bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lactic Acid Bacteria and Bacteriocins in Feed Preservation: Mechanisms and Antifungal Properties
Authors: Azevedo Pamela Oliveira de Souza de , Gierus Martin
Published: February 2025

Ensilage consists of the fermentation of sugars to lactic acid independent of the forage by epiphytic microorganisms, lactic acid bacteria (LAB), which vary in number and composition during fermentation. Silage is a means of preserving forage for extended periods of time when fresh forage is limited or seasonally unavailable, and its inadequate fermentation and poor feed management favour the proliferation of pathogens and contribute to silage spoilage. LAB is a group of microorganisms widely distributed in nature, with lactic acid as the main metabolite produced after sugar fermentation. Some LAB produce antimicrobial peptides with low toxicity and proteinaceous nature, known as bacteriocins, which have a broad spectrum of activity against Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria, protozoa, fungi, and viruses and can therefore be effective in silage preservation. Among those species, fungal growth leads to nutrient and dry matter losses, reduced palatability, reduced silage intake and consequently reduced animal performance. While laboratory studies provide compelling evidence of their antifungal properties, the practical application of LAB in silage systems must be evaluated with an understanding of the complexities of real‐world conditions. LAB inoculants primarily enhance silage quality by driving acidification and promoting a desirable fermentation profile. While bacteriocins can provide an additional layer of microbial control, their efficacy is best realised when combined with proper management practices. This integrated approach ensures that the conditions for optimal fermentation are maintained, allowing LAB to exert their beneficial effects effectively. However, the complexities of silage fermentation necessitate a broader perspective that includes environmental management and forage quality. LAB and bacteriocins are valuable tools, but their success depends on their integration into a comprehensive silage management strategy.
Should Asystasia gangetica No Longer Be Considered Just a Weed but Rather Also a Livestock Fodder?
Authors: Rahman Mohammad Mijanur , Sultana Maliha , Len Candyrine Su Chui
Published: February 2025

Under oil palm, rubber, and coconut plantations, there are many plant species that are commonly considered weeds. Ruminants are often grazed on these palatable weeds as the primary source of feed on such integrated farms. Asystasia gangetica (L.) T. Anderson belongs to the family Acanthaceae, flowering plants predominantly found in tropical and subtropical regions. This plant is perennial and invasive and extensively grows on the ground surface of tree plantations. Redefining A. gangetica as a forage crop instead of a weed can support sustainable livestock feeding by utilising its nutritional value, adaptability, and cost‐saving benefits, contributing to climate‐smart animal production. It has been revealed that this plant has high nutritional value and biologically active compounds. In recent years, there has been growing interest in using A. gangetica as a low‐input management plant for animal feeding purposes. Due to its weedy characteristics and limited use as an animal feed, data on growth characteristics, nutritional value, and utilisation of the species in tropical regions is insufficient. In this paper, the distribution and adaptation of A. gangetica are determined, and the growth characteristics, nutritive value, and usefulness assessed. This species is relatively short and spreads rapidly forming a dense sward, which is important for the prevention of soil erosion thus having potential also as a cover crop.
Carbonylation of hair proteins: A robust biomarker of molecular and structural oxidative damage in hair fibres
Authors: Grosjacques Camille , Babiel Sabine , Hodes Jing , Bobier Anais , Cavagnino Andrea , Baraibar Martin
Published: February 2025

Objective

The first objective of this study is to compare two molecular markers, cysteic acid and protein carbonylation, to track the level of chemical oxidation and photochemical (UV) oxidation of human hair. The second objective is to investigate how the protein carbonylation biomarker evolution is associated with physical characteristics of the fibre. The third objective is to understand the damage localization within the hair sub‐structure.

Materials and Methods

For the chemical oxidation study European natural hair 6/0 (medium brown) is treated with non‐pigmented commercial hair colour mixture and hair bleaching in increasing chemical oxidation conditions. For the photochemical study two European natural hair colours, 4/0 (dark brown) and 9/0 (extra light blond) are gradually photo irradiated. Molecular changes are investigated through cysteic acid measurement by NIR spectroscopy and protein carbonylation measurement; Biophysical changes by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and tensile strength measurements. Carbonyls are labelled with a specific fluorescent probe and measured in gel electrophoresis and in situ through image analysis and densitometric quantification after protein extraction respectively.

Results

The two molecular markers, cysteic acid and protein carbonylation, increase similarly in both chemical and photochemical oxidation cases and show a good level of association across the oxidation levels. The fibre physical characteristics (DSC, Tensile Strength) decrease while the protein carbonylation and cysteic acid increase. The in situ visualization of the protein carbonylation shows a high impact on the hair cuticle and a gradual increase of photo‐oxidation through the cortex, phenomenon which is more prominent for the extra light blonde hair in the case of photochemical oxidation.

