bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Climate change shrinks environmental suitability for a viviparous Neotropical skink
Authors: Pio Caetano Machado Laís , de Oliveira Caetano Gabriel Henrique , Lacerda Cavalcante Vitor Hugo , B. Miles Donald , Rinaldi Colli Guarino 
Published: February 2023

AbstractAnthropogenic global warming and deforestation are significant drivers of the global biodiversity crisis. Ectothermic and viviparous animals are especially vulnerable since high environmental temperatures can impair embryonic development, but we lack knowledge about these effects upon Neotropical organisms. Here, we estimate how much of the current area with suitable habitats overlaps with protected areas and model the combined effects of climate change and deforestation on the geographic distribution of the viviparous Neotropical lizard Notomabuya frenata (Scincidae). This species ranges in Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Bolivia. We use environmental and physiological variables (locomotor performance and hours of activity) to predict suitable present and future areas, considering different scenarios of greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation. The most critical predictors of habitat suitability were isothermality (i.e., the ratio between mean diurnal temperature range and annual temperature range), precipitation during winter, and hours of activity under lower thermal extremes. Still, our models predict a contraction of suitable habitats in all future scenarios and the displacement of these areas towards eastern South America. In addition, protected areas are not enough to ensure suitable habitats for this species. Our findings highlight the vulnerability of tropical and viviparous ectotherms and suggest that even widely distributed species, such as N. frenata, may have their conservation compromised shortly due to the low representativeness of their suitable habitats in protected areas combined with the synergistic effects of climate change and deforestation. We stress the need for decision‐makers to consider the impact of range shifts in creating protected areas and managing endangered species.
Prioritizing populations based on recovery potential
Authors: McLellan Michelle L. , Dickie Melanie , Boutin Stan , Becker Marcus , Ernst Bevan , Peel Darcy , Zimmerman Kathryn L. , Serrouya Robert 
Published: February 2023

AbstractFor wide‐ranging species, it is often too expensive or politically challenging to effectively implement conservation action across their range. In these cases, conservation actions may be vigorously applied where the situation appears most dire, but inadvertently at the expense of where success is more probable. Consequently, it is prudent to use a prioritization approach that highlights areas of probable success. Using Southern Mountain Caribou as a target species, we develop a simple algorithm that integrates scaled habitat quality measures and population characteristics known to affect the demographics of caribou and weights them according to their relative importance as defined by expert opinion. The algorithm ranks subpopulations by their relative conservation status and, as a result, how likely they are to respond to additional conservation efforts and contribute to long‐term species persistence. Sensitivity analyses are then used to measure the implications of variance among key criteria and the potential variance in expert weighting. The transparent method quickly allows for real, or potential changes in criteria values, scaling, or their relative weighting, thus providing a baseline metric for conservation discussion, subpopulation comparisons, and adaptive management action. A web‐based application of the algorithm can be used directly or adapted for other species. This transparent framework can be used by conservation scientists and managers for prioritizing populations for receiving recovery actions to maximize long‐term conservation impact.
Big in the tropics–Are there thermal advantages of large body size for carpenter bees in hot climates?
Authors: Harano Ken‐ichi , Hrncir Michael 
Published: February 2023

AbstractLarge body size is a major advantage for flying insects living in cold climates. Size‐related metabolic heat production allows them to maintain their body temperature high enough for flight even at low ambient temperatures. Due to an elevated risk of overheating, however, large body size should be a disadvantage in hot climates. The present study asked whether large body size may provide a thermal benefit for bees even in tropical environments. To answer this question, we observed the foraging behaviour of two different‐sized carpenter bee species at flowers of Allamanda sp. in the hot semi‐arid region of Brazil. The larger species (Xylocopa frontalis) visited flowers preferentially earlier in the morning and at lower ambient temperatures than the smaller species (X. cearensis). Prior to the foraging peak of X. cearensis, nectar was more abundant in the flowers, which certainly increased the foraging success by X. frontalis. Under cool conditions, moreover, the large species harvested nectar more rapidly than the small species. A thermographic survey revealed that individuals of X. frontalis had higher thoracic temperatures than X. cearensis at the same ambient temperature, and that flower handling became faster with increasing thoracic temperature. These results clearly demonstrate that high thoracic temperatures associated with large body size are an advantage for big bees in hot environments, particularly early in the morning, since they allow an early foraging onset and lead to an increased nectar‐collecting efficiency.
Consistent physiological, ecological and evolutionary effects of fire regime on conservative leaf economics strategies in plant communities
Authors: Pellegrini Adam F. A. , Anderegg Leander , Pinto‐Ledezma Jesús N. , Cavender‐Bares Jeannine , Hobbie Sarah E. , Reich Peter B. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThe functional response of plant communities to disturbance is hypothesised to be controlled by changes in environmental conditions and evolutionary history of species within the community. However, separating these influences using direct manipulations of repeated disturbances within ecosystems is rare. We evaluated how 41 years of manipulated fire affected plant leaf economics by sampling 89 plant species across a savanna‐forest ecotone. Greater fire frequencies created a high‐light and low‐nitrogen environment, with more diverse communities that contained denser leaves and lower foliar nitrogen content. Strong trait–fire coupling resulted from the combination of significant intraspecific trait–fire correlations being in the same direction as interspecific trait differences arising through the turnover in functional composition along the fire‐frequency gradient. Turnover among specific clades helped explain trait–fire trends, but traits were relatively labile. Overall, repeated burning led to reinforcing selective pressures that produced diverse plant communities dominated by conservative resource‐use strategies and slow soil nitrogen cycling.
Scalp hair loss is not random across follicular units: A new insight into human hair ageing
Authors: Luo Junyu , Qian Qili , Zheng Wenxin , Gripkauskaite Ieva , Wu Sijie , Zhang Min , Li Jinxi , Fu Bingfei , Bhogal Ranjit , Murray Peter , Rowson Matthew , Li Bin , Xue Xiangyang , Gu Xuelan , Yang Yajun , Jin Li , Gunn David Andrew , Wang Sijia 
Published: February 2023

