bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Contemporary Visions: Refiguring The Esoteric; The Transformational Act of “Making” Magic
Authors: Bellisario Sarah 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
This exploration examines the design and material culture of magical art, ritual practice, and esoteric objects. It includes discussion on the objects of both historical and contemporary folk traditions and occult practices such as votive offerings, building magic, and ritual deposits, and draws on the methodologies of bricolage and heuristic practices as a means of theoretical underpinning. The exploration also considers esoteric objects, artifacts, and folklore practices from Britain and Ireland and then re-examines these practices through the art and design of contemporary makers currently working in the UK. Taking a reflective approach to design history and using first-hand interviews and reflections on the methods of artists such as Lucy Wright, Sally Gilford, and Becky Brewis, this explorative paper will discuss how these modern makers are rethinking occult themes and redesigning esoteric artifacts from a personal and social perspective, whilst working towards a goal of community and connection for both themselves and their audiences.
Reduced survivorship, host preference, and feeding damage by Helicoverpa zea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on cotton plants colonized by the endophyte Beauveria bassiana (Ascomycota: Hypocreales)
Authors: Farrokhzadeh Hadi , Jaronski Stefan T , Rashed Arash 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The GHA strain of Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin (Ascomycota: Hypocreales) is known to establish symbiotic relationships with some plant species. The present study was developed to determine whether the foliar application of B. bassiana-GHA and B. bassiana ANT-03, another commercial B. bassiana, results in the successful colonization of cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L., and examine whether the endophyte can influence the survivorship and feeding damage by the corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea Boddie (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Using polymerase chain reaction, colonization success by B. bassiana-GHA, 3, 7, 14, and 21 days after inoculation was estimated at 83.3%, 100%, 91.7%, and 83.3%, respectively. The colonization success based on the mycelial outgrowth method was 41.7%, 66.7%, 58.3%, and 50%, 3, 7, 14, and 21 days after inoculation, respectively. Beauveria bassiana ANT-03 did not colonize cotton. Corn earworms preferred untreated plants over the neonicotinoid and B. bassiana-GHA treatments. The B. bassiana ANT-03-treated plants and controls were not distinguished from one another by the corn earworms. The corn earworm survivorship was higher on the control plants, compared to plants treated with B. bassiana ANT-03, B. bassiana-GHA, and the neonicotinoid insecticide. The neonicotinoid insecticide, B. bassiana-GHA, and B. bassiana ANT-03 reduced corn earworm damage compared to the untreated controls. Our results demonstrated the potential for B. bassiana-GHA to be used as a biological control agent against H. zea in cotton.
Personality Traits and Cognitive Ability in Political Selection
Authors: Jokela Markus , Meriläinen Jaakko , Tukiainen Janne , von Schoultz Åsa 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
A vast scholarship questions whether voters are sufficiently informed to act in their best interest at the polling booth, which may also have implications for the quality of political representation. In this study, we examine cognitive and non-cognitive ability tests conducted on (male) military conscripts by the Finnish Defense Forces, and compare local and national election candidates nominated by political parties and representatives elected by voters with each other and the general population. We show that non-elected candidates fare better in the tests than the population, on average, and elected politicians demonstrate even higher levels of ability. Local politicians’ cognitive and non-cognitive skills are on par with individuals who work in high-skill occupations or have at least an undergraduate degree and national politicians are even better. Our findings suggest that, despite the complex decision-making environment inherent in voter-oriented systems, a political class that is more competent, motivated, and honest than the general population emerges. We further discuss the scope for positive political selection of women, show that there is no evident trade-off between politician quality and descriptive representation, and present evidence on the mechanisms for and the policy effects of positive selection.
