bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chloramphenicol-mobilizedBacillus subtilistransiently expresses resistance to multiple antibiotics, including the glycopeptides phleomycin and bleomycin
Authors: LaBonte Sandra , Liu Yongjin , Powers Morgan , Ford Evan De , Straight Paul D.
Published: January 2025

Antibiotic resistance is a global crisis that stems from the use of antibiotics as an essential part of modern medicine. Understanding how antibiotic resistance is controlled among cells in bacterial populations will provide insights into how antibiotics shape microbial communities. Here, we describe patterns ofB. subtilisgene expression that arise from growth on a surface either in isolation or under subinhibitory chloramphenicol exposure. We identified elevated expression of genes encoding five different antibiotic resistance functions. The expression of four of the five resistance functions is controlled by a combination of terminator attenuation and transcriptional regulation. Two of these,vmlRandtlrBprovide resistance to lincosamides and tylosin, respectively. We found thatbmrCDpromotes resistance to glycopeptides, including phleomycin and bleomycin. Promoter fusions to luciferase were used to follow expression ofbmrCD, vmlR,andtlrB. Subinhibitory chloramphenicol exposure induces sliding motility ofB. subtilis, wherein the three antibiotic resistance functions are expressed heterogeneously in spatiotemporally segregated pattern. We found that their expression is transiently elevated even in the absence of antibiotic exposure. The data suggest that for some antibiotics, intrinsic resistance genes are entrained to changes in growth and metabolism. Antibiotic exposure amplifies their expression, potentially providing a subpopulation of cells elevated protection to multiple classes of antibiotic.

IMPORTANCE

Antibiotics are a natural component of bacterial communities that are vital to modern medicine and to combatting antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Understanding the roles antibiotics play in microbial populations provides insights to the origins of antibiotic resistance. Many studies show that subinhibitory concentrations of antibiotics stimulate bacterial gene expression, including antibiotic resistance, and influence community dynamics. This study shows that bacteria on an agar surface transiently elevate expression of intrinsic resistance genes for multiple antibiotics. Subinhibitory chloramphenicol exposure stimulates the bacterial population both to expand across the surface and enhance expression of the resistance genes in a heterogeneous pattern.

The results illustrate how exposure to some antibiotics substantially changes bacterial population dynamics that include the spatiotemporally controlled expression of endogenous antibiotic resistance.
A suite of pre-assembled, pET28b-based Golden Gate vectors for efficient protein engineering and expression
Authors: Gaur Deepika , Wohlever Matthew L.
Published: January 2025

Expression and purification of recombinant proteins inE. coliis a bedrock technique in biochemistry and molecular biology. Expression optimization requires testing different combinations of solubility tags, affinity purification techniques, and site-specific proteases. This optimization is laborious and time consuming as these features are spread across different vector series and require different cloning strategies with varying efficiencies. Modular cloning kits based on the Golden Gate system exist, but are overly complicated for many applications, such as undergraduate research or simple screening of protein purification features. An ideal solution is for a single gene synthesis or PCR product to be compatible with a large series of pre-assembled Golden Gate vectors containing a broad array of purification features at either the N or C-terminus. To our knowledge, no such system exists. To fulfill this unmet need, we Golden Gate domesticated the pET28b vector and developed a suite of 21 vectors with different combinations of purification tags, solubility domains, visualization/labeling tags, and protease sites. We also developed a completely scarless vector series with 9 different N-terminal tags. The system is modular, allowing users to easily customize the vectors with their preferred combinations of features. To allow for easy visual screening of cloned vectors, we optimized constitutive expression of the fluorescent protein mScarlet3 in the reverse strand, resulting in a red to white color change upon successful cloning. Testing with the model protein sfGFP shows the ease of visual screening, high efficiency of cloning, and robust protein expression. These vectors provide versatile, high-throughput solutions for protein engineering and functional studies inE. coli.
Mixed positive and negative feedback loops drive diverse single-cell gene expression dynamics
Authors: Loman Torkel E. , Schwall Christian P. , Saez Teresa , Liu Yujia , Locke James C. W.
Published: January 2025

Genetic circuits with only a few components can generate complex gene regulatory dynamics. Here, we combine stochastic modelling and single-cell time-lapse microscopy to reveal the possible dynamics generated by a key gene circuit motif: the mixed positive/negative feedback loop. Our minimal stochastic model of this motif reveals ten distinct classes of dynamic output, including stochastic pulsing, oscillations, and bistability. These dynamics are influenced by only a few important biological parameters, such as the strength of the positive and negative feedbacks. Experimental validation in two different mixed feedback circuits in the bacteriumB. subtilis, σBand σV, confirms our model’s predictive power. Guided by our simulations, we are able to transition between dynamic behaviours by modulatingin vivoparameters. Together, these results demonstrate how mixed feedback loops generate diverse single-cell behaviours, improving our understanding of this common biological network motif and informing our efforts to engineer them for synthetic biology applications.
A synthetic cell with integrated DNA self-replication and membrane biosynthesis
Authors: Sierra Ana María Restrepo , Gomez Federico Ramirez , van Tongeren Mats , Heras Laura Sierra , Danelon Christophe
Published: January 2025

