bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SeQuoIA: a single-cell BCR sequencing analysis pipeline for tracking selection mechanisms in germinal centres
Authors: Hector Eglantine , Milpied Pierre
Published: February 2025

Germinal centres (GCs) are specialized structures where B cells undergo iterative steps of B-cell receptor (BCR) somatic hypermutation and selection of best antigen binders in a darwinian-like fashion. The accelerated evolutionary process leads to the production of high-affinity antibodies that are crucial for robust and long-term humoral immunity. Within this frame, single-cell BCR sequencing analysis is a method of choice to track GC B cell dynamics as somatic mutations can be utilised as anin vivomolecular tracer. Herein, we present SeQuoIA, a start-to-finish pipeline for the analysis of BCR repertoire sequencing data at the single-cell level, including improved clonotype assignment and phylogeny reconstruction. Most importantly, we introduce a new method for the inference of BCR-driven selection pressure based on somatic mutation patterns, that was validated with biological data. With this pipeline, we explored public datasets and proposed new selection mechanisms in GCs.

Significance

Our pipeline should contribute to a better understanding of the basic biology of GC dynamics, and potentially help in laboratory animal usage reduction. Clinical applications could include assessment of vaccine efficacy, monitoring of B cell anti-tumoral responses, and identification of BCR-mediated processes in B cell lymphomas.
Hazard-aware adaptations bridge the generalization gap in large language models: a nationwide study
Authors: Wu Julie , Conover Sydney , Su Chloe , Corrigan June , Culnan John , Liu Yuhan , Kelley Michael , Do Nhan , Arya Shipra , Sox-Harris Alex , Langlotz Curtis , Weiner Renda , Branch-Elliman Westyn , Han Summer , Fillmore Nathanael
Published: February 2025

Despite growing excitement in deploying large language models (LLMs) for healthcare, most machine learning studies show success on the same few limited public data sources. It is unclear if and how most results generalize to real-world clinical settings. To measure this gap and shorten it, we analyzed protected notes from over 100 Veterans Affairs (VA) sites, focusing on extracting smoking history—a persistent and clinically impactful problem in natural language processing (NLP). Here we applied adaptation techniques to an LLM over two institutional datasets, a popular public dataset (MIMIC-III) and our VA one, across five smoking history NLP tasks of varying complexity. We demonstrate that adapted prompts, engineered to address observed errors, achieve better generalizability across institutions compared to zero-shot prompts. We analyzed 2,955 notes and LLM outputs to codify errors in a hazard framework, identifying whether error frequency differences between institutions stemmed from generalization failures or inherent data differences. While overall accuracy with the adapted prompt was similar between institutions (macro-F1=0.86 in VA, 0.85 in MIMIC), hazard distributions varied significantly. In some cases, a dataset had more errors in a specific category due to a higher prevalence of the associated hazard, such as templated information in VA notes (padj=0.004). However, when task-specific requirements conflicted with pre-trained model behavior, errors in the untrained institution were more frequent despite similar hazard prevalence (padj=0.007), showing a limit of LLM generalizability. As a potential clinical application, our adapted LLM system identified lung cancer screening eligibility in 59% of Veterans who later developed the disease, compared to 8% with current national VA tools. Our results demonstrate LLM generalizability on real-world, national patient data while identifying hazards to address for improved performance and broader applicability.
Imidacloprid decreases the total energy production in western honeybees even though, in sublethal doses, it increased the values of six of the nine compounds in the respiratory and citric cycle
Authors: Paleolog Jerzy , Wilde Jerzy , Gancarz Marek , Strachecka Aneta
Published: February 2025

Neonicotinoids, including imidacloprid, harmApis melliferain a number of ways, among others by impairing body maintenance and immunity. Energy resources are important to prevent this, particularly, as we hypothesized, in the fat body tissue. But hormesis (adaptative, diaphasic response to a stressor) was also reported in the energy-dependent traits of bees exposed to sublethal doses of imidacloprid. Consequently, concentrations/activities of respiratory and citric cycle compounds (Acetyl-CoA, IMH-2, AKG, succinate, fumarate, NADH2, CoC, COX, and ATP) were compared in the hemolymph and fat bodies of honeybees fed with diets containing 200 ppb (IM-200), 5 ppb (IM-5; sublethal), and 0 ppb of ID. The values of the compounds were higher in the fat body than in the hemolymph, where the variability was higher in hemolymph. The pattern of response to ID was the same in both tissues, but differed between IM-200 and IM-5. The concentrations of the strongly correlated NADH2, ATP and acetyl-CoA decreased both in ID-200 and ID-5, whereas the levels of the remaining compounds decreased in ID-200 but increased in ID-5. Decreased ATP levels in each diet show that the pesticide impairs the fat-body energy metabolism in spite of hormesis in six of the nine respiratory and citric cycle compounds even in the low, residual doses. We believe that sublethal doses of imidacloprid decrease energy demands, as they decreased the levels of ATP, and acetyl-CoA.
Influence of the ATP-dependent DNA ligase, Lig E, onNeisseria gonorrhoeaemicrocolony and biofilm formation
Authors: Pan Jolyn , Albarrak Abdullah , Hicks Joanna , Williams David , Williamson Adele
Published: February 2025

