bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Organising for innovation: alliance-to-acquisition transitions and patent production
Authors: McCarthy Killian , Aalbers Rick , Kearney Claudine
Published: February 2025

Innovating in the pharmaceutical industry requires firms to use strategic alliances and acquisitions to build complex interorganizational relationships. While the impact of these strategies is well-documented, less is known about the implications of ‘transitioning’ from alliances to acquisitions—that is, acquiring one’s alliance partners. Drawing on resource dependence theory and analysing data from 351 pharmaceutical firms—which collectively announced 1784 acquisitions and filed 65,523 patent applications over a 25-year period—we quantify the effects of transitions on the number of breakthrough and incremental patents produced. Our findings indicate that alliance-to-acquisition transitions enhance incremental innovation but do not significantly impact breakthrough innovation. However, we find that the ‘type’ of transition plays a critical role: acquiring a greater share of international alliance partners—introducing cultural complexity—reduces the number of incremental innovations produced compared to transitions with domestic partners. Similarly, acquiring a greater share of related partners—reducing the firm’s technological complexity—limits the number of breakthrough innovations produced compared to acquiring unrelated partners. These findings provide new insights into how governance choices shape innovation outcomes in the pharmaceutical sector and offer practical guidance for managers seeking to optimize their innovation strategies through informed alliance and acquisition decisions.
The Role and Possibilities of Epigenetics in Ornamental Plant Breeding
Authors: Kisvarga Szilvia , Horotán Katalin , Orlóci László
Published: February 2025

The importance of epigenetics in plant cultivation and breeding has been growing rapidly in the recent years, and this knowledge base is likely to expand further in the years ahead. The constantly changing climate means that our commercial and ornamental plants require reassessment and varieties need to be adapted to these climatic conditions. Epigenetics provides a solution for breeding varieties that change phenotypic traits without modifying the DNA, so that they cannot be considered as genetically modified varieties. Breeding of ornamental plants will therefore be a priority area for epigenetics in the near future, as it is of paramount importance to ensure a constantly renewed ornamental quality. Flowering and flower induction will also be an important area of epigenetic research. In this work, we have collected some relevant epigenetic results in the plant kingdom, with emphasis on ornamental plants.
Overlap times in the G/G/1 queue via Laplace transforms
Authors: Boxma Onno , Pender Jamol
Published: February 2025

In this paper, we analyze the steady-state maximum overlap time distribution in the G/G/1 queue. Our methodology exploits Laplace-Stieltjes transforms with a novel decomposition of the maximum overlap time. Explicit expressions are provided for the special cases of the M/G/1 and G/M/1 queues. We also study the steady-state distribution of the minimum overlap time of a customer with its two adjacent customers. We show a novel relationship between the minimum, maximum and the steady-state waiting time.
The influence of short-term subjective expectations on stock price movements
Authors: Schmidt Johannes
Published: February 2025

This paper examines the role of short-term subjective expectations in asset pricing by analyzing their explanatory power for stock price movements. I use a sample of the Swiss stock market from 2003 to 2022 to compute aggregate measures of subjective expectations. I find a strong positive relationship between subjective growth expectations and future realized growth. Furthermore, I observe that the forecast errors of subjective growth expectations are predictable, which should not be the case in a world of rational expectations. The proportions of variation in the price-dividend, price-earnings, and price-to-cash flow ratio are estimated using a variance decomposition approach. The results indicate that subjective expectations significantly contribute to these variations.
Backfill-geogrid interaction: insights from pullout tests and numerical simulation
Authors: Verma Harshal , Mishra Partha Narayan , Manna Bappaditya , Williams David
Published: February 2025

The study investigates the interaction between geogrids and two distinct granular backfill materials, Yamuna sand and coal mine overburden through a combination of laboratory experiments and numerical simulations. It evaluates the physical and mechanical properties of coalmine overburden and Yamuna sand, and the pullout performance of geogrid embedded in both materials. A large-scale pullout box was utilised to conduct the experiments, and the results showed that coalmine overburden offers higher pullout resistance than Yamuna sand. The effect of physical parameters such as elasticity of geogrid, geogrid geometry and angle of inclination were analysed using the discrete element method. The pullout resistance of geogrids mainly depends on the elastic properties of the material. The study also shows the existence of an optimum spacing between longitudinal and transverse ribs.
Structural comparison of N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate-Lipiodol (NL) and N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate-Lipiodol-Ethanol (NLE) using scanning electron microscope
Authors: Sasaki Yu , Araki Takuji , Ban Munetsugu , Hujihara Kodai , Imaimatsu Hiroto , Okada Hiroki , Oda Toshiyuki , Onishi Hiroshi
Published: February 2025

Purpose

N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (NBCA) and Lipiodol mixture (NL) are widely used for emergency embolization due to their effective polymerization upon contact with blood. However, NBCA’s strong adhesive properties can cause complications, leading to the development of an NBCA-Lipiodol-ethanol mixture (NLE), which has shown reduced catheter adhesion. This study aimed to observe the structural differences between NL and NLE polymers using scanning electron microscopy.

Materials and methods

Four different ratios of NBCA, Lipiodol, and ethanol (NLE230, NLE221, NLE150, and NLE141) were examined. The samples were injected into silicone tubes filled with human serum, and the polymerized specimens were collected and observed using scanning electron microscopy.

