bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functionalized Calcium Carbonate Microparticles in Ethyl Cellulose Films: A Vehicle for Sustained Amoxicillin Release for Medical Applications
Authors: Niga Petru , Sala Simone , Rissler Jenny , Nyström Lina , Fureby Anna , Elofsson Ulla , Roth Roger , Gane Patrick , Schoelkopf Joachim 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTThe continuous quest for materials capable of providing extended release of antimicrobial drugs is particularly important for indwelling medical applications. In this study, we utilized amoxicillin as a model active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) to investigate the feasibility of using porous media – specifically, functionalized calcium carbonate (FCC) microparticles – as a primary drug carrier embedded within an ethyl cellulose (EC) polymer film. Our main objective was to prolong and sustain the release of the API. The fabrication process of the microparticle containing film involved two key steps: loading the model API into the FCC particles and then embedding these loaded particles into the polymeric film. Amoxicillin was loaded into the FCC particles using a solvent evaporation method. Detailed characterization through Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), lab- and synchrotron-based XRD revealed that amoxicillin precipitated both inside and on the surface of the FCC particles, predominantly in an amorphous form. Additionally, ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopic data demonstrated an increased release rate from the particles compared to pure amoxicillin powder. Embedding amoxicillin pre-loaded porous FCC particles in the EC film led to a more rational sustained release compared with powder amoxicillin embedded directly in the film, advantageously delivering the same amount of amoxicillin over a longer period; a result that may be relevant for indwelling medical devices such as urinary catheters, vascular access devices or wound drains.
Likely circulation of a coronavirus in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) populations suggested by SARS-CoV-2 serological investigation in France
Authors: Perez Grégoire , Lalande Lucas D. , Legros Vincent , Kodjo Angéli , Verheyden Hélène , Bourret Vincent , Cèbe Nicolas , Chaval Yannick , Revelli Paul , Pellerin Maryline , Lemaître Jean-François , Peroz Carole , Rey Benjamin , Débias François , Garcia Rebecca , Bourgoin Gilles , Gilot-Fromont Emmanuelle 
Published: February 2025

AbstractThe risk of viral transmissions from domestic and wild animals to humans is of high concern for human health. Humans can also transmit viral infections back to domestic and wild animals, which can then act as reservoir for the maintenance of viruses, with the risk of epidemic diseases re-emergence. The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), causing the COVID-19, likely originated from wildlife and has already been evidenced to be transmitted from humans to captive, domestic and wild animals. In particular, white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) show high-prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 following human contamination, and recent data suggest that white-tailed deer could act as an emerging virus reservoir. Here, we investigated whether SARS-CoV-2 could also have emerged in several longitudinally-monitored populations of European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) in direct contact with humans in France. We performed indirect tests (serological ELISAs and seroneutralization) on serum collected pre- and post-emergence of the virus in human populations. We also performed direct tests (nasal swabs followed by RT-PCR) to detect the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in those populations in 2022. We also investigated the exposure and prevalence of the virus in three other cervid species in France. ELISA tests were positive for 2.20 % of the sera tested, both pre- and post-emergence of the virus, but all positive samples were negative with seroneutralization. Direct PCR testing showed no positive results in 2022. Thus, although seroprevalence increased after the COVID-19 emergence (2022) in one out of three roe deer population, our results suggest that SARS-CoV-2 has not emerged in those populations, and that ELISA cross-reaction with another circulating virus, possibly an unidentified bovine coronavirus, is possible.
Multi-scale machine learning model predicts muscle and functional disease progression in FSHD
Authors: Blemker Silvia S. , Riem Lara , DuCharme Olivia , Pinette Megan , Costanzo Kathryn Eve , Weatherley Emma , Statland Jeff , Tapscott Stephen J. , Wang Leo H. , Shaw Dennis W.W. ,   The Move+ Investigator Team, Song Xing , Leung Doris , Friedman Seth 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTFacioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is a genetic neuromuscular disorder characterized by progressive muscle degeneration with substantial variability in severity and progression patterns. FSHD is a highly heterogeneous disease; however, current clinical metrics used tracking disease progression lack sensitivity for personalized assessment, which greatly limits the design and execution of clinical trials. This study introduces a multi-scale machine learning framework leveraging whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and clinical data to predict regional, muscle, joint, and functional progression in FSHD. The goal this work is to create a ‘digital twin’ of individual FSHD patients that can be leveraged in clinical trials.Using a combined dataset of over 100 patients from seven studies, MRI-derived metrics—including fat fraction, lean muscle volume, and fat spatial heterogeneity at baseline—were integrated with clinical and functional measures. A three-stage random forest model was developed to predict annualized changes in muscle composition and a functional outcome (timed up-and-go (TUG)). All model stages revealed strong predictive performance in separate holdout datasets. After training, the models predicted fat fraction change with a root mean square error (RMSE) of 2.16% and lean volume change with a RMSE of 8.1ml in a holdout testing dataset. Feature analysis revealed that metrics fat heterogeneity within muscle predicts muscle-level progression. The stage 3 model that combined functional muscle groups and predicted change in TUG with a RMSE of 0.6 seconds, in the holdout testing dataset. This study demonstrates the machine learning models incorporating individual muscle and performance data can effectively predict MRI disease progression and functional performance of complex tasks, addressing the heterogeneity and nonlinearity inherent in FSHD. Further studies incorporating larger longitudinal cohorts as well as comprehensive clinical and functional measures will allow for expanding and refining this model. As many neuromuscular diseases are characterized by varability and heterogeneity similar to FSHD, such approaches have broad applicability.
The effects of habitat structure and lighting on object and background appearance
Authors: Hancock George R.A. , Cuthill Innes C. , Troscianko Jolyon 
Published: February 2025

