bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does PCR-based pathogen identification reduce mortality in bloodstream infections? Insights from a difference-in-difference analysis
Authors: Gago Juan , Renson Audrey , Takats Courtney , Torres Victor J. , Shopsin Bo , Thorpe Lorna E.
Published: February 2025

Background:

Bloodstream infections (BSI) are associated with high mortality rates, particularly when caused by resistant pathogens. Reducing the delay in diagnosis and initiation of appropriate treatment is crucial for improving clinical outcomes. The implementation of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests in the diagnostic process offers a promising approach to achieving quicker identification of pathogens, thereby potentially reducing mortality associated with BSI.

Methods:

A difference-in-differences analysis was performed within a New York City hospital system, comparing mortality risk between patients with enterococcal BSI before and after the adoption of BCID2 PCR testing, using as control those with methicillin-sensitive S. aureus BSI, for which diagnostic protocol has been unchanged.

Results:

The study included 548 inpatients; 164 diagnosed with vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) BSI and 384 with MSSA BSI. The mean 30-day mortality risk difference in the period post-intervention estimated in our difference-in-differences model was -6.03 per 100 (95% CI: -10.35 to -1.7), with event study plots suggesting minimal deviation from parallel trends in the pre-treatment period.

Conclusions:

Findings suggest that introduction of BCID2 PCR testing for enterococcal bloodstream infections (BSI) may be associated with a reduction in mortality, however, interpretation of the effects must be approached with caution given the relative imprecision of estimates. Further research with larger samples is essential to establish a definitive conclusion on the impact of rapid PCR testing on mortality in BSI. This is an innovative approach using causal methods to evaluate interventions aimed at the improvement of infection control and antimicrobial treatment strategies.
Practitioners respond to Widdowson and Yazdi-Amirkhiz “Webinar on the subject of English and applied linguistics”. Language Teaching, 56, 393–401
Authors: McAndrews Mark
Published: February 2025

In their “Webinar on the subject of English and applied linguistics”, Widdowson and Yazdi-Amirkhiz (2023) argues for the need to “rethink orthodox ideas about the relationship between applied linguistics and English language teaching that have been promoted in the past and still prevail” (p. 393). In the following commentary, I describe examples from my experiences as a language teacher and teacher trainer that address two of Widdowson's critiques: the supposed idealization of native-speaker competence in applied linguistics, and the impracticality of applied linguistics research.
Simultaneous transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect, ventricular septal defect, and patent ductus arteriosus
Authors: Emral Hicran Gül , Gupta Palak , Fraisse Alain
Published: February 2025

We report simultaneous transcatheter closure of a secundum atrial septal defect, a perimembranous ventricular septal defect, and a patent ductus arteriosus in a 3-year-old female wıth symptoms of heart failure. As it was not possible to determine the impact of each defect on the patient’s symptoms, all of them were closed with good results, for a tiny residual venrricular septal defect.
The first series of implantations of the Harmony valve in Europe: the beginning of a new era for percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation also in the Old Continent?
Authors: Gendera K. , Cheatham J. , Georgiev S. , Ewert P.
Published: February 2025

For many patients with right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) dysfunction, percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation (PPVI) offers a less-invasive alternative treatment option to surgery with a similar long-term result. However, the implantation of the valves recently available on the European market was only possible in patients with a limited maximal RVOT diameter. In patients with large RVOT, surgical treatment has remained the only possible treatment modality until recently. The self-expandable Harmony transcatheter pulmonary valve is a valve dedicated for patients with severe pulmonary regurgitation in the native and surgically repaired wide RVOT. The initial experience worldwide with this valve is very promising. However, it has not been implanted in Europe until recently. We report on four young adult patients with severe pulmonary valve regurgitation who underwent a successful PPVI with Harmony valve implantation. There were no serious complications in our small study group. In conclusion, the Harmony valve may offer a less-invasive and safe treatment alternative to surgery for patients in whom the available balloon-expandable valves offer only limited applicability. This valve has only recently become accessible on the European market.
Treatment rates and delays for mental and substance use disorders: results from the Australian National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing
Authors: Birrell Louise , Prior Katrina , Vescovi Joshua , Sunderland Matthew , Slade Tim , Chapman Cath
Published: February 2025

Aims

Prompt initial contact with a treatment provider is a critical first step in seeking help for a mental or substance use disorders (SUDs). The aim of the current study was to provide estimates of patterns and predictors of delay in making initial treatment contact based on the recently completed Australian National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing.

Methods

Data came a nationally representative epidemiological survey of n = 15,893 Australians. Measures included DSM-IV lifetime diagnoses of mood (MD), anxiety (AD) and SUDs; age of disorder onset; and age of first treatment contact. Correlates of treatment delay were examined.

Results

SUDs exhibited the lowest lifetime treatment rate (27%), compared to MD (94%) and ADs (85%). Individuals with AD experienced the longest delay in seeking treatment (Mdn = 11 years), followed by those with SUDs (Mdn = 8 years) and MDs (Mdn = 3 years). Females had higher odds of seeking treatment for MD and AD but lower odds for SUDs. Recent birth cohorts showed increased treatment seeking across disorders, and higher education was associated with increased treatment seeking for MD and AD. Age of onset, country of birth and co-occurring disorders had mixed associations with treatment seeking.

