bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Publicly-shared DNA barcodes and citizen science images provide new evidence on the establishment and spread of a lantana biological control agent,
Orphanostigma haemorrhoidalis
(Lepidoptera, Crambidae)
Authors: Cock Matthew J.W. , Day Michael D. , Solis M. Alma , Winston Rachel L.
Published: February 2025

Orphanostigma haemorrhoidalis
(Guenée) (Lepidoptera, Crambidae), indigenous to the Americas, was widely used in the Old World for the biological control of
Lantana camara
L. (Verbenaceae) from the 1950s to the 1980s. DNA barcodes from the Barcode of Life Data System (BOLD) and citizen scientist images from the iNaturalist and Afromoths websites were used to detect the establishment and spread of
O
.
haemorrhoidalis
in countries where it has not previously been reported. Analysis of DNA barcodes showed that there are two genetically distinguishable populations of
O
.
haemorrhoidalis
in the Americas, one in the south-eastern USA and the other widespread in the rest of the Neotropics. The two populations were introduced into different parts of the World and subsequently spread. We used DNA barcodes from BOLD to clarify that a population from Florida is established in Hawai’i, Australia and Fiji, while a population from Trinidad is established in parts of mainland Africa (including new records for Cameroon, Nigeria and Ghana), Madagascar, Mauritius and La Réunion. New country records for
O
.
haemorrhoidalis
were established from iNaturalist images from Eswatini, Kenya and Mozambique, and from Afromoths for Tanzania.
Fabrication of two-dimensional van der Waals Moiré Superlattices
Authors: Wan Zihao , Wang Chao , Zheng Hang , Tang Wenna , Fu Zihao , Liu Weilin , Zhou Zhenjia , Li Jun , Yuan Guowen , Gao Libo
Published: February 2025

Two-dimensional (2D) van der Waals (vdW) moiré superlattices have attracted significant attention due to their novel physical properties and quantum phenomena. The realization of these fascinating properties, however heavily depends on the quality of the measured moiré superlattices, emphasizing the importance of advanced fabrication techniques. This review provides an in-depth discussion of the methods for fabricating moiré superlattices. It begins with a brief overview of the structure, properties, and potential applications of moiré superlattices, followed by a detailed examination of fabrication techniques, focus on different kinds of transfer techniques and growth methods, particularly chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method. Finally, it addresses current challenges in fabricating high-quality moiré superlattices and discusses potential directions for future advancements in this field. This review will enhance the understanding of moiré superlattice fabrication and contributing to the continued development of 2D twistronics.
Generation of acoustical Bessel-like collimated beams using ring-excited flat plate structure transducers
Authors: Han Ming-Liang , Tang Ruo-Yu , Ma Ning , Zhang Guang-Bin , Zhang Xiao-Feng
Published: February 2025

This paper proposes a method to generate Bessel-like collimated beams with suppressed side lobes using the flexural vibration modes of a fixed boundary circular plate, which is excited by a longitudinally vibrating transducer in a ring excitation manner. The factors affecting the generation of Bessel-like collimated beams are investigated by theoretical analysis, numerical simulation and experimental methods. The results indicate that Bessel-like wave can be generated by a thin circular plate with fixed boundaries. The third-order mode of the circular plate can be modified to generate a collimated beam with suppressing side lobes when it is excited in a ring excitation manner and the excitation position lies between the first two nodal circles of the plate. As the excitation radius increases, the main lobe width of the resulting Bessel-like collimated beam decreases, the extent of the focusing region increases, and the amplitude of the side lobes initially increases and then decreases. Based on the simulation results, a prototype Bessel-like collimated beam generation system is made and measured experimentally. The experimental results are in good agreement with the numerical results. The Bessel-like collimated beam can be generated by the proposed system, which has potential application in the fields of long-range detection, imaging of highly attenuated materials, and airflow acceleration
Stoichiometric change and solid decomposition in Ca-S compounds under high pressure
Authors: Lv Yang , Li Jian-Fu , Zhang Zhao-Bin , Liu Yong , Yuan Jia-Nan , Lin Jia-Ni , Wang Xiao-Li
Published: February 2025

As an independent thermodynamic parameter, pressure significantly influences interatomic distances, leading to an increase in material density. In this work, we employ the CALYPSO structure search and density functional theory calculations to explore the structural phase transitions and electronic properties of calcium-sulfur compounds (CaxS1-x, where x = 1/4, 1/3, 1/2, 2/3, 3/4, 4/5) under 0-1200 GPa. The calculated formation enthalpies suggest that CaxS1-x compounds undergo multiple phase transitions and eventually decompose into elemental Ca and S, challenging the traditional view that pressure stabilizes and densifies compounds. The analysis of formation enthalpy indicates that an increase in pressure leads to a rise in internal energy and the PV term, resulting in thermodynamic instability. Bader charge analysis reveals this phenomenon is attributed to a decrease in charge transfer under high pressure. The activation of Ca-3d orbits is significantly enhanced under pressure, leading to competition with Ca-4s orbits and S-3p orbits. This may cause the formation enthalpy minimum on the convex hull to shift sequentially from CaS to CaS3, then to Ca3S and Ca2S, and finally back to CaS. These findings provide critical insights into the behavior of alkaline-earth metal sulfides under high pressure, with implications for the synthesis and application of novel materials under extreme conditions and for understanding element distribution in planetary interiors.
Strain rate effects on pressure-induced amorphous-to-amorphous transformation in fused silica
Authors: Song Wenhao , Gan Bo , Liu Dongxiao , Wu Jie , Dove Martin T. , Zhang Youjun
Published: February 2025