Background

Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the causative agent of the sexually transmitted infection, gonorrhoea, is known to form biofilms rich in extracellular DNA on human cervical cells. Biofilm formation is conducive to increased antimicrobial resistance and evasion of the host immune system, potentially causing asymptomatic infections. Using plate-based assays we have previously shown that disruption of a potential extracellular DNA ligase, Lig E, inN. gonorrhoeae(Ngo-Lig E) impacts biofilm formation. In this research, we further explored this phenotype using confocal and scanning electron microscopy to directly visualise the morphology of microcolony and biofilm formation. Biofilm growth on artificial surfaces and on 3-dimensional human vaginal epithelial tissue was evaluated for strains wherengo-lig Ewas either disrupted or overexpressed.

Results

Results demonstrated that Ngo-Lig E was important for the formation of robust, compactN. gonorrhoeaemicrocolonies, as well as extensive biofilms on artificial surfaces. Thengo-lig Edeletion strain also had the highest tendency to be retained on the surface of epithelial tissues, with decreased invasion and damage to host cell layers.

Conclusions

These findings support a role for Ngo-Lig E to be secreted fromN. gonorrhoeaecells for the purpose of inter-cell adhesion and biofilm formation. We suggest that Ngo-Lig E strengthens the extracellular matrix and hence microcolony and biofilm formation ofN. gonorrhoeaeby ligation of extracellular DNA.
Present and future structural biology activities at DESY and the European XFEL
Authors: Oberthür Dominik , Hakanpää Johanna , Chatziefthymiou Spyros , Pompidor Guilllaume , Bean Richard , Chapman Henry N. , Weckert Edgar
Published: February 2025

Structural biology investigations using synchrotron radiation have a long history at the photon science facilities at DESY. Presently, EMBL and DESY operate state-of-the-art macromolecular crystallography and biological SAXS stations at the synchrotron radiation source PETRA III for the international user community. New experimental opportunities for experiments with femtosecond temporal resolution and for extremely small macromolecular crystals have become available with the advent of X-ray free-electron lasers (XFELs) such as the European XFEL. Within large international collaborations, groups at DESY and the European XFEL have contributed significantly to the development of experimental and data analysis methods to enable serial crystallography experiments at both XFELs and high-brilliance synchrotron radiation sources. The available portfolio of analytical infrastructure in photon science at DESY has attracted several campus partners to contribute to the development of instruments and methods and provide their own complementary experimental techniques, thereby establishing a fruitful scientific environment to make significant contributions to present and future societal challenges in the field of life sciences.
CuBr2 complexes with 3,5-disubstituted pyridine ligands
Authors: Landee Christopher P. , Dickie Diane A. , Turnbull Mark M.
Published: February 2025

Reaction of copper(II) bromide with 3,5-dichloropyridine (3,5-Cl2py) or 3,5-dimethylpyridine (3,5-Me2py) led to the isolation of the coordination polymers catena-poly[[bis(3,5-dichloropyridine)copper(II)]-di-μ-bromido], [CuBr2(C5H3Cl2N)2]
n
or [CuBr2(3,5-Cl2py)2]
n
(1), and catena-poly[[bis(3,5-dimethylpyridine)copper(II)]-di-μ-bromido], [CuBr2(C7H9N)2]
n
or [CuBr2(3,5-Me2py)2]
n
(2), respectively. The structures are characterized by bibromide-bridged chains [d(av.)Cu...Cu = 3.93 (9) Å]. In 1, the chains are linked perpendicular to the a axis by non-classical hydrogen bonds and halogen bonds, while in 2, only non-classical hydrogen bonds are observed.
Exploring contextual issues impacting delivery and performance of public sector construction projects in Tanzania
Authors: Abdallah Abdullatif , Doloi Hemanta , Holzer Dominik
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Large-scale public sector construction projects in Tanzania face numerous interrelated issues. However, past studies have ignored the contextual environment in which these issues emerge and their intra- and inter-phase interactions. Accordingly, the present study seeks to bridge this gap by addressing three objectives, including identifying and analyzing the various contextual issues, investigating their interrelation and discussing potential management strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

A two-staged exploratory sequential mixed-method approach was adopted, employing semi-structured interviews followed by questionnaire survey. 45 experts participated in the interviews, while 41 experts participated in the survey. For the qualitative analysis, inductive thematic analysis was adopted to identify key issues and their interrelations. For the quantitative analysis, the issues were ranked using relative importance index (RII). Finally, the findings of the quantitative and qualitative analyses were triangulated to distill the findings into a set of recommendations in the form of a management strategy framework.

