bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of drought on grassland phenology depend on functional types
Authors: Castillioni Karen , Newman Gregory S. , Souza Lara , Iler Amy M. 
Published: September 2022

Summary

Shifts in flowering phenology are important indicators of climate change. However, the role of precipitation in driving phenology is far less understood compared with other environmental cues, such as temperature.

We use a precipitation reduction gradient to test the direction and magnitude of effects on reproductive phenology and reproduction across 11 plant species in a temperate grassland, a moisture‐limited ecosystem. Our experiment was conducted in a single, relatively wet year. We examine the effects of precipitation for species, functional types, and the community.

Our results provide evidence that reduced precipitation shifts phenology, alters flower and fruit production, and that the magnitude and direction of the responses depend on functional type and species. For example, early‐blooming species shift toward earlier flowering, whereas later‐blooming species shift toward later flowering. Because of opposing species‐level shifts, there is no overall shift in community‐level phenology.

This study provides experimental evidence that changes in rainfall can drive phenological shifts. Our results additionally highlight the importance of understanding how plant functional types govern responses to changing climate conditions, which is relevant for forecasting phenology and community‐level changes. Specifically, the implications of divergent phenological shifts between early‑ and late‐flowering species include resource scarcity for pollinators and seed dispersers and new temporal windows for invasion.
From common gardens to candidate genes: exploring local adaptation to climate in red spruce
Authors: Capblancq Thibaut , Lachmuth Susanne , Fitzpatrick Matthew C. , Keller Stephen R. 
Published: September 2022

Summary
Local adaptation to climate is common in plant species and has been studied in a range of contexts, from improving crop yields to predicting population maladaptation to future conditions. The genomic era has brought new tools to study this process, which was historically explored through common garden experiments.
In this study, we combine genomic methods and common gardens to investigate local adaptation in red spruce and identify environmental gradients and loci involved in climate adaptation. We first use climate transfer functions to estimate the impact of climate change on seedling performance in three common gardens. We then explore the use of multivariate gene–environment association methods to identify genes underlying climate adaptation, with particular attention to the implications of conducting genome scans with and without correction for neutral population structure.
This integrative approach uncovered phenotypic evidence of local adaptation to climate and identified a set of putatively adaptive genes, some of which are involved in three main adaptive pathways found in other temperate and boreal coniferous species: drought tolerance, cold hardiness, and phenology. These putatively adaptive genes segregated into two ‘modules’ associated with different environmental gradients.
This study nicely exemplifies the multivariate dimension of adaptation to climate in trees.
Topological sound in two dimensions
Authors: Yves Simon , Ni Xiang , Alù Andrea 
Published: September 2022

AbstractTopology is the branch of mathematics studying the properties of an object that are preserved under continuous deformations. Quite remarkably, the powerful theoretical tools of topology have been applied over the past few years to study the electronic band structure of crystals. Topological band theory can explain and predict topological phase transitions in a material, and the unusual robustness of certain band structure shapes, such as Dirac cones, against small perturbations. These findings have also unveiled a new phase of matter—topological insulators—whose exotic transport properties at their boundaries are topologically protected against imperfections and disorder. The fascinating features of topological boundary states have triggered the search for their analogs in classical wave physics. Here, we focus on the peculiar features of two‐dimensional topological insulators for sound and mechanical waves. Two‐dimensional Dirac cones and phononic topological insulators can emerge under certain conditions in periodic acoustic metamaterials, demonstrating great potential for acoustic and mechanical systems to demonstrate, over a tabletop platform, complex fundamental phenomena driven by topological concepts. In addition, these discoveries offer a direct path toward new technologies for enhanced sound control and manipulation.
Effects of TAMP family on the tight junction strand network and barrier function in epithelial cells
Authors: Saito Akira C. , Endo Chisato , Fukazawa Yugo , Higashi Tomohito , Chiba Hideki 
Published: September 2022

