific publications describing AML patients with the recurrent chromosomal abnormalities/translocations included in this ICC defined patient subset. This patient subset includes AML with t(1;3)(p36.3;q21.3), t(3;5)(q25.3;q35.1), t(8;16)(p11.2;p13.3), t(1;22)(p13.3;q13.1), t(5;11)(q35.2;p15.4), t(11;12)(p15.4;p13.3) (involving NUP98), translocation involving NUP98 and other partner, t(7;12)(q36.3;p13.2), t(10;11)(p12.3;q14.2), t(16;21)(p11.2;q22.2), inv(16)(p13.3q24.3) and t(16;21)(q24.3;q22.1). In this updated review we describe the available information with regard to frequency, biological functions of the involved genes and the fusion proteins, morphology/immunophenotype, required diagnostic procedures, clinical characteristics (including age distribution) and prognostic impact for each of these 12 genetic abnormalities.
Activated carbon cloth electrodes for capacitive deionization: a neutron imaging study
Authors: Butcher Tim A. , Prendeville Lucy , Rafferty Aran , Trtik Pavel , Boillat Pierre , Coey J. M. D. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractNeutron imaging was employed to track the uptake of Gd$$^{3+}$$

3
+

ions by the sub 2 nm micropores of charged activated carbon cloth electrodes from an aqueous Gd(NO$$_3$$

3

)$$_3$$

3

solution. The transmitted neutron intensity evinces the persistent presence of Gd$$^{3+}$$

3
+

in the micropores during the discharge cycle, which is caused by the adsorption of oppositely charged ions. The charge efficiency of the activated carbon cloth system was determined by direct comparison with the imaged Gd$$^{3+}$$

3
+

concentration changes, with which the influence of ion swapping and resistive losses on capacitive deionization cells can be ascertained.
Efforts to improve outcomes among neonates with complex intestinal atresia: a single-center low-income country experience
Authors: Okello Innocent , Stephens Caroline Q. , Kakembo Nasser , Kisa Phyllis , Nimanya Stella , Yap Ava , Wesonga Anne S. , Naluyimbazi Rovine , Kayima Peter , Ssewanyana Yasin , Ozgediz Doruk , Sekabira John 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Intestinal obstruction caused by intestinal atresia is a surgical emergency in newborns. Outcomes for the jejunal ileal atresia (JIA), the most common subtype of atresia in low-income countries (LIC), are poor. We sought to assess the impact of utilizing the Bishop–Koop (BK) approach to JIA in improving outcomes.

Methods
A retrospective cohort study was performed on children with complex JIA (Type 2–4) treated at our national referral hospital from 1/2018 to 12/2022. BK was regularly used starting 1/1/2021, and outcomes between 1/2021 and 12/2022 were compared to those between 1/2018 and 12/2020. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results
A total of 122 neonates presented with JIA in 1/2018–12/2022, 83 of whom were treated for complex JIA. A significant decrease (p = 0.03) was noted in patient mortality in 2021 and 2022 (n = 33, 45.5% mortality) compared to 2018–2020 (n = 35, 71.4% mortality). This translated to a risk reduction of 0.64 (95% CI 0.41–0.98) with the increased use of BK.

Conclusion
Increased use of BK anastomoses with early enteral nutrition and decreased use of primary anastomosis improves outcomes for neonates with severe JIA in LIC settings. Implementing this surgical approach in LICs may help address the disparities in outcomes for children with JIA.
BOKU Wasserbaulabor – von der Idee bis zur Umsetzung
Authors: Habersack H. 
Published: March 2024

