bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diet and isotopic niche variation of mammals associated with road zones in Uruguay
Authors: Serrón Lacassie Agustina , Valenzuela Luciano O. , Bergamino Leandro 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe understanding of the resource use and partitioning of medium and large terrestrial mammals in anthropogenic environments such as road areas is crucial for comprehending ecosystem dynamics and reveals how species coexist and adapt to environmental changes. The aim of this work was to characterize trophic aspects of medium and large terrestrial mammals, including the quantification of resource use, variation in isotopic trophic niche breadth and overlap among sympatric species within a road zone influence in Uruguay. To this end, stable isotope ratios (δ13C and δ15N) were examined in hair samples collected from 57 individuals from road‐killed animals including 9 medium and large mammals species, as well as potential resources. The isotopic results reflected a community that contains four trophic levels, with Galictis cuja as a predator while the species Dasypus hybridus and Subulo gouazoubira were in the primary consumer levels. Furthermore, the results showed varying degrees of isotopic trophic niche breadth, suggesting different feeding strategies and degrees of dietary specialization. Additionally, a high degree of overlap in resource use was observed among these sympatric species with the exception of Galictis cuja, suggesting that spatial and temporal differentiation in resource use could help to explain the coexistence patterns. Diet composition estimated using Bayesian stable isotope mixing models revealed that in most species, the basal food source was represented by a combination of natural grasslands of types C3 and C4. This trophic behaviour with the incorporation of diverse and variable food items helps to explain the occurrence of these species within this complex environment.
Economic implications of a phased‐in EV mandate in Canada
Authors: McKitrick Ross 
Published: October 2024

AbstractCanada plans to phase out internal combustion engine vehicle (ICEV) sales in favour of electric vehicles (EVs) by 2035 as part of its climate policy. Herein I examine the economic implications of a phased‐in electric vehicle mandate. I show using partial equilibrium analysis that when both types of cars are available, auto companies will overproduce electric vehicles and earn scarcity rents on internal combustion engine vehicles that partially offset the revenue loss on electric vehicles. I then present a numerical general equilibrium model of the Canadian economy to assess the overall macroeconomic consequences of the policy. The results depend critically on the assumed pace at which electric vehicles achieve cost parity with internal combustion engine vehicles on a quality‐adjusted basis. An electric vehicle mandate will have manageable economic consequences if technology improves so rapidly that the mandate is unnecessary. If the mandate outpaces achievement of cost parity the economic consequences can be severe and would likely cause the auto manufacturing sector to shut down. The cost per tonne of emission reductions are at least 10 times the Canadian carbon tax rate while the mandate is binding. The analysis provides insight into why automakers have been willing hitherto to develop and sell electric vehicles even though they currently lose money on them.
Preschoolers use probabilistic evidence to flexibly change or maintain expectations on an active search task
Authors: Hilton Brooke C. , Sabbagh Mark A. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis study investigated 3‐ to 5‐year‐olds' (N = 64, 37 girls, 62.5% White, data collected between 2021‐2022) ability to use probabilistic information gleaned through active search to appropriately change or maintain expectations. In an online fishing game, children first learned that one of two ponds was good for catching fish. During a subsequent testing phase, children searched the ponds for fish. Half saw outcomes that were probabilistically consistent with training, and the other half saw outcomes that were probabilistically inconsistent. Children in the Inconsistent condition adapted their search strategies, showing evidence of changing their expectations. Those in the Consistent condition maintained their initial search strategy. Trial‐by‐trial analyses suggested that children used a combination of heuristic and information integration strategies to guide their search behavior.
