bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alphafold-multimer predicts cross-kingdom interactions at the plant-pathogen interface
Authors: Homma Felix , Huang Jie , van der Hoorn Renier A. L. 
Published: April 2023

ABSTRACTAdapted plant pathogens from various microbial kingdoms produce hundreds of unrelated small secreted proteins (SSPs) with elusive roles. Some of these SSPs might be inhibitors targeting the most harmful hydrolases secreted by the host. Here, we used Alphafold-Multimer (AFM) to screen 1,879 SSPs of seven tomato pathogens for interacting with six defence-related hydrolases of tomato that accumulate to high levels in the apoplast during infection. This screen of 11,274 protein pairs identified 15 SSPs that are predicted to obstruct the active site of chitinases and proteases with an intrinsic fold. Four SSPs were experimentally verified to be inhibitors of pathogenesis-related subtilase P69B, including extracellular protein-36 (Ecp36) and secreted-into-xylem-15 (Six15) of the fungal tomato pathogensCladosporium fulvumandFusarium oxysporum, respectively. Together with a novel P69B inhibitor from the bacterial pathogenXanthomonas perforansand the previously reported Kazal-like inhibitors of the oomycete pathogenPhytophthora infestans, P69B emerges as an important effector hub targeted by different microbial kingdoms, consistent with the presence of a hyper-variant residue in P69B orthologs and gene duplication and diversification of P69B paralogs that could avoid inhibitor binding. This study demonstrates the power of artificial intelligence to accurately predict novel cross-kingdom interactions at the plant-pathogen interface.
Human gut bacteria tailor extracellular vesicle cargo for the breakdown of diet- and host-derived glycans
Authors: Sartorio Mariana G. , Pardue Evan J. , Scott Nichollas E. , Feldman Mario F. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractExtracellular vesicles (EV) are produced in all three domains of life, and their biogenesis have common ancient origins in eukaryotes and archaea. Although bacterial vesicles were discovered several decades ago and multiple roles have been attributed to them, no mechanism has been established for vesicles biogenesis in bacteria. For this reason, there is a significant level of skepticism about the biological relevance of bacterial vesicles. InBacteroides thetaiotaomicron(Bt), a prominent member of the human intestinal microbiota, outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) have been proposed to play key physiological roles. By employing outer membrane- and OMV-specific markers fused to fluorescent proteins we visualized OMV biogenesis in live-cells. We performed comparative proteomic analyses to demonstrate thatBtactively tailors its vesicle cargo to optimize the breakdown of diet- and host-derived complex glycans. Surprisingly, our data suggests that OMV are not employed for mucin degradation. We also show that, inBt, a negatively-charged N-terminal motif acts as a signal for protein sorting into OMVs irrespective of the nutrient availability. We conclude that OMVs are the result of an exquisitely orchestrated mechanism. This work lays the foundation for further investigations into the physiological relevance of OMVs and their roles in gut homeostasis. Furthermore, our work constitutes a roadmap to guide EV biogenesis research in other bacteria.
An efficient hairy root system for genome editing of a β-ODAP pathway gene inLathyrus sativus
Authors: Verma Anjali , Kaur Lovenpreet , Kaur Navpreet , Bhardwaj Akanksha , Pandey Ajay K , Kandoth Pramod Kaitheri 
Published: April 2023

AbstractGrass pea (Lathyrus sativus) is an ideal legume crop for resource-poor farmers, having resistance to various biotic and abiotic stresses. The seeds of this plant are rich in protein and are the only known dietary source of L-homoarginine. Moreover, it thrives with minimal inputs making it a promising crop in grain legume breeding programs with immense potential for food security. Despite these advantages, the global area under its cultivation has decreased because of the presence of an antinutrient compound, β-N-oxalyl-L-α,β-diamino propionic acid (β-ODAP), which results in neurolathyrism both in humans and animals. Multiple efforts in the past have resulted in the development of improved varieties with low ODAP. Still, due to variations in response to the environment, stable low-ODAP lines have not been developed for large-scale cultivation. In this paper, we report in planta characterization of Oxalyl-CoA Synthetase (OCS) involved in the oxalylating step leading to β-ODAP production. We established a hairy root transformation system forLathyrusand demonstrated the genome editing ofLsOCS. Further, we show that oxalate accumulates in these hairy roots due to loss-of-function of theOCSgene. This is the first report of functional analysis of aLathyrusgene inLathyrus. The hairy root genome editing system we developed can be used as a quick system for functional studies ofLathyrusgenes.
Rapid Quantification of First and Second Phase Insulin Secretion Dynamics using In vitro Platform for Improving Insulin Therapy
Authors: Thoduvayil Sikha , Weerakkody Jonathan S. , Topper Mackenzie , Bera Manindra , Coleman Jeff , Li Xia , Mariappan Malayalam , Ramakrishnan Sathish 
Published: April 2023

