bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Artificial Intelligence Meets Item Analysis (AI meets IA): A Study of Chatbot Training and Performance in detecting and correcting MCQ Flaws
Authors: Sabqat Mashaal , Khan Rehan Ahmed , Jawaid Masood , Sajjad Madiha
Published: February 2025

Objective: To explore the potential of AI-powered chatbots, specifically ChatGPT, in identifying and correcting flaws in MCQs.
Methods: A three-phase-Interventional study was conducted from February to August 2023 at Riphah International University, Islamabad. In Phase-1, flawed MCQs were selected from the NBME guide and fed into ChatGPT. ChatGPT identified item flaws and suggested corrections. In Phase-2, ChatGPT was trained to detect flaws in MCQs with text data from the NBME item writing guide. In Phase-3, ChatGPT was again tested to detect flaws and correct MCQs. Data were analyzed using SPSS, Version 26 and presented using percentages and McNemar’s test with exact conditional method.
Results: ChatGPT could identify and correct flaws such as use of “None of the above,” “Grammatical cues,” “absolute terms,” and “inconsistently presented numerical data.” However, it struggled with flaws related to “complicated stems,” “long or complex options,” and “vague frequency terms.” After training, ChatGPT became better at identifying and correcting flaws related to complicated stems and absolute terms. It also struggled with recognizing “nonparallel options,” “convergence,” and “word repetition,” both before and after training. ChatGPT’s performance deteriorated during peak hours. The test of significance showed no measurable increase in ChatGPT’s efficiency in detecting item flaws (p = 1.00) and correcting them (p = 0.125).
Conclusion: AI is revolutionizing industries and improving efficiency, but limitations exist in complex conversations, analysis, accuracy, and error prevention. Ongoing research is vital to unlocking AI’s potential, especially in education.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.41.3.11224
How to cite this: Sabqat M, Khan RA, Jawaid M, Sajjad M. Artificial Intelligence Meets Item Analysis (AI meets IA): A Study of Chatbot Training and Performance in detecting and correcting MCQ Flaws. Pak J Med Sci. 2025;41(3):652-656. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.41.3.11224
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
The Promotional Effects of Live Streams by Twitch Influencers
Authors: Huang Yufeng , Morozov Ilya
Published: February 2025

Live streaming of video games has a small and positive effect on consumers’ usage and purchases of these games, suggesting that most games do not profit from sponsoring live streams by influencers.
Cardiac nursing: challenges to patient care and workforce development
Authors: Morrell-Scott Nicola
Published: February 2025

Cardiac nursing in the UK faces a multitude of challenges that significantly impact both patient care and workforce development. In this month's editorial, Nicola Morrell‑Scott highlights key issues affecting cardiac nursing.
Serious youth violence
Authors: Stephenson Jo
Published: February 2025

Amid rising cases of serious youth violence in England, Ofsted and other inspectorates published a joint report examining how agencies work to tackle the issue. Jo Stephenson looks at the findings
Daniel Evans-Tomkinson
Authors: Tomkinson Daniel Evans
Published: February 2025

Academic subjects were never my strong suit in school, partly due to my dyslexia. However, practical subjects like PE and resistant materials came naturally to me. In my free time, I immersed myself in sports clubs, outdoor exploration, and camping with friends.
Applying AI Tools to Develop a Curriculum Based on Expected Learning Outcomes and Personalize Learning Program for Students at the University of Languages and International Studies
Authors: Le Trang Thi Huyen , Dang Van Ung , Dang Hoi Khanh , Nguyen Thang Thi
Published: February 2025

The higher education system in Vietnam is undergoing a significant shift from training based on university capacity to training based on labor market demands. In a developing economy dominated by small and medium-sized enterprises, it is a big challenge to train graduates to meet changing and very diverse competence requirements. AI and machine learning tools are applied in three stages: (a) processing survey data: Expected learning outcomes (pELOs) are quantified into credit values, with each module's contribution determined using the apriori algorithm and expert methods; (b) Optimizing framework curricula (FC): A genetic algorithm identifies module combinations that meet all pELOs while minimizing redundancy within a specified study duration; (c) Framework curriculum adjustment (FCA): An FCA tool, using genetic algorithms, enables schools to update FC annually and allows learners to personalize their programs. WEKA is used to implement the apriori algorithm (https://www.cs.waikato.ac.nz/ml/weka). The PASCAL language is used to write GA and its associated subroutines. Foreign language bachelor's degree programs at the University of Languages and International Studies Vietnam National University, Hanoi, (ULIS-VNU) were used to test algorithms and procedures. According to the calculations, present FCs have caused overstudy and can be modified for every employment post to reduce the surplus credit values that have accrued. Furthermore, FCA can assist in making the curriculum more flexible so that students can more easily switch out FC modules based on their skills and circumstances while still meeting all of the stated ELOs. Under project number N.21.13, this research piece was finished with assistance from ULIS-VNU.
Adaptive Raman spectral unmixing method based on Voigt peak compensation for quantitative analysis of cellular biochemical components
Authors: Chen Xiang , Tang Ping , Wan Jianhui , Zhang Weina , Zhong Liyun
Published: February 2025

