bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sheltered or suppressed? Tree regeneration in unmanaged European forests
Authors: Käber Yannek , Bigler Christof , HilleRisLambers Janneke , Hobi Martina , Nagel Thomas A. , Aakala Tuomas , Blaschke Markus , Brang Peter , Brzeziecki Bogdan , Carrer Marco , Cateau Eugenie , Frank Georg , Fraver Shawn , Idoate‐Lacasia Jokin , Holik Jan , Kucbel Stanislav , Leyman Anja , Meyer Peter , Motta Renzo , Samonil Pavel , Seebach Lucia , Stillhard Jonas , Svoboda Miroslav , Szwagrzyk Jerzy , Vandekerkhove Kris , Vostarek Ondrej , Zlatanov Tzvetan , Bugmann Harald
Published: September 2023

Tree regeneration is a key demographic process influencing long‐term forest dynamics. It is driven by climate, disturbances, biotic factors and their interactions. Thus, predictions of tree regeneration are challenging due to complex feedbacks along the wide climatic gradients covered by most tree species. The stress gradient hypothesis (SGH) provides a framework for assessing such feedbacks across species ranges, suggesting that competition between trees is more frequent under favourable conditions, whereas reduced competition (i.e. positive interactions) is more likely under climatic stress. Moreover, tree life‐history strategies (LHS) may shed light on how and whether the SGH explains regeneration of different tree species.

To address these topics, we developed statistical models based on >50,000 recruitment events observed for 24 tree species in an extensive permanent plot network (6540 plots from 299 unmanaged European temperate, boreal and subalpine forests) covering a wide climatic gradient.

We found that the effects of Leaf Area Index (as a proxy for competition) on tree recruitment changed along climatic gradients but in a species‐specific manner. Competition predominates, with its intensity decreasing under stressful conditions for most species, as predicted by the SGH. However, positive interactions were only evident for a few species. Additionally, the ability of the SGH to explain patterns of competition and positive interactions across the gradients differed among species, with some differences and exceptions that may be related to varying LHS.

Synthesis. Our study shows that competition between trees toward climatic stress decreases systematically but depends on species stress tolerance to climate and shade. These findings explain within‐ and between‐species differences in tree recruitment patterns in European temperate forests. Moreover, our findings imply that projections of forest dynamics along wide climatic gradients and under climate change must accommodate both competition and positive interactions, as they strongly affect rates of community turnover.
An alternative model of maternity care for low‐risk birth: Maternal and neonatal outcomes utilizing the midwifery‐based birth center model
Authors: Wallace Jacqueline , Hoehn‐Velasco Lauren , Tilden Ellen , Dowd Bryan E. , Calvin Steve , Jolles Diana R. , Wright Jennifer , Stapleton Susan
Published: September 2023

Objective

To assess key birth outcomes in an alternative maternity care model, midwifery‐based birth center care.

Data Sources

The American Association of Birth Centers Perinatal Data Registry and birth certificate files, using national data collected from 2009 to 2019.

Study Design

This observational cohort study compared key clinical birth outcomes of women at low risk for perinatal complications, comparing those who received care in the midwifery‐based birth center model versus hospital‐based usual care. Linear regression analysis was used to assess key clinical outcomes in the midwifery‐based group as compared with hospital‐based usual care. The hospital‐based group was selected using nearest neighbor matching, and the primary linear regressions were weighted using propensity score weights (PSWs). The key clinical outcomes considered were cesarean delivery, low birth weight, neonatal intensive care unit admission, breastfeeding, and neonatal death. We performed sensitivity analyses using inverse probability weights and entropy balancing weights. We also assessed the remaining role of omitted variable bias using a bounding methodology.

Data Collection

Women aged 16–45 with low‐risk pregnancies, defined as a singleton fetus and no record of hypertension or cesarean section, were included. The sample was selected for records that overlapped in each year and state. Counties were included if there were at least 50 midwifery‐based birth center births and 300 total births. After matching, the sample size of the birth center cohort was 85,842 and the hospital‐based cohort was 261,439.

Principal Findings

Women receiving midwifery‐based birth center care experienced lower rates of cesarean section (−12.2 percentage points, p < 0.001), low birth weight (−3.2 percentage points, p < 0.001), NICU admission (−5.5 percentage points, p < 0.001), neonatal death (−0.1 percentage points, p < 0.001), and higher rates of breastfeeding (9.3 percentage points, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

This analysis supports midwifery‐based birth center care as a high‐quality model that delivers optimal outcomes for low‐risk maternal/newborn dyads.
The relationship between dietary inflammatory index and bone mineral density in CKD patients
Authors: Wu Wenhui , Li Xiurong , Di Jia , Zhou Hua , Niu Hongyan , Chen Lu , Sha Qi , Yang Min
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Chronic systemic inflammation was proposed as a critical factor in the development of osteoporosis. We aim to investigate the effect of the DII on bone mineral density (BMD) in CKD patients.

Methods

2276 participants from NHANES were enrolled. The DII score was calculated based on a single 24‐h dietary recall. Total BMD was measured using Dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry. A multiple‐stepwise linear regression model was used to determine associations between BMD and DII in CKD patients.

