bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of micro-habitat fragmentation on microbial population growth dynamics
Authors: Mant Dina , Orevi Tomer , Kashtan Nadav 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Microbial communities thrive in virtually every habitat on Earth and are essential to the function of diverse ecosystems. Most microbial habitats are not spatially continuous and well-mixed, but rather composed, at the microscale, of many isolated or semi-isolated local patches of different sizes, resulting in partitioning of microbial populations into discrete local populations. The impact of this spatial fragmentation on population dynamics is not well-understood. Here, we study how such variably sized micro-habitat patches affect the growth dynamics of clonal microbial populations and how dynamics in individual patches dictate those of the metapopulation. To investigate this, we developed the μ-SPLASH, an ecology-on-a-chip platform, enabling the culture of microbes in microscopic landscapes comprised of thousands of microdroplets, with a wide range of sizes. Using the μ-SPLASH, we cultured the model bacteria E. coli and based on time-lapse microscopy, analyzed the population dynamics within thousands of individual droplets. Our results reveal that growth curves substantially vary with droplet size. Although growth rates generally increase with drop size, reproductive success and the time to approach carrying capacity, display non-monotonic patterns. Combining μ-SPLASH experiments with computational modeling, we show that these patterns result from both stochastic and deterministic processes, and demonstrate the roles of initial population density, patchiness, and patch size distribution in dictating the local and metapopulation dynamics. This study reveals basic principles that elucidate the effects of habitat fragmentation and population partitioning on microbial population dynamics. These insights deepen our understanding of natural microbial communities and have significant implications for microbiome engineering.
Wholesale Debt Relief: Do LICs Need a New Package?
Authors: Chuku Chuku 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
About three decades ago, many low-income countries (LICs) were bailed out from debt crises through the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPCs) debt relief initiative. Today, many of those countries are again facing renewed debt vulnerabilities, prompting critical questions. Are LICs on the brink of another systemic debt crisis? Is another HIPC-style debt relief package the solution? This paper compares the debt problems of LICs today with the situation on the eve of the HIPC initiative and shows that, despite high vulnerabilities, debt burden indicators today are not as dangerous as they were in the mid-1990s. Nevertheless, if current trends persist and in the absence of policy reforms to address LICs' debt problems, we could face another systemic debt crisis in LICs within the near to medium term. If such a crisis materialises, today's global financial architecture would pose significant challenges to mobilise and deliver wholesale debt relief for LICs. Therefore, a pragmatic, case-specific approach to restructuring pockets of localised debt crisis in LICs could prove a more effective approach to address the debt crisis today.
The Political Economy of Economic Policy Advice
Authors: Dercon Stefan 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
This article examines the political economy of economic policy advice. It offers a framework for assessing how to maximise the economic development impact of advice, allowing for the political incentives of those in power. It argues for a ‘second best’ analysis that looks to maximise development impact given political incentives and shows how standard advice often given by researchers, government advisors or international organisations such as the World Bank and the IMF may not be this second best option. Furthermore, it looks at the implications of treating political constraints as endogenous. Some examples illustrate how research and advice can be more impactful by considering local political economy conditions.
Debt Distress and Climate-Resilient Development in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Gallagher Kevin P , Ramos Luma , Were Anzetse , Marques Marina Zucker 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Due to multiple external shocks since the outbreak of COVID-19 in the world economy, SSA is facing acute debt distress and new highs in the cost of foreign capital at exactly the time it needs to mobilise a stepwise level of financing to invest in human, physical and natural capital to meet the region's development and climate goals for the 21st Century. This paper outlines the relative levels of sovereign external debt and service payments between now and 2030 for SSA countries. We calculate the fiscal space level left to meet climate and development financing needs during the same period. The region cannot meet those pressing needs without new forms of liquidity, concessional and grant finance to complement and bend down the cost of capital and comprehensive debt relief. We find that External debt in SSA has more than tripled since 2008, experiencing the largest increase in debt and the largest increase in debt-to fiscal revenue in the developing world—as capital costs have hit new highs.Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) and private bondholders represent 60% of the region's external debt, with roughly equal shares of 30%. China and the Paris Club are owed 12 and 5%.Sub-Saharan's external debt service is the equivalent to 93% of the average country's climate financing needs, and only ten countries in the region have the borrowing space to finance those needs.The region urgently needs new forms of liquidity, concessional and grant-based development finance that catalyses low-cost private finance; and for those countries in debt distress significant debt relief across all creditor classes that is aligned with the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals.MDBs will need to provide between $2.4 and $34.5 billion in relief in a manner that does not harm their preferred creditor status or crediting ratings, or the burden of reduction by the private sector and official creditors will be immense.
