bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predictive ability of a commercial mixed-breed genomic test for feedlot performance and carcass traits of beef × Holstein steers
Authors: Basiel Bailey L , Felix Tara L , Dechow Chad D 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Genomic tests are marketed as a method to appraise cattle value prior to feedlot entry. We aimed to evaluate the use of a commercial, multi-breed genomic test to predict terminal production characteristics of beef × Holstein steers. Phenotypes of feedlot performance and carcass characteristics were evaluated in beef × Holstein steers (n = 259) sired by 8 beef breeds. Steers were genotyped with Igenity Beef (Neogen Corporation, Lansing, MI), which ranks cattle for individual traits and by selection indexes on a scale of 1 to 10. Trait rankings were converted to molecular breeding values (MBV) derived from genotype. Expected progeny differences (EPD) of each steer’s sire were accessed from their respective breed associations. US Meat Animal Research Center across-breed adjustments for beef cattle were applied to growth and carcass sire EPD for all cattle except the 11 Wagyu-sired steers (n = 248 steers with sire EPD). Breed-adjusted sire EPD and MBV of traits were correlated with associated phenotypes of beef × Holstein steers and phenotypes were regressed on sire EPD and MBV. Sire EPD and MBV of yearling weight (YW) and hot carcass weight (HCW) were positively associated with initial and final feedlot body weight, respectively. The MBV of average daily gain (ADG) was not associated with phenotypic ADG, though greater derived sire EPD of ADG was associated with greater ADG and dry matter intake (DMI). The MBV of residual feed intake (RFI) was associated with DMI (P = 0.02) but not RFI or gain to feed ratio. Each kg of RFI predicted by MBV resulted in 0.31 kg greater ADG (P &lt; 0.01), suggesting that MBV of RFI in beef × Holstein steers are not independent of rate of gain. For each kg of HCW predicted by MBV and sire EPD carcasses were 0.52 and 0.80 kg heavier (P &lt; 0.01). Neither sire EPD nor MBV of ribeye area and backfat thickness were related to the corresponding phenotypes of beef × Holstein carcasses (P &gt; 0.05). Both MBV and sire EPD of marbling score were strong predictors of marbling score and intramuscular fat content (P &lt; 0.05). Tenderness MBV accurately predicted tenderness of the longissimus muscle of beef × Holstein progeny (P &lt; 0.01). Igenity Beef Terminal Index ranking was associated with greater feedlot profitability (P = 0.03), but marbling MBV and sire EPD were more strongly associated with feedlot net profit (P &lt; 0.01). Breed-adjusted sire EPD performed similarly to Igenity Beef MBV in predicting growth performance, carcass characteristics, and net profit of beef × Holstein steers.
Chlorantraniliprole as seed treatments against the black cutworm Agrotis ipsilon (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) via residues in cotton ecosystem and the exposure risks to honeybees as measured in pollen
Authors: Jiang Jiangong , Li Rongyu , Guo Xinjie , Duan Huixue , Liu Wenzhen , Zhao Shuxin , Zhou Xinyuan , Zhang Zhengqun , Liu Feng , Mu Wei 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The black cutworm Agrotis ipsilon (Hufnagel) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) can damage the cotton seedlings and induce destructive yield loss. Seed coating with systemic insecticides is a cost-effective alternative to control A. ipsilon during the early stage of cotton, but the control efficacy and exposure risk to honeybees remain unclear. This study evaluated the control effects of the anthranilic diamide insecticide chlorantraniliprole on A. ipsilon in cotton crops and the corresponding exposure risks to honeybees. Field studies revealed the control efficacy of chlorantraniliprole at 2 or 4 g/kg seed was greater than 75%, which was comparable to its spray control during the seedling development stage. A residual toxicity trial revealed that chlorantraniliprole treatment had a dose–response control effect on A. ipsilon during the 19 days after sowing. The residue levels of chlorantraniliprole in the stem bases and soil were found consistent with the residual toxicity against A. ipsilon. In the cotton flowering period, the highest detection frequency and residue of chlorantraniliprole were found in pollen from the plots treated with 4 g/kg seed. By using 2 independent risk assessment approaches, the exposure risk of chlorantraniliprole seed treatments were evaluated to be acceptable to honeybees. Overall, chlorantraniliprole coated with 2 g/kg seed was an effective alternative for controlling A. ipsilon at the cotton seedling stages.
