bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Convergent and divergent evolution of microRNA‐mediated regulation in metazoans
Authors: Wang Yirong , Tang Xiaolu , Lu Jian 
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACTThe evolution of microRNAs (miRNAs) has been studied extensively to understand their roles in gene regulation and evolutionary processes. This review focuses on how miRNA‐mediated regulation has evolved in bilaterian animals, highlighting both convergent and divergent evolution. Since animals and plants display significant differences in miRNA biogenesis and target recognition, the ‘independent origin’ hypothesis proposes that miRNA pathways in these groups independently evolved from the RNA interference (RNAi) pathway, leading to modern miRNA repertoires through convergent evolution. However, recent evidence raises the alternative possibility that the miRNA pathway might have already existed in the last common ancestor of eukaryotes, and that the differences in miRNA pathway and miRNA repertoires among animal and plant lineages arise from lineage‐specific innovations and losses of miRNA pathways, miRNA acquisition, and loss of miRNAs after eukaryotic divergence. The repertoire of miRNAs has considerably expanded during bilaterian evolution, primarily through de novo creation and duplication processes, generating new miRNAs. Although ancient functionally established miRNAs are rarely lost, many newly emerged miRNAs are transient and lineage specific, following a birth–death evolutionary pattern aligning with the ‘out‐of‐the‐testis’ and ‘transcriptional control’ hypotheses. Our focus then shifts to the convergent molecular evolution of miRNAs. We summarize how miRNA clustering and seed mimicry contribute to this phenomenon, and we review how miRNAs from different sources converge to degrade maternal messenger RNAs (mRNAs) during animal development. Additionally, we describe how miRNAs evolve across species due to changes in sequence, seed shifting, arm switching, and spatiotemporal expression patterns, which can result in variations in target sites among orthologous miRNAs across distant strains or species. We also provide a summary of the current understanding regarding how the target sites of orthologous miRNAs can vary across strains or distantly related species. Although many paralogous miRNAs retain their seed or mature sequences after duplication, alterations can occur in the seed or mature sequences or expression patterns of paralogous miRNAs, leading to functional diversification. We discuss our current understanding of the functional divergence between duplicated miRNAs, and illustrate how the functional diversification of duplicated miRNAs impacts target site evolution. By investigating these topics, we aim to enhance our current understanding of the functions and evolutionary dynamics of miRNAs. Additionally, we shed light on the existing challenges in miRNA evolutionary studies, particularly the complexity of deciphering the role of miRNA‐mediated regulatory network evolution in shaping gene expression divergence and phenotypic differences among species.
Pain in children with cerebral palsy as reported by parents
Authors: Saleh Maysoun Nimer , Almasri Nihad Ali , Al Bakri Basil 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundPain in children with cerebral palsy (CP) is a problem that has not received adequate attention in developing countries. The aim of this study was to explore the presence of pain and common sites of pain in children with CP based on age, gender and ambulatory status as determined by the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level.MethodsThis was a cross‐sectional study based on data from a CP registry (CPUP‐Jordan). Participants were 310 children with CP (mean age: 3.3 ± 2.9 years, range: 5 months to 15.9 years), 77.1% were below 5 years of age, 56.8% were boys and 49% were classified as Levels IV and V of the GMFCS. Parents were asked to indicate whether their child is currently experiencing pain (yes/no); if yes, they were asked to report the sites of pain.ResultsSeventy‐nine (25.5%) children experienced pain (34.1% had pain in the stomach, 15.2% at the hips and knees and 12.7% in their feet). The presence of pain did not significantly differ by age or gender. More children in GMFCS Levels V (34.7%) and IV (31.6%) experienced pain. Compared with Level V on the GMFCS (non‐ambulant children), children in Level I and children in Level III experienced less pain (odds ratio [OR] = 0.25, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.087–0.727, p = 0.011; OR = 0.42, 95% CI = 0.18–0.98, p = 0.045, respectively). Pain sites differed with age and GMFCS.ConclusionsPain was reported to be less than previous studies. Non‐ambulant children experienced more pain. Pain monitoring and management should be a regular practice in rehabilitation for this population, with special attention for non‐ambulant children.
