bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Euprymna berryias a comparative model host forVibrio fischerilight organ symbiosis
Authors: Imes Avery M. , Pavelsky Morgan N. , Badal Klodia , Kamp Derrick L. , Briseño John L. , Sakmar Taylor , Vogt Miranda A. , Nyholm Spencer V. , Heath-Heckman Elizabeth A. C. , Grasse Bret , Septer Alecia N. , Mandel Mark J. 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTFunctional studies of host-microbe interactions benefit from natural model systems that enable exploration of molecular mechanisms at the host-microbe interface. BioluminescentVibrio fischericolonize the light organ of the Hawaiian bobtail squid,Euprymna scolopes, and this binary model has enabled advances in understanding host-microbe communication, colonization specificity,in vivobiofilms, intraspecific competition, and quorum sensing. The hummingbird bobtail squid,Euprymna berryi,can be generationally bred and maintained in lab settings and has had multiple genes deleted by CRISPR approaches. The prospect of expanding the utility of the light organ model system by producing multigenerational host lines led us to determine the extent to which theE. berryilight organ symbiosis parallels known processes inE. scolopes. However, the nature of theE. berryilight organ, including its microbial constituency and specificity for microbial partners, have not been examined. In this report, we isolate bacteria fromE. berryianimals and tank water. Assays of bacterial behaviors required in the host, as well as host responses to bacterial colonization, illustrate largely parallel phenotypes inE. berryiandE. scolopeshatchlings. This study revealsE. berryito be a valuable comparative model to complement studies inE. scolopes.IMPORTANCEMicrobiome studies have been substantially advanced by model systems that enable functional interrogation of the roles of the partners and the molecular communication between those partners. TheEuprymna scolopes-Vibrio fischerisystem has contributed foundational knowledge, revealing key roles for bacterial quorum sensing broadly and in animal hosts, for bacteria in stimulating animal development, for bacterial motility in accessing host sites, and forin vivobiofilm formation in development and specificity of an animal’s microbiome.Euprymna berryiis a second bobtail squid host, and one that has recently been shown to be robust to laboratory husbandry and amenable to gene knockout. This study identifiesE. berryias a strong symbiosis model host due to features that are conserved with those isE. scolopes, which will enable extension of functional studies in bobtail squid symbioses.
An extended and apical supracellular actin network interconnects squamous carcinoma cells
Authors: Marpeaux Léa , Baudouin Claire , Delsin Lara Elis Alberici , Plutoni Cédric , Keil Sarah , Emery Gregory 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTEpithelial tissues form protective barriers while supporting critical functions such as absorption and secretion. Their structural and functional integrity relies on adherens junctions, which coordinate migration and transmit forces between adjacent cells by connecting their actin cytoskeleton. In this study, we report the presence of an apical supracellular actin network in squamous epithelial cells. Using squamous carcinoma A431 cells as a model, we characterized this network composed of star-shaped actin structures interconnected by linear actin bundles that span multiple cells. We demonstrate that the network’s formation and maintenance require actomyosin contractility and intact adherens junctions, while tight junctions seem dispensable. Furthermore, this network dynamically reorganizes as cells migrate and preferentially aligns with the direction of movement. This contractile structure generates mechanical tension that extends across the apical surface of multiple cells. Our findings suggest that this supracellular actin network functions as a long-range force transmission device in squamous cells, advancing our understanding of the biomechanical properties of epithelia.
Interindividual differences (bold and shy strategies) in neophobia may explain the invasive success of the wormEisenia fetida
Authors: Pedraza Alexandra Rodriguez 
Published: January 2025

AbstractWhen they are confronted to novel environments individuals may express different kinds of behaviors. They can move a little or even stay immobile with few exploration of the new environment or they can increase their activity, move a lot and explore actively the new place. Several studies on neophobia have been conducted on vertebrate species and they distinguish bold and shy patterns in animals’ reactions. Less studies have been conducted on invertebrates in this area. Here I present the case of the worm Eisenia fetida that I tested in open field tests in order to detect if they present different response profiles when confronted to a novel environment and how these profiles can vary depending on size factor. I was able to distinguish two profiles, a shy/philopatric reaction present in young and adults and a bold/explorer reaction that can be observed in mature worms. From the 311 worms tested one half was bold/explorer and the other half was shy/philopatric. The existence of these two profiles may explain the invasiveness of the species: some indivivuals stay and occupy the known environments and some individuals enhance their activity in order to colonize other environments.