Institutional formalism and criminal sentencing on the frontier: evidence from British Columbia’s Jails, 1864–1913
Authors: Inwood Kris , Keay Ian , Long Blair 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
In this article, we study historical sentencing outcomes in British Columbia’s civilian criminal justice system during a period of transformative institutional change. We find that average sentences in the civilian system got longer as codification, judicial oversight, and institutional formalism increased. At the same time, sentences also became less dispersed around the mean, less discretionary, and more predictable. Even after controlling for changes in the composition of the prison population, significant increases in sentence length and decreases in sentence dispersion can still be identified, suggesting an important role for judicial decision-making. Using dynamic two-way fixed effect difference-in-differences specifications, we compare sentencing outcomes in the civilian system to outcomes in the institutionally stable military criminal justice system. We find that increases in sentence length, decreases in judicial discretion, and increases in sentence predictability can only be identified among prisoners sentenced in the civilian system after that system moved toward greater institutional formalism. (JEL K14, N21, N41, O43)
Technique for repair of recurrent aortic valve dehiscence
Authors: Van Hung Dung , Chau Chi Linh , Van Nguyen Minh Chau 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Re-operation for aortic paravalvular leak or multiple dehiscences due to Behcet's disease or unknown causes remains a challenge. We describe a modified transmural sub-coronary suturing technique to address this issue. Between August 2022 and May 2024, the modified transmural sub-coronary suturing technique was applied in five cases of severe aortic paravalvular leak. The median follow-up period was 14 months (ranging from 8 to 19 months) with promising outcomes: no mortality, no significant paravalvular leak, no atrioventricular block, and no need of re-operation. Our transmural sub-coronary suturing technique with external Dacron strip reinforcement demonstrates good short-term outcomes. Further long-term follow-up is needed to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of this technique.
Reducing false positives in strong lens detection through effective augmentation and ensemble learning
Authors: Rezaei Samira , Chegeni Amirmohammad , Nagam Bharath Chowdhary , McKean J P , Baratchi Mitra , Kuijken Koen , Koopmans Léon V E 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
This research studies the impact of high-quality training datasets on the performance of Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) in detecting strong gravitational lenses. We stress the importance of data diversity and representativeness, demonstrating how variations in sample populations influence CNN performance. In addition to the quality of training data, our results highlight the effectiveness of various techniques, such as data augmentation and ensemble learning, in reducing false positives while maintaining model completeness at an acceptable level. This enhances the robustness of gravitational lens detection models and advancing capabilities in this field. Our experiments, employing variations of DenseNet and EfficientNet, achieved a best false positive rate (FP rate) of 10−4, while successfully identifying over 88 per cent of genuine gravitational lenses in the test dataset. This represents an 11-fold reduction in the FP rate compared to the original training dataset. Notably, this substantial enhancement in the FP rate is accompanied by only a 2.3 per cent decrease in the number of true positive samples. Validated on the KiDS dataset, our findings offer insights applicable to ongoing missions, like Euclid.
Inter-domain communication in the dimeric DEAD-box helicase Hera from T. thermophilus and implications for the mechanism of RNA unwinding
Authors: Donsbach Pascal , Kwas Carolin , Steimer Lenz , Samatanga Brighton , Andreou Alexandra Z , Klostermeier Dagmar 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The Thermus thermophilus DEAD-box helicase Hera consists of the conserved helicase core, followed by a dimerization domain (DD) and an RNA-binding domain (RBD). The RBD mediates high-affinity binding to an RNA hairpin; the DD mediates formation of a stable dimer. In the dimer, the active sites of the two helicase cores face each other in an ideal configuration to cooperate functionally in RNA unwinding. Here, we dissect the communication between the two RBDs and helicase cores by characterizing dimeric deletion variants with two cores, but two, one, or no RBDs, variants with both RBDs, but two, one, or no functional core, and variants with one core and one RBD, either on the same or opposite protomers. We show that RNA binds to Hera in a two-step mechanism, with an initial interaction between the RBD and a hairpin, followed by the interaction of the core with the flanking single- or double-stranded region. The duplex preferentially interacts with the core on the same protomer in the absence of ATP, but in the presence of ATP, interactions with the other core become possible. Overall, our results point to limited but significant cooperativity between the two protomers in RNA unwinding.
