bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Females Guarded by Sneaker Males Experience Higher Predation in the Two‐Spotted Spider Mite
Authors: Sano Taito , Gurjar Tanvi , Egas Martijn , Sato Yukie
Published: October 2024

Males often employ different reproductive tactics to gain access to females based on their condition and the surrounding environment. Predation risk is expected to have a significant influence on the frequencies of alternative reproductive tactics because these tactics typically differ in activity, which may result in differences in predation rate. In theory, such predation effects can explain the evolution as well as the maintenance of alternative reproductive tactics. Yet, there is little experimental work testing how predation risk affects alternative reproductive tactics. To assess such effects of predation, here we report on experiments with the two‐spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae. The two‐spotted spider mite is a small arthropod herbivore species, in which males exhibit precopulatory mate guarding by mounting preadult moulting (and hence immobile) females. Two reproductive tactics are observed during mate guarding: The fighting tactic involves attacking other males to drive them away, while the sneaking tactic involves mounting the females and remaining motionless, even when contacted by other males. In this study, we exposed pairs of male and female spider mites to a predatory mite (Phytoseiulus persimilis) and observed their survival and male response to a predator when females were guarded by either fighter or sneaker males. We found that predation risk was not significantly different between fighter and sneaker males. However, the immobile females were more often preyed upon when guarded by sneakers than when guarded by fighters. We attribute this indirect effect of predation risk to the sneakers continuing to mount females even when a predator is nearby.
Efficient Biomedical Text Summarization With Quantized LLaMA 2: Enhancing Memory Usage and Inference on Low Powered Devices
Authors: Kumar Sanjeev , Ranjan Vikas , Chakrabarti Arjab , Das Tridib Kumar , Singh Anushka
Published: October 2024

The deployment of large language models (LLMs) on edge devices and non‐server environments presents significant challenges, primarily due to constraints in memory usage, computational power, and inference time. This article investigates the feasibility of running LLMs across such devices by focusing on optimising memory usage, employing quantization techniques, and reducing inference time. Specifically, we utilise LLaMA 2 for biomedical text summarization and implement low‐rank adaptation (LoRA) quantization to compress the model size to compress the model size and fine‐tune it using limited resources. Our study systematically evaluates memory consumption during both training and inference phases, demonstrating substantial reductions through efficient LoRA quantization. Our results indicate that with careful optimization, it is feasible to deploy sophisticated LLMs like LLaMA 2 on low powered devices, thereby broadening the scope of their application in resource‐constrained environments.
Parent and adolescent perceptions of parent–child developmental relationships: The role of family routines
Authors: Boat Ashley A. , Hirano Kara A. , Roehlkepartain Eugene
Published: October 2024

Objective

This study examined family routines in relation to the strength of parent–child developmental relationships and discordant perceptions among parents and their adolescent children.

Background

Positive parent–child relationships and regular engagement in family routines are known to create a positive environment in which adolescents can thrive. Yet both parents and their children hold unique perspectives on family structure and functioning. Agreement between parent and child reports tend to be low and often become increasingly discrepant during adolescence. Engaging in consistent and predictable family routines may not only strengthen parent–child relationships but also result in more concordant perceptions of the quality of their shared relationship.

Method

Using data from 633 matched parents and their children, we examined the association between engagement in family routines and the strength of parent–adolescent relationships including discrepant reports using a latent congruence model.

Results

Family routines were positively associated with stronger parent–adolescent relationships and less discrepant reports of this critical relationship.

Conclusion

Engagement in family routines plays an important role in parent–adolescent developmental relationships.

Implications

Findings have important implications for practices and research focused on improving adolescent outcomes through family structures and parent–child relationships.
Fracture Analysis of 316L Specimens Fabricated via Material Extrusion Additive Manufacturing: Influence of Building Orientation and Notch Acuity
Authors: Spiller Saveria , Couto Sara , Razavi Nima
Published: October 2024

Three‐point bending tests were performed on notched specimens extracted from cuboids of 316L stainless steel produced via material extrusion additive manufacturing. The cuboids were printed vertically and horizontally on the printing platform to account for the building orientation effect on the mechanical performance. For each orientation, three notch sizes were considered. Overall, the specimens printed with building direction parallel to the loading direction outperformed the others. A significant notch size effect was observed in these specimens since the sharpest notch provoked a decrease in the peak load reached by the specimens in comparison with larger notches. On the contrary, this effect was less relevant among the other specimens, which presented a conspicuous amount of residual porosity that contributed to the premature failure. Further investigations were carried out to correlate the building orientation to the density of the parts and, ultimately, to the investigated mechanical properties. The ASED and TCD criteria were also applied to assess their accuracy in the failure prediction of the tested specimens.
Analysis of Fracture Modes and Acoustic Emission Characteristics of Low‐Frequency Disturbed Water‐Bearing Soft Rock With Different Cyclic Initial Value
Authors: Wu Chengyan , Wang Dong , Jiang Yujing , Wen Zhijie , Shi Yongkui , Chen Lugen
Published: October 2024

