bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating rapid water excitation techniques for 5D whole-heart fat-suppressed free-running cardiac MRI at 1.5T scanner
Authors: Safarkhanlo Yasaman , Yerly Jérôme , Falcão Mariana B. L. , Mackowiak Adèle LC , Piccini Davide , Stuber Matthias , Jung Bernd , Gräni Christoph , Bastiaansen Jessica AM
Published: January 2025

Background

Balanced steady-state free precession (bSSFP) sequences offer high SNR and excellent tissue contrast for whole-heart MRI. However, inadequate fat suppression can introduce artifacts, particularly with non-Cartesian readouts. This study aimed to compare novel rapid water-excitation (WE) pulses for 3D radial whole-heart free-running MRI at 1.5T, specifically Binomial Off-Resonant Rectangular (BORR), Lipid Insensitive Binomial Off-Resonant RF Excitation (LIBRE), and Lipid Insensitive Binomial Off-Resonant (LIBOR) pulses, alongside a Fast Interrupted Steady-State (FISS) and non-fat suppressed free-running bSSFP sequence.

Methods

Three free-running MRI protocols (BORR, LIBRE, LIBOR) were optimized for fat suppression at 1.5T using a phantom. These protocols, along with FISS and non-fat suppressed bSSFP, were tested in phantom and five volunteers, with each acquisition lasting 3min and 41sec.

SNR and CNRWater-Fatwere measured in phantom data, while SNR and CNRBlood-Myocardiumwere assessed in volunteers using static gridded reconstructions. Motion-resolved reconstructions were used for qualitative assessments. SAR values were measured for each sequence, and statistical differences were analyzed using one-way ANOVA (p < 0.05). The pulse with the best combination of high SNR and low SAR was identified for further applications.

Results

In phantom studies, LIBOR had the highest CNRWater-Fat(276.8 ± 2.5), followed by LIBRE (268.1 ± 2.6), BORR (249.9 ± 2.2), and FISS (212.7 ± 2.7), though these differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). FISS showed the highest SAR (1.41 W.kg-1), while LIBOR had the lowest (0.23 W.kg-1). In volunteers, BORR had the highest SNR in the ventricular blood pool (17.0 ± 1.5), and LIBRE had the highest CNRBlood-Fat(29.4 ± 9.3). FISS had the highest CNRBlood-Myocardium(29.0 ± 8.9), but the differences were not significant (p > 0.05). LIBOR consistently had the lowest SAR (0.26 W.kg-1).

Conclusion

This study compared various fat-signal-suppression approaches in 3D contrast-free whole-heart free-running bSSFP MRI at 1.5T. Although the sequences performed similarly in SNR and CNR, LIBOR offered the lowest SAR, making it a promising candidate for future whole-heart MRI applications, particularly where RF energy deposition is a concern.
The effect of adult psychological therapies on employment and earnings: Evidence from England
Authors: Rzepnicka Klaudia , Sharland Emma , Rossa Marta , Dolby Ted , Oparina Ekaterina , Saunders Rob , Ayoubkhani Daniel , Nafilyan Vahé
Published: January 2025

People suffering from common mental disorders (CMD) such as depression and anxiety are more likely to be economically inactive. Psychological therapies are highly effective at treating CMDs, but less is known about their impact on long-term labour market outcomes. Using national treatment programme data in England, NHS Talking Therapies (NHSTT), with unique linkage to administration data on employment and census records, we estimated the causal effects of NHSTT on employment and earnings.

Overall, completing treatment led to a maximum average increase of £17 in monthly earnings (year two) and likelihood of paid employment by 1.5 percentage points (year seven). Those “Not working, seeking work’ saw a maximum average increase in pay of £63 per month (year seven) and likelihood of paid employment by 3.1 percentage points (year four). Our findings demonstrate the economic benefits of treating CMDs, and how investing in mental health can impact labour market participation.
A Secondary Analysis Suggests That Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Applied to the Left Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex Reduces Cue-Induced-Craving in Treatment Seeking Participants with Cannabis Use Disorder
Authors: Wong Brendan L. , Kim Bohye , Singh Manpreet K. , Kim Jane P. , McRae-Clark Aimee L. , Sahlem Gregory L.
Published: January 2025

Background

Studies across multiple addictions have suggested that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) applied to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (L-DLPFC) reduces cue-induced-craving (CIC), however there are no studies in treatment seeking participants with cannabis use disorder (CUD). In this secondary analysis of a previously completed trial, we explore whether a multi-session course of rTMS reduces CIC in CUD.

Methods

Seventy-one participants with ≥moderate CUD (age=30.2±9.9;37.5% female) were randomized to twenty sessions of active or sham rTMS applied to the left DLPFC (20-sessions, Beam-F3; 10Hz) in a two-site, double-blind, sham-controlled, phase-2 trial where they also received motivational enhancement therapy. Participants rated their craving for cannabis via the short-form of the marijuana craving questionnaire (MCQ-SF) before and after a neutral and cannabis-cue presentation. Participants underwent assessment before (immediate-pre), after (immediate-post), and two-, and four-weeks following the course of rTMS.

