bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variation in nest-building behaviour in birds: a multi-species approach
Authors: Perez Daniela M. , Manica Lilian T. , Medina Iliana
Published: July 2023

Researchers have long suggested that animals with greater behavioural flexibility will be more likely to survive in face of environmental changes. However, it is unknown how this varies across species. Nest building is a behaviour directly related to the reproduction and survival of species by conferring protection from external environmental conditions. The study of nests offers a window into the behaviour of birds, and variation in nest morphology is necessarily linked to variation in building behaviours. We test whether variation in nest morphology is phylogenetically conserved by using data on nest morphology from 55 passerine species (>700 specimens) and measuring intraspecific variability in nest structure. We found that species mean and within-species variation in nest morphology are phylogenetically conserved, and that species with domed nests presented higher levels of nest morphology variation than cup nest species. We also revealed that the capacity of species to present innovative behaviours is not linked with how they vary nest morphology. Moreover, we revealed that nests from species with larger variation in clutch size and that are built by single parents are more variable. Our results help in the understanding of how behaviour and extended phenotypes evolve, and highlight the importance of exploring the phylogenetic history of behavioural flexibility when trying to predict the capacity of species to respond to novel challenges.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘The evolutionary ecology of nests: a cross-taxon approach’.
Need for shared internal mound conditions by fungus-growing
Macrotermes
does not predict their species distributions, in current or future climates
Authors: Seymour Colleen L. , Korb Judith , Joseph Grant S. , Hassall Richard , Coetzee Bernard W. T.
Published: July 2023

The large, iconic nests constructed by social species are engineered to create internal conditions buffered from external climatic extremes, to allow reproduction and/or food production. Nest-inhabiting eusocial Macrotermitinae (Blattodea: Isoptera) are outstanding palaeo-tropical ecosystem engineers that evolved fungus-growing to break down plant matter
ca
62 Mya; the termites feed on the fungus and plant matter. Fungus-growing ensures a constant food supply, but the fungi need temperature-buffered, high humidity conditions, created in architecturally complex, often tall, nest-structures (mounds). Given the need for constant and similar internal nest conditions by fungi farmed by different
Macrotermes
species, we assessed whether current distributions of six African
Macrotermes
correlate with similar variables, and whether this would reflect in expected species' distribution shifts with climate change. The primary variables explaining species’ distributions were not the same for the different species. Distributionally, three of the six species are predicted to see declines in highly suitable climate. For two species, range increases should be small (less than 9%), and for a single species,
M. vitrialatus
,
‘
very suitable’ climate could increase by 64%. Mismatches in vegetation requirements and anthropogenic habitat transformation may preclude range expansion, however, presaging disruption to ecosystem patterns and processes that will cascade through systems at both landscape and continental scales.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘The evolutionary ecology of nests: a cross-taxon approach’.
Can nesting behaviour allow reptiles to adapt to climate change?
Authors: Du Wei-Guo , Li Shu-Ran , Sun Bao-Jun , Shine Richard
Published: July 2023

A range of abiotic parameters within a reptile nest influence the viability and attributes (including sex, behaviour and body size) of hatchlings that emerge from that nest. As a result of that sensitivity, a reproducing female can manipulate the phenotypic attributes of her offspring by laying her eggs at times and in places that provide specific conditions. Nesting reptiles shift their behaviour in terms of timing of oviposition, nest location and depth of eggs beneath the soil surface across spatial and temporal gradients. Those maternal manipulations affect mean values and variances of both temperature and soil moisture, and may modify the vulnerability of embryos to threats such as predation and parasitism. By altering thermal and hydric conditions in reptile nests, climate change has the potential to dramatically modify the developmental trajectories and survival rates of embryos, and the phenotypes of hatchlings. Reproducing females buffer such effects by modifying the timing, location and structure of nests in ways that enhance offspring viability. Nonetheless, our understanding of nesting behaviours in response to climate change remains limited in reptiles. Priority topics for future studies include documenting climate-induced changes in the nest environment, the degree to which maternal behavioural shifts can mitigate climate-related deleterious impacts on offspring development, and ecological and evolutionary consequences of maternal nesting responses to climate change.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘The evolutionary ecology of nests: a cross-taxon approach’.
On a regime switching illiquid high volatile prediction model for cryptocurrencies
Authors: El-Khatib Youssef , Hatemi-J Abdulnasser
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The current paper proposes a prediction model for a cryptocurrency that encompasses three properties observed in the markets for cryptocurrencies—namely high volatility, illiquidity, and regime shifts. As far as the authors’ knowledge extends, this paper is the first attempt to introduce a stochastic differential equation (SDE) for pricing cryptocurrencies while explicitly integrating the mentioned three significant stylized facts.

Design/methodology/approach

Cryptocurrencies are increasingly utilized by investors and financial institutions worldwide as an alternative means of exchange. To the authors’ best knowledge, there is no SDE in the literature that can be used for representing and evaluating the data-generating process for the price of a cryptocurrency.

