bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plant Neighbourhood as Predictor of Allopatric Speciation in Sedges
Authors: Benítez‐Benítez Carmen , Jiménez‐Mejías Pedro , Calleja‐Alarcón Juan Antonio , Leo María , Sanz‐Arnal María , Lara Francisco , Garilleti Ricardo , Martín‐Bravo Santiago , Escudero Marcial , Fernández‐Mazuecos Mario , Calatayud Joaquín , Medina Nagore G.
Published: February 2025

Adaptation to different environments in geographically separated populations is key for allopatric speciation. Most research has focused on the effects of geographical isolation and abiotic factors, but disjunct populations frequently co‐occur with different pools of species, favouring divergent adaptation and speciation. We show the importance of plant neighbourhood, compared to geographic and environmental factors, in the allopatric speciation of two closely related plants, Carex elata and Carex reuteriana. Both species share similar ecological requirements and inhabit river shores at medium to low altitudes across the Iberian Peninsula. We employed a multidisciplinary approach integrating abiotic, biotic and geographical factors, and genomic data (genotyping‐by‐sequencing) to infer the relative role of different evolutionary drivers. Abiotic factors were assessed based on 38 bioclimatic variables, biotic factors using the community of co‐occurring plant species (1536 vegetation inventories), and geographical factors with a distance matrix based on geographic coordinates. Using regularised generalised linear models, we identified the key variables explaining distribution patterns. We also examined the relationships between inter‐population genetic distances, and biotic, abiotic and geographic factors to understand the drivers of lineage splitting, revealing varying degrees of influence. Plant neighbourhood emerged as a stronger predictor of allopatric distributions than abiotic or geographic factors, with the largest effect observed in Carex elata, which exhibited the greatest population differentiation. These findings suggest that the biotic and microenvironmental factors influencing divergent plant neighbourhoods have significantly contributed to the differentiation of these taxa, providing new insights into the evolutionary processes shaping the origin and distribution of species.
Functional Insights Into the Effect of Feralisation on the Gut Microbiota of Cats Worldwide
Authors: Aizpurua Ostaizka , Botnen Amanda Bolt , Eisenhofer Raphael , Odriozola Iñaki , Santos‐Bay Luisa , Bjørnsen Mads Bjørn , Gilbert M. Thomas P. , Alberdi Antton
Published: February 2025

Successfully adapting to a feral lifestyle with different access to food, shelter and other resources requires rapid physiological and behavioural changes, which could potentially be facilitated by gut microbiota plasticity. To investigate whether alterations in gut microbiota support this transition to a feral lifestyle, we analysed the gut microbiomes of domestic and feral cats from six geographically diverse locations using genome‐resolved metagenomics. By reconstructing 229 non‐redundant metagenome‐assembled genomes from 92 cats, we identified a typical carnivore microbiome structure, with notable diversity and taxonomic differences across regions. While overall diversity metrics did not differ significantly between domestic and feral cats, hierarchical modelling of species communities, accounting for geographic and sex covariates, revealed significantly larger microbial functional capacities among feral cats. The increased capacity for amino acid and lipid degradation corresponds to feral cats' dietary reliance on crude protein and fat. A second modelling analysis, using behavioural phenotype as the main predictor, unveiled a positive association between microbial production of short‐chain fatty acids, neurotransmitters and vitamins and cat aggressiveness, suggesting that gut microbes might contribute to heightened aggression and elusiveness observed in feral cats. Functional microbiome shifts may therefore play a significant role in the development of physiological and behavioural traits advantageous for a feral lifestyle, a hypothesis that warrants validation through microbiota manipulation experiments.
To Cast the Jewish People in a European Mould: The Role Models of the Zionist Right
Authors: Nahshon Elad
Published: February 2025

In the process of nation‐building, national movements often draw inspiration from the experience of other nations. The fascinating case study of the Revisionist movement, dominating the Zionist right from the 1920s onward, allow us to examine precisely how nationalist political movements choose their role models, why they replace them with others, and how they use it to galvanize their ideology and fight off rival ideologies. Analysing four distinct groups and factions within Revisionism, which cast 19th century Italy, Fascist Italy, Poland, France and USA as their main ideological role models to follow, I claim that the most prominent factors, which led to this variety of role models within the movement are ideology, personal biography, cultural background and generational differences. Together, these factors reveal the deep fault lines in the heart of what seemed to be a unified political bloc.
GLKs directly regulate carotenoid biosynthesis via interacting with GBFs in plants
Authors: Sun Tianhu , Hazra Abhijit , Lui Andy , Zeng Shaohua , Wang Xin , Rao Sombir , Owens Lauren A. , Fei Zhangjun , Zhao Yunde , Mazourek Michael , Giovannoni James G. , Li Li
Published: February 2025

Carotenoids are vital photosynthetic pigments for plants. Golden2‐like transcription factors (GLKs) are widely recognized as major regulators of Chl biosynthesis and chloroplast development. However, despite GLKs being subjected to intensive investigations, whether GLKs directly regulate carotenoid biosynthesis and the molecular mechanisms by which GLKs transcriptionally activate their target genes remain unclear.

Here, we report that GLKs directly regulate carotenoid biosynthesis and activate their target genes in a G‐box binding factor (GBF)‐dependent manner in Arabidopsis.

