bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validation of ten federated learning strategies for multi-contrast image-to-image MRI data synthesis from heterogeneous sources
Authors: Fiszer Jan , Ciupek Dominika , Malawski Maciej , Pieciak Tomasz 
Published: February 2025

AbstractDeep learning (DL)-based image synthesis has recently gained enormous interest in medical imaging, allowing for generating multi-contrast data and therefore, the recovery of missing samples from interrupted or artefact-distorted acquisitions. However, the accuracy of DL models heavily relies on the representativeness of the training datasets naturally characterized by their distributions, experimental setups or preprocessing schemes. These complicate generalizing DL models across multi-site heterogeneous data sets while maintaining the confidentiality of the data. One of the possible solutions is to employ federated learning (FL), which enables the collaborative training of a DL model in a decentralized manner, demanding the involved sites to share only the characteristics of the models without transferring their sensitive medical data. The paper presents a DL-based magnetic resonance (MR) data translation in a FL way. We introduce a new aggregation strategy called FedBAdam that couples two state-of-the-art methods with complementary strengths by incorporating momentum in the aggregation scheme and skipping the batch normalization layers. The work comprehensively validates 10 FL-based strategies for an image-to-image multi-contrast MR translation, considering healthy and tumorous brain scans from five different institutions. Our study has revealed that the FedBAdam shows superior results in terms of mean squared error and structural similarity index over personalized methods, like the FedMRI, and standard FL-based aggregation techniques, such as the FedAvg or FedProx, considering multi-site multi-vendor heterogeneous environment. The FedBAdam has prevented the overfitting of the model and gradually reached the optimal model parameters, exhibiting no oscillations.
A vertical stacking approach to rapid generation cycling for indoor growth of tall annual crops - the case ofVicia faba
Authors: Pazos-Navarro Maria , Bennett Richard G , Munday Christine , Creasy Robert , Catt Samuel C , Lichtenzveig Judith , Ribalta Federico , Croser Janine 
Published: February 2025

AbstractAccelerating breeding cycles through rapid generation turnover is a critical strategy to improve genetic gain in crops. This study presents a vertically stacked accelerated single-seed descent (aSSD) protocol for faba bean (Vicia fabaL.), aimed at reducing generation time while ensuring robust plant development and seed viability. Alongside photoperiod extension to truncate time to flowering, we present innovations including flurprimidol application to control plant height and enable vertically stacked growth, and optimisation of immature seed desiccation for precocious seed germination. Under controlled environment conditions, the protocol achieved 4.1 to 5.7 generations per year across phenologically diverse germplasm. Plant height was successfully reduced by up to 50% with flurprimidol without compromising flowering or seed yield. The methodology was validated within the University of Adelaide led Australian PBA faba bean breeding program (FBA), advancing 14 recombinant inbred line populations over three years. Beyond faba bean, this scalable, genotype-independent platform offers potential applications for other tall annual species in breeding and vertical farming systems, enabling year-round crop production and genetic improvement. Moreover, the protocol’s adaptability to closed-environment agriculture presents unique opportunities for plant-based life-support systems in extreme environments, including space missions. This integrated approach to speed breeding and vertical farming represents a significant advancement in agricultural innovation, with implications for food security and space exploration.
GL261 glioblastoma induces delayed body weight gain and stunted skeletal muscle growth in young mice
Authors: Huot Joshua R. , Jamnick Nicholas A. , Pin Fabrizio , Livingston Patrick D. , Callaway Chandler S. , Bonetto Andrea 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTIntroductionThe survival rate for children and adolescents has increased to over 85%. However, there is limited understanding of the impact of pediatric cancers on muscle development and physiology. Given that brain tumors alone account for 26% of all pediatric cancers, this study aimed to investigate the skeletal muscle consequences of tumor growth in young mice.MethodsC2C12 myotubes were co-cultured with GL261 murine glioblastoma cells to assess myotube size. GL261 cells were then injected subcutaneously into 4-week-old male C57BL/6J mice. Animals were euthanized 28 days post-GL261 implantation. Muscle function was testedin vivoandex vivo. Muscle protein synthesis was measured via the SUnSET method, and gene/protein expression levels were assessed via Western blotting and qPCR.ResultsIn vitro, the C2C12 cultures exposed to GL261 exhibited myotube atrophy, consistent with a disrupted anabolic/catabolic balance.In vivo, carcass, heart, and fat mass were significantly reduced in the tumor-bearing mice. Skeletal muscle growth was impeded in the GL261 hosts, along with smaller muscle CSA. Bothin vivomuscle torque and theex vivoEDL muscle force were unchanged. At molecular level, the tumor hosts displayed reduced muscle protein synthesis and increased muscle protein ubiquitination, in disagreement with decreased muscle ubiquitin ligase mRNA expression.ConclusionsOverall, we showed that GL261 tumors impact the growth of pediatric mice by stunting skeletal muscle development, decreasing muscle mass, reducing muscle fiber size, diminishing muscle protein synthesis, and altering protein catabolism signaling.
Generation ofC9orf72repeat knock-in iPSC lines for modelling ALS and FTD
Authors: Coneys Rachel , Cammack Alexander J. , Nair Remya R. , Thompson David , Mechtersheimer Jonas , Carcolé Mireia , Gupta Yashica , Rech Gabriel E. , Flower Michael , O’Brien Niamh , Ruepp Marc-David , Mizielinska Sarah , Ducotterd Fiona , Tabrizi Sarah J. , Fisher Elizabeth M.C. , Cunningham Thomas J. , Ward Michael , Skarnes William C. , Isaacs Adrian M. 
Published: February 2025