In the complex geological environment of deep mining area, water‐bearing soft rock is more prone to damage and destruction by low‐frequency disturbance. In this paper, the dynamic–static combination test was conducted on the basis of uniaxial compression test by using creep dynamic disturbance impact loading system and acoustic emission technique. The test results show that with the increase of the initial value of disturbance loading, the fracture morphology of sandstone gradually changes from a single major crack to multiple cracks coexisting, and some saturated sandstones lose the bearing capacity in the process of disturbance, presenting a cone‐shaped fracture surface. The increase of the initial value of the disturbance changes the bearing capacity of the sandstone, and the peak energy of acoustic emission reaches the maximum value when the initial value of the disturbance is 80% UCS. The results of the study can provide some reference for the stability analysis of deep water‐rich soft rock mines.
Predicting Landscape Conversion Impact on Small Mammal Occurrence and the Transmission of Parasites in the Atlantic Forest
Authors: Costa Ana Paula L. , Winck Gisele R. , Teixeira Bernardo R. , Gentile Rosana , D'Andrea Paulo S. , Vieira Emerson M. , Pardini Renata , Püttker Thomas , Andreazzi Cecilia S.
Published: October 2024

Aim

Changes in landscape configuration significantly impact ecosystems and the services they provide, including disease regulation for both humans and wildlife. Land use conversion usually favors disturbed‐adapted species, which are often known reservoirs of zoonotic parasites, thereby potentially escalating spillover events (i.e., the transmission of parasites to new hosts, including humans). Here we aimed to investigate how alterations in landscape use and configuration influence the distribution and co‐occurrence of potential hosts of zoonotic and epizootic parasites.

Location

Brazilian Atlantic Forest.

Time Period

Data collection spanned from 1997 to 2019.

Major taxa studied small mammals.

Methods

We integrated ecological network metrics and joint distribution models while accounting for phylogenetic relationships and functional traits to answer two main questions: (1) do small mammal species considered central hosts in the transmission of parasites exhibit a higher probability of occurrence in landscapes with reduced native vegetation areas? (2) Do small mammal hosts that share a higher number of parasites have higher co‐occurrence probabilities?

Results

Our results demonstrated that species identified as significant hosts in our centrality network analysis displayed an increased probability of occurrence in landscapes that are both more fragmented and have a higher proportion of farming areas, hence fewer native vegetation areas. Regarding the relationship between species co‐occurrence and parasite sharing, our findings indicated that most strong co‐occurrences were prevalent within groups with higher parasite fauna similarity, but not all species sharing parasites had a higher probability of co‐occurring.

Conclusions

Here we highlight the effects of landscape conversion on small mammal species, including how different configurations of land use can influence both central and non‐central host occurrences. Besides, our results also indicate that parasite transmission may be overestimated when the co‐occurrence probability of potential host species is not considered. We highly recommend incorporating co‐occurrence data to estimate zoonotic risk.
A critical appraisal of the International Classification of Headache Disorders migraine diagnostic criteria based on a retrospective multicenter cross‐sectional headache registry study in youth
Authors: Patterson Gentile Carlyn , Hershey Andrew D. , Szperka Christina L.
Published: October 2024

Objectives

We used Cluster Analysis of Migraine‐associated Symptoms (CAMS) to critically evaluate current International Classification of Headache Disorders‐Third Edition (ICHD‐3) migraine‐associated symptoms criteria.

Background

Diagnostic criteria play a central role in guiding clinical trial inclusion, and therefore available treatments. Migraine and tension‐type headaches (TTH) are differentiated in ICHD‐3 by many headache characteristics, including associated symptoms. A diagnosis of probable migraine indicates some but not all features of migraine are met. Photophobia and phonophobia, or nausea and/or vomiting, are required to meet a diagnosis of migraine; however, CAMS—a model that describes associated symptoms across youth with headache—indicates that a broader range of symptoms contain information about migraine burden.

Methods

In this multisite retrospective cross‐sectional study, we evaluated ICHD‐3 migraine criteria. Youth aged 6–17 years with migraine (including probable migraine) or TTH were included in the analysis. We used CAMS to evaluate the migraine‐associated symptom criterion. With CAMS as a guide, we evaluated how changes to the migraine‐associated symptom criterion altered who met the diagnosis of migraine.

Results

Of the 9017 participants included in this study, 66.7% were female and had a median (interquartile range) age of 13 (10–15) years. Most participants had migraine or probable migraine (99.0%), and the remainder had TTH (1.0%). A sizable percentage (10.1%) of youth under the umbrella diagnosis of migraine were diagnosed with probable migraine because they did not meet migraine‐associated symptom criterion D; however, many in this group reported several non‐ICHD migraine‐associated symptoms. We explored alterations to criterion D based on CAMS. Allowing for photophobia or phonophobia re‐categorized 55.6% of youth as having migraine, though some only had one symptom. Including lightheadedness or lightheadedness and spinning re‐categorized 19.7% and 25.8% of youth with migraine, respectively, but all of those who were re‐categorized had at least two migraine‐associated symptoms.