Conclusions

The study reveals stark disparities in treatment-seeking behaviour and delays across mental and substance use disorders, with a pronounced underutilization of services for SUDs. Additionally, attention should be directed towards early intervention for individuals with earlier symptom onset, those from earlier cohorts and those with co-occurring SUDs.
Learning Propagators for Sea Surface Height Forecasts Using Koopman Autoencoders
Authors: Brettin Andrew E. , Zanna Laure , Barnes Elizabeth A.
Published: February 2025

Due to the wide range of processes impacting the sea surface height (SSH) on daily‐to‐interannual timescales, SSH forecasts are hampered by numerous sources of uncertainty. While statistical‐dynamical methods like Linear Inverse Modeling have been successful at making forecasts, they often rely on assumptions that can be hard to satisfy given the nonlinear dynamics of the climate. Here, we train convolutional autoencoders with a dynamical propagator in the latent space to generate forecasts of SSH anomalies. Learning a nonlinear dimensionality reduction and the prediction timestepping together results in a propagator that produces better predictions for daily‐ and monthly‐averaged SSH in the North Pacific and Atlantic than if the dimensionality reduction and dynamics are learned separately. The reconstruction skill of the model highlights regions in which better representation results in improved predictions: in particular, the tropics for North Pacific daily SSH predictions and the Caribbean Current for the North Atlantic.
Preventing psychosis in people at clinical high risk: an updated meta-analysis by the World Psychiatric Association Preventive Psychiatry section
Authors: Minichino Amedeo , Davies Cathy , Karpenko Olga , Christodoulou Nikos , Ramalho Rodrigo , Nandha Sunil , Damiani Stefano , Provenzani Umberto , Esposito Cecilia Maria , Mensi Martina Maria , Borgatti Renato , Stefana Alberto , McGuire Philip , Fusar-Poli Paolo
Published: February 2025

Recently published large-scale randomised controlled trials (RCTs) have questioned the efficacy of preventive interventions in individuals at clinical high risk for psychosis (CHR-P). We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to include this new evidence and provide future directions for the field. We followed the PRISMA guidelines and a pre-registered protocol, with a literature search conducted from inception to November 2023. We included RCTs that collected data on psychosis transition (the primary outcome) in CHR-P. Secondary outcomes were symptoms severity and functioning. Investigated time points were 6,12,24,36, and +36 months. We used odd ratios (ORs) and standardised mean differences (SMD) as summary outcomes. Heterogeneity was estimated with the Higgins I2. Twenty-four RCTs, involving 3236 CHR-P individuals, were included. Active interventions were Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), family-focused therapy, Integrated Psychological Therapy, antipsychotics, omega-3 fatty acids, CBT plus risperidone, minocycline, and other non-pharmacological approaches (cognitive remediation, sleep-targeted therapy, brain stimulation). Results showed no evidence that any of the investigated active interventions had a sustained and robust effect on any of the investigated outcomes in CHR-P, when compared to control interventions, including CBT on transition to psychosis at 12 months (9 RCTs; OR: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.39–1.06; I2: 21%; P = 0.08). These results highlight the need for novel treatment approaches in CHR-P. Future studies should consider the heterogeneity of this clinical population and prioritise stratification strategies and bespoke treatments.
Molecular insights and rational engineering of a compact CRISPR-Cas effector Cas12h1 with a broad-spectrum PAM
Authors: Zheng Weiwei , Li Hongyu , Liu Mengxi , Wei Yuhang , Liu Bo , Li Zekai , Xiong Chenyang , Huang Shiqing , Hu Chunyi , Ouyang Songying
Published: February 2025

Cas12h1 is a compact CRISPR-associated nuclease from functionally diverse type V CRISPR-Cas effectors and recognizes a purine-rich protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) distinct from that of other type V Cas effectors. Here, we report the nickase preference of Cas12h1, which predominantly cleaves the nontarget strand (NTS) of a double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) substrate. In addition, Cas12h1 acts as a nickase in human cells. We further determined the cryo-EM structures of Cas12h1 in the surveillance, R-loop formation, and interference states, revealing the molecular mechanisms involved in the crRNA maturation, target recognition, R-loop formation, nuclease activation and target degradation. Cas12h1 notably recognizes a broad 5’-DHR-3’ PAM (D is A, G, or T; H is A, C, or T; R is A or G) both in vitro and in human cells. In addition, Cas12h1 utilizes a distinct activation mechanism that the lid motif undergoes a “flexible to stable” transition to expose the catalytic site to the substrate. A high-fidelity nucleic acid detector, Cas12h1hf, was developed through rational engineering, which distinguishes single-base mismatches and retains comparable on-target activities. Our results shed light on the molecular mechanisms underlying Cas12h1 nickase, improve the understanding of type V Cas effectors, and expand the CRISPR toolbox for genome editing and molecular diagnosis.
One-carbon metabolism is distinct metabolic signature for proliferative intermediate exhausted T cells of ICB-resistant cancer patients
Authors: Park Ye-Chan , Hwang Yeseong , Jeong Jae Woong , Lee Chae Min , Kim Minki , Jo Sugyeong , Joo Seyeon , Hwang Nahee , Fang Sungsoon
Published: February 2025

