bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Returns Policy and Anticipated Regret
Authors: Liu Lin , Desiraju Ramarao , Zou Gan 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTRestrictions on returning an undesirable purchase may make consumers feel regret, and they may account for such a potential postpurchase regret when selecting products. This paper incorporates regret‐averse consumers into a model of returns policy and compares two policies—a returns policy (which allows consumers to return undesirable purchases) and a no‐returns policy (which restricts consumer returns). We explore a canonical shopping setting where the no‐returns policy makes mismatched products unreturnable and triggers postpurchase consumer regret, whereas the alternative policy avoids such regret. Intuitively, one would expect businesses to not use the no‐returns policy when consumers can anticipate regret. Our stylized analytical model, however, shows that the no‐returns policy is not optimal unless it induces regret. In addition, contrary to conventional wisdom on competition in a vertically differentiated market, our results show that the no‐returns policy may be related to conceding a high‐quality advantage—that is, where a higher‐quality firm would charge a higher price, earning a higher profit. Essentially, to raise profit, the no‐returns policy serves as an instrument (through anticipated regret) by deliberately repositioning consumers' perceived quality to a lower level. Our results also show that consumers' regret intensity has an inverted‐U‐shaped relationship with profitability. In addition, we have examined the cases of firms and consumers incurring costs when dealing with returns, repurchasing after returning, and a strategic platform which decides the returns policy; and these analyses help highlight the robustness of our basic model. Echoing the long‐noted sentiment from industry experts and academics that, after products are introduced in the market, changing consumers' perceptions of those attributes is admittedly easier than altering actual product characteristics, our analysis suggests an approach to alter perceptions via the choice of a returns policy.
Health system related kidney supportive care interventions for adults with chronic kidney disease: A systematic review
Authors: Dharmagunawardene Dilantha , Kularatna Sanjeewa , Halahakone Ureni , Purtell Louise , Bonner Ann , Healy Helen G. , Senanayake Sameera 
Published: December 2024

AbstractIntroductionKidney failure can be managed either conservatively or via kidney replacement therapy. Kidney supportive care combines the expertise of nephrology with palliative care in a multidisciplinary team with a focus on improving quality of life.ObjectiveTo identify and appraise evidence‐based health system kidney supportive care interventionsDesignSystematic review (PROSPERO Registration ‐ CRD42022333650).ParticipantsAdults with chronic kidney failure.MeasurementsSix databases were searched, using terms “palliative care” and “chronic kidney disease” for publications between January 2010 and March 2024. The Cochrane “Effective Practice and Organisation of Care” and “Clinical Practice Guidelines for Quality Palliative Care” domains informed data extraction.ResultsOf the 60 studies included, one‐third were randomised controlled trials. The most common “Effective Practice and Organisation of Care” domain described was care delivery (58/60). End‐of‐life care (33/60), and physical aspects of care (19/60), were commonly described “Clinical Practice Guidelines for Quality Palliative Care” domains. Multidisciplinary shared care was highlighted in 26 studies. Least described domains were cultural (0/60) and ethical aspects (3/60). Almost 2/3 (39/60) of studies compared the outcomes of kidney supportive care interventions, and the most common outcome assessed was advance care planning (18/39). Key findings reported integrated palliative care reduced hospital admissions and costs, facilitated better patient‐clinician communication, and improved symptom management. Gaps were identified in cultural and ethical/legal aspects of care.ConclusionsThe studies highlighted the effectiveness of kidney‐supportive care interventions in improving patient outcomes, especially in end‐of‐life care and symptom management. However, significant existing gaps identified necessitate further research.
A barley MLA immune receptor is activated by a fungal nonribosomal peptide effector for disease susceptibility
Authors: Leng Yueqiang , Kümmel Florian , Zhao Mingxia , Molnár István , Doležel Jaroslav , Logemann Elke , Köchner Petra , Xi Pinggen , Yang Shengming , Moscou Matthew J. , Fiedler Jason D. , Du Yang , Steuernagel Burkhard , Meinhardt Steven , Steffenson Brian J. , Schulze‐Lefert Paul , Zhong Shaobin 
Published: December 2024

