bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pivotal temperature is not for everyone: Evidence for temperature‐dependent sex determination in three gecko species
Authors: Straková Barbora , Kubička Lukáš , Červenka Jan , Kratochvíl Lukáš 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe prevalence of environmental sex determination (ESD) in squamate reptiles is often overestimated in the literature. This is surprising because we have reliable data demonstrating ESD in only a few species. The documentation of ESD in three species of geckos presented here has significantly increased our knowledge, given that satisfactory evidence for ESD existed in only eight other gecko species. For the first time, we document the occurrence of ESD in the family Sphaerodactylidae. Our finding of unexpected variability in the shapes of reaction norms among geckos highlights that traditional descriptions using parameters such as pivotal temperature, that is, temperature producing a 50:50 sex ratio, are unsatisfactory. For example, the gecko Pachydactylus tigrinus lacks any pivotal temperature and its sex ratios are strongly female‐biased across the entire range of viable temperatures. We argue for the effective capture of the relationship between temperature and sex ratio using specific nonlinear models rather than using classical simplistic descriptions and classifications of reaction norms.
Seasonal precipitation changes in the western Mediterranean Basin: The case of the Spanish mainland, 1916–2015
Authors: Gonzalez‐Hidalgo José Carlos , Trullenque‐Blanco Víctor , Beguería Santiago , Peña‐Angulo Dhais 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis study examines the spatial and temporal variations in seasonal precipitation patterns across the Spanish mainland, within the western Mediterranean Basin, spanning the years 1916–2015. Utilizing the recently developed MOPREDAS_century database at a 10 × 10 km grid resolution, our analysis reveals predominantly negative trends in precipitation across the study area over the entire period, primarily driven by declines in spring precipitation, with lesser decreases in summer and winter. Notably, these trends exhibit complexity, manifesting as two distinct pulses occurring roughly at the outset and conclusion of the 20th century. However, upon employing a moving windows analysis, we find that since the mid‐1970s, seasonal precipitation trends have largely been nonsignificant. Spatially, the precipitation regime across 1916–2015 delineates three primary zones: a winter‐maximum zone in the north, an autumn‐maximum zone along the eastern coast, and a transition from winter‐maximum to spring‐maximum towards the western and inland regions. Noteworthy shifts in this spatial distribution are evident over the four 25‐year intervals examined. Initially, during 1916–1940, winter, autumn and spring regimes occupied 44.1%, 24.2% and 31.7% of the land, respectively. Subsequently, in the periods 1941–1965 and 1966–1990, winter dominance expanded to over 50% of the grid area, while spring varied between 34.7% and 25.5%, and autumn decreased notably to 12.4% and 13.5%. Lastly, significant alterations occurred in the final period of 1991–2015, with winter coverage decreasing to 33.7%, spring to 15.8% and autumn expanding to 50.1% of the grid area. In summary, the prevalent winter and spring regimes at the dawn of the 20th century have transitioned towards an autumn‐dominated regime, particularly in much of the central and western Spanish mainland, with these shifts possibly linked to the evolving precipitation trends. These findings contribute novel insights, particularly pre‐1950, and align with published results post‐1950 across the Mediterranean, particularly in its western regions. Furthermore, they suggest a potential connection between changes in the spatial distribution of seasonal precipitation regimes and temporal variations in the primary moisture sources over the study area.
