bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Machine learning with sub-diffraction resolution in the photon-counting regime
Authors: Buonaiuto Giuseppe , Lupo Cosmo
Published: February 2025

The resolution of optical imaging is classically limited by the width of the point-spread function, which in turn is determined by the Rayleigh length. Recently, spatial-mode demultiplexing (SPADE) has been proposed as a method to achieve sub-Rayleigh estimation and discrimination of natural, incoherent sources. Here, we show that SPADE yields sub-diffraction resolution in the broader context of image classification. To achieve this goal, we outline a hybrid machine learning algorithm for image classification that includes a physical part and a computational part. The physical part implements a physical pre-processing of the optical field that cannot be simulated without essentially reducing the signal-to-noise ratio. In detail, a spatial-mode demultiplexer is used to sort the transverse field, followed by mode-wise photon detection. In the computational part, the collected data are fed into an artificial neural network for training and classification. As a case study, we classify images from the MNIST dataset after severe blurring due to diffraction. Our numerical experiments demonstrate the ability to classify highly blurred images that would be otherwise indistinguishable by direct imaging without the physical pre-processing of the optical field.
Linguistic statistical universals: comparing computer- and human-generated texts
Authors: Civico Marco
Published: February 2025

This paper aims at testing the ability of artificial text samples generated by transformers of replicating the writing style of various authors across different languages. We fine-tune GPT-2-based models with corpora from Jane Austen (English), Jules Verne (French) and Giovanni Verga (Italian). Then we analyse the samples in terms of (i) lexical distribution; (ii) long term correlations; and (iii) entropy. As a benchmark, we use text samples generated as Markov chains of different orders trained on the corpora of the same authors. Our results show that transformers represent a great improvement in terms of capturing long range correlations and entropy reduction, although the same cannot be said about lexical distribution.
Magnetic-resonance-induced non-linear current response in magnetic Weyl semimetals
Authors: Mei Ruobing , Liu Chao-Xing
Published: February 2025

In this work, we propose a geometric non-linear current response induced by magnetic resonance in magnetic Weyl semimetals. This phenomenon is in analog to the quantized circular photogalvanic effect (de Juan et al., Nat. Commun. 8:15995, 2017) previously proposed for Weyl semimetal phases of chiral crystals. However, the non-linear current response in our case can occur in magnetic Weyl semimetals where time-reversal symmetry, instead of inversion symmetry, is broken. The occurrence of this phenomenon relies on the special coupling between Weyl electrons and magnetic fluctuations induced by magnetic resonance. To further support our analytical solution, we perform numerical studies on a model Hamiltonian describing the Weyl semimetal phase in a topological insulator system with ferromagnetism.
Performance of the P-alert real-time shakemaps system and onsite warning during the 2025 ML6.4 Dapu earthquake
Authors: Wu Yih-Min , Lin Yueh-Ho , Yang Benjamin Ming , Ke Siao-Syun
Published: February 2025

On January 20, 2025, the ML6.4 Dapu earthquake struck southwestern Taiwan, causing intense shaking in Chiayi County and Tainan City. The P-Alert real-time shakemaps system generated detailed shakemaps just 36 s after the earthquake occurred. The areas of strongest shaking were primarily located to the southwest of the epicenter, which corresponds with the observed damage distribution. Based on the epicenter location, the distribution of shaking, and the distribution of aftershocks, it is likely that the rupture propagated southwestward from its initiation point. For this event, the Central Weather Administration (CWA) issued the first report 7.9 s after the earthquake occurred. Considering the average signal transmission delay of approximately 5 s in the Public Warning System (PWS), most individual P-Alert devices located within 30 km of the epicenter provided onsite warnings earlier than the CWA’s regional warning. These observations underscore the effectiveness of the P-Alert system in providing onsite warnings, as well as its significant advantages in disaster response.
Repetitive acceptance sampling plan based on truncated life test for type-I half-logistic Burr X distributions
Authors: Kiapour A. , Tripathi Harsh , Masoumi Shiba
Published: February 2025

In this manuscript, we developed a repetitive acceptance sampling inspection plan

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for type-I half-logistic Burr X (

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) distribution based on time truncated scheme. Discussion over the

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distribution is provided with their important mathematical properties along with the expression of quantile function and median. Operational procedure of RASP is discussed in detail with the formulation of optimization problem of proposed plan. Two point approach is used to determine the plan parameters of suggested plan for TIHLBX. The suggested test strategies significantly reduce the inspection effort with respect to the best single sampling plans. A new strategy of RASP is conducted based on weighted average of risks. The results show that the proposed optimal plans outperform traditional two-point sampling plan. Hypothetical example is provided to illustrate the presented tables. A real life example is considered to explain the application of proposed

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.
Plume divergence characterization for electric propulsion via standard deviation and emittance
Authors: Breddan McKenna J. D. , Wirz Richard E.
Published: February 2025

