bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The combinatorial binding syntax of transcription factors in forebrain-specific enhancers
Authors: Batool Fatima , Shireen Huma , Malik Muhammad Faizan , Abrar Muhammad , Abbasi Amir Ali
Published: February 2025

Tissue-specific gene regulation in mammals involves the coordinated binding of multiple transcription factors (TFs). Using the forebrain as a model, we investigated the syntax of TF occupancy to determine tissue-specific enhancer regions. We analyzed forebrain-exclusive enhancers from the VISTA Enhancer Browser and a curated set of 23 TFs relevant to forebrain development and disease. Our findings revealed multiple distinct patterns of combinatorial TF binding, with the HES5-FOXP2-GATA3 triad being the most frequent in forebrain-specific enhancers. This syntactic structure was detected in 2614 enhancers from a genome-wide catalog of 25,000 predicted human forebrain enhancers. Notably, this catalog represents a computationally predicted dataset, distinct from the in vivo validated set of enhancers obtained from the VISTA Enhancer Browser. The shortlisted 2614 enhancers were further analyzed using genome-wide epigenetic data and evaluated for evolutionary conservation and disease relevance. Our findings highlight the value of these 2614 enhancers in forebrain-specific gene regulation and provide a framework for discovering tissue-specific enhancers, enhancing the understanding of enhancer function.
Swimming smarter, not harder: fishes exploit habitat heterogeneity to increase locomotor performance
Authors: Di Santo Valentina , Goerig Elsa
Published: February 2025

Quantifying the intricate relationship between locomotion, energy expenditure and environmental heterogeneity is pivotal for elucidating the ecological and evolutionary changes in locomotor performance in fishes. This Commentary synthesizes existing research to offer a perspective on how fishes actively exploit complex environments to enhance their locomotor efficiency. Contrary to conventional portrayals of fishes as passive responders to environmental stressors, empirical evidence supports the idea that fishes employ sophisticated strategies to navigate diverse hydrodynamic landscapes. Here, we show clever ways fishes bend the rules of a non-linear speed–energetics curve to save energy below and above optimal cruising speeds. The findings from these behavioral adjustments hold broader implications for understanding fish performance under dynamic environments and conserving fish populations.
Comparative analysis of Mycoplasma Pneumoniae and Drug-induced Stevens-Johnson Syndrome/Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis in Children
Authors: Wu Xiaoyuan , Kang Lei , Jia Yanhong , Jia Li , Guo Fang
Published: February 2025

Objective: To compare the differences between clinical characteristics, therapeutic management, and prognosis of mycoplasma pneumonia (MP) and drug-induced Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS)/toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) in children.
Methods: This was a retrospective study. The clinical data of SJS and TEN patients admitted to Hebei Children’s Hospital from 2014–2024 were retrospectively analyzed and divided into the MP group and the drug group based on laboratory findings and the ALDEN algorithm for comparative study.
Results: A total of 42 cases were included in the study. Among them, 20 cases were in the MP group and 22 cases were in the drug group. The median age of MP group was 108.0 (54.0, 129.0) months, which was greater than drug group with 42.0 (22.5, 75.0) months, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Ten cases (50.0%) in the MP group had chest CT suggestive of consolidation of lung/pleural effusion, which was higher than the two cases (9.1%) in the drug group, with a statistically significant difference (P<0.05). Both groups were given systemic corticosteroids (Cs) treatment, and the proportion of children receiving Cs shock therapy combined with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) in the MP group was significantly lower than that in the drug group, with a statistically significant difference (P<0.05). When SCORTEN score ≧3, the proportion of the MP group receiving Cs shock therapy and IVIG application increased. The median SCORTEN score in both groups was two, corresponding to a predicted mortality rate of 12.2%, whereas all children in the MP group survived and three died in the drug group, with an actual mortality rate of 13.6%.
Conclusion: MP infection and drugs constitute the predominant triggers of SJS/TEN in children, with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and Chinese patent medicines (CPMs) as the main sensitizing drugs. For those with SCORTEN ≦2 points, macrolides combined with conventional dose Cs may be the first-line treatment option for them.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.41.3.10286
How to cite this: Wu X, Kang L, Jia Y,  Jia L, Guo F. Comparative analysis of Mycoplasma Pneumoniae and Drug-induced Stevens-Johnson Syndrome/Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis in Children. Pak J Med Sci. 2025;41(3):687-692. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.41.3.10286
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Differential Profiles of intensive care unit multidrug-resistant patients: Influence of prior antibiotic therapy on clinical features
Authors: Arshad Ramsha Ghazal , Kaleem Ullah Toori  , Rahim Javeria
Published: February 2025