Probiotics by Modulating Gut–Brain Axis Together With Brivaracetam Mitigate Seizure Progression, Behavioral Incongruities, and Prevented Neurodegeneration in Pentylenetetrazole‐Kindled Mice
Authors: Shakoor Muhammad Usman , Tareen Fashwa Khan , Rehman Zohabia , Saghir Khaled Ahmed , Ashraf Waseem , Anjum Syed Muhammad Muneeb , Ahmad Tanveer , Alqahtani Faleh , Imran Imran 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe microbiota–gut–brain axis (MGBA) is a central nexus that integrates higher cognitive and emotional centers of the central nervous system (CNS) within the intricate functioning of the intestine. Accumulating evidence suggests that dysbiosis in the taxonomic diversity of gut flora plays a salient role in the progression of epilepsy and comorbid secondary complications.MethodsIn the current study, we investigated the impact of long‐term oral bacteriotherapy (probiotics; 10 mL/kg; 109 colony‐forming unit/ml) as an adjunctive treatment intervention with brivaracetam (BRV; 10 mg/kg) over 21 days on pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) induced augmented epileptic response and associated electrographical and behavioral perturbations in mice. Moreover, we also unveiled antioxidant capacity and histopathologic changes in treated versus non‐treated animals.ResultsResults revealed combination increases seizure threshold and prevented high ictal spiking. Additionally, it alleviated PTZ‐induced neuropsychiatric disturbances such as anxiety and depressive‐like phenotype along with cognitive deficits. Furthermore, dual therapy prompted physiological oxidant/antioxidant balance as evidenced by increased activity of antioxidant enzymes (SOD and catalase) and reduced levels of oxidative stressor (MDA). This therapeutic intervention with commensal species suppressed network‐driven neuroinflammation and preserved normal cytoarchitecture with intact morphology in the pyramidal layers of cornu ammonis (CA1 and CA3).ConclusionOur study provides supporting evidence for the use of probiotics as adjunctive therapy with anti‐seizure medications to modulate epileptogenic processes and related multimorbidities, particularly in individuals with drug‐resistant seizures.
Impact of drought and development on the effectiveness of beehive fences as elephant deterrents over 9 years in Kenya
Authors: King Lucy E. , Tiller Lydia , Mwambingu Emmanuel , Serem Esther , Nzumu Hesron , Mugo Gloria , Raja Naiya , Brennan Ewan , Kisiang'ani Wanjala Derick , Ndombi Victor , Leneuyia Kennedy , Williams Harry , Lala Fredrick , Pope Frank , Douglas‐Hamilton Iain 
Published: October 2024

AbstractHuman–elephant conflict is growing in Africa as human populations and development increases, creating disturbance to elephant habitats. Beehive fences have been trialed as a coexistence tool with some success but all studies have looked at small sample sizes over a short time period. Our study analyses the behavior of African elephants (Loxodonta africana) that approached a network of beehive fence protected farms in two conflict villages over 9 years next to Tsavo East National Park. We compare differences in elephant raids and beehive occupation rates annually, during a drought, and during peak crop production seasons. Out of 3999 elephants approaching our study farms 1007 elephants broke the beehive fence and entered the protected farm areas (25.18%). This was significantly less than the 2649 encounters where elephants remained either outside the farm boundary or broke into the control farms (66.24%). A further 343 elephants entered the farm by walking through a gap at the end of a fence (8.56%). The annual beehive fence break‐through rates averaged 23.96% (±SE 3.15) resulting in a mean of 76.04% elephants deterred from beehive fences protected farm plots. Over six peak crop growing seasons the beehive fences kept between 78.3% and 86.3% of elephants out of the farms and crops. The beehive fences produced one ton of honey sold for $2250; however, a drought caused a 75% reduction in hive occupation rates and honey production for 3 years after negatively impacting honey profits and the effectiveness of the fences. Beehive fences are very effective at reducing up to 86.3% of elephant crop‐raids during peak crop seasons after good rainfall, but any increase in elephant habitat disturbance or the frequency and duration of droughts could reduce their effectiveness as a successful coexistence tool.