Conclusion

The protein carbonylation biomarker is validated as another key molecular marker to monitor oxidative chemical changes in the hair chemical groups. It complements the cysteic acid, and appears more suitable in the case of photochemical oxidation, where it offers clear advantages over cysteic acid by being more sensitive and accurate, and by allowing in situ distinct damage visualization. Besides cysteic acid, amino acids such as proline, threonine, arginine, lysine, and peptide bonds are targets of oxidation. Under photochemical oxidation, the photoprotective effect of melanin is confirmed.
Cardiac Neuromodulation and Neurocardiology
Authors: Lemery Robert
Published: February 2025

Neurocardiology has mostly been a specialty of medicine led by anatomists and physiologists. The characterization of the cardiac autonomic nervous system has resulted in a new understanding and appreciation of neurocardiology, leading to potential novel neuromodulation therapies in clinical cardiology and cardiac electrophysiology. Sympathectomy or spinal cord stimulation for the treatment of angina pectoris, as well as cardiac sympathetic denervation for the treatment of long QT syndrome associated with malignant ventricular arrhythmias, have been available and performed for more than half a century. However, a new neuromodulation has emerged, based on contemporary research findings, assisted by state‐of‐the art imaging and ablation techniques. Patients with structural heart disease and malignant ventricular arrhythmias, as well as symptomatic ventricular ectopy, can potentially benefit from techniques to reduce autonomic tone, such as stellate ganglionic block, epidural anesthesia and cardiac sympathetic denervation. Renal sympathetic denervation not only has been shown to ameliorate the treatment of patients with hypertension, but may also reduce atrial and ventricular arrhythmias. Patients with heart failure may be improved clinically by potentiating parasympathetic tone. Cardiac mapping of ganglia and nerves can be performed to delineate regions of ablation that can suppress atrial fibrillation, and potentially treat symptomatic bradyarrhythmias and cardio‐inhibitory syncope.
Hyperuricemia Exacerbates Experimental Periodontitis via Uric Acid‐Induced Periodontal Inflammation and Oxidative Stress
Authors: Wu Zhicong , Zhao Li , Guo Yi , Lin Chuyin , Lu Peipei , He Qian , Zhou Yinghong , Wang Xinhong , Yu Ting
Published: February 2025

Aim

To investigate the effects of hyperuricemia on periodontitis and the underlying mechanisms by establishing combined animal and cell models.

Methods

A hyperuricemia mouse model was established by potassium oxonate injection, with sodium carboxymethylcellulose treatment serving as controls. Both models were treated with or without periodontitis induction (n = 10/group). RAW264.7 macrophages and THP‐1‐derived macrophages were stimulated with Porphyromonas gingivalis‐lipopolysaccharide in the presence of normal or excessive concentrations of uric acid. Allopurinol intervention was applied to both animal and cell models. Periodontal destruction was measured by micro‐computed tomography and histology. The immune response and oxidative stress in the periodontium and macrophages were assessed using various methods including immunohistochemistry, quantitative PCR, western blotting, flow cytometry and multiplex cytokine assays.

Results

Potassium oxonate successfully induced hyperuricemia without affecting serum glucose/lipid levels or xanthine oxidoreductase activity. In mice with periodontitis, hyperuricemia exacerbated alveolar bone loss and the presence of osteoclasts and M1 macrophages. Mechanistically, hyperuricemia promoted NLRP3 inflammasome activation, disrupted the inflammatory cytokine response and exacerbated oxidative stress both in the periodontium and in vitro. Allopurinol treatment reversed all relevant changes in both mice and macrophages.

Conclusion

Hyperuricemia exacerbates periodontitis possibly via uric acid‐induced periodontal inflammation and oxidative stress.
Effects of Aging on the Severity of Liver Injury in Mice With Iron Overload
Authors: Park So‐Hyun , Song Soo‐Jin , Lee Jin‐A , Shin Jung‐A
Published: February 2025

Although iron is a vital component in the body, excessive iron leads to iron toxicity, which affects vital organs. In particular, the liver is considerably affected by iron toxicity because it stores the highest amount of iron in the body. Nonetheless, the relationship between iron overload and aging in the liver has not yet been clearly identified. This study aimed to observe the effects of aging on iron overload in the liver. Female C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into vehicle control and iron overload groups (n = 7–22 per group). The iron overload group was injected with iron‐dextran (Fe‐dextran, ferric hydroxide dextran complex) (0.5 g/kg) for 4 weeks. After the experimental period, liver and blood samples were obtained from 2‐, 15‐, and 22‐month‐old mice. Liver weight, iron deposition, structural changes, cell death, extracellular matrix deposition, and fenestration of sinusoidal vessels were analyzed and compared between the groups. Additionally, biochemical analyses (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and serum total iron levels) were performed. The iron overload group exhibited significant differences compared with the control group with age. In the elderly iron overload model, iron deposition, inflammatory cell infiltration, and cell death were significantly increased (p < 0.0001). Moreover, deposition of the extracellular matrix and defenestration of sinusoidal fenestrae were observed among 22‐month‐old mice in the iron overload group. These results suggest that aging is a risk factor for iron‐induced liver injury. Therefore, caution should be exercised when performing iron‐related treatments in the elderly.
Effectiveness and Tolerability of an Emollient “Plus” Compared to Urea 10% in Patients With Mild‐to‐Moderate Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Prakoeswa Cita Rosita Sigit , Huda Berliana Kurniawati Nur , Indrawati Ditya , Umborowati Menul Ayu , Anggraeni Sylvia , Damayanti  , Murtiastutik Dwi , Kerob Delphine
Published: February 2025

Background

Atopic dermatitis (AD) poses a challenge due to its chronic inflammatory nature. Recent research highlights microbiome dysbiosis as a key contributor. Emollients “plus” are modern moisturizers containing bacterial lysate, improving skin barrier function and reducing Staphylococcus aureus colonization, thus mitigating AD symptoms. Emollient “plus” containing Vitreoscilla filiformis biomass (Aqua Posae filiformis) is efficient in AD, as single adjunct for milder forms or adjunctive to systemic treatments in more severe forms. Standard recommended moisturizers for AD in Indonesia contain urea 10%.

