bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘What Matters, Doctor?’ A Qualitative and Inclusive Study of the Experience of Mainstream Healthcare Among People With Intellectual Disabilities in Belgium
Authors: Miceli A. , Lucassen L. , Rinaldi R. , Van Ooteghem N. , Walter D. , Perau M. , Kahwaji C. , Mayart A. , Batselé E.
Published: February 2025

Background

This study investigates the healthcare needs and experiences of adults with intellectual disabilities, focusing on identifying areas for improvement. Its innovation lies in including individuals with intellectual disabilities as co‐researchers in the research process.

Method

Thematic analysis was performed on five focus groups with 30 participants, exploring access to healthcare. Three co‐researchers played active roles in reviewing the interview, recruitment, facilitation and co‐analysis of results.

Results

Three types of specific needs emerged: communication, relational and support needs, as well as challenges in empowerment and shortcomings in the skills of professionals.

Conclusions

Intervention programmes aimed at training doctors and healthcare professionals should consider the specific difficulties and needs of people with intellectual disability, and their input should be prioritised in the design of these interventions.
Bu Yang Huan Wu Prevents Osteogenic Effect of Muscle‐Derived Stromal Cells via Regulating JAK/STAT Pathway
Authors: Cao Guorui , Zhang Shaoyun , Liao Yuanping , Yue Chen , Yang Lanbo , Guo Jiayi , Tong Peijian , Tan Honglue
Published: February 2025

Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a crucial pathological process in which bone or calcification develop in skeletal muscle and surrounding soft tissues. Muscle‐derived stromal cells (MDSC) are important muscle‐resident mesenchymal progenitor cells and macrophage‐derived oncostatin M (OSM) can induce osteogenic differentiation. Bu Yang Huan Wu (BYHW), which has a long history of use in restraining inflammation, can prevent osteogenic differentiation and HO formation while underlying mechanism is still unclear. The Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) signalling pathway is an important pathway to regulate osteogenic differentiation of related cells. In this study, we investigated whether BYHW could inhibit osteogenesis effect of MDSC through OSM mediated by macrophages, and whether JAK/STAT pathway regulated this biological process. We found that activated macrophages promoted osteogenic differentiation of MDSC through OSM and BYHW could decrease the level of OSM and osteogenic activity of MDSC. Further, we confirmed the regulatory effect of JAK/STAT pathway, blocking this pathway could suppress the level of OSM and osteogenic differentiation of MDSC. We showed that BYHW could suppress osteogenic differentiation of MDSC through JAK/STAT signalling. These findings expand the application scope of traditional Chinese medicine and provide a basis for the further investigation of the potential therapeutic role of HO.
A Scoping Review of the Ways Gatekeepers May Hinder or Promote Opportunities for People With Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities to Learn About Research Participation
Authors: Brodeur Madison , Schwartz Ariel , McDonald Katherine
Published: February 2025

Background

Adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities are disproportionately excluded from participation in research, consequently increasing disparities experienced by this group. Gatekeepers, individuals who control access to research participation opportunities, may either support or pose a barrier to inclusion in research. We sought to understand how gatekeepers serve as supports and barriers to the participation of people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities in research and the factors that may drive their actions. We also sought to identify approaches to interacting with gatekeepers that promoted the sharing of research participation opportunities.

Methods

We conducted a scoping review of manuscripts published between January 2009 and September 2024 describing gatekeeping during recruitment for adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities in social/behavioural research. We conducted content analysis of 22 manuscripts to identify ‘gate opening’ actions (actions that support research participation) and ‘gate closing’ actions (actions that pose a barrier to research participation) at the point of recruitment. We also identified approaches researchers took when interacting with gatekeepers to promote gate opening actions.

Results

Gatekeepers' attitudes (e.g., valuing research) and knowledge about prospective participants were associated with gate opening actions. Gatekeepers' attitudes of mistrust of researchers and/or research, deprioritisation of research and presumed incapacity of people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities to consent to, participate in and/or benefit from research participation were associated with gate closing actions. Gatekeepers' lack of information (e.g., about research and prospective participants) was also associated with gate closing actions. Restrictive organisational policies and gatekeepers' lack of resources (e.g., time) were also associated with gate closing actions. Approaches for interacting with gatekeepers that may foster gate opening actions included: addressing gatekeeper concerns, educating gatekeepers about the benefits of research participation and developing relationships with gatekeepers.

Conclusion

We identified several malleable factors that may drive gate opening and gate closing actions. Enhanced collaboration between researchers and gatekeepers may foster greater opportunities for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities to learn about research opportunities.
Consumers' Sensory Profile and Understanding of Clean‐Label Sausage. An Approach Using Ultra‐Flash Profile and Check‐All‐That‐Apply
Authors: Sbardelotto Paula Rabelo , da Trindade Alfaro Alexandre , Teixeira Alfredo , Mitterer‐Daltoé Marina Leite
Published: February 2025