AbstractHigh-throughput quantification of the first- and second-phase insulin secretion dynamics is intractable with current methods. The fact that independent secretion phases play distinct roles in metabolism necessitates partitioning them separately and performing high-throughput compound screening to target them individually. We developed an insulin-nanoluc luciferase reporter system to dissect the molecular and cellular pathways involved in the separate phases of insulin secretion. We validated this method through genetic studies, including knockdown and overexpression, as well as small-molecule screening and their effects on insulin secretion. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the results of this method are well correlated with those of single-vesicle exocytosis experiments conducted on live cells. Thus, we can quantitatively determine the number of vesicles that fuse when a stimulus is applied. We have developed a robust methodology for screening small molecules and cellular pathways that target specific phases of insulin secretion, resulting in a better understanding of insulin secretion, which in turn will result in a more effective insulin therapy through the stimulation of endogenous glucose-stimulated insulin secretion.
Spatial variation in excess mortality across Europe: a cross-sectional study of 561 regions in 21 countries
Authors: Bonnet Florian , Grigoriev Pavel , Sauerberg Markus , Alliger Ina , Mühlichen Michael , Camarda Carlo-Giovanni 
Published: April 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo measure the burden of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 at the subnational level by estimating excess mortality, defined as the increase in all-cause mortality relative to an expected baseline mortality level.DesignStatistical and demographic analyses of regional all-cause mortality data.SettingThe vital statistics systems of 21 European countries.ParticipantsThe entire population of 561 spatial units in 21 European countries.Main Outcome MeasuresLosses of life expectancy at ages 0 and 60 for males and females.ResultsWe found evidence of a loss in life expectancy in 391 regions, while only three regions exhibit notable gains in life expectancy in 2020. For 12 regions, losses of life expectancy amounted to more than 2 years, and three regions showed losses greater than 3 years. We highlight geographic clusters of high mortality in Northern Italy, Spain and Poland, while clusters of low mortality were found in Western France, Germany/Denmark and Norway/Sweden.ConclusionsRegional differences of loss of life expectancy are impressive, ranging from a loss of more than 4 years to a gain of 8 months. These findings provide a strong rationale for regional analysis, as national estimates hide significant regional disparities.‘What is already known’Reported numbers of covid-19 deaths are subject to changes within and across countries due to inaccuracy, and incompleteness.Excess mortality measured by loss in life expectancy is widely considered a relevant indicator for assessing the total mortality impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.Whereas national estimates has been largely provided, few scattered regional studies for specific countries have been conducted.‘What this study adds’This study provides the first coherent analysis of excess mortality at regional level covering a large number of European countries.It allows to properly map COVID-19 pandemic using official mortality data routinely collected by vital registration systems, which are less sensitive to misclassification.How this study might affect research, practice or policy’This study provides a strong rationale for regional analysis, as national estimates hide significant regional disparities
The gender differences in the association between fear of pain and dental anxiety using the Japanese version of the Fear of Pain questionnaire-III: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ogawa Mika , Sago Teppei , Furukawa Hirokazu , Saito Akihiro 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe fear of pain is closely linked with chronic pain and the resultant impairment of daily life. It has been reported to have a correlation with dental anxiety, making its assessment crucial in dental practice. The present study aimed to develop a Japanese version of the Fear of Pain Questionnaire-III (FPQ-III), an international rating scale, to evaluate psychological characteristics and investigate its association with dental anxiety and gender differences.MethodsAfter forward and backward translation and review, the Japanese version of the FPQ-III was administered to 400 internet monitors, and 100 of them were re-evaluated after a month. Convergent validity was assessed in relation to catastrophic thoughts of dental anxiety and pain, while discriminant validity was evaluated concerning the correlations between anxiety and depression. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to examine the factorial validity of the FPQ-III and a shortened version of the FPQ-9. Item response theory was applied to estimate the discriminative power of each item and draw a test information curve. Structural equation modeling was used to investigate the relationship between pain anxiety and dental anxiety and the gender differences in the model.ResultsData from 400 participants (200 women [50.0%, mean 44.9 ± 14.5 years]) were analyzed. Total scores on the FPQ-III showed good internal validity, intra-examiner reliability, and discriminant validity, indicating convergent validity. Confirmatory factor analysis results supported a three-factor structure, and the FPQ-9 showed a good fit.Discrimination was high, except for two items related to severe pain. Test information curves demonstrated that the FPQ-III and FPQ-9 were more accurate for latent characteristic values between -2 SD and +2 SD. Anxiety about medical pain fully mediated the relationship between fears of minor pain and dental anxiety. No gender differences were observed in this construct, and the factor means for anxiety about severe pain were significantly higher for women than for men.ConclusionThe Japanese versions of the FPQ-III and FPQ-9 demonstrated high reliability and validity for measuring the Fear of Pain in this target population, with high accuracy for a wide range of latent characteristics. The fear of pain was deemed an endogenous factor that was linked to dental anxiety and common to both men and women.
A mechanosensory feedback that uncouples external and self-generated sensory responses in the olfactory cortex
Authors: Dehaqani Alireza A. , Michelon Filippo , Patella Paola , Petrucco Luigi , Piasini Eugenio , Iurilli Giuliano 
Published: April 2023