AbstractThe color, geometry, and lighting of environments characterize their appearance to humans and other animals and, as a result, play an important role in the evolution of animal coloration. Yet despite this long-standing association, how changes in lighting from atmospheric conditions and three-dimensional geometry interact to alter the appearance of scenes and animals remains largely unexplored. To investigate these interactions, we quantified the appearance of natural backgrounds and standardized targets with color-calibrated photographs and 3-dimensional (3D) scans of 672 natural scenes taken under diffuse and direct lighting conditions. We find several instances where lighting and the local 3D environment systematically altered the colors and patterns of scenes and a target object, as well as their relationship with spatial scale. Shadows formed under direct lighting increased luminance and short-long wave (blue-yellow) contrast across spatial scales, especially at larger spatial scales for habitats with a greater 3D variation. Conversely, medium-long wave (green-red) information was highly stable to changes in lighting. Direct lighting and the 3D environment also influenced the directionality and orientation of patterns within the scenes and targets due to the formation of cast and self-shadows of different orientations. These analyses demonstrate the importance of considering the lighting and geometry of an environment when comparing the statistics of animals and their backgrounds.
CAGEcleaner: reducing genomic redundancy in gene cluster mining
Authors: De Vrieze Lucas , Biltjes Miguel , Lukashevich Sofya , Tsurumi Kodai , Masschelein Joleen 
Published: February 2025

AbstractSummaryMining homologous biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) typically involves searching colocalised genes against large genomic databases. However, the high degree of genomic redundancy in these databases often propagates into the resulting hit sets, complicating downstream analyses and visualisation. To address this challenge, we present CAGEcleaner, a Python-based tool with auxiliary bash scripts designed to reduce redundancy in gene cluster hit sets by dereplicating the genomes that host these hits. CAGEcleaner integrates seamlessly with widely used gene cluster mining tools, such as cblaster and CAGECAT, enabling efficient filtering and streamlining BGC discovery workflows.Availability and implementationSource code and documentation is available at GitHub (https://github.com/LucoDevro/CAGEcleaner) and at Zenodo (https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14726119) under an MIT license. CAGEcleaner comes with its own Conda environment but can also be installed from the Python Package Index (https://pypi.org/project/cagecleaner/).Contactlucas.devrieze@kuleuven.beorjoleen.masschelein@kuleuven.beSupplementary informationSupplementary data are available atBioinformaticsonline.
Molecular organization of the distal tip of vertebrate motile cilia
Authors: Hong Juyeon , Lee Chanjae , Papoulas Ophelia , Pan Jiehong , Takagishi Maki , Manzi Nadia , Dickinson Daniel J. , Horani Amjad , Brody Steven L. , Marcotte Edward , Park Tae Joo , Wallingford John B. 
Published: February 2025

SummaryThe beating of cilia on multi-ciliated cells (MCCs) is essential for normal development and homeostasis in animals. Unlike basal bodies or axonemes, the distal tips of MCC cilia remain poorly defined. Here, we characterize the molecular organization of the distal tip of vertebrate MCC cilia, revealing two distinct domains occupied by distinct protein constituents. Using frog, mouse, and human MCCs, we find that two largely uncharacterized proteins, Ccdc78 and Ccdc33 occupy a specialized region at the extreme distal tip, and these are required for the normal organization of other tip proteins, including Spef1, Cep104, and Eb3. Ccdc78 and Cccdc33 are also independently required for normal length regulation of MCC cilia. Mechanistically, Ccdc78 and Ccdc33 display robust microtubule-bundling activity bothin vivoandin vitro. Thus, we reveal that two previously undefined proteins form a key module for organizing and stabilizing the distal tip of motile cilia in vertebrate MCC. We propose that these proteins represent potential disease loci for motile ciliopathies.
Chirped pulse control over the melting of superconductors
Authors: Recasens Maria , Kasper Valentin , Lewenstein Maciej , Johnson Allan S. 
Published: February 2025

