bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Successful Cryoprotectant‐Free Vitrification of Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) Drone Sperm With Royal Jelly Supplemented Extender
Authors: Mohammadi Aliakbar , Sabrivand Adel , Hajarian Hadi 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTIn trying to protect honey bee species and maintain genetic diversity, employing effective approaches for drone sperm conservation is crucial. Based on literature, drone sperm cryopreservation extenders and methods have not been fully optimized. Our research aim was to enhance drone bee sperm preservation by incorporating royal jelly (RJ) in the extender of the cryoprotectant‐free vitrification method. Drone sperm was collected from adult drone bees (36 days old) using the manual inversion method. Different concentrations of RJ (0%, 0.5%, 1%, 2.5% and 5%) were added to the extender. Diluted sperm were cryopreserved using a cryoprotectant‐free vitrification technique where 10 µL aliquots of the diluted sperm were directly dropped into the liquid nitrogen and then stored. Data were analysed based on a completely randomized design with ten replications. Sperm quality parameters, including motility, viability and DNA damage, were evaluated in vitro. Queens were artificially inseminated to measure the ability of motile sperm to reach the spermathecae. The results showed that 1% and 2.5% of RJ supplementation significantly enhanced sperm motility and viability and reduced DNA fragmentation compared to control and higher RJ concentrations. Specifically, the 1% RJ group resulted in the highest sperm viability, while both the 1% and 2.5% groups maintained lower DNA fragmentation rates. Queens inseminated with sperm treated with 1% and 2.5% RJ showed a notably higher number of motile sperm in their spermathecae. In conclusion, supplementation of 1% RJ to the cryoprotectant‐free vitrification media may improve drone sperm quality parameters post‐warming. Our findings provide valuable insights into optimizing drone bee sperm preservation, contributing to the conservation of these vital pollinators.
Insight Into the Dynamic Active Sites and Catalytic Mechanism for CO2 Hydrogenation Reaction
Authors: Han You , Hong Qin , Liu Chang‐Jun , Nian Yao 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTThe catalytic CO2 hydrogenation to produce valuable fuels and chemicals holds immense importance in addressing energy scarcity and environmental degradation. Given that the real catalytic reaction system is complex and dynamic, the structure of catalysts might experience dynamic evolution under real reaction conditions. It implies that the real active sites might only generated during the reaction process. The induction factor of dynamic evolution of active sites could be reactants, intermediates, products, and other local chemical environments. Utilizing in‐situ/operando characterization techniques allows for the real‐time observation of the dynamic evolution process, further combining multiscale theoretical simulations can effectively reveal the refined structure of real active sites and catalytic mechanisms. Herein, we summarized the latest advancements in understanding the dynamic active sites and catalytic mechanisms during the real reaction process for the CO2 hydrogenation to C1 products (CH3OH, CO, and CH4). The dynamic evolutions of the catalyst in morphology, size, valence state, and interface between active component and support were discussed, respectively. Future research could benefit from more in‐situ characterization and theoretical simulation to explore the microstructure and reaction mechanism, aiming to produce high conversion and selectivity catalysts for CO2 hydrogenation reactions.
Invisible Threads: Emerging Water Governance in the Multi‐Actor Dynamics of the Mira‐Mataje Transboundary River Basin
Authors: Megens Sandra , Warner Jeroen 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTIn recent years, scholarly interest has surged in exploring the emergence of new governance regimes that redefine the self‐governing capacities of local communities in water management, navigating security challenges to ensure compliance to central government water laws and regulations. Embracing polycentric governance across various levels of political interaction provides insights into the factors driving the establishment of these regimes, particularly in regions with limited state presence, and where the threat of climate impact has become visible by climate extreme events as drought. This approach emphasizes the importance of decentralized, collaborative systems for effectively and sustainably managing water resources. Such systems promote equitable water use, regional stability, and resilience to drought through innovative, community‐driven solutions aimed at addressing water scarcity challenges. While the former, polycentric governance, involves multiple centers of authority making decisions collaboratively, the latter, decentralized governance, refers to communities independently managing their affairs. To understand evidence related to these dynamics, we focus on actors' interactions around the downstream area of the transboundary Mira River Basin, between Ecuador and Colombia. Employing mixed method approaches such as qualitative interviews, policy analysis, and participatory observation provides comprehensive insights into the complex interactions shaping transboundary water governance and community responses. These methods facilitate a thorough understanding of how institutional arrangements and governance structures evolve and adapt in diverse sociopolitical contexts, offering valuable lessons for sustainable water management strategies on (local) scale or on (cross‐border) collaboration. This is particularly crucial in addressing the challenges posed by drought scenarios, ensuring resilience and adaptability in water governance worldwide.
Expression of a Colletotrichum polyketide synthase gene in Aspergillus nidulans leads to unexpected conjugates with a host metabolite
Authors: Breyer David , Chen Leyao , Zhou Jenny , Li Zhang-Hai , Li Shu-Ming 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Heterologous expression of the putative 1,3,6,8-tetrahydroxynaphthalene synthase gene ChPKS from Colletotrichum higginsianum in Aspergillus nidulans led to the formation of at least eight new compounds. LC-MS analysis proved them as coupling products of 1,3,6,8-tetrahydroxynaphthalene with an intermediate of the cichorine biosynthetic pathway. Comprehensive NMR analysis confirmed the structures of the two predominant products higginidulans A and B. Deletion of the backbone gene of the cichorine pathway in host strain Aspergillus nidulans abolished the formation of higginidulans. Heterologous expression of ChPKS in the alternative Penicillium crustosum expression host resulted in the formation of the expected product 1,3,6,8-tetrahydroxynaphthalene, which was confirmed by acetylation and structural elucidation. This study provides an additional example of unexpected natural product formation by crosstalk of biosynthetic pathways derived from different species. Moreover, it highlights the importance of using alternative host systems for gene expression.
The importance of the posterior osteoligamentous complex of the lumbar spine: dogma changing biomechanical insights
Authors: Jokeit Moritz , Cornaz Frédéric , Schader Jana F. , Harshbarger Cooper L. , Calek Anna-Katharina , Jecklin Sascha , Snedeker Jess G. , Farshad Mazda , Widmer Jonas 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
During full flexion of the spine, the paraspinal muscles are largely inactive. This suggests that passive structures like the posterior osteoligamentous complex (POLC), consisting of interspinous and supraspinous ligaments and the spinous processes, play a key role in spinal stability and protection of the spinal column. The POLC, however, is often resected or damaged during spinal decompression surgeries, whereas the biomechanical implications of this resection or damage are not yet fully understood.