Seasonal climate variations during Marine Isotope Stages 3 and 2 inferred from high‐resolution oxygen isotope ratios in horse tooth enamel from Lower Austria
Authors: Reiss Lilian , Mayr Christoph , Pasda Kerstin , Joachimski Michael M. , Einwögerer Thomas , Händel Marc , Maier Andreas 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACTWe present sequential oxygen isotope records (δ18Ophosphate vs. VSMOW) of horse tooth enamel phosphate of six individuals from two adjacent Palaeolithic sites in Lower Austria. Three molars from the site Krems‐Wachtberg date to 33–31k cal a
bp, and three molars from Kammern‐Grubgraben to 24–20k cal a
bp. All teeth show seasonal isotope variations, which are used to reconstruct the annual oxygen isotope composition of drinking water (δ18Odw) and palaeotemperatures. Measured δ18Ophosphate values ranged from 8.6 to 13.0‰ and from 10.8 to 13.9‰ at Krems‐Wachtberg and Kammern‐Grubgraben, respectively. An inverse modelling approach was used to reconstruct summer and winter temperatures after a correction for glacial oceanic source water δ18O. Reconstructed annual δ18Odw was −16.4 ± 1.5‰ at Krems‐Wachtberg and −15.3 ± 1.4‰ at Kammern‐Grubgraben, resulting in annual temperatures of −5.7 ± 3.1 and −3.5 ± 2.9°C, respectively. Summer and winter temperatures reconstructed from individual teeth exhibit high seasonal variations with moderate summer temperatures and extremely low winter temperatures typical for a polar tundra climate. Isotopic differences between individuals are attributed to interannual climate variability or to different drinking water sources. Our reconstructed temperatures are, overall, consistent with previously reported values from European horse teeth, when taking regional differences into account.
Holocene hydroclimate in highland Costa Rica: new evidence from hydrogen and carbon isotopes in n‐alkanes of terrestrial leaf waxes in a 10 000‐year sediment profile
Authors: Kerr Matthew T. , Horn Sally P. , Lane Chad S. 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACTWe conducted compound‐specific stable hydrogen (δD) and carbon (δ13C) isotope analysis on n‐alkanes from terrestrial leaf waxes preserved in a 10 000‐year sediment profile from Lago de las Morrenas 1 (9.4925° N, 83.4848° W, 3480 m), a glacial lake on the Chirripó massif of the Cordillera de Talamanca in Costa Rica. Our results demonstrate millennial‐scale variations in hydroclimate across the Holocene, with drier than average conditions in the highlands during the early Holocene, but with gradually increasing precipitation; mesic conditions during the middle Holocene with a gradual drying trend; and highly variable conditions during the late Holocene. This general pattern is punctuated by several centennial‐scale manifestations of global climate events, including dry conditions during the 8200, 5200 and 4200 cal a
bp events and the Terminal Classic Drought (1200–850 cal a
bp). Our δ13C analyses demonstrate that carbon isotope signals are responding to changes in hydroclimate at the site and reinforce prior interpretations of a stable páramo plant community that established following deglaciation and persisted throughout the Holocene. The shifts in hydroclimate inferred from analyses of n‐alkanes in Lago de las Morrenas 1 sediments show correspondence with charcoal records in multiple lakes, with fires most common during drier intervals.
Development of a search filter to retrieve reports of interrupted time series studies from MEDLINE and PubMed
Authors: Nguyen Phi‐Yen , McKenzie Joanne E. , Turner Simon L. , Page Matthew J. , McDonald Steve 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundInterrupted time series (ITS) studies contribute importantly to systematic reviews of population‐level interventions. We aimed to develop and validate search filters to retrieve ITS studies in MEDLINE and PubMed.MethodsA total of 1017 known ITS studies (published 2013–2017) were analysed using text mining to generate candidate terms. A control set of 1398 time‐series studies were used to select differentiating terms. Various combinations of candidate terms were iteratively tested to generate three search filters. An independent set of 700 ITS studies was used to validate the filters' sensitivities. The filters were test‐run in Ovid MEDLINE and the records randomly screened for ITS studies to determine their precision. Finally, all MEDLINE filters were translated to PubMed format and their sensitivities in PubMed were estimated.ResultsThree search filters were created in MEDLINE: a precision‐maximising filter with high precision (78%; 95% CI 74%–82%) but moderate sensitivity (63%; 59%–66%), most appropriate when there are limited resources to screen studies; a sensitivity‐and‐precision‐maximising filter with higher sensitivity (81%; 77%–83%) but lower precision (32%; 28%–36%), providing a balance between expediency and comprehensiveness; and a sensitivity‐maximising filter with high sensitivity (88%; 85%–90%) but likely very low precision, useful when combined with specific content terms. Similar sensitivity estimates were found for PubMed versions.ConclusionOur filters strike different balances between comprehensiveness and screening workload and suit different research needs. Retrieval of ITS studies would be improved if authors identified the ITS design in the titles.
