bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Massive black holes or stars first: the key is the residual cosmic electron fraction
Authors: Latif Muhammad A , Khochfar Sadegh 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACT
Recent JWST observations have unveiled that the first supermassive black holes (SMBHs) were in place at z$\ge$ 10, a few hundred Myrs after the Big Bang. These discoveries are providing strong constraints on the seeding of BHs and the nature of the first objects in the Universe. Here, we study the impact of the freeze-out electron fractions ($f_e$) at the end of the epoch of cosmic recombination on the formation of the first structures in the Universe. At $f_e$ below the current fiducial cosmic values of $\rm \sim 10^{-4}$, the baryonic collapse is delayed due to the lack of molecular hydrogen cooling until the host halo masses are increased by 1 to 2 orders of magnitude compared to the standard case and reach the atomic cooling limit. This results in an enhanced enclosed gas mass by more than an order of magnitude and higher inflow rates of up to $0.1~{\mathrm{M}_{\odot } }\, {\rm yr^{ -1}}$. Such conditions are conducive to the formation of massive seed BHs with $\sim 10^{4}$ M$_{\odot }$. Our results reveal a new pathway for the formation of massive BH seeds which may naturally arise from freeze-out conditions in the early Universe.
Convergent Evolution of Cysteine-Rich Keratins in Horny Teeth of Jawless Vertebrates and in Cornified Skin Appendages of Amniotes
Authors: Sachslehner Attila Placido , Eckhart Leopold 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Cornified skin appendages, such as claws and hair, of amniotes consist of keratins with high numbers of cysteine residues, which serve as sites of protein cross-linking through disulfide bonds. Here, we show by proteomic analysis that cysteine-rich keratins are also components of the horny teeth of the sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus), a jawless vertebrate. The cysteine-rich keratins of the lamprey are conserved in hagfish, which diverged from lampreys around 460 million years ago. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the orthology of the cysteine-rich keratins of lampreys and hagfish (cyclostomes) and showed that cysteine-rich keratins of amniotes belong to different clades of keratins. We conclude that keratins with elevated cysteine content evolved not only in amniotes but also, and much earlier, in jawless vertebrates. The convergent evolution of a high abundance of cysteine residues is in line with a critical role of intermolecular disulfide bonds in hard epithelial structures of vertebrates.
The role of prokinetics in managing gastrointestinal involvement in SSc: a systematic literature review
Authors: Ezquerra-Durán Alberto , Alcala-Gonzalez Luis G , Guillen-del-Castillo Alfredo , Simeón-Aznar Carmen P , Barba Elizabeth , Malagelada Carolina , Hughes Michael , McMahan Zsuzsanna H 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Objectives
Gastrointestinal involvement (GI) in SSc is frequent and heterogeneous, manifesting with different degrees of dysmotility. This systematic literature review aimed to summarize evidence on prokinetics for treating SSc-related GI dysmotility.

Methods
Studies investigating the effects of prokinetic agents on GI function and/or GI symptoms in patients with SSc were systematically identified on PubMed and Embase. A qualitative data synthesis was conducted, given the (anticipated) wide heterogeneity in study designs, interventions and outcomes.

Results
Twenty-one studies evaluating the effects of prokinetics in patients with SSc were included. Thirteen studies focused on GI motility using objective tests, eight assessed clinical responses, and six evaluated both. Cisapride (n = 5 studies), metoclopramide (n = 7 studies), octreotide (n = 4 studies) and prucalopride (n = 1 study) were among the most studied prokinetics, with varying effects on different GI anatomical regions. While metoclopramide consistently improved overall GI motility, other prokinetics provided selective benefits; cisapride improved gastric emptying and colonic motility, but not oesophageal motility, and octreotide improved small bowel motility but delayed gastric emptying. Regarding symptomatic improvement, only prucalopride was evaluated using a validated patient questionnaire, showing improvement in both upper and lower GI symptoms.

Conclusion
Prokinetic drugs may improve GI motility and symptoms in patients with SSc. There is an unmet need for future well-designed studies to refine patient stratification and optimize treatment outcomes.
