bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Novel protocol for isolation and transient transformation of Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana) protoplasts
Authors: Maybery-Reupert Kellie , Giri Khageswor , Hayden Matthew , Cogan Noel , Isenegger Daniel 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana) is a warm-season C4 grass currently grown as a forage in some tropical regions, with anticipated future application in areas affected by climate change. However, there are few resources available for this grass, with few genomic resources and only one established transformation system, thus limiting the application of biotechnology methods for its improvement. Protoplast transformation can be used as a time- and resource-efficient way to examine gene pathways and functions of transcriptional elements via proteomics and transcriptomics, and to validate gene constructs. The aim of this work was therefore to establish the first Rhodes grass leaf mesophyll protoplast isolation and transient transformation protocol. A range of protoplast isolation factors were examined, including enzyme quantity and vacuum infiltration time. Up to 4.13 × 106 protoplasts were isolated per gram of fresh weight with an average 94.8% viability from an overnight digestion protocol with 4% (w/v) cellulase R10, 0.8% (w/v) Macerozyme R10, and no vacuum infiltration. Transformation conditions were optimized via Taguchi’s orthogonal array, which compared combinations of three levels each of green fluorescent protein (GFP) plasmid DNA quantity, polyethylene glycol (PEG) concentration, and transformation time. A transient transformation efficiency of up to 27.88% was observed by GFP expression. DNA quantity was identified to be the only factor from those tested effecting transformation efficiency (p < 0.001) in a linear way. Work here represents the first report for Rhodes grass protoplast isolation and transformation, which could facilitate genome editing and transcriptome and proteome studies.
Interdisciplinary Boundary Spanning – Guidance for Collaboration Between the Disciplines of Information Systems, Law, and Ethics
Authors: Kurtz Christian , Burmeister Fabian , Wittner Florian , Jacobs Mattis , Semmann Martin , Simon Judith , Schulz Wolfgang , Schirmer Ingrid , Böhmann Tilo 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The relationship between information technology (IT) and society is marked by a dual normativity, where societal norms and values shape IT development and deployment, while the use of novel technologies in turn influences and potentially transforms societal norms, values, and practices. With a distinctive and evolving understanding of IT, the information systems (IS) field has the potential not only to address legal compliance but to support value judgment issues and to promote a productive and informed discourse. This research note describes how researchers from IS, law, and ethics collaborated while enhancing each discipline individually and the discipline intersections. In doing so, the authors specify an interdisciplinary, boundary-spanning framework that can help other researchers to foster research at these disciplinary intersections. This approach involves a reciprocal process around boundary objects in form of phenomena, concepts, and values. Additionally, this research note offers further recommendations to mitigate the diverse challenges that can arise in interdisciplinary research.
Tell me more: integrating LLMs in a cultural heritage website for advanced information exploration support
Authors: Cossatin Angelo Geninatti , Mauro Noemi , Ferrero Fabio , Ardissono Liliana 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Cultural Heritage websites’ capability to satisfy diverse information needs is limited by their high-quality but constrained knowledge bases. Thus, we investigate their extension with external large language models (LLMs), enriching the provision of cultural content by leveraging LLMs’ continuous collection and integration of information from heterogeneous data sources. This extension raises important challenges in synchronizing the LLM’s behavior with the user’s browsing activity on the website to offer a unified interaction environment. To address these challenges, we propose a loosely coupled integration model that provides users with curated content and an assisted question-answering function to answer information needs that the system’s knowledge base fails to cover. Our model is agnostic to the LLM and synchronizes its behavior with the user’s browsing activity through implicit prompt engineering. We tested a baseline website without LLM integration, one with free-text interaction with the LLM, and another that combines free-text interaction with the suggestion of context-dependent questions. In a user study involving 44 participants, we found that the LLM-powered website has higher usability and that context-dependent question suggestions further enhance user experience, especially for people with low curiosity levels (according to Curiosity and Exploration Inventory-II - CEI-II) who are guided in formulating effective questions. This shows the potential of LLMs to enrich engagement with existing Cultural Heritage websites.
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Assessing the Impact of Improved Cookstove Technology Trials (ICTs) on Household Air Pollution and Human Health in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Dillon David , Reigh Samara , Rappazzo Kristen M. , Luben Thomas J. , Weaver Anne M. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Purpose of Review
A major contributor to household air pollution (HAP) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is unclean cooking fuel. Improved cookstove technology (ICT) interventions have been promoted as a solution, but their impacts on health are unclear. Our aim is to conduct a systematic review to explore the impacts of ICT interventions on health outcomes in SSA. We conducted a systematic review, following PRISMA guidelines, on ICT interventions in SSA from 2000-present. We performed this search in MEDLINE, PubMed, Web of Science, Web of Science CABI, and EMBASE via ProQuest. Two reviewers assessed each study using predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria and extracted data. We evaluated each study on participant selection, exposure assessment, control comparability, outcomes, analyses, and biases.