One-carbon metabolism (1CM) has been reported to promote cancer progression across various malignancies. While 1CM is critical for cell proliferation by enhancing nucleotide synthesis, its physiological roles within different cell types in the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) still remain unclear. In this study, we analyzed bulk-RNA sequencing and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data from lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) patients to elucidate the functional roles of 1CM within the TIME. Moreover, we examined scRNA-seq data from patients treated with immunotherapy across various cancers, including LUAD, glioblastoma, renal cell carcinoma, colorectal cancer, and triple-negative breast cancer. Compared to other cell types, 1CM gene profiles are significantly enriched in a specific subset of T cells. Intriguingly, these high-1CM T cells are identified as proliferative intermediate exhausted T cells (Texint). Furthermore, these proliferative Texint received the most robust CD137 signaling. Consistently, analysis of scRNA-seq data from LUAD patients undergoing anti-PD1 immunotherapy demonstrated that proliferative Texint exhibited higher 1CM scores and increased CD137 signaling. This observation was particularly pronounced in non-responders to immunotherapy, where the Texint population was significantly expanded. We further established that 1CM is a prominent signaling pathway in proliferative Texint in patients resistant to immunotherapy across multiple cancer types. Collectively, we identify CD137 signaling as a distinctive pathway in proliferative Texint of LUAD patients who do not respond to immunotherapy. These findings propose that targeting 1CM may represent a novel therapeutic strategy to enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy by mitigating Texint proliferation in diverse cancers.
Scalable magnetoreceptive e-skin for energy-efficient high-resolution interaction towards undisturbed extended reality
Authors: Makushko Pavlo , Ge Jin , Cañón Bermúdez Gilbert Santiago , Volkov Oleksii , Zabila Yevhen , Avdoshenko Stanislav , Illing Rico , Ionov Leonid , Kaltenbrunner Martin , Fassbender Jürgen , Xu Rui , Makarov Denys
Published: February 2025

Electronic skins (e-skins) seek to go beyond the natural human perception, e.g., by creating magnetoperception to sense and interact with omnipresent magnetic fields. However, realizing magnetoreceptive e-skin with spatially continuous sensing over large areas is challenging due to increase in power consumption with increasing sensing resolution. Here, by incorporating the giant magnetoresistance effect and electrical resistance tomography, we achieve continuous sensing of magnetic fields across an area of 120 × 120 mm2 with a sensing resolution of better than 1 mm. Our approach enables magnetoreceptors with three orders of magnitude less energy consumption compared to state-of-the-art transistor-based magnetosensitive matrices. A simplified circuit configuration results in optical transparency, mechanical compliance, and vapor/liquid permeability, consequently permitting its imperceptible integration onto skins. Ultimately, these achievements pave the way for exceptional applications, including magnetoreceptive e-skin capable of undisturbed recognition of fine-grained gesture and a magnetoreceptive contact lens permitting touchless interaction.
Janus decellularized membrane with anisotropic cell guidance and anti-adhesion silk-based coatings for spinal dural repair
Authors: Bi Xuewei , Mao Zhinan , Li Linhao , Zhang Yilin , Yang Lingbing , Hou Sen , Guan Juan , Zheng Yufeng , Li Xiaoming , Fan Yubo
Published: February 2025

The repair of soft tissues with anisotropic structures, such as spinal dura mater, requires the use of biomaterials to guide tissue directional growth while minimizing epidural fibrotic adhesion. Herein, we construct the Janus small intestinal submucosa (SIS) via silk-based hydrogel coatings, which provides extracellular matrix-mimicking features and anti-adhesion performance for spinal dural defect repair. We demonstrate that the silk fibroin and methacrylated silk fibroin (SilMA) composite microgroove hydrogel coating at the inner surface via water vapor annealing treatment exhibits excellent structure stability, stable attachment to SIS substrate, and shows orientated cell morphology and extracellular matrix produced by fibroblasts, good histocompatibility and promotes the polarization of macrophages towards the anti-inflammatory phenotype. The methacrylated hyaluronic acid and SilMA composite coating outer surface serves as favorable physical barrier shows effective resistance to protein adsorption, cell and tissue adhesion, and can mitigate fibrosis reactions. Spinal dura mater defect experiments on male rats demonstrate that the Janus SIS simultaneously promotes dural regeneration and inhibits epidural fibrosis.
Structural basis of anticancer drug recognition and amino acid transport by LAT1
Authors: Lee Yongchan , Jin Chunhuan , Ohgaki Ryuichi , Xu Minhui , Ogasawara Satoshi , Warshamanage Rangana , Yamashita Keitaro , Murshudov Garib , Nureki Osamu , Murata Takeshi , Kanai Yoshikatsu
Published: February 2025

LAT1 (SLC7A5) transports large neutral amino acids and plays pivotal roles in cancer proliferation, immune response and drug delivery. Despite recent advances in structural understanding of LAT1, how it discriminates substrates and inhibitors including the clinically relevant drugs remains elusive. Here we report six structures of LAT1 across three conformations with bound ligands, elucidating its substrate transport and inhibitory mechanisms. JPH203 (also known as nanvuranlat or KYT-0353), an anticancer drug in clinical trials, traps LAT1 in an outward-facing state with a U-shaped conformer, with its amino-phenylbenzoxazol moiety pushing against transmembrane helix 3 (TM3) and bending TM10. Physiological substrates like ʟ-Phe lack such effects, whereas melphalan poses steric hindrance, explaining its inhibitory activity. The “classical” system L inhibitor BCH induces an occluded state critical for transport, confirming its substrate-like behavior. These findings provide a structural basis for substrate recognition and inhibition of LAT1, guiding future drug design.
Biomimetic freestanding microfractals for flexible electronics
Authors: Barua Amit , Gogoi Rituporn , Reddy Pulikanti Guruprasad , Jolaiy Saman , Bodaghi Mahdi , Laukkanen Timo , Speck Thomas , Sariola Veikko , Sharma Vipul
Published: February 2025

