bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of grooves at noncontact outer ring area on thermal flow performance of high-speed bearing under oil interruption
Authors: Zhang Yifan , Zhu Jianyang , Wang Xu , Zhang Yaochi , Gu Le
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Under oil interruption, lubricant supply in the high-speed bearing cavity is interrupted, which reduces the bearing lubrication and cooling ability, thus leading to degradation of bearing performance or even its failure. This paper aims to study the effect of grooves at the noncontact outer ring area on the flow and thermal performance of high-speed bearings under oil interruption, which is expected to improve the resistance of existing bearings to oil interruption.

Design/methodology/approach

The groove was added to the noncontact outer ring area of the bearing, and a method of combining volume of fluid and MRF was adopted to systematically study and analyze the oil-gas flow field structure and the temperature field distribution in the bearing cavities.

Findings

Results show that the lubricating oil could be stored and guided by the grooves of the bearing outer ring into the key lubrication area inside the bearing cavity, which increased the oil content near the inner ring and made the oil distribution more uniform. As a result, lubrication cooling and heat dissipation performance of the bearing cavity was improved. Compared with the original bearing, the bearing with a V-shaped groove had the optimal lubrication and cooling performance.

Originality/value

A rolling bearing model of the noncontact outer ring area with grooves under oil interruption is established in the paper. The simulation results provide theoretical guidance for the research and development of high-speed bearings with stronger oil interruption resistance ability.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-06-2024-0199/
The innovation gap is closing: Chinese state-owned enterprises’ mechanisms for developing innovative solutions
Authors: Murphy William H. , Li Ning
Published: December 2024

Purpose

State-owned enterprises (SOEs) play an immense role throughout the world. Historically lacking in innovativeness, SOEs are now compelled to be more innovative. This study aims to explore the innovative tendencies of SOEs and non-SOEs as they strive to be preferred suppliers to their key accounts. This study also examines the effects of top management involvement (TMI) and customer knowledge utilization on suppliers’ tendencies to provide innovative solutions to key customers. In addition, this study examines the moderating effects of state ownership on these relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

Following institutional theory and dynamic capabilities logic to guide expectations, this study collected survey responses from 185 managers at SOEs and non-SOEs in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen in China. Using partial least squares structural equation modeling, this study examined main and moderating effects of variables on innovation.

Findings

Results indicate that state ownership does not have a significant effect on innovation, suggesting Chinese SOEs may no longer be innovation-disadvantaged vis-à-vis non-SOEs. In addition, both TMI and customer knowledge utilization have positive effects on innovation. The hypothesized magnifying effect of state ownership on TMI’s main effect is not present. Data support our expectation that state ownership amplifies the positive effect of customer knowledge utilization on innovation.

Research limitations/implications

Our research provides evidence that China’s SOEs are closing the competitive gap in innovation and mechanisms for this occurrence. The relatively small sample from limited geographies necessitates research in more regions of China. Also, research should investigate not just the ownership type of suppliers, but also of buyers.

Originality/value

This study offers unique insights into factors affecting the innovative tendencies of Chinese SOEs and non-SOEs. Until now, little research has addressed what practices SOEs use to provide more innovative solutions to customers.
Evaluation of co-produced routine trauma enquiry training within secondary mental health services in England
Authors: McNally Katrina , Lovell Karina , Varese Filippo , Boorn Amy
Published: December 2024

Purpose

There is a significant gap in training on trauma-informed care and routine enquiry into trauma for mental health practitioners in England (McNally et al., 2023). Best practice suggests that training should be provided by mental health trusts in England and co-produced with individuals who have lived experience of trauma (Trevillion et al., 2022). The purpose of this paper is to explore whether co-produced routine trauma enquiry training increases staff confidence within secondary mental health services.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper used a mixed-method evaluation, which included brief questionnaires administered before and after the intervention, as well as at a two-month follow-up period, to assess staff confidence and knowledge and whether these were sustained over time. Participants were also interviewed using a semi-structured approach, and the data were analysed using framework analysis.

Findings

The intervention improved knowledge in several areas: when to ask about trauma, how to ask, how to respond to a disclosure, how to bring the person back to baseline (within their window of tolerance) and how professionals can care for themselves following a disclosure. Participants reported that the co-produced training increased their confidence in these areas. The intervention benefited all participants, enhancing self-confidence in asking about trauma in a trauma-informed way (routine trauma enquiry), with this increased confidence sustained over the follow-up period. Participants unanimously felt that this training should be mandatory for all staff. One emerging theme highlighted the importance of the service user’s perspective and the powerful impact participants found it to have.

Research limitations/implications

This paper demonstrates the importance of trauma-informed routine trauma enquiry training for mental health staff. It also has implications for future research, as further studies may be needed to explore why trauma-informed care and approaches are not being implemented, by analysing the views of both clinical mental health practitioners and key informants.

