bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aesthetic Ideas and Art Interpretation in Kant’s Third Critique and Schelling’s ‘System of Transcendental Idealism’
Authors: Erkan Ekin
Published: September 2024

This paper argues for a metacognitive reading of Kant’s doctrine of ‘aesthetic ideas’, according to which they enjoy the functional role of licensing a theory of art interpretation. I begin by offering a textualist reading of Kant’s doctrine of ‘aesthetic ideas’ and contest the received ‘semantic paradigm’ according to which aesthetic ideas either approximate the form or content of a rational idea. After showing the relationship between aesthetic ideas and artistic interpretation, I assess whether Kant’s theory delivers what we want from a theory of artistic interpretation. I subsequently show how Schelling’s conception of artistic production and reception in the System of Transcendental Idealism (1800) draws from Kant’s doctrine of ‘aesthetic ideas’. After analyzing the relationship between Kant and Schelling’s accounts of art interpretation, I evaluate which account we ought to prefer.
Replacing sperm with genotyped haploid androgenetic blastomeres to generate cattle with predetermined paternal genomes
Authors: Aguila Luis , Sampaio Rafael V , Therrien Jacinthe , Nociti Ricardo P , Labrecque Remi , Tremblay Amelie , Marras Gabrielle , Blondin Patrick , Smith Lawrence C
Published: September 2024

Although meiosis plays an essential role for the survival of species in natural selection, the genetic diversity resulting from sexual reproduction impedes human-driven strategies to transmit the most suitable genomes for genetic improvement, forcing breeders to select diploid genomes generated after fertilization, that is, after the encounter of sperm and oocytes carrying unknown genomes. To determine whether genomic assessment could be used before fertilization, some androgenetic haploid morula-stage bovine embryos derived from individual sperm were biopsied for genomic evaluation and others used to reconstruct “semi-cloned” (SC) diploid zygotes by the intracytoplasmic injection into parthenogenetically activated oocytes, and the resulting embryos were transferred to surrogate females to obtain gestations. Compared to controls, in vitro development to the blastocyst stage was lower and fewer surrogates became pregnant from the transfer of SC embryos. However, fetometric measurements of organs and placental membranes of all SC conceptuses were similar to controls, suggesting a normal post-implantation development. Moreover, transcript amounts of imprinted genes IGF2, IGF2R, PHLDA2, SNRPN, and KCNQ1OT1 and methylation pattern of the KCNQ1 DMR were unaltered in SC conceptuses. Overall, this study shows that sperm can be replaced by genotyped haploid embryonic-derived cells to produce bovine embryos carrying a predetermined paternal genome and viable first trimester fetuses after transfer to female recipients.

Summary Sentence

Haploid morula-stage embryonic cells derived from a single sperm can be genotyped and injected into activated oocytes to reconstruct diploid zygotes that develop both in vitro into blastocysts and in vivo into viable post-implantation bovine conceptuses with predetermined paternal genomes.
Interaction of motor behaviour, cortical oscillations and deep brain stimulation in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Mirpour Koorosh , Pouratian Nader
Published: September 2024

Recent progress in the study of Parkinson’s disease has highlighted the pivotal role of beta oscillations within the basal ganglia-thalamo-cortical network in modulating motor symptoms. Predominantly manifesting as transient bursts, these beta oscillations are central to the pathophysiology of Parkinson’s disease motor symptoms, especially bradykinesia. Our central hypothesis is that increased bursting duration in cortex, coupled with kinematics of movement, disrupts the typical flow of neural information, leading to observable changes in motor behaviour in Parkinson’s disease.

To explore this hypothesis, we employed an integrative approach, analysing the interplay between moment-to-moment brain dynamics and movement kinematics and the modulation of these relationships by therapeutic deep brain stimulation (DBS). Local field potentials were recorded from the hand motor (M1) and premotor cortical (PM) areas and internal globus pallidus (GPi) in 26 patients with Parkinson’s disease undergoing DBS implantation surgery. Participants executed rapid alternating hand movements in 30-s blocks, both with and without therapeutic pallidal stimulation.

Behaviourally, the analysis revealed bradykinesia, with hand movement cycle width increasing linearly over time during DBS-OFF blocks. Crucially, there was a moment-to-moment correlation between M1 low beta burst duration and movement cycle width, a relationship that dissipated with therapeutic DBS. Further analyses suggested that high gamma activity correlates with enhanced motor performance with DBS-ON. Regardless of the nature of coupling, DBS’s modulation of cortical bursting activity appeared to amplify the brain signals’ informational content regarding instantaneous movement changes.

