bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nonconsumptive effects of the predator Hippodamia convergens reduce probing behavior of Diaphorina citri on Citrus sinensis
Authors: Antolínez Carlos A. , Szejbak Krzysztof , Rivera Monique J.
Published: February 2025

Nonconsumptive effects (NCEs) impact predator–prey interactions when the presence of a predator affects behavior, physiology, or population dynamics of the prey species without resulting in consumption. NCEs are critical to understanding ecological interactions broadly and in an applied manner, when addressing the efficacy of biological control within agroecosystems. In this study, we explore the impact of cues from the predator, Hippodamia convergens Guérin‐Méneville (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), on the probing and feeding behavior of Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Psyllidae), the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), which transmits the causal bacteria of Huanglongbing (HLB) disease of citrus (Rutaceae). Due to wide‐spread HLB incidence and insecticide resistance, it has become critical to better understand the activity of biological control agents within the HLB–ACP pathosystem. Utilizing electropenetrography (EPG), we investigated the feeding behavior of ACP exposed to the predator H. convergens or exposed to the chemical trails H. convergens produce while foraging. Overall, ACP detected H. convergens cues and responded by avoiding probing, although the extent of this response varied depending on the type of cue perceived. When H. convergens was present in the leaf but unable to reach the psyllid, ACP were slower to initiate probing and spent less time overall on probing and feeding from the xylem. In contrast, when exposed to H. convergens foraging cues without the beetle present, ACP initiated probing quicker than when the beetle was present and had a shorter total probing time compared to the control, with no other parameters being affected. Interestingly, the H. convergens chemical trail extracts, at two dosages, did not significantly influence ACP probing and feeding, except for a lower proportion of salivation and ingestion events into the phloem at the lower test dose. Our results suggest ACP exhibits avoidance behaviors in response to H. convergens cues, leading to a reduction in feeding, which suggests the maintenance of agroecosystem health through preservation of insect community diversity may be overlooked as an additive factor in vector management.
RING dimerisation drives higher‐order organisation of SINA/SIAH E3 ubiquitin ligases
Authors: Coste Franck , Mishra Aanchal , Chapuis Catherine , Mance Lucija , Pukało Zofia , Bigot Nicolas , Goffinont Stéphane , Gaudon Virginie , Garnier Norbert , Talhaoui Ibtissam , Castaing Bertrand , Huet Sebastien , Suskiewicz Marcin J.
Published: February 2025

RING‐type E3 ubiquitin ligases promote ubiquitylation by stabilising an active complex between a ubiquitin‐loaded E2‐conjugating enzyme and a protein substrate. To fulfil this function, the E3 ubiquitin‐protein ligase SIAH1 and other SINA/SIAH subfamily RING‐type E3 ligases employ an N‐terminal catalytic RING domain and a C‐terminal substrate‐binding domain (SBD), separated by two zinc fingers. Here, we present the first crystal structure of the RING domain of human SIAH1, together with an adjacent zinc finger, revealing a potential RING dimer, which was validated in solution using static light scattering. RING dimerisation contributes to the E3 ligase activity of SIAH1 both in vitro and in cells. Moreover, as the RING domain is the second element, after the SBD, to independently favour homodimerisation within SINA/SIAH E3 ligases, we propose that alternating RING:RING and SBD:SBD interactions organise multiple copies of a SINA/SIAH protein into a higher‐order homomultimer. In line with this hypothesis, fluorescently tagged full‐length human SIAH1, human SIAH2 and fruit fly SINA show cytoplasmic clusters in human cells, whereas their distribution becomes more diffuse when RING dimerisation is disabled. The wild‐type (WT) form of SIAH1, but not its RING dimerisation mutant, colocalises with aggregated synphilin‐1A under proteasomal inhibition, suggesting that SIAH1 multimerisation might contribute to its reported preference for aggregated or multimeric substrates.
Examining Discussion Networks of a Nonviolent Immigrant Religious Group: How Individual Attitudes and Behaviours Influence Tie Formation
Authors: Massey Zachary B. , Lee Sun Kyong
Published: February 2025

This study used social network analysis to examine discussion networks within an immigrant religious organization consistent with a nonviolent ideological group. Specifically, participants from a Vietnamese Buddhist monastery listed members with whom they discussed religious issues and whom they perceived influential, and members’ attitudes and behaviours towards nonviolence were measured. A valued exponential random graph modelling examined whether individual attributes (i.e., attitudes and behaviours) explained discussion tie formation and its intensity above and beyond the network structural effects. Results showed that members with more positive attitudes towards vegetarianism and those who practiced vegetarianism strictly were more likely to form strong ties with other members. An alternative model of social selection based on attitude and behavioural homophily was tested but did not have a better goodness of fit. Research findings inform future research investigating social influence and social selection within immigrant religious groups by testing different network mechanisms.
Data‐driven robust multiproduct pricing with fairness concerns
Authors: Wang Zude , Wu Yuwei , Chen Caihua , Li Min
Published: February 2025

