bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Schmallenberg virus non-structural proteins NSs and NSm are not essential for experimental infection ofCulicoides sonorensisbiting midges
Authors: Wernike Kerstin , Vasic Ana , Amler Susanne , Sick Franziska , Răileanu Cristian , Dähn Oliver , Kampen Helge , Silaghi Cornelia , Beer Martin 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe teratogenic orthobunyavirus Schmallenberg virus (SBV) is transmitted between its mammalian hosts byCulicoidesbiting midges. The genome of circulating SBV, i.e. variants present in viraemic ruminants or insect vectors, is very stable, while variants found in malformed ruminant foetuses display a high genetic variability. It was suggested that foetal infection provides an environment that favours viral mutations that enable immune escape in the unborn, but at the costs of limiting the ability of the virus to spread further. To investigate infection and dissemination rates of different SBV variants in the insect vectors, we fed laboratory-rearedCulicoides sonorensiswith blood containing the prototype strain BH80/11-4 from a viraemic cow or strain D281/12, which was isolated from the brain of a sheep foetus and harbours multiple mutations in all three genome segments. Further, virus variants lacking NSs, NSm or both non-structural proteins were included. Six days after feeding, virus replication was found in about 2% of the midges exposed to wild-type strain BH80/11-4. The absence of the non-structural proteins had no obvious effect on the oral susceptibility to virus infection, as 2.78% of the midges fed with the NSs-deletion mutant displayed after six days viral loads higher than the respective day-0-group, 1.92% of the midges exposed to the NSm-deletion mutant and 1.55% of midges exposed to the NSs/NSm-deletion mutant. In contrast, strain D281/12 did not replicate at all in the midges, supporting the assumption that SBV variants arising in infected foetuses are unable to enter the normal insect-mammalian host cycle.ImportanceBiting midges are responsible for the transmission of Schmallenberg virus (SBV), a pathogen of veterinary importance that primarily infects ruminants. Although SBV has been extensively studied in the mammalian host, the virus-intrinsic factors allowing infection of, and replication in, biting midges are largely unknown. Therefore, we infected laboratory-rearedCulicoides sonorensismidges with SBV variants by feeding them with virus-containing blood. The SBV variants differed in their genome composition, as we used the prototype wild-type strain, a strain with multiple mutations that was isolated from the brain of a malformed foetus, and recombinants lacking either NSs or NSm or both of these non-structural proteins. While the non-structural proteins had no obvious effect, the variant from the malformed foetus did not replicate at all, indicating that virus variants with characteristic genomic mutations present in foetuses lose their ability to infect the insect vector and will be excluded from the natural transmission cycle.
The histone demethylase KDM5 has insulator activity in the brain
Authors: Yheskel Matanel , Castiglione Melissa A. , Kelly Richard D. , Sidoli Simone , Secombe Julie 
Published: December 2024

