bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic diversity of a cichlid fish population after 100 years of isolation
Authors: Ndiwa Titus Chemandwa , Nyingi Dorothy Wanja , Agnèse Jean‐François 
Published: March 2023

AbstractHigh rates of species radiation have been recorded in Cichlids of East African lakes. The current study focused on a population of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) found in a crater lake (Lake Crocodile) that occurs within the Central Island of Lake Turkana. The population separated from Lake Turkana about 100 years ago and has since then existed in isolation. This study aimed at assessing the existence of genetic differences between the Lake Crocodile Nile tilapia population and other closely related Nile tilapia populations from Lake Turkana, Lake Baringo and River Suguta. Genetic differences between the populations were evaluated using two mtDNA markers, and 16 microsatellite markers. Significant genetic differences (p > 0.05) were observed between the Lake Crocodile population and the other studied populations within the region. Despite the shared ancestry between Lake Crocodile and Lake Turkana, genetic differences were observed between the two populations. This can mostly be attributed to the lack of gene flow and environmental differences between the two populations.
Attitudes, intentions and procreative responsibility in current and future assisted reproduction
Authors: Battisti Davide 
Published: March 2023

AbstractProcreative obligations are often discussed by evaluating only the consequences of reproductive actions or omissions; less attention is paid to the moral role of intentions and attitudes. In this paper, I assess whether intentions and attitudes can contribute to defining our moral obligations with regard to assisted reproductive technologies already available, such as preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), and those that may be available in future, such as reproductive genome editing and ectogenesis, in a way compatible with person‐affecting constraints. I propose the parent–child relationship argument, which is based on the moral distinction between creating and parenting a child. Hence, I first argue that intentions and attitudes can play a role in defining our moral obligations in reproductive decisions involving PGD. Second, I maintain that if we accept this and recognize reproductive genome editing and ectogenesis as person‐affecting procedures, we should be committed to arguing that prospective parents may have moral reasons to prefer reproduction via such techniques than via sexual intercourse. In both cases, I observe an extension of our procreative responsibility beyond what is proposed by the consequentialist person‐affecting morality.
Analytics‐supported reflective assessment for 6th graders' knowledge building and data science practices: An exploratory study
Authors: Yang Yuqin , Zheng Zhizi , Zhu Gaoxia , Salas‐Pilco Sdenka Zobeida 
Published: March 2023

AbstractPreparing data‐literate citizens and supporting future generations to effectively work with data is challenging. Engaging students in Knowledge Building (KB) may be a promising way to respond to this challenge because it requires students to reflect on and direct their inquiry with the support of data. Informed by previous studies, this research explored how an analytics‐supported reflective assessment (AsRA)‐enhanced KB design influenced 6th graders' KB and data science practices in a science education setting. One intact class with 56 students participated in this study. The analysis of students' Knowledge Forum discourse showed the positive influences of the AsRA‐enhanced KB design on students' development of KB and data science practices. Further analysis of different‐performing groups revealed that the AsRA‐enhanced KB design was accessible to all performing groups. These findings have important implications for teachers and researchers who aim to develop students' KB and data science practices, and general high‐level collaborative inquiry skills.
Practitioner notesWhat is already known about this topic

Data use becomes increasingly important in the K‐12 educational context.
Little is known about how to scaffold students to develop data science practices.
Knowledge Building (KB) and learning analytics‐supported reflective assessment (AsRA) show premises in developing these practices.
What this paper adds

AsRA‐enhanced KB can help students improve KB and data science practices over time.
AsRA‐enhanced KB design benefits students of different‐performing groups.
AsRA‐enhanced KB is accessible to elementary school students in science education.
Implications for practice and/or policy

Developing a collaborative and reflective culture helps students engage in collaborative inquiry.
Pedagogical approaches and analytic tools can be developed to support students' data‐driven decision‐making in inquiry learning.
Perspectives on cutting‐edge nanoparticulate drug delivery technologies based on lipids and their applications
Authors: Maddiboyina Balaji , Ramaiah  , Nakkala Ramya Krishna , Roy Harekrishna 
Published: March 2023

