bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Methods for the Design and Analysis of Analytical Ultracentrifugation Experiments
Authors: Demeler Borries 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAnalytical ultracentrifugation experiments play an integral role in the solution‐phase characterization of biological macromolecules and their interactions. This unit discusses the design of sedimentation velocity and sedimentation equilibrium experiments performed with a Beckman Proteomelab XL‐A or XL‐I analytical ultracentrifuge and with a Beckman Optima AUC. Instrument settings and experimental design considerations are explained, and strategies for the analysis of experimental data with the UltraScan data analysis software package are presented. Special attention is paid to the strengths and weaknesses of the available detectors, and guidance is provided on how to extract maximum information from analytical ultracentrifugation experiments. © 2024 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Transcriptome‐Wide Association Studies (TWAS): Methodologies, Applications, and Challenges
Authors: Evans Patrick , Nagai Taylor , Konkashbaev Anuar , Zhou Dan , Knapik Ela W. , Gamazon Eric R. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractTranscriptome‐wide association study (TWAS) methodologies aim to identify genetic effects on phenotypes through the mediation of gene transcription. In TWAS, in silico models of gene expression are trained as functions of genetic variants and then applied to genome‐wide association study (GWAS) data. This post‐GWAS analysis identifies gene‐trait associations with high interpretability, enabling follow‐up functional genomics studies and the development of genetics‐anchored resources. We provide an overview of commonly used TWAS approaches, their advantages and limitations, and some widely used applications. © 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Self‐organization of earth's inner magnetospheric multi‐ion plasma
Authors: Shazad Usman , Iqbal M. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe self‐organization of a magnetized multi‐ion plasma, composed of inertialess electrons and inertial H+, He+, and O+ ions, leads to the formation of quadruple Beltrami (QB) field structures. The QB self‐organized state is a linear combination of four single Beltrami fields, and it is a non‐force‐free state that shows strong magnetofluid coupling. Moreover, the QB state is characterized by four relaxed state structures of different length scales. The investigation reveals that the generalized helicities of plasma species and the densities of ion species have a significant impact on the characteristics of the self‐organized vortices in the QB state. The study also highlights the potential consequences of QB field structures on earth's inner magnetosphere, including diamagnetic and paramagnetic trends as well as heating effects resulting from disparate length scales.
Developing an optimized routing protocol with rumor riding technique for detection of Sybil attack in VANET environment
Authors: Navinkumar V. R. , Somasundaram D. 
Published: February 2024

SummaryAn attack on VANET known as a Sybil attack involves the attacker claiming or stealing multiple identities with the intent of causing havoc on the network's operation by disseminating false information. To protect the VANET network from Sybil attack, a variety of methods have been proposed. In order to compensate for the Sybil attack on VANETs, a rumor riding with salp swarm optimization (SSO) based Routing protocol is developed in this research work. The primary goal of this investigation is to discover how VANETs are vulnerable to the Sybil attack in order to improve their security. Rumor riding will be used to identify the Sybil attack in the suggested strategy. VANETs are protected by the Blowfish Algorithm, which uses SSO to select the best key for each network. The collective intelligence and dynamic adaptation of SALP swarm optimization algorithm enable efficient identification of rumor sources in complex networks. The algorithm is scalable, flexible, and adept at reducing false positives and negatives, making it suitable for large‐scale monitoring. Its parallel processing capabilities and robustness ensure rapid and reliable detection. Using the NS2 platform, the proposed method is compared to existing benchmark in terms of delay, packet delivery ratio (PDR), packet loss, throughput, and attack detection rate. The proposed SSO has reduced the packet loss by nearly 5% and delay by nearly 7%, when compared with existing techniques. The delivery ratio of packet for proposed model is increased up to 8% of PDR, when compared with ACO, PSO, and FA. According to this evidence, it is clear that the proposed SSO outperformed existing approaches in a variety of performance metrics.