Summary
The barley Mla locus contains functionally diversified genes that encode intracellular nucleotide‐binding leucine‐rich repeat receptors (NLRs) and confer strain‐specific immunity to biotrophic and hemibiotrophic fungal pathogens.
In this study, we isolated a barley gene Scs6, which is an allelic variant of Mla genes but confers susceptibility to the isolate ND90Pr (BsND90Pr) of the necrotrophic fungus Bipolaris sorokiniana. We generated Scs6 transgenic barley lines and showed that Scs6 is sufficient to confer susceptibility to BsND90Pr in barley genotypes naturally lacking the receptor. The Scs6‐encoded NLR (SCS6) is activated by a nonribosomal peptide (NRP) effector produced by BsND90Pr to induce cell death in barley and Nicotiana benthamiana. Domain swaps between MLAs and SCS6 reveal that the SCS6 leucine‐rich repeat domain is a specificity determinant for receptor activation by the NRP effector.
Scs6 is maintained in both wild and domesticated barley populations. Our phylogenetic analysis suggests that Scs6 is a Hordeum‐specific innovation.
We infer that SCS6 is a bona fide immune receptor that is likely directly activated by the nonribosomal peptide effector of BsND90Pr for disease susceptibility in barley. Our study provides a stepping stone for the future development of synthetic NLR receptors in crops that are less vulnerable to modification by necrotrophic pathogens.
Epigenetic regulation of lignin biosynthesis in wood formation
Authors: Ma Hongyan , Su Liwei , Zhang Wen , Sun Yi , Li Danning , Li Shuang , Lin Ying‐Chung Jimmy , Zhou Chenguang , Li Wei 
Published: December 2024

Summary

Lignin, a major wood component, is the key limiting factor for wood conversion efficiency. Its biosynthesis is controlled by transcriptional regulatory networks involving transcription factor (TF)–DNA interactions. However, the epigenetic mechanisms underlying these interactions in lignin biosynthesis remain largely unknown.

Here, using yeast one‐hybrid, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and electrophoretic mobility shift assays, we identified that PtrbZIP44‐A1, a key wood‐forming TF, directly interacts with the promoters of PtrCCoAOMT2 and PtrCCR2, genes involved in the monolignol biosynthetic pathway.

We used yeast two‐hybrid, bimolecular fluorescence complementation, biochemical analyses, transient and CRISPR‐mediated transgenesis in Populus trichocarpa to demonstrate that PtrHDA15, a histone deacetylase, acts as an epigenetic inhibitor and is recruited by PtrbZIP44‐A1 for chromatin histone modifications to repress PtrCCoAOMT2 and PtrCCR2, leading to reduced lignin deposition. In transgenic lines overexpressing PtrbZIP44‐A1 or PtrHDA15, histone acetylation at the promoters of PtrCCoAOMT2 and PtrCCR2 decreased, reducing their expression and lignin content. Conversely, in loss‐of‐function ptrbzip44‐a1 and ptrhda15 mutants, histone acetylation levels at PtrCCoAOMT2 and PtrCCR2 promoters increased, enhancing target gene expression and lignin content.

Our study uncovered an epigenetic mechanism that suppresses lignin biosynthesis. This finding may help fill a knowledge gap between epigenetic regulation and lignin biosynthesis during wood formation in Populus.
“Supply‐Side Versus Demand‐Side Unmet Need: Implications for Family Planning Programs”: A Comment
Authors: Karra Mahesh 
Published: December 2024

