bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Apparent effect of range size and fruit colour on palm diversification may be spurious
Authors: Hill Adrian , Jiménez Maria Fernanda Torres , Chazot Nicolas , Cássia‐Silva Cibele , Faurby Søren , Herrera‐Alsina Leonel , Bacon Christine D. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractAimFruit selection by animal dispersers with different mobility directly impacts plant geographical range size, which, in turn, may impact plant diversification. Here, we examine the interaction between fruit colour, range size and diversification rate in palms by testing two hypotheses: (1) species with fruit colours attractive to birds have larger range sizes due to high dispersal ability and (2) disperser mobility affects whether small or large range size has higher diversification, and intermediate range size is expected to lead to the highest diversification rate regardless of disperser.LocationGlobal.TaxonArecaceae (palms).MethodsPalm species were grouped based on likely animal disperser group for given fruit colours. Range sizes were estimated by constructing alpha convex hull polygons from distribution data. We examined disperser group, range size or an interaction of both as possible drivers of change in diversification rate over time in a likelihood dynamic model (Several Examined State‐dependent Speciation and Extinction [SecSSE]). Models were fitted, rate estimates were retrieved and likelihoods were compared to those of appropriate null models.ResultsSpecies with fruit colours associated with mammal dispersal had larger ranges than those with colours associated with bird dispersal. The best fitting SecSSE models indicated that the examined traits were not the primary driver of the heterogeneity in diversification rates in the model. Extinction rate complexity had a marked impact on model performance and on diversification rates.Main ConclusionsTwo traits related to dispersal mobility, range size and fruit colour, were not identified as the main drivers of diversification in palms. Increased model extinction rate complexity led to better performing models, which indicates that net diversification should be estimated rather than speciation alone. However, increased complexity may lead to incorrect SecSSE model conclusions without careful consideration. Finally, we find palms with more mobile dispersers do not have larger range sizes, meaning other factors are more important determinants of range size.
A negative feedback loop between KLF9 and the EMT program dictates metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Wang Tao , Feng Limin , Shi Zhong , Yang Lixian , Yu Xiaofu , Wu Jinsong , Sun Jirui , Zhang Jinku , Feng Yuxiong , Wang Weilin 
Published: July 2023

AbstractMetastasis is the primary cause of death of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), while the mechanism underlying this severe disease remains largely unclear. The Kruppel‐like factor (KLF) family is one of the largest transcription factor families that control multiple physiologic and pathologic processes by governing the cellular transcriptome. To identify metastatic regulators of HCC, we conducted gene expression profiling on the MHCC97 cell series, a set of subclones of the original MHCC97 that was established by in vivo metastasis selection therefore harbouring differential metastatic capacities. We found that the expression of KLF9, a member of the KLF family, was dramatically repressed in the metastatic progeny clone of the MHCC97 cells. Functional studies revealed overexpression of KLF9 suppressed HCC migration in vitro and metastasis in vivo, while knockdown of KLF9 was sufficient to promote cell migration and metastasis accordingly. Mechanistically, we found the expression of KLF9 can reverse the pro‐metastatic epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) program via direct binding to the promoter regions of essential mesenchymal genes, thus repressing their expression. Interestingly, we further revealed that KLF9 was, in turn, directly suppressed by a mesenchymal transcription factor Slug, suggesting an intriguing negative feedback loop between KLF9 and the EMT program. Using clinical samples, we found that KLF9 was not only downregulated in HCC tissue compared to its normal counterparts but also further reduced in the HCC samples of whom had developed metastatic lesions. Together, we established a critical transcription factor that represses HCC metastasis, which is clinically and mechanically significant in HCC therapies.
