bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ear–voice span in simultaneous interpreting
Authors: Janikowski Przemysław , Chmiel Agnieszka
Published: February 2025

Ear–voice span (EVS) has been recognised as reflecting the cognitive processes involved in simultaneous
interpreting. This article reports on a study examining the influence on fluctuations in EVS of text-specific factors,
interpreter-specific factors and individual variation. We used naturalistic data from the Polish Interpreting Corpus (PINC), a
20,000-token bidirectional Polish–English corpus of interpretations from the European Parliament. We fitted two linear
mixed-effects models and analysed the models’ random variance structure. Our findings show that EVS is modulated by interpreting
direction, speech delivery type, source and target text speech rate, interpreter experience, selected word types, the position of
a sentence in a text and the position of a word in a sentence. Contrary to expectations, we found no effect of interpreter working
memory on EVS. Likewise, EVS was not found to be shortened for numbers and proper names and was inconsistently modulated by
gender. Finally, we also saw that individual variation was a source of EVS modulation.
Is there Kibble-Zurek scaling of topological defects in first-order phase transitions?
Authors: Zhong Fan
Published: February 2025

Kibble-Zurek scaling is the scaling of the density of topological defects formed via the KibbleZurek mechanism with respect to the rate at which a system is cooled across a continuous phase transition. Recently, the density of the topological defects formed via the Kibble-Zurek mechanism was estimated for a system cooled through a first-order phase transition instead of the usual continuous transitions. Here we address the problem of whether such defects generated across a first-order phase transition exhibit Kibble-Zurek scaling similar to the case in continuous phase transitions. We show that any possible Kibble-Zurek scaling for the topological defects can only be a very rough approximation due to an intrinsic field responsible for the scaling. However, complete universal scaling for other properties does exist.
Numerical modeling and simulation on nanosecond laser-target interactions
Authors: Wu Jian , Zhou Ying , Chen Minxin , Li Xingwen
Published: February 2025

Nanosecond lasers are widely used in industrial applications as they are relatively inexpensive, and their compactness and robustness are an advantage. Much experimental work has been carried out to understand deeper the interaction between the nanosecond laser pulses and the targets, as these are complex, transient processes with spatial inhomogeneities. Beside the experiments, the modeling and numerical simulation on the laser interaction with the target are also crucial for understanding the dynamics of laser-material interactions and for optimizing laser processing applications. In this review, the progress of numerical modeling and simulation on nanosecond laser-target interactions are summarized from the aspects of laser-target interactions and target-plasma interface, laser-plasma interactions and plasma radiation, and numerical models on different scales with artificial intelligence advancing. The laser ablation, mass and energy transfer, and mechanical coupling are discussed in the aspect of the nanosecond laser-target interactions and target-plasma interface. The plasma expansion, plasma ionization and recombination, and plasma radiation are discussed in the aspect of the nanosecond laser-plasma interactions and plasma radiation. Then the numerical advances, including microscopic approaches based on molecular dynamics, mesoscopic approaches based on kinetic and statistical physics, macroscopic approaches based on fluid dynamics, and numerical simulations with machine learning are discussed. Finally, the challenges currently being encountered by numerical modeling and simulation on nanosecond laser-target interactions and its potential development direction are considered.
Investigation of MoTe nanowires in honeycomb and kagome lattices: Dirac cones and flat bands
Authors: Oliveira Túlio V de , Ribeiro Guilherme A S , Mazzoni Mario S C
Published: February 2025

In this work, we focus on electronic properties of transition-metal monochalcogenide nanowires. Specifically, we apply first-principles calculations to investigate the emergence of Dirac states and flat bands when MoTe nanowires are used as building blocks in kagome and honeycomb lattices. We show that, in spite of being non-covalent, the in-plane interactions of the nanowires are able to reproduce the idiosyncracies associated with these lattices. We describe the contributions of Molybdenium d-orbitals and Tellurium p-orbitals to the electronic states, and we discuss the pivotal role of spin–orbit coupling and of the interwire distances to the phenomenology.
High-temporal-resolution dynamic PET imaging based on a kinetic-induced voxel filter
Authors: Fu Liwen , Chen Zixiang , Duan Yanhua , Cheng Zhaoping , Chen Lingxin , Yang Yongfeng , Zheng Hairong , Liang Dong , Pang Zhi-feng , Hu Zhanli
Published: February 2025