Results

When DII >0.35, a negative correlation was obtained between DII and BMD (all β = −0.008 and p < 0.05). In subgroup analysis, BMD levels decreased across increasing tertiles of the DII for patients with non‐osteoporosis, postmenopause, and low eGFR (p for trend ≤0.01).

Conclusion

Higher consumption of pro‐inflammatory diet correlates negatively with the BMD levels in CKD patients.
Savoring mediates the mental health benefits of positive coping processes: A prospective population‐based analysis
Authors: Tao Tiffany Junchen , Yung Yoyo Yuk Yu , Lau Abby Yan Tung , Liu Huinan , Liang Li , Bryant Fred B. , Hou Wai Kai
Published: September 2023

Positive coping (e.g., self‐efficacy and positive reappraisal) and savoring could bear mental health implications under large‐scale disasters such as COVID‐19. The integrative affect–regulation framework of psychological resilience proposes that evaluative efforts regulate affect, which then predicts positive short‐term consequences and better mental health. This two‐wave study was done during the prolonged, intensive COVID‐19 control rules in Hong Kong and examined (1) the prospective associations of positive coping processes (i.e., self‐efficacy and positive reappraisal) (T1, March–August 2021) with subsequent psychiatric symptoms (T2, September 2021–February 2022) and (2) the mediating effect of T2 savoring in the associations. Path analyses revealed that T1 self‐efficacy and positive reappraisal were inversely related to T2 psychiatric symptoms. T2 savoring partially mediated the effect of T1 self‐efficacy but fully mediated the effect of T1 positive reappraisal. Self‐efficacy could have more sustainable direct positive associations with mental health, whereas the benefit of positive reappraisal might need to be catalyzed by savoring over time. Our study offered concrete illustrations of the conceptual tenets of the affect–regulation framework.
Analysis of a streamlined pathway for aortic surveillance for Turner syndrome in a single centre
Authors: Glatzel Hannah , Njue Faith , Turner Helen E. , Orchard Elizabeth
Published: September 2023

Background and Objective

The risk of aortic dissection (AoD) is increased in women with Turner syndrome (TS) but predicting those with this heightened risk is difficult. In response to this, we sought to create a pathway to monitor TS patients to improve efficiency and resource utilisation in our dedicated TS clinic, and to monitor more closely those women thought to be at increased risk of AoD.

Design and Patients

Our pathway was designed based on evidence derived from International Guidelines for the management of aortic disease in women with TS. Women were divided according to those with known risk factors for AoD, and those with no known risk factors. These groups were further subdivided into 4 pathways depending on ascending aortic size which in‐turn determined the frequency of outpatient appointments and imaging.

Results

Out of the 168 patients included in the analysis, 7 have had ascending aorta replacements, all in the highest risk group. Of the remaining 4 patients in the highest risk groups: 1 dissected whilst awaiting planned aortic surgery, 1 is currently awaiting surgery, 1 has low body mass index, therefore, making her aorta proportionally larger but not necessitating surgery and one has declined surgery. No women changed pathways.

Conclusion

The risk‐stratified pathway safely allowed consolidation of resources to women perceived to be at highest risk of AoD (excluding pregnancy), supporting the efficacy of the pathway and allowing the diversion of resources to those most at risk of AoD.
Anthropometric, dietary, and lifestyle factors and risk of advanced thyroid cancer: The NIH‐AARP diet and health cohort study
Authors: Greca Amanda La , Grau Laura , Arbet Jaron , Liao Linda M. , Sosa Julie A. , Haugen Bryan R. , Kitahara Cari M.
Published: September 2023

Background

Most patients diagnosed with thyroid cancer have low‐risk disease, but some have a higher risk for persistent or recurrent disease and even death from thyroid cancer. Few studies have evaluated potential anthropometric, lifestyle, or dietary risk factors for advanced or aggressive types of thyroid cancer.

Methods

Using data from a large US cohort study, we examined associations for high‐risk thyroid cancer (HRTC) and, separately, low‐risk thyroid cancer (LRTC) in relation to anthropometric factors, diet, smoking, and alcohol consumption. The National Institutes of Health‐American Association of Retired Persons (NIH‐AARP) Diet and Health Study included 304,122 participants (124,656 women and 179,466 men) without a history of cancer who completed a mailed questionnaire in 1996–1997 and were followed for cancer incidence through 2011 via linkages with state cancer registries. Hazard ratios (HRs) for anthropometric, dietary, and lifestyle factors in relation to HRTC or LRTC, defined using guidance from the American Thyroid Association initial risk of recurrence classification, were calculated using multivariable‐adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression models.

