bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unraveling the role of autophagy and antioxidants in anther and pistil responses to heat stress in rapeseed (Brassica napus L.)
Authors: Mohammadi Valiollah , Rezaeizadeh Ahmad , Mondak Behnam , Rasoulnia Abdolrahman , Domínguez-Figueroa José , Carrillo Laura , Romero-Hernandez Gara , Medina Joaquin
Published: February 2025

Key message

Enhanced antioxidant enzymes activity, particularly superoxide dismutase and catalase, along with autophagy process in reproductive organs, can improve the resilience of rapeseed to heat stress, thereby securing crop yield in the face of global warming.

Climate change and global warming have increasingly influenced yield and quality of rapeseed (Brassica napus) almost all across the world. The response of reproductive organs to high-temperature stress was studied in two rapeseed varieties, SAFI5 and DH13 with contrasting levels of heat stress tolerance. Pollen germination, viability, and seed set showed a significant reduction in the heat-sensitive variety (DH13). Superoxide quantification revealed higher accumulation in heat-sensitive variety, leading to decreased seed formation and floret fertility most probably due to declined pollen viability and stigma receptivity. Further microscopic analysis of the anther and pistil demonstrated a significant overlay between the damaged areas and the location of O2
− accumulation. The sensitive variety showed higher O2
− accumulation and a wider damage area than the tolerant one, suggesting that superoxide could incapacitate anther and pistil due to structural injury. Moreover, the activity levels and expression of superoxide dismutase and catalase antioxidant enzymes were significantly higher in the anther and pistil of the tolerant variety. Histochemical analysis also indicated markedly higher autophagosome formation in tolerant variety’s anther and pistil. Consistently, the expression levels of autophagy and ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS)-related genes including BnATG8d, BnEXO70B, BnATl1 4A, and BnNBR1, as well as ubiquitin-activating enzyme E1, were higher in both reproductive organs of the tolerant variety. Interestingly, the areas of autophagosome formation overlapped with the areas in which higher superoxide accumulation and structural changes happened, suggesting a specific role of autophagy in oxidative stress response.
Splashing correlation for single droplets impacting liquid films under non-isothermal conditions
Authors: Vasconcelos Daniel , Barata Jorge , Silva André
Published: February 2025

The droplet impact phenomenon onto liquid films is predominant in a variety of modern industrial applications, including internal combustion engines and cooling of electronic devices. These are characterised by heat and mass transfer processes, such as evaporation, condensation and boiling. However, studies regarding droplets and liquid films under non-isothermal conditions are scarce in the literature and do not explore temperature-dependent phenomena. Due to this, the main objective of this work is to evaluate the influence of temperature on the splashing occurrence of single droplets impinging onto liquid films under the presence of a heat flux. The crown evolution is evaluated qualitatively to provide insight regarding breakup mechanisms. Water, n-heptane and n-decane are the fluids considered for the current study, as these provide a wide range of thermophysical properties and saturation temperatures. The splashing dynamics are evaluated by varying the droplet impact velocity and dimensionless temperature of the liquid film. Qualitative results show that an increase in the liquid film temperature leads to the transition from spreading to splashing, which is less evident for fuels in comparison with water. For water and n-heptane, the formation of cusps on the crown rim is promoted, which is associated with ligament breakup. For n-decane, the crown rims are relatively homogeneous in terms of shape and size, whereas the atomisation process varies a function of the liquid film temperature. Visually, the secondary droplets exhibit a greater size in comparison with lower temperatures. Transitional regimes display some irregularities, such as splashing suppression/reduction, which require further attention. In terms of splashing correlation, the authors propose to develop a non-splash/splash boundary for both iso- and non-isothermal conditions. Results show that the splashing threshold is dependent on the thermophysical properties and the dimensionless temperature of the liquid film.
Heresy in ENSO teleconnections: atmospheric rivers as disruptors of canonical seasonal precipitation anomalies in the Southwestern US
Authors: Luna-Niño Rosa , Gershunov Alexander , Ralph F. Martin , Weyant Alexander , Guirguis Kristen , DeFlorio Michael J. , Cayan Daniel R. , Williams A. Park
Published: February 2025

In spite of forecasts for anomalous dryness based on the canonical La Niña signal, Water Years 2011, 2017, and 2023 brought copious precipitation to California and the Southwestern United States (SWUS). Although El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is the main source of seasonal precipitation predictability for the region, outstanding Atmospheric River (AR) activity produced the unexpected regional wetness in each of these heretical water years (WYs). We define heretical WYs as those that result in precipitation anomalies that oppose those expected based on ENSO canon. We assess the contribution of ARs and other storms to these WYs, finding that heretical La Niña/El Niño WYs were characterized by anomalously robust/deficient AR activity. In California, precipitation accumulation during the heretical La Niña WYs was comparable to or even exceeded that observed during the exceedingly wet WY1998—the textbook canonical El Niño year. Our findings indicate a weaker/stronger relationship between ENSO and AR/non-AR precipitation, primarily driven by storm frequency. Although ARs can disrupt the ENSO-precipitation signal, ENSO still influences the frequency of AR precipitation in the southwestern U.S. desert, the region influenced by ARs that make landfall in Baja California, Mexico. These results highlight the complexity of ENSO's impact on precipitation in the Western US and underscore the need for a nuanced understanding of ENSO’s influence on ARs to improve seasonal precipitation prediction.
Cutaneous wound healing in type 2 diabetes db/db mice was impaired with specific changes in proinflammatory cytokine expression
Authors: Mukai Kanae , Iswara Arya , Nakatani Toshio
Published: February 2025