Objectives: To study the characteristics and their influence on outcomes of ICU patients with multi drug resistant infections with and without prior antibiotic use before admission.
Methods: This single center study included 365 patients admitted to Medical and Surgical ICUs of KRL Hospital, Islamabad, from January 2023 to January 2024, who acquired a multi drug resistant infection 48 hours post-admission to the ICU. This was an observational study and purposive sampling was done. Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was employed to test the normality of data. The chi-square test was used to observe the association between categorical variables. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for continuous variables. Multivariate analysis was employed to compare the effect of different parameters on mortality.
Results: A total of 365 patients were included. The mean age was 62.2 ± 17.1, (<65 years = 54.2% and >65 years = 45.8%) with 185 (50.7%) males. Males, diabetics, those with chronic kidney disease, DCLD, CVA, hospitalization in last 6 months had a greater frequency of prior antibiotic exposure. Similarly, this group also showed increased frequency of thrombocytopenia and prolonged ICU stay than those with no previous antibiotic exposure. Longer duration of indwelling lines, hospital stay, ICU stay and Mechanical ventilation was associated with increased mortality.
Conclusion: Previous antibiotic use is linked to longer ICU and hospital stays, extended use of indwelling lines, and increased duration of mechanical ventilation, all of which contribute to greater financial burdens. However, there was no significant difference in mortality between the antibiotic and non-antibiotic groups. Further studies conducted on a larger scale across multiple ICUs could provide deeper insights into this relationship.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.41.3.10392
How to cite this: Arshad RG, Toori KU, Rahim J. Differential Profiles of intensive care unit multidrug-resistant patients: Influence of prior antibiotic therapy on clinical features. Pak J Med Sci. 2025;41(3):706-711. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.41.3.10392
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Assessment of nerve conduction velocity slowing and its association with the severity of diabetic polyneuropathy, duration of diabetes and glycemic control in diabetic patients
Authors: Zaidi Saba , Abdul Samad Ayesha
Published: February 2025

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the nerve conduction velocity in diabetic patients and its association with diabetes duration, control and severity of diabetic polyneuropathy.
Methods: This prospective, observational study involved a hundred and thirty-nine patients who underwent nerve conduction studies in the Neurology Department at Liaquat National Hospital during the years June 2023 till May 2024. In all patients, the medical history was taken by direct interview regarding demographics, diabetes duration and recent HbA1c. For the assessment of diabetic polyneuropathy, the NDS-neuropathy disability score was used. The acquired data was entered into SPSS Statistics software for analysis of significant associations between these variables. Statistical significance was defined as a P-value below 0.05.
Results: In this study, we investigated 139 patients with a mean age of 62.20±12.03 years, comprising 60.4% males. The mean HbA1c was 7.46±1.09%, and the mean duration of diabetes was 10.78±7.75 years. Most patients (75.5%) had poor glycemic control, with 92.8% having Type-II diabetes. The mean neuropathy disability score was 5.63±2.39, with 80.6% of patients experiencing neuropathy. Nerve conduction velocity slowing was detected in 54.7% of the patients. Notably, significant associations were found between nerve conduction velocity slowing and diabetes duration (p=0.019), and neuropathy disability score (p=0.000).
Conclusion: Our findings indicate that male gender, poor glycemic control, and a longer duration of diabetes are associated with slowing of nerve conduction velocity. Additionally, the severity of neuropathy, as measured by the Neuropathy disability score, further strengthens these associations, highlighting its significance in assessing diabetic neuropathy progression.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.41.3.10397
How to cite this: Zaidi S, Samad AA. Assessment of nerve conduction velocity slowing and its association with the severity of diabetic polyneuropathy, duration of diabetes and glycemic control in diabetic patients. Pak J Med Sci. 2025;41(3):699-705.  doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.41.3.10397
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Διερεύνηση της επίδρασης του χρόνιου πόνου στην ψυχική ανθεκτικότητα και την ποιότητα ζωής των ασθενών με χρόνια νεφρική νόσο
Authors: Τσανασίδης Μιχαήλ
Published: February 2025

Εισαγωγή: Τα άτομα με Χρόνια Νεφρική Νόσο σταδίου 5 αντιμετωπίζουν αρκετές μεταβολές στην ποιότητα ζωής τους λόγω των επώδυνων σημείων και συμπτωμάτων της νόσου, της αλλαγής στην ψυχολογική κατάσταση, των παρεμβάσεων που απαιτούνται αλλά και των νέων συνθηκών της καθημερινότητας εξαιτίας του προγράμματος αιμοκάθαρσης. Σκοπός: Η παρούσα συγχρονική μελέτη παρατήρησης σκοπό είχε την διερεύνηση της επίδρασης του χρόνιου πόνου στην ψυχική ανθεκτικότητα και την ποιότητα ζωής ατόμων που υποβάλλονται σε αιμοκάθαρση. Υλικό και Μέθοδοι: Μελετήθηκαν 361 ενήλικα άτομα που υποβαλλόταν σε αιμοκάθαρση στη Βόρεια Ελλάδα. Η μελέτη πραγματοποιήθηκε με την Κλίμακα Ανθεκτικότητας των Connor-Davidson (CD-RISC), το Ερωτηματολόγιο της Αυτοαποτελεσματικότητας του Πόνου (PSEQ) και το ερωτηματολόγιο της Ποιότητας Ζωής των Ατόμων με Νεφρική Νόσο (KDQOL-36). Τα άτομα θα έπρεπε να υποβάλλονται σε αιμοκάθαρση για περισσότερους από 6 μήνες και να έχουν ένα καλό επίπεδο επικοινωνίας στην Ελληνική γλώσσα. Αποτελέσματα: Οι συμμετέχοντες ήταν κυρίως άνδρες (69.7%, n=248), παντρεμμένοι (56%, n=202), με παιδιά (75.1%, n=271) και κατοικούσαν σε αστική περιοχή (63.4%, n=229). Η μέση ηλικία των συμμετεχόντων ήταν 61.1(±15,5) έτη. Η στατιστική ανάλυση έδειξε ότι όσο υψηλότερη ήταν η ψυχική ανθεκτικότητα των ατόμων, τόσο υψηλότερη ήταν η αυτοαποτελεσματικότητα του πόνου. Επιπλέον, τα συμπτώματα και το φορτίο της νεφρικής νόσου μειωνόταν στα άτομα που είχαν υψηλότερη ανθεκτικότητα οδηγώντας σε καλύτερη ποιότητα ζωής. Συμπεράσματα: Η μελέτη κατέληξε στο ότι τα επίπεδα της ψυχικής ανθεκτικότητας είναι αναλογικά με την αυτοαποτελεσματικότητα του πόνου, ανεξάρτητα από την ηλικία και το φύλο. Οι επαγγελματίες υγείας χρησιμοποιώντας τα κατάλληλα εργαλεία αξιολόγησης και εφαρμόζοντας φαρμακολογικές και μη παρεμβάσεις είναι δυνατό να βελτιώσουν την ποιότητα ζωής των ατόμων σε αιμοκάθαρση.
Evaluating the Efficacy of Gelatin-Chitosan-Tetraethyl Orthosilicate Calcium Hydroxide Composite as a Dental Pulp Medicament on COX-2, PGP 9.5, TNF-α Expression and Neutrophil number
Authors: Ghadah Abdulrahman Al-qatta , Endytiastuti Endytiastuti , Ardhani Retno , Sutardjo Rus Sudarso Iwa , Pidhatika Bidhari , Fauzi Mh Busra , Susilowati Heni , Kristanti Yulita , Handajani Juni
Published: February 2025

