bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
On the persistence of law firm performance in securities class action lawsuits
Authors: Oliver Barry , Yang Chuyi , Zhang Lei 
Published: February 2025

AbstractUsing data from 1741 lawsuits filed in the United States, we show that the skill of plaintiff law firms, measured by the Dismissal Ratio, strongly predicts the outcomes of securities class action lawsuits. Skilled law firms weed out frivolous cases and achieve favourable outcomes. Lawsuits brought by skilled law firms are more likely to be settled and have larger settlement amounts, while the defendants experience a higher likelihood of CEO turnover. Less skilled law firms are more likely to have zero market share. Overall, the persistence of law firm performance implies traceable law firm skills.
Environmental Engagement: An Effective Way in Mitigation of Firms' Litigation Risks in China
Authors: Tao Qian , Jun Aelee , Ma Shiguang 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTThe increasing incidence of environmental disasters has necessitated stricter government environmental legislation and heightened firms' environment‐related litigation risks. Firms with environmental engagements receive favourable treatment from the government as their efforts align with government environmental campaigns and comply with government initiatives. In this study, we examine the impact of firms' environmental engagement on their litigation risks in China. Using a sample of listed firms from 2006 to 2019, we find that firms with environmental engagement are less likely to experience lawsuits. This result is robust across alternative estimation methods. The main results are also more pronounced in non‐state‐owned enterprises (non‐SOEs), firms from high‐pollution industries, located in high‐pollution provinces and low‐trust provinces. Overall, this study provides evidence from a new perspective on how firms can mitigate their litigation costs through environmental engagement.
Neural, Motivational, and Psychological Measures of Pain Avoidance Predict Future Alcohol Use in Adult Drinkers
Authors: Le Thang M. , Hughes F. AnNa , Oba Takeyuki , Li Chiang‐Shan R. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTDrinking as a coping method in response to pain is a complex behaviour, involving multiple neural, motivational, and psychological factors. Among these factors, pain sensitivity and pain‐related drinking motive can significantly promote alcohol use. In contrast, proactive avoidance – a beneficial strategy of initiating overt actions to avoid negative outcomes – reduces harmful consumption. Yet, these factors have not been assessed as potential predictors of future drinking behaviour. Here, in a longitudinal study we collected fMRI data in 50 drinkers who, at baseline, performed a probabilistic learning go/nogo task that involved proactive avoidance of painful electric shocks. Pain‐related psychological measures and the neural correlates of proactive avoidance were examined in relation to participants' alcohol use and craving in the following 12 months. We found that deficits in proactive avoidance were associated with future drinking severity. Importantly, diminished activation of the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) during proactive avoidance also predicted subsequent percentage of heavy drinking days. Using Bayesian network modelling, we established a potential pathway in which drinkers' heightened pain sensitivity led to greater pain‐avoidance drinking motive and alcohol craving. Both craving and weakened dACC activation to proactive avoidance predicted higher levels of drinking during the follow‐up period. Taken together, our study identified pain sensitivity, pain‐avoidance drinking motive, and impaired proactive avoidance as predictors of future alcohol use severity. These findings highlight the roles of pain response, thus potentially informing interventions for individuals at risk of alcohol use disorders.
Diversity, Distribution and Habitat Suitability Assessment of Solanum Species of the Leptostemonum Clade in Uganda
Authors: Kawuma Carol , Stedje Brita , Katuura Esther , Ipulet Perpetua , Mulumba John Wasswa , Kakudidi Esezah , Mugizi Felly Tusiime , Bello Anifat Olayemi , Namaganda Mary 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTThe diversity and distribution of Solanum species of the Leptostemonum clade in Uganda was updated based on field surveys, herbarium collections and literature. Distribution maps were generated using ArcMap software and Spatial Distribution Models generated using maximum entropy software (version 3.3.3). Predictions were based on five environmental variables, namely: temperature, rainfall, slope, soil and land use/cover. Model evaluations were based on Area Under Curve. Jack knife test assessed the importance of each environmental variable in predicting species occurrence. Twenty‐one species were recorded with Solanum chrysotrichum as a new record for Uganda. The highest species richness was recorded in southwestern Uganda. Karamoja had unique diversity with four species restricted to the region, thus: S. forskalii, S. lanzae, S. coagulans and S. hastifolium. Most of the species occur in disturbed habitats in the land use/cover areas defined as croplands, tree cover and grasslands. Temperature and rainfall were the most useful variables in predicting occurrence of Solanum species. Karamoja and South western sub regions are hotspots for conservation of the spiny Solanum species. Periodic field surveys should be carried out in order to monitor changes in the occurrence of Solanum particularly in the identified hotspots.