Conclusion

The ICHD‐3 captures the most prevalent migraine‐associated symptoms; however, many youths with probable migraine who do not meet full criteria due to insufficient associated symptoms nonetheless experience multiple non‐ICHD migraine‐associated symptoms. Changes to criterion D should be considered for the ICHD‐4.
Personalised Health Behaviour Support Programme in Adults With Post‐COVID Syndrome: A Randomised, Controlled Pilot Feasibility Trial
Authors: Armstrong Matthew , Owen Rebecca , Van Niekerk Kristen Shirley , Saynor Zoe L.
Published: October 2024

Background

We investigated whether a novel 8‐week personalised health behaviour support programme, focusing on the stability of symptoms and strategies to improve activities of daily living, was feasible and acceptable in adults with post‐COVID syndrome.

Methods

In this randomised, controlled, pilot feasibility trial, 32 adults with post‐COVID syndrome (continued symptoms for ≥ 12 weeks) were randomised 1:1 to receive personalised health behaviour support (self‐reported physical activity and symptom diaries, plus seven one‐to‐one remotely delivered personalised self‐management support sessions), once weekly for 8‐weeks, or usual care (referral to online ‘your COVID‐19 recovery’ programme). The primary outcome was the feasibility of recruiting and randomising adults with post‐COVID syndrome. The secondary outcomes were to assess the acceptability and safety of the intervention and various outcome measures.

Results

Of the 48 adults who expressed interest in the study, 32 (67%) were eligible and completed the baseline assessment. All 32 adults were willing to be randomised to either the personalised health behaviour support programme (n = 17) or usual care (n = 15) and 27 (age: 45 ± 12 years) adults completed follow‐up at 9 weeks. The intervention was deemed feasible, with high adherence (92% and 94% completion rates for the physical activity and symptom diaries, respectively) and excellent acceptability rates (94% ‘liked the intervention a lot’). The intervention was deemed safe, with no symptom exacerbations reported.

Conclusion

An 8‐week personalised health behaviour support programme was feasible for adults with post‐COVID syndrome, with good adherence and acceptability rates. Early pilot data from this small sample also suggests meaningful improvements in physical activity, fatigue and respiratory symptoms.

Patient or Public Contribution

People living with post‐COVID syndrome were involved from the outset with the study design, review of study documentation and interpretation of the data following completion. Furthermore, several participants have supported the local dissemination of findings following the completion of the study.
The lived experiences of the welfare state of platform workers: The barriers to accessing social protection in Italy, Sweden and the United Kingdom
Authors: Antonucci Lorenza
Published: October 2024

The recent literature on platform work and the welfare state has stressed that, despite being affected by high‐income insecurity, platform workers cannot easily access social protection. However, it is unclear why platform workers encounter such barriers. This article offers an inductive and empirically based theoretical framework to investigate the obstacles faced by platform workers. It shows that the barriers experienced by platform workers depend on the eligibility criteria, the assessment criteria and the trade‐off between taxation and social protection. The article substantiates these claims by offering both a policy analysis of formal arrangements and a qualitative analysis of the lived experiences of welfare of 101 platform workers in Italy, Sweden and the UK during COVID‐19. The research found that, while many platform workers attempted to access social protection during COVID‐19, platform workers' access to social protection was affected by their positionality as outsiders, which clashes with the eligibility criteria (in Sweden and Italy); by the irregular nature of platform work, which contrasts with the rigidity of the assessment criteria (in the UK, Italy and Sweden); and by the implicit trade‐off experienced by platform workers between minimising taxation and accessing to social protection (in the UK and Italy).
Interlaboratory study of flexural strength in additively manufactured alumina
Authors: Maier Russell Allan , Allen Andrew J. , Cox Brandon , Levin Igor
Published: October 2024

We report the results of an international interlaboratory study of the flexural strength of alumina fabricated across six laboratories using the vat photopolymerization ceramic additive manufacturing (AM) technology. The mechanical testing of all the specimens, 142 in total, was performed at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) according to the well‐established four‐point bending method standardized for traditional ceramics. Overall, the existing ASTM standard for the four‐point bend testing proved adequate for AM ceramics, with several modifications to the specimen requirements to account for the specifics of AM processes. Critical flaws that caused failure were identified in all but two cases using optical fractography augmented with the imaging of fracture surfaces in a scanning electron microscope. The flexural strength data, analyzed following the Weibull statistics, exhibited considerable variation among the specimen sets manufactured by different laboratories. This variability correlated with the presence of many distinct critical flaws. We identified seven types of flaws that accounted for the failure of 94% of specimens. The prevalent flaws depend on the printing direction relative to the specimen's geometry. We discuss the nature of these flaws and their relation to the printing and post‐processing conditions. Removal of several types of critical flaws will significantly improve mechanical properties of ceramic parts built using vat‐photopolymerization AM.
Daily and seasonal use of vocalizations by nesting black‐tailed godwits
Authors: Belfín Ondřej , Kempenaers Bart , Piersma Theunis
Published: October 2024