Due to the prevalence of data‐driven pricing, managers are more capable of customizing prices for different people, times, and places. This raises doubts about the robustness and the fairness of those automatic pricing programs. Therefore, this paper investigates a data‐driven pricing approach where robustness and fairness are automatically triggered. For this pricing problem, we present a distributionally robust optimization model with the Wasserstein ambiguity set and a novel price fairness constraint. Furthermore, the model is extended to accommodate a two‐period setting. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that considers such a combination. To solve this problem more efficiently, we develop an alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM) based algorithm by utilizing the separable structure of this pricing model. The numerical results using simulated and real data show that the ADMM‐based algorithm is significantly faster than the state‐of‐the‐art commercial solver GUROBI. Finally, we demonstrate the benefits of our approach in enhancing revenue, robustness, and fairness for pricing strategy under demand uncertainty.
Development and Validation of Healthy and Unhealthy Plant‐Based Diet Propensity Scores in European Children, Adolescents and Adults From the I.Family Study
Authors: Masip Guiomar , Goerdten Jantje , Asif Tooba , Hebestreit Antje , Hunsberger Monica , Lissner Lauren , Molnar Denes , Pala Valeria , Russo Paola , Tornaritis Michael , Veidebaum Toomas , Wolters Maike , Moreno Luis A. , Bogl Leonie H.
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Plant‐based dietary patterns may reduce the risk of chronic diseases, but their benefits and risks in younger populations remain unclear due to variations in diet quality and nutrient adequacy. Robust tools to assess adherence to these patterns are essential. The aim of this study was to develop and validate three plant‐based diet propensity (PBDP) scores – overall, healthy and unhealthy – to capture plant‐based dietary patterns and assess their associations with nutrient intakes and health indicators in children, adolescents and adults.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study of children, adolescents and adults used data from the I.Family study (n = 15,780 participants) from eight European countries. Dietary intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. The overall PBDP score was constructed by categorising all plant‐based food groups as positive and animal‐based food groups as negative. The healthy PBDP emphasised healthy plant‐based food groups, whereas the unhealthy PBDP emphasised less healthy plant‐based food groups. Validity was assessed through correlations with nutrient intakes and comparison across demographic groups. Associations with health indicators were also analysed.

Results

PBDP scores showed expected associations with nutrient intakes. Higher overall and healthy PBDP scores were observed in females, adults, individuals with higher parental educational levels and those from Belgium and Spain. The healthy PBDP score was associated with higher HDL cholesterol, improved bone stiffness and lower triglycerides. The unhealthy PBDP score was associated with lower HDL cholesterol in adults, but not in children or adolescents.

Conclusion

PBDP scores describe plant‐based dietary patterns across demographic groups and are valid and reliable in adults. The findings highlight challenges in assessing dietary patterns in children and adolescents. Future research should address these challenges to enhance the validity of PBDP scores in younger populations and further explore their potential in guiding dietary recommendations across all age groups.
Discrimination Faced by Male Nurses and Male Midwives: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Synthesis
Authors: Wong Melanie Li Ling , Koh Siew Lin Serena , Teo Wei Zhou , Eng Kok Wee , Shorey Shefaly
Published: February 2025

Aim

To consolidate and appraise available evidence on the experiences and perceptions of male nurses and male midwives facing discrimination.

Design

Qualitative systematic review. This review was informed by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA).

Methods

The Critical Appraisal Skills Program checklist was used to appraise included articles, and extracted data were meta‐summarised and meta‐synthesised using Sandelowski and Barroso's two‐step approach.

Data Sources

PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, ProQuest (Dissertations and Theses Global) and ClinicalTrials.gov were sourced from the inception to December 2022.

Results

A total of 21 studies were included, involving 283 male nurses and 11 male midwives. Four themes were identified during the meta‐synthesis: (1) It's a ‘women's world’, (2) discrimination within and beyond the workplace, (3) stereotypes and labels and (4) the silver lining.

Conclusion

This review offered male nurses' and male midwives' perspectives on discrimination faced in nursing. There is a need to ensure gender equality in the nursing profession by reinforcing the importance and value of employing men in this profession.

Implications

Future research should focus on examining the experiences of male nursing students and other healthcare stakeholders to understand discrimination faced by men in nursing from varied geographical and cultural backgrounds. The findings may provide helpful insights for planning supportive interventions, institutional adjustments, legislative changes, educational initiatives and research that benefit male nurses and male midwives.

Impact

This qualitative systematic review consolidated and meta‐synthesised the available evidence on male nurses' and male midwives' experiences of discrimination. These findings contribute to the understanding of male nurses and male midwives as a gender minority and the need for greater gender equality.

Reporting Method

PRISMA.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
What's the difference between human‐written manuscripts versus ChatGPT‐generated manuscripts involving “human touch”?
Authors: Matsubara Shigeki , Matsubara Daisuke
Published: February 2025

Aim

To determine whether ChatGPT generates a manuscript with a “human touch” with appropriate inputs, and if yes, what's the difference between human writing versus ChatGPT writing. This is because the presence or absence of human touch may characterize human writing.

Methods

A descriptive study. The first author wrote a Disagreement Letter (Letter 1). Then, disagreement points and “human touch” were provided as input into ChatGPT‐4 and tasked with generating a Letter (Letter 2). The authors, seven experienced researchers, and ChatGPT evaluated the readability of Letters 1 and 2.