ZusammenfassungDer Beginn der permanent genutzten Wasserbaulabore liegt ca. 125 Jahre zurück. In dieser Zeit konnten signifikante Fortschritte im Verständnis wasserbaulicher Fragestellungen und der mathematischen Beschreibung der verschiedensten Prozesse erzielt werden. Diese dienten dann als Basis für die steigende Nutzung numerischer Modelle, sodass die Bedeutung der physikalischen Modelle zurückzugehen schien. Es zeigte sich aber auch, dass vor allem Ansätze, die in sehr kleinen Modellmaßstäben entwickelt wurden, signifikante Unterschiede zur Natur ergeben können. Damit steigt die Bedeutung von großmaßstäblichen Versuchen bis zu 1:1, welche Turbulenz, kohärente Strukturen, Sedimenttransport, Morphodynamik, aber auch Maßnahmen in den Bereichen Wasserkraft, Schifffahrt oder Hochwasserrisikomanagement naturnäher abbilden können. Auch die Interaktion der Vegetation mit der Strömung oder dem Sedimenttransport, die Auswirkung von wasserbaulichen Maßnahmen auf Fische oder die Abdriftgefährdung von Menschen bei Hochwasser sind in kleinen Maßstäben gar nicht oder nur sehr eingeschränkt untersuchbar. Das neue BOKU Wasserbaulabor ermöglicht daher Versuche bis zu 1:1 über einen Freispiegeldurchfluss von bis zu 10 m3/s durch die Wasserspiegeldifferenz zwischen Donau und Donaukanal von 3 bis 3,5 m. Gemeinsam mit Modellversuchen in kleinerem Maßstab mit Klarwasser ergibt sich eine Skalenfamilie, die vertiefte Einblicke in Prozesse, aber auch deren mathematische Beschreibung erlaubt. Dieser Artikel stellt die Entwicklung des BOKU Wasserbaulabors von der Idee 2009 bis zur Umsetzung und Eröffnung 2023 dar und zeigt das Potenzial und erste Ergebnisse anhand von Beispielen auf, die in weiteren Beiträgen in diesem Heft erläutert werden.
Hydrological investigation of climate change impact on water balance components in the agricultural terraced watersheds of Yemeni highland
Authors: AL-Falahi Ali H. , Saddique Naeem , Spank Uwe , Pluntke Thomas , Gebrechorkos Solomon H. , Mauder Matthias , Bernhofer Christian 
Published: March 2024

AbstractHydrological models serve as valuable instruments for assessing the impact of climate change on water resources and agriculture as well as for developing adaptation measures. In Yemen, climate change and variability are imposing a significant impact on the most important sectors such as agriculture and economy. The current study evaluates the influence of future climate on hydrology and water balance components in Yemen’s highlands using a semi-distributed physical-based hydrologic model Soil Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) and employing high-resolution climate projections. The SWAT was calibrated and verified using observed streamflow data from 1982 to 2000 in three large catchments. Ground data from 24 stations and statistically downscaled future climate data for the period 2010–2100 under RCP2.6 and RCP8.5 are used. SWAT performance was assessed using multiple statistical methods, which revealed the commendable performance of SWAT during the calibration (average NSE = 0.80) and validation (NSE = 0.72) periods. The outcome indicates an increase in future seasonal and annual rainfall, maximum temperature, and minimum temperature in the 2020s and the 2080s under both RCP2.6 and RCP8.5 scenarios. This projected increase in the rainfall and the local temperature will result in increased averages of surface runoff, evapotranspiration, soil water, and groundwater recharge in the representative three catchments up to 6.5%, 21.1%, 7.6%, and 6.4%, respectively. Although, the projected increase in the water balance components will benefit the agriculture and water sector, specific adaptation measures will be crucial to mitigate potential flood impacts arising from the increased precipitations as well as to minimize the consequences of the increased temperature. Likewise, demand for supplementary irrigation is expected to increase to offset the higher evapotranspiration rates in the future.
Habitat suitability and connectivity modelling predict a latitudinal-driven expansion in the Mediterranean basin for a historically introduced reptile
Authors: Serva Davide , Cittadino Viviana , Bernabò Ilaria , Biondi Maurizio , Iannella Mattia 
Published: March 2024