Assessing Inflammatory Protein Biomarkers in COPD Subjects with and without Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency
Authors: Moll Matthew , Hobbs Brian D. , Pratte Katherine A. , Zhang Chengyue , Ghosh Auyon J. , Bowler Russell P. , Lomas David A , Silverman Edwin K. , DeMeo Dawn L. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractRationaleIndividuals homozygous for the Alpha-1 Antitrypsin (AAT) Z allele (Pi*ZZ) exhibit heterogeneity in COPD risk. COPD occurrence in non-smokers with AAT deficiency (AATD) suggests inflammatory processes may contribute to COPD risk independently of smoking. We hypothesized that inflammatory protein biomarkers in non-AATD COPD are associated with moderate-to-severe COPD in AATD individuals, after accounting for clinical factors.MethodsParticipants from the COPDGene (Pi*MM) and AAT Genetic Modifier Study (Pi*ZZ) were included. Proteins associated with FEV1/FVC were identified, adjusting for confounders and familial relatedness. Lung-specific protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were constructed. Proteins associated with AAT augmentation therapy were identified, and drug repurposing analyses performed. A protein risk score (protRS) was developed in COPDGene and validated in AAT GMS using AUC analysis. Machine learning ranked proteomic predictors, adjusting for age, sex, and smoking history.ResultsAmong 4,446 Pi*MM and 352 Pi*ZZ individuals, sixteen blood proteins were associated with airflow obstruction, fourteen of which were highly expressed in lung. PPI networks implicated regulation of immune system function, cytokine and interleukin signaling, and matrix metalloproteinases. Eleven proteins, including IL4R, were linked to augmentation therapy. Drug repurposing identified antibiotics, thyroid medications, hormone therapies, and antihistamines as potential AATD treatments. Adding protRS improved COPD prediction in AAT GMS (AUC 0.86 vs. 0.80, p = 0.0001). AGER was the top-ranked protein predictor of COPD.ConclusionsSixteen proteins are associated with COPD and inflammatory processes that predict airflow obstruction in AATD after accounting for age and smoking. Immune activation and inflammation are modulators of COPD risk in AATD.
High Cognitive Violation of Expectations is Compromised in Cerebellar Ataxia
Authors: Daniel A Leonardo , Vakil Eli , Saban William 
Published: January 2025

AbstractWhile traditionally considered a motor structure, the cerebellum is also involved in cognition. However, the underlying cognitive mechanisms through which the cerebellum contributes to evolutionarily novel cognitive abilities remain poorly understood. Another open question is how this structure contributes to a core unifying mechanism across domains. Motivated by the evolutionary principle of neural reuse, we suggest that a successful account of cerebellar contributions to higher cognitive domains will build on the structure’s established role in motor behaviors. We conducted a series of neuropsychological experiments, assessing selective impairments in participants with cerebellar ataxia (CA) compared to neurotypicals in solving sequential discrete problems. In three experiments, participants were asked to solve symbolic subtraction, alphabet letter transformation, and novel artificial grammar problems, which were expected or unexpected. The CA group exhibited a disproportionate cost when comparing expected problems to unexpected problems, suggesting that the cerebellum is critical for violation of expectations (VE) across tasks. The CA group impairment was not found either when the complexity of the problem increased or in conditions of uncertainty. Together, these results demonstrate a possible causal role for the human cerebellum in higher cognitive abilities. VE might be a unifying cerebellar-dependent mechanism across motor and cognitive domains.Significance StatementWhile the cerebellum, a phylogenetically ancient brain region, is traditionally viewed as a motor structure, evidence suggests its involvement in cognition. However, the mechanisms by which the cerebellum supports evolutionarily novel cognitive abilities remain poorly understood. In addition, despite theoretical proposals, direct evidence for the cerebellum’s contribution to a core unifying mechanism across non-motor domains is lacking. Drawing on the principle of neural reuse, we present neuropsychological evidence highlighting the cerebellum’s causal role in symbolic arithmetic reasoning, alphabet transformation, and grammar problems via violation of expectations processes. The results offer a new perspective on how, rather than merely if, the cerebellum contributes to higher cognition, suggesting a constraint on its role in cognitive domains.
