bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The transcriptional changes underlying the flowering phenology shift of Arabidopsis halleri in response to climate warming
Authors: Komoto Hideyuki , Nagahama Ai , Miyawaki‐Kuwakado Atsuko , Hata Yuki , Kyozuka Junko , Kajita Yui , Toyama Hironori , Satake Akiko 
Published: September 2023

AbstractClimate warming is causing shifts in key life‐history events, including flowering time. To assess the impacts of increasing temperature on flowering phenology, it is crucial to understand the transcriptional changes of genes underlying the phenological shifts. Here, we conducted a comprehensive investigation of genes contributing to the flowering phenology shifts in response to increasing temperature by monitoring the seasonal expression dynamics of 293 flowering‐time genes along latitudinal gradients in the perennial herb, Arabidopsis halleri. Through transplant experiments at northern, southern and subtropical study sites in Japan, we demonstrated that the flowering period was shortened as latitude decreased, ultimately resulting in the loss of flowering opportunity in subtropical climates. The key transcriptional changes underlying the shortening of the flowering period and the loss of flowering opportunity were the diminished expression of floral pathway integrator genes and genes in the gibberellin synthesis and aging pathways, all of which are suppressed by increased expression of FLOWERING LOCUS C, a central repressor of flowering. These results suggest that the upper‐temperature limit of reproduction is governed by a relatively small number of genes that suppress reproduction in the absence of winter cold.
Unpacking the nonlinear effect of self‐efficacy in entrepreneurship: Why and under which condition more is not better
Authors: Uy Marilyn A. , Sun Shuhua , Gielnik Michael M. , Jacob Gabriel Henry , Lagdameo John Luis D. , Miclat Armando G. , Osi Enrico C. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractSelf‐efficacy exerts a positive impact on several self‐regulatory functions to support goal accomplishment and performance. However, in contexts that are characterized by uncertainty and ambiguity, such as entrepreneurship, there might be a tipping point to this relationship, prompting calls for deeper investigations on the nonlinear effect. In particular, the underlying mechanisms explaining why and when the nonlinear effect occurs are unclear. Drawing on theories of self‐regulation, we examine the nonlinear effect of entrepreneurial self‐efficacy on venture goal progress through the entrepreneur's active feedback‐seeking and venture effort. We also propose that the entrepreneur's state error mastery orientation moderates the nonlinear effect. Conducting a six‐wave repeated measures study among 84 early‐stage entrepreneurs in a business accelerator in the Philippines, we use a within‐person approach to test our hypotheses and research model. Results suggest that self‐regulatory mechanisms in terms of feedback seeking, effort, and state error mastery orientation help to unpack why and when self‐efficacy exerts a nonlinear effect on performance outcomes.
Interaction between manufacturer's wholesale pricing and retailers' price‐matching guarantees
Authors: Nalca Arcan , Cai Gangshu (George) 
Published: September 2023

In practice, many retailers employ price‐matching guarantees (PMGs), committing to meet the price of an identical product at a competitor's outlet. Despite the profound linkage between retailers and manufacturers, existing literature has predominantly explored retailers' PMGs without contemplating the influence of manufacturers' wholesale pricing strategies. Employing a supply chain model comprising one manufacturer and two retailers, we scrutinize the implications of wholesale pricing—uniform or discriminatory—on supply chain members and consumers when retailers have the option to extend PMGs. Our analysis uncovers that retailers refrain from offering PMGs when the manufacturer is granted the discretion to set discriminatory wholesale prices—even if such offers align with the manufacturer's preferences. Conversely, under uniform wholesale pricing, PMGs thrive at equilibrium—even if the manufacturer opposes the practice—as long as the degree of demand or cost asymmetry between retailers and average hassle costs remains relatively modest. Although firms' preferences regarding PMGs vary, a Pareto zone exists where all entities prefer that either the efficient retailer under demand asymmetry or the inefficient retailer under cost asymmetry extends the PMG. Despite the potential advantages of PMGs for the more efficient retailer, the enforcement of uniform wholesale pricing diminishes supply chain profit, consumer welfare, and overall social welfare. The detrimental impacts on welfare owing to the imposition of uniform wholesale pricing persist, even amid the presence of hassle costs associated with price matching. Our findings thus instigate a dialogue for policymakers concerning the validity of regulating wholesale pricing when PMGs are in effect.
Pelopidarum secunda: a ‘site of memory’ in the history of Elizabethan revenge tragedy
Authors: Vedelago Angelica 
Published: September 2023

