bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Learning universal knowledge graph embedding for predicting biomedical pairwise interactions
Authors: Tao Siyu , Yang Yang , Liu Xin , Feng Yimiao , Zheng Jie
Published: February 2025

Predicting biomedical interactions is crucial for understanding various biological processes and drug discovery. Graph neural networks (GNNs) are promising in identifying novel interactions when extensive labeled data are available. However, labeling biomedical interactions is often time-consuming and labor-intensive, resulting in low-data scenarios. Furthermore, distribution shifts between training and test data in real-world applications pose a challenge to the generalizability of GNN models. Recent studies suggest that pre-training GNN models with self-supervised learning on unlabeled data can enhance their performance in predicting biomedical interactions. Here, we propose LukePi, a novel self-supervised pre-training frame-work that pre-trains GNN models on biomedical knowledge graphs (BKGs). LukePi is trained with two self-supervised tasks: topology-based node degree classification and semantics-based edge recovery. The former is to predict the degree of a node from its topological context and the latter is to infer both type and existence of a candidate edge by learning semantic information in the BKG. By integrating the two complementary tasks, LukePi effectively captures the rich information from the BKG, thereby enhancing the quality of node representations. We evaluate the performance of LukePi on two critical link prediction tasks: predicting synthetic lethality and drug-target interactions, using four benchmark datasets. In both distribution-shift and low-data scenarios, LukePi significantly outperforms 15 baseline models, demonstrating the power of the graph pre-training strategy when labeled data are sparse.
Coral venom and toxins as protection against crown-of-thorns sea star attack
Authors: Gorman Lucy M. , Huffmyer Ariana S. , Byrne Maria , Mills Suzanne C. , Putnam Hollie M.
Published: February 2025

Crown-of-thorns sea star (CoTS) outbreaks are one of the leading causes of hard coral cover decline across the Indo-Pacific, posing a major threat to the health and resilience of coral reefs. However, the drivers underlying feeding on preferred (e.g.,Acroporaspp.) versus non-preferred (e.g.,Poritesspp.) are poorly understood. We hypothesised that coral venom may influence CoTS food preferences. We investigated whether coral venom toxin and peptide families may drive CoTS prey preferences by comparing the genomes and transcriptomes of preferred (fiveAcroporaspecies) and non-preferred (fivePoritesspecies andEchinopora lamellosa) prey species of CoTS. We constructed databases of known cnidarian venom toxins, and along with the full UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot Tox-Prot database, used these to identify toxin peptides and investigate function and phylogeny. The most abundant toxins across all coral species included kunitz-type neurotoxins, neurotoxic turripeptides, snake venom lectins, toxic proteases and actinoporins. There were proteins present only in certainPoritesspecies but completely absent from allAcroporaspecies (e.g., tereporin/conoporin, snake venom peptides) andvice versa(e.g., sarafotoxin). Further,Poritesspecies contained a homolog to conkunitzin, a toxin known to disintegrate the tube feet of CoTS, suggesting a potential mechanism for their lower susceptibility to predation. We also observed a greater diversity of jellyfish-like proteins in CoTS-exposedPoritesspecies compared to naïvePoritesspecies, suggesting these proteins deter CoTS. These findings have direct applications to assessing reef coral’s susceptibility to future CoTS outbreaks and active reef management.
A repressor co-regulatory network integrates iron acquisition to mycobacterial stress tolerance
Authors: Mehta Khushboo , Kajal  , Goar Harsh , Bamniya Bhanwar , Sarkar Dibyendu
Published: February 2025

Growing evidence suggests that controlled regulation of iron (Fe) uptake is essential for mycobacterial survival and proliferation in the host. In this study, we discovered the mechanism that links mycobacterial Fe acquisition to intra-bacterial redox environment via thephoPlocus. Remarkably, regulated expression of the major Fe storage protein encoding genebfrBdetermines bacterial tolerance to oxidative stress and intracellular survival of the pathogen. Transcriptomic analysis coupled within vivoDNA binding studies uncover a distinct IdeR-independent regulation, which utilizes Lsr2 and virulence regulator PhoP to modulate transcriptional control ofbfrBvia recruitment of both the regulators. A striking inhibition of Lsr2 binding to thebfrBpromoter in aphoP-KO mutant, attributable to Lsr2-PhoP protein-protein interaction, provides the most fundamental biological insight. Building on these results, we proposed a model suggesting how Lsr2-PhoP interaction (or lack thereof) contributes to repression and/or stress-specific activation ofbfrBexpression. Collectively, these results uncover a key mechanism linking Fe acquisition and oxidative stress response of mycobacteria, and have significant implications on the intracellular survival of the pathogen.
Neither exogenous, nor endogenous: evidence for a distinct role of negative emotion during attentional control
Authors: Xue Xiaojuan , Pourtois Gilles
Published: February 2025

