bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A “data‐for‐decisions” management system to facilitate cost‐efficiency in conservation interventions
Authors: Guerrero‐Pineda Camila , Gerber Leah R. , Sangolquí Paola , Chafla Javier , Iacona Gwenllian D.
Published: February 2025

Conservation practice is chronically hindered by scarce financial resources. Thus, understanding the relationship between the costs and outcomes of conservation interventions is critical to efficiently maximize conservation benefits. Data on the costs of conservation interventions are necessary for such analyses but are rarely reported at the appropriate scale. To support managers in deciding how to invest in a way that maximizes conservation outcomes, we developed a data management structure that allows managers to pair expenditure records with measurements of intervention outcomes, following a theory of change. To overcome the common issues that conservation scientists and practitioners face when estimating costs and guide the accumulation of data that is appropriate for decision support, we present a new data management system that guides users in incorporating cost data. We demonstrate the application of our approach by applying the data management structure within the red spiny lobster fishery in the Galápagos Marine Reserve. We implement the structure in an Excel workbook that tracks the costs and outcomes of actions prescribed by the theory of change. By synthesizing data in a consistent manner across different interventions, our results help conservation managers to identify ways to minimize cost, justify budgets, and compare strategies over time to make better decisions. Our “data‐for‐decisions” management system enables the conservation community to efficiently use knowledge of past experiences to inform future decisions that can maximize conservation benefits.
Too Risky for Businesses?—Examining the Relationship Between Crime and Firm Registrations in India
Authors: Biswas Shreya , Jain Ritika
Published: February 2025

The study examines the relationship between crime and firm entry in India. Using district‐level data for a decade, we find that an increase in crime is related to fewer firms registering in the district. The results are robust to estimation approaches that address the endogeneity related to crime variable. We also explore the pathways through which crime negatively affects firm entry in India. We provide suggestive evidence in favour of a fall in demand caused by the lower income of existing firms in the market as one of the reasons why crime lowers firm entry. Additionally, we show that fear of victimisation is also a possible channel that drives the negative relationship between crime and firm entry. However, we do not find any evidence that crime increases the expenses incurred by existing firms. The findings have important policy implications in terms of the importance of a stable environment for firm entry.
First Report of Bacteria Associated With Bleeding Cankers on Oak Trees in Serbia
Authors: Tkaczyk Miłosz , Sikora Katarzyna , Milenković Ivan
Published: February 2025

The aim of this study was to confirm the presence of bacteria that are partly responsible for the oak dieback phenomenon, known as Acute Oak Decline, in Serbia. Seventeen symptomatic oak trees (both Quercus robur and Quercus cerris) were sampled in April 2024 and analysed using multiplex real‐time PCR. Brenneria goodwinii was detected in one tree from Morović, whereas Gibbsiella quercinecans was found in two trees from Morović and Progar. This is the first report of these bacteria in Serbia, despite bioclimatic models predicting a low likelihood of their presence in the Balkans. Our results indicate the presence of oak dieback bacteria in areas where they have not yet been reported, highlighting the need for increased research and awareness of bacterial diseases in forest trees.
A Latent Profile Analysis of Psychosis Symptoms to Examine Distress and Depression as Pathways to Suicide Ideation Among Individuals in an Early Phase of Psychosis Illness
Authors: Bornheimer Lindsay A. , Brdar Nicholas M. , Lapidos Adrienne , Kelter Alexandra N. , Miner Chloe , Grogan‐Kaylor Andrew
Published: February 2025

Background

Suicide rates are high among individuals in first episode psychosis and there is a critical need to better understand drivers of suicide risk to inform treatment efforts. This study identified profiles of psychosis symptoms and examined a mediation model of depression and distress as mechanisms in the relationships between psychosis symptoms and suicide ideation by latent profiles.

Methods

Data were obtained from the Human Connectome Project for Early Psychosis (n = 166) of individuals between 16 and 35 years of age who had onset of affective or non‐affective psychosis within 5 years of consent. Data were analysed using Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) and Structural Equation Modelling in MPlus.

Results

LPA revealed the following groups: (1) relatively lower and more balanced levels of symptoms, (2) highest positive and general symptoms and (3) highest negative symptoms. Findings indicated the relationships in the model differed between by LPA groups. Distress and depression functioned as mediators between psychosis symptoms and suicide ideation for Groups 1 and 2.

Conclusions

A better understanding of the roles that distress and depression play in the relationships between psychosis symptoms and suicide ideation can help inform modifiable targets of early intervention and subsequently decrease risk for suicide.
Crop Rotation With Ley and Nitrogen Fertilisation Reduced Soil Carbon Loss in Three Swedish Long‐Term Field Experiments
Authors: Lang Rong , Bolinder Martin A. , Börjesson Gunnar , Kätterer Thomas
Published: February 2025