Results

NLE230 formed a dense, three-dimensional honeycomb-like structure, whereas NLE221 exhibited a two-dimensional folded-sheet structure. Both NLE150 and NLE141 exhibited a folded-sheet structure; however, NLE141 was considerably more fragile, with cracks and rough surfaces, resulting in a structure that lacked uniformity.

Conclusion

The differences in structure suggest that ethanol considerably influences the polymerization process. These differences may explain characteristics of NLE, such as low adhesion.
Assessing Hyrcanian forest fire vulnerability: socioeconomic and environmental perspectives
Authors: Nejatiyanpour Elnaz , Ghorbanzadeh Omid , Strobl Josef , Yousefpour Rasoul , Kakhki Mahmoud Daneshvar , Amirnejad Hamid , Gholamnia Khalil , Sabouni Mahmoud Sabouhi
Published: February 2025

The increasing frequency and intensity of forest fires, driven by climate change and human activities, pose a significant threat to vital forest ecosystems, particularly where fire is not a natural element in the regeneration cycle. This study aims to identify the indicators influencing forest fire vulnerability and compare maps of forest fire susceptibility that are based on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change tripartite model, with a focus on the vulnerable Hyrcanian forest region in Golestan Province, northern Iran, where forest fires have caused considerable economic losses. On the basis of expert opinions and a literature review, we used geographic information systems, remote sensing and machine learning techniques to select and weigh 30 biophysical, environmental and socioeconomic indicators that affect forest fire vulnerability in the study area. These indicators were rigorously normalized, weighted and amalgamated into a comprehensive forest fire vulnerability index to analyze forest exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity. We thus identified and mapped areas with very high forest fire exposure, high sensitivity and low adaptive capacity for urgent targeted intervention and strategic planning to mitigate the impacts of forest fires. The results also revealed a set of critical indicators that contribute more significantly to forest fire vulnerability (e.g., precipitation, elevation and factors related to biodiversity, human activity and economic reliance on forest resources). Our results provide insights that can inform policy-making, community engagement and environmental management strategies to mitigate the vulnerabilities associated with forest fires in the Hyrcanian forest.
Imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine mannich bases: synthesis, anticholinesterase evaluation, and in silico studies
Authors: Kuzu Burak , Demir Yeliz
Published: February 2025

In this study, a series of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine-mannich bases were designed and synthesized for the inhibition of cholinesterases, one of the important pathways in the treatment of Alzheimer's dementia. The imidazopyridine scaffold, which is found in the structure of many active compounds in pharmaceutical use, is derived from Mannich-bases containing morpholine and various aromatic groups. In vitro AChE and BChE enzyme activities and enzyme kinetics studies of new potential drug candidates (9a-j) that can target the critical binding regions of cholinesterases were conducted. In vitro evaluation with donepezil, tacrine (control compounds), and 9a-j, it was found that naphthalene-substituted compound 9j exhibited the most potential anti-cholinesterase activity (IC50s: 57.75 nM for AChE; 99.0 nM for BChE). Molecular docking studies performed with hAChE and hBChE enzyme crystal structures revealed that compound 9j has a higher binding affinity by targeting the CAS and PAS binding sites. Additionally, drug-likeness and pre-ADMET evaluation of the compounds showed that compound 9j had the most favorable drug properties. These results might be a new milestone in terms of the promising importance of the imidazopyridine scaffold in future drug design for the treatment of AD.

Graphical abstract
Large sumsets from small subsets
Authors: Bollobás Béla , Leader Imre , Tiba Marius
Published: February 2025

In this paper we start to investigate a new body of questions in additive combinatorics. The fundamental Cauchy–Davenport theorem gives a lower bound on the size of a sumset A + B for subsets of the cyclic group ℤ
p
of order p (p prime), and this is just one example of a large family of results. Our aim in this paper is to investigate what happens if we restrict the number of elements of one set that we may use to form the sums. Here is the question we set out to answer: given two subsets, A and B, does B have a subset B′ of bounded size such that A + B′ is large, perhaps even comparable to the size of A + B? In particular, can we get close to the lower bound of the Cauchy–Davenport theorem?

Our main results show that, rather surprisingly, in many circumstances it is possible to obtain not merely an asymptotic version of the usual sumset bound, but even the exact bound itself. For example, in ℤ, we show that if A and B have size n then there are three elements b
1, b
2, b
3 ∈ B such that ∣(A + b
1) ∪ (A + b
2) ∪ (A + b
3)∣ ⩾ 2n − 1. And for ℤ
p
itself, we show the following: if A and B have size n, where n ⩽ p/3, then there is a subset B′ of B of size c such that ∣A + B′∣ ⩾ 2n − 1. Here c is an absolute constant. In the inverse direction for this result, we show that if for every subset B′ of B of size c we have ∣A + B′∣ ⩽ 2n − 1 + r, where r ⩽ εn for some absolute constant ε, then B is contained in an arithmetic progression of size n + r. We also prove ‘unbalanced’ forms of our results, when the sizes of A and B may differ.