Results

The MCQ-SF scores increased following the presentation of cannabis cues relative to neutral cues at the immediate-pre timepoint in both treatment groups (p<0.0001). Following study treatment, the percent increase in MCQ-SF following cues diverged between the active and sham groups with significantly reduced CIC in the active group at the two-week post time-point (5.8±7.1% sham group, 0.91±4.1% active group;p=0.02). Between-group effect sizes (Cohen’s d) were 0.24, 0.89, and 0.67 at the immediate-post, 2-week, and 4-week follow-up periods respectively.

Conclusions

L-DLPFC applied rTMS may reduce CIC in treatment seeking participants with CUD.

Highlights

Craving may be separable into tonic and phasic constructs

DLPFC applied rTMS did not effect tonic craving in a recent treatment trial for CUD

Data from that same trial suggests that DLPFC applied rTMS may have reduced phasic craving
Biflavonoids can potentially inhibit amyloid beta internalization to mitigate its cytotoxic events
Authors: Haque Md. Aminul , Hossain Md. Selim , Park Il Seon
Published: January 2025

Amyloid-β-42 (Aβ) peptides are key contributors to Alzheimer’s disease (AD), with recent studies highlighting a strong link between Aβ toxicity and its internalization into cells. Targeting the internalization of Aβ using naturally occurring small molecules could represent a promising strategy for developing therapeutic interventions. In this study, we investigated the effects of biflavonoids on inhibiting the internalization of Aβ and its impact on cellular processes that lead to cell death. Various biochemical techniques were employed to assess the ability of biflavonoids to prevent Aβ42 uptake and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of their inhibitory action. Our findings revealed that biflavonoids exert a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on Aβ toxicity. The cytoprotective effects of biflavonoids were primarily attributed to their ability to block Aβ internalization, as confirmed through confocal microscopy and validated by western blot analysis. By preventing Aβ entry into cells, biflavonoids also inhibited Aβ-induced lamin fragmentation and caspase activation, both of which are critical steps in Aβ-mediated cytotoxicity. Furthermore, we explored the influence of biflavonoids on the aggregation process of Aβ, including fibril, oligomer, and β-sheet formation, and found that biflavonoids effectively inhibited these conformational changes. Based on these results, we propose that biflavonoids suppress Aβ cytotoxicity by blocking its conformational changes and subsequent internalization, thereby highlighting their potential as anti-amyloidogenic therapeutic agents.
The evolution of mutation rates in the light of development and cell-lineage selection
Authors: Majic Paco , Srivastava Malvika , Crocker Justin
Published: January 2025

Mutation rates drive the pace and potential of evolutionary change. However, to better understand the evolutionary implications of mutation rates, there is a need to uncover the causes of their diversfification. In multicellular organisms, all mutations first arise in a single cell in a developmental context. Whether a mutation enters a population’s gene pool can therefore depend on developmental events that affect the likelihood of mutant cell lineages of producing gametes. For this reason, the evolution of mutation rates in populations is governed not only by changes in the rates at which mutations occur at the molecular level, but also by changes in developmental features of organisms and how mutations impact cellular fitness during development. We present a theoretical framework that, supported by empirical data from mammals and experiments on the fruit fly, demonstrate how generational mutation rates can be shaped by changes in developmental parameters and intraorganismal selective processes even when molecular mutation rates are presumed constant. Our model highlights how the diversity of mutation rates observed across animals may be the byproduct of organismal development rather than the result of direct selection against mutator alleles. As such, development not only introduces phenotypic biases, it also shapes the rates and trajectories of genetic diversity and is thus at the core of evolutionary theory.
Environmental factors drive bacterial degradation of gastrointestinal mucus
Authors: Arias Sandra L. , van Wijngaarden Ellen W. , Balint Diana , Jones Joshua , Crawford Carl C. , Shukla Parul J. , Silberstein Meredith , Brito Ilana L.
Published: January 2025

The mucus layer lining the gastrointestinal tract is essential for gut health, providing a protective barrier against pathogens while maintaining symbiosis with the microbiome. Its disruption is a hallmark of gastrointestinal diseases like ulcerative colitis. While glycan foraging by gut bacteria is thought to initiate mucus disruption, its impact on mucus structural properties remains poorly understood, largely due to the lack of physiologically relevant models. To address this gap, we developed a method to collect human-cell-derived mucus that closely mimics the mechanical properties of human colonic mucus. Using this system, we investigated mucus utilization and degradation by a panel of commensal bacteria with distinct metabolic profiles. Glycan utilization by species such asBacteroides thetaiotaomicronandBacteroides fragilisshowed no correlation with changes in mucus rheology. Instead, secreted proteases were identified as the primary driver of mucus degradation. Protease activity byB. fragilisandBifidobacterium longumwas influenced by nutrient availability, whereas inEnterococcus faecalis,it was additionally affected by oxygen exposure. E. faecalisalso adapted to oxidative stress by enhancing carbohydrate metabolism and upregulating several virulence genes. Together, our findings reveal that bacterial mucus degradation is context-dependent and shaped by environmental factors. This study provides key insights into the mechanisms underlying mucus degradation and underscores the value of human cell-derived mucus models for understanding bacteria-mucus interactions in health and disease.
Experience-dependent reorganization of inhibitory neuron synaptic connectivity
Authors: Fink Andrew J.P. , Muscinelli Samuel P. , Wang Shuqi , Hogan Marcus I. , English Daniel F. , Axel Richard , Litwin-Kumar Ashok , Schoonover Carl E.
Published: January 2025

