bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Late sporogonic stages ofPlasmodiumparasites are susceptible to the melanization response inAnopheles gambiaemosquitoes
Authors: Zeineddine Suheir , Jaber Sana , Saab Sally A. , Nakhleh Johnny , Dimopoulos George , Osta Mike A. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe malaria-causing parasites have to complete a complex infection cycle in the mosquito vector that also involves attack by the insect’s innate immune system, especially at the early stages of midgut infection. However,Anophelesimmunity to the latePlasmodiumsporogonic stages, such as oocysts, has received little attention as they are considered to be concealed from immune factors due to their location under the midgut basal lamina and for harboring an elaborate cell wall comprising an external layer derived from the basal lamina that confers self-properties to an otherwise foreign structure. Here, we investigated whetherPlasmodium bergheioocysts and sporozoites are susceptible to melanization-based immunity inAnopheles gambiae. Silencing of the negative regulator of melanization response, CLIPA14, increased melanization prevalence without significantly increasing the numbers of melanized oocysts, while co-silencing CLIPA14 with CLIPA2, a second negative regulator of melanization, resulted in a significant increase in melanized oocysts and melanization prevalence. Only late-stage oocysts were found to be melanized, suggesting that oocyst rupture was a prerequisite for melanization-based immune attack, presumably due to the loss of the immune-evasive features of their wall. We also found melanized sporozoites inside oocysts and in the hemocoel, suggesting that sporozoites at different maturation stages are susceptible to melanization. Silencing the melanization promoting factors TEP1 and CLIPA28 rescued oocyst melanization in CLIPA2/CLIPA14 co-silenced mosquitoes. Interestingly, silencing of CTL4, that protects early stage ookinetes from melanization, had no effect on oocysts and sporozoites, indicating differential regulation of immunity to early and late sporogonic stages. Similar to previous studies addressing ookinete stage melanization, the melanization ofPlasmodium falciparumoocysts was significantly lower than that observed forP. berghei. In summary, our results provide conclusive evidence that late sporogonic malaria parasite stages are susceptible to melanization, and we reveal distinct regulatory mechanisms for ookinete and oocyst melanization.
Massive outbreak of Influenza A H5N1 in elephant seals at Península Valdés, Argentina: increased evidence for mammal-to-mammal transmission
Authors: Uhart Marcela , Vanstreels Ralph E. T. , Nelson Martha I. , Olivera Valeria , Campagna Julieta , Zavattieri Victoria , Lemey Philippe , Campagna Claudio , Falabella Valeria , Rimondi Agustina 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACTH5N1 high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) viruses of the clade 2.3.4.4b have killed thousands of marine mammals in South America since 2022. In October 2023, following outbreaks in sea lions in Argentina, we recorded unprecedented mass mortality (∼17,000 individuals) in southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina) at Península Valdés. Seal pups were disproportionately affected. Adult seals departed early, disrupting social and breeding structure. Frequent interactions with sea lions and scavenging by seagulls were observed. Deaths of terns concurred with seals but peaked weeks later. HPAI H5N1 was confirmed in seals and terns. Moreover, genomic characterization showed viruses from pinnipeds and terns in Argentina form a distinct clade with marine mammal viruses from Peru, Chile and Brazil. These mammal-clade viruses share an identical set of mammalian adaptation mutations which are notably also found in the terns. Our combined ecological and phylogenetic data support mammal-to-mammal transmission and occasional mammal-to-bird spillover. To our knowledge, this is the first multinational transmission of H5N1 viruses in mammals ever observed globally. The implication that H5N1 viruses are becoming more evolutionary flexible and adapting to mammals in new ways could have global consequences for wildlife, humans, and/or livestock.