AbstractOccludin, tricellulin, and marvelD3 belong to the tight junction (TJ)‐associated MARVEL protein family. Occludin and tricellulin jointly contribute to TJ strand branching point formation and epithelial barrier maintenance. However, whether marvelD3 has the same function remains unclear. Furthermore, the roles of the carboxy‐terminal cytoplasmic tail, which is conserved in occludin and tricellulin, on the regulation of TJ strand morphology have not yet been explored in epithelial cells. We established tricellulin/occludin/marveld3 triple‐gene knockout (tKO) MDCK II cells and evaluated the roles of marvelD3 in the TJ strand structure and barrier function using MDCK II cells and a mathematical model. The complexity of TJ strand networks and paracellular barrier did not change in tKO cells compared to that in tricellulin/occludin double‐gene knockout (dKO) cells. Exogenous marvelD3 expression in dKO cells did not increase the complexity of TJ strand networks and epithelial barrier tightness. The expression of the carboxy‐terminal truncation mutant of tricellulin restored the barrier function in the dKO cells, whereas occludin lacking the carboxy‐terminal cytoplasmic tail was not expressed on the plasma membrane. These data suggest that marvelD3 does not affect the morphology of TJ strands and barrier function in MDCK II cells and that the carboxy‐terminal cytoplasmic tail of tricellulin is dispensable for barrier improvement.
Quality of life assessment in childhood vitiligo in a tertiary care center in India
Authors: Dev Anubha , Narayan Vignesh , Vinay Keshavamurthy , Bishnoi Anuradha , Parsad Davinder , Kumaran Muthu Sendhil 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThe impact of vitiligo on quality of life (QOL) of children is not well studied. In this cross‐sectional study, QOL in the form of Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI) was assessed in 114 children with vitiligo over a year. The mean CDLQI was 2.72 ± 3.35. There was a significant correlation of body surface area involved with the DLQI and the impairment was higher in older children. The psychosocial burden of vitiligo in children cannot be ignored and must be tackled early on in order to prevent an ever lasting impact on young minds.
Linseed oil in boar's diet improved in vivo fertility and antioxidant status
Authors: Singh Mahak , Mollier Rongsennangba Talimoa , Patton Renphamo Nzanthung , Pongener Nungshitula , Bordoloi Lahar Jayoti , Kumar Rakesh , Katiyar Rahul , Khan Meraj Haider , Rajkhowa Dipjayoti , Mishra Vinay Kumar 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThe reactive oxygen species (ROS) which are produced during storage of boar semen are causing oxidative stress and leads to poor fertility. Also, tropical and sub‐tropical weather condition adversely impacts the physicomorphological quality and fertility of boar sperm. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of feeding linseed oil to boar on its seminal attributes, sperm kinetics, biomarkers of antioxidant, fatty acid profile of seminal plasma (SP) and sperm and in vivo fertility. Six Hampshire crossbreed boars were fed with 90 ml linseed oil (LIN) whereas six Hampshire crossbreed boars were fed 90 ml canola oil (CON) for 16 weeks. Sperm quality was evaluated (60 ejaculates for each group; a total of 120 ejaculates) for motility, livability, abnormal morphology, acrosomal membrane integrity, hypo‐osmotic swelling test (HOST) and sperm kinetic parameters by computer assisted semen analysis (CASA) at 0 h and at 72 h of storage at 17°C. Biomarkers of antioxidant (glutathione peroxidase; GPx, catalase; CAT, total antioxidant capacity; TAC) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured in SP and serum. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) was used for the estimation of fatty acid composition of SP and sperm. Boars fed with linseed oil had higher semen volume (p < .01) and more total sperm numbers (p < .01). Feeding linseed oil to boar enhanced seminal attributes (p < .05) at 0 h as well as at 72 h of storage. Linseed oil feeding (p < .01) improved biomarkers of antioxidants and significantly (p < .01) lowered the lipid peroxidation in serum and SP. Linseed oil feeding (p < .05) increased the proportion of alpha linolenic (ALA), arachidonic and docosahexaenoic (DHA) fatty acids in SP. The ratio of n‐6 to n‐3 fatty acids in sperm increased significantly (p < .01) in treatment group. Farrowing rate was significantly (p < .05) higher in treatment group. In conclusion, feeding linseed oil to boar improved the in vivo fertility, enhanced antioxidant capacity and increased the DHA content of SP and sperm.
The attitudes of religious group leaders towards xenotransplantation: A focus group study
Authors: Hurst Daniel J , Padilla Luz A. , Cooper David KC , Walters Wendy , Paris Wayne 
Published: September 2022

