bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Divergence in expression of a singing-related neuroplasticity gene in the brains of 2 Ficedula flycatchers and their hybrids
Authors: Wheatcroft David , Backström Niclas , Dutoit Ludovic , McFarlane S Eryn , Mugal Carina F , Wang Mi , Ålund Murielle , Ellegren Hans , Qvarnström Anna 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Species-specific sexual traits facilitate species-assortative mating by reducing mating across species and reducing hybrid sexual attractiveness. For learned sexual traits, such as song in oscine birds, species distinctiveness can be eroded when species co-occur. Transcriptional regulatory divergence in brain regions involved in sensory learning is hypothesized to maintain species distinctiveness, but relatively few studies have compared gene expression in relevant brain regions between closely related species. Species differences in song are an important premating reproductive barrier between the collared (Ficedula albicollis) and pied flycatcher (F. hypoleuca). Here, we compare brain gene expression in adult males from each species and their naturally occurring F1 hybrids. We report overall conserved expression across species in a portion of the brain containing regions and nuclei known to be involved in song responses and learning. Further, among those genes that were differentially expressed between species, we find largely intermediate expression in hybrids. A single gene, SYT4 (synaptotagmin 4), known to be singing-associated, both was differentially expressed and has a putative upstream transcriptional regulatory factor containing fixed differences between the 2 species. Although a finer-scale investigation limited to song-specific regions may reveal further species differences, our findings provide insight into regulatory divergence in the brain between closely related species.
Longitudinal Associations Between Psychological Resilience and Cognitive Function: Evidence From the U.S. Health and Retirement Study
Authors: Du Chenguang , Katz Benjamin , Li Mengting , Pernice Francesca Maria , Rickertsen Kali , Gu Fei , Hori Kazuki , Ding Xiaobin , Xu Hanzhang 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Reductions in psychological resilience and declining cognition are common among older adults. Understanding the longitudinal association between them could be beneficial for interventions that focus on age-related cognitive and psychological health. In this study, we evaluated the longitudinal associations between cognition and psychological resilience over time in a nationally representative sample of U.S. older adults.

Methods
A total of 9,075 respondents aged 65 and above from 2006 to 2020 health and retirement study (HRS) were included in the current study. Cognition was measured through a modified 35-point Telephone Interview Cognitive Screen, and psychological resilience in the HRS was calculated using a previously established simplified resilience score. Bivariate latent growth modeling was used to examine the parallel association between psychological resilience and cognitive function over a period of up to 12 years.

Results
Positive correlations existed between the intercepts (r = 0.20, SE = 0.07, p &lt; .001) as well as the slopes (r = 0.36, SE = 0.03, p &lt; .001) for psychological resilience and cognition. The initial level of cognition positively predicted the slope of psychological resilience (β=0.16, SE=0.01, p&lt;.001), whereas a somewhat less robust effect was found for the slope of cognition and the initial level of psychological resilience (β=0.10, SE=0.03, p&lt;.001), after controlling all other covariates.

Discussion
In a population-based sample of U.S. older adults, cognition and psychological resilience could mutually reinforce one another. Clinicians and policy makers may consider recommending tasks associated with improving cognitive function for interventions to bolster psychological resilience among older adults.
Why go back?: Advantages and challenges of longitudinal qualitative research in social pharmacy, and recommendations for social pharmacy researchers
Authors: Norris Pauline , George Molly , Symon Vanda , Keown Shirley , Richard Lauralie , Bhawan Sandhaya (Sandy) , Richards Rosalina 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Although most qualitative research is cross-sectional, particularly in social pharmacy/pharmacy practice, there are many advantages of using a longitudinal qualitative research (LQR) design, i.e. re-interviewing participants over a period of time.

Methods
This paper describes some advantages and challenges of LQR using our ‘Access to Medicines: Exploring Lived Experience to inform policy and programmes’ study as an illustration.