Strong field terahertz pulses are increasingly used to excite and control quantum materials at the ultrafast timescale. They have found widespread application by enabling direct addressing of the superconducting gap or Josephson resonances and are essential in Higgs spectroscopy. Large non-linear optical signals can be induced by the strong coupling of the THz and superconducting degrees of freedom. However, far less attention has been paid to the strong bidirectional coupling between field and material this implies. Here, we use the framework of the time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau equations to study the full field and material evolution of a superconductor driven by strong field terahertz pulses. We find that at high field strengths, the backreaction of the superconductor induces large changes to the driving pulse, which in turn leads to a runaway melting of the superconducting condensate. This results in a surprisingly large sensitivity to the initial driving pulse chirp, enabling these purely dynamical changes to produce order of magnitude differences in the level of melting. We also find large-scale spectral shifting of the driving pulse to occur in just a few hundred nanometers of propagation through a superconductor. We attribute these effects to an inverse plasma redshift, in which the driving field breaks Cooper pairs and decreases the free-electron mobility, analogous to reducing the density of a plasma.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Exploring the prospective influence of artificial intelligence on the health sector in Bangladesh: a study on awareness, perception and adoption
Authors: Bhuiyan Mohammad Rakibul Islam , Husain Taha , Islam Saiful , Amin Al 
Published: February 2025

PurposeThe study aims to assess the awareness, perception and adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in Bangladesh’s healthcare sector.Design/methodology/approachThis study utilizes a quantitative methodology. A survey with structured questionnaire was conducted with a sample of 399 healthcare professionals and public members through stratified random sampling. Descriptive statistics summarized participant demographics, while inferential statistical techniques, including regression analysis, examined relationships between AI readiness and adoption.FindingsUsing a conceptual framework, the study explored factors influencing AI adoption in Bangladesh’s healthcare sector. The measurement model confirmed reliability and validity, with strong factor loadings and discriminant validity. Structural model analysis revealed that social media influence (SMI) and technological awareness (TA) significantly enhanced readiness for AI (RAI) (path coefficients: 0.354 and 0.162, respectively). Perceived risk (PR) had a weaker positive effect (0.123), while perceived susceptibility (PS) and personal innovativeness (PI) were insignificant. Mediation analysis showed that RAI significantly mediated the effects of TA and PR on the adaptation of AI (AAI).Research limitations/implicationsThe study suggests policymakers develop robust regulatory frameworks to address privacy concerns, enhance trust in AI and implement educational initiatives to improve AI literacy among healthcare stakeholders in Bangladesh.Originality/valueThis study offers insights into AI adoption in Bangladesh’s healthcare sector. It addresses gaps in awareness and perceptions among professionals and the public, contributing to the limited research in this context.
Configuring training competencies and self-esteem in determining employability skills through fsQCA
Authors: Hisa Adilah 
Published: February 2025

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the causal recipes among training competencies (TC) dimensions and self-esteem in predicting employability skills (ES) perceptions. It also examines the different combinations across specific demographic characteristics and professions.Design/methodology/approachA survey was used to collect data from 225 youths aged 15–35 years, purposively selected from leadership training programmes in Brunei. A fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) method was adopted to confirm the propositions.FindingsThe findings captured multiple combinations of TC dimensions (i.e. knowledge, skills, attitude and behaviour) and self-esteem in achieving high levels of perceived ES. The study also unveils how different levels of determinants can be more or less important for greater ES outcomes across youths' demographic characteristics and professions.Practical implicationsThe findings will assist organisations and training providers of leadership programmes in understanding the significance of TC and self-esteem as well as its alternative routes in pursuing greater employability narratives.Originality/valueThis study was the first attempt to integrate ES into a configurational framework, offering a multifaceted perspective of the causal combinations of TC dimensions and self-esteem as their determinants. Taken together, the study is set within the principles of human capital theory and self-determination theory, confirming the crucial positions of TC and self-esteem in encouraging youth’s acquisition of ES, which is an increasingly pertinent, yet under-examined, area of research.
Governing for sustainability: board characteristics and SDG disclosure level in Italian benefit corporations
Authors: Pontrelli Vincenzo , Rella Angela , Oliva Lara , Marrone Arcangelo 
Published: February 2025

Purpose
The purpose of this study is twofold. First, it assesses the extent of sustainable development goals (SDGs) disclosure in the benefit impact reports (BIRs) of Italian benefit corporations. Second, it investigates how board characteristics – such as size, nationality, gender diversity and age – affect the level of SDG disclosure.

