bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards an automated protocol for wildlife density estimation using camera‐traps
Authors: Zampetti Andrea , Mirante Davide , Palencia Pablo , Santini Luca
Published: November 2024

Camera‐traps are valuable tools for estimating wildlife population density, and recently developed models enable density estimation without the need for individual recognition. Still, processing and analysis of camera‐trap data are extremely time‐consuming. While algorithms for automated species classification are becoming more common, they have only served as supporting tools, limiting their true potential in being implemented in ecological analyses without human supervision. Here, we assessed the capability of two camera‐trap based models to provide robust density estimates when image classification is carried out by machine learning algorithms.

We simulated density estimation with Camera‐Trap Distance Sampling (CT‐DS) and Random Encounter Model (REM) under different scenarios of automated image classification. We then applied the two models to obtain density estimates of three focal species (roe deer Capreolus capreolus, red fox Vulpes vulpes and Eurasian badger Meles meles) in a reserve in central Italy. Species detection and classification was carried out both by the user and machine learning algorithms (respectively, MegaDetector and Wildlife Insights), and all outputs were used to estimate density and ultimately compared.

Simulation results suggested that the CT‐DS model could provide robust density estimates even at poor algorithm performances (down to 50% of correctly classified images), while the REM model is more unpredictable and depends on multiple factors. Density estimates obtained from the MegaDetector output were highly consistent for both models with the manually labelled images. While Wildlife Insights' performance differed greatly between species (recall: badger = 0.15; roe deer = 0.56; fox = 0.75), CT‐DS estimates did not vary significantly; on the contrary, REM systematically overestimated density, with little overlap in standard errors.

We conclude that CT‐DS and REM models can be robust to the loss of images when machine learning algorithms are used to identify animals, with the CT‐DS being an ideal candidate for applications in a fully unsupervised framework. We propose guidelines to evaluate when and how to integrate machine learning in the analysis of camera‐trap data for density estimation, further strengthening the applicability of camera‐traps as a cost‐effective method for density estimation in (spatially and temporally) extensive multi‐species monitoring programmes.
The use of generative AI for coding in academia
Authors: Wills Simon , Poon Sanson T. S. , Salili‐James Arianna , Scott Ben
Published: November 2024

In a recent Perspective Piece, Cooper et al. (2024) highlight the benefits that large language models (LLM) bring to the coding process and offer some guidance around the use of LLM‐generated code in academic publications.

Whilst we broadly support the stance taken by the authors, we offer a slightly different perspective from our experience of using both artificial intelligence (AI) generated code and more traditional resources such as Stack Overflow.

We highlight how the integration of generative AI tools such as ChatGPT holds immense promise for advancing academic research, revolutionising coding education and practices, promoting inclusivity, and facilitating knowledge dissemination. However, we also acknowledge that researchers must navigate the ethical and methodological challenges inherent in harnessing AI technologies, prioritising transparency, validation, and critical inquiry to ensure the integrity and credibility of research initiatives.
Parental obesity and the risk of sudden unexpected infant death
Authors: Byard Roger W.
Published: November 2024

Aim

To clarify the possible role of accidental asphyxiation/suffocation for infants in shared sleeping situations.

Methods

As it has recently been shown that there is an association between maternal obesity and sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) an index was calculated by dividing parental body mass index (BMI) by the shared sleeping surface area.

Results

A much higher index was derived for an obese individual on a narrow sleeping area such as a sofa (50) compared to a thin adult on a queen‐sized mattress (5).

Conclusion

The index may be a way of semi‐quantitating high, and low, risk shared sleeping situations.
Primary antibiotic prophylaxis in biliary atresia did not demonstrate decreased infection rate: Multi‐centre retrospective study
Authors: Brody Yael , Slae Mordechai , Amir Achiya Z. , Mozer‐Glassberg Yael , Bar‐Lev Michal , Shteyer Eyal , Waisbourd‐Zinman Orith
Published: November 2024

Aim

This retrospective study aimed to assess the efficacy of prophylactic antibiotics in preventing ascending cholangitis following Kasai portoenterostomy (KPE). Data from 72 patients treated across four tertiary centres in Israel from 2008 to 2018 were analysed.

Methods

Clinical and laboratory data were collected from biliary atresia (BA) diagnosis until liver transplantation (LT) or study completion.

Results

Median age at KPE was 58.5 days. Successful KPE was achieved in 23 (32%) patients. Ascending cholangitis occurred in 6/23 (26%) successful KPE cases and 15/45 (33%) unsuccessful cases. Primary antibiotic prophylaxis (49% of patients) was associated with earlier onset of cholangitis (median 77 vs 239 days, p = 0.016). During follow‐up, 39% underwent LT, with a 5‐year survival with native liver (SNL) of 54%.

