bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing thermal ecology of herpetofauna across a heterogeneous microhabitat mosaic in a changing aridland riparian system
Authors: Blais Brian R , Velasco Daniel E , Frackiewicz Marie E , Low Avery Q , Koprowski John L 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Species–environmental relationships, including drivers of body temperature (T
B), are important for understanding thermal ecology and physiological needs of species during climate change. This is especially important among ectotherms, including amphibians and reptiles (i.e., herpetofauna), in aridland riparian systems. Infrared thermography (IRT) can reliably and noninvasively estimate T
B of ectothermic herpetofauna while simultaneously assessing thermal heterogeneity across a mosaic of microhabitats. We used IRT at a semi-arid riparian zone in Tucson, Arizona to assess herpetofauna–environmental relationships during early-season activity periods in 2020 and 2022. From mixed-effect modeling of desert riparian herpetofauna (n = 81), we found complex environmental relationships influencing T
B. Microhabitat perch surface temperature (T
S) best explained T
B; many ambient conditions were inadequate at capturing T
B. Herpetofauna were as warm by mid-morning than in the early afternoon, with T
B approaching equilibrium with T
S as mornings progressed. Less T
B–T
S variation was detected for anurans (e.g., canyon treefrogs, Hyla arenicolor) than with lizards, supporting that desert amphibians are sensitive to the thermal landscape. There was also complex environmental variation among thermally heterogeneous microhabitats used and available to herpetofauna. As perch T
S increased, shade became more important, though shade sources may be less relevant. The methods and data obtained in this study can serve to establish baselines during seasonally and ecologically important periods and be used to monitor thermal ecology changes across time for herpetofauna or taxa with similar life history in aridland riparian systems. Although ectotherm thermoregulatory functions are undeniably complex, we recommend IRT as a rapid, noninvasive, and complementary tool to monitor cryptic thermal ecology in heterogeneous systems. Understanding species–environmental relationships and monitoring responses of wildlife across time can help guide more effective biodiversity conservation management strategies in a warming and drying world.
Vascular variants in seed plants—a developmental perspective
Authors: Cunha Neto Israel L 
Published: July 2023

AbstractOver centuries of plant morphological research, biologists have enthusiastically explored how distinct vascular arrangements have diversified. These investigations have focused on the evolution of steles and secondary growth and examined the diversity of vascular tissues (xylem and phloem), including atypical developmental pathways generated through modifications to the typical development of ancestral ontogenies. A shared vernacular has evolved for communicating on the diversity of alternative ontogenies in seed plants. Botanists have traditionally used the term ‘anomalous secondary growth’ which was later renamed to ‘cambial variants’ by late Dr. Sherwin Carlquist (1988). However, the term ‘cambial variants’ can be vague in meaning since it is applied for developmental pathways that do not necessarily originate from cambial activity. Here, we review the ‘cambial variants’ concept and propose the term ‘vascular variants’ as a more inclusive overarching framework to interpret alternative vascular ontogenies in plants. In this framework, vascular variants are defined by their developmental origin (instead of anatomical patterns), allowing the classification of alternative vascular ontogenies into three categories: (i) procambial variants, (ii) cambial variants and (iii) ectopic cambia. Each category includes several anatomical patterns. Vascular variants, which represent broader developmental based groups, can be applied to both extant and fossil plants, and thereby offer a more adequate term from an evolutionary perspective. An overview of the developmental diversity and phylogenetic distribution of vascular variants across selected seed plants is provided. Finally, this viewpoint discusses the evolutionary implications of vascular variants.
Spectral techniques for measuring bipartivity and producing partitions
Authors: Aleidan Azhar , Knight Philip A 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Complex networks can often exhibit a high degree of bipartivity. There are many well-known ways for testing this, and in this article, we give a systematic analysis of characterizations based on the spectra of the adjacency matrix and various graph Laplacians. We show that measures based on these characterizations can be drastically different results and leads us to distinguish between local and global loss of bipartivity. We test several methods for finding approximate bipartitions based on analysing eigenvectors and show that several alternatives seem to work well (and can work better than more complex methods) when augmented with local improvement.