Results

During follow‐up (median = 10.1 years), 426 participants were diagnosed with HRTC (n = 95) or LRTC (n = 331). In models combining men and women, baseline waist circumference (per 5 cm, HR = 1.13, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01–1.27) and weight gain from age 18 years to baseline age (per 5 kg, HR = 1.14, 95% CI 1.02–1.28) were positively associated with risk of HRTC but not LRTC. In contrast, vegetable intake (per cup equivalents/day, HR = 1.15, 95% CI 1.01–1.30), cigarette smoking (current vs. never, HR = 0.39, 95% CI 0.23–0.68), and alcohol consumption (per drink/day, HR = 0.83, 95% CI 0.70–0.97) were associated with risk of LRTC but not HRTC. The association of LRTC risk with vegetable intake was limited to men, and that of current smoking was more pronounced in women.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that greater waist circumference and adulthood weight gain are associated with thyroid cancers at higher risk for recurrence. These results may have implications for the primary prevention of advanced thyroid cancer.
The nature of expectations of bariatric surgery in patients during the pre‐ and post‐operative period: A unicentric, qualitative study of patient perspectives
Authors: Mercier Li Anne , Fortin Annabelle , Atto Essé Julien , Lavoie Kim L.
Published: September 2023

Many patients (20%–30%) experience suboptimal weight loss (WL) after bariatric surgery (BS), and unrealistic preoperative WL expectations may be a contributing factor. This study aimed to describe the nature of patients' general expectations of BS during the pre‐surgical period, and how patients determined whether their expectations and WL goals (WLGs) were realistic. The extent to which patients' expectations and WLGs were met and/or changed during the post‐surgical period was also assessed. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 15 preoperative patients recruited approximately 6‐months before surgery. Focus groups were also conducted with 14 post‐operative patients recruited approximately 6‐months after surgery. Interviews and focus groups were audio‐recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using qualitative content analysis. Preoperative patients reported expectations that BS would positively impact physical and psychological health, social relationships, as well as quality of care. Preoperative patients perceived that they and their health care professionals had unrealistically high expectations of WL. Post‐operative patients reported being generally satisfied with the outcomes of surgery, even though many did not reach their expected WL. Finally, most post‐operative patients reported changing their expectations from pre‐ to post‐surgery. This study provides data that may help inform the development of preoperative interventions focusing on helping patients set realistic expectations for WL and related outcomes, which could better prepare patients for the challenges they will face after surgery.
Items Outperform Adjectives in a Computational Model of Binary Semantic Classification
Authors: Diachek Evgeniia , Brown‐Schmidt Sarah , Polyn Sean M.
Published: September 2023

Semantic memory encompasses one's knowledge about the world. Distributional semantic models, which construct vector spaces with embedded words, are a proposed framework for understanding the representational structure of human semantic knowledge. Unlike some classic semantic models, distributional semantic models lack a mechanism for specifying the properties of concepts, which raises questions regarding their utility for a general theory of semantic knowledge. Here, we develop a computational model of a binary semantic classification task, in which participants judged target words for the referent's size or animacy. We created a family of models, evaluating multiple distributional semantic models, and mechanisms for performing the classification. The most successful model constructed two composite representations for each extreme of the decision axis (e.g., one averaging together representations of characteristically big things and another of characteristically small things). Next, the target item was compared to each composite representation, allowing the model to classify more than 1,500 words with human‐range performance and to predict response times. We propose that when making a decision on a binary semantic classification task, humans use task prompts to retrieve instances representative of the extremes on that semantic dimension and compare the probe to those instances. This proposal is consistent with the principles of the instance theory of semantic memory.
Neutrophil extracellular traps aggravate intestinal epithelial necroptosis in ischaemia–reperfusion by regulatingTLR4/RIPK3/FUNDC1‐required mitophagy
Authors: Chu Chengnan , Wang Xinyu , Chen Fang , Yang Chao , Shi Lin , Xu Weiqi , Wang Kai , Liu Baochen , Wang Chenyang , Sun Dongping , Li Jieshou , Ding Weiwei
Published: September 2023

Neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) has been confirmed to be related to gut barrier injury during intestinal ischaemia–reperfusion (II/R). However, the specific molecular regulatory mechanism of NETs in II/R‐induced intestinal barrier damage has yet to be fully elucidated. Here, we reported increased NETs infiltration accompanied by elevated inflammatory cytokines, cellular necroptosis and tight junction disruption in the intestine of human II/R patients. Meanwhile, NETs aggravated Caco‐2 intestinal epithelial cell necroptosis, impairing the monolayer barrier in vitro. Moreover,Pad4‐deficient mice were used further to validate the role of NETs in II/R‐induced intestinal injury. In contrast, NET inhibition viaPad4deficiency alleviated intestinal inflammation, attenuated cellular necroptosis, improved intestinal permeability, and enhanced tight junction protein expression. Notably, NETs prevented FUN14 domain‐containing 1 (FUNDC1)‐required mitophagy activation in intestinal epithelial cells, and stimulating mitophagy attenuated NET‐associated mitochondrial dysfunction, cellular necroptosis, and intestinal damage. Mechanistically, silencing Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) or receptor‐interacting protein kinase 3 (RIPK3) via shRNA relieved mitophagy limitation, restored mitochondrial function and reduced NET‐induced necroptosis in Caco‐2 cells, whereas this protective effect was reversed by TLR4 or RIPK3 overexpression. The regulation of TLR4/RIPK3/FUNDC1‐required mitophagy by NETs can potentially induce intestinal epithelium necroptosis.
Geopolitical hostility and corporate innovation: Evidence from US high‐tech firms in trade sectors with China
Authors: Qiao Yankuo
Published: September 2023

