bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Resource partitioning in a novel herbivore assemblage in South America
Authors: Mata Julia C. , Davison Charles W. , Frøslev Tobias Guldberg , Buitenwerf Robert , Svenning Jens‐Christian 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Human‐induced species declines and extinctions have led to the downsizing of large‐herbivore assemblages, with implications for many ecosystem processes. Active reintroduction of extirpated large herbivores or their functional equivalents may help to reverse this trend and restore diverse ecosystems and their processes. However, it is unclear whether resource competition between native and non‐native herbivores could threaten restoration initiatives, or to what extent (re)introduced species may influence local vegetation dynamics.

To answer these questions, we investigated the diets of a novel South American herbivore assemblage that includes resident native species, reintroduced native species and introduced non‐native species. We examined plant composition, diet breadth and the overlap between species to describe the local herbivory profile and the potential for resource competition.

Using DNA metabarcoding on faecal samples (n = 465), we analysed the diets of the herbivore assemblage in the Rincón del Socorro rewilding area of Iberá National Park, Argentina. We compared the species richness of faecal samples, the occurrence of plant families/growth forms and the compositional similarity of samples (inter‐ and intraspecifically).

Our results indicate species‐level taxonomic partitioning of plant resources by herbivores in this system. Differences in sample richness, composition and diet breadth reflected a diverse range of herbivory strategies, from grazers (capybara) to mixed feeders/browsers (brocket deer, lowland tapir). Differences in diet compositional similarity (Jaccard) revealed strong taxonomic resource partitioning. The two herbivores with the most similar diets (Pampas deer and brocket deer) still differed by more than 80%. Furthermore, all but one species (axis deer) had more similar diet composition intraspecifically than compared to the others.

Overall, we found little evidence for resource competition between herbivore species. Instead, recently reintroduced native species and historically introduced non‐natives are likely expanding the range of herbivory dynamics in the ecosystem. Further research will be needed to determine the full ecological impacts of these (re)introduced herbivores. In conclusion, we show clear differences in diet breadth and composition among native, reintroduced and non‐native herbivore species that may be key to promoting resource partitioning, species coexistence and the restoration of ecological function.
Climate risk in mortgage markets: Evidence from Hurricanes Harvey and Irma
Authors: Gete Pedro , Tsouderou Athena , Wachter Susan M. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractUsing the Credit Risk Transfers (CRTs) issued by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, we study how, absent government intervention, mortgage markets would price hurricane risk. Currently, such risk is priced equally across locations even if it is location‐specific. We hand collect a novel and detailed database to exploit CRTs' heterogeneous exposure to Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. Using a diff‐in‐diff specification, we estimate the reaction of private investors to hurricane risk. We use the previous results to calibrate a model of mortgage lending. We simulate hurricane frequencies and mortgage default probabilities in each US county to derive the market price of mortgage credit risk, that is, the implied guarantee fees (g‐fees). Market‐implied g‐fees in counties most exposed to hurricanes would be 70% higher than inland counties.
Towards tumour hypoxia imaging: Incorporating relative oxygen extraction fraction mapping of prostate with multi‐parametric quantitative MRI on a 1.5T MR‐linac
Authors: Mesny Emmanuel , Leporq Benjamin , Chapet Olivier , Beuf Olivier 
Published: February 2024