The dwarf neon rainbowfish Melanotaenia praecox, a small spiny‐rayed fish with potential as a new Acanthomorpha model fish: I. Fin ray ontogeny and postembryonic staging
Authors: Miyamoto Kazuhide , Abe Gembu , Tamura Koji 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundFish fins with highly variable color patterns and morphologies have many functions. In Actinopterygii, the free parts of fins are supported by “soft rays” and “spiny rays.” Spiny rays have various functions and are extremely modified in some species, but they are lacking in popular model fish such as zebrafish and medaka. Additionally, some model fish with spiny rays are difficult to maintain in ordinary laboratory systems.ResultsCharacteristics of the small, spiny‐rayed rainbowfish Melanotaenia praecox render it useful as an experimental model species. Neither fish age nor body size correlate well with fin development during postembryonic development in this species. A four‐stage developmental classification is proposed that is based on fin ray development.ConclusionsMelanotaenia praecox is an ideal species to rear in laboratories for developmental studies. Our classification allows for postembryonic staging of this species independent of individual age and body size. Development of each fin ray may be synchronized with dorsal fin development. We discuss the differences in mechanisms regulating soft, spiny, and procurrent ray development.
An outsider on the Antarctic Peninsula: A new record of the non‐native moth Plodia interpunctella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)
Authors: Benitez Hugo A. , Salinas Carla , Hernández Jordan , Contador Mejías Tamara , Kim Sanghee , Maturana Claudia S. , Rebolledo Lorena , Pérez Laura M. , Câmara Paulo E. A. S. , Alves Ferreira Vinícius , Lobos Isabel , Piñeiro Alejandro , Convey Peter 
Published: February 2024

AbstractWe report the first record of the microlepidopteran Plodia interpunctella beyond the South Shetland Islands at the Chilean Yelcho scientific station (64°52′33.1428″ S; 63°35′1.9572″ W), Doumer Island, close to the west coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. It is notable that P. interpunctella, a globally distributed stored product pest species, exhibits a remarkable capacity for prolonged viability within food storage facilities. The dual challenges of food transportation and storage in the context of Antarctica's challenging operational conditions may have facilitated P. interpunctella's initial arrival to the Antarctic region. Non‐perishable food items, such as grains, flour and rice, provide practical options for the bulk food transportation and storage required in the long‐term operation of Antarctic research stations. The presence of P. interpunctella in Antarctica, even if restricted to synanthropic environments within buildings, is a clear threat to Antarctic biodiversity, not only through being an invasive species itself but also as a potential vector for other non‐native species (bacteria, acari, between others.), which could carry diseases to the native species.
Accounting for unobserved population dynamics and aging error in close‐kin mark‐recapture assessments
Authors: Swenson John D. , Brooks Elizabeth N. , Kacev Dovi , Boyd Charlotte , Kinney Michael J. , Marcy‐Quay Benjamin , Sévêque Anthony , Feldheim Kevin A. , Komoroske Lisa M. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractObtaining robust estimates of population abundance is a central challenge hindering the conservation and management of many threatened and exploited species. Close‐kin mark‐recapture (CKMR) is a genetics‐based approach that has strong potential to improve the monitoring of data‐limited species by enabling estimates of abundance, survival, and other parameters for populations that are challenging to assess. However, CKMR models have received limited sensitivity testing under realistic population dynamics and sampling scenarios, impeding the application of the method in population monitoring programs and stock assessments. Here, we use individual‐based simulation to examine how unmodeled population dynamics and aging uncertainty affect the accuracy and precision of CKMR parameter estimates under different sampling strategies. We then present adapted models that correct the biases that arise from model misspecification. Our results demonstrate that a simple base‐case CKMR model produces robust estimates of population abundance with stable populations that breed annually; however, if a population trend or non‐annual breeding dynamics are present, or if year‐specific estimates of abundance are desired, a more complex CKMR model must be constructed. In addition, we show that CKMR can generate reliable abundance estimates for adults from a variety of sampling strategies, including juvenile‐focused sampling where adults are never directly observed (and aging error is minimal). Finally, we apply a CKMR model that has been adapted for population growth and intermittent breeding to two decades of genetic data from juvenile lemon sharks (Negaprion brevirostris) in Bimini, Bahamas, to demonstrate how application of CKMR to samples drawn solely from juveniles can contribute to monitoring efforts for highly mobile populations. Overall, this study expands our understanding of the biological factors and sampling decisions that cause bias in CKMR models, identifies key areas for future inquiry, and provides recommendations that can aid biologists in planning and implementing an effective CKMR study, particularly for long‐lived data‐limited species.
