bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Energetic Stress Marker GDF15 is Induced by Acute Psychosocial Stress
Authors: Huang Qiuhan , Monzel Anna S. , Rausser Shannon , Haahr Rachel , Devine Jack , Liu Cynthia C. , Kelly Catherine , Thompson Elizabeth , Kurade Mangesh , Michelson Jeremy , Li Shufang , Engelstad Kris , Tanji Kurenai , Lauriola Vincenzo , Wang Tian , Wang Shuang , Marsland Anna L , Kaufman Brett A , St-Onge Marie-Pierre , Sloan Richard , Juster Robert-Paul , Gouspillou Gilles , Hirano Michio , Picard Martin , Trumpff Caroline 
Published: April 2024

AbstractGDF15 (growth differentiation factor 15) is a marker of cellular and mitochondrial energetic stress linked to physical-mental illness, aging, and mortality. Here, we describe the psychobiological regulation of plasma and saliva GDF15 in four human studies including 3,599 samples from 148 healthy individuals. We report two main observations establishing GDF15 as a novel tractable biomarker of psychosocial stress. 1) In two experimental laboratory studies, socio-evaluative stress rapidly elevates GDF15 and lactate, two molecular markers of energetic/reductive stress. 2) Similar to other stress-related metabolic hormones, we also find that saliva GDF15 exhibit a robust awakening response, being highest at the time of waking up and declining by ∼42-92% within 30-45 minutes. These data position GDF15 as a dynamic biomarker of psychosocial stress accessible in human blood and saliva, pointing towards a shared psychobiological pathway linking mental and mitochondrial energetic stress. These foundational observations open the door to large-scale studies using GDF15 to non-invasively probe how acute psychosocial factors promote cellular and mitochondrial and energetic stress contributing to the stress-disease cascade across the lifespan.Significance statementThis study uncovers the dynamic psychobiological regulation of plasma and saliva GDF15, establishing it as a biomarker of acute psychosocial stress. Using over 3,500 samples we demonstrate that acute socio-evaluative stress increases within minutes both GDF15 and lactate, reflecting reductive stress. High-intensity sampling over multiple weeks also confirms novel dynamics around the saliva GDF15 awakening response. These findings highlight a connection between acute psychosocial stress and mitochondrial energetic stress, offering new opportunities to investigate how stress becomes biologically embedded and contributes to health trajectories across the human lifespan.
Examining Intercage Transmission ofChlamydia muridarum: Impact of Barrier Husbandry and Cage Sanitization
Authors: Palillo Michael B , Mishkin Noah , Aydin Mert , Mourino Anthony , Ricart Arbona Rodolfo J , Lipman Neil S 
Published: April 2024

AbstractChlamydia muridarum(Cm) has reemerged as a prevalent bacterial contaminant of academic research mouse colonies. A study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of husbandry and cage sanitization methods in preventing intercage transmission of Cm. To assess intercage transmission during cage change, a cage housing 2 Cm-free Swiss Webster (Tac:SW; SW) sentinel mice was placed randomly on each of 12 individually ventilated cage racks, housing cages with Cm-shedding mice, located in 1 of 2 animal holding rooms. Husbandry staff blinded to the study cages, changed all cages in the animal holding rooms weekly using microisolator cage technique. PCR testing performed 180 days post-placement confirmed all mice remained negative for Cm. To assess the effectiveness of cage sanitization to eliminate Cm, we investigated transmission of Cm to a naïve Cm-free SW and NOD.Cg-PrkdcscidIl2rgtm1Wjl/SzJ (NSG) mouse co-housed for 7 days (repeated weekly for 4 weeks) in cages assigned to 1 of 3 groups (n=10 pairs of mice/group). Cages that previously housed 2 Cm-shedding BALB/c mice were either washed in a tunnel washer (82.2°C [180°F] final rinse for an average of 16 seconds per run; n=10) with and without post-washing autoclaving (121°C for 20 minutes; n=10), or were untreated (bedding change only; n=10). Pre- and post-sanitization swabs of each cage were assayed for Cm by PCR. All pre-treatment swabs tested positive, while post-treatment swabs from all cages (excluding bedding change) tested negative. All SW and NSG mice, irrespective of group, remained negative for Cm as determined by PCR. These findings suggest that infectious Cm does not persist in untreated cages nor after mechanical washing with and without autoclaving. Collectively, these findings suggest that neither our husbandry protocols nor inadequate cage sanitization methods likely contributed to the observed prevalence of Cm in contemporary research mouse colonies.
Hierarchical dynamic coding coordinates speech comprehension in the brain
Authors: Gwilliams Laura , Marantz Alec , Poeppel David , King Jean-Remi 
Published: April 2024