Sub-Saharan Africa's debt distress is in large part a function of external shocks of which the region had no control—such as COVID-19, the war in Ukraine, climate shocks, the globalisation of inflation from advanced economies and advanced economy interest rate hikes. Moreover, the region is responsible for roughly one half of 1% of cumulative carbon dioxide emissions and bares the highest level of the costs of climate change itself (IMF, 2017; Moss, 2020). Given the lack of voice and representation that the region has in the international economic architecture, advanced economies must lead. Further inaction will not only inflict material damage globally in the form of climate change and lost market opportunities, but also further erode the legitimacy of the architecture itself.
LncRNA MSTRG.14227.1 regulates the morphogenesis of secondary hair follicles in Inner Mongolia cashmere goats via targeting ADAMTS3 by sponging chi-miR-433
Authors: Ma Rong , Wang Min , Ma Qing , Zhang Yiming , Shang Fangzheng , Wang Ruijun , Zhang Yanjun 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
The cashmere goat is a type of livestock primarily known for its cashmere. Cashmere has a soft hand feel and good luster. It is a vital raw material in the textile industry, possessing significant economic value. Improving the yield and quality of cashmere can accelerate the development of the cashmere industry and increase the incomes of farmers and herdsmen. The embryonic stage is the main stage of the formation of hair follicle structure, which directly affects the yield and quality of cashmere. With the rapid advancements in modern molecular technology and high-throughput sequencing, many signaling molecules have been identified as playing critical roles in hair follicle development. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), which lacks protein-coding ability and exceeds 200 nucleotides in length, has been discovered to play a role in hair follicle development. In this study, the lncRNA MSTRG.14227.1, which is associated with the morphogenesis of secondary hair follicles, was screened and identified based on previously established lncRNA expression profiles derived from skin tissues of cashmere goats at different embryonic stages. This lncRNA has been shown to inhibit the proliferation and migration of dermal fibroblasts. Furthermore, we confirmed through bioinformatics analysis and dual-luciferase reporter assays that lncRNA MSTRG.14227.1 can function as a sponge for chi-miR-433, thereby alleviating the inhibitory effect of chi-miR-433 on its target gene ADAMTS3. In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that lncRNA MSTRG.14227.1 can inhibit the morphogenesis of secondary hair follicles through the chi-miR-433/ADAMTS3 signaling axis.
Experimental crosses detect reproductive isolation among populations of Triatoma pallidipennis (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae)
Authors: Meraz-Medina Tzintli , Grant-Guillén Yunuen , Mercado-Trujillo José Rodrigo , Vences-Blanco Mauro Omar , Ibáñez-Hernández Dévora Yajahira , Martínez-Ibarra José Alejandro 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Chagas disease is one of the most important vector-borne diseases in Mexico. Triatoma pallidipennis (Stål) is one of the most epidemiologically important vector species. Despite being classified as a single species, various studies (molecular, morphometric, and biological) on populations across its distribution suggested it is composed of a group of cryptic species. This study examined reproductive isolation among 5 populations of T. pallidipennis originating from the western, southern, and central regions of Mexico to help clarify the potential existence of a cryptic species complex of T. pallidipennis in Mexico. A generation of hybrids was analyzed for fertility and fecundity. Fertility rates varied from 50% to 100% in the parental crosses and from 20% to 100% in the F1 × F1 crosses. Fecundity ranged from 1.4 to 3.2 eggs/female/day in the parental crosses, which decreased to 0.9–2.9 in the F1 × F1 crosses (except in Jalisco × Morelos). The fertility of the eggs ranged from 61.4% to 85.4% in the parental crosses, dropping to 44% to 90.1% in some F1 × F1 crosses, indicating partial reproductive isolation among these populations.
Explicit non-normal modal logic
Authors: Rohani Atefeh , Studer Thomas 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Faroldi argues that deontic modals are hyperintensional and thus traditional modal logic cannot provide an appropriate formalization of deontic situations. To overcome this issue, we introduce novel justification logics as hyperintensional analogues to non-normal modal logics. We establish soundness and completeness with respect to various models and we study the problem of realization.
Sundanese Reverberances: Untangling Contradictions about the Gamelan Spectacle at the 1889 Paris World’s Fair
Authors: López-Lara Ángela , Chiantore Luca 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT
This article revisits the gamelan performances at the 1889 Paris Exposition Universelle, providing an updated and comprehensive study of the scenic specificities displayed and the intersecting interests that contributed to shaping them. Drawing on a wealth of previously unexamined press accounts and transcriptions, and close familiarity with Sundanese and Javanese music and dances, it delves into the performance practices carried out, revealing the many ways in which the staging concept—driven largely by commercial concerns and logistical challenges—diverged from the homeland’s usual practices. It also aims to resolve inconsistencies regarding the socio-cultural background of the performers and the repertory exhibited, and uncovers musical and choreological procedures still present in modern Sundanese customs. Furthermore, the recent discovery and examination of the 1889 gamelan by the authors (in January 2024) has been crucial in understanding how its particular tunings and scales presented a challenge to European musical conventions in the late nineteenth century.
MixtureFinder: Estimating DNA Mixture Models for Phylogenetic Analyses
