bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Career motives of presidential appointees and agency communication across American states
Authors: Liu Huchen
Published: October 2024

Do the career motives of presidential appointees affect program administration? To answer this question, I examine the phased development of policy communication of the U.S. Farm Service Agency (FSA) across states from 2002 to 2018 based on an original collection of historical official websites. This is a rare policy context for examining why peer appointees administer the same programs differently. Linking the state‐by‐state development of FSA newsletters to the career trajectories of state executive directors (SEDs), the presidential appointees who lead state FSAs, I show that SEDs interested in elective office post‐appointment are associated with faster institutionalization of newsletters. Examining these newsletters’ content, I then show that SEDs interested in elective office or a career in advocacy include more participation‐encouraging language in newsletters. These results suggest that appointees’ career goals outside the bureaucracy can potentially expedite innovation in program implementation and enhance the delivery of government benefits to the public, with implications for selecting appointees to enhance bureaucratic performance.
Estimating the economic impact of restricting reproductive healthcare access in Ohio
Authors: Speice Travis
Published: October 2024

Objective

This study analyzes the economic impacts of Ohio's Senate Bill 23, which would ban abortion care after fetal cardiac activity is detected.

Methods

Leveraging previous research and publicly available datasets, a unique set of calculations were developed to determine abortion outcomes, individual costs, and public costs in three scenarios in which abortion care is banned in Ohio. Scenario 1 assumes that all abortion care is sought out‐of‐state. Scenario 2 assumes that all pregnancies result in a birth. Scenario 3 assumes that pregnancies either result in receiving out‐of‐state abortion care or result in a birth.

Results

The total additional economic impact of restricted abortion access in Ohio likely ranges between $98.8 million and $118.4 million, but could be up to $551.4 million per year.

Conclusion

Regardless of the three scenarios analyzed, restrictions to accessing abortion care result in negative economic impacts for both individuals and the state. Several policy recommendations are proposed for consideration by policymakers and communities.
Soil acidification controls invasive plant species in the restoration of degraded Cerrado grasslands
Authors: Lira‐Martins Demétrius , Xavier Rafael O. , Mazzochini Guilherme G. , Verona Larissa S. , Andreuccetti Thalia , Martins Éder S. , de Barros Fernanda V. , Furtado Mariana N. , Stein Bethina , Abrahão Anna , Sampaio Alexandre , Schmidt Isabel , Rowland Lucy , Oliveira Rafael S.
Published: October 2024

The Cerrado, South America's largest savanna, has acidic, nutrient‐poor soils and its native plants thrive under these conditions. However, abandoned pastures historically undergo changes in chemical properties due to interventions like liming and fertilizer use. This favors invasive African grasses and hinders native plants, impacting restoration efforts. In a Cerrado grassland undergoing restoration study, we tested whether soil acidification could restore native soil conditions and control invasives using 56 plots across 14 blocks. We hypothesized that decreased soil pH and nutrient availability would reduce invasive biomass and enhance diversity. We show that acidification reduced invasive biomass by 71%, with acidification negatively affecting invasives while sparing natives. Maintaining nutrient‐poor soil conditions can help to control invasive grasses in restoration projects, as fertilizer application can favor invasive species establishment. Soil acidification effectiveness depends on local nutrient levels. Areas with high soil cation content may require larger amendment quantities. Restoration strategies in nutrient‐poor ecosystems should aim recovering historical soil conditions to control invasives growth and support slow‐growing native plants.
A mammalian herbivore selects local and cooler provenance trees in a restoration common garden experiment: implications for community‐assisted migration efforts
Authors: Lauger Kayla K. , Mahoney Sean M. , Rothwell Elizabeth M. , Corbin Jaclyn P. M. , Whitham Thomas G.
Published: October 2024

Rapid changes in climate have the potential to alter habitats faster than evolution may respond, leading to maladapted tree populations. Assisted migration may help foundation tree species persist in future climates by identifying populations and genotypes that are robust to expected climate change‐induced alterations. Importantly, community‐assisted migration accounts for impacts of those populations and genotypes on the broader community, including herbivores, often adapted to local plants. These impacts have been examined in arthropod communities, but few studies have assessed mammals, and fewer still have leveraged an experimental design to disentangle genetic contributions to herbivore selection among genotypes and populations. We tested whether North American porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum) browsing on Fremont cottonwood (Populus fremontii) is under genetic control in a common garden to uncouple genetic and environmental contributions on browse selection. Porcupines selected trees from climatically similar and cooler areas, where trees from cooler climates suffered greater than 2× more herbivory than trees from warmer areas. Plant genotype was a significant factor for selection, with the most heavily browsed genotype having greater than 10× more herbivory than the least browsed. Broad‐sense heritability of porcupine tree selection was H2B = 0.27 among genotypes, indicating a genetic component to tree defenses against porcupine herbivory that can be predicted by source population climate. Our results have important implications for future mammalian herbivore populations, should climate change render local tree genotypes maladaptive. We recommend assisted migration efforts plant stock from areas up to 3°C warmer and climatically similar areas to maintain productivity and mammalian herbivore browsing.
The Watersheds Speak: The Voice of Ecosystems in Northern New York's Environmental Movements☆
Authors: Lavia Blake , Aguilar‐Izzo Tzintzun , Avery Leanne M.
Published: October 2024