Raman spectroscopy, with its unique “molecular fingerprint” characteristics, is an essential tool for label-free, non-invasive biochemical analysis of cells. It provides precise information on cellular biochemical components, such as proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids by analyzing molecular vibrational modes. However, overlapping Raman spectral signals make spectral unmixing crucial for accurate quantification. Traditional unmixing methods face challenges: unsupervised algorithms yield poorly interpretable results, while supervised methods like BCA rely heavily on accurate reference spectra and are sensitive to environmental changes (e.g., pH, temperature, excitation wavelength), causing spectral distortion and reducing quantitative reliability. This study addresses these challenges by introducing a parameterized Voigt function into the linear spectral mixing model for element spectrum compensation, using iterative least-squares optimization for adaptive unmixing and quantitative analysis. Simulations show that the Voigt-compensated unmixing algorithm improves spectral fitting accuracy and robustness. Applied to Raman spectra from Hela cell apoptosis and iPSCs differentiation, the algorithm accurately tracks biochemical molecular changes, proving its applicability in cellular Raman spectral analysis and a precise, reliable, and versatile tool for quantitative biochemical analysis.
Nonlinear Nanophotonics: feature issue introduction
Authors: Shcherbakov Maxim R. , Yu Mengjie , Moille Gregory , Schulz Sebastian A. , Kivshar Yuri , Boyd Robert W.
Published: February 2025

We introduce the feature issue of Optical Materials Express on Nonlinear Nanophotonics. This collection highlights recent advances in the design, fabrication, and application of nanophotonic systems that exploit nonlinear optical phenomena, spanning topics from high-harmonic generation and soliton microcombs to plasmon-enhanced emission and mid-infrared nonlinear optics.
Micro-drilling hollow-core fiber using image processing for rotational alignment
Authors: Warrington Eleanor , Salter Patrick , Davis William , Kirkpatrick Andrew , Hancock Gus , Nunn Joshua , Ritchie Grant , Booth Martin , Fells Julian
Published: February 2025

Anti-resonant hollow-core fiber can be used for highly sensitive gas detection, but there is a compromise between sensitivity and response time. Microchannels can be fabricated periodically through the side of anti-resonant fiber to reduce the fiber filling time, but a difficulty arises in accessing the core without disrupting the guiding structure and incurring loss. This paper presents an image processing and cross-correlation method for determining the rotational orientation of a hollow-core anti-resonant fiber without access to the local cross-section. The alignment method is demonstrated on both coated and uncoated fibers. The method allows microchannels to be accurately inserted between the capillary gaps to minimize loss. To show the adaptability of this method, microchannels with dimensions 5 × 50 μm are fabricated on both a commercial seven capillary fiber and an in-house fabricated six capillary fiber, designed for 1550 nm and 780 nm light guidance, respectively. Coated fibers were also micro-drilled, enabling superior structural integrity. Such fiber could be used for remote sensing of gas concentration, including atmospheric mapping and combustion diagnostics. The alignment method is potentially applicable for the machining of other classes of optical fibers.
Bildung nach Maß: Ein Ansatz zur Adaption von Lerntexten durch generative Künstliche Intelligenz
Authors: Stattkus Daniel , Hein Laura , Thomas Oliver
Published: February 2025

Der vorliegende Artikel thematisiert das von den Vereinten Nationen definierte Ziel einer hochwertigen Bildung durch den Einsatz Generativer Künstlicher Intelligenz zur Adaption von Lerntexten. Durch die Anpassung von Lerntexten an individuelle und gruppenbasierte Interessen soll deren Zugänglichkeit und Relevanz erhöht werden. Zur Umsetzung dieser Adaption wird ein Large Language Model mit angepasstem Prompt verwendet. Die Evaluationsergebnisse zeigen, dass individualisierte Texte im Vergleich zu standardisierten Texten besser angenommen werden, wohingegen Anpassungen auf Gruppenebene weniger effektiv sind. Um zukünftig das Potenzial der Technologie voll auszuschöpfen und eine sorgfältige Abstimmung zwischen den Interessen der Lernenden und den Lerninhalten zu gewährleisten, ist eine enge Zusammenarbeit zwischen Technologie und Didaktik unter Einbeziehung der Lehrkräfte erforderlich.
Revisiting What Constitutes a Neglected Tropical Disease?
Authors: Brindley Paul J. , Hotez Peter J. , Kamhawi Shaden
Published: February 2025

PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases (PLOS NTDs) publishes research devoted to pathogenesis and other clinical aspects, epidemiology, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and control of the neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), as well as work relevant to public health policy. We define NTDs as poverty-promoting infectious diseases that can negatively impact the quality of life in rural areas and poor urban areas of low- and middle-income countries but which can also affect specific communities within high-income countries. The poverty-inducing effects of the NTDs operate by impairing child health and development, pregnancy outcomes for both mother and child, worker productivity, and quality of life. The NTDs also exhibit stigmatizing features, impeditive to equity and economic stability. The objective of this editorial is to provide an update on the conditions that PLOS NTDs will consider for publication.
Marbled murrelet habitat suitability in redwood timberlands of Northern Coastal California utilizing LiDAR-derived individual tree metrics
Authors: Lamphear David W. , Hamm Keith A. , Early Desiree A. , McDonald Trent L.
Published: February 2025

