bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect ofHuntiella decorticansand drought onNothofagus dombeyiseedlings
Authors: Masera Pablo , Pildain María Belén , Aquino Mariano , De Errasti Andrés , Dalla Salda Guillermina , Rajchenberg Mario , Urretavizcaya María Florencia 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIn the temperate forests of Patagonia, Argentina, Nothofagus dombeyi, commonly known as Coihue, has shown sensitivity to intense drought events, leading to mortality. Studies have been conducted on Coihue decline and mortality using a variety of approaches, including the role of extreme heat waves and drought, pests and pathogens, particularly the fungus Huntiella decorticans. This work aimed to evaluate survival, vitality, necrosis extension and growth response of inoculated and non-inoculated Coihue seedlings from different provenances exposed to different soil moisture levels. To achieve this goal, 96 Coihue seedlings from 2 different provenances were assigned to 8 different experimental treatments. Treatments were composed of the presence or absence of H. decorticans and different soil moisture content conditions, dry, wet and the exposure to dry condition at different times of the experiment. Both dry conditions and H. decorticans had negative effects on the survival and growth rate of Coihue. The combination of both factors resulted in 100 % mortality, regardless of the plants’ geographical provenances. Mortality began to be observed 3 months after pathogen inoculation, during the warmest month. Necrosis extension produced by the pathogen was similar for most of the inoculated treatments. The treatment under wet condition during the experiment but subjected to dry condition in the previous growing season presented lower necrosis extension (8.4 ± 3.2 %), than the other treatments. The radial increase was also affected by the treatments and geographical provenance, being those plants exposed to dry conditions which grew less (0.19 ± 0.21 mm). This study enhances our understanding of the plant–pathogen interaction. According to our results, Coihue may become more susceptible to mortality, when H. decorticans and water deficit conditions act synergistically.
Molar wear in house mice: insight into diet preferences at an ecological timescale?
Authors: Renaud Sabrina , Ledevin Ronan , Dufour Anne-Béatrice , Romestaing Caroline , Hardouin Emilie A 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
In molars without permanent eruption, wear deeply modifies the geometry of the crown. To test for a signature of diet on wear dynamics, the molar geometry was compared between commensal house mice, relying on an omnivorous-granivorous diet, and Sub-Antarctic relatives, characterized by a switch towards a more ‘predatory’ behaviour. Laboratory-bred offspring of commensal mice served as a reference by providing mice of known age. Molar geometry was quantified using dense 3D semi-landmark based descriptors of the whole molar row and the upper molar only.
Laboratory offspring displayed a decreased rate of wear compared to their commensal relatives, due to reduced mastication in mice fed ad libitum. Sub-Antarctic mice displayed a similarly decreased rate of molar wear, in agreement with an optimization towards incisor biting to seize prey. Laboratory offspring and Sub-Antarctic mice were further characterized by straight molar rows, whereas in commensal mice, the erupting third molar deviated away from the longitudinal alignment with the other molars, due to masticatory loadings.
Quantifying changes in molar geometry could thus contribute to trace subtle diet variations, and provide a direct insight into the constraints during mastication, shedding light on the functional role of adaptive changes in molar geometry.
A diving beetle’s dilemma: the impact of sexual conflict on Rensch’s rule
Authors: Polido Mariah , Lopez Vinicius M , Gonzaga da Silva Guilherme , Del Lama Marco A , Guillermo-Ferreira Rhainer 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Sexual conflict is believed to be an important evolutionary force driving phenotypic diversification, especially sexual dimorphism. Males of diving beetles sometimes resort to coercive tactics to increase their chances of successful reproduction, which can impose costs on females. Sexual conflict can also drive sexual size dimorphism (SSD), particularly in species where males are larger than females. In this context, Rensch’s rule states that SSD tends to increase with body size in species with male-biased SSD and decrease with body size in species with female-biased SSD. The role of sexual conflict in driving the evolution of the allometric relationships between males and females remains unclear. We addressed whether sexual conflict in diving beetles might drive SSD. We found that dytiscids do not follow Rensch’s rule, whereby the SSD is isometric in relationship to species body size. Species with adhesive pads (Dytiscinae) showed a more pronounced SSD than other diving beetle species. These results suggest that the presence of adhesive pads might reduce the force necessary to control female movement during copulation and drive the evolution of smaller males. The findings of this study provide new insights into the role of sexual conflict in driving the evolution of SSD in animals.
