bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digitally Enhanced Architecture for Sustainable Placemaking: A Systematic Review
Authors: Lovendianto J , Samodra FX T B , Ekasiwi S N N , Kim D Y
Published: January 2025

Digital placemaking embeds digital technology to enhance form, activity, and meaning. The inclusion of digital material into conventional placemaking diagrams indicates gaps and leads to the development of new propositions. This study aims to develop new propositions, principles, and criteria for digitally enhanced architecture for sustainable placemaking. The novelty lies in the new proposition of digitally enhanced architecture by using digital information as a formal material for sustainable placemaking through multisensory experience and two-way user-form interaction. This study uses a systematic literature review method to analyse 38 theoretical and 20 case studies based on constituent aspects (form, activity, meaning) in digital placemaking and media architecture theory to formulate design principles and criteria. The developed propositions are digital information technology as form, reciprocal multisensory interactions as activities, and perception for place meaning. The principle is digital form stimulates users’ sensors to respond via two-way interactions, constructing a perception of place meaning. The criteria are building architectural forms from digital information as a physical setting and stimulating two-way multisensory interactions for spatial perceptions and experiences associated with memory and meaning. These findings apply to places with inaccessible physical forms, so digital information can replace and stimulate interactive activities to construct, strengthen, or restore place meaning.
Building Performance Based on Seismic Conceptual Design in Temporary Housing Semeru Eruption 2021
Authors: Bahar M A
Published: January 2025

Indonesia’s geographical location, which often experiences earthquakes, is important in disaster mitigation programs, especially for earthquake-resistant building planning. This study uses quantitative and case study methods to determine the seismic performance in the design of temporary housing for the 2021 Mount Semeru eruption based on the Seismic Conceptual Design of Buildings. The analysis used a scoring method to measure the similarity of the case study object to seismic theory. The damage caused by the eruption, relocation of settlements, and construction of new houses are very necessary. The 2000 temporary housing units were designed using fast materials, such as light steel and gypsum board, which is not suitable for the main structure of the building. However, with a building area of only 28.8 m2, the building span is shorter, and only one floor with room partitions inside makes the structure more solid. Each building is also given a distance from another building so that vibration waves that hit the building do not spread to other buildings. From the analysis results, the design of this temporary housing has a similarity of 65.9% with the seismic theory. This design has a fairly good building performance in terms of security and safety to reduce the risk of earthquake damage. However, more detailed drawings are needed, such as structural connection systems, technical specifications, and construction guidelines, and there must also be calculations of structural strength by experts.
Design parameters for enhancing passive ventilation using vertical void in hot humid climate with high density
Authors: Hakim M N , Ekasiwi S N N , Samodra FX T B
Published: January 2025

Natural ventilation is deemed as one of the most suitable cooling strategy especially for hot humid climate. Natural ventilation relies on outdoor condition and requires space to provide air flow. Providing space for air flow is in hot humid climate with high density, vertical void is regarded as one of the best design for enhancing passive ventilation performance. This review synthesizes the design parameters of vertical void in hot humid climate as a method to enhance passive ventilation performance. The study uses bibliometric analysis and systematic review to analyze research trend and synthesize the design parameters from selected relevant publications. The results shows that vertical void designs are highly effective in improving passive ventilation in multi-story residential buildings. Various design variables such as aspect ratio, building height, and building to void ratio are paramount in improving ventilation performance. Strategically designed openings can maximize airflow by leveraging windward and leeward ventilation dynamics. Smaller void aspect ratio enhances ventilation efficiency across various void types, while taller chimneys increase air circulation through the stack effect. An optimal building to void ratio also improves air change rates and wind velocity, but excessively large voids may reduce airflow efficiency due to volume related dissipation.
Facile Synthesis of Carbon Dots from Chicken Feathers via Catalytic Hydrothermal Method for Photodegradation of Methylene Blue
Authors: Hastuti E. , Hikmah U. , Nuryadin B. W , Hisam U. H.
Published: January 2025

Chicken feathers have a high keratin content and have the potential to be used to create novel materials, such as Carbon dots (C-dots). C-dots are zero-dimensional carbon materials that can cause fluorescence, making them useful as photocatalysts. A hydrothermal technique using hydrochloric acid as catalysis with various concentrations (2, 4, and 6 M) was designed to synthesize C-dots from chicken feathers to generate a crystalline carbon core. The C-dots show that the functional groups C-O, C=C, and O-H are present in the FTIR data, and the functional group C-H increases with acid content. UV-Vis results reveal an absorbance peak at 270 and 380 nm, indicating the presence of a C-dot core. The photoluminescence measurement results, which show a cyan luminescence emission intensity peak at 430 and 460 nm, strengthen the indication of C-dots formation. According to the photodegradation results, the C-dots sample reduced the methylene blue content at the CD-2 sample by up to 80%. The synthesized C-dots derived from chicken feathers are efficient and eco-friendly materials with the potential for wastewater treatment and environmental sustainability.
Boosting non-oxide interfacial Co/SiO2 hybrid bonding by selective surface activation
Authors: Qi Xiaoyun , Zhou Shicheng , Ma Yan , Suga Tadatomo , Wang Chenxi
Published: January 2025