Aims

This trial compared an emollient “plus” (Group A) with urea 10% moisturizer (Group B) in the treatment of mild‐to‐moderate AD.

Patients/Methods

Sixty subjects with mild‐to‐moderate AD were randomized into Groups A and B (30 subjects/group). Test products were applied twice daily for 12 weeks. Clinical and instrumental endpoints assessed at Weeks 0, 4, 8, and 12 included Severity Scoring of AD (SCORAD), Pruritus Visual Analog Scale (PVAS), Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI), Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL), skin hydration, skin pH, as well as tolerance evaluation.

Results

Significant differences in favor of the emollient “plus” versus urea 10% were observed on TEWL and skin pH values at Weeks 4, 8, and 12, on SCORAD and skin hydration values at Weeks 8 and 12. EASI, DLQI, and PVAS values differed significantly at Week 12 in favor of Group A. Both products were well tolerated.

Conclusions

This emollient “plus” has superior efficacy in improving AD symptoms and skin barrier function compared to urea 10% moisturizer.
Organizing and Strategizing in and for Extreme Contexts: Temporality, Emotions, and Embodiment
Authors: Hällgren Markus , Geiger Daniel , Rouleau Linda , Sutcliffe Kathleen M. , Vaara Eero
Published: February 2025

This special issue advances our understanding of organizing and strategizing in extreme contexts by focusing on temporality, emotions, and embodiment. Extreme contexts – marked by unpredictability, high stakes, and urgency – challenge organizational capacities and demand innovative responses. Drawing on the foundation of extreme context research, this introduction explores three perspectives: extreme as an event, a situational context, and a socially constructed practice. Together, these perspectives illuminate how organizations navigate, adapt to, and construct extremeness through temporal, emotional, and embodied processes. The contributions span diverse empirical settings and theoretical frameworks. By examining the contributions in the light of these dimensions, this introduction highlights the evolving and contested nature of extreme context research. The introduction concludes with a call for future studies to deepen engagement with materiality, relational dynamics, and methodological innovations, reinforcing the relevance of this field to broader management and organization studies.
The Impact of Usage Method and Coffee Variety on Consumer Preferences of Coffee Creamers
Authors: Rovai Dominic , Homwongpanich Kumpol , Watson Megan , Drake MaryAnne
Published: February 2025

Consumer evaluation of coffee creamers necessitates evaluation in a cup of coffee. Two phases of research were used to determine if method of serving creamer or coffee variety impacted the acceptance of four creamers. In Phase I, consumers evaluated creamers in medium roast coffee using one of three methods: (1) Fixed amount (n = 127), (2) free pour (n = 120), and (3) warm‐up (n = 122). In Phase II, the serving method was constant (fixed amount), but consumers (n = 134) evaluated creamers in two coffees (light and dark roast). Data were analyzed using univariate and multivariate statistics. No significant interactions (p > 0.05) were observed for overall liking (key metric) for either creamer × method (Phase I) or creamer × coffee (Phase II). Thus, the choice of serving method will not impact creamer preference. Further, the choice of coffee roast will not impact creamer preference, but creamers served in light roast coffee had higher liking scores than creamers served in dark roast coffee.
Analysis of sleep medication‐induced parasomnias using the Japanese Adverse Drug Event Report database
Authors: Kobayashi Shotaro , Shinozaki Koji , Nagano Hiroyuki , Miyamori Ayaka , Muramatsu Taichi , Kushiyama Akifumi
Published: February 2025

The association between sleep medication and parasomnia remains unclear. However, some sleep medications may also cause parasomnia. Therefore, we examined the association between sleep medication use and parasomnia. We performed an analysis using cases registered in the Japanese Adverse Drug Event Report Database from April 2004 to March 2022. We calculated the unadjusted reporting odds ratio (ROR) and adjusted it to consider confounding factors. The ROR for each sleep medication was significant: benzodiazepines (ROR 3.55, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.39–5.27), non‐benzodiazepines (ROR 14.21, 95% CI 10.41–19.39), melatonin receptor agonists (ROR 6.79, 95% CI 2.79–16.51), orexin receptor antagonists (ROR 18. 40, 95% CI 10.66–31.75). The adjusted RORs for non‐benzodiazepines (9.75, 95% CI 6.71–14.2) and orexin receptor antagonists (8.65, 95% CI 4.56–16.4) were significant for sleep medications. These findings indicate that non‐benzodiazepines and orexin receptor antagonists may cause parasomnias. Significant signals were detected, even when confounding factors were considered.
Difference between estimated and actual body weight in an intensive care unit—A service evaluation
Authors: Monsees Jonas , Staunton Fionnuala , Morris Aidan , Paredes Tracy Grace Sarmiento , Sebastian Sneha , O'Connor Tom
Published: February 2025