The microfractals of leaf skeletons can be effective substrates for flexible electronics due to their high surface-to-volume ratio, transparency, breathability and flexibility. The challenge lies in replicating these fractal surfaces at the microscale in a way that is scalable, freestanding, and integrable with various materials. In this study, we present a novel method for the biomimetic microfabrication of leaf-skeleton-based fractal surfaces. We utilized a modified electrospinning method, replacing the fiber collector with a metalized biotic collector to replicate the microstructures. The biomimetic microfractals demonstrated ~90% replication accuracy, >80% transparency, good stretchability, and breathability, and were freestanding. The method is versatile, allowing for the use of a wide range of polymers in biomimetic microfabrication. For application in flexible electronics, biomimetic conductive fractal patterns (BCFP) were fabricated by immobilizing Ag Nanowires (AgNW) using a simple spray-based method. The BCFP exhibited high conductivity with sheet resistances <20 Ω sq–1 while maintaining good transparencies. The BCFP adheres conformally to human skin, acting as an electronic skin (e-skin). To demonstrate the application, the BCFP was used to fabricate a tactile pressure sensor. In addition to their excellent transparency at low sheet resistances, stretchability, moisture resistance, and tight conformal bonding with the target surface, the BCFP also allows the evaporation of perspiration, making them suitable for long-term use as epidermal sensors. The application of BCFP in advanced bionic skin was demonstrated through gesture monitoring experiments.
Advancements in bioengineering for descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK)
Authors: Zwingelberg Sarah Barbara , Karabiyik Gizem , Gehle Paul , von Brandenstein Melanie , Eibichova Sabina , Lotz Christian , Groeber-Becker Florian , Kampik Daniel , Jurkunas Ula , Geerling Gerd , Lang Gregor
Published: February 2025

Corneal diseases are the third leading cause of blindness worldwide. Descemet’s Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK) is the preferred surgical technique for treating corneal endothelial disorders, relying heavily on high-quality donor tissue. However, the scarcity of suitable donor tissue and the sensitivity of endothelial cells remain significant challenges. This review explores the current state of DMEK, focusing on advancements in tissue engineering as a promising solution to improve outcomes and address donor limitations.
A unique AI-based tool for automated segmentation of pulp cavity structures in maxillary premolars on CBCT
Authors: Santos-Junior Airton Oliveira , Fontenele Rocharles Cavalcante , Neves Frederico Sampaio , Ali Saleem , Jacobs Reinhilde , Tanomaru-Filho Mário
Published: February 2025

To develop and validate an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven tool for the automatic segmentation of pulp cavity structures in maxillary premolars teeth on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). One hundred and eleven CBCT scans were divided into training (n = 55), validation (n = 14), and testing (n = 42) sets, with manual segmentation serving as the ground truth. The AI tool automatically segmented the testing dataset, with errors corrected by an operator to create refined 3D (R-AI) models. The overall AI performance was assessed by comparing AI and R-AI models, and thirty percent of the test sample was manually segmented to compare AI and human performance. Time-efficiency of each method was recorded in seconds (s). Statistical analysis included independent and paired t-tests to evaluate the effect of tooth type on accuracy metrics and AI versus manual segmentation. One-way ANOVA with Tukey’s post hoc test was used for time efficiency analysis. A 5% significance level was used for all analyses.The AI tool demonstrated excellent performance with Dice similarity coefficients (DSC) ranging from 88% ± 7 to 93% ± 3 and 95% Hausdorff distances (HD) from 0.13 ± 0.06 to 0.16 ± 0.06 mm. Automated segmentation of maxillary second premolars performed slightly better than that of maxillary first premolars in terms of intersection over union (p = 0.005), DSC (p = 0.008), recall (p = 0.008), precision (p = 0.02), and 95% HD (p = 0.04). The AI-based approach showed higher recall (p = 0.04), accuracy (p = 0.01), and lower 95% HD than manual segmentation (p < 0.001). AI segmentation (42.8 ± 8.4 s) was 75 times faster than manual segmentation (3218.7 ± 692.2 s) (p < 0.001). The AI tool proved highly accurate and time-efficient, surpassing human expert performance.
Few-shot learning for non-vitrified ice segmentation
Authors: Vivas-Lago Alma , Castaño-Díez Daniel
Published: February 2025

This study introduces Ice Finder, a novel tool for quantifying crystalline ice in cryo-electron tomography, addressing a critical gap in existing methodologies. We present the first application of the meta-learning paradigm to this field, demonstrating that diverse tomographic tasks across datasets can be unified under a single meta-learning framework. By leveraging few-shot learning, our approach enhances domain generalization and adaptability to domain shifts, enabling rapid adaptation to new datasets with minimal examples. Ice Finder’s performance is evaluated on a comprehensive set of in situ datasets from EMPIAR, showcasing its ease of use, fast processing capabilities, and millisecond inference times.
High intensity interval training alters gene expression linked to mitochondrial biogenesis and dynamics in high fat diet fed rats
Authors: Jahangiri Mohammad , Shahrbanian Shahnaz , Gharakhanlou Reza
Published: February 2025

