bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
When Treatment Does Not Seem to Help: Identifying Interpersonal and Defensive Functioning in a Case with Borderline Personality Disorder
Authors: Yılmaz Meltem , Grandjean Loris , Beuchat Hélène , de Roten Yves , Lingiardi Vittorio , Kramer Ueli
Published: February 2025

Improvement in interpersonal and defensive functioning are considered central transtheoretical mechanisms that drive symptomatic change in clients with BPD. The current case study illustrates the treatment process and symptom changes in relation to interpersonal functioning, operationalized as the pervasiveness of conflictual relationship themes, and defensive functioning of a 22-year-old female client diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD). The client underwent a 10-session General Psychiatric Management, a psychodynamically-oriented brief case management focusing on interpersonal hypersensitivity, as part of a larger Randomized Controlled Trial. The assessment involved three time points—intake, mid-treatment, and discharge—and comprised of a validated symptom scale, the Zanarini Rating Scale for BPD, along with two coding procedures, the Core Conflictual Relationship Theme method and the Defense Mechanisms Rating Scale-Q sort. While a decrease in the pervasiveness of conflictual relationship themes was observed, a worsening of defensive functioning was noted, which is posited to contribute to the increased symptom severity, particularly in affective and relational domains. Her prominent use of rationalization and passive aggression, along with irregular session attendance and low treatment dosage, are likely key factors influencing the mixed outcomes observed in borderline symptoms and defensive functioning, despite the reduction in the pervasiveness of interpersonal patterns.
Academic Coaching to Promote Self-Directed Learning in Graduate Medical Education
Authors: Burtson Kathryn M. , Wilson Kelsey R. , Kiger Michelle E. , Jung Eulho , Hartzell Joshua D. , Meyer Holly
Published: February 2025

Background

Graduate medical education is a critical period for fostering self-directed learning (SDL). This study introduced an academic coaching program to support SDL among internal medicine (IM) residents, leveraging Gallimore and Tharp’s four-stage model as a scaffolding framework.

Objective

To assess the impact of academic coaching on residents’ performance, including Internal Medicine In-Training Examination (IM-ITE) scores, individualized learning plans (ILPs), and attitudinal changes. The study also explored how coaching influenced SDL within the residency program.

Design and Participants

A mixed-methods case study was conducted in a mid-sized university’s IM residency program. Quantitative measures included pre- and post-coaching surveys, ILP analysis, and IM-ITE score evaluation. Semi-structured interviews provided qualitative insights into participant experiences. Of 77 eligible residents, 40 enrolled in the coaching program, and 27 (18 post-graduate year (PGY) 1 and PGY2) completed at least one session. Baseline IM-ITE scores guided enrollment for mandatory participants.

Key Results

Of the 77 residents, 51 had complete IM-ITE data and individualized learning plans (ILPs) from 2022 and 2023. Residents attending one coaching session demonstrated significant improvement in IM-ITE percentile scores (p = .022), while those with two or more sessions showed significant gains in both percent correct (p = .015) and percentile scores (p = .003). No significant differences were observed in ILPs or attitudinal surveys. Qualitative analyses of resident participant interviews highlight coaching’s positive influence on SDL, organized into input, process, and output domains.

Conclusions

Sustained coaching, defined as two or more coaching meetings, is associated with improved IM-ITE performance. Qualitative findings underscore the program’s role in enhancing residents’ SDL.
Gibbs Energy Modeling of High-Temperature Bornite: Application on Calculation of Phase Equilibria of the Cu-Fe-S System
Authors: Waldner Peter
Published: February 2025

Gibbs energy modeling of high temperature bornite is carried out from liquidus to mediate temperatures at a total pressure of one bar. A three sublattice approach using the compound energy formalism is developed which is consistent with a recently reported critical assessment and optimization of the Cu-S sulfide digenite. The first comprehensive comparison with experimental phase diagram data can be carried out on the basis of an adequate reproduction of the homogeneity range of high-temperature bornite which emanates from digenite into the Cu-Fe-S phase space with a substantial iron solubility. Ternary heat capacity data at the composition of Cu5FeS4, considered for the first time for Gibbs energy modeling, provides the basis for a reliable extrapolation to lower temperatures. A recently presented two-sublattice model for high-temperature pyrrhotite is adapted for accordance with its limited but relevant copper solubility. Eleven phase diagram sections of the Cu-Fe-S system – five isopleth and six isothermal sections – are calculated over the total ternary composition range for comparison with experimental data available in the literature. Together with further development of the Cu-Fe-S liquid phase model agreement between calculation and experimental data is achieved in a fair to a very satisfactory manner.
Recovery of valuable compounds from apricot concentrate production waste using supercritical carbon dioxide extraction as a green separation method
Authors: Argun Mehmet Emin , Argun Mustafa Şamil
Published: February 2025