Structural basis of ssDNA-guided NADase activation of prokaryotic SPARTA system
Authors: Hu Rong , Guo Chenmin , Liu Xiaotian , Lin Yuanyi , Yang Zixin , Li Zhixin , Yang Ye , Ma Erman , Li Yiyi , Chen Jiyun , Liu Liang 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Short prokaryotic Argonaute and the associated TIR-APAZ (SPARTA) proteins constitute a prokaryotic immune system, mediating RNA- or DNA-guided target single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) to activate NADase activity and induce cell death by degrading NAD+ in response to invading plasmids. Although the guide RNA-mediated targeting mechanism of SPARTA has been established, the functional role and mechanisms of guide DNA-mediated SPARTA remain poorly understood. Here, we report two crystal structures of Crenotalea thermophila SPARTA complexes with 5′-phosphorylated 21-nt guide DNA and complementary target ssDNA lengths of 15 or 20 nt. The structures demonstrate specific recognition of the 5′-OH or 3′-OH groups in target DNA by SPARTA, while not recognizing the 5′-P group in guide DNA. This suggests distinct recognition models for guide DNA and guide RNA, indicating different activation mechanisms. Furthermore, these two structures reveal disparate models for recognizing guide DNA and target DNA, providing insights into the length requirement for SPARTA activation.
Structure of the tilapia lake virus nucleoprotein bound to RNA
Authors: Arragain Benoît , Pelosse Martin , Huard Karine , Cusack Stephen 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Tilapia Lake virus (TiLV) belongs to the Amnoonviridae family within the Articulavirales order of segmented negative-strand RNA viruses and is highly diverged from more familiar orthomyxoviruses, such as influenza. The viral nucleoprotein (NP), a key component of the replication machinery, packages the viral genome into protective ribonucleoprotein particles. Here we describe the electron cryo-microscopy (cryo-EM) structure of TiLV-NP bound to RNA within in vitro reconstituted, small ring-like, pseudo-symmetrical oligomers. Although TiLV-NP is considerably smaller than its influenza counterpart and unrelated in sequence, it maintains the same topology and domain organisation. This comprises a head and body domain between which is a positively charged groove, where single-stranded RNA binds. In addition, an oligomerisation loop inserts into a hydrophobic pocket in the neighbouring NP, the flexible hinges of which allow variable orientation of adjacent NPs. Focused cryo-EM maps unambiguously define the 5′ to 3′ direction of the bound RNA, confirmed by double stranded, A-form RNA regions that extrude out from some of the NP–NP interfaces. This is the first fully resolved description of how single-stranded and stem-loop RNA binds to an articulaviral NP assembly. Superposition with orthomyxoviral NPs suggest that the mode of RNA binding is likely similar across the Articulavirales order.
Dynamics and evolutionary conservation of B complex protein recruitment during spliceosome activation
Authors: Fu Xingyang , Hoskins Aaron A 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Spliceosome assembly and catalytic activation involve dozens of protein and snRNA binding and unbinding events. The B-complex specific proteins (Prp38, Snu23, and Spp381) have critical roles in stabilizing the spliceosome during rearrangements essential for activation. While these proteins are conserved, different mechanisms have been proposed for their recruitment to spliceosomes. To visualize recruitment directly, we used Colocalization Single Molecule Spectroscopy (CoSMoS) to study the dynamics of Prp38, Snu23, and Spp381 during splicing in real time. These proteins can bind to and release from spliceosomes simultaneously and are likely associated with one another. We designate the assembly minimally containing Prp38, Snu23, and Spp381 as a potential B complex protein (BCP) subcomplex of the spliceosome. Under splicing conditions, BCP proteins associate with pre-mRNA after tri-snRNP binding. BCP protein release predominantly occurs after U4 snRNP dissociation and after NineTeen Complex (NTC) association. Under low concentrations of ATP, BCP proteins preassociate with the tri-snRNP resulting in their simultaneous binding to pre-mRNA. Together, our results reveal that BCP protein recruitment to the spliceosome is conserved between Saccharomyces cerevisiae and humans. The binding of BCP proteins to the tri-snRNP when ATP is limiting may result in the formation of unproductive complexes that could be used to regulate splicing.
