bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lymphoma Recurrence Manifested as Brachial Plexus Neurolymphomatosis
Authors: Ku Dominic , Koyyalamudi Ratna , Rutherford Natalie
Published: January 2025

Neurolymphomatosis is a rare presentation of lymphoma, which may manifest as primary or recurrent disease. Signs and symptoms may be specific to the nerves affected but are often nonspecific. Ultrasound and MRI may demonstrate abnormalities in the affected nerves, whereas FDG PET/CT is essential in identifying biopsy target, which ultimately leads to tissue diagnosis. FDG/PET also forms the basis of lymphoma assessment and surveillance. We present a case of lymphoma recurrence as neurolymphomatosis in the brachial plexus. This case highlights the importance of awareness of the condition in at-risk patient groups to aid diagnostic workup and timely management.
Utility of Novel Radiohybrid PSMA Ligands in PET Imaging of Biochemical Recurrence of Prostate Cancer—A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Chandekar Kunal Ramesh , Satapathy Swayamjeet , Bal Chandrasekhar
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Radiohybrid prostate-specific membrane antigen (rhPSMA) ligands are a novel class of radiopharmaceuticals developed for potential theranostic application in prostate cancer (PCa). We aimed to consolidate existing evidence on utility of 18F-rhPSMA-7/7.3 for PET imaging in PCa in the setting of biochemical recurrence (BCR).

Patients and Methods

A comprehensive literature search was performed using relevant keywords in PubMed, Scopus, and EMBASE. Articles evaluating utility of 18F-rhPSMA-7/7.3 PET in PCa BCR, published through September 30, 2024, were included. rhPSMA PET detection rate (DR) in BCR was calculated on a per-patient basis, with pooled proportion and 95% confidence interval. Furthermore, pooled DRs using different cutoff values of serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) were obtained.

Results

Five studies with 1513 patients (overall) were included. The pooled DR of 18F-rhPSMA-7/7.3 PET in BCR was 81.7% (95% confidence interval: 76.3%–86.5%). The pooled DRs stratified by serum PSA levels were 60.7% for PSA <0.5 ng/mL, 80.1% for PSA between 0.5 and <1.0 ng/mL, 85.9% for PSA between 1.0 and <2.0 ng/mL, and 95.1% for PSA ≥2.0 ng/mL, respectively.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that novel radiotracers 18F-rhPSMA-7/7.3 have excellent diagnostic utility as PET imaging agents in BCR of PCa. Further prospective multicenter studies are required to validate these novel tracers in diverse clinical settings with larger patient cohorts and assess their diagnostic accuracy in comparison to the PSMA ligands in current clinical practice.
18F-FDG PET/CT in a Patient With Primary Rectal Angiosarcomas and Multiple Bone Metastases
Authors: Ma Xiaohua , Xia Shanshan , Long Zichan , Zhao Xulong , Fu Zhanli
Published: January 2025

A 54-year-old man presented with a 1-month history of pain and numbness in the right lower limb. Lumbar spine MRI revealed bone metastases. 18F-FDG PET/CT showed a soft tissue mass with increased 18F-FDG uptake in the rectum, accompanied by multiple hypermetabolic lesions in the bilateral ribs, spine, pelvis, and upper right femur. A colonoscopy biopsy of the submucosal rectal mass confirmed the diagnosis of epithelioid angiosarcoma.
18F-FDG PET/CT Versus 18F-FAPI PET/CT in Eosinophilic Liver Infiltration
Authors: Li Shuyi , Liang Jiucen , Zeng Hui , Chen Haipeng , Zhang Rusen
Published: January 2025

A 48-year-old man presented with upper abdominal discomfort for 10 days. Abdominal contrast-enhanced CT showed multiple abnormal enhanced masses in liver, suggesting a probability of malignancies. The patient was then enrolled in a clinical trial of comparison of 18F-FDG and 18F-FAPI PET/CT in hepatic lesions. Compared with 18F-FDG PET/CT, 18F-FAPI PET/CT showed higher tracer uptake, more lesions in liver. Meanwhile, peripheral blood eosinophils increased remarkably. The hepatic lesions were highly suspected as eosinophilic liver infiltration. Finally, pathologic analysis confirmed the diagnosis of eosinophilic liver infiltration.
68Ga-FAPI PET/CT Depicted Non–FDG-Avid Malignant Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Authors: Li Puhao , Liang Juan , Chen Yue , Ding Haoyuan
Published: January 2025

Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare and aggressive malignancy of mesothelial cells in the peritoneum. Herein, we describe the 68Ga-FAPI and 18F-FDG PET/CT findings of MPM in a 41-year-old man. In the present case, the primary and metastatic tumors showed intense 68Ga-FAPI accumulation but no significantly increased 18F-FDG uptake. This case demonstrates that 68Ga-FAPI PET/CT might be used as a helpful tool for evaluating MPM staging.
Primary Pulmonary MALT Lymphoma on 18F-FDG and 68Ga-FAPI PET/CT
Authors: Wang Rongxi , Chen Jingci , Wang Jiarou , Zhu Zhaohui , Zhang Jingjing
Published: January 2025

