bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nonintrusive Load Disaggregation Based on Attention Neural Networks
Authors: Lin Shunfu , Yang Jiayu , Li Yi , Shen Yunwei , Li Fangxing , Bian Xiaoyan , Li Dongdong
Published: January 2025

Nonintrusive load monitoring (NILM), also known as energy disaggregation, infers the energy consumption of individual appliances from household metered electricity data. Recently, NILM has garnered significant attention as it can assist households in reducing energy usage and improving their electricity behaviors. In this paper, we propose a two‐subnetwork model consisting of a regression subnetwork and a seq2point‐based classification subnetwork for NILM. In the regression subnetwork, stacked dilated convolutions are utilized to extract multiscale features. Subsequently, a self‐attention mechanism is applied to the multiscale features to obtain their contextual representations. The proposed model, compared to existing load disaggregation models, has a larger receptive field and can capture crucial information within the data. The study utilizes the low‐frequency UK‐DALE dataset, released in 2015, containing timestamps, power of various appliances, and device state labels. House1 and House5 are employed as the training set, while House2 data is reserved for testing. The proposed model achieves lower errors for all appliances compared to other algorithms. Specifically, the proposed model shows a 13.85% improvement in mean absolute error (MAE), a 21.27% improvement in signal aggregate error (SAE), and a 26.15% improvement in F1 score over existing algorithms. Our proposed approach evidently exhibits superior disaggregation accuracy compared to existing methods.
Positive Islet Cell Cytoplasmic Antibody and Long‐Term Use of Lipid‐Lowering Agents Are Positively Correlated With Peripheral Atherosclerosis in Patients With Autoimmune Diabetes: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Chen Xinyue , Yu Jie , Liu Yiwen , Wang Xuechen , Ping Fan , Li Wei , Zhang Huabing , Xu Lingling , Li Yuxiu
Published: January 2025

Aims: This cross‐sectional study is aimed at determining whether systemic inflammation, diabetic autoantibodies, and islet β cell dysfunction play a role in the progression of macrovascular complications in patients with autoimmune diabetes.

Methods: 202 patients with autoimmune diabetes aged ≥ 35 years and hospitalized in Peking Union Medical College Hospital were enrolled in this study. The patients were divided into three groups based on the severity of peripheral atherosclerosis. Biomarkers of systemic inflammation, diabetes autoantibodies, islet β cell function, and other covariates validated to be associated with macrovascular complications were collected. Correlations between the severity of peripheral atherosclerosis and systemic inflammation, diabetic autoantibodies, and islet β cell function were examined using an ordinal logistic regression model.

Results: Of the enrolled patients, 39.1% were male, with a median age of 53 (43, 60) years and a diabetes duration of 96 (36, 216) months. 58 patients had no lesions in the peripheral arteries, 72 had atherosclerosis in the carotid or lower extremity arteries, and the rest had lesions in both arteries. In the multifactor ordinal logistic regression test, positive islet cell cytoplasmic antibody (ICA) and long‐term use of lipid‐lowering agents were independently associated with peripheral atherosclerosis after adjusting for age and diabetes duration.

Conclusions: The correlation between positive ICA and atherosclerosis suggests inflammation at an early stage plays a role in macrovascular complications in autoimmune diabetes. The association between long‐term use of lipid‐lowering agents and atherosclerosis suggests the need for early screening and intervention for dyslipidemia in patients with autoimmune diabetes.
A Theoretical Model of Clinical Nurses’ Intentions to Stay During Disasters: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach
Authors: Shin Hyerine , Kim Kyunghee , Lee Suk Jeong , Hyun Park So , Lim Changwon , Kim Hyun Jun , Kim Ji-Su
Published: January 2025

Background: With the increasing frequency and severity of disasters, retaining skilled nurses is essential for sustaining healthcare systems in times of crisis. Given that behavior is largely influenced by intention, a predictive model for nurses’ intent to stay (ITS) is needed.

Aim: This study aimed to develop and validate a comprehensive structural model explaining clinical nurses’ ITS during disasters. This model addresses the critical need to understand and enhance nurse retention during crises.

Methods: In this cross‐sectional study, 549 nurses who worked during the COVID‐19 pandemic participated. The data were collected through a web‐based self‐report survey from March 5 to 15, 2024. Factor analysis, model fit confirmation, and path significance were analyzed using SPSS/WIN 23.0 and AMOS 28.0. A two‐step approach was employed to validate the hypothetical model.

Results: Group cohesion significantly impacted organizational commitment, empowerment, and job satisfaction. Adequate staffing and resources were crucial in influencing moral distress and organizational commitment. Both job satisfaction and organizational commitment directly affected the ITS, with group cohesion exerting an indirect effect. Path analysis demonstrated that adequate staffing and resources notably influenced organizational commitment, while adaptive leadership, adequate staffing, and disaster nursing competency significantly impacted job satisfaction. The model explained 71.4% of the variance in nurses’ intention to stay during disasters.

Conclusion: The study highlights that organizational commitment is the strongest predictor of clinical nurses’ intent to remain during disasters.

