bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intelligent soft jaws for clamping complex geometric surfaces using active-controlled MRF in a 3D-printed TPU-cushion
Authors: Feng Qi , Werkle Kim Torben , Maier Walther , Möhring Hans-Christian
Published: February 2025

Both additively manufactured and conventional cast parts lack suitable surfaces for precise positioning and repeatable clamping during initial machining operations. Therefore, these parts with freeform surfaces require flexibly adaptable clamping methods. In this project, a clamping system for workpieces with complex geometries was developed, based on the vise principle. The system’s flexible adaptability was achieved by utilizing formable thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) cushions filled with magnetorheological fluid (MRF), additively manufactured through the fused filament fabrication process. To monitor the clamping status and actively control the clamping force or the frictional force for the workpiece, an intelligent jaw was designed and integrated into the clamping system. In addition to the mechanical components, hardware and software for the control system were also developed. Preliminary validation results indicate that the stiffness of the MRF cushion increases rapidly after applying a magnetic field. Although the range of controllable clamping force is limited, the increased material stiffness allows the MRF cushion to retain its negative form, which results in tighter encapsulation of the workpiece, improved form-fitting contact, and enhanced frictional force. This proof of concept highlights the potential for industrial applications, and further research on this topic is recommended.
Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis and Other Histiocytic Lesions
Authors: McKinney Reed A. , Wang Guanghua
Published: February 2025

Background

Histiocytoses, including Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH), comprise a diverse group of histiocytic disorders characterized by the abnormal accumulation and proliferation of histiocytes in various tissues or organs throughout the body, ranging from benign, self-limited conditions to aggressive malignancies and systemic inflammatory syndromes. These lesions present unique diagnostic challenges due to their broad spectrum of clinical presentations, overlapping histopathological and immunophenotypical features, and genetic complexity.

Methods

This review analyzes major histiocytic lesions, focusing on their epidemiology, clinical presentations, histologic and immunophenotypic features, and genetic characteristics to facilitate accurate diagnosis and differentiation among these histiocytoses.

Results

LCH, a well-recognized lesion, can affect various organ systems and necessitates differentiation from other types of histiocytoses such as Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD), Rosai-Dorfman-Destombes disease (RDD), and cutaneous and mucocutaneous non-Langerhans cell histiocytoses. Some histiocytic lesions, such as histiocytic sarcoma, are inherently malignant, while others, like hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), manifest as severe, potentially life-threatening systemic inflammatory syndromes. Recent molecular genetic studies revealed recurrent genetic alterations in the MAPK pathway, such as BRAF V600E and MAP2K1 in LCH and ECD, and KRAS, NRAS, and MAP2K1 mutations in a subset of RDD. Malignant histiocytoses frequently show alterations in tumor suppressor genes like TP53 and CDKN2A.

Conclusion

Precise classification of histiocytic lesions relies on a comprehensive diagnostic approach that integrates clinical, histologic, immunophenotypic, and genetic data. Recent genetic advances shed light on these conditions’ unique but occasionally overlapping pathogenic mechanisms. Molecular genetics advancements continue to refine diagnostic accuracy and present new therapeutic targets, especially for aggressive or treatment-resistant cases.
RINEX SCAN: open-source RINEX epoch and frequency scanning software
Authors: Ozdemir Behlul Numan
Published: February 2025

Since the introduction of the Receiver Independent Exchange Format (RINEX) version 2 in 1990, the community of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) rapidly adapted to its use and continued to develop the RINEX format. Because of its widespread adoption and user-friendly format across all GNSS receivers, GNSS companies typically offer conversion software that enables users to convert raw receiver-dependent data into the RINEX observation format. As new GNSS signals and constellations continue to emerge, revising the RINEX format has become a necessary requirement over time. RINEX SCAN is a new open-source software for multi-GNSS epoch and frequency (GNSS observation codes) scanning, providing availability information for epochs and frequencies in RINEX files. This software is free and open source, released under the MIT License., and written in object-oriented programming language C#. The software supports GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou-2, BeiDou-3, and QZSS constellations data in RINEX observation 2.xx and 3.xx formats. Thanks to parallel computing architecture, users can easily obtain large-scale data quantity results for epochs and multi-GNSS frequencies when working with big data sets.
Synthesis of Methyl Lactate from Glucose over Alkali-Modified Sn-H-Y Catalysts
Authors: Majidov Ramin , Aho Atte , Vajglova Zuzana , Kumar Narendra , Lassfolk Robert , Angervo Ilari , Tirri Teija , Lastusaari Mika , Eränen Kari , Mäki-Arvela Päivi , Hietala Jukka , Murzin Dmitry Yu.
Published: February 2025

Glucose transformation to methyl lactate was investigated over microporous Sn-H-Y- zeolite with SiO2/Al2O3 ratio of 30 as well as alkali metal modified mesoporous dealuminated Sn-H-Y-zeolites in the temperature range of 150-180oC. The catalysts were synthesized either by evaporation-impregnation or ion-exchange methods using a two-step procedure for Sn-and K-modification. The catalysts were characterized by several physico-chemical methods including SEM, TEM, pyridine adsorption-desorption FTIR, UV-VIS spectroscopy, solid state NMR-spectroscopy, nitrogen adsorption, TGA and CHNS for spent catalysts. The highest yield of methyl lactate of 72% was obtained at 150oC over dealuminated K-Sn-H-Y-30 catalyst at complete glucose conversion. Especially low K/Sn ratio was preferential for maximizing methyl lactate yield. Catalyst regeneration and leaching were also investigated.