Primary pulmonary mucosa–associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma is extremely rare. We present the 18F-FDG and 68Ga-FAPI PET/CT findings in a 56-year-old woman with pathologically confirmed primary pulmonary mucosa–associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma. 68Ga-FAPI PET/CT showed a higher uptake value than 18F-FDG PET/CT in the pulmonary lesion. This case suggests that 68Ga-FAPI PET/CT may be a sensitive alternative method to characterize low-grade lymphomas.
Cyclization diversity of meroditerpenoids from endophytic fungi of medicinal plants driven by synthetic biology strategies
Authors: Jiang Yuntao , Xiao Zonghua , Du Lianqiong , Suo Yukai , Zhang Xuping , Wang Weiguang
Published: January 2025

Background

Medicinal plants rich in endophytic fungi are a significant source of natural lead compounds. Meroterpenoids, which are hybrid natural products originating from partially terpenoid pathways, exhibit impressive structural complexity and substantial potential as drug candidates. The structural diversity of meroterpenoids is largely attributed to the functional diversity of terpenoid cyclases, which generate a variety of terpenoid compounds with different ring systems. This enzymatic versatility underscores the biochemical potential of endophytic fungi and their invaluable role in drug discovery.

Objective

The aim of the study was to investigate the role of endophytic fungi from Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis in facilitating diverse cyclization modifications of meroditerpenoids through four terpene cyclases (TCs) from the Pyr4 family.

Methods

This study utilized a recombinant strategy to successfully reconstruct four distinct TCs from endophytic fungi in the heterologous host, Aspergillus oryzae NSAR1. The structural characterization of the resulting secondary metabolites was performed using mass spectrometry and NMR techniques.

Results

The substitution of TCs from the endophytes Aspergillus felis 0260 and Fusarium graminearum 1962 in Aspergillus oryzae through hydrophobic intermediates 1 and 2, led to the production of meroditerpenoids sartorypyrone C (3) and a new compound, 4′-methylchevalone E (4), respectively. This study demonstrates the critical role of endophytic fungi in enhancing structural diversity.

Conclusions

These findings provide valuable insights into the compatibility of pathway combinations and the interchangeability of terpene cyclases derived from endophytic fungi in medicinal plants, which advanced the understanding of meroditerpenoid biosynthesis and highlighted the importance of endophytic fungi in drug discovery.
Changes in Cerebral Hemodynamic Among Patients With Schizophrenia or Bipolar Disorder Receiving Electroconvulsive Therapy
Authors: Chhoa Keng-hong , Chiang Soon-kiat , Ong Kheng-yee , Yong Choon-keat , Ng Bee-zhen , Othman Siti- Zubaidah , McIntyre Roger S. , Choi Jongkwan , Cha Jihyun , Ho Roger C. , Chee Kok-yoon
Published: January 2025

There remains a scarcity of studies to evaluate the treatment effect of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) offers a cost-effective method to measure cerebral hemodynamics. This study used fNIRS to evaluate the effect of ECT in patients suffering from schizophrenia or bipolar disorder (manic phase). Thirty patients with mania and 31 with schizophrenia were recruited. Each participant received 6 sessions of ECT. This study utilized the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, Young Mania Rating Scale, and fNIRS-verbal fluency test paradigm at baseline and after each session of ECT. The prefrontal cortex hemodynamic response during the performance of verbal fluency test was recorded via a commercial wireless high-density continuous-wave fNIRS system device. The effect of categorical and continuous variables was determined using Pearson's chi-square test and Student's t test or 1-way analysis of variance with Bonferroni-corrected post hoc pairwise comparison, respectively. Comparing the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale and Young Mania Rating Scale scores between baseline, sessions 3 and 6, the scores were significantly decreased (P < 0.001), with both patient groups achieving more than 50% reduction in scores from baseline to session 6. The fNIRS also showed significant increases in oxy-hemoglobin levels (session 6 vs baseline) in the right ventrolateral prefrontal cortex and left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex for both patient groups (P < 0.05). There were significant correlations in the reduction of symptom severity and increase in HbO2 levels in people with bipolar disorder (manic phase) and schizophrenia (P < 0.05). Monitoring the activation in the right ventrolateral prefrontal cortex and left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex is an objective ECT monitoring indicator for patients suffering from bipolar disorder (manic phase) or schizophrenia.
Molecular Drivers of RNA Phase Separation
Authors: Ramachandran V , Potoyan DA
Published: January 2025

RNA molecules are essential in orchestrating the assembly of biomolecular condensates and membraneless compartments in cells. Many condensates form via the association of RNA with proteins containing specific RNA binding motifs. However, recent reports indicate that low-complexity RNA sequences can self-assemble into condensate phases without protein assistance. Divalent cations significantly influence the thermodynamics and dynamics of RNA condensates, which exhibit base-specific lower-critical solution temperatures (LCST). The precise molecular origins of these temperatures remain elusive. In this study, we employ atomistic molecular simulations to elucidate the molecular driving forces governing the temperature-dependent phase behavior of RNA, providing new insights into the origins of LCST. Using RNA tetranucleotides and their chemically modified analogs, we map RNA condensates’ equilibrium thermodynamic profiles and structural ensembles across various temperatures and ionic conditions. Our findings reveal that magnesium ions promote LCST behavior by inducing local order-disorder transitions within RNA structures. Consistent with experimental observations, we demonstrate that the thermal stability of RNA condensates follows the Poly(G) > Poly(A) > Poly(C) > Poly(U) order shaped by the interplay of base-stacking and hydrogen bonding interactions. Furthermore, our simulations show that ionic conditions and post-translational modifications can fine-tune RNA self-assembly and modulate condensate physical properties.