In db/db mice, cutaneous wound healing was delayed, and excessive wound exudates enlarged the wound. However, the relationship between enlarged wounds and proinflammatory cytokine expression remains unknown. Therefore, we investigated the expression of proinflammatory cytokines Tnf-α and Il-6 in cutaneous wound healing with diabetes. In this study, 12 C57BL/6J mice (wild-type: WT) and 14 db/db mice were subjected to full-thickness wound injuries. Wound healing was assessed until day 14, and wound tissues were harvested on days 7, 9, 11, and 14. The wound areas increased for 4 days, gradually increased until day 9, and stabilized until day 14 in the db/db group, but increased for 3 days, rapidly decreased until day 12, and gradually decreased until day 14 in the WT group. On day 14, the wound area in the db/db group was significantly larger than that in the WT group (p < 0.01). The relative expressions of the Tnf-α and Il-6 in the db/db group were significantly higher than those in the WT group on days 7–14, and on days 11 and 14, respectively (p < 0.05). Our study showed that cutaneous wound healing was delayed with wound expansion and the expression of Tnf-α and Il-6 was high throughout the measurement time points in db/db mice. These abnormal expressions could influence impaired cutaneous wound healing in diabetic mellitus.
Overexpression of the apple SEP1/2-like gene MdMADS8 promotes floral determinacy and enhances fruit flesh tissue and ripening
Authors: Hoong Ling , Ireland Hilary S. , Tomes Sumathi , Gunaseelan Kularajathevan , Ruslan Maryam , McKenzie Catherine , Hallett Ian , David Karine M. , Schaffer Robert J.
Published: February 2025

Main conclusion

The over-expression of the apple SEP1/2 like gene (MADS8) supports its role as a key regulator of fleshy fruit patterning and ripening in pome fruit.

Fruit flesh patterning in accessory fruits such as apple and strawberry has been associated with the SEPALLATA (SEP) class of genes. Antisense suppression of multiple SEP homologs greatly reduced fruit fleshy tissue growth and ripening in strawberries and apple, suggesting a co-evolution of fleshy fruit growth and its ability to ripen. In the present study, transgenic apple trees were generated that overexpressed the apple SEP1/2-like gene MADS8 (MADS8ox). These lines produced precocious flowers in the second year of growth, but subsequent flower numbers were not increased. Overexpression MdMADS8 in Arabidopsis promoted flowering and caused curled leaves and a conversion of sepals to petals. In apple, MADS8ox fruit were larger than wild type ‘Royal Gala’ fruit with a higher proportion of flesh tissue compared to core tissue. MADS8ox fruit ripened earlier and faster with higher expression of ripening-related genes such as ACS1 and ACO1. Together, these results add further insights into the role that SEP-like genes have in controlling flowering and fruit patterning and provide further evidence that MdMADS8 is one of the key regulators of fruit flesh development and ripening in apples.
Seasonal dynamics of fine root length in European beech: unveiling unexpected winter peaks and summer declines
Authors: Garthen Aron , Brandt Kirsten , Klisz Marcin , Malyshev Andrey V. , Peters Bo , Weigel Robert , Kreyling Juergen
Published: February 2025

Fine roots play a crucial role in many ecological and biogeochemical processes in temperate forests. Generally, fine root biomass is expected to increase during the growing season, when water and nutrient demands are high, but information on seasonal variability is still scarce. Here, seasonal differences in root length of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) were analysed at eight sites within its north-eastern distribution range. Fine roots of mature trees were monitored using minirhizotrons. Scans were taken for three different depths at the beginning of winter, the end of winter and over the summer for two consecutive years, and analysed automatically by an AI-algorithm (RootDetector). An additional experiment was carried out to show that the RootDetector was unaffected by changes in soil moisture. Root-length density was 40% higher at the beginning of winter and 51% higher at the end of winter than in summer. Our results indicate a net root loss during adverse conditions in early summer, but no trend towards deeper root growth over these drier periods. Interestingly, the root loss was compensated afterwards during more favourable conditions in autumn. We could show that fine root length in temperate forests is seasonally more variable and, so far, less predictable than previously assumed. A profound understanding of this seasonal variability is important for modelling terrestrial biogeochemical processes and global carbon fluxes.
Origin of maar clusters at the type locality Eifel (Germany): H2O or CO2?
Authors: Schmincke Hans-Ulrich , Sumita Mari , Chakraborty Sumit , Hansteen Thor H.
Published: February 2025