Negative or threatening stimuli capture attention. However, it remains unclear whether this phenomenon is best conceived as bottom-up (i.e. salience-driven) or top-down (i.e. goal- directed) instead. To address this question, we conducted two experiments using a previously validated dot-probe task (DPT) where physical salience (i.e. abrupt luminance change) and negative emotion (i.e. fearful face) competed with one another for attention selection (Experiment 1, n = 40) or negative (but also positive) emotion could be used as an endogenous cue by the participants to guide this process (Experiment 2, n = 39). Eye-tracking was used to ascertain that both cue and target were processed with peripheral vision. In Experiment 1, we found that negative emotion and physical salience both drove spatial attention in a bottom-up manner, yet their effects were under-additive, suggesting that they could mutually inhibit each other. Moreover, the results of Experiment 2 showed that fear, unlike happiness, could bias spatial attention in a top-down manner, yet only when participants were aware of the association created between the emotional cue and target’s location at the block level. Combined together, these novel findings suggest that negative value does not influence the priority map independently from physical salience and goal but depending on the specific combination of cues available for attention selection in the environment, it acts either as an exogenous or endogenous cue, thereby revealing an enhanced flexibility for it.
HKU5 bat merbecoviruses use divergent mechanisms to engage bat and mink ACE2 as entry receptors
Authors: Alfajaro Mia Madel , Keeler Emma L. , Li Ning , Catanzaro Nicholas J. , Teng I-Ting , Zhao Zhe , Grunst Michael W. , Yount Boyd , Schäfer Alexandra , Wang Danyi , Kim Arthur S. , Synowiec Aleksandra , Peña-Hernández Mario A. , Arinola Ridwan , Kaur Ramandeep , Menasche Bridget L. , Wei Jin , Russell Gabriel A. , Huck John , Song Jaewon , Ring Aaron , Iwasaki Akiko , Jangra Rohit K. , Lee Sanghyun , Martinez David R. , Mothes Walther , Uchil Pradeep D. , Doench John G. , Spaulding Alicen B. , Baric Ralph S. , Serebryannyy Leonid , Tsybovsky Yaroslav , Zhou Tongqing , Douek Daniel C. , Wilen Craig B.
Published: February 2025

Identifying receptors for bat coronaviruses is critical for spillover risk assessment, countermeasure development, and pandemic preparedness. While Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) uses DPP4 for entry, the receptors of many MERS-related betacoronaviruses remain unknown. The bat merbecovirus HKU5 was previously shown to have an entry restriction in human cells. Using both pseudotyped and full-length virus, we show that HKU5 usesPipistrellus abramusbat ACE2 but not human ACE2 or DPP4 as a receptor. Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) analysis of the virus-receptor complex and structure-guided mutagenesis reveal a spike and ACE2 interaction that is distinct from other ACE2-using coronaviruses. MERS-CoV vaccine sera poorly neutralize HKU5 informing pan-merbecovirus vaccine design. Notably, HKU5 can also engage American mink and stoat ACE2, revealing mustelids as potential intermediate hosts. These findings highlight the versatility of merbecovirus receptor use and underscore the need for continued surveillance of bat and mustelid species.
Mobile genetic elements that shape microbial diversity and functions in thawing permafrost soils
Authors: Guo Jiarong , Aroney Samuel , Dominguez-Huerta Guillermo , Smith Derek , Vik Dean , Ansah Carlos Owusu , Pratama Akbar Adjie , Solonenko Sergei , Tian Funing , Howard-Varona Cristina , Zhong ZhiPing , Fofana Aminata , Smith Garrett , Hodgkins Suzanne B. , Cronin Dylan ,   EMERGE Field Teams 2010-2019,   EMERGE Coordinators, Woodcroft Ben J. , Tyson Gene W. , Rich Virginia I. , Sullivan Matthew B. , Roux Simon , Bagby Sarah C.
Published: February 2025

Microbiomes shape ecosystems through functional profiles influenced by gene gains and losses. While culture-based experiments demonstrate that mobile genetic elements (MGEs) can mediate gene flux, quantitative field data remains scarce. Here we leverage large-scale soil meta-omic data to develop and apply analytics for studying MGEs. In our model permafrost-thaw ecosystem, Stordalen Mire, we identify ∼2.1 million MGE recombinases across 89 microbial phyla to assess ecological distributions, functions impacted, and past mobility and current activity. This revealed MGEs shape natural genetic diversity via lineage-specific engagement, and functions including canonical defense elements alongside diverse regulatory and metabolic genes affecting carbon flux and nutrient cycling. These findings and this systematic meta-omic framework open new avenues to better investigate MGE diversity, activity, mobility, and impacts in nature.

One Sentence Summary

By developing microbiome-ready analytics and applying them to thawing permafrost microbiomes, we identified ∼2.1 million diverse mobile genetic element (MGE) recombinases (integrons, insertion sequences, transposons, conjugative elements, phage-like elements) and revealed their function and activity to establish baseline ecological data and a framework for MGE study in complex natural systems.
Dynamic regulation of Sec24C by phosphorylation and O-GlcNAcylation during cell cycle progression
Authors: Georgiou George R. , Hirata Tetsuya , Soderblom Erik , Homoelle Rose , Maiwald Jakob , Boyce Michael
Published: February 2025

