bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The burden of anthropogenic changes and mutation load in a critically endangered harrier from the Reunion biodiversity hotspot, Circus maillardi
Authors: Bourgeois Yann , Warren Ben H. , Augiron Steve 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAnthropogenic impact is causing the decline of a large proportion of species worldwide and reduces their genetic diversity. Island species typically have smaller ranges than continental species. As a consequence, island species are particularly liable to undergo population bottlenecks, giving rise to conservation challenges such as inbreeding and unmasking of deleterious genetic load. Such challenges call for more detailed assessments of the genetic make‐up of threatened island populations. The Mascarene islands (Indian Ocean) present many prime examples, being unusual in having been pristine until first human arrival ~400 years ago, following which anthropogenic pressure was unusually intense. A threatened harrier (Circus maillardi) endemic to the westernmost island of the archipelago is a good example of the challenges faced by species that have declined to small population size following intense anthropogenic pressure. In this study, we use an extensive set of population genomic tools to quantify variation at near‐neutral and coding loci, in order to test the historical impact of human activity on this species, and evaluate the species' (mal)adaptive potential. We observed low but significant genetic differentiation between populations on the West and North‐East sides of the island, echoing observations in other endemic species. Inbreeding was significant, with a substantial fraction of samples being first or second‐degree relatives. Historical effective population sizes have declined from ~3000 to 300 individuals in the past 1000 years, with a more recent drop ~100 years ago consistent with human activity. Based on our simulations and comparisons with a close relative (Circus melanoleucos), this demographic history may have allowed purging of the most deleterious variants but is unlikely to have allowed the purging of mildly deleterious variants. Our study shows how using relatively affordable methods can reveal the massive impact that human activity may have on the genetic diversity and adaptive potential of island populations, and calls for urgent action to closely monitor the reproductive success of such endemic populations, in association with genetic studies.
The optimization of microbial functions through rational environmental manipulations
Authors: Sánchez Álvaro , Arrabal Andrea , San Román Magdalena , Díaz‐Colunga Juan 
Published: February 2024

AbstractMicroorganisms play a central role in biotechnology and it is key that we develop strategies to engineer and optimize their functionality. To this end, most efforts have focused on introducing genetic manipulations in microorganisms which are then grown either in monoculture or in mixed‐species consortia. An alternative strategy to optimize microbial processes is to rationally engineer the environment in which microbes grow. The microbial environment is multidimensional, including factors such as temperature, pH, salinity, nutrient composition, etc. These environmental factors all influence the growth and phenotypes of microorganisms and they generally “interact” with one another, combining their effects in complex, non‐additive ways. In this piece, we overview the origins and consequences of these “interactions” between environmental factors and discuss how they have been built into statistical, bottom‐up predictive models of microbial function to identify optimal environmental conditions for monocultures and microbial consortia. We also overview alternative “top‐down” approaches, such as genetic algorithms, to finding optimal combinations of environmental factors. By providing a brief summary of the state of this field, we hope to stimulate further work on the rational manipulation and optimization of the microbial environment.
High attenuation mucus in bronchi with allergic bronchopulmonary mycosis
Authors: Hattori Shigeaki , Oguma Tsuyoshi , Ishiguro Takashi , Suzuki Junko , Fukunaga Koichi , Shimoda Terufumi , Kimura Hirokazu , Obase Yasushi , Okada Naoki , Tanaka Jun , Kitahara Asako , Tomomatsu Katsuyoshi , Shiraishi Yoshiki , Asano Koichiro 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundHigh‐attenuation mucus (HAM) is a specific manifestation of allergic bronchopulmonary mycosis (ABPM) on chest computed tomography (CT).ObjectivesTo compare the diagnostic accuracy of the two definitions of HAM and to clarify the clinical and radiographic characteristics of HAM‐positive and HAM‐negative ABPM.MethodsCT images at the diagnosis of ABPM using Asano's criteria were retrospectively analysed. In Study #1, radiographic data obtained using the same CT apparatus in a single institute were analysed to determine the agreement between the two definitions of HAM: a mucus plug that is visually denser than the paraspinal muscles or that with a radiodensity ≥70 Hounsfield units. In Study #2, HAM was diagnosed by comparison with the paraspinal muscles in patients with ABPM reporting to 14 medical institutes in Japan.ResultsIn Study #1, 93 mucus plugs from 26 patients were analysed. A substantial agreement for HAM diagnosis was observed between the two methods, with a κ coefficient of 0.72. In Study #2, 60 cases of ABPM were analysed; mucus plugs were present in all cases and HAM was diagnosed in 45 (75%) cases. The median A. fumigatus‐specific IgE titre was significantly lower in HAM‐positive patients than in HAM‐negative patients (2.5 vs. 24.3 UA/mL, p = .004). Nodular shadows were observed more frequently in the airways distal to HAM than in those distal to non‐HAM mucus plugs (59% vs. 32%, p < .001).ConclusionIn conclusion, agreement between the two methods to diagnose HAM was substantial. HAM was associated with some immunological and radiographic characteristics, including lower levels of sensitization to A. fumigatus and the presence of distal airway lesions.