Clinical Features of Seven COL2A1 Variations in Chinese Children With Type II Collagen Disorders
Authors: Zhan Shumin , He Qin , Yuan Jinna , Xu Xiaoqin , Huang Ke , Dong Guanping , Fu Junfen , Wu Dingwen , Wu Wei 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTAimType II collagen, encoded by the collagen type II alpha 1 (COL2A1) gene, is crucial for the structure of cartilage. This study aims to improve our understanding of Spondyloepiphyseal Dysplasia Congenita (SEDC) caused by mutations in COL2A1. We also aim to evaluate the safety and efficacy of growth hormone (GH) therapy in two SEDC patients.MethodsWe performed genetic analyses of seven paediatric patients from unrelated Chinese families. Two patients received GH therapy, and their growth trajectories were monitored over 3.5 and 3 years.ResultsGenetic screening identified six missense mutations (Gly1110Ser, Gly1107Glu, Gly873Arg, Gly456Ala, Gly1062Ser and Gly1182Arg) and one intron variant in COL2A1. All patients (five girls and two boys, ranging from 2 years and 7 months to 12 years) were diagnosed with SEDC, exhibiting disproportionate short stature and skeletal abnormalities. GH therapy resulted in height increases of 0.76 and 0.27 standard deviation scores over 3.5 and 3 years, respectively, with no significant side effects.ConclusionThis study expands the mutation spectrum of COL2A1 and supports the efficacy and safety of GH therapy in SEDC patients, highlighting the need for multi‐center studies to further investigate GH's therapeutic potential.
LGBTQ+ conspiracy beliefs and collective actions: Factors and processes that (de)motivate support for LGBTQ+ equality
Authors: De Cristofaro Valeria , Costacurta Mirco , Pellegrini Valerio , Giacomantonio Mauro , Salvati Marco 
Published: February 2025

AbstractRecent times are characterized by increased participation in collective action that either supports or opposes greater equality for LGBTQ+ individuals. In this research, we focus on the Italian context, where both forms of collective action are highly present, and examine the role of LGBTQ+ conspiracy beliefs (i.e., beliefs that a powerful LGBTQ+ lobby exist that operates secretly to pursue its plans against cis‐heterosexual people and spread homosexuality in society) in (de)motivating heterosexual cisgender individuals’ mobilization. We conducted two correlational studies (N = 1266) and tested whether participants who endorse LGBTQ+ conspiracy beliefs would be less motivated to mobilize in support of LGBTQ+ rights, through decreased identification with LGBTQ+ people, lower anger for LGBTQ+ inequality, and lower group efficacy to achieve LGBTQ+ equality (Studies 1 and 2). In addition, we tested whether participants who endorse LGBTQ+ conspiracy beliefs would be more motivated to mobilize against LGBTQ+ rights, through increased identification with heterosexual people, higher anger for LGBTQ+ equality, and higher group efficacy to contrast LGBTQ+ equality (Study 2). Results of mediation analyses supported these predictions, indicating conspiracy beliefs about the LGBTQ+ community as a social‐cognitive obstacle to the achievement of LGBTQ+ equality. Implications, limitations, and future research directions are discussed.
