bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sexual selection on male but not female function in monoecious and dioecious populations of broadleaf arrowhead (Sagittaria latifolia)
Authors: Kwok Allison , Dorken Marcel E.
Published: November 2022

Direct measures of sexual selection in plants are rare and complicated by immobility and modular growth. For plants, instantaneous measures of fitness typically scale with size, but covariances between size and mating success could obscure the detection of sexual selection. We measured the magnitude of sexual selection in a monoecious and a dioecious population of the clonal plantSagittaria latifoliausing Bateman gradients (ßss). These gradients were calculated using parentage analysis and residual regression to account for the effects of shoot and clone size on mating and reproductive success. In both populations, (i) there was greater promiscuity via male function than via female function and (ii)ßsswere positive, with significant associations between mating and reproductive success for male but not female function. Moreover, estimatedβsswere similar for the monoecious and dioecious populations, possibly because non-overlapping female and male sex phases in hermaphroditicS. latifoliareduced the scope for interference between sex functions during mating. This study builds on previous studies of selection on plant mating traits, and of sexual selection under experimental conditions, by showing that sexual selection can operate in natural populations of plants, including populations of hermaphrodites.
Evolutionary Kuramoto dynamics
Authors: Tripp Elizabeth A. , Fu Feng , Pauls Scott D.
Published: November 2022

Biological systems have a variety of time-keeping mechanisms ranging from molecular clocks within cells to a complex interconnected unit across an entire organism. The suprachiasmatic nucleus, comprising interconnected oscillatory neurons, serves as a master-clock in mammals. The ubiquity of such systems indicates an evolutionary benefit that outweighs the cost of establishing and maintaining them, but little is known about the process of evolutionary development. To begin to address this shortfall, we introduce and analyse a new evolutionary game theoretic framework modelling the behaviour and evolution of systems of coupled oscillators. Each oscillator is characterized by a pair of dynamic behavioural dimensions, a phase and a communication strategy, along which evolution occurs. We measure success of mutations by comparing the benefit of synchronization balanced against the cost of connections between the oscillators. Despite the simple set-up, this model exhibits non-trivial behaviours mimicking several different classical games—the Prisoner’s Dilemma, snowdrift games, coordination games—as the landscape of the oscillators changes over time. Across many situations, we find a surprisingly simple characterization of synchronization through connectivity and communication: if the benefit of synchronization is greater than twice the cost, the system will evolve towards complete communication and phase synchronization.
Great tits differ in glucocorticoid plasticity in response to spring temperature
Authors: Hau Michaela , Deimel Caroline , Moiron Maria
Published: November 2022

Fluctuations in environmental temperature affect energy metabolism and stimulate the expression of reversible phenotypic plasticity in vertebrate behavioural and physiological traits. Changes in circulating concentrations of glucocorticoid hormones often underpin environmentally induced phenotypic plasticity. Ongoing climate change is predicted to increase fluctuations in environmental temperature globally, making it imperative to determine the standing phenotypic variation in glucocorticoid responses of free-living populations to evaluate their potential for coping via plastic or evolutionary changes. Using a reaction norm approach, we repeatedly sampled wild great tit (
Parus major
) individuals for circulating glucocorticoid concentrations during reproduction across five years to quantify individual variation in glucocorticoid plasticity along an environmental temperature gradient. As expected, baseline and stress-induced glucocorticoid concentrations increased with lower environmental temperatures at the population and within-individual level. Moreover, we provide unique evidence that individuals differ significantly in their plastic responses to the temperature gradient for both glucocorticoid traits, with some displaying greater plasticity than others. Average concentrations and degree of plasticity covaried for baseline glucocorticoids, indicating that these two reaction norm components are linked. Hence, individual variation in glucocorticoid plasticity in response to a key environmental factor exists in a wild vertebrate population, representing a crucial step to assess their potential to endure temperature fluctuations.
Assessing the relative importance of bacterial resistance, persistence and hyper-mutation for antibiotic treatment failure
Authors: Witzany Christopher , Regoes Roland R. , Igler Claudia
Published: November 2022

To curb the rising threat of antimicrobial resistance, we need to understand the routes to antimicrobial treatment failure. Bacteria can survive treatment by using both genetic and phenotypic mechanisms to diminish the effect of antimicrobials. We assemble empirical data showing that, for example,
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
infections frequently contain persisters, transiently non-growing cells unaffected by antibiotics (AB) and hyper-mutators, mutants with elevated mutation rates, and thus higher probability of genetic resistance emergence. Resistance, persistence and hyper-mutation dynamics are difficult to disentangle experimentally. Hence, we use stochastic population modelling and deterministic fitness calculations to investigate the relative importance of genetic and phenotypic mechanisms for immediate treatment failure and establishment of prolonged, chronic infections. We find that persistence causes ‘hidden’ treatment failure with very low cell numbers if antimicrobial concentrations prevent growth of genetically resistant cells. Persister cells can regrow after treatment is discontinued and allow for resistance evolution in the absence of AB. This leads to different mutational routes during treatment and relapse of an infection. By contrast, hyper-mutation facilitates resistance evolution during treatment, but rarely contributes to treatment failure. Our findings highlight the time and concentration dependence of different bacterial mechanisms to escape AB killing, which should be considered when designing ‘failure-proof’ treatments.
The limits of metabolic heredity in protocells
Authors: Nunes Palmeira Raquel , Colnaghi Marco , Harrison Stuart A. , Pomiankowski Andrew , Lane Nick
Published: November 2022