Organisms continually tune their perceptual systems to the features they encounter in their environment1–3. We have studied how ongoing experience reorganizes the synaptic connectivity of neurons in the olfactory (piriform) cortex of the mouse. We developed an approach to measure synaptic connectivityin vivo, training a deep convolutional network to reliably identify monosynaptic connections from the spike-time cross-correlograms of 4.4 million single-unit pairs. This revealed that excitatory piriform neurons with similar odor tuning are more likely to be connected. We asked whether experience enhances this like-to-like connectivity but found that it was unaffected by odor exposure. Experience did, however, alter the logic of interneuron connectivity. Following repeated encounters with a set of odorants, inhibitory neurons that responded differentially to these stimuli exhibited a high degree of both incoming and outgoing synaptic connections within the cortical network. This reorganization depended only on the odor tuning of the inhibitory interneuron and not on the tuning of its pre- or postsynaptic partners. A computational model of this reorganized connectivity predicts that it increases the dimensionality of the entire network’s responses to familiar stimuli, thereby enhancing their discriminability. We confirmed that this network-level property is present in physiological measurements, which showed increased dimensionality and separability of the evoked responses to familiar versus novel odorants. Thus, a simple, non-Hebbian reorganization of interneuron connectivity may selectively enhance an organism’s discrimination of the features of its environment.
Combining Clinical Embeddings with Multi-Omic Features for Improved Patient Classification and Interpretability in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Lee Chaeeun , Ryan Barry , Marioni Riccardo E. , Minervini Pasquale , Simpson T. Ian
Published: January 2025

This study demonstrates the integration of Large Language Model (LLM)-derived clinical text embeddings from the Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) questionnaire with molecular genomics data to enhance patient classification and interpretability in Parkinson’s disease (PD). By combining genomic modalities encoded using an interpretable biological architecture with a patient similarity network constructed from clinical text embeddings, our approach leverages both clinical and genomic information to provide a robust, interpretable model for disease classification and molecular insights. We benchmarked our approach using the baseline time point from the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) dataset, identifying the Llama-3.2-1B text embedding model on Part III of the MDS-UPDRS as most informative. We further validated the framework at years 1, 2, 3 post baseline, achieving significance in identifying PD associated genes from a random null set by year 2 and replicating the association of MAPK with PD in a heterogenous cohort. Our findings demonstrate that the combination of clinical text embeddings with genomic features is critical for classification and interpretation. LLM text embeddings not only increase classification accuracy but also enable interpretable genomic analysis, revealing molecular signatures associated with PD progression.
Exploring stress hormone effects on memory specificity and strength in mice using the dual-event inhibitory avoidance task
Authors: Bahtiyar Sevgi , Karaca Kubra Gulmez , Henckens Marloes J.A.G. , Roozendaal Benno
Published: January 2025

Stressful and emotionally arousing experiences induce the release of noradrenergic and glucocorticoid hormones that synergistically strengthen memories but differentially regulate qualitative aspects of memory. This highlights the need for sophisticated behavioral tasks that allow for the assessment of memory quality. The dual-event inhibitory avoidance task for rats is such a behavioral task designed to evaluate both the strength and specificity of memory. The noradrenergic stimulant yohimbine given systemically immediately after the training session was found to enhance both the strength and specificity of memory, whereas the glucocorticoid corticosterone induced a generalized strengthening of memory. As mice are the preferred species for targeted gene and neural circuit manipulations, we here aimed to set up the dual-event inhibitory avoidance task for mice, and to replicate the effects of systemic yohimbine and corticosterone administration on memory strength and specificity. Whereas noninjected control mice efficiently acquired the task and selectively avoided the test context previously associated with footshock, the introduction of posttraining intraperitoneal injections induced testing order effects and substantially increased variability both within groups and across experiments, precluding a thorough investigation of stress hormone effects on memory specificity. Thus, whereas the dual-event inhibitory avoidance task can be used to test the specificity of memory in mice, our findings indicate that intraperitoneal injections impact performance. Therefore, this task is less suitable to assess stress hormone effects on memory specificity in mice.
Intersectional precarity in academia: a systematic literature review
Authors: Sim Eunbi , Bierema Laura L.
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Precarious workers in academia represent most employees in higher education institutions (HEIs), and women and historically excluded groups are overrepresented in these positions, oppressed by intersecting inequities, such as sexism and racism. There is a need to comprehensively understand how precarity operates within academia from an intersectional perspective and how it oppresses marginalized and precarious workers.

Design/methodology/approach

Following the PRISMA guidelines, this paper systematically reviewed 22 articles that discuss academic precarity through an intersectional lens.

Findings

Studies have shown that (1) the uncertainty and insecurity in modern academia are driven by global forces and ongoing crises; (2) systemic intersectionality entrenched in HEIs influenced the shaping of their academic experiences and positionalities; and (3) intersectionality could be used as a reflexive tool to resist the precarious academy.