Findings

For both the inception and planning and design phase, the findings revealed that the most important issues were client-related issues that impacted time and finances. For the procurement phase, key issue was concerning the lowest bidder policy. For the execution phase, delayed payments and consequently financial issues were the primary issues. Finally, for the handover phase, late payment along with additional requirements raised by consultants were major issues. In summary, the present study demonstrated that issues emerging at early phases had far-reaching implications on the performance of the projects.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of the present study is the sample size of respondents for the questionnaire survey. However, this limitation was offset by the extensive interviews conducted in the field.

Practical implications

It is envisioned that the findings of the present study will sensitize public sector construction stakeholders and policymakers to the contemporary issues experienced at various lifecycle phases of the projects.

Originality/value

The present study identified issues not previously mentioned in the literature and developed a construction lifecycle management strategy framework for addressing the contextual issues.
Tors, moors and ponies: a case study of stakeholders’ perspectives on mindfulness and sustainability at a nature-based tourism destination in the UK
Authors: Vozar Elif
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study explores stakeholders’ perspectives on sustainability at a nature-based tourism destination in the UK, approached through the lens of socio-cognitive mindfulness theory. Specifically, this study attempts to find out how stakeholders work with special qualities of place to engage with visitors to contribute to their level of mindfulness.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs a qualitative exploratory research design using semi-structured interviews that were conducted with 19 stakeholders associated with key authorities, businesses and charities in Dartmoor National Park. Thematic analysis of the semi-structured interviews with the key stakeholders is included. Nvivo was employed to categorize the complex process.

Findings

Several crucial findings emerged. Stakeholders revealed how Dartmoor’s special qualities, visitor control, novelty, and connecting with visitors, not only contributed to local and business development but also promoted mindfulness and sustainable practices. Businesses, organisations, administrative bodies and charities work closely with each other to protect both nature and local communities in the area. However, they are faced with some existing challenges relating to a lack of information.

Originality/value

This study offers an original and innovative application of mindfulness theory to the consideration of supply-side perspectives on sustainability in visitor–environment relations. In doing so, the research provides new insights into these relationships that can help to promote positive engagement with natural settings.
Hazy returns: does air pollution affect cryptocurrencies?
Authors: Singh Anirudh , Chakraborty Madhumita
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aims to examine whether rising air pollution impacts cryptocurrency returns across different categories.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses panel regression to investigate the impact of air pollution on cryptocurrencies between January 2014 and June 2023. Cryptocurrency prices are sourced from www.coinmarketcap.com. Air quality is measured using the air quality index (AQI) values provided by the World Air Quality Index Project. Generalized method of moments (GMM) estimators for dynamic panel regression have also been used to control for endogeneity concerns.

Findings

High AQI levels are observed to negatively affect cryptocurrency returns. This impact remains absent during good air quality and for cryptocurrencies with lower energy consumption like stablecoins, clean energy and health cryptocurrencies, supporting the argument that rising air pollution leads to lower returns for cryptocurrencies more prone to damaging the environment.

Practical implications

The findings of this study could offer investors valuable insights in formulating more efficient cryptocurrency trading strategies. It also demonstrates how environmental variables influence the performance of volatile assets like cryptocurrencies. The presence of lower returns for currencies perceived as damaging to the environment could put the focus on promoting sustainability in the production of such digital currencies.

Originality/value

No prior study has investigated the influence of AQI on cryptocurrency returns. This study aims to focus on the behavioral aspect of financial decision-making. As cryptocurrency adoption rates rise across the globe, the findings of this study can provide useful insights to cryptocurrency traders.
Industry Spillover Effect of Hedge Fund Activism on Organizational Exploitation and Exploration
Authors: Xiao Fenglong , Shen Yinjie (Victor)
Published: February 2025

Hedge fund activism has become a prominent organizational phenomenon that attracts increasing scholarly interest. To advance our understanding of the spillover effect of this phenomenon, this study develops a theory on the industry‐wide spillover effects of hedge fund activism on non‐targeted firms’ focus on exploration vis‐à‐vis exploitation in technological innovation activities. In the empirical context of US‐listed chemical firms from 2000 to 2015, we find that non‐targeted firms exhibit a lower level of exploration relative to exploitation following hedge fund activism against their industry peers. Moreover, the industry spillover effect of hedge fund activism increases with the target firm's media coverage and decreases with the focal non‐targeted firm's financial performance. These results support our theory and highlight the potential dark side of hedge fund activism on exploratory innovations in firms even if they are not directly targeted.
Effects of sugar beet pulp on the microstructure, rheological and textural properties of set yogurt
Authors: Bo Li‐ying , Pan Zhi‐qin , Du Guo‐jun , Song Zhi‐qiang , Song Chun‐li , Jian Ren , An Jing‐jing
Published: February 2025