AbstractInduced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) models are powerful tools for neurodegenerative disease modelling, as they allow mechanistic studies in a human genetic environment and they can be differentiated into a range of neuronal and non-neuronal cells. However, these models come with inherent challenges due to line-to-line and clonal variability. To combat this issue, the iPSC Neurodegenerative Disease Initiative (iNDI) has generated an iPSC repository using a single clonal reference line, KOLF2.1J, into which disease-causing mutations and revertants are introduced via gene editing. Here we describe the generation and validation of lines carrying the most common causative mutation for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a repeat expansion in theC9orf72gene, for the iNDI collection of neurodegenerative iPSC models. We demonstrate that theseC9orf72knock-in lines differentiate efficiently into neurons and display characteristicC9orf72-associated pathologies, including reduced C9orf72 levels and the presence of dipeptide repeat proteins (DPRs) and RNA foci, which increase in abundance over time in culture. These pathologies are not present in revertant cells lacking the repeat expansion. These repeat expansion and revertant cell lines are now available to academic and for-profit institutions through the JAX iPS cell repository and will help to facilitate and standardise iPSC-based ALS/FTD research.
Sex specific disruptions in Protein Kinase Cγ signaling in a mouse model of Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 14
Authors: Wolfe Sarah A. , Ma Yuliang , Pilo Caila A. , Chang Carly , Ghassemian Majid , Roberts Amanda J. , Lee Sang Ryeul , Gorrie George , Taylor Susan S. , Newton Alexandra C. 
Published: February 2025

