bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Male manipulation impinges on social-dependent tumor suppression in Drosophila melanogaster females
Authors: Montagne Jacques , Akiki Perla , Delamotte Pierre , Poidevin Mickael , Dijk Erwin van , Petit Apolline , Rouzic Arnaud Le , Mery Frederic , Marion-Poll Frederic 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Physiological status can influence social behavior, which reciprocally can impinge on physiology and health. We previously reported that tumor growth in Drosophila virgin females depends on the social context. However, neither the underlying physiological mechanisms nor their extent to different physiological status have been investigated to date. Transcriptome analysis from the heads of these tumorous flies now reveals social-dependent gene-expression changes related to nervous-system activity, suggesting that a cognitive-like relay might mediate the tumor suppressive effect. Surprisingly, this social-dependent tumor-suppressive effect is lost in fertilized females. After mating, Drosophila females change their behavior to favor offspring survival in response to peptides transferred via the male ejaculate, a process called “male manipulation”. Remarkably, the social-dependent tumor suppressive effect is restored in females mated by sex-peptide deficient males. Since male manipulation has likely been selected to favor male gene transmission, our findings indicate that this evolutionary trait impedes social-dependent tumor growth slowdown.
Genetic Tapestry of Capsicum Fruit Colors: A Comparative Analysis of Four Cultivated Species
Authors: Bhattarai Ambika , Nimmakayala Padma , Davenport Brittany , Natarajan Purushothaman , Talavera-Caro Alicia , Lopez-Ortiz Carlos , Ibarra-Muñoz Lizbeth , Chakrabarti Manohar , Benedito Vagner , Balagurusamy Nagamani , Reddy Umesh K 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Peppers (Capsicum spp.) rank among the most widely consumed spices globally. Fruit color, serving as a determinant for use in food colorants and cosmeceuticals and an indicator of nutritional content, significantly influences market quality and price. Cultivated Capsicum species display extensive phenotypic diversity, especially in fruit coloration. Our study leveraged the genetic variance within four Capsicum species (Capsicum baccatum, Capsicum chinense, Capsicum frutescens, and Capsicum annuum) to elucidate the genetic mechanisms driving color variation in peppers and related Solanaceae species. We analyzed color metrics and chromatic attributes (Red, Green, Blue, L*, a*, b*, Luminosity, Hue, and Chroma) on samples cultivated over six years (2015–2021). We resolved genomic regions associated with fruit color diversity through SNPs obtained from Genotyping by Sequencing (GBS) and genome-wide association study (GWAS) with a Multi-Locus Mixed Linear Model (MLMM). Significant SNPs with FDR correction were identified, within the Cytochrome P450, MYB-related genes, Pentatricopeptide repeat proteins, and ABC transporter family were the most common among the four species, indicating comparative evolution of fruit colors. We further validated the role of a pentatricopeptide repeat-containing protein (Chr01:31205460) and a cytochrome P450 enzyme (Chr08:45351919) via competitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) genotyping. Our findings advance the understanding of the genetic underpinnings of Capsicum fruit coloration, with developed KASP assays holding potential for applications in crop breeding and aligning with consumer preferences. This study provides a cornerstone for future research into exploiting Capsicum's diverse fruit color variation.
Vertical stratification and defensive traits of caterpillars against parasitoids in a lowland tropical forest in Cameroon
Authors: Finnie Sam , Butterill Philip , Novotny Vojtech , Redmond Conor , Jorge Leonardo Ré , Abe Tomokazu , Lamarre Greg P.A. , Maicher Vincent , Sam Katerina 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Insect herbivores and their parasitoids play a crucial role in terrestrial trophic interactions in tropical forests. These interactions occur across the entire vertical gradient of the forest. This study compares how caterpillar communities, and their parasitism rates, vary across vertical strata and between caterpillar defensive strategies in a semi deciduous tropical forest in Nditam, Cameroon. Within a 0.1 ha plot, all trees with a diameter at breast height (DBH) ≥ 5 cm were felled and systematically searched for caterpillars. We divided the entire vertical gradient of the forest into eight, five-meter strata. All caterpillars were assigned to a stratum based on their collection height, reared, identified, and classified into one of three defensive traits: aposematic, cryptic and shelter-building. Caterpillar species richness and diversity showed a midstory peak, whereas density followed the opposite pattern, decreasing in the midstory and then increasing towards the highest strata. This trend was driven by some highly dense shelter-building caterpillars in the upper-canopy. Specialisation indices indicated decreasing levels of caterpillar generality with increasing height, a midstory peak in vulnerability, and increasing connectance towards the upper-canopy, although the latter was likely driven by decreasing network size. Both aposematic and shelter-building caterpillars had significantly higher parasitism rates than cryptic caterpillars. Our results highlight nuanced changes in caterpillar communities across forest strata and provide evidence that defences strategies are important indicators of parasitism rates in caterpillars and that both aposematic and shelter-building caterpillars could be considered a “safe haven” for parasitoids.
