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Impact of a modified produce prescription program on fruit and vegetable intake in an HBCU

Background Limited access to fruits and vegetables remains a significant barrier among underserved populations, particularly within Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Evidence from previous studies suggests that prescription programs, which provide incentives for fresh produce consumption, are effective in enhancing dietary quality and alleviating food insecurity. Objective This pilot investigation assessed the impact of a tailored produce prescription intervention on changes in fruit and vegetable consumption among students at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU). Methods Fifty-five students were assigned to an intervention (n = 28) or control group (n = 27); both received nutrition education and cooking demonstrations, while the intervention group additionally received biweekly personalized produce bags. Fruit and vegetable intake was assessed using a 10-item dietary screener, supported by 24-hour recalls and food frequency questionnaires. Changes in intake were evaluated using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Results Compared with the control group, the intervention group reported higher intake frequencies of cooked beans (χ 2  = 17.63, p = 0.014), while the intake of non-deep-fried vegetables approached statistical significance (χ 2  = 16.82, p = 0.052). Notably, only the intervention group experienced increases from baseline to endline in the intake of 100% fruit juice (Z = −2.199, p = 0.028), fruits (Z = −2.199, p = 0.028), green leafy vegetables (Z = −2.195, p = 0.028), cooked beans (Z = −2.776, p = 0.005), other non-deep-fried vegetables (Z = −2.292, p = 0.022), and tomato sauce (Z = −2.026, p = 0.043). Conclusion The results of a modified produce prescription program revealed favorable within-group changes in the frequency of consumption of several fruit- and vegetable-related foods. While most between-group differences at endline were not statistically significant, observed patterns suggest potential promise and support the need for larger, adequately powered studies to evaluate the impact more rigorously.

A multi-objective decision support system for zone-specific fertilizer recommendation using soil fertility prediction models

Cortical gray matter myelin cuts energy cost of spike propagation without increasing conduction velocity

Myelin is a hallmark of vertebrate nervous systems, yet its roles in central axons remain elusive. Using optical and electrical recordings from thin axons of Layer 5 pyramidal neurons in murine cortical gray matter of animals of either sex, and computational modeling, we argue that myelination halves the metabolic cost of spike propagation with little effect on conduction velocity. Modeling indicates that, although greater speed and energy efficiency are theoretically possible, these would compromise repolarization and the function of internodal voltage-gated channels and pumps. We further suggest that, in contrast to peripheral axons, cortical myelin segregates current flow within periaxonal nanodomains. High-frequency currents, key for the rising phase of the action potential, traverse the myelin sheath to facilitate propagation, whereas low-frequency currents leak through paranodal junctions, supporting repolarization and ion homeostasis. These results suggest that cortical myelin adopts a structural trade-off that favors metabolic efficiency and ionic homeostasis over maximal velocity.

“Please speak in Hindi”: Cognitive interviews to improve measurement of digital access in North India

Access to and use of mobile phones are increasingly a prerequisite for full participation in modern society. Yet, a significant digital gender gap persists in India, where women are less likely than men to own phones or access the internet. To measure and understand this gap, survey questions must be both comprehensible to the respondents and contextually appropriate. We conducted 101 cognitive interviews with men (n = 44) and women (n = 57) in rural Uttar Pradesh to test 118 draft survey questions developed for an upcoming survey on digital access and use. These draft questions were drawn primarily from validated global instruments, with some additional questions newly developed by our team, and were all translated into Hindi. Through team debriefs and systematic analysis of the interview transcripts, we identified seven categories of question problems: (1) inappropriate terminology, (2) overly complex wording, (3) low resonance of digital concepts (e.g., personal data, online tracking, privacy policies, hacking), (4) confusion when asking about permission and supervision of mobile phone use due to phone sharing and overlap with concept of help or support, (5) problematic question structures and response options (especially Likert scales), (6) self-practice bias, and (7) unclear time frames and recall expectations. Overall, we found that many draft survey questions were incomprehensible to respondents despite our research team’s efforts to develop clear and simple translations. Revisions were required for almost all questions. Our findings highlight the critical role of cognitive interviewing in improving data quality, particularly when conducting surveys across languages and sociocultural contexts, and amid rapidly changing digital landscapes.