Introduction Calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) is the material of choice for pulp therapy. However, Ca(OH)2 has drawbacks such as toxicity, poor sealing, and tunnel defect formation. Alternative materials have been developed to provide more biocompatible materials with better dentin formation ability. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of composites containing gelatin (G), chitosan (CH), tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), and Ca(OH)2, namely G-CH-TEOS-Ca (OH)2 (Extended data) on inflammation of the dental pulp (expression of COX-2, PGP 9.5, TNF-α, and neutrophil number). Materials and methods A total of 16 Wistar rat models of acute pulp injury were prepared and divided into two groups, treatment and control, 8 with each. In the treatment group, we applied a pulp-capping material using G-CH-TEOS-Ca (OH)2 and Ca(OH)2. On the 1st and 3rd days, rats were sacrificed. Tissue samples from 4 rats in each group were processed for histological preparation. COX-2, PGP 9.5, and TNF-α were observed using immunohistochemical (IHC) staining, and neutrophil numbers were observed using hematoxylin-eosin staining. Image analysis of COX-2, PGP 9.5, and TNF-α expression was performed using ImageJ software. Results The results showed a decrease significantly in COX-2 expression while PGP 9.5 and TNF-α expression were significantly higher than those in the control group. Neutrophil numbers were lower in the treatment group than in the control group, but the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion The G-CH-TEOS-Ca (OH)2 composite material may have potential as an exposed pulp medicament by reducing mediator of inflammation (COX-2 expression) and increasing the regeneration factor (TNF-α expression) and nerve (PGP 9.5 expression).
Our Homeland is Our Royal Village
Authors: Fedorova N.
Published: February 2025

The article reveals the significance of the Tsarskoye Selo Lyceum as a unique educational institution, whose activities left a deep mark on the Russian education system of the 19th century. The article examines the features of the educational process at the Lyceum, the atmosphere of lessons and the entire life of a Lyceum student, and the nature of the relationship between teachers and students
La ruta de aldea y su efecto multiplicado en el ecosistema
Authors: Castiblanco América , Velasco Rosana , Restrepo Marion
Published: February 2025

En este capítulo, el lector podrá conocer una de las principales experiencias del ecosistema colombiano alrededor del emprendimiento llamada aldea, ruta que hace parte de iNNpulsa Colombia, la agencia de emprendimiento e innovación del Gobierno nacional. A lo largo del capítulo se identificará cómo los emprendimientos de alto impacto son clave para el desarrollo económico y social del país. Asimismo, el lector identificará cómo esta estrategia ha venido evolucionando a lo largo de los años de operación entendiendo las necesidades de los emprendimientos, su estado y nivel de madurez, así como el nivel de desarrollo de los ecosistemas de apoyo. De igual forma, encontrará: algunos casos de éxitos tanto de emprendimientos como de entidades en las diferentes etapas y momentos, resultados e impacto de la ruta aldea. Por último, el capítulo presentará cómo la ruta incorpora un sistema de evaluación, monitoreo y seguimiento.
Estrategia de preincubación e incubación de emprendimientos universitarios en la línea de negocios verdes: de la ideación a la consolidación
Authors: Pérez Lina María , Cardona Q Jesús David
Published: February 2025