The emergence, organization, and persistence of cellular life are the result of the functional integration of metabolic and genetic networks. Here, we engineer phospholipid vesicles that can operate three essential functions, namely transcription-translation of a partial genome, self-replication of this DNA program, and membrane synthesis. The synthetic genome encodes six proteins and its compartmentalized expression produces active liposomes with distinct phenotypes demonstrating successful module integration. Our results reveal that genetic factors exert a stronger control over DNA replication and membrane synthesis than metabolic crosstalk or module co-activity. By showing how genetically encoded functions derived from different species can be integrated in liposome compartments, our work opens new avenues for the construction of autonomous and evolving synthetic cells.
Dark matter-induced electron excitations in silicon and germanium with deep learning
Authors: Catena Riccardo , Urdshals Einar
Published: January 2025

We train a deep neural network (DNN) to output rates of dark matter (DM) induced electron excitations in silicon and germanium detectors. Our DNN provides a massive speedup of around 5 orders of magnitude relative to existing methods (i.e., dark-), allowing for extensive parameter scans in the event of an observed DM signal. The network is also lighter and simpler to use than alternative computational frameworks based on a direct calculation of the DM-induced excitation rate.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Quantized Axial Charge of Staggered Fermions and the Chiral Anomaly
Authors: Chatterjee Arkya , Pace Salvatore D. , Shao Shu-Heng
Published: January 2025

In the 1+1D ultralocal lattice Hamiltonian for staggered fermions with a finite-dimensional Hilbert space, there are two conserved, integer-valued charges that flow in the continuum limit to the vector and axial charges of a massless Dirac fermion with a perturbative anomaly. Each of the two lattice charges generates an ordinary U(1) global symmetry that acts locally on operators and can be gauged individually. Interestingly, they do not commute on a finite lattice and generate the Onsager algebra, but their commutator goes to zero in the continuum limit. The chiral anomaly is matched by this non-Abelian algebra, which is consistent with the Nielsen-Ninomiya theorem. We further prove that the presence of these two conserved lattice charges forces the low-energy phase to be gapless, reminiscent of the consequence from perturbative anomalies of continuous global symmetries in continuum field theory. Upon bosonization, these two charges lead to two exact U(1) symmetries in the XX model that flow to the momentum and winding symmetries in the free boson conformal field theory.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
First Direct Search for Light Dark Matter Using the NEON Experiment at a Nuclear Reactor
Authors: Choi J. J. , Ha C. , Jeon E. J. , Kim J. Y. , Kim K. W. , Kim S. H. , Kim S. K. , Kim Y. D. , Ko Y. J. , Koh B. C. , Lee S. H. , Lee I. S. , Lee H. , Lee H. S. , Lee J. S. , Oh Y. M. , Park B. J. ,   NEON Collaboration
Published: January 2025

We report new results from the neutrino elastic scattering observation with NaI (NEON) experiment in the search for light dark matter (LDM) using 2636  kg·days of NaI(Tl) exposure. The experiment employs an array of NaI(Tl) crystals with a total mass of 16.7 kg, located 23.7 m away from a 2.8 GW thermal power nuclear reactor. We investigated LDM produced by the of dark photons, a well-motivated mechanism generated by high-flux photons during reactor operation. The energy spectra collected during reactor-on and reactor-off periods were compared within the LDM signal region of 1–10 keV. No signal consistent with LDM interaction with electrons was observed, allowing us to set 90% confidence level exclusion limits on the dark matter-electron scattering cross section (σe) across dark matter masses ranging from 1 to 1000  keV/c2. Our results set a 90% confidence level upper limit of σe=3.17×10−35  cm2 for a dark matter mass of 100  keV/c2, marking the best laboratory result in this mass range. Additionally, our search extends the coverage of LDM below 100  keV/c2 for the first time, assuming the specific of dark photons.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Strong atomic reconstruction in twisted bilayers of highly flexible InSe: Machine-learned interatomic potential and continuum model approaches
Authors: Magorrian S. J. , Siddiqui A. , Hine N. D. M.
Published: January 2025

The relaxation of atomic positions to their optimal structural arrangement is crucial for understanding the emergence of new physical behavior in long scale superstructures in twisted bilayers of two-dimensional materials. The amount of deviation from a rigid moiré structure will depend on the elastic properties of the constituent monolayers which, for the twisted bilayer, the more flexible the monolayers are, the lower the energy required to deform the layers to maximize the areas with an energetically optimal interlayer arrangement of atoms. We investigate this atomic reconstruction for twisted bilayers of highly flexible InSe. Results using two methods are demonstrated: first we train a machine-learned interatomic potential (MLIP) to enable fully atomistic relaxations of small-twist-angle large-length-scale moiré supercells while retaining density functional theory (DFT) level accuracy. We find substantial out-of-plane corrugation and in-plane domain formation for a wide range of twist angles and moiré length scales. We then adapt an existing continuum approach and show that it can reproduce some, but not all, features of the fully atomistic calculations.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Unpacking the power of trust: how relative advantage, compatibility, ease of use and usefulness drive hotel self-directed bookings
Authors: Azhar Nur Batrisyia Aza , Zahari Mohd Salehuddin Mohd , Ferdian Feri , Hanafiah Mohd Hafiz
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This paper aims to explore how relative advantages, compatibility, perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness affect hotel room self-directed booking (SDB) behavior, specifically focusing on the mediating role of trust.