Pharmacotherapy in Comorbid Bipolar Disorder and Post‐Traumatic Stress Disorder From the STEP‐BD Cohort
Authors: Russell Samantha E. , Wrobel Anna L. , Skvarc David R. , Lotfaliany Mojtaba , Dean Olivia M. , Ashton Melanie M. , Magalhães Pedro V. S. , Nierenberg Andrew , Berk Michael , Turner Alyna 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTIntroductionPost‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is more prevalent in those with bipolar disorder (BD) than in the general population, with rates of PTSD as high as 55% in some BD cohorts. Despite this, little research explores the effects of pharmacotherapy treatments in those with comorbid BD and PTSD. This study aims to explore patterns of pharmacotherapy use at baseline and their impact on symptoms in individuals with BD alone and comorbid BD and PTSD.MethodsThe Systematic Treatment Enhancement Program for BD (STEP‐BD) cohort was utilised to examine and compare BD symptoms and pharmacotherapy treatments between those with BD alone (n = 3393) and those with comorbid BD and PTSD (n = 304). We conducted regression models to compare those with and without comorbid PTSD. Models included measures of depression, mania, functioning and quality of life over 24 months of the STEP‐BD study. We included baseline pharmacotherapies (lithium, valproate, antidepressants, antipsychotics and benzodiazepines) as predictor outcome variables in all models.ResultsAt baseline, reported use of lithium was lower in the comorbid BD and PTSD group, while the use of antidepressants, antipsychotics and benzodiazepines was significantly higher in the comorbid BD and PTSD than in the BD alone group. Benzodiazepine use was associated with a small improvement in depression symptom scores and poorer quality of life in those with comorbid BD and PTSD. Lastly, those with comorbid PTSD experienced higher levels of mania and depression symptoms and lower functioning and quality of life compared to BD alone, irrespective of pharmacotherapy treatment.ConclusionClinical trial participants with BD and PTSD reported worse symptoms and outcomes across 24 months of the STEP‐BD study compared to those without comorbid PTSD, regardless of baseline medication use. These results highlight the importance of considering comorbidity in the treatment of mental health conditions, specifically BD, and the need for further exploration of effective treatment options.
Evaluating the effectiveness of a serious game to educate children about the urban water cycle
Authors: Garcia Xavier , Domene Elena , Goenaga Xabier , Rodriguez‐Benitez Antonio , Satorras Mar , Acuña Vicenç , Martínez‐Ruiz Ariadna , Boada Imma , Corominas Lluís 
Published: February 2025

Serious games combine education and entertainment to create engaging and effective learning experiences, potentially contributing to science literacy and environmental awareness. This research aims to investigate the effectiveness of a particular serious game, H2OeduK, in educating children aged 10 to 11 years on the urban water cycle. Specifically, a study was conducted in four schools, where 140 students played the game and completed pre‐ and post‐game surveys to assess knowledge acquisition and the influence of specific socio‐demographic and gaming contextual factors. The relationship between the serious game evaluation and the knowledge acquisition scores was also explored. Results indicate that playing H2OeduK significantly enhanced children's understanding of the urban water cycle, establishing it as an effective tool for promoting water literacy and encouraging the protection of water resources. Neither gender nor play mode (individual or pair play) appeared to affect the game's effectiveness, while engaging in video gameplay positively impacted knowledge acquisition. Participants' evaluation of the game in terms of gamer experience (engagement, playfulness and self‐reported learning) did not seem to correlate with the level of learning achieved. Overall, this study underscores the potential of serious games like H2OeduK to effectively educate young learners on key sustainability challenges.
Practitioner notesWhat is already known about this topic

Educating children about the urban water cycle raises awareness and promotes responsible water usage.
Serious games provide interactive and engaging ways to teach children about the urban water cycle and other environmental issues.
Studies suggest that serious games can be effective in enhancing learning outcomes and promoting environmental education.
What this paper adds

The study provides empirical evidence on the effectiveness of H2OeduK serious game in teaching children about environmental & management concepts related to the urban water cycle.
Gender does not significantly influence the acquisition of environmental knowledge through this serious game.
Individual gameplay with H2OeduK is as effective as collaborative gameplay for teaching children about the urban water cycle.
Implications for practice and/or policy

Incorporating serious games into educational practices can be a valuable tool for teaching complex sustainability challenges to children, such as urban water cycle problems.
Objective measures, like knowledge acquisition surveys, are crucial for evaluating the effectiveness of serious games in fostering learning outcomes.