Electric propulsion systems require careful consideration of plume divergence and evolution over a range of operating conditions and environments. Existing means of describing plume divergence such as outlines, plume profiles, and snapshots of the plume are dominated by outlier particles and do not provide reliable or quantitative insight. Proposed herein are two novel methods for describing plume divergence using standard deviation and emittance to provide quantitative insight of the collective behavior of plume species. Furthermore, the emittance metric from the particle accelerator community is shown to accurately describe plume evolution in a two-dimensional position and momentum angle space. Cross-sectional emittance measurements are used to display the presence of non-Hamiltonian forces in plume evolution, namely stochastic Coulomb collisions between neighboring particles. Finally, full-plume emittance diagrams are demonstrated as a means of identifying when an electric propulsion plume has reached steady state.
Application of erodibility nomograph from universal soil loss equation in the assessment of soil erosion in two agroecological zones
Authors: Akpa Enya A. , Okon Paul B. , Abam Prince O.
Published: February 2025

This paper exhibits application of erodibility nomograph from Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) in the assessment of soil erosion in two agroecological zones. Seventeen composite soil samples were collected from sites showing active erosion menace at the plough depth of 0–30 cm with the use of soil auger by random sampling method and analyzed using routine laboratory procedures. Results showed that the soil texture was dominated by sandy loam in the central and loamy sand textures in the northern agroecological zones. After all requisite parameters were obtained, the erodibility nomograph used for assessment of the soils’ erodibility, K, values showed low to medium (0.10–0.40 Mg ha−1 MJ mm−1) with mean of 0.21 Mg ha−1 MJ mm−1 in the central and medium (0.1–0.8 Mg ha−1 MJ mm−1) with mean of 0.22 Mg ha−1 MJ mm−1 in the northern agroecological zones. Statistically, the results indicated high coefficient of variability (CV); the CV ranged from 52 to 118% in both zones. The low to medium status of soils erodibility in the central and the medium status of soils erodibility in the northern suggests how vulnerable the soils are prone to erosion triggered by agents of erosion which cause easy detachment of the soil’s particles. The multiple correlation analysis performed on the soils data to uncover which soil properties are significantly correlated with the soil erodibility parameters in the zones showed same statistically significant parameters with those in the nomograph. It was therefore concluded that, the nomograph is still valid tool in assessment of soil erosion even in tropical areas such as central and northern Cross River State, Nigeria. Soil conservation measures such as contouring, mulching and cover cropping were recommended to be adopted by stakeholders to combat the accelerating soil erodibility in the area.
Exploring the Role of Social Support in Postpartum Well-Being with a Psychometric Approach
Authors: Lochmannová Alena , Martin Colin R.
Published: February 2025

The Czech version of the Social Support Survey Instrument (CZ-SSSI) was developed and validated to assess social support among postpartum women, a crucial factor in mitigating mental health challenges during the perinatal period. This cross-sectional study recruited 486 Czech postpartum women via online platforms focused on motherhood and childcare. The CZ-SSSI was translated using a forward and backward method, with psychometric validation conducted through confirmatory factor analysis, internal consistency testing (Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s Omega), and validity assessments using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). The results demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha > 0.9 across subscales), confirming the robustness of the four-factor model. Convergent validity was established through significant correlations with mental health measures, and the instrument effectively distinguished between groups with differing levels of depression and infant health status. The CZ-SSSI is a reliable and valid tool for assessing postpartum social support, with potential applications in both clinical assessment and perinatal mental health research. By providing a standardized measure, this instrument can contribute to a better understanding of the role of social support in postpartum well-being and inform targeted interventions to support maternal mental health.
Inside Parties
Authors: Kernell Georgia
Published: February 2025

While extensive research examines electoral systems and institutions at the country-level, few studies investigate rules within parties. Inside Parties changes the research landscape by systematically examining 65 parties in 20 parliamentary democracies around the world. Georgia Kernell develops a formal model of party membership and tests the hypotheses using cross-national surveys, member studies, experiments, and computer simulations of projected vote shares. She finds that a party's level of decentralization – the degree to which it incorporates rank and file members into decision making – determines which voters it best represents. Decentralized parties may attract more members to campaign for the party, but they do so at the cost of adopting more extreme positions that pull them away from moderate voters. Novel and comprehensive, Inside Parties is an indispensable study of how parties select candidates, nominate leaders, and set policy goals.
Varieties of engagement: exploring the micro-practices of managers in employing disadvantaged jobseekers
Authors: Aksnes Siri Yde , Breit Eric
Published: February 2025

Despite the increased emphasis on ‘employer engagement’ to take advantage of demand-side active labour market policies, little attention has been paid to managers. In this paper, we examine the micro-practices of engaged managers in including jobseekers from disadvantaged groups. Through a qualitative study of managers, jobseekers and other stakeholders in twenty-one companies with a history of employing disadvantaged jobseekers, we identify three broad types of engagement by managers: vacancy-oriented, ability-oriented, and growth-oriented. The types of engagement involve crucial differences in motivation, caring and accommodation on the part of the employing managers. Our findings highlight the multi-facetedness of employer engagement when examined from the perspective of managers and propose ‘inclusive leadership’ as a useful lens to understand engaged employers.
State violence against migrant women: Ontological security, threat, and legitimacy
Authors: Innes Alexandria
Published: February 2025

