bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ultraviolet signaling in a butterfly is preferred by females and conveys male genetic quality
Authors: Wedell Nina , Kemp Darrell J 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Indicator models of sexual selection posit that females choose males on the basis of traits that reveal male genetic quality and thereby enjoy increased offspring production. Here, we report that females of the butterfly Eurema hecabe receive indirect benefits from choosing males based on their ultraviolet (UV) wing coloration, a heritable and condition-dependent trait in this species. We first used a large laboratory-bred pedigree to demonstrate a per-family association between inbreeding and male UV trait value. Females exerted choice for UV-bright males within this protocol, and the average male UV trait value increased over six consecutive generations, presumably due to such selection and despite an increasing rate of pedigree-wide inbreeding. We then experimentally imposed a standard strength of inbreeding upon lines of divergent male UV trait values. Inbreeding depressed the siring performance of low UV treatment males more severely and resulted in a marginal reduction of their UV brightness, which rebounded sharply following subsequent outcrossing. These findings are consistent with the ornament-based signaling of genetic quality as a function of underlying individual-level mutational load.
Widespread changes in gene expression accompany body size evolution in nematodes
Authors: Woodruff Gavin C , Willis John H , Johnson Erik , Phillips Patrick C 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Body size is a fundamental trait that drives multiple evolutionary and ecological patterns. Caenorhabditis inopinata is a fig-associated nematode that is exceptionally large relative to other members of the genus, including Caenorhabditis elegans. We previously showed that C. inopinata is large primarily due to postembryonic cell size expansion that occurs during the larval-to-adult transition. Here, we describe gene expression patterns in C. elegans and C. inopinata throughout this developmental period to understand the transcriptional basis of body size change. We performed RNA-seq in both species across the L3, L4, and adult stages. Most genes are differentially expressed across all developmental stages, consistent with C. inopinata's divergent ecology and morphology. We also used a model comparison approach to identify orthologues with divergent dynamics across this developmental period between the 2 species. This included genes connected to neurons, behavior, stress response, developmental timing, and small RNA/chromatin regulation. Multiple hypodermal collagens were also observed to harbor divergent developmental dynamics across this period, and genes important for molting and body morphology were also detected. Genes associated with transforming growth factor β signaling revealed idiosyncratic and unexpected transcriptional patterns given their role in body size regulation in C. elegans. This widespread transcriptional divergence between these species is unexpected and maybe a signature of the ecological and morphological divergence of C. inopinata. Alternatively, transcriptional turnover may be the rule in the Caenorhabditis genus, indicative of widespread developmental system drift among species. This work lays the foundation for future functional genetic studies interrogating the bases of body size evolution in this group.
Cooperative geophysical inversion integrated with 3-D geological modelling in the Boulia region, QLD
Authors: Rashidifard Mahtab , Giraud Jérémie , Lindsay Mark , Jessell Mark 
Published: May 2024

SUMMARY
Reconciling rock unit boundary geometry is crucial for geological and geophysical studies aiming to achieve a comprehensive 3-D subsurface model. To create a unified 3-D parametrization suitable for both geological modelling and geophysical inversion, an integrated approach utilizing implicit modelling is essential. However, a key challenge lies in encapsulating all pertinent information within the 3-D model, ensuring compatibility with the utilized data sets and existing constraints. In this study, we present a workflow that enables the generation of an integrated 3-D subsurface model primarily using gravity and reflection seismic data sets. Our approach involves a cooperative geophysical inversion workflow, which incorporates the inverted model from the reflection seismic data while leveraging sparse petrophysical information. Despite advances in integrated modelling, the incorporation of implicit modelling approaches in cooperative inversion workflows remains unexplored. In our gravity inversion process, we use a generalized level set method to refine the boundaries of rock units in the prior model. We integrate the inverted model, derived from seismic and other sparse petrophysical data sets, to create a comprehensive 3-D prior model. To enhance the integration of reflection seismic data sets in the level set inversion, we introduce a weighting uncertainty matrix containing constraint terms. This step refines the model's accuracy and ensures greater consistency. Finally, we search for any missing rock units within inverted model through nucleation investigations. The introduced methodology has undergone successful testing in the Boulia region (Southern Mount Isa, Queensland), utilizing two 2-D reflection seismic profiles and regional gravity data sets. This study primarily aims to reconstruct the geometry of major structures within the basement units and the basin at a regional scale. By combining seismic profiles and gravity data sets with constraining information, we are able to create a 3-D model of the area that accurately represents distinct rock units and their boundary geometries. Additionally, relevant legacy data sets and prior modelling results from the region have been incorporated and refined, ensuring that the final model aligns with all available knowledge about the area.
The palaeomagnetic field recorded in Eyjafjarðardalur basalts (2.6–8.0 Ma), Iceland: are inclination-shallowing corrections necessary in time-averaged field analysis?
Authors: Muxworthy Adrian R , Riishuus Morten S , Supakulopas Radchagrit , Niocaill Conall Mac , Barfod Dan N , Døssing Arne , Turner Kathryn , Cych Brendan 
Published: May 2024