Barriers and facilitators to alcohol support for South Asian communities: a qualitative framework analysis of UK service provider perspectives
Authors: Jennings Stacey , Dein Simon , Foster Graham R 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundDespite displaying pronounced alcohol-related physical and psychological harms, South Asian groups are critically underrepresented in alcohol treatment and research. Aggregate categorisation of diverse ethnic groups into ‘BAME’ collectives has perpetuated substantial knowledge gaps about the alcohol support needs of individual ethnic groups. Whilst there has been a recent growth in studies exploring the specific alcohol behaviours and support needs of South Asian groups, there is limited knowledge of professional experiences. This study aimed to address this gap by exploring service provider perspectives on barriers and facilitators to alcohol support for South Asian communities in the UK.MethodsWe carried out individual semi structured interviews with multidisciplinary staff spanning statutory and specialist services within East London in the UK. Interviews explored staff experiences and attitudes towards topics such as alcohol use triggers, maintenance factors, suitability of support options, and professional training needs. We adopted an intersectional lens during analysis to explore the influence and interplay of other relevant characteristics with ethnicity. We used qualitative framework analysis to identify relevant themes and map them onto a pre-existing risk environment framework across different levels (micro, meso, macro) of influence.Results10 participants took part. 5 themes were developed that reflect barriers and facilitators to alcohol support across macro (‘service structure’), meso (‘cultural competence’, ‘gendered experience’ ‘religio-cultural norms’) and micro (‘lifestyle choice’) levels of influence. An intersectional lens indicated gendered, ethnic, and religious nuances in drinking and treatment seeking experiences. Whilst the overlapping nature of the micro-meso-macro levels was evident in the study findings, meso level factors were most established.ConclusionsThis study highlighted key areas of focus and unique barriers for diverse South Asian groups seeking support for alcohol misuse, with clear implications for culturally competent policy and practice in the UK context. Barriers such as short funding cycles, historical discrimination, ‘one size fits all’ approaches and training gaps on sensitive communication strategies pose challenges. Conversely, facilitators like targeted family education strategies and improving collaborative efforts between alcohol service types enhance support. Tailored specialist alcohol support for South Asian women is crucial.
Short-term variability of chronic musculoskeletal pain
Authors: Zheng Xuanci , Rajwal Swati , Ashworth Carl , Ho Sharon Yuen Shan , Seymour Ben , Shenker Nicholas , Mancini Flavia 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDChronic musculoskeletal (MSK) pain can be characterized by its temporal variability and evolution, affecting both pain management and treatment outcomes. While pain variability is traditionally studied over long timescales (e.g. days or weeks), few studies have explored short-term fluctuations (e.g. minutes to seconds) and their clinical relevance. This study investigated the short-term variability of chronic musculoskeletal pain across consecutive days, examining whether these fluctuations are stable, exhibit consistent temporal patterns, and relate to clinical severity. We also explored whether individuals with chronic MSK pain could predict their pain intensity on the following day, suggesting an ability to learn about their pain’s levels.METHODSEighty-one participants with chronic MSK pain to the back, neck, leg or arm rated their pain continuously over two days, using a smartphone-based app.FINDINGSResults indicated that pain ratings were stable and exhibited consistent temporal patterns across days, with a temporally correlated structure. High mean pain levels were associated with lower variability, possibly reflecting a stabilized pain state. Short-term pain variability negatively correlated with clinical severity, indicating that greater variability is linked to milder pain.IMPLICATIONSThese findings highlight the importance of short-term variability as a distinct and clinically relevant feature of chronic MSK pain, with implications for personalized pain management strategies.