This research examines the ways the hostile environment in the UK utilises domestic violence as a deterrent measure, weaponising this endemic form of interpersonal violence against migrant women. I argue that the state’s own processes of accountability and responsibility for domestic violence fatalities, and the active exclusion of migrant women from state-provided services that are key in intervening in cases of domestic violence, are sufficient for domestic violence against migrant women to be constituted as state violence. I frame this in the context of what an ontological security approach can offer to our understanding of the multiplicity of encounters and experiences that migrant women have with a state apparatus that is designed to offer both security and accountability to address the particularly gendered insecurity of domestic violence. The active exclusion of migrant women from these monitoring mechanisms embeds both an affective and a very real empirical insecurity in the lives of migrant women. This ontological insecurity is both inside and outside of state, making ontological security for some while unmaking it for others.
Rethinking Suicide Prevention Research – Moving Beyond Traditional Statistical Significance
Authors: Griffin Beth Ann , W. Hassler Gabriel , Sheftall Arielle H. , Ohana Elie , Ayer Lynsay
Published: February 2025

Abstract: Suicide is a major public health concern globally, and despite decades of research, there has been a disappointing lack of progress in identifying effective prevention strategies and interventions. We argue over-reliance on traditional statistical significance cutoffs and underreporting of marginal findings may be limiting the clinical benefits of research in the field of suicide prevention and in turn impeding practical progress. The consistent reliance on statistically significant results at p < .05 may limit the visibility of potentially promising results to clinicians making treatment decisions. Expanding awareness of promising interventions – which can then be further scrutinized and subjected to further research – could have an important and needed impact on the field. The American Statistical Association has called upon researchers to view the p-value as continuous, with the call being adopted by leading journals. However, most suicide journals do not have explicit policies around how to use p-values for evaluating the strength of the evidence, and the use of continuous p-values has clearly not been routinely adopted by suicide researchers. We want to call upon suicide researchers to be more open to considering and publishing marginally significant findings that suggest promising trends for suicide prevention strategies and interventions.
Circadian disruption by simulated shift work aggravates periodontitis via orchestrating BMAL1 and GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis
Authors: Wang Yazheng , Li Rui , Ye Qingyuan , Fei Dongdong , Zhang Xige , Huang Junling , Liu Tingjie , Wang Jinjin , Wang Qintao
Published: February 2025

Approximately 20% to 30% of the global workforce is engaged in shift work. As a significant cause of circadian disruption, shift work is closely associated with an increased risk for periodontitis. Nevertheless, how shift work-related circadian disruption functions in periodontitis remains unknown. Herein, we employed a simulated shift work model constructed by controlling the environmental light-dark cycles and revealed that shift work-related circadian disruption exacerbated the progression of experimental periodontitis. RNA sequencing and in vitro experiments indicated that downregulation of the core circadian protein brain and muscle ARNT-like protein 1 (BMAL1) and activation of the Gasdermin D (GSDMD)-mediated pyroptosis were involved in the pathogenesis of that. Mechanically, BMAL1 regulated GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis by suppressing NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome signaling through modulating nuclear receptor subfamily 1 group D member 1 (NR1D1), and inhibiting Gsdmd transcription via directly binding to the E-box elements in its promoter. GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis accelerated periodontitis progression, whereas downregulated BMAL1 under circadian disruption further aggravated periodontal destruction by increasing GSDMD activity. And restoring the level of BMAL1 by circadian recovery and SR8278 injection alleviated simulated shift work-exacerbated periodontitis via lessening GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis. These findings provide new evidence and potential interventional targets for circadian disruption-accelerated periodontitis.
Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis A6 ameliorates bone and muscle loss via modulating gut microbiota composition and enhancing butyrate production
Authors: Chen Ming , Li Yi , Zhai Zhengyuan , Wang Hui , Lin Yuan , Chang Feifan , Ge Siliang , Sun Xinyu , Wei Wei , Wang Duanyang , Zhang Mingming , Chen Ruijing , Yu Haikuan , Feng Taojin , Huang Xiang , Cheng Dongliang , Liu Jiang , Di Wenxuan , Hao Yanling , Yin Pengbin , Tang Peifu
Published: February 2025

Systematic bone and muscle loss is a complex metabolic disease, which is frequently linked to gut dysfunction, yet its etiology and treatment remain elusive. While probiotics show promise in managing diseases through microbiome modulation, their therapeutic impact on gut dysfunction-induced bone and muscle loss remains to be elucidated. Employing dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced gut dysfunction model and wide-spectrum antibiotics (ABX)-treated mice model, our study revealed that gut dysfunction instigates muscle and bone loss, accompanied by microbial imbalances. Importantly, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis A6 (B. lactis A6) administration significantly ameliorated muscle and bone loss by modulating gut microbiota composition and enhancing butyrate-producing bacteria. This intervention effectively restored depleted butyrate levels in serum, muscle, and bone tissues caused by gut dysfunction. Furthermore, butyrate supplementation mitigated musculoskeletal loss by repairing the damaged intestinal barrier and enriching beneficial butyrate-producing bacteria. Importantly, butyrate inhibited the NF-κB pathway activation, and reduced the secretion of corresponding inflammatory factors in T cells. Our study highlights the critical role of dysbiosis in gut dysfunction-induced musculoskeletal loss and underscores the therapeutic potential of B. lactis A6. These discoveries offer new microbiome directions for translational and clinical research, providing promising strategies for preventing and managing musculoskeletal diseases.
Targeting Chk1 and Wee1 kinases enhances radiosensitivity of 2D and 3D head and neck cancer models to X-rays and low/high-LET protons
Authors: Melia Emma , Fisch Anne-Sophie , Tinhofer Ingeborg , Parsons Jason L.
Published: February 2025

