bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Passive and active parental food allocation in a songbird
Authors: Parejo-Pulido Daniel , Pérez-Rodríguez Lorenzo , Abril-Colón Inmaculada , Potti Jaime , Redondo Tomás 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Parent–offspring conflict over food allocation can be modeled using two theoretical frameworks: passive (scramble competition) and active choice (signaling) resolution models. However, differentiating between these models empirically can be challenging. One possibility involves investigating details of decision-making by feeding parents. Different nestling traits, related to competitive prowess or signaling cryptic condition, may interact additively or non-additively as predictors of parental feeding responses. To explore this, we experimentally created even-sized, small broods of pied flycatchers and manipulated nestling cryptic quality, independently of size, by vitamin E supplementation. We explored how interactions between nestling cryptic condition, size, signals, and spatial location predicted food allocation and prey-testing by parents. Parents created the potential for spatial scramble competition between nestlings by feeding from and to a narrow range of nest locations. Heavier supplemented nestlings grew faster and were more likely to access profitable nest locations. However, the most profitable locations were not more contested, and nestling turnover did not vary in relation to spatial predictability or food supply. Postural begging was only predicted by nestling hunger and body mass, but parents did not favor heavier nestlings. This suggests that size-mediated and spatial competition in experimental broods was mild. Pied flycatcher fathers allocated food in response to nestling position and begging order, while mothers seemingly followed an active choice mechanism involving assessment of more complex traits, including postural intensity interacting with order, position, and treatment, and perhaps other stimuli when performing prey-testings. Differences in time constraints may underlie sex differences in food allocation rules.
A dissociable functional relevance of theta- and beta-band activities during complex sensorimotor integration
Authors: Böttcher Adriana , Wilken Saskia , Adelhöfer Nico , Raab Markus , Hoffmann Sven , Beste Christian 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Sensorimotor integration processes play a central role in daily life and require that different sources of sensory information become integrated: i.e. the information related to the object being under control of the agent (i.e. indicator) and the information about the goal of acting. Yet, how this is accomplished on a neurophysiological level is contentious. We focus on the role of theta- and beta-band activities and examine which neuroanatomical structures are involved. Healthy participants (n = 41) performed 3 consecutive pursuit-tracking EEG experiments in which the source of visual information available for tracking was varied (i.e. that of the indicator and the goal of acting). The initial specification of indicator dynamics is determined through beta-band activity in parietal cortices. When information about the goal was not accessible, but operating the indicator was required nevertheless, this incurred increased theta-band activity in the superior frontal cortex, signaling a higher need for control. Later, theta- and beta-band activities encode distinct information within the ventral processing stream: Theta-band activity is affected by the indicator information, while beta-band activity is affected by the information about the action goal. Complex sensorimotor integration is realized through a cascade of theta- and beta-band activities in a ventral-stream-parieto-frontal network.
High-Dose Influenza Vaccine Is Associated With Reduced Mortality Among Older Adults With Breakthrough Influenza Even When There Is Poor Vaccine-Strain Match
Authors: Chaves Sandra S , Naeger Sarah , Lounaci Kahina , Zuo Yue , Loiacono Matthew M , Pilard Quentin , Nealon Joshua , Genin Marie , Mahe Cedric 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Background
High-dose (HD) influenza vaccine offers improved protection from influenza virus infection among older adults compared with standard-dose (SD) vaccine. Here, we explored whether HD vaccine attenuates disease severity among older adults with breakthrough influenza.

Methods
This was a retrospective cohort study of US claims data for influenza seasons 2016–2017, 2017–2018, and 2018–2019, defined as 1 October through 30 April, among adults aged ≥65 years. After adjusting the different cohorts for the probability of vaccination conditional on patients’ characteristics, we compared 30-day mortality rate post-influenza among older adults who experienced breakthrough infection after receipt of HD or SD influenza vaccines and among those not vaccinated (NV).

