bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic differentiation and bottleneck effects in the malaria vectors Anopheles farauti and Anopheles punctulatus after an LLIN‐based vector control program in Papua New Guinea
Authors: Keven John B. , Vinit Rebecca , Katusele Michelle , Reimer Lisa J. , Zimmerman Peter A. , Karl Stephan , Walker Edward D. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractImplementation of long‐lasting insecticide‐treated net (LLIN) programs to control human malaria transmission leads to substantial reductions in the abundance of Anopheles mosquitoes, but the impact on the population genetic structure of the malaria vectors is poorly known, nor has it been investigated in Papua New Guinea, where malaria is highly endemic and where several species of Anopheles have vector roles. Here, we applied Wright's F‐statistic, analysis of molecular variance, Bayesian structure analysis, and discriminant analysis of principle components to microsatellite genotype data to analyze the population genetic structure of Anopheles farauti between and within the northern and southern lowland plains and of Anopheles punctulatus within the northern plain of Papua New Guinea after such a program. Bottleneck effects in the two malaria vectors were analyzed using Luikart and Cornuet's tests of heterozygosity. A large, panmictic population of An. punctulatus pre‐LLIN program diverged into two subregional populations corresponding to Madang and East Sepik provinces post‐LLIN distribution and experienced a genetic bottleneck during this process. By contrast, the An. farauti population existed as two regional populations isolated by mountain ranges pre‐LLIN, a genetic structure that persisted after the distribution of LLINs with no further geographic differentiation nor evidence of a genetic bottleneck. These findings show the differential response of populations of different vector species to interventions, which has implications for program sustainability and gene flow.
Feasting on the ordinary or starving for the exceptional in a warming climate: Phenological synchrony between spongy moth (Lymantria dispar) and budburst of six European tree species
Authors: Vitasse Yann , Pohl Nora , Walde Manuel G. , Nadel Hannah , Gossner Martin M. , Baumgarten Frederik 
Published: February 2024

AbstractGlobal warming is affecting the phenological cycles of plants and animals, altering the complex synchronization that has co‐evolved over thousands of years between interacting species and trophic levels. Here, we examined how warmer winter conditions affect the timing of budburst in six common European trees and the hatching of a generalist leaf‐feeding insect, the spongy moth Lymantria dispar, whose fitness depends on the synchrony between egg hatch and leaf emergence of the host tree. We applied four different temperature treatments to L. dispar eggs and twig cuttings, that mimicked warmer winters and reduced chilling temperatures that are necessary for insect diapause and bud dormancy release, using heated open‐top chambers (ambient or +3.5°C), and heated greenhouses (maintained at >6°C or >10°C). In addition, we conducted preference and performance tests to determine which tree species the larvae prefer and benefit from the most. Budburst success and twig survival were highest for all tree species at ambient temperature conditions, whereas it declined under elevated winter temperature for Tilia cordata and Acer pseudoplatanus, likely due to a lack of chilling. While L. dispar egg hatch coincided with budburst in most tree species within 10 days under ambient conditions, it coincided with budburst only in Quercus robur, Carpinus betulus, and, to a lesser extent, Ulmus glabra under warmer conditions. With further warming, we, therefore, expect an increasing mismatch in trees with high chilling requirements, such as Fagus sylvatica and A. pseudoplatanus, but still good synchronization with trees having low chilling requirements, such as Q. robur and C. betulus. Surprisingly, first instar larvae preferred and gained weight faster when fed with leaves of F. sylvatica, while Q. robur ranked second. Our results suggest that spongy moth outbreaks are likely to persist in oak and hornbeam forests in western and central Europe.