Originality/value

This paper is the first systematic review examining the intersectionality in precarious academia. By synthesizing articles highlighting precarity and intersectionality in academia, the paper contributes to theories of academic capitalism and intersectionality and offers comprehensive and critical implications for research and practice in higher education. This study illuminates how neoliberalism, global capitalism and intersecting inequities are deeply rooted in academia and how academic workers could challenge such issues.
Impact of technology-based collaborative learning on students’ competency-based education: insights from the higher education institution of Pakistan
Authors: Asad Muhammad Mujtaba , Qureshi Anum
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Technology-based collaborative learning (TBCL) is the manner in which students can use technological tools and digital platforms to share knowledge and learn collaboratively. It can help increase students’ participation, motivation and achievement due to the stimulating teaching environment. The study intends to examine the effect of TBCL on students’ competency-based education (CBE).

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire as quantitative data gathering tool is employed in this correlational study. This study used purposive sampling which is done on undergraduate university students (N = 187) in order to accomplish the goal. The data are analyzed using the SPSS software (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) version 27.0.

Findings

The findings of this study indicate the strong positive association between the TBCL and students’ CBE with the correlation coefficient value 0.993. Hence, the null hypothesis is rejected, and alternative hypothesis of this study is accepted.

Practical implications

The findings will provide valuable insights that will help educators, policymakers, industry partners and researchers better prepare students for the demands of the digital age and improve the quality of education by identifying successful strategies for integrating technology into collaborative learning environments.

Originality/value

This study is unique because it synthesizes and analyzes previous research to look at the particular context of TBCL and how it affects students' CBE in higher education institution in Sindh that was not previously investigated.
Enhancing eWOM effectiveness: the interplay of endorsement styles and emoji in digital persuasion
Authors: Wei Yuzhi , Yan Huili , Shen Chenxin , Xiong Hao
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The strategic application of electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) is pivotal in shaping tourist decisions. This study aims to examine the nuanced impacts of endorsement styles and the innovative role of emojis on the persuasiveness of eWOM, highlighting essential insights for digital marketing effectiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a robust experimental design, this research engaged 376 participants through scenario-based experiments on popular platforms Ctrip and Xiaohongshu. This study leveraged the professional online data platform, Credamo, to ensure a diverse and representative sample.

Findings

The analysis demonstrates that implicit endorsements, such as “I like this restaurant,” consistently outperform explicit endorsements like “I recommend this restaurant” regarding persuasiveness. This effect is attributed to the enhanced perceived authenticity and reduced persuasion knowledge activation by implicit endorsements. Remarkably, incorporating emojis within explicit endorsements mitigates their inherent drawbacks, enhancing their persuasive impact. In contrast, emojis do not significantly influence the effectiveness of implicit endorsements.

Practical implications

The findings provide significant insights, demonstrating that endorsement styles and emojis play a crucial role in identifying persuasive eWOM and fostering the creation of compelling eWOM for tourism and hospitality marketers. These elements can help marketers effectively track and enhance the impact of eWOM in their digital strategies.

Originality/value

This research maps the effects of endorsement styles and highlights the strategic role of emojis in eWOM, offering practical insights for maximizing persuasion and enhancing digital marketing strategies in tourism and hospitality.
Leader STARA competence and green competitiveness in tourism and hotel enterprises: leveraging green creativity and human capital
Authors: Khairy Hazem Ahmed , Lee Yee Ming , Al-Romeedy Bassam Samir
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the impact of leader STARA competence (LSC) – managing and implementing smart technologies, artificial intelligence, robotics and algorithms– on green competitiveness (GC) in the tourism and hospitality sectors. It also investigated the role of employee green creativity (EGC) as a mediator between LSC and GC and the mediating role of green human capital (GHC) in the relationship between EGC and GC.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilized PLS-SEM to analyze 320 responses obtained from middle-level management at five-star hotels and travel agencies in Egypt, using WarpPLS statistical software 7.0.

Findings

Leader STARA competence positively affects employee green creativity and green competitiveness. Employee green creativity positively affects green competitiveness and green human capital. Green human capital positively affects green competitiveness. In addition, the study demonstrated significant mediation roles of green human capital in the employee green creativity and green competitiveness relationship and employee green creativity in the leader STARA competence and green competitiveness relationship.

Practical implications

The study offers several practical implications for tourism and hospitality enterprises. It underscores the significance of leader STARA’s competence in advancing green competitiveness.

Originality/value

The study provides new insights into how emerging concepts like leader STARA competence, green human capital and employee green creativity simultaneously predict green competitiveness within tourism and hospitality enterprises. It also contributes significantly to enriching the social exchange theory.
Price premiums for geographical indication under the coexistence of self‐claims and certification
Authors: Wang Meng , Ge Jihong , Fan Xuesen , Hu Wuyang
Published: January 2025