Rearing performance of juvenile yellowtail snapper, Ocyurus chrysurus, in a sea water recirculation system at two different stocking densities
Authors: Beltrán Alberto , Vela Magaña Miguel A. , Dumas Silvie , Peñalosa Martinell Daniel 
Published: July 2023

AbstractEvaluation of viability of new marine species in aquaculture systems is important to reduce negative social and environmental externalities, offering sustainable options for supply to fish markets. The objective was to describe the performance indicators of late juvenile yellowtail snapper (243.2 ± 57.1 mean weight of total fish) in an experimental recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) system supplied by seawater to determine its pre‐feasibility. Two densities were stocked, D1: 10 fish/tank (2.6 kg/m3, mean weight 258.3 ± 57 g) and D2: 20 fish/tank (4.7 kg/m3, mean weight 235.6 ± 55.9 g). Fish were fed to satiety with an extruded diet containing 46% crude protein and 12% crude lipid. After 238 days, survival rate was 93% for both densities, and mean weight and biomass were 534.5 ± 19.4 g and 5.7 kg/m3 for D1, and 606.9 ± 34.5 g and 10 kg/m3 for D2. Final feed conversion rate (3.13 for D1 and 3.03 for D2) did not differ significantly between densities. The exponents (b) of the length–weight relationship calculated for D1 (3.15) versus D2 (3.10) and condition factor (2.12 ± 0.07 for D1, and 2.03 ± 0.04 for D2) demonstrated a higher condition factor than those of their wild counterparts. This study is one of the few reports on this species’ performance in late juvenile stage in RAS.
Xylem structure and hydraulic function in roots and stems of chaparral shrub species from high and low elevation in the Sierra Nevada, California
Authors: Fickle Jaycie C. , Pratt R. Brandon , Jacobsen Anna L. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractXylem structure and hydraulics were compared between individuals at lower and upper elevation distribution limits for five chaparral shrub species along a steep transect in the southern Sierra Nevada, California, USA. Higher‐elevation plants experienced frequent winter freeze–thaw events and increased precipitation. We hypothesized that environmental differences would lead to xylem trait differences between high and low elevations, but predictions were complicated because both water stress (low elevation) and freeze–thaw events (high elevation) may select for similar traits, such as narrow vessel diameter. We found significant changes in the ratio of stem xylem area to leaf area (Huber value) between elevations, with more xylem area required to support leaves at low elevations. Co‐occurring species significantly differed in their xylem traits, suggesting diverse strategies to cope with the highly seasonal environment of this Mediterranean‐type climate region. Roots were more hydraulically efficient and more vulnerable to embolism relative to stems, potentially due to roots being buffered from freeze–thaw stress, which allows them to maintain wider diameter vessels. Knowledge of the structure and function of both roots and stems is likely important in understanding whole‐plant response to environmental gradients.
Recent advances in studying brain‐behavior interactions using functional imaging: The primary startle response pathway and its affective modulation in humans
Authors: Wendt Julia , Kuhn Manuel , Hamm Alfons O. , Lonsdorf Tina B. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe startle response is a cross‐species defensive reflex that is considered a key tool for cross‐species translational emotion research. While the neural pathway mediating (affective) startle modulation has been extensively studied in rodents, human work on brain‐behavior interactions has lagged in the past due to technical challenges, which have only recently been overcome through non‐invasive simultaneous EMG‐fMRI assessments. We illustrate key paradigms and methodological tools for startle response assessment in rodents and humans and review evidence for primary and modulatory neural circuits underlying startle responses and their affective modulation in humans. Based on this, we suggest a refined and integrative model for primary and modulatory startle response pathways in humans concluding that there is strong evidence from human work on the neurobiological pathway underlying the primary startle response while evidence for the modulatory pathway is still sparse. In addition, we provide methodological considerations to guide future work and provide an outlook on new and exciting perspectives enabled through technical and theoretical advances outlined in this work.
