bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Response of the dung beetle community to different climatic zones: Does the land use system matter?
Authors: Korasaki Vanesca , Carvalho Sabrina N. , Correa César M. A. , Giestas Pedro H. C. , Vaz‐de‐Mello Fernando , Louzada Julio 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThe conversion of Brazilian savanna into exotic pastures leads to the loss of dung beetles and a decrease in their contribution to ecological functions. We hypothesized that the dung beetle communities from exotic pastures would show greater significant differences between climatic zones, when contrasted to communities from Brazilian savanna in the same region, since dung beetle assemblages in pastures are more simplified. We assessed which variables (purpose of production, type of management, percentage the habitat per buffer, soil penetration resistance, pasture area and herd size) affect more the dung beetle community in exotic pastures. We carried out this study in 48 areas of native Brazilian savannas and exotic pastures distributed across four bioclimatic zones: BZ1, hot with three dry months; BZ2, hot with 4–5 dry months; BZ3, sub‐hot with 4–5 dry months and BZ4, meso‐thermal with 4–5 dry months of Minas Gerais State, Brazil. In each BZ, six areas of Brazilian savannas and six areas of exotic pasture were selected. In the Brazilian savanna areas, the species richness, abundance and biomass of dung beetles did not differ between the bioclimatic zones, unlike the exotic pastures. The composition of the dung beetle community was different between land use systems and between bioclimatic zones; the interaction between the two factors was also significant. Our results provide evidence that dung beetle communities active in exotic pastures are more susceptible to climatic environmental variations than communities from more complex and stable habitats, such as savannas. Finally, the best model suggested that all the six variables combined explained about 91% of the total variability in species composition observed between sampling sites.
Small area estimation under a semi‐parametric covariate measured with error
Authors: Sefidkar Reyhane , Torabi Mahmoud , Kavousi Amir 
Published: December 2022

SummaryIn recent years, small area estimation has played an important role in statistics as it deals with the problem of obtaining reliable estimates for parameters of interest in areas with small or even zero sample sizes corresponding to population sizes. Nested error linear regression models are often used in small area estimation assuming that the covariates are measured without error and also the relationship between covariates and response variable is linear. Small area models have also been extended to the case in which a linear relationship may not hold, using penalised spline (P‐spline) regression, but assuming that the covariates are measured without error. Recently, a nested error regression model using a P‐spline regression model, for the fixed part of the model, has been studied assuming the presence of measurement error in covariate, in the Bayesian framework. In this paper, we propose a frequentist approach to study a semi‐parametric nested error regression model using P‐splines with a covariate measured with error. In particular, the pseudo‐empirical best predictors of small area means and their corresponding mean squared prediction error estimates are studied. Performance of the proposed approach is evaluated through a simulation and also by a real data application. We propose a frequentist approach to study a semi‐parametric nested error regression model using P‐splines with a covariate measured with error.
Groupitizing reflects conceptual developments in math cognition and inequities in math achievement from childhood through adolescence
Authors: Guillaume Mathieu , Roy Ethan , Van Rinsveld Amandine , Starkey Gillian S. ,   Project iLead Consortium, Uncapher Melina R. , McCandliss Bruce D. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractUnderstanding the cognitive processes central to mathematical development is crucial to addressing systemic inequities in math achievement. We investigate the “Groupitizing” ability in 1209 third to eighth graders (mean age at first timepoint = 10.48, 586 girls, 39.16% Asian, 28.88% Hispanic/Latino, 18.51% White), a process that captures the ability to use grouping cues to access the exact value of a set. Groupitizing improves each year from late childhood to early adolescence (d = 3.29), is a central predictor of math achievement (beta weight = .30), is linked to conceptual processes in mathematics (minimum d = 0.69), and helps explain the dynamic between the ongoing development of non‐symbolic number concepts, systemic educational inequities in school associated with SES, and mathematics achievement (minimum beta weight = .11) in ways that explicit symbolic measures may miss.
