bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of flow incidence on propeller underwater radiated noise
Authors: Porcacchia F. , Dubbioso G. , Muscari R. , Testa C.
Published: January 2025

This paper presents an analysis of the noise generated by a marine propeller in oblique flow, by using a detached eddy simulation for the flow field modeling, and the Ffowcs Williams and Hawkings equation for hydroacoustics. The study aims to expand the understanding of noise generation from a propeller under moderate blade loading subjected to lateral flow, which simulates an idealized off-design condition like a steady-state maneuvering. Hydroacoustic results in the time and frequency domains are compared with those predicted under straight flow conditions, highlighting differences and similarities in the noise field properties. In oblique flow, a novel noise-generating mechanism, arising from complex interactions between blade(s) root vortex and the hub vortex, is identified and its impact on the radiated sound discussed as well. The investigation reveals that noise propagation toward the far-field is predominantly influenced by nonlinear acoustic effects associated with wake dynamics. It is proven that the status of far-field propagation is reached much earlier in drifting than in axial flow conditions and that the presence of the lateral flow makes the propeller noisier. This yields an overall sound pressure level distribution dominated by tonal harmonics upstream and broadband components downstream of the rotor disk, contrasting with axisymmetric configuration where the broadband component prevails throughout.
Self-excited forces and flow characteristics around a transversely vibrating square-section cylinder in low turbulence uniform flow
Authors: Yue Xinyi , Guo Kunpeng , Yang Qingshan , Wang Tianhang , Zhao Ling
Published: January 2025

Self-excited forces arise from the interaction between the structural vibration and the surrounding flow. While this phenomenon has been extensively studied, technical challenges in fabricating aeroelastic systems and synchronizing displacement, wind pressure, and flow measurements have limited simultaneous data. To improve understanding of the self-excited force mechanism, further experimental studies are needed. This study investigates the self-excited force and flow patterns around a transversely free-vibrating square-section cylinder in a low turbulence uniform flow. Displacement at the base of the model was measured using a laser sensor, while wind pressure on the sidewalls and flow at two-thirds of the cylinder height were measured with a multiple-point synchronous pressure system, along with the flow field measured by particle image velocimetry. The self-excited force mechanism was analyzed by examining the interaction between the cylinder's vibration and the surrounding flow. When the model's displacement has minimal effect on the flow, Karman vortex shedding occurs intermittently, with symmetric vortex shedding dominating the lift force fluctuations. During vortex resonance, Karman vortex shedding prevails, with strong compression between the shear layers and the large displacement of the model generating substantial lift and self-excited forces.
Large eddy simulation study on the flow characteristics of transverse jet
Authors: Guo Hang , Wang Lianzhou , Qiu Ke
Published: January 2025

Transverse jets are a critical phenomenon in jet flows, characterized by the generation, development, evolution, and shedding of vortex structures within the flow field, which exhibit highly complex behaviors. Investigating the flow characteristics of transverse jets has critical implications for engineering applications such as jet control and aeroengine design. Large eddy simulation method is employed to numerically simulate two- and three-dimensional transverse jets at a low Reynolds number for different jet ratios in this study. The numerical approach is validated by comparing its results with experimental data from the literature. Based on this, simulations of transverse jets at high Reynolds numbers are conducted, the formation and behavior of vortex structures in transverse jets are analyzed to reveal the wake flow field properties. The findings reveal that at a low Reynolds number, transverse jets exhibit distinct ring vortices, counter-rotating vortex pair, and wake vortices. While at high Reynolds numbers, counter-rotating vortex pair near the wall grows from small-scale irregular vortices into large-scale organized vortices. High-momentum jets generate more wake vortex structures farther from the wall in the vertical direction, and the shear layer structures rolled up near the jet orifices form regular ring vortices. As the Reynolds number increases, the interaction between the wake and the wall becomes more intense. This strong three-dimensional effect leads to denser and more irregular distributions of upright vortices and wake structures downstream of the transverse jet.
Slug void fraction in vertical downward gas–liquid two-phase flow
Authors: Saidj Faiza , Arabi Abderraouf , Bouyahiaoui Hiba , Azzi Abdelwahid , Hasan Abbas H
Published: January 2025

An accurate prediction of the liquid holdup and pressure drop using the one-dimensional mechanistic slug flow models requires an accurate estimation of slug void fraction. Considerable theoretical and experimental research has been conducted in the literature to study the slug void fraction. However, almost, all these studies primarily focus on the vertical upward and horizontal slug flows. In this study, we investigated experimentally and theoretically the slug void fraction in vertical downward flow. A series of experiments for measuring the slug void fraction in air–water flow using the conductance probe technique with a pipe diameter of 34 mm were conducted. The relationship between the measured slug void fraction and the mixture velocity revealed the presence of three distinct zones. This observed behavior, which differs from what has been reported in vertical upward flow, was explained through a mechanistic model that considers the varying velocities of liquid slugs, small gas bubbles, and Taylor bubbles. A new empirical predictive model based on the liquid-to-gas superficial velocities ratio and input liquid fraction was proposed. The performance of the proposed model was compared to existing models and demonstrated the lowest error. It showed a good performance with an average relative error of −3.43% and an average absolute relative error of 12.97%. The assessment study of the existing models developed for vertical upward flow showed that they failed to predict correctly the slug void fraction in vertical downward flow.
The promising and problematic potential of generative AI as a leveler of the publishing playing field
Authors: Belcher Diane
Published: January 2025