Magnetic Resonance Myocardial Imaging in Patients With Implantable Cardiac Devices: Challenges, Techniques, and Clinical Applications
Authors: Gut Pauline , Cochet Hubert , Stuber Matthias , Bustin Aurélien 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTCardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with cardiac implants, such as pacemakers and defibrillators, has gained importance in recent years with the development of modern cardiac implantable electronic devices. The increasing clinical need to perform MRI examinations in patients with cardiac implants has driven the development of new advanced MRI sequences to mitigate image artifacts associated with cardiac implants. More specifically, advances in imaging techniques, such as wideband late gadolinium enhancement imaging, wideband T1 mapping, and wideband perfusion, have been designed to improve image quality and examinations in patients with cardiac implants, enabling a comprehensive and more reliable diagnosis, which was previously unattainable in these patients. This review article explores recent developments and applications of wideband techniques in the field of cardiovascular MRI, offering insights into their transformative potential. Clinical applications of wideband cardiovascular MRI are highlighted, particularly in assessing myocardial viability, guiding ventricular tachycardia ablation, and characterizing myocardial tissue.
Differential modulations of theta and beta oscillations by audiovisual congruency in letter‐speech sound integration
Authors: Yan Dongyang , Seki Ayumi 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe integration of visual letters and speech sounds is a crucial part of learning to read. Previous studies investigating this integration have revealed a modulation by audiovisual (AV) congruency, commonly known as the congruency effect. To investigate the cortical oscillations of the congruency effects across different oscillatory frequency bands, we conducted a Japanese priming task in which a visual letter was followed by a speech sound. We analyzed the power and phase properties of oscillatory activities in the theta and beta bands between congruent and incongruent letter‐speech sound (L‐SS) pairs. Our results revealed stronger theta‐band (5–7 Hz) power in the congruent condition and cross‐modal phase resetting within the auditory cortex, accompanied by enhanced inter‐trial phase coherence (ITPC) in the auditory‐related areas in response to the congruent condition. The observed congruency effect of theta‐band power may reflect increased neural activities in the left auditory region during L‐SS integration. Additionally, theta ITPC findings suggest that visual letters amplify neuronal responses to the following corresponding auditory stimulus, which may reflect the differential cross‐modal influences in the primary auditory cortex. In contrast, decreased beta‐band (20–35 Hz) oscillatory power was observed in the right centroparietal regions for the congruent condition. The reduced beta power seems to be unrelated to the processing of AV integration, but may be interpreted as the brain response to predicting auditory sounds during language processing. Our data provide valuable insights by indicating that oscillations in different frequency bands contribute to the disparate aspects of L‐SS integration.
Retrospective evaluation of the impact of atropine administration on incidence of post‐operative colic in healthy, isoflurane‐anaesthetised horses
Authors: Varner Kelley M. , Curtiss Alexandra L. , Hogan Patricia M. , Love Kim , Dodam John R. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundIn anaesthetised horses, bradycardia secondary to high vagal tone can reduce cardiac output and blood pressure. The use of anticholinergics in horses is limited due to concerns about ileus and abdominal discomfort. This retrospective study sought to determine the prevalence of post‐operative abdominal discomfort in healthy horses that received atropine under isoflurane anaesthesia.Study designA retrospective evaluation of 222 general anaesthesia events between January 2019 and December 2019 was undertaken.MethodsOne hundred and eleven horses that received atropine were identified, and 111 case match controls that did not receive atropine were also selected. Information gathered from the medical records included signalment, anaesthetic drugs, surgical procedures, duration of anaesthesia and surgery, dobutamine and atropine administration, and the occurrence of abdominal discomfort for 24 h after anaesthesia. After initial data analysis, a second cohort of records was assessed separately. The horses in this group were castrated under general anaesthesia (with or without atropine; n = 68). Logistic regression models and Fisher's exact tests were used to look for factors contributing to abdominal discomfort post‐anaesthesia. The significance level was set to 5% (p < 0.05).ResultsAtropine administration was not associated with the development of post‐anaesthetic abdominal discomfort (OR = 2.121, 95% CI [0.767, 5.869]; p = 0.2). Overall, 18/222 (8.1%) incidences of abdominal discomfort were identified. All incidents occurred in colts undergoing castration. In a separate analysis of only horses anaesthetised for castration, atropine was associated with developing abdominal discomfort (OR = 3.143, 95% CI [1.082, 9.132]; p = 0.04).DiscussionAtropine was not associated with post‐operative abdominal discomfort except in colts undergoing castration. All episodes of discomfort were mild and resolved with minimal intervention. The potential impact of insufficient analgesia in horses undergoing castration is a confounding factor and requires prospective investigation.ConclusionOverall, atropine at a dose of 0.006 mg/kg IV appears to be a safe method to treat bradycardia in otherwise healthy horses anaesthetised for orthopaedic and upper airway procedures. Further work is required to determine if atropine is safe for colts undergoing castration.