This study aims to empirically examine whether and how the innovation activities would change in the face of shocks caused by heightened US‐China tensions for US high‐tech firms from trade sectors with China. It is found that although the overall innovation intensity slides down during periods of heightened geopolitical risk and policy uncertainty, innovativeness of the US high‐tech companies from trade sectors with China is not completely suppressed by the escalated tensions and still maintains certain levels of momentum compared with other firms. However, the empirical evidence demonstrates that the superiority of the innovation intensity of US high‐tech companies from trade sectors with China to other firms is curbed during periods of heightened tensions in comparison with periods in the absence of geopolitical shocks and economic uncertainty. Moreover, the negative impact of US‐China tensions on corporate innovation is further amplified when the firm is less established, more financially constrained and of smaller size and less human power capital, each of which serves as an important moderator driving the negative relation. The findings of the paper are based on multifaceted empirical methods and contribute to the literature on corporate innovation, international trade, and geopolitical and economic tensions between nations.
Recent developments in the pathology of primary pulmonary salivary gland‐type tumours
Authors: Naso Julia R , Roden Anja C
Published: September 2023

Primary pulmonary salivary gland‐type tumours are rare neoplasms that are thought to arise from seromucinous glands that are located in the submucosa of large airways. These neoplasms have clinical and pathologic features that are distinct from other pulmonary neoplasms. The majority of primary pulmonary salivary gland‐type tumours are malignant, with the most common entities being mucoepidermoid carcinoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma, and epithelial‐myoepithelial carcinoma. Less commonly seen are myoepithelial carcinoma, hyalinizing clear cell carcinoma, acinic cell carcinoma, secretory carcinoma, salivary duct carcinoma, intraductal carcinoma, and polymorphous adenocarcinoma. Benign salivary gland‐type tumours of the lung include pleomorphic adenoma and sialadenoma papilliferum. Morphologic, immunophenotypic, and molecular features of these neoplasms are largely similar to salivary gland tumours elsewhere, and therefore the exclusion of metastatic disease requires clinical and radiologic correlation. However, the differential diagnostic considerations are different in the lung. The distinction of salivary gland‐type tumours from their histologic mimics is important for both prognostication and treatment decisions. Overall, salivary gland type‐tumours tend to have a more favourable outcome than other pulmonary carcinomas, although high‐grade variants exist for many of these tumour types. Recent advances in our understanding of the spectrum of salivary gland‐type tumours reported in the lung and their diversity of molecular and immunohistochemical features have helped to refine the classification of these tumours and have highlighted a few differences between salivary gland‐type tumours of the lung and those primary to other sites.
Improving the antioxidant activity of yogurt through black and green tea supplementation
Authors: Celik Omer Faruk , Kilicaslan Merve , Akcaoglu Sevgi , Ozturk Yasin
Published: September 2023

This study aimed to improve the bioactive properties of yogurt by adding black and green tea at concentrations of 0.5 and 1% (w/v) (Control (C), B05, B1, G05, and G1). In general, tea addition increased the selected mineral concentrations in yogurt while no change in fat or protein contents was observed. Both black (B05: 148.82; B1: 253.29 μg GAE/g) and green (G05: 630.96 μg; G1: 1264.20 GAE/g) tea have enhanced the total phenolic content (C: 50.79 μg GAE/g) and antioxidant activity of yogurt significantly (P < 0.05), that is 100‐times increase in G1 compared to C. Although relatively higher syneresis rates were observed for green tea added yogurt, both teas and their increasing concentrations increased the syneresis. However, higher pH values and generally better textural qualities were observed in green tea‐added yogurt samples during storage. Increasing amounts of tea, especially green tea, resulted in a lower overall acceptability of yogurts, the most important reason for which is the decrease in flavour value. This study showed that the bioactive properties of yogurt could be improved through black and green tea additions without harming its microbial (>107 cfu/g during storage) and textural qualities and maintaining adequate sensory acceptability.
Effect of germination on techno‐functional and nutraceutical properties of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) flour
Authors: Gaytán‐Martínez Marcela , Domínguez‐Hernández Elisa , Morales‐Sánchez Eduardo , Mariscal‐Moreno Rosa María
Published: September 2023

Germination is an economic and feasible process that have demonstrated changes in nutritional, biochemical and sensorial properties on cereals and legumes. The present work presents the impact of germination, at two different times (24 and 48 h) and temperatures (18 and 35 °C) on techno‐functional, nutraceuticals and nutritional properties of Vigna unguiculata (cowpea) flours. Germinated V. unguiculata (cowpea) flours showed a higher protein content (22.19%–23.30%) than ungerminated flour (20.72%), as well as an increase in ash and total dietary fibre content. In contrast, lipid content was reduced by half when germinated at 48 h and 35 °C. The values for phenolic compounds in germinated flours ranged from 10.22 to 21.94 mg GAE/g. The flavonoid content decreased between 10% and 31.5%. Antioxidant capacity increased after germination. Regarding techno‐functional properties, darker colour was obtained for germinated flours and more yellowness. For water absorption capacity, a range of 1.7–2.9 g/g were obtained, and an increase in oil absorption capacity was observed. Germination for 48 h and 35 °C resulted in a significant improvement of nutrient content and bioactive properties and showed good techno‐functional properties.
China Myths and Advertising Agencies
Authors: Swanson Lauren A.
Published: September 2023