American marten occupancy and activity patterns at the southern extent of their range in the eastern United States
Authors: Ashbrook Sarah , Hapeman Paul 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe relatively recent rediscovery of an American marten (Martes americana) population that was reintroduced over 30 years ago in southern Vermont provides an opportunity to investigate the relative importance of other mesocarnivores, and forest stand (e.g., DBH, downed logs, vertical structure) and habitat variables to their presence on the Green Mountain National Forest. Marten are state‐listed as an endangered species in Vermont and occur there at the southern extent of their range in the eastern United States. We collected detection data from camera surveys in 5 km2 units between 2019 and 2021 (December–April; n = 40 units, 238 cameras). We examined activity patterns and applied an occupancy modeling framework to the detection data to assess the relative importance of covariates at unit and camera levels and assess interactions of marten with other mesocarnivores. We did not find any unit‐level occupancy models with significant covariates that were better supported than the base model in the single‐season unit‐level analysis. Distance to the nearest release site was the covariate most supported for detectability at both spatial scales, and marten occupancy at the camera level was positively influenced by the amount of canopy cover. Two species interaction models did not indicate any positive or negative association beyond random with other mesocarnivores and activity patterns among mesocarnivores had substantial overlap. Marten recovery since the time of the reintroduction appears slow, and even 30 years later, the marten distribution is limited and suggests that dispersal is restricted at some level. We recommend a further investigation of the possible impact of other mesocarnivores to juvenile survival or other vital demographic rate (e.g., recruitment) in marten that were not explicitly measured in this study.
Prey selection by leopards (Panthera pardus fusca) in the mid‐hill region of Nepal
Authors: Baral Kedar , Bhandari Shivish , Adhikari Binaya , Kunwar Ripu M. , Sharma Hari P. , Aryal Achyut , Ji Weihong 
Published: February 2024

AbstractInformation on prey selection and the diet of the leopard (Panthera pardus fusca) is essential for leopard conservation. We conducted an investigation into the prey species and the proportion of each species in the leopard's diet in a human‐dominated mid‐hill region of Nepal. The analysis of 96 leopard scats collected between August 2020 and March 2021 revealed that leopards consumed 15 prey species, including small‐ and medium‐sized mammals and livestock. In addition to these prey species, we also found plastic materials, bird feathers, and some unidentified items in the leopard scats. Wild ungulates (such as barking deer, Muntiacus muntjak and wild boar, Sus scrofa) constituted only 10% of the biomass in the scats, while livestock contributed 27%, and other wild prey contributed 50%. Among all species, domestic goats had the highest relative biomass in the scats, followed by the jungle cat (Felis chaus), domestic dog (Canis familiaris), and large Indian civet (Viverra zibetha). Similarly, the Indian hare (Lepus nigricollis) had the highest proportion of relative individuals present in the scat samples, followed by the jungle cat and the large Indian civet. A lower proportion of biomass from wild ungulates in the leopard's diet and a higher dependency of the leopard on domestic prey and other wild prey indicate a shortage of medium‐sized wild prey, such as barking deer and wild boar, in leopard habitats. Therefore, the conservation of wild prey species, especially medium‐sized prey, is crucial for reducing the leopard's dependence on livestock and mitigating human‐leopard conflicts in the future.