SUMMARY
The geocentric axial dipole (GAD) hypothesis is key to many palaeomagnetic applications, for example plate-tectonic reconstructions; however, the validity of this hypothesis at high latitudes is not fully resolved. To address this, in this paper we determined the palaeomagnetic directional data of 156 lava units in Eyjafjarðardalur, Iceland, with the aim of determining the validity of the GAD hypothesis at high latitudes using time-averaged field (TAF) analysis. In addition to the palaeomagnetic directional data, we constructed an age model for the sequences using new 40Ar/39Ar dates, magnetostratigraphy and field data. The sequence age range is 2.6–8.0 Ma. We show that the mean virtual geomagnetic pole (VGP) for our data does not agree with the GAD theory at 95 per cent confidence, when only the standard tilt and tectonic corrections are made; however, when inclination-shallowing processes are accounted for, for example thermoremanence (TRM) anisotropy and refraction effects, the mean VGP can align with GAD at 95 per cent confidence. These inclination-shallowing processes are shown to reduce the inclination by up to 14° for some of the basaltic units. Applying the inclination-shallowing correction also reduces VGP dispersion to levels that agree with global model predictions. We propose that much of the scatter within the palaeomagnetic directional databases are due to inclination-shallowing process effects, which become more important as the natural remanent magnetization (NRM) intensity is high, for example &gt;2 A m−1. We propose that inclination-shallowing processes can be identified and corrected for by examining the NRM intensity and dispersion.
Functional validation of EIF2AK4 (GCN2) missense variants associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Emanuelli Giulia , Zhu JiaYi , Li Wei , Morrell Nicholas W , Marciniak Stefan J 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a disorder with a large genetic component. Biallelic mutations of EIF2AK4, which encodes the kinase GCN2, are causal in two ultra-rare subtypes of PAH, pulmonary veno-occlusive disease and pulmonary capillary haemangiomatosis. EIF2AK4 variants of unknown significance have also been identified in patients with classical PAH, though their relationship to disease remains unclear. To provide patients with diagnostic information and enable family testing, the functional consequences of such rare variants must be determined, but existing computational methods are imperfect. We applied a suite of bioinformatic and experimental approaches to sixteen EIF2AK4 variants that had been identified in patients. By experimentally testing the functional integrity of the integrated stress response (ISR) downstream of GCN2, we determined that existing computational tools have insufficient sensitivity to reliably predict impaired kinase function. We determined experimentally that several EIF2AK4 variants identified in patients with classical PAH had preserved function and are therefore likely to be non-pathogenic. The dysfunctional variants of GCN2 that we identified could be subclassified into three groups: misfolded, kinase-dead, and hypomorphic. Intriguingly, members of the hypomorphic group were amenable to paradoxical activation by a type-1½ GCN2 kinase inhibitor. This experiment approach may aid in the clinical stratification of EIF2AK4 variants and potentially identify hypomorophic alleles receptive to pharmacological activation.
Single nuclei RNA-seq reveals a medium spiny neuron glutamate excitotoxicity signature prior to the onset of neuronal death in an ovine Huntington’s disease model
Authors: Jiang Andrew , You Linya , Handley Renee R , Hawkins Victoria , Reid Suzanne J , Jacobsen Jessie C , Patassini Stefano , Rudiger Skye R , Mclaughlan Clive J , Kelly Jennifer M , Verma Paul J , Bawden C Simon , Gusella James F , MacDonald Marcy E , Waldvogel Henry J , Faull Richard L M , Lehnert Klaus , Snell Russell G 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Huntington’s disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative genetic disorder caused by an expansion in the CAG repeat tract of the huntingtin (HTT) gene resulting in behavioural, cognitive, and motor defects. Current knowledge of disease pathogenesis remains incomplete, and no disease course-modifying interventions are in clinical use. We have previously reported the development and characterisation of the OVT73 transgenic sheep model of HD. The 73 polyglutamine repeat is somatically stable and therefore likely captures a prodromal phase of the disease with an absence of motor symptomatology even at 5-years of age and no detectable striatal cell loss. To better understand the disease-initiating events we have undertaken a single nuclei transcriptome study of the striatum of an extensively studied cohort of 5-year-old OVT73 HD sheep and age matched wild-type controls. We have identified transcriptional upregulation of genes encoding N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) and kainate receptors in medium spiny neurons, the cell type preferentially lost early in HD. Further, we observed an upregulation of astrocytic glutamate uptake transporters and medium spiny neuron GABAA receptors, which may maintain glutamate homeostasis. Taken together, these observations support the glutamate excitotoxicity hypothesis as an early neurodegeneration cascade-initiating process but the threshold of toxicity may be regulated by several protective mechanisms. Addressing this biochemical defect early may prevent neuronal loss and avoid the more complex secondary consequences precipitated by cell death.
Progression of the ascending aorta diameter after surgical or transcatheter bicuspid aortic valve replacement
Authors: Chiariello Giovanni Alfonso , Di Mauro Michele , Pasquini Annalisa , Bruno Piergiorgio , Nesta Marialisa , Fabiani Ludovica , Mazza Andrea , Meloni Martina , Baldo Elisabetta , Ponzo Myriana , Ferraro Francesco , Conserva Antonio Davide , D’Acierno Edoardo , Villa Emmanuel , Trani Carlo , Burzotta Francesco , Massetti Massimo 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Ascending aorta (AA) dilatation in patients with bicuspid aortic valve (AV) is related both to genetic and haemodynamic factors. The aim of this study is to compare late progression of AA dilatation in bicuspid AV patients undergoing surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) versus transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).