Design/methodology/approach

The research utilized the responses of 432 hotel guests, applying an extended technology acceptance model (TAM)− innovation diffusion theory (IDT)−trust framework and using partial least squares structural equation modeling to conduct both direct and indirect path analyses to confirm the study hypotheses.

Findings

Results show that perceived relative advantages, compatibility, usefulness and ease of use of the online booking platform significantly impact guests’ SDB behavior, with trust significantly mediating each of the proposed relationships, highlighting its crucial role in promoting online booking behavior.

Research limitations/implications

This study underscores the importance of SDB providers’ showcasing the benefits and efficiency of online booking systems in influencing consumer decisions, offering new insights into how technological advancements affect SDB behavior in the hotel industry.

Originality/value

By integrating TAM, IDT and trust into an integrated framework, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of the diverse factors influencing hotel guest engagement with SDB, offering practical insights to enhance guest satisfaction with the SDB platform.
Peanut oil price change forecasts through the neural network
Authors: Jin Bingzi , Xu Xiaojie , Zhang Yun
Published: January 2025

Purpose

For a wide range of market actors, including policymakers, forecasting changes in commodity prices is crucial. As one of essential edible oil, peanut oil’s price swings are certainly important to predict. In this paper, the weekly wholesale price index for the period of January 1, 2010 to January 10, 2020 is used to address this specific forecasting challenge for the Chinese market.

Design/methodology/approach

The nonlinear auto-regressive neural network (NAR-NN) model is the forecasting method used. Forecasting performance based on various settings, such as training techniques, delay counts, hidden neuron counts and data segmentation ratios, are assessed to build the final specification.

Findings

With training, validation and testing root mean square errors of 5.89, 4.96 and 5.57, respectively, the final model produces reliable and accurate forecasts. Here, this paper demonstrates the applicability of the NAR-NN approach for commodity price predictions.

Originality/value

On the one hand, the findings may be used as independent technical price movement predictions. Conversely, they may be included in forecast combinations with forecasts derived from other models to form viewpoints of commodity price patterns for policy research.
Numerical research on two typical flow structures and aerodynamic drag characteristics of blunt-nosed trains
Authors: Zhong Sha , Yang Mingzhi , Qian Bosen , Zhang Lei , He Dongqing , Lin Tongtong , Lien Fue-Sang
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aims to provide new insights into aerodynamic drag reduction for increasingly faster blunt-nosed trains, such as urban and freight trains. Specifically, this work investigates two distinctly different wake structures and associated aerodynamic drag of blunt-nosed trains.

Design/methodology/approach

Three typical cases of blunt-nosed trains with 1-, 2- and 3-m nose lengths are selected. The time-averaged and unsteady flow structures around the trains are analyzed using the improved delayed detached eddy simulation model and proper orthogonal decomposition method.

Findings

The simulation results indicate that for 2- and 3-m nose lengths, the flow separates at first and then reattaches to the slanted surface of the tail, with a pair of longitudinal vortices dominating the wake. In contrast, for the 1-m nose length case, the wake structure is characterized by complete separation, attributed to the larger curvature of the slanted tail surface. Consequently, the total time-averaged drag coefficient is reduced by 27.2% and 19.2% for the 1-m nose length case compared to the 2- and 3-m cases, respectively. Moreover, the predominant unsteady structures with Strouhal numbers St = 0.30 and St = 0.28 are detected in the near-wake of the 2- and 3-m nose length cases, respectively. These structures result from periodic vortex shedding at the lower slanted tail surface. In contrast, for the 1-m nose length case, the predominant unsteady structure with St = 0.19 is induced by the nearly periodic expansion and contraction of the upper bubbles.

Originality/value

Two distinctly different wake structures in blunt-nosed trains are identified. Unlike high-speed trains with longer, streamlined noses, for blunt-nosed trains, shorter nose lengths result in lower aerodynamic drag. Insights for reducing energy consumption in blunt-nosed trains are provided.
Corporate misconduct and corporate social responsibility: the roles of CEO incentives and institutional ownership
Authors: Thosuwanchot Nongnapat , Lee Min Suk
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aims to examine why executives increase investments in corporate social responsibility (CSR) as a strategic action to protect their firms’ reputation from the possibility of a contagion effect following CSR-related corporate misconduct in the industry by drawing on an impression management perspective. This study also examines internal and external governance mechanisms as boundary conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample includes panel data of firms listed in the S&P 500 index from 2009 to 2013. The authors used firm fixed-effects models to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results show that recent CSR-related corporate misconduct occurred in other firms, inducing executives to increase investments in CSR. Moreover, internal and external governance mechanisms, which are CEO incentives and institutional ownership, moderated the relationship.