Statement of Novelty

The impact of potassium on mesoporous Sn-modified H-Y-30 was elucidated resulting in a very high yield of methyl lactate (72%) in glucose transformation over dealuminated K-Sn-H-Y-30 catalyst.
Subclinical tremor differentiation using long short-term memory networks
Authors: Nanayakkara Gerard Ruchin Randil , Chan Ping Yi
Published: February 2025

Subclinical amplitudes complicate the differentiation between essential tremor (ET) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) tremor, which is uncertain even when the tremors are apparent. Despite their prevalence—up to 30% of PD cases exhibit subclinical tremors—these tremors remain inadequately studied. Therefore, this study explores the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to address this differentiation uncertainty. Our objective is to develop a deep learning model that can differentiate among subclinical tremors due to PD, ET, and normal physiological tremors. Subclinical tremor data were obtained from inertial sensors placed on the hands and arms of 51 PD, 15 ET, and 58 normal subjects. The AI architecture used was designed using a long short-term memory network (LSTM) and was trained on the short-time Fourier transformed subclinical tremor data as the input features. The network was trained separately to differentiate firstly between PD and ET tremors and then between PD, ET, and physiological tremors and yielded accuracies of 95% and 93%, respectively. Comparative analysis with existing convolutional LSTM demonstrated the superior performance of our work. The proposed method has 30–50% better accuracies when classifying low amplitude tremors as compared to the reference method. Future enhancements aim to enhance model interpretability and validate on larger, more diverse datasets, including action tremors. The proposed work can potentially serve as a valuable tool for clinicians, aiding in the differentiation of subclinical tremors common in Parkinson’s disease, which in turn enhances diagnostic accuracy and informs treatment decisions.
Microstructural Refinement in a Low Alloy High Strength Martensitic Steel
Authors: Sinha V. , Gonzales M. , Payton E. J.
Published: February 2025

The prior austenite grain (PAG) size of a low alloy high strength martensitic steel, AF9628, was refined by rapid austenitizing heat treatments at 825 and 850 °C. The reduction in PAG size of as high as 97% was obtained. After one rapid austenitizing cycle, the newly nucleated (small) PAGs were observed to be preferentially located at the prior austenite grain boundaries of starting microstructure, although a small number of fine PAGs were also observed in the interior of PAGs of starting microstructure. A more uniform distribution of fine PAGs was observed with an increase in the number of cycles. The average number of austenite nucleation sites in a given area was 43.4% higher at 850 °C than 825 °C after one cycle. A higher nucleation rate at 850 °C resulted in a smaller PAG size at this temperature than 825 °C after one and four cycles. A higher growth rate at 850 °C resulted in a larger PAG size at this temperature than 825 °C after sixteen cycles. Prior studies have discussed the role of growth rate in microstructure evolution during rapid austenitizing heat treatments at different temperatures and not the role of nucleation rate, which is discussed for the first time in current study. Furthermore, the X-ray diffraction results indicated a higher amount of retained austenite in the finest microstructure and it can affect the strength in these microstructures. This aspect of microstructure evolution is also not reported in prior studies on microstructural refinement with rapid austenitizing method.
Study on dye-sensitized solar cell efficiency improvement using methyl orange dye
Authors: Qurratulain  , Kazmi Safia Akhtar , Hameed Salman , Pachauri Rupendra Kumar , Khan Baseem , Ali Ahmed
Published: February 2025

In this work, different varieties of dye sensitized solar cells are fabricated by simple fabrication process. In this fabrication extract of butea monosperma flower, methylene blue and methyl orange dyes are used as sensitizers. The photovoltaic performance of dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) has been studied. The performances of two different types of photo-electrodes are also tested in this work. The morphology and bandgap of TiO2 (titanium dioxide) and ZnO (Zinc oxide) was observed from XRD, FTIR spectroscopy and UV-vis Spectrum. It is found that TiO2 based DSSCs have better performance. It also observed that the current density and efficiency was increased from 7.46 to 12.9 mA/cm2 and from 1.34 to 6.8% respectively when using methyl orange as a dye. Hence it can be said that methyl orange dye enhanced the photovoltaic performance of DSSC.
A Meta-Analysis of Bi-Directional Associations between Sleep Health and Substance Use among U.S. Youth: Racial/Ethnic Differences
Authors: Dobani Fatima , Schillinger Emma S. , Vrabec Alison , Kidwell Katherine M. , Park Aesoon
Published: February 2025

Purpose of Review

This paper aimed to estimate pooled bi-directional associations between multidimensional sleep health and substance use among youth and investigate whether these associations differed as a function of race/ethnicity.

