bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evidence for Significant Skew and Low Heritability of Competitive Male Mating Success in the Yellow Fever Mosquito Aedes aegypti
Authors: Wyer Claudia A. S. , Trajanovikj Vladimir , Hollis Brian , Ponlawat Alongkot , Cator Lauren J. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT
Aedes aegpyti mosquitoes are vectors of several viruses of major public health importance, and many new control strategies target mating behaviour. Mating in this species occurs in swarms characterised by male scramble competition and female choice. These mating swarms have a male‐biased operational sex ratio, which is expected to generate intense competition among males for mating opportunities. However, it is not known what proportion of swarming males successfully mate with females, how many females each male is able to mate with, and to what extent any variation in the male mating success phenotype can be explained by genetic variation. Here, we describe a novel assay to quantify individual male mating success in the presence of operational sex ratios characteristic of Ae. aegypti. Our results demonstrate that male mating success is skewed. Most males do not mate despite multiple opportunities, and very few males mate with multiple females. We compared measures of male mating success between fathers and sons and between full siblings to estimate the heritability of the trait in the narrow and broad sense, respectively. We found significant broad sense heritability estimates but little evidence for additive genetic effects, suggesting a role for dominance or epistatic effects and/or larval rearing environment in male mating success. These findings enhance our understanding of sexual selection in this species and have important implications for mass‐release programmes that rely on the release of competitive males.
Freshwater Macroinvertebrates Drive Planktonic Bacterial Community Composition and Activity in Microcosms
Authors: Vaughn Stephanie N. , Jackson Colin R. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT

Nutrient cycling and organic matter transformations in aquatic systems are primarily performed by microorganisms but are further facilitated through the mixing of sediment by macroinvertebrates. Despite known impacts of macroinvertebrates on the biogeochemistry and microbial community of sediments, the impact of macroinvertebrates and their microbiome on the water column of freshwater systems has been understudied.

A microcosm approach was used to study the short‐term effects that freshwater bivalves, Corbicula fluminea, and crayfish, Procambarus vioscai paynei, have on the microbial community in the surrounding water column. The activity of microbial enzymes involved in the breakdown of organic carbon (β‐glucosidase), phosphate (phosphatase), and carbon and nitrogen (N‐acetylglucosaminidase) were assayed, and the bacterial community in the water column and other system components was characterised using Illumina 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

Crayfish and bivalves both significantly altered the structure and function of the bacterial community in the water column. Crayfish stimulated microbial enzyme activity to a greater extent than bivalves, whereas bivalves at higher densities increased water column enzyme activity more than when they were at lower densities.

The external microbiomes of macroinvertebrates were not a significant source of bacterial populations to the bacterial communities of vegetation or the water column, but macroinvertebrate presence was associated with an increased abundance of certain bacterial taxa in the water column, such as Comamonadaceae and Chitinophagaceae.

These results demonstrate that, even in the short term, macroinvertebrates can impact biogeochemical processes in the water column of freshwater ecosystems, potentially by influencing the bacterial community.

This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the relationships between macroinvertebrates and microbial communities in their environment, with specific implications for processes in the water column, a component that is frequently overlooked in terms of macroinvertebrate effects. Considering interactions between all components of freshwater ecosystems is crucial to understanding their functioning, especially in the face of escalating environmental pressures.
Holocene Temperature Trend Inferred From Oxygen and Carbonate Clumped Isotope Profiles of a Stalagmite Collected From a Maritime Area of Central Honshu, Japan
Authors: Murata Akira , Mori Taiki , Kato Hirokazu , Hu Hsun‐Ming , Shen Chuan‐Chou , Senda Ryoko , Kashiwagi Kenji , Kano Akihiro 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThe Holocene has been extensively researched concerning past climates, and various proxy records have provided information on temperature changes during this period. Many studies have found a period of elevated temperatures during the Middle Holocene, known as the Holocene Thermal Maximum (HTM). However, the exact timing of this warm period varies depending on the region. Here, we investigate a stalagmite collected from Kiriana Cave, which covers two intervals: 13.7–12.4 and 10.4–1.16 thousand years ago (ka before 1950 AD). In previous studies at this cave site, the meteoric water δ18O is not sensitive to the precipitation amount and the seasonality of precipitation but follows the seawater δ18O. By using these assumptions of the meteoric water δ18O, the paleo‐temperature was quantitatively reconstructed from the stalagmite δ18O and the carbonate clumped isotopes. These paleoclimatic proxies indicated that the temperature at the cave site significantly changed during the Holocene. Based on the records of the stalagmite δ18O, the HTM occurred between 10.9 and 6.7 ka, reaching its peak temperature (15.0°C) around 7.0 ka. At this time, temperatures were approximately 3°C warmer than present. The timing of the warm interval aligns closely with marine temperature records but is notably earlier than terrestrial records from Europe and North America. Cooling began at 6.5 ka, and the decreased temperature stabilized in an interval between 6.0 and 4.5 ka. The temperature decreased further to the lowest value (~10.0°C) at 3.0 ka. After this cooling maximum, the climate gradually became warm until the stalagmite stopped growing at 1.16 ka. Our Holocene temperature reconstruction is consistent with the temperature and palaeoceanographic records obtained from reef corals and marine sediments in and around the Japanese Islands in terms of the amplitude of change, warm middle Holocene, and cool late Holocene.
Navigating contradictions: justifications and imaginaries of the initiators of European migration information campaigns
Authors: Schenetti Cecilia , Mazzucato Valentina , Wyatt Sally , Schans Djamila 
Published: December 2024