This perspective paper considers the affordances and challenges of generative AI for linguaculturally diverse scholars in a still English-dominant academic publishing world. Chief among the questions examined is whether AI offers a viable path forward toward greater research publication equity but, at the same time, something much more fraught. In other words, the paper explores how promising the apparent equalizing potential of generative AI may be. Might, for example, generative AI offer a smoother path to visibility, but in so doing, actually make the uniqueness of diverse scholars’ contributions far less visible? The paradoxical potential of generative AI is discussed first in this paper by surveying, at this particular phase of AI development, some of the salient advantages of generative AI use for research prewriting, writing, and post-writing, that is, AI’s ability to assist with such essentials as idea generation, text development, and text refinement. The apparent democratizing advantages of AI for each of these major stages of research writing are then interrogated and problematized. The paper concludes with a brief speculative path forward.
An analysis of constraint-relaxation in PDE-based inverse problems
Authors: van Leeuwen Tristan , Yang Yunan
Published: January 2025

Many inverse problems are naturally formulated as a PDE-constrained optimization problem. These non-linear, large-scale, constrained optimization problems know many challenges, of which the inherent non-linearity of the problem is an important one. In this paper, we focus on a relaxed formulation of the PDE-constrained optimization problem and provide analysis for its properties including convexity under certain assumptions. Starting from an infinite-dimensional formulation of the inverse problem with discrete data, we propose a general framework for the analysis and discretisation of such problems. The relaxed formulation of the PDE-constrained optimization problem is shown to reduce to a weighted non-linear least-squares problem. The weight matrix turns out to be the Gram matrix of solutions of the PDE, and in some cases be estimated directly from the measurements. The latter observation points to a potential way to unify recently proposed data-driven reduced-order models for inverse problems with PDE-constrained optimization. We provide a number of representative case studies and numerical examples to illustrate our findings.
Application of thermoflow in multi-energy complementary projects involving wind, solar, storage and fuel
Authors: Cui Jiahao , Liu Zilin , Zhang Naizhe , Guo Xuanhua
Published: January 2025

The energy sector is going through changes aiming at the creation of new sources and improvement of existing ones to meet increasing demand. New energy sources have appeared, giving cleaner and renewable choices, but at the same time, many difficulties have emerged, like irregular supply and low energy density. This leads to the importance of multi-energy technologies to maintain efficiency and stability. This research used Thermoflow software to predict power plant performance, showing a good match with pre-production data and confirming the accuracy. Additionally, using this software for petrochemical purposes could improve economic efficiency and energy conversion, while building energy storage and developing smarter grid systems can help manage new energy inputs.
Convolutional gated recurrent neural network-based detection of cyber-attacks in power systems
Authors: Wang Chuanfeng , Wang Xuejing , Wang Yiting , Chen Ran , Xie Qianwu
Published: January 2025

Conventional power network attack detection methods mainly use KKT (Karush Kuhn Tucker) Kuentak condition to filter the characteristics of hyperplane intrusion attacks, which is vulnerable to the effect of missing sample category identification, resulting in poor detection performance indicators. Therefore, a power system network attack detection method based on a convolutional gated recurrent neural network is proposed. That is, the convolutional gated recurrent neural network is used to extract the characteristics of network attack detection in the power system, and a hybrid detection model of network attack in the power system is constructed, thus completing the network attack detection in the power system. The experimental results show that the detection performance indicators of the designed power system network attack detection method are all good, reliable, and have certain application values. It has made certain contributions to improving the security of power system operations and reducing the risk of network intrusion.
The power system fault detection and classification based on LSTM
Authors: Li Le meng , Wang Peng , Li Jie , Chao Gu
Published: January 2025

The stability of the power system and fault detection classification are essential components in achieving the intelligence of power systems. LSTM (Long Short-Term Memory) recurrent neural networks can effectively handle the temporal and nonlinear nature of load data, making them suitable for short-term power system fault detection and classification. A method for power system fault detection and classification based on LSTM recurrent neural networks is proposed. The results demonstrate the accuracy and convenience of the LSTM model.
Energy absorption characteristics of corrugated grooves thin-walled structure inspired by nautilus shell biological geometry
Authors: Mohd Hanid Mohd Hazwan , Sharif Safian , Ahmad Masniezam , Suhaimi Mohd Azlan , Ismail Khairul Azwan , Zakaria Muhammad Syamil
Published: January 2025