Further research is needed to explore the long‐term impact of serious games on knowledge retention and behavioural change and to understand their effectiveness in promoting sustainable development.
The more positive intergroup contacts you have, the less LGBTQ+ conspiracies beliefs you will report: The role of knowledge, anxiety, and empathy
Authors: Panerati Sara , Salvati Marco 
Published: February 2025

AbstractConspiracy theories and beliefs against LGBTQ+ people are a recurrent theme in the political agenda, depicting them as evil actors in a larger plot, seeking to undermine societal norms, institutions, and traditional values. Lessening LGBTQ+ conspiracy beliefs is crucial to reaching more social equality, and intergroup contact might represent a useful strategy. Study 1 (N = 253) investigated the associations of the quantity of direct contact with LGBTQ+ people, the quality of such contacts, and their interactive role with LGBTQ+ conspiracy beliefs. Taking a step forward, Studies 2 (N = 512) and 3 (N = 529) investigated, correlationally and experimentally, respectively, the relationship between the quality of contact with LGBTQ+ individuals and LGBTQ+ conspiracy beliefs, exploring the mediating associations of intergroup knowledge, empathy, and anxiety. Results consistently suggested that a higher quantity of direct contacts with LGBTQ+ people is negatively associated with LGBTQ+ conspiracy beliefs. Furthermore, positive contact was associated with lower conspiracy beliefs against LGBTQ+ people, with these associations being either partially (Study 2) or fully (Study 3) mediated by intergroup empathy. Overall, these findings highlight the importance of fostering positive intergroup interactions and enhancing empathy as strategies to combat harmful conspiracy beliefs about marginalized groups.
Fronto‐Parietal and Language Network Connectivity and Its Association With Gene Expression Profiles in Bipolar Disorder Before and After Treatment
Authors: Zhang Leyi , Yan Haohao , Zhang Chunguo , Li Xiaoling , Liang Jiaquan , Tang Chaohua , Wu Weibin , Deng Wen , Xie Guojun , Guo Wenbin 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe resting‐state functional connectivity (FC) patterns of the fronto‐parietal network (FPN) and language network (LN) underlying bipolar disorder (BD) are obscure. This study aimed to uncover abnormal FC patterns of FPN and LN underlying BD and their evolution following treatment.MethodsImaging data at rest state and clinical variables were acquired from 82 patients with BD (with 43 finishing the follow‐up) and 88 healthy controls (HCs). Seed‐based FC analysis was performed, and correlations between FCs and clinical variables were investigated with whole‐brain multiple regression analyses. Furthermore, a neuroimaging–transcription spatial association analysis was conducted.ResultsAt baseline, BD patients presented elevated FPN‐LN and FPN–prefrontal gyrus FCs, and hyperconnectivity between the LN and bilateral thalamus, right angular gyrus (AG), and right cerebellum. Following 3 months of treatment intervention, there were decreased FCs between the FPN and left superior temporal gyrus (STG), left superior frontal gyrus (SFG), left insula, and bilateral middle temporal gyrus (MTG) (part of LN). Neuroimaging transcription analysis discovered genes correlated with FC alterations in BD.ConclusionsAberrant FC patterns of FPN and LN might be involved in the neural pathogenetic and therapeutic mechanisms of BD. We also provided potential genetic pathways underlying these functional impairments in BD.