Ground‐nesting shorebirds must balance the need for acoustic communication at the nest with the constant threat posed by predators. Although it may seem likely that their calls are adapted to minimize detection by predators, little is known about how these birds communicate at the nest or whether they employ cryptic strategies to avoid predation. Using passive acoustic devices and software to analyse extensive acoustic data, we quantified and categorised the calls of black‐tailed godwits Limosa limosa limosa recorded throughout the whole incubation at eight nests at a dairy farm in the Netherlands in March–June 2021. While incubating, godwits frequently use five main call types, with distinct diurnal patterns and high variation in the number of calls between breeding pairs. Birds used two quiet calls, one for communication at the nest and a second without an easily suggested meaning. Three loud calls were presumably used for predator alert, territory establishment, and long‐range communication. Interestingly, although nests were close to each other and exposed to the same aerial predators, the involvement of incubating birds in predator alert calling consistently differed. Furthermore, we described the relationship between the number of predator alert calls and the probability of a godwit flying off the nest. Our findings show that incubating godwits predominantly use loud vocalizations during the day, with only a few calls at night, which were more frequent on nights with a full moon. These descriptive findings for a single godwit community should now be expanded to other contexts, experimental situations, and shorebird species.
Purpose: A potential catalyst and anchor for optimal work–family balance and well‐being
Authors: Alexander Jamie D. , Harris Charlene , Durocher Stacie
Published: October 2024

Working parents often report difficulties in establishing optimal work–family balance, and such difficulties tend to yield poorer parent well‐being, parenting quality, and child well‐being. Despite advances in understanding of the long‐lasting and multifaceted benefits of purpose in life, up to this point, scant attention has been given to the concept of purpose as a practical means for promoting better parent well‐being and parenting quality, which also has far‐reaching impacts on child well‐being and trajectories. The goal of this paper is to discuss purpose as a potential catalyst and anchor for work–family balance and its associated outcomes of parenting well‐being, parenting quality, and child well‐being. Drawing from ecological systems, family systems, life course, and family resilience theories, this paper presents a conceptual model that depicts these relationships. Recommendations for advancing future research that supports theory building from this work as well as practice are provided.
Tradeoffs and synergy between material cycles and greenhouse gas emissions: Opportunities in a rapidly growing housing stock
Authors: Igdalov Sophia , Fishman Tomer , Blass Vered
Published: October 2024

Management of building materials’ stocks and flows is a major opportunity for circularity and de‐carbonization. We examine the relationship between material consumption and associated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions under different scenarios in Israel, a developed country with an already high population density that expects tremendous growth in its housing stock by 2050. We created scenarios of varying housing unit sizes and additional material efficiency practices: fabrication yield, lifetime extension, material substitution, recycling, and their combination, resulting in 18 scenarios. In each scenario, the material flows and stocks needed to supply the housing demand and the resulting life‐cycle GHG emissions are quantified. No single material efficiency practice achieves a reduction in all indicators, suggesting a potential conflict between circular economy and decarbonization policies: The material substitution scenario allows for the biggest reduction in material consumption (12%–40% concrete reduction and 15%–51% steel reduction in 2050 compared with the baseline), while the recycling scenario achieves the biggest reduction in GHG emissions (22%–43% reduction in 2050 compared with the baseline). In the long‐term, the life‐extension scenario reduces most demolition waste. These findings can help policymakers and stakeholders consider the impacts of raw materials consumption and implement this knowledge in light of their priorities in policy packages. The results suggest a narrow window of opportunity within the next decade to influence material consumption and emissions to 2050. The findings could also shed light on the sustainability trajectories of other countries with similarly rapidly developing building stock, which have received little attention in this field.
Continuous transcranial ultrasound in large vessel stroke: Image guidance for high‐intensity focused sonothrombolysis
Authors: Beaudoin Ann‐Marie , Pelletier Judith , Cayer Caroline , Sirois Marie‐Pierre , Lemieux Mélanie , Masson Patrice , Quaegebeur Nicolas , Battista Marie‐Claude , Lemaire‐Paquette Samuel , Lapointe‐Garant Marie‐Pierre , Moreau François
Published: October 2024

Background and Purpose

Sonothrombolysis is a potential adjunctive therapy for large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke. Bedside ultrasound image‐guided high‐intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) therapy could deliver higher energy therapeutic ultrasound to the thrombus with higher precision than what was previously accomplished in human trials. The aim is to test the feasibility of diagnostic transcranial contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) to image the occlusion site and continuously maintain the guidance image on‐target for a sufficient exposure time for HIFU to be effective during LVO stroke evaluation and treatment.

Methods

This prospective, single center, observational cohort study included adult patients, presenting within 6 hours of stroke symptom onset, with LVO identified on computed tomography angiography (CTA). A hand‐held CEUS imaging study was initiated following CTA and lasted up to 30 minutes. The primary outcome is the proportion of patients where a guidance CEUS image of the occlusion was achieved.