Due to its superior nanoscale properties, cobalt (Co) is highly desirable for ultrahigh-density 3D integration into materials through metal/dielectric hybrid bonding. However, this process is very challenging through Co/SiO2 hybrid bonding, as very hydrophilic SiO2 surfaces are needed for bonding during dehydration reactions and oxidation of the Co surfaces must be avoided. Additionally, the substantial coefficient of thermal expansion mismatch between the robust capping layers (Co and SiO2 layers) necessitates hybrid bonding with minimal thermal input and compression. In this study, we introduce a ternary plasma activation strategy employing an Ar/NH3/H2O gas mixture to facilitate Co/SiO2 hybrid bonding at temperatures as low as ∼200 °C, which is markedly lower than the melting point of Co (∼1500 °C). Intriguingly, non-oxide metallization at the Co–Co interface can be realized without the hindrance of a bonding barrier, thereby reducing the electrical resistance by over 40% and compression force requirements. Moreover, the enhancement in the SiO2 surface energy through active group terminations fosters extensive interfacial hydration and strengthens the mechanical properties. This research paves the way for fine-tuning bonding surfaces using a material-selective strategy, which should advance metal/dielectric hybrid bonding for future integration applications.
Behind the scenes of cellular organization: Quantifying spatial phenotypes of puncta structures with statistical models including random fields
Authors: Nicolaou Kyriacos , Passmore Josiah B. , Kapitein Lukas C. , Mulder Bela M. , Berger Florian
Published: January 2025

The cellular interior is a spatially complex environment shaped by nontrivial stochastic and biophysical processes. Within this complexity, spatial organizational principles—also called spatial phenotypes—often emerge with functional implications. However, identifying and quantifying these phenotypes in the stochastic intracellular environment is challenging. To overcome this challenge for puncta, we discuss the use of inference of point-process models that link the density of points to other imaged structures and a random field that captures hidden processes. We apply these methods to simulated data and multiplexed immunofluorescence images of Vero E6 cells. Our analysis suggests that peroxisomes are likely to be found near the perinuclear region, overlapping with the endoplasmic reticulum, and located within a distance of 1 µm to mitochondria. Moreover, the random field captures a hidden variation of the mean density in the order of 15 µm. This length scale could provide critical information for further developing mechanistic hypotheses and models. By using spatial statistical models including random fields, we add a valuable perspective to cell biology.
Interpretive Labor
Authors: Carithers Kirsten
Published: January 2025

Interpretive Labor: Experimental Music at Work introduces and develops the author’s theory of Interpretive Labor, based on examples from the postwar Euro-American avant-garde and other forms of experimentalism. The book establishes several models of musical work: the Executive calling the shots, the Scientist testing and refining, the Administrator making sure events happen, the Hacker subverting a given system, and the Gamer making a new system entirely. Each model of Interpretive Labor, and its representative case studies, demonstrates a unique but interrelated form of engagement with the work of being a contemporary musician. The book also explores the myriad connections between music and labor in the neoliberal present. Its characters comprise a powerful system of working methods that can help us understand creative work more broadly.
Introduction
Authors: Carithers Kirsten
Published: January 2025

The Introduction explains the genesis of the author’s theory of creative work, lays out its main components, and introduces some of the musicians who will make appearances in the following chapters. The first part discusses the basis for the project: exploring musical indeterminacy through the work involved in realizing unconventional forms of notation.
The “Administrator” Model
Authors: Carithers Kirsten
Published: January 2025

“The Administrator Model: ‘Women’s Work’ and New-Music Coordinators” presents the third of the author’s five models of the theory of Interpretive Labor. It considers two important figures in the history of musical experimentalism who happen to have been arts administrators: Charlotte Moorman and Renée Levine Packer. Their work enabled their perhaps better-known contemporaries—composers and performers—to create and share their music at the Avant-Garde Festivals of New York and in the Center of the Creative and Performing Arts. Administrative labor was, in the postwar era, especially gendered. This chapter addresses the gender pay gap, recent trends in labor fields traditionally considered feminine, and the issue of entrepreneurship today.
cyclicpeptide: a Python package for cyclic peptide drug design
Authors: Yang Liu , Cao Suqi , Liu Lei , Zhu Ruixin , Wu Dingfeng
Published: January 2025

The unique cyclic structure of cyclic peptides grants them remarkable stability and bioactivity, making them powerful candidates for treating various diseases. However, the lack of standardized tools for cyclic peptide data has hindered their potential in today’s artificial intelligence–driven efficient drug design landscape. To bridge this gap, here we introduce a Python package named cyclicpeptide specifically for cyclic peptide drug design. This package provides standardized tools such as Structure2Sequence, Sequence2Structure, and format transformation to process, convert, and standardize cyclic peptide structure and sequence data. Additionally, it includes GraphAlignment for cyclic peptide–specific alignment and search and PropertyAnalysis to enhance the understanding of their drug-like properties and potential applications. This comprehensive suite of tools aims to streamline the integration of cyclic peptides into modern drug discovery pipelines, accelerating the development of cyclic peptide–based therapeutics.
Bayesian thresholded modeling for integrating brain node and network predictors
Authors: Sun Zhe , Xu Wanwan , Li Tianxi , Kang Jian , Alanis-Lobato Gregorio , Zhao Yize
Published: January 2025

