bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Episodic Future Thinking Reduces Delay Discounting of Gains and Losses: The Role of Regulatory Focus
Authors: Tang Li , Toyama Miki 
Published: February 2024

AbstractWe examined the moderating effect of regulatory foci on the efficacy of episodic future thinking in reducing delay discounting. We hypothesized that the impact of imagining positive future events (vs. recent positive events) on delay discounting of gains would be stronger for individuals with a high promotion focus than for those with a high prevention focus (Hypothesis 1). Conversely, the effects of imagining adverse future events (vs. recent negative events) on delay discounting of losses would be stronger for individuals with a high prevention focus than for those with a high promotion focus (Hypothesis 2). We conducted two experiments in which participants, randomly allocated to episodic future thinking (EFT) or episodic recent thinking (ERT) groups, completed a delayed discounting task of gain (Experiment 1) or loss (Experiment 2). Experiment 1 (N = 73) weakly supported Hypothesis 1; Experiment 2 (N = 99) did not support Hypothesis 2. Our findings suggest positive EFT is particularly effective for individuals with a high promotion focus compared to individuals with a high prevention focus, which further reveals how EFT attenuates delay discounting.
Pluralistic Ignorance did not Prevent Paternity Leave in Japan in December 2021: A Replication Study
Authors: Kawamura Yuta , Totake Kanatsu 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn recent times, the circumstances surrounding childcare leave in Japan have undergone substantial change. The present study aimed to replicate the study by Miyajima and Yamaguchi (2017), who demonstrated that pluralistic ignorance inhibits paternity leave. Our preregistered replication survey, which comprised 222 employed males, found that participants recognized others' attitudes toward paternity leave as more negative than they actually were. This result indicates that, as in the previous study, pluralistic ignorance about paternity leave still exists. However, unlike Miyajima and Yamaguchi's (2017) work, pluralistic ignorance did not inhibit participants' willingness to take paternity leave. The potential causes of these differences are discussed.
Socioeconomic Advantage or Community Attachment? A Register‐Based Study on the Difference in National Lutheran Church Affiliation Between Finnish and Swedish Speakers in Finland
Authors: Xia Weiqian , Kolk Martin , Saarela Jan 
Published: February 2024

AbstractSecularization theory has been challenged by research showing religious persistence and upswing in contexts across the world. In Europe, particularly in highly secular and historically religiously homogeneous Nordic settings, there has been little research, and representative data for minority groups are rare. We offer a pioneering study using national register data to study religious changes over the past five decades in Finland, where the two native ethnolinguistic groups—Finnish and Swedish speakers—offer a unique study context. We use register data with yearly information on every individual's religious affiliation to compare the two groups, exploring the mechanisms behind any differentials. Swedish speakers are found to be consistently more affiliated with the National Lutheran Church than Finnish speakers. This finding contradicts the expectation of modernization theory because the Swedish‐speaking population is, in some aspects, socioeconomically advantaged in Finnish society. The higher affiliation level of Swedish speakers can be partly explained by lower levels of internal migration, which is possibly driven by stronger community attachment. Our results suggest that community cohesion may help preserve the religious tradition of a minority group, even in the absence of socioeconomic disadvantages or threats from the majority.
Is food preference innate instinct driven or human's free will?
Authors: Shi Weiyue , Eidenberger Thomas 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe question whether food preference decisions are controlled by innate instincts, or a conscious decision‐making process is still open. The answer to this question is important not only for neuroscientists, psychologists, and philosophers but also for food scientists and developers. Looking from different perspectives involved in food preference decisions could not only settle a long ongoing debate but also pave the way to understand why people prefer to eat what they eat.