The universal core of metabolism could have emerged from thermodynamically favoured prebiotic pathways at the origin of life. Starting with H
2
and CO
2
, the synthesis of amino acids and mixed fatty acids, which self-assemble into protocells, is favoured under warm anoxic conditions. Here, we address whether it is possible for protocells to evolve greater metabolic complexity, through positive feedbacks involving nucleotide catalysis. Using mathematical simulations to model metabolic heredity in protocells, based on branch points in protometabolic flux, we show that nucleotide catalysis can indeed promote protocell growth. This outcome only occurs when nucleotides directly catalyse CO
2
fixation. Strong nucleotide catalysis of other pathways (e.g. fatty acids and amino acids) generally unbalances metabolism and slows down protocell growth, and when there is competition between catalytic functions cell growth collapses. Autocatalysis of nucleotide synthesis can promote growth but only if nucleotides also catalyse CO
2
fixation; autocatalysis alone leads to the accumulation of nucleotides at the expense of CO
2
fixation and protocell growth rate. Our findings offer a new framework for the emergence of greater metabolic complexity, in which nucleotides catalyse broad-spectrum processes such as CO
2
fixation, hydrogenation and phosphorylation important to the emergence of genetic heredity at the origin of life.
Spontaneous preference for unpredictability in the temporal contingencies between agents' motion in naive domestic chicks
Authors: Lemaire Bastien S. , Rosa-Salva Orsola , Fraja Margherita , Lorenzi Elena , Vallortigara Giorgio
Published: November 2022

The ability to recognize animate agents based on their motion has been investigated in humans and animals alike. When the movements of multiple objects are interdependent, humans perceive the presence of social interactions and goal-directed behaviours. Here, we investigated how visually naive domestic chicks respond to agents whose motion was reciprocally contingent in space and time (i.e. the time and direction of motion of one object can be predicted from the time and direction of motion of another object). We presented a ‘social aggregation’ stimulus, in which three smaller discs repeatedly converged towards a bigger disc, moving in a manner resembling a mother hen and chicks (versus a control stimulus lacking such interactions). Remarkably, chicks preferred stimuli in which the timing of the motion of one object could not be predicted by that of other objects. This is the first demonstration of a sensitivity to the temporal relationships between the motion of different objects in naive animals, a trait that could be at the basis of the development of the perception of social interaction and goal-directed behaviours.
Concurrent anthropogenic air pollutants enhance recruitment of a specialist parasitoid
Authors: Ryalls James M. W. , Bromfield Lisa M. , Bell Luke , Jasper Jake , Mullinger Neil J. , Blande James D. , Girling Robbie D.
Published: November 2022

Air pollutants—such as nitrogen oxides, emitted in diesel exhaust, and ozone (O
3
)—disrupt interactions between plants, the insect herbivore pests that feed upon them and natural enemies of those herbivores (e.g. parasitoids). Using eight field-based rings that emit regulated quantities of diesel exhaust and O
3
, we investigated how both pollutants, individually and in combination, altered the attraction and parasitism rate of a specialist parasitoid (
Diaeretiella rapae
) on aphid-infested and un-infested
Brassica napus
plants. Individual effects of O
3
decreased
D. rapae
abundance and emergence by 37% and 55%, respectively, compared with ambient (control) conditions. When O
3
and diesel exhaust were emitted concomitantly,
D. rapae
abundance and emergence increased by 79% and 181%, respectively, relative to control conditions. This attraction response occurred regardless of whether plants were infested with aphids and was associated with an increase in the concentration of aliphatic glucosinolates, especially gluconapin (3-butenyl-glucosinolate), within
B. napus
leaves. Plant defensive responses and their ability to attract natural aphid enemies may be beneficially impacted by pollution exposure. These results demonstrate the importance of incorporating multiple air pollutants when considering the effects of air pollution on plant–insect interactions.
Natural alleles at the
Doa
locus underpin evolutionary changes in
Drosophila
lifespan and fecundity
Authors: Hoedjes Katja M. , Kostic Hristina , Keller Laurent , Flatt Thomas
Published: November 2022

