bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cultural behaviours can be experimentally induced in wild baboons despite constraints on social information transmission
Authors: Carter Alecia J. , Cowlishaw Guy 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe formation of culture in animal societies, including humans, relies on the social transmission of information amongst individuals. This spread depends upon the transmission of social information, or social learning, between individuals. However, not all information spreads. To better understand how constraints at the individual-, dyad- and group-level might influence the formation of culture, we experimentally introduced four innovations (novel behaviours) across three troops of wild chacma baboons (Papio ursinus). At the individual-level, different phenotypic traits constrained individuals’ use of social information about the innovations. At the dyad-level, we found evidence for social reinforcement and directed social learning affecting who learnt and from whom. Group-level characteristics also limited the diffusion of information, which spread more slowly through social networks that showed less mixing across age classes. Nevertheless, despite these multi-level limitations, the four innovations quickly spread through all the social groups in which they were tested, suggesting that the formation of animal cultures can be surprisingly resilient to constraints on information transmission.
Sex-specific association between urinary kisspeptin and pubertal development
Authors: de Freitas Rafaella Sales , França Thiago Fonseca Alves , Pompeia Sabine 
Published: July 2021

AbstractKisspeptins are critical neuropeptides for puberty onset and progression, playing a pivotal role in the reactivation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis in late childhood. Despite their importance, little is known as to how kisspeptin peripheral concentrations are related to sexual maturation in humans, specially using non-invasive measures that allow more widespread testing. Using a cross-sectional design, we investigated whether peripheral kisspeptin concentrations, measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) in two-hour retention midstream urine, are associated with developmental markers in 209 (120 girls) typically developing, 9 to 15-year-olds. Developmental variables were age, self-reported pubertal status using the Pubertal Development Scale, and saliva concentrations of hormones that indicate gonadal (testosterone) and adrenal (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate) functioning. We found marked sexual differences in urine kisspeptins (controlled for body mass index and socioeconomic status). While concentrations were similar in both sexes until the age of around 12 years, in males there was a positive linear correlation with all developmental measures thereafter, while in girls, kisspeptin concentrations did not change. Of note, our results are in line with those of previous studies using more invasive methods (e.g. blood samples), which indicates that kisspeptin concentrations from two-hour retention midstream urine have potential in exploring sex-specific peripheral action of these peptides.
Mutation rate and spectrum inCaenorhabditis elegansmutation accumulation lines subjected to RNAi-induced knockdown of the mismatch repair genemsh-2
Authors: Katju Vaishali , Konrad Anke , Deiss Thaddeus C. , Bergthorsson Ulfar 
Published: July 2021

ABSTRACTDNA mismatch repair (MMR), an evolutionarily conserved repair pathway shared by prokaryotic and eukaryotic species alike, influences molecular evolution by detecting and correcting mismatches that escape DNA polymerase proofreading, thereby protecting genetic fidelity, reducing the mutational load, and preventing lethality. Herein we conduct the first genome-wide evaluation of the alterations to the mutation rate and spectrum under impaired activity of theMutSαhomolog,msh-2, inCaenorhabditis elegans. We performed mutation accumulation (MA) under RNAi-induced knockdown ofmsh-2for 50 generations in obligately outcrossingfog-2(lf)lines, followed by next-generation sequencing of 19 MA lines and the ancestral control.msh-2impairment substantially increased the frequency of nuclear base substitutions (∼23×) and small indels (∼328×) relative to wildtype. However, we observed no increase in the mutation rates of mtDNA, and copy-number changes of single-copy genes. There was a marked increase in copy-number variation of rDNA genes under MMR impairment. InC. elegans,msh-2repairs transitions more efficiently than transversions as well as increases the AT mutational bias relative to wildtype. The local sequence context, including sequence complexity, G+C-content, and flanking bases influenced the mutation rate. The X chromosome had a lower substitution and higher indel rate than autosomes, which can either result from sex-specific mutation rates or a nonrandom distribution of mutable sites in the genome. Comparison of MMR impairment inC. elegansto that in other species shows that the specificity of the MMR varies between taxa, and is more efficient in detecting and repairing small indels in eukaryotes relative to prokaryotes.