Originality/value

This study contributes to prior literature on the factors influencing CSR at the multilevel of analysis by examining how recent CSR-related corporate misconduct in the industry interacts with corporate governance mechanisms as boundary conditions to influence firm commitment to CSR.
Assembly Graph as the Rosetta Stone of Ecological Assembly
Authors: Song Chuliang
Published: January 2025

Ecological assembly—the process of ecological community formation through species introductions—has recently seen exciting theoretical advancements across dynamical, informational, and probabilistic approaches. However, these theories often remain inaccessible to non‐theoreticians, and they lack a unifying lens. Here, I introduce the assembly graph as an integrative tool to connect these emerging theories. The assembly graph visually represents assembly dynamics, where nodes symbolise species combinations and edges represent transitions driven by species introductions. Through the lens of assembly graphs, I review how ecological processes reduce uncertainty in random species arrivals (informational approach), identify graphical properties that guarantee species coexistence and examine how the class of dynamical models constrain the topology of assembly graphs (dynamical approach), and quantify transition probabilities with incomplete information (probabilistic approach). To facilitate empirical testing, I also review methods to decompose complex assembly graphs into smaller, measurable components, as well as computational tools for deriving empirical assembly graphs. In sum, this math‐light review of theoretical progress aims to catalyse empirical research towards a predictive understanding of ecological assembly.
Broke and Broken: The Crises Facing Local Government in England
Authors: Jeffery David
Published: January 2025

English local government faces a perilous position owing to insufficient funding, structural issues and capacity challenges. Fourteen years of austerity have significantly reduced council budgets, while increased demand for services—particularly adult social care—has strained resources. The current funding system is regressive and fails to incentivise economic growth, and the structure of local government is not fit for purpose due to a focus on unitary authorities, which are sub‐optimal for service delivery. To address these issues, this article proposes a four‐tier system of local government, a more robust funding mechanism and electoral reforms to ensure effective governance and representation.
Deficient Mismatch Repair and BRAF Mutations in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer in the South Island of New Zealand
Authors: Yap Jeremy , Pattison Sharon
Published: January 2025

Aim

Manatū Hauora, the Ministry of Health of New Zealand (NZ), published minimum standards for molecular testing of colorectal cancers (CRCs) in June 2018. These included mismatch repair (MMR) testing at diagnosis and BRAFV600E mutation analysis on newly diagnosed stage IV CRCs. This study aimed to determine the proportion of patients with CRC in the South Island of NZ with metastatic deficient mismatch repair (dMMR) CRC, the proportion of metastatic CRCs and dMMR CRCs that have a BRAFV600E mutation, and audit testing for BRAF mutations and appropriate referral to genetics services.

Methods

People from the South Island with histologically diagnosed colorectal adenocarcinoma between July 1, 2018, and June 30, 2019, were identified by the National Cancer Registry. Data points extracted from the electronic medical record included staging, MMR status, BRAF mutation testing, and genetics referral.

Results

A total of 845 patients met the inclusion criteria; 166 of 845 (19.6%) had dMMR CRC, and of these 130 (78%) had BRAF mutation, 256 patients developed metastatic disease by data cut‐off, 20 (7.8%) had dMMR, and 41 (22.2%) had BRAF mutation. When indicated, 275 of 330 (83.3%) were tested for BRAF mutation and 32 of 45 (71.1%) referred to genetics. Compared with other populations, South Island CRC patients had higher rates of dMMR and BRAF mutation.

Conclusion

Less than 10% of patients (n = 20) had metastatic dMMR CRC. These patients could be considered candidates for immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy, a small number that would not significantly burden the NZ health system if funded. The vast majority of dMMR CRC was sporadic. Rates of testing could be improved.
Medical Futurology: The National Health Service and the Politics of Inevitable Conclusions
Authors: Herrick Clare
Published: January 2025

The history of Britain's National Health Service is a history of crises: staffing shortages; insufficient capital investment; and a lack of infrastructure rendered worse by the absence of the long‐term funding settlements needed to ensure the service's future. The “critical condition” (Darzi 2024:131; https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/independent‐investigation‐of‐the‐nhs‐in‐england) of the NHS in the present makes reflection on the future of the health service essential and unavoidable. However, the NHS is characterised by “forms of inertia” (Powell 1966:73; A New Look at Politics and Medicine) that, even as public dissatisfaction hits record levels, consistently undermines arguments for necessary change. Drawing on the example of workforce planning, I examine how efforts to imagine the future of and a future for the NHS have taken three forms: planned; tethered (to the past); and resisted. In this, I draw out why the NHS as an institution needs to be more central to radical geographical agendas and why geographers should be engaged in its future.
Critical Steps in Shotgun Metagenomics‐Based Diagnosis of Bloodstream Infections Using Nanopore Sequencing
Authors: Björnberg Amelia , Nestor David , Peker Nilay , Sinha Bhanu , Couto Natacha , Rossen John , Sundqvist Martin , Mölling Paula
Published: January 2025

