bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
From Laggard to Leader: Central and Eastern Europe's (CEE) Women Presidents and Prime Ministers
Authors: Jalalzai Farida , Rincker Meg 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTThis article analyzes women executives (presidents and prime ministers) in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). Specific questions posed include: How successful have CEE countries been in promoting women to executive positions? What conditions facilitate women's executive presence in the region? We offer some preliminary assessments regarding implications of patterns identified. Juxtaposing patterns identified in CEE against global trends reveals encouraging developments but also persistent barriers to women's full inclusion.Related ArticlesMartin, J. R. 2018. “Consensus Builders? The Influence of Female Cabinet Ministers on the Duration of Parliamentary Governments.” Politics & Policy 46, no. 4: 630–652. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12266.Stegmaier, M. A., and G. Erb. 2008. “Gender and Generation Gaps in Russian Economic Values During the Yeltsin Years.” Politics & Policy 33, no. 3: 416–443. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2005.tb00802.x.Tyner, K., and F. Jalalzai. 2022. “Women Prime Ministers and COVID‐19: Within‐Case Examinations of New Zealand and Iceland.” Politics & Policy 50, no. 6: 1076–1095. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12511.
Social Influences on Maternal Health: A Norwegian Register‐Based Study
Authors: Johnson Darci N. , Harris Jennifer R. , Flatø Martin 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundMaternal health is an important health indicator globally, and a major women's health issue. Efforts to improve maternal health can help ensure that women, their offspring, and their families reach their full potential for health and well‐being.ObjectivesWe analysed how social factors influence adverse maternal health outcomes and non‐spontaneous delivery.MethodsWe leveraged data from the population‐based Norwegian register, including use of the Medical Birth Registry of Norway (MBRN), the Norwegian Patient Registry (NPR), Statistics Norway (SSB) and the Norwegian Control and Payment of Health Reimbursements Database (KUHR), to analyse the relationships between education, income and immigrant status, and 11 adverse health and non‐spontaneous delivery. The study included data from 596,306 pregnancies registered in Norway between 2009 and 2018.ResultsWe found that the frequency of adverse health outcomes and of non‐spontaneous delivery decreased with each increase in educational attainment and income. Compared to completion of lower secondary education or less, achieving a graduate‐level education was associated with a 36% lower risk of an adverse maternal health outcome after adjusting for age, parity and county. The risk was 18% lower for the highest compared to the lowest income quintile. The highest educated group had 35% lower risk of non‐spontaneous delivery than the lowest educated, with the same adjustments. The highest income group had a 16% lower risk of such deliveries than the lowest. Descendants of immigrants face higher risk of adverse health outcomes than immigrants. Higher maternal age partly mitigates the higher health risk among women with low income and education.ConclusionsEven though access to care is more equitable in Norway than in many other countries, we still found a pattern of risk associated with social determinants of health.
Pupillary Responses Reflect Image Memorability
Authors: Niimi Ryosuke 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTThis study examined whether pupil size varies as a function of the memorability of natural scene images. In Experiment 1, participants were asked to memorize, recognize, and passively view high‐ and low‐memorability images from an established dataset. The baseline‐corrected pupil sizes were larger for high‐memorability images, but only during old trials in the recognition phase. However, after implementing stricter controls for image luminance and arousal, pupil dilation for high‐memorability images was observed across all phases: memorization, recognition, and passive viewing (Experiments 2 and 3). The effect of image memorability was further validated through item‐based analysis. Both the pupil old/new effect and the subsequent memory effect were replicated, and these effects are probably separable from the effect of image memorability. The results of this study suggest that pupil size is sensitive to image memorability regardless of the behavioral task, supporting the view that image memorability is an intrinsic, higher‐order property of the image.
