bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimal hemoglobin threshold for blood transfusions in sepsis and septic shock: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Permpikul Chairat , Tanksinmankhong Jakpanee , Tongyoo Surat , Naorungroj Thummaporn , Viarasilpa Tanuwong , Karaketklang Khemajira 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Transfusions of red blood cells (RBCs) are crucial for improving tissue oxygenation in anemic patients with sepsis. Nevertheless, the debate continues over the ideal hemoglobin level for transfusions. This study aimed to assess the impact of different hemoglobin levels on the outcomes of patients with sepsis who received transfusions. This retrospective analysis included adult patients with sepsis treated in the general medical ward and intensive care unit at a University affiliate hospital. Patients needing RBC transfusions were included. The primary outcome was the 28-day mortality rate. From March 2018 to January 2022, 806 patients were studied. Of these, 480 (59.6%) were transfused at hemoglobin levels of 7–9 g/dL (“liberal group”), while 326 (40.4%) received RBC transfusions when their hemoglobin was < 7 g/dL (“restrictive group”). Mean hemoglobin levels at transfusion were 8.1 ± 0.8 g/dL and 6.3 ± 0.8 g/dL for each group, respectively(P < 0.001). On day 28, the liberal group had a mortality rate of 51.2% (246 patients), compared to 59.2% (193 patients) in the restrictive group (Odds ratio [OR] 0.88, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.79–0.98, P = 0.031). Adjusted comparisons showed 46.8% mortality in the liberal group (141/301patients) versus 59.3% in the restrictive group (178/300patients) at 28 days (OR 0.78, 95% CI 0.66–0.92, P = 0.002). Multivariate analysis revealed transfusion at hemoglobin 7–9 g/dL as an independent variable linked to lower 28-day mortality (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.49–0.99, P = 0.042). Other factors correlated with 28-day mortality were platelet counts ≤ 150 × 103/µL, albumin ≤ 2.5 g/dL, shock, mechanical ventilation, and renal replacement therapy. This retrospective study suggests that RBC transfusion at hemoglobin levels of 7–9 g/dL associates with lower 28-day mortality in sepsis patients compared to transfusion at hemoglobin levels below 7 g/dL.

Clinical trial registration

The study was registered with the Thai Clinical Trials Registry (identification number TCTR20231003003). (https://www.thaiclinicaltrials.org/show/TCTR20231003003).
Zwischen Anpassung und Innovation
Authors: Brandenberg Elias , Frigo-Charles Olivia , Kaschlik Anke , Nägeli Tobias 
Published: February 2025