Tolerability of sublingual versus vestibular allergy immunotherapy tablet administration: A randomized pilot study
Authors: Simard Marie‐Lee , Novak Natalija , Drolet Jean‐Philippe , Joly Marie‐Claude , Nolte Hendrik , Wuestenberg Eike , Gagnon Rémi 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundLocal application site reactions are common with sublingual allergy immunotherapy (AIT)‐tablets for the treatment of allergic rhinitis/conjunctivitis (AR/C) and occasionally lead to treatment discontinuation. Because of the lower mast cell density in the vestibular mucosa than the sublingual area, vestibular AIT‐tablet administration may result in fewer adverse events (AEs). This pilot study evaluated the tolerability of the vestibular administration route of AIT‐tablets compared with the sublingual route in adult subjects with AR/C.MethodsAdults (n = 164) aged 18–65 years with AR/C treated with daily birch pollen, grass pollen, ragweed pollen or house dust mite AIT in tablet form were randomized 1:1 to vestibular or sublingual administration for 28 days, followed by 28 days of sublingual administration only. The primary endpoint was the severity (mild, moderate, severe) of local treatment‐related adverse events (TRAEs) during the first 28 days of treatment.ResultsDuring the first 28 days, the percentage of subjects in the vestibular and sublingual groups reporting mild TRAEs were 55.6% versus 50.6%, respectively; moderate TRAEs were 27.2% versus 30.1%; and severe TRAEs were 12.3% versus 6.0% (p = .16). In the vestibular group, 95.1% of the subjects experienced at least one TRAE during the first period versus 81.9% in the sublingual group (p = .01) and discontinuation rates due to AEs were higher (12.3% vs. 3.6%).ConclusionThe frequencies of subjects experiencing severe TRAEs, at least one TRAE, and discontinuations due to AEs at the initiation of AIT‐tablets were numerically higher with vestibular administration than sublingual administration. Sublingual administration should remain the standard of care for subjects treated with AIT‐tablets for AR/C.
Prioritizing restoration sites that improve connectivity in the Appalachian landscape, USA
Authors: Clark Melissa , Hall Kimberly R. , Martin David M. , Beaty Braven , Lloyd Stephen , Galgamuwa G. A. Pabodha , Shirer Rebecca , Zimmerman Christopher L. , Shallows Kathryn M. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractRestoring landscape connectivity is a key strategy for sustaining biodiversity and ecosystem services. We developed a decision‐focused process that moves from opportunistic siting of restoration to strategic prioritization by incorporating connectivity enhancement in the Appalachian Mountains, USA. Our approach builds from a recent national‐scale assessment identifying a Resilient and Connected Network (RCN) to inform land protection priorities under climate change. In three high‐ranking study areas within the Appalachians, we demonstrated a circuit‐theory based approach simulating the connectivity value of restoring natural vegetation at sites with high human modification. Our methods were co‐developed by scientists and local decision‐makers. This emphasis on study area‐specific decisions led to differences in how model inputs were defined, for instance using feasible potential restoration sites instead of pixels to define opportunities. Similarly, landscape context influenced our process and in fragmented study areas we added a step that considered additional potential restoration sites outside of the current land protection‐based boundaries. To help interpretation of the results, and link back to the broader network of conservation priorities, we mapped connectivity values in current flow categories that matched the RCN product. Our innovative approach and the decision‐relevant framing, can inform a broad range of connectivity science applications.
