bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fitness differences override variation‐dependent coexistence mechanisms in California grasslands
Authors: Muehleisen Andrew J. , White Caitlin T. , Shoemaker Lauren S. , Suding Katharine N. , Adams E. Ashley Shaw , Hallett Lauren M. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

While most studies of species coexistence focus on the mechanisms that maintain coexistence, it is equally important to understand the mechanisms that structure failed coexistence. For example, California annual grasslands are heavily invaded ecosystems, where non‐native annuals have largely dominated and replaced native communities. These systems are also highly variable, with a high degree of rainfall seasonality and interannual rainfall variability—a quality implicated in the coexistence of functionally distinct species. Yet, despite the apparent strength of this variation, coexistence between native and non‐native annuals in this system has faltered.

To test how variation‐dependent coexistence mechanisms modulate failed coexistence, we implemented a competition experiment between two previously common native forbs and three now‐dominant non‐native annual grasses spanning a conservative‐acquisitive range of traits. We grew individuals from each species under varying densities of all other species as competitors, under either wetter or drier early season rainfall treatments. Using subsequent seed production, we parameterized competition models, assessed the potential for coexistence among species pairs and quantified the relative influence of variation‐dependent coexistence mechanisms.

As expected, we found little potential for coexistence. Competition was dominated by the non‐native grass Avena fatua, while native forbs were unable to invade non‐native grasses. Mutual competitive exclusion was common across almost all species and often contingent on rainfall, suggesting rainfall‐mediated priority effects. Among variation‐dependent mechanisms, the temporal storage effect had a moderate stabilizing effect for four of five species when averaged across competitors, while relative nonlinearity in competition was largely destabilizing, except for the most conservative non‐native grass, which benefited from a competitive release under dry conditions.

Synthesis: Our findings suggest that rainfall variability does little to mitigate the fitness differences that underlie widespread annual grass invasion in California, but that it influences coexistence dynamics among the now‐dominant non‐native grasses.
From Cells to Organoids: Sociological Considerations for the Bioengineering of Human Models
Authors: Bea Sara , Hinterberger Amy 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTBy examining the laboratory practices behind designing and crafting organoids—miniature, three‐dimensional cellular structures that replicate organ functions—we highlight a critical shift in biomedical research. Over the past 16 years, advances in stem cell research have transitioned from generating stem cells to utilising these cells in building sophisticated organ models and bioengineered tissues. This transition represents a significant move from the ‘what’ of cell creation to the ‘how’ of constructing and interpreting three‐dimensional human models. Through ethnographic research (including observations and interviews) in Europe and North America, we explore how organoids are constructed and the underlying logic driving their development. Our analysis underscores the growing importance of these in vitro models for human health, urging a sociological examination of their ‘near human’ status. We argue that understanding the implications of this shift—particularly how it influences perceptions of human representation and diversity in biomedical research—requires critical scrutiny from sociologists of health and illness. This paper aims to address the urgent need to investigate not just the experimental challenges but also the socio‐political dimensions of using organoids as proxies for human physiology.
Living Engineered Bacterial Therapeutics: Emerging Affordable Precision Interventions
Authors: Srivastava Rajkamal , Lesser Cammie F. 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTLive biotherapeutic products (LBPs), including engineered bacteria, are rapidly emerging as potential therapeutic interventions. These innovative therapies can serve as live in situ drug delivery platforms for the direct deposition of therapeutic payloads, including complex biologics, at sites of disease. This approach offers a platform likely to enhance therapeutic efficacy and decrease off‐target side effects. LBPs also can likely be distributed at a relatively low price point, as their production can be economically scaled up. LBPs represent an exciting new means for ensuring healthy lives and promoting well‐being for all ages, aligning with the World Health Organization's sustainable development goal 3.
The moderating role of reporting quality
Authors: Cuny Christine , Dube Svenja 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThis paper examines whether the sensitivity of local government credit ratings to external signals about the local economy varies with the quality of the governments' financial reports. We find the credit ratings of local governments that are required to comply with GAAP are less sensitive to changes in local home values than similarly affected governments that are not required to comply with GAAP. Further, we show that GAAP's moderating role increased after Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) 34 substantially improved the quality of GAAP‐compliant governments' financial reports, which helps to attribute the main findings to reporting quality. To understand the mechanism, we study positive and negative economic signals separately. The results are pronounced when the change in home values is negative, consistent with reporting quality decreasing the rating agency's uncertainty about local governments' preexisting likelihood of default. We conclude that credit rating agencies are less sensitive to local economic signals when the local government's financial reports are of higher quality.
Predicting adaptation and evolution of plasticity from temporal environmental change
Authors: Gallegos Cristóbal , Chevin Luis‐Miguel , Hodgins Kathryn A. , Monro Keyne 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Environmental change can drive evolutionary adaptation and determine geographic patterns of biodiversity. Yet at a time of rapid environmental change, our ability to predict its evolutionary impacts is incomplete. Temporal environmental change, in particular, involves a combination of major components such as abrupt shift, trend, cyclic change, and noise. Theoretical predictions exist for adaptation to isolated components, but knowledge gaps remain regarding their joint impacts.