Ionising radiation causes the introduction of DNA damage, more specifically double strand breaks (DSBs) and complex DNA damage (CDD), that induces cancer cell death leading to the therapeutic effect. To combat this, cells activate arrest at the G2/M checkpoint to allow for effective DNA damage repair, coordinated by the Chk1 and Wee1 protein kinases. Therefore, Chk1 and Wee1 are considered promising therapeutic targets to enhance the effectiveness of radiotherapy in cancer cell killing. Here, we have analysed the response of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cell lines, spheroids and patient-derived organoids to X-rays and proton beam therapy (PBT) in the presence of either a Chk1 (MK-8776) or a Wee1 (MK-1775) inhibitor. We demonstrate that inhibitors of Chk1 or Wee1 can significantly enhance the radiosensitivity of both 2D and 3D models of HNSCC to X-rays and PBT (performed at both low and high ionisation densities), and that this effect is caused through abrogation of the G2/M checkpoint causing the persistence of DSBs. Our results therefore suggest that targeting Chk1 and Wee1 kinases in combination with X-rays and PBT could represent a promising therapeutic avenue to enhance the clinical efficacy of HNSCC treatment.
Historical loss weakens competitive behavior by remodeling ventral hippocampal dynamics
Authors: Lai Chuan , Chen Kai , Huang He-Zhou , Huang Xian , Zhang Juan , Wang Yu-Bo , Chen Zhiye , Hu Feng , Guo Ziyuan , Man Heng-Ye , Du Hui-Yun , Lu You-Ming , Shu Kai , Liu Dan , Zhu Ling-Qiang
Published: February 2025

Competitive interactions are pervasive within biological populations, where individuals engage in fierce disputes over vital resources for survival. Before the establishment of a social hierarchy within the population, this competition becomes even more intense. Historical experiences of competition significantly influence the competitive performance; individuals with a history of persistent loss are less likely to initiate attacks or win escalated contests. However, it remains unclear how historical loss directly affects the evolution of mental processes during competition and alters responses to ongoing competitive events. Here, we utilized a naturalistic food competition paradigm to track the competitive patterns of mutually unfamiliar competitors and found that a history of loss leads to reduced competitive performance. By tracking the activity of ventral hippocampal neuron ensembles, we identified clusters of neurons that responded differently to behavioral events during the competition, with their reactivity modulated by previous losses. Using a Recurrent Switch Linear Dynamical System (rSLDS), we revealed rotational dynamics in the ventral hippocampus (vHPC) during food competition, where different discrete internal states corresponded to different behavioral strategies. Moreover, historical loss modulates competitive behavior by remodeling the characteristic attributes of this rotational dynamic system. Finally, we found that an evolutionarily conserved glutamate receptor-associated protein, glutamate receptor-associated protein 1 (Grina), plays an important role in this process. By continuously monitoring the association between the attributes of the dynamic system and competitiveness, we found that restoring Grina expression effectively reversed the impact of historical loss on competitive performance. Together, our study reveals the rotational dynamics in the ventral hippocampus during competition and elucidates the underlying mechanisms through which historical loss shapes these processes.
A single-cell atlas to map sex-specific gene-expression changes in blood upon neurodegeneration
Authors: Grandke Friederike , Fehlmann Tobias , Kern Fabian , Gate David M. , Wolff Tobias William , Leventhal Olivia , Channappa Divya , Hirsch Pascal , Wilson Edward N. , Meese Eckart , Liu Chuanyu , Shi Quan , Flotho Matthias , Li Yongping , Chen Cynthia , Yu Yeya , Xu Jiangshan , Junkin Michael , Wang Zhifeng , Wu Tao , Liu Longqi , Hou Yong , Andreasson Katrin I. , Gansen Jenny S. , Mass Elvira , Poston Kathleen , Wyss-Coray Tony , Keller Andreas
Published: February 2025

The clinical course and treatment of neurodegenerative disease are complicated by immune-system interference and chronic inflammatory processes, which remain incompletely understood. Mapping immune signatures in larger human cohorts through single-cell gene expression profiling supports our understanding of observed peripheral changes in neurodegeneration. Here, we employ single-cell gene expression profiling of over 909k peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 121 healthy individuals, 48 patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), 46 with Parkinson’s disease (PD), 27 with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and 15 with both PD and MCI. The dataset is interactively accessible through a freely available website (https://www.ccb.uni-saarland.de/adrcsc). In this work, we identify disease-associated changes in blood cell type composition and the gene expression in a sex-specific manner, offering insights into peripheral and solid tissue signatures in AD and PD.
On opportunities and challenges of large multimodal foundation models in education
Authors: Küchemann Stefan , Avila Karina E. , Dinc Yavuz , Hortmann Chiara , Revenga Natalia , Ruf Verena , Stausberg Niklas , Steinert Steffen , Fischer Frank , Fischer Martin , Kasneci Enkelejda , Kasneci Gjergji , Kuhr Thomas , Kutyniok Gitta , Malone Sarah , Sailer Michael , Schmidt Albrecht , Stadler Matthias , Weller Jochen , Kuhn Jochen
Published: February 2025

