bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ρ-,π-meson form-factor in point form of Poincaré-invariant quantum mechanics
Authors: Haurysh Vadzim Yurevich , Andreev Viktor Vasilievich
Published: February 2025

Form-factor analysis of pseudoscalar π±- and vector ρ±-mesons with zero transmitted momentum has been carried out in the model based on the point form of Poincaré-invariant quantum mechanics. The original method of model parameters' calculations from leptonic decaysπ±→l
±ν
l±

, τ
± →ρ±ν
τ±

using pseudoscalar density gπ±
constant is proposed. The method is generalized in radiative decays ρ0→l+

l-
and ρ±→π±γ with the following anomalous magnetic moments calculation of constituent u- and d-quarks. It has been shown that the obtained parameters lead to the values of magnetic and quadrupole moment of ρ±-meson which are comparable with other models as well as hadronic transition ρ±→π±π0 observables. A comparative analysis of the obtained values of μ
u
and μ
d
quark magnetic moments has been carried out. It has been found that the proposed model gives numerical evaluations which are comparable to other approaches and models.
Multiple geodesic acoustic modes destabilization in the presence of energetic particles with ﬁnite orbit width eﬀects
Authors: Lee Young-Hoon , Lee Jungpyo
Published: February 2025

Finite orbit width (FOW) effects on energetic particle induced geodesic acoustic modes (EGAMs) are investigated using gyrokinetic theory. A dispersion relation is derived, accounting for the FOW effects and assuming a double-shifted Maxwellian distribution in parallel velocity for energetic particles. Numerical solutions of the dispersion relation show good agreement with gyrokinetic simulations. The FOW effects are shown to enhance EGAM damping, consistent with their conventional role in GAM dynamics. Interestingly, when the FOW becomes large enough, a new unstable EGAM branch, referred to as δEGAM, emerges at a higher frequency than the GAM. This phenomenon is consistent with recent analytic EGAM results obtained using a slowing-down distribution for energetic particles. Depending on the safety factor and the parallel velocity shift of energetic particles, the δEGAM show two distinct destabilization patterns and its relationship with the GAM. Based on theses characteristics, the δEGAM is classified into two types, each showing a distinct energetic particle density threshold and frequency range. If energetic particles exhibit a positive slope at the FOW-induced transit resonance, their kinetic energy is transferred to the δEGAM via inverse Landau damping.
A piezoelectric swallow patch sensor and its correlation to the physiological swallowing processes
Authors: Hsu Yu-Hsiang , Wang Yi-Xun , Shih Chia-Hao , Li Meng-Siou , Huang Sheng-Wen , Lin Tian-Tz , Hsiao Ming-Yen , Wang Tyng-Guey
Published: February 2025

Current studies on wearable devices have demonstrated that swallowing can be detected by attaching the sensor to the larynx area. However, most reports only perform demonstration studies, with limited efforts to investigate the correlations between the detected signals and the swallowing process. From the physiology standpoint, the movements of the hyoid bone (HY) and thyroid cartilage (TH) play essential roles in swallowing, such as epiglottic inversion, glottic closure, and the opening of the upper esophageal sphincter. Because HY and TH move underneath the larynx skin, we can monitor their actions by attaching a wearable sensor on the skin along their routes. However, a stiff sensor can restrict the skin deformation induced by the HY and TH movements and cause complications. Thus, we developed an ultra-compliant piezoelectric swallow patch sensor (SPS) that uses P(VDF-TrFE) microfibers as the sensor core and encapsulated inside a silicone rubber. The compliant design allows the SPS to track swallow-induced skin deformation caused by HY and TH, and the SPS signal can reflect their actual contribution to the swallowing process. The optimal SPS locations to monitor HY and TH are presented. The correlations between the SPS signal and the HY and TH movements are verified using a laryngeal ultrasound imaging system. The experimental studies verified that the SPS can determine the temporal and spatial movements of HY and TH, which can be utilized to monitor the swallowing process. Applying the SPS, we demonstrate that it can identify the >50-year-old male group has a longer TH moving time and slower TH rising velocity than the 18-to-25-year-old male group. In summary, we developed a novel SPS that can accurately monitor HY and TH movements for non-invasive screening of the swallowing process. Furthermore, our studies can serve as a guideline for designing a wearable device for swallow monitoring.
Stabilization of ambient pressure rocksalt crystal structure and high critical field superconductivity in ReC via Mo and W substitution
Authors: Meena Pavan Kumar Kumar , Jangid S. , Kushwaha R. K. , Manna P. , Srivastava S. , Sharma S. , Mishra P. , Singh R P
Published: February 2025

Transition-metal-based carbides (TMCs), renowned for their exceptional hardness, mechanical strength, and thermal properties, have recently emerged as promising candidates for topological superconductivity. In this study, we synthesized ReC in the NaCl structure at ambient pressure by substituting Mo or W at the Re-site. We investigated the superconducting properties of Re1-xTxC (where T = Mo, W) for x = 0.5 using magnetization, resistivity and specific heat measurements. These compounds display type-II, fully gapped, weakly coupled superconductivity with high critical fields, establishing them as new members of superconducting ultra-hard materials at ambient pressure and paving the way for superconducting device applications under extreme conditions.
Enhancing InGaN LED Performance via ALD-Grown Al2O3 Sidewall Passivation
Authors: Bayramlı Hasan Mert Mert , Genç Muhammet , Yücel Oğuzhan , Bulut Barış , Bek Alpan , Demirtaş Mustafa
Published: February 2025

