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Background: Madariaga virus (MADV), a member of the eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) complex, circulates in Latin America and exhibits distinct evolutionary and ecological features compared to the North American EEEV. While published data have shed light on MADV ecology, several key aspects remain unknown. Methods: In this study, we compiled data on virus isolation, vector competence, and animal serology collected over six decades in Latin America to identify critical knowledge gaps on MADV transmission and ecology. Results: Specific vertebrate animals serving as amplifying hosts and the mosquito species acting as enzootic and epizootic vectors have not yet been identified. Other aspects that remain unclear are the virus current geographic distribution, the role of equines as hosts in epizootic cycles, and the full impact of MADV on human health in endemic regions. Conclusions: The numerous knowledge gaps surrounding MADV, its widespread distribution in Latin America, and its potential to cause severe disease in animals and humans emphasize the urgent need for increased research efforts, heightened awareness, and intensified surveillance towards this potential emerging threat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT In many species, individuals of the same sex exhibit different mating behaviours, a phenomenon known as alternative mating tactics (AMTs). These AMTs may occur in species in which morphology prevents individuals from adopting different tactics (fixed expression of AMTs) as well as in species in which individuals can alternate between them (flexible expression of AMTs). Regardless of the way different mating tactics are expressed, a key point to understanding the selective forces driving AMT evolution relies on identifying differences in the reproductive success between tactics. Empirical studies often indicate that individuals adopting the main tactic (generally the more aggressive) have higher mating success than those adopting the secondary tactic. However, while this is expected for species showing flexible expression of AMTs, the same should not hold for species showing fixed expression of AMTs. In species with fixed expression of AMTs, individuals adopting each tactic have morphological specialisations in acquiring mates that may be responsible for eliminating differences in reproductive success between tactics. Despite such expectations, a comprehensive investigation across species regarding differences in the reproductive success of AMTs is lacking. Using a meta‐analytical approach, we investigated if there is a difference in the reproductive success between tactics and whether this difference is related to how these tactics are expressed (fixed or flexible). We focused on males since information on reproductive success for females with AMTs is still scarce. We hypothesised that (i) males adopting the main tactic have higher reproductive success than males adopting the secondary tactic, and (ii) the difference in reproductive success between tactics will be higher in species with flexible rather than fixed expression of AMTs. When all species were pooled, we found that males adopting the main tactic had a similar reproductive success to males adopting the secondary mating tactic. However, this trend changed between species with fixed and flexible expression of AMTs. In species with flexible expression of AMTs, males exhibiting the main tactic have higher mating success than those adopting secondary tactics, while in species with fixed expression of AMTs, males adopting distinct tactics have similar reproductive success. Thus, the widespread assumption that males adopting the main tactic have higher reproductive success than males adopting the secondary tactic may be restricted to species in which individuals can alternate between tactics during their lifespan. However, we found that most data on the reproductive success of males adopting AMTs is restricted to short reproductive windows and may not reflect differences in lifetime reproductive success between tactics. Therefore, we highlight the importance of examining the selective pressures associated with fixed and flexible expression of AMTs on lifetime reproductive success to attain a deeper understanding of AMT evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mosquito-borne diseases, such as malaria, dengue, Zika and chikungunya, pose significant public health threats in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. To mitigate the impact of these diseases on human health, effective vector surveillance and control strategies are necessary. Traditional vector control methods, which rely on chemical agents such as insecticides and larvicides, face challenges such as resistance and environmental concerns. Consequently, there has been a push to explore novel surveillance and control tools. Mass trapping interventions have emerged as a promising and environmentally friendly approach to reducing the burden of mosquito-borne diseases. This study assessed mass-trapping interventions using autocidal gravid ovitraps (AGOs) on Aedes aegypti populations in Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico. Methods: Four neighborhoods were selected to evaluate the effects of three treatments: AGO mass-trapping, integrated vector control (IVC), which included source reduction and the application of chemical larvicide and adulticide, and AGO + IVC on Ae. aegypti populations. A control area with no interventions was also included. The effectiveness of the interventions was evaluated by comparing Ae. aegypti abundance between the pre-treatment period (9 weeks) and the post-treatment period (11 weeks) for each treatment. Results: Only treatment using AGO mass trapping with an 84% coverage significantly reduced Ae. aegypti female populations by 47%, from 3.75 ± 0.32 to 1.96 ± 0.15 females/trap/week. As expected, the abundance of Ae. aegypti in the control area did not differ from the pre- and post-treatment period (range of 4.97 ± 0.59 to 5.78 ± 0.53); Ae. aegypti abundance in the IVC treatment was 3.47 ± 0.30 before and 4.13 ± 0.35 after, which was not significantly different. However, Ae. aegypti abundance in the AGO + IVC treatment increased from 1.43 ± 0.21 before to 2.11 ± 0.20 after interventions; this increase may be explained in part by the low AGO (56%) coverage. Conclusions: This is the first report to our knowledge on the effectiveness of mass-trapping interventions with AGOs in Mexico, establishing AGOs as a potential tool for controlling Ae. aegypti in Northeastern Mexico when deployed with sufficient coverage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Counting animal populations is fundamental to understand ecological processes. Counts make it possible to estimate the size of an animal population at specific points in time, which is essential information for understanding demographic change. However, in the case of large populations, counts are time‐consuming, particularly if carried out manually. Here, we took advantage of convolutional neural networks (CNN) to count the total number of nest‐entrances in 222 photographs covering the largest known Psittaciformes (Aves) colony in the world. We conducted our study at the largest Burrowing Parrot Cyanoliseus patagonus colony, located on a cliff facing the Atlantic Ocean in the vicinity of El Cóndor village, in north‐eastern Patagonia, Argentina. We also aimed to investigate the distribution of nest‐entrances along the cliff with the colony. For this, we used three CNN architectures, U‐Net, ResUnet, and DeepLabv3. The U‐Net architecture showed the best performance, counting a mean of 59,842 Burrowing Parrot nest‐entrances across the colony, with a mean absolute error of 2.7 nest‐entrances over the testing patches, measured as the difference between actual and predicted counts per patch. Compared to a previous study conducted at El Cóndor colony more than 20 years ago, the CNN architectures also detected noteworthy differences in the distribution of the nest‐entrances along the cliff. We show that the strong changes observed in the distribution of nest‐entrances are a measurable effect of a long record of human‐induced disturbance to the Burrowing Parrot colony at El Cóndor. Given the paramount importance of the Burrowing Parrot colony at El Cóndor, which concentrates 71% of the world's population of this species, we advocate that it is imperative to reduce such a degree of disturbance before the parrots reach the limit of their capacity of adaptation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Room‐temperature eutectic Gallium Indium (eGaIn)‐based devices offer stretchable, conductive, and reconfigurable properties for robotics, communications, and medicine. Microfluidics enables eGaIn device creation, but these typically have larger feature sizes. Recent three‐dimensional (3D) printing advancements, particularly direct laser writing (DLW), allow for sub‐100 µm