bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tullock contest with reference‐dependent preferences
Authors: Fallucchi Francesco , Trevisan Francesco 
Published: September 2024

AbstractWe study the Tullock contest model with loss aversion and endogenously formed reference points. In a contest with n possibly heterogeneous players and convex effort costs, we establish sufficient conditions for a unique Nash equilibrium in pure strategies. Subsequently, we analyze the impact of loss aversion on players' spending behavior, probability of winning, and rent dissipation.
CATME‐B in Secondary Education: Exploring the Perceptions of Students and Teachers
Authors: Vanhove Amelie , Opdecam Evelien , Mestdagh Sarah , Haerens Leen 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTTo date, no widely used, scientifically validated instruments designed for assessing secondary education students' teamwork skills exist. As CATME‐B shows promising results and might suit secondary education's needs best, this study offers an initial investigation on (1) how students and teachers perceive the use of CATME‐B in secondary education to assess students' teamwork skills and (2) whether CATME‐B is effective in detecting changes in students' perceived teamwork skills when a group assignment is introduced. A mixed‐methods in‐depth approach with a smaller group of 79 students (surveys before and after a group assignment) and three teachers (semi‐structured interviews) was adopted, offering a multi‐actor perspective. Results revealed that students perceived CATME‐B as feasible to use for self‐ and peer‐assessment. Although teachers were more focused on practical impediments, they appreciated its content and offered valuable suggestions for using CATME‐B in secondary education. Additionally, CATME‐B was able to detect significant changes in students' perceived teamwork skills in the context of a group assignment.
Are Younger Students More Likely to Drop Out? Spanish Evidence on the Moderator Role of Gender and Social Origin
Authors: Requena Miguel , Valdés Manuel T. 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTEarly school leaving (ESL) is considered one of the most serious problems in the functioning of European education systems. In particular, Spain has traditionally exhibited one of the largest ESL rates in Europe. This study aimed to shed light on the role of the month of birth as a factor conditioning the probability of ESL. Using high‐quality census data and a regression discontinuity design, we documented that Spanish males from lower social strata born before the school‐entry cut‐off are substantially more likely to be observed as early school leavers than their counterparts born after that date. We do not find such effect among females or males from other social strata. Overall, educational policy should target more seriously the inequalities associated with the month of birth as they do not vanish before affecting relevant decisions such as leaving education early, at least for males from lower social strata.
The European Semester as a Policy Instrument in Education—The Cases of Spain and Sweden
Authors: Rambla Xavier , Alexiadou Nafsika 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTIn this article we examine the European Semester as an innovative form of policy coordination, with distinct effects on education and skills policies for Member States. We analyse the Semester's framing of education policy, and examine its manifestations in Spain and Sweden, two countries considered to be different in their approach to education. Drawing on a policy instrumentation approach and interviews with policy actors and documentary analysis, our research suggests that while the Semester has given education policy a significant place within the EU's governance, economic rationales for education are clearly dominant in the process. Still, we identify underpinning logics that strengthen the social and educational perspectives represented in the Semester, although these are still treated as productive forces for labour market integration. In addition, there is a strengthening of collaboration between the European Commission and Member States, but also tensions between different parts of the Commission over the definition and direction of education policy.
Relationship between growth and ambulation loss in Duchenne muscular dystrophy boys on steroids
Authors: Stimpson Georgia , Ridout Deborah , Sarkozy Anna , Manzur Adnan , Muntoni Francesco , Baranello Giovanni ,   the NorthStar Network