The closely spaced late glacial Daun and Gillenfeld maar clusters at the maar type locality in western Eifel (Germany) are commonly interpreted to be of phreatomagmatic origin powered by thermohydraulic explosions occurring initially at a depth of 200–300 m below the surface. Our reconnaissance work focusing on the iconoclastic water-filled Pulvermaar (PM) deposits (a funnel-shaped crater 74 m deep and 700 m in diameter surrounded by a tephra ring) and other nearby maars has provided intriguing evidence that CO2-dominated pyroclastic processes at a depth of several kilometers may have been a fundamental factor in generating the volumetrically abundant volcanic pellets (aka subspherical lava lapilli) and the rounded, lava-coated fragments of plutonic and metamorphic rocks (named nodules here) in these deposits. Phreatomagmatic explosions probably contributed to near-surface country rock fragmentation and crater foundering. Supporting lines of evidence for the role of CO2 include the following: (1) the likely high CO2-concentration of the melilite-nephelinite magma; (2) fragments of carbonatite (alkali feldspar intergrown with carbonate) in several maar deposits including the nearby ca. 11 000-year-old Ulmen maar deposits, the youngest volcano in Germany; (3) strongly rounded plutonic and gneiss nodules up to ca. 35 cm in diameter, both interpreted to be of mid-crustal derivation at ca. 20 km depth. The nodules record a complex multiphase dynamic history at depth that commences with an earlier phase of intruded melilite nephelinite into a metamorphic gneissic carapace that was largely crystallized at the time of the eruption. Subsequently, these plutonic as well as the metamorphic rocks were fragmented, followed by thorough milling and rounding of the fragments and eventual lava spray-coating of both types of nodules by a later phase of intruded gas-rich nephelinite magma that was compositionally identical to the older resident intrusion. The prominent role of these processes is reflected by the abundance of volcanic pellets in the lower exposed PM tephra ring deposits and by their dominance in the upper finer-grained well-bedded maar deposits. The pellets are composed of agglutinated smaller nephelinite lapilli and crystal fragments that were possibly derived from collided and fragmented plutonic nodules. The collection of nodules and pellets was most likely transported upward, largely by CO2-flushing and by continuous milling in the transport system, and joined by Devonian rock fragments closer to the surface. In the final stages of ascent, this was probably accompanied by near-surface phreatomagmatic processes including crater-formation.
Short‑term outcomes of minimally invasive endoscopic onlay repair for diastasis recti and ventral hernia repair: a systematic review and meta‑analysis
Authors: Brucchi Francesco , Boni Luigi , Cassinotti Elisa , Baldari Ludovica
Published: February 2025

Background

Endoscopic onlay repair (ENDOR) approach is gaining traction as a promising technique for the treatment of diastasis recti and associated ventral hernia. However, comprehensive evidence regarding its perioperative and short-term outcomes remains scarce. The objective of this meta-analysis is to provide a comprehensive summary of the existing evidence concerning perioperative and short-term postoperative outcomes.

Methods

A systematic literature review was reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). A comprehensive search was conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL until August 1st, 2024. Articles reporting outcomes of ENDOR in adult population diagnosed with diastasis recti associated or not with primary or incisional ventral hernia were included. Primary outcomes were evaluated based on safety and short-term measures, including intraoperative and short-term postoperative characteristics. A fixed effects model was used for meta-analysis. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the Methodological Index for Non-randomized Studies (MINORS) criteria.

Results

A total of 12 studies (480 patients) were identified. Minimally invasive ENDOR resulted in an intraoperative complications and conversion rate of 1.0% [95% CI 0.0–2.0%]. The rate of seroma was 25% [95% CI 12.0–39.0%], the one of surgical site infection was 1% [95% CI 0.0–2.0%] and the rate of hematoma was 2% [95% CI 1.0–3.0%]. After a median follow-up of 16 months (1.8–39), the rate of recurrence was 2% [95% CI 0.0–3.0%].

Conclusions

The minimally invasive ENDOR approach stands out as a safe and effective method for diastasis recti and associated ventral hernia repair in selected patients, exhibiting low rates of intraoperative complications and yielding favorable outcomes.

Prospero registry

Registration number: CRD42024573235
Addition-meet fuzzy relational inequality systems, product-join relational inequality systems and their generalizations
Authors: Turunen Esko
Published: February 2025

Real unit interval valued Addition-min FRI systems are generalized to MV-algebra valued Addition-meet and Product-join fuzzy relational inequality systems, and the latter further to residual lattice valued Product-join relational inequality system. MV-algebra valued Addition-meet FRI systems are further generalized in two ways; on the one hand they are defined on involutive residual lattices and on the other hand as Addition-MV-product systems. It is proved that each such FRI system has a minimal solution or, respectively a maximal solution. The number of such solutions is discussed. Several illustrative examples are given. Through residual lattices and MV-algebras, these systems are linked in a profound way to mathematical fuzzy logic.
Toward better semantic segmentation by retaining spectral information using matched wavelet pooling
Authors: El-Khamy Said , El-Bana Shimaa , Al-Kabbany Ahmad , Elragal Hassan
Published: February 2025