Conclusion

Prophylactic antibiotics did not reduce cholangitis rates post‐KPE in our cohort. Further research is essential to optimise management strategies for infants with BA.
Dynamic distribution of systemically administered antibiotics in orthopeadically relevant target tissues and settings
Authors: Nielsen Maria Bech Damsgaard , Jørgensen Andrea René , Stilling Maiken , Mikkelsen Mads Kristian Duborg , Jørgensen Nis Pedersen , Bue Mats
Published: November 2024

This review aimed to summarize the current literature on antibiotic distribution in orthopedically relevant tissues and settings where dynamic sampling methods have been used. PubMed and Embase databases were systematically searched. English‐published studies between 2004 and 2024 involving systemic antibiotic administration in orthopedically relevant tissues and settings based on dynamic measurements were included. In total, 5385 titles were identified. After title and abstract screening, 97 eligible studies (43 different antibiotic drugs) were included. The studies covered both preclinical (42%) and clinical studies including healthy and infected tissues (21%) and prophylactic and steady‐state situations (35%). Microdialysis emerged as the predominant sampling method in 98% of the studies. Most of the presented antibiotics (80%) were only assessed once or twice. Among the most extensively studied antibiotics were cefuroxime (18 studies), linezolid (9 studies) and vancomycin (9 studies). This review presents valuable insights into the microenvironmental distribution of antibiotics in orthopedically relevant target tissues and settings and seeks to provide a basis for improving dosing recommendations and treatment outcomes. However, it is important to acknowledge that our findings are limited to the specific drug, dosing regimens, administration method and target tissue, and are crucially linked to the selected PK/PD target.
Possible inhibition effects of resveratrol on pancreatic tumorigenesis in the azaserine‐rat model
Authors: Yıldız Hasan , Doğan Serhat
Published: November 2024

Resveratrol, which is thought to have a preventive effect on the formation of different types of cancer, is abundant in grapes and other foods. Resveratrol has been shown to have anti‐cancer effects by in vitro andin vivo studies, however this is the first time its effect on atypical acinar cell foci (AACF), known as precursor forms of pancreatic carcinoma, has been experimentally investigated. Male Sprague Dawley rats, each consisting of 5 experimental groups (Cont, AzCont, AzRes10, AzRes15, and AzRes20), 10 of which were 14 days old, were used in the study. In the azaserine groups (AzCont, AzRes10, AzRes15, and AzRes20), it was investigated how the development of Atypical Cell Foci (AACF) resulting from intraperitoneal injection (i.p.) of azaserine (30 mg/kg bw) in 14‐day‐old rats was affected by dietary restoration. Male rats in the resveratrol group (AzRes10, AzRes15, and AzRes20) were fed diets containing 10%, 15%, or 20% mmol resveratrol for an 8‐month experimental period 1 week after the last azaserine injection. Pancreas preparations prepared from histological sections were examined for AACF burden and analyzed via a video image analyzer. One‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) non‐parametric statistical analyses were performed to test whether there was a difference between the averages of the experimental and control groups. The AACF load in the azaserine group (AzCont) compared to the control group (Cont) was found to be statistically significant in all categories (p < 0.05). The calculated estimated mean AACF volume (mm3) values and the AACF ratio as a percentage of the calculated organ volume were statistically significantly lower in all resveratrol groups (AzRes10, AzRes15, and AzRes20) compared to the azaserine control group (AzCont). The calculated estimated mean AACF volume (mm3) values and the AACF ratio as a percentage of the calculated organ volume were statistically significantly lower in all resveratrol groups (AzRes10, AzRes15, and AzRes20) compared to the azaserine control group (AzCont) (p < 0.05). In addition, the calculated estimated mean AACF diameter (mm) in the AzRes10 and AzRes15 groups, in the AzRes15 group the calculated estimated mean AACF number in the whole organ and the calculated average AACF number per unit area were found to be statistically significant compared to the azaserine control group (AzCont) (p < 0.05). According to the results of our study, it has been shown that atypical acinar cell foci (AACF) formed in the exocrine pancreas of rats with azaserine can be reduced by a diet containing resveratrol. It was determined that the tumor burden decreased statistically significantly (p ≤ 0.05) in resveratrol‐treated rats. Accordingly, it is thought that the inhibitory effects of resveratrol may contribute to studies that reduce the occurrence of pancreatic cancer.
Population pharmacokinetics and exposure–response relationships of dostarlimab in primary advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer in part 1 of RUBY
Authors: Kuchimanchi Mita , Jørgensen Trine Lembrecht , Hanze Eva , André Thierry , Jain Angela , Berton Dominique , Alskär Oskar , Zub Oleksandr , Oaknin Ana , Shahin Mark S. , Koliadi Anthoula , Pothuri Bhavana , Krivak Tom , Pishchyk Mikalai , Segev Yakir , Backes Floor J. , Gennigens Christine , Bouberhan Sara , Zajic Stefan , Melhem Murad , Buscema Joseph
Published: November 2024

Aims

Dostarlimab‐gxly is a humanized monoclonal antibody of the IgG4 isotype that binds to the programmed cell death protein‐1 (PD‐1) receptor and blocks its ligands. RUBY (NCT03981796) is a two‐part multicentre study in patients with recurrent or primary advanced endometrial cancer. The overall aims were to characterise the population pharmacokinetics (PopPK) from Part 1 of this study, identify relevant covariates of interest, and assess exposure–efficacy/safety (ER) relationships.

