bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Forecasts for WEAVE-QSO: 3D clustering and connectivity of critical points with Lyman-α tomography
Authors: Kraljic K , Laigle C , Pichon C , Peirani S , Codis S , Shim J , Cadiou C , Pogosyan D , Arnouts S , Pieri M , Iršič V , Morrison S S , Oñorbe J , Pérez-Ràfols I , Dalton G
Published: May 2022

The upcoming WEAVE-QSO survey will target a high density of quasars over a large area, enabling the reconstruction of the 3D density field through Lyman-α (Ly-α) tomography over unprecedented volumes smoothed on intermediate cosmological scales (≈ 16 Mpc h−1). We produce mocks of the Ly-α forest using Ly-α Mass Association Scheme, and reconstruct the 3D density field between sightlines through Wiener filtering in a configuration compatible with the future WEAVE-QSO observations. The fidelity of the reconstruction is assessed by measuring one- and two-point statistics from the distribution of critical points in the cosmic web. In addition, initial Lagrangian statistics are predicted from the first principles, and measurements of the connectivity of the cosmic web are performed. The reconstruction captures well the expected features in the auto- and cross-correlations of the critical points. This remains true after a realistic noise is added to the synthetic spectra, even though sparsity of sightlines introduces systematics, especially in the cross-correlations of points with mixed signature. Specifically, the most striking clustering features involving filaments and walls could be measured with up to 4σ of significance with a WEAVE-QSO-like survey. Moreover, the connectivity of each peak identified in the reconstructed field is globally consistent with its counterpart in the original field, indicating that the reconstruction preserves the geometry of the density field not only statistically, but also locally. Hence, the critical points’ relative positions within the tomographic reconstruction could be used as standard rulers for dark energy by WEAVE-QSO and similar surveys.
Durability analysis of the highly effective mRNA-1273 vaccine against COVID-19
Authors: Puranik Arjun , Lenehan Patrick J , O'Horo John C , Pawlowski Colin , Virk Abinash , Swift Melanie D , Kremers Walter , Venkatakrishnan A J , Challener Doug W , Breeher Laura , Gordon Joel E , Geyer Holly L , Speicher Leigh Lewis , Soundararajan Venky , Badley Andrew D
Published: May 2022

COVID-19 vaccines are effective, but breakthrough infections have been increasingly reported. We conducted a test-negative case-control study to assess the durability of protection against symptomatic infection after vaccination with mRNA-1273. We fit conditional logistic regression (CLR) models stratified on residential county and calendar date of SARS-CoV-2 PCR testing to assess the association between the time elapsed since vaccination and the odds of symptomatic infection, adjusted for several covariates. There were 2,364 symptomatic individuals who had a positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR test after full vaccination with mRNA-1273 (“cases”) and 12,949 symptomatic individuals who contributed 15,087 negative tests after full vaccination (“controls”). The odds of symptomatic infection were significantly higher 250 days after full vaccination compared to the date of full vaccination (Odds Ratio [OR]: 2.47, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.19–5.13). The odds of non-COVID-19 associated hospitalization and non-COVID-19 pneumonia (negative control outcomes) remained relatively stable over the same time interval (Day 250 ORNon-COVID Hospitalization: 0.68, 95% CI: 0.47–1.0; Day 250 ORNon-COVID Pneumonia: 1.11, 95% CI: 0.24–5.2). The odds of symptomatic infection remained significantly lower almost 300 days after the first mRNA-1273 dose as compared to 4 days after the first dose, when immune protection approximates the unvaccinated state (OR: 0.26, 95% CI: 0.17–0.39). Low rates of COVID-19 associated hospitalization or death in this cohort precluded analyses of these severe outcomes. In summary, mRNA-1273 robustly protected against symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection at least 8 months after full vaccination, but the degree of protection waned over this time period.
Traditional protocols and optimization methods lead to absent expression in a mycoplasma cell-free gene expression platform
Authors: Sakai Andrei , Deich Christopher R , Nelissen Frank H T , Jonker Aafke J , Bittencourt Daniela M de C , Kempes Christopher P , Wise Kim S , Heus Hans A , Huck Wilhelm T S , Adamala Katarzyna P , Glass John I
Published: May 2022

Cell-free expression (CFE) systems are one of the main platforms for building synthetic cells. A major drawback is the orthogonality of cell-free systems across species. To generate a CFE system compatible with recently established minimal cell constructs, we attempted to optimize a Mycoplasma bacterium-based CFE system using lysates of the genome-minimized cell JCVI-syn3A (Syn3A) and its close phylogenetic relative Mycoplasma capricolum (Mcap). To produce mycoplasma-derived crude lysates, we systematically tested methods commonly used for bacteria, based on the S30 protocol of Escherichia coli. Unexpectedly, after numerous attempts to optimize lysate production methods or composition of feeding buffer, none of the Mcap or Syn3A lysates supported cell-free gene expression. Only modest levels of in vitro transcription of RNA aptamers were observed. While our experimental systems were intended to perform transcription and translation, our assays focused on RNA. Further investigations identified persistently high ribonuclease (RNase) activity in all lysates, despite removal of recognizable nucleases from the respective genomes and attempts to inhibit nuclease activities in assorted CFE preparations. An alternative method using digitonin to permeabilize the mycoplasma cell membrane produced a lysate with diminished RNase activity yet still was unable to support cell-free gene expression. We found that intact mycoplasma cells poisoned E. coli cell-free extracts by degrading ribosomal RNAs, indicating that the mycoplasma cells, even the minimal cell, have a surface-associated RNase activity. However, it is not clear which gene encodes the RNase. This work summarizes attempts to produce mycoplasma-based CFE and serves as a cautionary tale for researchers entering this field.