Coupling an ingestion orifice model with a gas turbine SAS code for integrated cycle modeling

Blm10 and PI31 comprise a failsafe mechanism for proteasome inhibition

Blm10 (PA200 in mammals) is an evolutionarily conserved regulator of the proteasome’s core particle (CP), a barrel-shaped complex that houses six individual protease subunits. Despite decades of study, Blm10’s function has remained unresolved. Here, we provide structural, biochemical, and genetic evidence that yeast Blm10 inhibits the proteasome and that it does so in cooperation with a second proteasome inhibitor, PI31 (also known as Fub1). Both proteins are highly enriched in CPs with abnormal subunit composition, suggesting that Blm10 and PI31 may function to neutralize aberrant proteasomes. We report an unexpected proteasome configuration in which Blm10’s dome-like structure completely encases PI31’s N-terminal domain, which sits outside and atop the CP, while PI31’s C-terminal domain is present inside the CP, simultaneously inhibiting all six active sites. These Blm10/PI31-bound CP are strongly deficient in degradation of both proteins and small peptides, and loss of both proteins results in strongly synergistic genetic phenotypes in vivo. These data suggest that Blm10 and PI31 constitute a partially redundant failsafe system for proteasome inhibition.

The multisensory cocktail party problem in adults: The effects of the configural talking-face template and of facial, vocal, and linguistic identity cues on its solution

Social communication often involves competing talkers and, thus, gives rise to the multisensory cocktail party problem (MCPP). To solve the MCPP, perceivers must bind, integrate, and segregate each talker’s auditory (A) and visual (V) speech streams. Audiovisual (AV) temporal synchrony is a known and powerful multisensory segregation cue and facial and vocal identity cues are known to facilitate segregation. Using eye tracking, we investigated whether perceptual segregation of multiple talking faces depends on the configural talking-face template (Experiment 1) and whether facial, vocal, and linguistic identity cues associated with different talkers can facilitate perceptual segregation (Experiment 2). Results indicated (a) that AV synchrony-based perceptual segregation of multiple talking faces does not depend on the configural talking-face template, (b) that linguistic identity cues facilitated synchrony-based segregation of upright talking faces independently of facial and vocal identity cues, (c) that perceptual segregation was driven primarily by AV speech processing as evidenced by greater selective attention to the talkers’ mouth, and (d) that, as evidenced by pupillary dilation, the type and number of AV congruence cues that had to be processed for successful segregation was associated with differential cognitive effort. Overall, these findings add to existing evidence indicating that adults’ solution of the MCPP relies on AV temporal synchrony cues and on facial, vocal, and linguistic identity congruence cues but not on the canonical configural talking-face template.

Combining forced limb use with Ninjin’yoeito prevents atrophy in fast-twitch muscles and promotes functional restoration after hemorrhagic stroke in rats

Electro-nuclear quantum phase transition in TmVO ₄

Hyperfine interactions couple nuclear and electronic degrees of freedom. The present work explores how hyperfine coupling within the Tm ions in TmVO 4 single crystals affects an electronic ferroquadrupole ordered ground state and its associated field-tuned quantum phase transition. As temperature is progressively reduced through the hyperfine energy scale, the nuclear moments reduce the critical field for the electronic order, resulting in a dramatic back-bending of the phase boundary delineating the ferroquadrupole order. This behavior is well described by a single-ion semiclassical mean-field model down to approximately 50 mK. Analysis of the effective Hamiltonian leads to a prediction of spontaneous nuclear magnetic order mediated by 4 f electrons, which in principle persists with the application of orthogonal antisymmetric strain, yielding a proposed electro-nuclear tetracritical point.

Joint optimization for throughput fairness maximization in laser-powered UAV communications

This paper investigates a laser-powered UAV communication system. To maximize the minimum throughput among ground nodes, we jointly optimize communication scheduling, transmit power, and UAV trajectory. The resulting non-convex problem is decomposed into three subproblems and solved via successive convex approximation and iterative techniques. The simulation results show that our algorithm has fast and stable convergence.

Crystalline lens geometry from a clinical OCT-based biometer in pre-cataract surgery patients