Effects of an inoculation dose of Issatchenkia terricola WJL‐G4 on physicochemical properties, active substances, and antioxidant capacity of black, red, and white currant juice
Authors: Gao Liping , Li Yunhan , Yang Shuo , Bao Yihong , Luo Ting , Wang Jinling 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDDue to the high level of organic acids – primarily citric acid – black, red, and white currants have an excessively sour taste, making taste adjustment during processing challenging. This study investigated and evaluated the effects of an inoculation dose of the acid‐reducing yeast Issatchenkia terricola WJL‐G4 on several aspect such as physicochemical properties, chromaticity, active substances, and antioxidant capacity. A sensory evaluation was also conducted.RESULTSThe results indicated that, when the inoculation dose increased from 2% to 12%, the total phenol, total flavonoid, and total anthocyanin content, and antioxidant capacity in currant juice decreased. A low inoculation dose (2–4%) was beneficial for preserving the total phenol and total flavonoid content. Although the levels of most phenolic compounds decreased, the concentrations of caffeic acid, p‐coumaric acid, ferulic acid, rutin, and epicatechin were significantly higher than the control after fermentation. Overall acceptability and taste scores of fermented currants improved compared with those of the control group.CONCLUSIONThis experiment provided an effective solution, with a theoretical basis, to the problems of the sour taste and harsh flavor of currant juice. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Tracing the disc: The novel qualitative morphometric MRI based disc degeneration classification system
Authors: Soydan Zafer , Bayramoglu Emru , Urut Devrim Ulas , Iplikcioglu Ahmet Celal , Sen Cengiz 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundThis study aimed to develop a classification system for lumbar disc degeneration using routine magnetic resonance images (MRIs) that is easily applicable and unaffected by existing classifications' limitations, and to compare its reliability, reproducibility, and discriminative power to the widely used Pfirrmann classification.MethodsFive features were graded. This new classification system has eight grades, with at least one of these five features altering each grade. The T2‐weighted sagittal images were acquired using a rapid spin‐echo sequence with a repetition time of 2680 to 4900 milliseconds, an echo time of 100 to 109 milliseconds, and an echo train length of 17. Slice thick was 4 mm and the display field of view was 32 × 32 cm. The new classification system used five features: signal intensity, disc height, disc boundary regularity, and nucleus annulus separation. Increased signal intensity, decreased height, decreased regularity, and decreased nucleus‐annulus separation indicated degeneration. Four raters classified 400 discs from 80 patients using the Pfirrmann and Novel systems. Statistical analyses were conducted to investigate reliability and correlation.ResultsThe overall ICC and kappa values were found to be higher in the novel classification. (0.988 indicating excellent agreement for ICC and 0.76/0.94 indicating good–very good agreement for kappa). The Kendall tau c value, which shows the correlation between the two classifications and indicates the validity of the new classification, was 0.872, which is very strong. Through the use of cross‐tabulations, the discriminatory power of the two newly added classification criteria was determined.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates the intra‐rater and inter‐rater reliability of an easy‐to‐use, discriminative novel morphometric MRI based classification system for lumbar disc degeneration. The differentiation of grades based on five distinct criteria may generate novel hypotheses regarding treatment selection and response monitoring, as well as new insights into the study of disc degeneration.