Objective. Dynamic positron emission tomography (dPET) is an important molecular imaging technology that is used for the clinical diagnosis, staging, and treatment of various human cancers. Higher temporal imaging resolutions are desired for the early stages of radioactive tracer metabolism. However, images reconstructed from raw data with shorter frame durations have lower image signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) and unexpected spatial resolutions. Approach. To address these issues, this paper proposes a kinetic-induced voxel filtering technique for processing noisy and distorted dPET images. This method extracts the inherent motion information contained in the target PET image and effectively uses this information to construct an image filter for each PET image frame. To ensure that the filtered image remains undistorted, we integrate and reorganize the information from each frame along the temporal dimension. In addition, our method applies repeated filtering operations to the image to produce optimal denoising results. Main results. The effectiveness of the proposed method is validated on both simulated and clinical dPET data, with quantitative evaluations of dynamic images and pharmacokinetic parameter maps calculated via the peak SNR and mean structural similarity index measure. Compared with the state-of-the-art methods, our method achieves superior results in both qualitative and quantitative imaging scenarios. Significance. It exhibits commendable performance and high interpretability and is demonstrated to be both effective and feasible in high-temporal-resolution dynamic PET imaging tasks.
Surface roughness analysis from GLCM features: a surrogate speckle interferometric method
Authors: Rithwiq M A , Swapna M S , Sankararaman S
Published: February 2025

The development of novel sensitive techniques for surface roughness analysis has always been of great interest in manufacturing industries, as surface roughness can significantly alter the efficiency of moving parts due to friction. Besides several techniques, optical interferometric techniques stand unique because of their sensitivity and accuracy. This paper proposes speckle interferometry as a surrogate technique for the detection of surface roughness, taking sandpaper as an example. For this, specklegrams of standard sandpapers are recorded, and the 2D and 3D contour plot analysis is carried out to get information about the surface morphology. The specklegram image features—inertia moment, energy, contrast, homogeneity, and correlation—are extracted from the gray level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM), and a linear regression equation is set relating each feature with the root mean square roughness (β). Out of the sixteen data extracted corresponding to each feature, fifteen are used to set up the relation, and the remaining one is used for validation. The observed computed accuracy in the estimated β value reveals the possibility of industrial application of speckle interferometry in surface roughness monitoring from GLCM features.
The unstable mode of the net-baryon density near the spinodal decomposition region
Authors: wu shanjin
Published: February 2025

This paper investigates the conserved net-baryon multiplicity fluctuations near the spinodal decomposition region based on the stochastic diffusion equation, model B. The convex anomaly in the spinodal region induces the unstable mode and the correlation function dominates at harder mode. The unstable mode results in oscillating behavior of second-order multiplicity fluctuations with increasing spatial interval. This oscillating behavior of multiplicity fluctuations with respect to acceptance may indicate the existence of the convex anomaly of spinodal decomposition.
The role of NMDA receptors in memory and prediction in cultured neural networks
Authors: Lamberti Martina , van Putten Michel J A M , Marzen Sarah , le Feber Joost
Published: February 2025

Objective. Memory has been extensively studied at the behavioural as well as the cellular level. Spike timing dependent plasticity is widely considered essential for long-term memory and is associated with activation of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. This suggests that NMDA receptor activation plays a crucial role in enabling long-term memory. However, experimental evidence remains sparse, probably due to the complex combination of cellular and functional readouts required. Approach. Recent work showed that in-vitro cortical networks memorize and predict inputs. The initial dependency of prediction on short-term memory decreased during the formation of long-term memory traces. Here, we stimulated networks of dissociated cortical neurons that were grown on multi electrode arrays to investigate memory and prediction under control conditions, or under NMDA block. Main results. The NMDA antagonist 2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid (APV) at the used concentration impeded long-term memory trace formation, but did not significantly reduce network excitability. In APV-treated cultures short-term memory of stimuli persisted and they were still able to predict. In contrast to control cultures, prediction remained fully dependent on short-term memory. Significance. This confirms that NMDA receptor activation is essential for the formation of long-term memory traces and supports the notion that, as control cultures learn to memorize the stimulus, long-term memory starts to contribute to their predictive capability.
The impact of sensor positions on aerodynamic parameter identification
Authors: Wang Shi-yu , Chen Yong-liang , Cai Peng-cheng
Published: February 2025

In this paper, a 3211 excitation simulation is performed on the longitudinal aerodynamic model of the F16 aircraft, and the simulation data collected at the sensor and the data collected at the center of gravity are obtained respectively. Although the difference between the two sets of data is small, by the comparison of the aerodynamic parameters identified from the two sets of simulation data and the truth value of the aerodynamic parameters, it is found that the identification result of the data at the center of gravity is better than the data at the sensor, which indicates that position correction of the sensor is one of the key steps in the system identification data processing.
Design and numerical simulation of sealing ring for gas ejection
Authors: Han Yuchenxi
Published: February 2025

