bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predation pressure regulates plant growth promoting (PGP) attributes of bacterial species
Authors: Chandarana Komal A , Amaresan Natarajan 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Aim
The present study aimed to investigate the effect of bacterivorous soil protists on plant growth promoting (PGP) attributes of bacterial species and their co-inoculative impact on rice seedling growth.

Methods and Results
The effect of protists on the PGP attributes of bacteria was tested using standard protocols. The results revealed that the plant-beneficial properties of plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) were altered in the presence of various protist species. A significant increase in the production of siderophore units (86.66%), ammonia (34.80 μmol mL−1), and phosphate solubilization index (PSI) (5.6) was observed when Bacillus cereus (Bc) and Pseudomonas fluorescens (Ps) were co-inoculated with unidentified species belonging to the family Kreyellidae (C5). In the case of Enterobacter cloacae co-inoculated with C5 (Kreyellidae), a higher amount of siderophore (51.33%), ammonia (25.18 μmol mL−1), and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA)-like substance (28.59 μg mL−1) production were observed. The biofilm-forming ability of B. cereus is enhanced in the presence of Tetrahymena sp. (C2Bc), unidentified Kreyellidae (C5Bc), and Colpoda elliotti (C12Bc), whereas E. cloacae showed higher biofilm formation in the presence of Tetrahymena sp. alone Although IAA production decreased under predation pressure, a significant increase in shoot length (64.24%) and primary root length (98.18%) in co-inoculative treatments (C12Bc and C5Bc) compared to bacteria alone (25% and 61.50% for shoots and roots, respectively) was observed. The results of enhanced PGP attributes and rice seedlings growth under predation pressure correlated with the enhanced bacterial activity under predation pressure and protist involvement in plant growth development.

Conclusions
Protists may act as regulators of the bacterial activities involved in plant growth promotion and thus enhance plant growth.
Clinical decision support with a comprehensive in-EHR patient tracking system improves genetic testing follow up
Authors: Campbell Ian M , Karavite Dean J , Mcmanus Morgan L , Cusick Fred C , Junod David C , Sheppard Sarah E , Lourie Eli M , Shelov Eric D , Hakonarson Hakon , Luberti Anthony A , Muthu Naveen , Grundmeier Robert W 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Objective
We sought to develop and evaluate an electronic health record (EHR) genetic testing tracking system to address the barriers and limitations of existing spreadsheet-based workarounds.

Materials and Methods
We evaluated the spreadsheet-based system using mixed effects logistic regression to identify factors associated with delayed follow up. These factors informed the design of an EHR-integrated genetic testing tracking system. After deployment, we assessed the system in 2 ways. We analyzed EHR access logs and note data to assess patient outcomes and performed semistructured interviews with users to identify impact of the system on work.

Results
We found that patient-reported race was a significant predictor of documented genetic testing follow up, indicating a possible inequity in care. We implemented a CDS system including a patient data capture form and management dashboard to facilitate important care tasks. The system significantly sped review of results and significantly increased documentation of follow-up recommendations. Interviews with key system users identified a range of sociotechnical factors (ie, tools, tasks, collaboration) that contribute to safer and more efficient care.

Discussion
Our new tracking system ended decades of workarounds for identifying and communicating test results and improved clinical workflows. Interview participants related that the system decreased cognitive and time burden which allowed them to focus on direct patient interaction.