‘Evolve and resequence’ (E&R) studies in
Drosophila melanogaster
have identified many candidate loci underlying the evolution of ageing and life history, but experiments that validate the effects of such candidates remain rare. In a recent E&R study we have identified several alleles of the LAMMER kinase
Darkener of apricot
(
Doa
) as candidates for evolutionary changes in lifespan and fecundity. Here, we use two complementary approaches to confirm a functional role of
Doa
in life-history evolution. First, we used transgenic RNAi to study the effects of
Doa
at the whole-gene level. Ubiquitous silencing of expression in adult flies reduced both lifespan and fecundity, indicating pleiotropic effects. Second, to characterize segregating variation at
Doa
, we examined four candidate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs;
Doa-1
, -
2
, -
3
,
-4
) using a genetic association approach. Three candidate SNPs had effects that were qualitatively consistent with expectations based on our E&R study:
Doa-2
pleiotropically affected both lifespan and late-life fecundity;
Doa-1
affected lifespan (but not fecundity); and
Doa-4
affected late-life fecundity (but not lifespan). Finally, the last candidate allele (
Doa-3
) also affected lifespan, but in the opposite direction from predicted.
Intertumoral lineage diversity and immunosuppressive transcriptional programs in well-differentiated gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors
Authors: Hoffman Samantha E. , Dowrey Todd W. , Martin Carlos Villacorta , Bi Kevin , Titchen Breanna , Johri Shreya , DelloStritto Laura , Patel Miraj , Mackichan Colin , Inga Stephanie , Chen Judy , Grimaldi Grace , Napolitano Sara , Wakiro Isaac , Wu Jingyi , Yeung Jason , Rotem Asaf , Shannon Erin , Clancy Thomas , Wang Jiping , Denning Sarah , Brais Lauren , Huang Ying , Kao Katrina Z. , Rodig Scott , Hornick Jason L. , Vigneau Sebastien , Park Jihye , Kulke Matthew H. , Chan Jennifer , Van Allen Eliezer M. , Murphy George J.
Published: November 2022

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are rare cancers that may arise in the gastrointestinal tract and pancreas. The fundamental mechanisms driving gastroenteropancreatic (GEP) NET growth remain incompletely elucidated; however, the heterogeneous clinical behavior of GEP-NETs suggests that both cellular lineage dynamics and tumor microenvironment influence tumor pathophysiology. Here, we investigated the single-cell transcriptomes of tumor and immune cells from patients with gastroenteropancreatic NETs. Malignant GEP-NET cells expressed genes and regulons associated with normal, gastrointestinal endocrine cell differentiation and fate determination stages. While tumor and lymphoid compartments sparsely expressed immunosuppressive targets, infiltrating myeloid cells were enriched for alternative immunotherapy pathways includingVSIR, Tim3/Gal9, andSIGLEC10. Finally, analysis of paired primary and metastatic tissue specimens from small intestinal NETs demonstrated transcriptional transformation between the primary tumor and its distant metastasis. Our findings highlight the transcriptomic heterogeneity that distinguishes the cellular landscapes of GEP-NET anatomic subtypes and reveal potential avenues for future precision medicine therapeutics.
Description, Development and Dissemination of Two Consistent Marker-based and Markerless Multibody Models
Authors: Lahkar Bhrigu Kumar , Chaumeil Anaïs , Dumas Raphaël , Muller Antoine , Robert Thomas
Published: November 2022

In human movement analysis, multibody models are an indispensable part of the process both for marker-based and video-based markerless approaches. Constituents (segments, joint constraints, body segment inertial parameters etc.) of such models and modeler’s choice play an important role in the accuracy of estimated results (segmental and joint kinematics, segmental and whole-body center of mass positions etc.). For marker-based method, although standard models exist, particularly for the lower extremity (e.g., Conventional Gait Model or models embedded in OpenSim), there seems to be a lack of consolidated explanation on the constituents of the whole-body model. For the markerless approach, multibody kinematic models (e.g., the Theia3D model) have been in use lately. However, there is no clear explanation on the estimated quantities (e.g., joint centers, body surface landmarks etc.) and their relation to the underlying anatomy. This also motivates the need for a description of the markerless multibody model. Moreover, comparing markerless results to those of classical marker-based method is currently the most commonly used approach for evaluation of markerless approaches. This study first aims to develop and describe a whole-body marker-based model ready to be used for human movement analysis. Second, the markerless multibody model embedded in Theia3D is described and inertial parameters are redefined. We also report assessment of the markerless approach compared to marker-based method for a static T-pose performed by 15 subjects. Finally, we disseminate the marker-based and markerless multibody models for their use in Visual3D.
Activation-inducible CAR expression enables precise control over engineered CAR T cell function
Authors: Fraessle Simon P. , Tschulik Claudia , Effenberger Manuel , Cletiu Vlad , Gerget Maria , Schober Kilian , Busch Dirk H. , Germeroth Lothar , Stemberger Christian , Poltorak Mateusz P.
Published: November 2022