Recently, the option to use large language models as a middleware connecting various AI tools and other large language models led to the development of so-called large multimodal foundation models, which have the power to process spoken text, music, images and videos. In this overview, we explain a new set of opportunities and challenges that arise from the integration of large multimodal foundation models in education.
An eye-movement database of bilingual language control for Chinese-English bilinguals
Authors: Wang Tao , Wang Yue , Hu Haibo , Wang Xing , Chen Shengdong , Yang Yiming
Published: February 2025

The current absence of an eye-tracking database that explores bilingual language control and how intra-sentence code-switching types influence the language control process limits our deeper understanding of bilingual control mechanisms. To address this issue, we present a database containing eye-movement recordings collected during a silent reading task combined with language switching paradigm. The database contains typical measures of eye movement data of 160 Chinese and their translation equivalent English words from 40 high-proficient and 40 low-proficient participants across 1280 Chinese, English and intra-sentential code-switching sentences. This database enables researchers to test the impacts of both intra-sentential code-switching and the second language proficiency on bilingual language control and the underlying cognitive mechanisms.
Deep learning-based debris flow hazard detection and recognition system: a case study
Authors: Wu Fei , Zhang Jianlin , Liu Dunlong , Maier Andreas , Christlein Vincent
Published: February 2025

Debris flows are characterized by their suddenness, rapidity, large scale and destructive power, causing serious threat to the population in mountainous areas. Surveillance cameras are widely used in geological hazard monitoring and early warning projects. So far, video cameras are used as a passive tool for post inspection and not as an active role for debris flow monitoring and early warning. Inspired by recent developments of anomaly detection in the field of computer vision, in this paper, we propose a novel automatic debris flow detection and recognition system based on deep learning. It consists of a video feature extraction network using a 3D convolutional neural network (CNN), a debris flow hazard detection network using a multi-layer perceptron (MLP), and a debris flow hazard recognition network for verification employing another CNN. The proposed system takes the video sequences captured by the cameras as inputs and enables the detection and recognition of debris flow hazards. All the networks are optimized and evaluated on a newly annotated image dataset called Debrisflow23. Extensive experimental evaluations with a detection accuracy of 86.3 % AUC, a recognition accuracy of 83.7 % AUC, and an overall identification accuracy of 88.1 % AUC on the test dataset demonstrate that the proposed method possesses accurate and reliable debris flow warning capability. Thus, further precautions can be taken in advance to reduce the damage to human settlements and infrastructure caused by debris flows.
Multitarget mechanism of MYC inhibition by the bacterial lon protease in disease
Authors: Ambite Ines , Wan Murphy Lam Yim , Tran Hien Thi , Nazari Atefeh , Chaudhuri Arunima , Krintel Christian , Gomes Inês , Sabari Samudra , Ahmadi Shahram , Carneiro António N. B. M. , Ishac Rita , Haq Farhan , Svanborg Catharina
Published: February 2025

Identifying specific inhibitors of the MYC oncogene has been challenging, due to off target effects associated with MYC inhibition. This study investigated how the recombinant Escherichia coli Lon protease (rLon), which targets MYC in human cells, inhibits MYC over-activation in models of infection and cancer. In silico predictions identified specific peptide domains of bacterial Lon that target MYC and the affinity of these peptides for MYC was investigated by surface plasmon resonance. The N-terminal domain of rLon was shown to interact with the C-terminal, leucine zipper domain of MYC and MAX and to prevent MYC/MAX dimerization. Furthermore, rLon targeted and degraded c-MYC in vitro and in cellular models, through the peptidase domain. In a model of kidney infection, rLon treatment prevented, c-MYC, N-MYC and L-MYC over-expression, MYC-dependent gene expression, specifically renal toxicity genes and pathology, suggesting that rLon recognizes and corrects MYC dysregulation in this disease. The findings describe a multitarget mechanism of MYC inhibition by rLon, and the combined effects achieved by the Lon domains, targeting different MYC epitopes and MYC-dependent functions, with no evidence of toxicity or detrimental effects on homeostatic MYC expression.
Eyes and movement differences in unconscious state during microscopic procedures
Authors: Fujita Akiko , Oyama Shintaro , Tatebe Masahiro , Shimoda Shingo , Tokutake Katsuhiro , Yamamoto Michiro , Hirata Hitoshi
Published: February 2025

Microsurgery is one of the techniques that is increasingly being adopted in many surgical fields. However, the acquisition and transfer of microsurgical skills primarily depend on experience. Additionally, opportunities to improve microsurgical skills are limited and a uniform evaluation system is lacking. Therefore, the aim of this study was to understand the physical characteristics of experienced and novice surgeons and to propose efficient training and evaluation methods from an educational perspective. In this study, nine hand surgeons and six orthopedic surgeons were included in expert group E and novice group N, respectively. An eye tracker and surface electromyography were used. They were asked to perform the suturing procedure under the same conditions. The viewpoint distribution area was larger in group N than in group E (p < 0.01). In group E, the pupil diameter increased only in a limited phase. The standard deviation of the distance between gaze and hand movements was smaller in group E, especially for gaze. Group E used the synergy of the same muscles to create movement. This study showed that there are differences in eye movements and unconscious body control during suturing techniques under the microscope between experienced users and novices.
Developing a dynamic combined power quality index for assessing the performance of a nuclear facility
Authors: Elsotohy Asmaa M. , Ali Mohammed Hamouda , Adail Ahmed S. , Eisa Ayman A. , Othman El-said A
Published: February 2025

