bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Medicago Mting1 Mting2 double knockout mutants are extremely dwarfed and never flower implicating essential MtING functions in growth and flowering
Authors: Mayo-Smith Matthew , Poulet Axel , Zhang Lulu , Peng Yongyan , Goldstone David , Putterill Joanna 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Optimal flowering time is critical to agricultural productivity. Despite this, the molecular mechanisms regulating flowering in the economically important Fabaceae (legume) family are not fully understood. For example, the key flowering regulators known from Arabidopsis, FLC and CO, do not regulate flowering in the temperate model legume Medicago truncatula (Medicago). Previously, we used CRISPR-Cas9 mutagenesis to show the histone modification reader MtINHIBITOR OF GROWTH 2 promotes flowering and growth in Medicago. However, surprisingly, the highly conserved C-terminal plant homeodomain (PHD) finger did not appear to contribute to this, as Mting2 PHD finger mutants flowered and grew similarly to wild type. Additionally, a second ING gene, MtING1, did not appear to regulate flowering.
Methods
To further dissect the genetic function of the two MtING genes in flowering and growth, we cross-pollinated selected Mting1 and Mting2 single mutants to create two different double mutants; the Mting1-7 Mting2-2 double knockout mutant and the Mting1-1 Mting2-11 double PHD finger mutant. The growth and flowering of these mutants was assessed in floral-inductive vernalised long day conditions. We also used fluorescence confocal microscopy and in vitro protein biophysical analysis to investigate the subcellular localization and oligomerization of the proteins. Finally, we carried out gene expression analysis by RNA-seq and RT-qPCR to determine how the two genes affect transcript accumulation to influence growth and flowering.
Results
The Mting1-7 Mting2-2 double knockout mutants were very small, did not maintain outgrowing branches and never flowered. Mting1-1 Mting2-11 double PHD finger mutants on the other hand showed only mild dwarfing and delays to flowering. GFP tagged MtING proteins localised to the nucleus in tobacco leaves. However, recombinant MtING domain proteins did not form dimers in solution. Gene expression analyses showed large changes to global gene expression in the double knockout mutant with key flowering genes downregulated and predicted floral repressors elevated.
Conclusions
Although the first ING gene was identified in humans almost three decades ago, very little is known about the two plant ING genes. Our findings demonstrate the essential combined role the MtING genes play in the regulation of gene expression, flowering time and wider development.
Previewed Social Support Buffers PostTraumatic Stress Disorder in Jordanian Women Experiencing Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Masa'deh Rami , Masadeh Omayma , Murad Amal abdulrahman , Saleh Zyad T. , Mohamed Nermen A. , Eltayeb Mudathir M. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Previous studies agreed that post-traumatic stress disorder is a pervasive consequence affecting women who were exposed to intimate partner violence. Perceived social support could buffer post-traumatic stress disorder. This study aimed to investigate the buffering role of social support on intimate partner violence and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Methods
A cross-sectional quantitative research design was used to recruit women exposed to intimate partner violence residing in Amman, Irbid, and Zarqa. A non-probability convenience sampling method was used to recruit 166 women. They had to answer the participant’s socio-characteristics sheet, the Arabic version of the multidimensional scale of perceived social support (AVMSPSS), and the Arabic version of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (APLC-5)
Results
Results showed that there is a significant positive medium-strength relationship between the frequency of intimate partner violence and total post-traumatic stress disorder, r=0.41 and p<0.001. Also, results showed a significant negative medium-strength relationship between the frequency of intimate partner violence and total perceived social support, r=-0.36 and p<0.001. Total post-traumatic stress disorder had a significant negative medium-strength relationship with perceived social support, r=-0.38 and p<0.001.
Implications and recommendations
The results of the study shed light on the importance of perceived social support in decreasing the severity of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms and the frequency of intimate partner violence. Improving perceived social support can be established by fostering family roles in raising awareness toward strengthening relationships of mutual husband-wife respect and achieving gender equality.
Effect of femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery for cataracts after pars plana vitrectomy: A prospective randomized controlled study
Authors: Wen Lin , Lian Hao , Liu Yi , Wei Bin , Deng Yan , Hu Jianqi , Wu Ying , Zhang Min , Fan Yaoqin , Xu Li 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Objective: To compare the efficacy of femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) and conventional phacoemulsification (CPS) in treating cataracts after vitrectomy.
Methods: This was a prospective randomized controlled study. Patients who underwent cataract surgery after pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) were randomly divided into the FLACS group and the CPS group. Preoperative data from all patients were collected, and the intraoperative average phacoemulsification energy (AVE), effective phacoemulsification time (EPT), intraoperative complications, postoperative intraocular pressure, corneal endothelial cell density (ECD), and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were compared.