METHODS
Data of 189 consecutive patients who underwent AV replacement for severe bicuspid AV stenosis were prospectively collected. Patients who underwent SAVR were compared to patients who underwent TAVI. Indication to the procedure was validated by the institutional Heart Team. Aortic diameters were evaluated by transthoracic echocardiogram. Differences between preoperative and long-term follow-up AA diameters were compared in the 2 groups.

RESULTS
Between January 2015 and December 2021, 143 (76%) patients underwent SAVR and 46 (24%) patients underwent TAVI. At 4.6 (standard deviation 1.7) years follow-up, patients in the TAVI group showed significantly lower survival (P = 0.00013) and event-free survival (P &lt; 0.0001). AA diameter progression was lower in surgical compared to transcatheter patients, 0.95 (0.60, 1.30) vs 1.65 (0.67, 2.63) mm, P = 0.02. AA diameter progression indexed for body surface area and height was lower in the surgical group: 0.72 (0.38, 1.05) vs 1.05 (0.39, 1.71) mm/m2, P = 0.02, and 0.59 (0.36, 0.81) vs 1.11 (0.44, 1.78) mm/m, P = 0.001, respectively. At multivariable linear regression analysis transcatheter procedure, baseline aortic diameter and paravalvular leak were significantly associated with increased postoperative AA dilatation.