Graphical Abstract
Effects of standardized ileal digestible lysine on growth performance and economic return in duroc-sired finishing pigs
Authors: Becker Larissa L , Scholtz Emily E , DeRouchey Joel M , Tokach Mike D , Woodworth Jason C , Goodband Robert D , De Jong Jon A , Wu Fangzhou , Berg Kiah M , Ward Joe P , Neill Casey R , Gebhardt Jordan T
Published: May 2022

In the United States, emphasis has shifted toward improved pork quality and has resulted in greater use of Duroc-based terminal sires. Duroc sires have differences in ADG, ADFI, G:F, and carcass leanness compared to other sires. Therefore, our objective was to determine the standardized ileal digestible (SID) Lys estimates for Duroc-based sired finishing pigs. In Exp. 1, 2,124 pigs (DNA 600 ×PIC 1050, initially 48.9 kg) were used with 24–27 pigs per pen and 16 pens per treatment. Corn-soybean meal-based diets were fed in three phases (49–59, 59–71, and 71–81 kg). Pens were randomly allotted to 1 of 5 treatments based as a percentage of PIC (2016) SID Lys estimates for gilts (85%, 95%, 103%, 110%, and 120%). Phase 1 diets were formulated to 0.90%, 1.01%, 1.09%, 1.17%, and 1.27%, phase 2 to 0.79%, 0.87%, 0.94%, 1.03%, and 1.10%, and phase 3 to 0.71%, 0.78%, 0.85%, 0.92%, and 0.99% SID Lys. Increasing SID Lys increased (linear, P < 0.001) ADG and Lys intake/kg of gain. A marginally significant improvement (quadratic, P = 0.071) in G:F was observed as SID Lys increased. Feed cost, feed cost/kg of gain, revenue (linear, P < 0.01) and income over feed cost (IOFC) increased (quadratic, P = 0.045) with increasing SID Lys. In Exp. 2, 2,099 pigs (DNA 600 ×PIC 1050, initially 90.1 kg) were used with 24–27 pigs per pen and 20 pens per treatment. Corn-soybean meal-based diets were fed in 2 phases (90–106 and 106–136 kg). Pens were randomly allotted to 1 of 4 treatments based as a percentage of PIC (2016) SID Lys estimates for gilts (85%, 93%, 100%, and 110%). Phase 1 diets were formulated to 0.65%, 0.71%, 0.77%, and 0.84% and phase 2 to 0.60%, 0.66%, 0.71%, and 0.78% SID Lys. Overall, increasing SID Lys increased (linear, P < 0.05) G:F, Lys intake/kg of gain, live weight and HCW, and increased (quadratic, P = 0.020) ADG. Feed cost (linear, P < 0.01), revenue, and IOFC increased (quadratic, P ≤ 0.053) with increasing SID Lys. In conclusion, the SID Lys estimate for growth and IOFC was 1.19% or 4.63 g SID Lys/Mcal of NE, 1.05% or 4.04 g SID Lys/Mcal of NE, and 0.94% or 3.58 g SID Lys/Mcal of NE for pigs weighing 49–59 kg, 59–71 kg, and 71–81 kg, respectively. The SID Lys estimate for late finishing pigs was 0.74%–0.81% or 2.85–3.10 g SID Lys/Mcal of NE, and 0.69%–0.75% or 2.61–2.84 g SID Lys/Mcal of NE, for 90–106 kg and 106–136 kg pigs, respectively. These data provide SID Lys estimates for current Duroc-sired genetic lines raised in a commercial environment.
The Use of Potassium Phosphonate (KHP) for the Control of Major Apple Pests
Authors: Gaucher Matthieu , Heintz Christelle , Cournol Raphaël , Juillard Anthony , Bellevaux Cécile , Cavaignac Sébastien , Coureau Claude , Giraud Michel , Le Maguet Jean , Bérud Myriam , Koké Emile , Crété Xavier , Lemarquand Arnaud , Orain Gilles , Brisset Marie-Noëlle
Published: May 2022