Findings

By using Ito calculus, the authors provide a solution for the suggested SDE along with mathematical proof. Numerical simulations are performed and compared to the real data, which seems to capture the dynamics of the price path of two main cryptocurrencies in the real markets.

Originality/value

The stochastic differential model that is introduced and solved in this article is expected to be useful for the pricing of cryptocurrencies in situations of high volatility combined with structural changes and illiquidity. These attributes are apparent in the real markets for cryptocurrencies; therefore, accounting explicitly for these underlying characteristics is a necessary condition for accurate evaluation of cryptocurrencies.
The “just and equitable” test in New Zealand’s strata law: reflections and lessons for other jurisdictions
Authors: Gibbons Thomas
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to examine the phrase “just and equitable”, and associated terminology, within New Zealand’s strata law, to inform other jurisdictions. In particular, this paper temporarily suspends the notion of a statutory hendiadys to consider what kind of justice is reflected in judicial consideration of the phrase.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper takes a mixed-methods approach, drawing on a combination of black-letter law, property law theory and insights from literary and philosophical analysis.

Findings

While justice is often considered as “treating like cases alike”, this is not apparent from this study. The analysis shows that different kinds of justice outcomes emerge, with some emphasis on justice as economic efficiency. In addition, the paper highlights the inherent uncertainty in what is “just and equitable” and how associated disjunctive phrases, such as “unjust or inequitable” are still treated as hendiadys, but are no more clear.

Research limitations/implications

The research is limited to consideration of a single jurisdiction (New Zealand), though the useful degree of case law from this jurisdiction provides broad insight.

Practical implications

Among other things, the paper argues for further consideration of the usefulness of the “just and equitable” test in light of the kind of justice we want to achieve. The addition of mandatory considerations to existing statutory tests may allow more of a focus, beyond the exigencies of individual cases or narrow outcomes of economic efficiency.

Originality/value

While there is existing literature on the “just and equitable” phrase within strata law, the paper is the first, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, to provide an analysis focused on how suspending the statutory hendiadys normally inherent in “just and equitable” provides insight into the kind of justice that emerges from the application of this test within a single strata jurisdiction. As such, the paper provides lessons for other jurisdictions on how to improve relevant statute and case law outcomes.
Resolving a heated debate: The utility of prescribed burning as a management tool for biodiversity on lowland heath
Authors: Smith Barbara M. , Carpenter Dan , Holland John , Andruszko Felicity , Gathorne‐Hardy Alfred , Eggleton Paul
Published: July 2023

Lowland heath is a priority habitat for conservation, nowadays largely managed for biodiversity. Historically, prescribed burning has been the principal management tool, but there are increasing calls to substitute burning with cutting to improve biodiversity outcomes. However, poor understanding of potential impacts compromises decision making.

Our study was carried out in the New Forest National Park, the largest area of lowland heath in Europe. Using a multi‐trophic approach, we compared the ecological impact of prescribed burning with two types of vegetation cutting (swiping and baling) as management tools for biodiversity outcomes for up to 20 years after management. Indicators included: common standards monitoring (CSM) assessment; vegetation species assemblage; below‐ and above‐ground invertebrate biodiversity; and available food resources for two characteristic heathland birds—the Dartford Warbler Sylvia undata and the Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus.

When compared with swiped sites, areas managed by prescribed burning resulted in: better habitat condition (assessed by CSM); higher cover of heathers; lower bracken cover; more areas of bare ground. We found no evidence that burning is detrimental for the investigated components of biodiversity.

Cutting by swiping did not replicate the benefits of burning. Swiping supported grassland conditions that suit non‐heathland species. Baling resulted in habitat condition similar to prescribed burning but restricted replication of baled sites limited our conclusions. However, swiped sites supported high invertebrate abundance and diversity, including food resources for Dartford Warbler and Nightjar.

Synthesis and applications. Removing burning from the management programme is likely to reduce heathland condition. Biodiversity is encouraged by a mosaic of management and more mobile species, such as birds, will exploit the resources provided by several management techniques. Including some cutting in a rotational regime is likely to be beneficial although prescribed burning should form the majority of the management programme, Lowland heathland differs fundamentally from upland heathland/moorland and it is not easy to transfer the results. Current heathland CSM does not adequately assess wider biodiversity on protected areas but is effectively an assessment of vegetation feature condition. Including invertebrates in surveys provides a more nuanced assessment of heathland condition.
Biotic and abiotic stresses on honeybee health
Authors: LIN Zheguang , SHEN Siyi , WANG Kang , JI Ting
Published: July 2023

