bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Imaging the voltage of neurons distributed across entire brains of larval zebrafish
Authors: Wang Zeguan , Zhang Jie , Symvoulidis Panagiotis , Guo Wei , Zhang Lige , Wilson Matthew A. , Boyden Edward S. 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACTNeurons interact in networks distributed throughout the brain. Although much effort has focused on whole-brain calcium imaging, recent advances in genetically encoded voltage indicators (GEVIs) raise the possibility of imaging voltage of neurons distributed across brains. To achieve this, a microscope must image at high volumetric rate and signal-to-noise ratio. We present a remote scanning light-sheet microscope capable of imaging GEVI-expressing neurons distributed throughout entire brains of larval zebrafish at a volumetric rate of 200.8 Hz. We measured voltage of ∼1/3 of the neurons of the brain, distributed throughout. We observed that neurons firing at different times during a sequence were located at different brain locations, for sequences elicited by a visual stimulus, which mapped onto locations throughout the optic tectum, as well as during stimulus-independent bursts, which mapped onto locations in the cerebellum and medulla. Whole-brain voltage imaging may open up frontiers in the fundamental operation of neural systems.
The evaluation of grey relative incidence
Authors: Nowak Marcin , Pawłowska-Nowak Marta , Kokocińska Małgorzata , Kułyk Piotr 
Published: December 2023

PurposeWith the use of the grey incidence analysis (GIA), indicators such as the absolute degree of grey incidence (εij), relative degree of grey incidence (rij) or synthetic degree of grey incidence (ρij) are calculated. However, it seems that some assumptions made to calculate them are arguable, which may also have a material impact on the reliability of test results. In this paper, the authors analyse one of the indicators of the GIA, namely the relative degree of grey incidence. The aim of the article was to verify the hypothesis: in determining the relative degree of grey incidence, the method of standardisation of elements in a series significantly affects the test results.Design/methodology/approachTo achieve the purpose of the article, the authors used the numerical simulation method and the logical analysis method (in order to draw conclusions from our tests).FindingsIt turned out that the applied method of standardising elements in series when calculating the relative degree of grey incidence significantly affects the test results. Moreover, the manner of standardisation used in the original method (which involves dividing all elements by the first element) is not the best. Much more reliable results are obtained by a standardisation that involves dividing all elements by their arithmetic mean.Research limitations/implicationsLimitations of the conducted evaluation involve in particular the limited scope of inference. This is since the obtained results referred to only one of the indicators classified into the GIA.Originality/valueIn this article, the authors have evaluated the model of GIA in which the relative degree of grey incidence is determined. As a result of the research, the authors have proposed a recommendation regarding a change in the method of standardising variables, which will contribute to obtaining more reliable results in relational tests using the grey system theory.
Another look at data challenges in property valuation practice: a case of Lagos property market
Authors: Oladokun Sunday Olarinre , Mooya Manya Mainza 
Published: December 2023

PurposeChallenges of property data in developing markets have been reported by several authors. However, a deep understanding of the actual nature of this phenomenon in developing markets is largely lacking as in-depth studies into the actual nature of data challenge in such markets are scarce in literature. Specifically, the available literature lacks clarity about the actual nature of data challenges that developing markets pose to valuers and how this affects valuation practice. This study provides this understanding with focus on the Lagos property market.Design/methodology/approachThis study utilises a qualitative research approach. A total of 24 valuers were selected using snowballing sampling technique, and in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted. Data collected were analysed using thematic analysis with the aid of NVivo 12 software.FindingsThe study finds that the main data-related challenge in the Lagos property market is the lack of database of market property transactions and not the lack or absence of transaction data as it has been emphasised in previous studies. Other data-related challenges identified include weak property rights institution with attendant transaction costs, underhand dealings among professionals, undocumented charges, undisclosed information, scarcity of data relating to specialised assets and limited access to the subject property and required documents during valuation. Also, the study unbundles the factors responsible for these challenges and how they affect valuation practice.Practical implicationsThe study has implication for practice in the sense that the deeper knowledge of data challenges could provide insight into strategy to tackle the challenges.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the body of knowledge by offering a fresh and in-depth perspective to the issue of data challenges in developing markets and how the peculiar nature of the real estate market affects the nature of data challenges. The qualitative approach adopted in this study allowed for a deep enquiry into the phenomenon and resulted into an extended insight into the peculiar nature of data challenges in a typical developing property market.
Sociodemographic drivers and interconnected energy-saving practices: insights from Ecuador's household sector
Authors: Zambrano-Monserrate Manuel A. , Ruano Maria Alejandra 
Published: December 2023

