bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The timing of reproduction is responding plastically, not genetically, to climate change in yellow‐bellied marmots (Marmota flaviventer)
Authors: St. Lawrence Sophia , Blumstein Daniel T. , Martin Julien G. A. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractWith global climates changing rapidly, animals must adapt to new environmental conditions with altered weather and phenology. The key to adapting to these new conditions is adjusting the timing of reproduction to maximize fitness. Using a long‐term dataset on a wild population of yellow‐bellied marmots (Marmota flaviventer) at the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory (RMBL), we investigated how the timing of reproduction changed with changing spring conditions over the past 50 years. Marmots are hibernators with a 4‐month active season. It is thus crucial to reproduce early enough in the season to have time to prepare for hibernation, but not too early, as snow cover prevents access to food. Importantly, climate change in this area has, on average, increased spring temperatures by 5°C and decreased spring snowpack by 50 cm over the past 50 years. We evaluated how female marmots adjust the timing of their reproduction in response to changing conditions and estimated the importance of both microevolution and plasticity in the variation in this timing. We showed that, within a year, the timing of reproduction is not as tightly linked to the date a female emerges from hibernation as previously thought. We reported a positive effect of spring snowpack but not of spring temperature on the timing of reproduction. We found inter‐individual variation in the timing of reproduction, including low heritability, but not in its response to changing spring conditions. There was directional selection for earlier reproduction since it increased the number and proportion of pups surviving their first winter. Taken together, the timing of marmot reproduction might evolve via natural selection; however, plastic changes will also be extremely important. Further, future studies on marmots should not operate under the assumption that females reproduce immediately following their emergence.
Unveiling the hidden diversity of marine eukaryotes in the Ross Sea: A comparative analysis of seawater and sponge eDNA surveys
Authors: Jeunen Gert‐Jan , Lamare Miles , Cummings Vonda , Treece Jackson , Ferreira Sara , Massuger Jack , Pryor Rodgers Lily , Tait Leigh , Lust Bobby , Wilkinson Shaun , Mariani Stefano , Mills Sadie , Gemmell Neil 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe Ross Sea, Antarctica, while largely pristine, is experiencing increased anthropogenic pressures, necessitating enhanced biomonitoring efforts for conservation purposes. Environmental DNA (eDNA) extracted from marine sponges provides a promising approach for biodiversity monitoring in remote areas by circumventing the need for time‐consuming water filtration. Investigations into the efficacy of eDNA signal detection across the tree of life from marine sponges have yet to be fully explored. Here, we conducted a seawater and sponge eDNA metabarcoding survey at seven coastal locations in the Ross Sea to assess spatial eukaryote biodiversity patterns and investigate eDNA signal differences between both substrates. In total, we detected 1450 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) across 30 phyla. Significant differences in water and sponge eDNA signal richness and composition were observed, with a partial overlap in OTU detection between both substrates and, thereby, underscoring the crucial role of substrate selection in eDNA metabarcoding surveys. Furthermore, alpha and beta diversity analyses revealed distinct eDNA signals among sampling locations, which were corroborated by known species distributions. However, only 135 OTUs (9%) could be successfully assigned to species level, and 574 OTUs (40%) were unable to be taxonomically classified, due to limitations in the reference database. Our results provide evidence for the potential of eDNA monitoring in remote areas, demonstrate the need to consider more sophisticated sampling strategies whereby multiple eDNA substrates are incorporated, and highlight the importance of complete reference databases for robust taxonomy assignment of eDNA signals.