Fused silica (SiO2 glass), a key amorphous component of Earth's silicate minerals, undergoes coordination and phase transformations under high pressure. Although extensive studies were conducted, discrepancies between theoretical and experimental studies remain, particularly regarding strain rate effects during compression. Here, we examine strain rate influences on the shock-induced amorphous-amorphous phase transitions in fused silica by measuring its Hugoniot equation of state and longitudinal sound velocity (C
L) up to 7 GPa at strain rates of 106-107 s-1 using a one-stage light-gas gun. A discontinuity in the relationship between shock velocity (U
S) and particle velocity (U
P) and a significant softening in C
L of fused silica was observed near ~5 GPa under shock loading. Our results indicate that high strain rates restrict Si-O-Si rotation in fused silica, modifying their bonds and increasing silicon coordination. The transition pressure by shock compression is significantly higher than that under static high-pressure conditions (2-3 GPa), which agrees with some recent theoretical predictions with high compression rates, reflecting the greater pressure needed to overcome energy barriers with the strain rate increase. These findings offer insights into strain rate-dependent phase transitions in fused silica and other silicate minerals (e.g., quartz, olivine, and forsterite), bridging gaps between theoretical simulations and experiments.
Multi-parameter ultrasound imaging for musculoskeletal tissues based on a physics informed generative adversarial network
Authors: Wang Pengxin , Ma Heyu , Liu Tianyu , Liu Chengcheng , Li Dan , Ta Dean
Published: February 2025

Full Waveform Inversion (FWI) has showed great potential in the detection of musculoskeletal disease. However, FWI is an ill-posed inverse problem and has a high requirement on the initial model during the imaging process. An inaccurate initial model may lead to local minima in the inversion and unexpected imaging results caused by cycle-skipping phenomenon. Deep learning methods have been applied in musculoskeletal imaging, but need a large amount of data for training. Inspired by work related to generative adversarial networks with physical informed constrain, we proposed a method named as Bone Ultrasound Imaging with Physics Informed Generative Adversarial Network (BUIPIGAN) to achieve unsupervised multi-parameter imaging for musculoskeletal tissues, focusing on speed of sound (SOS) and density. In the in-silico experiments using a ring array transducer, conventional FWI methods and BUIPIGAN were employed for multi-parameter imaging of two musculoskeletal tissue models. The results were evaluated based on visual appearance, structural similarity index measure (SSIM), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and relative error (RE). For SOS imaging of the tibia-fibula model, the proposed BUIPIGAN achieved accurate SOS imaging with best performance. The specific quantitative metrics for SOS imaging were SSIM 0.9573, SNR 28.70 dB, and RE 5.78%. For the multi-parameter imaging of the tibia-fibula and human forearm, the BUIPIGAN successfully reconstructed SOS and density distributions with SSIM above 94%, SNR above 21 dB, and RE below 10%. The BUIPIGAN also showed robustness across various noise levels (i.e., 30dB, 10dB). The results demonstrated that the proposed BUIPIGAN can achieve high-accuracy SOS and density imaging, proving its potential for applications in musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging.
Anti-diabetic compounds from Physalis angulate L. (ciplukan) and Andrographis paniculate: A review
Authors: Chen Sammi , Kristiana Angela , Suryoprabowo Steven
Published: February 2025

Diabetes mellitus is a disease that occurs due to abnormalities in insulin secretion in the body, therefore sugar in the blood cannot be converted into glycogen and remains in the blood. Diabetes is caused by genetic factors and the food consumed. Therefore, to prevent and improve diabetes, it is necessary to control the food consumed. Some of the current medicine may pose side effects thus medicinal plants were used. Medical plants is one alternative ways as a good source of anti-diabetic medications. In this review, we aims to determine any plant matrix’s positive potential. One major advantage of using anti-diabetic plants to manage diabetes because cheaper and fewer or no side effects. Food ingredients that can lower blood sugar levels are foods that contain high antioxidants, for example, ciplukan’s fruit and leaves and Andrographis paniculate extract and its bioactive compounds showed anti-diabetic activity.
Improving nutritional and functional properties of sorghum flour: A review
Authors: Puteri Jane , Nurkhoeriyati Tina
Published: February 2025

Flour has been a common ingredient in food for a long time. Indonesia is among the many nations and areas that enormously rely on wheat flour, which is difficult to grow in Indonesia. Therefore, using local products like sorghum flour instead of wheat flour can assist in lessening Indonesia’s food security issue. Sorghum’s resilience to harsh climate is what makes it extraordinary. In addition, sorghum offers significant health benefits. Moreover, the nutritional composition indicates that sorghum flour is comparable to wheat flour. However, sorghum also contains some antinutrients. Therefore, sorghum flour needs to increase its nutritional properties to add value. Its functional properties also need to be improved to boost sorghum’s utilization. Thus, the main emphasis of this narrative review was the urgency and importance of research aimed at enhancing sorghum flour’s nutritional and functional properties for broader usage in food applications.
The potential of eucalyptus leaves from industrial plantation forest logging waste as a raw material for essential oils in PT. Toba Pulp Lestari Tbk
Authors: Purwoko Agus , Sidabukke Simon , Sari Rita Kartika , Liandari Khairanti , Daulay Ulil Amri
Published: February 2025

