bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Loss of Beneficial Thermal Priming on Global Coral Reefs
Authors: Li Xinru , Donner Simon D. , Martell Harmony A.
Published: December 2024

Warm‐season marine heatwaves (MHWs) have greatly increased in frequency, severity, and extent over the last few decades, driving more frequent and severe coral bleaching episodes. Given the grave near‐term threat to coral reefs imposed by MHWs, it is important to assess the mechanisms by which corals may acquire higher thermal tolerance. Recent field and laboratory studies have demonstrated that exposure to sublethal heat stress, known as “priming,” can reduce bleaching susceptibility during a subsequent MHW. Little is known, however, about how often priming conditions occur, and how effective those conditions may be at protecting coral reefs. We employed a global historical coral bleaching database and a high‐resolution sea surface temperature dataset to assess the frequency of priming and examine its effect on coral bleaching sensitivity on a global scale. The analysis showed that coral reefs in parts of the western to central tropical Pacific experienced priming on average over twice a decade and had a higher likelihood of priming protection. Mixed‐effects regression models indicated that priming conditions could mitigate coral bleaching response by up to 12% in advance of a moderate MHW. However, the protective effect of priming decreased, and even became harmful, with more severe MHWs. We detected spatial variations in priming frequency that could provide insight for conservation planning and explain some variations in bleaching sensitivity to MHWs. Even so, our findings suggest that thermal priming will not be sufficient to protect most coral reefs from MHWs in the future, without substantial efforts to mitigate climate change.
Microbial Diversity Losses Constrain the Capacity of Soils to Mitigate Climate Change
Authors: Li Yan , Wang Jianlei , Shen Congcong , Zhou Guiyao , Delgado‐Baquerizo Manuel , Ge Yuan
Published: December 2024

Soil microbes may adapt to climate warming, potentially reducing the warming‐induced increase in microbial carbon emissions such as carbon dioxide, and thereby helping to mitigate climate change. Yet, soil microbes are subjected to various global change stresses (e.g., warming, drought, flooding, and land‐use changes), altering their biodiversity, which challenges microbial adaptation to climate change. Here, we created microbial diversity gradients in microcosms at two different temperatures using soils from a 2000‐km field survey. We found that reduced microbial diversity weakens the thermal adaptation of soil microbial respiration and can further enhance the microbial respiratory temperature sensitivity over time. Our analyses further revealed that the negative impact of microbial diversity losses is linked to the decline of keystone microbial taxa, which can adapt to temperature changes and are crucial for the community's ability to compensate for the temperature‐driven effects on soil respiration in the long term. Taken together, our study provides new insights into the key role of microbial diversity in driving the thermal response of soil heterotrophic respiration, suggesting that any global change‐driven shifts in microbial diversity can have critical consequences for the future of carbon stocks.
Unravelling the Universal Spatial Properties of Coral Reefs
Authors: Giménez‐Romero Àlex , Matías Manuel A. , Duarte Carlos M.
Published: December 2024

Aim

To characterise the size and geometry of coral reefs on a global scale.

Location

Global.

Time Period

Present.

Major Taxa Studied

Coral reefs.

Methods

We process the Allen Coral Atlas database of shallow‐water tropical reefs to obtain a comprehensive and unprecedented inventory of coral reefs worldwide. We analyse different macroecological and morphological patterns, including size distribution, the area‐perimeter relationship, inter‐reef distance distribution, and the fractal dimension of individual reefs and coral provinces.

Results

We identified a total of 1,579,772 individual reefs worldwide (> 1000 m2), extending over a total of 52,423 km2 of ocean area with mean and median sizes of 3.32 and 0.3 ha, respectively. We unravelled three universal laws that are common to all coral reef provinces: the size‐frequency distribution and the inter‐reef distance distribution follow power laws with an exponent of 1.8 and 2.33, respectively. At the same time, the area‐perimeter relationship conforms to a power‐law with an exponent of 1.26. Furthermore, we demonstrate that coral reefs develop fractal patterns characterised by a perimeter fractal dimension of and a surface fractal dimension of . Our analysis suggests that coral reefs tend to evolve from simple rounded filled shapes to more complex, elongated and less compact forms, developing into fractal structures with a consistent surface fractal dimension and an increasing perimeter fractal dimension as they grow.

Main Conclusions

Coral reefs display intricate fractal‐like geometries and exhibit universal macroecological patterns, largely independent of their geographical location. The universality of the observed patterns suggests that these features possibly stem from the highly conserved interactions of biological, physical and chemical processes. Over geological scales, these processes lead to reef landscape patterns common among all provinces, providing new information relevant to reef growth modelling.
Presence of Gut Microbiota Worsens D‐Galactosamine and Lipopolysaccharide‐Induced Hepatic Injury in Mice
Authors: Ohshima Kazuma , Torii Satoru , Shimizu Shigeomi
Published: December 2024