Author Summary

RNA molecules are essential for organizing membraneless compartments that play critical roles in cellular processes. While many of these condensates form through interactions between RNA and proteins, recent studies have shown that certain RNA sequences can self-assemble into condensates without protein assistance. This ability is influenced by the sequence composition of RNA and the presence of ions like magnesium. Using detailed molecular simulations we carried out systematic study to reveal how temperature and ionic conditions affect RNA condensation. We discovered that magnesium ions play a key role in driving RNA molecules to condense at lower temperatures by promoting structural changes within the RNA. Our findings also revealed that the stability of RNA condensates varies depending on the RNA sequence, with guanine-rich sequences being the most stable. Additionally, we demonstrated how chemical modifications and ionic conditions can fine-tune the properties of RNA condensates. This study provides new insights into how RNA forms condensates and highlights potential strategies to control their behavior, which could have implications for understanding cellular organization and developing new therapies.
IFNBoost: An interpretable computational model for identifying IFNγ inducing peptides
Authors: Azad Inam ul haq , Sohail Muhammad Saqib , Quadeer Ahmed Abdul
Published: January 2025

Motivation: Interferon-gamma (IFNγ) is a pivotal cytokine that coordinates various aspects of the immune response, notably enhancing T-cell activation, clearing intracellular pathogens, and providing long-term immune protection. Identification of IFNγ-inducing peptides is essential for the advancement of peptide-based vaccines and immunotherapies; however, the experimental determination of these peptides is hampered by the large number of potential peptide candidates present in pathogen proteins. Results: In this study, we present IFNBoost, a machine learning model developed to accurately predict IFNγ-inducing peptides by leveraging existing immunological datasets, including both peptide sequences and associated metadata. IFNBoost demonstrates impressive performance metrics, achieving an accuracy of 0.819, an F1 score of 0.798, and a Matthew's correlation coefficient (MCC) of 0.634. Evaluation against independent datasets demonstrates that IFNBoost surpasses all current models for predicting IFNγ-inducing peptides, highlighting generalizability of the model. Our comprehensive analysis indicates that, in addition to peptide sequences, metadata features such as the source organism and host significantly enhance predictive accuracy. The predictions produced by IFNBoost have the potential to guide rational vaccine design, thereby improving vaccine efficacy via precise identification of peptides that elicit the desired cytokine responses. Availability and implementation: To improve the accessibility and utility of our model, we have developed a web application available at https://ifnboost.streamlit.app/.
Role of the Nucleotide Excision Repair endonuclease XPF in the kinetoplastid parasiteTrypanosoma brucei
Authors: Gómez-Liñán Claudia , Sáez-Maldonado María , Ruíz-Pérez Luís Miguel , González-Pacanowska Dolores , Vidal Antonio E.
Published: January 2025

The nucleotide excision repair (NER) mechanism is responsible for the removal of bulky DNA damage such as pyrimidine dimers induced by ultraviolet light. The NER pathway detects such lesions and excises the damaged strand through incisions at 5 ’ and 3’ of the damage. The 5’ incision is catalyzed by a heterodimeric endonuclease composed of XPF (catalytic subunit) and ERCC1 (non-catalytic). Here, we show that the genome ofTrypanosoma brucei, the causal agent of human African trypanosomiasis or sleeping sickness, codes for an XPF ortholog. RNAi silencing of TbXPF sensitizes cells to UV irradiation, thus providing evidence that NER operates in these parasites. In addition, TbXPF confers protection against intra- and inter-strand crosslinks induced by cisplatin and mitomycin C respectively. Consistent with a role in DNA repair, XPF localizes to the cell nucleus, and is found associated to nucleoplasmic and nucleolar regions. The presence of a functional NER pathway in trypanosomes suggests thatin vivo, they are susceptible to undergo replication and transcription-blocking DNA damages. The results obtained with various antitumor agents provide proof of concept for the potential of NER inhibition as a means to improve antiparasitic therapies.
Loss-of-function mutations inASIPandMC1Rare associated with coat color variation in marsupials
Authors: Sauermann Ryan , Fancourt Bronwyn , Faulkner Tim , Shute Hayley , Reid Dean , Pask Andrew J. , Feigin Charles Y.
Published: January 2025