C25-modified rifamycin derivatives with improved activity againstMycobacterium abscessus
Authors: Paulowski Laura , Beckham Katherine S. H. , Johansen Matt D. , Berneking Laura , Van Nhi , Degefu Yonatan , Staack Sonja , Sotomayor Flor Vasquez , Asar Lucia , Rohde Holger , Aldridge Bree B. , Aepfelbacher Martin , Parret Annabel , Wilmanns Matthias , Kremer Laurent , Combrink Keith , Maurer Florian P. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractInfections caused byMycobacterium abscessusare difficult to treat due to its intrinsic resistance to most antibiotics. Formation of biofilms and the capacity ofM. abscessusto survive inside host phagocytes further complicate eradication. Herein, we explored whether addition of a carbamate-linked group at the C25 position of rifamycin SV blocks enzymatic inactivation by ArrMab, an ADP-ribosyltransferase conferring resistance to rifampicin. Unlike rifampicin, 5j, a benzyl piperidine rifamycin derivative with a morpholino substituted C3 position, is not modified by purified ArrMab. Additionally, we show that the ArrMabD82 residue is essential for catalytic activity. Thermal profiling of ArrMabin the presence of 5j, rifampicin or rifabutin shows that 5j does not bind to ArrMab. We found that the activity of 5j is comparable to amikacin againstM. abscessusplanktonic cultures and pellicles. Critically, 5j also exerts potent antimicrobial activity againstM. abscessusin human macrophages and shows synergistic activity with amikacin and azithromycin.
Long-chain lipids facilitate insertion of large nanoparticles into membranes of small unilamellar vesicles
Authors: Adan Marzouq , Lion Morgenstein , Huang-Zhu Carlos A. , Yudovich Shimon , Ayelet Atkins , Asaf Grupi , Van Lehn Reid C. , Shimon Weiss 
Published: July 2021

AbstractInsertion of hydrophobic nanoparticles into phospholipid bilayers is limited to small particles that can incorporate into the hydrophobic membrane core in between the two lipid leaflets. Incorporation of nanoparticles above this size limit requires development of challenging surface engineering methodologies. In principle, increasing membrane thickness should facilitate incorporation of larger nanoparticles. Here, we explore the effect of incorporating very long phospholipids (C24:1) into small unilamellar vesicles on the membrane insertion efficiency of hydrophobic nanoparticles that are 5-13 nm in diameter. To this end, we improved an existing vesicle preparation protocol and utilized cryogenic electron microscopy imaging to examine the mode of interaction and to evaluate the insertion efficiency of membrane-inserted nanoparticles. We also perform classical, coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations to identify changes in lipid membrane structural properties that may increase insertion efficiency. Our results indicate that long-chain lipids increase the insertion efficiency by preferentially accumulating near membrane-inserted nanoparticles to reduce the thermodynamically unfavorable disruption of the membrane.
An intestinally secreted host factor promotes microsporidia invasion of C. elegans
Authors: El Jarkass Hala Tamim , Mok Calvin , Schertzberg Michael R. , Fraser Andrew G. , Troemel Emily R. , Reinke Aaron W. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractMicrosporidia are ubiquitous obligate intracellular pathogens of animals. These parasites often infect hosts through an oral route, but little is known about the function of host intestinal proteins that facilitate microsporidia invasion. To identify such factors necessary for infection by Nematocida parisii, a natural microsporidian pathogen of Caenorhabditis elegans, we performed a forward genetic screen to identify mutant animals that have a Fitness Advantage with Nematocida (Fawn). We isolated four fawn mutants that are resistant to Nematocida infection and contain mutations in T14E8.4, which we renamed aaim-1 (Antibacterial and Aids invasion by Microsporidia). Expression of AAIM-1 in the intestine of aaim-1 animals restores N. parisii infectivity and this rescue of infectivity is dependent upon AAIM-1 secretion. N. parisii spores in aaim-1 animals are improperly oriented in the intestinal lumen, leading to reduced levels of parasite invasion. Conversely, aaim-1 mutants display both increased colonization and susceptibility to the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa and overexpression of AAIM-1 reduces P. aeruginosa colonization. Competitive fitness assays show that aaim-1 mutants are favoured in the presence of N. parisii but disadvantaged on P. aeruginosa compared to wild type animals. Together, this work demonstrates how microsporidia exploits a secreted protein to promote host invasion. Our results also suggest evolutionary trade-offs may exist to optimizing host defense against multiple classes of pathogens.
