bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
What foreign investors value: transparency or corruption?
Authors: Forghani Bajestani Mahdi , Li Shaomin 
Published: February 2025

Purpose
As a major driver of economic development, foreign direct investment (FDI) has been examined from different lenses. This study aims to investigate how the perception of bribery in target markets by foreign investors shapes their investment behavior depending on the level of corruption in their home country.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors develop a framework with distinctions between low and highly corrupt countries to evaluate their responses to clean and corrupt environments abroad when making foreign investments. A dynamic gravity model with panel data analyses on 36 economic cooperation and development members over the 2013–2018 period is used to test the hypotheses.

Findings
The authors find that low-corruption sources of investment are deterred by widespread bribery in foreign markets and tend to commit more resources to transparent environments. However, highly corrupt countries invest more in high-corruption target markets.

Originality/value
The literature is dominated by two views arguing that inward FDI is deterred by corruption in the host country, and corruption differences between home and host markets. The authors shift the focus from recipient countries to investors’ perspective with various configurations of bilateral outward FDI between home and host countries based on their level of corruption.
Study on the influence factors of HST running in the tunnels at 400 km/h
Authors: Liu Lei , Sun Gengjie , Zhang Ziwei , Han Jiaqiang 
Published: February 2025

PurposeThe paper aims to clarify the operation rationality of high speed trains (HSTs) under tunnel condition with the speed of 400 km/h through representative aerodynamic factors including running drag, eardrum comfort, carriages noise, aerodynamic loads on tunnel ancillary facilities and HST, micro-pressure waves, and then put forward engineering suggestions for higher speed tunnel operation based on the analysis.Design/methodology/approachBased on the field measurement data of CR400AF-C and CR400BF-J tunnel operation, correlations between each aerodynamic indicators with HST speed were established. By analyzing the safety reserve of aerodynamic indicators at 350 km/h and the sensitivity of each indicator to HST speed increasing and the indicators’ formation mechanism, the coupling relationship between various indicators was obtained.FindingsThe sensitivity of different aerodynamic indicators to speed variation differed. The aerodynamic indicators representing flow field around HST showed a linear relationship with HST speed including noise, eardrum comfort, aerodynamic load on HST body. The positive aerodynamic load on tunnel auxiliary facilities and the micro-pressure wave at the entrance of the tunnel have the same sensitivity to the 3th-power relation of HST speed. The over-limit proportion of micro-pressure wave was the highest among the indicators, and aerodynamic buffering measures were recommended for optimization. The open tunnel pressure relief structure is recommended, while allowing trains to pass through the tunnel at an unconditional speed of 380 km/h.Originality/valueComprehensive evaluation of multiple aerodynamic indicators for HST tunnel operation with higher speeds was realized. The main engineering requirements to release aerodynamic effect were identified and the optimization scheme is proposed.
Feather mites selectively feed on specific bacteria and fungi on feathers with potential benefits to hosts
Authors: Risely Alice 
Published: February 2025

AbstractInvited Research Highlight: Matthews, A. E., Trevelline, B. K., Wijeratne, A. J., & Boves, T. J. (2024). Picky eaters: Selective microbial diet of avian ectosymbionts. Journal of Animal Ecology. Trophic interactions such as herbivory and predation are crucial regulators of ecological communities, yet few examples exist for these processes within host‐associated microbiomes. In a recent study, Matthews et al. (2024) looked for evidence of selective microbial predation of bacteria and fungi by microscopic mites on the feathers of wild Prothonotary warblers (Protonotaria citrea). The authors quantified the bacterial and fungal diet of commensal feather mites and compared this with the composition of microbial communities living directly on the feather. They found that, despite a large variety of microbes to choose from, mites strongly preferred to eat a small number of bacterial and fungal genera. Some of these selectively enriched taxa are known keratin‐degraders, suggesting that mites may protect feathers by selectively consuming harmful microbes. This study presents a rare example of a trophic interaction within the microscopic ecosystem of the feather that may act as an important force shaping microbial communities in ways that benefit the host, providing an overlooked mechanism by which symbioses between birds and mites could evolve.