Progress in neuroscience has provided unprecedented opportunities to advance our understanding of brain alterations and their correspondence to phenotypic profiles. With data collected from various imaging techniques, studies have integrated different types of information ranging from brain structure, function, or metabolism. More recently, an emerging way to categorize imaging traits is through a metric hierarchy, including localized node-level measurements and interactive network-level metrics. However, limited research has been conducted to integrate these different hierarchies and achieve a better understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms and communications. In this work, we address this literature gap by proposing a Bayesian regression model under both vector-variate and matrix-variate predictors. To characterize the interplay between different predicting components, we propose a set of biologically plausible prior models centered on an innovative joint thresholded prior. This captures the coupling and grouping effect of signal patterns, as well as their spatial contiguity across brain anatomy. By developing a posterior inference, we can identify and quantify the uncertainty of signaling node- and network-level neuromarkers, as well as their predictive mechanism for phenotypic outcomes. Through extensive simulations, we demonstrate that our proposed method outperforms the alternative approaches substantially in both out-of-sample prediction and feature selection. By implementing the model to study children’s general mental abilities, we establish a powerful predictive mechanism based on the identified task contrast traits and resting-state sub-networks.
Conceptualizing the Nepalese ‘Gang’
Authors: Atkinson-Sheppard S , Subedi G , Jha V , Ghimire N C
Published: January 2025

This article discusses the ‘gang’ in Nepal. Drawing on a two-year case study conducted in Kathmandu, involving a survey and interviews with criminal justice practitioners, government officials, NGO workers, social activists as well as interviews and focus groups with ex-street children, the article argues that gangs in Nepal are a complex social phenomenon. The term ‘gang’ is used to describe a multitude of criminal groups, many of which operate in alliance with the state. Gangs are also closely associated with organized crime and in many instances, street children become involved in these criminal groups. The article illustrates how street children develop their own groups to assist their survival. For these young people gangs provide solidarity, support, friendship and are vehicles for income generation. Thus, there is no one ‘gang’, rather many gangs, who change and evolve, the implications of which are discussed.
Prognostic value of left atrioventricular coupling index in heart failure
Authors: Kasa Gizem , Teis Albert , De Raffele Martina , Cediel German , Juncà Gladys , Lupón Josep , Santiago-Vacas Evelyn , Codina Pau , Bayés-Genis Antoni , Delgado Victoria
Published: January 2025

Aims

To investigate the distribution of left atrioventricular coupling index (LACI) among patients with heart failure and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) < 50% and to explore its association with the combined endpoint of all-cause death or HF hospitalization at long-term follow-up.

Methods and results

Patients with HF and LVEF < 50% undergoing cardiac magnetic resonance were evaluated. Patients with atrial fibrillation or flutter were excluded. Left atrioventricular coupling index was measured as the ratio between the left atrial (LA) and the LV end-diastolic volumes. Patient population was divided according to LACI tertiles and followed up. Total of 478 patients (mean age 62 ± 12 years, 78% male) were included. The median value of LACI was 27.1% (interquartile range 19.9–34.5). Patients within the worst LACI tertile (≥30.9%) showed smaller LV volumes and larger LA volumes as compared with patients in the first or second tertile (LACI 6.2–22.2 and LACI 22.3–30.9, respectively). Left atrioventricular coupling index was significantly associated with the combined endpoint [hazard ratio (HR) 1.87, P = 0.01]. After adjusting for sex, age, ischaemic HF aetiology, LVEF, LA reservoir strain, diabetes mellitus, LV scar, mitral regurgitation, and LVEDVi, LACI remained significantly associated with the combined endpoint (HR 1.77, P = 0.02). Patients with the highest LACI values had worse outcomes compared with patients in first and second tertiles (HR 1.69, P = 0.02 and HR 1.77, P = 0.02, respectively).

Conclusion

In patients with HF and LVEF <50%, LACI is independently associated with adverse events. Patients with most impaired left atrioventricular coupling have the worst clinical outcomes.
The Effects of Italy’s Unification on Its Dual Development: A Synthetic Control Approach
Authors: Barone Guglielmo , Chilosi David , Ciccarelli Carlo , de Blasio Guido
Published: January 2025

There is a long-standing debate on the effect of Italian unification (1861) on the country’s dual development. We estimate the causal impact of unification on agricultural share, literacy and railway density for the South and the Centre-North by analyzing a newly assembled panel of countries/regions with the synthetic control method. Our findings suggest that over the 50 years following the birth of the unified state, neither area drew generalized benefits from unification. Consolidation delayed industrialization in both macro areas. However, the South benefited from a strong spread of rail infrastructure, while the Centre-North enjoyed a pronounced increase in literacy.
Influence of source contributions and seasonal variations on particle-associated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and cancer risks in a rapidly urbanizing South American City (Fortaleza, Brazil)
Authors: Saldanha Íthala S , Rocha Camille A , Pontes Fernanda , Santos Rafael P , Nascimento Ronaldo F , Costa Ana B , Bertocine Bruno , Cavalcante Rivelino M
Published: January 2025