Phosphonate-based products have demonstrated diverse abilities to protect crops against pests, with various modes of action proposed. In this article, we specifically investigated potassium phosphonate (KHP) on apple crops. Its performance to control three major apple bioagressors (Venturia inaequalis, Erwinia amylovora, and Dysaphis plantaginea) was evaluated under semicontrolled conditions. The product was able to confer significant protection rates (40 to 75% for apple scab, 40% for fire blight, and 30% for rosy aphid), which can be explained by its more or less efficient biocidal activity against the three pests, and by its ability to induce apple immunity (pathogenesis-related proteins and secondary metabolites genes). A cumulative effect of treatments as well as the systemic behavior of the product was demonstrated. Fields trials against apple scab and the postharvest disease bull’s eyes rot (Neofabraea vagabunda) were performed on different apple varieties by applying KHP combined with light pest management programs either reducing (dessert orchards) or suppressing (cider orchards) fungicide applications. KHP was able to reduce apple scab by 70 to 90% on shoots and young and harvested fruit, and bull’s eyes rot by 70 to 90% on harvested fruit. Overall, our results indicate that KHP is useful for the protection of apple trees against its major pests by direct effect and by triggering the host defense system.
Efficacy and Timing of Application of Fungicides, Biofungicides, Host-Plant Defense Inducers, and Fertilizer to Control Phytophthora Root Rot of Flowering Dogwood in Simulated Flooding Conditions in Container Production
Authors: Neupane Krishna , Ghimire Bhawana , Baysal-Gurel Fulya
Published: May 2022

Phytophthora root rot, caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi Rands, is one of the major diseases of flowering dogwood (Cornus florida L.). The severity of root rot disease increases when the plants are exposed to flooding conditions. A study was conducted to determine the efficacy and timing of application of different fungicides, biofungicides, host-plant defense inducers, and fertilizer to manage Phytophthora root rot in month-old seedlings in simulated flooding events for 1, 3, and 7 days. Preventative treatments were drench applied 3 weeks and 1 week before flooding whereas curative treatments were applied 24 h after flooding. Dogwood seedlings were inoculated with P. cinnamomi 3 days before the flooding. Plant height and width were recorded at the beginning and end of the study. At the end of the study, plant total weight and root weight were recorded and disease severity in the root was assessed using a scale of 0 to 100%. Root samples were plated using PARPH-V8 medium to determine the percent recovery of the pathogen. Empress Intrinsic, Pageant Intrinsic, Segovis, and Subdue MAXX, as preventative and curative applications, were able to suppress the disease severity compared with the inoculated control in all flooding durations. All treatments, with the exception of Stargus as a preventative application 3 weeks before flooding and Orkestra Intrinsic as a curative application, were able to suppress the disease severity compared with the inoculated control for a 1-day flooding event. Aliette and ON-Gard were effective in the first trial when applied preventatively at both 1 week and 3 weeks before flooding but not in the second trial. Signature Xtra was effective as a preventative application but not as a curative application. Interface was effective as a curative application but not as a preventative application. The findings of this study will help nursery growers to understand the performance of fungicides, biofungicides, host-plant defense inducers, and fertilizer at different time intervals and repeated applications to manage Phytophthora root rot in flooding conditions.
An Improved Recombinase Polymerase Amplification Coupled with Lateral Flow Assay for Rapid Field Detection of ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’
Authors: Rattner Rachel J. , Godfrey Kris E. , Hajeri Subhas , Yokomi Raymond K.
Published: May 2022

Huanglongbing (HLB) is a destructive citrus disease that affects citrus production worldwide. ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’ (CLas), a phloem-limited bacterium, is the associated causal agent of HLB. The current standard for detection of CLas is real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) using either the CLas 16S rRNA gene or the ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) gene-specific primers/probe. qPCR requires well-equipped laboratories and trained personnel, which is not convenient for rapid field detection of CLas-infected trees. Recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) assay is a fast, portable alternative to PCR-based diagnostic methods. In this study, an RPA assay was developed to detect CLas in crude citrus extracts utilizing isothermal amplification, without the need for DNA purification. Primers were designed to amplify a region of the CLas RNR gene, and a fluorescent labeled probe allowed for detection of the amplicon in real-time within 8 mins at 39°C. The assay was specific to CLas, and the sensitivity was comparable to qPCR, with a detection limit cycle threshold of 34. Additionally, the RPA assay was combined with a lateral flow device for a point-of-use assay that is field deployable. Both assays were 100% accurate in detecting CLas in fresh citrus crude extracts from leaf midribs and roots from five California strains of CLas tested in the Contained Research Facility in Davis, California. This assay will be important for distinguishing CLas-infected trees in California from those infected by other pathogens that cause similar disease symptoms and can help control HLB spread.
Analyzing the structure of tourism destination network based on digital footprints: taking Guilin, China as a case
Authors: Yu Caihua , Lian Tonghui , Geng Hongbao , Li Sixin
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This paper gathers tourism digital footprint from online travel platforms, choosing social network analysis method to learn the structure of destination networks and to probe into the features of tourist flow network structure and flow characteristics in Guilin of China.

Design/methodology/approach

The digital footprint of tourists can be applied to study the behaviors and laws of digital footprint. This research contributes to improving the understanding of demand-driven network relationships among tourist attractions in a destination.

Findings

(1) Yulong River, Yangshuo West Street, Longji Terraced Fields, Silver Rock and Four Lakes are the divergent and agglomerative centers of tourist flow, which are the top tourist attractions for transiting tourists. (2) The core-periphery structure of the network is clearly stratified. More specifically, the core nodes in the network are prominent and the core area of the network has weak interaction with the peripheral area. (3) There are eight cohesive subgroups in the network structure, which contains certain differences in the radiation effects.

