bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mechanisms Controlling Hemolymph Circulation Under Resting Conditions In The Chagas Disease VectorRhodnius Prolixus(Stål)
Authors: Villalobos Sambucaro María José , Alzugaray María Eugenia , Ronderos Jorge Rafael 
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACTChagas disease vectors can ingest several times its own volume in blood with each meal. This ad libitum feeding causes an intense process of diuresis inducing the insect to eliminate a large quantity of urine during the next few hours. This process, which is under the control of endocrine and neuroendocrine systems is necessary to restore homeostasis, and to begin physiological mechanisms leading to growth and reproduction. To ensure diuresis, the speed of circulation of the hemolymph must be increased to allow the Malpighian tubules to produce the urine. Behind this acute phenomenon, triatominae insects can spend several weeks without feeding. In this way, it could be assumed that during most of the time of life the insect is in a resting condition. Triatominae circulatory system is quite simple, including a dorsal vessel which pumps hemolymph in an anterograde direction. The return is caused by peristaltic contractions of the anterior midgut. While the mechanisms controlling the circulation of the hemolymph during post-prandial diuresis was largely analysed, the mechanisms controlling it during resting conditions is poorly understood. In this study we analyse several canonical pathways (i.e. L-type VGCC; GPCR; RyR; IP3R) and a novel system represented by the recently characterized Piezo proteins. Our results show that during the resting condition hemolymph circulation depends on a cross-talk between myogenic activity, inhibitory and stimulatory cell messengers, and also Piezo proteins. We present for the first time the existence of a putative Piezo protein in Hemiptera.
Proteomic Analysis Reveals the Molecular Pathways Responsible for Solar UV-B Acclimation in High-altitude Malbec Berries
Authors: Arias Leonardo A. , Murcia Germán , Berli Federico , Muñoz Flavio , Fontana Ariel , Piccoli Patricia 
Published: October 2023

AbstractGrapevine cultivation at high altitudes provides a viable option for producing premium quality wines in the context of climate change. This is primarily attributed to cooler temperatures, wider thermal amplitudes, and increased UV-B radiation. Although high UV-B levels can cause oxidative-stress, grape berries acclimate by generating UV-blocking anthocyanins and antioxidant compounds accumulated in the berry skins, thereby enhancing the organoleptic qualities and aging capacity of wine. This UV-B exclusion study examines how Malbec berries respond to solar UV-B at a high-altitude vineyard in Mendoza, Argentina (1350 m a.s.l.). The results showed that high solar UV-B acts both as a photomorphogenic signal and a stressor. The proteomic changes of berries exposed to +UV-B conditions indicate a decrease of photosynthesis and oxidative phosphorylation, coupled with an increase of glycolysis and tricarboxylic acid cycle as compensatory respiration pathways. Furthermore, numerous chaperones and proteins associated with the antioxidant system exhibited increased abundance to maintain cellular homeostasis. Lastly, veraison-stage berries exposed to +UV-B displayed an activation of the UVR8 signaling cascade and the phenylpropanoid pathway, resulting in higher concentration of phenolic compounds and more oxidation-resistant types of anthocyanins. This is the first report of field-grown grape berry proteomic modulation in response to solar UV-B, and it may have significant implications for the cultivation of high-quality wine grapes in both current and future climate scenarios.Significance
The widely usedUcp1-CreEvdrtransgene elicits complex developmental and metabolic phenotypes
Authors: Halurkar Manasi Suchit , Inoue Oto , Mukherjee Rajib , Bonatto Paese Christian Louis , Duszynski Molly , Brugmann Samantha A. , Lim Hee-Woong , Sanchez-Gurmaches Joan 
Published: October 2023