Conclusion
By assembling a multidisciplinary team, we designed a novel patient tracking system that improves genetic testing follow up. Similar approaches may be effective in other clinical settings.
Whole transcriptome sequencing reveals core genes related to spermatogenesis in Bactrian camels
Authors: Hasi Gaowa , Sodnompil Tserennadmid , Na Haya , Liu Hejie , Ji Musi , Xie Wangwei , Nasenochir Narenhua 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Bactrian camels survive and reproduce better in extreme climatic conditions than other domestic animals can. However, the reproductive efficiency of camels under their natural pastoral conditions is low. Several factors affect mammalian reproductive performance, including testicular development, semen quality, libido, and mating ability. Testis is a main reproductive organ of the male and is responsible for producing spermatozoa and hormones. However, our understanding of the expression patterns of the genes in camel testis is minimal. Thus, we performed total RNA-sequencing to investigate the gene expression pattern. As a result, 1,538 differential expressed mRNAs (DEmRNAs), 702 differential expressed long non-coding RNAs (DElncRNAs), and 61 differential expressed microRNAs (DEmiRNAs) were identified between pubertal and adult Bactrian camel testes. Then the genomic features, length distribution, and other characteristics of the lncRNAs and mRNAs in the Bactrian camel testis were investigated. Target genes of the DEmiRNAs and DEmRNAs were further subjected to gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses. Genes, such as AMHR2, FGF1, ACTL7A, GATA4, WNT4, ID2, LAMA1, IGF1, INHBB, and TLR2, were mainly involved in the TGF-β, PI3K-AKT, Wnt, GnRH, and Hippo signaling pathways which relate to spermatogenesis. Some of the DEmiRNAs were predicted to be associated with numerous DElncRNAs and DEmRNAs through competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory network. At last, the candidate genes were validated by RT-qPCR, dual fluorescent reporter gene, and a fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assay. This research provides high-throughput RNA sequencing data of the testes of Bactrian camels across different developmental stages. It lays the foundation for further investigations on lncRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs that involved in Bactrian camel spermatogenesis.
Effect of Cough Machine Assistance and Care Bundle Combined Therapy on Burned Patients With Moderate To Severe Inhalation Injury
Authors: Li Xi , Zhang Man , Li Na , Wei Wei 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
To investigate the effectiveness of cough machine assistance combined with care bundle on mental resilience and self-efficacy on burned patients with moderate to severe inhalation injury. Totally 98 burned patients with moderate to severe inhalation injury from April 2021 to April 2022 were enrolled in this retrospective analysis. They were divided into the control group (n = 49, conventional therapy) and combined-therapy group (n = 49, cough machine assistance and care bundles). The mental resilience, posttraumatic growth, and self-efficacy were conducted. The arterial blood gas analysis indicators and incidence of pulmonary infection were also evaluated. The length of hospital stay in combined-therapy group was significantly less than that of control group. There was no difference of pulmonary infections between two groups before treatment. However, the incidence of pulmonary infection in the combined-therapy group was significantly lower. After the therapy, the combined-therapy group showed significantly higher partial pressure of oxygen, and lower levels of oxyhemoglobin saturation and partial pressure of carbon dioxide compared with the control group. The evaluation with the mental resilience, posttraumatic growth, and self-efficacy after the therapy, indicated that the patients in the combined-therapy group had significantly higher scores of optimism, strength, tenacity, relating to others, new possibilities, personal strength, appreciation of life and spiritual change, and self-efficacy. The combined therapy with cough machine assistance and care bundles can effectively improve the mental resilience and self-efficacy level of burned patients with moderate to severe inhalation injury, showing potential for possible clinical applications.
Insecticide application timing effects on alfalfa insect communities
Authors: McClure Micah , Herreid Judith , Jabbour Randa 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Timing of insecticide application can impact efficacy, given variation in both weather and development of the crop and its insect pests. Both target and nontarget insects may vary in life stage and abundance at the time of application. In alfalfa Medicago sativa L. cropping systems, producers have interest in early-season insecticide applications to eliminate last-minute decisions about preharvest applications for alfalfa weevil Hypera postica (Gyllenhal) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). The standard recommendation is based on scouting larvae close to the first harvest time. We compared early and standard timing of application of a lambda-cyhalothrin pyrethroid on alfalfa pest and beneficial insects. Field trials at a university research farm were conducted in 2020 and 2021. In 2020, early application was as effective as the standard timing against alfalfa weevil, as compared to the untreated control, but less effective than the standard timing in 2021. Effects of timing against Lygus bugs (Hemiptera: Miridae), grasshoppers (Orthoptera: Acrididae), and aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae) were inconsistent between years. We observed the potential for early application to reduce negative impacts on ladybird beetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) and spiders (Araneae), however, damsel bugs (Hemiptera: Nabidae) were similarly reduced by insecticide application regardless of timing. Overall arthropod community composition differed by both year and treatment. Future research should explore potential trade-offs of spray timing at larger spatial scales.
Effects of emamectin benzoate trunk injections on protection of neighboring ash trees against emerald ash borer (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) and on established biological control agents
Authors: Duan Jian J , Crandall Ryan S , Grosman Donald M , Schmude Jonathan M , Quinn Nicole , Chandler Jennifer L , Elkinton Joseph S 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
The emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire, is the most destructive invasive pest on ash (Fraxinus spp.) in the United States. We determined whether ash trees injected with emamectin benzoate (EB) could protect untreated neighboring ash trees. We also determined whether the selective treatment of ash trees with EB injections had adverse effects on the establishment of introduced larval parasitoids Tetrastichus planipennis Yang and Spathius galinae Belokobylskij & Strazenac. In experiment one, trees were treated with EB and then retreated 3 years later. Five years post initial treatment, we found that 90% of treated ash trees retained healthy crowns, significantly higher than those of untreated control ash trees (16%). For experiment two, trees only received one treatment of EB and after 2 years 100% of treated ash trees retained healthy crowns, significantly higher than those of untreated ash trees (50%). In both experiments, we found that distance from the central EB-treated tree was not a significant predictor for tree health or presence of EAB exit holes. Although distance from the EB-treated trees appeared to have a significant positive relationship with woodpecker feeding signs on neighboring trees, such relationships did not result in significant differences in the proportion of neighboring ash trees retaining healthy crowns between EB treatment and control plots. The introduced EAB parasitoids appeared to have established equally well between treatment and control plots. Findings are discussed in the context of integration of EB trunk injection with biological control for protection of North American ash against EAB.
Pre- and postcopulatory competition affect testes mass and organization differently in two monophyletic mole-rat species, Georychus capensis and Fukomys damarensis
Authors: Rainer Sharna R , Cameron Elissa Z , Edwards Amy M , Bennett Nigel C , Thomas Hannah G , Swanepoel Daniël 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Sperm competition results from postcopulatory continuation of male–male competition for paternity. The level of sperm competition is predicted to be highest in species with greater polyandry and weakest in monogamous pairs. Sperm competition levels can be indexed using traits that reflect male investment in fertilization, particularly relative testes mass (RTM). However, the relationship between RTM and levels of sperm competition may also be influenced by precopulatory competition selecting for higher levels of testosterone, also produced by the testes. To test the relationship between RTM and both pre- and postcopulatory male–male competition we compared two bathyergid mole-rat species, the promiscuous Georychus capensis and the monogamous eusocial Fukomys damarensis. The promiscuous species had not only larger RTM, but also a greater proportion of spermatogenic tissue, maximizing germ cell production as well. Conversely, the eusocial species had smaller testes, but a higher proportion of interstitial tissue (which contains the androgenic Leydig cells) and higher levels of testosterone. Consequently, testicular traits as well as testes mass may be under selection, but these are not normally measured. More research is required on relative investment in different testicular traits in relation to both pre- and postcopulatory selection pressures.
Differential selection of roosts by Eastern Small-footed Myotis (Myotis leibii) relative to rock structure and microclimate
Authors: Moosman Paul R , Marsh David M , Pody Emily K , Brust Timothy J 
Published: April 2023

