bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thermal tolerance and survival are modulated by a natural gradient of infection in differentially acclimated hosts
Authors: De Bonville Jérémy , Côté Ariane , Binning Sandra A. 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACTWild ectotherms are exposed to multiple stressors, including parasites, which can affect their responses to environmental change. Simultaneously, unprecedented warm temperatures are being recorded worldwide, increasing both the average and maximum temperatures experienced in nature. Understanding how ectotherms, such as fishes, will react to the combined stress of parasites and higher average temperatures can help predict the impact of extreme events such as heat waves on populations. The critical thermal method (CTM), which assesses upper (CTmax) and lower (CTmin) thermal tolerance, is often used in acclimated ectotherms to help predict their tolerance to various temperature scenarios. Yet, few studies have characterized the response of naturally infected fish to extreme temperature events or how acute thermal stress affects subsequent survival. We acclimated naturally infected pumpkinseed sunfish (Lepomis gibbosus), to four ecologically relevant temperatures (10, 15, 20 and 25°C) and one future warming scenario (30°C) for three weeks, before measuring CTmaxand CTmin. We also assessed individual survival the week following CTmax. Interestingly, trematode parasites causing black spot disease were negatively related to CTmax, suggesting that heavily infected fish are less tolerant to acute warming. Moreover, fish infected with yellow grub parasites showed decreased survival in the days following CTmaximplying that the infection load has negative survival consequences on sunfish during extreme warming events. Our findings indicate that parasite infection and high prolonged average temperatures can affect fish thermal tolerance and survival, emphasizing the need to better understand the concomitant effects of stressors on health outcomes in wild populations.Summary statementThis study shows that parasites influence thermal tolerance and survival of fish, suggesting that such stressors are important to increase the ecological relevance of thermal tolerance studies of wild animals.
Impact of homologous recombination on core genome evolution and host adaptation ofPectobacterium parmentieri
Authors: Arizala Dario , Arif Mohammad 
Published: December 2023

AbstractHomologous recombination is a major force mechanism driving bacterial evolution, host adaptability and acquisition of novel virulence traits.Pectobacterium parmentieriis a plant bacterial pathogen distributed worldwide, primarily affecting potatoes, by causing soft rot and blackleg diseases. The goal of this investigation was to understand the impact of homologous recombination on the genomic evolution ofP. parmentieri. Analysis ofP. parmentierigenomes using Roary revealed a dynamic pan-genome with 3,742 core genes and over 55% accessory genome variability. Bayesian population structure analysis identified seven lineages, indicating species heterogeneity. ClonalFrameML analysis displayed 5,125 recombination events, with the lineage 4 exhibiting the highest events. FastGEAR analysis identified 486 ancestral and 941 recent recombination events ranging 43 bp - 119 kb and 36 bp - 13.96 kb, respectively, suggesting ongoing adaptation. Notably, 11% (412 genes) of the core genome underwent recent recombination, with lineage 1 as the main donor. The prevalence of recent recombination (double compared to ancient) events implies continuous adaptation, possibly driven by global potato trade. Recombination events were found in vital cellular processes (DNA replication, DNA repair, RNA processing, homeostasis, and metabolism), pathogenicity determinants (type secretion systems, cell-wall degrading enzymes, iron scavengers, lipopolysaccharides, flagellum, etc.), antimicrobial compounds (phenazine and colicin) and even CRISPR-Cas genes. Overall, these results emphasize the role of homologous recombination inP. parmentieri’s evolutionary dynamics, influencing host colonization, pathogenicity, adaptive immunity, and ecological fitness.SignificanceThis study explores the influence of homologous recombination on the genomic evolution of the globally distributed plant pathogenP. parmentieri, characterized by highly heterogenous strains from various global locations. Our findings reveal diverse recombinogenic patterns within the core genomes ofP. parmentieriisolates, notably in genomic loci associated with vital cell functions, pathogenicity determinants, and CRISPR-Cas genes. These findings highlight the role of homologous recombination in shaping the genomes ofP. parmentieriand impacting its phytopathogenic lifestyle. Additionally, the data suggest a potential role of recombination in the ecological adaptation of this species across different climates, providing insights into the worldwide presence ofP. parmentieri. This study represents a pioneering exploration of the impact of homologous recombination on the dynamic evolutionary genomics of the soft rot-causing bacteriumP. parmentieri.