Clean‐label meat products are trending in the food industry; however, they are little known by consumers. In this context, the present work aims to: (i) assess the sensory characteristics of fresh sausage supplemented with natural additives through the application of ultra‐flash profile (UFP) and (ii) investigate consumers' knowledge of clean‐label meat products using check‐all‐that‐apply (CATA) questions. Fresh sausage formulations were prepared from different concentrations of celery and rosemary extracts with curry. The results showed that different concentrations of these natural additives corresponded to different sensory profiles. The attributes that most effectively distinguish sausages are their red color, flavorful seasoning, juiciness, and spiciness. The results from CATA questions indicate a lack of understanding regarding chemicals and additives in food, as well as about clean‐label. Clean‐label meat sausage appears promising as consumers place a high value on natural additives. The remaining challenge for the meat industry's marketing sector is to establish a connection between natural additives and clean‐label products in the minds of consumers.
Recent Advances in Diagnostics and Therapeutics for Paediatric Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Vanderniet Joel A. , Fuentes‐Bolanos Noemi A. , Cho Yoon Hi , Chung David K. V. , Sandler Gideon , Moghimi Ali , Padhye Bhavna , Tucker Kathy , Anazodo Antoinette , Benitez‐Aguirre Paul Z.
Published: February 2025

Purpose of Review

Paediatric thyroid cancer management traditionally relied on extrapolation from adult data and, despite good survival outcomes, often involved extensive surgical approaches and radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy with potentially life‐long complications. Increasing understanding of paediatric diagnostic techniques, molecular tumour drivers and targeted therapies will allow a more nuanced, disease‐specific comprehensive model of care. This review summarises recent developments in paediatric thyroid cancer biology, diagnosis and models of care.

Methods

Review of relevant literature from the last 5 years to inform a narrative summary by a multidisciplinary team of clinician experts in paediatric thyroid cancer management.

Findings

Standardised risk scoring systems will likely improve the objectivity and accuracy of paediatric thyroid nodule risk stratification on ultrasound, but further studies are needed to validate these. Identification of somatic and germline gene variants is playing a rapidly increasing role in paediatric thyroid cancer diagnosis and planning of surgical approaches and neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapies. There is growing recognition that lobectomy may achieve comparable outcomes, with reduced risk of complications, to total thyroidectomy in patients with low‐risk disease. Molecularly targeted therapies are now available for the management of advanced disease as an adjuvant, and likely neo‐adjuvant, therapy for medical debulking of large tumours and resensitisation of RAI‐resistant disease.

Conclusions

The management pathways for paediatric thyroid cancer are rapidly evolving due to the increasing availability of paediatric‐specific data. As management options become more complex, interdisciplinary collaboration and shared decision‐making are ever more important.
Topical Steroid Withdrawal: An Emerging Challenge in the Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Larney Conor , Courtney Ashling , Yazdabadi Anousha , Su John C.
Published: February 2025

Topical corticosteroids (TCS) have been a cornerstone in managing atopic dermatitis (AD) since their introduction in 1952. Though there are well‐documented adverse effects attributed to their use, the existence of some complications of TCS use, including topical steroid withdrawal (TSW) syndrome, characterised by TCS dependence and skin disease worsening after TCS discontinuation, are more controversial within the dermatology community. There is no consensus on diagnostic criteria for TSW or clarity on its prevalence, natural history and management. Media reports are common and TSW overdiagnosis may lead to steroid phobia, poor adherence to TCS therapy, and unnecessary, increased, and protracted AD flares. This paper reviews the historical context, clinical presentations, challenges in diagnosis and the ongoing debate regarding TSW, with a focus on the implications for patient management and the potential consequences of steroid phobia on treatment adherence.
New developments in insomnia assessment and diagnosis: Self‐reported questionnaires, clinical interviews, and ecological momentary assessment
Authors: Cerolini Silvia , Ellis Jason G. , Meneo Debora , Baldi Elisabetta , Baglioni Chiara
Published: February 2025

Accurate and timely assessment is essential for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Over the past few years, new developments in the assessment of insomnia disorder have been outlined. This review aims to summarise the available instruments in line with the updated scientific research and advances in clinical sleep research. A synthesis of new developments in the field from 2020 to 2024, focussing on self‐reported questionnaires, clinical interviews, and ecological momentary assessment, are provided. After exploring novel advances and their interplay with evidence‐based validated instruments, we will discuss limitations and future directions. What are we missing? What should be improved and ameliorated? What are the next steps for insomnia assessment and diagnosis regarding methodology, dissemination, and practice?
The Magnaporthe oryzae effector MoBys1 suppresses rice immunity by targeting OsCAD2 to manipulate host jasmonate and lignin metabolism
Authors: Liu Chengyu , Han Li‐Bo , Wen Yanhong , Lu Chuner , Deng Boqian , Liu Zixuan , Deng Xianya , Shen Ningning , Tang Dingzhong , Li Yuan‐Bao
Published: February 2025

Rice blast disease caused by Magnaporthe oryzae poses a severe threat to rice production. To counteract M. oryzae, plants synthesize jasmonate (JA) and lignin, two primary defense‐related metabolites, to initiate defense programs. However, the mechanism through which M. oryzae modulates JA‐ and lignin‐mediated plant immunity remains unclear.