Recent Findings
From 4,461 articles, k = 23 (n = 31,261 individuals) articles described results of ICT interventions on health outcomes. Pooled mean exposure estimates for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in control and intervention groups were 102.88 µg/m3 (95% confidence interval [CI]I: 52.63, 153.14; I2 96.9%) and 101.76 µg/m3 (95%CI: 57.47, 146.06; I2 98.2%), respectively. Estimates for pooled mean carbon monoxide (CO) were 2.40 ppm (95% CI: 0, 8.33; I2 99.0%) and 1.66 ppm (0, 4.91; I2 98.5%) respectively. Of health outcomes, 19.4% were reported as significantly different between control and intervention groups.

Summary
There is mixed evidence that ICT interventions influence health outcomes due to heterogeneity in study designs, sample size, stove stacking, etc. ICT interventions may decrease HAP, but other sources of air pollutant exposure are not addressed by improved cookstoves.
Psoas muscle gauge and adverse clinical outcomes in patients on hemodialysis
Authors: Yajima Takahiro , Arao Maiko 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
The relationship between the psoas muscle gauge (PMG), a combined sarcopenia indicator obtained from psoas muscle index (PMI) and psoas muscle density (PMD), and adverse clinical outcomes in patients on hemodialysis remains unclear. We examined whether psoas muscle gauge could predict all-cause mortality and new cardiovascular events more accurately than psoas muscle index in these patients.

Methods
We retrospectively included 217 hemodialysis patients who underwent abdominal computed tomography. We calculated the psoas muscle gauge (arbitrary unit [AU]) at the fourth lumbar vertebra level as follows: PMI (cm2/m2) × PMD (Hounsfield units). We categorized the patients into higher and lower psoas muscle gauge groups based on sex-specific cutoffs obtained from the young Asian population. The outcomes were death and new cardiovascular events.

Results
The psoas muscle gauge cutoffs were set at 231.1 and 328.8 AU in women and men, respectively. Eighty-five deaths and 95 new cardiovascular events occurred during the follow-up period of 4.4 (2.4–7.3) years. The 5-year survival rates were 59.2% and 94.9% in the lower and higher psoas muscle gauge groups, respectively (p < 0.0001). Moreover, after adjusting for sex and age, history of cardiovascular disease, C-reactive protein, modified creatinine index, and geriatric nutritional risk index, lower psoas muscle gauge was independently associated with increased all-cause death and new cardiovascular events (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 7.65; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.37–24.66 and aHR 2.98; 95% CI 1.54–5.75, respectively). The concordance index (C-index) for predicting all-cause mortality and new cardiovascular events significantly improved when either psoas muscle index or psoas muscle gauge were added to the baseline risk model. Additionally, the C-index of the psoas muscle gauge-added model was significantly higher than that of the psoas muscle index-added model (0.815 vs. 0.784, p = 0.026) only when predicting all-cause mortality.

Conclusions
Psoas muscle gauge accurately predicted the risk of all-cause mortality and new cardiovascular events in patients undergoing hemodialysis. For predicting all-cause mortality, psoas muscle gauge may be recommended compared to psoas muscle index.