On the complexity of metacognitive judgments of memory: evidence from retrospective confidence, feeling of knowing, and older adults
Authors: Meunier-Duperray Lucile , Mazancieux Audrey , Souchay Céline , Bastin Christine , Angel Lucie , Moulin Chris J.A 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Dissociations in types of memory tasks emerge when comparing feeling-of-knowing (FOK) judgments, predictions of upcoming performance, and retrospective confidence. This pattern has been used to construct theories of metacognitive access to memory, particularly in memory-impaired groups. In particular, older adults’ metacognitive sensitivity appears to vary between episodic (impaired) and semantic (intact) memory. However, this could be explained by the limitations of metacognitive measures and/or memory differences. We aimed to test these dissociations of metacognition with aging by comparing metacognitive efficiency in episodic and semantic tasks using two types of judgment: retrospective confidence judgments (RCJs) and FOK judgments. Metacognitive efficiency was estimated in 240 participants aged 19–79 years using a hierarchical Bayesian framework. Results showed that metacognitive efficiency for RCJs declined with age in the semantic task, even though task performance increased with age, while metacognitive efficiency was stable in the episodic task. Surprisingly, metacognitive efficiency was very low (although significantly higher than zero) for both FOK tasks regardless of age compared to similar previous studies. We suggested this might be due to the online testing. These results point to metacognition being multifaceted and varying according to judgment, domains, and populations.
Formation of massive star clusters with and without iron abundance spreads in a dwarf galaxy merger
Authors: Matsui Hidenori , Bekki Kenji , McKenzie Madeleine , Saitoh Takayuki R 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
To study the formation of star clusters and their properties in a dwarf–dwarf merging galaxy, we have performed a numerical simulation of a dwarf–dwarf galaxy merger by using the Tree+GRAPE $N$-body/SPH code ASURA. In our simulation, 13 young star clusters are formed during the merger process. We show that our simulated star clusters can be divided into two types: with and without [Fe$/$H] abundance variations. The former is created by a seed star cluster (the first-generation stars) formed in compressed gas. These stars contaminate the surrounding gas by Type II supernovae. At that time, the energy injection is insufficient to induce an outflow of the surrounding gas. After that, the contaminated gas falls into the seed, thereby forming a new generation of stars from the contaminated gas. We also show that most star clusters are formed in the galactic central region after the second encounter and fall into the galactic center due to dynamical friction within several hundred Myr. As a result, close encounters and mergers between the clusters take place. Although the clusters with shallower gravitational potential are tidally disrupted by these close encounters, others survive and finally merge at the center of the merged dwarf galaxies to create a nuclear star cluster. Therefore, the nuclear star cluster comprises various stellar components in ${[\rm Fe/H]}$ abundance and age. We discuss our work in the context of observations and demonstrate the diagnostic power of high-resolution simulations in the context of star cluster formation.