AbstractSpeech comprehension requires the human brain to transform an acoustic waveform into meaning. To do so, the brain generates a hierarchy of features that converts the sensory input into increasingly abstract language properties. However, little is known about how these hierarchical features are generated and continuously coordinated. Here, we propose that each linguistic feature is dynamically represented in the brain to simultaneously represent successive events. To test this ‘Hierarchical Dynamic Coding’ (HDC) hypothesis, we use time-resolved decoding of brain activity to track the construction, maintenance, and integration of a comprehensive hierarchy of language features spanning acoustic, phonetic, sub-lexical, lexical, syntactic and semantic representations. For this, we recorded 21 participants with magnetoencephalography (MEG), while they listened to two hours of short stories. Our analyses reveal three main findings. First, the brain incrementally represents and simultaneously maintains successive features. Second, the duration of these representations depend on their level in the language hierarchy. Third, each representation is maintained by a dynamic neural code, which evolves at a speed commensurate with its corresponding linguistic level. This HDC preserves the maintenance of information over time while limiting the interference between successive features. Overall, HDC reveals how the human brain continuously builds and maintains a language hierarchy during natural speech comprehension, thereby anchoring linguistic theories to their biological implementations.
Sex-specific competitive social feedback amplifies the role of early life contingency in male mice
Authors: Zipple Matthew N , Kuo Daniel Chang , Meng Xinmiao , Reichard Tess M , Guess Kwynn , Vogt Caleb C , Moeller Andrew H , Sheehan Michael J 
Published: April 2024

AbstractContingency (or ‘luck’) in early life plays an important role in shaping individuals’ development. When individuals live within larger societies, social experiences may cause the importance of early contingencies to be magnified or dampened. Here we test the hypothesis that competition magnifies the importance of early contingency in a sex-specific manner by comparing the developmental trajectories of genetically identical, free-living mice who either experienced high levels of territorial competition (males) or did not (females). We show that male territoriality results in a competitive feedback loop that magnifies the importance of early contingency and pushes individuals onto divergent, self-reinforcing life trajectories, while the same process appears absent in females. Our results indicate that the strength of sexual selection may be self-limiting, as within-sex competition increases the importance of early life contingency, thereby reducing the ability of selection to lead to evolution. They also demonstrate the potential for contingency to lead to dramatic differences in life outcomes, even in the absence of any underlying differences in ability (‘merit’).
Emergence of multiple foraging strategies under competition
Authors: Kim Hyunjoong , Subedi Manoj , Josić Krešimir 
Published: April 2024

AbstractForaging strategies are shaped by interactions with the environment, and evolve under metabolic constraints. Optimal strategies for isolated and competing organisms have been studied extensively in the absence of evolution. Much less is understood about how metabolic constraints shape the evolution of an organism’s ability to detect food and move through its environment to find it. To address this question, we introduce a minimal agent-based model of the coevolution of two phenotypic attributes critical for successful foraging in crowded environments: movement speed and perceptual acuity. Under competition higher speed and acuity lead to better foraging success, but at higher metabolic cost. We derive the optimal foraging strategy for a single agent, and show that this strategy is no longer optimal for foragers in a group. We show that mutation and selection can lead to the coexistence of two strategies: A metabolically costly strategy with high acuity and velocity, and a metabolically cheap strategy. Generally, in evolving populations speed and acuity co-vary. Therefore, even under metabolic constraints, trade-offs between metabolically expensive traits are not guaranteed.
Autoaggregation inStreptococcus intermediusis driven by the Pel polysaccharide
Authors: Raju Deepa , Turner Siobhán A. , Castro Karla , Whitfield Gregory B. , LaMarche Daphnée , Mahajan Sahil , Pfoh Roland , Le Mauff François , Joe Maju , Sarkar Susmita , Lowary Todd L. , Sheppard Donald C , Wozniak Daniel J. , Surette Michael G. , Howell P. Lynne 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACTThe Streptococcus Milleri Group (SMG) comprising ofStreptococcus intermedius, anginosusandconstellatusare commensal bacteria commonly found in healthy individuals. These bacteria are increasingly being recognized as opportunistic pathogens that can cause purulent infections at sterile body sites and have also been identified in the sputum of individuals with cystic fibrosis. Although the mechanisms of conversion to opportunistic pathogens are not well understood, auto-aggregation is a key driver of biofilm adhesion and cohesion in many Streptococci and Staphylococci. Here, we identify a gene cluster in theS. intermediusgenome with significant homology to thepeloperons inBacillus cereusandPseudomonas aeruginosa, which are required for Pel exopolysaccharide production and biofilm formation in these species. Characterization of a panel of clinicalS. intermediusstrains identified a range of aggregating phenotypes. Analysis of thepeloperon in the hyper-aggregating C1365 strain revealed that each of the canonicalpelDEADAFGgenes, but not the four additional genes are required for aggregation. Further, we demonstrate that C1365 produces a GalNAc-rich exopolysaccharide and that aggregates can be disrupted by the α1,4N-acetylgalactosaminidases, PelA and Sph3, but not other glycoside hydrolases, proteinase K or DNase I. Using an abscess model of mouse infection, we show that Pel driven aggregation leads to longer lasting infections, and that lack of Pel allows for the bacteria to be cleared more effectively. The polymer also affects how the bacteria interacts with the host immune system. Collectively, our data suggest that thepeloperon has relevancy toS. intermediuspathogenicity.
Pathological R-loops in bacteria from engineered expression of endogenous antisense RNAs whose synthesis is ordinarily terminated by Rho
Authors: Pandiyan Apuratha , Mallikarjun Jillella , Maheshwari Himanshi , Gowrishankar Jayaraman 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn many bacteria, the essential factors Rho and NusG mediate termination of synthesis of nascent transcripts (including antisense RNAs) which are not being simultaneously translated. It has been proposed that in Rho’s absence toxic RNA-DNA hybrids (R-loops) may be generated from nascent untranslated transcripts; and genome-wide mapping studies inEscherichia colihave identified putative loci of R-loop formation from more than 100 endogenous antisense transcripts that are synthesized only in a Rho-deficient strain. Here we provide evidence that engineered expression in wild-typeE. coliof several such individual antisense regions on a plasmid or the chromosome generates R-loops that, in an RNase H-modulated manner, serve to disrupt genome integrity. Rho inhibition was associated with increased prevalence of antisense R-loops also inXanthomonas oryzaepv.oryzaeandCaulobacter crescentus. Our results confirm the essential role of Rho in several bacterial genera for prevention of toxic R-loops from pervasive yet cryptic endogenous antisense transcripts. Engineered antisense R-looped regions may be useful for studies on both site-specific impediments to bacterial chromosomal replication and the mechanisms of their resolution.
Wine tourism in developing countries – the case of Armenia
Authors: Bitsch Linda , Hanf Jon H. , Kottmann Isabel 
Published: April 2024