SummarySampling behaviors have sensory consequences that can hinder perceptual stability. In olfaction, sniffing affects early odor encoding, mimicking a sudden change in odor concentration. Here, we examined how the inhalation speed impacts the representation of odor concentration in the main olfactory cortex. Neurons combine the odor input with a global top-down signal preceding the sniff and a mechanosensory feedback generated by the air passage through the nose during an inhalation. Still, the population representation of concentration is remarkably sniff-invariant. This is because the mechanosensory and olfactory responses are uncorrelated within and across neurons. Thus, a faster odor inhalation and a concentration increase change the cortical activity pattern in distinct ways. This encoding strategy affords tolerance to potential concentration fluctuations caused by varying inhalation speeds. Since mechanosensory reafferences are widespread across sensory systems, the coding scheme described here may be a canonical strategy to mitigate the sensory ambiguities caused by movements.
Competitive plasticity to reduce the energetic costs of learning
Authors: van Rossum Mark C.W. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe brain is not only constrained by energy needed to fuel computation, but it is also constrained by energy needed to form memories. Experiments have shown that learning simple conditioning tasks already carries a significant metabolic cost. Yet, learning a task like MNIST to 95% accuracy appears to require at least 108synaptic updates. Therefore the brain has likely evolved to be able to learn using as little energy as possible. We explored the energy required for learning in feedforward neural networks. Based on a parsimonious energy model, we propose two plasticity restricting algorithms that save energy: 1) only modify synapses with large updates, and 2) restrict plasticity to subsets of synapses that form a path through the network. Combining these two methods leads to substantial energy savings while only incurring a small increase in learning time. In biology networks are often much larger than the task requires. In particular in that case, large savings can be achieved. Thus competitively restricting plasticity helps to save metabolic energy associated to synaptic plasticity. The results might lead to a better understanding of biological plasticity and a better match between artificial and biological learning. Moreover, the algorithms might also benefit hardware because in electronics memory storage is energetically costly as well.
Psychiatry clerk reflections on the disruption of their clinical training during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Algahtani Haifa Mohammad , Jahrami Haitham , Husni Mariwan 
Published: April 2023

PurposeThe COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on medical education and training, with many medical schools and training programs having to adapt to remote or online learning, social distancing measures and other challenges. This paper aimed to examine the disruption for clinical training, as it has reduced the opportunities for students and trainees to gain hands-on experience and interact with patients in person.Design/methodology/approachThe ethnographic qualitative research design was chosen as the research methodology. Using Gibbs' reflective cycle, the researcher explored the psychiatry clerks' (final-year medical students) reflections on the disruption of their clinical training during the COVID-19 pandemic.FindingsThe findings demonstrated that the students had a significant psychological impact on their coping capacities as the crisis progressed from shock and depression to resilience. The students being the key stakeholders provided a concrete foundation for the development of a framework for improving practices during uncertain times.Originality/valueStudents' reflections provided valuable insight into the pandemic’s impact on their psychosocial lives with uncertainty and incapacity to cope up with changing stressful dynamics. The results will assist in planning how to best support medical students' well-being during interruptions of their educational process brought about by similar future crises.
Does environmental, social and governance (ESG) affect market performance? The moderating role of competitive advantage
Authors: Dkhili Hichem 
Published: April 2023

Purpose
This research aims to determine the influence of environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors on market performance. The study shows the perspective of ESG on market performance. The study attempted to test the relationship between ESG and Tobin’s Q and the effect of control variables.

Design/methodology/approach
The study used panel data from a sample covering 720 firms and ran a fixed-effects model regression during the 2007–2019 period for eight European countries’ listed companies.

Findings
The findings reveal that ESG positively impacts Tobin’s Q. According to the findings, high company ESG performance boosts market performance via the moderator effect of competitive advantage. The results indicate that all control variables are significant. The firm’s leverage has a negative relationship with ESG. The size of the firm impacts ESG positively. Also, the results prove that the firm’s size and industry positively affect Tobin’s Q.