Implications for Nursing and/or Health Policy: To ensure a stable and skilled nursing workforce in disaster situations, it is essential to foster organizational commitment. Strategies should focus on enhancing group cohesion, providing adequate staffing and resources, and supporting organizational commitment among clinical nurses.
Cystatin C Secretion in Blood Derivatives and Cellular Models of Idiopathic Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Mommaerts Kathleen , Monzel Anna S. , Zagare Alise , Nickels Sarah L. , Diederich Nico J. , Longhino Laura , Mathieson William , Antony Paul M. A. , Betsou Fay , Schwamborn Jens C.
Published: January 2025

Parkinson’s disease is an age‐related progressive neurodegenerative disorder. A large majority of Parkinson’s disease patients have an unknown etiology, which is classified as idiopathic Parkinson’s disease. Generating disease models directly from idiopathic Parkinson’s disease patients may improve the understanding of the disease pathology. Both neuroprotective and neurodegenerative roles have been suggested for cystatin C in neurodegenerative disease. In Parkinson’s disease, investigations assessing cystatin C levels in different types of biospecimens such as blood, cerebrospinal fluid, and in vitro models have had conflicting results. We present a study assessing cystatin C levels in different biospecimen types originating from the same subjects. Using a sandwich ELISA, we compared cystatin C concentration in blood derivatives (plasma and serum) and culture media of derived models (stem cells, neuroepithelial stem cells, and midbrain organoids) of three idiopathic Parkinson’s disease and three age‐matched healthy control subjects with the same CST3 genotype. Genotyping analyses confirmed that all subjects were homozygous AA. The identity of the derived models was confirmed using immunohistochemical staining. Secreted cystatin C concentration was measured in each biospecimen tested. No statistically significant differences in cystatin C concentrations were found between the subjects in any of the biospecimen types. As a personalized marker, a higher cystatin C concentration was shown for some individual patients in the culture medium of midbrain organoids, suggesting a potential involvement in Parkinson’s disease physiopathology. This proof of concept demonstrates that cystatin C is secreted by various idiopathic Parkinson’s disease cell models, including midbrain organoids, which in turn suggests that cystatin C secretion by midbrain organoids might be pertinent in neurodegenerative disease research.
Antidiabetic Potential of Senna siamea: α‐Glucosidase Inhibition, Postprandial Blood Glucose Reduction, Toxicity Evaluation, and Molecular Docking
Authors: Sangkanu Suthinee , Heemman Armad , Phoopha Sathianpong , Pitakbut Thanet , Udomuksorn Wandee , Dej-adisai Sukanya
Published: January 2025

Senna siamea (Lam.) H.S. Irwin & Barneby is used in Thai cuisine. This plant is also used in traditional treatments, including diabetes. Therefore, this study aims to examine the antihyperglycemic effects of S. siamea heartwood extract. The ethanolic extract of S. siamea heartwood exhibited activity against α‐glucosidase enzyme with IC50 values of 54.4 μg/mL. Moreover, S. siamea extract (250–1000 mg/kg BW) was tested using normal rats with and without sucrose of 3 g/kg BW administration. The results showed that all extract concentrations significantly reduced fasting blood glucose compared with the control. In addition, results also agreed with the amount of sucrose in the small intestine of rats. In the acute toxicity study, a single dose of the S. siamea extract at 2000 mg/kg BW caused no mortality, and hematological and biochemical parameters also revealed no toxic effects of the extract on rats. The subchronic toxicity study, administration of the extract for 90 days, at 250 mg/kg BW, caused no significant changes in the hematological and biochemical parameters of rats in the treated groups compared with the control group. However, histopathology of the liver and kidney indicated an inflammatory response at 500 and 1000 mg/kg BW of the extract, correlating to hematological and biochemical findings. Finally, molecular docking was conducted to evaluate theoretical interactions between three main stilbenes previously found in S. siamea extract and mammalian α‐glucosidases (Wistar rat and human). The simulation supported the in vivo study and suggested the potential for human glucosidase inhibition. Therefore, S. siamea could be a promising candidate against α‐glucosidase. This study offers encouraging information on the potential of natural compounds from S. siamea to act as α‐glucosidase inhibitors for diabetes treatment through drug development or dietary supplement for hyperglycemia individuals.
Human Pancreatic Cancer Single-Cell Atlas Reveals Association of CXCL10+ Fibroblasts and Basal Subtype Tumor Cells
Authors: Loveless Ian M. , Kemp Samantha B. , Hartway Kailee M. , Mitchell Jacob T. , Wu Yuesong , Zwernik Samuel D. , Salas-Escabillas Daniel James , Brender Sydney , George Madison , Makinwa Yetunde , Stockdale Thais , Gartrelle Kendyll , Reddy Rohit G. , Long Daniel W. , Wombwell Allison , Clark Julie M. , Levin Albert M. , Kwon David , Huang Ling , Francescone Ralph , Vendramini-Costa Débora B. , Stanger Ben Z. , Alessio Adam , Waters Andrew M. , Cui Yuehua , Fertig Elana J. , Kagohara Luciane T. , Theisen Brian , Crawford Howard C. , Steele Nina G.
Published: January 2025

Purpose:

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients with tumors enriched for the basal-like molecular subtype exhibit enhanced resistance to standard-of-care treatments and have significantly worse overall survival compared with patients with classic subtype–enriched tumors. It is important to develop genomic resources, enabling identification of novel putative targets in a statistically rigorous manner.

