bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The diverse viromes of Australian lizards are shaped by host taxonomy and habitat
Authors: Mahar Jackie E. , Wille Michelle , Harvey Erin , Moritz Craig C. , Holmes Edward C. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractLizards inhabit diverse ecologies and evolutionary histories and hence represent a promising group to explore how hosts shape virome structure and virus evolution. Yet little is known about the viromes of these animals. In Australia, squamates (lizards and snakes) comprise the most diverse order of vertebrates, and Australia hosts the highest diversity of lizards globally, with the greatest breadth of habitat use. We used meta-transcriptomic sequencing to determine the virome of nine co-distributed, tropical lizard species from three taxonomic families in Australia and analyzed these data to identify host traits associated with viral abundance and diversity. We show that lizards carry a large diversity of viruses, identifying more than 30 novel, highly divergent vertebrate-associated viruses. These viruses were from nine viral families, including several that contain well known pathogens, such as theFlaviviridae,Picornaviridae,Bornaviridae, IridoviridaeandRhabdoviridae. Members of theFlaviviridaewere particularly abundant across species sampled here, largely belonging to the genusHepacivirus: 14 novelHepaciviruseswere identified, broadening the known diversity of this group and better defining its evolution by uncovering new reptilian clades. The evolutionary histories of the viruses studied here frequently aligned with the biogeographic and phylogenetic histories of the hosts, indicating that exogenous viruses may help infer host evolutionary history if sampling is strategic and sampling density high enough. Notably, analysis of alpha and beta diversity revealed that virome composition and richness was shaped by host taxonomy, habitat and range size. In sum, we identified a diverse range of reptile viruses that broadly contributes to our understanding of virus-host ecology and evolution.
Superspreading of SARS-CoV-2: a systematic review and meta-analysis of event attack rates and individual transmission patterns
Authors: McKee Clifton D. , Yu Emma X. , Garcia Andrés , Jackson Jules , Koyuncu Aybüke , Rose Sophie , Azman Andrew S. , Lobner Katie , Sacks Emma , Van Kerkhove Maria D. , Gurley Emily S. 
Published: January 2024