Acute liver failure is a serious, life‐threatening disease. Although the gut microbiota has been considered to play a role in liver failure, the extent to which it is involved in the pathogenesis of this disease has not been fully elucidated to date. Therefore, we here analyzed the importance of the presence of intestinal microbiota in the pathogenesis of acute liver injury, using D‐galactosamine (D‐GalN)/lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐treated mice, which is a widely used experimental model of acute liver injury. First, administration of the antibiotic polymyxin B markedly alleviated liver injury. Liver injury was also reduced in germ‐free mice, leading to the conclusion that the presence of intestinal microbiota aggravates D‐GalN/LPS‐induced liver injury. The amount of bacteria and LPS transferred from the gut to the blood was not increased by D‐GalN/LPS, suggesting that the worsening of liver injury was not simply owing to the entry of bacteria into the circulation. In conclusion, acute liver injury in polymyxin B‐pretreated or germ‐free mice was ameliorated by modulation of the gut microbiota. Modification of the gut microbiota using polymyxin B may hence have the potential to alleviate acute liver injury in human patients.
White matter hyperintensities and headache in United States military veterans with mild traumatic brain injury
Authors: Mangold Kiersten I. , Katta Tapasya , Do Vu , Moore R. Davis , Lin Chen , Androulakis X. Michelle
Published: December 2024

Objective

The objective of this study was to examine the association between white matter hyperintensities and migraine‐like headache in United States military veterans with a history of mild traumatic brain injury.

Background

White matter hyperintensities on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be associated with migraine; however, little is currently known about the relationship between white matter hyperintensities and headache following mild traumatic brain injury in military veterans.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study consisted of a retrospective chart review of veterans from a Southeastern Department of Veterans Affairs polytrauma clinic who had a verified history of mild traumatic brain injury. Participants were included if they had undergone an MRI of the brain. Images were reviewed for the presence and severity of periventricular and deep white matter hyperintensities. Headache and migraine‐like headache were defined based on responses from the Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory.

Results

This cohort included 83 veterans, mostly consisting of males (78/83 [94%]) with a median (interquartile range [IQR]) age of 36 (13) years, who were a median (IQR) of 9 (8) years since their most recent mild traumatic brain injury. Most of the veterans reported experiencing migraine‐like headache (67/83 [81%]). Periventricular white matter hyperintensities were identified on MRI among 35% (29/83) of the cohort, and deep white matter hyperintensities were identified on MRI of 25% (21/83) of the cohort. There was no association between the odds of displaying white matter hyperintensities and the presence of migraine‐like headache (periventricular: unadjusted odds ratio [OR] 2.75, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.71–10.6; deep white matter: OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.208–2.29; all p > 0.05), nor headache severity (periventricular: moderate headache OR 2.92, 95% CI 0.67–12.8; severe headache OR 3.11, 95% CI 0.77–12.6; deep white matter: moderate headache OR 1.44, 95% CI 0.358–5.8; severe headache OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.246–3.62; all p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that neither migraine‐like headache nor severity of headache is associated with increased prevalence of white matter hyperintensities in veterans with a history of mild traumatic brain injury.
Secondary nummular headache: Are they more common than we thought?
Authors: Sánchez‐Soblechero Antonio , Luque‐Buzo Elisa , Lozano‐Ros Alberto , Guillem Amparo
Published: December 2024

Objective

To provide a detailed description of symptomatic nummular headache (NH) and to compare them with primary cases in a large series.

Background

While most published cases of NH are primary headache, some ‘secondary’ cases have been reported since its initial description. It remains uncertain why identical clinical presentations can result from primary and ‘secondary’ etiologies. Thanks to the possibility of offering specific treatments for symptomatic NH, it is crucial to be able to distinguish between them effectively.

Methods

This monocentric retrospective study included a cohort of patients diagnosed with NH according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders, Second (ICHD‐2) and Third Editions (ICHD‐3), and the Pareja et al. first description, over a 20‐year period (2002 to 2022). Established ICHD‐3 diagnoses were used for each symptomatic case. Causality was attributed if (i) headache had developed in close temporal relation to other symptoms and/or clinical signs, or had led to its diagnosis, and (ii) either the headache had significantly worsened in parallel with other symptoms or clinical or radiological signs of worsening of the underlying disease, or the headache had resolved after treatment of the presumed causative disorder. Symptomatic NH were divided into two groups: “definite” or “probable.” A comparison between the “primary” and “secondary” groups is presented.

Results

A total of 131 patients (88, 67.2% females) were included in the study. The median (interquartile range) age at onset of symptoms was 52 (36–63.2) years. In all, 34 patients (25.9%) were diagnosed as symptomatic NH (nine post‐traumatic, seven attributed to a disorder of the cranial bones, six due to intracranial neoplasia, five attributed to arachnoid cysts, three attributed to vascular malformations, two due to cutaneous disturbances, and two attributed to hypertension). Eight patients were classified as “definite symptomatic NH” and 26 as “probable symptomatic NH.” Neuroimaging was performed in all cases. Any previous headache (52.9% vs. 29.9%; p = 0.016), a remote head trauma (26.5% vs. 9.3%; p = 0.015), and a longer disease duration (18 vs. 12 months; p = 0.036) were more likely in patients with symptomatic NH. Preventive treatment was more effective (achieved >50% reduction in monthly headache days) in patients with symptomatic NH (72.2% vs. 30.3%; p = 0.002) due to a cause‐specific treatment.