Particulate matter (PM) was recently classified as a Group 1 (carcinogen to humans), marking a significant step forward in prioritizing the monitoring of airborne particles in urban environments. In this sense, the primary objective was to evaluate the cancer risk associated with PM10 and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) levels, with a focus on the contribution of different source types and seasonal variations in a highly urbanized city located in the tropical semi-arid region of South America, where air quality studies and understanding remain scarce. The particulate matter was collected using a Hivol sampler, and the PAHs contained within were extracted using Soxhlet extraction and analyzed by GC-MS. PM10 levels ranged from 8.9–33.3 µg/m³ and from 17.2—33.2 µg/m³, in the rainy and dry season, respectively. While the ΣPAHs ranged from 0.18 to 2.03 ng/m³ (wet season) and from 0.14 to 0.64 ng/m³ (dry season). The ratio of PM10 levels between wet and dry periods remained relatively stable throughout the year, consistently staying below 1 across most parts of the city. However, in areas with higher traffic flow, classified as moderate to deep urban canyon zones, levels were significantly higher during the dry period. The sources appointment indicates that the contribution of the vehicle fleet is geographically predominant, followed by contributions from the burning of coal and wood, and, more succinctly, the influence of the existing industrial sectors in the region. Compared to other urban and industrial regions worldwide, Fortaleza’s risk levels are moderate to relatively low. However, the Relative Cancer Risk is approximately 22% higher for smokers compared to non-smokers.
Socioeconomic position and sudden cardiac death: A Danish nationwide study
Authors: Stahl Jacobsen Toke , Skjelbred Tobias , Køber Lars , Gregers Winkel Bo , Hadberg Lynge Thomas , Tfelt-Hansen Jacob
Published: January 2025

Aims

The aim of this study was to examine differences in incidence rates of all-cause mortality (ACM) and sudden cardiac death (SCD) in persons of differing socioeconomic position (SEP).

Methods

All deaths in Denmark from 01-01-2010 to 31-12-2010 (1 year) were included. Autopsy reports, death certificates, discharge summaries and nationwide health registries were reviewed to identify cases of SCD. SEP was measured as either household income or highest achieved educational level and analysed separately. Hazard rates were calculated using univariate and multivariable Cox regression model adjusting for age, sex, and selected comorbidities.

Results

A total of 53452 deaths were included of which 6820 were classified as SCDs. Incidence rates of ACM and SCD increased with age and were higher in the lower SEP groups. The greatest difference in SCD incidence was found between the low and high education level groups with an incidence rate ratio of 5.1 (95% CI 3.8–6.8). The hazard ratios for ACM and SCD were significantly higher for low SEP groups independently of comorbidities. Compared with the highest income group, the low-income group had adjusted hazard ratios of ACM and SCD that were 2.17 (2.01–2.34) and 1.72 (1.67–1.76) respectively.

Conclusion

We observed an inverse association between both income and education level and the risk of ACM and SCD in the general population, which persisted independently of baseline comorbidities. Our results indicate a need for further research into the mechanisms behind socioeconomic disparities in healthcare and targeted preventative strategies.
The Complex Epigenetic Panorama in the Multipartite Genome of the Nitrogen-Fixing Bacterium Sinorhizobium meliloti
Authors: Passeri Iacopo , Cangioli Lisa , Fondi Marco , Mengoni Alessio , Fagorzi Camilla
Published: January 2025

In prokaryotes, DNA methylation plays roles in DNA repair, gene expression, cell cycle progression, and immune recognition of foreign DNA. Genome-wide methylation patterns can vary between strains, influencing phenotype, and gene transfer. However, broader evolutionary studies on bacterial epigenomic variation remain limited. In this study, we conducted an epigenomic analysis using single-molecule real-time sequencing on 21 strains of Sinorhizobium meliloti, a facultative plant nitrogen-fixing alphaproteobacterium. This species is notable for its multipartite genome structure, consisting of a chromosome, chromid, and megaplasmid, leading to significant genomic and phenotypic diversity. We identified 16 palindromic and nonpalindromic methylated DNA motifs, including N4-methylcytosine and N6-methyladenine modifications, and analyzed their associated methyltransferases. Some motifs were methylated across all strains, forming a core set of epigenomic signatures, while others exhibited variable methylation frequencies, indicating a dispensable (shell) epigenome. Additionally, we observed differences in methylation frequency between replicons and within coding sequences versus regulatory regions, suggesting that methylation patterns may reflect multipartite genome evolution and influence gene regulation. Overall, our findings reveal extensive epigenomic diversity in S. meliloti, with complex epigenomic signatures varying across replicons and genomic regions. These results enhance our understanding of multipartite genome evolution and highlight the potential role of epigenomic diversity in phenotypic variation.
Intergenerational Relationships and Family Support: Implications for Health and Wellbeing
Authors: Silverstein Merril , Fingerman Karen L , Suitor J Jill
Published: January 2025

