bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Voice Onset Time (VOT) in Bahdini Kurdish
Authors: Naser Lureen Ibrahim , Saaed Saaed A. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThis study investigates the voice onset time (VOT) of stops in Bahdini Kurdish, which are characterized by a three-way laryngeal contrast of voiceless unaspirated, voiceless aspirated and voiced stops. Thirty native speakers read a forty-word list three times, which included three examples of each stop in pre-vocalic onset position. Words were chosen based on specific contextual factors to account for place of articulation, laryngeal state, following vowel height, and length contrasts. The findings show that VOT distinguishes stop categories in Kurdish, with voicing lead indicating voiced stops, short lag for voiceless unaspirated stops and long lag for voiceless aspirated stops. Results of the linear mixed-effects model show that laryngeal state, place of articulation, following vowel height and length had significant effects on VOT. The gender of the participants, however, showed no significant effect on VOT. In line with most research on the effect of place of articulation on VOT, in voiceless aspirated stop categories, bilabials had the shortest VOT, followed by dentals and velars. Voiceless unaspirated bilabials had the shortest VOT values, followed by dentals, uvulars and then velars. Voiced stops do not show such a pattern. These results are compatible with other research on Indo-Iranian languages with three-way laryngeal categories.
The effects of L2 proficiency on L2 word reading strategies: evidence from Chinese–English bilinguals
Authors: Zhao Rong , Wei Hang , Yao Zhao 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThe dual route cascaded (DRC) model proposes that the mapping from orthography to phonology occurs through two pathways: the sublexical and lexical routes. Cross-linguistic studies have found that Chinese character reading relies more on the lexical pathway, whereas English word reading relies more on the sublexical pathway. However, it remains unclear how these two pathways collaborate in the L2 word reading of Chinese–English bilinguals and whether their reading strategies are influenced by L2 proficiency. In the current study, 72 Chinese–English bilinguals with varying levels of L2 proficiency were tested. They were asked to name English words that varied in frequency and spelling-sound consistency. The results showed that participants with lower L2 proficiency were more sensitive to frequency, indicating a greater reliance on lexical processing in L2 word reading. In contrast, participants with higher L2 proficiency were more sensitive to consistency, suggesting a greater reliance on sublexical processing. These findings suggest that L2 word reading strategies vary as a function of L2 proficiency. As L2 proficiency increases, Chinese–English bilinguals’ reading strategies may shift from primarily relying on lexical to sublexical processing. This study provides evidence from L2 readers for the DRC model, helping to broaden the explanatory scope of the model.
Politics Should Be a Drag: Why Political Science Needs to Take Drag Seriously
Authors: Kammerer Edward F. , Michelson Melissa R. , Harrison Brian F. 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACT
Drag has a long history in the LGBTQ community as a means of political engagement, activism, protest, and community building. Today, drag is popular in the LGBTQ community and in the rest of society. At the same time, it is routinely a target of conservative backlash against the LGBTQ community. Despite drag’s inherently political nature, political science has failed to engage substantially with the influence of drag. This article offers a justification and research agenda to bring drag into the mainstream of political science.
Drivers of Atlantic Tropical Cyclogenesis: African Easterly Waves and the Environment
Authors: Bercos‐Hickey Emily , Patricola Christina M. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractTropical cyclone (TC) genesis requires favorable environmental conditions and an initial disturbance, which, in the North Atlantic, is often an African easterly wave (AEW). Although studies have examined how AEWs and the environment affect TC genesis, their relative importance is less understood. Here, we examine whether AEW strength or sea surface temperatures (SSTs) are the primary drivers of TC genesis. Regional model simulations were performed to address how increased AEW strength and SSTs affect the frequency of AEWs that develop into TCs in a year with below‐average TCs with AEW origins and SSTs. We found that environmental favorability plays a larger role than AEW strength in driving the frequency of TCs with AEW origins. Strengthening the AEWs did not affect the frequency of AEWs that develop into TCs due to low environmental favorability. Warmer SSTs led to increased environmental favorability and a statistically significant increase in TCs with AEW origins.