Long-term effects of institutional slavery on Black representation in entrepreneurship: a study of US communities
Authors: Qiao Kunyuan 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
I argue that the historical prevalence of slavery in different US communities has led to discernible patterns of hate crimes and hate groups. Such legacies of institutional slavery have persisted and, in turn, affected present-day Black representation in entrepreneurship. Drawing on a sample of US counties, I find supportive evidence for my hypotheses and use a spatial discontinuity design for additional evidence. I also explore several possible mechanisms, including vandalism, access to finance, role-modeling effects, and Black displacement, and provide a more comprehensive assessment of slavery by including historical data of the Northeastern states. My study contributes to the institutional legacy literature by characterizing one way through which legacies evolve such that institutions that have been abolished long ago create lasting impacts. I also contribute to understanding the lasting effects of chattel slavery by unpacking the hate-related legacies and extend the literature to understand Black representation in entrepreneurship.
Liminal Punishment and the Specter of Jail
Authors: Eife Erin 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACT
Poverty governance literature details how systems of control loom over marginalized populations as a form of social management. In this paper, I contribute a theory of liminal punishment to explain one form of poverty governance that uses tools of control enacted on individuals or groups who are documented within a system of punishment but have not yet faced adjudication. Through liminal punishment, the state prepares individuals for adjudication by conditioning people into the treatment they should expect when becoming formally enmeshed in the punishment system. Using 58 interviews with people charged with felonies in Chicago’s Cook County, I first show how individuals charged with (and not yet convicted of) a felony face informal punishment via release conditions, financial instability, and interactions with state actors. Then, I illustrate how the constant threat of re-incarceration from state actors creates a specter of jail, or a psychological tool that coerces individuals into performances of deservingness. Finally, I demonstrate how people respond to this specter of jail through severe self-governance, often going beyond the formal regulations required by the state. This work contributes to theories of poverty governance and liminality, as well as empirical work on pretrial release and surveillance.
Precision Medical Education: Institutional Strategies for Successful Implementation
Authors: Burk-Rafel Jesse , Triola Marc M. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Precision medical education (PME) represents a transformative approach in medical education, systematizing individualized and efficient learner competency development for enhanced patient care. While implementing PME has been described conceptually using the P4 medical education framework (proactive, personalized, participatory, predictive), many programs and institutions face implementation questions on navigating data integration complexities, resource constraints, cultural risk aversion to innovation, and more.
To address such challenges, the authors of this Commentary propose 5 concrete, concurrent strategies for institutions and training programs to implement PME successfully. Of these strategies, 4 are aligned with the P4 framework. Strategy 1: Curate educational data, adhering to 8 foundational data principles (relevant, trusted, consistent, timely, accessible, connected, interactive, actionable), and integrate it into an education data warehouse to create a comprehensive learner profile. Strategy 2: Build institutional analytic capabilities, including leveraging existing resources and tools, such as artificial intelligence, to turn data into actionable insights. Strategy 3: Establish transparent, accountable governance structures with broad stakeholder engagement, emphasizing principled co-production of PME by learners, faculty, and educational leaders. Strategy 4: Continuously collect and evaluate outcomes tied to PME interventions, building validity evidence through predictive linkages. Strategy 5: Lead change to drive PME forward. This strategy cuts across all 4 other strategies to promote the effective adoption of systems and processes that drive PME into institutional culture.
When successfully operationalized, PME enables precise, evidence-informed decision-making about and by learners, while benefiting faculty, coaches, and educational leaders. Through these strategies, programs and institutions can overcome implementation pitfalls and harness the full potential of PME to improve educational and patient care outcomes.
Accelerated 3-Year MD Programs in the United States: Key Features, Innovations, Growth, Outcomes, and Lessons Learned
Authors: Cangiarella Joan , Gonzalez-Flores Alicia , Fancher Tonya L. , Santen Sally A. , Coe Catherine L. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Accelerated 3-year MD (3YMD) programs have experienced rapid growth in the United States since 2010. In 2015, 8 institutions with 3YMD programs formed the Consortium of Accelerated Medical Pathway Programs (CAMPP). As of 2024, CAMPP has 32 member schools with 3YMD programs, and there have been nearly 1,000 graduates from 3YMD programs who have entered residency, many through directed pathways at the same institution where they attended medical school. Compared to traditional 4-year graduates, 3YMD graduates are equally prepared, have less educational debt, and are frequently filling physician workforce shortage and working in underserved communities. This commentary provides an update on the current state of 32 3YMD programs in the United States, highlighting the key features, innovations, growth, outcomes, and lessons learned in the development and implementation of these programs at CAMPP member institutions.