AbstractObjectivesScalp hair has the greatest number of hairs (typically 1–5) per follicular unit but is also the most susceptible body site to hair loss with age. Hence, we set‐out to determine the degree to which scalp hair parameters change with age in women and men, any sex differences thereof and whether hair loss is random across follicular units.MethodsA retrospective cross‐sectional study of 200 Chinese men and 200 Chinese women (30–69 years). Image analysis and manual counting methods were used to measure occipital located hair parameters from 6 × 8 mm shaved scalp photographs and plucked hair microscopy images.ResultsOf the five hair parameters, the number of hairs per follicular unit had the greatest (negative) correlation with age in both men and women. Men had a greater number of hairs and follicular units than women on average but had a greater decrease in the number of hairs per follicular unit with age, particularly for the loss of multi‐hair (3+) follicular units. The loss of hairs with age was significantly different to that expected by a random loss of hairs across follicular units and better described by a model of increased hair loss risk the greater number of hairs per follicular unit.ConclusionsWe have found evidence of hair loss preferentially occurring in multi‐hair follicular units, which was more pronounced in men. These data suggest that part of the reason scalp hair is more susceptible to hair loss than on other body sites is due to the greater presence of multi‐hair follicular units on the scalp.
Energy storage properties and transparency in (Ba0.6Sr0.4)1‐1.5xBixTi1‐x(Mg1/3Nb2/3)xO3 ceramics
Authors: Li Yuming , Bian Jianjiang 
Published: February 2023

AbstractFully densified (transparent) ceramic with small grain size is highly desired to improve the field breakdown strength (BDS) and its scattering. Sintering behavior, microstructural evolution, electric, dielectric, and energy storage properties of (Ba0.6Sr0.4)1‐1.5xBixTi1‐x(Mg1/3Nb2/3)xO3 (x = .04–.10) ceramics have been studied in this paper. Phase pure cubic perovskite is observed for the x = .04 composition. Nb‐rich tungsten bronze type and Ti‐rich barium titanate secondary phases are present in the x > .05 compositions. A multiphasic transparent ferroelectric ceramic with ∼74.2% (780 nm) transmittance and a high refractive index of ∼2.3 within the visible region could be successfully obtained for the x = .10 composition by traditional ceramic process. The x = .09 composition demonstrates good energy storage performance (recoverable energy density Wrec = 3.74J/cm3, efficiency η = 77% and BDS = 390kV/cm) with extremely low scattering in BDS, suggesting potential application in large sized energy storage capacitor.
Motivational pathways for farmer learning behaviour in the student‐to‐farmer university outreach
Authors: Kalule Stephen W. , Sseguya Haroon , Karubanga Gabriel , Ongeng Duncan 
Published: February 2023