Increasing soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks by improving cropland management practices has great potential to mitigate climate change. Long‐term field experiments (LTEs) are valuable to study management effects on soil properties and crop yield. Yet most LTE studies are limited to the topsoil, and farming systems integrating multiple management strategies are often not assessed. This study used three Swedish LTEs to assess the effects of crop rotations and fertilisation on SOC changes. One arable rotation with only annual crops and a ley rotation with annuals, perennial ley and receiving manure were investigated at different application rates of mineral fertilisers. We analysed changes in SOC content and the distribution of SOC content and stocks at multiple soil depths, calculated C inputs and used phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs) to evaluate how management practices affected SOC in relation to C inputs and microbial communities. Both systems lost carbon in the 0–20 cm topsoil from 1966 to 2019 across sites, but the sandy site lost more than the clayey sites. The ley rotation and nitrogen (N) fertilisation reduced carbon losses. In 2019, SOC stocks in the top 25 cm soil were 3.3 ± 1.6 Mg C ha−1 higher in the ley rotation compared with arable rotation and 2.9 ± 1.6 Mg C ha−1 higher with N fertilisation at the highest rate compared with no N fertilisation. However, the positive effects decreased with depth and became negative at some depths. As a result, differences in SOC stocks to an equivalent depth of 60 cm declined to 0.6 ± 2.4 Mg C ha−1 for rotations and to 1.0 ± 2.4 Mg C ha−1 for N fertilisation. The ley rotation had significantly higher belowground C inputs than the arable rotation, and belowground C inputs were highly associated with changes in SOC. Compared with the arable rotation, total PLFAs, bacterial PLFAs and the ratio of bacteria to fungi in topsoil were significantly higher in the ley rotation, partly attributed to manure application. Our study supports the beneficial effects of leys and manure amendments on SOC compared with systems with only annual crops. It also highlights the risk of losing SOC in the subsoil, especially under mineral N fertilisation. Site characteristics helped to explain the large variation, which must be considered when developing local strategies for SOC accrual in cropland.
Demographic Characteristics and Parenthood Across Three Cohorts of Sexual Minority Adults
Authors: Simon Kay A. , Meslay Gaëlle , Farr Rachel H. , Russell Stephen T.
Published: February 2025

As measurement of sexual minority (SM) people's demographic characteristics has evolved over time, it is of interest to understand how identity intersections within SM communities, such as SM parents, have also changed. The current study aimed to investigate how SM parents may or may not differ in demographic characteristics from SM childfree adults and how the demographic characteristics of SM parents may differ across three cohorts. Participants could be part of one of three age cohorts, with each cohort reflecting distinct historic or cultural events related to LGBTQ+ people's experiences. We used data from a national probability study of 1502 SM adults conducted between 2016 and 2017 to compare demographic characteristics by parent and cohort status. SM parents (n = 297) and childfree adults differed in sexual and gender identity, relationship status, educational attainment, urbanicity, and poverty status. There were differences among SM parents based on cohort status in sexual and gender identity, partner status (and gender of the partner), educational attainment, poverty status, and urbanicity. However, there were no differences based on racial/ethnic identity or geographic region among SM parents. This work contributes to the ongoing literature on SM parent families by providing a view of the ways in which SM parents have, and have not, changed demographically over time in the United States.
Estrogen synthesized in the central nervous system enhances MC4R expression and reduces food intake
Authors: Hayashi Takanori , Kumamoto Kanako , Kobayashi Tatsuya , Hou Xinfeng , Nagao Shizuko , Harada Nobuhiro , Honda Shinichiro , Shimono Yohei , Nishio Eiji
Published: February 2025

Estrogen is synthesized throughout various tissues in the body, and its production is regulated by the rate‐limiting enzyme aromatase (encoded by the Cyp19a1 gene). Notably, aromatase is also expressed in central nervous system cells, allowing for localized estrogen synthesis in regions such as the hypothalamus. Estrogens produced within these neurons are referred to as neuroestrogens. In this study, we investigated the role of neuroestrogens in the regulation of appetite through modulation of hypothalamic pathways in OVX, ArKO, and aromatase‐restored mice. Estrogen suppresses appetite by influencing the expression of appetite‐regulating peptides, including POMC and NPY, via MC4R. We explored the direct effects of neuroestrogens, independent from ovarian estrogen, on appetite suppression and the underlying molecular mechanisms. We monitored body weight and food intake and evaluated the expression of Cyp19a1, Mc4r, and other appetite‐related genes. Our findings indicate that OVX and ArKO mice exhibited increased body weight and food consumption, which correlated with altered expression of Mc4r and Cyp19a1. Conversely, restoration of Cyp19a1 expression in a neuron specific manner significantly decreased food intake and increased Mc4r expression in the hypothalamus. Furthermore, neuroestrogens enhanced leptin responsiveness. Our results imply that neuroestrogens likely contribute to appetite regulation and may be relevant for body weight reduction.
Host Species–Microbiome Interactions Contribute to Sphagnum Moss Growth Acclimation to Warming
Authors: Živković Tatjana , Carrell Alyssa A. , Granath Gustaf , Shaw A. Jonathan , Pelletier Dale A. , Schadt Christopher W. , Klingeman Dawn M. , Nilsson Mats B. , Helbig Manuel , Warshan Denis , Klarenberg Ingeborg J. , Gilbert Daniel , Kostka Joel E. , Weston David J.
Published: February 2025