Zusammenfassung
Auf Basis erster Erkenntnisse aus dem transformativen Forschungsprojekt Jugend und Raum geht der Artikel der Frage nach, wie Jugendliche mit den durch die Maßnahmen zur Eindämmung der Covid 19-Pandemie verursachten sozialräumlichen Einschränkungen umgingen und welche Anforderungen sich daraus für die Offene Kinder- und Jugendarbeit ableiten lassen.
Biogenic Silver Nanoparticles as Next-Generation Green Catalysts for Multifaceted Applications
Authors: Rupanshi  , Kumar Vinod , Yadav Neelam , Singh Davender , Beniwal Vikas , Chhabra Jasbeer , Singh Bijender 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
In the field of material sciences, nano-based formulations have attracted the attention of researchers, as they are highly suitable for applications in different fields. Conventionally, physical and chemical techniques have been employed to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). However, they use hazardous and poisonous ingredients, which are toxic to human health and the environment. Therefore, it necessitates the development of an eco-friendly and economical method for the fabrication of silver nanoparticles. Biogenic AgNPs have been synthesized using plants and microorganisms due to the presence of reducing agents such as metabolites and enzymes in their extracts. The size, shape, and other properties of the biogenic AgNPs have been characterized using various biophysical techniques. AgNPs are widely used to treat infections and diseases in humans and plants. They have demonstrated antifungal and antibacterial activities and, therefore, have been applied in various therapeutic applications like the treatment of cancer, wound dressing, orthopedic and cardiovascular implants, and dental composites. Biogenic AgNPs have been applied for the remediation of environmental pollution, including that of water and air via the detoxification of synthetic dyes and other contaminants. They have improved seed germination and plant growth after application as nanofertilizers and nano-pesticides, as well as in masking the effects of stress. This review describes various biological routes used in the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles and their potential applications in agricultural, environmental, and medical fields.
Travertine increases the concentration of trace elements in groundwater in Chahar Takab, Fariman county, northeast Iran
Authors: Rezanezhad Maryam , Mahmudy-Gharaie Mohamad Hosein , Fohrer Nicola , Rosado Daniel 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Groundwater has emerged as a crucial water source, supplying half of the world’s domestic water needs, particularly in rural areas without supply systems. This study assesses the impact of travertine formations, on water quality in Chahar Takab village, Iran, focusing on suitability for human consumption and ecosystem sustainability where groundwater is the primary source. Thirty-four samples from various sources, including travertine springs, surface water, and groundwater, underwent ICP-OES analysis. Travertine springs exhibited higher electrical conductivity (EC), lower pH, and elevated concentrations of major cations (Na, Ca, Mg) and anions (Cl, HCO3). In them, all samples exceeded European Union limits for Cl and Na in drinking water. Hydrochemical facies were influenced by water-rock interactions, leading to Ca-HCO3 dominance in surface and groundwater samples and Ca-Mg-Cl dominance in travertine springs. Heavy metal analysis revealed high concentrations of As, B, Fe, Mn, and Pb in travertine spring and surface water samples, with As exceeding World Health Organization limits by up to 28.5 times. Additionally, the Metal Index indicated values exceeding drinking water guidelines set by the World Health Organization in 58% of the samples. Travertine springs had the highest toxicity risks, especially for As, Cd, and Pb. Results suggest a tectonic origin for heavy metal contamination (As-containing travertine springs), emphasizing the need for mitigation measures and regular monitoring. Action is necessary to address water quality issues in the region.
Beyond Individual Stress Reduction—The Mindful Students Program Benefits University Students and Their Environment
Authors: Blanke Elisabeth S. , Krämer Susanne , Loy Laura S. , Liebmann Christian , Nestler Steffen , Kunzmann Ute 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Objectives
While mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) for university students usually aim at individual stress prevention and reduction, they can also yield benefits in social and environmental domains that extend beyond the individual. We introduce an MBI, the Mindful Students Program (MSP), which aims to develop an ethical perspective of interdependence between the individual and their social and ecological environment. We hypothesized that the MSP fosters not only mindfulness and individual stress reduction but also, in the context of ethical considerations, promotes prosociality and pro-environmental behavior as primary outcomes.

Method
The MSP was delivered to university students as an elective course within their curriculum. Across three semesters, university students (n = 203) were surveyed in a pre-post design in comparison to two control groups (n = 302); one consisting of participants waiting for an online mindfulness-based intervention and a passive control group consisting of participants without any specific interest in mindfulness. Acceptance and adverse effects were also monitored.

Results
In comparison to the control groups, students receiving the MSP experienced decreases in stress, and increases in mindfulness and pro-environmental behavior. Their levels of prosocial behavior, which were already high at the beginning of the intervention, did not change. Students were highly satisfied with the MSP; adverse events related to meditation were comparatively rare and mostly mild.

Conclusions
The MSP appears to be an effective and safe means of helping individuals to improve their well-being within the university context, while fostering pro-environmental action which may have ripple effects on society.