In mammals, coat color is determined by deposition of pigments into the growing hair shaft. The production of these pigments is governed in part by Agouti Signaling Protein (ASIP) and the Melanocortin 1 Receptor (MC1R) to which it binds. The most common background coat colors in mammals result from alternating bands of dark eumelanin and light pheomelanin within individual hairs. However, coats dominated by a single type of melanin have arisen several times. Here, we examine the genetic basis of two instances among the marsupials: a melanistic morph of the eastern quoll (Dasyurus viverrinus) found at high frequency in the wild, and a rare case of fixed xanthism in the marsupial moles. In the eastern quoll, we show that a deletion encompassing part of theASIPcoding sequence likely explains melanism in this species. Notably, this mutation is convergent with that recently discovered in its dark-coated relative, the Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii). Conversely, we show that a nonsense mutation which severely truncatesMC1Rin the southern marsupial mole (Notoryctes typhlops) is a strong candidate driver of its pheomelanin-predominant coat. Together with other recent findings, our results suggest that loss-of-function mutations have occurred repeatedly within the marsupials, representing an important mechanism underpinning coat color variation.
Nonrenormalizable theories and finite formulation of QFT
Authors: Ageeva Y. , Petrov P. , Shaposhnikov M.
Published: January 2025

In this paper, we show how the finite formulation of quantum field theory based on Callan-Symanzik equations can be generalized to the case of nonrenormalizable theories. We derive an equation for effective action for an arbitrary single scalar field theory, allowing us to perform computations without running in intermediate divergencies. We illustrate the method with the use of λϕ4+ϕ6/M2 theory by the explicit (and fully finite) calculations of the effective potential as well as two-, four- and six-point correlation functions at one-loop level and demonstrate that no quantum corrections to scalar mass m2, depending on M2 scale, are generated.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Electron density distribution in bis(guanidinium) disodium hypodiphosphate heptahydrate, (CH6N3)2Na2(P2O6)·7H2O
Authors: Starynowicz Przemysław , Ślepokura Katarzyna Anna , Kurowska Paulina , Kinzhybalo Vasyl
Published: January 2025

X-ray structural analysis of bis(guanidinium) disodium hypodiphosphate heptahydrate, (CH6N3)2Na2(P2O6)·7H2O revealed close Na+...guanidinium [Na...N 3.0366 (6) Å] and water...guanidinium O—H...N [H...N 2.07 Å, O...N 3.0401 (9) Å] contacts, the nature of which is explored with the use of electron density distribution and Hirshfeld surface analysis. The crystal structure is governed by coordination interactions to Na+ cations and an extensive network of hydrogen bonds, in which guanidinium cations, hypodiphosphate ions and water molecules are involved. Na+ cations are in tetragonal pyramidal or octahedral environment, which was proved by continuous shape measures. From ∇2ρ(r
c) and bond degree values, the character of P—P bonds are classified as shared shell or covalent bond types, whereas P—O bonds are of transit closed shell or polarized covalent types. Despite the lack of a lone electron pair on the N atom and positive charge of the guanidinium cation, the existence of an O—H...N hydrogen bond was confirmed by electron density studies.
A Monte Carlo algorithm for large-scale magnetic simulations
Authors: Ziółkowski Grzegorz , Chrobak Artur , Chrobak Dariusz
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The paper refers to Monte Carlo (MC) magnetic simulations and finite element scaling rules, allowing the simulation of magnetic mesoscopic systems. The scaling rules consist of a redefinition of the system Hamiltonian as a function of a scaling factor, including spin values and exchange integral parameters attributed to system nodes. This approach leads to a disturbance of the thermodynamic balance expressed by acceptance probability in the Metropolis steps. This paper aims to explain the effect and solve the problem.

Design/methodology/approach

The change of the acceptance probability is derived from energy change and the scaling roles. As a test, a set of thermomagnetic curves was simulated in the temperature ranges related to ferro-paramagnetic transitions for the systems with different enlargement factors.

Findings

The presented approach allows the simulation of thermomagnetic curves of large magnetic systems using the MC Metropolis algorithm modified by the scaling rules.

Originality/value

The presented approach allows the simulation of thermomagnetic curves of large magnetic systems, using the MC Metropolis algorithm modified by the scaling rules.
Designing scenario-based experiments in retail SCM: methodological approaches and practical insights
Authors: Ta Ha , Hofer Adriana Rossiter , Jin Yao “Henry” , Peinkofer Simone T. , Sodero Annibal
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Considering the transformational impact of technological advances in modern retail on the consumer experience and the associated growth of experimental studies in consumer-centric supply chain management (SCM) research, this paper presents a practical overview of key steps in the design of scenario-based experiments (SBEs) in the context of retail SCM.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a conceptual approach, this paper discusses essential aspects in the designing process, including the connection to theory, vignette design considerations, experimental checks and ensuring managerial relevance.

Findings

This paper presents a resource for SCM researchers in their pursuit of designing rigorous, context-focused SBEs in consumer-centric retail SCM research. Major design considerations and potential pitfalls are highlighted.

Practical implications

A well-designed experiment, including its vignettes, manipulations and checks, offers strong potential to inform actionable guidance for managers in the feasibility, strategy design, customization and consumer segmentation of retail SCM strategies.