Trends in nasopharyngeal cancer mortality in the United States, 1999–2020
Authors: Farhadi Kameron , Santella Anthony J. , Karaye Ibraheem M. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractObjectivesThe incidence of nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) has been declining in the United States (US) in recent years. However, little is known about the latest trends in NPC mortality in the US population. This study aimed to examine the trends in NPC mortality rate by age, sex, race and ethnicity and US Census Region from 1999 to 2020.MethodsMortality data were extracted from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Wide‐ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research (WONDER) database. Decedents whose cause of death was NPC were identified using the International Classification of Diseases Codes, 10th Revision: C11.0‐C11.9. Trends in age adjusted mortality rates (AAMR) from NPC were assessed using a joinpoint regression model. Annual Percentage Changes (APC) and Average Annual Percentage Changes were examined overall and by age, sex, race and ethnicity and census region.ResultsFrom 1999 through 2020, a total of 14 534 NPC deaths were recorded in the US (AAMR = 0.2 per 100 000; 95% CI: 0.2, 0.2). Overall trends remained stationary throughout the study period. Since 2006, recent trends declined by 6.1% per year (95% CI: −8.4, −3.7) among Non‐Hispanic Whites, and by 2.7% per year among Non‐Hispanic Blacks, Asians/Pacific Islanders and Hispanics. Trends either stabilized or declined by sex, age and US Census Region. Similar results were obtained when the analysis was restricted to decedents aged 65 years and above.ConclusionsStationary or declining trends in NPC mortality could be due to the falling incidence of the disease and/or advances in medical diagnosis and treatment. Considering the enigmatic nature of NPC, future studies should explore the genetic and sociodemographic factors associated with the trends reported in this study.
In vivo inhibition of epileptiform afterdischarges in rat hippocampus by light‐activated chloride channel, stGtACR2
Authors: Acharya Anirudh R. , Larsen Lars Emil , Delbeke Jean , Wadman Wytse J. , Vonck Kristl , Meurs Alfred , Boon Paul , Raedt Robrecht 
Published: December 2022

AbstractAimsThe blue light‐sensitive chloride‐conducting opsin, stGtACR2, provides potent optogenetic silencing of neurons. The present study investigated whether activation of stGtACR2 in granule cells of the dentate gyrus (DG) inhibits epileptic afterdischarges in a rat model.MethodsRats were bilaterally injected with 0.9 μl of AAV2/7‐CaMKIIα‐stGtACR2‐fusionred in the DG. Three weeks later, afterdischarges were recorded from the DG by placing an optrode at the injection site and a stimulation electrode in the perforant path (PP). Afterdischarges were evoked every 10 min by unilateral electrical stimulation of the PP (20 Hz, 10 s). During every other afterdischarge, the DG was illuminated for 5 or 30 s, first ipsilaterally and then bilaterally to the PP stimulation. The line length metric of the afterdischarges was compared between illumination conditions.ResultsIpsilateral stGtACR2 activation during afterdischarges decreased the local field potential line length only during illumination and specifically at the illuminated site but did not reduce afterdischarge duration. Bilateral illumination did not terminate the afterdischarges.ConclusionOptogenetic inhibition of excitatory neurons using the blue‐light sensitive chloride channel stGtACR2 reduced the amplitude of electrically induced afterdischarges in the DG at the site of illumination, but this local inhibitory effect was insufficient to reduce the duration of the afterdischarge.
Beyond morphs: Inter‐individual colour variation despite strong genetic determinism of colour morphs in a wild bird
Authors: Mould Maya C. , Huet Michèle , Senegas Lou , Milá Borja , Thébaud Christophe , Bourgeois Yann , Chaine Alexis S. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractCategorizing individuals into discrete forms in colour polymorphic species can overlook more subtle patterns in coloration that can be of functional significance. Thus, quantifying inter‐individual variation in these species at both within‐ and between‐morph levels is critical to understand the evolution of colour polymorphisms. Here we present analyses of inter‐individual colour variation in the Reunion grey white‐eye (Zosterops borbonicus), a colour polymorphic wild bird endemic to the island of Reunion in which all highland populations contain two sympatric colour morphs, with birds showing predominantly grey or brown plumage, respectively. We first quantified colour variation across multiple body areas by using a continuous plumage colour score to assess variation in brown‐grey coloration as well as smaller scale variation in light patches. To examine the possible causes of among‐individual variation, we tested if colour variation in plumage component elements could be explained by genotypes at two markers near a major‐effect locus previously related to back coloration in this species, and by other factors such as age, sex and body condition. Overall, grey‐brown coloration was largely determined by genetic factors and was best described by three distinct clusters that were associated to genotypic classes (homozygotes and heterozygote), with no effect of age or sex, whereas variation in smaller light patches was primarily related to age and sex. Our results highlight the importance of characterizing subtle plumage variation beyond morph categories that are readily observable since multiple patterns of colour variation may be driven by different mechanisms, have different functions and will likely respond in different ways to selection.