This paper addresses the high-temperature sealing issue of the tray during gas ejection by designing a novel sealing tray based on fluid mechanics principles. The sealing tray features a gas-tight ring structure and is constructed from lightweight, cost-effective aluminum alloy material. When high-temperature, high-speed gas flows through the gas-tight rings, the effective cross-sectional area for the gas increases, and the flow velocity decreases. Additionally, when the gas encounters obstacles, it leads to backflow, generating “backflow gas” that obstructs further passage. After passing through multiple gas-tight ring structures, the required sealing standards are met. Furthermore, a two-dimensional model of both the gas-tight rings and the launch barrel was created, and a structural mesh was developed. The sealing effectiveness was then simulated and analyzed using commercial software. The results indicate that a satisfactory sealing effect can be achieved after the gas passes through four “ring structures.”
Research on modular design requirements of commercial aircraft
Authors: Xu Haizhao , Yang Lijun
Published: February 2025

It is urgent to have a unified design process and methodology for modular manufacturing during the initial stage of a civil commercial aircraft project because it involves diverse stakeholders and covers almost the entire commercial aircraft industry chain. This paper presents a Need-Function-Requirement-Physics (N-F-R-P) based system engineering forward design model to determine the set of modular design processes and criteria for the project. Based on the investigation of the stakeholders of the commercial aircraft design, the proposed model first forms the requirement list of modularity. The model then generates the demand list for the modular design of large aircraft and finally formulates the corresponding design plan, which assists in realizing the needs of various stakeholders. The feasibility of the modular separation surface design scheme was verified by the simulation of the assembly path and assembly process of the head-front fuselage structure modular separation surface. The outcome of this paper can be a significant guide for the modular design of civil commercial aircraft projects.
Numerical simulation study on noise reduction of underwater multi tube low-speed bubble flow exhaust
Authors: Pan Tingwei , Gou Jinlan , Le Weikang , Zhao Yupeng , Le Guigao
Published: February 2025

Numerical simulation of an underwater single-tube and multi-tube low-speed bubble flow exhaust process and acoustic signals based on the fluid volume model (VOF) and Williams Hawkins (FW-H) model is conducted to study the acoustic signals and noise reduction mechanism of multi-tube low-speed bubble flow exhaust process. Compare the simulation results with a theoretical basis to verify the applicability and accuracy of the model. The research results indicate that multi-tube exhaust can significantly reduce pressure fluctuations caused by bubble detachment from the pipe mouth, and can reduce the amplitude of noise in the mid to low frequency range.
Design of human factors in civil aircraft maintenance for airworthiness safety and analysis of aviation accident cases
Authors: Wu Chengyuan , Sun Jiawei , Ren Bin
Published: February 2025

This paper briefly describes the vital role and development history of maintenance human factors in the continuous airworthiness process of civil aircraft. It innovatively proposes four key elements of maintenance human factors (maintenance accessibility, maintenance safety, maintenance error prevention, and maintenance simplicity) and their design methodologies. Analyzing the causes of related aviation accidents using this method validates its feasibility and suggests measures to prevent similar accidents, thereby enhancing the design level of aircraft maintenance human factors.
Engineering method for predicting rocket exhaust plumes at high altitude
Authors: Hou Shilong , Fu Debin
Published: February 2025

The engineering method for the prediction of high-altitude rocket exhaust plume characteristics is proposed, which is based on Cai’s gas kinetic model and virtual collision method and the consideration of the influence on free flow. This engineering method can obtain the main characteristics such as plume range, species separation, flow characteristic distribution, and other main flow characteristics of high-altitude rockets. The single-phase gas of the axisymmetric circular nozzle of solid and liquid engines is taken as the research object, and the reliability of the prediction using the engineering method is verified by comparing the calculation results of the engineering method with the publication data and DSMC results. It provides a reference for the prediction of rocket exhaust plume characteristics at high altitudes.
Research on wave test of amphibious Twin-hull aircraft model in water pond
Authors: Shao Wu , Shi Shengzhe , Jiang Ting , Jiao Jun , Sang Tengjiao , Zhao Lujun
Published: February 2025

The article carried out a series of surface regular wave tests on a wing-body fusion-type amphibious aircraft using a towing pool. Research has found that the speed, wavelength, and wave height of a model can significantly affect its state. When the wave height is constant, the pitch angle and heave of the aircraft initially increase and then decrease with the increase of wavelength, and the wavelength at which the peak occurs also increases with the increase in speed. When the wavelength is fixed, the pitch angle and heave of the aircraft increase with the increase in wave height. Moreover, the special structure of the twin hull leads to excellent splashing characteristics of the aircraft model when gliding in waves.
Thermal design technology of spaceborne radar electronic unit
Authors: Zhang Li , Liu Jiangtao , Guo Haichao , Wang Sheng , Liang Dapeng , Yu Lingbo
Published: February 2025