Effects of external limb compression and/or low‐load resistance exercise on post‐activation performance enhancement during countermovement jumps
Authors: Zheng Zhanfei , Wang Yang , Wei Hongwen , Zhang Jun , Yan Bing , Girard Olivier 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe effects of low‐load resistance exercise combined with external limb compression (ELC) to augment post‐activation performance enhancement during countermovement jumps have yet to be examined. We assessed the separate and combined effects of ELC and sets of low‐load (back squats) resistance exercise (both compared with controls) during conditioning routines, and determine their subsequent neuromechanical consequences during countermovement jumps. On separate days, twenty strength‐trained men completed a familiarization session followed by four experimental trials in a randomized design that included one of the following conditioning routines: passive rest (Control [CON], no occlusion/standing), exercise (sets of low‐intensity resistance exercise [RE] with 30% 1RM, no occlusion/exercise), ELC ([ELC] at 80% of the individual arterial occlusion pressure, occlusion/standing), and combined ELC and exercise ([ELC + RE], occlusion/exercise). Countermovement jump performance (jump height, relative peak power output, vertical impulse, and rate of force development) was assessed at baseline, immediately after, and at the third, sixth, ninth and twelfth minute following each conditioning routine. Compared to baseline, jump height, relative peak power output and vertical impulse values were lower at 0 min for [RE] (−3.5%–8.2%; p ≤ 0.014) and higher at +3 min for [ELC] (+2.0%–3.8%; p ≤ 0.013). Regarding [ELC + RE], values for these three variables were lower at 0 min (−4.8%–8.0%; p < 0.001) but higher at +12 min (+2.9%–5.5%; p < 0.001) versus baseline. In strength‐trained men, using ELC either alone (while standing) or combined with low‐load resistance exercise sets (during back squats) can be a useful way to improve CMJ mechanics. However, the duration and magnitude of post‐activation potentiation performance benefits varied depending on the type of ELC protocol used.
Changes in perceived mental fatigue, physical fatigue and mood state during a 4‐day national junior orienteering competition preparation camp
Authors: Lam Hui Kwan Nicholas , Sproule John , Turner Anthony P. , Phillips Shaun M. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractMental fatigue (MF) has been shown to acutely impair the psychological responses and endurance running performance of orienteers. This study aimed to explore MF levels experienced by orienteers during a 4‐day competition preparation camp that consisted of simulated sprint, middle‐distance, long‐distance, relay and night races. Eleven national junior orienteers participated in the study (age: 15–17 years, height: 1.69 ± 0.07 m and body mass: 59.9 ± 5.22 kg). Subjective ratings of MF, motivation, stress, physical fatigue (PF) and tiredness were measured using a 100‐mm visual analogue scale. The Brunel Mood Scale (BRUMS) was utilized to assess the mood state of the orienteers. The self‐report measures were taken within 30 min of waking, immediately after the post‐training session, and after 24 and 48 h following the final training session. The pre–post orienteering training combined analysis showed that there was a moderate increase in perceived MF (ES = 1.06 [0.66, 1.45]), PF (ES = 1.07 [0.69, 1.45]) and BRUMS fatigue (ES = 0.74 [0.4, 1.1]) after orienteering training. At 48 h post the final training session, MF remained moderately elevated (ES = 0.86 [−0.07, 1.75]), while PF also remained elevated to a small extent (ES = 0.46 [−0.46, 1.39]) compared to the pre‐training values. A moderate impairment was still observed in BRUMS vigor (ES = −1.02 [−1.65, −0.36]), but BRUMS confusion scores were moderately lower (ES = −0.85 [−1.71, 0.04]) than pre‐training values. This study found that orienteering training induced acute MF, persisting for at least 48 h after the final session.