Integrated Stress Response Triggered by Excessive Glycosylation Drives Thoracic Aortic aneurysm
Authors: Rochano-Ortiz Antonio , San Sebastian-Jaraba Irene , Zamora Carmen , Simó Carolina , García-Cañas Virginia , Martínez-Albaladejo Sacramento , Fernandez-Gomez María José , Velho Tiago R. , Ruíz-Rodríguez María Jesús , Leal-Zafra Amanda , Gabandé Enrique , Martinez-Martinez Sara , Guala Andrea , Lorenzo Óscar , Blanco-Colio Luis Miguel , Martín-Ventura José Luís , Teixido-Tura Gisela , Forteza Alberto , Nistal J. Francisco , Redondo Juan Miguel , Méndez-Barbero Nerea , Mittelbrunn María , Oller Jorge 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections (TAAD) are marked by degenerative changes in the aortic media. Marfan syndrome is the most common inherited connective tissue disorder associated with TAAD. While vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) metabolism is emerging as a targetable driver of aortic aneurysm, surgical interventions remain the primary strategy to prevent aortic dissection. Our research indicates that the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway (HBP), a branch of glycolysis, is upregulated in aortas from theFbn1C1041G/+Marfan Syndrome mouse model. Enhancing HBP activity promotes aortic dilation and accumulation glycan-rich extracellular matrix, contributing to aortic medial degeneration in wild-type mice. Mechanistically, fueling HBP activity induces VSMC dysfunction through excessive glycosylation, which activates the Integrated Stress Response (ISR). Pharmacological inhibition of HBP, along with ISR inhibition, successfully reverses aortic dilation and aortic medial degeneration inFbn1C1041G/+Marfan Syndrome mouse model. Additionally, Marfan Syndrome patients show elevated levels of HBP metabolites in blood plasma and serum, and heightened HBP-ISR signaling in patients with TAAD. These findings unveil a potential causative role for the HBP-ISR axis in medial degeneration in human TAAD, underscoring the need for evaluating HBP and ISR pathway as novel biomarkers and therapeutic strategies for thoracic aortic aneurysm.
The use of vocal coordination in male African elephant group departures: evidence of active leadership and consensus
Authors: O’Connell-Rodwell Caitlin E. , Berezin Jodie L. , Pignatelli Alessio , Rodwell Timothy C. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractGroup-living animals engage in coordinated vocalizations to depart from a location as a group, and often, to come to a consensus about the direction of movement. Here, we document for the first time, the use of coordinated vocalizations, the “let’s go” rumble, in wild male African elephant group departures from a waterhole. We recorded vocalizations and collected behavioral data as known individuals engaged in these vocal bouts during June-July field seasons in 2005, 2007, 2011, and 2017 at Mushara waterhole within Etosha National Park, Namibia. During departure events, we documented which individuals were involved in the calls, the signature structure of each individual’s calls, as well as the ordering of callers, the social status of the callers, and those who initiated departure. The “let’s go” rumble was previously described in tight-knit family groups to keep the family together during coordinated departures. Male elephants are described as living in loose social groups, making this finding particularly striking. We found that this vocal coordination occurs in groups of closely associated, highly bonded individuals and rarely occurs between looser associates. The three individuals most likely to initiate the “let’s go” rumble bouts were all highly socially integrated, and one of these individuals was also the most dominant overall. This suggests that more socially integrated individuals might be more likely to initiate, or lead, a close group of associates in the context of leaving the waterhole, just as a dominant female would do in a family group. The fact that many individuals were often involved in the vocal bouts, and that departure periods could be shorter, longer, or the same amount of time as pre-departure periods, all suggest that there is consensus with regard to the act of leaving, even though the event was triggered by a lead individual.