As an application, we prove some considerable extensions of the Erdős–Heilbronn problem. We also present versions in the continuous setting, and give several open problems.
Online embedding of metrics
Authors: Newman Ilan , Rabinovich Yuri
Published: February 2025

We study deterministic online embeddings of metric spaces into normed spaces and into trees against an adaptive adversary. Main results include a polynomial lower bound on the (multiplicative) distortion of embedding into Euclidean spaces, a tight exponential upper bound on embedding into the line, and a (1 + ϵ)-distortion embedding in ℓ
∞ of a suitably high dimension.
Smoking, Alcohol Consumption, and Atrial Fibrillation: Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Ye Xuejiao , Wu Qian , Lv Qianyu , Hou Xinzheng , Yang Yingtian , Yang Chenyan , Wang Shihan
Published: February 2025

Smoking, secondhand smoke exposure, and alcohol consumption are significant risk factors that contribute to an increased global burden of cardiovascular diseases. However, the casual relationship between smoking, passive smoking, alcohol consumption, and atrial fibrillation (AF) remains uncertain. Conventional observational studies are difficult to draw conclusion on high-quality causality. To elucidate the association between smoking, secondhand smoke exposure, alcohol consumption, and AF, we conducted this two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. Smoking encompasses current tobacco smoking, ever-smoked, and light smokers, with light smokers being defined as at least 100 smokes in lifetime, as well as secondhand smoke exposure, which is characterized by workplace had a lot of cigarette smoke from other people smoking: Often. Alcohol consumption encompasses diagnoses—secondary ICD10: Z72.1 Alcohol use and the frequency of alcohol intake. Genetic variants associated with smoking and alcohol consumption were obtained from the IEU Open GWAS project and subsequently selected as instrumental variables (IVs). The corresponding variants associated with AF were also retrieved from the IEU Open GWAS project. The primary MR method utilized was the inverse-variance weighted (IVW). To assess the robustness of our results, multiple supplementary methods were utilized, including the weighted median (WM), MR-Egger regression, MR-PRESSO, MR-Egger intercept test, and the leave-one-out method. A reverse MR analysis was also conducted to determine the potential existence of reverse causality. Genetic predictions indicate a causal relationship between active smoking (current tobacco smoking, P

-val
 = 0.019, OR: 1.413, 95% CI = 1.058–1.888; ever smoked, P

-val
 = 0.049, OR: 1.355, 95% CI = 1.001–1.834; light smokers, P

-val
 = 0.001, OR: 1.444, 95% CI = 1.154–1.806) and AF. No causal association was found between secondhand smoke exposure, alcohol consumption phenotypes, and AF. Additionally, the reverse MR analysis did not reveal any evidence of reverse causality from AF to active smoking. This study provides MR evidence supporting a causal association between active smoking and AF. The significance of smoking cessation is underscored by its potential to prevent or mitigate the risk of AF. Furthermore, the impact of secondhand smoke exposure and alcohol consumption on AF, as well as the causality among these factors, warrants further investigation.
Evaluation of rs781673405, rs1244378045, rs767450259, rs750556128, rs369143448, rs143353036, and rs759369504 mutations in terms of polymorphism in diabetic obese and non-diabetic obese individuals
Authors: Aksoyer Sezgin Saadet Busra , Durak Sermin , Celik Faruk , Guler Varol , Sarikaya Aysegul , Zeybek Umit
Published: February 2025

Background

Obesity is among the important healthcare issues in which there is an abnormal increase in body fat because energy intake is higher than energy expenditure. The Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-alpha overexpression in adipose tissue plays important roles in mediating obesity and insulin resistance. “TNF-related apoptosis-inducing Ligand (TRAIL(TNSF10))”, which is a member of the TNF family, is expressed as a Type-II Transmembrane Protein with an effect on the development of obesity and diabetes.

Methods

The rs781673405, rs1244378045, rs767450259, rs750556128, rs369143448, rs143353036, and rs759369504 polymorphisms of TRAIL, which were determined to play protective roles against diabetes, were evaluated with the RT-qPZR Method in the present study.

Results

It was found that the genotype distribution of TRAIL rs767450259 Polymorphism was significant and the T-Allele had protective effects against diabetic obesity. It was also found that the G-Allele of the rs369143448 Polymorphism had protective roles against diabetic obesity. It was shown that carrying the A-Allele in the rs750556128 Polymorphism might increase the risk of obesity in diabetic patients by 1.3-fold.

Conclusions

The present study makes a significant contribution to the literature data because it is the first to investigate these polymorphisms.
Sustaining Brain Youth by Neural Stem Cells: Physiological and Therapeutic Perspectives
Authors: Santos Matilde , Moreira João A. Ferreira , Santos Sónia Sá , Solá Susana
Published: February 2025

In the last two decades, stem cells (SCs) have attracted considerable interest for their research value and therapeutic potential in many fields, namely in neuroscience. On the other hand, the discovery of adult neurogenesis, the process by which new neurons are generated in the adult brain, challenged the traditional view that the brain is a static structure after development. The recent findings showing that adult neurogenesis has a significant role in brain plasticity, learning and memory, and emotional behavior, together with the fact that it is strongly dependent on several external and internal factors, have sparked more interest in this area. The mechanisms of adult neural stem cell (NSC) regulation, the physiological role of NSC-mediated neuroplasticity throughout life, and the most recent NSC-based therapeutic applications will be concisely reviewed. Noteworthy, due to their multipotency, self-renewal potential, and ability to secrete growth and immunomodulatory factors, NSCs have been mainly suggested for (1) transplantation, (2) neurotoxicology tests, and (3) drug screening approaches. The clinical trials of NSC-based therapy for different neurologic conditions are, nonetheless, mostly in the early phases and have not yet demonstrated conclusive efficacy or safety. Here, we provide an outlook of the major challenges and limitations, as well as some promising directions that could help to move toward stem cell widespread use in the treatment and prevention of several neurological disorders.