Eucalyptus is a superior plant in Industrial Plantation Forests (IPF). At this time, the use of Eucalyptus is limited to its wood as a raw material for pulp and paper, while the leaves are discarded as unused waste. Eucalyptus leaves can be used as non-timber forest products (NTFPs) by utilizing their essential oil content. This study analyzes the potential of felled waste leaves from the IPF area in PT. Toba Pulp Lestari Tbk (TPL). This study is also aimed at examining the difference in the weight of logging waste leaves from various clones in the IPF area of PT. TPL. Data collection was carried out by cutting down sample trees from 10 existing clones (10 clones each) that were purposively selected to take their leaves, and then weighed. The average weight of Eucalyptus tree felling waste leaves in the area of PT. TPL is 5,436 kg/in. The clone with the highest average weight of felled waste leaves is clone 106 which is 7.82/ind kg, and the lowest is clone 111 which is 3.78 kg/ind. The average annual potential of eucalyptus tree felling waste leaves in the felling area of PT. TPL is 28,353.91 tons/year. The difference in the weight of leaf waste produced between clones is not noticeable. The difference in clones planted in the IPF area of PT. TPL does not have a real influence on the potential of the felled waste leaves produced. The leaf waste has great potential to be used as a raw material for essential oils, to fulfill the multi-business forestry program set by the government.
Characteristics of red bean ice cream with the addition of VCO (Virgin Coconut Oil) using hybrid coconut (Khina 2) from local indonesian resources to increase medium chain fatty acids which is good for body immune
Authors: Nurminah Mimi , Nisa Khoirun , Julianti Elisa
Published: February 2025

This research was conducted to determine the physicochemical characteristics of red bean ice cream with differences percentages addition of VCO (Virgin Coconut Oil) and CMC (Carboxymethyl Cellulose). This research was conducted using the factorial Completely Randomized Design (CRD) method with two factors: the percentages of VCO (V) : (5% ; 7,5% ; 10%) and the percentages of CMC (C) : (0,4% ; 0,7% ; 1%). The results showed that the interaction effect of VCO and CMC percentage had a highly significant effect (P<0.01) on the overrun and melting time parameters but had an insignificant effect (P>0.05) on fat content and total dissolved solids of red bean ice cream. The red bean ice cream with the best quality in terms of fat content, overrun and melting time parameters was an ice cream with an addition of 10% VCO and 1% CMC.
Carbon negativity of black locust and poplar plantation in different management systems in Hungary
Authors: Mulyana Budi , Polgár András , Vityi Andrea
Published: February 2025

Carbon negativity is one of the promising strategies to uptake carbon emissions from the atmosphere and reduce carbon emissions to the atmosphere. Forests have been proven to sequester atmospheric carbon emissions through photosynthesis and store them as tree biomass. However, forest operations also emit carbon into the atmosphere via fertilizer, pesticides, and fuel consumption. This study aims to compare the carbon negativity of black locusts and poplar plantations in different management systems. Carbon dynamics in short and long-rotation systems was analysed using CO2FIX software. Meanwhile, the carbon emission in forest operations was estimated through the life cycle assessment method. In the simulation period of 45 years, black locust and poplar plantations in short and long-term management systems have shown carbon negativity. The amount of carbon sequestration was higher than carbon emission. Furthermore, carbon negativity in long-rotation management systems was better than in short-rotation coppice management systems.
Swelling kinetics of CNC-g-poly (acrylamide-co-graphene oxide) hydrogels at various GO mass
Authors: Sitorus Andika Steven , Sarah Maya , Harahap Hamidah
Published: February 2025

Cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) is a cellulose derivative in the form of crystalline rods with high biodegradability, mechanical strength, flexibility, ease of modification, and biocompatibility. The performance of CNC as an adsorbent can be elevated by grafting copolymerization using graphene oxide (GO). This study assesses the capacity and swelling kinetics of CNC-g-poly(acrylamide-co-graphene oxide) hydrogels at various GO masses. CNC-g-poly(acrylamide-co-graphene oxide) hydrogels were synthesized using CNC derived from sugarcane bagasse, then functionalized with acrylic acid (AA), acrylamide (AM), and GO, with potassium persulfate initiator and the addition of MBA (N, N-methylene bisacrylamide) as a cross-linking agent. Hydrogel synthesis was performed with varying GO mass of 0 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, 60 mg, and 80 mg (coded as P0, P20, P40, P60, and P80). Hydrogel swelling capacity and kinetics studies were carried out in pH 2-7. The swelling capacity of all hydrogels increased along with increasing pH, where the largest swelling capacity was obtained at pH 7. P-40 is the best hydrogel, with a diffusion coefficient value of 0.0356 cm2/s, swelling constant of 0.2850, a swelling rate of 0.0484 g water/g hydrogel.min, and a swelling rate constant of 3.9302 g hydrogel/g water.min.
Study of the distribution of domestic wastewater from septic tank in silt-type soil
Authors: Herlina Netti , Faisal Muhammad , Husin Amir , Ardiansyah Edi Yasa , Gulo Emmanuel , Rezki Muhammad
Published: February 2025