Honeybees are the most critical pollinators providing key ecosystem services that underpin crop production and sustainable agriculture. Amidst a backdrop of rapid global change, this eusocial insect encounters a succession of stressors during nesting, foraging, and pollination. Ectoparasitic mites, together with vectored viruses, have been recognized as central biotic threats to honeybee health, while the spread of invasive giant hornets and small hive beetles also increasingly threatens colonies worldwide. Cocktails of agrochemicals, including acaricides used for mite treatment, and other pollutants of the environment have been widely documented to affect bee health in various ways. Additionally, expanding urbanization, climate change, and agricultural intensification often result in the destruction or fragmentation of flower‐rich bee habitats. The anthropogenic pressures exerted by beekeeping management practices affect the natural selection and evolution of honeybees, and colony translocations facilitate alien species invasion and disease transmission. In this review, the multiple biotic and abiotic threats and their interactions that potentially undermine bee colony health are discussed, while taking into consideration the sensitivity, large foraging area, dense network among related nestmates, and social behaviors of honeybees.
Conservation priorities for endangered trees facing multiple threats around the world
Authors: Zhu Yingying , Xu Xiaoting , Xi Zhenxiang , Liu Jianquan
Published: July 2023

Trees are vital to the survival of numerous species and to forest ecosystem functioning. However, the current distribution, vulnerability to extinction, and conservation priorities of globally endangered trees are not well known. We mapped the global distribution of 1686 tree species listed as endangered on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature Red List and identified conservation priority for them based on species richness, life‐history traits, evolutionary distinctiveness, future climate change, and intensity of human activities. We also evaluated the impacts of various threats to these endangered tree species and evaluated the effectiveness of their protection based on the percentage of the species' range inside protected areas. The worldwide distribution of endangered trees, from the tropics through temperate zones, was uneven. Most endangered tree species were not protected in their native ranges, and only 153 species were fully protected. Hotspots of tree diversity occurred primarily in the tropics, and 79.06% of these were highly vulnerable to threats. We identified 253 areas of high priority for the conservation of endangered trees that are highly threatened and insufficiently protected. In particular, 43.42% of unprotected tree species in priority areas lacked recommended conservation measures or had no associated conservation plan. The priority conservation areas and unprotected trees we identified serve as a guideline for future management underpinning the post‐2020 global biodiversity framework.
Effects of seagrass restoration on coastal fish abundance and diversity
Authors: Hardison Sean B. , McGlathery Karen J. , Castorani Max C. N.
Published: July 2023

Restoration is accelerating to reverse global declines of key habitats and recover lost ecosystem functions, particularly in coastal ecosystems. However, there is high uncertainty about the long‐term capacity of restored ecosystems to provide habitat and increase biodiversity and the degree to which these ecosystem services are mediated by spatial and temporal environmental variability. We addressed these gaps by sampling fishes biannually for 5–7 years (2012–2018) at 16 sites inside and outside a rapidly expanding restored seagrass meadow in coastal Virginia (USA). Despite substantial among‐year variation in abundance and species composition, seine catches in restored seagrass beds were consistently larger (6.4 times more fish, p < 0.001) and more speciose (2.6 times greater species richness, p < 0.001; 3.1 times greater Hill–Shannon diversity, p = 0.03) than seine catches in adjacent unvegetated areas. Catches were particularly larger during summer than autumn (p < 0.01). Structural equation modeling revealed that depth and water residence time interacted to control seagrass presence, leading to higher fish abundance and richness in shallow, well‐flushed areas that supported seagrass. Together, our results indicate that seagrass restoration yields large and consistent benefits for many coastal fishes, but that restoration and its benefits are sensitive to the dynamic seascapes in which restoration is conducted. Consideration of how seascape‐scale environmental variability affects the success of habitat restoration and subsequent ecosystem function will improve restoration outcomes and the provisioning of ecosystem services.
Land‐use change from market responses to oil palm intensification in Indonesia
Authors: Lim Felix K. S. , Carrasco Luis Roman , Edwards David P. , McHardy Jolian
Published: July 2023

Oil palm is a major driver of tropical deforestation. A key intervention proposed to reduce the footprint of oil palm is intensifying production to free up spare land for nature, yet the indirect land‐use implications of intensification through market forces are poorly understood. We used a spatially explicit land‐rent modeling framework to characterize the supply and demand of oil palm in Indonesia under multiple yield improvement and demand elasticity scenarios and explored how shifts in market equilibria alter projections of crop expansion. Oil palm supply was sensitive to crop prices and yield improvements. Across all our scenarios, intensification raised agricultural rents and lowered the effectiveness of reductions in crop expansion. Increased yields lowered oil palm prices, but these price‐drops were not sufficient to prevent further cropland expansion from increased agricultural rents under a range of price elasticities of demand. Crucially, we found that agricultural intensification might only result in land being spared when the demand relationship was highly inelastic and crop prices were very low (i.e., a 70% price reduction). Under this scenario, the extent of land spared (∼0.32 million ha) was countered by the continued establishment of new plantations (∼1.04 million ha). Oil palm intensification in Indonesia could exacerbate current pressures on its imperiled biodiversity and should be deployed with stronger spatial planning and enforcement to prevent further cropland expansion.
Successful eradication of invasive American bullfrogs leads to coextirpation of emerging pathogens
Authors: Hossack Blake R. , Hall David , Crawford Catherine L. , Goldberg Caren S. , Muths Erin , Sigafus Brent H. , Chambert Thierry
Published: July 2023