Apricot concentrate production wastewater (APW), which contains significant amounts of phenolic compounds and exhibits antioxidant activity, is also a major environmental pollutant. This study aimed to recover valuable compounds from APW and mitigate its environmental impact using the supercritical carbon dioxide (SC–CO2) extraction method. Pressure and temperature variables were studied within the ranges of 8.5–31.5 MPa and 38.5–61.5 °C, respectively. A five–level central composite design (CCD) was applied to statistically analyze the interaction between experimental conditions and results. As a result of the extraction, up to 25% yield and 3.3% total phenolic content (TPC) recovery were achieved, along with a functional extract containing over 2000 mg GAE/L phenolic substances, antioxidant activity exceeding 3000 µM TE, and a significant amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Using response surface methodology, the optimum conditions for SC–CO2 extraction were determined to be 60 °C and 10 MPa. Toxicity values across three trophic levels, along with selected pollution parameters, were assessed before and after the extraction. Notably, following the extraction process, the toxic classification of the wastewater, as determined by the Daphnia magna toxicity test, improved from the very toxic category (Class IV) to the toxic category (Class III).
They are undermining our identity! Effect of demographic shift on negative reactions toward refugees: the mediator role of identity undermining
Authors: Ergiyen Tolga , Yurtbakan Taylan
Published: February 2025

Demographic changes around the world via immigration provide a unique context for how high-powered (majority) groups respond to new circumstances. Previous studies indicated that impending demographic shift is detrimental to intergroup relations. In the present study, we present evidence of a novel mediator to explain the negative reactions of the majority group members to the impending demographic shift in a non-WEIRD (Türkiye) context. Accordingly, we conducted an experimental study (N = 274) in which participants showed a current demographic structure, future Turkish majority, and future Turkish minority via ostensibly a real newspaper article to examine the mediation role of identity undermining between impending demographic shift and outgroup tolerance and collective angst. Results of the mediation analysis showed that the significant indirect effect of demographic shift on shift on collective angst, but not on outgroup tolerance, via identity undermining emerged for the difference between the participants presented the current distribution of Türkiye and participants presented a future where Turkish citizens would no longer constitute a majority. Thus, we demonstrate that an experimentally manipulated impending demographic shift threatens the way of life (identity undermining) among majority group members, subsequently increasing their collective angst. This finding underscores the importance of identity undermining as a potential danger for majority-minority relations and highlights the need for strategies to mitigate these tensions.
Mental Health Care for Transgender and Non-binary Adults: An Investigation of Affirmative Practice, Therapy Experiences and Outcomes, and Reasons for Treatment Termination
Authors: Pepping Christopher A. , Cronin Timothy J. , Davis Andrew W.
Published: February 2025

Introduction

It is widely acknowledged that mental health services should be affirming and tailored to meet the needs of TNB people, though only limited research has addressed this empirically. This study examined mental health help-seeking experiences of TNB adults and tested whether, and how, TNB-affirming practice predicts therapy outcomes.

Methods

A sample of 232 TNB therapy clients (M age = 26.98 years) completed a questionnaire assessing treatment characteristics and experiences, ratings of affirmative therapy practice, aspects of the therapeutic relationship, and therapy outcomes. Data were collected in 2018 from a sample of TNB individuals living in Australia.

Results

Depression, stress, and anxiety were the most commonly cited reasons for seeking help, and a sizeable proportion also sought help for gender-related factors. TNB-affirmative practice was associated with greater client satisfaction and greater therapy effectiveness; these associations were mediated by aspects of the therapeutic alliance. The most frequently cited reason for treatment termination was a lack of practitioner understanding, and only 22% of those who had terminated treatment did so because their problems had been resolved.

Conclusions

Results suggest the extent to which mental health professionals are TNB-affirming has important implications for the outcomes of mental health support among TNB individuals. Results also point to unmet mental health needs that are at least partially related to a lack of affirmative mental health care.

Policy Implications

Findings support recommendations for affirming and inclusive mental health services and suggest that the therapeutic alliance may be one mechanism through which affirmative practice could enhance therapy outcomes. We discuss policy and professional practice implications and highlight the need for further research focused on developing and testing the efficacy of tailored therapy interventions for TNB adults.
Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage in the MENA Region: A Regional Review of Projects and Challenges
Authors: Bou-Hamdan Kamel F. , Sufyan Faraz , Hashim Abbas Azza
Published: February 2025

Climate change poses a severe threat to both the environment and human health, manifesting in floods, droughts, global warming, and food and energy security threats. This threat arises from the emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs), especially carbon dioxide (CO2). The challenge lies in effectively managing and utilizing CO2 by reducing atmospheric carbon footprints and integrating CO2 into the energy value chain in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, where the prominent oil and gas industry and the transition to renewable energy sources are emerging. Thus, understanding the progress in carbon management is crucial. The carboniferous geological formations in this region present promising prospects for CO2 storage, emphasizing the permanence of sequestration and the potential for enhancing oil recovery and economic diversification. This review systematically examines the carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) life cycle, including CO2 emissions, CCUS technologies, research and development (R&D) trends, and policy frameworks in the MENA region. Furthermore, it discusses the main challenges in implementing CCUS projects in a larger scale in this region. The modularized approach of this analysis is motivated by the absence of a comprehensive review for this region. It aims to provide strategic insights into the region’s global standing in the rapid growth of environmental responsibility.
Towards a Better Understanding of Poverty in the Italian Labour Market
Authors: D’Aguanno Maria Cristina , Gallo Giovanni , Luppi Matteo
Published: February 2025