Key findings
Advantages of LQR include obtaining richer and more complete data, providing a greater understanding of change and lack of change, understanding pathways through complex systems, including people facing difficult social circumstances, and contributing to evaluation research. Challenges to be addressed include the implications of developing friendships with participants, deciding whether to assist participants, maintaining participant anonymity, the impact of the research on the researchers, and how to analyse the large volume of data generated.

Conclusions
We recommend piloting methods before starting a study, considering the resource implications of LQR, planning the analysis in advance, planning for how to deal with developing friendships with participants, considering threats to participant anonymity, and supporting researchers doing fieldwork.
Non-HDL Cholesterol May Be Preferred over Apolipoprotein B-100 for Risk Assessment when Evaluated by Receiver Operator Characteristic Curve Analysis
Authors: Levinson Stanley S 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Most studies found that apolipoprotein B (apo B)-100 is a superior marker for coronary risk to non-high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (C). Usually, studies use multivariant analysis with single-point odds/risk ratios. In multivariant analysis, when variables are highly correlated they are difficult to interpret. Effects cannot be well discriminated.

Methods
Brief review and examination of diagnostic sensitivity and specificity by receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves at decision levels so that discrimination can be well compared. Since apo B has additional expense, clinical value should be compared in an appropriate format. Apo B and cholesterols were measured in 382 angiographically defined patients.

Results
Non-HDLC and apo B were stronger markers than low-density lipoprotein (LDL)C, when examined by logistic regression, but as a result of strong collinearity, non-HDLC appeared weaker than LDLC in the presence of apo B, based on P values. This was true when analyzed with and without nonlipid risk factors. On ROC analysis, apo B and non-HDLC showed stronger C statistics than LDLC and total C. When analyzed alone apo B showed about 6.1% greater sensitivity than non-HDLC. After adjustment for nonlipid risk factors, the C statistics for apo B and non-HDLC were 0.74 and 0.73, and there was little difference in diagnostic specificity.