During mitosis, eukaryotic cells cease anterograde trafficking from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) towards the Golgi. This cessation corresponds with the dispersal of the COPII transport protein, Sec24C, from juxtanuclear ER exit sites (ERES) into a diffusely cytosolic pool. Redistribution of Sec24 paralogs and other core COPII proteins may underlie the mitotic pause in secretion and may be required for the equal inheritance of endomembrane organelles and machinery by both daughter cells. Therefore, it is important to understand the mechanisms governing the mitotic relocalization of COPII components. Here, we explore the role of post-translational modifications (PTMs) of the model COPII protein Sec24C in this phenotypic switch during mitosis. In interphase, Sec24C is modified by O-linked β-N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc), and we show that this glycan is rapidly removed upon mitotic entry, influencing the timing of Sec24C dispersal. Additionally, we identify novel, cell cycle phase-enriched phosphorylation events on Sec24C, including phosphosites that regulate the stability and localization of the protein, providing the first systematic characterization of dynamic PTMs on any Sec24 protein. Together, our data support the hypothesis that phosphorylation and glycosylation of Sec24C act in concert to induce rapid dispersal upon mitotic entry and may promote equal partitioning of the endomembrane system to daughter cells after division.
Assessing the Accuracy of CGM Metrics: The Role of Missing Data and Imputation Strategies
Authors: Cichosz Simon Lebech , Kronborg Thomas , Hangaard Stine , Vestergaard Peter , Jensen Morten Hasselstrøm
Published: February 2025

Aim

This study aims to evaluate the accuracy of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM)-derived metrics, particularly those related to glycemic variability, in the presence of missing data. It systematically examines the effects of different missing data patterns and imputation strategies on both standard glycemic metrics and complex variability metrics.

Methods

The analysis modeled and compared the effects of three types of missing data patterns—missing completely at random (MCAR), segmental gaps, and blockwise gaps—with proportions ranging from 5% to 50% on CGM metrics derived from 14-day profiles of individuals with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Six imputation strategies were assessed: data removal, linear interpolation, mean imputation, piecewise cubic Hermite interpolation, temporal alignment imputation (TAI) and random forest-based imputation.

Results

A total of 933 14-day CGM profiles from 468 individuals with diabeteswere analyzed. Across all metrics, the coefficient of determination (R2) improved as the proportion of missing data decreased, regardless of the missing data pattern. The impact of missing data on the agreement between imputed and reference metrics varied depending on the missing data pattern. To achieve high accuracy (R2> 0.95) in representing true metrics, at least 80% of the CGM data was required. While no imputation strategy fully compensated for high levels of missing data, simple removal and TAI outperformed others in certain scenarios.

Conclusion

This study highlights the significant impact of missing data and imputation strategies on CGM-derived metrics, particularly glycemic variability and time below range (TBR) estimates. The findings underscore the necessity of rigorous data handling practices to ensure reliable assessments of glycemic control and variability.
Prevalence, Risk Factors, Hesitancy, and Attitudes Toward Vaccination Against Reproductive Tract Infections Among Women in an Urban Setting: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study
Authors: Yadav Sunita K. , Bhardwaj Priya , Kant Ravi , Ghosh Joyeta , Mangla Anita Garg , Muralidhar Sumathi , Saluja Daman , Singh Rita , Sikora Aleksandra E. , Taneja Jyoti
Published: February 2025

Background

Reproductive tract infections (RTIs) including sexually transmitted infections (STIs), endogenous and iatrogenic infections are a major health concern globally, particularly among young women in developing nations. If untreated, they can lead to infertility, increased HIV susceptibility, and cervical cancer. This study examines RTI symptoms prevalence, risk factors, and hesitancy toward STI vaccination.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,920 urban women (predominantly aged 18-25) in Delhi/NCR using a structured questionnaire. Data on demographics, reproductive health, RTI symptoms, and vaccine awareness were analyzed using SPSS 20. Chi-square tests, Fisher’s exact tests, and Bonferroni corrections were applied, with multinomial logistic regression identifying RTI risk predictors.

Results

Among respondents, 1,240 (64.6%) reported RTI symptoms, with 1,029 (83%) experiencing vaginal discharge and 974 (78.5%) vulval itching. Significant risk factors included early menarche, irregular menstrual cycles, poor menstrual hygiene, and prior RTI medication use. Additionally, 1,033 (53.8%) were hesitant about STI vaccination, citing safety concerns (36%, 372) and cost (18.6%, 192). However, 826 (43%) reported that healthcare provider recommendations positively influenced their decision to vaccinate.

Conclusion

The high prevalence of RTI symptoms highlights the urgent need for improved awareness, accessible healthcare services, and stronger vaccination promotion efforts to enhance RTI prevention and management.
A zebrafish circuit for behavioral credit assignment
Authors: Paoli Emanuele , Palieri Virginia , Shenoy Amey , Portugues Ruben
Published: February 2025

