bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Scat as a source of DNA for population monitoring
Authors: Manning Jeffrey A. , Edwards Taylor , Clemons John , Leavitt Daniel J. , Goldberg Caren S. , Culver Melanie 
Published: October 2022

AbstractSampling fecal droppings (scat) to genetically identify individual animals is an established method for monitoring mammal populations and could be highly useful for monitoring reptile populations. Whereas existing protocols for obtaining DNA from reptile scat focus on analyses of whole, fresh scat deposited during animal handling, the collection of scat naturally deposited by reptiles in situ, as required for non‐invasive population monitoring, requires protocols to extract highly degraded DNA. Using surface swabs from such scats can reduce PCR inhibition and increase genotyping success. We report on three related but independently designed studies of DNA analyses from scat swabs of herbivorous reptiles under natural desert conditions: two free‐ranging desert tortoise species (Agassiz's desert tortoise, Gopherus agassizii, California, US, and Morafka's desert tortoise, G. morafkai, Arizona, US) and the common chuckwalla (Sauromalus atar) (Arizona, US, and Sonora, MX). We analyzed samples from both tortoise species with the same set of 16 microsatellites and chuckwalla samples with four mtDNA markers; studies also varied in swab preservation medium and DNA extraction method. Microsatellite amplification success per sample, defined as ≥9 loci with amplification, was 15% for the study of Agassiz's desert tortoise and for the study of 42% Morafka's desert tortoise. For chuckwallas, we successfully amplified and sequenced 50% of samples. We recovered fragments up to 400 bp for tortoises and 980 bp for chuckwallas from scat swab samples. This study indicates that genotypes can successfully be obtained from swabs of scat from herbivorous reptiles collected in the field under natural environmental conditions and emphasizes that repeat amplifications are necessary for the genetic identification of individuals from non‐invasive samples.
Diversification of East Asian subtropical evergreen broadleaved forests over the last 8 million years
Authors: Ye Jun‐Wei , Li De‐Zhu 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThe evolution of subtropical evergreen broadleaved forests (EBLFs) in East Asia is interesting while complicated. Genus‐level phylogenies indicate that the origins of EBLFs could trace back to the Oligocene–Miocene boundary or even the Eocene, while population‐level phylogeographic evidence suggests that they diversified after the Miocene, particularly in the Pleistocene. Here, we review the origins of dominant plant species to better understand the evolution of EBLFs. We compiled published estimates of the timing of origin of dominant species and diversification of evergreen relict genera from East Asian EBLFs. We also traced and visualized the evolution of EBLFs in the region using dated phylogenies and geographic distributions of the reviewed taxa. Most (76.1%) of the dominant species originated after the late Miocene, ca. 8 million years ago. Of the 10 evergreen relict genera, eight diverged near the late Miocene–Pliocene boundary or during the late Pliocene, and the remaining two diverged during the Pleistocene. Over the past 8 million years, geo‐climatic changes have triggered origins of most of the dominant EBLF species and provided refugia for evergreen relict genera. Three pulsed phases of evolution are suggested by genetic studies at the genus, species, and population levels. Fossil evidence and spatiotemporal investigations should be integrated to fully understand the evolution of EBLFs in East Asia.