The current increase in population continues to encourage intensive development, especially residential development. Continuous development has an impact on people’s lives, especially in the management of domestic wastewater. People generally use septic tanks to manage household domestic wastewater, but this often does not comply with the provisions stipulated in Standar Nasional Indonesia (SNI), so it has the potential to pollute shallow groundwater. This simulation was carried out in a 100 cm x 100 cm x 40 cm glass box. The research aims to determine the distribution distance, travel time, and flow rate of septic tank wastewater spreading inside the glass box. The distribution simulation is carried out at scale testing between laboratory and existing conditions of 1:10. The results showed that contaminants concentration decreased through the soil, with a removal efficiency of 75.6% for E. coli and 65.9% for Ammonia. The simulation results showed that horizontal spread in the glass box at a distance of 80 cm required a travel time of 565 minutes (9 hours and 25 minutes) with wastewater spread speed/flow rate of 7,2 x 10−3 litres per minute. This test concluded that the concentration of Escherichia coli and ammonia at a distance of 8 m from the source of wastewater spread does not meet the quality standard as a clean water resource.
Analysis of energy output variations in a 4.5 kWp residential solar system in Surabaya, Indonesia
Authors: Tarigan Elieser
Published: February 2025

This study evaluates the performance of a residential photovoltaic (PV) system located in Surabaya, Indonesia. The system, with a capacity of 4500 Wp and connected to the grid via an On-Grid inverter. Utilizing real-time data collection through EyeM4 Wi-Fi and the iSolarcloud application, the power and energy output were analyzed over daily, monthly, and annual periods. The monthly energy output showed significant seasonal variations, with the highest production recorded in December at 654.30 kWh and the lowest in February at 420.00 kWh. Daily energy outputs also varied, peaking at 25.50 kWh in March and dropping to as low as 7.20 kWh in February. The daily average energy output ranged from 14.00 kWh in February to 21.81 kWh in December. Detailed analyses of power output on typical sunny and rainy days further highlighted the impact of weather conditions on system performance. On sunny days, the system reached a daily energy output of 23.2 kWh, while on rainy days, it was significantly lower at 7 kWh. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the PV system’s operational characteristics and highlights the influence of seasonal and daily weather patterns on energy production.
Disruption prediction and mitigation strategies in the EHL-2 spherical torus
Authors: CAI 蔡 Jianqing 剑青 , LIANG 梁 Yunfeng 云峰 , CHEN 陈 Zhongyong 忠勇 , ZHENG 郑 Wei 玮 , HU 胡 Di 地 , XUE 薛 Lei 雷 , LIN 林 Zhifang 志芳 , GU 顾 Xiang 翔 , Team the EHL-2
Published: February 2025

EHL-2 is a compact, high-field spherical tokamak designed to explore the potential of an advanced p-11B nuclear fusion reactor. Due to its high plasma current and thermal energy, it is crucial to mitigate the impact associated with disruptions to ensure the safe operation of EHL-2. This paper evaluates the performance requirements of the disruption prediction system on EHL-2, with a particular focus on applying generalizable knowledge transfer from existing devices to future ones. Furthermore, the key characteristics of disruption mitigation strategies are analyzed, and their overall mitigation performance on EHL-2 is assessed. This insight provides valuable guidance for optimizing the engineering design of EHL-2 and identifying its optimal operational regime.
Soil properties and fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L) growth, yield and quality as affected by tillage systems, crop rotation and nitrogen fertilization under semi-arid climatic conditions
Authors: Mechri Mouna , Othmani Afef , Raza Taqi , Patil SB , Bouajila Khedija , Ziadi Noura , Beltayef Hayet , Gharbi Azaiez , Hashem Abeer , Alfagham Alanoud , Abd_Allah Elsayed Fathi , Jedidi Naceur
Published: February 2025

Adopting sustainable agricultural practices is considered as an effective strategy to mitigate climate change and to improve soil health and crop production.This study aims to assess the impact of tillage systems (no-tillage (NT) and conventional tillage (CT)), crop rotation (faba beans - oat and faba beans - durum wheat) and nitrogen fertilization rates (0, 20 and 40 kg N.ha−1) on soil properties and growth and yield of fenugreek. Soil samples were collected at two stages: at the 50% blossoming stage and after harvest and fenugreek quality and yield and its components were measured.The results showed that tillage systems and crop rotation treatments had great influence on soil properties. In general, the highest soil organic carbon (SOC) (13.4 and 14.2 g.kg−1), total nitrogen (1.0 and 1.1 g.kg−1), nitric nitrogen (75.73 and 62.42 mg.kg−1), ammonium-nitrogen (14.90 and 19.08 mg.kg−1). were recorded in no tillage practice with durum as a previous crop at 50% blossoming and harvest stage respectively. Exception for SOC, the highest nitrogen fertilization rate improved most of soil variables at both growth stages. Greater biomass and grain protein content were obtained under NT system and 40 kg N.ha−1. Previous crops had no effect on grain protein content. Also, there was a significant synergy among soil fertility and fenugreek production. Conservation tillage, durum wheat previous crop and highest nitrogen fertilization rate gave the best aboveground biomass, yield and yield attributes performances. Overall, NT associated with durum wheat as a previous crop and nitrogen fertilization (40 kg N.ha−1) are the suitable combination to improve both soil quality, and fenugreek yield.
Machine learning-driven prediction and digital twins implementation for VOC emissions in VAT photopolymerization additive manufacturing
Authors: Matoc Dhal A , Kanabar Bhavesh K , Sata Amit
Published: February 2025