Experimental Design:

We compiled a single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) atlas of the human pancreas with 229 patient samples aggregated from publicly available raw data. We mapped cell type–specific scRNA-seq gene signatures in bulk RNA-seq (n = 744) and spatial transcriptomics (ST; n = 22) and performed validation using multiplex immunostaining.

Results:

Analysis of tumor cells from our scRNA-seq atlas revealed nine distinct populations, two of which aligned with the basal subtype, correlating with worse overall survival in bulk RNA-seq. Deconvolution identified one of the basal populations to be the predominant tumor subtype in nondissociated ST tissues and in vitro tumor cell and patient-derived organoid lines. We discovered a novel enrichment and spatial association of CXCL10+ cancer-associated fibroblasts with basal tumor cells. We identified that besides immune cells, ductal cells also express CXCR3, the receptor for CXCL10, suggesting a relationship between these cell types in the PDAC tumor microenvironment.

Conclusions:

We show that our scRNA-seq atlas (700,000 cells), integrated with ST data, has increased statistical power and is a powerful resource, allowing for expansion of current subtyping paradigms in PDAC. We uncovered a novel signaling niche marked by CXCL10+ cancer-associated fibroblasts and basal tumor cells that could be explored for future targeted therapies.
Exploiting YES1-Driven EGFR Expression Improves the Efficacy of EGFR Inhibitors
Authors: Cuellar-Vite Leslie , Donaubauer Elyse M. , Weber-Bonk Kristen L. , Bobbitt Jessica R. , Ingles Natasha N. , Brzozowski Taylor L. , Abdul-Karim Fadi W. , Booth Christine N. , Keri Ruth A.
Published: January 2025

EGFR is a highly expressed driver of many cancers, yet the utility of EGFR inhibitors (EGFRi) is limited to cancers that harbor sensitizing mutations in the EGFR gene because of dose-limiting toxicities. Rather than conventionally blocking the kinase activity of EGFR, we sought to reduce its transcription as an alternative approach to broaden the therapeutic window for EGFR inhibitors targeting wild-type (WT) or mutant EGFR. We found that YES1 is highly expressed in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and drives cell growth by elevating EGFR levels. Mechanistically, YES1 stimulates EGFR expression by signaling to JNK and stabilizing the AP-1 transcription factor c-Jun. This effect extends beyond TNBC as YES1 also sustains EGFR expression in non–small cell lung cancer cells, including those that harbor the EGFR gatekeeper mutation T790M. The novel ability of YES1 to regulate the expression of WT and mutant EGFR mRNA and protein provides a potential therapeutic opportunity of utilizing YES1 blockade to broadly increase the efficacy of EGFR inhibitors. Indeed, we observed synergy within in vitro and in vivo models of TNBC and non–small cell lung cancer, even in the absence of EGFR-activating mutations. Together, these data provide a rationale for blocking YES1 activity as an approach for improving the efficacy of EGFR-targeting drugs in cancers that have generally been refractory to such inhibitors.

Implications: YES1 sustains EGFR expression, revealing a therapeutic vulnerability for increasing the efficacy of EGFR inhibitors by lowering the threshold for efficacy in tumors driven by the WT or mutant receptor.
PARP Inhibitors Differentially Regulate Immune Responses in Distinct Genetic Backgrounds of High-Grade Serous Tubo-Ovarian Carcinoma
Authors: Doro Pereira Luiza , Wielgos-Bonvallet Monica , Misirlioglu Selim , Khodadai-Jamayran Alireza , Jelinic Petar , Levine Douglas A.
Published: January 2025

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have revolutionized treatment for several tumor indications without demonstrated benefit for patients with ovarian cancer. To improve the therapeutic ratio of ICIs in patients with ovarian cancer, several different clinical trials are testing combinations with poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors. Comparing the immunomodulatory effects of clinically advanced PARP inhibitors (PARPi) may help to identify the best partner to combine with ICIs. We examined the treatment effect of talazoparib (a PARP trapper) and veliparib (a solely PARP enzymatic inhibitor) in homologous recombination deficient (HRD) and homologous recombination proficient high-grade serous tubo-ovarian carcinoma (HGSC) cell lines on immune-related gene expression. We discovered and validated that CXCL8, IL-6, and TNF gene expression were upregulated after talazoparib treatment in both OVCAR3 (HRD) and CAOV3 homologous recombination proficient HGSC cell lines. In contrast, veliparib treatment slightly elevated similar genes exclusively in an HRD HGSC cell line model. We expanded these studies to include olaparib, a PARP trapper less potent than talazoparib, and found effects specific to COV361 (BRCA1 mutant) and OVCAR8 (BRCA1 methylated) HGSC cells but not all HRD HGSC cell lines. Our studies also identified differences among PARP trappers versus veliparib on augmenting CXCL10 expression. Finally, we show that talazoparib modulates the CXCL10 response in cGAS-defective cell lines, independent of the cGAS-STING pathway. These mechanistic studies advance our understanding of how different PARPis affect the immune system in various genetic backgrounds.