Results
We evaluated 44 456 influenza cases: 23 109 (52%) were unvaccinated, 15 037 (33.8%) received HD vaccine, and 6310 (14.2%) received SD vaccine. Significant reductions in mortality rates among breakthrough cases were observed across all 3 seasons for HD vs NV, ranging from 17% to 29% reductions. A significant mortality reduction of 25% was associated with SD vaccination vs NV in the 2016–2017 season when there was a good match between circulating influenza viruses and selected vaccine strains. When comparing HD vs SD cohorts, mortality reductions were higher among those who received HD in the last 2 seasons when mismatch between vaccine strains and circulating H3N2 viruses was documented, albeit not significant.

Conclusions
HD vaccination was associated with lower post-influenza mortality among older adults with breakthrough influenza, even during seasons when antigenically drifted H3N2 circulated. Improved understanding of the impact of different vaccines on attenuating disease severity is warranted when assessing vaccine policy recommendations.
Feather corticosterone reveals that urban great tits experience lower corticosterone exposure than forest individuals during dominance-rank establishment
Authors: Brodin Anders , Watson Hannah 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Although the consequences of urbanization for the physiological health of animals are the focus of much active research, an overlooked aspect is how physiology could be indirectly modulated by the urban environment via changes in intraspecific behavioural interactions, particularly among gregarious species. Both urbanization and the establishment, as well as maintenance, of hierarchical rank position are processes that could incur physiological stress. Measurements of glucocorticoids (GCs) in relation to urbanization, however, have yielded inconsistent results. In most cases, GCs have been measured in blood, offering only a ‘snapshot’ of an animal’s current physiological state. Because circulating GCs are incorporated into growing feathers or hair, measurements of feather/hair GCs offer a longer term measure of stress exposure reflecting the whole period of feather/hair growth. During two calendar years, we collected tail feathers from 188 urban and forest great tits (P. major) across multiple sampling sites and analysed corticosterone (CORT—the main GC in birds) levels, reflecting CORT exposure during the extended period in late summer and early autumn when great tits moult and winter flocks are formed. Urban individuals exhibited consistently lower feather CORT (fCORT) levels than forest birds indicating lower overall exposure to CORT during this period. The lower fCORT levels in urban individuals could represent an adaptation to cope with the more challenging urban environment, physiological constraints on stress axis function or a trade-off between the ability to respond to stressors and predation risk during moult. Despite the expectation that CORT responses to urbanization are highly context-dependent, the spatial consistency of our results and agreement with a multi-population study of fCORT in European blackbirds (Turdus merula) suggests a generalization of the effect of urbanization on CORT exposure during post-breeding moult (i.e. not site- or species-specific).
Comparing Patient Reported Outcomes among Anti-TNF Experienced Patients with Ulcerative Colitis Initiating Vedolizumab versus Tofacitinib
Authors: Kappelman Michael D , Long Millie D , Zhang Xian , Lin Feng-Chang , Weisbein Laura , Chen Wenli , Burris Jessica , Dorand Jennifer E , Parlett Lauren E , Fehlmann Tara , Brensinger Colleen M , Haynes Kevin , Nair V Vinit , Kaul Alan F , Dobes Angela , Lewis JD James D ,   the SPARC IBD Investigators
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Background
Primary and secondary non-response to Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) therapy is common in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), yet limited research has compared the effectiveness of subsequent biological therapy.

Objective
We sought to compare the effectiveness of vedolizumab and tofacitinib in anti-TNF experienced patients with UC, focusing on patient-prioritized patient reported outcomes (PROs).

Methods
We conducted a prospective cohort study nested within the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s IBD Partners and SPARC IBD initiatives. We identified anti-TNF experienced patients with UC initiating vedolizumab or ustekinumab and analyzed PROs reported approximately 6 months later (minimum 4 months, maximum 10 months). Co-primary outcomes were Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) domains of Fatigue and Pain Interference. Secondary outcomes included PRO-2, treatment persistence, and need for colectomy.