Conclusions
Risk is calculated from an algorithm that includes nonlipid risk factors similar to those examined here along with cholesterols. When assessed by the 10-year screening algorithm, these data support the view that non-HDLC would be less expensive than apo B with similar clinical efficacy.
Functional investigation of CYP304F1 in Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) by RNA interference
Authors: Xie Jingang , Ali Amjad , Li Yuan , Zhuang Ziyan , Liu Xiaoning 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Tuta absoluta has developed resistance to many biological insecticides, causing substantial agricultural and economic losses annually. P450s have been the most extensively studied enzymes in the context of insecticide metabolism in insect pests, and the detoxification metabolism of P450s in T. absoluta against biological insecticides remains poorly understood. In T. absoluta, CYP304F1 was screened from the comparative transcriptome of 2 regional populations in Xinjiang, China. The objective of the present study was to characterize and analyze CYP304F1 of T. absoluta and explore its role in detoxification of spinetoram as well as the growth and development of T. absoluta. Following cloning and sequence analysis of the target gene, it was named CYP304F1. Expression levels of CYP304F1 were then determined after spinetoram exposure and across various developmental instars and tissues. Finally, dsCYP304F1 was synthesized and utilized to assess the effects of post-RNAi on larval spinetoram susceptibility, growth, and development. Sequence analysis revealed that CYP304F1 harbors conserved domains characteristic of P450 proteins, exhibiting high conservation within the Lepidoptera clade. Treatment with an LC50 dose of spinetoram significantly upregulated CYP304F1 expression in T. absoluta larvae. Silencing CYP304F1 significantly enhanced larval susceptibility to spinetoram and prolonged leaf-mining duration and developmental time from the 2nd instar to 4th instar by 40% and 17.6%, respectively, compared to controls. And feeding on dsCYP304F1-treated leaves for 6 days resulted in 71% larval mortality. These results suggested that CYP304F1 played a crucial role in detoxification of spinetoram as well as in the growth and development of T. absoluta larvae.
Nonlinear transcriptomic responses to compounded environmental changes across temperature and resources in a pest beetle, Callosobruchus maculatus (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)
Authors: McCaw Beth A , Leonard Aoife M , Lancaster Lesley T 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Many species are experiencing drastic and multidimensional changes to their environment due to anthropogenic events. These multidimensional changes may act nonadditively on physiological and life history responses, and thus may not be predicted by responses to single dimensional environmental changes. Therefore, work is needed to understand species’ responses to multiple aspects of change. We used whole-transcriptomic RNA-Sequencing and life history assays to uncover responses to singly-applied shifts in resource or temperature environmental dimensions, in comparison to combined, multidimensional change, in the crop pest seed beetle, Callosobruchus maculatus. We found that multidimensional change caused larger fecundity, developmental period and offspring viability life history changes than predicted by additive effects of 1-dimensional changes. In addition, there was little overlap between genes differentially expressed under multidimensional treatment versus under altered resource or temperature conditions alone. Moreover, 115 genes exhibited significant resource × temperature interaction effects on expression, including those involved in energy metabolism, detoxification, and enhanced formation of cuticle structural components. We conclude that single dimensional changes alone cannot determine life history and transcriptomic responses to multidimensional environmental change. These results highlight the importance of studying multidimensional environmental change for understanding the molecular and phenotypic responses that may allow organisms including insects to rapidly adapt simultaneously to multiple aspects of environmental change.
Subtle diurnal microbial rhythms in a large mammalian carnivore