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackground and purposeTreatment with glucocorticoids (GCs) is part of the standard of care in Duchenne muscular dystrophy, but excess weight gain and height stunting are common side‐effects. It is still unclear how these growth‐related side‐effects affect motor function.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study utilized 2228 observations from 648 participants in the UK NorthStar database who had growth and ambulation data recorded between 2006 and 2020. Joint modelling was used to analyse the effect of longitudinal growth centiles on loss of ambulation with respect to GC type and regimen.ResultsLoss of ambulation was observed in 113 patients. National estimates of loss of ambulation age were updated by GC group and showed no significant association between loss of ambulation risk and absolute growth centile. However, yearly drift in weight and/or height centile had an associated risk effect on loss of ambulation. Over a 2‐year period, a yearly drift in weight from the 50th to the 75th, 75th to the 90th and 90th to the 95th centile was associated with 138%, 118% and 64% increased risk of loss of ambulation, respectively. Conversely, a 2‐year drift in height from the 50th to the 25th, 25th to the 10th and 10th to the 5th centile was associated with 53%, 49% and 35% decreased risk of loss of ambulation, respectively.ConclusionsOur results suggest a complex relationship between growth and loss of ambulation in Duchenne muscular dystrophy boys on chronic GCs, the first step in understanding the effects of drugs which also affect growth patterns.
Involvement of different K+ channel subtypes in hydrogen sulfide‐induced vasorelaxation of human internal mammary artery
Authors: Marinko Marija , Stojanovic Ivan , Milojevic Predrag , Nenezic Dragoslav , Kanjuh Vladimir , Yang Qin , He Guo‐Wei , Novakovic Aleksandra 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackgroundChanges in K+ channel expression/function are associated with disruption of vascular reactivity in several pathological conditions, including hypertension, diabetes, and atherosclerosis. Gasotransmitters achieve part of their effects in the organism by regulating ion channels, especially K+ channels. Their involvement in hydrogen sulfide (H2S)‐mediated vasorelaxation is still unclear, and data about human vessels are limited.ObjectiveTo determine the role of K+ channel subtypes in the vasorelaxant mechanism of H2S donor, sodium‐hydrosulfide (NaHS), on isolated human internal mammary artery (HIMA).ResultsNaHS (1 × 10−6–3 × 10−3 mol/L) induced a concentration‐dependent relaxation of HIMA pre‐contracted by phenylephrine and high K+. Among K+ channel blockers, iberiotoxin, glibenclamide, 4‐aminopyridine (4‐AP), and margatoxin significantly inhibited NaHS‐induced relaxation of phenylephrine‐contracted HIMA (P < 0.01), whereas in the presence of apamin/1‐[(2‐chlorophenyl) diphenylmethyl]‐1H‐pyrazole (TRAM‐34) combination, the HIMA relaxation was partially reduced (P < 0.05). The effect of NaHS was antagonized by NO pathway inhibitors, L‐NAME and KT5823, and by cyclo‐oxygenase inhibitor, indomethacin (P < 0.01). Under conditions of blocked NO/prostacyclin synthesis and release, apamin/TRAM‐34 and glibenclamide caused further decrease in NaHS‐induced vasorelaxation (P < 0.01), while iberiotoxin, 4‐AP, and margatoxin were without additional effect (P > 0.05). In the presence of nifedipine, NaHS induced partial relaxation of HIMA (P < 0.01).ConclusionOur results demonstrated that H2S donor, NaHS, induced concentration‐dependent relaxation of isolated HIMA. Vasorelaxant mechanisms of H2S included direct or indirect opening of different K+ channel subtypes, KATP, BKCa, SKCa/IKCa, and KV (subtype KV1.3), in addition to NO pathway activation and interference with extracellular Ca2+ influx.
Divergent neural nodes are species‐ and hormone‐dependent in the brood parasitic brain
Authors: Duque Fernanda G. , Azam Asma , Kaur Amanpreet , Pao Rachel , Lynch Kathleen S. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractAvian brood parasitism is an evolutionarily derived behavior for which the neurobiological mechanisms are mostly unexplored. We aimed to identify brain regions that have diverged in the brood‐parasitic brain using relative transcript abundance of social neuropeptides and receptors. We compared behavioral responses and transcript abundance in three brain regions in the brown‐headed cowbird (BHCO), a brood parasite, and a closely related parental species, the red‐winged blackbird (RWBL). Females of both species were treated with mesotocin (MT; avian homolog of oxytocin) or saline prior to exposure to nest stimuli. Results reveal that MT promotes approach toward nests with eggs rather than nests with begging nestlings in both species. We also examined relative transcript abundance of the five social neuropeptides and receptors in the brain regions examined: preoptic area (POA), paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BST). We found that MT‐treated cowbirds but not blackbirds exhibited lower transcript abundance for two receptors, corticotropin‐releasing factor 2 (CRFR2) and prolactin receptor (PRLR) in BST. Additionally, MT‐treated cowbirds had higher PRLR in POA, comparable to those found in blackbirds, regardless of treatment. No other transcripts of interest exhibited significant differences as a result of MT treatment, but we found a significant effect of species in the three regions. Together, these results indicate that POA, PVN, and BST represent neural nodes that have diverged in avian brood parasites and may serve as neural substrates of brood‐parasitic behavior.
Dose‐dependent effects of histone methyltransferase NSD2 on site‐specific double‐strand break repair
Authors: Iwasaki Koh , Tojo Akari , Kobayashi Haruka , Shimizu Kai , Kamimura Yoshitaka , Horikoshi Yasunori , Fukuto Atsuhiko , Sun Jiying , Yasui Manabu , Honma Masamitsu , Okabe Atsushi , Fujiki Ryoji , Nakajima Nakako Izumi , Kaneda Atsushi , Tashiro Satoshi , Sassa Akira , Ura Kiyoe 
Published: September 2024