Interventions of the host–pathogen dynamics provide strong tests of relationships, yet they are still rarely applied across multiple populations. After American bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana) invaded a wildlife refuge where federally threatened Chiricahua leopard frogs (R. chiricahuensis) were reintroduced 12 years prior, managers launched a landscape‐scale eradication effort to help ensure continued recovery of the native species. We used a before‐after‐control‐impact design and environmental DNA sampling of 19 eradication sites and 18 control sites between fall 2016 and winter 2020–2021 to measure community‐level responses to bullfrog eradication, including for two pathogens. Dynamic occupancy models revealed successful eradication from 94% of treatment sites. Native amphibians did not respond to bullfrog eradication, but the pathogens amphibian chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) and ranaviruses were coextirpated with bullfrogs. Our spatially replicated experimental approach provides strong evidence that management of invasive species can simultaneously reduce predation and disease risk for imperiled species.
Efficacy and safety of macitentan for pulmonary hypertension: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Du Dan , Yuan Ya‐Dong
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Our purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect and safety of macitentan in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension (PH).

Methods

We retrieved the safety and efficacy of macitentan treatment for PH using PubMed, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE databases and clinicaltrials.gov. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool was used for literature screening and quality assessment. Data analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.4.1 and Stata/SE 15.1 software. Results are presented as standardization mean differences (SMDs) and odds ratio (OR).

Results

Meta‐analysis of seven randomized controlled trial (RCT) studies and four non‐RCT studies with 2769 patients was included, involving 723 in the macitentan group and 599 in the placebo group. The results of the study showed that macitentan had effectively decreased pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) (SMD = −0.53, 95% CI: −0.77–−0.29, p < 0.05), cardiac index (CI) (SMD = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.37–0.83, p < 0.05) and N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) (SMD = −0.22, 95% CI: −0.40–−0.03, p < 0.05). Furthermore, macitentan also significantly reduced PVR (SMD = −0.58, 95% CI: −0.80–−0.35, p < 0.05), 6‐min walk distance (6WMD) (SMD = 0.33, 95% CI: 0.15–0.50, p < 0.05), CI (SMD = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.28–0.69, p < 0.05), mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) (SMD = −0.43, 95% CI: −0.64–−0.23, p < 0.05) and NT‐proBNP (SMD = −0.55, 95% CI: −1.07–−0.03, p < 0.05) between baseline and follow‐up. The adverse reactions to macitentan were mild, with headache, anaemia and bronchitis. Other efficacy and safety outcomes did not reach statistical differences.

Conclusion

Macitentan therapy for PH is effective and safe. The effectiveness on PVR, mPAP, mean right atrial pressure (mRAP), mortality and other indicators still needs to be further confirmed.
Circulating exosomes from brain death and cardiac death donors have distinct molecular and immunologic properties: A pilot study
Authors: Ravichandran Ranjithkumar , Itabashi Yoshihiro , Zhou Fangyu , Lin Yiing , Mohanakumar Thalachallour , Chapman William C.
Published: July 2023

Background and aims

Comparison of donation after brain death (DBD) and donation after cardiac death (DCD) lung tissue before transplantation have demonstrated activation of pro‐inflammatory cytokine pathway in DBD donors. The molecular and immunological properties of circulating exosomes from DBD and DCD donors were not previously described.

Methods

: We collected plasma from 18 deceased donors (12 DBD and six DCD). Cytokines were analyzed by 30‐Plex luminex Panels. Exosomes were analyzed for liver self‐antigen (SAg), Transcription Factors and HLA class II (HLA‐DR/DQ) using western blot. C57BL/6 animals were immunized with isolated exosomes to determine strength and magnitude of immune responses. Interferon (IFN)‐γ and tumor necrosis factor‐α producing cells were quantified by ELISPOT, specific antibodies to HLA class II antigens were measured by ELISA

Results

We demonstrate increased plasma levels of IFNγ, EGF, EOTAXIN, IP‐10, MCP‐1, RANTES, MIP‐β, VEGF, and interleukins – 6/8 in DBD plasma versus DCD. MiRNA isolated from exosome of DBD donors demonstrated significant increase in miR‐421, which has been reported to correlate with higher level of Interleukin‐6. Higher levels of liver SAg Collagen III (p = .008), pro‐inflammatory transcription factors (NF‐κB, p < .05; HIF1α, p = .021), CIITA (p = .011), and HLA class II (HLA‐DR, p = .0003 and HLA‐DQ, p = .013) were detected in exosomes from DBD versus DCD plasma. The circulating exosomes isolated from DBD donors were immunogenic in mice and led to the development of Abs to HLA‐DR/DQ.