AbstractIn recent times, calls for practical training of agricultural extension workers, who exhibit the right mix of competences for responsiveness to farmer learning needs, have intensified. This comes at the time when there is an increasingly growing desire for more community‐engaged African universities, and as such, making the integration of agricultural students into community outreach services a necessity. However, empirical evidence on whether student‐led outreach and training models adequately respond to the psychological learning needs of host farmers and subsequent motivation of these farmers for learning is lacking. This study uses a structural equation modelling technique on a sample of 283 farmers who had previously participated in the student‐to‐farmer outreach of Gulu University. Results reveal that satisfying farmer learning needs influences intrinsic motivation, formation of learning intentions and farmer learning behaviour. Intrinsic motivation mediates the relationship between satisfying farmer learning needs and the outcome learning behaviour. We conclude that satisfying farmer learning needs is a strong initiator of motivational pathways for farmer learning behaviour in the student‐to‐farmer university outreach. We call for more public financing of university outreach programmes so as to enable not only training for churning out graduates with the right competences of responsiveness to community needs but also fostering creative innovations involving both universities and communities.
Circadian clock regulates developmental time through ecdysone and juvenile hormones in Bombyx mori
Authors: Qiu Jianfeng , Dai Taiming , Luo Cheng , Cui Wenzhao , Liu Kai , Li Jianglan , Sima Yanghu , Xu Shiqing 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThe circadian clock plays an integral role in hormone biosynthesis and secretion. However, how the circadian clock precisely coordinates hormonal homeostasis to maintain normal animal development remains unclear. Here, we show that knocking out the core clock gene Cryptochrome 1 (Cry1) significantly delays the developmental time in Bombyx mori. This study focuses on the ecdysone and juvenile hormone signalling pathways of fifth instar larvae with the longest developmental time delay. We found that the mutant reduced prothoracicotropic hormone synthesis in the brain, and could not produce sufficient ecdysone in the prothoracic gland, resulting in a delayed peak of 20‐hydroxyecdysone titre in the hemolymph of fifth instar larvae, prolonging developmental time. Moreover, further investigation revealed that the mutant enhanced juvenile hormone biosynthesis and signalling pathway and that this higher juvenile hormone titre also resulted in prolonged developmental time in fifth instar larvae. Our results provide insights into the molecular mechanisms by which the circadian clock regulates animal development by maintaining hormonal homeostasis.
Caspase‐6 is a key regulator of cross‐talk signal way in PANoptosis in cancer
Authors: Qi Ling , Wang Li , Jin Mengru , Jiang Mingxia , Li Lisha , Li Yanjing 
Published: February 2023

AbstractCysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase (caspase)‐6 belongs to the caspase family and plays a vital role in mediating cell death. Under certain conditions, three pathways of programmed cell death (PCD), including apoptosis, necroptosis and pyroptosis (PANoptosis), transform one way into another, with enormous therapeutic potential. Initially, scholars reported that caspase‐6 is a caspase executor that mediates apoptosis. With the ceaseless exploration of the PCD types, studies have demonstrated that caspase‐6 mediates pyroptosis by regulating gasdermin D and mediates necroptosis by regulating mixed lineage kinase domain‐like. By regulating PANoptosis, caspase‐6 plays a crucial role in tumorigenesis in humans and mediates anti‐tumour immunity. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of caspase‐6 function in cancer via PANoptosis is important for the prevention and therapy of tumours. This article summarized the function of caspase‐6 in PANoptosis and its impact on cancer development, providing targets and strategies for tumour treatment.
Predicting and optimizing the physical and spectroscopic properties of phosphate laser glasses using a phase diagram approach
Authors: Dong Shuangli , Jia Yanqi , Xiao Yongbao , Zhang Qinyuan 
Published: February 2023

AbstractDespite the significant technological applications of laser glasses, the quantitative prediction and optimization of their properties, particularly the spectroscopic properties, remain challenging. Here we address this problem by regarding the nearest‐neighboring congruently melting compounds as the “component and structural motifs” based on the phase diagram approach. The composition–structure–property (CSP) relationships of Nd3+‐doped ternary phosphate glasses are investigated. Spectroscopic properties are quantitatively predicted with an error of less than 10% compared to the experimental results. In particular, the fluorescence lifetime (τm) can be accurately calculated using the phase diagram approach, which is difficult to be predicted previously. Furthermore, the CSP databases with over 1000 compositions are established for the optimization of commercial laser glasses. This study enriches the CSP database of traditional laser glass and provides guiding significance for future research.
A tohu (sign) to open our eyes to the realities of Indigenous Māori registered nurses: A qualitative study
Authors: Komene Ebony , Gerrard Debra , Pene Bobbie , Parr Jenny , Aspinall Cath , Wilson Denise 
Published: February 2023