Both in vitro and in vivo studies reveal that GLKs physically interact with GBFs to activate transcription of phytoene synthase (PSY), the gene encoding a rate‐limiting enzyme for carotenoid biosynthesis. While GLKs possess transactivation activity, they depend on GBFs to directly bind to the G‐box motif to modulate PSY expression. Loss of GBFs impairs GLK function in regulating carotenoid and Chl biosynthesis. Since the G‐box motif is an enriched motif in the promoters of GLK‐regulated genes, the GLK–GBF regulatory module likely serves as a common mechanism underlying GLK‐regulated photosynthetic pigment biosynthesis and chloroplast development.

Our findings uncover a novel regulatory machinery of carotenoid biosynthesis, discover a molecular mechanism of transcriptional regulation by GLKs, and divulge GLKs as important regulators to coordinate photosynthetic pigment synthesis in plants.
Golgi‐associated retrograde protein (GARP) complex recruits retromer to trans‐Golgi network for FgKex2 and FgSnc1 recycling, necessary for the development and pathogenicity of Fusarium graminearum
Authors: Long Yunfei , Chen Xin , Chen Jia , Zhang Haoran , Lin Ying , Cheng Shuyuan , Pu Neng , Zhou Xuandong , Sheng Renzhi , Abubakar Yakubu Saddeeq , Zheng Huawei , Yun Yingzi , Lu Guodong , Wang Zonghua , Zheng Wenhui
Published: February 2025

In eukaryotes, the retromer complex plays a crucial role in the sorting and retrograde transport of cargo proteins from endosomes to the trans‐Golgi network (TGN). Despite its importance, the molecular details of this intracellular transport process remain unclear.

Here, we have identified a Golgi‐associated retrograde protein (GARP) complex as a mediator of vesicle transport that facilitates the recruitment of the retromer complex to the TGN to exert its functions.

The GARP complex is mainly localized in the TGN where it interacts with the retromer complex. This interaction is evolutionarily conserved across species. Furthermore, we identified FgKex2 and FgSnc1 as cargo proteins in the GARP/retromer‐mediated recycling pathway. Loss of GARP or retromer results in a complete missorting of FgKex2 and FgSnc1 into the vacuolar degradation pathway, which affects the growth, development, biogenesis of toxisomes and pathogenicity of Fusarium graminearum.

In summary, we demonstrate for the first time that GARP promotes the recruitment of retromer from endosomes to the TGN, thereby establishing a GARP/retromer transport pathway that coordinates the recycling of cargo proteins FgKex2 and FgSnc1. This process is essential for maintaining sustained growth and development and significantly contributes to the pathogenicity of F. graminearum.
Symplastic guard cell connections buffer pressure fluctuations to promote stomatal function in grasses
Authors: Wilson Matthew J. , McGregor Shauni , Durney Clinton H. , Tomkins Melissa , Armand Jodie , Smith Richard S. , Gray Julie E. , Morris Richard J. , Fleming Andrew J.
Published: February 2025

Stomata regulate plant gas exchange via repeated turgor‐driven changes of guard cell shape, thereby adjusting pore apertures. Grasses, which are among the most widespread plant families on the planet, are distinguished by their unique stomatal structure, which is proposed to have significantly contributed to their evolutionary and agricultural success. One component of their structure, which has received little attention, is the presence of a discontinuous adjoining cell wall of the guard cell pair.

Here, we demonstrate the presence of these symplastic connections in a range of grasses and use finite element method simulations to assess hypotheses for their functional significance.

Our results show that opening of the stomatal pore is maximal when the turgor pressure in dumbbell‐shaped grass guard cells is equal, especially under the low pressure conditions that occur during the early phase of stomatal opening. By contrast, we demonstrate that turgor pressure differences have less effect on the opening of kidney‐shaped guard cells, characteristic of the majority of land plants, where guard cell connections are rarely or not observed.

Our data describe a functional mechanism based on cellular mechanics, which plausibly facilitated a major transition in plant evolution and crop development.
Comparison of a Besdata Video Laryngoscope With a Direct Laryngoscope in Neonates and Infants of 6 Months of Age—A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Venkatesh Vedha , Srinivasan Gnanasekaran , Bidkar Prasanna Udupi , Rudingwa Priya
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Airway management of infants is challenging, and video laryngoscopes can help reduce intubation attempts and improve glottic visualization. In this study, we compared the Besdata video laryngoscope with the Miller laryngoscope in neonates and infants 6 months of age.

Methods

After obtaining informed written consent from the parents, we randomized 80 infants scheduled for elective surgery requiring endotracheal intubation into two groups, Group DL and Group VL. We used a direct laryngoscope with a Miller blade in group DL and a Besdata video laryngoscope with a Miller blade in group VL. We compared the time taken for intubation, glottis visualization time, percentage of glottic opening (POGO) score, Cormack Lehane (CL) grades, first attempt success rate, need for external laryngeal manipulation, and complications between the two groups.