SummaryHypoxia plays a central role in tumour radioresistance. Reliable tumour hypoxia imaging would allow the monitoring of tumour response and a more personalized adaptation of radiotherapy planning. Here, we showed a proof of concept of the feasibility and repeatability of relative oxygen extraction fraction (rOEF) mapping of prostate using multi‐parametric quantitative MRI (qMRI) achieved for the first time on a 1.5T MR‐linac. T2, T2* relaxation times maps, and intra‐voxel incoherent motion (IVIM) parametric maps mapping were computed on a 29 years old healthy volunteer. R2′ and rOEF maps were calculated based on a multi‐parametric model. Long‐term repeatability and repeatability coefficient (RC) were determined for each parameter according to QIBA recommendations. Mean values for the entire healthy prostate were 0.99 ± 0.14 × 10−3 mm/s2, 81 ± 2.1 × 10−3 mm/s2, 21.6 ± 3.6%, 92.7 ± 19.7 ms and 62.4 ± 17.3 ms for Dslow, Dfast, f, T2 and T2*, respectively. R2′ and rOEF in the prostate were 6.1 ± 3.4 s−1 and 18.2 ± 10.1% respectively. The RC of rOEF was 4.43%. Long‐term repeatability of quantitative parameters based on a test–retest ranged from 2 to 18%. qMRI parameters are measurable and repeatable on 1.5T MR LINAC. From T2, T2* and IVIM parameters maps, we were able to obtain a rOEF mapping of the prostate. These results are the first step to a non‐invasive imaging of tumour hypoxia during radiotherapy leading to a biological image‐guided adaptive radiotherapy.
Combatting forest fires in the drylands of Sub‐Saharan Africa: Quasi‐experimental evidence from Burkina Faso
Authors: Huy Tung Nguyen , Adjognon Guigonan Serge , van Soest Daan 
Published: February 2024

AbstractForest fires are among the main drivers of deforestation and forest degradation in the drylands of Sub‐Saharan Africa. We use remote sensing data on forest fires and remaining tree cover to estimate the effectiveness of a project targeted at reducing fire incidences in 12 protected forests in arid Burkina Faso. The project consisted of two components that were implemented in the villages surrounding the target forests: a campaign aimed at raising community awareness about the detrimental effects of forest fires, and a program to support establishing and maintaining forest fire prevention infrastructures. Using the synthetic control method, we find that the project resulted in an overall reduction of in the number of days on which an average forest grid cell was detected to be on fire in the month of the year when fires tend to be most prevalent—November, at the very end of the agricultural season. This impact is, however, short lived (as the reduction only occurred in the November months in the first 4 years of the program), and the overall reduction in forest fire occurrences was not sufficiently large to result in a detectable increase in vegetation cover. We then try to uncover the underlying mechanisms to shed light on which of the project's components were effective to also learn how the program can be improved.
Evidence for common mechanisms of pathology between SHANK3 and other genes of Phelan‐McDermid syndrome
Authors: Mitz Andrew R. , Boccuto Luigi , Thurm Audrey 
Published: February 2024

AbstractChromosome 22q13.3 deletion (Phelan‐McDermid) syndrome (PMS, OMIM 606232) is a rare genetic condition that impacts neurodevelopment. PMS most commonly results from heterozygous contiguous gene deletions that include the SHANK3 gene or likely pathogenic variants of SHANK3 (PMS‐SHANK3 related). Rarely, chromosomal rearrangements that spare SHANK3 share the same general phenotype (PMS‐SHANK3 unrelated). Very recent human and model system studies of genes that likely contribute to the PMS phenotype point to overlap in gene functions associated with neurodevelopment, synaptic formation, stress/inflammation and regulation of gene expression. In this review of recent findings, we describe the functional overlaps between SHANK3 and six partner genes of 22q13.3 (PLXNB2, BRD1, CELSR1, PHF21B, SULT4A1, and TCF20), which suggest a model that explains the commonality between PMS‐SHANK3 related and PMS‐SHANK3 unrelated classes of PMS. These genes are likely not the only contributors to neurodevelopmental impairments in the region, but they are the best documented to date. The review provides evidence for the overlapping and likely synergistic contributions of these genes to the PMS phenotype.
Introducing the model of repeated exposure of skin to antiseptics: Randomised pilot trial
Authors: Leskur Dario , Bročić Ivana , Mićanović Mislav , Lozić Mirela , Rušić Doris , Perišin Ana Šešelja , Maleš Ivanka , Modun Darko , Bukić Josipa 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIntroductionIntensified hand hygiene measures were recommended for preventing the spread of SARS‐CoV‐2. However, these measures can lead to skin damage and the development of hand eczema, particularly among health professionals.ObjectivesThis pilot study aimed to evaluate the effects of repeated antiseptic use on healthy skin under controlled conditions and to assess the emollient use.MethodsTwelve healthy volunteers (nine females, age = 22.3 ± 2.8 years (mean ± SD), Fitzpatrick phototypes II and III) with no skin diseases were recruited. Antiseptic was applied daily for 3 weeks on the volar sides of forearms. Emollient cream was also applied daily. Skin assessments were performed using non‐invasive methods (transepidermal water loss—TEWL, skin hydration, erythema and melanin content).ResultsProlonged antiseptic use increased TEWL, decreased hydration and elevated erythema and melanin levels. Emollient cream significantly reduced TEWL and improved hydration on antiseptic‐treated sites, and also enhanced hydration on intact skin.ConclusionsProlonged use of antiseptics can have adverse effects on the skin, including barrier disruption and inflammation. Emollient showed promise in improving skin hydration and reducing the damage caused by antiseptics. Further research with a larger sample is needed to confirm these findings and assess emollient efficacy during frequent antiseptic use.
Effects of tetrahedral DNA nanostructures on the treatment of osteoporosis
Authors: Cui Weitong , Yang Xiao , Dou Yikai , Du Yue , Ma Xiaohong , Hu Lei , Lin Yunfeng 
Published: February 2024