Epigenetic regulation of HOXA2 expression affects tumor progression and predicts breast cancer patient survival
Authors: De Palma Fatima Domenica Elisa , Pol Jonathan G. , Carbonnier Vincent , Scuderi Sarah Adriana , Mannino Deborah , Montégut Léa , Sauvat Allan , Perez-Lanzon Maria , Uribe-Carretero Elisabet , Guarracino Mario , Granata Ilaria , Calogero Raffaele , Del Monaco Valentina , Montanaro Donatella , Stoll Gautier , Botti Gerardo , D’Aiuto Massimiliano , Baldi Alfonso , D’Argenio Valeria , Guigó Roderic , Rezsohazy René , Kroemer Guido , Maiuri Maria Chiara , Salvatore Francesco 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests that genetic and epigenetic biomarkers hold potential for enhancing the early detection and monitoring of breast cancer (BC). Epigenetic alterations of the Homeobox A2 (HOXA2) gene have recently garnered significant attention in the clinical management of various malignancies. However, the precise role of HOXA2 in breast tumorigenesis has remained elusive. To address this point, we conducted high-throughput RNA sequencing and DNA methylation array studies on laser-microdissected human BC samples, paired with normal tissue samples. Additionally, we performed comprehensive in silico analyses using large public datasets: TCGA and METABRIC. The diagnostic performance of HOXA2 was calculated by means of receiver operator characteristic curves. Its prognostic significance was assessed through immunohistochemical studies and Kaplan-Meier Plotter database interrogation. Moreover, we explored the function of HOXA2 and its role in breast carcinogenesis through in silico, in vitro, and in vivo investigations. Our work revealed significant hypermethylation and downregulation of HOXA2 in human BC tissues. Low HOXA2 expression correlated with increased BC aggressiveness and unfavorable patient survival outcomes. Suppression of HOXA2 expression significantly heightened cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in BC cells, and promoted tumor growth in mice. Conversely, transgenic HOXA2 overexpression suppressed these cellular processes and promoted apoptosis of cancer cells. Interestingly, a strategy of pharmacological demethylation successfully restored HOXA2 expression in malignant cells, reducing their neoplastic characteristics. Bioinformatics analyses, corroborated by in vitro experimentations, unveiled a novel implication of HOXA2 in the lipid metabolism of BC. Specifically, depletion of HOXA2 leaded to a concomitantly decreased expression of PPARγ and its target CIDEC, a master regulator of lipid droplet (LD) accumulation, thereby resulting in reduced LD abundance in BC cells. In summary, our study identifies HOXA2 as a novel prognosis-relevant tumor suppressor in the mammary gland.
Camel milk is a neglected source of brucellosis among rural Arab communities
Authors: Holloway Peter , Gibson Matthew , Holloway Tanja , Pickett Iain , Crook Brittany , Cardwell Jacqueline M. , Nash Stephen , Musallam Imadidden , Al-Omari Bilal , Al-Majali Ahmad , Hayajneh Wail , Abu-Basha Ehab , Mangtani Punam , Guitian Javier 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The World Health Organization describes brucellosis as one of the world’s leading zoonotic diseases, with the Middle East a global hotspot. Brucella melitensis is endemic among livestock populations in the region, with zoonotic transmission occurring via consumption of raw milk, amongst other routes. Control is largely via vaccination of small ruminant and cattle populations. Due to sociocultural and religious influences camel milk (camelus dromedarius) is widely consumed raw, while milk from other livestock species is largely boiled. To investigate the potential public health impact of Brucella in camels we conduct a cross-sectional study in southern Jordan including 227 herds and 202 livestock-owning households. Here we show daily consumption of raw camel milk is associated with Brucella seropositive status among the study population, ORadj 2.19 (95%CI 1.23–3.94) on multivariable analysis, highlighting the need for socioculturally appropriate control measures; targeted interventions among the camel reservoir being crucial for effective control.