The marbled murrelet (Brachyramphus marmoratus) is a threatened seabird found from Southern California to Alaska that forages at sea but nests in near coastal forests. Marbled murrelet nesting habitat is generally comprised of old-growth or mature forests with large trees having platforms suitable for nesting. Here, we estimate a habitat suitability model (HSM) that relates evidence of nesting to characteristics of putative trees derived from high resolution light imaging detection and ranging (LiDAR) data. Our study area in Northern California contained stands of old-growth forests on state, federal, and private lands but was predominated by private second-growth redwood and Douglas-fir timberlands. We estimated a two-sample HSM using Maxent software and implemented objective and repeatable covariate selection, model evaluation, and classification methods. Our HSM predicts relative likelihood of occupancy using predicted Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) values that we then classify into five habitat classes based on a novel use of the predicted to expected (P/E) ratio curve. From HSI predictions, we identified patches of murrelet habitat and estimated concave polygons surrounding individual trees within and proximately close to each patch. These methods provide repeatable boundaries for identification of patches and important individual trees based on HSI. Patches with greater relative probability of occupancy were characterized by high densities of 60-meter and taller trees, a large sum of heights for 50-meter and taller trees, and high values of standard deviation of 50-meter and taller trees. During hold-out model evaluations, our HSM showed extremely high fidelity for known patches with indirect evidence of nesting based on occupancy.
Mental fatigue in golf: A systematic review
Authors: Pan Xiaoyang , Soh Kim Geok , Jaafar Wan Marzuki Wan , Soh Kim Lam , Deng Nuannuan , Cao Shudian , Li Mingtian , Liu Huange
Published: February 2025

Mental fatigue, or cognitive fatigue, is a multi-aspect of exhaustion resulting from prolonged engagement in mentally demanding tasks, characterized by diminished energy, mental exhaustion, and distraction, which can adversely impact various aspects of golfers’ performance. However, there are still limited systematic reviews on the interaction between mental fatigue and athletes’ performance in golf. This study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the correlation between mental fatigue and golf and demonstrate the current state of research and characterization of research in the field. The systematic review was conducted using a PRISMA flow chart, with thorough literature searches across PubMed, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, Scopus, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases. The quality of the literature was assessed using Qualsyst. The study summarized findings from 10 articles on the interaction between mental fatigue and athletes’ performance in golf. It indicates that mental fatigue is influenced by factors such as duration of play and walking distance, with prolonged golf tasks inducing mental fatigue. Mental fatigue directly affects golf performance, including the overall score for 18 holes, iron club accuracy, drive distance, and especially impacts putting performance. However, the results of these studies are limited and one-sided because studies conducted on driving ranges or in laboratories focus only on putting performance and ignore other golf skills. The study on the effects of mental fatigue on iron accuracy and driving distance was conducted under competitive conditions on an outdoor golf course, making it impossible to eliminate confounding factors. The lack of intervention studies on other specific golf skills may limit a comprehensive understanding of the impact of mental fatigue on golf performance.

Trial registration Systematic Review Registration: [https://inplasy.com/][INPLASY202410111].
Proteomic associations with cognitive variability as measured by the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test in a healthy Thai population: A machine learning approach
Authors: Chen Chen , Khanthiyong Bupachad , Thaweetee-Sukjai Benjamard , Charoenlappanit Sawanya , Roytrakul Sittiruk , Surit Phrutthinun , Phoungpetchara Ittipon , Thanoi Samur , Reynolds Gavin P. , Nudmamud-Thanoi Sutisa
Published: February 2025

Inter-individual cognitive variability, influenced by genetic and environmental factors, is crucial for understanding typical cognition and identifying early cognitive disorders. This study investigated the association between serum protein expression profiles and cognitive variability in a healthy Thai population using machine learning algorithms. We included 199 subjects, aged 20 to 70, and measured cognitive performance with the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test. Differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified using label-free proteomics and analyzed with the Linear Model for Microarray Data. We discovered 213 DEPs between lower and higher cognition groups, with 155 upregulated in the lower cognition group and enriched in the IL-17 signaling pathway. Subsequent bioinformatic analysis linked these DEPs to neuroinflammation-related cognitive impairment. A random forest model classified cognitive ability groups with an accuracy of 81.5%, sensitivity of 65%, specificity of 85.9%, and an AUC of 0.79. By targeting a specific Thai cohort, this research provides novel insights into the link between neuroinflammation and cognitive performance, advancing our understanding of cognitive variability, highlighting the role of biological markers in cognitive function, and contributing to developing more accurate machine learning models for diverse populations.
Comprewhensive techno-environmental evaluation of an isolated PV/wind/biomass hybrid microgrid employing various battery technologies: A comparative analysis
Authors: Alqahtani Mohammed , Alhajri Saeed , S. Menesy Ahmed , Maher Mohammed Ali , M. Sultan Hamdy , Khalid Muhammad
Published: February 2025

