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Does Asymmetric Reproductive Isolation Predict the Direction of Introgression in Plants?
No full textThe evolution of reproductive isolation (RI) results in the reduction of interspecific hybridization and the maintenance of species boundaries. Asymmetries in RI, where one species more frequently serves as the maternal or paternal parent in initial F1 hybrid formation, are commonly observed in plants. Asymmetric introgression, the predominantly unidirectional transfer of genetic material through hybridization and backcrossing, has also been frequently documented in hybridizing plant taxa as well. This study investigates whether asymmetries in total RI measured between species can predict the direction of introgression in naturally hybridizing plant taxa. A meta-analysis was conducted on 19 plant species pairs with published data on both asymmetric total RI, and asymmetric introgression. Species pairs that met these criteria were identified through a comprehensive literature review. A two-tailed binomial test was performed to evaluate whether asymmetric RI was associated with asymmetries in introgression. No significant relationship was found between asymmetries in total RI and the direction of introgression (p = 0.3593). Asymmetric RI largely does not predict the direction of introgression. Rather, introgression patterns may be better understood by examining F1 and later-generation hybrids in natural settings, focusing on their fitness, mating behaviors, and the ecological and demographic factors that shape hybrid zones.Biolog
AI-Generated Fall Data: Assessing LLMs and Diffusion Model for Wearable Fall Detection
No full textTraining fall detection systems is challenging due to the scarcity of real-world fall data, particularly from elderly individuals. To address this, we explore the potential of Large Language Models (LLMs) for generating synthetic fall data. This study evaluates text-to-motion (T2M, SATO, and ParCo) and text-to-text models (GPT4o, GPT4, and Gemini) in simulating realistic fall scenarios. We generate synthetic datasets and integrate them with four real-world baseline datasets to assess their impact on fall detection performance using a Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) model. Additionally, we compare LLM-generated synthetic data with a diffusion-based method to evaluate their alignment with real accelerometer distributions. Results indicate that dataset characteristics significantly influence the effectiveness of synthetic data, with LLM-generated data performing best in low-frequency settings (e.g., 20 Hz) while showing instability in high-frequency datasets (e.g., 200 Hz). While text-to-motion models produce more realistic biomechanical data than text-to-text models, their impact on fall detection varies. Diffusion-based synthetic data demonstrates the closest alignment to real data but does not consistently enhance model performance. An ablation study further confirms that the effectiveness of synthetic data depends on sensor placement and fall representation. These findings provide insights into optimizing synthetic data generation for fall detection models.Computer Scienc
Targeting iNAMPT and NAD Biosynthesis to Break the Obesity-Associated Liver Cancer Link
No full textBackground and Objectives: Obesity is linked to liver cancer through metabolic mechanisms and can promote tumor growth through metabolic impairment, decreased lipid metabolism, and interference of the energy balance in the liver. NAMPT is an enzyme expressed in the liver and is involved in the progression of tumors in obesogenic environments, while iNAMPT is known to be the rate-limiting enzyme in the synthesis of NAD, an essential coenzyme involved in ATP synthesis which promotes a pro-growth environment in the context of obesity. Because iNAMPT and cellular energetics, a hallmark of cancer, play an important role in liver cancer progression, it has become a target for cancer therapies focused on inhibiting its functions. The objective of this study was to determine the contribution of NAD biosynthesis in obesity-associated liver cancer progression. Methods: Cell culture studies were conducted with serum from male mice randomized to diet-induced obesity (OB) or control (CR) ± FK866 (iNAMPT inhibitor) in SNU, HepG2 human liver cancer cells, and Hepa 1-6 liver murine cells. Protein analysis of pAkt and pErk was performed via immunoblot. Cytotoxicity, reactive oxygen species (ROS), cell viability, and invasion were also measured in the cells. For the mouse model, the C57BL/6J male mice were randomized to the DIO or CR group. At 21 weeks of age, the mice were injected subcutaneously with Hepa 1-6 liver cancer cells. At 23 weeks, the mice received an I.P. injection of FK866 (30 mg/kg) for 2 weeks. The tumor and mouse weights were measured. Results: The cells exposed to OB sera showed increased proliferation, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) secretion, ROS, and invasion. FK866 decreased proliferation, LDH secretion, ROS, and invasion for all liver cancer cells. The cells exposed to CR sera and OB + FK866 resulted in more LDH, suggesting increased apoptosis compared with OB sera. The OB sera increased phosphorylation of Akt, which was suppressed by FK866 compared with the OB group. In liver cancer