AbstractEuropean states employ migration information campaigns (MICs) to discourage irregular migration to Europe by people from the Global South. Campaigns are justified by their initiators in various ways. On the one hand, campaigns are said to protect ‘potential migrants’ by helping them to make informed decisions (‘care’). On the other hand, campaigns respond to Europe's security objective of restricting migration flows (‘control’). Researchers have looked at various intermediaries involved in these campaigns. Yet, little attention has been given to individual European policy actors who decide on the funding and design of campaigns and how they navigate between campaigns' contradictory intentions to care for ‘potential migrants’ and to control borders. How do European campaign initiators justify the need for MICs? And what does this tell us about the migration imaginaries of those who develop migration governance measures? Based on interviews with European policymakers and campaign designers in the Netherlands and Senegal, this article examines their discursive acts of legitimation. It shows that in justifying their everyday work, they imagine themselves as humanitarian actors, and ‘potential migrants’ as depoliticized subjects in need of care. While initiators do sometimes examine campaigns critically, they build a worldview in which care is instrumental to border enforcement and in which compassion becomes a form of repressive ‘soft’ bordering.
Influence of vacuum pre‐sintering temperature on the Eu2+–Dy3+ co‐doped SrAl2O4 ceramics with persistent luminescence
Authors: Li Tingsong , Liu Qiang , Hu Chen , Wang Yanbin , Zhou Zhenzhen , Li Jiang 
Published: December 2024

Abstract(Sr0.97Eu0.01Dy0.02)Al2O4 persistent luminescence (PersL) ceramics were fabricated by solid‐state reactive pre‐sintering in vacuum combined with hot isostatic pressing (HIP) post‐treatment adding H3BO3 as a sintering additive. The influence of pre‐sintering temperature on the phase composition, microstructure, and PersL performance of (Sr0.97Eu0.01Dy0.02)Al2O4 ceramics was investigated. The results showed that optimum persistent performance was obtained by the ceramics prepared by vacuum pre‐sintered at 1600°C for 3 h and HIP post‐treated at 1400°C for 3 h under 200 MPa in Ar. The persistent initial luminescence intensity exceeded 9200 mcd/m2 after 5 min when the optimum sample was simulated by the daylight irradiation of 1000 lx, and the persistent emission decay time was longer than 14 h. The trap depth was calculated using two methods, and the results showed that the ceramics prepared at pre‐sintering temperature of 1600°C had the highest trap depth.
Machine learning–guided optimization of coercive field in Al1−xScxN thin films for nonvolatile memory
Authors: Das Shaon , Garg Prachi , Mazumder Baishakhi 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThis study employs a data‐driven machine learning approach to investigate specific ferroelectric properties of Al1−xScxN thin films, targeting their application in next‐generation nonvolatile memory (NVM) devices. This approach analyzes a vast design space, encompassing over a million data points, to predict a wide range of coercive field values that are crucial for optimizing Al1−xScxN‐based NVM devices. We evaluated seven machine learning models to predict the coercive field across a range of conditions, identifying the random forest algorithm as the most accurate, with a test R2 value of 0.88. The model utilized five key features: film thickness, measurement frequency, operating temperature, scandium concentration, and growth temperature to predict the design space. Our analysis spans 13 distinct scandium concentrations and 13 growth temperatures, encompassing thicknesses from 9–1000 nm, frequencies from 1 to 100 kHz, and operating temperatures from 273 to 700 K. The predictions revealed dominant coercive field values between 3.0 and 4.5 MV/cm, offering valuable insights for the precise engineering of Al1−xScxN‐based NVM devices. This work underscores the potential of machine learning in guiding the development of advanced ferroelectric materials with tailored properties for enhanced device performance.
Recovery in Mother‐To‐Mother Peer Supporters Who Have Experienced Difficulties in Child‐Rearing: A Phenomenological Study
Authors: Nakashima Chieko , Tanaka Koji , Shinmasu Yuka , Ikeuchi Satomi , Nagata Kyoko 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTAimsTo elucidate the meaning of recovery for mothers who have experienced difficulties in child‐rearing, using insights gained through their activities as mother‐to‐mother peer supporters.DesignPhenomenological study.MethodsFrom January to October 2022, semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 11 mothers active as peer supporters at community child‐rearing support centres in Japan. Data were analysed using Colaizzi's phenomenological methodology.ResultsThe analysis identified three clustered themes: (1) struggles as a mother, (2) discovery of one's authentic self, and (3) transformation in one's approach to life. The essential needs of mothers during child‐rearing were clarified, revealing the vital importance of the mother's mental health compared with merely providing technical support or advice for child‐rearing.ConclusionDuring child‐rearing, in the context of their relationships with their children, mothers may feel profound loneliness and question their own self‐worth. Life's difficulties are more keenly felt, and the inherent, seemingly insurmountable challenges that they face as mothers are more evident. Therefore, instead of merely focusing on traditional child‐rearing methods, it is essential to support mothers in addressing their inherent personality traits, unresolved issues, and internal conflicts.ImpactThis study clarifies that child‐rearing support is not merely about providing direct aid to children—in other words, a type of technical assistance—and attests to the importance of child‐rearing support that focuses on mothers' own ways of living and being. Transcending national borders, these are vital insights for safeguarding the health of mothers and children and are expected to contribute to the global field of maternal and child health.Reporting MethodThis study was conducted in accordance with the COREQ guidelines.Patient or Public ContributionNone.
Flight initiation distance is repeatable and geographically flexible in greylag geese Anser anser
Authors: Katsis Andrew C. , Common Lauren K. , Lesigang Jonas , Bold Avila , Fröhlich Marie , Schmincke Jana-Marie , Frigerio Didone , Kleindorfer Sonia 
Published: December 2024