Originality/value

This research aims at exploring the spatial network structure characteristics of tourism flows in Guilin by analyzing the online footprints of tourists. It takes a good try to analyze the application of network footprint with the research of tourism flow characteristics, and also provides a theoretical reference for the design of tourist routes and the cooperative marketing among various attractions.
Stakeholder data analysis in the video gaming industry: implications for regional development
Authors: Belyaeva Zhanna , Petrosyan Anait , Shams S.M. Riad
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify and evaluate the video game ecosystem development in the context of socioeconomic and technological progress while analyzing the role of stakeholders in the video game industry for regional markets' growth.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper exploits technological and socioeconomic data in 25 countries grouped into the regions, as a methodological approach that allows identifying and evaluating the determinants of the video game industry's ecosystem development. The authors applied econometric modeling to understand technological, economic and social determinants forming video gaming industry growth in regional markets.

Findings

Different types of stakeholders are involved in the video game industry performing particular functions. Using econometric modeling for advanced and developing economies countries, we have found that different stakeholder groups and their engagement dynamics in the video gaming industry directly depend on socioeconomic and technological effects in certain regions of the world.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the knowledge within forming creative clusters around video gaming industry in developed and developing economies countries. The findings bridge the gap between quantitative and qualitative research in stakeholder-related characteristics, and key factors affecting the development of the video gaming market. The analyzed database of industry revenues within specific global regions shed the light on the future functionality of the ecosystem development in the new normal world.
Assessing the role of creativity and motivation to measure entrepreneurial education and entrepreneurial intention
Authors: Paliwal Minakshi , Rajak Binod Kumar , Kumar Vimal , Singh Sumanjeet
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The study aims to investigate the association between Entrepreneurial Education (EE) and Entrepreneurial Intention (EI) and the multiple mediation model of Creativity and Entrepreneurial Motivation (EM).

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed a sample of 300 students who have studied entrepreneurial development courses (short-term and vocational courses) from higher educational institutes located in four States of Northern India. The data were analyzed by employing the structural equation modeling (SEM) technique.

Findings

The investigation revealed that EE has a significant association with EM and EI but not with creativity. It is also seen that EM facilitates the affiliation between EE and EI, but creativity does not.

Practical implications

The investigation results help the Institution, Policymakers, Government, to include entrepreneurial activities in their programs.

Originality/value

EE primary objective is to develop skills and knowledge that can propel them into a journey of EI and entrepreneurship. Although EE and EI have studied at large, there is hardly any study that talks about motivation, creativity and practicality in their program.
Assessing the role of international transmission channels of sovereign risk: a multidimensional spatial econometrics approach
Authors: Liu Peipei , Huang Wei-Qiang
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This study is the first that aims to investigate international transmission channels of sovereign risk among G20 and explore its influential factors by applying the multidimensional SAR model.

Design/methodology/approach

Multiple spatial weight matrices can capture the contiguity of spatial units from various dimensions, which could be exploited to improve the precision of inference as well as prediction accuracy. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to investigate international transmission channels of sovereign risk among G20 and explore its influential factors by applying the multidimensional SAR model.

Findings

With network structure analysis, this study finds that they contain different information content from the perspective of graphical display, node strength and correlation. Developed and emerging countries all play major roles in trade connection, while only developed countries play major roles in financial linkage. Second, by applying the multidimensional SAR model, only the spatial autocorrelation coefficients for trade and financial linkages are significant during the full sample period, which is in sharp contrast to published studies using the SAR model with a single matrix. Third, the spillover channels that play major roles in various periods are different. Only trade channel plays a role during crisis periods and it is the most important. Fourth, the spatial correlation among countries greatly amplifies the shock’s impacts on one market. And spatial effect for developed countries is larger than those for emerging countries, while the mean spatial effect of a unit shock in the USA on emerging countries is slightly greater than that on developed countries.

Originality/value

Multiple spatial weight matrices can capture the contiguity of spatial units from various dimensions, which could be exploited to improve the precision of inference as well as prediction accuracy. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to investigate international transmission channels of sovereign risk among G20 and explore its influential factors by applying the multidimensional SAR model.
Promoting smart wearable devices in the health-AI market: the role of health consciousness and privacy protection
Authors: Zhu Yanting , Lu Yaobin , Gupta Sumeet , Wang Jinqiang , Hu Peng
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Consumers interacting with smart wearable devices is on the rise in the current health-AI market, which offers a great opportunity for companies to execute interactive marketing. However, this opportunity is mainly reliant on consumers' use of smart wearable devices. This paper aims to develop a model considering health and privacy factors to elucidate consumers' use of smart wearable devices for unleashing their full potential in interactive marketing.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collected 250 samples via an online survey to validate the smart wearable devices usage model that elucidates factors that stimulate consumer usage, including privacy concerns, health consciousness and consumer innovativeness. The authors used structural equation modeling and multi-group analysis to test the hypotheses.

Findings

Privacy concerns of consumers have a negative effect on smart wearable devices usage, while health consciousness positively impacts consumers' usage of smart wearable devices. Consumer innovativeness indirectly affects smart wearable devices usage via effort expectancy. Experienced consumers are less sensitive to the performance expectancy but more affected by effort expectancy regarding smart wearable devices.