Crash box is a vital component for a vehicle in absorbing kinetic energy in the event of a road collision. The thin-walled structure is emerging as a favorable geometry in designing the crash box. This article investigates the energy absorption performance of the corrugated nautilus shell bio-inspired thin-walled structure made of AA6061-T6 aluminum alloy. This structure’s performance was evaluated using finite element analysis (FEA) under quasi-static and dynamic loading conditions in an axial direction, then validated by a quasi-static compression experimental test, which showed satisfactory agreement. The results show that the corrugated nautilus shell bio-inspired thin-walled structure integrated with corrugated grooves reduced peak crushing force (PCF) by 17.9% and increased specific energy absorption (SEA) by 1.3% and crush force efficiency (CFE) by 17.6% compared to non-corrugated design. It can be concluded that the proposed nautilus shell bio-inspired thin-walled structure integrated with corrugated grooves has the potential to replace conventional hollow square designs in vehicle crash box applications.
Rare complications of ERCP—pancreatitis, panniculitis, and polyarthritis syndromeand multifocal osteomyelitis
Authors: Koyyalamudi Ratna , Ku Dominic , Brown Kirk , Schulze Morgan
Published: January 2025

Severe pancreatitis following retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is an infrequent occurrence. Even rarer are the additional non-pancreatic symptoms that can emerge after ERCP-induced pancreatitis, such as panniculitis and polyarthritis. This combination of symptoms is recognized as the pancreatitis, panniculitis, and polyarthritis syndrome (PPPS). PPPS typically manifests as reddish subcutaneous nodules, primarily in the lower extremities. In some cases, the condition may progress into the bones, causing intramedullary fat necrosis/bone infarcts. Joint complications involve polyarthritis and affect both small and large joints. PPPS tends to develop 3-6 weeks after the peak of clinical pancreatitis. In this report, we present a case of PPPS that occurred as a complication following ERCP. This particular case became further complicated by the presence of bacteraemia and fungaemia, leading to the subsequent development of multi-focal osteomyelitis. The medical imaging included in this report provides a comprehensive overview of the entire clinical course, starting from the initial post-procedural complication and pancreatitis, followed by multi-modal imaging depicting panniculitis using ultrasound and MRI, and finally illustrating the development of multi-focal osteomyelitis. This case serves as an opportunity to explore and understand 2 rare complications associated with pancreatitis: PPPS and multi-focal osteomyelitis.
Fruit structure and development in representatives of Iriarteeae (Arecaceae–Arecoideae)
Authors: Timchenko Anton S , Romanov Mikhail S , Bobrov Alexey V F Ch , Zdravchev Nikita S , Iovlev Petr S , Mikhaylova Anna A , Roslov Maxim S , Kuptsov Kirill V , Sorokin Alexey N
Published: January 2025

With the aim of determining the plesiomorphic fruit type of Arecaceae–Arecoideae, we conducted a developmental carpological study of all five genera (nine species) of the tribe Iriarteeae, which is often placed in molecular studies as the earliest diverging evolutionary lineage of the subfamily. Three types of mesocarp differentiation and two types of endocarp structure are found in Iriarteeae. The parenchyma of the outer mesocarp zone may contain a brachysclereid belt or a zone of radially elongated fibrous bundles, whereas the inner mesocarp zone mostly includes phenolic-containing cells, longitudinal vascular bundles and, in Iriartea only, fibrous bundles. Iriartea, Iriartella setigera, Socratea exorrhiza, and Wettinia fascicularis fruits have a lignified endocarp and treated as pyrenariums of the Ilex type, whereas Dictyocaryum, Socratea hecatonandra, Wettinia castanea, and Wettinia quinaria have an unspecialized endocarp and are treated as coenocarpous berries of the Nuphar type. Both morphogenetic fruit types revealed in Iriarteeae are also traced in other studied Arecoideae. The pyrenarium of the Ilex type is considered plesiomorphic for all Iriarteeae, and may represent the original fruit type of Arecoideae, whereas a berry of the Nuphar type originated in parallel several times in different species and is considered a homoplasy.
Quality by Design–Steered Chromatographic Separation and Identification of the Geometric Isomers of Capsiate by Reversed-Phase HPLC and LC-MS
Authors: Gupta Reena , Kapoor Bhupinder , Gulati Monica , Saini Sumant , Rani Pooja , Atanasov Atanas G , Dall'Acqua Stefano , Alzahrani Qushmua , Kapoor Deepak , Simal-Gandara Jesus
Published: January 2025

An efficient reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic method, based on the design of the experiment approach, was developed for the simultaneous determination of capsiate isomers. Critical method parameters, i.e., flow rate and mobile phase composition, demarcated during preliminary screening were optimized using central composite design. Chromatographic separation was achieved on a Nucleodur C18 column (250 × 4.6 mm, 5 μm), with the mobile phase consisting of water–acetonitrile (40:60), both acidified with 0.1% v/v formic acid, passed at a flow rate of 1 mL/min. E- and Z-capsiates were eluted from the column at the retention times of 18.56 ± 0.09 and 17.30 ± 0.08 min, respectively, with a resolution factor of 1.693 ± 0.046. The method was found to be linear within the concentration range of 1.054–5.270 and 8.623–43.115 μg/mL for Z- and E-isomers, respectively, with an R2 of >0.99. Recovery of the individual values was in range of 96.15–101.92%, with a relative standard deviation of <2%. The developed method was used to quantify capsiate isomers extracted from sweet pepper fruits. Therefore, the proposed method is presented for optimum isomeric resolution of these closely related E- and Z-isomers with convenient sample preparation, acceptable run-time, cost effectiveness and use of conventional instruments.