The galU gene is required for in vivo survival of pseudomonas plecoglossicida in large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea)
Authors: Shu Feng‐Ling , Jin Li‐Yun , Liu Hao , Tao Zhen , Yin Fei , Xie Jia‐Song , Zhou Su‐Ming 
Published: December 2022

AbstractPseudomonas plecoglossicida is an important pathogenic bacterium in aquaculture that causes visceral granulomas in large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea). Uridine diphosphate glucose phosphorylase encoded by galU plays a key role in biosynthesis of the bacterial envelope, particularly lipopolysaccharide and the capsule. In this study, we inactivated the galU gene in the P. plecoglossicida isolate XSDHY‐P. The galU mutant strain showed impaired growth in the early exponential stage and lacked the O polysaccharide side chain in lipopolysaccharide, but almost no defect in biofilm formation was detected. The galU mutant strain also exhibited significantly more sensitivity to the bactericidal action of normal fish serum mediated by the complement system compared to the wild‐type strain. In a cell model originating from the head kidney of large yellow croaker, the galU mutant strain showed lower capacities of adhesion, invasion, and intracellular survival compared to the wild‐type strain. In addition, the deficiency of the galU mutant drastically decreased bacterial loads in tissues and attenuated P. plecoglossicida virulence in fish. These results suggest that the galU gene of P. plecoglossicida is required for in vivo survival in large yellow croaker.
Blood metabolite profiles linking dietary patterns with health—Toward precision nutrition
Authors: Noerman Stefania , Landberg Rikard 
Published: December 2022

AbstractDiet is one of the most important exposures that may affect health throughout life span. Investigations on dietary patterns rather than single food components are gaining in popularity because they take the complexity of the whole dietary context into account. Adherence to such dietary patterns can be measured by using metabolomics, which allows measurements of thousands of molecules simultaneously. Derived metabolite signatures of dietary patterns may reflect the consumption of specific groups of foods or their constituents originating from the dietary pattern per se, or the physiological response toward the food‐derived metabolites, their interaction with endogenous metabolism, and exogenous factors such as gut microbiota. Here, we review and discuss blood metabolite fingerprints of healthy dietary patterns. The plasma concentration of several food‐derived metabolites—such as betaines from whole grains and n − 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and furan fatty acids from fish—seems to consistently reflect the intake of common foods of several healthy dietary patterns. The metabolites reflecting shared features of different healthy food indices form biomarker panels for which specific, targeted assays could be developed. The specificity of such biomarker panels would need to be validated, and proof‐of‐concept feeding trials are needed to evaluate to what extent the panels may mediate the effects of dietary patterns on disease risk indicators or if they are merely food intake biomarkers. Metabolites mediating health effects may represent novel targets for precision prevention strategies of clinical relevance to be verified in future studies.
Caste and Devotion: A Casteless Framework for (Some) Forms of Hindu Devotionalism
Authors: Gupta Akshay 
Published: December 2022

ABSTRACTThe caste system has caused widespread oppression within Hinduism. In this paper, I analyze the Bhagavad Gītā (c. 500 BCE–200 CE) and the Bhāgavata Purāṇa (c. 9th century CE), two highly influential Hindu sacred texts, to understand how they conceptualize the relationship between caste and devotion (bhakti). I argue that there is a societal framework that does not maintain the caste system but which is consistent with these texts' soteriological vision and can be implemented in lieu of such a system. This framework demonstrates that for certain forms of Hindu religiosity, caste is not essential to uphold from a scriptural perspective. Given this framework, the caste system can be challenged and interrogated to a significant extent and alternative societal frameworks can be proposed. I also consider and respond to objections to the framework I put forth.