One of the fastest growing sectors in China’s transforming economy is advertising. Within the industry, large numbers of ‘advertising agencies’ are typically reported. This article charts growth in the industry and classifies agencies by type, in order to establish a more accurate understanding of agency numbes and growth. Advertising agencies are but one type of organization among the huge number of licensed ‘advertising practitioners’ in China, which are often erroneously referred to as agencies.
Experiences of older vulnerable people with ischemic heart disease and their peer mentors: A qualitative process evaluation
Authors: Pedersen Maria , Bennich Birgitte Bøcher , Petersen Rikke Agnete , Boateng Takyiwa , Egerod Ingrid , Overgaard Dorthe
Published: September 2023

Aim

To understand the content and context of a realized peer mentor intervention, and to explore how mentors and mentees experienced the intervention.

Design

The study was designed as a qualitative process evaluation of a 24‐week peer mentor intervention.

Methods

Semi‐structured individual interviews were conducted from November 2021 to May 2022 in a purposeful sample of older vulnerable people with ischemic heart disease, referred to as mentees (n = 13), and their peer mentors (n = 12). Thematic analysis was used to analyse, categorize and interpret interview data.

Results

Five themes captured the content and context of the peer mentor intervention as experienced by mentors and mentees. ‘Takes one to know one’, stressing the importance of the mentor–mentee matching process; ‘Varying demand for mentors’, illustrating the difficulties in predicting who has the greatest need for mentoring; ‘Varying degree of familiarity’, describing the mentor–mentee relationship as a continuum from formal mentor to informal friend; ‘Putting the patient first’, illustrating how mentors support mentees based on their personal experiences of successful recovery while letting the mentee set the pace and goals; and ‘Varying view of success’, showing how intervention success is perceived differently by mentors and mentees.

Conclusions

The study provides new knowledge on how and under what contextual circumstances a mentor intervention works. These findings are important for the implementation of future peer mentor interventions to achieve successful peer mentor support.

Implications and Impact

Non‐attendance and drop‐out from the cardiac rehabilitation program are prevalent problems among older vulnerable people with cardiovascular disease. This study describes a low‐cost peer mentor intervention that can support this group of patients.

Reporting Method

Standards for reporting qualitative research (SRQR) guided our study.

Patient or Public Contribution

A board of cardiovascular patients have contributed to the development and implementation of the intervention being evaluated.
Predicting nurses’ safety compliance behaviour in a developing economy, using the theory of planned behaviour: A configurational approach
Authors: Asante Kwadwo , Novak Petr
Published: September 2023

Aim

The study's main objective was to use a fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis to identify the configuration of recipes that predict nurses' safety compliance behaviour.

Design

A cross‐sectional design.

Methods

A survey was used where questionnaires were collected from 285 nurses across four primary healthcare hospitals within the Ashanti Region, Ghana. The data collection happened between June 1 to August 2, 2022. A fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis was used to identify the recipes of psychological factors that determine nurses' safety compliance behaviour.

Results

Results from the study suggest that the necessary configurations that explained nurses' safety compliance behaviour came from the presence of subjective norm, attitude, perceived behavioural control, perceived organizational support and negation of intention. The result highlights the need for safety protocols to be conscious of the interplay between nurses' assessment of self, social clues and perception of management care and support since such psychological factors must be considered concurrently to achieve the optimal safety compliance behaviour among nurses.

Conclusion

A health and safety protocol that fails to recognize the importance of psychological antecedents on subordinates' safety compliance behaviour could limit the safety policy's usefulness in bringing the appropriate behavioural change in nurses.

Impact

To date, no study has combined the antecedents of theory planned behaviour with perceived organizational support and cue to action to assess how they collectively predict nurses' safety compliance behaviour. Findings from the study suggest that nurses in primary health facilities inform their safety compliance behaviour by assessing self‐capabilities, social signals from superiors and colleagues and perception of management support. Hospital administrators and nursing managers in sub‐Saharan Africa may rely on these psychological forces to persuade nurses to develop positive safety compliance behaviour at the health facility.

Patient or Public Contribution

No Patient or Public Contribution.
Strong postmating reproductive isolation in Mimulus section Eunanus
Authors: Farnitano Matthew C. , Sweigart Andrea L.
Published: September 2023

Postmating reproductive isolation can help maintain species boundaries when premating barriers to reproduction are incomplete. The strength and identity of postmating reproductive barriers are highly variable among diverging species, leading to questions about their genetic basis and evolutionary drivers. These questions have been tackled in model systems but are less often addressed with broader phylogenetic resolution. In this study we analyse patterns of genetic divergence alongside direct measures of postmating reproductive barriers in an overlooked group of sympatric species within the model monkeyflower genus, Mimulus. Within this Mimulus brevipes species group, we find substantial divergence among species, including a cryptic genetic lineage. However, rampant gene discordance and ancient signals of introgression suggest a complex history of divergence. In addition, we find multiple strong postmating barriers, including postmating prezygotic isolation, hybrid seed inviability and hybrid male sterility. M. brevipes and M. fremontii have substantial but incomplete postmating isolation. For all other tested species pairs, we find essentially complete postmating isolation. Hybrid seed inviability appears linked to differences in seed size, providing a window into possible developmental mechanisms underlying this reproductive barrier. While geographic proximity and incomplete mating isolation may have allowed gene flow within this group in the distant past, strong postmating reproductive barriers today have likely played a key role in preventing ongoing introgression. By producing foundational information about reproductive isolation and genomic divergence in this understudied group, we add new diversity and phylogenetic resolution to our understanding of the mechanisms of plant speciation.

