bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Review of phase equilibria of the system BaO–TiO2
Authors: Zaman Tasmia , Koshy Pramod , Daniels John E. , Sorrell Charles Christopher 
Published: February 2025

AbstractThe system BaO–TiO2 plays a significant role in the field of functional ceramics owing to the existence of multiple dielectric, piezoelectric, and ferroelectric intermediate phases. Although the first binary phase diagram for this system was introduced in 1951, more than 70 years passed before construction of a complete phase diagram. The present work provides a comprehensive and critical review of the 12 (1951–2024) previously published binary phase diagrams (BaO–TiO2), covering raw materials, processing conditions, characterization techniques, intermediate phases detected, and invariant points observed. Each diagram is examined in terms of its strengths and weaknesses. These data are supplemented with a brief chronological survey of ancillary ternary systems (BaO–TiO2–MxOy), all of which include the subsystem BaO–TiO2. These data allow the confirmation of the existence of phase assemblages and their temperature ranges of stability, thereby suggesting the conditions commensurate with metastable and equilibrium phase assemblages. The present review also addresses the ambiguities concerning the homogeneity regions of BaTiO3, thus clarifying the solubility limits for BaTiO3 hypostoichiometric and hyperstoichiometric solid solutions. The present work aims to survey the relevant published binary and ternary phase equilibria literature for the purpose of clarifying the existing intermediate phases, their temperature ranges of stability, and the solid solubility homogeneity regions of BaTiO3.
Pressureless sintering and characterization of gel‐cast ZrB2–SiC‐based composites processed from optimized slurries
Authors: Kashyap Sunil Kumar , S N Virushni , Mishra Adarsha Ranjan , Bhanuprasad V. V. , Patel Manish , Dhara Santanu , Mitra Rahul 
Published: February 2025