Results

The median (interquartile range, IQR) time taken for intubation was 36.0 s (30.5–39.0) versus 35.0 s (28.0–40.0) (p = 0.35), similar in both groups. The median difference (95% confidence interval, CI) was 0.0 s [−4.0 to 5.0]. The median (IQR) time for glottic visualization was 13.0 s (10.0–15.5) versus 10.0 s (8.0–12.0), and the median difference (95% CI) was 2.0 s [1–6] in group DL and group VL, respectively, showing shorter time with a video laryngoscope. We also found better POGO scores and decreased need for optimal external laryngeal manipulation with a Besdata video laryngoscope. The first attempt intubation success rate, use of bougie, and complications were similar in both groups.

Conclusion

The Besdata video laryngoscope with a zero‐size Miller blade has shown a similar intubation time when compared with a conventional laryngoscope in neonates and infants of 6 months of age. The first attempt intubation success rate was also comparable between the two groups. However, the Besdata video laryngoscope is associated with comparatively better glottic visualization.

Trial Registration

Clinical Trial Registry of India (CTRI; www.ctri.nic.in): CTRI/2021/012/038787
Mitigating Oxidative Browning in Litchi by Regulating Biochemical Markers and Targeted Gene expression via Exogenous Nitric Oxide
Authors: Azam Khushboo , Mir Hidayatullah , Siddiqui Mohammed Wasim , Ranjan Tushar , Homa Fozia , Perveen Nusrat , Singh Duniya Ram , Siddiqui Manzer H.
Published: February 2025

Nitric oxide has been shown to influence oxidative metabolism in plants, enhancing their resilience to various biotic and abiotic stresses. Post‐harvest oxidative stress is a key factor leading to quality deterioration in litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) fruit, with visible symptoms that significantly reduce shelf life and consumer acceptability. Therefore, the effect of exogenous sodium nitroprusside (SNP; 1.0 mM and 2.0 mM) on litchi (cv. Purbi) fruit was examined during storage at 7 ± 1°C. Different biochemical changes related to post‐harvest quality and pericarp browning of litchi were evaluated. The results suggested that SNP (2.0 mM) was significantly effective in reducing weight loss, the pericarp browning index and decay loss. The fruit subjected to SNP (2.0 mM) treatment retained more total anthocyanins and total phenolic content with reduced peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase enzyme activity. Other quality attributes, such as total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity and ascorbic acid, were also recorded to be greater in the SNP (2.0 mM)‐treated fruits. These results were consistent with the expression profiles of LcPPO, LcPOD and Laccase genes. The expression levels of these genes were highly suppressed in the nitric oxide‐treated fruits compared to those in the control fruits. Therefore, SNP (2.0 mM) treatment could reduce litchi pericarp browning and prolong the post‐harvest life of fruit for up to eighteen days during cold storage.
Genetic risk variants implicate impaired maintenance and repair of periodontal tissues as causal for periodontitis—A synthesis of recent findings
Authors: Schaefer Arne S. , Nibali Luigi , Zoheir Noha , Moutsopoulos Niki M. , Loos Bruno G.
Published: February 2025

Periodontitis is a complex inflammatory disease in which the host genome, in conjunction with extrinsic factors, determines susceptibility and progression. Genetic predisposition is the strongest risk factor in the first decades of life. As people age, chronic exposure to the periodontal microbiome puts a strain on the proper maintenance of barrier function. This review summarizes our current knowledge on genetic risk factors implicated in periodontitis, derived (i) from hypothesis‐free systematic whole genome‐profiling studies (genome‐wide association studies [GWAS] and quantitative trait loci [QTL] mapping studies), and independently validated through further unbiased approaches; (ii) from monogenic and oligogenic forms of periodontitis; and (iii) from syndromic forms of periodontitis. The genes include, but are not limited to, SIGLEC5, PLG, ROBO2, ABCA1, PF4, and CTSC. Notably, CTSC and PLG gene mutations were also identified in non‐syndromic and syndromic forms of prepubertal and early‐onset periodontitis. The functions of the identified genes in this review suggest that the pathways affected by the periodontitis‐associated gene variants converge in functions involved in the maintenance and repair of structural integrity of the periodontal tissues. Particularly, these genes play a role in the healing of inflamed and ulcerated periodontal tissues, including roles in fibrinolysis, extrusion of cellular debris, extracellular matrix remodeling and angiogenesis. Syndromes that include periodontitis in their phenotype indicate that neutrophils play an important role in the regulation of inflammation in the periodontium. The established genetic susceptibility genes therefore collectively provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms and plausible causal factors underlying periodontitis.
The impact of adverse childhood experiences on older adults’ health measured via comprehensive geriatric assessment
Authors: Ipar Ozlem , Yigitalp Veliye , Kilic Nazli , Smith Lee , Rahmati Masoud , Soysal Pinar
Published: February 2025

Background

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are potentially traumatic events that occur up to the age of 18 years. Such trauma often results in chronic psychological stress that is associated with negative health outcomes across the lifespan. The aim of this study is to investigate associations between ACEs and health outcomes in older adults.

Methods

The present study is a cross‐sectional design. Socio‐demographic information on patients’ age, gender, marital status, living status, and education level were collected. Furthermore, a comprehensive geriatric assessment and ACE scale were conducted. The ACE scale consisted of 10 questions that were categorised as psychological, physical, and sexual abuse, as well as neglect. The relationship between detailed comprehensive geriatric assessment parameters and ACE were analyzed.