Recent Findings

Empirical observational studies providing quantitative data on the association of sleep health (duration [sleep obtained per 24 h], satisfaction [subjective assessment of sleep], alertness [ability to maintain attentive wakefulness], and timing [placement of sleep]) and substance use (i.e., alcohol and cannabis), and racial/ethnic demographic information among U.S. youth (10–25) were identified through a systematic literature search. Random effects meta-analyses were conducted using 95 effect sizes extracted from 38 studies.

We found evidence for a bi-directional relationship between total sleep duration and substance use. Sleep satisfaction predicted substance use, but findings were inconclusive whether substance use predicted sleep satisfaction. Sleep alertness predicted alcohol (but not cannabis) use, whereas sleep timing predicted cannabis (but not alcohol) use. Nuanced racial/ethnic differences were also found in these sleep-substance use relationships, which differed across sleep domains and types of substance.
Tumori testicolari: focus sulla ginecomastia
Authors: Cannarella Rossella , Calogero Aldo E.
Published: February 2025

Sommario

Il capitolo sui tumori testicolari comprende diversi tipi di neoplasie, tra cui quelle derivanti dalle cellule germinali. Questi tumori possono manifestarsi a qualsiasi età ma oltre il 90% dei casi si verifica in uomini giovani, in cui possono causare ginecomastia. Quest’ultima insorge frequentemente durante l’età adolescenziale e, nella maggior parte dei casi, ha un’eziologia benigna. Attraverso una descrizione dettagliata dei tumori testicolari e della loro capacità di produrre e secernere ormoni, questo articolo si propone di chiarire in quali circostanze la ginecomastia possa rappresentare un “campanello d’allarme”, indicando la necessità di intraprendere un iter diagnostico più approfondito.
Making Medical Education Socially Accountable in Australia and Southeast Asia: A Systematic Review
Authors: Rimal Jyotsna , Shrestha Ashish , Cardell Elizabeth , Billett Stephen , Lam Alfred King-yin
Published: February 2025

Social accountability (SA) measures are critical in medical education. A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA-systematic review guidelines, across Australia and Southeast Asia Region (SEAR) countries to identify their purposes, practices, experiences, and recommendations. Four electronic databases were searched using search terms and key themes were identified through inductive analysis. Fifteen included studies identified five themes: (i) social obligation spectrum, (ii) learning environment, (iii) values of SA, (iv) graduate outcomes, and (v) partnerships. The cross-cutting themes were governance, education, service, and research. This review highlighted the role of SA in medical education and identified themes applicable for Australia and SEAR countries.
Energy vulnerability and resilience in the EU: concepts, empirics and policy
Authors: Guarascio Dario , Reljic Jelena , Zezza Francesco
Published: February 2025

This paper analyses energy vulnerability and resilience in the EU. First, a comprehensive review of the relevant literature is carried out, discussing key concepts and indicators used to assess countries’ relative positioning vis-à-vis energy shocks. Second, we rely on a large set of indicators (i.e., share of energy intensive industries, import dependency and market concentration, productive and technological capabilities in the renewables domain, policy efforts to increase energy resilience) to provide a thorough mapping of EU Member States’ positioning in terms of energy vulnerability and resilience. Third, we assess industrial and energy policy actions put in place at both the EU and the national level, highlighting relevant heterogeneities and discussing whether policy efforts are consistent with the degree of vulnerability of Member States.
Macht und Publikum
Authors: Schneider Jens Ole
Published: February 2025

Die Entstehung der öffentlichen Meinung wird häufig (und insbesondere seit Habermas’ Strukturwandel der Öffentlichkeit [1962]) auf das 18. Jahrhundert datiert und damit als ein Phänomen der Aufklärung gedeutet. Im Anschluss an neuere historische Forschungen zeigt folgender Beitrag hingegen, dass es auch schon im 16. und 17. Jahrhundert ein Bewusstsein und eine ästhetische Reflexion von Meinung und Öffentlichkeit gibt. In einem ersten Schritt rekonstruiert der Beitrag die historische Semantik und soziologische Bedingtheit der Meinung in der Frühen Neuzeit, währenddessen er in einem zweiten Schritt die dramatische Gestaltung der Meinung bei Gryphius, Haugwitz und Gottsched untersucht.
Detecting cyclones with seasonal forecasts? Development of a novel standardised Windstorm Index for the forecasting and impact-oriented analysis of extreme wind events
Authors: Guerrini Federica , Trentini Laura , Gesso Sara Dal , Venturini Marco , Calmanti Sandro , Petitta Marcello
Published: February 2025

