bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Jack‐of‐all‐trades paradigm meets long‐term data: Generalist herbivores are more widespread and locally less abundant
Authors: Sudta Chanchanok , Salcido Danielle M. , Forister Matthew L. , Walla Thomas R. , Villamarín‐Cortez Santiago , Dyer Lee A. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractInsect herbivores are relatively specialized. Why this is so is not clear. We examine assumptions about associations between local abundance and dietary specialization using an 18‐year data set of caterpillar–plant interactions in Ecuador. Our data consist of caterpillar–plant associations and include standardized plot‐based samples and general collections of caterpillars, allowing for diet breadth and abundance estimates across spatial scales for 1917 morphospecies. We find that more specialized caterpillars are locally more abundant than generalists, consistent with a key component of the ‘jack of all trades, master of none’ hypothesis. As the diet breadth of species increased, generalists were not as abundant in any one location, but they had broader occupancy across the landscape, which is a pattern that could reflect high plant beta diversity and is consistent with an alternative neutral hypothesis. Our finding that more specialized species can be both rare and common highlights the ecological complexity of specialization.
The politics of government reorganization inWestern Europe
Authors: Fleischer Julia , Bezes Philippe , James Oliver , Yesilkagit Kutsal 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe reorganization of governments is crucial for parties to express their policy preferences once they reach office. Yet these activities are not confined to the direct aftermath of general elections or to wide‐ranging structural reforms. Instead, governments reorganize and adjust their machinery of government all the time. This paper aims to assess these structural choices with a particular focus at the core of the state, comparing four Western European democracies (Germany, France, the Netherlands, and United Kingdom) from 1980 to 2013. Our empirical analysis shows that stronger shifts in cabinets' ideological profiles in the short‐ and long‐term as well as the units' proximity to political executives yield significant effects. In contrast, Conservative governments, commonly regarded as key promoters of reorganizing governments, are not significant for the likelihood of structural change. We discuss the effects of this politics of government reorganization for different research debates assessing the inner workings of governments.
The effects of a lifestyle intervention (the HealthyMoms app) during pregnancy on infant body composition: Secondary outcome analysis from a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Sandborg Johanna , Henriksson Pontus , Söderström Emmie , Migueles Jairo H. , Bendtsen Marcus , Blomberg Marie , Löf Marie 
Published: February 2022

SummaryBackgroundPregnancy has been identified as a window for childhood obesity prevention. Although lifestyle interventions in pregnancy can prevent excessive gestational weight gain (GWG), little is known whether such interventions also affect infant growth and body composition.ObjectivesTo investigate (i) the effects of a 6‐month lifestyle intervention (the HealthyMoms app) on infant body composition 1–2 weeks postpartum, and (ii) whether a potential intervention effect on infant body composition is mediated through maternal GWG.MethodsThis is a secondary outcome analysis of the HealthyMoms randomized controlled trial. Air‐displacement plethysmography was used to measure body composition in 305 healthy full‐term infants.ResultsWe observed no statistically significant effect on infant weight (β = −0.004, p = 0.94), length (β = −0.19, p = 0.46), body fat percentage (β = 0.17, p = 0.72), or any of the other body composition variables in the multiple regression models (all p ≥ 0.27). Moreover, we observed no mediation effect through GWG on infant body composition.ConclusionsOur findings support that HealthyMoms may be implemented in healthcare to promote a healthy lifestyle in pregnant women without compromising offspring growth. Further research is required to elucidate whether lifestyle interventions in pregnancy also may result in beneficial effects on infant body composition and impact future obesity risk.
