bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ideology and Oppression: Dr. Flint as the Antagonist in Harriet Jacobs's Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl
Authors: Brown Eric
Published: February 2025

Harriet Jacobs's Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, originally published in 1861, is a seminal work that provides a profound and emotive account of an enslaved Black woman's struggle for freedom and self‐determination. This paper explores the role of ideology and representation in Jacobs's portrayal of Dr. Flint, the primary antagonist, through the lenses of Louis Althusser's and Jacques Lacan's theories. By analyzing the narrative techniques and symbolic language employed by Jacobs, this study reveals how Dr. Flint embodies the systemic oppressive forces of slavery. The paper argues that Jacobs's depiction of Dr. Flint not only underscores the dehumanizing nature of slavery but also serves as a tool of ideological resistance, highlighting the unique challenges faced by enslaved women. This analysis contributes to a deeper understanding of how literary devices in slave narratives can illuminate the broader social and power dynamics of the antebellum South. Ultimately, this paper aims to shed light on the complexities of Jacobs's narrative strategies and their impact on both contemporary and modern readers.
A Collection of Children's Artworks as Imaginative Openings
Authors: Schroeder Yu Geralyn (Gigi)
Published: February 2025

This article describes preservice art education students who curated an exhibition for a university gallery, using description and analysis as aesthetic inquiry processes. The students curated an exhibition that placed 1977 Central and Latin American and contemporary children's artworks in dialogue with each other. They constructed themes that facilitated visual comparisons between contexts and narratives and generated questions to inspire imaginative thinking for viewers. The process was inspired by the Prospect School's descriptive review process, which emphasizes suspending judgment and resisting the urge to critique children's artworks, allowing for expanded inquiries (Carini, 2001). Curating is described as a form of aesthetic inquiry where students engage their imagination and develop critical thinking skills through collecting, analyzing, categorizing, constructing, and creating opportunities for viewers to experience children's artworks. The exhibition displays historical and contemporary children's artworks, likening to a dialogue, with the preservice art education students taking on the role of facilitators of the discussion. The questions they generated served as imaginative openings to perceive children as artists and producers of their own cultural images.
Novel Candidate Genes Detection Using Bayesian Network‐Based Genome‐Wide Association Study of Latent Traits in F2 Chicken Population
Authors: Manzoori Siavash , Torshizi Rasoul Vaez , Masoudi Ali Akbar , Momen Mehdi
Published: February 2025

In chickens, economically important traits are commonly controlled by multiple genes and are often correlated. The genetic mechanisms underlying the correlated phenotypes likely involve pleiotropy or linkage disequilibrium, which is not handled properly in single‐trait genome‐wide association studies (GWAS). We employed factor analytical models to estimate the value of latent traits to reduce the dimensionality of the adjusted phenotypes. The dataset included phenotypes from 369 F2 chickens, categorised into six observable classes, namely body weight (BW), feed intake (FI), feed efficiency (FE), immunity (IMU), blood metabolites (BMB), and carcass (CC) traits. All birds were genotyped using a 60K SNP Beadchip. A Bayesian network (BN) algorithm was used to discern the recursive causal relationships among the inferred latent traits. Multi‐Trait (MT) and Structural Equation Model (SEM) were applied for association analysis. Several candidate genes were detected across six phenotypic classes, namely the IPMK gene for BW and FI, and, the MTERF2 gene for BW and FE. The rs14565514 SNP, close to genes IPMK, UBE2D1, and CISD1, was recognised as a pleiotropic marker by both models. The NRG3 gene, located on chromosome 6, was associated with FI. CRISP2, RHAG, CYP2AC1, and CENPQ genes, located on chromosome 3, were detected for BMB through both MT‐ and SEM‐GWAS. In general, the results indicated that the SEM‐GWAS is superior to MT‐GWAS due to considering the causal relationships among the traits, correcting the effects of the traits on each other, and also leading to the identification of pleiotropic SNP markers.
Unravelling the Computational Thinking and Spatial Thinking Development: An Exploration of a Virtual Robot Programming Environment
Authors: Gong Xin , Xu Weiqi , Qiao Ailing , Li Zhixia
Published: February 2025

Background

Robot programming can simultaneously cultivate learners' computational thinking (CT) and spatial thinking (ST). However, there is a noticeable gap in research focusing on the micro‐level development patterns of learners' CT and ST and their interconnections.

Objectives

This study aims to uncover the intricate development patterns and interrelations between learners' CT and ST at a micro level within a robot programming environment.

Methods

Thirty middle school students participated in the study and completed SOLO robot programming tasks. Process data on their online programming behaviour were collected through programming platform log data, screen recordings and synchronised think‐aloud audio, while result data were obtained through CT and ST standardised tests. The data were then analysed using cluster analysis, process mining techniques, Kruskal–Wallis, and Spearman analysis.

Results and Conclusions

The results revealed three clusters of learner types (i.e., masters, debuggers and beginners). Masters skilfully employed both CT and ST, while debuggers effectively activated ST through feedback. Beginners, however, showed lower proficiency in both. Notably, their CT structures demonstrated bidirectional thinking, top‐down systematic programming and bottom‐up debugging methods. The intrinsic developmental structure of ST shifted from direction language to spatial behaviour. Furthermore, ST and CT were mutually enhanced and mental rotation in ST is positioned as a foundational skill for CT.