Originality/value

This paper connects the steps in the design of SBEs to consumer-centric retail SCM questions, supporting future research in this realm.
Mindfulness as a mediating mechanism between health importance and positive mental well-being
Authors: Borges Ana Pinto , Rodrigues Paula , Brochado Ana , Sousa Ana
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This paper aims to evaluate the links between health importance, mindfulness aspects and positive mental health outcomes in consumers. It uses both symmetric and asymmetric methods to study these complex relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

A structured questionnaire was distributed to obtain data from consumers, and 721 completed the questionnaire considering our research objectives. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was used to analyse the links between the constructs, whereas Fuzzy Set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) was used to find sets of conditions associated with beneficial mental health outcomes.

Findings

The study found substantial positive correlations between health importance and all aspects of mindfulness, including attention to one’s body, environment and emotions. Furthermore, attention to one’s body is identified as a strong predictor of positive mental health, highlighting the relevance of bodily awareness in promoting well-being. However, causal asymmetry is evident, implying that diverse combinations of causes result in higher or lower levels of positive mental health.

Research limitations/implications

While the study sheds light on the relationship between health importance, mindfulness and healthy mental health, it is not without limits. The survey-based methodology of the research may create biases, and the sample is predominantly made up of customers, limiting the generalisability of the results. Future study could investigate these correlations in more diverse groups, using longitudinal designs to gain a better grasp of causality.

Practical implications

The findings have practical implications for programmes designed to promote positive mental health. Individuals’ well-being and resilience can be improved by emphasising the value of health and fostering mindfulness activities. Targeted therapies can use these findings to create successful strategies for improving mental health outcomes.

Originality/value

This study fills a gap in the literature by adopting a holistic approach to examine the interplay between health importance, mindfulness and positive mental health. Unlike prior research focusing on isolated mindfulness aspects or singular methods, it uniquely integrates symmetric and asymmetric analyses. This approach reveals novel pathways and causal configurations contributing to well-being. Highlighting mindfulness’s mediating role and multidimensional nature, the study offers actionable insights that bridge theory and practice, advancing mental health promotion and guiding more comprehensive interventions.
Assessing the impact of emojis in personality-imbued chatbots: insights from an academic advising perspective
Authors: Kuhail Mohammad Amin , AL-Shamaileh Ons , Thomas Justin , Thornquist Erik , Shah Syed Jawad Hussain
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study investigates the impact of emoji use and user personality traits (conscientiousness vs extraversion) on user behavior in the context of academic advising. It uniquely considers the interaction between these chatbot characteristics and human users' dominant personality traits (conscientiousness and extraversion).

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-factor design experiment involving 153 university students was employed. Participants interacted with four different chatbot conditions: a conscientious bot and an extroverted bot, each with and without emojis.

Findings

The inclusion of emojis negatively influenced users' intentions to use the chatbots but did not affect trust, perceived authenticity or intended engagement with the bots. Additionally, the students' personality traits played a role in evaluating the different chatbot types.

Originality/value

This research introduces a novel approach by integrating emoji use and human personality traits into chatbot communication, focusing on academic advising. It examines the interaction effects of emojis and personality traits (conscientiousness and extraversion) on user behavior, also considering the user’s personality traits. This work enriches the human-computer interaction field and guides future chatbot development.
Developing a data quality assurance ontology for research data repositories
Authors: Lee Dong Joon , Stvilia Besiki , Gunaydin Fatih , Pang Yuanying
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Data quality assurance (DQA) is essential for enabling the sharing and reuse of research data, especially given the increasing focus on data transparency, reproducibility, credibility and validity in research. Although the literature on research data curation is vast, there remains a lack of theory-guided exploration of DQA modeling in research data repositories (RDRs).

Design/methodology/approach

This study addresses this gap by examining 12 distinct cases of DQA-related knowledge organization tools, including four metadata vocabularies, three metadata schemas, one ontology and four standards used to guide DQA work in RDRs.

Findings

The study analyzed the cases utilizing a theoretical framework based on activity theory and data quality literature and synthesized a model and a knowledge artifact, a DQA ontology (DQAO, Lee et al., 2024), that encodes a DQA theory for RDRs. The ontology includes 127 classes, 44 object properties, 7 data properties and 18 instances. The article also uses problem scenarios to illustrate how the DQAO can be integrated into the FAIR ecosystem.

Originality/value

The study provides valuable insights into DQA theory and practice in RDRs and offers a DQA ontology for designing, evaluating and integrating DQA workflows within RDRs.
Her presence matters – female owners and firm innovation in India
Authors: Biswas Shreya
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The study examines the relationship between having a female owner and firm innovation in India.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper employs a linear probability model as well as probit specification to assess the empirical relationship between female ownership and innovation. To ensure that the results are not driven by endogeneity related to the female owner variable, the paper also uses a propensity score matching method and instrumental variable approach.

Findings

The study finds that having a female owner increases firm’s likelihood of innovation in India. We use three measures of innovation given by product innovation, process innovation and engagement in R&D. The positive relationship between a female owner and innovation is driven by the set of more gender equal states. We find that the relationship is weaker for older firms and firms facing financing constraints. Further, we find that firms having female owners are more likely to conduct a formal training of their employees. This can possibly be one of the channels through which female owners improve firm innovation.