Studying and evaluating the power quality (PQ) of an electrical network for nuclear installation is an important issue and a hot research topic for guaranteeing reliable and safe operation of sensitive electrical loads during this type of installation. As several PQ phenomena determine the overall PQ performance, analyzing PQ signals for evaluating the overall PQ is one of the major challenges for researchers in this field. Technically, voltage imbalance, current imbalance, voltage harmonic distortion, current harmonic distortion, and the power factor are five important PQ phenomena that judge the overall PQ performance of an electrical system. Multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) is used here as a methodology to identify a weighting for each PQ phenomenon. This paper proposes a power quality evaluation method for a nuclear research reactor (NRR) electrical network based on two MCDM. Methods the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and criterion importance through inter-criteria correlation (CRITIC). A MATLAB/Simulink model for the NRR electrical system is presented, and then its validity and credibility are verified via measurements. In this study, different abnormal conditions are simulated in the NRR network to generate power quality disturbances, including a three-phase nonlinear load to simulate harmonics, an unbalanced load to simulate unbalance, and an inductive load to simulate the change in the power factor. The effectiveness and robustness of the proposed methodology are demonstrated through these different case studies. The results show that the obtained CPQI based on the dynamic weight approach allows for more accurate evaluations by adjusting the importance of various PQ phenomena depending on operational conditions and priorities. The main contribution of this paper is that a single compound power quality index (CPQI) was developed based on both the dynamic weights obtained from AHP-CRITIC methods and the results of the five PQ phenomena obtained under different abnormal conditions, considering the threshold level for each of these PQ phenomena. The analysis of the obtained results shows that this method accurately evaluates the overall PQ performance.
Characterization of a mock up nuclear waste package using energy resolved MeV neutron analysis
Authors: Jäger Tim T. , Hirsh Tsviki Y. , Scheuren Stefan , Long Alexander M. , Losko Adrian S. , Wolfertz Alexander , Zimmer Marc , Roth Markus , Vogel Sven C.
Published: February 2025

Reliable radiographic methods for characterizing nuclear waste packages non-destructively (without the need to open containers) have the potential to significantly contribute to safe handling and future disposal options, particularly for legacy waste of unknown content. Due to required shielding of waste containers and the need to characterize materials consisting of light elements, X-ray methods are not suitable. Here, energy-resolved MeV neutron radiography is demonstrated as a first-of-its-kind application for non-destructive and remote examination of mock up nuclear waste packages from a safe position using time-of-flight techniques enabled by a novel event-mode imaging detector system. Energy-resolved neutron transmission spectra were measured spatially, permitting the detection of analogue materials to actual nuclear waste such as water, melamine, and ion exchange resin within a 2.54 cm wall thickness steel pipe. The results demonstrate the capability to locate the materials through this wall thickness by radiography and tomographic reconstruction, revealing detailed 3D distributions and structural anomalies. The method effectively detects residual water in ion exchange resin, highlighting its sensitivity to moisture content, a crucial parameter for nuclear waste characterization. Monte Carlo simulations are in agreement with the experimental findings, providing a pathway to simulate waste forms more difficult to tackle experimentally. This work paves the way to apply sub-nanosecond intense MeV neutron sources, such as laser-driven neutron sources under development, to nuclear waste characterization.
Association between oxidative balance score and thyroid function and all-cause mortality in euthyroid adults
Authors: Xiao Qianqian , Zhang Zhanqin , Ji Shuman , Li Muzi , Zhang Bohua , Xu Qing , Xiao Chang , Guan Huaijin , Ma Lei , Mei Xiaopeng
Published: February 2025

Abnormal fluctuations in thyroid function within the reference range were strongly associated with increased all-cause mortality. This study aimed to analyze the association between oxidative balance score (OBS) and free thyroxine (FT4) and thyrotropin (TSH) in euthyroid adults, as well as their interrelationships with mortality. 5727 euthyroid adults were selected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Weighted linear regression investigated the potential association of OBS with FT4 and TSH. In addition, COX proportional hazard models and restricted cubic spline (RCS) were used to investigate the association between OBS, FT4, TSH, and all-cause mortality. The results showed that OBS was negatively associated with serum FT4 concentrations in euthyroid adults (− 2.95%, 95% CI − 5.16%, − 0.92%). Additionally, the all-cause mortality rate was significantly higher in the fourth quartile (Q4) of FT4 compared to the first quartile (Q1) (HR 1.40, 95% CI 1.07–1.85). In the fourth quartile of OBS, the all-cause mortality rate was 31% lower than in Q1 (HR 0.69, 95% CI 0.52–0.92). Mediation analyses indicated that FT4 partially mediated the relationship between OBS and all-cause mortality. These results suggest a significant negative association between OBS and serum FT4, while both OBS and FT4 are strongly associated with mortality. However, the effect of OBS on serum FT4 is relatively limited, and therefore its clinical significance needs to be interpreted objectively.
The economic burden of Myasthenia gravis from the patient´s perspective and reflected in German claims data
Authors: Lehnerer Sophie , Herdick Meret , Mevius Antje , Grittner Ulrike , Gansel Pauline , Joeres Lars , Biskup Jutta , Meisel Andreas
Published: February 2025