Life expectancy and end-of-life communication in adult patients with congenital heart disease, 40–53 years after surgery
Authors: Pelosi Chiara , Kauling Robert M , Cuypers Judith A A E , Utens Elisabeth M W J , van den Bosch Annemien E , van der Heide Agnes , Legerstee Jeroen S , Roos-Hesselink Jolien W 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Aims
Although survival of patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) improved significantly over time, life expectancy is still not normal. We aimed to investigate how adult patients, their partners, and treating cardiologists estimated the individual life expectancy of CHD patients. Furthermore, preferences regarding end-of-life (EOL) communication were investigated.

Methods and results
In this study, we included 202 patients (age: 50 ± 5) who were operated in childhood (&lt;15 years old) between 1968 and 1980 for one of the following diagnoses: atrial septal defect, ventricular septal defect, pulmonary stenosis, tetralogy of Fallot, or transposition of the great arteries. A specific questionnaire was administered to both the patients and their partners, exploring their perceived life expectancy and EOL wishes. Two cardiologists independently assessed the life expectancy of each patient. Most adults with CHD believed their life expectancy to be normal. However, significant differences were found between estimated life expectancy by the cardiologist and patients (female: P = 0.001, male: P = 0.002) with moderate/severe defects, as well as for males with mild defects (P = 0.011). Regarding EOL communication, 85.1% of the patients reported that they never discussed EOL with a healthcare professional. Compared with patients with mild CHD, significantly more patients with moderate/severe defect discussed EOL with a physician (P = 0.011). The wish to discuss EOL with the cardiologist was reported by 49.3% of the patients and 41.7% of their partners.

Conclusion
Adult patients, especially with moderate/severe CHD, perceived their life expectancy as normal, whereas cardiologists had a more pessimistic view than their patients. Increased attention is warranted for discussions on life expectancy and EOL to improve patient-tailored care.
Towards understanding paleoclimate impacts on primate de novo genes
Authors: Liang Xiao , Heath Lenwood S 
Published: July 2023

AbstractDe novo genes are genes that emerge as new genes in some species, such as primate de novo genes that emerge in certain primate species. Over the past decade, a great deal of research has been conducted regarding their emergence, origins, functions, and various attributes in different species, some of which have involved estimating the ages of de novo genes. However, limited by the number of species available for whole-genome sequencing, relatively few studies have focused specifically on the emergence time of primate de novo genes. Among those, even fewer investigate the association between primate gene emergence with environmental factors, such as paleoclimate (ancient climate) conditions. This study investigates the relationship between paleoclimate and human gene emergence at primate species divergence. Based on 32 available primate genome sequences, this study has revealed possible associations between temperature changes and the emergence of de novo primate genes. Overall, findings in this study are that de novo genes tended to emerge in the recent 13 MY when the temperature continues cooling, which is consistent with past findings. Furthermore, in the context of an overall trend of cooling temperature, new primate genes were more likely to emerge during local warming periods, where the warm temperature more closely resembled the environmental condition that preceded the cooling trend. Results also indicate that both primate de novo genes and human cancer-associated genes have later origins in comparison to random human genes. Future studies can be in-depth on understanding human de novo gene emergence from an environmental perspective as well as understanding species divergence from a gene emergence perspective.