In this study, a novel M. oryzae effector, MoBys1, was identified as being involved in pathogenesis. Knockout of MoBys1 in M. oryzae significantly reduced its infection ability. Conversely, overexpression of MoBys1 in rice impaired the rice defense response. MoBys1 localizes to the plant cytoplasm and nucleus and interacts with rice cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase 2 (OsCAD2), an enzyme that catalyzes lignin biosynthesis. While OsCAD2 mutants exhibited weakened defenses, overexpression lines demonstrated enhanced resistance, highlighting the critical role of OsCAD2 in blast resistance.

Furthermore, OsCAD2 functions as a transcription factor regulating a wide range of biological processes, including JA and lignin signaling pathways. The interaction between MoBys1 and OsCAD2 promotes OsCAD2 degradation, leading to reduced lignin and JA accumulation.

These findings uncover a novel counter‐defense mechanism by which M. oryzae employs the effector MoBys1 to degrade OsCAD2 and suppress host defense‐related metabolite accumulation during infection.
Nonadditive regulation confers phenotypic variation in hybrid maize
Authors: Zhou Tao , Zhang Jie , Liang Yan , Gu Riliang , Ma Yuting , Zhu Wanchao , Li Juan , Du Xuemei , Wang Xiaoli , Wang Pingxi , Liu Yangyang , Zhen Sihan , Fu Junjie , Li Lin , Zhang Hongwei
Published: February 2025

Our knowledge of how the parental genomes interact to shape hybrid performance remains limited.

This work established four hybrid maize populations and evaluated plant height (PH) in both the parental and hybrid populations, generating an extensive transcriptome and translatome dataset. We conducted a genome‐wide association study, expression quantitative trait locus (eQTLs) mapping, transcriptome‐wide association mapping (TWAS), and allele‐specific expression analysis to elucidate the regulatory mechanisms underlying PH variation in hybrids.

QTLs, eQTLs, and TWAS‐associated genes (TAGs) exhibited both distinct variations and conserved patterns between the maternal and hybrid populations. The functional route (FR)‐following QTLs demonstrated significant nonadditive effects on PH and expression traits. The intergenomic interactions of eQTLs in the heterozygous state drive the nonadditive regulation of eQTL‐regulated genes (eGenes), resulting in the transformation of eGenes into TAGs and eQTLs into nonadditive QTLs for PH. This regulatory mechanism is further supported by the nonadditive regulation of phytohormone‐related genes. Additionally, nonadditive TAGs and QTLs are implicated in regulating nonadditive translation.

This study elucidates how nonadditive QTLs contribute to phenotypic variation in hybrid maize, offering a fresh perspective on the understanding of plant heterosis.
Is It Going Above and Beyond or Breaking the Rules? How Clients' Identities, Perceived Deservingness, and Outcomes Affect Citizens' Judgments of Bureaucrats' Rule Decisions
Authors: Wolff Johnathan Noah
Published: February 2025

In this paper, I explore factors that shape citizens' agreement with street‐level bureaucrats' decisions to either follow agency rules or break them for the explicit purpose of benefitting their clients (i.e., pro‐social rule breaking). I use data collected via an original survey experiment (n = 3485) to assess the relative effects of information about a street‐level bureaucrat's compliance with agency rules and the outcome their client experienced, asking whether the ends (e.g., a positive client outcome) ever justify the means (e.g., a bureaucrat choosing to pro‐socially break agency rules to help a client) for citizens. I also go a step further, assessing relative effects of information about the client's identity (i.e., race and gender) and deservingness to ask whether questions of for whom street‐level bureaucrats follow/pro‐socially break agency rules influence citizens' agreement. I find that citizens expressed significantly more average agreement with bureaucrats' decisions to follow rules rather than pro‐socially break them, and that citizens expressed more agreement with pro‐social rule‐breaking decisions when clients experienced positive outcomes. While cues about the client's race, gender, and deservingness initially seemed insignificant, a closer examination showed that citizens' agreement with bureaucrats' rule decisions sometimes depended on the race and gender of the client for whom those decisions were made. Overall, results indicate that some citizens base their agreement with a bureaucrat's rule decision on not only the bureaucrat's compliance and the client's outcome but also on whom the bureaucrat is serving.
Harnessing haploid‐inducer mediated genome editing for accelerated maize variety development
Authors: Li Lina , Fu Xiao , Qi Xiantao , Xiao Bing , Liu Changling , Wu Qingyu , Zhu Jinjie , Xie Chuanxiao
Published: February 2025

The integration of haploid induction and genome editing, termed HI‐Edit/IMGE, is a promising tool for generating targeted mutations for crop breeding. However, the technical components and stacking suitable for the maize seed industry have yet to be fully characterised and tested. Here, we developed and assessed three HI‐Edit/IMGE maize lines: EditWx, EditSh, and EditWx&Sh, using the haploid inducer CHOI3 and lines engineered using the CRISPR‐Cas9 system targeting the Waxy1 (Wx1) and Shrunken2 (Sh2) genes. We meticulously characterised the HI‐Edit/IMGE systems, focusing on copy numbers and the mutant alleles mtl and dmp, which facilitate haploid induction. Using B73 and six other parental lines of major commercial varieties as recipients, HI‐Edit/IMGE demonstrated maternal haploid induction efficiencies ranging from 8.55% to 20.89% and targeted mutation rates between 0.38% and 1.46%. Comprehensive assessment verified the haploid identification, target gene editing accuracy, genome background integrity, and related agronomic traits. Notably, EditWx&Sh successfully combined distinct CRISPR‐Cas9 systems to induce multiple desired mutations, highlighting the potential of HI‐Edit/IMGE in accelerating the integration of edited traits into commercial maize varieties. Our findings underscore the importance of meticulous Cas9 copy number characterisation and highlight potential challenges related to somatic chimerism. We also validated the performance of single‐cross haploids derived using the HI‐Edit/IMGE process. Our results confirm the industrial applicability of generating targeted mutations through pollination and provide critical insights for further optimising this technology.
A High‐Throughput Phenotyping Pipeline for Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) Panicles Using Image Analysis With Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Lozano‐Isla Flavio , Kienbaum Lydia , Haussmann Bettina I. G. , Schmid Karl
Published: February 2025

