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This study aims to evaluate the consistency of musculoskeletal modelling outcomes during walking in chronic post-stroke patients, focusing on both affected and unaffected sides. Understanding the specific muscle forces involved is crucial for designing targeted rehabilitation strategies to improve balance and mobility after a stroke. Musculoskeletal modelling provides valuable insights into muscle and joint loading, aiding clinicians in analysing essential biomarkers and enhancing patients’ functional outcomes. However, the repeatability of these modelling outcomes in stroke gait has not been thoroughly explored until now. Twelve post-stroke, hemiparetic survivors were included in the study, which consisted of a gait analysis protocol to capture kinematic and kinetic variables. Two generic full body MSK models—Hamner (Ham) and Rajagopal (Raj)—were used to compute joint angles and muscle forces during walking, with combinations of two muscle force estimation algorithms (Static Optimisation (SO) and Computed Muscle Control (CMC)) and different joint degrees-of-freedoms (DOF). The multiple correlation coefficient (MCCoef) was used to compute repeatability for all forces, grouped based on anatomical function. Regardless of models and DOFs, the mean minimum (0.75) and maximum (0.94) MCCoefs denote moderate-to-excellent repeatability for all muscle groups. The combination of the Ham model and SO provided the most repeatable muscle force estimations of all the muscle groups except for the hip flexors, adductors and internal rotators. DOF configuration did not generally affect muscle force repeatability in the Ham–SO case, although the 311 seemed to relate to the highest values. Lastly, the DOF setting had a significant effect on some muscle groups’ force output, with the highest magnitudes reported for the 321 and 322 of non-paretic and paretic hip adductors and extensors, knee flexors and ankle dorsiflexors and paretic knee flexors. The primary findings of our study can assist users in selecting the most suitable modelling workflow and encourage the widespread adoption of MSK modelling in clinical practice.

AIM: To assess the repeatability, interocular correlation, and agreement of quantitative swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) optic nerve head (ONH) parameters in healthy subjects. METHODS: Thirty-three healthy subjects were enrolled. The ONH of both eyes were imaged four times by a swept-source-OCTA using a 3 mm ×3 mm scanning protocol. Images of the radial peripapillary capillary were analyzed by a customized Matlab program, and the vessel density, fractal dimension, and vessel diameter index were measured. The repeatability of the four scans was determined by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The most well-centered optic disc from the four repeated scans was then selected for the interocular correlation and agreement analysis using the Pearson correlation coefficient, ICC and Bland-Altman plots. RESULTS: All swept-source-OCTA ONH parameters exhibited certain repeatability, with ICC>0.760 and coefficient of variation (CoV)≤7.301%. The obvious interocular correlation was observed for papillary vessel density (ICC=0.857), vessel diameter index (ICC=0.857) and fractal dimension (ICC=0.906), while circumpapillary vessel density exhibited moderate interocular correlation (ICC=0.687). Bland-Altman plots revealed an agreement range of -5.26% to 6.21% for circumpapillary vessel density. CONCLUSION: OCTA ONH parameters demonstrate good repeatability in healthy subjects. The interocular correlations of papillary vessel density, fractal dimension and vessel diameter index are high, but the correlation for circumpapillary vessel density is moderate.

AIM: To assess the repeatability and agreement of higher-order aberration obtained by adaptive optics visual simulator(VAO)compared with OPD-Scan Ⅲ.METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from August to September 2023, including a total of 204 patients(204 eyes)with myopia whose right eyes were measured. The examinations were performed by the same skilled examiner using both devices separately. The VAO device was used to measure higher order aberrations of orders 3 to 6 at a pupil diameter of 4.5 mm, while both the VAO and OPD-Scan Ⅲ devices were utilized to measure total higher-order aberration(tHOA), spherical aberration(SA), coma aberration(Coma), and trefoil aberration(Trefoil)of the entire eye at pupil diameters ranging from 3 to 6 mm. Furthermore, the repeatability of whole eye aberration measurements obtained with the VAO device was evaluated and the agreement of the two devices was assessed.RESULTS: The whole-eye higher-order aberrations measured by VAO demonstrated excellent repeatability(0.767≤ICC≤0.941, Sw0.05), while a statistically significant difference was observed in whole-eye tHOA of other pupil diameters(all P0.1, and there were significant differences in higher-order aberrations measured by two devices under a pupil diameter of 3 mm(r=0.218-0.317, P0.01)and 6 mm(r=0.369-0.766, P

Dynamic assessment of myocardial blood flow (MBF) and myocardial flow reserve (MFR) provides additional information that can improve diagnostic accuracy of radionuclide myocardial perfusion imaging in some clinical situations. This study assessed processing repeatability of these parameters calculated using two models—net retention (RET) and one compartment (1CM) in dynamic SPECT studies, using the latest version of Corridor 4DM software (v2024). Data of 107 patients were analyzed retrospectively (57 of whom were assessed in our previous study using 4DM v2015). Dynamic SPECT studies were carried out using a routine two-day rest-dipyridamole protocol. Data was processed in 4DM v2024 twice by one operator and once by another operator. Automatic heart image positioning during post-processing in 4DM v2024 was significantly improved compared to v2015, reducing the number of studies requiring extensive manual corrections from 41 to 12%. This significantly improved interobserver processing repeatability of MFR values in RCA territory compared to our previous study using v2015—from r = 0.67 to 0.85 (p = 0.0034). Interobserver processing repeatability of MBF and MFR in all 107 patients was significantly better in RET model compared to 1CM model. In conclusion, RET model is more reliable for calculating MBF and MFR values based on dynamic SPECT studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Behavioural syndromes are suites of behaviours that corelate between-individuals but the same behaviours may also show within-individual correlations owing to state dependency or trade-offs. Therefore, overall phenotypic behavioural correlations must be separated into their between- and within-individual components. We investigate how startle response duration (an index of boldness) and time taken to reject an inert item (an index of investigation thoroughness) covary in beadlet sea anemones, Actinia equina. Anemones took longer to reject a more complex item compared to a simpler one, validating this measure of investigation thoroughness. We then quantified between- and within-individual correlations using a Bayesian analysis and an alternative frequentist analysis, which returned the same results. Startle responses decreased with anemone size while thoroughness decreased across repeated observations, indicative of simple learning. For each behaviour, repeatability was significant but relatively low and there was no behavioural syndrome. Rather, the two behaviours showed a negative within-individual correlation in most individuals. Thus, boldness and thoroughness are unlikely to be under correlative selection, and they may instead be expressed independently, in line with the general pattern that cross-contextual behavioural syndromes are comparatively rare. It now appears that this pattern may extend broadly across animal diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Habitat assessment is a skill that is important to stream ecologists of all levels, including volunteers of water quality monitoring programs such as Georgia Adopt-A-Stream (AAS). Some aspects of habitat assessment can be subjective because observers must use their best judgement in assessing some variables, therefore, it is worthwhile to examine the variation in volunteer stream monitor observations, the effect of training, and the reliability of habitat metrics calculated from the data collected. To gain some insight, we asked volunteers attending a workshop at AAS's 2022 Confluence Conference to complete a Habitat Assessment Worksheet both before and after a short group discussion. The assessment was completed at two sites on the same creek. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to test for differences before and after group discussion, site, and discussion x site interaction factors. Group discussion significantly affected the mean score for only 2 of the 9 measured variables (channel flow status and channel alteration), but significantly reduced the variance of only channel flow status. On the other hand, group discussion increased agreement among the volunteers rating the overall health of the stream using a Stream Habitat Score within the broad categories Excellent, Good, Fair, and Poor. Interestingly, the coefficient of variation was markedly lower for the Stream Habitat Score than for any of its constituent 9 variables. Because of this, we conclude that the total stream habitat index is more reliable for comparison between different sites than any of its 9 constituent variables alone. Seven additional workshops were conducted from 2022-2024 and during the 5 workshops when volunteers were asked to work in pairs, the variation in Stream Habitat Score was always lower than when working alone. The coefficient of variation decreased from an average of 0.15 unpaired to 0.12 paired, so we recommend that all monitors work in pairs and come to a consensus with each other when completing their worksheet to increase the reliability of their habitat assessment score. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Capacitive pressure sensors make pressure sensing technology more accessible to a wider range of applications and industries, including consumer electronics, automotive, healthcare etc. However, developing a capacitive pressure sensor with brilliant performance using a lowcost technique remains a difficulty. In this work, the development of a capacitive pressure sensor based on nanoporous Anodic Aluminium Oxide (AAO) fabricated by a two-step anodization approach which offers a promising solution for precise pressure measurement is fabricated by a two-step anodization approach. A parallel plate capacitive sensor was fabricated by placing two AAO deposited sheets are placed face to face, with the non-anodized aluminum component at the base functioning as the top and bottom electrodes. A variation in the capacitance value of the as fabricated sensor was observed over an applied pressure range (100 Pa-100 kPa). This change in capacitance can be attributed to the decrease in the distance between the two plates and the non-homogenous distribution of contact stress and strain due to the presence of nanoporous AAO structure. In this pressure range the sensor showed high sensitivity, short response time and excellent repeatability which indicates a promising future of the fabricated sensor in consumer electronics, intelligent robotics etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The variability in behavioural syndromes at different scale levels (e.g., within population or among species) is relevant in ecological and evolutionary patterns. It provides the basis on which natural selection can act to promote evolutionary processes. Additionally, behavioural syndromes can be seen as a form of pre-adaptation, favouring a species' ability to cope with novel selective pressures, establish in new habitats, enhancing population stability, and dealing with deseases and parasites. We assessed repeatability (two replicates for individual) for five behavioural traits (activity, boldness including components of exploration and escape, sociability, and foraging activity) and tested the occurrence of behavioural syndromes in both sexes of three taxa of lacertid lizards: two clades of the common wall lizard (Podarcis muralis maculiventris and P. m. nigriventris), and the Italian wall lizard (Podarcis siculus). All behavioural traits except sociability were repeatable in all the three taxa. Our findings clearly reveal the occurrence of a behavioural syndrome related to the propensity to move through and explore new enviroments, escape from predation risk, and successfully capture prey. We also provide empirical evidence for higher repeatability of behaviours in males compared to females, as well as differences in behavioural syndromes at the taxon-level. These results support the occurrence of personality in both common and Italian wall lizards, highlighting marked variability in personality across different scales. This variability could ultimately reflect the interaction between the specific needs inherent in both sexes within each species, and the environmental/competitive context in which these needs are fulfilled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) measures the excitability and inhibition of corticomotor networks. Despite its task-specificity, few studies have used TMS during dynamic movements and the reliability of TMS paired pulses has not been assessed during cycling. This study aimed to evaluate the reliability of motor evoked potentials (MEP) and short- and long-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI and LICI) on vastus lateralis and rectus femoris muscle activity during a fatiguing single-leg cycling task. Nine healthy adults (2 female) performed two identical sessions of counterweighted single-leg cycling at 60% peak power output until failure. Five single pulses and ten paired pulses were delivered to the motor cortex, and two maximal femoral nerve stimulations (Mmax) were administered during two baseline cycling bouts (unfatigued) and every 5 min throughout cycling (fatigued). When comparing both baseline bouts within the same session, MEP·Mmax−1 and LICI (both ICC: >0.9) were rated excellent while SICI was rated good (ICC: 0.7–0.9). At baseline, between sessions, in the vastus lateralis, Mmax (ICC: >0.9) and MEP·Mmax−1 (ICC: 0.7) demonstrated good reliability; LICI was moderate (ICC: 0.5), and SICI was poor (ICC: 0.3). Across the fatiguing task, Mmax demonstrated excellent reliability (ICC > 0.8), MEP·Mmax−1 ranged good to excellent (ICC: 0.7–0.9), LICI was moderate to excellent (ICC: 0.5–0.9), and SICI remained poorly reliable (ICC: 0.3–0.6). These results corroborate the cruciality of retaining mode-specific testing measurements and suggest that during cycling, Mmax, MEP·Mmax−1, and LICI measures are reliable whereas SICI, although less reliable across days, can be reliable within the same session. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An ECFS-endorsed SOP was used to measure CFTR function using forskolin-induced swelling. • The Forskolin-induced swelling (FIS) assay demonstrates high repeatability and reproducibility. • Identical patient-derived organoids were shared with different laboratories. • Forskolin-induced swelling is a technically reliable biomarker of CFTR function. • Intestinal organoids may be used for cystic fibrosis precision medicine applications. The forskolin-induced swelling (FIS) assay measures CFTR function on patient-derived intestinal organoids (PDIOs) and may guide treatment selection for individuals with Cystic Fibrosis (CF). The aim of this study is to demonstrate the repeatability and reproducibility of the FIS assay following a detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), thus advancing the validation of the assay for precision medicine (theranostic) applications. Over a 2-year period, FIS responses to CFTR modulators were measured in four European labs. PDIOs from six subjects with CF carrying different CFTR genotypes were used to assess the repeatability and reproducibility across the dynamic range of the assay. Technical, intra-assay repeatability was high (Lin's concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) 0.95–0.98). Experimental, within-subject repeatability was also high within each lab (CCCs all >0.9). Longer-term repeatability (>1 year) showed more variability (CCCs from 0.67 to 0.95). The reproducibility between labs was also high (CCC ranging from 0.92 to 0.97). Exploratory analysis also found that between-lab percentage of agreement of dichotomized CFTR modulator outcomes for predefined FIS thresholds ranged between 78 and 100 %. The observed repeatability and reproducibility of the FIS assay within and across different labs is high and support the use of FIS as biomarker of CFTR function in the presence or absence of CFTR modulators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Understanding the test–retest reliability of physiological responses to load carriage influences the interpretation of those results. The aim of this study was to determine the test–retest reliability of physiological measures during loaded treadmill walking at 5.5 km h−1 using the MetaMax 3B. Methods: Fifteen Australian Army soldiers (9 male, 6 female) repeated two 12-min bouts of treadmill walking at 5.5 km h−1 in both a 7.2 kg Control condition (MetaMax 3B, replica rifle) and a 23.2 kg Patrol condition (Control condition plus vest) across three sessions, separated by one week. Expired respiratory gases and heart rate were continuously collected, with the final 3 min of data analysed. Ratings of Perceived Exertion and Omnibus-Resistance Exercise Scale were taken following each trial. Reliability was quantified by coefficient of variation (CV), intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC), smallest worthwhile change (SWC), and standard error of the measurement. Results: Metabolic and cardiovascular variables were highly reliable (≤ 5% CV; excellent-moderate ICC), while the respiratory variables demonstrated moderate reliability (< 8% CV; good-moderate ICC) across both conditions. Perceptual ratings had poorer reliability during the Control condition (12–45% CV; poor ICC) than the Patrol condition (7–16% CV; good ICC). Conclusions: The test–retest reliability of metabolic and cardiovascular variables was high and relatively consistent during load carriage. Respiratory responses demonstrated moderate test–retest reliability; however, as the SWC differed with load carriage tasks, such data should be interpreted independently across loads. Perceptual measures demonstrated poor to moderate reliability during load carriage, and it is recommended that they only be employed as secondary measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess the feasibility of using multifunction instruments to measure axial length for monitoring myopia progression in children and adults. Methods: Axial length was measured in 60 children (aged 6–18 years) and 60 adults (aged 19–50 years) with multifunction instruments (Myah and Myopia Master) and stand‐alone biometers (Lenstar LS900 and IOLMaster 700). Repeatability (measurements by the same examiner) and reproducibility (measurements by different examiners) were computed as the within‐subject standard deviation (Sw) and 95% limits of agreement (LoA). Inter‐instrument agreement was computed as intraclass correlation coefficients. The threshold for detecting myopic progression was taken as 0.1 mm. Measures were repeated only in children following the administration of 1% tropicamide to determine the impact of cycloplegia on axial length. Results: Overall, the IOLMaster 700 had the best repeatability in children (0.014 mm) and adults (0.009 mm). Repeatability Sw values for all devices ranged from 0.005 to 0.021 mm (children) and 0.003 to 0.016 mm (adults). In children, reproducibility fell within 0.1 mm 95% of the time for the Myah, Myopia Master and IOLMaster 700. Agreement among all devices was classified as excellent (ICC 0.999; 95% CI 0.998–0.999), but the 95% LoA among the Myah, Myopia Master and Lenstar LS900 was ≥0.1 mm. Cycloplegia had no statistically significant effect on axial length (all p > 0.13). Conclusions: The Myah and Myopia Master multifunction instruments demonstrated good repeatability and reproducibility, and their accuracy was comparable to stand‐alone biometers. Axial length measurements using different instruments can be considered interchangeable but should be compared with some caution. Accurate axial length measurements can be obtained without cycloplegia. The multifunction instruments Myah and Myopia Master are as well suited for monitoring myopia progression in children as the stand‐alone biometers IOLMaster 700 and Lenstar LS900. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adolescence is a fundamental period for female athletes to develop athletic performance, mitigate injury risk, and gain collegiate sport scholarships, but there is also a high incidence of sport-related injuries. Physical profiling and athlete screening can support the individualisation of training programmes; however, there is a lack of data pertaining to the reliability of athletic performance and injury surrogate measures in adolescent female athletes. The aim of this study was to quantify the between-session reliability of an athletic performance and injury mitigation testing battery in female adolescent athletes. A total of 31 post-peak height velocity (PHV) (3.00 ± 0.82 years) female athletes (age: 16.20 ± 1.20 years; standing height: 166.00 ± 6.00 cm; mass: 65.5 ± 10.70 kg) from various sports (track and field = 1; lacrosse = 2; basketball = 2; soccer = 3; softball = 11; volleyball = 12) completed two sessions of a multicomponent testing battery 48 h to 1 week apart including the assessment of 33 measures addressing lower-limb isometric strength, eccentric strength, reactive strength, linear sprint and change of direction speed, and lower limb control. Of the 33 measures, between sessions, 29 had a high to nearly perfect intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) (0.508–0.979), and 26 measures were not statistically significantly different between sessions (p ≤ 0.05). All measures demonstrated low to acceptable coefficient variation (CV%) (0.61–14.70%). The testing battery used can be utilised for recruitment and longitudinal monitoring within sports organisations for female adolescent athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urbanization is a significant driver of the global biodiversity crisis. Turtles are particularly impacted by urbanization because of the vulnerability of riparian habitats to habitat loss and road mortality. Behaviour plays a crucial role in determining the success of urban animals. Behavioural responses to urbanization, however, are rarely studied in turtles even though many turtles are at‐risk and sometimes live in urban areas. Therefore, we evaluated behavioural changes in painted turtles (Chrysemys picta) living in wetlands surrounded by a gradient of urbanization. We tested the consistency of painted turtle behaviour in the laboratory and examined the behaviour of painted turtles from 24 wetland sites across an urbanization gradient in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. We assessed: (i) aggression by measuring the number of active defensive behaviours the turtles performed in response to handling, (ii) boldness by measuring the amount of time the turtles took to emerge from their shells and move from their initial locations in a circular arena and (iii) activity by measuring the amount of time the turtles spent moving in the same circular arena. We found that all behaviours were consistent in the laboratory. We also found that as the level of urbanization increased, turtles were more aggressive and bolder. Urbanization affects painted turtle behaviour, but further research is required to understand the mechanisms responsible and the conservation implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Moyamoya is a progressive, non-atherosclerotic cerebral arteriopathy that may present in childhood and currently has no cure. Early diagnosis is critical to prevent a lifelong risk of neurological morbidity. Blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) MRI cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) imaging provides a non-invasive, in vivo measure of autoregulatory capacity and cerebrovascular reserve. However, non-compliant or younger children require general anesthesia to achieve BOLD-CVR imaging. Objective: To determine the same-day repeatability of BOLD-CVR imaging under general anesthesia in children with moyamoya. Materials and methods: Twenty-eight examination pairs were included (mean patient age = 7.3 ± 4.0 years). Positive and negatively reacting voxels were averaged over signals and counted over brain tissue and vascular territory. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and Bland–Altman plots were used to assess the variability between the scans. Results: There was excellent-to-good (≥ 0.59) within-day repeatability in 18 out of 28 paired studies (64.3%). Wilcoxon signed-rank tests demonstrated no significant difference in the grey and white matter CVR estimates, between repeat scans (all p-values > 0.05). Bland–Altman plots of differences in mean magnitude of positive and negative and fractional positive and negative CVR estimates illustrated a reasonable degree of agreement between repeat scans and no systematic bias. Conclusion: BOLD-CVR imaging provides repeatable assessment of cerebrovascular reserve in children with moyamoya imaged under general anesthesia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Birds have evolved an astonishing diversity of egg pigmentation and this variation is driven by a complex interplay of proximate and ultimate factors. In ecological research, egg pigmentation is often measured at randomly selected points or regions of an eggshell, but it remains poorly explored whether and how spottiness and colouration are spatially consistent within a single egg. Here, we aimed to quantify consistency (repeatability) of spottiness patterns and background/spot colouration traits among the opposite lateral regions of an avian eggshell. For this purpose, we collected digital images of eggshells from three non-passerine birds showing different patterns of egg spottiness and colouration, i.e. Eurasian Coot Fulica atra, Black-headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus, and Common Tern Sterna hirundo. We found an excellent within-egg repeatability (mean R > 0.90) of both background and spot colouration in all three species. In contrast, within-egg repeatability of spottiness traits was significantly lower, but the patterns of spatial variability were trait- and species-specific. While some spottiness traits showed relatively high within-egg repeatability (e.g. the total spot area), others were either poorly or moderately repeatable, depending on the species. Our results may have important practical implications for future research on eggshell colouration and spottiness, since measurements of reflectance spectra within a single region (side) are likely to be representative for the entire eggshell, while reliable characterisation of maculation may require replicate measurements across different eggshell regions. We recommend that the adaptive significance of spatial (within-egg) heterogeneity in avian eggshell pigmentation should be subject to further investigation under broader comparative framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) with optimized motion-compensated gradient waveforms reduces signal dropouts in the liver and pancreas caused by cardiovascular-associated motion, however its precision is unknown. We hypothesized that DWI with motion-compensated DW gradient waveforms would improve apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC)-repeatability and inter-reader reproducibility compared to conventional DWI in these organs. In this IRB-approved, prospective, single center study, subjects recruited between October 2019 and March 2020 were scanned twice on a 3 T scanner, with repositioning between test and retest. Each scan included two respiratory-triggered DWI series with comparable acquisition time: 1) conventional (monopolar) 2) motion- compensated diffusion gradients. Three readers measured ADC values. One-way ANOVA, Bland-Altman analysis were used for statistical analysis. Eight healthy participants (4 male/4 female), with a mean age of 29 ± 4 years, underwent the liver and pancreas MRI protocol. Four patients with liver metastases (2 male/2 female) with a mean age of 58 ± 5 years underwent the liver MRI protocol. In healthy participants, motion-compensated DWI outperformed conventional DWI with mean repeatability coefficient of 0.14 × 10−3 (CI:0.12–0.17) vs. 0.31 × 10−3 (CI:0.27–0.37) mm2/s for liver, and 0.11 × 10−3 (CI:0.08–0.15) vs. 0.34 × 10−3 (CI:0.27–0.49) mm2/s for pancreas; and with mean reproducibility coefficient of 0.20 × 10−3 (CI:0.18–0.23) vs. 0.51 × 10−3 (CI:0.46–0.58) mm2/s for liver, and 0.16 × 10−3 (CI:0.13–0.20) vs. 0.42 × 10−3 (CI:0.34–0.52) mm2/s for pancreas. In patients, improved repeatability was observed for motion-compensated DWI in comparison to conventional with repeatability coefficient of 0.51 × 10− 3 mm2/s (CI:0.35–0.89) vs. 0.70 × 10−3 mm2/s (CI:0.49–1.20). Motion-compensated DWI enhances the precision of ADC measurements in the liver and pancreas compared to conventional DWI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unidimensional measurements for estimating bill size, like length and width, are commonly used in ecology and evolution, but can be criticised due to issues with repeatability and accuracy. Furthermore, formula‐based estimates of bill surface area tend to assume uniform bill shapes across species, which is rarely the case. 3D surface scanning can potentially help overcome some such issues by collecting detailed external morphology and direct measurements of surface area, rather than composite estimates of size. Here, we evaluate the use of 3D surface scanners on avian museum specimens to test the repeatability of 3D‐based measurements and compare these to traditional formula‐based methods of estimating bill size from unidimensional measurements. Using 28 Australian bird species, we investigate inter‐observer repeatability of surface area measurements from 3D surface scans. We then compare 3D‐based size estimates to formula‐based size estimates to infer the accuracy and precision of formula‐based measurements of bill surface area. We find that morphometric measurements from 3D surface scans are highly repeatable between observers, without the need for extensive training, demonstrating an advantage over unidimensional measuring methods, like callipers. When comparing 3D‐based measurements to formula‐based