An important question in systems neuroscience is how the brain links choices and their outcomes to modify future behavior. Despite being a fundamental computation, we lack explicit circuit-level models of how this is achieved. Here, we provide evidence for a cellular substrate underlying this computation in a vertebrate brain. We develop an operant thermoregulatory assay in larval zebrafish, and show that adaptive responses depend on the precise temporal coincidence between choices and contingent thermal feedback. Chemogenetic ablations reveal that the dorsal habenula (dHb), the homolog of the mammalian medial habenula, plays an essential role in this adaptive behavior. Functional and anatomical mapping of the downstream circuitry reveals that the intermediate interpeduncular nucleus (iIPN) integrates choice- and temperature-related signals, conveyed by the dHb and a prepontine hindbrain nucleus, respectively. While dHb axons exhibit a diffuse connectivity pattern, hindbrain neurons project onto specific, lateralized iIPN regions. We show that these iIPN glomeruli function as sensorimotor detectors, integrating choices and outcomes. Specifically, when a swim in a given direction is closely followed by a temperature change, iIPN activity shows increased responses. We further show that this coincidence detection, witha precise temporal profile, links an action to its subsequent sensory feedback, relies on a presynaptic mechanism within the terminal segments of dHb axons. This mechanism is mediated by GABAB-dependent modulation of dHb sensory axons by choice-related prepontine GABAergic neurons. In this study we are therefore able to link an adaptive behavior to a specific circuit mechanism.
Dual process impairments in reinforcement learning and working memory systems underlie learning deficits in physiological anxiety
Authors: Senta Jennifer , Bishop Sonia , Collins Anne GE
Published: February 2025

Anxiety has been robustly linked to deficits in frontal executive function including working memory (WM) and attentional control processes. However, although anxiety has also been associated with impaired performance on learning tasks, computational investigations of reinforcement learning (RL) impairment in anxiety have yielded mixed results. WM processes are known to contribute to learning behavior in parallel to RL processes and to modulate the effective learning rate as a function of load. However, WM processes have typically not been modeled in investigations of anxiety and RL. In the current study, we leveraged an experimental paradigm (RLWM) which manipulates the relative contributions of WM and RL processes in a reinforcement learning and retention task using multiple stimulus set sizes. Using a computational model of interactive RL and WM processes, we investigated whether individual differences in physiological or cognitive anxiety impacted task performance via deficits in RL or WM. Elevated physiological, but not cognitive, anxiety scores were strongly associated with worse performance during learning and retention testing across all set sizes. Computationally, higher physiological anxiety scores were significantly related to reduced learning rate and increased rate of WM decay. To highlight the importance of modeling WM contributions to learning, we considered the effect of fitting RL models without WM modules to the data. Here we found that reduced learning performance for higher physiological anxiety was at least partially misattributed to stochastic decision noise in 9 out of 10 RL-only models considered. These findings reveal a dual-process impairment in learning in anxiety that is linked to a more physiological than cognitive anxiety phenotype. More broadly, this work also points to the importance of accounting for the contribution of WM to RL when investigating psychopathology-related deficits in learning.
Efficiency of Feynman's quantum computer
Authors: Costales R. J. , Gunning A. , Dorlas T.
Published: February 2025

Feynman's circuit-to-Hamiltonian construction enables the mapping of a quantum circuit to a time-independent Hamiltonian. This model introduces a Hilbert space made from an ancillary clock register tracking the progress of the computation. In this paper, we explore the efficiency, or run time, of a quantum computer that directly implements the clock system. This relates to the model's probability of computation completion which we investigate at an established optimal time for an arbitrary number of gates k. The relationship between the run time of the model and the number of gates is obtained both numerically and analytically to be O(k5/3). In principle, this is significantly more efficient than the well-investigated Feynman-Kitaev model of adiabatic quantum computation with a run time of O(k4). We address the challenge which stems from the small window that exists to capture the optimal stopping time, after which there are rapid oscillations of decreasing probability amplitude. We establish a relationship for the time difference between the first and second maximum which scales as O(k1/3).

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Revisiting constraints on proton PDFs from HERA DIS, Drell-Yan,
W
and
Z
boson production, and projected EIC measurements
Authors: Azizi Majid , Soleymaninia Maryam , Hashamipour Hadi , Salajegheh Maral , Khanpour Hamzeh , Meißner Ulf-G.
Published: February 2025

We present new parton distribution functions (PDFs) at next-to-leading order and next-to-next-to-leading order in perturbative QCD, derived from a comprehensive QCD analysis of high-precision datasets from combined HERA deep-inelastic scattering, the Tevatron, and the LHC. To improve constraints on quark flavor separation, we incorporate Drell-Yan pair production data, which provides critical sensitivity to the quark distributions. In addition, we include the latest W and Z boson production data from the CDF, D0, ATLAS, and CMS collaborations, further refining both quark and gluon distributions. Our nominal QCD fit integrates these datasets and examines the resulting impact on the PDFs and their associated uncertainties. Uncertainties in the PDFs are quantified using the Hessian method, ensuring robust error estimates. Furthermore, we explore the sensitivity of the strong coupling constant, αs(MZ2), and proton PDFs in light of the projected measurements from the Electron-Ion Collider, where improvements in precision are expected. The analysis also investigates the effects of inclusive jet and dijet production data, which provide enhanced constraints on the gluon PDF and αs(MZ2).