Results
We compared 72 vedolizumab initiators and 33 tofacitinib initiators. At follow-up, Pain Interference (P=0.04), but not Fatigue (P=0.53,) was lower among tofacitinib initiators. A trend towards higher Social Role Satisfaction was not significant. The remainder of secondary outcomes (PRO2, treatment persistence, colectomy) did not differ between treatment groups.

Conclusion
Among anti-TNF experienced patients with UC, Pain Interference 4-10 months after treatment initiation was lower among tofacitinib users as compared to vedolizumab users. Many, but not all, secondary endpoints and subanalyses also favored favored tofacitinib. Future studies with larger sample sizes are needed to further evaluate these findings.
Sex on mission: care, control and coloniality in peacekeeping and humanitarian operations
Authors: Westendorf Jasmine-Kim 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
This article critically reflects on twenty years of efforts to prevent and punish sexual exploitation by peacekeepers and humanitarian actors through the UN's zero-tolerance policy (‘the Bulletin’). I trace the assumptions and motivations that underpin the Bulletin's framing of (un)acceptable sex and investigate the operational and normative implications of its strong discouragement of sexual relationships with beneficiaries. I argue that, by construing the power differential between local communities and UN/NGO personnel as inherent, singular and totalizing, the Bulletin first reinforces conservative gender norms by framing women as perpetually and uniquely vulnerable and reinscribing gendered power imbalances. Second, it denies women agency in an era of Women, Peace and Security, laying the foundation for a detrimental separation between local people and international personnel. Third, it restructures paternalism in ways that entrench power imbalances between local communities and the organizations mandated to ‘protect’ them, reproducing colonial patterns of dealing with sex and sexuality. This analysis lays bare the tensions between care and control in how the international community responds to sexual misconduct by UN/NGO personnel and demonstrates the ramifications of these tensions for the practice and effectiveness of peace and humanitarian operations.
Quantitative Rigidity of Differential Inclusions in Two Dimensions
Authors: Lamy Xavier , Lorent Andrew , Peng Guanying 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
For any compact connected one-dimensional submanifold $K\subset \mathbb R^{2\times 2}$ without boundary that has no rank-one connection and is elliptic, we prove the quantitative rigidity estimate $$\begin{align*} \inf_{M\in K}\int_{B_{1/2}}| Du -M |^2\, \textrm{d}x \leq C \int_{B_1} \operatorname{dist}^2(Du, K)\, \textrm{d}x, \qquad\forall u\in H^1(B_1;\mathbb R^2). \end{align*}$$This is an optimal generalization, for compact connected submanifolds of $\mathbb R^{2\times 2}$ without boundary, of the celebrated quantitative rigidity estimate of Friesecke, James, and Müller for the approximate differential inclusion into $SO(n)$. The proof relies on the special properties of elliptic subsets $K\subset{{\mathbb{R}}}^{2\times 2}$ with respect to conformal–anticonformal decomposition, which provide a quasilinear elliptic partial differential equation satisfied by solutions of the exact differential inclusion $Du\in K$. We also give an example showing that no analogous result can hold true in $\mathbb R^{n\times n}$ for $n\geq 3$.
Accelerated Evolution Analysis UncoversPKNOX2as a Key Transcription Factor in the Mammalian Cochlea
