bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recognition of Structural Components and Surface Damage Using Regularization‐Based Continual Learning
Authors: Chang Yung-I , Wu Rih-Teng
Published: February 2025

The identification of surface damage and structural components is critical for structural health monitoring (SHM) in order to evaluate building safety. Recently, deep neural networks (DNNs)–based approaches have emerged rapidly. However, the existing approaches often encounter catastrophic forgetting when the trained model is used to learn new classes of interest. Conventionally, joint training of the network on both the previous and new data is employed, which is time‐consuming and demanding for computation and memory storage. To address this issue, we propose a new approach that integrates two continual learning (CL) algorithms, i.e., elastic weight consolidation (EWC) and learning without forgetting (LwF), denoted as EWCLwF. We also investigate two scenarios for a comprehensive discussion, incrementally learning the classes with similar versus dissimilar data characteristics. Results have demonstrated that EWCLwF requires significantly less training time and data storage compared to joint training, and the average accuracy is enhanced by 0.7%–4.5% compared against other baseline references in both scenarios. Furthermore, our findings reveal that all CL‐based approaches benefit from similar data characteristics, while joint training not only fails to benefit but performs even worse, which indicates a scenario that can emphasize the advantage of our proposed approach. The outcome of this study will enhance the long‐term monitoring of progressively increasing learning classes in SHM, leading to more efficient usage and management of computing resources.
Supplementary Table 5 from Cytokine-Regulated Phosphorylation and Activation of TET2 by JAK2 in Hematopoiesis
Authors: Jeong Jong Jin , Gu Xiaorong , Nie Ji , Sundaravel Sriram , Liu Hui , Kuo Wen-Liang , Bhagat Tushar D. , Pradhan Kith , Cao John , Nischal Sangeeta , McGraw Kathy L. , Bhattacharyya Sanchari , Bishop Michael R. , Artz Andrew , Thirman Michael J. , Moliterno Alison , Ji Peng , Levine Ross L. , Godley Lucy A. , Steidl Ulrich , Bieker James J. , List Alan F. , Saunthararajah Yogen , He Chuan , Verma Amit , Wickrema Amittha
Published: February 2025

Supp Table 5: Transcripts overrexpressed in IMF samples with JAK2V617F mutation
PTP inhibition improves the macrophage anti-tumor immune response and the efficacy of chemo- and radiotherapy
Authors: Prieto-Dominguez Nestor , Goel Paran , Ojo Oluwagbemiga A. , Moretto Katarina , Holtzhausen Alisha , Humphryes Angel , Zhou Xinyue , Kuznetsova Valeriya , Dempsey Francesca , Pittman Kelly , Lu Rui , Green Todd J. , Shi Lewis Z. , Welner Robert S. , Earp H. Shelton , Ubil Eric
Published: February 2025

Traditional anti-cancer therapies induce tumor cell death and subsequent release of Damage Associated Molecular Patterns (DAMPs) that activate the innate inflammatory response. Paradoxically, after treatment, macrophages often adopt a pro-wound healing, rather than pro-inflammatory, phenotype and contribute to cancer progression. We found that in areas proximal to DAMP release, tumor cells upregulate the expression of Pros1. Tumor-secreted Pros1 binds to the macrophage Mer receptor, consequently limiting responsiveness to DAMPs by preventing Toll Like Receptor (TLR) signal transduction. Pharmacological inhibition of PTP1b signaling downstream of Mer rescued the pro-inflammatory response, even in the presence of Pros1. Combining PTP inhibition with traditional therapeutics, like chemo- or radiotherapy, rescued the innate immune response to DAMPs, increased immune infiltration, and resulted in a 40-90% reduction in tumor growth in multiple treatment refractory preclinical models. Our findings suggest using PTP1b inhibitors may be a tumor agnostic means of improving the efficacy of some of the most widely used anti-cancer therapeutic agents.
Figure S9 from A Melanoma Brain Metastasis CTC Signature and CTC:B-cell Clusters Associate with Secondary Liver Metastasis: A Melanoma Brain–Liver Metastasis Axis
Authors: Bowley Tetiana Y. , Ortiz Mireya C. , Lagutina Irina V. , Steinkamp Mara P. , Fahy Bridget N. , Tawfik Bernard , Harari-Turquie Moises , Marchetti Dario
Published: February 2025