Our findings underscore that DBS significantly reshapes the interaction between motor behaviour and neural signals in Parkinson’s disease, not only modulating specific bands but also expanding the system’s capability to process and relay information for motor control. These insights shed light on the possible network mechanisms underlying DBS therapeutic effects, suggesting a profound impact on both neural and motor domains.
Laminar organization of visual responses in core and parabelt auditory cortex
Authors: Mackey Chase A , O’Connell Monica N , Hackett Troy A , Schroeder Charles E , Kajikawa Yoshinao
Published: September 2024

Audiovisual (AV) interaction has been shown in many studies of auditory cortex. However, the underlying processes and circuits are unclear because few studies have used methods that delineate the timing and laminar distribution of net excitatory and inhibitory processes within areas, much less across cortical levels. This study examined laminar profiles of neuronal activity in auditory core (AC) and parabelt (PB) cortices recorded from macaques during active discrimination of conspecific faces and vocalizations. We found modulation of multi-unit activity (MUA) in response to isolated visual stimulation, characterized by a brief deep MUA spike, putatively in white matter, followed by mid-layer MUA suppression in core auditory cortex; the later suppressive event had clear current source density concomitants, while the earlier MUA spike did not. We observed a similar facilitation-suppression sequence in the PB, with later onset latency. In combined AV stimulation, there was moderate reduction of responses to sound during the visual-evoked MUA suppression interval in both AC and PB. These data suggest a common sequence of afferent spikes, followed by synaptic inhibition; however, differences in timing and laminar location may reflect distinct visual projections to AC and PB.
A case report of systemic lupus erythematosus with severe pulmonary hypertension presenting as large pericardial effusion with early signs of cardiac tamponade: a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge
Authors: Alghamdi Abdullah Ibrahim , Shah Muhammad Azam , Alkhodair Abdullah Mohammed
Published: September 2024

Background

Pulmonary hypertension is defined as resting arterial pressure >20 mmHg. Cardiac tamponade is a medical emergency where fluids accumulate in the pericardial sac compressing the heart pericardium leading to heart failure. Pericardiocentesis is challenging in patients with cardiac tamponade and severe pulmonary hypertension due to the risk of catastrophic haemodynamic collapse.

Case Summary

An 18-year-old female who was recently diagnosed to have systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) presented to the emergency department with shortness of breath, chest pain, fever, and fatigue. The physical examination revealed tachycardia, muffled heart sounds, and distended jugular venous pulse. Chest X-ray showed cardiomegaly, and transthoracic echocardiography showed a large circumferential pericardial effusion with signs of cardiac tamponade. There was severe pulmonary hypertension along with a dilated right ventricle with systolic dysfunction. The right ventricular systolic pressure was around 100 mmHg. The multidisciplinary team of cardiologists and pulmonologists decided to avoid pericardiocentesis due to the high risk of haemodynamic collapse. Aggressive medical therapy targeting pulmonary hypertension and SLE was started, which resulted in complete resolution of the pericardial effusion and normalization of pulmonary artery pressure.

Discussion

A conservative approach can be an alternative strategy to manage patients with large pericardial effusion and impending pericardial tamponade in the presence of severe pulmonary arterial hypertension as pericardiocentesis carries a high risk of haemodynamic collapse.
Steroid-resistant immunoglobulin G4–related coronary arteritis: a case report
Authors: Okada Tomoaki , Takagi Wataru , Nosaka Kazumasa , Doi Masayuki
Published: September 2024

Background

Immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)–related diseases are systemic fibroinflammatory disease characterized by extensive infiltration of IgG4-positive plasma cells in the affected tissue(s), with high plasma levels of IgG4. However, coronary involvement is rare.

Case summary

A 70-year-old man was diagnosed with IgG4-related coronary arteritis, pancreatitis, and cholangitis during full-body contrast computed tomography (CT) examination prior to surgery for an iliac artery aneurysm. 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography/CT showed increased uptake of 18F-FDG in the pancreas, extrahepatic bile ducts, and proximal right coronary artery (RCA). Despite the patient being asymptomatic, the RCA showed severe stenosis. The patient was administered a conservative treatment with prednisolone, 30 mg/day, gradually tapered to 5 mg/day, for 6 months. Two years later, contrast CT showed improvement of the pancreatic and bile duct lesions; however, the steroid therapy had not improved the coronary artery lesions, and gradual progression of the lesions was observed. Percutaneous coronary intervention was performed with a cutting balloon in the RCA, and good patency was maintained for 1 year after the procedure.

Discussion

Steroid therapy is the first-line treatment for IgG4-related diseases; however, there may be some refractory cases. The stenotic and aneurysmal types of IgG4-related coronary arteritis are life-threatening; therefore, we performed revascularization using balloon angioplasty. Determining the optimal revascularization technique for drug-refractory cases requires further investigation.
Management and follow-up strategies for patients with head and neck paraganglioma
Authors: Richter Susan , Pacak Karel , Kunst Henricus P M , Januszewicz Andrzej , Nölting Svenja , Remde Hanna , Robledo Mercedes , Eisenhofer Graeme , Timmers Henri J L M , Pamporaki Christina
Published: September 2024

Objective

Head-neck paragangliomas (HNPGLs) are rare tumors with approximately half arising due to germline pathogenic variants (PVs) in succinate dehydrogenase genes (SDHx). Patients with HNPGL have heterogeneous propensity to recur and metastasize. Thus, we aim to assess prevalence and predictors of recurrent (RD) and/or metastatic disease in patients with and without SDHx-related HNPGLs.

Design and methods

This cross-sectional study used retrospective data of 214 patients enrolled in six referral centers. Data included sex, age, primary tumor treatment, location, and size, biochemical phenotype, germline PVs, presence of RD (locoregional or new tumor), and/or metastasis.