Between Artificial Intelligence and Customer Experience: A Literature Review on the intersection
Authors: Peruchini Melise , Teixeira Julio Monteiro , Silva Gustavo Modena da 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This paper is a literature review of the intersection field between Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Customer Experience (CX). We analyzed and synthesized the most recent and prominent literature on the subject, providing an overview of the state of the art, through articles found in the Scopus database. Among the main findings, it is noteworthy that this intersection appears as an interdisciplinary topic of interest in the fields of Computer Science, Business and Management, and Engineering. Additionally, studies often examine conversational agents such as chatbots and voicebots, as well as machine learning prediction models and recommendation systems as a way to improve the Customer Experience. The most common sectors in the review are tourism, banking and e-commerce. Other segments and technologies appear less and may be underrepresented, thus a scope for future research agenda. Despite the existing literature, it is observed that there is still ample room for expansion and exploration, especially considering the emergence of new generative Artificial Intelligence models.
Research horizons for invasive marine species detection with eDNA/eRNA
Authors: Jarman Simon , Ackermann Fran , Marnane Michael , Berry Oliver , Bunce Michael , Dawkins Kathryn , Furlan Elise , Lukehurst Sherralee , McDonald Justin , Pochon Xavier , Wilkinson Shaun , Zaiko Anastasija , Harvey Euan 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

The global marine ecosystem is changing rapidly as the result of biogeochemical cycles and ecosystem structure being altered by industrial civilization. Invasive marine species (IMS) are one of the most damaging regional consequences of human activity, and one of the most easily attributable to specific processes. This makes IMS introduction one of most tractable threats for management with appropriate policies. Once established, a different set of policies are required either to restrict IMS spread, or to attempt local eradication. The key ecosystem management tool for IMS damage mitigation is rapid, widely deployable IMS detection. Environmental Nucleic Acids (eNA), combining environmental DNA (eDNA) and environmental RNA (eRNA) analyses, have emerged as valuable tools for sensitive, cost-effective and readily deployable detection of IMS. Methods for IMS detection by eNA are still being developed through a widespread and active research community, so identifying the limitations of current processes will help prioritise eNA-based IMS detection research. We analysed and synthesised the opinions of expert marine ecosystem managers and researchers in Australia and New Zealand about the knowledge gaps and research needs for eNA-based IMS detection. This synthesis was placed in context with current research literature on what eNA technologies are currently providing as an IMS management tool; what problems exist with the current technology; and what could be done to improve this general approach. Our analyses produced a list of priorities that chart a path towards the best possible systems for IMS detection by eNA - the eNA Utopia.
SH003 enhances the anti-cancer effects of Dabrafenib on lung cancer harboring BRAF G469A mutation by inhibiting the MAPK signaling pathway
Authors: Choi Yu-Jeong , Chung Yoon Hey , Lee Kangwook , Jeong Miso , Ko Seong-Gyu 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
BRAF mutations are relatively uncommon in lung cancer. However, the majority of therapies targeting BRAF mutations have been developed exclusively for lung cancer patients with V600E mutations, limiting their effectiveness in treating tumors with the non-V600E BRAF mutations. As a result, there is a need to explore effective therapeutic strategies for lung cancer patients carrying non-V600 BRAF mutations. In this study, we demonstrated that the lung cancer cells harboring the non-V600E G469A mutation were responsive to the combination of SH003 and dabrafenib. By utilizing patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models, we identified that this combined treatment induces apoptosis and exhibited antitumor effects through the reduction of ERK signals. The synergistic effect of the combination treatment on BRAF G469A lung cancer cells was consistent with its effects in PDX models, suggesting that the molecular mechanism of apoptosis involves a decrease in the MEK/ERK signaling pathway. These findings propose the potential development of the SH003 and dabrafenib combination treatment as an effective strategy for addressing lung cancer patients with BRAF G469A mutation.