Effects of PARP1 inhibitor PJ-34 on TGFα, IL-6, and IL-1β levels in diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Ke Jing , Fan Yanan , Zhang Shaochun 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Diabetic nephropathy is a severe chronic complication characterized by cytotoxicity, inflammation, and fibrosis, ultimately leading to renal failure. This study systematically investigated the effects of the PARP1 inhibitor PJ-34 on high glucose–induced cytotoxicity, inflammation, and fibrosis in HK-2 cells, as well as its improvement on neuropathic pain response and transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) expression in a type 1 diabetes mellitus diabetic nephropathy mouse model. Through cellular and animal experiments, we observed that PJ-34 significantly enhanced the proliferative capacity of cells damaged by high glucose, reduced apoptosis, and decreased the release of proinflammatory factors TGFα, interleukin-6, and interleukin-1β. In the type 1 diabetes mellitus nephropathy mouse model, the administration of PJ-34 substantially improved parameters of neuropathic pain, alleviated renal tissue damage, reduced indicators of renal functional impairment–inhibited renal fibrosis, and reduced the key protein expression in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition process, acting through the regulation of the TGFβ/Smads signaling pathway. This study elucidated the mechanism of action of the PARP1 inhibitor PJ-34 as a potential therapeutic agent for diabetic nephropathy, offering a novel strategy for its treatment.
Multicenter, open-label, randomized, controlled study to test the utility of electronic patient-reported outcome monitoring in patients with unresectable advanced cancers or metastatic/recurrent solid tumors
Authors: Taira Naruto , Kiyota Naomi , Kikawa Yuichiro , Ichihara Eiki , Kato Kyoko , Kubota Kaoru , Tateishi Ryosuke , Nakata Akinobu , Nakamura Keiichiro , Narita Yukiya , Hotta Katsuyuki , Iwata Hiroji , Gemma Akihiko , Shimozuma Kojiro , Muro Kei , Iwamoto Tetsuya , Takumoto Yuki , Shiroiwa Takeru , Fukuda Takashi , Yamaguchi Takuhiro , Hagiwara Yasuhiro , Minami Hironobu 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Electronic patient-reported outcome (ePRO) monitoring for patients undergoing cancer chemotherapy may provide qualified and early detection of adverse events or disease-related symptoms, leading to improved patient care. The aim of this study is to examine whether addition of ePRO monitoring to routine medical care contributes to improved overall survival and quality of life of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Patients with unresectable advanced cancers or metastatic/recurrent solid tumors receiving systemic chemotherapy will be randomized to an ePRO monitoring group and a usual care group. The ePRO group will conduct weekly symptom monitoring using an electronic device after study enrollment until the end of the study. Monitoring results will be returned to medical personnel and used as information for patient care. The primary endpoints are overall survival and health related quality of life. The initial target sample size for the study was 1500 patients. However, due to delays in enrollment, the target was readjusted to 500 patients. Enrollment has been completed, and the study is now in the follow-up phase.
The impact of the number of prior androgen receptor pathway inhibitors before cabazitaxel treatment in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Taniguchi Hisanori , Ikeda Junichi , Masuo Yuki , Kinoshita Hidefumi 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Objective
Cabazitaxel (CAZ) has been shown to prolong overall survival (OS) in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) following docetaxel treatment. However, the impact of the number of prior androgen receptor pathway inhibitors (ARPIs) on CAZ efficacy remains unclear. This study aimed to analyze the effectiveness of CAZ based on the number of prior ARPIs administered before CAZ treatment.