Impact of air pollution on postoperative outcomes following organ transplantation: Evidence from clinical investigations
Authors: Supphapipat Kittitorn , Leurcharusmee Prangmalee , Chattipakorn Nipon , Chattipakorn Siriporn C. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIntroductionAir pollution is a worldwide problem affecting human health via various body systems, resulting in numerous significant adverse events. Air pollutants, including particulate matter < or = 2.5 microns (PM2.5), particulate matter < or = 10 microns (PM10), ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and traffic‐related air pollution (TRAP), have demonstrated the negative effects on human health (e.g., increased cerebrovascular, cardiovascular, and respiratory diseases, malignancy, and mortality). Organ transplant patients, who are taking immunosuppressive agents, are especially vulnerable to the adverse effects of air pollutants. The evidence from clinical investigation has shown that exposure to air pollution after organ transplantation is associated with organ rejection, cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, infection‐related mortality, and vitamin D deficiency.Objectives and methodThis review aims to summarize and discuss the association of exposure to air pollutants and serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D level and outcomes after transplantation. Controversial findings are also included and discussed.ConclusionAll of the findings suggest that air pollution results in a hazardous environment, which not only impacts human health worldwide but also affects post‐transplant outcomes.
Estonia: The Start‐Up Country
Authors: Eisermann Richard 
Published: November 2023

Here is a country in which a new business can be registered online in five minutes; in which an “e‐Cabinet” makes legislation decisions without need of wasted paperwork and time; and yet, social services still need improving. In this way, Estonia has an enormous opportunity for the use of design in social innovation.Estonia is a country with one foot in the future and the other in the past. Can design help to bridge the gap?
Service Multipliers, Service Visibility
Authors: Harviainen J. Tuomas 
Published: November 2023

Public service providers can actually suffer as a result of front‐ and back‐office processes that are so efficient they may be invisible to customers. To expose their service quality and social impact to customers and funding officials, these providers need to redesign their service spaces, physical and online, and reveal the multipliers they use to increase service and product value.Public libraries and other public‐service providers must learn to make their “service multipliers” more visible to customers if they want to survive in the internet era.
VoteStream: Turning Elections Data into Open Data
Authors: Dubberly Hugh 
Published: November 2023

US elections technology—the infrastructure on which democracy depends—is proprietary, locking up public data. Unlocking that data is a design challenge on many levels.The TrustTheVote project—developing a set of US elections technologies that are trustworthy, up to date, and complete, and making those technologies available on an open‐source basis—is a classic example of social innovation for the greater good.
Can the use of particle films for fruit protection against medfly alter the behavior of the parasitoidDiachasmimorpha longicaudata?
Authors: da Costa Daniela R. , Leite Suzany A. , dos Santos Mateus P. , Coelho Beatriz S. , Joachim‐Bravo Iara S. , da Silva Carlos A. D. , Dias Vanessa S. , Montoya Pablo , Castellani Maria A. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe use of particle films, especially kaolin‐based films, is a promising technology to control infestations of Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly),Ceratitis capitata(Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae), an important pest of fruits. However, its effects on one of the most important biocontrol agents of this fly in Brazil, the parasitoidDiachasmimorpha longicaudata(Ashmead) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), are unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of mineral particle films on the oviposition behavior ofD. longicaudataand to determine the success of parasitism inC. capitatausing grape (Vitis viniferaL., Vitaceae) as substrate. Before the bioassays, the color characteristics, firmness, total soluble solid content, pH, and titratable acidity of the fruits were determined. Grapes were immersed in suspensions of kaolin Surround WP, kaolin 607, kaolin 608, and distilled water (control); thereafter, they were perforated, and twoC. capitatathird instars were inserted into the orifice. The grapes were then exposed to a female parasitoid. The frequency and duration of the following behavioral parameters ofD. longicaudatawere evaluated: landing on fruit, inspection, buccal contact, oviposition, cleaning, resting on fruit, and resting on cage. Furthermore, parasitism success was assessed. Mineral particle films altered the color and firmness of the grapes. The females ofD. longicaudataperformed all distinguished behaviors in treated and untreated grapes, except buccal contact, which was not done on the kaolin‐treated fruits. Kaolin 607 negatively affected landing, inspection, puncture, and rest behaviors; kaolin Surround WP only reduced inspection and puncture. Fruit coating with all three tested kaolin products decreased the success of parasitism ofD. longicaudata, indicating that particle films applied to plant organs can affect the behavior of this natural enemy.
