Stable Body Research Articles

Using metabolic data to investigate the role of brood size in the development of endothermy

Altricial songbirds transform themselves from naked poikilotherms to fully feathered endothermic homeotherms over a matter of days from hatching to fledging. The ontogeny of endothermy is a developmental milestone for birds that not only face warmer average temperatures, but also increasingly frequent cold snaps and extreme weather. The timing of development of endothermy has been studied in altricial birds for over half a century. However, the determinants and constraints of the onset of endothermy are not yet fully understood. We experimentally investigated whether brood size influences the ontogeny of endothermic heat production in 4–8 day‐old nestling blue tits Cyanistes caeruleus in southern Sweden. The thermogenic response to a cooling challenge (15°C) increased with age overall. We found that 8‐day‐old nestlings from reduced broods had a slightly increased capacity for endothermic heat production compared to enlarged broods. This difference cannot be explained by body mass because this trait did not differ between brood size categories. Although a metabolic response was present in most nestlings by day 6, it was brief, not lasting more than a few minutes, and not sufficient to maintain a stable body temperature in any age group. Our study shows that incipient endothermy is present at an early age in nestling blue tits and may advance faster in reduced broods, but that individual nestlings lack sufficient insulation and thermogenic performance to maintain homeothermy independently during the first week of life.

Use of dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry for body composition in chronic disease management

As individuals age or contend with chronic diseases, shifts in body composition often emerge, characterized by a loss of muscle mass and an increase in fat mass, even among those with stable body weight. Both obesity and sarcopenia are key drivers of frailty, disability, and heightened morbidity and mortality. The simultaneous decline in skeletal muscle and accumulation of visceral fat can work synergistically, magnifying their detrimental effects on physical function and metabolic health. Today, dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) is widely recognized as one of the most versatile imaging techniques for assessing not only osteoporosis but also sarcopenia and obesity. Whole-body DEXA facilitates comprehensive analysis, offering detailed insights into fat mass, non-bone lean mass, and bone mineral content at both total and regional levels. DEXA is highly valued for its accuracy, reproducibility, speed, affordability, and low radiation exposure. Furthermore, advancements in DEXA technology and software now allow for precise estimation of visceral adipose tissue. This review underscores the clinical applications of whole-body DEXA, focusing on the use of muscle and fat mass indices in diagnosing low muscle mass, sarcopenia, and sarcopenic obesity, aligned with the latest research and guidelines.

Effect of Using Polyethylene Plastic Bags against Increased and Stable Body Temperature in Low Birth Weight Babies (LBW) in the Nicu Room of SLG Kediri Hospital

Background: Low Birth Weight Babies often experience unstable body temperature which tends to be low/hypothermia. The method to prevent hypothermia is to use polyethylene plastic bags. Purpose: The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of using polyethylene plastic bags in the increase and stability of body temperature in LBW in the NICU room at SLG Kediri Hospital. Method: The design of this study was Quasy Experimental, using Pre Test and Post Test approaches. Sampling by Accidental Sampling. This study was conducted on 30 BBLR babies with a weight of < 2500 grams. Data collection through observation sheets with the time of conducting research in November-December 2023 in the NICU room of SLG Kediri Hospital. Data analysis used to test the influence of two variables in this study is the Wilcoxon. Results: It is known that the pre-test body temperature before the intervention using polyethylene plastic bags was < 36.5 ℃ for 28 out of 30 respondents (93%). And those who experienced an increase and stability in body temperature were 26 respondents (87%), and 4 respondents did not experience an increase and stability in body temperature. The statistical test in this study used the Wilcoxon test, the results of this statistical test obtained the Asymp value. Sig = 0.000. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the hypothesis is accepted. This means that there is a difference between the results of body temperature measurements for the pre-test and post-test. So it can be concluded that there is an influence of the use of polyethylene plastic bags on the increase and stability of body temperature in low birth weight (LBW) babies in the NICU room at SLG Kediri Hospital. The use of polyethylene plastic bags appropriately can reduce evaporation and heat loss. Plastic as a thermoplastic polymer group can prevent heat loss caused by evaporation and radiation, so as to increase the baby's temperature. In this study the baby was still placed in the incubator.