InGaN-based light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are at the forefront of solid-state lighting technologies due to their superior efficiency and broad spectral emission. However, their performance is often compromised by leakage currents, which lead to reduced external quantum efficiency. Passivation of surface defect, the need of which arises from either epitaxial growth or mesa etching, emerges as a promising strategy to mitigate leakage currents and enhance LED performance. This study compares the effects of different sidewall passivation using two dielectric materials, Al2O3 and SiO2, on the reliability and long-term stability performance of InGaN LEDs. The study conducts a comprehensive analysis to evaluate the impact of each material on reducing leakage current and improving overall device efficiency. The experimental findings of our study indicate that the LEDs with Al2O3 sidewall passivation have better long-term stability performance, lower series resistance, higher breakdown voltages, significantly lower leakage current, and up to a 19% increase in light output power compared to SiO2 sidewall passivation. These superior properties of Al2O3-passivated LEDs increase device reliability and stability. Conversely, SiO2-passivated LEDs demonstrate relatively higher leakage currents, which can be attributed to lower dielectric constant, non-uniform film deposition and incomplete defect passivation.
Tunable switch between slow and fast light in optomechanics with a squeezed field
Authors: Wang Qiong , He Zhi
Published: February 2025

We study the dynamics of a driven optomechanical cavity coupled to a charged nanomechanical resonator via Coulomb interaction with a squeezed field. We find that the tunable switch between slow and fast light for two signal modes can be observed from the output field by adjusting the laser-cavity detuning in this system. Moreover, the frequencies of two signal light can be tuned by Coulomb coupling strength, which are feasible using current laboratory techniques. The proposal may have potential application in optical router and quantum optomechanical memory.
Chinese Pulsar Timing Array upper limits on microherzt gravitational waves from supermassive black-hole binaries using PSR J1713+0747 FAST data
Authors: Caballero Ricardo Nicolas , Xu Heng , Lee Kejia , Chen Siyuan , Guo Yanjun , Jiang Jinchen , Wang BoJun , Xu Jiangwei
Published: February 2025

We derive the gravitational-wave (GW) strain upper limits from resolvable supermassive black-hole binaries using the data from the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical (FAST) radio Telescope, in the context of the Chinese Pulsar Timing Array project. We focus on circular orbits in the μHz GW frequency band between 10-7 and 3×10-6 Hz. Such a frequency band is higher than the traditional pulsar timing array band and is less explored. We used the data of the millisecond pulsar PSR J1713+5307 observed between August 2019 and April 2021. A dense observation campaign was carried out in September 2020 to allow for the μHz band coverage. Our sky-average continuous source upper limit at 95% confidence level at 1μHz is 1.02×10-12, while the same limit in the direction of the pulsar is 5.57×10-13.
A 0.53-μW/channel calibration-free spike detection IC with 98.8-%-accuracy based on stationary wavelet transforms and Teager energy operators
Authors: Zhou Zhining , Hu Zichen , Lyu Hongming
Published: February 2025

Objective: The brain-computer interface (BCI) is currently experiencing a surge in the number of recording channels, resulting in a vast amount of raw data. It has become crucial to reliably detect neural spikes from a large population of neurons in the presence of noise, in order to constrain the transmission bandwidth. Approach: We investigate various time-frequency analysis methods for spike detection, followed by an exploration of energy operators amplifying spikes and signal statistics for adaptive thresholding. Subsequently, we introduce a precise and computationally efficient spike detection module, leveraging stationary wavelet transform (SWT), Teager energy operator (TEO), and root-mean-square (RMS) calculator. This module is capable of autonomously adapting to different levels of noise. The SWT effectively eliminates high-frequency noise, enhancing the performance of the energy operators. The hardware computational process is simplified through the use of the lifting scheme and a channel-interleaving architecture. Main results: We evaluate the proposed spike detector with adaptive threshold on the publicly available WaveClus datasets. The detector achieves an average accuracy of 98.84%. The application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) implementation results of the spike detector demonstrate an optimized interleaving channel of 8. In a 65-nm technology, the 8-channel spike detector consumes a power of 0.532 μW/Ch and occupies an area of 0.00645 mm2/Ch, operating at a 1.2-V supply voltage. Significance: The proposed spike detection processor offers one of the highest accuracies among state-of-the-art spike detection methods. Importantly, the ASIC explored the considerations in the scalability and hardware costs. The proposed design provides a systematic solution on spike detection with adaptive thresholding, offering a high accuracy while maintaining low power and area consumptions.
Food Insecurity During Pregnancy and Associated Perinatal Outcomes: A Scoping Review
Authors: Kinsey Eliza W , Caceres Omaris M , Posner Hannah E K , Hinkle Stefanie N
Published: February 2025