estimates of bill surface area, most formulae for estimating size consistently underestimate surface area, and with considerable variation between species. Where 3D scanning is not possible, we find that a commonly used cone formula for estimating bill size is most precise across diverse bill shapes, therefore supporting its use in interspecific contexts. However, we find that incorporating an additional unidimensional measure of bill curvature into formulae improves the accuracy of the calculated area. Our results reveal the high potential for 3D surface scanners in avian morphometric research, especially for studies necessitating large sample sizes collected by multiple observers, and gives suggestions for formula‐based approaches to estimate bill size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Behavioural syndromes receive attention from many disciplines for their potential evolutionary significance. Personality traits and behavioural syndromes often vary among species and even within species (i.e. between sexes and populations). Whether correlations among behaviours emerge as an adaptive response or a developmental constraint, however, is still debated. As a foundation for future studies to test the adaptive versus constraint hypotheses, we investigated repeatability and covariation of aggression and boldness between two genetically distinct populations of eastern red-backed salamanders, Plethodon cinereus , and between sexes in those populations. We predicted that individuals would show consistency in behavioural traits across trials (i.e. their behaviour would be repeatable) and that aggressive behaviour would be positively correlated with boldness. We also predicted that behavioural syndromes would vary between genetic groups and sexes. Salamanders were exposed to standard resident/intruder territorial trials to assess their aggressive behaviour. We then conducted a refuge-emergence assay to determine boldness, which involved calculating a boldness index from latency to emerge and time spent back inside refuge after initial emergence. We found that our boldness index and two aggressive displays (all-trunk-raised and look towards) were repeatable. Further analysis indicated a positive correlation between boldness and aggressiveness, suggesting the presence of a behavioural syndrome in our sample. However, we did not find strong evidence for geographical or sex differences. Our results warrant future research to determine whether a shared behavioural syndrome in our sample has resulted from adaptive or constraining mechanisms in these populations. • One of the first studies to assess behavioural repeatability in Plethodon cinereus. • One of the first studies to assess behavioural syndromes in Plethodon cinereus. • Evidence for repeatability and bold–aggressive behavioural syndrome. • Lack of geographical and sex differences in boldness and aggressiveness. • Behavioural similarities in genetically distinct groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aim: We propose a modified Lekholm and Zarb classification that considers all possible combinations of cortical and cancellous bone to provide parameters that favor greater repeatability and reproducibility. Materials and Methods: This observational and analytical study consisted of a sample of 50 cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans. Two new types (V and VI), three subtypes to type II (II-A, II-B, and II-C), and two subtypes to type III (III-A and III-B) were added to the original bone quality classification. The new types refer to regenerated bone (type V) and bone with some pathology (type VI). The subtypes are described as type II-A: thick cortical surrounding the abundant cancellous bone with sharp trabeculae throughout the image and presence of small and visible medullary spaces; type II-B: thick cortical surrounding the abundant cancellous bone with predominance of diffuse trabeculae in the basal bone and predominant presence of wide and visible medullary spaces; type II-C: thick cortical surrounding the abundant cancellous bone with predominance of very thick and sharp trabeculae in the basal third as well as presence of small and visible medullary spaces; type III-A: thin cortical surrounding the abundant cancellous bone with sharp trabeculae throughout the image and presence of small and visible medullary spaces; type III-B: thin cortical surrounding the abundant cancellous bone with predominance of diffuse trabeculae and presence of diffuse medullary spaces. Five dental specialists were trained in the use of the modified classification and were provided with CBCT-sectioned images of edentulous jaws for classification. Each specialist classified the images twice at a 7-day interval. The strength of intra-examiner and inter-examiner agreement was measured with Cohen's and Fleiss' kappa index, respectively. In addition, the agreement between both classifications was analyzed. All data were analyzed at a 95% confidence level, considering a P -value <0.05. Results: According to the modified Lekholm and Zarb classification, an almost perfect intra-examiner agreement was significant (P < 0.05) in all five specialists, with the kappa index [ k ] ranging from 0.91 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.82–0.99) to 0.95 (95% CI: 0.89–1.00). Furthermore, substantial inter-examiner concordance (k =0.76; 95% CI: 0.73–0.79) was significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The high repeatability and reproducibility of the modified Lekholm and Zarb classification on CBCT suggest its applicability to distinguish between the various combinations of cortical and cancellous bone and help to define treatment appropriately to optimize results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flexibility in animal foraging strategies can increase overall feeding efficiency for individuals. For example, group foraging can increase the efficiency of resource exploitation; conversely solo foraging can reduce intraspecific competition, particularly at low resource densities. The cost–benefit trade-off of such flexibility is likely to differ within and among individuals. Reef manta rays (Mobula alfredi) are large filter-feeding elasmobranchs that often aggregate to feed on ephemeral upwellings of zooplankton. Over three years in the Maldives, we free-dived to film 3106 foraging events involving 343 individually identifiable M. alfredi. Individuals fed either solo or in groups with a clear leader plus between one and eight followers. M. alfredi were significantly more likely to forage in groups than solo at high just prior to high tide and when aggregations were larger. Within aggregations, individuals foraged in larger groups when more food was available, and when the overall aggregations were relatively large suggesting that foraging in large groups was more beneficial when food is abundant, and the costs of intraspecific competition were outweighed by the efficiency resulting from group foraging strategies. Females, the larger sex, were more likely to lead foraging groups than males. The high within-individual variance (over 70%), suggested individuals were unpredictable across all foraging behaviours, thus individual M. alfredi cannot be classified into foraging types or specialists. Instead, each individual was capable of considerable behavioural flexibility, as predicted for a species reliant on spatially and temporally ephemeral resources. Significance statement: Reef manta rays (Mobula alfredi), listed as "Vulnerable" on the IUCN Red List, are at risk from targeted and by-catch fisheries due to their slow life history and aggregative behaviour. M. alfredi feed together in aggregations on short-lived glut of microscopic zooplankton. Over three years in the Maldives, we filmed 3106 foraging events involving 343 individually identifiable M. alfredi. Manta rays were more likely to forage in groups than solo just prior to high tide and when aggregations were larger, attracted by the influx of zooplankton. Foraging groups included more individuals when plankton was more abundant. However, individuals flipped between solo and group foraging and did not specialise. Foraging groups were most often led by females, the larger sex. Individuals were very flexible in how they foraged, which makes sense for a species that relies on a food source that varies enormously in when, where and for how long it is available. Understanding manta ray foraging behaviour will help conservation management efforts and predict their responses to climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents an analysis of the influence of the shelf ready packaging (SRP) machine performance parameters on the repeatability of generated cardboard boxes' selected geometric features. As part of the research, two batches of packaging were measured. Each batch contained 100 pieces of packaging, manufactured either at a rate of 15 pcs/min or 20 pcs/min, 50 pcs each. Both batches were measured using Creaform's Academia scanner using VXelements 6.2 software. The results were analyzed using GOM Inspect programming. In the first stage, the geometric repeatability of the products was analyzed on the basis of two selected critical features, which were considered to be the internal length and width of the cardboard packaging. These features are responsible for the proper efficiency of the packaging and the possibility of combining cartons during transportation. The results obtained were subjected to statistical analysis. In the second stage of the research, an analysis of surface deviation maps was carried out against a reference element. Our findings allow it to be concluded that increasing the production output of carton packaging (from 15 to 20 pcs/min) did not negatively affect the dimensional accuracy and repeatability of the process. It was also found that the shortening of packaging production time by increasing productivity had a positive effect on the stability of the manufacturing process of hot-glued SRP packaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The purpose of this study was to assess the inter-examiner repeatability of subjective refraction across diverse age cohorts, an aspect not previously investigated. Methods: A cross-sectional, randomized study enrolled 86 participants (mean age: 37.0 ± 18.0 years), distributed