Results

Patients with and without SDHx-related HNPGLs showed 74% and 40% prevalence of RD, respectively. Patients without SDHx-related HNPGLs presented with recurrent tumors only in head-neck regions. The only independent predictor for RD in the entire cohort was presence of SDHx PVs. Metastatic prevalence reached 9%-13%. For patients with SDHx-related HNPGLs, large tumor size (>2.3 cm, OR:50.0, CI:2.6-977.6), young age at initial diagnosis (<42years, OR:27.3, CI:1.8-407.2), and presence of SDHB PV (OR:15.6; CI:1.5-164.8) were independent predictors of metastasis. For patients without SDHx-related HNPGLs, only carotid-body location was an independent predictor of metastasis (OR:18.9, CI:2.0-182.5).

Conclusions

Patients without SDHx-related HNPGLs require long-term follow-up due to high prevalence of RD with imaging largely restricted to head-neck regions. As carotid-body HNPGLs have the highest metastatic risk among sporadic tumors, radical treatment with frequent follow-up is suggested until population-based data are available. Importantly, patients with SDHx-related HNPGLs might benefit from early radical treatment when tumors are still small to reduce metastatic risk.
International youth literature in the Chinese EFL classroom
Authors: Sun Lina , Zhang Wenzhong
Published: September 2024

This qualitative case study examines the role of international youth literature in enhancing the English language learning and global competence of Chinese university students. Through engaging in meaningful literacy activities, this study reveals the potential of a critical-global-literacies-based approach to foster cultural sensitivity and global awareness. By investigating how students gained knowledge of cultural diversity and developed a critical understanding of our interconnected world, this paper advocates for a dynamic approach to literature-oriented English language education, thus prompting a paradigm shift in teaching practices.
Does brain size of Asiatic toads (Bufo gargarizans) trade-off with other energetically expensive organs along altitudinal gradients?
Authors: Yao Zhongyi , Huang Kun , Qi Yin , Fu Jinzhong
Published: September 2024

Brain size variation is often attributed to energetic trade-offs with other metabolically expensive tissues and organs, which is a prediction of the expensive brain hypothesis (EBH). Here we examine Asiatic toads (Bufo gargarizans) along altitudinal gradients and test size trade-offs between the brain and four visceral organs (heart, liver, alimentary tract, and kidney) with altitude. Body size and scaled mass index (a proxy for total energy intake) decline with altitude, implying stronger energetic constraints at high altitudes. Relative brain size decreases along altitudinal gradients, while visceral organs mostly increase in relative sizes. Using structural equation modeling, a significant negative relationship between brain size and a latent variable “budget,” which represents the energy allocation to the four visceral organs, is detected among high-altitudinal toads. Heart appears to have the largest and most consistent response to changes in energy allocation. No such relationships are observed among toads at middle- and low-altitudes, where high energy intake may allow individuals to forego energetic trade-offs. When applying EBH to poikilotherms, a great emphasis should be placed on total energy intake in addition to energy allocation. Future research on EBH will benefit from more intra-specific comparisons and the evaluation of fitness consequences beyond energy limitation.
Care seeking during pregnancy: testing the assumptions behind service delivery redesign for maternal and newborn health in rural Kenya
Authors: Croke Kevin , Kapaon David , Opondo Kennedy , Cooper Jan , Nzinga Jacinta , Olwanda Easter , Rahim Nicholas , Kruk Margaret E
Published: September 2024

A health systems reform known as Service Delivery Redesign (SDR) for maternal and newborn health seeks to make high-quality delivery care universal in Kakamega County, in western Kenya, by strengthening hospital-level care and making hospital deliveries the default option for pregnant women. Using a large prospective survey of new mothers in Kakamega County, we examine several key assumptions that underpin the SDR policy’s theory of change. We analyse data on place of delivery, travel time and distance, out-of-pocket spending, and self-reported quality of care for 19 127 women prospectively enrolled during antenatal care (ANC) and surveyed two times after their delivery. We analyze changes in womens’ delivery location preferences in recent years in Kakamega, and over the course of their most recent pregnancy. We also evaluate travel time, out-of-pocket expenditures and patient satisfaction for women who deliver in public hospitals vs primary health centres. We find substantial changes in delivery location at the population level over time and for individual women over the course of pregnancy. Facility delivery has increased from 50.4% in 2010 to 89.5% in 2019; 70% of respondents deliver at a different facility than their reported intention at ANC. Out-of-pocket delivery expenditures are on average 1351 Kenyan shillings (Ksh) in hospitals compared to 964 Ksh in PHC (primary health care)s (P < 0.01). Transport expenditures are 337 Ksh for PHC level deliveries vs 422 Ksh for hospitals (P < 0.01). Self-reported average travel time is 51 min (PHC delivery) vs 47 min (hospital delivery) (P = 0.78). The average distance to a delivery location is 15.1 km for PHC deliveries vs 15.2 km for hospitals (P = 0.99). There were no differences in overall patient-reported quality scores, while some subcomponents of quality favoured hospitals. These findings support several key assumptions of the SDR theory of change in Kakamega County, while also highlighting important challenges that should be addressed to increase the likelihood of successful implementation.
Edward Long’s observations on Jamaican slavery and British slave trade abolition
Authors: Morgan Kenneth
Published: September 2024