PurposeWith increasing wine consumption in Armenia, both residents and inbound tourists have become attractive target groups for wine sales, which are stimulated by wine tourism activities. The objective of this explorative study is to shed light on the potential of wine tourism for rural development in Armenia.Design/methodology/approachThe paper starts with a structured and interdisciplinary literature review. Based on qualitative surveys among local tour operators and wine producers, and complemented by three expert interviews, the offer of wine tourism activities in Armenia will then be analyzed.FindingsEach of the surveyed wine producers offers wine tourism activities. Foreign tourists know little about the Armenian wine industry, however, and are interested in cultural experiences and Armenia’s breathtaking nature. Armenian wine producers need to understand the expectations of their target groups to develop or adapt their offers successfully.Research limitations/implicationsDue to the explorative nature of this study, the sample size of the surveyed wineries and tour operators is small and hence not representative. In addition, only local tour operators were surveyed. The sample should be extended to include foreign tour operators and more wineries in future research projects.Originality/valueWhereas first studies on the structure and competitiveness of the Armenian wine sector exist, there is no survey on the general wine tourism in Armenia and its potential to foster rural development.
Mapping attributes and managing heritage sites: the case of the Old Town of Ghadames-Libya
Authors: Alkhalaf Hiba , Elhabashi Alaa , Hesham Yassmen , Hiba Abdulsalam , Omaar Abdulkader , Walda Hafed , Wootton Will Thomas 
Published: April 2024

PurposeThis paper introduces a methodology to identify, analyse and represent heritage site attributes, emphasizing their impact on value, authenticity, integrity and management, with a case study on Ghadames, Libya. Inscribed in 1986 and moved to the In-Danger List in 2016 due to conflict, this work seeks to update the site's attributes and values for improved management.Design/methodology/approachThis methodology, focusing on Ghadames, leverages recent heritage management advancements to monitor conflict-induced changes, aiming to enhance decision-making through a detailed analysis of the site's natural and cultural attributes.FindingsOur findings highlight the need for systematic and holistic assessments of heritage site attributes and values, crucial for managing sites of both local and global significance. This approach is a key to understanding their identity, guiding interpretation, management and preserving cultural significance.Research limitations/implicationsDeveloped for Ghadames, the methodology requires adaptation for other sites, underscoring the importance of identifying core tangible and intangible attributes that define a site's uniqueness.Practical implicationsOur developed methodology offers a replicable framework that can be modified by local heritage professionals to map attributes and assess the direct and indirect impact of conflict on heritage sites.Originality/valueThe detailed assessment provides a foundation for crafting informed policies and effective management strategies. It specifically targets minimizing the adverse effects of conflict on heritage sites' attributes. This effort is instrumental in preparing the necessary documentation to support the delisting of these sites from the UNESCO World Heritage Site In-Danger List, promoting their preservation and recovery.
Instantaneous audience responses: an organizational genre theory perspective
Authors: Kim Jaemin , Greiner Michael , Zhu Ellen 
Published: April 2024