into three groups: youth, non-presbyopic adults, and presbyopic adults. Each participant underwent three subjective refractions by three different optometrists on separate days. Repeatability analysis encompassed all refractive variables (M, J0, and J45). Results: There were no significant differences between optometrists in all refractive variables for either the overall sample or across age groups (p ≥ 0.05). Additionally, no correlation was found between participants' age and the mean difference in refractive variables across optometrists (p ≥ 0.05). The 95% confidence interval of repeatability (r) for the total sample was ±0.70 D for M, ±0.29 for J0, and ±0.21 D for J45. Conclusions: Based on these findings and previous research, it is suggested to establish 95% limits of agreement of ±0.75 D for M, and between ±0.25 D and ±0.50 D for both J0 and J45 when validating new refraction systems compared to subjective refraction as the gold standard, regardless of the age of the subjects evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Specific physical qualities such as sprint running, change-of-direction or jump height are determinants of sports performance. Photocell systems are practical and easy to use systems to assess the time from point A to point B. In addition, these photoelectric systems are also used to obtain the time of vertically displaced movements. Knowing the accuracy and precision of photocell timing can be a determinant of ensuring a higher quality interpretation of results and of selecting the most appropriate devices for specific objectives. This systematic review aimed to identify and summarize studies that have examined the validity and reliability of photocells in sport sciences. A systematic review of PubMed, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science databases was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. From the 164 studies initially identified, 16 were fully reviewed, and their outcome measures were extracted and analyzed. Photocells appear to have a strong agreement with force plates (gold standard), but are not interchangeable to measure the vertical jump. For monitoring horizontal displacement, double beam systems, compared to single beam systems, are more valid and reliable when it comes to avoiding false triggers caused by swinging arms or legs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Parental care in birds encompasses many behaviours, from selecting nest‐sites and supplying eggs with nutrients to incubation and offspring provisioning. Unlike the early stages, where offspring are passive receivers of care, chicks actively solicit care after hatching. This may lead to either parent–offspring conflict or coadaptation, or both, if there is genetic variance in both parental provisioning and offspring begging. However, given that parental provisioning is highly responsive to brood size and age, its genetic determination is questioned. In this study, we used a multigenerational pedigree and 11 years of provisioning data to dissect the variation in this trait in the Collared Flycatcher Ficedula albicollis, and to examine whether offspring provisioning changes as parents age. We found that the parental provisioning rate was weakly repeatable (r = 0.088–0.213) and heritable (h2 = 0.052–0.158). Higher values were obtained when calculated based on within‐individual averages rather than individual measurements, and after adjusting for fixed effects. Older parents provisioned offspring at a lower frequency than younger ones. An additive genetic component in provisioning indicates potential for the evolution of parental care, parent–offspring coadaptation and indirect genetic effects on offspring traits. Future studies employing new tracking technologies, including accelerometers, radars and radio‐frequency identification readers, may help to determine whether senescence or increased experience causes the lower rate of offspring provisioning observed in older parents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extensive research has investigated the relationship between the social environment and cognition, suggesting that social complexity may drive cognitive evolution and development. However, evidence for this relationship remains equivocal. Group size is often used as a measure of social complexity, but this may not capture intraspecific variation in social interactions. Social network analysis can provide insight into the cognitively demanding challenges associated with group living at the individual level. Here, we use social networks to investigate whether the cognitive performance of wild Western Australian magpies (Gymnorhina tibicen dorsalis) is related to group size and individual social connectedness. We quantified social connectedness using four interaction types: proximity, affiliative, agonistic and vocal. Consistent with previous research on this species, individuals in larger groups performed better on an associative learning task. However, social network position was also related to cognitive performance. Individuals receiving aggressive interactions performed better, while those involved in aggressive interactions with more group members performed worse. Overall, this suggests that cognitive performance is related to specific types of social interaction. The findings from this study highlight the value of considering fine-grained metrics of sociality that capture the challenges associated with social life when testing the relationship between the social environment and cognition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Giant Steerable Science Mirror prototype is being developed to assess the tertiary mirror system of the Thirty Meter Telescope. In this study, a new semi-kinematic coupling design is proposed for the prototype based on three pairs of V-grooves and canoe-like components to allow for high repeatability accuracy under heavy loads. A mathematical model was constructed to estimate the repeatability accuracy using the corresponding measurement results and machining errors. The proposed design was verified by an experiment, and the results were consistent with the mathematical model. Furthermore, the results indicate that the repeatability of the semi-kinematic coupling is sufficient for the requirement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In many species of birds, the male feeds his partner during courtship. It is hypothesised that courtship-feeding may nutritionally benefit females, strengthen pair-bonds, and/or signal male quality. Here we explore the dynamics and repeatability of courtship-feeding decisions in wild toutouwai (North Island robin, Petroica longipes), using data collected over three breeding seasons. We experimentally provisioned males and found that they were more likely to share in trials closer to incubation onset and when their mate vocalised. Males were consistent in their courtship-feeding decisions, as the proportion of food-items they shared was repeatable within breeding seasons. Males were also repeatable in the proportion of food-items they shared between breeding seasons, but only when paired to the same female. Our results suggest that male toutouwai courtship-feeding decisions are largely driven by female nutritional need. Moreover, if the consistent interindividual variation we found in male courtship generosity in our experiment is correlated with natural courtship behaviour, then courtship feeding could reliably signal a male's quality as reproductive partner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aggression has multiple benefits and is often coupled with other behaviors ("behavioral syndromes"). The level of aggressiveness is influenced by an adaptive benefit–cost ratio suggesting that benefits should outweigh the costs of aggression. Here, we assess if several behaviors are coupled in two behaviorally different populations (aggressive, peaceful) of the high‐elevation ant Tetramorium alpestre. For three weeks, we collected colony fragments and analyzed boldness, exploring, foraging, and risk‐taking behaviors. We hypothesized that the aggressive population is bolder, more explorative and risk‐prone, and forages more food than the peaceful population. To test whether (a) the combination of experiments and parameters used yields a good setup, (b) populations differ behaviorally, and (c) populations display behavioral syndromes, we assessed (a) the frequency of repeatable behaviors of each experiment, (b) the behavioral means among populations, and (c) the behavioral repeatability, respectively. We found that (a) boldness and exploring were most repeatable and represent a good experimental setup, (b) the aggressive population was bolder and more explorative and risk‐prone than the peaceful population, (c) boldness and exploring behaviors were highly repeatable in both populations, thus corroborating our hypothesis. The results suggest that boldness, exploring, and risk‐taking but not foraging are presumably coupled with aggression and indicate the presence of behavioral syndromes in this ant. Under specific ecological conditions, aggression may be coupled with other behaviors and important for finding food. Aggression is probably adaptive in T. alpestre, possibly indicating that selection favors aggression at least partially, which may counteract the complete loss of intraspecific aggression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes and illustrates a convenient, new method for checking repeatability and reproducibility by direct comparisons of measured heights. Focus variation, confocal, and interferometric optical areal profiling have been integrated as modes on the Sensofar S neox and are used here. Repeated, sequential measurements are made with these different types of measurement without repositioning the measurand. Several different positions are measured on the same measurand, an electroformed, standard areal surface with an irregular topography. Height (z) measurements at individual locations (x,y) are plotted between repeated measurements at the same position on the measurand, and are called H–H plots. These plots can be used for rapid evaluations of topographic measurement repeatability on ordinary topographic measurements. Exceptionally, such plots can also be used to see how well one type of measurements can