Conclusion

Symptomatic NH are frequent. The presence of any previous headache or remote head trauma may suggest a diagnosis of symptomatic NH; however, as certain NH might be an early symptom of intracranial mass lesions, neuroimaging is necessary. Finding the cause of NH is essential to offer the most effective targeted treatment.
Alteration of Immune Function and Gut Microbiome Composition in Carassius auratus Challenged With Rahnella aquatilis
Authors: Huo Jiaxin , Li Xiaowei , Zhang Kaiyang , Fu Hao , Hu Xiucai , Lv Aijun
Published: December 2024

Rahnella aquatilis as an emerging pathogen can cause bacterial enteritis in cyprinid fish such as crucian carp Carassius auratus. Currently, the characterisation of immune function and gut microbiome composition in C. auratus orally challenged by R. aquatilis were yet unknown. In this study, we therefore investigated the changes of histopathology, white blood cells (i.e., LEU, NEU and LYM), serum biochemical indicators (e.g., CRE, CK and CHO) and digestive enzyme activity (e.g., LYS, AST, ALT, GSH‐Px and AKP), as well as complements and immune‐related genes (e.g., C3, F2, LysC, TLR3, MyD88, TGF‐β, TNF‐α and IL‐15) that were significantly altered after the oral administration of R. aquatilis KCL‐5. Moreover, the gut microbiome composition and diversity were analysed by using 16S rRNA gene high‐throughput sequencing analysis. The correlation analysis showed that the high abundance of phylum Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Firmicutes and Fusobacteria was related to the pathogenesis of enteritis caused by oral infection. KEGG enrichment analysis indicated that fatty acid, carbon and pyruvate metabolism were significantly increased pathways (p < 0.05). To our best knowledge, this is a rare report of physicochemical properties and gut microbiome in C. auratus by R. aquatilis infection, which will provide a scientific reference for the clinical diagnosis and prevention of bacterial enteritis in cyprinid fish.
Advances in Multi‐Scale Biomechanics of Fruits and Vegetables: A Review
Authors: Zhou Lianghuan , Kang Ningbo , Qu Qianjin , Zhang Hongbo , Zhang Jun , Hu Kaikai
Published: December 2024

Fruits and vegetable (F&V) account for a large proportion of the market output, and reducing mechanical damage can improve economic benefits. During harvesting and storage of F&V, visible mechanical damage and unseen bruises can result from external loads. However, there are relatively few studies on the micro‐damage of F&V, and the micro‐damage changes are reflected in the macro. Therefore, it is necessary to establish macroscopic, mesoscopic, and microscopic mechanical structure models. In this paper, the factors influencing the mechanics of F&V are analyzed, macroscopic, mesoscopic, and microscopic mechanical analysis methods of F&V are reviewed, multi‐scale mechanical relationships are explored, and future research directions of multi‐scale biomechanics of F&V are prospected. The results show that future research direction should mainly focus on the force analysis of microscopic single cell, as it is the basis of mechanical analysis of F&V.
Temporary Aid for Needy Families as family policy for first time mothers
Authors: Rothwell David W.
Published: December 2024

Objective

This brief report takes a life course approach to describe how first‐time mothers with low incomes participate in Temporary Aid for Needy Families (TANF) before and after birth.

Background

By providing cash assistance to low‐income mothers with children, TANF functions as a major family policy.

Method

Population data from a cohort of all births in Oregon across 2016–2017 are linked to TANF participation and employment histories. Centering on the birth event, the study window spanned 24 months before and after the first birth. Multivariate models are used to predict TANF participation around birth. A combination of sequence and cluster analyses illuminate within‐group patterns.

Results

Around one‐quarter of low‐income mothers relied on TANF at any time in the two‐year study window with about 70% of those participating in TANF during the 6 months after birth. The most common trajectory pattern (41%) was one of TANF enrollment around birth with high likelihood of exit by 6 months following birth, suggesting TANF may function as a short‐term substitute for paid work, that is, paid leave. Other trajectories were characterized by timing of enrollment (prenatal or postnatal) and duration of participation. Clusters with longer participation were comprised of mothers who were young, single, and with less labor market attachment.

Conclusions

The majority of low‐income single mothers who rely on TANF around birth participate in short spells and exit the program within 1 year. As more states implement paid family leave policies, low‐income mothers who previously enrolled in TANF may opt for paid leave.
First Worldwide Report of Macrophomina euphorbiicola Causing Root Rot on Citrullus lanatus in Brazil
Authors: Alves Cynthia Patrícia de Sousa Santos , Negreiros Andréia Mitsa Paiva , Evangelista Jaiane da Silva Barbosa , da Silva Wilson Pereira , Correia Kamila Câmara , Sales Júnior Rui
Published: December 2024

Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is a key export crop for Brazil with substantial economic value. In November 2019, watermelon plants displaying symptoms of root rot and vine decline were observed in commercial fields in Rio Grande do Norte. Root fragments from symptomatic plants were disinfected, cultured on potato dextrose agar and identified as Macrophomina spp. DNA analysis confirmed the species as M. euphorbiicola. Pathogenicity tests showed severe symptoms in inoculated plants. This is the first worldwide report of M. euphorbiicola causing root rot in watermelon, highlighting the disease's significance.
Exploring Infant Size and Body Composition at 18 Months: An Ambidirectional Peri‐Urban South African Cohort Study
Authors: Mulol H. , Nel S. , Wenhold F. A. M. , Feucht U. D.
Published: December 2024