Methods

A PopPK model developed using GARNET (NCT02715284) study data for dostarlimab monotherapy was externally validated with RUBY Part 1 study data. Subsequently, the model was updated with data across the two studies. Exposure–safety analyses for adverse events related to dostarlimab alone or in combination with standard of care (SOC) were modelled using logistic regression. Exposure–efficacy analysis included Cox proportional hazards analysis of the primary efficacy endpoint of progression‐free survival (PFS).

Results

For the model update, 7957 pharmacokinetics observations from 868 patients pooled from both RUBY and GARNET studies were available. The model was consistent with the previous model. Dostarlimab clearance was estimated to be 7.79% lower when dostarlimab was given as SOC combination therapy. However, no significant covariates were clinically relevant. Hepatic or renal impairment did not affect pharmacokinetics. Among the safety endpoints, only rash showed a small yet statistically significant effect (P < .05) in all subjects; however, this was not not deemed clinically relevant. There were no other clinically significant exposure–safety or exposure–PFS relationships.

Conclusions

The addition of chemotherapy to dostarlimab had limited effect on dostarlimab PopPK, with no clinically significant covariates or clinically relevant exposure–safety or exposure–PFS relationships.
Minimal residual disease detection for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in peripheral blood—Are we there yet?
Authors: Trka Jan , Fronkova Eva
Published: November 2024

Can peripheral blood be used to detect residual disease in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) when we increase the sensitivity of the method used? Bendig et al. found that a larger amount of material and the use of next‐generation sequencing (NGS) detects MRD in peripheral blood in up to half of patients with B‐cell precursor ALL (BCP‐ALL) where routine examination was negative. However, a negative result does not exclude the presence of residual disease and thus still limits the use of peripheral blood.

Commentary on: Bendig et al. Next‐generation sequencing and high DNA input identify previously missed measurable residual disease in peripheral blood of B‐cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Br J Haematol 2025; 206:353‐356.
Self‐Determination Skills in Ageing Women With Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Álvarez‐Aguado Izaskun , Córdova Vanessa Vega , Roselló‐Peñaloza Miguel , González‐Carrasco Félix , Farhang Maryam , Vilo Karla Campaña , Spencer Herbert , Rivera Felipe Muñoz La , Aguado Leyre Álvarez
Published: November 2024

Background

Women with intellectual disabilities confront distinct challenges as they age, compounded by cognitive and adaptive constraints. These challenges encompass heightened health risks, barriers to social support and susceptibility to violence, underscoring the critical role of self‐determination in enhancing their quality of life.

Method

This quantitative study utilised a scale based on the Functional Model of Self‐Determination to assess self‐determination levels in 218 Chilean women aged 45 to 80 with intellectual disabilities. The research also explored potential personal and environmental factors influencing these levels.

Findings

Employed participants and those in supportive family environments demonstrated higher self‐determination levels. Moreover, women without mental health issues exhibited advanced skills in self‐regulation, empowerment and self‐realisation. Significant disparities were noted based on varying levels of intellectual disability, types of support received and socioeconomic status, highlighting the necessity for tailored and diversified support systems.

Conclusion

Developing personalised support programs that address individual and contextual differences is crucial. Despite limitations, this study emphasises the urgency for inclusive public policies aimed at eliminating socioeconomic and cultural barriers, thereby fostering environments conducive to community engagement and autonomous decision‐making.
Phospholipase D2 downregulates interleukin‐1β secretion from tumor‐associated macrophages to suppress bladder cancer progression
Authors: Hamada Kazuki , Nagumo Yoshiyuki , Kandori Shuya , Isoda Bunpei , Suzuki Shuhei , Sano Keisuke , Sakka Shotaro , Tanuma Kozaburo , Nitta Satoshi , Shiga Masanobu , Negoro Hiromitsu , Mathis Bryan J. , Funakoshi Yuji , Nishiyama Hiroyuki
Published: November 2024

The tumor microenvironment (TME) modulates therapeutic response and prognosis in patients with bladder cancer (BC). The roles of two phospholipase D (PLD) isoforms, PLD1 and PLD2 (hydrolysis of phosphatidylcholine to phosphatidic acid), in cancer cells have been well‐studied in numerous cancer types, but their roles in the TME remain unclear. We used a mouse BC Pld2‐KO carcinogenesis model and global transcriptomic analysis to reveal that PLD2 was significantly involved in BC progression through immunosuppressive pathways in the TME. We therefore focused on PLD2 and tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs), which were increased in Pld2‐KO mice and further associated with poor prognoses in BC patients. In vitro, we found that Pld2‐KO mouse TAMs had significantly enhanced proliferation, correlating closely with increased interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) production. These results indicate that PLD2 suppresses BC progression by regulation of IL‐1β secretion from TAMs in the TME, suggesting that PLD2 could serve as a potential therapeutic target for modifying the TME in BC.
L‐aspartate ameliorates diet‐induced obesity by increasing adipocyte energy expenditure
Authors: Guo Shi‐Yao , Hu Yu‐Tao , Rao Yong , Jiang Zhi , Li Chan , Lin Yu‐Wei , Xu Shu‐min , Zhao Dan‐Dan , Wei Li‐yuan , Huang Shi‐Liang , Li Qing‐Jiang , Tan Jia‐Heng , Chen Shuo‐Bin , Huang Zhi‐Shu
Published: November 2024