Originality/value

This paper advances the research on trauma-informed care and its implementation in secondary mental health services in England.
Small and medium-sized manufacturers’ ways of involving suppliers in digitally-enabled services
Authors: Momeni Beheshte , Martinsuo Miia , Härkälä Jaakko
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Information technology (IT) suppliers play a crucial role in shaping digitally-enabled services in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the manufacturing sector, addressing limitations such as limited resources, a lack of digital expertise and financial constraints. This study investigates how manufacturing SMEs involve IT suppliers in digitally-enabled service offerings.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper investigates six manufacturing SMEs involving suppliers in digitally-enabled services. Data were collected via 20 in-depth interviews.

Findings

This study identifies SMEs’ sensing capabilities influencing their digitally-enabled services, including responding to industry and market demands, assessing customer readiness, developing responses to crises, and understanding IT suppliers’ offerings and capabilities. Three clusters of SMEs are introduced: operational efficiency seekers, service growth seekers and service-centric SMEs, based on their seizing capability through analyzing how different SMEs position services within the business strategy, allocate and manage service resources and build and leverage digital capabilities and readiness. These differ in how they involve IT suppliers: operational involvement, innovation collaboration and strategic partnership.

Originality/value

This research illuminates how digitally-enabled services and IT supplier involvement differ in SME environments. Analysis of SMEs’ digitally-enabled services and capabilities prompts a novel three-cluster framework. The findings unveil how manufacturing SMEs involve IT suppliers in digital servitization as it relates to the SMEs’ dynamic capabilities.
An exploration of the role of digital technology in shaping citizenship for people with mental health challenges
Authors: Morgan Phil , Hughes Mel , Fenge Lee-Ann
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of digital technology on citizenship for people with mental health challenges (PMHC). Technology is increasingly dominating our lives and changing what it means to be a citizen. Citizenship approaches such as the 5Rs (Ponce and Rowe, 2018; Rowe and Pelletier, 2012) or collective citizenship (Quinn et al., 2020) are gaining prominence as ways to promote the rights and inclusion of PMHC. Therefore, it is essential to explore the impact of technology on citizenship for PMHC.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was part of a PhD using community-based participatory research (CBPR) conducted alongside 3 peer researchers. Participants (n = 7) were from a mental health peer-led organisation and a digital technology company (n = 4) in England. They participated in semi-structured interviews and a co-production workshop. Data was co-analysed using thematic analysis.

Findings

Participants viewed technology as a means to promote inclusion but also leading to further division and exclusion. Discussions about technology were seen as central to discussions about citizenship. Participants did not see digital citizenship as a distinct concept. Those from the peer-led organisation wanted to play an active role in shaping citizenship.

Originality/value

This is the first published study to specifically focus on exploring digital citizenship in the context of citizenship within mental health. The paper highlights the importance of incorporating the impact of technology on mental health and citizenship and raises implications for mental health citizenship-orientated research, policy and practice.
Behavioural co‐option of plant secondary compounds by a cavity‐nesting bird is an adaptation against competition and predation
Authors: Mouton James C. , Ton Riccardo , Sillett T. Scott , Martin Thomas E. , Ghalambor Cameron K.
Published: December 2024

Interactions with competitors and predators can generate strong selection and favour the evolution of novel strategies for mitigating fitness costs. Adaptations to mitigate competition and predation risk often involve evolution of traits which directly reduce costs. Simultaneously, the evolution of behaviours that co‐opt the functional traits of non‐interacting, third‐party species have also been observed but remain poorly studied (e.g. anointing behaviour, tri‐trophic interactions).

Here we investigate if the novel behavioural co‐option of conifer resin in a cavity‐nesting bird can ameliorate interactions with nest predators and nest site competitors. Red‐breasted nuthatches (Sitta canadensis) collect resin from live trees and apply it around the entrances of their nest cavities in dead trees.

Using paired nest boxes, we mimicked the nuthatch behaviour by apply resin around the hole of one and not the paired box in two field experiments to test a priori hypotheses about the evolution and adaptive value of this behaviour. The first experiment baited the paired boxes with food to attract mammalian predators (e.g. red squirrels Tamiasciurus hudsonicus). The second experiment left boxes available for breeding by cavity‐nesting birds that compete with nuthatches for nest sites (e.g. house wrens Troglodytes aedon). We also used ancestral trait reconstruction to test whether resin use is a non‐adaptive derivation of mud‐plastering behaviour observed in numerous congeners.

Experimental nest boxes with resin applied to the entrance were less likely to have bait removed and less likely to have nests built or initiated than paired nest boxes without resin. Ancestral trait reconstruction suggested that resin use was more likely (>77%) to have evolved in ancestors that did not exhibit mud‐plastering behaviour.

Our results do not support a major role of phylogenetic inertia and provide experimental evidence that application of conifer resin to nest cavities ameliorates interference competition from other cavity‐nesting species and reduces nest predation risk.

Overall, our results showcase the ecological function of behavioural co‐option and its important consequences for fitness in nature.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
We need a multidimensional view of the plant reproduction continuum
Authors: Carta Angelino , Fernández‐Pascual Eduardo , Ottaviani Gianluigi
Published: December 2024

Sexual reproduction produces genetic variation, which is key for adaptations, whereas vegetative reproduction implies the replication and separation of ramets. Such a difference has deep implications for individual fitness and trait evolution and affects organismal responses to environmental changes at different spatio‐temporal scales.