Polygenic Propensity for Longevity,APOE-ε4 Status, Dementia Diagnosis, and Risk for Cause-Specific Mortality: A Large Population-Based Longitudinal Study of Older Adults
Authors: Ajnakina Olesya , Shamsutdinova Diana , Stahl Daniel , Steptoe Andrew 
Published: July 2023

AbstractTo deepen the understanding of genetic mechanisms influencing mortality risk, we investigated the impact of genetic predisposition to longevity and APOE-ε4, on all-cause mortality and specific causes of mortality. We further investigated the mediating effects of dementia on these relationships. Using data on 7 131 adults aged ≥50 years (mean = 64.7 years, standard deviation [SD] = 9.5) from the English Longitudinal Study of Aging, genetic predisposition to longevity was calculated using the polygenic score approach (PGSlongevity). APOE-ε4 status was defined according to the absence or presence of ε4 alleles. The causes of death were ascertained from the National Health Service central register, which was classified into cardiovascular diseases, cancers, respiratory illness, and all other causes of mortality. Of the entire sample, 1 234 (17.3%) died during an average 10-year follow-up. One-SD increase in PGSlongevity was associated with a reduced risk for all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.93, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.88–0.98, p = .010) and mortalities due to other causes (HR = 0.81, 95% CI: 0.71–0.93, p = .002) in the following 10 years. In gender-stratified analyses, APOE-ε4 status was associated with a reduced risk for all-cause mortality and mortalities related to cancers in women. Mediation analyses estimated that the percent excess risk of APOE-ε4 on other causes of mortality risk explained by the dementia diagnosis was 24%, which increased to 34% when the sample was restricted to adults who were aged ≤75 years old. To reduce the mortality rate in adults who are aged ≥50 years old, it is essential to prevent dementia onset in the general population.
Tripterine Inhibits Proliferation and Promotes Apoptosis of Keloid Fibroblasts by Targeting ROS/JNK Signaling
Authors: Huang Fang , Zhang Enjing , Lei Yan , Yan Qiong , Xue Chengbin 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Keloids are benign skin tumors characterized by excessive fibroblast proliferation and collagen deposition. The current treatment of keloids with hormone drug injection, surgical excision, radiotherapy, physical compression, laser therapy, cryotherapy often have unsatisfactory outcomes. The phytochemical compounds have shown great potential in treating keloids. Tripterine, a natural triterpene derived from the traditional Chinese medicine Thunder God Vine (Tripterygium wilfordii), was previously reported to exhibit an anti-scarring bioactivity in mouse embryonic fibroblast NIH/3T3 cells. Accordingly, our study was dedicated to explore its role in regulating the pathological phenotypes of keloid fibroblasts. Human keloid fibroblasts were treated with tripterine (0–10 μM) for 24 hours. Cell viability, proliferation, migration, apoptosis, and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition were determined by CCK-8, EdU, wound healing, Transwell, flow cytometry, western blotting, and RT-qPCR assays. The effects of tripterine treatment on reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and JNK activation in keloid fibroblasts were assessed by DCFH-DA staining and western blotting analysis. Tripterine at the concentrations higher than 4 μM attenuated the viability of human keloid fibroblasts in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment with tripterine (4, 6, and 8 μM) dose-dependently inhibited cell proliferation and migration, promoted cell apoptosis, reduced α-SMA, Col1, and Fn expression, induced ROS production, and enhanced JNK phosphorylation in keloid fibroblasts. Collectively, tripterine ameliorates the pathological characteristics of keloid fibroblasts that are associated with keloidformation and growth by inducing ROS generation and activating JNK signalingpathway.
Cost-effectiveness analysis of 7 treatments in metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer: a public-payer perspective
Authors: Yoo Minkyoung , Nelson Richard E , Haaland Benjamin , Dougherty Maura , Cutshall Zachary A , Kohli Rhea , Beckstead Rylee , Kohli Manish 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Background
Recently, several new treatment regimens have been approved for treating metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer, building on androgen deprivation therapy alone. These include docetaxel androgen deprivation therapy, abiraterone acetate-prednisone androgen deprivation therapy, apalutamide androgen deprivation therapy, enzalutamide androgen deprivation therapy, darolutamide-docetaxel androgen deprivation therapy, and abiraterone-prednisone androgen deprivation therapy with docetaxel. There are no validated predictive biomarkers for choosing a specific regimen. The goal of this study was to conduct a health economic outcome evaluation to determine the optimal treatment from the US public sector (Veterans Affairs).