As the popularity of geographical indication (GI) grows in developing countries, the coexistence of GI self‐claims and certification has become widespread. This study focusses on the Chinese rice market and explores the market performance of GI self‐claims and certification. The findings indicate that while GI self‐claims can generate price premiums, these are lower than those generated by GI certification. In the mid‐to‐high‐end rice market, GI self‐claims barely succeed to generate any price premium, whereas GI certification maintains its competitiveness. Notably, there is heterogeneity in the price premiums of different types of GI self‐claims and certification. On the one hand, only indirect self‐claims, which utilise origin information denoted by a GI label, can generate a price premium. On the other hand, GI certification promoted in earlier years or with more stringent certification standards generates higher price premiums. There is no clear evidence suggesting that a higher number of GI certificates corresponds to higher price premiums.
No Bacterial Biomass Detected in Tissue From Patients With Ovarian Cancer and Serous Tubal Intraepithelial Carcinomas Using 16S rDNA Sequencing
Authors: Ingerslev Kasper , Poulsen Tim Svenstrup , Strube Mikael Lenz , Skovrider‐Ruminski Wojciech , Schledermann Doris , Schnack Tine Henrichsen , Høgdall Claus , Blaakær Jan , Høgdall Estrid
Published: January 2025

The ovarian oncobiome is subject to increasing scientific focus, but a potential link between bacterial dysbiosis and ovarian carcinogenesis remains controversial. Our primary aim was to characterize the bacterial microbiota in epithelial ovarian cancer samples. Secondarily, we aimed to compare results from the bacterial microbiota in formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded ovarian tissue samples from 194 patients with epithelial ovarian cancer, fallopian tube tissue samples from 16 patients with serous tubal intraepithelial carcinomas and in benign fallopian tube tissue samples from 25 patients. Bacterial abundance was investigated by means of 16S rDNA Next Generation Sequencing. The 16S rDNA sequencing run produced a very low number of bacterial reads. Only seven samples displayed bacterial reads above 5000. Validation of detected bacterial reads by qPCR was negative and indicative of results being background amplification. Our results indicate no amount of bacterial biomass in the ovarian cancer, benign fallopian tube and in the samples with serous tubal intraepithelial carcinomas. The findings underline the importance of validating results from bacterial microbiota studies with additional technical assays before any conclusion may be drawn.
Formation of the Central Tibet Watershed Mountains in the Late Jurassic: Evidence From Provenance Mapping of the Source‐to‐Sink System in the Qiangtang Basin
Authors: Zhang Jiawei , Li Yalin , Tu Jiarun , Han Zhongpeng , Dai Jingen , Zhang Huiping , Kang Huan
Published: January 2025

The Central Tibet Watershed Mountains (CTWMs) are located in the hinterland of the Tibetan Plateau, extending over 1000 km from west to east. These mountains currently function as a drainage divide, separating Tibet's rivers into eastward‐ and southward‐flowing systems to the north and the south of the mountains, respectively. The timing of watershed formation remains contentious, which hinders a comprehensive understanding of the geomorphic evolution of the Tibetan Plateau. The Qiangtang basin, where the CTWMs are situated, preserves critical geological records essential for deciphering landscape evolution. The age distributions of new detrital zircon U–Pb data from the Middle and Upper Jurassic sandstones in the northern Qiangtang sub‐basin are consistent with a published data set, with age clusters at 200–300, 500–700, 800–1000, 1800–2000 and 2400–2600 Ma. Qualitative provenance analysis identifies the major source rocks as the Palaeozoic and Upper Triassic strata in the CTWMs, as well as the Triassic turbidites in the Hoh Xil‐Songpan Ganze terrane (HSG), which bound the northern Qiangtang sub‐basin to the south and north, respectively. Minor contributions come from Late Triassic intrusive and volcanic rocks, as well as Jurassic granitoids. The abundant detrital zircon data from the Qiangtang basin offers an opportunity to investigate the formation of the CTWMs through a quantified interpretation of the source‐to‐sink system. The combination of inverse and forward modelling of large detrital data sets facilitates the creation of provenance maps and avoids laborious descriptions of individual age modes. Integrated with sandstone petrographic analysis and paleocurrent data, the provenance of the Jurassic sediments can be quantitatively constrained. The CTWMs within the Qiangtang basin consistently served as significant sources throughout the Jurassic, while younger zircon grains were contributed by local sources, including the Triassic and Jurassic magmatic rocks. The proportion of the HSG source in the north increased throughout the basin in the Middle Jurassic but decreased dramatically in the southern Qiangtang sub‐basin during the Late Jurassic. We interpret that the embryonic stage of the CTWMs, which did not fully prevent sediment transport from the HSG to the southern Qiangtang sub‐basin, persisted from the Early to Middle Jurassic. The formation of a well‐defined watershed occurred in central Tibet in the Late Jurassic, probably triggered by the trench‐parallel mid‐ocean ridge subduction of the Bangong‐Nujing oceanic lithosphere.
Curcumin Regulates Microglia Polarization to Alleviate Ischemic Stroke by Targeting microRNA‐205‐5p/Kruppel‐Like Factor 2 (KLF2)/Activating Transcription Factor 2 (ATF2) Axis
Authors: Cao Xiangyu , Pu Yingzi
Published: January 2025

