bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Variation in leaf carbon economics, energy balance, and heat tolerance traits highlights differing timescales of adaptation and acclimation
Authors: Bison Nicole N. , Michaletz Sean T. 
Published: March 2024

Summary

Multivariate leaf trait correlations are hypothesized to originate from natural selection on carbon economics traits that control lifetime leaf carbon gain, and energy balance traits governing leaf temperatures, physiological rates, and heat injury. However, it is unclear whether macroevolution of leaf traits primarily reflects selection for lifetime carbon gain or energy balance, and whether photosynthetic heat tolerance is coordinated along these axes.

To evaluate these hypotheses, we measured carbon economics, energy balance, and photosynthetic heat tolerance traits for 177 species (157 families) in a common garden that minimizes co‐variation of taxa and climate.

We observed wide variation in carbon economics, energy balance, and heat tolerance traits. Carbon economics and energy balance (but not heat tolerance) traits were phylogenetically structured, suggesting macroevolution of leaf mass per area and leaf dry matter content reflects selection on carbon gain rather than energy balance. Carbon economics and energy balance traits varied along a common axis orthogonal to heat tolerance traits.

Our results highlight a fundamental mismatch in the timescales over which morphological and heat tolerance traits respond to environmental variation. Whereas carbon economics and energy balance traits are constrained by species' evolutionary histories, photosynthetic heat tolerance traits are not and can acclimate readily to leaf microclimates.
Who is building peace? A latent class analysis of youth peacebuilders in a conflict‐affected setting
Authors: Taylor Laura K. , Merrilees Christine E. , Goeke‐Morey Marcie C. , Shirlow Pete , Cummings E. Mark 
Published: March 2024

AbstractRebuilding society in the wake of conflict often falls on the generation born in peace. Yet, youth contributions to peacebuilding are often overlooked. This article challenges the narrative that sidelines the constructive contributions of young people in conflict‐affected settings. Instead, we identify different kinds of youth peacebuilders. Using a person‐centered approach, we conduct a latent class analysis of 590 adolescents (Mage = 16.8, SDage = 2.0, years old), evenly split by sex (51% female) and representing both communities, or conflict‐related identity groups, in Northern Ireland (38% Catholic, 62% Protestant). Across 10 indicators capturing different types and targets of prosocial action, the best fit to the data was a four‐class model: Peace in Name Only (36%), Peace at Home (33%), Peace Within Community (13%), and Future Peacebuilder (16%). Class membership varied based on youth's prior exposure to intergroup threat, or sectarian antisocial behavior. Prior exposure was related to a higher probability of being in the Peace at Home or Future Peacebuilder, compared to the Peace in Name Only class. The importance of recognizing the different kinds of youth peacebuilders in a conflict‐affected society is discussed, along with implications for global policy.
Cloning and functional mechanism of the dwarf gene gba affecting stem elongation and cellulose biosynthesis in jute (Corchorus olitorius)
Authors: Li Qin , Chen Siyuan , Chen Lu , Zhuang Lingling , Wei Huawei , Jiang Shaolian , Wang Chuanyu , Qi Jianmin , Fang Pingping , Xu Jiantang , Tao Aifen , Zhang Liwu 
Published: March 2024