Originality/value

This study highlights the need to promote female ownership as a potential channel for promoting firm innovation in emerging economies like India. It also emphasizes the fact that female owners tend to train their employees, which is the channel through which it enhances firm innovation. The findings also highlight that regional gender equality is necessary for female owners to influence firm innovation.
A sustainable and resilient humanitarian relief chain network design for distributing assembled relief items dynamically considering perishability, under disruption
Authors: Shafiee Motlaq-Kashani Atousa , Rabbani Masoud , Aghsami Amir
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Due to mitigate against natural disasters like earthquake and to distribute relief items, designing humanitarian relief chain networks is an attentional issue. Agile and efficient distribution of relief items after occurring a disaster is significant, especially when some of the relief items are perishable. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to create a resilient and integrated decision-making structure to distribute relief items at demand points, considering two dimensions of sustainability, under disruption.

Design/methodology/approach

This study developed a mixed-integer nonlinear mathematical model to handle the pre- and post-disaster planning when a disaster occurs. The represented model has two objective functions: minimizing weighted unmet demand and total costs. Therefore, to convert this multi-objective problem into a single objective one, the e-constraint method was applied.

Findings

The main results showed that considering some resilience strategies has a significant effect in reducing the weighted amount of unmet demand and saves the total costs. More precisely, considering resilience strategies results in a 60% reduction in total unmet demand and 11% reduction in total pre-positioning costs. On the other hand, reducing the maximum response time with applying resilience strategies is another achievement of the present study. For these reasons, the use of these strategies can reduce people’s pain and suffer from natural disasters. In general, the application and effectiveness of sustainability dimensions and resilience strategies in the introduced humanitarian relief chain network were analyzed.

Practical implications

To verify the applicability of this study, this model is applied on a probable real-life case study in Tehran. Finally, some managerial insights are discussed to help humanitarian organizations, managers and stakeholders to make better decisions to reduce negative effects of natural disasters.

Originality/value

This paper introduced a two-stage stochastic mathematical model for designing a resilient humanitarian relief chain network under disruption, at pre- and post-disaster stages. Also, economic and social dimensions of sustainability are considered in this study. Moreover, assembling perishable and im-perishable relief items as relief kits, dynamically is a main contribution of this research.
Numerical simulation of pore distribution heterogeneity in carbonate rocks and its effect on acoustic anisotropy
Authors: Duan Xi , Liu Xiangjun , Liang Lixi , Xiong Jian , Ding Yi , Shi Xin , Luo Moubing , Zhu Meng
Published: January 2025

The pore structure of carbonate rocks is both complex and highly heterogeneous. Accurately assessing acoustic anisotropy is crucial for analysing and predicting the properties of carbonate reservoirs. Numerous experimental studies have investigated the acoustic anisotropy of carbonate rocks, and various fracture detection techniques have been developed. However, these studies have not adequately addressed the impact of the nonuniform distribution of rock pore structures on acoustic anisotropy. The pore structure of computed tomography scanning images of carbonate core can be obtained by using digital image processing techniques, and a method for evaluating pore distribution heterogeneity based on the box‐counting method of fractal theory was proposed. A numerical simulation of P‐wave azimuthal anisotropy was conducted, and the relationship between the pore distribution heterogeneity index and acoustic anisotropy parameters was analysed. This novel evaluation method for acoustic anisotropy provides a theoretical basis for predicting parameters in carbonate reservoirs.
rDNA Copy Number Variation and Methylation During Normal and Premature Aging
Authors: Geisen Alva B. C. , Santana Acevedo Natalia , Oshima Junko , Dittrich Marcus , Potabattula Ramya , Haaf Thomas
Published: January 2025

Ribosomal RNA is the main component of the ribosome, which is essential for protein synthesis. The diploid human genome contains several hundred copies of the rDNA transcription unit (TU). Droplet digital PCR and deep bisulfite sequencing were used to determine the absolute copy number (CN) and the methylation status of individual rDNA TU in blood samples of healthy individuals. The absolute CN ranged from 243 to 895 (median 469). There was no difference in absolute CN between males and females and no gain or loss of copies with age (15–71 years). The number of rDNA TU with a completely unmethylated (0%) or lowly methylated (1%–10%) promoter region significantly decreased, whereas the number of copies with higher (11%–100%) methylation increased with age. The number of presumably active TU with a hypomethylated (0%–10%) promoter varied from 94 to 277 (median 180), independent from absolute CN. In contrast, the number of inactive hypermethylated (11%–100%) copies strongly increased with absolute CN. Promoter hypermethylation compensates to some extent for the enormous CN variation among individuals. Patients with Werner syndrome, a premature aging syndrome displayed the same CN variation and age‐related methylation changes as controls. The role of rDNA CN variation as a modulating factor in human health and disease is largely unexplored. In particular, very low and high CN may be associated with increased disease risk.
Examining the influence of encoding and retrieval contexts on 2‐ to 4‐year‐olds' acquisition of nouns and verbs
Authors: Swearengin Piper , Mihalicz Patrick , Marsh Leah , Baker Zoe , Perry Faith , Graham Susan A. , Childers Jane B.
Published: January 2025