This review summarizes research projects supported by the National Institute on Aging (NIA) that have contributed scholarship on intergenerational relationships and support provided to older adults that frequently precedes, and is often complementary to, intensive caregiving. We review NIA-supported projects that have almost exclusively focused on intergenerational relationships and involved primary data collections, and others making use of omnibus aging and family studies that have allowed a variety of investigations on this topic. Where the former set of studies has generated deeply phenotypic analyses—comprehensive fine-grained analyses of relational data in specialized samples—the latter set has focused on analyses of secondary data, often from national samples which include information on intergenerational relationships. Early research funded by NIA addressed the factors underlying cohesion across generations, including the Longitudinal Study of Generations. Subsequent studies shed light on the dynamics of ties between siblings or across multiple generations in navigating support and affection. Studies have revealed important information about transfers of tangible and non-tangible resources, loss of parent or child, and diversity by race, ethnicity, and gender. NIA funding has made important inroads in understanding a relationship that is of primary importance in individuals’ lives for their health and well-being.
Chromosome-level echidna genome illuminates evolution of multiple sex chromosome system in monotremes
Authors: Zhou Yang , Jin Jiazheng , Li Xuemei , Gedman Gregory , Pelan Sarah , Rhie Arang , Jiang Chuan , Fedrigo Olivier , Howe Kerstin , Phillippy Adam M , Jarvis Erich D , Grutzner Frank , Zhou Qi , Zhang Guojie
Published: January 2025

Background

A thorough analysis of genome evolution is fundamental for biodiversity understanding. The iconic monotremes (platypus and echidna) feature extraordinary biology. However, they also exhibit rearrangements in several chromosomes, especially in the sex chromosome chain. Therefore, the lack of a chromosome-level echidna genome has limited insights into genome evolution in monotremes, in particular the multiple sex chromosomes complex.

Results

Here, we present a new long reads–based chromosome-level short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus) genome, which allowed the inference of chromosomal rearrangements in the monotreme ancestor (2n = 64) and each extant species. Analysis of the more complete sex chromosomes uncovered homology between 1 Y chromosome and multiple X chromosomes, suggesting that it is the ancestral X that has undergone reciprocal translocation with ancestral autosomes to form the complex. We also identified dozens of ampliconic genes on the sex chromosomes, with several ancestral ones expressed during male meiosis, suggesting selective constraints in pairing the multiple sex chromosomes.

Conclusion

The new echidna genome provides an important basis for further study of the unique biology and conservation of this species.
Where do we start? The gender gap in legal education and the legal academy: Afterword to the Foreword by Gráinne de Búrca, Rosalind Dixon, and Marcela Prieto Rudolphy
Authors: Neo Jaclyn L
Published: January 2025

In the spirit of collaborative enterprise, this Afterword builds upon one aspect that the authors had time to only briefly mention but not fully develop: the existence and depth of the gender gap in legal education and its connection to the gender gap in legal academia. I invite the reader to view the gender gap in legal academia as starting not from the point of employment but even before that. After all, if we are to create more opportunities and inculcate a more gender-equitable environment for the legal academy, including increasing the proportion of female academics, we need to also ask the question: From where would these female candidates come? Are there enough candidates in the pipeline? As we broaden our perspective, we see that the gender gap often begins with law schools, and addressing the gender gap in legal academia must include consideration of the gender gap in legal education as a whole.
Divisive Documents: Exploring the Local Impact of Legal Documents in Transitional Justice Contexts
Authors: Budhoo Sofie
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACT∞

This article explores how legal documents impact communities undergoing transitional justice efforts, focusing on their potential to acquire new meanings beyond their intended purpose. Through the case of the locally dubbed ‘victim cards’ distributed by the International Criminal Court in Odek, Northern Uganda, during the trial of former Lord’s Resistance Army commander Dominic Ongwen, the study examines how these cards shape survivors’ experiences of international criminal justice. The findings indicate that possession – or lack – of a victim card in Odek impacts individual experiences of security or insecurity, and visibility or invisibility, demonstrating how such documents influence perceptions of justice and, by extension, trust in the court itself. Moreover, the findings suggest that the distribution of physical cards may have inadvertently fuelled local tensions, potentially undermining reconciliation efforts and sustainable peace among community members in Odek. The article advocates for greater bureaucratic transparency within victim communities to mitigate such risks and ensure that international criminal justice processes contribute meaningfully to reconciliation and peacebuilding efforts following mass atrocities.
Extraction and characterization of Eucommia ulmoides gum from Eucommia leaves by fermentation with Coprinellus disseminatus
Authors: Zhang Chuhan , Qin Lijun
Published: January 2025

Aims

To determine the optimum conditions for extracting Eucommia ulmoides gum (EUG) from Eucommia ulmoides leaves during fermentation by Coprinellus disseminatus. At the same time, the EUG characteristics were characterized.