Food insecurity disproportionately impacts women during their reproductive years. Food insecurity is associated with many negative health outcomes in the general population, including hypertension, diabetes, depression, anxiety, and obesity, particularly in women, yet it remains unclear whether it has negative implications for perinatal outcomes. We conducted a systematic scoping review using PubMed, Embase, and Scopus to identify studies of food insecurity and perinatal outcomes including preterm birth, birth weight, gestational diabetes, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, gestational weight gain, and mental health outcomes during the perinatal and immediate postpartum period, and breastfeeding initiation. Twenty-nine studies were included. There is consistent evidence that individuals experiencing food insecurity in the prenatal period are at greater risk for depression and anxiety during pregnancy and postpartum. The findings were inconclusive for preterm delivery, birth weight, and other pregnancy outcomes including gestational diabetes, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, and gestational weight gain. This review highlights important data gaps related to the assessment of food insecurity in pregnancy that must be addressed to draw conclusions about potential perinatal outcomes among those experiencing food insecurity. More research is needed to understand the impacts of food insecurity on pregnancy outcomes and assess whether efforts to alleviate food insecurity improve outcomes.
Insights into the Heterogeneity of Cognitive Aging: A Comparative Analysis of Two Data-Driven Clustering Algorithms
Authors: Nguyen Truc , Chang Yu-Ling
Published: February 2025

Objectives

Cognitive aging entails diverse patterns of cognitive profiles, brain imaging, and biomarkers. Yet, few studies have explored the performance of multiple clustering algorithms on a single dataset. Here, we employ data-driven methods to analyze neuropsychological performance in older individuals with normal cognition (NC) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Methods

A total of 311 older adults without dementia completed a comprehensive assessment, consisting of 17 cognitive tests and a memory complaint questionnaire. We utilized two clustering algorithms: nonnegative matrix factorization (NMF) and model-based clustering (MBC). Cluster characteristics were examined in demographic, clinical, and brain morphometric data.

Results

Both NMF and MBC uncovered two- and three-cluster solutions, with satisfactory data fit. The two-cluster profiles encompassed a cognitively intact (CI) group and a cognitively suboptimal (CS) group, distinguished by cognitive performance. The three-cluster solutions included CI–memory proficient, CI–nonmemory proficient, and CS groups. Remarkably, patterns of cognitive heterogeneity and their association with demographic and neuroimaging variables were highly comparable across NMF and MBC. Phenotypic homogeneity improved after identifying participants with consistent and mismatched memberships from the two algorithms.

Discussion

The results indicate that two distinct data-driven algorithms, with different heuristics, generated comparable patterns regarding cognitive heterogeneity within NC and MCI. These findings may inform future subtyping studies in cognitive aging, where replication of stratifications found across different methods is strongly recommended.
BMI triples overweight prevalence in 7600 children compared with waist-to-height ratio: The ALSPAC Study
Authors: Agbaje Andrew O
Published: February 2025

Objective

Waist circumference-to-height (WHtR) is a highly sensitive and specific surrogate marker of total body adiposity and central adiposity (adiposopathy). This study examined the prevalence of body mass index (BMI) categories in relation to new WHtR cutpoints in the pediatric population. WHtR categories predictive ability to detect the risk of type 2 diabetes was externally validated.

Methods

Altogether, 7600 nine-year-old children from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, UK birth cohort were included. BMI and WHtR were assessed at ages 9, 15, and 24 years. WHtR cutpoints are <0.40 as low fat; 0.40–<0.50 in males as normal fat; 0.40–<0.51 in females as normal fat; 0.50–<0.53 high fat (adiposopathy grade 1) ; 0.51–<0.54 in females is high fat; >0.53 in males is excess fat (adiposopathy grade 2), and >0.54 in females is excess fat. From the NHANES, 3329 US participants with a mean (SD) age of 49 (20.3)years who had glycohaemoglobin and fasting plasma glucose were included.

Results

BMI overestimated the prevalence of overweight by 2.8-fold in childhood, 2.3-fold in adolescence, and 2.6-fold in young adulthood compared to WHtR. Of 1431 children classified as BMI-overweight, 25% had WHtR high fat, 11% had WHtR excess fat, and 71% had WHtR normal fat. However, of the 517 children classified as having WHtR high fat, 69.8% were BMI-overweight and 24% had BMI-obesity, while only 6% had normal BMI. WHtR high fat was associated with higher odds of prediabetes [Odds ratio 2.36 (95% CI 1.10–5.10), p=0.028]. WHtR excess fat was associated with higher odds of type 2 diabetes [6.08 (2.84–13.01), p<0.001].

Conclusions

WHtR can be universally adopted for preventing, diagnosing, and managing excess adiposity (adiposopathy) in pediatrics.
Six-Month Results of Multiple Femtosecond Laser–Assisted Corneal Allogeneic Ring Segments Implantation: A Case Series
Authors: Mechleb Nicole , Gatinel Damien , Fitoussi Léa , Saad Alain
Published: February 2025

Purpose:

To evaluate the short- and mid-term clinical outcomes of corneal allogeneic intrastromal ring segments (CAIRS) and assess their efficacy and safety in keratoconus treatment.

Methods:

Case series of 79 eyes from 71 patients with keratoconus who underwent femtosecond-assisted CAIRS implantation at the Adolphe de Rothschild Hospital Foundation, Noémie de Rothschild Institute. Preoperative and postoperative examinations were conducted at 3 and 6 months. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography and corneal tomography with aberrometric and pachymetric analyses were performed at each visit. Visual, refractive, and topographic parameters were extracted.