Significance:

This work highlights how different PARPis, especially talazoparib, modulate immune-related gene expression in ovarian cancer cells, independent of the cGAS-STING pathway. These findings may improve our understanding of how different PARPis affect the immune system in various genetic backgrounds.
Endothelium Modulates the Prothrombotic Phenotype of Factor V Leiden: Evidence From an Ex Vivo Model
Authors: Schwarz Nadine , Müller Jens , McRae Hannah L. , Reda Sara , Pezeshkpoor Behnaz , Oldenburg Johannes , Pötzsch Bernd , Rühl Heiko
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND:

Clinical expressivity of the thrombophilic factor V Leiden (FVL) mutation is highly variable. Recently, we demonstrated an increased APC (activated protein C) response in asymptomatic FVL carriers compared with FVL carriers with a history of venous thromboembolism (VTE) after in vivo coagulation activation. Here, we further explored this association using a recently developed ex vivo model based on patient-specific endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs).

METHODS:

ECFCs and citrated plasma were obtained from FVL carriers with previous VTE (VTE+, n=9), FVL carriers without previous VTE (VTE−, n=8), and 7 healthy controls. Coagulation was activated by TF (tissue factor) in defibrinated recalcified plasma added to confluent cell cultures. Thrombin and APC concentration were measured over time, and the respective areas under the curve (AUCs) were calculated. Additionally, inhibition kinetics of exogenously added APC, APC inhibitor levels, and APC sensitivity ratios were measured in plasma. Expression of TM (thrombomodulin) and EPCR (endothelial protein C receptor) on ECFCs was assessed using cell-based ELISAs.

RESULTS:

In autologous plasma on ECFCs, the APC response (AUC APC/AUC thrombin) was higher in FVL VTE− than in FVL VTE+ patients (0.138 versus 0.028;
P
=0.026). APC inhibitor levels, APC inactivation kinetics, and APC sensitivity ratios did not differ between cohorts. Crossover experiments, which combined pooled plasma from FVL VTE− patients with FVL VTE+ ECFCs in the ex vivo model, and vice versa, showed increased APC response rates when FVL VTE− ECFCs were used, regardless of the plasma component. In cell-based ELISAs, TM and EPCR expression showed no significant difference.

CONCLUSIONS:

Although the FVL gene product induces an almost identical APC resistance phenotype in plasma, the endothelial cell–dependent APC response rates differ significantly, with a higher APC response in asymptomatic FVL carriers. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the disease-modulating role of the endothelium in FVL carriers at the molecular level.
Intravascular Imaging as a Performance Measure for Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Stein Elliot J. , Mesenbring Elise , Smith Tracy , Hebbe Annika , Salahuddin Taufiq , Waldo Stephen W. , Dyal Michael D. , Doll Jacob A.
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND:

Intravascular imaging (IVI) is widely recognized to improve outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, IVI is underutilized and is not yet established as a performance measure for quality PCI.

METHODS:

We examined temporal trends of IVI use for all PCIs performed at Veterans Affairs hospitals in the United States from 2010 to 2022 using retrospective observational cohorts. IVI was defined as intravascular ultrasound or optical coherence tomography. A contemporary subset of PCIs from 2020 to 2022 was used to examine clinical characteristics associated with IVI use and test the reliability of IVI as a pass/fail performance measure. We then used a generalized linear mixed model to estimate the proportion of IVI use variability attributable to the hospital, physician, and patient level. Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess the association of IVI with clinical outcomes at 1 year.

RESULTS:

IVI use increased from 12.3% in 2010 to 43.1% in 2022 in 136 071 PCIs included in the study. Among 22 918 PCIs in the contemporary cohort, IVI was more frequent with nonemergent presentations, chronic total occlusions, and left main lesions but usage variability was primarily attributable to hospital (54%) and physician (33%) levels. As a pass/fail performance measure, reliability was high (>0.96) at hospital and physician levels. However, IVI use was not associated with statistically significant differences in mortality or major adverse cardiovascular events in this cohort.

CONCLUSIONS:

IVI use for PCI is increasing rapidly at Veterans Affairs hospitals in the United States but with marked variation at the hospital and physician levels. IVI meets established criteria for an effective performance measure and should be measured and reported by local and national organizations to encourage further uptake. Ongoing training and quality improvement may be required to maximize the benefit of IVI as it is more widely utilized.
Loss of Type 2 Bone Morphogenetic Protein Receptor Activates NOD‐Like Receptor Family Protein 3/Gasdermin E‐Mediated Pyroptosis in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Tian Xiao‐ting , Peng Zhou‐yang‐fan , Wu Yu‐si , Cao Yuan‐yuan , Li Xue‐chun , Li Ying , Tang Si‐Yuan , Chen Alex F. , Li Xiao‐hui
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is an incurable disease initiated by endothelial dysfunction, secondary to vascular inflammation and occlusive pulmonary arterial vascular remodeling, resulting in elevated pulmonary arterial pressure and right heart failure. Previous research has reported that dysfunction of type 2 bone morphogenetic protein receptor (BMPR2) signaling pathway in endothelium is inclined to prompt inflammation in PAH models, but the underlying mechanism of BMPR2 deficiency‐mediated inflammation needs further investigation. This study was designed to investigate whether BMPR2 deficiency contributes to pulmonary arterial hypertension via the NLRP3 (NOD‐like receptor family protein 3)/GSDME (gasdermin E)‐mediated pyroptosis pathway.