Protective Effect of Orbitides from Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) against Ultraviolet B‐induced Photoaging in Zebrafish
Authors: Zhang Yu , Cheng Dekun , Wang Zhangtie , Guo Yiwen , Chang Ming , Liu Ruijie 
Published: December 2022

AbstractExcessive ultraviolet (UV) exposure is the primary environmental factor that contributes to skin aging. Orbitides have been considered as important functional components in linseed, and they are complex and multiple. In this study, linseed orbitides (LOs) were divided into oxidized linseed orbitides (OLOs) and reduced linseed orbitides (RLOs) and used to investigate protection against ultraviolet B‐induced photoaging in zebrafish. First, the results of the zebrafish embryo acute toxicity test showed that the OLOs had obvious embryo toxicity compared with RLOs. And RLOs had better effect in ultraviolet B‐treated zebrafish, which may significantly reduce the reactive oxygen species levels and inhibit the degradation of collagen. Besides, we also found that RLOs could effectively inhibit the oxidation of proteins and lipids and regulate the activity of antioxidant enzymes. Furthermore, neutrophil recruitment to the dorsal and caudal fin regions was observed in UVB‐treated zebrafish, and RLOs effectively alleviated this migration. In conclusion, RLOs have strong photoprotective effects and potential to be used as antiphotoaging ingredients.
Ionic homeostasis and redox metabolism upregulated by 24‐epibrassinolide are crucial for mitigating nickel excess in soybean plants, enhancing photosystem II efficiency and biomass
Authors: Saraiva M. P. , Maia C. F. , Batista B. L. , Lobato A. K. da S. 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Nickel (Ni) excess often generates oxidative stress in chloroplasts, causing redox imbalance, membrane damage and negative impacts on biomass. 24‐Epibrassinolide (EBR) is a plant growth regulator of great interest to the scientific community because it is a natural molecule extracted from plants, is biodegradable and environmentally friendly. This study aimed to determine whether EBR can improve ionic homeostasis, antioxidant enzymes, PSII efficiency and biomass by evaluating nutritional, physiological, biochemical and morphological responses of soybean plants subjected to Ni excess.
The experiment used four randomized treatments, with two Ni concentrations (0 and 200 μm Ni, described as –Ni2+ and +Ni2+, respectively) and two concentrations of EBR (0 and 100 nm EBR, described as –EBR and +EBR, respectively).
In general, Ni had deleterious effects on chlorophyll fluorescence and gas exchange. In contrast, EBR enhanced the effective quantum yield of PSII photochemistry (15%) and electron transport rate (19%) due to upregulation of SOD, CAT, APX and POX.
Exogenous EBR application promoted significant increases in biomass, and these results were explained by improved nutrient content and ionic homeostasis, as demonstrated by increased Ca2+/Ni2+, Mg2+/Ni+2 and Mn2+/Ni2+ ratios.
Genetic Engineering in Mycobacteria
Authors: Armianinova D. K. , Karpov D. S. , Kotliarova M. S. , Goncharenko A. V. 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Genetic tools for targeted modification of the mycobacterial genome contribute to the understanding of the physiology and virulence mechanisms of mycobacteria. Human and animal pathogens, such as the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, which causes tuberculosis, and M. leprae, which causes leprosy, are of particular importance. Genetic research opens up novel opportunities to identify and validate new targets for antibacterial drugs and to develop improved vaccines. Although mycobacteria are difficult to work with due to their slow growth rate and a limited possibility to transfer genetic information, significant progress has been made in developing genetic engineering methods for mycobacteria. The review considers the main approaches to changing the mycobacterial genome in a targeted manner, including homologous and site-specific recombination and use of the CRISPR/Cas system.