This note presents for the first time material on Edward Long’s views on Jamaican enslavement and British slave trade abolition in 1804. His letter of that year, deposited at the William Salt Library, Stafford, shows that in old age he adapted his position from being an ardent slave trade supporter to a stance where ending the slave trade could be accepted. Long emphasized that, in circumstances where slave revolt and Jamaica’s security were concerned, the pro-slave trade argument would need to be shelved, the implementation of abolition would be acceptable and planters could then concentrate their efforts on amelioration.
Investigating MATN3 and ASPN as novel drivers of gastric cancer progression via EMT pathways
Authors: Li Jing , Xie Bo , Wang Hu , Wang QingKang , Wu YongYou
Published: September 2024

Gastric cancer (GC) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally, necessitating the identification of novel therapeutic targets. This study investigates the roles of MATN3 and ASPN in GC progression via the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathway. Analysis of the Cancer Genome Atlas—Stomach Adenocarcinoma (TCGA-STAD) dataset revealed that both MATN3 and ASPN are significantly upregulated in GC tissues and correlate with poor patient survival. Protein–protein interaction and co-expression analyses confirmed a direct interaction between MATN3 and ASPN, suggesting their synergistic role in EMT activation. Functional assays demonstrated that MATN3 promotes GC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, while its knockdown inhibits these malignant behaviors and induces apoptosis. ASPN overexpression further amplified these oncogenic effects. In vivo, studies in a mouse model corroborated that co-overexpression of MATN3 and ASPN enhances tumor growth and metastasis. These findings highlight the MATN3-ASPN axis as a potential therapeutic target in GC, offering new insights into the molecular mechanisms driving GC progression.
Gravitational Instantons, Weyl Curvature, and Conformally Kähler Geometry
Authors: Biquard Olivier , Gauduchon Paul , LeBrun Claude
Published: September 2024

In a previous paper [7], the first two authors classified complete Ricci-flat ALF Riemannian 4-manifolds that are toric and Hermitian, but non-Kähler. In this article, we consider general Ricci-flat metrics on these spaces that are close to a given such gravitational instanton with respect to a norm that imposes reasonable fall-off conditions at infinity. We prove that any such Ricci-flat perturbation is necessarily Hermitian and carries a bounded, non-trivial Killing vector field. With mild additional hypotheses, we are then able to show that the new Ricci-flat metric must actually be one of the known gravitational instantons classified in [7].
Introduction to the Presidential Special Issue
Authors: Chenoweth Erica , Parashar Swati
Published: September 2024

This Presidential Special Issue brings together a diverse array of scholars and perspectives to address contemporary challenges to the world—and to international studies. Drawing together contributions from the Sapphire Series and the 2023 International Studies Association Annual Meeting, contributors grapple with uncertainty, complexity, and the imperative of inclusivity in the field and beyond.
Impact of wearable device data and multi-scale entropy analysis on improving hospital readmission prediction
Authors: Nagarajan Vishal , Shashikumar Supreeth Prajwal , Malhotra Atul , Nemati Shamim , Wardi Gabriel
Published: September 2024

Objective

Unplanned readmissions following a hospitalization remain common despite significant efforts to curtail these. Wearable devices may offer help identify patients at high risk for an unplanned readmission.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a multi-center retrospective cohort study using data from the All of Us data repository. We included subjects with wearable data and developed a baseline Feedforward Neural Network (FNN) model and a Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) time-series deep learning model to predict daily, unplanned rehospitalizations up to 90 days from discharge. In addition to demographic and laboratory data from subjects, post-discharge data input features include wearable data and multiscale entropy features based on intraday wearable time series. The most significant features in the LSTM model were determined by permutation feature importance testing.

Results

In sum, 612 patients met inclusion criteria. The complete LSTM model had a higher area under the receiver operating characteristic curve than the FNN model (0.83 vs 0.795). The 5 most important input features included variables from multiscale entropy (steps) and number of active steps per day.

Discussion

Data available from wearable devices can improve ability to predict readmissions. Prior work has focused on predictors available up to discharge or on additional data abstracted from wearable devices. Our results from 35 institutions highlight how multiscale entropy can improve readmission prediction and may impact future work in this domain.

Conclusion

Wearable data and multiscale entropy can improve prediction of a deep-learning model to predict unplanned 90-day readmissions. Prospective studies are needed to validate these findings.
Linkability measures to assess the data characteristics for record linkage
Authors: Ong Toan C , Hill Andrew , Kahn Michael G , Lembcke Lauren R , Schilling Lisa M , Grannis Shaun J
Published: September 2024

Objectives

Accurate record linkage (RL) enables consolidation and de-duplication of data from disparate datasets, resulting in more comprehensive and complete patient data. However, conducting RL with low quality or unfit data can waste institutional resources on poor linkage results. We aim to evaluate data linkability to enhance the effectiveness of record linkage.

Materials and Methods

We describe a systematic approach using data fitness (“linkability”) measures, defined as metrics that characterize the availability, discriminatory power, and distribution of potential variables for RL. We used the isolation forest algorithm to detect abnormal linkability values from 188 sites in Indiana and Colorado, and manually reviewed the data to understand the cause of anomalies.