We extend classic evolutionary theory to develop a model for the evolution of environmental tolerance by the evolution of an underlying developmentally plastic trait, in response to major components of temporal change. We retrieve and synthesise earlier predictions of responses to isolated components, and generate new predictions for components changing simultaneously. Notably, we show how different forms of environmental predictability emerging from the interplay of cyclic change, stochastic change (noise) and lag between development and selection shape predictions.

We then illustrate the utility of our model for generating testable predictions for the evolution of adaptation and plasticity when parameterised with real time series data. Specifically, we parameterise our model with daily time series of sea‐surface temperature from a global marine hotspot in southern Australia, and use model simulations to predict the evolution of thermal tolerance, and geographic differences in tolerance, in this region.

By synthesising theory on evolutionary adaptation to temporal environmental change, and providing new insights into the joint effects of its different components, our framework, embedded in a Shiny app, offer a path to better predictions of biological responses to climate change.
Anger expressions and coercive credibility in international crises
Authors: Yoon Hohyun 
Published: November 2024

AbstractWhy are some threats more credible than others? I argue that leaders’ anger expressions are a previously underappreciated source of coercive credibility. Specifically, leaders who express anger appear more credible because targets believe they are less sensitive to the costs of conflict. I test this argument through quantitative analysis of a novel dataset of world leaders’ public statements in crises from 1946 to 1996 and a U.S.‐based survey experiment designed to test the mechanism. The observational evidence reveals that anger expressions increase the likelihood a threat will succeed. The experiment shows that anger expressions cause targets to infer greater resolve and that non‐angry threats carry little credibility—and might even backfire. These findings not only shed light on a unique source of threat credibility but also highlight the crucial role of emotions in international relations with new data measuring political leaders’ emotional expressions over time and space.
Maternal and perinatal outcomes of live births after uterus transplantation: A systematic review
Authors: Brännström Mats , Bokström Hans , Hagberg Henrik , Carlsson Ylva 
Published: November 2024