Abstract Understanding relationships between crystalline lens geometry, eye’s refractive error and aging will be insightful to inspire new intraocular lenses (IOLs) and improve selection methods of the IOLs implanted in refractive lens exchange and cataract surgery. In this study we evaluated the relationships between the full geometry of the crystalline lens and age, axial length (AL), and refractive error in patients scheduled for cataract surgery. Optical Coherence Tomography (IOLMaster700, Zeiss) combined with custom-developed full crystalline lens shape reconstruction algorithms were applied to image 327 eyes from 327 participants and quantify lens geometrical parameters, including thickness (LT), radii of curvature of the anterior and posterior lens surfaces (RAL, RPL), volume (LV), surface area (LSA), diameter (DIA) and equatorial plane position (EPP). Correlation and partial correlation analysis (controlling for age, AL, and refractive error) were performed. Multiple linear regression models evaluated whether age and AL predicted LT, DIA, LV and LSA. Age was significantly correlated with LT, LV, LSA, DIA, EPP, and these associations persisted after controlling for AL or refractive error. AL was correlated with RAL, RPL, DIA and refractive error, and with RAL, RPL, LV, LSA, DIA, and refractive error after adjusting for age. Overall, the lens expands axially and meridionally with age, increasing in thickness, diameter, volume and surface area, accompanied by a hyperopic shift. Longer eyes exhibited lenses with larger diameters and flatter anterior and posterior surfaces, partially offsetting myopia. These findings suggest that age- and growth-related lens remodeling contributes to refractive shifts.

<i>SHOOT GRAVITROPISM 9</i> links sensory timing to the initial lateral root growth angle

Plants strategically respond to gravity and actively set defined growth angles. These gravitropic set-point angles (GSAs) shape the width and depth of the root system, determining soil exploration for water and nutrient uptake. Despite its physiological importance, the concept by which lateral roots establish their growth angle has remained largely unclear. Here, we show that temporal regulation of gravity responsiveness within a defined developmental phase sets the initial GSA in lateral roots. Stage-specific transcriptome profiling revealed that SHOOT GRAVITROPISM 9 ( SGR9 ) is upregulated in emerged lateral roots as they first respond to gravity. Loss of SGR9 slows amyloplast sedimentation and delays the PIN3-dependent establishment of asymmetric auxin distribution. Notably, the delay in the gravity response alters, rather than merely postpones, the initial stable growth angle. Our findings reveal that a developmental time window enables transient sensory dynamics to be translated into stable initial root growth angles, illustrating how developmental timing can convert short-lived signals into lasting form.

Plasmodium falciparum non-synonymous Kelch13 mutations mediating artemisinin resistance in East Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis: 2014–2024

Background Resistance to antimalarial drugs has posed a significant challenge to global efforts to control and eliminate malaria. Partial artemisinin resistance has been observed in East Africa, a region that has been a historical hotspot for antimalarial drug resistance across the continent. Consequently, this review assesses the extent of non-synonymous mutations mediating artemisinin resistance, the varieties of these mutations, and their effects on treatment outcomes in East Africa. Methods Studies reporting artemisinin resistance (samples collected between 2014 and 2024), particularly the Pf-Kelch13 mutation among malaria patients in East Africa, were searched through the Medline, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), LILACS, and EMBASE online databases. The protocol for the review was registered at PROSPERO (Reference number: CRD42024602752). Two independent reviewers extracted data. Potential publication bias was assessed using a funnel plot. Pooled proportion estimates were calculated using a random-effects model, and heterogeneity was assessed using I 2 statistics. Results Twenty-four (24) studies were deemed eligible for data extraction. The heterogeneity among the studies included in the meta-analysis was high (I 2  &gt; 95% and p &lt; 0.01). The overall estimated pooled proportions of non-synonymous Pf-Kelch13 mutations, using the random effects model, were 5.0% (95% CI 3.0%–7.0%), with the pooled proportion estimates being higher in Rwanda and Uganda (10.0%, 95% CI 4.0%–16.0%) and (10.0%, 95% CI 6.0%–14.0%), respectively. Subgroup analysis (per mutation type) revealed that R561H and A675V were the most prevalent non-synonymous mutations (9.0%, 95% CI 5.0%–15.0% and 7.0%, 95% CI 4.0%–10.0%, respectively). Patients harbouring parasites with Pf-Kelch13 non-synonymous mutations were significantly more likely to experience treatment failure than those harbouring wild P. falciparum parasites (Log OR: −2.06, 95% CI, −2.71–1.41). Conclusion The prevalence of Pf-Kelch13 non-synonymous mutations known to be associated with artemisinin resistance was significant. The most common mutations identified were R561H and A675V. Continued molecular surveillance and coordinated efforts are essential to contain the partial artemisinin resistance in the East African region and prevent its spread across the continent.