Results: A total of 92 eyes were included in the analysis, with 47 eyes in the FLACS group and 45 eyes in the CPS group. Compared with those in the CPS group, the intraoperative AVEs and EPTs in the FLACS group were lower (P < 0.05). In the FLACS group, 3 eyes (3/47, 6.38%) had incomplete presplitting nuclei, 3 eyes (3/47, 6.38%) had incomplete capsulotomy, and 1 eye (1/47, 2.13%) had incomplete lens dislocation. In the CPS group, 2 eyes (2/45, 4.44%) had incomplete lens dislocation, and 1 eye (1/45, 2.22%) had a radial anterior capsule tear. There was no statistically significant difference in intraoperative complications between the two groups (P > 0.05). Compared with before surgery, both groups presented a decrease in intraocular pressure (IOP), and there was no statistically significant difference in IOP between the two groups three months after surgery (P > 0.05). Three months after surgery, the ECD of the FLACS group was greater than that of the CPS group, and the average endothelial cell loss (ECL) was lower than that of the CPS group (P < 0.01). Both groups showed varying degrees of improvement in the postoperative BCVA compared with the preoperative BCVA. On the first day after surgery, the FLACS group was superior to the CPS group (P < 0.05), while there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups at one week, one month, three months after surgery (all P > 0.05).
Conclusion: Postoperative complications of nuclear cataract after PPV should be promptly treated with surgery. FLACS is safe and effective in treating cataracts after PPV surgery, providing faster visual improvement and facilitating the postoperative recovery of cataracts after PPV surgery.
A qualitative study exploring midwives/nurses' personal and cultural beliefs in the midwifery care of women with Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGMC) in Nigeria.
Authors: Muhammad Rukaiyya , Watts Kim , Montgomery Elsa 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGMC) is a global issue with implications for maternal mortality/morbidity in Nigeria. Midwives/nurses are crucial in the provision of midwifery care for women with FGMC. Where the midwives/nurses have undergone FGMC as part of their cultural identity, this study seeks to explore the midwives/nurses' personal and cultural beliefs in the midwifery care of women with FGMC.
Methods
A qualitative descriptive study was conducted across the three tiers of healthcare facilities in Osun State Nigeria where twenty-four interviews were held with midwives/nurses. Data was collected by conducting semi-structured telephone interviews which were analysed using thematic analysis.
Results
To our knowledge, this is the first study to explore the experiences of midwives/nurses across the three tiers of healthcare provision with three themes derived from the interviews: Personal FGMC experience, culture vs medical knowledge and cultural Practice of FGMC: healthcare facility vs community.
Conclusion
Difficult FGMC experiences were used as drivers by the midwives/nurses in the motivation for the abandonment of FGMC. Although there was a strong aversion to the procedure, there is a continued need for awareness across healthcare facilities, educational institutions and local communities.
Modification of chitosan nanoparticle by a new oxime compound: synthesis, characterization and antioxidant activities
Authors: Sabzevari Atefeh , Kakanejadifard Ali 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

As an antioxidant biopolymer, chitosan nanoparticles can be conjugated with other antioxidant agents to increase the potential applications of the resulting materials in a variety of sectors, including food, packaging, cosmetics, and other industries. In this research, terephthaldialdehyde was used to quickly create a novel oxime. The oxime was then connected to chitosan nanoparticles (CSNP) to acquire established biological characteristics. FT-IR, 1H and 13C NMR all demonstrated the oxime's production. The schiff base of oxime on chitosan nanoparticles (CSNP-OX) was detected by FT-IR, UV-Vis, DLS, FE-SEM-EDX and TEM. The antioxidant activities of the CSNP and CSNP-OX were also analyzed; DPPH-radical scavenging of CSNP-OX was higher than CSNP. These findings suggest that the CSNP-OX is a viable option for utilization in pharmaceuticals and food items for innovative uses.
Hall Plasma Thruster Development for Nano and Micro-Satellites at PPL/UNB
Authors: Ferreira José L. , Costa Hudson M. , Paula Jhonatha W. S. , Martins Alexandre A. , Junior Helbert de O. C. , Porto Marconi C. F. , Miranda Rodrigo A. , Almeida Júlio C. M. , Sinésio William W. T. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The Plasma Physics Laboratory, at the University of Brasilia, studies and develops electric thrusters since 2004. During this time, several versions of Permanent Hall Thruster were tested, such as PHALL-IIc, which achieved over 40mN of thrust with around 600 W power consumption. In this paper we recollect some important milestones of PHALL development, building from these foundations toward designing, and testing, a PHALL thruster for 3U and 6U Cubesats. A new structure is presented, designed in SolidWorks, with dimensions tailored to 1U, alongside a novel RF plasma cathode concept. Computational simulations guide the material's decision-making process, showing the thermal distribution along different surfaces. Comsol simulations indicate an electron concentration region in the center of the plasma cathode, which is seen in the preliminary results of the plasma cathode operating in a vacuum chamber, with 30 W of RF power at 13.56 MHz.