Results

The authors, researchers, and ChatGPT, all reached the same conclusions: the human‐written Letter 1 and the ChatGPT‐generated Letter 2 had similar readability and similarly involved human touch. Some researchers and ChatGPT recognized slight differences in formal or informal and personal or nonpersonal tones between them, which they considered may not affect paper acceptance.

Conclusions

Human touch is not humans' exclusive possession. The distinction between the human writing versus ChatGPT writing is considered to be present not in the output (manuscript) but in the process of writing, that is, the presence or absence of a joy of writing. Artificial intelligence should aid in enhancing, or at the very least, not impede the human joy. This discussion deserves ongoing exploration.
A Comparative Analysis of Three Large Language Models on Bruxism Knowledge
Authors: Camargo Elisa Souza , Quadras Isabella Christina Costa , Garanhani Roberto Ramos , de Araujo Cristiano Miranda , Stuginski‐Barbosa Juliana
Published: February 2025

Background

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been widely used in health research, but the effectiveness of large language models (LLMs) in providing accurate information on bruxism has not yet been evaluated.

Objectives

To assess the readability, accuracy and consistency of three LLMs in responding to frequently asked questions about bruxism.

Methods

This cross‐sectional observational study utilised the Google Trends tool to identify the 10 most frequent topics about bruxism. Thirty frequently asked questions were selected, which were submitted to ChatGPT‐3.5, ChatGPT‐4 and Gemini at two different times (T1 and T2). The readability was measured using the Flesch Reading Ease (FRE) and Flesch–Kincaid Grade Level (FKG) metrics. The responses were evaluated for accuracy using a three‐point scale, and consistency was verified by comparing responses between T1 and T2. Statistical analysis included ANOVA, chi‐squared tests and Cohen's kappa coefficient considering a p value of 0.5.

Results

In terms of readability, there was no difference in FRE. The Gemini model showed lower FKG scores than the Generative Pretrained Transformer (GPT)‐3.5 and GPT‐4 models. The average accuracy of the responses was 68.33% for GPT‐3.5, 65% for GPT‐4 and 55% for Gemini, with no significant differences between the models (p = 0.290). Consistency was substantial for all models, with the highest being in GPT‐3.5 (95%). The three LLMs demonstrated substantial agreement between T1 and T2.

Conclusion

Gemini's responses were potentially more accessible to a broader patient population. LLMs demonstrated substantial consistency and moderate accuracy, indicating that these tools should not replace professional dental guidance.
Dynamics of soil properties and pathogen levels in Pacific white shrimp ponds during a production cycle: Implications for aquaculture management
Authors: Chainark Suwanit , Sumetlux Vanida , Chainark Pitchaya
Published: February 2025

This study examines the temporal and spatial variations in soil properties and microbial populations in Pacific white shrimp ponds throughout a production cycle in Phuket Province, southern Thailand, aiming to refine shrimp farming methodologies and enhance pond soil management. We collected soil samples from four ponds across two aquaculture sites at six different stages of the production cycle—Before Sediment Flushing (BSF), After Sediment Flushing (ASF), and during each month of the four‐month cycle (M1 to M4). These samples were analyzed from both central and peripheral pond zones at three soil depths (0–5 cm, 5–10 cm, and 10–15 cm). The results indicated negligible variation in soil characteristics and microbial loads across all stages. Nevertheless, a significant finding was the fluctuation in levels of easily decomposable organic matter (EDOM), which is critical for maintaining soil and water quality and affects both shrimp growth and disease incidence. EDOM levels decreased to their lowest after ASF, then progressively increased, reaching a peak at M4 (p < 0.05). The study suggests that effective sediment flushing post‐cultivation not only mitigates the accumulation of deleterious residues, but also reduces the necessity for prolonged pond desiccation, thereby offering a sustainable strategy to maintain the ecological balance of shrimp ponds over successive farming cycles.
Descriptive representation on K street: Race and gender among federal lobbyists
Authors: Egerod Benjamin C. K. , Hassell Hans J. G. , McCrain Josh , Miller David R.
Published: February 2025

We provide evidence that there are substantial racial and gender gaps among lobbyists. These gender and racial differences are also greater among conservative leaning groups. However, we show, these gaps are decreasing over time. Does demand for minority and female lobbyists play a role in these trends? Although previous work has highlighted the relative scarcity of women and minorities in positions leading to the lobbyist profession (supply), we know less about whether interest groups are interested in hiring qualified women and minorities for such positions (demand). Using a conjoint experiment embedded in a survey of individuals involved in hiring lobbyists, we find greater demand for female and minority lobbyists than for their male and White counterparts, especially among ideological liberals. Our work shows that the lobbying industry does not appear to discount the candidacies of potential female and minority lobbyists.
Polar Coordinates for the 3/2 Stochastic Volatility Model
Authors: Nekoranik Paul
Published: February 2025