miR-9aregulates levels of bothrhomboidmRNA and protein in the earlyDrosophila melanogasterembryo
Authors: Gallicchio Lorenzo , Griffiths-Jones Sam , Ronshaugen Matthew 
Published: July 2021

AbstractMicroRNAs have subtle and combinatorial effects on the expression levels of their targets. Studying the consequences of a single microRNA knockout often proves difficult as many such knockouts exhibit phenotypes only under stress conditions. This has led to the hypothesis that microRNAs frequently act as buffers of noise in gene expression. Observing and understanding buffering effects requires quantitative analysis of microRNA and target expression in single cells. To this end, we have employed single molecule fluorescencein situhybridization, immunofluorescence, and high-resolution confocal microscopy to investigate the effects ofmiR-9aloss on the expression of the serine-protease rhomboid inDrosophila melanogasterearly embryos. Our single-cell quantitative approach shows thatrhomboidmRNA exhibits the same spatial expression pattern in WT andmiR-9aknockout embryos, although the number of mRNA molecules per cell is higher whenmiR-9ais absent. However, the level of rhomboid protein shows a much more dramatic increase in themiR-9aknockout. Specifically, we see accumulation of rhomboid protein inmiR-9amutants by stage 5, much earlier than in WT. The data therefore show thatmiR-9afunctions in the regulation ofrhomboidactivity by both inducing mRNA degradation and inhibiting translation in the blastoderm embryo. Temporal regulation of neural proliferation and differentiation in vertebrates bymiR-9is well-established. We suggest thatmiR-9family microRNAs are conserved regulators of timing in neurogenic processes. This work shows the power of single-cell quantification as an experimental tool to study phenotypic consequences of microRNA mis-regulation.
Modelling complex population structure usingF-statistics and Principal Component Analysis
Authors: Peter Benjamin M 
Published: July 2021

AbstractHuman genetic diversity is shaped by our complex history. Data-driven methods such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA) are an important population genetic tool to understand this method. Here, I contrast PCA with a set of statistics motivated by trees (F-statistics). Here, I show that these two methods are closely related, and I derive explicit connections between the two approaches. I show thatF-statistics have a simple geometrical interpretation in the context of PCA, and that orthogonal projections are the key concept to establish this link. I illustrate my results on two examples, one of local, and one of global human diversity. In both examples, I find that just using the first few PCs provides good population structure is sparse, and only a few components contribute to most statistics. Based on these results, I develop novel visualizations that allow for investigating specific hypotheses, checking the assumptions of more sophisticated models. My results extendF-statistics to non-discrete populations, moving towards more complete and less biased descriptions of human genetic variation.