With the growing adoption of additive manufacturing (AM) technology across various industries, concerns regarding the possible release of hazardous volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions have surfaced, particularly in VAT photopolymerization (VPP) processes. This study investigates VOC emissions in VPP AM by implementing machine learning (ML) and advanced digital twins to monitor, predict, and mitigate VOC release. An Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) sensor network, integrated with an Anycubic Mono X 6 K 3D printer, captured data on critical parameters, including layer thickness, exposure time, and light intensity. Subsequent ML model analysis identified exposure time as a principal factor influencing VOC emissions. A Unity-based digital twin was developed to support proactive process optimization, offering real-time visualization and predictive analytics of emission trends. The system aligns with Industry 4.0 objectives, showing considerable potential to enhance operational efficiency and environmental sustainability in VPP AM. This integrated approach significantly advances environmentally responsible AM practices in industrial settings.
A deep learning framework for intrusion detection system in smart grids using graph convolutional network
Authors: Basheer Liloja , P Ranjana
Published: February 2025

Smart grids are an emergent concept that has evolved from combining renewable energy source integration, digital communication advances, and increasing demands for dependable electricity supply. However, although these modernized grids make the process very efficient and reliable, at the same time, the increased vulnerability to cyberattacks makes the need for Intrusion Detection Systems robust, as these infrastructures are critical ones. Traditional intrusion detection systems frequently tend to be inadequate in managing the intricacy and continually evolving nature of threats associated with smart grids. This paper presents a streamlined deep-learning approach for developing an IDS. The process involves the following: a) Data Collection: DNP3 is widely used in most CIs across the United States for industrial communication protocol. It permits remote access between ICS and SCADA systems. b) Preprocessing using Encoding and Normalisation techniques to avoid anomalies and noises from the raw dataset, c) Feature Extraction for extracting features of the smart grid using Autoencoder, and d) Detection using Graphical Convolutional Network (GCN). GCN-based IDS demonstrates superior potential in identifying sophisticated cyber threats, ensuring real-time detection, and maintaining the integrity and reliability of smart grids. The experimental analysis’s findings show that the recommended approach outperforms current cutting-edge models, displaying exceptional sensitivity (0.98), specificity (0.98), accuracy (0.95), and F1 score (91).
Inferring Interpretable Models of Fragmentation Functions using Symbolic Regression
Authors: Makke Nour , Chawla Sanjay
Published: February 2025

Machine learning is rapidly making its path into sciences, including high-energy physics. We present the first study that infers, directly from data, a functional form of fragmentation functions involved in the description of hadron production in high-energy physics processes. Fragmentation functions can not be calculated in theory and have to be determined from data. This is achieved by applying symbolic regression on experimentally measured charged hadron multiplicities. Traditional approaches rely on global fits of experimental data by pre-assuming a functional form to learn its parameters. These functions are a key element in the description of physical observables measured at LHC and the future EIC. The function learned by symbolic regression resembles the Lund string function and describes the data well.
Figuring Death in Classical Athens
Authors: Clifford Emily
Published: February 2025

Figuring Death in Classical Athens puts art and literature in conversation to explore how ancient Athenians grappled with the uncertainties of death. How did objects and texts generate thinking about what death is and might be like? Were Athenians aware of the imaginative frameworks that underpinned their thinking? Did they worry not just about death, but whether they could figure it out? The book takes a fresh approach to the study of ancient death, cutting across sub-disciplines (art, text, philosophy) to build a picture of how ancient art and literature got their audiences thinking—thinking not just about death but about its knowability. Whether in the theatre, at the symposium, or on the Acropolis, representations of death challenged Athenians by presenting problems of exteriority (how can the living know what dying might be like?) and particularity (can one person’s experience hold for another? is death truly a ‘leveller’?). Chapters offer close readings of Plato’s Phaedo, Sophocles’ Oedipus at Colonus, and Thucydides’ account of the plague and detailed analyses of drinking cups, funerary jugs, and the west frieze of the temple of Athena Nike on the Acropolis. The book also includes discursive intermediary chapters looking at Archaic material and at visual and literary representations of the deaths of Alcestis and Niobe.
Death Comes as the End
Authors: Clifford Emily
Published: February 2025

This chapter examines how Plato deals with the literary challenge of getting close to the moment of Socrates’ death as an outsider and how this ecphrastic problem contributes to the dialogue’s explicit philosophical enquiry into death. It begins by considering how Plato employs his mediated literary medium to reflect upon the difficulty of encountering someone else’s death. Then, turning to the internal viewpoints of those that attended Socrates’ final moments, it shows how Plato harnesses narrative to reflect upon death as a significant but asymptotic moment, a climax anticipated by the forward-facing viewpoints of the living. Finally, it explores one passage in which Plato takes an imaginative vault into the mind of the dying Socrates as he, in turn, struggles to grasp the unfathomable abyss of death.
getENRICH: a tool for the gene and pathway enrichment analysis of non-model organisms
Authors: Bhatia Ajay , Pruthi Pranjal , Chakraborty Isha , Shukla Nityendra , Narayan Jitendra
Published: February 2025

Motivation

The Gene Ontology system facilitates the functional annotation of genes by categorizing them into specific biological processes, cellular components, and molecular functions. Despite numerous tools like DAVID and Enrichr, analysing non-model organisms remains challenging due to a lack of genetic information and available tools.