Quinoa is a grain crop with excellent nutritional properties that has attracted global attention for its potential contribution to future food security in a changing climate. Despite its long history of cultivation, quinoa has been improved little by modern breeding and is a niche crop outside its native cultivation area. Grain yield is strongly affected by panicle traits, whose phenotypic analysis is time consuming and prone to error because of their complex architecture, and automated image analysis is an efficient alternative. We designed a panicle phenotyping pipeline implemented in Python via mask R‐convolutional neural networks for panicle segmentation and classification. After model training, we analysed 5151 images of quinoa panicles collected over three consecutive seasons from a breeding programme in the Peruvian highlands. The pipeline follows a stagewise approach, which first selects the optimal segmentation model and then another model that best classifies panicle shape. The best segmentation model achieved a mean average precision (mAP) score of 83.16 and successfully extracted the panicle length, width, area and RGB values. The classification model achieved 95% prediction accuracy for the amarantiform and glomerulate panicle types. A comparison with manual trait measurements using ImageJ revealed a high correlation for panicle traits (r > 0.94, p < 0.001). We used the pipeline with images from multilocation trials to estimate genetic variance components of an index on the basis of panicle length and width. We further updated the model for images that included metric scales taken in field trials to extract metric measurements of panicle traits. Our pipeline enables accurate and cost‐effective phenotyping of quinoa panicles. Using automated phenotyping based on deep learning, optimal panicle ideotypes can be selected in quinoa breeding and improve the competitiveness of this underutilized crop.
Cbuhdz34, a Homeodomain Leucine Zipper Transcription Factor, Positively Regulates Tension Wood Formation and Xylem Fibre Cell Elongation in Catalpa bungei
Authors: Yao Chengcheng , Fei Yue , Yan Zhenfan , Wu Chuangye , Xiao Yao , Hu Jiwen , Liu Bingyang , Wang Rui , Li Shaofeng , Zhang Miaomiao , Wang Nan , Ma Wenjun , Lu Nan , Wang Junhui
Published: February 2025

Catalpa bungei is a highly valued timber species renowned for its superior wood properties. However, the development of tension wood (TW) induced by wind and other mechanical stresses during the growing season significantly reduces its economic value. Although Homeodomain Leucine Zipper (HD‐Zip), a plant‐specific transcription factor family, has been reported to play various roles in plant growth, development, and stress resistance, a systematic characterisation of the HD‐Zip gene family in C. bungei, particularly regarding the regulatory mechanisms involved in TW formation, is still lacking. Here, we identified a total of 48 HD‐Zip genes (Cbuhdzs) in C. bungei and analysed their phylogeny, structure, and expression profiles. In particular, Cbuhdz34, a member of the HD‐Zip I subfamily, was specifically upregulated during TW formation. To further explore its function, we overexpressed Cbuhdz34 (OE‐Cbuhdz34) in poplar ‘84 K’, which led to noticeable changes in plant growth and fibre cell length. Moreover, compared with wild‐type plants, the OE‐Cbuhdz34 plants presented increased TW formation under bending stress, as indicated by increased TW width, gelatinous layer width, and eccentric growth rate, suggesting a positive regulatory role in TW formation. Additionally, hierarchical genetic regulatory network analysis revealed the direct targets of Cbuhdz34, including CbuMYB63 and three genes involved in cell wall synthesis (CbuGATL1, CbuFLA17, and CbuLRR14). Further, yeast one‐hybrid and dual‐luciferase reporter assays confirmed the activation of these targets by Cbuhdz34. In conclusion, our results provide insights into the molecular mechanisms by which Cbuhdz34 regulates TW formation and lay a genetic foundation for the potential improvement of wood quality in C. bungei.
Effect of the naphthylene linker on the J‐aggregation abilities of chlorophyll‐a derivatives
Authors: Hisahara Yuma , Nakano Takeo , Tamiaki Hitoshi
Published: February 2025

Chlorophyll(Chl)‐a derivatives inserting an ethynylene‐naphthylene linker between the chlorin π‐skeleton and hydroxymethyl group were prepared as models of chlorosomal Chls. Their syntheses were achieved via Sonogashira coupling reaction. Their J‐aggregation behaviors were investigated by electronic absorption and circular dichroism spectroscopic measurements. These studies revealed that the 2,6‐naphthylene inserted Chl‐a derivatives gave the single J‐aggregation species in an aqueous Triton X‐100 micellar solution with a larger red‐shift value (1270 cm−1) of the Qy band in spite of its longer linker compared with p‐phenylene inserted Chl‐a derivative (970 cm−1). These unique optical properties were also discussed based on the computational studies, which indicated the different positional relation of chlorin rings in the assemblies by the linker structure.
Within‐plant variation in chemical defence of Erysimum cheiranthoides does not explain Plutella xylostella feeding preference
Authors: Wang K. , Züst T.
Published: February 2025