During the last century poverty was mainly associated with unemployment status. Over the years, changes like the globalization process and policies to increase labour market flexibility led to a weakening of labour market institutions and the consequent worsening of workers’ socioeconomic conditions, to the naissance of the working poor class. The literature does not provide a unique definition of working poverty, but several definitions can be obtained by combining the labour market dimension with different poverty definitions. While “in-work poverty” is the EU indicator to detect working poverty in the labour market, it has several limitations because of its hybrid nature: it considers both the sphere of work of the individual and the family dimension. Relying on an advanced version of the 2019 IT-SILC survey dataset, the objective of this study is twofold. First, we propose an alternative measure considering territorial and sectoral disparities to have a better understanding of the low-wage employment in the Italian labour market. Second, we investigate the determinants of each type of working poverty explored and their potential coexistence.
Mixed ionic-electronic conductivity in ZnO doped tunable soft materials
Authors: Sonali M. K. , Kulkarni Suresh D. , Lewis Prinston Maelroy , Garbovskiy Yuriy , Sandeep S. , Sinha Rajeev K. , Bhagavath Poornima
Published: February 2025

Incorporating nanomaterials into liquid crystals has gained popularity since the rise of nanotechnology in the 1990s. The modifications of the physical and chemical properties of liquid crystals are envisioned with the formulation of nanocomposites. In this work, we provide the experimental evidence for the enhancement in the conductivity observed in composites of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) doped in hydrogen bonded liquid crystals (HBLCs) (P18:FBA) built with (4-pyridyl)-benzylidene-4ʹ-n-octadecylaniline as proton acceptors and 4-Fluorobenzoic acids as proton donors. The FTIR and Photoluminescence studies confirmed the decreased H-bonding interactions proving an efficient pathway for the observed conductivity in the nanocomposites. A theoretical model is proposed for the quantitative explanation of observed conductivity which emphasizes mixed ionic-electronic conductivity.
Psychological and Physiological Effects of Sleeping Bag-shaped Aluminum Sheets on Night-time Sleep in Winter: A Disaster Medicine Study
Authors: Nishimura Kazuki , Tamari Yutaro , Onodera Sho , Nagasaki Koji
Published: February 2025

Objective

This study investigated the psychological and physiological effects of using sleeping bag-shaped aluminum sheets during night-time sleep in winter to reduce cold stimulation and improve the sleeping environment in disaster evacuation shelters.

Methods

Sixteen healthy male participants in Hiroshima City underwent 2 experimental conditions in January and December 2023: night-time sleep in winter with and without a sleeping bag-shaped aluminum sheets. Sleep–wake rhythm during night-time sleep (discriminant analysis method), subjective sleep soundness, mood state profile, heart rate, blood pressure, and cardiac autonomic nervous system modulation were measured. Wilcoxon’s signed-rank sum test, Friedman’s test, and paired t-test were performed.

Results

Thermal sensation of warmth and subjective sleep soundness were significantly greater with than without the aluminum sheets. Total sleep time and sleep efficiency were also significantly greater, whereas the frequency and duration of wakefulness after sleep onset were significantly less. Total mood disturbance, fatigue-inertia, and vivid-activity were significantly different between the control, aluminum sheets, and home conditions. Physiological parameters did not differ significantly.

Conclusions

These data suggest that using sleeping bag-shaped aluminum sheets in disaster evacuation shelters in winter could be effective in improving sleep–wake rhythms and subjective sleep soundness, although negative emotions were not improved.
Mental Health Rehabilitation in Gaza: Addressing the Impact of Ongoing War Conflict on Access and Challenges, a Systematic Review
Authors: Qutishat Mohammed
Published: February 2025

Objective

The ongoing conflict in Gaza, intensified since October 2023, has critically disrupted mental health services, exacerbating issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression among the population. This systematic review aims to identify and assess the challenges faced in mental health rehabilitation during this period.

Methods

Utilizing the Arksey & O’Malley framework and PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive literature search was conducted across 6 databases. Studies focusing on barriers to mental health services for Gazan residents were selected, and data were extracted using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) for quality assessment.

Results

Eight studies were included, revealing significant barriers to accessing mental health services, including extensive damage to health care infrastructure, a shortage of trained professionals, economic hardships, and a pervasive distrust in health care institutions.

Conclusions

The findings underscore the urgent need for tailored interventions and strategies to enhance access to mental health services and rebuild trust within the community. Addressing these barriers is essential for effective psychological rehabilitation and long-term recovery for the affected population in Gaza.
Absolute dilations of UCP self-adjoint Fourier multipliers: the nonunimodular case
Authors: Duquet Charles , Le Merdy Christian
Published: February 2025