Abstract

Hybrid seed inviability and other postmating reproductive barriers isolate species in Mimulus section Eunanus. Variation in seed size may help explain hybrid seed failure. Whole-genome sequencing indicates a complex history of divergence, including signals of ancient introgression and cryptic diversity.
Digital holographic microscopy of spiropyran‐based dynamic materials
Authors: Jamali Ramin , Rad Vahideh Farzam , Razaghi Masoumeh , Mohamadnia Zahra , Khorasani Mojtaba , Moradi Ali‐Reza
Published: September 2023

Spiropyran (SP)‐based dynamic materials undergo structural changes in response to external stimuli. In this paper, we show that digital holographic microscopy (DHM) is an effective candidate for characterisation of SPs (embedded in polymer matrices) and for monitoring of their dynamical changes. The polymer matrices are polylactic acid (PLA) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) films, which are decorated with SPs and immobilised on graphene quantum dots (GQDs). GQDs are modified by benzylamines prior to the loading of SP species because of the enhancement of hydrophobic characteristics. UV irradiation is used as the external stimulus and the dynamical changes of the samples before and after UV irradiation are measured. DHM is arranged on a novel self‐referencing setup, which substantially reduces the sensitivity of DHM to environmental vibrations. Morphometric information for characterisation of the samples is obtained by analysis of the recorded digital holograms. The experimental results demonstrate the potential of the presented technique to serve as an alternative technique for surface measurement methodologies such as atomic force microscope and stylus profiler for surface characterisation of similar materials.
Clinical effectiveness of finasteride versus hydroxychloroquine in the treatment of frontal fibrosing alopecia: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Saber Mina , Farokhshahi Maryam , Fatemi Naeini Farahnaz , Mohaghegh Fatemeh , Asilian Ali
Published: September 2023

Background

Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is a cicatricial alopecia with rapid epidemic growth. However, there is no agreement on the best therapeutic approach.

Aims

To compare the therapeutic effects of finasteride as a first‐line systemic treatment of FFA versus hydroxychloroquine as a relatively safe and effective immunosuppressive drug.

Methods

Thirty‐four female FFA patients were randomly assigned to receive either 400 mg/day of hydroxychloroquine or 2.5 mg/day of finasteride for 6 months. Topical treatments in both groups include pimecrolimus, mometasone, and minoxidil. Treatment efficacy was evaluated using the Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia Severity Score (FFASS), photography, and trichoscopy after 3 and 6 months.

Results

Both the finasteride and hydroxychloroquine groups showed significant improvements in FFASS and trichoscopic scores (p < 0.01). However, there was no significant difference between the two groups during the study. Photographic assessment showed that more than 60% of patients in both groups had improved without statistically significant differences between the two groups.

Conclusions

Both finasteride and hydroxychloroquine are equally effective, safe, and well‐tolerable for treating FFA patients.
Prediction of benign and malignant ovarian tumors using Resnet34 on ultrasound images
Authors: Miao Kuo , Zhao Ning , Lv Qian , He Xin , Xu Mingda , Dong Xiaoqiu , Li Dandan , Shao Xiaohui
Published: September 2023

Objective

To develop deep learning (DL) prediction models using transvaginal ultrasound (TVS), transabdominal ultrasound (TAS), and color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI) of TVS (CDFI_TVS) to automatically predict benign or malignant ovarian tumors.

Methods

This retrospective study included women with ovarian tumors who underwent ultrasound between August 2018 and October 2022. Histopathological analysis was used as a reference standard. The dataset was preprocessed by clipping, flipping, and rotating images to generate a larger, more complicated, and diverse dataset to improve accuracy and generalizability. The dataset was then divided into training (80%) and test (20%) sets. The weights of the models, modified from the residual network (ResNet) with the TVS, TAS, and CDFI_TVS images (hereafter, referred to as DLTVS, DLTAS, and DLCDFI_TVS, respectively) were developed. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) analysis in the test set was used to compare the predictive value of DL for malignancy.

Results

A total of 2340 images from 1350 women with adnexal masses were included. DLTVS had an AUC of 0.95 (95% CI: 0.93–0.97) for classifying malignant and benign ovarian tumors, comparable with that of DLTAS (AUC, 0.95; 95% CI: 0.91–0.98; p = 0.96) and DLCDFI_TVS (AUC, 0.88; 95% CI: 0.84–0.93; p = 0.02). Decision curve analysis indicated that DLTVS performed better than DLTAS and DLCDFI_TVS.