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a neuromuscular disorder resulting in exertion-dependent muscle fatigability. Affecting all age groups MG is a chronic disease with unpredictable fluctuations and a range of symptom expression which can require costly immunosuppressive therapy and intensive care critically influencing economic burden. Here we aim to elucidate both the personal and societal economic burden of MG. Data were used from two sources: (1) a cross sectional study of MG patients registered in the German Myasthenia Society (DMG) collected by a survey in 2019 (n = 1660), and (2) from a dataset provided by a German health insurance company covering the period from 01/01/2014 to 31/12/2019 (n = 750) and categorized to similar subgroups for comparison. Individual and societal economic burden was highest in patients with intensified medical treatment. Absence days from work per patient year in the first year after index in claims data were 67.1 days (95% CI 66.1–68.2) (referring to n = 260 non-retired patients). Of 686 patients with early onset (< 50 years) MG 260 (41.2%) reported loss of income due to MG in DMG data. Average inpatient costs from claims data in patients with intensified treatment (38,669€; 95% CI 38,627–38,712€) were particularly high compared with standard treatment (2980€; 95% CI 2975–2986€) and to no MG-related treatment (887€; 95% CI 877–886€). MG represents a major economic burden for the individual and the health care system. The costs are positively associated with the severity of disease. The economic burden is particularly high for working patients. UCB Pharma provided financial support for the subanalysis, but was not involved in the design of the study.

Trial registration: clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03979521, submitted: June 7, 2019, first patient enrolled: May 1, 2019, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03979521.
Advanced detection of bisphenol A in plastic water bottles using liquid–liquid phase extraction and LC-MS
Authors: Indirakumari Vellaisamy , Sakthilatha Dharmalingam , Jayakumar Kumarasamy , Imran Habibulla , Lim Sooman , Khan Mohammad Rashid
Published: February 2025

A simple and cost-effective method for estimating BPA in bottled water, tap, river, and well water was developed using conventional LLE extraction with LPE isolation.
Multifunctional chrysin-loaded gallic acid–glycerol monostearate conjugate-based injectable hydrogel for targeted inhibition of hypoxia-induced NLRP3 inflammasome in ulcerative colitis
Authors: kumar Ajay , Rahul  , Kanika  , Kumar Jattin , Mahajan Shubham , Ali Aneesh , Ali Nemat , Bishnoi Mahendra , Son Young-Ok , Khan Rehan
Published: February 2025

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the colon part of the large intestine.
Recent development of azahelicenes showing circularly polarized luminescence
Authors: Maeda Chihiro , Ema Tadashi
Published: February 2025

Recently, a variety of circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) dyes have been developed as next-generation chiroptical materials. Helicenes, ortho-fused aromatics, have been recognized as one of the most promising CPL dyes....
Antimony Mobility in Soils: Current Understanding and Future Research Directions
Authors: Costa Lara , Zopfi Jakob , Alewell Christine , Lehmann Moritz Felix , Lenz Markus
Published: February 2025

Antimony (Sb) has gained increased attention over the past few decades due to its possible detrimental effects on biota and its potential to leach and disperse from contaminated soils. The...
A microfluidic platform for extraction and analysis of bacterial genomic DNA
Authors: Joesaar Alex , Holub Martin , Lutze Leander , Emanuele Marco , Kerssemakers Jacob Willem Jozef , Pabst Martin , Dekker Cees
Published: February 2025

Bacterial cells organize their genomes into a compact hierarchical structure called the nucleoid. Studying the nucleoid in cells faces challenges because of the cellular complexity while in vitro assays have...
Blood-perfused Vessels-on-Chips stimulated with patient plasma recapitulate endothelial activation and microthrombosis in COVID-19
Authors: Weener Huub J. , van Haaps Thijs F. , van Helden Ruben W.J. , Albers Hugo J. , Haverkate Rozemarijn , Middelkamp Heleen H.T. , Ridderikhof Milan L. , van Mens Thijs E. , van den Berg Albert , Mummery Christine L , Orlova Valeria V , Middeldorp Saskia , van Es Nick , van der Meer Andries D.
Published: February 2025

A subset of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients develops severe symptoms, characterized by acute lung injury, endothelial dysfunction and microthrombosis. Viral infection and immune cell activation contribute to this phenotype....
Synthetic molecular communication through microfluidic oscillating droplets for intrabody physiological data transmission
Authors: Pappalardo Fabrizio , Panarello Carla , Quattropani Salvo , Galluccio Laura , Licciardello Antonino , Ruffino Roberta , Li-Destri Giovanni , Lombardo Alfio , Morabito Giacomo , Tuccitto Nunzio
Published: February 2025

Microfluidic-based synthetic molecular communication using oscillating droplets enables binary transmission of physiological data, validated via simulations and experiments.
Advancing Endosomal Escape of Polymeric Nanoparticles: Towards Improved Intracellular Delivery
Authors: Ukwattage Vajini , Wang Yufu , Xiong Yijun , Such Georgina Kate
Published: February 2025