Sphagnum moss is the dominant plant genus in northern peatlands responsible for long‐term carbon accumulation. Sphagnum hosts diverse microbial communities (microbiomes), and its phytobiome (plant host + constituent microbiome + environment) plays a key role in nutrient acquisition along with carbon cycling. Climate change can modify the Sphagnum‐associated microbiome, resulting in enhanced host growth and thermal acclimation as previously shown in warming experiments. However, the extent of microbiome benefits to the host and the influence of host–microbe specificity on Sphagnum thermal acclimation remain unclear. Here, we extracted Sphagnum microbiomes from five donor species of four peatland warming experiments across a latitudinal gradient and applied those microbiomes to three germ‐free Sphagnum species grown across a range of temperatures in the laboratory. Using this experimental system, we test if Sphagnum's growth response to warming depends on the donor and/or recipient host species, and we determine how the microbiome's growth conditions in the field affect Sphagnum host growth across a range of temperatures in the laboratory. After 4 weeks, we found that the highest growth rate of recipient Sphagnum was observed in treatments of matched host–microbiome pairs, with rates approximately 50% and 250% higher in comparison to maximum growth rates of non‐matched host–microbiome pairs and germ‐free Sphagnum, respectively. We also found that the maximum growth rate of host–microbiome pairs was reached when treatment temperatures were close to the microbiome's native temperatures. Our study shows that Sphagnum's growth acclimation to temperature is partially controlled by its constituent microbiome. Strong Sphagnum host–microbiome species specificity indicates the existence of underlying, unknown physiological mechanisms that may drive Sphagnum's ability to acclimatize to elevated temperatures. Together with rapid acclimation of the microbiome to warming, these specific microbiome–plant associations have the potential to enhance peatland resilience in the face of climate change.
Supermarketisation, Agro‐Industrial Concentration and the Food System's Shrinking Interstices: Insights From South African Agro‐Processing
Authors: Bowman Andrew
Published: February 2025

We analyse processes of supermarketisation in South Africa and its implications for inclusion, exclusion and industrial concentration in the mid‐sections of agri‐food value chains. Empirical material from maize processing shows differentiated impacts accompanying major retailers’ growing power and extended reach into the food system's township and rural peripheries. Large firms’ co‐evolutionary adaptations and constitutive power counteract supermarket buyer power. Smaller firms struggle with adverse incorporation in supermarket supply chains, relying instead on strategies targeting independent wholesale and the informal retail economy. However, this carries major risks, requires complex capabilities and is increasingly threatened by market delocalisation accompanying supermarketisation. Contrary to expectations of retail modernisation enabling inclusive agri‐food value chain development by connecting marginalised rural producers to larger urban markets, we highlight the potential for inverse processes whereby ‘peripheral supermarketisation’ extends the reach of large firms in rural markets and shrinks the ‘interstices’ incubating small agri‐food producers.
Mastering the formulation of an unstable vitamin C (VC) as anti‐aging skin care ingredient. Part I: A new approach
Authors: Isoir‐Ingrez Muriel , Falip Anne , Yousfi Naima , Arnaud‐Sebillotte Laurence , Biatry Bruno , Leroy Florence , Wang Pamella H. , Simonnet Jean‐Thierry
Published: February 2025

Objective

To develop a stabilized 12% pure Vitamin C‐based serum at a pH close to that of the skin for use in anti‐aging.

Material and Methods

At acidic pH (<3), under oxidative conditions, the ascorbate anionic form of VC rapidly undergoes transformations leading to a Xylosone by‐product, resulting in important chemical losses of VC. Buffering the ascorbate anionic moiety with alkaline agents largely decreases its transformation and the loss of VC. The use of a cationic polymer (Polyquaternium 67, PQ67) enables binding of the ascorbate anion by creating an ionic network, at pH 6 and slows down the slight yellowing of the serum.

Results

By exposing this complex to a temperature of 45°C for a two‐month period, more acceptable degradation was obtained, with less VC chemical loss (approx. 5%–10%). Although a slight yellowish colour developed, it was found non redhibitory through consumer tests. As a result, such combination still leaves an important concentration of pure VC (over 10%) likely able to express its efficacy as anti‐aging ingredient. Further refinements of this association were performed to reach adequate organoleptic properties of the formula, in view of a future clinical test, as proof of performance of VC efficacy at pH 6.

Conclusion

The stabilized formulation of VC at a pH close to that of the skin, apt at being tested in vivo, offers new possibilities for skin anti‐aging routines strategy, by avoiding too acidic conditions (∼pH 3 or below) in daily use cosmetics and thereby allowing better tolerance and an increased adherence of the consumers.
The Adoption of Green Technologies in Indonesia: Shrimp Farmers' Facebook Group as an Online Community of Practice
Authors: Pratiwi Ayu , Lee Guenwoo , Farikhah  , Kettunen Erja
Published: February 2025