SummaryBacterial artificial chromosome transgenic models, including mostCre-recombinases, enable potent interrogation of gene functionin vivobut require rigorous validation as limitations emerge. Due to its high relevance to metabolic studies, we performed comprehensive analysis of theUcp1-CreEvdrline which is widely used for brown fat research. Hemizygotes exhibited major brown and white fat transcriptomic dysregulation, indicating potential altered tissue function.Ucp1-CreEvdrhomozygotes also show high mortality, growth defects, and craniofacial abnormalities. Mapping the transgene insertion site revealed insertion in chromosome 1 accompanied by large genomic alterations disrupting several genes expressed in a range of tissues. Notably,Ucp1-CreEvdrtransgene retains an extraUcp1gene copy that may be highly expressed under high thermogenic burden. Our multi-faceted analysis highlights a complex phenotype arising from the presence of theUcp1-CreEvdrtransgene independently of the intended genetic manipulations. Overall, comprehensive validation of transgenic mice is imperative to maximize discovery while mitigating unexpected, off-target effects.HighlightsHemizygousUcp1-CreEvdrmice exhibit substantial brown and white fat tissue dysregulation.HomozygousUcp1-CreEvdrmice display high mortality, growth defects, and craniofacial abnormalities.TheUcp1-CreEvdrtransgene integration resulted in major genomic disruptions affecting multiple genes.TheUcp1-CreEvdrtransgene retains a possibly functional extraUcp1copy.
Slitrk/LAR-RPTP and disease-associated variants control neuronal migration in the developing mouse cortex independently of synaptic organizer activity
Authors: Medvedeva Vera P. , Billuart Pierre , Jeanmart Alice , Vigier Lisa , Ko Jaewon , Danglot Lydia , Pierani Alessandra 
Published: October 2023

AbstractSlitrks and their ligands LAR-RPTPs are type I transmembrane proteins previously implicated in the etiology of various neuropsychiatric disorders including obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCDs) and schizophrenia. Over the last decade, their functions were extensively studied in hippocampal neuronsin vitroand shown to shape synapse organization. Although both protein families are highly expressed prior to synapse formation, their function in earlier steps of cerebral cortex development remains unknown. Here we investigated the role of Slitrk1, Slitrk2, Slitrk3 and LAR-RPTPs (Ptprs and Ptprd) in the embryonic mouse cortex by acute genetic manipulation usingin uteroelectroporation. All genes, except Slitrk3, promoted specific alterations in radial migration of glutamatergic neurons. Slitrk1 and Slitrk2 overexpression was associated with accumulation of neurons in distinct regions of the cortical plate. Using deletion mutants and a series of Slitrk variants associated with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), we showed that distinct domains are crucial for intracellular Slitrk1 distribution and/or density and shape of VAMP2+presynaptic boutons. Interestingly, bouton alterations did not correlate with the observed migration delays, suggesting that Slitrk1 influence cell migration independently on its synaptogenic function. Furthermore, co-electroporation experiments with LAR-RPTPs, mimicking their co-expression observed by scRNAseq, rescued the migration deficits, suggesting possiblecis-interactions between Slitrks and LAR-RPTPs. Together, these data indicate that in the embryonic cerebral cortex Slitrks and LAR-RPTPs cooperate in consecutive steps of radial migration through distinct mechanisms than in synapse organization and support a relevant role of Slitrk/LAR-RPTP dysfunctions in NDDs at earlier stages of cortical development.
Quantifying Variability in Attentional Shifts During Target Switching Using Steady-State Visual Evoked Potentials
Authors: Eidelman-Rothman Moran , Reuveni Omer , Keil Andreas , Kritzman Lior , Freche Dominik , Okon-Singer Hadas , Levit-Binnun Nava 
Published: October 2023