No significant difference in thick versus thin osteochondral flap trochleoplasty in the treatment of trochlear dysplasia: A systematic review
Authors: Eikani Carlo , Knapik Derrick M. , Vadhera Amar S. , Singh Harsh , Polce Evan , Gursoy Safa , Yanke Adam B. , Chahla Jorge 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPurposeTrochleoplasty has become increasingly utilised to address patellar instability in the setting of severe trochlear dysplasia. There remains a paucity of literature on the outcomes of ‘thick’‐ versus ‘thin’‐osteochondral flap trochleoplasty. The purpose of this study is to compare clinical and radiographic outcomes between patients with patellar instability with symptomatic trochlear dysplasia treated using a ‘thick’ versus ‘thin’ osteochondral flap trochleoplasty.MethodsA systematic review and meta‐analysis were conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines using a PRISMA checklist. Quality assessment of final articles was conducted by two blinded reviewers. Articles were separated based on the use of a ‘thick’ versus ‘thin’ flap trochleoplasty. Data collection consisted of recording the following variables: patient demographics, indications for trochleoplasty, mean follow‐up time, additional procedures performed during trochleoplasty, patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs), radiographic outcomes (tibial tubercle‐trochlear groove [TT‐TG] distance, Caton–Deschamps Index [CDI] and sulcus angle [SA]) and the incidence of any postoperative complications and patellar redislocation rates.ResultsA total of 24 studies, consisting of 927 patients, were identified as meeting inclusion criteria. A total of five papers described a ‘thick’ flap technique, while 19 papers described the use of a ‘thin’ flap technique. No significant difference in the mean improvement of Kujala scores was appreciated when comparing ‘thick’ versus ‘thin’ techniques (p > 0.05). Improvements in mean radiographic outcomes based on TT‐TG, CDI and SA were observed in both ‘thick’ and ‘thin’ flap trochleoplasty groups. The overall redislocation rate was 0.35%.ConclusionNo significant difference in Kujala scores was observed in patients undergoing trochleoplasty utilising ‘thick’ versus ‘thin’ technique, while improvements in mean TT‐TG, CDI and SA were noted in both technique groups, with an overall redislocation rate of 0.35%.Level of EvidenceLevel IV.
Mesoionic N‐Heterocyclic Olefins as Initiators for the Lewis Pair Polymerization of Epoxides
Authors: Haug Iris , Reitz Justus , Ziane Célia , Buchmeiser Michael R. , Hansmann Max M. , Naumann Stefan 
Published: March 2024

AbstractMesoionic N‐heterocyclic olefins (mNHOs) have recently emerged as a novel class of highly nucleophilic and super‐basic σ‐donor compounds. Making use of these properties in synthetic polymer chemistry, it is shown that a combination of a specific mNHO and a Mg‐based Lewis acid (magnesium bis(hexamethyldisilazide), Mg(HMDS)2) delivers poly(propylene oxide) in quantitative yields from the polymerization of the corresponding epoxide (0.1 mol% mNHO loading). The initiation mechanism involves monomer activation by the Lewis acid and direct ring‐opening of the monomer by nucleophilic attack of the mNHO, forming a zwitterionic propagating species. Modulation of the mNHO properties is thereby a direct tool to impact initiation efficiency, revealing a sterically unencumbered triazole‐derivative as particularly useful. The joint application of mNHOs together with borane‐type Lewis acids is also outlined, resulting in high conversions and fast polymerization kinetics. Importantly, while molar mass distributions remain relatively broad, indicating faster propagation than initiation, the overall molar masses are significantly lower than found in the case of regular NHOs, underlining the increased nucleophilicity and ensuing improved initiation efficiency of mNHOs.
Mechanochromic Hydrogel Fibers with Multiple Fluorescent Colors
Authors: Xu Bo , Yang Jin , Yang Yinghe , Yang Jiping , Wang Zhijian 
Published: March 2024

AbstractMechanochromic polymers can change their color in response to external force and have shown promising applications in stress sensing and failure warning. They are usually obtained as thin films or bulky specimens. The mechanochromic fibers, which can be used to make smart fabrics, have been seldom reported due to the lack of efficient fabrication techniques. In this work, a general method using photo‐polymerization of microgel solution in a template tube to produce mechanochromic hydrogel fibers is reported. The obtained hydrogel fibers can generate visible and fluorescent color changes upon deformation. The diameter of the mechanochromic fibers can be easily adjusted by using different template tubes. The mechanochromic fibers can be fabricated as long as 1 m. By reducing the fiber diameter or increasing the microgel concentration, the mechanical properties of the mechanochromic fibers can be improved, leading to more obvious mechanochromic behavior. The polymethacrylate (PMA) is further used to coat the hydrogel fibers, prevent the loss of water in the fibers, and increase the storage time. The mechanochromic fibers with multiple fluorescent colors are further fabricated by utilizing different microgel solutions. This work provides an easy and effective method to fabricate mechanochromic fibers with different color change abilities.