Aims

Obesity always leads to profound perturbation of metabolome. Metabolome studies enrich the knowledge on associations between endogenous metabolites and obesity, potentially providing innovative strategies for the development of novel anti‐obesity pharmacotherapy. This study aims to identify an endogenous metabolite that regulates energy expenditure and to explore its application for obesity treatment.

Materials and Methods

C57BL/6 mice were fed with a high‐fat and high‐cholesterol (HFC) diet, comprising 60% fat and 1.2% cholesterol, for 12 weeks to induce obesity. Significant metabolites were identified in the livers of both health and obese mice through comparative hepatic metabolomics analysis. Correlation between serum or adipose L‐aspartate level and body weight in obese mice, as well as human body mass index (BMI), was evaluated. In addition, saline or 200 mg/kg L‐aspartate was orally administrated to HFC diet mice and HFC diet‐induced obese mice for 6–7 weeks. Body weight, adipose tissue weight, glucose tolerance and liver damage were assessed to evaluate the effect on obesity prevention and treatment. Comprehensive lab animal monitoring system (CLAMS) and seahorse assay were employed to investigate the regulatory effect of L‐aspartate on energy metabolism in vivo and in vitro, respectively. 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes and murine white adipose tissue (WAT) were utilized to examine the impact of L‐aspartate on adipocyte adipogenesis and lipogenesis and cellular signalling pathway in vitro and in vivo.

Results

L‐aspartate, an approved drug for liver injury and chronic fatigue, was identified as an endogenous inducer of energy expenditure. Serum or adipose L‐aspartate levels were found to be negatively correlated with the severity of obesity in both humans and mice. Administration of L‐aspartate to HFC diet mice led to a significant reduction in body weight, with decreases of 14.5% in HFC diet mice and 8.5% in HFC diet‐induced obese mice, respectively. In addition, the treatment improved related metabolic syndrome (Figure 2 and Figure S3). These therapeutics were associated with enhancements in whole‐body energy expenditure and suppression of adipocyte adipogenesis along with activation of Adenosine 5′‐monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) signalling pathway.

Conclusion

L‐aspartate may serve as a novel endogenous inducer of energy expenditure and suppressor of adipogenesis and lipogenesis along with activation of AMPK, thereby offering a promising therapeutic strategy for obesity prevention and treatment.
Targeting the cholinergic anti‐inflammatory pathway for type 2 diabetes prevention: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Magagnoli Joseph , Cummings Tammy H. , Hardin James W. , Ambati Jayakrishna , Sutton S. Scott
Published: November 2024

Background

Chronic inflammation is a key factor in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) development. The cholinergic anti‐inflammatory pathway (CAP) reduces inflammation by activating α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7nAChRs) on macrophages, suppressing proinflammatory cytokines. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEis), primarily used for Alzheimer's disease (AD), may exert anti‐inflammatory effects through the CAP. One AChEi, galantamine, also directly agonizes α7nAChRs, potentially enhancing its anti‐inflammatory properties.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the association between AChEi use, particularly galantamine, and T2DM risk in AD patients.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of Veterans Health Administration (VA) data, examining early‐ and late‐onset AD patients receiving galantamine or other AD medications. Propensity score matching was used to balance groups and minimize confounding. Cox proportional hazard models assessed T2DM risk for galantamine, other AChEis and memantine.

Results

A total of 40 065 AD patients were included in the study. Among early‐onset AD patients, galantamine use significantly reduced T2DM risk (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.80, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.66–0.98). Memantine also showed a protective effect (HR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.69–1) in this group. Neither galantamine nor memantine influenced T2DM risk in late‐onset AD. Other AD medications showed no association with T2DM risk.

Conclusion

Galantamine use was associated with a lower risk of T2DM in early‐onset AD patients, potentially due to enhanced anti‐inflammatory effects through both AChE inhibition and direct α7nAChR agonism. Memantine also demonstrated a protective effect. These findings suggest potential new applications for existing AD medications in T2DM prevention, particularly in early‐onset AD patients. Further research, including randomized controlled trials with diverse populations, is needed to confirm these results and the underlying mechanisms.
Hemodynamic responses at anaerobic threshold during exercise in preload insufficiency
Authors: Fakhri Shoaib , Campedelli Luiz , Risbano Michael G.
Published: November 2024

Background

Preload insufficiency is an underrecognized cause of exercise intolerance identified during invasive cardiopulmonary exercise testing, and defined hemodynamically by decreased biatrial filling pressures, cardiac output, and oxygen consumption (V̇O2) at peak effort. Patients with preload insufficiency, however, typically present with symptoms of dyspnea on exertion, and/or exercise intolerance at submaximal efforts, particularly when performing activities of daily living. The cardiopulmonary hemodynamics and physiology at submaximal work levels of preload insufficiency have not been previously investigated. We hypothesized that preload insufficiency hemodynamics exist along a continuum, with submaximal exercise values reflecting peak exercise cardiopulmonary hemodynamics.