Body mass index change and risk of poor oral health in Norwegian adults: the HUNT longitudinal study

Abstract Background Oral diseases and obesity share common risk factors and are highly prevalent. However, the relationships between body mass index (BMI), BMI change and oral health conditions in adults are less studied. In this study, we investigate the associations of long-term obesity and BMI change with risk of poor self-rated oral health among adults. Methods This study include individuals aged 29-90 years (57.8 % women, mean age at baseline, HUNT3, was 54.9 years) who participated in the first (HUNT1, 1984-86), second (HUNT2, 1995-97), third (HUNT3, 2006-08) and fourth (HUNT4, 2017-19) survey of the Trondelag Health Study (HUNT). Weight and height were measured at each survey. We estimated average BMI values and BMI change over a 10-year (HUNT2- HUNT3, N = 19,729) and 20-year (HUNT1- HUNT3, N = 14,276) period and linked to their information on oral health status at HUNT4. We employed logistic regression models with adjustment for confounders and computed odds ratio (OR) with 95 % Confidence Interval (CI). Results At HUNT4, 1812 (9.2 %) participants rated their oral health as poor or very poor. The multivariable-adjusted ORs for average BMI over 30 kg/m2 were 1.3 (95 % CI: 1.1-1.5) and 1.2 (95 % CI: 1.0-1.5) over a 10-year and 20-year period, respectively, when compared to normal weight. After adjustment for most recent BMI (HUNT4), the associations of long-term obesity with poor self-rated oral health weakened. Compared with stable BMI, both loss and gain in BMI over a 10-year period were associated with increased risk of poor oral health. In the adjusted analysis, we found that a BMI loss of more than 2.5 kg/m2 and a BMI gain of more than 5 kg/m2 was associated with 1.5 times (OR = 1.5, 95 % CI: 1.1-1.9) and 1.3 times (OR = 1.3, 95 % CI: 1.1-1.6) greater risk of poor oral health. Conclusions Our findings suggest that individuals with long-term obesity and BMI change have a markedly higher risk of poor self-rated oral health. Key messages • Long-term obesity was associated with increased risk of poor self-rated oral health. • Compared with stable body mass index (BMI), loss- and gain in BMI were associated with increased risk of poor self-rated oral health.

A self-adjuvanted VLPs-based Covid-19 vaccine proven versatile, safe, and highly protective

Vaccination has played a critical role in mitigating COVID-19. Despite the availability of licensed vaccines, there remains a pressing need for improved vaccine platforms that provide high protection, safety, and versatility, while also reducing vaccine costs. In response to these challenges, our aim is to create a self-adjuvanted vaccine against SARS-CoV-2, utilizing Virus-Like Particles (VLPs) as the foundation. To achieve this, we produced bacteriophage (Qβ) VLPs in a prokaryotic system and purified them using a rapid and cost-effective strategy involving organic solvents. This method aims to solubilize lipids and components of the cell membrane to eliminate endotoxins present in bacterial samples. For vaccine formulation, Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) antigens were conjugated using chemical crosslinkers, a process compatible with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) confirmed the expected folding and spatial configuration of the QβVLPs vaccine. Additionally, vaccine formulation assessment involved SDS-PAGE stained with Coomassie Brilliant Blue, Western blotting, and stereomicroscopic experiments. In vitro and in vivo evaluations of the vaccine formulation were conducted to assess its capacity to induce a protective immune response without causing side effects. Vaccine doses of 20 µg and 50 µg stimulated the production of neutralizing antibodies. In in vivo testing, the group of animals vaccinated with 50 µg of vaccine formulation provided complete protection against virus infection, maintaining stable body weight without showing signs of disease. In conclusion, the QβVLPs-RBD vaccine has proven to be effective and safe, eliminating the necessity for supplementary adjuvants and offering a financially feasible approach. Moreover, this vaccine platform demonstrates flexibility in targeting Variants of Concern (VOCs) via established conjugation protocols with VLPs.