CAR T cell therapy is a rapidly growing area of oncological treatments having a potential of becoming standard care for multiple indications. Coincidently, CRISPR/Cas gene-editing technology is entering next-generation CAR T cell product manufacturing with the promise of more precise and more controllable cell modification methodology. The intersection of these medical and molecular advancements creates an opportunity for completely new ways of designing engineered cells to help overcome current limitations of cell therapy. In this manuscript we present proof-of-concept data for a novel engineered feedback loop. We manufactured activation-inducible CAR T cells with the help of CRISPR-mediated targeted integration. This new type of engineered T cells expresses the CAR gene dependent on their activation status. This artifice opens new possibilities to regulate CAR T cell function both in vitro and in vivo. We believe that such a physiological control system can be a powerful addition to the currently available toolbox of next-generation CAR constructs.
deCLUTTER2+pipeline to analyze calcium traces in a novel stem cell model for ventral midbrain patterned astrocytes
Authors: Grochowska Martyna M. , Ferraro Federico , Mascaro Ana Carreras , Natale Domenico , Winkelaar Amber , Boumeester Valerie , Breedveld Guido J. , Bonifati Vincenzo , Mandemakers Wim
Published: November 2022

Astrocytes are the most populous cell type of the human central nervous system and are essential for physiological brain function. Increasing evidence suggests multiple roles for astrocytes in Parkinson’s disease (PD), nudging a shift in the research focus, which historically pivoted around the ventral midbrain dopaminergic neurons (vmDANs). Studying human astrocytes and other cell types in vivo remains technically and ethically challenging. However, in vitro reprogrammed human stem cell-based models provide a promising alternative. Here, we describe a novel protocol for astrocyte differentiation from human stem cell-derived vmDANs-generating progenitors. This protocol simulates the regionalization, gliogenic switch, radial migration, and final differentiation that occur in the developing human brain. We have characterized the morphological, molecular, and functional features of these ventral midbrain astrocytes with a broad palette of techniques. In addition, we have developed a new pipeline for calcium imaging data analysis called deCLUTTER2+(deconvolution ofCa2+fluorescent patterns) that can be used to discover spontaneous or cue-dependent patterns of Ca2+transients. Altogether, our protocol enables the characterization of the functional properties of human ventral midbrain astrocytes under physiological conditions and in PD.
Synergism and phytotoxicity: the effects of tank-mix additives on the biological efficacy of Cu2+againstVenturia inaequalisandPodosphaera leucotricha
Authors: Schmitz Christine , Luedeling Eike , Pariyar Shyam
Published: November 2022

The wetting behaviour of the spray and biological efficacy of Cu2+active ingredients in agrochemical formulations may be enhanced by tank-mix additives. We investigated how three BREAK-THRU®additives (BT301: biodegradable, BT133 and BT420: bio-based and biodegradable) as tank-mix with commercial copper preparations influence the spray distribution, leaf uptake and biological efficacy of copper additive mixtures against apple scab and apple powdery mildew under controlled conditions. We quantified the synergetic effects of these additives in foliar applications. In addition, we determined the phytotoxic potential and evaluated impacts on photosynthetic activity, non-photochemical quenching and ROS activity. The additives BT301 and BT420 strongly reduced surface tension and contact angle of copper treatments. The fluorescence observations revealed that BT301 achieved better spreading of copper formulation with more complete coverage of the leaf surface than BT420 and BT133, whereas “coffee-ring” spreading was observed with BT133. The additive BT301 showed an increase in relative fluorescence area, indicating higher ROS production as a signal of intra-cellular tissue activity. The photochemical efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) was not negatively influenced by copper or additive treatment. Thus, we observed no phytotoxic effects of copper-additive mixtures on apple leaves at treatment doses of 4 g Cu2+L-1. All copper treatments reduced apple scab infestations significantly, by 53-76%. Interestingly, addition of BT301 to copper preparations showed the strongest biological efficacy (83% reduction) againstV. inaequalis, whereas addition of BT420 showed the strongest effect againstP. leucotricha(89% infection reduction). The synergetic effects of additives on the biological efficacy without phytotoxic effects on plants may have potential for reducing copper loads in horticultural production systems.
Sex-biased gene expression at single-cell resolution: Cause and consequence of sexual dimorphism
Authors: Darolti Iulia , Mank Judith E.
Published: November 2022

Gene expression differences between males and females are thought to be key for the evolution of sexual dimorphism, and sex-biased genes are often used to study the molecular footprint of sex-specific selection. However, gene expression is often measured from complex aggregations of diverse cell types, making it difficult to distinguish between sex differences in expression that are due to regulatory rewiring within similar cell types and those that are simply a consequence of developmental differences in cell type abundance. To determine the role of regulatory versus developmental differences underlying sex-biased gene expression, we use single-cell transcriptomic data from multiple somatic and reproductive tissues of male and female guppies, a species which exhibits extensive phenotypic sexual dimorphism. Our analysis of gene expression at single-cell resolution demonstrates that non-isometric scaling between the cell populations within each tissue and heterogeneity in cell type abundance between the sexes can influence inferred patterns of sex-biased gene expression by increasing both the false-positive and false-negative rates. Moreover, we show that at the bulk level, the subset of sex-biased genes that are the product of sex differences in cell type abundance can significantly confound patterns of coding-sequence evolution. Taken together, our results offer a unique insight into the evolution of sex-biased gene expression and highlight the power of single-cell RNA-sequencing in disentangling between genes that are a cause as opposed to a consequence of sexual dimorphism.
How do managerial ties affect contractual governance in interfirm cooperation?
Authors: Wang Li , Wang Longwei , Zhang Min
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Based on social capital theory and the institutional theory, this paper aims to explain how a firm’s business ties and political ties affect contractual governance in an interfirm cooperation, and under which institutional conditions they can play a better role.