This paper explores how connectivity to place has brought life to contemporary environmental struggles in what is now known as New York State. Layers of memory, colonization, and stewardship are embedded within a community's relationship with their environment. By focusing on two case studies, the authors will illustrate how this relationship shaped successful place‐based resistance. Throughout our work, we offer the alternative methodology of ecocentric storytelling and artistic representation to elevate the voice of both ecosystems and all their inhabitants. Both case studies are centered on environmental/social movements that foreground the inherent personhood of the natural world. The first will focus on the Ashokan Reservoir, in the Catskill Mountains, on land guarded by the Lenape. It is a location that has suffered multiple waves of colonization and successfully resisted a large damming operation. The second case study will be centered on the Upper St. Lawrence River/Kaniatarowanénhne Watershed, Haudenosaunee Territory, where rural communities are uniting to grant Rights to the Rivers that bring life to their communities. Both cases exemplify the story of communities that defended their livelihoods and environments by uniting with their most reliable allies, the Water, and all their more‐than‐human guardians.
Improvement of salivary biomarkers vitronectin and fetuin‐A levels in periodontitis patients with coronary artery disease post scaling and root planing
Authors: Mahendra Jaideep , Dave Pavithra , Priya Lakshmi , Arumugam Moongilpatti , Yadalam Pradeep Kumar , Ardila Carlos M.
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Two biomarkers that are gaining attention for their roles in the progression of both periodontal and cardiovascular diseases are vitronectin and fetuin‐A. This study evaluated vitronectin and fetuin‐A expression in saliva samples of periodontitis (P) patients with and without coronary artery disease (CAD) after scaling and root planing (SRP).

Methods

Sixty patients were divided into three groups: PH + SH (periodontally and systemically healthy), P (stage II/III grade B periodontitis), and P + CAD (periodontitis with CAD). Demographic, periodontal, and cardiac parameters were recorded. Unstimulated saliva samples were collected at baseline (day 0) and after SRP. On day 90, periodontal parameters and vitronectin/fetuin‐A expression were reassessed.

Results

P + CAD patients had higher age, weight, BMI, and lower income (p < .001, .025, .002, < .001, respectively), along with elevated plaque index, bleeding on probing, probing pocket depth, and reduced clinical attachment levels (p < .001). Vitronectin was elevated, while fetuin‐A was lower in P + CAD, but both improved post‐SRP (p < .001).

Conclusions

Enhanced vitronectin and fetuin‐A levels post‐SRP indicate their potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for both periodontal and CAD.
Gendered Contexts? The Effect of Neighbourhood Socio‐Economic Deprivation on Girls' and Boys' Cognitive and Non‐Cognitive Development
Authors: Silva Laura
Published: October 2024

Does socio‐economic deprivation of adolescents' residential neighbourhoods affect their cognitive and non‐cognitive development? Leveraging data from the National Child Development Study (NCDS) in the UK, this study investigates this question focusing on gender differences. By exploiting the quasi‐exogenous social housing allocation procedures in the UK, I aim to limit issues related to the endogeneity of neighbourhood selection. Results show that living in more deprived areas has overall a negative effect on cognitive and non‐cognitive development. However, neighbourhood deprivation negatively affects girls', as compared to boys', cognitive skills, academic motivation and employability skills, while no significant gender difference is detected for problem behaviour. On the one hand, these findings highlight the importance of taking gender into account in neighbourhood studies and, on the other hand, they suggest that the availability of support within the local area and the quality of institutions should be considered as relevant theoretical mechanisms to understand the role of neighbourhoods on different spheres of adolescent development.
Brucella microti and Rodent‐Borne Brucellosis: A Neglected Public Health Threat
Authors: Rudolf Ivo , Kejíková Romana , Kosoy Michael , Hubálek Zdeněk , Mravcová Kristína , Šikutová Silvie , Whatmore Adrian M. , Al Dahouk Sascha
Published: October 2024

Brucellosis is one of the most important zoonoses worldwide, primarily affecting livestock but also posing a serious threat to public health. The major Brucella species are known to cause a feverish disease in humans with various clinical signs. These classical Brucella species are (re‐)emerging, but also novel strains and species, some of them transmitted from rodents, can be associated with human infections. As a result of our review on rodent‐borne brucellosis, we emphasise the need for more comprehensive surveillance of Brucella and especially Brucella microti in rodent populations and call for further research targeting the ecological persistence of rodent‐associated Brucella species in the environment, their epizootic role in wild rodents and their virulence and pathogenicity for wildlife.
Data Generation and Training of Surrogate Models for Friction Factor and Nusselt Number in Low Reynolds Number Flows Through Pin Fin Geometries
Authors: Pai Saeel S. , Navaresse Bruno , Weibel Justin A.
Published: October 2024