Highlights
Association between frailty and bone health in early-stage chronic kidney disease: a study from the population-based CARTaGENE cohort
Authors: Dufour Aurélie , Kurtz Kelly-Anne , Vachey Clément , Mac-Way Fabrice
Published: January 2025

Background

Frailty is a clinical syndrome that is particularly prevalent in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). We aimed to assess the associations between renal function and the presence of frailty criteria and to assess the association between frailty and bone outcomes.

Methods

We have conducted a retrospective study from a population-based cohort, which represents 1% of people aged 40–69 years in a Canadian province, excluding individuals with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <30 mL/min/1.73 m2. Frailty was defined with Fried's criteria. Bone density was estimated with quantitative ultrasound at the calcaneus measuring speed of sound (SOS) and broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA). Time to first fracture event was assessed and analyses were conducted using logistic regressions, multiple linear regressions and Cox models.

Results

Overall, 19 973 individuals were included: mean ± standard deviation age 54.2 ± 7.8 years, women 51.6%, 47.0% CKD stage G2, 3.9% CKD stage G3, 34.8% with at least one frailty criterion. We observed a U-shaped association between eGFR and the odds ratio (OR) of presenting at least one frailty criterion, with a minimum OR around 77 mL/min/1.73 m2 [per a 10 mL/min/1.73 m2 increase, respectively, for an eGFR <77 and >77, OR = 0.93, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.86–1.01 and OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.06–1.13]. After a median follow-up of 5.8 years, there were 837 fracture events. Having at least one frailty criterion was negatively associated with SOS (β = –3.97, P < .0001) and BUA (β = –1.82, P < .0001). Having at least one frailty criterion was associated with a higher fracture risk (hazard ratio 1.23, 95% CI 1.07–1.42).

Conclusion

In conclusion, having at least one frailty criterion was associated with a higher risk of fracture and a lower bone mineral density.
Building resource-efficient community databases using open-source software
Authors: Jung Sook , Cheng Chun-Huai , Lee Taein , Buble Katheryn , Humann Jodi , Zheng Ping , Yu Jing , Main Dorrie
Published: January 2025

The unprecedented volume of big data being routinely generated for nonmodel crop species, coupled with advanced technology enabling the use of big data in breeding, gives further impetus for the need to have access to crop community databases, where all relevant data are curated and integrated. Funding for such databases is, however, insufficient and intermittent, resulting in the data being underutilized. While increased awareness of the importance of funding databases is important, it is practically necessary to find a more efficient way to build a community database. To meet the need for integrated database resources for various crop genomics, genetics, and breeding research communities, we have built five crop databases over the last decade using an open-source database platform and software. We describe the system and methods used for database construction, curation, and analysis protocols, and the data and tools that are available in these five crop databases.

Database URL: The Genome Database for Rosaceae (GDR, www.rosaceae.org), the Genome Database for Vaccinium (GDV, www.vaccinium.org), the Citrus Genome Database (CGD, www.citrusgenomedb.org), the Pulse Crop Database (PCD, www.pulsedb.org), and CottonGen (www.cottongen.org)
LitSumm: large language models for literature summarization of noncoding RNAs
Authors: Green Andrew , Ribas Carlos Eduardo , Ontiveros-Palacios Nancy , Griffiths-Jones Sam , Petrov Anton I , Bateman Alex , Sweeney Blake
Published: January 2025

Curation of literature in life sciences is a growing challenge. The continued increase in the rate of publication, coupled with the relatively fixed number of curators worldwide, presents a major challenge to developers of biomedical knowledgebases. Very few knowledgebases have resources to scale to the whole relevant literature and all have to prioritize their efforts.

In this work, we take a first step to alleviating the lack of curator time in RNA science by generating summaries of literature for noncoding RNAs using large language models (LLMs). We demonstrate that high-quality, factually accurate summaries with accurate references can be automatically generated from the literature using a commercial LLM and a chain of prompts and checks. Manual assessment was carried out for a subset of summaries, with the majority being rated extremely high quality.

We apply our tool to a selection of >4600 ncRNAs and make the generated summaries available via the RNAcentral resource. We conclude that automated literature summarization is feasible with the current generation of LLMs, provided that careful prompting and automated checking are applied.

Database URL: https://rnacentral.org/
Treatment strategy involving docetaxel plus cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil followed by conversion surgery for locally advanced unresectable/borderline resectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Igaue Shota , Nozaki Ryoko , Utsunomiya Daichi , Kubo Yuto , Kubo Kentaro , Kurita Daisuke , Yamamoto Shun , Miyake Mototaka , Ishiyama Koshiro , Oguma Junya , Kato Ken , Daiko Hiroyuki
Published: January 2025