Results

A CEUS image of the occluded artery was obtained in 32/35 of the included patients. The median total imaging time was 23 minutes (interquartile range 15‐30). Patients undergoing thrombectomy had a lower total imaging time (17 vs. 29.5 minutes, p = .002). When imaging was successful, on‐target image was maintained for only 58% (standard deviation 23.8%) of total imaging time. No complications related to CEUS were observed.

Conclusions

This feasibility study explored the use of diagnostic transcranial CEUS for continuous imaging of occlusion sites in LVO strokes. Challenges in maintaining target image during HIFU were identified, highlighting the need for technical advances for clinical application.
Population genetics of the freshwater red alga Batrachospermum gelatinosum (Rhodophyta) I: Frequent intragametophytic selfing in a monoicous, haploid–diploid species
Authors: Shainker‐Connelly Sarah J. , Crowell Roseanna M. , Stoeckel Solenn , Vis Morgan L. , Krueger‐Hadfield Stacy A.
Published: October 2024

Life cycles with a prolonged haploid phase are thought to be correlated with greater rates of selfing and asexual reproduction. In red algae, recent population genetic studies have aimed to test this prediction but have mostly focused on marine species with separate sexes. We characterized the reproductive system of the obligately monoicous (i.e., hermaphroditic) freshwater red alga Batrachospermum gelatinosum and predicted that we would find genetic signatures of uniparental reproduction because of its haploid‐diploid life cycle. We sampled 18 sites and genotyped 311 gametophytes with 10 polymorphic microsatellite loci to describe the reproductive system. Genotypic richness was low (<0.5) and pareto β values (describing clonal membership) were <0.7 for most sites. In taxa with separate sexes, these patterns are typically indicative of asexual reproduction. However, the genetic consequences of selfing in monoicous gametophytes are indistinguishable from those caused by asexual processes. Since we sampled gametophytes and have not yet genotyped the chantransia (i.e., the diploid phase), we interpreted low diversity as a signature of intragametophytic selfing. Additionally, to understand the factors that drive selfing, we tested latitude and several other environmental variables, but none was significantly correlated with the genetic variation we observed. Nevertheless, future studies should genotype the chantransia to measure observed heterozygosity among other summary statistics to disentangle the effects of selfing versus asexual reproduction. Together, these data, coupled with further characterization of abiotic factors that influence population genetic patterns, will allow us to test potential drivers of reproductive system evolution.
Systems of Global Meaning in Atheists and Theists: Divergent World Beliefs, Sources of Meaning, and Values
Authors: Park Crystal L. , Magin Zachary E. , David Adam B. , Lauffer Cora
Published: October 2024

To illuminate the often‐reported higher levels of meaning in life by those who believe in God relative to atheists, we examined the extent to which their global meaning (i.e., the beliefs, goals, and values that underlie subjective sense of meaning in life) differed. Study 1 (undergraduate sample of 100 atheists and 447 theists) found that theists endorsed higher levels of beliefs reflecting a more meaningful world (e.g., goodness, control, justice) while atheists endorsed higher beliefs in randomness. Further, atheists found less meaning from almost every source examined (e.g., achievement, self‐acceptance). Results of Study 2 (87 atheists and 164 theists in a national U.S. online sample) produced similar results and also found theists more strongly endorsed many values that can facilitate a sense of meaning (e.g., traditionalism, security). Collectively, these results identify multiple divergences in global meaning between atheists and theists that may account for atheists’ lower meaning in life.
Correlates of Continued Church Membership Intention: An Empirical Study of Religion in Ghana
Authors: Yalley Andrews Agya
Published: October 2024

This study examines the factors influencing continued church membership intention in Ghana, focusing on the key correlates of this behavior. Using structural equation modeling (SEM) the survey data collected were analyzed. The findings highlight charismatic leadership, religious experience, corporate social responsibility, personal needs fulfillment, tangibles, and message credibility as significant determinants of continued church membership intention. Furthermore, the study identifies a willingness to donate as a consequential outcome. The proposed integrative model not only offers scholars essential constructs for future theoretical exploration but also provides church managers with a comprehensive framework to enhance membership retention strategies. This research serves as a critical foundation for both academic and practical advancements in understanding the dynamics of church membership.
Comparison of a customized glycemic pellets challenge with the oral sugar test to measure glycemic and insulinemic responses in horses
Authors: Thane Kristen , Sonntag Johanna , Warnken Tobias , Reiche Dania , Uricchio Cassandra , Frank Nicholas
Published: October 2024

Background

Testing for insulin dysregulation (ID) in horses is commonly performed to guide management and therapeutic strategies.

Objectives

To evaluate a newly developed glycemic pellets challenge (GPC) and compare results to those obtained using the low‐dose oral sugar test (OST).

Animals

Twenty‐four adult horses with unknown insulin status.

Methods

A randomized crossover trial was performed. Horses underwent GPC (0.5 g glycemic carbohydrates/kg body weight) and OST (0.15 mL corn syrup/kg body weight) 7 days apart. Feed was withheld before testing and blood samples were collected at T0, T60, T120, and T180 minutes for GPC and at T0, T60, and T90 minutes for OST. Blood glucose concentration was measured using a point‐of‐care glucometer and insulin by radioimmunoassay. Comparisons were made using nonparametric tests, linear regression, and Bland‐Altman agreement analysis.