AbstractI review a study by Senderowicz and Maloney (2022), which proposes an approach to classifying women's reasons for not using contraception as either being driven by supply‐side factors or by a lack of demand. Using Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data from seven countries, the authors conclude that most unmet need can be attributed to demand‐side reasons for non‐use. I replicate the analysis and find errors in the authors’ calculations. When corrected, the relative differences between demand‐side and supply‐side reasons are smaller, and the proportion of women reporting supply‐side reasons is larger than demand‐side reasons in two countries. In addition, the approach does not account for endogeneity between supply and demand, which cannot be disentangled using cross‐sectional data like the DHS. Using longitudinal data, I find that more than four out of five women with “demand‐side unmet need” use contraception after receiving an intervention that reduced supply‐side barriers. I discuss the extent of inference gained by these indicators for informing programs, noting that women's true reasons for non‐use may be poorly proxied with cross‐sectional data, and prioritizing resources based on these reasons would fail to reach a nontrivial proportion of non‐users who would have preferred to contracept if access were improved.
QTL‐Seq Associated With Grain Elongation in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Using Bulked Segregant Analysis (BSA) Approach
Authors: Johar Prerna , Salgotra Romesh Kumar 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTQuantitative trait locus (QTL) identification is the prerequisite for an effective molecular plant breeding programme for introgression of genes of interest via marker‐assisted selection (MAS) technology. The bulk segregant analysis (BSA) is a high‐throughput QTL mapping approach to rapidly identify genomic loci regulating the trait of interest. QTL‐Seq identifies candidate genomic regions more efficiently and entails an improved understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the traits. Among the various grain quality characteristics, grain elongation (GE) is one of the most important and targeted traits of basmati rice. GE is the most desirable feature of basmati rice that is influenced by starch properties. The inheritance of GE in rice has not been evidently illuminated because of its composite and variable pattern. In this study, we reported the QTLs responsible for GE using a QTL‐seq (bulked segregant analysis + whole genome resequencing) approach based on the F2 population of the rice crop. Genome‐wide SNP profiling of extreme phenotypic bulks from the F2 population of Basmati 370 and Pusa Basmati 1121 identified the genomic regions on Chromosomes 1, 2, 3 and 6. These genomic regions were further validated using CAPS/dCAPS markers in the F3 population of rice. Identified markers can be used in future rice improvement programmes to enhance the export potential of basmati rice with improved GE with distinct starch properties.
Engendering equality: Unraveling the influence of family cues on young men's attitudes toward women's rights
Authors: Morell Sara , Hahn Lauren , Ostfeld Mara 
Published: December 2024

AbstractWhat explains the gender gap in support for the protection and advancement of women's rights? We argue that because boys receive less and more delayed information outside the home about gender inequality than girls, the cues boys receive inside the home play an outsized role in their adult attitudes about women's rights. Using a large national survey, we demonstrate that men's attitudes toward women's rights are, in fact, more heavily influenced by the perceived attitudinal norms within their family than are women's. Through a follow‐up survey experiment with a national sample of U.S. teenagers, we explore this further and illustrate that one‐time statements from a single family member shift support for women's rights among young men, but not young women. Importantly, statements from other authority figures do not impact attitudes. Our findings highlight the gendered manner in which familial socialization shapes the gendered attitudes that frame women's lives.
GhCOMT33D modulates melatonin synthesis, impacting plant response to Cd2+ in cotton viaROS
Authors: Zhang Menghao , Chen Xiugui , Wang Ning , Guan Lijun , Wang Lidong , Chen Xiao , Yang Zhining , Sun Yuping , Fan Yapeng , Meng Yuan , Liu Mengyue , Chen Wenhua , Wu Fange , Song Ruize , Wang Shuai , Lu Xuke , Wang Junjuan , Guo Lixue , Zhao Lanjie , Nan Hongyu , Zhang Kunpeng , Feng Keyun , Ye Wuwei 
Published: December 2024

AbstractCaffeic acid‐3‐O‐methyltransferase (COMT) serves as the final pivotal enzyme in melatonin biosynthesis and plays a crucial role in governing the synthesis of melatonin in plants. This research used bioinformatics to analyze the phylogenetic relationships, gene structure, and promoter cis‐acting elements of the upland cotton COMT gene family members， which it identified as the key gene GhCOMT33D to promote melatonin synthesis and responding to Cd2+ stress. After silencing GhCOMT33D through virus‐induced gene silencing (VIGS), cotton seedlings showed less resistance to Cd2+ stress. Under Cd2+ stress, the melatonin content in the silenced plants significantly decreased, while ROS, MDA, and proline accumulated in the plant cells. The stomatal aperture of the leaves was reduced, hindering normal photosynthesis, leading to cotton leaves withering and yellowing, and epidermal cells becoming twisted and deformed, with a large number of gaps appearing. The non‐silenced plants had a significantly higher melatonin content and were in better condition, providing important evidence for further research on how plant melatonin enhances the Cd2+ resistance of cotton and its regulatory mechanisms.
Exogenous 5‐aminolevulinic acid promotes carotenoid accumulation in tomato fruits by regulating ethylene biosynthesis and signaling
Authors: Wang Junwen , He Yongmei , Wang Guangzheng , Li Ruirui , Niu Yu , Liu Kai , Zhang Jing , Tang Zhongqi , Lyu Jian , Xie Jianming , Wu Yue , Yu Jihua 
Published: December 2024