Graphical Abstract

Factors influencing neural stem cell plasticity and neurogenesis. Several intrinsic and extrinsic factors can modulate neural stem cells’ ability to change their fate and function and to generate new neurons in the brain. CSF, cerebrospinal fluid; GCL, granule cell layer; SGZ, subgranular zone. Created with BioRender.com
CCL20 in the tumor microenvironment: implications for cancer progression and therapeutic approaches
Authors: Kwantwi Louis Boafo , Boafo James Danquah , Egleh Bevelyn Emefa , Li Mingfeng
Published: February 2025

Increasing knowledge of the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment in cancer-related processes has led to the developing of novel immune-based therapies that have changed the cancer treatment paradigm. In the tumor microenvironment, the plethora of soluble factors secreted by tumor cells interacts with immune cells and non-immune components to deliver signals necessary for tumor progression. Accordingly, targeting tumor-derived factors inducing this immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment has become an appealing therapeutic potential in advancing cancer treatment. CCL20, a chemokine best known to induce leucocyte migration in response to pathological and inflammatory conditions, has been implicated in tumor proliferation, angiogenesis, metastasis, immunosuppression, and therapeutic resistance. Notably, CCL20 and its receptor CCR6 are important in tumor microenvironment interactions. This review discusses the interaction between the CCL20–CCR6 axis and the tumor microenvironment and how these interactions promote tumor progression. Also, an outline of studies utilizing CCL20 in combination with other standard cancer treatments has been shed.
In Defense of Parfit’s Ontology
Authors: Jack Evan , Khuramy Mustafa
Published: February 2025

Parfit (2011, 2017) denies that committing to the existence of reasons is ontologically costly. To motivate his denial, Mintz-Woo (2018) thinks Parfit forwards two arguments: the plural senses argument from elimination and the argument from empty ontology. Mintz-Woo believes he has “debunked” both arguments. In what follows, we do three things. First, we argue that his objections to the arguments fail or at best miss the point. Second, we argue that even if our independent responses fail, his responses meet an unfortunate dilemma. Lastly, we address his concerns about the relationship between Parfit’s ontology and truth.
Mixotrophic Cultivation of Polar Microalga Chlamydomonas sp. RCC2488 (Malina) Using Potato Peel Hydrolysates as Carbon Source
Authors: Urme Shah Rucksana Akhter , Barth Laura , Serrano-Carreón Leobardo , Martinez Alfredo , Morales-Sánchez Daniela
Published: February 2025

The polar microalga Chlamydomonas sp. RCC2488 (malina) exhibits high PUFA production under phototrophic conditions, but there is no evidence of heterotrophic or mixotrophic growth. Hence, the grow and transmembrane carbon (glucose) transport was assessed under heterotrophic and mixotrophic conditions. The microalga transported carbon at a rate of 0.015 μmol/g/min, achieving 0.4 g/L of biomass with high PUFA content (122.5 mg/g) under mixotrophic conditions with glucose. No heterotrophic growth and transport were observed. The use of an alternative carbon source such as potato peel waste was evaluated. This material was subjected to an acid-hydrothermal pretreatment with 1% sulfuric acid at 121 °C for 120 min followed by enzymatic hydrolysis with α-amylase and amyloglucosidase. The resulting hydrolysates (PPH1 and PPH3) released up to 46.3 g/L of glucose with a reducing sugar conversion of 46%. But these hydrolysates also presented up to 4.7 and 8.5 g/L of furfural and hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), respectively, which decreased the microalgal growth to 0.07 g/L and promoted the accumulation of 74.7 g/g of TAG. A water-washing extra step (PPH2) removed these toxic compounds achieving biomass and PUFA concentrations similar to the ones obtained with pure glucose. Therefore, pretreatment and hydrolysis optimization including toxic by-product removal are necessary to use potato peel as an efficient carbon source for microalgae cultivation. Mixotrophic cultivation of Chlamydomonas sp. RCC2488 (malina) was possible but not ideal since higher growth is attained under phototrophic conditions.
Reconstructing water temperatures and depths experienced during the newly hatched larval stage of the tropical eel Anguilla marmorata using otolith oxygen isotope analysis
Authors: Hane Yulina V. , Wakiya Ryoshiro , Ushikubo Takayuki , Nozoe Yuki , Kimura Shingo
Published: February 2025

The extensive oceanic life phase of anguillid eels, which occurs far from their freshwater habitats, presents significant challenges in investigating their early life ecology. This is especially true for tropical eel species, which remain largely understudied. In this study we investigated temperature exposure and vertical depth distribution experienced during the newly hatched larval stage of the tropical eel Anguilla marmorata glass eels in the western North Pacific, analyzing stable oxygen isotope ratios (δ18O) in the otolith core of 78 glass eels using secondary ion mass spectrometry. Otolith microstructural analysis indicated year-round spawning, with glass eels hatched in the fall showing a significantly longer oceanic phase. The otolith core δ18O values ranged from −3.3‰ to −1.8‰ (VPDB), corresponding to water temperatures of 19.5°C to 29.1°C and depths ranging from 51 to 213 m. No significant differences in experienced temperature or depth were observed among larvae hatched in different seasons, suggesting consistent environmental conditions encountered by newly hatched A. marmorata larvae throughout the year. The estimated depth range of A. marmorata larval occurrence was broader than that of the Japanese eel Anguilla japonica, despite their overlapping ranges. The extensive depth range estimated to have been experienced during the newly hatched larval stage of A. marmorata may represent dispersal strategies that are aimed at reducing interspecies competition for food and to maximize their survival during the most vulnerable early life history stage.
A Contemporary Look at Methodological Shifts and Publication Trends in the Business Informatics Community
Authors: Schwinghammer Ronja Ruth , Schmidt Jan-Hendrik , Winkler Nane , Benlian Alexander , Hess Thomas
Published: February 2025