Results

Eighteen horses consumed >85% of the GPC pellets within 10 minutes and had acceptable OST results. Maximum glucose (P = .02) and insulin (P = .007) concentrations were significantly higher for GPC compared with OST. Time to maximum insulin concentration (Tmax[ins]) varied within and between tests and neither Tmax[ins] (P = .28) nor maximum insulin concentration (P = .46) was correlated with the time horses took to consume pellets.

Conclusions

The GPC is well tolerated and may offer another diagnostic testing modality for ID. Blood glucose and insulin concentrations increase during GPC and reach higher concentrations than observed with low‐dose OST. The Tmax[ins] varied for GPC and OST, emphasizing the importance of identifying the optimal time range for the collection of samples to capture diagnostically relevant changes in insulin concentration.
Variation in white‐tailed and mule deer dental metrics is associated with precipitation gradients in the Americas
Authors: Dagher J. , Greiner E.
Published: October 2024

Investigating the relationship between the physical environment and organismal adaptation is crucial to understanding the selective pressures that drive mammalian evolution. Of the varied approaches to exploring this relationship, macroscopic tooth wear analyses have become widely used due to their economic and simple methodologies. However, more work is needed to understand how assessments of wear patterns operate within finer levels of dietary and environmental contexts. It is specifically unclear if and how tooth wear differs inter‐ and intraspecifically between geographically widespread, large‐bodied mammalian populations. This project characterizes molar hypsodonty indices and mesowear scores of white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) populations across North and Central America, investigating if and how molar wear and morphology vary over the deer's large and ecologically variable geographic distribution. While mesowear scores generally do not strongly track environmental signals within and between Odocoileus species, hypsodonty indices reveal a strong correlation between crown height and aridity, which likely represents an adaptive response to abrasive diets in areas with low precipitation.
Contrast and Genomic Characterisation of Ancient and Recent Interspecific Introgression Between Deeply Diverged Moustache Toads (Leptobrachium)
Authors: Li Jun , Ai Qingbo , Xie Siyu , Huang Chunhua , Qiu Fuyuan , Fu Chao , Zhao Mian , Fu Jinzhong , Wu Hua
Published: October 2024

Recent genomic analyses have provided new insights into the process of interspecific introgression and its consequences on species evolution. Most recent studies, however, focused on hybridization between recently radiated species, with few examining the genomic outcomes of ancient hybridization across deeply diverged species. Using whole genome data of moustache toads (Leptobrachium), we identified signals of three hybridization events among nine species that diverged at the Eocene. An ancient introgression from L. leishanense to the ancestral branch (C1) of L. liui introduced adaptive variants. The highly introgressed regions include genes with important functions in odorant detection and immune responses. These genes are preserved in all three descendent populations of L. liui_C1, and these regions likely have been positively selected over a long filtering process. A recent introgression occurred from L. huashen to L. tengchongense, with the introgressed regions being mostly neutral. Furthermore, one F1 hybrid individual was detected between sympatric L. ailaonicum and L. promustache. The signals of introgression largely disappeared after removing the hybrid individual, indicating an occasional hybridization but minimal introgression. Further examination of highly divergent but low introgressed genomic regions revealed both pre‐mating isolation and genetic incompatibility as potential mechanisms of resisting introgression and maintaining species boundaries. Additionally, no large X‐effect was found in these introgression events. Hybridization between deeply diverged amphibian species may be common, but detectable introgressions are likely less so, with recent introgression being mostly neutral and the rare ancient one potentially adaptive. Our findings complement recent genomic work, and together they provide a better understanding of the genomic characteristics of interspecific introgression and its significance in species adaptation and evolution.
Sporothrix and Sporotrichosis: A South African Perspective on a Growing Global Health Threat
Authors: Fuchs Taygen , Visagie Cobus M. , Wingfield Brenda D. , Wingfield Michael J.
Published: October 2024

Sporotrichosis is a disease that arises from a fungal infection caused by members of the Ascomycete genus Sporothrix. The disease has a unique history in South Africa, due to an association with gold mines, where large numbers of mine workers were infected in the 1930s and 1940s. This was likely driven by hot humid conditions and timber supports used in these mine shafts. Furthermore, the disease is the most common subcutaneous fungal infection amongst the general population in South Africa, and the large number of immunocompromised individuals increases the public health risk in the country. Sporothrix is a genus in the Ophiostomatales, a fungal order primarily associated with environmental habitats. Unsurprisingly, sporotrichosis therefore has a documented history of sapronotic transmission from contaminated plant material. This review provides insights into the understanding of sporotrichosis and Sporothrix species, with a particular emphasis on the South African situation. We highlight knowledge gaps, particularly regarding the ecological factors influencing the occurrence and distribution of these species, which in turn affect the patterns of sporotrichosis. We also emphasise a need for ongoing proactive research and surveillance to prevent future outbreaks of sporotrichosis, an emerging disease with growing health implications worldwide.
The victims' shoes trope and emerging solidarity in political protest
Authors: David Lea
Published: October 2024