Renewable energy technologies offer promise for addressing energy access and environmental concerns, especially in remote off-grid areas. This paper presents a comprehensive techno-economic analysis of an off-grid PV/wind/biomass hybrid system. Employing optimization techniques including the osprey optimization algorithm (OOA), zebra optimization algorithm (ZOA), and flying foxes optimization (FFO) algorithm, the study aims to determine the optimal sizing of solar PV, wind, biomass, and battery components. Using data from Tabuk, Saudi Arabia (28.38° N, 36.56° E), the study seeks to achieve optimal sizing for solar PV, wind, biomass, and battery storage components to minimize the net present cost (NPC) and ensure reliable power supply, adhering to specified loss of power supply probability (LPSP) and excess energy thresholds. Three battery types, namely, flooded lead-acid, lithium iron phosphate (LFP), and nickel iron (Ni-Fe), were analyzed. Results reveal that ZOA outperformed other algorithms, supplying electricity at a minimum cost of 0.1285 $/kWh in one configuration, with the LFP battery achieving the lowest NPC of 3.8 M$ in case studies with constrained LPSP. Across multiple simulations, ZOA displayed superior stability and convergence characteristics, evidenced by its tight objective function range and lower relative error metrics. These findings underscore the potential of this integrated approach to enhance the economic viability and operational resilience of off-grid hybrid microgrid systems, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions.
A novel prediction method for intracerebral hemorrhage-associated pneumonia: A single center analysis
Authors: Li Ya-ming , Chen Yue , Yao Mei-fen , Wang Guo-jiang , Pan Yi-ni , Chen Hui , Xu Jian-hua
Published: February 2025

Stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP) is a common complication leading to death and disability after a stroke. Currently, more studies tend to focus on stroke-associated pneumonia in patients with ischemic stroke, while there are few studies on predictors of intracerebral hemorrhage-associated pneumonia (ICHAP). It is necessary to discover new predictors to build more accurate prediction models for ICHAP. We continuously collected 498 patients with acute intracerebral hemorrhage and then divided them into ICHAP and non-ICHAP groups. Then we conducted univariate analyses and multivariate regression analyses on the collected data. Afterward, the new predictors of ICHAP were found and the predictive model was designed. Of the 498 patients, 158 were diagnosed with ICHAP. Advanced age (odds ratio =  1.031; 95% confidence interval, 1.015–1.047; P <  0.001), high NIHSS score (odds ratio =  1.081; 95% confidence interval, 1.038–1.126; P <  0.001), dysphagia (odds ratio =  4.191; 95% confidence interval, 2.240–7.841 P <  0.001), and fast pulse (odds ratio =  1.038; 95% confidence interval, 1.019–1.057; P <  0.001) were risk factors for ICHAP. The predictive model (P <  0.001) included age, NIHSS, dysphagia, and pulse. After that, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the corresponding area under the curve (AUC) were used to measure their predictive accuracy. The prediction ability of the model (AUC: 0.819) which contained age, NIHSS, dysphagia, and pulse was higher than that of advanced age (AUC = 0.670), high NIHSS score (AUC = 0.761), and fast pulse (AUC = 0.609). The predictive accuracy of the model was 81.5%. These findings might help identify high-risk patients for ICHAP and provide a reference for the timely preventive use of antibiotics.
Sleep disturbances in older surgical patients with and without suspected cognitive impairment: A multicenter cohort study
Authors: Butris Nina , Yan Ellene , Alhamdah Yasmin , Kapoor Paras , Lovblom Leif Erik , Saripella Aparna , Gold David , Wong Jean , Tang-Wai David F. , Mah Linda , Boulos Mark I. , He David , Chung Frances
Published: February 2025

Aims

Early detection and management of sleep disturbances can improve postoperative outcomes given the high prevalence of sleep disturbances and unrecognized cognitive impairment in older surgical patients. There is an association between sleep disturbances and cognitive impairment in the general population. However, the relationship in older surgical patients has not been systematically investigated. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and trajectory of preoperative and postoperative sleep disturbances in older surgical participants with and without suspected cognitive impairment (sCI).

Methods

Two hundred and fifty-two participants aged ≥ 65 years undergoing non-cardiac surgery were recruited. The primary outcome was the prevalence and trajectory of sleep disturbances measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) in participants with and without sCI preoperatively, 30, 90, and 180 days postoperatively. The main exposure, preoperative sCI, was operationalized as screening positive on one or more of the following cognitive screening tools: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cognitive question (answered “yes”), Ascertain Dementia Eight-item Questionnaire (≥2), Telephone Montreal Cognitive Assessment (≤18), and Modified Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (≤31). Sleep disturbances were defined as a PSQI score > 5. Mixed effects logistic regression models with random intercepts were used for the dichotomous outcome of sleep disturbances.

Results

One hundred and eight participants (43%) screened positive for preoperative sCI. The prevalence of preoperative sleep disturbances was higher in participants with sCI versus without (63% vs 47%, P = 0.02). Postoperatively in both groups, the prevalence of sleep disturbances was lower at 30, 90, and 180 days, compared to the preoperative assessment and overall trajectories did not differ significantly. Female sex and depression were associated with poorer postoperative sleep, regardless of cognitive status.