Result

We calculated 10 linkability metrics for 11 potential linkage variables (LVs) across 188 sites for a total of 20 680 linkability metrics. Potential LVs such as first name, last name, date of birth, and sex have low missing data rates, while Social Security Number vary widely in completeness among all sites. We investigated anomalous linkability values to identify the cause of many records having identical values in certain LVs, issues with placeholder values disguising data missingness, and orphan records.

Discussion

The fitness of a variable for RL is determined by its availability and its discriminatory power to uniquely identify individuals. These results highlight the need for awareness of placeholder values, which inform the selection of variables and methods to optimize RL performance.

Conclusion

Evaluating linkability measures using the isolation forest algorithm to highlight anomalous findings can help identify fitness-for-use issues that must be addressed before initiating the RL process to ensure high-quality linkage outcomes.
Effects of fermented soybean meal and supplemental methionine and lysine on growth, digestibility, body composition, and amino acid composition of Beluga (Huso huso)
Authors: Khodadoust Ali , Khoshkholgh Majidreza , Noveirian Hamid A , Mohseni Mahmoud , Khara Hossein
Published: September 2024

There is an increasing concern about using limited high-quality protein sources in the aquafeed industry. The alternative solution to this problem is cost-effective plant proteins such as soybean meal (SBM). However, it is better to improve plant protein-containing diets through processing and supplemental amino acids. This study aimed to examine the effects of fermented soybean meal (FSBM) and supplemental methionine and lysine (ML) in diets on growth, digestibility, and body and amino acid composition in Beluga (Huso huso). Two basal diets (490 g FM Kg−1) of fish meal (FM) and FM with ML (FM + ML) were replaced by 40%, 60%, and 80% of FSBM and FSBM + ML (FM, FSBM40, FSBM60, FSBM80, FM + ML, FSBM40 + ML, FSBM60 + ML and FSBM80 + ML; 444 g kg−1 crude protein and 19.77 MJ kg−1 gross energy). The diets were fed to triplicate groups of Beluga (394.6 ± 4.3 g) three times daily for 56 d. The results showed that Beluga fed 80% FSBM and FSBM + ML had lower growth and feed utilization. Moreover, Beluga-fed FSBM + ML performed poorer than those fed FSBM (P < 0.05). No interactions between fermented SBM and ML were observed in apparent digestibility coefficients (ADC) and body proximate composition except for ADC of crude lipid. ADC in Beluga fed 80% were less than other diets. Substitution of FSBM and FSBM + ML in diets significantly reduced dry matter, ash and crude lipid; Crude lipid increased in groups fed FSBM + ML (P < 0.05). FSBM and FSBM + ML in 60% had higher and lower total amino acids in muscle and feces (P < 0.05), respectively. Also, excreted total amino acids in feces increased with ML (P < 0.05). Generally, in Beluga, FSBM-containing diets showed better effects on growth, feed utilization, whole-body lipid, and muscle and fecal amino acids than those with FSBM + ML. Fermented SBM could be replaced up to 60%.
The effects of intersexual interactions on survival can drive the evolution of female ornaments in the absence of mate limitation
Authors: Watts J Colton , Fitzpatrick Courtney L
Published: September 2024

The evolution of sexual ornaments in animals is typically attributed to reproductive competition. However, sexual ornaments also arise in contexts where the ornamented sex is neither mate nor gamete limited, and explanations for ornamentation in these cases remain incomplete. In many species, particularly those with slow life histories, lifetime reproductive success depends more strongly on adult survival than fecundity, and survival can depend on intersexual interactions. We develop a population genetic model to investigate how the effect of intersexual interactions on survival may contribute to ornament evolution in the absence of competition for mates. Using female ornamentation in polygynous mating systems as a case study, we show that, indeed, ornaments can evolve when the ornament functions to modify interactions with males in ways that enhance a female’s own survival. The evolutionary dynamics depend qualitatively on the specific behavioral mechanism by which the ornament modifies social interactions. In all cases, the ornament’s long-term persistence is ultimately determined by the coevolution of the male locus that determines how males affect female survival. We outline the scenarios that are most likely to favor the evolution of female ornaments through the effects of intersexual interactions on survival, and we urge empirical researchers to consider the potential for this social selection mechanism to shape traits of interest across taxa.
Factors affecting Xyleborus glabratus attack and host utilization in sassafras and redbay in the Carolinas
Authors: Crout Katy , Mayfield Albert , Kerrigan Julia , Hartshorn Jess
Published: September 2024

The laurel wilt disease complex is a destructive combination of a non-native beetle vector [redbay ambrosia beetle (RAB), Xyleborus glabratus Eichhoff (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae)] and a symbiotic fungus (Harringtonia lauricola (Ophiostomataceae) T.C. Harr., Fraedrich & Aghayeva), which serves as a pathogen in the host trees infested by RAB. The complex originated from Asia and was first discovered in the United States near Savannah, GA in 2002, and has rapidly made its way across the southeastern US, causing mortality for redbay and other important Lauraceae species, including sassafras, giving this disease complex the potential to have far-reaching ecological effects across North America. Our goal with this study was to examine the spatial distribution of RAB attacks in redbay and sassafras trees along the leading edge of disease progression. RAB attacks were clustered in both tree species, with attacks being most concentrated on the south side of the tree in sassafras, and with RAB clustering more with other RAB attacks on redbay. When comparing bolts that produced adult RABs, the average number of RABs emerged was higher in redbay compared to sassafras. Entrance hole density, RAB emergence, and moisture content were higher near the base of the stem compared to stems sections higher on the bole of both tree species. Our results suggest that physiological differences, such as size and structure of vessels, between these tree species may drive beetle attack patterns and, therefore, affect the progression and spread of disease throughout sassafras and other Lauraceae.
The association of emotional labor and workplace violence with health-related productivity loss
Authors: Ko Heejoo , Kim Dohwan , Cho Seong-Sik , Lee Dong-Wook , Choi Jaesung , Kim Minseok , Park Min Young , Kang Mo-Yeol
Published: September 2024

Objectives: This study explored the association of emotional labor and workplace violence with health-related productivity loss (HRPL).

