bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Life expectancy in ants explains variation in helpfulness regardless of phylogenetic relatedness
Authors: Turza Filip , Stec Daniel , Fontaneto Diego , Miler Krzysztof 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Rescue behavior aims to free a relative from danger. Ants are particularly known for such helpfulness and, perhaps not coincidentally, also show the highest level of social organization in the animal kingdom, i.e., eusociality. However, even among social species such as ants, there is a huge variation in rescue proneness and little is understood about the underlying causes of this variation. In this study, we explore the relationship between helpfulness in the form of rescue and life expectancy, focusing on 14 ant species with diverse phylogenetic backgrounds. We posit that species with longer worker life expectancies are more prone to engaging in rescue actions. To test this, we assessed worker lifespan in each species and conducted behavioral tests simulating entrapment scenarios involving a nestmate ensnared by an artificial obstacle. Observed behaviors involved contact with the nestmate, digging around it, pulling at its body parts, and biting the entrapping obstacle. Our findings reveal that species with longer worker life expectancies exhibit higher proneness to rescue endangered nestmates, irrespective of phylogenetic relatedness. Furthermore, we found no trace of a phylogenetic signal in the life expectancies or helpfulness of workers belonging to different species. The results underscore the significance of life expectancy as a key factor influencing the likelihood of rescue behavior in ants. This phenomenon warrants further investigation, given the varied physiologies, life histories, and ecologies observed among species. Nevertheless, the impact of life expectancy on behavioral patterns in social insects suggests that this parameter is likely significant across diverse taxa.
Biallelic NDUFA13 variants lead to a neurodevelopmental phenotype with gradual neurological impairment
Authors: Kaiyrzhanov Rauan , Thompson Kyle , Efthymiou Stephanie , Mukushev Askhat , Zharylkassyn Akbota , Prasad Chitra , Ghayoor Karimiani Ehsan , Alvi Javeria Raza , Niyazov Dmitriy , Alahmad Ahmad , Babaei Meisam , Tajsharghi Homa , Albash Buthaina , Alaqeel Ahmad , Charif Majida , Hashemi Narges , Heidari Morteza , Kalantar Seyed Mehdi , Lenaers Guy , Vahidi Mehrjardi Mohammad Yahya , Srinivasan Varunvenkat M , Gowda Vykuntaraju K , Mirabutalebi Seyed Hamidreza , Carere Deanna Alexis , Movahedinia Mojtaba , Murphy David , McFarland Robert , Abdel-Hamid Mohamed S , Elhossini Rasha M , Alavi Shahryar , Napier Melanie , Belanger-Quintana Amaya , Prasad Asuri N , Jakobczyk Jessica , Roubertie Agathe , Rupar Tony , Sultan Tipu , Toosi Mehran Beiraghi , Sazanov Leonid , Severino Mariasavina , Houlden Henry , Taylor Robert W , Maroofian Reza 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Biallelic variants in NADH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) + hydrogen (H))-ubiquinone oxidoreductase 1 alpha subcomplex 13 have been linked to mitochondrial complex I deficiency, nuclear type 28, based on three affected individuals from two families. With only two families reported, the clinical and molecular spectrum of NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase 1 alpha subcomplex 13–related diseases remains unclear. We report 10 additional affected individuals from nine independent families, identifying four missense variants (including recurrent c.170G &gt; A) and three ultra-rare or novel predicted loss-of-function biallelic variants. Updated clinical–radiological data from previously reported families and a literature review compiling clinical features of all reported patients with isolated complex I deficiency caused by 43 genes encoding complex I subunits and assembly factors are also provided. Our cohort (mean age 7.8 ± 5.4 years; range 2.5–18) predominantly presented a moderate-to-severe neurodevelopmental syndrome with oculomotor abnormalities (84%), spasticity/hypertonia (83%), hypotonia (69%), cerebellar ataxia (66%), movement disorders (58%) and epilepsy (46%). Neuroimaging revealed bilateral symmetric T2 hyperintense substantia nigra lesions (91.6%) and optic nerve atrophy (66.6%). Protein modeling suggests missense variants destabilize a critical junction between the hydrophilic and membrane arms of complex I. Fibroblasts from two patients showed reduced complex I activity and compensatory complex IV activity increase. This study characterizes NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase 1 alpha subcomplex 13–related disease in 13 individuals, highlighting genotype–phenotype correlations.