By providing an overview of the rich and surprising ways in which the victims' shoes trope becomes utilised in political protests as the focus of interaction ritual chains, this article elaborates on the three distinct ways through which moral communities of solidarity position themselves. Firstly, moral communities are often formed around aspects of large‐scale atrocities such as commemoration, victimhood and past injustices that, I argue, strengthen nationalist sentiments. The second type of moral communities of solidarity are those that demand ‘rights’ and claim ‘duties’ for promoting particular sectoral agendas. In the third type, the shoes serve to build solidarities that are future‐oriented and aim at promoting universal human rights. By using Goffman's Frame Theory and Collins' Interaction Ritual Chain Theory, this article analyses protests from around the world in which the victims' shoes trope has been utilised to tackle a wide range of subjects—gun and domestic violence, unemployment, Covid‐19 policies, institutional abuse, road safety, commemorations, antiwar and climate protests and more.
Geographic variation in kidney failure and transplantation in Aotearoa New Zealand: A population‐based data linkage study
Authors: Birrell Johanna M. , Webster Angela C. , Cross Nicholas B. , Driscoll Tim , Dunckley Heather , Beaglehole Ben , Dittmer Ian , Walker Curtis , Jones Merryn , Irvine John , Wyld Melanie L. , Wyburn Kate R. , De La Mata Nicole L.
Published: October 2024

Aim

This study aimed to describe the epidemiology of kidney replacement therapy (KRT) in Aotearoa New Zealand and assess the impact of residential location on access to kidney transplantation.

Methods

AcceSS and Equity in Transplantation (ASSET), a health‐linked data platform, was used to identify people commencing KRT in New Zealand from 2006 to 2019 and analyse regional epidemiology. Health services were classified as ‘transplanting’, ‘intermediate’ or ‘remote’ depending on their degree of separation from a transplant centre. Multiple logistic regression modelling was used to assess the predictors of deceased donor waitlisting or living donor transplantation within 6 months after starting KRT. Web‐based mapping software was used to develop interactive geospatial maps.

Results

The cohort was 7704 people newly starting KRT. Living in an intermediate [odds ratio (OR): 0.73 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.61–0.88)] or remote [OR: 0.38 (95% CI: 0.27–0.54)) region and Māori (OR: 0.35 (95% CI: 0.28–0.44)], Pacific [OR: 0.32 (95% CI: 0.24–0.42)) and Asian (OR: 0.66 (95% CI: 0.50–0.87)] ethnicity were associated with a decreased likelihood of timely waitlisting or transplantation. Regional maps can be explored here.

Conclusion

There is marked geospatial and ethnic variation in the epidemiology of kidney failure and access to kidney transplantation across New Zealand. Geospatial mapping of kidney failure epidemiology and transplantation outcomes can provide opportunities to direct resources towards populations at greatest need.

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“No Medication Means No HIV Diagnosis”: A Qualitative Study Based on Dual‐System Theory on HIV Antiretroviral Therapy Initiation Decision‐Making
Authors: Zhou Yaqin , Zhang Xiangjun , Meng Jingjing , Li Yixuan , Xiao Xueling , Wang Wenru , Wang Honghong
Published: October 2024

At least 30% of newly diagnosed people living with HIV (PLHIV) have delayed antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation globally, resulting in irreversible impaired immune function and increased risk of HIV transmission. This study aimed to explore the decision‐making process of ART initiation in China. A phenomenological research design was used and semi‐structured, in‐depth interviews based on dual‐system theory were conducted. Participants were selected using purposive sampling between December 11, 2021 and June 25, 2022. Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was performed utilizing the software NVivo 12. A total of 34 PLHIV were interviewed. The heuristic system and the analytic system were involved in the complex decision‐making process for ART initiation. Acceptability, negative emotion, and stigma were all parts of the heuristic system. The analytic system included the perception of ART benefits, positive support, and misconception. Two systems interacted with each other in the decision‐making of ART initiation. PLHIV's initiation decision was determined by the components of the dominant system. This theory‐driven qualitative study provided valuable insights on the decision‐making process of ART initiation among newly diagnosed PLHIV.
mRNA ADENOSINE METHYLASE promotes drought tolerance through N6‐methyladenosine‐dependent and independent impacts on mRNA regulation in Arabidopsis
Authors: Ganguly Diep R. , Li Yongfang , Bhat Susheel Sagar , Tiwari Shalini , Ng Pei Jia , Gregory Brian D. , Sunkar Ramanjulu
Published: October 2024

Among many mRNA modifications, adenine methylation at the N6 position (N6‐methyladenosine, m6A) is known to affect mRNA biology extensively. The influence of m6A has yet to be assessed under drought, one of the most impactful abiotic stresses.

We show that Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. (Arabidopsis) plants lacking mRNA ADENOSINE METHYLASE (MTA) are drought‐sensitive. Subsequently, we comprehensively assess the impacts of MTA‐dependent m6A changes during drought on mRNA abundance, stability, and translation in Arabidopsis.