AbstractKDM5 family proteins are best known for their demethylation of the promoter proximal chromatin mark H3K4me3. KDM5-regulated transcription is critical in the brain, with variants in the X-linked paralogKDM5Ccausing the intellectual disability (ID) disorder Claes-Jensen syndrome. Although the demethylase activity of KDM5C is known to be important for neuronal function, the contribution of non-enzymatic activities remain less characterized. We therefore usedDrosophilato model the ID variantKdm5L854F, which disrupts a C5HC2 zinc finger adjacent to the enzymatic JmjC domain.Kdm5L854Fcauses similar transcriptional changes in the brain to a demethylase dead strain,Kdm5J1310C*, despite having little effect on enzymatic activity. KDM5L854Fis also distinct from KDM5J1310C* in its reduced interactions with insulator proteins and enhancement of position effect variegation. Instead, the common transcriptional deficits likely result from both the JmjC and C5HC2 domains driving proper genomic organization through their activity in promoting proper loop architecture.
Gut MicrobiotAware: how much do we know about gut microbiota? An international questionnaire
Authors: Garcia-Gutierrez Enriqueta , Arbulu Sara , Oliver Charlotte , Kumar Sandeep , Dam Sarita A. , Jakobi Babette , Pennone Vincenzo , Hoffmann Sarda Fabiana A. , Mukherjee Arghya , Cotter Paul D. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractOver the past two decades, our understanding of human gut microbiota composition and function has grown significantly. The surge in studies and data has unveiled the profound influence of gut microbiota on host nutrition, health, and behavior, bridging biology, medicine, and ecology. The dynamic interaction between daily choices, life events, and gut microbiota composition makes it a fascinating subject for scientists to communicate to diverse audiences. Effective scientific communication involves adapting the delivery of knowledge to different audiences, using precise language in academic settings and accessible concepts in public forums like science festivals or social media. With the growing interest in gut microbiota beyond academic circles, there is an increased risk of disseminating information lacking scientific rigor. This study aims to assess the general public’s knowledge about gut microbiota and evaluate healthcare professionals’ understanding of its links to various health conditions, ultimately informing better communication strategies for both groups.
The Effects of Heat Stress on the Ovary, Follicles and Oocytes: A Systematic Review
Authors: Zhou Luhan T. , Gokyer Dilan , Madkins Krystal , Beestrum Molly , Horton Daniel E. , Duncan Francesca E. , Babayev Elnur 
Published: December 2024

AbstractClimate change is driving significant environmental changes with profound implications for human health, including fertility. While the detrimental effects of heat on spermatogenesis are well-documented, the impact of elevated temperatures on ovaries and female fertility remains less explored. This review systematically examines the literature on heat stress (HS) effects on mammalian ovaries, follicles, and oocytes. Evidence from mammalian models indicates that HS significantly impairs ovarian function, disrupting hormone profiles, reducing ovarian size and weight, altering histology, decreasing granulosa cell viability, and compromising oocyte quality. Efforts to develop strategies and substances to mitigate these adverse effects are ongoing, but further research into the underlying mechanisms is urgently needed.Summary SentenceThis systematic review summarizes the evidence on the adverse effects of heat stress on the mammalian oocyte and ovary
Effects of hybridization and gene flow on gene co-expression networks
Authors: Rogini Runghen , Bolnick Daniel I. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractGene co-expression networks are a widely used tool for summarizing transcriptomic variation between individuals, and for inferring the transcriptional regulatory pathways that mediate genotype-phenotype relationships. However, these co-expression networks must be interpreted with caution, as they can arise from multiple processes. Here, we show that hybridization and gene flow between populations can greatly modify co-expression networks. Admixture between populations produces correlated expression between genes experiencing linkage disequilibrium. This correlated expression does not reflect functional relationships between genes, but rather depends on migration rates and physical linkage on chromosomes. Given the prevalence of gene flow between divergent populations in nature, these introgression effects likely represent a significant force in network evolution, even in populations where hybridization is historical rather than contemporary. These findings emphasize the critical importance of considering both evolutionary history and genomic architecture when analyzing gene co-expression networks in natural populations.
D1 is a novel enhancer blocker protein that functions via multiple AT-rich simple sequence repeats
Authors: Phanindhar Kundurthi , Athar Fathima , Mishra Rakesh K 
Published: December 2024