In recent years, probiotic products have received considerable attention. This study is aimed at utilising sugar beet pulp (SBP), a raw material potentially conferring health benefits, to enhance the stability of set yogurt. The study explored the influence of SBP on the fermentation performance and properties of set yogurt during 21‐day storage at concentrations of 0.1, 0.5 and 1%. The incorporation of SBP led to significant decreases in pH, increased titratable acidity and modifications in the timing of peak hardness, adhesiveness and springiness. All samples demonstrated a predominance of the elastic component, which contributed to enhanced stability of the set yogurt during refrigeration. Furthermore, yogurts with 0.1 and 0.5% SBP exhibited superior performance in terms of syneresis and microstructure. This could be attributed to the soluble fibre in SBP, which binds more tightly to the protein aggregates in yogurt, thereby strengthening the network structure of the casein gel. The optimal sensory results were observed in yogurt containing 0.1% SBP. In conclusion, the addition of 0.1% SBP can effectively enhance the quality of set yogurt while increasing the intake of dietary fibre and bioactive compounds. As an agricultural by‐product, SBP holds promise as a natural stabiliser in yogurt.
Diapause hormone receptor affects larval growth and embryonic development in the multivoltine strain of Bombyx mori
Authors: Jing Wenhui , Gao Yun , Li Yinghui , Jin Yue , Zhou Yanyan , Xu Yusong , Wang Huabing
Published: February 2025

Diapause is a programmed developmental arrest process in insects. Diapause can occur at various stages of insect development and is frequently restricted to a specific developmental stage within a single species. In Bombyx mori, embryonic diapause is elicited by the diapause hormone (DH) and DH receptor (DHR) in diapause strains. Nevertheless, the regulatory mechanism through which BmDHR functions as a G protein‐coupled receptor (GPCR), to exert other physiological functions in nondiapause silkworms, remains unclear. In this study, we found that BmDHR had 7 alternative splice isoforms. A knockout experiment confirmed that BmDHR mediated the transduction of diapause signals. Interestingly, the loss of BmDHR caused partial precocious metamorphosis and an embryo‐lethal phenotype in nondiapause silkworms. An assessment of global transcriptional patterns revealed that BmDHR knockout affected physiological responses induced by manifold cellular processes, including the Toll/immune deficiency (Imd), Wnt, insulin‐like growth factor, Hedgehog and P38/mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways. This study expands our knowledge of the physiological roles for DHR in insect growth and development.
Microstructure of mixed κ‐ and ι‐carrageenan gels viewed by rheology and solid‐state NMR
Authors: Hu Bingjie , Descallar Faith Bernadette A. , Matsukawa Shingo
Published: February 2025

Pure and mixed κ‐ and ι‐carrageenan (CR) were studied by rheology and solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) (SSNMR), combining bulk viscoelasticity and microscopic local molecular conformational information for understanding the morphological arrangement of the microstructure of gel network. Independent formation of double helices of κ‐ or ι‐CR was confirmed by rheological data, and two possible models, microphase separation and interpenetrating network (IPN), were also proposed. The cross‐polarization magic angle spinning (CPMAS) measurements by SSNMR for mixed gels showed the “new peak” at 95.4 ppm, which was supposed to be mainly composed of concentrated κ‐CR chains in phase separation model or the κ‐CR with changed conformation due to dense interlacing in the IPN model, in both of which the co‐aggregates of κ‐ and ι‐helices may also be incorporated. The molecular dynamic of anomeric carbon of anhydrogalactopyranose (A1‐C) region was evaluated by variable contact time (VCT) measurements via fitting for the deconvolution generated “new peak,” pure κ‐CR at 93.9 ppm and ι‐CR 91.8 ppm. The obtained T1ρ described the degree of homogeneity over a few nanometers and was therefore used to calculate the scale of homogeneity of mixture CR gels to be 1–3 nm. SSNMR was testified to be a practical method for research on multiphase hydrocolloids.
Why “Energy Price Brakes” Encourage Moral Hazard, Raise Energy Prices, and Reinforce Energy Savings
Authors: Dertwinkel‐Kalt Markus , Wey Christian
Published: February 2025

To help households and firms with exploding energy costs in the aftermath of the Ukraine war, a new policy called the “energy price brake” was implemented. A unique feature of this relief measure is that it provides a transfer that increases in the consumer's contractual per‐unit price of energy. In a formal model, we show that this policy creates incentives for moral hazard of energy providers to raise per‐unit prices. Whereas this moral hazard problem increases the policy's fiscal costs, it also reinforces energy savings. Whether the policy's main beneficiaries are consumers or firms depends on the market structure.
Linking relative suitability to probability of occurrence in presence‐only species distribution models: Implications for global change projections
Authors: Smith Jeffrey R. , Levine Jonathan M.
Published: February 2025

Our ecological understanding of how biodiversity will respond to global change is to a large extent based on projections from presence‐only species distribution models. Despite the incredible utility of these models, we know that the predictions they generate can be heavily influenced by user decisions about model structure or parameter choices. Here, we test how the function used to convert relative suitability to probably of occurrence in presence‐only species distributions models can affect predictions of both the magnitude and location of biodiversity change.