Reimagining the Medical School Accreditation Process in a Rapidly Changing Health Care Environment
Authors: Prober Charles G. , Porwal Aarti A. , Woolliscroft James O. , Kolars Joseph C. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Health care is changing rapidly due to advances in biomedical science and technology, as well as an expanding body of medical knowledge. This transformation necessitates a reevaluation of medical education models. The medical school accreditation process, administered through the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) for MD-granting schools in the United States and Canada, plays a crucial role in maintaining educational standards. However, current LCME accreditation standards sometimes conflict with innovative educational practices, potentially hindering necessary progress. This Commentary considers how the accreditation process could better support medical education as it advances and adapts to the evolving needs of the health care environment. The authors propose strategies to enhance the accreditation process and better serve medical schools: align accreditation with competency-based education, share best practices identified during the accreditation process, encourage innovation, address financial burdens associated with preparing for accreditation, support institutional missions, embrace advances in science and technology, and facilitate rapid curriculum changes. Balancing compliance with innovation would help schools optimize the educational journey for future physicians and advance the shared goals of improved medical education and patient care.
Safe focused ultrasound-mediated blood-brain barrier opening is driven primarily by transient reorganization of tight junctions
Authors: Noel Rebecca Lynn , Kugelman Tara , Karakatsani Maria Eleni , Shahriar Sanjid , Willner Moshe J. , Choi Claire Sunha , Nimi Yusuke , Ji Robin , Agalliu Dritan , Konofagou Elisa E. 
Published: February 2025

AbstractFocused ultrasound (FUS) with microbubbles opens the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to allow targeted drug delivery into the brain. The mechanisms by which endothelial cells (ECs) respond to either low acoustic pressures known to open the BBB transiently, or high acoustic pressures that cause brain damage, remain incompletely characterized. Here, we use a mouse strain where tight junctions between ECs are labelled with eGFP and apply FUS at low (450 kPa) and high (750 kPa) acoustic pressures, after which mice are sacrificed at 1 or 72 hours. We find that the EC response leading to FUS-mediated BBB opening at low pressures is localized primarily in arterioles and capillaries, and characterized by a transient loss and reorganization of tight junctions. BBB opening still occurs at low safe pressures in mice lacking caveolae, suggesting that it is driven primarily by transient dismantlement and reorganization of tight junctions. In contrast, BBB opening at high pressures is associated with obliteration of EC tight junctions that remain unrepaired even after 72 hours, allowing continuous fibrinogen passage and persistent microglial activation. Single-cell RNA-sequencing of arteriole, capillary and venule ECs from FUS mice reveals that the transcriptomic responses of ECs exposed to high pressure are dominated by genes belonging to the stress response and cell junction disassembly at both 1 and 72 hours, while lower pressures induce primarily genes responsible for intracellular repair responses in ECs. Our findings suggest that at low pressures transient reorganization of tight junctions and repair responses mediate safe BBB opening for therapeutic delivery.Significance StatementFocused ultrasound with microbubbles is used as a noninvasive method to safely open the BBB at low acoustic pressures for therapeutic delivery into the CNS, but the mechanisms mediating this process remain unclear. Kugelman et al., demonstrate that FUS-mediated BBB opening at low pressures occurs primarily in arterioles and capillaries due to transient reorganization of tight junctions. BBB opening still occurs at low safe pressures in mice lacking caveolae, suggesting a transcellular route-independent mechanism. At high unsafe pressures, cell junctions are obliterated and remain unrepaired even after 72 hours, allowing fibrinogen passage and persistent microglial activation. Single-cell RNA-sequencing supports cell biological findings that safe, FUS-mediated BBB opening may be driven by transient reorganization and repair of EC tight junctions.