The design of various biomedical, electronics cooling, and microfluidic devices relies on geometry-specific models and empirical correlations for flow and heat transfer through microscale pin fin geometries. Machine learning (ML) techniques are being used across many branches of science to develop more generalized surrogate models that can predict such transport processes. To collapse the simulation of flow and thermal properties across many different pin fin surfaces into a single predictive tool, the present study develops machine-learning-based surrogate models for the friction factor and Nusselt number (for constant wall temperature conditions) for fully developed low Reynolds number flow across pin fin geometries of differing cross section shape (circular, square, triangular) in aligned or staggered arrangements, oriented at any angle to the incoming flow, and for a range of transverse and longitudinal pitches, with water as the working fluid. The model training data are generated using an automated workflow that allows thousands of numerical simulations to be carried out on across different geometric and flow configurations. A total of ∼14,800 distinct simulation cases, for both friction factor and Nusselt number, are generated while varying the Reynolds number and aforementioned geometric parameters to train and test the machine learning models. The machine learning model architecture takes inputs of both image and vector data, and then outputs a scalar friction factor or Nusselt number. The trained models yield a goodness of fit (R2) value of 0.98 on unseen data.
Techno-Economic Comparative Assessment of High-Temperature Heat Pump Architectures for Industrial Pumped Thermal Energy Storage
Authors: Trevisan Silvia , Buchbjerg Bjarke , Höeg Arne , Guedez Rafael
Published: October 2024

The industrial sector is a key global source of wealth, but it is also recognized as a major challenge toward worldwide decarbonization. Today, the industrial sector requires more than 22% of the global energy demand as thermal energy and produces for this about 40% of the total CO2 emissions. Solutions to efficiently decarbonize the industrial sector are deemed. This work presents a comparative techno-economic performance assessment of a high-temperature heat pump (HTHP) integration within a molten salts (MSs) based power-to-heat system for industrial heat flexible generation. The main system performance is reported in terms of required working conditions and temperature for the heat pump and thermal demand size as well as reduction of the attainable levelized cost of heat (LCoH) against nonflexible electric boiler based systems. The impact of different industrial load profiles, electricity prices, heat pump capital cost, and heat pump real to Carnot efficiency ratio are also presented. The results highlight that the proposed system can be cost-competitive, particularly for thermal demand around 10 MW and waste heat temperatures above 80 °C. Under these conditions, LCoH reductions higher than 15%, with respect to the considered nonflexible electric boiler alternative, are attainable. These LCoH reductions are primarily driven by savings in electrical consumption as high as 30%. This study sets the ground for further power-to-heat techno-economic investigations addressing different industrial sectors and identifies main system and components design strategies, integrations, and targets.
Study on Dynamic Characteristics of Single-Span Rotor Under Cross-Coupling Stiffness Control on Nondrive End
Authors: Ma Yuhang , Li Qihang , Yang Bowen , Zhang Rui , Wang Weimin , Yao Jianfei
Published: October 2024

The sealing-induced cross-coupling stiffness (CCS) often decreases the rotordynamic stability of turbomachinery. In our previous study, an active negative CCS control strategy applied between two bearings in the middle of the rotor was validated to enhance the stability of the rotor system. In this paper, a different approach was taken by applying both positive and negative CCS control strategies to the nondrive end, aiming to investigate their effects on rotordynamic stability using a rotordynamic model. The model represented a single-span centrifugal compressor rotor with CCS at the seal node. The logarithmic decrements and unbalance response of the rotor system were compared under different CCS applications at the nondrive end and in the span. The results demonstrate that applying both positive and negative CCS at the nondrive end can improve system stability, but the positive CCS strategy has limitations, and its applicability is not as extensive as negative CCS. A “critical stiffness” phenomenon emerges when the rotor system is actively stabilized at the nondrive end, resembling critical resonance. Furthermore, when components like seals introduce cross-coupling stiffness out of the span, they contribute to system stabilization. These findings provide valuable insights into actively enhancing the stability of rotor systems.
The hardest-hit home run?
Authors: Warren Donald C.
Published: October 2024

We present a problem to be assigned or done as an in-class activity in an upper-division undergraduate course on computational physics. The problem involves a home run hit by Mickey Mantle on May 22, 1963, which he famously called “the hardest ball I ever hit.” Is this home run truly one for the record books, or has it been eclipsed by players in the modern era? Modeling the trajectory of a baseball involves consideration of both wind resistance and the Magnus effect and is an interesting application of numerical solutions to ordinary differential equations. Ultimately, the answer is that Mantle would compare favorably to the most powerful batters currently playing, but to arrive at that conclusion we must reflect on the plausibility of results and sources of uncertainty.
Exploring the Perceived Barriers of Effective Communication Within the Coach–Athlete Relationship: A Sample of Scandinavian Coaches and Athletes
Authors: Davis Louise , Wachsmuth Svenja , Jowett Sophia , Räisänen Petteri , Hajo Kendal , Nordberg Niclas , Sommer Marius
Published: October 2024