Within the plant realm, there is massive variation in reproduction strategies and structures, with individuals and species that can reproduce both sexually and vegetatively, but oftentimes the two reproduction types are studied in isolation. Here, we argue for the need to examine plant reproduction as a multidimensional functional continuum involving both reproduction types.

We propose a trait‐based conceptual framework able to capture the reproduction continuum comprehensively. We identify four main functions (mating, dispersal, persistence, emergence) forming the continuum, with examples of traits associated with these functions, and expected trade‐offs between them. We also show how we envision the continuum using three plant species with markedly different reproduction strategies.

With a case study of ~400 plant species from three temperate biomes, we explore how the reproduction continuum may operate. We focus on a selection of traits related to sexual (seed germination) and vegetative (clonality and resprouting) reproduction. Findings are largely context‐dependent yet highly interpretable; we reveal a coordination of sexual and vegetative traits that we infer being dependent upon environmental drivers and spatio‐temporal scales.

Synthesis. Plant reproduction constitutes a multidimensional aspect of plant life, with different functions and associated traits contributing to shape it, and the proposed conceptual framework offers a way to capture such multidimensionality. Our view of the reproduction continuum aligns with the increased recognition of the importance of looking at plant strategies through a multifaceted lens, if we are to more accurately estimate and predict the variety of species distributions, forms and functions.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
The Utility of a Digital Glucose‐Like Peptide‐1 Receptor Agonist‐Supported Weight‐Loss Service in Regional Australia: A Qualitative Analysis of Interviews With Current Patients of the Eucalyptus Program
Authors: Talay Louis , Vickers Matt , Loftus Sarah
Published: December 2024

Objective

Against the backdrop of alarming obesity rates and growing concerns about access to specialist care across Australia, this study aims to assess the utility of the nation's largest digital weight‐loss service (DWLS) in regional Australia.

Setting

This study focuses on patients of the Eucalyptus DWLS who live in regional Australia (Monash Modified Model classification 3–6).

Participants

Thirty‐two adults living with overweight or obesity who have been subscribed to the Eucalyptus DWLS for at least 3 weeks were invited to participate in phone‐based interviews.

Design

Interviewers prompted discussion around 6 questions, pertaining to reasons for Eucalyptus subscription, previous attempts at weight loss, views on the service's comprehensiveness, access to face‐to‐face alternatives, areas for program improvement and general program satisfaction. Investigators conducted a Braun and Clarke thematic analysis of all interview transcripts.

Results

Six key themes were identified in the analysis, including unmanageable travel times to face‐to‐face obesity services; inadequate Eucalyptus app functionality; satisfaction with Eucalyptus care continuity; frustration with previously attempted standalone lifestyle interventions; aversion to or dissatisfaction with surgical interventions; and early weight loss increases confidence and exercise motivation.

Conclusion

Comprehensive DWLSs such as Eucalyptus have the potential to significantly increase access and adherence to continuous obesity care for regional Australians. However, platforms need to contain special provisions for users with lower literacy and integrate advanced lifestyle trackers to ensure patients are not simply using the DWLS to access weight‐loss medications.
HOPX as a tumour‐suppressive protein in T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Authors: Lin Chien‐Chin , Hsu Chia‐Lang , Yao Chi‐Yuan , Wang Yu‐Hung , Yuan Chang‐Tsu , Kuo Yuan‐Yeh , Lee Jhih‐Yi , Shih Pin‐Tsen , Kao Chein‐Jun , Chuang Po‐Han , Hsu Yueh‐Chwen , Hou Hsin‐An , Chou Wen‐Chien , Tien Hwei‐Fang
Published: December 2024

The homeodomain protein homeobox (HOPX), a multifaceted regulator of cellular functions and developmental processes, is predominantly expressed in stem cells across diverse tissues; it has also emerged as a tumour suppressor in various solid cancers. However, its role in haematological malignancies still remains undefined. This study aimed to elucidate its significance in T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (T‐ALL). We firstly uncovered a novel link between reduced HOPX expression, its promoter hypermethylation and increased tumour burden in patients with T‐ALL, suggesting its tumour‐suppressive role. Next, we induced T‐ALL by transducing intracellular NOTCH1 (ICN1) into mice with either conditional knock‐in at the Rosa26 locus or knockout of Hopx. We found that T‐ALL development was markedly accelerated and impeded in backgrounds with low and high Hopx expression respectively. Further analysis revealed Hopx's roles in modulating the Wnt‐β‐catenin pathway, a pivotal regulator of the downstream Myc signalling involved in T‐ALL transformation and progression.
Differing Agents of Physical Damage to Artificial Seedlings in Remnant and Restored Forests
Authors: Quirós Cedeño Gerald J. , Joyce Francis H. , Zúñiga Amador María Auxiliadora , Holl Karen D.
Published: December 2024