Conclusion

Sleep disturbances and suspected cognitive impairment are highly prevalent in surgical cohorts. Targeting conditions such as depression which affect sleep, may improve postoperative outcomes.
Microbial effects of cold-pressed Sacha inchi oil supplementation in rats
Authors: Samrit Tepparit , Osotprasit Supawadee , Chaiwichien Athit , Suksomboon Phawiya , Chansap Supanan , Suthisintong Thitikul , Changklungmoa Narin , Kueakhai Pornanan
Published: February 2025

Oil supplements have various benefits for metabolism, particularly Sacha inchi oil (SI), which is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) such as ω-3 and fat-soluble vitamins. However, the impacts of oil supplements on gut health remain unclear. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of an SI supplement with those of lard oil (LO), known for its high saturated fatty acid content, and a normal diet on gut health in male Sprague Dawley rats for 12 consecutive weeks. Fecal DNA was used to assess gut microbiota diversity and species abundance, diversity, and function prediction. Colon tissue from each rat was examined for colon crypt depth and histology. Rats administered the LO supplement exhibited higher dysbiosis than those administered the SI supplement, with the LO supplement influencing the relative abundance of various bacteria at the genus level. A KEGG analysis was conducted to examine the effects on metabolic pathways, revealing that the SI supplement promoted carbohydrate metabolism while reducing immune system activity. In contrast, the LO supplement increased replication, repair, and translation activities. A histological analysis of the colon tissues showed no significant alterations in crypt depth or lesions in all groups, indicating that neither supplement induced adverse structural changes in the gut. The results of this study suggest that SI supplementation modulates the gut microbiota, thereby enhancing gut health and metabolic function.
Molecular mechanisms of cell-cell signaling by the Spemann-Mangold organizer.
Authors: De Robertis E M , Wessely O , Oelgeschlager M , Brizuela B , Pera E , Larrain J , Abreu J , Bachiller D
Published: February 2025

We review how studies on the first Spemann-Mangold organizer marker, the homeobox gene goosecoid, led to the discovery of secreted factors that pattern the vertebrate embryo. Microinjection of goosecoid mRNA formed secondary axes and recruited neighboring cells. These non-cell autonomous effects are mediated in part by the expression of secreted factors such as chordin, cerberus and Frzb-1. Unexpectedly, many of the molecules secreted by the Spemann-Mangold organizer turned out to be antagonists that bind growth factors in the extracellular space and prevent them from binding to their receptors. The case of chordin is reviewed in detail, for this molecule has provided biochemical insights into how patterning by Spemann's organizer can be regulated by diffusion and proteolytic control. The study of the BMP-binding repeats of Chordin, which are present in many extracellular proteins, may provide a new paradigm for how cell-cell signaling is regulated in the extracellular space not only in embryos, but also in adult tissues.
Functional analysis of the Xenopus frizzled 7 protein domains using chimeric receptors.
Authors: Swain R K , Medina A , Steinbeisser H
Published: February 2025

Seven-transmembrane receptors of the frizzled family can interact with secreted Wnt ligands and transmit Wnt signals into the cell. Dependent on the ligand receptor combination, distinct Wnt pathways are activated. Xenopus frizzled 7 (Xfz7) and Xwnt-8b as well as Human frizzled 5 (Hfz5) and Xwnt-5a can act synergistically in the activation of Wnt/beta-catenin target genes siamois (Xsia) and nodal related 3 (Xnr3) and in the induction of ectopic axes in Xenopus embryos. In order to characterize the role of different protein domains of Xfz7 in Wnt/beta-catenin signaling, chimeric Xfz7/Hfz5 receptors were generated in which the extracellular (N5-TC7) or the intracellular domains (NT7-C5) between Xfz7 and Hfz5 were exchanged. We present evidence that the extracellular domain of Xfz7 can interact with Xwnt-5a and that the intracellular C-terminus can transmit a Wnt/beta-catenin signal. Despite these abilities, Xfz7 and Xwnt-5a do not act synergistically in the activation of Wnt/beta-catenin targets. This implies that the interaction of a frizzled receptor with different ligands can result in distinct cellular responses.
Defects of the body plan of mutant embryos lacking Lim1, Otx2 or Hnf3beta activity.
Authors: Kinder S J , Tsang T E , Ang S L , Behringer R R , Tam P P
Published: February 2025

The orientation of the anterior-posterior (A-P) axis was examined in gastrula-stage Hnf3beta, Otx2 and Lim1 null mutant embryos that display defective axis development. In situ hybridization analysis of the expression pattern of genes associated with the posterior germ layer tissues and the primitive streak (T, Wnt3 and Fgf8) and anterior endoderm (Cer1 and Sox17) revealed that the A-P axis of mutant embryos remains aligned with the proximo-distal plane of the gastrula. Further analysis revealed that cells which express Chrd activity are either absent in Hnf3beta mutant embryos or localised in heterotopic sites in Lim1 and Otx2 null mutants. Lim1-expressing cells are present in the Hnf3beta mutant embryo albeit in heterotopic sites. In all three mutants, Gsc-expressing cells are missing from the anterior mesendoderm. These findings suggest that although some cells with organizer activity may be present in the mutant embryo, they are not properly localised and fail to contribute to the axial mesoderm of the head. By contrast, in T/T mutant embryos that display normal head fold development, the expression domains of organizer, primitive streak and anterior endoderm genes are regionalised correctly in the gastrula.
The organizer concept and modern embryology: Anglo-American perspectives.
Authors: Horder T J
Published: February 2025