SerpinB1 targeting safeguards against pathological cardiac hypertrophy and remodelling by suppressing cardiomyocyte pyroptosis and inflammation initiation
Authors: Lan Cong , Fang Guangyao , Li Xiuchuan , Chen Xiao , Chen Yingmei , Hu Tao , Wang Xuenan , Cai Huiling , Hao Jiajin , Li Haoran , Zhang Yan , Peng Ke , Xu Zaicheng , Yang Dachun , Kang Xia , Xin Qian , Yang Yongjian 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Aims
While the pivotal role of inflammation in pathological cardiac hypertrophy and remodelling is widely acknowledged, the mechanisms triggering inflammation initiation remain largely obscure. This study aims to elucidate the role and mechanism of serpin family B member 1 (SerpinB1) in pro-inflammatory cardiomyocyte pyroptosis, heart inflammation, and cardiac remodelling.

Methods and results
C57BL/6J wild-type, inducible cardiac-specific SerpinB1 overexpression or knockout mice underwent transverse aortic constriction (TAC) surgery. Cardiac hypertrophy and remodelling were assessed through echocardiography and histology. Cardiomyocyte pyroptosis and heart inflammation were monitored. Adeno-associated virus 9 -mediated gene manipulations and molecular assays were employed to explore the mechanisms through which SerpinB1 regulates cardiomyocyte pyroptosis and heart inflammation. Finally, recombinant mouse SerpinB1 protein (rSerpinB1) was administrated both in vivo through osmotic minipump delivery and in vitro to investigate the therapeutic potential of SerpinB1 in cardiac remodelling. Myocardial SerpinB1 overexpression was up-regulated shortly upon TAC or phenylephrine challenge, with no further elevation during prolonged hypertrophic stimuli. It is important to note that cardiac-specific overexpression of SerpinB1 markedly attenuated TAC-induced cardiac remodelling, while deletion of SerpinB1 exacerbated it. At the mechanistic level, SerpinB1 gain-of-function inhibited cardiomyocyte pyroptosis and inflammation in hypertrophic hearts; the protective effect was nullified by overexpression of either cleaved N-terminal gasdermin D or cleaved caspase-1. Co-immunoprecipitation and confocal assays confirmed that SerpinB1 directly interacts with caspase-1 in cardiomyocytes. Remarkably, rSerpinB1 replicated the cardioprotective effect against cardiac hypertrophy and remodelling.

Conclusion
SerpinB1 safeguards against pathological cardiac hypertrophy and remodelling by impeding cardiomyocyte pyroptosis to suppress inflammation initiation, achieved through interaction with caspase-1 to inhibit its activation. Targeting SerpinB1 could represent a novel therapeutic strategy for treating pathological cardiac hypertrophy and remodelling.
Simulated winter climate change reveals greater cold than warm temperature tolerance in Chrysolina polita (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)
Authors: Palvi Anni , Lindström Leena , Margus Aigi 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Climate change is expected to lead to rising winter temperatures in temperate zones, coinciding with a decrease in winter snow cover. Insects adapted to winter conditions in the temperate zone might be exposed to changing winter conditions and higher temperature fluctuations, which can affect diapause and mortality. We studied the effects of climate change on Chrysolina polita, a temperate zone species overwintering as an adult in the shallow surface of the soil. We tested the effects of increased and fluctuating temperature on the mortality and body composition of the beetles in a laboratory environment, as well as the effects of snow cover removal on the mortality and body mass in field conditions. We found that in the laboratory study, a 2 °C increase in mean temperature increased mortality and resulted in increased lipid consumption, whereas temperature fluctuation caused desiccation of the beetles but did not affect mortality compared to the control condition. In the field study, the snow removal caused the mean soil temperature to decrease by 3 °C and fluctuate (ranging from −26.4 to 2.5 °C compared to a range of −1.7 to 0.5 °C in the control), yet these differences did not affect beetle mortality or body mass. We conclude that C. polita exhibits greater resistance to cold temperatures than to higher temperatures during diapause. Therefore, the rising temperatures associated with climate change can pose challenges for overwintering.