We used MaxEnt models to create maps of relative suitability for 354 avian species under both current climate conditions and climate conditions in the year 1981. In a back‐casting analysis we tested how well three functions relating relative suitability to probably of occurrence perform in recovering observed changes in range size: (1) a logistic curve with informed, species‐specific, prevalence values, (2) the default logistic curve, or (3) a commonly used statistical threshold. We then quantified the implications of these functions for projections of species' future range shifts with climate change.

We found that using either the default logistic function or a common threshold function for habitat suitability tends to (1) estimate larger effects of past climate change on species range size than observed in the time‐series data, (2) inflate projections of how much future climate change will impact species range size and (3) potentially misidentify the locations of greatest range expansion or contraction. We further provide a mathematical basis for these biases, suggesting their general applicability to other systems.

Last, we show that these biases can be avoided by analysing proportional rather than absolute changes in range with climate change, and by abandoning the use of habitat suitability thresholds. Incorporating these practices can facilitate a more predictive use of species distribution models when forecasting the response of biodiversity to global change.
International Consensus Definition of ‘Sport & Exercise’ in Toddlers and Young Children, Children, and Adolescents
Authors: Davis Gavin A. , Anderson Nicholas , Babl Franz E. , Ballard Dustin W. , Barlow Karen M. , Barrett Michael J. , Beauchamp Miriam H. , Borland Meredith L. , Bressan Silvia , Crowe Louise , Chong Shu‐Ling , Corwin Daniel J. , Dalziel Stuart R. , Emery Carolyn A. , Fauteux‐Lamarre Emmanuelle , Gioia Gerard A. , Haarbauer‐Krupa Juliet , Kirkwood Michael W. , Löllgen Ruth Mari Caroline , Master Christina L. , McKinlay Audrey , Olver John , Mintegi Santiago , Pavlicich Viviana , Purcell Laura , Raman Radhika , Rino Pedro , Suskauer Stacy J. , Shavit Itai , Tavender Emma J. , van Ierssel Jacqueline , Yeates Keith Owen , Zuckerman Scott L. , Anderson Vicki
Published: February 2025

Aim

The study aim was to develop an age‐appropriate definition of sport and exercise in children and adolescents for use in concussion research and management.

Methods

A modified Delphi methodology, with three rounds and consensus defined a priori as ≥ 80% agreement.

Results

Thirty‐one participants (13 male, 18 female) from 13 countries, including clinical psychologists, epidemiologists, implementation scientists, neurologists, neuropsychologists, neurosurgeons, paediatric emergency physicians, paediatricians, physiotherapists, rehabilitation physicians, speech‐language pathologists, and sports medicine physicians came to a consensus that sport‐related paediatric concussion extends beyond the sporting arena, and includes the school yard, playground, park, street, recreational site, and home; excludes non‐accidental violence, assault, and passenger vehicle road trauma; may include falls; and age‐group terminology includes Toddlers and Young Children (1–4 years), Children (5–12 years), and Adolescents (13 to < 18 years). Sport and exercise categories and individual examples are provided.

Conclusions

This consensus definition of sport and exercise in paediatrics for concussion research and management will enable researchers and guideline development groups to expand paediatric concussion research and management guidelines to encompass the broad range of activities commonly associated with sport‐ and exercise‐related concussion in children and adolescents and thus limit exclusion of relevant studies from systematic reviews and guideline development.
TREM2 activation reduces white matter injury via PI3K/Akt/GSK‐3β signalling after intracerebral haemorrhage
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Shi You , Wang Lin , Li Zhao , Wang Yingwen , Yan Jin , Sun Xiaochuan , Luo Qing , Li Lin
Published: February 2025

Background

White matter injury (WMI) considerably exacerbates the prognosis following intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH). While the triggering receptor on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) is recognized for its neuroprotective roles in a range of neurological disorders through the modulation of neuroinflammation, phagocytosis, promoting cell survival, its specific function in WMI after ICH has yet to be fully elucidated.

Methods

This study involved inducing ICH in mice through autologous blood injection. Neurological functions were tested via behavioural assessments and electrophysiological recordings. WMI was examined using immunofluorescence, Luxol fast blue staining, MRI and transmission electron microscopy. Microglia were isolated and analysed using real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Microglia depletion was achieved with PLX3397, primary cultures of microglia and oligodendrocytes were investigated.

Results

The activation of TREM2 resulted in improved neurological outcomes after ICH, correlated with reduced WMI, demonstrated by decreased white matter loss in the corpus striatum, reduced damage to the nodes of Ranvier, and better preservation of myelin and white matter tract integrity. These neuroprotective effects were attributed to changes in microglial states mediated via the PI3K/Akt/GSK‐3β signalling pathway. However, the neuroprotective advantages conferred by TREM2 activation were negated in TREM2 KO mice, either through microglia depletion or inhibition of PI3K.