microfluidic devices. However, interfacing DLW microfluidics with larger systems poses challenges in channel resist removal, eGaIn filling, and electrical integration, limiting micro‐scale liquid metal device application. This study introduces a multiscale, cost‐effective, three‐step process combining DLW‐fluidic microchannels with centimeter‐scale substrates made via stereolithography (SLA). It establishes a robust interface between independently printed materials and simplifies eGaIn filling in microfluidic channels as small as 50 µm, potentially enabling smaller liquid metal features. The research also presents eGaIn coils with 43–770 mΩ resistance and 2–4 nH inductance. This process facilitates low‐temperature, conductive, flexible interfaces for sensors, actuators, and circuits, and expands the range for size‐dependent properties of passive electronic components like resistors, capacitors, and inductors from liquid metal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sympatric mud crab species Panopeus americanus and Panopeus austrobesus are found in intertidal environments associated with muddy and rocky habitats in the Western Atlantic coast. Therefore, they are a suitable model system to be used in studies focused on investigating biological coexistence aspects between close species, such as population structure and habitat. The aims of the current study are to describe and compare the distribution of two sympatric mud crab species -- P. americanus and P. austrobesus -- based on their spatial and temporal distribution, in a low human impact estuarine complex area. The hypothesis that these two species show similar distribution, although one species is more abundant than the other, was herein tested. Sampling was carried out in the intertidal zone of a specific area in Cananeia estuarine complex, São Paulo State, Southeastern Brazil, in different periods of time for two years. Both species presented similar pattern distribution and frequency, with predominance in the middle and high intertidal zones, including all demographic categories. However, Panopeus americanus was more abundant and presented smaller mean size in all sampling zones. The pronounced disparity in size between the species suggests divergent dietary preferences, potentially related to prey size allowing the coexistence of these sympatric and syntopic species. The predominance of these two species in the upper intertidal zones was understood as a strategy for avoiding competition with the intertidal alpheid shrimps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A recently published molecular phylogenetic analysis, focusing on selected Western Atlantic subspecies of Acetes americanus Ortmann, 1893 and allies, was inconclusive about relationships among these members. This previous study found three groups that split into two distinct lineages: Acetes americanus (Brazil 1) (= A. americanus sensu stricto) and Acetes americanus (Brazil 2) + A. americanus (USA). Combined morphometry and molecular analyses applied to members of the group Acetes americanus (Brazil 2) revealed a new unidentified species genetically related to the A. americanus representatives. However, at that time, no conclusive morphological characters were found to identify it. In the present study, following an in-depth morphological analysis of specimens from the three groups, including data on the type series and consideration of the subtle distinctions of members of each lineage, morphological features of the reproductive structures (petasma and genital sternite) were found to characterize the new species, which is formally described and named herein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly impacted the volume and types of trauma patients encountered. We performed a retrospective analysis of pediatric trauma patients <17 years old presenting within a large US health care system from 2019 to 2021. Demographics, trauma volume, injury severity, mechanism of injury, and outcomes were compared. A total of 16 966 patients, from 88 hospitals over 18 states, were included in our analysis. Pediatric traumas decreased from 2019 to 2020 and 2021. The injury severity scores (ISSs) increased from 2019 to 2020 and 2019 to 2021. Compared with 2019, more gun-related traumas occurred in both 2020 and 2021, whereas motor vehicle collisions decreased. There were additional changes in bicycle, assault, auto versus pedestrian (AVP), playground, and sports injuries. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the volume, injury severity, and mechanism of injury of the pediatric trauma population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An obituary for Dr. Gabriel L. Plaa, a prominent educator and toxicologist who died at the age of 79, is presented.

In this work, a computational study on the ionization potentials (IPs) of the formaldehyde trimer, (H2CO)3, is presented. Twelve lowest-lying vertical IPs were determined through the use of the coupled-cluster level of theory using correlation consistent basis sets with extrapolation to the complete basis set limit and consideration of core electron correlation effects. Specifically, the equation-of-motion ionization potential coupled-cluster with single and double excitations method with the aug-cc-pVnZ and aug-cc-pCVnZ (n = D and T) basis sets was used. The Feller–Peterson–Dixon (FPD) composite approach was employed to provide accurate IPs, and eight conformations of (H2CO)3 were considered. The FPD IPs determined for (H2CO)3 were found to be systematically lower than those computed for the dimer and monomer of H2CO in the pattern IP(monomer) > IP(dimer) > IP(trimer) for a given IP. In addition, the IPs calculated when considering only the more stable conformation (C0) are in good agreement with those obtained using the eight conformations of the H2CO trimer, and thus, the actual conformation played only a minor role in determining such properties in the present case. By providing first accurate IP results for the H2CO trimer, we hope to motivate future experimental and computational investigations (e.g., studies involving photoionization) that rely on such quantities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a prevalent sensorimotor disorder that can dramatically impair sleep quality, daytime function, and quality of life. Although many patients benefit from standard pharmacological therapy, some patients suffer from insufficient treatment response or medication intolerance. Novel treatment approaches are therefore necessary. Objective Given the overlap between RLS and pain syndromes in both pathophysiological mechanisms and certain treatment options, we aimed to perform a scoping review of the available evidence on spinal cord stimulation (SCS) for RLS and discuss potential mechanistic implications. Methods We identified a total of 16 cases of patients with RLS who underwent SCS, all from case reports or case series. Discussion The published evidence is insufficient to assess SCS efficacy in patients with RLS, but SCS remains a promising investigational therapy in RLS on the basis of its potential mitigatory effects in the central hyperexcitability of the sensorimotor cortex through neuromodulation of spinal, subcortical, and cortical areas. A call for further research in this field is presented, with suggestions for future directions and trial designs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many arachnids use internal hemolymph pressure to actuate extension in their leg joints. The inherent large foot displacement‐to‐body length ratio that arachnids can achieve through hydraulics relative to muscle‐based actuators is both energy and volumetrically efficient. Until recent advances in nano/microscale 3D printing with two‐photon polymerization (2PP), the physical realization of synthetic complex 'soft' joints would have been impossible to replicate and fill with a hydraulic fluid into a sealed sub‐millimeter system. Inspired by nature, the smallest scale 3D‐printed hydraulic actuator (4.9 × 10−4 mm3) by more than an order of magnitude is demonstrated. The use of stiff 2PP polymers with micron‐scale dimensions enable compliant membranes similar to exoskeletons seen in nature without the requirement for low‐modulus materials. The bio‐inspired system is designed to mimic similar hydraulic pressure‐activated mechanisms in arachnid joints utilized for large displacement motions relative to body length. Using variations on this actuator design, the ability to transmit forces with relatively large magnitudes (milliNewtons) in 3D space is demonstrated, as well as the ability to direct motion that is useful towards microrobotics and medical applications. Microscale hydraulic actuation provides a promising approach toward the transmission of large forces and 3D motions at small scales, previously unattainable in wafer‐level 2D microelecromechanical systems (MEMS). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we present a computational investigation on the ionization potentials (IPs) of the formaldehyde dimer, (H2CO)2. Twelve lowest lying IPs (corresponding to the entire valence orbitals) for both C2h and Cs symmetry conformers have been computed at the coupled cluster level of theory using large correlation consistent basis sets with extrapolation to the complete basis set limit and consideration of core electron correlation effects. Specifically, the equation-of-motion ionization potential coupled-cluster with single and double (EOMIP-CCSD) excitations method with the aug-cc-pVXZ and aug-cc-pCVXZ (X = T, Q, and 5) basis sets combined with the Feller–Peterson–Dixon approach was employed, as well as CCSD with perturbative triples [CCSD(T)] with the aug-cc-pVTZ basis sets. In general, excellent agreement was observed from the comparison between the results obtained through the use of these approaches. In addition, the IPs for the formaldehyde monomer were also obtained using such methodologies and the results compared with existing experimental data; excellent agreement was also observed in this case. To the best of our knowledge, this work represents the first of its kind to determine the IPs for all these systems using a high level theory approach and is presented to motivate experimental investigations, e.g., studies involving photoionization, particularly for the formaldehyde dimer. The equilibrium binding energy of the C2h dimer is calculated in this work at the CCSD(T)/aug-cc-pVTZ level of theory to be −4.71 kcal/mol. At this same level of theory, the equilibrium isomerization energy between C2h and Cs conformers is 0.76 kcal/mol (Cs conformer being more stable). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowledge on the diet of the Black-backed Woodpecker (Picoides arcticus Swainson, 1832) is fragmentary and relies on a limited number of studies. Gaps remain in our understanding of the plasticity of its diet, particularly in the eastern part of its range. The main objective of this study was to assess the diet of Black-backed Woodpeckers in burned and unburned habitats and among sexes and ages in Québec. We collected feces and fecal bags from unburned and burned habitats in the Central Laurentians ecoregion of the eastern boreal shield ecozone and assessed diets based on identified prey items. Buprestidae and Cerambycidae of the sub-family Lamiinae were the predominant prey for adult Black-backed Woodpeckers in burned habitats, and the Pythidae Pytho niger (Kirby, 1837) and Lamiinae were the most prevalent prey in unburned habitats. Lamiinae were the most predominant prey items provisioned to nestling in burned habitat, while P. niger was their predominant food in unburned habitat, followed by Cerambycidae (without Lamiinae) and Lamiinae. Our results present new insights into Black-backed Woodpecker diet where parents feed their offspring with the largest prey available, potentially providing higher fitness for their offspring. Furthermore, our study confirms that Black-backed Woodpeckers, at least in the eastern part of its range, are not restricted to feed on Lamiinae but are rather opportunistic in taking advantage from resource–pulse interactions provided by recently disturbed habitats, especially from recently burned habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze the impact of community service on the mental health of medical students through their perception of stress. METHODS: The 10-item Perceived Stress Scale was used to measure the stress levels of 82 medical students over a 3-month period. Additional survey questions gauged students' weekly volunteer experiences in clinical and nonclinical settings and their perceived effects on stress and quality of life. RESULTS: Results found an inverse relationship between the number of clinical volunteer hours and perceived stress (P =.0497). Nonclinical and total volunteer hours were correlated with both reduced perceived stress levels (nonclinical P =.0095, total P =.0052) and better quality of life (nonclinical P =.0301, total P =.0136). All individual perceived stress scores fell into the low or moderate stress ranges of the Perceived Stress Scale per the week-to-week analysis. CONCLUSION: The preliminary results raised important research questions about the impact of volunteering on medical student perceived stress. As medical students face higher levels of stress in comparison to the general population, it is exceedingly important to determine methods to decrease their risk of compromising their mental health. This study may aid in decision-making and research in favor of or against offering community service opportunities as part of the core medical education curriculum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Benthic dinoflagellate genera Gambierdiscus and Fukuyoa are among the causative agents of ciguatera poisoning, intoxication caused by the consumption of invertebrates and fish contaminated with ciguatoxins. Due to the morphological similarities that the species of these genera present, their identification requires the combined use of microscopy and molecular techniques. However, these methodologies are not always accessible to many countries with limited economic resources, where the most common is to have optical microscopy. This work proposes a dichotomous key for preliminary identification of Gambierdiscus and Fukuyoa species reported in the Caribbean region, using morphological characters visible under a conventional light microscope. The proposed key allows the use of a limited number of morphological characters, which is possible because there are few species in the analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liquid-gated transistors (LGTs) have attracted considerable attention due to their reduced fabrication time, low cost, and potential use in several applications, such as sensors for in loco diagnosis. Here, we conducted a comparative study of performance between honey-gated (HGT) and water-gated (WGT) transistors, using ZnO as the active layer, highlighting their main electrical characteristics and potential applications. The ZnO/honey and ZnO/water interfaces are attractive for edible and bioelectronics, as both materials are non-toxic and biocompatible. The mobility–capacitance product was determined from the transfer characteristics and found to be μsCi = 2.3 ± 0.8 μF V−1 s−1, and μsCi = 4.3 ± 0.5 μF V−1 s−1 for the WGT and HGT, respectively. Both devices exhibited non-null hysteresis, which was clockwise for the WGT and counterclockwise for the HGT. This phenomenon is linked to the liquid nature of the materials used as an electrolytic dielectric. The viscosity of honey results in lower ion mobility than water, leading to a higher |VTH| shift for the HGT. On the other hand, the WGT presents higher leakage current that dominates the off-state, while in the HGT, it is dominated by the channel resistance, resulting in a high Ion/Ioff ratio of (1.2 ± 0.7) × 104. The remarkable characteristics of the HGTs show that honey has potential as an organic gate dielectric for hybrid devices. With its low leakage current and high Ion/Ioff ratio at low-voltage operation, HGT presents an exciting opportunity as a platform to study material properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Deficits in muscle performance could be a consequence of a reduced ability of a motor neuron to increase the rate in which it discharges. This study aimed to investigate motor unit (MU) discharge properties of each triceps surae muscle (TS) and TS torque steadiness during submaximal intensities in runners with Achilles tendinopathy (AT). Methods: We recruited runners with (n = 12) and without (n = 13) mid-portion AT. MU discharge rate was analysed for each of the TS muscles, using high-density surface electromyography during 10 and 20% isometric plantar flexor contractions. Results: MU mean discharge rate was lower in the gastrocnemius lateralis (GL) in AT compared to controls. In AT, GL MU mean discharge rate did not increase as torque increased from 10% peak torque, 8.24 pps (95% CI 7.08 to 9.41) to 20%, 8.52 pps (7.41 to 9.63, p = 0.540); however, in controls, MU discharge rate increased as torque increased from 10%, 8.39 pps (7.25–9.53) to 20%, 10.07 pps (8.89–11.25, p < 0.001). There were no between-group difference in gastrocnemius medialis (GM) or soleus (SOL) MU discharge rates. We found no between-group differences in coefficient of variation of MU discharge rate in any of the TS muscles nor in TS torque steadiness. Conclusion: Our data demonstrate that runners with AT may have a lower neural drive to GL, failing to increase MU discharge rate to adjust for the increase in torque demand. Further research is needed to understand how interventions focussing on increasing neural drive to GL would affect muscle function in runners with AT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data obtained by direct observation of organisms in their natural habitats can provide valuable contributions regarding intra- and inter-specific interactions, as well as spatial distribution