PurposeThe worldwide imposition of lockdown measures to control the 2020 coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has shifted most executive communications with external stakeholders online, resulting in quick responses from stakeholders. This study aims to understand how presentational styles exhibited in online communication induce immediate audience responses and empirically test the effectiveness of reactive impression management tactics.Design/methodology/approachThe authors analyze presentational styles using MP3 files containing executive utterances during earnings call conferences held by S&P 100-listed firms after June 2020, the quarter after the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic on March 11, 2020. Using timestamps, the authors link each utterance to a 1-minute interval change in the ask/bid prices of the stocks that occurs a minute after the corresponding utterance begins.FindingsExhibiting an informational presentation style in earnings calls leads to positive and immediate audience responses. Managers tend to increase their reliance on promotional presentation styles rather than on informational ones when quarterly earnings exceed market forecasts.Originality/valueDrawing on organizational genre theory, this research identifies the discrepancy between the presentation styles that audiences positively respond to and those that managers tend to exhibit in earnings calls and provides a reactive impression management typology for immediate responses from online audiences.
Dietary restriction extends lifespan across different temperatures in the fly
Authors: Phillips Eleanor J. , Simons Mirre J. P. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Dietary restriction (DR) has been consistently shown to extend lifespan across a range of taxa. However, it has recently been reported that DR does not extend lifespan at certain, namely lower, temperatures in flies (Drosophila melanogaster). Similar to the interpretation of other findings that appear to question DR's universality, this finding has been interpreted as suggesting that lifespan extension in response to DR is an artefact of benign laboratory conditions.

We re‐test this hypothesis, now using a strain that shows robust lifespan extension at 25°C (across three prior experiments), and using a range of five diets across two temperatures, 18°C and 21°C.

We found the DR longevity response to be robust, extending lifespan irrespective of temperature. We measured fecundity as a positive control for the DR phenotype, and found, as predicted, that DR reduces egg laying.

We suggest differences in experimental setup, genetic lines used and variation in the diet‐lifespan reaction norm are responsible for this discrepancy. In addition, starting with a strain and conditions that show a lifespan extension by DR, as we do here, and then changing environment and/or genotype promises a more robust test of DR modulating factors.

In conclusion, it will be important for results that question DR as a phenotype to not be overinterpreted readily, as with a substantially larger sample size and a larger range of diets we were unable to replicate this prior work.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Defence systems and horizontal gene transfer in bacteria
Authors: Kogay Roman , Wolf Yuri I. , Koonin Eugene V. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractHorizontal gene transfer (HGT) is a fundamental process in prokaryotic evolution, contributing significantly to diversification and adaptation. HGT is typically facilitated by mobile genetic elements (MGEs), such as conjugative plasmids and phages, which often impose fitness costs on their hosts. However, a considerable number of bacterial genes are involved in defence mechanisms that limit the propagation of MGEs, suggesting they may actively restrict HGT. In our study, we investigated whether defence systems limit HGT by examining the relationship between the HGT rate and the presence of 73 defence systems across 12 bacterial species. We discovered that only six defence systems, three of which were different CRISPR‐Cas subtypes, were associated with a reduced gene gain rate at the species evolution scale. Hosts of these defence systems tend to have a smaller pangenome size and fewer phage‐related genes compared to genomes without these systems. This suggests that these defence mechanisms inhibit HGT by limiting prophage integration. We hypothesize that the restriction of HGT by defence systems is species‐specific and depends on various ecological and genetic factors, including the burden of MGEs and the fitness effect of HGT in bacterial populations.
A template for creating and sharing ground truth data in digital forensics
Authors: Horsman Graeme 
Published: April 2024

AbstractGround truth data (GTD) is used by those in the field of digital forensics (DF) for a variety of purposes including to evaluate the functionality of undocumented, new, or emerging technology and services and the digital traces left behind following their usage. Most accepted and reliable trace interpretations must be derived from an examination of relevant GTD, yet despite the importance of it to the DF community, there is little formal guidance available for supporting those who create it, to do so in a way that ensures any data is of good quality, reliable, and therefore usable. In an attempt to address this issue, this work proposes a minimum standard of documentation that must accompany the production of any GTD, particularly when it is intended for use in the process of discovering new knowledge, proposing original interpretations of a digital trace, or determining the functionality of any technology or service. A template structure is discussed and provided in Appendix S1 which sets out a minimum standard for metadata describing any GTD's production process and content. It is suggested that such an approach can support the maintenance of trust in any GTD and improve the shareability of it.