Let

$\varphi$

be a normal semifinite faithful weight on a von Neumann algebra

$A$

, let

$(\sigma ^\varphi _r)_{r\in {\mathbb R}}$

denote the modular automorphism group of

$\varphi$

, and let

$T\colon A\to A$

be a linear map. We say that

$T$

admits an absolute dilation if there exists another von Neumann algebra

$M$

equipped with a normal semifinite faithful weight

$\psi$

, a

$w^*$

-continuous, unital and weight-preserving

$*$

-homomorphism

$J\colon A\to M$

such that

$\sigma ^\psi \circ J=J\circ \sigma ^\varphi$

, as well as a weight-preserving

$*$

-automorphism

$U\colon M\to M$

such that

$T^k={\mathbb {E}}_JU^kJ$

for all integer

$k\geq 0$

, where

$ {\mathbb {E}}_J\colon M\to A$

is the conditional expectation associated with

$J$

. Given any locally compact group

$G$

and any real valued function

$u\in C_b(G)$

, we prove that if

$u$

induces a unital completely positive Fourier multiplier

$M_u\colon VN(G) \to VN(G)$

, then

$M_u$

admits an absolute dilation. Here,

$VN(G)$

is equipped with its Plancherel weight

$\varphi _G$

. This result had been settled by the first named author in the case when

$G$

is unimodular so the salient point in this paper is that

$G$

may be nonunimodular, and hence,

$\varphi _G$

may not be a trace. The absolute dilation of

$M_u$

implies that for any

$1\lt p\lt \infty$

, the

$L^p$

-realization of

$M_u$

can be dilated into an isometry acting on a noncommutative

$L^p$

-space. We further prove that if

$u$

is valued in

$[0,1]$

, then the

$L^p$

-realization of

$M_u$

is a Ritt operator with a bounded

$H^\infty$

-functional calculus.
REGRESSION DISCONTINUITY DESIGN WITH POTENTIALLY MANY COVARIATES
Authors: Arai Yoichi , Otsu Taisuke , Seo Myung Hwan
Published: February 2025

This article examines high-dimensional covariates in regression discontinuity design (RDD) analysis. We introduce estimation and inference methods for the RDD models that incorporate covariate selection while maintaining stability across various numbers of covariates. The proposed methods combine a localization approach using kernel weights with

$\ell _{1}$

-penalization to handle high-dimensional covariates. We provide both theoretical and numerical evidence demonstrating the efficacy of our methods. Theoretically, we present risk and coverage properties for our point estimation and inference methods. Conditions are given under which the proposed estimator becomes more efficient than the conventional covariate adjusted estimator at the cost of an additional sparsity condition. Numerically, our simulation experiments and empirical examples show the robust behaviors of the proposed methods to the number of covariates in terms of bias and variance for point estimation and coverage probability and interval length for inference.
Karst Water Resources in a Changing World: Review of Solute Transport Modeling Approaches
Authors: Çallı K. Ö. , Chiogna G. , Bittner D. , Sivelle V. , Labat D. , Richieri B. , Çallı S. S. , Hartmann A.
Published: February 2025

Karst water resources are valuable freshwater sources for around 10% of the world's population. Nonetheless, anthropogenic impacts and global changes have seriously deteriorated karst water quality and dependent ecosystems. Multiscale karstic heterogeneity—referring to the spatial variations of the karst aquifer's physical and chemical characteristics at varying scales—is the main challenge in describing karst flow and contaminant transport dynamics. Solute transport models are powerful tools to represent and predict the spatiotemporal behaviors of contaminant migration in karst water resources. By enhancing our understanding of the transport processes, the solute transport models enable us to explore contamination risks and potential outcomes of the contamination‐related issues in karst systems. Because of that, they are often used for monitoring, controlling, and managing karst water quality and dependent ecosystem functioning. This paper reviews the current state of knowledge on the modeling of karst transport processes with a focus on single‐phase solute transport. By unveiling the fundamental challenges underlying a successful real‐world application of karst transport models, we discuss to what extent and how we can handle these challenges. By further deriving the key challenges afront the successful modeling applications in karst systems, we, therefore, provide directions to ensure the reliable modeling of karst transport dynamics in the present context of global changes.
Electron Density in Io's Alfvén Wing Observed Via Radio Occultation With Juno
Authors: Buccino D. R. , Caruso A. , Coffin D. , Gomez‐Casajus L. , Parisi M. , Zannoni M. , Gramigna E. , Withers P. , Tortora P. , Park R. S. , Steffes P. , Bolton S.
Published: February 2025

Juno performed close flybys of the innermost Galilean moon, Io, in December 2023 (I57) and February 2024 (I58). During these flybys, the radio link connecting the Juno spacecraft to Earth observing stations of NASA's Deep Space Network (DSN) propagated through the Alfvén wing, a magnetospheric feature in which plasma is produced between Io and Jupiter. The radio link is sensitive to the elevated electron densities in the Alfvén wing. A direct measurement of the total electron content was made by a linear combination of Juno's X‐band and Ka‐band downlink frequencies. Two different approaches were used in inverting the measurements into electron densities which assume different electron density distributions within the Alfvén wing. The maximum electron densities estimated in the Alfvén wing were 20,500–27,000 cm−3 on I57, in the northern Alfvén wing, and 15,300–31,000 cm−3 on I58, in the southern Alfvén wing.
Understanding the Role of the North Pacific Victoria Mode in ENSO Predictability Based on the NMME Hindcasts
Authors: Ren Zhengyi , Li Zongrong , Ding Ruiqiang , Mao Jiangyu
Published: February 2025

The North Pacific Victoria mode (VM) is considered a precursor signal of El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events. Understanding the role of the VM in ENSO predictability is essential for improving ENSO prediction. Utilizing the North American Multimodel Ensemble hindcasts, this study demonstrates that the VM can increase the potential predictability (measured by the signal‐to‐noise ratio) of ENSO in most forecast models. The well simulated VM‐ENSO relationship in these models contributes to the greater potential predictability of ENSO during the VM years. Our results show that accurately capturing the VM‐ENSO relationship is highly beneficial for improving ENSO prediction skill within forecast models.
Monsoon‐Driven Phytoplankton Community Succession in the Southern South China Sea
Authors: Guo Jia , Liu Jiaxing , Jing Zhiyou , Zhou Linbin , Ke Zhixin , Long Aimin , Wang Junxing , Ding Xiang , Tan Yehui
Published: February 2025

