bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sampling through space and time: multi-year analysis reveals dynamic population genetic patterns for an amphibian metapopulation
Authors: Moore Chloe E. , Mims Meryl C. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractMetapopulations are dynamic, and population genetics can reveal both spatial and temporal metapopulation variation. Yet, population genetic studies often focus on samples collected within a single time period or combine samples taken across time periods due to limited resources and the assumption that these approaches capture patterns and processes occurring over decadal and longer temporal scales. However, this may leave important fine-scale temporal variation in genetic composition undetected, particularly for metapopulations in which dynamic populations are expected. We investigated temporal patterns of population genetic diversity, effective population size, and differentiation across three sample periods for a dryland amphibian metapopulation. We sampled nine distinct Arizona treefrog (Hyla (Dryophytes) wrightorum) breeding ponds in 2014, 2018/2019, and 2021 and genotyped 17 microsatellite loci to quantify spatial and temporal population genetic dynamics. Genetic diversity within and between populations varied significantly among years. Most notably, we identified a concerning decline in allelic richness across populations, with an average − 26.11% difference between a population’s first and last sample period. Effective population sizes were generally small (Ne < 100) and variable within and among populations over time, with many populations falling below common conservation thresholds by the final sample period. Trends in global genetic diversity, as measured by heterozygosity, and population differentiation were relatively consistent across all sampling periods. Overall, we found that “snapshot” or single-time sampling approaches may miss temporal variability in genetic composition that has important conservation implications, including early warning signs of decline in genetic diversity.
Towards a genomic resolution of the Phengaris alcon species complex
Authors: Lucek Kay , Blattner Lucas , Cornet Camille , Chittaro Yannick , Erhardt Andreas , Jaun Andreas , Jost Bernhard , Winiger Nathalie , Wymann Hans-Peter , Dušej Goran 
Published: January 2024

AbstractTaxonomic entities below the species level often pose difficulties for conservation practice, especially when they are ecologically distinct from the nominal species. Genomic tools provide the opportunity to study and potentially resolve such cryptic diversity. The Alcon blue butterfly Phengaris alcon species complex is such a cryptic example, comprising different ecotypes or even subspecies, one of them is the high elevation taxon P. rebeli from the European Alps. We sequenced a first reference genome for Phengaris alcon. Furthermore, we generated whole genome resequence data for individuals of three Swiss ecotypes, i.e., the low elevation P. alcon, the mid elevation and high elevation alpine P. rebeli and integrated genomic data from across Europe to study the relationship among these ecotypes. At a European scale, our results suggest that for the P. alcon complex, biogeography and the evolutionary context of diversification is more multifaceted than previously suggested, falling in the range of more recent ecological speciation. In Switzerland, the three ecotypes were genetically isolated with only limited current gene flow between them. Past gene flow, however, could have given rise to the mid elevation ecotype. Our findings emphasise that high elevation P. rebeli in the Alps should be treated as a distinct species. Our study highlights how the availability of reference genome assemblies allows to address so far open taxonomic questions in conservation research and that broadscale studies are needed to understand the biogeographic history of apparent diversification.
Two sample Mendelian Randomisation using an outcome from a multilevel model of disease progression
Authors: Lawton Michael , Ben-Shlomo Yoav , Gkatzionis Apostolos , Hu Michele T. , Grosset Donald , Tilling Kate 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIdentifying factors that are causes of disease progression, especially in neurodegenerative diseases, is of considerable interest. Disease progression can be described as a trajectory of outcome over time—for example, a linear trajectory having both an intercept (severity at time zero) and a slope (rate of change). A technique for identifying causal relationships between one exposure and one outcome in observational data whilst avoiding bias due to confounding is two sample Mendelian Randomisation (2SMR). We consider a multivariate approach to 2SMR using a multilevel model for disease progression to estimate the causal effect an exposure has on the intercept and slope. We carry out a simulation study comparing a naïve univariate 2SMR approach to a multivariate 2SMR approach with one exposure that effects both the intercept and slope of an outcome that changes linearly with time since diagnosis. The simulation study results, across six different scenarios, for both approaches were similar with no evidence against a non-zero bias and appropriate coverage of the 95% confidence intervals (for intercept 93.4–96.2% and the slope 94.5–96.0%). The multivariate approach gives a better joint coverage of both the intercept and slope effects. We also apply our method to two Parkinson’s cohorts to examine the effect body mass index has on disease progression. There was no strong evidence that BMI affects disease progression, however the confidence intervals for both intercept and slope were wide.
Ṇitrogen footprint of Korean beef cattle farms: Scenarios toward more sustainable production
Authors: Byun Jun Suk , Kim Tae Hoon , Ibidhi Ridha , Bharanidharan Rajaraman , Lee Yookyung , Kim Kyoung Hoon 
Published: January 2024