This study investigates whether the context in which a word is learnt affects noun and verb learning. There is mixed evidence in studies of noun learning, and no studies of background perceptual context in verb learning. Two‐, three‐, and four‐year‐olds (n = 162) saw a novel object moved in a novel way while hearing four novel words, either nouns or verbs. They were asked to generalize the word to a similar action or object shown in the same or different context. Results demonstrate that 2‐ and 3‐year‐olds were more accurate at test when learning nouns than verbs, demonstrating that verb learning is difficult; 4‐year‐olds were successful at learning both word types. For all ages, and both word types, context changes did not impact word learning. These results extend previous findings that context does not influence noun learning, while suggesting perceptual context may not play a major role in verb learning, which is a new finding.
The crosstalk between exosomal miRNA and ferroptosis: A narrative review
Authors: Nashtahosseini Zahra , Nejatollahi Masoumeh , Fazilat Ahmad , Zarif Fakoor Elahe , Emamvirdizadeh Alireza , Bahadori Kamran , Hadian Niloofar Sadat , Valilo Mohammad
Published: January 2025

Ferroptosis is a type of cell death that multiple mechanisms and pathways contribute to the positive and negative regulation of it. For example, increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) induce ferroptosis. Ferroptosis unlike apoptosis, it is not dependent on caspases, but is dependent on iron. Exosomes are membrane‐bound vesicles with a size of about 30 to 150 nm, contain various cellular components, including DNA, RNA, microRNAs (miRNAs), lipids, and proteins, which are genetically similar to their cells of origin. Exosomes are found in all bodily fluids, including blood, saliva, and urine. Cells often release exosomes after their fusion with the cell membrane. They play an important role in immune regulation and cell‐cell communication. miRNAs, which are noncoding RNAs with a length of about 18 to 24 nucleotides, are involved in regulating gene expression after transcription. Emerging data suggests that exosomal miRNAs are implicated in various pathophysiological mechanisms of cells, including metastasis, drug resistance, and cell death. In addition, functional studies have indicated that exosomal miRNAs can play a key role in the modulation of cell death by regulating ferroptosis. Therefore, in this review, given the importance of exosomal miRNAs in ferroptosis, we decided to elucidate the relationship between exosomal miRNAs and ferroptosis in various diseases.
Debate: Where to next for universal school‐based mental health interventions? Can research led by young people shape universal solutions for mental health and suicide prevention in school settings?
Authors: Hetrick Sarah , Sharma Vartika
Published: January 2025

We have engaged in work that aligns with the call from Birrell et al. (Child and Adolescent Mental Health, 2024), particularly in terms of thinking about co‐design with young people to develop new outcomes and targets of universal school‐based interventions. We engaged young people in a Cochrane systematic review and co‐designed the outcomes for this review. What emerged was the need for research led by young people to develop and evaluate innovative universal school‐based interventions that focus on creating environments that build and support young people's ability to cope by expressing and managing emotions. Whole‐of‐school approaches that ensure compassionate and caring responses can support the development of coping skills to manage distress, mental illness, self‐harm and suicidal ideation.
Effects of protection on large‐bodied reef fishes in the western Indian Ocean
Authors: Samoilys Melita , Osuka Kennedy E. , Roche Ronan , Koldewey Heather , Chabanet Pascale
Published: January 2025

Predatory and large‐bodied coral reef fishes have fundamental roles in the functioning and biodiversity of coral reef ecosystems, but their populations are declining, largely due to overexploitation in fisheries. These fishes include sharks, groupers, Humphead wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus), and Green Humphead parrotfish (Bolbometopon muricatum). In the western Indian Ocean, this situation is exacerbated by limited population data on these fishes, including from conventional visual census methods, which limit the surface area surveyed. We developed a rapid timed scuba swim survey approach for application over large areas for estimation of the abundance of large‐bodied reef fishes and assessment of the effectiveness of marine protected areas (MPAs) in maintaining these species’ populations. Using this method, we sampled 7 regions in the western central Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden, including 2 remote reference locations where fishing is prohibited. Eight families were selected for the surveys from across 3 categories: pelagic, demersal, and large‐bodied single species. Sharks (Carcharhinidae) were absent in 5 of the 7 regions, observed only in Mozambique and the Chagos Archipelago. Tunas (Scombridae) and barracudas (Sphyraenidae) were rarely observed (none in Madagascar, Djibouti, and Iles Glorieuses). The Giant grouper (Epinephelus lanceolatus) was absent in all regions, Humphead wrasse was absent in Comoros and Iles Glorieuses, and Green Humphead parrotfish was observed at only one site in Tanzania. The MPAs were not effective in protecting these single large‐bodied species or the 4 pelagic families, except for sharks in the highly protected reference locations. However, MPAs with medium levels of protection were effective in maintaining the abundance of some demersal families, notably large‐bodied groupers. Our results support the hypothesis of local extirpation of these large‐bodied fishes on many coral reefs in the western Indian Ocean.
Web‐based ecological evidence entry form enables consistent, accessible extraction and visualization for synthesis applications
Authors: Ridley Caroline E. , Hansen Casey , Byrley Peter , Greaver Tara , Kaylor S. Douglas , Rice R. Byron , Schofield Kate A. , Shapiro Andrew
Published: January 2025