Abstract5‐Aminolevulinic acid (ALA) can not only improve fruit yield and quality, but also increase the lycopene content in tomato fruits. Furthermore, ALA has been shown to promote system‐2 ethylene production in tomato fruits. However, the specific interactions between ALA and ethylene during fruit ripening remain unclear. In this study, we treated tomato fruits with ALA, 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylic acid (ACC), aminooxyacetic acid (AOA) + AgNO3, and AOA + AgNO3 + ALA and analyzed ethylene emissions, carotenoid contents, and the relative gene expression levels related to fruit ripening, carotenoid contents, ethylene synthesis, and signal transduction. The ALA treatment significantly enhanced ethylene bursts and carotenoid accumulation, and significantly upregulated the expression of ethylene and carotenoid‐related genes, such as SlACS2, SlACS4, SlACO1, SlPSY1, and SlPDS. We also observed that the gene expression levels associated with carotenoid synthesis were downregulated in fruits treated with a combination of ethylene inhibitors (AOA + AgNO3). However, there was a significant upregulation in the gene expression levels associated with carotenoid synthesis and an increase in carotenoid content when fruits were treated with AOA + AgNO3 + ALA. After silencing SlACO1 expression, the total carotenoid content and SlPSY1 expression decreased significantly, while this effect was reversed after exogenous application of ALA. These results indicated that ALA promotes carotenoid accumulation in tomato fruits by promoting ethylene biosynthesis. In conclusion, our results highlighted the role of ALA in promoting carotenoid accumulation and ripening in tomato fruits by regulating ethylene synthesis, thereby providing a novel strategy for improving fruit quality.
Indirect restrictions demobilize supporters of abortion rights
Authors: Connors Elizabeth C. , Del Ponte Alessandro , DeScioli Peter 
Published: December 2024

AbstractState governments have created a multitude of indirect restrictions on abortion in the decades since Roe v. Wade. Here we test whether indirect restrictions demobilize abortion supporters relative to direct restrictions. We draw on research from moral psychology showing that people judge indirect offenses as less morally wrong than direct offenses, holding constant the consequences of the offenses. In two experiments, pro‐choice participants answered how much they oppose a banning policy (a direct restriction), a defunding policy (an indirect restriction), or an excluding policy (the same as defunding but framed as more direct). In both experiments, pro‐choice participants were less opposed to defunding than banning or excluding, even when the number of women affected was held constant. These results support the hypothesis that indirect restrictions can demobilize political opponents.
The Autonomous Urban Passenger Ferry milliAmpere2: Design and Testing
Authors: Eide Egil , Breivik Morten , Brekke Edmund F. , Eriksen Bjørn-Olav H. , Wilthil Erik. , Helgesen Øystein K. , Thyri Emil H. , Veitch Erik , Alsos Ole Andreas , Johansen Tor Arne 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Autonomous urban passenger ferries have the potential to enhance urban mobility. However, despite advances in recent years, operating autonomous surface vehicles (ASVs) in urban waterways remain challenging, not least because transporting passengers raises safety standards to the fore. This paper presents the autonomous urban passenger ferry “milliAmpere2,” developed by the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Trondheim, Norway. Design features and test results are presented, covering the investigation of five research questions related to human-centered design, batteries and propulsion, autonomous navigation and control, remote monitoring and control, and risk assessment. A three-week public trial of the “milliAmpere2,” held in 2022, helped to synthesize research outcomes in the context of its operational environment in a confined and well-trafficked urban waterway. The “milliAmpere2” project adds to a growing number of use cases demonstrating the viability of ASVs for passenger transportation. Outstanding challenges for future research are identified, including human-autonomy teaming, remote management of fleet operation, and interactions with passengers, traffic, and remote operators.
Genomic insights on cgMLST markers, drug resistance, and urease cluster of
Proteus mirabilis
strains
Authors: Lian Shitao , Liu Yadong , Hu Songnian , Shen Chen , Ma Yinping , Yin Peng , He Zilong 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT

Proteus mirabilis
, a significant pathogenic bacterium within the Enterobacteriaceae family, is widely distributed across various natural environments. This study conducted a genomic comparison analysis of 1,267 strains of
P. mirabilis
using extensive genome data from public databases. The objective was to elucidate the pan-genomic structure of
P. mirabilis
, revealing the composition and distribution of core and accessory gene families among different strains. Additionally, an attempt was made to construct a core genome multilocus sequence typing scheme specific to this species in order to enhance the precision of describing genetic diversity and evolutionary relationships. Furthermore, the study delved into the mechanisms of resistance of
P. mirabilis
to carbapenems and quinolones. Our findings underscore significant challenges posed by
P. mirabilis
in terms of antibiotic resistance, with widespread resistance observed particularly against beta-lactams and an increasing trend in resistance to carbapenems and quinolones. These results highlight the severity of
P. mirabilis
as a pathogen and underscore its rapid evolution and adaptability in developing resistance. This study aims to deepen our understanding of the antibiotic resistance of
P. mirabilis
, providing important insights for the development of future antimicrobial drugs, promoting effective treatment and control of this pathogen, and mitigating its threat to human health.

IMPORTANCE

The bacterium
Proteus mirabilis
is a common pathogenic bacterium that is known to cause a variety of human infections. The drug-resistant genes carried by
P. mirabilis
present a significant challenge to clinical treatment, particularly in regard to the organism’s notable resistance to commonly used beta-lactam and quinolone drugs. Furthermore, the prevalence of the urease gene cluster of
P. mirabilis
at the urease gene level may be associated with the formation of kidney stones. The objective of the study is to analyze the bacterium’s drug resistance, urease gene clusters, and gene distribution in genomes in order to facilitate the development of antimicrobial drugs and improve the treatment and control of
P. mirabilis
infections.
Prediction of low birth weight from fetal ultrasound and clinical characteristics: a comparative study between a low- and middle-income and a high-income country
Authors: Sanchez-Martinez Sergio , Marti-Castellote Pablo Miki , Hoodbhoy Zahra , Bernardino Gabriel , Prats-Valero Josa , Aguado Ainhoa M. , Testa Lea , Piella Gemma , Crovetto Francesca , Snyder Corey , Mohsin Shazia , Nizar Ambreen , Ahmed Rimsha , Jehan Fyezah , Jenkins Kathy , Gratacós Eduard , Crispi Fatima , Chowdhury Devyani , Hasan Babar S , Bijnens Bart 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionAdverse perinatal outcomes (APO) pose a significant global challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study aims to analyse two cohorts of high-risk pregnant women for APO to comprehend risk factors and improve prediction accuracy.MethodsWe considered an LMIC and a high-income country (HIC) population to derive XGBoost classifiers to predict low birth weight (LBW) from a comprehensive set of maternal and fetal characteristics including socio-demographic, past and current pregnancy information, fetal biometry and fetoplacental Doppler measurements. Data were sourced from the FeDoC (Fetal Doppler Collaborative) study (Pakistan, LMIC) and theIMPACT (Improving Mothers for a Better PrenAtal Care Trial) study (Spain, HIC), and included 520 and 746 pregnancies assessed from 28 weeks gestation, respectively. The models were trained on varying subsets of the mentioned characteristics to evaluate their contribution in predicting LBW cases. For external validation, and to highlight potential differential risk factors for LBW, we investigated the generalisation of these models across cohorts. Models’ performance was evaluated through the area under the curve (AUC), and their interpretability was assessed using SHapley Additive exPlanations.ResultsIn FeDoC, Doppler variables demonstrated the highest value at predicting LBW compared with biometry and maternal clinical data (AUCDoppler, 0.67; AUCClinical, 0.65; AUCBiometry, 0.63), and its combination with maternal clinical data yielded the best prediction (AUCClinical+Doppler, 0.71). In IMPACT, fetal biometry emerged as the most predictive set (AUCBiometry, 0.75; AUCDoppler, 0.70; AUCClinical, 0.69) and its combination with Doppler and maternal clinical data achieved the highest accuracy (AUCClinical+Biometry+Doppler, 0.81). External validation consistently indicated that biometry combined with Doppler data yielded the best prediction.ConclusionsOur findings provide new insights into the predictive role of different clinical and ultrasound descriptors in two populations at high risk for APO, highlighting that different approaches are required for different populations. However, Doppler data improves prediction capabilities in both settings, underscoring the value of standardising ultrasound data acquisition, as practiced in HIC, to enhance LBW prediction in LMIC. This alignment contributes to bridging the health equity gap.