Multimodal layer modelling reveals in vivo pathology in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Northall Alicia , Doehler Juliane , Weber Miriam , Tellez Igor , Petri Susanne , Prudlo Johannes , Vielhaber Stefan , Schreiber Stefanie , Kuehn Esther 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressing neurodegenerative disease characterized by the loss of motor control. Current understanding of ALS pathology is largely based on post-mortem investigations at advanced disease stages. A systematic in vivo description of the microstructural changes that characterize early stage ALS, and their subsequent development, is so far lacking.
Recent advances in ultra-high field (7 T) MRI data modelling allow us to investigate cortical layers in vivo. Given the layer-specific and topographic signature of ALS pathology, we combined submillimetre structural 7 T MRI data (qT1, QSM), functional localizers of body parts (upper limb, lower limb, face) and layer modelling to systematically describe pathology in the primary motor cortex (M1), in 12 living ALS patients with reference to 12 matched controls. Longitudinal sampling was performed for a subset of patients. We calculated multimodal pathology maps for each layer (superficial layer, layer 5a, layer 5b, layer 6) of M1 to identify hot spots of demyelination, iron and calcium accumulation in different cortical fields.
We show preserved mean cortical thickness and layer architecture of M1, despite significantly increased iron in layer 6 and significantly increased calcium in layer 5a and superficial layer, in patients compared to controls. The behaviourally first-affected cortical field shows significantly increased iron in L6 compared to other fields, while calcium accumulation is atopographic and significantly increased in the low myelin borders between cortical fields compared to the fields themselves. A subset of patients with longitudinal data shows that the low myelin borders are particularly disrupted and that calcium hot spots, but to a lesser extent iron hot spots, precede demyelination. Finally, we highlight that a very slow progressing patient (Patient P4) shows a distinct pathology profile compared to the other patients.
Our data show that layer-specific markers of in vivo pathology can be identified in ALS patients with a single 7 T MRI measurement after first diagnosis, and that such data provide critical insights into the individual disease state. Our data highlight the non-topographic architecture of ALS disease spread and the role of calcium, rather than iron accumulation, in predicting future demyelination. We also highlight a potentially important role of low myelin borders, that are known to connect to multiple areas within the M1 architecture, in disease spread. Finally, the distinct pathology profile of a very-slow progressing patient (Patient P4) highlights a distinction between disease duration and progression.
Our findings demonstrate the importance of in vivo histology imaging for the diagnosis and prognosis of neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS.
An Intelligent Air Monitoring System For Pollution Prediction: A Predictive Healthcare Perspective
Authors: Behal Veerawali , Singh Ramandeep 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
The extensive potential of Internet of Things (IoT) technology has enabled the widespread real-time perception and analysis of health conditions. Furthermore, the integration of IoT in the healthcare industry has resulted in the development of intelligent applications, including smartphone-based healthcare, wellness-aware recommendations and smart medical systems. Building upon these technological advancements, this research puts forth an enhanced framework designed for the real-time monitoring, detection and prediction of health vulnerabilities arising from air pollution. Specifically, a four-layered model is presented to categorize health-impacting particles associated with air pollution into distinct classes based on probabilistic parameters of Health Adversity (HA). Subsequently, the HA parameters are extracted and temporally analyzed using FogBus, a fog computing platform, to identify vulnerabilities in individual health. To facilitate accurate prediction, an assessment of the Air Impact on Health is conducted using a Differential Evolution-Recurrent Neural Network. Moreover, the temporal analysis of health vulnerability employs the Self-Organized Mapping technique for visualization. The proposed model’s validity is evaluated using a challenging dataset comprising nearly 60 212 data instances obtained from the online University of California, Irvine repository. Performance enhancement is assessed by comparing the proposed model with state-of-the-art decision-making techniques, considering statistical parameters such as temporal effectiveness, coefficient of determination, accuracy, specificity, sensitivity, reliability and stability.