Limited spatiotemporal niche partitioning among mesocarnivores in Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique
Authors: Grabowski Kathryn L. , Phillips Erin M. , Gaynor Kaitlyn M. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractCompetition drives community composition and structure in many ecosystems. Spatial and temporal niche partitioning, in which competing species divide the environment in space or time, are mechanisms that may allow for coexistence among ecologically similar species. Such division of resources may be especially important for carnivores in African savannas, which support diverse carnivore assemblages. We used camera traps to explore patterns of spatial and temporal niche partitioning among four mesocarnivore species in Mozambique's Gorongosa National Park: large‐spotted genet (Genetta maculata), African civet (Civettictis civetta), honey badger (Mellivora capensis) and marsh mongoose (Atilax paludinosus). We applied a multispecies occupancy model to evaluate spatial partitioning among mesocarnivores and to quantify the environmental factors that affect species‐specific habitat use, including relative lion (Panthera leo) activity. We also analyzed the temporal activity overlap of the four focal species. We identified species‐specific habitat covariates that influenced detection probabilities but found no evidence of spatial or temporal partitioning among mesocarnivores in the study system. Indeed, we found some evidence for spatial co‐occurrence between two of our focal species: African civet and marsh mongoose. There may be limited competition among mesocarnivores in this system, perhaps due to niche and diet differentiation among these species and an abundance of resources. While we found limited evidence that lion activity impacts mesocarnivores, ongoing monitoring of intraguild interactions is vital as apex predator populations recover in the system. This study adds to a growing understanding of African mesocarnivore ecology and highlights the importance of understanding these dynamics for effective multispecies conservation and restoration.
Linked selection and the evolution of altruism in family‐structured populations
Authors: Thomson Lia , Espinosa Daniel Priego , Brandvain Yaniv , Van Cleve Jeremy 
Published: February 2024

AbstractMuch research on the evolution of altruism via kin selection, group selection, and reciprocity focuses on the role of a single locus or quantitative trait. Very few studies have explored how linked selection, or selection at loci neighboring an altruism locus, impacts the evolution of altruism. While linked selection can decrease the efficacy of selection at neighboring loci, it might have other effects including promoting selection for altruism by increasing relatedness in regions of low recombination. Here, we used population genetic simulations to study how negative selection at linked loci, or background selection, affects the evolution of altruism. When altruism occurs between full siblings, we found that background selection interfered with selection on the altruistic allele, increasing its fixation probability when the altruistic allele was disfavored and reducing its fixation when the allele was favored. In other words, background selection has the same effect on altruistic genes in family‐structured populations as it does on other, nonsocial, genes. This contrasts with prior research showing that linked selective sweeps can favor the evolution of cooperation, and we discuss possibilities for resolving these contrasting results.
Insights into the spatial ecology of severely injured free‐living felids: Iberian lynx, bobcat, and snow leopard
Authors: Nájera Fernando , Uiterwaal Stella F. , Crespo Elena , Grande‐Gómez Rebeca , Sánchez Juan Francisco , Mata‐Huete Manuel , Palmer Jamie , Iturrarte Gabone , Peña Jorge , Munkhtsog Bayaraa , Munkhtsog Bariushaa , Poyarkov Andrey D. , Hernandez‐Blanco Jose A. , Alexandrov Dmitry Y. , Galsandorj Naranbaatar , Deem Sharon L. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractSevere musculoskeletal diseases, such as those associated with congenital or traumatic events, that result in missing limbs may compromise the fitness and survival of free‐living felids. Here we report the space use of four amputee individuals from three felid species captured from 2017 to 2022 in Missouri (USA), Toledo and Badajoz (Spain), and Suitai Khairkhan Mountain (Mongolia). We describe home ranges and daily travel distances post‐release of free‐living felids that had either suffered a traumatic amputation or following a surgical amputation. We compared these data with those reported in the literature for felids without amputations. Forelimb or hindlimb amputation did not affect the hunting, mating, or territory patrolling behavior of any of the individuals. However, we recorded significant differences in the daily movement before and after the traumatic event of the Iberian lynx forelimb amputee. We attribute this difference to the physical impairment, although we consider other variables that may have played a role. Nevertheless, all animals appeared to cope well with their limb loss, showing home ranges and daily distances within those recorded for their sex and species. Unless amputee felids represent a threat to domestic livestock or humans, our data suggest these individuals may remain free‐living as they contribute to local population persistence and appear to maintain good general health and welfare.