The influence of nutrition knowledge, attitude, practices, and dietary diversity on obesity among market women in the Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Apprey Charles , Mensah Martina , Agyarko Desmond , Klu Yaa Asantewaa K. , Acquah Samuel 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackground and AimsObesity and overweight are major public health threat affecting many people globally. This study aimed to examine the role of nutrition knowledge (NK), attitude, practices, and dietary diversity (DD) on the prevalence of obesity among market women in Cape Coast, Ghana.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study was conducted at Abura and Kotokuraba markets in the Cape Coast Metropolis of Ghana. Apparently healthy female traders (n = 402) aged ≥18 years were selected randomly from the markets. DD was assessed with dietary diversity score (DDS) using a 24h dietary recall method. NK, dietary practices, and attitudes were assessed using validated semistructured questionnaires. Body composition parameters were assessed using appropriate tools. Descriptive and binary logistic regression analysis were performed. Statistical significance was considered at p < 0.05.ResultsThe prevalence of overweight was 31.84% and obesity was 39.30%. Majority of respondents had poor DD as about 91% had DDS <5. About 75% of the market women had no knowledge in nutrition. About 57% eat thrice daily and 82% take supper from 7 p.m. Knowledge in nutrition was significantly associated with body fat (OR = 0.45, 95% CI = 0.26–0.78, p = 0.004), body mass index (OR = 0.40, 95% CI = 0.28–0.71, p = 0.001), and waist‐to‐hip ratio (OR = 0.32, 95% CI = 0.19–0.56, p < 0.001)ConclusionThe prevalence of obesity and overweight was high among the market women. Poor NK and poor DD may have influenced this. A campaign on better dietary practices and delivery of nutrition education may help to minimize the prevalence of obesity among market women.
Investigation of serum trimethylamine‐N‐oxide levels in missed abortion: A prospective study
Authors: Sarikaya Sevcan , Körez Muslu Kazım , Ovali Fadime , Turgut Esranur , Vatansev Hüsamettin , Günenc Oğuzhan 
Published: December 2023

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of our study was to investigate the relationship between missed abortion and serum trimethylamine N‐oxide (TMAO) levels.MethodsA total of 129 patients with 56 missed abortions and 73 healthy pregnancies were included in our study. Patients who had more than one pregnancy loss, had systemic disease (hypertension, diabetes, rheumatologic disease, hematologic disease, and so forth) and did not accept to participate in the study were excluded. Pregnant women who did not have a fetal heartbeat in the first 20th week of pregnancy were considered as missed abortion. Demographic characteristics of the patients were recorded. The serum TMAO levels of these patients were compared with the serum TMAO levels of healthy pregnant women with the same gestational week between the two groups.ResultsThe median (IQR) serum level of TMAO was significantly higher in woman with missed abortus compared to the healthy controls (201.5 [IQR, 129.75–345] vs 150 [IQR, 86.9–273], U = 1534, P = 0.015, rrb = 0.25 [95% CI: 0.05–0.43]). We observed a positive and significant relationship between serum TMAO levels and age of the patients (Spearman's rho = 0.272 [95% CI: 0.01–0.50], P = 0.043). However, no significant relationship was found between serum TMAO levels and BMI (Spearman's rho = 0.093 [95% CI: −0.18 to 0.35], P = 0.496).ConclusionIn our study, we found that the serum TMAO level was higher in patients with missed abortion compared to healthy pregnancies. Serum TMAO levels measured at early gestational weeks can provide information about the course of pregnancy.
Cross‐sectional and longitudinal association between atrial fibrillation and sarcopenia: Findings from the Korean frailty and aging cohort study
Authors: Shim Ga Yang , Kim Miji , Won Chang Won 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundSarcopenia is commonly observed in patients with cardiovascular diseases. However, studies on the association between sarcopenia and atrial fibrillation and their causal relationships are limited. We performed cross‐sectional and longitudinal analyses to investigate the association between sarcopenia and atrial fibrillation among community‐dwelling older adults.MethodsA total of 2225 participants from the Korean Frailty and Aging Cohort Study (KFACS) from 2016 to 2017 were included in this cross‐sectional analysis. Sarcopenia was defined according to the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 consensus. Atrial fibrillation was diagnosed on the basis of electrocardiographic findings. We investigated whether atrial fibrillation increased the risk of incident sarcopenia 2 years later and whether sarcopenia, in turn, increased the 2‐year risk of developing atrial fibrillation using KFACS data from 2018 to 2019.ResultsOf the 2225 participants (54.2% women; mean age 76.0 ± 3.9 years), 509 (22.9%) had sarcopenia at baseline. In the cross‐sectional analysis, sarcopenia was associated with atrial fibrillation after multivariate adjustment [odd ratio (OR), 2.127; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.240–3.648; P = 0.006]. Among the sarcopenia components, low physical performance was associated with atrial fibrillation (OR, 1.872; 95% CI, 1.123–3.120; P = 0.016). During the 2‐year follow‐up period, atrial fibrillation was not associated with new‐onset of sarcopenia (OR, 1.483; 95% CI, 0.597–3.685; P = 0.396), and sarcopenia also did not significantly increase the risk of incident atrial fibrillation (OR, 1.120; 95% CI, 0.384–3.264; P = 0.836).ConclusionsAlthough we found a significant association between sarcopenia and atrial fibrillation in a cross‐sectional analysis, we could not establish a causal relationship between the two based on 2 years of follow‐up. Further research with long‐term follow‐up is required to identify causal relationship between atrial fibrillation and sarcopenia.
Effects of nanocarbon and nano‐calcium carbonate on soil enzyme activities and soil microbial community in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) rhizosphere soil
Authors: Chen Shuang , Dong Chengwu , Gao Yu , Li Yajun , Shi Yan 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundNanofertilisers can enhance the efficiency of nutrient utilization in crop production. Nevertheless, it is unclear how soil microbial and enzyme activities are affected by the application of nanofertilisers to wheat inter‐root soil.AimsThe study aims to investigate the influences of nanocarbon (NC) and nano‐calcium carbonate (NCC) on soil enzyme activities and microbial community in the open field setting.MethodsThe effects of nanofertilisers on soil wheat rhizosphere soil were studied through the evaluation of soil microbial quantity, enzyme activity, and microbial diversity.ResultsThe findings revealed that the combined utilization of nanofertilizers and compound fertilizers (CF) led to an augmentation in the diversity of the soil microbial community. When comparing the effects of 100% composite nanofertilizers (100% CF + 50% NC + 50% NCC) with the control (CK) (100% CF), it was observed that the activities of urease (EC 3.5.1.5), catalase (EC 1.11.1.6), alkaline phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.1), sucrase (EC.3.2.1.26), as well as the number of fungi, actinomycetes, and bacteria, increased by 22.4%, 7.7%, 17.8%, 9.3%, 35.9%, 27.7%, and 26.0%, respectively. Similarly, the employment of 70% composite nanofertilizers (70% CF + 35% NC + 35% NCC) also resulted in an enhancement of these aforementioned indicators. The magnitude of increase over the 100% CF was 19.0%, 6.6%, 13.6%, 6.2%, 26.8%, 21.3%, and 23.5%, respectively. Notably, there was no significant difference observed between 100% CF + 50% NC + 50 % NCC and 70% CF + 35% NC + 35% NCC within the 0–35 d after anthesis. Furthermore, both 100% CF + 50% NC + 50% NCC and 70% CF + 35% NC + 35% NCC contributed to an improvement in the species uniformity and operational taxonomic unit abundance of wheat rhizosphere microorganisms, while also increasing the abundance of Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria compared to the CK. The relative abundance of Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria was found to be elevated in the nanomaterials‐treated groups, both at 0–7 d and 14–21 d after anthesis, and positively correlated with soil enzyme activities and soil microbial populations.ConclusionsThese results indicate that the application of composite nanofertilizers can enhance the soil microenvironment in wheat fields, particularly under reduced fertilization conditions.
Quantitative brain mapping using magnetic resonance fingerprinting on a 50‐mT portable MRI scanner
Authors: Xuan Liang , Zhang Yuxiang , Wu Jiamin , He Yucheng , Xu Zheng 
Published: December 2023

AbstractUltralow‐field magnetic resonance imaging (ULF‐MRI) has broad application prospects because of its portable hardware system and low cost. However, the low B0 magnitude of ULF‐MRI results in a reduced signal‐to‐noise ratio in qualitative images compared with that of commercial high‐field MRI, which can affect the visibility and delineation of tissues and lesions. In this work, a magnetic resonance fingerprinting (MRF) approach is applied to a homemade 50‐mT ULF‐MRI scanner to achieve efficient quantitative brain imaging, which is an original and promising disease‐diagnosis approach for portable MRI systems. An inversion recovery fast imaging with steady‐state precession‐based sequence is utilized for MRF through Cartesian acquisition. A microdictionary analysis method is proposed to select the optimal repetition time and flip angle variation schedule and ensure the best possible tissue discriminative ability of MRF. The T1 and T2 relaxation properties and the B1+ distribution are considered for estimation, and the results are compared with those of gold standard (GS) quantitative imaging or qualitative imaging methods. The phantom experiment indicates that the quantitative values obtained by schedule‐optimized MRF show good agreement, and the bias from the GS results is acceptable. The in vivo experiment shows that the relaxation times of white and gray matter estimated by MRF are slightly lower than the reference data, and the relaxation times of lipid are within the range of the reference data. Compared with qualitative MRI under ULF, MRF can intuitively reflect various items of brain tissue information in a single scan, so it is a valuable addition to point‐of‐care imaging approaches.
Regulatory mechanisms of the LBD40 transcription factor in Arabidopsis thaliana somatic embryogenesis
Authors: Joshi Sanjay , Hill Kristine , Chakrabarti Manohar , Perry Sharyn E. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractSomatic embryogenesis (SE) is a process by which an embryo is derived from somatic tissue. Transcription factors (TFs) have been identified that control this process. One such TF that promotes SE is AGAMOUS‐like 15 (AGL15). Prior work has shown that AGL15 can both induce and repress gene expression. One way this type of dual function TF works is via protein interactions, so a yeast 2‐hybrid (Y2H) screen was undertaken. One intriguing protein with which AGL15 interacted in Y2H was LBD40. LBD40 encodes a LATERAL ORGAN BOUNDARIES (LOB)‐domain TF that is unique to plants and is primarily expressed during seed development. Here, we confirm the AGL15‐LBD40 interaction by quantitative assays and in planta co‐immunoprecipation. We also document a role for LBD40, and the closely related protein LBD41, in supporting SE. To determine downstream genes potentially controlled by LBD40, chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by high throughput sequencing (ChIP‐seq) was used. More than 400 binding regions for LBD40 were consistently found genome‐wide. To determine genes responsive to LBD40/41 accumulation, RNA‐seq analysis of transcriptomes of wild‐type control and loss‐of‐function lbd40/lbd41 was performed. Combining these datasets provides insight into genes directly and indirectly controlled by these LOB domain TFs. The gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis of these regulated genes showed an overrepresentation of biological processes that are associated with SE, further indicating the importance of LBD40 in SE. This work provides insight into SE, a poorly understood, but essential process to generate transgenic plants to meet agricultural demands or test gene function. This manuscript reports on experiments to understand the role that LDB40, a TF, plays in support of SE by investigating genes directly and indirectly controlled by LBD40 and examining physical and genetic interactions with other TFs active in SE. We uncover targets of LBD40 and an interacting TF of the MADS family and investigate targets involvement in SE.
Effects of N‐oxide on the thermal stability of energetic materials: A case study of 2,6‐Diamino‐3,5‐dinitropyrazine‐1‐oxide
Authors: Yu Qian , Zhao Chuande , Liao Longyu , Li Jianjun , Yang Fang , Li Gang , Li Jinshan 
Published: December 2023

AbstractFinding new insensitive high explosives has been the focus of the energetic materials community in recent decades. To accelerate the discovery process, it is necessary to elucidate the relationship between molecular structure and the performance of explosives. In this regard, the effects of N‐oxide groups, commonly introduced to increase the energy density of explosives, on the thermal stability of explosives were investigated by comparing the thermal behaviors of a typical energetic N‐oxide, ANPZO, and its analogue ANPZ. The presence of N‐oxide facilitated the thermal decomposition of ANPZO thoroughly and suppressed its sublimation to a certain extent. Compared to ANPZ, the introduction of N‐oxide increased the thermal enthalpy, reduced the solid residues, and shortened the acceleration period of thermal decomposition of ANPZO. Additionally, the sublimation rate and vapor pressure of ANPZO were lower than those of ANPZ. The enthalpy of sublimation for ANPZO was 175.1 kJ mol−1, compared to 135.2 kJ mol−1 for ANPZ. The effects of N‐oxide on the thermal decomposition and sublimation are attributed to its contribution to the augmentation of oxygen sources and intermolecular interactions, respectively. This study provides further insight into the relationship between the N‐oxide group and the performance of explosives, which could be beneficial for the design and application of new explosives.
Dual biologics for severe asthma and atopic dermatitis: Synopsis of two cases and literature review
Authors: Matsumoto Takeshi , Sakurai Yumiko , Tashima Noriyuki , Matoba Tomoya , Kaneko Akiko , Fujiki Takahiro , Kusakabe Yusuke , Nakayama Emi , Tanaka Ayaka , Tashima Mayuko , Yamamoto Naoki , Aihara Kensaku 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe efficacy and safety of the combination of biologic therapies remain unclear with an ineffective and insufficient single biologic for managing asthma. Herein, we report two cases using dual biologics for severe asthma and atopic dermatitis. A 52‐year‐old male patient who received dupilumab and mepolizumab, benralizumab, or tezepelumab, followed by bronchial thermoplasty, and a 41‐year‐old male patient who received dupilumab and omalizumab, both experienced improved asthma and atopic dermatitis. To date, 38 cases are using dual biologics for severe asthma. The success rate was 84%, with no major adverse effects. We report the first case of severe asthma receiving dual biologics with tezepelumab and furthermore bronchial thermoplasty, and comprehensive literature review on dual biologics. Dual biologics may be an effective treatment method for severe asthma, requiring further investigation.
High‐Stability RuNi/C Electrocatalyst for Efficient Hydrogen Oxidation Reaction in Alkaline Condition
Authors: Fu Xiaorui , Chen Zanyu , Zhang Shiyu , Wang Jiajun , Ding Jia , Han Xiaopeng 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe Ru‐based catalyst for hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) with remarkable activity and reliability at high potential range remains a formidable challenge. Herein, the RuNi/C nanoparticles are customized, in which NiRu alloy is tightly wrapped with a carbon layer, delivering 2.2‐fold and 8.3‐fold enhancement in kinetic current density than that of commercial Pt/C and Ru/C, respectively. Notably, the current density maintains 2.93 mA cm−2disk at 0.6 V vs RHE, which effectively improves the stability of Ru‐based catalysts at high voltage. The NiRu alloy triggers electron redistribution between two metal elements and regulates the surface adsorption performance, coupled with a tightly wrapped outer carbon layer which is in situ formed with alloy as a good conductor of electronic and protection from the electrolyte. This work not only provides a novel electrocatalyst for efficient HOR with its potential for industrial application but also opens up a new avenue for designing highly active catalytic systems.
Comparison of competing‐risks model with angiogenic factors in midgestation screening for preterm growth‐related neonatal morbidity
Authors: Papastefanou I. , Menenez M. , Szczepkowska A. , Gungil B. , Syngelaki A. , Nicolaides K. H. 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACTObjectivesFirst, to evaluate the predictive performance for preterm growth‐related neonatal morbidity of a high soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐1 (sFlt‐1)/placental growth factor (PlGF) ratio or low PlGF at midgestation and, second, to compare the performance of a high sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio or low PlGF with that of the competing‐risks model for small‐for‐gestational age (SGA), utilizing a combination of maternal risk factors, sonographic estimated fetal weight and uterine artery pulsatility index.MethodsThis was a prospective observational study in women attending for a routine hospital visit at 19–24 weeks' gestation in two maternity hospitals in England. The visit included recording of maternal demographic characteristics and medical history, carrying out an ultrasound scan and measuring serum PlGF and sFlt‐1. The primary outcome was delivery < 32 and < 37 weeks' gestation of a SGA neonate with birth weight < 10th or < 3rd percentile, combined with neonatal unit (NNU) admission for ≥ 48 h or a composite of major neonatal morbidity. The detection rates in screening by PlGF < 10th percentile, sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio > 90th percentile and the competing‐risks model for SGA were estimated and then compared using McNemar's test.ResultsIn the study population of 40 241 women, prediction of preterm growth‐related neonatal morbidity provided by the competing‐risks model for SGA was superior to that of screening by low PlGF concentration or high sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio. For example, at a screen‐positive rate of 10.0%, as defined by the sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio > 90th percentile, the competing‐risks model predicted 70.1% (95% CI, 61.0–79.2%) of SGA < 10th percentile and 76.9% (95% CI, 67.6–86.3%) of SGA < 3rd percentile with NNU admission for ≥ 48 h delivered < 32 weeks' gestation. The respective values for SGA with major neonatal morbidity were 73.8% (95% CI, 64.4–83.2%) and 77.9% (95% CI, 68.0–87.8%). These were significantly higher than the respective values of 35.1% (95% CI, 25.6–44.6%), 35.9% (95% CI, 25.3–46.5%), 38.1% (95% CI, 27.7–48.5%) and 39.7% (95% CI, 28.1–51.3%) achieved by the application of the sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio > 90th percentile (all P < 0.0001).ConclusionAt midgestation, the prediction of growth‐related neonatal morbidity by the competing‐risks model for SGA is superior to that of a high sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio or low PlGF. © 2023 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.