This study contributes to literature on learning pathways and agricultural innovation diffusion by exploring the use of a virtual platform on the adoption of green technologies in a global South context. The case depicts online learning within a significant food system in Southeast Asia, Indonesian shrimp farming, and focuses on the dissemination of innovation within an online group. Based on a data set of 1059 shrimp farmers, we investigate the effects of membership in the Indonesian Vannamei Shrimp Communities (KUVI), a prominent Online Community of Practice (OCoP) on Facebook. We compare the adoption of green technologies between KUVI members and non‐members, and focus on how learning takes place in KUVI and how it influences technology adoption by shrimp farmers engaged in traditional extensive farming characterized by low stock density and minimal infrastructure, and those involved in more advanced intensive farming with higher stock densities and more advanced infrastructure. We find that KUVI members expanded their information sources on shrimp cultivation and significantly gained new information compared to non‐members, leading to the adoption of green technologies that address a major farming issue namely the prevention of shrimp disease. Since information in KUVI is codified rather than tacit, we also find differences between the two types of farming: KUVI members in extensive farming adopted context‐dependent technologies to cope with climate issues, while intensive farmers' environmentally friendly practices were more precise and strongly related to shrimp quality and productivity. The results indicate that not all agricultural information can be effectively disseminated using virtual platforms, as users have different cognitive capacities to absorb the information. Thus some practices still require experience and tacit knowledge from physical peers to be properly implemented.
Stream Co‐Occurrence Networks Depend on Spatial Extent, Environmental Conditions and Organismal Group
Authors: Budnick William R. , Mruzek Joseph L. , Larson Chad A. , Leboucher Thibault , Passy Sophia I.
Published: February 2025

Aim

Co‐occurrence networks can be described in terms of topology (i.e., size and connectance) and node degree distribution (NDD). The NDD represents the frequency distribution of nodes (species) with k number of connections (degree). The shape of the NDD, single‐scale, scale‐free (power‐law) or broad‐scale, reveals if there are species with many connections to other species (high‐degree nodes), which may have important ecological functions. However, it remains unknown how spatial extent and environmental conditions impact network topology and the NDD shape and whether these relationships depend on species dispersal capacity.

Location

Continental United States of America.

Taxa

Stream diatoms and fish.

Methods

We constructed landscape windows ranging in spatial extent from 160,000 to 2,560,000 km2. For each window, we calculated environmental heterogeneity and median environmental conditions and generated correlation‐based co‐occurrence networks. We evaluated the topology and NDD shape of each network. To each NDD, we fit six statistical models, classified as single‐scale, power‐law or broad‐scale. Contingency table analysis, redundancy analyses and variance partitioning tested the sources of variability in network topology and/or NDD shape.

Results

The NDDs were almost exclusively fit either by single‐scale + broad‐scale models or broad‐scale models. As spatial extent increased, network size increased, connectance decreased, and the NDD shifted in an organism‐specific manner. In both groups, network responses to spatial extent were attributed primarily to variability in climatic heterogeneity followed by urban development in diatoms.

Main Conclusions

Spatial extent determined co‐occurrence network properties primarily via climatic and land use factors. Broad‐scale NDDs, indicating the presence of high‐degree nodes, were more common in the well‐dispersed diatoms than in the more poorly dispersing fish. Furthermore, these NDDs increased in frequency with spatial extent and climatic heterogeneity in diatoms but decreased in fish. High‐degree nodes are likely climatic generalists in diatoms but keystone or more dispersive species in fish.
The Innovative Roles of Supply Chain Finance Platforms in Generating Competitive Advantage
Authors: Wang Chenyu , Wang Wei , Li Shuting , Chen Xiangfeng
Published: February 2025

Supply chain finance (SCF) platforms have become increasingly important in providing financial services within supply chains. However, their role in creating competitive advantage is not well understood. This paper presents findings from an in‐depth multiple‐case study of four representative SCF service‐providing platforms in China, aiming to examine why firms build SCF platforms, the innovative strategies firms adopt to develop SCF solutions, and the impact of these solutions on their business models and their competitive advantage. Data were collected through multiple interviews. The research findings suggest that the value disciplines of SCF platforms evolve through different stages in response to changes in customer needs. This evolution progresses from pursuing product and service leadership to operational excellence and, lastly, to customer intimacy. This study also identifies the various financial products and services provided by these SCF platforms at each stage. It then further points out the direction of creating ecosystem value as the ultimate goal of the SCF platforms. This study enhances the understanding of the innovative roles of SCF platforms and their impact on the development of new business models and gaining a competitive advantage based on value disciplines.
Increased Matrix Stiffness Promotes Slow Muscle Fibre Regeneration After Skeletal Muscle Injury
Authors: Wang Dongmei , Wu Jiahong , Xu Zeyu , Jia Jinning , Lai Yimei , He Zhihua
Published: February 2025