Sexual dichromatism in the fur of a bat: An exploration of color differences and potential signaling functions
Authors: Beilke Elizabeth A. , Sanchez Jahshua F. , Hews Diana K. , O'Keefe Joy M. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractSex differences in body color (i.e., sexual dichromatism) are rare in bats and, more broadly, in mammals. The eastern red bat (Lasiurus borealis) is a common tree‐roosting bat that occupies much of North America and has long been described as sexually dichromatic. However, previous research on this species found that absolute body size and collection year were better predictors of fur color in preserved specimens than sex. We revisited this issue and photographed 82 live eastern red bats under standardized conditions, then used image analysis to quantify pelage hue, saturation, and value. We used an information theoretic approach to evaluate four competing hypotheses about the principal drivers of color differences in the fur of eastern red bats. Our analyses demonstrated that sex was a better predictor of pelage color than body size; males had redder, more saturated, and lighter pelages than females. Additionally, the fur color of juvenile versus adult bats differed somewhat, as juveniles were darker than adults. In general, absolute body size (i.e., forearm length in bats) was a poor predictor of color in live eastern red bats. In an exploratory post‐hoc analysis, we confirm that fur color is related to body mass (i.e., a proxy for body condition in bats), suggesting color might serve as a sexually selected signal of mate quality in this partially diurnal species. Future work should investigate the functional role of sexual dichromatism in this species, which could be related to signaling or possibly thermoregulation.
Aggregating taxa and the influence of scale: Potential concerns for analysis of stability using functional measures
Authors: Kolasa Jurek , Northey Brooke , Shaikh Mueez , Hammond Matthew 
Published: February 2024

AbstractA functional group approach to analyzing ecological processes calls for aggregating species populations' data (e.g., biomass, abundance) into larger functional units. This method offers a more direct insight into the coarse community and ecosystem dynamics than a species level. Since aggregation changes the scale of analysis, it is reasonable to expect that the results and inferences will also change. To gauge the nature and size of this effect, we examined two sets of communities using the same methodology at taxonomic and functional levels. We asked how asynchrony among constituent populations stabilizes the regional biomass or abundance in two systems: zooplankton in North American temperate lakes and rock pool invertebrates in Jamaica. We aggregated species into pairs by organism size for the functional level analysis because it correlates well with life history traits. We hypothesized that taxonomical and functional level analyses would yield different pictures and inferences. We analyzed asynchrony among local populations, metapopulations, and populations of different species at different locations. We found that in lakes, different asynchrony classes contributed to the stabilization of the regional metric than in the rock pools. We further found that aggregation of taxa into functional units changed the pattern of differences between lakes and rock pools revealed by taxonomical analysis and that each set of communities responded differently to species lumping. While aggregating taxa leads to different results, the taxonomic and functional lenses add new insights to the biological interpretation of mechanisms stabilizing communities when interpreted jointly. Specifically, population asynchrony—a known stabilizing factor—can provide complementary stabilizing mechanisms when seen through taxonomic and functional lenses. Without exposing these modes, inferences about abundance/biomass/richness stabilizing contributions arising from asynchrony will remain tenuous. Exposing these modes offers a path for significant breakthroughs in linking local, spatial, and functional structures to multispecies system dynamics.