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Center vortex evidence for a second finite-temperature QCD transition
Authors: Mickley Jackson A. , Allton Chris , Bignell Ryan , Leinweber Derek
Published: February 2025

Evidence for the existence of a second finite-temperature transition in quantum chromodynamics (QCD) is obtained through the study of center vortex geometry and its evolution with temperature. The dynamical anisotropic ensembles of the Fastsum Collaboration are utilized to conduct a comprehensive analysis at eight temperatures beyond the established chiral transition. Visualizations of the center vortex structure in temporal and spatial slices of the lattice reveal that vortex percolation persists through the chiral transition and ceases at a temperature that is approximately twice the chiral transition temperature Tc. This implies that confinement is retained through temperatures up to T≈2Tc, pointing toward a second transition corresponding to deconfinement. The loss of percolation is quantified by the vortex cluster extent, providing a clear signal for the deconfinement transition. Additional vortex statistics, including temporal correlations, vortex and branching point densities, the number of secondary clusters and vortex chain lengths between branching points, are scrutinized as a function of temperature. All ten measures investigated herein show the characteristics of two transitions in QCD, encompassing the chiral transition at Tc and the deconfinement transition at T≈2Tc. Performing an inflection point analysis on the vortex and branching point densities produces an estimate of Tc that agrees with the known Fastsum value. By the same procedure, a precise estimate of the deconfinement point is extracted as Td=321(6)  MeV.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Megastable quantization in generalized pilot-wave hydrodynamics
Authors: López Álvaro G. , Valani Rahil N.
Published: February 2025

A classical particle in a harmonic potential gives rise to a continuous energy spectra, whereas the corresponding quantum particle exhibits countably infinite quantized energy levels. In recent years, classical non-Markovian wave-particle entities that materialize as walking droplets have been shown to exhibit various hydrodynamic quantum analogs, including quantization in a harmonic potential by displaying few coexisting limit cycle orbits. By considering a truncated-memory stroboscopic pilot-wave model of the system in the low dissipation regime, we obtain a classical harmonic oscillator perturbed by oscillatory nonconservative forces that display countably infinite coexisting limit-cycle states, also known as . Using averaging techniques in the low-memory regime, we derive analytical approximations of the orbital radii, orbital frequency and Lyapunov energy function of this megastable spectrum, and further show average energy conservation along these quantized states. Our formalism extends to a general class of self-excited oscillators and can be used to construct megastable spectrum with different energy-frequency relations.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Nonequilibrium Transitions in a Template Copying Ensemble
Authors: Genthon Arthur , Modes Carl D. , Jülicher Frank , Grill Stephan W.
Published: February 2025

The fuel-driven process of replication in living systems generates distributions of copied entities with varying degrees of copying accuracy. Here we introduce a thermodynamically consistent ensemble for investigating universal population features of template copying systems. In the context of copolymer copying, coarse-graining over molecular details, we establish a phase diagram of copying accuracy. We discover sharp non-equilibrium transitions between populations of random and accurate copies. Maintaining a population of accurate copies requires a minimum energy expenditure that depends on the configurational entropy of copolymer sequences.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Electron correlation effects and spin-liquid state in the herbertsmithite kagome lattice
Authors: Azadi Sam , Bahramy M. S. , Kühne T. D.
Published: February 2025

We employ real-space variational quantum Monte Carlo methods with resonating valence bond many-body wave functions to investigate electron correlation effects in the kagome system ZnxCu4−xO6. Using three trial wave functions of the Slater-Jastrow type, where (i) only the Jastrow correlation factor is optimized and the orbitals obtained by density functional theory, (ii) both the Jastrow factor and the Slater determinant are optimized, and (iii) additionally the Slater determinant is substituted by an antisymmetrized-geminal power-wave function, we analyze static and dynamic correlation energies across concentrations x=0,13,23,1. Optimizing the Slater determinant significantly enhances the correlation energy by approximately ∼−73(4)mHa per electron. Eventually, the emergence of a quantum spin liquid state driven by a long-range correlation energy is discussed.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Unveiling the nexus: asymmetric impact of crime specialization in Indonesia over short- and long-run perspectives
Authors: Deswanto Refandi Budi , Khoirunurrofik Khoirunurrofik
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study examines whether the influence of the unemployment rate on crime varies over time. It investigates if the unemployment rate positively affects the specialization of all types of crime or only a specific type of criminal act.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the two-way fixed effect and the least squares dummy variable (LSDV) panel data estimation technique, the study examined the long- and short-run effects of the unemployment rate on the crime rate across 462 cities/regencies in Indonesia between 2015 and 2020.

Findings

Long-run unemployment has a statistically significant negative impact on the specialization of violent crime and a positive effect on the specialization of property crime. Conversely, short-run unemployment negatively impacts the specialization of property crimes and positively affects the specialization of violent crimes. These results align with the tenets of routine activity theory and rational choice theory.

Research limitations/implications

To reduce crime and support economic growth, the government should focus on creating jobs, particularly addressing long-run unemployment, which reflects regional disparities in unemployment rates.

Originality/value

This study uniquely applies the location quotient (LQ) method to examine crime specialization trends in Indonesia and uses city/regency-level data to avoid bias from measurement errors at either the national or provincial level.
Adaption and validation of the algorithm aversion scale and its relationship with neuroticism and trust
Authors: Jain Ruchika Mehra , Garg Naval , Khera Shikha N.
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Previous studies highlighted a dearth of scale to measure algorithm aversion among working professionals. Accordingly, this study tried to adopt and validate an algorithm aversion scale for employees.