Purpose The escalating levels of greenhouse gas emissions have become a growing global concern, with household energy consumption emerging as a significant contributor. To develop effective public policies, it is crucial to understand the energy-saving behavior of households. This study delves into the determinants of energy-saving practices in a developing country.Design/methodology/approach The authors chose a multivariate probit model, as it allowed to look after possible correlations among seven energy-saving practices within households.Findings The findings underscore the significant influence of sociodemographic variables, such as gender, civil status, income and education, on energy-saving practices. Furthermore, the authors discovered that households where the head actively volunteers in social organizations are more likely to adopt energy-saving behaviors. Additionally, internet access positively contributes to pro-environmental behavior. This research reveals that certain energy-saving practices are interconnected, acting as complements or substitutes.Research limitations/implications Recommendations for public policy include prioritizing education in rural areas to boost energy-saving practices, improving internet access in nonurban regions and promoting citizen involvement in social organizations to enhance environmental awareness and encourage energy-saving behavior. The authors contribute to literature evidencing that certain energy-saving practices are not independent of each other, they are rather complementary and, in some cases, substitutes.Practical implications Recommendations for public policy include prioritizing education in rural areas to boost energy-saving practices, improving Internet access in nonurban regions and promoting citizen involvement in social organizations to enhance environmental awareness and encourage energy-saving behavior.Originality/value Previous studies have overlooked these interdependencies, highlighting the necessity of a system of equations to yield more efficient estimates by considering correlations between error terms.
Ultrastructural characteristics and morphological relationships of cardiomyocytes and telocytes in the myocardium of the bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana)
Authors: Wang Zifan , Xu Yizhen , Huang Ling , Zhao Jiancheng , Ye Yaqiong , Liu Canying , Wang Bingyun , Zhao Haiquan , Zhang Hui 
Published: December 2023

AbstractTelocytes (TCs) are distinctive interstitial cells due to their characteristic structures and heterogeneity. They are suggested to participate in tissue repair/regeneration. TCs have been identified in many organs of various mammals. However, data on TCs in lower animals are still very limited. In this work, TCs were identified in the myocardium of the bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) by light and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The structural relationships between TCs and neighbouring cell types were measured using the ImageJ (FiJi) morphometric software. TCs with slender Tps (telepodes) were located around cardiomyocytes (CMC). TEM revealed TCs with long Tps in the stroma between CMC. The homocellular tight junctions were observed between the Tps. The Tps were also very close to the neighbouring CMC. The distance between Tps and CMC was 0.15 ± 0.08 μm. Notably, Tps were observed to adhere to the periphery of the satellite cells. The Tps and the satellite cells established heterocellular structural connections by tight junctions. Additionally, Tps were frequently observed in close proximity to mast cells (MCs). The distance between the Tps and the MCs was 0.19 ± 0.09 μm. These results confirmed that TCs are present in the myocardium of the bullfrog, and that TCs established structural relationships with neighbouring cell types, including satellite cells and MCs. These findings provide the anatomical evidence to support the note that TCs are involved in tissue regeneration.
The changing clinical presentation of COVID‐19 in children during the course of the pandemic
Authors: Wurm Juliane , Uka Anita , Bernet Vera , Buettcher Michael , Giannoni Eric , Kottanattu Lisa , Schöbi Nina , Zemmouri Abdelaziz , Ritz Nicole , Zimmermann Petra ,   Swiss Paediatric Surveillance Unit (SPSU)
Published: December 2023