Creating a systematic prioritization of stream reaches for conservation of aquatic species
Authors: Kiser Alexander H. , Craig Cody A. , Bonner Timothy H. , Littrell Brad , Smith Chase H. , Robertson Clinton R. , Wang Hsiao‐Hsuan , Grant William E. , Johnson Matthew S. , Lopez Roel , Randklev Charles R. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractHuman impacts on aquatic ecosystems have resulted in systemic declines of global freshwater species abundance and richness. Conservation and governmental groups worldwide have designated protected areas to preserve the remaining diversity. The biodiversity hotspot approach, which designates areas based on high levels of species richness, has been useful for identifying areas to protect both terrestrial and aquatic species. However, for freshwater species, additional approaches are warranted to identify specific stream reaches for protection and/or restoration. To address this issue, we present a methodology to create a Gridded River Identification System (GRIS) for river segments based on 30 arc‐second grids (~0.9 km) using the USGS National Hydrography High Resolution Dataset. To demonstrate the utility of this approach, we obtained occurrence data for six imperiled freshwater mussel species in Texas and created ensemble species distribution models (ESDMs) based on climate and topographical variables. Predicted occupancies were overlayed onto the GRIS in Texas. The predicted occupancies were rank ordered from 1 to 5, with 1 being the lowest probability of occupancy and 5 being the greatest. The rank‐ordered segments were then used to identify reaches for conservation and restoration activities. Our approach is novel and widely applicable to other freshwater species so long as distribution information is available. The GRIS can also be easily developed for stream systems outside of the current study area. Future studies could build upon our framework by incorporating additional taxa data and projected changes in climate and land use.
Decomposing an elevational gradient in predation by insectivorous birds
Authors: Dean Lydia S. , Vázquez‐González Carla , Hellwitz Sierra , Abdala‐Roberts Luis , Mooney Kailen A. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractInsectivorous birds have ecologically important effects on prey abundance, behavior, and evolution, and through top‐down control, birds indirectly reduce herbivory and promote plant growth. While several studies sought to characterize biogeographic patterns in top‐down control by birds, variation in bird predation along elevational gradients is not well characterized in terms of both its commonness and the mechanisms underlying such variation. Here, we characterized variation in bird predation along a 700‐m montane elevation gradient using artificial clay caterpillars, assessing the roles of variation in aridity, other elevational effects not associated with aridity (e.g., most notably growing season length), and bird abundance and diversity. Multivariate models revealed increasing attack rates with aridity (when controlling for the effects of elevation) and elevation (when controlling for aridity). Because aridity declines with elevation, elevational patterns were not detectable in a univariate analysis. Bird abundance (but not diversity) decreased with elevation (but not aridity) and did not provide an explanation for our results, suggesting that the underlying mechanisms were behaviorally based. We speculate that the declining abundance of insect prey with elevation and aridity leads to increased bird foraging efforts and thus the likelihood of attacking clay caterpillars. If widespread, these dynamics have important consequences for both the interpretation of predation bioassays generally and our understanding of the multivariate drivers of variation in top‐down control by predators and predation risks experienced by prey.
Pregnancy and cardiac maternal outcomes in women with inherited cardiomyopathy: interest of the CARPREG II risk score
Authors: Wallet Thomas , Legrand Lise , Isnard Richard , Gandjbakhch Estelle , Pousset Françoise , Proukhnitzky Julie , Dommergues Marc , Nizard Jacky , Charron Philippe 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAimsInherited cardiomyopathies are relatively rare but carry a high risk of cardiac maternal morbidity and mortality during pregnancy and postpartum. However, data for risk stratification are scarce. The new CARPREG II score improves prediction of prognosis in pregnancies associated with heart disease, though its role in inherited cardiomyopathies is unclear. We aim to describe characteristics and cardiac maternal outcomes in patients with inherited cardiomyopathy during pregnancy, and to evaluate the interest of the CARPREG II risk score in this population.Methods and resultsIn this retrospective single‐centre study, 90 consecutive pregnancies in 74 patients were included (mean age 32 ± 5 years), including 28 cases of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), 46 of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, 11 of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy and 5 of left ventricular noncompaction, excluding peripartum cardiomyopathy. The discriminatory power of several risk scores was assessed by the area under the receiver‐operating characteristic curve (AUC). Median CARPREG II score was 2 [0;3] and was higher in the DCM subgroup. A severe cardiac maternal complication was observed in 18 (20%) pregnancies, mainly driven by arrhythmia and heart failure (each event in 10 pregnancies), with 3 cardiovascular deaths. Forty‐three pregnancies (48%) presented foetal/neonatal complications (18 premature delivery, 3 foetal/neonatal death). CARPREG II was significantly associated with cardiac maternal complications (P < 0.05 for all) and showed a higher AUC (0.782) than CARPREG (0.755), mWHO (0.697) and ZAHARA (0.604).ConclusionsPregnancy in women with inherited cardiomyopathy carries a high risk of maternal cardiovascular complications. CARPREG II is the most efficient predictor of cardiovascular complications in this population.