METHODS AND RESULTS

NLRP3 knockout or short hairpin RNA interference of GSDME was performed in PAH animal models to investigate its effect on PAH progression. In addition, the effects of BMPR2 deficiency and restoration of BMPR2 by BMP9 (bone morphogenetic protein 9) or FK506 on pyroptosis were explored both in animal and cell models. Knockout of NLRP3 or short hairpin RNA interference of GSDME in animal models can alleviate the development of pyroptosis, accompanied with improved endothelial integrity, vascular remodeling, and right ventricular systolic pressure. Blocking BMPR2 is sufficient to induce NLRP3 upregulation and release of inflammatory factor IL‐1β (interleukin‐1β) in pulmonary arterial endothelial cells. Moreover, BMPR2 deficiency can induce GSDME‐mediated pyroptosis through NLRP3 activation in 2 animal models, whereas activation of BMPR2 signaling by FK506 or BMP9 can reverse these phenotypes.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings provide evidence that loss of BMPR2 signaling promotes endothelial cell pyroptosis by enhancing NLRP3/GSDME signaling in PAH. Our findings may provide new insights to explore the inflammatory mechanism of PAH treatment.
Association Between Cardiometabolic Comorbidity Burden and Outcomes in Heart Failure
Authors: Hamo Carine E. , Li Xiyue , Ndumele Chiadi E. , Mukhopadhyay Amrita , Adhikari Samrachana , Blecker Saul
Published: January 2025

Background

Cardiometabolic comorbidities such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension are highly prevalent in heart failure (HF). We aimed to examine the association between severity of cardiometabolic comorbidities and hospitalization in patients with HF.

Methods

In a retrospective electronic health record‐based cohort of adults

≥

$$ \ge $$

18 with HF, we categorized individuals based on the number of severe cardiometabolic comorbidities, including hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. Severely uncontrolled comorbidities were defined as systolic blood pressure ≥160 mm Hg, hemoglobin A1c ≥8%, and body mass index ≥35 kg/m
2
. Cox regression models were used to assess the association between cardiometabolic comorbidity burden and time to all‐cause and HF hospitalization at 1 year, adjusting for age, sex, race or ethnicity, and insurance status, smoking, prior hospitalization, and Elixhauser comorbidity index. Stratified analyses were conducted for HF with preserved and reduced ejection fraction.

Results

A total of 26 800 individuals with HF (mean age 75

±

$$ \pm $$

13.7, 46% women, 69% White) experienced 4284 (16%) hospitalizations over a 1‐year period. Compared with individuals with absent comorbidities, those with 1 or 2 to 3 severely uncontrolled comorbidities had a significantly higher risk of all‐cause hospitalization (hazard ratio [HR], 1.23 [95% CI, 1.09–1.39] and HR, 1.57 [95% CI, 1.35–1.83], respectively). We found similar associations for HF hospitalization. These associations were similar among individuals with HF with preserved ejection fraction compared with HF with reduced ejection fraction.

Conclusions

Greater cardiometabolic comorbidity burden was associated with increased risk of all‐cause hospitalization in HF. This reinforces the role for targeting severely uncontrolled cardiometabolic comorbidities to reduce morbidity in HF.
Distinguishing microgliosis and tau deposition in the mouse brain using paramagnetic and diamagnetic susceptibility source separation
Authors: Joshi Jayvik , Yao Minmin , Kakazu Aaron , Ouyang Yuxiao , Duan Wenzhen , Aggarwal Manisha
Published: January 2025

Tauopathies, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), are neurodegenerative disorders characterized by hyperphosphorylated tau protein aggregates in the brain. In addition to protein aggregates, microglia-mediated inflammation and iron dyshomeostasis are other pathological features observed in AD and other tauopathies. It is known that these alterations at the subcellular level occur much before the onset of macroscopic tissue atrophy or cognitive deficits. The ability to detect these microstructural changes with MRI, therefore, has substantive importance for improved characterization of disease pathogenesis. In this study, we demonstrate that quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) with paramagnetic and diamagnetic susceptibility source separation has the potential to distinguish neuropathological alterations in a transgenic mouse model of tauopathy. 3D multi-echo gradient echo data were acquired from fixed brains of PS19 (Tau) transgenic mice and age-matched wild-type (WT) mice (n = 5 each) at 11.7 T. The multi-echo data were fit to a 3-pool complex signal model to derive maps of paramagnetic component susceptibility (PCS) and diamagnetic component susceptibility (DCS). Group-averaged signal fraction and composite susceptibility maps showed significant region-specific differences between the WT and Tau mouse brains. Significant bilateral increases in PCS and |DCS| were observed in specific hippocampal and cortical sub-regions of the Tau mice relative to WT controls. Comparison with immunohistological staining for microglia (Iba1) and phosphorylated-tau (AT8) further indicated that the PCS and DCS differences corresponded to regional microgliosis and tau deposition in the PS19 mouse brains, respectively. The results demonstrate that quantitative susceptibility source separation may provide sensitive imaging markers to detect distinct pathological alterations in tauopathies.
Occupational Titles in Census Data: England and Wales
Authors: Calabrese Matteo , van Leeuwen Bas
Published: January 2025