AbstractSpecies introductions outside their native ranges, often driven by trade and other anthropogenic activities, present significant ecological challenges. Reptiles, frequently traded as pets for their attractiveness, are particularly susceptible to such introductions, leading to shifts in distribution patterns and potential ecological impacts. The common chameleon (Chamaeleo chamaeleon), which has been historically introduced in several European countries, is such an example, yet no overall assessments are available to date for this species. In this study, we used ecological niche models to assess habitat suitability for the common chameleon in the Mediterranean basin for current and future scenarios. Concurrently, circuit theory techniques were employed to evaluate habitat connectivity in two historically introduced areas. We identified areas of high habitat suitability and dispersal corridors in introduced regions. Our results reveal a latitudinal gradient in habitat suitability changes, with the species facing both expansion and decline in different parts of its range, depending on the ecozone considered. Severe declines are noted in southeastern Spain, Tunisia, and Israel, while habitat suitability increases westwards in Portugal, Morocco, and Southern Italy. These insights contribute to a better understanding of the common chameleon’s ecological dynamics, providing a foundation for targeted management and conservation efforts. Our study highlights the importance of integrating ecological niche modelling and circuit theory techniques to predict habitat suitability and identify critical dispersal corridors for effective conservation strategies. Considering the ongoing challenges posed by human-mediated dispersals for the common chameleon, our research establishes a foundation for future studies to enhance our understanding of this elusive species.
Pre-Aksumite and Aksumite Agricultural Economy at Ona Adi, Tigrai (Ethiopia): First look at a 1000-Year History
Authors: Meresa Yemane , Ruiz-Giralt Abel , Beldados Alemseged , Lancelotti Carla , D’Andrea A. Catherine 
Published: March 2024

AbstractArchaeobotanical investigations at the site of Ona Adi in Tigrai were conducted during the 2013–2015 field seasons within the framework of the Eastern Tigrai Archaeological Project (ETAP). The site occupation spanned the Middle/Late Pre-Aksumite period (ca. 750/600 BCE) to the fall of the Aksumite Kingdom (ca. 700 CE), including the Pre-Aksumite to Aksumite transition (ca. 400 BCE–CE 1). The main objective of the study was to examine the agricultural economy in Eastern Tigrai during these periods and to evaluate the impact of social and cultural developments on the agricultural practices at Ona Adi. Recovered macrobotanical remains included wheat, barley, linseed, noog, lentil, and wild/weedy plants. In addition, evidence of finger millet was recovered along with tentative identifications of t’ef. The phytolith record shows evidence of grass processing, including morphotypes associated with Chloridoideae, Panicoideae, and Pooideae grasses. Results indicate that plants of both African and Southwest Asian origins were present in the region from the mid-eighth century BCE to the eighth century CE, but their relative importance varied throughout time in relation to socio-political changes at the regional level. Our data demonstrate a significant degree of continuity in the local agricultural economy, which remained largely unchanged even after the decline of Aksumite state.
Does landscape composition influence the diets of feral cats in agroecosystems?
Authors: Nottingham Catherine M. , Buckley Hannah L. , Case Bradley S. , Glen Alistair S. , Stanley Margaret C. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractHabitat fragmentation can influence the diet of mammalian predators, potentially increasing their impact on prey species. Agroecosystems are fragmented landscapes that often have high densities of invasive mammalian predators. Feral cats are generalist predators that have successfully adapted to living in agricultural landscapes. Feral cats are known to eat rabbits, rodents, and birds, but it is unclear how landscape characteristics affect prey consumption. Here, we tested whether feral cat diet in New Zealand agroecosystems was affected by landscape composition and spatial configuration. We examined the contents of 112 feral cat gastrointestinal tracts collected from agroecosystems in different New Zealand regions over a 3-year period. We related prey richness and composition to the landscape composition and spatial configuration in a 500-ha area within which each cat was caught. Dietary analysis showed that feral cats were consuming invertebrates, birds, rodents, and rabbits, and that there were some regional and seasonal effects. No significant differences in prey richness or composition of the diet were associated with variation in landscape composition or spatial configuration. This study confirms feral cats as generalist predators that feed on a wide range of prey types in New Zealand agroecosystems, including some native species. Our study highlights the importance of further research for understanding how current conservation interventions in New Zealand, which include revegetation and rodent control, interact with feral cat populations and behaviours to impact on future biodiversity outcomes.
Evinacumab Reduces Triglyceride-Rich Lipoproteins in Patients with Hyperlipidemia: A Post-Hoc Analysis of Three Randomized Clinical Trials
Authors: Rosenson Robert S. , Rader Daniel J. , Ali Shazia , Banerjee Poulabi , McGinniss Jennifer , Pordy Robert 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Natural selection (Mendelian randomization) studies support a causal relationship between elevated triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TRLs) and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). This post-hoc analysis assessed the efficacy of evinacumab in reducing TRLs in patient cohorts from three separate clinical trials with evinacumab.