The global prevalence of skeletal muscle diseases has progressively escalated in recent years. This study aimed to explore the potential role of matrix stiffness in the repair mechanisms following skeletal muscle injury. We observed an increase in muscle stiffness, a significant rise in the number of type I muscle fibres and a notable elevation in mRNA expression levels of Myh7/2 alongside a decrease in Myh1/4 on day 3 post tibialis anterior muscle injury. To replicate these in vivo changes, C2C12 cells were cultured under high matrix stiffness conditions, and compared to those on low matrix stiffness, the C2C12 cells cultured on high matrix stiffness showed increased expression levels of Myh7/2 mRNA and production levels of MYH7/2, indicating differentiation into slow‐twitch muscle fibre types. Furthermore, up‐regulation of DRP1 phosphorylation along with elevated F‐actin fluorescence intensity and RHOA and ROCK1 production indicates that high matrix stiffness induces cytoskeletal remodelling to regulate mitochondrial fission processes. Our data also revealed up‐regulation in mRNA expression level for Actb, phosphorylation level for DRP1, mitochondrial quantity and MYH7/2 production level. Importantly, these effects were effectively reversed by the application of ROCK inhibitor Y‐27632, highlighting that targeting cytoskeletal dynamics can modulate myogenic differentiation pathways within C2C12 cells. These findings provide valuable insights into how matrix stiffness influences fibre type transformation during skeletal muscle injury repair while suggesting potential therapeutic targets for intervention.
Phylogenetic Diversity and Geographic Distribution of Atlantic Salmon Calicivirus in Major Salmon Farming Regions
Authors: Costa Vincenzo A. , Mikalsen Aase B. , Samsing Francisca
Published: February 2025

Salovirus is a genus within the family Caliciviridae, which contains a single member species, Salovirus nordlandense, also known as Atlantic salmon calicivirus (ASCV). While previous work has shown that ASCV can replicate in fish cell lines and establish systemic infection in vivo, its exact role in disease remains unclear and very little is known about its geographic distribution and evolution among Atlantic salmon. To expand the phylogenetic range of ASCV and better understand its potential role in disease, we screened publicly available transcriptomes for ASCV‐like sequences. Notably, we detected ASCV in sequencing projects of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) (n = 40) and wild common whitefish (Coregonus lavaretus) (n = 1), across Chile, Scotland and Norway. Our phylogenetic analysis identified two viral species, which we provisionally name Salovirus nordlandense 1 and 2, each containing distinct genotypes. Both viral species were found in all three countries, with no clear geographic pattern, indicating that saloviruses have spread through the Atlantic salmon trade. It was notable that 88% of these transcriptomes were generated for the study of other pathogens, including infectious salmon anaemia virus, piscine myocarditis virus and Piscirickettsia salmonis, suggesting that saloviruses might be frequently associated with co‐infections. Overall, this study indicates that viruses, like ASCV, can silently spread through aquacultural practices, potentially contributing to a variety of fish diseases.
Utilization of Alternative Financial Services and the Role of Financial Capability
Authors: Chatterjee Swarn , Chang Yunhee
Published: February 2025

This paper examines the factors associated with access to and frequency of use of alternative financial services (AFS) using a composite dataset comprising of geographic locations of AFS establishments and state payday policies merged with the geo‐coded 2018 and 2021 pooled waves of the FINRA National Financial Capability Study. The results provide mixed evidence of the association between the density of AFS providers in an area and the use of AFS. Objective financial knowledge was negatively associated with both the likelihood and frequency of AFS use. Perceived Money Management Ability (PMMA) was also negatively associated with the use of AFS but not with the frequency of AFS use. Controlling for financial access and capability variables, Black consumers and low‐income consumers were more likely to use AFS. The implications for policymakers, scholars, and researchers are discussed.
IGF2BP1 promotes endometriosis by enhancing m6A modification stability of HMGB1
Authors: Wei Xin , Su Yanlin , Tian Wencai , Cheng Li , Yin Ling , He Xiaoxia
Published: February 2025

Background

Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory condition afflicting women of reproductive age. Our study aims to clarify the function and mechanism of insulin‐like growth factor 2 mRNA‐binding protein 1 (IGF2BP1) and high mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) in endometriosis.

Methods

HMGB1 and various N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) reader protein levels were assessed in normal, eutopic, and ectopic endometrial tissue, and a correlation analysis was conducted. The impact of IGF2BP1 knockdown on endometriosis was assessed both in vivo in rat models and in vitro in ectopic endometrial stromal cells (eESCs) using methods such as immunoblotting and mRNA quantification. The binding of IGF2BP1 to HMGB1 mRNA in eESCs was assessed using RIP‐PCR. Following transfection with sh‐IGF2BP1 and oe‐HMGB1, the expression of IGF2BP1 and HMGB1, as well as cell proliferation, invasion, and migration abilities, were measured in eESCs.

Results

In ectopic endometrial tissue, IGF2BP1 and HMGB1 were elevated and positively correlated. Inhibition of IGF2BP1 reduced eESC proliferation, migration, invasion, and glucose intake. Meanwhile, HMGB1, PKM2, and HK2 expression were depressed. In vivo, results were consistent with in vitro. Additionally, in vivo experiments confirmed that inhibition of IGF2BP1 resulted in reduced ectopic endometrial lesion spherical volume, weight, and interstitial lesions. IGF2BP1 bound to HMGB1 mRNA and enhanced its stability by m6A modification. Conversely, when IGF2BP1 was knocked down and HMGB1 was overexpressed, the results were opposite to those observed previously.