Can Rights-Based Conditional Cash Transfers Improve Children’s Nutrition at scale? Evidence from India’s Maternity Benefit Program
Authors: Ray Soumyajit , Chakrabarti Suman , Pal Sumantra , Nguyen Phuong Hong , Scott Samuel , Menon Purnima 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThis study evaluates the impact of India’s Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY), a large-scale conditional cash transfer (CCT) program targeting women during their first birth, on child nutrition. Using National Family Health Survey (NFHS) data from 2005 to 2021, we assess changes in growth for 296,782 children under five years old before and after PMMVY implementation. To address potential biases, we employ a quasi-experimental approach with a Triple Difference analysis, comparing first- to second-born children of CCT and non-CCT mothers. We find that potential exposure to PMMVY is associated with improvements in weight-for-age and height-for-age z-scores. These effects likely operate through increased pregnancy registration, antenatal care, and immunizations. PMMVY is cost-effective, with a short-run benefit-cost ratio of 1.35. This study underscores the importance of CCT programs targeting mothers in enhancing child nutrition in low- and middle-income countries.
Microscopic Control of Cortical Flows in PolarizedC. elegansZygotes
Authors: White Elizabeth D. , Li Younan , Kadzik Rachel , Qiu Yuqing , Dinner Aaron R. , Munro Edwin M. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractCell polarization, migration, and cytokinesis rely on flows of the cell cortex, a network of actin filaments, cross-linkers, and motors beneath the plasma membrane of animal cells. While actin network architecture, assembly dynamics, and motor activity are known to be important for cortical flows, how their modulation tunes macroscopic flow dynamics remains poorly quantifiedin vivo. Here, we use quantitative microscopy to constrain agent-based simulations that account for filament assembly, crosslinking, and motor activity. We calibrate the model to reproduce steady-state flows in polarizedC. eleganszygotes and then challenge it to predict the results of RNA interference (RNAi) experiments. Our model predicts, and experiments largely confirm, a biphasic dependence of flow speed on microscopic rates of actin filament assembly and crosslinking. This biphasic dependence reflects a competition between the tendencies of perturbations to disrupt both transmission of and resistance to cortical forces. Our results provide new insights into how variations in microscopic features shape the emergent dynamics of the cell cortex. By establishing a well-calibrated model of cortical flow in a highly tractable model cell, we also provide a foundation for future studies of microscopic origins and biological control of cortical contractility and flowin vivo.
Squid primary cell culture as a model system and experimental tool
Authors: Kim Yoonji , Tanner Hailey M. , Rosenthal Joshua J. C. , Brangwynne Clifford P. 
Published: January 2025

SummarySquid primary cells from various tissues and ages are isolated, maintained in culture, and express exogenous genes. This protocol opens up numerous opportunities in molecular biology, neuroscience, and marine biology, enabling molecular and cellular-level investigations into processes specific to squids, including their complex behaviors, rapid color change mechanisms, RNA editing capabilities, with broader implications in basic cell physiology. We also describe procedures that harness life-stage tractability inEuprymna berryisquids towards future studies of aging in this model marine organism.Highlights-Squid primary cells are isolated from optic lobes, gills, eyes, and the skin-Cells from these tissues can be dissociated from any life stage of the squid-Isolated cells can express exogenous genes through mRNA transfections and are subject to live and/or fixed cell imaging-Specific details for optimized media conditions, trypsinization, plating, and passaging are included
Selection and characterization of DNA aptamers targeting the surface borrelial protein CspZ with high-throughput cross-over SELEX
Authors: Guérin Mickaël , Vandevenne Marylène , Matagne André , Aucher Willy , Verdon Julien , Paoli Emmeline , Ducrotoy Jules , Octave Stéphane , Avalle Bérangère , Maffucci Irene , Padiolleau-Lefèvre Séverine 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTLyme borreliosis (LB) is the most prevalent tick-borne illness, with an estimated 700 000 cases annually in the United States and Europe. LB diagnosis based on two-tiered serology remains controversial due to its indirect nature and low sensitivity during the early stage of the disease. Aptamers are single-stranded DNA or RNA oligonucleotides that exhibit high selectivity and specificity for their target due to their unique three-dimensional structure. By applying cross-over-SELEX