AbstractRoost selection by insectivorous bats in temperate regions is presumably influenced by roost microclimates in relation to thermoregulatory strategies, but few studies have included temperature measurements in habitat selection models. Rocky landscape features are an important source of roosts that provide both shelter from predators and beneficial microclimates for bats. Most information about rock-roosting bats has been derived from western North America. We studied microhabitat selection by the Eastern Small-footed Myotis (Myotis leibii) on natural talus slopes and human-made stone structures in the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia and New Hampshire, relative to thermal and structural characteristics of rock crevices. Roosts were located with a combination of radiotelemetry and randomized visual surveys. Roost-switching behavior and structural characteristics of roosts did not appear to be influenced by the methods we used to locate roosts. Compared to random crevices, both sexes selected crevices with narrow openings, likely to provide protection from predators. Reproductive females also selected rocks that were larger and more thermally stable than random crevices, whereas males selected crevices that were structurally similar to random crevices but warmed more during the day. Rock size and other structural characteristics influenced temperatures of roosts and random crevices alike by inhibiting excessive daytime heating and nighttime cooling. Because large rocks were important for reproductive females, and talus slopes with large rocks could be limited, we recommend including rock size as a variable in landscape scale habitat assessments for Eastern Small-footed Myotis. Protecting or managing for habitat features with large rocks that receive high solar exposure could benefit Eastern Small-footed Myotis, and perhaps other rock-roosting species.
Statistical testing under distributional shifts
Authors: Thams Nikolaj , Saengkyongam Sorawit , Pfister Niklas , Peters Jonas 
Published: April 2023