AbstractClinical trials of xenotransplantation (XTx) may start in coming years. Religious views have been mentioned as possible barriers to XTx acceptance. While there have been reports on perspectives of theologians in regard to XTx, no report has studied the perspectives of community religious leaders. A focus group was conducted with a sample of members of the following faith groups: Islam, Catholicism, and Protestantism. Qualitative content analysis was performed to identify interpretive themes. Four themes emerged. Participants were receptive to the idea of XTx and expressed no religious barriers to accepting a pig xenograft as a lifesaving therapy but did express certain concerns. Religious leaders accept the idea of XTx and do not see it as contradictory to their beliefs. However, some concerns were raised. Future studies addressing these concerns and exploring the potential role of religious leaders in educating the community on XTx are needed.
Formation and computational implications of assemblies in neural circuits
Authors: Miehl Christoph , Onasch Sebastian , Festa Dylan , Gjorgjieva Julijana 
Published: September 2022

AbstractIn the brain, patterns of neural activity represent sensory information and store it in non‐random synaptic connectivity. A prominent theoretical hypothesis states that assemblies, groups of neurons that are strongly connected to each other, are the key computational units underlying perception and memory formation. Compatible with these hypothesised assemblies, experiments have revealed groups of neurons that display synchronous activity, either spontaneously or upon stimulus presentation, and exhibit behavioural relevance. While it remains unclear how assemblies form in the brain, theoretical work has vastly contributed to the understanding of various interacting mechanisms in this process. Here, we review the recent theoretical literature on assembly formation by categorising the involved mechanisms into four components: synaptic plasticity, symmetry breaking, competition and stability. We highlight different approaches and assumptions behind assembly formation and discuss recent ideas of assemblies as the key computational unit in the brain.
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A Fault Diagnosis Method for Lithium Batteries Based on Optimal Variational Modal Decomposition and Dimensionless Feature Parameters
Authors: Chang Chun , Tao Chen , Wang Shaojin , Zhang Ruhang , Tian Aina , Jiang Jiuchun 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Due to the frequent occurrence of electric vehicles safety accidents caused by battery system failures, in order to ensure the normal operation of the vehicle, it is crucial to do a fault diagnosis of the electric vehicle lithium battery. This paper presents a fault diagnosis method for lithium batteries based on optimal variational modal decomposition and dimensionless feature parameters for identifying faulty batteries. The method first preprocesses the voltage signal of a lithium battery by optimal variable mode decomposition to obtain the high- and low-frequency components of the signal and reconstructs the high- and low-frequency components. Then, the dimensionless feature parameters are extracted according to the reconstructed signal, and feature reduction of the dimensionless feature parameters is carried out by a locally linear embedding algorithm. Finally, a local outlier factor algorithm is used to detect faulty batteries. After verified by the operation data before the real electric vehicle's thermal runaway failure, this method can detect the faulty battery timely and accurately.
Continuous Thermoregulatory Responses to a Mass-Participation 89-km Ultramarathon Road Race
Authors: Byrne Christopher , Cosnefroy Aurelien , Eston Roger , Lee Jason K.W. , Noakes Tim 
Published: September 2022