The decision to flee from an approaching threat represents a trade‐off between the costs and benefits of flight. In research to date, particular interest has been given to the effects of urbanisation on predator escape behaviour. However, these differences are most often studied at the population rather than individual level, which makes it difficult to disentangle whether site‐specific differences in predator avoidance are due to behavioural plasticity or non‐random distribution of behavioural phenotypes. In this study, we measured flight initiation distances – a widely used proxy for fearfulness or boldness – in a free‐roaming, human‐habituated, and colour‐banded population of greylag geese Anser anser. First, we tested whether individuals flexibly adjusted their flight initiation distance based on environmental context by approaching the same individuals at two sites with different levels of human presence. Second, we examined whether flock members show consistent differences in their flight initiation distance towards unfamiliar humans. Our results suggest that greylag geese can adjust their behaviour based on environmental context and show individual differences in flight initiation distance that are consistent both within and across years. When individuals regularly move between foraging sites, establishing site‐specific responses to potential threats may allow them to optimise their escape response and thereby avoid unnecessary energetic and opportunity costs.Keywords: Anser anser, behavioural plasticity, boldness, escape behaviour, flight initiation distance
A Systematic Literature Review of Technology‐Assisted Vocabulary Learning
Authors: Simonnet Enzo , Loiseau Mathieu , Lavoué Élise 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundVocabulary learning is an essential dimension of foreign language learning. The learners have a huge responsibility in this task. Among other factors, time constraints and an overall lack of maintained motivation on the part of students makes it especially challenging. Consequently, improving vocabulary learning requires strategies to motivate learners and encourage autonomous learning. Technology‐Assisted Vocabulary Learning (tavl) aims to provide solutions to this set of problems.ObjectivesWe aim to provide an overview of the different types of TAVL tools developed and studied since 2015 with regard to (1) tool features, (2) observed variables and research methods used in the studies and (3) impact on learners' vocabulary acquisition, motivation and engagement.MethodWe conducted a systematic review of the literature between 2015 and 2023 on TAVL. After delineating our field of study and research query, we followed a rigorous methodology to extract relevant papers to answer our research questions. A total of 44 papers of different languages and academic levels were selected for this review.Results and ConclusionsWe report a wide variety of features provided by TAVL tools in various contexts. We observe an overall positive influence of TAVL tools on learners' vocabulary learning, motivation, flow and engagement. We also discuss potential biases in the studies, which do not allow generalisation of the results. We conclude with recommendations for developers and researchers, including the use of more standardised experimental protocols with comparable measures, the integration of collaborative and social features, and a more central role for teachers and academic learning contexts.
Persisting Chronic Periodontal Disease as a Risk Factor for Cardiovascular Disease: A Nationwide Population‐Based Cohort Study
Authors: Park Jung‐Hyun , Leem Gwang Hyun , Kim Jin‐Woo , Song Tae‐Jin 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTAimsEpidemiological studies have consistently established a positive association between periodontal disease (PD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, large‐scale investigations exploring the impact of changes in PD status on CVD risk are scarce. This study aimed to investigate the association between the dynamics in PD and the risk of incident CVD in a nationally representative population.MethodsUtilising data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service, a cohort of 1,242,570 participants who underwent oral health exams in 2003 and a follow‐up exam in 2005–2006 was analysed. Participants were categorized into groups based on changes in PD status: absent, improvement, onset and persistent. Cox proportional hazard models were employed to assess the multivariate‐adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for composite CVD outcomes, including death, myocardial infarction and stroke.ResultsOver a mean follow‐up of 14.4 years, 79,810 (6.4%) cases of composite CVD occurred, including 14,296 (1.2%) myocardial infarctions, 3247 (0.3%) hemorrhagic strokes and 8900 (0.7%) ischemic strokes. Individuals with persistent