Graphical abstract
Umbilical Cord-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (CLV-100) Infusion in Healthy Subjects: a 5-Year Follow-up Study on Safety and Immunomodulatory Effect
Authors: Chin Sze Piaw , Ng Wan-Chiew , Tai Lihui , Mohd Muzaida Aminah , Then Kong Yong , Cheong Soon Keng 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Purpose
Umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UCMSCs) have garnered significant attention in the field of regenerative medicine, specifically in inflammation-related diseases. Our team has previously demonstrated that a single infusion of allogeneic UCMSCs by Cytopeutics® (CLV-100), at both low dose (65 million cells) and high dose (130 million cells), in 11 healthy volunteers was safe up to 6 months with a dose-dependent immunomodulatory effect. In this present follow-up study, we investigated the medium-term safety and efficacy of intravenous administration of CLV-100 in the same healthy subjects.

Methods
All 11 subjects were enrolled in this 5-year follow-up, and none dropped out (NMRR-13–1152-17400, 28/09/2016). Clinicians conducted consultations to assess overall health indicators. Blood samples and serum were collected for laboratory testing and biomarker analysis, respectively.

Results
Five years after the CLV-100 infusion, all subjects remained healthy, with no reported side effects or major health conditions. Levels of cancer markers also remained within normal ranges. The anti-inflammatory effect of CLV-100 remained statistically significant in the high-dose group. Notably, major organ health parameters, including those subjects aged over 60 years, remained stable even after 5 years.

Conclusion
The findings demonstrated the medium-term safety of a single CLV-100 infusion and persistent dose-dependent immunomodulatory effects. CLV-100 may also confer protection against age- and inflammation-related frailty.

Lay Summary
The current follow-up study provides insight into the safety and immunomodulatory effects of a single infusion of allogeneic umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (CLV-100) for up to 5 years in healthy subjects. The effects on the inflammatory cytokines CLV-100 were more pronounced in the high-dose group. In addition, other biomarker levels were comparable between the older and younger age groups. CLV-100 is therefore safe over the medium-term with sustained anti-inflammatory effect in a dose-dependent manner.
Reactions to disclosed biofeedback information on skin DNA damage in individuals after a beach holiday: a mixed methods intervention study
Authors: Frederiksen Nynne Johanne Sahl , Thorsteinsson Ida Schwarz , Lerche Catharina Margrethe , Granborg Jonatan Riber , Hædersdal Merete , Dalum Peter , Køster Brian 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
The incidence of skin cancer among Danes is one of the highest in the world. Most skin cancers are, however, avoidable with sun protection and reduction of exposure. One way to increase awareness could be through personal biofeedback information about skin DNA damage.

Objective
This study investigates the influence of biofeedback information about skin DNA damage on Danish beach holiday travelers' perception of risk of developing skin cancer and motivations for behaviour change.

Methods
The intervention experiment included 20 participants aged 36-56 years, travelling to destinations with a high UV-index in February/March 2023. A new technology for detecting skin DNA damage in urine was used. Each participant was required to provide urine samples before and after travelling on holiday and participate in an interview about risk perceptions. The interviews were semi-structured and included the disclosure of DNA damage obtained during the holiday. Risk perceptions were assessed using a scale before and after the disclosure of biofeedback information.

Results
We identified key elements affecting perceived susceptibility of skin cancer as well as central barriers for behaviour change. The intervention increased risk perceptions for 35% of participants, and 30% expressed intentions to adopt more sun protective practices. However, most participants’ perceived susceptibility to skin cancer did not change significantly, as the DNA damage still appeared too abstract.

Conclusion
The findings suggest that biofeedback information can increase risk perceptions related to skin cancer and initiate intended behaviour change for some. Larger scale studies are needed and should include quantification of the individual DNA damage thereby making the assessed risk more relatable and personally relevant.