Methods
We developed a partitioned survival model in which metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer patients transitioned between 3 health states (progression free, progressive disease to castrate resistance state, and death) at monthly intervals based on Weibull survival model estimated from published Kaplan–Meier curves using a Bayesian network meta-analysis of 7 clinical trials (7208 patients). The effectiveness outcome in our model was quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). Cost input parameters included initial and subsequent treatment costs and costs for terminal care and for managing grade 3 or higher drug-related adverse events and were obtained from the Federal Supply Schedule and published literature.

Results
Average 10-year costs ranged from $34 349 (androgen deprivation therapy) to $658 928 (darolutamide-docetaxel androgen deprivation therapy) and mean QALYs ranged from 3.25 (androgen deprivation therapy) to 4.57 (enzalutamide androgen deprivation therapy). Treatment strategies docetaxel androgen deprivation therapy, enzalutamide androgen deprivation therapy docetaxel, apalutamide androgen deprivation therapy, and darolutamide-docetaxel androgen deprivation therapy were eliminated because of dominance (ie, they were more costly and less effective than other strategies). Of the remaining strategies, abiraterone acetate-prednisone androgen deprivation therapy was the most cost-effective strategy at a willingness-to-pay threshold of $100 000/QALY (incremental cost-effectiveness ratios = $21 247/QALY).

Conclusions
Our simulation model found abiraterone acetate-prednisone androgen deprivation therapy to be an optimal first-line treatment for metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer from a public (Veterans Affairs) payer perspective.
A framework for assessing interactions for risk stratification models: the example of ovarian cancer
Authors: Phung Minh Tung , Lee Alice W , McLean Karen , Anton-Culver Hoda , Bandera Elisa V , Carney Michael E , Chang-Claude Jenny , Cramer Daniel W , Doherty Jennifer Anne , Fortner Renee T , Goodman Marc T , Harris Holly R , Jensen Allan , Modugno Francesmary , Moysich Kirsten B , Pharoah Paul D P , Qin Bo , Terry Kathryn L , Titus Linda J , Webb Penelope M , Wu Anna H , Zeinomar Nur , Ziogas Argyrios , Berchuck Andrew , Cho Kathleen R , Hanley Gillian E , Meza Rafael , Mukherjee Bhramar , Pike Malcolm C , Pearce Celeste Leigh , Trabert Britton 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Generally, risk stratification models for cancer use effect estimates from risk/protective factor analyses that have not assessed potential interactions between these exposures. We have developed a 4-criterion framework for assessing interactions that includes statistical, qualitative, biological, and practical approaches. We present the application of this framework in an ovarian cancer setting because this is an important step in developing more accurate risk stratification models. Using data from 9 case-control studies in the Ovarian Cancer Association Consortium, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of interactions among 15 unequivocal risk and protective factors for ovarian cancer (including 14 non-genetic factors and a 36-variant polygenic score) with age and menopausal status. Pairwise interactions between the risk/protective factors were also assessed. We found that menopausal status modifies the association among endometriosis, first-degree family history of ovarian cancer, breastfeeding, and depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate use and disease risk, highlighting the importance of understanding multiplicative interactions when developing risk prediction models.
Constraints on communicating the order of events in stories through pantomime
Authors: Sibierska Marta , Żywiczyński Przemysław , Zlatev Jordan , van de Weijer Joost , Boruta-Żywiczyńska Monika 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Pantomime is a means of bodily visual communication that is based on iconic gestures that are not fully conventional. It has become a key element in many models of language evolution and a strong candidate for the original human-specific communicative system (Zlatev et al. 2020). Although pantomime affords successful communication in many contexts, it has some semiotic limitations. In this study, we looked at one of them, connected with communicating the order of events in stories. We assumed that pantomime is well-suited for communicating simple stories, where events are arranged in chronological order, and less so for communicating complex stories, where events are arranged in a non-chronological order. To test this assumption, we designed a semiotic game in which participants took turns as directors and matchers. The task of the directors was to mime a story in one of two conditions: chronological or non-chronological; the task of the matchers was to interpret what was mimed. The results showed that the chronological condition was easier for the participants. In the non-chronological condition, we observed that initially, poor communicative success improved as the participants started to use various markers of event order. The results of our study provide insight into the early stages of conventionalisation in bodily visual communication, a potential first step towards protolanguage.