Phenology and voltinism of the Asian longhorned beetle (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) in South Carolina, United States
Authors: Schmitt Lena R , Trotter R Talbot , Bishop Crystal J , Crout Katy E , Pfister Scott E , Coyle David R 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
A new population of the Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis Motschulsky), an invasive species in North America since 1996, was discovered in Charleston County, South Carolina, in 2020. This population is the furthest south Asian longhorned beetle has established in North America. Previous models only estimate development time at this latitude; as such, we examined Asian longhorned beetle phenology in this novel climate. Over 24 consecutive months, we collected 153 eggs, 878 larvae, 37 pupae, and 1 unemerged adult (1,009 total specimens) from the federal quarantine zone in South Carolina and used larval head capsule width to determine development rate and voltinism. The presence of Asian longhorned beetle adults was determined via visual field observations. Asian longhorned beetle in South Carolina appears to have a synchronous univoltine life cycle, in contrast to populations in the northern United States and Canada that typically develop in 2–3 yr. This information will be useful for future model development to determine Asian longhorned beetle life cycles, for implementing novel management methods, and will aid in predictions to benefit visual survey efficacy.
Insights into the genetic landscape of pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas in a Brazilian cohort
Authors: Fagundes Gustavo F C , Freitas-Castro Felipe , Santana Lucas S , Ledesma Felipe L , Petenuci Janaina , Afonso Ana Caroline F , Pereira Caio A A , Maciel Ana Alice W , Soares Ibere C , Gomes Nathalia L , Lourenço Delmar M , Pereira Maria Adelaide A , Srougi Victor , Tanno Fabio Y , Chambo Jose L , Fragoso Maria Candida B V , Hoff Ana O , Mendonca Berenice B , Latronico Ana Claudia , Almeida Madson Q 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Objective
Germline and somatic drivers are identified in 30% and 40% of pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs), respectively. In this study, we investigated the genetic landscape of PPGLs in a Brazilian cohort.

Methods
We studied 182 index patients with PPGLs (116 females and 66 males), comprising 118 pheochromocytoma and 70 paraganglioma cases. Our optimized sequencing strategy included SANGER sequencing, targeted next-generation sequencing panel, and whole-exome sequencing.

Results
Germline and somatic pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants in susceptibility genes were identified in 88 (48.4%) and 18 (10.4%) cases, respectively. SDHB was the most frequently affected gene, identified in 30 patients (16.5%), with a germline SDHB exon 1 deletion present in 46.7% of these cases. The Brazilian cohort exhibited a higher rate of germline diagnoses when compared to the European (31%), American (27%), and Chinese (21%) cohorts (P &lt; .001). Five germline variants in new susceptibility genes were identified: (1) Three CHEK2 likely pathogenic or pathogenic variants (c.475T &gt; C/p.Tyr159His; c.362G &gt; A/p.Cys121Tyr; c.319 + 2T &gt; A); and (2) Two BRCA2 pathogenic variants (c.3680_3681delTG/p.Leu1227fs and c.7806-2A &gt; C). These variants are unreported in the Brazilian genomic variant repository. CHEK2 immunostaining was negative in the three tumors, with one case exhibiting CHEK2 loss of heterozygosity. Moreover, the prevalence of CHEK2 or BRCA2 pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants in our cohort was significantly higher compared to global population databases (P &lt; .0001 and P = .0004, respectively).

Conclusion
Our cohort of PPGLs demonstrated a high frequency of germline diagnoses. Additionally, our findings suggest CHEK2 and BRCA2 as potential susceptibility genes for PPGLs.
Does within-school between-class ability grouping harm the educational outcomes of socio-economically disadvantaged children? International evidence
Authors: Jerrim John , Alejandro Lopez-Agudo Luis , David Marcenaro-Gutierrez Oscar 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Grouping students into different classes based upon their academic achievement or ability is a relatively common practice across the world, particularly in English-speaking countries. Yet some argue that teaching students in mixed-ability classes is a better approach, with important benefits for those from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds. Unfortunately, existing evidence comparing outcomes across these approaches is scant. This paper hence provides new international evidence on this matter, drawing upon data from the 2015 Trends in Mathematics and Science Study study. Our results point towards null effects; neither approach leads to demonstrably better outcomes for students than the other. This also holds true for young people from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds, suggesting that between-class ability grouping does not harm the educational prospects of these children. Some limited evidence does emerge, however, that primary school teachers believe they are better able to support struggling students—and challenge the highest achievers—when ability grouping is used.