AbstractHistone modifications are catalyzed and recognized by specific proteins to regulate dynamic DNA metabolism processes. NSD2 is a histone H3 lysine 36 (H3K36)‐specific methyltransferase that is associated with both various transcription regulators and DNA repair factors. Specifically, it has been implicated in the repair of DNA double‐strand breaks (DSBs); however, the role of NSD2 during DSB repair remains enigmatic. Here, we show that NSD2 does not accumulate at DSB sites and that it is not further mobilized by DSB formation. Using three different DSB repair reporter systems, which contained the endonuclease site in the active thymidine kinase gene (TK) locus, we demonstrated separate dose‐dependent effects of NSD2 on homologous recombination (HR), canonical‐non‐homologous end joining (c‐NHEJ), and non‐canonical‐NHEJ (non‐c‐NHEJ). Endogenous NSD2 has a role in repressing non‐c‐NHEJ, without affecting DSB repair efficiency by HR or total NHEJ. Furthermore, overexpression of NSD2 promotes c‐NHEJ repair and suppresses HR repair. Therefore, we propose that NSD2 has functions in chromatin integrity at the active regions during DSB repair.
SOX17 expression in mesonephric‐like adenocarcinomas and mesonephric remnants/hyperplasia of the female genital tract: Expanding its utility as a Müllerian biomarker
Authors: Zhang Xiaoming , McCluggage W. Glenn , Howitt Brooke E , Hirsch Michelle S 
Published: September 2024

AimsRecently, SOX17 has emerged as a promising biomarker for non‐mucinous Müllerian (ovarian and endometrial) carcinomas, demonstrating increased specificity in comparison to PAX8 while maintaining similar sensitivity. However, expression of SOX17 in mesonephric‐like adenocarcinoma (MLA), a carcinoma of the female genital tract with uncertain, but probably Müllerian histogenesis, remains unexplored. This study aims to address this gap.Methods and resultsSOX17 immunohistochemistry was performed on whole tissue sections from 68 MLAs originating from the endometrium or ovary and seven cervical mesonephric carcinomas, as well as six mesonephric remnants/hyperplasias. Using a four‐tiered scoring system based on distribution and intensity of staining, 68% of MLA displayed a negative/low (< 10%) SOX17 expression pattern, which contrasts with the high expression observed in most Müllerian carcinomas. However, 22% of MLA demonstrated high SOX17 expression, similar to other endometrial and ovarian carcinomas. Similarly, five of seven (72%) mesonephric carcinomas of the cervix were SOX17‐negative, but two cases (28%) were positive. All mesonephric remnants/hyperplasias were SOX17 negative.ConclusionsThe majority of MLA are negative or exhibit low SOX17 expression, in contrast to the diffuse and strong expression commonly seen in other types of Müllerian carcinoma. However, a subset of MLAs demonstrate high SOX17 expression. Therefore, absence of SOX17 staining is supportive for MLA when the differential includes another non‐mucinous Müllerian carcinoma. SOX17 may also be useful for differentiating mesonephric remnants/hyperplasias from Müllerian malignancies and benign Müllerian glandular lesions.
Decontamination of ochratoxin A from raisins by different processes: evaluation of efficiency and quality attributes
Authors: Ertek Gülce , Kutlu Bengünur , Taştan Özge , Şahyar Buket , Çil Hande , Baysal Taner 
Published: September 2024