Methods and results

The ability of C. disseminatus to secrete degrading enzymes, including enzyme activity and lignocellulose content, was observed by culturing C. disseminatus on a medium with different formulations. Based on the optimal formula, the fermentation conditions were determined by an orthogonal test and EUG was extracted. After that, the characteristic parameters of EUG were determined by FT-IR, 1H-NMR, SEM, POM, DSC, XRD and GPC. The results showed that the lignin and hemicellulose contents in Eucommia leaves decreased significantly with the increase of fermentation days, and C. disseminatus mediated fermentation had an obvious damage effect on the tissue of Eucommia leaves. At the same time, At the same time, xylan can be used as an initiator to induce the expression of degradation-related enzymes. The extraction yield of EUG from Eucommia ulmoides leaves after fermentation was 3.06%, which was significantly improved. The optimum fermentation conditions were 4% inoculum, 28°C fermentation temperature, and pH = 5. The results of infrared FT-IR and 1H-NMR showed that the extract had typical characteristics of EUG, and the surface and quenching part of the EUG were smooth, as observed by SEM. In addition, DSC and XRD analysis show that there are two crystal types, α and β, in the crystallization process of molten EUG. The main crystallization type of EUG extracted from fermented leaves was β type.

Conclusion

The ability of C. disseminatus to produce degrading enzymes can effectively improve the extraction rate of EUG under optimal fermentation process. The method can maintain the integrity of gutta-percha better. EUG has the characteristics of good crystallinity, many β crystal types and high molecular weight.
Utility of word embeddings from large language models in medical diagnosis
Authors: Yazdani Shahram , Henry Ronald Claude , Byrne Avery , Henry Isaac Claude
Published: January 2025

Objective

This study evaluates the utility of word embeddings, generated by large language models (LLMs), for medical diagnosis by comparing the semantic proximity of symptoms to their eponymic disease embedding (“eponymic condition”) and the mean of all symptom embeddings associated with a disease (“ensemble mean”).

Materials and Methods

Symptom data for 5 diagnostically challenging pediatric diseases—CHARGE syndrome, Cowden disease, POEMS syndrome, Rheumatic fever, and Tuberous sclerosis—were collected from PubMed. Using the Ada-002 embedding model, disease names and symptoms were translated into vector representations in a high-dimensional space. Euclidean and Chebyshev distance metrics were used to classify symptoms based on their proximity to both the eponymic condition and the ensemble mean of the condition's symptoms.

Results

The ensemble mean approach showed significantly higher classification accuracy, correctly classifying between 80% (Cowden disease) to 100% (Tuberous sclerosis) of the sample disease symptoms using the Euclidean distance metric. In contrast, the eponymic condition approach using Euclidian distance metric and Chebyshev distances, in general, showed poor symptom classification performance, with erratic results (0%-100% accuracy), largely ranging between 0% and 3% accuracy.

Discussion

The ensemble mean captures a disease's collective symptom profile, providing a more nuanced representation than the disease name alone. However, some misclassifications were due to superficial semantic similarities, highlighting the need for LLM models trained on medical corpora.

Conclusion

The ensemble mean of symptom embeddings improves classification accuracy over the eponymic condition approach. Future efforts should focus on medical-specific training of LLMs to enhance their diagnostic accuracy and clinical utility.
A novel Q-switch technique for ringing-down dissipation of borehole NMR measurement
Authors: Luo Sihui , Li Xin , Yu Huijun , Wang Zhengduo , Xing Tianyu , Long Zhihao , Che Cheng , Liao Guangzhi , Xiao Lizhi
Published: January 2025

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) is a crucial logging technique for the unconventional and complex reservoir evaluation. However, the echo spacing is always an issue of borehole NMR measurement, which limits the performance of NMR tools to acquire the short relaxation components. In this paper, we proposed a novel Q-Switch technique aiming at breaking through the limitation of dead-time of borehole NMR logging tool, and to achieve much shorter echo spacing. Instead of using resistors in parallel with the radio-frequency (RF) coil to reduce the active dead-time, an inductive coupling Q-Switch circuit was introduced to decrease the ringing-down time significantly after transmitting the RF pulses with high voltage. The Q-Switch circuit consists of inductive coupling coil, capacitors, resistors and active high-voltage MOSFETs. The ringing-down time of RF system was decreased by at least 10 times compared to the system without using proposed Q-switch scheme, leading to echo spacing lower to 0.3 ms under the condition with resonant frequency lower to 500 kHz. Both simulations and experiments were in great agreements, validating the feasibility and efficiency of proposed Q-switch scheme, which proved to be promising in the borehole NMR applications.
Outcomes of a Multidisciplinary Pediatric Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy (OPAT) Program at a Tertiary Children’s Hospital
Authors: Howe Zachary , Boyd LaKeisha , Rich Christa , Schneider Jack G
Published: January 2025

Corresponding Author: Zachary Howe, 705 Riley Hospital Drive SFT Room W6111, Indianapolis, IN 46228, 317-948-9562, zhowe@iuhealth.org

No conflicts of interest

Background

Characteristics of pediatric outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) are not well described, and multidisciplinary programs are relatively rare. The primary aim of this study was to describe specific OPAT use, commonly encountered barriers, and clinical outcomes in patients from a newly established OPAT program at a tertiary children’s hospital.