Methods

We compared submaximal cardiopulmonary hemodynamics, measured at anaerobic threshold, between preload insufficiency patients and age‐matched controls referred for dyspnea but with normal exercise responses.

Results

Our study included 66 patients: 41 with preload insufficiency and 25 controls. Preload insufficiency patients exhibit significantly reduced V̇O2, watts, and METS at submaximal levels compared to controls, alongside earlier anaerobic threshold achievement and similar heart rates at anaerobic threshold.

Conclusions

These findings underscore the profound impact of preload insufficiency on submaximal exercise capacity, emphasizing the importance of its recognition and management. This insight sets the stage for further investigations into interventions targeting preload insufficiency at submaximal exercise levels to enhance both exercise performance and quality of life.
Randomising spatial patterns supports the integration of intraspecific variation in ecological niche models
Authors: Preuk Niels , Romero-Mujalli Daniel , Zurell Damaris , Steinbauer Manuel , Juergen Kreyling and
Published: November 2024

Ecological niche models (ENMs) are an essential modelling technique in biodiversity prediction and conservation and are frequently used to forecast species responses to global changes. Classic species‐level models may show limitations as they assume species homogeneity, neglecting intraspecific variation. Composite ENMs allow the integration of intraspecific variation by combining intraspecific‐level ENMs, capturing individual environmental responses over the species' geographic range. While recent studies suggest that accounting for intraspecific variation improves model predictions, we currently lack methods to test the significance of the improvement. Here, we propose a null model approach that randomises observed intraspecific structures as an appropriate baseline for comparison. We illustrate this approach by comparing predictive performance of a species‐level ENM to composite ENMs for European beech Fagus sylvatica. To investigate the influence of spatial lineage structure, we tested all models against the same withheld data to allow comparison across models based on five common performance metrics. We found that the species‐level ENM expressed higher overall performance (i.e. AUC, TSS, and Boyce index) and specificity (ability to predict absences), while the composite ENMs achieved higher sensitivity (ability to predict presences). In line with this, the composite ENMs also showed increased sensitivity and decreased specificity compared to the null models that randomised lineage structure. We showed that the assessment of model performance strongly varies based on the used measures, emphasising a careful investigation of multiple measures for evaluation. The application of null models allowed us to disentangle the effect of observed patterns of intraspecific variation in ENMs. Further, we highlight the validation and use of well‐founded subgroups for modelling. Although intraspecific variation improves the prediction of occurrences of European beech, it did not fully outcompete the classic species‐level model and should be used with care and rather to improve understanding and to supplement, not replace, species‐level models.
The relationship between body size and diet breadth in non‐web building spiders
Authors: Michalko Radek , Pekár Stano
Published: November 2024

The handling hypothesis assumes that large animals have broader diets than small animals because small animals are restricted to small prey while large animals can handle both small and large prey. On the other hand, the optimal foraging hypothesis assumes no relationship between predator body size and diet breadth because large predators should shift from small prey to large prey to maximize the net energy intake.

Using the diets and body sizes of 89 non‐web building spider species obtained from public databases (World Spider Trait database, Spiders of Europe and World Spider Catalogue), we investigated the relationship between body size and diet breadth in this group of terrestrial arthropod predators.

We found that the taxonomic niche diet breadth measured by Hill numbers (i.e., prey richness, Shannon index of diversity and Simpson index of equitability) had no significant relationship with spider body size. The minimum prey size did not show any relationship with spider body size. On the other hand, mean, maximum, range and variability in prey size increased with spider body size.

The results provide support for both hypotheses. The pattern in prey taxonomic dimension supports the optimal foraging hypothesis, while the pattern in prey size dimension supports the handling hypothesis. Overall, the observed distinct patterns between the taxonomic and prey size niche axes can be caused by the fact that the non‐web building spiders utilize similar prey types that are however highly size‐structured.
Students' Tendencies to Attend Distance Education Courses and Their Academic Achievement
Authors: Ozkara Betul Ozaydın , Tonguc Guray , Aruğaslan Emine
Published: November 2024