SummaryIn this research, the effects of washing treatments (potassium carbonate (PC), potassium hydroxide (PH), peracetic acid (PA), alkaline hydrogen peroxide (AHP)), ultrasound (US) and high‐intensity pulsed light (HIPL) technologies on the removal of ochratoxin A (OTA) residues in raisins were investigated. PC at 5 min (66.60%), PH at 10 min (65.25%), alkaline hydrogen peroxide at 5 min (63.30%) and HIPL at 12 J cm−2 (62.50%) were found to be the most successful applications in OTA degradation, respectively. Although the OTA degradation rate was high after chemical washing for 10 min, the raisins had a chemical odour. The results show that HIPL effectively reduces OTA levels in raisins without causing any quality loss.
Influences of appearance characteristics on consumer perception of ‘gu‐soo’ in fermented soybean paste (doenjang)
Authors: Kim Ye‐Won , Hwang Ji‐sun , Kim Mina K. 
Published: September 2024

SummaryDoenjang, one of the representative soybean‐fermented foods in Korea, is a widely consumed food ingredient of stew, soup, and sauce/dip. In Korea, the term ‘gu‐soo’ is widely used to describe sensory characteristics of doenjang. Previous studies have reported that appearance characteristics such as colour, moisture content, and bean‐to‐paste ratio may affect consumer perception of gu‐soo in doenjang. The purpose of this study was to determine effects of appearance characteristics such as colour and bean‐to‐paste ratio on consumers' perception of gu‐soo in doenjang. A total of nine doenjang samples with three different colours and three different bean‐and‐paste ratios (0%, 25%, and 50%) were prepared. Consumer (N = 101) tests were conducted to measure consumer perception and acceptance of nine samples. Check‐all‐that‐apply (CATA) test on sensory characteristics perceived by each doenjang was also conducted. As a result of the CATA test, doenjang samples made of the same type of doenjang were perceived to have similar sensory characteristics. Having high levels of beans in the paste did not affect the liking attribute or consumer perception of ‘gu‐soo’ in doenjang (P > 0.05). Overall, consumers' perception of gu‐soo were influenced by the colour of doenjang (P < 0.05). This study found out that the colour of doenjang was more important in consumer perception of ‘gu‐soo’ in doenjang than bean content in the paste.
Effects of wheat bran flour, oat flour, and Dictyophora indusiata powder on physical, chemical, sensorial, and in vitro digestibility of wheat noodles
Authors: Luo Man , Zhang Heng , Wang Zhengxuan , Brennan Margaret , Soteyome Thanapop , Qin Yuyue , Brennan Charles 
Published: September 2024

SummaryWheat bran, oat flour, and Dictyophora indusiata powder were used to substitute wheat flour in noodle production. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of wheat bran flour, oat flour, and Dictyophora indusiata powder on physical, chemical, sensorial, and in vitro digestibility of wheat noodles. Results indicated that the addition of wheat bran flour, oat flour, and Dictyophora indusiata powder decreased the lightness, chewiness, and the reducing sugar released during digestion of noodles, and their estimated glycaemic index. The viscosity value of noodles decreased with Dictyophora indusiata powder addition solely. The protein, and dietary fibre of wheat noodle increased at 10% Dictyophora indusiata powder, and 10% oat flour blended with wheat flour, and the estimated glycaemic index lowered significantly with the addition of 10% wheat bran flour, and 10% Dictyophora indusiata powder.
Exopolysaccharides from Weissella cibaria isolated from oats: isolation, characterisation and its application in improving the texture of set‐type yogurt
Authors: Nguyen Vinh‐Lam , Nguyen Nhu‐Ngoc , Do Anh Duy , Nguyen Thanh‐Sang , Nguyen Quoc‐Duy 
Published: September 2024

SummaryIn this study, a lactic acid bacteria strain isolated from oats was used as a producer to obtain exopolysaccharide (EPS) using MRS agar plates. The findings indicated that the bacterial strain identified as Weissella cibaria (accession number: PP515290) was shown to have good probiotic activity, adapt better to alkaline than acidic conditions, and efficiently produce EPS at concentrations of up to 7.93 g L−1. SEM images showed a smooth surface and compact particle whereas FTIR confirmed the basic functional groups of polysaccharides in the sample. Meanwhile, XRD analysis demonstrated a non‐crystalline amorphous structure and thermal analysis indicated two‐phase thermal decomposition with maximum rate at 210 °C. Subsequently, EPS from W. cibaria was applied as stabiliser in set‐type yogurt (ex situ) in comparison with yogurt using mixed culture with W. cibaria (in situ) and traditional starter culture (control). The results showed that the addition of 2% EPS significantly improved syneresis (14.31%) compared to co‐culture (27.50%) and control (29.80%) as well as increased hardness of yogurt during 2‐week refrigeration.
Pathogenic role of anti‐nuclear autoantibodies in systemic sclerosis: Insights from other rheumatic diseases
Authors: van Oostveen Wieke M. , Huizinga Tom W. J. , Fehres Cynthia M. 
Published: September 2024