Authors: Ren Huaiyan , Wong Thomas K F , Minh Bui Quang , Lanfear Robert 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
In phylogenetic studies, both partitioned models and mixture models are used to account for heterogeneity in molecular evolution among the sites of DNA sequence alignments. Partitioned models require the user to specify the grouping of sites into subsets, and then assume that each subset of sites can be modeled by a single common process. Mixture models do not require users to prespecify subsets of sites, and instead calculate the likelihood of every site under every model, while co-estimating the model weights and parameters. While much research has gone into the optimization of partitioned models by merging user-specified subsets, there has been less attention paid to the optimization of mixture models for DNA sequence alignments. In this study, we first ask whether a key assumption of partitioned models—that each user-specified subset can be modeled by a single common process—is supported by the data. Having shown that this is not the case, we then design, implement, test, and apply an algorithm, MixtureFinder, to select the optimum number of classes for a mixture model of Q-matrices for the standard models of DNA sequence evolution. We show this algorithm performs well on simulated and empirical datasets and suggest that it may be useful for future empirical studies. MixtureFinder is available in IQ-TREE2, and a tutorial for using MixtureFinder can be found here: http://www.iqtree.org/doc/Complex-Models#mixture-models.
tRNA hypomodification facilitates 5-fluorocytosine resistance via cross-pathway control system activation in Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Bruch Alexander , Lazarova Valentina , Berg Maximilian , Krüger Thomas , Schäuble Sascha , Kelani Abdulrahman A , Mertens Birte , Lehenberger Pamela , Kniemeyer Olaf , Kaiser Stefanie , Panagiotou Gianni , Gsaller Fabio , Blango Matthew G 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Increasing antifungal drug resistance is a major concern associated with human fungal pathogens like Aspergillus fumigatus. Genetic mutation and epimutation mechanisms clearly drive resistance, yet the epitranscriptome remains relatively untested. Here, deletion of the A. fumigatus transfer RNA (tRNA)-modifying isopentenyl transferase ortholog, Mod5, led to altered stress response and unexpected resistance against the antifungal drug 5-fluorocytosine (5-FC). After confirming the canonical isopentenylation activity of Mod5 by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and Nano-tRNAseq, we performed simultaneous profiling of transcriptomes and proteomes to reveal a comparable overall response to 5-FC stress; however, a premature activation of cross-pathway control (CPC) genes in the knockout was further increased after antifungal treatment. We identified several orthologues of the Aspergillus nidulans Major Facilitator Superfamily transporter nmeA as specific CPC-client genes in A. fumigatus. Overexpression of Mod5-target tRNATyrGΨA in the Δmod5 strain rescued select phenotypes but failed to reverse 5-FC resistance, whereas deletion of nmeA largely, but incompletely, reverted the resistance phenotype, implying additional relevant exporters. In conclusion, 5-FC resistance in the absence of Mod5 and i6A likely originates from multifaceted transcriptional and translational changes that skew the fungus towards premature CPC-dependent activation of antifungal toxic-intermediate exporter nmeA, offering a potential mechanism reliant on RNA modification to facilitate transient antifungal resistance.
An exploration of recurring early intervention (EI) alerts to address at-risk officers through the lens of police reform
Authors: Gullion Christi L 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Police reform, including transparency and officer and agency accountability, is a top priority. In response to patterns of excessive force and misconduct, reform agreements have been instituted, and consistently require early intervention (EI) systems, a supervision and accountability tool to address at-risk officers. Yet little is known about the likelihood and timing of recurring EI alerts. This study examines EI data from a large, metropolitan police agency in the southwestern USA. Results indicate officer race, division, time to initial alert, type of performance indicator, and year of the alert were significant for the likelihood and timing of subsequent EI alerts. Supervisor tenure was also significant for timing to a subsequent EI alert. For officers with a subsequent EI alert, half recurred within 6 months of their initial EI alert and intervention, and 90 per cent did so within 2 years. Implications for police reform include enhanced supervision and accountability with EI systems.
Memory Moves Markets
Authors: Charles Constantin 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
I show that memory-induced attention can distort prices in financial markets. I exploit rigid earnings announcement schedules to identify which firms are associated in investors’ memory. Firms with randomly overlapping earnings announcements are associated in memory because many investors experience them in the same context. Months later, when only one of the two firms announces earnings, this context is cued, and triggers the recall of the other, associated firm. On such days, I find that memory-induced attention leads to buying pressure in the associated firm’s stock. The strength of this effect varies as predicted by associative memory theory.
Total-body positron emission tomography: a tool for systemic, quantitative evaluation of the inflammatory burden of psoriatic arthritis
Authors: Raychaudhuri Siba P , Abdelhafez Yasser G , Mazza Dario F , Raychaudhuri Smriti K , Cherry Simon R , Nardo Lorenzo , Badawi Ramsey D , Chaudhari Abhijit J 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Objectives
To test the hypothesis that recently-developed total body-positron emission tomography (TB-PET) imaging with integrated computed tomography (CT) will enable low-dose, quantitative, domain-specific evaluation of the total inflammatory burden of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and associate with established outcome measures of the clinical domains of PsA.