Coaching is a process that guides development and is shaped by sound relationships between athletes and coaches. Interpersonal communication represents a mechanism for developing functional relationships. However, not all interactions between coaches and athletes are optimal, and limited research has attempted to understand the factors that impede the ability to engage in effective communication. This study aimed to contribute to the literature by exploring the barriers experienced by high-performance coaches and athletes that hinder interpersonal communication within the coach–athlete relationship. A qualitative design grounded in a pragmatic philosophical position was utilised, and 20 semistructured interviews with 12 coaches and eight athletes participating in elite team sports were carried out. Interviews were conducted either in person or digitally via an online platform and analysed through content analysis. Barriers were identified for either coaches, athletes, or both and categorised as follows: (a) intrapersonal (e.g., lack of skills and negative experiences), (b) interpersonal (e.g., lack of concern/interest and power imbalance), and (c) environmental factors (e.g., hierarchy and toxic culture). These results suggest efforts should be focused on equipping coaches and athletes with intra- and interpersonal skills and empowering them to co-create a safe and united culture for themselves and their sport.
A Scoping Review of Physical Activity Interventions Among Sexual Minority Adults: A Call to Action for Future Research
Authors: Peterson Keegan T. , Wilson Oliver W.A. , Herrick Shannon S.C. , Frederick Ginny M. , Fedewa Michael V. , Sullivan Katherine , Bopp Melissa
Published: October 2024

Physical activity (PA) has a variety of well-established benefits for physical and mental health. However, there are PA disparities based on numerous sociodemographic characteristics, including sexual orientation. Mapping of PA interventions tailored to sexual minorities (ie, nonheterosexual) is currently absent from the literature. Purpose: The purpose of this scoping review was to summarize the existing interventions focused on promoting PA among sexual minority (SM) adults. Methods: A search strategy was developed in consultation with a research librarian for PubMed, Web of Science, SportDiscus, and CINAHL. The scoping review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines. Randomized and nonrandomized interventions that focused on increasing PA among SM adults were included. Data on study design, sample demographics, purpose of research, methodology, intervention components, theory-based constructs used, PA measures, and outcomes of the intervention were extracted. Results: Our search yielded 7289 articles, with 26 articles requiring full-text review. Four interventions were identified that focused on increasing PA among SM adults, with 2 focusing on lesbian/bisexual women, 1 focusing on lesbian/gay cancer survivors, and 1 focusing on men who have sex with men. Two of the 4 studies were successful at increasing PA, with varying psychosocial theories (ie, social cognitive theory and theory of reasoned action) and intervention strategies (ie, PA counseling, group meetings, and pedometers). Conclusion: Findings of this review demonstrate a clear lack of PA interventions targeting SM adults, limiting the available knowledge required for preventionists, practitioners, and health care professionals to effectively promote PA through behavioral modification among this group.
Gender in Dance: (Re)Moving Stereotypes in Spanish Schools
Authors: Molina Pere , Herrero-Simón Alicia , Fenollosa-Sánchez Fernando , Martínez-Baena Alejandro
Published: October 2024

Purpose: The study focuses on identifying and changing gender stereotype beliefs associated with sport and physical activity in primary education students. It also examines the influence and usefulness of an applied pedagogical intervention. Method: The study contains a descriptive cross-sectional stage, followed by an intermediate stage describing a pedagogical intervention program, and concludes with an evaluation of the intervention. Results: The students related the male gender with team sports and contact sports, whereas music-assisted and artistic-expressive activities were associated with the female gender. They also related strength with the male gender and flexibility with females. The pedagogical intervention led to a reduction in the students’ stereotyped views on ballet, rhythmic gymnastics, boxing, creative dance, flexibility, speed, and strength. Discussion/Conclusion: The teaching staff held generally positive views on the changes experienced by the students following their participation in the pedagogical intervention.
Musculoskeletal Pain in Adolescents Engaged in Impact and Nonimpact Sports—ABCD Growth Study
Authors: Maillane-Vanegas Santiago , Torres Wesley , Cardoso Jefferson R. , Gimunová Marta , Verhagen Evert , Fernandes Rômulo A.
Published: October 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to identify, through a 28-week follow-up, the association between pain and engagement in different sports among adolescents. Methods: In total, 63 adolescents reported the occurrence of pain, which was tracked weekly. Participants were categorized into 2 groups based on their sports participation: “swimming group” and “other sports group.” Researchers directly measured the time spent in different intensities during sports participation for 1 week using a heart rate monitor. For the covariates, body mass, body fatness, and whole-body lean soft tissue were assessed using a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scanner. Kaplan–Meier plots and risk of pain were calculated for the absence of pain during the follow-up. Results: The association between the sport type and pain occurrence remained significant even after adjusting the models for potential confounders, showing that swimmers had an increased risk of reporting pain in the neck (HR = 3.33; 95% CI, 1.53–7.25), shoulders (HR = 2.21; 95% CI, 1.17–4.21), and trunk (HR = 5.60; 95% CI, 2.28–13.70). Conclusion: The association between the sport type and pain occurrence is evident even when controlling for confounding factors.
Qubit analog with polariton superfluid in an annular trap
Authors: Barrat Joris , Tzortzakakis Andreas F. , Niu Meng , Zhou Xiaoqing , Paschos Giannis G. , Petrosyan David , Savvidis Pavlos G.
Published: October 2024