Methods

A multidisciplinary OPAT program was established at Riley Hospital for Children in December 2021. Inpatient services were gradually included until all services were enrolled as of March 2023. Medical record data related to patient selection, the chosen antimicrobial regimen, and safety/efficacy outcomes were prospectively collected for patients completing OPAT during the year after go-live with all services (March 2023-February 2024).

Results

Among 90 OPAT courses during the study period, CNS and central line infections were the most common indications (30.0% and 34.4%, respectively). The most common interventions made by the OPAT pharmacist were changes in dose (30.0%), frequency (32.2%), and agent selection (56.7%) with a median of 3 interventions being made per patient (IQR 4). The most frequent IV antimicrobials utilized were ceftriaxone (25.6%) and vancomycin (12.2%), and the most reported adverse effects were acute kidney injury (5.6%) and neutropenia (ANC<1000 cells/mm3; 4.4%). Eighteen percent of cases were re-hospitalized during their OPAT course, most frequently due to reasons unrelated to their infection (33.3%) or due to need for another source control procedure (33.3%). There was no difference in likelihood of readmission between patients with and without home nursing care (53.3% vs 46.7%, p=0.35). Modifications to original OPAT treatment plans were noted in 12.2% of cases, and patients received IV antimicrobials for a median of 19 days (IQR 34 days).

Conclusion

Multidisciplinary pediatric OPAT programs are rare but have the potential to optimize antimicrobial selection and provide more structured monitoring and patient follow-up. Studies with larger cohorts of patients are needed to fully elucidate necessary resources that will overall enhance OPAT care and improve patient outcomes.
Globular cluster ages and their relation to high-redshift stellar cluster formation times from different globular cluster models
Authors: Valenzuela Lucas M , Forbes Duncan A , Remus Rhea-Silvia
Published: January 2025

The formation details of globular clusters (GCs) are still poorly understood due to their old ages and the lack of detailed observations of their formation. A large variety of models for the formation and evolution of GCs have been created to improve our understanding of their origins, based on GC properties observed at $z=0$. We present the first side-by-side comparison of six current GC formation models with respect to their predictions for the GC ages and formation redshifts in Milky Way (MW)-like galaxies. We find that all the models are capable of forming most of the surviving GCs at more than $10 \,\mathrm{G}{\rm {yr}}$ ago, in general agreement with the observation that most GCs are old. However, the measured MW GC ages are still systematically older than those predicted in the galaxies of four of the models. Investigating the variation of modelled GC age distributions for general MW-mass galaxies, we find that some of the models predict that a significant fraction of MW-mass galaxies would entirely lack a GC population older than $10 \,\mathrm{G}{\rm {yr}}$, whereas others predict that all MW-mass galaxies have a significant fraction of old GCs. This will have to be further tested in upcoming surveys, as systems without old GCs in that mass range are currently not known. Finally, we show that the models predict different formation redshifts for the oldest surviving GCs, highlighting that models currently disagree about whether the recently observed young star clusters at high redshifts could be the progenitors of today’s GCs.
Cold collapse and bounce of an FLRW cloud
Authors: Pradhan Swaraj , Gabler Michael , Gaztañaga Enrique
Published: January 2025

We study the collapse of spherical cold clouds beyond black hole formation to investigate the possibility of a bounce in the in-falling matter when a critical density or pressure is reached. As a first step, we analyse the pressureless collapse in general relativity (GR), where an analytic solution exists, and demonstrate that an equivalent Newtonian solution can be derived. Such equivalence also holds for spherically symmetric perfect fluids with uniform density and non-vanishing pressure. We numerically investigate the Newtonian collapse of such clouds with masses of 5, 20, and 1000 M$_\odot$ obeying a polytropic equation of state (EoS). By choosing EoS parameters inspired by typical neutron star conditions, we observe bounces at and above nuclear saturation density. Assuming approximate uniformity, we explore the equivalent GR behaviour of the matter during the bounce. Our findings are as follows: (i) A GR bounce occurs around the ground state of the matter, characterized by $P = -\rho$. (ii) The GR solution differs significantly from the Newtonian result due to the presence of curvature ($k \ne 0$). (iii) Both the curvature and the ground state are crucial factors in allowing a GR bounce to occur.
Enhanced RNAi does not provide efficient innate antiviral immunity in mice
Authors: Kulmann Marcos Iuri Roos , Taborska Eliska , Benköova Brigita , Palus Martin , Drobek Ales , Horvat Filip , Pasulka Josef , Malik Radek , Salyova Eva , Hönig Vaclav , Pellerova Michaela , Borsanyiova Maria , Nedvedova Lenka , Stepanek Ondrej , Bopegamage Shubhada , Ruzek Daniel , Svoboda Petr
Published: January 2025