Shotgun metagenomics offers a broad detection of pathogens for rapid blood stream infection of pathogens but struggles with often low numbers of pathogens combined with high levels of human background DNA in clinical samples. This study aimed to develop a shotgun metagenomics protocol using blood spiked with various bacteria and to assess bacterial DNA extraction efficiency with human DNA depletion. The Blood Pathogen Kit (Molzym) was used to extract DNA from EDTA‐whole blood (WB) and plasma samples, using contrived blood specimens spiked with bacteria for shotgun metagenomics diagnostics via Oxford Nanopore sequencing and PCR‐based library preparation. Results showed that bacterial reads were higher in WB than plasma. Differences for Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae were more pronounced compared to Escherichia coli. Plasma samples exhibited better method reproducibility, with more consistent droplet digital PCR results for human DNA. The study found that extraction was more efficient for Gram‐positive bacteria than Gram‐negative, suggesting that the human DNA depletion exerts a negative effect on Gram‐negative bacteria. Overall, shotgun metagenomics needs further optimisation to improve bacterial DNA recovery and enhance pathogen detection sensitivity. This study highlights some critical steps in the methodology of shotgun metagenomic‐based diagnosis of blood stream infections using Nanopore sequencing.
Towards a unified approach in managing resistance to vaccines, drugs, and pesticides
Authors: Alyokhin Andrei V. , Rosenthal Benjamin M. , Weber Donald C. , Baker Mitchell B.
Published: January 2025

Everywhere, pests and pathogens evolve resistance to our control efforts, impairing human health and welfare. Developing sustainable solutions to this problem requires working with evolved immune and ecological systems, rather than against these evolutionary forces. We advocate a transdisciplinary approach to resistance based on an evolutionary foundation informed by the concepts of integrated pest management and One Health. Diverse, multimodal management approaches create a more challenging environment for the evolution of resistance. Given our permanent evolutionary and ecological relationships with pests and pathogens, responses to most biological threats to health and agriculture should seek sustainable harm reduction rather than eradication.
Non‐native species have higher consumption rates than their native counterparts
Authors: Faria Larissa , Cuthbert Ross N. , Dickey James W. E. , Jeschke Jonathan M. , Ricciardi Anthony , Dick Jaimie T. A. , Vitule Jean R. S.
Published: January 2025

Non‐native species can be major drivers of ecosystem alteration, especially through changes in trophic interactions. Successful non‐native species have been predicted to have greater resource use efficiency relative to trophically analogous native species (the Resource Consumption Hypothesis), but rigorous evidence remains equivocal. Here, we tested this proposition quantitatively in a global meta‐analysis of comparative functional response studies. We calculated the log response ratio of paired non‐native and native species functional responses, using attack rate and maximum consumption rate parameters as response variables. Explanatory variables were consumer taxonomic group and functional feeding group, habitat, native assemblage latitude, and non‐native species taxonomic distinctiveness. Maximum consumption rates for non‐native species were 70% higher, on average, than those of their native counterparts; attack rates also tended to be higher, but not significantly so. The magnitude of maximum consumption rate effect sizes varied with consumer taxonomic group and functional feeding group, being highest in favour of non‐natives for molluscs and herbivores. Consumption rate differences between non‐native and native species tended to be greater for freshwater taxa, perhaps reflecting sensitivity of insular freshwater food webs to novel consumers; this pattern needs to be explored further as additional data are obtained from terrestrial and marine ecosystems. In general, our results support the Resource Consumption Hypothesis, which can partly explain how successful non‐native species can reduce native resource populations and restructure food webs.
Debate: Where to next for universal school‐based mental health interventions? The value of student voices in informing the design and implementation of universal school‐based mental health interventions
Authors: Carter Emma
Published: January 2025

Universal school‐based mental health interventions present a promising approach to addressing youth mental health challenges; however, evidence suggests their effectiveness is often limited and unsustained. One contributing factor to this issue is the frequent superficial involvement of students in the design, implementation and evaluation of initiatives. In response, this paper advocates for the urgent prioritisation of student voice within these programmes, using in‐depth and purposive qualitative approaches that empower youth to actively co‐create and shape interventions. Research highlights that incorporating student voice can yield vital insights into what is effective and ineffective in programmes, particularly for marginalised groups. Moreover, engaging students in co‐designing methodologies that help amplify their voices ensures research processes are better aligned with their needs and preferences, fostering greater ownership and improved outcomes. This shift, which repositions students as active collaborators rather than passive recipients, has the potential to enhance both the effectiveness and equity of initiatives.
Local Climatic Effects on Colonisation and Extinction Drive Changes in Mountain Butterfly Communities
Authors: Ursul Guim , Mingarro Mario , Castro‐Cobo Sara , Cancela Juan Pablo , Romo Helena , Wilson Robert J.
Published: January 2025

Aim

The capacity of cool refugia to protect cold‐adapted species against climate change may depend on both their initial climatic conditions and how quickly these change. We test how local climatic conditions influence mountain butterfly communities via their effects on colonisation and local extinction.