AbstractNumerous nanotech arenas in therapeutic biology have recently provided a scientific platform to manufacture a considerable swath of unique chemical entities focusing on drugs. Recently, nanoparticulate drug delivery systems have emerged to deliver a specific drug to a specified site. Among all other carriers, lipids possess features exclusive to nanostructured dosage forms. The bioavailability of orally administered drugs is typically negatively affected by their poor water solubility, resulting from the unique chemical moieties introduced. Because of their unique advantages, lipid nanoparticles must become increasingly predictable as a robust delivery mechanism. The enhanced biopharmaceutical properties and significance of lipid‐based targeting technologies such as liposomes, niosomes, solid lipid nanoparticles and micelles are highlighted in this review. Pharmaceutical implications of lipid nanocarriers for the transport and distribution of various therapeutic agents, such as biotechnological products and small pharmaceutical molecules, is a booming topic. Lipid nanoparticles as drug delivery systems have many appealing properties, including high biocompatibility, ease of preparation, tissue specificity, avoidance of reticuloendothelial systems, delayed drug release, scale‐up feasibility, nontoxicity and targeted delivery. The use of lipid nanoparticles to enhance the transport of biopharmaceuticals is currently considered state‐of‐the‐art. Similarly, we critically examine the upcoming guidelines that therapeutic scientists should handle.
Adult spinal cord tissue transplantation combined with local tacrolimus sustained‐release collagen hydrogel promotes complete spinal cord injury repair
Authors: Zhao Xinhao , Gu Rui , Zhao Yannan , Wei Feng , Gao Xu , Zhuang Yan , Xiao Zhifeng , Shen He , Dai Jianwu 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe strategy of replacing a completely damaged spinal cord with allogenic adult spinal cord tissues (aSCs) can potentially repair complete spinal cord injury (SCI) in combination with immunosuppressive drugs, such as tacrolimus (Tac), which suppress transplant rejection and improve graft survival. However, daily systemic administration of immunosuppressive agents may cause harsh side effects. Herein, a localized, sustained Tac‐release collagen hydrogel (Col/Tac) was developed to maximize the immune regulatory efficacy but minimize the side effects of Tac after aSC transplantation in complete SCI recipients. Thoracic aSCs of rat donors were transplanted into the complete thoracic spinal cord transection rat recipients, after which Col/Tac hydrogel was implanted. The Tac‐encapsulated collagen hydrogel exhibited suitable mechanical properties and long‐term sustained Tac release behaviour. After Col/Tac hydrogel implantation in SCI rats with aSC transplantation, the recipients' survival rate significantly improved and the side effects on tissues were reduced compared with those with conventional Tac medication. Moreover, treatment with the Col/Tac hydrogel exhibited similarly reduced immune rejection levels by regulating immune responses and promoted neurogenesis compared to daily Tac injections, and thus improved functional restoration. Localized delivery of immunosuppressive agents by the Col/Tac hydrogel may be a promising strategy for overcoming immune rejection of transplants, with significant potential for clinical application in the future.
Betting against pandemics: Ethical implications of the “COVID Claimania” in Taiwan, 2020‐2022
Authors: Yeh Ming‐Jui , Liao Yi‐Zheng 
Published: March 2023