A High-Fat Diet (HFD) leads to disruption of mitochondrial biogenesis and dynamics. Exercise training, especially High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) increases mitochondrial biogenesis and dynamics. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of a period of HIIT with and without HFD consumption on the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (Pgc1-α), Mitofusins-2 (Mfn2), Optic atrophy-1 (Opa1), Dynamin-related protein-1 (Drp1) and mitochondrial Fission protein-1 (Fis1) genes as indicators of mitochondrial biogenesis and dynamics function in the soleus muscle of male Wistar rats. Twenty-four healthy male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: (1) Control, (2) Control + HIIT, (3) HFD, and (4) HFD + HIIT. The HIIT training protocol lasted for 10 weeks with a frequency of 3 sessions per week. The Real-Time Quantitative Reverse Transcription PCR method was used to investigate the gene expression. One-way ANOVA and Fisher’s post-hoc analyses were used to examine group differences. HFD consumption caused an increase in weight (P < 0.05), the expression of Drp1 and Fis1 genes (P < 0.001), and a decreased expression of Pgc1-α, Mfn2, and Opa1 genes (P < 0.001). HIIT training increased the expression of PGC1-α (P = 0.009), Mfn2 (P < 0.004), and Opa1 (P < 0.011) genes, while it decreased the expression of Drp1 (P = 0.003) and Fis1 genes (P = 0.027). These findings suggest that HIIT can counteract the negative effects of HFD on mitochondrial function by modulating gene expression related to mitochondrial biogenesis and dynamics.
Goos–Hänchen shift of inelastically scattered spin-wave beams and cascade nonlinear magnon processes
Authors: Sobucki Krzysztof , Lyubchanskii Igor , Krawczyk Maciej , Gruszecki Paweł
Published: February 2025

We study, using micromagnetic simulations, the inelastic scattering of spin-wave beams on edge-localized spin-wave modes in a thin ferromagnetic film. In the splitting and confluence processes, the new spin-wave beams are generated with frequencies shifted by the edge-mode frequency. We report that inelastically scattered spin-wave beams in both processes not only change their direction of propagation but also undergo lateral shifts along the interface, analogous to the Goos–Hänchen effect known in optics. These shifts of inelastically scattered beams, for a few special cases described in the paper, can be in the range of several wavelengths, which is larger than the Goos–Hänchen shift of elastically reflected beam. Unexpectedly, at selected frequencies, we found a significant increase in the value of the lateral shifts of the scattered spin-wave beams formed in the confluence process. We show that this effect is associated with the cascading nonlinear processes taking place at the edge of the film and involving the primary edge spin wave. Our results make an important contribution to the understanding of the nonlinear nature of spin waves and provide a way to exploit it in signal processing with magnons.
Further evidence that averageness and femininity, rather than symmetry and masculinity, predict facial attractiveness judgments
Authors: Lee Pengting , Li Jingheng , Rafiee Yasaman , Jones Benedict C. , Shiramizu Victor K. M.
Published: February 2025

Facial attractiveness influences important social outcomes and most studies investigating possible predictors of facial attractiveness have tested for effects of shape symmetry, averageness (i.e., the converse of distinctiveness), and sexual dimorphism (i.e., masculinity–femininity). These studies have typically either tested for these possible effects by experimentally manipulating shape characteristics in faces images or have tested only for bivariate correlations between shape characteristics and attractiveness judgments. However, these two approaches have been criticised for lacking ecological validity and providing little insight into the independent contributions of symmetry, averageness, and sexual dimorphism, respectively. Moreover, the few studies that have investigated the independent contributions of symmetry, averageness, and sexual dimorphism have reported mixed results. Here we measured shape symmetry, averageness, and sexual dimorphism from face images and assessed their independent contribution to attractiveness ratings. Linear mixed effects models showed that facial attractiveness was significantly predicted by averageness in male and female faces and femininity in female faces, but not by masculinity in male faces or symmetry. These results are consistent with other recent work suggesting that averageness and femininity, rather than symmetry and masculinity, predict facial attractiveness.
Alleviating biotic stress of powdery mildew in mango cv. Keitt by Sulfur nanoparticles and assessing their effect on productivity and disease severity
Authors: Abou El-Nasr Mohamed K. , Nasser Mohamed A. , Ebrahim Mohamed , Samaan Mina S. F.
Published: February 2025

The control of powdery mildew disease is one of the main objectives in Mango production. Mango production with superior quality is becoming increasingly challenging due to climate change, which may negatively affect all stages of their development. Recently, Nanotechnology is a promising and rapidly evolving field that could be a very useful tool to raise the efficiency of fungicides. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of sulfur nanoparticles (SNPs) and reducing the incidence of powdery mildew, improving growth performance and productivity of mango cv. Keitt (Mangifera indica L.). Four concentrations of SNPs (0, 100, 300, and 500 ppm) were compared to sulfur microform (bulk) at a concentration of 500 ppm. At a private farm on Cairo Alex Desert Road K78, Egypt, foliar spray treatments were administered to an eight-year-old mango cv. Keitt grafted on Sukari rootstock. The experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design, with each tree receiving a five-liter spray of the solution. The results suggested that the use of 500 ppm concentration of SNPs led to reducing powdery mildew disease incidence by 8.8% but it negatively affected productivity, as it decreased by 27% compared to the control treatment. Whereas 100 ppm concentration of SNPs led to increasing the productivity by 342% compared to the control treatment, reducing powdery mildew disease incidence in mango was recorded at 14.6%. Furthermore, the TSS and vitamin C increased significantly by 16 Brix and 46.3 mg, respectively, in association with decreasing titratable acidity in fruits. In aggregate, our data demonstrated that 100 ppm and 300 ppm of sulfur nanoparticles was more efficient than 500 ppm of sulfur bulk in improving POD and PPO enzyme activity. It is recommended to add SNPs of 100 ppm as foliar spraying three times at 15-day intervals for alleviating the harmful impact of disease on mango trees by improving the enzyme activity, thereby yield, and fruit quality of mango trees exposed to powdery mildew disease.
The media morphosis of science communication during crises
Authors: Caferra Rocco , Di Liddo Giuseppe , Morone Andrea , Stadelmann David
Published: February 2025