AbstractSpinocerebellar Ataxia Type 14 (SCA14) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disease caused by mutations in the gene encoding protein kinase C gamma (PKCγ), a Ca2+/diacylglycerol (DG)-dependent serine/threonine kinase dominantly expressed in cerebellar Purkinje cells. These mutations impair autoinhibitory constraints to increase the basal activity of the kinase, resulting in deficits in the cerebellum that are not observed upon simple deletion of the gene, and severe ataxia. To better understand the phenotypic impact of aberrant PKCγ signaling in disease pathology, we developed a knock-in murine model of the SCA14 mutation ΔF48 in PKCγ. This fully penetrant mutation is severe in humans and is mechanistically informative as it has high basal activity but is unresponsive to agonist stimulation. Genetic, behavioral, and molecular testing revealed that ΔF48 PKCγ SCA14 mice have ataxia related phenotypes and an altered cerebellar phosphoproteome, effects that are more severe in male mice. Analysis of existing human data reveal that SCA14 has a significantly earlier age of onset for males compared with females. Our data from this clinically relevant mutation suggest that enhanced basal activity of PKCγ is necessary and sufficient to cause ataxia and that treatment strategies to modulate aberrant PKCγ may be particularly beneficial in males.SummaryNew mouse model of Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 14 containing a clinically relevant mutation in PKCγ identified underlying drivers of the disease and neuroprotection in females.
Generalization but not strengthening of negative memories drives the development of depression-like behaviors
Authors: Cheng Xin , Hu Yubo , Zhao Yan , Zhao Panwu , Bai Xiaomeng , Chen Yi , Kong Deshan , Zheng Shuyu , Zheng Yuena , Wang Yumeng , Zeng Yanni , Lin Wei-Jye , Ye Xiaojing 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTIndividuals with depression exhibit intensified and generalized negative memories. However, how prior memories actually influence onset and/or progression of depression, particularly whether the strengthening or the generalization of prior memories play a key role, is poorly understood. Here, we introduced behavioral paradigms to differentiate between memory strengthening and generalization, and found that negative experiences that produced memory overgeneralization, but not strengthening, induced depression-like behaviors. Furthermore, we identified that the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) to the bed nucleus of the stria terminals (BNST) projection functionally linked memory generalization to depression, together with single-cell calcium imaging which revealed a significant overlap in the mPFCBNSTneuronal ensemble encoding depression-like behaviors with that encoding generalized memory, but not memory strength. Circuit-based transcriptomic analysis and chromophore-assisted light inactivation demonstrated that triggering actin remodeling in the mPFCBNSTneurons, a memory consolidation mechanism enhanced generalization while reducing memory strength, also induced depression-like behaviors. Collectively, these findings suggest generalization of negative memories as a primary factor that drives depression-like behaviors, highlighting the importance of early identification of individuals at risk for depression who exhibit overgeneralized negative memories, and targeting overgeneralized negative memories in the treatment of depression.
Joint visual-vestibular computation of head direction and reflexive eye movement
Authors: Dalmay Tamas , Ewig Luke , Roska Botond , Azeredo da Silveira Rava 
Published: February 2025

AbstractSeveral cognitive maps have been identified, but what sensory signals drive them and how these are combined are not well understood. One such map, the head-direction representation, is believed to be primarily driven by vestibular motion signals in mammals. Here, we combine in vivo imaging of neuronal activity, genetic perturbation of neuronal circuits, behavioral testing, and theoretical modeling to show that the representation of head direction in mouse is driven by not only vestibular but also visual motion signals: both are essential, and the latter, originating in direction-selective retinal ganglion cell activity, dominates at low speeds. We show that, correspondingly, visual perturbations alter navigational behavior that relies on head-direction computation. Finally, we find that head-direction representation and the slow phase of reflexive eye movement are tightly correlated, and we propose a theoretical model that elucidates their emergence from coupled visual and vestibular processes. Our results suggest that the brain’s estimate of head direction is built on an oculomotor reflex pathway driven by both visual and vestibular signals.
The expandedBostrychia moritzianagenome unveils evolution in the most diverse and complex order of red algae
Authors: Petroll Romy , West John A. , Ogden Michael , McGinley Owen , Craig Rory J. , Coelho Susana M. , Borg Michael 
Published: February 2025