During drought, there is a global trend toward hypermethylation of many protein‐coding transcripts that does not occur in mta. We also observe complex regulation of m6A at a transcript‐specific level, possibly reflecting compensation by other m6A components. Importantly, a subset of transcripts that are hypermethylated in an MTA‐dependent manner exhibited reduced turnover and translation in mta, compared with wild‐type (WT) plants, during drought. Additionally, MTA impacts transcript stability and translation independently of m6A. We also correlate drought‐associated deposition of m6A with increased translation of modulators of drought response, such as RD29A, COR47, COR413, ALDH2B, ERD7, and ABF4 in WT, which is impaired in mta.

m6A is dynamic during drought and, alongside MTA, promotes tolerance by regulating drought‐responsive changes in transcript turnover and translation.
Features of Idiopathic Halitosis and Its Association With Low‐Grade Systemic Inflammation
Authors: Ruan Dan Ping , Li Ye Kan , Qian Xiao Xian
Published: October 2024

Objectives

Idiopathic halitosis is occasionally encountered in clinical practice, yet with scarce reports. This work aimed to investigate its features and potential association with low‐grade systemic inflammation (LGSI).

Methods

This retrospective study reviewed idiopathic halitosis from 2469 halitosis patients and compared them with 63 healthy controls (HCs). Organoleptic score (OLS), exhaled volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs), serum inflammatory cytokines, and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO200) to indicate LGSI were determined.

Results

Totally, 54 (2.19%) idiopathic halitosis patients were identified and they were extraoral. Dimethyl sulfide (DMS) was found to be the primary exhaled VSC. Inflammatory cytokines were slightly elevated in 5.56% (3/54) of idiopathic halitosis compared to none of HCs (p = 0.095). FeNO200 was elevated in 79.63% (43/54) of idiopathic halitosis compared to none of HCs (p < 0.001), with a sensitivity of 79.63% and specificity of 100% for the diagnosis of idiopathic halitosis. The FeNO200 level had positive correlations with OLS (r = 0.871) and DMS level (r = 0.485).

Conclusion

Idiopathic halitosis is a rare condition which is closely associated with LGSI and possibly caused by unexplored extraoral pathologies. FeNO200 is recommended for its diagnosis with a high diagnostic power.
The acoustic complexity index (ACI): theoretical foundations, applied perspectives and semantics
Authors: Farina Almo
Published: October 2024

The acoustic complexity index (ACI) is a commonly used metric in ecoacoustics, demonstrating reliability across diverse environments and ecological conditions. However, this index requires specific procedures to be applied correctly. Based on the Canberra metric, the ACI is an unsupervised metric formulated to extract information from fast Fourier transform (FFT) sonic matrices. The ACI measures contiguous differences in acoustic energy of each frequency bin along temporal steps (ACItf) and a temporal interval along the frequency bins (ACIft). Aggregating data after an FFT with a clumping procedure allows for better scaling of sonic signals before computing the ACI. A filter must be applied to reduce the effects of nonenvironmental signals produced by microphone electrical noise . Due to the singularity of the index for values of 0, ACI requires ad hoc procedures to exclude element pairs for which one of the elements is equal to 0 from the comparisons. The spectral and temporal sonic signatures are vectors obtained from the sequence of ACItf and ACIft values, respectively. The comparison between sonic signatures using the chord distance index returns spectral and temporal sonic dissimilarities, allowing the evaluation of sonic patterns at different temporal and spatial resolutions. Sonic variability, sonic evenness, and the effective number of frequency bins are further derivative metrics that help interpret sonic heterogeneity by distinguishing the temporal and spatial heterogeneity of sonoscapes. Moreover, this paper proposes changing the terminology of ‘acoustic complexity index' to ‘sonic heterogeneity index.'
Older Adults’ Descendants and Family Networks in the Context of Global Educational Expansion
Authors: Margolis Rachel , Sheftel Mara Getz , Wang Haowei , Chandler Raeven Faye , Newmyer Lauren , Verdery Ashton M.
Published: October 2024

Family networks are key to understanding the well‐being of older adults because kin provide instrumental and financial support, help manage health and disability, and encourage social integration. Two momentous societal changes have shaped the families of contemporary older adults: the first and second demographic transitions and global educational expansion. The intersection of these two processes raises questions about how older adults are faring in terms of their kin availability. This paper examines the socioeconomic bifurcation of adults in midlife and beyond in terms of the existence of descendants and other kin. Disparities in kin availability may vary across socioeconomic status and contexts, and so we examine this phenomenon worldwide, analyzing data on two thirds of the world's population of adults aged 50 and above. Our results highlight different kin structures by socioeconomic status. High socioeconomic status adults have fewer descendants but a higher likelihood of having at least one child with tertiary education, a partner, and living parents. Low socioeconomic status older adults have larger families with more younger kin. Our results shed new light on potential mismatches between the contemporary family networks of older adults and longstanding social norms and assumptions about caregiving, family, and health policies.