bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Altitude and ground brightness explain interpopulation variation in dorsal coloration in a lizard
Authors: Cuervo José J , Durán-García María C , Belliure Josabel 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Non-signaling functions of coloration include thermoregulation (thermal melanism hypothesis), protection against ultraviolet radiation (photoprotection hypothesis), and concealment from predators (crypsis hypothesis). We investigated whether dorsal coloration in 19 populations of spiny-footed lizards, Acanthodactylus erythrurus, across the Iberian Peninsula varies according to these functions. We captured adult males and females in each population and calculated standardized dorsum brightness estimates from photographs. We also calculated standardized ground luminosity estimates and gathered information on latitude, altitude, mean annual temperature, and mean annual solar radiation for each location. Males showed a higher percentage of black coloration and a more contrasted dorsum than females, suggesting different selection pressures on dorsal coloration in both sexes. Furthermore, males showed a darker dorsum and a higher percentage of black coloration at higher altitudes and when the ground was darker. In contrast, females exhibited a darker dorsum only when the ground was darker and a higher percentage of black coloration only at higher altitudes. We also observed that the variation of dorsum luminosity within males and the variation of dorsum luminosity among females within populations were both positively related to the variation of ground luminosity among different points within locations. Latitude, temperature, and solar radiation were not significantly related to dorsal coloration in either sex. Our results support the photoprotection and crypsis hypotheses in males and, to some extent, in females, whereas the thermal melanism hypothesis is weakly supported in both sexes. These findings suggest that there is local adaptation in the dorsal coloration of the spiny-footed lizard.
Principal component analysis revisited: fast multitrait genetic evaluations with smooth convergence
Authors: Ahlinder Jon , Hall David , Suontama Mari , Sillanpää Mikko J 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
A cornerstone in breeding and population genetics is the genetic evaluation procedure, needed to make important decisions on population management. Multivariate mixed model analysis, in which many traits are considered jointly, utilizes genetic and environmental correlations between traits to improve the accuracy. However, the number of parameters in the multitrait model grows exponentially with the number of traits which reduces its scalability. Here, we suggest using principal component analysis to reduce the dimensions of the response variables, and then using the computed principal components as separate responses in the genetic evaluation analysis. As principal components are orthogonal to each other so that phenotypic covariance is abscent between principal components, a full multivariate analysis can be approximated by separate univariate analyses instead which should speed up computations considerably. We compared the approach to both traditional multivariate analysis and factor analytic approach in terms of computational requirement and rank lists according to predicted genetic merit on two forest tree datasets with 22 and 27 measured traits, respectively. Obtained rank lists of the top 50 individuals were in good agreement. Interestingly, the required computational time of the approach only took a few seconds without convergence issues, unlike the traditional approach which required considerably more time to run (7 and 10 h, respectively). The factor analytic approach took approximately 5–10 min. Our approach can easily handle missing data and can be used with all available linear mixed effect model softwares as it does not require any specific implementation. The approach can help to mitigate difficulties with multitrait genetic analysis in both breeding and wild populations.
Comparative Genomics of the World's Smallest Mammals Reveals Links to Echolocation, Metabolism, and Body Size Plasticity
Authors: Cossette Marie-Laurence , Stewart Donald T , Shafer Aaron B A 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Originating 30 million years ago, shrews (Soricidae) have diversified into around 400 species worldwide. Shrews display a wide array of adaptations, with some species having developed distinctive traits such as echolocation, underwater diving, and venomous saliva. Accordingly, these tiny insectivores are ideal to study the genomic mechanisms of evolution and adaptation. We conducted a comparative genomic analysis of four shrew species and 16 other mammals to identify genomic variations unique to shrews. Using two existing shrew genomes and two de novo assemblies for the maritime (Sorex maritimensis) and smoky (Sorex fumeus) shrews, we identified mutations in conserved regions of the genomes, also known as accelerated regions, gene families that underwent significant expansion, and positively selected genes. Our analyses unveiled shrew-specific genomic variants in genes associated with the nervous, metabolic, and auditory systems, which can be linked to unique traits in shrews. Notably, genes suggested to be under convergent evolution in echolocating mammals exhibited accelerated regions in shrews, and pathways linked to putative body size plasticity were detected. These findings provide insight into the evolutionary mechanisms shaping shrew species, shedding light on their adaptation and divergence over time.