Implications

These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of learners' intrinsic thinking processes and offer essential guidance for optimising programming education.
Awareness of Financial Conflicts of Interest in Selecting Clinical Practice Guidelines Among Nepalese Oncologists: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Shrestha Rajeev , Ozaki Akihiko , Saito Hiroaki , Tsubokura Masaharu , Tanimoto Tetsuya , Ghimire Bikal , Prasad Singh Yogendra , Sapkota Simit , Shrestha Sunil
Published: February 2025

Background

Financial conflicts of interest (FCOIs) between pharmaceutical companies and clinical practice guideline (CPG) authors can influence guideline recommendations, posing challenges to patient care. Despite global concerns, limited research exists on FCOI awareness among healthcare professionals in lower‐middle‐income countries like Nepal.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study, conducted between June 2020 and January 2021, aimed to assess FCOI awareness among Nepalese oncologists and identify associated factors. Data were collected through an online survey of 102 oncologists selected from three medical societies. Descriptive statistics and Fisher's exact tests were used for analysis.

Results

Of the participants, 64 (63%) considered FCOIs between pharmaceutical companies and CPG authors when implementing guidelines. Significant associations were found between FCOI consideration and three factors: type of CPGs used, with higher consideration among users of national (80%) and international guidelines (69%) compared with local guidelines (44%) (p = 0.04); place of medical education, with higher consideration among Nepal‐trained physicians (77%) compared with those trained abroad (61%) or both (44%) (p = 0.012); and experience in cancer field, with higher consideration among those with less than 10 years of experience (75%) compared with those having 10‐20 years (49%) or more than 20 years (63%) of experience (p = 0.033).

Conclusion

While nearly two‐thirds of Nepalese oncologists consider FCOIs when implementing CPGs, enhancing awareness among the remaining one‐third is crucial. The findings suggest the need for targeted educational programs and stronger FCOI disclosure mechanisms, particularly as Nepal develops its own CPGs.
Reference line lengthening on resting‐state magnetic resonance imaging in patients with pelvic organ prolapse seeking surgical treatment
Authors: Okada Yoshiyuki , Nakagawa Chie , Kurokawa Ippei , Shigeta Miwa , Nomura Yukiko , Inoue Eisuke , Yoshimura Yasukuni
Published: February 2025

Aim

Injury to and laxity of the pelvic floor muscles are highly important factors in the etiology of pelvic organ prolapse. When women with pelvic organ prolapse perform the Valsalva maneuver, progressive descent and widening of the levator ani muscle are observed on dynamic magnetic resonance images. However, physical examination of such women often reveals pelvic floor laxity, even in a relaxed state. Therefore, we aimed to verify the hypothesis that sagging of the pelvic floor can be detected on resting‐state magnetic resonance images in the supine position.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated resting‐state magnetic resonance imaging findings in women with (n = 193; all underwent surgical treatment) and without (controls; n = 193) pelvic organ prolapse who had at least one prior vaginal delivery. We compared the lengths of the pubococcygeal line, H‐line, and M‐line between the groups.

Results

The median lengths (interquartile ranges) for the prolapse and control groups were 98.3 (91.9–104.0) and 95.1 (90.3–101.4) mm (p = 0.0011), respectively, for the pubococcygeal line; 61.5 (56.0–67.9) and 51.1 (47.2–55.6) mm (p < 0.0001), respectively, for the H‐line; and 24.6 (20.4–29.0) and 8.6 (3.9–13.0) mm (p < 0.0001), respectively, for the M‐line. Similarly, in the multiple regression analysis adjusted for age, height, body mass index, a history of operative vaginal delivery, and a history of hysterectomy, the pubococcygeal line, H‐line, and M‐line were significantly longer in the prolapse group.

Conclusions

In women with pelvic organ prolapse, the H‐line and M‐line are significantly longer on resting‐state magnetic resonance images, allowing for the detection of pelvic floor relaxation.
Development and Validation of the Delaying Gratification Inventory in Japanese (DGI‐J)
Authors: Goto Takayuki , Yanaoka Kaichi , Ozaki Yuka , Hoerger Michael
Published: February 2025

We often face situations requiring us to exert self‐control, wherein we set goals and invest plenty of effort in achieving them, but are also disturbed by urges to give in to temptations. Since self‐control is associated with outcomes across various domains, it is important to assess individual domain‐specific differences in self‐control to further understand how it develops and contributes to successful outcomes. The present study aimed to develop and validate the Japanese version of the Delaying Gratification Inventory, a well‐developed measure for assessing one's ability to delay gratification in five domains: food, physical pleasures, social interactions, money, and achievement. We created the Delaying Gratification Inventory in Japanese (DGI‐J) using back translation. We conducted surveys to test its validity using two discrete samples: crowd‐workers and university students. Our results showed that the DGI‐J is a valid measure for assessing self‐control in the abovementioned domains, except for the internal consistency for the Physical subscale. We also created a 10‐item short form of the DGI‐J from an item‐response theory perspective and tested its validity. We discuss how the DGI‐J can contribute to the literature on self‐control.
Effects of dietary citric acid, lactic acid, and potassium sorbate mixture on growth performance and intestinal immunological parameters in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) juveniles
Authors: Hoseini Seyyed Morteza , Al Sulivany Basim S. A. , Afzali‐Kordmahalleh Alireza , Abdollahpour Hamed , Rajabiesterabadi Hamid , Yousefi Morteza
Published: February 2025