SUMMARYPlant height (PH) is an important factor affecting bast fiber yield in jute. Here, we report the mechanism of dwarfism in the ‘Guangbaai’ (gba) of jute. The mutant gba had shorter internode length and cell length compared to the standard cultivar ‘TaiZi 4’ (TZ4). Exogenous GA3 treatment indicated that gba is a GA‐insensitive dwarf mutant. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis of three PH‐related traits via a high‐density genetic linkage map according to re‐seq showed that a total of 25 QTLs were identified, including 13 QTLs for PH, with phenotypic variation explained ranging from 2.42 to 74.16%. Notably, the functional mechanism of the candidate gene CoGID1a, the gibberellic acid receptor, of the major locus qPHIL5 was evaluated by transgenic analysis and virus‐induced gene silencing. A dwarf phenotype‐related single nucleotide mutation in CoGID1a was identified in gba, which was also unique to the dwarf phenotype of gba among 57 cultivars. Cogid1a was unable to interact with the growth‐repressor DELLA even in the presence of highly accumulated gibberellins in gba. Differentially expressed genes between transcriptomes of gba and TZ4 after GA3 treatment indicated up‐regulation of genes involved in gibberellin and cellulose synthesis in gba. Interestingly, it was found that up‐regulation of CoMYB46, a key transcription factor in the secondary cell wall, by the highly accumulated gibberellins in gba promoted the expression of cellulose synthase genes CoCesA4 and CoCesA7. These findings provide valuable insights into fiber development affected by endogenous gibberellin accumulation in plants.
An evaluation of the usability and durability of 3D printed versus standard suture materials
Authors: Nguyen Thang T. , Langenfeld Jason G. , Reinhart Benjamin C. , Lyden Elizabeth I. , Campos Abraham S. , Wadman Michael C. , Jamison Matthew R. , Morin Stephen A. , Barksdale Aaron N. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe capability to produce suture material using three‐dimensional (3D) printing technology may have applications in remote health facilities where rapid restocking of supplies is not an option. This is a feasibility study evaluating the usability of 3D‐printed sutures in the repair of a laceration wound when compared with standard suture material. The 3D‐printed suture material was manufactured using a fused deposition modelling 3D printer and nylon 3D printing filament. Study participants were tasked with performing laceration repairs on the pigs' feet, first with 3‐0 WeGo nylon suture material, followed by the 3D‐printed nylon suture material. Twenty‐six participants were enrolled in the study. Survey data demonstrated statistical significance with how well the 3D suture material performed with knot tying, 8.9 versus 7.5 (p = 0.0018). Statistical significance was observed in the 3D‐printed suture's ultimate tensile strength when compared to the 3‐0 Novafil suture (274.8 vs. 199.8 MPa, p = 0.0096). The 3D‐printed suture also demonstrated statistical significance in ultimate extension when compared to commercial 3‐0 WeGo nylon suture (49% vs. 37%, p = 0.0215). This study was successful in using 3D printing technology to manufacture suture material and provided insight into its usability when compared to standard suture material.
Smallest denominators
Authors: Marklof Jens 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWe establish higher dimensional versions of a recent theorem by Chen and Haynes [Int. J. Number Theory 19 (2023), 1405–1413] on the expected value of the smallest denominator of rational points in a randomly shifted interval of small length, and of the closely related 1977 Kruyswijk–Meijer conjecture recently proved by Balazard and Martin [Bull. Sci. Math. 187 (2023), Paper No. 103305]. We express the distribution of smallest denominators in terms of the void statistics of multidimensional Farey fractions and prove convergence of the distribution function and certain finite moments. The latter was previously unknown even in the one‐dimensional setting. We furthermore obtain a higher dimensional extension of Kargaev and Zhigljavsky's work on moments of the distance function for the Farey sequence [J. Number Theory 65 (1997), 130–149] as well as new results on pigeonhole statistics.
A narrative review of periodic breathing during sleep at high altitude: From acclimatizing lowlanders to adapted highlanders
Authors: Patrician Alexander , Anholm James D. , Ainslie Philip N. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPeriodic breathing during sleep at high altitude is almost universal among sojourners. Here, in the context of acclimatization and adaptation, we provide a contemporary review on periodic breathing at high altitude, and explore whether this is an adaptive or maladaptive process. The mechanism(s), prevalence and role of periodic breathing in acclimatized lowlanders at high altitude are contrasted with the available data from adapted indigenous populations (e.g. Andean and Tibetan highlanders). It is concluded that (1) periodic breathing persists with acclimatization in lowlanders and the severity is proportional to sleeping altitude; (2) periodic breathing does not seem to coalesce with poor sleep quality such that, with acclimatization, there appears to be a lengthening of cycle length and minimal impact on the average sleeping oxygen saturation; and (3) high altitude adapted highlanders appear to demonstrate a blunting of periodic breathing, compared to lowlanders, comprising a feature that withstands the negative influences of chronic mountain sickness. These observations indicate that periodic breathing persists with high altitude acclimatization with no obvious negative consequences; however, periodic breathing is attenuated with high altitude adaptation and therefore potentially reflects an adaptive trait to this environment.
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Understanding Well-Being in High-Performance Coaches: A Constructivist Grounded Theory Approach
Authors: Simova Marketa , Olusoga Peter , Brown Christopher J. , Chroni Stiliani “Ani” 
Published: March 2024