This paper analyses the origins of the Spemann-Mangold organizer concept of 1924 in relation to his earlier background and concepts. It traces the consequences and fate of the organizer, and related concepts (embryonic induction, gradients, fields) through subsequent phases in the evolution of developmental biology up to the present, primarily from a UK perspective, but also in the USA. The origins of Wolpert's concept of positional information of around 1970 are analysed; this markedly different model of embryogenesis effectively took the place of the organizer, following on from a generally assumed out-datedness of the corpus of Spemann's data and concepts. Explanations in terms of historical forces are suggested; events are seen as a historical causal chain. A crucial factor appears to have been the long-term neglect of morphogenetic cell movement as an integral component of an adequate induction-based model. The paper discusses the general inter-relation of history and science, and particularly the implications for current scientific practice, including the potential for conceptual distortions due to historical factors. It is argued that historical considerations need to be included as part of the use and critical assessment of basic concepts in science.
Cell-matrix interactions in tooth development.
Authors: Thesleff I , Vainio S , Jalkanen M
Published: February 2025

A chain of reciprocal interactions between the epithelial and mesenchymal tissues regulates both morphogenesis and cell differentiation in the developing tooth. The very early interactions lead to budding of the oral epithelium and to the characteristic condensation of the neural crest-derived mesenchymal cells around the epithelial bud. During the bell stage of morphogenesis, the mesenchymal cells which are in contact with the dental epithelium differentiate into odontoblasts. In this reveiw article we summarize the results of our descriptive and experimental studies, which indicate that differentiation of the dental mesenchymal cells into odontoblasts, as well the condensation of dental mesenchymal cells at the bud stage, are regulated by interactions between the cell surface and the extracellular matrix. Transfilter studies where the dental epithelium and mesenchyme were cultured on opposite sides of Nuclepore filters, led to the hypothesis that the differentiation of dental mesenchymal cells into odontoblasts is triggered by interactions between the cell surface and the epithelial basement membrane matrix. Immunohistochemical localization of various matrix molecules showed that the matrix glycoproteins fibronectin and tenascin are accumulated in the dental basement membrane at the time of odontoblast differentiation. Fibronectin and tenascin are known to interact with each other, with other matrix molecules as well as with the cell surface, and also to influence cell shape. We suggest that fibronectin and tenascin are involved in the cell-matrix interaction which leads to the polarization and differentiation of odontoblasts.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Structural proteins in sexual differentiation of embryonic gonads.
Authors: Frojdman K , Paranko J , Kuopio T , Pelliniemi L J
Published: February 2025

Sexual differentiation of embryonic gonads was studied by immunocytochemical analysis of cytoskeleton, basement membrane and extracellular matrix. The epithelial cells of the prospective gonadal region in both sexes contained vimentin and desmin intermediate filament proteins but not cytokeratin. Basement membrane components laminin, collagen types IV and V, heparan sulfate proteoglycan, and fibronectin were seen in an unorganized form in the extracellular space. The development of the gonads started by proliferation of the pregonadal epithelial cells, which formed separate clusters and loose mesenchyme. In the male gonad the clusters joined together into elongated cords, outlined by basement membrane components. The cord cells became polarized epithelial cells, and cytokeratin appeared with the disappearance of desmin in their cytoplasm. Desmin and vimentin remained in the interstitial cells. In the female gonad the clusters were smaller, and the cords were irregular in shape and size. Desmin disappeared from the cord cells and cytokeratin appeared, but more slowly and less well polarized than in the testis. The present results show that after common early development, the sexual differences in gonads emerge as different organization of the internal epithelial tissue with different timing of changes in intra- and extracellular components.
Large scale genetics in a small vertebrate, the zebrafish.
Authors: Haffter P , Nusslein-Volhard C
Published: February 2025

The systematic isolation and characterization of mutants in Drosophila has enormously facilitated the analysis of molecular mechanisms underlying developmental pathways in the embryo. A similar approach is presently being used to study embryonic development of the zebrafish, which is becoming a mainstream model organism for vertebrate development. With its genetic versatility and sophisticated embryology, zebrafish offers the possibility to rapidly increase our knowledge of vertebrate development and add to what we have learned from other vertebrate model organisms.
Spatial arrangement of intra-nucleolar rDNA chromatin in amplified Xenopus oocyte nucleoli: structural changes precede the onset of rDNA transcription.
Authors: Spring H , Meissneer B , Fischer R , Mouzaki D , Trendelenburg M F
Published: February 2025

Amphibian oocyte nucleoli are a particular suited object for research on nucleolar chromatin organization. By selective rDNA amplification each pachytene oocyte nucleus accumulates 30 pg of extrachromosomal rDNA, this amount corresponds to 2 million rDNA copies. Following the selective amplification stage, the amplified gene copies are finally distributed within more than thousand extrachromosomal nucleoli per individual oocyte nucleus. The aim of the present study was first to obtain a precise documentation of the fate of amplified rDNA during early Xenopus oogenesis until the final functional integration of these copies into individual oocyte nucleoli, and, second, a close correlation of the structural data with determination of rDNA transcription rates by S1 transcript analysis for the subsequent stages of oocyte differentiation. In order to investigate the structural complexity of the intranuclear rDNA translocation process in detail, a confocal laser scan microscope (CLSM) was used, equipped with an external UV-laser. This instrumentation unambiguously allowed (i) the detection of small clusters of rDNA copies and (ii) the precise spatial documentation of the intranuclear position of rDNA clusters in relation to the protein-free pre-nucleolar protein bodies, a specific characteristic of late pachytene/early diplotene amphibian oocyte nuclei. Our results indicate that the major rDNA translocation processes, e.g. the association of rDNA clusters with pre-nucleolar protein bodies, the formation of ribbon-like pre-nucleolar units sensu Van Gansen and Schramm (J. Cell Sci. 10: 339-367, 1972), and, finally, the translocation of fused rDNA units into the interior of pre-nucleolar protein bodies, occur--for the most part--in absence of massive rDNA transcription. As shown by the S1 transcript analysis, the onset of massive rDNA transcription starts concomitantly with an unraveling of the densely packed rDNA clusters into finely dispersed rDNA units, which were shown by CLSM analysis to be distributed throughout the entire nucleolar volume.
Pausânias. Descrição da Grécia. Livro IX
Authors: Silva Maria de Fátima
Published: February 2025

