bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synthesising the Relationships Between Food Web Structure and Robustness
Authors: Keyes Aislyn A. , Barner Allison K. , Dee Laura E. 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTFor many decades, ecologists have sought to understand the extent to which species losses lead to secondary extinctions—that is, the additional loss of species that occurs when resources or key interactions are lost (i.e. robustness). In particular, ecologists aim to identify generalisable rules that explain which types of food webs are more or less robust to secondary extinctions. Food web structure, or the patterns formed by species and their interactions, has been extensively studied as a potential factor that influences robustness to species loss. We systematically reviewed 28 studies to identify the relationships between food web structure and robustness to species loss and how the conclusions depend on methodological differences. Contrary to popular belief and theory, we found relatively consistent, positive relationships between connectance and robustness, among other generalities. Yet, we also found that conflicting conclusions about structure‐robustness relationships can be, in part, attributed to differences in the type of data that studies use, particularly studies that use empirical data versus those generated from theoretical models. This review points towards a need to standardise methodology to answer the open question of whether robustness and its relationship with food web structure and to provide applicable insights for managing complex systems.
Epigenetic Diversity and the Evolutionary Potential of Wild Populations
Authors: Baltazar‐Soares Miguel , Balard Alice , Heckwolf Melanie J. 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTFast‐paced selective pressures imposed by climate change and anthropogenic activities call for adaptive evolutionary responses to emerge at ecological timescales. However, the evolution and heritability of genomic variation underlie mechanistic constraints, which dictate a slower pace of adaptation exclusively relying on standing genetic variation and novel mutations. Environmentally responsive epigenetic mechanisms can allow acclimatisation and adaptive phenotypes to arise faster than DNA sequence‐based mechanisms alone. Nevertheless, the knowledge gap between identifying epigenetic marks and effectively deeming them functional is still wide in a natural context and often outside the scope of model organisms. With this Special Issue, we aimed to narrow this gap by presenting a compilation of original research articles, reviews and opinions on the topic of epigenetics in wild populations. We contextualised this collection within the overarching topic of conservation biology, as we firmly propose that epigenetic research can significantly enhance the effectiveness of conservation measures. Contributions highlighted the putative role of epigenetic variation in the acclimatisation and adaptive potential of species and populations directly and indirectly affected by climatic shifts and anthropogenic actions. They further exemplified how epigenetic variation can be used as biomarkers for monitoring variations in physiology, phenology and behaviour. Lastly, reviews and perspective articles illustrated the past and present of epigenetic research in wild populations while suggesting future research avenues.
Estimating the Effective Size of European Wolf Populations
Authors: Mergeay Joachim , Smet Sander , Collet Sebastian , Nowak Sabina , Reinhardt Ilka , Kluth Gesa , Szewczyk Maciej , Godinho Raquel , Nowak Carsten , Mysłajek Robert W. , Rolshausen Gregor 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTMolecular methods are routinely used to estimate the effective size of populations (Ne). However, underlying model assumptions are frequently violated to an unknown extent. Although simulations can detect sources of bias and help to adjust sampling strategies and analyses methods, additional information from empirical data can also be used to calibrate methods and improve molecular Ne estimation methods. Here, we take advantage of long‐term genetic and ecological monitoring data of the grey wolf (Canis lupus) in Germany, and detailed population genetic studies in Poland, Spain and Portugal to improve Ne estimation strategies in this species, and species with similar life history traits. We first calculated Ne from average lifetime reproductive success and detailed census data from the German population, which served as a baseline to compare to molecular estimates based on linkage disequilibrium and sibship frequency. This yielded a robust Ne/Nc estimation that we used to calibrate molecular estimates of German, Polish and Iberian wolf populations. The linkage disequilibrium method was strongly influenced by spatial genetic structure, much more than the sibship frequency method. When Ne was estimated in local neighbourhoods, both methods yielded comparable results. Estimates of the metapopulation effective size seemed to correspond generally well with the sum of the estimates of local neighbourhoods. Overall, we found that the number of packs is a good proxy of the effective population size. Using this as a rule of thumb, we evaluated for all European wolf populations the Ne 500 indicator and concluded that half of the European wolf populations do not yet fulfil this criterion.
FIRM SIZE AND BUSINESS CYCLES WITH CREDIT SHOCKS
Authors: Jo In Hwan 
Published: October 2024