Originality/value

The present study contributes to the literature stream of health-AI usage by unraveling the impacts of privacy concerns and health consciousness and examining the moderating role of prior experience. The findings suggest marketers in the health-AI industry should endeavor to build transparent and sound privacy protection mechanisms and promote smart wearable devices by fostering health awareness of potential consumers.
The nexus of financial literacy and depositor discipline in commercial banks
Authors: Dewi Vera Intanie , Wardhana Leo Indra
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This study investigates the relationship between financial literacy, that is, financial knowledge and financial skills, and market discipline, with financial behavior as the mediating variable. The study uses data from Indonesian depositors in commercial banks to estimate the relationship between the variables.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applied an explanatory method with a quantitative approach by surveying 343 Indonesian commercial bank depositors, in both public and private banks. The responses were collected using the purposive sampling technique. This study applied structural equation modeling (SEM) using AMOS software to analyze the data and then to estimate the relationships between financial literacy and market discipline.

Findings

This study shows that financial knowledge, financial skills, and financial behavior can improve market discipline. This study also provides empirical evidence that financial behavior has a mediation effect on the relationship between financial skills and financial knowledge to the market discipline.

Research limitations/implications

The results show that all financial literacy latent variables have a significant positive effect on market discipline. Financial behavior has a mediation effect on the relationship of financial skills and financial knowledge with market discipline. Depositors with good knowledge of financial products and services, who are skillful in managing their money and who demonstrate good financial behavior can effectively discipline the market. They will punish imprudent banking by actions such as the withdrawal of their funds. Financial literacy significantly enhances market discipline.

Practical implications

This study provides recommendations for regulators, practitioners, academics, and depositors, that is, the actors in the financial industry, on the need to empower consumers with financial literacy, while also promoting market discipline to recognize the importance of these two aspects for the sustainability of financial stability.

Originality/value

This study provides empirical evidence for the market discipline literature, using a behavioral approach, namely, the action of withdrawal of funds. The study then estimates the relationship between financial literacy, that is, financial knowledge and financial skills, and market discipline, with financial behavior as the mediating variable.
Behavioural and morphological traits influence sex‐specific floral resource use by hummingbirds
Authors: Maglianesi María A. , Maruyama Pietro K. , Temeles Ethan J. , Schleuning Matthias , Zanata Thais B. , Sazima Marlies , Gutiérrez‐Zamora Aquiles , Marín‐Gómez Oscar H. , Rosero‐Lasprilla Liliana , Ramírez‐Burbano Mónica B. , Ruffini Alejandra E. , Salamanca‐Reyes J. Ricardo , Sazima Ivan , Nuñez‐Rosas Laura E. , del Coro Arizmendi María , Rahbek Carsten , Dalsgaard Bo
Published: May 2022

Research on resource partitioning in plant–pollinator mutualistic systems is mainly concentrated at the levels of species and communities, whereas differences between males and females are typically ignored. Nevertheless, pollinators often show large sexual differences in behaviour and morphology, which may lead to sex‐specific patterns of resource use with the potential to differentially affect plant reproduction and diversification.

We investigated variation in behavioural and morphological traits between sexes of hummingbird species as potential mechanisms underlying sex‐specific flower resource use in ecological communities. To do so, we compiled a dataset of plant–hummingbird interactions based on pollen loads for 31 hummingbird species from 13 localities across the Americas, complemented by data on territorial behaviour (territorial or non‐territorial) and morphological traits (bill length, bill curvature, wing length and body mass).

We assessed the extent of intersexual differences in niche breadth and niche overlap in floral resource use across hummingbird species. Then, we tested whether floral niche breadth and overlap between sexes are associated with sexual dimorphism in behavioural or morphological traits of hummingbird species while accounting for evolutionary relatedness among the species.

We found striking differences in patterns of floral resource use between sex. Females had a broader floral niche breadth and were more dissimilar in the plant species visited with respect to males of the same species, resulting in a high level of resource partitioning between sexes. We found that both territoriality and morphological traits were related to sex‐specific resource use by hummingbird species. Notably, niche overlap between sexes was greater for territorial than non‐territorial species, and moreover, niche overlap was negatively associated with sexual dimorphism in bill curvature across hummingbird species.

These results reveal the importance of behavioural and morphological traits of hummingbird species in sex‐specific resource use and that resource partitioning by sex is likely to be an important mechanism to reduce intersexual competition in hummingbirds. These findings highlight the need for better understanding the putative role of intersexual variation in shaping patterns of interactions and plant reproduction in ecological communities.
Ericaceous dwarf shrubs contribute a significant but drought‐sensitive fraction of soil respiration in a boreal pine forest
Authors: Mielke Louis A. , Ekblad Alf , Finlay Roger D. , Fransson Petra , Lindahl Björn D. , Clemmensen Karina E.
Published: May 2022

Boreal forests often have a dense understorey of ericaceous dwarf shrubs with ecological adaptations that contrast those of the canopy‐forming trees. It is therefore important to quantify contributions by understorey shrubs to ecosystem processes and disentangle shrub‐ and tree‐driven responses to climatic factors.

We quantified soil respiration driven by the pine canopy and the ericaceous shrub understorey over 3 years, using a factorial pine root exclusion and shrub removal experiment in a mature Pinus sylvestris forest. Soil temperature and moisture‐related responses of respiration attributed to autotrophs (shrubs, pine roots) and heterotrophs were compared. Additionally, we assessed effects of interactions between these functional groups on soil nitrogen availability and respiration.