Preregistration
A preregistration and supplementary material is stored on the OSF: https://osf.io/59gtc/.
The molecular pathogenesis of SOX2 in prostate cancer
Authors: Liu Shixue , Yu Honglian , Zhao Zhankui 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
SOX2 is one of the members of the SOX transcription factor family, which is believed to be an important transcription factor that plays a role in embryonic development, maintenance of stem cells, cancer progression, and resistance to cancer treatment. There is increasing evidence suggesting that SOX2 is crucial for the initiation, progression, invasion, metastasis, and treatment resistance of prostate cancer, therefore understanding the mechanism of SOX2 in prostate cancer can provide better targets for the treatment of prostate cancer. This article reviews the structural domains, normal physiological functions, and role in prostate cancer progression of SOX2, providing potential targets for prostate cancer treatment.
Italian Manufacturing Productivity, 1976–2016: Sectoral Reallocation Versus Firms’ Heterogeneity
Authors: Brambilla Carlo , Lavista Fabio 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Based on new datasets collecting financial statements and off-balance sheet data on a wide number of medium and large Italian enterprises between the 1970s and the 2010s, the work aims at contributing to the debate about the productivity growth gap that affected the Italian industry, as compared to other advanced economies, at the end of the last century. It also aims at understanding whether productivity gaps were mainly determined by differences among firms (within-effect) or by resources’ reallocation across industries (between-effect). What emerges from the long term analysis is a contraction of most productive sectors and a productivity slowdown affecting almost all industries. In the long run, the reallocation of resources across sectors has had a negative impact on productivity trends, preceding and somehow offsetting any positive contributions from the within-effect.
Quantifizierende historische Semantik
Authors: Schultz-Balluff Simone 
Published: February 2025