H2S Donor SPRC Ameliorates Ischemic Stroke by Upregulating CD24
Authors: Wang Chenye , Li Sha , Li Qixiu , Xi Haiyan , Li Jiejia , Zhu Qing , Wu Pinwen , Zhu Yi‐Zhun , Mao Yicheng 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundIschemic stroke is well‐known for its high mortality and morbidity, but its treatment remains to be explored due to the current limitations. For example, severe neuroinflammation occurs after ischemic stroke; however, effective neuroinflammatory inhibitors are still lacking. Thus, the development of new therapeutic targets of inhibiting neuroinflammation is urgent. CD24 is a small heavy glycosylated protein, which plays a critical role in neural development and acts as an inflammatory suppressor in tumors and autoimmune diseases. But the role of CD24 in ischemic stroke remains unknown.AimsThe role of CD24 in ischemic stroke should be explored. Additionally, the potential relationship between the H2S donor, S‐propargyl‐cysteine (SPRC) and CD24 in ischemic stroke should be revealed.MethodsMechanism studies have been performed both in vitro and in vivo to verify the CD24‐mediated inflammation and migration. SPRC has been applied to treat ischemic stroke, and its potential association with CD24 has been studied.ResultsThe overexpression of CD24 can inhibit the nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) inflammatory signaling pathway and promote the migration ability of M2 microglia cells via Src/Fak/Pyk2 signaling pathway in an inflammatory model of BV2 cells. SPRC can upregulate the level of endogenous H2S via cystathionase‐β‐synthase (CBS) and it indirectly plays a role in upregulating CD24.ConclusionsCD24 could be a potential target of inhibiting neuroinflammation. SPRC reduces inflammation in ischemic stroke by regulating the CD24/Iκ‐Bα/NF‐κB inflammatory signaling pathway and improves the migration ability of M2 microglia via CD24/Src/Fak/Pyk2 signaling pathway, which further alleviates the inflammatory response at the lesion.
Integration of Methylation and Gene Expression Deciphered Candidate Biomarkers DAB2IP and SMYD3 in Delayed Encephalopathy After Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Authors: Yan Hongyi , Yuan Ding , Zhang Yan , Luo Haihua , Jiang Pinpin , Zhang Yapeng , Wu Yue , Hou Linlin , Cheng Yue , Yang Fang , Du Yuqi , Zhu Huanzhou , Zhao Linshuang , Li Yi , Jiang Yong , Gao Yanxia 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTAimsThe objective of this study is to explore the regulatory role of DNA methylation in delayed encephalopathy after carbon monoxide poisoning (DEACMP) and to identify candidate epigenetic biomarkers.MethodsIn this study, multi‐omics analyses such as methylomics, transcriptomics, pyrophosphate sequencing, qRT‐PCR, immunohistochemistry, and western blotting were utilized to investigate the role of epigenetic regulation and altered gene expression in the pathogenesis of DEACMP.ResultsUsing integrated analysis, we identified 168 differentially methylated CpGs sites, 334 differentially expressed genes, and two differentially methylated and differentially expressed genes (DAB2IP and SMYD3) in the DEACMP group. The pyrosequencing results further revealed hypomethylation of DAB2IP and hypermethylation of SMYD3. Moreover, we verified the upregulation of DAB2IP expression accompanied by the downregulation of SMYD3 expression in the DEACMP rats model.ConclusionThis study, based on dysregulated DNA methylation and gene expression profiles, identified and validated two DEACMP‐related genes (DAB2IP and SMYD3) that could serve as epigenetic biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for DEACMP.
TransPapCanCervix: An Enhanced Transfer Learning‐Based Ensemble Model for Cervical Cancer Classification
Authors: Bhavsar Barkha , Shrimali Bela 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTCervical cancer, like many other cancers, is most treatable when detected at an early stage. Using classification methods helps find early signs of cancer and small tumors. This allows doctors to act quickly and offer treatments that might cure the cancer. This paper presents a comprehensive approach to the classification of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) leveraging a dataset comprising 1140 single‐cell images sourced from Herlev. In addition to that, in this work, a new ensemble model based on the transfer‐learning (TL) technique is developed on various deep learning models, including DenseNet121, DenseNet169, InceptionResNet, XceptionNet, ResNet50, and ResNet101 to demonstrate their efficacy in classifying diverse cellular features. To evaluate our proposed approach's performance, the ensemble approach's results are compared with some transfer learning models such as DenseNet121, DenseNet169, InceptionResNet, XceptionNet, ResNet50, and ResNet101. The experimental results demonstrate that transfer learning‐based deep neural networks combined with ensemble methods enhance the diagnostic accuracy of SCC classification systems, achieving 98% accuracy across various cell types. This further validates the effectiveness of the proposed approach. A comprehensive investigation yields a precise and efficient model for SCC classification, offering detailed insights into both normal and abnormal cell types.