Phytoplankton, the main contributor to ocean carbon and nitrogen fixation, responds rapidly to physicochemical changes caused by hydrodynamics. To understand the response of phytoplankton community succession to monsoon‐driven hydrographic changes, we analyzed the phytoplankton and environmental data of four cruises in the southern South China Sea (SSCS) during different monsoon periods. The results revealed that the phytoplankton communities in the monsoon interval (MI) period significantly differed from those in monsoon periods. Specifically, the phytoplankton communities exhibited the highest diversity owing to the pronounced environmental heterogeneity in the sampling time of MI. However, the total abundance of phytoplankton (4.2 ± 4.0 × 103 cells/L) was the highest in the northeast monsoon (NEM) period due to the nutrient‐rich conditions caused by strong vertical mixing possibly induced by the western boundary current. Notably, diazotrophic cyanobacteria Trichodesmium (0.9–21.3 × 103 cells/L) exhibited high abundances at the edge of the anticyclonic eddy during the southwest monsoon (SWM) sampling period. Moreover, Trichodesmium (0.6–18.0 × 103 cells/L) remained abundant primarily in the nitrogen‐limited areas with sufficient phosphate during the sampling periods of the pre‐NEM and NEM. Our study provides new insights into the importance of Trichodesmium in supplying new nitrogen to monsoon‐influenced seas and the role of monsoon variability in shaping phytoplankton community succession.
Atmospheric Transport Modeling of CO2 With Neural Networks
Authors: Benson Vitus , Bastos Ana , Reimers Christian , Winkler Alexander J. , Yang Fanny , Reichstein Markus
Published: February 2025

Accurately describing the distribution of in the atmosphere with atmospheric tracer transport models is essential for greenhouse gas monitoring and verification support systems to aid implementation of international climate agreements. Large deep neural networks are poised to revolutionize weather prediction, which requires 3D modeling of the atmosphere. While similar in this regard, atmospheric transport modeling is subject to new challenges. Both, stable predictions for longer time horizons and mass conservation throughout need to be achieved, while IO plays a larger role compared to computational costs. In this study we explore four different deep neural networks (UNet, GraphCast, Spherical Fourier Neural Operator and SwinTransformer) which have proven as state‐of‐the‐art in weather prediction to assess their usefulness for atmospheric tracer transport modeling. For this, we assemble the CarbonBench data set, a systematic benchmark tailored for machine learning emulators of Eulerian atmospheric transport. Through architectural adjustments, we decouple the performance of our emulators from the distribution shift caused by a steady rise in atmospheric . More specifically, we center input fields to zero mean and then use an explicit flux scheme and a mass fixer to assure mass balance. This design enables stable and mass conserving transport for over 6 months with all four neural network architectures. In our study, the SwinTransformer displays particularly strong emulation skill: 90‐day and physically plausible multi‐year forward runs. This work paves the way toward high resolution forward and inverse modeling of inert trace gases with neural networks.
Inverted pyramid 3-axis silicon Hall-effect magnetic sensor with offset cancellation
Authors: Ruggeri Jacopo , Ausserlechner Udo , Köck Helmut , Dowling Karen M.
Published: February 2025

Microelectronic magnetic sensors are essential in diverse applications, including automotive, industrial, and consumer electronics. Hall-effect devices hold the largest share of the magnetic sensor market, and they are particularly valued for their reliability, low cost and CMOS compatibility. This paper introduces a novel 3-axis Hall-effect sensor element based on an inverted pyramid structure, realized by leveraging MEMS micromachining and CMOS processing. The devices are manufactured by etching the pyramid openings with TMAH and implanting the sloped walls with n-dopants to define the active area. Through the use of various bias-sense detection modes, the device is able to detect both in-plane and out-of-plane magnetic fields within a single compact structure. In addition, the offset can be significantly reduced by one to three orders of magnitude by employing the current-spinning method. The device presented in this work demonstrated high in-plane and out-of-plane current- and voltage-related sensitivities ranging between 64.1 to 198 V A−1 T−
1 and 14.8 to 21.4 mV V−1 T−1, with crosstalk below 4.7%. The sensor exhibits a thermal noise floor which corresponds to approximately

$$0.5\,\mu \text{T}/\sqrt{\text{Hz}}$$

0.5

μ
T

/

Hz

at 1.31 V supply. This novel Hall-effect sensor represents a promising and simpler alternative to existing state-of-the-art 3-axis magnetic sensors, offering a viable solution for precise and reliable magnetic field sensing in various applications such as position feedback and power monitoring.
Upper airway obstruction during sleep in infants with laryngomalacia is frequently sleep-position-dependent
Authors: Kirjavainen Turkka , Kanerva Mervi , Kukkola Hanna-Leena , Nokso-Koivisto Johanna
Published: February 2025

Background

Laryngomalacia is the most common congenital airway anomaly causing breathing difficulties in infants. Severe laryngomalacia is often associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Methods

We re-evaluated 14-year pediatric sleep center polysomnography (PSG) data in infants with fluoroscopy-verified laryngomalacia.