Pooling operations, such as average pooling, strided convolution, and max pooling, have become fundamental components of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) due to their ability to capture local features, expand receptive fields, and reduce computational costs. However, in the context of semantic segmentation, these pooling techniques can lead to the loss of crucial spatial details that are necessary for accurate pixel-level predictions. To tackle this issue, extensive research has focused on refining deep CNN models through architectural adaptations and novel training methods. Recent studies have demonstrated the importance of pooling layers, exemplified by innovations like the introduction of wavelet pooling. In our study, we highlight the value of incorporating our previously proposed matched wavelet pooling (MWP) into CNNs to enhance semantic segmentation pipelines. The core concept of MWP challenges the notion that including all sub-bands generated from wavelet decomposition consistently improves accuracy. Instead, we advocate for selecting specific sub-bands for the pooling process in each image during both training and testing. This approach introduces sub-band selection protocols customized for image-specific pooling, designed specifically for semantic segmentation CNN architectures, with a particular focus on the UNet and SegNet models. Across three widely used datasets, our proposed MWP- based pipeline, featuring the MWP-UNet architecture, consistently outperforms conventional pooling methods. It achieves a significant average improvement in intersection over union (IoU) of over 25% compared to recent literature. Additionally, our MWP-SegNet model outperformed the standard SegNet by 12.5% mIoU, further demonstrating the effectiveness of our matched wavelet pooling approach across different network architectures.
Alveolar socket surface area as a local risk factor for MRONJ development in oncologic patients on polypharmacy
Authors: Gracea Rellyca Sola , Suryani Isti Rahayu , Fontenele Rocharles Cavalcante , Gaêta-Araujo Hugo , Radi Sonya , Elgarba Bahaaeldeen M. , Shujaat Sohaib , Coropciuc Ruxandra , Jacobs Reinhilde
Published: February 2025

Objectives

To determine the impact of alveolar socket surface area and number of root extractions for developing medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) in polypharmacy patients following multiple tooth extractions.

Materials and methods

A retrospective sample of 40 patients was recruited, including 20 polypharmacy patients (109 tooth extractions) who developed MRONJ in at least one of the extraction sites, matched with 20 controls (100 tooth extractions). Tooth-specific alveolar socket surface areas were assessed using CBCT scans from the control group to establish reference values for alveolar socket surface areas in polypharmacy patients with MRONJ. Correlations between the number of extracted tooth roots, alveolar socket surface area, and development of MRONJ were analysed within the polypharmacy group.

Results

40% of tooth extractions in polypharmacy patients undergoing multiple extractions resulted in the development of MRONJ, with a higher prevalence observed in the mandible (44%). Among the extracted mandibular tooth roots, half were susceptible to MRONJ, and 45% of the exposed socket surface area was affected. Both jaws showed an increased risk (20%) of MRONJ following molar extraction. A strong positive correlation existed between extraction sites that developed MRONJ and both the number of mandibular tooth roots extracted (r = + 0.861; p < 0.001) and the total exposed alveolar socket surface area (r = + 0.757; p < 0.001). However, no significant correlations were observed in the upper jaw.

Conclusions

This study is the first to demonstrate that both mandibular alveolar socket surface area and number of extracted tooth roots are positively related to extraction sites developing MRONJ in polypharmacy patients undergoing multiple tooth extractions.

Clinical relevance

Identifying high-risk patients and implementing preventive strategies can reduce MRONJ incidence, underscoring the need for careful management of polypharmacy patients, especially those undergoing mandibular tooth extractions.
Longitudinal assessment of bone mineral density in prostate cancer patients: comparing metastatic and non-metastatic regions
Authors: Hara Takuto , Nishimoto Hanako , Terakawa Tomoaki , Okamura Yasuyoshi , Bando Yukari , Ueki Hideto , Suzuki Kotaro , Hyodo Yoji , Teishima Jun , Chiba Koji , Kuroda Ryosuke , Miyake Hideaki
Published: February 2025

Objectives

Prostate cancer patients receiving androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) have increased risks of decreased bone mineral density (BMD). However, there are no established guidelines for assessing BMD in patients with bone metastases. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of ADT on bone health by comparing longitudinal changes in BMD between prostate cancer patients with and without bone metastases.

Methods

A single-center observational study was conducted from February 2020 to January 2023 at Kobe University Hospital. BMD at the lumbar vertebrae, total hip, and femoral neck was measured at baseline, 6, and 12 months using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Bones were classified into Metastatic Site (with metastases), Non-metastatic Sites (from patients with bone metastases), and Control (patients without metastases) groups. All patients received luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone antagonists or agonists plus oral ARSI or bicalutamide for 1 year.

Results

Among the 78 patients, 35, 110, and 245 bones were classified into the Metastatic Site group, Non-metastatic Sites group, and Control group, respectively. The Metastatic Site group exhibited significantly higher T-scores compared with the other groups (P < 0.001). Repeated measures analysis revealed a statistically significant reduction in T-scores over time across all groups (P < 0.001). However, no significant interaction was observed between group classification and time (P = 0.817).