The spaceborne radar electronic unit is the core payload equipment of the deep space probe. And the success or failure of the spacecraft mission is directly determined by its reliability. To solve the problems of large heat loss devices and high local heat flux density in a newly developed radar electronic unit, the thermal design of it was carried out by using heat pipes, increasing the thermal conductivity path of the device, improving the heat sink of the chip, and optimizing the thermal conductivity interface of the transmitting and receiving channel, and then the effectiveness of the thermal design optimization measures was verified by simulation. The thermal balance test in the vacuum environment was designed to carry out the thermal balance temperature test of the product to verify the validity of the thermal design measures and the accuracy of the thermal simulation model. The thermal design technology of spaceborne radar electronic units provides a new train of thought for the thermal design of spaceborne electronic products.
Research on temperature field distribution calculation of pylon spar on the fire
Authors: Li Xiaonan , Peng Sen , Xu Chunyu
Published: February 2025

According to the advisory notice requirements, engine mounting sections with materials other than steel and Inconel 718 should be verified that they meet the sufficient safety margin under the fire state. In this paper, the influence of the conditions in the fire zone on the structure of the middle area of the pylon front spar is specified, and the fire scene is selected as the most likely position to destroy the integrity of the force transmission path of the structure. By simulating the boundary conditions in the fire zone, the temperature distribution of the middle area of the pylon front spar is obtained.
Wolff and the First Fifty Years of German Metaphysics
Authors: Dyck Corey W.
Published: February 2025

This monograph offers a fresh account, in unprecedented detail, of philosophical developments in German philosophy in the first half of the eighteenth century. At the centre of the study is Wolff's seminal text on metaphysics, the Deutsche Metaphysik of 1719. The chapters that comprise the first part of the study focus on the interpretation of Wolff’s text, drawing extensively on the wider intellectual context and Wolff’s own early philosophical and scientific writings to provide a new and comprehensive account of Wolff’s metaphysics. The second part turns to an account of the impact of Wolff’s text, beginning with the widely overlooked uptake of his philosophy among women intellectuals. Wolff’s hostile reception by his Pietist colleagues is then taken up, in a discussion that goes beyond an acknowledgement of the historical importance of Pietism to assert that the figures in this movement actually succeeded in elaborating a systematic, coherent, and compelling philosophical alternative to Wolffian metaphysics. With all this in place, in the third part of the study a number of key metaphysical debates in the aftermath of the controversy between Wolff and the Pietists are considered, with the aim of showing how these two opposed intellectual systems served as the indispensable frame for metaphysical inquiry in Germany in the first half of the eighteenth century.
It's Friday, 3 pm, and the phone rings ... A practical approach to common nephrology consultations – Part 1
Authors: Kolland Michael , Aberger Simon , Schreiber Nikolaus G O , Kriegl Lisa , Odler Balazs , Eller Kathrin , Rosenkranz Alexander R , Kirsch Alexander H
Published: February 2025

This practical approach highlights the importance of timely recognition and management of various nephrological emergencies. The featured conditions pose an extraordinary challenge, since their recognition, timely workup and immediate bedside management are often only roughly pictured in detailed guidelines. This article provides case-based insights and highlights pitfalls with regards to current guidelines on the management of acute conditions frequently managed by nephrologists.

The first case, acute allograft dysfunction, underscores the critical need to distinguish between various etiologies of acute kidney injury (AKI) to guide targeted interventions effectively. Case 2 explores the challenges of managing acute infections in kidney transplant recipients, highlighting the necessity of tailoring immunosuppressive therapy, conducting a thorough diagnostic workup, and ensuring timely and adequate treatment.

Case 3 focusses on the recognition and management of pulmonary-renal syndrome, emphasizing the importance of initiating serological testing, planning for biopsy, and administering empirical immunosuppressive therapy. In Case 4, a structured and pragmatic approach to diagnosis and treatment of thrombotic microangiopathy, with an emphasis on identifying potential pitfalls to prevent delays in therapy is given.

Case 5 focuses AKI in pregnancy, a high-stakes condition that requires prompt and comprehensive diagnostic evaluation to minimize risks to both mother and child. Finally, Case 6 presents a diagnostic and treatment framework for managing suspected infections of a tunneled hemodialysis catheter, aiming to optimize outcomes through early and effective interventions.
Cultural Safety in Clinical Research: A Conceptual Overview and Call to Action
Authors: Salazar Hector , Gleason Carey E , Lingler Jennifer H
Published: February 2025