Heat maps of humanized vs non-humanized brain tissues
Figure S8 from A Melanoma Brain Metastasis CTC Signature and CTC:B-cell Clusters Associate with Secondary Liver Metastasis: A Melanoma Brain–Liver Metastasis Axis
Authors: Bowley Tetiana Y. , Ortiz Mireya C. , Lagutina Irina V. , Steinkamp Mara P. , Fahy Bridget N. , Tawfik Bernard , Harari-Turquie Moises , Marchetti Dario
Published: February 2025

Bar plots analyses of 10x Xenium clusters
Figure S7 from A Melanoma Brain Metastasis CTC Signature and CTC:B-cell Clusters Associate with Secondary Liver Metastasis: A Melanoma Brain–Liver Metastasis Axis
Authors: Bowley Tetiana Y. , Ortiz Mireya C. , Lagutina Irina V. , Steinkamp Mara P. , Fahy Bridget N. , Tawfik Bernard , Harari-Turquie Moises , Marchetti Dario
Published: February 2025

HALO analyses of HuNBSGW intestine
Figure S11 from A Melanoma Brain Metastasis CTC Signature and CTC:B-cell Clusters Associate with Secondary Liver Metastasis: A Melanoma Brain–Liver Metastasis Axis
Authors: Bowley Tetiana Y. , Ortiz Mireya C. , Lagutina Irina V. , Steinkamp Mara P. , Fahy Bridget N. , Tawfik Bernard , Harari-Turquie Moises , Marchetti Dario
Published: February 2025

Heat maps of humanized vs non-humanized intestine tissues
Figure S10 from A Melanoma Brain Metastasis CTC Signature and CTC:B-cell Clusters Associate with Secondary Liver Metastasis: A Melanoma Brain–Liver Metastasis Axis
Authors: Bowley Tetiana Y. , Ortiz Mireya C. , Lagutina Irina V. , Steinkamp Mara P. , Fahy Bridget N. , Tawfik Bernard , Harari-Turquie Moises , Marchetti Dario
Published: February 2025

Heat maps of humanized vs non-humanized liver tissues
Figure 8 from A Melanoma Brain Metastasis CTC Signature and CTC:B-cell Clusters Associate with Secondary Liver Metastasis: A Melanoma Brain–Liver Metastasis Axis
Authors: Bowley Tetiana Y. , Ortiz Mireya C. , Lagutina Irina V. , Steinkamp Mara P. , Fahy Bridget N. , Tawfik Bernard , Harari-Turquie Moises , Marchetti Dario
Published: February 2025

Spatial single-cell protein expression analyses of huNBSGW tumor tissues by HALO platform (Indica Lab). HuNBSGW A2.1 tumor tissues: (A) humanized brain and (B) humanized liver were cut on Microtome right after the Xenium sections and stained for MelA and CD19 to visualize melanoma and B cells, respectively (top). Positive cells were quantified using HALO software. Bottom panel shows numbers and percentages of MelA+ and CD19+ cells in the whole section. See “Materials and Methods” for experimental details.
Figure 4 from A Melanoma Brain Metastasis CTC Signature and CTC:B-cell Clusters Associate with Secondary Liver Metastasis: A Melanoma Brain–Liver Metastasis Axis
Authors: Bowley Tetiana Y. , Ortiz Mireya C. , Lagutina Irina V. , Steinkamp Mara P. , Fahy Bridget N. , Tawfik Bernard , Harari-Turquie Moises , Marchetti Dario
Published: February 2025