Conclusion

IGF2BP1 promotes endometriosis progression by enhancing m6A modification stability of HMGB1. This study provides a theoretical basis for identifying therapeutic targets for endometriosis.
Pursuing a future leader self: A multi‐study investigation of leader identity and its motivational and behavioural outcomes
Authors: Morgan Richard H. , Braun Susanne , Epitropaki Olga
Published: February 2025

Developing as a leader is widely recognized as a challenging endeavour that takes time. However, little research has been done to explain the process through which future representations of oneself as a leader relate to current leader identity and how future and current leader selves motivate action. Integrating possible selves theory with identity‐based motivation theory and across three independent studies, we test a serial‐mediation model in which a salient future leader self sequentially relates to leader identity, affective motivation to lead, and proactive leadership behaviour. Our Pilot Study (N = 186) was conducted at two time points over a year apart with employees from a manufacturing company. Study 1 (N = 265) included repeated measurement at three time points, each a month apart, with employees from different industries. Study 2 (N = 301) included repeated measurement at four time points, each 2 weeks apart, with employees from different industries. Cross‐lagged analyses provided support for our hypothesized process model and allowed us to examine reciprocal relationships. The theoretical implications for leadership and leader identity theory are discussed along with the practical implications for prospective leaders and their development in organizations.
Markov Determinantal Point Process for Dynamic Random Sets
Authors: Gouriéroux Christian , Lu Yang
Published: February 2025

The Law of Determinantal Point Process (LDPP) is a flexible parametric family of distributions over random sets defined on a finite state space, or equivalently over multivariate binary variables. The aim of this paper is to introduce Markov processes of random sets within the LDPP framework. We show that, when the pairwise distribution of two neighboring terms follows the LDPP, both the transition distribution and the stationary distribution belong to the LDPP family as well. We explore how their parameterizations are related. We investigate various constrained model specifications, develop procedures for exploratory analysis of a series of sets, and discuss model estimation on both simulated data and topics published in National Geographic.
Hepatitis Delta and Liver Disease Among People Living With Hepatitis B With or Without HIV Co‐Infection in Senegal
Authors: Wembulua Bruce Shinga , Le Gal Fredéric , Ndiaye Ousseynou , Pandi Melissa Sandrine , Akotia Messan Kodzo , Badiane Aboubakar Sidick , Hamouda Poussyina , Tine Judicaël , Ndiaye Kiné , Béguelin Charles , Ngom Ndeye Fatou , Wandeler Gilles , Seydi Moussa , Mena Adrià Ramírez ,   SEN‐B
Published: February 2025

Background and Aims

The prevalence of hepatitis delta virus (HDV) infection among persons living with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and its impact on liver‐related complications in West Africa are ill‐defined. Wetested a large urban HBV cohort in Senegal for the presence of HDV/HBV co‐infection and evaluated its association with liver fibrosis.

Methods

We included persons with positive hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) enrolled in the SEN‐B cohort since 2019. Anti‐HDV antibodies (HDVAb) were tested using the Anti‐HD Diasorin LiaisonXL test, HDV RNA was measured with RT‐qPCR and genotyping was determined through sequencing. We used multivariable logistic regression to evaluate the association between HDVAb positivity and liver fibrosis, defined as a liver stiffness measurement > 7.0 kPa.

Results

We analysed 914 individuals with a median age of 32 years (interquartile range [IQR] 26–41), of whom 487 (53.3%) were men and 117 (12.8%) had HIV co‐infection. Thirteen participants (1.4%, 95% CI 0.8–2.4) had a positive HDVAb test, of whom 8/13 (61.5%) showed detectable HDV RNA. HDV genotype 5 was found in 75.0% of cases. In multivariable analyses, HDVAb positivity (aOR 11.7, 95% CI 3.1–45.7), male sex (aOR 5.4, 95% CI 3.1–10.3), ALT > 40 IU/L (aOR 4.4, 95% CI 2.4–8.2) and HBeAg positivity (aOR 4.6, 95% CI 1.8–11.9) were independently associated with liver fibrosis.

Conclusion

The prevalence of HDV infection was low in persons living with HBV in Dakar, but those affected had a very high risk of presenting with liver cirrhosis. Efforts to improve HDV screening and management are urgently needed in Senegal.
Language, people, classrooms, world: Blending disparate theories for united language education practices
Authors: Sato Masatoshi , Thorne Steven L. , Michel Marije , Alexopoulou Theodora , Hellermann John
Published: February 2025

With a forward‐looking and problem‐solving mindset, this article aims to combine theoretical knowledge and empirical evidence from different schools of thought in the field of second language (L2) learning and teaching—namely, instructed second language acquisition, generative linguistics, and an ecological perspective that includes multiple frameworks. Acknowledging numerous fundamental differences in our theoretical and methodological perspectives on how to conduct research, we are united on two fronts: First, we believe that researchers with differing theoretical commitments can and should work together to advance L2 research. Second, differing theoretical beliefs are potentially of limited relevance to those who will implement our pedagogical suggestions, that is, practitioners. In this article, we first present our individual perspectives regarding L2 learning and teaching (Perspective 1 by Michel and Sato, Perspective 2 by Alexopoulou, and Perspective 3 by Thorne and Hellermann). In the final section of the article, we unite our voices by prioritizing the educational practices upon which we agree, including the fact that all L2 learners bring their individual backgrounds into the classroom, the necessity of L2 use for L2 learning, and the role of L2 education for people's overall quality of life.
The Evolution of Talysh Ethnic Identity: From Soviet Manipulation to Contemporary Reality
Authors: Kokaisl Petr
Published: February 2025