RsaL is a self‐regulatory switch that controls alternative biosynthesis of two AHL‐type quorum sensing signals in Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA1201
Authors: He Ya‐Wen , Jin Zi‐Jing , Cui Ying , Song Kai , Chen Bo , Zhou Lian 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPseudomonas aeruginosa is a ubiquitous and metabolically versatile microorganism naturally found in soil and water. It is also an opportunistic pathogen in plants, insects, animals, and humans. In response to increasing cell density, P. aeruginosa uses two acyl‐homoserine lactone (AHL) quorum‐sensing (QS) signals (i.e., N‐3‐oxo‐dodecanoyl homoserine lactone [3‐oxo‐C12‐HSL] and N‐butanoyl‐homoserine lactone [C4‐HSL]), which regulate the expression of hundreds of genes. However, how the biosynthesis of these two QS signals is coordinated remains unknown. We studied the regulation of these two QS signals in the rhizosphere strain PA1201. PA1201 sequentially produced 3‐oxo‐C12‐HSL and C4‐HSL at the early and late growth stages, respectively. The highest 3‐oxo‐C12‐HSL‐dependent elastase activity was observed at the early stage, while the highest C4‐HSL‐dependent rhamnolipid production was observed at the late stage. The atypical regulator RsaL played a pivotal role in coordinating 3‐oxo‐C12‐HSL and C4‐HSL biosynthesis and QS‐associated virulence. RsaL repressed lasI transcription by binding the –10 and –35 boxes of the lasI promoter. In contrast, RsaL activated rhlI transcription by binding the region encoding the 5′‐untranslated region of the rhlI mRNA. Further, RsaL repressed its own expression by binding a nucleotide motif located in the –35 box of the rsaL promoter. Thus, RsaL acts as a molecular switch that coordinates the sequential biosynthesis of AHL QS signals and differential virulence in PA1201. Finally, C4‐HSL activation by RsaL was independent of the Las and Pseudomonas quinolone signal (PQS) QS signaling systems. Therefore, we propose a new model of the QS regulatory network in PA1201, in which RsaL represents a superior player acting at the top of the hierarchy.
Advances and applications of nanoparticles in cancer therapy
Authors: Huang Xianzhou , He Tao , Liang Xiuqi , Xiang Zhongzheng , Liu Chao , Zhou Shiyao , Luo Rui , Bai Liping , Kou Xiaorong , Li Xinchao , Wu Rui , Gou Xinyu , Wu Xinyue , Huang Dongxue , Fu Wangxian , Li Yingjie , Chen Ruhan , Xu Ningyue , Wang Yixi , Le Hao , Chen Tao , Xu Yangsong , Tang Yuting , Gong Changyang 
Published: March 2024

AbstractRapid growth in nanoparticles (NPs) as delivery systems holds vast promise to promote therapeutic approaches for cancer treatment. Presently, a diverse array of NPs with unique properties have been developed to overcome different challenges and to achieve sophisticated delivery routes for enhancement of a series of therapies. Inspiring advances have been achieved in the field of cancer therapy using NPs. In this review, we aim to summarize the up‐to‐date progression of NPs for addressing various challenges, and expect to elicit novel and potential opportunities alternatively. We first introduce different sorts of NP technologies, illustrate their mechanisms, and present their applications. Then, the achievements made by NPs to break obstacles in delivering cargoes to specific sites through particular routes are highlighted, including long‐circulation, tumor targeting, responsive release, and subcellular localization. We subsequently retrospect recent research of NPs in different cancer treatments from single therapy, like chemotherapy, to combination therapy, like chemoradiotherapy, and to integrative therapy. Finally, the challenges and perspectives of NPs in cancer therapy, and their potential impact on the field of oncology are discussed. We believe this review can offer a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities of NPs for cancer therapy.