The 3/2 stochastic volatility model is a continuous positive process s with a correlated infinitesimal variance process . The exact definition is provided in the Introduction immediately below. By inspecting the geometry associated with this model, we discover an explicit smooth map from to the punctured plane for which the process satisfies an SDE of a simpler form, with independent Brownian motions and the identity matrix as diffusion coefficient. Moreover, is recoverable from the path by a map that depends only on the distance of from the origin and the winding angle around the origin of . We call the process together with its map to the polar coordinate system for the 3/2 model. We demonstrate the utility of the polar coordinate system by using it to write this model's asymptotic smile for all strikes at t = 0. We also state a general theorem on obstructions to the existence of a map that trivializes the infinitesimal covariance matrix of a stochastic volatility model.
Systemic Robustness: A Mean‐Field Particle System Approach
Authors: Bayraktar Erhan , Guo Gaoyue , Tang Wenpin , Zhang Yuming Paul
Published: February 2025

This paper is concerned with the problem of capital provision in a large particle system modeled by stochastic differential equations involving hitting times, which arises from considerations of systemic risk in a financial network. Motivated by Tang and Tsai, we focus on the number or proportion of surviving entities that never default to measure the systemic robustness. First we show that the mean‐field particle system and its limit McKean–Vlasov equation are both well‐posed by virtue of the notion of minimal solutions. We then establish a connection between the proportion of surviving entities in the large particle system and the probability of default in the McKean–Vlasov equation as the size of the interacting particle system tends to infinity. Finally, we study the asymptotic efficiency of capital provision for different drift , which is linked to the economy regime: The expected number of surviving entities has a uniform upper bound if ; it is of order if ; and it is of order if , where the effect of capital provision is negligible.
Remote Regulation by VirB, the Transcriptional Anti‐Silencer of Shigella Virulence Genes, Provides Mechanistic Information
Authors: Cris Cody , Karney Monika M. A. , Rosen Juniper S. , Karabachev Alexander D. , Huezo Elizabeth N. , Wing Helen J.
Published: February 2025

Classical models of bacterial transcription show regulators binding close to promoter elements to exert their effect. However, the scope for long‐range regulation exists, especially by nucleoid structuring proteins, like H‐NS. Here, long‐range regulation by VirB, a transcriptional regulator that alleviates H‐NS‐mediated silencing of key virulence genes in Shigella species, is explored in vivo to test the limits of long‐range regulation and provide further mechanistic insight. VirB‐dependent regulation of the well‐characterized icsP promoter persists if its cognate site is repositioned 1 kb, 3.3 kb, and even 4.7 kb further upstream than its native position in a plasmid reporter. VirB‐dependent regulation diminishes with binding site distance. While increasing cellular VirB pools elevated promoter activity in all constructs with wild‐type VirB binding sites, it did not generate a disproportionate increase in promoter activity from remote sites relative to the native site. Since VirB occludes a constitutively active promoter (PT5) when docked adjacent to its −35 element, we next moved the VirB binding site far outside the promoter region. We discovered that VirB still interfered with promoter activity. These findings and those generated from molecular roadblocks engineered around a distally located VirB‐binding site are reconciled with the various models of transcriptional regulation by VirB.
A new combination for an endangered species of Schwannia (Malpighiaceae) endemic to the Atlantic Forest, Brazil
Authors: Almeida Rafael Felipe de , Pellegrini Marco O. O.
Published: February 2025

Schwannia was recently reestablished and circumscribed to include most of the species previously included in the non‐monophyletic Janusia s.lat. The recently published Janusia longibracteolata Amorim & R.Sebast. clearly matches the morphology of Schwannia due to its enantiostylous flowers, petal margin long‐fimbriate, 6 fertile stamens, and curved style. Thus, we provide the necessary new combination, assess the species' conservation status, and provide an identification key for all species of Schwannia. With the present new combination, Schwannia includes 14 accepted species of scandent shrubs or lianas endemic to rainforests, savannas, and seasonally dry tropical forests of Bolivia, Brazil, and Paraguay.
Fish modulate how connectivity and local factors shape food webs of permanent ponds
Authors: Gobel Noelia , Laufer Gabriel , Kacevas Nadia , Cortizas Sofía , Pais Joaquín , Arim Matías , González-Bergonzoni Ivan
Published: February 2025

The propagation of metacommunity processes through local trophic interactions has seldom been explored, particularly in empirical studies. This study examines how local environmental conditions and metacommunity connectivity influence community assembly and food web structure in pondscapes. We survey taxonomic richness, abundance and isotopic niches across multiple assemblage, including zooplankton, macroinvertebrates, tadpoles, turtles and fish. A gradient in the composition of the pond community representing the dominance of fish or other taxa and another gradient associated with macroinvertebrate diversity were evidenced. Pond size and connectivity promoted fish richness and abundance, representing the main path through which metacommunity processes cascade down within communities, determining the assembly of the whole system. The dominance of fish was associated with large food chains, a reduction in both the food web width and the trophic spacing. Local conditions such as macrophyte coverage and pond size modulate the strength of these fish effects, determining the representation of macroinvertebrates and amphibians. Consequently, the effects of pond connectivity on community assembly may result as a consequence of isolation's influence on top predators' performance, rather than by the direct effect of dispersal on different species, as is usually assumed. Metacommunity theory has highlighted the direct effect of dispersal on species performance and diversity. Our study highlights the indirect influence of landscape mediated by keystone species, which connect metacommunity dispersal with local community processes more than previously thought.
Fundamentals of System Design for Cardiac Pulsed Field Ablation: Optimization of Safety, Efficacy, and Usability
Authors: Koop Brendan
Published: February 2025