Perception of Attachment Security, Neurodynamics of Emotion Recognition, and Social Skills in Late Childhood and Early Adolescence: A Multilinear Modeling Study
Authors: Jaume‐Guazzini Francisco , López Vladimir , Grasso‐Cladera Aitana , Mattoli‐Sanchez Josefina , Moneta María E. , Moënne‐Loccoz Cristóbal , Parada Francisco J. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTThis study explores the relationship between perception of attachment security (PAS), neurobehavioral dynamics during emotion recognition, and social skills (SSk) in late childhood and early adolescence using a multilinear modeling approach. Participants engaged in a facial expression of emotion recognition task while electroencephalography (EEG) signals were recorded. Our multilinear modeling approach aims to capture the interaction between what is predefined as “known” and “unknown” effects in a more interpretable manner. Based on prior research and theoretical perspectives, it was hypothesized that higher PAS levels would be associated with improved performance in emotion recognition tasks, including enhanced accuracy, faster reaction times, and distinct neurobehavioral dynamics. Additionally, superior task performance was predicted to be linked to enhanced social skills. Results show early midline occipital increment in neurobehavioral dynamics at approximately 70 and 170 ms, indicating that attachment security shapes the organization of the nervous system and facilitates early neurobehavioral processes. This finding suggests that individuals with higher attachment security levels possess a heightened ability to perceive and understand emotions, ultimately contributing to enhanced social competence. Furthermore, social competence was found to influence early dynamics over right hemisphere sensors, underscoring the significance of positive social skills and attachment security in integrating facial expressions of emotions. During later processing stages, dynamics associated with antisocial behavior exhibited an increment around 200 ms after stimulus onset. This finding suggests that cognitive resources may be allocated toward disengaging from or sustaining emotional processing, potentially impeding the consideration of interpersonal interactions and contextual factors crucial for social skill development. Understanding the relationship between neurobehavioral dynamics, antisocial behavior, and social competence highlights the importance of considering a broader range of factors to fully comprehend social competence.
Toward Resilient Aquaculture in Africa: Innovative and Sustainable Aquafeeds Through Alternative Protein Sources
Authors: Iheanacho Stanley , Hornburg Stéphanie Céline , Schulz Carsten , Kaiser Frederik 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTThe aquaculture industry is a significant source of food proteins and other essential nutrients, providing the much‐needed requirements for human nutrition. However, identifying sustainable and affordable feed ingredients for a growing aquaculture sector remains a significant challenge for the industry. The African aquaculture sector, in particular, is developing discernibly but faces distinct socioeconomic and infrastructural challenges. Elevated usage of fishmeal is financially challenging and associated with significant socioeconomic and ecological risks. This review examines the potential alternative feed protein sources for the sustainable growth of the African aquaculture sector while addressing associated challenges, including lack of processing technology and investments, availability, economic viability, policy regulations, social conflicts, and anti‐nutritive substances. Alternative proteins have considerable potential for the African aquaculture industry in terms of sustainability and economic viability. By‐products from animals could be the most promising alternative for the near future, as they are cost‐effective, available, and do not compete with humans as a protein source. Insect proteins have the most promising potential alternatives but lack utilization and compete with human consumption. Shortfalls in processing technology, infrastructure, and targeted investments are significant bottlenecks that must be resolved to increase African aquaculture production.
Two Cases of Acquired Reactive Perforating Collagenosis in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Xu Min , Cao Fale , Shi Shumei 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTAcquired reactive proliferating collagen (ARPC), usually associated with systemic diseases, is a rare skin disease characterized by the elimination of altered dermal collagen through the epidermis. Here, we report two cases of ARPC in maintenance hemodialysis patients, one of which is combined with type 2 diabetes, chronic renal failure, and hypertension and the other is combined with chronic renal failure and hypothyroidism. Two patients were treated with oral thalidomide and ebastine, local application of fluticasone propionate cream, and enhanced dialysis. After treatment, the itching and the rash significantly improved. We report for the first time that ARPC in patients with hemodialysis could be improved by oral thalidomide and antihistamines and local application of steroid. This report provides reference for guiding the understanding of ARPC and the new treatment of ARPC in hemodialysis patients.