Capture and interrogation of CTCs from huNBSGW and NBSGW CDXs by the FDA-approved CTC Parsortix platform. Blood of the second-generation CDXs was collected at the end of the study and immunostained for visualization of single CTCs (MelA+/DAPI+/CD45− cells; A) and CTC clusters (B). C, Cells from healthy donor blood (MelA–/DAPI+/CD45+) were stained in parallel as control. Bottom, model-specific, gender-specific number of single CTCs and CTC clusters (two-cell or greater) quantified by high-definition confocal microscopy in second-generation CDXs. A significant increase of CTCs/CTC clusters was detected in huNBSGW CDXs, regardless of gender (red box). See “Materials and Methods” for experimental details.
Data from A Melanoma Brain Metastasis CTC Signature and CTC:B-cell Clusters Associate with Secondary Liver Metastasis: A Melanoma Brain–Liver Metastasis Axis
Authors: Bowley Tetiana Y. , Ortiz Mireya C. , Lagutina Irina V. , Steinkamp Mara P. , Fahy Bridget N. , Tawfik Bernard , Harari-Turquie Moises , Marchetti Dario
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Melanoma brain metastasis is linked to dismal prognosis and low overall survival and is detected in up to 80% of patients at autopsy. Circulating tumor cells (CTC) are the smallest functional units of cancer and precursors of fatal metastasis. We previously used an unbiased multilevel approach to discover a unique ribosomal protein large/small subunit (RPL/RPS) CTC gene signature associated with melanoma brain metastasis. In this study, we hypothesized that CTC-driven melanoma brain metastasis secondary metastasis (“metastasis of metastasis” per clinical scenarios) has targeted organ specificity for the liver. We injected parallel cohorts of immunodeficient and newly developed humanized NBSGW (huNBSGW) mice with cells from CTC-derived melanoma brain metastasis to identify secondary metastatic patterns. We found the presence of a melanoma brain–liver metastasis axis in huNBSGW mice. Furthermore, RNA sequencing analysis of tissues showed a significant upregulation of the RPL/RPS CTC gene signature linked to metastatic spread to the liver. Additional RNA sequencing of CTCs from huNBSGW blood revealed extensive CTC clustering with human B cells in these mice. CTC:B-cell clusters were also upregulated in the blood of patients with primary melanoma and maintained either in CTC-driven melanoma brain metastasis or melanoma brain metastasis CTC–derived cells promoting liver metastasis. CTC-generated tumor tissues were interrogated at single-cell gene and protein expression levels (10x Genomics Xenium and HALO spatial biology platforms, respectively). Collectively, our findings suggest that heterotypic CTC:B-cell interactions can be critical at multiple stages of metastasis.
Significance:
This study provides important insights into the relevance of prometastatic CTC:B-cell clusters in melanoma progression, extends the importance of the CTC RPL/RPS gene signature beyond primary metastasis/melanoma brain metastasis driving targeted organ specificity for liver metastasis (“metastasis of metastasis”), and identifies new targets for clinical melanoma metastasis therapies.
Exploring the Role of Macrophages and Their Associated Structures in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Tian Xin , Chen Jingjing , Hong Yujie , Cao Yang , Xiao Jing , Zhu Yan
Published: February 2025