Methods
A retrospective review was conducted on mCRPC patients who received CAZ. The differences in CAZ efficacy based on the number of prior ARPIs were evaluated and prognostic factors for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) progression-free survival (PFS) and OS were analyzed.

Results
A total of 59 patients were categorized into three groups: 12 patients with no prior ARPI, 26 with one prior ARPI, and 21 with two or more prior ARPIs. The median number of CAZ cycles and relative dose intensity were 5% and 60%, respectively. No significant differences were observed in PSA response or PFS among the three groups. Although OS from the first CAZ administration did not significantly differ among the groups, the OS from mCRPC diagnosis was shorter in the group with no prior ARPI. Multivariate analysis identified a time to mCRPC diagnosis of less than 11 months and low serum hemoglobin levels before CAZ administration as significant prognostic factors of poor OS following CAZ treatment.

Conclusions
PSA response, PFS, and OS after CAZ administration did not significantly differ based on the number of prior ARPIs. CAZ efficacy appears consistent regardless of the number of prior ARPI sequences.
Injury rates resulting from bat bands: implications for increasing our understanding of bat ecology
Authors: Reynolds D Scott , Ineson Katherine , Loeb Susan , Britzke Eric 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The ability to identify and track individuals is a critical tool for understanding population demographics and developing effective wildlife management strategies. Forearm bands have been a critical mark–recapture methodology for bats for almost a century despite some concerns that banding may have a negative impact on bat populations. We used banding data from a long-term demographic study of Little Brown Myotis (Myotis lucifugus) to determine rates of band loss and band injury for plastic split-ring (3.5 mm inner diameter), small (2.9 mm) aluminum flanged, and 2 types of large (4.2 mm) aluminum flanged forearm bands (USFWS #2 and Lambourne). We found that bats with plastic split-ring bands and larger aluminum bands (both USFWS #2 and Lambourne) had higher rates of band injuries than bats banded with the smaller (2.9 mm) bands. We also found that the loss rate of the larger 4.2 mm bands was significantly higher than for the smaller bands. Bats recaptured with band-related injuries showed high rates of recovery, with 88% of subsequent recaptures showing no evidence of prior injury. Bats banded when they were young-of-the-year had no detectable difference in band loss rates and lower rates of both band chewing and band-related injury compared to bats initially captured as adults. Our data suggest that the perception of banding having a negative impact on bats such as M. lucifugus is likely due to disturbance related to the banding protocol and not due to injuries or mortality of individual bats. Our data suggest that forearm bands, when properly sized and secured to the wing, continue to be a reliable and low-risk marking method for some bat species.
Early body composition changes in trans women on low-dose estradiol: comparing oral vs sublingual administration using dual energy absorptiometry and bioelectrical impedance analysis
Authors: Yaish Iris , Buch Assaf , Gindis Guy , Sofer Yael , Arbiv Mira , Moshe Yaffa , Grenman Yona , Tordjman Karen 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Low-dose sublingual estradiol gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) in treatment-naive transgender women effectively suppresses testosterone and initiates breast development, comparable to oral estradiol with cyproterone acetate; however, its impact on body composition remains unstudied.

Aim
To assess early body composition changes with low-dose estradiol, compare sublingual versus oral administration efficacy, and evaluate bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) agreement in transgender women undergoing GAHT.

Methods
In this 6-month prospective study, 22 treatment-naïve transgender women received either 2 mg/day sublingual estradiol (SLE) or combined oral (CO)—2 mg/day oral estradiol plus 10 mg/day cyproterone acetate. Body composition was assessed using DXA and BIA at baseline and after 6 months.

Outcomes
Changes in body composition, including lean body mass, fat mass, visceral fat area, waist-to-hip ratio, and android-to-gynoid fat ratio.

Results
BIA and DXA measurements showed good agreement. Both groups experienced decreased lean body mass and increased fat mass. The SLE group showed less increase in total and segmental body fat, and visceral fat area compared to CO. Both treatments decreased waist-to-hip ratio and android-to-gynoid fat ratio, indicating early achievement of a more feminine body shape.

Clinical Implications
These findings may help optimize GAHT protocols, improve patient satisfaction with treatment, and enable monitoring outcome assessment in transgender women.

Strengths and Limitations
This study provides valuable insights into early body composition changes with low-dose estradiol administration via different administration routes and validates BIA as an alternative to DXA. However, the sample size was relatively small, the study arm allocation was not randomized, and the study duration was only 6 months.

Conclusion
Low-dose estradiol induces significant feminizing body composition changes within 6 months of GAHT, with sublingual administration potentially limiting fat accumulation while achieving a feminine body shape.