Definitive chemoradiotherapy (dCRT) is the standard treatment for unresectable (T4) esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), but the prognosis is poor. Borderline resectable (T3br) ESCC has been discussed, but its clinical features and appropriate treatment are unclear. The effects of docetaxel plus cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil (DCF) therapy and subsequent surgery for potentially unresectable ESCC remain controversial. This was a single-center retrospective cohort study. Patients with T3 or deeper ESCC lesions between January 2017 and June 2020 were examined. We identified T3br/T4 ESCC patients who initially received DCF therapy or dCRT, and analyzed the long-term outcomes of these patients. Seventy-four patients with T3br/T4 ESCC were identified. Forty-four patients initially received DCF therapy, while thirty initially received dCRT. The 3-year overall survival of T3br/T4 patients in the DCF group was better than that in the dCRT group (62.9% vs. 34.1%, P = 0.001). In the T3br cohort, 95.8% of patients underwent surgery after DCF therapy, with an R0 resection rate of 78.3%. In the T4 group, 40% of patients underwent surgery after DCF, with a 75.0% R0 resection rate. No cases of reoperation or in-hospital death occurred. For both subgroups, T3br and T4, the prognosis tended to be better in the DCF group than in the dCRT group. This study explored real-world data from T3br/T4 ESCC patients who initially received DCF and subsequent surgery and revealed that DCF is a promising treatment strategy.
Importance, structure, cultivability, and resilience of the bacterial microbiota during infection of laboratory-grown Haematococcus spp. by the blastocladialean pathogen Paraphysoderma sedebokerense: evidence for a domesticated microbiota and its potential for biocontrol
Authors: Miebach Jeanne , Green David , Strittmatter Martina , Mallinger Claire , Le Garrec Lucie , Zhang Qian Yi , Foucault Pierre , Kunz Caroline , Gachon Claire M M
Published: January 2025

Industrial production of the unicellular green alga Haematococcus lacustris is compromised by outbreaks of the fungal pathogen Paraphysoderma sedebokerense (Blastocladiomycota). Here, using axenic algal and fungal cultures and antibiotic treatments, we show that the bacterial microbiota of H. lacustris is necessary for the infection by P. sedebokerense and that its modulation affects the outcome of the interaction. We combined metagenomics and laboratory cultivation to investigate the diversity of the bacterial microbiota associated to three Haematococcus species and monitor its change upon P. sedebokerense infection. We unveil three types of distinct, reduced bacterial communities, which likely correspond to keystone taxa in the natural Haematococcus spp. microbiota. Remarkably, the taxonomic composition and functionality of these communities remained stable during infection. The major bacterial taxa identified in this study have been cultivated by us or others, paving the way to developing synthetic communities to experimentally explore interactions within this tripartite system. We discuss our results in the light of emerging evidence concerning the structuring and domestication of plant and animal microbiota, thus providing novel experimental tools and a new conceptual framework necessary to enable the engineering of Haematococcus spp. microbiota toward the biocontrol of P. sedebokerense.
Gaps and disparities in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B infection in the USA
Authors: Wong Robert J
Published: January 2025

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection affects nearly 300 million individuals worldwide and is a leading cause of hepatocellular carcinoma and liver-related mortality. However, major gaps in the CHB cascade of care persist, with the majority of individuals with CHB not diagnosed and not linked to care and treatment. Even among individuals with known CHB, existing studies report on major gaps and disparities in timely linkage to care and timely access to CHB therapies. While the momentum to expand and simplify CHB treatment guidelines is promising, access to treatment still relies on individuals being effectively engaged in clinical care and liver disease monitoring. The contributing factors to the observed gaps and disparities in the CHB cascade of care are complex and multifactorial, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution than can be easily applied across all global regions. However, any serious approach towards addressing the existing gaps in the CHB cascade of care to improve patient outcomes requires a concerted investment from healthcare institutions, governments, policymakers, and industry partners to provide the necessary resources to be able to achieve this goal. Anything less than a comprehensive and collaborative approach that engages all stakeholders to invest effort and resources into tackling the global epidemic of CHB will continue to fall short in making progress towards global viral hepatitis elimination goals.
An unclear partnership: key questions about physician and advanced practice provider collaboration in primary care
Authors: Martin Estelle , Landon Bruce , Spetz Joanne , Edgman-Levitan Susan , Neprash Hannah , Bates David W , Rotenstein Lisa
Published: January 2025

More than 83 million people in the United States live in primary care shortage areas. As the US healthcare system faces a contracting primary care physician workforce, advanced practice providers are playing an increasingly important role in the delivery of primary care services. In parallel, public discourse regarding the differences in care delivery by advanced practice providers versus physicians has also expanded. In this commentary, we describe 3 main evidence gaps hindering optimal physician and advanced practice provider work organization in contemporary primary care delivery: (1) gaps in understanding the unique and overlapping competencies of each role group, (2) gaps in evaluating and defining optimal role delineation, and (3) gaps in payment models supporting effective collaboration. We subsequently present key needs in these 3 areas, including technology-based approaches to track physician and advanced practice provider competencies, increased empirical data on different clinical teaming structures, and exploration of novel models for primary care payment. We also note the need for an enhanced understanding of patient perspectives regarding primary care role types and teaming structures.
Psychological safety, job satisfaction, and the intention to leave among German early-career physicians
Authors: Etti Nicola , Weigl Matthias , Gambashidze Nikoloz
Published: January 2025

Background

Healthcare systems worldwide experience shortages of healthcare professionals. Retention of physicians is becoming an increasing problem. The psychological safety among physicians affects not only performance but also their emotional well-being and job satisfaction. This study aims to evaluate early career physicians’ perception of psychological safety and its influence on job satisfaction and intention to leave.