Actual body weight (ABW) is important for drug dosing and calculating nutritional requirements. The aim of this study is to establish the difference between ABW and estimated body weight in a cohort of ICU patients. Our service evaluation compared 100 patients whose weights were initially estimated by staff, and if able by patients also. Weights were then measured. We also compared ABW to Ideal and Predicted Body Weights. We had a ⟩10% error margin in 36% of estimated weights and a ⟩ 20% error margin in 11% of estimated weights. Median error for patients self‐estimating their body weight was 4.14% (IQR 1.39‐7.74). For patients that were able to estimate their weight the median error margin was 4.14% (IQR 1.39‐7.74). The Median difference between ABW and Ideal Body Weight was 18.57% (IQR 9.78‐36.57) and 18.15% for ABW and Predicted Body Weight (IQR 9.13‐36.58). Estimated body weights should only be used when weighing patients is contraindicated. Patients are more accurate at estimating their own body weight than staff. It is best practice to accurately measure body weight in ICU patients.
Vertical canopy gradients of respiration drive plant carbon budgets and leaf area index
Authors: Needham Jessica F. , Dey Sharmila , Koven Charles D. , Fisher Rosie A. , Knox Ryan G. , Lamour Julien , Lemieux Gregory , Longo Marcos , Rogers Alistair , Holm Jennifer
Published: February 2025

Despite its importance for determining global carbon fluxes, leaf respiration remains poorly constrained in land surface models (LSMs). We tested the sensitivity of the Energy Exascale Earth System Model Land Model – Functionally Assembled Terrestrial Ecosystem Simulator (ELM‐FATES) to variation in the canopy gradients of leaf maintenance respiration (Rdark).

We ran global and point simulations varying the canopy gradient of Rdark to explore the impacts on forest structure, composition, and carbon cycling.

In global simulations, steeper canopy gradients of Rdark lead to increased understory survival and leaf biomass. Leaf area index (LAI) increased up to 77% in tropical regions compared with the default parameterization, improving alignment with remotely sensed benchmarks. Global vegetation carbon varied from 308 Pg C to 449 Pg C across the ensemble. In tropical forest simulations, steeper gradients of Rdark had a large impact on successional dynamics.

Results show the importance of canopy gradients in leaf traits and fluxes for determining plant carbon budgets and emergent ecosystem properties such as competitive dynamics, LAI, and vegetation carbon. The high‐model sensitivity to canopy gradients in Rdark highlights the need for more observations of how leaf traits and fluxes vary along light micro‐environments to inform critical dynamics in LSMs.
Association of macular sensitivity with posterior staphyloma in highly myopic eyes: Aier‐SERI high myopia adult cohort study
Authors: Jiang Yanfeng , Foo Li‐Lian , Hu Ziqi , Pan Wei , Cheong Kai‐Xiong , Tan Huanhuan , Saw Seang‐Mei , Hoang Quan V. , Yang Zhikuan , Lan Weizhong
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between macular sensitivity (MS) and posterior staphyloma (PS) in highly myopic eyes.

Methods

This cross‐sectional, observational study included 646 highly myopic eyes (spherical equivalent (SE) ≤−5.00D and the international meta‐analysis for pathologic myopia classification grade of <2) from 362 participants. MS was measured using microperimetry and evaluated between eyes with and without PS. Correlations between MS and PS were determined in multivariate regression models.

Results

Although there was no significant difference in best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) (p = 0.07), the MS of the PS group was significantly lower than the no PS group at the central 2°, 4°, 6°, 8° and 10° (all p < 0.001). After controlling age, axial length (AL) and SE, the MS in the PS group was still lower than the no PS group from 2° to 10° (all p < 0.05). In a multivariable analysis adjusting for age, AL, SE and BCVA, the presence of PS was significantly associated with lower MS in the central 2°–10° (all p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Lower MS was independently associated with the presence of PS in highly myopic eyes. Even when BCVA was not significantly different, MS still could reveal subtle changes in visual function in highly myopic eyes with PS.
Lysine deacetylase TaSRT1 mediates wheat drought tolerance by deacetylating TaDT‐A to reduce its protein stability and transcriptional activity
Authors: Chang Shumin , Yang Qun , Chu Wei , Liu Xingbei , Li Jinpeng , Liu Zehui , Lin Jingchen , Liu Debiao , Zhao Danyang , Peng Xiao , Xin Mingming , Yao Yingyin , Xie Xiaodong , Peng Huiru , Ni Zhongfu , Sun Qixin , Hu Zhaorong
Published: February 2025

Drought is one of the major environmental stresses limiting crop growth and yield. Epigenetic regulations play crucial roles in plant adaptation to environmental changes, whereas the epigenetic mechanism of drought resistance in crops remains largely elusive. Here, we report that the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+)‐dependent deacetylase TaSRT1 negatively regulates drought tolerance in wheat. Compared with the wild type, the tasrt1 mutant had higher relative water contents, along with a smaller stomatal aperture and improved water use efficiency under drought conditions, whereas TaSRT1 overexpression plants exhibited opposite phenotypes. TaSRT1 directly interacted with the drought‐resistant pivotal factor TaDT‐A to regulate its protein stability and transcriptional activity through lysine deacetylation. Furthermore, the key lysine residue of TaDT‐A was identified as a deacetylation/acetylation site that plays an important role in regulating its stability. In addition, genetic analysis indicated TaDT‐A functions downstream of TaSRT1 to modulate drought resistance. These findings uncover how the functional interplay between epigenetic regulator and transcription factors regulates drought resistance in plants, and illustrate a mechanism by which lysine deacetylase affects gene transcription via influencing non‐histone protein acetylation and regulating their function.
Lanthanum supplementation with abscisic acid modulates rhizosphere dynamics through changes in nitric oxide synthesis in wheat
Authors: Mahajan Moksh , Sahoo Rudra Narayan , Khan M. Iqbal R.
Published: February 2025

