bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sustainable high-yield farming is essential for bending the curve of biodiversity loss
Authors: Balmford Andrew , Bateman Ian J. , Eyres Alison , Swinfield Tom , Ball Thomas S. 
Published: January 2025

Food production does more damage to wild species than any other sector of human activity, yet how best to limit its growing impact is greatly contested. Reviewing progress to date in interventions that encourage less damaging diets or cut food loss and waste, we conclude that both are essential but far from sufficient. In terms of production, field studies from five continents quantifying the population-level impacts of land sharing, land sparing, intermediate and mixed approaches for almost 2000 individually assessed species show that implementing high-yield farming to spare natural habitats consistently outperforms land sharing, particularly for species of highest conservation concern. Sparing also offers considerable potential for mitigating climate change. Delivering land sparing nevertheless raises several important challenges—in particular, identifying and promoting higher yielding farm systems that are less environmentally harmful than current industrial agriculture, and devising mechanisms to limit rebound effects and instead tie yield gains to habitat conservation. Progress will depend on conservationists forging novel collaborations with the agriculture sector. While this may be challenging, we suggest that without it there is no realistic prospect of slowing biodiversity loss.
This article is part of the discussion meeting issue ‘Bending the curve towards nature recovery: building on Georgina Mace's legacy for a biodiverse future’.
Rapid Detection of Aspergillus spp. and Quantitative Simultaneous Analysis of Aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1 and G2) in Kenyan Hybrid Maize Cultivars Using FT-IR and LC-ESI-MS/MS Spectro-analysis Techniques
Authors: Gachara Grace Wanjiku , Suleiman Rashid , Kilima Beatrice , Ligan Bernardin , Sobeh Mansour , Lahlali Rachid 
Published: January 2025

The present study combined Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis with high resolution liquid chromatography tandem mass spectroscopy equipped with an electrospray ionization source (LC-ESI-MS/MS) in the screening and quantification of four naturally occurring aflatoxins (AFs) AFB1, AFB2, AFG1 and AFG2 in milled hybrid maize cultivars (n = 171) from selected counties in the Rift-Valley region of Kenya. Samples were extracted in a single-step process using acetonitrile/water 80:20 v/v in 0.5% formic acid without further clean-up steps. Aflatoxins were analyzed in both positive and negative ionization modes using the multi-reaction monitoring (MRM) acquisition process that allowed confirmation and quantification of the aflatoxins in a single run. The MRM mode was utilized for quantitative analysis while qualitative analysis was done using the enhanced product ion mode. Aflatoxin presence was detected in the following ranges and frequencies: AFB1 (0-9.36μg/kg), AFB2 (0-6.62μg/kg), AFG1 (0-7.72μg/kg) and AFG2 (0-9.18μg/kg). Additional mycotoxins recovered included the following; sterigmatocystin (0-8.3μg/kg) and deoxynivalenol (0-7.3μg/kg). In overall, low amounts of aflatoxins were recovered from the milled maize samples with an additional low total aflatoxin content above the stipulated regulatory limit of 10μg/kg. Given that slow continued exposure to aflatoxins (especially in low amounts) has been proven to be a leading cause of various forms of cancer, urgent intervention measures and national surveillance programs ought to be introduced to protect consumers from gradual aflatoxin poisoning emanating from the consumption of contaminated Kenyan maize.
Assessing Garmin’s Stress Level Score Against Heart Rate Variability Measurements
Authors: Rosenbach Hadar , Itzkovith Alon , Gidron Yori , Schonberg Tom 
Published: January 2025