Validation of dried blood spots for capturing hepatitis C virus diversity for genomic surveillance
Authors: Tully Damien C. , Power Karen A. , Sarette Jacklyn , Stopka Thomas J. , Friedmann Peter D. , Korthuis P. Todd , Cooper Hannah , Young April M. , Seal David W. , Westergaard Ryan P. , Allen Todd M. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractDried blood spots (DBS) have emerged as a promising alternative to traditional venous blood for hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing. However, their capacity to accurately reflect the genetic diversity of HCV remains poorly understood. We employed deep sequencing and advanced phylogenetic analyses on paired plasma and DBS samples from two common subtypes to evaluate the suitability of DBS for genomic surveillance. Results demonstrated that DBS captured equivalent viral diversity compared to plasma with no phylogenetic discordance observed. The ability of DBS to accurately reflect the profile of viral genetic diversity suggests it may be a promising avenue for future surveillance efforts to curb HCV outbreaks.
Application of eprinomectin‐containing parasiticides at label doses causes neurological toxicosis in cats homozygous for ABCB11930_1931del TC
Authors: Mealey Katrina L. , Burke Neal S. , Villarino Nicolas F. , Court Michael H. , Heusser Jennifer P. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe feline MDR1 mutation (ABCB11930_1931delTC) has been associated with neurological toxicosis after topical application of eprinomectin products labeled for feline use. Information was collected from veterinarians who submitted samples for ABCB11930_1931delTC genotyping. In most cases, the submission form indicated an adverse event involving eprinomectin, in other cases submitting veterinarians were contacted to determine whether the patient had experienced an adverse drug event involving eprinomectin. If so, additional information was obtained to determine whether the case met inclusion criteria. 14 cases were highly consistent with eprinomectin toxicosis. Eight cats were homozygous for ABCB11930_1931del TC (3 died; 5 recovered). Six cats were homozygous wildtype (2 died; 4 recovered). The observed ABCB11930_1931delTC frequency (57%) was higher than the expected frequency (≤1%) in the feline population (Fisher Exact test, p < 0.01). Among wildtype cats, four were concurrently treated with potential competitive inhibitors of P‐glycoprotein. Results indicate that topical eprinomectin products, should be avoided in cats homozygous for ABCB11930_1931delTC. This is a serious, preventable adverse event occurring in an identifiable subpopulation treated with FDA‐approved products in accordance with label directions. Acquired P‐glycoprotein deficiency resulting from drug interactions may enhance susceptibility to eprinomectin‐induced neurological toxicosis in any cat, regardless of ABCB1 genotype.
Mechanical properties of minerals in lunar and HED meteorites from nanoindentation testing: Implications for space mining
Authors: Peña‐Asensio Eloy , Trigo‐Rodríguez Josep M. , Sort Jordi , Ibáñez-Insa Jordi , Rimola Albert 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis study analyzes the mechanical and elemental properties of lunar meteorites DHOFAR 1084, JAH 838, NWA 11444, and HED meteorite NWA 6013. Utilizing microscale rock mechanics experiments, that is, nanoindentation testing, this research reveals significant heterogeneity in both mechanical and elemental attributes across the mineral samples. Olivines, pyroxene, feldspar, and spinel demonstrate similar compositional and mechanical characteristics. Conversely, other silicate and oxide minerals display variations in their mechanical properties. Terrestrial olivines subjected to nanoindentation tests exhibit increased hardness and a higher Young's modulus than their lunar counterparts. A linear correlation is observed between the H/Er ratio and both plastic and elastic energies. Additionally, the alignment of mineral phases along a constant H/Er ratio suggests variations in local porosity. This study also highlights the need for further research focusing on porosity, phase insertions within the matrix, and structural orientations to refine our understanding of these mechanical characteristics. The findings have direct implications for in situ resource utilization strategies and future state‐of‐the‐art impact models. This comprehensive characterization serves as a foundational resource for future research efforts in space science and mining.