Sigma‐1 Receptor‐Mediated High Mobility Group A1 Silencing Alleviates Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress‐Induced Ovarian Granulosa Cell Apoptosis: An In Vitro Cell Experimental Study
Authors: Jiang Lile , Yang Shujun , Zhang Cuilian 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo investigate the role and underlying mechanism of sigma‐1 receptor (SigmaR1)/high mobility group A1 (HMGA1) in the pathogenesis of diminished ovarian reserve (DOR).DesignIn vitro cell experimental study.SettingThe Reproductive Medical Center, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University.SampleSerum, follicular fluid (FF), ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) and KGN cells.MethodsSamples were collected from DOR patients. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress was induced in the GCs using thapsigargin (TG). mRNA and protein levels were determined using reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. Cell apoptosis and viability were assessed using flow cytometry and cell counting kit‐8. Protein colocalization was detected via immunofluorescence. Molecular interactions were validated using co‐immunoprecipitation, luciferase reporter and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays.Main Outcome MeasuresCell viability, cell apoptosis, SigmaR1, HMGA1 and ER stress‐associated mRNA levels.ResultsSigmaR1 expression decreased while HMGA1 expression increased in the serum, FF and GC samples of DOR patients and TG‐treated GCs. TG induced ER stress and GC apoptosis; these effects were diminished by SigmaR1 overexpression or HMGA1 silencing. SigmaR1 expressed in the nuclear envelope forms a complex with gene repressor‐specific protein 3 (SP3) and histone deacetylase (HDAC)1/2/3; however, TG reduced SigmaR1 in GCs and blocked the complex formation. HMGA1, a transcriptional target of SP3, was negatively modulated by the SigmaR1/SP3 complex. HMGA1 overexpression abolished the protective effect of SigmaR1 on TG‐induced ER stress and GC apoptosis.ConclusionSigmaR1 formed a SmigaR1/SP3/HDAC complex to inhibit HMGA1 transcription, alleviating ER stress and GC apoptosis and providing new therapeutic targets for DOR.
Exploring the Impact of Monetary Policy and Institutional Quality on Inflation, Investment, and Economic Growth in G‐10 Economies
Authors: Khan Saqib , Tariq Muhammad , Khan Muhammad Azam 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTThe dimensions of monetary policy and institutional quality have a significant role in shaping macroeconomic stability, influencing inflation control, investment flows, and the long‐term trajectory of economic growth. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the impact of monetary policy (interest rate; exchange rate) and institutional quality (Political Stability; Absence of Violence) on inflation (CPI), investment (FDI), and economic growth (GDP) in G‐10 countries using contemporary econometric methodologies from 1996 to 2022. The methodology includes the use of second‐generation unit root tests, the Westerlund co‐integration test, CCEMG technique, and FMOLS and DOLS estimation. The results showed that monetary policy and institutional quality have a negative impact on inflation. The exchange rate negatively affects investment, while the interest rate and institutional quality positively influence investment. Additionally, the exchange rate and institutional quality positively impact economic growth, whereas the interest rate has a negative effect on economic growth. Therefore, policymakers must exercise caution when attempting to incentivize investment through interest rate policies. This is to make sure that interest rates don't unintentionally slow down the economy's growth or disrupt inflation stability. The prime focus of the present study is to assess the role of monetary policy implications along with strong institutions on inflation, investment, and economic growth.
From Pandemic to Progress: Rethinking Work Patterns in Vietnam to Improve Flexibility and Support Gender Equality
Authors: Akbari Mohammadreza , Alonso Abel Duarte , Vu Oanh Thi Kim , Hopkins John , Bardoel Anne , Kok Seng Kiat 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTThis article aims to understand the characteristics of flexible work arrangements in Vietnam. First, it examines the adoption of flexible work arrangements in the aftermath of COVID‐19, which had profound impacts on work‐life balance, career opportunities, and workplace gender dynamics. Despite Vietnam's significance as a large emerging economy, research on flexible work arrangements among workers operating in this nation has been limited. Second, using conservation of resources theory, complemented by positive organizational behavior theory, the study identifies the resources needed for flexible work and those created during this specific time period. An online survey was utilized to collect primary data from n = 217 Vietnamese workers on this phenomenon. Although women reported low levels of preparedness for remote working, beneficial aspects for both genders arose through greater flexibility, reduced commuting, increased productivity, financial savings, and more leisure time. Third, the study proposes a conceptual framework to enhance the implementation of remote working and discusses implications for organizations and governments in emerging economies like Vietnam.