Zusammenfassung
Der vorliegende Beitrag möchte quantifizierende Ansätze als Ausgangspunkt für historisch-semantische Fragestellungen diskutieren und schließlich stärken. Ausgehend von einer Bestandsaufnahme semantischer Studien der letzten Jahre wird zunächst eine an Hermann Paul orientierte theoretische Grundposition formuliert, die den Rahmen des Beitrags bildet. Im Anschluss an eine methodische Diskussion der sog. quantitativen Semantik als Teil der digitalen Literaturwissenschaft erfolgt die Ausschärfung des Ansatzes einer ›quantifizierenden historischen Semantik‹. Dieser Ansatz wird am Beispiel des durch unterschiedliche Lexeme repräsentierten historischen Konzeptes ›Dunkelheit‹ über sechs Perspektivierungen (lexematisch, sprachlich, textuell, kontextuell, textsortenspezifisch, kulturhistorisch) exemplarisch entfaltet. Dabei kommen sowohl digitale als auch manuelle Verfahren für korpusbasierte Abfragen, Systematisierung der Daten und Visualisierungen der Ergebnisse zum Einsatz. In einem Fazit wird der Nutzen quantifizierender Verfahren für eine interferenzperspektivierte Semantik resümiert.
Adapting Generative Large Language Models for Information Extraction from Unstructured Electronic Health Records in Residential Aged Care: A Comparative Analysis of Training Approaches
Authors: Vithanage Dinithi , Deng Chao , Wang Lei , Yin Mengyang , Alkhalaf Mohammad , Zhang Zhenyu , Zhu Yunshu , Yu Ping 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Information extraction (IE) of unstructured electronic health records is challenging due to the semantic complexity of textual data. Generative large language models (LLMs) offer promising solutions to address this challenge. However, identifying the best training methods to adapt LLMs for IE in residential aged care settings remains underexplored. This research addresses this challenge by evaluating the effects of zero-shot and few-shot learning, both with and without parameter-efficient fine-tuning (PEFT) and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) using Llama 3.1-8B. The study performed named entity recognition (NER) to nursing notes from Australian aged care facilities (RACFs), focusing on agitation in dementia and malnutrition risk factors. Performance evaluation includes accuracy, macro-averaged precision, recall, and F1 score. We used non-parametric statistical methods to compare if the differences were statistically significant. Results show that zero-shot and few-shot learning, whether combined with PEFT or RAG, achieve comparable performance across the clinical domains when the same prompting template is used. Few-shot learning significantly outperforms zero-shot learning when neither PEFT nor RAG is applied. Notably, PEFT significantly improves model performance in both zero-shot and few-shot learning; however, RAG significantly improves performance only in few-shot learning. After PEFT, the performance of zero-shot learning reaches a comparable level with few-shot learning. However, few-shot learning with RAG significantly outperforms zero-shot learning with RAG. We also found a similar level of performance between few-shot learning with RAG and zero-shot learning with PEFT. These findings provide valuable insights for researchers, practitioners, and stakeholders to optimize the use of generative LLMs in clinical IE.
High-Precision Real-Time Flow Prediction in a Multi-tributary River System: A Bio-inspired Dynamic Neural Network Model
Authors: Yang Jinying , Liu Bao , Xu Mei , Marcos-Martinez Raymundo , Gao Lei 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Floods are among the most severe natural disasters globally, particularly in densely populated areas with extensive agriculture, concentrated rivers, and abundant rainfall. In recent years, human activities have altered river confluence conditions, exacerbating the frequency and severity of floods. To address the limitations of existing multi-tributary stream flow prediction models, which suffer from poor real-time performance and low prediction accuracy, we developed a bio-inspired neural network (Bio-NN) model motivated by a cooperative regulation mechanism in biological systems. Considering the problem that there is less feedback information in existing neural networks, the proposed model combines a biohormone multi-level nonlinear feedback regulation mechanism with a neural network. This enhances traditional neural networks by improving network structure and dynamically incorporating feedback information, allowing real-time optimization and improving optimization speed and precision over time. We tested the Bio-NN model by applying it to predict river flow along the lower Murray River in Australia. To obtain deeper insights into the performance of Bio-NN, indicators such as NSE, RSR, PCC, and KGE, were determined in the basin. The simulation demonstrated its superior performance, achieving a Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency coefficient (NSE) of 0.991, root mean squared to standard deviation ratio (RSR) of 0.096, a Pearson’s correlation coefficient (PCC) of 0.996, and a Kling-Gupta efficiency coefficient (KGE) of 0.995. Compared to a back propagation neural network (BP-NN), a dynamic learning BP-NN, and a self-feedback BP-NN, the Bio-NN showed significant improvements in prediction performance: improved by 8-65% (NSE), 4-28% (PCC), 67-85% (RSR), 9-27% (KGE). The results underscore Bio-NN’s capability to significantly enhance the accuracy and stability of flood prediction models.
Identifying climate extremes in Southern Africa through advanced bias correction of climate projections
Authors: Trentini Laura , Venturini Marco , Guerrini Federica , Gesso Sara Dal , Calmanti Sandro , Petitta Marcello 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