This study examines the academic achievement and attendance duration status of formal education students taking distance education courses using structural equation modelling (SEM). A total of 842 video recordings of online courses attended by 304 students on the MS Teams video conference platform were analysed. It was revealed that 29% of the attendance period was explained by course duration, lateness duration and course type, while 41% of grade point average (GPA) could be explained by course duration, lateness duration, course type and duration of course. The most significant impact on class attendance was lateness to class. Data showed that gender had a moderator effect on the effect of course type on GPA. Results also indicated that the method of teaching has a moderator role in the effect of attendance time on GPA and that the effect of attendance time on GPA is higher in asynchronous classes.
Ketone ester–enriched diet ameliorates motor and dopamine release deficits in MitoPark mice
Authors: Mahajan Vikrant R. , Nadel Jacob A. , King M. Todd , Pawlosky Robert J. , Davis Margaret I. , Veech Richard L. , Lovinger David M. , Salinas Armando G.
Published: November 2024

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive, neurodegenerative disease characterized by motor dysfunction and dopamine deficits. The MitoPark (MP) mouse model of PD recapitulates several facets of Parkinson's disease, including gradual development of motor deficits, which enables the study of potential therapeutic interventions. One therapeutic strategy involves decreasing the mitochondrial metabolic load by inducing ketosis and providing an alternative energy source for neurons, leading to decreased neuronal oxidative stress. Thus, we hypothesized that administration of a ketone ester–enriched diet (KEED) would improve motor and dopamine release deficits in MP mice. Motor function (rotarod and open field tests), dopamine release (fast‐scan cyclic voltammetry), tissue dopamine levels (gas chromatography–mass spectrometry) and dopamine neurons and axons (immunofluorescence) were assessed in MP, and control mice fed either the standard or a KEED. When started on the ketone diet before motor dysfunction onset, MP mice had improved motor function relative to standard diet (SD) MP mice. While the KEED did not preserve dopamine neurons or striatal dopamine axons, dopamine release in ketone diet MP mice was greater than SD MP mice but less than control mice. In a follow‐up experiment, we began the ketone diet after motor dysfunction onset and observed a modest preservation of motor function in ketone diet MP mice relative to SD MP mice. The improvement in motor dysfunction indicates that a KEED or ketone supplement may have a beneficial effect on delaying motor deficit progression in Parkinson's disease.
Exploring multimodal biomarker candidates of post‐traumatic epilepsy following moderate to severe traumatic brain injury: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Bruckhaus Alexander A. , Asifriyaz Tuba , Kriukova Kseniia , O'Brien Terence J. , Agoston Denes V. , Staba Richard J. , Jones Nigel C. , Moshé Solomon L. , Galanopoulou Aristea S. , Duncan Dominique
Published: November 2024

This review systematically analyzes potential biomarker candidates for post‐traumatic epilepsy (PTE) in humans who have experienced moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Focusing on biomarkers across biofluid‐based protein, genetic, neuroimaging, and neurophysiological categories, this review distinguishes between TBI patients who develop PTE and those who do not. The review adheres to established methodologies outlined in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Data presentation follows the Meta‐analyses of Observational Studies (MOOSE) and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Medline, Embase, and Web of Science were systematically searched and yielded 7538 records, of which 18 met inclusion criteria (moderate–severe TBI in humans, follow‐up of at least 6 months, and no prior history of epilepsy). The review aggregates data from 15 cohort and 3 case–control studies (risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale). Statistically significant biomarkers were identified, with neurophysiological biomarkers showing the strongest effect size in a two‐study meta‐analysis. PTE, a severe long‐term outcome of TBI affecting 2% to 53% of individuals with TBI, lacks validated biomarkers for forecasting development, crucial for designing preventive clinical trials. A multimodal approach, integrating biofluid‐based protein, genetic, neuroimaging, and neurophysiological data, offers a promising strategy to enhance the predictability of PTE development and, potentially, its treatment. The study's protocol is registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews PROSPERO (Registration ID: CRD42023470245).
Changes in Male Behavior in Response to Female Chemical Stimulus in an Understudied Arthropod Model
Authors: Simian C. , Oviedo‐Diego M. A. , Palen‐Pietri R. , Olivero P. A. , Vrech D. E. , Peretti A. V.
Published: November 2024