Methods
Patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) ≥ 70 mg/dL were enrolled in a phase III trial (R1500-CL-1629; NCT03399786). Patients diagnosed with refractory hypercholesterolemia, with LDL-C ≥ 70 mg/dL or ≥ 100 mg/dL for those with or without ASCVD, respectively, were enrolled in a phase II trial (R1500-CL-1643; NCT03175367). Patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia (fasting TGs ≥ 500 mg/dL) were enrolled in a phase II trial (R1500-HTG-1522; NCT03452228). Patients received evinacumab intravenously (5 or 15 mg/kg) every 4 weeks, or subcutaneously (300 or 450 mg) every week or every 2 weeks. Efficacy outcomes included change in TRLs (calculated as total cholesterol minus high-density lipoprotein cholesterol minus LDL-C) and other lipid parameters from baseline to 12, 16, or 24 weeks for trial 1522, 1643, and 1629, respectively.

Results
At baseline, TRL levels were higher for patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia entering the 1522 trial vs. other cohorts. Reductions in TRLs were observed across all studies with evinacumab, with > 50% reduction from baseline observed at the highest doses evaluated in patients with HoFH or refractory hypercholesterolemia. Within all three trials, evinacumab was generally well tolerated.

Conclusions
Despite limitations in direct comparisons between study groups, these data indicate that TRL levels could be a future target for lipid-lowering therapies.
Emotions, worry, efficacy, and climate change–related sustainability behaviors among a representative sample of Texas and Florida residents
Authors: Garfin Dana Rose , Zernick Michelle V. , Wong-Parodi Gabrielle 
Published: March 2024

AbstractUptake and support of sustainable technologies that decrease greenhouse gas emissions are critical to mitigating climate change. Engagement in individual (e.g., eating less meat, electric car use) and collective (e.g., petition signing, donating money to environmental causes) sustainability behaviors may correlate with psychological factors including emotions, worry about climate change and natural hazards, and response efficacy. However, little research has explored these relationships in representative samples at high risk for climate-related hazard exposures (e.g., hurricanes, heatwaves, flooding). We assessed climate change-related sustainability behaviors in an ongoing, probability-based representative survey of 1479 Texas and Florida residents repeatedly exposed to climate-related hazards including hurricanes, heatwaves, flooding, and tornadoes. Controlling for demographics, behavior-related positive and negative emotions correlated with engagement in performing a greater number of collective-level sustainability behaviors (positive emotions: IRR = 2.06, p < .001; negative emotions: IRR = 1.46, p = .030). However, negative emotions were mediated by natural hazard worry, which in turn was mediated by climate change worry. Positive emotions were mediated by response efficacy. Individual-level sustainability behaviors were associated with positive emotions (IRR = 1.18, p < .001), which were again mediated by response efficacy. In adjusted analyses unpacking the relationship between discrete emotions and sustainability behaviors, hope was associated with individual- and collective-level sustainability behaviors (all ps < .05). Results suggest general climate change worry may be adaptive and that feelings of hope, relative to other emotions (both positive and negative), may help encourage sustainability behaviors that address climate change. Scalable interventions should explore leveraging these psychological experiences to promote uptake of sustainable technology-related behaviors more broadly.
Environmental assymetry between the pillars of the CAP: the case of Spain
Authors: Poblete Carmelo Díaz , Valero Juan Sebastián Castillo , Garcia-Cortijo María Carmen 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe Common Agricultural Policy, which is both dynamic and systemic, has aimed to adapt with its various Reforms to the environmental challenges faced by agriculture in Europe. The 2013 Reform brought the greenest CAP and, for the first time, Pillar 1 included measures that coexisted with, and complemented, those of Pillar 2. The purpose of this study is to determine which pillar is most effective in the fight against climate change because, even though the environmental effects of the CAP have been widely studied, there have not been sufficient studies in the literature that deal simultaneously with Pillars 1 and 2. We have drawn up an environmental equation for Spain, estimated using the Driscoll-Kraay technique which is the most suitable for panel data with cross-sectional and time dependence. The model shows that the best results were achieved with the second pillar, indicating that the adaptations and changes in environmental measures under the first pillar were not satisfactory for farmers and did not achieve their full potential.