SUMMARYSARS-CoV-2 superspreading occurs when transmission is highly efficient and/or an individual infects many others, contributing to rapid spread. To better quantify heterogeneity in SARS-CoV-2 transmission, particularly superspreading, we performed a systematic review of transmission events with data on secondary attack rates or contact tracing of individual index cases published before September 2021, prior to emergence of variants of concern and widespread vaccination. We reviewed 592 distinct events and 9,883 index cases from 491 papers. Meta-analysis of secondary attack rates identified substantial heterogeneity across 12 chosen event types/settings, with the highest transmission (25–35%) in co-living situations including households, nursing homes, and other congregate housing. Among index cases, 67% produced zero secondary cases and only 3% (287) infected >5 secondary cases (“superspreaders”). Index case demographic data was limited, with only 55% of individuals reporting age, sex, symptoms, real-time PCR cycle threshold values, or total contacts. With the data available, we identified a higher percentage of superspreaders among symptomatic individuals, individuals aged 49–64 years, and individuals with over 100 total contacts. Addressing gaps in reporting on transmission events and contact tracing in the literature is needed to properly explain heterogeneity in transmission and facilitate control efforts for SARS-CoV-2 and other infections.
Probing a neural unreliability account of auditory sensory processing atypicalities in Rett Syndrome
Authors: Brima Tufikameni , Beker Shlomit , Prinsloo Kevin D. , Butler John S. , Djukic Aleksandra , Freedman Edward G. , Molholm Sophie , Foxe John J. 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundIn the search for objective tools to quantify neural function in Rett Syndrome (RTT), which are crucial in the evaluation of therapeutic efficacy in clinical trials, recordings of sensory-perceptual functioning using event-related potential (ERP) approaches have emerged as potentially powerful tools. Considerable work points to highly anomalous auditory evoked potentials (AEPs) in RTT. However, an assumption of the typical signal-averaging method used to derive these measures is “stationarity” of the underlying responses – i.e. neural responses to each input are highly stereotyped. An alternate possibility is that responses to repeated stimuli are highly variable in RTT. If so, this will significantly impact the validity of assumptions about underlying neural dysfunction, and likely lead to overestimation of underlying neuropathology. To assess this possibility, analyses at the single-trial level assessing signal-to-noise ratios (SNR), inter-trial variability (ITV) and inter-trial phase coherence (ITPC) are necessary.MethodsAEPs were recorded to simple 100Hz tones from 18 RTT and 27 age-matched controls (Ages: 6-22 years). We applied standard AEP averaging, as well as measures of neuronal reliability at the single-trial level (i.e. SNR, ITV, ITPC). To separate signal-carrying components from non-neural noise sources, we also applied a denoising source separation (DSS) algorithm and then repeated the reliability measures.ResultsSubstantially increased ITV, lower SNRs, and reduced ITPC were observed in auditory responses of RTT participants, supporting a “neural unreliability” account. Application of the DSS technique made it clear that non-neural noise sources contribute to overestimation of the extent of processing deficits in RTT. Post-DSS, ITV measures were substantially reduced, so much so that pre-DSS ITV differences between RTT and TD populations were no longer detected. In the case of SNR and ITPC, DSS substantially improved these estimates in the RTT population, but robust differences between RTT and TD were still fully evident.ConclusionsTo accurately represent the degree of neural dysfunction in RTT using the ERP technique, a consideration of response reliability at the single-trial level is highly advised. Non-neural sources of noise lead to overestimation of the degree of pathological processing in RTT, and denoising source separation techniques during signal processing substantially ameliorate this issue.
Mdivi-1 affects neuronal activity by inhibition of Complex I and respiratory supercomplex assembly
Authors: Marx Nico , Ritter Nadine , Disse Paul , Seebohm Guiscard , Busch Karin B. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractSeveral human diseases, including cancer and neurodegeneration, are associated with excessive mitochondrial fragmentation. In this context, mitochondrial division inhibitor (Mdivi-1) has been tested as a therapeutic to block the fission-related protein dynamin-like protein-1 (Drp1). Recent studies suggest that Mdivi-1 interferes with mitochondrial bioenergetics. Here we show that the molecular mechanism of Mdivi-1 is based on inhibition of complex I at the IQ site. This leads to the destabilization of complex I, impairs the assembly of N- and Q-respirasomes and is associated with increased ROS production. The result is a reduced efficiency of ATP generation. Second, the calcium homeostasis of cells is impaired, which severely affects the electrical activity of neurons. Given the results presented here, a potential therapeutic application of Mdivi-1 is challenging because of its impact on synaptic activity. Similar to the Complex I inhibitor rotenone, Mdivi-1 may lead to neurodegenerative effects in the long term.Graphical abstractMdivi-1 inhibits respiratory complex I at the IQ-siteInhibition destabilizes complex I and reduces supercomplex formationMitochondrial ATP levels decreaseCa2+metabolism is affectedNeuronal activity is compromised
Tracking exocytic vesicle movements reveals the spatial control of secretion in epithelial cells
Authors: Richens Jennifer H. , Dmitrieva Mariia , Zenner Helen L. , Muschalik Nadine , Butler Richard , Glashauser Jade , Camelo Carolina , Luschnig Stefan , Munro Sean , Rittscher Jens , St Johnston Daniel 
Published: January 2024