SummaryRed seaweeds form part of an ancient lineage of eukaryotes that were one of the first to evolve multicellularity. Although they share a common evolutionary origin with modern-day plants and display complex multicellular development, we still lack comprehensive genome data from the most highly-evolved groups of red algae. Here, we present a chromosome-level genome assembly ofBostrychia moritziana, a species that is classified into the Rhodomelaceae family of the Ceramiales order, both of which constitute the largest and most diverse family and order of red algae, respectively. Contrary to the commonly held view that red algae generally have small genomes, we report significant genome size expansion inBostrychiaand other Ceramiales species, which we posit as one of at least three independent genome expansion events that occurred during red algal evolution. Our analyses suggest that these expansions do not involve polyploidy or ancient whole genome duplications, but in the case ofBostrychiaappear to be largely driven by the dramatic proliferation of a single lineage of giantPlavakaDNA transposons. Consistent with increased genome size, we identify a substantial increase in gene content inBostrychiathat was shaped both byde novogene emergence and by the amplification of gene families in common with other Ceramiales seaweeds, providing key insight into the genetic adaptations underpinning the evolutionary success of this species-rich order. Finally, our sex-specific assemblies enabled us to resolve the UV sex chromosomes inBostrychia, which feature expanded gene-rich sex-linked regions. Notably, these sex-linked regions each harbour a distinct TALE-HD transcription factor orthologous to ancient regulators of haploid-diploid transitions in other multicellular lineages. Together, our findings offer a unique perspective of the genomic adaptations driving red algal diversity and demonstrate how this highly successful group of red seaweeds can provide insight into the evolutionary origins and universal principles of complex multicellular plant life.
The impact of value co-destruction on consumer perceived value in peer-to-peer accommodation
Authors: Athapaththu Jayani Chamarika 
Published: February 2025

Purpose
This paper aims to explore how value co-destruction (VCD) impacts on guests perceived value in Airbnb, peer-to-peer (P2P) accommodation platform.

Design/methodology/approach
This study applies an interpretive exploratory research approach to explore VCD on consumer perceived values. Data were collected via personal in-depth semi-structured interviews with guests who have experienced in staying Airbnb. Thematic analysis was conducted to analyse data.

Findings
Drawing on the theory of consumption values, the findings show that five dimensions of value; functional, social, economic, emotional and epistemic value are destroyed due to negative interactions between guests and hosts. Moreover, this study revealed that host’s unaccepted behaviours, miscommunication, lack of resources, expectations and issues in procedures lead to destroy guest’s perceived value. The findings of the study provide several insights for the tourism and hospitality sector, P2P accommodation platforms and policymakers to prevent from VCD and optimise the customer experience.

Originality/value
This study provides a greater understanding of how and which activities lead to destroy guest’s perceived values after experiencing VCD. To the best of the author’s knowledge, this study is the first to apply theory of consumption values in the P2P accommodation context and research field related to “VCD”.
Cultivating social inclusion for migrant women from refugee backgrounds through NGO-organised care-oriented programmes
Authors: Tagoe Theophilus , Almeida Shamika , Wang Hui-Ling , Kariippanon Kishan , Andrews Kelly 
Published: February 2025

PurposeEffective social inclusion of people from refugee backgrounds in host communities is vital to the success of their resettlement. This study focused on how an NGO-organised care-oriented programme may foster the social inclusion of migrant women from refugee backgrounds in Australia.Design/methodology/approachWe looked at how the programme’s adoption of an ethics-of-care approach might affect migrant women’s social capital, hence social inclusion. About 55 migrant women from a regional city in Australia were recruited for the study, and quantitative and qualitative data were collected.FindingsThe study revealed that the NGO’s adoption of the care ethics and principles to design and implement the physical activity program significantly increased refugee migrant women’s bonding and bridging social capital, which in turn promoted their social inclusion in the host community.Originality/valueThis study highlights the importance of adopting care ethics and care practices to inform initiatives designed to promote the social inclusion of marginalised groups such as refugee migrant women settling in regional cities in Australia. It also emphasises the need for NGOs and other organisations supporting new migrant groups to focus on increasing opportunities for such community groups to develop bonding and bridging relationships with people within and outside their language groups or ethnicity.
Unveiling the inflation-income inequality paradox: contrasts across advanced and developing economies
Authors: Nguyen Van Bon 
Published: February 2025