Ischemic stroke (IS) often causes fearful sequela, even death. Curcumin was beneficial to IS, but its underlying molecular mechanism is unclear. Mice were subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) surgery, and BV‐2 cells were treated with oxygen–glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) induction to establish IS models in vivo and in vitro. Abundance of genes and proteins was determined using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR), immunofluorescence (IF), and western blot. Interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), and interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) levels were analyzed using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Modified neurological severity score (mNSS), corner test, foot fault test, adhesive removal test, and 2,3,5‐triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining were applied to evaluate the brain injury of mice. The correlation between miR‐205‐5p and Kruppel‐like factor 2 (KLF2) was affirmed using dual luciferase reporter assay. Our results revealed that curcumin alleviated brain damage in MCAO mice through driving microglia M2 polarization. Of note, curcumin resulted in decreased miR‐205‐5p expression in MCAO mice. miR‐205‐5p knockdown resulted in promoted microglia M2 polarization in OGD/R conditions and achieved similar results to curcumin treatment in MCAO mice. Moreover, curcumin played a promoting role in microglia M2 polarization under OGD/R conditions, while miR‐205‐5p overexpression or KLF2 knockdown abolished these effects. On the mechanism, miR‐205‐5p was a target of curcumin, and miR‐205‐5p further interacted with KLF2 to inhibit activating transcription factor 2 (ATF2) expression. miR‐205‐5p, decreased by curcumin, suppressed microglia M2 polarization to worsen IS injury through the mediating KLF2/ATF2 axis.
The parent–child relationship and child shame and guilt: A meta‐analytic systematic review
Authors: van Eickels Rahel L. , Siegel Magdalena , Juhasz Alice J. , Zemp Martina
Published: January 2025

Empirical findings on the associations of positive and dysfunctional parent–child relationship (PPCR/DPCR) characteristics with child shame, adaptive guilt, and maladaptive guilt were synthesized in six meta‐analyses. The 65 included samples yielded 633 effect sizes (Ntotal = 19,144; Mage = 15.24 years; 59.0% female; 67.7% U.S. samples, n = 12,036 with 65% White, 12.3% Hispanic and Latinx, 10.8% Black, 6.3% mixed race, 5.6% Asian American, 0.3% Native American participants). Small positive correlations were found between DPCR and shame (r = .17), DPCR and maladaptive guilt (r = .15), and PPCR and adaptive guilt (r = .14). A small negative correlation was found between PPCR and shame (r = −.12). Sample and study moderators and sources of bias are investigated and discussed.
Natural and Artificial Structures Influence the Movement and Habitat Connectivity of Whale Sharks (Rhincodon typus) Across Seascapes
Authors: D'Antonio Ben , Ferreira Luciana C. , Fisher Rebecca , Thums Michele , Pattiaratchi Charitha B. , Sequeira Ana M. M. , Faubel Cal , Reynolds Samantha , Norman Brad , Meekan Mark
Published: January 2025

Aim

To understand how natural geomorphological features and oil and gas platforms (OG platforms) influence the habitat use and seascape connectivity of the whale shark (Rhincodon typus).

Location

East‐Indian Ocean and North‐West Australia.

Methods

We compiled a satellite tracking dataset of 78 whale sharks tagged across a 14‐year period at Ningaloo Reef and Shark Bay World Heritage Areas in Western Australia to develop spatial networks for the regions of the East‐Indian Ocean and North‐West Australia. We then applied a Bayesian modelling framework to assess the effects of natural features and OG platforms on spatial patterns and habitat connectivity.

Results

Geomorphological features such as pinnacles, canyons, and seamounts promoted habitat connectivity and strongly influenced the habitat use of whale sharks across both regional (1000's km; East‐Indian Ocean) and local (100's km; North‐West Australia) spatial scales. In the North‐West of Australia, OG platforms had similar effects on habitat use as natural feature types and also enhanced habitat connectivity. The OG platforms most visited by whale sharks were situated close to the edge of the continental shelf and near natural geomorphological features that likely enhance productivity.

Main Conclusion

Our work identified natural geomorphological features that promoted habitat use and connectivity for whale sharks across oceanic and coastal seascapes. Sharks routinely visited OG platforms, which acted as migratory stepping stones that further enhanced habitat connectivity. Protection of natural feature types that promote habitat use and connectivity could assist conservation management of whale sharks. We suggest that the influence of OG platforms on their movement and habitat use beyond individual structures, should be considered in environmental impact assessments during operation and decommissioning phases.
Reconciling Variability in Multiple Stressor Effects Using Environmental Performance Curves
Authors: Carmichael Hebe , Warfield Ruth , Yvon‐Durocher Gabriel
Published: January 2025

Understanding the effects of multiple stressors has become a major focus in ecology and evolution. While many studies have investigated the combined effects of stressors, revealing massive variability, a mechanistic understanding that reconciles the diversity of multiple stressor outcomes is lacking. Here, we show how performance curves can fill this gap by revealing mechanisms that shape multiple stressor outcomes. Our experiments with 12 bacterial taxa, demonstrate that additional stressors alter the shape of temperature, pH and salinity performance curves. This leads to changes in stressor interaction outcomes—for example, shifts between additive, antagonistic or synergistic interactions—along gradients, revealing that small changes in a stressor along nonlinear performance curves can dramatically impact the stressor interaction. These findings help to explain the lack of generality found across multiple stressor studies and highlight how a performance curve approach can provide a more holistic view of multiple stressor interactions.
New onset refractory status epilepticus: Long‐term outcomes beyond seizures
Authors: Espino Poul H. , Eschbach Krista , Blank Leah J. , Cervenka Mackenzie C. , Muscal Eyal , Farias‐Moeller Raquel , Gilmore Emily J. , Gopaul Margaret T. , Haider Hiba A. , Hanin Aurelie , Hirsch Lawrence J. , Kellogg Marissa A. , Kluger Gerhard , Lee Soon‐Tae , Melendez‐Zaidi Alexandria E. , Navarro Vincent , Oliger Audrey C. , Pasini Elena , Reuner Gitta , Sharpe Cynthia M. , Sheikh Zubeda B. , Steigleder Leon , Steriade Claude , Stredny Coral M. , Strzelczyk Adam , Taraschenko Olga , van Baalen Andreas , Vinette Sarah A. , Wickström Ronny , Wong Nora W. , Yoo Jiyeoun , Gofton Teneille E.
Published: January 2025