AbstractI study the macroeconomic implications of firm heterogeneity in the presence of financial frictions. I build a business cycle model in which firm size is jointly determined by idiosyncratic productivity and collateral constraints. I estimate skewed idiosyncratic shocks and align the model with the evidence on firm size, leverage, and investment moments. The extent of resource misallocation is driven by a small number of highly productive but financially constrained firms. A credit shock severely affects such firms, further constraining their ability to borrow. This generates a large and persistent economic downturn that is comparable to the Great Recession.
Synthesis and properties of tailored β‐tricalcium phosphate for bone filler applications
Authors: Saxena Abhinav , Vignesh R. , Roy Sabyasachi , Sahai Saumitra , Bhattacharjee D. , Basu Bikramjit , Mukherjee Subrata 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe present work reports the synthesis of highly phase pure (> 95%) β‐TCP and its subsequent conversion into granules for bone graft applications, using an industrial scale proprietary manufacturing route. Following the wet chemical approach, several process parameters, were adjusted for large volume synthesis, including pH, precursor concentration, and ripening time. The granulation process is tailored to facilitate the scalibility and control over morphology, porosity, and pore size. X‐ray diffraction analysis confirms the presence of pure β‐TCP phase where as Ca/P molar ratio of 1.497 was determined using ICP‐OES. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy depicts the presence of PO43− as a major molecular group. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of the β‐TCP powders reveal necking features, a characteristic morphology of β‐TCP. SEM images of the β‐TCP granules reveal microporosity, which aids in triggering a biological response. The TGA‐DTA curve suggests that the weight loss in pure β‐TCP is twice as compared with β‐TCP containing hydroxyapatite. Furthermore, these β‐TCP granules were clinically tested in a few orthopedic and spine surgeries. In all the treated patients, β‐TCP granules did not induce any pus formation or infection at the surgical sites, thereby establishing clinically relevant biocompatibility properties.
In situ synthesis, mechanical properties, and reaction mechanism of the WB2–SiC composites
Authors: Zhang Guihao , Long Ying , Wang Shixuan , Lin Hua‐Tay , Hu Hongfei 
Published: October 2024

AbstractIn the present work, WB2–SiC composite powders containing 20 vol.% of SiC were in situ synthesized by the boro/carbothermal reduction with WO3, SiO2, B4C, and carbon black as raw materials at 1400°C, 1500°C, and 1600°C, respectively. The as‐synthesized composite powders were then consolidated by spark plasma sintering (SPS) technique to obtain WB2–SiC composite bulk samples. The experimental results showed that the relative density of the WB2–SiC composite ceramic samples achieved in this study was higher than 97.5%. Also, electronic microscopy observations showed that SiO2 had reacted completely during the preparation process, and the SiC grains were homogenously embedded among the WB2 grains with the formation of a three‐dimensional structure. The Vickers hardness and fracture toughness values of the composite ceramic fabricated by powder heat treated at 1400°C were 24.6 ± 0.7 GPa and 5.4 ± 0.7 MPa·m1/2, respectively, which were the highest among three samples prepared in this study.
Investigation on structurally reinforced synthetic bone grafts via tricalcium silicate
Authors: Park Okmin , Rho Hyung Tay , Kim Sang‐il 
Published: October 2024