What Drives House Prices in Europe?
Authors: Ciocchetta Federica , Guglielminetti Elisa , Mistretta Alessandro 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBoom‐and‐bust cycles in the housing market pose a threat to macroeconomic and financial stability, thus calling for a timely assessment of imbalances. This work sheds light on the drivers of house price dynamics in some euro area economies, investigating the risks of overheating. We show that an Error‐Correction‐Model (ECM) featuring a long‐run relationship between house prices and income and short‐run effects of interest rates and housing supply fits the data well in most cases. We then propose a novel model‐based misalignment indicator and find that extrapolative house price expectations play an important role in the build‐up of speculative bubbles.
Efficacy of microchips and 3D sensors for orthodontic force measurement: A systematic review of in vitro studies
Authors: Ardila Carlos M. , Arrubla‐Escobar Daniel E. , Vivares‐Builes Annie Marcela 
Published: February 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of microchips and 3D microsensors in the measurement of orthodontic forces.MethodsThrough September 2023, comprehensive searches were conducted on PubMed/MEDLINE, SCOPUS and SCIELO without restrictions.ResultsAfter removing duplicate entries and applying the eligibility criteria, 23 studies were included for analysis. All the studies were conducted in vitro, and slightly more than half of them were centred on evaluating orthodontic forces exerted by aligners. Eight utilized microchips as measurement tools, while the remaining studies made use of 3D microsensors for their assessments. In the context of fixed appliances, key findings included a high level of agreement in 3‐dimensional orthodontic force detection between simulation results and actual applied forces. Incorporating critical force‐moment combinations during smart bracket calibration reduced measurement errors for most components. Translational tooth movement revealed a moment‐to‐force ratio, aligning with the bracket's centre of resistance. The primary findings in relation to aligners revealed several significant factors affecting the forces exerted by them. Notably, the foil thickness and staging were found to have a considerable impact on these forces, with optimal force transmission occurring at a layer height of 150 μm. Furthermore, the type of material used in 3D‐printing aligners influenced the force levels, with attachments proving effective in generating extrusive forces. Deliberate adjustments in aligner thickness were observed to alter the forces and moments generated.ConclusionsMicrochips and 3D sensors provide precise and quantitative measurements of orthodontic forces in in vitro studies, enabling accurate monitoring and control of tooth movement.