The first 1000 days of life lay the foundations for subsequent growth. This ambidirectional study, including prenatal, perinatal and postnatal factors, aimed to identify exposure variables affecting body size and composition and corresponding Z‐score outcomes at age 18 months in infants born to women at low risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes in a peri‐urban area of South Africa. Prenatal factors (maternal age, HIV status, anthropometry, parity, food insecurity and umbilical artery resistance index Z‐score (UmA‐RIAZ) as a measure of placental function, with higher UmA‐RIAZ indicating poorer placental function); perinatal factors (infant sex, gestational age and birth anthropometry) and postnatal factors (infant feeding) were included as exposure variables, with infant anthropometry and body composition at 18 months as outcomes. Simple linear regression analysis was used to investigate associations between exposure variables and infant outcomes, and variables with p < 0.10 were included in the subsequent multiple regression analyses. Multiple regression analysis showed that higher UmA‐RIAZ predicted lower birthweight [−0.11 kg (95% CI: −0.17, −0.04 kg)], birthweight‐for‐age Z‐score [−0.24 (95% CI: −0.39, −0.09)] and 18‐month infant length [−0.9 cm (95% CI: −1.4, −0.4 cm)] and length‐for‐age Z‐score [−0.28 (95% CI: −0.45, −0.11)]. Maternal HIV infection predicted reduced 18‐month infant length‐for‐age Z‐score [−0.46 (95% CI: −0.83, −0.09)]. Household food insecurity predicted reduced fat‐free mass‐for‐age Z‐score at 18 months [−0.27 (95% CI: −0.51, −0.03)]. Infant anthropometry and body composition outcomes, therefore, are greatly affected by pre‐ and postnatal nutrition‐related factors, such as placental insufficiency in utero and household food insecurity, with long‐term consequences including stunting, which impact the individual, future generations and society.
Interplay of elasticity and flow velocity on gorgonian feeding and implications for bioinspired design
Authors: Santiago Matea , Miller Laura A.
Published: December 2024

Evidence shows that gorgonians are more resistant to ocean acidification and rising temperatures than hard corals and are vital to reef health and the reestablishment of disrupted coral reef communities. Gorgonian coral's resilience and its diversity of morphology and environment make it well‐suited as a model organism for bioinspired design applied to particle capture. We focus on flow near the polyps, using an updated form of the immersed boundary method to model the fluid–structure interaction of the flexible polyps and the surrounding ocean water. The inlet velocity and the polyp elasticity are simultaneously varied to gain insight into (1) how these parameters affect the emergent reconfiguration of their tentacles and (2) how the interaction of the reconfiguration and inlet velocity impacts passive particle capture. Two main behaviors are observed: a recirculation regime, in which particles recirculate in a region near the oral disk, and a unidirectional regime, in which the particles move unidirectionally through the tentacles without recirculation. Our results show that different regimes support different feeding strategies. We apply these results as bioinspired filtration, discussing how an elastic material could benefit specific engineering applications.
Efficacy and safety of the glucagon receptor antagonist volagidemab in type‐1 diabetes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Dutta Deep , Kamrul‐Hasan A. B. M. , Surana Vineet , Singla Rajiv , Khandelwal Deepak , Aggarwal Sameer , Nagendra Lakshmi , Bhattacharya Saptarshi
Published: December 2024

The glucagon receptor antagonist (GRA) volagidemab is the first‐in‐class fully human monoclonal antibody that inhibits glucagon receptor. GRA can improve glycemia by reducing endogenous glucose production and reduce risks of diabetic ketoacidosis by suppressing ketogenesis. This systematic review and meta‐analysis analyzed the efficacy and safety of volagidemab in type‐1 diabetes (T1D). Electronic databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving T1D patients receiving volagidemab. The primary outcome was to evaluate changes in total daily dose (TDD) of insulin. The secondary outcomes were to evaluate changes in measures of glycemia, hypoglycemia, and adverse events. Data from 3 RCTs (98 patients) were analyzed. Volagidemab (70 mg/week) was associated with a significant reduction in TDD of insulin requirement (mean difference [MD]: −8.45 units/day (95% confidence interval [CI]: [−12.09, −4.81]); I2 = 83%; p < 0.01) and average blood glucose (MD: −21.42 mg/dL (95% CI: [−37.10, −5.74]); I2 = 88%; p < 0.01), compared to placebo. Volagidemab use was associated with a significant increase in time in range (blood glucose: 70–180 mg/dL) (MD: 10.93% (95% CI: [6.69, 15.17]); I2 = 55%; p < 0.01) and significant reduction in time above range (blood glucose >180 mg/dL) (MD: −11.93% (95% CI: [−14.71, −9.15]); I2 = 6%; p < 0.01) without any impact on time below range (blood glucose <70 mg/dL) (MD: 0.14% (95% CI: [−0.56, 0.84]); I2 = 0%; p = 0.70), compared to placebo. Occurrence of treatment‐emergent adverse events (odds ratio [OR]: 0.96 (95% CI: [0.36, 2.56]); I2 = 8%; p = 0.94) and hypoglycemia (OR: 0.56 (95% CI: [0.11, 2.89]); I2 = 0%; p = 0.49) were similar among volagidemab users as compared to placebo. Short‐term volagidemab use was associated with significant reduction in insulin requirement along with improvement in glycemia.
Association between pain intensity and body composition in adults with chronic non‐specific low back pain: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Liechti Melanie , Menegon Massimo , Schurz Alexander Philipp , Taeymans Jan , Baur Heiner , Clijsen Ron , Malfliet Anneleen , Lutz Nathanael
Published: December 2024

Introduction

This systematic review and meta‐analysis evaluated the association between pain intensity and different body composition measures in adults suffering from chronic non‐specific low back pain (CNLBP).