Chromosome Structural Rearrangements in Invasive Haplodiploid Ambrosia Beetles Revealed by the Genomes of Euwallacea fornicatus (Eichhoff) and Euwallacea similis (Ferrari) (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Scolytinae)
Authors: Bickerstaff James R M , Walsh Tom , Court Leon , Pandey Gunjan , Ireland Kylie , Cousins David , Caron Valerie , Wallenius Thomas , Slipinski Adam , Rane Rahul , Escalona Hermes E 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Bark and ambrosia beetles are among the most ecologically and economically damaging introduced plant pests worldwide. Life history traits including polyphagy, haplodiploidy, inbreeding polygyny, and symbiosis with fungi contribute to their dispersal and impact. Species vary in their interactions with host trees, with many attacking stressed or recently dead trees, such as the globally distributed Euwallacea similis (Ferrari). Other species, like the Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer Euwallacea fornicatus (Eichhoff), can attack over 680 host plants and is causing considerable economic damage in several countries. Despite their notoriety, publicly accessible genomic resources for Euwallacea Hopkins species are scarce, hampering our understanding of their invasive capabilities as well as modern control measures, surveillance, and management. Using a combination of long and short read sequencing platforms, we assembled and annotated high quality (BUSCO &gt; 98% complete) pseudo-chromosome-level genomes for these species. Comparative macrosynteny analysis identified an increased number of pseudo-chromosome scaffolds in the haplodiploid inbreeding species of Euwallacea compared to diploid outbred species, due to fission events. This suggests that life history traits can impact chromosome structure. Further, the genome of E. fornicatus had a higher relative proportion of repetitive elements, up to 17% more, than E. similis. Metagenomic assembly pipelines identified microbiota associated with both species including Fusarium fungal symbionts and a novel Wolbachia strain. These novel genomes of haplodiploid inbreeding species will contribute to the understanding of how life history traits are related to their evolution and to the management of these invasive pests.
Increased Evolutionary Rate in the Z chromosome of Sympatric and Allopatric Species of Morpho Butterflies
Authors: López Villavicencio Manuela , Ledamoisel Joséphine , Poloni Riccardo , Lopez-Roques Céline , Debat Vincent , Llaurens Violaine 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Divergent evolution of genomes among closely related species is shaped by both neutral processes and ecological forces, such as local adaptation and reinforcement. These factors can drive accelerated evolution of sex chromosomes relative to autosomes. Comparative genomic analyses between allopatric and sympatric species with overlapping or divergent ecological niches offer insights into reinforcement and ecological specialization on genome evolution. In the butterfly genus Morpho, several species coexist in sympatry, with specialization across forest strata and temporal niches. We analyzed the genomes of eight Morpho species, along with previously published genomes of three others, to compare chromosomal rearrangements and signs of positive selection in the Z chromosome vs. autosomes. We found extensive chromosomal rearrangements in Z chromosome, particularly in sympatric species with similar ecological niches, suggesting a role for inversions in restricting gene flow at a postzygotic level. Z-linked genes also exhibited significantly higher dN/dS ratios than autosomal genes across the genus, with pronounced differences in closely related species living in sympatry. Additionally, we examined the evolution of eight circadian clock genes, detecting positive selection in Period, located on the Z chromosome. Our findings suggest that the Z chromosome evolves more rapidly than autosomes, particularly among closely related species, raising questions about its role in prezygotic and postzygotic isolation mechanisms.
Learning from employer experiences with paid leave policy expansions during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Dow William H , Goodman Julia M , Lin Paloma , Park Paige 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
The United States does not have a federal policy offering employees paid leave. We study employer attitudes toward the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) federal emergency paid leave policies temporarily adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic to draw lessons for proposed permanent federal paid leave policies. We analyzed a 2021 survey of 300 San Francisco Bay Area employers to examine employers’ experiences with paid sick leave (PSL) and paid family leave (PFL) policies during the COVID-19 pandemic, along with their attitudes regarding FFCRA paid leave. Most firms reported that it was not difficult to comply with or seek reimbursement for FFCRA leave. Nevertheless, most smaller firms did report difficulty in understanding policy details, and many reported being unaware of FFCRA paid leave availability. FFCRA paid leave was broadly popular among firms aware of it: 64% supported (9% opposed) the PSL provisions, and 52% supported (12% opposed) PFL. However, support for permanent extension dropped to just over 40%, despite this Bay Area sample having long familiarity with California's state paid leave policies. We conclude that federal pandemic paid leave offers a potential model that could be refined for future paid leave policies, but support is mixed.