The goal of a cardiac pulsed field ablation (PFA) system is to provide safe, effective, and usable therapy for the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias. Achieving this goal is a complex exercise in system design, requiring optimization of catheter, waveform, and dosing. This optimization is often iterative, as myriad design factors are balanced to achieve the goal while making use of computational modeling, bench testing, preclinical animal studies, and human clinical studies to evaluate system performance. It is important for both engineers and clinicians to understand the fundamentals of cardiac PFA system design in order to partner to continuously improve performance of this expanding ablation modality.
Painful Left Bundle Branch Block Syndrome: A Systematic Review of Treatment Strategies in Case Reports
Authors: Silva Rodrigo Rufino Pereira , Magalhães Carolina Jerônimo , da Silva Caio Correia , Neto José Nunes de Alencar
Published: February 2025

Background

Painful left bundle branch block (PLBBB) syndrome remains a poorly understood cardiac anomaly. This systematic review consolidates case report evidence to elucidate effective management strategies and patient outcomes.

Methods

Databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Scielo were searched without restrictions on language or publication date. Following PRISMA guidelines, 128 articles were identified, with 31 meeting inclusion criteria. Data were extracted on patient demographics, clinical presentation, treatment regimens, and outcomes using Microsoft Excel and assessed for bias with the Joanna Briggs Institute's tool.

Results

The analysis included 45 patients with a mean age of 55.46 ± 12.23. Predominantly, LBBB episodes occurred during exercise (73.3%). Initial treatments comprised beta‐blockers/calcium channel blockers (55.56%), pacemaker implantation (13.3%), antianginal medications (13.3%), and other modalities (17.7%). Refractoriness to initial treatment was observed in 66.7% of patients, with subsequent pacemaker implantation resolving symptoms in most cases. An overall satisfactory response was seen in 73.3% of patients post‐treatment adjustments.

Conclusions

The diverse approaches in treatment highlight the necessity for tailored therapeutic strategies. While pacemakers have demonstrated efficacy in controlling symptoms in several reported cases, it is essential to recognize the complex nature of this intervention. Pacemaker implantation, being a surgical procedure, carries long‐lasting implications for patients. Hence, the continuation of pharmacological treatments might still be preferable until more definitive research is available. This review emphasizes the urgent need for further research to establish evidence‐based guidelines, particularly concerning the selection of first line of treatment, to optimize outcomes for PLBBB syndrome.
Can self‐compassion mitigate the negative consequences of insecure attachment on the incidence of self‐harm in young adults? The relationship between self‐harm, attachment and self‐compassion
Authors: Lichvárová Petra , Šoková Bronislava , Linderová Nina
Published: February 2025

Introduction

This study explores self‐compassion as a mediator in the relationship between attachment and self‐harm. Self‐harm represents a maladaptive coping strategy, meanwhile suicidal self‐harm is the third most common cause of premature death among young people worldwide. Therefore, it is necessary to expand research on self‐harm and explore potential protective factors. Our main research hypothesis was that self‐compassion mediates the relationship between attachment and self‐harm based on the empirical and theoretical evidence presented.

Method

Four hundred and two participants recruited online completed a questionnaire consisting of scales measuring self‐harming behaviour, adult attachment and self‐compassion.

Results

We found that both attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance positively predict self‐harm and negatively predict self‐compassion. The results also revealed that self‐compassion negatively predicts self‐harm and mediates the relationship between self‐harm and both anxious and avoidant attachment.

Conclusion

We believe that this paper creates further ground for future research on protective factors involved in the dynamics of self‐harm and has the potential to provide interesting findings for professionals working with insecurely attached self‐harming clients.
Rubinstein–Taybi Syndrome With Severe Eczema, Recurrent Infections, and Hyper IgE Profile Responsive to Dupilumab Treatment
Authors: Nanda Arti , Al Rushood Maysoun , Tawfeek Waguih W. , AlLafi Atlal
Published: February 2025

Rubinstein–Taybi syndrome (RTS) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder characterized by post‐natal growth retardation, facial dysmorphism, large thumbs and halluces, and intellectual deficits. RTS has a broad phenotypic spectrum including cardiac, genitourinary, digestive, ear, nose and throat, and skin manifestations. Patients also have an increased risk of severe infections, developing benign tumors, and immunological abnormalities suggesting primary immunodeficiencies. We report a case of RTS with severe recalcitrant eczema, recurrent skin and chest infections, food allergies associated with a hyper‐IgE profile, and other immunological abnormalities, who had a significant response to dupilumab.
Constitutional Mismatch Repair Deficiency: Scoping Review of a Cancer‐Predisposition Syndrome With Distinctive Cutaneous Findings
Authors: Mar Kristie , Ameri Kimia , Lam Joseph M.
Published: February 2025