Methods
Seventy-one adult participants (40 with PsA, 16 with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and 15 with osteoarthritis (OA)) underwent 20-min TB-PET/CT scans using [18F]FDG, a glucose analogue radiotracer. [18F]FDG uptake was assessed qualitatively and quantitatively. Rheumatological examinations were performed prior to the scan. For both evaluations, domain-specific assessments included 68 joints, 6 entheses, 20 nails, axial disease and dactylitis.

Results
[18F]FDG PET uptake consistent with joint involvement and enthesitis was noted in 100% of participants with PsA. Other features included nail matrix pathology (53%), spinal involvement (60%), active sacroiliitis (13%) and dactylitis (10%). Patterns of [18F]FDG uptake in PsA differed from those in participants with RA or OA. There was a high concordance between TB-PET measures and the domain-specific assessments of the joint (75%), entheseal (79%) and nail (65%) pathology. TB-PET was positive for an additional 15% of joints, 20% of entheses and 13% of nails that were negative on clinical assessments.

Conclusion
TB-PET/CT identified inflammatory pathologies characteristic to all clinical domains of PsA and thus provided an in vivo evaluation of systemic PsA inflammatory burden. This promising tool may further contribute to identifying pathologies that may be occult, provide biomarkers to diagnose and differentiate PsA at an early stage, and to monitor early treatment response.
Immune checkpoint inhibitors-associated vasculitis: a heterogeneous condition with possible severe disease course
Authors: Chanson Noemie , Galvagni Alexandre , Ramos-Casals Manuel , Ruiz Juan Ignacio , Suijkerbuijk Karijn P M , Gente Karolina , Kerschen Philippe , Karam Jean Denis , Belkhir Rakiba , Outh Rodereau , Closs-Prophette Fabienne , Garcia Morillo Jose Salvador , Robles-Marhuenda Ángel , Michot Jean-Marie , Voisin Anne Laure , Messayke Sabine , Laparra Arianne , Robert Caroline , Suarez-Almazor Maria , Mariette Xavier , Lambotte Olivier ,   for the ICIR, Ramos-Casals Manuel , Mariette Xavier , Lambotte Olivier , Kostine Marie , Khamashta Munther A , Calabrese Leonard , Suárez-Almazor Maria , Baldini Chiara , Bingham Clifton O , Gottenberg Jacques-Eric , Radstake Timothy R D , Schaeverbeke Thierry , Schulze-Koops Hendrik , Brito-Zerón Pilar , Flores-Chávez Alejandra , Acar-Denizli Nihan 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Objective
To describe presentation, treatment and outcome of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) associated-vasculitis in cancer patients in a multicentre study.

