bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Maternal binge alcohol consumption leads to distinctive acute perturbations in embryonic cardiac gene expression profiles
Authors: Abraham Shani , Lindo Chad , Peoples Jessica , Cox Amanda , Lytle Erika , Nguyen Vu , Mehta Meeti , Alvarez Jose D. , Yooseph Shibu , Pacher Pal , Ebert Steven N. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractBackgroundExcessive alcohol consumption during pregnancy is associated with high risk of congenital heart defects, but it is unclear how alcohol specifically affects heart development during the acute aftermath of a maternal binge drinking episode. We hypothesize that administration of a single maternal binge dose of alcohol to pregnant mice at embryonic day 9.5 (E9.5) causes perturbations in the expression patterns of specific genes in the developing heart in the acute period (1–3 days) following the binge episode. To test this hypothesis and identify strong candidate ethanol‐sensitive target genes of interest, we adapted a mouse binge alcohol model that is associated with a high incidence of congenital heart defects as described below.Methods/ResultsPregnant mice were administered a single dose of alcohol (2.5 g/kg in saline) or control (saline alone) via oral gavage. To evaluate the impact of maternal binge alcohol on cardiac gene expression profiles, we isolated embryonic hearts from both groups (n = 5/group) at 24, 48, and 72 h post‐gavage for transcriptomic analyses. RNA was extracted and evaluated using quantitative RNA‐sequencing (RNA‐Seq) methods. To identify a cohort of binge‐altered cardiac genes, we set the threshold for change at >2.0‐fold difference with adjustedp < 0.05 versus control. RNA‐Seq analysis of cardiac gene expression revealed that of the 17 genes that were altered within the first 48 h post‐binge, with the largest category consisting of transcription factors (Alx1, Alx4, HoxB7, HoxD8,andRunx2), followed by signaling molecules (Adamts18, Dkk2, Rtl1,andWnt7a). Furthermore, multiple comparative and pathway analyses suggested that several of the candidate genes identified through differential RNA‐Seq analysis may interact through certain common pathways. To investigate this further, we performed gene‐specific qPCR analyses for three representative candidate targets:Runx2,Wnt7a, andMlxipl. Notably, onlyWnt7ashowed significantly (p < 0.05) decreased expression in response to maternal binge alcohol in the qPCR assays.ConclusionsThese findings identifyWnt7aand a short list of potential other candidate genes and pathways for further study, which could provide mechanistic insights into how maternal binge alcohol consumption produces congenital cardiac malformations.
Experience of shocks, household wealth and expectation formation: Evidence from smallholder farmers in Kenya
Authors: Freudenreich Hanna , Kebede Sindu W. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractWhen faced with uncertain events, decision‐makers form expectations about the events’ likelihood of occurrence. However, the drivers and moderators of such expectations are still poorly understood, especially for farm decision‐makers in developing countries whose incomes are very risky by nature. This article analyses the dynamic shock expectation formation process of farmers in Kenya with regard to a range of shock events using a unique panel dataset. The results suggest that farmers are more likely to update their expectation regarding a specific adverse shock when they have recently been affected by that shock or by more shocks in general. In case of price shocks, farmers are also more likely to update expectations when a larger proportion of fellow village members was affected. However, household wealth moderates the relationship between shock expectation and experience, such that wealthier households are less likely to update their expectations following a shock. A better understanding of the drivers of expectation formation can help in the design of better risk management instruments that increase farmers’ resilience.
Potential effects of changes in climate, population density and land use land cover on spatial distribution of Adansonia digitata suitable habitats in Africa
Authors: Chitungo Batsirai , Manyangadze Tawanda , Ndlela Shepard 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThe objective of the current study was to determine the potential effects of changes in climate, population density and land use land cover (LULC) on the spatial distribution of Adansonia digitata (baobab tree) suitable habitats in Africa using MaxEnt. Across its distribution, A. digitata is confined to Africa's mainland and isolated parts of the continent such as Madagascar. The geographical distribution of A. digitata will shrink gradually under climate change scenarios (RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5), population density and LULC‐development threat changes. Rainfall wettest quarter, soil type, elevation, rainfall seasonality and mean annual rainfall were the most important variables in terms of relative contribution to the occurrence of A. digitata. Population density was also important compared to LULC – development threat index. Only a small part of the current range of the baobab tree in Africa will retain suitable environmental conditions for viable baobab populations in future, high concentration will be in Malawi, Mozambique and parts of Benin, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Tanzania and Madagascar. Despite threats to the specie, there are areas currently not suitable although they will be suitable in future. There is an urgent need for conservation strategies aimed at preserving A. digitata to benefit local communities socially and economically.
An assessment of avian species sold in the South African pet trade
Authors: Shivambu Tinyiko C. , Shivambu Ndivhuwo , Downs Colleen T. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractNon‐native species have been translocated from their native to new geographic ranges through the pet trade. Consequently, some become threatened with extinction, while some establish and become invasive. We surveyed 117 physical pet stores across South Africa between September 2018 and September 2019 to determine avian species composition, availability, price and IUCN status. We reviewed the literature to determine which avian species have established populations outside captivity, including their impacts and clutch sizes. We recorded 169 avian species from 26 families, of which 147 were non‐natives. Psittacidae (23%) and Estrildidae (20%) were the most available families. The budgerigar Melopsittacus undulatus, zebra finch Taeniopygia guttata, and Fischer's lovebird Agapornis fischeri were the most available species recorded in all the provinces. Most species were listed as least concern (78%) and sold at lower prices, while threatened species were rarely available and sold at higher prices. Only 14 avian species have established populations outside captivity, with most associated with agricultural impact. In addition, six of these 14 species were among the top 20 most traded and have been observed outside captivity in South Africa. Assessing the trade of avian species is essential for conservation and invasive species management. The results from this study may help improve early surveillance for detecting the establishment of potential invasive avian species.
Interdisciplinary model‐informed drug development for extending duration of elagolix treatment in patients with uterine fibroids
Authors: Beck Denise , Winzenborg Insa , Gao Wei , Mostafa Nael M. , Chiuve Stephanie E. , Owens Charlotte , Shebley Mohamad 
Published: June 2022