A swarm‐optimized microbial colony counter
Authors: M S Sannidhan , Martis Jason Elroy , Krivic Senka , K B Sudeepa , Nazareth Pradeep 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe identification of bacterial colonies is deemed to be crucial in microbiology as it helps in identifying specific categories of bacteria. The careful examination of colony morphology plays a crucial role in microbiology laboratories for the identification of microorganisms. Quantifying bacterial colonies on culture plates is a necessary task in Clinical Microbiology Laboratories, but it can be time‐consuming and susceptible to inaccuracies. Therefore, there is a need to develop an automated system that is both dependable and cost‐effective. Advancements in Deep Learning have played a crucial role in improving processes by providing maximum accuracy with a negligible amount of error. This research proposes an automated technique to extract the bacterial colonies using SegNet, a semantic segmentation network. The segmented colonies are then counted with the assistance of blob counter to accomplish the activity of colony counting. Furthermore, to ameliorate the proficiency of the segmentation network, the network weights are optimized using a swarm optimizer. The proposed methodology is both cost‐effective and time‐efficient, while also providing better accuracy and precise colony counts, ensuring the elimination of human errors involved in traditional colony counting techniques. The investigative assessments were carried out on three distinct sets of data: Microorganism, DIBaS, and tailored datasets. The results obtained from these assessments revealed that the suggested framework attained an accuracy rate of 88.32%, surpassing other conventional methodologies with the utilization of an optimizer.
Investigating L2 writers' uses of machine translation and other online tools
Authors: Vinall Kimberly , Wen Wen , Hellmich Emily A. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractNew technologies have had a substantial impact on L2 learners' writing processes. Given the continuous nature of technological evolution, more work is needed to document L2 writers' learner‐initiated technology use, particularly their use of machine translation (MT) tools. This need is further solidified by recent calls for new pedagogical approaches to better prepare learners to use MT critically. The current study uses screen recordings, retrospective recall, and interviews to document what online tools L2 writers' use, how they use them, and what factors influence this use. Findings reveal that participants overwhelmingly rely on MT tools while writing. Moreover, they engage in complex actions with MT tools, which are influenced by language knowledge, beliefs about online tools, their own perceived roles in the writing process, and classroom policies. The paper ends with a consideration of the struggles that emerge to consider their pedagogical implications for supporting critical online tool use.
Shifts in population density centers of a hibernating mammal driven by conflicting effects of climate change and disease
Authors: Boyles Justin G. , Brack Virgil , Marshall Katie E. , Brack Darwin 
Published: November 2023

AbstractPopulations wax and wane over time in response to an organism's interactions with abiotic and biotic forces. Numerous studies demonstrate that fluctuations in local populations can lead to shifts in relative population densities across the geographic range of a species over time. Fewer studies attempt to disentangle the causes of such shifts. Over four decades (1983–2022), we monitored populations of hibernating Indiana bats (Myotis sodalis) in two areas separated by ~110 km. The number of bats hibernating in the northern area increased from 1983 to 2011, while populations in the southern area remained relatively constant. We used simulation models and long‐term weather data to demonstrate the duration of time bats must rely on stored fat during hibernation has decreased in both areas over that period, but at a faster rate in the northern area. Likewise, increasing autumn and spring temperatures shortened the periods of sporadic prey (flying insect) availability at the beginning and end of hibernation. Climate change thus increased the viability of northern hibernacula for an increasing number of bats by decreasing energetic costs of hibernation. Then in 2011, white‐nose syndrome (WNS), a disease of hibernating bats that increases energetic costs of hibernation, was detected in the area. From 2011 to 2022, the population rapidly decreased in the northern area and increased in the southern area, completely reversing the northerly shift in population densities associated with climate change. Energy balance during hibernation is the singular link explaining the northerly shift under a changing climate and the southerly shift in response to a novel disease. Continued population persistence suggests that bats may mitigate many impacts of WNS by hibernating farther south, where insects are available longer each year.