Objectives: The purpose of the study was to explore, in depth, well-being within the unique context of high-performance sports coaching. The aim was to capture the process of well-being while considering the contextual nuances and influences of high-performance coaching environments in a mid-range theory of coaches’ well-being. Design: Constructivist grounded theory served as a guiding approach for data collection and analysis. Method: Individual interviews (n = 20) were conducted with methodological rigour enhanced by originality, usefulness, resonance, and credibility. Aligned with the methodology, we utilised theoretical sampling to aid the development of individual categories. Results: Findings suggest that well-being is an integrating process between coaches’ personal values (identity) and culturally prescribed values (identity), with a degree of harmony as the overall goal. Conclusion: The mid-range theory presents a contextually bound process of coaches’ well-being. It provides a more practical insight into the area and highlights the importance of cultural considerations and competencies.
Sensitivity and specificity of the new Bio-Rad HIV screening test, Access HIV combo V2
Authors: Guiraud Vincent , Ciczora Yann , Cardona Muriel , Defer Christine , Gréaume Sandrine , Nogues David , Gautheret-Dejean Agnès 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT

Diagnosing of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) types 1 and 2 requires a screening with a highly sensitive and specific enzyme immunoassay and a low detection limit for the HIV-1 p24 antigen to minimize the diagnostic window. The objective of the study was to determine the sensitivity, specificity, and p24 limit of detection of the Access HIV combo V2 assay. Retrospective part of sensitivity: 452 HIV-1 positive samples from 403 chronic (9 different HIV-1 group M subtypes, 22 different HIV-1 group M CRFs, and 3 HIV-1 group O), 49 primary HIV-1 infections, 103 HIV-2 positive samples assessed at Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, 600 untyped HIV-1, 10 subtype-D, and 159 untyped HIV-2 samples assessed in Bio-Rad Laboratories. Prospective part of clinical specificity: all consecutive samples in two blood donor facilities and Pitié-Salpêtrière (6,570 patients) tested with Access HIV combo V2 and respectively Prism HIV O Plus (Abbott) or Architect HIV Ag/Ab Combo (Abbott) for Ag/Ab screening, and Procleix Ultrio (Gen Probe) for HIV RNA screening. Limit of detection for p24 antigen was assessed on recombinant virus-like particles (10 HIV-1 group M subtypes/CRFs, HIV-1 group O). Sensitivity [95% confidence interval (CI)] of Access HIV combo V2 was 100% (99.63–100) for HIV-1 chronic infection, 100% (98.55–100) for HIV-2 chronic infection, and 100% (93.00–100) for HIV-1 primary infection. Specificity (95% CI) was 99.98 (99.91–100). Limit of detection for p24 antigen was around 0.43 IU/mL [interquartile range (0.38–0.56)], and consistent across the 11 analyzed subtypes/CRFs. Hence, with both high sensitivity and specificity, Access HIV combo V2 is a suitable screening assay for HIV-1/2 infection.

IMPORTANCE
Bio-Rad is one of the leading human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) screening test manufacturers. This laboratory released in 2021 their new version of the Access combo HIV test. However, to date, there have been no studies regarding its performance, especially its limit of detection of the diverse p24 antigen. We present the sensitivity (chronic and primary HIV-1 infection and HIV-2 chronic infection), specificity (blood donors and hospitalized patients), and raw data for the p24/seroconversion panels the manufacturer gave to the European agencies.
Bordetella
filamentous hemagglutinin and adenylate cyclase toxin interactions on the bacterial surface are consistent with FhaB-mediated delivery of ACT to phagocytic cells
Authors: Nash Zachary M. , Inatsuka Carol S. , Cotter Peggy A. , Johnson Richard M. 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT

Bordetella
species that cause respiratory infections in mammals include
B. pertussis
, which causes human whooping cough, and
B. bronchiseptica
, which infects nearly all mammals. Both bacterial species produce filamentous hemagglutinin (FhaB) and adenylate cyclase toxin (ACT), prominent surface-associated and secreted virulence factors that contribute to persistence in the lower respiratory tract by inhibiting clearance by phagocytic cells. FhaB and ACT proteins interact with themselves, each other, and host cells. Using immunoblot analyses, we showed that ACT binds to FhaB on the bacterial surface before it can be detected in culture supernatants. We determined that SphB1, a surface protease identified based on its requirement for FhaB cleavage, is also required for ACT cleavage, and we determined that the presence of ACT blocks SphB1-dependent and -independent cleavage of FhaB, but the presence of FhaB does not affect SphB1-dependent cleavage of ACT. The primary SphB1-dependent cleavage site on ACT is proximal to ACT’s active site, in a region that is critical for ACT activity. We also determined that FhaB-bound ACT on the bacterial surface can intoxicate host cells producing CR3, the receptor for ACT. In addition to increasing our understanding of FhaB, ACT, and FhaB-ACT interactions on the
Bordetella
surface, our data are consistent with a model in which FhaB functions as a novel toxin delivery system by binding to ACT and allowing its release upon binding of ACT to its receptor, CR3, on phagocytic cells.

IMPORTANCE

Bacteria need to control the variety, abundance, and conformation of proteins on their surface to survive. Members of the Gram-negative bacterial genus
Bordetella
include
B. pertussis
, which causes whooping cough in humans, and
B. bronchiseptica
, which causes respiratory infections in a broad range of mammals. These species produce two prominent virulence factors, the two-partner secretion (TPS) effector FhaB and adenylate cyclase toxin (ACT), that interact with themselves, each other, and host cells. Here, we determined that ACT binds FhaB on the bacterial surface before being detected in culture supernatants and that ACT bound to FhaB can be delivered to eukaryotic cells. Our data are consistent with a model in which FhaB delivers ACT specifically to phagocytic cells. This is the first report of a TPS system facilitating the delivery of a separate polypeptide toxin to target cells and expands our understanding of how TPS systems contribute to bacterial pathogenesis.
Complete genome sequence of
Chlamydia psittaci
АМК-16, isolated from a small ruminant in the Middle Volga Region, Russia
Authors: Zaitsev Sergey , Khizhnyakova Mariya , Saltykov Yury , Evstifeev Vitaliy , Khusainov Fidail , Ivanova Svetlana , Morozova Daria , Yakovlev Sergey , Larionova Olga , Feodorova Valentina 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT

We report the complete genome sequence of the
Chlamydia psittaci
АМК-16, recovered from the aborted caprine fetus during a case of chlamydia infection. This 1,152,497-bp genome with 7,552-bp cryptic plasmid provides novel insights into the genetic diversity of chlamydia agent strains particularly those causing the infection in small ruminants.
Use of the 23S rRNA gene as a target template in the universal loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) of genomic DNA from phytoplasmas
Authors: Akahori Mako , Miyazaki Akio , Koinuma Hiroaki , Tokuda Ryosuke , Iwabuchi Nozomu , Kitazawa Yugo , Maejima Kensaku , Namba Shigetou , Yamaji Yasuyuki 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT

Plant-pathogenic bacteria cause numerous diseases in host plants and can result in serious damage. Timely and accurate diagnostic techniques are, therefore, crucial. While advances in molecular techniques have led to diagnostic systems able to distinguish known plant pathogens at the species or strain level, systems covering larger categories are mostly lacking. In this study, a specific and universal LAMP-based diagnostic system was developed for phytoplasmas, a large group of insect-borne plant-pathogenic bacteria that cause significant agricultural losses worldwide. Targeting the 23S rRNA gene of phytoplasma, the newly designed primer set CaPU23S-4 detected 31 ‘
Candidatus
Phytoplasma’ tested within 30 min. This primer set also showed high specificity, without false-positive results for other bacteria (including close relatives of phytoplasmas) or healthy plants. The detection sensitivity was ~10,000 times higher than that of PCR methods for phytoplasma detection. A simple, rapid method of DNA extraction, by boiling phytoplasma-infected tissues, was developed as well. When used together with the universal LAMP assay, it enabled the prompt and accurate detection of phytoplasmas from plants and insects. The results demonstrate the potential of the 23S rRNA gene as a versatile target for the LAMP-based universal detection of bacteria at the genus level and provide a novel avenue for exploring this gene as molecular marker for phytoplasma presence detection.

IMPORTANCE

Phytoplasmas are associated with economically important diseases in crops worldwide, including lethal yellowing of coconut palm, “flavescence dorée” and “bois noir” of grapevine, X-disease in stone fruits, and white leaf and grassy shoot in sugarcane. Numerous LAMP-based diagnostic assays, mostly targeting the 16S rRNA gene, have been reported for phytoplasmas. However, these assays can only detect a limited number of ‘
Candidatus
Phytoplasma’ species, whereas the genus includes at least 50 of these species. In this study, a universal, specific, and rapid diagnostic system was developed that can detect all provisionally classified phytoplasmas within 1 h by combining the LAMP technique targeting the 23S rRNA gene with a simple method for DNA extraction. This diagnostic system will facilitate the on-site detection of phytoplasmas and may aid in the discovery of new phytoplasma-associated diseases and putative insect vectors, irrespective of the availability of infrastructure and experimental resources.
Functional versatility of Zur in metal homeostasis, motility, biofilm formation, and stress resistance in
Yersinia pseudotuberculosis
Authors: Gu Yanchao , Liu Yongde , Mao Wei , Peng Ying , Han Xiaoru , Jin Han , Xu Jingling , Chang Liyang , Hou Yixin , Shen Xihui , Liu Xingyu , Yang Yantao 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT

Zur (zinc uptake regulator) is a significant member of the Fur (ferric uptake regulator) superfamily, which is widely distributed in bacteria. Zur plays crucial roles in zinc homeostasis and influences cell development and environmental adaptation in various species.
Yersinia pseudotuberculosis
is a Gram-negative enteric that pathogen usually serves as a model organism in pathogenicity studies. The regulatory effects of Zur on the zinc transporter ZnuABC and the protein secretion system T6SS have been documented in
Y. pseudotuberculosis
. In this study, a comparative transcriptomics analysis between a ∆
zur
mutant and the wild-type (WT) strain of
Y. pseudotuberculosis
was conducted using RNA-seq. This analysis revealed global regulation by Zur across multiple functional categories, including membrane transport, cell motility, and molecular and energy metabolism. Additionally, Zur mediates the homeostasis not only of zinc but also ferric and magnesium
in vivo
. There was a notable decrease in 35 flagellar biosynthesis and assembly-related genes, leading to reduced swimming motility in the ∆
zur
mutant strain. Furthermore, Zur upregulated multiple simple sugar and oligopeptide transport system genes by directly binding to their promoters. The absence of Zur inhibited biofilm formation as well as reduced resistance to chloramphenicol and acidic stress. This study illustrates the comprehensive regulatory functions of Zur, emphasizing its importance in stress resistance and pathogenicity in
Y. pseudotuberculosis
.

IMPORTANCE

Bacteria encounter diverse stresses in the environment and possess essential regulators to modulate the expression of genes in responding to the stresses for better fitness and survival. Zur (zinc uptake regulator) plays a vital role in zinc homeostasis. Studies of Zur from multiple species reviewed that it influences cell development, stress resistance, and virulence of bacteria.
Y. pseudotuberculosis
is an enteric pathogen that serves a model organism in the study of pathogenicity, virulence factors, and mechanism of environmental adaptation. In this study, transcriptomics analysis of Zur’s regulons was conducted in
Y. pseudotuberculosis
. The functions of Zur as a global regulator in metal homeostasis, motility, nutrient acquisition, glycan metabolism, and nucleotide metabolism, in turn, increasing the biofilm formation, stress resistance, and virulence were reviewed. The importance of Zur in environmental adaptation and pathogenicity of
Y. pseudotuberculosis
was emphasized.