Methods: We used the initial dataset from a survey known as the Korean Work, Sleep, and Health Study, an ongoing nationwide panel study initiated in 2022. To assess emotional labor, the study included 2386 workers who worked in customer service. The Korean Workplace Violence Scale-13 and the Korean Emotional Labour Scale-11 were used to assess the level of exposure to workplace violence, and the intensity of emotional labor, respectively. The Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire was used to measure HRPL, including absenteeism and presenteeism. We examined differences in HRPL based on workplace violence and emotional labor using generalized linear regression models.

Results: HRPL increased with an increase in workplace violence and emotional labor scores. Notably, the mean HRPL was highest in the high-risk groups for both workplace violence and emotional labor. The mean HRPL increased as the number of “high-risk” components for workplace violence and emotional labor increased. All the workplace violence and emotional labor components exhibited higher HRPL in the “high-risk” groups compared with the “low-risk” groups.

Conclusions: Our study showed that both emotional labor and workplace violence are associated with reduced productivity.
The hand that rocks the cradle: revaluing academic labour and recognizing the centrality of care work
Authors: Rajan Sahana V
Published: September 2024

This article examines the often overlooked yet crucial role of care work within the academic ecosystem. Challenging the dominant paradigm that prioritizes research output, the article argues for recognizing academic labour as a spectrum where teaching, research, and service hold equal value. Drawing on Rajan’s framework of ‘academic care work’, the article demonstrates the inseparable link between care and knowledge, highlighting how care work forms the foundation for knowledge production and reproduction. The analysis situates academic care workers within the complex administrative landscape of higher education institutions, exploring the challenges posed by managerialism and external pressures. The article introduces the ‘Argument from Shared Paradigm’, positing that academics, through their shared experiences and values, are uniquely positioned to advocate for and safeguard care-centred practices in research and teaching. By recognizing care work’s essential contributions, this article calls for a re-evaluation of academic reward systems and a shift towards a more inclusive academic culture.
In vivo biosensing of subcellular pyruvate pools reveals photosynthesis-dependent metabolite dynamics in Nicotiana benthamiana
Authors: Multhoff Jan , Niemeier Jan-Ole , Zheng Ke , Lim Magdiel Sheng Satha , Barreto Pedro , Niebisch Jule Meret , Ischebeck Till , Schwarzländer Markus
Published: September 2024

Pyruvate is central to metabolism across biology. It acts as a metabolic hub linking major pathways including glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, fermentation, and synthesis of amino acids, fatty acids, isoprenoids, and nucleotides. Even though the central role of pyruvate is well established biochemically, there is a remarkable gap in our understanding of how pyruvate levels behave within cells, where pyruvate is distributed across different compartments. Moreover, differential changes in pyruvate pools may occur rapidly upon changes in metabolic fluxes. Recently, this problem has been addressed by the development of a genetically encoded pyruvate biosensor to provide first insights into the pyruvate dynamics in animal cells. Here, we established in vivo biosensing of pyruvate in plants. We provided advanced characterization of the biosensor properties and demonstrated the functionality of the sensor in the cytosol, the mitochondria, and the chloroplasts of Nicotiana benthamiana epidermal cells. Finally, we harnessed the tool to investigate the impact of photosynthesis on pyruvate with unprecedented spatial and temporal resolution, revealing pronounced changes in subcellular pyruvate pools. While highlighting the current limitations of the biosensor, this study provides proof-of-concept for how the dynamics and regulation of central carbon metabolites can be revealed in living plant tissues.
A negative feedback regulatory module comprising R3-MYB repressor MYBL2 and R2R3-MYB activator PAP1 fine-tunes high light-induced anthocyanin biosynthesis in Arabidopsis
Authors: Xing Minghui , Xin Puman , Wang Yuetian , Han Chunyan , Lei Cangbao , Huang Weiyi , Zhang Youpeng , Zhang Xiangyu , Cheng Kai , Zhang Xiao
Published: September 2024