Residual Channel Prior-Guided Multi-Scale Progressive Dehazing Network with Hybrid Attention
Authors: Xing Yiming , Zhang Jindong 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Haze significantly degrades image quality, impacting tasks such as object detection and semantic segmentation. Existing dehazing methods often perform well on synthetic images but struggle with real-world hazy images, particularly those with non-uniform haze distribution. To address this challenge, we propose a Residual Channel Prior-Guided Multi-Scale Progressive Dehazing Network (MPDNet). MPDNet leverages the rich structural information contained in the Residual Channel Prior (RCP) of hazy images and introduces a Prior-Guided Block (PGB) to extract RCP maps at different dehazing stages. To better apply prior knowledge at different stages, we designed a progressive dehazing network. An Attention-Guided Feature Memory module (AFM) is designed to explore the correlation between current input and historical information, enabling feature transfer across stages. Additionally, a Multi-Scale Dehazing Unit (MDU) incorporating a Multi-Scale Feature Extraction Module (MSFEM) with a hybrid attention mechanism is utilized to restore haze-free images. Extensive experiments demonstrate that MPDNet achieves state-of-the-art performance on both synthetic and real datasets, particularly excelling in handling non-uniform hazy images.
Pinyon Jays (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus) And Clark’s Nutcrackers (Nucifraga columbiana) Can Discriminate Between Pilfering And Non-Pilfering Conspecifics, But Not Between Heterospecifics
Authors: Vernouillet Alizée , Huang Nanxi , Kelly Debbie M. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

When foraging, individuals often need to assess potential risk from competitors. Within many food-caching (food-storing) species, individuals can modify their caching behavior depending on whether other individuals are present during the caching event. During caching, individuals may interact with not only conspecifics but also heterospecifics. However, the extent to which individual cachers can discriminate between conspecifics and heterospecifics that present a pilfering threat or not, has received little attention. During this study, we examined this issue with food-storing birds, highly social pinyon jays and less social Clark’s nutcrackers. Cachers were given a choice to store their seeds in one of two visually distinct trays. Subsequently, one of the trays was given to an individual (either a conspecific or a heterospecific) who pilfered the caches, whereas the other tray was given to an individual (either a conspecific or a heterospecific) who did not pilfer the caches. When the two trays were returned to the cachers, they recached the seeds from the tray given to the pilfering observer individual more so than the tray given to the non-pilfering observer, but only when the pilferer was a conspecific. Our results suggest that the pinyon jays and nutcrackers could distinguish between conspecifics based on their pilfering behavior, but not between heterospecifics. Together, our results reconsider the ability of corvids to discriminate between individuals based on their pilfering risk and the importance of doing so while caching.
Asymptomatic sexually transmitted diseases in urbanized Nigerian women
Authors: Toluwalope Gbolahan , Fagbohun Tolani , Okoh Ene , Ibekwe Ogechukwu , Owoade Yinka , Adebamowo Sally N. , Group ACCME Research , Adebamowo Clement 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and trichomonas are a global public health burden, particularly in women, where they are linked to HIV, HPV, stillbirth, neonatal complications, pelvic inflammatory disease, and infertility. Asymptomatic infections pose higher risks when left untreated. This study examines the prevalence and determinants of asymptomatic STIs among Nigerian women. The study is part of a larger cohort involving 11,700 women investigating high-risk HPV, vaginal microbiome, and cervical cancer in Nigeria. Participants, who reported no symptoms of STIs or HIV over 12 months, provided high-vaginal swabs for analysis and serum for testing Chlamydia trachomatis and Treponema pallidum antibodies. The mean age of participants was 39.0 years, with an average sexual debut at 20.9 years. Over half (56.3%) tested positive for at least one bacterial infection. Women with STIs had a lower mean age at sexual debut (20.7 years) compared to those without (21.3 years), though this was not statistically significant. However, debut before age 20 was significantly associated with increased risk of asymptomatic STIs (adjusted OR = 0.53, p = 0.02). Early sexual debut and routine screening are key to reducing asymptomatic STIs and associated complications in this population.
Development of onboard multi-frequency impedance spectrum measurement device for high-power vehicular fuel cell system
Authors: Ma Tiancai , Yao Naiyuan , Yang Yanbo , Li Ruitao , Qi Jinxuan , Lin Weikang 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Water management in fuel cell vehicles emerges as a critical bottleneck. The electrochemical impedance spectrum (EIS) is commonly used during the development of vehicular fuel cell systems to diagnose the internal state of the fuel cells. However, studies focusing on on-board impedance measurement devices for high-power vehicular fuel cell systems are limited. This research introduces a novel AC excitation module capable of delivering disturbance signals across a wide frequency range (1–1000 Hz) directly, addressing the need for accurate in-situ impedance measurement. The instruments integrate an auxiliary DC/DC converter to modulate the AC excitation signals, enhancing the precision and adaptability of the impedance measurements under various operational conditions. The hardware circuit and calculation method for the impedance measurement module are detailed. Additionally, this paper analyzes the operating characteristics of the fuel cell's DC/DC converter in conjunction with the AC excitation module. Rigorous testing validates the self-developed devices, confirming their consistency with standard instruments. The effectiveness of the EIS measurement device underscores its potential to significantly enhance the reliability and efficiency of fuel cell electric vehicles by providing robust tools for performance monitoring and fault diagnosis.