AbstractDaily stressors elicit physiological and mental responses impacting health, cognition, and behavior. Accurately assessing stress responses in natural settings remains challenging despite extensive research, though wrist-worn devices have the potential to address this gap through remote data collection. The Garmin fitness tracker provides a stress score largely based on HRV which must be validated prior to use in research. This study aimed to assess the stress score given by the Garmin Vivosmart 4 against HR and HRV from ECG recordings derived by the Polar H10 chest strap. A pilot study of 29 participants was conducted, followed by power calculations and preregistration of the main study which included 60 participants. Data were collected simultaneously from both devices during a laboratory session of restful and mental-stress-inducing tasks. Garmin’s stress score, mean HR, SD2/SD1, and HF power exhibited significant differences between stress and rest conditions. Moreover, Garmin’s stress score correlated significantly with HR, RMSSD, and SD2/SD1. Our findings suggest that physiological responses to mental stress were influenced by sex and tonic HRV. The study suggests that the GSS is indicative of mental stress, with its accessibility and noninvasive nature promising widespread utilization in various research domains.
Landscape of human protein-coding somatic mutations across tissues and individuals
Authors: Xu Huixin , Bierman Rob , Akey Dayna , Koers Cooper , Comi Troy , McWhite Claire , Akey Joshua M. 
Published: January 2025