and trophic relationships. However, relatively few such data are available for the Neotropical ichthyofauna relative to the great species diversity of this region. We present data on the ichthyofauna in karst environments of the Serra da Bodoquena, Upper Paraguay River basin regarding their categorization into functional trophic groups. We used direct observations that focused on the most frequent feeding tactics and their spatial (vertical and horizontal) distribution in the channel. We observed 83 fish species in 17 functional trophic groups. The greatest species richness was concentrated in the Characidae and Loricariidae in the categories Diurnal Backwater Drift Feeders and Grazers, respectively. Regarding horizontal depth stratification, we found a positive relationship between the association of small fish with the shallow marginal habitats. This work represents a contribution to a region known for its high tourist potential and to the important diversity of the entire ichthyofauna of the Upper Paraguay basin region that requires proper conservation strategies for sustaining these species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To understand whose parenting (mothers vs. fathers) and which type of parenting (warmth vs. hostility) is more important in predicting adolescent aggression, this study applied dominance analysis to evaluate the relative importance of four different parenting dimensions (maternal hostility, paternal hostility, maternal warmth, and paternal warmth). Four waves of adolescent-reported longitudinal data from the PROSPER project (N = 626, 52% adolescent girls, 89% White rural, age 12 to 15) were used to investigate longitudinal change in the relative importance of these dimensions over time. Findings reveal that at most ages, maternal hostility was relatively more important than both paternal hostility and maternal warmth in predicting adolescent aggression among adolescent girls and boys. However, paternal parenting was more important for boys at specific ages. Findings are discussed in terms of implications for interventions and further research on parenting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The burnout variable has been studied in different professions; however, it presents challenges in its measurement. The present study provides evidence of validity based on the internal structure of the Burnout Syndrome Assessment Scale in Public Security Workers (EASB-SP) and presents the estimation of item parameters through the Item Response Theory (IRT). A total of 10,885 public security agents from all states of Brazil participated in the study. The analyses indicated a three-factor structure, with adequate reliability indices and discrimination of the items. The Professional Fulfillment factor presented a lower theta value to be endorsed. The instrument was shown to be an adequate measure, with evidence of validity for the context of Brazilian public security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze the impact of community service on the mental health of medical students through their perception of stress. METHODS: The 10-item Perceived Stress Scale was used to measure the stress levels of 82 medical students over a 3-month period. Additional survey questions gauged students' weekly volunteer experiences in clinical and nonclinical settings and their perceived effects on stress and quality of life. RESULTS: Results found an inverse relationship between the number of clinical volunteer hours and perceived stress (P=.0497). Nonclinical and total volunteer hours were correlated with both reduced perceived stress levels (nonclinical P=.0095, total P=.0052) and better quality of life (nonclinical P =.0301, total P=.0136). All individual perceived stress scores fell into the low or moderate stress ranges of the Perceived Stress Scale per the week-toweek analysis. CONCLUSION: The preliminary results raised important research questions about the impact of volunteering on medical student perceived stress. As medical students face higher levels of stress in comparison to the general population, it is exceedingly important to determine methods to decrease their risk of compromising their mental health. This study may aid in decision-making and research in favor of or against offering community service opportunities as part of the core medical education curriculum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A methodology for fan efficiency deployment was proposed. • The axial flow maldistribution drops the overall fan efficiency by 14%. • A sensitivity analysis of seven fan parameters was carried out. • Comparisons against the predictions of the fan laws were conducted. • The pitch angle is the most influencing parameter on the fan performance. This paper advances a methodology for axial fan efficiency mapping followed by a design optimization exercise of a low-pressure axial fan for small capacity refrigeration applications. For these purposes, a tailor-made first-principles simulation model based on the so-called blade element theory (BET) was put forward. First, the fan efficiency was deployed into two terms – namely, electric motor and blade efficiency, which in turn was split into two other terms that account not only for the irreversible losses but also for flow maldistribution – in order to identify opportunities for blade optimization. Later, a sensitivity analysis was performed to find out the optimum values of key operating and design parameters of the fan, namely motor speed, blade size and number, chord length, pitch angle, and airfoil characteristics, such as thickness and maximum camber values. Among those, the pitch angle stood out as the most influencing parameter affecting the fan characteristics, including the airflow rate, the power consumption, and the blade efficiency. Comparisons with results obtained by means of the so-called fan laws are also reported for the blade size and speed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A well‐coordinated facilitation–inhibition control of motor neuronal persistent inward currents (PICs) via diffuse neuromodulation and local inhibition is essential to ensure motor units discharge at required times and frequencies. Present best estimates indicate that PICs are reduced in older adults; however, it is not yet known whether PIC facilitation–inhibition control is also altered with ageing. We investigated the responses of PICs to (i) a remote handgrip contraction, which is believed to diffusely increase serotonergic input onto motor neurones, and (ii) tendon vibration of the antagonist muscle, which elicits reciprocal inhibition, in young and older adults. High‐density surface electromyograms were collected from soleus and tibialis anterior of 18 young and 26 older adults during triangular‐shaped plantar and dorsiflexion contractions to 20% (handgrip experiments) and 30% (vibration experiments) of maximum torque (rise‐decline rate of 2%/s). A paired‐motor‐unit analysis was used to calculate ∆F, which is assumed to be proportional to PIC strength. ΔF increased in both soleus (0.55 peaks per second (pps), 16.0%) and tibialis anterior (0.42 pps, 11.4%) after the handgrip contraction independent of age. Although antagonist tendon vibration reduced ΔF in soleus (0.28 pps, 12.6%) independent of age, less reduction was observed in older (0.42 pps, 10.7%) than young adults (0.72 pps, 17.8%) in tibialis anterior. Our data indicate a preserved ability of older adults to amplify PICs following a remote handgrip contraction, during which increased serotonergic input onto the motor neurones is expected, in both lower leg muscles. However, PIC deactivation in response to reciprocal inhibition was impaired with ageing in tibialis anterior despite being preserved in soleus. Key points: Motor neuronal persistent inward currents (PICs) are facilitated via diffuse neuromodulation and deactivated by local inhibition to ensure motor units discharge at required times and frequencies, allowing normal motor behaviour.PIC amplitudes appear to be reduced with ageing; however, it is not known whether PIC facilitation–inhibition control is also altered.Remote handgrip contraction, which should diffusely increase serotonergic input onto motor neurones, facilitated PICs similarly in both soleus and tibialis anterior of young and older adults.Antagonist tendon vibration, which induces reciprocal inhibition, reduced PICs in soleus in both young and older adults but had less effect in tibialis anterior in older adults.Data from lower‐threshold motor units during low‐force contractions suggest that PIC facilitation is preserved with ageing in soleus and tibialis anterior. However, the effect of reciprocal inhibition on the contribution of PICs to motor neurone discharge seems reduced in tibialis anterior but preserved in soleus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The density, viscosity, and excess volume of three alkanolammonium-based PILs were measured and modeled. • VFT and Redlich-Kister models accurately described viscosity and excess volume. • The synthesized PILs showed greater thermal stability in relation to similar PILs with smaller anion carbon chain length. Alkanolammonium ionic liquids such as (2-hydroxyethyl)ammonium hexanoate ([2HEA][Hex]), bis(2-hydroxyethyl)ammonium hexanoate ([BHEA][Hex]), and tris(2-hydroxyethyl)ammonium hexanoate ([THEA][Hex]) were synthesized and characterized by 1H NMR and FTIR, respectively. The thermophysical properties such as density, viscosity, and thermal stability of all alkanolammonium ionic liquids were measured at several temperatures and 0.1 MPa. The excess molar volumes for binary mixtures of alkanolammonium ionic liquids + water at temperatures between 298.15 K and 343.15 K were also determined over the entire composition range. The excess molar volumes were correlated with the Redlich-Kister equation with average absolute deviations smaller than 0.0164. The viscosities of pure alkanolammonium ionic liquids were regressed using two models: the Ostwald-de Waele relationship and the Vogel-Fulcher-Tammann equation. The influence of the degradation mechanism on thermal stability was examined by thermogravimetry. The results showed a degradation stage above 100 °C for all alkanolammonium ionic liquids. The impact of cation and anion carbon numbers on the thermophysical properties of alkanolammonium ionic liquids is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The transition from a product-based to a service-based economy is well recognized. In this context, service innovation (SI) has gained momentum among scholars. Despite that, a significant challenge associated with the shift from product-centeredness to a service orientation is structuring the knowledge management (KM) process for companies to remain competitive. This study sought to identify theoretical roots, research trajectories, and themes to propose future avenues in this field. Originality/value: Empirically, this study presents elements for SI and KM by conceptualizing, validating, and discussing the field's integration. The study also sheds light on theoretical roots and identifies the main research themes in literature. Design/methodology/approach: A review of 144 publications was performed at the intersection between SI and KM. The study conducted two bibliometric analyses -- co-citation analysis and co-occurrence analysis -- and a qualitative one to criticize the obtained quantitative results. Findings: This research contributes to the domain's understanding in three major ways. First, theoretical roots showed that the field is characterized by two groups of references: publications in the nascent period (before 2010) and emergent period (after 2011). Second, the meta-analysis showed five pioneering studies and revealed two crucial turning points in the literature, suggesting the following research stages. Third, four distinct research themes were identified: 1. innovation management; 2. business intelligence; 3. knowledge sharing; and 4. governance. Finally, the results highlighted research topics for future groundbreaking qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods studies, both theoretically and empirically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chitin is a homopolymer of β-(1,4)-linked N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (GlcNAc) and a major structural component of fungal cell walls. In plants, chitin acts as a microbe-associated molecular pattern (MAMP) that is recognized by lysin motif (LysM)-containing plant cell surface-localized pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) that activate a plethora of downstream immune responses. To deregulate chitin-induced plant immunity and successfully establish infection, many fungal pathogens secrete LysM domain-containing effector proteins during host colonization. The LysM effector Ecp6 from the tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) leaf mold fungus Cladosporium fulvum can outcompete plant PRRs for chitin binding because two of its three LysM domains cooperate to form a composite groove with ultra-high (pM) chitin-binding affinity. However, most functionally characterized LysM effectors contain only two LysMs, including Magnaporthe oryzae MoSlp1, Verticillium dahliae Vd2LysM, and Colletotrichum higginsianum ChElp1 and ChElp2. Here, we performed modeling, structural, and functional analyses to investigate whether such dual-domain LysM effectors can also form ultra-high chitin-binding affinity grooves through intramolecular LysM dimerization. However, our study suggests that intramolecular LysM dimerization does not occur. Rather, our data support the occurrence of intermolecular LysM dimerization for these effectors, associated with a substantially lower chitin binding affinity than monitored for Ecp6. Interestingly, the intermolecular LysM dimerization allows for the formation of polymeric complexes in the presence of chitin. Possibly, such polymers may precipitate at infection sites to eliminate chitin oligomers, and thus suppress the activation of chitin-induced plant immunity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dark fermentation is a hydrogen generating process carried out by anaerobic spore-forming bacteria that metabolize carbon sources producing gas and short-chain acids. The process can be controlled, and the hydrogen harvested if bacteria are grown in a reactor with favorable conditions. In this work, bacteria selected from natural sources were grown with a defined culture media, while pH was monitored, with the aim of relating the amount of generated hydrogen to the increase in hydron ion concentration. Therefore, a model based on the acid-base species mass balance is proposed and solved to estimate the lag phase time and measure the hydrogen production efficiency and kinetics. Hydrogen production in a stirred batch reactor was performed for 150–200 h, at given operating conditions using a previously defined growth media, to validate the model. Using the proposed model, the cumulated moles of produced hydrogen correlate well with those predicted from the pH curve. Hence, the modified Gompertz model parameters, largely used for describing the hydrogen generation kinetics by dark fermentation, were estimated from the pH curve and from the experimentally measured generated hydrogen. Satisfactory agreement was found, thus, validating the method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High rates and racial inequities in U.S. fatal police violence are an urgent area of public health concern and policy attention. Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) have been described as experiencing low rates of fatal police violence, yet AAPI subgroups vary widely on nearly every demographic and economic metric. Here, we calculate fatal police violence rates by AAPI regional and national/ethnic background, finding wide variation. We compile a list of AAPI people killed in interactions with police in 2013–2019, then use web searches and surname algorithms to identify decedents' backgrounds. Rates are then calculated by combining this numerator data with population denominators from the American Community Survey and fitting Poisson models. Excluding 18% of deaths with missing regional backgrounds, East and South Asian Americans died at a rate of 0.05 and 0.04 deaths per 100,000 (95% CI: 0.04–0.06 and 0.02–0.08), respectively, less than a third of Southeast Asian Americans' rate (0.16, CI: 0.13–0.19). Pacific Islanders suffered higher rates (0.88, CI: 0.65–1.19), on par with Native and Black Americans. More granularly, Southeast Asian American groups displaced by US war in Southeast Asia suffered higher rates than others from the same region. Traditional racial classifications thus obscure high risks of fatal police violence for AAPI subgroups. Disaggregation is needed to improve responses to fatal police violence and its racial/ethnic inequities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel polymorph of ThB2O5, denoted as β-ThB2O5, was synthesised under high-temperature high-pressure (HT/HP) conditions. Via single crystal X-ray diffraction measurements, β-ThB2O5 was found to form a three-dimensional (3D) framework structure where thorium atoms are ten-fold oxygen coordinated forming tetra-capped trigonal prisms. The only other known polymorph of ThB2O5, denoted α, synthesised herein using a known borax, B2O3–Na2B4O7, high temperature solid method, was found to transform to the β polymorph when exposed to conditions of 4 GPa and ∼900 °C. Compared to the α polymorph, β-ThB2O5 has smaller molar volume by approximately 12%. Exposing a mixture of the α and β polymorphs to HT/HP conditions ex situ further demonstrated the preferred higher-pressure phase being β, with no α phase material being observed via Rietveld refinements against laboratory X-ray powder diffraction (PXRD) measurements. In situ heating PXRD measurements on α-ThB2O5 from RT to 1030 °C indicated that α-ThB2O5 transforms to the β variant at approximately 900 °C via a 1st order mechanism. β-ThB2O5 was found to exist only over a narrow temperature range, decomposing above 1050 °C. Ab initio calculations using density functional theory (DFT) with the Hubbard U parameter indicated, consistent with experimental observations, that β is both the preferred phase at higher temperatures and high pressures. Interestingly, it was found by switching from B2O3–Na2B4O7 to H3BO3–Li2CO3 flux using consistent high temperature solid state conditions for the synthesis of the α variant, β-ThB2O5 could be generated. Comparison of their single crystal measurements showed this was identical to that obtained from HT/HP conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) disproportionately affects Black adults in the United States. This is increasingly acknowledged to be due to inequitable distribution of health-promoting resources. One potential contributor is inequities in educational opportunities, although it is unclear what aspects of education are most salient. School racial segregation may affect cardiovascular health by increasing stress, constraining socioeconomic opportunities, and altering health behaviors. We investigated the association between school segregation and Black adults' CVD risk.Methods and Findings: We leveraged a natural experiment created by quasi-random (i.e., arbitrary) timing of local court decisions since 1991 that released school districts from court-ordered desegregation. We used the Panel Study of Income Dynamics (PSID) (1991 to 2017), linked with district-level school segregation measures and desegregation court order status. The sample included 1,053 Black participants who ever resided in school districts that were under a court desegregation order in 1991. The exposure was mean school segregation during observed schooling years. Outcomes included several adult CVD risk factors and outcomes. We fitted standard ordinary least squares (OLS) multivariable linear regression models, then conducted instrumental variables (IV) analysis, using the proportion of schooling years spent in districts that had been released from court-ordered desegregation as an instrument. We adjusted for individual- and district-level preexposure confounders, birth year, and state fixed effects. In standard linear models, school segregation was associated with a lower probability of good self-rated health (-0.05 percentage points per SD of the segregation index; 95% CI: -0.08, -0.03; p < 0.001) and a higher probability of binge drinking (0.04 percentage points; 95% CI: 0.002, 0.07; p = 0.04) and heart disease (0.01 percentage points; 95% CI: 0.002, 0.15; p = 0.007). IV analyses also found that school segregation was associated with a lower probability of good self-rated health (-0.09 percentage points; 95% CI: -0.17, -0.02, p = 0.02) and a higher probability of binge drinking (0.17 percentage points; 95% CI: 0.04, 0.30, p = 0.008). For IV estimates, only binge drinking was robust to adjustments for multiple hypothesis testing. Limitations included self-reported outcomes and potential residual confounding and exposure misclassification.Conclusions: School segregation exposure in childhood may have longstanding impacts on Black adults' cardiovascular health. Future research should replicate these analyses in larger samples and explore potential mechanisms. Given the recent rise in school segregation, this study has implications for policies and programs to address racial inequities in CVD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High resolution synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction analysis of Cr-doped UO 2 samples with additions of Cr 2 O 3 as 0, 500, 1000, 1500, 2500 to 3500 ppm prepared under sintering conditions of -420 kJ/mol and 1700 °C is reported. The lattice dependence from Cr doping is established through the Rietveld refinement method where the rate of linear lattice parameter contraction from Cr doping, Δa cr , was found to be considerably smaller and more subtle than previously described. This investigation highlights the need for high resolution and precise specimen preparation when measuring and interpreting subtle changes to nuclear material crystal structures due to trace doping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High pressure high temperature (HP/HT) studies of actinide compounds allow the chemistry and bonding of among the most exotic elements in the periodic table to be examined under the conditions often only found in the severest environments of nature. Peering into this realm of physical extremity, chemists have extracted detailed knowledge of the fundamental chemistry of actinide elements and how they contribute to bonding, structure formation and intricate properties in compounds under such conditions. The last decade has resulted in some of the most significant contributions to actinide chemical science and this holds true for ex situ chemical studies of actinides resulting from HP/HT conditions of over 1 GPa and elevated temperature. Often conducted in tandem with ab initio calculations, HP/HT studies of actinides have further helped guide and develop theoretical modelling approaches and uncovered associated difficulties. Accordingly, this perspective article is devoted to reviewing the latest advancements made in actinide HP/HT ex situ chemical studies over the last decade, the state-of-the-art, challenges and discussing potential future directions of the science. The discussion is given with emphasis on thorium and uranium compounds due to the prevalence of their investigation but also highlights some of the latest advancements in high pressure chemical studies of transuranium compounds. The perspective also describes technical aspects involved in HP/HT investigation of actinide compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wolbachia is a genus of intracellular bacterial endosymbionts found in 20–66% of all insect species and a range of other invertebrates. It is classified as a single species, Wolbachia pipientis, divided into supergroups A to U, with supergroups A and B infecting arthropods exclusively. Wolbachia is transmitted mainly via vertical transmission through female oocytes, but can also be transmitted across different taxa by host shift (HS): the direct transmission of Wolbachia cells between organisms without involving vertically transmitted gametic cells. To assess the HS contribution, we recovered 50 orthologous genes from over 1000 Wolbachia genomes, reconstructed their phylogeny and calculated gene similarity. Of 15 supergroup A Wolbachia lineages, 10 have similarities ranging from 95 to 99.9%, while their hosts' similarities are around 60 to 80%. For supergroup B, four out of eight lineages, which infect diverse and distantly-related organisms such as Acari, Hemiptera and Diptera, showed similarities from 93 to 97%. These results show that Wolbachia genomes have a much higher similarity when compared to their hosts' genes, which is a major indicator of HS. Our comparative genomic analysis suggests that, at least for supergroups A and B, HS is more frequent than expected, occurring even between distantly-related species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: Few researchers have evaluated whether school racial segregation, a key manifestation of structural racism, affects child health, despite its potential impacts on school quality, social networks, and stress from discrimination. We investigated whether school racial segregation affects Black children's health and health behaviors. METHODS: We estimated the association of school segregation with child health, leveraging a natural experiment in which school districts in recent years experienced increased school segregation. School segregation was operationalized as the Black-White dissimilarity index. We used ordinary least squares models as well as quasi-experimental instrumental variables analysis, which can reduce bias from unobserved confounders. Data from the Child Development Supplement of the Panel Study of Income Dynamics (1997-2014, n 5 1248 Black children) were linked with district-level school segregation measures. Multivariable regressions were adjusted for individual-, neighborhood-, and district-level covariates. We also performed subgroup analyses by child sex and age. RESULTS: In instrumental variables models, a one standard deviation increase in school segregation was associated with increased behavioral problems (2.53 points on a 27-point scale; 95% CI, 0.26 to 4.80), probability of having ever drunk alcohol (0.23; 95% CI, 0.049 to 0.42), and drinking at least monthly (0.20; 95% CI, 0.053 to 0.35). School segregation was more strongly associated with drinking behaviors among girls. CONCLUSIONS: School segregation was associated with worse outcomes on several measures of well-being among Black children, which may contribute to health inequities across the life span. These results highlight the need to promote school racial integration and support Black youth attending segregated schools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Underlying biological processes can often shape phenotypic variation. Although subtle, the variation in plumage colour of the Azure Jay (Cyanocorax caeruleus) has long been suggested to be of phylogeographic importance, but this hypothesis was not tested. This species' distribution in the Atlantic Forest biome of south-eastern Brazil is divided into two ecologically distinct portions by the Serra do Mar mountain line. The availability of Parana Pine (Araucaria angustifolia) seeds is essential for the survival of Azure Jays in the western range but not in the eastern range. Here we quantify Azure Jay geographic variation using three datasets, including vocalisations, morphology and plumage colour. All available data independently supported the hypothesis of divergence between east and west. Azure Jays in the western range tend to have: (1) larger body dimensions, (2) vocalisations with lower pitch and entropy, and (3) a greenish-blue plumage, than those in the eastern range. Based on the available data on this species' ecology, life history and sociality, we discuss how features from the western range could indicate specialisation in habitat use. We discuss potential links between our results and the past of the Atlantic Forest and the implications for this species conservation in a highly threatened habitat. Finally, we highlight the pressing need for demographic and molecular evidence to make data-oriented and effective decisions for this species conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent developments in the application life history theory to human development indicate two fundamental dimension of the early environment – harshness and unpredictability – are key regulators life history strategies. Few studies have examined the manner with which these dimensions influence development, though age at menarche (AAM) and age at first sexual intercourse have been proposed as possible mechanisms among women. Data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (N = 3,645) were used to examine direct and indirect effects of harshness (financial difficulties) and unpredictability (paternal transitions) on lifetime and past year sexual partners during adolescence and young adulthood. Genetic confounding was addressed using an AAM polygenic score (PGS) and potential gene-by-environment interactions were also evaluated using the PGS. Path model results showed only harshness was directly related to AAM. Harshness, unpredictability, and AAM were indirectly related to lifetime and past year sexual partner number via age at first sexual intercourse. The PGS did not account for any of the associations and no significant interactions were detected. Implications of these results for developmental models derived from life history theory are discussed as well as the role of PGSs in gene–environment interplay research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Differential susceptibility theory stipulates that individuals vary in their susceptibility to environmental effects, often implying that the same individuals differ in the same way in their susceptibility to different environmental exposures. The latter point is addressed herein by evaluating the extent to which early-life harshness and unpredictability affect mother's psychological well-being and parenting, as well as their adolescent's life-history strategy, as reflected in number of sexual partners by age 15 years, drawing on data from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development. Results indicated that mothers whose well-being and parenting proved more susceptible to harshness also proved somewhat more susceptible to environmental unpredictability, with the same being true of adolescent sexual behavior. Nevertheless, findings caution against overgeneralizing sample-level findings to all individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fifteen species of Agistemus Summers were previously reported from Brazil. Herein, Agistemus bahiensissp. nov. is described and illustrated from specimens collected on Annona muricata L. (Annonaceae), Euterpe oleracea Mart. and Polyandrococos caudescens (Mart.) Barb. Rodr. (Arecaceae) at the Southern Coastal Region of the state of Bahia, Brazil, between April 2007 and August 2017. The new species mainly differs from all other similar species by having a pattern of longitudinal striae as a band of dashes on the hysterosomal shield. It can also be distinguished by the dorsal setae measurements and the distances between them, being all dorsal setae of equal size in the new species (22–29), except for ve, which exceeds 30 (29–35), with none of them reaching the bases of the subsequent setae. Dorsal setae are always greater than 30 and ve is always greater than 55 (56–80) in the other five similar species. A key to Brazilian species of the genus is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate short-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI) and muscle function in the triceps surae of runners with mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy (AT). Methods: Runners with (n = 11) and without (n = 13) AT were recruited. Plantar flexor isometric peak torque and rate of torque development (RTD) were measured using an isokinetic dynamometer. Triceps surae endurance was measured as single-leg heel raise (SLHR) to failure test. SICI was assessed using paired-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation during a sustained contraction at 10% of plantar flexor isometric peak torque. Results: Triceps surae SICI was 14.3% (95% CI: −2.1 to 26.4) higher in AT than in the control group (57.9%, 95% CI: 36.2 to 79.6; and 43.6% 95% CI: 16.2 to 71.1, p = 0.032) irrespective of the tested muscle. AT performed 16 (95% CI: 7.9 to 23.3, p < 0.001) fewer SLHR repetitions on the symptomatic side compared with controls, and 14 (95% CI: 5.8 to 22.0, p = 0.004), fewer SLHR repetitions on the non-symptomatic compared with controls. We found no between-groups differences in isometric peak torque (p = 0.971) or RTD (p = 0.815). Perspective: Our data suggest greater intracortical inhibition for the triceps surae muscles for the AT group accompanied by reduced SLHR endurance, without deficits in isometric peak torque or RTD. The increased SICI observed in the AT group could be negatively influencing triceps surae endurance; thus, rehabilitation aiming to reduce intracortical inhibition should be considered to improve patient outcomes. Furthermore, SLHR is a useful clinical tool to assess plantar flexor function in AT patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Restoration projects often rely on the assumption that a local intervention will restore diminished populations, without fully understanding the constraints that limit the target species in the first place. In rivers, one common restoration technique is to place large structures, such as wood and boulders, on the bed, with the assumption that fish will subsequently arrive and use them. Nonetheless, providing large habitat structure may not overcome demographic or resource constraints on fish populations, and thus may not aid recovery. We aimed to test if resource constraints (food and cover) are limiting local densities of fishes in a degraded stream by experimentally alleviating these constraints. If the abundance of one or more species is constrained by resource availability, then local numbers of these species should increase following an increase in resources.To test our prediction, we increased the availability of food and microhabitat complexity (cover) at sites in Hughes Creek, a degraded stream in south‐east Australia that has extensive accumulations of sand and limited in‐stream structure. At treatment sites, we hammered pairs of wooden stakes (25 cm apart) into the stream bed so that the ends of stakes protruded just above the water surface at moderate flows. Stakes effectively trapped passing sticks and leaves, which increased local detrital densities and, subsequently, invertebrate densities, hence providing food and cover for fish. Over the course of a year, we compared the changes in fish abundances at treatment sites to unmanipulated control sites.Fish responded quickly to enhanced retention of detritus, with assemblage differences observed between treatment and control sites. We caught more river blackfish (Gadopsis marmoratus), southern pygmy perch (Nannoperca australis), Macquarie perch (Macquaria australasica), and mountain galaxias (Galaxias olidus) at treatment sites on some occasions, indicating that these species may be subject to resource constraints in this stream. The magnitude of observed positive fish responses was influenced by the life‐stage of individuals and local stream conditions. Importantly, treatment effects varied through time and were no longer observed after a large flood affected the study stream.Our results show that resource constraints limit local species abundances and demonstrate a novel method of overcoming