Elevated blood lactate in COPD exacerbations associates with adverse clinical outcomes and signals excessive treatment with β2‐agonists
Authors: MacDonald Martin I. , Polkinghorne Kevan R , MacDonald Chris J. , Leong Paul , Hamza Kais , Kathriachchige Gayan , Osadnik Christian Robert , King Paul T. , Bardin Philip G. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackground and ObjectiveRaised blood lactate secondary to high dose β2‐agonist treatment has been reported in asthma exacerbations but has not been investigated during acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD). We explored associations of blood lactate measurements with disease outcomes and β2‐agonist treatments during AECOPD.MethodsRetrospective (n = 199) and prospective studies (n = 142) of patients hospitalized with AECOPD were conducted. The retrospective cohort was identified via medical records and the prospective cohort was recruited during hospitalization for AECOPD. Baseline demographics, comorbidities, β2‐agonist treatment, biochemical measurements and clinical outcomes were compared between patients with normal (≤2.0 mmol/L) versus elevated lactate (>2.0 mmol/L). Regression analyses examined associations of lactate measurements with β2‐agonist dosages.ResultsDemographic data and comorbidities were similar between high versus normal lactate groups in both cohorts. The populations were elderly (mean >70 years), predominantly male (>60%) with reduced FEV1 (%) 48.2 ± 19 (prospective cohort). Lactate was elevated in approximately 50% of patients during AECOPD and not related to evidence of sepsis. In the prospective cohort, patients with high lactate had more tachypnoea, tachycardia, acidosis and hyperglycaemia (p < 0.05) and received more non‐invasive ventilation (37% vs. 9.7%, p < 0.001, prospective cohort). There was a trend to longer hospitalization (6 vs. 5 days, p = 0.06, prospective cohort). Higher cumulative β2‐agonist dosages were linked to elevated lactate levels (OR 1.04, p = 0.01).ConclusionElevated lactate during AECOPD was common, unrelated to sepsis and correlated with high cumulative doses of β2‐agonists. Raised lactate may indicate excessive β2‐agonist treatment and should now be investigated as a possible biomarker.
The patient voice: More than a tick box exercise?
Authors: Jenkins Hannah Elizabeth , Boddy Kate , Bull Stephanie Anne 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundPatient and public involvement (PPI) in healthcare professional education is important, yet publications often provide insufficient detail about the types of involvement patients undertake and the level of autonomy that they have. This study details the factors that promote or hinder PPI within a university healthcare professional education setting and the types of activities members conducted.MethodsPPI activities were described and mapped against a framework for PPI in healthcare professional education. Semi‐structured interviews with PPI group members explored the motivators, enablers and barriers that influence involvement.FindingsThe framework highlighted that the PPI group were involved in a range of activities, yet they received limited training for their role and were infrequently involved in planning the activities. When interviewed, PPI members did not consider that these factors were the important promoters or barriers to involvement, instead emphasising five themes: (1) their individual characteristics, (2) factors relating to the university organisation, (3) relationships between themselves, faculty and students, (4) time in their role and (5) evidence of their impact.Discussion and conclusionSupporting PPI members whilst working, rather than provision of formal training was considered most empowering for group members. This was mediated through having enough time in their role to develop supportive relationships with faculty, which in turn promoted self‐confidence and increased autonomy. This should be considered when making PPI appointments. Small changes in processes during education planning can make it easier for PPI members to bring their own agenda forward and promote equity during education decision making.
Aspects of the screw function corresponding to the Riemann zeta‐function
Authors: Suzuki Masatoshi 
Published: July 2023

AbstractWe introduce a screw function corresponding to the Riemann zeta‐function and study its properties from various aspects. Typical results are several equivalent conditions for the Riemann hypothesis in terms of the screw function. One of them can be considered an analog of so‐called Weil's positivity or Li's criterion. In addition, we prove a few partial but unconditional results for such equivalents.