Results

The study included 79 infants, with a median corrected age of 8 weeks (interquartile range, IQR 5–13) and a laryngomalacia clinical score of 10/14 (IQR 7–11). Most (78%) PSG studies were daytime studies. In PSG, laryngomalacia-related breathing difficulty appeared as a sleep stage and position-dependent OSA with laborious breathing. PSG allowed position comparison in 69 infants. In the supine sleeping position, a median obstructive apnea and hypopnea-index (OAHI) was 22 h−1 (IQR 10–50) compared with 7 h−1 (IQR 1–26) in the side sleeping position (p < 0.0001). In the supine, breathing was also more laborious, and end-tidal carbon dioxide 99th percentile levels were higher than in the side sleeping position (p < 0.0001). The degree of OSA (OAHI) showed only a weak correlation with the laryngoscopy severity score (R
2 0.10, p = 0.005).

Conclusions

In infant laryngomalacia, the degree of upper airway obstruction is frequently more severe in the supine than in the side sleeping position. However, some variability remains in the response.

Impact

Laryngomalacia is the most common congenital airway anomaly causing breathing difficulties in infants. Obstructive breathing events and obstructive sleep apnea are common in severe laryngomalacia even though the stridor often diminishes or resolves during sleep.

We observed that in young infants with laryngomalacia, the appearance of upper airway obstruction is both sleep position and sleep-stage dependent.

Compared to the supine sleeping position, the side sleeping position reduced the frequency of obstructive events and breathing effort, and lowered end-tidal carbon dioxide 99th percentile levels.
Victor William (1896-1978) and William Allen (1932-2010) Humpherson
Authors: Gelbier Stanley
Published: February 2025

Father and son, Victor and William Humpherson, both became dentists, albeit in different eras. Although working in different branches of dentistry, both became important members of the profession. Victor was important in the early days of NHS general dental practice, finally as chairman of the Dental Estimates Board. William was area dental officer for Croydon, heavily involved in many developments in community dental services, especially in staff education and training. He was also an organist, playing a Fantasia on three notes, specially composed for the 1980 British Dental Association's centenary meeting. Both were nicknamed ‘Humph' but to avoid confusion, it is here only used to refer to William Allen.
Morphology of ejecta features from the impact on asteroid Dimorphos
Authors: Ferrari Fabio , Panicucci Paolo , Merisio Gianmario , Giordano Carmine , Pugliatti Mattia , Li Jian-Yang , Fahnestock Eugene G. , Raducan Sabina D. , Jutzi Martin , Soldini Stefania , Hirabayashi Masatoshi , Merrill Colby C. , Michel Patrick , Moreno Fernando , Tancredi Gonzalo , Sunshine Jessica M. , Ormö Jens , Herreros Isabel , Agrusa Harrison , Karatekin Ozgur , Zhang Yun , Chabot Nancy L. , Cheng Andrew F. , Richardson Derek C. , Rivkin Andrew S. , Campo Bagatin Adriano , Farnham Tony L. , Ivanovski Stavro , Lucchetti Alice , Pajola Maurizio , Rossi Alessandro , Scheeres Daniel J. , Tusberti Filippo
Published: February 2025

Hypervelocity impacts play a significant role in the evolution of asteroids, causing material to be ejected and partially reaccreted. However, the dynamics and evolution of ejected material in a binary asteroid system have never been observed directly. Observations of Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) impact on asteroid Dimorphos have revealed features on a scale of thousands of kilometers, including curved ejecta streams and a tail bifurcation originating from the Didymos system. Here we show that these features result naturally from the dynamical interaction of the ejecta with the binary system and solar radiation pressure. These mechanisms may be used to constrain the orbit of a secondary body, or to investigate the binary nature of an asteroid. Also, they may reveal breakup or fission events in active asteroids, and help determine the asteroid’s properties following an impact event. In the case of DART, our findings suggest that Dimorphos is a very weak, rubble-pile asteroid, with an ejecta mass estimated to be in the range of (1.1-5.5)×107 kg.
Barcoded HIV-1 reveals viral persistence driven by clonal proliferation and distinct epigenetic patterns
Authors: Zhang Tian-hao , Shi Yuan , Komarova Natalia L. , Wordaz Dominik , Kostelny Matthew , Gonzales Alexander , Abbaali Izra , Chen Hongying , Bresson-Tan Gabrielle , Dimapasoc Melanie , Harvey William , Oh Christopher , Carmona Camille , Seet Christopher , Du Yushen , Sun Ren , Zack Jerome A. , Kim Jocelyn T.
Published: February 2025