AbstractPelopidarum secunda is an understudied anonymous English adaptation of Seneca's Agamemnon and Sophocles' Electra. The play is preserved only in manuscript and was probably performed at Winchester College around 1590. Through a combination of Marvin Carlson's notions of ‘ghosting’ and of the ‘site of memory’ with a neo‐historicist approach, the article offers a close analysis of this neglected school play from an intertextual, performative, and extratextual perspective. The analysis shows that the play is haunted by memories of its classical sources and of other performance contexts, including the church, and contains potential allusions to contemporary royal figures. In so doing, I argue that Pelopidarum secunda showcases the role of classical models in the history of Elizabethan revenge tragedy. By conjuring up memorable sources—Sophocles and Seneca—and events—past performances and executions—the unknown playwright(s) had the ambition to make Pelopidarum secunda  equally memorable. Although this attempt has evidently failed given the obscurity into which the play has fallen so far, Pelopidarum secunda deserves a place in the archival memory of classical reception as well as further scholarly attention within early modern English drama studies.
Pimecrolimus protects neuron‐like SH‐SY5Y cells against anti‐inflammatory and anti‐oxidant effects of both microglial secretome and hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Kocanci Fatma Gonca , Erol Azize Yasemin Goksu , Yildiz Fatma , Eciroglu Hamiyet 
Published: September 2023