Genetic analysis of earliness and yield traits in intervarietal hybrids of okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.)] using multi-environment analysis

Oncogenic Gα signaling requires AP-3-dependent recruitment to the endolysosomal compartment

G protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs) constitute the largest superfamily of cell-surface receptors, yet the spatial constraints governing their signaling remain poorly defined. Here, we demonstrate that Gα, an essential downstream component of GPCR signaling, undergoes a spatial shift from the plasma membrane to the endolysosomal compartment upon its constitutive activation. Using a genome-wide CRISPR screen, we identify the adaptor protein AP-3 as the essential mediator of this trafficking event. Loss of AP-3-dependent recruitment impairs Gα-driven signaling and proliferation in uveal melanoma cells harboring oncogenic Gα mutations. We further identify a highly evolutionarily conserved AP-3 binding motif in all Gα proteins, present from yeast to humans. Disrupting this site causes Gα mislocalization and potently suppresses tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. Conversely, tethering Gα to the endolysosomal membrane is sufficient to rescue oncogenic signaling. Our findings reveal that endolysosomal recruitment is a fundamental, conserved requirement for Gα activity, uncovering a spatial vulnerability that may be exploited to target dysregulated G-protein signaling in human disease.

Pyrococcus furiosus Argonaute coupled PCR assay for accurate discrimination between the MS-H vaccine strain and clinical isolates of Mycoplasma synoviae

Mycoplasma synoviae (MS) is a significant avian pathogen responsible for arthritis, tenosynovitis, airsacculitis, and abnormal eggshell apex syndrome in chickens, posing a substantial threat to the poultry industry. While the attenuated MS-H vaccine has proven effective and is widely implemented in poultry flocks. However, distinguishing the MS-H vaccine strain from wild-type strains remains a persistent challenge. Recently, Pyrococcus furiosus Argonaute (PfAgo) nucleases have garnered considerable attention due to their capacity for single-nucleotide discrimination. Leveraging the A367G SNP within the MS obg gene, we developed a novel identification method that integrates PfAgo-mediated cleavage with PCR amplification. Through systematic optimization of PfAgo cleavage substrates and PCR primers, this approach achieved detection sensitivities of 1 × 10 3 copies/µL for the MS-H vaccine strain and 1 × 10 4 copies/µL for wild-type strains. Validation using 12 clinical samples resulted in the accurate identification of three MS-H vaccine strains and nine wild-type strains. The established method thus provides a reliable and sensitive tool for discriminating between MS-H vaccine and wild-type strains, supporting improved surveillance and control in poultry farming.

Integrated management of wheat stem rust (Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici) through variety, nitrogen, and fungicide application

Richard D. Alba 1942–2025: Distinguished scholar of ethnicity and immigrant assimilation and cherished mentor and friend

Richard D. Alba, a path-breaking sociologist who studied immigrant assimilation and its impact on mainstream cultures, in the United States and in Western Europe, passed away on June 4, 2025, at the age of 82. His early work rigorously chronicled the upward mobility, suburbanization, intermarriage, and mixed ethnic identities of later-generation European immigrants. He found similar patterns among recent immigrants and the second generation from Latin America, the Caribbean, and Asia. Together with Victor Nee, he developed “neoassimilation” theory, describing a two-way process involving changes among immigrants and the emergence of a multiracial, multicultural mainstream, emphasizing the conditions under which a society can integrate newcomers with less resistance. Alba was a beloved mentor, friend, and colleague to generations of social scientists.

Correction: Decorin inhibits glucose-induced lens epithelial cell apoptosis via suppressing p22phox-p38 MAPK signaling pathway

Community and clinical resistomes and mobilomes: a comparative genomic snapshot of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae

Abstract Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae are major contributors to antimicrobial resistance (AMR)-related mortality globally. The resistomes, mobilomes, clonalities, and phylogenies of 32 E. coli (15 clinical, 17 community) and 14 K. pneumoniae (6 clinical, 8 community) isolates from KwaZulu-Natal were compared to ascertain similarities and differences between healthcare-related pathogens and community commensals using whole genome sequencing and bioinformatic pipelines. Resistome analysis revealed that bla CTX−M−15 predominated in clinical isolates of both E. coli and K. pneumoniae , whereas bla TEM−1B was more common in community E. coli . Two clinical E. coli harboured bla OXA−181 , and one K. pneumoniae carried bla OXA−181 and bla NDM−5 ; none were detected in community isolates. IncF plasmid replicons were most frequent, and gene cassettes within class 1 integrons, insertion sequences, and transposons contributed to resistome mobilization across both settings. A broad range of sequence types (STs) were detected across both settings, with shared STs limited to ST131, ST10, and ST1193 in E. coli , and ST17 in K. pneumoniae . Phylogeny showed that clinical E. coli clustered with some community isolates, while K. pneumoniae showed limited clustering. The overlap of resistomes, mobilomes, STs and phylogenies suggests genomic relatedness between isolates from both settings, highlighting the importance of AMR surveillance in community settings.