The HIV reservoir consists of infected cells in which the HIV-1 genome persists as provirus despite effective antiretroviral therapy (ART). Studies exploring HIV cure therapies often measure intact proviral DNA levels, time to rebound after ART interruption, or ex vivo stimulation assays of latently infected cells. This study utilizes barcoded HIV to analyze the reservoir in humanized mice. Using bulk PCR and deep sequencing methodologies, we retrieve 890 viral RNA barcodes and 504 proviral barcodes linked to 15,305 integration sites at the single RNA or DNA molecule in vivo. We track viral genetic diversity throughout early infection, ART, and rebound. The proviral reservoir retains genetic diversity despite cellular clonal proliferation and viral seeding by rebounding virus. Non-proliferated cell clones are likely the result of elimination of proviruses associated with transcriptional activation and viremia. Elimination of proviruses associated with viremia is less prominent among proliferated cell clones. Proliferated, but not massively expanded, cell clones contribute to proviral expansion and viremia, suggesting they fuel viral persistence. This approach enables comprehensive assessment of viral levels, lineages, integration sites, clonal proliferation and proviral epigenetic patterns in vivo. These findings highlight complex reservoir dynamics and the role of proliferated cell clones in viral persistence.
The DYT6 dystonia causative protein THAP1 is responsible for proteasome activity via PSMB5 transcriptional regulation
Authors: Wang Yan , Wang Yi , Iriki Tomohiro , Hashimoto Eiichi , Inami Maki , Hashimoto Sota , Watanabe Ayako , Takano Hiroshi , Motosugi Ryo , Hirayama Shoshiro , Sugishita Hiroki , Gotoh Yukiko , Yao Ryoji , Hamazaki Jun , Murata Shigeo
Published: February 2025

The proteasome plays a pivotal role in protein degradation, and its impairment is associated with various pathological conditions, including neurodegenerative diseases. It is well understood that Nrf1 coordinates the induction of all proteasome genes in response to proteasome dysfunction. However, the molecular mechanism regulating the basal expression of the proteasome remains unclear. Here we identify the transcription factor THAP1, the causative gene of DYT6 dystonia, as a regulator of proteasome activity through a genome-wide genetic screen. We demonstrated that THAP1 directly regulates the expression of the PSMB5 gene, which encodes the central protease subunit β5. Depletion of THAP1 disrupts proteasome assembly, leading to reduced proteasome activity and the accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins. These findings uncover a regulatory mechanism for the proteasome and suggest a potential role for proteasome dysfunction in the pathogenesis of dystonia.
Nitroglycerin-responsive gene switch for the on-demand production of therapeutic proteins
Authors: Mahameed Mohamed , Xue Shuai , Danuser Benjamin , Hamri Ghislaine Charpin-El , Xie Mingqi , Fussenegger Martin
Published: February 2025

Gene therapies and cell therapies require precise, reversible and patient-friendly control over the production of therapeutic proteins. Here we present a fully human nitric-oxide-responsive gene-regulation system for the on-demand and localized release of therapeutic proteins through clinically licensed nitroglycerin patches. Designed for simplicity and robust human compatibility, the system incorporates human mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase for converting nitroglycerin into nitric oxide, which then activates soluble guanylate cyclase to produce cyclic guanosine monophosphate, followed by protein kinase G to amplify the signal and to trigger target gene expression. In a proof-of-concept study, human cells expressing the nitroglycerin-responsive system were encapsulated and implanted subcutaneously in obese mice with type 2 diabetes. Transdermal nitroglycerin patches applied over the implant enabled the controlled and reversible production of glucagon-like peptide-1 throughout the 35-day experimental period, effectively restoring blood glucose levels in these mice without affecting heart rate or blood pressure. The approach may facilitate the development of safe, convenient and responsive implantable devices for the sustained delivery of biopharmaceuticals for the management of chronic diseases.
Cadmium resistance microbes and TiO2 nanoparticles alleviate cadmium toxicity in wheat
Authors: Younas Muhammad , Nafees Muhammad , Munir Muhammad , Alomrani Sarah Owdah , Waseem Muhammad , Alshehri Mohammed Ali , Sarker Pallab K. , Ali Shafaqat
Published: February 2025

Cadmium toxicity in the soil is an alarming issue, and among innumerable approaches, microbe-facilitated nanoparticle application for alleviation of Cd stress is a well-accepted technique. The present study explored the efficiency of combined TiO2-NPs and Staphylococcus aureus M1 strains for Cd mitigation in wheat plants. Results depicted that Cd stress attenuates the growth attributes while the collective application of NPs and microbes significantly upsurges the growth attributes as contrasted to Cd treatment. Combined TiO2-NPs and microbes application increased the total chlorophyll (12), a (10), b (11), and carotenoids (13%) under Cd (50 mg kg− 1) compared to microbial treatment. MDA (4), H2O2 (3), and EL (5%) were significantly down-regulated with combined TiO2-NPs and microbes application under Cd (50 mg kg− 1) compared to microbial treatment. CAT (17), SOD (7), POD (8), and APX (29%) were increased with combined TiO2-NPs and microbes application under Cd (50 mg kg− 1) comparison to microbial treatment. Cd accumulation in roots (34), shoots (23), and grains (27%) were significantly reduced under Cd (50 mg kg− 1) with combined TiO2-NPs and microbes application, contrary to microbial treatment. Subsequently, combined TiO2-NPs and microbial strains Staphylococcus aureus M1 application is a sustainable solution to boost crop production under Cd stress.
Changes in long-term life expectancy and years of life lost following the Great East Japan Earthquake in Fukushima Prefecture
Authors: Kosaka Makoto , Saito Hiroaki , Murakami Michio , Ono Kyoko , Ikeda Yuka , Ozaki Akihiko , Tsubokura Masaharu
Published: February 2025