AbstractCalcineurin inhibitors have been found to exhibit a preventive role against neuroinflammation, which represents a crucial underlying mechanism in neurodegenerative diseases (ND). Additionally, they possess suppressive effects on the activation of apoptotic pathways, which constitute another mechanism underlying such diseases. Given that pimecrolimus, a calcineurin inhibitor, impedes the synthesis of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)‐2, IL‐4, and IL‐10, and influences apoptotic processes, it is noteworthy to test its potential neuroprotective properties. Thus, the objective of this investigation was to assess the potential protective effects of pimecrolimus against the degenerative consequences of both microglial secretomes and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), an oxidant agent. The survival rates of HMC3 microglia cells, neuron‐like differentiated SH‐SY5Y (d‐SH‐SY5Y) cells, and their co‐culture were determined using the 3‐(4,5‐Dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide (MTT) method. Furthermore, the levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines IL‐1β and IL‐6, and anti‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐10 were measured using ELISA kits, besides total antioxidant and oxidant capacities in conditioned media of cells. Additionally, the effect of pimecrolimus on neurite length in these cell groups was evaluated through morphological observations. This study revealed, for the first time, that pimecrolimus exerts preventive effects on neurodegenerative processes by virtue of its anti‐inflammatory and ‐antioxidant activities. It holds promise as a potential treatment option for ND.
The rise of market‐based “choice” programs: 100 years of social sorting in social welfare services
Authors: Kline Zachary D. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractSocial service programs in the United States increasingly focus on giving individuals and families more “choices.” The approach is exemplified by “choice programs,” where people receive services through various forms of market participation. Examples of choice programs include defined contribution retirement plans, housing vouchers, charter schools, and health insurance marketplaces. Individuals across the socioeconomic spectrum have become accustomed to choice programs, and one's social status greatly affects the types, qualities, and prices of services people receive. The importance of the conversation around choice programs for providing access to resources is immense. Yet, despite contentious debate about their utility, we lack a comprehensive understanding of the institutionalization and widespread adoption of choice programs across a diverse range of social service domains. This article synthesizes stratification literature on retirement, healthcare, education, and housing to document the historical rise of choice programs. Particular attention is given to explaining how behavioral patterns and routines become second nature, altering who benefits, who is left out, and the overall effectiveness of the social welfare system.
Willingness to self‐disclose in romantic relationships only marginally predicts COVID stress but there are indirect effects of self‐esteem and relationship commitment
Authors: Ma Lijing , Clark Eddie M. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractDisclosing personal feelings could reduce stress during a difficult time, such as the COVID‐19 pandemic. The current study examined the linear and curvilinear relationships between willingness to self‐disclose to a romantic partner and COVID stress. Participants completed questionnaires online regarding willingness to self‐disclose, COVID stress, relationship factors, and self‐esteem. Results showed a marginally significant inverted U‐shaped curvilinear relationship between willingness to self‐disclose and COVID stress, suggesting the trend that individuals who were willing to self‐disclose at a low or high level had lower COVID stress compared to individuals who were willing to self‐disclose at a medium level. This relationship was mediated by commitment and self‐esteem. Future research could examine the impact of self‐disclosure on COVID stress using an experimental or longitudinal design.
Treatment of plane warts with long pulse ND – YAG laser 532 nm
Authors: Al‐Sabak Haider , Jaafar Amal Abduladheem 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundWarts are one of the contagious viral diseases that may cause disturbing cosmetic problems. Plane warts represents a common self‐limiting viral infection of the skin caused by the Human Papilloma Virus, however, those that do not disappear by themselves can be very difficult to treat with no uniformly effective treatment modality.ObjectiveTo assess the efficacy of long pulsed 532 nm ND:YAG laser in the treatment of plane warts.Patients and MethodsIn this therapeutic clinical trial study, 34 patients with plane warts were enrolled. Each patient was eligible for up to three treatment sessions administrated at 2 weeks intervals with long pulsed ND:YAG laser at a spot size 3 mm; wavelength 532 nm; pulsed duration 20 ms; and fluence 30 J/cm2. The patients were assessed before each treatment session and at 3 months after the last treatment session.The response to treatment was graded using four points scale:Scale 1 = poor: <25%,Scale 2 = fair: 25%–50%,Scale 3 = good: 51%–75%,Scale 4 = excellent: >75%.ResultsTwenty‐two patients only with a total of 478 lesions, completed the study; their ages ranged from (6–45) years with a mean ± SD 19.95 ± 13.142 years. Thirteen patients (59.09%) were female and nine (40.90%) were male. The results from this study showing that long pulsed ND:YAG laser 532 nm led to an excellent response in 19 patients (86.36%) in which 15 of 19 patients showed a complete response (78.94%); one patient showed a good response (4.545%), one showed a fair response (4.545%) and one showed a poor response (4.545%) at the end of three‐months follow up. The difference was statistically significant; the P value at the three months follow‐up was 0.002. The cumulative clearance rate after the first, second, and third treatment sessions was 58.4%, 77.7%, and 89.9% respectively. Recurrence was seen in only one patient (4.545%). Side effects were generally mild and didn't prevent normal activity.ConclusionLong pulsed ND:YAG laser 532 nm appears to be an effective method for treatment of plane warts.
The effect of fragmented cancer care and change in nurse staffing grade on cancer patient mortality
Authors: Han Kyu‐Tae , Kim Seungju 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundContinuity of patient care ensures timely and appropriate care and is associated with better patient outcomes among cancer patients. However, the impact of nurse staffing grade changes on patient outcomes remains unknown.AimsThis retrospective cohort study aimed to evaluate the effect of fragmented care and changes in nurse staffing grade on the survival of colorectal cancer patients who underwent surgery.MethodsThis study included 2228 newly diagnosed colorectal cancer patients. Fragmented care was defined as the receipt of treatment in multiple hospitals and was divided into three categories based on changes in nurse staffing grade. Five‐year survival rates were used to evaluate the effect of fragmented care and nurse staffing grade on outcomes of cancer patients. Survival analysis was performed by adjusting for covariates using the Cox proportional hazards model for 5‐year mortality.ResultsApproximately 18.5% of patients died within 5 years; the mortality rate during cancer treatment was higher in patients who received fragmented care, especially in those transferred to hospitals with fewer nurses. Patients who received fragmented care had shorter survival times, and those transferred to hospitals with fewer nurses had higher risks of 5‐year mortality (hazard ratio: 1.625; 95% CI: [1.095, 2.412]). Transfers to hospitals with fewer nurses were associated with increased mortality rates in low‐income patients, hospitals located in metropolitan and rural areas, and high‐severity groups.Linking Evidence to ActionReceipt of fragmented care and change in nurse staffing grade due to patients' transfer to different hospitals were associated with increased mortality rates in cancer patients, thus underlining the importance of ensuring continuity and quality of care. Patients from rural areas, from low‐income families, and with high disease severity may have better outcomes if they receive treatment in well‐staffed hospitals.
Assessment of Reactor Physics Characteristics of Prismatic Fuel Concepts With a Hydrogen-Based Moderator for Use in a Fluoride Salt-Cooled Small Modular Reactor
Authors: Yan Huiping V. , Bromley Blair P. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Fluoride-salt-cooled high temperature reactor (FHR) effectively combines the solid fuel and moderator design of high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) technology with the fluoride salt coolant (LiF-BeF2, FLiBe) of molten salt reactor (MSR) technology, enabling low-pressure (∼1 atm, 101.325 kPa), and high-temperature (∼700 °C) operations. The design and operational features of the FHR make it a potentially attractive option for a small modular reactor (SMR), provided that it can be modified and made physically small and operate at a low-enough power level (&lt;350 MWth/&lt;150 MWel). Most FHR-SMR designs use high-assay low enriched uranium (HALEU) fuel in the form of tri-structural isotropic (TRISO) fuel particles, combined with the use of a graphite moderator. However, there are alternative design concepts for an FHR-SMR that may offer superior performance characteristics, while utilizing an alternative fissile fuel supply option. In this exploratory study, lattice physics calculations were performed with Serpent to evaluate an alternative FHR-SMR prismatic fuel block design concept using coated annular fuel pellets instead of TRISO-particle fuel compacts, along with the use of hydrogen-based solid moderator rods made of 7LiH. In initial studies, it was found that fuel blocks with 120 moderator rods made of 7LiH tended to have large positive temperature reactivity coefficients (TRCs), which is undesirable for safety reasons. However, reducing the number of moderator rods to 90 or 54, while increasing the number of fuel rods and coolant holes led to low or negative temperature coefficients. For a prismatic fuel block design with 54-7LiH moderator rods, the isothermal temperature coefficient of reactivity (Isothermal TRC), with simultaneous changes in the fuel (F), graphite (G), hydrogen (H), and coolant (C) temperatures, ranges between −0.159 mk/K and −0.054 mk/K, depending on the operating temperature and fuel burnup. Such alternative FHR-SMR fuels could achieve a single-batch core life of ∼10 years with low enriched uranium (LEU) fuel, and ∼45 years with HALEU, in a 350-MWth reactor core.
Preliminary Assessment of a Laparoscopic Training System Using Magneto-Rheological Clutches and Virtual Reality
Authors: Busque Bruno-Pier , Lebel Louis-Philippe , Collin Yves , Plante Jean-Sébastien 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Although laparoscopy has revolutionized modern medicine, its training remains long and complex due to reduced haptic feedback and loss of depth perception. Training also poses an ethical challenge when performed on living patients, and access to cadavers is becoming rare and difficult. In the early 2000s, medical simulators began to appear to help mitigate these problems: virtual reality simulators (VRS) and physical reality simulators (PRS). Current VRS can provide guidance and performance evaluation with fewer instructors but are expensive and bulky. PRS, on the other hand, are less expensive, compact and offer haptic feedback through real physical interactions with mockup objects. However, they require guidance from an instructor, and cannot provide objective assessment or complex and realistic surgical scenarios. This paper assesses the potential of a VRS based on magneto-rheological (MR) actuators that could offer the haptic capabilities of current VRS with the size envelopes of PRS. Technical specifications for a laparoscopic VRS are extracted from the literature, a prototype is built and evaluated experimentally. In addition, three simulation scenarios are built and presented to surgeons to confirm simulation capabilities. In its current form, the MR-powered prototype is shown to meet targeted functional specifications but future work is needed to reduce friction, reduce size, and optimize packaging.
Visualizing dynamic competence pili and DNA capture throughout the long axis of
Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Zuke Jason D. , Erickson Rachel , Hummels Katherine R. , Burton Briana M. 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT

The first step in the process of bacterial natural transformation is DNA capture. Although long hypothesized based on genetics and functional experiments, the pilus structure responsible for initial DNA binding had not yet been visualized for
Bacillus subtilis
. Here, we visualize functional competence pili in
Bacillus subtilis
using fluorophore-conjugated maleimide labeling in conjunction with epifluorescence microscopy. In strains that produce pilin monomers within tenfold of wild-type levels, the median length of detectable pili is 300 nm. These pili are retractile and associate with DNA. The analysis of pilus distribution at the cell surface reveals that they are predominantly located along the long axis of the cell. The distribution is consistent with localization of proteins associated with subsequent transformation steps, DNA binding, and DNA translocation in the cytosol. These data suggest a distributed model for
B. subtilis
transformation machinery, in which initial steps of DNA capture occur throughout the long axis of the cell and subsequent steps may also occur away from the cell poles.

IMPORTANCE

This work provides novel visual evidence for DNA translocation across the cell wall during
Bacillus subtilis
natural competence, an essential step in the natural transformation process. Our data demonstrate the existence of natural competence-associated retractile pili that can bind exogenous DNA. Furthermore, we show that pilus biogenesis occurs throughout the cell long axis. These data strongly support DNA translocation occurring all along the lateral cell wall during natural competence, wherein pili are produced, bind to free DNA in the extracellular space, and finally retract to pull the bound DNA through the gap in the cell wall created during pilus biogenesis.
Replication mechanisms of circular ssDNA plant viruses and their potential implication in viral gene expression regulation
Authors: Bonnamy Mélia , Blanc Stéphane , Michalakis Yannis 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT

The replication of members of the two circular single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) virus families
Geminiviridae
and
Nanoviridae
, the only ssDNA viruses infecting plants, is believed to be processed by rolling-circle replication (RCR) and recombination-dependent replication (RDR) mechanisms. RCR is a ubiquitous replication mode for circular ssDNA viruses and involves a virus-encoded Replication-associated protein (Rep) which fulfills multiple functions in the replication mechanism. Two key genomic elements have been identified for RCR in
Geminiviridae
and
Nanoviridae
: (i) short iterative sequences called iterons which determine the specific recognition of the viral DNA by the Rep and (ii) a sequence enabling the formation of a stem-loop structure which contains a conserved motif and constitutes the origin of replication. In addition, studies in
Geminiviridae
provided evidence for a second replication mode, RDR, which has also been documented in some double-stranded DNA viruses. Here, we provide a synthesis of the current understanding of the two presumed replication modes of
Geminiviridae
and
Nanoviridae
, and we identify knowledge gaps and discuss the possibility that these replication mechanisms could regulate viral gene expression through modulation of gene copy number.