Ethnobotanical Documentation and Ecological Diversity of Non-Timber Forest Products in Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal
Authors: Magar Gyanu Thapa , Balami Sujan , Bajracharya Devendra Mananda 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background: Development and modernization of the world is leading and thereby shrinkage of traditional practices and forest encroachment became horrible. Nepal is a biologically and traditionally diverse country where people still rely on forest resources for their daily needs. Current work explores the ethnobotanical knowledge of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP) and their ecology along the trekking route of Annapurna Conservation Area, Central Nepal.
Methods: Sixty sample plots were laid at each 200 m, using a systematic random sampling method where abundance was noted and later NTFP species composition was plotted. A semi-structured questionnaire was used for interviewing fifty-four local respondents including local healers (Amchi)and elder farmers.
Results: In total 228 NTFP species, belonging to 80 families and 167 genera were enumerated from ethnobotanical interviews and ecological data. Herbs were the dominant (95) life form among NTFP and Asteraceae (20 species) was the richest family in the area. Through an intensive ethnobotanical survey, only 59.21% (135 species) of total NTFP species were known to be in recent use at a local level. Leaf was the most frequently used plant parts and common NTFP species based on use value index were Rhododendron arboreum, Daphniphyllum himalayense, and Arisaema utile. The medicinal category comprised 83 species from 49 families and 69 genera with the highest informant consensus factor value for the treatment of jaundice (1), followed by fever (0.82), and gynaecological problems (0.78). Additionally, the highest fidelity level (1) shown the frequent use of Rhododendron arboreum for throat blockage relief. Ecological study revealed only 54.39% (124 species) of total NTFP, however, value of diversity indices; Shannon-Weaver index (4.22587) and Simpson index (0.98) were near to their optimum value with decreasing species richness along the altitudinal raise.
Conclusions: Although, diversity indices were high, some valuable plants mentioned in interview were not recorded from sampling sites, which might be an indication for waning of those species from the area. Difference on total NTFP and recently used species shows shifting of social status, occupation, daily practices, and effect of modern treatments. Economic development can be boosted with sustainable utilization, cultivation, and monitoring of potential high value NTFP at natural habitat in the area.
Enhancing Drought Detection and Visualization with LSTM and SPEI: Addressing Slow-Onset Climate-Induced Water Scarcity
Authors: Gaurihar Mahima , Paonikar Kaustubh , Dongre Snehalata , Khobragade Prashant , Agrawal Rahul , Saraf Pranay 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Natural disasters, like droughts, are extraordinarily complex and long-lasting, which highlights how important they are in India because of their frequent occurrences. In an effort to achieve accurate drought prediction, the current study explores the approaches of machine learning (ML), such as support vector machines, neural networks, and deep learning. Effective management of the drought and resource allocation become more important in these situations, especially in regions like Latur district where agriculture is strongly dependent on these resources and water scarcity problems continue.Using historical climatic data that includes variables like temperature and precipitation, the suggested methodology calculates the Standardized Precipitation-Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) for the Latur region. The study attempts to improve Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) model predictions by integrating SPEI values in utilizing a high-quality time series dataset obtained from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). Interactive insights are provided through visual representations of temperature, precipitation, and SPEI time series data. This model shows a low MSE (0.0187) means small prediction errors. High R^2 (0.99832) shows model explains 99% of data variance accurately.The study aims to improve computational methods and increase the amount of climate variables incorporated, which will help to build stronger models for drought prediction and resilience building.
MSC Codes - 68T01, 68T07
JEL Codes - C32
Foot Care Knowledge and Practices in Diabetic Patients From 2021 to 2022 in Southern Vietnam and Related Factors – A Survey at a Single Center
Authors: Phan Huu Hen , Tran Duy Hien , Nguyen Kim Thoa Thi , Nguyen Thu Hau Thi , Pham Mong Linh Thi , Bach Truyen Thuy Cong , Lam Hoang Van , Pham Bich Huyen Thi , Dau Ly Na 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background: Foot care knowledge has been mandatory in many countries,as it has been considered necessary to prevent diabetic foot ulcers. In Vietnam, foot care knowledge and practice are based mainly on the self-awareness of patients and random educative activities due to the lack of a mandatory educative program. Cho Ray Hospital is the most significant terminal Hospital in Southern Vietnam, which receives patients from Southern and Central provinces. We conducted this study at Cho Ray hospital, evaluating current foot care knowledge and practice and related factors to understand the effectiveness of the temporary approach.