Pausânias é o nosso único testemunho de literatura periegética e o autor de um relato precioso sobre a Grécia da época de ocupação romana (séc. II d.C.). A sua descrição é a de alguém que viajou e sintetiza o que 'viu', com um olhar que não é só o de um turista curioso, mas de um intelectual que dispõe de uma sólida formação cultural e de uma informação ampla, em resultado de uma recolha criteriosa de todo o tipo de fontes, orais e escritas. Para com Pausânias mantemos em aberto uma enorme dívida: a de ter salvado um lastro de monumentos, de acontecimentos históricos, de figuras e de tradições que, sem ele, se teriam em definitivo apagado da memória dos homens.
Kondisi Makrozoobentos Kaitannya dengan Ekosistem Mangrove di Kawasan Mangrove Estuari Perancak, Jembrana, Bali
Authors: Purba Sindi Krisanti , Indrawan Gede Surya , Suteja Yulianto
Published: February 2025

Ekosistem mangrove memainkan peran penting dalam mendukung kehidupan akuatik, sebagai sumber makanan, tempat pembesaran dan tempat pemijahan bagi berbagai organisme akuatik. Kondisi lingkungan mangrove sangat memengaruhi keberadaan biota perairan, terutama makrozoobentos. Penelitian ini dilakukan untuk mengetahui kelimpahan makrozoobentos, kondisi kerapatan mangrove, serta hubungan parameter lingkungan dan kerapatan mangrove dengan kelimpahan makrozoobentos menggunakan pendekatan Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Penelitian ini dilakukan pada bulan Oktober 2023 di ekosistem mangrove Perancak, Jembrana, Bali dengan pengambilan sampel di tiga jenis habitat mangrove: mangrove alami, restorasi, dan campuran. Data mangrove dikumpulkan menggunakan transek berukuran 10x10m2, adapun pengambilan data makrozoobentos menggunakan transek 1x1m2.. Hasil pengukuran kualitas air menunjukkan suhu berkisar antara 28,67-30,87OC, pH 6,25-6,45, salinitas 27,78-30,89‰, oksigen terlarut 2,15-2,81 mg/L dan kadar nitrat 0,49-0,97 mg/L. Nilai tersebut menunjukkan bahwa kondisi kualitas air pada lokasi penelitian dalam kondisi baik dan mendukung pertumbuhan makrozoobentos. Selain itu, tekstur sedimen didominasi oleh substrat lempung liat berdebu. Makrozoobentos yang ditemukan terdiri dari 15 spesies dari 10 famili dan 3 kelas yaitu Gastropoda, Polychaeta, dan Malacostraca. Kelimpahan makrozoobentos berkisar antara 12,87-16,3ind/m2, sedangkan kerapatan mangrove berada pada kategori sangat padat dengan nilai antara 2300-3566 ind/ha. Indeks keanekaragaman 1,52-2,31, indeks keseragaman 0,78-0,9, dan indeks dominansi 0,12-0,29. Nilai indeks ekologi ini menunjukkan bahwa makrozoobentos berada dalam kondisi seimbang. Berdasarkan hasil analisis PCA, kelimpahan memiliki korelasi positif dengan variabel kerapatan mangrove, suhu, oksigen terlarut (DO), dan pH.
Corticolous crustose lichens in Pangasinan, Philippines, including one new country record
Authors: Weenalei Fajardo , Mark Anthony Doria
Published: February 2025

Corticolous crustose lichens are one of the understudied groups of lichens in the Philippines due to the limited research and insufficient taxonomical knowledge among these taxa. This study extends the inventory of corticolous crustose lichens in western Pangasinan, Philippines, specifically in Alaminos city tree park, an area established in local reforestation efforts. Morphological, anatomical, and chemical characterizations were done to identify the lichen species. Character and character states of the ascomata, hymenium, exciple, ascus, ascospore, and lichenic acid were examined. Moreover, a provisional dichotomous key was created. This survey identified ten lichen species across five families. The crustose families were Arthoniaceae, Coenogoniaceae, Graphidaceae, Malmideaceae, and Trypetheliaceae. The species identified were Coniocarpon cinnabarinum, Coenogonium geralense, Carbacanthographis albolirellata, Diorygma confluens, Graphis furcata, Graphis lineola, Malmidea subgranifera, Nigrovothelium inspersotropicum, Sarcographa labyrinthica, and Trypethelium eluteriae. The Graphidaceae family has the highest number, with four species, followed by Trypetheliaceae, with two species. The Arthoniaceae, Coenogoniaceae, and Malmidaceae families have only lichen species each. Notably, Carbacanthographis albolirellata represents a new distribution record for the Philippines. The richness of corticolous crustose lichen species in Alaminos City Tree Park is relatively low. Nevertheless, the one newly recorded species in the Philippines added valuable insights to the limited lichen research.
Introduction of Post-Ecological Poetry
Authors: Park Dong Eok
Published: February 2025