Neuromuscular Adaptations to Same Versus Separate Muscle‐Group Concurrent Aerobic and Strength Training in Recreationally Active Males and Females
Authors: Feuerbacher Joshua F. , Jacobs Mats W. , Heumann Paulina , Pareja‐Blanco Fernando , Hackney Anthony C. , Zacher Jonas , Schumann Moritz 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTCombining aerobic and strength training may attenuate neuromuscular adaptations, particularly when both target the same muscle group. This study assessed whether separating the training modalities by muscle groups mitigates this interference. Ninety‐six participants (56 males and 40 females) completed a 12‐week intervention, divided into three groups: (1) LHLS (lower‐body high‐intensity interval (HIIT) and strength training), (2) LHUS (lower‐body HIIT and upper‐body strength training), and (3) LSUS (lower‐ and upper‐body strength training). Maximal (1RM) and explosive strength were assessed using load–velocity profiling, with mean propulsive velocity (MPV) at 30%, 50%, 70%, and 90% of 1RM as a measure of explosive strength. Muscle cross‐sectional area (CSA) of the M. vastus lateralis and M. pectoralis major was measured using panoramic ultrasound. Lower‐body adaptations were compared between LHLS and LSUS, and upper‐body adaptations were compared between LHUS and LSUS. MPV at 70% and 90% of 1RM for the squat (LHLS and LSUS) and bench press (LHUS and LSUS) showed improvements (p < 0.050), with no significant between‐group differences. Squat 1RM improved in both LHLS and LSUS, and bench press 1RM increased in both LHUS and LSUS (all p < 0.001). M. vastus lateralis CSA increased in LHLS (p = 0.029) but not in LSUS, whereas M. pectoralis major CSA increased in both LHUS and LSUS (p < 0.001), with no between‐group differences. No sex‐based differences were observed. Concurrent aerobic and strength training does not impair explosive strength, maximal strength, or muscle hypertrophy, regardless of whether the same or separate muscle groups are targeted.
Nitrogen deposition triggered linear increase of N2O emission but not altered soil C and N storage in semi‐arid grasslands
Authors: Li Yue , Wei Huanhuan , Qiu Siyu , Qi Jiawen , Ju Xiaotang , Wu Di 
Published: February 2025

AbstractThe agro‐pastoral ecotone represents a highly disturbed and vulnerable grassland ecosystem. Since atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition is expected to increase in the coming decades, it remains unclear whether this will enhance grass biomass and soil C and N storage or instead stimulate more greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in this region. To assess these uncertainties, we conducted a 3‐year simulated experiment under five gradients of N addition (N0, background level; N10, 10 kg N ha−1 year−1; N20, 20 kg N ha−1 year−1; N40, 40 kg N ha−1 year−1; N80, 80 kg N ha−1 year−1) in a semiarid grassland in agro‐pastoral ecotone of northern China. We found a linear increase in cumulative N2O emissions under increased N deposition over growth seasons, with an unexpectedly high emission factor (EF) of 1.2. This is possibly due to well‐saturated N status of the soils that received from the closed agriculture activities. In contrast, we observed no significant changes in soil C and N storage, or CO2 and CH4 fluxes, in response to increased N deposition. Our results demonstrate that short‐term increasing N deposition to grasslands of agro‐pastoral ecotone may have limited beneficial effects on ecosystem C and N stocks, but the linear increase in soil‐derived N2O emissions might exacerbate climate warming effects in the semiarid grassland ecosystems. Thus, the future management practices focus on minimizing human‐induced nutrient supply through strategies such as reduction fertilization of the adjacent agricultural lands and restoration of native vegetation might enhance the sustainability of agro‐pastoral systems and mitigate GHG emissions in disturbed grassland.