Methods

A systematic literature search across five databases—PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library—was conducted. It identified observational studies published until January 2024. A meta‐analysis was conducted incorporating a random‐effects approach with Fisher's Z transformation. A critical appraisal of the included studies' quality was conducted.

Results

Twenty‐two studies were included. Of those, 20 were meta‐analyzed, revealing positive, very weak correlations between pain intensity and body mass index (r = 0.11; 95% CI: 0.04 to 0.18), waist–hip ratio (r = 0.10; 95% CI: −0.14 to 0.34) and waist circumference (r = 0.09; 95% CI: −0.28 to 0.44). Not pooled study findings (e.g., hip circumference and body fat percentage) were narratively summarized, revealing 13 positive and four negative associations between pain intensity and body composition measures. Studies showed a substantial risk of bias due to unadjusted confounding factors and limited transferability of findings.

Conclusion

This systematic review and meta‐analysis provided very low‐quality evidence for a positive, very weak association between pain intensity and body composition measures in adults with overweight and obesity suffering from CNLBP. The included studies had a substantial risk of bias due to their observational and cross‐sectional study designs, which prevents recommendations for clinical practice. Randomized controlled trials are needed to investigate the causal effect of interventions on body composition measures and pain intensity.
The roles of isolation and interspecific interaction in generating the functional diversity of an insular mammal radiation
Authors: Nations Jonathan A. , Kohli Brooks A. , Handika Heru , Achmadi Anang S. , Polito Michael J. , Rowe Kevin C. , Esselstyn Jacob A.
Published: December 2024

Communities that occupy similar environments but vary in the richness of closely related species can illuminate how functional variation and species richness interact to fill ecological space in the absence of abiotic filtering, though this has yet to be explored on an oceanic island where the processes of community assembly may differ from continental settings. In discrete montane communities on the island of Sulawesi, local murine rodent (rats and mice) richness ranges from 7 to 23 species. We measured 17 morphological, ecological, and isotopic traits – both individually and as five multivariate traits – in 40 species to test for the expansion or packing of functional space among nine murine communities. We employed a novel probabilistic approach for integrating intraspecific and community‐level trait variance into functional richness. Trait‐specific and phylogenetic diversity patterns indicate dynamic community assembly due to variable niche expansion and packing on multiple niche axes. Locomotion and covarying traits such as tail length emerged as a fundamental axis of ecological variation, expanding functional space and enabling the niche packing of other traits such as diet and body size. Though trait divergence often explains functional diversity in island communities, we found that phylogenetic diversity facilitates functional space expansion in some conserved traits such as cranial shape, while more labile traits are overdispersed both within and between island clades, suggesting a role of niche complementarity. Our results evoke interspecific interactions, differences in trait lability, and the independent evolutionary trajectories of each of Sulawesi's six murine clades as central to generating the exceptional functional diversity and species richness in this exceptional, insular radiation.
Intraspecific phytochemical diversity increases with productivity but has mixed effects on herbivory
Authors: Calixto Eduardo S. , Maron John L. , Keefover‐Ring Ken , Cammarano Joseph H. , Hahn Philip G.
Published: December 2024

Resources play an important role in shaping the evolution of plant defensive strategies. How resource availability influences overall phytochemical diversity within species, and how this in‐turn affects herbivore damage is not well understood. Using Monarda fistulosa, a species that produces diverse terpene compounds and distinct chemotypes (i.e. thymol or carvacrol), we addressed three questions: 1) how do phytochemical components (i.e. total concentration, Shannon diversity, and chemotypes) vary between distinct populations from two large, widely separated regions that differ in climate and productivity? 2) How do these components influence attack by different herbivore species? 3) What are the growth costs of higher phytochemical levels in different chemotypes? Seeds were collected from 12 populations spread across two regions that differ in precipitation‐driven productivity, six from a low‐productivity environment in Montana and six from a high‐productivity environment in Wisconsin, and grown in a common garden in Wisconsin. We analyzed terpene concentrations, quantified the number of herbivores and damage, and measured plant above‐ground biomass. Plants from Montana exhibited higher terpene concentrations but lower diversity, whereas those from Wisconsin displayed lower terpene concentrations but higher diversity. Plants from Wisconsin received more damage from a specialist seed predator and leaf‐chewing herbivores, although abundance of a specialist aphid was lower, compared to plants from Montana. Total terpene concentration emerged as the primary predictor of herbivore damage, although some differences were observed between region of origin and with terpene richness. Herbivores exhibited mixed responses to phytochemistry; some herbivores were negatively affected, while a specialized leaf galler responded positively. Costs of producing defenses were evident by negative correlations between plant biomass and total terpene concentration (but not chemical richness or Shannon diversity). Our study revealed that regional differences in productivity can influence the evolution of phytochemical concentration and diversity, which, in turn, affects plant damage and incurs growth‐related costs.
Neighbor effects on population growth rate differ among populations due to variation in demographic rate sensitivities in Sedum lanceolatum
Authors: Herzog Sarah , Kueppers Lara , Louthan Allison
Published: December 2024