Running, Fast and Slow: The Dorsal Striatum Sets the Cost of Movement During Foraging
Authors: Morvan Thomas , Eloy Christophe , Robbe David 
Published: June 2024

SummaryDuring reward-oriented behaviors, animals –including humans– spontaneously adjust the speeds of their decisions and movements based on dynamically changing costs and benefits. The mechanisms constraining these adaptive modulations remain unclear, especially in freely moving animals. Here, we developed a naturalistic foraging task in which rats decided when and how fast to run across a motorized treadmill to collect rewards. Model-based analyses explained why decision and movement speeds were coupled or decoupled as rats adapted to changes in reward value or motor cost, respectively. Moreover, lesions of the dorsal striatum increased the animals’ sensitivity to motor cost, limiting their running speed in the most effortful conditions while sparing reward-related behavioral modulations. Altogether, our study describes how neuroeconomic constraints influence decision and movement speeds in foraging rats, and paves the way for a refined understanding of the role of the basal ganglia in motor control and decision-making.
Effects of lysine and methionine on mRNA expression of candidate transcription factors by primary bovine mammary epithelial cells
Authors: Li Boning , Edick Ashlin M. , Fox Madison K. , Doelman John , Burgos Sergio A. , Cant John P. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIt has been established that essential amino acids (EAA) regulate protein synthesis in mammary epithelial cells by rapidly altering the phosphorylation state of translation factors. However, the long-term transcriptional response to EAA supply has been investigated much less. Eight transcription factors were selected as candidate mediators of EAA effects on mammary cell function via the amino acid response (ATF4,ATF6), mitogen-activated protein kinase (JUN,FOS,EGR1), and mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (MYC,HIF1A,SREBF1). The objective was to determine if and when expression of these candidate genes was affected in primary cultures of bovine mammary epithelial cells more than 24 h after imposing an EAA deficiency, and to evaluate effects of EAA deficiency on protein synthesis, endoplasmic reticulum size, cell proliferation, and lipogenesis. Differentiated cells were cultured in 1 of 3 treatment media representing normal physiological concentrations of all amino acids (CTL), low lysine (LK), or low methionine (LM) for 24, 40, 48, or 60 h. Both LK and LM suppressed protein synthesis and activatedATF4expression, indicating the classic amino acid response pathway had been triggered. However, there was no effect of LK or LM on endoplasmic reticulum size, possibly related to elevatedATF6expression on LM. Expression of early response genesJUN,FOS,EGR1andMYCwas not elevated by EAA deficiency but LM decreasedEGR1expression. LM also increased expression ofHIF1A. TheEGR1andHIF1Aexpression results are consistent with the decrease in cell proliferation rate observed. Variable responses inSREBF1expression to LK and LM at different timepoints may have contributed to a lack of effect on lipogenesis rates. These findings indicate that EAA deficiency may inhibit mammary protein synthesis and cell proliferation through transcription factors.
Macrophage subtypes inhibit breast cancer proliferation in culture
Authors: Varady Sophia R.S. , Greiner Daniel , Roh-Johnson Minna 
Published: June 2024

AbstractMacrophages are a highly plastic cell type that adopt distinct subtypes and functional states depending on environmental cues. These functional states can vary wildly, with distinct macrophages capable of displaying opposing functions. We sought to understand how macrophage subtypes that exist on two ends of a spectrum influence the function of other cells. We used a co-culture system with primary human macrophages to probe the effects of macrophage subtypes on breast cancer cell proliferation. Our studies revealed a surprising phenotype in which both macrophage subtypes inhibited cancer cell proliferation compared to cancer cells alone. Of particular interest, using two different proliferation assays with two different breast cancer cell lines, we showed that differentiating macrophages into a “pro-tumor” subtype inhibited breast cancer cell proliferation. These findings are inconsistent with the prevailing interpretation that “pro-tumor” macrophages promote cancer cell proliferation and suggest a re-evaluation of how these interpretations are made.