Lanthanum (La), a rare earth element (REE) found its wide applications in the agricultural land practices. Utilization of La as a fertilizer is based on its concentration for staple crops, including wheat (Triticum aestivum). We have investigated the role of a beneficial dose of La (60 μM) along with ABA (10 μM) in improving wheat root dynamics and defense systems (ascorbate‐glutathione pathway, secondary metabolites, and nitric oxide (NO) biosynthesis). Co‐application of La60 and ABA significantly enhanced all the root dynamic attributes along with defense systems and reduced production of reative oxygen species (ROS). The use of the NO inhibitor c‐PTIO [2‐(4‐carboxyphenyl)‐4,4,5,5‐tetramethylimidazoline‐1‐oxy‐3‐oxide], proved that the impact of co‐application of La60 and ABA on root growth dynamics was mediated by NO biosynthesis. Thus, this study could work as the base to understand the dose‐dependent behavior of La in plants, offering valuable implications for enhancing crop resilience, optimizing agricultural practices, and mitigating the detrimental effects of La toxicity on wheat root development. This research gives a comprehensive insight into root dynamics influenced by ABA with La dose optimisations in wheat.
The Novel HLA‐B*15:662 Allele, Identified by Sanger Dideoxy Nucleotide Sequencing in a Chinese Individual
Authors: Chen Dong , An Lin , Xue Han‐chun , Lu Ying , Pei Ren‐zhi
Published: February 2025

HLA‐B*15:662 differs from HLA‐B*15:11:01 by one nucleotide in exon 5.
Characterisation of the Novel HLA‐A*32:01:59 Allele by Sequencing‐Based Typing
Authors: Cargou Marine , Elsermans Vincent , Top Isabelle , Wojchiechowski Elodie , Visentin Jonathan
Published: February 2025

HLA‐A*32:01:59 differs from HLA‐A*32:01:01:01 by one nucleotide substitution in codon 303 in exon 5.
Three-dimensional broadband modeling of megameter sound propagation from an underwater explosion
Authors: Lin Ying-Tsong , Oliveira Tiago C. A.
Published: February 2025

A three-dimensional broadband parabolic equation model is utilized to study the 8000-km-long propagation of an underwater explosion sound from the edge of the New Jersey Shelf to Ascension Island in the South Atlantic Ocean. Both the hydrophone data and the model result show evidence of out-of-plane horizontal reflection and diffraction from a seamount along the propagation path. Two distinct acoustic arrival groups are identified with back-azimuth variations pointing toward the explosion location and the seamount. The three-dimensional sound propagation model reproduces complex signal characteristics observed in the hydrophone data with accurate arrival times and azimuths.
Reviving-like prosocial behavior in response to unconscious or dead conspecifics in rodents
Authors: Sun Wenjian , Zhang Guang-Wei , Huang Junxiang J. , Tao Can , Seo Michelle B. , Tao Huizhong Whit , Zhang Li I.
Published: February 2025

Whereas humans exhibit emergency responses to assist unconscious individuals, how nonhuman animals react to unresponsive conspecifics is less well understood. We report that mice exhibit stereotypic behaviors toward unconscious or dead social partners, which escalate from sniffing and grooming to more forceful actions such as mouth or tongue biting and tongue pulling. The latter intense actions, more prominent in familiar pairs, begin after prolonged immobility and unresponsiveness and cease when the partner regains activity. Their consequences, including improved airway opening and clearance and accelerated recovery from unconsciousness, suggest rescue-like efforts. Oxytocin neurons in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus respond differentially to the presence of unconscious versus active partners, and their activation, along with oxytocin signaling, is required for the reviving-like actions. This tendency to assist unresponsive members may enhance group cohesion and survival of social species.
Morality in a more-than-human world
The Moral Circle: Who Matters, What Matters, and Why
Jeff Sebo
Norton, 2025. 192 pp.
Animals, Robots, Gods: Adventures in the Moral Imagination
Webb Keane
Princeton University Press, 2025. 192 pp.
Authors: Gellers Joshua C.
Published: February 2025

Two authors probe the metrics by which we determine who, and what, matters
In Other Journals
Authors: Jiang Di , McCartney Melissa , Lopez Bianca , Lemprière Sarah , Osborne Ian S. , Ross Sarah H. , Huang Jack
Published: February 2025

Editors’ selections from the current scientific literature
Sodium batteries power up
Authors: Service Robert F.
Published: February 2025

Batteries based on sodium could aid a future green energy economy—if they can match lithium batteries’ performance
Local statistical moments to capture Kramers–Moyal coefficients
Authors: Wiedemann Christian , Wächter Matthias , Freund Jan A. , Peinke Joachim
Published: February 2025

This study introduces an innovative local statistical moment approach for estimating Kramers–Moyal coefficients, effectively bridging the gap between nonparametric and parametric methodologies. These coefficients play a crucial role in characterizing stochastic processes. Our proposed approach provides a versatile framework for localized coefficient estimation, combining the flexibility of nonparametric methods with the interpretability of global parametric approaches. We showcase the efficacy of our approach through use cases involving both stationary and non-stationary time series analysis. Additionally, we demonstrate its applicability to real-world complex systems, specifically in the energy conversion process analysis of a wind turbine.