Metabolic kinetics and muscle and brain health markers in older adults, and the role of age and presence of chronic morbidities: A large cross-sectional cohort study

Background & aimsOlder adults are at risk for muscle and cognitive function decline during advanced aging, but the underlying metabolic mechanisms and the role of aging-associated chronic morbidities remain unclear. In the present study, we examined whether protein and amino acid kinetics in older adults with and without chronic morbidities are different when 50-70 and 70-90 of age and related to markers of muscle and brain health declines. MethodsIn a large cross-sectional observational study, 575 older adults from 12 trials (2014-2022) were stratified based on their age (50-70y vs. 70-95y) and the presence of chronic morbidities. The main outcomes were whole-body production (WBP) and interconversions of amino acids by stable amino acid tracers, body composition, and muscle and cognitive performance. Additionally, the association between metabolic markers and muscle and brain health was assessed. ResultsOverall lower muscle strength, muscle and fat mass, and cognitive function (p<0.03), but no mood disturbances, were found in 70-95y compared to 50-70y older adults. Presence of morbidities was associated with lower muscle strength and mass, and cognitive function, but higher visceral adipose tissue, and mood disturbances (p<0.05). Aging was associated with suppressed WBP of most amino acids, de novo arginine production, and net protein breakdown, but higher myofibrillar protein breakdown (p<0.007). Presence of morbidities was associated with lower WBP of glutamine, glutamate, histidine, isoleucine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, and net protein breakdown, and higher WBP of valine and taurine (p<0.04). Age showed significant negative correlations with WBP of nearly all amino acids, de novo arginine production and net protein breakdown (r: [-0.407, -0.136], p<0.01) but a positive correlation with WBP of myofibrillar protein breakdown (r=0.133, p=0.009). Lean mass showed positive correlations with de novo arginine production and net protein breakdown and WBP of all amino acids except for isoleucine (r: [0.16, 0.799], p<0.005). Worse cognitive performance was positively associated with WBP of tau-methylhistidine and taurine (r: [0.13, 0.141], p<0.04), but negatively associated with WBP of glycine, valine, and net protein breakdown (r: [-0.222, -0.135], p<0.05). ConclusionComprehensive phenotyping of a large group of older adults revealed differences in metabolic health in response to advanced aging and chronic morbidities. Poor muscle health accompanied by advanced aging was associated with overall metabolic downregulation, except for enhanced myofibrillar (muscle) protein breakdown. Presence of chronic morbidities was further associated with disturbed muscle health, mood, arginine, and taurine pathways, and higher visceral adipose tissue. Therefore, different phenotypes among older adults need to be considered when evaluating therapeutic approaches to improve muscle and brain health.

Heat-confinement, water-resistance, and moisture-release electrospun membrane based on aerogel filler incorporation

The maintenance of a comparatively stable human body temperature through heating is essential for numerous physiological activities. However, the majority of the existing heating strategies are inefficient and wasteful in terms of energy usage, while also falling short in sufficiently protecting the human body against environmental hazards. Fabrics possessed the abilities to retain heat, repel water, and permit moisture to travel through are in high demand, which are essential for energy conservation and protective purposes. Herein, we introduce a highly efficient approach for producing electrospun membranes that exhibit excellent properties of heat confinement, water repellency, and moisture release properties, achieved by incorporating SiO2 aerogel fillers into interconnected nanofibers. As a result, the obtained aerogel filler incorporation membrane (AFIM) composed of PVDF@SiO2 exhibited a reduced thermal conductivity and reinforced moisture-release capability, leading to a 2 °C increase in temperature differential over its cotton counterpart and a water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of 26.83 kg•m−2day−1. This work offers insights into the advancement of the thermoregulatory textiles to conserve energy and prevent waterlogging in future challenging conditions.

Multi-Objective optimization for stable and efficient cargo transportation of partial space elevator

This paper proposed a new libration decoupling analytical speed function (LD-ASF) in lieu of the classic analytical speed function to control the climber’s speed along a partial space elevator to improve libration stability in cargo transportation. The LD-ASF is further optimized for payload transportation efficiency by a novel coordinate game theory to balance competing control objectives among payload transport speed, stable end body’s libration, and overall control input via model predictive control. The transfer period is divided into several sections to reduce computational burden. The validity and efficacy of the proposed LD-ASF and coordinate game-based model predictive control are demonstrated by computer simulation. Numerical results reveal that the optimized LD-ASF results in higher transportation speed, stable end body’s libration, lower thrust fuel consumption, and more flexible optimization space than the classic analytical speed function.