CONCLUSIONS
Bicuspid AV patients who underwent SAVR, showed significantly less long-term AA diameter progression than patients who underwent transcatheter procedure.
Eliminate Structural Injustices or Perpetuate Them: Indigenous Peoples and Transitional Justice in the Criminal Court System of Taiwan
Authors: Fan Keng-Wei , Lin Jun-Ru 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT∞
In 2017, Taiwan’s government proposed reforms to the Indigenous Specialized Criminal Court (ISC) within its criminal court system (court system). Situated within the contemporary theoretical framework of transitional justice, this article explores the theoretical significance of these reforms and examines their actual state of implementation. Firstly, the article points out that the court system has led to structural injustices like the erasure of culture and socio-economic disadvantages for indigenous peoples, highlighting the limitations of the conventional transitional justice model in addressing these injustices. As a response, the ISC reform adopts strategies that differ from the conventional model. The article then attempts to develop an enhanced transitional justice model that includes structural injustices within its scope and explains the ISC reform initiatives and their inherent transitional justice significance. Finally, by evaluating the implementation status of the ISC reform, the article elucidates its theoretical implications and the feedback it offers to contemporary theoretical debates.
Pharmacoeconomic study of anti-influenza virus drugs in Japan based on a network meta-analysis
Authors: Nakagawa Naoto , Kanazawa Yukinori , Morikawa Akimasa , Lai Leanne 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
An analysis was conducted in Japan to determine the most cost-effective neuraminidase inhibitor for the treatment of influenza virus infections from the healthcare payer’s standpoint.

Objective
This study reanalysed the findings of a previous study that had some limitations (no probabilistic sensitivity analysis and quality of life scores measured by the EQ-5D-3L instead of the EQ-5D-5L) and used a decision tree model with only three health conditions.

Methods
This study incorporated new data from a network meta-analysis study into the first examination. The second examination involved constructing a new decision tree model encompassing seven health conditions and identifying costs, which consisted of medical costs and drug prices based on the 2020 version of the Japanese medical fee index. Effectiveness outcomes were measured using EQ-5D-5L questionnaires for adult patients with a history of influenza virus infections within a 14-day time horizon. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed to examine the uncertainty.

Results
In the first examination, the base-case cost-effectiveness analysis confirmed that oseltamivir outperformed laninamivir, zanamivir and peramivir, making it the most cost-effective neuraminidase inhibitor. The second examination revealed that oseltamivir dominated the other agents. Both deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses showed robust results that validated oseltamivir as the most cost effective among the four neuraminidase inhibitors.

Conclusions
This study thus reaffirms oseltamivir’s position as the most cost-effective neuraminidase inhibitor for the treatment of influenza virus infections in Japan from the perspective of healthcare payment. These findings can help decision makers and healthcare providers in Japan.
Dental antimicrobial stewardship: a qualitative study of perspectives among Canadian dentistry sector leaders and experts in antimicrobial stewardship
Authors: Martine Christiana , Sutherland Susan , Born Karen , Thompson Wendy , Teoh Leanne , Singhal Sonica 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Dentistry is a significant contributor to the burden of antimicrobial overprescribing and hence to the global problem of antimicrobial resistance. However, antimicrobial stewardship in Canadian dentistry is nascent, with an acknowledged need for research and coordinated stewardship efforts. This study aimed to gain insights into the perspectives of Canadian dentistry sector leaders and experts on the main drivers of dental antibiotic overprescribing and potential stewardship strategies.

Methods
Exploratory qualitative design. Data collection: four one-time, 1 h focus group discussions with 22 experts and stakeholders in antimicrobial stewardship in Canada, recruited through a mix of purposive and snowball sampling. Data analysis: inductive thematic analysis.

Results
The analysis yielded five themes: outdated patterns; antimicrobials as a Band-Aid; fear and risk aversion; behavioural change; and why reinvent the wheel? Overprescription in dentistry stems primarily from a perpetuation of outdated prescribing patterns, ubiquitous use of antibiotics as a temporary solution, and an overly cautious antibiotic use by risk-averse providers. Stewardship strategies should be grounded on behavioural change (motivation, robust data and enactment of new behaviours) and may be modelled after tested medical interventions.