Acidifiers serve as effective feed additives that enhance fish growth and welfare. This study investigates the effects of a mixture of lactic acid, citric acid, and potassium sorbate (denoted as OA, in a 1:1:1 ratio) on common carp (Cyprinus carpio) for the first time. A total of 240 fish, each weighing approximately 18.5 grams, were randomly assigned to four treatment groups, each consisting of four replicates containing 15 fish. The fish were fed diets supplemented with varying levels of OA: 0 g/kg (Control), 2.5 g/kg (A‐2.5), 5 g/kg (A‐5), and 10 g/kg (A‐10) for a duration of 56 days. Growth performance, calcium and phosphorus levels in vertebrae and muscle, intestinal antioxidant status, bacterial populations, gene expressions, as well as immunological parameters in skin mucus and blood plasma were analyzed at the end of the experiment. The results indicated a significant (p < 0.0001) increase in the abundance of Lactobacillus sp. in the OA‐treated groups compared to the Control group. Conversely, the intestinal populations of Vibrio sp. (p < 0.0001) and Aeromonas sp. (p = 0.010) significantly decreased in the OA‐treated groups, particularly in the A‐10 treatment. Moreover, significant (p < 0.0001) up‐regulations were observed in the expression of intestinal tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (tnf‐a), interleukin‐1 beta (il‐1b), heat shock protein 70 (hsp70), and mucin‐2 (muc‐2) across all OA‐treated groups when compared to the Control group. All OA‐treated groups, especially the A‐5 treatment, exhibited significant (p < 0.0001) increases in the expression of intestinal lysozyme (lys), mucin‐5 (muc‐5), and beta‐defensin (b‐def) relative to the Control group. Furthermore, intestinal levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) significantly increased (p = 0.0003), while malondialdehyde (MDA) levels decreased (p = 0.002) in all OA‐treated groups, particularly in the A‐5 treatment. Notably, plasma lysozyme (p = 0.002), alternative complement (AC; p = 0.022), skin mucus protease (p = 0.011), lysozyme (p = 0.002), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP; p = 0.001) showed significant increases in the A‐5 and/or A‐10 treatments compared to the Control group. Dietary supplementation with OA significantly enhanced muscle and vertebral ash, phosphorus, and calcium levels, particularly in the A‐5 treatment. Additionally, growth performance and feed efficiency significantly improved in the A‐5 treatment when compared to the Control group. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with 5 g/kg of OA proved beneficial for common carp by enhancing intestinal health, humoral and mucosal immune responses, calcium and phosphorus retention, as well as overall growth performance.
NrdR in Streptococcus and Listeria spp.: DNA Helix Phase Dependence of the Bacterial Ribonucleotide Reductase Repressor
Authors: Shahid Saher , Balka Mateusz , Lundin Daniel , Daley Daniel O. , Sjöberg Britt‐Marie , Rozman Grinberg Inna
Published: February 2025

NrdR is a universal transcriptional repressor of bacterial genes coding for ribonucleotide reductases (RNRs), essential enzymes that provide DNA building blocks in all living cells. Despite its bacterial prevalence, the NrdR mechanism has been scarcely studied. We report the biochemical, biophysical, and bioinformatical characterization of NrdR and its binding sites from two major bacterial pathogens of the phylum Bacillota Listeria monocytogenes and Streptococcus pneumoniae. NrdR consists of a Zn‐ribbon domain followed by an ATP‐cone domain. We show that it forms tetramers that bind to DNA when loaded with ATP and dATP, but if loaded with only ATP, NrdR forms various oligomeric complexes unable to bind DNA. The DNA‐binding site in L. monocytogenes is a pair of NrdR boxes separated by 15–16 bp, whereas in S. pneumoniae, the NrdR boxes are separated by unusually long spacers of 25–26 bp. This observation triggered a comprehensive binding study of four NrdRs from L. monocytogenes, S. pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, and Streptomyces coelicolor to a series of dsDNA fragments where the NrdR boxes were separated by 12–27 bp. The in vitro results were confirmed in vivo in E. coli and revealed that NrdR binds most efficiently when there is an integer number of DNA turns between the center of the two NrdR boxes. The study facilitates the prediction of NrdR binding sites in bacterial genomes and suggests that the NrdR mechanism is conserved throughout the bacterial domain. It sheds light on RNR regulation in Listeria and Streptococcus, and since NrdR does not occur in eukaryotes, opens a way to the development of novel antibiotics.
MdVQ37 Negatively Regulates Apple Resistance to Valsa Canker via SA‐Dependent and SA‐Independent Pathways
Authors: Duan Dingyue , Zheng Wenqian , Shi Mingrui , Yi Ran , Dong Qinglong , Yang Jie , Ma Fengwang , Mao Ke
Published: February 2025