Effective science communication is crucial in informing citizens in times of crisis. The ICT-driven metamorphosis of the media industry (media-morphosis) has facilitated the shift from a rather one-directional information deficit model in science communication to a more bidirectional communication corresponding to a dialogue model. Little is known about the preferences for social media communication from the supply side of institutional and scholarly communication. Analyzing survey data from nearly 8,700 scientists, we compared their preferences for press media and social media, proxies of traditional centralized communication channels and modern decentralized channels, respectively. Our empirical results show that trust in governments and prioritizing access to all perspectives on the crisis are important factors that influence scientists’ preferences regarding forms of communication. Trust favors centralized systems, while social media serves as an alternative in contexts lacking trust in politics. Prioritizing the diffusion of different perspectives drives a shift to stated preferences for decentralized communication systems. We also show that scientists’ stated preferences for communication systems depend on the socio-political context.
The impact of underwater waves on ship manoeuvrability: a case study in a fjord
Authors: Grégorio Sandy , Bourgault Daniel , Galbraith Peter S. , Chavanne Cédric , Hupé Louis , Richard Alain , Landry Étienne
Published: February 2025

In 2019, the Motor Vessel Jaeger Arrow collided with the Grande-Anse Terminal wharf (Saguenay Fjord, Canada) during docking from unknown causes. However, the timeline of the incident and the ship’s behavior during docking suggest that underwater waves may have caused the collision. Data collected in 2023 using a camera and thermometers confirmed that this area of the fjord regularly experiences underwater waves with wavelengths ranging from 50 to
$$100~\textrm{m}$$
, wave heights of 1 and
$$3~\textrm{m}$$
, and periods of around
$$2~\textrm{min}$$
. These waves frequently collide with and reflect off the wharf, generating currents of 0.1 to
$$0.3~\textrm{m}\,\textrm{s}^{-1}$$
. Numerical simulations further illustrate the interactions between the waves and the wharf, highlighting regions near the wharf where wave-induced currents, both inshore and offshore, occur, including areas with near-zero currents that could create a false sense of calm conditions. Importantly, our observations also revealed that large ships, such as the Jaeger Arrow, can generate their own underwater waves, potentially compromising docking operations. While we cannot definitively confirm that underwater waves caused the incident involving the Jaeger Arrow, our study offers a plausible explanation: the ship may have been caught in a wavetrain reflecting off the wharf, leading to unpredictable movement during docking. These results highlight the potential risks posed by underwater waves to ship safety and maneuverability during docking operations, a topic under-explored in existing scientific literature.
Improving musculoskeletal care with AI enhanced triage through data driven screening of referral letters
Authors: Maarseveen Tjardo Daniël , Glas Herman Kasper , Veris-van Dieren Josien , van den Akker Erik , Knevel Rachel
Published: February 2025

Musculoskeletal complaints account for 30% of GP consultations, with many referred to rheumatology clinics via letters. This study developed a Machine Learning (ML) pipeline to prioritize referrals by identifying rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and patients requiring long-term care. Using 8044 referral letters from 5728 patients across 12 clinics, we trained and validated ML models in two large centers and tested their generalizability in the remaining ten. The models were robust, with RA achieving an AUC-ROC of 0.78 (CI: 0.74–0.83), osteoarthritis 0.71 (CI: 0.67–0.74), fibromyalgia 0.81 (CI: 0.77–0.85), and chronic follow-up 0.63 (CI: 0.61–0.66). The RA-classifier outperformed manual referral systems, as it prioritised RA over non-RA cases (P < 0.001), while the manual referral system could not differentiate between the two. The other classifiers showed similar prioritisation improvements, highlighting the potential to enhance care efficiency, reduce clinician workload, and facilitate earlier specialized care. Future work will focus on building clinical decision-support tools.
Impact of Mechanical Calibration Variations on USP Prednisone PVT with Standard and Apex Vessels
Authors: Pozy Ethan  James , Tian Li
Published: February 2025

Dissolution testing is a method to assess the impact of pharmaceutical formulation and bioequivalence between comparator drugs, among other uses. The dissolution paddle tester (USP Apparatus 2) has been a...
Decoding allosteric landscapes: computational methodologies for enzyme modulation and drug discovery
Authors: Zhu Ruidi , Wu Chengwei , Zha Jinyin , Lu Shaoyong , Zhang Jian
Published: February 2025

Allosteric regulation is a fundamental mechanism in enzyme function, enabling dynamic modulation of activity through ligand binding at sites distal to the active site.
A hydrophobic ionic liquid enhances electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction on high specific-surface ruthenium-doped cobalt catalysts
Authors: Zhang Tao , Li Longjiang , Liu Shucheng , Liu Yi
Published: February 2025

The integration of Ru–Co/C with an ionic liquid (IL) boosts the hydrogen evolution reaction.
CO2 electroreduction towards ethylene on copper phosphate-derived catalysts in alkaline flow cell
Authors: Dangbegnon Julien K. , Etzi Marco , Zeng Juqin , Chiodoni Angelica , Pirri Candido F.
Published: February 2025