AbstractIntroductionUterus transplantation (UTx) is a treatment for absolute uterine factor infertility. The results of pregnancies of this complex infertility treatment should be established. The aim of the study was to systematically review maternal and neonatal outcomes in the pregnancies of women who have undergone UTx.Material and MethodsThe population of this review were women that have undergone UTx and delivered child(ren). Cesarean delivery after UTx were planned to be compared with studies reporting maternal mortality/morbidity and perinatal mortality/morbidity after delivery by elective cesarean section without UTx. Systematic literature searches were performed utilizing Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Cinahl, PsycInfo, Web of Science, and clinicaltrials.gov for studies written in English language and published between January 1, 2010, and November 08, 2023. No study design limitation was applied. If no comparative studies were identified, we planned to report the outcomes from the case reports and case series. Included studies were assessed for risk of bias using a checklist for case series. The study protocol was registered with the International Platform of Registered Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis Protocols (registration number: INPLASY202310052).ResultsTwenty‐four articles were identified, containing data on 40 unique live births. Multiple publications including same cases were identified and clearly indicated. No comparative studies were identified. The certainty of evidence was very low, as all studies were either case reports (n = 15) or case series (n = 9). All deliveries were by cesarean section and 47.5% of them resulted in emergency cesarean sections. Out of the 21 elective cesarean sections, 52.4% were performed before 37 weeks' gestation. Historical comparison to population data on pregnancies delivered by cesarean section found a markedly increased risk for both the mother and child following cesarean section for UTx. Risks for placenta previa and preterm birth were notably high after UTx; however, some of the later may reflect the results of provider‐initiated births.ConclusionsThe maternal and perinatal outcomes of 40 live births post‐UTx indicate that these pregnancies may be at high risk of maternal and perinatal complications. Aiming to delay elective cesarean section beyond 37 weeks' gestation could potentially reduce some of these risks. Registration of maternal and perinatal outcomes after UTx through quality registries are essential and obstetrical care guidelines for these women should be established.
Normothermic machine perfusion of explanted livers: Exploratory study of an alternative translational model for end‐stage liver disease
Authors: Todd Rachel , van Leeuwen L. Leonie , Holzner Matthew , Kim‐Schluger Leona , Fiel Maria Isabel , Puleston Daniel , Florman Sander S. , Akhtar M. Zeeshan 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackgroundNormothermic machine perfusion (NMP) is a technique for donor liver preservation and assessment in transplantation. NMP has gained momentum recently by enabling safer use of higher risk organs via organ viability assessment. It also offers a platform for investigating ex vivo organ biology.MethodsIn this exploratory study, we completed a complex vascular reconstruction of explanted, diseased livers from patients undergoing transplantation and then perfused them normothermically on a closed perfusion circuit. We compared these livers to non‐diseased donor livers via perfusate samples collected during perfusion.ResultsFive hepatectomized grafts and eight donor livers were perfused for 1 h or longer. Four hepatectomized livers cleared lactate, and all consumed glucose; all control livers cleared lactate, and seven utilized glucose. Significantly higher portal vein flows were achieved in the control group.ConclusionsOur findings illustrate the feasibility of using closed‐circuit NMP as a platform to study hepatectomized organs, which could reshape the research landscape in mechanisms of disease and applied therapeutics for patients with end‐stage liver disease.
Extracorporeal liver support systems in patients with acute‐on‐chronic liver failure: An updated systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Liu Haiyu , Yang Zhibo , Luo Qiong , Lin Jianhui 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe utilization of extracorporeal liver support systems is increasingly prevalent for the management of acute‐on‐chronic liver failure in clinical settings. Yet, the efficacy of these interventions in terms of tangible clinical benefits for patients remains a matter of debate, underscoring the need for meta‐analysis.MethodsAn updated meta‐analysis was performed to elucidate the relationship between the application of extracorporeal liver support versus standard pharmacological treatment and the prognostic endpoints of patient survival, specifically assessing 1‐month and 3‐month mortality rates, as well as the incidence of complications such as hepatic encephalopathy, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, and hepatorenal syndrome. Literature were searched via PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science.ResultsThe meta‐analysis revealed the following: the odds ratio for 1‐month mortality was 0.63 (95% confidence interval [CIs]: 0.51–0.76), for 3‐month mortality was 0.70 (95% CI: 0.61–0.81), for hepatic encephalopathy was 0.81 (95% CI: 0.67–0.97), for spontaneous bacterial peritonitis was 0.66 (95% CI: 0.44–0.99), and for hepatorenal syndrome was 0.68 (95% CI: 0.51–0.92). These results suggest that patients with acute‐on‐chronic liver failure undergoing extracorporeal liver support system therapy have significantly better survival rates and lower complication incidences compared to those receiving conventional drug therapy. Further subgroup analysis indicated that patients with lower model for end‐stage liver disease (MELD) scores and reduced total bilirubin (Tbil) levels demonstrated greater benefits from extracorporeal hepatic support.ConclusionThis study establishes that in the management of acute‐on‐chronic liver failure, extracorporeal liver support systems confer a survival advantage and reduce complications relative to standard pharmacotherapy.
Comparative Efficacy and Safety of Three Janus Kinase Inhibitors in Ulcerative Colitis: A Real‐World Multicentre Study in Japan
Authors: Akiyama Shintaro , Shimizu Hiromichi , Tamura Akiko , Yokoyama Kaoru , Sakurai Toshiyuki , Kobayashi Mariko , Eizuka Makoto , Yanai Shunichi , Nomura Kei , Shibuya Tomoyoshi , Takahara Masahiro , Hiraoka Sakiko , Sako Minako , Yoshida Atsushi , Tsuruta Kozo , Yoshioka Shinichiro , Koroku Miki , Omori Teppei , Saruta Masayuki , Matsumoto Takayuki , Okamoto Ryuichi , Tsuchiya Kiichiro , Fujii Toshimitsu 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundThree Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors are approved for ulcerative colitis (UC) in Japan.AimTo compare the real‐world efficacy and safety of these three JAK inhibitors in UC.MethodsThis was a multicentre, retrospective study of patients with UC started on JAK inhibitors. The primary outcome was clinical remission at 10, 26 and 58 weeks, and at the most recent follow‐up. To compare the efficacy and safety among the JAK inhibitors, we created three matched cohorts (upadacitinib vs. filgotinib, tofacitinib vs. filgotinib and upadacitinib vs. tofacitinib) using propensity score matching.ResultsWe identified 228 upadacitinib‐treated patients (median follow‐up 49 weeks; IQR 25–72), 215 filgotinib‐treated patients (follow‐up 56 weeks; IQR 17–82) and 159 tofacitinib‐treated patients (follow‐up 112 weeks; IQR 10–258). Clinical remission rates for upadacitinib, filgotinib and tofacitinib at the most recent follow‐up were 72.8%, 50.6% and 45.8%, respectively. Over 70% of the patients previously treated with other biologics or JAK inhibitors achieved clinical remission with upadacitinib. On multivariate analysis, the number of previous advanced therapies was inversely associated with the efficacy of filgotinib and tofacitinib. Comparative analysis showed that upadacitinib‐treated patients had higher efficacy and lower risk of discontinuation than patients treated with other JAK inhibitors. However, upadacitinib had a significant risk of acne.ConclusionsConsidering the particularly high efficacy of upadacitinib, even in patients with refractory UC, filgotinib or tofacitinib may be considered as an upfront JAK inhibitor before using upadacitinib.
Scale pattern of five species of Zeiformes (Teleostei)
Authors: Garcia Lucas C. , Moreira Cristiano R. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe order Zeiformes comprises a small order of predominantly deep‐sea fishes. However, little information is available on their morphology, such as squamation. Therefore, in the present study, we analysed and described the squamation pattern and scale morphology of five species of Zeiformes occurring on the Brazilian coast: Allocyttus verrucosus, Grammicolepis brachiusculus, Xenolepidichthys dalgleishi, Zenion hololepis and Zenopsis conchifer. Our analysis revealed greater morphological diversity than previously reported for this order. All species, except the scaleless Zenopsis conchifer, presented cycloid scales of spinoid subtype. Grammicolepis and Zenion presented exclusively scales of the spinoid subtype, whereas both Allocyttus and Xenolepidichthys also displayed true cycloid subtype. A. verrucosus is characterised by two distinct groups of scales of different sizes that form scale clusters. G. brachiusculus and X. dalgleishi presented a unique vertically elongated scale covering most of the body. Small bony plates were observed at the dorsal‐ and anal‐fin bases of G. brachiusculus, X. dalgleishi and Z. hololepis. The variation observed is putatively useful for the systematics of the order.
PBPK modelling for the evaluation of drug–drug interaction between meropenem and valproic acid
Authors: Liu Hongrui , Yu Yiqun , Qin Yulin , Han Bing 
Published: November 2024