Biome classification influences current and projected future biome distributions
Authors: Scheiter Simon , Kumar Dushyant , Pfeiffer Mirjam , Langan Liam 
Published: November 2023

AbstractAimBiome classification schemes are widely used to map biogeographic patterns of vegetation formations on large spatial scales. Future climate change will influence biome patterns, and vegetation models can be used to assess the susceptibility of biomes to experience transitions. However, biome classification is not unique, and various classification schemes and biome maps exist. Here, we aimed to assess how the choice of biome classification schemes influences current and projected future biome patterns.LocationAfrica, Australia, Tropical Asia.Time period2000–2099.Major taxa studiedTropical vegetation.MethodsWe used the adaptive dynamic global vegetation model version 2 (aDGVM2) to simulate vegetation in the study region. We classified vegetation into biomes using (1) a classification scheme based on the cover of functional types, (2) a cluster analysis based on the cover of functional types and (3) a cluster analysis based on trait patterns simulated by the aDGVM2. We compared the resulting biome maps to multiple observation‐based biome maps and quantified differences in projected biome changes under the RCP8.5 scenario for the different classification schemes.ResultsAs expected, biome patterns were strongly related to the scheme used for biome classification. The highest data‐model agreement was derived for a cluster analysis using 21 simulated traits. Traits related to size were most important for classification. Considering all classification schemes, the area projected to undergo biome transitions under climate change varied between 16.5% and 32.1%. Despite this variability, different schemes consistently showed that grassland and savanna areas are most susceptible to climate change, whereas tropical forests and deserts are stable. Our results demonstrate that traits simulated by aDGVM2 are appropriate to delimit biomes.Main conclusionsStudies projecting biome patterns and transitions under current and future climate should consider applying different biome classification schemes to avoid biases in such projections caused by biome classification schemes.
Farming for the patchy Anthropocene: The spatial imaginaries of regenerative agriculture
Authors: Cusworth George , Lorimer Jamie , Welden E. A. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractWith its focus on the species level of the Anthropos, there is growing concern that the Anthropocene analytic lacks the conceptual nuance needed to grapple with the unevenly distributed harms and responsibilities tied up with issues of biodiversity loss, global warming, and land use change. Conceptual variants like the patchy Anthropocene have been proposed to better capture the justice implications of these socio‐ecological crises, directing attention to their spatially ubiquitous yet context‐specific character. The figure of the plantation has come to play an important role in this scholarship due to the contribution intensive agriculture had made to these interlinking crises. Through empirical study of the regenerative agricultural movement, this paper reflects on how regenerative farmers use different sites (fields, soils, livestock stomachs) to apprehend their agro‐ethical responsibilities to more‐than‐human actors both near to and far from the landscapes they manage. Our aims here are two‐fold. First, we provide a more affirmative account of agricultural management than is currently offered by plantation farming: a model of food production that is not just ‘in’ the Anthropocene, but ‘for’ it. Second, we contribute to ongoing discussions unfolding in the social sciences around the tools needed to conceptualise the interlinking spatial and justice aspects of the Anthropocene transition. By bringing the patchy analytic into conversation with more established geographic writing on scale, volume, and horizontal connections, we show the merit of juxtaposing multiple models of spatial relation as a way of gaining ethical and conceptual traction on complex socio‐ecological issues. We argue that the ‘polymorphic’ spatial imaginaries of regenerative agriculturalists can offer some guidance on the tools needed to attend to the specificity of local Anthropocene outcomes in relation to socio‐ecological forces actuating the world at much greater spatio‐temporal scales.