Design/methodology/approach

The scale was developed and validated in three stages. In the first stage, a five-item xenophobic scale was adopted. Its items were rephrased to match the algorithm aversion-related workplace context. In the second stage, the sample was divided into two subsamples using random sampling. The exploratory factor analysis (EFA) applied on the first subsample. The confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted on the second sample to check the model’s fitness proposed by EFA. In the third stage, a sample of 378 respondents was collected. The Cronbach’s alpha (CA) and composite reliability (CR) values checked internal consistency reliability of the proposed algorithm aversion scale.

Findings

The EFA yielded a one-factor solution with acceptable factor loading (greater than 0.50) of all (five) statements. All values of model indices in CFA were in the acceptable range, which recommended the factorial structure of the scale. The acceptable (greater than 0.70) values of CA and CR concluded the internal consistency reliability. The convergent validity was suggested by appropriate average variance extracted (AVE) values (greater than 0.50). In addition, as expected, the proposed algorithm aversion scale reported a statistically significant positive correlation with neuroticism and a considerable negative relationship with trust. These findings concluded the criterion validity of the scale.

Originality/value

This study uses primary data to adopt and validate algorithm aversion scale.
The Effects of COVID‐19 and JobKeeper on Productivity‐Enhancing Reallocation in Australia1
Authors: Andrews Dan , Bahar Elif , Hambur Jonathan
Published: February 2025

The consequences of the pandemic for potential output will partly hinge on its impact on productivity‐enhancing reallocation. While recessions can accelerate this process, the more ‘random’ nature of the COVID‐19 shock coupled with policy responses that prioritised preservation could disrupt productivity‐enhancing reallocation. Our analysis based on novel high‐frequency employment data for Australia shows that labour reallocation (and firm exit) remained connected to firm productivity over 2020 and 2021. However, outside of the initial acute phase of the shock, the relationship weakened significantly compared to history. Australia's job retention scheme (JobKeeper) initially reinforced the connection between growth and productivity, supporting more productive firms. But it became more distortive over time and as the economy recovered.
Clinical efficacy of low molecular weight heparin and insulin combined with plasma exchange in treating hyperlipidemic acute pancreatitis: A randomized controlled study
Authors: Zhen Chen , Zhou Fan , Liu Minxing , Chu Zhenyu , Jia Limin
Published: February 2025

Background

Hyperlipidemic acute pancreatitis (HLAP) is a severe condition marked by elevated triglyceride levels, resulting in significant morbidity. Current treatment options are limited, highlighting the need for effective therapeutic combinations.

Methods

This study was conducted from January 2020 to December 2023 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University. A total of 130 patients diagnosed with HLAP were enrolled and randomly assigned to two groups: the control group (65 patients) received low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) and insulin, while the observation group (65 patients) received LMWH, insulin, and plasma exchange (PE). Clinical efficacy, serum triglycerides, amylase levels, inflammatory markers (C‐reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor‐alpha, interleukin‐6), and clinical scores (Balthazar score, APACHE II) were compared between the groups.

Results

The observation group demonstrated a significantly higher total effective rate of 90.32% compared to 73.01% in the control group (χ2 = 9.786, p < 0.001). Post‐treatment, triglyceride and amylase levels were significantly lower in the observation group (p < 0.05). Inflammatory markers showed significant reductions, and the observation group exhibited improved PaO2/FiO2 ratios and lower Balthazar scores (p < 0.05). Symptom relief time (abdominal pain and tenderness) and serum amylase normalization time were also significantly shorter in the observation group (p < 0.001). Adverse reaction rates were comparable between the groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

The combination of LMWH, insulin, and PE is effective in managing HLAP, significantly alleviating symptoms and reducing inflammatory markers and triglyceride levels. These findings suggest that this treatment regimen could be a valuable addition to clinical practice for HLAP.
Structural and Functional Analyses of Stabilimentum in the Garden Spider, Argiope bruennichi (Araneae: Araneidae)
Authors: Lee Seung‐Min , Moon Myung‐Jin
Published: February 2025

In the web construction of the garden spider, Argiope bruennichi, the decoration known as the stabilimentum forms a zigzag band after completing the orb web. Based on ecological observations, the spider A. bruennichi was observed to consistently maintain an inverted posture on the stabilimentum of the web, with its position consistently fixed on the open side of the web. The stabilimentum of the spider web can be basically divided into a hub region and a band region; the hub region measures approximately 2.5 times the spider's body length, while the band region measures approximately 2.7 times the spider's body length. The hub silk is constructed after the formation of band silk from periphery towards the center, and that the silk in the hub and band regions originate from numerous pairs of aciniform gland spigots on the median and posterior spinnerets. Our fine structural analysis revealed significant differences in the silk morphological properties between stabilimentum band silk in closed and open sides. Particularly, the silks of the stabilimentum were found to be dried fibers less than 500 nm in diameter, devoid of adhesive substances commonly found in prey capture. Moreover, the zigzag band pattern of the stabilimentum silk fibers is expected to play a role in attracting prey animals through light scattering by forming light dispersion at various angles from the light source.
Efficacy of cannabidiol alone or in combination with Δ‐9‐tetrahydrocannabinol for the management of substance use disorders: An umbrella review of the evidence
Authors: Redonnet Bertrand , Eren Filiz , Avenin Guillaume , Melchior Maria , Mary‐Krause Murielle
Published: February 2025