AbstractAimsThe present study aimed to quantitatively investigate the potential drug–drug interaction (DDI) mechanism between meropenem (MEPM) and valproic acid (VPA).MethodsIn the present study, we firstly developed a physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model of MEPM and VPA. The verified PBPK model was then used to quantitatively investigate the potential DDI between MEPM and VPA. The effect of genetic polymorphisms of acylpeptide hydrolase (APEH) on DDI was also evaluated.ResultsIn our simulation, the plasma concentration of hydrolysate of VPAG decreased to 63% when combined with MEPM. Total plasma concentration of VPA before carbapenem use was 53.61 mg/L, whereas it was 45.42 mg/L during carbapenem use. The inhibition of hydrolysis of VPAG by MEPM alone could not result in a rapid and substantial decrease in the plasma concentration of VPA. Parameter sensitivity analysis showed that the changes of absorption played an important role in the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) of VPA, whereas area under the plasma concentration–time profile (AUC) was more susceptible to elimination changes. In addition, a decrease in APEH activity had little impact on the plasma pharmacokinetics of VPA.ConclusionsThe DDI between MEPM and VPA might be a comprehensive result of multiple factors. On the basis of our simulation, interval medication of MEPM injection and VPA immediate release tablet at 4–6 h timed interval was recommended, or intravenous administration of VPA solution was preferred when combination regimen was necessary in a clinical setting.
‘Not my mess’?: How do supporters of individuals with hoarding difficulties rate the quality of the support they offer?
Authors: Dennis James , Rosen Kate , Salkovskis Paul M 
Published: November 2024