Modified streptozotocin-induced diabetic model in rodents.

Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type I diabetes mellitus (DM) models have been pivotal in diabetes research due to their ability to mimic the insulin-dependent hyperglycemia akin to human type I diabetes. However, these models often suffer from poor induction rates and low survival post-STZ induction, especially in long-term experiments, necessitating insulin supplementation, which introduces additional variables to experiments. To address this, we present a novel modification to the STZ-induced DM model in C57BL/6J mice to improve survival rates without insulin supplementation. Our method involves non-fasting, low-dose STZ injections dissolved in pH-neutral phosphate buffer saline instead of acidic sodium citrate buffer, administered over 5 days. We observed hyperglycemia induction in 94.28% of mice within a week post-injection, with stable high blood glucose levels, stable body weight, and minimal mortality up to 21 weeks. Notably, omitting 10% sucrose in water and fasting did not affect hyperglycemia induction. Our findings suggest that the modified protocol not only decreases the experimental effort of the researchers, but reduces animal stress and mortality, thus enhancing experimental outcomes and animal welfare. By optimizing the STZ-induced DM model in C57BL/6J mice, our study provides a valuable resource for researchers aiming to study diabetes and its complications while minimizing experimental variability and animal usage.

Improved health by combining dietary restriction and promoting muscle growth in DNA repair-deficient progeroid mice.

Ageing is a complex multifactorial process, impacting all organs and tissues, with DNA damage accumulation serving as a common underlying cause. To decelerate ageing, various strategies have been applied to model organisms and evaluated for health and lifespan benefits. Dietary restriction (DR, also known as caloric restriction) is a well-established long-term intervention recognized for its universal anti-ageing effects. DR temporarily suppresses growth, and when applied to progeroid DNA repair-deficient mice doubleslifespan with systemic health benefits. Counterintuitively, attenuation of myostatin/activin signalling by soluble activin receptor (sActRIIB), boosts the growth of muscle and, in these animals, prevents muscle wasting, improves kidney functioning, and compresses morbidity. Here, we investigated a combined approach, applying an anabolic regime (sActRIIB) at the same time as DR to Ercc1Δ/- progeroid mice. Following both single treatments and combined, we monitored global effects on body weight, lifespan and behaviour, and local effects on muscle and tissue weight, muscle morphology and function, and ultrastructural and transcriptomic changes in muscle and kidney. Lifespan was mostly influenced by DR (extended from approximately 20 to 40weeks; P<0.001), with sActRIIB clearly increasing muscle mass (35-65%) and tetanic force (P<0.001). The combined regime yielded a stable uniform body weight, but increased compared with DR alone, synergistically improved motor coordination and further delayed the onset and development of balance problems. sActRIIB significantly increased muscle fibre size (P<0.05) in mice subjected to DR and lowered all signs of muscle damage. Ercc1Δ/- mice showed abnormal neuromuscular junctions. Single interventions by sActRIIB treatment or DR only partially rescued this phenotype, while in the double intervention group, the regularly shaped junctional foldings were maintained. In kidney of Ercc1Δ/- mice, we observed a mild but significant foot process effacement, which was restored by either intervention. Transcriptome analysis also pointed towards reduced levels of DNA damage in muscle and kidney by DR, but not sActRIIB, while these levels retained lower in the double intervention. In muscle, we found synergistic effects of combining sActRIIB with DR, but not in kidney, with an overall better health in the double intervention group. Crucially, the benefits of each single intervention are not lost when administered in combination, but rather strengthened, even when sActRIIB was applied late in life, opening opportunities for translation to human.

An Interspecific Assessment of Bergmann's Rule in Tenebrionid Beetles (Coleoptera, Tenebrionidae) along an Elevation Gradient.