Methods

In a cross-sectional study, early career physicians, currently in fellowship programs in Germany were invited to fill in an electronic survey. The instrument consisted of demographic variables and sections from validated and well-established questionnaires. Psychological safety was evaluated on three levels—in relation to the team leader, team as a whole, and peers. Also, job satisfaction was assessed with standardized measures, and participants were asked if they were considering leaving their current employer. Participants were recruited via a nationwide learning platform—an online educational portal for medical students and early career physicians. Data analyses included descriptive, correlation analysis, and regression analyses to determine univariate and multivariate associations with job satisfaction and intention to leave.

Results

The study sample consisted of 432 early career physicians. Most were fulltime employed (85.6%), female (78.2%), and in first 3 years of their postgraduate education (77.5%). A total of 47.2% indicated intention to leave their current employment. On a Likert-10 agreement scale, with high scores indicating greater psychological safety, the mean scores for leader-related, team-related, and peer-related psychological safety were 6.01 [95% confidence interval = 5.81–6.21), 7.30 (7.11–7.49), and 7.95 (7.78–8.12), respectively. In correlation analysis, all dimensions of psychological safety showed significant associations with job satisfaction and the intention to leave. In the multiple regression analyses, female gender (B = −0.10; P = .04) and age group (B = −0.08; P < .01) were associated with lower job satisfaction. High leader and team-related psychological safety were significantly associated with higher job satisfaction (B = 0.18, P < .01; B = 0.10, P < .01), and negatively related to intention to leave (OR = 0.53, P < 0.01; OR = 0.77, P < .01).

Conclusion

This survey enhances our understanding of the nuances of psychological safety among early career physicians. In Germany, they reported low-to-medium levels of psychological safety related to the leader and low job satisfaction. Almost every second participant indicated intention to leave the organization. Leader-related psychological safety had highest effect on job satisfaction and intention to leave. Our findings corroborate the eminent role of leadership, workplace, and safety culture for job satisfaction and retention of early career physicians, what consequently affects quality and safety of healthcare.
Assessment of peak particle velocity of blast vibration using hybrid soft computing approaches
Authors: Yuan Haiping , Zou Yangyao , Li Hengzhe , Ji Shuaijie , Gu Ziang , He Liu , Hu Ruichao
Published: January 2025

Blasting vibration is a major adverse effect in rock blasting excavation, and accurately predicting its peak particle velocity (PPV) is vital for ensuring engineering safety and risk management. This study proposes an innovative IHO-VMD-CatBoost model that integrates variational mode decomposition (VMD) and the CatBoost algorithm, with hyperparameters globally optimized using the improved hippopotamus optimization (IHO) algorithm. Compared to existing models, the proposed method improves feature extraction from vibration signals and significantly enhances prediction accuracy, especially in complex geological conditions. Using measured data from open-pit mine blasting, the model extracts key features such as maximum section charge, total charge, and horizontal distance, achieving superior performance compared to 13 traditional models. It reports a root mean square error of 0.28 cm/s, a mean absolute error of 0.17 cm/s, an index of agreement of 0.993, and a variance accounted for value of 97.28%, demonstrating superior prediction accuracy, a high degree of fit with observed data, and overall robustness in PPV prediction. Additionally, analyses based on the SHapley Additive Explanations framework provide insights into the complex nonlinear relationships between factors like horizontal distance and maximum section charge, improving the model’s interpretability. The model demonstrates robustness, stability, and applicability in various tests, confirming its reliability in complex engineering scenarios, and offering a valuable solution for safe mining and optimized blasting design.
A copyright nexus between food and fashion
Authors: Mell Amanda
Published: January 2025

This article confronts the US copyright system’s treatment of two undervalued art forms: food art and fashion design. The threshold requirements of originality and fixation and the useful article doctrine continue to deprive chefs, food artists and fashion designers of the recognition they deserve. As a result, US copyright law favours established brands and traditional works of visual art over independent creators and works of applied art. By comparing the American copyright regime to those of other countries, I demonstrate the feasibility of extending copyright protection to food art and fashion design without stymying innovation. Furthermore, I explore the sexist, classist underpinnings of the food and fashion industries and their widespread over-reliance on unauthorized copying and unsavory practices to incentivize creativity. Despite each obstacle to protection, including ephemerality, utility and the industry norms of collaboration and copying in conceptualizing new works, copyright law should recognize exceptionally original feats of food art and fashion design. With more protections for unconventional art, creatives will have the freedom to take risks and the ability to benefit from their ingenuity.
Unblocking the implementation of altruistic surrogacy in Portugal: inclusive legal reform proposals through a comparative analysis
Authors: Nonell i Rodríguez Arnau
Published: January 2025