Constitutional mismatch repair deficiency (CMMRD) is a rare but severe hereditary cancer predisposition syndrome caused by biallelic pathogenic variants in one of the mismatch repair genes (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, or PMS2). The condition mainly presents in childhood, with cancers primarily affecting the hematological, brain, and gastrointestinal systems, along with cutaneous features typical of neurofibromatosis type 1. This scoping review aims to explore the clinical characteristics of CMMRD. A systematic search of medical databases resulted in the inclusion of 127 articles. PMS2 is the most affected gene, followed by MSH6, MLH1, and MSH2. Blood and brain malignancies occur in early childhood for all genetic variants, with the age of onset progressively decreasing from PMS2 to MSH6, to MLH1 and MSH2. Gastrointestinal tumors typically present in late adolescence in individuals with PMS2 variants, at slightly younger ages in those with MSH6 variants, and are rarely reported in MLH1 and MSH2 cases. Patients with CMMRD present with café‐au‐lait macules that are fewer in number and larger than in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1. Additional dermatological findings include hypopigmented patches and intertriginous freckling. PMS2 and MSH6 pathogenic variants are linked to the broadest spectrum of cutaneous manifestations, including vascular tumors, various nevi, and pilomatricomas. Despite its rarity and diverse clinical manifestations, advancements in diagnostic criteria, genetic testing, and surveillance protocols have significantly improved survival rates and cancer management in CMMRD patients.
Chilling induces prompt and synchronised hatching after obligatory diapause in the subtropical cricket Cardiodactylus guttulus
Authors: Takekata Hiroki , Satomura Kazuhiro , Ogura Atsushi , Takemura Akihiro
Published: February 2025

Cardiodactylus guttulus is a subtropical cricket endemic to the Ryukyu Islands. C. guttulus has a univoltine life cycle with an obligatory diapause in embryos during winter. An environmental time cue(s) is required to terminate diapause and synchronise the life cycle with the seasonal cycle. In several temperate crickets, chilling terminates embryonic diapause and induces prompt and synchronised hatching. In the present study, by observing the day of hatching after chilling, we investigated whether C. guttulus terminates embryonic diapause with reference to temperature as shown in temperate crickets. After chilling at 16°C, the hatching rates to day 120 after oviposition increased compared to the control maintained at 25°C without chilling. When the chilling treatment lasted more than 30 days, hatching occurred synchronously, showing that chilling at 16°C for 1 month is sufficient to terminate diapause and induce synchronised hatching in C. guttulus. In addition, longer exposure to 16°C was associated with shorter days of transfer from 16 to 25°C to hatching. This result suggests that embryogenesis post‐diapause progressed slowly during chilling. These characteristics would be adaptive to warm winters in subtropical regions.
Fruitless or Fruitful? Examining Ghana's Agricultural Inputs Subsidy and Household Welfare
Authors: Asante Bright Owusu , Prah Stephen , Ankrah Daniel Adu , Kwapong Nana Afranaa
Published: February 2025

There are mixed accounts of the impact of government input subsidies on farmers welfare outcomes in the global south with political colorations, which often tend to exaggerate outcomes. Ghana's Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) programme phase 1, promised to be revolutionary in attaining the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)‐2 of ending hunger. However, the programme received criticisms with mixed sentiments within the political circle and policy arena, with scarce evidence in the extant literature. Using cross sectional data collected from 1107 maize farmers, we find that participating in the PFJ increases maize yield by 454.90 kg/ha, gross income by US$ 171.74 and per capita consumption by US$ 0.43. Our findings show that the adoption of only fertilizer increases maize yield significantly by 1609.2 kg/ha, gross maize income by $332, and improves per capita consumption significantly by $1.22. Participating in the PFJ programme is influenced by age, gender, marital status, education, farm size, credit, pests and diseases, market access, farm distance, radio, political affiliation, and the perception of timely supply of seeds and fertilizers. Our results suggest that adopting multiple combinations of packages remain financially viable. The choice of combinations of interventions is significantly influenced by socioeconomic and institutional factors. We suggest that agricultural extension and advisory services target efforts to address structural challenges relating to land ownership, credit access, market access, pests, and diseases to improve welfare outcomes. The study highlights the need to expand and sustain the PFJ programme to have a maximum impact on maize production, income generation, and household consumption.
Identification and characterization of DICER‐LIKE genes and their roles in Marchantia polymorpha development and salt stress response
Authors: Csicsely Erika , Oberender Anja , Georgiadou Anastasia‐Styliani , Alz Johanna , Kiel Sebastian , Gutsche Nora , Zachgo Sabine , Grünert Jennifer , Klingl Andreas , Top Oguz , Frank Wolfgang
Published: February 2025