AimElagolix, a gonadotropin‐releasing hormone receptor antagonist, was recently approved for heavy menstrual bleeding associated with uterine fibroids (UF, Oriahnn) at a dose of 300 mg twice daily (BID) in combination with add‐back therapy (oestradiol 1 mg/norethindrone acetate 0.5 mg [E2/NETA] once daily) for 24 months use. The limited duration of treatment is related to elagolix dose‐ and duration‐dependent decrease in oestrogen that is mechanistically linked to changes in bone mineral density (BMD). The work herein supported the extended treatment duration of 24 months.MethodsAn integrated exposure‐response and epidemiological modelling framework of elagolix effects on femoral neck BMD (FN‐BMD), informed by real‐world data and phase 3 clinical trials data, was developed to predict the time course and magnitude of changes in BMD and its relation to risk of bone fracture in women with UF.ResultsModel results indicated that women treated with elagolix 300 mg BID + E2/NETA in the long term (ie, >24 months) may experience less than 1% loss in FN‐BMD per year, relative to placebo. The exposure‐response model simulations and clinical risk factors were used to estimate 10‐year risk of fractures using the clinically validated Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX). The impact of elagolix 300 mg BID + E2/NETA treatment on the 10‐year risk of hip or major osteoporotic fractures estimated from the FRAX model was minimal compared to that of placebo.ConclusionThe elagolix integrated exposure‐BMD analysis and translation to fracture risk provided an interdisciplinary model‐informed drug development framework for clinical benefit‐risk evaluation and enabled approval of longer treatment duration to benefit the patient.
Roosting behavior and roost selection by Epomophorus gambianus (Pteropodidae) in a west African rural landscape
Authors: Amponsah‐Mensah Kofi , Cunningham Andrew A. , Wood James L. N. , Ntiamoa‐Baidu Yaa 
Published: June 2022