Conclusion

We developed DL models based on TVS, TAS, and CDFI_TVS on ultrasound images to predict benign and malignant ovarian tumors with high diagnostic performance. The DLTVS model had the best prediction compared with the DLTAS and DLCDFI_TVS models.
Making waves: Comparative analysis of gene drive spread characteristics in a continuous space model
Authors: Pan Mingzuyu , Champer Jackson
Published: September 2023

With their ability to rapidly increase in frequency, gene drives can be used to modify or suppress target populations after an initial release of drive individuals. Recent advances have revealed many possibilities for different types of drives, and several of these have been realized in experiments. These drives have advantages and disadvantages related to their ease of construction, confinement and capacity to be used for modification or suppression. Though characteristics of these drives have been explored in modelling studies, assessment in continuous space environments has been limited, often focusing on outcomes rather than fundamental properties. Here, we conduct a comparative analysis of many different gene drive types that have the capacity to form a wave of advance in continuous space using individual‐based simulations in continuous space. We evaluate the drive wave speed as a function of drive performance and ecological parameters, which reveals substantial differences between drive performance in panmictic versus spatial environments. In particular, we find that suppression drive waves are uniquely vulnerable to fitness costs and undesired CRISPR cleavage activity in embryos by maternal deposition. Some drives, however, retain robust performance even with widely varying efficiency parameters. To gain a better understanding of drive waves, we compare their panmictic performance and find that the rate of wild‐type allele removal is correlated with drive wave speed, though this is also affected by other factors. Overall, our results provide a useful resource for understanding the performance of drives in spatially continuous environments, which may be most representative of potential drive deployment in many relevant scenarios.
Meiotic instability and irregular chromosome pairing underpin heat‐induced infertility in bread wheat carrying the Rht‐B1b or Rht‐D1b Green Revolution genes
Authors: Cseh András , Lenykó‐Thegze Andrea , Makai Diána , Szabados Fanni , Hamow Kamirán Áron , Gulyás Zsolt , Kiss Tibor , Karsai Ildikó , Moncsek Blanka , Mihók Edit , Sepsi Adél
Published: September 2023

Mutations in the Rht‐B1a and Rht‐D1a genes of wheat (Triticum aestivum; resulting in Rht‐B1b and Rht‐D1b alleles) cause gibberellin‐insensitive dwarfism and are one of the most important elements of increased yield introduced during the ‘Green Revolution’.

We measured the effects of a short period of heat imposed during the early reproductive stage on near‐isogenic lines carrying Rht‐B1b or Rht‐D1b alleles, with respect to the wild‐type (WT).

The temperature shift caused a significant fertility loss within the ears of Rht‐B1b and Rht‐D1b wheats, greater than that observed for the WT. Defects in chromosome synapsis, reduced homologous recombination and a high frequency of chromosome mis‐segregation were associated with reduced fertility. The transcription of TaGA3ox gene involved in the final stage of gibberellic acid (GA) biosynthesis was activated and ultra‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry identified GA1 as the dominant bioactive GA in developing ears, but levels were unaffected by the elevated temperature.

Rht‐B1b and Rht‐D1b mutants were inclined to meiotic errors under optimal temperatures and showed a higher susceptibility to heat than their tall counterparts. Identification and introduction of new dwarfing alleles into modern breeding programmes is invaluable in the development of climate‐resilient wheat varieties.
Psychosocial risk factors and outcomes in patients undergoing catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation
Authors: Agarwal Siddharth , Munir Muhammad Bilal , Chaudhary Amna Mohyud Din , Krishan Satyam , DeSimone Christopher V. , Deshmukh Abhishek , Stavrakis Stavros , Po Sunny , Al‐Kindi Sadeer , Asad Zain Ul Abideen
Published: September 2023

The association of psychosocial risk factors with cardiovascular disease is well‐established, and there is a growing recognition of their influence on atrial fibrillation (AF) . A recent National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute workshop called for transforming AF research to integrate social determinants of health. There is limited data examining the impact of psychosocial risk factors (PSRFs) on outcomes in patients with an established diagnosis of AF. Catheter ablation for AF has been shown to improve arrhythmia burden and quality of life compared with medical treatment alone. It is unknown how PSRFs affect clinical outcomes in patients undergoing AF ablation. It is important to understand this relationship, especially given the increasing adoption of catheter ablation in clinical practice.
Making the sunshine vitamin – How much sun exposure is needed to maintain 25‐hydroxy vitamin D concentration?
Authors: Elliott Thomas M. , Gordon Louisa G. , Webb Ann , Kift Richard , Foeglein Anna , Neale Rachel E.
Published: September 2023

Our objective was to calculate the time in the sun necessary to maintain existing 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration at locations across Australia and New Zealand. We used a microsimulation model to estimate changes in monthly 25(OH)D concentration using data on standard erythemal dose, solar zenith angle, and climatological ozone. We estimated the number of standard vitamin D doses per 10‐min interval and used a dose‐response equation to determine the average time in the sun to maintain existing 25(OH)D concentration according to month and time of day. Across all locations in summer, 5–10 min outdoors between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on most days of the week, with 35% of the body surface area exposed, is sufficient to maintain existing 25(OH)D concentration. In winter, at mid‐to‐high latitudes, time outdoors during the middle of the day is required. In winter, with 10% of the body surface area exposed, greater than 45 min in the middle of the day is required in most locations to maintain existing 25(OH)D concentration. These data can be used to inform guidelines regarding maintaining vitamin D via sun exposure and may help health practitioners identify patients who may be vitamin D deficient.
Public attitudes about integration and citizenship for refugees: Evidence from Turkey
Authors: Alakoc Burcu Pinar , Zarychta Alan , Goksel Gulay Ugur
Published: September 2023