Results:

Corrected distance visual acuity improved by 1, 2, and 3 lines or more in 33%, 44%, and 52% of cases, respectively. Significant improvements were observed in K1, K2, Km, Kmax, topographic astigmatism, sphere, cylinder, spherical equivalent, total root mean square, higher-order aberrations, vertical coma, and spherical aberrations (all P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). Eleven patients (13.9%) were dissatisfied with their outcomes. In addition, 9 patients (13.65%) experienced a loss in corrected distance visual acuity at 3 months postoperatively (6 eyes lost 1 line, and 3 lost 2 lines), yet remained satisfied with their results because of improved refraction and uncorrected vision.

Conclusions:

This study is the largest to date evaluating femtosecond-assisted CAIRS implantations and highlights CAIRS as a promising treatment for keratoconus.
Effectiveness of Minimally Invasive Partial Orbicularis Myectomy for Treating Benign Essential Blepharospasm: A Study Using the Jankovic Scale and Blepharospasm Disability Index
Authors: Doğan Semih , Yilmaz İbrahim Edhem , Ari Şeyhmus
Published: February 2025

Purpose:

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of minimally invasive partial orbicularis myectomy in treating benign essential blepharospasm while assessing the utility of the Jankovic Rating Scale and Blepharospasm Disability Index as comprehensive outcome measures.

Methods:

A retrospective study was conducted on 18 patients (36 eyes) with benign essential blepharospasm who underwent partial orbicularis myectomy between 2018 and 2022. All patients had previously shown inadequate response to botulinum toxin injections. Jankovic Rating Scale and Blepharospasm Disability Index scores were assessed preoperatively and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively to capture both symptom severity and functional impact. Statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

Results:

The median preoperative Jankovic Rating Scale score of 7.5 decreased to 3 one year postoperatively, reflecting a 50% improvement in symptom severity. Concurrently, the median Blepharospasm Disability Index score reduced from 20 to 9.5, indicating a 47.22% enhancement in functional capacity at 1 year. Both reductions were statistically significant (p < 0.001) and sustained throughout the 1-year follow-up period. No significant complications were reported.

Conclusion:

Minimally invasive partial orbicularis myectomy demonstrates significant and sustained improvement in both symptom severity and functional disability in patients with benign essential blepharospasm refractory to botulinum toxin treatment. The combined application of Jankovic Rating Scale and Blepharospasm Disability Index proves to be an effective approach in evaluating surgical outcomes, offering valuable insights into both the clinical efficacy of partial orbicularis myectomy and its impact on patients’ daily functioning.
Bacterial Dacryoadenitis With Abscess: Meta-Analysis of Features and Outcomes of a Rare Clinical Entity
Authors: Pietris James , Quigley Clare , Lam Lydia , Selva Dinesh
Published: February 2025

Purpose:

Bacterial dacryoadenitis with abscess is rare. There is limited evidence examining the clinical course, and there is no consensus on evidence-based management protocols. The authors aim to systematically review the current literature on bacterial dacryoadenitis with abscess, examining etiology, clinical and radiological features, management, and outcomes.

Methods:

A systematic search of the databases PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL was performed to July 2024, prior to data collection and risk of bias analysis in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.

Results:

Twenty-five articles met the inclusion criteria. Fifty-one cases of bacterial dacryoadenitis complicated by abscess were identified, mean age 34.5 ± 22.3 years including n = 17 females (40.4%, subgroup with full demographic data, n = 42). Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus was identified as the most common causative organism (25.4%), followed by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (17.9%) and Haemophilus influenzae (12.8%). Clinical features included upper eyelid swelling (74.5%) and pain (39.2%), along with extraocular movement restriction (58.8%), gaze-evoked pain (39.2%), erythema (45%), chemosis (41.1%), and lacrimal gland protrusion (19.6%). A well-defined, rim-enhancing lesion within an enlarged lacrimal gland was typical on imaging (seen in 33.3%). The majority were managed with abscess drainage with concurrent intravenous antibiotics (66.6%). Only 1 patient among the included studies suffered a recurrence. Abscess drainage was not associated with patient age (p = 0. 8) or with Staphylococcus aureus as the causative organism (p = 0.7).

Conclusions:

Bacterial dacryoadenitis with abscess is a rare but potentially sight-threatening entity. Requirement for abscess drainage in bacterial dacryoadenitis was not associated with patient age, nor with the most common causative bacteria. Clinicians should be aware of the potential for compressive optic neuropathy, and alert to signs that may indicate surgical drainage, in particular, inadequate response to antibiotics.
First-Day Platelet Count Is Associated With In-Hospital Mortality in Adult Postcardiotomy Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
Authors: Wang Jing , Gao Sizhe , Wang Tianlong , Zhang Han , Bian Luyu , Yan Shujie , Ji Bingyang
Published: February 2025

