bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tree functional traits across Caribbean island dry forests are remarkably similar
Authors: Lopez‐Bustamante Pablo , Rosa‐Santiago Alanis , Hulshof Catherine M. , Franklin Janet 
Published: October 2023

AbstractAimTo examine the climatic and biogeographic drivers of plant trait variation across Caribbean tropical dry forests, a system characterised by high rates of plant endemism despite low moisture availability, high rainfall variability and persistent exposure to hurricanes.LocationCaribbean tropical dry forests.TaxonWoody plants.MethodsWe used a database of 572 woody vegetation plots spanning across the Caribbean, including Florida. We then extracted seed mass, specific leaf area and wood density from global trait databases. We supplemented additional trait data from herbaria collections and calculated phylogenetic imputation of traits. Furthermore, we calculated presence–absence community means and functional diversity and correlated these metrics with bioclimatic variables in addition to island and dry forest area using generalised additive models.ResultsDespite occurring in climatically distinct regions, Caribbean tropical dry forests are functionally similar, and the trait space of many dry forests are nested within the functional space of others. In line with island biogeographic theory, island area, dry forest area and island isolation were correlated with functional diversity. Although temperature and precipitation were important determinants of trait variation and functional diversity, environmental variables differently impacted trait variation and the variance explained was generally low.Main ConclusionsThe high functional overlap among Caribbean dry forests is remarkable given the broad climatic gradient across these islands. High functional overlap suggests that environmental and biogeographic filters constrain plant form and function in these intrinsically fascinating systems. The trait space of these insular dry forest systems points to dispersal‐limitation, in addition to high temperature and water limitations, and favouring persistence strategies to withstand high frequency hurricane disturbance.
Volumetric gray matter findings in autonomic network regions of people with focal epilepsy
Authors: Neuhaus Elisabeth , Bitzer Felix , Held Nina R. , Bauer Tobias , Gaubatz Jennifer , von Wrede Randi , Baumgartner Tobias , Rácz Atilla , Becker Vitali , Surges Rainer , Rüber Theodor 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackground and PurposeVoxel‐based morphometry (VBM) studies of people with focal epilepsies revealed gray matter (GM) alterations in brain regions involved in cardiorespiratory regulation, which have been linked to the risk of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). It remains unclear whether the type and localization of epileptogenic lesions influence the occurrence of such alterations.MethodsTo test the hypothesis that VBM alterations of autonomic network regions are independent of epileptogenic lesions and that they reveal structural underpinnings of SUDEP risk, VBM was performed in 100 people with focal epilepsies without an epileptogenic lesion identifiable on MRI (mean age ± standard deviation = 35 ± 11 years, 56 female). The group was further stratified in high (sample size n = 29) and low risk of SUDEP (n = 71). GM volumes were compared between these two subgroups and to 100 matched controls.ResultsPeople with epilepsy displayed higher GM volume in both amygdalae and parahippocampal gyri and lower GM volume in the cerebellum and occipital (p<.05, familywise error corrected). There were no significant volumetric differences between high and low SUDEP risk subgroups.ConclusionOur findings confirm that autonomic networks are structurally altered in people with focal epilepsy and they question VBM as a suitable method to show structural correlates of the SUDEP risk score.
Finding nemo: Digital art, tokenised assets, virtual property and the right of communication in copyright law
Authors: Lim Eugene C. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe increasing prevalence of immersive technologies and blockchain platforms in modern commerce has ignited animated debates among intellectual property law scholars on the use of nonfungible tokens (NFTs) in the sale of crypto‐assets or virtual property. Despite the rapidly growing interest in the implications of NFTs for copyright law, particularly in the realm of digital art, relatively little attention has been given to the question of whether the rights of copyright stakeholders (as opposed to the works in which such rights subsist) are capable of tokenisation as NFTs or of being transferred via NFT‐tethered transactions in blockchain environments. This article highlights the dangers of treating copyright as capable of being tokenised or transferred as NFTs on blockchain platforms, and argues that such an approach poses fundamental risks to the ‘nemo dat’ principle in property law. The article further proposes that the right of communication in copyright law should be extended to include the minting of NFTs in relation to digital files containing creative expression, to protect the interests of digital artists from the exploits of rogue crypto‐traders on blockchain platforms.
Symbolic belief in social cognition
Authors: Westra Evan 
Published: October 2023