Prolonged evacuation after disasters increases the risks of diseases and challenges in healthcare access. This study aimed to analyze changes in life expectancy (LE) and years of life lost (YLL) in Fukushima Prefecture after the Great East Japan Earthquake. LE and YLL were calculated based on a dataset of 276,314 deaths in Fukushima Prefecture from January 2006 to December 2018 and were aggregated and compared in three time periods: 2006–2010, 2012–2015, and 2016–2018. LE and YLL were obtained using a life table method, focusing on four major causes of death: heart diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, pneumonia, and cancers. The overall LE for both males and females in Fukushima prefecture showed an increasing trend in all three periods. Notably, in 2012–2015, the increase in LE and YLL due to cancer was greater in areas with evacuation zones compared to those without evacuation zones. In contrast, in 2016–2018, a notable decrease in YLL due to cerebrovascular diseases for both males and females and due to heart diseases for males was observed in areas with evacuation zones compared to areas without. LE continued to rise in Fukushima Prefecture despite the significant long-term impact of the disaster on the population. Post-disaster changes in LE and YLL differed between areas with and without evacuation zones, suggesting that implementation of effective measures and policies in the region contributed to a successful recovery. This study may be crucial for evaluating future health measures and conditions in Fukushima Prefecture.
Potential of digital technologies in counteracting long-standing deficits in hemodialysis machine training
Authors: Rettinger Maximilian , Steinhaus Julia , Hackenberg Annika , Lehr Lisa , Müller Niklas , Schöffel Matthias , Pandit Sonja , Mayer Julia , Holzmann-Littig Christopher , Rigoll Gerhard , Schmaderer Christoph
Published: February 2025

Before medical professionals are permitted to use a medical device, they first must be instructed in its use. However, it is well known that this method is hazardous for both the staff and the patients due to its inadequate quality. In order to address this problem, we investigated the potential of digital technologies for enhancing medical device training. For this, we designed and implemented several diverse training methods: (1) conventional training by a medical instructor, (2) video-based training, (3) mobile application training on a tablet, (4) virtual reality training, and (5) augmented reality training. Since each method provides identical training content to the user, we compared the resulting learning outcomes between the methods. The findings indicate that virtual and augmented reality training is superior to conventional training. These digital technologies offer the opportunity to reduce the burden on healthcare professionals and increase patient safety.
Toward change in the uneven geographies of urban knowledge production
Authors: Müller Martin , Rihoux Quentin , Neville Laura
Published: February 2025

More than four-fifths of the global urban population live in the Global South and East. Most urban theories, however, originate in the Global North. Building on recent efforts to address this mismatch, this paper examines the geographies of urban knowledge production. It analyzes the institutional affiliations of contributions in 25 leading Anglophone journals (n = 14,582) and nine urban handbooks (n = 252). We show that 42% of the journal articles and 17% of the handbook chapters were authored outside the Global North. However, only 15% of the editor positions (handbooks: 10%) were held by scholars based outside the Global North. This indicates that Global Northern institutions still dominate knowledge gatekeeping, whereas authors are more diverse. Additionally, more empirical journals and those with fewer Northern board members tend to publish more non-Northern authors. Our findings underscore the need for greater epistemic diversity in gatekeeping positions and broader understandings of what counts as theory to better incorporate diverse urban knowledge.
LATS1/2 inactivation in the mammary epithelium drives the evolution of a tumor-associated niche
Authors: Kern Joseph G , Kroehling Lina , Spinella Anthony J , Monti Stefano , Varelas Xaralabos
Published: February 2025

Basal-like breast cancers exhibit distinct cellular heterogeneity that contributes to disease pathology. In this study we used a genetic mouse model of basal-like breast cancer driven by epithelial-specific inactivation of the Hippo pathway-regulating LATS1 and LATS2 kinases to elucidate epithelial-stromal interactions. We demonstrate that basal-like carcinoma initiation in this model is accompanied by the accumulation of distinct cancer-associated fibroblasts and macrophages and dramatic extracellular matrix remodeling, phenocopying the stromal diversity observed in human triple-negative breast tumors. Dysregulated epithelial-stromal signals were observed, including those mediated by TGF-β, PDGF, and CSF. Autonomous activation of the transcriptional effector TAZ was observed in LATS1/2-deleted cells along with non-autonomous activation within the evolving tumor niche. We further show that inhibition of the YAP/TAZ-associated TEAD family of transcription factors blocks the development of the carcinomas and associated microenvironment. These observations demonstrate that carcinomas resulting from Hippo pathway dysregulation in the mammary epithelium are sufficient to drive cellular events that promote a basal-like tumor-associated niche and suggest that targeting dysregulated YAP/TAZ-TEAD activity may offer a therapeutic opportunity for basal-like mammary tumors.
iDEP-based single-cell isolation in a two-dimensional array of chambers addressed by easy-to-align wireless electrodes
Authors: Rathnaweera Thilini N. , Anand Robbyn K.
Published: February 2025

An easily alignable platform for selective single-cell capture and confinement using insulator-based dielectrophoresis.
Utilizing red mud from industrial waste as catalysts for the hydrogenation of CO2 into value added chemicals
Authors: Aktary Mahbuba , Sanhoob Mohammed A. , Alzharani Atif S. , Alghamdi Huda S. , Ajeebi Afnan M. , Aziz Md. Abdul , Shaikh M. Nasiruzzaman
Published: February 2025

Finding environmentally acceptable and long-lasting catalysts that can convert carbon dioxide into compounds with additional value is of great interest.