We tested the importance of physical damage to seedlings as a bottleneck to natural regeneration in restored tropical forests using an artificial seedling experiment. After one year, more artificial seedlings had been damaged in restored forests (17.6% ± 2.6% SE) compared to remnant forests (12.7% ± 1.1% SE), primarily due to greater frequency of woody debris falling from planted trees. Vertebrate damage was more common in remnant forests.
Rapid identification and phenotyping of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease patients using a machine‐based approach in diverse healthcare systems
Authors: Basile Anna O. , Verma Anurag , Tang Leigh Anne , Serper Marina , Scanga Andrew , Farrell Ava , Destin Brittney , Carr Rotonya M. , Anyanwu‐Ofili Anuli , Rajagopal Gunaretnam , Krikhely Abraham , Bessler Marc , Reilly Muredach P. , Ritchie Marylyn D. , Tatonetti Nicholas P. , Wattacheril Julia
Published: December 2024

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common global cause of chronic liver disease and remains under‐recognized within healthcare systems. Therapeutic interventions are rapidly advancing for its inflammatory phenotype, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) at all stages of disease. Diagnosis codes alone fail to recognize and stratify at‐risk patients accurately. Our work aims to rapidly identify NAFLD patients within large electronic health record (EHR) databases for automated stratification and targeted intervention based on clinically relevant phenotypes. We present a rule‐based phenotyping algorithm for efficient identification of NAFLD patients developed using EHRs from 6.4 million patients at Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC) and validated at two independent healthcare centers. The algorithm uses the Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership (OMOP) Common Data Model and queries structured and unstructured data elements, including diagnosis codes, laboratory measurements, and radiology and pathology modalities. Our approach identified 16,006 CUIMC NAFLD patients, 10,753 (67%) previously unidentifiable by NAFLD diagnosis codes. Fibrosis scoring on patients without histology identified 943 subjects with scores indicative of advanced fibrosis (FIB‐4, APRI, NAFLD–FS). The algorithm was validated at two independent healthcare systems, University of Pennsylvania Health System (UPHS) and Vanderbilt Medical Center (VUMC), where 20,779 and 19,575 NAFLD patients were identified, respectively. Clinical chart review identified a high positive predictive value (PPV) across all healthcare systems: 91% at CUIMC, 75% at UPHS, and 85% at VUMC, and a sensitivity of 79.6%. Our rule‐based algorithm provides an accurate, automated approach for rapidly identifying, stratifying, and sub‐phenotyping NAFLD patients within a large EHR system.
Dermal CIC‐Rearranged Sarcoma With Neuroendocrine Differentiation Mimicking Merkel Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Freeman Timothy , Wilson Kelsey , McKay Kristopher
Published: December 2024

Capicua transcriptional repressor (CIC)‐rearranged sarcoma (CRS) is a rare and recently described tumor that most commonly affects patients between 15 and 30 years of age. It is an undifferentiated round cell malignancy, with a disease defining CIC fusion, with double homeobox 4 (DUX4) being the most common partner. Here, we report a 77‐year‐old woman who presented with a cutaneous thigh mass with a clinical morphology suggesting Merkel cell carcinoma. Immunohistochemically, there was positivity for INSM1 (extensive) and synaptophysin (patchy) and granular expression of neurofilament (extensive), CAM5.2, and CK20 (focal, nonspecific). The majority of the tumor showed histopathologic features within the range of what can be seen in Merkel cell carcinoma, but there were divergent features, including a myxoid zone with corded and stranded tumor cells and a Ewing‐sarcoma‐like zone with confluent concentric membranous CD99 expression. WT‐1 was strongly expressed, prompting RNA‐based next generation sequencing for gene fusions, which identified the CIC:DUX4 [t(19;4)(19q13.2;4q35.2)]. A novel IRAK3:HMGA2 fusion was also identified. This example of CRS simulated MCC clinically, histopathologically, and immunohistochemically and represents a likely underrecognized diagnostic pitfall.
Rethinking BCC diagnosis: Automating concept‐specific detection of BCC in dermatoscopic images
Authors: Wang Zheng , Hu Hui , Liu Zirou , Lin Kaibin , Yang Ying , Liu Chen , Chen Xiao , Zhang Jianglin
Published: December 2024

Background

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a prevalent type of skin cancer in which the inherent subjectivity of dermoscopy poses diagnostic challenges. Existing AI systems, which provide mainly image‐level insights, lack the interpretability that is crucial for effective clinical decisions and patient education.

Patients and Methods

Our study developed a refined BCC dataset from the Human‒Machine Adversarial Model (HAM10000), which was annotated by clinicians to identify key diagnostic features. We integrated the ResNet50 and Mask R‐CNN architectures to enhance the model's performance by synthesizing feature‐related knowledge. Statistical evaluations, such as grouped bar charts and line graphs, validated the improvement in our clinical diagnosis evaluation scheme.

Results

The RFSD‐BCC system significantly enhanced the diagnosis of BCC, with higher sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy. The system achieved an area under the precision‐recall curve of 0.84, which closely matches physicians' diagnoses with high R2 values and low MAEs. With the RFSD‐BCC, the sensitivity increased by 7%, the specificity increased by 11%, the accuracy increased by 10%, and the intraclass correlation coefficient increased by 6%, which demonstrates the system's effectiveness in clinical settings.