Authors: Trigila Anabella P , Castagna Valeria C , Berasain Lara , Montini Dante , Rubinstein Marcelo , Gomez-Casati Maria Eugenia , Franchini Lucía F 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe genetic bases underlying the evolution of morphological and functional innovations of the mammalian inner ear are poorly understood. Gene regulatory regions are thought to play an important role in the evolution of form and function. To uncover crucial hearing genes whose regulatory machinery evolved specifically in mammalian lineages, we mapped accelerated noncoding elements (ANCEs) in inner ear transcription factor (TF) genes and found that PKNOX2 harbors the largest number of ANCEs within its transcriptional unit. Using reporter gene expression assays in transgenic zebrafish, we determined that four PKNOX2-ANCEs drive differential expression patterns when compared with ortholog sequences from close outgroup species. Because the functional role of PKNOX2 in cochlear hair cells has not been previously investigated, we decided to study Pknox2 null mice generated by CRISPR/Cas9 technology. We found that Pknox2−/− mice exhibit reduced distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) and auditory brainstem response (ABR) thresholds at high frequencies together with an increase in peak 1 amplitude, consistent with a higher number of inner hair cells (IHCs)-auditory nerve synapsis observed at the cochlear basal region. A comparative cochlear transcriptomic analysis of Pknox2−/− and Pknox2+/+ mice revealed that key auditory genes are under Pknox2 control. Hence, we report that PKNOX2 plays a critical role in cochlear sensitivity at higher frequencies and that its transcriptional regulation underwent lineage-specific evolution in mammals. Our results provide novel insights about the contribution of PKNOX2 to normal auditory function and to the evolution of high-frequency hearing in mammals.
Design of synthetic promoters for cyanobacteria with generative deep-learning model
Authors: Seo Euijin , Choi Yun-Nam , Shin Ye Rim , Kim Donghyuk , Lee Jeong Wook 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Deep generative models, which can approximate complex data distribution from large datasets, are widely used in biological dataset analysis. In particular, they can identify and unravel hidden traits encoded within a complicated nucleotide sequence, allowing us to design genetic parts with accuracy. Here, we provide a deep-learning based generic framework to design and evaluate synthetic promoters for cyanobacteria using generative models, which was in turn validated with cell-free transcription assay. We developed a deep generative model and a predictive model using a variational autoencoder and convolutional neural network, respectively. Using native promoter sequences of the model unicellular cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 as a training dataset, we generated 10 000 synthetic promoter sequences and predicted their strengths. By position weight matrix and k-mer analyses, we confirmed that our model captured a valid feature of cyanobacteria promoters from the dataset. Furthermore, critical subregion identification analysis consistently revealed the importance of the -10 box sequence motif in cyanobacteria promoters. Moreover, we validated that the generated promoter sequence can efficiently drive transcription via cell-free transcription assay. This approach, combining in silico and in vitro studies, will provide a foundation for the rapid design and validation of synthetic promoters, especially for non-model organisms.
Leptomeningeal disease in histone-mutant gliomas
Authors: Diaz Maria , Rana Satshil , Silva Correia Carlos Eduardo , Reiner Anne S , Lin Andrew L , Miller Alexandra M , Graham Maya S , Chudsky Sofia , Bale Tejus A , Rosenblum Marc , Karajannis Matthias A , Pentsova Elena 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Background
The 2016 WHO classification described a subtype of midline gliomas harboring histone 3 (H3) K27M alterations, and the 2021 edition added a new subtype of hemispheric diffuse gliomas with H3 G34R/V mutations. The incidence and clinical behavior of leptomeningeal disease (LMD) in these patients is not well defined.