Conclusions

This research is the first to illustrate that TREM2 activation mitigates WMI following ICH through a microglia‐dependent mechanism involving the PI3K/Akt/GSK‐3β pathway. TREM2 represents a potential therapeutic target for ICH.
The Socialization of Cultural Values and the Development of Latin American Prosociality
Authors: Cortes Barragan Rodolfo , Meltzoff Andrew N.
Published: February 2025

Understanding childhood socialization across multiple world cultures is important for developing comprehensive and generalizable theories of developmental psychology. Studies suggest that Latin American children show markedly high levels of prosocial behavior. In this article, we theorize that this hyper‐prosociality is supported by a particular cluster of “other‐oriented” values that are fundamental to Latin American culture—including the values of simpatía, respeto, acomedirse, familismo, and cariño. Based on our review of 60 papers describing studies with more than 12,000 participants, we discuss these values in adult caregivers and examine socialization processes that facilitate the intergenerational transfer of Latin American prosocial values from caregivers to children. The study of Latin American children yields new and important insights into cultural influences on prosocial behavior, while at the same time promoting inclusion and scientific generalizability. Social experiences, which vary by culture, undergird the development of human prosociality.
Adverse Childhood Experiences and the Co‐occurrence of Poor Oral Health and Multimorbidity: Findings From the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging
Authors: Hensel Abby L. J. , Nicholson Kathryn , Anderson Kelly K. , Gomaa Noha A.
Published: February 2025

Objectives

To investigate the extent of the association of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) with co‐occurring poor self‐reported oral health (SROH) and multimorbidity in middle‐aged and older adults, and whether these associations differ by age and sex.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study used data from 27 765 adults aged 45–85 years from the first follow‐up wave (2015–2018) of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA). Four categories were generated to assess co‐occurring SROH and multimorbidity: (i) good SROH, no multimorbidity; (ii) poor SROH, no multimorbidity; (iii) good SROH, multimorbidity and (iv) poor SROH and multimorbidity. Age‐and sex‐stratified multinomial logistic regressions were used to examine associations of ACEs (e.g. childhood maltreatment, neglect, parental death, serious illness or separation) with co‐occurring poor SROH and multimorbidity, adjusted for the confounders race/ethnicity, income, level of education, smoking status and alcohol consumption.

Results

Over a third of participants reported having multimorbidity (35.3%), 10.4% reported poor SROH, and almost 30% of participants had experienced at least one ACE. There was a gradient in the association between higher ACEs and each of the health outcome categories, with the greater odds being for the co‐occurrence of poor SROH and multimorbidity (OR = 1.37, 95% CI: 1.30, 1.44). The associations between ACEs and adverse health outcomes in later life were significant across age groups and sexes, with middle‐aged females demonstrating the strongest associations.

Conclusions

ACEs are linked to an increased non‐communicable chronic disease burden and poor oral health among middle‐aged and older Canadians, highlighting the importance of prevention in early life and the focus on psychosocial factors over the life course for healthy aging.
Marine artificial light at night: Implications and potential hazards for offshore songbird and bat movements in the Greater North Sea
Authors: Walsh Cormac , Hüppop Ommo , Karwinkel Thiemo , Liedvogel Miriam , Lindecke Oliver , McLaren James D. , Schmaljohann Heiko , Siebenhüner Bernd
Published: February 2025

Human activity in the North Sea is intensifying, as emerging uses, such as offshore wind farms (OWFs) and liquid natural gas (LNG) terminals, are added to fishing, freight shipping, and fossil fuel production as traditional forms of resource exploitation. The volume and scale of these additional installations are projected to increase substantially in the coming decades, which amplifies the need to better understand the biological implications of human activities in the ecoregion. Previous studies have identified that offshore wind turbines either pose a physical barrier to flying animals, leading to avoidance and displacements, or act as ecological traps by interfering with sensory input, leading to increased attraction, collision risk, and mortality. Here we aim to characterize the impacts of marine artificial light pollution at night (ALAN) on offshore migratory birds and bats and discuss implications for conservation policy and practice. Considering littoral states aim to multiply the OWF capacity by a factor of eight before the year 2050, a significant increase in the cumulative impacts of ALAN can be expected. In light of these developments, we discuss the potential for scientifically informed, anticipatory, and ecosystem‐based marine governance.
Spatial Modelling Approaches for Estimating Richness of Benthic Invertebrates Throughout New Zealand Waters
Authors: Brough Tom , Stephenson Fabrice , Leunissen Eva , Lundquist Carolyn
Published: February 2025

Aim

Understanding the distribution of marine biodiversity is critical for evidence‐based identification of areas for protection and restoration. Taxonomic richness is a key, intuitive component of biodiversity and is often used to guide marine spatial planning and protection. In this study, we explore the relative merits of two spatial modelling approaches, stacked species distribution models (S‐SDMs) and macro‐ecological models (MEMs), for mapping the richness of benthic invertebrate taxa.