these constraints in a small, degraded stream. This is a necessary first step but future work is needed to examine whether increases in abundance are due to the provided resources increasing growth rates, survivorship, or reproduction. This work also highlights the importance of understanding species' life histories, the broader landscape setting, and the disturbance regime when undertaking site scale restoration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR)‐based biosensor, computationally guided to detect selectively the four Dengue virus (DENVx) serotypes in seropositive patients, is presented. The behavior of gold nanoparticles in the shape of nanorods is theoretically and numerically studied as a function of induced structural variations, which are experimentally evidenced due to the bio‐interaction between the target analytes and its surface during the detection process. Additionally, with the implementation of the largest Lyapunov exponent, it is possible to calculate the notion of predictability for the experimental results, observing chaotic systems with a very low probability of repetition. Due to the above, when analyzing the recurrence map associated with the obtained resonance curve generated by the LSPR system, the genetic similarity of DENV3/DENV2 and DENV4/DENV1 is evidenced. Finally, the biosensors are validated by analyzing samples of seronegative patients for DENVx and seropositive ones for other Flaviviruses such as Zika virus, Yellow Fever virus, and Saint Louis Encephalitis virus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Father absence has a small but robust association with earlier age at menarche (AAM), likely reflecting both genetic confounding and an environmental influence on life history strategy development. Studies that have attempted to disambiguate genetic versus environmental contributions to this association have shown conflicting findings, though genomic-based studies have begun to establish the role of gene–environment interplay in the father absence/AAM literature. The purpose of this study was to replicate and extend prior genomic work using the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), a prospective longitudinal cohort study (N = 2,685), by (a) testing if an AAM polygenic score (PGS) could account for the father absence/AAM association, (b) replicating G×E research on lin-28 homolog B (LIN28B) variation and father absence, and (c) testing the G×E hypothesis using the PGS. Results showed that the PGS could not explain the father absence/AAM association and there was no interaction between father absence and the PGS. Findings using LIN28B largely replicated prior work that showed LIN28B variants predicted later AAM in father-present girls, but this AAM-delaying effect was absent or reversed in father-absent girls. Findings are discussed in terms genetic confounding, the unique biological role of LIN28B, and using PGSs for G×E tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Although growing evidence links residential evictions to health, little work has examined connections between eviction and healthcare utilization or access. In this study, eviction records are linked to Medicaid claims to estimate short-term associations between eviction and healthcare utilization, as well as Medicaid disenrollment.Methods: New York City eviction records from 2017 were linked to New York State Medicaid claims, with 1,300 evicted patients matched to 261,855 non-evicted patients with similar past healthcare utilization, demographics, and neighborhoods. Outcomes included patients' number of acute and ambulatory care visits, healthcare spending, Medicaid disenrollment, and pharmaceutical prescription fills during 6 months of follow-up. Coarsened exact matching was used to strengthen causal inference in observational data. Weighted generalized linear models were then fit, including censoring weights. Analyses were conducted in 2019-2021.Results: Eviction was associated with 63% higher odds of losing Medicaid coverage (95% CI=1.38, 1.92, p<0.001), fewer pharmaceutical prescription fills (incidence rate ratio=0.68, 95% CI=0.52, 0.88, p=0.004), and lower odds of generating any healthcare spending (OR=0.72, 95% CI=0.61, 0.85, p<0.001). However, among patients who generated any spending, average spending was 20% higher for those evicted (95% CI=1.03, 1.40, p=0.017), such that evicted patients generated more spending on balance. Marginally significant estimates suggested associations with increased acute, and decreased ambulatory, care visits.Conclusions: Results suggest that eviction drives increased healthcare spending while disrupting healthcare access. Given previous research that Medicaid expansion lowered eviction rates, eviction and Medicaid disenrollment may operate cyclically, accumulating disadvantage. Preventing evictions may improve access to care and lower Medicaid costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why are some democratically elected presidents more likely than others to extend or remove their current term limits? This paper argues that the frequency and type of reforms relaxing executive term limits depend on the relative partisan power of presidents and on inherited institutional constraints. These reforms are more likely when short-term shifts in the distribution of partisan resources significantly favour an incumbent executive vis-à-vis the opposition. Yet partisan imbalances do not fully account for the observed variation in outcomes across presidential democracies. Long-standing institutional legacies also affect whether presidents are willing and able to ease existing term limits. Specifically, the maintenance of effective executive constraints over time reduces the probability that incumbents facing restrictions on consecutive re-election will obtain a one-term extension and makes it extremely unlikely that they will abolish term limits altogether. A statistical analysis of reforms allowing consecutive executive re-election in Latin America between 1978 and 2015 and a comparison between Ecuador and Colombia support these arguments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was conducted to compare phenotypic and genotypic methods of detection of two beta-lactam resistant genes in Staphylococcus aureus isolates from mastitic milk. Nine (9/92) S. aureus isolates were revived and used. The isolates were subjected to phenotypic prediction of blaZ gene using the penicillin disk diffusion method and nitrocefin test while prediction of mecA gene was observed using the cefoxitin disk diffusion method. Both the penicillin disk diffusion method and nitrocefin test detected three (33.33%) isolates to be producing beta-lactamase while PCR detected two (22.22%) isolates positive for blaZ gene. Kappa coefficient revealed perfect agreement (1.00) between phenotypic methods and substantial agreement (0.7270) between the phenotypic methods and PCR. In the detection of mecA-mediated methicillin resistance, none of the isolates resulted positive for mecA gene for both tests hence, no methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) was detected. The results of the study show that there are S. aureus isolates from mastitic milk that expresses beta-lactam resistance through beta-lactamase production however, while there was no MRSA detected, the study highly suggests the monitoring of the antimicrobial usage in the farms and their management practices to avoid further development of resistance and possible transfer of resistance from animals to humans and/or humans to animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we have synthesised a novel uranium oxyhydroxide (UOH) phase, Rb2K2[(UO2)6O4(OH)6]·(IO3)2, under hydrothermal conditions which intercalates IO3−via a hybrid salt-inclusion and host–guest mechanism. The mechanism is based on favorable intermolecular bonding between disordered Rb+/K+ and IO3− ions and hydroxyl and layer void positions respectively. To examine whether the intercalation may occur ubiquitously for UOH phases, the known UOH mineral phases metaschoepite ([(UO2)8O2(OH)12]·12H2O), compreignacite (K2[(UO2)6O4(OH)6]·7H2O) and also related β-UO2(OH)2 were synthesised and exposed to aqueous I− and IO3− for 1 month statically at RT and 60 °C in air and the solid analysed using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy. Measurements indicate intercalation can occur homogeneously, but the affinity is dependent upon the structure of the UOH phases and temperature, where higher temperatures and when the interlayer space is free of initial moieties are favoured. It was also found that after repeated washing of the UOH samples with DI water the intercalated iodine was retained. UOH phases are known to form during the oxidative corrosion of spent nuclear fuel during an accident scenario in the near field, this work suggests they may help retard the transport of radiolytic iodine into the environment during a long-term release event. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]