SummaryAlthough somatic mutations are fundamentally important to human biology, disease, and aging, many outstanding questions remain about their rates, spectrum, and determinants in apparently healthy tissues. Here, we performed high-coverage exome sequencing on 265 samples from 14 GTEx donors sampled for a median of 17.5 tissues per donor (spanning 46 total tissues). Using a novel probabilistic method tailored to the unique structure of our data, we identified 8,470 somatic variants. We leverage our compendium of somatic mutations to quantify the burden of deleterious somatic variants among tissues and individuals, identify molecular features such as chromatin accessibility that exhibit significantly elevated somatic mutation rates, provide novel biological insights into mutational mechanisms, and infer developmental trajectories based on patterns of multi-tissue somatic mosaicism. Our data provides a high-resolution portrait of somatic mutations across genes, tissues, and individuals.
Novel Three-Dimensional Imaging Platform for Digital Facial Vitiligo Area Assessment
Authors: He Tiancheng , Wollach Saar , Goss Sandra L , Loyman Mark , Bastero Rowena , Schlosser Bethanee J , Crouthamel Ming-Chih H , Camp Heidi S , Eckhouse Vardit 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundVitiligo is a chronic autoinflammatory disorder of the skin due to autoimmune-induced loss of melanocytes in the epidermis that leads to skin depigmentation. Currently, there is no reliable, objective measurement of the depigmented vitiligo area in a clinical trial setting. To assess the extent of facial skin depigmentation in vitiligo patients, subjective scoring methods, e.g., the Facial Vitiligo Area Scoring Index (F-VASI), are used in clinical trials; however, these assessments have low sensitivity and high variability. Here, we developed the novel digital 3D imaging platform for vitiligo lesion quantification and objectively assess facial vitiligo changes.MethodsThe 3D imaging platform includes a customized computer visualization app with the handheld stereo optical scanning station. A 3D skin morphology-based image computation model is developed to quantitatively measure facial vitiligo area. To analytically validate this platform, we conducted a synthetic 3D imaging study and a clinical validation study in non-segmental vitiligo patients. In these studies, the 3D imaging platform was used to objectively measure the extent of both synthetic images and facial vitiligo lesions in clinic, and the accuracy and reliability were evaluated.ResultsIn the synthetic image validation study, 6 synthetic skin models were produced with 4 different synthetic size vitiligo regions and 3 different shades, the average area error is <0.05 cm2for the 6 skin models and <0.04 cm2for the 4 different circles. In the clinical validation study, 25 participants with at least 3 different skin tones (Fitzpatrick scale II-IV) were enrolled. There was high reliability among different scanners and raters, where all intraclass correlation coefficients for intra-scanner reliability, inter-scanner reliability, intra-rater reliability, and inter-rater reliability were > 0.9.ConclusionsThis study presented a novel digital 3D imaging platform for facial vitiligo area assessment. The clinical study showed high reliability in the use of non-segmental vitiligo patients. The 3D imaging platform demonstrated high sensitivity in detecting changes in facial vitiligo area over time. The 3D imaging technology can be further developed in interventional clinical trials as an objective and sensitive endpoint to detect changes in facial vitiligo with treatment.
Fast adaptation of Myosin II activity to confinement sustains neutrophil migration in capillaries
Authors: Deygas Mathieu , Bernard Mathilde , Nivoit Pierre , Barbier Lucie , Wang Li , Maurin Mathieu , Tejerina Emmanuel , Jakuszeit Theresa , Deslys Alexandre , Garcia-Gomez Moira , Baaziz Oumaima , Garbay Serge , Terriac Emmanuel , Attia Rafaele , Duménil Guillaume , Piel Matthieu , Vargas Pablo 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTAs the first responders of the immune system, neutrophils rapidly reach inflamed tissues within minutes, navigating the intricate network of blood capillaries. Therefore, their ability to effectively control infections hinges on their capacity to squeeze and migrate through the micrometric tubes that drain the affected area. To understand this process, we investigated neutrophil migration in capillary tubes.In vivo, we observed that neutrophil crawling at the site of infection was largely independent of the size of the capillaries they traversed. Detailedin vitrostudies showed that these cells could dynamically sustain their motility in microenvironments imposing confinement changes. Notably, other leukocytes failed to adapt their migration speed to these confinement levels. Mechanistically, neutrophils dynamically adapted their actomyosin cytoskeleton to confinement within seconds, a process essential to sustain their speed in capillaries of varying diameters. These cytoskeleton changes were reversible and correlated with the degree of confinement. Importantly, we observed cytoskeleton adaptation to confinement in capillariesin vivo. These findings reveal a unique mechanism that enables neutrophils to maintain their speed in blood capillaries, potentially contributing to the efficacy of innate immune reactions.
Two independent translocation modes drive neural stem cell dissemination into the human fetal cortex
Authors: Wimmer Ryszard , Lestienne Pauline , Brunet Clarisse , Coquand Laure , Di Cicco Amandine , Chehade Christophe , Artioli Annasara , Cortes Matthieu , Macé Anne-Sophie , Wang Xiuyu , Manneville Jean-Baptiste , Bessière Bettina , Roy Ananya , Forsberg-Nilsson Karin , Ladewig Julia , Guimiot Fabien , Baffet Alexandre D. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThe strong size increase of the human neocortex is supported both by the amplification and the basal translocation of a neural stem cell population, the basal radial glial cells (or bRG cells). Using live imaging of second trimester human fetal tissue and cortical organoids, we identify two independent translocation modes for bRG cell colonization of the human neocortex. On top of an actomyosin-dependent movement called mitotic somal translocation (MST), we identify a microtubule-dependent motion occurring during interphase, that we call interphasic somal translocation (IST). We show that IST is driven by the LINC complex, through the nuclear envelope recruitment of the dynein motor and of its activator LIS1. Consequently, IST severely altered in LIS1 patient-derived cortical organoids. We also demonstrate that MST occurs during prometaphase and is a mitotic spindle translocation event. MST is controlled by the mitotic cell rounding molecular pathway, via Moesin and Vimentin, driving translocation. We report that 85% of bRG cell translocation is due to IST, for a total movement of 0,67 mm per month of human fetal gestation. Our work identifies how bRG cells colonize the human fetal cortex, and further shows that IST and MST are conserved in bRG-related migrating glioblastoma cells.
SifA-mediated Remodeling of theSalmonella-Containing Vacuole Prevents Bacterial Dormancy by Promoting Nutrient Accessibility
Authors: Valenzuela Camila , Rodriguez Francisco J. Garcia , Mazza Thomas , Gil Magdalena , Dotsenko Kateryna , Luk Chak Hon , Enninga Jost 
Published: January 2025