We propose and prioritize important outcome domains that should be considered for future research investigating long‐term outcomes (LTO) after new onset refractory status epilepticus (NORSE). The study was led by the international NORSE Institute LTO Working Group. First, literature describing the LTO of NORSE survivors was identified using a PubMed search and summarized to identify knowledge gaps. Subsequently, a consensus‐building process was performed to prioritize and rank important LTO domains for further research. The prioritization of LTO domains was qualitative, enabling the expert panel to generate ideas, share opinions, and provide reasons for the rankings. A second round took place to allow expansion and agreement regarding specific details for each domain. Outcomes were classified into eight main domains: (1) Function: Neuropsychological, Neurological (other than seizures), and Psychiatric (mood and behavior); (2) Quality of Life; (3) Epilepsy; (4) Nonneurological (medical); (5) Social; (6) Caregiver Burden; (7) Long‐Term Mortality; and (8) Health Care System Impact. In addition, the working group suggested obtaining outcome measures for each domain at 6 months and 1 year after discharge and annually thereafter until stability has been reached. There are no currently established time frames set for when LTO in NORSE begin or plateau, and previously there existed no consensus regarding which LTO should be considered. This consensus process identifies and recommends NORSE LTO domains that should be considered in future research studies to provide more consistent results that can be compared between studies. Survivors of NORSE should be evaluated serially and at fixed points over time to maximize our understanding of the recovery trajectory for all LTO domains. Establishing reliable and standardized data describing LTO (beyond seizures) after NORSE will support discussions with families during the acute stages, prognostication, the development of targeted management strategies for survivors, and future comparative research globally helping to identify biomarkers that may predict LTO.
Risk scoring system for evaluating pathological upstaging after radical nephroureterectomy for upper tract urothelial carcinoma: A multicenter study in Japan
Authors: Yamane Hiroshi , Morizane Shuichi , Yamaguchi Noriya , Toji Sumiyo , Hikita Katsuya , Honda Masashi , Muraoka Kuniyasu , Oono Hirofumi , Isoyama Tadahiro , Ono Koji , Sejima Takehiro , Takenaka Atsushi
Published: January 2025

Objectives

Accurate preoperative staging of upper tract urothelial carcinoma is often difficult. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the preoperative factors associated with pathological upstaging in patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma undergoing radical nephroureterectomy and to develop a risk‐scoring system to assess pathological upstaging.

Methods

This retrospective study enrolled 386 patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma who underwent radical nephroureterectomy at Tottori University Hospital and affiliated hospitals between January 2015 and December 2021. Patients with clinical tumor stage 4, clinical node +, and those who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy were excluded from the study. The association between preoperative patient factors and pathological upstaging was analyzed. Statistical analyses included the t‐test, chi‐squared test, and logistic regression analysis.

Results

Of the 386 patients, 32 were excluded. Finally, 354 patients were included in this study, of whom 87 (24.6%) were pathologically upstaged. Hydronephrosis, positive urine cytology result, and maximum tumor diameter <30 mm were associated with upstaging. We developed a risk scoring system in which the score was the sum of the number of applicable items for three factors: hydronephrosis, positive urine cytology result, and maximum tumor size <30 mm. The probabilities of ureteral cancer upstaging were 0%, 8.3%, 29.5%, and 50.0% for scores of 0, 1, 2, and 3, respectively.

Conclusions

Hydronephrosis, urine cytology, and maximum tumor diameter were associated with pathological upstaging. Our risk‐scoring system may be useful in predicting pathological upstaging, especially in patients with ureteral cancer.
Cultural Differences in Visual Attention Emerge in Infancy
Authors: Heise Megan J. , Meristo Marek , Ueno Mika , Itakura Shoji , Carlson Stephanie M.
Published: January 2025