A dendritic hexamer acceptor enables 19.4% efficiency with exceptional stability in organic solar cells
Authors: Jia Tao , Lin Tao , Yang Yang , Wu Lunbi , Cai Huimin , Zhang Zesheng , Lin Kangfeng , Hai Yulong , Luo Yongmin , Ma Ruijie , Li Yao , Dela Peña Top Archie , Liu Sha , Zhang Jie , Liu Chunchen , Chen Junwu , Wu Jiaying , Liu Shengjian , Huang Fei 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
To achieve the commercialization of organic solar cells (OSCs), it is crucial not only to enhance power conversion efficiency (PCE) but also to improve device stability through rational molecular design. Recently emerging giant molecular acceptor (GMA) materials offer various advantages, such as precise chemical structure, high molecular weight (beneficial to film stability under several external stress), and impressive device efficiency, making them a promising candidate. Here, we report a dendritic hexamer acceptor developed through a branch-connecting strategy, which overcomes the molecular weight bottleneck of GMAs and achieves a high production yield over 58%. The dendritic acceptor Six-IC exhibits modulated crystallinity and miscibility with the donor, thus better morphology performance compared to its monomer, DTC8. Its charge transport ability is further enhanced by additional channels between the armed units. Consequently, the binary OSCs based on D18:Six-IC achieves a cutting-edge efficiency of 19.4% for high-molecular weight acceptor based systems, as well as decent device stability and film ductility. This work reports high-performance OSCs based on dendritic molecule acceptor with a molecular weight exceeding 10000 g/mol and shares the understanding for designing comprehensively high-performing acceptor materials.
A high-performance brain–computer interface for finger decoding and quadcopter game control in an individual with paralysis
Authors: Willsey Matthew S. , Shah Nishal P. , Avansino Donald T. , Hahn Nick V. , Jamiolkowski Ryan M. , Kamdar Foram B. , Hochberg Leigh R. , Willett Francis R. , Henderson Jaimie M. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
People with paralysis express unmet needs for peer support, leisure activities and sporting activities. Many within the general population rely on social media and massively multiplayer video games to address these needs. We developed a high-performance, finger-based brain–computer-interface system allowing continuous control of three independent finger groups, of which the thumb can be controlled in two dimensions, yielding a total of four degrees of freedom. The system was tested in a human research participant with tetraplegia due to spinal cord injury over sequential trials requiring fingers to reach and hold on targets, with an average acquisition rate of 76 targets per minute and completion time of 1.58 ± 0.06 seconds—comparing favorably to prior animal studies despite a twofold increase in the decoded degrees of freedom. More importantly, finger positions were then used to control a virtual quadcopter—the number-one restorative priority for the participant—using a brain-to-finger-to-computer interface to allow dexterous navigation around fixed- and random-ringed obstacle courses. The participant expressed or demonstrated a sense of enablement, recreation and social connectedness that addresses many of the unmet needs of people with paralysis.
Subliminal visual stimulation produces behavioural oscillations in multiple frequencies in a visual integration task
Authors: Johannknecht Michelle , Schnitzler Alfons , Lange Joachim 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
We perceive our surrounding as a continuous stream of information. Yet, it is under debate, whether our brain processes the incoming information continuously or rather in a discontinuous way. In recent years, the idea of rhythmic perception has regained popularity, assuming that parieto-occipital alpha oscillations are the neural mechanism defining the rhythmicity of visual perception. Consequently, behavioural response should also fluctuate in the rhythm of alpha oscillations (i.e., at ~ 10 Hz). To test this hypothesis, we employed a visual integration task. Crucially we investigated if a subliminal stimulus preceding the target stimulus modulates behaviour. Our results show that behaviour fluctuates as a function of delay between subliminal and target stimuli. These fluctuations were found in the range of theta, alpha and beta oscillations. Our results further support the idea, that alpha oscillations are a functional rhythm for visual perception, leading to rhythmic fluctuations of perception and behaviour. In addition, other frequencies seem to play a role for temporal perception.