AbstractTricalcium silicate (C3S) is one of the main components of mineral trioxide aggregates, which is used in dental endodontic treatment. C3S provides workable viscosity itself and fast hydration when water is added, and it is known to be nontoxic, noncarcinogenic, nongenotoxic, biocompatible, and insoluble in tissue fluids. In this study, C3S is added to synthetic bone‐graft materials from 30% to 60% to deliver viscosity to increase workability in the early stage of implant surgical procedure and to attain some degree of compressive strength after the hydration. Additionally, the porosity is not overly reduced to maintain the ability for bone regeneration. The porosity of the samples was confirmed to be 40%–50% with the formation of the C3S matrices. Simultaneously, the maximum compressive strength was ensured at 14.9 MPa within 24 h of curing time. The radiopacity required for post‐procedural diagnosis was evaluated. The radiopacity of the samples with 50% and 60% C3S was 1.0 mm Al and 1.1 mm Al, respectively. When ZrO2 was added, the radiopacity was enhanced to 1.6 mm Al. Overall, the experimental results showed that the bone‐graft added C3S would be suitable for alveolar bone support and rigid matrix formation in implant surgery.
Does the attractiveness of K‐culture shape the enjoyment of foreign language learners of Korean?
Authors: Han Yeji , Dewaele Jean‐Marc , Kiaer Jieun 
Published: October 2024

AbstractAttraction to the target culture can be a reason to study the language, especially in the case of languages other than English (LOTEs). Recently, the number of Korean language learners has surged alongside the growing popularity of Korean pop culture (K‐pop). However, it is unknown whether the initial attraction to the culture and the first steps in that direction shape foreign language (FL) emotions in the longer term. To fill this gap, this mixed‐methods study examined to what extent the attractiveness of the Korean Culture (K‐culture) predicts foreign language enjoyment (FLE) after controlling for other established learner variables (i.e., the length of FL study, FL proficiency, frequency of FL use outside of class, and attitudes toward the teacher and FL) through sequential regression analysis. The quantitative findings are complemented by the open‐ended responses to the sources of FLE using the American Council on Teaching of Foreign Languages 3Ps framework (products, practices, and perspectives) through NVivo. A total of 782 university students studying Korean as FL completed an online survey on the attractiveness of K‐culture and FLE. The results showed that the attitude toward the teacher and attractiveness of K‐culture are the strongest predictors of FLE.
Uptake of cash benefits among children with a disability in Norway: The role of parental socioeconomic characteristics and immigrant background
Authors: Alecu Andreea Ioana , Brekke Idunn , Holmstrøm Henrik , Syse Astri 
Published: October 2024

AbstractCaring for a disabled child involves both indirect and direct economic costs, which in turn may create a financial burden for the family. Using Norway as a case, we examine if public compensatory measures reach those most in need, by assessing whether socioeconomic disadvantages and immigrant background impact adversely on the uptake of a nationally available cash benefits eligible for parents caring for a child with a disability. We take advantage of national administrative register data on children with a selection of well‐defined diagnoses born between 2009 and 2017 (N = 14,469). Our results show nonnegligible, but relatively minor, social inequalities in the uptake of cash benefits related to socioeconomic and immigrant background. Our findings indicate that this state's financial support seems to reach those most in need. However, it is essential to deepen our understanding of how socioeconomic and immigrant backgrounds influence access to and utilization of municipal healthcare services. Notably, the application process for these services often involves a greater degree of discretion on the part of welfare professionals. Further research is needed to illuminate the nuanced dynamics of these factors in the context of accessing healthcare services at the local level.
Revealing the power of informal social support: Impact on rural migrants' entrepreneurial income
Authors: Wu Guanghao , Li Jiajia , Tian Yuan , Yu Jingting 
Published: October 2024