ESOMIR: a curated database of biomarker genes and miRNAs associated with esophageal cancer
Authors: Sindhoo Asma , Sipy Saima , Khan Abbas , Selvaraj Gurudeeban , Alshammari Abdulrahman , Casida Mark Earl , Wei Dong-Qing 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
‘Esophageal cancer’ (EC) is a highly aggressive and deadly complex disease. It comprises two types, esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), with Barrett’s esophagus (BE) being the only known precursor. Recent research has revealed that microRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role in the development, prognosis and treatment of EC and are involved in various human diseases. Biological databases have become essential for cancer research as they provide information on genes, proteins, pathways and their interactions. These databases collect, store and manage large amounts of molecular data, which can be used to identify patterns, predict outcomes and generate hypotheses. However, no comprehensive database exists for EC and miRNA relationships. To address this gap, we developed a dynamic database named ‘ESOMIR (miRNA in esophageal cancer) (https://esomir.dqweilab-sjtu.com)’, which includes information about targeted genes and miRNAs associated with EC. The database uses analysis and prediction methods, including experimentally endorsed miRNA(s) information. ESOMIR is a user-friendly interface that allows easy access to EC-associated data by searching for miRNAs, target genes, sequences, chromosomal positions and associated signaling pathways. The search modules are designed to provide specific data access to users based on their requirements. Additionally, the database provides information about network interactions, signaling pathways and region information of chromosomes associated with the 3ʹuntranslated region (3ʹUTR) or 5ʹUTR and exon sites. Users can also access energy levels of specific miRNAs with targeted genes. A fuzzy term search is included in each module to enhance the ease of use for researchers. ESOMIR can be a valuable tool for researchers and clinicians to gain insight into EC, including identifying biomarkers and treatments for this aggressive tumor.
Database URL https://esomir.dqweilab-sjtu.com
Double robustness for complier parameters and a semi-parametric test for complier characteristics
Authors: Singh Rahul , Sun Liyang 
Published: October 2023

Summary
We propose a semi-parametric test to evaluate (a) whether different instruments induce subpopulations of compliers with the same observable characteristics, on average; and (b) whether compliers have observable characteristics that are the same as the full population, treated subpopulation, or untreated subpopulation, on average. The test is a flexible robustness check for the external validity of instruments. To justify the test, we characterise the doubly robust moment for Abadie’s class of complier parameters, and we analyse a machine learning update to weighting that we call the automatic $\kappa$ weight. We use the test to reinterpret Angrist and Evans' different local average treatment effect estimates obtained using different instrumental variables.
Effective fitness under fluctuating selection with genetic drift
Authors: Song Siliang , Zhang Jianzhi 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
The natural environment fluctuates for virtually every population of organisms. As a result, the fitness of a mutant may vary temporally. While commonly used for summarizing the effect of fluctuating selection on the mutant, geometric mean fitness can be misleading under some circumstances due to the influence of genetic drift. Here, we show by mathematical proof and computer simulation that, with genetic drift, the geometric mean fitness does not accurately reflect the overall effect of fluctuating selection. We propose an alternative measure based on the average expected allele frequency change caused by selection and demonstrate that this measure—effective fitness—better captures the overall effect of fluctuating selection in the presence of drift.