AbstractA large body of ssVEP research has provided significant insights into the temporal dynamics of attentional processes. While these studies focused primarily on group level inspection, there is a need for further research employing methodological approaches that enable the examination of individual-level variability. This is particularly relevant in psychological contexts, where such measures are linked to various cognitive and clinical outcomes. In the present study, we aimed to measure and discern attentional shift processes, examining both group and individual subject dynamics. We utilized EEG frequency tagging to examine attentional engagement, disengagement, and reengagement while participants switched focus between four flickering stimuli. Analysis of ssVEPs revealed significant changes in amplitude between attentional conditions. Specifically, group-level results indicated an increase in activity during engagement with the first target, followed by a decrease upon disengagement, while reengagement with the second target showed a corresponding increase in activity occurring on average 110 ms prior to disengagement. Distinct individual patterns emerged, with participants showing either disengagement, reengagement, both, or no shifts. Notably, the timing and order of these attentional shifts varied considerably across individuals relative to target switch events. These findings demonstrate the ability of this approach to quantify attentional shifts on both group and individual levels, providing a foundation for further research into individual differences in attentional control, which may have implications for understanding adaptive and maladaptive psychological functioning.HighlightsEEG frequency tagging captures attentional engagement, disengagement, and reengagement processes.Group-level ssVEP analysis reveals that attentional reengagement occurs 110 ms before attentional disengagement.Individual-level analysis demonstrates diverse patterns of attentional shift timing and order.The experimental framework successfully quantifies attentional dynamics on the group and individual levels.
Bacteriocin peer selection for the production of antibiotic selection free biotherapeutic pDNA
Authors: El Bakkoury Mohamed , P. Gómez de Cadiñanos Luz , Gabant Philippe 
Published: October 2023

AbstractPlasmid vectors are well established tools used to genetically engineer bacteria both in the laboratory and at industrial scale. The past few decades have seen a rising interest in the use of plasmid DNA (pDNA) for biotherapeutic applications. This interest is a strong driver for the development of technologies to increase pDNA production at biopharmaceutical scale in terms of decreasing production costs and meeting regulatory requirements. Although cell free technologies are emerging, pDNA vectors are still produced by fermentation inEscherichia colistrains. As plasmids are extra-chromosomic molecules there is a probability of losing a certain ratio within theE. colipopulation during the fermentation process leading to a decrease of DNA production efficiency. Maintaining pDNA in the population is thus a key element to reach efficient and robust production. Traditionally, antibiotic resistance genes and antibiotics have been used to generate a selective pressure to ensure pDNA stability in the microbial population during the production process. Nowadays, having an antibiotic resistance gene in the pDNA coding sequence represents a limitation both for safety and legal requirements and in terms of production yield. For this reason, we have developed a pDNA antibiotic-free bacteriocin-based selection system, based on the genes involved in the production, processing, secretion and immunity of the bacteriocin microcin V. Our approach is based on the peer pressure exerted by the bacteriocin and does not rely on the addition of any selective agent in the medium to limit population drift and ensure plasmid stability. This novel antibiotic-free approach may be applied to any pDNA vector in differentE. colistrains and expands their potential applications in both animal and human health as delivery vectors for biotherapeutics.
Enhancing children's social and cognitive development through play space design
Authors: Kamal Aliaa M. , Gabr Hisham S. 
Published: October 2023

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to explore the design of outdoor play spaces in Cairo that provide an enjoyable play experience, along with opportunities for enhancing child social and cognitive developmental skills through play features incorporated in their play spaces to achieve this goal.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopts a qualitative methodology to examine the effectiveness of natural, customized and elevated features on social and cognitive play behaviors of 6–8 year-olds. Data were gathered in three different play settings; a play space inside a social club, a park and a schoolyard. Data gathering relied on observations, written descriptions of play patterns and recordings of children's conversations. Additionally, the researcher utilized sketching diagrams to illustrate children's preferences for play with each feature.FindingsThe results of the study indicate that incorporating natural, elevated and customized play features into children's play spaces can enhance their environment and provide opportunities for fostering their social and cognitive skills.Research limitations/implicationsThis study reports the occurrence of indicative behaviors and not the exact measurement of skill development. Research involving children can have limitations in terms of reliability of results due to slight variations affected by unmeasurable circumstances.Originality/valueThe study makes a valuable contribution towards enhancing the quality of children's play spaces in Cairo by emphasizing the significance of providing opportunities for social and cognitive in addition to physical play.
Predicting working sole Indian mothers' satisfaction towards work–family balance integrating the Kano model and weighted average method
Authors: Kushwaha Jyoti , Singh Pankaj , Kushwaha Ruchi 
Published: October 2023