Conclusions

This study provides potential new mechanisms by which DBD organs release exosomes that can activate immune pathways leading to cytokine release and allo‐immune response.
Community assembly processes and drivers shaping marine fish community structure in the North Sea
Authors: Montanyès Marcel , Weigel Benjamin , Lindegren Martin
Published: July 2023

To preserve natural ecosystems and their biodiversity, there is a need to anticipate future ecosystem changes through better understanding of underlying drivers and assembly processes determining community composition. Assembly processes can be understood as a set of filters acting at different spatio‐temporal scales that jointly define the structure and composition of communities. Here, we explore the underlying assembly processes shaping marine fish species distribution and composition, using the heavily exploited North Sea. Our aims are to study 1) the relative importance of the different assembly processes shaping marine fish communities, 2) the key environmental drivers determining species distributions and composition, and to 3) quantify the role of traits in determining species niches and responses to the environment. Specifically, we fit a joint species distribution model (JSDM) using 31 years of standardized scientific bottom trawl survey data for 67 fish species. We use a set of environmental variables and species' traits representing morphology, life history, reproduction and diet, while also accounting for phylogenetic relationships of species. Environmental variables, primarily related to temperature, explained over one third of the variance in species occurrence, while spatial effects explained half of the variability across species. This shows that environmental filtering and spatially‐structured processes are the main drivers shaping the community assembly. Furthermore, among the total variance of individual species occurrences, 12.5% could be explained by traits, which improve the mechanistic understanding on species responses to environmental change. Hence, model predictions from JSDMs accounting for traits, environmental niches and potential interactions among multiple species can provide relevant simulations and forecasts with the potential to inform spatial management and conservation efforts aiming to preserve biodiversity and its associated services vital for human well‐being.
EWSmethods: an R package to forecast tipping points at the community level using early warning signals, resilience measures, and machine learning models
Authors: O'Brien Duncan A. , Deb Smita , Sidheekh Sahil , Krishnan Narayanan C. , Sharathi Dutta Partha , Clements Christopher F.
Published: July 2023

Early warning signals (EWSs) represent a potentially universal tool for identifying whether a system is approaching a tipping point, and have been applied in fields including ecology, epidemiology, economics, and physics. This potential universality has led to the development of a suite of computational approaches aimed at improving the reliability of these methods. Classic methods based on univariate data have a long history of use, but recent theoretical advances have expanded EWSs to multivariate datasets, particularly relevant given advancements in remote sensing. More recently, novel machine learning approaches have been developed but have not been made accessible in the R (www.r‐project.org) environment. Here, we present EWSmethods – an R package that provides a unified syntax and interpretation of the most popular and cutting edge EWSs methods applicable to both univariate and multivariate time series. EWSmethods provides two primary functions for univariate and multivariate systems respectively, with two forms of calculation available for each: classical rolling window time series analysis, and the more robust expanding window. It also provides an interface to the Python machine learning model EWSNet which predicts the probability of a sudden tipping point or a smooth transition, the first of its form available to R users. This note details the rationale for this open‐source package and delivers an introduction to its functionality for assessing resilience. We have also provided vignettes and an external website to act as further tutorials and FAQs.
(DIS)Locating Meaning: Toward a Hermeneutical Response in Education to Religiously Inspired Extremism
Authors: Panjwani Farid
Published: July 2023

A key epistemological assumption in the ideologies of many of the groups termed extremist is that there is an unmediated access to a Divine Will. Driven by this assumption, and facilitated by several other factors, a range of coercive actions (including violence) to force others into submission to the perceived Will of God are seen as justified by some of these groups. A consideration of how religion is discussed in various contexts, from seminaries and schools to media and policy discourses, shows that this assumption about unmediated access to Divine Will is widely shared and that most children grow up socialized into it. In this paper, Farid Panjwani argues that challenging this assumption through educational settings can help young people acquire critical capacities that may lead to a critique of extremist narratives, thereby decreasing their attractions. In this regard, the paper draws upon a range of theoretical ideas, for example, the hermeneutical tradition (in particular the work of Hans‐Georg Gadamer), as well as historical and textual examples, to make a case for a rethinking of religious education to develop more critical capacities among the students.
Characteristics of white matter alterations along fibres in patients with bulimia nervosa: A combined voxelwise and tractography study
Authors: Chen Qian , Wang Miao , Wu Guo‐wei , Li Wei‐hua , Ren Xiao‐dan , Wang Yi‐ling , Wei Xuan , Wang Jia‐ni , Yang Zhenghan , Li Xiao‐hong , Li Zhan‐jiang , Tang Li‐rong , Zhang Peng , Wang Zhenchang
Published: July 2023