Black Americans are two to three times more likely to develop ADRD than their white counterparts, yet Black Americans make up only 2.4% of ADRD clinical trial participants. Here we provide an overview of the current state of initiatives to maximize racial and ethnic inclusivity in clinical research, particularly among ethnoracialized groups, and introduce the Indigenous-rooted concept of cultural safety through an integrative review and outline of its applicability to the research context. Cultural safety ensures that cultural identities, values, and experiences of minoritized persons are respected, understood, and integrated in their healthcare journey, empowering them to define and evaluate their own experiences. Implementing cultural safety challenges individuals to confront and critically examine their own perspectives on the dominant culture's traditions and values, as well as their implicit racism, biases, privileges, and inherent power structures. We extend prior conceptual work on cultural safety by proposing two subdimensions: environmental and internal. These must be synergistically integrated to heal fractured relationships between communities of color and researchers. By championing cultural safety, we can create a workforce of self-aware researchers who embody cultural safety's true essence as defined by the communities they serve. Community-engaged research serves as an ideal platform for cultural safety to be meaningfully implemented and sustained. This approach can uplift previously silenced voices in research, build long-term relationships, and generate empirical data that substantiate its positive effects. Importantly, applying environmental and internal cultural safety can empower participants in ADRD research where it is critically needed.
A data-driven sensitivity analysis of maize stalk models reveals the dominant factors influencing stalk strength
Authors: Carter Joseph , Hall Ryan , Cook Douglas D
Published: February 2025

Morphological factors significantly impact maize stalk strength, but no study has fully characterized the impact of maize stalk shape on stalk strength. This study uses a data-driven and machine-learning modeling approach to characterize these relationships through a comprehensive sensitivity analysis of model inputs.

Using 3D parameterized maize stalk models gave a higher level of control than previous studies by adding more parameters, but with the increase of the dimensionality. The large dimensionality of the models was greatly reduced via principal component analysis (PCA). Analysis revealed that model flexural stiffness, failure strength, and biomass was primarily determined by the first principal component. Material sensitivity analysis was also conducted on the models, and its results were consistent with past studies.

The results of this study improve researchers' understanding of the parameters that influence 3D parameterized maize stalk models. Statistical analysis indicates a strong relationship between the first principal component and section modulus, which further validates the 3D parameterized maize stalk model. Results also show that maize stalk morphology is primarily controlled by only one factor: the first principal component. This may limit researchers’ ability to increase stalk strength without increasing mass.
Fc gamma receptors activate different protein kinase C isoforms in human neutrophils
Authors: Alemán Omar Rafael , Blanco-Camarillo Carlos , Naranjo-Pinto Nathalia , Mora Nancy , Rosales Carlos
Published: February 2025

Receptors for the Fc portion of IgG antibodies (FcγR) on human neutrophils constitute an important mechanism for recognition of opsonized microorganisms and for cell activation. Human neutrophils express two FcγR: FcγRIIa and FcγRIIIb. Previously, it has been reported that activation of each FcγR induces different neutrophil responses, by triggering distinct signal transduction pathways. Though, what particular signal transduction pathway is triggered by each FcγR has not been completely elucidated. It has also been reported that PKC is important for FcγR signaling, and that each FcγR may activate different PKC isoforms. Therefore, we explored whether FcγRIIa or FcγRIIIb activates different PKC isoforms in human neutrophils, and whether activation of these PKC isoforms results in different neutrophil responses. Hence, either FcγRIIa or FcγRIIIb was selectively cross-linked by monoclonal antibodies in the presence or absence of pharmacological inhibitors for various PKC isoforms. Inhibition of PKCα or PKCδ blocked FcγRIIa-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) productions. In contrast, inhibition of PKCα and/or PKCβ blocked FcγRIIIb-induced ROS production. Also, inhibition of all PKC isoforms did not affect FcγRIIa-induced increase in intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i), while inhibition of PKCα blocked FcγRIIIb-induced increase in [Ca2+]i. Additionally, inhibition of PKCδ blocked FcγRIIa-induced ERK phosphorylation, while inhibition of PKCα prevented FcγRIIIb-induced ERK phosphorylation. These results suggest that both FcγRIIa and FcγRIIIb activate unique PKC isoforms, and that activation of these PKC isoforms can selectively regulate different neutrophil functions. These findings also reinforce the idea that each FcγR in human neutrophils triggers distinct signal transduction pathways.
Time-dependent models of AGN discs with radiation from embedded stellar-mass black holes
Authors: Epstein-Martin Marguerite , Tagawa Hiromichi , Haiman Zoltán , Perna Rosalba
Published: February 2025

The brightest steady sources of radiation in the universe, active galactic nuclei (AGNs), are powered by gas accretion on to a central supermassive black hole (SMBH). The large sizes and accretion rates implicated in AGN accretion discs are expected to lead to gravitational instability and fragmentation, effectively cutting off mass inflow to the SMBH. Radiative feedback from disc-embedded stars has been invoked to yield marginally stable, steady-state solutions in the outer discs. Here, we examine the consequences of this star formation with a semi-analytical model in which stellar-mass black hole (sBH) remnants in the disc provide an additional source of stabilizing radiative feedback. Assuming star formation seeds the embedded sBH population, we model the time-evolving feedback from both stars and the growing population of accreting sBHs. We find that in the outer disc, the luminosity of the sBHs quickly dominates that of their parent stars. However, because sBHs consume less gas than stars to stabilize the disc, the presence of the sBHs enhances the mass flux to the inner disc. As a result, star formation persists over the lifetime of the AGN, damped in the outer disc, but amplified in a narrow ring in the inner disc. Heating from the embedded sBHs significantly modifies the disc’s temperature profile and hardens its spectral energy distribution, and direct emission from the sBHs adds a new hard X-ray component.
The complex relationship between black hole feedback, star formation, and stellar bars in TNG50
Authors: Frosst Matthew , Obreschkow Danail , Ludlow Aaron , Bottrell Connor , Genel Shy
Published: February 2025