reproduce another, such as confocal, focus variation, and interferometric, when they are integrated as modes on the same measurement instrument. Only when different types of measurement are included as modes on the same instrument can different measurement types be compared directly for reproducing each of the large numbers of locations (>105) in topographic measurements at the same position on a measurand. One way of quantifying repeatability and reproducibility is with coefficients of determination (R2) and slopes of linear regression analyses on these H–H plots. • Direct comparison of heights in repeated topographic measurements by linear regression. • Reproducibility between confocal, focus variation and interferometric measurements. • Method for estimating topographic measurement repeatability in actual conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a burgeoning interest in studying consistent individual differences in animal behaviour. Most studies consider mainly males, but sexes are subject to distinct selection pressures that may drive differences in life history and therefore lead to differences in a variety of behaviours. Here, we used Oophaga pumilio, a poison frog with sex differences in life-history strategies (e.g., sex bias in space use and parental care), to explore whether sexes differ or share personality characteristics like behavioural consistency and behavioural syndromes. Based on the natural history of this species, we predicted sex differences in behavioural consistency in exploration but not in boldness, and a correlation between these behavioural traits. We found no sex differences in behavioural consistency in boldness and exploration, although, we observed a tendency of higher consistency in males than females in boldness. When pooling all individuals, we found a higher consistency in boldness than exploration, suggesting the presence of a bold personality in general. We observed a positive between-individual correlation of boldness and exploration in both sexes indicating the presence of a behavioural syndrome. Our data suggest that selective mechanisms shaping individual behaviour act equally on both sexes in this poison frog. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability of a single-trial determination of maximal accumulated oxygen deficit (MAOD) achieved via the aid of perceptually-regulated incremental exercise. Methods: 14 trained male cyclists (age: 45 ± 8 yrs; height: 1.82 ± 0.06 m; mass: 79.7 ± 6.7 kg; $${\dot{\rm{V}}{\rm{O}}_{2{\rm{max}}}}$$ V ˙ O 2 max : 4.09 ± 0.57 L·min−1) performed three trials of a submaximal incremental cycling test followed by a test to exhaustion at 116% of predicted $${\dot{\rm{V}}{\rm{O}}_{2{\rm{max}}}}$$ V ˙ O 2 max . The intensity for each stage of the incremental test was regulated by participants to elicit perceived exertion levels of 9–15 on the Borg (6–20) scale. Linear regression was used to estimate $${\dot{\rm{V}}{\rm{O}}_{2{\rm{max}}}}$$ V ˙ O 2 max at a perceived exertion level of 19. MAOD was calculated from the difference between predicted and actual oxygen demand in the test to exhaustion, reported in oxygen equivalents (O2 eq). A separate incremental test was used to measure $${\dot{\rm{V}}{\rm{O}}_{2{\rm{max}}}}$$ V ˙ O 2 max directly. Results: Correlation coefficients between perceived exertion and $${\dot{\rm{V}}{\rm{O}}_{2}}$$ V ˙ O 2 across trials were strong (r ≥0.99), and there were no between-trial differences in predicted $${\dot{\rm{V}}{\rm{O}}_{2{\rm{max}}}}$$ V ˙ O 2 max (4.03 ± 1.04, 3.76 ± 0.53, and 3.69 ± 0.64 L·min−1, respectively; p =.142) or MAOD (2.75 ± 2.28, 2.50 ± 1.53, and 2.93 ± 1.40 L O2 eq, respectively; p =.633). Nevertheless, the coefficients of variation for predicted $${\dot{\rm{V}}{\rm{O}}_{2{\rm{max}}}}$$ V ˙ O 2 max (14.2%) and MAOD (142.8%) were poor. Conclusions: The prediction of $${\dot{\rm{V}}{\rm{O}}_{2{\rm{max}}}}$$ V ˙ O 2 max from perceptually-regulated exercise displays a level of test-retest reliability which prevents its use as a means of evaluating MAOD reliably in a single-trial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to evaluate the consistency of musculoskeletal modelling outcomes during walking in chronic post-stroke patients, focusing on both affected and unaffected sides. Understanding the specific muscle forces involved is crucial for designing targeted rehabilitation strategies to improve balance and mobility after a stroke. Musculoskeletal modelling provides valuable insights into muscle and joint loading, aiding clinicians in analysing essential biomarkers and enhancing patients' functional outcomes. However, the repeatability of these modelling outcomes in stroke gait has not been thoroughly explored until now. Twelve post-stroke, hemiparetic survivors were included in the study, which consisted of a gait analysis protocol to capture kinematic and kinetic variables. Two generic full body MSK models—Hamner (Ham) and Rajagopal (Raj)—were used to compute joint angles and muscle forces during walking, with combinations of two muscle force estimation algorithms (Static Optimisation (SO) and Computed Muscle Control (CMC)) and different joint degrees-of-freedoms (DOF). The multiple correlation coefficient (MCCoef) was used to compute repeatability for all forces, grouped based on anatomical function. Regardless of models and DOFs, the mean minimum (0.75) and maximum (0.94) MCCoefs denote moderate-to-excellent repeatability for all muscle groups. The combination of the Ham model and SO provided the most repeatable muscle force estimations of all the muscle groups except for the hip flexors, adductors and internal rotators. DOF configuration did not generally affect muscle force repeatability in the Ham–SO case, although the 311 seemed to relate to the highest values. Lastly, the DOF setting had a significant effect on some muscle groups' force output, with the highest magnitudes reported for the 321 and 322 of non-paretic and paretic hip adductors and extensors, knee flexors and ankle dorsiflexors and paretic knee flexors. The primary findings of our study can assist users in selecting the most suitable modelling workflow and encourage the widespread adoption of MSK modelling in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the evolution of traits subject to trade-offs is challenging because phenotypes can (co)vary at both the among- and within-individual levels. Among-individual covariation indicates consistent, possibly genetic, differences in how individuals resolve the trade-off, while within-individual covariation indicates trait plasticity. There is also the potential for consistent among-individual differences in behavioral plasticity, although this has rarely been investigated. We studied the sources of (co)variance in two characteristics of an acoustic advertisement signal that trade-off with one another and are under sexual selection in the gray treefrog, Hyla chrysoscelis : call duration and call rate. We recorded males on multiple nights calling spontaneously and in response to playbacks simulating different competition levels. Call duration, call rate, and their product, call effort, were all repeatable both within and across social contexts. Call duration and call rate covaried negatively, and the largest covariance was at the among-individual level. There was extensive plasticity in calling with changes in social competition, and we found some evidence for among-individual variance in call rate plasticity. The significant negative among-individual covariance in trait values is perpendicular to the primary direction of sexual selection in this species, indicating potential limits on the response to selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The black rat (Rattus rattus) is a unique model for studying exploratory tactics due to its enormous colonizing potential. Considerable behavioral variability and consistent interindividual differences might help populations inhabit new environments and persist there even under intense pressure. Additionally, the affinity of the black rat for climbing might be another advantage, widening their potential niche. In this study, we describe the exploratory tactics of the black rats when introduced to a novel environment. In the first experiment, we tested 12 rats and calculated repeatability of their behaviors across 12 sessions of an enriched open-field test. We concluded that climbing is a highly repeatable behavior that serves as an important source of interindividual variability. In the second experiment, we tested 24 black rats in a unique L-shaped arena. Each rat was tested twice. We found that the majority of rats distributed their activity evenly, exploring each part of the apparatus for a similar amount of time, thus maximizing their chances of finding resources. Nevertheless, these "even" explorers still greatly differed in their level of activity, orderliness and affinity for climbing, generating large variability. In contrast, the minority of rats concentrated their activity only on a section of the new environment and were therefore characterized as selective explorers. Overall, we concluded that a combination of such exploratory tactics as well as a bias for even explorers enables black rats to quickly colonize new environments and persist there even under unfavorable conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Dry eye can compromise corneal astigmatism measurement repeatability during preoperative cataract surgery examination. No previous studies have analyzed the effectiveness of long-acting 3% diquafosol sodium (LA-DQS) on astigmatism measurement repeatability. This research assessed the effect of LA-DQS on astigmatism measurement repeatability in preoperative patients with cataract and short tear break-up time (TBUT) type dry eyes in both eyes of the same patient. Correlations between repeatability and TBUT, corneal high-order aberrations (HOAs), and corneal astigmatism magnitude were also analyzed. Methods: In total, 122 eyes (61 patients) with short TBUT-type dry eye were enrolled. Preoperatively, only one eye of all patients was treated with LA-DQS for 4 weeks. TBUT and corneal HOAs were checked using CASIA 2 before and 4 weeks post-treatment. The cylindrical power and meridian of astigmatism were measured at 3- and 4-week post-treatment using