AbstractSalmonellaexploits a range of intracellular niches within host cells, adapting to different microenvironments that support its survival and replication. This niche diversity is mediated by bacterial effectors injected via the two type 3 secretion systems (T3SS).Salmonellaresides either within membrane-boundSalmonellacontaining vacuoles (SCV) or they grow rapidly within the cytosol upon SCV rupture. Recently, we identified a third intracellular subpopulation, dormantSalmonellawithin modified vacuoles in epithelial cells, which can survive for up to 7 daysin vitro. To explore how bacterial effectors influence the balance of these three subpopulations, we constructed a panel of mutants lacking genes encoding key effectors and examined their intracellular behaviors at 6 and 24 hours post-infection (hpi). Deletion of the T3SS-2 effector SifA significantly increased the dormant subpopulation at later infection time points, identifying SifA as the first known effector regulating bacterial dormancy in epithelial cells. SifA-inducedSalmonella-induced filaments (SIFs) characterize the matureSalmonella-containing vacuole (SCV), and we observed that SIFs were needed for intravacuolar growth ofSalmonella. We could show that SIF formation was critical for nutrient acquisition within the SCV; inhibition of SIF formation resulted in a higher proportion of dormant bacteria, akin to the effect of reduced glucose availability during infection. Both bacterial and host glycolysis pathways were required to prevent dormancy, as proper nutrient scavenging through SIF-mediated modification of the SCV is essential for maintaining a replicative, non-dormant state. These results underscore the importance of nutrient access, facilitated by reprogramming host endomembrane trafficking, forSalmonellato avoid dormancy and sustain active replication within its intracellular niche.Abstract Figure
Multi-omics and biochemical reconstitution reveal CDK7-dependent mechanisms controlling RNA polymerase II function at gene 5’- and 3’-ends
Authors: Luyties Olivia , Sanford Lynn , Rodino Jessica , Nagel Michael , Jones Taylor , Rimel Jenna K. , Ebmeier Christopher C. , Shelby Grace S. , Cozzolino Kira , Brennan Finn , Hartzog Axel , Saucedo Mirzam B. , Watts Lotte P. , Spencer Sabrina , Kugel Jennifer F. , Dowell Robin D. , Taatjes Dylan J. 
Published: January 2025

SUMMARYCDK7 regulates RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) initiation, elongation, and termination through incompletely understood mechanisms. Because contaminating kinases precluded CDK7 analysis with nuclear extracts, we completed biochemical assays with purified factors. Reconstitution of RNAPII transcription initiation showed CDK7 inhibition slowed and/or paused RNAPII promoter-proximal transcription, which reduced re-initiation. These CDK7-regulatory functions were Mediator- and TFIID-dependent. Similarly in human cells, CDK7 inhibition reduced transcription by suppressing RNAPII activity at promoters, consistent with reduced initiation and/or re-initiation. Moreover, widespread 3’-end readthrough transcription was observed in CDK7-inhibited cells; mechanistically, this occurred through rapid nuclear depletion of RNAPII elongation and termination factors, including high-confidence CDK7 targets. Collectively, these results define how CDK7 governs RNAPII function at gene 5’-ends and 3’-ends, and reveal that nuclear abundance of elongation and termination factors is kinase-dependent. Because 3’-readthrough transcription is commonly induced during stress, our results further suggest regulated suppression of CDK7 activity may enable this RNAPII transcriptional response.
Energy’s dark side: tracing the impact of electricity theft on power quality deterioration in emerging markets
Authors: Kumar Jitender , Rani Garima , Rani Vinki 
Published: January 2025

Purpose
Electricity theft is a chronic issue that undermines the power quality and reduces the financial stability of power distribution companies. This study aims to empirically investigate the factors affecting electricity theft and its impact on power quality in rural and urban regions of India.

Design/methodology/approach
This research involves two cross-sectional surveys using self-administered questionnaires: Study R comprises 480 rural respondents, while Study U comprises 461 urban respondents to assess the causes of electricity theft. Data analysis was conducted using the statistical package for social science and the partial least squares-structural equation modelling technique.

Findings
The findings revealed that corruption, economic and government factors significantly influence electricity theft, while technology factors insignificantly influence electricity theft in both studies. However, in Study R, social factors had a statistically significant impact, but in Study U, it had an insignificant impact on electricity theft. Furthermore, the findings also reported a substantial link between electricity theft and power quality deterioration.