Methods
Retrospective study of patients with H3-altered gliomas diagnosed from 01/2012 to 08/2021; histone mutations were identified through next-generation sequencing (NGS) of tumor biopsy and/or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Results
We identified 42 patients harboring H3 mutations (K27M mutations in 33 patients, G34R/V in 8, and both in one). Median age was 21 (4–70); 27 were male. LMD was diagnosed in 21/42 (50%) patients, corresponding to a 3-year cumulative incidence of 44.7% (95% confidence interval (CI): 26.1%–63.4%) for the K27-mutant group and a 1-year cumulative incidence of 37.5% in the G34-mutant group (95% CI: 0.01%–74.4%; no events after 1 year). Median time from tumor diagnosis to LMD was 12.9 months for H3-K27 patients and 5.6 months for H3-G34 patients. H3 mutation was detected in CSF in all patients with LMD who had NGS (8 H3-K27-mutant patients). In the H3-K27-mutant group, modeled risk of death was increased in patients who developed LMD (hazard ratio: 7.37, 95% CI: 2.98–18.23, P &lt; .0001).

Conclusions
In our cohort, 50% of patients developed LMD. Although further studies are needed, CSF ctDNA characterization may aid in identifying molecular tumor profiles in glioma patients with LMD, and neuroaxis imaging and CSF NGS should be considered for early LMD detection.
Allelic variation in transcription factor PtoWRKY68 contributes to drought tolerance in Populus
Authors: Fang Yuanyuan , Wang Dan , Xiao Liang , Quan Mingyang , Qi Weina , Song Fangyuan , Zhou Jiaxuan , Liu Xin , Qin Shitong , Du Qingzhang , Liu Qing , El-Kassaby Yousry A , Zhang Deqiang 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Drought stress limits woody species productivity and influences tree distribution. However, dissecting the molecular mechanisms that underpin drought responses in forest trees can be challenging due to trait complexity. Here, using a panel of 300 Chinese white poplar (Populus tomentosa) accessions collected from different geographical climatic regions in China, we performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) on seven drought-related traits and identified PtoWRKY68 as a candidate gene involved in the response to drought stress. A 12-bp insertion and/or deletion and three nonsynonymous variants in the PtoWRKY68 coding sequence categorized natural populations of P. tomentosa into two haplotype groups, PtoWRKY68hap1 and PtoWRKY68hap2. The allelic variation in these two PtoWRKY68 haplotypes conferred differential transcriptional regulatory activities and binding to the promoters of downstream abscisic acid (ABA) efflux and signaling genes. Overexpression of PtoWRKY68hap1 and PtoWRKY68hap2 in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) ameliorated the drought tolerance of two transgenic lines and increased ABA content by 42.7% and 14.3% compared to wild-type plants, respectively. Notably, PtoWRKY68hap1 (associated with drought tolerance) is ubiquitous in accessions in water-deficient environments, whereas the drought-sensitive allele PtoWRKY68hap2 is widely distributed in well-watered regions, consistent with the trends in local precipitation, suggesting that these alleles correspond to geographical adaptation in Populus. Moreover, quantitative trait loci analysis and an electrophoretic mobility shift assay showed that SHORT VEGETATIVE PHASE (PtoSVP.3) positively regulates the expression of PtoWRKY68 under drought stress. We propose a drought tolerance regulatory module in which PtoWRKY68 modulates ABA signaling and accumulation, providing insight into the genetic basis of drought tolerance in trees. Our findings will facilitate molecular breeding to improve the drought tolerance of forest trees.
Use of sexual stimuli in research and clinical settings: expert opinion and recommendations
Authors: Katz Maddie A , Penniston Trinda L , Barry Caitlin , Micanovic Nina , Seto Michael C , Chivers Meredith L 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Background
Sexual stimuli, such as sexual videos, images, and narratives describing sexual interactions, are one of many tools used by clinicians and researchers to elicit or augment sexual response. Given the wide variability within sexual stimuli and their effects on sexual response, we provide guidance on when and how to use sexual stimuli, selecting sexual stimuli, and standardizing the use and reporting of sexual stimuli in research and clinical practice.

Aim
This expert opinion review article discusses standard operating procedures when using sexual stimuli in clinical and research applications, addressing 3 broad areas: settings in which sexual stimuli are used, characteristics and contexts of the stimuli, and practical and ethical considerations when using the stimuli.

Methods
This article is based on an expert opinion review of the sexual psychophysiology literature.

Results
First, we discuss the settings in which sexual stimuli are typically used and evaluate the ecological validity of each setting. Second, we review the types of sexual stimuli used in sexual response research, including physical characteristics, depicted sexual activity, and context, and the impacts of these characteristics on sexual response. Last, we discuss the practical and ethical considerations that come with the choice and use of sexual stimuli in clinical and research settings. We address potential limitations of certain sexual stimuli, including practical and ethical considerations such as participant vs experimenter choice, diversity and representation, and proper sourcing of sexual stimuli for use in clinical and research applications. Discussions on the future applications of sexual stimuli, such as the use of virtual reality, and ethical considerations in terms of user-generated Internet sexual stimuli are also explored.

Conclusion
We provide an expert opinion review of the literature regarding use of sexual stimuli for clinical and research applications and offer best use practices and recommendations.