AbstractAimsIdentify the experiences of Māori nurses and priorities for a Māori model of relational care working with Māori patients and their whānau (extended family network) in acute hospital services.BackgroundMāori, the Indigenous peoples of Aotearoa (New Zealand), have a relational and holistic worldview fundamental to establishing relationships with Māori patients and their whānau. Increasing the Indigenous Māori nursing workforce can improve Māori patient experiences but is challenged by ongoing recruitment and retention issues.DesignA qualitative Māori‐centred research methodology with 12 Māori nurses.MethodsData were collected using wānanga (learning through discussion, deliberation and consideration) using he aha ō hikoi (journey mapping) and kōrero mai (storytelling). Inductive thematic analysis was undertaken using a mahi a roopū (group process) approach. This study was conducted between May 2022 and June 2022.ResultsThree key themes: (1) Māori first, nurse second, (2) Cultural loading and (3) Compromised realities were identified. Māori nurses' praxis used their complex cultural and clinical intelligence to engage in a mana‐enhancing way (strengths‐based) to improve the care delivery for whānau Māori during their hospitalization journey. Cultural loading meant Māori nurses were often burdened with unrecognized workloads as they provided care for Māori patients and whānau, which often compromised their cultural integrity.ConclusionNurses' commitment to care for whānau and their assigned patient load created extra burdens and threatened their cultural integrity. Their experiences highlighted modes of practice rather than models of care required to improve healthcare delivery for Māori entering the hospital. These findings signal issues and areas nursing leaders need to heed, necessary for addressing the retention of Māori in nursing and improving workload equity.Patient or Public ContributionMāori nurses and service users were involved in the interpretation of the data.
No difference between critical and sprint swimming speeds for two galaxiid species
Authors: Crawford Rachel , Gee Eleanor , Dupont Deborah , Hicks Brendan , Franklin Paul 
Published: February 2023

AbstractResearchers have used laboratory experiments to examine how fish might be affected by anthropogenic alterations and conclude how best to adjust fish passage and culvert remediation designs in response. A common way to document swimming performance for this purpose is measuring fish critical swimming speed (Ucrit). Nonetheless, the Ucrit protocol as defined by Brett [(1964) Journal of the Fisheries Research Board of Canada, 21, 1183–1226] may be inappropriate for studying swimming performance and determining how it relates to upstream migration in benthic fish, as they may not actively swim throughout the entire Ucrit test. An alternative method to estimate swimming performance is sprint swimming speed (Usprint), which is suggested to be a measure of the burst speed of fish rather than maximum sustained swimming speed. The authors conducted comparative swimming performance experiments to evaluate whether Usprint can be used to compare swimming performance of benthic species to that of pelagic, actively swimming species. They measured individual swimming speeds of īnanga (Galaxias maculatus), an actively swimming pelagic species, and banded kōkopu (Galaxias fasciatus), a fish that exhibits benthic station‐holding behaviour, using both the Usprint and Ucrit test. Experiments revealed that no significant statistical difference between swimming speeds was estimated using the Ucrit and Usprint test protocols for both G. maculatus and G. fasciatus. The result of this study suggests that fish swimming speeds obtained using these two methods are comparable for the species used in this study. By using Usprint for benthic‐associated fish and Ucrit for pelagic fish, we may be able to compare a broader range of species' swimming abilities for use in a fish passage context.
Key separable events in the remodelling of the pharyngeal arches
Authors: Poopalasundaram Subathra , Richardson Jo , Graham Anthony 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThe pharyngeal arches are a series of bulges on the lateral surface of the embryonic head. They are a defining feature of the most conserved, the phylotypic, stage of vertebrate development. In many vertebrate clades, the segmental arrangement of the pharyngeal arches is translated into the iterative anatomy of the gill arches. However, in amniotes the pharyngeal arches undergo a rearrangement during development and the segmental organisation of the pharynx is lost. This remodelling involves the expansion of the second arch which comes to overlie the more posterior arches. A transient sinus forms between the expanded second arch and the posterior arches, that is then lost, and the posterior arches are internalised. The morphogenesis of the second arch has been viewed as being central to this remodelling. Yet little is known about this process. Therefore, in this study, we have characterised the development of the second arch. We show that as the second arch expands, its posterior margin forms a leading edge and that the mesenchymal cells subjacent to this are in an elevated proliferative state. We further show that the posterior marginal epithelium is the site of expression of three key developmental signalling molecules: BMP7, FGF8 and SHH, and that their expression continues throughout the period of expansion. Using a novel approach, we have been able to simultaneously inhibit these three pathways, and we find that when this is done the second arch fails to establish its caudal projection and that there is a loss of proliferation in the posterior mesenchymal cells of the second arch. We have further used this manipulation to ask if the internalisation of the posterior arches is dependent upon the expansion of the second arch. We find that it is not—the posterior arches are still internalised when the expansion of the second arch is curtailed. We further show that while the collapse of the sinus is dependent upon thyroid hormone signalling, that this is not the case for the internalisation of the posterior pouches. Thus, the internalisation of the posterior arches is not dependent on the expansion of the second arch or on the collapse of the sinus. Finally, we show that the termination of expansion of the second arch correlates with a burst of morphogenetic cell death suggesting a mechanism for ending this. Thus, while it has long been thought that it is the morphogenesis of the second arch that drives the remodelling of the pharyngeal arches, we show that this is not the case. Rather the remodelling of the pharyngeal arches is a composite process that can split into contemporaneous but separate events: the expansion of the second arch, the internalisation of the posterior arches and the collapse of the sinus.