Results

To address this, we present getENRICH, a comprehensive tool for gene enrichment analysis tailored for non-model organisms. Available in both command-line and web-based graphical user interface (GUI) formats, getENRICH facilitates user-friendly interaction for gene dataset uploads, parameter configuration, and visualization. getENRICH employs hypergeometric distribution for P-value calculation and Benjamini–Hochberg correction for multiple testing.

Availability and implementation

getENRICH is freely available under the MIT license, with the source code, documentation, and example datasets available on GitHub (https://github.com/jnarayan81/getENRICH) and the GUI version available at https://getenrich.igib.res.in/.
Putaminal-cortical circuits predict response of bilateral deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus in the primary Meige syndrome after 5 years
Authors: Wang Ning , Wu Yifeng , Yao Chen , Meng Dawei , Zhang Haoran , Cheng Qinxiu , Zhang Xiaodong , Shen Hailiang , Lu Yingqi , Wang Lin , Xu Jinping
Published: February 2025

The deep brain stimulation (DBS) in the subthalamic nucleus (STN) has attracted more attention for primary Meige syndrome due to easier target location and lower power consumption. However, potential and reliable preoperative predictors of longitudinal outcomes of STN-DBS to guide therapeutic decisions remain largely unexplored. Herein, we used preoperative structural MRI and Burke–Fahn–Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale (BFMDRS) from 55 patients with primary Meige syndrome who finished STN-DBS after 5 years. They were further classified into response (n = 23) and super-response (n = 32) based on the improvement rates of BFMDRS. Voxel-based morphology, partial correlation analyses, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses and support vector machine were performed. We identified that improved rates of BFMDRS were 63, 71.97, 76.64, 79.51, 81.02, 81.36, 81.16, 80.80 and 80.93% at 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48 and 60 months after STN-DBS, respectively, and remained steady across 1–5 years. Further voxel-based morphology analyses revealed significantly lower grey-matter volume in the right hippocampus, left putamen, right supramarginal gyrus and left superior frontal gyrus in response when compared with super-response. The grey-matter volumes in the left putamen, right supramarginal gyrus and left superior frontal gyrus were not only positively correlated with improvement rates of BFMDRS after STN-DBS for 5 years in the primary Meige syndrome, but also presented a reliable classification ability in distinguishing response and super-response (area under curve = 0.855). These results suggested that STN-DBS is an effective treatment for primary Meige syndrome, and preoperative grey-matter volume of putaminal-cortical circuits could be used as potential biomarkers to predict longitudinal outcomes.
Dysregulation of G6PD by HPV E6 exacerbates cervical cancer by activating the STAT3/PLOD2 pathway
Authors: Zhang Jie , Dong Wei , Yang Qin , Liu Li-Na , Cai Xi-Lun , Wang Dan , Yan Guo-Ji , Xiyang Yan-Bin , Hu Tao , Zhang Jie
Published: February 2025

High-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is strongly linked to the initiation and progression of cervical cancer, yet the precise molecular mechanisms involved remain partially understood. This investigation examined differential protein expression profiles in various cohorts, including healthy controls and HPV-positive cervical cancer patients with different expression levels of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), shedding light on the dysregulation of oncogenic proteins by HPV. Proteomic analysis of cervical tissues revealed specific protein signatures, indicating significant upregulation of HPV E6, G6PD, STAT3, phosphorylated STAT3, and procollagen-lysine 2-oxoglutarate 5-dioxygenase 2 (PLOD2) in HPV-infected cervical cancer tissues and cell lines. Functional experiments, involving the manipulation of G6PD and STAT3 activities in cervical cancer cells with HPV E6 modulation, demonstrated that dysregulated G6PD enhanced cell proliferation, migration, and invasion while suppressing apoptosis, primarily through the STAT3/PLOD2 pathway. Integrating these findings with the existing literature underscores the role of G6PD as an oncogene, potentially under STAT3 regulation, and highlights the role of PLOD2 as a pivotal factor in cervical cancer progression. This study also proposed a mechanism in which HPV E6-induced dysregulation of G6PD activates the STAT3-PLOD2 axis to promote cervical cancer progression. Understanding the intricate interplay between HPV E6, G6PD, STAT3, and PLOD2 offers valuable insights into the molecular landscape of cervical cancer. These findings may pave the way for targeted therapeutic approaches aimed at disrupting this axis to mitigate the progression of cervical cancer.
Ammonium chloride mitigates the amplification of fish virus by blocking autophagy-dependent replication
Authors: Chen Dan-Dan , Zhang Jia-Xin , Li Zhuo-Cong , Zhang  Can , Xu Xiao , Cui Bao-Jie , Xu Na , Wang Yang-Yang , Zhou Chu-Jing , Zhou Li , Lu Long-Feng , Li Shun
Published: February 2025