PurposeBoth income inequality and inflation can lead to social instability. Does inflation impact income inequality differently between advanced and developing countries? This paper delves into this question by analyzing the effects of inflation on income inequality across a sample of 34 advanced countries and 44 developing nations from 2010 to 2023.Design/methodology/approachEmploying both the two-step system GMM estimator and PMG estimation, the study reveals intriguing insights.FindingsFirstly, while inflation exacerbates income inequality in advanced countries, it narrows the gap in developing nations. Secondly, economic growth mitigates income inequality in advanced nations but widens it in developing ones. However, infrastructure development increases income inequality in advanced countries but alleviates it in developing ones. Thirdly, trade openness correlates with reduced income inequality across both groups of countries.Originality/valueSo far, no existing studies empirically approve the opposite effects of inflation on income inequality between developing and advanced economies. The findings offer valuable policy insights for governments in advanced and developing nations in the fight against income inequality.
Do changes in interest rate regulation affect stock returns? An event study approach on the Kenyan banking sector stocks
Authors: Ngaruiya Jane , Mathuva David M. , Obi Pat 
Published: February 2025

Purpose
This study aims to examine whether interest rate regulations affect stock returns in a developing market.

Design/methodology/approach
This study analyses the impact of interest rate regulation on Kenyan banks using the event methodology and a difference-in-difference approach. It examines the market reaction and bank valuation effects from 2004 to 2022, focusing on the rate cap’s introduction in August 2016 and its repeal in November 2019. Cumulative abnormal returns are calculated for four sub-periods within a five-day window around these events using data from 11 banks and 300 days.

Findings
Contrary to expectations, this study finds that the announcement of interest rate controls results in negative and statistically significant cumulative abnormal returns. However, the difference-in-differences analysis shows that these regulatory changes had an insignificant long-term impact on market valuations beyond the event period.

Research limitations/implications
This study shows how interest rate regulations affect stock returns, guiding investors in managing wealth and market efficiency in developing economies.

Originality/value
This study investigates market reactions and bank valuations in response to interest rate regulations within a developing economy. It focuses on the introduction of rate caps, their subsequent repeals and a shift to risk-based lending. Using a combination of event study methodology and difference-in-difference analysis offers a novel methodological contribution compared to prior research.
Shadow banking interconnectedness in South Africa: Toda and Yamamoto (T-Y) Granger causality test
Authors: Mashimbye Lawrence , Fanta Ashenafi Beyene 
Published: February 2025

Purpose
Financial linkages are an important determinant of shock transmissions, and the risk of financial system instability is higher when financial institutions are closely connected. This paper aims to examine interconnectedness within the shadow banking system, a credit intermediation outside traditional banking, in South Africa.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors used the conditional value-at-risk (Co-VaR), using market returns of fixed-income funds, funds-of-funds, money market funds and multi-asset funds from January 2015 to December 2021, to identify funds with the highest contribution to systemic risk. The authors examined interconnectedness using the Toda and Yamamoto Granger causality test among the funds with the highest contribution to systemic risk.

Findings
The authors find a greater degree of interconnectedness in the shadow banking sector, and linkages are at an all-time high during COVID-19. The results also show that while money market funds are only receivers, multi-asset funds are both transmitters and receivers of systemic risk.

Practical implications
The regulator should strengthen monitoring of the linkages in shadow banking, particularly among multi-asset funds and money market funds, and during periods of financial turmoil.

Originality/value
The study contributes to the growing literature on systemic risk in shadow banking. Compared to prior literature, the authors use market returns data from an emerging African economy, South Africa.