In endotherms, body size tends to increase with elevation and latitude (i.e., with decreasing temperatures) (Bergmann's rule). These patterns are explained in terms of heat balance since larger animals need to produce less heat relative to their size to maintain stable body temperatures. In ectotherms like most insects, where this mechanism cannot operate, a reverse pattern is frequently observed, as a higher surface area-to-volume ratio in colder climates may allow for more rapid heating and cooling. However, patterns of increasing body size with decreasing temperatures can also be observed in ectotherms if selection for more stable internal temperatures leads to smaller surface area-to-volume ratios. Data on tenebrionids from Latium (Central Italy) were used to model elevational variations in average values of body size (total length, mass and volume) and surface area-to-volume ratio. Analyses were performed by considering the whole fauna and two ecological groups separately: ground-dwelling species (geophilous) and arboreal (xylophilous) species. The surface area-to-volume ratios declined with increasing elevation in all cases, indicating that the need for heat conservation is more important than rapid heating and cooling. However, in xylophilous species (which typically live under bark), body size increased with increasing elevation, and in geophilous species, an opposite pattern was observed up to about 1000 m, followed by an increasing pattern. This suggests that a reduction in resource availability with elevation limits body size in geophilous species up to a certain elevation but not in xylophilopus species, which benefit from more climatically stable conditions and constant resources and need energy for overwintering.

Adaptive Induction of Nonshivering Thermogenesis in Muscle Rather Than Brown Fat Could Counteract Obesity.

Warm-blooded animals such as birds and mammals are able to protect stable body temperature due to various thermogenic mechanisms. These processes can be facultative (occurring only under specific conditions, such as acute cold) and adaptive (adjusting their capacity according to long-term needs). They can represent a substantial part of overall energy expenditure and, therefore, affect energy balance. Classical mechanisms of facultative thermogenesis include shivering of skeletal muscles and (in mammals) non-shivering thermogenesis (NST) in brown adipose tissue (BAT), which depends on uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1). Existence of several alternative thermogenic mechanisms has been suggested. However, their relative contribution to overall heat production and the extent to which they are adaptive and facultative still needs to be better defined. Here we focus on comparison of NST in BAT with thermogenesis in skeletal muscles, including shivering and NST. We present indications that muscle NST may be adaptive but not facultative, unlike UCP1-dependent NST. Due to its slow regulation and low energy efficiency, reflecting in part the anatomical location, induction of muscle NST may counteract development of obesity more effectively than UCP1-dependent thermogenesis in BAT.

Activities of living, 8: controlling body temperature

This article provides healthcare assistants (HCAs) and assistant practitioners (APs) with an understanding related to the critical activity of controlling body temperature in patients. Recognising the intricate interplay of physiological, psychological, sociocultural, environmental and politicoeconomic factors at play is imperative for the provision of holistic and patient-centred care. The article emphasises the physiological mechanisms involved in temperature regulation, as well as the significance of maintaining a stable body temperature for optimal patient wellbeing. It addresses the various methods of assessing body temperature, including oral, rectal, axillary, tympanic and skin measurements, with a focus on choosing the most appropriate method based on the patient's condition.

Corticosterone treatment results in fat deposition and body mass maintenance without effects on feeding behaviour or immunity in female lizards (Tropidurus catalanensis)

Throughout life, animals must maintain homeostasis while coping with challenging events. The period after reproduction can be challenging for oviparous females to maintain homeostasis since they direct most of their energy stores to vitellogenesis, possibly increasing the vulnerability to stressors. Changes in glucocorticoids' (GC) secretion promote various behavioural and physiological adjustments daily and to restore balance after facing stressors. However, when GC are elevated for extended periods, which usually occurs in response to chronic exposure to stressors, they can affect feeding behaviour and suppress the immune function. We aim to elucidate the effects of chronic corticosterone (CORT) exposure on feeding behaviour, body condition and immune function in female lizards, Tropidurus catalanensis, in the post-reproductive period. Thirty animals were divided into three groups: 1. Control (no experimental procedure performed); 2. Empty Implant (animals implanted with empty silastic tube); and 3. CORT Implant (animals implanted with silastic tube filled with CORT, with a chronic continuous release for at least a week). CORT plasma levels feeding behaviour, body condition (body index [BI] and fat index [FI]), leukocyte count, and several immune function variables (bacterial killing ability [BKA], hemagglutination titer, phytohemagglutinin [PHA] immune challenge and leukocyte count) were evaluated. After implantation, CORT treated animals maintained stable body mass through the experiment, while Control and Empty Implant groups displayed weight loss. In the CORT treated animals, there was also a positive relation between BI and FI, and higher FI when compared to groups 1 and 2. No effects of CORT were observed on feeding behaviour nor on the immune function.