Historical census data are a pivotal source for studying occupational dynamics, yet analyzing them is often challenging due to the large number of unique occupations and the need to standardize unspecific titles. A new methodology for attributing occupational titles to industrial sectors, demonstrated with the 1939 National Register for England and Wales (a dataset of approximately 42 million entries), produces findings that align with the trends across the agriculture and mining, secondary, and tertiary sectors identified in previous studies. At the subsector level, however, this procedure revises the shares for agricultural workers and individuals employed across the tertiary subsectors. At the district level, the sectoral allocation process results in a redistribution of workers into certain secondary subsectors driven by more precise sectoral estimations for previously underrepresented groups and the empirical allocation of generic laborers.
Utopianism of the Will
Authors: Foster Hal
Published: January 2025

Foster examines the historical tension between utopian and anarchist approaches to social transformation, beginning with Anthony Vidler's 1975 question about how to “refuse the present” while acting within it. Through analysis of competing theoretical frameworks—particularly Manfredo Tafuri's critique of the avant-garde and the dialectic between “Chance” and “Form”—Foster reconsiders the relationship between anarchist and socialist approaches to radical change. He reframes Tafuri's dialectic as an antinomy between Psychopathology and Utopia, exemplified by the contrasting legacies of Dada and Constructivism. While acknowledging the historical failures of utopian projects, Foster argues for a contemporary synthesis of anarchist and socialist elements to address climate crisis. He suggests that environmental collapse demands both the mutual aid practices of anarchism and the strong state intervention of socialism. Drawing on thinkers from Rosa Luxemburg to Andreas Malm and contemporary examples from Occupy to COVID-19 responses, Foster advocates for what he terms “socialist Constructivism” to implement necessary environmental measures. The article concludes by proposing that climate refugees be seen as vanguards of new social forms and endorsing Fredric Jameson's reformulation of Gramsci's famous motto as “cynicism of the intellect, utopianism of the will.”
Investigating Critical Period Effects in Language Acquisition through Neural Language Models
Authors: Constantinescu Ionut , Pimentel Tiago , Cotterell Ryan , Warstadt Alex
Published: January 2025

Humans appear to have a critical period (CP) for language acquisition: Second language (L2) acquisition becomes harder after early childhood, and ceasing exposure to a first language (L1) after this period (but not before) typically does not lead to substantial loss of L1 proficiency. It is unknown whether these CP effects result from innately determined brain maturation or as a stabilization of neural connections naturally induced by experience. In this study, we use language models (LMs) to test the extent to which these phenomena are peculiar to humans, or shared by a broader class of language learners. We vary the age of exposure by training LMs on language pairs in various experimental conditions, and find that LMs, which lack any direct analog to innate maturational stages, do not show CP effects when the age of exposure of L2 is delayed. Our results contradict the claim that CP effects are an inevitable result of statistical learning, and they are consistent with an innate mechanism for CP effects. We show that we can reverse-engineer the CP by introducing a regularizer partway through training to simulate a maturational decrease in plasticity. All in all, our results suggest that L1 learning on its own may not be enough to induce a CP, and additional engineering is necessary to make language models more cognitively plausible.
Reconstructing Pliny’s Comment on Apion Plistonices (Nat. praef. 25)
Authors: Nathan Jonathan
Published: January 2025

The passage concerning the grammarian Apion Plistonices in the preface to Pliny’s Natural History (praef. 25) is corrupt. The present article attempts to restore the wanting title of Apion’s book, conjecturing that this was Apion’s well-known Αἰγυπτιακά, a history of Egypt. The article also deals with numerous other text-critical and interpretative problems that have confronted scholars working on praef. 25 from the late fifteenth century.
Is Marriage Really (Like) a Sale? Reflections of Muslim Jurists of the Fifth–Sixth Century AH / Eleventh–Twelfth Century CE
Authors: Katz Marion
Published: January 2025

Since the publication of Kecia Ali’s Marriage and Slavery in Early Islam (2010) it has been a commonplace in the field that the pre-modern Islamic law of marriage and divorce was fundamentally shaped by an analogy between marriage and sale. However, that study focuses rigorously on sources from the formative period of Islamic law. This paper extends its inquiry to a selection of scholars from the eleventh and twelfth century CE, showing that by this period some leading jurists were expressing explicit skepticism and discomfort towards the idea that the marriage contract comprised an exchange of the husband’s material support for the wife’s sexual availability. More importantly, their reservations were not merely technical, but reflected their sense that marital sex was a mutual benefit, that free women and their bodies were not subject to purchase, and that marriage was animated by an ethic distinct from that of commercial exchange.
“People First, Students Second”: Considerations for Building Trusting Relationships Between Educational Professionals and Adolescents in Schools
Authors: Herelle Tarsha I. , Mac Iver Martha Abele , Yoshisato Cavey Mariko
Published: January 2025

Students’ relationships with adults in educational environments require careful consideration from researchers and practitioners as we seek to improve educational outcomes, particularly for those who have been historically underserved. This qualitative case study extends research on the development of student-teacher trust to a broader group of adults within the school by focusing on the work of City Year (CY) AmeriCorps members (ACMs), serving as in-school student success coaches and their in-school CY leaders, Impact Managers. We use data from adult student success coaches and leaders in two urban districts to examine how young adults temporarily serving in student support roles developed trusting relationships with youth and how they perceived their contribution to students’ academic and social-emotional growth. Findings show despite the temporal nature of their role, CY staff across sites and grade levels develop trust with students by using human-centered approaches, being vulnerable and honest with students, and setting clear boundaries. The participants’ voices in this study provide interpersonal strategies for teachers, teaching assistants, counselors, mentors, and staff to consider when building holistic and authentic relationships with students.
Examining STEM Preferences in Autistic Students: The Role of Contextual Support, Self-Efficacy, and Outcome Expectations
Authors: Kim Hyejung , Ottens Mack , Jacob Matthew , Qiao Xingye
Published: January 2025