AbstractWe introduce statistical testing under distributional shifts. We are interested in the hypothesis P*∈H0 for a target distribution P*, but observe data from a different distribution Q*. We assume that P* is related to Q* through a known shift τ and formally introduce hypothesis testing in this setting. We propose a general testing procedure that first resamples from the observed data to construct an auxiliary data set (similarly to sampling importance resampling) and then applies an existing test in the target domain. We prove that if the size of the resample is of order o(n) and the resampling weights are well behaved, this procedure inherits the pointwise asymptotic level and power from the target test. If the map τ is estimated from data, we maintain the above guarantees under mild conditions on the estimation. Our results extend to finite sample level, uniform asymptotic level, a different resampling scheme, and statistical inference different from testing. Testing under distributional shifts allows us to tackle a diverse set of problems. We argue that it may prove useful in contextual bandit problems and covariate shift, show how it reduces conditional to unconditional independence testing and provide example applications in causal inference.
Inhibitory effect of chlorogenic acid-grafted chitosan on seafood isolates Pseudomonas fluorescens and its biofilm
Authors: Yang Xin , Lan Weiqing , Xie Jing 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
This study aimed to examine the inhibition of chlorogenic acid-grafted chitosan (CS-g-CA) on Pseudomonas fluorescens (P. fluorescens) and its biofilm. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of CS-g-CA against P. fluorescens was 1.25 mg/mL. Alkaline phosphatase (AKPase) leakage assay and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation showed that CS-g-CA causes structural damage to cell walls and membranes, resulting in the loss of function. In addition, CS-g-CA was able to disrupt the antioxidant system of P. fluorescens, interfere with energy metabolism, and interact with genomic DNA, affecting the normal physiological function of bacteria. It was also found that CS-g-CA inhibited the flagellar motility of P. fluorescens, which may be responsible for the inhibition of its biofilm formation. CS-g-CA at 2MIC was able to remove 71.64% of the mature biofilm and reduce the production of extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) by 60.72%. This was further confirmed by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), which showed a significant reduction in the amount of biofilm. In summary, CS-g-CA has strong antibacterial and anti-biofilm activities against P. fluorescens, and it can be applied as a potential seafood bacteriostatic agent.
Defect Contrast with 4D-STEM: Understanding Crystalline Order with Virtual Detectors and Beam Modification
Authors: Ribet Stephanie M , Ophus Colin , dos Reis Roberto , Dravid Vinayak P 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Material properties strongly depend on the nature and concentration of defects. Characterizing these features may require nano- to atomic-scale resolution to establish structure–property relationships. 4D-STEM, a technique where diffraction patterns are acquired at a grid of points on the sample, provides a versatile method for highlighting defects. Computational analysis of the diffraction patterns with virtual detectors produces images that can map material properties. Here, using multislice simulations, we explore different virtual detectors that can be applied to the diffraction patterns that go beyond the binary response functions that are possible using ordinary STEM detectors. Using graphene and lead titanate as model systems, we investigate the application of virtual detectors to study local order and in particular defects. We find that using a small convergence angle with a rotationally varying detector most efficiently highlights defect signals. With experimental graphene data, we demonstrate the effectiveness of these detectors in characterizing atomic features, including vacancies, as suggested in simulations. Phase and amplitude modification of the electron beam provides another process handle to change image contrast in a 4D-STEM experiment. We demonstrate how tailored electron beams can enhance signals from short-range order and how a vortex beam can be used to characterize local symmetry.
Mesenchymal-Stem Cell-Derived Conditioned Media Versus Exosomes in the Treatment of Rat Model of Polycystic Ovary: An Attempt to Understand the Underlying Mechanisms (Biochemical and Histological Study)
Authors: Abd-elwahab Soha Abd-elkawy , Khamis Noura Hassan , Rifaai Rehab Ahmed , El-Tahawy Nashwa Fathy Gamal , Ibrahim Randa Ahmed 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine and reproductive disorders throughout female reproductive age. Cell free therapy [conditioned media (CM) & exosomes (EXO)] is a promising approach in regenerative medicine. This study aimed to compare between the therapeutic effects of stem cell-derived CM and exosomes on induced animal model of polycystic ovary. Polycystic ovary (PCO) was induced in female rats (3–4 weeks old, weighing 70–80 g) by letrozole with a dose of 1 mg/kg/day dissolved in carboxymethylcellulose 1% orally once daily for 5 weeks. Animals were divided into four groups: control group, PCO group, EXO-treated group, and CM-treated group. Serum levels of testosterone hormone, leutinizing hormone, follicle stimulatimg hormone, and insulin hormone were estimated. Immunohistochemistry using anti-P53, anti-AMP-dependent protein kinase antibodies were done. Six rats/group were used for matting with adult male rats for testing fertility. The results showed that CM had significant superior therapeutic effects on exosomes in restoring the normal histological architecture of the ovary and fertility. In summary, cell free treatment is a safe approach for tissue regeneration. Stem cell-derived CM was more effective than exosomes in restoring normal histological structure of the ovaries and fertility in animal models of polycystic ovary.
Digging deeper into NGC 6868 I: Stellar population
Authors: Benedetti João P V , Riffel Rogério , Ricci Tiago , Trevisan Marina , Riffel Rogemar A , Pastoriza Miriani , Dahmer-Hahn Luis G , Ruschel-Dutra Daniel , Rodríguez-Ardila Alberto , Hernandez-Jimenez Jose A , Steiner João 
Published: April 2023