To investigate the relationship between platelet counts within the first 24 hours of veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-A ECMO) support and in-hospital mortality in postcardiotomy ECMO patients. Adult patients undergoing postcardiotomy V-A ECMO from 2017 to 2021 were included and divided into survivors and non-survivors. Logistic regression evaluated the association between the first-day platelet counts and in-hospital mortality. Spearman’s correlation assessed the correlations between clinical factors and the platelet hourly % decrease within 24 hours of ECMO support. The study included 72 patients, with an in-hospital mortality of 51.4%. For every 10 ×109/L decrease in the lowest platelet count at 0–24, 0–12, and 12–24 hours of ECMO support, the odds of in-hospital mortality increased by 21.7% (adjusted odds ratios [aOR], 1.217; 95% confidence intervals [CI], 1.045–1.358), 20.6% (aOR, 1.206; 95% CI, 1.058–1.332), and 17.4% (aOR, 1.174; 95% CI, 1.034–1.294), respectively. Platelet hourly % decrease was positively correlated with peak lactate, alanine aminotransferase, D-dimer, fibrinogen degradation products, and ECMO flow rate variation. In postcardiotomy V-A ECMO patients, platelet counts within the first 24 hours of ECMO support are independently associated with higher in-hospital mortality. Potential factors related to decreasing rate of platelet count included thrombosis, ECMO flow fluctuation, tissue ischemia, and hypoxia.
Artificial intelligence and patient education
Authors: Paluszek Olivia , Loeb Stacy
Published: February 2025

Purpose of review

Artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots are increasingly used as a source of information. Our objective was to review the literature on their use for patient education in urology.

Recent findings

There are many published studies examining the quality of AI chatbots, most commonly ChatGPT. In many studies, responses from chatbots had acceptable accuracy but were written at a difficult reading level without specific prompts to enhance readability. A few studies have examined AI chatbots for other types of patient education, such as creating lay summaries of research publications or generating handouts.

Artificial intelligence chatbots may provide an adjunctive source of patient education in the future, particularly if prompted to provide results with better readability. In addition, they may be used to rapidly generate lay research summaries, leaflets or other patient education materials for final review by experts.
Salary and Job Requirement Differences for Jobs in Local and State Health Departments Versus the Private Sector: Analysis of Large-Scale Job Postings Data
Authors: Krasna Heather , Patino Isabella , Ozcan Onal Sezen , Venkataraman Malvika
Published: February 2025

Objectives:

While some research shows that health departments pay comparably low wages for many jobs, federal data on salaries for employees of local and state health departments are limited. Job postings provide an alternative, real-time method to assess job requirements and salaries. Our goal was to utilize data from job postings to determine if there were significant differences in salary, education, or experience requirements when comparing jobs in local or state government health departments with the same types of jobs posted in other sectors.

Design:

We used Lightcast, a large-scale and comprehensive database of job postings, to gather real-time data on salary, education, and experience requirements for 44 public health occupations, contrasting those in state and local health departments (SLHDs) with those in all other sectors. We used interval regression analysis to assess salary differences and contrasted minimum education and experience levels using a partial proportional odds model.

Results:

A total of 16 284 job postings were collected for the government, and 12 609 441 in the private sector. Twenty-seven occupations paid significantly less in SLHDs, and 6 paid significantly more. For 37 occupations, SLHDs were less likely to require at least a Master’s degree than the private sector. Certain SLHD positions require less education and/or experience, while also paying less.

Conclusions:

Many, though not all, roles in the SLHD workforce are comparatively underpaid, and job requirements are often lower, potentially creating recruitment and retention challenges and producing a workforce that may be less prepared for public health crises. SLHDs can use data from job postings to benchmark their salaries and advocate for more competitive wages, especially for “hard-to-fill” positions, and can also better advertise their benefits to attract candidates.
Enrichment of halogenated organic compounds and their degrading microorganisms in the deepest ocean
Authors: Liu Rulong , Wei Hui , Xu Zhiao , Liu Yuheng , Wang Zhixuan , He Jiani , Luo Min , Baltar Federico , Xu Yunping , Liang Qirui , Huang Liting , Wang Li , Fang Jiasong
Published: February 2025

The hadal trenches, the deepest regions of the ocean, serve as the final resting place for marine particles and as "tunnels" for material exchange between the ocean and Earth's interior. Despite their extreme conditions, the trenches contain high content of organic carbon (OC) and active microbial carbon turnover, are hotspots for deep-sea OC degradation and unique microbial processes. However, little is known about the OC components and microbial metabolisms driving the OC degradation in the trenches. This study reveals unexpectedly high concentrations of halogenated organic compounds (HOCs) in the Mariana Trench sediments, with about 1 halogen per 58 carbon atoms in the OC pool. Systematic analysis of deep-sequenced metagenomes and metagenome-assembled-genomes from the global ocean shows significantly higher abundance of the genes for biodegradation of HOCs (dehalogenation) in trench microbes, with microorganisms capable of dehalogenation belonging to 16 phyla and 52 orders, 75% of which identified as HOCs degraders for the first time. Microcosms simulating trench conditions showed rapid degradation of typical HOCs and transcription of genes related with HOCs metabolisms, demonstrating the active HOCs degradation by the trench microorganisms. The findings suggest the HOCs metabolism as an important process in the OC remineralization of deep-sea trenches, advancing understanding of deep-sea carbon cycling and microbial survival strategies.
Stimulation of theCaulobacter crescentussurface sensing pathway by deletion of a specialized minor pilin-like gene
Authors: Obeid Charrouf Farah , Whitfield Gregory B , Ellison Courtney K , Brun Yves V
Published: February 2025