Schematic of the alkaline (1 M KOH) flow cell used for CO2 electroreduction and faradaic efficiency of the products obtained at a total current density of 150 mA cm−2.
Topological defects in semiconducting carbon nanotubes as triplet exciton traps and single-photon emitters
Authors: Biktagirov Timur , Gerstmann Uwe , Schmidt Wolf Gero
Published: February 2025

First-principles calculations reveal how topological defects in semiconducting carbon nanotubes trap triplet excitons and enable single-photon emission at telecom wavelengths, offering new insights into their potential for photonic devices.
Organobase-catalyzed efficient synthesis of 4-acyl-5-aryl tri-substituted triazole linked N-glycosides as glycohybrids
Authors: Yadav Yogesh , Singh Kavita , Tyagi Rajdeep , Sagar Ram
Published: February 2025

A highly efficient organobase-catalyzed method has been established to synthesise fully decorated 4-acyl 5-aryl tri-substituted 1,2,3-triazole-linked molecular scaffolds as glycohybrids using β-ketoesters and 1-azido glycosides.
Engineering covalent organic frameworks to enhance interfacial lithium-ion flux redistribution in dendrite-free lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Li Tianli , Hao Hua , Wang Jian , Yuan Zhongzhi , Yu Zhiyong , Liu Hanxing
Published: February 2025

The fBTTP-COF material was prepared through a condensation reaction, serving as shuttling blocker and kinetics accelerator.
meta-Cycloparaphenylenes (mCPPs) with pendant carborane
Authors: Liu Pengfei , He Lingxiao , Shen Wei , You Siliang , Song Zhiqiang , Du Bo , Ahmed Sarfaraz , Yan Hong , Sha Ye , Li Xiang
Published: February 2025

Here, meta-cycloparaphenylenes (mCPPs) with pendant carborane were synthesized through an alkyne insertion reaction. Subsequent deboronation reaction efficiently yields ionic mCPP compounds with a high fluorescence quantum yield (81%) in solutions.
Construction of a 0D/2D NixP/LaTiO2N Schottky junction photocatalyst for efficient visible-light-driven photocatalytic CO2 reduction
Authors: Xu Guoyu , Chen Yanan , Lin Peiling , Zhang Zizhong , Ji Tao , Su Wenyue
Published: February 2025

The Schottky junction between 0D NixP nanoparticles and 2D LaTiO2N nanosheets promotes charge separation, and the NixP/LaTiO2N composite exhibits excellent photocatalytic activity.
Unlocking the potential of organopalladium complexes for high-grade serous ovarian cancer therapy
Authors: Scattolin Thomas , Cavarzerani Enrico , Alessi Dario , Mauceri Matteo , Botter Eleonora , Tonon Giovanni , Caligiuri Isabella , Repetto Ombretta , Kamensek Urska , Brezar Simona Kranjc , Dalla Pozza Maria , Palazzolo Stefano , Cemazar Maja , Canzonieri Vincenzo , Demitri Nicola , Nolan Steven P. , Gasser Gilles , Visentin Fabiano , Rizzolio Flavio
Published: February 2025

High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer (HGSOC) is the most common and lethal subtype of ovarian cancer, known for its high aggressiveness and extensive genomic alterations.
Recent advances in MXene nanozymes-based optical and electrochemical biosensors for food safety analysis
Authors: Hsu Chou-Yi , M Alshik Nusiba M. , Ahmad Irfan , Uthirapathy Subasini , Ballal Suhas , Singh Abhayveer , Saini Suman , Joshi Kamal  Kant
Published: February 2025

The importance of nanotechnology is increasing every day in different fields and, especially, the application of nanomaterials has attracted considerable attention in food safety. Among different nanomaterials, MXene, which is...
Classification of Hearing Status Based on Pupil Measures During Sentence Perception
Authors: Lebiecka-Johansen Patrycja , Zekveld Adriana A. , Wendt Dorothea , Koelewijn Thomas , Muhammad Afaan I. , Kramer Sophia E.
Published: February 2025

Purpose:

Speech understanding in noise can be effortful, especially for people with hearing impairment. To compensate for reduced acuity, hearing-impaired (HI) listeners may be allocating listening effort differently than normal-hearing (NH) peers. We expected that this might influence measures derived from the pupil dilation response. To investigate this in more detail, we assessed the sensitivity of pupil measures to hearing-related changes in effort allocation. We used a machine learning–based classification framework capable of combining and ranking measures to examine hearing-related, stimulus-related (signal-to-noise ratio [SNR]), and task response–related changes in pupil measures.

Method:

Pupil data from 32 NH (40–70 years old,
M
= 51.3 years, six males) and 32 HI (31–76 years old,
M
= 59 years, 13 males) listeners were recorded during an adaptive speech reception threshold test. Peak pupil dilation (PPD), mean pupil dilation (MPD), principal pupil components (rotated principal components [RPCs]), and baseline pupil size (BPS) were calculated. As a precondition for ranking pupil measures, the ability to classify hearing status (NH/HI), SNR (high/low), and task response (correct/incorrect) above random prediction level was assessed. This precondition was met when classifying hearing status in subsets of data with varying SNR and task response, SNR in the NH group, and task response in the HI group.