AbstractGel‐casting followed by pressureless sintering has been developed as a process to fabricate near‐net shaped ZrB2‐20 vol.% SiC composites. The slurries for gel‐casting have been prepared by using novel environment‐friendly additives, egg‐white (containing albumin) as a binder and sucrose with polyacrylic acid (PAA) as a dispersant to control viscosity. The slurry composition has been optimized (35–38 vol.% solid loading, 22–26 vol.% egg‐white, 4–8 vol.% sucrose, and 0.3 vol% PAA) to achieve a uniform dispersion of constituents at pH = 9 with minimum zeta potential and shear thinning behavior, as verified by rheological studies. Defect‐free green bodies with relative density (RD) >50% and crushing strength ∼3.9–7.7 MPa, obtained by gel‐casting of optimized slurries followed by controlled drying, have been sintered to attain RD ∼98%. Uniform and reduced shrinkage during drying or sintering ensured by optimum solid loading and a uniform dispersion of constituents, has restricted the formation of defects in the sintered products.
Climate Absurdism
Authors: Dick Daniel G. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTMany arguments in the popular discourse around climate change seem intended to give the impression that climate action is an absurd endeavor. These ‘climate absurdist’ arguments are reflected in the question: ‘if the climate is going to change anyway, why should we care about anthropogenic climate change?’ Classic absurdist philosophy suggests that absurdity (also called ‘the absurd’) arises due to a conflict between our desire for meaning and a universe that seems devoid of meaning. Others argue the absurd is not a consequence of specific facts about the universe but is rather a matter of perspective – we live our lives with a seriousness that can always be undercut by ‘stepping back’ and viewing our goals and aspirations with indifference. Although climate absurdist claims are structured similarly to classic absurdist claims (positing a conflict between our climate stabilizing efforts and specific physical facts like a constantly changing climate), I argue that climate absurdist arguments are primarily rhetorical claims intended to encourage the listener to ‘step back’ and view our climate stabilizing efforts on a geologic or cosmic scale, where they can appear insignificant. I show that this approach results in a self‐defeating argument that cannot justify climate inaction.
Fostering EFL Learners' Speaking Skills and Flow Experience With Video‐Dubbing Tasks: A Flow Theory Perspective
Authors: Hwang Gwo‐Jen , Fathi Jalil , Rahimi Masoud 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe utilisation of video‐dubbing tasks, wherein learners record their voices over video clips to practise pronunciation, fluency, grammatical accuracy, and vocabulary use, is relatively novel in the English language learning context. Exploring the effectiveness of video‐dubbing tasks can lead to more innovative and effective speaking techniques in language courses. Whilst a growing body of research has examined the effectiveness of video‐dubbing tasks in terms of fostering English language learners' speaking skills, further empirical studies are required to explore their effectiveness specifically in the English as a foreign language (EFL) context.ObjectivesTo address this deficiency in the current literature, this study adopted a sequential explanatory mixed‐methods research design to explore the impact of video‐dubbing tasks on EFL learners' speaking skills, such as pronunciation, fluency, grammatical accuracy, vocabulary use, and flow experience.MethodsSixty EFL learners at a language institute were randomly assigned to a dubbing class with 30 EFL learners and a comparison class with the same number of EFL learners. The learners in the dubbing class collectively chose videos on the internet, deleted their soundtracks, practised the speeches and conversations, developed an alternate soundtrack, incorporated the videos with their own soundtracks, submitted the dubbed videos for feedback, and presented the video‐dubbing tasks in the class. The comparison group engaged in in‐class viewing and discussion of English films. A speaking test and flow experience questionnaire were utilised to collect the necessary quantitative data, and an individual semi‐structured interview was conducted to gather the required qualitative data.Results and ConclusionsTwo‐way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), a parametric test used to compare group means over time, was applied to analyse the quantitative data. The results revealed that both the dubbing and comparison classes improved the EFL learners' speaking skills; however, the dubbing group demonstrated significantly greater improvement than the comparison group. Moreover, the EFL learners reported experiencing a positive flow state—a deep state of focus and enjoyment—whilst completing the video‐dubbing tasks. The qualitative data, which corroborated the quantitative findings, further indicated that the learners perceived the video‐dubbing tasks as engaging, motivating, and beneficial for improving their speaking skills.ImplicationsThe practical and pedagogical implications of integrating video‐dubbing tasks into EFL speaking courses are discussed in detail.
DNA Methylation Regulatory Axis miR‐29b‐3p/DNMT3B Regulates Liver Regeneration Process by Altering LATS1
Authors: Zhou Yinwen , Wu Hao , Wang Qiu , Ma Bo , Sun Jiulong , Wang Guoliang 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTDNA methylation is a crucial epigenetic alteration involved in diverse biological processes and diseases. Hippo signalling pathway is a key signalling regulatory network in the growth and development of tissues and organs. Nevertheless, the precise role of DNA methylation and Hippo signalling pathway during liver regeneration (PH) is still unclear. In this study, we investigated the regulatory mechanism of LATS1, a pivotal protein in the Hippo signalling pathway, on liver regeneration and explored the specific mechanism of DNA methylation regulating LATS1. To analyse the regulation of LATS1 by DNA methylation, following 2/3 partial hepatectomy (PH) in liver‐specific AAV‐8 shDNMT3B deleted mice (DNMT3B, KD) mice and sex‐matched AAV‐8 shControl (Control). We determined that DNMT3B regulates the protein expression of LATS1 by DNA methylation. miR‐29b‐3p significantly regulates the expression of DNMT3B and alters LATS1 expression to inactivate the Hippo signalling pathway, thereby reducing the expression of cell proliferation and cycle proteins and inhibiting liver regeneration. Our results indicated that the miR‐29b‐3p/DNMT3B regulatory axis influences LATS1 expression through DNA methylation, and thereby promotes liver regeneration.
Renal Lipid Alterations From Diabetes to Early‐Stage Diabetic Kidney Disease and Mitophagy: Focus on Cardiolipin
Authors: Li Zhijie , Wang Hongmiao , Liu Nan , Lan Xiayuchen , Xie Ailing , Yuan Ge , Li Bowen , Geng Jiaxin , Liu Xiaodan 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTLipotoxicity plays a crucial role in the progression of diabetic kidney disease (DKD), yet the dynamic changes in renal lipid composition from diabetes to early‐stage DKD remain unclear. Free fatty acids, lactosylceramides and cardiolipin (CL) were identified as the most significantly altered lipids by quantitatively comparing targeted lipids in the renal cortex of the classic spontaneous diabetic db/db mice using high‐coverage targeted lipidomics. Further investigation into the causes and effects of decreased CL, which is a unique mitochondrial phospholipid, was conducted in mitochondria‐rich renal proximal tubular cells by using western blotting, real‐time PCR, immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy. Reduced expression of cardiolipin synthase, a key enzyme in the CL synthesis pathway, and inhibition of CL‐related mitophagy were confirmed under high glucose conditions. In addition, the protective effect of CL‐targeted Szeto‐Schiller 31 in preserving mitophagy was demonstrated in both in vivo and in vitro studies. These findings provide new insights into the pathogenesis of early‐stage DKD from a lipid perspective and offer a theoretical basis for discovering new treatments.
Dietary exposure to 17α‐ethinylestradiol negatively affects reproduction and health parameters of zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Hollerova Aneta , Peskova Nikola , Weiserova Zuzana , Hodkovicova Nikola , Marsalek Petr , Tichy Frantisek , Franc Ales , Svobodova Zdenka , Blahova Jana 
Published: February 2025