AbstractKeeping track of what others believe is a central part of human social cognition. However, the social relevance of those beliefs can vary a great deal. Some belief attributions mostly tell us about what a person is likely to do next. Other belief attributions tell us more about a person's social identity. In this paper, I argue that we cope with this challenge by employing two distinct concepts of belief in our everyday social interactions. The epistemic concept of belief is primarily used to keep track of what other people take to be true, and this informs how we predict and interpret their behaviors. The symbolic concept of belief, in contrast, is primarily used as a means of signaling one's social identity to other members of one's community. In turn, community members closely monitor each other's symbolic beliefs as a means of enforcing social norms.
Catching the Urban Atmosphere of Taichung, Taiwan
Authors: Richard Theodoor A. M. , Pai Hui‐Chuan 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThis article proposes an ethno‐phenomenographic essay combining writing and photography to examine the contemporary atmosphere in Taichung, Taiwan. It explores the atmospheric effect of painted powerboxes. A selection of situations and atmospheric characteristics is described from different angles, and the history of the painting of these boxes is reflected upon, while themes and colorization of their peinture (painted image, my translation) are presented. Combined methods of photography and commented walk show an overall picture of this effect. The photographs illustrate how these boxes are present as people pass them by in their daily lives. Our comments sketch how these boxes and their environments weave themselves in and out of the perception of passers‐by to create a certain city atmosphere. We use photographs and writing in this way to support each other through dialogue. We contribute to the discussion of the phenomenology of the atmosphere through the use of visual anthropology.
Independent origins or single dispersal? Phylogenetic study supports early Cenozoic origin of three endemic Indo‐Sri Lankan Lygosomine skink genera
Authors: Ghosh Avrajjal , Sil Maitreya , Ukuwela Kanishka D. B. , Datta‐Roy Aniruddha 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe Western Ghats‐Sri Lanka biodiversity hotspot is home to three endemic Lygosomine (Reptilia, Scincidae) skink genera—Kaestlea, Ristella and Lankascincus. Phylogenetic reconstructions in the past have suggested a sister relationship between the Western Ghats endemic Ristella and the Sri Lankan endemic Lankascincus, while the placement of Kaestlea has been uncertain. We reconstruct a global, genus‐level, multi‐locus phylogeny of the sub‐family Lygosominae to ask if these endemic genera share an immediate common ancestor, that is, did they arise from a single dispersal event? Furthermore, to understand the possible centres of origin and dispersal routes of these three genera of Indo‐Sri Lankan skinks, we construct a time‐calibrated phylogeny and perform ancestral range evolution. We find that Kaestlea does not share an immediate ancestor with Ristella + Lankascincus. Therefore, their presence in the Indian subcontinent results from two independent colonization events. Both these dispersal events likely occurred during the late Palaeocene‐early Eocene from the Asian landmass. Our molecular dating and ancestral range evolution analyses add further evidence of probable transoceanic dispersal in skinks and early land connections between the Indian subcontinent and Asia. It also reveals that these skinks were some of the earliest lizards to disperse into the Indian subcontinent.
Methodological challenges in using human umbilical artery as a model for in vitro studies
Authors: Gajić Bojić Milica , Đukanović Đorđe , Marinković Sonja , Jovičić Sanja , Stojiljković Miloš P. , Djuric Dragan M. , Škrbić Ranko 
Published: October 2023