We report on the experimental realization and characterization of a qubit analog with semiconductor exciton-polaritons. In our system, a polaritonic condensate is confined by a spatially patterned pump laser in an annular trap that supports energy-degenerate vortex states of the polariton superfluid. Using temporal interference measurements, we observe coherent oscillations between a pair of counter-circulating vortex states coupled by elastic scattering of polaritons off the laser-imprinted potential. The qubit basis states correspond to the symmetric and antisymmetric superpositions of the two vortex states. By engineering the potential, we tune the coupling and coherent oscillations between the two circulating current states, control the energies of the qubit basis states, and initialize the qubit in the desired state. The dynamics of the system is accurately reproduced by our theoretical two-state model, and we discuss potential avenues to implement quantum gates and algorithms with polaritonic qubits analogous to quantum computation with standard qubits.
From blood to mucosa
Authors: Tang Jinyi , Sun Jie
Published: October 2024

Current COVID-19 vaccines induce suboptimal respiratory mucosal immunity even after mRNA boosters (Declercq
et al
. and Lasrado
et al
., this issue).
Characterization of novel sequence type 12531 and O8:H7 serotype carbapenem-resistant
Escherichia coli
with strong swimming and intestinal epithelial cell barrier migration abilities
Authors: Ma Zhexiao , Zeng Weiliang , Liu Haifeng , Chen Huanchang , Ye Lulu , Liu Sichen , Qian Changrui , Zhou Tieli , Cao Jianming
Published: October 2024

Carbapenem-resistant
Enterobacteriaceae
have become widely prevalent globally because of antibiotic misuse and the spread of drug-resistant plasmids, where carbapenem-resistant
Escherichia coli
(CREC) is one of the most common and prevalent pathogens. Furthermore,
E. coli
has been identified as a member of normal gut flora and does not cause disease under normal circumstances. However, certain strains of
E. coli
, due to the expression of virulence genes, can cause severe intestinal and extra-intestinal infections. Therefore, clinically, drug resistance and pathogenic
E. coli
strains are significantly challenging to treat. In this study, a novel CREC strain DC8855 was isolated from the ascites of a patient with intestinal perforation, identified as a novel sequence type 12531 (ST12531) and an unreported serotype O8:H7. It was revealed that the resistance of ST12531 CREC was predominantly conferred by an IncFII(K) plasmid carrying
bla
NDM-4
. Furthermore, phylogenetic analysis indicated that this is the first discovery of such plasmids in China and the first identification in
E. coli
. Moreover, regarding virulence, the swimming assays, qRT-PCR, and
in vitro
intestinal barrier model indicated that DC8855 had significantly higher motility, flagella gene expression, and intestinal epithelial cell barrier migration ability than the other sequence types CREC strains (ST167 and ST410). In conclusion, this study identified novel CREC which was multidrug resistant as well as enteropathogenic and therefore requires continuous monitoring.
Comprehensive analysis of the global impact and distribution of tick paralysis, a deadly neurological yet fully reversible condition
Authors: Deng Yuan-Ping , Fu Yi-Tian , Elsheikha Hany M. , Cao Mei-Ling , Zhu Xing-Quan , Wang Jin-Lei , Zhang Xue‑Ling , Xie Shi-Chen , Yao Chaoqun , Liu Guo-Hua
Published: October 2024

Tick paralysis is a potentially fatal condition caused by neurotoxins secreted by the salivary glands of certain ticks. Documented cases have been reported worldwide, predominantly in the United States, Canada, and Australia, with additional reports from Europe and Africa. This condition also affects animals, leading to significant economic losses and adverse impacts on animal health and welfare. To date, 75 tick species, mostly hard ticks, have been identified as capable of causing this life-threatening condition. Due to symptom overlap with other conditions, accurate diagnosis of tick paralysis is crucial to avoid misdiagnosis, which could result in adverse patient outcomes. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the current literature on tick paralysis, including the implicated tick species, global distribution, tick toxins, molecular pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, control, and prevention. Enhancing awareness among medical and veterinary professionals is critical for improving the management of tick paralysis and its health impacts on both humans and animals.
Student-led discussions of landmark discovery articles: a foothold in teaching primary virology literature
Authors: Hippee Camilla E. , Klingelhutz Aloysius , Wu Li
Published: October 2024