Cell-based cccDNA reporter assay combined with functional genomics identifies YBX1 as HBV cccDNA host factor and antiviral candidate target
Authors: Verrier Eloi R , Ligat Gaëtan , Heydmann Laura , Doernbrack Katharina , Miller Julija , Maglott-Roth Anne , Jühling Frank , El Saghire Houssein , Heuschkel Margaux J , Fujiwara Naoto , Hsieh Sen-Yung , Hoshida Yujin , Root David E , Felli Emanuele , Pessaux Patrick , Mukherji Atish , Mailly Laurent , Schuster Catherine , Brino Laurent , Nassal Michael , Baumert Thomas F. 
Published: December 2022

ObjectivesChronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a leading cause of liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma. A key feature of HBV replication is the synthesis of the covalently close circular (ccc)DNA, not targeted by current treatments and whose elimination would be crucial for viral cure. To date, little is known about cccDNA formation. One major challenge to address this urgent question is the absence of robust models for the study of cccDNA biology.DesignWe established a cell-based HBV cccDNA reporter assay and performed a loss-of-function screen targeting 239 genes encoding the human DNA damage response machinery.ResultsOvercoming the limitations of current models, the reporter assay enables to quantity cccDNA levels using a robust ELISA as a readout. A loss-of-function screen identified 27 candidate cccDNA host factors, including Y box binding protein 1 (YBX1), a DNA binding protein regulating transcription and translation. Validation studies in authentic infection models revealed a robust decrease in HBV cccDNA levels following silencing, providing proof-of-concept for the importance of YBX1 in the early steps of the HBV life cycle. In patients,YBX1expression robustly correlates with both HBV load and liver disease progression.ConclusionOur cell-based reporter assay enables the discovery of HBV cccDNA host factors including YBX1 and is suitable for the characterisation of cccDNA-related host factors, antiviral targets and compounds.
Statistical analysis and prediction of force and overtopping rates on large-scale vertical walls using support vector machine and random forest regression
Authors: Croquer Sergio , Poncet Sébastien , Lacey Jay , Nistor Ioan 
Published: December 2022

This study provides a statistical basis to determine the most influencing parameters on forces and overtopping over vertical walls, as well as to showcase the usability of machine learning modelling in coastal engineering. To this end, horizontal force and overtopping data for regular waves of varying height (0.63–1.65 m), period (4–8 s), and water depth (3.37–3.97 m) over a vertical wall were studied using redundancy analysis (RDA) and regressed using multiple linear regression, support vector regression (SVR), and random forest regression (RFR). The RDA showed that about 60% of the output variable variance can be explained by the structure dimensions and 15% by the incoming wave characteristics. The SVR approach better predicted the average force (mean relative error (MRE) = 39.9% and R2 = 0.346), whereas the RFR technique better predicted overtopping discharges (MRE = 46.7% and R2 = 0.802). By expanding the database, the error on overtopping prediction was reduced to 22.1% and 27.5%, respectively, for the SVR and RFR.
Social networks and tolerance differences associated to grouping patterns in Ateles geoffroyi
Authors: González-Ruiz Mariana , Cervantes Fernando A. , Mondragón-Ceballos Ricardo 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Each species displays a certain level of social tolerance. However, within a species, individuals show differences in their ability to accept the presence of conspecifics around resources of mutual interest. Social structure research allows studying how social relationships arise within a group, how they survive or end through time, and how they are influenced by various factors such group composition, mating system, and habitat quality variations. Furthermore, it can help elucidate the tolerance of individuals to other group members and how changes in it may lead to changes in social stability. Social Network Analysis (SNA) is a tool that allows the assessment of social dynamics and interactions. Our goal was to evaluate and compare social tolerance in captive spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi) by examining social networks formed in social groups that varied in size and composition. We compared social networks of captive groups varying in sex ratio, group size, and age ratio. Results showed relationship between networks with similar size and composition. Smaller groups showed greater social distancing, while larger ones displayed shorter inter-individual distances and more affiliation. Agonism was infrequent in unisexual groups compared to groups formed by both sexes. Finally, groups with more males showed greater social distancing and greater agonism. Overall, largest groups (five members or more) and similar sex ratio (or unisexual) are better connected. Largest groups showed higher proximity levels and a more tolerance to conspecifics than small groups.