Thermodynamic and kinetic analyses of vacuum synthesis of AlN by the alumina carbothermal reduction nitridation method
Authors: Liu Li , He Bingyang , Chen Xiumin , Zhao Zhongqian , Yin Qi , Xu Peilin , Yang Bin , Xu Baoqiang , Liu Dachun 
Published: February 2022

AbstractUltrafine single‐phase aluminium nitride (AlN) particles were successfully synthesized by the vacuum carbothermal reduction nitridation (VCRN) method at shorter times and lower temperatures. The mechanism of the process was investigated. By analyzing the X‐ray diffraction (XRD) patterns and thermodynamic calculations, the main reaction path was determined to be Al2O3→Al2CO→Al4C3→Al5C3N→AlN. By investigating the kinetics mechanism, the process was a gas–solid reaction model, which was controlled by the crystalline chemical reaction from 0.5 to 1.5 h, combination control from 1.5 to 2 h, and gas diffusion control from 2 to 2.5 h. Moreover, the apparent activation energy (Ea) was calculated from the nitridation ratio, the value obtained, 237.71 kJ mol–1, is 31% of the energy reported for the conventional synthesis method. These results show that ultrafine AlN could be effectively synthesized at 1823–1873 K and 300 Pa N2 pressure for 2.5 h.
Polycystin‐1 and hydrostatic pressure are implicated in glioblastoma pathogenesis in vitro
Authors: Zoi Ilianna , Gargalionis Antonios N. , Papavassiliou Kostas A. , Nasiri‐Ansari Narjes , Piperi Christina , Basdra Efthimia K. , Papavassiliou Athanasios G. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe mechanobiological aspects of glioblastoma (GBM) pathogenesis are largely unknown. Polycystin‐1 (PC1) is a key mechanosensitive protein which perceives extracellular mechanical cues and transforms them into intracellular biochemical signals that elicit a change in cell behaviour. The aim of the present study was to investigate if and how PC1 participates in GBM pathogenesis under a mechanically induced microenvironment. Therefore, we subjected T98G GBM cells to continuous hydrostatic pressure (HP) and/or PC1 blockade and evaluated their effect on cell behaviour, the activity of signalling pathways and the expression of mechano‐induced transcriptional regulators and markers associated with properties of cancer cells. According to our data, PC1 and HP affect GBM cell proliferation, clonogenicity and migration; the diameter of GBM spheroids; the phosphorylation of mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) and focal adhesion kinase (FAK); the protein expression of transcription cofactors YES‐associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ‐binding motif (TAZ); and the mRNA expression of markers related to anti‐apoptosis, apoptosis, angiogenesis, epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and proliferation. Together, our in vitro results suggest that PC1 plays an important role in GBM mechanobiology.
PLXNB1 mutations in the etiology of idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism
Authors: Welch Bradley A. , Cho Hyun‐ju , Ucakturk Seyit Ahmet , Farmer Stephen Matthew , Cetinkaya Semra , Abaci Ayhan , Akkus Gamze , Simsek Enver , Kotan Leman Damla , Turan Ihsan , Gurbuz Fatih , Yuksel Bilgin , Wray Susan , Topaloglu A. Kemal 
Published: February 2022

AbstractIdiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH) comprises a group of rare genetic disorders characterized by pubertal failure caused by gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) deficiency. Genetic factors involved in semaphorin/plexin signaling have been identified in patients with IHH. PlexinB1, a member of the plexin family receptors, serves as the receptor for semaphorin 4D (Sema4D). In mice, perturbations in Sema4D/PlexinB1 signaling leads to improper GnRH development, highlighting the importance of investigating PlexinB1 mutations in IHH families. In total, 336 IHH patients (normosmic IHH, n = 293 and Kallmann syndrome, n = 43) from 290 independent families were included in the present study. Six PLXNB1 rare sequence variants (p.N361S, p.V608A, p.R636C, p.V672A, p.R1031H, and p.C1318R) are described in eight normosmic IHH patients from seven independent families. These variants were examined using bioinformatic modeling and compared to mutants reported in PLXNA1. Based on these analyses, the variant p.R1031H was assayed for alterations in cell morphology, PlexinB1 expression, and migration using a GnRH cell line and Boyden chambers. Experiments showed reduced membrane expression and impaired migration in cells expressing this variant compared to the wild‐type. Our results provide clinical, genetic, molecular/cellular, and modeling evidence to implicate variants in PLXNB1 in the etiology of IHH.