Conclusion

The present study demonstrates that BMD changes at non-metastatic sites in patients with bone metastases are similar to those in patients without metastases. Monitoring BMD at non-metastatic sites may provide valuable insights into ADT's effects on bone health in prostate cancer patients.
How to promote spider diversity of heathlands: impact of management intensity
Authors: Matevski Dragan , Temperton Vicky M. , Walmsley David , Härdtle Werner , Daniels Jelena , Boutaud Esteve
Published: February 2025

Heathland health is deteriorating across Northwestern Europe due to various threats which commonly are the result of global change drivers and inadequate management. Varying traditional management practices have been modified to counteract this development, all of which have inevitable trade-offs in terms of promoting associated biodiversity, ecosystem functions and services. These trade-offs are mainly between low (low biomass/soil removal) and high (large biomass/soil removal) intensity management practices. Here we analysed the impacts of low (mowing) versus a newly developed high intensity (scarification, i.e. mowing with subsequent moss removal) management practice on spider diversity, as an excellent bioindicator for habitat quality shifts due to environmental change. We sampled spiders at 15 plots, 5 replicates of the two management practices each, as well as 5 unmanaged controls in the Lüneburg Heath, Northern Germany, one year after the management was implemented. No spider species showed aversion to mowed plots likely due to the increased habitat heterogeneity provided by mowing, while spider abundance and functional richness responded negatively to the increased homogeneity induced by scarification. However, scarification benefited some critically endangered specialists such as Psimmitis sabulosa due to their preference for high bare soil cover. Therefore, managing heathlands with a mosaic of mowed and scarified patches could likely promote spider diversity and protect threatened species while limiting negative effects on functional diversity. Since our results apply to the effect of management on spider biodiversity only one year after the management has been implemented, future research should focus on how these effects change over time.
Scaling the Vertical-Velocity Variance During the Very Late Afternoon Transition of the Convective Boundary Layer
Authors: El Guernaoui Omar , Li Dan , Reuder Joachim
Published: February 2025

In the bulk of the convective boundary layer driven by surface heating, the vertical-velocity variance is known to scale with the convective velocity scale. This scaling relies on the quasi-equilibrium assumption that the surface heat flux (H, the water-vapor contribution to buoyancy is neglected) varies slowly compared to the adjustment time scale of the large scale convective eddies (or the eddy turnover time), a condition which over land is typically satisfied from the late morning to the early afternoon transition. Later on, when the surface heat flux starts decaying moderately compared to the eddy turnover time, a departure from the quasi-equilibrium regime is expected. A recent idealized large-eddy simulations (LES) study proposed a parameter for describing such departure during the late afternoon transition:

$${\widetilde{r}} \equiv |H^{-1}dH/dt|^{-1}/t_*$$

r
~

≡

|

H

-
1

d
H
/
d
t
|

-
1

/

t

∗

, where

$$t_*$$

t

∗

is the eddy turnover time. The quasi-equilibrium assumption applies when

$${\widetilde{r}}$$

r
~

$$>>$$

>
>

1, and breaks down when

$${\widetilde{r}}$$

r
~

$$\sim $$

∼

1. Building on these results, we further investigate the scaling for the vertical-velocity variance during the very late afternoon transition, i.e. in the regime

$${\widetilde{r}}$$

r
~

$$<<$$

<
<

1 where the surface heat flux decays rapidly compared to the eddy turnover time. In a first step, we use LES to reveal that the regime

$${\widetilde{r}}$$

r
~

$$<<$$

<
<

1 is characterized by a new velocity scale

$$w_{*r} \equiv ((g/\overline{\theta })|dH/dt| z_i^2)^{1/4}$$

w

∗
r

≡
(

(
g
/

θ
¯

)

|
d
H
/
d
t
|

z
i
2

)

1
/
4

. Within the specific framework of this study using the parameter

$${\widetilde{r}}$$

r
~

for identifying the out-of-equilibrium regime

$${\widetilde{r}}$$

r
~

$$<<$$

<
<

1, the proposed scaling is implicitly dependent on the surface heat flux magnitude at the initial state when

$${\widetilde{r}}$$

r
~

$$\approx $$

≈

0.1, through the definition of the parameter

$${\widetilde{r}}$$

r
~

. In a second step, we demonstrate that the new velocity scale can be deduced from scaling arguments applied to the budget-equation of the vertical turbulent heat flux.
A ‘Grey’ Side of Family Business Ethics? Looking into the Interplay of Internal and External Ethical Orientations: Empirical Insights from the Wine Industry
Authors: Casprini Elena , Palumbo Rocco , Cammeo Jacopo , Zanni Lorenzo
Published: February 2025

Drawing on virtue ethics and stakeholder theory, the article investigates the unfolding of business ethics in the wine industry, with a focus on family businesses. Attention is specifically paid to the interplay of internal (i.e., employees-centeredness and organizational inclusiveness) and external (i.e., people-centeredness and territorial development) ethical orientations. A unique sample of 164 Italian wine businesses was built to get evidence of how the nexus of internal and external ethical orientations is handled, emphasizing the distinctive traits of family businesses. We found that employee-centeredness nurtured organizational inclusiveness and fostered people-centeredness. Interestingly, the family businesses’ concern for territorial development curbed the positive implications of employee-centeredness on people-centeredness. The study results extend scholarly knowledge, shedding light on a ‘grey’ side of family businesses’ ethics.
Is Youth Mentoring Beneficial for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service Users? A Multi-Stakeholder Perspective
Authors: Silke Charlotte , Brady Bernadine
Published: February 2025

Background

Internationally, the number of young people who experience significant mental health issues is increasing. It is argued that flexible, community-based initiatives can help support mental health services to address the mental health needs of young people. Youth mentoring is a community-based model, which has been found to act as a supportive resource for vulnerable and at-risk youth.