The Dialogic Health Systems Research Framework (DHSRF): A tool for facilitating self-criticality, researcher interactions and knowledge management in Health Systems Research & Policy Studies
Authors: Priya Ritu , Das Sayan , Kuriakose Liz M. , Shukla Madhurima , Sarkar Amitabha , Dumka Neha , Hannah Erin , Basheer Nisha , Kotwal Atul 
Published: February 2025

AbstractHealth Systems Research (HSR) has witnessed significant progress in theory, methodology and practice over the last two decades. The complexity of health systems has allowed for diverse lenses for HSR. However, given the absence of dialogue between the different streams of HSR, the diversity of this field, perhaps its greatest strength, is turning out to be quite the challenge. Without a common language that enables researcher interaction and critical examination of the field, diversity can easily turn into a din. To overcome this confusion evidence-based policy making requires tools that can assess the diverse evidence generated for designing systems coherent with the desired values and principles.Hence, we need a common research framework for HSR, to understand, describe and explain the systems’ structure and functioning, including observed and projected processes of change, across streams. It should be able to make sense of the formulation of HSR, allowing diverse research paradigms their appropriate place in HSR, and make them talk to each other rather than against each other.This study, therefore, presents the Dialogic Health Systems Research Framework (DHSRF), developed through an iterative and reflexive methodology involving a systematic narrative review and a national consultation. The DHSRF draws upon the comprehensive primary health care principles and a complexity lens to be context-sensitive, open to diverse perspectives, adaptable to different settings, value-critical and dialogic. It potentially contributes to knowledge management by a) allowing for a comprehensive review of HSR at the proposal and design stage to ensure a ‘good fit for purpose’, and b) assessing the strength of the outcomes of HSR in relation to the purpose and objective(s) of the research. By surfacing the inner workings of HSR, the framework can galvanise dialogue and debate in enriching the field and facilitating utilisation of its outcomes for policy, planning and implementation.
Multi-ancestral genome-wide association study of clinically defined nicotine dependence reveals strong genetic correlations with other substance use disorders and health-related traits
Authors: Johnson Emma C , Lai Dongbing , Miller Alex P , Hatoum Alexander S , Deak Joseph D , Balbona Jared V , Baranger David AA , Galimberti Marco , Sanichwankul Kittipong , Thorgeirsson Thorgeir , Colbert Sarah MC , Sanchez-Roige Sandra , Adhikari Keyrun , Docherty Anna , Degenhardt Louisa , Edwards Tobias , Fox Louis , Giannelis Alexandros , Jeffries Paul , Korhonen Tellervo , Morrison Claire , Nunez Yaira Z , Palviainen Teemu , Su Mei-Hsin , Romero Villela Pamela N , Wetherill Leah , Willoughby Emily A , Zellers Stephanie , Bierut Laura , Buchwald Jadwiga , Copeland William , Corley Robin , Friedman Naomi P. , Foroud Tatiana M , Gillespie Nathan A , Gizer Ian R , Heath Andrew C , Hickie Ian B , Kaprio Jaakko A , Keller Matthew C , Lee James L , Lind Penelope A , Madden Pamela A , Maes Hermine HM , Martin Nicholas G , McGue Matt , Medland Sarah E , Nelson Elliot C , Pearson John V , Porjesz Bernice , Stallings Michael , Vrieze Scott , Wilhelmsen Kirk C , Walters Raymond K , Polimanti Renato , Malison Robert T , Zhou Hang , Stefansson Kari , Potenza Marc N , Mutirangura Apiwat , Shotelersuk Vorasuk , Kalayasiri Rasmon , Edenberg Howard J , Gelernter Joel , Agrawal Arpana 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTGenetic research on nicotine dependence has utilized multiple assessments that are in weak agreement. We conducted a genome-wide association study of nicotine dependence defined using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-NicDep) in 61,861 individuals (47,884 of European ancestry, 10,231 of African ancestry, 3,746 of East Asian ancestry) and compared the results to other nicotine-related phenotypes. We replicated the well-known association at theCHRNA5locus (lead SNP: rs147144681, p =1.27E-11 in European ancestry; lead SNP = rs2036527, p = 6.49e-13 in cross-ancestry analysis). DSM-NicDep showed strong positive genetic correlations with cannabis use disorder, opioid use disorder, problematic alcohol use, lung cancer, material deprivation, and several psychiatric disorders, and negative correlations with respiratory function and educational attainment. A polygenic score of DSM-NicDep predicted DSM-5 tobacco use disorder and 6 of 11 individual diagnostic criteria, but none of the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) items, in the independent NESARC-III sample. In genomic structural equation models, DSM-NicDep loaded more strongly on a previously identified factor of general addiction liability than did a “problematic tobacco use” factor (a combination of cigarettes per day and nicotine dependence defined by the FTND). Finally, DSM-NicDep was strongly genetically correlated with a GWAS of tobacco use disorder as defined in electronic health records, suggesting that combining the wide availability of diagnostic EHR data with nuanced criterion-level analyses of DSM tobacco use disorder may produce new insights into the genetics of this disorder.
