bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stop and go: exploring alternative mechanisms for task allocation in social insects - response and satisfaction thresholds trade off cost, accuracy, and speed differently
Authors: Lynch CM , Wilson RC , Dornhaus A 
Published: May 2024

AbstractDivision of labor, a key feature of many complex systems, requires a mechanism that allows individuals to choose tasks. The popular ‘response threshold hypothesis’ posits that some workers start engaging in particular tasks at a lower level of need than others. However, individuals may only have access to information about need after they actually engage in a task. We therefore introduce two novel interpretations of this task-allocation mechanism. While the ‘response threshold mechanism’ determines when individualsstartworking, the ‘satisfaction threshold mechanism’ drives when individualsstopworking. We also model a ‘composite threshold mechanism’ where workers consider task need both to start and end working. Second, we model the possibility that the stimulus perceived by workers is a ‘completion’ cue instead of a ‘demand’ cue. While these may seem like subtle variations, we show here that they can yield dramatically different collective dynamics. In simulations with biologically relevant parameter ranges, response thresholds produced the quickest reaction to increases in task demand, satisfaction thresholds yielded the lowest task-switching rate, and composite thresholds most closely matched the number of workers allocated to the number needed. Different threshold types thus differentially trade off speed, cost, and accuracy. We did not model benefits of specialization; purely in terms of allocating workers to tasks, we also found that response thresholds usually perform worse than a null random choice model in terms of cost and efficiency, and variation among workers does not improve task allocation. Colonies utilizing task demand cues also tend to perform better than those using task completion cues. Our results ultimately suggest that different threshold mechanisms may be suited for different situations or types of tasks.Author SummaryDivision of labor is a phenomenon where workers in a community consistently differ in the tasks they work on. Many scientists believe division of labor arises in social insects (i.e. ants and bees) as a result of difference in workers’ responsiveness to cues that correspond to the demand for work in a task. For example, some ants in a colony start feeding brood much sooner than others, possibly because of a higher sensitivity, or lower ‘response threshold’, to brood pheromone. We show that instead of using such a cue to decide when to start on a task, theoretically workers may instead use it only to decide when to stop working; similarly, workers may use a cue that tells them how much work is needed in a task, or they may use one that corresponds to how much work has already been done. These seemingly subtle differences affect how much a colony invests in work and how quickly stability is reached when the balance of work needed in different tasks changes. Therefore, these different mechanisms may evolve to solve different problems.
Differential effects of prolonged post-fixation on immunohistochemical and histochemical staining for postmortem human brains
Authors: Ma Weiya , Frigon Eve-Marie , Maranzano Josefina , Zeighami Yashar , Dadar Mahsa 
Published: May 2024

AbstractImmunohistochemical (IHC) and histochemical (HC) staining is widely used for human brains post-fixed in formalin and stored in brain banks worldwide for months, years and decades. Understanding the effect of prolonged post-fixation, postmortem interval (PMI) and age on these staining procedures is important for interpreting their outcomes, thus improving diagnosis and research of brain disorders afflicting millions of world populations. In this study, we performed both IHC and HC staining for prefrontal cortex (PFC) of postmortem human brains post-fixed for 1, 5, 10, 15 and 20 years. A negative correlation was detected between the intensity of neuron marker neuron nuclear specific marker (NeuN), microglia marker ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba1), cresyl violet (CV) and Luxol fast blue (LFB) staining versus post-fixation durations. By contrast, a positive correlation was seen between the intensity of astrocyte marker glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and hemaetoxylin and eosin Y (H&E) staining versus post-fixation durations. No correlation was found between the staining intensity of NeuN, GFAP, Iba1, H&E, CV and LFB versus PMI. Moreover, no correlation was seen between NeuN, Iba1, H&E, CV and LFB, except GFAP, versus age. These data suggest that prolonged post-fixation exerts both positive and negative effects, but age and PMI have limited effects, on these IHC and HC parameters. Hence these differential changes need to be considered in interpretation of the results when using tissues with prolonged post-fixation. Furthermore, if feasible, it is recommended to perform IHC and HC staining for human brains with the same post-fixation time windows and to use the most optimal antibodies to offset its impact on downstream analyses.
Single-shot water-fat imaging with multi-echo blip-rewound EPI
Authors: Wu Wenchuan 
Published: May 2024

AbstractPurposeTo develop a method for single-shot water-fat imaging.MethodsSingle-shot blip-rewound EPI (rEPI) is a fast imaging technique that can acquire multiple echo MRI images with a snapshot. Dixon’s method separates water and fat signals using signals acquired with different echo times. Combining multi-echo rEPI with properly chosen echo times and Dixon-based post-processing generates water and fat images with a single-shot scan.ResultsPhantom and in vivo experiments were performed to evaluate the proposed method. In phantom scans, water and fat signals are robustly separated using the proposed method, and the obtained water signal is much cleaner than that obtained by conventional EPI acquisition with fat suppression. In vivo experiments show that fat suppression can be obtained using the proposed method without fat saturation pulses, reducing SAR and shortening scan time. In addition, fat signal can also be reconstructed based on the proposed method.ConclusionA single-shot water-fat imaging technique has been successfully developed, a significant advancement that offers speed and robustness in separating water and fat signals for human MRI scans.
Impact of the use of cannabis as a medicine in pregnancy, on the unborn child: a systematic scoping review protocol
Authors: Dinant Alexa Ulana Annette , Bonomo Yvonne Ann , Canaway Rachel , Hallinan Christine Mary 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIntroductionThe use of cannabis for medicinal purposes is on the rise. As more people place their trust in the safety of prescribed alternative plant-based medicine and find it easily accessible, there is a growing concern that pregnant women may be increasingly using cannabis for medicinal purposes to manage their pregnancy symptoms and other health conditions. The objectives of this scoping review are to: conduct a systematic search of the literature to investigate the use of cannabis as a medicine in the context of the recent legislative changes and the resulting increase in use and acceptance, specifically in pregnancy; describe the characteristics of the demographic population using cannabis for medicinal purposes during pregnancy; and to map evidence of its impact on the unborn child and on the child up to twelve months postpartum.Methods and analysesResearch on pregnant women who use cannabis for medicinal purposes only, and infants up to one year after birth who experienced in utero exposure to cannabis for medicinal purposes, will be included in this review. Reviews, randomised controlled trials, case-control, cross-sectional and cohort studies, that have been peer reviewed and published between 1996 and April 2024 as a research paper that investigates prenatal use of cannabis for medicinal purposes and foetal, perinatal, and neonatal outcomes, will be selected for review. Excluding cover editorials, letters, commentaries, protocols, conference papers and book chapters. Effects of illicit drugs use, alcohol misuse and nicotine exposure on neonate outcome will be controlled by excluding studies reporting on the concomitant use of such substances when cannabis data cannot be isolated.All titles and abstracts will be reviewed by one researcher. Records will be excluded based on title and abstract screening as well as publication type. The full text articles will then be reviewed independently by at least two researchers. Where initial disagreement exists between reviewers regarding the inclusion of a study, team members will review disputed articles’ status until consensus is gained. Selected studies will then be assessed by at least two independent researchers for risk bias assessment using validated tools. Two researchers will pilot-test the data extraction form and independently screen the literature and extract the data. Data will be extracted and synthesised following a systematic review methodology and reported in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines to facilitate transparent reporting [1].
Incidence of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease in the United States from 2000 to 2019
Authors: Seitz Alison , Zhang Cenai , Navi Babak B. , Kamel Hooman , Merkler Alexander E. 
Published: May 2024

Background and purposeTo test the hypothesis that the incidence of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) has remained constant, we calculated the rate of hospitalizations for CJD in the United States using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) from 2000 to 2019.MethodsWe used ICD-9 and ICD-10 codes to identify people hospitalized with presumed CJD in the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) from 2000 to 2019. Survey weights were used to calculate nationally representative estimates. We used 2000 census data to calculate age-adjusted standardized rates of CJD hospitalizations by sex and race-ethnicity and then used Joinpoint regression to evaluate changes in those rates.ResultsFrom 2000 to 2019, there were 11,064 admissions for CJD across the U.S. Across this period, the age-adjusted rate of CJD-related hospitalizations increased significantly from 1.25 (95% CI, 1.25-1.26) to 1.98 (95% CI, 1.98-1.99) per million U.S. adults per year, with a significant annual percentage change between 2004 and 2013 of 7.6% (95% CI, 4.4%-10.9%).ConclusionsThe incidence of CJD increased in the United States from 2000 to 2019, with a significant increase specifically between 2004 and 2013, though the overall case rate remains low.
Exploring the feasibility, acceptability and impact of genomic newborn screening for rare diseases in England: A study protocol for the Generation Study - Process and Impact Evaluation
Authors: Lewis Celine , Boardman Felicity , Buchanan James , Clark Sigrún , Gilchrist Katie , Hardelid Pia , Hunter Amy , Jones Jennifer , Leeson-Beevers Kerry , Stafford-Smith Bethany , Vindrola-Padros Cecilia , Vu Martin , Wu Wing Han , Zylbersztejn Ania , Hill Melissa 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe role of genomics in healthcare is expanding rapidly and many countries are set to explore the possibility of using genomic sequencing to expand current newborn screening programmes. Offering routine genomic newborn screening (gNBS) would allow newborn screening to include a much broader range of rare conditions, but there are many technical, practical, psychosocial, ethical and economic challenges to be addressed. Genomics England and NHS England have established the Generation Study to deliver gNBS for 100,000 births in 2024/5 to explore the benefits, challenges, and practicalities of offering gNBS to parents in England. Here we describe the study protocol for the Generation Study - Process and Impact Evaluation, an independent mixed-methods evaluation of the Generation Study. The evaluation will have oversight from a Study Advisory Group that includes academic, clinical and patient representatives and a Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) Advisory Group that includes members from parent and patient organisations and parents with relevant experiences. The Process and Impact Evaluation will examine whether offering gNBS in routine care is feasible and acceptable and inform our understanding of the clinical utility and cost effectiveness of gNBS in England. Through surveys and interviews we will explore the attitudes and experiences of parents, professionals and patient organisations. We will also consider the clinical, psychosocial and health economic impacts, both positive and negative. The results will be presented at national and international conferences and submitted for peer review and publication.
How do the indices based on the EAT-Lancet recommendations measure adherence to healthy and sustainable diets? A comparison of measurement performance in adults from a French national survey
Authors: Miranda Agustín R. , Vieux Florent , Maillot Matthieu , Verger Eric O. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractMeasuring adherence to EAT-Lancet recommendations for healthy and sustainable diets is challenging, leading to diverse methods and a lack of consensus on standardized metrics. Available indices vary mainly in scoring systems, food components, units, energy adjustments, and cut-off points. We aimed to evaluate and compare the measurement performance of six dietary indices for assessing adherence to EAT-Lancet reference diet. Food consumption data of 1,723 adults were obtained from the French Third Individual and National Study on Food Consumption Survey (INCA3, 2014-2015). Sociodemographic, nutritional, and environmental data were used to assess the validity and reliability of dietary indices. Results showed that the four indices assessing their food components with quantitative scoring captured dietary variability, were less dependent on energy intake and converged to a large extent with nutritional indicators. While the two binary indices showed a stronger correlation with environmental indicators, one quantitative index converged with both domains. Indices had valid unidimensional structures, meaning that the combination of food components within each index accurately reflects the same construct and supporting the use of total scores. Furthermore, the indices differed between sociodemographic groups, demonstrating concurrent criterion validity. Higher scores were associated with higher nutritional quality and lower environmental impact, but with unfavourable results for zinc intake, vitamin B12 and water use. A low concordance rate (from 32% to 43%) indicated that indices categorized individuals differently. Researchers must align study objectives with the applicability, assumptions, and functional significance of chosen indices. Indices using quantitative scoring allow a global understanding of dietary health and sustainability, being advantageous in precision-focused research, such as clinical trials or epidemiological research. Conversely, indices based on binary scoring offer a simplified perspective, being valuable tools for surveys, observational studies, and public health. Recognizing their strengths and limitations is crucial for a comprehensive assessment of diets and understanding their implications.
Purchase, consumption, and ownership of chickens and chicken products among households in Maputo, Mozambique: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Shioda Kayoko , Lamar Frederica , Mucache Hermógenes Neves , Marri Anushka Reddy , Chew Jhanel , Levy Karen , Freeman Matthew 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundChickens are an important source of animal protein, nutrition, and income in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). They are also a major reservoir of enteropathogens that contribute to the burden of illnesses among children. Food systems present a risk for transmission of enteropathogens from poultry to humans, but there is a lack of population-level data on the pattern of purchase, ownership, and consumption of live chickens and their products in LMICs to better characterize that risk.MethodsTo assess chicken purchase, ownership, and consumption practices, we conducted a population-based survey using a structured questionnaire in Maputo, Mozambique in 2021. Multi-stage cluster sampling was used to obtain a representative sample of households in our study area. To minimize sampling bias and ensure a representative sample, we applied survey weighting using district-level population data and estimated weighted population-level values.ResultsHeads of 570 households in Maputo completed our survey. Approximately half of these households purchased broiler chicken meat (weighted percentage of households: 44.8%) and eggs (46.5%) in the previous week of the survey date, while indigenous chicken meat was less popular (1,950, 1.1%). The most common source of chicken products was corner stores (i.e., small convenience shops on streets), followed by wet markets. Live chickens were raised by 15.6% of households, and chicken feces were observed on the floor or ground at the majority of these households during house visits.DiscussionOur findings suggest that poultry provides a major source of animal protein in this setting. With the predicted growth of poultry farming in LMICs in the coming decades, ensuring food safety at the primary sources of chicken products (corner stores and wet markets) in urban areas will be critical to mitigate health risks.
Parallel phosphoproteomics and metabolomics map the global metabolic tyrosine phosphoproteome
Authors: Hillis Alissandra L. , Tamir Tigist , Perry Grace E. , Asara John M. , Johnson Jared L. , Yaron Tomer M. , Cantley Lewis C. , White Forest M. , Toker Alex 
Published: May 2024

AbstractTyrosine phosphorylation of metabolic enzymes is an evolutionarily conserved post-translational modification that facilitates rapid and reversible modulation of enzyme activity, localization or function. Despite the high abundance of tyrosine phosphorylation events detected on metabolic enzymes in high-throughput mass spectrometry-based studies, functional characterization of tyrosine phosphorylation sites has been limited to a subset of enzymes. Since tyrosine phosphorylation is dysregulated across human diseases, including cancer, understanding the consequences of metabolic enzyme tyrosine phosphorylation events is critical for informing disease biology and therapeutic interventions. To globally identify metabolic enzyme tyrosine phosphorylation events and simultaneously assign functional significance to these sites, we performed parallel phosphoproteomics and polar metabolomics in non-tumorigenic mammary epithelial cells (MCF10A) stimulated with epidermal growth factor (EGF) in the absence or presence of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor erlotinib. We performed an integrated analysis of the phosphoproteomic and metabolomic datasets to identify tyrosine phosphorylation sites on metabolic enzymes with functional consequences. We identified two previously characterized (PKM, PGAM1) and two novel (GSTP1, GLUD1) tyrosine phosphorylation sites on metabolic enzymes with purported functions based on metabolomic analyses. We validated these hits using a doxycycline-inducible CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) system in MCF10A cells, in which target metabolic enzymes were depleted with simultaneous re-expression of wild-type, phosphomutant or phosphomimetic isoforms. Together, these data provide a framework for identification, prioritization and characterization of tyrosine phosphorylation sites on metabolic enzymes with functional significance.
Impact of green construction procurement practices on the success of circular economy in Ghana
Authors: Kwasafo Oscar Kwame , Adinyira Emmanuel , Agyekum Kofi 
Published: May 2024

PurposeThis paper investigates the impact of green construction procurement practices (GCPPs) on circular economy (CE) success by identifying environmentally sustainable procurement practices that can promote a CE in the construction industry. The goal was to promote circularity in construction through GCPPs.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative research approach was adopted and purposively selected 100 respondents for a cross-sectional questionnaire survey. Data from the questionnaire survey were analysed using mean score ranking, One-sample t-test and regression analysis.FindingsThe study found that using on-site systematic waste management, project stakeholder commitment and support for green practices and environmental requirements in technical specifications, significantly impact CE success in construction, with a 12.8% variance in CE when green procurement is practised. This implies that GCPPs have positive repercussions on CE success, where the CE success is expected to change as GCPPs levels increase.Practical implicationsThe study provides insights into green procurement, promoting its use in infrastructure development and aiding clients, particularly in the government sector with insights into the challenges and practices involved in green procurement. Practitioners can also benefit from better implementing CE strategies to draft and manage contracts for infrastructure projects that prioritize circularity.Originality/valueThe limited impact of GCPPs on advancing CE principles in construction suggests policy and practice must strengthen procurement requirements to fully leverage spending and drive the sector’s transition towards a circular model. Also, novel insight is provided into the most effective types of GCPPs for promoting CE success, aiding policymakers in optimizing construction procurement strategies.
An investigation of risk-based auditing (RBA) relationships from the stakeholders' perspective using PLS-SEM
Authors: Moschidis Stratos , Drogalas George , Chatzipetrou Evrikleia , Lois Petros 
Published: May 2024

PurposeThe present paper aims at the identification of the critical variables of risk-based auditing (RBA). The variables under examination are the internal audit (IA), the audit committee (AC) and the cooperation between the RBA and the stakeholders (audit committee, external auditors, internal auditors, board of directors, fraud investigators, chief risk manager) (COOP).Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire survey was conducted among 176 Greek companies. The questionnaires were addressed to accountants, internal auditors, managers, chief risk managers and the board of directors. A total of 96 questionnaires have been collected and analyzed. PLS-SEM modeling was used as a tool to test hypotheses and analyze the findings.FindingsThe results show that three variables, i.e. the internal audit, the audit committee and the RBA cooperation with stakeholders have a statistically significant and positive effect on risk-based auditing (RBA). Additionally, the existence of partial-complementary mediation of the internal audit in the audit committee-RBA interaction is confirmed.Originality/valueThis study is an original research that identifies the essential variables of risk-based auditing in Greek companies. It attempts to analyze the perceptions of all stakeholders in risk-based auditing, including the internal audit, the audit committee, etc. and is not restricted only on internal auditors. Furthermore, the analysis is conducted with PLS-SEM Modeling, which is an innovative tool of testing hypotheses and analyzing results.