Graphic abstract
Generating a highly uniform magnetic field inside the magnetically shielded room of the n2EDM experiment
Authors: Abel C. , Ayres N. J. , Ban G. , Bison G. , Bodek K. , Bondar V. , Bouillaud T. , Bowles D. C. , Caratsch G. L. , Chanel E. , Chen W. , Chiu P.-J. , Crawford C. , Dechenaux B. , Doorenbos C. B. , Emmenegger S. , Ferraris-Bouchez L. , Fertl M. , Flaux P. , Fratangelo A. , Goupillière D. , Griffith W. C. , Grujic Z. , Höhl D. , Kasprzak M. , Kirch K. , Kletzl V. , Komposch S. V. , Koss P. A. , Krempel J. , Lauss B. , Lefort T. , Lejuez A. , Li R. , Meier M. , Menu J. , Michielsen K. , Mullan P. , Mullins A. , Naviliat-Cuncic O. , Pais D. , Piegsa F. M. , Pignol G. , Quemener G. , Rawlik M. , Rebreyend D. , Rienaecker I. , Ries D. , Roccia S. , Rozpedzik D. , Schnabel A. , Schmidt-Wellenburg P. , Segarra E. P. , Severijns N. , Smith C. A. , Svirina K. , Tavakoli R. , Thorne J. , Touati S. , Vankeirsbilck J. , Virot R. , Voigt J. , Wursten E. , Yazdandoost N. , Zejma J. , Ziehl N. , Zsigmond G.
Published: February 2025

We present a coil system designed to generate a highly uniform magnetic field for the n2EDM experiment at the Paul Scherrer Institute. It consists of a main

$$B_0$$

B
0

coil and a set of auxiliary coils mounted on a cubic structure with a side length of

$$273~\hbox {cm}$$

273

cm

, inside a large magnetically shielded room (MSR). We have assembled this system and characterized its performances with a mapping robot. The apparatus is able to generate a

$$1~\upmu \hbox {T}$$

1

μ
T

vertical field with a relative root mean square deviation

$$\sigma (B_z)/B_z = 3\times 10^{-5}$$

σ

(

B
z

)

/

B
z

=
3
×

10

-
5

over the volume of interest, a cylinder of radius

$$40~\hbox {cm}$$

40

cm

and height

$${30}~\hbox {cm}$$

30

cm

. This level of uniformity overcomes the n2EDM requirements, allowing a measurement of the neutron Electric Dipole Moment with a sensitivity better than

$$1\times 10^{-27}e\,\hbox {cm}$$

1
×

10

-
27

e

cm

.
Delayed photofission of dianionic tin clusters
Authors: Jankowski Alexander , Fischer Paul , Grunwald-Delitz Moritz , Schweikhard Lutz
Published: February 2025

Dianionic tin clusters

$$\textrm{Sn}_{34}^{2-}$$

Sn

34

2
-

stored in a Penning trap are excited by nanosecond laser pulses with photon energies ranging from 2.0 to

$$4.7\,\textrm{eV}$$

4.7

eV

, resulting in delayed decays. Time-resolved measurements with varying delays between laser irradiation and fragment analysis from a few ten microseconds to a second reveal matching exponential appearance constants of several singly charged dissociation products. This indicates that the dianions undergo fission into competing pairs of

$$\textrm{Sn}_{10}^{-}$$

Sn

10

-

+

$$\textrm{Sn}_{24}^{-}$$

Sn

24

-

and

$$\textrm{Sn}_{15}^{-}$$

Sn

15

-

+

$$\textrm{Sn}_{19}^{-}$$

Sn

19

-

. Furthermore, matching decay constants for high photon energies of twice the low-energy values indicate that the decay observed at the low energies results from two-photon excitation.The delayed photodecay of dianionic tin clusters shows competing dissociation pathways by fission into two singly charged product clusters. Further sequential decay processes are investigated.

Graphic abstract
New Bagging Based Ensemble Learning Algorithm Distinguishing Short and Long Texts for Document Classification
Authors: Wang Youwei , Feng Lizhou
Published: February 2025

To improve the classification accuracy of ensemble learning, a new bootstrap aggregating (Bagging) ensemble learning algorithm distinguishing short and long texts for document classification is proposed. First, the performances of different typical deep learning methods on processing long and short texts are compared, and the optimal base classifiers for long and short texts are selected respectively. Second, the random sampling method in traditional bagging classification algorithms is improved, and a threshold group based random sampling method which can balance the numbers of long and short text subsets is proposed. Moreover, to improve the model inference speed and classification accuracy, the training of long and short text subsets is realized by combining the knowledge distillation theory. Finally, the sample classification probabilities on different categories are considered, and the category similarity information is combined with the traditional weighted voting classifier ensemble method to avoid the problem that the sampling process may decrease the accuracy. Experimental results on multiple datasets show that the algorithm can effectively improve the accuracy of document classification and has obvious advantages over typical deep learning algorithms and ensemble learning algorithms.
Statistical Design of Experiments Enables Rapid Exploration of Perfluorobutane Sulfonate Degradation
Authors: Gaines Rachel N. , LaFond Jessica A. , Krawchuck Jenna A. , Bays Nathan R. , Kruse Samantha M. , Kruichak Jessica N.
Published: February 2025