Mitochondrial respiratory activity and DNA damage in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in borderline personality disorder
Authors: Behnke Alexander , Rappel Manuela , Ramo-Fernández Laura , Mavioğlu R. Nehir , Weber Benjamin , Neuner Felix , Bisle Ellen , Mack Matthias , Radermacher Peter , Witt Stephanie H. , Schmahl Christian , Karabatsiakis Alexander , Kolassa Iris-Tatjana 
Published: February 2025

AbstractAlterations in the central and peripheral energy metabolism are increasingly recognized as key pathophysiological processes in various psychiatric disorders. This case-control study investigates mitochondrial energy production and oxidative DNA damage in Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). We compared mitochondrial respiration, density, and DNA damage in peripheral blood mononuclear cells between women with acute BPD, remitted BPD, and healthy controls (n= 32, 15, 29), matched for age and BMI. Acute BPD was characterized by reduced and less efficient mitochondrial ATP production compared to both remitted BPD and controls (e.g., coupling efficiency:rx= −0.36 and −0.35,padj’s < .037). Decreased mitochondrial activity was closely associated with greater DNA damage (e.g., coupling efficiency:rS= −0.57,p< .001), although DNA damage did not differ between diagnostic groups. Our findings suggest mitochondrial energy production processes as promising and sensitive biomarkers for acute disorder severity and clinical remission in BPD.
Ranking Pretrained Speech Embeddings in Parkinson’s Disease Detection: Does Wav2Vec 2.0 Outperform its 1.0 Version Across Speech Modes and Languages?
Authors: Klempir Ondrej , Skryjova Adela , Tichopad Ales , Krupicka Radim 
Published: February 2025

AbstractSpeech and language technologies are effective tools for identifying the distinct speech changes associated with Parkinson’s disease (PD), enabling earlier and more accurate diagnosis. Recent advancements in self-supervised speech pretraining, particularly with Wav2Vec models, have demonstrated superior performance over traditional feature extraction methods. While Wav2Vec 2.0 has been successfully utilized for PD detection, a rigorous quantitative comparison with Wav2Vec 1.0 is needed to comprehensively evaluate its advantages, limitations, and applicability across different speech modes in PD. This study presents a systematic comparison of Wav2Vec 1.0 and Wav2Vec 2.0 embeddings across three multilingual datasets using various classification approaches in classifying normal (healthy controls; HC) and PD speech. Additionally, both Wav2Vec versions were benchmarked against traditional baseline features across diverse linguistic contexts, including spontaneous speech, non-spontaneous speech, and isolated vowels. A multicriteria TOPSIS approach was employed to rank feature extraction methods, revealing that the Wav2Vec 2.0 consistently excelled across all speech modes, with its first transformer layer demonstrating the best performance for contextual tasks (read text and monologue) and its feature extractor performing best in vowel-based classification. In contrast, the Wav2Vec 1.0, while generally outperformed by the Wav2Vec 2.0, still provided a faster alternative with competitive performance in contextual tasks, highlighting its potential for specific applications, such as federated learning. This comparative analysis furthermore underscores the strengths of each Wav2Vec architecture and informs their optimal use in PD detection.