Bacteria colonize surfaces through complex mechanisms of surface sensing. Pili are dynamic bacterial appendages that play an important role in this process. InCaulobacter crescentus, tension on retracting, surface-bound pili triggers the rapid synthesis of the adhesive holdfast, which permanently attaches cells to surfaces. However, the detailed mechanisms of pilus-mediated surface sensing are unclear. In this study, we used a genetic screen to isolate mutants with altered pilus activity to identify genes that may be involved in pilus-mediated surface-sensing. This screen identifiedcpaL, whose deletion led to reduced piliation levels, and surprisingly, a threefold increase in surface adhesion due to increased holdfast production. To understand this finding, we compared holdfast synthesis in wild-type andcpaLmutant cells under conditions that block pilus retraction. While this treatment increased holdfast production in wild-type cells by triggering the surface-sensing pathway, no increase was observed in thecpaLmutant, suggesting that mutation ofcpaLmaximally stimulates surface-sensing. Furthermore, when thecpaLmutant was grown in a medium that blocks the surface sensing pathway, cells exhibited decreased surface attachment and holdfast production, consistent with a role for CpaL in pilus-dependent surface sensing inC. crescentus. To better understand the function of CpaL, we analyzed its predicted structure, which suggested that CpaL is a minor pilin fused to a mechanosensitive von Willebrand factor type A (vWA) domain that could be accommodated at the pilus tip. These results collectively position CpaL as a strong candidate for a mechanosensory element in pilus-mediated surface sensing.

Importance

Surface sensing is a crucial mechanism that allows bacteria to change their behaviors to adapt to life on a surface. Surface recognition by bacteria is the initial step toward surface colonization and biofilm formation. InCaulobacter crescentus, tight adherence (Tad) pili play a key role in surface recognition and adaptation. However, the mechanism of pilus-mediated surface sensing and the proteins that influence this process remain unknown. Here, we demonstrate that CpaL, a potential pilus tip mechanosensory protein, could be the major element of Tad pilus-mediated surface attachment and colonization inC. crescentus. CpaL plays an important role in the regulation of holdfast synthesis and production upon surface contact. By identifying CpaL as a key player in the process of surface recognition, our work offers valuable insights into the mechanisms of bacterial adhesion.
Factors contributing to the successful development of cyber safety education for foundation phase children: a systematic literature review
Authors: Gcaza Noluxolo , Thomson Kerry-Lynn
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Given the increasing importance of digital literacy and safety for young children, identifying key factors that contribute to effective education in this area is essential. The purpose of this paper is to establish the criteria for ensuring the effectiveness of cyber safety education for children in the foundation phase, focusing on the factors and conditions necessary to achieve desired outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a systematic literature review. The research question addressed is: What are the key factors and criteria necessary for developing effective cyber safety education programmes for children in the foundation phase?

Findings

The systematic review identified 15 themes: interactive delivery, developmental needs, individual needs, content specificity, impact, positive language, contextualisation, assessment and feedback, continuous improvement, stakeholder engagement, participant buy-in, research-based content, legal alignment, pedagogy and resources. These were synthesised into six main categories.

Originality/value

This study is original in its focus on establishing specific criteria tailored to young children. By systematically reviewing existing literature, it uniquely addresses the need for age-appropriate, engaging, and contextual educational strategies. The findings will provide guidelines for the development of targeted cyber safety programmes, filling a critical gap in early childhood digital literacy.
Hypoxia‐Inducible Factor 1 Alpha Potentiates Lipopolysaccharide‐Induced Expression of IL‐13 and IL‐33 in Mast Cells Under Hypoxia
Authors: Chiba Norika , Ohnishi Tomokazu , Matsuguchi Tetsuya
Published: February 2025

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is an exacerbating factor for allergic airway inflammation at least partly due to the activation of mast cells (MCs). LPS stimulates MCs to express both pro‐inflammatory and type 2 cytokines, among which interleukin (IL)‐13 is essential for the generation of allergic diseases. LPS also induces the expression of “alarmins” such as IL‐25, IL‐33, and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) from various cell types including epithelial cells, and increased serum IL‐33 levels were reported to correlate with disease severity of asthma. MCs reside in peripheral tissues where the oxygen concentration is significantly lower than that in the air and further decreased by inflammation and bronchoconstriction in asthma. However, the effects of hypoxia on LPS‐induced cytokine expression in MCs have not been fully elucidated. Here we show that LPS induces Il4, Il6, Il13, Il33, Tnf, and Tslp mRNAs in MCs. Notably, hypoxia robustly enhanced expressions of Il13 and Il33, but not the other cytokines in LPS‐stimulated MCs. We also found that this promotive effect is dependent on the presence of hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF) 1α protein. Our study will provide new insight on the role of MCs in the LPS‐associated pathogenesis of allergic diseases.
Making the spoons last longer: Parents' views on flexischooling with their child with special educational needs
Authors: Lawrence Clare
Published: February 2025