Methods
Thanks to the ImmunoCancer International Registry (ICIR), a multidisciplinary network focused on the research of the immune related adverse events related to cancer immunotherapies, patients presenting with a clinical and/or radiological suspicion of vasculitis and histological evidence of vasculitis after being exposed to ICIs were retrospectively identified.

Results
Twenty-eight cases were identified in the ICIR registry. The median interval between starting ICI treatment and vasculitis diagnosis was 4 months. Small vessel vasculitis was predominant (n = 21), followed by large vessel (n = 4) and medium vessel (n = 3). The small vessel vasculitis included 10 unclassified vasculitis either with limited cutaneous involvement (n = 6) or systemic involvement (n = 4), five IgA vasculitis, three cryoglobulinemic vasculitis, and three ANCA+ vasculitis. At presentation or during the evolution, renal and neurologic manifestations were evidenced in seven cases each (25%). Renal biopsies documented immune glomerulopathies in six cases. Only seven patients (25%) fulfilled the 2022 ACR/EULAR classification criteria (four giant cell arteritis, two EGPA and one GPA). Most patients (90%) required systemic corticosteroid and an additional drug was given in 10 patients (36%). Vasculitis outcome was good: 22 patients had vasculitis complete response, no patient died due to vasculitis. Nine patients (32%) were rechallenged with immunotherapy with only one relapse.

Conclusion
ICI-associated vasculitis are rare, heterogeneous, but can be severe requiring urgent multidisciplinary management with aggressive treatment.
The cognition, behaviours and social environment related to Clonorchis sinensis infection in China: a qualitative study
Authors: He Yun-Ting , Zeng Qing-Sheng , Huang Si-Yue , Li Lai-De , Shi Cong-Xing , Chen Yin-Fang , Qian Men-Bao , Fang Yue-Yi , Lai Ying-Si 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Cognition, behaviours and social environment are associated with Clonorchis sinensis infection, a prevalent liver fluke disease in China. This study aimed to use social cognitive theory (SCT) to investigate these three aspects and their interaction in an endemic area.

Methods
We conducted three semi-structured focus group discussions in Da'ao town, Jiangmen city, Guangdong Province, China. Thematic analysis was used to extract themes.

Results
Twenty-four people were interviewed. The participants exhibited inadequate knowledge about C. sinensis infection and were unaware of the health risks. Although some have reduced their consumption of raw fish, some continue to consume it frequently. Compared with stopping eating raw fish, receiving tests and taking medicines were easier behaviours to adopt. Guided by the SCT, we considered the reciprocal determinism between people and the social environment as the basis of the persistent raw fish consumption behaviour. While the social environment could influence the cognition and behaviours of people, people also can reshape the social environment. Based on the reciprocal determinism, we proposed an integrated intervention framework.

Conclusions
Our study unveiled a reciprocal determinism between the cognition, behaviours and social environment related to C. sinensis infection in high-endemic areas of China, providing insights for establishing control strategies.