Ammonia fertilizer, primarily composed of ammonium chloride, is widely used in pond fish farming throughout Asia. Despite the belief that it possesses antiviral properties, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) has been demonstrated to act as a potent inhibitor of autophagy, which is used by many fish viruses to promote their proliferation during infection. It was therefore hypothesized that the antiviral effect of ammonia fertilizers was likely due to the inhibition of autophagy in viruses. The present study sought to evaluate the antiviral effect of NH4Cl in a model of several fish cells and zebrafish. The findings demonstrated that the administration of NH4Cl after viral infection inhibited the proliferation of a variety of fish viruses, encompassing both DNA and RNA viruses. Further studies have indicated that NH4Cl obstructed autophagy-dependent virus proliferation of spring viremia of carp virus (SVCV) by inhibiting autophagic flux. The molecular mechanism revealed that SVCV contributed to the polyubiquitination of interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) and promoted the degradation of IRF3 through cargo receptor sequestosome 1 (SQSTM1/p62)–mediated selective autophagy. However, NH4Cl was observed to inhibit SVCV-mediated selective autophagy of IRF3, thereby facilitating the production of interferon. Furthermore, the SVCV N protein was of critical importance in this process. Nevertheless, NH4Cl impeded this degradation process by inhibiting the autophagy pathway. The study found that NH4Cl was highly efficacious in controlling fish virus infection both in vivo and in vitro. It can therefore be concluded that the antiviral effect of ammonia fertilizers was, at least in part, due to the inhibition of viral autophagy.
A Case Report of Severe Bradycardia Associated With Nirmatrelvir-ritonavir Drug-drug Interactions
Authors: Fu Zhiqing , Guo Yan , Li Shuai , Shi Yang
Published: February 2025

With the increasing use of nirmatrelvir-ritonavir in older COVID-19 patients, adverse drug reactions due to drug-drug interactions have become more frequent. This report describes a patient who experienced severe bradycardia and hypotension following the concurrent use of heart rate-control medications and nirmatrelvir-ritonavir during an active COVID-19 infection. This suggests that clinicians should be cautious when dealing with nirmatrelvir-ritonavir and try their best to avoid serious adverse reactions.
Nasal Reconstruction With Forehead Flap: Our 12 Years’ Experience
Authors: D’Antonio Santolo , Castellaneta Francesco , Rullo Vincenzo , De Rosa Anna , Turco Piergiorgio , Grieco Michele Pio , Fabrizio Tommaso
Published: February 2025

Background:

The nose is the part of the face that is most exposed to trauma, sunlight, and other environmental factors. From the aesthetic and functional point of view, reconstruction of the defects occurring after skin cancer removal creates a great challenge for the surgeon. In this retrospective study, we present the success rates achieved in the past 12 years with paramedian forehead flaps used for large nasal defect repairing.

Methods:

Seventy-seven patients were included who underwent paramedian forehead flaps due to nasal skin tumor basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma at the division of plastic surgery of IRCCS-Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Basilicata in Rionero in Vulture from 2010 to 2022. Data on follow-up time, patients’ age and sex, defect sizes, and tumor histology were obtained retrospectively from patient files, histopathologic examination results, and patient photographs. Additional diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and coronary artery disease that could compromise flap success were noted.

Results:

Of 77 patients enrolled in our cohort, 42 were men and 35 were women. The average age was 68.3 years for male patients and 72.8 years for female patients. The mean follow-up period was 65 months. Of 77 patients, 45 (59.2%) were operated on for basal cell carcinoma and 31 (40.8%) for squamous cell carcinoma. Six patients (5.3%) had recurrence in their follow-up periods. There was no loss of the paramedian forehead flap.

Conclusions:

The paramedian forehead flap is a reliable option in the reconstruction of larger defects of the nose, even in smokers and older patients who have comorbid diseases.
Reducing Rates of Endophthalmitis from Intravitreal Injections – strategies and areas of controversy
Authors: Durrani Asad F. , Chaudhary Varun , Garg Sunir J.
Published: February 2025

Purpose of review

Post-injection endophthalmitis (PIE) is the most concerning complication that accompanies intravitreal injections. This review discusses the recent literature in endophthalmitis prophylaxis including types of antisepsis, the use of topical antibiotics, methods of anesthesia, masking, and office-based versus operating room-based injections.

Recent findings

Povidone iodine (PI) remains the gold standard for PIE prophylaxis. Chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) is an alternative antiseptic agent utilized in other areas of medicine with similar broad spectrum antibacterial activity. Recent clinical trials have demonstrated that the rate of endophthalmitis is similar with CHG prophylaxis compared to PI prophylaxis while offering improved patient comfort at a similar cost. Routine use of topical antibiotics should be avoided as they do not appear to reduce endophthalmitis risk and may promote bacterial resistance. All methods of anesthesia appear to be acceptable. In-office injections are not associated with an increased rate of endophthalmitis compared to operating room injections.

The rate of post-injection endophthalmitis is extremely low due to a myriad of measures employed by retina specialists. Topical antisepsis is the most important tool to combat post-injection endophthalmitis. CHG is emerging as an alternative to PI due to its efficacy and enhanced patient comfort.
Frequency and Intensity of Depressive Symptoms and Frequency of Prescribed Opioid Use Among Older Adults in the United States
Authors: Zhu Xingmei , Ge Song , Ma Weixia , Wu Liang , Ma Haixia , Hu Jiale , Lu Haidong , Lin Xuechun
Published: February 2025

Background

As part of the opioid crisis, opioid overuse is increasing in U.S. older adults. However, research on granular measures of depressive symptoms and opioid use exclusively in this population are limited.

Methods

Using data from the 2020 National Health Interview Survey, we constructed multivariate logistic and multinomial logistic regression models to examine the association of frequency and intensity of depressive symptoms with frequency of prescribed opioid use.