OsPUB9 modulates leaf angle and grain size through the brassinosteroid signaling pathway in rice
Authors: Xie Yonghong , Fan Zhupeng , Liang Xueyan , Teng Kaichong , Huang Zejian , Huang Meiyan , Zhao Hong , Xu Kaizhun , Li Jianxiong 
Published: February 2025

SUMMARYPlant U‐box (PUB) E3 ubiquitin ligases are well known for their diverse functions in plant growth and development through physical link to cell signaling hubs to activate regulatory networks. Brassinosteroid (BR) signaling is negatively regulated by a protein kinase GSK2, which interacts with and phosphorylates OsOFP8 (OVATE family protein 8) to regulate BR signaling. Here we identified OsPUB9, a functional E3 ubiquitin ligase, which acts as a negative factor in BR signaling to regulate leaf inclination angle and grain size in rice. OsPUB9 displays autoubiquitination activity and is degraded in response to BR treatment. Interaction with OsUBC13, a rice E2 ubiquitin‐conjugating enzyme, suppresses OsPUB9 degradation. OsPUB9 interacts with GSK2, and the interaction reduces autoubiquitination of OsPUB9. Coexpression of OsPUB9 and GSK2 in rice protoplasts suppresses degradation of OsPUB9 but promotes degradation of GSK2. OsPUB9 also interacts with OsOFP8, a positive regulator in BR signaling, and the interaction suppresses degradation of OsPUB9 but facilitates OsOFP8 degradation. Our study reveals that OsPUB9, GSK2, and OsOFP8 form a regulatory network in BR signaling to mediate gene expression, leaf angle, and grain size in rice.
Extensive remodeling during Chlamydomonas reinhardtii zygote maturation leads to highly resistant zygospores
Authors: Cardador Martim , Krüger Stephanie , Dunker Susanne , Brakel Alexandra , Hoffmann Ralf , Nagel Raimund , Jakob Torsten , Goss Reimund , Sasso Severin 
Published: February 2025

SUMMARYThe unicellular soil alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii forms diploid zygotes during its sexual cycle. The process of a zygote maturing into a highly resistant zygospore remains poorly understood despite its importance for survival under adverse environmental conditions. Here we describe the detailed timeline of morphological and physiological changes during zygote maturation in darkness on ammonium‐free Tris‐acetate‐phosphate agar plates. The formation of a multilayered cell wall is primarily responsible for the increase in cell size in the first few days after zygote formation. Desiccation and freezing tolerance also develop in the period 3–7 days. Photosynthetic and respiratory activity decrease to reach minimal levels after 7–10 days, accompanied by a partial dedifferentiation of the chloroplast that includes chlorophyll degradation followed by the possible disappearance of the pyrenoid. In contrast to the decreasing concentrations of most carotenoids in the first few days after zygote formation, ketocarotenoids can first be detected after 3 days and their accumulation is completed after 10 days. Furthermore, the zygote degrades a large proportion of its starch and enriches oligosaccharides that may serve as osmoprotectants. The storage lipid triacylglycerol is accumulated at the expense of thylakoid membrane lipids, which mirrors the conversion of a metabolically active cell into a dormant spore on the metabolic level. Taken together, zygote maturation is a multifaceted process that yields mature zygospores after ~ 3 weeks. This work sheds light on the complete time course of the remodeling of a photosynthetically active eukaryotic cell into a dormant, highly resistant spore.
YGL9 mediates LHC assembly by regulating LHCPs transport and chlorophyll synthesis in rice
Authors: Zhang Tianquan , Xiao Wenwen , Wang Zhongwei , Zhang Jichao , Shen Wenqiang , Tu Ranran , Wu Ruhui , Zhou Kai , Sang Xianchun , Ling Yinghua , He Guanghua , Zhang Ting 
Published: February 2025

SUMMARYLHC assembly is a fundamental process in forming a peripheral antenna system, which has a significant impact on photosynthesis. However, the molecular mechanism of the LHC assembly still needs to be further investigated in monocotyledonous plants. Here, we identified a bifunctional protein YGL9 in rice, a homolog of cpSRP43 in Arabidopsis, mediates LHC assembly by simultaneously regulating LHCPs transport and chlorophyll synthesis. Mutation of YGL9 exhibits a yellow‐green leaf phenotype, with reduced LHCPs contents, impaired photosystem activity and reduced chlorophyll content. YGL9 interacts with cpSRP54 forming the cpSRP complex that transport LHCPs, and YGL9 also interacts with and stabilizes OsGUN4, which is an activator of MgCh and participates in the regulation of chlorophyll synthesis, to synergistically participate in chlorophyll synthesis. Further, genetic evidence demonstrates that YGL9 functions in the same pathway as cpSRP54 and OsGUN4 to regulate LHCPs transport and chlorophyll synthesis. Thus, our study reveals a cross‐relationship between LHCPs transport and chlorophyll synthesis, and provides new insights into the LHC assembly process in monocotyledonous plants.