This preliminary study introduces the Standardised Windstorm Index (SWI), a novel tool designed to quantify the impact of extreme wind events in different geographical regions. The SWI is developed by first fitting the Weibull distribution to daily maximum wind speed data, followed by an inverse normal transformation to obtain a standardised index. This method enhances the accuracy of extreme wind event detection compared to conventional standardisation techniques. Using seasonal forecasts from the SEAS5 system, the SWI demonstrates its ability to effectively detect tropical cyclones and windstorms in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, showing an improvement of more than 20% in the accuracy metric compared to raw standardised SEAS5 data. However, it is important to note that this improvement is primarily driven by better identification of non-events rather than an increase in cyclone detection sensitivity, as discussed in the main text. This study also acknowledges some limitations, including assumptions in the extreme event detection procedure, which may not fully capture the variability and uncertainty within seasonal forecasts.Moreover, the use of ERA5 for the bias correction of SEAS5 wind speed data may introduce inaccuracies in the input data used for calculating the SWI, due to the scarcity of observations assimilated in ERA5 within the SADC area. Future work will focus on refining these methods, extending the geographical and temporal scope to improve its robustness and applicability. Although preliminary, our results emphasise the potential of the SWI as a valuable tool for improving the predictive skills of seasonal forecasts and supporting proactive efforts for climate risk management and adaptation strategies.
Spatially integrated social sciences: opportunities for computational urban science
Authors: Wang Siqin , Corcoran Jonathan
Published: February 2025

The concept of Spatially Integrated Social Sciences (SISS) emerged in the 1990s, introducing a spatial dimension to social science research through Geographic Information Science (GIS)-based tools. This movement, known as the "spatial turn," integrates space and place into the analysis of social phenomena and human behaviour. Although SISS has not yet fully permeated mainstream social science, its application continues to expand, offering a broader understanding of social processes by examining them within spatial and temporal contexts. Initially rooted in quantitative methods, SISS now includes qualitative approaches, enriching its analytical scope. Central to SISS is the recognition of geographical concepts such as distance, distribution, and location, which shape societal dynamics and human interactions. Supported by diverse theoretical paradigms and advanced analytical tools, we discuss nine opportunities embedded within SISS to contribute to new theories and techniques for capturing, mapping, and modelling spatial data. It offers deeper insights into social inequalities and the spatial factors influencing human behaviour and society, enriching the scope of computational urban science.
Combined clinoptilolite and Fe(O)OH for efficient removal of Cu(II) and Pb(II) with enhanced solid–liquid separation
Authors: Enemmoh Jennifer N. , Harbottle David , Yusuf Muhammad , Hunter Timothy N.
Published: February 2025

This study investigated combining fine clinoptilolite with iron hydroxide coagulant, as a cost-effective, dual-purpose flocculant for enhanced removal of Pb2⁺ or Cu2⁺ ions, along with the solid–liquid separation and physicochemical analysis. For the clinoptilolite, adsorption kinetics fitted a pseudo-second-order (PSO) rate model with higher rate constants for Pb2+, while equilibrium adsorption data fitted the Langmuir monolayer model, with Q

max
similar at 18.8 mg/g for Pb2+ and 18.3 mg/g Cu2+. TEM elemental mapping of the clinoptilolite evidenced areas of K and Fe impurities, while SEM suggested a uniform distribution of aggregates comprising a clinoptilolite core with decorated FeOOH. X-ray diffraction (XRD) indicated the FeOOH phase as α-FeOOH (Goethite) with no change in structure on inclusion of adsorbed Pb2+. Combined clinoptilolite-FeOOH flocs were significantly larger than FeOOH only precipitates, while flocs formed from 0.5 wt% FeOOH and 1 wt% clinoptilolite produced the fastest settling rates and greatest consolidation. Compressive yield stress data also correlated with enhanced dewatering of the combined systems, due to the dense clinoptilolite acting as a weighter material. For final metals removal, combined flocs outperformed FeOOH across a broad concentration range, achieving > 98% removal for both Pb2⁺ or Cu2⁺. The greater metals removal combined with denser floc production and improved settling features highlights significantly enhanced performance above that possible from either ion exchange or precipitation alone.

Graphical abstract
The aberrant expression of CD39 is associated with the dismal outcome of patients with cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Zheng Bohao , Shen Sheng , Wang Jiwen , Sun Wentao , Wan Wenze , Liu Jiaying , Zhang Dexiang , Ni Xiaoling , Suo Tao , Liu Han , Ni Xiaojian , Liu Houbao
Published: February 2025

Purpose

To investigate the biological function and the underlying mechanism of CD39 in cholangiocarcinoma.

Methods

Quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR), western blot (WB), and immunohistochemistry staining was used to evaluate the expression level of CD39 in cholangiocarcinoma. Kaplan–Meier and Cox hazard ratio regression analyses were implicated to evaluate the prognostic significance of CD39. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) was carried out to evaluate the proliferative capacity, while transwell assay was used to detect the migration and invasion ability. In addition, B-NDG mice were used for the in vivo assay. The potential protein binding with the CD39 was identified through co-immunoprecipitation.

Results

CD39 was aberrantly expressed in the tumor tissue and cholangiocarcinoma cell lines. CD39 was identified as an independent poor prognostic factor in cholangiocarcinoma. In addition, in vitro and in vivo data indicated that the knockdown of CD39 could suppress the proliferation, migration, and invasion ability. The opposite results were observed when CD39 was overexpressed. Mechanistically, CD39 could bind with Annexin A2 (ANXA2), which influences the phosphorylation level of ANXA2 at the Tyr24 site, thereby promoting the activation of PI3K/AKT signaling, which resulted in the biological change in cholangiocarcinoma.