We use the cosmological magneto-hydrodynamical simulation TNG50 to study the relationship between black hole feedback, the presence of stellar bars, and star formation quenching in Milky Way-mass disc galaxies. Of our sample of 198 discs, 125 develop stellar bars that last until $z=0$. Tracking their evolution from $z=4$ to 0, we demonstrate that barred galaxies tend to form within dark matter haloes that become centrally disc dominated early on (and are thus unstable to bar formation) and typically host central black holes that grow more rapidly than those of unbarred galaxies. As a result, most barred galaxies eventually experience kinetic wind feedback that operates when the mass of the central supermassive black hole exceeds ${M_{\rm {BH}}} \gtrsim 10^8\, {\rm {\rm M}_{\odot }}$. This feedback ejects gas from the central disc and rapidly quenches barred galaxies of their central star formation, resulting in persistent 3–15 kpc wide holes in the centres of their gas discs; bar formation itself does not significantly affect the central star formation in this model. Interestingly, bars almost always form before gas holes, but if kinetic black hole feedback occurs in a previously unbarred galaxy, bars rarely form thereafter. Consequently, most barred galaxies develop gas holes from ejective black hole feedback, though a gas hole alone does not guarantee the presence of a stellar bar. This subtle relationship between black hole feedback, cold gas disc morphology, and stellar bars may provide constraints on subgrid physics models for supermassive black hole feedback.
Accretion disc reverberation mapping of the quasar 3C 273
Authors: Thorne James P , Landt Hermine , Huang Jiamu , Hernández Santisteban Juan V , Horne Keith , Cackett Edward M , Winkler Hartmut , Sanmartim David
Published: February 2025

We present accretion disc size measurements for the well-known quasar 3C 273 using reverberation mapping performed on high-cadence light curves in seven optical filters collected with the Las Cumbres Observatory (LCO). Lag estimates obtained using Javelin and PyROA are consistent with each other and yield accretion disc sizes a factor of ${\sim} 2{\!-\!}7$ larger than ‘thin disc’ theoretical expectations. This makes 3C 273 one of a growing number of active galactic nuclei (AGN) to display the so-called ‘accretion disc size’ problem usually observed in low-luminosity AGN. Power-law fits of the form $\tau \propto \lambda ^{\beta }$ to the lag spectrum, and $\nu \, f_\nu \propto \nu ^\beta$ to the spectral energy distribution (SED) of the variations, both give results consistent with the ‘thin disc’ theoretical expectation of $\beta = 4/3$. The Starkey et al. ‘flat disc with a steep rim’ model can fit both the lag estimates and the SED variations. Extrapolating the observed optical lags to putative dust-forming regions of the disc gives $r\sim 100-200$  light-days. These radii are consistent with the size of the broad line region (BLR) as determined by near-infrared interferometric studies as well as with the best-fitting location of the outer edge for the ‘flat disc with a steep rim’ model. Therefore, the accretion disc in 3C 273 might be sufficiently extended to be dusty, allowing the BLR to emerge from it in a dusty outflow. A flux variation gradient analysis and the structure function of our LCO light curves confirm that the optical variability in 3C 273 is dominated by the accretion disc rather than its radio jet.
Validation of the Revised American Physical Therapy Association Physical Therapist Clinical Performance Instrument 3.0
Authors: Campbell Derrick F , Alameri Mansoor , Macahilig-Rice Felicity , Witkin Sean E , Hellman Nancy G
Published: February 2025

Importance

Validation of the revised American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Physical Therapist Clinical Performance Instrument (PT CPI 3.0) is essential to ensure that we are effectively assessing Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students’ clinical performance.

Objective

The purpose was to validate the revised PT CPI 3.0 for use with DPT students as a measure of clinical performance.

Design

A descriptive and exploratory combined cross-sectional retrospective and prospective cohort design was used.

Setting

University DPT students’ clinical education experiences were explored.

Participants

Participants were selected using a convenience sample of 693 DPT students from 1 US multi-campus DPT program(s) during Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 clinical education experiences.

Exposure(s)

DPT students on (1) integrated (ICE) and (2) 2 terminal clinical education experiences (TCE I and TCE II) participated in the study.