AbstractAmong measures tackling the impacts of the COVID‐19 pandemic, the selling of private insurance policies covering individual infection is overlooked by the ethics literature. To record the “COVID Claimania” in Taiwan and to assess its ethical implications, we collected 38 policies from 10 insurers sold between January 2020 and May 2022 and found that their risk calculation of the COVID‐19 prevalence ranged from 0.5% to 11.08%. In reality, the prevalence by the end of 2022 was 37% in Taiwan. Selling private insurance policies is ethically problematic in three ways. First, it represents the insurance industry's irresponsible risk‐taking profit‐seeking behaviors. Second, it would jeopardize the effectiveness of the disease‐prevention measures by inducing uncontrollable moral hazards. Third, it would expose the insurance companies to unbearable financial risks and cause substantial negative external impacts. The government should intervene in the private insurance market in preparation for future public health emergencies.
Parent‐led massage and sleep EEG for term‐born infants: A randomized controlled parallel‐group study
Authors: Ventura Soraia , Mathieson Sean R. , O'Sullivan Marc P. , O'Toole John M. , Livingstone Vicki , Pressler Ronit M. , Dempsey Eugene M. , Murray Deirdre M. , Boylan Geraldine B. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractAimTo examine the impact of parent‐led massage on the sleep electroencephalogram (EEG) features of typically developing term‐born infants at 4 months.MethodInfants recruited at birth were randomized to intervention (routine parent‐led massage) and control groups. Infants had a daytime sleep EEG at 4 months and were assessed using the Griffiths Scales of Child Development, Third Edition at 4 and 18 months. Comparative analysis between groups and subgroup analysis between regularly massaged and never‐massaged infants were performed. Groups were compared for sleep stage, sleep spindles, quantitative EEG (primary analysis), and Griffiths using the Mann–Whitney U test.ResultsIn total, 179 out of 182 infants (intervention: 83 out of 84; control: 96 out of 98) had a normal sleep EEG. Median (interquartile range) sleep duration was 49.8 minutes (39.1–71.4) (n = 156). A complete first sleep cycle was seen in 67 out of 83 (81%) and 72 out of 96 (75%) in the intervention and control groups respectively. Groups did not differ in sleep stage durations, latencies to sleep and to rapid eye movement sleep. Sleep spindle spectral power was greater in the intervention group in main and subgroup analyses. The intervention group showed greater EEG magnitudes, and lower interhemispherical coherence on subgroup analyses. Griffiths assessments at 4 months (n = 179) and 18 months (n = 173) showed no group differences in the main and subgroup analyses.InterpretationRoutine massage is associated with distinct functional brain changes at 4 months.What this paper adds

Routine massage of infants is associated with differences in sleep electroencephalogram biomarkers at 4 months.
Massaged infants had higher sleep spindle spectral power, greater sleep EEG magnitudes, and lower interhemispherical coherence.
No differences between groups were observed in total nap duration or first cycle macrostructure.
Autochthonous production sustains food webs in large perialpine lakes, independent of trophic status: Evidence from amino acid stable isotopes
Authors: Saboret Grégoire , Stalder Dominique , Matthews Blake , Brodersen Jakob , Schubert Carsten Johnny 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Lakes are recipients of allochthonous organic matter and nutrients. However, the importance of these subsidies for food webs and how they vary with lake trophic status remains unclear, especially for large lakes.

We assessed the source and fate of organic matter and nutrients in seven perialpine lakes across a gradient of trophic status. We measured carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes of amino acids of lake‐residing Atlantic trout, Salmo trutta, to determine the source of primary production (i.e., how carbon is fixed in the ecosystem) and how it is transferred through food webs, respectively. Based on essential amino acid carbon fingerprinting, we estimated the probability of organic carbon originating from autochthonous (algal), allochthonous (terrestrial plant), and recycled (bacterial) sources. In addition, we used amino acid δ15N to track how this primary production is transferred to consumers in general, and by using different trophic amino acids (glutamic acid and alanine), identify the trophic pathways involving either metazoan or protozoans.

We found a high likelihood of autochthonous origin of organic carbon (86 ± 9%) in trout that contrasted with allochthonous origins of particulate organic matter and some sediments. We showed that those estimates are good proxies of source reliance. Our results also highlighted the importance of bacterial origin of organic carbon in fish (12%). The likely autochthonous origin of this carbon was supported by trophic markers (Ala δ15N) that suggest the role of protists in transferring recycled organic carbon up the food web. While the sources of nitrogen sustaining food webs varied among lakes, we found a conserved carbon fingerprinting of fish. Overall, this suggests an uncoupling between the source of nutrients and organic carbon in large perialpine lakes.

Across a wide range of trophic status (c. 2 orders of magnitude range of phosphorus concentration), several lines of evidence suggested that perialpine lake food webs shared a common reliance on autochthonous and bacterial production.