Results:

A combination of pupil measures was necessary to classify the dependent factors. Hearing status, SNR, and task response were predicted primarily by the established measures—PPD (maximum effort), RPC2 (speech processing), and BPS (task anticipation)—and by the novel measures RPC1 (listening) and RPC3 (response preparation) in tasks involving SNR as an outcome or sometimes difficulty criterion.

Conclusions:

A machine learning–based classification framework can assess sensitivity of, and rank the importance of, pupil measures in relation to three effort modulators (factors) during speech perception in noise. This indicates that the effects of these factors on the pupil measures allow for reasonable classification performance. Moreover, the varying contributions of each measure to the classification models suggest they are not equally affected by these factors. Thus, this study enhances our understanding of pupil responses and their sensitivity to relevant factors.

Supplemental Material:

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.28225199
Simulation and Study on the Flow Field of Non-Exhaust Particulate Matter Distribution in the RL-SHED
Authors: Sun Jiaxing , Ma Zhao , Ma Wenyu , Li Xiaolong , Liu Zishu
Published: February 2025

As in some studies the SHED was selected as the test equipment to collect and measure non-exhaust particles produced by the vehicle, the flow field distribution of non-exhaust particles in the SHED was calculated and analyzed through the CFD simulation. The collection rate of particles that could be collected at the sample port was studied. The results show that the particulate matter is distributed in a flocculent manner in the SHED. Affected by the wind speed set in the SHED, the large wind speed in front of the vehicle leads to the faster diffusion and accumulation of particulate matter to the rear of the SHED. With the increase of the wind speed of the front fan, the distribution of particulate matter is gradually uniform. After ejecting from where the tire meets the ground and hub gap, the particles spread to the rear side of the tire, and enter the wheel cover gap under the influence of the tire rolling and the shape of the tire fender. In addition, with the increase of vehicle speed, the collection rate of particulate matter also increases.
Research on the Coupled Transport Law and Prevention Technology of Wind Flow Dust in Large Mining Height Fully Mechanized Mining Face
Authors: Wang Zhibao , Chen Yajuan
Published: February 2025

Addressing the challenge of high dust concentrations and difficult prevention measures in fully mechanized mining faces with significant mining heights, researchers focused on the 12 mining face of a coal mine. They conducted a study on the distribution patterns of wind speed and exhaled dust concentration in both the upwind and downwind directions during coal cutting. Based on their findings, the study identified key areas for dust prevention and control in such high-mining-height faces, as well as effective treatment methods. Subsequently, a comprehensive dust suppression system was developed, combining spray dust suppression with airborne dust collector technology. Testing revealed that this system achieved dust suppression efficiencies of 91.3% and 92.3% at the driver’s position and 15 meters behind the shearer’s fuselage, respectively. This significant improvement underscores the effectiveness of the proposed dust suppression measures in addressing the dust problem in large mining height fully mechanized faces.
Verleihung der Salomon-Neumann-Medaille 2024, Laudatio für Herrn
Prof. Dr. med. David Klemperer
Authors: Robra Bernt-Peter
Published: February 2025

Die Deutsche Gesellschaft für Sozialmedizin und Prävention (DGSMP) verleiht die
Salomon-Neumann-Medaille 2024 an Herrn Prof. Dr. med. David Klemperer. Er ist
Arzt und bis heute in der Patientenversorgung praktisch tätig, Praktiker des
öffentlichen Gesundheitswesens und – im Hinblick auf sein öffentliches Wirken am
wichtigsten und am nachhaltigsten – Hochschullehrer. Arbeitsschwerpunkte sind
Lehre in Sozialmedizin und Public Health, Shared Decision Making,
Interessenkonflikte im Gesundheitswesen und Evidenzbasierte Medizin. Mit der
Medaille würdigt die DGSMP seine herausragenden Verdienste um die Lehre und die
evidenzbasierte Medizin, darunter sein Zusammenführen von EbM und Sozialmedizin
sowie von Medizin und Public Health.
Fatigue damage characteristics and degradation mechanism of mechanical properties in shale under different water saturation durations
Authors: Wang Chongyang , Zhang Dongming , Liu Chenxi , Pan Yisha , Pourfatollah Amirreza , Gong Zhaoyang
Published: February 2025

The investigation of the effects of water saturation and fatigue stress on rock's mechanical properties is crucial for designing and maintaining water-rich roadways. Fatigue loading and uniaxial compression tests were performed on shale samples subjected to varying water saturation durations. Mechanisms governing the deterioration of the samples' mechanical properties due to water saturation and fatigue loading were analyzed. Both factors reduced the peak strength and peak strain of the samples. Longer saturation durations increased global damage. As saturation duration increased, the stress–strain curve under fatigue loading showed greater irregularities, and fatigue damage between hysteresis loops progressively diminished. The effects of water saturation and fatigue damage on mechanical properties were interdependent. Their combined impact was less than additive, following a “1 + 1 < 2” pattern. Fatigue loading's influence on deformation, strength, and damage decreased with increasing saturation duration. Prolonged saturation also reduced the cumulative Acoustic Emission (AE) parameters and plastic strain under fatigue loading. In terms of failure characteristics, under the same proportion of fatigue loading, fatigue failure degree was negatively correlated with damage extent from saturation. By integrating water saturation duration, AE parameters, and plastic strain, a water saturation and fatigue damage model based on the complex plane was developed. This model, with cumulative AE parameter analysis, identified a threshold for the interaction between water saturation and fatigue-induced damage. Beyond this threshold, the sample's sensitivity to fatigue damage decreased.