Objective

This research examines the benefits and challenges associated with the provision of mentoring within a youth mental health context. The study explores the rationale guiding the partnership between a community-based mentoring organisation and child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) in Ireland, and identifies key practice considerations.

Method

40 participants involved with the partnership took part in semi-structured qualitative interviews, which were analysed using a thematic analytic approach.

Results

Mentoring was viewed as a means of providing relaxed, informal, friendships that could help the young person to socialise more, strengthen their social skills, and become more integrated into their communities. Positive changes in social and emotional well-being were observed among participating youth. Practical challenges included delays in matching young people with mentors and communication issues.

Conclusions

Findings have relevance for researchers and practitioners interested in the integration of community-based and statutory mental health services, as they indicate that youth mentoring can act as a supportive resource for youth who experience mental health difficulties. Findings also provide insights into the processes that may support/hinder the effectiveness and acceptability of mentoring within a context mental health, which can help inform best practice guidelines.
Influence of endogenous laserine-type phenylpropanoids in carrots on post-harvest fungal pathogens Mycocentrospora acerina and Botrytis cinerea
Authors: He Wanying , Dunemann Frank
Published: February 2025

Laserine-type phenylpropanoids are a main group of natural bitter compounds synthesized in carrot taproots and putatively contribute to defence mechanisms against soil-borne pathogens. In this study, we analysed the relationships between the constitutive levels of two laserine compounds present in mature taproots and the extent of root infection by the two main carrot storage fungal pathogens Mycocentrospora acerina and Botrytis cinerea. Taproots of eight carrot cultivars exhibiting different levels of laserine and its isomer 2-epilaserine in the taproot periderm were inoculated with the two fungi and evaluated for diseased area with a digital image analysis system after 6 weeks incubation in a cold storage facility. The concentrations of the two phenylpropanoids showed a significant negative correlation with M. acerina and B. cinerea disease severity. We present, to our knowledge for the first time, novel insights about putative effects of laserine compounds against soil-borne fungal carrot pathogens.
Evaluation of hop varieties (Humulus lupulus L.) for their response to HLVd, HSVd, and CBCVd viroids in tissue cultures
Authors: Volk Helena , Lap Patricija , Čerenak Andreja , Jakše Jernej
Published: February 2025

This study evaluates the susceptibility of various hop varieties to three viroids: Hop Latent Viroid (HLVd), Hop Stunt Viroid (HSVd), and Citrus Bark Cracking Viroid (CBCVd), all of which pose significant threats to Slovenian hop production. The experiment was conducted under in vitro conditions, involving the cultivation of 13 different hop varieties in tissue cultures, alongside the in vitro synthesis of viroid transcripts and subsequent inoculation of the plants. The plants were then monitored for growth, development, and their responses to viroid infection. The findings reveal the complex interactions between hops and viroids, with successful inoculation observed in all varieties. However, infection rates varied, with HSVd showing the highest rates of infection, followed by CBCVd and HLVd. This research enhances the understanding of viroid dynamics in hop plants, which is crucial for developing effective disease management strategies. Despite the insights gained, no resistance or tolerance to the viroids was identified in any of the tested hop varieties.
Prevalence, identity and seasonal variation of leaf diseases in Australian macadamia nurseries
Authors: Khan Jahangir , Drenth André , Akinsanmi Olufemi A.
Published: February 2025

Macadamia is an Australian native tree grown for its edible kernel in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. However, there is limited knowledge about the fungal leaf pathogens that can infect macadamia nursery plants and potentially reduce productivity. To address this gap, we surveyed major commercial nurseries in Australia to identify leaf diseases affecting macadamia plants in different growing seasons. We identified four main leaf diseases: yellow halo leaf blight, brown leaf blight, anthracnose, and black leaf blight, each caused by multiple fungal species. Leaf anthracnose was the most prevalent disease observed in all the nurseries across the four seasons. From mature leaves with anthracnose symptoms, we isolated eight Colletotrichum spp., but only C. siamense and C. gloeosporioides sensu lato were found to cause infection in pathogenicity assays. In addition, we isolated eleven Neopestalotiopsis and two Pestalotiopsis spp. from yellow halo leaf blight lesions and found that N. clavispora and N. maddoxii were capable of causing disease. We also determined that the A. alternata and A. tenuissima in the Alternaria alternata species complex caused black leaf blight only in non-suberised new leaf flush. For brown leaf blight, Neofusicoccum parvum and Ne. luteum were isolated from symptomatic leaves, both of which caused similar levels of disease. Our findings indicate that several pathogen species are responsible for at least four leaf diseases in macadamia nurseries, suggesting a potential productivity risk when affected plants are planted in the field.
Complex hyperbolic triangle groups of type $$[m,m,0;n_1,n_2,2]$$
Authors: Povall Sam , Pratoussevitch Anna
Published: February 2025