Results

There were 276 (mean age 77.9 ± 7.3 years, and 74.3% female) patients included in the study. The prevalence of ACEs was 43.1%, with psychological ACE being the most common. Female gender, number of medications, the presence of insomnia and dysphagia were higher in older patients who experienced at least one ACE than those without ACE (P < 0.05). In multivariate analyses, only the relationship between insomnia and ACE persisted (odds ratio 1.83, 95% CI 1.12–3.01; P < 0.05).

Conclusions

ACEs were detected in approximately one in every two older adults. Those with ACEs were 1.8 times more likely to experience insomnia. Therefore, when evaluating an older patient with insomnia, ACEs should be evaluated and insomnia should also be questioned in older patients who have experienced ACE.
Behavioral validation for a game‐theoretic model of attacker strategic decisions, signaling, and deterrence in multi‐layer security for soft targets
Authors: Kapadia Kevin , Unson Ian , Byrd Katie , Zhuang Jun , John Richard
Published: February 2025

Understanding what factors influence an attacker's decision to attack a soft target is important for allocating resources effectively to defend valuable targets. In this study, we aim to validate a game‐theoretic model that explores the relationship between the reward and probability of successfully attacking through multiple layers of defense. We created multiple scenarios corresponding to each of four game‐theoretic cases, resulting in a 2 × 2 factorial design (defended vs. undefended targets X low vs. high expected values [EVs] for attackers). We recruited 454 US adults from Prolific.com to decide whether to attack for a series of 24 scenarios, which varied the probability of success, the magnitude of reward, and whether Layer 1 was signaled to be defended or not. Results were generally consistent with the game model predictions, including a greater tendency to attack undefended targets with a higher EV. Targets with a low probability of success and greater reward were less likely to be attacked than targets with a higher probability of success and smaller reward. Additionally, participants with a higher self‐reported risk‐taking were significantly more likely to attack for a given trial compared to participants with lower self‐reported risk‐taking. This validated game model can be used as a tool to help stakeholders identify where threats are the most likely to occur based on inherent defenses and appeal to attackers.
Posterior Trunk Pulling Perturbation Increased Variables Associated With Anterior Cruciate Ligament Loading in Both Sagittal and Frontal Planes During Landing
Authors: Song Yu , Feng Zhichen , Mersal Kareem , Van Valkenburg Kaden , Salsgiver Lauren , Dai Boyi
Published: February 2025

Trunk perturbation before initial ground contact (IC) is associated with increased anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury risk. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of midflight anterior and posterior pulling perturbation applied to the upper trunk on ACL loading variables during landings. Participants performed double‐leg vertical jumps with and without anterior or posterior pulling perturbation. The perturbation was created by a customized device, pulling participants through a freely dropping slam ball before IC. Whole‐body kinematics and ground reaction forces were collected using optoreflective cameras and force plates. Data from 31 participants were included for analysis. The posterior pulling perturbation resulted in the significantly smallest peak trunk and knee flexion angles, the greatest peak knee abduction angle, and peak knee extension and adduction moments during landings. The anterior pulling perturbation resulted in the significantly greatest peak trunk flexion angle and smallest peak knee extension moment among all conditions, and significantly greater peak knee flexion angle, smaller peak knee abduction angle, and smaller peak knee adduction moment compared to the posterior pulling perturbation. The findings suggest increased ACL loading variables and potential injury risk associated with midflight posterior pulling perturbation and provide information for understanding indirect‐contact ACL injury mechanisms.
Post‐pandemic geographies of working from home: More of the same for spatial inequalities?
Authors: McCollum David
Published: February 2025

Rather than being an indiscriminate ‘greater leveller’, it is widely recognised that the burden of the covid‐19 pandemic and its aftermath has largely mirrored longstanding cleavages of social and spatial disadvantage. This paper considers how the nature and effects of the mass covid‐induced shift to remote and hybrid working can inform theorisations of contemporary regional inequalities. Through a loosening of the relationship between the geography of home and employment, in theory, these novel working practices and associated changing residential preferences hold potential for easing spatial disparities. Drawing predominantly on interviews and workshops across 15 UK case study areas, this analysis however contends that stark social and spatial divides in the prevalence of remote/hybrid working mean that the propagation of working from home (WFH) may well in fact entrench rather than alleviate geographical inequalities, as working practices have improved for the mainly higher socio‐economic employees who can WFH (overrepresented in prosperous areas) but remain largely unchanged for the majority of the workforce elsewhere who cannot WFH. In this sense, the resilience of core–periphery economic geographies is just as compelling as the significant shift in working practices and residential preferences that the pandemic created. Consequently, caution is needed to avoid a fetishisation of ostensibly transformed post‐pandemic geographies of work–home relations and their potential as a panacea for spatial inequalities.
Ex vivo biomechanical comparison of pedicle screw and rod constructs with and without interbody fusion devices for equine cervical vertebral stabilization
Authors: Pezzanite Lynn M. , Nelson Brad B. , Downey Amy C. , Gadomski Ben , McGilvray Kirk , Baer Kenzie , Kappel Sarah M. , Nout‐Lomas Yvette , Seim Howard B. , Easley Jeremiah T.
Published: February 2025

Objective

To determine the biomechanical properties of pedicle screw and rod (PSR) constructs alone and with an interbody fusion device (PSRIFD) for equine ventral cervical vertebral stabilization.