Main Outcome(s)

Clinical instructor (CI) PT CPI 3.0 item ratings of DPT students at midterm and final assessments during clinical education experiences were investigated.

Measure(s)

Descriptive and inferential statistics evaluated differences between CI PT CPI 3.0 item ratings of DPT students during clinical education experiences.

Results

The PT CPI 3.0 demonstrated good internal reliability, and factor analysis with a 1-factor solution explained 81.3% of variance. Construct validity was supported by significant differences in PT CPI item scores between DPT students on integrated (ICE) and each of 2 terminal clinical education experiences (TCE I and TCE II). Construct and convergent validity were supported by significant score increases from midterm to final assessments for DPT students on integrated and terminal clinical education experiences and by moderate to large correlations between prior clinical experiences and remaining didactic coursework.

Conclusions

Findings support validity of the revised PT CPI 3.0 as a measure of clinical performance. A limitation is that this study did not assess rater reliability.

Relevance

This study provides preliminary support for validation of the newly revised APTA PT CPI 3.0 as a measure to assess entry-level physical therapist student clinical performance.
Topological Analysis of Vascular Networks: A Proof-of-Concept Study in Cerebral Angiography
Authors: Tozzi Arturo
Published: February 2025

The application of topological methods to cerebral angiography may provide a robust mathematical framework for analyzing cerebrovascular structures at multiple scales. In this proof-of concept study, we explored the use of algebraic and differential topology to characterize structural integrity, connectivity, flow dynamics and hierarchical organization of cerebral vascular networks. Through a hierarchical approach, we examined the topology from general to local, capturing macroscopic vascular organization down to individual vessel bifurcations. By leveraging key theorems, we assessed various aspects of topological analysis, including evaluation of total features, transition from total to local features, evaluation of local features, transition from local to total features, interaction between total and local features. These steps enable the analysis of the global connectivity of the vascular network, the detection of regional clusters and the identification of critical junctions at a local scale. A computational approach was developed to extract mathematical skeletons from angiographic images, constructing graph-based representations to study connectivity and homotopy equivalence. The Fourier decomposition of the vascular structures revealed dominant periodic patterns, indicative of structural stability and redundancy in the blood supply. Moreover, Betti number computations quantified vascular loops and branches, offering insights into collateral circulation potential. Our findings demonstrate that topological invariants can serve as diagnostic biomarkers for cerebrovascular diseases, including aneurysm susceptibility and ischemic risk assessment. This interdisciplinary methodology bridges mathematical topology with medical imaging, offering a novel lens for cerebrovascular analysis. Future work will integrate persistent homology and machine learning techniques for automated vascular topology classification.
Oxalotrophic bacteria in desert and drylands: Enzymatic pathways and Carbon sequestration
Authors: Prasanna Arun N. , Parween Sabiha , Froehlich Katja , Schmidt Tanja , Shekhawat Kirti , Prabhu Durga D. , Saad Maged M. , Hirt Heribert
Published: February 2025

Oxalotrophy refers to the ability of bacteria to utilize oxalate as a carbon and energy source. This is a critical process with significant implications for the global carbon cycle. Oxalate-degrading bacteria play a key role in carbon sequestration through the oxalate-carbonate pathway (OCP), contributing to stable inorganic carbon pools. In this study, we identified and cataloged 20 enzymes associated with various facets of oxalate metabolism to characterize the oxalotrophic potential of bacteria. Within this group, sets of enzymes were grouped into two functional categories in the context of carbon sequestration: a biomineralization toolkit for converting oxalate to inorganic carbon and an assimilation toolkit for incorporating oxalate into metabolic pathways such as amino acid biosynthesis and energy production. Using bioinformatic approaches, we analyzed a collection of 536 bacterial genomes from desert and dryland strains spanning 81 genera to identify oxalotrophs. To validate our findings, we tested several bacterial strains for growth on media supplemented with exogenous oxalate. Notably, while multiple bacterial strains grew on oxalate media, two Pseudomonas species, namely JZ043 and JZ097, failed to grow despite genomic predictions suggesting otherwise. Further investigation of these strains revealed several non-conservative amino acid substitutions in the glyoxylate carboligase enzyme (EC 4.1.1.47), a key player in oxalate metabolism, suggesting a potential link between these mutations and their inability to metabolize oxalate. Our findings highlight the significance of our approach for identifying oxalotrophic bacteria (OxB) and offer valuable insights into the molecular basis of oxalate metabolism.