AbstractOsteoporosis (OP) is a common disease characterized by bone loss and bone tissue microstructure degradation. Drug treatment is a common clinical treatment that aims to increase bone mass and bone density. Tetrahedral DNA nanostructures (TDNs) are three‐dimensional tetrahedral frames formed by folding four single‐stranded DNA molecules, which have good biological safety and can promote bone regeneration. In this study, a mouse model of OP was established by ovariectomy (OVX) and TDN was injected into the tail vein for 8 weeks. We found that ovariectomized mice could simulate some physiological changes in OP. After treatment with TDNs, some of this destruction in mice was significantly improved, including an increase in the bone volume fraction (BV/TV) and bone trabecular number (Tb. N), decrease in bone separation (Tb. SP), reduction in the damage to the mouse cartilage layer, reduction in osteoclast lacunae in bone trabecula, and reduction in the damage to the bone dense part. We also found that the expression of ALP, β‐Catenin, Runx2, Osterix, and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)2 significantly decreased in OVX mice but increased after TDN treatment. Therefore, this study suggests that TDNs may regulate the Wnt/β‐Catenin and BMP signalling pathways to improve the levels of some specific markers of osteogenic differentiation, such as Runx2, ALP, and Osterix, to promote osteogenesis, thus showing a therapeutic effect on OP mice.
Eosinophils in psoriasis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis introducing a study quality assessment tool for diagnostic pathology studies
Authors: Caro‐Chang Leah Antoinette , Fung Maxwell A. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe histopathologic features of psoriasis are well‐documented, but recent studies have highlighted atypical features, such as eosinophils, in clinically confirmed cases.MethodsA systematic review exploring eosinophils in psoriasis was performed. A novel quality assessment tool (SQAT‐Path) we designed for cross‐sectional pathology studies was employed.ResultsFive studies (N = 218) were identified. The pooled prevalence of dermal eosinophils in psoriasis was 46% (95% confidence interval, 0.27–0.66). The prevalences of 1 to 5 lesional eosinophils (24%) compared to >5 eosinophils (26%) were similar. There was no association between eosinophils and prior treatment. There was also no association between eosinophils and spongiosis. In SQAT‐Path, studies scored between 9 and 18 (out of a maximum of 27: “fair” to “good”), consistent with the ratings using other assessment tools.ConclusionEosinophils were found in approximately half of systematically studied and published cases of psoriasis. When present, their quantity is variable, with the likelihood of having greater than 5 eosinophils in a biopsy section comparable to having between 1 and 5. Greater than 5 eosinophils, as an isolated finding, would not be typical of psoriasis, but should not preclude its diagnosis without considering the overall histologic context.
Deciphering the origin of developmental stability: The role of intracellular expression variability in evolutionary conservation
Authors: Uchida Yui , Tsutsumi Masato , Ichii Shunsuke , Irie Naoki , Furusawa Chikara 
Published: February 2024