Background and Aims

Substance use disorders (SUD) lead to a high burden of disease, yet treatment options are limited. Cannabidiol (CBD) is being investigated as a potential therapeutic target due to its pharmacological properties and mode of action in the endocannabinoid system. Recent systematic reviews (SR) on CBD and SUDs have shown inconsistent results. The objective of this umbrella review was to determine whether CBD alone or in combination with Δ‐9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is effective for managing and treating SUDs.

Methods

Following a registered protocol, we searched PubMed, Web of Science and Epistemonikos databases for SRs, with or without a meta‐analysis, of randomized controlled trials focusing on interventions dispensing CBD, alone or in combination with THC, to treat SUDs, published from 1 January 2000 to 15 October 2024. Screening, data extraction and quality assessment with the AMSTAR 2 tool were performed by two researchers in parallel and duplicated.

Results

22 SRs were included, 5 of which performed a meta‐analysis. We found mixed evidence regarding the efficacy of CBD to manage and treat SUDs. Findings were interpreted in light of the quality of the SRs. Nabiximols, which contains CBD and THC, demonstrated positive effects on cannabis withdrawal and craving symptoms. Evidence supporting the efficacy of CBD is limited and inconclusive for abstinence, reduction or cessation of use of cannabis, tobacco, alcohol, opiates and other psychoactive substances.

Conclusion

Cannabidiol (CBD) monotherapy does not appear to be efficacious for treatment of substance use disorders. CBD primarily exhibits effects on cannabis withdrawal and craving when combined with Δ‐9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Existing data on the efficacy of CBD alone with regard to other outcomes related to substance use disorders are limited.
ACCEPT Group Condensed Position Paper on the Management of Recurrent Pregnancy Loss
Authors: Suker Adriana , Li Ying , Marren Anthony , Robson Danielle ,   the Australasian CREI (Certificate of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility) Consensus Expert Panel on Trial evidence (ACCEPT) Group
Published: February 2025

The Australasian CREI (Certificate of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility) Consensus Expert Panel on Trial Evidence (ACCEPT) group recently published an evidence‐based guideline on the investigation and management of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). This position paper is a brief summary of the freely accessible two‐part guideline and can be found with digital object identifier (DOI) 10.1111/ajo.13821 and DOI 10.1111/ajo.13820.
Loss of lncRNAs 1700101O22Rik and 1700027A15Rik causes sperm malformation and subfertility
Authors: Dong Shijue , Cai Ziyi , Yu Jingyan , Liang Min , Zhou Yang , Ding Mengqian , Zeng Xuhui , Zhang Xiaoning
Published: February 2025

Background

The testis is a key reservoir of long non‐coding RNAs, yet their physiological roles in male reproduction remain debated. Notably, long non‐coding RNAs 1700101O22Rik (22Rik) and 1700027A15Rik (15Rik) are uniquely expressed in the mouse testis. Previous research indicates that both 22Rik and 15Rik play roles in male reproductive processes; however, it is still unclear whether their effects on fertility are cumulative or compensatory.

Objectives

To investigate the influence of simultaneous deletion of 22Rik and 15Rik on male reproduction and whether there are additive effects.

Materials and methods

22Rik and 15Rik knockout mice were generated using CRISPR‐Cas9, and double knockout mice were obtained through co‐caging. To investigate reproductive phenotypes, we utilized computer‐aided sperm analysis, acrosome reaction assessments, in vitro fertilization techniques, and sperm morphology analysis. Additionally, RNA sequencing and RNA binding protein immunoprecipitation were employed to explore the regulatory mechanisms of 22Rik and 15Rik.

Results

The simultaneous deletion of 22Rik and 15Rik led to abnormal sperm morphology, impaired acrosome reaction, and reduced in vitro fertilization. Sperm count and fertility were also decreased in double knockout male mice. Compared to the knockout of long non‐coding RNA 22Rik, reproductive abnormalities were somewhat exacerbated but largely similar to those observed with 15Rik knockout alone because of shared targeted genes, particularly Y chromosome‐linked genes. Additionally, these abnormal phenotypes may be linked to reduced expression of transition protein 1 and dysfunction of the HSF2‒Rik22‒Rik15 complex in double knockout mice.