Conclusions
This study presents a roadmap for behavioural change in dental antibiotic prescribing, and points to the fact that the success of a stewardship actionable plan for Canadian dentistry may depend more on concerted efforts for change than on the creation of novel strategies. Hence, contextualizing and testing medical stewardship programmes in Canadian dentistry may be effective in combatting antibiotic overprescription, thereby contributing to global efforts to reduce antimicrobial resistance.
The balance of n-6 and n-3 fatty acids in canine, feline, and equine nutrition: exploring sources and the significance of alpha-linolenic acid
Authors: Burron Scarlett , Richards Taylor , Krebs Giovane , Trevizan Luciano , Rankovic Alexandra , Hartwig Samantha , Pearson Wendy , Ma David W L , Shoveller Anna K 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Both n-6 and n-3 fatty acids (FA) have numerous significant physiological roles for mammals. The interplay between these families of FA is of interest in companion animal nutrition due to the influence of the n-6:n-3 FA ratio on the modulation of the inflammatory response in disease management and treatment. As both human and animal diets have shifted to greater consumption of vegetable oils rich in n-6 FA, the supplementation of n-3 FA to canine, feline, and equine diets has been advocated for. Although fish oils are commonly added to supply the long-chain n-3 FA eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a heavy reliance on this ingredient by the human, pet food, and equine supplement industries is not environmentally sustainable. Instead, sustainable sourcing of plant-based oils rich in n-3 α-linolenic acid (ALA), such as flaxseed and camelina oils, emerges as a viable option to support an optimal n-6:n-3 FA ratio. Moreover, ALA may offer health benefits that extend beyond its role as a precursor for endogenous EPA and DHA production. The following review underlines the metabolism and recommendations of n-6 and n-3 FA for dogs, cats, and horses and the ratio between them in promoting optimal health and inflammation management. Additionally, insights into both marine and plant-based n-3 FA sources will be discussed, along with the commercial practicality of using plant oils rich in ALA for the provision of n-3 FA to companion animals.
Are “10 Grams of Protein” Better than “Ten Grams of Protein”? How Digits versus Number Words Influence Consumer Judgments
Authors: Romero Marisabel , Craig Adam W , Mormann Milica , Kumar Anand 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Numerical information can be communicated using different number formats, such as digits (“5”) or number words (“five”). For example, a battery product may claim to last for “5 hours” or “five hours.” And while these two formats are used interchangeably in the marketplace, it is not clear how they influence consumer judgments and behavior. Via six experimental studies, two online ad campaigns, and one large secondary dataset analysis, we find that digits, compared to number words, positively affect consumer behavior. We refer to this phenomenon as the number format effect. We further show that the number format effect occurs because consumers feel that digits (vs. number words) are the right way to present numerical information: digits lead to a sense of feeling right that then affects consumer behavior. Finally, we show that the number format effect is amplified when credibility of the source of information is low, and attenuated when source credibility is high. The current research advances knowledge of how numerical information influences consumer judgments and behavior and carries important implications for marketers and policymakers as they communicate numerical information to consumers.
Large Sample Estimators of the Stochastic Discount Factor
Authors: Kim Soohun , Korajczyk Robert A 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
We propose estimators of the stochastic discount factor using large cross-sections of individual stocks. We introduce a short time-block structure on a large N, T panel to exploit unbalanced panels of individual stock returns and suggest a novel bias correction to achieve the consistency of our estimators. Our estimators can accommodate pre-specified traded and nontraded factors, and latent factors. The estimators perform well in simulations. We apply our estimators to return data for U.S. individual stocks over a 50-year sample period and identify those factors in popular asset pricing models that command significant premia. A number of proposed nontraded factors have insignificant risk premia. Contrary to many studies, we find the market factor has a significant premium, as do profitability, value, and momentum factors.