Practical implications
The study is unique and more generalisable, providing valuable insights to the government to develop a well-planned stringent law to enhance electricity service quality and reduce electricity theft cases that can benefit the entire community. Further, this study shed light on contributing factors of electricity theft to improve power quality that can assist in achieving the (sustainable development goal 7 – reliable, affordable and sustainable energy) mission of the Indian Government.

Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the present study represents the initial study to examine the notion of Indian electricity users regarding power theft and quality deterioration among India’s rural and urban regions. That would provide a base for the government and electricity board to combat power theft and provide a quality power supply. Moreover, this study offers a robust theoretical model with the new latent variable for a current and pertinent topic.
Collateral effect of urban housing dynamics: a case of metropolitan cities in India
Authors: Ghumare Pavan Namdeo 
Published: January 2025

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to incorporate a broader set of influencing factors. It is aimed at providing practical insights for policymakers and urban planners to help create equitable and resilient urban areas that improve the quality of life for low-income residents.

Design/methodology/approach
This study uses a modeling approach that integrates metropolitan open data to quantify housing expenses. This model evaluates housing affordability by incorporating 30 different criteria that impact household affordability, allowing for a more comprehensive analysis. It adopts a multidisciplinary approach, considering economic, social and environmental factors in assessing urban housing dynamics, thereby providing a holistic understanding of the complex factors that influence affordability.

Findings
The research shows that considering multiple factors, including accessibility costs, gives a more accurate measure of housing affordability. Applying the model to Pune reveals the complexity of affordability issues beyond just income and housing costs. The model provides valuable insights for both academic understanding and practical urban housing strategies.

Originality/value
The study’s originality lies in its multidisciplinary approach to provide a more holistic assessment of housing affordability. The research offers a novel method of analyzing housing affordability, which is often overlooked in traditional models. The findings hold value for urban planners and policymakers, providing them with actionable data to support equitable urban development and improved housing conditions for low-income populations.
Factors influencing residential neighbourhood choices of renters in the Wa municipality, Ghana
Authors: Aziabah Samson , Wanaa Donkor , Avogo Florence Abugtane 
Published: January 2025

Purpose
The purpose of this research was to examine the social, economic, physical and environmental factors that uniquely influence the residential neighbourhood choices of renters. An understanding of these factors would help policymakers and town planners in urban planning decision-making.

Design/methodology/approach
A cross-sectional survey approach covering four neighbourhoods in the Wa municipality was conducted to ascertain the critical factors that influence tenants’ choice of residential neighbourhood and the relative importance in that decision.

Findings
Out of the 28 indicators, only 7 were critical to determining tenants’ choice of neighbourhood. The indicators that most influence renters choice of neighbourhood are availability of water, availability and reliability of electricity, quiet and peaceful neighbourhood, aesthetic impression of housing, access to schools, commuting costs to work and terrain of the neighbourhood.

Research limitations/implications
This study is confined to the Wa municipality in the Upper West region of Ghana, as such may not fully represent the preferences of renters in choosing residential neighbourhoods in other regions. The research recommends comparative studies across different regions to better understand regional disparities in the choice behaviour of renters.

Practical implications
Understanding the diverse factors that influence residential neighbourhood choices can inform urban planners and policymakers in the effort to create neighbourhoods that cater to the evolving needs and preferences of residents. To this end, they can aim to provide access to potable water, electricity extension, roads, schools and transportation services to make the urban environment more liveable.

Social implications
By creating environments that align with residents’ priorities, municipalities can enhance community satisfaction and cohesion, and contribute vibrant, stable and sustainable urban living.

Originality/value
The study has highlighted the need for important urban infrastructure and services such as availability of water, clean neighbourhoods, health facilities and transport services. It has brought to the fore that extended family pressure influences renters to locate away from relatives. Viewed from the African context where extended family ties are considered to be strong, it suggests that economic realities may be negatively impacting this relationship.