This article examines the Portuguese surrogacy regime, which has undergone significant modifications over eight years but remains unimplemented. It traces the evolution of surrogacy law in Portugal from its legalization in 2016 up to 2024, emphasizing the impact of two unconstitutionality judgments and presidential vetoes. It then identifies practical and legal obstacles preventing policy implementation: a lack of resource allocation to the competent body and uncertain legal parenthood once the surrogate revokes consent. To propose solutions to some problems derived from its legal regime, a comparative methodology is employed, exploring altruistic surrogacy in the UK, South Africa, and Ontario (Canada). These systems, operational for years and sharing characteristics with the Portuguese model, provide insights into its strengths and weaknesses. This cross-national study presents reform proposals to address some legal challenges of the current regime, which could facilitate inclusivity and the successful implementation of surrogacy in Portugal. Recommendations include adopting a broader definition of infertility and establishing provisions for triple legal parenthood in cases where a surrogate revokes consent. The paper argues that substantial time and effort have been invested in developing this regime. Therefore, once the most critical issues are addressed through further regulation, policy implementation should be prioritized. The paper concludes that additional improvements in surrogacy law can only occur if the practice is operational in Portugal.
Trends in the sizes and carbonaceous fractions of primary emitted particulate matter in China from 1960 to 2019
Authors: Zhang Yuanzheng , Li Jin , Zheng Shuxiu , Dai Rong , Wang Jinghang , Zhu Yaqi , Zhang Wenxiao , Xu Haoran , Shen Guofeng , Shen Huizhong , Ma Jianmin , Wang Xuejun , Tao Shu
Published: January 2025

The health impacts of particulate matter (PM) depend on its concentration, size and composition. Herein, we quantified the changes in the emissions of primary PM2.5, PM2.5–10 and PM>10 with aerodynamic diameters of <2.5 μm, 2.5–10 μm and >10 μm, respectively, black carbon (BC), and organic carbon (OC) to address the changes and driving factors. The temporal trends of PM emissions follow Kuznets curves, with 1995 as the peak year when the gross domestic product per capita was only US$1023, showing a late-mover advantage. The fractions of PM2.5 : PM2.5–10 : PM>10 and BC : OC : non-carbonaceous-PM2.5 from various sectors varied following different trajectories. The mass fractions of PM2.5 : PM2.5–10 : PM>10 from iron–steel production industries changed from 21% : 12% : 67% in 1960 to 50% : 13% : 37% in 2019, showing a decrease in PM size. The fractions of BC were linearly correlated with PM2.5, whereas the dependence of OC on PM2.5 differed before and after 1995, owing to changes in residential emissions. Various factors influencing the changes in size and carbonaceous fraction were explored. The major factors were the promotion of dust-removal capacity and the transition in residential energy from solid fuels to emission-free fuels, which increased the fractions of fine PM and carbonaceous fraction.
Multiplex PCR Detection of Enteric Pathogens in a Community-based Birth Cohort in Ecuador: Comparison of xTAG-GPP and TaqMan Array Card Assays
Authors: Ayala Stuart Torres , Simbaña Vivanco Lesly , Walas Nikolina , Jesser Kelsey , Zhou Nicolette A , Fagnant-Sperati Christine S , Burroughs Hadley R , Lee Gwenyth O , Eisenberg Joseph N S , Trueba Gabriel , Levy Karen , Arnold Benjamin F
Published: January 2025

We compared the performance of 2 multiplex platforms, Luminex xTAG Gastrointestinal Pathogen Panel and TaqMan Array Card, against a panel of 14 enteric pathogen targets in a community-based birth cohort in Ecuador. We found high levels of agreement and similar prevalence estimates across most pathogens.
Prevalence of Naturally Occurring HIV-1 Capsid Inhibitor Resistance–Related Mutations in Antiretroviral Therapy–Naïve and –Experienced Individuals in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Nan-Yu , Cheng Chien-Yu , Lo Shih-Hao , Lu Po-Liang , Yang Chia-Jui , Tseng Cheng-Yin , Tsai Hung-Chin , Wu Ting-Shu , Hsiao Yu-Hsiang , Liu Zhuo-Hao , Ku Stephane Wen-Wei
Published: January 2025

Background

It is generally believed that HIV-1 capsid inhibitor–naïve populations are susceptible to capsid inhibitors. Moreover, conventional HIV-1 resistance genotyping does not include the CA region, leading to limited surveillance data.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study to investigate the presence of mutations at positions associated with capsid inhibitor resistance before the introduction of the first HIV-1 capsid inhibitor, lenacapavir, in Taiwan. Capsid mutations at positions L56, N57, M66, Q67, K70, N74, A105, and T107 were analyzed using a local HIV-1 database that encompasses near-full-length next-generation sequencing data of both antiretroviral therapy (ART)–naïve and –experienced individuals with HIV-1, collected between 2017 and 2023 in Northern Taiwan.

Results

A total of 287 CA sequences were analyzed. Mutations at positions associated with capsid inhibitor resistance were rare, found in 4.5% (7/156) of ART-naïve and 5.3% (7/131) of ART-experienced individuals, mainly as accessory mutations or polymorphisms. Notably, a Q67H mutation was found in an ART-naïve individual at a frequency of 26.8%, while a Q67R mutation, with unclear clinical implications, appeared at 2.8% in an ART-experienced case.

Conclusions

This result indicated low prevalence yet undeniable existence of naturally occurring capsid inhibitor resistance–related mutations in capsid inhibitor–naïve individuals with HIV-1.
Adenovirus Infections and Disease in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients: Incidence and Outcomes
Authors: Grarup Katrine Riishøj , Schwartz Sørensen Søren , Perch Michael , Schultz Nicolai , Gustafsson Finn , Brix Christensen Vibeke , Schønning Kristian , Sommerlund Moestrup Kasper , Lundgren Jens , Crone Cornelia Geisler , Helleberg Marie
Published: January 2025

Background

We aimed to examine the epidemiology and outcomes of AdV disease in SOTr and assess the utility of AdV surveillance in SOTr <13 years.