Reconstructing midge consumer–resource dynamics using carbon stable isotope signatures of archived specimens
Authors: McCormick Amanda R. , Phillips Joseph S. , Botsch Jamieson C. , Einarsson Árni , Gardarsson Arnthor , Ives Anthony R. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractPopulation cycles can be caused by consumer–resource interactions. Confirming the role of consumer–resource interactions, however, can be challenging due to an absence of data for the resource candidate. For example, interactions between midge larvae and benthic algae likely govern the high‐amplitude population fluctuations of Tanytarsus gracilentus in Lake Mývatn, Iceland, but there are no records of benthic resources concurrent with adult midge population counts. Here, we investigate consumer population dynamics using the carbon stable isotope signatures of archived T. gracilentus specimens collected from 1977 to 2015, under the assumption that midge δ13C values reflect those of resources they consumed as larvae. We used the time series for population abundance and δ13C to estimate interactions between midges and resources while accounting for measurement error and possible preservation effects on isotope values. Results were consistent with consumer–resource interactions: high δ13C values preceded peaks in the midge population, and δ13C values tended to decline after midges reached high abundance. One interpretation of this dynamic coupling is that midge isotope signatures reflect temporal variation in benthic algal δ13C values, which we expected to mirror primary production. Following from this explanation, high benthic production (enriched δ13C values) would contribute to increased midge abundance, and high midge abundance would result in declining benthic production (depleted δ13C values). An additional and related explanation is that midges deplete benthic algal abundance once they reach peak densities, causing midges to increase their relative reliance on other resources including detritus and associated microorganisms. Such a shift in resource use would be consistent with the subsequent decline in midge δ13C values. Our study adds evidence that midge–resource interactions drive T. gracilentus fluctuations and demonstrates a novel application of stable isotope time‐series data to understand consumer population dynamics.
Temperature synchronizes temporal variation in laying dates across European hole‐nesting passerines
Authors: Vriend Stefan J. G. , Grøtan Vidar , Gamelon Marlène , Adriaensen Frank , Ahola Markus P. , Álvarez Elena , Bailey Liam D. , Barba Emilio , Bouvier Jean‐Charles , Burgess Malcolm D. , Bushuev Andrey , Camacho Carlos , Canal David , Charmantier Anne , Cole Ella F. , Cusimano Camillo , Doligez Blandine F. , Drobniak Szymon M. , Dubiec Anna , Eens Marcel , Eeva Tapio , Erikstad Kjell Einar , Ferns Peter N. , Goodenough Anne E. , Hartley Ian R. , Hinsley Shelley A. , Ivankina Elena , Juškaitis Rimvydas , Kempenaers Bart , Kerimov Anvar B. , Kålås John Atle , Lavigne Claire , Leivits Agu , Mainwaring Mark C. , Martínez‐Padilla Jesús , Matthysen Erik , van Oers Kees , Orell Markku , Pinxten Rianne , Reiertsen Tone Kristin , Rytkönen Seppo , Senar Juan Carlos , Sheldon Ben C. , Sorace Alberto , Török János , Vatka Emma , Visser Marcel E. , Sæther Bernt‐Erik 
Published: October 2022

AbstractIdentifying the environmental drivers of variation in fitness‐related traits is a central objective in ecology and evolutionary biology. Temporal fluctuations of these environmental drivers are often synchronized at large spatial scales. Yet, whether synchronous environmental conditions can generate spatial synchrony in fitness‐related trait values (i.e., correlated temporal trait fluctuations across populations) is poorly understood. Using data from long‐term monitored populations of blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus, n = 31), great tits (Parus major, n = 35), and pied flycatchers (Ficedula hypoleuca, n = 20) across Europe, we assessed the influence of two local climatic variables (mean temperature and mean precipitation in February–May) on spatial synchrony in three fitness‐related traits: laying date, clutch size, and fledgling number. We found a high degree of spatial synchrony in laying date but a lower degree in clutch size and fledgling number for each species. Temperature strongly influenced spatial synchrony in laying date for resident blue tits and great tits but not for migratory pied flycatchers. This is a relevant finding in the context of environmental impacts on populations because spatial synchrony in fitness‐related trait values among populations may influence fluctuations in vital rates or population abundances. If environmentally induced spatial synchrony in fitness‐related traits increases the spatial synchrony in vital rates or population abundances, this will ultimately increase the risk of extinction for populations and species. Assessing how environmental conditions influence spatiotemporal variation in trait values improves our mechanistic understanding of environmental impacts on populations.