Interpretable and Generalizable Strategies for Stably Following Hydrodynamic Trails
Authors: Hang Haotian , Jiao Yusheng , Heydari Sina , Ling Feng , Merel Josh , Kanso Eva 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAquatic organisms offer compelling evidence that local flow sensing alone, without vision, is sufficient to guide them to the source of a vortical flow field, be it a swimming or stationary object. However, the feedback mechanisms that allow a flow-sensitive follower to track hydrodynamic trails remain opaque. Here, using high-fidelity fluid simulations and Reinforcement Learning (RL), we discovered two equally effective policies for trail following. While not apriori obvious, the RL policies led to parsimonious response strategies, analogous to Braitenberg’s simplest vehicles, where a follower senses local flow signals and turns away from or towards the direction of stronger signal. We analyzed the stability of the RLinspired strategies in ideal and simulated flows and demonstrated their robustness in tracking unfamiliar flows using diverse types of sensors. Our findings uncovered a surprising connection between the stability of hydrodynamic trail following and sense-to-response time delays, akin to those observed in the sensorimotor systems of aquatic organisms, and could guide future designs of flow-responsive autonomous robots.
Opposing effects of pre-existing antibody and memory T cell help on the dynamics of recall germinal centers
Authors: Schiepers Ariën , van ‘t Wout Marije F. L. , Hobbs Alvaro , Mesin Luka , Victora Gabriel D. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractRe-exposure to an antigen generates serum antibody responses that greatly exceed in magnitude those elicited by primary antigen encounter, while simultaneously driving the formation of recall germinal centers (GCs). Although recall GCs in mice are composed almost entirely of naïve B cells, recall antibody titers derive overwhelmingly from memory B cells, suggesting a division between cellular and serum compartments. Here, we show that this schism is at least partly explained by a marked decrease in the ability of recall GC B cells to detectably bind antigen. Variant priming and plasmablast ablation experiments show that this decrease is largely due to suppression by preexisting antibody, whereas hapten-carrier experiments reveal a role for memory T cell help in allowing B cells with undetectable antigen binding to access GCs. We propose a model in which antibody-mediated feedback steers recall GC B cells away from previously targeted epitopes, thus enabling specific targeting of variant epitopes.
Evolution of Opsin Genes in Caddisflies (Insecta: Trichoptera)
Authors: Powell Ashlyn , Heckenhauer Jacqueline , Pauls Steffen U. , Ríos-Touma Blanca , Kuranishi Ryoichi B. , Holzenthal Ralph W. , Razuri-Gonzales Ernesto , Bybee Seth , Frandsen Paul B. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractInsects have evolved complex and diverse visual systems in which light-sensing protein molecules called opsins couple with a chromophore to form photopigments. Insect photopigments group into three major gene families based on wavelength sensitivity: long wavelength (LW), short wavelength (SW), and ultraviolet wavelength (UV). Here, we identified 123 opsin sequences from whole genome assemblies across 25 caddisfly species (Insecta: Trichoptera). We discovered the LW opsins have the most diversity across species and form two separate clades in the opsin gene tree. Conversely, we observed a loss of the SW opsin in half of the trichopteran species in this study, which might be associated with the fact that caddisflies are active during low-light conditions. Lastly, we found a single copy of the UV opsin in all the species in this study, with one exception:Athripsodes cinereushas two copies of the UV opsin and resides within a clade of caddisflies with colorful wing patterns.SignificanceWhile opsin evolution in some insect groups has been well-characterized, it has never been studied across caddisflies. Our findings provide insight into the diversity of opsins in caddisflies and form a basis for further research into the evolutionary drivers and complex visual systems in Trichoptera.