In situ imaging of bacterial membrane projections and associated protein complexes using electron cryo-tomography
Authors: Kaplan Mohammed , Chreifi Georges , Metskas Lauren Ann , Liedtke Janine , Wood Cecily R , Oikonomou Catherine M , Nicolas William J , Subramanian Poorna , Zacharoff Lori A , Wang Yuhang , Chang Yi-Wei , Beeby Morgan , Dobro Megan , McBride Mark J , Briegel Ariane , Shaffer Carrie , Jensen Grant J 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe ability to produce membrane projections in the form of tubular membrane extensions (MEs) and membrane vesicles (MVs) is a widespread phenomenon among bacteria. Despite this, our knowledge of the ultrastructure of these extensions and their associated protein complexes remains limited. Here, we surveyed the ultrastructure and formation of MEs and MVs, and their associated protein complexes, in tens of thousands of electron cryo-tomograms of ∼ 90 bacterial species that we have collected for various projects over the past 15 years (Jensen lab database), in addition to data generated in the Briegel lab. We identified MEs and MVs in 13 species and classified several major ultrastructures: 1) tubes with a uniform diameter (with or without an internal scaffold), 2) tubes with irregular diameter, 3) tubes with a vesicular dilation at their tip, 4) pearling tubes, 5) connected chains of vesicles (with or without neck-like connectors), 6) budding vesicles and nanopods. We also identified several protein complexes associated with these MEs and MVs which were distributed either randomly or exclusively at the tip. These complexes include a secretin-like structure and a novel crown-shaped structure observed primarily in vesicles from lysed cells. In total, this work helps to characterize the diversity of bacterial membrane projections and lays the groundwork for future research in this field.
Development of the Inactivated QazCovid-in Vaccine: Protective Efficacy of the Vaccine in Syrian Hamsters
Authors: Zhugunissov Kuandyk , Zakarya Kunsulu , Khairullin Berik , Orynbayev Mukhit , Abduraimov Yergali , Kassenov Markhabat , Sultankulova Kulyaisan , Kerimbayev Aslan , Nurabayev Sergazy , Myrzhakhmetova Balzhan , Nakhanov Aziz , Nurpeisova Ainur , Chervyakova Olga , Assanzhanova Nurika , Burashev Yerbol , Mambetaliev Muratbay , Azanbekova Moldir , Kopeyev Syrym , Kozhabergenov Nurlan , Issabek Aisha , Tuyskanova Moldir , Kutumbetov Lespek 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIn March 2020, the first cases of human coronavirus infection COVID-19 were registered in Kazakhstan. We isolated the SARS-CoV-2 virus from the clinical material from the patients. Subsequently, a whole virion inactivated candidate vaccine, QazCovid-in, was developed based on this virus. To obtain the vaccine, a virus grown in Vero cell culture was used, which was inactivated with formaldehyde, purified, concentrated, sterilized by filtration, and then sorbed on aluminum hydroxide gel particles. The formula virus and adjuvant in buffer saline solution was used as a vaccine. The safety and protective effectiveness of the developed vaccine was studied on Syrian hamsters. The results of the studies showed the absolute safety of the candidate vaccine on the Syrian hamsters. When studying the protective effectiveness, the developed vaccine with an immunizing dose of 5 mcg/dose of a specific antigen protected animals from wild virus at a dose of 104.5TCID50/ml. The candidate vaccine formed virus-neutralizing antibodies in vaccinated hamsters in titers from 3.3 ± 1.45 log2 to 7.25 ± 0.78 log2, which were retained for 6 months (observation period) in the indicated titers. The candidate vaccine suppressed the replication of the wild virus in the body of vaccinated hamsters, protected against the development of acute pneumonia and ensured 100% survival of the animals. At the same time, no replicative virus was isolated from the lungs of vaccinated animals. At the same time, a virulent virus was isolated from the lungs of unvaccinated animals in relatively high titers, reaching 4.5 ± 0.7 lg TCID50/ml. After challenge infection, 100% of unvaccinated hamsters became ill with clinical signs (stress state, passivity, tousled coat, decreased body temperature and body weight, and the development of acute pneumonia), of which 25 ± 5% were fatal. The findings paved the way for testing the candidate vaccine in humans in clinical trials.