Methods: Cross-sectional observational study. Four hundred and three patients coming to Cho Ray Hospital from 2021 to 2022 were assessed with an evaluated questionnaire.
Results: The average score of the knowledge of foot self-care of the studied population was 6.9 ±2.11 out of 10. The following pieces of knowledge: managing foot corns/calluses and dry skin, the need to wear socks as putting on shoes, not walking barefoot indoors, and not soaking feet in hot water had 30.8 – 49.6% of patients with correct answers. Only 6.2% of patients knew not to apply moisturizer on whole foot skin. Higher education level, longer duration of diabetes, and history of amputation were significantly related to being in the group with higher foot care knowledge scores. The studied population's average foot care practice score was 0.51 ± 0.13 (maximum score was 1). More than 40% of patients still practice harmful behaviors: walking barefoot, wearing slip-ons, not using moisturizer for dry skin, and soaking feet in water. Only 9.9% of patients paid attention to how to use new shoes properly. Patients who were active in searching for diabetic information scored 0.04 points higher than patients who did not search for diabetic information. In addition, an increase of one point in foot care knowledge increased foot care practice by 0.03 points.
Conclusions: Knowledge and foot care practices fordiabetic patients still need to be improved in southern Vietnam. Increasing foot-care knowledge will effectively enhance foot-care practice, but it is not enough.
Tanshinone IIA mediates the apoptosis and proliferation of endometrial cancer through the CK2/DBC1/SIRT1/P53 pathway
Authors: Zou Cunhua , Zhao Ge , Tian Junying , Na Shili , Zhu Ruisen , Li Chengfei , LI Ruoqing , Song Dongdong , Zhao Shuping 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

The pathogenesis of endometrial cancer (EC) remains unclear. Currently, there is a lack of available drugs that specifically target EC. Here, we demonstrated that both DBC1 and SIRT1 as oncogenic factors were involved in the development and progression of EC and associated with histological grade, lymph node metastasis, depth of myometrial invasion and FIGO stage, the protein interaction ability of DBC1 and SIRT1 in cancer group decreased compared with the control group, and tanshinone IIA promoted apoptosis and inhibited proliferation of Ishikawa cells through P53-Cleaved caspase-3 pathway and Bcl-2 pathway, a process possibly regulated by CK2/DBC1/SIRT1/P53 signaling pathway. In the xenograft model of Ishikawa origin, high-concentration tanshinone IIA also down-regulated the expression of DBC1 and SIRT1, and inhibited the growth of tumors. Our results indicate that DBC1 and SIRT1 may serve as novel molecular targets and tanshinone IIA may play a role in the treatment of EC.
Analysis of Activity, Temporal Partitioning, and Interactions among Mesopredators (Asian badgers, Raccoon dogs, and Wild Boars) in South Korea
Authors: Lee Yeon Woo , Lee Juyoung , Yoon Chae Won , Lee Hyeok Jae , Son Ji Hye , Jeon Sumin , Hwang Soo Kyeong , Chung Ok-Sik , Lee Jong Koo 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Mesopredators like Asian badgers, Raccoon dogs, and Wild boars in South Korea, where apex predators are extinct, share habitats, offering a unique environment to study their interactions and activity patterns. This study deployed 130 motion-sensor cameras across 11 regions to examine their temporal activity. Asian badgers and Raccoon dogs displayed bimodal activity patterns; Asian badgers were active before midnight (21:00–24:00), while Raccoon dogs were active after midnight (02:00–05:00). Wild boars exhibited a unimodal pattern, mainly active before midnight (20:00–22:00). Seasonal variations affected the activity times of Raccoon dogs and Wild boars but not Asian badgers. The presence of Wild boars influenced the activity of Asian badgers and Raccoon dogs. Specifically, Raccoon dogs' activity varied significantly depending on whether Wild boars or Yellow-throated martens were present. Asian badgers' activity also changed in response to Wild boars. However, Wild boars appeared less influenced by the presence of other mesopredators. This study highlights the complex dynamics of predator interactions in shared habitats.