El concepto de negocios verdes se define como actividades económicas que ofrecen bienes y servicios con impactos ambientales positivos y prácticas sostenibles. Colombia ha respondido a estos desafíos con emprendimientos que generan empleo, protegen los recursos naturales y promueven el desarrollo sostenible. La Universidad Autónoma de Occidente (UAO) ha tomado medidas significativas en esta dirección, promoviendo la sostenibilidad con iniciativas como Campus Sostenible y el Centro de Innovación y Emprendimiento (Sinapsis). Como parte de esta estrategia, se ha desarrollado un programa de emprendimiento en negocios verdes alineado con las necesidades regionales y nacionales, promoviendo iniciativas empresariales con enfoque en el desarrollo sostenible y herramientas como design thinking, modelo de negocio Canvas y propuesta de valor para idear y desarrollar modelos de negocio innovadores y sostenibles. Finalmente, el capítulo aborda cómo desarrollar mediante una metodología el desarrollo de nuevos modelos de negocio sostenibles destacando el papel de los negocios verdes y la adaptación de las universidades a estos desafíos.
Emprendimiento rural en el nororiente de Colombia: emprendimientos potenciales e iniciativas universitarias
Authors: Pérez Pinzón Luis Rubén
Published: February 2025

Las iniciativas emprendedoras de los universitarios de pregrado y posgrado hacen parte de los emprendimientos potenciales y son punto de partida de empresas nacientes para modelos de análisis como Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM). Los emprendimientos rurales caracterizados son resultado de trabajos de grado y pregrado de universidades del Área Metropolitana de Bucaramanga (AMB), a partir de los repositorios institucionales promovidos desde 1999. Los resultados evidencian una investigación con enfoque cualicuantitativo, a partir de una muestra de 1390 informes, mediante la cual se destaca el interés universitario por mejorar los procesos productivos tradicionales, crear empresas procesadoras de materias primas y fortalecer la producción manufacturera en el área de acción de los emprendedores universitarios. Las reflexiones finales plantean que desconocer el emprendimiento rural en análisis sectoriales interinstitucionales como GEM no minimiza el impacto que tienen los emprendimientos potenciales generados por los egresados universitarios, aunque no exista seguimiento a la consolidación de sus iniciativas desde las universidades.
Iterated Inside Out: A New Exact Algorithm for the Transportation Problem
Authors: Bargetto Roberto , Della Croce Federico , Scatamacchia Rosario
Published: February 2025

We propose a novel exact algorithm for the transportation problem, one of the paradigmatic network optimization problems. The algorithm, called Iterated Inside Out, requires as input a basic feasible solution and is composed of two main phases that are iteratively repeated until an optimal basic feasible solution is computed. In the first “inside” phase, the algorithm progressively improves upon a given basic solution by increasing the value of several nonbasic variables with negative reduced cost. This phase typically outputs a nonbasic feasible solution interior to the constraint set polytope. The second “out” phase moves in the opposite direction by iteratively setting to zero several variables until a new improved basic feasible solution is reached. Extensive computational tests show that the proposed approach strongly outperforms all versions of network and linear programming algorithms available in the commercial solvers CPLEX and Gurobi and other exact algorithms available in the literature.

History: Accepted by Andrea Lodi, Area Editor for Design and Analysis of Algorithms—Discrete.

Supplemental Material: The software that supports the findings of this study is available within the paper and its Supplemental Information ( https://pubsonline.informs.org/doi/suppl/10.1287/ijoc.2024.0642 ) as well as from the IJOC GitHub software repository ( https://github.com/INFORMSJoC/2024.0642 ). The complete IJOC Software and Data Repository is available at https://informsjoc.github.io/ .
‘Because like if you feel guilty, then it’s usually a sign’: on the role of emotions in conceptualising infidelity
Authors: Schneider Simone
Published: February 2025

Existing research suggests that people employ fluid understandings of infidelity and conceptualise it in relation to, for example, emotional outcomes rather than as a static set of (physical) behaviours. Seeking to explore the underlying mechanisms of this process, this article examines how emotions are negotiated in conceptualisations and meanings of infidelity. This question is investigated through a thematic analysis of 17 semi-structured interviews with young adults in England who experienced, according to their perspective, infidelity. I show that not only what participants did but also how they or their partner felt was invoked in classifying a practice as infidelity. Namely, emotions serve as a cultural repertoire to negotiate infidelity by drawing on internalised feeling rules in relation to genuine, ‘lived’ feelings. However, the presence and absence of feelings are drawn on differently in that emotions are only invoked in conceptualising what is not infidelity – rather than what it is. Against this background, I argue that we need to examine not only when and why people engage in emotion work but equally when they instead engage in assigning a (new) frame to a practice. By showcasing what people say or think about infidelity as well as their lived experiences, this article underlines the need to explore both discourse and practice – and their interplay – in research on infidelity.
The Great “Activity Book” Activity Article: Over 9 Pages of Fun, Scholarship, and More!
Authors: Beauvais Clementine , Rybak Krzysztof
Published: February 2025

Abstract: This fun, scholarly, and activity-packed article takes readers on a quest to find out what activity books for children might be, how they could be theorized, and how to study them empirically. As this is (mostly) uncharted territory, readers will need to display audacity and creativity as they puzzle over existing theories of picturebooks and informational texts, wander through the mazes of corpus selection and data analysis, and attempt to spot differences between traditional reader-response approaches to picturebooks and children’s expected engagement in activity books. As with any activity book, readers (or should it be co-creators?) will be encouraged to jump back and forth in glorious nonlinearity and crack puzzles of very mild to quite challenging difficulty. Whether or not they succeed, whether or not they even follow the rules, readers will combine experiential with theoretical knowledge of that category of books—a combination that, we argue, is key to understanding them. For optimal engagement, this activity-packed article is better on paper, so readers should feel free to print it and fill in answers with a pen. Should the more ecologically minded object that it will then be ruined and end up in the trash, they shall be reminded in the conclusion that such is the fate too, alas, of the article’s main objects of study.
Exploring the Seeds of US Nonfiction for Children: The Early Nineteenth-Century Natural History of Publisher Samuel L. Wood
Authors: Cappiello Mary Ann , Hadjioannou Xenia
Published: February 2025