AbstractUnderstanding how specific secretory cargoes are targeted to distinct domains of the plasma membrane in epithelial cells requires analysing the trafficking of post-Golgi vesicles to their sites of secretion. We used the RUSH (retention using selective hooks) system to synchronously release an apical cargo, Cadherin 99C (Cad99C), and a basolateral cargo, the ECM protein Nidogen, from the endoplasmic reticulum and follow their movements to the plasma membrane. We also developed an interactive vesicle tracking framework, MSP-tracker and viewer, that exploits developments in computer vision and deep learning to determine vesicle trajectories in a noisy environment without the need for extensive training data. MSP-tracker outperformed other tracking software in detecting and tracking post-Golgi vesicles, revealing that Cad99c vesicles predominantly move apically with a mean speed of 1.1µm/sec. This is reduced to 0.85 µm/sec by a dominant slow dynein mutant, demonstrating that dynein transports Cad99C vesicles to the apical cortex. Furthermore, both the dynein mutant and microtubule depolymerisation cause lateral Cad99C secretion. Thus, microtubule organisation plays a central role in targeting apical secretion, suggesting thatDrosophiladoes not have distinct apical versus basolateral vesicle fusion machinery. Nidogen vesicles undergo planar-polarised transport to the leading edge of follicle cells as they migrate over the ECM, whereas most Collagen is secreted at trailing edges. The follicle cells therefore bias secretion of different ECM components to opposite sides of the cell, revealing that the secretory pathway is more spatially organised than previously thought.
Yellow and oxidation-resistant derivatives of a monomeric superfolder GFP
Authors: Valbuena Fernando M. , Krahn Adam H. , Tokamov Sherzod A. , Greene Annie C. , Fehon Richard G. , Glick Benjamin S. 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACTFluorescent proteins (FPs) are essential tools in biology. The utility of FPs depends on their brightness, photostability, efficient folding, monomeric state, and compatibility with different cellular environments. Despite the proliferation of available FPs, derivatives of the originally identifiedAequorea victoriaGFP often show superior behavior as fusion tags. We recently generated msGFP2, an optimized monomeric superfolder variant ofA. victoriaGFP. Here, we describe two derivatives of msGFP2. The monomeric variant msYFP2 is a yellow superfolder FP with high photostability. The monomeric variant moxGFP2 lacks cysteines but retains significant folding stability, so it works well in the lumen of the secretory pathway. These new FPs are useful for common imaging applications.
CDK-4 regulates nucleolar size and metabolism at the cost of late-life fitness inC. elegans
Authors: Webster Rachel , Quintana Maria , Kafri Ran , Derry W Brent 
Published: January 2024

AbstractAn outstanding question in biology concerns mechanisms of size control in organs, cells, and organelles. Size impacts metabolic efficiency, surface area-to-volume ratio, and environmental adaptation, which are all required for optimal function. Cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4), traditionally recognized for its role in cell cycle progression, has gained increasing support for cell cycle-independent roles. Previously, we described a mechanism of cell size control involving a CDK4 and p38 MAPK circuitry that dictates target cell size. In this study, we target the CDK4/6 ortholog CDK-4 in the nematode wormCaenorhabditis elegansto describe functional consequences of changing biological sizein vivo. Our data suggest that CDK-4 regulates nucleolar size and anabolic metabolism independent from cell cycle progression. When size and metabolism are increased, we report enhanced thermotolerance early in life but accelerated aging and reduced longevity late in life, suggesting a novel function of CDK-4 in somatic maintenance and organism health.
The Protection Motivation Theory as an explanatory model for Intention to use Alcohol Protective Behavioral Strategies among Young Adults
Authors: González-Ponce Bella M. , Carmona-Márquez José , Pilatti Angelina , Díaz-Batanero Carmen , Fernández-Calderón Fermín 
Published: January 2024