AbstractAimTo investigate the evolution of clinical symptoms of COVID‐19 in children throughout the pandemic.MethodsIn this national prospective surveillance study, symptoms in children hospitalised with COVID‐19 were collected from all paediatric hospitals in Switzerland between March 2020 and March 2023. Data was analysed across four time periods, according to the predominantly circulating SARS‐CoV‐2 variant: T1 (wild‐type), T2 (Alpha), T3 (Delta) and T4 (Omicron), as well as by age group.ResultsThe study included 1323 children. The proportion of children admitted to an intensive care unit remained stable throughout the pandemic. However, the pattern and frequency of clinical manifestations changed over time. Respiratory symptoms were less prevalent during T1 (wild‐type), fever during T2 (Alpha) and rash during T4 (Omicron). In contrast, fever and neurological symptoms were more prevalent during T4 (Omicron). Newly described symptoms during T4 (Omicron) included conjunctivitis, laryngotracheitis and seizures. Fever was more prevalent among neonates and infants whereas respiratory symptoms were more common among infants. Gastrointestinal symptoms were more frequent among toddlers, while both toddlers and school‐aged children presented with neurological symptoms more often than other age groups.ConclusionContinuous surveillance is required to detect changes in manifestations and there by be prepared for the optimal management of complications in children with COVID‐19.
Oral administration of Brevibacterium linens from washed cheese increases the proportions of short‐chain fatty acid‐producing bacteria and lactobacilli in the gut microbiota of mice
Authors: Murakami Aito , Toyomoto Koharu , Namai Fu , Sato Takashi , Fujii Tadashi , Tochio Takumi , Shimosato Takeshi 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBrevibacterium linens (B. linens) is a dairy microorganism used in the production of washed cheese. However, there has been little research on B. linens, especially regarding its effects in vivo. Herein, we report the morphological characteristics of B. linens, such as its two‐phase growth and V‐ and Y‐shaped bodies. We also report that oral administration of B. linens increased the diversity of the gut microbiota and promoted the growth of lactobacilli and short‐chain fatty acid‐producing bacteria, such as Lachnospiraceae and Muribaculaceae. These findings suggest that the ingestion of B. linens may have beneficial effects in humans and animals.
Rapid functional but slow species diversity recovery of steppe vegetation on former arable fields in southern Ukraine
Authors: Dembicz Iwona , Zachwatowicz Maria , Moysiyenko Ivan , Shapoval Viktor , Smreczak Bożena , Zagorodniuk Natalia , Davydova Anastasia , Vynokurov Denys , Seiler Hallie , Sudnik‐Wójcikowska Barbara 
Published: December 2023