Applying scientific evidence to conservation, environmental management, and policy‐making improves outcomes. When synthesizing existing evidence, substantial resources are required to access and read scientific publications and extract and analyze decision‐relevant information. To improve this process, we developed a free, publicly available, web‐based evidence entry form tailored to extract information about cause‐effect relationships from ecological publications. The form enables storage, retrieval, reuse, and visualization of qualitative and quantitative ecological and environmental evidence extracted from publications. Evidence can be analyzed for a wide range of synthesis purposes (e.g., causal assessments, hypothesis testing) and approaches (e.g., rapid reviews, meta‐analyses). The database schema underlying the form logically relates information about (a) a publication, (b) its experimental design(s), and (c) reported cause‐effect relationships. An ontology of controlled terminology enables consistent extraction and characterization of causes and effects across users, facilitating evidence reuse. Future capabilities include customization of terminology and incorporation of study quality information.
The polycomb protein complex interacts with GATA‐6/PPARα to inhibit α‐MHC expression
Authors: Dai Fei‐Fei , Chen Jing , Ma Zhen , Yang Ming‐Hui , Sun Tong , Ma Juan , Zhou Meng‐Jiao , Wei Zhi‐Ru , Zou Yunzeng , Zhang Shoutao , Zang Ming‐Xi
Published: January 2025

Transcription factors collaborate with epigenetic regulatory factors to orchestrate cardiac differentiation for heart development, but the underlying mechanism is not fully understood. Here, we report that GATA‐6 induces cardiac differentiation but peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor α (PPARα) reverses GATA‐6‐induced cardiac differentiation, possibly because GATA‐6/PPARα recruits the polycomb protein complex containing EZH2/Ring1b/BMI1 to the promoter of the cardiac‐specific α‐myosin heavy chain (α‐MHC) gene and suppresses α‐MHC expression, which ultimately inhibits cardiac differentiation. Furthermore, Ring1b ubiquitylates PPARα and GATA‐6. By overexpression and knockout of EZH2/BMI1, it was demonstrated that the polycomb protein complex inhibits cardiac differentiation induced by GATA‐6 and PPARα. Together, our results demonstrate that the polycomb protein complex interacts with GATA‐6/PPARα to inhibit cardiac differentiation, a finding that could facilitate the development of new therapies for congenital heart disease.
Measuring self‐similarity in empirical signals to understand musical beat perception
Authors: Lenc Tomas , Lenoir Cédric , Keller Peter E. , Polak Rainer , Mulders Dounia , Nozaradan Sylvie
Published: January 2025

Experiencing music often entails the perception of a periodic beat. Despite being a widespread phenomenon across cultures, the nature and neural underpinnings of beat perception remain largely unknown. In the last decade, there has been a growing interest in developing methods to probe these processes, particularly to measure the extent to which beat‐related information is contained in behavioral and neural responses. Here, we propose a theoretical framework and practical implementation of an analytic approach to capture beat‐related periodicity in empirical signals using frequency‐tagging. We highlight its sensitivity in measuring the extent to which the periodicity of a perceived beat is represented in a range of continuous time‐varying signals with minimal assumptions. We also discuss a limitation of this approach with respect to its specificity when restricted to measuring beat‐related periodicity only from the magnitude spectrum of a signal and introduce a novel extension of the approach based on autocorrelation to overcome this issue. We test the new autocorrelation‐based method using simulated signals and by re‐analyzing previously published data and show how it can be used to process measurements of brain activity as captured with surface EEG in adults and infants in response to rhythmic inputs. Taken together, the theoretical framework and related methodological advances confirm and elaborate the frequency‐tagging approach as a promising window into the processes underlying beat perception and, more generally, temporally coordinated behaviors.
A Non‐Equilibrium Species Distribution Model Reveals Unprecedented Depth of Time Lag Responses to Past Environmental Change Trajectories
Authors: Lalechère Etienne , Marrec Ronan , Lenoir Jonathan
Published: January 2025

Previous studies have demonstrated legacy effects of current species distributions to past environmental conditions, but the temporal extent of such time lag dynamics remains unknown. Here, we have developed a non‐equilibrium Species Distribution Modelling (SDM) approach quantifying the temporal extent that must be taken into account to capture 95% of the effect that a given time series of past environmental conditions has on the current distribution of a species. We applied this approach on the distribution of 92 European forest birds in response to past trajectories of change in forest cover and climate. We found that non‐equilibrium SDMs outperformed traditional SDMs for 95% of the species. Non‐equilibrium SDMs suggest unprecedented long‐lasting effects of past global changes (average time lag extent ranged from 9 to 231 years). This framework can help to relax the equilibrium hypothesis of traditional SDMs and to improve future predictions of biodiversity redistribution in response to global changes.