This study explores recent trends in the adoption of research methods and publication practices within the Business Informatics (Wirtschaftsinformatik, WI) community in German-speaking countries, taking into account the various research paradigms in the Information Systems (IS) discipline. A scientometric analysis of more than 1,800 peer-reviewed journal articles by WI professors from 2010 to 2020 reveals two key findings. First, research methods from positivist, interpretive, and constructivist paradigms have been adopted in a balanced manner, reflecting progress and maturity within the WI community. Second, a trend toward increased publication in international IS journals was observed, with constructivist research notably well represented. These findings indicate a growing presence of the WI community in international IS journals while maintaining methodological diversity.
Assisting Drafting of Chinese Legal Documents Using Fine-Tuned Pre-trained Large Language Models
Authors: Lin Chun-Hsien , Cheng Pu-Jen
Published: February 2025

Fine-tuning pretrained large language models (LLMs) has become a mainstream paradigm for solving downstream natural language processing tasks. However, training a language model for legal applications requires a large corpus of legal documents to enable the language model to learn legal terminology and the particularity of legal formatting. Typical NLP approaches usually rely on manually annotated datasets for training; however, such legal field datasets are difficult to obtain. In this study, a large corpus of public, annotation-free legal documents in Chinese but without word segmentation were used to fine-tune a pretrained LLM to generate content for legal document drafts. Moreover, this was performed locally, ensuring information privacy and improving security. Finally, an evaluation method for the generated documents was developed to enable objectively assessing the quality of the drafts.
Microfluidic fabrication of pectin-coated liposomes for drug delivery
Authors: Lutta Anitta , Liu Qian , Pedersen Gabriel Kristian , Dong Mingdong , Grohganz Holger , Nielsen Line Hagner , Schmidt Signe Tandrup
Published: February 2025

Polymer coating of nanoparticulate drug delivery systems may enhance the efficacy of oral delivery. Cationic liposomes were coated with pectin biopolymers using microfluidics, with systematic variation of process parameters to optimize pectin-coated liposome fabrication. A pectin/liposome weight ratio of 0.7 and a microfluidic flow rate ratio of 2:1 pectin:liposome were found to be optimal. The resulting formulations displayed particle sizes at least threefold the size of uncoated liposomes, while the surface charge shifted to a highly negative value, indicating full pectin coating of the particles. Further microscopic characterization of the pectin-coated liposomes revealed that the pectins formed a polymeric network within which the liposomes were dispersed or attached. Stability studies revealed that pectin-coated liposomes remained stable during storage, with no displacement of the coating. We determined that microfluidics is a robust method for preparing pectin-coated liposomes, despite the structural differences between the pectins, geometry of the microchip used, and pectin/liposome concentration. Ultimately, the use of microfluidics in formulation development could be highly beneficial, as the process parameters can be easily modified and the process is easily scalable and inexpensive. Additionally, pectins can offer protective properties to the liposomes particularly during oral drug delivery.

Graphical Abstract
Large scale monitoring of terrestrial small mammals using noninvasive sampling and COI barcoding
Authors: Stefen Clara , Jentke Thalia , Birkwald Tobias , Chmieleski Jana , Decher Jan , Kaus-Thiel Andrea , Morkel Carsten , Thielen Jonas , Goldberg Ronny , Jakobitz Jens , Atzig Henrietta , Müller Anke , Krause Ruth , Fichter Emily , Wolfram Elisa , Twietmeyer Sönke , Stuckas Heiko
Published: February 2025

Terrestrial small mammals are important elements of the food chain, and like other species affected by climate change. Knowledge about their current distribution is of interest to model future developments and monitoring biodiversity loss. However, their monitoring is challenging due to legal restrictions. Here we document a pilot study testing the performance of a non-invasive monitoring strategy for terrestrial small mammals. It uses baited tubes in the field to collect fecal pellets combined with molecular species identification using COI barcodes. Just over 1000 samples were collected mainly in 2021 in 2506 trap nights, nine areas and 36 specific sites across Germany in habitats located close to waterbodies. COI-PCR products were obtained from 93% of samples and 55% of samples could be assigned to a small mammal species based on high-quality Sanger-Sequences. We found 11 species of Eulipotyphla and Rodentia while local communities were dominated by Apodemus sp. and Clethrionomys glareolus. We showed that the described strategy enables large-scale biomonitoring of small terrestrial mammals as it combines three advantages: 1) welfare of the animals is not affected and therefore time-consuming paperwork to obtain legal permits like for live-trapping is not required, 2) field work can be done by volunteers and 3) molecular species identification can be implemented in the routine work of molecular laboratories. Future tests with tube diameters, bait, timing of placement etc. could increase the “capture” success and demonstrate the applicability of the method to rare species. Also, some training for the involved field workers could be advantageous.
The characteristics and efficiency of Strychnos potatorum as a medicinal plant and water purification agent: a review
Authors: Makani I. , Marenga W. , Lekgoba T. , Rantong G. , Sithole N. T. , Ntuli F. , Kandjou V. , Renu R
Published: February 2025