Abstract: Nonfiction animal books are a perennial favorite among young people and those who make books available to them. Exploring historic nonfiction animal books allows us to identify and analyze modes of representation, discursive patterns, and ideologies that continue to characterize the genre in the twenty-first century. This article, part of a wider study of the nonfiction books published by the nineteenth-century US-based children’s publisher Samuel Wood, analyzes and contextualizes four natural history animal books from Wood, illustrated by renowned engraver Alexander Anderson. Examining them as independent texts within the emerging field of British and US children’s literature, we focus on structure, language use, illustrations and multimodal semiosis, and embedded ideology. Ultimately, in Wood’s work, we bear witness to notable early forays into US children’s nonfiction literature.
Language policy as interactional practice in everyday public space: The Corpus of Language Discrimination in Interaction
Authors: Raymond Chase Wesley , Albert Saul , Hoey Elliott M. , Adams Sarah M. , Grothues Natalie , Henry Jacob , Marrese Olivia H. , Pielke Megan , Reynolds Emily , Tom Regina Gayou
Published: February 2025

This article introduces the Corpus of Language Discrimination in Interaction (CLDI)—an open-access corpus of transcribed video data, capturing moments where individuals are policed in some way for the language they are speaking or otherwise endorsing while sharing public space (e.g. in stores, restaurants, parking lots, and parks). Despite having thus far largely evaded systematic inquiry, such interactions are illustrative of a particular genre of language policymaking and enforcement that takes place in everyday social life, which the CLDI aims to document and make available for ongoing empirical examination. After presenting the corpus itself, as an initial exploration into some of the practices and actions observable in these data, we describe the recurrent use of Speak English directives, accompanied by nation-state declarative accounts like This is America. Detailed analysis of such turns, and the responses they receive, throws into relief ways that language policies and ideologies can be instantiated, ratified, challenged, defended, and otherwise negotiated in and through the particulars of interactants’ joint conduct. We conclude by describing some future avenues for research, teaching, and public engagement on the basis of the CLDI.
Refinadas seducciones: La función extractiva de la ternura en Doña Bárbara (1929), de Rómulo Gallegos
Authors: Astorquiza Santiago Navarrete
Published: February 2025

Abstract: This text analyses the relationship between allegory, gender/sex system and extractivism in the novel Doña Bárbara (1929), by Rómulo Gallegos. The focus of this article is to prioritize the comparison between the character of Marisela and a precious stone. In contrast with the masculine aspect and manners of Doña Bárbara, Marisela represents an idealization of women as a malleable matter. The possibility and process of her refinement makes her a convenient subject for the patriarchal civilization that Santos Luzardo wants to establish in the Arauca. Therefore, Doña Bárbara, the masculine, independent, autonomous, murderous, and impossible-to-refine woman, portrays economic and social backwardness in the region. Considering the structural opposition between civilization and barbarism in the novel, this article proposes a reading of how Gallegos conceptualizes civilization as a heteronormative and extractive society.
Memory, (Re)Making, and the Futures of Indigo
Authors: Bailey Maurice , Heynen Nik , Allen Rinne
Published: February 2025

Abstract: There is a movement afoot across the Low Country states of Georgia and South Carolina to revive indigo. The use and spirit of this plant—a plant that many people used to believe has magical powers, given the vibrant colors it conjures—is being revived for multiple reasons. The authors participated in this process of rebirth because they were asked to by Maurice Bailey’s mother, Ms. Cornelia Walker Bailey, a griot who fought for Gullah Geechee culture on Sapelo Island until she passed away in 2017. The makers, dyers, textile artists and others interested in the craft of indigo are committed to not only learning and teaching how to cultivate the plant, process and use it to dye textiles, but also to preserve the stories and dreams it has played a role in: the interconnected and interdependent roles of anguish and bliss of the past and the future.
The Verb empoliteuō and Greek Citizenship under Arsacid Rule
Authors: Nabel Jake
Published: February 2025

Abstract: The primary translation for the ancient Greek verb ἐμπολιτεύω in several dictionaries is "to be a citizen, have civil rights." That definition is untenable. The connotations of ἐμπολιτεύω for citizen status are usually indeterminate, but where they are clear, the verb has the opposite meaning and refers to non-citizens rather than citizens. This sense is crucial to the study of Greek citizenship in the Arsacid empire, because ἐμπολιτεύω appears twice in a key passage from Josephus on Greco-Babylonian relations in the poleis of Arsacid Mesopotamia. The verb's dictionary definition has led some historians to the conclusion that non-Greeks were citizens of these poleis. Along with local evidence in Akkadian, a review of ἐμπολιτεύω 's appearances in literature and epigraphy suggests the opposite.
Morbid Joy: Laetus in Tacitus
Authors: Warhover Emma
Published: February 2025