In this paper we study discreteness of complex hyperbolic triangle groups of type

$$[m,m,0; n_1, n_2, 2]$$

[
m
,
m
,
0
;

n
1

,

n
2

,
2
]

, i.e. groups of isometries of the complex hyperbolic plane generated by three complex reflections of orders

$$n_1, n_2, 2$$

n
1

,

n
2

,
2

in complex geodesics with pairwise distances m, m, 0. For fixed m, the parameter space of such groups is of real dimension one. We determine the possible orders for

$$n_1$$

n
1

and

$$n_2$$

n
2

and also intervals in the parameter space that correspond to discrete and non-discrete triangle groups.
First Principles Exploration of N-V Point Defect Complexes in Graphane: Analysis of Energetic Stabilities and Electronic Properties
Authors: Mapingire H. , Fwalo C. , Mapasha R. E.
Published: February 2025

In this study, we employ first principles calculations within the framework of density functional theory to comprehensively investigate the energetic stabilities and electronic properties of various nitrogen dopant-vacancy complexes: N

C

V

H
,  N

C

V

CH
,  N

CH

V

H
and N

CH

V

CH
in the graphane two-dimensional material. The creation of N

C

V

H
and N

CH

V

H
complexes require less energy than that of N

C

V

CH
and N

CH

V

CH
, according to the formation energy analysis. The binding energies analysis reveals that all the considered N-vacancy complexes are stable when compared to their isolated counterparts. Based on U-parameter values derivation, it is easier for N

CH

V

H
complex (1.09 eV) to undergo transition from one charge state to another as compared to N

C

V

CH
(2.52 eV). The N-vacancy complexes induce acceptor and donor states within the graphane band gap, which alters during transition states (0 to −1 or 0 to +1). This comparative study has provided fundamental insights into the possibilities of utilizing nitrogen-vacancy centers in graphane for band gap engineering and nano-technology tailored applications.
Intangible income shifting: the impact of digitalisation on falling corporate tax rates
Authors: McMahon Michael , Doyle Eleanor , Kinsella Stephen
Published: February 2025

Concerns over the amount of corporation tax paid by firms in digitally intensive industries have led to efforts to reform corporate tax codes at national and international levels. Despite this, there is little evidence to suggest firms in digitally intensive industries pay less corporate tax. The paper examines the interplay of digitalisation, firm size and MNE status to investigate if large, digitally intensive and multinational firms do indeed pay less tax, as measured by the cash effective tax rate (Cash ETR). It finds no significant relationship between industry digitalisation and Cash ETRs using a primary measure of industry digitalisation. However, the interactions of digitalisation, firm size and MNE status exhibit statistically significant impacts on Cash ETRs, though the magnitudes are modest. Larger firms in digital intensive industries tend to have Cash ETRs that are 1% lower than their less digital intensive equivalents. MNEs in more digital intensive industries tend to have Cash ETRs that are approximately 0.5% lower than firms in less digital intensive industries. Notably, the very largest tech firms display considerably lower Cash ETRs, thus, it would appear they provide much of the impetus for corporate tax reform.
Analysis of Tanner stage in children conceived after the diagnosis of infertility: the DESCRT study
Authors: Liu Jane Y. , Hu Richard , Lustig Robert H. , Huang David , Adeleye Amanda J. , Rinaudo Paolo , Cedars Marcelle I. , Zablotska Lydia B.
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) could lead to abnormal pubertal development in children. We compared pubertal development in children conceived using ART to non-in vitro fertilization fertility treatment (NIFT) and unassisted (UA) conception.

Methods

Children from the Developmental Epidemiological Study of Children through Reproductive Technology (DESCRT) were assessed for pubertal development according to the standardized protocol. Tanner staging (breast, testes, and pubic hair development) was compared between ART, NIFT, and UA-conceived children. Differences were analyzed using Wilcoxon rank-sum test, Pearson’s chi-squared test, and Fisher’s exact test. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess association between method of conception and pubertal development.

Results

The sample included 290 children (164 boys and 126 girls) at median age 6 years (range 4 to 18 years); 229 were conceived using ART compared to a combined reference group of 29 conceived via NIFT and 32 via UA. Statistical analyses adjusted for children’s age, height, and weight showed statistically non-significant trends wherein boys conceived via ART tended to be in later Tanner stages for pubarche (OR = 2.33, 95% CI 0.44–12.21) and gonadarche (OR = 4.27, 95% CI 0.44–41.99), and girls tended to be in later stages for pubarche (OR = 4.29, 95% CI 0.40–45.62) and thelarche (OR = 2.23, 95% CI 0.35–14.03) compared to the reference group.

Conclusion

As ART becomes more widespread, developmental concerns become increasingly prominent. While results were statistically non-significant, we observed a trend toward differences in pubertal development between ART-conceived children and those conceived without assistance or NIFT.
Master–Slave Finite-Time Synchronization of Chaotic Fractional-Order Neural Networks under Hybrid Sampled-Data Control: An LMI Approach
Authors: Kiruthika R. , Manivannan A.
Published: February 2025

In this paper, a hybrid controller with a sampled data control is investigated to achieve finite-time master–slave synchronization of delayed fractional-order neural networks (DFONNs). A Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional is constructed to obtain the sufficient conditions that incorporate delay information. For the first time, the asymptotic stability of the error system is guaranteed in a finite-time using the inequality technique and a sampled-data hybrid controller. The obtained conditions are expressed via linear matrix inequality. Notably, the proposed approach outperforms existing methods, demonstrating improved results in a comparative analysis. An explicit formula is utilized to calculate the settling time, which is significantly influenced by the fractional order

$$0<\beta \le 1$$

0
<
β
≤
1

. The superior performance of the proposed control method is evident, showcasing its effectiveness through numerical simulations and addressing the synchronization problem in DFONNs.
Insight, perceptio, and Sosa on firsthand knowledge
Authors: Lyons Jack
Published: February 2025

Sosa emphasizes "firsthand intuitive insight" as a distinctive kind of epistemic aim and argues that this is a characteristic epistemic goal of humanistic inquiry. He draws from this some importantly antiskeptical conclusions for the epistemology of disagreement. I try to further develop this idea of insight, which I call ‘perceptio’, in which we "see" some truth to obtain. I agree that it is a distinctive epistemic good, although I think it is central to understanding in general and not just in the humanities. It is also central to a specific kind of knowing-that that does not involve understanding. The precise way in which perceptio is a distinctive epistemic good means that, although it cannot do the antiskeptical work for disagreement that Sosa probably wants, it can do some related work.
Unveiling the metabolomic profile of growth hormone deficiency children using NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Aggelaki Eftychia A. , Giannakopoulos Aristeidis , Georgiopoulou Panagiota D. , Chasapi Styliani A. , Efthymiadou Alexandra , Kritikou Dimitra , Chrysis Dionisios , Spyroulias Georgios A.
Published: February 2025

Introduction

The diagnosis of Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD) during childhood has been the subject of much controversy over the last few years. Aiming to accurate medical treatment, there is a need for biomarker discovery.

Objective

To characterize the metabolic profile of GHD children, examine the effect of GH administration on the metabolic signature, and investigate the correlations between metabolites and IGF-1.

Methods

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR)-based untargeted and targeted metabolomic approach applied to study the metabolic profiles of children with GHD. Plasma, serum, and urine samples were collected from twenty-two children diagnosed with GHD and forty-eight age matched controls from the Pediatric Endocrinology Unit of the University Hospital of Patras. Experimental data were examined by both multivariate and univariate statistical analysis.

Results

The results of this pilot study revealed a different metabolic fingerprint of children with GHD in comparison to age-matched healthy individuals. However, the detected alterations in the metabolite patterns before and after GH treatment were subtle and of minor discriminative statistical power.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence that metabolome plays a pivotal role in GHD, but large-scale multicenter studies are warranted to validate the results.
Rebalancing Immune Interactions within the Brain-Spleen Axis Mitigates Neuroinflammation in an Aging Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Cantone Anna Flavia , Burgaletto Chiara , Di Benedetto Giulia , Gaudio Gabriella , Giallongo Cesarina , Caltabiano Rosario , Broggi Giuseppe , Bellanca Carlo Maria , Cantarella Giuseppina , Bernardini Renato
Published: February 2025

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia worldwide, characterized by accumulation of amyloid-β protein and hyperphosphorylated tau protein in the brain. Neuroinflammation, resulting from chronic activation of brain-resident innate immune cells as well as enhanced peripheral leukocyte access across the blood–brain barrier, crucially affects AD progression. In this context, TNFSF10, a cytokine substantially expressed in the AD brain, has been shown to modulate both the innate and the adaptive branches of the immune response in AD-related neuroinflammation. In this study, we explored whether a TNFSF10-neutralizing treatment could represent a tool to re-balance the overall overshooting inflammatory response in a mouse model of AD. Specifically, 3xTg-AD mice were treated sub-chronically with an anti-TNFSF10 monoclonal antibody for three months, and were then sacrificed at 15 months. TNFSF10 neutralization reduced the expression of the inflammatory marker CD86, inversely related to levels of the anti-inflammatory marker CD206 in the brain of 3xTg-AD mice, suggesting a switch of microglia towards a neuroprotective phenotype. Similar results were observed in the splenic macrophage population. Moreover, flow cytometry revealed a significant decrease of CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ T regulatory cells as well as reduced number of CD11b+LY6Chigh proinflammatory monocytes in both the brain and the spleen of 3xTg-AD mice treated with anti-TNFSF10 monoclonal antibody. Finally, the treatment resulted in lower count of splenic CD4+ and CD8+ T cells expressing PD1. The data suggest that TNFSF10 system-targeted treatment effectively restrain overshooting central and peripheral inflammation by rebalancing the overall immune response, mitigating the progression of AD pathology.

Graphical Abstract