Accumulating evidence supports the hypothesis that white matter (WM) abnormalities are involved in the pathophysiology of bulimia nervosa (BN); however, findings from in vivo neuroimaging studies have been inconsistent. We aimed to investigate the possible brain WM alterations, including WM volume and microstructure, in patients with BN. We recruited 43 BN patients and 31 healthy controls (HCs). All participants underwent structural and diffusion tensor imaging. Differences in WM volume and microstructure were evaluated using voxel‐based morphometry, tract‐based spatial statistics, and automated fibre quantification analysis. Compared with HCs, BN patients showed significantly decreased fractional anisotropy in the middle part of the corpus callosum (nodes 31–32) and increased mean diffusivity in the right cranial nerve V (CN V) (nodes 27–33 and nodes 55–88) and vertical occipital fasciculus (VOF) (nodes 58–85). Moreover, we found decreased axial diffusivity in the right inferior fronto‐occipital fasciculus (node 67) and increased radial diffusivity in the CN V (nodes 22–34 and nodes 52–89) and left VOF (nodes 60–66 and nodes 81–85). Meanwhile, WM microstructural changes were correlated with patients' clinical manifestations. We did not find any significant differences in WM volume and the main WM fibre bundle properties between BN patients and HCs. Taken together, these findings provide that BN shows significant brain WM reorganization, but primarily in microstructure (part of WM fibre bundle), which is not sufficient to cause changes in WM volume. The automated fibre quantification analysis could be more sensitive to detect the subtle pathological changes in a point or segment of the WM fibre bundle.
Repeated innovations and excessive spin‐offs
Authors: Mella‐Barral Pierre , Sabourian Hamid
Published: July 2023

Firms can voluntarily create independent firms to implement their technologically distant innovations and capture their value through capital markets. We argue that when firms repeatedly compete to make innovations, there is inefficient external implementation of innovations and “excessive” creation of such firms. This inefficiency is most exacerbated in the early stages of an industry, when the number of firms is still limited.
Formation of soil organic carbon pool is regulated by the structure of dissolved organic matter and microbial carbon pump efficacy: A decadal study comparing different carbon management strategies
Authors: Chen Yalan , Du Zhangliu , Weng Zhe (Han) , Sun Ke , Zhang Yuqin , Liu Qin , Yang Yan , Li Yang , Wang Zhibo , Luo Yu , Gao Bo , Chen Bin , Pan Zezhen , Van Zwieten Lukas
Published: July 2023

To achieve long‐term increases in soil organic carbon (SOC) storage, it is essential to understand the effects of carbon management strategies on SOC formation pathways, particularly through changes in microbial necromass carbon (MNC) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC). Using a 14‐year field study, we demonstrate that both biochar and maize straw lifted the SOC ceiling, but through different pathways. Biochar, while raising SOC and DOC content, decreased substrate degradability by increasing carbon aromaticity. This resulted in suppressed microbial abundance and enzyme activity, which lowered soil respiration, weakened in vivo turnover and ex vivo modification for MNC production (i.e., low microbial carbon pump “efficacy”), and led to lower efficiency in decomposing MNC, ultimately resulting in the net accumulation of SOC and MNC. In contrast, straw incorporation increased the content and decreased the aromaticity of SOC and DOC. The enhanced SOC degradability and soil nutrient content, such as total nitrogen and total phosphorous, stimulated the microbial population and activity, thereby boosting soil respiration and enhancing microbial carbon pump “efficacy” for MNC production. The total C added to biochar and straw plots were estimated as 27.3–54.5 and 41.4 Mg C ha−1, respectively. Our results demonstrated that biochar was more efficient in lifting the SOC stock via exogenous stable carbon input and MNC stabilization, although the latter showed low “efficacy”. Meanwhile, straw incorporation significantly promoted net MNC accumulation but also stimulated SOC mineralization, resulting in a smaller increase in SOC content (by 50%) compared to biochar (by 53%–102%). The results address the decadal‐scale effects of biochar and straw application on the formation of the stable organic carbon pool in soil, and understanding the causal mechanisms can allow field practices to maximize SOC content.
The lived experience of mothers of children with haemophilia in Jordan: A phenomenological study
Authors: Obeidat Hala Mahmoud , Habashneh Maleka Hussein , Dwairej Doa'a Abdullah , Obeidat Aseel Hussein , Al‐Oran Haytham Mohammad
Published: July 2023

Background

Haemophilia is an inherited bleeding disorder. Mothers of children with haemophilia experience stress, anxiety and different types of burdens that affect their life negatively.

Objectives

This study aimed to explore the lived experience of mothers of children with haemophilia.

Methods

A descriptive phenomenological design was utilized. The participants were selected purposively from the Jordanian Association for Thalassemia and Hemophilia. Data saturation was achieved by interviewing 20 mothers.

Results

Five themes emerged: (1) the challenges related to the diagnosis, the availability and administration of the clotting factors, and the occurrence of the bleeding emergency; (2) physical, social, psychological and financial burden; (3) fear of child death and disability; (4) stigmatization; and (5) lack of educational and medical support.