Plants invest a substantial fraction of their resources into defence against herbivores, with the highest levels of defence often allocated only to the most valuable tissues. Plants in the genus Erysimum (Brassicaceae) have evolved the ability to produce novel cardenolides, in addition to ancestrally conserved glucosinolates. While these plants co‐express both defences, differences in tissue‐specific expression might represent an effective cost‐saving strategy.

Larvae of the glucosinolate‐resistant diamondback moth Plutella xylostella occasionally feed on Erysimum cheiranthoides but tend to avoid younger leaves. Here, we predict that caterpillar feeding preference is shaped by variations in cardenolide levels. Thus, we quantified within‐plant variations in defence and nutritional traits of vegetative or early reproductive plants and performed feeding assays to evaluate the relative importance of cardenolides.

In accordance with optimal defence theory (ODT), the youngest leaves contained the most nutrients and had highest levels of cardenolides, glucosinolates and trichomes, with more extreme within‐plant differences found in reproductive plants. Caterpillars consistently avoided the well‐defended youngest leaves, both on whole plants and detached leaf discs. Surprisingly, neither experimental addition (external application) nor removal (CRISPR‐Cas9 knockout) of cardenolides significantly affected caterpillar feeding preference.

Physical and chemical defences, including cardenolides, co‐vary within E. cheiranthoides to maximize defence of youngest leaves. While P. xylostella clearly responds to some of these traits, the prominent cardenolide defence appears to lack potency against this specialist herbivore. Nonetheless, the careful regulation and re‐mobilization of cardenolides to younger leaves during plant development suggests an important role in plant functioning.
Related factors of cognitive frailty among older adults with type 2 diabetes: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Cheng Min , Qiao Yan , Yang Bailin , He Mei
Published: February 2025

Background

The correlation between diabetes and cognitive frailty is still controversial. The purpose of this study was to explore the related factors of cognitive frailty in older adults with type 2 diabetes, and to provide new ideas for realising healthy ageing of diabetic patients.

Methods

The survey was conducted at Mianyang Central Hospital affiliated to University of Electronic Science and Technology of China from January 15 to June 30, 2024. The subjects were older adults with type 2 diabetes aged 60 years or older. Cognitive frailty was assessed using Fried's phenotype and Mini‐Mental State Examination. Statistical analysis and plotting were conducted using SPSS 25.0 and R 4.3.3. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was used to reduce the dimensionality of 30 clinical features collected, and the unimportant factors were initially screened out. The important factors with non‐zero coefficients identified by LASSO regression were included in a multivariate logistic regression analysis to explore the factors influencing cognitive frailty in older diabetic patients.

Results

This study included 301 older persons with type 2 diabetes. Among them, 91 (30.2%) cases of cognitive frailty occurred. Related factors for cognitive frailty in older adults with type 2 diabetes include: age (odds ratio (OR) = 6.417, 95% CI: 1.882−21.876, P = 0.003), hypomnesia (OR = 2,985, 95%CI: 1.143−7.797, P = 0.026), depression (OR = 9.926, 95%CI: 4.117−23.934, P < 0.001), diabetic retinopathy (OR = 6.489, 95%CI: 1.969−21.384, P = 0.002), history of diabetic ketoacidosis (OR = 12.024, 95%CI: 1.724−83.872, P = 0.012).

Conclusion

The prevalence of cognitive frailty in older persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus was higher. It was closely related to age, hypomnesia, depression, diabetic retinopathy and history of diabetic ketoacidosis. Early detection of the risk and effective intervention can reduce the incidence of adverse events and improve the quality of life of patients.
The Intergenerational Transmission of Policy Feedback in the United States: Evidence From Racial Violence
Authors: Schwegman David J. , Brunner Eric , Simonsen Bill
Published: February 2025

Do government actions, or inactions, committed decades (or centuries) ago toward a specific community influence how members of that community trust and perceive government today? Past government actions that extracted resources (a negative resource effect) and communicated an individual's place within American Society (a negative interpretative effect) may diminish trust. This paper explores this question by examining the relationship between the county‐level lynching rate of Black Americans from 1882 to 1936 and contemporary trust in local and state governments. We find that Black individuals living in U.S. counties exposed to higher rates of historical racial violence are less trusting of their local and state governments than Black individuals living in the same state but in counties exposed to lower levels of historical racial violence. We find no such relationship for White individuals. These relationships are robust to controlling for measures of contemporary use of force by governments and government performance.
Design of a nozzle structure for uniform distribution of active substances in plasma jet honeycomb array configuration
Authors: Li Hua , Liang Zhenbao , Wang Fengyun , Du Xiaoxia , Xiao Wenxiang
Published: February 2025