Conclusions

The RFSD‐BCC system improves BCC diagnosis by integrating feature combination models, which enhances both sensitivity and specificity. It offers interpretable diagnoses that bridge AI analysis with clinical practice, significantly improving clinicians' diagnostic accuracy and fostering better patient understanding.
Plasticity syndromes in wild vertebrates: Patterns and consequences of individual variation in plasticity across multiple behaviours
Authors: Johansson Erik , Boersma P. Dee , Jones Timothy , Abrahms Briana
Published: December 2024

Behavioural plasticity is an important mechanism allowing animals to cope with changing environments. Theory has hypothesized the existence of ‘plasticity syndromes’—positive correlations in plasticity across multiple behaviours within an individual—affording a generalized ability to respond to environmental change. However, the occurrence of correlated plasticities and their potential fitness consequences in natural populations remain untested. Using a 40‐year dataset on free‐ranging Magellanic penguins, we find evidence of both positively and negatively correlated behavioural plasticities. Plasticity did not strongly affect lifetime reproductive success, but its effect on interannual performance varied significantly by environmental context: plasticity reduced success in average oceanic conditions, increased success in anomalously productive conditions and, contrary to expectation, did not buffer against anomalously unproductive conditions. Such results highlight the complex patterns and consequences of plasticity across behaviours, individuals and environments, and the context‐dependent role that correlated plasticities play in the adaptive capacity of populations to environmental change.
Community Synchrony in Seed Production is Associated With Trait Similarity and Climate Across North America
Authors: LaMontagne Jalene M. , Greene David F. , Holland E. Penelope , Johnstone Jill F. , Schulze Mark , Zimmerman Jess K. , Lyon Nicholas J. , Chen Angel , Miller Tom E. X. , Nigro Katherine M. , Snell Rebecca S. , Barton Jessica H. , Chaudhary V. Bala , Cleavitt Natalie L. , Crone Elizabeth E. , Koenig Walter D. , Macias Diana , Pearse Ian S. , Redmond Miranda D.
Published: December 2024

Mast seeding, the synchronous and highly variable production of seed crops by perennial plants, is a population‐level phenomenon and has cascading effects in ecosystems. Mast seeding studies are typically conducted at the population/species level. Much less is known about synchrony in mast seeding between species because the necessary long‐term data are rarely available. To investigate synchrony between species within communities, we used long‐term data from seven forest communities in the U.S. Long‐Term Ecological Research (LTER) network, ranging from tropical rainforest to boreal forest. We focus on cross‐species synchrony and (i) quantify synchrony in reproduction overall and within LTER sites, (ii) test for relationships between synchrony with trait and phylogenetic similarity and (iii) investigate how climate conditions at sites are related to levels of synchrony. Overall, reproductive synchrony between woody plant species was greater than expected by chance, but spanned a wide range of values between species. Based on 11 functional and reproductive traits for 103 species (plus phylogenetic relatedness), cross‐species synchrony in reproduction was driven primarily by trait similarity with phylogeny being largely unimportant, and synchrony was higher in sites with greater climatic water deficit. Community‐level synchrony in masting has consequences for understanding forest regeneration dynamics and consumer‐resource interactions.
Climate Change Impacts Pair‐Bond Dynamics in a Long‐Lived Monogamous Species
Authors: Sun Ruijiao , Fay Rémi , Ventura Francesco , Şen Bilgecan , Barbraud Christophe , Delord Karine , Krumhardt Kristen , Jenouvrier Stéphanie
Published: December 2024

Climate change can influence populations of monogamous species by affecting pair‐bond dynamics. This study examined the impact of climate on widowhood and divorce, and the subsequent effects on individual vital rates and life‐history outcomes over 54 years in a snow petrel (Pagodroma nivea) population. We found that environmental conditions can affect pair‐bond dynamics both directly and indirectly. Divorce was adaptive, occurring more frequently after breeding failure and leading to improved breeding success. Divorce probabilities also increased under severe climatic conditions, regardless of prior breeding success, supporting the ‘Habitat‐mediated’ mechanisms. Overall, pair‐bond disruptions reduced subsequent vital rates and lifetime outcomes. Climate forecasts from an Atmosphere–Ocean General Circulation Model projected increased male widowhood rates due to decreased sea ice negatively affecting female survival, despite considerable uncertainty. These findings highlight the importance of environmentally induced changes in demographic and pair‐bond disruption rates as crucial factors shaping demographic responses to climate change.
Hidden Causes of Variation in Offspring Reproductive Value: Negative Effects of Maternal Breeding Age on Offspring Telomere Length Persist Undiminished Across Multiple Generations
Authors: Marasco Valeria , Boner Winnie , Griffiths Kate , Raveh Shirley , Monaghan Pat
Published: December 2024