Study registration
ISRCTN15726488
Entire data set found at: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/VNC54
Nicotiana benthamiana VASCULAR-RELATED NAC-DOMAIN7-2 (NbVND7-2) has a role in xylem formation during interfamily grafting
Authors: Huang Chaokun , Toyokura Koichi , Murakami Ei-ichi , Ishiwata Aiko , Kurotani Ken-ichi , Notaguchi Michitaka 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
VASCULAR-RELATED NAC-DOMAIN7 (VND7) is a transcription factor gene that plays a critical role in xylem differentiation. The ectopic expression of VND7 induces the formation of secondary cell walls with spiral patterns in multiple plant cell types. In the present study, we have identified four homologs of VND7 in Nicotiana benthamiana and assigned them the names NbVND7-1 to NbVND7-4. Particularly, NbVND7-1 and NbVND7-2 were highly expressed during N. benthamiana and Arabidopsis thaliana (Nb/At) interfamily grafting. Analysis of the promoter GUS reporter lines of NbVND7 genes elucidated the expression of NbVND7-1 and NbVND7-2 in xylem tissues of intact and grafted plants, and those of NbVND7-3 and NbVND7-4 in internal phloem tissues. Gene network analysis revealed the downstream genes of each NbVND7 homolog and highlighted the association of NbVND7-1 and NbVND7-2 with xylem formation. A 𝛽-estradiol-inducible system for NbVND7-2 demonstrated that NbVND7-2 promotes ectopic xylem vessel differentiation in N. benthamiana seedlings and in the stem tissues at graft junction. Induction of NbVND7-2 at graft junction enhanced ectopic xylem formation in the callus tissues proliferated at graft boundary, accelerated the initiation of water transport from stock to scion, and enhanced scion stem growth after grafting. This study revealed a role of NbVND7 genes in xylem formation that can enhance Nicotiana interfamily grafting.
Linoleic acid improves rosacea through repairing mitochondrial damage in keratinocytes
Authors: Wang Mei , Xiao Wenqin , Liu Tangxiele , Zhu Yan , Chen Mengting , Tan Zixin , Xu San , Zhao Zhixiang , Liu Fangfen , Xie Hongfu , He Xiang , Deng Zhili , Li Ji 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Rosacea, as a progressive and chronic inflammatory skin disease, lacks safe and effective treatment options. Our previous study reported metabolic disturbance in rosacea patients, containing abnormal lipid metabolism. Building on this, we characterized significant alterations in fatty acid metabolism among rosacea patients, with a notable increase in linoleic acid (LNA) levels. We further demonstrated that LNA prevents rosacea-like dermatitis in LL37-induced rosacea-like mouse model. Our evidence indicated that LNA hyperactivates PPARγ signaling in the epidermis, a phenomenon observed in both rosacea patients and mouse model. Inhibiting PPARγ rescued the effect of LNA in LL37-induced mice. Additionally, our in vivo and in vitro evidence strongly supported the presence of mitochondrial damage in the keratinocytes of rosacea. LNA stimulated PPARγ to reduce the ROS production, increasing the generation of ATP and recovering mitochondrial membrane potential. Finally, through a prospective cohort study utilizing UK Biobank data and LDSC regression analysis, we further confirmed LNA levels is negatively related to the risk of rosacea, highlighting LNA as a promising therapeutic strategy for rosacea treatment.
Histoplasmosis screening using urinary antigen detection in people living with HIV in Southern Brazil
Authors: dos Santos Blan Bianca , Poester Vanice Rodrigues , Basso Rossana Patricia , Sanchotene Karine Ortiz , Caceres Diego H , Ramis de Souza Ivy Bastos , Pasqualotto Alessandro C , Xavier Melissa Orzechowski 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Histoplasmosis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection in individuals with advanced HIV disease (AHD), particularly in endemic regions such as Latin America. Early diagnosis is crucial for reducing mortality but remains underdiagnosed due to non-specific clinical presentations and limited diagnostic access. This study evaluates the impact of systematic histoplasmosis screening over 18 months (March 2021–September 2022) using the Histoplasma urinary antigen detection test in people living with HIV (PLHIV) receiving outpatient care or hospitalized at a reference center in Southern Brazil. A retrospective analysis was conducted on PLHIV screened with the Clarus® Histoplasma GM enzyme immunoassay (HGM-EIA, IMMY, USA). Inclusion criteria comprised a recent HIV diagnosis (≤30 days), poor adherence to or abandonment of antiretroviral therapy (&gt;90 days), CD4 + count &lt; 200 cells/mm³, or clinical/radiological findings suggestive of histoplasmosis. Clinical, laboratory, and treatment data were assessed, along with 90-day outcomes. Among 287 PLHIV screened, Histoplasma antigen was detected in 9.1% (26/287), including 19.6% of hospitalized patients and 6.4% of outpatients. Overall mortality was 24%, with a higher rate among inpatients (27.3%). Fever, neurological impairment, and lung opacification were more frequent in hospitalized cases. Amphotericin B deoxycholate was more commonly administered to inpatients (63.6% vs. 25%). Mortality at 90 days was significantly higher in patients with a histoplasmosis case-fatality score ≥ 5 (66.7% vs. 33.3%, p = 0.016). Systematic screening enhances early detection of histoplasmosis, facilitating timely treatment and reducing hospitalizations and mortality.