The Evaluation of PNPLA2, ATGL, and G0S2 Levels in Serum and PBMCs of the Newly Diagnosed and the Chronic Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Gholizadeh Masoomeh , Asadi Jahanbakhsh , Aghaei Mehrdad , Akbar Soroush , Malakouti Romina , Sepehr Koushan Sineh , Hesari Zahra 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTAimRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that is marked by inflammatory response. PNPLA2 (phospholipase patatin‐like) which encodes ATGL (adipose triglyceride lipase) also been identified as playing in inflammation. G0S2 (G0/G1) switch gene has been identified as one of the selective inhibitors of ATGL. PNPLA2 and G0S2 may be factors that can help predict the relationship between molecules affecting inflammation, as well as identify inflammatory pathways through genes involved in the metabolic pathway.MethodsIn the present study, we analyzed the expression levels of PNPLA2 and G0S2 genes as well as their protein concentrations by real‐time PCR and immunoassay, respectively on 60 peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) which are included into 3 different groups of new case patients with RA, chronic patients with RA, and the control individuals. Also, to obtain more accurate information and results, the synovial fluid, triglyceride, cholesterol, and ESR levels were also analyzed. Statistical analysis was then performed with the software SPSS‐18.ResultsPNPLA2 gene expression level was significantly increased in the newly diagnosed patients and the chronic RA patients in compared to the control group. Also, the serum levels of ATGL in the newly diagnosed patients and the chronic RA patients were significantly reduced compared to the control group. The gene and protein levels of G0S2 in the newly diagnosed patients elevated compared to other groups, but interestingly this increase in PBMCs was not significant.ConclusionsThis is predicted that PNPLA2 gene expression in PBMCs is not only regulated by G0S2 gene, but different regulatory factors can also affect the expression level of this gene in the immune cells.
Short‐Term Livestock Grazing Exclusion Has No Site‐Scale Impact on an Endangered Lizard
Authors: Michael Kimberley H. , Michael Patrick , Baring Ryan , Gardner Michael G. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTGrasslands are among the most utilised habitat types for livestock production and the least protected ecosystems globally. Livestock grazing alters the abiotic and biotic features of a landscape and influences vegetation structure. In turn, these vegetation structural changes can adversely impact native animals that use these habitats, including reptiles. The endangered pygmy bluetongue lizard (Tiliqua adelaidensis) exclusively inhabits livestock‐grazed grasslands in South Australia. Using a before/after, control/impact design, we investigated the effects of short‐term grazing exclusion on vegetation structure and lizard abundance across two sites with natural vegetation and climate variation. We found vegetation structure differed between the two sites in “before” and “after” data but did not detect any effect of grazing treatment. We detected a negative association of lizard abundance with tussock cover in “before” data and a negative association with bare ground in the “after” data at the more arid site (Peterborough), although there was no significant overall grazing exclusion effect on lizard abundance at either site. Our survey techniques at a site scale may not have captured microhabitat‐scale changes that could have influenced pygmy bluetongue responses. This study indicates short‐term and small spatial scale grazing exclusion will have non‐significant effects on pygmy bluetongues. Sheep grazing management is an important component of pygmy bluetongue conservation, and we recommend further research to incorporate multiple spatial scales over a longer time prior to applying landscape management actions.
A clinician implementation protocol for BetterBrains: An online, person‐centred risk factor management program to prevent cognitive decline
Authors: Pirotta Stephanie , Barker Anna , Morello Renata , Rosenich Emily , Perin Stephanie , Araugo Samantha De , Lim Yen Ying , Ayton Darshini 
Published: February 2025

AbstractObjectiveModifiable risk factors, particularly those in midlife, can contribute to cognitive decline and dementia. Despite this, the ‘how’ of dementia risk reduction, including the application of interventional and care frameworks to deliver such a program is lacking. Our aim was to describe the ‘how’ in clinical delivery of a dementia risk reduction program called BetterBrains.MethodsBetterBrains is an online, person‐centred risk factor management program designed to prevent or delay cognitive decline in cognitively unimpaired community‐dwelling, middle‐aged adults with a family history of dementia. This protocol describes the delivery and implementation of BetterBrains using the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, Sustainment (EPIS) framework.ResultsProcedures for risk factor assessment and tailored management pathways using motivational interviewing, nationwide community linkage mapping and community referral pathways using digital delivery are outlined. Coach training and competency checks for program fidelity measures are also described.ConclusionComplex, multi‐component programs require detailed implementation processes. Clinicians delivering BetterBrains may be better supported through standardised operating procedures, training and monitoring of competencies and implementation fidelity.