process, an enrichment of DNA oligonucleotide sequences against a surface protein ofBorrelia, named CspZ, has been performed and monitored using absorbance at 260 nm, melting curves and NGS analyses. Beyond sequence enrichment, oligonucleotides binding to CspZ were observed during the selection rounds by Dot Blot and beads assays. Thirteen unique and highly redundant oligonucleotide sequences have been further characterized using multiple approaches such as Dot Blot, BioLayer Interferometry and Surface Plasmon Resonance. The selected aptamers showed KDvalues from tens of nanomolar to the micromolar range by BLI and SPR. Two aptamers, characterized by flow cytometry and epifluorescence microscopy, were able to specifically recognizeBorrelia burgdorferisensu stricto. This novel strategy holds promise for the development of an improved diagnosis assay.GRAPHICAL ABSTRACTHIGHLIGHTSDNA aptamers were selected by cross-over SELEX.Aptamers’ KDs ranged from tens of nanomolar to the micromolar range.Aptamer characterization was performed by Dot Blot, beads assay, BLI, and SPR.Interaction withBorreliawas tested by flow cytometry and epifluorescence microscopy.Aptamers bind to both the recombinant and borrelial surface CspZ protein.
Local description of decoherence of quantum superpositions by black holes and other bodies
Authors: Danielson Daine L. , Satishchandran Gautam , Wald Robert M. 
Published: January 2025

It was previously shown that if an experimenter, Alice, puts a massive or charged body in a quantum spatial superposition, then the presence of a black hole (or more generally any Killing horizon) will eventually decohere the superposition. This decoherence was identified as resulting from the radiation of soft photons/gravitons through the horizon, thus suggesting that the global structure of the spacetime is essential for describing the decoherence. In this paper, we show that the decoherence can alternatively be described in terms of the local two-point function of the quantum field within Alice’s lab, without any direct reference to the horizon. From this point of view, the decoherence of Alice’s superposition in the presence of a black hole arises from the extremely low frequency Hawking quanta present in Alice’s lab. We explicitly calculate the decoherence occurring in Schwarzschild spacetime in the Unruh vacuum from the local viewpoint. We then use this viewpoint to elucidate (i) the differences in decoherence effects that would occur in Schwarzschild spacetime in the Boulware and Hartle-Hawking vacua; (ii) the difference in decoherence effects that would occur in Minkowski spacetime filled with a thermal bath as compared with Schwarzschild spacetime; (iii) the lack of decoherence in the spacetime of a static star even though the vacuum state outside the star is similar in many respects to the Boulware vacuum around a black hole; and (iv) the requirements on the degrees of freedom of a material body needed to produce a decoherence effect that mimics that of a black hole.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
When engagement meets departure: how social capital, social engagement and social support impact churn within online health communities
Authors: Zhang Zizhong , Lu Mingjiang 
Published: January 2025

PurposeOnline health communities can be both supportive and vulnerable and highly rely on stable engagement from core members. Understanding the factors affecting core member churn is vital. This study examines a hair-loss-related online health community, taking a meso-level community approach. It investigates how users’ potential social capital, proactive social engagement and received social support in the community influence their churn.Design/methodology/approachThis study collected the complete dataset spanning 13 years from a hair-loss-related online health community in mainland China. It identified 4,270 core users with over ten posted messages each, along with their associated text. Social network analysis and survival analysis were then used to calculate user node centrality and create a hazard model for user churn.FindingsThe findings indicate that increased social capital and social support can help prevent churn. However, higher social engagement alone does not directly reduce users’ likelihood to withdraw. Instead, users are more likely to stay in the community when highly engaged if they also receive substantial social support. Social support emerges as a critical factor in this mechanism.Originality/valueThis study innovatively adopts a meso-level community perspective, investigating user churn within an online health community for individuals with a self-limiting condition – hair loss. The research probes the interactive effects of user engagement and social support on churn within the online health community. Advice on sustaining member participation is given based on the findings as well as Chinese culture.