Over recent decades, there has been a significant increase in postsecondary STEM education among autistic individuals. Using data from the High School Longitudinal Study of 2009, this study examined the STEM pathways of autistic students, emphasizing key determinants like proximal context, self-efficacy, and outcome expectations within the framework of social cognitive theory. The results revealed that despite a lower college attendance rate, autistic students displayed a pronounced inclination for STEM majors, particularly in the fields of science, engineering, and mathematics. Notably, autistic students who pursue higher education tend to exhibit increased levels of self-efficacy and anticipate more positive outcomes within STEM disciplines. However, the levels of both constructs in mathematics had decreased by the 11th grade. Nonetheless, STEM self-efficacy played a significant role in influencing outcome expectations and major choices, with this relationship being more pronounced among autistic students. For autistic students, their choice of a STEM major was influenced by their self-efficacy, as well as factors like race and gender. On the other hand, for non-autistic students, their proximal context was an additional determinant in their decision. Insights gained from this research can inform educational strategies aimed at facilitating the participation of autistic individuals in postsecondary STEM education and related career paths.
Mullins effect of foamed liquid silicone elastomers
Authors: Marl Svenja , Giesen Ralf-Urs , Heim Hans-Peter
Published: January 2025

Silicone elastomers filled with silica exhibit a softening effect under cyclic loading, also known as the Mullins effect. There are various theories as to the origin of this effect. One theory cites the breaking of secondary bonds as the reason, while another theory cites molecular slipping and the loosening of entanglements as the reason for the softening. In contrast to previous studies, foamed silicone rubbers are investigated here. In addition to the silica, the samples investigated here contain thermally expandable microspheres, resulting in two types of filler (silica and the microspheres as thermoplastic particles). Two different kinds of these microspheres with different particle sizes and expansion temperatures are used. To study the effect, hysteresis tensile tests (Mullins tests) as well as FTIR analyses, density measurements and microscopy images were carried out. The Mullins tests were evaluated for their curve shape, their hysteresis area of the first cycle and the residual strain. The residual strain shows a correlation with the porosity, as the larger microspheres have a higher porosity and a higher residual strain. The area of the first hysteresis correlates with the number of microspheres, but not with the porosity. The larger microspheres have a smaller hysteresis area but a higher porosity. The FTIR analysis showed that the stabilizer used to produce the microspheres is based on silicon oxide. As a result, there are secondary bonds between the microspheres and the silicone elastomer, which are broken at the beginning.
Assessing Communication Competencies in Canadian MPH Program Curriculum: A Content Analysis of Communication Courses
Authors: MacKay Melissa , McAlpine Devon , Grant Lauren E. , Papadopoulos Andrew , McWhirter Jennifer E.
Published: January 2025

Objectives:

Communication plays a pivotal role in addressing modern and complex public health challenges. Our study assessed the extent to which communication-related course outlines in Canadian master of public health (MPH) programs aligned with national and international public health competency frameworks in their coverage of communication competencies.

Methods:

We conducted an environmental scan and content analysis of MPH courses relevant to public health communication in 2022 and 2023. We used university and program websites and Google to conduct initial searches and obtain course outlines, supplementing these searches with a survey. We developed a codebook based on public health competencies and pedagogical best practices, capturing variables for communication competencies, audiences, channels, tools, and techniques. Two researchers independently coded course outlines. Descriptive statistics evaluated how these courses address communication-related public health competencies.

Results:

We obtained 11 course outlines offered from 2010 through 2023. The focus of the included courses varied, with health communication (n = 3), knowledge mobilization (n = 3), and risk and/or crisis communication (n = 2) being the most common. All courses broadly aligned with communication competencies related to communication with different audiences (n = 11), and mobilizing (n = 9), interpreting (n = 11), tailoring (n = 9), and facilitating (n = 9) communication. Using technology (n = 4) and media (n = 6), addressing mis/disinformation (n = 1), and communicating with diverse audiences (n = 3) had less alignment.