Design/methodology/approach

This study tests conceptual model using questionnaire survey data collected from 227 firms in China. Hierarchical regression analysis is used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

This study finds that business ties have significant effect on contract completeness, while political ties have significant effect on contract enforcement. Moreover, these effects are contingent on some institutional factors. Market information transparency strengthens the effect of business ties on contract completeness and weakens the effect of political ties on contract completeness. Legal system completeness weakens the effect of political ties on contract enforcement.

Practical implications

This study suggests that managers could actively and selectively use their managerial ties to enhance contractual governance in an interfirm cooperation.

Originality/value

This study adds to the current understanding of how an interfirm cooperation is shaped by the firm’s social capital derived from external network relationships and extends the research on what social antecedents affect contractual governance. Moreover, this study sheds new light on when managerial ties can play a more beneficial role in emerging economies.
“Local cooperation has been the cornerstone”: facilitators and barriers to resilience in a decentralized health system during COVID-19 in Finland
Authors: Kihlström Laura , Huhtakangas Moona , Karreinen Soila , Viita-aho Marjaana , Keskimäki Ilmo , Tynkkynen Liina-Kaisa
Published: November 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to elucidate facilitators and barriers to health system resilience and resilient responses at local and regional levels during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in Finland.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors utilized a qualitative research approach and conducted semi-structured interviews (n = 32) with study participants representing five different regions in Finland. Study participants were recruited using purposive and snowball sampling. All study participants had been in management and civil servant positions during the first year of the pandemic, representing municipalities, municipalities' social and healthcare services, hospital districts and regional state administrative agencies. All interviews were completed remotely from April to December 2021 and the recordings transcribed verbatim. The authors coded the transcripts in ATLAS.ti 9.1 using directed content analysis.

Findings

The findings highlighted a wide range of localized responses to the pandemic in Finland. Facilitators to health system resilience included active networks of cooperation, crisis anticipation, transitioning into crisis leadership mode, learning how to incorporate new modes of operation, as well as relying on the competencies and motivation of health workforce. The authors found several barriers to health system resilience, including fragmented organization and management particularly in settings where integrated health care systems were not in place, insufficient preparedness to a prolonged crisis, lack of reliable information regarding COVID-19, not having plans in place for crisis communication, pandemic fatigue, and outflux of health workforce to other positions with better compensation and working conditions.

Originality/value

Factors affecting health system resilience are often studied at the aggregate level of a nation. This study offers insights into what resilient responses look like from the perspective of local and regional actors in a decentralized health system. The results highlight that local capacities and context matter greatly for resilience. The authors call for more nuanced analyses on health systems and health system resilience at the sub-national level.
Critical challenges of integrating OPEX strategies with I4.0 technologies in manufacturing SMEs: a few pieces of evidence from developing economies
Authors: Joshi Sudhanshu , Sharma Manu , Bartwal Shalini , Joshi Tanuja , Prasad Mukesh
Published: November 2022

Purpose

The study proposes to determine the impending challenges to lean integration with Industry 4.0 (I4.0) in manufacturing that aims at achieving desired operational performance. Integrating lean and Industry 4.0 as the two industrial approaches is synergetic in providing operational benefits such as increasing flexibility, improving productivity, reducing cost, reducing delivery time, improving quality and value stream mapping (VSM). There is an urgent need to understand the integrated potential of OPEX strategies like lean manufacturing and also to determine the challenges for manufacturing SMEs and further suggest a strategic roadmap for the future.

Design/methodology/approach

The current work has used a combined approach on interpretative structural modeling (ISM) and fuzzy Matrice d'impacts croisés multiplication appliquée á un classment (MICMAC) approach to structure the multiple level analysis for the implementation challenges to integrate OPEX strategies with Industry 4.0.

Findings

The research has found that the indulgence of various implementation issues like lack of standardization, lack of vision and lack of trained support, all are the major challenges that inhibit the integration of OPEX strategies with I4.0 technologies in manufacturing.

Research limitations/implications

The research has investigated the internal factors acting as a roadblock to lean and Industry 4.0 adoption. Further studies may consider external factors to lean and Industry 4.0 implementation. Also, further research may consider other operational excellence approaches and extend further to relevant sectors.

Practical implications

This study provides the analysis of barriers that is useful for the managers to take strategic actions for implementing OPEX strategies with I4.0 in smart manufacturing.