Studies on Partial Replacement of HDPE &amp; PP Waste Plastic in Self Compacting Concrete
Authors: Suvidha Y , Jain Sumesh , Kumar C. Arvind 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
In the present paper two different plastic materials High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) and Polypropylene (PP) was replaced with fine aggregate (FA) till 10% by 2.5% increment. Different test such as compressive strength (3, 7, 28 & 60 days) (150x150x150mm), flexural strength (3, 7, 28 & 60 days) (100x100x500mm), acid attack (28, 56 & 90 days)(100x100x100mm), sulphate attack (28, 56 & 90 days)(100x100x100mm), thermal conductivity (180mm dia x 20mm thick). The compressive strength of 40.52MPa and 38.41Mpa for PP and HDPE material was observed in M30 grade concrete respectively. Similarly, for M40 grade concrete 43.6MPa and 41.8MPa for PP and HDPE material respectively. The optimum percentage of 5% and 7.5 for PP and HDPE material respectively can be replaced in concrete for flexural strength for both M30 and M40 grade. The least percentage loss in acid attack was observed at 28 days for both HDPE and PP material but for 56days and 90 days the percentage loss of weight was significantly less (< 5%). The sulphate attack for both M30 and M40 grade concrete showed less than 10% percentage loss in weight till 90 days. Thermal conductivity (k) was also reduced by 30–35% for both HDPE and PP material till 10% replacement in concrete for M30 and M40 grade.
Dietary sodium acetate and sodium butyrate improve high-carbohydrate diet utilization by regulating gut microbiota, liver lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, and inflammation in largemouth bass ( Micropterus salmoides )
Authors: Liu Qiao , Cheng Liangshun , Wang Maozhu , Shen Lianfeng , Zhang Chengxian , Mu Jin , Hu Yifan , Yang Yihui , He Kuo , Yan Haoxiao , Zhao Liulan , Yang Song 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Adequate levels of carbohydrates in aquafeeds help conserve protein and reduce costs. However, studies have shown that a high-carbohydrate (HC) diet disrupts the homeostasis of the gut–liver axis in largemouth bass, resulting in decreased intestinal acetate and butyrate levels. Herein, we assessed the effects of sodium acetate (SA) and sodium butyrate (SB) on liver health and the intestinal microbiota in largemouth bass fed an HC diet. The experimental design comprised five isonitrogenous and isolipid diets, including LC (9% starch), HC (18% starch), HCSA (18% starch; 2 g/kg SA), HCSB (18% starch; 2 g/kg SB), and HCSASB (18% starch; 1 g/kg SA + 1 g/kg SB). Juvenile largemouth bass with an initial body weight of 7.00 ± 0.20 g were reared on the diets for 56 days.
Results
We found that dietary SA and SB reduced hepatic triglyceride accumulation by activating autophagy (ATG101, LC3B, and tfeb), promoting lipolysis (CPT1α, HSL, and AMPKα), and inhibiting adipogenesis (FAS, ACCA, SCD1, and PPARγ). In addition, SA and SB decreased oxidative stress in the liver (CAT, GPX, and SOD) by activating the Keap1-Nrf2 pathway. Meanwhile, SA and SB alleviated HC-induced inflammation by downregulating the expression of pro-inflammatory factors (IL-1β, COX2, Hepcidin1) through the NF-κB pathway. Importantly, SA and SB increased the abundance of bacteria that produce acetic acid and butyrate (Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1). Combined with the KEGG analysis, the results showed that SA and SB enriched carbohydrate metabolism and amino acid metabolism pathways, thereby improving the utilization of carbohydrates. Pearson correlation analysis indicated that growth performance was closely related to hepatic lipid deposition, autophagy, antioxidant capacity, inflammation, and intestinal microbial composition.
Conclusions
In conclusion, dietary SA and SB can reduce hepatic lipid deposition, and alleviate oxidative stress and inflammation in largemouth bass fed an HC diet. These beneficial effects may be due to the altered composition of the gut microbiota caused by SA and SB. The improvement effects of SB were stronger than those associated with SA.