Understorey shrubs accounted for 22% ± 10% of total autotrophic respiration, reflecting the ericaceous proportion of fine root production in the ecosystem. Heterotrophic respiration constituted about half of total soil respiration. Shrub‐driven respiration was more susceptible to drought than heterotrophic‐ and pine‐driven respiration. While the respiration attributed to canopy and understorey remained additive, indicating no competitive release, the plant guilds competed for soil N.

Synthesis. Ericaceous understorey shrubs accounted for a small, yet significant, share of total growing season soil respiration. Overlooking understorey respiration may lead to erroneous partitioning and modelling of soil respiration mediated by functional guilds with contrasting responses to soil temperature and moisture. A larger contribution by heterotrophs and pine root‐associated organisms to soil respiration under drought conditions could have important implications for soil organic matter accumulation and decomposition as the climate changes in boreal forests.
Company Income Tax and Business Investment
Authors: Freebairn John
Published: May 2022

There are many financial paths that link different savers who provide funds to different business investors. Path options considered include combinations of corporate and unincorporated businesses, resident and non‐resident savers, debt and equity, and distributed and retained earnings. These different financial paths have different mixes of attributes valuable to savers and investors. As a result, the options are imperfect substitutes. Australian capital income taxation varies across the different financial path options. As a result, effective tax rates and the effects of reforms to company income tax vary across the funding options. Together, the imperfect substitute and different tax treatments reduce the impact of proposed changes in company income taxation on incentives to, and rewards from, business investment.
The role of intervening pregnancy loss in the association between interpregnancy interval and adverse pregnancy outcomes
Authors: Tessema Gizachew A. , Håberg Siri E. , Pereira Gavin , Magnus Maria C.
Published: May 2022

Objective

To investigate whether intervening miscarriages and induced abortions impact the associations between interpregnancy interval after a live birth and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Design

Population‐based cohort study.

Setting

Norway.

Participants

A total of 165 617 births to 143 916 women between 2008 and 2016.

Main outcome measures

We estimated adjusted relative risks for adverse pregnancy outcomes using log‐binomial regression, first ignoring miscarriages and induced abortions in the interpregnancy interval estimation (conventional interpregnancy interval estimates) and subsequently accounting for intervening miscarriages or induced abortions (correct interpregnancy interval estimates). We then calculated the ratio of the two relative risks (ratio of ratios, RoR) as a measure of the difference.

Results

The proportion of short interpregnancy interval (<6 months) was 4.0% in the conventional interpregnancy interval estimate and slightly increased to 4.6% in the correct interpregnancy interval estimate. For interpregnancy interval <6 months, compared with 18–23 months, the RoR was 0.97 for preterm birth (PTB) (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.83–1.13), 0.97 for spontaneous PTB ( 95% CI 0.80–1.19), 1.00 for small‐for‐gestational age ( 95% CI 0.86–1.14), 1.00 for large‐for‐gestational age (95% CI 0.90–1.10) and 0.99 for pre‐eclampsia (95% CI 0.71–1.37). Similarly, conventional and correct interpregnancy intervals yielded associations of similar magnitude between long interpregnancy interval (≥60 months) and the pregnancy outcomes evaluated.

Conclusion

Not considering intervening pregnancy loss due to miscarriages or induced abortions, results in negligible difference in the associations between short and long interpregnancy intervals and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Tweetable abstract

Not considering pregnancy loss in interpregnancy interval estimation resulted no meaningful differences in observed risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Association between pelvic pain bothersomeness and pain sensitivity: A community‐based cross‐sectional study of young adult females in the Raine Study
Authors: Beales Darren , Asinelli Renata , Klokset Marit , O'Kane Lindsay , Urstad Tonje , Wise Emma , Zabatiero Juliana , Thompson Judith , Pontre Jennifer , Waller Robert
Published: May 2022

Objective

Pelvic pain has been associated with augmented nociceptive processing, but large studies controlling for multiple potential confounding factors are lacking. This study investigated the association between pelvic pain bothersomeness and pain sensitivity in young adult women, accounting for potential confounding factors.

Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Setting

Community‐dwelling sample.

Population

The Raine Study Gen2‐22 year follow‐up (n = 475).

Main outcome measures

The experience of bothersomeness related to pelvic pain was determined from a question in the Urogenital Distress Inventory short form. Pain sensitivity was measured using pressure pain and cold pain thresholds. Potential confounding factors included ethnicity, marital status, highest level of education, income, waist–hip ratio, level of activity, sleep quality, smoking, comorbidity history, C‐reactive protein level, musculoskeletal pain experience and psychological distress.

Results

Three hundred and sixty‐two women (76.2%) reported no pelvic pain bothersomeness, 74 (15.6%) reported mild pelvic pain bothersomeness and 39 (8.2%) reported moderate–severe pelvic pain bothersomeness. After adjusting for marital status (and test site), moderate–severe pelvic pain bothersomeness was associated with a lower pressure pain threshold (i.e. greater pressure pain sensitivity) (coefficient −51.46, 95% CI −98.06 to −4.86, p = 0.030). After adjusting for smoking, moderate–severe pelvic pain bothersomeness was also associated with a higher cold pain threshold (i.e. greater cold pain sensitivity) (coefficient 4.35, 95% CI 0.90–7.79, p = 0.014).