Community assembly history alters relationships between biodiversity and ecosystem functions during restoration
Authors: Catano Christopher P. , Groves Anna M. , Brudvig Lars A. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractRelationships between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning depend on the processes structuring community assembly. However, predicting biodiversity‐ecosystem functioning (BEF) relationships based on community assembly remains challenging because assembly outcomes are often contingent on history and the consequences of history for ecosystem functions are poorly understood. In a grassland restoration experiment, we isolated the role of history for the relationships between plant biodiversity and multiple ecosystem functions by initiating assembly in three different years, while controlling for all other aspects of community assembly. We found that two aspects of assembly history—establishment year and succession—altered species and trait community trajectories, which in turn altered net primary productivity, decomposition rates, and floral resources. Moreover, history altered BEF relationships (which ranged from positive to negative), both within and across functions, by modifying the causal pathways linking species identity, traits, diversity, and ecosystem functions. Our results show that the interplay of deterministic succession and environmental stochasticity during establishment mediate historical contingencies that cause variation in biodiversity and ecosystem functions, even under otherwise identical assembly conditions. An explicit attention to history is needed to understand why biodiversity‐ecosystem function relationships vary in natural ecosystems: a critical question at the intersection of fundamental theory and applications to environmental change biology and ecosystem restoration.
Brown fat detection by infrared thermography—An invaluable research methodology with noteworthy uncertainties confirmed by a mathematical proof
Authors: Leow Melvin K. S. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBrown adipose tissue (BAT) represents a pivotal scientific renaissance worthy as a strategy for obesity and diabetes since its re‐discovery in adults over a decade ago. Equally compelling is the adoption of infrared thermography (IRT) in recent times as a precise and viable alternative methodology over the ‘gold standard’ PET‐CT scan, given constraints of the latter's high ionizing radiation doses and costs. Unravelling BAT metabolic physiology in live humans has been challenging until recent rigorous validation of IRT against PET. Nevertheless, IRT remains a nascent technique with pitfalls unbeknownst to many researchers. Factors impacting its accuracy merit an in‐depth scientific scrutiny. This article discusses the strengths and pitfalls of IRT as an emergent BAT detection technique and provides a mathematical proof of its limitations that BAT researchers should be cognizant of. Understanding these limitations of IRT can prompt extra efforts to control these uncertainties with greater rigour. In conclusion, this warrants further investigations of improving IRT quality via advanced auto‐segmentation, powerful image processing of thermograms and protocol standardization along the lines of BARCIST 1.0 to minimize errors and enhance the confidence of the global BAT research community in IRT as a robust and reliable BAT research tool.
Asymmetric information flow in brain networks supporting expressive language in childhood
Authors: Sharma Vivek V. , Vannest Jennifer , Kadis Darren S. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractLow‐beta (13–23 Hz) event‐related desynchrony (ERD), a neural signature of expressive language, lateralizes from bilateral to left hemisphere in development. In contrast, low‐beta event‐related synchrony (ERS), thought to reflect inhibition, lateralizes from bilateral to the right hemisphere across development. Using whole‐brain directed connectivity analyses, we aimed to characterize hemispheric and regional contributions to expressive language, in childhood. We studied 80 children and adolescents, 4 to less than 19 years of age, performing covert auditory verb generation in magnetoencephalography. Outdegree, indegree, and betweenness centrality were used to differentiate regions acting as drivers, receivers, and bridging hubs, respectively. The number of suprathreshold connections significantly increased with age for delta band (p < .01). Delta outflow was mapped to left inferior frontal gyrus (IFG), while regions of right hemisphere, including right IFG, showed significant inflow. The right parietal cortex showed significant ERS, but without corresponding outdegree or indegree. Betweenness mapped to midline cortical and subcortical structures. Results suggest Broca's area develops a driving role in the language network, while Broca's homologue receives information without necessarily propagating it. Subcortical and midline hubs act as intrahemispheric relays. Findings suggest that Broca's homologue is inhibited during expressive language, in development.