Authors: Melville Dominik W , Rojas Connie A , Risely Alice , Theis Kevin R 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Mounting evidence suggests that the cyclic interaction between host cells and the gut microbiota orchestrates metabolic and immunological homeostasis throughout the day. Yet, examples of gut microbial rhythms in natural populations are scarce, limiting our understanding of their downstream consequences for host health, particularly in mammals that demonstrate strong co-evolutionary links with their microbiota. Furthermore, disregarding diurnal microbial variation restricts our ability to account and control for them in future studies. Here, we re-analyzed gut microbiota data from a 23-year longitudinal field study of 12 wild adult female spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta) in the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya to examine whether time of day was correlated with variation in gut microbial composition in this crepuscular–nocturnal carnivore. Overall, we found that gut microbial composition and structure, but not alpha diversity, slightly changed over the course of the day. Differences in microbiota composition between morning and afternoon became particularly apparent when restricting the analysis to the core microbiota (i.e., bacterial genera present in more than 85% of samples). Among the core microbiota, 11 genera—composed largely of the bacterial class Clostridia—varied in abundance with time of day, making this the second study to document gut microbial rhythms in a longitudinally sampled wildlife population. In contrast with the diurnal gut microbial oscillations of wild meerkats, those of hyenas are subtle, yet both species exhibit shifts specifically in the bacterial class Clostridia. This pattern implies that diurnal fluctuations are likely a characteristic of specific, common host-associated bacteria and their amplitude may be a product of host ecology. While our study detected diurnal trends, we encourage studies to employ a temporally denser sampling scheme. In this way, one can overlay short-term oscillations of the microbiome with information on host ecology and clarify consequences for the circadian phenotype of the host.
Market design and public policy for Battery Energy Storage System penetration: Case study Brazil
Authors: Zerbinatti Sato Heloisa 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) can serve as one of the solutions for grid reliability concerns derived from the increasing share of renewable sources in the Brazilian electricity mix. However, the economic feasibility of BESS projects in Brazil is currently uncertain, as regulatory gaps and systemic flaws in the current electricity market structure impose significant challenges for BESS operations. This article argues that Brazil must implement a new electricity market design to accommodate and value the capabilities of battery storage technology. Drawing insights from California’s successful adoption of BESS, this work proposes a solution for Brazil that includes a bid-based market with a two-settlement mechanism. Unlike California, the zonal-pricing approach better fits the reality of hydro predominance in the Brazilian electricity market. The typical water cascade problem in Brazil requires a tailor-made solution, such as separating financial transactions from the physical management of hydroelectric power plants. The transition to a new market design must enable policymakers and market participants to simulate their operations within the new market environment. The general purpose of this work is to invite law experts to participate in the discussions concerning a new electricity market architecture for Brazil by contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of the economic issues involved in this subject.
Safety and Tolerability of a Brief Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Pain Group for Veterans at Increased Risk for Suicide
Authors: Martinson Amber , Roberge Erika M , Wong Shan , Pruitt Rebecca , Perkins John , Clinton-Lont Jamie 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Chronic pain is a significant risk factor for suicide, especially among Veterans. The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety (i.e., the occurrence of suicidal behavior after treatment) and tolerability (i.e., treatment completion) of a Brief Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Pain (Brief CBT-CP) group in primary care among a sample of Veterans with chronic noncancer pain deemed to be at an increased risk for suicide.