The interactions between energy homeostasis and neurovascular plasticity.

Food intake and energy expenditure are sensed and processed by multiple brain centres to uphold energy homeostasis. Evidence from the past decade points to the brain vasculature as a new critical player in regulating energy balance that functions in close association with the local neuronal networks. Nutritional imbalances alter many properties of the neurovascular system (such as neurovascular coupling and blood-brain barrier permeability), thus suggesting a bidirectional link between the nutritional milieu and neurovascular health. Increasing numbers of people are consuming a Western diet (comprising ultra-processed food with high-fat and high-sugar content) and have a sedentary lifestyle, with these factors contributing to the current obesity epidemic. Emerging pharmacological interventions (for example, glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists) successfully trigger weight loss. However, whether these approaches can reverse the detrimental effects of long-term exposure to the Western diet (such as neurovascular uncoupling, neuroinflammation and blood-brain barrier disruption) and maintain stable body weight in the long-term needs to be clarified in addition to possible adverse effects. Lifestyle interventions revert the nutritional trigger for obesity and positively affect our overall health, including the cardiovascular system. This Perspective examines how lifestyle interventions affect the neurovascular system and neuronal networks.

The Protective Efficacy of a SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Candidate B.1.351V against Several Variant Challenges in K18-hACE2 Mice.

The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) with increased transmissibility and partial resistance to neutralization by antibodies has been observed globally. There is an urgent need for an effective vaccine to combat these variants. Our study demonstrated that the B.1.351 variant inactivated vaccine candidate (B.1.351V) generated strong binding and neutralizing antibody responses in BALB/c mice against the B.1.351 virus and other SARS-CoV-2 variants after two doses within 28 days. Immunized K18-hACE2 mice also exhibited elevated levels of live virus-neutralizing antibodies against various SARS-CoV-2 viruses. Following infection with these viruses, K18-hACE2 mice displayed a stable body weight, a high survival rate, minimal virus copies in lung tissue, and no lung damage compared to the control group. These findings indicate that B.1.351V offered protection against infection with multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants in mice, providing insights for the development of a vaccine targeting SARS-CoV-2 VOCs for human use.

Molecular Composition Evolution of Dissolved Organic Matter With Water Depth in Prydz Bay of East Antarctic: Carbon Export Implications

AbstractThis study analyzes the molecular composition of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in Prydz Bay by Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance mass spectrometry to probe the carbon sequestration capacity in the continental shelf system. Concentrations of particulate organic carbon (POC), particulate nitrogen and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) with water depth show that POC could be mainly decomposed into DOC and/or microbially degraded. Highly labile DOC is further degraded and remineralized by microorganisms within the upper 200 m, as evidenced by a downward enrichment of 13CPOC and increases in the average molecular weight, oxygen atom number (O) and double bond equivalents of DOM molecules, indicating that biodegradation is the main driver for particulate organic matter and DOM evolution with water depth. Semi‐quantitative calculation demonstrates that ∼83% of POC was transformed to DOC as well as dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), and ∼30% of DOC further to DIC via microbial degradation within the upper 200 m in summer, resulting in a relatively low total organic carbon content in sediments of Prydz Bay. The newly transformed DIC and residue DOC can be preserved in the deep layer due to the formation of well stratified and stable water body in summer of Prydz Bay, ultimately entering the regional circulation system instead of being released back into the atmosphere. This could be one of the most important processes determining the atmosphere CO2 uptake in the continental shelf system of Southern Ocean.