Offspring of older breeders frequently show reduced longevity, which has been linked to shorter offspring telomere length. It is currently unknown whether such telomere reduction persists beyond a single generation, as would be the case if germline transmission is involved. In a within‐grandmother, multi‐generational study using zebra finches, we show that the shorter telomeres observed in F1 offspring of older mothers are still present in the F2 generation even when the breeding age of their F1 mothers is young. The effect was substantial: 43% shorter telomeres in grandoffspring from the ‘grandmother old at breeding’ line compared with those from the ‘grandmother young at breeding’ line. Shorter telomeres at fledging in this species are associated with a reduction in lifespan. Our data demonstrate the need to look beyond a single generation to explain inter‐individual variation in ageing rates and thereby variation in optimal allocation of age‐specific reproductive effort.
An Experimental Validation Test of Ecological Coexistence Theory to Forecast Extinction Under Rising Temperatures
Authors: Terry J. Christopher D.
Published: December 2024

Interactions between species pose considerable challenges for forecasting the response of ecological communities to global changes. Coexistence theory could address this challenge by defining the conditions species can or cannot persist alongside competitors. However, although coexistence theory is increasingly deployed for projections, these frameworks have rarely been subjected to critical multigenerational validation tests. Here, using a highly replicated mesocosm experiment, I directly test if the modern coexistence theory approach can predict time‐to‐extirpation in the face of rising temperatures within the context of competition from a heat‐tolerant species. Competition hastened expiration and the modelled point of coexistence breakdown overlapped with mean observations under both steady temperature increases and with additional environmental stochasticity. That said, although the theory identified the interactive effect between the stressors, predictive precision was low even in this simplified system. Nonetheless, these results support the careful use of coexistence modelling for forecasts and understanding drivers of change.
Embracing Neurodivergence: Essential considerations in family law practice
Authors: Cottingham Marianne , Spear Talia
Published: December 2024

Neurodiversity encompasses the natural wiring of the mind, shaping how individuals think, behave, communicate, and perceive the world. While society largely caters to the neurotypical majority, neurodivergent individuals, who represent a minority, experience the world differently and face unique challenges. Stigma persists surrounding neurodivergent people, and they are consistently marginalized. Family law professionals often work with neurodivergent individuals but need improved awareness and knowledge of neurodivergent traits and client presentation. Recognizing neurodivergence and providing inclusive support and access to services is crucial. This article defines relevant concepts and definitions and provides scenarios and examples that illustrate how neurodivergence may show up in day‐to‐day family law practice. Tips are provided for increasing awareness for professionals, along with practical suggestions for working with neurodivergent individuals.
Chinese EFL Teachers’ Professional Agency as a Facilitator of Their Sustainable Development and Work Engagement
Authors: Cao Guihua
Published: December 2024

Research suggests that teacher agency influences different areas of English as a foreign language (EFL) teachers’ practice and professionalism. Nevertheless, the role of teacher professional agency in facilitating sustainable professional development (SPD) and work engagement has been overlooked. To fill this gap, this study used a semi‐structured interview with a sample of 27 Chinese EFL teachers to unveil their perceptions of the interplay of concern. The results indicated different venues through which EFL teachers’ professional agency could contribute to their SPD and work engagement. Professional agency could lead to teachers’ SPD by affecting their teaching motivation, positive emotional experiences, professional enthusiasm, and self‐development. Conversely, it was found that professional agency facilitated EFL teachers’ work engagement by influencing their teaching methods/materials, enthusiasm, satisfaction, commitment, responsibility, and teaching horizons. The findings are discussed and implications are listed for EFL teachers to use agentic practices in second/foreign language (L2) education, as triggers of many other positive outcomes like engagement and professional development.
Understanding the genetics of sex determination in insects and its relevance to genetic pest management
Authors: Ashmore Jade S. , Slippers Bernard , Duong Tuan A. , Dittrich‐Schröder Gudrun
Published: December 2024

Sex determination pathways regulate male and female‐specific development and differentiation and offer potential targets for genetic pest management methods. Insect sex determination pathways are comprised of primary signals, relay genes and terminal genes. Primary signals of coleopteran, dipteran, hymenopteran and lepidopteran species are highly diverse and regulate the sex‐specific splicing of relay genes based on the primary signal dosage, amino acid composition or the interaction with paternally inherited genes. In coleopterans, hymenopterans and some dipterans, relay genes are Transformer orthologs from the serine‐arginine protein family that regulate sex‐specific splicing of the terminal genes. Alternative genes regulate the splicing of the terminal genes in dipterans that lack Transformer orthologs and lepidopterans. Doublesex and Fruitless orthologs are the terminal genes. Doublesex and Fruitless orthologs are highly conserved zinc‐finger proteins that regulate the expression of downstream proteins influencing physical traits and courtship behaviours in a sex‐specific manner. Genetic pest management methods can use different mechanisms to exploit or disrupt female‐specific regions of different sex determination genes. Female‐specific regions of sex determination genes can be exploited to produce a lethal gene only in females or disrupted to impede female development or fertility. Reducing the number of fertile females in pest populations creates a male‐biased sex ratio and eventually leads to the local elimination of the pest population. Knowledge on the genetic basis of sex determination is important to enable these sex determination pathways to be exploited for genetic pest management.
Controlling the permeability of the particle‐stabilized ceramic foams with polymethyl methacrylate microsphere as pore‐forming agent
Authors: Leng Quanle , Yao Dongxu , Xia Yongfeng , Zhu Ming , Zhao Jun , Zeng Yu‐Ping
Published: December 2024