AbstractSimple sequence repeats (SSRs) are tandem repeats of 1-6 bp DNA motifs with a size of at least 12 bp, constitute a significant portion of, especially, higher eukaryotes. Earlier studies have shown that length-enriched repeats have various cis-regulatory activities, however, the mechanism of these activities is not well understood. To better understand their function, here we identify proteins that bind to the repeats using protein pull-down followed by LC-MS/MS. We find that many repeats have multiple repeat-binding proteins and that some of these proteins bind to multiple repeats. We report that D1, an AT-hook domain containing protein, binds to multiple repeats, viz., AAT14, AAAT10, and AAAAT8. As repeats are known to function as enhancer blockers inDrosophila, we developed a new enhancer blocker assay that uses visible wing phenotype as enhancer blocking activity and allows use of classicDrosophilagenetic approach to explore modifiers of this activity at thevestigiallocus. Using this assay, we show that the repeats AAT14, AAAT10, AAAAT8and AATAT9function as enhancer blockers via the protein D1. Our findings make the enhancer blocking regulatory function of a DNA sequence of interest, accessible to the powerful genetics ofDrosophilaand, thereby, presents effective approach to understand the mechanism of such chromatin domain boundary elements.
Immortalization of mesenchymal stromal cells by hTERT does not affect the functional properties of secreted extracellular vesicles
Authors: Brancolini Alessia , Bobbili Madhusudhan Reddy , Pultar Marianne , Mazidi Zahra , Wieser Matthias , Gamauf Johanna , Roefs Marieke Theodora , Corso Giulia , Nivarthi Harini , Paredes Maria Belen Arteaga , Bettelheim Dieter , Arcalis Elsa , Dmitry Sivun , Jacak Jaroslaw , Gerner Iris , Hackl Matthias , Grillari Johannes , Grillari-Voglauer Regina 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTMesenchymal stromal cell-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) have emerged as promising and safe therapeutic agents, however, donor heterogeneities, limited replicative life span and changes in the cellular phenotype throughout in vitro cultivation remain major hurdles for scalable EV production. For these reasons, this study aims to investigate the use of hTERT immortalized (‘telomerized’) MSCs as a potential source for efficient, standardized, reliable MSC-EVs production by comparing parental primary to their telomerized MSC counterparts. We observed that hTERT expression does not affect cell morphology or cellular doubling time, while ensuring unlimited, stable in vitro propagation. In addition, telomerized WJ-MSCs maintained the canonical expression profile of surface markers and the tri-lineage differentiation potential of their primary counterparts. In terms of EV characteristics, the immortalization by hTERT expression did not affect size, number, cargo composition or biological activity regarding anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic and wound healing properties in vitro. In summary, the use of hTERT to immortalize MSCs leads to the creation of cell lines that continuously produce MSC-EVs without altering any key functionalities of the cells or resulting EVs. This suggests that telomerization of human cells from single donors is a promising strategy for generating cell factories that can produce EVs in standardized conditions and at scale and with standardization.
The development logic of capital under socialism with
Chinese characteristics
Authors: Fan Xin , Song Xiaoyu 
Published: December 2024

Purpose
Regulating and guiding the sound development of capital under a socialist
system is not only a significant theoretical innovation rooted in Chinese
practice by the Communist Party of China (CPC) but also a major practical
exploration for the smooth progression of the party and the nation’s
modernization endeavors.

Design/methodology/approach
Adopting an analytical framework that unifies theoretical, historical and
practical logic, this paper explores the rationality of capital’s
existence under a socialist system based on the notion that capital is a
materialized production relationship. It also examines the staged evolution
of capital theory under socialism, highlighting the great leap forward
realized by the capital theory of socialism with Chinese
characteristics.

Findings
With the CPC Central Committee’s deepening understanding of the
capital patterns in the socialist system, capital-related policies have
undergone a developmental journey through several stages – from the
negation and elimination of capital to the support and operation of capital
and finally to the stage of regulating and guiding capital. This reflects
the reciprocal and complementary relationship between capital theory and
capital policy.