Conclusions

This study suggests augmented nociceptive processing as a contributing factor in pelvic pain bothersomeness for some women. Thorough assessment of women who present clinically with pelvic pain should consider pain sensitivity as a potential contributing factor to their presentation.
Preoperative application of the Enzian classification for endometriosis (The cEnzian Study): A prospective international multicenter study
Authors: Enzelsberger Simon‐Hermann , Oppelt Peter , Nirgianakis Konstantinos , Seeber Beata , Drahoňovský Jan , Wanderer Leopold , Krämer Bernhard , Grübling Kristin Nannette , Kundu Sudip , Salehin Darius , Mierzwinski Maciej , Krentel Harald , Hermann Philipp , Wagner Helga , Shebl Omar , Schäfer Sebastian
Published: May 2022

Objective

To assess the diagnostic performance of preoperative application of the Enzian classification (cEnzian) using surgical findings as reference standard.

Design

A prospective international non‐interventional study.

Setting

Twelve endometriosis centres in four European countries (Austria, Germany, Switzerland and Czech Republic).

Population

1062 women with endometriosis surgery.

Methods

Extent of endometriosis was preoperatively classified using the cEnzian classification based on gynaecological examination and/or transvaginal ultrasound (TVS) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). After subsequent surgery, the surgeon classified the intraoperative findings using the Enzian classification.

Main outcome measures

Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, LR+, LR− and accuracy were calculated. Conditional frequencies of intraoperative Enzian codings and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals were computed for each preoperative coding and visualised in plots.

Results

Although overall consistency of cEnzian and Enzian was poor (35.14%, 95% confidence interval 32.26–38.03), high specificities and negative predictive values (NPVs) of the cEnzian compartments could be demonstrated. Looking at the individual parts of the Enzian classification, the poorest diagnostic performance was detected for compartment B and the highest PPVs were found for category 3 lesions (>3 cm), independent of the compartment.

Conclusions

Using the Enzian classification in a non‐invasive setting is a useful tool providing us with an ‘at a glance’ summary of the diagnostic workup regarding deep endometriosis with high specificities and NPVs. An attempt to merge the two new endometriosis classification systems (#Enzian and AAGL 2021) seems reasonable taking into consideration the respective advantages of each other.
Research training incorporating education and mentoring for rural and regional allied health professionals: An evaluation study
Authors: King Olivia A. , Wong Shee Anna , Howlett Owen , Clapham Renee , Versace Vincent L.
Published: May 2022

Introduction and Objective

Building rural health workforce research capacity is critical to addressing rural health inequalities. Research training is a mainstay research capacity building strategy. This paper describes the delivery and evaluation of a research training program for rural and regional allied health professions (AHPs).

Design

A mentored research training program was delivered to AHPs employed public health services in rural and regional Victoria, Australia. The program was evaluated using the Evidence‐Based Practice Knowledge Attitudes and Practice (EBP‐KAP) tool at baseline and 3 months post‐training. Semi‐structured interviews undertaken at 3 and 16 months post‐training explored participants' perspectives of the training, their development and application of EBP and research skills. Survey data were analysed descriptively, and interview data were analysed using a framework approach.

Findings

Thirty‐four individuals from 14 organisations attended the first workshop and 31 attended the second. Thirty‐one participants completed the survey at baseline and nine at 3 months post‐training. Sixteen interviews were undertaken with 11 participants, five participating at both time points. Participants had positive EBP attitudes at both time points. Overall, participants' knowledge and incorporation of EBP into their practice, and retrieval of evidence was unchanged 3 months post‐training. Themes identified in the interview data were as follows: (1) individual research capacity enhanced through supported practice, (2) organisational factors influence individuals' progression of research and (3) individual contributions towards research capacity within the organisation.

Conclusion

A mentored rural research training program promoted the application of EBP skills at the individual level and contributed to organisational research capacity.
Deep terminal negativity of the P‐wave in V1 and stroke risk: The National Health and Nutrition Examination survey III
Authors: Shen Youmei , Li Mingfang , Chen Minglong
Published: May 2022

Background

Deep terminal negativity of the P‐wave in V1 (DTNPV1) was considered if the absolute value of the depth of the negative phase was >100 μV in the presence of a biphasic P‐wave in V1. In this study, we aimed to determine the association between DTNPV1, a simpler P‐wave index, and the risk of stroke.

Methods

We compared P‐wave indices between participants with and without a self‐reported history of stroke in the United States Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III). The association between DTNPV1 and stroke was quantified with logistic regression models.