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, invasive autoimmune disease characterized by symmetrical polyarthritis involving synovial inflammation. Epidemiological studies indicate that the incidence of RA continues to rise, yet the pathogenesis of this disease remains not fully understood. A significant infiltration of macrophages is observed in the synovium of RA patients. It can be inferred that macrophages likely play a crucial role in the onset and progression of RA. Summary: This review aims to summarize the research progress on the mechanisms by which macrophages and their associated structures contribute to RA, as well as potential therapeutic approaches, aiming to provide new insights into the study of RA pathogenesis and its clinical treatment. Key Messages: During the course of RA, besides the inherent roles of macrophages, these cells respond to microenvironmental changes such as pathogen invasion or tissue damage by undergoing polarization, pyroptosis, or forming macrophage extracellular traps (METs), all of which influence inflammatory responses and immune homeostasis, thereby mediating the occurrence and development of RA. Additionally, macrophages secrete exosomes, which participate in intercellular communication and signal transduction processes, thus contributing to the progression of RA. Therefore, it is critical to elucidate how macrophages and their related structures function in RA.
Iatrogenic Cushing syndrome and secondary adrenal insufficiency in a child due to topical ocular corticosteroids: A case report
Authors: Santos-Oliveira Joana , Torrão Luís , Torres-Costa Sónia , Silva Marta , Pedrosa Ana Catarina , Araújo Joana , Figueira Luís , Oliveira-Ferreira Cláudia
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Iatrogenic Cushing Syndrome (ICS) can be caused by synthetic glucocorticoids administered through various routes. ICS caused by corticosteroid eye drops is an exceptional event, being more frequent in pediatric age. Herein, we describe a case of iatrogenic Cushing syndrome (ICS) associated with secondary adrenal insufficiency (SAI) caused by ocular topical corticosteroid treatment.
Case presentation: An 11-year-old girl was referred to our ocular inflammation department due to idiopathic, chronic, non-hypertensive, non-granulomatous bilateral anterior uveitis, treated with topical dexamethasone (eye drops, 1mg/ml) for one year. During the past year, the child and her mother observed a gradual change in her physical appearance, particularly noting the development of a cushingoid facial appearance. Laboratory data revealed morning serum adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) of 3.6 ng/L [7.2-63.3] and morning serum cortisol of 0.20 μg/dL [6.2-19.4]. She was treated with methotrexate (15 mg/week, orally), and the topical corticosteroid regimen was progressively tapered and discontinued after three months. Nine months after the patient discontinued corticosteroid eyedrops, her cushingoid face disappeared, and her laboratory data improved. Regarding the ophthalmological examination, the uveitis remained in remission with methotrexate, with no new episodes of intraocular inflammation.
Conclusion: Although rare, ophthalmologists must be aware of ICS and SAI and prioritize using the least potent corticosteroid for the shortest duration necessary. Additionally, clinicians should avoid abrupt cessation of long-term corticosteroid therapy, as this can precipitate an adrenal crisis in the presence of adrenal insufficiency.
Successful treatment of poikilodermatous mycosis fungoides with 308-nm excimer laser
Authors: Watanabe Manami , Fujimura Taku , Asano Yoshihide
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Among the spectrum of mycosis fungoides (MF), poikilodermatous MF (PMF) is a rare clinical variant of patch-stage MF, which is characterized by cutaneous atrophy, mottled-reticular pigmentation, and telangiectasia. Given its favorable prognosis, ultraviolet (UV) light therapy, such as narrowband UVB (NB-UVB), is commonly employed for the treatment of PMF. Notably, the 308-nm excimer laser emits high-energy monochromatic light with a wavelength close to the NB-UVB peak. Case presentation: Herein, we report a case of PMF successfully treated with the 308-nm excimer laser.
Conclusion: There have been no English-language case reports describing the use of excimer laser treatment for PMF, and this is the first English report that suggests the usefulness of the 308-nm excimer laser for the treatment of PMF, which is one of the clinical variants of patch-stage of MF.
Comparing multi-control algorithms for complex nonlinear system: An embedded programmable logic control applications
Authors: Egoigwe Sochima Vincent , Chijindu Asogwa Tochukwu , Nwobodo Lois Onyejere , Martha Onuigbo Chika , Ozioko Frank Ekene , Odozo Ozor Godwin , Chidi Ebere Uzoka
Published: February 2025

This paper examines the impact of multiple control algorithms, such as genetic algorithm (GA), artificial neural network (ANN), and proportional integral derivative (PID), on programmable logic controller (PLC) performance during a nonlinear thermodynamic process. The ANN was trained with data that modeled the thermodynamic process and then generated the control algorithm. GA was improved by applying the counter-premature algorithm (CPA) to address issues of pre-mature convergence, while the PID presents the current algorithm used to optimize the PLC in the existing testbed. Experimental evaluation of these models against the process set-points showed that all the algorithms were able to reject disturbance and follow the reference set points under different step changes, but each algorithm experienced different internal behaviors while trying to reject disturbance. Lastly, the result showed that while the improved GA was better than the PID, with a recorded slight overshoot due to the uncertainties of the thermodynamic process, the ANN achieved better control performance in terms of system stability than the other counterpart algorithms.
NADABASTA. Memorial para concurso de professor titular
Authors: Buti Marco Francesco
Published: February 2025

A partir da experiência concreta de mais de três décadas em cursos de Artes Visuais na Universidade Pública de São Paulo, discute-se a posição do artista e da arte no espaço acadêmico, e a adequação dos critérios instituídos para este conhecimento. A ideia de intervenção artística na Academia acompanhou todo o processo de Concurso para Professor Titular.
Fatores associados ao sexo anal sem preservativo entre adolescentes homens que fazem sexo com homens e mulheres trans em três capitais brasileiras: estudo PrEP1519
Authors: Rosário Rijone , Dourado Inês , Pereira Marcos , Dezanet Lorenza , Greco Dirceu , Grangeiro Alexandre , Magno Laio
Published: February 2025