What Is the Depressive Mixed State?—Associated Factors Beyond Bipolarity
Authors: Takeshima Minoru , Inoue Takeshi 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTObjectivesTo elucidate the differences in associated factors beyond bipolarity between Benazzi's depressive mixed state (DMX), defined as a major depressive episode (MDE) with ≥ 3 manic/hypomanic symptoms, and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders fifth edition criteria for mixed features (DSM‐5‐DMX), defined as an MDE with ≥ 3 non‐overlapping manic/hypomanic symptoms.MethodsThe associations of DMX definitions with bipolarity, anxious distress (ANXD), autism spectrum disorder, attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder, and older age were retrospectively examined in 160 patients with MDEs.ResultsBenazzi's DMX and DSM‐5‐DMX were identified in 48.8% and 1.9% of participants, respectively. Bipolar disorder (BD) and ANXD diagnoses were independently associated with Benazzi's DMX (odds ratio, 95% confidence interval: 3.70 [1.79–7.67], p < 0.001, and 6.14 [2.96–12.76], p < 0.001, respectively). Benazzi's DMX was also associated with several features of poor prognosis and psychiatric adverse events related to antidepressant treatment. As the low frequency of DSM‐5‐DMX did not allow for its statistical analysis, a post hoc analysis of an MDE with ≥ 2 non‐overlapping symptoms, accounting for 19.4% of participants, was performed. Similar to Benazzi's DMX, BD and ANXD diagnoses were independently associated with this definition of DMX. Moreover, the odds ratio of BD diagnosis was higher than that of ANXD.ConclusionBenazzi's DMX was independently associated with bipolarity and ANXD, and was also associated with poor prognosis. Exclusively defined DMX, such as DSM‐5‐DMX, may be more specifically associated with bipolarity; however, its sensitivity for predicting bipolarity is low for clinical practice. Further studies are required to validate these findings.
Impact of Tertiary Lymphoid Structure on Prognosis and Tumor Microenvironment in Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Sarcoma
Authors: Sonoda Hiroki , Iwasaki Takeshi , Ishihara Shin , Mori Taro , Nakashima Yasuharu , Oda Yoshinao 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTUndifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS) has a favorable objective response rate to anti‐PD‐1 drugs compared with other sarcomas. Tertiary lymphoid structure (TLS) is a favorable prognostic factor and a biomarker for immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Nevertheless, there are limited data on the tumor microenvironment (TME) to support a good response to ICIs in sarcoma. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the impact of TLS on prognosis and TME. A total of 52 of UPS with wide resection were divided into intratumoral TLS, extratumoral TLS, and without TLS groups. Survival analysis and immunohistochemistry were performed to evaluate immune cells and immune checkpoint molecules, and multiplexed immunofluorescence was conducted to evaluate T‐cell exhaustion among the three groups. TLS was detected in 34 cases (65%), including 23 intratumoral TLS (44%) and 11 extratumoral TLS (21%) cases. Patients with TLS had significantly longer overall survival than those without TLS (log rank p = 0.020). The intratumoral TLS group had a significantly higher number of immune cells and higher expression of PD‐L1 and IDO‐1 than the without TLS group. Progenitor‐exhausted T cells were also observed in patients with UPS. In conclusion, these findings could help predict prognosis in patients with UPS. TLS was demonstrated to be a favorable prognostic factor in patients with UPS. Intratumoral TLS may be a biomarker for the response to ICIs, especially anti‐PD‐1 drugs.