cells, physiological and cellular signaling is affected differently when inhibiting NAD biosynthesis in an in vitro model of obesity and liver cancer. In vivo, the diet-induced obese (DIO) mice weighed significantly more than the mice fed a control diet. In addition, 70% of the DIO mice developed tumors, compared with 20% of the CR mice, and had tumors with greater volumes and weights. NAD inhibition blocked obesity-induced tumor growth. Conclusions: In this study, we demonstrate that inhibition of iNAMPT resulted in suppression of tumor growth in the context of obesity. Identifying pre-clinical strategies to reverse the impact of obesity on liver cancer progression is important due to the strong increased risk of liver cancer and its poor prognosis. Future translational research studies can be built from this pre-clinical foundational research.Family and Consumer Science
The Role of the Platform Economy in Transforming Automotive Suppliers: A Case Study of the Northern Black Forest
No full textThe European automotive industry, particularly in Germany, faces a significant crisis, heavily impacting suppliers reliant on OEMs. To enhance resilience, participation in the platform economy has been proposed as a solution. This study employs a qualitative research approach by conducting 18 expert interviews with automotive companies in the Northern Black Forest region to assess their awareness, perceived potential, and support needs regarding platform-based business models. The findings reveal diverse perspectives: smaller firms perceive higher risks, while larger companies recognize potential but struggle with limited expertise. The results highlight the novelty of the platform economy within the supplier industry and the need for increased awareness, strategic guidance, and tailored support measures. This study provides original insights into regional supplier engagement with platform ecosystems, contributing to the limited research on this topic and offering a foundation for future industry adaptation strategies.Busines
Selenium + Vitamin E Supplementation in Anestrus Goats: A Strategy to Enhance Reproductive Outcomes Under a Semi-Arid Production System
No full textGoats are primarily raised in marginal, arid, and semi-arid production systems and exhibit a seasonal reproductive pattern. Extending their reproductive season would enhance food security and improve the economic viability of goat production. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the effects of SeVE supplementation during the anestrus season on ovarian activity in anestrous goats subjected to an estrus synchronization protocol. The response variables included estrus induction (EI), ovulatory rate (OR), corpus luteum diameter (CLD), left and right ovary diameters (LOD and ROD), embryo implantation (EMBRYO), and pregnancy rates (PREG). Adult, anestrous, crossbred dairy goats (n = 32) from northern semi-arid Mexico (i.e., Comarca Lagunera, 26° N) were randomly assigned to two homogeneous groups based on age, live weight (LW), and body condition score (BCS): (1) the supplemented group (SeVE; n = 16), received 5 mg selenium plus 350 IU vitamin E, and (2) the control group (CONT; n = 16), received physiological saline. Estrus was induced using a combination of progesterone (P4, 20 mg), equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG, 400 IU), and exposure to the male effect. While no differences (p > 0.05) were observed between the groups for LW and BCS, the variables EI, OR, EMBRYO, and PREG rates were higher (p < 0.05) in the SeVE group than the CONT group. No differences (p > 0.05) were observed between the groups for CLD, LOD, or ROD. Thus, SeVE-targeted supplementation improved reproductive outcomes without affecting ovarian structure size (i.e., a non-dimensional ovarian SeVE action), suggesting that this precision supplementation strategy certainly enhances reproductive efficiency. This was possibly related to selenium-induced increases in P4 synthesis, and the antioxidant effects on follicular development correlate with improved endometrial development, conceptus survival, embryo growth, and pregnancy maintenance. Such improvements could contribute to the sustainability of marginal production systems in the semi-arid regions of northern Mexico, supporting food security and increasing economic returns for goat producers and their families.Agricultural Science
Explicit and Implicit Reasoning for Social Preference Across Spanish/English Language Groups
No full textLanguage plays an integral role in shaping social preferences and judgements, yet language-based preferences in adults remains largely unexplored. This study examines social preferences in bilingual and monolingual young adults when faced with potential social partners of different language backgrounds. A total of 123 participants (76 monolingual English speakers and 47 bilingual English-Spanish speakers) ages 18-26 years were shown videos of animal puppets conversing in various language pairings including English, Spanish, accented English, and bilingual code-switching. Participants were asked to distribute food tokens, make a friendship choice, and provide justification for their friendship choice. Responses were coded for explicit references to language, implicit references (e.g., vocal qualities), and other nonlinguistic explanations. Results indicated that bilinguals preferred non-monolingual speakers and were more likely to explicitly mention language as a justification for their preference. Monolinguals did not show strong preferences for different speakers or any single justification. The findings suggest that awareness of one's language background shapes social preferences and factors into explicit language biases.Psycholog