Stable body sizes in soil nematodes across altitudes: The role of intrageneric variation in community assembly.

Animal body size exhibits rapid responses to environmental variations and displays considerable variability across ecological scales, significantly influencing ecological community assembly. However, our understanding of the extent of body size variation and its responses to environmental differences within soil fauna remains limited, impeding a comprehensive grasp of soil fauna's functional ecology. Here, we aim to investigate the magnitude of intrageneric body size variation and its implications for soil nematode community assembly along an altitudinal gradient. We examined soil nematode body size responses along an altitudinal gradient spanning from 3136 to 4128 m in an alpine mountain region of the eastern Tibetan Plateau. We assessed the contributions of intra- and intergeneric variations in body size, both within and among communities, using individual body size values. The implications of these variations for community assembly processes were determined through phenotypic variance ratios employing permutation tests. Our analyses did not reveal statistically significant correlations between altitude and the community-weighted mean body mass, regardless of considering intrageneric trait variation (IGTV). Approximately 15% of the variation in body size among communities and a substantial 72% of the variation in body size within communities can be attributed to IGTV. Altitude did not significantly affect IGTV within or among communities. Furthermore, our results underscored the dominant role of internal filtering within the community in governing nematode community assembly, with external filtering outside the community playing a limited role within our altitudinal range. Our findings emphasize the dominant role of body size variation within communities rather than among communities, attributable to strong internal filtering processes. These findings advance our understanding of body size variation in soil nematodes across ecological scales and highlight the pivotal role of intrageneric variation in shaping the functional ecology of soil fauna.

Tailored Fabrics with Biomimetic Janus Spectral Responsiveness for All‐Weather Switchable Thermoregulation

AbstractIn the face of global climate change, adapting to intensive temperature variation and maintaining stable body temperature in outdoor settings are crucial for keeping personal health and boosting labor productivity. Developing zero‐energy fabrics with switchable thermoregulation provides a feasible strategy for responding to this climate circumstance. However, integrating switchable thermoregulation into fabrics without compromising their structural integrity, comfortability, and fabrication scalability remains challenging. Here, inspired by the Bokermannohyla alvarengai, which adapts its skin color in Janus mode to different sunlight and temperature conditions by varying its pigment cells, the fabrics with Janus spectral responsiveness are designed. The radiative cooling micro‐fibers and photothermal micro‐fibers are assembled into tailored textures, constructing the single‐layer fabrics coupled with distinct thermoregulation functions on each side. The resulting Janus spectral responsiveness fabrics present a solar reflectivity of 83.9% in cooling mode and a solar absorptivity of 84.3% in heating mode, while the robust interlaced coil configuration of the fabrics not only maintains the rich porous structures but also enhances the structural integrity of the fabrics. Advancing single‐layer, dual‐mode fabrics may provide a promising pathway for all‐weather switchable personal thermoregulation, potentially optimizing the market for personal thermal management.

Impact of Visual Disturbances on the Trend Changes of COP Displacement Courses Using Stock Exchange Indices

This work aims to define a strategy for maintaining a vertical posture of the human body under conditions of conflicting sensory stimuli using a method of trend change analysis. The investigations involved 28 healthy individuals (13 females, 15 males, average age = 21, SD = 1.3 years). Measurements were conducted with eyes opened and closed and in the virtual environment with two sceneries oscillating at two frequencies. Values in the time domain were calculated—the mean center of pressure (COP) velocity and movement range in the AP direction—as well as values based on the moving average convergence divergence (MACD) computational algorithm—the trend change index (TCI), MACD_dT, MACD_dS, and MACD_dV. After dividing the analysis into distinct time periods, an increase in TCI values was identified in the oscillating scenery at 0.7 and 1.4 Hz during the 0.5–1 and 0.2–0.5 s time periods, respectively. Statistically significant differences were observed between measurements with an oscillation frequency of 0.7 Hz and those with an oscillation frequency of 1.4 Hz during the 0.2–0.5 s and 0.5–1 s periods. The use of stock exchange indices in the assessment of the ability to keep a stable body posture supplements and extends standard analyses in the time and frequency domains.