A novel PGPR strain, Streptomyces lasalocidi JCM 3373T, alleviates salt stress and shapes root architecture in soybean by secreting indole‐3‐carboxaldehyde
Authors: Lu Liang , Liu Ning , Fan Zihui , Liu Minghao , Zhang Xiaxia , Tian Juan , Yu Yanjun , Lin Honghui , Huang Ying , Kong Zhaosheng 
Published: February 2024

AbstractWhile soybean (Glycine max L.) provides the most important source of vegetable oil and protein, it is sensitive to salinity, which seriously endangers the yield and quality during soybean production. The application of Plant Growth‐Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) to improve salt tolerance for plant is currently gaining increasing attention. Streptomycetes are a major group of PGPR. However, to date, few streptomycetes has been successfully developed and applied to promote salt tolerance in soybean. Here, we discovered a novel PGPR strain, Streptomyces lasalocidi JCM 3373T, from 36 strains of streptomycetes via assays of their capacity to alleviate salt stress in soybean. Microscopic observation showed that S. lasalocidi JCM 3373T does not colonise soybean roots. Chemical analysis confirmed that S. lasalocidi JCM 3373T secretes indole‐3‐carboxaldehyde (ICA1d). Importantly, IAC1d inoculation alleviates salt stress in soybean and modulates its root architecture by regulating the expression of stress‐responsive genes GmVSP, GmPHD2 and GmWRKY54 and root growth‐related genes GmPIN1a, GmPIN2a, GmYUCCA5 and GmYUCCA6. Taken together, the novel PGPR strain, S. lasalocidi JCM 3373T, alleviates salt stress and improves root architecture in soybean by secreting ICA1d. Our findings provide novel clues for the development of new microbial inoculant and the improvement of crop productivity under salt stress.
Lung ultrasound is a promising screening tool to rule out interstitial lung disease in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Otaola M. , Paulin F. , Rosemffet M. , Balcazar J. , Perandones M. , Orausclio P. , Cazenave T. , Rossi S. , Marciano S. , Schneeberger E. , Citera G. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackground and ObjectiveIt is still controversial how to screen for interstitial lung disease (ILD) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We aimed to evaluate the performance of lung ultrasound (LUS) as a screening tool for RA‐ILD and to compare it with the performance of chest auscultation, chest x‐ray and pulmonary function tests (PFTs).MethodsCross‐sectional study of consecutive RA patients evaluated at a Rheumatology Clinic in Buenos Aires between January and December 2022. High‐resolution computed tomography (HRCT) was the gold standard for diagnosing ILD and was performed within 30 days of the LUS, chest x‐ray and PFTs. Investigators were blinded to HRCT results and patients' clinical data. LUS was performed by exploring 14 areas and was considered positive when the sum of B lines was ≥5. Performance for the diagnosis of ILD was reported for each diagnostic test.ResultsOne hundred and six patients were included; 87 (82%) were women. Median age was 60.9 (±9.5) years‐old. A total of 32 (30.2%, 95% CI: 21.6%–39.9%) had ILD. The sensitivity and negative predictive value of LUS were 90.6% (95% CI 75.0%–98.0%) and 94.7% (95% CI 85.4%–98.9%), respectively. LUS performance was superior to that of the other evaluated diagnostic tests for screening ILD.ConclusionsGiven that the US is a low‐cost point‐of‐care tool with a high negative predictive value, it is emerging as a valuable tool for ruling out ILD in patients with RA.image
Spatial spillovers in trade agreement memberships: Does institutional proximity matter?
Authors: Liu Renliang , Stengos Thanasis , Sun Yiguo 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis paper examines spatial spillovers in the formation of preferential trade agreements (PTAs) through a new channel of institutional proximity. Our dependent variable is the status of PTAs between country attributes within a country‐pair. The explanatory variable of interest is the status of PTAs in neighbouring country‐pairs that share proximity in institutional development. We consider democracy and economic freedom as the main aspects of institutions, and use both as the fundamental components of institutional distance between country‐pairs. Employing a spatial econometric method, we find strong evidence of the institutional interdependence of PTAs: country‐pairs tend to influence each other's decision on the formation and the chosen type of PTAs (i.e., deep or shallow), such a neighbourhood effect increases with institutional proximity and is more prominent for the decisions on the type of PTAs. The institutional spatial channel is robust to various robustness checks.
European long‐term care marketisation: A political economy framework
Authors: Mercille Julien 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe study of European long‐term care (LTC) marketisation is dominated by institutional and ideational perspectives. In contrast, political economic theoretical frameworks have received little attention. This is paradoxical, because marketisation is an inherently political economic phenomenon. The financialisation of LTC systems, the growth of private for‐profit providers and the rise in cross‐national investments are proceeding apace, yet, they have been neglected by conventional approaches. This paper presents a political economy theoretical framework to study LTC marketisation. In contrast to conventional perspectives, it locates the drivers of marketisation within (neoliberal) capitalism; conceives of the state as significantly aligned with the interests of the business sector; interprets ideology as often originating in the material interests of the latter; examines ‘power struggles’ between, in particular, private providers on one hand and the public/non‐profit sector and care workers on the other hand. These power struggles take place in LTC financing, privatisation, regulation, financialisation and labour flexibility. In those struggles, private providers assert their power (structural, institutional and instrumental) to shape marketisation; however, they can encounter resistance. The framework also examines the outcomes of marketisation and is illustrated empirically by reference to Irish LTC.