Array plasma jet structure is often used to increase the treatment area but repulsive forces between the jet units lead to the fact that the active substances often do not cover the entire area. In this study, an array structure composed of seven unit pipes is used, and each pipe is equipped with a honeycomb nozzle to form a honeycomb array device. Each honeycomb nozzle contains a center channel surrounded by six adjacent channels, forming a regular hexagonal geometry. By adjusting the direction of the honeycomb nozzle structure, the nonuniformity of the active substance distribution between the jet units is compensated, and the uniform distribution in the treatment area of the array device is realized. The results show that when the inclination angle of the honeycomb nozzle is 12°, the jet distribution obtained is the most uniform. Compared with traditional array devices (without honeycomb nozzles), the addition of the nozzle structure makes the distribution of downstream active substances more concentrated and uniform. The honeycomb array device achieves the best results at a gas flow rate of 5 slm and a treatment distance of 5 mm, with a maximum sterilization area of 1039 mm2, and 100% sterilization can be achieved by treating Escherichia coli (E. coli) for 6 min. Compared with traditional array devices, the sterilization efficiency of E. coli has been increased by nearly 25% in the treatment time of 4 min.
High-precision thermal characterization technique with dual-laser Raman thermometry
Authors: Wang Yingtao , Zhang Xian
Published: February 2025

Effective heat management plays a vital role in ensuring the performance and reliability of nanoelectronic devices. Here, we present a new practical approach for thermal characterization: The dual laser at same side Raman technique. This method is not only straightforward and reliable but also delivers accurate thermal property measurements. To demonstrate its capabilities, we applied the technique to bulk graphite and measured a thermal conductivity of 467 ± 86 W/(m K). This technique holds potential for measuring direction-dependent thermal conductivity, offering a promising avenue for future investigations.
Method based on golden section search for reconstruction of nano layer structure directly from depth profiling data
Authors: Liu Gong-Wen , Cao Han-Wen , Li Wei-Lian , Lian Song-You , Yan Xin-Liang , Wang Jiang-Yong
Published: February 2025

In this paper, a method for the dynamic optimization of the iteration step τ in Newton’s method is proposed, based on the golden section search algorithm. This method combines the total variation-Tikhonov regularization, Newton’s method, and the L-curve criterion by the simulated annealing algorithm for reconstruction of the original nano layer structure directly from the measured depth profiling data. The golden section search algorithm finds the optimal value for each iteration step and makes the iteration procedure to converge quickly with high computational efficiency. The deconvolution results show that the total deconvolution speed is improved by nearly 154 times with a deconvolution error of 8.7 × 10−14% as compared to the previous studies with a constant of τ, indicating an excellent reconstruction of the original “square-wave like” layer structure. In addition, this method could deal with the depth profiling data containing sputtering-induced roughness and/or Gaussian noise. Finally, this method is applied for the reconstruction of the original layer structure from the measured Auger electron spectroscopy depth profiling data of 4 × Si(15 nm)/Al(15 nm)/Si(100).
Why does the Falcon-9 booster make a triple sonic boom during flyback? An initial analysis
Authors: Anderson Mark C. , Gee Kent L.
Published: February 2025

When the SpaceX Falcon-9 rocket booster descends through the atmosphere after a launch, it produces a sonic boom with three shocks in the far field, rather than the usual two-shock N-wave. In this Letter, the additional shock's origin is explained using sonic boom theory, nonlinear propagation modeling, computational fluid dynamics, and photographic evidence. The extra central shock results from a forward-migrating compression wave caused by the grid fins merging with a rearward-migrating rarefaction wave caused by the lower portions of the booster, including the folded landing legs.
Complete genome sequence of
Trinickia caryophylli
ATCC25418
Authors: Kim Juhyun , Kim Ye Eun , Hong Sung-Jun
Published: February 2025

Trinickia caryophylli
causes carnation bacterial wilt disease. We report the complete genome sequence of
T. caryophylli
ATCC25418. There are two circular chromosomes with a total length of 6,589,249 bp, and the total GC content is 64.7%. This study describes the complete genome of strain ATCC25418.
Complete genome sequence of
Burkholderia contaminans
PCR-C_Y9 isolated from
Pericarpium citri reticulatae
'Chachiensis'
Authors: Xu Fan , Ma Yongkai , Chen Gu
Published: February 2025

Burkholderia contaminans
PCR-C_Y9 was isolated from
Pericarpium citri reticulatae
‘Chachiensis’ (PCR-C), the natural aged pericarps of
Citrus reticulata
Blanco ‘Chachiensis.’ It could degrade PCR-C lipids. Its genome was sequenced as 8.70 Mbp with a guanine–cytosine content 66.23%. It was annotated to understand properties and possible contribution to aging of PCR-C.
Incidence, sociodemographic and presenting clinical features of childhood non-infectious uveitis: findings from the UK national inception cohort study
Authors: Solebo Ameenat Lola , McLoone Eibhlin , Petrushkin Harry , Gonzalez-Martin Jose , Ashworth Jane , Choi Jessy , Pilling Rachel F , Armon Kate , Warrier Kishore , Sharma Srilakshmi M , Rahi Jugnoo S
Published: February 2025

Background

We aimed to provide, through the Uveitis in Childhood National Cohort Study, population-based evidence on incidence, distribution and disease characteristics for childhood onset non-infectious uveitis.