Graphical Abstract
A roadmap for governing AI: technology governance and power-sharing liberalism
Authors: Allen Danielle , Hubbard Sarah , Lim Woojin , Stanger Allison , Wagman Shlomit , Zalesne Kinney , Omoakhalen Omoaholo 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
This paper aims to provide a roadmap for governing AI. In contrast to the reigning paradigms, we argue that AI governance should be not merely a reactive, punitive, status-quo-defending enterprise, but rather the expression of an expansive, proactive vision for technology—to advance human flourishing. Advancing human flourishing in turn requires democratic/political stability and economic empowerment. To accomplish this, we build on a new normative framework that will give humanity its best chance to reap the full benefits, while avoiding the dangers, of AI. This new framework of “Power-Sharing Liberalism” is a philosophy that restores protections of positive liberties to liberalism. As we deploy it here, it helps shape a more comprehensive (and we would contend, more accurate) understanding of both risk and opportunity introduced by AI. To lay out how Power-Sharing Liberalism can be applied to AI governance, we take four steps. First, we define central concepts in the field of AI governance, disambiguating between forms of technological harms and risks. Second, we review current normative frameworks around the globe and argue that Power-Sharing Liberalism is a better fit for governing AI. Third, we walk through the six governance tasks that should be accomplished by any governance framework and analyze them through the Power-Sharing Liberalism framework. Based on that analysis, we make 17 recommendations for the governance of AI—including transformative investments in public goods, personnel, and the sustainability of democracy itself. Finally, we discuss concrete proposals for implementing those recommendations.
Development of a Circumallergenic Guayule Latex Endotracheal Tube Cuff
Authors: Herkins Ashley , Davis Sarah , Cornish Katrina 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Endotracheal tube (ETT) cuffs made from soft, hypoallergenic guayule latex placed outside existing polyvinyl chloride (PVC) cuffs were previously developed as an alternative to PVC cuffs alone. Although these outer cuffs do not cross-react with Type I latex allergy, they were made using conventional vulcanization chemicals which can cause adverse contact reactions. New outer cuffs have been made with guayule latex using a xanthate-based accelerant system designed to avoid contact reactions and create a perfect seal with the patient’s trachea. A standard formula was used for compounding, and concentrations of all components remained constant except for two hypoallergenic accelerants: diisopropyl xanthogen polysulphide (DIXP), added in concentrations of either 2.0 or 2.2 parts per hundred rubber (phr), and zinc diisononyl dithiocarbamate (ZDNC), added in concentrations of 0.6, 0.8, or 1.0 phr. Samples were dipped at dwell times of 5 or 15 s for thickness variation. Cured samples underwent tensile testing 14 days after creation. Benchtop leak tests were conducted using a standard PVC cuff with three simulated trachea sizes. Additional leak tests were performed using the guayule latex cuffs and a 20 mm inner diameter tube. A combination of 2.0 phr DIXP and 0.6 phr ZDNC resulted in the highest tensile strength in both thin and thick cuffs. The lowest modulus values occurred at 2.0 phr DIXP and 0.8 ZDNC for thinner samples and 2.2 phr DIXP and 1.0 phr ZDNC for thicker samples. The two-way ANOVA for the double cuff leak test revealed no significant effect of accelerant concentration on leakage rate (P = 0.5783). Finally, varying the size of the simulated trachea for the PVC cuffs revealed that larger tracheas had lower average leak rates. All guayule latex double cuffs prevented leakage consistently. The samples made using a combination of 2.0 phr DIXP and 0.6 phr ZDNC had the most ideal mechanical properties (softness, stretchiness, and strength) for the creation of a guayule latex ETT balloon cuff. The decreased leakage rate of the PVC cuff in the larger simulated tracheas was due to the increased room for cuff expansion, reducing the number of longitudinal folds.
A bibliometric analysis of the marine fishing landscape in Africa and its implications for sustainable coastal communities’ resilience and governance to the increasing human-environmental risks