AbstractAimsThis study aimed to prospectively examine the explanatory value of the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) for the intention to use MD PBS, and to explore its invariance across gendersMethodA targeted sampling procedure was used to recruit 339 young adults in the community (Meanage= 21.1;SD= 2.21; female = 50.7%) who completed baseline and 2-month follow-up measures of the constructs of the PMT and for intentions to use each of the five MD PBS.ResultsThe results of regression analyses revealed that the coping appraisal components (response efficacy and self-efficacy) had greater explanatory power for intention to use PBS than the threat appraisal components (perceived vulnerability and perceived severity). Perceived vulnerability to alcohol consequences was not prospectively associated with any specific behavioral intention or with the total MD PBS score. In contrast, perceived severity was prospectively associated with the intention to use three out of five PBS and the total MD score. Regression coefficients showed gender invariance for all six models.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that interventions aimed at promoting motivation to use alcohol PBS among young adults could benefit the most from including components that promote self- efficacy to use PBS and the perceived usefulness of PBS for reducing alcohol-related consequences.Short SummaryThis study has shown that the coping appraisal components of Protection Motivation Theory have greater explanatory value than threat appraisal components for motivation to use Alcohol Protective Behavioral Strategies related to manner of drinking among young adults who use alcohol. Likewise, the results of this model were invariant across genders.
Functional brain adaptations during speech processing in 4-month-old bilingual infants
Authors: Blanco Borja , Molnar Monika , Arrieta Irene , Caballero-Gaudes César , Carreiras Manuel 
Published: January 2024

AbstractLanguage learning is influenced by both neural development and environmental experiences. This work investigates the influence of early bilingual experience on the neural mechanisms underlying speech processing in 4-month-old infants. We study how an early environmental factor such as bilingualism interacts with neural development by comparing monolingual and bilingual infants’ brain responses to speech. We used functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to measure 4-month-old Spanish-Basque bilingual and Spanish monolingual infants’ brain responses while they listened to forward (FW) and backward (BW) speech stimuli in Spanish. We reveal distinct neural signatures associated with bilingual adaptations, including increased engagement of bilateral inferior frontal and temporal regions during speech processing in bilingual infants, as opposed to left hemispheric specialization observed in monolingual infants. This study provides compelling evidence of bilingualism-induced brain adaptations during speech processing in infants as young as four months. These findings emphasize the role of early language experience in shaping neural plasticity during infancy suggesting that bilingual exposure at this young age profoundly influences the neural mechanisms underlying speech processing.Research HighlightsThis research sheds light on the intricate relationship between language learning, neural maturation, and environmental factors in early infancy.Bilingual infants exhibit unique functional brain adaptations during speech processing as early as 4 months of age.This study underscores the critical role of language experience in shaping the developing brain.These findings have implications for our understanding of language acquisition and neuroplasticity in infants growing up in bilingual environments.
Local enhancement in transient absorption spectroscopy by gating the resonance in the time domain
Authors: He Yu , Ott Christian , Pfeifer Thomas , Gaarde Mette B. 
Published: January 2024

The concept of resonant perfect absorption, enabled by the combined action of pulse propagation and an auxiliary gate pulse, was recently proposed and demonstrated in a group of two-level systems [Y. He , ]. Here we exploit this method in a more realistic scenario by solving the coupled time-dependent Schrödinger equation and the Maxwell wave equation in helium. Through emptying the population of the 1s2p excited state after its excitation, we explore the evolution of the spectral profile with time delay and propagation distance and link the observations to the controlled interference between the original field and the gated new field. We find that resonant absorption for higher-lying states can also be strongly enhanced, in spite of the congestion of multiple resonances and the presence of complex laser-induced couplings. Our results show that interferometric control of absorption using intense laser fields can be applied selectively in both the temporal and spatial domains.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Revisiting quality assurance and qualification recognition of cross-border higher education during pandemic – does physical mobility matter from an Asian perspective
Authors: Hou Angela Yung Chi , Lin Arianna Fang Yu , Su Edward Hung Cheng , Chen Ying , Hill Christopher 
Published: January 2024