Anthocyanins, a group of flavonoids, play diverse roles in plant growth and environmental adaptation. The biosynthesis and accumulation of anthocyanin are regulated by environmental cues, such as high light. However, the precise mechanism underlying anthocyanin biosynthesis under high light conditions remains largely unclear. Here, we report that the R3-MYB repressor MYB-LIKE 2 (MYBL2) negatively regulates high light-induced anthocyanin biosynthesis in Arabidopsis by repressing two R2R3-MYB activators, PRODUCTION OF ANTHOCYANIN PIGMENT 1 (PAP1) and PAP2, which are core components of the MYB–bHLH–WD40 (MBW) complex. We found that MYBL2 interacts with PAP1/2 and reduces their transcriptional activation activities, thus disrupting the expression of key genes involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis, such as DIHYDROFLAVONOL 4-REDUCTASE (DFR) and TRANSPARENT TESTA 19 (TT19). Additionally, MYBL2 attenuates the transcriptional activation of PAP1 and its own expression, but not that of PAP2. Conversely, PAP1 collaborates with TRANSPARENT TESTA 8 (TT8), a bHLH member of the MBW complex, to activate MYBL2 transcription when excessive anthocyanins are accumulated. Taken together, our findings reveal a negative feedback regulatory module composed of MYBL2 and PAP1 that fine-tunes high light-induced anthocyanin biosynthesis through modulating MBW complex assembly.
On Algebra Relativisation
Authors: de Canson Chloé
Published: September 2024

Katie Steele and H. Orri Stefánsson argue that, to reflect an agent’s limited awareness, the algebra of propositions on which that agent’s credences are defined should be relativised to their awareness state. I argue that this produces insurmountable difficulties. But the project of relativising the agent’s algebra to reflect their partial perspective need not be abandoned: the algebra can be relativised, not to the agent’s awareness state, but to what we might call their subjective modality.
No evidence for anisotropy in galaxy spin directions
Authors: Patel Dhruva , Desmond Harry
Published: September 2024

Modern cosmology rests on the cosmological principle, that on large enough scales the Universe is both homogeneous and isotropic. A corollary is that galaxies’ spin vectors should be isotropically distributed on the sky. This has been challenged by multiple authors for over a decade, with claims to have detected a statistically significant dipole pattern of spins. We collect all publicly available data sets with spin classifications (binary Z-wise/S-wise), and analyse them for large-angle anisotropies ($\ell \le 2$). We perform each inference in both a Bayesian and frequentist fashion, the former establishing posterior probabilities on the multipole parameters and the latter calculating p-values for rejection of the null hypothesis of isotropy (i.e. no power at $\ell \gt 0$). All analysis indicate consistency with isotropy to within $3\sigma$. We similarly identify no evidence for a ‘hemisphere anisotropy’ that neglects the angular dependence of the dipole. We isolate the differences with contrary claims in the ad hoc or biased statistics that they employ. Our code is publicly available .
Collision rate coefficients for C7N− and C10H− with H2
Authors: Giri K , González-Sánchez L , Gianturco F A , Lourderaj U , Martín Santa María A , Rana S , Sathyamurthy N , Yurtsever E , Wester R
Published: September 2024

The anions C$_7$N$^-$ and C$_{10}$H$^-$ are the two longest of the linear (C,N)-bearing and (C,H)-bearing chains that have so far been detected in the interstellar medium (ISM). In order to glean information on their collision-induced rotational state-changing processes, we analyse the general features of new ab initio potentials describing the interaction of both linear anions with H$_2$, one of the most abundant partners in their ISM environment. We employ an artificial neural network fit of the reduced-dimensionality potential energy surface for C$_7$N$^-$...H$_2$ interaction and discuss in detail the spatial features in terms of multipolar radial coefficients. For the C$_{10}$H$^-$...H$_2$ interaction, we use the initial grid of two-dimensional raw points to generate by quadrature the Legendre expansion directly, further including the long-range terms as discussed in the main text. Quantum scattering calculations are employed to obtain rotationally inelastic cross-sections, for collision energies in the range of 10$^{-4}$ to 400 cm$^{-1}$. From them we generate the corresponding inelastic rate coefficients as a function of temperature covering the range from 10 to 50 K. The results for the rate coefficients for the longest cyanopolyyne are compared with the earlier results obtained for the smaller terms of the same series, also in collision with H$_2$. We obtain that the inelastic rate coefficients for the long linear anions are all fairly large compared with the earlier systems. The consequences of such findings on their non-equilibrium rotational populations in interstellar environments are illustrated in our conclusions.
The current understanding of the phenotypic and functional properties of human regulatory B cells (Bregs)
Authors: Ahsan Nawara Faiza , Lourenço Stella , Psyllou Dimitra , Long Alexander , Shankar Sushma , Bashford-Rogers Rachael
Published: September 2024

B cells can have a wide range of pro- and anti- inflammatory functions. A subset of B cells called regulatory B cells (Bregs) can potently suppress immune responses. Bregs have been shown to maintain immune homeostasis and modulate inflammatory responses. Bregs are an exciting cellular target across a range of diseases, including Breg induction in autoimmunity, allergy and transplantation, and Breg suppression in cancers and infection. Bregs exhibit a remarkable phenotypic heterogeneity, rendering their unequivocal identification a challenging task. The lack of a universally accepted and exclusive surface marker set for Bregs across various studies contributes to inconsistencies in their categorization. This review paper presents a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of the phenotypic and functional properties of human Bregs while addressing the persisting ambiguities and discrepancies in their characterization. Finally, the paper examines the promising therapeutic opportunities presented by Bregs as their immunomodulatory capacities have gained attention in the context of autoimmune diseases, allergic conditions, and cancer. We explore the exciting potential in harnessing Bregs as potential therapeutic agents and the avenues that remain open for the development of Breg-based treatment strategies.
‘Trust the messenger’: Public trust in sources of information on COVID-19
Authors: Seyd Ben , Hamm Joseph A , Jennings Will , McKay Lawrence , Anness Meridith
Published: September 2024