DRR pioneers' interview [1]
Authors: Delica-Willison Zenaida 
Published: December 2023

Purpose The transcript talks about early days of disaster risk reduction from a community based perspective all the way from the 70s.Design/methodology/approach The transcript and video was developed in the context of a UNDRR project on the History of DRR.Findings The transcript presents learnings from past experiences using citizenry-based development-oriented disaster management.Originality/value Citizenry-based development-oriented disaster management is not yet fully captured in the literature.
Examining the link between responsible leadership and employee sustainable performance: the mediating role of ethical climate
Authors: Khanam Zeba , Tarab Sheema , Khan Zebran 
Published: December 2023

PurposeThis study investigates the relationship between responsible leadership (RL) and employee sustainable performance (ESP), utilizing the CSR theory as a theoretical framework. Furthermore, this study aims to examine the role of ethical climate as a potential mediator in the relationship between RL and ESP.Design/methodology/approachA sample of 415 employees from the healthcare sector of India was collected through a questionnaire-based survey by using the convenience sampling technique. The data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) with the help of SmartPLS 4.FindingsThe study's findings demonstrated a significant, positive association between RL and ESP [employee well-being (EWB) and employee performance (EP)]. Additionally, the findings show that ethical climate partially mediates the link between RL and ESP (EWB and EP).Research limitations/implicationsThe generalizability of the study's data collection is limited because it is based on the responses of Indian healthcare sector employees to an online and offline survey. The authors propose that the healthcare industry implement an intensive leadership training program in light of the findings of this study, which will aid human resource (HR) managers in comprehending the significance of RL and fostering related behaviors, such as encouraging employees to maintain ethical behavior and positive attitudes.Originality/valueTo the authors' understanding, this study is among the earliest attempts to present an integrative model that examines the relationship between RL, ethical climate and ESP in the context of Indian healthcare employees, incorporating the theory of corporate social responsibility (CSR). Moreover, the novelty of this research study examines the relationship between RL and ESP, with an ethical climate serving as a mediator. The focus is specifically on employees working in the Indian healthcare sector.
Sustainability-oriented entrepreneurial intentions: work values and the theory of planned behaviour
Authors: Srivastava Mayuri , Shivani Shradha , Dutta Sraboni 
Published: December 2023

PurposeThe purpose of this empirical study is to enable a better understanding of the construct sustainability-oriented entrepreneurial intentions (SEI) and thereby promote sustainable entrepreneurship. It aims to examine the significance of work values (extrinsic rewards, intrinsic rewards and job security) as antecedents of SEI and to test the mediating effect of three constructs derived from the theory of planned behaviour – attitude towards sustainability, perceived entrepreneurial desirability and perceived entrepreneurial feasibility on the relationships between work values and SEI.Design/methodology/approachConfirmatory factor analysis and exploratory factor analysis were performed using analysis of moment structures v27 and statistical package for social science v28 on data obtained from the survey of young individuals of India. The respondents were students enrolled in higher education programmes.FindingsAll the identified antecedents (extrinsic rewards, intrinsic rewards, job security and theory of planned behaviour constructs) were found to be statistically significant. The partial mediating effect of the theory of planned behaviour constructs was also reported.Originality/valueThis empirical work leads to the theoretical advancement of the emerging construct, SEI, by presenting evidence of the significant individual-level antecedents of the construct. The results lead to recommendations for policymakers and educators to design strategies to strengthen SEI, thereby expanding the adoption of sustainable entrepreneurship.