Location

New Zealand Exclusive Economic Zone.

Methods

Two hundred and seven individual layers from SDMs of benthic invertebrate genera were pooled from an existing database and stacked to create a single genera richness layer. The same occurrence data used to develop the SDMs, comprising over 120k occurrences, was used to fit MEMs using an ensemble modelling approach.

Results

The S‐SDM layer performed poorly when validated against a database of observed genera richness, while the MEM approach performed well. While there were some consistencies in the areas predicted as high richness, substantial differences between the methods were also apparent, with the MEM seemingly better able to discern nuanced, fine‐scale patterns in richness. Areas of high richness predicted by the MEM include parts of the Chatham Rise, a large component of the sub‐Antarctic region, continental‐shelf and coastal habitat in the south of the South Island, the north‐east coast of the North Island, around East Cape and the Kermadec, Lau‐Colville and Macquarie Ridges.

Main Conclusions

Spatial and catchability biases in the underlying occurrence data may contribute to the poor performance of the S‐SDM and suggest the approach may not be appropriate when using occurrence datasets with limited systematic sampling. The predictions from the MEM provide the best available information for the distribution of benthic invertebrate richness for New Zealand waters and thus offer important information for current and future marine spatial planning processes.
Socioeconomic development in the context of nuclear past: The case of Kazakhstan
Authors: Mussabalinova Aigerim , Antimonov Artur , Amanbaiuly Mukhtar , Durnev Nikita
Published: February 2025

Motivation

Understanding the consequences of the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site is crucial for global nuclear disarmament, environmental protection, and community‐centred social policies. This article highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the inhabitants of the Abay region in Kazakhstan.

Purpose

The primary objective of the study is to inform and enhance policies related to the former Semipalatinsk nuclear testing site. A key focus is understanding how locals perceive the site's impact on socioeconomic development.

Methods and Approach

This study uses semi‐structured interviews with locals. The research question addresses how locals perceive the impact of the Semipalatinsk test site on socioeconomic development. Data were collected through 48 interviews from January to March 2024 in the cities of Semey and Kurchatov and thematic patterns were analysed within Galtung's (1990) social justice framework.

Findings

The research shows how prolonged neglect by government impacts the investment climate and social well‐being. Restricted access to information on land contamination has hindered explanatory work. The study reveals gaps in understanding among residents and varying access to information.

Policy Implications

An effort on the part of the government to improve information and communication exchange is needed to address the nuclear site's impact, considering differing perceptions. Legislative actions should focus on remediating contamination, protecting public health, and ensuring participatory environmental governance. Policies must address the socioeconomic effects of environmental degradation, promoting social justice and sustainable development. Targeted infrastructure investment is vital for economic growth. Supporting emerging sectors such as medicine, services, and knowledge‐based industries will create employment opportunities and address brain drain.
Family Environment: Protective but Reactive Associations With Cumulative Stress and Arrest Following Multisystemic Therapy
Authors: Lee Yejin , Skiest Hannah , Wiley Kevin , Collamore Kimberly O. , Cunningham Phillippe B. , Ryan‐Pettes Stacy R.
Published: February 2025

Multisystemic Therapy (MST) is an evidence‐ and family‐based treatment for youth with serious aggressive and delinquent behavior. Despite randomized controlled trials demonstrating short‐ and long‐term effectiveness of MST, arrest is still a concern for many youths who complete treatment. Prior studies examined risk factors for arrest after MST treatment but accounted for risk at pre‐treatment rather than over the course of treatment and failed to consider the combined impact of risk and protective factors by the end of treatment on long‐term outcomes. Models of resilience suggest that when faced with cumulative stress, the effects of family could serve as a protective factor that promotes either stabilizing, enhancing, or reactive effects. As such, the current study examined family environment (i.e., cohesion and flexibility) at the end of treatment as a moderator of relations between cumulative stress by the end of treatment and the likelihood of arrest at follow‐up. Results demonstrated that high family cohesion and flexibility served as protective factors by decreasing the likelihood of arrest when cumulative stress was low; however, these effects faded as cumulative stress increased. These results suggest the protective effects of known targets of MST (i.e., family cohesion and flexibility) do not buffer against post‐treatment arrest for all youth in treatment. Treatment targeting family cohesion and flexibility is less likely to be effective in preventing arrest for youth that continue accumulating stressful life events during treatment. Results of this study suggest that MST treatment should be further tailored to account for these families.
The Role of Wind on the Simulated Dispersal and Recruitment of a Commercially Important Hawaiʻi Bottomfish
Authors: Suca Justin J. , Wren Johanna L. K. , Mukai Gabriella N. M. , Kobayashi Donald R. , Tanaka Kisei R. , Schmidt Andrea L. , Whitney Jonathan L. , Rykaczewski Ryan R.
Published: February 2025