PurposeThe 2020 pandemic disrupted traditional student mobility and forced a larger majority of transnational programmes to switch to a virtual or hybrid mode, including joint and double degree programmes. Therefore, this study aims to perceive the linkage between quality assurance (QA) and delivery modes of cross-border higher education (CBHE) in Asia before and during the pandemic.Design/methodology/approachThrough an online survey and semi-structured interviews, the process by which top 200 ranked universities in the 2022 QS global ranking responded to QA and qualification issues of joint/dual degree programs in conjunction with delivery modes was explored.FindingsThe study has discovered that most respondents from universities, to some extent, tended to be positive about the effectiveness of hybrid delivery of the joint/dual degree programs, even if they still preferred the physical mode to alternatives. Either “divergence” or “responsiveness” QA modes were not applied appropriately in most joint/dual degree programs of the selected universities during the pandemic. Moreover, a fair, transparent and convergent quality and qualification system should be established to facilitate agility and responsiveness of CBHE.Originality/valueThe findings are of value for policymakers, QA agencies and universities to advocate the new QA model for CBHE as a systematic approach in response to changing higher education landscape in the post-pandemic era.
Students’ psychological variables connection with secondary school students’ academic performance in mathematics
Authors: Onoshakpokaiye Odiri E. 
Published: January 2024

PurposeThe study’s objective was to ascertain the connection between secondary school students' test anxiety, academic self-concept, motivation and academic performance in mathematics. The difference between the academic performances of male and female secondary school students who exhibit high and low test anxiety, academic self-concept and motivation levels in mathematics.Design/methodology/approachFour hypotheses and four research questions were adopted. The design is a correlation. 42,299 mathematics students in senior school year two (SS2) made up the research population. A sample of 1,650 students was selected through a multi-stage sampling procedure. The main instruments used were the Mathematics Test Anxiety Questionnaire (MTAQ), Academic Self-Concept Questionnaire (ASQ) and Academic Motivation Questionnaire (AMQ) and students’ math scores. These instruments were validated by three experts and the reliability coefficients of 0.69, 0.68 and 0.68 were obtained for MTAQ, ASQ and AMQ, respectively, using Cronbach alpha. Pearson product moment correlation was used to analyze the data.FindingsThe study’s results showed a correlation between secondary school students' academic performance in mathematics and test anxiety, academic self-concept and motivation. There was a significant difference between secondary school male and female students' test anxiety; there was a significant difference between secondary school male and female students' self-concept and academic performance in mathematics, and there was a significant difference between secondary school male and female students' motivation and academic performance in mathematics.Originality/valueThe major contribution of this study is to investigate the connection between test anxiety, academic self-concept motivation and students’ mathematics performance. There is a difference between psychological variables, gender and mathematics performance.
Innovation capability, strategic flexibility and SME performance: the roles of competitive advantage and competitive intensity
Authors: Otache Innocent 
Published: January 2024

PurposeThis study aims to explore the mediating role of competitive advantage and the moderating role of competitive intensity in the relationship between innovation capability (IC) and small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) performance and between strategic flexibility (SF) and SME performance.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted a survey research design. The data were collected from a conveniently selected sample of 159 SMEs in Nigeria using a self-reported questionnaire. Mediation and moderation analyses were performed using Hayes' PROCESS macro v3.FindingsResults showed that IC and SF positively affect SME performance. Also, competitive advantage significantly mediates the relationship between IC and SME performance and between SF and SME performance. Additionally, competitive intensity positively and significantly moderates the relationship between IC and SME performance but fails to significantly moderate the relationship between SF and SME performance.Practical implicationsThe findings have managerial implications for SME owners and managers. The findings suggest the need for SMEs to develop more IC and increase their SF. Thus, SME owners and managers should invest more in developing IC and SF. More specifically, they should invest more in research and development, the development of intellectual capital (consisting of human capital, structural capital and relational capital) and new technologies, products, services and processes. Also, they should nurture an innovation culture, encourage creative and innovative acts and allow employees to experiment with new ideas without hindrances.Originality/valueTo the best of the author’s knowledge, this study is the first to provide empirical evidence of the mediating role of competitive advantage and the moderating role of competitive intensity in the relationship between IC and SME performance and between SF and SME performance in the context of emerging economies such as Nigeria. The study validates dynamic capabilities theory by demonstrating that IC and SF are dynamic capabilities that give SMEs a competitive advantage and enhance their performance.