Originality/value

The research determines the adoption challenges towards the integrated framework. This is the first study to explore challenges in integrating OPEX strategies with I4.0 technologies in manufacturing SMEs.
Statistical comparisons of 0.08 g/100 ml fortified blood alcohol samples from 6‐ml and 10‐ml gray‐top tubes
Authors: Olds Maria L.
Published: November 2022

This experiment supplements the study, “Statistical comparisons of blood alcohol samples from 6‐ml and 10‐ml grey‐top tubes”. The initial study analyzed fortified samples for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) using two sizes of gray‐top tubes: a 10‐ml tube containing a nominal 1% sodium fluoride (NaF), a preservative, and a 6‐ml tube containing 0.25% NaF, using the variables of time, storage temperature, fill volume, and concentration. From that study, paired t‐tests determined no difference in BAC from data sets of the two tube sizes, however, Analysis of Variance, or ANOVA, testing determined the two tube sizes yielded different results at 0.08 g/100 ml. To investigate this potential disparity, this study fortified new samples at 0.08 g/100 and focused on two variables: fill volume and storage duration, while increasing the sample population (to n = 8). For this study, the two tube types yielded equivalent concentrations under the majority of conditions studied. Differences between the two tube types were found using paired t‐test for the high‐volume samples on Days 7 and 30; ANOVA yielded the same results but also determined one additional statistical difference for the Day 30 low‐volume samples. However, the differences observed between tube sizes fall within standard deviation ranges established for the analytical method precision profile, indicating statistical differences are not analytically significant. Further studies are needed to investigate the comparability of the tubes under real‐world conditions, under which oxygen and/or additives are not added during sample preparation steps or by usage of blood bank products.
Crimp: An efficient tool for summarizing multiple clusterings in population structure analysis and beyond
Authors: Lautenschlager Ulrich
Published: November 2022

When a data set is repeatedly clustered using unsupervised techniques, the resulting clusterings, even if highly similar, may list their clusters in different orders. This so‐called ‘label‐switching’ phenomenon obscures meaningful differences between clusterings, complicating their comparison and summary. The problem often arises in the context of population structure analysis based on multilocus genotype data. In this field, a variety of popular tools apply model‐based clustering, assigning individuals to a prespecified number of ancestral populations. Since such methods often involve stochastic components, it is a common practice to perform multiple replicate analyses based on the same input data and parameter settings. Available postprocessing tools allow to mitigate label switching, but leave room for improvements, in particular, regarding large input data sets. In this work, I present Crimp, a lightweight command‐line tool, which offers a relatively fast and scalable heuristic to align clusters across replicate clusterings consisting of the same number of clusters. For small problem sizes, an exact algorithm can be used as an alternative. Additional features include row‐specific weights, input and output files similar to those of CLUMPP (Jakobsson & Rosenberg, 2007) and the evaluation of a given solution in terms of CLUMPP as well as its own objective functions. Benchmark analyses show that Crimp, especially when applied to larger data sets, tends to outperform alternative tools considering runtime requirements and various quality measures. While primarily targeting population structure analysis, Crimp can be used as a generic tool to correct multiple clusterings for label switching. This facilitates their comparison and allows to generate an averaged clustering. Crimp's computational efficiency makes it even applicable to relatively large data sets while offering competitive solution quality.
Molecular identification and phylogeography of Gonipterus spp. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in Brazil
Authors: Nanini Frederico , Rossetti Victoria Z. , Soliman Everton P. , Zauza Edival A. V. , Benatti Thiago R. , Correa Alberto S.
Published: November 2022

The identification of the Gonipterus scutellatus complex species, known as the eucalyptus snout beetle, remained confusing for several years worldwide. Currently, the species Gonipterus platensis and Gonipterus pulverulentus are cited as present in Brazil. However, precise Gonipterus species identification, geographic distribution and economic importance in Brazil are unknown. Thus, our objectives were (i) to confirm the identification of Gonipterus species from different localities in Brazil using the sequencing of COI gene fragment, (ii) design a specific multiplex PCR marker for rapid molecular identification of Gonipterus species present in Brazil and (iii) apply a phylogeographic approach to assess the genetic diversity, demographic parameters and genetic structure of G. platensis population in Brazil. We confirmed the presence of G. platensis and G. pulverulentus in Brazilian territory. The species show different distribution, where G. platensis is widely distributed and G. pulverulentus is restricted to the south region. Gonipterus platensis populations are in spatial expansion, probably associated with the growth of Eucalyptus‐cultivated areas in Brazilian territory. Significant regional genetic population structure reinforces that the long dispersion processes of G. platensis within Brazilian territory is mediated by human activities. Thus, quarantine practices must be maintained and implemented to prevent new domestic and international introductions of Gonipterus specimens in Eucalyptus fields in Brazil.
Aridity and chronic anthropogenic disturbance as organizing forces of fruit‐feeding butterfly assemblages in a Caatinga dry forest
Authors: Melo Douglas H. A. , Freitas André V. L. , Tabarelli Marcelo , Filgueiras Bruno K. C. , Leal Inara R.
Published: November 2022