Study design

Cadaveric ex vivo biomechanical analysis.

Sample population

A total of 14 (n = 14) adult equine cervical vertebral columns.

Methods

Cervical vertebral columns were stabilized by PSR alone (n = 6) or PSRIFD (n = 5). Three columns were left unaltered as controls. Non‐destructive biomechanical testing showed the kinematic range of motion (ROM), compliance, and neutral zone of each spinal unit in the three main kinematic directions (flexion‐extension, lateral bending and axial rotation). Destructive testing was performed to identify mode of failure and stiffness in flexion. Non‐destructive and destructive biomechanical data were compared by ANOVA between experimental groups.

Results

In flexion‐extension, PSR and PSRIFD had significantly lower ROM, compliance and neutral zone than controls (all p < .05). ROM, compliance and neutral zone were not different between PSR and PSRIFD groups. In axial rotation, the neutral zone of PSR was lower than PSRIFD (p = .013) and both were lower than controls (p < .0001 and p < .02, respectively). Stiffness and moment failure between PSR and PSRIFD groups were not different. All constructs failed through articular process joint dislocation, though the PSRIFD group also had ventral IFD migration.

Conclusion

PSR and PSRIFD groups have similar biomechanical properties and modes of failure, though PSRIFD had higher catastrophic injury potential.

Clinical significance

These findings support that PSR constructs provide comparable biomechanical stability to PSRIFD, reducing time and potential complications associated with IFD placement.
Connectivity of Markoff mod‐p graphs and maximal divisors
Authors: Eddy Jillian , Fuchs Elena , Litman Matthew , Martin Daniel E. , Tripeny Nico
Published: February 2025

Markoff mod‐ graphs are conjectured to be connected for all primes . In this paper, we use results of Chen and Bourgain, Gamburd, and Sarnak to confirm the conjecture for all . We also provide a method that quickly verifies connectivity for many primes below this bound. In our study of Markoff mod‐ graphs, we introduce the notion of maximal divisors of a number. We prove sharp asymptotic and explicit upper bounds on the number of maximal divisors, which ultimately improves the Markoff graph ‐bound by roughly 140 orders of magnitude as compared with an approach using all divisors.
Effect of intra-arterial chemotherapy drug regimens on globe salvage outcomes of retinoblastoma patients
Authors: He Xiaoyu , Han Minglei , Zhou Min , Chai Peiwei , Guo Lei , Fan Jiayan , Wen Xuyang , Fan Xianqun
Published: February 2025

Aims

To compare the effect of three-drug regimen (melphalan, topotecan and carboplatin) with two-drug regimen (melphalan and topotecan) on the globe salvage outcomes of retinoblastoma (Rb) with intra-arterial chemotherapy (IAC).

Methods

This study included 83 patients with 87 eyes received two-drug regimen IAC, and 95 patients with 97 eyes received three-drug regimen IAC. Propensity score matching was applied, and 84 matched (42:42) patients (eyes) were analysed. All Rb patients underwent an ophthalmologic examination before IAC using a wide-angle digital fundus camera, which was repeated monthly after the globe salvage management. Progression-free ocular survival (PFOS), relapse rate and local complications were analysed per affected eye. Analysis of overall survival (OS) and systemic complications was based on Rb individuals.

Results

Eyes treated with three-drug regimen IAC presented with higher overall PFOS than those treated with two-drug regimen IAC (p=0.026). Stratified analysis showed PFOS rate in three-drug group was higher than two-drug group among group D eyes (88.5% vs 60.6%, p=0.009). Consistently, among group E eyes, three-drug group correlated with a better PFOS, compared with two-drug group (42.9% vs 23.5%, p=0.002). There did not present with significant differences in OS (p=0.853), relapse rate (p=0.291), incidence of moderate-severe myelosuppression (grade 3–4, p=0.564) or ophthalmic artery obstruction (p=0.998) between these two groups.

Conclusions

Three-drug regimen was a superior IAC management compared with two-drug regiment, with improved progression-free ocular outcome for eyes of advanced retinoblastomas.
Testing the cosmic distance duality relation using Type Ia supernovae and BAO observations
Authors: Yang Fan , Fu Xiangyun , Xu Bing , Zhang Kaituo , Huang Yang , Yang Ying
Published: February 2025

In this work, we propose to utilize the observed ratio of spherically-averaged distance to the sound horizon scale from Baryon Acoustic Oscillation (BAO) data to test the cosmic distance duality relation (CDDR) by comparing the luminosity distances (LDs) obtained from Type Ia supernovae (SNIa) observations with angular diameter distances (ADDs) derived from these ratio measurements, using a cosmological-model-independent method. To match the LDs with the ADDs at the identical redshifts, we employ two methods: a compressed form of the Pantheon sample and a hybrid approach that combines the binning method with an artificial neural network (ANN). The Hubble parameter H(z) at any redshift is reconstructed from the observed Hubble parameter data with the ANN to derive the ADD. To avoid potential biases resulted from the specific prior values of the absolute magnitude