AbstractNitrogen (N) lost during beef cattle production accompanies various environmental risks and has become a rising concern among agricultural stakeholders. The objective of this study was to quantify the N footprint of producing Hanwoo beef cattle, which is a Korean indigenous breed of cattle, in Korea at the farm gate through a life cycle assessment approach. Field surveys were conducted on 106 farms across 9 provinces to identify regional distinctions in farming systems and evaluate total N losses from beef production. N losses were calculated using emission factors from the refined IPCC guidelines, which were then expressed as N footprint (g N/kg of live body weight (LBW)). Uncertainty and sensitivity analyses were deployed to evaluate the precision of the results and identify factors that contributed to the output. The N footprint averaged 132.7(± 61.8) g N/kg LBW and varied between provinces according to animal categories, manure management systems, land use and fertilizer application rates. Volatilization was the highest contributing factor, followed by leaching and denitrification, each representing 68.5, 21.4, and 10.1 percent of the N footprint, respectively. The uncertainty of the result was found to be 46.6 percent and was highly associated with emission factor uncertainties. We devised five mitigation scenarios that are cost effective and do not penalize productivity and evaluated their capacity for reducing N footprint: (i) dietary modifications to decrease animal N excretion rate; (ii) microorganism additives to reduce volatilization from housing; (iii) manure storages recycling manure within the farm to replace synthetic fertilizers; (iv) distributing biochar to the field after fertilizer application to curtail losses from crop production; (v) combination of i, ii, iii, and iv. Combining these scenarios demonstrated the potential to reduce 12.1 percent of the total N footprint. The extents of mitigation scenarios varied across provinces (ranging from 5.2 to 21.7 percent) and were shown to be contingent on feeding practices and type of crop cultivated. Overall, our study provides a national metric that can be utilized to communicate the environmental impacts of Korean beef production. The analyses indicate that more precise results could be achieved with future endeavors towards developing country-specific emission factors. The mitigation potentials of the presented scenarios propose possibilities for feasible and sustainable beef production in Korea.
Anti-bradycardia pacing—impact on patients with HFpEF: a systematic review
Authors: Ababei Alexandru , Hrib Luciana Andreea , Iancu Adalia Cristiana , Hadarag Andra-Valeria , Khebbaiz Ahmad , Vătășescu Radu , Bogdan Ștefan 
Published: January 2024