Who becomes a parent while jobless? On the importance of limited opportunities and the normalization of disadvantage
Authors: van Wijk Daniël , de Valk Helga A G , Liefbroer Aart C 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
In many developed countries, men and women postpone parenthood when they are jobless, but this relationship differs between subgroups. We hypothesize that stronger embeddedness in structures of disadvantage engenders a weaker adaptation of fertility behaviour to joblessness due to more limited opportunities in the labour market and the normalization of a disadvantage when it is widespread among relevant others. Using Dutch full-population register data, we select all persons born in the Netherlands between 1988 and 1990 and follow them from 2006 to 2019. An innovative combination of sources in the registers is used to measure the prevalence of joblessness among parents, siblings, neighbourhood peers, and former school peers. Event history models show that jobless men and women postpone first childbearing, but they do so to a lesser extent when they are lower educated and when disadvantage is more prevalent in the social environment.
Automated plasmid design for marker-free genome editing in budding yeast
Authors: Stojković Lazar , Gligorovski Vojislav , Geramimanesh Mahsa , Labagnara Marco , Rahi Sahand Jamal 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Scarless genome editing in budding yeast with elimination of the selection marker has many advantages. Some markers such as URA3 and TRP1 can be recycled through counterselection. This permits seamless genome modification with pop-in/pop-out, in which a DNA construct first integrates in the genome and, subsequently, homologous regions recombine and excise undesired sequences. Popular approaches for creating such constructs use oligonucleotides and PCR. However, the use of oligonucleotides has many practical disadvantages. With the rapid reduction in price, synthesizing custom DNA sequences in specific plasmid backbones has become an appealing alternative. For designing plasmids for seamless pop-in/pop-out gene tagging or deletion, there are a number of factors to consider. To create only the shortest DNA sequences necessary, avoid errors in manual design, specify the amount of homology desired, and customize restriction sites, we created the computational tool PIPOline. Using it, we tested the ratios of homology that improve pop-out efficiency when targeting the genes HTB2 or WHI5. We supply optimal pop-in/pop-out plasmid sequences for tagging or deleting almost all S288C budding yeast open reading frames. Finally, we demonstrate how the histone variant Htb2 marked with a red fluorescent protein can be used as a cell-cycle stage marker, alternative to superfolder GFP, reducing light toxicity. We expect PIPOline to streamline genome editing in budding yeast.
High-Resolution Genome Assembly and Population Genetic Study of the Endangered Maple Acer pentaphyllum (Sapindaceae): Implications for Conservation Strategies
Authors: Li Xiong , Jiang Li-Sha , Deng Heng-Ning , Yu Qi , Ju Wen-Bin , Chen Xiao-Juan , Feng Yu , Xu Bo 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Acer pentaphyllum Diels (Sapindaceae), a highly threatened maple endemic to the dry-hot valleys of the Yalong River in western Sichuan, China, represents a valuable resource for horticulture and conservation. This study presents the first chromosomal-scale genome assembly of A. pentaphyllum (~626 Mb, 2n = 26), constructed using PacBio HiFi and Hi-C sequencing technologies. Comparative genomic analyses revealed significant recent genomic changes through rapid amplification of transposable elements, particularly long terminal repeat retrotransposons, coinciding with the dramatic climate change during recent uplift of the Hengduan Mountains. Genes involved in photosynthesis, plant hormone signal transduction, and plant-pathogen interaction showed expansion and/or positive selection, potentially reflecting adaptation to the species’ unique dry-hot valley habitat. Population genomic analysis of 227 individuals from 28 populations revealed low genetic diversity (1.04 ± 0.97 × 10-3) compared to other woody species. Phylogeographic patterns suggest an unexpected upstream colonization along the Yalong River, while Quaternary climate fluctuations drove its continuous lineage diversification and population contraction. Assessment of genetic diversity, inbreeding, and genetic load across populations revealed concerning levels of inbreeding and accumulation of deleterious mutations in small, isolated populations, particularly those at range edges (TKX, CDG, TES). Based on these results, we propose conservation strategies, including the identification of management units and recommendations for genetic rescue. These findings not only facilitate the conservation of A. pentaphyllum but also serve as a valuable resource for future horticultural development and as a model for similar studies on other endangered plant species adapted to extreme environments.