Purpose: To continuously measure body core temperature (Tc) throughout a mass-participation ultramarathon in subelite recreational runners to quantify Tc magnitude and the influence of aerobic fitness and body fat. Methods: Twenty-three participants (19 men and 4 women; age 45 [9] y; body mass 72.0 [9.3] kg; body fat 26% [6%]; peak oxygen uptake 50 [6] mL·kg−1·min−1) had gastrointestinal temperature measured during an 89-km ultramarathon. Prerace-to-postrace changes in body mass, plasma sodium, and fluid and food recall quantified body water balance. Results: In maximal environmental conditions of 26.3 °C and 53% humidity, 21 of the 23 participants finished in 10:28 (01:10) h:min while replacing 49% (27%) of sweat losses, maintaining plasma sodium (140 [3] mmol·L−1), and dehydrating by 4.1% (1.3%). Mean maximum Tc was 39.0 (0.5) (range 38.2–40.1 °C) with 90% of race duration ≤39.0 °C. Mean maximum ΔTc was 1.9 (0.9) (0.9–2.7 °C) with 95% of race duration ≤2.0 °C. Over 0 to 45 km, associations between ΔTc and peak oxygen uptake (positive) and body fat (negative) were observed. Over 58 to 89 km, associations between Tc and peak oxygen uptake (negative) and body fat (positive) were observed. Conclusions: Modest Tc responses were observed in recreational ultramarathon runners. Runners with higher levels of aerobic fitness and lower levels of body fat demonstrated the greatest changes in Tc during the first half of the race. Conversely, runners with lower levels of aerobic fitness and higher levels of body fat demonstrated the greatest absolute Tc in the final third of the race.
Understanding patient partnership in health systems: lessons from the Canadian patient partner survey
Authors: Abelson Julia , Canfield Carolyn , Leslie Myles , Levasseur Mary Anne , Rowland Paula , Tripp Laura , Vanstone Meredith , Panday Janelle , Cameron David , Forest Pierre-Gerlier , Sussman Daniel , Wilson Geoff 
Published: September 2022

ObjectivesTo examine the sociodemographic characteristics, activities, motivations, experiences, skills and challenges of patient partners working across multiple health system settings in Canada.DesignOnline cross-sectional survey of self-identified patient partners.SettingPatient partners in multiple jurisdictions and health system organisations.Participants603 patient partners who had drawn on their experiences with the health system as a patient, family member or informal caregiver to try to improve it in some way, through their involvement in the activities of a group, organisation or government.ResultsSurvey respondents predominantly identified as female (76.6%), white (84%) and university educated (70.2%) but were a heterogeneous group in the scope (activities and organisations), intensity (number of hours) and longevity (number of years) of their role. Primary motivations for becoming a patient partner were the desire to improve the health system based on either a negative (36.2%) or positive (23.3%) experience. Respondents reported feeling enthusiastic (83.6%), valued (76.9%) and needed (63.3%) always or most of the time; just under half felt they had always or often been adequately compensated in their role. Knowledge of the health system and the organisation they partner with are key skills needed. Two-thirds faced barriers in their role with over half identifying power imbalances. Less than half were able to see how their input was reflected in decisions or changes always or most of the time, and 40.3% had thought about quitting.ConclusionsThis survey is the first of its kind to examine at a population level, the characteristics, experiences and dynamics of a large sample of self-identified patient partners. Patient partners in this sample are a sociodemographically homogenous group, yet heterogeneous in the scope, intensity and longevity of roles. Our findings provide key insights at a critical time, to inform the future of patient partnership in health systems.
Impact of immediate and continuous heart rate feedback by dry electrode ECG on time to initiation of ventilation after birth: protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Rettedal Siren , Kibsgaard Amalie , Eilevstjønn Joar , Kvaløy Jan Terje , Bjorland Peder Aleksander , Markhus Pike Hanne , Haynes Joanna , Tysland Thomas Bailey , Størdal Ketil , Holte Kari , Davis Peter G , Ersdal Hege Langli 
Published: September 2022