Effect of yeast probiotics in lactation and yeast cell wall prebiotic and Bacillus subtilis probiotic in nursery on lifetime growth performance, immune response, and carcass characteristics
Authors: Jenkins Abigail K , DeRouchey Joel M , Gebhardt Jordan T , Tokach Mike D , Woodworth Jason C , Goodband Robert D , Loughmiller Joseph A , Kremer Brian T 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Twenty-eight mixed-parity sows (Line 241; DNA) and their offspring were used to evaluate live yeast supplementation during lactation with or without a pre/probiotic combination during the nursery period on lactation performance, lifetime growth performance, and immune response. On day 110 of gestation, sows were allotted to a lactation diet with or without a live yeast probiotic (0.10% Actisaf Sc 47 HR+; Phileo by Lesaffre, Milwaukee, WI). At weaning, their offspring (350 pigs; initially 6.1 ± 0.02 kg) were randomly assigned in a 2 × 2 factorial with main effects of sow treatment and nursery treatment consisting of a control diet or a diet with a yeast cell wall prebiotic and Bacillus subtilis probiotic (0.10% YB; Phileo by Lesaffre, Milwaukee, WI) fed for 42 d followed by common diets fed until marketing. Two nursery pens were combined into 1 finishing pen, such that there were 5 and 10 pigs per pen with 17 or 18 and 8 or 9 replications per treatment during the nursery and finishing periods, respectively. There were no significant effects of yeast supplementation on lactation performance (P ≥ 0.079). There was a sow × nursery diet interaction (P = 0.024) on nursery ADG. Pigs from yeast-fed sows had increased ADG when fed control nursery diets compared to pigs from control sows fed the control nursery diet with pigs fed pre/probiotic nursery diets intermediate, regardless of sow diet. Pigs from yeast-fed sows tended (P = 0.067) to have greater final body weight (BW) (day 165). A subset of pigs was sampled throughout their lifetime to determine serum porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae antibody sample-to-positive (S/P) ratios and percentage inhibition of Lawsonia intracellularis. There was a tendency for a PCV2 S/P ratio sow diet × day interaction (P = 0.097) where progeny from yeast-fed sows had higher PCV2 S/P ratios at 101 d of age compared to control sow progeny (P = 0.046). There was a PCV2 S/P ratio nursery diet × day interaction (P = 0.036) where pigs fed a pre/probiotic combination had reduced S/P ratios at 66, 78, and 162 d of age (P ≤ 0.022); however, at 22 d of age pigs fed a pre/probiotic combination tended to have an increased S/P ratio (P = 0.051). In conclusion, the effects of combining a yeast probiotic in lactation diets and a pre/probiotic in nursery diets were not additive. However, feeding a live yeast probiotic during lactation resulted in tendencies (P ≤ 0.10) for increased progeny final BW and hot carcass weight.
A chromosome-level genome assembly for the desert scorpion Mesobuthus przewalskii from Asian drylands
Authors: Su Yan-Kai , Xiu Ming-Hua , Yang Hao-Yan , Shi Cheng-Min 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Scorpions are an ancient and charismatic group of arthropods with medical importance, but a high-quality reference genome for this group is still lacking. Here we perform whole-genome sequencing of Mesobuthus przewalskii, a desert scorpion endemic to the Taklimakan Desert. We combine PacBio HiFi sequencing and Hi-C chromosome conformation capturing to generate chromosomal-level, haplotype-resolved, and fully annotated genome assembly for this medically important scorpion. The assembly consists of two haplotypes (1,052.01 Mbp and 1,055.19 Mbp, respectively) reaching chromosome-level contiguity and &gt;98% BUSCO (Benchmarking Universal Single-Copy Orthologs) completeness. Sequences were anchored in 13 chromosomes with a contig N50 of 34.44 Mbp and scaffold N50 of 81.43 Mbp. Several key genome features and the mitochondrial genome assembly were also provided. This genome represents the fifth but the most complete assembly for the order Scorpiones.
Winter torpor patterns of tricolored bats (Perimyotis subflavus) in the southeastern United States
Authors: Sirajuddin Pallavi , Loeb Susan C , Britzke Eric R , Peoples Brandon K , Jachowski David S 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
The Tricolored Bat (Perimyotis subflavus) has suffered significant population declines in much of its geographic range due to white-nose syndrome (WNS). Our aim was to describe the torpor patterns of tricolored bats within the southeastern United States to further our understanding of their winter ecology and potential susceptibility to WNS in currently unimpacted areas based on data from bats in both a WNS-affected hibernaculum and an unaffected hibernaculum. We placed temperature-sensitive radio transmitters on tricolored bats in a site in northwestern South Carolina that was WNS-positive and another site in northwestern Florida that was WNS-negative, and determined torpid and arousal skin temperatures (TSK), torpor bout duration (TBD), and arousal duration (AD) during 3 winters. Mean hibernacula temperature (TH) and vapor pressure deficit (VPDH) in both hibernacula were within the range of optimal Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd) growth (TH = 12.7 to 13.6 °C, VPDH = 0.028 to 0.059 kPA). Mean torpid TSK was 15.7 ± 0.1 °C and mean TBD was 4.1 ± 0.2 days across sites. Sex was the best predictor of TBD with males having significantly longer TBD than females. Torpid TSK was positively related to TH and negatively related to VPDH. Because the TSK of a bat was similar to the optimal growth temperatures of Pd, our findings suggest that even though winters in the southeastern United States are more benign than in other parts of the Tricolored Bat range, the warmer temperatures in southern hibernacula may provide optimal conditions for the growth of Pd. Greater understanding of the physiological responses of tricolored bats in hibernacula across their range will provide important data on the potential for WNS morbidity and mortality in unaffected areas and allow for a better distribution of resources for prevention and treatment of WNS.