The article delves into the historical and contemporary aspects of the Talysh people's ethnic identity, tracing its evolution from the Russian Empire, through the Soviet Union's nationality policies, to the current situation in independent Azerbaijan. It highlights the Soviet era's impact on Talysh identity, including forced assimilation and demographic manipulations, while emphasising the resurgence of Talysh culture through digital media in recent years. This resurgence serves both as a form of resistance against assimilation and a means to promote cultural preservation and awareness. The study underscores the importance of digital platforms in facilitating the Talysh people's efforts to reclaim and revitalise their heritage, language and traditions, offering insights into the broader implications for ethnic minority groups navigating identity preservation within and beyond national borders.
Exploring the perceptions of Chinese adults toward overweight and obesity: A systematic literature review
Authors: Wang‐Chen Yixi , Yang Hui , Kellow Nicole J. , Choi Tammie S. T.
Published: February 2025

Introduction

The prevalence of obesity among the Chinese population has increased more than three‐fold over the last twenty years. It is crucial to understand Chinese people's perceptions toward obesity to inform effective weight management initiatives. This bilingual systematic review aimed to synthesize the existing literature regarding the perceptions of Chinese adults toward overweight and obesity and provide insight on methodological implications and future research directions.

Method

Six databases were searched from inception to 8th January 2025. Studies were included if they were published in English or Chinese, investigated perceptions toward overweight and obesity, and focused on Chinese adults living in or outside of Mainland China. Thematic synthesis was employed for data analysis.

Results

Fifty‐three studies (24 in English, 29 in Chinese) were included, involving 83,688 participants. Three themes were identified; (1) Chinese adults connected obesity with appearance more than with health, (2) Chinese adults lacked practical knowledge to manage obesity, and (3) living with obesity was perceived as a solitary journey.

Conclusion

Most studies were conducted on Chinese people within the healthy weight range, who predominantly focused on appearance‐oriented weight perception. There was a strong motivation for weight control, but a lack of practical weight loss strategies among Chinese adults.

Practitioner applications

The lack of practical weight management knowledge and weight loss failures lead to low self‐efficacy, which may be mistaken as low motivation for weight management among Chinese adults. However, Chinese adults generally have the motivation to control their weight. It is important to empower Chinese people living with overweight or obesity with practical skills and increase self‐efficacy through a multidisciplinary and affordable approach.

The psychological burden caused by obesity stigma and the influence of Chinese culture makes the weight management journey lonely and challenging for Chinese adults living with overweight and obesity. Practitioners may need to openly address these issues and help reduce the mental burden toward more effective weight loss interventions.
Accelerations of the Phanerozoic biogeosystems
Authors: Shang Haitao
Published: February 2025

Biogeosystems underwent significant changes during the Phanerozoic Eon. Substantial efforts have been dedicated to reconstructing the biological metrics and environmental variables characterizing the evolutionary trajectories of deep‐time biogeosystems and investigating the mechanisms responsible for variations in these quantities. The accelerations (i.e. rates of change in the variation rates) of these quantities, however, have rarely been studied. This work explores the dynamical modes and statistical properties of the accelerations of genus richness, origination, extinction, atmospheric CO2 level, and global average temperature in the Phanerozoic. Statistical assessments show that the accelerations of these quantities systematically exhibit scale‐invariant behaviours. Moreover, correlation analyses indicate that the accelerations of genus richness, origination, extinction, and global average temperature are moderately or weakly correlated with one another, while they are all uncorrelated with the acceleration of the atmospheric CO2 level. These results suggest that the acceleration is an effective concept for probing biological and geological evolution and offers insights into the internal interactions, dynamics, and stability of the Phanerozoic biogeosystems.
The risk factors for preschoolers’ behavioral problems in a low/middle‐income country
Authors: Ilter Bahadur Evin , Zengin Akkus Pınar , Yan Mehmet , Yılmaz Celebi Miray , İnal Akkaya Mine , Ozdemir Gökçenur , Baran Remziye , Celik Nuran , Ozdemir Asena Ayca , Kanık Ali , Ozmert Elif Nursel
Published: February 2025

Background

Children have a greater risk of mental health problems in low/middle‐income countries. Determining the risk factors and earlier identification of young children at high risk for behavioral problems are central to cost‐effective intervention with positive long‐term outcomes. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence and risk factors of behavioral problems of preschoolers in three different cities located in eastern, western, and central Türkiye, a low/middle‐income country.

Methods

In total, 300 children (4–6 years old) without any chronic diseases participated the study. The parents completed the Children's Behavior Checklist/4‐18 (CBCL/4‐18), the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and the Beck Depression Inventory. Daily activities were evaluated using questionnaires that were specifically developed for the present study.