In RNA interference (RNAi), long double-stranded RNA is cleaved by the Dicer endonuclease into small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), which guide degradation of complementary RNAs. While RNAi mediates antiviral innate immunity in plants and many invertebrates, vertebrates have adopted a sequence-independent response and their Dicer produces siRNAs inefficiently because it is adapted to process small hairpin microRNA precursors in the gene-regulating microRNA pathway. Mammalian endogenous RNAi is thus a rudimentary pathway of unclear significance. To investigate its antiviral potential, we modified the mouse Dicer locus to express a truncated variant (DicerΔHEL1) known to stimulate RNAi and we analyzed how DicerΔHEL1/wt mice respond to four RNA viruses: coxsackievirus B3 and encephalomyocarditis virus from Picornaviridae; tick-borne encephalitis virus from Flaviviridae; and lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) from Arenaviridae. Increased Dicer activity in DicerΔHEL1/wt mice did not elicit any antiviral effect, supporting an insignificant antiviral function of endogenous mammalian RNAi in vivo. However, we also observed that sufficiently high expression of DicerΔHEL1 suppressed LCMV in embryonic stem cells and in a transgenic mouse model. Altogether, mice with increased Dicer activity offer a new benchmark for identifying and studying viruses susceptible to mammalian RNAi in vivo.
The urban geography of pop in sixties Britain
Authors: Gunn Simon
Published: January 2025

The explosion of pop culture in Britain between the late 1950s and the late sixties is usually taken to have been an urban phenomenon. Pop was the ‘sound of the city’ in Britain as much as America. But what kind of ‘urban’ was involved—big city, small town, centre, suburb? What kind of geographical reach did pop have across the different parts of the United Kingdom in the 1960s? What was the significance of London in a cultural movement that was simultaneously national and international? Understanding where pop was made and performed in its formative years helps explain why it took off so spectacularly in sixties Britain; it illuminates why post-war Britain was so receptive to and generative of pop music as well as the music’s nationwide appeal. In this respect, the article contributes not just to the history of pop music and youth but to the larger cultural history of post-war Britain.
TAK-994 Mechanistic Investigation into Drug-Induced Liver Injury
Authors: Shinozawa Tadahiro , Miyamoto Kazumasa , Baker Kevin S , Faber Samantha C , Flores Ramon , Uetrecht Jack , von Hehn Christian , Yukawa Tomoya , Tohyama Kimio , Kadali Harisha , von Grotthuss Marcin , Sudo Yusuke , Smith Erin N , Diogo Dorothée , Zhu Andy Z X , Dragan Yvonne , Cebers Gvido , Wagoner Matthew P
Published: January 2025

The frequency of drug-induced liver injury (DILI) in clinical trials remains a challenge for drug developers despite advances in human hepatotoxicity models and improvements in reducing liver-related attrition in preclinical species. TAK-994, an oral orexin receptor 2 agonist, was withdrawn from phase II clinical trials due to the appearance of severe DILI. Here, we investigate the likely mechanism of TAK-994 DILI in hepatic cell culture systems examined cytotoxicity, mitochondrial toxicity, impact on drug transporter proteins, and covalent binding. Hepatic liabilities were absent in rat and non-human primate safety studies, however, murine studies initiated during clinical trials revealed hepatic single-cell necrosis following cytochrome P450 induction at clinically relevant doses. Hepatic cell culture experiments uncovered wide margins to known mechanisms of intrinsic DILI, including cytotoxicity (>100× Cmax/IC50), mitochondrial toxicity (>100× Cmax/IC50), and bile salt efflux pump inhibition (>20× Css, avg/IC50). A potential covalent binding liability was uncovered with TAK-994 following hepatic metabolism consistent with idiosyncratic DILI and the delayed-onset clinical toxicity. Although idiosyncratic DILI is challenging to detect preclinically, reductions in total daily dose and covalent binding can reduce the covalent body binding burden and, subsequently, the clinical incidence of idiosyncratic DILI.
Factors influencing recurrence in clubfoot treatment with the Ponseti method in children under 5 years of age: a scoping review
Authors: Portilla-Rojas Esteban , Jovel-Trujillo Gabriela , Ramírez Lina , Moreno Camilo , Taborda Juan Carlos
Published: January 2025

Clubfoot (CF) is one of the most common musculoskeletal congenital abnormalities. Despite having optimal methods for its treatment, factors associated with the recurrence of CF treatment continue to be a topic of interest. The aim of this study was to perform a scoping review of the existing literature on factors associated with the recurrence of CF following treatment with the Ponseti method in children under 5 years of age. A scoping literature review was conducted in March 2024 using PubMed and Embase databases, and a structured research strategy. Screening of articles was performed by independent reviewers to ensure the inclusion of all pertinent studies. Considering inclusion and exclusion criteria, a final of 18 articles were included which encompassed factors associated with the recurrence of CF after treatment with the Ponseti method. The Ponseti method has demonstrated a high success rate in achieving CF correction. Various factors come into play regarding favorable outcomes and recurrence cases. The identified factors were initial severity scores for CF, age at the beginning of treatment, correct identification of idiopathic CF and complex CF, neuromuscular imbalance, poor nutritional status, noncompliance for the brace use, and the availability of a specialized attention center that ensured proper Ponseti method application and treatment adherence. Our findings highlight the importance of identifying different factors associated with the recurrence of CF following treatment with the Ponseti method, where timely intervention could minimize the risk of recurrence and achieve favorable outcomes.