Originality/value
In response to issues such as the disorderly expansion of capital in the new
development stage, it is imperative to actively promote a practical pathway
safeguarded by the adherence to Party leadership, guided by the capital
theory of socialism with Chinese characteristics and targeted toward common
prosperity.
Development of web based data-driven recommendation system for house rental via hierarchical fuzzy axiomatic design
Authors: Şenyüzlüler Filiz , Baykasoglu Adil 
Published: December 2024

PurposeIn the real estate business, identifying the ideal property for a user poses a difficult task due to the many factors involved in the decision-making process. Moreover, users often struggle to find platforms that facilitate effective communication of their preferences. To tackle this issue, a web-based data-driven recommendation system has been devised for the real estate business.Design/methodology/approachThe process of identifying the most suitable rental property for a user hinges greatly on how the user prioritizes each criterion and the analysis of unstructured data. In this research, a novel recommendation system for house rentals is developed by utilizing the Weighted Hierarchical Fuzzy Axiomatic Design (WFAD) approach. Techniques for extracting pertinent information from unstructured house descriptions are employed. The user’s preferences are captured through an interactive web application equipped with a map feature to highlight key locations.FindingsData on various available rental properties are gathered using web scraping techniques. The efficacy of the proposed rental house recommendation system is demonstrated through multiple case studies. It is observed that the developed system provides more informed and reliable decisions.Originality/valueFirst time in the related literature, we applied the weighted fuzzy axiomatic design procedure (WFAD) to the product recommendation problem and developed a comprehensive web-based system for recommending rental houses based on it in the real estate business.
Evaluation of productivity in laser sintering by measure and assessment of geometrical complexity
Authors: Haefele Tobias , Schneberger Jan-Henrik , Buchholz Soeren , Vielhaber Michael , Griebsch Juergen 
Published: December 2024

Purpose
In additive manufacturing (AM), “complexity for free” is often cited as a major technological benefit. This generalized view has been found inaccurate by several authors dealing with the evaluation of part complexity. However, the term “complexity” is not defined uniformly. The reasons for this are the various AM processes and different evaluation factors used by the respective authors. This is critical because build time heavily depends on the impact of complexity on the additive process through the processing tool (point-to-point-, line- and mask-based) defining competitiveness. This study aims to define appropriate complexity indicators and evaluate the impact on productivity of PBF-LB/P (laser sintering).

Design/methodology/approach
An assessment methodology for geometric complexity is developed for point-to-point-based processes using the PBF-LB/P process. First, an overview of part characteristics and their interrelationships with the generation process is provided. In this way, relevant factors, e.g. part volume and perimeter length, are identified. Subsequently, these are used to create a metric to select and manufacture test samples to quantify the impact on build time.

Findings
The results indicate a strong impact of geometrical complexity on build time and build-up rate. Consequently, optimizing the geometry in the early design stage and adjusting process parameters during production planning allow to influence the build-up rate.

Originality/value
This paper demonstrates the effects of geometric complexity using manufacturing jobs. As a result, the suitability of existing methods and KPIs is shown to be insufficient. Hence, meaningful indicators for laser sintering, such as contour length vs hatch length, contour length vs part volume and number of hatches vs part volume, are defined and verified.
The New Politics of Public Inquiries
Authors: Flinders Matthew 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThis article argues that it is possible to identify a ‘new’ politics of public inquiries. A sizable seam of scholarship and parliamentary discussion has for at least a century bemoaned the limited independence of public inquiries. The ‘old’ politics of public inquiries has traditionally been defined by a largely internalised and administrative focus on the capacity of ministers to control the terms of reference, appoint the chair, control the resource framework, deflect findings and ignore recommendations, etc. The great value of the September 2024 report by the Statutory Inquiries Committee in the House of Lords is that a bridge can be seen to be built between the ‘old’ politics of public inquiries and a ‘new’ politics which emphasises ‘range and variation’ in the design of inquiry processes, and defines social healing and collective catharsis as core inquiry functions alongside the traditional roles of blame allocation and policy learning.
Modelling inclusive education. The Didactic Model for Inclusive Teaching and Learning as a heuristic for inclusion research and teacher education
Authors: Frohn Julia 
Published: December 2024