Methods

Eligible children and young people (<18 years) were those newly diagnosed with non-infectious uveitis between 1 March 2020 and 28 February 2023. Cases were identified and recruited through passive surveillance across a multicentre network. Descriptive analysis of demographic, socioeconomic and clinical characteristics at diagnosis is reported alongside incidence rates, relative rates by region and sociodemographic patterning.

Results

468 cases were identified, providing a minimal national disease incidence of 1.89/100 000 (95% CI 1.72 to 2.07). Among the 255 children recruited, anterior uveitis was predominant (76.9%) and 65% of cases were bilateral. Peak incidence was at 11–15 years. Children resident in deprived areas and those from non-White ethnic backgrounds were over-represented (28% and 31% of the cohort). One in seven children (15%) had a diagnosis of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), and 5% had tubulointerstitial nephritis. Although bilaterally poor vision was uncommon (16.8%), 44.3% had lost some vision in at least one eye.

Conclusions

There is a need to reconsider how best to deliver paediatric rheumatological and eye care that meets the needs of young people, as well as young children, with uveitis. The predominance of non-JIA-related uveitis calls for a shift in focus. There appears to be socioeconomic drivers of disease risk, which are worthy of future exploration and which have implications on the delivery of care for this chronic and blinding disease.
EsPaCe: A growth model for balsam fir stands following precommercial thinning in Québec, Canada
Authors: Duchateau Emmanuel , Auger Isabelle , Tremblay Stéphane , Power Hugues
Published: February 2025

Precommercial thinning reduces the density of young, high-density stands, promoting the growth of selected trees. However, existing growth models are calibrated for merchantable-sized trees and do not account for saplings, which limits their ability to simulate the changes induced by precommercial thinning. To address this gap, we developed EsPaCe, a growth simulator tailored to balsam fir stands treated with precommercial thinning. Using data from 329 plots monitored over 20 years post-treatment, we calibrated six interconnected models to predict stem density, species composition, and diameter distribution at 5-year intervals. Simulation results in the balsam fir–paper birch domain show that balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.) remains largely dominant after treatment. Initial stand conditions (density, composition, and quadratic mean diameter) had little effect on the final stand composition. However, later interventions in stands with higher initial quadratic mean diameters appeared to promote tree diameter growth and provide slight control over species composition. Model predictions remained unbiased over 20 years, and simulations extended to 35 years produced plausible outcomes. EsPaCe provides forest managers with a valuable tool for planning silvicultural treatments and integrates seamlessly with long-term growth models for merchantable stands.
Solutions of the Einstein–Maxwell equations with energy–momentum tensor for polytropic core and linear envelope
Authors: Mardan S. A. , Khalid A. , Saleem Sana , Riaz Muhammad Bilal
Published: February 2025

Investigating an anisotropic charged spherically symmetric core-envelope model for dense star objects is the aim of this paper. The polytropic equation of state (EoS) defines the core of this model, while the linear EoS represents the envelope. The radiation density-containing energy–momentum tensor is used to determine the solution of the Einstein–Maxwell field equations. All three regions-core, envelope, and Reissner Nordström external metric-have perfect matching. For the intrinsic structure of the stars

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, the model is physically feasible. Additionally, the Tolman–Oppenheimer–Volkoff (TOV) equation is used to verify the equilibrium state, and the adiabatic index is used to verify stability.
Residential Second-Hand Housing Value Assessment Based on GA-SVR Model
Authors: Su Huiling , Fu Jingwen , Chen Xing , Wen Rui
Published: February 2025

The trading of residential second-hand houses has become increasingly active, highlighting their growing significance in the real estate market. Consequently, the demand for accurate value assessment of second-hand homes has surged. Precisely evaluating the prices of these properties has emerged as a central issue of interest for both academia and industry. However, traditional assessment methods often rely on subjective judgment, which affects the objectivity and accuracy of the evaluation results. This paper will utilize support vector machine (SVM) as a foundation, employing the support vector regression (SVR) model for modeling. We will optimize the algorithm by selecting key parameters for the SVR model and preprocessing sample data. The SVR model will be trained on the sample data to enhance the objectivity and accuracy of the assessment results. Additionally, practical case simulations will be conducted to validate the approach, providing valuable insights into the application of SVM in real estate valuation.
The Spatial-Temporal Pattern and Influential Factors of Digital Technology Innovation — Evidence From China
Authors: Chen Yanan , Peng Yi
Published: February 2025

Digital technology innovation is the core driving force of digital economy development. In-depth analysis of the regional distribution pattern and influence mechanism of digital innovation is of great significance for optimizing the cross-regional strategy and high-quality development of digital economy. Based on China’s provincial-level digital patent data from 2009 to 2021, this paper conducts an empirical study on the spatio-temporal distribution and influence mechanism of digital innovation development. The study finds that: digital technology innovation in Guangdong, Zhejiang, Shanghai, Jiangsu and Beijing shows obvious cluster characteristics, but the degree of clustering decreases year by year; spatial measurement analysis reveals that there is a significant spatial spillover effect of digital innovation development; digital innovation investment and transformation positively affect the level of innovation, while the diffusion of innovation effect is heterogeneous. The conclusion points out that the transformation of digital technology innovation mode provides new opportunities for relatively backward regions to catch up. It is recommended that the relevant regions cultivate their core competitiveness, strengthen their digital infrastructure and innovation capacity, and promote high-quality economic development.
RPWAEAuth: Sensor-Based Continuous Authentication Using Reconstruction Probability in Wasserstein Autoencoder
Authors: Li Yantao , Wang Yichao , Huang Hongyu
Published: February 2025