AbstractUrbanization is driving many species to inhabit modified landscapes, but our understanding of how species respond to this remains limited. Bats are particularly vulnerable due to their life‐history traits but have received little attention. We describe the roosting behavior and roost site selection, including maternity roosts, for the Gambian epauletted fruit bat (Epomophorus gambianus) within a modified forest‐savannah transition ecological zone in Ghana, West Africa. We compared characteristics of roost and non‐roost sites to test the hypotheses that roost site selection is non‐random and that maternity roost site selection differs from non‐maternity roosts. Male bats were more likely to switch roost (mean = 0.49 ± 0.23 bat days, N = 23) than females (mean = 0.33 ± 0.18 bat days, N = 7) while linear distances between roosts used by males (255 ± 254 m) were significantly longer than for females (102 ± 71 m) (t = 4.50, df = 86, p < .0001). Roost trees were more likely than non‐roost trees to be bigger, taller, occur closer to buildings, and be in relatively open and less mature plots; maintaining such trees in modified landscapes could benefit the species. Lactating bats selected a subset of roost trees but significantly, those that contained a greater number of bats, a strategy which may reflect predator avoidance, or other social co‐operation benefits. Although there was a preference for five tree species, other trees with preferred characteristics were also used. Our findings contribute to the understanding of how species utilize modified landscapes, which is important in the management of biodiversity in the Anthropocene.
Le déploiement de la surveillance épidémiologique automatisée du COVID‐19 : une analyse comparée de la Corée du Sud et du Canada
Authors: Boudreau Christian , Caron Daniel J. 
Published: June 2022