AbstractObjectivesHoarding difficulties (HD) affect many people and cause upset and danger for the person, as well as friends and family. Previous research found that people with HD feel less adequately socially supported compared with individuals with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). This study used the perspective of those offering support to infer whether people with HD view their support differently, or if there is a gap in support quality compared with those with OCD.DesignThe design was cross‐sectional, comparing those supporting OCD with those supporting HD.MethodsAn online questionnaire was completed by 116 people offering support (POS) to people with these conditions. Support quality was measured using an adapted, proxy version of the Revised Norbeck Social Support Questionnaire. The research hypothesized that POS(HD) would not differ on support ratings compared with POS(OCD); or that POS(HD) would report comparatively lower ratings across support components. Secondary analysis investigated group differences in stigmatized attitudes and associative stigma; internalized stigma by virtue of having a connection to a stigmatized individual.ResultsPOS(HD) rated their wish to support and the perceived success as significantly lower. Public stigma was rated more highly by POS(HD) relative to POS(OCD) and associative stigma felt more acutely by POS(HD).ConclusionsMotivation to support was significantly lower in the HD group with associative stigma a significant predictive factor. Further research involving dyads is needed to investigate what is causing this shortfall in support. Clinical research for HD interventions should also examine how involving POS could enhance treatment outcomes.
Technology‐Aided Customer Experience Innovation: Implementation Modes in Retail
Authors: Artusi Federico , Magistretti Stefano , Bellini Emilio , Dell'Era Claudio 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTRetailers are increasingly leveraging emerging digital technologies to enhance and deliver memorable and timely customer experiences. However, more research is needed to understand how these technologies are being implemented. Therefore, we conducted an fsQCA analysis of 32 retail cases of early adopters of beacon technology. Our findings reveal three main modes of implementation of emerging digital technologies in the retail customer experience: automation, augmentation, and customization. These modes can be interpreted as enablers that enhance the value of utilitarian and/or hedonic experiences, rather than as drivers of innovation per se. Our study adds a new perspective to the debate about the role of digital technologies in driving innovation. Moreover, the three modes identified provide managers with practical guidelines for the implementation of emerging digital technologies in retail environments.