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the factors that increase the practice of condomless anal sex (CAS) among adolescent men who have sex with men (AMSM) and adolescent travestis and transgender women (ATGW) in three Brazilian state capitals. METHODS: PrEP1519 is a prospective, multicenter cohort study demonstrating the effectiveness of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among AMSM and ATGW aged from 15 to 19 years in three Brazilian state capitals. The analyses were performed with baseline cohort data, including 1,418 adolescents enrolled from 2019 to 2021. The outcome studied was CAS in the last six months, and the potentially associated factors were sociodemographic, behavioral, healthcare, and history of violence and discrimination. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate analyses were conducted. Adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were estimated. RESULTS: Most of the participants were AMSM (91.5%), aged 18 to 19 years (75.9%), Black (40.5%), with secondary or higher education in progress (92.7%), with CAS during the first sexual intercourse (54.2%), sexual initiation before the age of 14 (43.4%), and history of group sex (24.6%) and transactional sex (14.6%). The prevalence of CAS in the last six months was 80.6%(95%CI 78.5%–82.6%). Adolescents who reported condomless first sexual intercourse (aPR: 1.18;95%CI 1.10–1.25), use of psychoactive substances (aPR: 1.09; 95%CI 1.03–1.16), and transactional sex (aPR: 1.11; 95%CI 1.04–1.20) had a higher prevalence of CAS in the last six months. We also found that those aged 15 to 17 years had a higher prevalence of CAS than those aged 18 to 19 (aPR: 1.07; 95%CI 0.99–1.13). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of CAS was high among AMSM and ATGW, being associated with practices that may increase the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Therefore, it is recommended to strengthen sexual health programs for young people that address the issue of sexuality and STI prevention, as well as to expand access to preventive methods, such as condoms and PrEP.
Percepções e práticas de profissionais de saúde na oferta da profilaxia pré-exposição sexual ao HIV para adolescentes e jovens trans e homens que fazem sexo com homens
Authors: Urbano Ayra Zaine Rodrigues , Ferraz Dulce , Raymundo Yzabelle de Lima , Zucchi Eliana Miura
Published: February 2025

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to understand the perceptions and practices of healthcare providers regarding the offer of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to gay and trans adolescents and young adults. METHODS: This qualitative research was developed as part of the PrEP1519 study, which was conducted from 2018 to 2021 to analyze the effectiveness of PrEP in adolescents and young adults. Data were collected from July 2020 to February 2021 at the municipality of São Paulo by combining participant observations and semi-structured interviews. The analytical process involved immersion in the empirical material and coding and categorizing it with the support of NVivo®. Interpretation followed the hermeneutic-dialectical principle and had the concept of Care in health practices as its horizon. RESULTS: The construction of trust-based relationships followed practices that acknowledge the uniqueness of youth and their demands and sought to strengthen their autonomy. Sensitive and supportive listening was pointed out as a welcoming practice that propelled care actions. Welcoming attitudes and support in facing stigma and violence (related or not to the use of PrEP) acknowledged the need to support adolescents and young adults to develop autonomy for prevention. The use of language close to young people’s everyday life favored the construction of relationships of trust and positively influenced the development of autonomy and adherence to PrEP. The tension between technical and practical success occurred in the idealized search for adult-centric normativity as opposed to intersubjectivity. CONCLUSION: The perceptions and practices of healthcare providers are aligned with the concept of Care as they include actions beyond technical knowledge and recognize the contexts that increase the vulnerability of adolescents and young adults to HIV.
Electoral Reform, Mandate-divide, and Legislative Particularism
Authors: Liao Yu-Ceng
Published: February 2025

The mixed-member system incorporates representation of list and nominal tiers with an expectation of ‘mandate-divide’ to balance national and particularistic interests. This study examines interest distribution in bill sponsorships to test the mandate-divide hypothesis, focusing on Taiwan’s transition from a single nontransferable vote (SNTV) in multi-member districts (MMD s) to single-member districts (SMD s) for the nominal (regional) tier but maintaining closed-list proportional representation (CLPR) for the list tier. Findings reveal that regional legislators sponsored more bills, especially those addressing particularistic interests, than list members, both before and after the electoral reform. However, following the reform, regional legislators significantly increased their legislative focus on public interests, surpassing even that of list members. The study suggests that SNTV-elected regional legislators are incentivised to represent specific groups, whereas SMD-elected regional legislators act as ‘catch-all representatives’ for representing broader constituencies. Electoral reform provides regional legislators with incentives to behave differently in the legislative focus of interest distribution.
The impact of aerobic exercise on enhancing SIRT1 and SIRT3 in the blood circulation among individuals with obesity
Authors: Al Qorni U. , Ardy N.R. , Nirwana A. , Sari A.R. , Damayanti D. , Rejeki P.S. , Purwanto B. , Halim S. , Pranoto A.
Published: February 2025