Introduction3%–8% of newborns need positive pressure ventilation (PPV) after birth. Heart rate (HR) is considered the most sensitive indicator of the newborns’ condition and response to resuscitative interventions. According to guidelines, HR should be assessed and PPV initiated within 60 s after birth in non-breathing newborns. Dry electrode ECG can provide accurate feedback on HR immediately after birth and continuously during resuscitation. The impact of early and continuous HR feedback is unknown.Method and analysisThis single-centre randomised controlled trial seeks to determine if HR feedback by dry electrode ECG immediately after birth and continuously during newborn resuscitation results in more timely initiation of PPV, improved ventilation and short-term outcomes compared with standard HR assessment.In all newborns≥34 gestational weeks, the dry electrode ECG sensor is placed on the upper abdomen immediately after birth as an additional modality of HR assessment. The device records and stores HR signals. In intervention subjects, the HR display is visible to guide decision-making and further management, in control subjects the display is masked. Standard HR assessment is by stethoscope, gel-electrode ECG and/or pulse oximetry (PO).Time of birth is registered in the Liveborn app. Time of initiation and duration of PPV is calculated from video recordings. Ventilation parameters are retrieved from the ventilation monitor, oxygen saturation and HR from the PO and gel-electrode ECG monitors.The primary endpoint is proportion of resuscitated newborns who receive PPV within 60 s after birth. To detect a 50% increase with power of 90% using an overall significance level of 0.05 and 1 interim analysis, 169 newborns are needed in each group.Ethics and disseminationApproval by the Norwegian National Research Ethics Committee West (2018/338). Parental consent is sought at routine screening early in pregnancy. The results will be published in peer-reviewed journal and presented at conferences.Trial registration numberNCT03849781.
Corticosteroids to safely reduce neonatal respiratory morbidity after late preterm and term planned caesarean section birth? A randomised placebo-controlled feasibility study
Authors: CHAN Johanna , Mackay Laura , Bloomfield Frank , Crowther Caroline , Lee Arier , Morris Jonathan M , Hay Rebecca , Oakes-ter Bals Mariska , Thurnell Christopher , De Jong Phoebe , Carlsen Victoria , Williams Tracey , Groom KM 
Published: September 2022

ObjectivesTo assess the feasibility of conducting a randomised placebo-controlled trial of corticosteroids prior to planned caesarean section from 35+0 to 39+6 weeks.DesignA triple-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel, trial randomised at the participant level (1:1 ratio). Additional feasibility data obtained by questionnaires from trial participants and women who declined trial participation, and focus groups with local site researchers and clinicians.SettingThree obstetric units in New Zealand including tertiary and secondary care; public and private care, and research active and non-active units.ParticipantsWomen undergoing a planned caesarean section from 35+0 to 39+6 weeks; local site researchers and clinicians.InterventionsTwo doses of 11.4 mg betamethasone or saline placebo. Questionnaires and focus group meetings.Primary and secondary outcome measuresPrimary outcome: trial recruitment rate of eligible women. Secondary outcomes: trial recruitment by gestational age, site and delivery indication; proportion of babies who completed measurements of blood glucose concentrations as per protocol; overall incidence neonatal respiratory distress requiring >60 min of respiratory support; overall incidence of neonatal hypoglycaemia, and barriers and enablers to trial participation by participants, researchers and clinicians.ResultsThe recruitment rate was 8.9% (88/987) overall and 11.2% (88/789) for those approached about the trial. Neonatal blood glucose concentrations were measured as per protocol in 87/92 (94.6%) babies. For potential participants, key enablers to participation were contributing to research, a feeling of relevance and a good understanding; key barriers were a lack of understanding and concerns over safety. For researchers and clinicians, themes representing enablers and barriers included relevance, communication and awareness, influences on women’s decision-making, resource challenges and trial process practicalities.ConclusionsSome women are willing to participate in a randomised placebo-controlled trial of corticosteroids prior to a planned caesarean section birth at late preterm and term gestations. Participation in such a trial can be enhanced.