DICER‐LIKE (DCL) proteins play a central role in plant small RNA (sRNA) biogenesis. The genome of the early land plant Marchantia polymorpha encodes four DCL proteins: MpDCL1a, MpDCL1b, MpDCL3, and MpDCL4. While MpDCL1a, MpDCL3 and MpDCL4 show high similarities to their orthologs in Physcomitrium patens and Arabidopsis thaliana, MpDCL1b shares only a limited homology with PpDCL1b, but it is very similar, in terms of functional domains, to orthologs in other moss and fern species. We generated Mpdclge mutant lines for all MpDCL genes with the CRISPR/Cas9 system and conducted phenotypic analyses under control, salt stress, and phytohormone treatments to uncover specific MpDCL functions. The mutants displayed severe developmental aberrations, altered responses to salt and phytohormones, and disturbed sexual organ development. By combining mRNA and sRNA analyses, we demonstrate that MpDCLs and their associated sRNAs play pivotal roles in regulating development, abiotic stress tolerance and phytohormone response in M. polymorpha. We identified MpDCL1a in microRNA biogenesis, MpDCL4 in trans‐acting small interfering RNA generation, and MpDCL3 in the regulation of pathogen‐related genes. Notably, salt sensitivity in M. polymorpha is dependent on MpDCL1b and Mpdcl1bge mutants display enhanced tolerance and reduced miRNA expression in response to salt stress. We propose that M. polymorpha employs specific mechanisms for regulating MpDCL1b associated miRNAs under high salinity conditions, potentially shared with other species harboring MpDCL1b homologs.
Multi‐omics analysis reveals the allelic variation in JrWDRC2A9 and JrGPIAP conferring resistance against anthracnose (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides) in walnut (Juglans regia)
Authors: Gong Andi , Dong Yuhui , Xu Shengyi , Mu Yutian , Li Xichen , Li Chunyu , Liang Qiang , Liu Jian Ning , Wang Changxi , Yang Ke Qiang , Fang Hongcheng
Published: February 2025

Walnut anthracnose induced by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides is a devastating disease that seriously threatens walnut cultivation. Screening novel resistance genes and exploring the molecular mechanisms are essential for disease‐resistant genetic improvement of walnut. We conducted a genome‐wide association studies of disease resistance traits based on the relative resistance index and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) obtained from 182 resequenced walnut accessions and 10 loci and corresponding candidate genes associated with resistance against C. gloeosporioides were identified. Then, through combined transcriptome analysis during C. gloeosporioides infection and qRT‐PCR, we identified JrWDRC2A9 in SNP Chr13_36265784 loci and JrGPIAP in SNP Chr07_10106470 loci as two walnut anthracnose resistance genes. The validation of the disease resistance function of transgenic strains indicated that both JrWDRC2A9 and JrGPIAP promote walnut resistance to anthracnose. SNP Chr13_36265784 (A>G) is located in the coding region of JrWDRC2A9 causing a glutamine (JrWDRC2A9HapI) to arginine (JrWDRC2A9HapII). Allelic variation in the WD domain attenuates JrWDRC2A9‐mediated resistance against C. gloeosporioides and the binding affinity of JrWDRC2A9 for JrTLP1. On the contrary, the allelic variation caused by SNP Chr07_10106470 (T>G) increased the walnut accessions resistance to C. gloeosporioides by promoting the expression level of JrGPIAP. Functional genomics revealed that JrGPIAP binds to the promoter of JrPR1L and activates its transcription, which is strengthened by the interaction between JrGPIAP and JrEMP24. These findings reveal the allelic variation in JrWDRC2A9 and JrGPIAP conferring resistance against C. gloeosporioides, providing a genetic basis for walnut disease resistance breeding in the future.
Genomic insights into drought adaptation of the forage shrub Caragana korshinskii (Fabaceae) widely planted in drylands
Authors: Mei Fengyuan , Yang Tianrui , Chao Haoyu , Ma Xiaohui , Wu Jingjing , Yang Qi , Ren Guangpeng , Song Li , Wang Qian , Qi Liwang , Fu Xinxing , Gegentu  , Gao Cuiping , Wang Ruigang , Chen Ming , Fang Xiangwen , Liu Jianquan , Li Guojing , Wu Shengdan
Published: February 2025

The Korshinsk peashrub (Caragana korshinskii), known for its exceptional drought tolerance, is widely cultivated in arid and semi‐arid regions for vegetation restoration and as a vital forage plant. To elucidate the genomic basis of its drought tolerance, we generated a chromosomal‐scale genome sequence of C. korshinskii. Our synteny analysis disputes the previously hypothesized genus‐specific whole‐genome duplication event, as suggested by earlier transcriptome study of this species and its congeners. We identified that tandem duplications were critical for the expansion of gene families, such as early light‐induced protein, heat shock protein 100, and Dehydrin, which are involved in cellular protection processes. These expansions are likely pivotal to the superior drought tolerance observed in C. korshinskii, as evidenced by the elevated gene expression of these genes under drought conditions. Furthermore, overexpression studies of seven tandemly duplicated DHN genes revealed a substantial enhancement in drought survival rates of seedlings, likely attributable to increased gene dosage effects. Conversely, gene silencing via virus‐induced gene silencing demonstrated opposing effects. Additionally, we have established the CakorDB, a genomic resource database for C. korshinskii (https://bis.zju.edu.cn/cakordb/), accessible freely to the scientific community. Collectively, our study not only provides a valuable genomic resource for the Korshinsk peashrub but also highlights the genetic adaptations that enable C. korshinskii to thrive in desert environments, positioning its stress‐responsive genes as a valuable genetic reservoir for breeding drought‐resistant crops.
Boosting photosynthesis opens new opportunities for agriculture sustainability and circular economy: The BEST‐CROP research and innovation action
Authors: Pesaresi Paolo , Bono Pierre , Corn Stephane , Crosatti Cristina , Daniotti Sara , Jensen Jens Due , Frébort Ivo , Groli Eder , Halpin Claire , Hansson Mats , Hensel Goetz , Horner David S. , Houston Kelly , Jahoor Ahmed , Klíma Miloš , Kollist Hannes , Lacoste Clément , Laidoudi Boubker , Larocca Susanna , Marè Caterina , Moigne Nicolas Le , Mizzotti Chiara , Morosinotto Tomas , Oldach Klaus , Rossini Laura , Raubach Sebastian , Sanchez‐Garcia Miguel , Shaw Paul D. , Sonnier Rodolphe , Tondelli Alessandro , Waugh Robbie , Weber Andreas P.M. , Yarmolinsky Dmitry , Zeni Alessandro , Cattivelli Luigi
Published: February 2025