AbstractEntrepreneurship is a typical socially embedded activity and informal social support reflects the functional manifestation of unique social relationships among rural migrants. Given the limited attention in existing research, we employed data from the nationally representative China Labor‐force Dynamics Survey to investigate the impact and mechanism of informal social support on rural migrants' entrepreneurial income. We found that informal social support and its sub‐dimensions (instrumental and emotional support) significantly positively affect rural migrants' entrepreneurial income. A series of endogeneity and robustness tests substantiate this conclusion. Mechanism analysis suggests that these effects occur through the enhancement of entrepreneurial passion and mental health. Furthermore, using a cutting‐edge machine learning method (generalised random forests) to determine the basis for variable selection in heterogeneity testing, the results reveal that industry and age have the highest importance. Subsequent analysis shows that the above effects were more significant among rural migrant entrepreneurs in labour‐intensive industries and the younger generation. Finally, the theoretical and practical significance of this study has been discussed.
Antibodies in breast milk: Pro‐bodies designed for healthy newborn development
Authors: Verhasselt Valerie , Tellier Julie , Carsetti Rita , Tepekule Burcu 
Published: October 2024

SummaryThis manuscript sheds light on the impact of maternal breast milk antibodies on infant health. Milk antibodies prepare and protect the newborn against environmental exposure, guide and regulate the offspring's immune system, and promote transgenerational adaptation of the immune system to its environment. While the transfer of IgG across the placenta ceases at birth, milk antibodies are continuously replenished by the maternal immune system. They reflect the mother's real‐time adaptation to the environment to which the infant is exposed. They cover the infant's upper respiratory and digestive mucosa and are perfectly positioned to control responses to environmental antigens and might also reach their circulation. Maternal antibodies in breast milk play a key role in the immune defense of the developing child, with a major impact on infectious disease susceptibility in both HIC and LMIC. They also influence the development of another major health burden in children—allergies. Finally, emerging evidence shows that milk antibodies also actively shape immune development. Much of this is likely to be mediated by their effect on the seeding, composition and function of the microbiota, but not only. Further understanding of the bridge that maternal antibodies provide between the child and its environment should enable the best interventions to promote healthy development.
Three‐dimensional visualization of uterine nerve fiber distribution using fluorescence micro‐optical sectioning tomography (fMOST): A pilot study
Authors: Deng Yonglan , Zhang Yirong , Gao Fei , Lin Yifeng , Li Pei , Qiu Yanjuan , Yang Lin 
Published: October 2024

AbstractStudy ObjectiveThis study aimed to observe and quantitatively analyze the morphology and distribution of uterine nerve fibers using fluorescence micro‐optical sectioning tomography (fMOST). The goal was to provide an accurate morphological reference for pathological evaluations of uterine nerves.Measurements and Main ResultsUsing fMOST technique, we observed and analyzed the distribution of nerve fibers within the uterus. Our findings revealed a radial dispersion of nerve fibers radiating from myometrium to endometrium. The cervix uteri region exhibited a high density of nerve fibers, displaying terminations in a flower spray pattern. In contrast, nerve fibers in corpus uteri were comparatively sparse. However, we identified a unique “vine‐like” pattern of a single nerve fiber extending from myometrium to endometrial layer in areas with concentrated nerves.ConclusionsThe fMOST technique is able to effectively elucidate the morphology and distribution of uterine nerve fibers. This method enables three‐dimensional visualization of nerves in myometrium and offers a novel approach to observe the pathological changes in uterine nerves.
Growing older, growing more diverse: Sea turtles and epibiotic cyanobacteria
Authors: Kanjer Lucija , Filek Klara , Mucko Maja , Lupić Mateja Zekan , Frleta‐Valić Maša , Gračan Romana , Bosak Sunčica 
Published: October 2024