Apple Valsa canker is one of the major fungal diseases adversely affecting the apple industry. Valine‐glutamine motif‐containing proteins (VQs) are a kind of plant transcription regulation cofactor, which are involved in regulating the growth and development of plants and their defence responses. Yet little is known about the role of VQs in the biotic stress response of woody plants, especially in apple trees. Recently, we identified MdVQ37 as a negative regulator of apple resistance to Glomerella leaf spot by inhibiting MdWRKY100‐mediated salicylic acid (SA) accumulation via protein interaction. Here we found that MdVQ37 expression was induced significantly by Valsa mali infection. Overexpressing MdVQ37 in apple increased its susceptibility to V. mali, accompanied by a reduction in H2O2 accumulation along with the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), chitinase and β‐1,3‐glucanase. Meanwhile, MdVQ37 overexpression increased the expression of two SA catabolic genes, MdS5H1 and MdS5H2, resulting in a greater accumulation of the SA metabolite 2,5‐dihydroxybenzoic acid (2,5‐DHBA), but a decreased SA content and less signalling in transgenic plants. MdPER3, a peroxidase‐encoding gene, was identified as a direct target of MdWRKY100. Analysis of transcriptional regulation activity showed that MdVQ37 inhibited the binding and transcriptional ability of MdWRKY100 on the MdPER3 promoter, thereby reducing antioxidant enzyme activity and weakening the Valsa canker resistance. Overall, our results show that MdVQ37 negatively regulates apple defence against V. mali through both SA‐dependent and SA‐independent pathways. Our findings provide novel insight into the mechanisms by which the VQ–WRKY complex modulates plant defence responses against pathogens.
Making Sense of Nationality: On the Attempt of Signifying Identity
Authors: Kögel Johannes
Published: February 2025

References to nationality can serve various purposes beyond signifying belonging or membership to a polity. Tracking the logic of nationality, using an empirical example, combines the concept of schismogenesis with the notions of the floating signifier and suture. Signifiers set purely by means of contrast to others denote a chain of signifiers without an anchoring point, leaving it in a floating state. Nationality seems to occupy such a point, suturing the chain of particular national signifiers. However, given that nationality can be distinguished as content and form, or identity and membership, it appears that one component becomes ephemeral when the other is articulated. Nationality, therefore, can be seen as an attempt to fix identity or essentialize meaning and additionally operates as an internally floating signifier. Nationalism is defined as the re‐entry of nationality as a form on the side of its content, essentializing belonging without putting its identity into discussion.
General‐purpose genotypes and evolution of higher plasticity in clonality underlie knotweed invasion
Authors: Wang Shengyu , Liao Zhi‐Yong , Cao Peipei , Schmid Marc W. , Zhang Lei , Bi Jingwen , Endriss Stacy B. , Zhao Yujie , Parepa Madalin , Hu Wenyi , Akamine Hikaru , Wu Jihua , Ju Rui‐Ting , Bossdorf Oliver , Richards Christina L. , Li Bo
Published: February 2025

Many widespread invasive plant species express high phenotypic variation across novel environments, providing a unique opportunity to examine ecological and evolutionary dynamics under global change. However, studies often lack information about the origin of introduced populations, limiting our understanding of post‐introduction evolution.

We assessed the responses of Reynoutria japonica from 128 populations spanning latitudinal transects in the native (China and Japan), and introduced (North America and Europe) ranges when grown in two common gardens.

Plants from introduced populations differed in almost all traits from those from Chinese populations, but were similar to plants from the putative origin in Japan. Compared to Chinese populations, North American, European and Japanese populations expressed lower trait values and plasticity in most traits. However, plants from both introduced and Japanese populations expressed higher clonality and plasticity in clonality than plants from Chinese populations. Further, introduced populations expressed higher plasticity in clonality but lower plasticity in basal diameter compared to Japanese populations.

Our findings emphasize the potential role of clonality and plasticity in clonality for invasion success. In addition, our study highlights the importance of comparisons to source populations within the native range to identify evolutionary responses of introduced plants to novel environments.
Associations between psychological inflexibility processes, pre‐sleep arousal and sleep quality
Authors: Mastin‐Purcell Lisa , Richdale Amanda L. , Lawson Lauren P. , Morris Eric M. J.
Published: February 2025

Objectives

Psychological inflexibility, the model of psychopathology underlying Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), has been linked to a broad range of psychological problems, but its link with sleep quality is not well understood. This study aimed to identify relationships between psychological inflexibility processes (cognitive fusion, experiential avoidance, limited perspective‐taking, lack of present moment awareness and inaction) and sleep quality, investigating pre‐sleep arousal and anxiety symptomatology as mechanisms mediating these relationships.

Design

A correlational, cross‐sectional design was used to test two statistical models.

Methods

Participants (N = 704) from a general population sample completed an online survey, reporting on sleep quality, pre‐sleep arousal, anxiety and measures of psychological inflexibility. Data were analysed using correlations and path analyses.

Results

All psychological inflexibility processes were moderate to strongly correlated with sleep quality. Path analysis showed cognitive fusion, lack of present moment awareness and experiential avoidance, mediated by pre‐sleep cognitive and somatic arousal, explained 49% of the variance in sleep quality (Model 1). Cognitive fusion via pre‐sleep cognitive arousal had the largest effect. Anxiety preceding pre‐sleep arousal (Model 2) explained no additional variance, and model fit was poorer than Model 1.