Subhalos are Anisotropically Distributed and Aligned with the Smooth Matter Distribution of Their Host Halos
Authors: Mezini Lorena , Zentner Andrew R , Wang Kuan , Fielder Catherine 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
We investigate the distributions of subhalos about their hosts in two suites of zoom-in N-body simulations of halo growth – one suite focused on Milky Way-Mass halos (∼1012 M⊙) and another focused on cluster-mass halos (∼1015 M⊙) in the Symphony simulation suite. We find, in agreement with previous work on this subject, that subhalos are distributed anisotropically about their host halos. In particular, the positions of subhalos lie preferentially near the major axes of their host halos, possibly implying that satellite galaxies will exhibit a similar alignment. Furthermore, we show that in two-dimensional projection subhalos are more likely to be observed near the halo center (where the central galaxy presumably resides) when the host halo is projected nearly along its major axis. This projection effect is significant. Within projected radii of a few percent of the virial radius of the host halo, the fraction of mass in subhalos is $\sim 175~{{\%}}$ larger for Milky Way mass halos and as much as $\sim 195~{{\%}}$ larger for cluster halos when projected along the major axis as compared to the average from a random projection. This result has consequences for many applications including the interpretation of gravitational lenses. Finally, we find that the orbital angular momentum vector of subhalos is aligned with the angular momentum vector of their host halo, indicating that a significant component of a halo’s angular momentum may be carried in its subhalos. This has consequences for galaxy formation models which use host halo angular momentum as a proxy for galaxy momentum.
The raising and westward expansion of central Tibet
Authors: Zhao Chenyuan , Ding Lin , Xiong Zhongyu , Spicer Robert A , Cai Fulong , He Songlin , Wang Chao , Ding Wenqing , Li Jinxiang , Wang Houqi , Yin Zheng , Xu Xiaoyan , Xie Jing , Yue Yahui , Zeng Deng , Kaveh-Firouz Amaneh 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Understanding the Cenozoic growth history of the Himalaya-Tibetan Plateau (HTP) is essential for elucidating the underlying geodynamic mechanism and interactions among topography, biosphere and atmosphere. However, the spatial-temporal evolution of the HTP, especially that of the Paleogene Central Tibetan Valley (CTV), remains hotly debated. In this study, through radiometric geochronology, plant assemblages, oxygen and clumped isotope paleoaltimetries, we reconstruct the uplift history of the east-west-oriented Luolong Basin in eastern Tibet. Results show that the Luolong Basin was at 0.6 (+0.2/−0.4) km at ca. 54−46 Ma, then rose to 2.9 ± 0.9 km at ca. 44 Ma. The newly discovered Luolong Flora indicates the Eocene CTV extending into eastern Tibet, and that the valley was higher in the east, sloping to the west, inferring a westward progressive rise of the valley floor. Integrated evidence from paleomagnetism, magmatism and seismic tomography suggests that the birth of near modern plateau is attributed to the stepwise delamination (drip) of the subducted Lhasa lithosphere from east to west.
Approaching fast ion transport via anion-dipole interaction in weakly-solvated electrolytes enables stable Li platting chemistry
Authors: Niu Min , Dong Liwei , Chen Xingyu , Feng Rong-Juan , Li Qian , Qi Hang , Xin Sen , Liang Jia-Yan , Yang Chunhui , Guo Yu-Guo 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The graphite/Li-metal hybrid anode demonstrates great potential in cycling stability and energy density with designed weakly-solvated electrolytes, considering the common issue of solvent co-intercalation and vulnerable interface chemistry with graphite anode and Li anode, respectively. The weakly-solvated electrolytes show weak ion-dipole interaction and promote rapid desolvation but face with sluggish ion transport kinetics, thus inducing high overpotential and Li dendrite formation. Herein, by applying methyl propionate as a weakly-coordinated cosolvent, a loose solvation shell regulated by anion-solvent interaction enables weakened Li+-anion interaction while maintaining adequate anion participation, featuring a facilitated bulk ion transport route via anion dissociation, originally endowing a high ionic conductivity of 17.74 mS cm−1 in weakly-solvated electrolytes at 25 °C. Consequently, this advanced electrolyte design markedly mitigates concentration polarization and regulates uniform Li deposition, and thus the hybrid anode achieves 99.8% average Coulombic efficiency within 1500 cycles at 4C and improved cycling stability at a low N/P ratio of 0.5, making a breakthrough in alkali-metal-ion batteries.