Multiscale scanning with nuisance parameters
Authors: König Claudia , Munk Axel , Werner Frank 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
We develop a multiscale scanning method to find anomalies in a d-dimensional random field in the presence of nuisance parameters. This covers the common situation that either the baseline-level or additional parameters such as the variance are unknown and have to be estimated from the data. We argue that state of the art approaches to determine asymptotically correct critical values for multiscale scanning statistics will in general fail when such parameters are naively replaced by plug-in estimators. Instead, we suggest to estimate the nuisance parameters on the largest scale and to use (only) smaller scales for multiscale scanning. We prove a uniform invariance principle for the resulting adjusted multiscale statistic, which is widely applicable and provides a computationally feasible way to simulate asymptotically correct critical values. We illustrate the implications of our theoretical results in a simulation study and in a real data example from super-resolution STED microscopy. This allows us to identify interesting regions inside a specimen in a pre-scan with controlled family-wise error rate.
Unveiling the secrets of lotus seed longevity: insights into adaptive strategies for extended storage
Authors: Sun Heng , Xin Jia , Ullah Abid , Song Heyun , Chen Lin , Yang Dong , Deng Xianbao , Liu Juan , Ming Ray , Zhang Minghua , Yang Hui , Dong Gangqiang , Yang Mei 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Seed longevity is crucial for long-term storage, but prolonged unfavorable conditions can lead to loss of viability. This study integrated theoretical and experimental techniques to elucidate the inherent mechanisms underlying the unique ability of lotus seeds to maintain stable viability over many years. Transcriptome analysis and microscopy revealed a sturdy structure of the lotus seed pericarp, which predominantly expressed cellulose synthase genes involved in cell wall biogenesis. The cotyledon serves as a nutrient source for seeds during long-term storage. Additionally, the inactivation of chlorophyll degradation pathways may allow for the retention of chlorophyll in the lotus seed plumule, potentially enhancing the environmental adaptability of lotus seedlings. Reduced abundance of transcripts corresponding to heat shock protein genes could impact protein processing and consequently diminish the vitality of aging lotus seeds. Moreover, an expansion in the number of seed maturation and defense response genes was observed in the lotus genome compared with 11 other species, which might represent an adaptive strategy against long-term adverse storage conditions. Overall, these findings are crucial for understanding the mechanisms underlying lotus seed longevity and may inform future improvements in the extended storage periods of seed crops.
Health Literacy and Health-Related Habits among Conscripts in the Norwegian Armed Forces—A Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Vejrup Kristine , Engel Tim Niklas , Lillegård Hanne Johansen , Strand Sara Kristine , Stein Linda , Olsen-Bergem Heming 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Although health information is widely available to the Norwegian population a lack of health literacy is still common and considered a public health challenge. However, there is limited information on the health literacy of the adolescent population in Norway. The purpose of this pilot study was to assess health literacy and self-reported health habits among soldiers in basic military training, both in field, camp, and home settings. Furthermore, we aimed to investigate which health habits characterize soldiers with inadequate health literacy.

Methods
An electronic questionnaire was sent out to conscripts who completed first-time military service in 2022 and was answered by 2,225 conscripts. Descriptive statistics were performed using cross-tabulations, correlations, and chi-squared tests. The survey is part of an internal quality study of the Norwegian Armed Forces routines. It is approved by the Norwegian Armed Forces joint medical services.

Results
In the study population, 43% scored inadequate health literacy on the European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire-Q12 (HLS-Q12), and 57% scored adequate health literacy. We found a significant difference between those having inadequate and adequate HLS-Q12 scores in categories of self-rated health habits of oral health and diet with lower scores in the inadequate score group. The use of tobacco during field exercise in camp and at home was higher in the group of conscripts with adequate health literacy scores. The conscripts generally reported a lower standard of health habits during field exercises with significantly less brushing and flossing, higher use of tobacco products and higher consumption of energy drinks and sugary snacks compared to reported habits in camp and at home.

Conclusion
The results from our study suggest that the conscripts in the Norwegian Armed Forces have a lower health literacy than the general population, and this is reflected in reported higher frequency of unhealthy habits in service settings than at home. The Armed Forces have an opportunity to take responsibility to optimize the health skills of their soldiers and to encourage them to make informed decisions about their own health. Improved adaptation to the national recommendations regarding nutrition, tobacco use, and oral health are areas having the potential to greatly improve the overall health habits of conscripts.