AbstractHeart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) has become an emerging concern. The protective effect of bradycardia in patients with reduced ejection fraction using beta-blockers or ivabradine does not improve symptoms in HFpEF. This review aims to assess current data regarding the impact of anti-bradycardia pacing in patients with HFpEF. A search was conducted on PubMed, ScienceDirect, Springer, and Wiley Online Library, selecting studies from 2013 to 2023. Relevant and eligible prospective studies and randomized controlled trials were included. Functional status, quality of life, and echocardiographic parameters were assessed. Six studies conformed to the selection criteria. Four were prospective studies with a total of 90 patients analyzed. Two were randomized controlled trials with a total of 129 patients assessed. The 6-min walk test (6MWT) and the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) score improved in all prospective studies. My-PACE trial showed improvements in MLHFQ score (p < 0.001), significant relative lowering in NT-proBNP levels (p = 0.02), and an increased mean daily activity in the personalized accelerated pacing group compared to usual care. RAPID-HF trial proved that pacemaker implantation to enhance exercise heart rate (HR) did not improve exercise capacity and was associated with increased adverse events. HFpEF requires a more individualized approach and quality of life management. This review demonstrates that higher resting HR by atrial pacing may improve symptoms and even outcomes in HFpEF, while a higher adaptive rate during exertion has not been proven beneficial.
Graphical Abstract
Teach to comply? Evidence from a taxpayer education program in Rwanda
Authors: Mascagni Giulia , Santoro Fabrizio , Mukama Denis 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
There is virtually no evidence on the role of taxpayer education to improve tax compliance. We address this gap by providing the first evaluation of a taxpayer education program on compliance behavior, as well as taxpayer knowledge and perceptions. Using a unique dataset of administrative and survey data, we show that training new taxpayers leads to a large and significant improvement on three compliance outcomes: the probability to file declarations, to report a zero-tax amount, and tax due. These results are robust to three estimation strategies: a simple regression exploiting baseline balance across a wide set of observable variables, propensity score matching, and an IV strategy using random assignment to take part in our survey. We identify reduced compliance costs as the key mechanism at play in explaining the relationship between tax education and compliance—particularly increased knowledge and better perceptions on complexity. The effects we document persist over time, beyond the year of implementation.
The Association between Threatened Miscarriage and Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Offspring by Age 14 Years
Authors: Buckley Daire , Khashan Ali S. , McCarthy Fergus P. , O’Connor Karen , Maher Gillian M. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Objective
To examine the association between threatened miscarriage, and neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in offspring by age 14 years.

Methods
We used data from the Millennium Cohort Study, a nationally representative longitudinal study of children born in the UK. Data on threatened miscarriage and potential confounders were maternal-reported and collected at 9 months postpartum. Data on ASD and ADHD were based on maternal-reported doctor diagnoses and collected when children were aged 5, 7, 11 and 14 years. A diagnosis of ASD or ADHD was assumed if parents reported ASD or ADHD at age 5, 7, 11 or 14 years. Crude and adjusted logistic regression examined threatened miscarriage and ASD and ADHD relationship, adjusting for several sociodemographic, maternal and lifestyle factors.

Results
A total of 18,294 singleton babies were included at baseline, and 1,104 (6.0%) women experienced a threatened miscarriage during their pregnancy. Adjusted results suggested an association between threatened miscarriage and ASD (OR: 1.55, 95% CI 1.15, 2.08), and ADHD (OR: 1.51, 95% CI 1.09, 2.10) by age 14 years. E-values for threatened miscarriage and ASD were 2.47, while the lower limits of the 95% CI were 1.57. E-values for threatened miscarriage and ADHD were 2.39, while the corresponding lower limits of the 95% CI were 1.40.