PD showed the highest risk of CVD (HR: 1.04, 95% CI: 1.03–1.06, p < 0.001). In the pairwise comparisons, the PD improvement group exhibited a lower composite CVD risk than the PD persistent group (HR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.96–0.99, p = 0.010); similarly, the PD onset group showed a lower risk than the PD persistent group (HR: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.93–0.96, p < 0.001). This pattern was consistent in the risk of death, with both the PD improvement and PD onset groups showing a lower risk of death than the PD persistent group.ConclusionThis study suggests the dynamic nature of PD as a potential modifiable risk factor for CVD. Individuals with chronically persistent PD showed an elevated incidence risk of CVD, emphasizing the importance of managing PD in preventive strategies.
Research Review: Shared and distinct structural and functional brain alterations in adolescents with major depressive disorder' – a multimodal meta‐analysis
Authors: Wu Baolin , Zhang Xun , Xie Hongsheng , Zhang Baoshuai , Ling Yanxin , Gan Ruoqiu , Qiu Lihua , Roberts Neil , Jia Zhiyun , Gong Qiyong 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundNeuroimaging studies have identified brain structural and functional alterations in adolescents with major depressive disorder (MDD); however, the results are inconsistent, and whether patients exhibit spatially convergent structural and functional brain abnormalities remains unclear.MethodsWe conducted voxel‐wise meta‐analysis of voxel‐based morphometry (VBM) and resting‐state functional studies, respectively, to identify regional gray matter volume (GMV) and brain activity alterations in adolescent MDD patients. Multimodal analysis was performed to examine the overlap of regional GMV and brain activity alterations. Meta‐regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the potential effects of clinical variables.ResultsTen whole‐brain VBM studies (403 patients and 319 controls) and 14 resting‐state functional studies (510 patients and 474 controls) were included. Adolescent MDD patients showed conjoint structural and functional alterations in the left medial/dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, lateral temporal cortex and sensorimotor regions, and left insula. Adolescent MDD patients showed structural‐specific abnormalities in the subcortical and prefrontal‐limbic regions and functional‐specific abnormalities in the right insula, right superior occipital gyrus, left inferior frontal gyrus and left precuneus. Meta‐regression analyses revealed that the mean age of adolescents with MDD was positively associated with GMV in the right superior temporal gyrus and negatively associated with brain activity in the right insula, and the symptom severity of adolescents with MDD was positively associated with brain activity in the right superior occipital gyrus.ConclusionsThis meta‐analysis identified complicated patterns of conjoint and dissociated brain alterations in adolescent MDD patients, which may advance our understanding of the neurobiology of adolescent MDD.
Smoking and diabetic nephropathy: An updated systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhu Haihui , Li Liang , Liu Songchun , Li Jing 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTObjectivesSeveral studies have reported the potential association between smoking and diabetic nephropathy. However, the studies of non‐significant association results were against the association between smoking and diabetic nephropathy. Therefore, the relationship between smoking and diabetic nephropathy was still debated and controversial.MethodsProspective cohort studies were included in the current meta‐analysis. The tobacco smoking (current smokers or former smokers) and non‐smoking groups in the enrolled studies were compared for the hazard ratio (HR) of diabetic nephropathy. Fifteen studies with 221,821 subjects were included in this meta‐analysis. Subgroup analysis of the type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes groups was also performed individually to investigate the effects of different types of diabetes on the relationship between smoking and diabetic nephropathy.ResultsCurrent smoking was significantly associated with a greater log HR of diabetic nephropathy [1.44 (1.22–1.70), Z = 4.39]. In addition, former smoking was significantly associated with diabetic nephropathy [log HR = 1.04 (1.03–1.05), Z = 8.02]. The individual subgroup analysis of type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes subjects showed that smoking might be both significantly associated with greater log HRs of diabetic nephropathy.DiscussionCurrent and former smoking might be the risk factors for diabetic nephropathy in the current meta‐analytic results. The phenomenon of such significant associations were discovered in type 1 and 2 diabetes.