AbstractCyanobacteria are known for forming associations with various animals, including sea turtles, yet our understanding of cyanobacteria associated with sea turtles remains limited. This study aims to address this knowledge gap by investigating the diversity of cyanobacteria in biofilm samples from loggerhead sea turtle carapaces, utilizing a 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing approach. The predominant cyanobacterial order identified was Nodosilineales, with the genus Rhodoploca having the highest relative abundance. Our results suggest that cyanobacterial communities become more diverse as sea turtles age, as we observed a positive correlation between community diversity and the length of a sea turtle's carapace. Since larger and older turtles predominantly utilize neritic habitats, the shift to a more diverse cyanobacterial community aligned with a change in loggerhead habitat. Our research provides detailed insights into the cyanobacterial communities associated with loggerhead sea turtles, establishing a foundation for future studies delving into this fascinating ecological relationship and its potential implications for sea turtle conservation.
Sleep in the dromedary camel: features of the ‘first night effect’
Authors: Beniaich Younes , Farsi Hicham , M'hani Mohammed El Mehdi , Piro Mohammed , Achaâban Mohamed Rachid , Challet Etienne , Pévet Paul , Satté Amal , El Allali Khalid 
Published: October 2024

SummaryThe ‘first night effect’ (FNE) is a well‐known phenomenon in polysomnographic (PSG) sleep studies, resulting in significant variations in the macrostructure of wakefulness and sleep states, particularly between the initial and subsequent sleep recording sessions. The FNE phenomenon during sleep has been studied in various species, revealing complex variations between several sessions of sleep recording. The present study used a non‐invasive PSG method to examine differences between various vigilance states in four adult female dromedary camels during 4 consecutive nights and days of sleep recording. The results indicate the presence of a FNE in the architecture of the dromedary camel's vigilance states. On the first night, the proportions of wakefulness and light non‐rapid eye movment (NREM) sleep (drowsiness) were higher, at a mean (standard error of the mean [SEM]) of 40.92% (0.88%) and 14.93% (0.37%), respectively; while the proportion of rumination (mean [SEM] 29.55% [0.92%]) was lower compared to consecutive nights. No FNE was found on deep NREM sleep, while night‐time REM sleep had a shorter proportion during the first night compared to subsequent consecutive nights. A significantly lower REM/total sleep time (TST) ratio was observed on the first night. Daytime comparisons did not show any significant differences for the different vigilance states. The increase in wakefulness and light NREM sleep and the reduction in REM sleep and REM/TST sleep on the first night indicate a decline in sleep quality in the dromedary camel due to the FNE. Thus, we recommend excluding from a PSG sleep study at least the first session/night of the recordings to ensure accurate results.
Demographic History and Adaptive Evolution of Indo‐Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) in Western Australia
Authors: Marfurt Svenja M. , Chabanne Delphine B. H. , Wittwer Samuel , Bizzozzero Manuela R. , Allen Simon J. , Gerber Livia , Nicholson Krista , Krützen Michael 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTDemographic processes can substantially affect a species' response to changing ecological conditions, necessitating the combined consideration of genetic responses to environmental variables and neutral genetic variation. Using a seascape genomics approach combined with population demographic modelling, we explored the interplay of demographic and environmental factors that shaped the current population structure in Indo‐Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) along the Western Australian coastline. We combined large‐scale environmental data gathered via remote sensing with RADseq genomic data from 133 individuals at 19 sampling sites. Using population genetic and outlier detection analyses, we identified three distinct genetic clusters, coinciding with tropical, subtropical and temperate provincial bioregions. In contrast to previous studies, our demographic models indicated that populations occupying the paleo‐shoreline split into two demographically independent lineages before the last glacial maximum (LGM). A subsequent split after the LGM 12—15 kya gave rise to the Shark Bay population, thereby creating the three currently observed clusters. Although multi‐locus heterozygosity declined from north to south, dolphins from the southernmost cluster inhabiting temperate waters had higher heterozygosity in potentially adaptive loci compared to dolphins from subtropical and tropical waters. These findings suggest ongoing adaptation to cold‐temperate waters in the southernmost cluster, possibly linked to distinct selective pressures between the different bioregions. Our study demonstrated that in the marine realm, without apparent physical boundaries, only a combined approach can fully elucidate the intricate environmental and genetic interactions shaping the evolutionary trajectory of marine mammals.