AbstractPollution of the aquatic ecosystem by hormone‐active substances is a frequently discussed topic these days. Such substances can pass through the sewage treatment plant system and affect aquatic life. This study tested the effect of 17α‐ethinylestradiol (EE2) on individual zebrafish (Danio rerio) at an environmentally relevant concentration in fish food (10 μg/kg) and at a concentration 100 times higher (1000 μg/kg). This experiment revealed significant changes in the expression of reproductive genes, an increase in vitellogenin levels and histopathological lesions in the testes after EE2 exposure. Additionally, lipid peroxidation and changes in antioxidant enzyme activities were observed at both tested concentrations, along with morphological changes and increased mortality at the higher concentration. Even the environmentally relevant concentration of EE2 poses a danger to the aquatic organisms as it changes D. rerio's reproductive and health parameters, indicating toxicity at molecular, cell, tissue, and organism levels.
Is it possible to contribute to the recovery of European grayling (Thymallus thymallus, Salmonidae) populations by stocking cultured brood fish in the pre‐spawning period?
Authors: Avramović Mladen , Turek Jan , Randák Tomáš 
Published: February 2025

AbstractEuropean grayling populations have declined significantly in their central range, prompting numerous stocking programs with reared fish that did not bring desirable population prosperity. This study evaluated the effectiveness of stocking long‐reared grayling brood fish before their spawning period. It focused on monitoring the presence of juveniles coming from their natural spawn in the stream and on recapture rates and growth parameters of stocked fish to estimate their adaptability in a natural river environment. The results revealed that the recapture rate of the stocked brood fish was notably low, with significant increases only in length growth but a decreases in condition factor, suggesting poor adaptability in the wild. The limited number of young‐of‐year grayling from natural spawning further indicated low reproductive success. These results highlight the inadequacies of this stocking approach to strengthen the wild grayling population. We suggest alternative strategies, such as using younger stock and implementing protective measures like catch‐and‐release, which may improve conservation efforts and enhance the success of grayling stocking programs.
Theorizing academia: Focus on human development and family science
Authors: Oswald Ramona Faith , Zvonkovic Anisa M. 
Published: February 2025

AbstractThis special issue explores the positionality of feminist administrators within Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) and their efforts to enhance the discipline's visibility, value, and impact. Drawing from extensive administrative and leadership experiences, the contributors examine the status and boundaries of HDFS in higher education, addressing issues such as devaluation linked to masculinist ideologies, structural challenges, and the need for equitable power distribution. The collection also critiques neoliberalism in academia, advocating for human well‐being as the core of HDFS programs. Key themes include the historical and societal contexts of HDFS, critical problems such as burnout and trauma, diverse contributions, and the intellectual work of administration. The issue calls for a transformation in higher education that prioritizes human dignity, inclusivity, and meaningful community engagement, aiming for a more just and effective academic system.
Investigation of sedimentary rocks and grains in the round: Micron‐scale SEM‐BEX 360° and 3D imaging
Authors: Buckman Jim 
Published: February 2025