Conclusions

These findings highlight the role of psychological inflexibility processes in disrupting the de‐arousal process needed for healthy sleep, supporting evidence for ACT as a treatment for sleep disturbance.
OsMAPKKK5 affects brassinosteroid signal transduction via phosphorylating OsBSK1–1 and regulates rice plant architecture and yield
Authors: Yan Peiwen , Wang Ying , Cui Jinhao , Liu Mingyu , Zhu Yu , Ma Fuying , Liu Yahui , Lan Dengyong , Dong Shiqing , Hu Zejun , Niu Fuan , Liu Yang , Zhang Xinwei , He Shicong , Hu Jian , Yuan Xinyu , Li Yizhen , Yang Jinshui , Cao Liming , Luo Xiaojin
Published: February 2025

Improving plant architecture and increasing yields are the main goals of rice breeders. However, yield is a complex trait influenced by many yield‐related traits. Identifying and characterizing important genes in the coordinated network regulating complex rice traits and their interactions is conducive to cultivating high‐yielding rice varieties. In this study, we determined that the interaction between mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase kinase5 (OsMAPKKK5) and brassinosteroid‐signalling kinase1–1 (OsBSK1–1) regulates yield‐related traits in rice. Specifically, OsMAPKKK5 phosphorylates OsBSK1–1, which enhances the interaction between these two proteins, but adversely affects the OsBSK1–1–OsBRI1 (BR insensitive1) and OsBSK1–1–OsPPKL1 (protein phosphatase with two Kelch‐like domains) interactions. Additionally, OsMAPKKK5 disrupts brassinosteroid signal transduction, which prevents OsBZR1 (brassinazole‐resistant1) from efficiently entering the nucleus, thereby negatively modulating its function as a transcription factor regulating downstream effector genes, ultimately adversely affecting plant architecture and yield. This study revealed the relationship between the MAPK cascade and the regulatory effects of brassinosteroid on the rice grain yield involves OsMAPKKK5 and OsBSK1–1. The study data may be important for future investigations on the rice yield‐regulating molecular network.
LNC159c Negatively Regulates Anthocyanin Biosynthesis via miR159c in Malus spectabilis Under Low Nitrogen
Authors: Meng Jiaxin , Wang Han , Liu Yixin , Wang Yu , Li Houhua
Published: February 2025

Low‐nitrogen (LN) conditions typically promote anthocyanin biosynthesis in plants. Although previous studies primarily explored structural genes and transcription factors involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis, the role of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in this process under LN conditions remains less understood. This study identified LNC159c as a potential regulator of anthocyanin biosynthesis, with its expression notably downregulated under LN conditions. LNC159c functions as the host gene of miR159c, which regulates its expression. A dual‐luciferase reporter assay and GFP signal detection demonstrated that miR159c inhibited MsMYB10 expression through base complementary pairing. Yeast one‐hybrid (Y1H) and dual‐LUC reporter assays jointly verified that MsMYB10 binds to the F3'H promoter. Stable overexpression in apple calli and transient overexpression in apple fruit peels and M. spectabilis leaves showed that LNC159c overexpression promoted miR159c expression, while inhibiting MsMYB10 expression and anthocyanin biosynthesis. MsMYB10 overexpression promoted anthocyanin biosynthesis, whereas the opposite results were observed in MsMYB10‐silenced tissues. Thus, under LN conditions, reduced LNC159c expression limits miR159c production, relieving MsMYB10 inhibition and enhancing anthocyanin accumulation. These findings highlight the regulatory role of lncRNAs in anthocyanin biosynthesis under LN conditions.
Salicylic Acid Cooperates With Lignin and Sucrose Signals to Alleviate Waxy Maize Leaf Senescence Under Heat Stress
Authors: Wang Zitao , Guo Jian , Luo Wenxuan , Niu Shiduo , Qu Lingling , Li Jing , Chen Yanping , Li Guanghao , Yang Huan , Lu Dalei
Published: February 2025

Leaf senescence induced by high temperature (HT) has become a primary factor limiting maize yield, particularly during the filling stage. Exogenous salicylic acid (SA) has emerged as an effective strategy to mitigate leaf senescence and HT‐induced damage, though its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigated the regulatory mechanism of SA application on waxy maize subjected to HT during the early filling stage. Compared to HT alone, exogenous SA alleviated the inhibition of photosynthesis and oxidative damage by enhancing the activities of enzymes involved in photosynthesis and antioxidant system and modulating phytohormone metabolism and signal transduction pathways, thereby reducing leaf senescence and mitigating yield loss under HT. Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses showed that HT downregulated most genes involved in the starch and sucrose metabolism pathway in leaves but promoted soluble sugar accumulation, which represents a plant strategy to cope with HT. Conversely, exogenous SA reversed this change and further enhanced soluble sugar accumulation in leaves. SA also regulated sugar metabolism by inhibiting trehalose‐6‐phosphate synthesis and activating SnRK1 to resist HT. Furthermore, SA stimulated lignin biosynthesis through the phenylpropanoid pathway, ensuring cell membrane integrity under HT. The relationship between SA signalling and plant heat tolerance was validated using a maize SA synthesis‐synthetic mutant.
GRAIN SIZE ONCHROMOSOME 2 orchestrates phytohormone, sugar signaling and energy metabolism to confer thermal resistance in rice
Authors: Li Guangyan , Wang Huanran , Li Hubo , Feng Baohua , Fu Weimeng , Ma Jiaying , Li Juncai , Wu Zhihai , Islam Md Rezaul , Chen Tingting , Zhang Hongcheng , Wei Haiyan , Tao Longxing , Fu Guanfu
Published: February 2025

GRAIN SIZE ON CHROMOSOME 2 (GS2) has been reported to enhance rice grain yield and confer tolerance to cold, drought, and salt stress, but its function in heat tolerance of rice remains undocumented. This study aimed to investigate whether GS2 could enhance thermal tolerance by subjecting rice seedlings of Huazhan (HZ) and its near‐isogenic line (HZ−GS2) to heat stress. HZ−GS2 plants exhibited less damage compared to HZ plants under heat stress. Transcriptome revealed the involvement of phytohormones, sugar signaling, and energy metabolism in the mechanism by which GS2 influences heat tolerance. Under heat stress, HZ−GS2 plants showed higher increases or lower decreases in glucose, gibberellins (GAs), salicylic acid (SA), indoleacetic acid (IAA), adenosine triphosphate (ATP), energy charge, as well as the activities of hexokinase, NADH dehydrogenase, cytochrome oxidase, ATP synthase, and ATPase. Exogenous GA3 enhanced heat tolerance in rice by increasing energy charge, ATPase, activities of complex V and hexokinase. Additionally, glucose, sucrose, 3‐aminobenzamide (3‐ab), and Na2SO3 conferred heat tolerance in rice plants. Importantly, a significant increase in Fv/Fm was observed in plants treated with a combination of GA3, glucose, and 3‐ab, compared to those sprayed alone. Thus, GS2 coordinates GA3, hexokinase, and energy metabolism to improve energy status, thereby enhancing heat tolerance in rice plants.
Hormonal changes associated with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi indicate defense‐like alterations in virus‐stressed grapevine
Authors: Gaši Emanuel , Likar Matevž , Arbona Vicent , González‐Guzmán Miguel , Hančević Katarina , Balestrini Raffaella , Čarija Mate , Regvar Marjana , Gambino Giorgio , Sillo Fabiano , Radić Tomislav
Published: February 2025

Grapevine is an economically important crop, affected by major production losses due to high virus prevalence. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can reduce the impact of plant biotic stresses. However, hormonal response to the simultaneous presence of viruses and AMF remains largely unknown. In this study, we explored the potential of AMF to modify the grapevine's defense response to compatible virus infections. We used GRSPaV, GLRaV‐3, and GPGV as infectious viral agents, separately or in different combinations. Two AMF inoculums were tested for their bioprotective abilities, RHIZ (Rhizophagus irregularis) and MIX (R. irregularis, Funneliformis mosseae, F. caledonium). Generally, MIX induced stronger physiological responses than RHIZ inoculum, especially during the earlier phase of symbiosis. The main findings were connected to the hormonal profile of the grapevine infected by all three viruses and inoculated with MIX. In particular, salicylic acid (SA) and abscisic acid (ABA) concentrations were induced five and fifteen months post AMF inoculation, respectively. Expressions of VvNCED1 and VvBG1 were up‐regulated in uninoculated grapevines, indicating slower induction of stress response mechanisms. Parameters related to plant vigour and growth were induced in grapevine at both time points, regardless of the virus combination. In conclusion, the defense‐like response induced by AMF in grapevines infected with multiple viruses is characterized by the induction of ABA and SA, accompanied by a consistent enhancement of vigor parameters. This study confirms AMF symbiosis as a potentially promising additional tool for combating viral diseases in vineyards.
Mother's Sense of Coherence and Oral Health of Children and Adolescents With Cerebral Palsy—Matched Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Siqueira Vanessa Lira , Pacheco Valéria Bordallo , Gonçalves Laura Costa , Carneiro Natália Cristina Ruy , Borges‐Oliveira Ana Cristina , dos Santos Maria Teresa Botti Rodrigues
Published: February 2025

Background

The sense of coherence (SOC) is important for the well‐being, especially mothers of children and adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP).

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between Mother's SOC and oral health status in children/adolescents with and without CP.

Materials and Method

A paired cross‐sectional study was conducted with 102 children/adolescents with CP, 102 without CP, and their respective mothers. Participants were aged between 3 and 17 years, matched by sex and age. Antonovsky's SOC questionnaire (SOC‐13) was answered by mothers from both groups, characteristics and the oral status of the children were investigated. Clinical type of CP, Gross Motor Function (GMFCS), oral hygiene quality (OHI‐S), and dental caries experience (DMFT/dmft) were evaluated.

Results

The CP condition of the children was significantly associated with Mother's SOC (P < 0.001). Mothers of children with CP had lower SOC scores (mean: 27.6 [±3.0]) than mothers of children without CP (mean: 30.2 [±7.7]). In the CP group, level IV, V of Gross Motor function was associated with lower mother's SOC scores (p = 0.001). In both groups, dental caries experience was associated with lower mother's SOC scores, CP group (p < 0.001), without CP group (p = 0.002). Regarding the individual characteristics, CP group presented with lower‐quality of oral hygiene (p < 0.001) and high prevalence of dental caries (p = 0.001). Regarding marital status, mothers of CP group were majority single, separated, or divorced (p < 0.001), and presented more difficulties in finding a dentist for their child (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Mother's SOC was statistically significantly associated with the presence of dental caries in children/adolescents with and without CP. Mothers of children/adolescents with CP presented with lower values of SOC.
Characterisation of the Novel HLA‐DPB1*04:02:27 Allele by Sequencing‐Based Typing
Authors: Cargou Marine , Elsermans Vincent , Top Isabelle , Ralazamahaleo Mamy , Visentin Jonathan
Published: February 2025

HLA‐DPB1*04:02:27 differs from HLA‐DPB1*04:02:01:01 by one nucleotide substitution in codon 193 in exon 4.
Cross‐Border Regional Innovation Systems and Climate Adaptation: A Tripoint Viticultural Analysis
Authors: Riekötter Nicklas
Published: February 2025