Flexischooling—the sharing of a child's education between home and school through formal agreement—is one of a range of ‘alternative’ education approaches that may adapt education to meet a child's special educational needs. This study considers qualitative data from an online survey conducted during November and December 2023 regarding parents' reasons for undertaking flexischooling with their child, and the activities they describe their children undertaking during school hours. Findings suggest that parents are concerned about the challenges that they feel their child faces in full‐time school, but that they also perceive advantages, both social and academic, to the ‘not‐school’ element of the educational approach they are undertaking. Consideration of the potential for flexischooling to support parents as they learn about their child's ever‐changing needs is discussed.
Cultural omnivorousness of young people in Japan, South Korea, and the United States—using latent class analysis
Authors: Kijima Yoshimasa
Published: February 2025

In this study, we examine the relationship between young people's musical tastes and demographic variables using data from an international comparative survey of Japan, South Korea, and the United States (US). A feature of this study is the analysis of the characteristics of cultural omnivorousness in each country and the factors that determine it. Most studies of cultural omnivorousness have focused on the West. This study's analysis of Japan and South Korea provides valuable insights. The results show that, first, the symbolic boundary separating omnivores from univores in each country is rock and urban in Japan, anime songs and rock in South Korea, and anime songs and K‐pop in the US. In general, there is a preference for genres that are removed from the musical culture of one's own country; when this is the case, omnivorousness has an affinity with a cosmopolitan orientation. Second, in Japan, South Korea, and the US, people who like a wide variety of music genres tend to be more confident in their own musical tastes. This suggests that omnivores are not culturally tolerant. In other words, the omnivore selects music with a distinctive aesthetic sense that seems to be consistent with the characteristics of emerging cultural capital. Third, in terms of the factors that define cultural omnivorousness, socioeconomic factors such as father's educational background and living arrangements have an influence in South Korea and the US, but no such influence is confirmed in Japan. This trend may be specific to young people in Japan.
Diagnostic Uptake of Targeted Sequencing in Adults With Steatotic Liver Disease and a Suspected Genetic Contribution
Authors: Ronzoni Luisa , Pelusi Serena , Moretti Vittoria , Malvestiti Francesco , Eidgah Torghabehei Hadi , Jamialahmadi Oveis , Rondena Jessica , Bianco Cristiana , Periti Giulia , Filippo Maria Rosaria De , Romeo Stefano , Prati Daniele , Valenti Luca
Published: February 2025

Background and Aims

In patients with steatotic liver diseases (SLD), genetic factors may account for severe liver involvement despite mild or absence of triggering factors or a strong family history. Aim of this study was to examine the diagnostic uptake of targeted sequencing (TS), covering both coding and non‐coding regions, of a broad panel of 82 liver and lipid metabolism genes in patients with unexplained SLD.

Methods

We enrolled 49 adult patients with SLD and a suspected genetic contribution. Genetic variants were detected through a customised TS panel, whereas the contribution of common genetic variation to the individual susceptibility to SLD was captured by a polygenic risk score (SLD‐PRS).

Results

A diagnosis of rare Mendelian disorder was established in 11 patients (22%), independently of age or family history. Rare variants possibly contributing to clinical phenotype were detected in additional 29 patients (59%). Increased SLD‐PRS values were detected in 17 patients (35%), enabling an increase in diagnostic uptake of 24%, especially in those without a strong family history (p = 0.03). Genetic diagnosis allowed refinement of clinical management in 23 (47%) patients.

Conclusions

The diagnostic uptake of TS was 22% for Mendelian disorder and 59% for possible contribution to clinical phenotype in selected adult patients with SLD. Evaluation of common variants, as captured by SLD‐PRS, yields complementary information increasing the overall utility of the genetic examination.
Structural Variants Contribute to Phenotypic Variation in Maize
Authors: Catlin Nathan S. , Agha Husain I. , Platts Adrian E. , Munasinghe Manisha , Hirsch Candice N. , Josephs Emily B.
Published: February 2025

Comprehensively identifying the loci shaping trait variation has been challenging, in part because standard approaches often miss many types of genetic variants. Structural variants (SVs), especially transposable elements (TEs), are likely to affect phenotypic variation but we lack methods that can detect polymorphic SVs and TEs using short‐read sequencing data. Here, we used a whole genome alignment between two maize genotypes to identify polymorphic SVs and then genotyped a large maize diversity panel for these variants using short‐read sequencing data. After characterising SV variation in the panel, we identified SV polymorphisms that are associated with life history traits and genotype‐by‐environment (GxE) interactions. While most of the SVs associated with traits contained TEs, only two of the SVs had boundaries that clearly matched TE breakpoints indicative of a TE insertion, while the other polymorphisms were likely caused by deletions. One of the SVs that appeared to be caused by a TE insertion had the most associations with gene expression compared to other trait‐associated SVs. All of the SVs associated with traits were in linkage disequilibrium with nearby single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), suggesting that the approach used here did not identify unique associations that would have been missed in a SNP association study. Overall, we have (1) created a technique to genotype SV polymorphisms across a large diversity panel using support from genomic short‐read sequencing alignments and (2) connected this presence/absence SV variation to diverse traits and GxE interactions.
Measuring differences in the ERG in myopia using the RETeval device with skin electrodes
Authors: Stapley Victoria , Anderson Roger S. , Saunders Kathryn , Mulholland Pádraig J.
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Previous research suggests that the electroretinogram (ERG) is reduced and delayed in non‐pathological myopia. However, the invasive nature of the electrode and cumbersome equipment required has prevented the widescale uptake of ERG measures. This study investigated whether previously reported changes to the ERG response in myopia are also observable when measured using non‐invasive skin electrodes and a hand‐held ERG device.