Incarcerated native orthotopic kidney through an inguinal hernia: a case report and literature review
Authors: Kim Jisoo , Harper Brittany , Turner Alisan , Gonzalez Irving Alvarado , Andrade Alonso 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
This is a case report of a 66-year-old male with an incarcerated inguinal hernia that contained native orthotopic kidney causing obstructive uropathy. The patient presented to the hospital due to intractable right groin pain, and CT imaging showed herniation of the right kidney in the right inguinal hernia with the upper pole squeezed in the inguinal canal. The patient underwent surgery to reduce the hernia contents and hernia repair with mesh. He was discharged on postoperative day 3 without complication. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of an incarcerated native orthotopic kidney without anatomic abnormality that had to undergo surgical intervention.
TLR4, MyD88, and TNF-α Expression in the Lungs of Akkaraman and Romanov Lambs in Response to LPS and LTA
Authors: Alan Emel , Daldaban Fadime , Alan Aydın , Aksel Esma Gamze , Orhan İmdat , Ulaş Çinar Mehmet , Akyüz Bilal , Arslan Korhan 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Toll-like receptors are involved in the recognition of bacterial toxins, which cause infection in the respiratory system. This study aimed to evaluate microanatomical and histological alterations in the lungs of 24 healthy Akkaraman and Romanov lambs after the administration of lipoteichoic acid (LTA), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and LTA + LPS and investigate the gene, protein, and immune expression levels of TLR4, MyD88, and TNF-α molecules, known to have immune functions. Microanatomical examinations showed thickened peribronchial and alveolar walls in the lungs of groups LTA, LPS, and LTA + LPS of both breeds due to immune cell infiltration. TLR4, MyD88, and TNF-α immunoexpressions were positive to varying degrees in the cytoplasm and nucleus of the bronchial and bronchiolar luminal epithelial cells, alveolar epithelial cells, and alveolar macrophages. TLR4 and TNF-α protein expressions were statistically different in the LPS-treated Romanov lambs, compared to the other groups. Among the Akkaraman lambs, TLR4 gene expression was significantly higher in group LPS, and among the Romanov lambs, TLR4, MyD88, and TNF-α gene expressions were significantly higher in group LTA + LPS. Therefore, TLR4, MyD88, and TNF-α molecules, involved in the immune response, were found to be expressed at different levels against LTA and LPS in the lungs of two different sheep breeds.
Understanding Ion-Beam Damage to Air-Sensitive Lithium Metal With Cryogenic Electron and Ion Microscopy
Authors: Koh Hyeongjun , Detsi Eric , Stach Eric A 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
It is essential to understand the nanoscale structure and chemistry of energy storage materials due to their profound impact on battery performance. However, it is often challenging to characterize them at high resolution, as they are often fundamentally altered by sample preparation methods. Here, we use the cryogenic lift-out technique in a plasma-focused ion beam (PFIB)/scanning electron microscope (SEM) to prepare air-sensitive lithium metal to understand ion-beam damage during sample preparation. Through the use of cryogenic transmission electron microscopy, we find that lithium was not damaged by ion-beam milling although lithium oxide shells form in the PFIB/SEM chamber, as evidenced by diffraction information from cryogenic lift-out lithium lamellae prepared at two different thicknesses (130 and 225 nm). Cryogenic energy loss spectroscopy further confirms that lithium was oxidized during the process of sample preparation. The Ellingham diagram suggests that lithium can react with trace oxygen gas in the FIB/SEM chamber at cryogenic temperatures, and we show that liquid oxygen does not contribute to the oxidation of lithium process. Our results suggest the importance of understanding how cryogenic lift-out sample preparation has an impact on the high-resolution characterization of reactive battery materials.