Determinants of cutaneous leishmaniasis among students in Delanta district, Northeast Ethiopia: A case–control study
Authors: Dires Abebe , Gedamu Sisay , Kumar Prem , Yimam Wondosen , Ademe Sewunet , Dires Tadila 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBackground and AimsCutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is the most common form of leishmaniasis that causes skin lesions on exposed parts of the body. It is endemic in over 170 districts and highly prevalent in the northern and southern parts of Ethiopia. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the determinants of CL among students of Wegeltena secondary school in Delanta district, Northeast Ethiopia.MethodsThis unmatched case–control study was conducted from January 4 to 20, 2021 at Wegeltena secondary school. Cases were students who had an active lesion of CL and controls were students who had never been infected with CL (no active lesions). A simple random sampling technique was utilized to select participants in the control group. Data were collected by using a pretested, interviewer‐administered structured questionnaire. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed and variables were declared determinants of CL at a p value of <0.05.ResultsA total of 225 students (58 cases and 167 controls) participated in the study. The mean age of cases and controls was 18.6 (SD ± 0.99 years) and 18.5 years (SD ± 1.17 years), respectively. In this study, 74.1% of cases and 51.5% of controls have been living in rural areas. Furthermore, being male (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 4.11; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.94–8.69), rural residents (AOR = 2.95; 95% CI: 1.33–6.52), living in areas where caves (AOR = 3.63; 95% CI: 1.24–10.59), nearby forest (AOR = 4.04; 95% CI: 1.42–11.51), and hyrax available (AOR = 2.43; 95% CI: 1.16–5.08) were significantly associated with CL.ConclusionIn our study, sociodemographic and environmental factors were found to be determinants of CL. Therefore, reducing outdoor activities, wearing protective clothes, use of insecticide‐treated nets, and destruction of sand fly breeding sites shall be implemented targeting the rural population that resides in areas where forests, caves, and hyraxes are prominent.
Why do we resolutely prevent minors from indulging in online games
Authors: Li Moye , Zhu Mingxiong 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThe Chinese central government recently published a new regulation to strictly limit the time minors spend on online games, providing a favorable policy environment for the protection of their physical and mental health as well as their overall development. We first provide empirical evidence that children having more frequent online entertainment would suffer worse school performance. We then adopt analytic hierarchy process to analyze the possible hazards of minors' addiction to online games from such aspects as physical health, academic performance, family relationship, and teacher–student relationship. Recommendations are finally given on how to prevent minors from being addicted to online games.
Association between IL1RL1 gene polymorphisms and allergic rhinitis risk in the Chinese Han population
Authors: Li Zhengqing , Ren Jiajia , Zhang Jirong , Wang Xing , Liu Yonglin , Wang Qiang 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBackgroundAlthough it has been confirmed that IL1RL1 is involved in the occurrence of allergic rhinitis (AR), the role of IL1RL1 gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in AR is still unclear.MethodsWe performed a case–control study including 1000 AR patients and 1000 healthy controls. The four SNPs rs72823628 G > A, rs950881 G > T, rs72823641 T > A and rs3771175 T > A in IL1RL1 were chosen and genotyped using Agena MassARRAY platform. The relationship between IL1RL1 SNPs and AR risk was analyzed by logistic regression and assessed with odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs).ResultsOverall analysis revealed that IL1RL1 gene rs72823628, rs950881 and rs3771175 were associated with a reduced AR risk. Stratified analysis showed that the three SNPs (rs72823628, rs950881 and rs3771175) were obviously linked to a reduced risk of AR in males. Moreover, no correlation was observed between haplotypes and reduced AR risk after the false discovery rate (FDR) correction. The false positive report probability (FPRP) analysis was used to further validate significant findings.ConclusionOur study is the first to indicate that IL1RL1 gene polymorphisms (rs72823628, rs950881 and rs3771175) may be correlated with decreased risk of AR in the Chinese Han population.