Strychnos potatorum (Clearing nut tree) is a deciduous tree with well-known pharmaceutical, medicinal and anthropological uses. Historically, the use of Strychnos potatorum as a medicinal plant is well documented in Asianic communities of Eastern India and Myanmar as well as some in Sub-Sahara Africa. Various parts of the plant from seeds to leaves are used to treat different conditions from gastropathy and bronchitis to diabetes, conjunctivitis, and even ulcers. The seeds of Strychnos potatorum are also known to be effective in water treatment and purification realms as an effective coagulant and an antimicrobial agent in the treatment of contaminated surface and underground waters. The ripe fruit pulp of Strychnos potatorum is also in some areas used as a washing detergent. This makes the plant an untapped vessel for sustainable use in regions where it is abundantly available especially in Sub-Sahara Africa. In this review, the focus is to bring to light the applications of this species and document its uses as well as look at the physicochemical characteristics that suit the plant to these various applications. This is an important natural wealth to the region where the plant is prevalent, in the Chobe and Ngamiland areas in Botswana and northern Limpopo in South Africa.

Graphical Abstract
Evaluating the evidence-based potential of six large language models in paediatric dentistry: a comparative study on generative artificial intelligence
Authors: Dermata Anastasia , Arhakis Aristidis , Makrygiannakis Miltiadis A. , Giannakopoulos Kostis , Kaklamanos Eleftherios G.
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The use of large language models (LLMs) in generative artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly increasing in dentistry. However, their reliability is yet to be fully founded. This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy, clinical applicability, and patient education potential of LLMs in paediatric dentistry, by evaluating the responses of six LLMs: Google AI’s Gemini and Gemini Advanced, OpenAI’s ChatGPT-3.5, -4o and -4, and Microsoft’s Copilot.

Methods

Ten open-type clinical questions, relevant to paediatric dentistry were posed to the LLMs. The responses were graded by two independent evaluators from 0 to 10 using a detailed rubric. After 4 weeks, answers were reevaluated to assess intra-evaluator reliability. Statistical comparisons used Friedman’s and Wilcoxon’s and Kruskal–Wallis tests to assess the model that provided the most comprehensive, accurate, explicit and relevant answers.

Results

Variations of results were noted. Chat GPT 4 answers were scored as the best (average score 8.08), followed by the answers of Gemini Advanced (8.06), ChatGPT 4o (8.01), ChatGPT 3.5 (7.61), Gemini (7,32) and Copilot (5.41). Statistical analysis revealed that Chat GPT 4 outperformed all other LLMs, and the difference was statistically significant. Despite variations and different responses to the same queries, remarkable similarities were observed. Except for Copilot, all chatbots managed to achieve a score level above 6.5 on all queries.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the potential use of language models (LLMs) in supporting evidence-based paediatric dentistry. Nevertheless, they cannot be regarded as completely trustworthy. Dental professionals should critically use AI models as supportive tools and not as a substitute of overall scientific knowledge and critical thinking.
Machine learning based on nutritional assessment to predict adverse events in older inpatients with possible sarcopenia
Authors: Liu Chengyu , Huang Hongyun , Chen Moxi , Zhu Mingwei , Yu Jianchun
Published: February 2025

Background

The accuracy of current tools for predicting adverse events in older inpatients with possible sarcopenia is still insufficient to develop individualized nutrition-related management strategies. The objectives were to develop a machine learning model based on nutritional assessment for the prediction of all-cause death and infectious complications.

Methods

A cohort of older patients with possible sarcopenia (divided into training group [70%] and validation group [30%]) from 30 hospitals in 14 major cities in China was retrospectively analyzed. Clinical characteristics, laboratory examination, Nutritional risk Screening-2002 (NRS-2002) and mini-nutritional Assessment-Short form (MNA-SF) were used to construct machine learning models to predict in-hospital adverse events, including all-cause mortality and infectious complications. The applied algorithms included decision tree, random forest, gradient boosting machine (GBM), LightGBM, extreme gradient boosting and neural network. Model performance was assessed according to learning a series of learning metrics including area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and accuracy.

Results

Among 3 999 participants (mean age 75.89 years [SD 7.14]; 1 805 [45.1%] were female), 373 (9.7%) had adverse events, including 62 (1.6%) of in-hospital death and 330 (8.5%) of infectious complications. The decision tree model showed a better AUC of 0.7072 (95% CI 0.6558–0.7586) in the validation cohort, using the five most important variables (i.e., mobility, reduced food intake, white blood cell count, upper arm circumference, and hypoalbuminemia).