SommairePartout dans le monde, divers dispositifs de surveillance ont été déployés par les gouvernements pour freiner la pandémie du COVID‐19. À partir d'une recherche documentaire portant sur deux cas contrastés, la Corée du Sud et le Canada, la présente étude montre l'influence du contexte national sur le déploiement d'une surveillance épidémiologique automatisée du COVID‐19. En plus de faire ressortir des pistes de réflexion quant à la gestion gouvernementale d'une éventuelle autre crise sanitaire, l'étude indique que la société civile peut contribuer à éclairer le débat public en amenant les gouvernements à être transparents en matière de surveillance épidémiologique automatisée. L'étude conclut sur l'importance de débattre des enjeux de surveillance en dehors des périodes de crise sanitaire pour éviter de possibles dérives causées par l'urgence d'agir.
Analysing biosensor clinical pathogen information using mayfly optimized convolute neural network approach
Authors: Alblehai Fahad , Mahmoud Mohamed H. , Akhtar M. Shaheer , Shaker Ahmed , Mohamed Abdallah A. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractViral and bacterial infection diseases are the most common things caused by microbes. Infection diseases are serious issues because of the growth of COVID‐19. Because of the current living situation, clinical pathogens are difficult to identify. Therefore, biosensors have been widely utilized to sense the biomolecules relevant to viruses and bacteria. The biosensors observe the nanoparticles from the pathogens and help improve the infection analysis. The sensor information is processed using machine learning techniques because it consists of several learning patterns. However, the existing methods have multi‐objective optimization problems while analysing the changes in the nanoparticles. This work utilizes a mayfly optimized convoluted neural network (MOCNN) to overcome this research issue. The grid uses the fully convolution layer that processes the extracted biosensor features to determine the infections. The network performance is optimized by applying the exploitation and exploration properties of nuptial dance that help to escape from the local optima solutions. The effective utilization of the optimized training patterns improves the convergence speed and convergence rate compared to traditional methods. From the results, MOCNN ensures 98.97% accuracy, 0.388 error rate, and 0.322833 convergence rate on various iterations with different learning rates.
Modelling fatigue uncertainty by means of nonconstant variance neural networks
Authors: Nashed Mohamad Shadi , Renno Jamil , Mohamed M. Shadi 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThe modelling of fatigue using machine learning (ML) has been gaining traction in the engineering community. Among ML techniques, the use of probabilistic neural networks (PNNs) has recently emerged as a candidate for modelling fatigue applications. In this paper, we use PNNs with nonconstant variance to model fatigue. We present two case studies to demonstrate the developed approach. First, we model the fatigue life of cover‐plated beams under constant amplitude loading, and then we model the relationship between random vibration velocity and equivalent stress in process pipework. The two case studies demonstrate that PNNs with nonconstant variance can model the distribution of the data while also considering the variability of both distribution parameters (mean and standard deviation). This shows the potential of PNNs with nonconstant variance in modelling fatigue applications. All the data and code used in this paper are openly available.
Climate‐driven shifts in kelp forest composition reduce carbon sequestration potential
Authors: Wright Luka Seamus , Pessarrodona Albert , Foggo Andy 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThe potential contribution of kelp forests to blue carbon sinks is currently of great interest but interspecific variance has received no attention. In the temperate Northeast Atlantic, kelp forest composition is changing due to climate‐driven poleward range shifts of cold temperate Laminaria digitata and Laminaria hyperborea and warm temperate Laminaria ochroleuca. To understand how this might affect the carbon sequestration potential (CSP) of this ecosystem, we quantified interspecific differences in carbon export and decomposition alongside changes in detrital photosynthesis and biochemistry. We found that while warm temperate kelp exports up to 71% more carbon per plant, it decomposes up to 155% faster than its boreal congeners. Elemental stoichiometry and polyphenolic content cannot fully explain faster carbon turnover, which may be attributable to contrasting tissue toughness or unknown biochemical and structural defenses. Faster decomposition causes the detrital photosynthetic apparatus of L. ochroleuca to be overwhelmed 20 days after export and lose integrity after 36 days, while detritus of cold temperate species maintains carbon assimilation. Depending on the photoenvironment, detrital photosynthesis could further exacerbate interspecific differences in decomposition via a potential positive feedback loop. Through compositional change such as the predicted prevalence of L. ochroleuca, ocean warming may therefore reduce the CSP of such temperate marine forests.
Uncertain effectiveness of Miscanthus bioenergy expansion for climate change mitigation explored using land surface, agronomic and integrated assessment models
Authors: Littleton Emma W. , Shepherd Anita , Harper Anna B. , Hastings Astley F. S. , Vaughan Naomi E. , Doelman Jonathan , van Vuuren Detlef P. , Lenton Timothy M. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractLarge‐scale bioenergy plays a key role in climate change mitigation scenarios, but its efficacy is uncertain. This study aims to quantify that uncertainty by contrasting the results of three different types of models under the same mitigation scenario (RCP2.6‐SSP2), consistent with a 2°C temperature target. This analysis focuses on a single bioenergy feedstock, Miscanthus × giganteus, and contrasts projections for its yields and environmental effects from an integrated assessment model (IMAGE), a land surface and dynamic global vegetation model tailored to Miscanthus bioenergy (JULES) and a bioenergy crop model (MiscanFor). Under the present climate, JULES, IMAGE and MiscanFor capture the observed magnitude and variability in Miscanthus yields across Europe; yet in the tropics JULES and IMAGE predict high yields, whereas MiscanFor predicts widespread drought‐related diebacks. 2040–2049 projections show there is a rapid scale up of over 200 Mha bioenergy cropping area in the tropics. Resulting biomass yield ranges from 12 (MiscanFor) to 39 (JULES) Gt dry matter over that decade. Change in soil carbon ranges from +0.7 Pg C (MiscanFor) to −2.8 Pg C (JULES), depending on preceding land cover and soil carbon.2090–99 projections show large‐scale biomass energy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) is projected in Europe. The models agree that <2°C global warming will increase yields in the higher latitudes, but drought stress in the Mediterranean region could produce low yields (MiscanFor), and significant losses of soil carbon (JULES and IMAGE). These results highlight the uncertainty in rapidly scaling‐up biomass energy supply, especially in dry tropical climates and in regions where future climate change could result in drier conditions. This has important policy implications—because prominently used scenarios to limit warming to ‘well below 2°C’ (including the one explored here) depend upon its effectiveness.
Origins of high fracture toughness and glass‐like thermal conductivity in Zr–Ta–O composites
Authors: Chen Lin , Li Baihui , Luo Keren , Xu Hao , Hu Mingyu , Li Hongxia , Wang Gang , Zhao Shixian , Feng Jing 
Published: June 2022