Abstract: Tacitus establishes and employs a sinister connotation of the word laetus and its cognates in the Histories and Annals. Laetus becomes disconcerting when happiness is inappropriate. Tacitus connects laetitia to death, deception and events that he imbues with dramatic irony. Comprising about half of the total instances of laetus in Tacitus, the sinister connotation encourages readers to be on the alert for disaster, foolishness and irony even in passages where laetus does not explicitly have a negative connotation. Sinister laetus reinforces Tacitus' contempt for the failings of historical figures and cultivates distrust of happy emotions in his historical works.
Establishing the feasibility and reliability of broadband absorption spectroscopy for measuring cerebral water content in adults
Authors: Goyal Vidisha , Arrington Michael D. , Forti Rodrigo M. , Harris LaBeausha H. , Bai Shasha , Akbik Feras , Samuels Owen B. , Kandiah Prem A. , Sadan Ofer , Buckley Erin M.
Published: February 2025

Broadband absorption spectroscopy (BAS) has the potential to fill an unmet need for a non-invasive monitor of cerebral edema. In this work, we demonstrated the feasibility of BAS to measure water content in the adult human head by quantifying measurement reliability and the influence of ambient light on BAS-measured parameters. We observed strong inter-operator reliability of BAS-measurement of water (R2 = 0.69, Lin’s CCC = 0.78, p < 0.01). Similar significant reliability was observed for lipid (R2 = 0.54), oxygen saturation (R2 = 0.81), and total hemoglobin (R2 = 0.44). Ambient light increased water content by approximately 2-3% compared to dark conditions.
Influence of Ag nanoparticles on femtosecond laser-induced Cu precipitation from glyoxylic acid copper complex ink
Authors: Ha Nam Phuong , Tran Huy Quang , Kibe Kotaro , Ohishi Tomoji , Mizoshiri Mizue
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the role of Ag nanoparticles (NPs) in glyoxylic acid copper (GACu) complex inks in influencing Cu precipitation under femtosecond laser pulse irradiation. The nonlinear optical absorption properties were evaluated using the open-aperture z-scan method, revealing that Ag NPs significantly enhance absorption by acting as nucleation sites for Cu NP formation. Pump-probe measurements further confirmed that the presence of Ag NPs increases the concentration of precipitated Cu NPs and facilitates the generation of finer Cu patterns. Scanning electron microscopy of the fabricated patterns demonstrated that GACu complex ink supplemented with Ag NPs achieved a minimum line width of 5.0 µm, compared to 6.7 µm for the ink without Ag NPs. These results, which were consistent with the findings of transient phenomena evaluated using a pump-probe method, validate the capability of Ag NPs to enhance absorption and improve patterning precision at reduced energy levels, offering a viable strategy for facilitating high-purity Cu structures with enhanced patterning control.
Diagnostic yield of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration-based cytology for distinguishing malignant and benign pancreatic cystic lesions: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ding Cong , Yang Jian-feng , Wang Xia , Zhou Yi-feng , Gu Ye , Liu Qiang , Shen Hong-zhang , Zhang Xiao-feng
Published: February 2025

Background

Preoperative diagnosis of malignancy in patients with pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs) remains challenging. The aim of this study was to assess the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative likelihood ratios (LRs) of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA)-based cytology in differentiating malignant PCLs from benign PCLs.

Methods

A comprehensive search was performed in multiple databases in November 2023. Studies differentiating benign and malignant PCLs via EUS-FNA-based cytology, in which the results were compared with those of surgical excision histopathology, were included in this meta-analysis. Data from the selected studies were pooled to summarize the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative LRs, diagnostic odds ratios and summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curves.

Results

We included 755 patients from 15 distinct studies who underwent EUS-FNA-based cytology and had a histopathological diagnosis. The pooled sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing malignant PCLs were 0.62 (95% CI, 0.42–0.78) and 0.96 (95% CI, 0.91–0.98), respectively. The positive and negative LRs for diagnosing malignant PCLs were 16.3 (95% CI, 7.2–37.0) and 0.40 (95% CI, 0.25–0.64), respectively. The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.94 (95% CI, 0.91–0.95).

Conclusions

EUS-FNA-based cytology has overall high specificity, medium sensitivity and good diagnostic accuracy in differentiating malignant from benign PCLs. Further research is needed to improve the overall sensitivity of EUS-FNA-based cytology for the diagnosis of malignant PCLs.
Mechanical properties of lithium slag recycled aggregate concrete subject to high temperature
Authors: Liang Jiongfeng , Yang Ying , Wang Caisen , Hu Ziyi , Li Wei
Published: February 2025