Conclusions

Machine learning prediction models are feasible and effective for identifying adverse events, and may be helpful to guide clinical nutrition decision-making in older inpatients with possible sarcopenia.
Falls and physical function in older patients with Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): findings from a placebo controlled, double blinded randomized control trial (RCT) investigating efficacy of vitamin D treatment in lowering the recurrence rate of BPPV
Authors: Huang Xiaoting , Chua Kenneth Wei De , Moh Shirlene Pei Shi , Yuen Heng Wai , Low David Yong Ming , Anaikatti Poongkulali , Iqbal Arshad , Rosario Barbara Helen
Published: February 2025

Background

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is the commonest cause of vertigo in older adults. Due to its high incidence in older adults presenting with falls, vestibular assessment is recommended in the World Guidelines for Falls Prevention. There is a paucity of evidence in well conducted randomised controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate vitamin D for prevention of BPPV recurrence in relation to falls and function.

Aims

Primary outcome: does vitamin D supplementation and dietary interventions in combination with standard care impact falls, fear of falling and function in patients with BPPV.

Methods

Post hoc analyses of phase IIa single centre, placebo controlled, double blind RCT evaluating vitamin D supplementation with diet and Canalith Repositioning Procedure (CRP) [Group A] versus diet alone with CRP [Group B] in reducing BPPV recurrence rates and the consequent effects on falls and function.

Results

53 participants were recruited. 14 were vitamin D replete at baseline (Group C) with remaining 39 randomised into Groups A and B. Group A had better 5x sit to stand time and 0.75 fewer clinical BPPV recurrences per one person year (P = 0.035) compared to Group B. 25% of participants who fell reported fear of falling compared to 43% in those without falls in the 12 month follow up.

Discussion

Vitamin D supplementation alongside standard BPPV improved 5xchair stand test and reduced BPPV recurrence. Participants without an incident fall during follow up experience fear of falling, prompting further consideration.

Conclusion

Vitamin D replacement was associated with fewer BPPV recurrences and improved function assessed with 5x chair stand test.
Enhancing in-hospital mortality prediction in older patients with sepsis: the role of frailty indices and multidrug-resistance status in non-ICU wards—a proof-of-concept study
Authors: Okoye Chukwuma , Piazzoli Andrea , Ferrara Maria Cristina , Finazzi Alberto , Ornago Alice Margherita , Pinardi Elena , Tonus Beatrice , Mazzola Paolo , Ticinesi Andrea , Bellelli Giuseppe
Published: February 2025

Background

Prognostic stratification in older patients with sepsis is challenging due to frailty and the role of multidrug-resistant (MDR) infections.

Aims

To test the predictive accuracy of different frailty measures, blood routine tests and MDR infection status for in-hospital mortality among older patients with sepsis.

Methods

Consecutive patients aged ≥ 65 years with qSOFA ≥ 2 and positive cultures admitted to a tertiary care hospital were enrolled. Frailty was assessed using the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS), the Primary Care–Frailty Index (PC-FI), and a 50-item FI. A base logistic regression model including age, sex, WBC count, platelets, creatinine, hs-CRP, and lactate predicted mortality. Frailty indices and MDR status were sequentially added, and model performance was compared using the area under the Receiver Operating Characteristics (AUROC). A nomogram was developed to visualize mortality probabilities.

Results

Among 93 patients (median age 80, IQR [72–84] years, 63.4% males), in-hospital mortality was 16.1%. Deceased patients were frailer and had a higher number of comorbidities. By logistic multivariable regression, the base model achieved an AUROC of 0.771 for predicting in-hospital mortality. Adding frailty indices improved model performance to 0.800 (PC-FI), 0.817 (CFS), and 0.823 (FI). Incorporating MDR status further increased AUROC to 0.890 (PC-FI + MDR), 0.907 (CFS + MDR), and 0.922 (FI + MDR), outperforming the base model (p < 0.05 for all).

Conclusions

Incorporating frailty indices and MDR status of culture isolates into traditional prognostic parameters improves mortality prediction in older patients admitted with sepsis, enabling more accurate risk stratification and personalized treatment strategies.
3D geometallurgical characterization of coal mine waste rock piles for their reprocessing purpose
Authors: Aallaoui Ayoub El , Elghali Abdellatif , Hakkou Rachid , Taha Yassine , Benzaazoua Mostafa , Ghorfi Mustapha El
Published: February 2025

Jerada coal mining generates extensive coal mine waste rock (CMWR) piles rich in valuable minerals, posing environmental challenges and economic opportunities. This study examines reprocessing feasibility through 3D geometallurgical characterization. Sampling used down the hole hammer drilling technique (DTH) and drone surveys for topographical precision. Over 620 samples from (T01, T02, T08) underwent comprehensive analyses including particle size distribution, x-ray fluorescence (XRF), total sulfur/carbon analysis (S/C), and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for physical–chemical characterization. Mineralogical aspects were explored via optical microscopy (OM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). Quantitative mineral evaluation by scanning electron microscope (QEMSCAN) provided mineral insights. Chemical data was used in a 3D block model to quantify residual coal. Results for the three examined CMWR piles (T01, T02, and T08) showed varying D80 from 160 to 300 µm, notable carbon content averaged 12.5 wt% (T01), 16 wt% (T02), and 8.5 wt% (T08). Sulfur presence exceeded 1 wt% in T08, and potential environmental concerns due to iron sulfides. Anthracite liberation was below 30 wt%. 3D modeling estimated a total volume of 7 Mm3, mainly from T08, equaling 11.2 Mt. With its high carbon content and substantial tonnages, re-exploitation or alternative applications could minimize these CMWR piles environmental impact.
Explicit linear dependence congruence relations for the partition function modulo 4
Authors: Charlton Steven
Published: February 2025