Results

In total, 7732 participants were included (307 with a history of stroke). Patients with stroke had deeper terminal negativity of the P‐wave in V1 (52.3 ± 33.9 μV vs. 41.4 ± 27.0 μV, p < .001). After adjustment, DTNPV1 was associated with an increased risk of stroke (OR: 1.63, 95% CI: 1.03–2.60, p = .038). This association appeared to be stronger in people aged <75 years (interaction p = .023), and in those without heart failure (interaction p = .018) or ischemic heart disease (interaction p = .014). In contrast to the participants with 0 or ≥2 risk factors, in those with 1 risk factor, stroke prevalence was significantly different among the three categories of terminal negativity of the P‐wave (0 μV, >0 μV but ≤100 μV and > 100 μV) in V1 (2.8%, 3.3%, and 10.3%, respectively, p = .005).

Conclusion

In NHANES III, DTNPV1 was associated with a higher prevalence of stroke, suggesting that DTNPV1 might be a convenient marker to distinguish the risk of stroke.
Acquired platelet defects are responsible for nonsurgical bleeding in left ventricular assist device recipients
Authors: Arias Katherin , Sun Wenji , Wang Shigang , Sorensen Erik N. , Feller Erika , Kaczorowski David , Griffith Bartley , Wu Zhongjun J.
Published: May 2022

Background

Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) have been used as a standard treatment option for patients with advanced heart failure. However, these devices are prone to adverse events. Nonsurgical bleeding (NSB) is the most common complication in patients with continuous flow (CF) LVADs. The development of acquired von Willebrand syndrome (AVWS) in CF‐LVAD recipients is thought to be a key factor. However, AVWS is seen across a majority of LVAD patients, not just those with NSB. The purpose of this study was to examine the link between acquired platelet defects and NSB in CF‐LVAD patients.

Methods

Blood samples were collected from 62 CF‐LVAD patients at pre‐ and 4 post‐implantation timepoints. Reduced adhesion receptor expression (GPIbα and GPVI) and activation of platelets (GPIIb/IIIa activation) were used as markers for acquired platelet defects.

Results

Twenty‐three patients experienced at least one NSB episode. Significantly higher levels of platelet activation and receptor reduction were seen in the postimplantation blood samples from bleeders compared with non‐bleeders. All patients experienced the loss of high molecular weight monomers (HMWM) of von Willebrand Factor (vWF), but no difference was seen between the two groups. Multivariable logistic regression showed that biomarkers for reduced platelet receptor expression (GPIbα and GPVI) and activation (GPIIb/IIIa) have more predictive power for NSB, with the area under curve (AUC) values of 0.72, 0.68, and 0.62, respectively, than the loss of HMWM of vWF (AUC: 0.57).

Conclusion

The data from this study indicated that the severity of acquired platelet defects has a direct link to NSB in CF‐LVAD recipients.
Geometric morphometrics of the second molar teeth within the human population from the late medieval city of Iași, Romania
Authors: Popovici Mariana , Groza Vasilica‐Monica , Bejenaru Luminiţa , Petraru Ozana‐Maria
Published: May 2022

Although variability and sexual dimorphism (SD) have been intensively studied as regards molar size, patterns of SD on molar shape are not an equally approached topic. Therefore, this study uses size and shape variables of the second permanent molar (M2) from two‐dimensional geometric morphometrics to assess intrasample variability and shape patterns in SD within a human group from the late medieval city of Iași in Romania. Our findings are partially consistent with the view that phenotypic variability in M2 teeth is correlated with their developmental stages. No intra‐group dental models were highlighted, except for those determined by SD. The upper M2 tooth is a clearer sexual dimorphic than the lower M2. How different regions of the tooth are associated and how patterns of M2 shape variation are defined in the two sexes are also topics addressed in this paper.
First‐in‐human study with ACT‐1014‐6470, a novel oral complement factor 5a receptor 1 (C5aR1) antagonist, supported by pharmacokinetic predictions from animals to patients
Authors: Anliker‐Ort Marion , Dingemanse Jasper , Hsin Chih‐hsuan , Richard Muriel , Huehn Eva , Sabattini Giancarlo , van de Wetering Jeroen , Kornberger Rüdiger , van den Anker John , Kaufmann Priska
Published: May 2022

Aberrantly controlled activation of the complement system contributes to inflammatory diseases. Safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of single‐ascending doses of ACT‐1014‐6470, a novel orally available complement factor 5a receptor 1 antagonist, were assessed in a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled Phase 1 study. Six ACT‐1014‐6470 doses (0.5–200 mg) were selected after predictions from a Complex Dedrick plot. In each group, ACT‐1014‐6470 or matching placebo was administered to six and two healthy male individuals under fed conditions, respectively, including a cross‐over part with 10 mg administered also under fasted conditions. Pharmacokinetic blood sampling and safety assessments (adverse events, clinical laboratory, vital signs, 12‐lead electrocardiogram, and QT telemetry) were performed. ACT‐1014‐6470 was absorbed with a time to maximum plasma concentration (tmax) of 3 h across dose levels and eliminated with a terminal half‐life of 30–46 h at doses ≥ 2.5 mg. Exposure increased approximately dose proportionally. Under fed compared to fasted conditions, ACT‐1014‐6470 exposure was 2.2‐fold higher and tmax delayed by 1.5 h. Pharmacokinetic modelling predicted that twice‐daily oral administration is warranted in a subsequent multiple‐dose study. No clinically relevant findings were observed in safety assessments. ACT‐1014‐6470 was well tolerated at all doses and could provide a novel therapy with more patient‐friendly administration route compared to biologicals.