Closing the Gaps in Fish Welfare: The Case for More Fundamental Work Into Physical Enrichment
Authors: Spence‐Jones Helen C. , Frommen Joachim G. , Jones Nick A. R. 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTBillions of fishes are kept in captivity for research and food production world‐wide, with a strong impetus for maintaining high welfare standards. Accordingly, the importance of empirical research into the welfare and husbandry of captive fishes is increasingly acknowledged in both science and aquaculture, alongside growing public and governmental interest. Physical enrichment can have an important influence on welfare in of captive fishes, but many questions remain. Here, we summarise the current state of research and outline knowledge gaps in the area of physical enrichment, which is a fundamental aspect to improving welfare of captive fishes. To explore the level of research interest this area across time we conducted a series of surveys, using the number of papers published per year as a metric. These surveys highlight that work on fish welfare, while representing a relatively low proportion of fish research overall, is increasing rapidly. For species that are of aquaculture importance or used commonly as laboratory subjects, we show a positive relationship between general research interest and number of welfare‐related papers. However, for many, particularly relatively less studied, species the proportion of papers on enrichment remains low, with a slower increase compared to welfare‐related papers in general. In terms of common metrics used to quantify fish welfare, there is a reliance on growth and behaviour, with scope for inclusion and combination of a more comprehensive range of reproducible measures. We finish by highlighting recent progress, promising areas for future research and suggestions for advances in this area.
Damage Proportion Analysis of the Combined High and Low Cycle Fatigue Based on the Continuum Damage Mechanics
Authors: Ding Xin , Huang Dawei , Guo Zixu , Shen Chunyan , Wang Peng , Zhu Min , Luan Xu 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTA combined high and low cycle fatigue (CCF) life prediction model, considering creep, low‐cycle fatigue (LCF), high‐cycle fatigue (HCF) at the maximum LCF nominal stress (HLCF) damages, and the interaction damage between LCF and HLCF, is proposed. The proportions for these four types of damage in total CCF damage are quantified. Compared with the existing CCF models, the CCF model proposed in this paper considers creep damage in CCF and has higher accuracy. The escalation in HCF stress amplitudes leads to reduced CCF life owing to the augmentation of HLCF and interaction damages. The increase in the cycle ratio of HCF to LCF, causing a reduction in CCF life is ascribed to elevated HLCF and creep damages. The calculated damage proportion results from the proposed model are consistent with the observations of the fracture characteristics using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), indicating the necessity of considering creep damage in CCF life prediction at high temperatures.
Stream bryophyte recovery after extreme flood disturbance takes several years
Authors: Virtanen Risto , Huttunen Kaisa‐Leena , Muotka Timo 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The recovery rates and assembly processes of stream bryophyte communities after severe disturbances are not well known.

Breaking of an ice dam caused an extreme flood that completely removed bryophyte cover along several hundreds of metres of a boreal stream (Stream Uopajanpuro, Koillismaa, NE Finland). We monitored recolonization rates and successional processes of stream bryophytes in the disturbed stream section over 8 years.

In the first two summers after the disturbance, the disturbed section remained largely unvegetated. The initial recovery of the bryophyte community resulted mainly from colonization of vegetative moss fragments of the dominant, perennial species present in the undisturbed upstream section, whereas typical early successional colonist species remained scarce.