East Asians are more likely than North Americans to attend to visual scenes holistically, focusing on the relations between objects and their background rather than isolating components. This cultural difference in context sensitivity—greater attentional allocation to the background of an image or scene—has been attributed to socialization, yet it is unknown how early in development it appears, and whether it is moderated by social information. We employed eye‐tracking to investigate context‐sensitivity in 15‐month‐olds in Japan (n = 45) and the United States (n = 52). Viewing faces, Japanese infants were more attentive and studied the background longer than U.S. infants. Viewing cartoon videos, Japanese infants looked at the background twice as long as U.S. infants, particularly for objects with eyes. In parent‐child book reading, Japanese parents referred to the background significantly more than U.S. parents, although this was uncorrelated with infant behavior on the preceding tasks. These findings illustrated that cultural differences in attention are detectable in infancy, and that sustained attention may be an important foundation upon which culturally‐specific attentional styles are built. Overall, results were consistent with the view that a context‐sensitive orientation first emerges for social information and later generalizes to non‐social situations.
Evaluating a Virtual Community‐of‐Practice as Implementation Strategy for the Needs Assessment Framework in Intellectual Disability Care: A Quasi‐Experimental Multi‐Methods Study
Authors: Bisschops Esther H. , Frielink Noud , de Schipper J. Clasien , Schuengel Carlo , Embregts Petri J. C. M.
Published: January 2025

Background

The Needs Assessment Framework (NAF) stimulates awareness of care staff to consider perspectives of clients with intellectual disabilities in decisions on involuntary care. We explored the effect of implementers' participation in a Virtual Community‐of‐Practice (VCoP) for designing implementation plans, on NAF implementation and staff awareness.

Method

A quasi‐experimental design was used to compare implementation and awareness by care staff (n = 54) between organisations that implemented NAF with VCoP participation (N = 4) and organisations that implemented NAF as usual (N = 3). The ItFits toolkit work routine in the VCoP was qualitatively analysed to understand choices regarding implementation plans.

Results

No statistical differences in implementation and awareness among care staff were found between the intervention and control groups. Implementers evaluated collaboration on implementation and the ItFits toolkit as helpful.

Conclusions

Evaluation of implementation effectiveness and process are both needed to offer unique insights for iteratively changing daily practice around involuntary care.
Sacubitril/Valsartan for Blood Pressure Lowering in Non‐Dialysis‐Dependent Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 3–5 Patients With Hypertension: A Multicenter Clinical Study
Authors: Yan Yu , Li Xiaomin , Cao Juan , Cao Jingyuan , Wang Yao , Wang Liang , Yu Jirong , Chen Lianhua , Yang Min , Huang Xinzhong , Shen Lei , Ding Hong , Li Manzhi , Yin Di , Jiang Linglin , Tang Liang , Jiang Yujia , Hu Ling , Si Jiyi , Zhang Hui , Cui Liqin , Gu Xiameng , Hu Kun , Mu Dongxing , Liu Bicheng , Zhang Xiaoliang , Sun Dong , Wan Xin , Wang Bin
Published: January 2025

To assess the effectiveness and safety of Sacubitril/Valsartan in reducing blood pressure in individuals with non‐dialysis‐dependent chronic kidney disease (NDD‐CKD) Stage 3–5 complicated by hypertension. This study was a multicenter retrospective analysis conducted from March 1, 2022 to March 31, 2024, involving adult patients with NDD‐CKD Stage 3–5 and hypertension, who received Sacubitril/Valsartan either as a monotherapy or in addition to current antihypertensive treatments that were insufficient. The main outcomes measured were blood pressure control, changes in blood pressure and laboratory parameters within 8 weeks post‐treatment initiation, and incidence of adverse events. The study included a total of 459 individuals with NDD‐CKD Stage 3–5 and hypertension. At the study endpoint, mean systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and pulse pressure were markedly reduced compared to baseline (all p < 0.001). The average blood pressure reductions were 12.17 (4.66, 22.00), 6.00 (0.67, 12.66), and 6.67 (0.08, 14.00) mmHg, respectively. Throughout the study period, 96 patients (20.92%) with NDD‐CKD Stage 3–5 developed worsening renal function, 15 patients (3.27%) developed hyperkalemia, and 49 patients (10.68%) experienced symptomatic hypotension. Overall, there were no significant differences in the changes in serum creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and serum potassium before and after treatment (p = 0.28, p = 0.91, p = 0.61, respectively). Sacubitril/Valsartan significantly lowers blood pressure in patients with NDD‐CKD Stage 3–5 complicated by hypertension, with good safety profiles.

Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: ChiCTR2400086079
The optimal group size of deliberative mini‐publics: A divide in perceptions
Authors: Waterschoot Milena , Haesevoets Tessa , Roets Arne
Published: January 2025

Deliberative mini‐publics (DMPs) have the potential to bolster political trust, although poorly organized ones may worsen existing distrust. Therefore, it is essential to consider citizens' perceptions regarding their implementation. This article examines a key aspect in this regard: the optimal group size of DMPs, as perceived by the public. Three studies were conducted: an exploratory pilot study (n = 194 Belgian citizens), Study 1 (n = 516 UK citizens), and Study 2 (n = 527 UK citizens), which was a preregistered replication in a representative sample. In each study, participants evaluated various DMP sizes on four dimensions of legitimacy: representativeness, deliberation quality, efficiency, and efficacy. Our findings indicate that most participants intuitively make a trade‐off between these different dimensions when evaluating how many citizens should partake in DMPs. In particular, a group of 100 citizens was identified as the size for DMPs to be perceived as representative, without compromising the perceived deliberation quality, efficiency, and efficacy. Remarkably, however, there is also a distinct and substantial group of participants who demand more than 1000 participating citizens to be satisfied. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.