Intraspecific sexual communication, crucial in reproductive interactions, often involves the interchange of signals like vibrations, visual signals, and chemical compounds like sex chemical cues. Within the arachnids, solifuges (“camel spiders”) are an understudied group in terms of the detection of chemical compounds during mate searching and sexual interactions. In solifugids, the malleoli, chemoreceptor structures located on the ventral side of legs IV, are putative structures capable of capturing chemical signals. Our study focused on chemical male perception of female cues in Titanopuga salinarum (Ammotrechidae), examining associated behavioral modifications and the role of malleoli. We analyzed alterations in the motion pattern (activity pulse) and specific behaviors performed by males in association with female chemical stimuli. Using experimental arenas, we exposed males to female chemical cues stimuli similar to those available at the field. Stimuli comprised females (F) and cuticular extracts (CE), with corresponding controls. Males with intact malleoli (N = 26 with F, N = 20 with CE) were compared to those with malleoli removed (N = 21 with F, N = 17 with CE). We found partial evidence that males detect chemical cues of females deposited on the substrate. We observed no differences in the duration and number of the activity pulses spent in the zones with and without stimuli in any of the groups analyzed. However, the males exhibit significant changes in locomotion patterns in response to female chemical cues, suggesting a behavioral response to these stimuli. This finding suggests that the males of this species detect the female chemical cues and modify their behavior, and can quickly gather the necessary olfactory information where the stimulus is located. In addition, we found a possible condition‐dependent regime for the detection of female cues by males, which would be expected from life‐history characteristics of T. salinarum. Our findings prompt discussion from a sexual selection perspective, suggesting the importance of chemical communication in intraspecific interactions in this elusive but fascinating animal model.
Neighbor Density and Post‐Contact Immobility Duration as Antipredator Behavior: Antlion Larvae Do Not Fit the Selfish Prey Hypothesis
Authors: Farji‐Brener Alejandro G. , Abarca‐Méndez Ana , Cubero‐Morales Liza , López‐Reyes Kevin , Ramírez‐Mosquera Diana , Escalante Ignacio
Published: November 2024

Remaining immobile for an unpredictable period after being touched by a potential predator (post‐contact immobility, PCI) may favor survival. However, the factors that determine variation in PCI duration are poorly understood. We tested whether PCI duration depends on the surrounding conspecific density (the selfish prey hypothesis) in the tropical antlion larvae Myrmeleon crudelis. These insects avoid predation by being immobile or burying themselves. The selfish prey hypothesis predicts a reduction in the PCI duration as conspecific density increases because this high density of conspecifics around can stimulate the redirection of the predator's interest in other nearby potential prey. In the field, we measured PCI and found that its duration was independent of the conspecific density. In the lab, we also measured the PCI of a subset of the same larvae in the absence of neighbors. Using a paired design, we found that PCI duration was lower in the lab in the absence of neighbors than in the field. Our results suggest that the antlion larvae did not follow the selfish prey hypothesis. We propose two alternative explanations. First, the larvae have a limited ability to detect neighbors in the field and keep up with the changing number of surrounding active pits. Second, burying may be more important than PCI as an antipredator strategy. In our lab experiment, larvae had a more accurate idea of the conspecific density around their pit because they explored the area. We propose that knowing the absence of conspecifics triggered a shorter PCI duration. Under a high predation risk (i.e., no other prey to which the predator would redirect its attention), the larvae select the unequivocal antipredator behavior of burying. This work illustrates the relevance of accurate information in deciding how to avoid predation, especially when prey can prioritize between alternative behaviors, with success varying between the contexts.
Strain‐Controlled Low‐Cycle Fatigue Behavior of a Superalloy Considering Extensive Temperature Range and Stress Concentration
Authors: Luo Lingying , Wang Wenjun , Yang Qinzheng , Mi Dong , Wang Xu , Hu Xiaoan
Published: November 2024

This study aims to investigate the low cycle fatigue (LCF) behavior and fatigue life prediction method of an advanced solid solution–strengthened nickel‐based superalloy at various temperatures and stress concentrations. Cylindrical specimens as well as plates with three types of holes (including straight holes and inclined holes with different orientations) were designed and machined for fatigue tests. The test results revealed fatigue life decreases with the temperature increasing. Meanwhile, the fatigue lives of the plate specimens have decreased differently and are strongly dependent on the geometry and orientation of the holes. The key damage parameter related to the fatigue life was found on the strain gradient path. A criterion based on strain gradient is defined as the boundary of the damage process zone. The results show that the prediction was in good agreement with the experimental data, for the majority of the data are within a scatter band of ±2.
Unveiling Ecosystem Shifts in the Southern Benguela Through Otolith Biochronologies of Sardine (Sardinops sagax)
Authors: Brinkman Faye R. V. , Smolinski Szymon , Bordbar Mohammad Hadi , Verheye Hans M. , van der Lingen Carl D. , Wilhelm Margit R.
Published: November 2024

Sardine (Sardinops sagax) in the southern Benguela has shown substantial changes in population size over the past 70 years. Heavy fishing pressure in the 1950s to early 1970s caused the collapse of sardine stocks in South Africa. A fishery collapse happens because of significant alterations in the marine community, hindering the recovery of valuable commercial species and leading to cascading effects across multiple trophic levels in marine food webs. In this study, a robust 58‐year biochronology (1962–2019) was developed using archived sardine otoliths from the West of Cape Agulhas in South Africa. Sequential t‐test analysis of regime shifts (STARS) performed on the biochronology of fish growth indicated four regimes with three alteration points in 1986, 2006 and 2015 that correspond with periods of low, high, average and low biomass, respectively; that is, high growth rates occurred during the high biomass period and vice versa. A series of mixed effects models was developed to determine increment width response to selected environmental, prey availability and sardine biomass factors based on the assumption that otolith increment growth is a proxy for somatic growth. Predicted sardine growth positively correlated with sardine biomass, sea surface temperature and copepod abundance estimates. This observation suggests that sardine population dynamics exhibit a depensation mechanism, potentially destabilizing populations after the fishery collapse. Sea surface temperature and copepod abundance have been primary factors influencing sardine growth, partly because of depensatory population dynamics. Furthermore, the study improves understanding of how different factors have affected sardine growth following the collapse of the sardine fishery.
Temperature and Abundance Effects on Spatial Structures of Northern Shrimp (Pandalus borealis) at Different Life Stages in the Oceanographically Variable Gulf of Maine
Authors: Chang Hsiao‐Yun , Richards R. Anne , Townsend David W. , Chen Yong
Published: November 2024