Our study is the first to quantify the dependence on allochthonous organic carbon in lake food webs based on new amino acid stable isotope markers (carbon fingerprinting and Ala δ15N) and shows promise for estimating the source of carbon fixation in ecosystems. Our results support previous suggestions that terrestrial organic carbon is a relatively minor source for aquatic consumers despite contributing to the pool of organic matter, and more importantly, its contribution does not vary substantially with trophic status in perialpine lakes.
Optimal admission and queuing control with reneging behavior under premature discharge decisions
Authors: Yang Feifei , Li Quan‐Lin , Zhang Chi , Wang Chengliang 
Published: March 2023

AbstractQueues or waiting lines are a common phenomenon in healthcare facilities. The increasing number of admissions to hospital emergency departments (EDs) has resulted in overcrowded EDs and decreased quality of care. Patients may renege with dissatisfaction while waiting, prolonged hospital stays, or the cancelation of surgeries, especially for those with acute diseases. This paper studies patient admission and queuing control policies, considering premature discharge decisions and reneging behavior. First, we formulate this problem as an infinite‐horizon total discounted cost Markov decision process to balance bed utility and experiences of patients waiting for admission to minimize the total expected cost for the hospital. Then, we characterize an optimal admission threshold policy by analyzing the structural properties of the optimal value function. Numerical experiments are employed to discuss how the optimal dynamic policy depends on some key parameters of the system. Finally, the performance of the optimal policy is discussed through comparison with the benchmark: A myopic rule (first come, first served) mimicking the decision‐making in practice under different scenarios. The numerical results show that the reneging behavior can affect the superiority of the optimal policy compared to the benchmark, and the optimal policy can significantly reduce the number of waiting patients without increasing the total expected cost when the system is overloaded.
Influence of cyclin D1 splicing variants expression on breast cancer chemoresistance via CDK4/CyclinD1‐pRB‐E2F1 pathway
Authors: Wang Jing , Zhang Jiaxin , Ma Qinglong , Zhang Shasha , Ma Fengdie , Su Wei , Zhang Taotao , Xie Xiaodong , Di Cuixia 
Published: March 2023

AbstractCyclin D1 (CCND1), a mediator of cell cycle control, has a G870A polymorphism which results in the formation of two splicing variants: full‐length CCND1 (CCND1a) and C‐terminally truncated CCND1 species (CCND1b). However, the role of CCND1a and CCND1b variants in cancer chemoresistance remains unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the molecular mechanism of alternative splicing of CCND1 in breast cancer (BC) chemoresistance. To address the contribution of G870A polymorphism to the production of CCND1 variants in BC chemoresistance, we sequenced the G870A polymorphism and analysed the expressions of CCND1a and CCND1b in MCF‐7 and MCF‐7/ADM cells. In comparison with MCF‐7 cells, MCF‐7/ADM cells with the A allele could enhance alternative splicing with the increase of SC‐35, upregulate the ratio of CCND1b/a at both mRNA and protein levels, and activate the CDK4/CyclinD1‐pRB‐E2F1 pathway. Furthermore, CCND1b expression and the downstream signalling pathway were analysed through Western blotting and cell cycle in MCF‐7/ADM cells with knockdown of CCND1b. Knockdown of CCND1b downregulated the ratio of CCND1b/a, demoted cell proliferation, decelerated cell cycle progression, inhibited the CDK4/CyclinD1‐pRB‐E2F1 pathway and thereby decreased the chemoresistance of MCF‐7/ADM cells. Finally, CCND1 G870A polymorphism, the alternative splicing of CCDN1 was detected through Sequenom Mass ARRAY platform, Sanger sequencing, semi‐quantitative RT‐PCR, Western blotting and immunohistochemistry in clinical BC specimens. The increase of the ratio of CCND1b/a caused by G870A polymorphism was involved in BC chemoresistance. Thus, these findings revealed that CCND1b/a ratio caused by the polymorphism is involved in BC chemoresistance via CDK4/CyclinD1‐pRB‐E2F1 pathway.
“At least we finally found out what it was”: Dementia diagnosis in minoritized populations
Authors: Blinka Marcela D. , Gundavarpu Sneha , Baker Dorcas , Thorpe Roland J. , Gallo Joseph J. , Samus Quincy M. , Amjad Halima 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackgroundDisparities in diagnosis persist among persons living with dementia (PLWD); most research on delayed diagnosis relies on medical records or administrative claims. This study aimed to identify factors that delay or facilitate dementia diagnoses in racial or ethnic minoritized PLWD and elicit care partner perspectives on timing and effects of diagnosis.MethodsMaryland‐based participants cared for a PLWD age 60 or older, self‐identified as Black/African/African‐American, Asian, or Hispanic/Latino, and spoke English. Nineteen care partner in‐depth, semi‐structured interviews were conducted and analyzed using conventional qualitative content analysis methods.ResultsBiological, sociocultural, and environmental factors delayed dementia diagnosis. Memory loss was the most common early symptom, but the onset was often subtle or perceived as normal aging. Stigma and secrecy surrounding dementia influenced recognition and discussion of dementia among families and communities. Diagnoses were family‐initiated and started in primary care. Care partners were divided in their perceptions of diagnosis timeliness and whether earlier diagnosis would have changed outcomes. Family reactions to dementia diagnoses varied; most participants expressed a strong sentiment of service and duty to care for older family members. Participants overwhelmingly felt the benefits of obtaining a dementia diagnosis outweighed harms.ConclusionsNumerous factors affect dementia diagnosis in racial and ethnic minoritized PLWD. Normalization of brain health discussions and systematic, proactive discussion and detection of dementia in primary care may address multilevel barriers and facilitators to diagnosis. Systems‐level and community‐led public health interventions may also help address disparities in brain health education and dementia diagnosis.
Differential SW16.1 allelic effects and genetic backgrounds contributed to increased seed weight after soybean domestication
Authors: Chen Xianlian , Liu Cheng , Guo Pengfei , Hao Xiaoshuai , Pan Yongpeng , Zhang Kai , Liu Wusheng , Zhao Lizhi , Luo Wei , He Jianbo , Su Yanzhu , Jin Ting , Jiang Fenfen , Wang Si , Liu Fangdong , Xie Rongzhou , Zhen Changgen , Han Wei , Xing Guangnan , Wang Wubin , Zhao Shancen , Li Yan , Gai Junyi 
Published: March 2023