NEUROMYODredger: Whole Exome Sequencing for the Diagnosis of Neurodevelopmental and Neuromuscular Disorders in Seven Countries
Authors: Malfatti Edoardo , Caramizaru Alexandru , Lee Hane , Kim JiHye , Shoaito Hussein , Pennisi Alessandra , Souvannanorath Sarah , Authier François‐Jérôme , Dumitrescu Andreea , Fahmy Nagia , Escobar‐Cedillo Rosa Elena , Miranda‐Duarte Antonio , Luna‐Angulo Alexandra Berenice , Nouioua Sonia , Benchaabi Ouissem , Tazir Meriem , Hallal Sihem , Martinez Peggy , Castiglioni Claudia , Dobrescu Amelia , Tajsharghi Homa 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTAlthough substantial advancements have been made in genetic testing, several barriers continue to limit patient access, leading to delays in diagnosis, effective treatments, and preventative measures. The NEUROMYODredger‐3billion Megaproject End the Diagnostic Odyssey grant offered free whole exome sequencing (WES) to 245 patients with undiagnosed neurodevelopmental or neuromuscular disorders in seven countries: Algeria, Chile, Egypt, France, Mexico, Peru, and Romania. We found pathogenic variants in 79 patients (diagnostic yield 32.24%)—36 neurodevelopmental (43.90%) and 43 neuromuscular (26.38%). Fifty patients harboured variants of uncertain significance (VUS, 20.40%)—14 neurodevelopmental (17.07%) and 36 neuromuscular (22.08%), and 116 patients had negative results (47.34%). NEUROMYODredger helped end the diagnostic odyssey in around 30% of patients, while ongoing functional studies and reanalysis strategies are used in order to reach more diagnoses. In conclusion, a singleton WES approach is valuable in determining the genetic diagnosis of neurodevelopmental and neuromuscular diseases, especially in low and middle‐income countries.
Hypoxic Postconditioning Offers Neuroprotection Against Transient Cerebral Ischemia via Down‐Regulation of rno_piR_011022
Authors: Chen Meiyan , Duan Shanshan , Chai Guorong , Zhan Lixuan , Peng Linhui , Sun Weiwen , Xu En 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundPiwi‐interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are differentially expressed after cerebral ischemia. However, little is known about their roles in transient global cerebral ischemia (tGCI). Herein, we aim to elucidate the roles and the underlying molecular mechanisms of piRNAs in tGCI and cerebral ischemic tolerance induced by hypoxic postconditioning (HPC).MethodsThe male rat models of tGCI and HPC were established in vivo. Oxygen–glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) was developed from primary hippocampal neurons in vitro. RNA‐sequencing, fluorescence in situ hybridization, and quantitative real‐time PCR were used for detecting piRNA expression. Immunohistochemistry, TUNEL staining, CCK8 assay, etc., were used to evaluate neuronal damage. Western blot was used to measure protein levels of NR2B, PSD95, and cleaved‐caspase 3.ResultsThe expression profiles of piRNAs in CA1 were significantly changed after tGCI. HPC downregulated the expression of the top 5 piRNAs associated with synaptic function. Notably, the knockdown of rno_piR_011022 not only alleviated neuronal apoptosis and enhanced synaptic plasticity after tGCI and OGD/R but also reduced methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor 2B (NR2B) expression and inhibited NR2B‐postsynaptic density 95 (PSD95) interaction following tGCI. HPC enhanced these inhibitory effects.ConclusionThis innovative study indicated that the down‐regulation of rno_piR_011022 plays an important role in HPC‐mediated neuroprotection against tGCI through inhibiting the NR2B‐PSD95 interaction.
Integrating optogenetic stimulation of olfactory bulb glomeruli with foot shock fear conditioning: A robust method for investigating olfactory‐based fear conditioning
Authors: Kuruppath Praveen 
Published: February 2025

AbstractThe integration of optogenetic techniques with traditional behavioural paradigms has provided novel insights into the neural mechanisms underlying olfactory‐based fear conditioning. Olfactory cues are potent triggers for fear responses, and understanding the intricate neural dynamics involved in olfactory fear learning is crucial for unravelling the complexities of aversive memory formation. In this study, a robust method is presented that combines optogenetic stimulation of olfactory bulb glomeruli with foot shock fear conditioning to investigate olfactory‐based fear learning in mice. By merging optogenetic manipulation with behavioural assays, a comprehensive framework for studying the mechanisms of olfactory fear conditioning is provided. This method offers new avenues for exploring the neural dynamics of adaptive responses to olfactory threats and may have implications for understanding fear‐related disorders.