Production and Characterization of Regenerated Cellulose Fiber Derived From Herbaceous Plants (Poaceae) With Ionic Liquids
Authors: Kashimoto Akikazu , Yagi Shinichi , Wataoka Isao , Okahisa Yoko 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTIn many countries around the world, weed infestations poses a significant obstacle to agricultural production and economic activity. However, these weeds are only considered for extermination, and their vast biomass is not utilized effectively. In this study, we attempted to convert weeds into regenerated cellulose fibers for high‐added value and effective use. Cellulose pulp obtained from herbaceous plants (Poaceae) of Andropogon virginicus and Miscanthus sinensis was dissolved in an ionic liquid (1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride) to regenerate cellulose fibers. The properties and morphology of the regenerated cellulose fibers were evaluated, and the structure of the cellulose pulp obtained as an intermediate product was analyzed. The different extraction rates of these weeds resulted in differences in the degree of polymerization of the cellulose pulp. However, the regenerated cellulose fibers were successfully spun in both species. As the speed increased, the regenerated cellulose fibers became smoother, the fiber diameter decreased, and their mechanical properties improved. The regenerated celluloses fiber obtained from M. sinensis were comparable to rayon, an existing cellulose fiber, and exhibited similar values of fiber strength and modulus. These results indicated that the production of regenerated cellulose fibers from unused weeds was effective. This study demonstrates the potential of this materials as a new raw material.
A novel freshwater‐adapted genus revealed: Integrative taxonomy and biogeography of freshwater razor clams (Bivalvia: Pharidae) in East Asia
Authors: Huang Xiao‐Chen , Wu Chen‐Hui‐Zi , Bolotov Ivan N. , Chen Zhong‐Guang , Dai Yu‐Ting , Shu Feng‐Yue , Ouyang Shan , Wu Xiao‐Ping 
Published: February 2025

AbstractThe India‐Eurasia continental collision and the subsequent uplift of the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau have profoundly influenced the diversification and endemism of aquatic organisms across Asia. Notably, the freshwater razor clam genus Novaculina, previously the sole known freshwater member of the family Pharidae, originally comprised four species distributed across Asia. Among these, the protected Chinese endangered species N. chinensis, with fused syphons and unclear taxonomic status, has drawn conservation and scientific focus. The recent reclassification of N. siamensis into the new genus Cenonovaculina highlighted the fused syphons of N. chinensis as a shared morphological trait; however, further investigation is needed to determine whether N. chinensis should be recognised as a distinct genus. Moreover, the phylogenetic relationships and biogeographic history of Novaculina sensu lato and its allied genera remain elusive, particularly given the limited molecular data available for the endangered Chinese species N. chinensis. In this study, we analysed newly collected specimens of N. chinensis from the Yangtze and Pearl River Basins, compiling genetic datasets that include three genes (COI, 16S rRNA, and 28S rRNA) as well as whole mitochondrial genome data. High‐throughput sequencing revealed no mitogenome heteroplasmy in somatic and male gonadal tissues, confirming the absence of doubly uniparental inheritance in N. chinensis. Our phylogenetic analyses revealed that Novaculina chinensis does not cluster with either Novaculina congeners or Cenonovaculina. Instead, these results robustly support the polyphyletic nature of Novaculina s.l., identifying N. chinensis as a relic marine‐derived freshwater lineage. We therefore erect Uninovaculina gen. nov. for N. chinensis. Our results also indicate that the subfamily Pharellinae originated from a saline habitat approximately 77.2 million years ago (95% HPD = 65.3–91.2). These findings highlight the critical influence of geological and climatic changes on the distribution of freshwater razor clams in Asia, underscoring the complex interplay between these factors and adaptive evolutionary processes.