Conclusion
Threatened miscarriage was associated with an increased likelihood of ASD and ADHD by the age of 14 years, however, residual confounding cannot be ruled out. Placental pathology may be a potential mechanism for the observed associations.
Coherence of Parental Representations Following Therapy for Autistic Children
Authors: Vashi Nisha , Ibrahim Alaa , Pouyandeh Ava , Weiss Jonathan A. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Autistic children experience high rates of mental health challenges, and links have been found between child mental health and the parent-child relationship. As parents of autistic children are often actively involved in their child’s treatment, it is important to consider aspects of the parent-child relationship within this context. The present study investigated changes in a component of the parent-child relationship, the coherence of parental representations, following participation in a 10-week cognitive behavioural therapy intervention designed to address autistic children’s mental health challenges. Relationships were examined between coherence and child characteristics (i.e., autism symptoms, mental health), and associations with child treatment outcomes (i.e., mental health). Participants included 81 children (89% boys) aged 8 to 13 years and their parents (85% mothers) aged 35 to 54 years. Baseline levels of coherence were related to children’s mental health symptoms but not autism symptoms. Although there were no significant changes in overall coherence across therapy, subscale-level improvements (i.e., concern, acceptance) emerged. Changes in coherence across therapy were linked with children’s post-intervention behavioural symptoms and were approaching significance for internalizing problems, but were not associated with externalizing problems. It is critical to investigate factors that shape the coherence of parents’ representations of their children, as this may provide insight into potential targets for intervention. Ascertaining whether participation in therapy improves parental coherence, and consequently child treatment outcomes, can advocate for parent-involved therapy, which will ultimately benefit the well-being of autistic children.
Can species distribution models using remotely sensed variables inform reintroductions? Trialling methods with Carterocephalus palaemon the Chequered Skipper Butterfly
Authors: Halford Georgina , Bulman Caroline R , Bourn Nigel , Maes Dirk , Harpke Alexander , Hodgson Jenny A. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractDespite large numbers of reintroduction projects taking place and the high cost involved, there is a generally low success rate. Insects in particular are understudied within reintroduction ecology, with guidelines focusing on more iconic vertebrate taxa. Species distribution models (SDMs) examine the associations between species observations and environmental variables to find the conditions in which populations could survive. This study utilises two frequently used SDM approaches, a regression model (general linear model (GLM)) and a machine learning method (MaxEnt) to model habitat suitability for Chequered Skipper, Carterocephalus palaemon, butterflies, which are being reintroduced to Northamptonshire following extinction in England. We look at how SDMs using widespread remotely sensed variables could be used to inform the reintroduction process by finding areas of suitable habitat that were previously overlooked. These remotely sensed variables have the potential to inform reintroductions without extensive on the ground research as they cover huge areas and are widely available. We found that both models are successful in discriminating between presences and absences, using only a limited number of explanatory variables. We conclude that these wide-scale SDMs are useful as a first step in the decision-making process in determining appropriate sites for reintroductions, but that they are less accurate when establishing precisely where species should be placed.
The effects of functional moves in teacher questioning on students’ contextualization of mathematical word problem solving
Authors: Lee Yi-Jung 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Posing purposeful questions is one of the most effective teaching practices (NCTM in Principles to actions: Ensuring mathematics success for all. National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, 2014). Although the types and functions of teacher questioning have been abundantly studied, research on the role of teacher questioning in students’ contextualization process as they solve word problems is rather scarce. This study was conducted to investigate the function of six elementary preservice teachers’ questioning, its impact on students’ contextualization, as well as the successes and difficulties of enacting questioning. The collected data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings indicated that the implementation of task clarification (TC) moves effectively enhanced contextualization only when students possessed a relatively strong sense of agency while solving word problems. Furthermore, when students’ attentional focus was not appropriately redirected by the functional moves, including procedural understanding (PU), making connections (MC), the rationale behind a strategy (RA), and an alternative strategy (AS), their understanding of the contextual features and construction of mathematical relationships in word problem solving could not be refined. Implications for field experience design and future research on the quality of teacher questioning in mathematics teacher education programs are discussed.
Proof of Avoidability of the Quantum First-Order Transition in Transverse Magnetization in Quantum Annealing of Finite-Dimensional Spin Glasses
Authors: Yamaguchi Mizuki , Shiraishi Naoto , Hukushima Koji 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIt is rigorously shown that an appropriate quantum annealing for any finite-dimensional spin system has no quantum first-order transition in transverse magnetization. This result can be applied to finite-dimensional spin-glass systems, where the ground state search problem is known to be hard to solve. Consequently, it is strongly suggested that the quantum first-order transition in transverse magnetization is not fatal to the difficulty of combinatorial optimization problems in quantum annealing.
Brownian Particle in the Curl of 2-D Stochastic Heat Equations
Authors: de Lima Feltes Guilherme , Weber Hendrik 
Published: January 2024