Genetic basis of variation in thermal developmental plasticity for Drosophila melanogaster body pigmentation
Authors: Lafuente E. , Duneau D. , Beldade P. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractSeasonal differences in insect pigmentation are attributed to the influence of ambient temperature on pigmentation development. This thermal plasticity is adaptive and heritable, and thereby capable of evolving. However, the specific genes contributing to the variation in plasticity that can drive its evolution remain largely unknown. To address this, we analysed pigmentation and pigmentation plasticity in Drosophila melanogaster. We measured two components of pigmentation in the thorax and abdomen: overall darkness and the proportion of length covered by darker pattern elements (a trident in the thorax and bands in the abdomen) in females from two developmental temperatures (17 or 28°C) and 191 genotypes. Using a GWAS approach to identify the genetic basis of variation in pigmentation and its response to temperature, we identified numerous dispersed QTLs, including some mapping to melanogenesis genes (yellow, ebony, and tan). Remarkably, we observed limited overlap between QTLs for variation within specific temperatures and those influencing thermal plasticity, as well as minimal overlap between plasticity QTLs across pigmentation components and across body parts. For most traits, consistent with selection favouring the retention of plasticity, we found that lower plasticity alleles were often at lower frequencies. The functional analysis of selected candidate QTLs and pigmentation genes largely confirmed their contributions to variation in pigmentation and/or pigmentation plasticity. Overall, our study reveals the existence and underlying basis of extensive and trait‐specific genetic variation for pigmentation and pigmentation plasticity, offering a rich reservoir of raw material for natural selection to shape the evolution of these traits independently.
In Staphylococcus aureus, the acyl‐CoA synthetase MbcS supports branched‐chain fatty acid synthesis from carboxylic acid and aldehyde precursors
Authors: dos Santos Ferreira Marcelle C. , Pendleton Augustus , Yeo Won‐Sik , Málaga Gadea Fabiana C. , Camelo Danna , McGuire Maeve , Brinsmade Shaun R. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn the human pathogen Staphylococcus aureus, branched‐chain fatty acids (BCFAs) are the most abundant fatty acids in membrane phospholipids. Strains deficient for BCFAs synthesis experience auxotrophy in laboratory culture and attenuated virulence during infection. Furthermore, the membrane of S. aureus is among the main targets for antibiotic therapy. Therefore, determining the mechanisms involved in BCFAs synthesis is critical to manage S. aureus infections. Here, we report that the overexpression of SAUSA300_2542 (annotated to encode an acyl‐CoA synthetase) restores BCFAs synthesis in strains lacking the canonical biosynthetic pathway catalyzed by the branched‐chain α‐keto acid dehydrogenase (BKDH) complex. We demonstrate that the acyl‐CoA synthetase activity of MbcS activates branched‐chain carboxylic acids (BCCAs), and is required by S. aureus to utilize the isoleucine derivative 2‐methylbutyraldehyde to restore BCFAs synthesis in S. aureus. Based on the ability of some staphylococci to convert branched‐chain aldehydes into their respective BCCAs and our findings demonstrating that branched‐chain aldehydes are in fact BCFAs precursors, we propose that MbcS promotes the scavenging of exogenous BCCAs and mediates BCFA synthesis via a de novo alternative pathway.
Identification of primary metabolites in fungal species of Trichophyton mentagrophyte and Trichophyton rubrum by NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Parihar Rashmi , Singh Upendra , Das Anupam , Baishya Bikash , Singh Vikramjeet , Ahirwar S.C. , Islahi Sana , Sen Manodeep , Mittal Vineeta 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundSuperficial mycoses are fungal infections limited to the outermost layers of the skin and its appendages. The chief causative agents of these mycoses are dermatophytes and yeasts. The diagnosis of dermatophytosis can be made by direct mycological examination with potassium hydroxide (10%–30%) of biological material obtained from patients with suspected mycosis, providing results more rapid than fungal cultures, which may take days or weeks. This information, together with clinical history and laboratory diagnosis, ensures that the appropriate treatment is initiated promptly. However, false negative results are obtained in 5%–15%, by conventional methods of diagnosis of dermatophytosis.ObjectivesTo study the metabolic profiles of the commonly occurring dermatophytes by NMR spectroscopy.Patients/MaterialsWe have used 1D and 2D Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) experiments along with Human Metabolome Database (HMDB) and Chenomx database search for identification of primary metabolites in the methanol extract of two fungal species: Trichophyton mentagrophyte (T. mentagrophyte) and Trichophyton rubrum (T. rubrum). Both standard strains and representative number of clinical isolates of these two species were investigated. Further, metabolic profiles obtained were analysed using multivariate analysis.ResultsWe have identified 23 metabolites in the T. mentagrophyte and another 23 metabolites in T. rubrum. Many important metabolites like trehalose, proline, mannitol, acetate, GABA and several other amino acids were detected, which provide the necessary components for fungal growth and metabolism. Altered metabolites were defined between Trichophyton mentagrophyte and T. rubrum strains.ConclusionWe have detected many metabolites in the two fungal species T. mentagrophyte and T. rubrum by using NMR spectroscopy. NMR spectroscopy provides a holistic snapshot of the metabolome of an organism. Key metabolic differences were identified between the two fungal strains. We need to perform more studies on metabolite profiling of the samples from these species for their rapid diagnosis and prompt treatment.