Results

The study population consisted of 8,637 participants with a mean age of 74.3 (SD = 6.4) years. Sixteen percent of the participants used prescribed opioids. Compared with participants who never felt depressed, those who felt depressed daily (OR = 1.796, 95% CI [1.371, 2.337]), weekly (OR = 1.579, 95% CI [1.236, 2.003]), or a few times a year (OR = 1.237, 95% CI [1.077, 1.418]) had increased odds of prescribed opioid use. Compared with participants who felt a little depressed, those who felt depressed somewhere in between a little and a lot (OR = 1.538, 95% CI [1.283, 1.842]) and those who felt depressed a lot (OR = 1.784, 95% CI [1.336, 2.274]) had increased odds of prescribed opioid use. Compared with participants who never felt depressed, those who felt depressed weekly (OR = 2.295, 95% CI [1.012, 5.204]) and those who felt depressed monthly (OR = 2.385, 95% CI [1.051, 5.409]) had increased OR of using prescribed opioid every day from using prescribed opioid some days.

Conclusion

Frequency and intensity of depressive symptoms were independently and positively associated with prescribed opioid use.
Epidemiology and practice patterns of achalasia in Taiwan: A nationwide population-based cohort study
Authors: Lin Kai-Liang , Lin Wei-Yu , Wang Yen-Po , Luo Jiing-Chyuan , Hou Ming-Chih , Lang Hui-Chu , Lu Ching-Liang
Published: February 2025

Background:

Achalasia is a rare disease of gastrointestinal motility characterized by impaired esophageal peristalsis and reduced esophageal sphincter relaxation. However, data on its epidemiology and outcomes in Taiwan are limited. This study aimed to assess the incidence, characteristics, and clinical management of achalasia in Taiwan.

Methods:

Patients who were newly diagnosed with achalasia between 2001 and 2013 were recruited from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. The study obtained data on the age, sex, urbanization, socioeconomic status, area of residence, diagnostic methods, and interventional management of the patients. Incidence, diagnostic modalities, treatment methods, malignancy, and mortality outcomes were analyzed.

Results:

In total, 206 new achalasia cases were identified. The mean annual incidence in Taiwan was 1.64 (95% confidence interval 1.22–2.05) per 100,000 persons. The mean age of the patients at diagnosis was 51.8 years. The age-specific incidence of achalasia peaked in patients aged between 70–80 years and above 80 years. For achalasia diagnosis, endoscopy, computed tomography (CT), barium studies, and manometry were performed in 123 (59.71%), 97 (47.09%), 49 (23.79%), and 11 patients (5.34 %), respectively. During long-term follow-up, seven patients (3.39%) developed esophageal cancer, and 39 patients (18.93%) died. The median survival was 10.65 years after achalasia diagnosis, with a 10-year survival rate of 76.22%.

Conclusion:

This is the first population-based epidemiological study on achalasia in Taiwan, revealing the incidence of achalasia before the era of high-resolution manometry. Clinicians should be vigilant about the development of esophageal cancer and mortality during long-term follow-ups. There is also room to enhance the utilization of various diagnostic tools for achalasia.
Insights on Song Dynasty Medical Exams from Tai Yi Ju Zhu Ke Cheng Wen Ge (《太医局诸科程文格》 Examination Answers and Standards of the Imperial Medical Bureau)
Authors: HU Lingbai , ZHANG Xuedan
Published: February 2025

The medical education of the Song dynasty constitutes a pivotal aspect within the broader framework of ancient Chinese medical education. The advent of the imperial examination system coincided with the emergence of a medical examination system, which served as the cornerstone for the subsequent evolution of medical education. According to historical records, the Song government established dedicated medical departments, along with comprehensive systems encompassing medical professors, students, and examinations. By examining extant medical historical documents, such as Tai Yi Ju Zhu Ke Cheng Wen Ge (《太医局诸科程文格》 Examination Answers and Standards of the Imperial Medical Bureau), researchers and readers can obtain a comprehensive understanding of the medical system that prevailed in the Song dynasty. While the intricate details of medical education during this era are not explicitly documented in historical records, modern researchers have the opportunity to uncover the entire view of medical education, particularly the medical examination system, through rigorous analysis of these extant historical medical documents. Such studies offer valuable insights into the developmental trajectory of the ancient Chinese medical examination system and provide crucial references for contemporary medical education. By conducting in-depth literature research and analysis of Tai Yi Ju Zhu Ke Cheng Wen Ge, this study endeavors to reconstruct the authentic scenario of medical examinations in the Song dynasty, as presented in the document, for the benefit of modern readers and researchers.
Role of genomics in liver transplantation for cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Soliman Nadine , Maqsood Anaum , Connor Ashton A.
Published: February 2025

Purpose of review

The purpose of this review is to summarize the current knowledge of cholangiocarcinoma molecular biology and to suggest a framework for implementation of next-generation sequencing in all stages of liver transplantation. This is timely as recent guidelines recommend increased use of these technologies with promising results.

Recent findings

The main themes covered here address germline and somatic genetic alterations recently discovered in cholangiocarcinoma, particularly those associated with prognosis and treatment responses, and nascent efforts to translate these into contemporary practice in the peri-liver transplantation period.

Early efforts to translate molecular profiling to cholangiocarcinoma care demonstrate a growing number of potentially actionable alterations. Still lacking is a consensus on what biomarkers and technologies to adopt, at what scale and cost, and how to integrate them most effectively into care with the ambition of increasing the number of patients eligible for liver transplantation and improving their long-term outcomes.