Neutrophil extracellular traps license macrophage production of chemokines to facilitate CD8+ T cell infiltration in obstruction-induced renal fibrosis
Authors: Jia Hongshuai , Yue Guang , Li Pin , Peng Renjun , Jin Ruyue , Chen Yuhan , Cao Hualin , Yang Kangning , Zhang Xiaowei , Yi Xiaoyu , Wu Yangyang , Deng Xiangling , Chen Xiaoye , Ma Lifei , Zhao Yang , Zhou Xiaoguang , Tao Tian , Shen Xiaoli , Zhang Xu , Tao Yuandong , Zhou Huixia 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Renal fibrosis is a common mechanism leading to kidney failure in chronic kidney diseases (CKDs), including obstructive nephropathy (ON). Dysregulated inflammation is central to the development of renal fibrosis, but how local immune cells within the tissue microenvironment integrate and coordinate to drive this condition remains largely unknown. Herein, we documented that neutrophils were abundantly recruited and expelled neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in human and mouse fibrotic kidneys. Importantly, circulating levels of NET components displayed a significant correlation with worsened kidney function in ON patients. In the unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) mouse model, blocking NETs by protein-arginine deiminase type 4 (PAD4) deletion or DNase treatment significantly impaired NET formation and inhibited renal fibrosis and inflammation, whereas NET adoptive transfer exacerbated the fibrotic process. Moreover, NET-mediated renal fibrosis was associated with enhanced infiltration of cytotoxic CD8+ T cells, which produced granzyme B (GZMB) to drive tubular cell epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and fibroblast activation. Accordingly, pharmacological inhibition of GZMB resulted in blunted kidney inflammation and fibrosis. Furthermore, NETs profoundly potentiated the production of T-cell chemokines CXCL9/10/11 in macrophages, but not in tubular cells or fibroblasts, thus driving T-cell infiltration and fueling inflammatory cascades in the kidneys. Mechanistically, the NET-macrophage interaction was partially mediated by the TLR2/4 signaling. Thus, our work reveals a previously unexplored role of the collaboration between NETs and macrophages in supporting CD8+ T cell infiltration, which orchestrates kidney inflammation and fibrosis.
Can Colonial Institutions Be Good for Democracy? A Review of Sean Gailmard's Agents of Empire”
Authors: Grzymala-Busse Anna 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Sean Gailmard's Agents of Empire is a fascinating argument about imperial institutional legacies and a major contribution to the flourishing literature in historical political economy. Gailmard argues that British strategies of colonial governance in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries in what would become the United States had lasting and counterintuitive consequences. Colonial autonomy and legislative independence fused in a self-reinforcing bundle, even if British colonial rule itself consisted of a hodgepodge of imperfect institutions and various workarounds and patches layered on top of these institutions. Agents of Empire both contributes to and challenges the burgeoning new literature in historical political economy (HPE). Although much of the scholarship in historical political economy skates over causal mechanisms, Gailmard's analytical move is to emphasize these processes and mechanisms. This is a provocative and powerful argument that points out both the challenges of colonial rule and its surprising institutional consequences.
Treatment guidelines for idiopathic inflammatory myopathies in adults: a comparative review
Authors: Paik Julie J , Werth Victoria P , Chinoy Hector , Masri Karim R , Jambekar Amruta , Hasan Feza , Borlenghi Cecilia E , Gold David A 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Myositis, or idiopathic inflammatory myopathy, encompasses a group of autoimmune diseases with broad-spectrum clinical presentations, with a common presentation of muscle weakness and inflammation. The management of myositis presents significant challenges due to the rarity and variability of the disease and lack of large-scale, randomised controlled trials. Due to limited evidence available from smaller studies as well as variation in treatment practices across geographical regions and disease subtypes, available published treatment recommendations vary significantly. There is a need, therefore, to develop multidisciplinary consensus-driven guidelines which appropriately reflect the diverse and complex nature of the disease. This comparative review presents an in-depth analysis of existing myositis treatment guidelines from diverse organisations, highlighting similarities and key differences in diagnoses, treatment and management recommendations. We propose that there is a need for developing globally unified, consensus-driven standardised set of guidelines for effective myositis management.
‘None Regardless of Reputation Will Be Received’: Midwifery and Commercial Bodywork in Urban Scotland c. 1780–c. 1840
Authors: Bujokova Eliska 
Published: February 2025

Summary
This article presents two case studies of Scottish midwives, Mrs Laidlaw from Edinburgh and Mrs Alexander from Aberdeen who used newspaper advertising to promote their establishments. Primarily providing for women wishing to conceal their pregnancies and find alternative provisions for their children, the two providers marketed the discreet nature of their practice. Together their stories contradict the dominant strands of historiography on early nineteenth-century midwifery focussed either on its increasingly professionalised and masculinised nature or its rootedness in community practice, largely resistant to commodification. Instead, this article centres on female care and bodyworkers who found opportunities for entrepreneurship in the commercialised care sector. Through focussing on the services offered and their clandestine nature, it elucidates the experiences of lying-in of unmarried mothers of means. Highlighting the midwives’ ability to adapt to the socio-cultural fabric of motherhood, it contributes to the histories of female entrepreneurship and its many forms within the care sector.