Location

Four mountain ranges in Central Spain.

Methods

We used community temperature index (CTI), based on the climatic niches of constituent species (species temperature index, STI), to estimate thermal affinities for butterfly communities sampled in 1984–2005 to 2017–2022. We related CTI to local temperature, estimated using the model Microclima, and tested for changes to local temperature and CTI over time. We used standard deviation in CTI (CTISD) and species richness to detect effects of colonisation and local extinction on community change. Finally, we tested for differences in thermal affinity and thermal niche breadth (STISD) between species undergoing local extinction or colonisation at each site.

Results

CTI was positively related to local temperature in both periods. However, there were regional differences in rates of change in CTI and local temperature. CTI increased overall, even though temperatures decreased at many sites; and CTI increases were greatest in historically cool sites. Neither CTISD nor species richness changed overall, suggesting that communities experienced equivalent numbers of colonisations and extinctions. Colonising species had warmer thermal affinities than those undergoing local extinction, and species with broader thermal niches increased their occupancy most over time.

Main Conclusions

Local climatic conditions influenced changes to community composition based on species thermal tolerances, resulting in the loss of communities where cool‐affinity species predominated, and a narrower range of community thermal affinities overall. Our results suggest that a regional perspective to identifying climate change refugia is needed to provide a wide range of local climate conditions and rates of change to help adapt conservation to climate change.
Indirect Effects and Context Dependency in Stream Fish Invasions
Authors: Annis William K. , Thompson Lily M. , Midway Stephen R. , Olden Julian D. , Peoples Brandon K.
Published: January 2025

Aim

Invasion ecology is replete with a body of well‐supported yet contradictory evidence for numerous invasion hypotheses, likely as a result of context dependency. Context dependency in invasion studies can arise in two ways: (1) apparent, when results differ between studies solely due to methodical differences, or (2) mechanistic, when results truly differ due to ecological processes. One form of apparent context dependency occurs when causally linked factors associated with invasion success (hereafter, invasion drivers) either mask or enhance each other's effect on invasion success. Mechanistic context dependency can occur when regional scale processes modify the influence of local scale invasion processes. Together, apparent and mechanistic context dependency likely give rise to conflicting support between invasion hypotheses via confounding effects of causally related invasion drivers and region‐specific invasion processes.

Location

2339 stream segments in two ecoregions of the United States.

Methods

Using local scale stream fish community data for two distinct ecoregions, we constructed identical path models to estimate the direct and indirect effects of invasion drivers on nonnative richness. We chose one variable to index invasion drivers from each of the following categories: propagule pressure, natural abiotic, anthropogenic abiotic and biotic factors.

Results

We found evidence of apparent context dependency through the presence of indirect effects, in which the effects of propagule pressure and biotic factors on nonnative richness were modulated by abiotic factors. The indirect effects of invasion drivers differed between both regions, providing evidence of mechanistic context dependency.

Main Conclusions

Apparent and mechanistic context dependency can lead to conflicting evidence between studies of invasion hypotheses. Accounting for indirect effects of invasion drivers is important in gaining a more general understanding of the invasion process. Furthermore, because indirect effects varied regionally, it is important to understand the large‐scale processes that contextualise local invasion processes.
Long‐term blood glucose control via glucose‐activated transcriptional regulation of insulin analogue in type 1 diabetes mice
Authors: Lu Wanling , Xie Lifang , Zhang Yanhan , Gao Hong , Geng David , Xie Chunguang , Liu Ming , Wang Gang
Published: January 2025

Aim

To achieve glucose‐activated transcriptional regulation of insulin analogue in skeletal muscle of T1D mice, thereby controlling blood glucose levels and preventing or mitigating diabetes‐related complications.

Materials and Methods

We developed the GANIT (Glucose‐Activated NFAT‐regulated INSA‐F Transcription) system, an innovative platform building upon the previously established intramuscular plasmid DNA (pDNA) delivery and expression system. In the GANIT system, skeletal muscle cells are genetically engineered to endogenously produce the insulin analogue INSA‐F (Insulin Aspart with Furin cleavage sites). The transcription of INSA‐F is precisely controlled by a glucose‐responsive promoter containing NFAT (Nuclear Factor of Activated T‐cells) regulatory motifs, which can be activated in response to changes in extracellular glucose concentrations. This design enables glucose‐dependent regulation of insulin analogue expression, mimicking physiological glucose‐responsive insulin secretion.

Results

T1D mice that received two GANIT treatments over a 2‐month experimental period demonstrated significant improvements in glucose homeostasis, glucose tolerance and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. Additionally, the treatment effectively reduced oxidative stress and alleviated cardiac and renal fibrosis, while maintaining a favourable biosafety profile.