Optimal public debt composition during debt crises: A review of theoretical literature
Authors: Elberry Nada Azmy , Naert Frank , Goeminne Stijn 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThis study surveys the theoretical literature on the optimal public debt composition during sovereign debt crises. This survey is particularly relevant because sovereign debt crises have been recurrent manifestations over the past few decades, and there is growing evidence on the critical role of the composition of public debt portfolios during such events. Public debt composition refers to the characteristics of public debt portfolios, such as debt maturity, currency composition, and types of creditors. This survey adopts a broad definition of sovereign debt crisis, encompassing a post‐default phase when the crisis‐ridden country enters debt renegotiations and restructuring, and a pre‐default phase in which debtor countries either take a large non‐concessional loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to avoid debt default and restructuring or experience critically high bond spreads and default risk. This survey collects the dispersed literature on the theoretically optimal public debt composition choices from a sovereign borrower's perspective during both phases of the sovereign debt crisis. The surveyed theoretical literature reveals several trade‐offs underlying the sovereign's public debt composition choices during debt crises.
Tongue and mouth imagery questionnaire (TMIQ) for assessing motor imagery vividness of the temporomandibular region: A reliability and validity case‐control study
Authors: Alvarado Caroline , Arminjon Audrey , Damieux‐Verdeaux Clovis , Lhotte Claire , Condemine Chloé , Mateo Sébastien 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundTo date, no validated assessment of motor imagery (MI) ability with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) exists preventing identification of good imagers and appropriate MI use during TMD rehabilitation.ObjectiveTo assess the reliability and construct validity of the previously developed Tongue and Mouth Imagery Questionnaire (TMIQ) compared with the gold‐standard Kinaesthetic and Visual Imagery Questionnaire (KVIQ‐10).MethodsBoth KVIQ‐10 and TMIQ assess MI ability using vividness (i.e. clarity/brightness for visual MI, VMI; or intensity for kinesthetic MI, KMI) of MI using a 5‐point Likert scale (1: no image/sensation, 5: clear/intense image/sensation). The KVIQ‐10 was administered once (test) and the TMIQ twice (test–retest) to heathy participants and patients with TMD. Questionnaire validity was investigated using concurrent validity (Pearson correlation and paired t test); TMIQ‐test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients, ICCs); internal consistency (Cronbach ⍺) and the factorial structure (principal factor extraction).ResultsA total of 94 participants were included (n = 47 per group). The mean vividness scores of the KVIQ‐10 and the TMIQ were significantly correlated, and not significantly different for both groups indicating concurrent validity. ICCs in the control group (range: 0.82‐0.90), and in the TMD group (range: 0.75‐0.82) indicated good reproducibility. The Cronbach ⍺ values were all above 0.94, indicating excellent reliability. Two factors were extracted corresponding to VMI and KMI, and explained 66% of total variance.ConclusionThe TMIQ is a valid and reproducible MI questionnaire showing excellent internal consistency and, therefore, can be used to assess imagined movements of the TM region in healthy individuals and patients with TMD.
Beyond Values to Critical Praxis: The Future of Jewish Ethics
Authors: Brafman Yonatan Y. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe major issue for religious ethics in the 21st century is a methodological one: To move beyond the paradigm that attempts to unite religious communities around indeterminate values and to establish a framework in which determinate norms and practices can be generated out of religious traditions. This essay aims to reclaim reflection on Jewish norms and practices as a site for resisting forms of domination. It proceeds by analyzing the work of two twentieth‐century Jewish thinkers, Joseph Soloveitchik and Yeshayahu Leibowitz. Both thinkers recruit specific Jewish norms and practices, which they interpret as disciplines for the cultivation of dispositions that can aid in counteracting economic and political domination.
The Relationships between Childhood Bullying, School Connectedness, and Adolescent Adiposity, the Fragile Families Child and Wellbeing Study
Authors: Quader Zerleen S. , Gazmararian Julie A. , Suglia Shakira F. 