PurposeThe main impetus of the current paper is to identify and prioritize the work–family balance (WFB) satisfaction attributes specifically for working sole mothers' by deploying the Kano technique and weighted average method.Design/methodology/approachA multi-stage methodology has been used in the present analysis. Initially, the Kano method has been utilized to categorize the WFB satisfaction attributes using a three-dimensional WFB satisfaction scale. Afterward, the satisfaction coefficient technique was employed on Kano outcomes to get the WFB satisfaction and dissatisfaction index. Subsequently, the weighted average method was employed to prioritize the WFB satisfaction attributes.FindingsFindings uncovered the significance of a non-linear association between WFB attributes and employed sole mothers' WFB satisfaction. The findings revealed that one-dimensional and must-be-based WFB satisfaction attributes are responsible for sole mothers' WFB satisfaction and employing organizations must not overlook them. Additionally, the results of weighted average method-based prioritization can help organizations to focus on particular WFB satisfaction criteria according to their priority level.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings are useful for WFB policy-makers and managers to formulate a suitable WFB strategy specifically for single mothers.Social implicationsResults provide a path for employers to minimize the work–family role conflict and societal dissatisfaction that helps sole mothers to attain the desired WFB.Originality/valueThis study first employed a novel approach that incorporates the Kano application with the weighted average method in order to prioritize the WFB satisfaction attributes for lone mothers.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-02-2023-0074
Lightning forecast from chaotic and incomplete time series using wavelet de-noising and spatiotemporal kriging
Authors: Nystrom Jared , Hill Raymond R. , Geyer Andrew , Pignatiello Joseph J. , Chicken Eric 
Published: October 2023

PurposePresent a method to impute missing data from a chaotic time series, in this case lightning prediction data, and then use that completed dataset to create lightning prediction forecasts.Design/methodology/approachUsing the technique of spatiotemporal kriging to estimate data that is autocorrelated but in space and time. Using the estimated data in an imputation methodology completes a dataset used in lightning prediction.FindingsThe techniques provided prove robust to the chaotic nature of the data, and the resulting time series displays evidence of smoothing while also preserving the signal of interest for lightning prediction.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is limited to the data collected in support of weather prediction work through the 45th Weather Squadron of the United States Air Force.Practical implicationsThese methods are important due to the increasing reliance on sensor systems. These systems often provide incomplete and chaotic data, which must be used despite collection limitations. This work establishes a viable data imputation methodology.Social implicationsImproved lightning prediction, as with any improved prediction methods for natural weather events, can save lives and resources due to timely, cautious behaviors as a result of the predictions.Originality/valueBased on the authors’ knowledge, this is a novel application of these imputation methods and the forecasting methods.
Entrepreneurs and firm growth under guilt vs shame cultures
Authors: Bose Feler , Mironko Arkadiusz 
Published: October 2023

PurposeThis study aims to try and understand under what cultural conditions entrepreneurship will thrive and prosper, whether under shame or guilt cultures.Design/methodology/approachThe authors use basic game theory to model the conditions under which entrepreneurship will thrive. The authors anticipate that guilt cultures allow for the development of a rules-based culture that allows for the development of impersonal exchange, whereas shame cultures, which are relationship-oriented, focus on strong ties and hence lack the means to expand firms from small and medium family/clan-based businesses.FindingsEmpirical results are completed to see whether guilt-dominating cultures are more conducive to having larger firms and whether guilt-dominating cultures have less informality. The authors find support for the latter but lack the right data to test the former.Originality/valueThe authors use a new measure of culture to see how it impacts entrepreneurship.
How does a good leader–member relationship motivate employees' innovative behaviour?
Authors: Fan Jianpeng , Fan Yukun , He Jie , Dai Huichuan 
Published: October 2023