Anthropogenic disturbances and climate change are expected to reorganize biodiversity on multiple ecological levels from populations to ecosystems, especially in arid and semiarid regions due to environmental filtering imposed by water stress. This paper examines the individual and combined effects of chronic anthropogenic disturbance and increased aridity on the structure of fruit‐feeding butterfly assemblages in a human‐modified landscape of Caatinga dry forest, in the northeast of Brazil. Butterflies were recorded monthly across old‐growth forest stands and their assemblages were described in terms of taxonomic and functional community‐level attributes confronted to different levels of chronic disturbance and aridity. Butterfly assemblages were species‐poor but had high species replacement (turnover) along both the chronic disturbance and aridity gradients. We observed a negative effect of aridity on alpha and beta diversity of butterfly assemblages. Butterfly assemblages across forest stands exposed to high levels of chronic disturbance and aridity had a nested structure. Functional diversity (Rao's Q) and the community‐weighted means (CWM) of ocellus‐bearing species and monocot‐feeding larvae were negatively and positively affected by increased aridity and chronic disturbance, respectively. Our findings suggest that aridity and its combination with chronic disturbance have a drastic effect on the structure of butterfly assemblages in the Caatinga dry forest. These findings highlight that rainfall and chronic disturbances as major drivers of biological reorganization in human‐modified landscapes. As aridity increases, Caatinga tends to support taxonomically and functionally impoverished and highly distorted assemblages.

Abstract in Portuguese is available with online material
A resilience enhancing trauma‐informed program for children and mothers in domestic violence shelters: A qualitative study
Authors: van der Hoeven Mara L. , Widdershoven Guy A. M. , van Duin Esther M. , Hein Irma M. , Lindauer Ramón J. L.
Published: November 2022

In domestic violence (DV) shelters, offering psychosocial support services to mothers and children is vital. The program ‘Time for Tony the Turtle’ has been developed for mothers and children residing in DV shelters in the Netherlands. It aims to foster attachment and regulation skills, which can also prepare for trauma treatment if sought after later on. This qualitative study explores the experiences of mothers, children and professionals with the program and its perceived impact and what components function as facilitators and barriers in the implementation of such a program in DV crisis shelters in the Netherlands. We conducted in‐depth interviews with 15 mothers, 11 children and 18 professionals from three organizations offering DV shelters. We used thematic analysis to identify patterns of meaning in the interviews. Mothers, children and professionals valued that the program provided a calm moment for reflection in hectic times and that the playfulness in which the program addressed trauma‐related topics. However, mothers find it difficult to attend the program in the beginning of their shelter stay, therefore hampering the applicability of the program. Our findings suggest that integrating the topic of discussing father in a program in crisis shelters is complex and deserves more attention.
Population response to connectivity restoration of high elevation tropical stream reaches in Hawai'i
Authors: Strauch Ayron M. , Tingley Ralph W. , Hsiao Janet , Foulk Patra B. , Frauendorf Therese C. , MacKenzie Richard A. , Infante Dana M.
Published: November 2022

Tropical island streams are heavily impacted by water withdrawals to the detriment of native ecosystems. Freshwater fauna in the tropics often exhibit diadromous life‐history strategies, requiring hydrologic connectivity between upstream and nearshore habitats. During some or most of the year, this connectivity is generally lost at points of water withdrawal, typically constructed as a low‐head dam diversion. In 2010, instream flow standards (i.e., minimum environmental flows) were established for streams in East Maui, Hawai'i, which led to the partial restoration of flow in certain streams. In 2016, flow in several of these streams was then fully restored. We surveyed 10 streams before (2012) and after (2017) varying degrees of flow restoration (none, partial, full) to explore the short‐term consequences of reestablishing natural streamflow for the migratory fauna of high‐elevation tropical streams. Using visual point‐quadrat surveys, we quantified density and habitat usage of the endemic atyid shrimp (Atyoida bisulcata) and sampled A. bisulcata populations using seine‐netting to assess size frequency, sex ratio, percent ovigerous (egg bearing) females, and percent juveniles. In streams with full flow restoration, shrimp density increased in 2017 compared to 2012, while mean body size declined, suggesting increased recruitment following restoration. By contrast, streams that did not experience any flow restoration had similar shrimp densities and body sizes across years. Further, the male: female ratio declined from 18:1 in 2012 to 6.5:1 in 2017, suggesting an increase in reproductive potential of the population. Our results demonstrate that freshwater ecosystems upstream of diversion structures may respond rapidly to the restoration of hydrologic connectivity via increased recruitment of amphidromous species.
Relationship between blood glucose levels and length of hospital stay in patients with acute pancreatitis: An analysis of MIMIC‐III database
Authors: Wang Dongyan , Lu Jie , Zhang Pan , Hu Zhengyu , Shi Yihai
Published: November 2022