Mutator transposon insertions within maize genes often provide a novel outward reading promoter
Authors: Ellison Erika L , Zhou Peng , Hermanson Peter , Chu Yi-Hsuan , Read Andrew , Hirsch Candice N , Grotewold Erich , Springer Nathan M 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
The highly active family of Mutator (Mu) DNA transposons has been widely used for forward and reverse genetics in maize. There are examples of Mu-suppressible alleles that result in conditional phenotypic effects based on the activity of Mu. Phenotypes from these Mu-suppressible mutations are observed in Mu-active genetic backgrounds, but absent when Mu activity is lost. For some Mu-suppressible alleles, phenotypic suppression likely results from an outward-reading promoter within Mu that is only active when the autonomous Mu element is silenced or lost. We isolated 35 Mu alleles from the UniformMu population that represent insertions in 24 different genes. Most of these mutant alleles are due to insertions within gene coding sequences, but several 5′ UTR and intron insertions were included. RNA-seq and de novo transcript assembly were utilized to document the transcripts produced from 33 of these Mu insertion alleles. For 20 of the 33 alleles, there was evidence of transcripts initiating within the Mu sequence reading through the gene. This outward-reading promoter activity was detected in multiple types of Mu elements and does not depend on the orientation of Mu. Expression analyses of Mu-initiated transcripts revealed the Mu promoter often provides gene expression levels and patterns that are similar to the wild-type gene. These results suggest the Mu promoter may represent a minimal promoter that can respond to gene cis-regulatory elements. Findings from this study have implications for maize researchers using the UniformMu population, and more broadly highlight a strategy for transposons to co-exist with their host.
Galectin-3 does not interact with RNA directly
Authors: Peltan Egan L , Riley Nicholas M , Flynn Ryan A , Roberts David S , Bertozzi Carolyn R 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Galectin-3, well characterized as a glycan binding protein, has been identified as a putative RNA binding protein, possibly through participation in pre-mRNA maturation through interactions with splicosomes. Given recent developments with cell surface RNA biology, the putative dual-function nature of galectin-3 evokes a possible non-classical connection between glycobiology and RNA biology. However, with limited functional evidence of a direct RNA interaction, many molecular-level observations rely on affinity reagents and lack appropriate genetic controls. Thus, evidence of a direct interaction remains elusive. We demonstrate that antibodies raised to endogenous human galectin-3 can isolate RNA-protein crosslinks, but this activity remains insensitive to LGALS3 knock-out. Proteomic characterization of anti-galectin-3 IPs revealed enrichment of galectin-3, but high abundance of hnRNPA2B1, an abundant, well-characterized RNA-binding protein with weak homology to the N-terminal domain of galectin-3, in the isolate. Genetic ablation of HNRNPA2B1, but not LGALS3, eliminates the ability of the anti-galectin-3 antibodies to isolate RNA-protein crosslinks, implying either an indirect interaction or cross-reactivity. To address this, we introduced an epitope tag to the endogenous C-terminal locus of LGALS3. Isolation of the tagged galectin-3 failed to reveal any RNA-protein crosslinks. This result suggests that the galectin-3 does not directly interact with RNA and may be misidentified as an RNA-binding protein, at least in HeLa where the putative RNA associations were first identified. We encourage further investigation of this phenomenon employ gene deletions and, when possible, endogenous epitope tags to achieve the specificity required to evaluate potential interactions.
Functional analysis of germline VANGL2 variants using rescue assays of vangl2 knockout zebrafish
Authors: Derrick Christopher J , Szenker-Ravi Emmanuelle , Santos-Ledo Adrian , Alqahtani Ahlam , Yusof Amirah , Eley Lorraine , Coleman Alistair H L , Tohari Sumanty , Ng Alvin Yu-Jin , Venkatesh Byrappa , Alharby Essa , Mansard Luke , Bonnet-Dupeyron Marie-Noelle , Roux Anne-Francoise , Vaché Christel , Roume Joëlle , Bouvagnet Patrice , Almontashiri Naif A M , Henderson Deborah J , Reversade Bruno , Chaudhry Bill 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Developmental studies have shown that the evolutionarily conserved Wnt Planar Cell Polarity (PCP) pathway is essential for the development of a diverse range of tissues and organs including the brain, spinal cord, heart and sensory organs, as well as establishment of the left-right body axis. Germline mutations in the highly conserved PCP gene VANGL2 in humans have only been associated with central nervous system malformations, and functional testing to understand variant impact has not been performed. Here we report three new families with missense variants in VANGL2 associated with heterotaxy and congenital heart disease p.(Arg169His), non-syndromic hearing loss p.(Glu465Ala) and congenital heart disease with brain defects p.(Arg135Trp). To test the in vivo impact of these and previously described variants, we have established clinically-relevant assays using mRNA rescue of the vangl2 mutant zebrafish. We show that all variants disrupt Vangl2 function, although to different extents and depending on the developmental process. We also begin to identify that different VANGL2 missense variants may be haploinsufficient and discuss evidence in support of pathogenicity. Together, this study demonstrates that zebrafish present a suitable pipeline to investigate variants of unknown significance and suggests new avenues for investigation of the different developmental contexts of VANGL2 function that are clinically meaningful.
