bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors Associated with Israeli Social Workers’ Intention to Stay in the Profession
Authors: Nebenzahl-Elitzur Naama , Kagan Maya , Zychlinski Ester 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The phenomenon of social workers leaving the profession occurs frequently, underscoring the importance of understanding factors contributing to the intention to stay (ITS) in the profession. Based on the job demands–resources theory (JD-R), this study examined selected social worker workplace “demands” (i.e., their organizational sector of employment and level of work–family conflict) and “resources” (i.e., levels of meaning, locus of control, and salary satisfaction at work). Online survey data were obtained from 407 Israeli social workers. The findings showed that higher levels of meaning and salary satisfaction at work, greater professional seniority, and lower levels of work–family conflict were associated with greater ITS in the profession. Data were gathered during the COVID-19 pandemic, enabling examination of variables contributing to the ITS during times of crisis. These findings confirm that meaning at work is the main factor that motivates social worker ITS in the profession. Salary satisfaction was also found to be an essential factor, highlighting the recent escalation in social worker demands for fair compensation in Israel. Greater work–family balance also contributed to ITS. These findings should be considered by governmental decision makers and welfare service providers wishing to preserve this essential workforce, not just in Israel but also in other countries.
News from the Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH)
Authors:   Permanent Bureau of the HCCH
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Over the past year, the HCCH, supported by its Permanent Bureau (PB), has continued its work for the progressive unification of the rules of private international law (PIL). This annual contribution to the Uniform Law Review provides an overview of the activities of the HCCH from 1 December 2022 to 30 November 2023, and anticipates some upcoming events, encompassing the HCCH’s three main areas of work: international family and child protection law, transnational litigation and Apostille, and international commercial, digital, and financial law.
A Worksheet to Quantify Social and Digital Media Content as Scholarly Products for Academic Promotion
Authors: Fitzgerald Jocelyn J. , Losee Joseph E. , Roth Ronald N. , Pettigrew Chentis , Thamman Ritu 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Problem
Social and digital media contributions are a timely way of adding to the public discourse, serve as an online footprint of public contributions that a faculty member has made on behalf of their institution, can increase community trust, and serve as a public commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) work. Thus, such contributions should be considered significant and meritorious in a promotion package.

Approach
A diverse group of 6 University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine academics from varying specialties, training pathways, and academic ranks was assembled to create a consensus worksheet for the inclusion of social and digital media contributions in a promotion package. They reviewed existing literature on the quantification of social and digital media impact and current promotion practices within their institution. This review, combined with expert opinion, was used to pilot and vet the social and digital media worksheet, January 2022–March 2023.

Outcomes
The worksheet is comprised of 4 sections: Scholarship Philosophy; Reputation, Influence, and Leadership; Digital Content; and Media Appearances, Quotes, and Other (i.e., content or notable digital contributions not otherwise listed). It helps to clearly document for the faculty promotions and appointments committee that the faculty member is contributing to patient education, advocacy, epidemiology, research, health care professions education, or DEI via their social and digital media presence. The strengths of the metrics in the worksheet are that they are based on existing evidence, they include objective third-party metrics, and the benchmarks used for them skew conservative in their capture of the effort, quality, and influence of contributions.

Next Steps
The social and digital media worksheet is designed to be adaptable to a rapidly changing social and digital media landscape, and the metrics used in it are likely to be iterative and ever evolving. Transparency will be imperative when assessing candidates’ promotion portfolios.
Validation of M-CHARTS for Quantitative Assessment of Metamorphopsia Following Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment Repair
Authors: Oquendo Paola L. , Figueiredo Natalia , Francisconi Carolina L. M. , Juncal Verena , Marafon Samara , Naidu Sumana C. , Pecaku Aurora , Demian Sueellen , Melo Isabela Martins , Longwell Jack , Muni Rajeev H. 
Published: February 2024

Purpose:
To validate the quantitative assessment of metamorphopsia in rhegmatogenous retinal detachment(RRD) using M-CHARTS by determining its correlation with subjective reporting of metamorphopsia with a validated metamorphopsia questionnaire(modified MeMoQ).

Methods:
Research Ethics Board approved, prospective observational study carried out at St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Canada. Patients with primary, unilateral RRD and healthy controls were included. Metamorphopsia at 3-months was assessed with modified MeMoQ and M-CHARTS.