$$M_{\textrm{B}}$$

M
B

of SNIa and the sound horizon scale

$$r_{\textrm{d}}$$

r
d

from BAO measurements, we introduce the fiducial parameter

$$\kappa \equiv 10^{M_{\textrm{B}} \over 5}\, r_{\textrm{d}}^{3 \over 2} $$

κ
≡

10

M
B

5

r

d

3
2

and marginalize their impacts by treating them as nuisance parameters with flat prior distributions in our statistical analysis. Subsequently, we update the measurements of ratio of the transverse comoving distance to the sound horizon scale from the latest BAO data released by the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) collaboration for CDDR testing. Our results indicate that BAO observation provides a powerful tool for testing the CDDR, independent of both the absolute magnitude

$$M_{\textrm{B}}$$

M
B

and sound horizon scale

$$r_{\textrm{d}}$$

r
d

, as well as any cosmological model.
Analyzing the impact of Gauss–Bonnet corrections on structure scalars admitting the zero complexity condition
Authors: Nasir M. M. M. , Gul M. Zeeshan , Donmez Orhan , Javed Faisal , Almutairi Bander
Published: February 2025

In this paper, we evaluate the complexity of the anisotropic static cylindrical geometry in the framework of

$$f(\mathcal {G})$$

f
(
G
)

gravity, where

$$\mathcal {G}$$

G

represents the Gauss–Bonnet term. In this perspective, we calculate modified field equations, the C energy formula, the Tolman–Oppenheimer–Volkoff equation, and the mass function that help to understand the astrophysical structures in

$$f(\mathcal {G})$$

f
(
G
)

gravity. Furthermore, we used the Weyl tensor and obtained different structure scalars by orthogonally splitting the Riemann tensor. One of these scalars,

$$Y_{TF}$$

Y

TF

, is referred to as the complexity factor. This parameter measures system complexity due to non-uniform energy density and non-isotropic pressure. Using the constraint of the variable of vanishing complexity, time-independent solutions are derived for the Gokhroo–Mehra model. It is found that the presence of corrective terms reduce the complexity of the system.
Twisted compactifications and conformal defects from ISO(3)$$\times $$U(1) F(4) gauged supergravity
Authors: Karndumri Parinya
Published: February 2025

We study holographic solutions describing RG flows across dimensions from five-dimensional

$$N=2$$

N
=
2

SCFT to SCFTs in three and two dimensions using matter-coupled F(4) gauged supergravity with

$$ISO(3)\times U(1)$$

I
S
O
(
3
)
×
U
(
1
)

gauge group. By performing topological twists implemented by SO(2),

$$SO(2)\times SO(2)$$

S
O
(
2
)
×
S
O
(
2
)

and SO(3) gauge fields, we find a number of

$$AdS_4\times H^2$$

A
d

S
4

×

H
2

and

$$AdS_3\times H^3$$

A
d

S
3

×

H
3

solutions preserving eight and four supercharges. These geometries are identified with conformal fixed points in three and two dimensions, respectively. The corresponding flow solutions are obtained numerically and can be interpreted as black membranes and black strings in asymptotically

$$AdS_6$$

A
d

S
6

space. In addition, we have constructed charged domain wall solutions with

$$AdS_2\times S^3$$

A
d

S
2

×

S
3

and

$$AdS_3\times S^2$$

A
d

S
3

×

S
2

slicing. These solutions are supported by a non-vanishing two-form field and describe conformal line and surface defects within the

$$N=2$$

N
=
2

SCFT in five dimensions, respectively. All of these solutions can be uplifted to type IIB theory via consistent truncations on

$$S^2\times \Sigma $$

S
2

×
Σ

with

$$\Sigma $$

Σ

being a Riemann surface.
Gravastar model in the structure of f(R,Lm,T) modified theory of gravity
Authors: Sinha Meghanil , Singh S. Surendra
Published: February 2025

The gravastar (or the Gravitational Vacuum Star) is a very serious alternative proposed to the principle of the black hole, the model of which was originally developed by Mazur and Mottola. A gravastar is an astronomically hypothetically condensed object which is a gravitationally dark vacuum star or a gravitational vacuum condensate star, which is singularity free, spherically symmetric and also super compact. This study concerns about the model of the gravastar in the modified [Formula: see text] gravity considering the form [Formula: see text]. From Mazur–Mottola [P. O. Mazur and E. Mottola, Universe 9, 88 (2023); P. O. Mazur and E. Mottola, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 101, 9545 (2004)], we get to know that a gravastar model has three distinct regions having various Equations of State (EoS). We have inquired into the interior portion with the spacetime considering [Formula: see text], for the dark sector of the interior region, here the negative matter-energy density exerting a repulsive force on the immediate thin shell with the EoS [Formula: see text] where it is considered as an ultra-relativistic fluid. We have studied the properties such as energy density, proper length, total energy and entropy. Next comes the vacuum exterior region of the gravastar which is being described by the Schwarzschild-de-Sitter solution. Also from Darmois–Israel formalism, we have probed the junction connecting the inner and the outer surfaces of the gravastar.
Turing.jl: a general-purpose probabilistic programming language
Authors: Fjelde Tor Erlend , Xu Kai , Widmann David , Tarek Mohamed , Pfiffer Cameron , Trapp Martin , Axen Seth D. , Sun Xianda , Hauru Markus , Yong Penelope , Tebbutt Will , Ghahramani Zoubin , Ge Hong
Published: February 2025

Probabilistic programming languages (PPLs) are becoming increasingly important in many scientific disciplines, such as economics, epidemiology, and biology, to extract meaning from sources of data while accounting for one's uncertainty. The key idea of probabilistic programming is to decouple inference and model specification, thus allowing the practitioner to approach their task at hand using Bayesian inference, without requiring extensive knowledge in programming or computational statistics. At the same time, the complexity of problem settings in which PPLs are employed is steadily increasing, both in terms of project size and model complexity, calling for more flexible and efficient systems.