Conclusion

CD39 was identified as an independent prognostic factor of poor overall survival for patients with cholangiocarcinoma. In terms of the biological role of CD39, our data indicated that CD39 promoted the progression and metastasis of cholangiocarcinoma through binding with ANXA2, and through activating the PI3K/AKT signaling. In brief, CD39 is a potential prognostic factor and therapeutical target for cholangiocarcinoma.
An underwater acoustic semantic communication approach to underwater image transmission
Authors: Zhang Ying , Li Huanyu , Li Bingyu , Li Li , Zhang Weibo , Wang Hao , Ren Peng
Published: February 2025

We develop an underwater acoustic semantic communication approach for underwater image transmission in this study. The developed approach has two main merits. First, it enables efficient underwater image transmission, in terms of microvolume textual semantics, via the underwater acoustic channel, which typically has limited bandwidth. Second, it enhances robust underwater image transmission by leveraging semantic communication in the underwater environment, where the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is typically low. To achieve these goals, semantic representations for underwater images are developed. Specifically, at the transmitter’s end, semantic extraction is conducted by converting an original underwater image into descriptive text, from which an entity list is subsequently identified. The entity list represents the textual semantics of the underwater image, providing a microvolume representation for efficient underwater image transmission. The entity list is then transmitted through the underwater acoustic channel to the receiver. At the receiver’s end, semantic reconstruction is conducted by converting the received entity list back into descriptive text, which is subsequently converted into a generated underwater image semantically consistent with the original. The semantic extraction and semantic reconstruction of the underwater image are empowered by deep learning technologies with the support of a reliable semantic knowledge base. The experimental results prove that our approach offers advantages, in terms of microvolume and robust representations, over standard approaches to underwater image transmission. Therefore, this approach establishes a new baseline for underwater image transmission, which could potentially overcome the challenges posed by the narrow bandwidth and low SNR of the underwater acoustic channel.
THUCYDIDES, SEGESTA AND LEONTINI: RETHINKING THE SICILIAN EXPEDITION
Authors: Thatcher Mark R.
Published: February 2025

Modern accounts of Sicilian history in the late fifth century b.c.e. and its relations with Athens often follow Thucydides’ Athenocentric narrative closely, largely ignoring the Sicilian background. This article instead foregrounds the actions and concerns of two important Sicilian cities, Segesta and Leontini, whose perspectives Thucydides chose to leave out or downplay. In particular, Segesta was involved in the complex cross-cultural dynamics of western Sicily, while Leontini demonstrated resilience in its resistance to Syracusan imperialism. Both cities’ relations with Athens emerged from their pre-existing policies and strategies. This article thus develops an alternate narrative of these events that complements Thucydides’ Athenocentric one. To accomplish this, it argues for a more nuanced approach to Thucydides’ narrative: reading it against the grain, supplementing it with data from Diodorus and epigraphy, and placing it in its Sicilian historical and cultural context. In this way, the article develops a new approach to the methodological issues involved in writing the history of poleis that are not emphasized in major extant narrative sources. Recognizing Segesta and Leontini as political actors with their own goals and agendas enables both a new reading of Thucydides and a less Athenocentric account of late fifth-century Sicilian history.
Covert contraceptive use among women with a previous unintended pregnancy in Nigeria: A multilevel investigation of individual- and contextual-level factors
Authors: Ujah Otobo I. , Salemi Jason L. , Rapkin Rachel B. , Sappenfield William , Daley Ellen M. , Kirby Russell S.
Published: February 2025

Covert contraceptive use is a strategy to avoid unintended pregnancy. However, evidence regarding the multilevel factors linking past experiences of unintended pregnancy with covert contraceptive use is limited. The objective of this study was to identify the compositional and contextual factors associated with covert contraceptive use among women with a prior unintended pregnancy. Framed by the socio-ecological model, a cross-sectional study was conducted using data from Round 5 of the Performance Monitoring and Accountability 2020 project in Nigeria. Non-pregnant women aged 15–49 years who reported a previous mistimed or unwanted pregnancy were included (N = 1631). Multilevel logistic regression models with random intercepts were specified to investigate the relationship between covert contraceptive use and compositional and contextual factors. Approximately 4.54% (95% CI = 3.28–6.25) of women reported covert contraceptive use. At the individual level, having less than secondary education (aOR = 5.88, 95% CI = 1.20–28.72) and being single (aOR = 11.29, 95% CI = 2.93–43.56) were associated with higher odds of covert contraceptive use. There was no significant association between covert contraceptive use and the type of unintended pregnancy (mistimed: aOR = 3.13, 95% CI = 0.88–11.13). At the community level, living in a community with average poverty levels (aOR = 6.18, 95% CI = 1.18–32.55) and high exposure to family planning mass media (aOR = 6.84, 95% CI = 1.62–29.11) were associated with higher odds of covert contraceptive use. Measures of variation showed significant variation in covert contraceptive use across communities. Further research is warranted to better understand the underlying mechanisms in these observed associations and variations in covert contraceptive use among women following the experience of an unintended pregnancy. Additionally, there is a need to design family planning strategies that integrate community-level structures.
Family functioning in families with 11-year-old children at familial high risk of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder and population-based controls: The Danish High Risk and Resilience Study VIA 11
Authors: Hemager Nicoline , Gjøde Ida Christine Tholstrup , Gregersen Maja , Brandt Julie Marie , Søndergaard Anne , Krantz Mette Falkenberg , Veddum Lotte , Knudsen Christina Bruun , Andreassen Anna Krogh , Piché Geneviève , Nordentoft Merete , Greve Aja Neergaard , Thorup Anne Amalie Elgaard
Published: February 2025