Conclusion

Mothers of children with haemophilia suffer from physical, psychological and social consequences. Healthcare providers should carry out educational sessions regarding the importance of support for the family and throughout the life of the child.
The application of clique percolation method in health disparities research
Authors: Lee Chiyoung , Cao Jiepin , Gonzalez‐Guarda Rosa
Published: July 2023

Aims

Clique percolation, one of the joint community detection algorithms in network science, is a novel and efficient approach to detecting overlapping communities in real networks. The current study illustrated how clique percolation can help to identify overlapping communities within the complex networks underlying health disparities, particularly highlighting nodes with strong associations with more than one community.

Design

A cross‐sectional study.

Methods

The study used a dataset on Latinx populations (N = 1654; mean age = 43.3 years; 53.1% women) as an example to demonstrate the role of such overlapping nodes in the network of syndemic conditions and their common risk factors. Syndemic conditions in the network included HIV risk, substance abuse (smoking, heavy alcohol consumption and marijuana use) and poor mental health. Moreover, the risk factors encompassed individual (education and income) and sociostructural (adverse childhood experiences [ACEs] and access to services) factors. The network was estimated using the R‐package bootnet. Clique percolation was conducted on the estimated network using the R‐package CliquePercolation.

Results

A total of three communities were detected, with HIV risk and poor mental health not being assigned to any community. In general, Community 1 was comprised of ACE categories, Community 2 included education, income and access to services and Community 3 included other syndemic conditions. Of note, two nodes were assigned to two communities: ‘household dysfunction’ to Communities 1 and 2 and ‘smoking’ to Communities 2 and 3.

Conclusion

Household dysfunction might be the key connector, among other ACEs, to individual and structural barriers. Such barriers further exposed Latinx individuals to risky behaviours, especially smoking, which further linked to marijuana use and heavy alcohol consumption.

Impact

Clique percolation facilitated our understanding of the complex systems of factors shaping health disparities. The overlapping nodes are promising intervention targets for reducing health disparities in this historically marginalized population.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
Changes in glycemic control and skeletal muscle mass indices after dapagliflozin treatment in individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Yoshimura Yuta , Hashimoto Yoshitaka , Okada Hiroshi , Takegami Maya , Nakajima Hanako , Miyoshi Tomoki , Yoshimura Takashi , Yamazaki Masahiro , Hamaguchi Masahide , Fukui Michiaki
Published: July 2023

Aims/Introduction

Dapagliflozin is used for individuals with type 1 diabetes, although the effect of this medication on skeletal muscle mass is not well established. In addition, there are few studies examining the effects of good glycemic control on skeletal muscle mass in type 1 diabetes patients. We investigated changes in glycemic control and skeletal muscle mass with dapagliflozin in individuals with type 1 diabetes, and the association between these changes.

Materials and Methods

This was a post‐hoc analysis of a multicenter, open‐label, non‐randomized, prospective, interventional study in individuals with type 1 diabetes. The participants received dapagliflozin at 5 mg/day for 4 weeks, and were reviewed before and after treatment. Weight‐ and height‐corrected appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) were calculated as indices of skeletal muscle mass using bioelectrical impedance analysis.

Results

A total of 36 individuals were included in the analysis. After the 4 weeks of dapagliflozin treatment, ASM/height2 decreased in the body mass index <23 group (P = 0.004). ASM / weight decreased in all men aged >60 years. The change in ASM / weight (%) was negatively correlated with the change in glycated hemoglobin (%;P = 0.023). The change in ASM / height2 (kg/m2) was also positively correlated with the change in time within the glucose range of 70–180 mg/dL (P = 0.036).

Conclusion

Dapagliflozin treatment of individuals with type 1 diabetes, particularly non‐obese individuals and older men, might result in loss of skeletal muscle mass. However, good glycemic control during treatment might prevent the onset and progression of sarcopenia.
BEVSIM: Battery electric vehicle sustainability impact assessment model
Authors: Mehta Rajesh , Golkaram Milad , Vogels Jack T. W. E. , Ligthart Tom , Someren Eugene , Ferjan Spela , Lennartz Jelmer
Published: July 2023

To achieve climate neutrality ambitions, greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector need to be reduced by at least 90% by 2050. To support industry and policy makers on mitigating actions on climate goals it is important to holistically compare and reduce life cycle environmental impacts of road passenger vehicles. A web‐based sustainability assessment tool named battery electric vehicle sustainability impact assessment model, BEVSIM, is developed to assess the environmental, circularity, and economic performance of the materials, sub‐systems, parts, and individual components of battery electric vehicles and internal combustion engine vehicles. This tool allows to measure and compare impacts resulting from recycling technologies, end‐of‐life scenarios, and future scenarios resulting from changes in grid mixes. This paper explains the purpose of the tool, its functionality and design as well as the underlying assumptions.
Insulin resistance probability score and incident cardiovascular disease
Authors: Louie Judy Z. , Shiffman Dov , McPhaul Michael J. , Melander Olle
Published: July 2023

Background

Insulin resistance (IR) is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, insulin immunoassay variability and scarce research of the elderly have hindered the adoption of IR assessment for CVD prevention. We asked whether the probability of having IR [p(IR)]—derived from insulin and C‐peptide mass‐spectrometry assays—was associated with CVD in the elderly.