Political skill and personal reputation: an analysis of workplace and entrepreneurial outcomes
Authors: Saleem Sharjeel , Shaheen Kanwal , Rafiq Asia , Arslan Ahmad 
Published: June 2024

PurposeThis paper aims to specifically analyze the interrelationships of employee political skill and personal reputation with both workplace and non-workplace outcomes. The study further focuses on performance and career development as workplace outcomes and entrepreneurial intentions as a non-workplace outcome, while analyzing employee political skill and personal reputation.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses a survey method, where multi-source data were collected in a time-lagged fashion from the employees working in the textile sector in an under-researched emerging economy setting of Pakistan.FindingsThe findings establish that political skill is a significant predictor of employee job performance, career development and entrepreneurial intentions. Moreover, the mediating role of personal reputation was confirmed for the proposed relationships. Hence, the findings highlight the contributory role of personal reputation in the enhancement of workplace and non-workplace outcomes, such as entrepreneurial intentions linked to political skill.Research limitations/implicationsDespite some limitations, this paper offers theoretical implications both for political skill and indirect reciprocity literature. A vital theoretical contribution is extended by studying the mediating role of personal reputation in the main relationships analyzed in this paper. The scope of indirect reciprocity is expanded by identifying personal reputation as a vital mechanism for indirect reciprocity.Practical implicationsOrganizations should focus on developing political skill amongst their employees, as these skills are salient for amassing a favorable reputation, that eventually leads to performance, career growth and development of entrepreneurial intentions. Organizations should put in place careful selection and coaching and mentoring programs that equip employees with such skills that eventually lead toward the alignment of employees’ personal goals and organizational goals. Employees, then, could focus on priming both organizational and personal goals.Originality/valueThis paper is one of the pioneering studies that specifically link employee political skill with job performance, career development and entrepreneurial intentions, especially in the relatively volatile and under-researched context of Pakistan. Another novelty of this research is the investigation of personal reputation as a psychological mechanism underlying the primary relationships proposed in this research.
Competency ambidexterity to achieve leadership excellence and reduce derailment risk in a globalized world: a cross-cultural study
Authors: Zhang Yi , Zahir-ul-Hassan Muhammad Kaleem , Wei Feng , Leslie Jean 
Published: June 2024

PurposeThis paper explores the link between leadership derailment risk and competency ambidexterity in a digitalized global environment. It also investigates the impact of balanced skills on leadership success in collectivist and assertive cultures.Design/methodology/approachA mixed methods approach is employed using survey data from 766 American and Japanese managers and eight interviews across four diverse cultures. It uncovers the intricate relationship between leadership derailment risk and competency ambidexterity.FindingsOptimal competency ambidexterity lowers the risks of leadership incompetence (operationalized as derailment) but through distinct configurations of current and needed competencies, which both competencies should be congruent at high levels in uncertain environments. Furthermore, moderately high competency levels mitigate derailment risk in collaborative cultures (Japan and China), while very assertive cultures (USA and Netherlands) require high competencies to lower derailment danger and sustain leadership effectiveness.Practical implicationsLeaders must maintain competency ambidexterity, adapting to diverse contexts in our dynamic world. Recognizing cultural nuances is essential for enhancing managers’ skills in global talent management.Originality/valueCultural values shape competency configurations and managers should balance organizational and personal competencies for effective leadership. Qualitative insights complement quantitative data.
Breast cancer pre-diagnosis based on incomplete picture fuzzy multi-granularity three-way decisions
Authors: Hou Haonan , Zhang Chao , Lu Fanghui , Lu Panna 
Published: June 2024

PurposeThree-way decision (3WD) and probabilistic rough sets (PRSs) are theoretical tools capable of simulating humans' multi-level and multi-perspective thinking modes in the field of decision-making. They are proposed to assist decision-makers in better managing incomplete or imprecise information under conditions of uncertainty or fuzziness. However, it is easy to cause decision losses and the personal thresholds of decision-makers cannot be taken into account. To solve this problem, this paper combines picture fuzzy (PF) multi-granularity (MG) with 3WD and establishes the notion of PF MG 3WD.Design/methodology/approachAn effective incomplete model based on PF MG 3WD is designed in this paper. First, the form of PF MG incomplete information systems (IISs) is established to reasonably record the uncertain information. On this basis, the PF conditional probability is established by using PF similarity relations, and the concept of adjustable PF MG PRSs is proposed by using the PF conditional probability to fuse data. Then, a comprehensive PF multi-attribute group decision-making (MAGDM) scheme is formed by the adjustable PF MG PRSs and the VlseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR) method. Finally, an actual breast cancer data set is used to reveal the validity of the constructed method.FindingsThe experimental results confirm the effectiveness of PF MG 3WD in predicting breast cancer. Compared with existing models, PF MG 3WD has better robustness and generalization performance. This is mainly due to the incomplete PF MG 3WD proposed in this paper, which effectively reduces the influence of unreasonable outliers and threshold settings.Originality/valueThe model employs the VIKOR method for optimal granularity selections, which takes into account both group utility maximization and individual regret minimization, while incorporating decision-makers' subjective preferences as well. This ensures that the experiment maintains higher exclusion stability and reliability, enhancing the robustness of the decision results.