AbstractQuestionsEuropean steppes are among the most threatened ecosystems in the Palaearctic region, mainly because of conversion to arable land. Abandonment may allow for the passive recovery of steppes. We made use of an exceptional old‐field succession chronosequence of nearly 100 years to answer the following questions: (a) Are the plant species composition, species richness and functional characteristics typical of virgin grass steppes able to self‐restore during ca. 100 years after abandonment? (b) Do the rates of recovery of the above vegetation characteristics differ over the studied chronosequence? (c) Do topsoil carbon and nitrogen content change over the succession chronosequence, leading to concentrations similar to that of virgin steppes?LocationSouthern Ukraine.MethodsWe sampled vegetation and soil in a virgin grass steppe and in old fields abandoned for 6, 15, 31, 50 and ca. 97 years. We subjected the composition data to multivariate analysis. To test whether species richness, functional and soil characteristics of the old fields diverge from those of the virgin steppe, we used one‐way analysis of variance with Tukey's honestly significant difference (HSD) statistic to create 90% confidence intervals.ResultsThe vegetation composition of the three most recently abandoned old fields differed significantly from that of the virgin steppe. The species richness of vascular plants was lower in old fields than in the virgin steppe. The share of steppe habitat specialists was similar to the virgin steppe only in the field abandoned for ca. 97 years. Functional characteristics were significantly different from the virgin steppe only in the most recently abandoned old field. Contents of Corg and Ntot in fields abandoned for ≤50 years were lower compared with the virgin steppe.ConclusionsThe functional characteristics of steppe vegetation seem to recover much faster than its biodiversity. However, based on our results, 100 years can be enough time for the spontaneous re‐establishment of typical steppe vegetation.
Plasma 6β‐hydroxycortisol to cortisol ratio as a less invasive cytochrome P450 3A phenotyping method
Authors: Hirano Ryohei , Yokokawa Akitomo , Furihata Tomomi , Shibasaki Hiromi 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAimA less invasive evaluation method of cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A) activity provides an important tool for personalized medicine. We aimed to clarify the usefulness of the plasma 6β‐hydroxycortisol to cortisol concentration (6β‐OHF/F) ratio as a minimally invasive CYP3A phenotyping method.MethodsPlasma 6β‐OHF and cortisol concentrations were measured via liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. The plasma 6β‐OHF/F ratio was compared with 6β‐hydroxylation clearance of endogenous cortisol (CLm(6β); which we previously developed as an index of CYP3A activity) before, during and after oral contraceptive administration in 3 healthy women. The plasma 6β‐OHF/F ratio was observed during oral clarithromycin administration. The plasma 6β‐OHF/F ratio was also measured in 39 healthy participants.ResultsThe plasma 6β‐OHF/F ratio in 3 healthy women on Day 21 of starting oral contraceptive administration decreased by 39, 49 and 61% compared with Day 0. These values were similar to CLm(6β) values (43, 54 and 59%, respectively). Plasma 6β‐OHF/F ratio and CLm(6β) exhibited a good correlation (r = .9053). The 6β‐OHF/F ratio decreased from 0.00921 to 0.00577 only 3 h following clarithromycin administration. The plasma 6β‐OHF/F ratio ranged 0.00565–0.01556 in 39 healthy participants.ConclusionBased on its close relationship with CLm(6β) and its decrease upon inhibition by clarithromycin, the plasma 6β‐OHF/F ratio serves as an index of CYP3A activity. Using this minimally invasive index, we can identify patients with extremely low CYP3A activity before treatment initiation and optimize the initial drug dose, thereby mitigating the risk of severe adverse reactions.
Navigating corporate philanthropy in the digital world: The normative effect of Entrepreneurs' social media usage
Authors: Chen Jiawen , Ke Xiaolian , Liu Linlin 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThis paper investigates how entrepreneurs' social media usage affects corporate philanthropy. Departing from the extant literature, which focuses on the instrumental role of social media, we draw upon the normative perspective of stewardship theory and propose that entrepreneurs' social media usage promotes their ethical and prosocial motivation for corporate philanthropy. In particular, we theorize that entrepreneurs' social media usage enhances their self‐perceived status and philanthropic identification, thus affecting corporate philanthropy. Our analysis of a sample of Chinese ventures provides empirical support for the mediating effects of self‐perceived status and philanthropic identification on the relationship between entrepreneurs' social media usage and the philanthropic propensity and intensity of their ventures. Our study has implications for the role of social media in promoting corporate philanthropy and contributes to the literature on entrepreneurship and corporate philanthropy.
Multifaceted approach toward mapping out the anticancer properties of small molecules via in vitro evaluation on melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer cells, and in silico target fishing
Authors: Boateng Samuel T. , Roy Tithi , Agbo Mercy E. , Mahmud Md Ashiq , Banang‐Mbeumi Sergette , Chamcheu Roxane‐Cherille N. , Yadav Rajesh K. , Bramwell Marion , Pham Long K. , Dang Danny D. , Jackson Keith E. , Nagalo Bolni Marius , Hill Ronald A. , Efimova Tatiana , Fotie Jean , Chamcheu Jean Christopher 
Published: December 2023

AbstractMelanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancers are among the most prevalent and most lethal forms of skin cancers. To identify new lead compounds with potential anticancer properties for further optimization, in vitro assays combined with in‐silico target fishing and docking have been used to identify and further map out the antiproliferative and potential mode of action of molecules from a small library of compounds previously prepared in our laboratory. From screening these compounds in vitro against A375, SK‐MEL‐28, A431, and SCC‐12 skin cancer cell lines, 35 displayed antiproliferative activities at the micromolar level, with the majority being primarily potent against the A431 and SCC‐12 squamous carcinoma cell lines. The most active compounds 11 (A431: IC50 = 5.0 μM, SCC‐12: IC50 = 2.9 μM, SKMEL‐28: IC50 = 4.9 μM, A375: IC50 = 6.7 μM) and 13 (A431: IC50 = 5.0 μM, SCC‐12: IC50 = 3.3 μM, SKMEL‐28: IC50 = 13.8 μM, A375: IC50 = 17.1 μM), significantly and dose‐dependently induced apoptosis of SCC‐12 and SK‐MEL‐28 cells, as evidenced by the suppression of Bcl‐2 and upregulation of Bax, cleaved caspase‐3, caspase‐9, and PARP protein expression levels. Both agents significantly reduced scratch wound healing, colony formation, and expression levels of deregulated cancer molecular targets including RSK/Akt/ERK1/2 and S6K1. In silico target prediction and docking studies using the SwissTargetPrediction web‐based tool suggested that CDK8, CLK4, nuclear receptor ROR, tyrosine protein‐kinase Fyn/LCK, ROCK1/2, and PARP, all of which are dysregulated in skin cancers, might be prospective targets for the two most active compounds. Further validation of these targets by western blot analyses, revealed that ROCK/Fyn and its associated Hedgehog (Hh) pathways were downregulated or modulated by the two lead compounds. In aggregate, these results provide a strong framework for further validation of the observed activities and the development of a more comprehensive structure–activity relationship through the preparation and biological evaluation of analogs.
A metascience investigation of inclusive, open, and reproducible science practices in research posters at the 2021 SRCD biennial meeting
Authors: Kim Matthew H. , Buford Kristen , Ellis Alexa , Davis‐Kean Pamela E. , Antony Chellam , Braun Claire , Hurst Tabetha , Todd Julia 
Published: December 2023

AbstractOver the past decade, there has been a growing appreciation of metascience issues in psychological science. Using data collected from 2615 posters presented at the 2021 biennial meeting of the Society for Research in Child Development, this article examines the use of transparent research practices to increase rigor and reproducibility as well as generalizability through greater inclusivity of diverse samples. Research presented through poster presentations was heavily skewed toward quantitative studies featuring American researchers using Western hemisphere samples. Sharing of data/materials, preregistrations, and replications were uncommon. During a time when governments are increasingly requiring more open practices and access, this research provides an important baseline by which developmental science can benchmark progress toward the goals of greater inclusivity and openness.
‘We live here and play here, we should have a say’: An exploration of children's perceptions of place‐making in the Market community, Belfast
Authors: McAteer Benedict , Loudon Emma , Higgins Kathryn 
Published: December 2023

AbstractChildren learn through interaction with their surroundings, meaning that their experiences of place directly contribute to their personal development. Despite this, the needs of the youth are rarely factored into development plans. This is a major obstacle to the sustainable and inclusive development of places. Examining potential pathways to correct this issue, this paper presents the findings of research conducted with young people from the Market area of Belfast. The research engaged with two groups (n = 11) in a participatory investigation of how young people engage with the built environment. Using several participatory methods, including narrative walkabouts, mapping exercises and semi‐structured group interviews, the children engaged as co‐researchers. We link to idea of ‘third places’ to frame our analysis, demonstrating how children in the Market community have strong opinions of how space is, and should be, designed and managed. We reveal interesting dynamics regarding the children's perceived exclusion from the city centre and concerns about how poor planning is harming their community's public health. We conclude by reflecting upon some of the children's proposed solutions, as well as by presenting two outcomes of our study that hint at the potential future role of young people in co‐designing the built environment.