A clinical prevalence of dermatophytic mycoses with an assessment of its clinical manifestations in a tertiary care hospital at Salem, South India
Authors: Balasubramanian Arul , Akbar Ali Nazer Ali , Pugazhenthi Atchaya , Gopalan Kannan , Tamil Selvan Silambarasan , Ramalingam Kothai 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundDermatophytosis is very common among all age groups throughout the world. The incidence of the same is increasing on a steady basis.AimEstimating the clinical prevalence of dermatophytes mycoses among the patients visiting the outpatient unit and assessing its distinct manifestations.MethodologyA prospective observational study was conducted with the patients attending the Skin and STD outpatient unit of a tertiary care teaching hospital in Salem. A total of 3068 outpatients attended the department, of which 420 patients were diagnosed with dermatophytic mycoses and were taken for investigating the prevalence.ResultsA total of 420 dermatophytosis patients were included giving a percentage prevalence of 13.69%. There were more female patients (n = 213, 50.71%) than males (n = 207, 49.29%). The most common afflicted age group was 31–40 years (n = 99, 50.71%). Most of the patients had an atypical lesion called tinea incognita (n = 265, 63.09%) where there was no typical classic appearance of dermatophytic infections. The most prevalent clinical manifestation was tinea corporis (n = 73, 17.38%) followed by tinea cruris (n = 69, 16.43%). There were more newly diagnosed dermatophytosis cases (n = 326) than the previously diagnosed cases (n = 94).ConclusionThis study concludes that dermatophytic mycoses were more prevalent among females than males and among the age groups of 31–40 years. The most common clinical presentation was tinea incognita followed by tinea corporis.
Functional diversity of snake locomotor behaviors: A review of the biological literature for bioinspiration
Authors: Tingle Jessica L. , Garner Kelsey L. , Astley Henry C. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractOrganismal solutions to natural challenges can spark creative engineering applications. However, most engineers are not experts in organismal biology, creating a potential barrier to maximally effective bioinspired design. In this review, we aim to reduce that barrier with respect to a group of organisms that hold particular promise for a variety of applications: snakes. Representing >10% of tetrapod vertebrates, snakes inhabit nearly every imaginable terrestrial environment, moving with ease under many conditions that would thwart other animals. To do so, they employ over a dozen different types of locomotion (perhaps well over). Lacking limbs, they have evolved axial musculoskeletal features that enable their vast functional diversity, which can vary across species. Different species also have various skin features that provide numerous functional benefits, including frictional anisotropy or isotropy (as their locomotor habits demand), waterproofing, dirt shedding, antimicrobial properties, structural colors, and wear resistance. Snakes clearly have much to offer to the fields of robotics and materials science. We aim for this review to increase knowledge of snake functional diversity by facilitating access to the relevant literature.