Background

Poorer family functioning during childhood is associated with severe mental disorders in adulthood in the general population. However, family functioning is understudied in families with parental schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. We aimed to investigate family functioning in families with 11-year-old children of parents with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder compared with controls. Second, we aimed to examine associations between family functioning and levels of child psychopathology, child global functioning, and parental social functioning.

Methods

In this prospective, population-based cohort study, we included 160 families with parental schizophrenia, 95 families with parental bipolar disorder, and 177 control families. Family functioning was measured with the 12-item version of the McMaster Family Assessment Device – General Functional Scale.

Results

Families with parental schizophrenia (Cohen’s d = 0.29; p = .002) and parental bipolar disorder (Cohen’s d = 0.34; p = .004) had significantly poorer family functioning and a significantly higher prevalence of clinically significant family dysfunction (Cohen’s d range = 0.29–0.34; p values = .007) than control families. Across study groups, poorer family functioning was associated with higher levels of child psychopathology and poorer social functioning of the primary caregiver (p values < .001).

Conclusions

Children in families with parental schizophrenia or bipolar disorder are at increased risk of experiencing family dysfunction, and poorer family functioning confers risk for more symptoms of child psychopathology and poorer parental social functioning. Future studies should investigate the potentially predictive value of family dysfunction in relation to later illness onset and other adverse outcomes in these populations.
A Tolerated Terror: Rahmah bin Jabir and the Age of Revolutions in the Gulf, 1760-1830
Authors: Roberts Nicholas P.
Published: February 2025

Rahmah bin Jabir (c. 1760-1826) is one of the most frequently mentioned persons in British sources from the Gulf in the first decades of the nineteenth century. He is also found throughout important Arabic-language chronicles. Despite his prominence in the sources, however, scholars have paid him relatively little attention, in either English or in Arabic. Though often cast as a pirate, this article argues that Rahmah bin Jabir was a political entrepreneur critical to shaping the international order of the Gulf in the first half of the nineteenth century. Reading against the grain of the colonial archive and synthesizing British sources with Arab chronicles, this article brings to life a textured political imaginary of the Gulf in the global age of revolutions, using Rahmah to weave overlapping political agendas between different emerging states, including the Omanis, the Saudi-Wahhabis, the Bahrainis, the Qataris, and the British. I suggest that Rahmah stands as one figure through whom historians can continue piecing together an age of revolutions in the Gulf that is more than Europe's emergence into modernity, one that highlights a complex and vibrant history of negotiation, endurance, and resiliency.
Findings and challenges in understanding the impacts of human-induced trampling on Antarctic edaphic microbial communities and their recovery potential
Authors: Fernández-Martínez Miguel Ángel , Galbo Cacha Rosa MarÍa , López-Archilla Ana Isabel , Tejedo Pablo , Garrido-Benavent Isaac , De Los Ríos Asunción , Benayas Javier
Published: February 2025

Antarctic terrestrial ecosystems, covering less than 1% of the continent, are under increasing anthropogenic threats, particularly from climate change and tourism. This study focuses on the impact of human trampling on soil microbial communities in Barrientos Island (South Shetlands archipelago), a frequently visited location. Soil samples were collected within and at the edge of two established paths representing varying levels of human disturbance. Physical and chemical analyses revealed significant differences between the paths, potentially creating anaerobic conditions favorable for specific microbial taxa. Thus, microbial communities also differed between the paths. Aerobic heterotrophic taxa were dominant in the less disturbed path, while anaerobic taxa such as Bacteroidetes vadinHA17 thrived in the more compacted path. Although alpha diversity indices did not differ, beta diversity analyses showed notable distinctions, particularly between the paths rather than trampled and untrampled areas. These findings suggest that microbial communities may recover following the stop of human activity, but also that indigenous microbial communities or other overlooked factors may be influencing the recovery potential. This study thus offers a starting point for similar research, as it highlights the need for further investigation to determine whether human trampling or other environmental factors are primarily responsible for these differences.
Do chinstrap penguins use olfactory cues for partner recognition?
Authors: Amo Luisa , Rodríguez-Gironés Miguel Ángel , Barbosa Andrés
Published: February 2025

Although there is increasing evidence that birds have individual chemical profiles that can be used in different social contexts, partner scent recognition has only been explored in procellariiform seabirds, a group of birds known for their highly developed olfactory system. However, olfaction is not restricted to Procellariiformes, and birds with smaller olfactory bulbs can also use chemical cues in different social contexts. More evidence from different bird groups is needed to disentangle whether olfaction plays a general role in partner recognition. We performed a choice experiment to examine whether chinstrap penguins Pygoscelis antarcticus can discriminate the scent of their partner from the scent of other conspecifics. Our results do not suggest a preference of penguins for the scent of their partners. Our results highlight the need to carry out additional studies to determine the mechanisms underlying partner recognition in penguins.
Health professionals’ use of smartphone apps for clients with low back pain: an observational study
Authors: Didyk Claudia , Lewis Lucy Kate , Lange Belinda
Published: February 2025

Aim:

This study aimed to explore health professionals’ use, barriers, confidence, and preferences for technology and smartphone apps to assist clients with self-managing low back pain (LBP).