IOLMaster 700. Power vectors J0 and J45 were used for astigmatism calculations. Repeatability of astigmatism measurements was assessed as the within-subject standard deviation (Sw). The relative effects of TBUT and HOAs on J0 Sw and J45 Sw were also analyzed. Comparative changes in these variables were evaluated between treated and non-treated eyes, with additional analysis of their correlations. Results: Treated eyes exhibited significant improvements in TBUT, HOAs, and post-treatment measurements of J0 Sw and J45 Sw at 3 and 4 weeks. In non-treated eyes, J0 Sw and J45 Sw showed significant correlation with TBUT and corneal HOAs. HOAs showed stronger relative associations with J0 Sw and J45 Sw than TBUT. In non-treated eyes, no significant correlation was found between cylindrical power and astigmatism measurement repeatability. Conclusions: In short TBUT-type dry eye, preoperative treatment with LA-DQS significantly improved astigmatism measurement repeatability. This may improve the precision of intraocular lens (IOL) power calculations regardless of the magnitude of corneal astigmatism, especially when toric IOLs are used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consistent individual differences in behavior ("animal personality") have consequences for individual fitness, evolutionary trajectories, and species' persistence. Such differences have been documented across a wide range of animals, though amphibians are generally underrepresented in this research area. The aim of our study was to examine consistent individual differences in Dyeing poison frogs, Dendrobates tinctorius. We evaluated repeatability in activity, exploration, and boldness to assess consistency of behaviors across different temporal, experimental, and environmental contexts. We found repeatability in activity and exploration across time and contexts. In contrast, we observed context-specific behavior for our metrics of boldness, with consistent individual differences only for some measures. Further, while activity and exploration displayed consistent correlations across contexts, relationships between activity and boldness were context dependent. Our findings document the presence of consistent individual differences in behavior in D. tinctorius poison frogs, and also reveal context-dependent behavioral differences, highlighting the complex relationship between consistent individual differences and context-specific responses in animal behavior. Significance statement: The concept of animal personality centers on the existence of consistent individual differences in behavior. However, behavioral responses can depend on context, and consistent individual differences in one context do not guarantee consistent differences in another. To address this question, we assessed activity, exploration, and boldness in captive-bred poison frogs (Dendrobates tinctorius) across time and environmental contexts. Our comprehensive approach revealed consistent individual differences in some behaviors and context-specificity in others. While activity and exploration were generally repeatable and correlated with one another, boldness was not. Especially in view of the emphasis on measures of boldness in the animal personality literature, our findings emphasize the importance of reiterative and holistic approaches in the study of animal behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fortification of edible oil with vitamin A is a widely adopted intervention to minimize the effects of vitamin A deficiency in vulnerable groups and mitigate some of its deleterious consequences. Regulatory monitoring is an important prerequisite to ensure that the fortification program is implemented effectively. Standard laboratory analysis methods for vitamin A in oils to assess adequate addition levels remain expensive and time-consuming. Portable testing devices are relatively less expensive in terms of capital investment and cost per test. However, the reliability of results needs to be assured to ensure acceptability and confidence. This study compared a portable device to high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in terms of quantification of vitamin A in both spiked and commercially fortified oils. Nine oils (soybean, palm, cottonseed, rapeseed, corn, peanut, coconut, sunflower, and rice bran oils) were selected and spiked with retinyl palmitate at six different concentrations, and 112 commercially fortified oils were quantified for their vitamin A content using both methods. A good indicator of intra-day and inter-day repeatability (< 10% CV) was obtained for the measurement of vitamin A in the spiked oils for both methods, which denotes a high agreement between them. Vitamin A recoveries were 97–132% for HPLC and 74–127% for the portable device. A strong positive correlation, r = 0.88, is observed between the two methods for the quantification of vitamin A in the commercially fortified oils. The portable device provides a relatively low-cost, quick, and user-friendly alternative to HPLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to estimate the (co)variance components and genetic parameters for milk yield adjusted to 305d (MY305), calving-to-conception interval (CCI), number of services per conception (NSC) and calving interval (CI) of Honduran Holstein cows, by fitting a bivariate animal model using Maximum Restricted Likelihood procedures. Model included the fixed effects of calving number, the contemporary calving group (farm-season-year of calving and the cow age as covariate). The estimated means and standard deviations for MY, CCI, NSC and CI were, 5098.60 ± 1564.32 kg, 168.27 ± 104.71 days, 2.46 ± 1.69 services, and 448.73 ± 109.16 days, respectively; and their estimated heritabilities were 0.21 ± 0.05, 0.03 ± 0.028, 0.02 ± 0.024 and 0.06 ± 0.04, respectively. The genetic correlations between MY305 and CCI, NSC and CI were positive and antagonist, with values of 0.64 ± 0.52, 0.99 ± 0.56, and 0.32 ± 0.24 respectively. Even though moderate to low heritability was estimated for MY305, systematic selection for milk yield, with a reduction in reproductive efficiency, if considered as the only selection criterion is important to be considered. By including reproductive traits and considering permanent environment effects into the breeding program, might yield a slow, but constant and permanent improvement over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Monoexponential apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and biexponential intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) analysis of diffusion‐weighted imaging is helpful in the characterization of breast tumors. However, repeatability/reproducibility studies across scanners and across sites are scarce. Purpose: To evaluate the repeatability and reproducibility of ADC and IVIM parameters (tissue diffusivity (Dt), perfusion fraction (Fp) and pseudo‐diffusion (Dp)) within and across sites employing MRI scanners from different vendors utilizing 16‐channel breast array coils in a breast diffusion phantom. Study Type: Phantom repeatability. Phantom: A breast phantom containing tubes of different polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) concentrations, water, fat, and sponge flow chambers, together with an MR‐compatible liquid crystal (LC) thermometer. Field Strength/Sequence: Bipolar gradient twice‐refocused spin echo sequence and monopolar gradient single spin echo sequence at 3 T. Assessment: Studies were performed twice in each of two scanners, located at different sites, on each of 2 days, resulting in four studies per scanner. ADCs of the PVP and water were normalized to the vendor‐provided calibrated values at the temperature indicated by the LC thermometer for repeatability/reproducibility comparisons. Statistical Tests: ADC and IVIM repeatability and reproducibility within and across sites were estimated via the within‐system coefficient of variation (wCV). Pearson correlation coefficient (r) was also computed between IVIM metrics and flow speed. A P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: ADC and Dt demonstrated excellent repeatability (<2%; <3%, respectively) and reproducibility (both <5%) at the two sites. Fp and Dp exhibited good repeatability (mean of two sites 3.67% and 5.59%, respectively) and moderate reproducibility (mean of two sites 15.96% and 13.3%, respectively). The mean intersite reproducibility (%) of Fp/Dp/Dt was 50.96/13.68/5.59, respectively. Fp and Dt demonstrated high correlations with flow speed while Dp showed lower correlations. Fp correlations with flow speed were significant at both sites. Data Conclusion: IVIM reproducibility results were promising and similar to ADC, particularly for Dt. The results were reproducible within both sites, and a progressive trend toward reproducibility across sites except for Fp. Level of Evidence: 2 Technical Efficacy: Stage 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evolutionary biology was previously considered a historical science with predictions about evolutionary trajectories believed to be near impossible. The development of high throughput sequencing and data analysis technologies has challenged this belief, and provided an abundance of data that yields novel insights into evolutionary processes. Evolutionary predictions are now increasingly being used to develop fundamental knowledge of evolving systems and/or to demonstrate evolutionary control. Here we investigate the factors that make evolutionary repeatability more or less likely to increase the accuracy of evolutionary predictions. We identify outstanding questions and provide a potential starting point to determine how evolutionary repeatability is affected by genetic relatedness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to experimentally assess repeatability and reproducibility of direct tensile strength (DTS) tests with deformability measurements on two types of rocks: Blanco Mera granite (Spain) and Cotta sandstone (Germany). The tests were conducted in four rock mechanics laboratories located in different countries (Canada, Germany, Spain and Sweden). A total of 51 tests were performed on cylindrical specimens of the two rocks, using different test equipment and measuring devices. Mean and standard deviation DTS values were determined in the four laboratories for the