Population growth rates will respond to an environmental driver only if the driver impacts demographic rate(s) and the population is sensitive to impacted demographic rate(s). If populations vary in the sensitivity of population growth rate to demographic rates, the effect of an environmental driver on population growth rate could vary across populations, even if the effect of the driver on demographic rates does not vary across populations. Here, we use five years of demographic data of a common alpine plant, including data from a neighbor removal experiment and a climate warming experiment, to quantify the relative contribution of neighbor effects on demographic rates versus sensitivity of population growth rate to demographic rates to across‐population variation in neighbor effects on population growth rate. We find neighbor effects on population growth rate vary significantly across populations, and this effect is driven primarily by variation in sensitivity of population growth rate to demographic rates across populations. Further, results from our climate warming experiment suggests variation in sensitivity across populations is partly driven by temperature differences. Our results highlight the importance of considering changes in the sensitivity of population growth rate to demographic rates across space, and show how changes in sensitivity can contribute to spatial variation in the effects of a driver on population growth rate.
Repressor MrERF4 and Activator MrERF34 Synergistically Regulate High Flavonol Accumulation Under UV‐B Irradiation in Morella rubra Leaves
Authors: Li Jiajia , Cao Yunlin , Meng Yuan , Zhang Tong , Qian Jiafei , Liu Yilong , Zhu Changqing , Zhang Bo , Chen Kunsong , Xu Changjie , Li Xian
Published: December 2024

Flavonols are important plant photoprotectants to defence UV‐B irradiation, however, the underlying transcriptional regulatory mechanism of rapid flavonol accumulation in response to UV‐B remains unknown. In this study, content of flavonols was significantly induced from 0.11 to 3.80 mg/g fresh weight by UV‐B irradiation in leaves of Morella rubra seedlings. MrERF34 was identified as an activator that can regulate the expression of MrFLS2, and promoted flavonol biosynthesis with activator MrMYB12 under UV‐B treatment. Transient overexpression of MrERF34 resulted in higher flavonol accumulation, while virus‐induced gene silencing of MrERF34 reduced the content of flavonols in bayberry leaves. We further demonstrated that a repressor MrERF4 inhibited the expression of MrERF34 and MrMYB12 as well as MrFLS2 via ERF‐associated‐amphiphilic repression motif. Exposure to UV‐B reduced the promoter activity and transcription of MrERF4, which weakened the inhibitory effect of MrERF4 on MrERF34, MrMYB12, and MrFLS2, leading to a tremendous accumulation of flavonols. Such inhibitory roles of MrERF4 in regulation of flavonol biosynthesis were further validated by transient overexpression in leaves of Nicotiana benthamiana and M. rubra. These findings enrich the synergistical regulatory mechanisms between repressor and activators in flavonol biosynthesis, and provide new insights into photoprotectants biosynthesis to mitigate UV‐B stress in plants.
GISphere Knowledge Graph for Geography Education: Recommending Graduate Geographic Information System/Science Programs
Authors: Gu Zhining , Li Wenwen , Zhou Bing , Wang Yikang , Chen Yanbing , Ye Shan , Wang Kejin , Gu Hongkai , Kang Yuhao
Published: December 2024

The growing global interest in Geographic Information System/Science (GIS) programs has led to an increased demand for higher education in this field. However, students often struggle to identify suitable programs and faculty due to the overwhelming options and the lack of personalized guidance. This paper presents GISphere‐KG, an AI‐powered platform based on the GISphere project. It combines knowledge graph (KG) and large language models (LLMs) to enhance the search and recommendation of GIS‐related graduate programs. GISphere‐KG offers four key features: (1) interactive conversation that provides natural language responses to applicants' inquiries; (2) efficient information retrieval through semantic relationships built within the KG; (3) discovery of professors whose research interests align with those of the applicants, offering more choices within specific research fields; and (4) personalized program recommendations tailored to applicants' academic and career developments. Our platform aims to provide a user‐friendly tool that assists prospective students in achieving their career goals and enriching the geography community by attracting more talent and promoting global geography education.
Feature selectivity and invariance in marsupial primary visual cortex
Authors: Jung Young Jun , Almasi Ali , Sun Shi , Yunzab Molis , Baquier Sebastien H. , Renfree Marilyn , Meffin Hamish , Ibbotson Michael R.
Published: December 2024

A fundamental question in sensory neuroscience revolves around how neurons represent complex visual stimuli. In mammalian primary visual cortex (V1), neurons decode intricate visual features to identify objects, with most being selective for edge orientation, but with half of those also developing invariance to edge position within their receptive fields. Position invariance allows cells to continue to code an edge even when it moves around. Combining feature selectivity and invariance is integral to successful object recognition. Considering the marsupial–eutherian divergence 160 million years ago, we explored whether feature selectivity and invariance was similar in marsupials and eutherians. We recovered the spatial filters and non‐linear processing characteristics of the receptive fields of neurons in wallaby V1 and compared them with previous results from cat cortex. We stimulated the neurons in V1 with white Gaussian noise and analysed responses using the non‐linear input model. Wallabies exhibit the same high percentage of orientation selective neurons as cats. However, in wallabies we observed a notably higher prevalence of neurons with three or more filters compared to cats. We show that having three or more filters substantially increases phase invariance in the V1s of both species, but that wallaby V1 accentuates this feature, suggesting that the species condenses more processing into the earliest cortical stage. These findings suggest that evolution has led to more than one solution to the problem of creating complex visual processing strategies.