AbstractThe aim of the current paper is to demonstrate the use of a novel prototype horizontal rotation stage, within a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Here we utilise sedimentary rock chips and grains, with images collected every 10 ° of rotation, to produce a continuous overlapping field of view 360° montage. The same procedure can also be used to collect elemental X‐ray maps. The collected images and maps can be simply combined into an image stack and saved as a movie format of the rotating specimen through 360°. More significantly, individual images and elemental maps can be reconstructed using photogrammetry imaging software, producing three‐dimensional (3D) models with mesh worked surfaces and rendered texture (colour or greyscale) based on SEM image and X‐ray data. This produces photorealistic smoothly transitioning movies with 360° fields of view around each object and can also be saved for stereo‐viewing using a virtual reality (VR) headset. This new technique generates highly detailed information on the 3D structural and compositional relationships between components at the submicron to millimetre scale. The technique has widespread applications, including imaging other geological materials, biological mineralised tests and material science specimens such as metals, ceramics and building materials.
Phase Ib/II study of Pembrolizumab with Lanreotide depot for advanced, progressive Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PLANET)
Authors: Morse Michael A. , Crosby Erika J. , Halperin Daniel M. , Uronis Hope E. , Hsu S. David , Hurwitz Herbert I. , Rushing Christel , Bolch Emily K. , Warren Dana A. , Moyer Ashley N. , Lowe Melissa E. , Niedzwiecki Donna 
Published: February 2025

AbstractWhile performing a study of immune checkpoint blockade with the anti‐PD‐1 antibody pembrolizumab combined with the somatostatin analogue (SSA) lanreotide in patients with low‐ and intermediate‐grade gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP‐NETs), we studied whether there were any immune correlates of response to the anti‐PD‐1 therapy that could guide future attempts to integrate immunotherapy into the treatment of NETs. Patients with grade 1 and 2 GEP‐NETs who had progressed on a prior SSA received lanreotide 90 mg subcutaneously and pembrolizumab 200 mg intravenously every 3 weeks until progression or intolerable toxicity. Objective response rate (ORR) at any time in the study, clinical benefit rate (CBR, defined as stable disease or better), progression‐free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) were measured. Changes in T cell subsets in peripheral blood before and during therapy were analyzed by multiparameter mass cytometry (CyTOF). Archived tissue samples were analyzed for PD‐L1 expression and TIL infiltration. Twenty‐two (22) patients (GI/pancreatic 14/8, median Ki67 7% [IQR 4, 10%], median 1.5 prior systemic therapies [range 1–4]) were enrolled. Among the GI‐NETs, there was one partial response, the CBR was 50%, the median PFS was 8.5 months, and the median OS was 32.7 months. No responses were seen in pancreatic NETs, which had 0% CBR, a PFS of 2.7 months, and an OS of 23.9 months. Of the 16 analyzable tumors, 6 had detectable PD‐L1 expression and 15 had detectable TILs. Neither TILs nor PD‐L1 expression correlated with ORR or CBR. However, clinical benefit (SD or better) was associated with peripheral blood on‐treatment effector memory T cell activation and progressive disease was associated with baseline peripheral blood regulatory T cell (Treg) activation. We conclude that immune checkpoint blockade had low activity in unselected patients with grade 1 and 2 GEP‐NETs. Further study of strategies to reduce Treg activation or enhance effector memory activation during immunotherapy is warranted.
The Impact of Minority Representation at Mortgage Lenders
Authors: FRAME W. SCOTT , HUANG RUIDI , JIANG ERICA XUEWEI , LEE YEONJOON , LIU WILL SHUO , MAYER ERIK J. , SUNDERAM ADI 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTWe study links between the labor market for loan officers and access to mortgage credit. Using novel data matching mortgage applications to loan officers, we find that minorities are underrepresented among loan officers. Minority borrowers are less likely to complete mortgage applications, have completed applications approved, and to ultimately take up a loan. These disparities are reduced when minority borrowers work with minority loan officers. These pairings also lead to lower default rates, suggesting minority loan officers have an informational advantage with minority borrowers. Our results suggest minority underrepresentation among loan officers reduces minority borrowers’ access to credit.
Role of Subjective Knowledge in the Description of Virgin Olive Oil Using the Rata Methodology
Authors: Hodos Natalia , Cano Andrea , Berrondo Valeria , Gámbaro Adriana 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTTraditionally, the sensory characteristics of virgin olive oil (VOO) have been described by descriptive analysis (DA) carried out by panels of trained judges, with limited use of rapid descriptive methods for this product. Additionally, subjective knowledge (SK) helps identify differences in consumers' levels of knowledge and their perception of quality. This study aimed to compare the conventional descriptive characterization of VOO across different commercial qualities and sensory profiles with the description obtained through the Rate‐All‐That‐Apply (RATA) methodology, along with acceptability evaluation from 115 frequent consumers of VOO. A hierarchical cluster analysis allowed consumers to be separated into two groups with different levels of SK. Cluster 1 (n = 62), characterized by lower levels of SK, assigned similar acceptability scores to all samples, indicating an inability to differentiate between the commercial qualities of VOO. Participants in this group did not perceive defects in any of the samples evaluated, nor did they demonstrate a preference for a specific sensory profile. These results indicate that frequent consumption of olive oil does not necessarily correlate with knowledge about the product and its quality. Cluster 2 (n = 57), characterized by higher levels of SK, assigned acceptability scores based on the commercial quality of each oil, showing a preference for the extra VOO sample characterized by flavor intensity, odor, pungency, and bitterness. The use of the RATA methodology with this group of consumers enables us to describe both the positive and negative characteristics of olive oil in a manner comparable to DA.
Integrated column generation for volunteer‐based delivery assignment and route optimization
Authors: Atik Asya , Li Kuangying , Hajibabai Leila , Hajbabaie Ali 
Published: February 2025