Authors: Etta Linda A. , Matovu Baker , Lukambagire Isaac 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Marine fishing is critical for coastal livelihoods, sustainability transitions, and the attainment of sustainable development goals. With a long coastline and unique marine fish species, marine fishing could drive sustainable development in Africa. However, with increasing human-environmental challenges in tropical fishing zones, the projected sustainability benefits from Africa’s fisheries resources are threatened. This is worsened by the limited research to understand how these challenges have persisted or could be realigned to suit blue transformations in the marine fisheries sector. We sourced 1066 documents from Scopus, which were analyzed using bibliometrics to (i) analyze research trends and (ii) understand intricate networks and critical themes in research and policy regarding marine fisheries. Findings on research trends reveal a decline in research on marine fishing, domination of research by non-African authors, and institutions, and limited publications in reputable journals. Complex networks persist, worsened by the limited funding of transdisciplinary research. Most researchers and research institutions in Africa prefer marine fisheries science research. Limited marine sociological research has been conducted. Key themes are not prioritizing current governance pathways, and there is limited collaboration among coastal African countries, authors, and institutions in research. To build a new aura for sustainability, a Priority Action Pathway (PAP) has been developed that includes six (6) priority actions to drive sustainable transformations. With increased collaborations, focus on transdisciplinary marine fishing research and a shift in fisheries policy research emphasis to focus on the understanding of socioecological complexities, possibilities for identifying and promoting sustainability transformations (including in sustainable financing) in the sector are possible. This can be through an increased focus on collecting and integrating marine social science with marine fisheries science research. This can help identify/create novel perspectives from tropical coastal communities needed to co-design sustainable priority actions and mechanisms in coastal fishing zones.
Introduction: law in a changing climate
Authors: Sterett Susan M. , Dias Vitor Martins , Marshall Anna-Maria 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
As societies grapple with mitigating or adapting to climate change, law plays a prominent role in the social relations that constitute a response. In this essay, we briefly review of the many different perspectives on law and climate change offered by the authors in this special issue of Law and Society Review. From transnational human rights activism to constitutional litigation to local practices and all around the globe, both the powerful and the marginalized draw on legal institutions and actors in multiple arenas and at multiple scales to address the consequences of climate change. Together, these articles show that law is not confined to courtrooms or judicial systems or regulations; rather, law offers both limitations and opportunities in the ongoing struggle over climate change.
Programming Britishness: The Royal Carl Rosa Opera Company’s 1937 Tour of South Africa
Authors: Gerber Melissa 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
This article provides a snapshot of the Royal Carl Rosa Opera Company’s ‘Coronation’ tour in 1937, focusing particularly on the company’s time in Johannesburg. It considers the Carl Rosa’s tour as a ‘cultural colonisation’ endeavour on the part of the British Empire, aimed at reinforcing identity politics at a time when loyalty to the Empire was waning. The article examines the significance of the Carl Rosa’s tour within the broader context of British colonial relations and the Coronation celebrations of George VI in the Union. Central to its argument is the analysis of the tour’s commemorative programme, published by African Consolidated Theatres (ACT), which serves as a lens to understand the articulation of Dominion South Africanism amongst English-speaking audiences. Through an examination of primary sources and historical context, this article sheds light on the complexities of imperial encounters and the role of cultural exchange in perpetuating colonial power dynamics.
Research progress in diagnosis and treatment of psychogenic pseudosyncope in children
Authors: Huang Zifeng , Xu Yi , Wang Shuo , Wang Yuwen , Cai Hong , Zou Runmei , Wang Cheng 
Published: January 2025

AbstractPsychogenic pseudosyncope is one of the primary causes of transient loss of consciousness in children and adolescents, essentially classified as a conversion disorder that significantly impacts patients’ quality of life. Clinically, psychogenic pseudosyncope shares certain similarities with vasovagal syncope in terms of pre-syncope symptoms and triggers, making it sometimes difficult to differentiate and easily misdiagnosed. Therefore, placing emphasis upon the characteristics of psychogenic pseudosyncope is crucial for early identification and treatment, which holds significant importance for the mental and psychological health of children and adolescents. In the present review, we aimed to address psychogenic pseudosyncope with clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment.