bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cloning, Characterization, and Computer‐Aided Evolution of a Thermostable Laccase of the DUF152 Family From Klebsiella michiganensis
Authors: Cui Ting , Brückner Kathrin , Schilling Stephan , Mägert Hans‐Jürgen
Published: February 2025

Bacterial laccases exhibit relatively high optimal reaction temperatures and possess a broad substrate spectrum, thereby expanding the range of potential applications for laccase enzymes. This study aims to investigate the molecular evolution of bacterial laccases using computational 3D‐structure prediction and molecular docking tools such as AlphaFold2, Metal3D, AutoDockVina, and Rosetta. We isolated a bacterium with laccase activities from fecal samples from a Hermann's tortoise (Testudo hermanni), identified it as Klebsiella michiganensis using 16S rRNA sequencing and nanopore genome sequencing, and then identified a sequence encoding a laccase with a predicted molecular weight of approximately 27.5 kDa. Expression of the corresponding, chemically synthesized DNA fragment resulted in the isolation of an active laccase. The enzyme showed considerable thermostability, retaining 21% of its activity after boiling for 30 min. Using state‐of‐the‐art information technology and machine learning techniques, we conducted 3D‐structure prediction on this sequence, predicted its copper‐ion binding sites, and validated these predictions through site‐directed mutagenesis and expression. Subsequently, we performed computer‐aided evolution studies on this sequence and found that 90% of the results from the selected mutations exhibited improved performance. In summary, this study not only revealed a novel laccase but also demonstrated an efficient approach for advancing research on the molecular evolution of bacterial laccases using cutting‐edge machine learning, next‐generation sequencing, traditional bioinformatics approaches, and laboratory techniques, providing an effective strategy for discovering and design new bacterial laccases.
Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of oxime ether derivatives containing 1,5‐dimethyl‐6‐thioxo‐1,3,5‐triazinane‐2,4‐dione as protoporphyrinogen IX oxidase inhibitors
Authors: Luo Dingfeng , Wan Yuanhui , Wang Yingying , Ma Changsheng , Li Hao , Yan Sheng , Bai Zhendong , Bai Lianyang , Li Zuren
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND

Herbicides based on protoporphyrinogen IX oxidase (PPO; EC 1.3.3.4) are widely used for weeding control in agricultural fields to safeguard food security. PPO herbicides, because of their low dosage, rapid action on weeds, slow accumulation in the environment and low toxicity to mammals, have become an important field of research in the development of new herbicides. This study presents a novel molecular scaffold with remarkably potent herbicidal activity.

RESULTS

A series of novel oxime ether derivatives containing 1,5‐dimethyl‐6‐thioxo‐1,3,5‐triazinane‐2,4‐dione 6a–6z were designed and synthesized based on bioisosterism and substructure splicing, and characterized by 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopies, and high‐resolution mass spectrometry. The configuration of compound 6u was confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Compound 6r displayed excellent herbicidal activity of >95% against Echinochloa crus‐galli, Digitaria sanguinalis, Medicago sativa and Conyza canadensis at a dosage of 37.5 g hm–2 in the glasshouse. At a dosage of 75 g hm–2, 6r was safe for application on rice and showed low toxicity (>200 μg g–1) towards Apis mellifera. Transcriptomics analysis of E. crus‐galli treated by compound 6r, using oxadiazon as a positive control, revealed the compound's mode‐of‐action. There were eight metabolic and biosynthetic pathways of DEGs containing ‘photosynthesis’, ‘porphyrin metabolism’, ‘carotenoid biosynthesis’ and so on between 6r and oxadiazon as same. Scaffold94.443 (coproporphyrinogen‐III oxidase) as upstream protoporphyrinogen IX changes were downregulated with quantitative reverse transcription PCR combined analysis treated 6r and oxadiazon in chlorophyll biosynthesis. Compound 6r target may be PPO and the NtPPO inhibitory effects, as represented by Ki, was 30.34 nm in vitro. Molecular docking showed that 6r could form two hydrogen bonds with Arg98.

CONCLUSION

Through bioisosterism and substructure splicing, we successfully developed compound 6r as lead compound exhibiting herbicidal activity, with no harm to rice and honeybees. Further development of herbicides based on this scaffold is warranted. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.
Assessment of Practical Satellite Quantum Key Distribution Architectures for Current and Near‐Future Missions
Authors: Orsucci Davide , Kleinpaß Philipp , Meister Jaspar , De Marco Innocenzo , Häusler Stefanie , Strang Thomas , Walenta Nino , Moll Florian
Published: February 2025

Quantum key distribution (QKD) allows the generation of cryptographic keys beyond the computational hardness paradigm and is befitting for secure data transmission requiring long‐term security. The communication distance of fiber‐based QKD, however, is limited to a few hundred kilometers due to the exponential scaling of signal attenuation. Satellite QKD (SatQKD) can instead leverage free‐space optical links to establish long‐range connections and enable global‐scale QKD. In this work, we review the manifold of design choices that concur to form the set of possible SatQKD architectures. These include the choice of the QKD protocol and its physical implementation, but also the satellite orbit, the optical link direction, and whether or not to use trusted‐node relays. The possible SatQKD architectures are then evaluated in terms of key generation throughput, latency and maximum reachable communication distance, but also system‐level security and implementation complexity. Given the technical challenges of realizing SatQKD systems, it is paramount, for near‐future satellite missions, to adhere to the simplest possible architecture that still allows to deliver the QKD service. We thus identify as advisable options the use of low‐Earth orbit satellites as trusted nodes for prepare‐and‐measure discrete‐variable QKD downlinks with weak laser pulses. The decoy‐state version of BB84 is found to be the most promising QKD protocols due to the maturity of the security proofs, the high key generation rate, and low system complexity. These findings are confirmed by the multitude of current and planned SatQKD missions that are adopting these architectural choices.
Exposing and Challenging “Grit” in Physics Education
Authors: Robertson Amy , Vélez Verónica N. , Hu﻿﻿﻿ynh Trà , Tali Hairston W.
Published: February 2025

In STEM education, grit is increasingly the focus of research, with scholars and educators seeking to develop and test interventions that will enhance persistence. As part of the special issue Centering Affect and Emotion Toward Justice and Dignity in Science Education, in this paper, we use interviews with 12 white physics faculty to show that physics culture has taken up the narrative that grit is key to success in the discipline. Using affective technology (Zembylas and Leonardo, 2013), habitus (Bourdieu, 1972/1977) and emotional habitus (Gould et al. 2019) as theoretical anchors, our analysis shows that grit, as described by faculty participants, is part‐and‐parcel of a white physics habitus. In other words, grit acts to reproduce systems of dominance through the internalization of a set of structures, symbols, and worldviews that produce embodied, affective responses, drawing dominant actors toward particular embodiments of hard work and turning them away from others. Thus, we argue that power in physics is mediated through affect and embodiment. Employing qualitative case study methods, we theorize how whiteness, in part, is reproduced in the discipline—how physics came to and continues to be a discipline where power is concentrated in the bodies of white males. We end by joining with existing calls to refuse grit, building from the work of STEM Scholars of Color who have called attention to the suffering that is endemic to notions of schooling and school science.
Evaluating Biodiversity Criteria in Green Building Rating Schemes: Toward ‘Nature Positive’ Development
Authors: Kiss Bethany M. , Visintin Casey , Garrard Georgia E. , Bekessy Sarah A.
Published: February 2025

Aiming for a ‘nature positive’ future, built environment professionals increasingly adopt green building schemes as their roadmap. We review the most widely adopted green building rating schemes globally, focusing on evaluating their criteria for biodiversity action. We highlight key shortcomings in schemes, including that most do not specify biodiversity objectives (85%), lack monitoring plans (47%), lack ecological connectivity plans (76%) and allocate < 10% of available points to biodiversity (72%). Most schemes focus on mitigating harm (91%) or compensating unavoidable impacts via offsetting as the solution (3.4%) rather than rewarding positive, regenerative approaches that bring nature back into urban areas. These findings highlight critical gaps in how green building schemes address biodiversity, particularly given the call for regenerative approaches within the nature‐positive agenda. We suggest re‐evaluating and transforming specific aspects of green rating building schemes, including biodiversity objectives and monitoring strategies. These are critical improvements in the evolution toward nature‐positive approaches.
Synthesis of SnO2 Nanoparticles using Brassica juncea (L.) Czern Seed Extract: Characterization and Biological Applications
Authors: Jeyaraj S. , Mary Saral A.
Published: February 2025

The green production of nanoparticles utilizing plants has emerged as a viable alternative to traditional chemical synthesis methods. This work sought to synthesize tin oxide nanoparticles (BJ‐SnO2 NPs) using Brassica juncea (L.) Czern seed extract. The structure of BJ‐SnO2 NPs was confirmed by X‐Ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis was conducted to identify the functional groups. The size and morphology of the synthesized BJ‐SnO2 NPs were confirmed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM) with energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The TEM revealed the formation of spherical morphology with a mean diameter of 6.67 ± 1.72 nm. Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) studies supported the average particle size as 8.9 nm and zeta potential showed a single peak at −40.1 mV. Free radical scavenging activity was determined using 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picryl‐hydazyl‐hydrate (DPPH) and showed IC50 value as 82.25 µg/mL. The cytotoxic efficacy of BJ‐SnO2 NPs was assessed against the Michigan Cancer Foundation‐7 (MCF‐7) breast cell line and A549 lung cancer cell line, which exhibited the IC50 value as 64.10 and 48.68 µg/mL respectively, while demonstrated no harmful effects on normal Vero cell lines, which maintain 93.75% vitality. Additionally, a hyperchromic shift in the absorbance was noted when Calf thymus DNA (CT‐DNA) interacted with biosynthesized BJ‐SnO2 NPs. In addition, the anti‐inflammatory effects of BJ‐SnO2 NPs were evaluated using an in vitro model that used bovine serum albumin (BSA) denaturation method (IC50 199.63 µg/mL). Overall, BJ‐SnO2 NPs synthesized through biosynthesis route proved to be excellent anticancer, anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, and biocompatible material with promising applications in healthcare.
Electrospun Polyacrylonitrile/Polyvinylidene Fluoride Nanofiber‐Coated QCM: Preparation, Characterization, Gas Sensing Properties, and Data Validation via Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Yardimci Atike İnce , Buyukkabasakal Kemal , Capan Inci , Capan Rifat , Bitar Salam , Acikbas Yaser
Published: February 2025

This study investigated the sensing properties of electrospun NFs composed of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) coated on quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) in response to different volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including dichloromethane, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, benzene, and trichloroethylene. Characterization of the PAN/PVDF NFs was performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis. Five different concentrations of PVDF were tried to obtain well‐ordered and straightforward morphology with a thin diameter of nanofiber and characterization results indicated that PAN/PVDF NFs containing 25 wt% displayed desired morphology with the average nanofiber diameter of 183.6 ± 40 nm. Besides, NFs indicated a high surface area of 26.0464 m2/g and 37.3729 nm average pore size. The QCM nanofiber sensor demonstrated the highest response to dichloromethane vapor among the VOCs tested. The values of the sensitivity and LOD for the nanofiber sensor PAN/PVDF was calculated as 0.0249 Hz ppm−1 and 132.53 ppm, respectively. The kinetic data for the vapors indicated that a nonlinear autoregressive neural network with exogenous input was utilized for the most accurate molecular modelling based on frequency shift values. The nonlinear autoregressive with exogenous input artificial neural network (NARX‐ANN) model exhibited superior performance in fitting the experimental data for dichloromethane compared to the other VOCs, as shown by the correlation coefficient values. For all VOC modelling results, the correlation coefficient values for the QCM nanofiber sensor ranged from approximately 0.9815–0.9964.
The Direct Air Synthesis of Hydrogen Peroxide Induced by The Giant Built‐In Electric Field of Trz‐CN
Authors: Ma Haoyang , Jiang Wenjun , Ma Yinhua , Song Yulin , Pei Liubin , Ban Hui , Zhan Su , Zhou Feng
Published: February 2025

Graphitic carbon nitride (C3N4) has been identified as an optimal material for hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) photosynthesis, although its utility is hampered by a high photocarrier recombination rate. Herein, a novel carbon nitride material with a giant built‐in electric field (BEF), Trz‐CN, is synthesized through a hydrothermal‐calcination tandem strategy. The giant BEF (4.8‐fold) induced by the large dipole moment facilitated the efficient separation and directional migration of photogenerated carriers. Trz‐CN exhibited an H2O2 production rate of 569.9 µmol·g−1·h−1 using O2 as feedstock under visible light (λ > 420 nm), marking an impressive 11.2‐fold enhancement compared to bulk C3N4. Utilizing air instead of pure O2 as feedstock resulted in a trivial 1.6% decrease in the H2O2 generation by Trz‐CN while maintaining a substantial production rate of 560.6 µmol·g−1·h−1. Notably, Trz‐CN showcased a sterilization rate of 99.9% against Escherichia coli (E. coli) in natural seawater. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations revealed that incorporating a nitrogen‐rich skeleton into the C3N4 enhanced its oxygen adsorption capacity and lowered the energy barrier for H2O2 formation. This leads to enhanced photocatalytic performance for H2O2 generation under ambient air conditions. Trz‐CN provides a new exploratory idea for direct air synthesis of H2O2 and ballast water treatment.
Solvent‐Free MACl Post‐Treatment Using Close‐Spaced Sublimation Method for Dry‐Processed Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Kim Youngmin , Pyun Dowon , Lee Wonkyu , Jeong Seok‐Hyun , Lee Sangwon , Cho Sujin , Nam Jiyeon , Hwang Jiseong , Jang Jihyun , Hwang Jae‐Keun , Kang Yoonmook , Kim Donghwan , Lee Hae‐Seok
Published: February 2025

This study introduces a solvent‐free close‐spaced sublimation (CSS) method for both perovskite conversion and post‐treatment. A PbI2 layer is deposited via thermal evaporation and subsequently converted into MAPbI3 using CSS of Methylammonium iodide powder. The resulting MAPbI3 layer is further passivated with MACl powder using the identical CSS method. Through this post‐treatment, it is possible to improve the quality of the perovskite layer, leading to a decrease of defect density and enhancing photovoltaic performances. As a result, device efficiency improves from 14.6% to 16.4%, with notable increases in J
sc and V
oc, along with a reduction in hysteresis. The potential of this solvent‐free CSS method is demonstrated, making it a promising approach for large‐scale manufacturing of perovskite and tandem solar cells.
Imaging and Pathological Comprehensive Analysis of Oesophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma in a Rhesus Monkey (Macaca mulatta)
Authors: Li Heling , Chen Lixian , Zhang Long , Chen Xinglong , Wang Hong
Published: February 2025

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) has a high incidence in non‐human primates (NHPs), which affects animal health and causes huge losses to the experimental monkey breeding industry. In this case, gastroscope showed a smooth‐surfaced elevated lesion located approximately 18 cm from the incisor teeth of the diseased rhesus monkey. Computed tomography (CT) showed a space‐occupying lesion in the oesophagus. Haematoxylin & eosin (HE) staining revealed an invasive tumour of polygonal nests in the submucosa and muscularis, while keratosis and nuclear atypia were also observed. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) studies revealed tumour cells positive for p63, CK5/6, p40, CK20, CK7 and CK19. Based on imaging and pathology findings, the rhesus monkey was diagnosed as oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and was treated surgically. Unfortunately, the rhesus monkey was euthanized eventually according to its poor health condition. This provides an important reference for the diagnosis and treatment of ESCC in rhesus monkeys, and also provides an important spontaneous animal model for future research on ESCC.
Imaginaries: Oceanic Bordering with Large-Scale Marine Protected Areas
Authors: Montana Jasper , Davies Oscar Hartman
Published: February 2025

Large-scale marine protected areas (LSMPAs) are growing in prominence as an area-based conservation strategy that places vast areas of the ocean (more than 150,000 square kilometres at a time) into formal protection. While LSMPAs are lauded for their conservation potential—for example, their ability to protect entire marine habitats and the ranges of highly mobile marine species—they also fulfil other political, social and economic functions. This chapter considers the role of imagination in the oceanic bordering practices of LSMPA designation. It demonstrates how LSMPAs are mobilised as resources by powerful actors to promote visions of progress tied to national identities centred on continuing connection to the ocean. In doing so, it illustrates how there is more at stake in the establishment of LSMPAs than conservation and marine management alone. The oceanic bordering agendas associated with LSMPAs not only redraw ocean maps, but also reinforce and renew national identities in relation to ocean space.
Laser melting synthesis of Mg and Si3N4-doped soda-lime glass: structure and thermal analysis
Authors: Wójcik Natalia Anna , Cieciórska Martyna , Sacharuk Hubert , Surowy Martyna , Grochowska Katarzyna , Karczewski Jakub , Wolff Stefania , Ali Sharafat
Published: February 2025

Three series of soda-lime glasses doped with varying contents of Mg, Si3N4, or a combination of both were synthesized using laser melting in less than 3 min. The addition of these dopants resulted in notable changes in the structural and thermal properties of the glass. Both IR and Raman spectra indicated that the silicate network primarily consisted of Q3 units, with significant amounts of Q2 and Q4 units present in most samples. In the Mg-doped series, strong depolymerization was observed, evidenced by an increase in Q2 units and a decrease in Q4 units. Conversely, increasing the Si content led to greater polymerization, with Q2 units being replaced by Q4 units. The series containing both Mg and Si exhibited features influenced by both elements, showing increases in Q2, Q3, and Q4 units. The glass transition temperature (T
g) increased with the addition of Mg and Si across all series. This increase was attributed to the strong cross-linking effect of Mg-O bonds and the increased polymerization with higher glass-forming ion content. However, a decrease in glass stability was observed, particularly in Mg-containing samples, due to Mg acting as a nucleation agent and promoting crystallization of the silicate structure. In contrast, Si did not introduce new nucleation sites, thus contributing to the structural integrity of the glass network. The findings underscore the potential of laser melting as an effective method for tailoring the properties of glasses.
Analysis of frequency domain features for the classification of evoked emotions using EEG signals
Authors: Adhikari Samannaya , Choudhury Nitin , Bhattacharya Swastika , Deb Nabamita , Das Daisy , Ghosh Rajdeep , Phadikar Souvik , Ghaderpour Ebrahim
Published: February 2025

Emotion is a natural instinctive state of mind that greatly influences human physiological activities and daily life decisions. Electroencephalogram (EEG) signals created from the central nervous system are very useful for emotion recognition and classification. In this study, EEG signals of individuals are analyzed by the variational mode decomposition (VMD) for frequency domain features to recognize visual stimuli-based evoked emotions (happy, sad, fear). After cleaning EEG signals from artifacts, VMD is employed to decompose the signal into its respective intrinsic mode functions (IMFs). A sliding windowing approach is adopted to calculate the power distributions in each of the predefined frequency bands. The results reveal that extracting frequency domain features using a sliding window of 3 s significantly enhances the efficiency of analyzing induced emotions in subjects. The random forest model shows promising results in classifying various emotions, achieving an accuracy of 99.57% for validation and 99.36% for testing. Moreover, it is observed that the fifth IMF has a strong relationship with emotion elicited from visual stimuli. In addition, the features of the trained model are analyzed by Shapley additive explanations.
Basic and Clinical Scientists Working Together—Do We Make the Best of Both Worlds?
Authors: Lems Willem F. , Anastasilakis Athanasios D. , Andreasen Christina Møller , Paccou Julien , Rolvien Tim , Tencerova Michaela , Tuckermann Jan , Yavropoulou Maria P. , Søe Kent
Published: February 2025

Musculoskeletal disorders, affecting as many as 1.3 billion people worldwide, are the leading cause of disability and impose a substantial health and socioeconomic burden. Despite the high prevalence of these conditions, translational research in this field is far from optimal, highlighting the need for stronger collaboration between basic and clinical scientists. This paper, authored by members of the basic and clinical action groups of the European Calcified Tissue Society (ECTS) and endorsed by the Board of the ECTS, examines the key barriers to effective translational research in musculoskeletal diseases, including clinician workload, differences in professional language and culture, physical distance between research sites, and insufficient interdisciplinary funding. Through interviews with eight institutional managers across five European countries, we observed that in some institutions, the collaboration between basic scientists and clinicians was regarded as no concern (but with room for improvement), and in most institutions it was recognised as a serious issue. We found consensus on the importance of collaboration yet identified discrepancies in the provision of structural and financial support. Based on these findings, we propose strategic initiatives to bridge the gap between basic and clinical research. Suggested measures include dedicated translational funding, integrated research facilities, collaborative scientific forums, strategic collaborations, establishment of physician-scientists, and, finally, bringing basic and clinical researchers together in the same building or even in a combined department. Notable successes, such as the development of the anti-osteoporotic drugs, romosozumab and denosumab, underscore the value of a coordinated approach and exemplify how shared insights between laboratory research and clinical practice can lead to impactful therapeutic advances. Moving forward, we advocate for institutional commitments to foster a robust translational research environment, as well as tailored funding initiatives to support such efforts. This paper serves as a call for discussion and action to enhance interdisciplinary cooperation to advance musculoskeletal medicine and improve outcomes for patients with debilitating musculoskeletal diseases.
Small pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (≤ 2 cm): different imaging and clinicopathologic features according to extrapancreatic extension
Authors: Ryu Rae Rim , Kim Jung Hoon , Park Junghoan , Hwang Sungjun
Published: February 2025

Purpose

To assess features of small pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (s-PDA, ≤ 2 cm) according to extrapancreatic extension (EPE) and predictors for recurrence.

Methods

This retrospective study included patients diagnosed with s-PDA who underwent surgery between January 2004 and October 2021. Preoperative CT or MRI images were reviewed by two reviewers. Imaging and clinicopathologic features of s-PDA were compared according to the presence of EPE. Cox regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of recurrence.

Results

142 patients (77 men; 64.7 ± 9.3 years) who underwent preoperative CT (n = 134) or MRI (n = 115) were included. Duct dilatation was a common imaging finding of s-PDA (CT: 75.4%, MRI: 82.6%). Of the 142 patients, 21.8% (31/142) had no EPE, while 78.2% (111/142) had EPE. Tumor size on CT (14.3 ± 8.7 mm vs. 18.2 ± 6.5 mm, p =.01) and abutment or encasement of superior mesenteric vein (13.8% vs. 40.9%, p =.02) on CT were different according to absence or presence of EPE. Recurrence was more common in s-PDA with EPE (32.3% [10/31] vs. 53.2% [59/111], p =.04). Pathologic tumor size (HR 1.103, 95% CI 1.020–1.193, p =.01), tumor size on MRI (HR 1.044, 95% CI 1.001–1.090, p =.048), and extrapancreatic neural invasion on MRI (HR 3.341, 95% CI 1.564–7.140, p =.002) were significant predictors of recurrence.

Conclusion

Even in s-PDA, tumors with EPE are larger and show higher recurrence rates. Imaging features are important for predicting presence of EPE.
Bioimaging insights into structural pathways of cell-to-cell communication within the male (MGU) and female (FGU) germ units of Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Parzych Wiktoria , Godel-Jędrychowska Kamila , Świdziński Michał , Niedojadło Janusz , Kurczyńska Ewa , Niedojadło Katarzyna
Published: February 2025

Key message

Cytoplasmic connections are present between cells within male and female germ units (MGU, FGU), suggesting potential structural pathways for communication.

Cell-to-cell communication within the male germ unit (MGU), which consists of two sperm cells and the vegetative cell nucleus, and the female germ unit (FGU), comprising the synergids, the egg cell, and the central cell, is crucial for gamete maturation, fertilization, and early embryogenesis in angiosperms. The MGU facilitates the transport and delivery of immotile sperm cells via the elongating pollen tube to the FGU/embryo sac, which is deeply embedded within the ovule and the ovary. Through applying various bioimaging techniques at both electron and light microscopy levels, we examine the structure and the function of these units in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, with a particular focus on potential structural pathways for communication. In the MGU, this communication is facilitated by a cytoplasmic projection that connects the sperm cells to the lobed vegetative nucleus. In the FGU, the extracellular matrix adjacent to the egg cell, central cell, and synergids plays a similar role. We discuss our findings in the context of previous studies on Hyacinthus orientalis, where, in contrast to Arabidopsis—which possesses a tricellular pollen structure—sperm cells are formed within the growing pollen tube.
An invariance principle for the 2d weakly self-repelling Brownian polymer
Authors: Cannizzaro Giuseppe , Giles Harry
Published: February 2025

We investigate the large-scale behaviour of the Self-Repelling Brownian Polymer (SRBP) in the critical dimension

$$d=2$$

d
=
2

. The SRBP is a model of self-repelling motion, which is formally given by the solution to a stochastic differential equation driven by a standard Brownian motion and with a drift given by the negative gradient of its own local time. As with its discrete counterpart, the “true” self-avoiding walk (TSAW) of Amit et al. (Phys Rev B 27(3):1635–1645, 1983. https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.27.1635), it is conjectured to be logarithmically superdiffusive, i.e. to be such that its mean-square displacement grows as

$$t(\log t)^\beta $$

t

(
log
t
)

β

for t large and some currently unknown

$$\beta \in (0,1)$$

β
∈
(
0
,
1
)

. The main result of the paper is an invariance principle for the SRBP under the weak coupling scaling, which corresponds to scaling the SRBP diffusively and simultaneously tuning down the strength of the self-interaction in a scale-dependent way. The diffusivity for the limiting Brownian motion is explicit and its expression provides compelling evidence that the

$$\beta $$

β

above should be 1/2. Further, we derive the scaling limit of the so-called environment seen by the particle process, which formally solves a non-linear singular stochastic PDE of transport-type, and prove this is given by the solution of a stochastic linear transport equation with enhanced diffusivity.
New Island Partitioning to Improve Scanning Strategies in Powder Bed Fusion of Metals with Laser Beam
Authors: Holman Dominick , Boseila Jonas , Schleifenbaum Johannes Henrich
Published: February 2025

Powder Bed Fusion of Metals with Laser Beam (PBF-LB/M) is an additive manufacturing technology that creates parts layer by layer from metal powder. The scanning strategy, which defines the geometrical arrangement of laser scan vectors, influences the part quality. In this contribution, based on the literature, we identified efficiently assessable geometrical properties of scanning strategies as requirements for a high part quality, i.e. low porosity, high dimensional accuracy and low surface roughness. We used these requirements to assess stripes as a representative state-of-the-art linear strategy and chessboard as a representative state-of-the-art island partitioning strategy. We found that island and chessboard strategies do not fully fulfill the identified requirements. Thus, we introduced a novel strategy for the geometric arrangement of scan vectors, called Random Polygon Partition (RPP), which fulfills the identified requirements better than the strategies discussed in the literature. To test the performance of RPP, we printed test specimens and compared the achieved porosity, dimensional accuracy, and surface roughness with specimens created with stripes and chessboard. The results demonstrate the usability of RPP in creating high-quality test specimens. However, further comparative studies on RPP and state-of-the-art scanning strategies using more challenging geometries and alloys prone to cracking, porosity, and more are needed to assess the full potential of the new scanning strategy.
Do fiber tips with different geometric designs affect organic tissue loss in laser-activated irrigation of teeth with immature apex? An in vitro study
Authors: Korucu Hulde , Uğur Aydın Zeliha
Published: February 2025

The aim of this study is to quantitatively evaluate the effect of irrigation activation performed with standard needle irrigation (SNI) and laser activated irrigation (LAI) tips of different geometric designs on organic tissue loss in the periapical area of teeth with immature apex. Fifteen single-rooted and canal teeth and seventy-five bovine mucosae were used in this study. An experimental model was constructed, and bovine mucosae were placed in the periapical area. Samples were randomly divided into five groups according to the irrigation activation method (n = 15): SNI, PIPS-flat (F), PIPS-radial (R), SWEEPS-flat (F) and SWEEPS-radial (R). Root canals were irrigated with totally 15 mL of 2% NaOCl for three irrigation cycles. Bovine mucosae were weighed before and after the irrigation activation protocols. The difference between the initial and final weights measured organic tissue loss. One-way analysis of variance was performed, followed by post-hoc Tukey significant difference test (p < 0.05). The amount of organic tissue loss in PIPS-R was found to be significantly higher compared to PIPS-F (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the amount of periapical organic tissue loss among all other tested irrigation activation methods (p > 0.05). All irrigation activation methods caused organic tissue loss. PIPS-R caused more organic tissue loss than PIPS-F, while no difference was found between SWEEPS-F and SWEEPS-R used at the same power setting.
Safety and efficacy of tolvaptan in real‑world Japanese patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease: final results of SLOW‑PKD surveillance
Authors: Mochizuki Toshio , Muto Satoru , Suzue Kyoko , Komaniwa Satoshi , Tanaka Toshiki , Fukuta Yasuhiko , Yamashige Yuko
Published: February 2025

Background

Tolvaptan, a vasopressin type 2 receptor antagonist, has been used to treat autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease in Japan since 2014.

Methods

This long-term, real-world, post-marketing surveillance (PMS) was conducted in Japan from March 2014 to March 2022. Safety was assessed based on adverse drug reactions (ADRs). For efficacy, changes in the slope of total kidney volume (TKV) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were assessed before and during the administration of tolvaptan.

Results

A total of 1676 patients were enrolled, with mean TKV (n = 1000) of 2149 ± 1339 mL and eGFR (n = 1641) of 44.4 ± 21.7 mL/min/1.73 m2. Frequent ADRs were hepatic function abnormal (9.6%), hyperuricaemia (8.3%), and thirst (8.1%). Most of the increased alanine aminotransferase exceeding 3 times the upper limit of the reference level occurred from 3  to  14 months after the start of treatment, but about 20% was observed after 15 months. There was no increase in ADRs over 36 months, suggesting that no other safety concerns need to be monitored during administration over 3–7 years. The mean slope of the estimated TKV increase before and during tolvaptan treatment was 6.58 and 3.71%/year, respectively (P = 0.0020). The mean slope of eGFR decline was − 3.63 and − 3.26 mL/min/1.73 m2/year, respectively (P = 0.2728).

Conclusion

There were no major problems with the safety of tolvaptan treatment, and efficacy in limiting TKV increase in this PMS was comparable to the previous, pivotal randomized control trials.

Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov; NCT02847624.
Proximity forest 2.0: a new effective and scalable similarity-based classifier for time series
Authors: Tan Chang Wei , Herrmann Matthieu , Salehi Mahsa , Webb Geoffrey I.
Published: February 2025

Time series classification (TSC) is a challenging task due to the diversity of types of features that may be relevant for different classification tasks, including trends, variance, frequency, magnitude, and various patterns. To address this challenge, several alternative classes of approach have been developed. While kernel, neural network, and hybrid approaches perform well overall, some specialized approaches are better suited for specific tasks. In this paper, we propose a new similarity-based classifier, Proximity Forest version 2.0 (PF 2.0), which outperforms previous state-of-the-art similarity-based classifiers across the UCR benchmark and outperforms other state-of-the-art methods on specific datasets in the benchmark that are best addressed by similarity-base methods. PF 2.0 incorporates three recent advances in time series similarity measures — (1) computationally efficient early abandoning and pruning to speedup elastic similarity computations; (2) a new elastic similarity measure, Amerced Dynamic Time Warping (

$${{\,\textrm{ADTW}\,}}$$

ADTW

); and (3) cost function tuning. It rationalizes the set of similarity measures employed, reducing the eight base measures of the original PF to four and using the first derivative transform with all similarity measures, rather than a limited subset. It also incorporates HYDRA, a dictionary-based transform. We have re-implemented PF 1.0 and implemented PF 2.0 framework in Java, making the PF framework more efficient.
Professional Development in Autism and Multilingualism for Behavior Analysts:
Authors: Martin Loya Melanie R , Meadan Hedda , Yan Xun
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Autistic children and their families from heritage-language-speaking homes are underrepresented in empirical research and would benefit from receiving care tailored to their linguistic and cultural needs. Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) commonly support autistic children in the United States but have reported limited knowledge and training in how to support bilingual children, their families, nor the bilingual staff who support them. The following research question was addressed: Do BCBA leaders in autism care who complete an asynchronous online professional development training demonstrate (a) increased knowledge, (b) improved self-efficacy, and (c) improved attitudes toward supporting multilingual Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) staff and recipients of multilingual ABA services compared to BCBA leaders in a waitlist-control group?

Method

Part of a larger sequential exploratory mixed methods study, this randomized waitlist control trial measured the impacts of a professional development training related to autism and multilingualism in ABA care on BCBAs’ knowledge, self-efficacy, and attitudes. Social validity data were also collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results

The training significantly increased the intervention group’s knowledge and reported self-efficacy compared to participants in the waitlist control group but had no significant effect on participants’ attitudes. In addition, participants perceived the training as socially valid.

Conclusion

Implications highlight the need for more attention on professional development research for autism providers, to examine pre-service training, and for clinical leaders to examine their workplace environment to promote effective and fair practices.
Atypical Resting-State EEG Graph Metrics of Network Efficiency Across Development in Autism and Their Association with Social Cognition: Results from the LEAP Study
Authors: de Jonge E. , Garcés P. , de Bildt A. , Groen Y. , Jones E. J. H. , Mason L. , Holt R. J. , Hayward H. , Murphy D. , Oakley B. , Charman T. , Ahmad J. , Baron-Cohen S. , Johnson M. H. , Banaschewski T. , Durston S. , Oranje B. , Bölte S. , Buitelaar J. ,   The EU-AIMS LEAP group, Hoekstra P. J. , Dietrich A.
Published: February 2025

Autism has been associated with differences in functional brain network organization. However, the exact nature of these differences across development compared to non-autistic individuals and their relationship to autism-related social cognition, remains unclear. This study first aimed to identify EEG resting-state network characteristics in autistic versus non-autistic children, adolescents, and adults. Second, we investigated associations with social cognition measures. Analyzing resting-state EEG data from the EU-AIMS Longitudinal European Autism Project, we compared network metrics (global efficiency, clustering coefficient, and small-worldness) between 344 autistic and non-autistic individuals within and across age groups in four frequency bands (delta, theta, alpha, and beta). If significant, we explored their relationships to measures of empathy (empathy quotient), complex emotion recognition [reading the mind in the eyes task (RMET)], and theory of mind (animated shapes task). Compared to their non-autistic peers, autistic adolescents showed lower alpha global efficiency, while autistic adults showed lower alpha clustering and small-worldness. No network differences were observed among children. In adolescents, higher long-range integration was tentatively associated with higher RMET scores; in those with high autistic traits, higher long-range integration related to fewer parent-reported empathic behaviors. No brain-behavior relationships were observed in adults. Our findings suggest subtle differences in network topology between autistic and non-autistic individuals, with less efficient long-range efficiency during adolescence, and less local and overall network efficiency in adulthood. Furthermore, long-range integration may play a role in complex emotion recognition and empathy difficulties associated with autism in adolescence.
Resistance Exercise Training on Musculoskeletal, Metabolic and Psychological Health in Sedentary Office Workers – Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Chandrasekaran Baskaran , Bairapareddy Kalyana Chakravarthy , Rao Chythra R.
Published: February 2025

Purpose

To consolidate the emerging evidence on the effectiveness of resistance training (RT) in reducing the health risks among sedentary office workers.

Methods

Four electronic databases were searched for evidence from its inception till september 20, 2024. Studies were included if they examined any form of RT program targeting musculoskeletal, metabolic, or psychological health outcomes in office workers aged 18 years or older using PICOS criteria (Population – office workers, Intervention – RT program, Comparison – placebo or sham control and Outcomes – musculoskeletal, cardiometabolic and psychological health variables). Two reviewers independently screened the studies for risk of bias and assessed the certainty of the evidence.

Results

Out of 60 identified studies, 17 studies were eligible for narrative synthesis, and 16 were included in the meta-analysis. Modest reductions in neck (SMD = -1.76, I2 = 88%, p < 0.00001) and shoulder discomfort (SMD = -13.29, I2 = 91%, p < 0.00001), while marginal improvement in shoulder (SMD = 4.13, I2 = 99%, p = 0.03) and neck extensor muscle strength (SMD = 9.07, I2 = 9%, p < 0.00001). The cardiometabolic and mental health risk markers remain unaltered. High uncertainty of evidence was observed due to high heterogeneity, risk of bias, inconsistency and publication bias.

Conclusion

Limited evidence demonstrate supervised RT programs of any dose has a potential to improve muscular strength and discomfort while potential cardiometabolic and mental health risk outcomes remain unaltered. However, more high-quality research trials are needed to understand the effects of RT on health benefits.
Post-selection confidence bounds for prediction performance
Authors: Rink Pascal , Brannath Werner
Published: February 2025

In machine learning, the selection of a promising model from a potentially large number of competing models and the assessment of its generalization performance are critical tasks that need careful consideration. Typically, model selection and evaluation are strictly separated tasks, splitting the sample at hand into training, validation, and evaluation sets, and only computing a single confidence interval for the prediction performance of the final selected model. We however regard the selection problem as a simultaneous inference problem and propose an algorithm to compute valid lower confidence bounds for multiple models that have been selected based on their prediction performance in the evaluation set. For this, we use bootstrap tilting and a maxT-type multiplicity correction. Various simulation experiments show that this leads to lower confidence bounds for the conditional performance that are at least as good as bounds from standard methods, and that reliably reach the nominal coverage probability. Also, a better performing final prediction model is selected this way, especially when the sample size is small. The approach is universally applicable for any combination of prediction models, any model selection strategy, and any prediction performance measure that accepts weights.
Concepts of self in dementia research: towards theoretical integration
Authors: van Woerkum-Rooker T. J.
Published: February 2025

Research on understanding the self of persons with dementia (PWD) has increased significantly in the past decades across various fields of research. This has led to a profusion of novel conceptualizations of self. Meanwhile, the rise in dementia diagnoses worldwide presents us with complex global societal and individual challenges. Since the understanding of the self of PWD is vital for improving their well-being, autonomy and care needs, this article argues that there is a need to integrate and systematize these conceptualizations of self. The current state of conceptual unclarity undermines the wellbeing of PWD, since it impedes the exchange and development of (empirical) research results and ideas. With the aim of uniting and systematizing the conceptualizations of self in research on PWD, in order to develop a pragmatic, clustered approach based on the research of the field itself which can be applied in an empirical setting with PWD, this article departs from the literature reviews from the various fields involved in the research on the self of PWD. By focusing on the theoretical overlap between the conceptualizations of self employed in these reviews, four overarching clusters of self-aspects can be formulated: minimal, embodied-embedded, reflective and socially-embedded self-aspects. These clusters jointly provide the ground for self-continuity in PWD. This clustered approach provides a framework which unites the current field of research, within which new findings can be integrated and which can be applied in an empirical setting.
Biocultural evolution, narratives, and emerging cultures of sustainability
Authors: Glynn Pierre D. , Cockerill Kristan , Helgeson Jennifer F. , Newman Gregory J. , Glynn Simone A. , White Paul A.
Published: February 2025

Biocultural evolution has created propensities that guide, largely unconsciously, how species think and behave. Human anthropocentrism leads to a lack of recognition of the propensities shared by Homo sapiens and other species. Human narratives and values reflect these propensities even as they also affect evolution and possible pathways of (un)sustainability for social-ecological systems (SES). Signals and narratives provide information and affective communication that simplify SES complexities and guide thought and behavior. This paper presents key propensities, signals, and a narrative typology to raise conscious awareness of their roles in shaping largely unconscious human priorities that emanate from biocultural evolution and that are unsuited to modern challenges. Four dimensions of values (i.e., experiential, utilitarian, communitarian, transcendental) are also considered, and the transcendental concept of a “realm of knowledge-ends” is presented. The concept posits that because of the cumulative knowledge that they represent, biological and cultural entities ought to be afforded worth and value as “ends-in-themselves”, transcending their immediate utilities. Local-to-regional-to-global approaches are mentioned that could help strive toward this goal and improve global SES sustainability. A case study from New Zealand illustrates how four foundational elements (biocultural propensities, signals, narratives, and values) in the conceptual framework presented by this paper can be used: (a) to enhance critical reflective thinking and analyze modern natural resources and environmental situations; and (b) to create and use records of engagement and decision-making for improved participatory processes and societal engagement. Paying attention to biocultural propensities, signals, narratives, and values can improve sustainability pathways.