Open‐cell ceramic foams with controllable cell connectivity were fabricated by polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) microspheres as pore‐forming agent combined with particle‐stabilized foaming method. In order to adjust the open‐cell structures of ceramic foams, PMMA microspheres with distinct particle sizes and contents were used. The results indicate that the bubble‐derived pores in the prepared ceramic foams were interconnected by microsphere‐derived pores within cell walls, and the average size and volume fraction of microsphere‐derived pores and bubble‐derived pores could be tailored by adjusting the particle size and content of PMMA microspheres. The impacts of open‐cell structures on connectivity were described in terms of permeability in this study. The open‐cell ceramic foams obtained using larger PMMA particle size and content exhibited larger Darcian and non‐Darcian permeability constants due to the increase of the size and volume fraction of microsphere‐derived pores. The ratio of Darcian and non‐Darcian permeability constant represents the individual contribution of viscous and inertial effects to the total pressure drop during the permeation process that are strongly dependent on the microsphere‐derived pore size and pore volume fraction. The Darcian and non‐Darcian constants in this study were in the range of 3.54 × 10−12 to 4.09 × 10−11 m2 and 3.05 × 10−7 to 5.10 × 10−6 m, respectively. These results are of practical value for the preparation and optimization of ceramic foams in applications requiring open‐cell structures.
Do Medicare Beneficiaries Under Accountable Care or Medicare Advantage Use Lower Quality Nursing Homes?
Authors: Wang Huiying , Kosar Cyrus , Rahman Momotazur , Mor Vince
Published: December 2024

Background

With the growing number of Medicare beneficiaries attributed to Accountable Care Organizations (ACO) or enrolled in Medicare Advantage (MA) and their financial incentives to lower the cost of the cared patients, it is essential to understand how these alternative payment models affect post‐acute outcomes among beneficiaries, with or without dementia diagnoses. In this study, we examined the quality of skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) that beneficiaries entered after hospital discharge under different payment models.

Study Participants

Medicare beneficiaries who were discharged from hospitals and admitted to SNFs between 2013 and 2018.

Key Measures

The exposure variable was a payment indicator, including ACO, MA, or non‐ACO traditional Medicare (TM) fee‐for‐service. The dependent variable was high overall quality SNF, defined as with at least 4‐star rating in the CMS Nursing Home Care Compare.

Analytic Plan

We examined the payer distribution by dementia diagnosis using ZIP Code Tabulation Areas (ZCTAs) fixed effects and adjusted for age, gender, and race. We also estimated the probabilities of entering high‐quality SNF as a function of payer status and dementia diagnosis each year using hospital and ZCTA fixed effects and accounting for beneficiary‐level covariates.

Results

Among SNF admissions from 2013 to 2018, the share of ACO‐attributed beneficiaries increased from 7.6% to 20.2%, MA enrollees increased from 25.2% to 32.8%, and non‐ACO‐attributed TM enrollees decreased from 67.2% to 47.3%. Consistently, ACO‐attributed beneficiaries were the most likely, while MA enrollees were the least likely to enter high‐quality SNFs, regardless of dementia diagnosis.

Conclusions

Our findings highlight significant differences in access to high‐quality SNFs across Medicare payment models, with ACO‐attributed beneficiaries consistently experiencing better access than their MA or traditional Medicare counterparts, regardless of dementia diagnosis. These results underscore the need for further investigation into how payment models influence care quality and access, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Examining Factors Influencing Older Adult Engagement in Fall Prevention: A Comparative Analysis Among Stakeholders
Authors: Wiseman Jessica M. , Quatman Carmen E. , Quatman‐Yates Catherine C.
Published: December 2024

Background

Falls are a leading cause of fatal and non‐fatal injuries for older adults in the United States with significant consequences for health, mobility, and independence. Understanding what barriers influence older adult engagement is essential to facilitating uptake of evidence‐based interventions to prevent falls and fall‐related injuries.

Methods

Semi‐structured focus groups were held with 59 participants in three stakeholder groups: (1) community‐dwelling older adults, (2) caregivers of older adults, and (3) healthcare providers who engage with older adults. Themes that emerged were categorized by the stakeholder group that identified them and evaluated using the social‐ecological model and assigned to a level within that framework (individual, interpersonal, community, or societal).

Results

Barriers identified to older adult participation in fall prevention activities had the most themes emerge at the individual‐level, which included denial; discomfort avoidance; fear of being a burden; pride; and self‐perception. Interpersonal‐level themes were the normalization of falls; healthcare provider attitude, behavior, and practices; social support; and well‐intentioned family. Finally, the themes observed at the community level included cost; lack of education and awareness; limited healthcare resources; lack of transportation; and healthcare system timing and weaknesses. Some themes were identified across all stakeholder types, while others were recognized by only one or two. The only theme at the societal level was age‐related stigma.

Conclusions

These findings demonstrate a variety of barriers across stakeholder types and provide valuable insights for developing strategies to effectively promote older adult participation in fall prevention activities to reduce falls and enhance healthy aging.
Incidence of Potentially Inappropriate Prescribing: Longitudinal Investigation of Outpatient EHR Prescriptions
Authors: Albert Steven M. , Li Xiaotong , Gill‐Kane Sandra L. , Lombardi Jacob , Akenapalli Krishi , Boyce Richard D.
Published: December 2024

Importance

The incidence of potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) prescribing among older adults is not as well studied as its prevalence. Estimates of factors associated with PIM incidence, such as patient age, sex, race‐ethnicity, medication subsidy support, and comorbidity, are also limited.

Objective

To estimate the incidence of PIM prescribing in older adult outpatients, as well as the incidence and predictors for each PIM class, in a large outpatient electronic health records (EHR) cohort.

Design

Retrospective study of PIM prescribing among outpatients with encounters leading to prescription orders, 2015–2018, excluding prevalent cases.

Setting

Outpatients receiving care from a multi‐site health system in western Pennsylvania.

Participants

342,405 patients, contributing 893,754 person‐years of follow‐up.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The incidence of PIM prescribing based on automated coding of 2019 Beers criteria. A multivariable Poisson regression model was estimated to assess the impact of age, sex, race‐ethnicity, comorbidity, and medication subsidy (PACE/PACENET) on PIM risk. For each PIM class, the association between predictors and time to PIM prescribing was evaluated using proportional hazard models.

Results

The incidence rate (IR) for 1 or more PIM was 193.5 per 1000 person‐years, led by short‐ and intermediate‐acting benzodiazepines (37.6), first‐generation antihistamines (32.8), and skeletal muscle relaxants (22.0). The incidence of PIM prescribing was 15% higher among white patients and 35% lower among males. High comorbidity (Charlson score ≥ 3) was associated with a 59% higher risk. Participation in the PACE/PACENET program, a medication subsidy program, was associated with an 83% increase in incidence. Each additional year of age was associated with a 1.2% reduction in incidence.

Conclusions and Relevance

This study establishes benchmarks for the incidence of PIM prescribing in outpatients and identifies important disparities in PIM risk, which vary by PIM class.
The AMS/DYT1–MYB module interacts with the MED25–MYC–MYB complexes to inhibit jasmonate‐regulated floral defense in Arabidopsis
Authors: Song Junqiao , Pang Shihai , Xue Bingjie , Rong Deqing , Qi Tiancong , Huang Huang , Song Susheng
Published: December 2024

The phytohormone jasmonates (JAs) regulate plant growth and defense responses. The reproductive organs of flowers are devastated by insect herbivores. However, the molecular mechanisms of floral defense remain largely unknown. Here, we found that the Arabidopsis JA receptor CORONATINE INSENSITIVE1 (COI1) and its substrates JA ZIM‐domain (JAZ) repressors, and the mediator subunit MEDIATOR25‐based MED25–MYC–MYB (MMM) complexes, including MYC2/3/4/5 and MYB28/29/76, mediated floral defense against the insects Helicoverpa armigera, Spodoptera exigua, and Spodoptera frugiperda. The flower‐specific IIIa bHLH factors ABORTED MICROSPORES (AMS) and DYSFUNCTIONAL TAPETUM 1 (DYT1) were JAZ‐interaction proteins. They interacted with members of the MMM complexes, inhibited the transcriptional activity of MYC2 and MYB28, and repressed floral defense against insects. AMS and DYT1 recruited the flower‐specific MYB21/24, and these MYBs interacted with members of MMM complexes, inhibited the MYC2–MYB28 function, and suppressed floral defense against insects. Our study revealed that the JA–COI1–JAZ–MMM pathway mediated flower defense, and the AMS/DYT1–MYB21/24 module antagonized the MMM complexes to repress floral defense against insects.
Unraveling the Causal Relationship Between Blood Metabolites and Acne: A Metabolomic Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Li Min , Zhan Dan Dan , Fan Li Li , Wang Yu , Hu Xiao Han , Zhang Ming , Zhou Zhou
Published: December 2024

Background

Acne is a common skin disorder that may be linked to metabolic dysfunction. However, the causal impact of blood metabolites on acne has not been thoroughly investigated.

Methods

We performed a metabolome‐wide Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis on 486 blood metabolites and acne using a genome‐wide association dataset. The study included preliminary inverse‐variance weighted (IVW) analysis, multivariable MR analysis, linkage disequilibrium score (LDSC) analysis, and colocalization analysis, along with reverse MR to address potential reverse causation.

Results

Our analysis identified 12 metabolites significantly associated with acne. LDSC analysis revealed a genetic correlation between nonanoylcarnitine and acne. Colocalization analysis confirmed shared genetic variants, and metabolic pathway analysis implicated the arginine biosynthesis pathway and the selenocompound metabolism pathway in the development of acne.

Conclusion

This study offers a comprehensive understanding of the causal relationships between plasma metabolites and acne. The findings provide insights into potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for acne treatment, underscoring the need for further research.