Enablers and Barriers to ART adherence among Female Sex Workers in Midwestern Uganda: A qualitative study
Authors: Apuulison David , Nabawanuka Brenda , Muhoozi Michael , Aryampa Julian , Irumba Pauline , Katsomyo Edson , Asiimwe Moses , Epuitai Joshua , Akugizibwe Pardon , Wasswa George , Rubaihayo John 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Introduction: Female sex workers (FSWs) in Uganda experience challenges in adhering to antiretroviral therapy (ART). We used the theory of planned behavior to explore the enablers and barriers to ART adherence among FSWs.
Materials and methods
We conducted six key informant interviews with healthcare workers and leaders of the FSWs association. Furthermore, 30 in-depth interviews were conducted among FSWs. Thematic deductive analysis was applied to analyze the data through the lens of the theory of planned behavior.
Findings
The attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control influenced adherence to ART. Positive attitudes including positive appraisal of and evaluation outcomes with ART use enabled adherence to ART. Subjective norms such as social support, disclosure of HIV status, seeing others take ART and aspirations for longer life enabled ART adherence. The perceived ability to comply with ART adherence was facilitated by appropriate scheduling or timing on when to take ART, responsive and respectful healthcare workers, and availability of food/basic needs. Negative attitudes such as misconceptions and fear of side effects hindered ART adherence. Social disapproval of sex work and or HIV hindered ART adherence among FSWs. Social disapproval including lack of social support, gender-based violence, non-disclosure, stigma and abandonment hindered use of ART among FSW. The ability to adhere to ART has affected by the socio-economic constraints (e.g., food scarcity), and occupation related factors (substance use, incarceration, busy and predictable schedules, and abrupt migrations).
Conclusion
ART adherence among FSW was influenced by attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. Addressing these challenges in ART adherence through targeted interventions could facilitate ART adherence and improve health outcomes among FSW.
Classification of Ransomware Variants Through Adaptive Pattern Recognition in Real-Time Environments
Authors: Snave Matthew , Klein Richard , Hayes Matthew , Nielsen Samuel , Blanchard Thomas 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Ransomware attacks have rapidly escalated in sophistication and frequency, exploiting vulnerabilities within critical infrastructure and personal data storage systems, often with devastating financial and operational consequences. Addressing this challenge, Adaptive Pattern Recognition (APR) offers a transformative approach, incorporating a real-time, signature-independent framework that evolves alongside emerging ransomware threats. APR’s architecture integrates advanced feature extraction, leveraging entropy, file system modifications, and network anomalies to dynamically identify ransomware behaviors across diverse attack stages. Designed for high adaptability, APR autonomously discerns subtle deviations indicative of ransomware, enhancing classification accuracy for both known and novel strains. Through comprehensive testing, APR demonstrated a robust balance of classification speed and accuracy, outperforming traditional methods while maintaining computational efficiency suitable for resource-constrained environments. The discussion outlines APR’s scalability and potential applications in broader malware detection contexts, with a focus on overcoming deployment challenges related to computational resources and heterogeneous network environments. These findings suggest that APR’s adaptive mechanisms could significantly enhance proactive cybersecurity defenses, equipping organizations with a resilient, long-term solution to evolving ransomware landscapes.
Estimation of Lifetime Attributable Risk Associated with Abdomen CT scan: a Retrospective Study in Northern Jordan
Authors: Albadarneh Laith , Rahman Azhar Abdul , Elawaidat Haytham 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Objective: This study investigated the lifetime attributable risk (LAR) associated abdominal CT scans.
Method: 1505 patients (904 males, 601 females) were included after excluding scans with undocumented protocols or performed on minors.Data included demographics, scan parameters, and dose indices (CTDIvol, kVp, mAs, DLP).
Result: Younger patients (18-20 years) exhibited the highest LAR for stomach and colon examinations, suggesting potential overuse of CT scans. Liver showed a different trend. Interestingly, CT dose index values (CTDIvol and DLP) were similar across most age groups and genders, except for females in their 40s who received a significantly higher CTDIvol.
Conclusion: These findings highlight the need for stricter CT scan guidelines, particularly for younger patients. Additionally, scan protocols should be optimized based on patient demographics and the organ examined.