B. J. Smith

Accurate estimation of intraspecific microbial gene content variation in metagenomic data with MIDAS v3 and StrainPGC

The paper introduces StrainPGC and MIDAS v3 to accurately estimate intraspecific microbial gene content variation in metagenomic data, outperforming existing methods and revealing functional diversity in gut microbiomes.

Molecular definition of the BAK:VDAC2 interaction as a target to manipulate apoptosis

This study identifies key residues in the BAK:VDAC2 interaction, showing that disrupting this interaction can inhibit or promote apoptosis depending on the context.

A bivalent Adenovirus-Vectored Vaccine induces a measurable humoral response, but does not protect cynomolgus macaques against a lethal challenge with Sudan virus

This study evaluates a bivalent Adenovirus-Vectored Vaccine in cynomolgus macaques against Sudan virus, finding it induces humoral responses but does not confer protection against lethal challenge.

Gigantic Animal Cells Suggest Organellar Scaling Mechanisms Across a 50-fold Range in Cell Volume

The paper examines organellar scaling in amphibian enterocytes across a 50-fold cell volume range, finding proportional volume increases in nuclei, mitochondria, and other organelles, suggesting consistent proteome concentration despite varying metabolic demands.

Simulating animal space use from fitted integrated Step-Selection Functions (iSSF)

This paper introduces an R package to simulate animal space use from fitted integrated Step-Selection Functions (iSSFs) to better understand movement ecology.

Rectal and vaginal challenge with mpox virus increases virus dissemination and contact transmission compared to skin challenge in the multimammate rat (Mastomys natalensis)

This study shows that rectal and vaginal mpox virus inoculation in rats leads to more virus shedding and contact transmission compared to skin inoculation.

Density-dependent habitat selection alters drivers of population distribution in northern Yellowstone elk

The paper shows that as elk density decreases, the primary driver of habitat selection shifts from food to safety, demonstrating density-dependent habitat selection's impact on population distribution.

Ion currents through Kir potassium channels are gated by anionic lipids.

The paper shows anionic lipids gate potassium conduction through Kir channels by interacting with the internal gate via fatty acyl tails.

Western diet increases COVID-19 disease severity in the Syrian hamster

This study shows that a Western diet worsens COVID-19 outcomes in Syrian hamsters by increasing weight loss, lung damage, and systemic inflammation.

UK B.1.1.7 variant exhibits increased respiratory replication and shedding in nonhuman primates

This study compares the respiratory replication and shedding of SARS-CoV-2 D614G and B.1.1.7 variants in African green monkeys, finding increased respiratory replication for B.1.1.7 but no disease enhancement.

A "How-to" Guide for Interpreting Parameters in Habitat-Selection Analyses

This paper provides a guide to interpreting parameters in habitat-selection analyses using weighted distribution theory and the amt package.

A damaged informed lung ventilator model for ventilator waveforms

The paper introduces a damaged-informed lung ventilator (DILV) model to quantify patient-ventilator interactions and lung health using ventilator waveform data from clinical and laboratory settings.

SARS-CoV-2 infection dynamics in lungs of African green monkeys

This study examines SARS-CoV-2 infection dynamics in African green monkeys, showing viral replication in the lower respiratory tract and macrophage involvement in inflammation.

Muribaculaceae genomes assembled from metagenomes suggest genetic drivers of differential response to acarbose treatment in mice

The paper identifies genetic factors in Muribaculaceae bacteria that correlate with differential response to acarbose treatment in mice using metagenome-assembled genomes.

Analysis of movement recursions to detect reproductive events and estimate their fate in central place foragers

This paper introduces a method to detect reproductive events and estimate their fate in central place foragers using GPS-tracking data and Bayesian modeling.

Activation of NIX-mediated mitophagy and replication by an interferon regulatory factor homologue of human herpesvirus

This study shows that HHV-8's vIRF-1 promotes mitophagy via NIX to support viral replication.

Changes in the gut microbiota and fermentation products associated with enhanced longevity in acarbose-treated mice

This study shows that acarbose treatment in mice increases gut microbiota-derived short-chain fatty acids, which correlate with longer lifespan, suggesting a role for microbiota in acarbose's longevity effects.