A key lesson of the coronavirus pandemic was the importance for pro-social behaviour of popular trust in key information sources. Yet existing studies rarely consider the role of people’s trust in a range of different information sources, and the relationship between such trust and particular attitudes and behaviours among individuals. This study goes beyond the general mantra that ‘trust matters’ and explores more specific effects, relating to trust in particular actors and for particular outcomes. Based on a survey fielded on a representative sample of the British population conducted towards the end of the pandemic, we find evidence that people’s coronavirus attitudes and behaviours are particularly related to their trust in scientific experts and, in some cases, to their trust in local councils. However, trust in these actors is not uniformly associated with people’s coronavirus beliefs and actions. This suggests that the link between people’s trust and their pro-social attitudes and behaviours is often specific rather than general. The results hold important implications for the design of effective public communication strategies in the event of any future health emergency.
Arabidopsis Pentatricopeptide Repeat Protein GEND2 Participates in Mitochondrial RNA Editing
Authors: Nie Yaqing , Li Yan , Yuan Penglai , Wu Chengyun , Wang Xiaoqing , Wang Chunfei , Xu Xiumei , Shen Zhenguo , Hu Zhubing
Published: September 2024

In Arabidopsis, RNA editing alters more than 500 cytidines (C) to uridines (U) in mitochondrial transcripts, a process involving the family of pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) proteins. Here, we report a previously uncharacterized mitochondrial PLS-type PPR protein, GEND2, which functions in the mitochondrial RNA editing. The T-DNA insertion in the 5′-untranslated region of GEND2, referred to as gend2-1, results in defective root development compared to wild-type (WT) plants. A comprehensive examination of mitochondrial RNA-editing sites revealed a significant reduction in the gend2-1 mutant compared to WT plants, affecting six specific mitochondrial RNA editing sites, notably within the mitochondrial genes CcmFn-1, RPSL2 and ORFX. These genes encode critical components of cytochrome protein maturation pathway, mitochondrial ribosomal subunit and twin arginine translocation subunits, respectively. Further analysis of the transcriptional profile of the gend2-1 mutant and WT revealed a striking induction of expression in a cluster of genes associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and regulated by ANAC017, a key regulator coordinating organelle functions and stress responses. Intriguingly, the gend2-1 mutation activated an ANAC017-dependent signaling aimed at countering cell wall damage induced by cellulose synthase inhibitors, as well as an ANAC017-independent pathway that retarded root growth under normal condition. Collectively, our findings identify a novel mitochondrial PLS-type PPR protein GEND2, which participates in the editing of six specific mitochondrial RNA editing sites. Furthermore, the gend2-1 mutation triggers two distinct pathways in plants: an ANAC017-dependent pathway and ANAC017-independent pathway.
New Thermodynamic Models for Anhydrous Alkaline-Silicate Magmatic Systems
Authors: Weller Owen M , Holland Tim J B , Soderman Caroline R , Green Eleanor C R , Powell Roger , Beard Charles D , Riel Nicolas
Published: September 2024

A new thermodynamic model for silicate melt in the Na2O–CaO–K2O–FeO–MgO–Al2O3–SiO2–TiO2–Fe2O3–Cr2O3 model system is presented, building on the tholeiitic through to granitic melt model of Holland et al. (2018) [Journal of Petrology, 59, 881–900] but extending for the first time into anhydrous alkaline systems. The new melt model is accompanied by new thermodynamic models for nepheline, kalsilite, leucite, melilite and ilmenite. Collectively these models enable pseudosection modelling of alkaline-silicate magmatic systems, providing a new tool for investigating this geologically- and economically-important compositional space. The models are calibrated with respect to experimental data on phase relations among minerals and melt, and the fit is benchmarked here via detailed comparison with seven experimental datasets, which encompass a range of pressure (0–22 kbar), temperature (680–1350°C), oxygen fugacity (log fO2 ΔFMQ-3 to +1), total alkali (3–16 wt %) and silica (37–70 wt %) conditions. The calculated pseudosections successfully reproduce experimental crystallisation sequences and phase compositions, indicating that the thermodynamic models are well calibrated across this spectrum of conditions. Redox buffered experimental conditions are simulated using oxygen buffered pseudosections. Contouring of oxygen buffered pseudosections with XFe3+ (mol. Fe3+/Fetotal), or pseudosections of varying XFe3+ with ΔFMQ, reveals (i) often complex and non-intuitive relationships between these two representations of oxidation state, and (ii) substantial variation in ferric iron over narrow temperature intervals in some oxygen buffered sets of experiments. An implication is that simulating oxygen buffering is vital when benchmarking thermodynamic models using experimental results. Furthermore, because natural igneous systems likely feature a near-constant XFe3+, it is important to assess experimental results in this framework when making inferences about natural systems, recognising that oxygen fugacity is a consequence not a control of phase equilibria in nature. Overall, our new models provide a novel tool to explore the role of variables, such as pressure, fractional crystallisation and crustal assimilation in the petrogenesis of alkaline-silicate magmatic systems and their associated mineralisation.