Methods:

Prospective observational cross-sectional survey of registered Australian health professionals that managed clients with LBP.

Results:

In total, 52 survey responses were included (mean age 43 ±13.8 years). Most did not personally use healthy lifestyle apps (60%) and did not recommend apps due to a lack of knowledge of app effectiveness (93%). The largest barrier to recommending apps was the potential for apps to be misused as a substitute to health professional diagnosis. Fifteen recommended smartphone apps (mean age 36 ±10.6 years) and were at least moderately confident in choosing/recommending apps (94%) and assessing app quality (80%). Those more likely to recommend apps personally used apps for healthy lifestyle behaviours (odds ratio (OR) 5.1 (p = 0.009)) were physiotherapists (OR 0.13 (p = 0.035) c/f chiropractors in their profession for <10 years (OR 8.6 (p = 0.015)) c/f >30 years. Increasing age decreased the odds (OR 0.94 (p = 0.013)) of recommending apps.

Conclusions:

Health professionals do not recommend LBP self-management apps due to a lack of knowledge of their effectiveness. Those that do recommend apps are confident with app choice, recommendation, and app quality assessment. Physiotherapists with <10 years’ experience were most likely to recommend apps.
POLYNOMIALS REPRESENTED BY NORM FORMS VIA THE BETA SIEVE
Authors: Shute Alec
Published: February 2025

A central question in Arithmetic geometry is to determine for which polynomials

$f \in \mathbb {Z}[t]$

and which number fields K the Hasse principle holds for the affine equation

$f(t) = \mathbf {N}_{K/\mathbb {Q}}(\mathbf {x}) \neq 0$

. Whilst extensively studied in the literature, current results are largely limited to polynomials and number fields of low degree. In this paper, we establish the Hasse principle for a wide family of polynomials and number fields, including polynomials that are products of arbitrarily many linear, quadratic or cubic factors. The proof generalises an argument of Irving [27], which makes use of the beta sieve of Rosser and Iwaniec. As a further application of our sieve results, we prove new cases of a conjecture of Harpaz and Wittenberg on locally split values of polynomials over number fields, and discuss consequences for rational points in fibrations.
Liberal Democracy Reexamined: Leo Strauss on Alexis de Tocqueville
Authors: Rodríguez Raúl
Published: February 2025

This article explores Leo Strauss’s thoughts on Alexis de Tocqueville in his 1954 “Natural Right” course transcript. One of the significant features of this transcript is that it contains an original interpretation and tentative critique of Tocqueville’s political philosophy. Although Strauss considered Tocqueville to be an indispensable observer of modern liberal democracy, he saw significant limits to Tocqueville’s thought. By comparing him with Aristotle and Nietzsche, among others, Strauss criticizes Tocqueville’s understanding of justice, history, and democracy. Strauss concludes that Nietzsche offers a more profound critique of liberal democracy, but one that leads to right-wing extremism. Strauss urges his students to be satisfied with Tocqueville’s more moderate and humane criticisms. Although Strauss’s tentative critique is illuminating and worth careful consideration, I challenge his interpretation and offer a Tocquevillian response to his overly intellectualized conception of social and political change.
Women’s Property and the Downward Spiral into Fraud: Questioning the Persistent Narrative of Progress in Women’s Legal Status
Authors: Edwards Laura F.
Published: February 2025

This article challenges the narratives that we tell ourselves about women’s history in the nineteenth century, particularly narratives that celebrate progress in the legal status of women, based on the acquisition of rights. As it shows, legal changes in the nineteenth century lumped all women into an artificially reductive category “women,” separated them from their families’ property, and turned those claims into something so problematic that they were linked to fraud. By the end of the nineteenth century, it was difficult to imagine that family property to which women contributed all their lives might actually belong to them. The article focuses on white women of considerable means. But the point is that the problematic legal category “women” not only compromised all women’s legal claims to property, but also obscured other, important social and legal differences—including those of race and class—among them.
A GENUINELY UNTYPED EXPLANATION OF COMMON BELIEF AND KNOWLEDGE
Authors: GORBOW PAUL
Published: February 2025

This paper provides a consistent first-order theory solving the knower paradoxes of Kaplan and Montague, with the following main features: 1. It solves the knower paradoxes by providing a faithful formalization of the principle of veracity (that knowledge requires truth), using both a knowledge and a truth predicate. 2. It is genuinely untyped i.e., it is untyped not only in the sense that it uses a single knowledge predicate applying to all sentences in the language (including sentences in which this predicate occurs), but in the sense that its axioms quantify over all sentences in the language, thus supporting comprehensive reasoning with untyped knowledge ascriptions. 3. Common knowledge predicates can be defined in the system using self-reference. These facts, together with a technique based on Löb’s theorem, enables it to support comprehensive reasoning with untyped common knowledge ascriptions (without having any axiom directly addressing common knowledge).
Reading Ely in Tokyo
Authors: Tew Yvonne
Published: February 2025