Almost nothing is known about the parity of the partition function p(n), which is conjectured to be random. Despite this expectation, Ono [10] surprisingly proved the existence of infinitely many linear dependence congruence relations modulo 4 for p(n), indicating that the parity of the partition function cannot be truly random. Answering a question of Ono, we explicitly exhibit the first examples of these relations which he proved theoretically exist. The first two relations invoke 131 (resp. 198) different discriminants

$$ D \le 24 k - 1 $$

D
≤
24
k
-
1

for

$$ k = 309 $$

k
=
309

(resp.

$$ k = 312 $$

k
=
312

); new relations occur for

$$ k = 316,\, 317,\, 319,\, 321,\, 322,\, 326, \, \ldots $$

k
=
316
,

317
,

319
,

321
,

322
,

326
,

…

.
The Effect of a Brief Online Behavioral Activation Intervention by Activity Type, a Pre-Registered Study
Authors: Benson Parker , Desage Christina , Rubin Mikael , Bunge Eduardo
Published: February 2025

Depression is a mental health disorder with social and individual costs that can be extreme. In-person therapy for depression can be effective in alleviating depression symptoms–though individuals may face barriers to receiving treatment. Research which assesses online interventions is aimed at finding ways to alleviate the treatment gap. The current study evaluated the efficacy of a behavioral activation online micro-intervention (OMI) for depression by measuring mood, confidence, motivation, and depression scores at baseline and a 3-day follow-up. Data from this study was collected from Prolific, an online data collection and testing resource. All participants were assigned to the active behavioral activation intervention condition. Behavioral activation is a psychotherapeutic tool that helps individuals improve their mood by planning positive activities and increasing rewarding activities. In the current study, the behavioral activation intervention consisted of psychoeducation and activity planning. Of the 106 initial participants, 99 were analyzed for baseline demographic measures and 96 were analyzed at the 3-day follow-up. There was a significant increase in self-reported positive mood, confidence, and motivation to do something to improve mood immediately post-intervention. It was also found that there was a significant change in mood and depression scores at the 3-day follow-up but not for confidence or motivation. There was a significant decrease in overall activity levels from baseline to follow-up. More specifically, pleasant, mastery, and meaningful activities from baseline to follow-up did not increase significantly. There was no indirect effect of mastery activities, meaningful activities, or pleasant activities on change in mood. There was no indirect effect of mastery activities, meaningful activities, or pleasant activities on change in enjoyment. The main limitation of this study is the absence of a control group, making it difficult to attribute improvements in mood, confidence, and motivation to the intervention alone. Future research should include a control group and larger sample sizes to examine intervention effects, as well as assess whether repeated and consecutive OMIs can enhance benefits over time. A behavioral activation OMI for depression can be a low-cost, easy and effective tool in addressing depression symptoms at three days follow-up. However, the effect of the OMI on activity levels remains unclear.
Sedimentological and geochemical characteristics of the Lower Eocene-Upper Oligocene carbonate rocks: a key to understand the origin of the Gaziantep formation in the vicinity of Egil-Diyarbakir, Turkiye
Authors: Dinç Salih , Keskin Faruk
Published: February 2025

Este estudio se ha realizado para evaluar el origen de las rocas carbonatadas del Eoceno Inferior- Oligoceno Superior de la formación Gaziantep en las proximidades de Egil-Diyarbakir, ubicada en Anatolia Oriental, Turquía. Para lograrlo, se investigaron las propiedades estratigráficas y petrográficas, así como las composiciones químicas e isotópicas de las 56 muestras representativas de rocas carbonatadas tomadas de cuatro secciones estratigráficas medidas dentro de la formación Gaziantep. Según los datos obtenidos, la mayoría de las rocas carbonatadas examinadas se han clasificado como dolomita (D), dolomita calcítica (CD), caliza dolomítica (DL) y caliza (L). Las muestras tienen valores de Ce que van de 0,23 a 1,55, con un promedio de 0,80, lo que indica un entorno de formación óxica. Los valores de Eu varían de 0,00 a 1,89, con un promedio de 0,97. Los valores de Ce de las muestras presentan una anomalía negativa, mientras que los valores de Eu muestran una anomalía parcialmente positiva. Por lo tanto, los valores de REE de las rocas carbonatadas sugieren que la contaminación terrestre es inexistente o insignificante. Los valores de δ18O para las calizas investigadas varían entre -7,83‰ y -5,33‰ PDB, mientras que los valores de δ13C varían entre -0,17‰ y ‰ -6,90‰ PDB. Las dolomías, por otro lado, tienen valores de δ18O que varían entre -7,74‰ y -1,23‰ PDB y valores de δ13C que varían entre -6,79‰ y -0,68‰ PDB. Además, la temperatura de formación de las dolomías varía entre 39oC y 86oC. Los datos obtenidos, incluyendo la temperatura y las composiciones de δ18O y δ13C, mostraron evidencia significativa de que la dolomita se formó en la Formación Gaziantep en dos etapas distintas. La primera etapa implicó la formación de dolomita (D) en la zona de mezcla a bajas temperaturas durante la etapa diagenética temprana. La segunda etapa implicó la formación de dolomita (CD y DL) en aguas meteóricas y temperaturas en aumento durante la etapa diagenética tardía.