In attempting to enhance the mechanical properties of recycled concrete after high temperature and solve the problem of large stacking of lithium slag (LS), this paper proposes lithium slag recycled concrete (LSRAC). In this research, LS was used to replace part of the cement (γL = 10%, 20%, and 30%), recycled coarse aggregate (RCA) completely replaced the natural aggregate (γR = 100%), and the heated temperatures were 200°C, 400°C, and 600°C. This paper carried out the heating test and the strength tests. The test results indicated, for the same heating temperature, the loss of strength of LSRAC was less than that of RAC and the compressive strengths and splitting strength of LSRAC with 20% lithium slag replacement rate were improved by 33.9%, 36.5% and 34.5%, respectively. The increase in flexural strength of LSRAC with 10% lithium slag dosage reached 24.1%. The results indicate LSRAC can effectively improve the bearing capacity of structural concrete subject to high temperature. The strength retention equations of LSRAC were established by comparing the strengths of 20°C. The calculation results of the strength retention formula for post-high-temperature LSRAC matched the measured results well. Therefore, this paper provided reliable experimental basis and theoretical guidance for on-site rescue, post-disaster assessment and reinforcement of RAC used for pavement base and public facilities constructions, and the eco-friendly way for sustainable development.
Biomechanical comparison of various bone reduction forceps in interfragmentary compression and area of compression in an experimental model of canine lateral humeral condylar fractures
Authors: Baskette Madison , Ferrigno Cassio Ricardo Auada
Published: February 2025

Objective

To compare contact area and interfragmentary compression generated by Vulsellum forceps, Patellar forceps, Kyon FineTouch forceps, point-to-point forceps with soft-locking mechanism, and point-to-point forceps with speed-locking mechanism in simulated lateral humeral condylar fractures in canine cadavers.

Study design

Ex-vivo biomechanical study.

Materials and methods

Seven cadaveric canine humeri with simulated lateral humeral condylar fractures were used in this study. A stress-sensitive film was placed at the fracture gap and five different bone reduction forceps were used to reduce the fractures to their maximum pressure before failure occurred. The compression and interfragmentary compression area were recorded during the entire compression interval and compared after the pressure had reached a plateau.

Results

Patellar forceps generated the highest interfragmentary compression, followed by Vulsellum forceps. Compression generated by both the Patellar and Vulsellum forceps were significantly higher than point-to-point forceps with soft-lock, point-to-point forceps with speed lock, and Kyon forceps (P = 0.0008, 0.0084). No statistically significant difference was observed in the areas of compression among all forceps types.

Conclusion

Patellar and Vulsellum forceps generate a greater interfragmentary compression compared to Kyon FineTouch forceps and point-to-point forceps with both speed and soft-locking mechanisms in this experimental lateral condylar fracture model.
Active power filter control strategy based on repetitive quasi-proportional resonant control with linear active disturbance rejection control
Authors: Gao Yifei , Zhu Liancheng , Wang Xiaoyang , Wei Hongshi , Lv Xiaoguo
Published: February 2025

Active power filter (APF) is a new type of harmonic mitigation device, and its harmonic mitigation capability mainly depends on the control strategies of current inner loop and voltage outer loop. Traditional proportional integral (PI) control methods cannot track harmonic currents without steady-state error, thereby it leads to the poor tracking accuracy of the harmonic current and is difficult to achieve high-performance harmonic compensation. Thus, in this paper, a repetitive quasi-proportional resonant (QPR) with linear active disturbance rejection control (LADRC) is proposed. Firstly, QPR control is introduced to replace PI control. QPR control can eliminate steady-state error and realize no static error tracking of harmonic current. Meanwhile, QPR control can coordinate control of various frequency components and enhance APF’s ability to suppress specific harmonics. Then, the introduction of repetitive control optimizes the QPR control, so that the dynamic performance of the system does not change while further improving the tracking accuracy of the APF system for harmonic current. Finally, LADRC control is used to observe and compensate for the coupled parts of the system. Thereby, it can achieve high-performance decoupling without adding additional sensors. In addition, in order to ensure the stability of the DC-side voltage and enhance its dynamic performance, this paper also designs a voltage outer loop controlled by QPR. The proposed method is verified by real-time digital simulation system (RTDS). The simulation results show that compared with the double closed-loop PI control, the repetitive quasi-proportional resonant with linear active disturbance rejection control (repetitive QPR-LADRC) and QPR double closed-loop control proposed in this paper can not only increase the harmonic current tracking accuracy of APF system, but also improve the dynamic performance of APF system and significantly enhance the harmonic suppression ability of APF.
Usability of a digital mindfulness training program for smoking cessation: A mixed-method single-center pilot study protocol (HowToMind)
Authors: Demina Anastasia , Soudry-Faure Agnès , Petit Benjamin , Meunier-Beillard Nicolas , Trojak Benoit
Published: February 2025

Background

Tobacco use is one of the leading causes of preventable disease and death worldwide. Despite the availability of evidence-based pharmacological treatments, only a small number of individuals with tobacco use disorder achieve long-term abstinence after smoking cessation. This highlights the need to enhance existing interventions. In this protocol, we describe our single-center mixed-method trial, HowToMind, conducted in Dijon, France. This trial aims to investigate the usability and acceptability of a digital mindfulness-based intervention designed to complement standard smoking cessation treatment to potentiate its effects.

Methods

We will include 60 adults seeking treatment for tobacco use disorder, as defined by DSM-5 criteria, who wish to quit smoking and own a smartphone. All participants will receive a combination of transdermal and oral nicotine replacement therapy and will be introduced to an eHealth app that provides a digital equivalent of an 8-week mindfulness training program. The acceptability of the initial version of our app will be assessed based on usage frequency, and usability will be evaluated using the Mobile App Rating Scale (French version). A participatory approach will be employed through focus groups conducted at the end of the 8 weeks of app use, aimed at co-constructing the final version of the app based on participant feedback.