In this work, we describe
Turing.jl
, a general-purpose PPL, which is designed to be flexible, efficient, and easy to use.
Turing.jl
is built on top of the Julia programming language, which is known for its high performance and ease-of-use. We describe the design of
Turing.jl
, contextualizing it within different types of users and use cases, its key features, and how it can be used to solve a wide range of problems. We also provide a brief overview of the ecosystem around
Turing.jl
, including the different libraries and tools that can be used in conjunction with it. Finally, we provide a few examples of how
Turing.jl
can be used in practice.
Impact of Tone-Aware Explanations in Recommender Systems
Authors: Okoso Ayano , Otaki Keisuke , Koide Satoshi , Baba Yukino
Published: February 2025

In recommender systems, explanations are essential for supporting users’ decision-making processes. While many studies have focused on explanation content or user interface, the expression of textual explanations has been largely overlooked. The expression refers to textual styles such as formal or humorous, which we call
tone
in this paper. Although tone contributes to smooth human communication, its impact on users’ perceptions of recommender systems remains largely unexplored. In particular, it is unclear whether the perceived effects of explanation tone differ by domain or user attributes. Therefore, we investigate the effects of explanation tones through two online user studies considering domains and user attributes. In the first study with 470 participants, we generated datasets using a large language model to create fictional items and explanations with six tones across three domains: movies, hotels, and home products. The participants evaluated two explanations for an item, each presented in a different tone, and rated ten metrics. In the second study with 103 participants, we used a real-world dataset from the hotel domain and incorporated a simple personalized recommender system to examine effects of tone in a more realistic setting. The results revealed that the perceived effects of tones differ by domain and are significantly influenced by user attributes such as age and personality traits. Our findings suggest that appropriately adjusting the tone of explanations according to domains and user attributes can enhance the perceived effects of recommender systems.
A Comprehensive Survey on Big Data Analytics: Characteristics, Tools and Techniques
Authors: Shahnawaz Mohammad , Kumar Manish
Published: February 2025

Modern computing devices generate vast amounts of diverse data. It means that a fast transition through various computing devices leads to big data production. Big data with high velocity, volume, and variety presents challenges like data inconsistency, scalability, real-time analysis, and tool selection. Although numerous solutions have been proposed for big data processing, they are often limited in scope and effectiveness. This survey aims to address the lack of comprehensive analysis of big data challenges in relation to machine learning (ML) and the Internet of Things (IoT) environments, particularly concerning the 7Vs of big data. It emphasizes the significance of selecting suitable tools to address each unique big data characteristic, providing a structured approach to manage these challenges effectively. The article systematically reviews big data characteristics and associated techniques, with a detailed discussion of various tools and their applications. Additionally, it analyzes existing ML methods and techniques for IoT data analytics in big data contexts. Through a systematic literature review (SLR), we examine key aspects, including core concepts, benefits, limitations, and the impact of big data on ML algorithms and IoT data analytics. We highlight groundbreaking studies addressing big data challenges to impact future research and enhance big data-driven applications.
Centrophilic Retrotransposons of Plant Genomes
Authors: Bousios Alexandros , Kakutani Tetsuji , Henderson Ian R.
Published: February 2025

The centromeres of eukaryotic chromosomes are required to load CENH3/CENP-A variant nucleosomes and the kinetochore complex, which connects to spindle microtubules during cell division. Despite their conserved function, plant centromeres show rapid sequence evolution within and between species and a range of monocentric, holocentric, and polymetacentric architectures, which vary in kinetochore numbers and spacing. Plant centromeres are commonly composed of tandem satellite repeat arrays, which are invaded by specific families of centrophilic retrotransposons, whereas in some species the entire centromere is composed of such retrotransposons. We review the diversity of plant centrophilic retrotransposons and their mechanisms of integration, together with how epigenetic information and small RNAs control their proliferation. We discuss models for rapid centromere sequence evolution and speculate on the roles that centrophilic retrotransposons may play in centromere dynamics. We focus on plants but draw comparisons with animal and fungal centromeric transposons to highlight conserved and divergent themes across the eukaryotes.
Anxiety and Related Disorders During the Perinatal Period
Authors: Fairbrother Nichole , Challacombe Fiona L. , Green Sheryl M. , O'Mahen Heather A.
Published: February 2025