Introducing students to primary scientific literature is essential for establishing scientific literacy; however, students can feel overwhelmed by the amount of information within a research article. In our virology discussion courses, we address this issue by creating a student-centered and active learning environment. Students present and guide discussions on the rationales, background, methods, results, and conclusions from research literature in class. This approach has been applied in both undergraduate and graduate settings for students studying microbiology, with different expectations and criteria between the two groups. Student evaluations collected from three semesters were positive toward the teaching methods. Students praised the inclusion of “landmark discovery” articles, which examined paradigm-shifting concepts in virology. Undergraduates expressed their increased confidence in comprehending scientific literature and highlighted the impact of group work. In a critique of the course, students suggested more variety in the topics covered and inclusion of recent publications. Overall, our enhanced approach and methods improved student experiences with primary scientific literature and promoted student learning.
Biochemical analysis of packing and assembling heptad repeat motifs in the coronavirus spike protein trimer
Authors: Kobayashi Jun , Kanou Kazuhiko , Okura Hiyori , Akter Tahmina MST , Fukushi Shuetsu , Matsuyama Shutoku
Published: October 2024

During a coronavirus infection, the spike protein undergoes sequential structural transitions triggered by its receptor and the host protease at the interface between the virus and cell membranes, thereby mediating membrane fusion. After receptor binding, the heptad repeat motif (HR1/HR2) within the viral spike protein bridges the viral and cellular membranes; however, the intermediate conformation adopted by the spike protein when drawing the viral and cellular membranes into close proximity remains unclear due to its transient and unstable nature. Here, we experimentally induced conformational changes in the spike protein of a murine coronavirus by incubating the virus with its receptor, followed by exposure to trypsin. We then treated the virus/receptor complex with proteinase K to probe the tightly packed core structure of the spike protein. The conformations of the spike protein were predicted from the sizes of the protease digestion products detected by western blot analysis. Upon receptor binding, two bands (each showing different reactivity with a fusion-inhibiting HR2-peptide) were detected; we propose that these bands correspond to the packed and unpacked HR1/HR2 motifs. After trypsin-mediated triggering, measurement of temperature and time dependency revealed that packing of the remaining unpacked HR1/HR2 motifs and assembly of three HR1 motifs in a trimer occur almost simultaneously. Thus, the trimeric spike protein adopts an asymmetric-unassembled conformation after receptor binding, followed by direct assembly into the post-fusion form triggered by the host protease. This biochemical study provides mechanistic insight into the previously unknown intermediate structure of the viral fusion protein.

IMPORTANCE

During infection by an enveloped virus, receptor binding triggers fusion between the cellular membrane and the virus envelope, enabling delivery of the viral genome to the cytoplasm. The viral spike protein mediates membrane fusion; however the molecular mechanism underlying this process is unclear. This is because using structural biology methods to track the transient conformational changes induced in the unstable spike trimer is challenging. Here, we harnessed the ability of protease enzymes to recognize subtle differences on protein surfaces, allowing us to detect structural differences in the spike protein before and after conformational changes. Differences in the size of the degradation products were analyzed by western blot analysis. The proposed model explaining the conformational changes presented herein is a plausible candidate that provides valuable insight into unanswered questions in the field of virology.
Candida glabrata
maintains two
HAP1
ohnologs,
HAP1A
and
HAP1B
, for distinct roles in ergosterol gene regulation to mediate sterol homeostasis under azole and hypoxic conditions
Authors: Saha Debasmita , Gregor Justin B. , Hoda Smriti , Eastman Katharine E. , Gutierrez-Schultz Victor A. , Navarrete Mindy , Wisecaver Jennifer H. , Briggs Scott D.
Published: October 2024

Candida glabrata
exhibits innate resistance to azole antifungal drugs but also has the propensity to rapidly develop clinical drug resistance. Azole drugs, which target Erg11, is one of the major classes of antifungals used to treat
Candida
infections. Despite their widespread use, the mechanism controlling azole-induced
ERG
gene expression and drug resistance in
C. glabrata
has primarily revolved around Upc2 and/or Pdr1. Phylogenetic and syntenic analyses revealed that
C. glabrata
, following a whole genome duplication event, maintained
HAP1A
and
HAP1B
, whereas
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
only retained the
HAP1A
ortholog,
HAP1
. In this study, we determined the function of two zinc cluster transcription factors, Hap1A and Hap1B, as direct regulators of
ERG
genes. In
S. cerevisiae,
Hap1, an ortholog of Hap1A, is a known transcription factor controlling
ERG
gene expression under aerobic and hypoxic conditions. Interestingly, deleting
HAP1
or
HAP1B
in either
S. cerevisiae
or
C. glabrata,
respectively, showed altered susceptibility to azoles. In contrast, the strain deleted for
HAP1A
did not exhibit azole susceptibility. We also determined that the increased azole susceptibility in a
hap1B
Δ strain is attributed to decreased azole-induced expression of
ERG
genes, resulting in decreased levels of total ergosterol. Surprisingly, Hap1A protein expression is barely detected under aerobic conditions but is specifically induced under hypoxic conditions, where Hap1A is required for the repression of
ERG
genes. However, in the absence of Hap1A, Hap1B can compensate as a transcriptional repressor. Our study shows that Hap1A and Hap1B is utilized by
C. glabrata
to adapt to specific host and environmental conditions.