Published: February 2022

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDSchool environments are important to consider for children's health. This study aims to determine if childhood peer bullying and school connectedness are associated with adolescent adiposity.METHODSA total of 3377 children from the age 9 child interview of the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study had self‐reported bullying and school connectedness data at age 9, height and weight measured at ages 9 and 15, and waist circumference was measured during an age 15 home visit. Linear regression models estimated the association between bullying and school connectedness and (1) change in BMI between age 9 and 15, and (2) waist circumference at age 15. Models were stratified by sex.RESULTSGirls had larger increases in body mass index (BMI) when experiencing low school connectedness, and students that experienced both bullying and low school connectedness had larger increases in BMI. Girls had larger waist circumferences for increased levels of bullying, low connectedness, and experiencing both.CONCLUSIONSSchool environments may play a role in the development of increased adiposity and there may be gender differences in the types of factors that are important to consider, particularly for central adiposity. Positive and engaging school environments can help support students' development and healthy behaviors.
Prevalence of positive urine culture in the presence of inactive urine sediment in 1049 urine samples from dogs
Authors: Strachan Nicole A. , Hales Erin N. , Fischer Julie R. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundUrinalysis (UA) is often used to screen for bacterial cystitis, regardless of sediment results, and followed up by quantitative urine culture (UC) for definitive diagnosis.ObjectivesDetermine prevalence of positive UCs in dogs with inactive urine sediments on routine UA.AnimalsA total of 1049 urine samples with inactive urine sediments and UCs collected from dogs presented to a veterinary specialty hospital between January 2018 and February 2020.MethodsRetrospective study of dogs with an inactive urine sediment on routine UA and follow‐up UCs. Signalment, UA findings, proteinuria, and UC results were recorded. Associations among these findings were assessed using multivariate logistic regression carried out using a backward stepwise method.ResultsOverall prevalence of positive UC was 3.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.4‐4.8). Escherichia coli was the most commonly isolated bacteria. Only naturally voided samples were associated with increased prevalence of positive culture when compared to collection by cystocentesis or a non‐specified method. No statistically significant association with culture positivity was found for urine protein‐to‐creatinine ratio, urine specific gravity, urine pH, breed, age, or sex.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceBased on the low prevalence (3.4%) of positive culture in urine samples from dogs with inactive sediment on routine UA and the relatively high cost of UC and sensitivity, cost‐benefit analysis including clinical suspicion of lower urinary tract disease should inform testing decisions, rather than routinely performing cultures on urine samples without active sediments.
Altered DNA methylation pattern characterizes the peripheral immune cells of patients with autoimmune hepatitis
Authors: Zachou Kalliopi , Arvaniti Pinelopi , Lyberopoulou Aggeliki , Sevdali Eirini , Speletas Matthaios , Ioannou Maria , Koukoulis George K. , Renaudineau Yves , Dalekos George N. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackground and AimsLittle is known about the impact of DNA methylation modifications on autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) pathogenesis and therapeutic response. We investigated the potential alterations of DNA methylation in AIH peripheral lymphocytes at diagnosis and remission.MethodsTen AIH patients at diagnosis (time‐point 1; AIH‐tp1), 8/10 following biochemical response (time‐point 2; AIH‐tp2), 9 primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and 10 healthy controls (HC) were investigated. Peripheral CD19(+) and CD4(+) cells were isolated. Global DNA methylation (5mC)/hydroxymethylation (5hmC) was studied by ELISAs. mRNA of DNA methylation (DNMT1/3A/3B) and their counteracting hydroxymethylation enzymes (TET1/2/3) was determined by quantitative RT‐PCR. Epigenome wide association study (EWAS) was performed in CD4(+) cells (Illumina HumanMethylation 850 K array) in AIH and HC. Total 5mC/5hmC was also assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) on paraffin‐embedded liver sections.ResultsReduced TET1 and increased DNMT3A mRNA levels characterized CD19(+) and CD4(+)‐lymphocytes from AIH‐tp1 compared to HC and PBC, respectively, without affecting global DNA 5mC/5hmC. In AIH‐tp1, CD4(+) DNMT3A expression was negatively correlated with serum IgG (P = .03). In remission, DNMT3A decreased in both CD19(+) and CD4(+) cells compared to AIH‐tp1 (P = .02, P = .03 respectively). EWAS in CD4(+) cells from AIH patients confirmed important modifications in genes implicated in immune responses (HLA‐DP, TNF, lnRNAs and CD86). IHC showed increased 5hmC staining of periportal infiltrating lymphocytes in AIH‐tp1 compared to HC and PBC.ConclusionAltered TET1 and DNMT3A expressions, characterize peripheral lymphocytes in AIH. DNMT3A was associated with disease activity and decreased following remission. Gene DNA methylation modifications affect immunological pathways that may play an important role in AIH pathogenesis.
