bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The palaeobiological significance of clustering in acritarchs: a case study from the early Cambrian of North Greenland
Authors: Wallet Elise , Slater Ben J. , Willman Sebastian 
Published: September 2024

AbstractAggregated clusters of acritarchs are relatively common among assemblages of organic‐walled microfossils, yet such associations have received relatively little attention. Here we report a new diversity of acritarch clusters from the early Cambrian Buen Formation of North Greenland. The aggregation patterns of four genera (Skiagia, Comasphaeridium, Asteridium and Synsphaeridium) are described together with their background population characteristics (presence of openings, inner bodies and overall disparity) in order to better understand the palaeobiology of these acritarchs. The majority of Skiagia clusters were found to be monospecific despite significant intraspecific variability, a pattern that is suggestive of a strong environmental influence on Skiagia morphologies and aggregation habits. Abundant small (<20 μm) Comasphaeridium vesicles were recovered in a broad range of chiefly monospecific clusters that are likely to have been formed under bloom conditions. A colonial habit is tentatively inferred from the tightly packed appearance of monogeneric Asteridium aggregates, and clearly evidenced by the highly conserved cellular structure of recovered Synsphaeridium clusters. A lack of excystment structures in Comasphaeridium and Asteridium vesicles suggest these taxa represent actively growing cells rather than resting cysts. Altogether, these findings shed new light on the diversity of cellular structures and lifestyles represented among Cambrian acritarchs, and illustrate a range of reproduction and defence strategies adopted by plankton in the face of novel environmental pressures.
Impact of environmental barriers on temnospondyl biogeography and dispersal during the Middle–Late Triassic
Authors: Moreno Raphael , Dunne Emma M. , Mujal Eudald , Farnsworth Alexander , Valdes Paul J. , Schoch Rainer R. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractTemnospondyls had a remarkable worldwide distribution throughout the Triassic at a time of periodic arid climates, and were a stable component of Triassic terrestrial ecosystems. Given the postulated ancestral relationship between temnospondyls and modern lissamphibians it is pertinent to recognize that the group may have exhibited some degree of ecological resilience and adaptability. Despite this higher level of plasticity, temnospondyls might still have been susceptible to environmental and climate changes. Although fossil sites are distributed sporadically, we try to circumvent the present geographical and geological biases by combining actual fossil occurrences with environmental conditions derived from general circulation models. Here, we employ species distribution modelling to examine the palaeogeographic and palaeoclimatic distribution of European temnospondyls during the transition from Middle to Late Triassic. The model shows different suitable areas for temnospondyl habitats that give new potential insights on the biogeographic distribution patterns and dispersal potential. We suggest that the Central European Basin functioned as a focal point for Triassic temnospondyl diversification and spread. Moreover, this paper provides the first application of species distribution modelling for Triassic temnospondyls and aids in understanding their climatic niche occupation and evolution.
Integrating Antixenosis Against Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and Micronutrition in Kabuli Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Genotypes
Authors: Singh Satvinder , Arora Anju , Babu Karthick S. , Verma S. K. , Panwar R. K. , Agnihotri Meena 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTThe leguminous chickpea is a good source of protein, but its yield potential is frequently constrained by biotic stresses, primarily Helicoverpa armigera, a major havoc for cultivation of the crop. To develop host plant resistance for minimizing the losses due to the pod borer, five kabuli parents with desired traits for pod borer tolerance were crossed in diallel mating design to produce 10 crosses which were analysed for traits related to pod borer and nutrition. Based on correlation studies, trichome density was found positively correlated with phenol content, but both the traits were negatively associated with number of damaged seeds. Therefore, the tolerant genotypes were identified on the basis of phenol content, trichome density, number of damaged seeds and field rating. Among parents ICC 12197 was found superior in terms of yield and borer tolerance features with an intermediate pest resistance susceptible rating in addition to higher Fe content. However, significant sca effects for higher phenol content and seed yield in ICC 11764 × ICC 14190 were recorded with reduced number of damaged seeds in addition to higher Fe and Zn content. It was observed that the specific combination involved good and poor combiners for each trait. The same cross also showed significant standard heterosis in desirable direction for phenol content, trichome density, number of damaged seeds and seed yield. Additionally, the ratio of σ2 GCA to σ2 SCA revealed nonadditive gene action in controlling the expression of phenol content, trichome density, number of damaged seeds and Fe and Zn content. Thus, breeder may focus efforts on desirable cross utilizing selection in further segregating generations for higher phenol content, trichome density and Fe and Zn content in addition to yield‐related traits while lesser number of damaged seeds per plant to concentrate for development of pod borer resilient high yielding kabuli genotypes to combat micronutrient deficiency.
Using technology to reduce learning costs and improve program comprehension: Lessons from a survey experiment on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
Authors: Walsh Stephanie , Porumbescu Gregory A. , Hetling Andrea 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides food assistance to those in need, and while the program reaches many who are eligible, program participation falls short of reaching all who are eligible. One factor contributing to this gap in participation is difficulty understanding program eligibility, a common challenge with means‐tested benefit programs. Governments have attempted to improve public understanding of these complex programs using a range of tools to reduce learning costs, yet we know little about the extent to which these tools work and why. This preregistered survey experiment tests three commonly used methods of communicating SNAP program information, including a flyer, screening tool, and video. Cumulatively, our findings demonstrate that efforts to reduce SNAP learning costs are generally effective at improving comprehension recall and that the type of intervention matters, with the video increasing comprehension scores more than the flyer and screening tool. However, the impact of the intervention does not vary substantially according to household income.