ABSTRACTAlthough seed weight has increased following domestication from wild soybean (Glycine soja) to cultivated soybean (Glycine max), the genetic basis underlying this change is unclear. Using mapping populations derived from chromosome segment substitution lines of wild soybean, we identified SW16.1 as the causative gene underlying a major quantitative trait locus controlling seed weight. SW16.1 encodes a nucleus‐localized LIM domain‐containing protein. Importantly, the GsSW16.1 allele from wild soybean accession N24852 had a negative effect on seed weight, whereas the GmSW16.1 allele from cultivar NN1138‐2 had a positive effect. Gene expression network analysis, reverse‐transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and promoter‐luciferase reporter transient expression assays suggested that SW16.1 regulates the transcription of MT4, a positive regulator of seed weight. The natural variations in SW16.1 and other known seed weight genes were analyzed in soybean germplasm. The SW16.1 polymorphism was associated with seed weight in 247 soybean accessions, showing much higher frequency of positive‐effect alleles in cultivated soybean than in wild soybean. Interestingly, gene allele matrix analysis of the known seed weight genes revealed that G. max has lost 38.5% of the G. soja alleles and that most of the lost alleles had negative effects on seed weight. Our results suggest that eliminating negative alleles from G. soja led to a higher frequency of positive alleles and changed genetic backgrounds in G. max, which contributed to larger seeds in cultivated soybean after domestication from wild soybean. Our findings provide new insights regarding soybean domestication and should assist current soybean breeding programs.
Explaining with Intentional Omissions
Authors: Kärki Kaisa 
Published: March 2023

AbstractDetermining the human activity that social processes consist in is a central task for the philosophy of the social sciences. This paper asks: which conception of agency arising from contemporary action theory is the most suitable for social science explanation? It is argued that a movement‐centered, Davidsonian picture of agency is not suitable for explaining certain social processes such as strikes and boycotts because, instead of intentional bodily movements, they are explained by the intentional omissions of agents. I propose that instead of intentional bodily movements, social processes are better explained by phenomena in which an agent is taking an active relation both to her mental or bodily processes as well as to what is happening around her. Thus, to fully explain social processes, a comprehensive theory of agency that can account for intentional actions and intentional omissions and a conception of agency that includes both materialist and volitionalist aspects is needed.