Graphical Abstract
How does methamphetamine affect the brain? A systematic review of magnetic resonance imaging studies
Authors: Liu GXH , Tayebi M , Bristow B , Wang J , Lin Y , Newburn G , Condron P , McHugh P , Schierding W , Holdsworth S , Scadeng M
Published: February 2025

Methamphetamine (METH) is an addictive psychostimulant that is associated with significant physical and psychological harm. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive and powerful imaging modality that can reveal structural and functional brain changes. We conducted a systematic review to identify and appraise the existing literature examining brain MRI changes associated with METH exposure. A comprehensive literature search was conducted on PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. Any study that used MRI to evaluate brain changes in people who used or had been exposed to METH using MRI were included. Data were collected on study design, participant demographics, METH use parameters, MRI acquisition details, and key findings. Quality appraisal was conducted using ana prioriquality appraisal tool. One hundred and thirty seven studies with 8313 participants were included in our review. Nearly all were conducted in adults/adolescents (121/137, 88%), and most studies were cross-sectional (107/137, 78%). Task-based functional MRI was the most common modality used (48/137, 35%), followed by structural MRI (38/137, 28%). Quality appraisal scores ranged from 40 – 100% (mean 88%). Overall, METH is associated with numerous adverse changes in brain structure and function, including reduced grey matter volume and thickness in frontal and limbic regions and decreased fractional anisotropy in various white matter structures, with associated socio-emotional dysregulation, impaired decision-making and learning processes, and cognitive deficits. Targeted, higher-order, or multi-modal MRI sequences may be useful in further clarifying the impact of METH on the brain and evaluating the use of potential therapeutic agents.
Statistical Analysis Plan for the manuscript reporting the primary outcome of the MSU-TELEMED study
Authors: Churilov Leonid , Johns Hannah , Yogendrakumar Vignan , Balabanski Anna ,   MSU-TELEMED Trial Investigators
Published: February 2025

This manuscript describes the Statistical Analysis Plan (SAP) for the following study: Evaluating the Safety and Efficacy of Telemedicine Physician Assessments on a Mobile Stroke Unit: a Prospective Open-Label Blinded End-Point Randomized Controlled Trial (MSU-TELEMED)

This document is a supplement to the MSU-TELEMED study protocol and contains the statistical analysis plan (SAP) for the main paper of the trial in which the primary outcome will be reported. This document complies with the guidelines for the content of statistical analysis plans in clinical trials
Calcium signaling is a universal carbon source signal transducer and effects an ionic memory of past carbon sources
Authors: Simpson-Lavy Kobi , Kupiec Martin
Published: February 2025

Glucose is the preferred carbon source for most cells. However, cells may encounter other carbon sources that can be utilized. How cells match their metabolic gene expression to their carbon source, beyond a general glucose repressive system (catabolite repression), remains little understood. By studying the effect of up to seven different carbon sources on Snf1 phosphorylation and on the expression of downstream regulated genes, we searched for the mechanism that identifies carbon sources. We found that the glycolysis metabolites glucose-6-phosphate (G6P) and glucose-1-phosphate (G1P) play a central role in the adaptation of gene expression to different carbon sources. The ratio of G1P and G6P activates an analogue calcium signaling via the proton-exporter Pma1, to regulate downstream genes. The signaling pathway bifurcates with calcineurin reducingADH2(alcohol dehydrogenase) expression and with Cmk1 increasingZWF1(glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase) expression. Furthermore, calcium signaling is not only regulated by the present carbon source; it is also regulated by past carbon sources. We were able to manipulate thisionic memorymechanism to obtain high expression ofZWF1in media containing galactose. Our findings provide auniversalmechanism by which cells respond to all carbon sources.
Benchmarking DNA Sequence Models for Causal Regulatory Variant Prediction in Human Genetics
Authors: Benegas Gonzalo , Eraslan Gokcen , Song Yun S.
Published: February 2025

Machine learning holds immense promise in biology, particularly for the challenging task of identifying causal variants for Mendelian and complex traits. Two primary approaches have emerged for this task: supervised sequence-to-function models trained on functional genomics experimental data and self-supervised DNA language models that learn evolutionary constraints on sequences. However, the field currently lacks consistently curated datasets with accurate labels, especially for non-coding variants, that are necessary to comprehensively benchmark these models and advance the field. In this work, we present TraitGym, a curated dataset of regulatory genetic variants that are either known to be causal or are strong candidates across 113 Mendelian and 83 complex traits, along with carefully constructed control variants. We frame the causal variant prediction task as a binary classification problem and benchmark various models, including functional-genomics-supervised models, self-supervised models, models that combine machine learning predictions with curated annotation features, and ensembles of these. Our results provide insights into the capabilities and limitations of different approaches for predicting the functional consequences of non-coding genetic variants. We find that alignment-based models CADD and GPN-MSA compare favorably for Mendelian traits and complex disease traits, while functional-genomics-supervised models Enformer and Borzoi perform better for complex non-disease traits. The benchmark, including a Google Colab notebook to evaluate a model in a few minutes, is available at https://huggingface.co/datasets/songlab/TraitGym.