ABSTRACT
We use Gemini integral field unit observations to map the stellar population properties in the inner region (∼680 × 470 pc2) of the galaxy NGC 6868. In order to understand the physical and chemical properties of the stellar content of this galaxy, we performed stellar population synthesis using the starlight code with the MILES simple stellar population models. We measured the absorption line indices Fe4383, Mg2, Mgb, Fe5270, and Fe5335 for the whole FoV, and used them to derive Fe3 and [MgFe]’. These indices were used to derive [α/Fe]. This galaxy is dominated by old metal-rich populations (12.6 Gyr; 1.0 and 1.6 Z⊙) with a negative metallicity gradient. We also found a recent (∼63 Myr) metal-rich (1.6 Z⊙) residual star formation in the centre of the galaxy. A dust lane with a peak extinction in the V band of 0.65 mag is seen. No signs of ordered stellar motion are found and the stellar kinematics is dispersion dominated. All indices show a spatial profile varying significantly along the FoV. Mg2 shows a shallow gradient, compatible with the occurrence of mergers in the past. Mgb and Fe3 profiles suggest different enrichment processes for these elements. We observe three distinct regions: for R&lt; 100 pc and R &gt; 220 pc, Mg2, Mgb anticorrelate with respect to Fe3 and [MgFe]’, and for 100 pc &lt;R&lt; 220 pc, they correlate, hinting at different enrichment histories. The [α/Fe] profile is really complex and has a central value of ∼0.2 dex. We interpret this as the result of a past merger with another galaxy with a different [α/Fe] history, thus explaining the [α/Fe] maps.