The recovery of total cover, richness and community composition of stream bryophytes took 5–6 years after the disturbance event, even though bryophyte vegetation supplying fragments was located in the immediate vicinity upstream of the disturbance site.

Bryophyte species showed differences in the colonization–recovery rates. Mean spatial segregation among species showed no trend during recovery, whereas several species pairs showed both segregation and aggregation trends.

Our results indicate that extreme flooding can have devastating effects on bryophyte cover, and the recovery of bryophytes is slow compared to other stream organisms, with full recovery taking up to several years. This recovery time estimate may only apply if there is an immediate upstream source of vegetative propagules from undisturbed populations. Where such populations are absent, recovery of bryophyte communities can take decades.
The effect of using a local skin cooling device on arteriovenous fistula cannulation pain and comfort level of patients on hemodialysis: A single‐blind randomized controlled study
Authors: Demırağ Hatice , Kulakaç Nurşen 
Published: October 2024

AbstractIntroductionThe study aimed to investigate the impact of the using local skin cooling on arteriovenous fistula cannulation pain and the comfort levels of hemodialysis patients.MethodsThe single‐blind randomized controlled trial was formed with 50 patients between June 20, 2023, and July 31, 2023, in the hemodialysis units of two state hospitals in Turkey. Patients were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (n = 25) or the control group (n = 25) using the block randomization method. This data were collected through the use of the CoolSense device, the “Patient Information Form,” the “Verbal Category Scale,” and the “General Comfort Scale.” Patients in the experimental group received the local skin cooling for five seconds during arteriovenous fistula cannulation, while the control group followed the standard hospital protocol. The study was registered on Clinical Trials (NCT06144801).FindingsThe study revealed that the application of the local skin cooling during arteriovenous fistula cannulation significantly reduced pain and increased patients’ comfort levels, demonstrating an anesthetic effect (p < 0.001). Furthermore, it was observed that as pain levels decreased, patient comfort levels increased (p < 0.001).DiscussionIt is concluded that the using lokal skin cooling is an effective tool for reducing pain and enhancing comfort during arteriovenous fistula cannulation in hemodialysis patients.
A Qualitative Exploration of Peer Supporters' Experiences of Undertaking a Co‐Produced Mental Health and Emotional Well‐Being Training Programme
Authors: Kane Laura , Walker Lauren , Eberhardt Judith , Portman Robert M. , Proctor Emma‐Lily , Poulter Hannah , O'Neill Catherine 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTIntroductionPeer supporters play a crucial role in mental health and support services, but their own mental health and emotional well‐being are often neglected by themselves, and, frequently, their organisations. Here, we report findings from a qualitative interview study of peer supporters who completed a co‐produced emotional well‐being training programme.MethodTen semi‐structured interviews with peer supporters working in the North East of England were conducted to explore their experiences of the training programme.ResultsThematic analysis of the data produced three overarching themes. In Theme 1, ‘Increasing psychological preparedness and identifying self‐care and coping strategies’, we found that peer supporters improved their knowledge of how to manage sensitive topics such as aggression and suicide and felt more confident in their peer support roles resultantly. In Theme 2, ‘It's good to know you're not alone’, peer supporters discussed their experience of loneliness in their roles, and as a consequence realised their own need for peer support to help maintain their well‐being. Theme 3, ‘Toward the future: next steps’, encapsulated peer supporters' willingness to continue their role development and to create a peer support network to continue to obtain mutual support.ConclusionOur findings emphasise the perceived emotional well‐being benefits of a co‐produced peer supporter training programme. Participants highlighted the need for co‐produced training programmes that are (1) emotion‐focussed, (2) provide access to other peer supporters and (3) provide future avenues for a peer supporter network of mutual support and professional development activities and training opportunities.Patient or Public ContributionIndividuals with lived experience of mental ill health and peer support were consulted in the development of interview questions and provided feedback on the finalised themes to ensure the analysis and interpretations were congruent with their experiences.