This study presents a novel bias correction methodology for enhancing the reliability of climate projections, particularly in regions vulnerable to climate change impacts, such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC). This methodology is here applied jointly with a downscaling method to correct systematic distributional biases and refine the spatial resolution of climate model outputs, with the aim of improving the identification of extreme weather events. Our work builds upon a unique bias correction approach that enhances the quantile mapping (QM) technique by fitting a generalised extreme value distribution (GEV) to the tails of the distribution. This approach addresses the limitations of traditional methods when dealing with extreme events, which are often tied to the scarcity of data for such high-impact, yet low-probability occurrences. Moreover, we extend the applicability of our methodology to climate projections by integrating an approach designed to preserve relative trends in climate data. The technique is then applied to the daily mean temperature data of long-term climate projections (until 2100) from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6). The bias correction of historical simulations produces an increase in the ensemble forecast members predicting temperature extremes in agreement with the reference dataset (i.e., the reanalysis ERA5-Land). When analysing future scenarios, there is an expected increase in both the intensity and frequency of extreme events, especially in more pessimistic scenarios, such as SSP585. However, these results vary depending on the specific climate model used. Our results suggest that considering multiple climate models of varying resolutions and comparing their outputs against observations and other climate datasets might be key to a comprehensive understanding of extreme event trends in climate scenarios. This approach accounts for each model’s strengths and limitations, providing a robust analysis of changes in extreme weather phenomena.
Field Performance Assessment and Unsupervised Modeling of Thin Asphalt Overlays as Preservation Treatments for Highway Pavements, a Case Study
Authors: Brenes-Calderon Anthony , Vargas-Nordcbeck Adriana 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Thin asphalt overlays are a popular preservation treatment for asphalt and composite pavements due to their ability to address multiple pavement distresses. Their efficiency depends on several components such as traffic, climate, and the pavement condition at the time the treatment is applied. Nevertheless, typical life expectancy for thin overlays ranges between 7 and 12 years. Significant traffic volumes experienced on highway tend to accelerate pavement deterioration. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the field performance of thin asphalt overlays through several surface indicators such as rutting, cracking, and roughness. Data from the Pavement Preservation Group Study, a broader research study conducted by the National Center for Asphalt Technology and the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s Road Research Facility was utilized. Specifically, control sections (untreated) and thin overlays placed on highway pavements at two different geographic locations, with distinctive climatic conditions, were studied. A k-means cluster and principal component analysis were performed to group sections with similar performance since various thin overlay configurations and combinations with alternative pavement preservation treatments have arisen. The findings revealed that thin overlays as preservation treatments contribute to maximizing pavement service life, maintaining roughness in good condition (International Roughness Index, IRI below 1.5 m/km even after 6 years), and decreasing its progression by up to 84% compared to untreated sections. These benefits were dependent on the respective pre-treatment condition and treatment configuration. Additionally, climatic conditions in each specific region play a crucial role in determining treatment performance.
Earnings, income, and wealth inequality in Japan: a long-term perspective, 1984–2019
Authors: Kitao Sagiri , Yamada Tomoaki 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
This study examines trends in earnings, income and wealth inequality among households in Japan from 1984 to 2019. Our findings reveal that inequality in all three domains has increased over the last decades, but due to different underlying factors. The rise in earnings and income inequality is primarily driven by demographic aging, with an increasing proportion of elderly households who typically exhibit higher inequality levels. The growth in wealth inequality is evident not only in the overall population but is particularly pronounced among the young. This trend is largely attributed to a significant rise in the number of households that possess extremely low wealth. Key factors contributing to inequality trends in Japan include aging demographics, shifts in household structure, and major macroeconomic developments such as the financial bubble period and the prolonged economic slow-down that followed.
RALF-FER, a master ligand‒receptor pair in plant health
Authors: Chen Xing-Yan , Chen Jia , Xu Fan , Cai Xin-Zhong 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Pathogens deliver many effector proteins into the plant apoplast, which helps plants evade pattern recognition receptor (PRR)-mediated surveillance by camouflaging or blocking PRR-triggered signaling. Plants must prioritize immunity or growth and development according to the presence or absence of pathogen-derived effectors. Crosstalk exists between PRR immune signaling pathways and growth and development pathways. A typical example is the signaling pathway of the receptor kinase FERONIA (FER), a core element of a global signaling network. FER interacts with its coreceptors and different Rapid Alkalinization Factor (RALF) peptide ligands to function in various growth and developmental processes and respond to pathogens. Studies on the roles of host FERs in different plant species and those of RALFs derived from both hosts and pathogens are beginning to flourish. Here, we focus on recent advances in FER and RALF in plant‒pathogen interactions, with an emphasis on the mechanisms underlying these interactions. We also present a brief outlook to highlight challenges and perspectives for future research on how to utilize the RALF-FER pair or its related signaling elements as targets to improve crop resistance to pathogens.
The Body Mine: A Review of Human Remains within Romano-British Well and Shaft Deposits and Evidence for Multi-stage Mortuary Ritual in First-century a.d. Surrey
Authors: Green Ellen 
Published: February 2025

AbstractThis paper uses a case study of a shaft in Surrey, England, to illustrate the potential of traditionally overlooked material for increasing understanding of Romano-British minority mortuary rituals. Taphonomic analysis of a substantial assemblage of disarticulated human remains from a first-century a.d. quarry from the Nescot Former Animal Husbandry Centre in Ewell, Surrey, showed evidence of multi-stage post-mortem processing. This included decomposition of the remains within a protected environment followed by removal of certain skeletal elements. The assemblage is then contextualised against the treatment of human remains in other Romano-British shaft and well deposits. Finally, the material is compared to Iron Age examples of post-mortem processing, revealing the Nescot shaft is unlikely to be a direct continuation of pre-conquest practices.