Cephalometric changes of pushing splints 3 compared to rapid maxillary expansion and facemask therapy on the airway space in class III growing patients: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Galeotti Angela , Viarani Valeria , Franchi Lorenzo , Martina Stefano , Rongo Roberto , D'Antò Vincenzo , Uomo Roberto , Aristei Francesco , Festa Paola 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundEarly orthopaedic treatment with rapid maxillary expansion (RME) associated with facemask (FM) has been shown to be effective in correcting Class III malocclusions in children. Treatment with pushing splints 3 (PS3) has shown to correct skeletal discrepancies in Class III growing patients. However, the effects of orthopaedic treatment on the upper airways in children with Class III malocclusion is controversial.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate the cephalometric changes in the airways of PS3 compared to the RME/FM protocol.Materials and MethodsIn this study, 48 patients with Class III malocclusion (age range 5.5–8.5 years old) were selected for this study, and 24 were treated with PS3 appliance and 24 with RME/FM therapy. Lateral cephalograms before (T0) and at the end of the treatment (T1) were analysed to compare pharyngeal spaces. Paired and unpaired t tests were used for data analysis (P < .05).ResultsA total of 41 patients (21 patients for the PS3 group, 11 males and 10 females, mean age 7.0 ± 1.2 years; 20 patients for the RME/FM group, 10 males and 10 females, mean age 7.2 ± 1.3 years) were included. The results showed a statistically significant (P < .05) increase in the nasopharyngeal space after both therapies. However, the effects were similar considering that there were no differences between groups for the assessed variables at T0–T1.ConclusionsEarly treatment of Class III malocclusion with PS3 does not induce a statistically significant increase in the sagittal airway space compared to RME/FM. The absence of untreated group could not define the role of growth in the increase of space.
Global uncertainties, geopolitical risks and price exuberance: Evidence from international energy market
Authors: Mamman Suleiman O. , Iliyasu Jamilu , Ahmed Umar A. , Salami Felicity 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe interaction of global uncertainty and geopolitical risks with energy price fluctuations has remained a critical global issue. This interaction can impact several regions' macroeconomic performance and welfare by making fundamental energy price forecasting more difficult, which may lead to exuberant behaviour. To help producers, consumers, and regulators make informed decisions in the face of volatile and uncertain energy markets, it is critical to highlight how these uncertainties influence price exuberance. In this light, this study examines the impact of global uncertainty and geopolitical risks on international energy price exuberance using monthly data from January 1990 to October 2022. The study employs supremum augmented Dickey–Fuller (SADF) and generalised augmented Dickey–Fuller (GSADF) tests to identify energy price exuberance. Firstly, consistent with exuberant behaviour, the tests identify seven episodes of explosive behaviour in the international energy prices within the sample. Secondly, this study applies the Logit model to estimate the impact of global uncertainty and geopolitical risks on price exuberance. The estimates suggest that the heightening of global uncertainty may deflate the price exuberance. This study also observes that adverse geopolitical risks (threats and acts) in the world and Ukraine amplify the likelihood of price exuberance in the market. However, adverse geopolitical risk (GPR) in Russia negatively impacted the formation of price exuberance. This finding implies that policymakers can use global uncertainty and geopolitical risks as early warning indicators of probable price exuberance in the international energy market. The findings also indicate the need for a buffer system and safe passage for the flow of energy supply in a geopolitical conflict or a major global event. The study further shows the need for a coordinated effort in innovation, research, and development to enhance energy efficiency and minimise reliance on fossil fuels, which these uncertainties may not significantly influence.
Genome analysis of three isolates of Stemphylium lycopersici differ in their virulence and sporulation ability: Identification of effectors, pathogenesis and virulence factors
Authors: Medina Rocío , Franco Mario E. E. , Bartel Laura C. , Lucentini Cesar G. , López Diaz Silvina M. Y. , Saparrat Mario C. N. , Balatti Pedro A. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractTomato grey leaf spot is a fungal disease that provokes losses in tomato yield. The aim of this work is to analyse genomic differences among three isolates of Stemphylium lycopersici that differ in virulence and sporulation. The bioinformatics analysis led us to predict the identity of putative effectors, pathogenesis and virulence factors. Like the genome of other necrotrophic pathogens, Stemphylium encodes a wide spectrum of effectors, including an ample and diverse array of carbohydrate‐degrading enzymes. Interestingly, the number of predicted effectors was unrelated to virulence. Low virulence appeared to be associated with the presence of several double‐stranded RNAs from viruses as well as cellular processes related to protein degradation, redox and detoxifying processes and monoterpenes production. This is the first identification of the potential effectors of tomato–S. lycopersici interaction; nonetheless functional studies should be done.