Clinical implications of extremely elevated C‐reactive protein among febrile immunocompetent children
Authors: Saar Shirley , Scheuerman Oded , Zuabi Tarek , Amarilyo Gil , Abu Mor , Goldberg Lotem , Goldberg Bar , Shirman Nina , Vardi Yoav , Pasternak Yehonatan , Levinsky Yoel 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAimTo identify the various diagnoses associated with extremely elevated C‐reactive protein (CRP) (>30 mg/dL) among immunocompetent children and to evaluate its clinical implications during emergency department (ED) workup and hospital management.MethodsChildren (3 months–18 years) with fever in ED were included, retrospectively. The cohort was divided into two groups—‘extremely elevated CRP’ (>30 mg/dL) and ‘highly elevated CRP’ (15–30 mg/dL).ResultsIncluded were 1173 patients with CRP 15–30 mg/dL and 221 with CRP > 30 mg/dL. Bacterial infection was more prevalent among the extremely elevated CRP group (94.1% vs. 78.5%, respectively, p = 0.002). Specifically, bacterial pneumonia (52%), cellulitis (7.2%) and sepsis (4.1%) were more prevalent among this group. More of these patients were reported as ‘Ill appearing’ [78 (35.3%) vs. 166 (17.4%), p < 0.001]. They were more often treated with fluids [33 (14.9%) vs. 50 (5.3%), p < 0.001] and a higher portion of them required admission to an intensive care unit [11 (5.0%) vs. 16 (1.7%), p = 0.007].ConclusionFebrile children with extremely elevated CRP showed greater illness severity (haemodynamic instability, PICU admissions), thus careful clinical attention is desirable in these cases. More than half of them had bacterial pneumonia, which reinforces the importance of relevant investigation when diagnosis is unclear.
Heterogeneity of nucleolar morphology in four‐cell mouse embryos after IVF: association with developmental potential
Authors: Bari Md Wasim , Morishita Yoshiya , Kishigami Satoshi 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIn mammals, around fertilization, the nucleolus of embryos transforms into the nucleolus precursor bodies (NPBs), which continue to mature until the blastocyst stage, leading to distinct morphological changes. In our study, we observed two types of nucleolar morphology in mouse in vitro fertilized embryos at the four‐cell stage, which we refer to single nucleolus (SN) and multiple nucleoli (MN). To visualize nucleolar morphology, four‐cell embryos were immunostained with anti‐NOPP140 antibody. These embryos were categorized into five types based on the number of blastomeres carrying SN: SN4/MN0, SN3/MN1, SN2/MN2, SN1/MN3, and SN0/MN4, with percentages of 13, 27, 21, 23 and 9, respectively. Next, using a light microscope, we divided the four‐cell in vitro fertilized embryos without fixation into two groups: those with at least two blastomeres displaying SN (SN embryos) and those without (MN embryos). Notably, significantly more SN embryos developed into blastocysts and offspring at 18.5 dpc compared with MN embryos. Furthermore, SN embryos displayed a higher NANOG‐positive cell number at the blastocyst stage, significantly lower body and placental weights, resulting in a higher fetal/placental ratio. These findings suggest a close association between nucleolar state at the four‐cell stage and subsequent developmental potential.
A novel two‐stage approach to the treatment of renal cell carcinoma with intra‐cardiac tumour extension and Budd–Chiari syndrome
Authors: Perini Marcos V. , Ischia Joseph , Woon Dixon , Bhaskar Jayapadman , Starkey Graham , Qi Sara , Wetherell David , Ellard Louise , McCall Peter , Miles Lachlan F. , Seevanayagam Siven 
Published: December 2023

ObjectiveTo present the early results of a new technique for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma with intra‐cardiac tumour extension and Budd–Chiari syndrome.Patients and MethodsThe first stage involves transdiaphragmatic debulking of the right heart, inferior vena cava (IVC) and hepatic veins via median sternotomy, followed by a purse‐string suture placed in the IVC below the hepatic veins. The second stage is performed separately and involves en bloc resection of the affected kidney, and IVC and vascular reconstruction via an abdominal incision.ResultsThree of five patients presented with clinical Budd–Chiari syndrome; two had radiological features only. The median time between surgical procedures was 12 days (IQR 13 days). Four of the five patients had a R0 resection. While all five patients successfully completed both operative stages, one patient died 22 days after the second stage. Of the remaining four, all survive with no disease recurrence.ConclusionWhile we continue to compile longer‐term data for a larger follow‐up series, these preliminary findings show the feasibility of this technique and support the development of this programme of surgery.