We aimed to investigate the effect of blood glucose levels on length of stay (LOS) in patients hospitalized with acute pancreatitis (AP). We retrospectively collected clinical data of patients diagnosed with AP from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III (MIMIC‐III) database. Dose–response analysis curves of restricted cubic spline (RCS) function and multivariate logistic regression models were used to confirm the relationship between blood glucose levels and LOS. A total of 3656 patients with AP were included according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. According to RCS, all patients were divided into three groups, namely the less than 68 mg/dl group, the 68‐104 mg/dl group, and the >104 mg/dl group. RCS showed a significant nonlinear correlation between blood glucose levels and LOS (p < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression revealed a 53% higher risk of LOS greater than or equal to 2 days (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.53, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.24–1.89, p < 0.001), a 114% higher risk of LOS greater than or equal to 5 days (aOR = 2.14, 95% CI 1.86–2.47, p < 0.001), and a 130% higher risk of LOS greater than or equal to 7 days (aOR = 2.30, 95% CI 1.97–2.69, p < 0.001) in patients with glucose levels greater than 104 mg/dl than patients with glucose levels 68–104 mg/dl. The risk of LOS greater than or equal to 7 days was higher in patients with blood glucose less than 68 mg/dl than patients with glucose levels 68–104 mg/dl (aOR = 1.45, 95% CI 1.02–2.05, p = 0.040). In addition, we observed similar results in many subgroups. Our findings suggest that either hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia increase LOS in patients hospitalized with AP. For hospitalized patients with AP, blood glucose control in a reasonable range of 68–104 mg/dl is required.
Acute Epstein–Barr virus infection resembling cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Fan Ryan , Baker Catherine , Glusac Earl J. , Xu Mina L. , Gru Alejandro A. , Cohen Jeffrey M.
Published: November 2022

Primary, acute Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection is associated with a variety of cutaneous eruptions, including the viral exanthem of infectious mononucleosis and erythema multiforme. Latent, chronic EBV infection can rarely result in development of lymphoproliferative disorders with cutaneous manifestations; however, these disorders do not arise from primary infection. In this report, we present a case of primary, acute EBV infection presenting with histopathologic features closely mimicking aggressive cytotoxic cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma.
Air pollution during the perinatal period and neurodevelopment in children: A national population study in Taiwan
Authors: Shih Ping , Chiang Tung‐Liang , Wu Chih‐Da , Shu Bih‐Ching , Lung For‐Wey , Guo Yue Leon
Published: November 2022

Aim

To evaluate the association between ambient particulate matter no larger than 2.5 μm in diameter (PM2.5) during the prenatal and postnatal periods and infant neurodevelopmental parameters.

Method

We conducted a population‐based birth cohort study using the Taiwan Birth Cohort Study. Participants were assessed for developmental conditions through home interviews at 6 months and 18 months of age. Exposure to PM2.5 of mothers and infants during perinatal periods was estimated using hybrid kriging/land‐use regression. The exposure was linked to each participant by home address. Logistic regression was then conducted to determine the risk of neurodevelopmental delay in relation to PM2.5.

Results

A total of 17 683 term singletons without congenital malformations were included in the final analysis. PM2.5 during the second trimester was associated with increased risks of delays in gross motor neurodevelopmental milestones (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.09 per 10 μg/m3 increase in exposure to PM2.5). Delayed fine motor development was also found to be related to exposure to PM2.5 in the second and third trimesters (aOR 1.06), as was personal–social skill (aOR 1.11 for the second trimester and 1.06 for the third). These neurodevelopmental parameters were unrelated to postnatal PM2.5 exposure.

Interpretation

Exposure to ambient PM2.5 during pregnancy was significantly related to delay in gross motor, fine motor, and personal–social development in this population‐based study.

What this paper adds

Prenatal exposure to higher PM2.5 was associated with increased risk of delayed early neurodevelopment.

The critical period for delayed gross motor development was the second trimester.

The critical period for fine motor and personal–social development was the second and third trimesters.
The Water–Employment–Migration nexus: Buzzword or useful framework?
Authors: Hussein Hussam , Ezbakhe Fatine
Published: November 2022

Motivation

Critical development studies have overlooked water‐related nexuses and frameworks proposed by development agencies that recognize that water and sanitation are linked to other development challenges and identify the synergies and trade‐offs between sectors. In particular, critical development studies have ignored these nexus approaches urged upon the governments of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, the world's most water‐scarce region.

Purpose

The article presents a case study of the Water–Employment–Migration (WEM) nexus framework, which has been recently proposed in policy circles. The analysis reflects on the extent to which this new nexus may be either a buzzword or instead a useful framework to improve national policies in the MENA region.

Methods and approach

We undertook a comprehensive review of the relevant literature on the WEM nexus. We complemented this secondary data with interviews with key informants from the institutions involved in the WEM nexus, as well as from youth organizations active in the Mediterranean region and working in the development sector.

Findings

What emerged is that there are no concrete examples of how to operationalize the WEM nexus at the policy level. Many respondents in the MENA region highlighted the need to “mainstream WEM in policies and plans” but were vague when asked how. There is a need for more critical evidence to elevate the WEM nexus from a discussion topic among regional organizations, to a concept that can be useful and practical.

Policy implications

Rather than a new nexus, which would capture only a few sectors relating to water, what is needed is a systems thinking approach, able to encompass the complexity and multifaceted issues relating to water resources.