Results:
100 patients(50 with RRD,50 controls) were included. 70%(35/50) of the RRD group had metamorphopsia with M-CHARTS and 80%(40/50) with MeMoQ. The modified MeMoQ and total M-CHARTS scores were significantly higher in patients with RRD compared to controls(p<0.0001). Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficient was 0.934 in the RRD group. Horizontal, vertical, and total M-CHARTS scores were significantly correlated with MeMoQ scores(rs=0.465,p=0.0007;rs=0.405,p=0.004;rs=0.475,p=0.0005,respectively). M-CHARTS was 72.7% sensitive and 94.6% specific for detection of metamorphopsia(positive score≥0.2), with an area under the ROC curve=0.801. A stronger correlation was found in patients who scored ≥0.2 on the M-CHARTS and reported metamorphopsia with the MeMoQ(rs=0.454,p=0.001).

Conclusion:
We have validated M-CHARTS as a tool to quantitatively assess metamorphopsia in patients with RRD, which is significantly correlated with patient-reported outcomes using the metamorphopsia questionnaire(MeMoQ). A total score of ≥0.2 with M-CHARTS was more strongly correlated with MeMoQ.
Idiopathic terminal ileitis: myth or true entity?
Authors: Nandi Nicoletta , Tai Foong Way David , McAlindon Mark , Sidhu Reena 
Published: February 2024

Purpose of review
Isolated terminal ileitis is an increasing phenomenon identified during colonoscopy. Idiopathic terminal ileitis (IDTI) is a diagnosis of exclusion, representing a significant challenge from a diagnostic and management point of view. This review provides an overview of the most recent and relevant evidence on idiopathic IDTI, focusing on its evolution, the natural history and the management strategies proposed in the literature.

Recent findings
IDTI is uncommon, with a reported prevalence between 0.5 and 7%. The main differential is with Crohn's disease and intestinal tuberculosis in endemic countries. A proportion of patients (0–50%) can progress and develop Crohn's disease; however, there are no reliable predictive factors to stratify IDTI patients.

Summary
IDTI is a challenging entity, with a small proportion of patients progressing to Crohn's disease over time thus requiring follow-up. Noninvasive modalities such as capsule endoscopy are useful for follow-up, but further research is required to better understand this entity.
Advancing ecological networks: moving beyond binary classification to probabilistic interactions
Authors: Philippe-Lesaffre Martin 
Published: February 2024

AbstractLeveraging trophic interactions to deduce macro-ecological patterns has become a prevalent method, taking advantage of the extensive databases on binary trophic interactions (i.e., prey-predator relationships). However, this binary approach oversimplifies complex ecological dynamics and fails to capture the nuanced structure of food webs. The challenge lies in the scarcity and limited availability of data on non-binary interactions, which are crucial for a more comprehensive understanding of ecological networks. This study explores the use of binary classifiers, particularly the XGBOOST algorithm to address the limitations of traditional binary approaches to prey-predator relationships. By predicting predation probabilities among nine mammalian predators using species traits, my findings demonstrate the classifiers’ robust predictive capabilities to binary predictions but also a good correlation between probabilistic predation derived from binary classifiers and observed prey preferences. It also highlighted the importance of selecting informative species traits for predicting interaction, with performance contrastingly superior to null models. Despite a small sample size, this work provides insightful results and sets a foundation for future research to expand these models to broader ecological networks, emphasizing the need for comprehensive prey preference data.
The ultrastructure of the starfish skeleton is correlated with mechanical stress
Authors: Raman  , Labisch Susanna , Dirks Jan-Henning 
Published: February 2024

AbstractEchinoderms and vertebrates both possess mesodermal endoskeletons. In vertebrates, the response to mechanical loads and the capacity to remodel the ultrastructure of the skeletal system are fundamental attributes of their endoskeleton. To determine whether these characteristics are also inherent in Echinoderms, we conducted a comprehensive biomechanical and morphological study on the endoskeleton ofAsterias rubens, a representative model organism for Echinoderm skeletons. Our analysis involved high-resolution X-ray CT scans of entire individual ossicles, covering the full stereom distribution along with the attached muscles. Leveraging this data, we conducted finite element analysis to explore the correlation between mechanical loads acting on an ossicle and its corresponding stereom structure. To understand the effects of localized stress concentration, we examined stereom regions subjected to high mechanical stress and compared them to areas with lower mechanical stress. Additionally, by comparing the stereom structures of ossicles in various developmental stages, we assessed the general remodeling capacity of these ossicles. Our findings suggest that the ability to adapt to mechanical loads is a common feature of mesoderm endoskeletons within the Deuterostomia taxonomic group. However, the material remodelling may be a specific trait unique to vertebrate endoskeletons.
The Primate-Specific Presence of Interferon Regulatory Factor-5 Pseudogene 1
Authors: Marquis Avery , Hubing Vanessa , Ziemann Chanasei , Moriyama Etsuko N. , Zhang Luwen 
Published: February 2024

AbstractInterferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF5) is a critical transcription factor, regulating the production of inflammatory cytokines and interferons. Dysregulation of IRF5 has been linked to various autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Pseudogenes may exhibit gene regulatory functions in various mechanisms. In this study, we find the human IRF5 pseudogene 1 (IRF5P1) is a chimeric processed pseudogene containing sequences derived from multiple sources. Remarkably, IRF5P1 is specific to higher primates such as apes and humans. We propose that IRF5P1 may have originated through the ancient integration of a retroviral sequence containing IRF5 mRNA from other animals. Interestingly, IRF5P1 overlaps with another gene, triple QxxK/R motif containing (TRIQK), and the antisense strand of IRF5P1 is predominantly expressed, likely as part of the TRIQK pre-mRNA. The antisense IRF5P1 RNA may regulate IRF5 expression through complementary binding to the IRF5 mRNA, and variants in the IRF5 gene may modulate this interaction. Our analysis suggests that IRF5P1 likely had positive effects on primate evolution, making IRF5P1 a favored component to maintain in the primate lineage, and rendering the pseudogene primate specific. Further studies are essential to elucidate the potential for IRF5P1 to participate in regulatory networks governing IRF5 activity and inflammation and innate immunity.
Waiting for the Perfect Vaccine
Authors: Röst Gergely , Wang Zhen , Moghadas Seyed M. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractVaccination has proven to be the most effective public health measure in the fight against various infectious diseases. For emerging or re-emerging diseases, a highly efficacious vaccine may not be available at the start of an outbreak. Timelines for availability of a safe and effective vaccine may significantly affect disease dynamics, its burden, and the healthcare resource utilization. Mitigating this impact may then rely on low-efficacy vaccines that may be rapidly produced and distributed to at-risk populations at the early stages of an outbreak. With the expectation for arrival of a more effective vaccine at a later stage of the outbreak, the optimal vaccination coverage with the existing, low-efficacy vaccines is elusive. While flattening the outbreak if a significant proportion of the susceptible population is vaccinated with a low-efficacy vaccine, the overall infections may not be minimized if a small proportion of the population left unvaccinated when a highly efficacious vaccine becomes available. The optimal coverage for early vaccination could thus depend on several parameters including the efficacy of the currently available vaccines, arrival timing of a more effective vaccine and its efficacy, and the transmissbility of the disease. Here, we develop a deterministic system of differential equations to investigate the optimal vaccination coverage with a low-efficacy vaccine within the aforementioned parameter space. Despite simplifying assumptions, we illustrate that minimizing the overall infections does not necessarily correspond to the highest coverage of early vaccination. However, a high vaccination coverage, even with a low-efficacy vaccine, may still contribute to alleviating severe disease outcomes and reducing healthcare resource utilization.
Determining susceptibility loci in triple negative breast cancer using a novel pre-clinical model
Authors: Simon Samson Eugin , Simmons Boston W. , Kim Minjeong , Joseph Sydney C. , Korba Emily , Marathe Sandesh J. , Bohm Margaret S , Mahajan Sidharth S. , Bohl Casey J. , Read Robert , Holt Jeremiah R. , Hayes D. Neil , Lu Lu , Williams Robert W. , Sipe Laura M. , Ashbrook David G. , Makowski Liza 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTBreast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer and the second cause of death in US women. Our lack of understanding of how genetic variants affect molecular mechanisms that mediate BC aggression poses a substantial obstacle to advancements in cancer diagnosis and therapy. To examine genetic variants on BC traits, a novel murine model was created with robust phenotypic and genomic variation. The FVB C3(1)-T-antigen (“C3Tag”) mouse develops spontaneous tumors in the mammary glands of female mice with a mean latency of 4-5 months of age. This genetically engineered mouse model (GEMM) is well established to resemble human basal-like TNBC. TNBC is an aggressive subtype with few clinical approaches and poor patient outcomes. Thus, to model human heterogeneity in BC outcomes, we systematically crossed the C3Tag GEMM into the BXD recombinant inbred family – the largest and best characterized genetic reference population. The new model is termed “BXD-BC” and F1 hybrids of the cross have isogenic genomes that are reproducible. BXD-BCs are a potent tool to determine the impact of genetic modifiers on BC tumor traits. We hypothesized that examination of BXD-BC GEMMs will enable the identification of susceptibility loci, candidate genes, and molecular networks that underlie variation of multiple BC phenotypes. Using N=29 BXD-BC strains, we demonstrated significant heritable variations in the severity of TNBC characteristics such as tumor latency, multiplicity, and survival. Interestingly, 2 BXD-BC strains never developed tumors out to 1 year of age. Thus, BXD-BC strains demonstrate variance in cancer susceptibility and progression compared to the parent C3Tag GEMM, indicating the presence of genetic modifiers. Through an unbiased systematic quantification of breast cancer severity across BXD-BC hybrids, we identified several significant quantitative trait loci (QTL) and candidate genes for specific tumor traits. In combination with public human GWAS datasets, we defined syntenic regions, candidate genes, and underlying networks through cross-species systems genetics analyses to demonstrate the translational validity of conserved, biologically relevant, and targetable candidates. Our findings suggest conserved candidates predicting TNBC patient survival. In sum, the BXD-BC resource is an innovative, reliable, and robust preclinical model that reflects robust genetic heterogeneity. Using cutting edge systems genetics, we have identified genetic modifiers of BC phenotypic variation that could be targeted to advance therapeutic limitations or as biomarkers of risk or response to therapy.
Protective function and differentiation cues of brain-resident CD8+ T cells during immune surveillance of chronic latentToxoplasma gondiiinfection
Authors: Porte Rémi , Belloy Marcy , Audibert Alexis , Bassot Emilie , Aïda Amel , Alis Marine , Miranda-Capet Romain , Jourdes Aurélie , van Gisbergen Klaas , Masson Frédérick , Blanchard Nicolas 
Published: February 2024