This paper investigates sustainability transformations in the tripoint viticultural sectors of Luxembourg, Germany and France, employing the framework of Cross‐Border Regional Innovation Systems (CBRIS). Through qualitative data from semi‐structured interviews and extensive on‐site observations, the paper examines how viticulturists perceive and respond to climate change impacts and linked socio‐economic crises across national borders. The findings reveal diverse adaptation strategies, with German vintners showing a higher propensity for innovation and sustainable practices compared to their French and Luxembourgish counterparts. The study identifies key socio‐economic implications, including increased resilience and self‐reliance among climate‐friendly farmers and sheds a broader perspective on growth trajectories and cross‐border collaborations. Besides fostering knowledge exchange and regional sustainability, barriers such as financial constraints and knowledge gaps are also discussed. This research underscores the potential of analysing borders as dynamic entities under the CBRIS framework, adding to understanding of sustainability and resilience development in the regional economy and viticulture.
Where Mathematical Symbols Come From
Authors: Schlimm Dirk
Published: February 2025

There is a sense in which the symbols used in mathematical expressions and formulas are arbitrary. After all, arithmetic would be no different if we would replace the symbols ‘’ or ‘8’ by different symbols. Nevertheless, the shape of many mathematical symbols is in fact well motivated in practice. In the case of symbols that were introduced a long time ago, the original motivations remain mostly inaccessible to us. Accordingly, motivations that are discussed in the literature are only ascribed retrospectively and should be considered as post‐hoc rationalizations. For more recent introductions of new symbols (e.g., in symbolic logic), however, we sometimes do have first‐hand accounts by the authors that inform us of the reasons behind their notational choices. In this paper, I present a systematic overview of possible motivations for the design of mathematical symbols, which include practical (such as ease of writing and reuse of previously used symbols) as well as cognitive aspects (such as indicating relations to other symbols or to their intended meanings).
Leakage pressures of partial and total lung lobectomies performed with thoracoabdominal staplers in cadaveric dogs
Authors: Huerta Yael , Culp William T. N. , Gianotti Giacomo , Gill Nimar , Stefanovski Darko , Griffin Maureen A.
Published: February 2025

Objective

To compare leakage pressures of stapled partial and total lung lobectomies using thoracoabdominal (TA) staplers in canine cadaveric specimens.

Study design

Ex vivo experimental study.

Sample population

A total of 29 lung lobes from six canine cadavers.

Methods

Lower respiratory tracts were harvested from canine cadavers >15 kg. Lung lobes were randomized to groups: total lobectomy with a TA30‐V3 (TL‐30), partial lobectomy with two TA30‐V3 cartridges in a wedge configuration (PL‐30), and partial lobectomy with a TA60‐3.5 mm (PL‐60). The leakage pressure (pressure at which air bubbles were first seen from submerged tissue) was assessed, and groups were compared.

Results

All nine PL‐30 and all nine PL‐60 sites leaked at median pressures of 10 cm H2O (range 10–15) and 18 cm H2O (range 10–20), respectively. Only 1/11 TL‐30 site leaked during testing at a pressure of 22 cm H2O. PL‐30 and PL‐60 sites were more likely to leak at 20 (OR: 437; 95% CI: 7.9–24 171; p = .003) and 30 (OR: 133; 95% CI: 4.8–3674.2; p = .003) cm H2O compared to TL‐30 sites, and the leakage pressure was greater for TL‐30 as compared to PL‐30 (marginal effect: −46.14; 95% CI: −55.9 to −36.38; p < .001) and PL‐60 (marginal effect: −41.2; 95% CI: −51.73 to −30.67; p < .001) sites. PL‐60 leakage pressures were greater than those of PL‐30 (marginal effect: 4.94; 95% CI: 1.43–8.44; p = .006).

Conclusion

In canine cadaveric lung, total lobectomies with a TA30‐V3 were less likely to leak at physiological pressures than partial lobectomies with either TA30‐V3 or TA60‐3.5 mm staplers.

Clinical significance

These results suggest a greater potential risk for air leakage at physiologically relevant pressures following partial as compared to total lobectomies with the TA stapling devices and techniques used commonly in veterinary surgery.
Phylogenetic analysis of geometric morphometric data: A study case in Didelphidae
Authors: Saguir Sergio O. , Haidr Nadia S. , Flores David A. , Catalano Santiago A.
Published: February 2025

The analysis of Geometric Morphometric Data (GMD) in a phylogenetic context is a common practice in current evolutionary analyses. However, its use as evidence to recover phylogenetic relationships remains controversial. While simulation analyses have indicated theoretical limits for phylogenetic inference based on GMD, empirical analyses have shown mixed results and emphasized the importance of proper character sampling. In this study, we evaluated the phylogenetic performance of GMD in phylogenetic reconstruction using a newly generated dataset on the Didelphidae family. This dataset comprises the largest character sampling generated to date, including information from 10 different skeletal structures represented by 14 landmark configurations. Specifically, our objectives were: (i) to evaluate how different superimposition procedures and the inclusion of semilandmarks affect phylogenetic inferences, (ii) to compare the phylogenetic performance of GMD and traditional characters, and (iii) to compare the phylogenetic information of cranial and postcranial data. We found that trees obtained from GMD and traditional discrete characters exhibited similar levels of correspondence with a reference molecular tree. The inclusion of semilandmarks led to worsened results, regardless of the methodology used to place them, and we found no clear evidence for the superiority of any particular landmark superimposition approach. Our results align with previous analyses demonstrating that the inclusion of a higher number of skeletal structures improves results. We discuss these findings in the context of the ongoing debate about the utility of GMD to infer phylogenetic relationships.
A stable splitting for spaces of commuting elements in unitary groups
Authors: Adem Alejandro , Gómez José Manuel , Gritschacher Simon
Published: February 2025