AbstractProgress in evolutionary developmental biology (evo‐devo) has deepened our understanding of how intrinsic properties of embryogenesis, along with natural selection and population genetics, shape phenotypic diversity. A focal point of recent empirical and theoretical research is the idea that highly developmentally stable phenotypes are more conserved in evolution. Previously, we demonstrated that in Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes), embryonic stages and genes with high stability, estimated through whole‐embryo RNA‐seq, are highly conserved in subsequent generations. However, the precise origin of the stability of gene expression levels evaluated at the whole‐embryo level remained unclear. Such stability could be attributed to two distinct sources: stable intracellular expression levels or spatially stable expression patterns. Here we demonstrate that stability observed in whole‐embryo RNA‐seq can be attributed to stability at the cellular level (low variability in gene expression at the cellular levels). We quantified the intercellular variations in expression levels and spatial gene expression patterns for seven key genes involved in patterning dorsoventral and rostrocaudal regions during early development in medaka. We evaluated intracellular variability by counting transcripts and found its significant correlation with variation observed in whole‐embryo RNA‐seq data. Conversely, variation in spatial gene expression patterns, assessed through intraindividual left–right asymmetry, showed no correlation. Given the previously reported correlation between stability and conservation of expression levels throughout embryogenesis, our findings suggest a potential general trend: the stability or instability of developmental systems—and the consequent evolutionary diversity—may be primarily anchored in intrinsic fundamental elements such as the variability of intracellular states.
Headaches and facial pain attributed to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and vaccination: a systematic review
Authors: Mitsikostas Dimos‐Dimtirios D. , Caronna Edoardo , De Tommaso Marina , Deligianni Christina I. , Ekizoglu Esme , Bolay Hayrunnisa , Göbel Carl H. , Kristoffersen Espen Saxhaug , Lampl Christian , Moro Elena , Pozo‐Rosich Patricia , Sellner Johann , Terwindt Gisela , Irimia‐Sieira Pablo 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackground and purposeThe aim was to provide insights to the characteristics of headache in the context of COVID‐19 on behalf of the Headache Scientific Panel and the Neuro‐COVID‐19 Task Force of the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) and the European Headache Federation (EHF).MethodsFollowing the Delphi method the Task Force identified six relevant questions and then conducted a systematic literature review to provide evidence‐based answers and suggest specific diagnostic criteria.ResultsNo data for facial pain were identified in the literature search. (1) Headache incidence during acute COVID‐19 varies considerably, with higher prevalence rates in prospective compared to retrospective studies (28.9%–74.6% vs. 6.5%–34.0%). (2) Acute COVID‐19 headache is usually bilateral or holocranial and often moderate to severe with throbbing pain quality lasting 2–14 days after first signs of COVID‐19; photo‐phonophobia, nausea, anosmia and ageusia are common associated features; persistent headache shares similar clinical characteristics. (3) Acute COVID‐19 headache is presumably caused by immune‐mediated mechanisms that activate the trigeminovascular system. (4) Headache occurs in 13.3%–76.9% following SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination and occurs more often amongst women with a pre‐existing primary headache; the risk of developing headache is higher with the adenoviral‐vector‐type vaccines than with other preparations. (5) Headache related to SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination is mostly bilateral, and throbbing, pressing, jolting or stabbing. (6) No studies have been conducted investigating the underlying mechanism of headache attributed to SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccines.ConclusionThe results of this joint EAN/EHF initiative provide a framework for a better understanding of headache in the context of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and vaccination.
Long‐term biochar application promoted soil aggregate‐associated potassium availability and maize potassium uptake
Authors: Bao Zhengrong , Dai Wanning , Su Xu , Liu Zunqi , An Zhengfeng , Sun Qiang , Jing Hang , Lin Li , Chen Yixuan , Meng Jun 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBiochar is an effective ameliorator for soil quality improvement and nutrient reuse from biomass; however, the effect of biochar application on soil potassium (K) availability, plant K uptake, and the underlying mechanisms have not been well‐elucidated. To address this, the variation in the soil K forms, soil aggregate stability, and aggregate‐associated K concentration, as well as maize K uptake, were investigated in a field experiment after 9 years of biochar amendment. The treatments included no biochar and NPK fertilizer (CK); NPK fertilizer treatment (F); biochar applied annually at the rate of 2.625 t ha−1 (C1), and biochar applied annually at rate of 2.625 t ha−1 with NPK fertilizers (C1F); one‐time biochar applied with NPK fertilizers, with biochar rate of 31.5 (C2F) and 47.25 t ha−1 (C3F). The results showed that after 9 years of field application, biochar inhibited the downward K migration to the deeper layer, thus increasing water‐soluble potassium (WSK), exchangeable potassium (EK), non‐exchangeable potassium (NEK), and total potassium (TK) in 0–20 cm soil, with C1F exhibiting better performance than C2F and C3F. Biochar also increased aggregate‐associated EK, NEK, and TK pools, mainly due to an increase in the macroaggregate proportion (>0.25 mm). Biochar amendment promoted maize K uptake by an average of 35.69%, the path analysis indicated that the positive effect was an outcome of the synergetic effect of the increase in surface soil WSK content and promoted macroaggregate EK pools, which was primarily attributed to biochar improved soil properties, including soil organic carbon, pH, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and cation exchange capacity. These factors explained 76% of the variance in maize K uptake. In conclusion, biochar is an effective ameliorator for improving soil K content and availability.
Influence of SiC content in B4C–nSiC composites corrosion in molten FLiNaK salt at 800°C
Authors: Wang Kui , Jia Junhong , Chen Wei , Hui Junjie , He Nairu , Ma Shengqiang 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe present study investigates the influences of SiC incorporation on the microstructure and corrosion behavior of B4C–nSiC composites in molten FLiNaK salt at 800°C. The corrosion characteristics and mechanisms of B4C–nSiC composites in molten FLiNaK salt were thoroughly characterized and extensively discussed. The B4C–nSiC composites exhibited a more refined grain size and lowered apparent porosity as the SiC content increased. Additionally, the concentration of high‐angle grain boundaries (HAGBs) in B4C–nSiC composites increased as the SiC content increased. The incorporation of 10 wt.% SiC improved the corrosion resistance of B4C–nSiC composites against molten FLiNaK salt. However, the incorporation of excessive SiC (≥20 wt.%) did not improve the corrosion resistance. The best corrosion resistance of B4C–10% SiC ceramic composite was attributed, on the one hand, to its relatively low apparent porosity and the low concentration of HAGBs with high structural disorder. On the other hand, the selective corrosion of B4C in B4C–10% SiC ceramic composite rapidly formed a sufficiently thick and highly graphitized C‐rich layer on its surface during the initial stages of the corrosion test. The C‐rich layer maintained the integral structure of the ceramic and prevented subsequent corrosive medium from penetrating into the ceramic.
Recycling of granite sludge for the preparation of high‐strength glazed glass‐ceramics using stepwise sintering
Authors: Lu Jinshan , Liu Changyou , Zhou Jian 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe reutilization of granite sludge generated in granite cutting and processing possesses economic and ecological benefits. In this study, high‐strength glazed glass‐ceramics were prepared entirely from granite powder using dense sintering and instantaneous glaze firing. The densification and glaze formation are clarified in terms of phase evolution to study their effects on the flexural strength and surface glossiness of the glass‐ceramics. The milling process promotes particle refinement and the removal of colored minerals, thus increasing the powder whiteness and sinterability. After dense sintering at 1100°C, instantaneous glaze firing at high temperatures decreases the flexural strength while greatly increases the surface glossiness of the glass‐ceramics due to the dissolution of quartz and feldspars in the liquid phase. After the acid‐leached powder was densely sintered and fired with a rapid heating of 50°C/min to 1300°C, the pinhole‐free glazed glass‐ceramic has a flexural strength of 112.5 MPa and a surface glossiness of 54.7 GU (glossiness unit), meeting the quality requirements of the bright glazed tiles in the market. The stepwise sintering process provides a simple processing route for recycling granite sludge into decorative construction tiles and high‐temperature glazes, promising the scalable and value‐added utilization of granite sludge.