Multigraded apolarity
Authors: Gałązka Maciej 
Published: October 2022

AbstractWe generalize methods to compute various kinds of rank to the case of a toric variety X embedded into projective space using a very ample line bundle . We find an upper bound on the cactus rank. We use this to compute rank, border rank, and cactus rank of monomials in when X is , the Hirzebruch surface , or the weighted projective plane .
Oleuropein Prevents OVA‐Induced Food Allergy in Mice by Enhancing the Intestinal Epithelial Barrier and Remodeling the Intestinal Flora
Authors: Guo Yuanjie , Ma Yu , Ma Liyuan , Guo Zixin , Xiao Yingliang , Liu Yunjun , Li Jie , Wang Shengnan , Liu Yixiang 
Published: October 2022

ScopeThis study assesses whether oleuropein prevents ovalbumin (OVA)‐induced food allergy (FA) and investigates the underlying mechanisms.Methods and resultsA Balb/c FA mouse model is established and maintained for 7 weeks. The subjects are administered OVA by oral gavage to induce FA and supplemented with different oleuropein doses (1.00–20.00 mg kg−1 per day) to evaluate its preventative efficacy. The results indicate that oleuropein effectively alleviates OVA‐induced allergy symptoms and promotes temperature elevation in sensitized mice. The secretion of serology‐specific OVA‐immunoglobulin (Ig)E, OVA‐IgG, and histamine is inhibited in the sensitized mice. Oleuropein dramatically upregulates the expression of intestinal tight junction (TJ) proteins, regenerating gene (Reg) IIIγ, and interleukin (IL)‐22, enhancing the physical and biochemical barrier function of the intestinal epithelium. Additionally, oleuropein improves the immune homeostasis of the intestinal epithelium by affecting the function of mucosal mast cells and regulatory T (Treg) cells. The disordered intestinal flora of the sensitized mice also improves after oleuropein administration.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that oleuropein prevents FA by enhancing intestinal epithelial barrier function and improving immune homeostasis and intestinal flora in sensitized mice. Therefore, diets rich in oleuropein should be recommended for people with FA.
Trendbericht Theoretische Chemie 2022: Quantenchemie für Atome und Moleküle in starken Magnetfeldern
Authors: Stopkowicz Stella 
Published: October 2022

AbstractMaschinelles Lernen eignet sich, um Photochemie und somit elektronisch angeregte Zustände zu beschreiben; klassische Molekulardynamiktechniken erlauben, bestimmte Aspekte der nuklearen Quanteneffekte in Probleme der physikalischen Chemie einzubeziehen, und was Finite‐Feld‐Methoden mit alten Sternen zu tun haben.
Trepanation during the late Neolithic Age from the Mapai cemetery in the Gan‐Qing region, northwestern China—A bioarcheological and experimental study
Authors: Yang Shiyu , Sun Yang , Dong He , Sun Xiaofan , Zhang Quanchao , Wang Qian 
Published: October 2022

AbstractTrepanation skulls have been found clustered in the Gan‐Qing region of northwestern China, where the trepanation also demonstrated more signs of healing than those from other areas. In this study, two skulls belonging to the pre‐Qiang people from the Mapai cemetery in the late Neolithic period in the Gan‐Qing region with trepanation were observed using ultra‐depth electron microscopy and CT imaging. Moreover, trepanation experiments were conducted to test different tools and tool combinations to investigate the trepanation technique used by the pre‐Qiang people. Results demonstrated that the trepanation openings with signs of healing were the work of experienced trepanation practitioners, most likely for therapeutic purposes. Our experiments also demonstrated that different tools need to be used to generate similar perforations, suggesting a mature trepanation procedure by the pre‐Qiang people. Although it seems clear that the two individuals in this study underwent neurosurgical operations, it is impossible to determine why that surgery was performed. The trepanation phenomenon of the Gan‐Qing region enriches our knowledge of lifestyles, health status, and primitive yet then advanced medical techniques and healthcare.