This paper explores contemporary Korean poetry through two distinct ecological perspectives. First, it reflects on the anthropocentrism inherent in conventional ecological poetry. Second, it investigates the potential for a post-ecological poetry that transcends this anthropocentrism.
Traditional nature poetry aims to address ecological concerns but often relies on an anthropocentric perspective shaped by human-centered views. This tendency reduces nature to an aesthetic and comforting entity for human consumption. Despite the poet’s sincere ecological intentions, ecological poetry often risks emphasizing the poet’s ethical superiority rather than fostering a deeper connection with nature.
In contrast, poets like Kim Hye-soon (김혜순) and Heo Soo-kyung (허수경) have acknowledged the limitations of conventional ecological poetry and experimented with new poetic forms by incorporating hybrid perspectives, blending human and non-human voices, and addressing ecological issues through innovative structures and metaphors. This paper defines their works as post-ecological poetry and seeks to examine the significance of these creations.
Image of Joseon Women in the Eyes of Europeans in the 19th Century
Authors: Han Boram
Published: February 2025

This research examines the depiction of Joseon women in the eyes of 19th-century European visitors, juxtaposing it with historical records from Joseon itself, particularly Sabeobpumbo. European accounts, influenced by Orientalism, often portrayed Korean women as oppressed, passive figures. However, these narratives also captured moments where women exerted agency and autonomy, challenging stereotypes of submission. Through comparative analysis of European travelogues and Sabeobpumbo, the study highlights that women in Joseon played active roles in family and community life, often stepping beyond traditional boundaries. This nuanced exploration aims to reveal the complexities of women's lives in Joseon, challenging both contemporary and modern misconceptions.
Exploring undergraduate EFL students’ growth in knowledge of elements in argumentation and their writing performance
Authors: Zhang Tingting , Zhang Lawrence Jun , Ward Gillian
Published: February 2025

Many specialists in the field of second/foreign language (L2) writing have acknowledged the importance of students’ abilities of argumentation in academic contexts. However, empirical studies of L2 students’ ability in argumentative writing with a systematic framework are still rare. To address this research gap, we adopted a quasi-experimental design of an eight-week writing intervention with a treatment group and a control group. We examined the changes in students’ knowledge of elements in argumentation and writing performance, after engaging a genre-based writing approach as a pedagogical intervention in the treatment group. We then compared these changes with those of the control group that followed a conventional approach. Students’ written texts in the pretest and posttest along with their responses to the knowledge questionnaires were collected. Results show that the treatment group markedly improved in their knowledge and writing performance, but the control group did not. Specifically, the treatment group improved more noticeably in their expressed knowledge of the structural and linguistic characteristics than their displayed knowledge of the contents, procedures, purposes, and audience consciousness in argumentation. The treatment group also showed significant improvements in their writing performance as shown in discourse structure, substance, and overall writing scores. These findings are discussed and implications for teaching are suggested.
Hilbert divisors and degrees of irreducible Brauer characters
Authors: Xu Chaida , Zhang Kun , Zhou Yuanyang
Published: February 2025

In this paper, we prove that the Hilbert divisors of irreducible Brauer characters in 2-blocks with nontrivial abelian defect groups are strictly greater than 1.
This confirms a conjecture of Liu and Willems in this case.
The proof relates the conjecture with a problem of Feit, which asks if the 𝑝-part of the degree of an irreducible Brauer character 𝜙 of 𝐺 is always less than the 𝑝-part of the order of 𝐺.
We resolve Feit’s problem positively for 2-blocks with abelian defect groups.
But it is well known that the question has a negative answer for 2-blocks with non-abelian defect groups.
Investigation on the axial distribution of micron inclusions and their influence on mechanical properties in a wind power spindle
Authors: Liu Long , Wang Zhengci , Tian Linan , Zhang Qing , Liu Yongchao , Sun Fei
Published: February 2025

A detailed anatomical analysis of a large wind power spindle has revealed that the presence of micron inclusions concentrated in the core of spindle, leading to fracture failure of the spindle after quenching treatment. This study established that the chemical composition, metallographic structure, and grain size exhibited minimal variation along the axial distribution of the spindle, resulting in slightly influence on the mechanical properties. Further studies showed that the inclusions primarily consisted of Al2O3, TiN, and MnS–Al2O3 composite inclusions. Using image recognition software, the axial distribution of these micron inclusions was analyzed, revealing a pattern where inclusion density was higher at both ends of the spindle than in the middle section. Finally, the relationship between the number of micron inclusions and mechanical properties was explored, revealing that tensile strength initially increased with the number before declining, while elongation consistently decreased. It’s worth noting that the Al2O3 inclusions tended to gather together as the number increased, resulting in a negative influence on both tensile strength and elongation.