AbstractHuman umbilical artery (HUA) preparations are of particular importance for in vitro studies on isolated blood vessels because their sampling is not risky for the patient, and they can provide the closest possible impression of changes related to the uteroplacental circulation during pre‐eclampsia. Using organ bath techniques, useful experimental protocols are provided for measuring some pathophysiological phenomena in the vascular responses of HUAs. Several vasoconstrictors (serotonin, prostaglandin F and phenylephrine) and vasodilators (acetylcholine and minoxidil) were seleted for determination of their vasoactivity in HUAs. The role of L‐type voltage‐operated calcium channels and different types of potassium channels (KATP, BKCa and KV) were assessed, as was the impact of homocysteine. Serotonin was confirmed to be the most potent vasoconstrictor, while acetylcholine and phenylephrine caused variability in the relaxation and contraction response of HUA, respectively. The observed increase in serotonin‐induced contraction and a decrease in minoxidil‐induced relaxation in the presence of homocysteine suggested its procontractile effect on HUA preparations. Using selective blockers, it was determined that KATP and KV channels participate in the minoxidil‐induced relaxation, while L‐type voltage‐dependent Ca2+ channels play an important role in the serotonin‐induced contraction. The presented protocols reveal some of the methodological challenges related to HUA preparations and indicate potential outcomes in interpreting the vascular effects of the investigated substances, both in physiological conditions and in the homocysteine‐induced pre‐eclampsia model.
Friction Saturated Limit Cycle Oscillations—Test Rig Design and Validation of Numerical Prediction Methods
Authors: Schwarz Stefan , Reil Johannes , Gross Johann , Hartung Andreas , Rittinger David , Krack Malte 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
In this paper, an experimental test rig for friction saturated limit cycle oscillations is proposed to provide a validation basis for corresponding numerical methods. Having in mind the application of turbine blades, an instrumented beam-like structure equipped with an adjustable velocity feedback loop and dry frictional contacts is designed and investigated. After dimensioning the test rig by means of a simplified one-dimensional beam model and time domain simulations, the specific requirements of limit cycle oscillations for the design of the frictional contact, the velocity feedback loop and the excitation system are discussed and possible solutions are presented. Also appropriate measuring principles and evaluation techniques are assessed. After commissioning of the test rig, the influence of the negative damping and the normal contact force on the limit cycle oscillations is measured and the practical stability is investigated. The test rig shows linear dynamics for sticking contact and highly repeatable limit cycles. The measured results are discussed regarding the consistency with theory and compared to the predictions of a three dimensional reduced order model solved in frequency domain by the harmonic balance solver OrAgL. It is demonstrated that the numerical modeling strategy is able to accurately reproduce the measured limit cycle oscillations, which stabilized for different contact normal forces and self-excitation levels.
Motion Tracking of a High-Speed Multilink System Using Dynamic Measurements Fusion
Authors: Zhang Wei , Steckenrider J. Josiah , Furukawa Tomonari 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
This paper presents a technique for tracking the high-speed motion of a multilink system using inertial measurement units (IMUs) in a new sensor arrangement, an approach which is referred to as dynamic measurements fusion. The proposed technique incorporates accelerometers with traditional gyroscopes to measure joint angular velocities, while joint angles are measured with magnetometers. Comparative studies with conventional techniques show that the proposed technique tracks the motion of a multilink system accurately at both low (0.5 m/s) and high (5 m/s) speeds. Further analysis with different levels of measurement noise demonstrates the robustness of the proposed technique and its overall capability for tracking joint angular velocities and angles.
A Case-Study Examination of the Apologia and Antapologia of U.S. Track and Field Athlete Shelby Houlihan
Authors: Hoffman Robert , Corr Chris , Martin Christina L.L. 
Published: October 2023

In June 2021, U.S. Track and Field athlete Shelby Houlihan announced that she had tested positive for the performance-enhancing drug nandrolone and would not be competing in the upcoming Olympic trials. Maintaining her innocence, Houlihan engaged in numerous defense strategies claiming that a contaminated pork burrito accounted for the positive test. Given the unique nature of Houlihan’s defense, the present case study sought to examine both Houlihan’s use of apologia to defend herself against doping allegations and the antapologia (i.e., response) to Houlihan’s attempts at image repair. Analysis of Houlihan’s apologia suggests that despite her status as a relatively unknown female athlete, the use of social media facilitated the implementation of image-repair tactics typically used by more recognizable athletes and other public figures. The investigation of antapologia implies both a new approach to antapologia and that less recognizable athletes’ attempts at image repair are taken less seriously.
Legionella pneumophila
inhibits type I interferon signaling to avoid cell-intrinsic host cell defense
Authors: Allen Charles N. S. , Banks Dallas A. , Shuster Michael , Vogel Stefanie N. , O’Connor Tamara J. , Briken Volker 
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT

The host type I interferon (IFN) response protects against
Legionella pneumophila
infections. Other bacterial pathogens inhibit type I IFN-mediated cell signaling; however, the interaction between this signaling pathway and
L. pneumophila
has not been well described. Here, we demonstrate that
L. pneumophila
inhibits the IFN-β signaling pathway but does not inhibit IFN-γ-mediated cell signaling. The addition of IFN-β to
L. pneumophila
-infected macrophages limited bacterial growth independently of NOS2 and reactive nitrogen species. The type IV secretion system of
L. pneumophila
is required to inhibit IFN-β-mediated cell signaling. Finally, we show that the inhibition of the IFN-β signaling pathway occurs downstream of STAT1 and STAT2 phosphorylation. In conclusion, our findings describe a novel host cell signaling pathway inhibited by
L. pneumophila
via its type IV secretion system.
Sequence basis for selectivity of ephrin-B2 ligand for Eph receptors and pathogenic henipavirus G glycoproteins
Authors: Narayanan Krishna K. , Amaya Moushimi , Tsang Natalie , Yin Randy , Jays Alka , Broder Christopher C. , Shukla Diwakar , Procko Erik 
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT
Ephrin-B2 (EFNB2) is a ligand for six Eph receptors in humans and functions as a cell entry receptor for several henipaviruses including the Nipah virus (NiV), a pathogenic zoonotic virus with pandemic potential. To understand the sequence basis of promiscuity for EFNB2 binding to the attachment glycoprotein of NiV (NiV-G) and Eph receptors, we performed deep mutagenesis on EFNB2 to identify mutations that enhance binding to NiV-G over EphB2, one of the highest affinity Eph receptors. The mutations highlight how different EFNB2 conformations are selected by NiV-G versus EphB2. Specificity mutations are enriched at the base of the G-H binding loop of EFNB2, especially surrounding a phenylalanine hinge upon which the G-H loop pivots, and at a phenylalanine hook that rotates away from the EFNB2 core to engage Eph receptors. One EFNB2 mutant, D62Q, possesses pan-specificity to the attachment glycoproteins of closely related henipaviruses and has markedly diminished binding to the six Eph receptors. However, EFNB2-D62Q has high residual binding to EphB3 and EphB4. A second deep mutational scan of EFNB2 identified combinatorial mutations to further enhance specificity to NiV-G. A triple mutant of soluble EFNB2, D62Q-Q130L-V167L, has minimal binding to Eph receptors but maintains binding, albeit reduced, to NiV-G. Soluble EFNB2 decoy receptors carrying the specificity mutations were potent neutralizers of chimeric henipaviruses. These findings demonstrate how specific residue changes at the shared binding interface of a promiscuous ligand (EFNB2) can influence selectivity for multiple receptors, and may also offer insight toward the development of henipavirus therapeutics and diagnostics.

IMPORTANCE
Ephrin-B2 (EFNB2) is a ligand for six Eph receptors in humans and regulates multiple cell developmental and signaling processes. It also functions as the cell entry receptor for Nipah virus and Hendra virus, zoonotic viruses that can cause respiratory and/or neurological symptoms in humans with high mortality. Here, we investigate the sequence basis of EFNB2 specificity for binding the Nipah virus attachment G glycoprotein over Eph receptors. We then use this information to engineer EFNB2 as a soluble decoy receptor that specifically binds the attachment glycoproteins of the Nipah virus and other related henipaviruses to neutralize infection. These findings further mechanistic understanding of protein selectivity and may facilitate the development of diagnostics or therapeutics against henipavirus infection.
DHA and EPA inhibit porcine coronavirus replication by alleviating ER stress
Authors: Suo Xiaoyi , Wang Jing , Wang Danping , Fan Guoqiang , Zhu Mingjun , Fan Baochao , Yang Xiaojing , Li Bin 
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT

The 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) highlighted significant gaps in our mechanisms to prevent and control cross-species transmission of animal coronaviruses. Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV), and porcine delta coronavirus (PDCoV) are common porcine coronaviruses with similar clinical features. In the absence of effective drugs and methods of prevention and control, outbreaks of these viruses have led to significant economic losses in the global pig industry. Here, we report the effect of five fatty acids against porcine coronaviruses: sodium butyrate, lauric acid, palmitic acid, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). DHA and EPA reduced viral replication by attenuating the endoplasmic reticulum stress and inhibiting PEDV, TGEV, and PDCoV infections in vero cells, PK-15 cells, and LLC-PK1 cells
in vitro
, respectively. Additionally, DHA and EPA increased the host antioxidant levels and reduced inflammation. In conclusion, we report here for the first time the antiviral effects of DHA and EPA on porcine coronaviruses and provide a molecular basis for the development of new fatty acid-based therapies to control porcine coronavirus infection and transmission.

IMPORTANCE
Porcine epidemic diarrhea caused by porcine coronaviruses remains a major threat to the global swine industry. Fatty acids are extensively involved in the whole life of the virus. In this study, we found that docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) significantly reduced the viral load of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV), and porcine delta coronavirus (PDCoV) and acted on the replication of the viruses rather than attachment and entry. We further confirmed that DHA and EPA inhibited PEDV replication by alleviating the endoplasmic reticulum stress. Meanwhile, DHA and EPA alleviate PEDV-induced inflammation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and enhance the cellular antioxidant capacity. These data indicate that DHA and EPA have antiviral effects on porcine coronaviruses and provide a molecular basis for the development of new fatty acid-based therapies to control porcine coronavirus infection and transmission.
RsaL-driven negative regulation promotes heterogeneity in
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
quorum sensing
Authors: Mellini Marta , Letizia Morgana , Caruso Lorenzo , Guiducci Alessandra , Meneghini Carlo , Heeb Stephan , Williams Paul , Cámara Miguel , Visca Paolo , Imperi Francesco , Leoni Livia , Rampioni Giordano 
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT

In its canonical interpretation, quorum sensing (QS) allows single cells in a bacterial population to synchronize gene expression and hence perform specific tasks collectively once the
quorum
cell density is reached. However, growing evidence in different bacterial species indicates that considerable cell-to-cell variation in the QS activation state occurs during growth, often resulting in coexisting subpopulations of cells in which QS is active (quorate cells) or inactive (non-quorate cells). Heterogeneity has been observed in the
las
QS system of the opportunistic pathogen
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this phenomenon have not yet been defined. The
las
QS system consists of an incoherent feedforward loop in which the LasR transcriptional regulator activates the expression of the
lasI
synthase gene and
rsaL
, coding for the
lasI
transcriptional repressor RsaL. Here, single-cell-level gene expression analyses performed in
ad hoc
engineered biosensor strains and deletion mutants revealed that direct binding of RsaL to the
lasI
promoter region increases heterogeneous activation of the
las
QS system. Experiments performed with a dual-fluorescence reporter system showed that the LasR-dependent expression of
lasI
and
rsaL
does not correlate in single cells, indicating that RsaL acts as a brake that stochastically limits the transition of non-quorate cells to the quorate state in a subpopulation of cells expressing high levels of this negative regulator. Interestingly, the
rhl
QS system that is not controlled by an analogous RsaL protein showed higher homogeneity with respect to the
las
system.

IMPORTANCE

Single-cell analyses can reveal that despite experiencing identical physico-chemical conditions, individual bacterial cells within a monoclonal population may exhibit variations in gene expression. Such phenotypic heterogeneity has been described for several aspects of bacterial physiology, including QS activation. This study demonstrates that the transition of non-quorate cells to the quorate state is a graded process that does not occur at a specific cell density and that subpopulations of non-quorate cells also persist at high cell density. Here, we provide a mechanistic explanation for this phenomenon, showing that a negative feedback regulatory loop integrated into the las system has a pivotal role in promoting cell-to-cell variation in the QS activation state and in limiting the transition of non-quorate cells to the quorate state in
P. aeruginosa
.