Methods

A random cohort was drawn from MPP, a population‐based study of the elderly. After excluding those with missing data, CVD, or diabetes, 3645 participants (median age = 68) remained.

Results

During follow‐up (13.3 years), 794 incident CVD events were observed. p(IR) > 80% (n = 152) compared with p(IR) ≤ 80% was associated with incident CVD (HR = 1.51, 95% CI 1.12–2.05, p = 0.007) and CVD or all‐cause mortality (HR = 1.43, 95% CI 1.16–1.77, p = 0.0009) after adjusting for age, sex, hypertension, smoking, HDL‐cholesterol, total cholesterol, triglycerides, BMI, and prediabetes.

Conclusion

High p(IR) was associated with >50% greater risk of incident CVD. IR assessment in the elderly may be warranted.
An in situ study of presolar grains and the fine‐grained matrices of the Meteorite Hills 00526 and Queen Alexandra Range 97008 unequilibrated ordinary chondrites
Authors: Seifert Laura B. , Haenecour Pierre , Ramprasad Tarunika , Zega Thomas J.
Published: July 2023

Here we report in situ structural and chemical analyses of four presolar grains and the matrices of the Meteorite Hills (MET) 00526 L3.05 and Queen Alexandra Range (QUE) 97008 L3.05 unequilibrated ordinary chondrites (UOCs). The presolar grains in MET 00526 include one Fe‐rich single crystal olivine, and one olivine grain that contains both amorphous and polycrystalline material. The single crystal olivine likely has origins in the circumstellar envelope (CSE) of a red giant branch (RGB) or asymptotic giant branch (AGB) star, and the amorphous/polycrystalline olivine has an O‐isotopic composition consistent with origins in a type II supernova. The presolar grains from QUE 97008 are Fe rich and include one crystalline, stoichiometric olivine that contains a Ca‐rich core and one crystalline, stoichiometric pyroxene grain, both of which have O‐isotopic compositions consistent with origins in the CSEs of low‐mass AGB/RGB stars. The matrices of both UOCs are mineralogically diverse with evidence for unaltered material in the form of amorphous silicates and a C‐rich nanoglobule and altered material in the form of Ni‐rich sulfides, abundant Fe‐rich olivine, and Fe‐Mg zoning in matrix silicates. No phyllosilicates were observed. The Fe‐rich olivine grains are the dominant alteration phase in both UOCs and likely replaced primary amorphous silicates in the presence of an Fe‐rich fluid during parent body alteration. Our work suggests that the ordinary and carbonaceous chondrites received a similar inventory of dust with comparable structures and chemistries.
Preclinical cardiac perforation reduction in leadless pacing: An update to the Micra leadless pacemaker delivery system
Authors: Roberts Paul R. , Garweg Christophe , Yue Arthur M. , Mattson Alexander R. , Raghupathy Ramesh , Piccini Jonathan P.
Published: July 2023

Background

Leadless pacemakers have been developed to avoid some of the complications that are associated transvenous pacemakers. Pericardial effusion is a rare complication of leadless pacemaker implantation, which may result from perforation of the delivery catheter. In this study, we describe preclinical perforation performance of an updated Micra delivery catheter.

Methods

To assess preclinical perforation performance of the updated delivery catheter, three analyses were performed. First, Finite Element Analysis (FEA) computational modeling was performed to estimate the target tissue stress during Micra delivery catheter tenting. Second, benchtop perforation forces of ovine tissue were recorded for the original and updated delivery catheters. Finally, a Monte‐Carlo simulation combining human cadaveric Micra implant forces and human ventricular tissue perforation properties was performed to estimate clinical perforation performance.

Results

FEA modeling demonstrated a 66% reduction in target tissue stress when using the updated Micra delivery catheter (6.2 vs. 2.2 psi, Original vs. Updated Micra delivery catheter). Updated Micra delivery catheters required 20% more force to perforate porcine ventricular tissues in benchtop testing (μupd = 26.9N vs. μorg = 22.4N, p = .01). Monte‐Carlo Simulation of catheter performance in human cadaveric tissues predicts 28.5% reduction of catheter‐perforated cases with the updated delivery catheter.

Conclusions

This study, using computer modelling and benchtop experimentation, has indicated that increased surface area and rounding of the updated Micra catheter tip significantly improves preclinical perforation performance. It will be important to evaluate the impact of these catheter design changes with robust registry data.