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Key points

Previous studies have shown that the primary visual cortex (V1) in mammals is essential for processing complex visual stimuli, with neurons displaying selectivity for edge orientation and position.

This research explores whether the visual processing mechanisms in marsupials, such as wallabies, are similar to those in eutherian mammals (e.g. cats).

The study found that wallabies have a higher prevalence of neurons with multiple spatial filters in V1, indicating more complex visual processing.

Using a non‐linear input model, we demonstrated that neurons with three or more filters increase phase invariance.

These findings suggest that marsupials and eutherian mammals have evolved similar strategies for visual processing, but marsupials have condensed more capacity to build phase invariance into the first step in the cortical pathway.
ANTIVIRAL IL-33-STUMULATED GROUP 2 INNATE LYMPHOID CELLS (CD-90 AND CD-117) FROM MOUSE LUNGS
Authors: Khaidarov S.
Published: December 2024

This article represents not only a significant scientific value, but also a great teaching and instruction value for researchers and motivated students to improve the skill spectrum in flow cytometry. This article provides step-by- step procedure description and results based on in vivo studies on murine lung tissue, cell of interest isolation with dual protocols for flow cytometry method as well as IL-33 impact in dynamics. The newly described innate lymphoid cells of group 2 (ILC2) play an important role in type 2 immune reactions, epithelial repair in mucosal tissue and metabolic homeostasis. ILC2 releases large amounts of type 2 cytokines such as interleukin 4 (IL-4), IL-5 and IL-13, which stimulate type 2 immunity, such as protection against worms. However, without strict regulation, the level of ILC2 can cause undesirable type 2 immune pathologies, including allergic inflammation of the respiratory tract, hypersensitivity of the respiratory tract and atopic dermatitis. Viral infections of the respiratory tract, which are typical triggers of type 1 immune reactions, often lead to type 2 pulmonary immune pathologies, such as asthma and its exacerbations. Interestingly, pulmonary virus infections induce the release of IL-33 with subsequent induction of ILC2-mediated type 2 pulmonary immunopathology, which is independent of the adaptive immune system.
In situ calorimetric temperature measurements of Cu, Cr, Ti targets during DC magnetron sputtering
Authors: Shaginyan Leonid R. , Mironov Mikhail I. , Kuzmichev Anatoly I.
Published: December 2024

Direct measurements of the temperature of Cu, Ti, and Cr targets (3 mm thick, Ø 55 mm) using thermocouples attached to the front (erosion zone) and back sides of the targets during magnetron sputtering (DC) were performed. The variables are the target mode (cooled or uncooled target), working gas (Ar, N2), and discharge power density (qin). It was shown that the target temperature reaches ∼730 K on the front and ∼530 K on the back sides of the cooled target, while for an uncooled one, it is ∼1050 and 950 K, respectively (Cu target). For both modes and all targets, the target temperature is slightly higher when sputtering in N2. Calculations of the surface temperature based on measurements of the target temperature and its emissivity showed that for all targets, their surface temperature is significantly higher compared to the bulk of the target. Based on the temperature measurements on opposite sides of the Cu target, its dynamic thermal conductivity is calculated. It turned out that it is ∼100 times lower than the thermal conductivity of normal Cu. The above results are discussed based on a physical model that assumes the appearance and existence during sputtering on the target surface of a layer whose properties strongly differ from those of ordinary metals.
Soundscape perception indices (SPIs): Developing context-dependent single value scores of multidimensional soundscape perceptual quality
Authors: Mitchell Andrew , Aletta Francesco , Oberman Tin , Kang Jian
Published: December 2024

The soundscape approach provides a basis for considering the holistic perception of sound environments in context. Whereas steady advancements have been made in methods for assessment and analysis, a gap exists for comparing soundscapes and quantifying improvements in the multidimensional perception of a soundscape. To this end, there is a need for the creation of single value indices to compare soundscape quality which incorporate context, aural diversity, and specific design goals for a given application. Just as a variety of decibel-based indices have been developed for various purposes (e.g., LAeq, LCeq, L90, Lden, etc.), the soundscape approach requires the ability to create original indices for different uses, which share a common language and understanding. Therefore, a unified framework for creating bespoke and reference single index measures of soundscape perception is proposed, allowing for different metrics to be defined in the future. This framework is based on a four-step test-target paradigm wherein a desired soundscape perception is defined as a target distribution within the soundscape circumplex, and the two-dimensional Kolmogorov-Smirnov distance is used to test an assessed soundscape against this target. Applications and implications of this framework are discussed, and a multi-objective optimisation method for empirically defining perception indices is proposed.
Time in Bed Comparisons Between Two Automated Algorithms Applied to activPAL Data and Observations in a Polysomnography Lab
Authors: Plekhanova Tatiana , Maylor Ben , Rowlands Alex V. , Yates Tom , Hall Andrew P. , Davies Melanie J. , Edwardson Charlotte L.
Published: December 2024