Method

Monocular flash ERGs were measured using the RETeval® device according to the ‘ISCEV 6 Step Dark First cd’ protocol in 46 participants with non‐pathological myopia (spherical equivalent refraction [SER] −0.50 to −11.25 D, median −3.75 D, median axial length [AL] 25.4 mm) and 47 non‐myopic controls (SER +2.00 to −0.25 D, median +1.00 D, median AL 23.6 mm). Measures were performed under pupil mydriasis with Sensor Strip skin electrodes.

Results

The median implicit time for all dark‐adapted (DA) components was longer among myopes. Following Holm‐Bonferroni correction, this difference reached statistical significance (p < 0.05) for the DA 3.0 A‐wave, DA 10.0 A‐wave and B‐waves, and DA Oscillatory potentials 1 and 2. There were no significant differences between median light‐adapted (LA) implicit times nor response amplitudes between refractive groups. For all DA components, there was a significant, positive correlation between AL and implicit time (all p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The RETeval®, used with skin electrodes, did not detect the reduction in ERG amplitude reported in myopic eyes using traditional ERG setups, potentially due to high inter‐subject variability and/or anatomical confounders associated with the use of a skin electrode. The RETeval® with skin electrodes did detect subtle delays to DA implicit times previously reported in myopia, with a positive relationship observed between AL and implicit time for all DA components. In contrast, no significant differences were observed for LA implicit times, which may indicate underlying differences in the dark‐adaptation process and/or scotopic visual pathways in myopia.
Signals of eV-scale sterile neutrino at long baseline neutrino experiments
Authors: Parveen Sabila , Sharma Kiran , Patra Sudhanwa , Mehta Poonam
Published: February 2025

While most of the results of the neutrino oscillation experiments can be accommodated within the standard paradigm of three active flavors, there are tantalizing hints of an eV-scale sterile neutrino from anomalous results of a few short baseline experiments. This additional light sterile neutrino is expected to leave an imprint on the physics observables pertaining to standard unknowns such as determination of the Dirac-type leptonic CP phase,

$$\delta _{13},$$

δ
13

,

the question of neutrino mass hierarchy and the octant of

$$\theta _{23}.$$

θ
23

.

The upcoming long baseline neutrino experiments such as T2HK, DUNE and P2O will be sensitive to active – sterile mixing. In the present work, we examine and assess the capability of these long baseline experiments to probe the sterile neutrino at the level of probabilities and event rates. We perform a detailed study by taking into account the values of parameters that are presently allowed and (a) study the impact on CP violation by examining the role played by various appearance and disappearance channels, (b) address the question of disentangling the intrinsic effects from extrinsic effects in the standard paradigm as well as three active plus one light sterile neutrino, and finally (c) assess the ability of these long baseline experiments to distinguish between the two scenarios. Our results indicate that for the true values of sterile parameters and for all values of

$$\delta _{13},$$

δ
13

,

the sensitivity of P2O is the lowest while the sensitivity of T2HK is modest

$$(<3\,\sigma )$$

(
<
3

σ
)

and the sensitivity of DUNE is

$$> 3\,\sigma .$$

>
3

σ
.

For larger values of the sterile mixing angles, there is an improvement in the sensitivity for all the three considered experiments.
A superfluid dark matter cosmic string wake
Authors: Favero Aline , Brandenberger Robert
Published: February 2025

We study the effects of superfluid dark matter on the structure of a cosmic string wake, considering both the effects of regular and quantum pressure terms. We consider the total fluid to consist of a combination of baryons and dark matter. Hence, we are also able to study the effects of superfluid dark matter on the distribution of baryons inside the wake. We focus on parameter values for the superfluid dark matter which allow a MONDian explanation of galaxy rotation curves.
Adversarial Patterns: Building Robust Android Malware Classifiers
Authors: Bhusal Dipkamal , Rastogi Nidhi
Published: February 2025

Machine learning models are increasingly being adopted across various fields, such as medicine, business, autonomous vehicles, and cybersecurity, to analyze vast amounts of data, detect patterns, and make predictions or recommendations. In the field of cybersecurity, these models have made significant improvements in malware detection. However, despite their ability to understand complex patterns from unstructured data, these models are susceptible to adversarial attacks that perform slight modifications in malware samples, leading to misclassification from malignant to benign. Numerous defense approaches have been proposed to either detect such adversarial attacks or improve model robustness. These approaches have resulted in a multitude of attack and defense techniques and the emergence of a field known as ‘adversarial machine learning.’ In this survey paper, we provide a comprehensive review of adversarial machine learning in the context of Android malware classifiers. Android is the most widely used operating system globally and is an easy target for malicious agents. The paper first presents an extensive background on Android malware classifiers, followed by an examination of the latest advancements in adversarial attacks and defenses. Finally, the paper provides guidelines for designing robust malware classifiers and outlines research directions for the future.