Polymeric nanoparticles have emerged as a promising platform for the intracellular delivery of therapeutics, offering unique advantages such as tunable chemical properties and stimuli-responsive behavior. However, a significant challenge in...
Genomic nano-biosensor for rapid detection of carbapenem-resistant gene blaNDM-1 in carbapenemase-producing bacteria
Authors: Mayaka Regina Kemunto , Alocilja Evangelyn
Published: February 2025

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has become one of the major public health concerns causing serious obstacles to the successful prevention and treatment of infectious diseases. To curb the spread of AMR,...
Gas/solid/liquid triphase interface of carbon nitride for efficient photocatalytic H2O2 production
Authors: He Mao , Peng Xiaoying , Wu Suqin , Lei Bin , Xiong Shuai , Luo Qin , Tu Zongxing , Lin Xiaoxue , Peng Guiming
Published: February 2025

The photocatalytic two-electron oxygen reduction offers a sustainable method to produce hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The efficiency of carbon nitride (CN) in this process is hindered by the serious charge recombination...
Metal-based immunogenic cell death inducers for cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Zou Jiao Xia , Chang Meng Rui , Kuznetsov Nikita A , Kee Jia Xuan , Babak Maria V , Ang Wee Han
Published: February 2025

Immunogenic cell death (ICD) has attracted enormous attention in the last decade due to its unique characteristics of cancer cell death as well as activation of innate and adaptive immune...
On the Ostwald ripening of crystalline and amorphous nanoparticles
Authors: Behrens Manja Annette , Franzén Alexandra , Carlert Sara , Skantze Urban , Lindfors Lennart , Olsson Ulf
Published: February 2025

Ostwald ripening of crystalline and amorphous nanoparticle dispersions of a model organic compound are compared.
Dry electrodes with a printed cellulose–graphene ink for low-profile strain sensors in electromyography
Authors: Tesky Allyson R. , Hicks McKenna , Aryal Sujan , Jones Brendan , Molitor Julia , Kaul Anupama B.
Published: February 2025

Cyrene is a green, environmentally friendly solvent, presenting a renewable, non-toxic alternative to traditionally aggressive solvents for effectively exfoliating graphene from bulk graphite towards additively manufactured biosensors.
Synthesis of calcined LDHs materials decorated on ZnO nanorods: enhancing adsorption capacity and antibacterial activity
Authors: Sreekanth T. V. M. , Dang Huu Phuc , Thang Nguyen Quoc , Van Cuong Nguyen , Tho Nguyen Thi Mai
Published: February 2025

Calcined LDHs materials decorated on ZnO nanorods improved the adsorption of Reactive Blue 221 dye and exhibited antibacterial activity against E. coli, S. aureus, and S. typhimurium.
Development of a Novel Label-Free NIR Aptasensor Based on Triphenylmethane Dyes for Rapid and Sensitive Detection of Copper Ion
Authors: Hu Junhao , Li Xinxin , Loh Teck Peng , Bu Lingli
Published: February 2025

Heavy metal pollution in nature poses a serious threat to the ecological environment and human health, however, due to the reliance on expensive equipment, labor-intensive sample preparation, and skilled operation,...
Constructing weak Ru–Mo metallic bonds to suppress Ru overoxidation for durable acidic water oxidation
Authors: Liu Yongduo , Deng Runxu , Song Yang , Tan Weiling , Tao Xiongxin , Luo Shijian , Long Daojun , Chen Siguo , Wei Zidong
Published: February 2025

Herein, we reveal that doping Mo into RuO2 forms a weak Ru–Mo metallic bond, which suppresses the LOM by reducing Ru–O covalency and achieves direct electron compensation from Mo to Ru, thus preventing catalyst decay during the dynamic OER process.
Exploring Intermolecular Interactions and Energetics in Crystalline Substituted Thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidines
Authors: Deb Pran Kishore , Menon Anila M. , P S R Fathima Nida , Shruti Ipsha , Nidal Sara , Venugopala Katharigatta N. , Chopra Deepak
Published: February 2025

This study explores the synthesis and crystallographic characterization of eight thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidines derivatives. Keeping in mind their practical importance in different biological applications, the understanding of the crystal structure in terms...
Application of a Multifunctional Liquid Crystal Material in Colorful PEDOT:PSS/Si Heterojunction Solar Cells
Authors: Zhou Zheng , Chen Shibo , Shen Yingming , Wang Juan , Zhang Guijun , Shi Yang , Wu Haixia , Luo Jingjing , Cheng Xiaohong , Yu Yang
Published: February 2025

PEDOT:PSS/Si heterojunction solar cells (HSCs) with simple preparation process and low production costs has attracted a lot of attention. The adjustable color and good stability of devices will greatly expand...
Photoinduced synthesis of functionalized spiro[2.3]hexane via an additive-free approach
Authors: Qi Dan , Bai Jinrui , Yao Yue , Liu Chao
Published: February 2025

A general green protocol for the synthesis of spiro[2.3]hexane avoiding the use of harmful and toxic reagents is described.
Supramolecular multicolor fluorescent hydrogels with a single fluorescent group based on host-guest Interaction
Authors: Jiang Shunli , Chen Xinglin , Geng Ping , Han Huijing , Xie Meiran , Liao Xiaojuan
Published: February 2025

Herein, a new type of supramolecular cross-linker was successfully constructed through host-guest interaction between the cationic pillar[5]arene and sulfonate functionalized acrylate, leading to the formation of supramolecular polymeric hydrogel using...