Patient, hospital and environmental costs of unnecessary bloodwork: capturing the triple bottom line of inappropriate care in general surgery patients
Authors: Spoyalo Karina , Lalande Annie , Rizan Chantelle , Park Sophia , Simons Janet , Dawe Philip , Brown Carl J , Lillywhite Robert , MacNeill Andrea J 
Published: July 2023

ObjectiveTo characterise the extent of unnecessary care in general surgery inpatients using a triple bottom line approach.DesignPatients with uncomplicated acute surgical conditions were retrospectively evaluated for unnecessary bloodwork according to the triple bottom line, quantifying the impacts on patients, healthcare costs and greenhouse gas emissions. The carbon footprint of common laboratory investigations was estimated using PAS2050 methodology, including emissions generated from the production, transport, processing and disposal of consumable goods and reagents.SettingSingle-centre tertiary care hospital.ParticipantsPatients admitted with acute uncomplicated appendicitis, cholecystitis, choledocholithiasis, gallstone pancreatitis and adhesive small bowel obstruction were included in the study. 304 patients met inclusion criteria and 83 were randomly selected for in-depth chart review.Main outcome measuresIn each patient population, the extent of over-investigation was determined by comparing ordered laboratory investigations against previously developed consensus recommendations. The quantity of unnecessary bloodwork was measured by number of phlebotomies, tests and blood volume in addition to healthcare costs and greenhouse gas emissions.Results76% (63/83) of evaluated patients underwent unnecessary bloodwork resulting in a mean of 1.84 phlebotomies, 4.4 blood vials, 16.5 tests and 18 mL of blood loss per patient. The hospital and environmental cost of these unnecessary activities was $C5235 and 61 kg CO2e (974 g CO2e per person), respectively. The carbon footprint of a common set of investigations (complete blood count, differential, creatinine, urea, sodium, potassium) was 332 g CO2e. Adding a liver panel (liver enzymes, bilirubin, albumin, international normalised ratio/partial thromboplastin time) resulted in an additional 462 g CO2e.ConclusionsWe found considerable overuse of laboratory investigations among general surgery patients admitted with uncomplicated acute surgical conditions resulting in unnecessary burden to patients, hospitals and the environment. This study identifies an opportunity for resource stewardship and exemplifies a comprehensive approach to quality improvement.
Global clinicoepidemiological pattern of childhood vitiligo: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Farajzadeh Saeedeh , Khalili Maryam , Mirmohammadkhani Majid , Paknazar Fatemeh , Rastegarnasab Fereshte , Abtahi-Naeini Bahareh 
Published: July 2023

BackgroundChildhood vitiligo differs from adult vitiligo in many aspects. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, there is no systematic review of different clinicoepidemiological patterns of vitiligo in children. This study aimed to review the characteristics of vitiligo among the paediatric population.MethodsIn June 2022, a comprehensive search was conducted using MeSh-based keywords on online databases including PubMed, Scopus and Web of Sciences. The papers were assessed, and the eligible articles were selected. The selection of articles followed three distinct steps. The extracted clinicoepidemiological data were then imported into the STATA software for meta-analysis.ResultsThe meta-analysis of 17 studies with 4365 subjects yielded 2475 women (estimated=56.8%, 95% CI 54.45 to 59.22). The female-to-male ratio was determined to be 1.3:1. Meta-regression demonstrated a significant relationship between continents and gender (p=0.03). The most prevalent types of non-segmental vitiligo were vulgaris (42.49%), focal (27.21%) and acrofacial (17.8%). The pooled ratio of non-segmental to segmental was 4.6:1. The highest and lowest ratios were found in Africa with one study (estimated=11.56%, 95% CI −0.98 to 24.10) and America with two studies (estimated=3.02%, 95% CI 1.54 to 4.50), respectively. Using meta-regression, the relationship between continents and vitiligo type was found to be insignificant (p=0.47). Positive family history was recorded in 657 patients (estimated = 16.88%, 95% CI 13.37 to 20.39). Positive family history varied by country of study from 13.91% (Asia with 11 studies) to 27.01% (Europe with two studies) (p=0.11). Kobner phenomena and leukotrichia were noted in 687 (25.47%) and 461 (18.52%) patients, respectively.ConclusionThe review indicated that childhood vitiligo is more prevalent in women. Non-segmental forms of childhood vitiligo were the most common, including vulgaris, focal and acrofacial. The clinicoepidemiological pattern of childhood vitiligo is variable in diﬀerent geographic areas.
The future of fish age estimation: deep machine learning coupled with Fourier transform near-infrared spectroscopy of otoliths
Authors: Benson Irina M. , Helser Thomas E. , Marchetti Giovanni , Barnett Beverly K. 
Published: July 2023

Our novel approach for fish age prediction uses quantitative analysis of Fourier transform near-infrared (FT-NIR) spectra of otoliths by means of multimodal convolutional neural networks (MMCNN). We integrate two key data modalities that are related to fish ages: the entire range of wavenumbers of FT-NIR spectra and corresponding biological and geospatial data for nearly 9000 walleye pollock ( Gadus chalcogrammus) specimens. The proposed model extracts informative spectral features automatically and elucidates hidden structural relationships associated with fish growth to improve age predictions. Absorbance associated with 7000 to 4000 cm−1 wavenumbers had the highest influence on model predictions followed by fish length, latitude, depth, and temperature. The optimal model resulted in good overall performance with an R2 of 0.93 and RMSE of 0.83 for training data set and R2 of 0.92 and RMSE of 0.91 for test data set. MMCNN's age predictions were comparable to microscope-based ages yielding as good or slightly better precision. Moreover, the model outperformed classical partial least squares analysis of otolith spectra and remedied prediction bias at older ages of fish.
Meridional Variation of the Mascarene High and Atmospheric Transient Eddy Dynamical Forcing over the Southern Indian Ocean in Austral Winter
Authors: Zhao Yuan , Wen Zhiping , Li Xiuzhen , Chen Ruidan , Chen Guixing 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
This study reveals a close relation between the Mascarene high (MH), atmospheric transient eddies (hereafter transient eddies or eddies for short), and the sea surface temperature (SST) front over the southern Indian Ocean in austral winter. Climatologically, the subpolar westerly jet couples well with transient eddies via eddy–mean flow interaction and the anticyclonic vorticity to its north helps with anchoring the MH. On the interannual time scale, the MH exhibits a dominant meridional variation accompanied by intensity variability. When the MH moves poleward and intensifies, positive quasi-barotropic geopotential height anomalies associated with a warm temperature feature the southern flank of MH. As a result of the modified mean temperature gradient, the subpolar jet and transient eddies’ activity are enhanced near the jet exit; in contrast, the subtropical westerly jet and eddies are weakened over the jet entrance, mainly via the baroclinic energy conversion. As feedback, the anomalous transient eddies can trigger the poleward shift of MH by diverging the extended Eliassen–Palm (E-P) flux from subpolar to subtropical region and thus the intensification of subpolar jet and weakness of subtropical jet. Such positive feedback between the meridional variation of MH and transient eddies could be attributed to the underlying SST anomalies. Early SST warming appears over the southwestern Indian Ocean 3 months prior and shifts the Agulhas SST front poleward. The poleward Agulhas SST front could further induce a southward displacement of the activity of transient eddies by changing the low-level atmospheric baroclinicity. Hence, the SST anomalies over the southern Indian Ocean may trigger the meridional variation of MH via the positive eddies–mean flow feedback.
Partner Proximity and Relationship-Specific Capital in Joint R&D Ventures
Authors: Ciccotello Conrad , Fu Richard 
Published: July 2023

Geographic proximity between parties increases personal interactions and enhances the exchange of tacit information vital to success in collaborative innovation. In a sample of 582 joint R&D ventures, we observe that the distance between partners varies widely. Controlling for the self-selection among partners, we find that more geographically proximate parties tend to establish longer contract duration ex ante to address contracting risks associated with the increased sharing of tacit information. We argue that partner proximity in joint R&D leads to the creation of relationship-specific capital. Thus, the operative governance mode when partners are geographically proximate is organizational in nature. JEL Classification: D23; L24