The Gulf of Maine (GOM) northern shrimp, Pandalus borealis, once supported a significant winter fishery, but a moratorium has been placed on the fishery since 2014 because of a population collapse and recruitment failures that have been attributed to unfavorably warm water temperatures. The GOM is at the southernmost end of the northern shrimp's range, suggesting its population dynamics and distribution may be vulnerable to warming water temperatures. In this study, we used survey data to estimate spatial indicators for GOM northern shrimp at four life history stages to identify possible temporal trends and examine relationships between the indicators and northern shrimp abundance and bottom temperature. We observed patchier distributions over time, which were related to declining population abundance, and a distributional shift northward that was associated with warming bottom water temperatures. Northern shrimp habitat distribution was strongly associated with bottom temperature. Shrimp of all life stages were found in bottom waters cooler than the station's average bottom temperature.
Shufflenetv2UNet: An improved neural network model for grassland sample coverage extraction
Authors: Liu Yunyu , Liu Tonghai , Wang Fanzhen , Shi Hongxiao , Wang Hai , Hasi Bagen , Gao Fangyu , Liu Changqin , Li Hua
Published: November 2024

Accurate extraction of grassland sample coverage is crucial for regional ecological environment monitoring. Due to the strong feature learning capability, high flexibility, and scalability of deep learning methods, they have great potential in grassland sample extraction modelling. However, we still lack a model that can achieve both lightweight structure and effective performance for small object segmentation to considering the small target characteristics of grassland vegetation and the requirements for model deployment in later stages. Here, we combined the UNet model, which performs well in small target segmentation, with the lightweight network Shufflenetv2 model, proposing an improved UNet neural network, Shufflenetv2UNet, for grassland sample coverage extraction. The core of Shufflenetv2UNet is the removal of maximum pooling and double‐layer convolution modules from downsampling in the UNet neural network. In addition, the Inverted Residual Block structure module from Shufflenetv2 was added to achieve a lightweight model and improved extraction accuracy. The Shufflenetv2UNet achieves an accuracy of 98.23%, with a parameter size of 50.74 M, and a model inference speed of 0.004 s. Compared to existing extraction methods, this model has advantages in prediction accuracy, parameter size, and model inference speed. Moreover, Shufflenetv2UNet achieved different types of grassland sample coverage extractions, with good robustness, generalization, and universality, enabling investigators to quickly and accurately obtain grassland sample coverage. This allows more dynamic and accurate ground measurement data for regional grassland environmental monitoring.
Exploring the Experiences of Women Academics in England: The Combined Effects of Societal, Structural and Life‐Stage Factors
Authors: Quickfall Aimee
Published: November 2024

This study explored the experiences of women who are academics working in UK higher education (HE), using a feminist approach and narrative methods and analysis. The purpose of the research was to explore the experiences of women, with a view to highlighting potential shared experiences, informing the policies of universities and adding to the body of knowledge on women in HE. Findings include narrative themes around gender roles, male‐dominated academia and life‐stage impact on career. Concluding recommendations include meaningful recognition of pastoral roles and promotion tracks which value these skills and support for women's life stages, including maternity, motherhood, menopause and sandwich caring.
Intra‐ and inter‐specific variability in the temporal trends of butterfly phenology in the Northern Alps
Authors: Ulrich Werner , Schmitt Thomas , Gros Patrick , Habel Jan Christian
Published: November 2024

Large‐scale declines in insect abundances and richness due to climate and land‐use change have been well documented during the past years. These changes are accompanied by shifts in insect phenology towards earlier appearance in spring and prolonged activity periods in late summer and autumn. The magnitude of these responses to climate change might be masked by intra‐ and inter‐specific variability in phenology and trait expression.

Here, we used a large data set of museum records of butterflies from the northern Austrian Alps (380 m to >3000 m asl) and ask to which degree does intra‐ and inter‐specific variability in spring and autumn activity and in the numbers of generations affect the temporal trends in phenology during the last 30 years?

For the 17 most abundant species, we found phenological variability to strongly differ among species, local habitats and study years.

Ubiquitous mobile species were significantly more variable than habitat specialist and sedentary species.

Intra‐specific variability was highest in ubiquitous habitat generalist species and increased during the study period.

As consequence, seasonal appearance and composition of local butterfly communities are now less predictable than decades ago. It remains unclear whether this trend causes a rewiring of pollinator food webs.