Risk factors for non-benefit of implantable cardioverter defibrillator therapy
Authors: Kreimer Fabienne , Lewenhardt Marie , El-Battrawy Ibrahim , Haghikia Arash , Gotzmann Michael 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Studies have demonstrated overall prognostic benefits of ICD implantation in patients at increased risk of sudden cardiac death. However, results are inconsistent in certain subgroups. This study aims to evaluate the prognostic implications of comorbidities on ICD outcomes and compare trends in patient selection and outcomes over a decade-long inclusion period. This study analysed 422 patients undergoing ICD implantation between 2011 and 2020. The study endpoint “no-benefit” was characterized by death from any cause occurring without prior appropriate ICD therapy. Benefit of ICD implantation was defined as either receiving appropriate ICD therapy before death or surviving until the end of the observation period. During a mean follow-up of 4.2 ± 3.0 years, no-benefit of ICD implantation was observed in 84 patients (20%). Independent risk factors for no-benefit were age ≥ 68 years (HR 4.599, p < 0.001), anemia (HR 2.549, p < 0.001), peripheral artery disease (HR 2.066, p = 0.007), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (HR 1.939, p = 0.014). Subgroup analysis by age < 68 years and ≥ 68 years demonstrated that the risk of no-benefit increases with age and comorbidities. When comparing patients with ICD implantation in 2011–2015 with those in 2016–2020, there were no significant differences in one-, two- and three-year-no-benefit rates. Different comorbidities were associated with no-benefit in the early and late implantation groups. Risk factors such as older age and specific comorbidities are associated with a higher likelihood of no-benefit from ICD implantation. A careful patient selection and consideration of individual risk factors besides advanced age is important.
Influence of label and academic field on cancer stigma and subjective illness theories among medicine and psychology students: a cross-sectional online study
Authors: Rutenkröger Mareike , Agrali Sakine , Scholl Isabelle 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The growing population of cancer survivors faces psychosocial challenges, including stigma. This study examined stigma toward “persons with cancer” and “cancer survivors” among medicine and psychology students, focusing on the impact of labeling. Additionally, the study explored these students’ subjective illness theories of cancer. We conducted a cross-sectional online survey with 186 psychology and 179 medicine students from German universities, assessing stigmatizing attitudes using a modified Social Distance Scale and subjective illness theories. Participants were randomly assigned to items using either term. Data analysis included univariate two-factorial ANOVA, Mann-Whitney-U-tests, and Kruskall-Wallis-tests. Results showed the strongest stigma for having a person with cancer/cancer survivor as a son-/daughter-in-law, and the lowest for having them as neighbors. Medicine students endorsed more stigmatizing statements with the label “cancer survivors,” while psychology students did so with the label “persons with cancer.” Subjective illness theories differed between groups. The study highlights minimal stigma endorsement among both student groups, with labeling influencing attitudes. These findings emphasize the need for educational initiatives in health professional curricula to address stigmatization and encourage compassionate patient care.
Convolutional neural networks for accurate real-time diagnosis of oral epithelial dysplasia and oral squamous cell carcinoma using high-resolution in vivo confocal microscopy
Authors: Ramani Rishi S. , Tan Ivy , Bussau Lindsay , O’Reilly Lorraine A. , Silke John , Angel Christopher , Celentano Antonio , Whitehead Lachlan , McCullough Michael , Yap Tami 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Oral cancer detection is based on biopsy histopathology, however with digital microscopy imaging technology there is real potential for rapid multi-site imaging and simultaneous diagnostic analysis. Fifty-nine patients with oral mucosal abnormalities were imaged in vivo with a confocal laser endomicroscope using the contrast agents acriflavine and fluorescein for the detection of oral epithelial dysplasia and oral cancer. To analyse the 9168 images frames obtained, three tandem applied pre-trained Inception-V3 convolutional neural network (CNN) models were developed using transfer learning in the PyTorch framework. The first CNN was used to filter for image quality, followed by image specific diagnostic triage models for fluorescein and acriflavine, respectively. Images were categorised based on a histopathological diagnosis into 4 categories: no dysplasia, lichenoid lesions, low-grade dysplasia and high-grade dysplasia/oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The quality filtering model had an accuracy of 89.5%. The acriflavine diagnostic model performed well for identifying lichenoid (AUC = 0.94) and low-grade dysplasia (AUC = 0.91) but poorly for identifying no dysplasia (AUC = 0.44) or high-grade dysplasia/OSCC (AUC = 0.28). In contrast, the fluorescein diagnostic model had high classification performance for all diagnostic classes (AUC range = 0.90–0.96). These models had a rapid classification speed of less than 1/10th of a second per image. Our study suggests that tandem CNNs can provide highly accurate and rapid real-time diagnostic triage for in vivo assessment of high-risk oral mucosal disease.