Methods
A stepwise reduction study was performed on three fresh frozen cadaveric torsi (aged 30–78 years) using a custom setup which only allows sagittal plane motion. After preloading and locking in full flexion, the posterior lumbar structures were gradually resected in the following order: Skin, fascia, musculature, facet joints, ligamentum flavum, posterior ligamentous complex, and posterior longitudinal ligaments. Load cells measured force increase on the fixation frame after each resection step.

Results
The load increased sequentially with each resection, demonstrating load transfer from the passive structures onto the fixation frame. The POLC, including the supraspinous and interspinous ligaments at L2-L5, accounted for 69 − 74% of the measured passive load resistance in full flexion, representing the largest contribution. Facet joints with their capsules contributed 10–18%, while muscular contributions were negligible (< 2%).

Conclusion
The experiment indicates that the POLC is the primary passive stabilizer of the fully flexed lumbar spine. Surgical resection of this structure can redistribute loads and increase stresses on remaining spinal tissues, potentially leading to spinal instability, accelerated degeneration, and poor clinical long-term outcomes.
Opportunistic osteoporosis screening in intraoperative CT can accurately identify patients with low volumetric bone mineral density and osteoporosis during spine surgery
Authors: Rühling Sebastian , Petzsche Moritz R. Hernandez , Löffler Maximilian T. , Sollmann Nico , Baum Thomas , Bodden Jannis , Schwarting Julian , Lange Nicole , Aftahy Kaywan , Wostrack Maria , Zimmer Claus , Kirschke Jan S. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Purpose
To evaluate the accuracy of opportunistic measurements of volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) in intraoperative multi-detector CT (MDCT) scans, using preoperative MDCT as the reference.

Methods
This retrospective, single-center study included 105 patients (mean age: 73 ± 12.6 years, 53 women) who underwent spine surgery for various indications. All patients had preoperative MDCT with/without intravenous contrast and unenhanced intraoperative scans. VBMD of thoracolumbar vertebrae was automatically extracted using a convolutional neural network (CNN)-based framework with asynchronous calibration and contrast-phase correction. Vertebrae affected by artifacts, fractures, or severe degenerations were excluded. Root-mean-square errors (RMSEs) for associations between pair-wise vertebrae from preoperative and intraoperative vBMD values were calculated in linear regression models. Mean bias and 95%-limits of agreement (LOA) were calculated in Bland-Altman plots.

Results
Strong associations between preoperative and intraoperative vBMD values were observed in the thoracic (R2 = 0.94) and lumbar spine (R2 = 0.96). Intraoperative vBMD values showed high accuracy in reference to preoperative measurements with a mean bias of -1.3 mg/cm3 for the thoracic spine (LOA: -18.7 to 16.1 mg/cm3) and − 3.0 mg/cm3 for the lumbar spine (LOA: -17.4 to 11.3 mg/cm3). RMSEs between preoperative and intraoperative vBMD values slightly increased for contrast-enhanced scans (RMSEthoracic: 8.42 vs. 10.1 mg/cm3; RMSElumbar: 7.75 vs. 8.87 mg/cm3).

Conclusion
Opportunistic osteoporosis screening with the presented approach is feasible and demonstrates high accuracy in reference to preoperative MDCT scans. This could enable the identification of patients with low bone mass during surgery, allowing surgeons to take measures (e.g., adapted techniques) that prevent postoperative complications and improve patient outcomes.
Integration der thermischen Grundwassernutzung in die kommunale Wärmeplanung
Authors: Böttcher Fabian , Halilovic Smajil , Günther Maik , Hamacher Thomas , Zosseder Kai 
Published: February 2025

Zusammenfassung
Nach dem Wärmeplanungsgesetz müssen Gemeindegebiete in Deutschland eine kommunale Wärmeplanung ausarbeiten. Die thermische Grundwassernutzung kann durch ihre hohe Effizienz in der Dekarbonisierung des Wärme- und Kältesektors eine wichtige Rolle einnehmen. Zur Integration in die Wärmeplanung werden Methoden benötigt, die den potenziellen Ausbau für eine Vielzahl von Nutzungen analysieren können. Diese Studie kombiniert eine Methode zur technischen Potenzialanalyse mit einer Methode zur räumlichen Optimierung von Brunnenstandorten. Ergänzend wird ein Ansatz zur räumlichen Dekomposition des Optimierungsproblems entwickelt, damit die Potenzialbewertung auch großflächig anwendbar ist. Als Fallbeispiel wurde die Methodik in München angewendet und die Inwertsetzung in der kommunalen Wärmeplanung aufgezeigt. Die Ergebnisse werden von der strategischen Ebene über die Quartiersebene bis zur Projektebene in einem breiten Anwendungsspektrum erfolgreich eingesetzt.
Ethologists assemble - macrobehaviour needs you
Authors: Keith Sally A. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The emerging field of macrobehaviour explores behavioural variation across large geographic, taxonomic, and temporal scales, and its ecological and evolutionary consequences. This unifying framework merges macroecology with ethology, both enhancing our understanding of how behaviour mediates ecological dynamics at scales above the population level, and offering an approach that can broaden the impact of ethological research. Here, I urge ethologists to engage with the field, outlining what “macro” means, why we must act now, why we need your expertise, how you can get involved, and how this line of research offers reciprocal benefits to both disciplines. Together, we can amplify the impact of ethological research while accelerating insight that could inform solutions to the global biodiversity crisis.
A Brief Biofeedback Training, Integrated with Breathing and Relaxation Exercises, in Treating Tinnitus Disorders within Routine Medical Care
Authors: Buizza Chiara , Franco Elena , Ghilardi Alberto , Cela Herald 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Tinnitus, a distressing condition, significantly impacts psycho-social functioning. While medical interventions have been the norm for treating tinnitus, few studies have explored the efficacy of psychological treatments and their enduring effects. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a brief biofeedback training program in alleviating perceived tinnitus handicap severity over a 3-month follow-up period. Engaging 431 tinnitus outpatients from a medical center, the study allocated the control group to treatment as usual, involving monthly visits to an otolaryngologist and specific pharmacological interventions. Concurrently, the experimental group participated in a brief biofeedback training, using Procomp Infinity by Thought Technology Ltd., an eight-channel computer-operated encoder, integrated with breathing and relaxation exercises. No biofeedback booster sessions were provided to the experimental group during the 3-month follow-up period. Changes in tinnitus severity were assessed using the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI). The analysis, conducted via ANCOVA, demonstrated that biofeedback, integrated with relaxation training and breathing exercises, had a positive impact on both the follow-up THI total score and its three sub-scales (Functional, Emotional, Catastrophic). Notably, the experimental group displayed reduced psycho-physiological parameters in all aspects compared to their baseline measurements at 3-month follow-up. This study’s findings underline the effectiveness of non-pharmacological intervention in treating tinnitus. It had a positive impact on the emotional, functional, and physical dimensions of daily life affected by tinnitus.
Religion and Emotion Regulation: A Systematic Review of Quantitative Studies
Authors: Brandão Tânia 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The association between religion/spirituality and emotion regulation has been the subject of growing interest in the last years since studies have suggested that emotion regulation is likely to be shaped by religion/spirituality. The purpose of this systematic review was to synthesize the quantitative empirical studies toward understanding the relationship between religion/spirituality and emotion regulation. Database searches were conducted in different databases from inception to March 2022 using relevant search terms. Quantitative studies exploring the role of religion/spirituality on emotion regulation were included in this review. Of 887 abstracts identified only 15 studies were deemed eligible for inclusion. Studies were organized in terms of associations between religion/spirituality and emotion regulation according to religious affiliation, associations between religion/spirituality and emotion regulation regardless of religious affiliation, and emotion regulation as a mediator between religion/spirituality and several psychological-related outcomes. Overall, the findings revealed small to moderate associations between religion and emotion regulation, with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.13 to 0.50 for cognitive reappraisal, 0.08 to − 0.72 for expressive suppression, and − 0.09 to 0.56 for other emotion regulation dimensions. Furthermore, most studies highlighted emotion regulation as a key mechanism linking religion/spirituality to psychological outcomes across diverse contexts. Differences in emotion regulation strategies have been examined in a few religious affiliations and most of the studies explored the link between religion/spirituality and emotion regulation regardless of religious affiliation.
Zeros of the Brownian Sheet
Authors: Chen Keming , Woessner Guillaume 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
In this work, we firstly answer to a question raised by Khoshnevisan (Trans Am Math Soc 359:3125–3151, 2007) [Open Problem 4] by proving that almost surely there is no projection of big enough rank changing the Hausdorff dimension of the zeros of the Brownian sheet. Secondly, we prove that almost surely for every projection whose rank is not matching the aforementioned condition, the projection of the zero set is the entirety of the projective space.
The Spine of Two-Particle Fleming–Viot Process in a Bounded Interval
Authors: Burdzy Krzysztof , Engländer János , Marshall Donald E. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
We show that the spine of the Fleming–Viot process driven by Brownian motion and starting with two particles in a bounded interval has a different law from that of Brownian motion conditioned to stay in the interval forever. Furthermore, we estimate the “extra drift.”
Between-hospital variation in biopsy indication for patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma in the Dutch Quality Registry for Neurosurgery
Authors: Viozzi Ilaria , Hannink Gerjon , Ardon Hilko , Balvers Rutger K. , Bosscher Lisette , van Geest Sarita , Ho Vincent K. Y. , Hovinga Koos , Kwee Lesley , Tewarie Rishi Nandoe , Robe Pierre A. , van der Veer Olivier , Wagemakers Michiel , ter Laan Mark , De Witt Hamer Philip C. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Purpose
This registry-based study aims to examine the variation in biopsy and resection indications for glioblastoma patients across Dutch hospitals and to identify patient- and hospital-related factors associated with the surgical treatment.

Methods
Data from all 7443 adults with first-time glioblastoma surgery at 12 hospitals were obtained from the prospective population-based Quality Registry Neurosurgery in the Netherlands between 2011 and 2021. Patients were stratified by either biopsy or resection. We analyzed variation in American Association of Anesthesiologist (ASA) classification, Karnofsky Performance Score (KPS), gender and age distribution between the different centers. Between-hospital variation in biopsy percentage was analyzed using a funnel plot. Logistic regression was used to identify associated patient- and hospital-related factors.

Results
In total, 32% of the newly diagnosed glioblastoma patients underwent a biopsy, with wide variations between the different centers (23–56%). Patients-related variables such as higher age or ASA classification and lower KPS were significantly associated with the indication for biopsy. After correction for these factors, between-hospital variation persisted, with two institutes performing more biopsies than expected and one less than expected. Median overall survival was 12.5 months (95% CI 12.2–12.9) in the resection group and 5.6 months (95% CI 5.1–6) in the biopsy group, with wide variations between the different centers.

Conclusion
A substantial between-hospital variation in biopsy percentages was found. Patient factors (age, ASA classification and KPS) but also hospital factors (such as academic setting) impact surgical decisions. Variation persisted also after correction for potential confounders, indicating that other factors play a role in decision-making.
From pituitary cells to prostate gland in health and disease: direct and indirect endocrine connections
Authors: Sarmento-Cabral André , Fuentes-Fayos Antonio C. , Ordoñez Fernando Mata , León-González Antonio J. , Martínez-Fuentes Antonio J. , Gahete Manuel D. , Luque Raúl M. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The prostate gland is an endocrine-sensitive organ responding to multiple stimuli. Its development and function are regulated by multiple hormones (i.e. steroids such as androgens, estrogens and glucocorticoids) but also by other key hormonal systems such as those comprised by insulin-like growth factor 1 and insulin, which are sourced by different tissues [e.g. testicles/adrenal-gland/adipose-tissue/liver/pancreas, etc.). Particularly important for the endocrine control of prostatic pathophysiology and anatomy are hormones produced and/or secreted by different cell types of the pituitary gland [growth-hormone, luteinizing-hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and prolactin, oxytocin, arginine-vasopressin and melanocyte-stimulating hormone], which affect prostate gland function either directly or indirectly under physiological and pathophysiological conditions [e.g. metabolic dysregulation (e.g. obesity), and prostate transformations (e.g. prostate cancer)]. This review summarizes the impact of all pituitary hormone types on prostate gland under these diverse conditions including in vivo and in vitro studies.
The association between implicit culture beliefs and intercultural sensitivity: anticipated intergroup exclusion and stigma as underlying processes
Authors: Wang Iris Yili , Cheung Rebecca Y. M. , Jiang Da , Yum Yen Na 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
South Asians and Chinese mainlanders are two distinct cultural minority groups in the Hong Kong context. Grounded in theories and findings on implicit beliefs, this study examined the mediating roles of anticipated intergroup exclusion and stigma toward these cultural minority groups in the link between implicit culture beliefs and intercultural sensitivity. A total of 192 university students aged between 18 and 26 years old (M = 21.18; SD = 1.82) residing in Hong Kong participated in this study. Participants completed self-report questionnaires that assessed fixed versus malleable beliefs about cultural attributes, anticipated intergroup exclusion towards South Asians and Chinese mainlanders, stigma towards South Asians and Chinese mainlanders, and intercultural sensitivity. Path analysis and bootstrapping were applied to test the mediation model. Results showed that fixed implicit beliefs about cultural attributes were related to anticipated intergroup exclusion, greater stigma towards cultural minority groups, and lower intercultural sensitivity. However, only greater stigma towards South Asians, but not towards Chinese mainlanders, was then significantly associated with lower intercultural sensitivity. Taken together, the present study revealed the partial mediating roles of anticipated intergroup exclusion and stigma towards cultural minorities (i.e., South Asians and Chinese mainlanders) between implicit culture beliefs and intercultural sensitivity in the context of Hong Kong. In addition, the strengths of associations among anticipated intergroup exclusion, stigma, and intercultural sensitivity differed as a function of cultural groups.