Impact of Periconceptional and Gestational Vitamin D3 Restriction on Fetal Folliculogenesis and Anti‐Mullerian Hormone Secretion Using Sheep as a Model
Authors: Mbegbu E. C. , Salavati M. , Aka L. O. , Obidike I. R. , Tang J. C. Y. , Fraser W. D. , Hanson M. A. , Green L. R. , Fouladi‐Nashta A. A. 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTOvarian reserve is a reflection of the overall female reproductive potential. Vitamin D status has been suspected to influence fetal development and female fertility. As maternal diet during pregnancy can affect fetal development and future fertility, we hypothesised that periconceptional and gestational Vitamin D restriction could affect folliculogenesis and AMH secretion in the offspring. Nineteen sexually mature Welsh mountain ewes were randomly assigned to Vitamin D3 deficient (VDD, n = 10) and Vitamin D3 control (VDC, n = 9) diets from 17 days (d) before mating, up to 127–130 days of gestation, when fetal ovaries were collected (3 from VDC and 6 from VDD). Serum 25(OH)D3 concentrations were lower in VDD compared with VDC (p < 0.05). Relative to total follicle number, the percentage of primordial follicles was higher (p < 0.05), while the percentage of primary follicles was lower (p < 0.05) in VDD group compared with VDC group fetal ovaries. The integrated density value and percentage of affected area in TUNEL staining in VDD group did not vary from VDC group fetal ovaries (p > 0.05). Relative expression of AMH mRNA and AMH protein in VDD fetal ovaries were not statistically different compared with controls (p > 0.05). The relative expression of VDR mRNA were lower in VDD compared with VDC group fetal ovaries (p < 0.05). These data indicate that maternal Vitamin D dietary restriction is associated with ovarian tissue stemness and increased primordial follicle number but does not promote normal follicle recruitment or development in sheep fetal ovaries.
Traditional Tibetan Buddhist Monastic Education and Its Contemporary Adaptations Since 1959
Authors: Hobhouse Nicholas S. 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTThis article surveys the academic literature on Tibetan Buddhist monastic education, covering both its development inside Tibet prior to 1959, when the fourteenth Dalai Lama fled into exile, and its revival and adaptations since that time. Academic works on monastic education before 1959 examine important landmarks from the 11th until the 20th centuries, including the innovative approaches pioneered at Sangpu Neutok, the contributions of Sakya Paṇḍita, the rise of Geluk monastic education, and the later development of non‐Geluk shedras in the Nyingma, Sakya and Kagyu orders. There are also notable academic debates concerning the valid application of the category of ‘scholasticism’ to traditional Tibetan Buddhist educational contexts. In general, traditional Geluk monastic education has been more thoroughly researched than the monastic education of the other orders, though recent studies have started to correct this imbalance. The literature on contemporary monastic education discusses several adaptations to traditional approaches, including the award of degrees modelled on those at secular universities, the expansion of curricula to include modern subjects such as science, and the establishment of unprecedented educational programmes for nuns. Contemporary developments in the subcontinental nations of India, Nepal and Bhutan have, however, received greater academic attention those in the Tibetan regions of China. Thus, while the academic field is quite vibrant, with a wide range of publications on several important topics, a number of research gaps remain that could be fruitfully filled by subsequent research.
Everyday Conversations About Economic Inequality: A Research Agenda
Authors: Schieferdecker David , Reinhardt Susanne , Mijs Jonathan , Silva Graziella Moraes , Teeger Chana , Carvalhaes Flavio , Seekings Jeremy 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTHigh and rising levels of economic inequality come at a tremendous cost to societies, yet the public is often hesitant to confront these inequalities. Prior research has attempted to explain this paradox, pointing to how it is driven by individuals' misperceptions of the extent of inequality, broader narratives that justify inequality, and distrust in government intervention and redistribution. These beliefs and attitudes are not simply a reflection of individual predispositions; they are also a product of societal debates. The limited scholarship on such debates has focused on elite discourse, examining how discussions about inequality unfold among people in positions of power in formalized contexts such as parliaments or the media. Most of this research has been conducted in the Global North. We know very little about how ordinary people talk about economic inequality, especially in the Global South. Everyday conversations about economic inequality deserve more scholarly attention because of their distinct form and extensive range, covering diverse voices and social situations. They reflect how societies struggle with economic inequality and how some groups are silenced, while others have their voices amplified. Finally, conversations may affect opinion formation differently than unidirectional exposure to information. This article reviews the literature and sets out a research agenda to comprehensively study how ordinary people talk about economic inequality in various contexts.
Cosmeceuticals in photoaging: A review
Authors: Chan Lisa Kwin Wah , Lee Kar Wai Alvin , Lee Cheuk Hung , Lam Kar Wai Phoebe , Lee Kar Fai Victor , Wu Raymond , Wan Jovian , Shivananjappa Shanthala , Sky Wong Tin Hau , Choi Hosung , Yi Kyu‐Ho 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackgroundPhotoaging is a process of the architecture of normal skin damaged by ultraviolet radiation. Topical cosmeceuticals have been used to treat this condition. The authors aimed to understand the mechanism and level of evidence of different commonly used cosmeceuticals used to treat photodamaged skin.ObjectiveA range of commonly used topical cosmeceuticals (botanicals, peptides, and hydroquinone) has been used in cosmetic medicine for many years to treat photodamaged skin. This review article compares their efficacy and level of evidence.Material and methodsThis study was a systematic review to evaluate the efficacy of different topical cosmeceuticals. Keywords including “Photoaging,” “Azelaic acid,” “Soy,” “Green Tea,” “Chamomile,” “Ginkgo,” “Tea Tree Oil,” “Resveratrol,” “Cucumber,” “Ginseng,” “Centella asiatica,” “Licorice Root,” “Aloe Vera,” “Peptides,” “Argireline,” “Hydroquinone,” were typed on OVID, PUBMED, MEDLINE for relevant studies published on photoaging treatment.ResultsMost of the evidence behind cosmeceuticals is of high‐quality ranging from Level I to Level II. In particular, the evidence base behind peptides is the strongest with most studies achieving Level Ib status in the evidence hierarchy.ConclusionTopical cosmeceuticals like botanicals, peptides and hydroquinone can effectively treat photodamaged skin
Minimally invasive tarsal arthrodesis in 15 dogs
Authors: Longo Federico , Castelli Emanuele , Lewis Daniel Dean , Hudson Caleb C. , Kim Stanley Eunwoo , Pozzi Antonio 
Published: September 2024

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to report the outcomes and complications of minimally invasive tarsal arthrodesis (MITA) in dogs.Study designBi‐institutional retrospective study.Sample populationA total of 15 client‐owned dogs.MethodsMedical records of dogs undergoing MITA were reviewed to determine outcome and complications. Radiographs were recommended every 4 weeks until clinical union and reviewed to evaluate tibiotarsometatarsal alignment, implant position, subsequent osseous union of the debrided articulations. Time to clinical union and complications were recorded. Clinical union was defined as functional weightbearing limb use with at least 50% of osseous union. Final limb function was defined as full, acceptable, or unacceptable.ResultsPartial tarsal arthrodesis was performed in 10 cases and pantarsal arthrodesis in five cases. Postoperative swelling was minimal. Most complications, 26% major and 40% minor, were implant‐related, and explant was required in three dogs. No catastrophic complications occurred. Mean (±sd) radiographic follow‐up was 11.4 (±13.1) months Mean (±sd) time to radiographic osseous union was 1.8 (±0.5) months. Mean (±sd) time to clinical union was 3.7 (±0.8) months. Physiological alignment was restored in 12/15 dogs. Complete radiographic union occurred in 46% while in the remaining 54% obtained partial radiographic union, but clinical instability was not observed. Limb function was considered full in six and acceptable in eight dogs. Function was unacceptable in one dog, but the cause was not related to MITA.ConclusionMITA resulted in restoration of alignment, which was accomplished using MITA techniques. Furthermore, MITA appeared to result in faster healing times and reduced soft tissue complications compared to conventional open approach arthrodesis.Clinical significanceMITA may be considered as an option to obtain functional arthrodesis in dogs.
Differential effects of inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH/GuaB) inhibition in
Acinetobacter baumannii
and
Escherichia coli
Authors: Peng Yutian , Moffat John G. , DuPai Cory , Kofoed Eric M. , Skippington Elizabeth , Modrusan Zora , Gloor Susan L. , Clark Kevin , Xu Yiming , Li Shuxuan , Chen Liuxi , Liu Xingrong , Wu Ping , Harris Seth F. , Wang Shumei , Crawford Terry D. , Li Chun Sing , Liu Zhiguo , Wai John , Tan Man-Wah 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

Inosine 5′-monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH), known as GuaB in bacteria, catalyzes the rate-limiting step in
de novo
guanine biosynthesis and is conserved from humans to bacteria. We developed a series of potent inhibitors that selectively target GuaB over its human homolog. Here, we show that these GuaB inhibitors are bactericidal, generate phenotypic signatures that are distinct from other antibiotics, and elicit different time-kill kinetics and regulatory responses in two important Gram-negative pathogens:
Acinetobacter baumannii
and
Escherichia coli
. Specifically, the GuaB inhibitor G6 rapidly kills
A. baumannii
but only kills
E. coli
after 24 h. After exposure to G6, the expression of genes involved in purine biosynthesis and stress responses change in opposite directions while siderophore biosynthesis is downregulated in both species. Our results suggest that different species respond to GuaB inhibition using distinct regulatory programs and possibly explain the different bactericidal kinetics upon GuaB inhibition. The comparison highlights opportunities for developing GuaB inhibitors as novel antibiotics.

IMPORTANCE

A. baumannii
is a priority bacterial pathogen for which development of new antibiotics is urgently needed due to the emergence of multidrug resistance. We recently developed a series of specific inhibitors against GuaB, a bacterial inosine 5′-monophosphate dehydrogenase, and achieved sub-micromolar minimum inhibitory concentrations against
A. baumannii
. GuaB catalyzes the rate-limiting step of
de novo
guanine biosynthesis and is highly conserved across bacterial pathogens. This study shows that inhibition of GuaB induced a bacterial morphological profile distinct from that of other classes of antibiotics, highlighting a novel mechanism of action. Moreover, our transcriptomic analysis showed that regulation of
de novo
purine biosynthesis and stress responses of
A. baumannii
upon GuaB inhibition differed significantly from that of
E. coli
.
Interspecies surfactants serve as public goods enabling surface motility in
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Warrell Delayna L. , Zarrella Tiffany M. , Machalek Christopher , Khare Anupama 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

In most natural environments, bacteria live in polymicrobial communities where secreted molecules from neighboring species alter bacterial behaviors, including motility, but such interactions are understudied.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
is a motile opportunistic pathogen that exists in diverse multispecies environments, such as the soil, and is frequently found in human wound and respiratory tract co-infections with other bacteria, including
Staphylococcus aureus
. Here, we show that
P. aeruginosa
can co-opt secreted surfactants from other species for flagellar-based surface motility. We found that exogenous surfactants from
S. aureus
, other bacteria, and interkingdom species enabled
P. aeruginosa
to switch from swarming to an alternative surface spreading motility on semi-solid surfaces and allowed for the emergence of surface motility on hard agar where
P. aeruginosa
was otherwise unable to move. Although active flagellar function was required for surface spreading, known motility regulators were not essential, indicating that surface spreading may be regulated by an as yet unknown mechanism. This motility was distinct from the response of most other motile bacterial species in the presence of exogenous surfactants. Mutant analysis indicated that this
P. aeruginosa
motility was similar to a previously described mucin-based motility, “surfing,” albeit with divergent regulation. Thus, our study demonstrates that secreted surfactants from the host as well as neighboring bacterial and interkingdom species act as public goods facilitating
P. aeruginosa
flagella-mediated surfing-like surface motility, thereby allowing it to access different environmental niches.

IMPORTANCE

Bacterial motility is an important determinant of bacterial fitness and pathogenesis, allowing expansion and invasion to access nutrients and adapt to new environments. Here, we demonstrate that secreted surfactants from a variety of foreign species, including other bacterial species, infection hosts, fungi, and plants, facilitate surface spreading motility in the opportunistic pathogen
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
that is distinct from established motility phenotypes. This response to foreign surfactants also occurs in
Pseudomonas putida
, but not in more distantly related bacterial species. Our systematic characterization of surfactant-based surface spreading shows that these interspecies surfactants serve as public goods to enable
P. aeruginosa
to move and explore environmental conditions when it would be otherwise immotile.
An immunoassay based on bioluminescent sensors for rapid detection of African swine fever virus antibodies
Authors: Zhang Zhonghui , Wang Jinming , Niu Qingli , Guan Guiquan , Yin Hong , Yang Jifei 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

Serological assays for antibody detection have contributed significantly to the diagnosis and control of infectious diseases. African swine fever is the most devastating infectious disease of domestic pigs and wild boars, severely threatening the global pig industry in recent years. Here, we developed a rapid, simple, and sensitive immunoassay based on the split-luciferase system to detect IgG antibodies against African swine fever virus (ASFV). In this assay, the p30 protein of ASFV was genetically coupled to the LgBiT and SmBiT subunits of nanoluciferase, which were used as fusion probes for specific antibodies. Target engagement of the probes results in the reconstitution of a functional nanoluciferase, which further catalyzes bioluminescent reactions. Different orientations of the LgBiT and SmBiT-p30 fusion sensors were designed and investigated, and N-LgBiT/p30 and N-SmBiT/p30 were identified as a promising sensor pair for reforming active nanoluciferase in the presence of specific antibodies. After optimization, this split-luciferase complementation assay showed high sensitivity and specificity for the detection of ASFV antibodies. The analytical sensitivity of the assay was 16 times greater than that of the blocking enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) by the detection of serial dilutions of serum, and no cross-reaction was observed with other swine pathogens. As demonstrated in clinical samples, its performance is highly consistent with that of a commercial ELISA kit, with a concordance rate of 98.19%. This assay is simple and easy to perform, providing a more flexible and efficient approach for the measurement of ASFV antibodies in clinical applications.

IMPORTANCE
The study is about a homogeneous split-luciferase assay for antibody detection. Split nanoluciferase biosensors for the detection of ASFV antibodies were designed. This sensor platform enables the sensitive and specific detection of antibodies. The split-luciferase assay is simple, rapid, and easy to use.