Central projections of nociceptive input originating from the low back and limb muscle in rats
Authors: Hoheisel Ulrich , Treede Rolf-Detlef , Mense Siegfried , Taguchi Toru 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Since clinical features of chronic muscle pain originating from the low back and limbs are different (higher prevalence and broader/duller sensation of low back muscle pain than limb muscle pain), spinal and/or supraspinal projection of nociceptive information could differ between the two muscles. We tested this hypothesis using c-Fos immunohistochemistry combined with retrograde-labeling of dorsal horn (DH) neurons projecting to ventrolateral periaqueductal grey (vlPAG) or ventral posterolateral nucleus of the thalamus (VPL) by fluorogold (FG) injections into the vlPAG or VPL. C-Fos expression in the DH was induced by injecting 5% formalin into the multifidus (MF, low back) or gastrocnemius-soleus (GS, limb) muscle. A double-labeled DH neuron showing both c-Fos-immunoreactive nucleus and retrogradely transported FG in the cytoplasm was considered as a nociceptive projection neuron. Consistent with DH somatotopy for proximal vs. distal cutaneous inputs, DH neurons with MF input were located in the most lateral area of laminae I − II (segments Th12 − L5), while those with GS input were located in the middle area of laminae I − II (L3 − L5). DH neurons projecting to the vlPAG were located in superficial DH, while those projecting to VPL were located in deep DH. Supraspinal projection derived from more spinal segments for MF input than for GS input. These data suggest that nociceptive input from low back muscles is integrated more in craniocaudal direction than for limb muscles, and that these signals are then forwarded to both PAG and thalamus and contribute to the different nature of muscle pain arising from the low back and limbs.
Targeting the activated allosteric conformation of the endothelin receptor B in melanoma with an antibody-drug conjugate: mechanisms and therapeutic efficacy
Authors: Herbet Amaury , Hautière Marie , Jean-Alphonse Frédéric , Vivier Delphine , Leboeuf Christophe , Costa Narciso , Mabondzo Aloïse , Bousquet Guilhem , Denat Franck , Reiter Eric , Boquet Didier 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Endothelin 1 receptors are one of the drivers of tumor progression in many cancers. Inhibition of their signaling pathways with antagonist drugs has been the subject of numerous clinical trials, but the results have not met expectations probably due to the high endothelin concentrations in the tumor microenvironment and their unusually high affinity for their receptors.

Methods
We previously reported the rendomab B49 antibody (RB49) exhibiting a preferential affinity for the activated conformation of human endothelin B receptor (ETB), not displaced by high endothelin levels, and without any pharmacological properties that could inhibit the division of melanoma cells. In this context, we have developed xiRB49-MMAE, a chimeric antibody-drug conjugated (ADC) to monomethyl auristatin E. We have characterized its physicochemical properties, studied its binding mechanisms, and evaluated its therapeutic potential in a preclinical model. Immunohistochemical analysis of metastatic melanoma lymph nodes evaluated RB49 as a diagnostic tool for patient stratification.

Results
xiRB49-MMAE showed high efficacy against melanoma cells and ETB
+ xenograft tumor models. IHC studies indicated that 100% of melanoma patient lymph node biopsies were RB49-positive.

Conclusions
xiRB49-MMAE is a promising drug candidate for clinical trials in ETB
+ tumors. RB49 could be used as a diagnostic tool for patient stratification.
Tuning the local S coordination environment on Ru single atoms to boost the oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Ran Yiling , Gan Rong , Zhao Qin , Ma Quanlei , Liao Yijing , Li Yinwei , Wang Yi , Wang Yanwei , Zhang Yan 
Published: January 2025

A single atom Ru-NiS2 catalyst with a controlled S-coordination environment for OER was prepared by a simple atom capture strategy. Fine-tuned local S coordination environment can optimize the electronic structure of Ru active sites.