A composite cathode of biofuel cell based on cross‐linked Poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate and platinum nanoparticles
Authors: Parunova Yulia , Vakhnitskaya Ekaterina , Patsaev Timofey , Tikhomirov Sergey , Kondratev Oleg , Chumakov Ratibor , Gotovtsev Pavel 
Published: February 2024

AbstractGlucose oxidase based enzymatic biofuel cell is the promising technology for implantable medical devices’ power supply. It can open up opportunities for the long‐term implantation of the medical devices like pacemakers without the necessity for replacement of the batteries. Increasing of the cathode efficiency is one of the issues that should be solved before a practical application of biofuel cells. The high catalytic activity of the cathode provides a significant contribution to the efficiency of biofuel cells operation. The creation of cathodes of implantable biofuel cell with the increased power density could resolve the problem with a slow kinetics of the cathodic oxygen reduction reaction. It is especially urgent in the conditions of implantation in physiological fluids, where the oxygen concentration is relatively low. Enzymes application could be an optimal way to increase an efficiency of the cathodic reaction, but enzymes long‐time stability is still in question. Thus, non‐organic and synthetic organic catalysts are considered. In this study, a new type of a cathode for enzymatic biofuel cells is presented. This cathode combines two catalysts: inorganic with platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) and organic in the form of poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) cross‐linked by poly(ethylene glycol) diglycidyl ether (PEGDE). The received electrodes were investigated by several electrochemical methods: cyclic voltammetry, chronopotentiometry and linear sweep voltammetry method on a rotating disk electrode. It was shown that the combination of PtNPs and PEDOT:PSS provides the maximum cathodic current, due to the fact that both catalysts contribute to the oxygen reduction reaction. The maximum cathodic current was 7.5 μA for an electrode containing 5 % PEGDE with PtNPs, heat‐treated for one hour at 120 °C. The electrodes without platinum nanoparticles were also investigated. This research showed that PEDOT:PSS provides a significant contribution to the overall catalytic effect demonstrated by the electrode proposed in the study. Scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray fluorescence analysis studies showed that the electrodes with combination of PtNPs and PEDOT:PSS were almost fully covered by catalysts.
Cognitive and psychological dysfunction is present after a first seizure, prior to epilepsy diagnosis and treatment at a First Seizure Clinic
Authors: Pugh Remy , Vaughan David N. , Jackson Graeme D. , Ponsford Jennie , Tailby Chris 
Published: February 2024

AbstractObjectiveNeuropsychological comorbidities found in chronic epilepsy have also been reported earlier in the disease course. However, recurrent seizures, antiseizure medication (ASM), and adjustment to a chronic diagnosis remain potential confounds of this literature. It thus remains unclear whether these comorbidities are primary or secondary attributes of epilepsy. To capture individuals as close to disease onset as possible, we studied the cognitive and psychological functioning in adults after their first seizure, yet prior to epilepsy diagnosis and treatment.MethodsUsing a telehealth‐based prospective design, we screened cognition, mood, and anxiety symptoms in adult patients referred to a First Seizure Clinic (FSC), who were over 18 years, English‐speaking and not taking ASM. We screened cognition via telephone, and psychological symptoms via online questionnaires, all prior to the patients' diagnostic evaluation. Data were collected on 32 individuals subsequently diagnosed with epilepsy at the FSC, and 30 healthy controls from the community, who were matched to the epilepsy group for age, gender, and education.ResultsA multivariate analysis of variance revealed that the groups differed significantly on combined cognitive measures with a large effect size (F[1,56] = 5.75, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.45). Post‐hoc analyses showed that performances on measures of verbal memory, working memory, and executive functions were significantly worse for the newly diagnosed epilepsy group than controls. The epilepsy group also exhibited higher rates of clinically significant depressive and anxiety symptoms.SignificanceCognitive and psychological dysfunction is prevalent in people with epilepsy as early as the first seizure event, before the influence of diagnosis, ASM and recurrent seizures. Their neuropsychological profile parallels that seen in chronic epilepsy, showing that this dysfunction is already present at the very onset of the disease. The current study demonstrates the viability of telehealth neuropsychological screening for all new epilepsy cases.Plain Language StatementThe results of this study show, using telephone‐based cognitive assessment and online questionnaires, that people with newly diagnosed epilepsy can experience problems with their thinking and memory skills, and low mood and anxiety, as early as after their first seizure. These issues are apparent at the very beginning of the disease, before an epilepsy diagnosis is made and before antiseizure medication is commenced, which suggests that they are due to the underlying brain disturbance, rather than the secondary effects of seizures, treatment, or lifestyle changes. Telehealth‐screening of thinking skills and mental health for all new epilepsy cases is recommended to promote early management of such problems.