A stochastic fuzzy multi-criteria group decision-making for sustainable vendor selection in Indian petroleum refining sector
Authors: Akhtar Mohammad , Ahmad Md Tanweer 
Published: July 2021

PurposeThis paper aims to select key criteria for sustainable vendor assessment and spare-parts supplies in the Indian petroleum refining sector using stochastic fuzzy technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (SFTOPSIS).Design/methodology/approachThe criteria for sustainable vendor evaluation and selection are identified from the review of the literature and further; it is finalized using the Delphi method. Eight supply chain (SC) experts from the Indian petro refining sector were identified as having more than five years of experience and agreed to participate in this study (known as decision-makers (DM)). Five vendors supplying spare-parts are shortlisted from the market with the discussion and consent of procurement experts from petroleum refineries. Subsequently, criteria and vendors are rated based on relative importance in linguistic terms from the group of eight DMs. As ratings involve uncertainties in the decision-making, the SFTOPSIS method is applied to determine criteria weight and vendor ranking at a distinct significance level (α). The ranking of the vendors is obtained for sustainable supply of spare-parts in the Indian petro refining sector using the SFTOPSIS method.FindingsThe ranking of sustainable vendors is obtained through the integrated application of the fuzzy and stochastic approach to capture the uncertainties in the ratings of DMs. The sensitivity analysis is carried out at distinct confidence limits of a normal distribution to obtain a robust ranking of the vendors. In this paper, a case application of SFTOPSIS in the Indian petro refining sector is presented in which key criteria and the vendor ranking are found to be changing with confidence limit for sustainable vendor evaluation.Practical implicationsThe fuzziness and randomness in relative ratings collects from a group of DMs are taken in the proposed methodology. The distinct approaches are compared with changing significance-level under stochastic, fuzzy and deterministic TOPSIS to acquire robustness in the ranking. The proposed SFTOPSIS model can be useful to practitioners from the petroleum sector.Originality/valueThe originality of the paper contributes to an application of the SFTOPSIS method that is the extension of FTOPSIS in the petro refining sector of a developing country. The sensitivity analysis with distinct significance-level shows the uncertainties in the collected ratings from the DMs that supports robustness in the ranking. It might be helpful for SC professionals from the petro refining sector, who assess the rank of the vendors at different confidence limits for sustainable supply of spare-parts. Further research in the petroleum industry from emerging economies needs to be undertaken to broaden its scope and applicability.
Revisiting foreign market entry motivations: the case of Korean commercial banks
Authors: Jung Young Hoon , Zhu Zhu , Nguyen Huy Will 
Published: July 2021

PurposeThis study examines what motivates firms to go and remain abroad despite uncertain profit potential. In a departure from probing traditional market-seeking, profit-driven motives, the authors explore how domestically driven, sociocultural motivations may shape the foreign market entry decisions of Korean commercial banks (KCBs). The authors argue that, due to the power imbalance between KCBs and their chaebol clients within the historical and cultural contexts of their relationships, KCBs' foreign market entries may depend more on their clients' presence in these markets than on their profit potential.Design/methodology/approachThe authors focus on the foreign market entries of KCBs and their client firms. Using the data of 8 KCBs and their client firms belonging to the 60 business groups (chaebols) of Korea, the authors analyze 6,577 observations involving the dyadic relationship between a KCB and its client firm in 15 host countries from 2005 to 2014.FindingsThe authors find that the number of clients' subsidiaries operating in foreign markets may increase the likelihood of KCBs entering these markets. Moreover, when KCBs earn more domestic profit from client firms, the potential Korean market in the host country is greater, and the institutional distance between the host country and Korea is smaller.Practical implicationsIn addition to the critical role of a bank-centered financing system in advancing a developing country and its firms, the authors’ findings suggest that firms should pay attention to the local diaspora and the institutional distance between the host and home countries in order to manage power-imbalanced relationships and make them sustainable.Originality/valueThe study contributes to the literature on foreign market entry by demonstrating how the home country's sociocultural factors may worsen the power imbalance, thereby pushing firms to make seemingly irrational decisions to go and stay abroad. That is, KCBs' foreign operations may be a way of seeking relational benefits with client firms, which would serve as a source of long-term domestic market profits. The authors’ findings thus highlight the need to consider how sociocultural factors may also shape firms' decision-making in their international business.