Discussion

Our pilot mixed-method trial seeks to explore the usability and acceptability of our app, making necessary adjustments to its content and functionality based on participant feedback before its implementation in a large randomized controlled trial assessing the app’s potential to enhance the effects of standard treatment.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT06500117.
Mature murine supraspinatus tendons demonstrate regional differences in multiscale structure, function and gene expression
Authors: DiStefano Michael S. , Weiss Stephanie N. , Nuss Courtney A. , Betts Rebecca L. , Han Biao , Kuntz Andrew F. , Soslowsky Louis J.
Published: February 2025

The hierarchical structure of tendon dictates its ability to effectively transmit loads from muscle to bone. Tendon- and site-specific differences in mechanical loading result in the establishment and remodeling of structure, as well as associated changes in composition throughout development and healing. Previous work has demonstrated region-specific differences in the response of collagen fibrils to mechanical loading within the insertion region and midsubstance regions of mouse supraspinatus tendons using atomic force microscopy. However, multiscale structure, function, and gene expression differences between the insertion and midsubstance of the supraspinatus tendon have not yet been linked together in a comprehensive study. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to elucidate site-specific hierarchical structure, function, and gene expression differences in mouse supraspinatus tendons. Supraspinatus tendons from day 150 wild-type C57BL/6 mice were harvested for regional mechanics, histology, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Mechanical testing revealed that the midsubstance region demonstrated a greater modulus and increased collagen fiber realignment compared to the insertion region. Histological scoring demonstrated greater cellularity and more rounded cells in the insertion region. TEM analysis showed differences in collagen fibril diameter distributions between the two regions, with a shift towards smaller diameters observed at the insertion region. Gene expression analysis identified several genes that were differentially expressed between regions, with principal component analysis revealing distinct clustering based on region. These findings provide insight into the regional heterogeneity of the supraspinatus tendon and underscore the importance of considering these differences in the context of tendon injury and repair, contributing to a better understanding of tendon structure-function and guiding future studies aimed at elucidating the mechanisms underlying tendon pathology.
Isolation of a novel human prion strain from a PRNP codon 129 heterozygous vCJD patient
Authors: Zhang Fuquan , Joiner Susan , Linehan Jacqueline M. , Pintilii Florin , Nazari Tamsin , Argentina Fabio , Preston Connor , Taema Maged , Cunningham Thomas J. , Asante Emmanuel A. , Mok Tzehow , Mead Simon , Brandner Sebastian , Collinge John , Wadsworth Jonathan D.F.
Published: February 2025

The epizootic prion disease of cattle, bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), caused variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) in humans following dietary exposure. Codon 129 polymorphism of the human prion protein gene (PRNP), encoding either methionine (M) or valine (V), dictates the propagation of distinct human prion strains and up to now all but one neuropathologically confirmed vCJD patients have had a 129MM genotype. Concordant with this genetic association, transgenic modelling has established that human PrP 129V is incompatible with the vCJD prion strain and that depending on codon 129 genotype, primary human infection with BSE prions may, in addition to vCJD, result in sporadic CJD-like or novel phenotypes. In 2016 we saw the first neuropathologically confirmed case of vCJD in a patient with a codon 129MV genotype. This patient’s neuropathology and molecular strain type were pathognomonic of vCJD but their clinical presentation and neuroradiological features were more typical of sporadic CJD, suggestive of possible co-propagation of another prion strain. Here we report the transmission properties of prions from the brain and lymphoreticular tissues of the 129MV vCJD patient. Primary transmissions into transgenic mice expressing human PrP with different codon 129 genotypes mainly produced neuropathological and molecular phenotypes congruent to those observed in the same lines of mice challenged with prions from 129MM vCJD patient brain, indicative that the vCJD prion strain was the dominant propagating prion strain in the patient’s brain. Remarkably however, some transgenic mice challenged with 129MV vCJD patient brain propagated a novel prion strain type which at secondary passage was uniformly lethal in mice of all three PRNP codon 129 genotypes after similar short mean incubation periods. These findings establish that cattle BSE prions can trigger the co-propagation of distinct prion strains in humans.
Siamois cooperates with TGFbeta signals to induce the complete function of the Spemann-Mangold organizer.
Authors: Engleka M J , Kessler D S
Published: February 2025

In Xenopus, the Spemann-Mangold organizer induces and patterns the body axis. Siamois, a Wnt-responsive transcriptional activator, functions to establish and maintain the Spemann-Mangold organizer by regulating organizer gene transcription. While expression of Siamois in marginal blastomeres induces an axis consisting of both head and trunk structures, we show that expression of Siamois in animal blastomeres induces an axis that lacks head structures. Consistent with the absence of head organizer activity in Siamois-expressing animal pole tissue, Siamois did not induce animal expression of Cerberus, Frzb1 and Xlim1, genes implicated in anterior development. A dominant negative form of Siamois inhibited endogenous expression of Cerberus, Frzb1 and Xlim1, indicating that Siamois is necessary for organizer-specific expression of these head organizer genes, but is not sufficient in animal tissue. Siamois induces Cerberus, Frzb1 and Xlim1 in vegetal blastomeres and vegetal induction by Siamois is dependent on endogenous TGFbeta signals. The results provide evidence that Siamois cooperates with TGFbeta signals to activate the expression of organizer genes and to generate an organizer with both head- and trunk-inducing activity.