Conclusions:

Findings revealed gaps in the coverage of key competencies, particularly in addressing mis/disinformation, leveraging technology and media, communicating with diverse populations, health literacy, and crisis communication. Ongoing review of curriculum would ensure alignment with evolving competencies and public health demands.
Thermal activation and dynamic mechanical characterization of glass-reinforced shape memory polymer composites for medical applications
Authors: Zubair Zakariya , Razzaq Wasif , Abbas Adeel , Hussain Fiaz , Ghalib Ehtisham , Ayyoob Muhammad , Hamdani Syed Talha Ali
Published: January 2025

Thermally activated shape memory polymers are of increasing interest nowadays. Their incorporation in textile-based preforms reinforced composites is being focused on, owing to some functional applications of medical textiles, e.g., posture support of joints after fracture surgery where gradual healing of fractures requires the joints to be moved slightly, which is not possible with conventional supports. Hence, this study was aimed at the development and characterization of thermally activated shape memory composites having woven glass fiber reinforcements for such applications. Three different stackings or laminates were developed (single-, double-, and triple-layered composites), solely using glass fiber, whereas resin material induced shape memory function. The glass transition temperature of the engineered specimens was determined, and the shape memory function was evaluated at three different temperatures, namely, below, at, and above the glass transition temperature (45°C, 65°C, and 85°C). Increasing the characterization temperature decreased the shape recovery time by 75%, owing to softening and better polymer chain mobility at higher temperatures. The shape recovery velocity also increased with increasing temperature. Increasing the number of glass fabric layers compromised the shape memory function; however, the interlaminar shear strength was improved.
Acceptability and Future Considerations for Telegenetic Counseling After the COVID Pandemic: Interviews with Genetic Counselors, Clinicians, and Patients
Authors: Martinez Meghan C. , Szwerinski Nina , Liang Su-Ying , Chan Sharon , de Bruin Monique , Stults Cheryl D.
Published: January 2025

While telegenetic counseling has increased substantially since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, previous studies reported concerns around building rapport, nonverbal communication, and the patient-counselor relationship. This qualitative evaluation elicited feedback from genetic counselors, referring clinicians, and patients from a single healthcare organization to understand the user-driven reasons for overall satisfaction and experience. We conducted 22 in-depth, semi-structured interviews with participants from all 3 groups between February 2022 and February 2023. Interview recordings were transcribed and analyzed using a pragmatic thematic approach. Participants across all groups felt the style and content of the genetic counseling visit lent itself perfectly to telegenetics specifically because of no physical exam component. Most patient and counselor participants expressed having the genetic counseling over phone or video had no impact on the patient-counselor relationship or the amount of trust and emotional connection they were able to achieve remotely. Preference for visit type can be influenced by in-person masking requirements impeding full facial expressions or expressing strong emotions over phone. All respondents expressed strong support for all modalities going forward. Counselors with broad experience across platforms should be the focus of future recruitment as should patient education around the nature of the genetic counseling visit and the accuracy of various testing options. Telegenetic programs should consider perspectives from all 3 groups to ensure that specific needs of each are addressed.
A Bayesian-optimized 1D CNN-based outlier detection approach for wireless sensor networks
Authors: Bibi Somia , Titouna Chafiq , Titouna Faiza
Published: January 2025

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) have recently emerged as a critical technology in various applications, including industrial automation, building monitoring, and military. However, the data generated by these networks are often prone to outliers, which can compromise sensor data quality and reliability. Detecting outliers is paramount to ensure proper network functioning. Traditional detection techniques pose several challenges, such as weak adaptability to the increasing complexity and dynamic environmental changes, limited accuracy, and higher computation costs. To address these challenges, this paper proposes an optimized one-dimensional convolutional neural networks (1D CNN)-based outlier detection approach for WSNs. This approach comprises two key modules: a predictor module and an outlier detector. The predictor module employs a 1D CNN model to forecast forthcoming sensor measurements based on historical data. Bayesian optimization is used to enhance the 1D CNN model’s accuracy. The outlier detector identifies outliers based on the Euclidean distance between the predicted measurements and their corresponding actual values. Experiments on synthetic and real-world datasets reveal that our proposed approach outperforms other existing deep learning-based frameworks in terms of accuracy, F1 score, and false alarm rates.
Harnessing nuclear power for sustainable electricity generation and achieving zero emissions
Authors: Khaleel Mohamed , Yusupov Ziyodulla , Rekik Sassi , Kılıç Heybet , Nassar Yasser F. , El-Khozondar Hala J. , Ahmed Abdussalam Ali
Published: January 2025

Nuclear power plays a pivotal role in sustainable electricity generation and global net zero emissions, contributing significantly to this secure pathway. Nuclear power capacity is expected to double, escalating from 413 gigawatts (GW) in early 2022 to 812 GW by 2050 within the net zero emissions (NZE) paradigm. The global energy landscape is undergoing significant transformation as nations strive to transition to more sustainable energy systems. Amidst this shift, nuclear power has emerged as a crucial component in the pursuit of a sustainable energy transition. This study examines nuclear power's multifaceted role in shaping sustainable energy transition. It delves into nuclear energy's contributions toward decarbonization efforts, highlighting its capacity to provide low-carbon electricity and its potential role in mitigating climate change. Furthermore, the study explores the challenges and opportunities associated with integrating nuclear power into energy transition strategies, addressing issues such as safety, waste management, and public perception. In conclusion, the global nuclear power capacity is anticipated to reach approximately 530 GW by 2050, representing a substantial shortfall of 35% compared with the trajectory outlined in the NZE pathway. Under the NZE scenario, nuclear power demonstrates exceptional expansion, nearly doubling from 413 GW in early 2022 to 812 GW by 2050. Concurrently, the trajectory highlights a transformative shift in renewable energy investments, with annual expenditures surging from an average of US$325 billion during 2016–2020 to an impressive US$1.3 trillion between 2031 and 2035. These projections underscore the critical role of nuclear and renewable energy investments in achieving global sustainability and emission reduction goals.