PurposeEnterprise innovation depends on the innovative behaviour of employees. The relationship between leaders and employees has a significant impact on employees' attitudes and behaviours. Therefore, it is of great practical significance to explore how a good leader–member relationship (LMR) motivates employees' innovative behaviour.Design/methodology/approachBased on 316 questionnaires completed by the members of 53 organisations, SPSS 25.0, Mplus 8.0 and HLM 6.08 were used to analyse the internal mechanisms of LMRs and employees' innovative behaviour.FindingsThe study identified the following findings: first, LMR was positively correlated with employees' innovative behaviour; second, perceived supervisor support and followership behaviour played mediating roles between leader–member relationship and employees' innovative behaviour and third, organisational political climate was negatively correlated with employees' innovative behaviour and played a moderating role in the relationship between LMR and employees' innovative behaviour.Originality/valueThe results of this study have clarified the transmission mechanism between LMRs and employees' innovative behaviour while providing useful references for improving the effectiveness of human resource management in organisations.
Do grassroots interventions relax behavioural constraints and improve adoption of nutrition‐sensitive food production systems?
Authors: Alvi Muzna , Ward Patrick , Makhija Simrin , Spielman David J. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIn most developing countries, agricultural policies and programs are designed to promote productivity growth with modern inputs and technologies, and the success of these policies is measured primarily along the dimensions of technology adoption, with limited reference to the ancillary impacts on behavioural outcomes that may be a prerequisite to adoption. We test whether grassroots programs can additionally relax behavioural constraints, potentially enhancing the adoption of diversified production systems. In Odisha, India, using a series of laboratory‐in‐field experiments and survey instruments to elicit farmers' preferences for risk, agency and aspirations for themselves and their children, we find that respondents in villages where grassroots interventions were promoted showed significantly lower levels of risk aversion and higher aspirations for themselves and their children, along with improvements in production and consumption diversity. However, we do not find a mediating role of reduced risk aversion in improving direct program outcomes. Our results show that grassroots approaches are effective in inducing a shift towards changing production systems, and relaxing behavioural constraints, that can be leveraged over time to strengthen impacts.
Placental growth factor testing at 19–23 weeks of gestation as a guide to subsequent care in pregnancy: A prospective observational study
Authors: Magee Laura A. , Syngelaki Argyro , Akolekar Ranjit , von Dadelszen Peter , Nicolaides Kypros H. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo determine whether serum placental growth factor (PlGF) at 19–23 weeks of gestation can improve the identification of risk for adverse outcomes.DesignProspective observational cohort study.SettingTwo English maternity units.PopulationUnselected singleton pregnancies attending routine ultrasound at 19–23 weeks of gestation.MethodsOutcomes ascertained by health record review. Diagnostic test properties evaluated clinical risk factors for pre‐eclampsia (according to National Institute of Care Excellence) or fetal growth restriction (according to Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists), low PlGF at 19–23 weeks of gestation (<5th percentile) or both.Main outcome measuresPre‐eclampsia, gestational hypertension, stillbirth, birthweight below third percentile or neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission for ≥48 h.ResultsIn 30 013 pregnancies, risk factors were present in 9941 (33.1%), low PlGF was present in 1501 (5.0%) and both (‘two‐stage’ screening) were present in 547 (1.8%) pregnancies. Risk factors detected 41.7%–54.7% of adverse outcomes, and could not meaningfully revise the risk (all positive likelihood ratios, +LR, <5.0; all negative likelihood ratios, −LR, ≥0.2). Low PlGF detected 8.5%–17.4% of adverse outcomes, but meaningfully increased risks (other than NICU admission) associated with delivery <37 weeks of gestation (+LR = 5.03–15.55); all −LRs were ≥0.2. ‘Two‐stage’ screening detected 4.2%–8.9% of adverse outcomes, with meaningful +LRs (6.28–18.61) at <37 weeks of gestation, except for NICU admission of ≥48 h, which had an +LR of 7.56 at <34 weeks of gestation; all −LRs were ≥0.2. No screening strategy meaningfully increased or decreased the detection of adverse outcome risk at term.ConclusionsClinical risk factor screening has a high screen‐positive rate and a poor detection of adverse outcomes. False positives cannot be reduced by PlGF testing at 19–23 weeks of gestation; therefore, this cannot be recommended as a useful strategy on its own.