Methods

SOTr transplanted at Rigshospitalet, 2010–2021, were included. The center had a screening program for SOTr <13 years with monthly plasma AdV tests the first 6 months following transplantation.

Results

We included 2009 SOTr (of whom 82 were aged <13 years), and 1330 blood samples from 382 SOTr were analyzed for AdV, of which 10 (0.8%) from 6 SOTr <13 years tested positive. Five out of six were tested as part of the screening program. Three remained asymptomatic, while three had symptoms attributable to co-infections. One adult lung transplant recipient with AdV in BAL had acute exacerbation of chronic graft rejection.

Conclusions

We found a low incidence of AdV disease. SOTr diagnosed with AdV viremia as part of screening remained asymptomatic or had symptoms attributable to co-infections. Our findings do not support routine surveillance for AdV in SOTr.
The transcription factor GmFULc regulates soybean plant height by binding the promoter of a gibberellin-responsive gene
Authors: Sun Jingzhe , Zhang Xiaoming , Feng Junhang , Ma Xiaofei , Ji Yujia , Chen Shujun , Li Jihui , Li Dongmei , Wang Xiujun , Zhao Lin
Published: January 2025

Plant height is a crucial agronomic characteristic that substantially influences soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] yield. FRUITFULLc (GmFULc) is a MADS-box transcription factor that acts as a growth promoter in soybean; however, the mechanism by which GmFULc regulates soybean height is unknown. This study revealed that GmFULc:GmFULc (the expression of the GmFULc gene driven by its native promoter) soybeans exhibit increased plant height and longer internodes. Conversely, soybean plants containing fulc mutations showed reduced plant height and shortened internodes. Chromatin immunoprecipitation-qPCR revealed GmFULc promotes the expression of gibberellic acid-stimulated Arabidopsis 14 (GmGASA14) and GmGASA32 by directly binding to G-boxes in their promoter regions, leading to notably increased expression of GmGASA14 and GmGASA32 in GmFULc:GmFULc soybean plants and reduced expression in soybean plants containing the fulc-2 mutation. The GmFULc-mediated enhanced expression of GmGASA14 and GmGASA32 increased the gibberellin signal, which may have inhibited gibberellin synthesis by increasing gibberellin 2-oxidase (GmGA2ox) expression and decreasing GA20ox expression. Our findings suggest that GmFULc promoted the expression of GmGASA genes by directly binding to G-boxes in their promoters to regulate soybean plant height.
The transcription factor SlLBD40 regulates seed germination by inhibiting cell wall remodeling enzymes during endosperm weakening
Authors: Zhang Jialong , Liu Lun , Dong Danhui , Xu Jiayi , Li Hongxin , Deng Qilin , Zhang Yan , Huang Wei , Zhang Haijun , Guo Yang-Dong
Published: January 2025

Uniform seed germination is crucial for consistent seedling emergence and efficient seedling production. In this study, we identified a seed-expressed protein in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), lateral organ boundaries domain 40 (SlLBD40), that regulates germination speed. CRISPR/Cas9-generated SlLBD40 knockout mutants exhibited faster germination due to enhanced seed imbibition, independent of the seed coat. The expression of SlLBD40 was induced during the imbibition process, particularly in the micropylar endosperm, suggesting its role in endosperm weakening. Gene ontology analysis of RNA-seq data indicated that differentially expressed genes were enriched in cell wall-related processes. SlLBD40 directly targeted genes encoding cell wall remodeling enzymes implicated in endosperm weakening, including expansin 6 (SlEXP6), xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolase 23 (SlXTH23), and endo-β-mannanase 1 (SlMAN1). Our findings shed light on the role of endosperm weakening in regulating seed germination and propose potential gene targets for improving germination in species constrained by endosperm strength.
Neural mechanisms underlying the interactive exchange of facial emotional expressions
Authors: Kroczek Leon O H , Mühlberger Andreas
Published: January 2025

Facial emotional expressions are crucial in face-to-face social interactions, and recent findings have highlighted their interactive nature. However, the underlying neural mechanisms remain unclear. This electroencephalography study investigated whether the interactive exchange of facial expressions modulates socio-emotional processing. Participants (N = 41) displayed a facial emotional expression (angry, neutral, or happy) toward a virtual agent, and the agent then responded with a further emotional expression (angry or happy) or remained neutral (control condition). We assessed subjective experience (valence, arousal), facial EMG (Zygomaticus, Corrugator), and event-related potentials (EPN, LPP) elicited by the agent’s response. Replicating previous findings, we found that an agent’s happy facial expression was experienced as more pleasant and elicited increased Zygomaticus activity when participants had initiated the interaction with a happy compared to an angry expression. At the neural level, angry expressions resulted in a greater LPP than happy expressions, but only when participants directed an angry or happy, but not a neutral, expression at the agent. These findings suggest that sending an emotional expression increases salience and enhances the processing of received emotional expressions, indicating that an interactive setting alters brain responses to social stimuli.