One‐Pot Regioselective γ‐Trifluoromethylthiolation and γ‐Methylthiolation of Enals
Authors: Banoun Camille , Henault Killian , Magnier Emmanuel , Dagousset Guillaume 
Published: February 2024

AbstractWe describe herein the direct electrophilic γ‐trifluoromethylthiolation and γ‐methylthiolation of enals, via the in situ formation of the corresponding silyl dienol ether. This one‐pot process is carried out under simple and mild reaction conditions and is compatible with a variety of functional groups.
A Novel Framework Interweaving in Mesoporous AlPO4 and Its Function in CO2 Decomposition
Authors: Devi Karthika , Kannan Chellapandian 
Published: February 2024

Molecular sieves are reported with isomorphous substitution by various metal ions. In this article, interweaving between tetrahedral framework of AlPO4 and the octahedral framework of CoO to produce a novel framework material is investigated; it is named as “Kankarlite” (CoO–AlPO4‐4). It is characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), UV‐Vis analysis, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), temperature programmed desorption (TPD) analysis, and transmission electron microscopy. The special feature of the catalyst is that it has two frameworks that are interweaved together to form a novel framework, which is proved by XRD and the crystal structure is drawn by VESTA software. In CoO framework, oxygen has three coordinations, which is proved by crystal structure. An excess negative charge appears on oxygen, creating an oxyanion. The TPD is also proved the oxyanion formation. This oxyanion is responsible for decomposing CO2 with high selectivity and conversion. The AlPO4 framework's function is to create mesopores in the catalyst. The TGA and UV‐Vis analyses prove the interweaving between two frameworks. The BET analysis proves that the Kankarlite has a pore size of 4 nm.
High temperature and fire properties of sustainable syntactic foam reinforced by end‐of‐life tyre‐derived rubber particles
Authors: Buddhacosa Nathaphon , Giustozzi Fillippo , Wang Cheng , Yuen Anthony Chun Yin , Khatibi Akbar , Das Raj , Kandare Everson 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe management of end‐of‐life tyres faces challenges due to insufficient recycling infrastructure and technologies, as well as limited markets for the materials recovered from them. To mitigate this, waste rubber can be upcycled and used as filler material for polymer matrix composites. Before rubber‐reinforced composites can be certified for fire‐prone applications, their thermal and flammability properties must be understood. This research investigates the effect of rubber fillers on the thermal stability, flammability and flame spread characteristics of epoxy matrix syntactic foam. Thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier Transform Infrared spectrometry (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy and attenuated total reflection FTIR spectrometry were employed to elucidate changes in thermal degradation behaviours. The influence of rubber fillers on the flammability of syntactic foam was assessed using the cone calorimeter. The fire reaction properties of rubber‐reinforced foam were affected by the intensity of the incident heat flux. Regardless of the incident heat flux, an increase in rubber content led to higher total heat release. At the lower heat flux of 35 kW/m2, the fire growth rate increased with rubber content, but at the higher heat flux of 50 kW/m2, the fire growth rate decreased as the rubber content increased. Importantly, all rubber‐reinforced syntactic foams achieved a UL94 HB ranking and exhibited reduced flame spread rates compared to the unmodified foam. This study demonstrated the potential for upcycling waste rubber into sustainable engineering products and expanded the knowledge base on fire reaction properties and flame spread characteristics of such hybrid composite materials.