Materials and Methods
Chart review was used to assess suicide history and treatment completion among Veterans who participated in a Brief CBT-CP group within a Primary Care-Mental Health Integration Clinic at a Veteran Affairs Medical Center. Suicide risk was stratified into 3 categories: Minimal (no current suicidal ideation or history of suicidal behavior), Elevated (current suicidal ideation or history of suicidal behavior), and High Risk (current suicidal ideation and history of suicidal behavior). Safety was assessed as the absence of suicidal behavior during and after Brief CBT-CP sessions. Tolerability was defined as completion of at least 4/6 sessions.

Results
Of the 261 Veterans who participated in a Brief CBT-CP group, 24.9% of Veterans were identified to be at Elevated Risk for suicide, and 1.5% of Veterans were identified to be at High Risk. Brief CBT-CP was identified as safe, as no deaths (by suicide or otherwise) or suicidal behaviors were observed while Veterans engaged in the treatment sessions. In fact, following completion of Brief CBT-CP, a 24.2% reduction in relative risk of suicidal behaviors was observed in the overall sample. Brief CBT-CP was also tolerable, with nearly 90% of Veterans completing at least 4 sessions (n = 229).

Conclusions
Brief CBT-CP appears to be a safe and well-tolerated treatment for Veterans with chronic noncancer pain who are also at risk for suicide.
Investigation of oscillations above the acoustic cut-off frequency for a sample of Kepler stars. I. Methodology for detecting stellar pseudo-modes
Authors: Millson L J , Broomhall A-M , Santos A R G , Kiefer R 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT
Stellar oscillations with frequencies below the acoustic cut-off frequency are confined within resonant cavities in the stellar interior. However, waves with frequencies above the cut-off are not trapped, and are free to propagate into the stellar atmosphere. In solar power spectra, this is observed as a regular, repeating peak-like structure. Known as pseudo-modes, few previous studies have identified and analysed their nature in stars other than our Sun. In this work, we aimed to identify the presence of the pseudo-modes in a sample of 91 ${\it Kepler}$ stars, comprised mainly of the LEGACY sample and KOIs. To determine whether any statistically significant signal existed within the pseudo-modes, we utilised the power spectrum of the power spectrum (PSxPS) method. We generated a PSxPS for each star for a range of frequencies over which we expected to observe the pseudo-modes. Bootstrapping was then used to calculate the false alarm probability (FAP) for the peak at maximum PSxPS power. The presence of pseudo-modes was detected in 51 stars, which displayed a statistically significant peak (&lt;5 per cent FAP) in the PSxPS. Over half had a peak at maximum power greater than the &lt;1 per cent FAP level. We further examined the frequency of maximum PSxPS power, finding most stars had a frequency between one and one-half of the large frequency separation. Stars which showed evidence for a secondary significant (&lt;5 per cent FAP) peak in the PSxPS were also recorded, and 19 stars were identified. The detection and characterisation of pseudo-modes may provide new insights into stellar magnetism.
Sex Chromosome Turnovers and Stability in Snakes
Authors: Pšenička Tomáš , Augstenová Barbora , Frynta Daniel , Kornilios Panagiotis , Kratochvíl Lukáš , Rovatsos Michail 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
For a long time, snakes were presented as a textbook example of a group with gradual differentiation of homologous ZZ/ZW sex chromosomes. However, recent advances revealed that the ZZ/ZW sex chromosomes characterize only caenophidian snakes and certain species of boas and pythons have nonhomologous XX/XY sex chromosomes. We used genome coverage analysis in four non-caenophidian species to identify their sex chromosomes, and we examined the homology of sex chromosomes across phylogenetically informative snake lineages. We identified sex chromosomes for the first time in 13 species of non-caenophidian snakes, providing much deeper insights into the evolutionary history of snake sex chromosomes. The evolution of sex chromosomes in snakes is more complex than previously thought. Snakes may have had ancestral XX/XY sex chromosomes, which are still present in a blind snake and some boas, and there were several transitions to derived XX/XY sex chromosomes with different gene content and two or even three transitions to ZZ/ZW sex chromosomes. However, we discuss more alternative scenarios. In any case, we document that (1) some genomic regions were likely repeatedly co-opted as sex chromosomes in phylogenetically distant lineages, even with opposite types of heterogamety; (2) snake lineages differ greatly in the rate of differentiation of sex chromosomes; (3) snakes likely originally possessed sex chromosomes prone to turnovers. The sex chromosomes became evolutionarily highly stable once their differentiation progressed in the megadiverse caenophidian snakes. Snakes thus provide an ideal system for studying the evolutionary factors that drive unequal rates of differentiation, turnovers and stability of sex chromosomes.
Long-term 4CMenB Vaccine Effectiveness Against Gonococcal Infection at Four Years Post–Program Implementation: Observational Case–Control Study
Authors: Wang Bing , Giles Lynne , Andraweera Prabha , McMillan Mark , Beazley Rebecca , Sisnowski Jana , Almond Sara , Mitchell Janine , Lally Noel , Bell Charlotte , Flood Louise , Ward James , Marshall Helen 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
A 4-component meningococcal B (4CMenB) vaccine program was introduced in adolescents in 2019 in South Australia. We aimed to evaluate long-term vaccine effectiveness (VE) and impact (VI) on gonococcal infection 4 years after implementation of the program.

Methods
Disease notification data were provided by SA Health. VE was estimated as the reduction in the odds of infection using the screening and case–control methods. Time-to-event analyses assessed vaccine effect on reinfections. VI was estimated as incidence rate ratios (IRRs) using negative binomial regression models.

Results
At 4 years after implementation of the program, 2-dose VE against gonococcal infection was 44.3% (95% CI, 35.1%–52.2%) using chlamydia patients as controls. Lower VE estimates were demonstrated in those &gt;48 months post–4CMenB vaccination (26.2%; 95% CI, −2.6% to 47.0%) compared with those who had been vaccinated within ≤48 months (46.0%; 95% CI, 36.3%–54.2%). Slightly higher VE estimates were observed in females (48.7%; 95% CI, 36.9%–58.2%) compared with males (38.0%; 95% CI, 22.0%–50.7%). The risk of a second episode of gonococcal infection was lower in vaccinated gonococcal cases (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.682; 95% CI, 0.450–1.034). The adjusted IRR was 0.635 (95% CI, 0.421–0.957), with an observed 36.5% reduction in gonococcal infection.

Conclusions
4CMenB demonstrates moderate effectiveness against gonococcal infection, with a lower VE estimate after 4 years postvaccination. 4CMenB may reduce the risk of recurrent gonococcal infection. The requirement for a booster dose and dosing interval warrants evaluation.