There is a need for ground‐breaking technologies to boost crop yield, both grains and biomass, and their processing into economically competitive materials. Novel cereals with enhanced photosynthesis and assimilation of greenhouse gasses, such as carbon dioxide and ozone, and tailored straw suitable for industrial manufacturing, open a new perspective for the circular economy. Here we describe the vision, strategies, and objectives of BEST‐CROP, a Horizon‐Europe and United Kingdom Research and Innovation (UKRI) funded project that relies on an alliance of academic plant scientists teaming up with plant breeding companies and straw processing companies to use the major advances in photosynthetic knowledge to improve barley biomass and to exploit the variability of barley straw quality and composition. We adopt the most promising strategies to improve the photosynthetic properties and ozone assimilation capacity of barley: (i) tuning leaf chlorophyll content and modifying canopy architecture; (ii) increasing the kinetics of photosynthetic responses to changes in irradiance; (iii) introducing photorespiration bypasses; (iv) modulating stomatal opening, thus increasing the rate of carbon dioxide fixation and ozone assimilation. We expect that by improving our targeted traits we will achieve increases in aboveground total biomass production without modification of the harvest index, with added benefits in sustainability via better resource‐use efficiency of water and nitrogen. In parallel, the resulting barley straw is tailored to: (i) increase straw protein content to make it suitable for the development of alternative biolubricants and feed sources; (ii) control cellulose/lignin contents and lignin properties to develop straw‐based construction panels and polymer composites. Overall, by exploiting natural‐ and induced‐genetic variability as well as gene editing and transgenic engineering, BEST‐CROP will lead to multi‐purpose next generation barley cultivars supporting sustainable agriculture and capable of straw‐based applications.
An observation on the existence of stable generalized complex structures on ruled surfaces
Authors: Torres Rafael
Published: February 2025

We point out that any stable generalized complex structure on a sphere bundle over a closed surface of genus at least two must be of constant type.
Webb's conjecture and generalised Harish‐Chandra theory
Authors: Rossi Damiano
Published: February 2025

Webb's conjecture states that the orbit space of the Brown complex of a finite group at any given prime is contractible. This conjecture was proved by Symonds in 1998. In this paper, we suggest a generalisation of Webb's conjecture for finite reductive groups. This is done by associating to each irreducible character a new simplicial complex defined in terms of Deligne–Lusztig theory. We then show that our conjecture follows from a condition, called (‐HC‐conj) below, related to generalised Harish‐Chandra theory. In particular, using earlier results of the author, we prove our conjecture and recover Symonds result for finite reductive groups under mild restrictions on the prime . Finally, we show that the condition (‐HC‐conj) is implied by the contractibility of the orbit spaces associated to our newly defined complex offering an unexplored topological approach to proving the uniqueness of ‐cuspidal pairs up to conjugation.
In-Process Monitoring of Part Quality in Laser Powder Bed Fusion Additive Manufacturing Process using Acoustic Emission Sensors
Authors: Bevans Benjamin , Riensche Alexander , Carrington Antonio , Deshmukh Kaustubh , Darji Mihir , Plotnikov Yuri , Sions John , Snyder Kyle , Hass Derek , Rao Prahalada
Published: February 2025

In this work, we used in-situ acoustic emission sensors for online monitoring of part quality in laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) additive manufacturing process. Currently, sensors such as thermo-optical imaging cameras and photodiodes are used to observe the laser-material interactions on the top surface of the powder bed. Data from these sensors is subsequently analyzed to detect onset of incipient flaws, e.g., porosity. However, these existing sensing modalities are unable to penetrate beyond the top surface of the powder bed. Consequently, there is a burgeoning need to detect thermal phenomena in the bulk volume of the part buried under the powder, as they are linked to such flaws as support failures, poor surface finish, microstructure heterogeneity, among others. Herein, four passive acoustic emission sensors were installed in the build plate of an EOS M290 LPBF system. Acoustic emission data was acquired during processing of stainless steel 316L samples under differing parameter settings and part design variations. The acoustic emission signals were decomposed using wavelet transforms. Subsequently, to localize the origin of AE signals to specific part features, they were spatially synchronized with infrared thermal images. The resulting spatially localized acoustic emission signatures were statistically correlated (R2 > 85%) to multi-scale aspects of part quality, such as thermal-induced part failures, surface roughness, and solidified microstructure (primary dendritic arm spacing). This work takes a critical step toward in-situ, non-destructive evaluation of multi-scale part quality aspects using acoustic emission sensors.