The phase-out of long-chain PFAS has led to the proliferation of highly recalcitrant short-chain analogs, and mineralization technologies for these short-chain PFAS are needed to mitigate their deleterious effects on environmental and human health. In this study, we utilize a statistical design of experiments, specifically, response surface methodology, to rapidly evaluate the electrochemical degradation of the short-chain PFAS, perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS). We evaluate the impacts of the three primary electrochemical parameters (concentration of PFBS, concentration of supporting electrolyte, and applied current) over multiple orders of magnitude on the three primary reaction outcomes of electrochemical PFBS degradation (incomplete PFBS decomposition, complete PFBS mineralization as fluorine, and anodic energy consumption). Our results correspond with literature and clearly identify the well-known tradeoff between energy consumption and complete mineralization. Intriguingly, partial PFBS decomposition and energy consumption demonstrate nonlinear dependencies in the current/supporting electrolyte concentration space and the current/PFBS concentration space, respectively. These findings highlight the utility of the response surface methodology model to efficiently interrogate a large parameter space, identifying both common results and less-obvious interactions between electrochemical parameters and their influences on reaction outcomes.
The Relationship Between Air Pollution, Meteorological Factors, and Eosinophil Counts in Peripheral Blood of Patients With Allergic Rhinitis: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Fan Boya , Wang Gang , Wang Lei , Wu Wei
Published: February 2025

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between air pollution, meteorological factors, and eosinophils in the peripheral blood of allergic rhinitis (AR) patients.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of medical records from the Ninth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital in Beijing. A review of medical records (1st January 2014–31th August 2022) of 1080 AR patients who underwent peripheral blood eosinophil count tests. Patients were stratified into elevated and normal eosinophil count groups. Daily meteorological data (mean temperature and relative humidity) and ambient pollutant levels (PM2.5, PM10, NO2, SO2, CO, and ozone [O3]) were collected. The mean pollutant levels and meteorological factors on the day of eosinophil count measurement were calculated separately for each group. Linear regression was performed to analyze the association between eosinophil counts and both meteorological factors and pollutant levels among AR patients.

Results: In 1080 AR patients, 11.85% had elevated eosinophil counts. Higher temperature (16.88 ± 9.09°C), humidity (57.75 ± 17.22%), and O3 levels (116.54 ± 54.92 μg/m3) correlated significantly (p < 0.05) with elevated eosinophil counts. Linear regression confirmed positive associations between eosinophil count and temperature (β = 0.003), humidity (β = 0.001), and O3 (β = 0.0004) (p < 0.05). Other pollutants showed no significant differences.

Conclusion: Elevated eosinophil counts in AR patients correlated significantly with higher temperature, humidity, and O3 levels. Linear regression confirmed positive associations between eosinophil count and these meteorological factors.
On an Autonomous Pulsar Observation–Based Timekeeping Method for Deep Space
Authors: Song Shibin , Jin Xiaowei , Wang Haixia
Published: February 2025

To provide autonomous and accurate time service for deep space missions, a pulsar observation–based timekeeping method is documented in this paper, which utilizes pulsars as the time information source. Firstly, the pulsar observation noise is remodeled as the combination of the Gaussian noise and colored noise, and the detailed expression of the colored noise is presented in the paper. An improved Grey model (GM) is proposed to describe the onboard clock evolution, which models the grey action quantity as a time‐varying coefficient and attenuates the dependence of the model on the initial state. On the basis of the modified observation noise model and GM, an unscented Kalman filtering (UKF) is adopted to estimate the onboard clock error. Numerical experiments are conducted to analyze the validity of the proposed method and the impact of spacecraft positioning error and pulsar selection on the proposed method. The proposed method offers an autonomous solution for onboard timekeeping in deep space missions.
Green Synthesis of Red Fluorescent Graphene Quantum Dots Using Withania somnifera Leaves: Exploring Antidiabetic and Antioxidant Potential
Authors: Kataria Sudhir Kumar , Kadyan Pooja , Saini Jaya , Saharan Mohit , Arasu Ponnusamy Thillai
Published: February 2025

In recent years, green synthesis methods for producing nanomaterials have gained significant interest due to their environmentally friendly nature and wide‐ranging applications. The present study addresses a novel green synthesis of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) using leaves of Withania somnifera. The size, morphology, and stability of the green‐synthesized GQDs were characterized using TEM, UV‐Visible spectroscopy, Fluorescence spectrophotometer, XRD, and DLS. The bio‐functional properties of the GQDs were investigated, with a focus on their antidiabetic and antioxidant capabilities. Their antidiabetic activity was assessed by examining their ability to inhibit α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase enzymes, which play a crucial role in glucose metabolism. Additionally, their antioxidant properties were evaluated using DPPH● scavenging assays, highlighting their effectiveness in neutralizing free radicals. The findings revealed that the synthesized GQDs outperformed the original leaf extract in both antioxidant activity and enzyme inhibition. The study revealed that the leaf extract exhibited higher IC50 values for inhibiting DPPH (78.508 ± 5.71), α‐amylase (161.909 ± 6.188), and α‐glucosidase (133.345 ± 7.328) compared to synthesized GQDs, which showed lower IC50 values of 72.74 ± 5.9, 137.966 ± 6.95, and 122.084 ± 5.478, respectively. The findings indicate that Withania somnifera derived GQDs hold significant potential for medical applications, warranting further investigation into their therapeutic efficacy. This study offers a comprehensive analysis of the fundamental biological properties of GQDs, addressing the dual challenges of antidiabetic and antioxidant activity.
FABP7 in Hepatic Macrophages Promotes Fibroblast Activation and CD4+ T‐Cell Migration by Regulating M2 Polarization During Liver Fibrosis
Authors: Miyazaki Hirofumi , Wannakul Tunyanat , Yang Shuhan , Yang Dandan , Karasawa Ayano , Shishido Ai , Cao Ruizhu , Yamamoto Yui , Kagawa Yoshiteru , Kobayashi Shuhei , Ogata Masaki , Maekawa Motoko , Owada Yuji
Published: February 2025

Hepatic macrophages respond to various microenvironmental signals and play a central role in maintaining hepatic homeostasis, dysregulation of which leads to various liver diseases. Fatty acid‐binding protein 7 (FABP7), an intracellular lipid chaperone for polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), is highly expressed in liver macrophages. However, the mechanisms by which FABP7 regulates hepatic macrophage activation remain unclear. Therefore, we aimed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the effects of FABP7 on the functions of hepatic macrophages in metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and liver fibrosis models. In this study, we found that FABP7‐deficient macrophages exhibited impaired M2 polarization, which reduced the fibrotic response of myofibroblasts and CD4+ T‐cell infiltration into the liver tissues in a carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)‐induced hepatic fibrosis model. In vitro, FABP7‐deficient macrophages exhibited decreased levels of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR)‐γ and its target genes, including C–C motif chemokine ligand (CCL)‐17 and transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β), compared to the wild‐type (WT) macrophages post‐interleukin (IL)‐4 stimulation. However, these effects were inhibited by a PPARγ inhibitor. IL‐4‐stimulated WT macrophages also promoted CD4+ T‐cell migration and hepatic fibroblast (TWNT‐1 hepatic stellate cell [HSC]) activation, indicated by increased mRNA levels of actin alpha 2, smooth muscle (ACTA2), and collagen type I alpha 1 (COL1A1); however, these effects were inhibited in FABP7‐deficient macrophages. Overall, FABP7 in hepatic macrophages modulated the crosstalk between hepatic fibroblasts and T cells by regulating M2 polarization. Therefore, regulation of hepatic macrophage function by FABP7 is a potential therapeutic target for liver fibrosis.
On the Monotone Variational Inclusion Problems: A New Algorithm‐Based Modified Splitting Approach
Authors: Ezeafulukwe Uzoamaka A. , Akuchu George B. , Etemad Sina , Ofem Austine E. , Ugwunnadi Godwin C. , Yaseen Zaher Mundher
Published: February 2025

In this paper, we introduce and analyze an inertial viscosity forward–backward splitting approach. We approximate a common solution of the monotone variational inclusion problem by using the demicontractive mapping in a real Hilbert space. It is shown that the sequence produced by our suggested algorithm has a strong convergence to a solution obtained by other methods. In particular, we obtain the strong convergence when the underlying single‐valued operator is Lipschitz, continuous and monotone. We use the new findings to solve a split convex minimization problem and an optimal control problem. We conduct a numerical analysis and provide an example of the proposed algorithm to show that its rate of convergence outperforms results found in the literature.
Investigation of the Positional Relationship Between the Tympanic Segment of the Chorda Tympani and the Incus in Patients With Otosclerosis or Middle Ear Anomalies Using Ultra‐High Resolution Computed Tomography
Authors: Katsura Aya , Kaneshiro Shinsuke , Hiraumi Harukazu , Obara Makiko , Tamura Akio , Shiga Kiyoto , Yoshioka Kunihiro
Published: February 2025

Objective: This study evaluated the sensitivity and accuracy of ultra‐high‐resolution computed tomography (U‐HRCT) in predicting the relationship between the chorda tympani and the long crus of the incus in patients with otosclerosis or middle ear anomalies.

Methods: Thirteen patients with otosclerosis or middle ear anomalies were enrolled in this study (three males and ten females; mean age, 41.6 years; range, 7–67 years). The patients underwent U‐HRCT (Aquilion Precision; Canon Medical Systems, Japan). Multiplanar reconstruction images were obtained, and the distance between the chorda tympani and the long crus of the incus was measured in a plane parallel to the superstructure of the stapes. In addition, the distance between the two structures was measured during surgery. Subsequently, distances of every 0.5 mm obtained using the two modalities were grouped and compared.

Results: The U‐HRCT‐based evaluation revealed that the mean distance from the chorda tympani to the long crus of the incus was 0.7 mm, whereas the mean actual distance during the surgery was 0.9 mm. In nine of the 13 patients, the U‐HRCT‐based and actual distances belonged to the same group. In four patients, the U‐HRCT measurements were smaller than the actual distances. The chorda tympani was attached to the long crus of the incus in three cases, and U‐HRCT precisely predicted this finding in all three cases.

Conclusion: U‐HRCT is useful for detecting the relationship between the chorda tympani and the long crus of the incus in patients with otosclerosis or middle ear anomalies.
Lei e educação: Em defesa da liberdade
Authors: Pessoa Lucas Santos
Published: February 2025

O presente artigo visa argumentar que a lei e a educação, em John Locke, em alguma medida se complementam para ceifar a possibilidade de opressão, objetivando garantir a liberdade política dos indivíduos contra a dominação. Para efetivar esse objetivo, duas obras serão fundamentais: o Segundo tratado sobre o governo e Alguns pensamentos sobre a educação. Com base na primeira, buscaremos analisar as circunstâncias que resultaram na renúncia da liberdade por parte dos indivíduos, para associarem-se em sociedade sob a proteção da lei o que implica a necessidade de examinar o estado de natureza e o estado de guerra; na segunda, buscamos investigar a preocupação empregada pelo inglês no cuidado para que as crianças não se tornem opressoras. Com isso, esperamos contribuir com os futuros pesquisadores do pensamento político e educacional de Locke, de modo a demonstrar um possível meio de relacionar esses dois aspectos da filosofia do pensador inglês.