AbstractThis study develops an integrated delivery assignment and route planning strategy for food banking operations, considering food supply and demand constraints, food item restrictions, and vehicle capacity constraints. A mixed‐integer linear model is formulated to maximize the total demand served and minimize the total travel cost imposed on delivery volunteers. An integrated solution algorithm is developed that includes Lagrangian relaxation and column generation. The algorithm decomposes the problem into assignment and routing components and solves each iteratively. The proposed methodology is applied to a case study in Wake County, NC. A series of sensitivity analyses are conducted to draw insights. The numerical results demonstrate the proposed methodology's capacity to solve complex problems in food delivery operations efficiently.
Centennial‐scale atmospheric CO2 rise increased photosynthetic efficiency in a tropical tree species
Authors: Zwartsenberg Sophie A. , Sterck Frank J. , Haddad Lenny , Schleucher Jürgen , Anten Niels P. R. , Morales Alejandro , Cernusak Lucas A. , Medina‐Vega José A. , Rahman Mizanur , Vlam Mart , Heinrich Ingo , Zuidema Pieter A. 
Published: February 2025

Summary
Tropical forests substantially influence the terrestrial carbon sink. Their contributions to the forest carbon sink may increase due to the stimulation of photosynthesis by rising atmospheric CO2 (Ca); however, the magnitude of this effect is poorly quantified for tropical canopy trees.
We measured the ratio of two deuterium isotopomers of glucose derived from tree rings to estimate how photosynthetic efficiency (photorespiration‐to‐photosynthesis ratio) has responded to Ca rise at a centennial scale. Wood samples were obtained from Toona ciliata trees from three climatically distinct forests in Asia and Australia. We applied Bayesian mixed effect models to test how the isotopomer ratio changes with Ca, tree diameter (as a proxy for crown exposure), temperature, and precipitation.
Across all sites, long‐term Ca rise increased photosynthetic efficiency, likely due to increased photosynthesis and the concurrent suppression of photorespiration. Increasing tree size reduced photosynthetic efficiency, likely due to reduced leaf internal CO2 at higher irradiance and stronger hydraulic limitation. Associations of photosynthetic efficiency with temperature and precipitation were inconclusive.
Our study reveals a centennial‐scale association between photosynthetic efficiency and increasing Ca in canopy trees and provides a new and independent line of evidence for Ca‐induced stimulation of photosynthetic efficiency in tropical forests.