Objective: This study compared estimates of time in bed (TIB) and TIB start and end from two algorithms applied to activPAL data with observations of TIB in a polysomnography (PSG) lab. Methods: Twenty-five healthy volunteers (age: 32.4 ± 7.4 years, body mass index: 25.2 ± 3.7 kg/m2) wore a thigh-worn activPAL accelerometer during one-night laboratory-based PSG assessment. TIB and TIB start and end estimates were generated using automated algorithms within Processing PAL and PAL Technologies (PAL Batch software, version 8) applications. Agreement was determined using pairwise 95% equivalence tests (±10% equivalence zone), mean percentage absolute error, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), and 95% limits of agreement. Results: The results for the algorithms were similar. TIB start and end were within the proposed ±10% equivalence zone of the PSG-lab observations, but TIB was not when using either algorithm. Mean percentage absolute errors for both algorithms were approximately 10%, 3%, and 1% for TIB and TIB start and end, respectively. Reliability between both algorithms and PSG lab was poor for TIB (ICC ≥ .39) and TIB start (ICC ≥ .38) and good for TIB end (ICC ≥ .81). Both algorithms recorded more TIB by about 42 ± 60 min and detected earlier TIB start and later TIB end by about 18 ± 62 and 14 ± 9 min, respectively, compared with PSG. Negative fixed biases (PSG–activPAL) were observed for TIB and TIB end from both algorithms (p < .05). For both algorithms, 95% limits of agreement were ±120 min for TIB and ±125 min for TIB start. Removing two outliers improved the agreement between both algorithms and PSG-lab observations. Conclusions: Processing PAL and PAL Technologies algorithms recorded more TIB by ∼40 min compared with PSG-lab TIB. Researchers should be aware of this discrepancy when using these algorithms and utilize predefined quality control protocols to enhance data quality. Future studies should continue refining these algorithms.
Rotations and Integrability
Authors: Tsiganov Andrey V.
Published: December 2024

We discuss some families of integrable and superintegrable systems in $$n$$-dimensional Euclidean space which are invariant under $$m\geqslant n-2$$ rotations. The invariant Hamiltonian $$H=\sum p_{i}^{2}+V(q)$$ is integrable with $$n-2$$ integrals of motion $$M_{\alpha}$$ and an additional integral of
motion $$G$$, which are first- and fourth-order polynomials in momenta, respectively.
Should newborn genetic testing for autism be introduced?
Authors: Aishworiya Ramkumar , Chin Hui-Lin , Savulescu Julian
Published: December 2024

This manuscript provides a review of the potential role of newborn genetic testing for autism, and whether the state has an inherent responsibility to facilitate and subsidise this. This is situated within the broader construct of benefits and limitations of genetic testing currently. Potential benefits of such presymptomatic genetic testing include facilitating earlier diagnosis and access to appropriate intervention which can improve the treatment outcome for the child and indirectly benefit caregivers and society by reducing the care needs of the child and adult in future. However, there are several limitations to newborn genetic testing including the variable penetrance of ‘autism-risk’ genes, marked phenotypic heterogeneity of autism, real-world limitations in access to treatment, potential psychological harm to caregivers and financial considerations. We hence argue for facilitation of diagnostic genetic testing instead, especially for parents who seek to have greater understanding of recurrence likelihoods, related to reproductive decision-making. Facilitation of such testing can be in the form of both financial subsidies and infrastructural elements including availability of testing facilities and trained healthcare personnel for individualised pregenetic and postgenetic test counselling.
Anishininew infant feeding experiences in Sandy Lake, Canada: a story of Waabeequanee
Authors: Monteith Hiliary , Mamakeesick Mary , Fiddler Loretta , Galloway Tracey , Hanley Anthony J.
Published: December 2024

Global public health recommendations for optimal infant nutrition include exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life. Breastfeeding has several benefits; however, breastfeeding initiation rates and duration remain below recommendations in Northwestern Ontario, Canada. Sandy Lake First Nation is particularly interested in understanding infant feeding experiences of community members to support increased breastfeeding initiation and duration. Therefore, this project aims to understand Indigenous caregiver infant feeding experiences using qualitative and Indigenous methodologies. As part of the Sandy Lake Health and Diabetes Project, a community-based participatory project focused on the prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus, qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with 32 Anishininew caregivers living in Sandy Lake, Ontario. These interviews were tape recorded and transcribed verbatim. The Anishininew medicine wheel and situational analysis were used to inform our methods throughout this work. We recruited 32 co-creators, ages 18–57 years, who contributed knowledge through 26 individual and group interviews that occurred between August and October 2019. Two overarching themes, community context and caregiver identities, were identified that encompass six and eight specific themes, respectively, representing infant feeding experiences in Sandy Lake. Community members provided a variety of recommendations to help support infant nutrition in Sandy Lake, including a focus on structural needs like higher income and water security. This work highlights the need for birthing supports within remote Indigenous communities, and the inclusion of local and Indigenous knowledge in programming.