Conclusion

The GANIT system provides significant advantages in terms of efficiency, convenience and cost‐effectiveness, making it a promising approach for regulating blood glucose levels and alleviating diabetes‐related complications in insulin‐deficient diabetes.
Evaluating migration hypotheses for the extinct Glyptotherium using ecological niche modeling
Authors: Magoulick Katherine M. , Saupe Erin E. , Farnsworth Alexander , Valdes Paul J. , Marshall Charles R.
Published: January 2025

The formation of the Isthmus of Panama allowed for migrations between the once separated continents of North and South America. This led to one of the greatest documented interchanges of biota in Earth history, wherein an array of species across many groups migrated between the continents. Glyptotherium, a giant extinct armadillo‐like grazer, is an example of a taxon that likely originated in South America and migrated to North America. Here we use Ecological niche modeling to test the extent of suitable conditions for Glyptotherium in Central America and surrounding regions during the intervals when the taxon is thought to have dispersed, allowing for assessment of plausible migration routes and the hypothesis that the genus migrated from North America back to South America during the Rancholabrean (14 000–240 000 years ago). Our niche modeling results show suitable abiotic conditions for Glyptotherium in Central America and the surrounding area throughout the Plio‐Pleistocene, with western South America (the ‘high road') suggested as their ancestors' route northwards. Depending on the extent of suitable conditions, it may have been possible for Glyptotherium to return to South America during the Rancholabrean. The results support previous hypotheses that the range of Glyptotherium was constrained by the need for warm, wet environments.
Integrating food webs in species distribution models can improve ecological niche estimation and predictions
Authors: Poggiato Giovanni , Andréoletti Jérémy , Pollock Laura J. , Thuiller Wilfried
Published: January 2025

Biotic interactions play a fundamental role in shaping multitrophic species communities, yet incorporating these interactions into species distribution models (SDMs) remains challenging. With the growing availability of species interaction networks, it is now feasible to integrate these interactions into SDMs for more comprehensive predictions. Here, we propose a novel framework that combines trophic interaction networks with Bayesian structural equation models, enabling each species to be modeled based on its interactions with predators or prey alongside environmental factors. This framework addresses issues of multicollinearity and error propagation, making it possible to predict species distributions in unobserved locations or under future environmental conditions, even when prey or predator distributions are unknown. We tested and validated our framework on realistic simulated communities spanning different theoretical models and ecological setups. scenarios. Our approach significantly improved the estimation of both potential and realized niches compared to single SDMs, with mean performance gains of 8% and 6%, respectively. These improvements were especially notable for species strongly regulated by biotic factors, thereby enhancing model predictive accuracy. Our framework supports integration with various SDM extensions, such as occupancy and integrated models, offering flexibility and adaptability for future developments. While not a universal solution that consistently outperforms single SDMs, our approach provides a valuable new tool for modeling multitrophic community distributions when biotic interactions are known or assumed.
Exploring Metaheuristic Optimization Algorithms in the Context of Textual Cyberharassment: A Systematic Review
Authors: Shannaq Fatima , Shehab Mohammad , Alshorman Areej , Hammad Mahmoud , Hammo Bassam , Al‐Omari Wala'a
Published: January 2025

The digital landscape and rapid advancement of Information and Communication Technology have significantly increased social interactions, but it has also led to a rise in harmful behaviours such as offensive language, cyberbullying, and HS. Addressing online harassment is critical due to its severe consequences. This study offers a comprehensive evaluation of existing studies that employed metaheuristic optimization algorithms for detecting textual harassment content across social media platforms, highlighting their strengths and limitations. Using the PRISMA methodology, we reviewed and analysed 271 research papers, ultimately narrowing down the selection to 36 papers based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. By analysing key factors such as optimization techniques, feature engineering strategies, and dataset characteristics, we identify crucial trends and challenges in the field. Finally, we offer practical recommendations to improve the accuracy of predictive models, including adopting hybrid approaches, enhancing multilingual capabilities, and expanding models to operate effectively across various social media platforms.
The Importance of Luck in Executive Promotion Tournaments: Theory and Evidence
Authors: DeVaro Jed , Fung Scott
Published: January 2025

We empirically test whether executives’ increases in base salary when promoted to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) result from the wage bids of competing firms (i.e., “market‐based tournaments”) or from the strategic choices of the firm's board of directors to elicit optimal executive incentives (i.e., “classic tournaments”). Our test emphasizes the effect of the “importance of luck” (i.e., the variance of luck) on the pay raises that accompany promotion. Specifically, we focus on how that effect differs between the two types of tournaments. An estimated negative relationship between the importance of luck and the executive salary spread supports market‐based tournaments, whereas a positive relationship supports classic tournaments. The results are non‐monotonic in firm size. Executive tournaments in both the bottom 13% of firms (i.e., total assets below $376 million) and the top 2.5% of firms (i.e., total assets above $112 billion) are more consistent with classic tournaments, whereas the nearly 85% in the middle of the distribution of firm size are more consistent with market‐based tournaments. Also, controlling for firm size, highly concentrated product markets are more consistent with market‐based tournaments. Extending market‐based tournament theory to allow executives to choose the luck variance reveals that executives infuse their tournaments with a high luck variance, which lowers the expected pay differential and depresses incentives.
Using Multilabel Neural Network to Score High‐Dimensional Assessments for Different Use Foci: An Example with College Major Preference Assessment
Authors: Hu Shun‐Fu , Wu Amery D. , Stone Jake
Published: January 2025