IMPORTANCE

Invasive and drug-resistant fungal infections pose a significant public health concern.
Candida glabrata
, a human fungal pathogen, is often difficult to treat due to its intrinsic resistance to azole antifungal drugs and its capacity to develop clinical drug resistance. Therefore, understanding the pathways that facilitate fungal growth and environmental adaptation may lead to novel drug targets and/or more efficacious antifungal therapies. While the mechanisms of azole resistance in
Candida
species have been extensively studied, the roles of zinc cluster transcription factors, such as Hap1A and Hap1B, in
C. glabrata
have remained largely unexplored until now. Our research shows that these factors play distinct yet crucial roles in regulating ergosterol homeostasis under azole drug treatment and oxygen-limiting growth conditions. These findings offer new insights into how this pathogen adapts to different environmental conditions and enhances our understanding of factors that alter drug susceptibility and/or resistance.
Health impact of urban green spaces: a systematic review of heat-related morbidity and mortality
Authors: Nazish Ahsana , Abbas Kiran , Sattar Emmama
Published: October 2024

Objectives

The objective of this review was to scrutinise the impact of urban green spaces on heat-related morbidity and mortality.

Design

This systematic review was meticulously carried out following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines

Data sources

A comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar including studies from January 2000 to December 2022.

Eligibility criteria

Studies that examined the influence of urban green spaces on heat-related morbidity and mortality, including randomised controlled trials, observational and modelling studies, were included.

Data extraction and synthesis

A total of 3301 publications were initially identified, out of which 12 studies met the inclusion criteria and were selected for analysis. The selected studies were predominantly from high-income and upper-middle-income nations (95%).

Results

The research points towards a pattern where regions abundant in green spaces report lower rates of heat-related morbidity and mortality in contrast to those with sparse greenery. Additionally, urban vegetation appears to exert a positive influence on mental health and well-being, potentially aiding in offsetting the adverse health repercussions of high temperatures.

Conclusion

Urban green spaces play a vital role in mitigating heat-related health risks, offering a potential strategy for urban planning to address climate change and enhance public health. Additional research is required to thoroughly comprehend the magnitude of urban greenery’s impact on heat-related morbidity and mortality, as well as its interplay with other variables, including air pollution, socioeconomic status, among others.
Reindeer carcasses modulate vegetation composition and greenness in High-Arctic tundra
Authors: Situnayake Maya Nisha , By Marit , Larsen Oddbjørn , Sombekke Stijn , Kooistra Lammert , Blaalid Rakel , Østnes Jan Eivind , Selva Nuria , Pedersen Åshild Ønvik , Steyaert Sam M.J.G.
Published: October 2024

Vertebrate carrion is an integral part of foodwebs in ecosystems and can impact biodiversity at the local as well as the landscape scale. However, very little knowledge currently exists about the ecological role of carrion in the Arctic ecosystems. We conducted a ground survey on the cover of five plant functional groups at paired reindeer carcass and control sites and analysed the relationship between cover and carcass presence in the Arctic tundra of Svalbard. Vegetation indices from Red–Green–Blue (RGB) imagery captured by drones complemented this, assessing plant productivity in terms of “spectral greening” and modelling the relationship between vegetation index values and carcass distance. We show that graminoids capitalised most from carcass presence, whereas bryophytes and lichen showed decreases in cover. Woody plant and forb covers were not significantly impacted by carcass presence. The Red Green Blue Vegetation Index decreased locally at fresh carcasses (i.e., <1 year old) but showed an increase at more established carcass sites (i.e., >1 year). We show that carcasses have differential impacts on the plant functional groups of Svalbard's tundra and induce a local “green-up” through secondary succession within 2 m of the carcass. Given their non-random distribution, carcasses may contribute to vegetation heterogeneity at landscape scales. This is relevant for understanding how climate change-induced reindeer mortalities will impact tundra plant community composition in the future.
Loss of pelagic fish and zooplankton density associated with subglacial upwelling in high Arctic estuaries may be mitigated by benthic habitat expansion following tidewater glacier retreat
Authors: Triginer Victor Gonzalez , Sen Arunima , Geoffroy Maxime , Damsgård Børge
Published: October 2024