AbstractResearch on inclusive education has gained major importance over the last decade. However, in the English‐speaking discourse, empirical studies on inclusive teaching and learning often lack connections to existing educational theories that focus on the interrelation of teachers, learners and content as the three focal points of teaching and learning in a greater societal context. This corresponds with a lack of comprehensive models of inclusive education for teacher education. This theoretical paper therefore presents the ‘Didactic Model for Inclusive Teaching and Learning’ (DIMILL), developed in an interdisciplinary research team as a theoretical and practical framework for inclusion research and teacher education. Following an introduction on the necessity of modelling inclusive education in school settings, the German tradition of ‘didactics’ will be contextualized in the international field, pointing out its potential for educational theory and teacher education. Then, individual parts of DIMILL are introduced and related to one another. Finally, modes of practical implementation as well as possible implications for educational research and inclusive teacher education will be discussed.
Catherine Hutton's Travel Diary (1779)
Authors: Baula Anna , Philp Mark 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe only diary the author Catherine Hutton (1756–1846) is known to have kept is her travel diary, written in 1779 at the age of 23, in which she describes staying with various members of her extended family and friends while travelling around the Midlands. Her trip starts from her home in Birmingham and takes her through much of Derbyshire, with visits to Leicester and Nottingham towards the end of the journey. The diary offers a rich and vivid account of the sociability of a female member of the middling class, and of the trials that could involve, and sheds light both on Hutton's earlier life, and on the conventions and social mores of the time. The introduction contextualizes the journal and points to some of the challenges in exactly how it might be read.
Income smoothing in banks: Obfuscation or information?
Authors: Narayanamoorthy Ganapathi S. , Wheeler P. Barrett 
Published: December 2024

AbstractDiscretionary income smoothing has been argued to increase bank opacity and degrade financial system stability by making banks more difficult to monitor. However, no direct empirical association between discretionary smoothing and opacity has been established to date. We argue that smoothing could reflect either the opportunistic exercise of discretion that disconnects loan loss provisions (LLPs) from changes in underlying credit quality, consistent with smoothing increasing opacity, or an informative exercise of discretion to communicate forward‐looking information about loan losses. We examine the association between discretionary smoothing and the informativeness of LLPs for a sample of banks from 1994 to 2019 and find that discretionary smoothing is, on average, associated with more informative LLPs. However, this association is nuanced, with cross‐sectional differences and changes over time. We find evidence that an intervention by the SEC into bank LLP practices in the late 1990s curbed opportunistic smoothing via provisioning for homogeneous loans. Subsequently, smoothing is associated with more informative provisions, including for banks with both more homogeneous and more heterogeneous loan portfolios. Our findings are inconsistent with the notion that smoothing may be associated with greater opacity.
Stable prevalence of overweight but increasing levels of obesity in adolescents in surveys of 42982 children in China 2010 to 2020
Authors: Li Chengyue , Zhou Zhidong , Cui Haiwen 
Published: December 2024

AbstractAimExcessive weight gain in childhood has been associated with poor health outcomes throughout life span and has a strong tracking effect in adulthood. This study aimed to investigate trends in the prevalence of overweight, obesity and severe obesity among Chinese children from 2010 to 2020.MethodsA total of 42 982 Chinese children aged 2–18 years were included in the Chinese Family Panel Studies carried out every 2 years from 2010 to 2020. Height and mass were reported by them or by their guardians and body mass index was calculated. The prevalence was estimated according to the International Obesity Task Force cut‐offs.ResultsThere was no significant trend in the prevalence of overweight. The prevalence of obesity and severe obesity for the total population decreased from 8.3% and 3.7% in 2010 to 7.1% and 2.6% in 2020, respectively (p < 0.001). However, these decreases were attributed mostly to children aged 2–6 years and the prevalence increased among children aged 13–18 years. Male, rural residential area and younger age were risk factors for overweight and obesity.ConclusionA decrease in the prevalence of excessive weight was a positive finding, but strategies that promote the health and well‐being of priority populations were needed.