Design/methodology/approach
A manual content analysis of BIRs was performed, and four hypotheses based on agency theory were tested using a sample of 83 Italian benefit corporations.

Findings
The results show a positive and statistically significant relationship between board size and gender diversity, while a higher average board age is negatively and statistically significantly associated with SDG disclosure levels.

Originality/value
This study contributes to the literature in two ways. First, it enriches the understanding of SDG-related disclosures in the context of Italian benefit companies. Second, it provides new empirical evidence on how specific board characteristics influence the extent of SDG disclosures.
I feel like it’s expensive! Role of influencer type on price perception
Authors: Jha Shweta 
Published: February 2025

PurposeInfluencer marketing is a widely used digital marketing strategy. Marketers consider follower count as one of the key criteria when deciding promotion strategies using influencers. However, past studies have primarily studied the impact of follower count on engagement, reach and purchase-related outcomes. The effect of follower count on price perception has not been studied. This research employs the signaling theory to examine how an influencer’s follower count impacts the price perception of the product they endorse. Perceived competence and status explain this effect. Lastly, we elucidate the boundary condition for this effect through thinking styles.Design/methodology/approachWe conducted three experimental studies (N = 460) to empirically test our theorization, employing different product categories and respondents from the USA and India.FindingsThe findings suggest that consumers are likely to perceive products promoted by mega (vs micro) influencers as more (vs less) expensive. The perceived competence and status serially mediate the relationship between influencer type and price perception. Thinking style moderates the hypothesized effect.Practical implicationsGiven the growth in influencer marketing and its impact, this study has important implications. The findings suggest that marketers need to exercise caution and be conscious of the impact of social media influencers on their product perceptions.Originality/valueThis is possibly the first research study to investigate the effect of the types of influencers on consumers’ perception of price. We not only demonstrate the effect but also explain the process. The research advances the influencer marketing literature by understanding consumers’ perceptions from a pricing perspective.
Increased versatility and convenience: Advances and strategy optimization of Receptor‐Mediated Ovary Transduction of Cargo‐mediated genetic modification in insects
Authors: Ling Xia , Zhou Cao , Hong Jun‐Feng , Jiang Yan‐Ping , Sun Quan , Li Ling‐Yi , Wang Si‐Yi , Xie Xin‐Yuan , Zou Qi‐Li , Yang Xiao‐Lin , Xiang Kai , Ma Jin , Qiao Liang , Chen Bin , Sun Wei 
Published: February 2025

AbstractGenetic modification via gene editing has become a widely adopted and demonstrably effective method in functional gene research within entomology. However, the optimal efficiency and simplicity of delivering exogenous guide RNA‐clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats‐associated protein 9 complexes into target tissues are crucial for successful gene editing. The Receptor‐Mediated Ovary Transduction of Cargo (ReMOT) strategy, which simplifies the delivery process, target‐site selection, technical requirements, and delivery cost compared with embryonic microinjection, enabling efficient editing at the germline level, is gaining increasing attention. Although the feasibility and advantages of this technique have been demonstrated in various insect species, further optimization of operational details and the overcoming of further bottlenecks are still required. This review focuses on advances in developing ReMOT as a valuable technology, exploring its applicability, rationale for selecting the ovary as a delivery target site, factors influencing its efficiency, and improvement recommendations. The versatility and effectiveness of ReMOT make it a promising method for researchers looking to make precise genetic modifications with greater ease and efficiency.
Protecting Access to Medicines After Cambodia Graduates From Least Developed Country Status: A Policy Analysis
Authors: Tenni Brigitte , Lexchin Joel , Sovath Phin , Townsend Belinda , Gleeson Deborah 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTCambodia is a least developed country (LDC); however, it may graduate from the LDC status by 2029 Membership in the World Trade Organisation, will require Cambodia to provide patent protection for medicines that meet standard criteria. This qualitative policy analysis examines Cambodia's readiness for LDC graduation in terms of protecting access to medicines and explores how it can prepare to mitigate the impact of graduation on access to medicines. The study employed a single case study design that included analysis of key informant interviews and documents retrieved from a targeted literature review and website scans. The Health Policy Triangle framework informed the research design, methods, data collection, and analysis. While Cambodia has established structures and processes to facilitate preparations for LDC graduation and engaged with UN agencies that support sustainable graduation, there has been little focus on the implications of graduation for access to medicines. To prepare for graduation Cambodia will need technical assistance to reform its patent‐related laws and policies. This study demonstrates that LDCs are poorly equipped for the introduction of patent protection and agencies tasked with supporting LDC graduation need to provide assistance to protect access to medicines in countries planning graduation.