The impact of the day of the week on the financial market: an empirical investigation on cryptocurrencies
Authors: Arzova Sabri Burak , Koy Ayben , Şahin Bertaç Şakir 
Published: June 2024

PurposeThis study investigates the effect of the day of the week on the volatility of cryptocurrencies. Thus, we reveal investors' perceptions of the day of the week.Design/methodology/approachThe EGARCH model consists of the day of the week for 2019–2022 and the volatility of 11 cryptocurrencies.FindingsEmpirical results show that the weekend harms cryptocurrency volatility. Also, there was positive cryptocurrency volatility at the beginning of the week. Our findings show that weekdays and weekends significantly impact cryptocurrency volatility. Besides, cryptocurrency investors are sensitive to market movements, disclosures, and regulations during the week. Holiday mode and cognitive shortcuts may cause cryptocurrency traders to remain passive on weekends.Research limitations/implicationsThis study has some limitations. We include 11 cryptocurrencies in the analysis by limiting cryptocurrencies according to market capitalizations. Further studies may analyze a larger sample. In addition, further studies may examine the moderator and mediator effects of other financial instruments.Practical implicationsThe empirical results have research, social and practical conclusions from different aspects. Our analysis may contribute to determining trading strategies, risk management, market efficiency, regulatory oversight, and investment decisions in the cryptocurrency market.Originality/valueThe calendar effect in financial markets has extensive literature. However, cryptocurrencies' weekday and weekend effect needs to be adequately analyzed. Besides, studies analyzing cryptocurrency volatility are limited. We contribute to the literature by investigating the impact of days of the week on cryptocurrency volatility with a large sample and current data.
Understanding first aid knowledge adoption on social media with an extended information adoption model
Authors: Ma Xiumei , Sun Yongqiang , Guo Xitong , Lai Kee-Hung , Luo Peng 
Published: June 2024

PurposeSocial media provides a convenient way to popularise first aid knowledge amongst the general public. So far, little is known about the factors influencing individuals’ adoption of first aid knowledge on social media. Drawing on the information adoption model (IAM), this study investigates the joint effects of cognitive factors (e.g. perceived information usefulness (PIU)), affective factors (e.g. arousal (AR)) and social factors (e.g. descriptive norms (DN)) on first aid knowledge adoption (KA) and examines their antecedent cues from the perspective of information characteristics.Design/methodology/approachThe data were collected from 375 social media users, and the structural equation model was adopted to analyse the results.FindingsThe results indicate that PIU, AR and DN all have positive direct effects on first aid KA. Additionally, the study highlights the positive synergistic effect of AR and PIU. Furthermore, the study suggests that AR is determined by message vividness (MV) and emotional tone (ET), whilst DN are determined by peer endorsement (PEE) and expert endorsement (EXE).Originality/valueOur research is groundbreaking as it delves into the adoption of first aid knowledge through social media, thus pushing the boundaries of existing information adoption literature. Additionally, our study enhances the IAM by incorporating emotional and social elements and provides valuable insights for promoting the spread of first aid knowledge via social media.