Research limitations/implications
The findings of this study suggest that managers, practitioners and authorities interested in learning about ESG scores (ESGSs), market performance and competitive advantage might draw intriguing conclusions from the data. Managers can identify the appropriate levels of competitive advantage that improve market performance. Practitioners must determine whether fit, size, growth, leverage and industry could enhance market performance. The findings also give authorities and the board of directors information on future growth opportunities for the company and the country.

Originality/value
The research presents a vision of how ESG factors affect market performance. This study aims to identify the positive link between ESGSs and European market performance.
Earth observations into action: the systemic integration of earth observation applications into national risk reduction decision structures
Authors: Borges David Eley , Ramage Steven , Green David , Justice Christina , Nakalembe Catherine , Whitcraft Alyssa , Barker Brian , Becker-Reshef Inbal , Balagizi Charles , Salvi Stefano , Ambrosia Vincent , San-Miguel-Ayanz Jesus , Boschetti Luigi , Field Robert , Giglio Louis , Kuhle Laila , Low Fabian , Kettner Albert , Schumann Guy , Brakenridge G. Robert , Adler Robert , Kontoes Haris , De Boissezon Helene , Eddy Andrew , Kirschbaum Dalia , Emberson Robert , Cooley Savannah , Lloyd Simone , Blake Cecille , Reichenbach Kelsey 
Published: April 2023

PurposeAs stated in the United Nations Global Assessment Report 2022 Concept Note, decision-makers everywhere need data and statistics that are accurate, timely, sufficiently disaggregated, relevant, accessible and easy to use. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate scalable and replicable methods to advance and integrate the use of earth observation (EO), specifically ongoing efforts within the Group on Earth Observations (GEO) Work Programme and the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS) Work Plan, to support risk-informed decision-making, based on documented national and subnational needs and requirements.Design/methodology/approachPromotion of open data sharing and geospatial technology solutions at national and subnational scales encourages the accelerated implementation of successful EO applications. These solutions may also be linked to specific Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) 2015–2030 Global Targets that provide trusted answers to risk-oriented decision frameworks, as well as critical synergies between the Sendai Framework and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This paper provides examples of these efforts in the form of platforms and knowledge hubs that leverage latest developments in analysis ready data and support evidence-based DRR measures.FindingsThe climate crisis is forcing countries to face unprecedented frequency and severity of disasters. At the same time, there are growing demands to respond to policy at the national and international level. EOs offer insights and intelligence for evidence-based policy development and decision-making to support key aspects of the Sendai Framework. The GEO DRR Working Group and CEOS Working Group Disasters are ideally placed to help national government agencies, particularly national Sendai focal points to learn more about EOs and understand their role in supporting DRR.Originality/valueThe unique perspective of EOs provide unrealized value to decision-makers addressing DRR. This paper highlights tangible methods and practices that leverage free and open source EO insights that can benefit all DRR practitioners.
Chartered professional accountant's competencies: the synergy between accounting education and employers' needs—evidence from Alberta
Authors: Elbarrad Sherif , Belassi Walid 
Published: April 2023

PurposeThis study examines the competencies delineated by the Chartered Professional Accountants (CPA) in Canada and explores the gap between what universities provide, represented by the students' confidence in the knowledge acquired—and what the accounting profession in Canada requires and deems necessary.Design/methodology/approachUsing the 44 sub-competencies listed under the main seven competencies set by CPA, a pair of questionnaires were drafted. The first questionnaire asked post-secondary accounting students to rate their perceived confidence in these 44 sub-competencies and received 105 responses. The second questionnaire asked accounting professionals to rate the frequency and degree of use of each sub-competency in their workplace and received 72 responses. The responses to the two questionnaires were used to compare perceived student competencies with industry expectations.FindingsThe study suggests an industry-neutral framework that employers and post-secondary institutions (PSIs) can use to determine where knowledge gaps exist between students' qualifications and professionals' requirements. The paper concludes that while there are synergies in many competencies in the accounting field in Canada, there are also areas of discord.Research limitations/implicationsThe study relies on one accredited PSI. Relying on one case study limits the ability to generalize the findings. Nevertheless, the in-depth nature of the study allows it to shed light on many key issues related to accounting education and the profession in Alberta, Canada.Originality/valueThis paper adds to the existing literature by exploring the gap between what students learn and what the profession needs in the accounting field in Canada. Studying Canada adds to the accounting knowledge and draws attention to gaps that could exist in other countries. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first paper to focus on Canada from this perspective. The paper also proposes a curriculum development model that is based on market needs and applicable to all fields of knowledge.