Incorporating Incubation Period Distributions to Precisely Estimate the Association Between Rainfall and Legionella Infection
Authors: Cassell Kelsie , Warren Joshua L , Heneghan Christopher , Weinberger Daniel M 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Multiple studies have shown a positive relationship between weather events and, 1 to 2 weeks later, Legionnaires’ disease (LD) cases. Narrowing this time window of association can help determine whether the mechanism linking rainfall and relative humidity to sporadic LD is direct or indirect. Due to the large number of daily water interactions and low incidence of LD, we propose a new Bayesian modeling approach to disentangle the potential for a direct versus indirect exposure to precipitation.

Methods
Incubation period distributions were used to redistribute LD cases to their estimated day of exposure. Then Bayesian distributed lag models were fit to estimate cases per day of exposure with predictor variables for rainfall and absolute humidity. Sensitivity analyses explored the impact of relatively humidity, rainfall after the estimated date of exposure, and randomized rainfall to validate our results.

Results
One standard deviation increase in rainfall 2 and 3 days prior to the date of estimated exposure was associated with an approximately 15% increase in LD risk (per day). When heavy rainfall occurred 0 to 3 days prior to estimated exposure, risk increased by more than 40%, peaking at a 51% increased risk of LD 2 days after heavy rainfall.

Discussion
Our findings of a 2- and 3-day lag between rainfall and the date of estimated exposure is consistent with an indirect link with rainfall, rather than a same-day exposure. Potential pathways that can indirectly link rainfall to LD cases include rainfall-mediated declines in public water supplies, but greater environmental sampling research is needed.
Reforming and repurposing agricultural subsidies to facilitate trade and sustainability
Authors: Cahill Carmel 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
The 1994 Uruguay Round Agreement on Agriculture was innovative in the attempt to measure, codify and discipline domestic support to the agricultural sector in a multilateral setting. However, it has proven to be extremely difficult to take the reform process forward in the intervening years. The urgent need for action on agricultural subsidies to improve environmental outcomes and to contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation could provide a new impetus. This paper suggests some pathways for win–win solutions, which would reduce distortions in agricultural trade arising from subsidies and simultaneously reduce the harm to the environment and climate that they cause.
China’s regulations on the attribution of AI-generated content: an exploration based on the open-ended approach
Authors: He Xinhang , Shan Pingji 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
This article examines the issue of copyright ownership for AI-generated content under China’s current copyright law, with a particular focus on the open-ended classification system introduced by the 2020 Copyright Law amendment and its practical implications. This amendment marks a shift in Chinese copyright law from a closed-list approach to an open-ended approach, thereby extending copyright protection to non-traditional works, such as AI-generated content. Despite including catch-all provisions and refining the criteria for work classification, ambiguities persist regarding the requirements for originality and the categorical hierarchy, continuing to fuel debates on the copyrightability of AI-generated content. This article analyses representative copyright dispute cases involving AI-generated content to illustrate the adjudicative stance of Chinese courts. Significant differences exist among courts regarding standards for originality and intellectual achievement, with rulings often heavily reliant on individual judges’ interpretations of technology and the creative process, which results in considerable discretion. Additionally, the ambiguous relationship between traditional work categories and catch-all provisions facilitates the classification of AI-generated content as a new type of work, potentially leading to an undue expansion of copyright protection. This article offers recommendations from both legislative and judicial perspectives, proposing the establishment of a ‘priority application for traditional work categories’ principle in legislation, issuing judicial interpretations to clarify AI’s instrumental role in creation and advocating for a cautious and substantive assessment in court to determine whether AI-generated content meets the characteristics of a protected work.