Wild sunflower goes viral: Citizen science and comparative genomics allow tracking the origin and establishment of invasive sunflower in the Levant
Authors: Hübner Sariel , Sisou Dana , Mandel Tali , Todesco Marco , Matzrafi Maor , Eizenberg Hanan 
Published: February 2022

AbstractGlobalization and intensified volume of trade and transport around the world are accelerating the rate of biological invasions. It is therefore increasingly important to understand the processes through which invasive species colonize new habitats, often to the detriment of native flora. The initial steps of an invasion are particularly critical, as the introduced species relies on limited genetic diversity to adapt to a new environment. However, our understanding of this critical stage of the invasion is currently limited. We used a citizen science approach and social media to survey the distribution of invasive sunflower in Israel. We then sampled and sequenced a representative collection and compared it with available genomic data sets of North American wild sunflower, landraces and cultivars. We show that invasive wild sunflower is rapidly establishing throughout Israel, probably from a single, recent introduction from Texas, while maintaining high genetic diversity through ongoing gene flow. Since its introduction, invasive sunflower has spread quickly to most regions, and differentiation was detected despite extensive gene flow between clusters. Our findings suggest that rapid spread followed by continuous gene flow between diverging populations can serve as an efficient mechanism for maintaining sufficient genetic diversity at the early stages of invasion, promoting rapid adaptation and establishment in the new territory.
Ideals versus realities of world poverty and human rights
Authors: Glenn Liyana Eliza 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe purpose of this paper is to reflect back on, and respond again to, the 2005 Ethics and International Affairs symposium entitled “World Poverty and Human Rights.” The paper identifies and further explores the ideals of combatting poverty versus the realities of poverty as we move into the final ten years of the Sustainable Development Goals. The paper focusses on a moral and philosophical approach to poverty and the ideals versus the realities. It explores the three challenges posed by nation‐states and borders, international interactions, and global institutions, which continue to challenge any semblance of justice in the current economic distribution of wealth. This realisation leads to a profound recognition of a prolonged need for justice when we reflect back on the papers presented at the 2005 symposium.
A Case Study of UV Exposure Risk in Sydney during the 2019/2020 New South Wales Bushfires
Authors: Igoe Damien P. , Parisi Alfio V. , Downs Nathan J. , Butler Harry 
Published: February 2022

ABSTRACTDuring summer of 2019/2020, Sydney, Australia, experienced several days of extreme air pollution and low visibility due to bushfires. This research presents a case study that investigates the erythemal UV irradiance and resulting 1 h erythemal and 8 h actinic exposures during the worst of these days. Air quality, meteorological and UV data used in the analysis were readily available online or by request from governmental agencies. Analysis showed that even for the lowest visibility day (which had a minimum visibility of less than a kilometer) on 10 December 2019, there was a cumulative 1 h erythemal UV exposure of over 4 SED (standard erythema dose) and a cumulative 8 h exposure of 17 SED by the late afternoon. The 1 h exposure exceeded that of a minimum erythemal dose. Even on this extremely hazy day, these cumulative exposures are enough to exceed the recommended daily exposure limit for actinic exposures weighted with the health sensitivity spectrum for the skin and eyes set by the International Commission of Non‐Ionizing Radiation Protection.