Scoring high‐dimensional assessments (e.g., > 15 traits) can be a challenging task. This paper introduces the multilabel neural network (MNN) as a scoring method for high‐dimensional assessments. Additionally, it demonstrates how MNN can score the same test responses to maximize different performance metrics, such as accuracy, recall, or precision, to suit users' varying needs. These two objectives are illustrated with an example of scoring the short version of the College Majors Preference assessment (Short CMPA) to match the results of whether the 50 college majors would be in one's top three, as determined by the Long CMPA. The results reveal that MNN significantly outperforms the simple‐sum ranking method (i.e., ranking the 50 majors' subscale scores) in targeting recall (.95 vs. .68) and precision (.53 vs. .38), while gaining an additional 3% in accuracy (.94 vs. .91). These findings suggest that, when executed properly, MNN can be a flexible and practical tool for scoring numerous traits and addressing various use foci.
The Development of Intelligent Film From Crosslinked–Acylation Cassava Starch and Purple Sweet Potato Anthocyanin for Monitoring Indian Mackerel Fish Freshness
Authors: Handayani Noer Abyor , Purbasari Aprilina , Sumardiono Siswo , Fatikah Alfan Fatir , Nurrudina Fahma
Published: January 2025

Edible coatings and films have gained significant interest due to their ability to extend the shelf life of fresh products. This research aimed to develop a novel indicator film using crosslinked–stearic acid acylation‐modified cassava starch and anthocyanin extracts, both of which can be utilized to create solid matrices that are safe for consumption. The physical properties of the films improved with the use of modified starch, exhibiting a stronger tensile strength (from 0.96 to 1.02 MPa). Additionally, flexibility increased from 121% to 129%, and the water vapor transmission rate was significantly reduced from 5.86 to 1.79 g/m2/h. Anthocyanin extracts also contributed to improvements in flexibility and reductions in water vapor transmission rate. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis indicated an increase in the film's thermal stability, with a transition temperature shifting from 276°C to 299°C, attributing to changes in the starch characteristics following modification. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed alterations in the molecular interactions between the CH and CC groups. The application of these edible films for storing and monitoring Indian mackerel fish meat demonstrated consistent results, particularly in terms of color change due to an increase in pH levels (from 7 to 8.5 over 2 days). Furthermore, TVB‐N levels in fish meat covered with the edible film were successfully reduced from 71 to 46 mg/100 g over the same period. These findings indicate that the films can function as intelligent food packaging, possessing antioxidant properties beneficial for human health while being biodegradable, thus reducing their environmental impact.
ESG Performance, Environmental Uncertainty, and Firm Risk
Authors: Liu Ethan Xin , Song Yuan
Published: January 2025

The growing concern over sustainable development has raised critical questions about the role of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance in shaping organizational outcomes. While prior research underscores the importance of ESG, there is limited understanding of its impact on firm risk, particularly under varying levels of environmental uncertainty. Using a data set of 9201 observations from Chinese listed companies on the Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges from 2006 to 2022, this study investigates how ESG performance influences firm risk and the moderating effect of environmental uncertainty. Our findings reveal that ESG performance reduces firm risk by lowering environmental penalties, easing financing constraints, enhancing corporate reputation, and improving access to government subsidies. Additionally, environmental uncertainty strengthens the negative impact of ESG performance on firm risk. These results highlight the critical role of ESG performance in mitigating corporate risk and offer practical implications for firms, investors, and policymakers seeking to align corporate strategies with sustainable economic development goals.
Helping Postdivorce Families Enhance Parent–Child Relationships: Clinical Applications to Effectively Help Divorced Parents Appropriately Communicate Their New Romance With Children
Authors: Kang Youngjin , Nielson Tiffany
Published: January 2025

Parental separation itself may be painful for both divorcing parents and children; however, this may not be the only stressful event in family structure among postdivorce families. Most divorced parents may start seeking a new romantic relationship before, during, and/or soon after their divorce or separation is finalized. Given that postdivorce dating may develop as a meaningful, stable, and supportive family tie, such as a stepparent–stepchild relationship, parents must communicate their new relationship with children if this relationship trajectory is anticipated. However, few guidelines based on empirical evidence are available regarding how to appropriately share their postdivorce dating. An overview of the literature on divorced parents' new dating and their communication about this topic with children is provided. Best practices and innovative therapeutic approaches are discussed that are grounded in processes to foster family resilience that practitioners can utilize to better facilitate healthy and positive parent–child communication and family relationships.