Discussion and conclusion

Our study demonstrates for the first time that simultaneous knockout of these two long non‐coding RNAs adversely affects sperm morphology and function by disrupting the HSF2‒Rik22‒Rik15 complex. Moreover, many overlapping regulated genes suggest that 22Rik and 15Rik may share similar regulatory mechanisms at the molecular level. This research sheds light on the causes and mechanisms behind sperm malformation and impaired male fertility.
Syncope Linked to QT‐Interval Prolongation and Global T‐Wave Inversion: A Clinical Case of Acute Pulmonary Embolism
Authors: Zhang Xue‐Yan , Li Jing‐Xiu , Gao Min , Li Xue‐Qi , Zhang Ming‐Yu
Published: February 2025

The incidence and mortality rates of acute pulmonary embolism (APE) are high in clinical emergencies, making early diagnosis and risk stratification crucial. Electrocardiogram (ECG) plays a significant role in guiding the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of pulmonary embolism. Acute pulmonary embolism can present with various ECG manifestations. The presence of pulmonary hypertension and increased right ventricular load in pulmonary embolism can lead to T wave inversion in the right cardiac lead. Additionally, some patients may exhibit a prolonged QT interval, which is associated with the pathophysiological processes resulting from both pulmonary hypertension and myocardial ischemia.
Ultrasound for hip dysplasia – disparities between community and tertiary paediatric services
Authors: Zhu Ye , Feng Melody , Seth Ishith , Ganeshalingam Rekha , Hoq Monsurul , Donnan Leo T.
Published: February 2025

Objective

Explore the differences in ultrasound reporting between community ultrasound centres and a high‐volume paediatric tertiary centre in diagnosing developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH).

Participants

One hundred infants less than 6 months of age from a paediatric hip registry, who underwent ultrasounds in both community and tertiary centres within a 2‐week interval.

Results

One percent of a 200‐hip sample reported scan quality. Alpha angles were reported in 84.5% (n = 169) of community reports and 78.5% (n = 157) of tertiary centre reports. Femoral head coverage was reported similarly in both environments at 94.5% in community and 93.5% in tertiary. Beta angle appeared in 45% (n = 90) and 2% (n = 4), respectively. Bland Altman plots revealed that there existed variation in ultrasound interpretation especially in more dysplastic hips. The concordance correlation coefficient showed only moderate agreement (Rho = 0.60 for alpha angles, Rho = 0.61 for femoral head coverage), and interrater reliability on hip classification reached moderate agreement (Cohen's Kappa = 0.57 for alpha angle, and 0.45 for femoral coverage) between community and tertiary hospital reports.

Conclusions

Reliance on the community‐acquired ultrasound report as a true reflection of the state of a hip is not completely justified. The lack of standardized reporting poses challenges for community clinicians in starting treatment or making appropriate referrals. Only a moderate agreement has been observed between the community and tertiary scans. Consequently, over 25% of hips classified as abnormal are potentially normal, and more than 15% dysplastic hips could be undetected.
Increase in paediatric bone stress injuries: a single‐center study during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Behman Amy , Browne Robert , Donnan Leo , Morrison Stewart
Published: February 2025

Background

Melbourne, Australia was considered the most locked‐down city during the COVID19 Pandemic. School was conducted from home and all organized sport ceased. Our institution noted an increased presentation of bone stress injuries (BSI) ranging from periostitis to stress fractures. This study reviews the prevalence of these injuries to gain insights into BSI presentation, diagnosis and best management.

Methods

A retrospective review of lower limb long bone stress injuries between April 1st 2020 and March 31st 2022, and from 2018 to 2020 for comparison, was conducted. A chart review of those meeting inclusion criteria for demographics, fracture characteristics, investigations, and treatment administered was conducted.

Results

Thirteen patients (two female, 11 male) met inclusion criteria. Only four patients were identified in the comparison period. The average age was 11.6 years, and average symptom duration was 7 weeks. Distinct morphologies were noted, specifically three discrete patterns of tibial injury were identified. Patients underwent an average of three imaging studies prior to diagnosis. Nine of 13 patients were prescribed a period of non‐weight bearing, averaging 3.5 weeks. Seven of 13 patients were prescribed a formal ‘partial weight bearing’ (50%) period averaging 6.4 weeks.

Conclusion

There was a significant increase in paediatric BSI presentation over the COVID‐19 lockdowns. This may be linked to the effect of reduced physical activity. Knowledge of the three clear tibial morphologies identified in this study will inform future diagnosis and reduce investigation expenditure. These findings may inform public health measures during mandated lockdowns and raise a diagnostic framework for such injuries.
Macau as Method: Recombinant Urbanism in Post‐Socialist China
Authors: Simpson Tim
Published: February 2025

In ‘Asia as Method’, Chen Kuan‐Hsing argues for the value of an indigenous inter‐Asian approach to analysing the effects of European imperialism on the countries and citizens of Asia. This article mobilises both Chen's inter‐Asian referencing strategy and the city‐state of Macau to explore Macau's role in China's engagements with global capitalism. Macau was a European enclave in the Middle Kingdom, the site of China's initial encounter with capitalism during the Ming era, and the country's longest‐enduring foreign territory. Adopting a geological or new materialist approach to Chinese urbanism, the article tracks the reiteration of the socio‐spatial Macau model in China's 19th century treaty port concessions, 20th century special economic zones, Greater Bay Area megacity, and the new demonstration zone of Hengqin Island, which is adjacent to Macau. The use of ‘Macau as method’ demonstrates the city's function in a recombinant spatial logic of development in which antecedent geo‐spatial forms from China's earlier encounters with capitalism are recovered and reused. As such, Macau serves as an indigenous model for China's contemporary post‐socialist development.