This study examines attitudes about integration and support for citizenship in the context of the Syrian refugee crisis in Turkey based on 85 interviews in four provinces. Consistent with past research, respondents reported multiple threat perceptions around refugees, with security and cultural threats predominating. Those who perceived refugees as threatening in three or more ways generally believed in fewer prospects for integration and were unlikely to support citizenship. However, positive views were present among those who reported one or even two types of threats, indicating there are possibilities for developing inclusionary attitudes even in the presence of threat perceptions. Our research also identifies two counterintuitive reasons some individuals support citizenship for refugees: to reduce security threats and remedy perceived favoritism in social support policies. These findings shed light on the complex bases of attitudes around migration and have important implications for designing refugee settlement policies and efforts to support integration.

Related Articles

Duman, Yoav H. 2014. “Reducing the Fog? Immigrant Regularization and the State.” Politics & Policy 42(2): 187–220. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/polp.12065/abstract.

Ibrahim, Yasmin, and Anita Howarth. 2018. “Review of Humanitarian Refuge in the United Kingdom: Sanctuary, Asylum, and the Refugee Crisis.” Politics & Policy 46(3): 348–91. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12254.

Ravi, Chaitanya. 2021. “The 1971 Bangladesh War and Policy Lessons for Climate Refugee Management in South Asia.” Politics & Policy 49(1): 248–74. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12392.
Optimal robust inventory management with volume flexibility: Matching capacity and demand with the lookahead peak‐shaving policy
Authors: Gijsbrechts Joren , Imdahl Christina , Boute Robert N. , Van Mieghem Jan A.
Published: September 2023

We study inventory control with volume flexibility: A firm can replenish using period‐dependent base capacity at regular sourcing costs and access additional supply at a premium. The optimal replenishment policy is characterized by two period‐dependent base‐stock levels but determining their values is not trivial, especially for nonstationary and correlated demand. We propose the Lookahead Peak‐Shaving policy that anticipates and peak shaves orders from future peak‐demand periods to the current period, thereby matching capacity and demand. Peak shaving anticipates future order peaks and partially shifts them forward. This contrasts with conventional smoothing, which recovers the inventory deficit resulting from demand peaks by increasing later orders. Our contribution is threefold. First, we use a novel iterative approach to prove the robust optimality of the Lookahead Peak‐Shaving policy. Second, we provide explicit expressions of the period‐dependent base‐stock levels and analyze the amount of peak shaving. Finally, we demonstrate how our policy outperforms other heuristics in stochastic systems. Most cost savings occur when demand is nonstationary and negatively correlated, and base capacities fluctuate around the mean demand. Our insights apply to several practical settings, including production systems with overtime, sourcing from multiple capacitated suppliers, or transportation planning with a spot market. Applying our model to data from a manufacturer reduces inventory and sourcing costs by 6.7%, compared to the manufacturer's policy without peak shaving.
The effects of an exercise intervention on neuroelectric activity and executive function in children with overweight/obesity: The ActiveBrains randomized controlled trial
Authors: Mora‐Gonzalez Jose , Esteban‐Cornejo Irene , Solis‐Urra Patricio , Rodriguez‐Ayllon María , Cadenas‐Sanchez Cristina , Hillman Charles H. , Kramer Arthur F. , Catena Andrés , Ortega Francisco B.
Published: September 2023

Objective

To investigate whether a 20‐week aerobic and resistance exercise program induces changes in brain current density underlying working memory and inhibitory control in children with overweight/obesity.

Methods

A total of 67 children (10.00 ± 1.10 years) were randomized into an exercise or control group. Electroencephalography (EEG)‐based current density (μA/mm2) was estimated using standardized low‐resolution brain electromagnetic tomography (sLORETA) during a working memory task (Delayed non‐matched‐to‐sample task, DNMS) and inhibitory control task (Modified flanker task, MFT). In DNMS, participants had to memorize four stimuli (Pokemons) and then select between two of them, one of which had not been previously shown. In MFT, participants had to indicate whether the centered cow (i.e., target) of five faced the right or left.

Results

The exercise group had significantly greater increases in brain activation in comparison with the control group during the encoding phase of DNMS, particularly during retention of second stimuli in temporal and frontal areas (peak t = from 3.4 to 3.8, cluster size [k] = from 11 to 39), during the retention of the third stimuli in frontal areas (peak t = from 3.7 to 3.9, k = from 15 to 26), and during the retention of the fourth stimuli in temporal and occipital areas (peak t = from 2.7 to 4.3, k = from 13 to 101). In MFT, the exercise group presented a lower current density change in the middle frontal gyrus (peak t = −4.1, k = 5). No significant change was observed between groups for behavioral performance (p ≥ 0.05).

Conclusion

A 20‐week exercise program modulates brain activity which might provide a positive influence on working memory and inhibitory control in children with overweight/obesity.