SummarySystemic sclerosis (SSc) is a severe autoimmune disease characterized by vasculopathy, fibrosis, and dysregulated immunity, with hallmark autoantibodies targeting nuclear antigens such as centromere protein (ACA) and topoisomerase I (ATA). These autoantibodies are highly prevalent and disease‐specific, rarely coexisting, thus serving as crucial biomarkers for SSc diagnosis. Despite their diagnostic value, their roles in SSc pathogenesis remain unclear. This review summarizes current literature on ACA and ATA in SSc, comparing them to autoantibodies in other rheumatic diseases to elucidate their potential pathogenic roles. Similarities are drawn with anti‐citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA) in rheumatoid arthritis, particularly regarding disease specificity and minimal pathogenic impact of antigen binding. In addition, differences between ANA and ACPA in therapeutic responses and Fab glycosylation patterns are reviewed. While ACA and ATA are valuable for disease stratification and monitoring activity, understanding their origins and the associated B cell responses is critical for advancing therapeutic strategies for SSc.
KIAA0753 enhances osteoblast differentiation suppressed by diabetes
Authors: Li Mengxue , Wang Yongqin , Wu Xiangmei , Chen Quanmei , Huang Jianguo , Zhu Huifang , Yang Shengyong , Wang Jichun , Li Le Tai , Liu Xianjun , Fu Kang , Song Fangzhou , Wang Changdong 
Published: September 2024

AbstractDiabetes‐related bone loss represents a significant complication that persistently jeopardizes the bone health of individuals with diabetes. Primary cilia proteins have been reported to play a vital role in regulating osteoblast differentiation in diabetes‐related bone loss. However, the specific contribution of KIAA0753, a primary cilia protein, in bone loss induced by diabetes remains unclear. In this investigation, we elucidated the pivotal role of KIAA0753 as a promoter of osteoblast differentiation in diabetes. RNA sequencing demonstrated a marked downregulation of KIAA0753 expression in pro‐bone MC3T3 cells exposed to a high glucose environment. Diabetes mouse models further validated the downregulation of KIAA0753 protein in the femur. Diabetes was observed to inhibit osteoblast differentiation in vitro, evidenced by downregulating the protein expression of OCN, OPN and ALP, decreasing primary cilia biosynthesis, and suppressing the Hedgehog signalling pathway. Knocking down KIAA0753 using shRNA methods was found to shorten primary cilia. Conversely, overexpression KIAA0753 rescued these changes. Additional insights indicated that KIAA0753 effectively restored osteoblast differentiation by directly interacting with SHH, OCN and Gli2, thereby activating the Hedgehog signalling pathway and mitigating the ubiquitination of Gli2 in diabetes. In summary, we report a negative regulatory relationship between KIAA0753 and diabetes‐related bone loss. The clarification of KIAA0753's role offers valuable insights into the intricate mechanisms underlying diabetic bone complications.
Cathepsin B in cardiovascular disease: Underlying mechanisms and therapeutic strategies
Authors: Cai Zhulan , Xu Shunyao , Liu Chen 
Published: September 2024

AbstractCathepsin B (CTSB) is a member of the cysteine protease family, primarily responsible for degrading unnecessary organelles and proteins within the acidic milieu of lysosomes to facilitate recycling. Recent research has revealed that CTSB plays a multifaceted role beyond its function as a proteolytic enzyme in lysosomes. Importantly, recent data suggest that CTSB has significant impacts on different cardiac pathological conditions, such as atherosclerosis (AS), myocardial infarction, hypertension, heart failure and cardiomyopathy. Especially in the context of AS, preclinical models and clinical sample imaging data indicate that the cathepsin activity‐based probe can reliably image CTSB activity in foam cells and atherosclerotic plaques; concurrently, it allows synchronous diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. However, our knowledge of CTSB in cardiovascular disease is still in the early stage. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of the significance of CTSB in cardiovascular physiology and pathology, with the objective of laying a theoretical groundwork for the development of drugs targeting CTSB.