AbstractScreening multifunctional thermal/environmental barrier coatings (T/EBCs) for ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) and alloys contribute to developing highly efficient hypersonic vehicles and aeroengines. This work elucidates that Zr–Ta–O composites are T/EBCs for Al2O3 fiber‐reinforced Al2O3 (Al2O3f/Al2O3) CMCs and alloys. Zr–Ta–O composites have superiorities of glass‐like thermal conductivity (1.4 W m–1 K–1), thermal expansion coefficients (8.6–12.3 × 10–6 K–1) matching to Al2O3f/Al2O3 and alloys, and high toughness (3.4 MPa m1/2). The origins of high toughness are elucidated from crack‐propagation models and formation of micro‐cracks, which consume lots of crack fracture energy and relieve the stress concentration of indentation tips. The long‐range‐ordered and short‐range‐disordered arrangements of cations and the highly twisting lattices of Ta2Zr6O17 significantly contribute to their glass‐like thermal conductivity. This work motivates upcoming study and application of Zr–Ta–O composites as T/EBCs with working temperature reaching 1500°C.
Investigation of fungal contamination in medicinal and edible Lycii Fructus through DNA metabarcoding
Authors: Yu Jingsheng , Jiang Wenjun , Guo Mengyue , Dao Yujie , Pang Xiaohui 
Published: June 2022

Abstract

Aims
Lycii Fructus (LF) is considered as a ‘superfood’ due to its health benefits and delicious tastes, which has gained popularity worldwide. However, LF is also a proper host for fungal growth due to its abundant nutrients. Fungal contamination seriously affects the quality and safety of LF and poses threats to consumer health.

Methods and Results
In this study, a total of 15 LF samples were collected from five provinces in China, and were divided into five groups based on the collection areas. Fungal contamination in LF was investigated by targeting the internal transcribed spacer 2 region using Illumina Miseq PE300 platform, and the differences of fungal community in groups based on collection areas were compared. Results showed that the fungal contamination was detected in all the 15 LF samples. Ascomycota, Dothideomycetes, Pleosporales and Pleosporaceae were dominant at the phylum, class, order and family levels, respectively. At the genus level, Alternaria, Cladosporium and Fusarium were the three dominant genera. In all, 24 fungal species were identified. Among which, two species, namely Penicillium oxalicum and Trichothecium roseum, were potentially toxigenic.

Conclusions
All 15 LF samples were detected with fungal contamination. The differences of fungal community in LF samples collected from different areas were observed. DNA metabarcoding was demonstrated as an efficient method to monitor the fungal contamination in LF.

Significance and Impact of the Study
This work comprehensively reveals the fungal diversity and composition in LF and provides early warning for potential mycotoxin contamination.
Staged hybrid totally thoracoscopic maze and catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation
Authors: Churyla Andrei , Passman Rod , McCarthy Patrick M. , Kislitsina Olga N. , Kruse Jane , Cox James L. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractIntroductionAtrial fibrillation (AF) is a growing health problem and is associated with increased risk of stroke. The Cox‐Maze surgical procedure has offered the highest success rate, but utilization of this technique is low due to procedure invasiveness and complexity. Advances in catheter ablation and minimally invasive surgical techniques offer new options for AF treatment.MethodsIn this review, we describe current trends and outcomes of minimally invasive treatment of persistent and long‐standing persistent AF.ResultsTreatment of persistent and long‐standing persistent AF can be successfully treated using a team approach combining cardiac surgery and electrophysiology procedures. With this approach, the 1‐year freedom from AF off antiarrhythmic drugs was 85%.DiscussionThere are a variety of techniques and approaches used around the world as technology evolves to help develop new treatment strategies for AF. Our report will focus on a hybrid treatment approach using surgical and electrophysiology approaches providing enhanced treatment options by replicating Cox‐Maze IV lesions using skills from each specialty. Closure of the left atrial appendage as part of these procedures enhances protection from late stroke. A team approach provides a cohesive evaluation, treatment, and monitoring plan for patients. Development of successful, less invasive treatment options will help address the growing population of patients with AF.