MdAIL5 overexpression promotes apple adventitious shoot regeneration by regulating hormone signaling and activating the expression of shoot development-related genes
Authors: Liu Kai , Yang An , Yan Jiadi , Liang Zhaolin , Yuan Gaopeng , Cong Peihua , Zhang Liyi , Han Xiaolei , Zhang Caixia 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Adventitious shoot (AS) regeneration is a significant factor in the genetic transformation of horticultural plants. It is also a noteworthy approach to their vegetative propagation. AS regeneration remains highly dependent on the genotype or maturity of explants. We here found that the AS regeneration abilities of apple leaves were positively correlated with MdAIL5 expression. MdAIL5 overexpression dramatically increased AS regeneration efficiency. Notably, MdAIL5 overexpression could restore the AS formation ability of explants to a certain extent, which was lost with an increase in maturity. Endogenous hormone detection revealed that MdAIL5 overexpression changed the contents of auxin, cytokinin (CK), and other hormones in apple leaves. Transcriptome analysis revealed that many genes related to auxin, CK, and brassinolide signaling pathways were significantly and differentially expressed between MdAIL5-overexpressing transgenic apple and wild-type apple plants. Yeast one-hybrid assays, the electrophoretic mobility shift assay, and the dual-luciferase reporter assay revealed that MdAIL5 directly binds to MdARF9 and MdHB14 promoters and positively affects their expression. We here established a model of MdAIL5 regulating AS formation, which acts as a theoretical basis for facilitating genotype- or explant maturity-independent AS regeneration in the future.
Naked Civil Servant: Queer Sex, Catholicism and Conformism in the Post-War London Diaries of George Lucas
Authors: Janes Dominic 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
The minutely documented diaries of an ‘everyman’ such as George Lucas enable us to view the complex pleasures and challenging realities of the post-war queer quotidian in remarkable detail. A sample of the years after 1957, when Lucas was aged in his thirties, suggests that more attention needs to be paid to age-differential relationships and to the problematic aspects of the sexual idolization of young men. Lucas’s respectably boring career and Catholic faith can, however, be understood as having provided the stability on which his emotional survival depended, helping us to view other such unglamorous queer lives with greater empathy.
Prospects of battery assembly for electric vehicles based on patent analysis
Authors: Yang Chen , Shi Hong-Juan 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
The ceiling of energy density of batteries in materials level motivates the innovation of cell, module and pack that constitute the battery assembly for electric vehicles (EVs). Patent analysis is a powerful means to inform technology life cycle and forecast upcoming innovations. To date, only a handful of research have quantitatively analysed and compared battery assembly in the EV field, resulting in a lack of information to discern the battery layout. Herein, battery patents are categorized into cell, module and pack levels, and are recorded with a function of timeline and technology life cycle to identify their development status. It indicates the maturity stage of the cell level while noting the growth stage of module and pack levels, which probably results from the intensive demand of large-size and high-quality batteries for EVs. Moreover, the global patent distribution reveals that China and Japan possess most patents among cell, module and pack levels, and that patent assignees are scattered in China, whereas concentrated in Japan and Korea. This work is expected to figure out the battery technology trends to construct energy-dense batteries in the EV field, as well as provide instructive information for decision-makers to lay out battery technologies in the future.