AbstractWe study the long time behaviour of a Brownian particle evolving in a dynamic random environment. Recently, Cannizzaro et al. (Ann Probab 50(6):2475–2498, 2022) proved sharp $$\sqrt{\log }$$

log

-super diffusive bounds for a Brownian particle in the curl of (a regularisation of) the 2-D Gaussian Free Field (GFF) $$\underline{\omega }$$

ω
̲

. We consider a one parameter family of Markovian and Gaussian dynamic environments which are reversible with respect to the law of $$\underline{\omega }$$

ω
̲

. Adapting their method, we show that if $$s\ge 1$$

s
≥
1

, with $$s=1$$

s
=
1

corresponding to the standard stochastic heat equation, then the particle stays $$\sqrt{\log }$$

log

-super diffusive, whereas if $$s<1$$

s
<
1

, corresponding to a fractional heat equation, then the particle becomes diffusive. In fact, for $$s<1$$

s
<
1

, we show that this is a particular case of Komorowski and Olla (J Funct Anal 197(1):179–211, 2003), which yields an invariance principle through a Sector Condition result. Our main results agree with the Alder–Wainwright scaling argument (see Alder and Wainwright in Phys Rev Lett 18:988–990, 1967; Alder and Wainwright in Phys Rev A 1:18–21, 1970; Alder et al. in Phys Rev A 4:233–237, 1971; Forster et al. in Phys Rev A 16:732–749, 1977) used originally in Tóth and Valkó (J Stat Phys 147(1):113–131, 2012) to predict the $$\log $$
log
-corrections to diffusivity. We also provide examples which display $$\log ^a$$

log
a

-super diffusive behaviour for $$a\in (0,1/2]$$

a
∈
(
0
,
1
/
2
]

.
Negative Emotional Reactivity and Somatic Symptoms during Adolescence Predict Adult Health and Wellbeing in Early and Middle Adulthood
Authors: Allemand Mathias , Fend Helmut A. , Hill Patrick L. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractLongitudinal research is lacking with respect to how negative emotional reactivity and somatic symptoms during adolescence set the stage for later health. The aim of this longitudinal study was to examine within-person associations between negative emotional reactivity and somatic symptoms during adolescence and their effects on health and wellbeing in adulthood. Participants (N = 1527; 48.3% female) were assessed annually at the age of 12 to 16 years and at the age of 35 and 45 years. Adolescents with frequent somatic symptoms reported higher reactivity. Individual differences in levels and changes of somatic symptoms and reactivity were independently associated with adult health and wellbeing decades later. The findings underscore the importance of considering how individual differences change during adolescent development.
Clustering of atoms relative to vector space in the Z-matrix coordinate system and ‘graphical fingerprint’ analysis of 3D pharmacophore structure
Authors: Kızılcan Dilek Şeyma , Güzel Yahya , Türkmenoğlu Burçin 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe behavior of a molecule within its environment is governed by chemical fields present in 3D space. However, beyond local descriptors in 3D, the conformations a molecule assumes, and the resulting clusters also play a role in influencing structure–activity models. This study focuses on the clustering of atoms according to the vector space of four atoms aligned in the Z-Matrix Reference system for molecular similarity. Using 3D-QSAR analysis, it was aimed to determine the pharmacophore groups as interaction points in the binding region of the β2-adrenoceptor target of fenoterol stereoisomers. Different types of local reactive descriptors of ligands have been used to elucidate points of interaction with the target. Activity values for ligand-receptor interaction energy were determined using the Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm. Using the Molecular Comparative Electron Topology method, the 3D pharmacophore model (3D-PhaM) was obtained after aligning and superimposing the molecules and was further validated by the molecular docking method. Best guesses were calculated with a non-output validation (LOO-CV) method. Finally, the data were calculated using the ‘graphic fingerprint’ technique. Based on the eLKlopman (Electrostatic LUMO Klopman) descriptor, the Q2 value of this derivative set was calculated as 0.981 and the R2ext value is calculated as 0.998.