Glacier fronts are hotspots of pelagic productivity due to upwelling of nutrient-rich water. As tidewater glaciers retreat into land, this subglacial circulation will disappear and sedimentation from terrestrial runoff will increase, leading to a decrease in pelagic productivity with a decline in the abundance of fish and zooplankton. We used Billefjorden, a high Arctic fjord with a glacier recently transitioned from sea- to land-terminating as a case study to identify spatial differences and small-scale environmental drivers of density and vertical distribution of fish and zooplankton along a gradient of glacier retreat (directly in front of the land-terminating glacier front, a river bay with terrestrial input from land-terminating glaciers further inland and a location with minimal glacial input). We developed a sustainable and efficient protocol to safely sample the glacier front and shallow coastal areas using hydroacoustics and a remote autonomous vehicle combined with oceanographic measurements and baited remote cameras. Over 2 years, pelagic density was lowest at the now land-terminating glacier front and highest at the site with lowest terrestrial input. Temperature, depth, and turbidity explained less than 8% of the variation each. The site with the least glacial input had the most heterogenous bottom habitat due to the presence of kelp forests, and the richer demersal habitat likely contributed to the higher pelagic density. In shallow fjords and areas with hard bottom substrate, it is expected that sea-ice and glacial retreat will promote macroalgal settlement, and we suggest that macroalgal expansion may compensate the loss of tidewater glacier-associated density of fish and zooplankton by the increase of benthic-driven density. Arctic pelagic ecosystems could thus be more resilient to glacier retreat than initially thought, but this is highly dependent on fjord topography, sedimentation rate, and substrate type. Our developed protocol is an efficient non-invasive method to survey shallow coastal areas and glacier fronts in the Arctic.
Are narwhals critical for the meat supply in East Greenland?
Authors: Heide-Jørgensen Mads Peter
Published: October 2024

In East Greenland, the recommendations for the closure of the narwhal ( Monodon monoceros) hunt coincide with a pressing demand to continue hunting for meat to supply local communities. By analysing catch statistics and estimating average meat yields, the available meat from marine mammals, polar bears ( Ursus maritimus), and muskox ( Ovibos moschatus) in East Greenland can be assessed. On average, there was approximately 426 tonnes of meat available per year during this period. However, this quantity declined due to reduced catches of hooded seals (Cystophora cristata) and ringed seals (Phoca hispida) after 2007. This decline was somewhat offset by the inclusion of new species in the hunt, such as dolphins ( Delphinidae), killer whales ( Orcinus orca), and pilot whales ( Globicephala melas). The average annual meat availability per inhabitant decreased from 150 kg before 2008 to 94 kg afterward. Narwhals consistently contributed approximately 5%–6% of the total annual meat supply in Greenland over the observed period, which suggests that narwhal meat is not critical for the overall food supply. The inclusion of the need for meat in discussions surrounding sustainable harvest levels has been a point of controversy, particularly in cases where an urgent halt to hunting is needed.
A study of nanorriutit—polar bear hunting dogs in Avanersuaq
Authors: Lund Jensen Manumina
Published: October 2024

Nanorriutit are specialized dogs integral to traditional nanoq (polar bear) hunting in Avanersuaq (Thule district, North Greenland). This practice, involving a deep relationship between the piniartoq (hunter), the nanoq, and the qimmeq (dog), is a crucial aspect of Inughuit cultural heritage in the region. However, the hunting culture associated with nanorriutit faces significant challenges due to the contemporary lifestyle, urbanization and impacts of climate change, which are deteriorating the traditional hunting grounds. This study aims to examine the evolving role of nanorriutit in polar bear hunting practices and the broader cultural context of Avanersuaq. Utilizing a qualitative approach, data were collected through fourteen semi-structured interviews with thirteen knowledge holders from the settlement of Savissivik and the town of Qaanaaq, conducted in Inuktun and kalaallisut. The findings illustrate both the enduring significance of nanorriutit , and the adaptations required in response to changing environmental conditions. This research contributes to the understanding of how the contemporary lifestyles and climate change is influencing Inughuit hunting practices and emphasizes the need to preserve this valuable cultural tradition amidst a rapidly transforming Arctic urbanization and environment.
Effects of pre-farrow feeding time on the farrowing time and duration in sows and litter outcomes
Authors: Kpogo Livingstone A. , Panisson Josiane C. , Frobose Hyatt L. , Columbus Daniel A.
Published: October 2024

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of time of feeding pre-farrow on farrowing time and duration. Two hundred and ninety-eight mixed parity sows were assigned to morning (0700 h) or evening (1900 h) feeding upon entry into the farrowing room until farrowing. More sows from the morning-fed group farrowed between 0700 and 1500 h than the evening-fed group (51.43 vs. 21.95%, P < 0.001). There were no differences ( P > 0.10) in farrowing duration. Number of piglets born alive, stillborn, and mummies did not differ ( P > 0.10) among treatments. Evening-fed sows had an increased number of pigs weaned, resulting from reduced preweaning mortality compared to the morning-fed sows ( P < 0.05). Morning feeding may be beneficial for maximizing the number of farrowing events that start during working hours and evening feeding may improve litter outcomes.