AbstractChronicT. gondiiinfection induces brain-resident CD8+ T cells (bTr) but their protective functions and differentiation cues remain undefined. Here, we used a mouse model of latent infection byT. gondiileading to effective CD8+ T cell-mediated parasite control. Thanks to antibody depletion approaches, we found that peripheral circulating CD8+ T cells are dispensable for brain parasite control during chronic stage, indicating that CD8+ bTr are sufficient to prevent brain parasite reactivation. We observed that the retention markers CD69, CD49a and CD103 are sequentially acquired by brain parasite-specific CD8+ T cells throughout infection, and that a majority of CD69/CD49a/CD103 triple-positive (TP) CD8+ T cells also express Hobit, a transcription factor associated with tissue residency. This TP subset develops in a CD4+ T cell-dependent manner, and is associated with effective parasite control during chronic stage. Conditional invalidation of TAP-mediated MHC class I presentation showed that presentation of parasite antigens by glutamatergic neurons and microglia regulate the differentiation of CD8+ bTr into TP cells. Single-cell transcriptomic analyses uponT. gondiilatency vs. encephalitis revealed that resistance to encephalitis is associated with the expansion of stem-like subsets of CD8+ bTr.In summary, parasite-specific brain-resident CD8+ T cells are functionally heterogeneous and autonomously ensure parasite control duringT. gondiilatent infection. Their differentiation is shaped by neuronal and microglial MHC I presentation. A more detailed understanding of local T cell-mediated immune surveillance of this common parasite is needed for harnessing brain-resident CD8+ T cells in order to enhance control of chronic brain infections.
scSpatialSIM: a simulator of spatial single-cell molecular data
Authors: Soupir Alex C , Wrobel Julia , Creed Jordan H. , Ospina Oscar E , Wilson Christopher M , Manley Brandon J , Peres Lauren C. , Fridley Brooke L 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundSpatial molecular data is increasingly being generated in biological tissue studies to increase our understanding of cell infiltration and spatial architecture of tissues. Examples of technologies used to study the spatial contexture of tissues are single-cell protein expression assays and spatial transcriptomics. The increased use of spatial biology technologies has also resulted in an increase in the development of statistical methods to describe the spatial landscape in tissues. Due to the lack of consensus on “gold standard” statistical approaches for assessing the spatial contexture of tissues, we created an R package,scSpatialSIM, to assess different statistical and bioinformatic methods.scSpatialSIMallows users to simulate single-cell molecular data to mimic real tissues at scale, clustering of cell types, and co-clustering / co-localization of two or more cell types.scSpatialSIMalso contains functions that give users the ability to simulate quantitative distributions for positive and negative cells (e.g., gene expression, fluorescence intensity).ResultsWe demonstrate thatscSpatialSIMallows users to easily simulate various kernel densities of probability distributions used to create the marked point pattern – points distributed in space with either numeric or categorical features. UsingscSpatialSIM, we used four univariate spatial simulation scenarios to compare three different measures for spatial clustering (Ripley’s K(r), nearest neighbor G(r), and pair correlation g(r)). We found that Ripley’s K(r) identifies the most radii with significant clustering in all four scenarios. Nearest neighbor G(r) only identified all samples as significantly clustered at one radius (r= 0.07) in one simulation scenario (high abundance large cluster size). Pair correlation g(r) was better able to detect significant clustering at low radii when abundance was low.ConclusionsVignettes developed forscSpatialSIMcover the creation of single-type and multi-type spatial single-cell molecular data, as well as how these simulated data can be used with other R packages, such asspatialTIME, to derive spatial statistics. Development of this package is crucial for furthering our understanding of the power of existing methods and the development of novel applications to assess the spatial contexture of tissues by providing an objective platform for simulating spatial single-cell molecular data.