Nowadays, with the widespread adoption of mobile devices, information security has become particularly important. Existing sensor-based continuous authentication systems ensure the security of mobile devices to some extent, but most have drawbacks, such as lacking end-to-end structure or requiring data from both legitimate users and imposters for training. In this paper, we present RPWAEAuth, a sensor-based continuous Authentication system using Reconstruction Probability in the Wasserstein AutoEncoder. RPWAEAuth implicitly collects user behavior patterns from the built-in accelerometer, gyroscope, and magnetometer of mobile devices. The Wasserstein autoencoder maps the sensor data into a continuous latent space close to a prior distribution and reconstructs them using reconstruction probability for better authentication. In the registration stage, RPWAEAuth collects and preprocesses the sensor data from a legitimate user for RPWAE training. In the authentication stage, when a user interacts with the device, RPWAEAuth collects and preprocesses the sensor data, and then feeds them into the trained RPWAE to generate a reconstruction probability. This probability is then compared with a predefined threshold for user authentication. We evaluate the performance of RPWAEAuth on our dataset in terms of the effectiveness of RPWAEAuth, impact of sensor numbers, effectiveness of reconstruction probability, authentication time, resilience to mimic attacks, comparison with different AEs, and comparison with state-of-the-art methods. The experimental results demonstrate that RPWAEAuth achieves superior authentication performance compared to other methods, with an accuracy of 99.34% and an EER of 0.66% on 69 unseen users.
Impacts of Voliam Flexi on Antioxidant Responses, Oxidative Stress, and Histopathological Changes in Juvenile African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus)
Authors: Hamed Mohamed , Abdel-Tawab Hanem S. , Abdel-Maksoud Mostafa A. , Malik Abdul , Fatima Sabiha , Martyniuk Christopher J.
Published: February 2025

This study investigated the toxicological impact of Voliam Flexi (containing chlorantraniliprole and thiamethoxam) on juvenile African catfish (Clarias gariepinus), a species commonly exposed to pesticides in rice cultivation regions. This study investigated the toxic effects of Voliam Flexi on juvenile African catfish, focusing on oxidative stress, antioxidant enzyme disruption, and tissue damage at environmentally relevant concentrations. Over a 15‐day period, fish were exposed to environmentally relevant pesticide concentrations commonly applied in Egyptian rice fields, specifically 43.5, 87.5, and 175 mg/L. Antioxidant defense mechanisms, including GST (glutathione S‐transferase), SOD (superoxide dismutase), CAT (catalase), and TAC (total antioxidant capacity), were measured alongside oxidative damage indicators such as lipid peroxidation (LPX) and DNA fragmentation. A dose‐dependent reduction in antioxidant enzyme activity and an increase in oxidative damage were observed, with higher pesticide concentrations leading to elevated LPX levels and DNA fragmentation. Histopathological evaluations of the kidney and spleen revealed significant degenerative changes, such as tubular damage, edema, and pyknotic nuclei, particularly at higher concentrations. These findings suggest that Voliam Flexi poses considerable risks to aquatic organisms, disrupting cellular functions, and leading to tissue damage. The study highlights the potential threat of pesticide runoff to aquatic biodiversity and calls for stricter environmental regulations to mitigate these risks.
Determining PTSD, Anxiety, and Depression Levels in Individuals Migrating From Ukraine to Türkiye due to the War
Authors: Duran Songül
Published: February 2025

The aim of this study is to determine the levels of post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression in individuals who migrated to Türkiye from Ukraine due to the ongoing conflict in their home country. In the study, 194 individuals were reached by using the Socio‐Demographic Information Form, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder‐7 (GAD‐7), the Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9), and the Impact of Event Scale‐Revised (IES‐R). It was determined that 38.1% of the participants were in the risk group for GAD, 21.6% were at risk for severe depression, and 7.2% were at risk for very severe depression. Being young and having a low level of education increases the risk of depression and PTSD. Overall, the participants were found to be at risk for PTSD.
Analysis of Wind Driven Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator for Power Grid System
Authors: Essaki Raj R. , Vasudevan N. , Srinivasan S. , Abirami T. , Pandian R. , Gnanavel C. , Parkunam N. , Srinivasan R. , Hurissa Dejene
Published: February 2025

A permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) is commonly utilized in many wind energy conversion systems (WECS). The main advantage of PMSG is variable‐speed operation, and it can be connected directly to the turbine without a gearbox. In this paper, a PMSG is employed to convert wind energy into electrical energy and transmit it to a load through an AC‐DC‐AC converter. This circuit is modelled and simulated with the help of MATLAB simulation software, and the corresponding results are presented. The proposed method is suitable for microwind turbine applications to minimize landscape and connect PMSGs in parallel for better performance.