granite (5.70 ± 0.32, 6.06 ± 0.11, 3.84 ± 0.50 and 6.76 ± 0.10 MPa) and for the sandstone (1.88 ± 0.07, 1.96 ± 0.06, 1.15 ± 0.32 and 1.74 ± 0.19 MPa), together with Young's moduli and Poisson's ratios in tension, being statistically analysed to evaluate the variability and compare the main results obtained from the participating laboratories. The findings indicate that the DTS test with deformability measurements on cylindrical rock specimens is operationally feasible. However, certain shortcomings have been identified during the course of the experiments with the existing methodologies, such as the one suggested by the ISRM for DTS tests. The results have also shown to be sensitive to appropriate test and strain measurement configurations. The objective of this study was to shed light on these issues and provide new insights for potential future improvements of the existing testing methods. Highlights: An experimental assessment of reproducibility and repeatability of direct tensile strength tests was carried out. Tests were conducted on two rocks (granite, sandstone), in four laboratories located in Canada, Germany, Spain and Sweden. Direct tensile strength test with deformability measurements on cylindrical rock specimens was found operationally feasible. Some shortcomings in current methodologies have been found, such as inappropriate loading rates or no recommendations for deformability measurements. This work provides new insights for potential future improvements of the existing testing methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A common separation approach for polar compounds involves coupling reversed‐phase liquid chromatography (RPLC) with hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC) in two‐dimensional chromatography. The higher proportion of acetonitrile used in the HILIC mobile phase, which enhances mass spectrometry detection, encourages its use in the second dimension. Previous studies demonstrated that the HILIC column can be partially equilibrated within very short timeframes without compromising retention time stability, rendering it suitable in online comprehensive two‐dimensional liquid chromatography (LC×LC) setups. In addition, a specific number of conditioning cycles seems necessary to establish stable retention times. Here, the repeatability of HILIC when employed as second dimension in LC×LC was investigated, with a focus on determining the required number of conditioning cycles to achieve repeatable retention times. Various parameters influenced by the LC×LC online modulation system were studied, such as steep gradient slopes up to 8%, and very short equilibration times, less than or equal to dead time, as well as injection volume and solvent, which depend on the first dimension. Finally, the use of HILIC as a second dimension with tailored conditioning runs was applied to the analysis of hyaluronic acid hydrogel digests. The application of an RPLC×HILIC method using five conditioning runs yielded exceptional stability in second‐dimension retention times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent evidence indicates that individual behavioural variation in animals, defined as consistent individual differences in behaviour across contexts and time, influence ecological and evolutionary processes, and a growing number of studies demonstrate that individual behavioural variation can play a large role in shaping grouping dynamics among social animals. We studied the common degu, Octodon degus , a social rodent, to evaluate whether individual behavioural variation underlies social organization and the reproductive success of individuals within groups. We examined social groups in a population in central-north Chile during one breeding season, tested 67 adults in an open field test (i.e., the propensity to explore an unfamiliar environment) and 62 adults in a poke test (i.e., the propensity to charge an object) to quantify individual behavioural variation, determined assortment based on individual behavioural differences across 19 social groups, and performed genetic analyses to assess reproductive success. We found that the response to the poke test was repeatable, while none of the behaviours from an open field test were. The repeatable behaviour during the poke test was not associated to components of social organization (group composition), or to reproductive success. These findings imply that individual behavioural variation did not affect grouping patterns or direct fitness in this degu population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animals express consistent individual differences in some behaviours, termed animal personality, but behaviours can also vary considerably within individuals, within minutes or hours, due to environmental stimuli. Consistent among-individual variation is often assumed to be mediated by hormonal mechanisms. Hormones are also involved in flexible and fast responses towards environmental stimuli. Even though basic mechanisms by which hormones regulate behaviours are known, much of the quantitative patterns underlying hormone–behaviour interactions within and among individuals remain unclear. Here, we conducted two experiments to investigate the immediate, short-term effects of experimentally elevated cortisol titres on well-known animal personality traits (experiment 1) and their potential long-term effects (experiment 2) in the medium-sized cavy, Cavia aperea. Therefore, we tested how personality traits related to stress coping, novelty seeking and social behaviour react within hours to elevated cortisol. In experiment 2, we tested whether a 3-week elevation of cortisol affects the same personality traits after cessation of the hormone treatment. We investigated effects on the mean levels of behaviours, that is, the personality type, the temporal consistency (i.e. repeatability) and among-individual correlations of traits. In experiment 1, we found cortisol led to more aggressive behaviour and more passive stress coping while other traits were unaffected. In experiment 2, we found no long-term effects. Both measured hormones, cortisol and testosterone, showed correlations with several personality traits; these correlations, however, were unaffected by the cortisol treatment. Animals receiving the cortisol treatment showed higher repeatability for one stress-coping trait and lower repeatability for testosterone concentration. Interestingly, the sexes differed in only few mean trait expressions but showed different correlation structures across traits. Taken together, our data indicate that personality traits in adult individuals are very consistent and only react with short-term fluctuations to internal hormonal signals. • Cortisol elevation induces short-term reactions in personality traits. • Cortisol elevation in adulthood does not alter long-lasting personality traits. • Behavioural syndromes are sex specific in wild guinea pigs. • Cortisol and testosterone are correlated with several guinea pig personality traits. • Personality traits in adults are consistent but react to internal hormonal signals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Caching food for later retrieval is vital for many animals' survival, but little is known about how this behaviour varies among individuals in the wild. If individuals consistently differ in where, when and how they store food, it could indicate that caching is subject to selection. In this study, we experimentally quantified the repeatability and relationship between different aspects of caching behaviour over two winter seasons in a wild population of toutouwai, Petroica longipes. Individuals were repeatable both within and between years in the number of cache sites they created, the distance they travelled to cache and food item handling time prior to caching. All three of these caching behavioural measures were positively correlated with one another, suggesting that toutouwai exhibit a caching syndrome analogous to a behavioural syndrome, with individuals ranging between 'clump caching' and 'scatter caching'. The number of food items that birds ate prior to caching and latency to begin cache retrieval were also consistently correlated, indicating a second 'fast - slow' syndrome linking cache retrieval to satiation level. In both syndromes most individuals were normally distributed between the behavioural extremes, indicating that birds tended to partake in intermediate caching rather than clustering at either end of the continuum. We posit that this distribution may be the result of stabilizing selection that balances the costs and benefits of each extreme. • Toutouwai are repeatable in numerous aspects of food-storing behaviour. • Different measures of caching behaviour consistently correlate with one another. • Individuals fall along an axis between 'scattering' and 'clumping' caching types. • An intermediate caching type may be maintained by stabilizing selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agitated saline microbubbles (MBs) are a common contrast agent for determining right‐to‐left shunt (RLS) by the contrast transcranial Doppler (c‐TCD). The size of the generated bubbles is not standardized in clinical practice. MBs were generated using the recommended manual method by reciprocating motion through two syringes. The bubble size distributions (BSD) were measured using the microscopic shadow imaging technique. The results show that the diameter of MBs is mainly distributed between 10 and 100 μm, the mean bubble size is between 21 and 34 μm, the Sauter mean diameter (D32) is primarily between 50 and 300 μm, and the standard deviation (SD) is between 6 and 17 μm in 80 experiments. It provides a more accurate basis for the recommended manual method instability. The high variance values of the BSD indicate that the manual method has low stability and repeatability. The results of this study can be useful for further improvement of the reliability of c‐TCD in detecting RLS. Research Highlights: This study provided the first detailed descriptions of the MBs size distribution in a flowing contrast agent by the microscopic shadow imaging technique.It reveals significant differences in the bubble size of manual foaming during repeated manipulations for each individual and between individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]