John Hart Ely’s theory of judicial review was centrally concerned with the role of courts in preserving democracy in the constitutional context of the United States. At first blush, then, the comparative turn toward Ely might strike a jarring note. This article contributes to the discourse on comparative political process theory, or comparative representation-reinforcing theory, by examining the judicial role in preserving democracy, as well as the role that courts can play in constructing and facilitating constitutional democracy, particularly in fragile democracies. It considers three illustrative examples: the United Kingdom Supreme Court decision overruling the prorogation of Parliament; the Malaysian Federal Court’s development of a constitutional basic structure doctrine; and the Malawi Supreme Court’s decision invalidating the outcome of a presidential election. It concludes with reflections on juristocracy and distrust, and the reach (and limits) of the endeavor to expand Ely’s theory globally.
Causal Effect Between Natural Hair Color and Endometriosis in a European Population: A Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization
Authors: Zhang Yuping , Feng Ying
Published: February 2025

Previous observational studies have suggested an association between natural hair color and the risk of endometriosis; however, the causal relationship remains unclear. Here, we conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study to evaluate the potential causal link between natural hair color and endometriosis using 428 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as genetic instruments derived from a genomewide meta-analysis comprising over 4511 cases and 227,260 controls of European ancestry. Our findings indicate that dark brown hair is associated with a decreased risk of developing endometriosis (dark brown IVW OR: 0.844, 95% CI [0.725, 0.984], p < .05). Conversely, dark hair color and lighter hair colors (red, blonde, and light brown) did not demonstrate a significant association with endometriosis risk (dark IVW OR: 0.568, 95% CI [0.280, 1.15], p = .117; red IVW OR: 1.058, 95% CI [0.719, 1.558], p = .77; blonde IVW OR: 1.158, 95% CI [0.886, 1.514], p = .28; light brown IVW OR: 1.306, 95% CI [0.978, 1.743], p = .07). These results provide compelling MR evidence supporting a causal association between natural hair color and endometriosis risk. Our findings underscore the need for larger scale studies and randomized controlled trials to delineate the biological mechanisms driving the association between hair color and endometriosis.
Crisis Management in Social Service Call Centers
Authors: Tedeschi Gary J. , Pratt Andrea S.
Published: February 2025

Abstract: Call centers offering social services receive calls from a diverse range of people with varied presenting concerns. Although these centers are not typically designed to assist callers in crisis, unlike suicide prevention or crisis lines, they still encounter a small but significant number of calls from people in active crisis. This article serves as a case study to highlight the importance of crisis intervention readiness and to provide guidelines for non-crisis-oriented call centers on managing crisis calls. It features procedures used by Kick It California (KIC), a tobacco cessation quitline, as a sample blueprint. KIC’s crisis management protocol is offered, including guidelines for assessing risk levels and implementing emergency procedures. Additionally, the article outlines strategies for quality assurance as well as ethical and legal considerations, as foundational elements for crisis management procedures in social service call centers.
Suicide Plans Involving a Firearm and Levels of Suicidal Intent Among Firefighters
Authors: Robison Morgan , Rice Tyler B. , Hom Melanie A. , Chu Carol , Anestis Michael D. , Joiner Thomas E. , Stanley Ian H.
Published: February 2025

Abstract: Background: This study examined if firefighters (an occupational group at elevated suicide risk) who have made a suicide plan involving a firearm reported higher suicidal intent than those whose plans did not involve a firearm. Methods: Participants included 173 firefighters ( M [ SD] age = 32.0 [9.9], 95.8% male) who reported having made a suicide plan during their tenure as firefighters. We used a self-report version of the Self-Injurious Thoughts and Behaviors Interview-Short Form (SITBI-SF) to determine the presence and nature of suicide plans during firefighter tenure. We used Item 4 of the Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ-R) to assess suicidal intent. Results: Overall, 44.5% of suicide plans involved firearms. Firefighters who reported a suicide plan involving a firearm reported significantly higher mean levels of suicidal intent than firefighters who did not report a suicide plan involving a firearm. Limitations : This investigation relied on a cross-sectional convenience sample which limits our ability to establish causal claims. Conclusions: Firefighters who report a suicide plan specifically using a firearm may represent an especially at-risk group. Clinicians should assess for both suicidal intent and means during risk assessments and deliver rigorous lethal means safety counseling to mitigate suicide risk among firefighters.
A Seafloor Spreading Slowdown May Have Slashed Sea Levels
Authors: Stanley Sarah
Published: February 2025

Between 15 million and 6 million years ago, a drop in ocean crust production may have lowered sea level by 26–32 meters.
Particulate Pollution and its Climate Impacts During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Wang Yuan
Published: February 2025

The impacts of COVID-19 on short-lived pollutants highlight the predominant influence of the transportation sector and the resulting changes in regional climates and ecosystems.