Results

Based on the CBCL4‐18, 12.3% of children were at high risk for behavioral problems. Paternal unemployment, screen time, maternal depressive symptoms, and maternal and child sleep problems were associated with internalizing behavioral problems; maternal depressive symptoms and watching videos on touch‐screen devices were associated with externalizing behavioral problems. Total behavioral problems were associated with maternal unemployment, maternal depressive symptoms, being the eldest child, and child sleep problems.

Conclusion

Preventable risk factors such as daily activities and maternal mental health should be evaluated as well as sociodemographic factors among preschoolers who may be at high risk of behavioral problems. The results of this study contribute toward drawing attention to preventable risk factors in a low/middle‐income country.
OsWNK9 mitigates salt stress by promoting root growth and stomatal closure in rice
Authors: Negi Yogesh , Kumar Kundan
Published: February 2025

Salinity stress severely affects rice growth and reduces its productivity. With No Lysine Kinases (WNKs) are serine/threonine kinases emerging as potential candidate genes due to their involvement in various abiotic stress tolerance responses. However, studies providing mechanistic insights into the roles of WNKs in plants remain scarce. In the present study, OsWNK9‐overexpressing rice lines showed strong tolerance to salinity stress. Overexpression of OsWNK9 also triggered the accumulation of abscisic acid (ABA) and restored indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA) concentrations in roots, triggering stomatal closure in shoots and maintaining cell expansion of the root epidermal cells when challenged with salt treatment. The overexpression lines showed increased activity of antioxidant enzymes, which further mitigated ROS‐mediated cellular damage under salinity stress. We also identified that OsWNK9 interacts with Receptor for Activated Kinase C1A (RACK1A), ABA‐8′‐hydroxylase, and (Vacuolar Type ATPase) V‐Type ATPase. Taken together, our findings suggest that OsWNK9 expression is warranted under salinity stress and exerts its effects by interacting with its downstream targets and by increased accumulation of ABA and IAA, thereby regulating seed germination, stomatal activity, improved root growth, and ionic homeostasis, which all contribute to significantly higher yield produced per plant under long term salinity stress.
New insights into rice phenology: discovering the effect of insolation on heading response
Authors: Kim Ju‐Hee , Jo So‐Hye , Moon Ji‐Hyeon , Yang Seo‐Yeong , Baek Jae‐Kyeong , Song Yeong‐Seo , Shon Ji‐Young , Lee Hyeon‐Seok
Published: February 2025

Precise growth management is required for climate‐smart and sustainable crop production in response to climate change, with the heading stage being the most important. Research on the control of heading in rice (Oryza sativa) has mainly focused on day length and temperature; however, research on the effects of insolation is limited. Therefore, this study analyzed the differences in rice growth and heading responses under different light intensity and temperature conditions. Five early‐maturing and seven medium–late‐maturing rice varieties were used for each japonica heading ecology type. Our results showed that leaf age development, an indirect measure of rice phenological development, was inhibited under low light intensity and low‐temperature conditions. Accordingly, the heading date was also delayed by approximately 18 days at low temperatures and 21 days at low light intensity, with no difference among ecotypes. We also found an interaction between temperature and light intensity, with the light intensity‐mediated delay in heading date being affected more by high temperatures. This study demonstrated that light intensity and temperature have a major effect on heading date variation, suggesting that the impact of insolation must be considered for the accurate prediction of heading stage variation. These results could shed new light on rice phenology research and contribute to the implementation of precision agriculture.
Low‐cost technology supports propagation of endemic species from a global biodiversity hotspot
Authors: Faria Flávia S. , Ordóñez‐Parra Carlos A. , Granata Lívia , Resende Luciane V. , Silveira Fernando A. O.
Published: February 2025

A widespread myth in tropical grassy biome restoration is that most native plants are not amenable to propagation. This untested assumption has hampered the development of restoration productive chains in the campo rupestre, a megadiverse edaphic grassy‐shrubby ecosystem where native species often produce a large proportion of embryoless or nonviable, minute seeds. Likely, the myth arises due to the limited development and testing of techniques for seed cleaning and plant propagation, coupled with the lack of synthesis of current successful techniques. Here, we conducted a series of experiments on germination and propagation of campo rupestre endemics, providing evidence to dispel this persisting myth and foster grassland restoration. First, we adapted a seed flotation method—a reliable, low‐cost, fast, and low‐technology technique—that successfully separates high‐quality seeds from low‐quality ones. Germination of floating seeds was significantly lower than that of precipitated seeds for all species, indicating the effectiveness of the method. We also ran experiments showing that germination under nursery conditions was equal to or outperformed germination in chambers, suggesting that laboratory studies might underestimate the germination potential of campo rupestre species. Our nursery experiment indicates a high potential for seedling production of campo rupestre, with relatively high survival rates and growth under common nursery settings. Finally, we provide evidence from a total of 70 studies demonstrating propagation success under nursery conditions for 117 species. Dispelling the myth that edaphic grassland species are not amenable to cultivation creates numerous opportunities for further partnerships among governments, the mining industry, academics, and local producers.