The effects of science inquiry on engagement for elementary students with disabilities
Authors: Taylor Jonte C. , Stocker James D. , Sharp Starlette M. , Therrien William , Hand Brian 
Published: February 2024

AbstractStudents with disabilities (SWD) have consistently been excluded in science in science classrooms. As inquiry‐based instruction is the preferred method of science instruction, finding the best ways to teach using inquiry as an inclusive methodology is essential. The Science Writing Heuristic (SWH) is an argument‐based inquiry approach that has shown to be successful for SWD. The current study examines the efficacy of the SWH in inclusive elementary classrooms for SWD, specifically focusing on engagement. We introduce a theoretical framework for engagement for SWD across instructional needs. Additionally, the study analyzes behavioral observation data on engagement to evaluate the efficacy of the SWH for SWD. Randomly selected classrooms in treatment and control conditions across four rural midwestern schools participated in the current study. Teachers in the treatment group were trained in using the SWH approach for science instruction and compared to teachers in a control group who taught science using the district‐approved curriculum and methods. Mean scores were compared between SWD in SWH classrooms and their peers without disabilities and SWD in control classrooms. Multiple statistical and effect size analyses were conducted. Findings suggest that the SWH is an effective instructional approach that supports SWD in classroom engagement.
Participant‐driven salient beliefs regarding abortion: Implications for abortion attitude measurement
Authors: Jozkowski Kristen N. , Bueno Xiana , LaRoche Kathryn , Crawford Brandon L. , Turner Ronna C. , Lo Wen‐Juo 
Published: February 2024

AbstractObjectiveGuided by the Reasoned Action Approach, we used a salient belief elicitation (SBE) to elicit participant‐generated beliefs regarding abortion. SBE is a formative research technique used to elicit people's control (i.e., perceived facilitators and barriers associated with a behavior), behavioral (i.e., perceived positive and negative consequences of doing a behavior), and normative (i.e., influence of important people/peers regarding a behavior) beliefs regarding a particular behavior (i.e., abortion).MethodsWe administered our SBE to English‐ and Spanish‐speaking U.S. adults (N = 608) from NORC's AmeriSpeak® panel. We used inductive content and thematic analyses to assess open‐ended questions.ResultsWe found that participants’ control and behavioral beliefs referenced circumstances used to assess abortion attitudes in polling item (e.g., rape) and reasons people seek abortion (e.g., financial reasons) as well as potential negative emotions (e.g., shame) and positive consequences (e.g., autonomy) associated with abortion. Participants indicated pregnant people's partners and people seeking abortion as salient referents.ConclusionParticipants mentioned several contexts reflected in common measures used to assess abortion attitudes by national polls and surveys. However, we also found other relevant circumstances not reflected in common measures and a range of salient referents. We recommend abortion attitudes measures account for these participant‐driven salient beliefs.
An analysis of keloid patient questions on Reddit
Authors: Wang Jennifer , Patel Paras , Jagdeo Jared 
Published: February 2024

AbstractReddit is one of the world's leading social media platforms, fostering active community discussions on a variety of topics including keloids. The prevalence and reach of conversations on Reddit underscore the need to investigate and understand patient perspectives and gaps in knowledge. Herein, we present an in‐depth analysis of questions and concerns of Reddit users on keloids, offering valuable insights into patient experiences, knowledge gaps and treatment preferences. The study presents a distinct approach by harnessing the power of social media data to understand patient perspectives, which may not be readily apparent in clinical settings. All posts on the ‘Hot’ page of the subreddit r/Keloids were analyzed. Questions were categorized and subcategorized to reveal common themes. A total of 644 questions from 513 posts between 26 March 2017 and 28 August 2023 were identified and analyzed. Reddit users most frequently asked questions regarding keloid management (57.5%). Other common categories included uncertainty regarding diagnosis or symptoms (15.1%), living with keloids (7.5%) and causes or triggers (6.2%). This analysis highlights critical areas of patient knowledge gaps and potential misconceptions regarding keloids. For dermatologists, understanding these patient questions is crucial. Such insights allow for patient‐centric education and treatments, ensuring more effective and comprehensive care.
Decay rates for the 4D energy‐critical nonlinear heat equation
Authors: Kosloff Leonardo , Niche César J. , Planas Gabriela 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn this paper, we address the decay of solutions to the four‐dimensional energy‐critical nonlinear heat equation in the critical space . Recently, it was proven that the norm of solutions goes to zero when time goes to infinity, but no decay rates were established. By means of the Fourier Splitting Method and using properties arising from the scale invariance, we obtain an algebraic upper bound for the decay rate of solutions.
Myths and Methodologies: Understanding the health impact of head down bedrest for the benefit of older adults and astronauts. Study protocol of the Canadian Bedrest Study
Authors: Hajj‐Boutros Guy , Sonjak Vita , Faust Andréa , Balram Sharmila , Lagacé Jean‐Christophe , St‐Martin Philippe , Divsalar Donya Naz , Sadeghian Farshid , Liu‐Ambrose Teresa , Blaber Andrew P. , Dionne Isabelle J. , Duchesne Simon , Kontulainen Saija , Theou Olga , Morais José A. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractWeightlessness during spaceflight can harm various bodily systems, including bone density, muscle mass, strength and cognitive functions. Exercise appears to somewhat counteract these effects. A terrestrial model for this is head‐down bedrest (HDBR), simulating gravity loss. This mirrors challenges faced by older adults in extended bedrest and space environments. The first Canadian study, backed by the Canadian Space Agency, Canadian Institutes of Health Research, and Canadian Frailty Network, aims to explore these issues. The study seeks to: (1) scrutinize the impact of 14‐day HDBR on physiological, psychological and neurocognitive systems, and (2) assess the benefits of exercise during HDBR. Eight teams developed distinct protocols, harmonized in three videoconferences, at the McGill University Health Center. Over 26 days, 23 participants aged 55–65 underwent baseline measurements, 14 days of −6° HDBR, and 7 days of recovery. Half did prescribed exercise thrice daily combining resistance and endurance exercise for a total duration of 1 h. Assessments included demographics, cardiorespiratory fitness, bone health, body composition, quality of life, mental health, cognition, muscle health and biomarkers. This study has yielded some published outcomes, with more forthcoming. Findings will enrich our comprehension of HDBR effects, guiding future strategies for astronaut well‐being and aiding bedrest‐bound older adults. By outlining evidence‐based interventions, this research supports both space travellers and those enduring prolonged bedrest.
A Bayesian Multi-Fidelity Neural Network to Predict Nonlinear Frequency Backbone Curves
Authors: Najera-Flores David A. , Ortiz Jonel , Khan Moheimin Y. , Kuether Robert J. , Miles Paul R. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The use of structural mechanics models during the design process often leads to the development of models of varying fidelity. Often low-fidelity models are efficient to simulate but lack accuracy, while the high-fidelity counterparts are accurate with less efficiency. This paper presents a multifidelity surrogate modeling approach that combines the accuracy of a high-fidelity finite element model with the efficiency of a low-fidelity model to train an even faster surrogate model that parameterizes the design space of interest. The objective of these models is to predict the nonlinear frequency backbone curves of the Tribomechadynamics research challenge benchmark structure which exhibits simultaneous nonlinearities from frictional contact and geometric nonlinearity. The surrogate model consists of an ensemble of neural networks that learn the mapping between low and high-fidelity data through nonlinear transformations. Bayesian neural networks are used to assess the surrogate model's uncertainty. Once trained, the multifidelity neural network is used to perform sensitivity analysis to assess the influence of the design parameters on the predicted backbone curves. Additionally, Bayesian calibration is performed to update the input parameter distributions to correlate the model parameters to the collection of experimentally measured backbone curves.