Anxiety and anxiety-related disorders are, as a group, the most common mental health conditions and are more common among women compared with among men. It is now evident that these disorders affect one in five pregnant and postpartum people and are more common than depression. For some disorders (e.g., obsessive–compulsive disorder), there is also evidence of an elevated risk for their development and exacerbation during perinatal periods. In this article, we review the literature pertaining to anxiety and anxiety-related disorders during the perinatal period. We also provide information related to pregnancy-specific anxiety and fear of childbirth constructs that exist outside of diagnostic classification but are particularly important in the perinatal context. We review the scope, prevalence, and etiology of these disorders as well as comorbidity, screening, assessment, and treatment. We conclude with an overview of some of the key gaps in knowledge and recommendations for future research.
Research on Teaching Geoscience with Virtual Field Experiences
Authors: Semken Steven , Mead Chris , Foley Kristen , Ruberto Thomas , Bruce Geoffrey , Anbar Ariel D.
Published: February 2025

Field experiences are highly valued in geoscience education. However, logistical, financial, and accessibility challenges associated with fieldwork and rapid advancements in technology have all prompted geoscience educators to explore virtual field experiences (VFEs) as alternatives. Rigorous assessment of the effectiveness of VFEs has not kept pace with their implementation, but recent studies offer meaningful and actionable findings that can inform ongoing and future use of VFEs in geoscience education. We present a review of selected studies that address three significant aspects of this still-evolving modality. First, we examine current characterization and classification of VFEs. Second, we examine studies that evaluate the effectiveness of teaching with VFEs. Third, we extend this review to studies that compare VFEs with in-person field experiences (IPFEs). The studies we review demonstrate that VFEs are a valuable approach to teaching introductory geoscience content, even compared to IPFEs.

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Challenges associated with field geoscience education and improvements in technology have led geoscience educators to develop and implement virtual field experiences (VFEs) as teaching tools.

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VFEs are tested, practical, and effective alternatives to in-person field experiences in introductory geoscience education.
Puzzles in Planetary Dynamos: Implications for Planetary Interiors
Authors: Soderlund Krista M. , Stanley Sabine , Cao Hao , Calkins Michael A. , Browning Matthew K.
Published: February 2025

Intrinsic magnetic fields were once commonplace across our Solar System, and many planetary bodies have sustained active dynamos to the present day. The nature and behavior of these dynamos vary widely, however, reflecting the diverse internal conditions of planets as summarized in this review. For the terrestrial planets, the existence of active dynamos and/or ancient remanent magnetization recorded in crustal rocks, or lack thereof, lead to questions about their timing and power sources. Paleomagnetic studies reveal that many small bodies in the Solar System exhibit remanent magnetization, often attributed to ancient core dynamos with little known about the fluid dynamics. For the gas giants, their dipole-dominated magnetic fields and internal structures are relatively well-characterized, with dilute cores that are not centrally concentrated and other stable layers that likely affect the dynamo in ways that are not yet understood. For the ice giants, their multipolar magnetic fields and internal structures are unusual yet poorly constrained, to the extent that even the water-to-rock ratio is not well-known. Through adoption of a broader comparative planetology approach, the study of dynamos in exoplanets and cool stars enriches our understanding of dynamo theories.

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Planetary dynamos exhibit diverse magnetic fields shaped by their distinct physical and chemical conditions.

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The study of planets and stars connects planetary science, geophysics, and astrophysics, revealing shared dynamo processes.

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While significant progress has been made in understanding planetary and stellar magnetic fields, many puzzles still persist.
Decoding Immunobiology Through Genetic Errors of Immunity
Authors: Bender Mackenzie J. , Lucas Carrie L.
Published: February 2025

Throughout biology, the pursuit of genotype-phenotype relationships has provided foundational knowledge upon which new concepts and hypotheses are built. Genetic perturbation, whether occurring naturally or in experimental settings, is the mainstay of mechanistic dissection in biological systems. The unbiased discovery of causal genetic lesions via forward genetics in patients who have a rare disease elucidates a particularly impactful set of genotype-phenotype relationships. Here, we review the field of genetic errors of immunity, often termed inborn errors of immunity (IEIs), in a framework aimed at highlighting the powerful real-world immunology insights provided collectively and individually by these (approximately) 500 disorders. By conceptualizing essential immune functions in a model of the adaptive arsenal of rapid defenses, we organize IEIs based on immune circuits in which sensors, relays, and executioners cooperate to carry out pathogen clearance functions in an effective yet regulated manner. We review and discuss findings from IEIs that not only reinforce known immunology concepts but also offer surprising phenotypes, prompting an opportunity to refine our understanding of immune system function.
Structure–Photophysical Property Relationships in Noncanonical and Synthetic Nucleobases
Authors: Hoehn Sean J. , Krul Sarah E. , Seth Sourav Kanti , Crespo-Hernández Carlos E.
Published: February 2025

This review provides a focused coverage of the photophysical properties of noncanonical and synthetic nucleobases reported over the past decade. It emphasizes key research findings and physical insights gathered for prebiotic and fluorescent nucleobase analogs, sulfur- and selenium-substituted nucleobases, aza-substituted nucleobases, epigenetic nucleobases and their oxidation products, and nucleobases utilized for expanding DNA/RNA to reveal central structure–photophysical property relationships. Further research and development in this emerging field, coupled with machine learning methods, will enable the effective harnessing of nucleobases’ modifications for applications in biotechnology, biomedicine, therapeutics, and even the creation of live semisynthetic organisms.