Oral history interview: Richard Quinn
No full textEdited and unedited transcript files (.pdf) and edited and unedited video files available with closed captioning.Oral history interview with Mary Baker about her father, Richard Quinn
Preventing Depression in Chronically Ill Pediatric Patients by Establishing Protocol: A Systematic Review [paper]
No full textThe chronically ill pediatric patients need improved processes to identify and prevent depression that often accompanies chronic illness. When left untreated, lasting effects are witnessed well into adulthood. A comprehensive review of existing research was performed through reputable medical databases such as CINAHL, Pubmed and Web of Science. Results are multifaceted: underlying depression exists in this population and is at risk of being undertreated, and that depression also may be masked with the current assessments such as PHQ-9. The discussion is focused on improving these processes of addressing and preventing depression in this vulnerable population by creating protocols for chronically ill children in collaboration with subspecialities and making assessments more age appropriate.Nursin
Comparison of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists’ Effect on Weight in those with Schizophrenia: A Systematic Review [paper]
No full textIntroduction: Individuals with schizophrenia experience a shortened life expectancy primarily due to cardiovascular and metabolic complications associated with antipsychotic induced weight gain. Current interventions, such as lifestyle modifications and initiating metformin, have demonstrated limited efficacy. This paper aims to compare the effects of different glucagon-like 1 receptor agonists on weight in patients with schizophrenia who are taking antipsychotics. Methods: This systematic review conducted searches on six different databases using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, case series, and a quasi-experimental design. Seven articles across five different countries met the inclusion criteria, consisting of a total sample size of 36,776 participants. Results: All studies demonstrated meaningful reductions in body weight, body mass index, and hemoglobin A1c in participants taking glucagon-like 1 receptor agonists. Semaglutide showed the most consistent and substantial evidence for weight loss, followed by liraglutide, then dulaglutide. Discussion: Findings in this review indicate that glucagon-like 1 receptor agonists are effective at mitigating antipsychotic induced weight gain. Semaglutide demonstrated the greatest efficacy in reducing weight. Further large-scale trials are needed to evaluate the long-term outcomes of these medications in this population.Nursin
Small Transit, Big Impact? Determining Success for Low-Speed Electric Vehicle Microtransit Programs in Small-Medium Sized Texas Cities
No full textThe dominance of car use in the United States has resulted in many social and environmental injustices. Public transit acts to address these injustices, but traditional fixed-route transit typically has limited potential in areas with low population density. Microtransit has made a major resurgence in the past decade, and although understudied, could play a key role in attaining mobility justice by providing flexible routing and scheduling with greater affordability for users compared to private rideshare. Its resurgence has followed the wave of popularity in smart mobility pilots and has featured new microtransit services using low-speed electric vehicles (LSEV) that, while limited in range, are cheaper to purchase than traditional automobiles, produce no emissions, and can increase accessibility, all contributing to a just transition away from automobility. This research examines two LSEV pilots in Bastrop and San Marcos, TX to determine whether they were successful while assessing their capacity to improve mobility justice. To answer this, I ask the following questions: RQ1) How do different stakeholders determine success? RQ2) How are those different measures of success evaluated, and did mobility justice play a role? and RQ3) To what extent did the outcomes contribute to a just transition? The methods used a discourse analysis and multipart GIS analysis to evaluate the success of the pilots. I found that each of the stakeholders involved in the pilots had competing visions of success and lacked a cohesive vision of success for each pilot, making long-term success unlikely. Goal-oriented metrics dominated the discourse until they failed, where they were then replaced by traditional transportation metrics such as cost efficiency and ridership. However, although the Bastrop pilot failed in its stated goals, it was able to make progress towards a just transition by justifying the operation of the other Bastrop rural microtransit, CARTS Now. The San Marcos pilot failed in its goals and in making a just transition.Geography and Environmental Studie