Doing and undoing gendered racism with racialized girls: A school‐based youth participatory action research study
Authors: Angod Leila 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThis article explores the ethics and transformative potential of youth participatory action research (yPAR) using data from a 2‐year school‐based yPAR study at an elite, independent school in Toronto, Canada. I use discourse analysis to show how school‐based yPAR with racialized girls intensified their experiences of gendered racism, shaping the research in a circular fashion. I demonstrate how youth researchers' strategies for counteracting this intensification contradicted the project's critical race feminist investments. This study concludes that yPAR facilitators must address the potential/actual harm of youth researchers' involvement in yPAR as part of the research process.
Modeling Brain Representations of Words' Concreteness in Context Using GPT‐2 and Human Ratings
Authors: Bruera Andrea , Tao Yuan , Anderson Andrew , Çokal Derya , Haber Janosch , Poesio Massimo 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe meaning of most words in language depends on their context. Understanding how the human brain extracts contextualized meaning, and identifying where in the brain this takes place, remain important scientific challenges. But technological and computational advances in neuroscience and artificial intelligence now provide unprecedented opportunities to study the human brain in action as language is read and understood. Recent contextualized language models seem to be able to capture homonymic meaning variation (“bat”, in a baseball vs. a vampire context), as well as more nuanced differences of meaning—for example, polysemous words such as “book”, which can be interpreted in distinct but related senses (“explain a book”, information, vs. “open a book”, object) whose differences are fine‐grained. We study these subtle differences in lexical meaning along the concrete/abstract dimension, as they are triggered by verb‐noun semantic composition. We analyze functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) activations elicited by Italian verb phrases containing nouns whose interpretation is affected by the verb to different degrees. By using a contextualized language model and human concreteness ratings, we shed light on where in the brain such fine‐grained meaning variation takes place and how it is coded. Our results show that phrase concreteness judgments and the contextualized model can predict BOLD activation associated with semantic composition within the language network. Importantly, representations derived from a complex, nonlinear composition process consistently outperform simpler composition approaches. This is compatible with a holistic view of semantic composition in the brain, where semantic representations are modified by the process of composition itself. When looking at individual brain areas, we find that encoding performance is statistically significant, although with differing patterns of results, suggesting differential involvement, in the posterior superior temporal sulcus, inferior frontal gyrus and anterior temporal lobe, and in motor areas previously associated with processing of concreteness/abstractness.
The role of copy number variants in the genetic architecture of common familial epilepsies
Authors:   Epi4K Consortium
Published: December 2023

AbstractObjectiveCopy number variants (CNVs) contribute to genetic risk and genetic etiology of both rare and common epilepsies. Whereas many studies have explored the role of CNVs in sporadic or severe cases, fewer have been done in familial generalized and focal epilepsies.MethodsWe analyzed exome sequence data from 267 multiplex families and 859 first‐degree relative pairs with a diagnosis of genetic generalized epilepsies or nonacquired focal epilepsies to predict CNVs. Validation and segregation studies were performed using an orthogonal method when possible.ResultsWe identified CNVs likely to contribute to epilepsy risk or etiology in the probands of 43 of 1116 (3.9%) families, including known recurrent CNVs (16p13.11 deletion, 15q13.3 deletion, 15q11.2 deletion, 16p11.2 duplication, 1q21.1 duplication, and 5‐Mb duplication of 15q11q13). We also identified CNVs affecting monogenic epilepsy genes, including four families with CNVs disrupting the DEPDC5 gene, and a de novo deletion of HNRNPU in one affected individual from a multiplex family. Several large CNVs (>500 kb) of uncertain clinical significance were identified, including a deletion in 18q, a large duplication encompassing the SCN1A gene, and a 15q13.3 duplication (BP4‐BP5).SignificanceThe overall CNV landscape in common familial epilepsies is similar to that of sporadic epilepsies, with large recurrent deletions at 15q11, 15q13, and 16p13 contributing in 2.5%–3% of families. CNVs that interrupt known epilepsy genes and rare, large CNVs were also identified. Multiple etiologies were found in a subset of families, emphasizing the importance of genetic testing for multiple affected family members. Rare CNVs found in a single proband remain difficult to interpret and require larger cohorts to confirm their potential role in disease. Overall, our work indicates that CNVs contribute to the complex genetic architecture of familial generalized and focal epilepsies, supporting the role for clinical testing in affected individuals.