Variability in larval transport has long been hypothesized to drive recruitment fluctuations in fishes, yet evidence for these hypotheses is often lacking. Further, the origins of many of these hypotheses come from temperate to subpolar regions, leaving such questions largely underexplored for other regions, especially the tropics. To assess drivers of larval transport in a tropical archipelago, we simulated the dispersal of a culturally and commercially important bottomfish, uku (Aprion virescens), from Penguin Bank, its most prominent spawning location in the main Hawaiian islands. We used Lagrangian particle tracking models forced by a regional ocean model to assess the degree of interisland potential connectivity from this spawning location and the drivers of interannual variability in this potential connectivity across 13 years from 2008 to 2020. Simulated uku larvae released from Penguin Bank primarily reached Maui Nui and Oʻahu, the nearest potential settlement areas, with lower potential connectivity to more distant regions. Interannual variability in overall number of connections was pronounced and linked both to local wind speed and direction, with increased particle loss occurring during higher overall wind speeds and more northerly winds. Recruitment deviations from the stock assessment of uku showed a similar pattern, with recruitment estimates significantly decreasing during years of strong northerly winds. Our results provide evidence, derived from a simulation model integrating ecological and physical components, of larval dispersal patterns contributing to the recruitment of a socioeconomically important species and sensitivity of these patterns to local wind forcing. Understanding how these wind patterns will change in a warming climate may be essential to understanding patterns in uku recruitment in coming years.
Geographic and Biological Drivers Shape Anthropogenic Extinctions in the Macaronesian Vascular Flora
Authors: Orihuela‐Rivero Raúl , Morente‐López Javier , Reyes‐Betancort J. Alfredo , Schaefer Hanno , Valido Alfredo , Menezes de Sequeira Miguel , Romeiras Maria M. , Góis‐Marques Carlos A. , Salas‐Pascual Marcos , Vanderpoorten Alain , Fernández‐Palacios José María , Patiño Jairo
Published: February 2025

Whether species extinctions have accelerated during the Anthropocene and the extent to which certain species are more susceptible to extinction due to their ecological preferences and intrinsic biological traits are among the most pressing questions in conservation biology. Assessing extinction rates is, however, challenging, as best exemplified by the phenomenon of ‘dark extinctions’: the loss of species that disappear before they are even formally described. These issues are particularly problematic in oceanic islands, where species exhibit high rates of endemism and unique biological traits but are also among the most vulnerable to extinction. Here, we document plant species extinctions since Linnaeus' Species Plantarum in Macaronesia, a biogeographic region comprised of five hyperdiverse oceanic archipelagos, and identify the key drivers behind these extinctions. We compiled 168 records covering 126 taxa, identifying 13 global and 155 local extinction events. Significantly higher extinction rates were observed compared to the expected global background rate. We uncovered differentiated extinction patterns along altitudinal gradients, highlighting a recent coastal hotspot linked to socioeconomic changes in Macaronesian archipelagos from the 1960s onwards. Key factors influencing extinction patterns include island age, elevation, introduced herbivorous mammals, and human population size. Trait‐based analyses across the floras of the Azores and Canary Islands revealed that endemicity, pollination by vertebrates, nitrogen‐fixing capacity, woodiness, and zoochory consistently tended to increase extinction risk. Our findings emphasize the critical role of geography and biological traits, alongside anthropogenic impacts, in shaping extinction dynamics on oceanic islands. Enhancing our knowledge of life‐history traits within island floras is crucial for accurately predicting and mitigating future extinction risks, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive biodiversity assessments in island ecosystems.
Post‐Dialysis Fatigue Is Not Associated With Perceived Stress in Patients on Hemodialysis
Authors: Bossola Maurizio , Di Giovanni Marta , Mariani Ilaria , Di Stasio Enrico , Angioletti Laura , Balconi Michela
Published: February 2025

Introduction

This study explored the relationship between post dialysis fatigue (PDF) and dialysis recovery time (DRT) with perceived stress and depression.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted on 223 patients on hemodialysis (HD). We collected demographic, laboratory and clinical variables [including depression and perceived stress levels measured with the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI‐II)] to explore their association with PDF and DRT.

Findings

Of the total, 120 patients suffered PDF and 103 did not. Groups differed in Charlson comorbidity index, dialysate sodium concentration, dialysate temperature, and BDI score, but had similar perceived stress levels. Logistic regression identified BDI and Charlson scores as independently associated with PDF. Of 130 patients, DRT was ≤ 120 min, and in 73, it was > 120 min, with higher BDI scores in the latter. Stratifying by perceived stress levels showed no significant differences in PDF or DRT. However, PDF and DRT were higher in patients with BDI > 17, and perceived stress levels strongly correlated with BDI.

Conclusion

While PDF and DRT are not significantly linked to perceived stress, they are strongly associated with depression levels in HD patients.