We prove an analogue of Miller's stable splitting of the unitary group for spaces of commuting elements in . After inverting , the space splits stably as a wedge of Thom‐like spaces of bundles of commuting varieties over certain partial flag manifolds. Using Steenrod operations, we prove that our splitting does not hold integrally. Analogous decompositions for symplectic and orthogonal groups as well as homological results for the one‐point compactification of the commuting variety in a Lie algebra are also provided.
The role of cellular senescence in endothelial dysfunction and vascular remodelling in arteriovenous fistula maturation
Authors: González Ignacia , Maldonado‐Agurto Rodrigo
Published: February 2025

Haemodialysis (HD) is often required for patients with end‐stage renal disease. Arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs), a surgical procedure connecting an artery to a vein, are the preferred vascular access for HD due to their durability and lower complication rates. The aim of AVFs is to promote vein remodelling to accommodate increased blood flow needed for dialysis. However, many AVFs fail to mature properly, making them unsuitable for dialysis. Successful maturation requires remodelling, resulting in an increased luminal diameter and thickened walls to support the increased blood flow. After AVF creation, haemodynamic changes due to increased blood flow on the venous side of the AVF initiate a cascade of events that, when successful, lead to the proper maturation of the AVF, making it suitable for cannulation. In this process, endothelial cells play a crucial role since they are in direct contact with the frictional forces exerted by the blood, known as shear stress. Patients requiring HD often have other conditions that increase the burden of senescent cells, such as ageing, diabetes and hypertension. These senescent cells are characterized by irreversible growth arrest and the secretion of pro‐inflammatory and pro‐thrombotic factors, collectively known as the senescence‐associated secretory phenotype (SASP). This accumulation can impair vascular function by promoting inflammation, reducing vasodilatation, and increasing thrombosis risk, thus hindering proper AVF maturation and function. This review explores the contribution of senescent endothelial cells to AVF maturation and explores potential therapeutic strategies to alleviate the effects of senescent cell accumulation, aiming to improve AVF maturation rates.

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A Novel Concept to Manufacture Nano/Microcellular Foam Structures
Authors: Farahani Saeed , Hahn Marlon , Dardaei Joghan Hamed , Tekkaya A. Erman
Published: February 2025

Multi-material and multi-structure design, particularly the combination of metal-polymer and solid-foam, stands as a promising strategy to reduce component weight while increasing and diversifying their functionalities. However, adopting such design approaches faces significant challenges, primarily arising from the complex multi-stage manufacturing processes, necessitating multiple sets of equipment, tooling, and precise control at each production stage. In response to these formidable manufacturing hurdles, this paper introduces an innovative approach that integrates injection molding, forming, and foaming processes into a single hybrid process called Electromagnetic Forming Injection Foaming (EFIF). In this integration concept, the challenges related to the shrinkage and viscosity of polymer melt are addressed by utilizing supercritical fluid (SCF) foaming technology. Moreover, the incorporation of electromagnetic forming offers precise control over the foaming process, potentially enabling the creation of micro- to nanocellular structures in the injected polymeric material. As the proposed integration is a manufacturing innovation, with no available information in the literature directly relating to this concept, this study explores the basic principles, feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed integration in two preliminary studies. In the first study, the effects of pressure drop and drop rate on the cell nucleation and the morphology of the final foam structure are discussed along with various methods of creating pressure drop and drop rate in both conventional and hybrid foam injection molding processes. In the following, the experimental setup and study conducted to determine the impact of pressure drop and drop rate on the cell size and cell density are described, and the results are discussed. The second study focuses on the potential effects of integrating electromagnetic forming with the injection, forming, and foaming processes. A set of experiments is designed and conducted to evaluate the effect of the polymer layer on the electromagnetic forming. The initial evaluation shows that different boundary conditions, in this case, the adhesion of the polymer to the blank, significantly affect the forming result, which highlights the need for more fundamental research. In conclusion, this paper underscores the substantial potential of the EFIF concept to merge multiple commercially available technologies to find a scalable solution for manufacturing micro- to nanocellular polymer foams, which can eventually unlock the socio-economic benefits associated with the production of high-performance, multi-functional components.
A Nation Still in Search of a New History
Authors: Gattey Emma
Published: February 2025

Bain Attwood ‘A Bloody Difficult Subject’: Ruth Ross, te Tiriti o Waitangi and the Making of History. Auckland: Auckland University Press, 2023, 320pp.
Pākehā historian Ruth Ross is the hook for ‘A Bloody Difficult Subject’: Ruth Ross, te Tiriti o Waitangi and the Making of History. But this book is a genealogy of national proportions, charting the reception and reinterpretations of Treaty history by the Pākehā academy. In this regard, I would recommend it to all students of New Zealand historiography. But the book cannot stand alone. It scarcely gestures to other formative practitioners of history. This is simply not a justifiable choice. Specifically, Bain Attwood tries to annihilate an origin story of the nation, critiquing what he calls ‘foundational’ histories of te Tiriti o Waitangi/the Treaty of Waitangi. In its place, he provides an excellent narration of the mainstream strand of Treaty historiography: that written from a perspective that prioritises Pākehā experiences and ideas. In so doing, Attwood implies that this is the only strand that matters. He is wrong.