Obesity is associated with a decrease in the levels of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and SIRT3 proteins. This reduction can impair the activity of SIRT1 and SIRT3, leading to diminished antioxidant defense, increased oxidative stress, disrupted fatty acid oxidation, and reduced energy expenditure. These changes can contribute to positive energy balance and long-term weight gain. This study aims to investigate the impact of moderate-intensity exercise on enhancing SIRT1 and SIRT3 levels in obese women. The method used in this research is a true-experimental design involving 20 obese women aged 20-30 years, divided into two experimental groups: the control group (CG, n = 10) and the exercise group (EXG, n = 10). The intervention consisted of 40 min of moderate-intensity exercise (60-70% HRmax), with a frequency of 5 times per week for 2 weeks. ELISA was utilised to measure SIRT1 and SIRT3 levels before and after exercise in all samples. The results showed that the average SIRT1 levels pre-exercise between CG and EXG were (1.08 ± 1.09 vs 0.89 ± 0.39 ng/ml, ), and post-exercise (1.01 ± 0.89 vs 2.32 ± 1.79 ng/ml, ) and has a large effect size with a Cohen’s d value of 0.927. SIRT3 levels pre-exercise between CG and EXG were (0.98 ± 0.77 vs 1.01 ± 0.84 ng/ml, ), and post-exercise (0.61 ± 0.21 vs 1.85 ± 1.45 ng/ml, ) and has a large effect size with a Cohen’s d value of 1.197. This study found an increase in SIRT1 and SIRT3 levels in the exercise group compared to the control group. Hence, incorporating moderate-intensity exercise can be recommended as a safe and cost-effective therapeutic strategy for managing obesity, offering a beneficial approach to improving metabolic health in obese individuals.
Reflecting on a Century of Research on the Tunes and Prosody of Ci
Authors: Zhu Huiguo
Published: February 2025

Over the past century, there have been many accomplishments in the study of the tunes (diao) and prosody (lü) of medieval ci. Research into the ci tunes is relatively mature and that into ci prosody is slightly less developed, although it has been advancing of late and has generated noteworthy results. Nonetheless, compared with the history and theory of ci, the study of ci tunes and prosody is still underdeveloped. The main problems are the lack of systematic and integrated research, insufficient in-depth research, limited interdisciplinary collaboration, and a general under-appreciation of the academic value of ci tunes and prosody as distinct fields of study. From the perspective of the development trends of ci studies, the advent of the big data era will bring the study of ci tunes and prosody and ci-related documentary research into closer collaboration. At the same time, the subfields of returning to the Tang and Song dynasties to trace the origins of the ci tunes and clarifying questions arising from subordinate variations of tunes will also be recognized by more scholars.
An overlooked new species of Gomphrena (Amaranthaceae) endemic to Mexico
Authors: ZUMAYA-MENDOZA SILVIA , SANDOVAL-ORTEGA MANUEL HIGINIO
Published: February 2025

Gomphrena medinae (Amaranthaceae), a new species from the states of Guerrero and Michoacán (Mexico), is described and illustrated. G. medinae is similar to G. pringlei, but it can be distinguished by the oblanceolate-spathulate to lanceolate leaves arranged towards the base, long-pedunculated inflorescences, involucral leaves shorter than the inflorescence, bracts shorter than the bractlets, and crest of the bractlets less than 1 mm wide.
Confirmation of Allium ruhmerianum Asch. ex E.A.Durand et Barratte as a member of the sect. Molium
Authors: FRIESEN NIKOLAI , ABDULKARIM ABDULNASER
Published: February 2025

Allium ruhmerianum Ascherson ex Durand et Barratte, an endemic Allium species from Cyrenaica, was examined using anatomical, cytological, and molecular methods to determine its relationship and position within the genus Allium taxonomy. The previously published chromosome number 2n=33 was not confirmed; we counted 2n=14 in all three accessions examined. In conjunction with cytological and anatomical results, the molecular data placed A. ruhmerianum in the Molium section, close to A. neapolitanum and A. palaestinum. These results render the A. section Rynchocarpum Brullo superfluous.
Taxonomic revision of the Tabanus nebulosus species group (Diptera: Tabanidae)
Authors: DUTRA MARIA CAROLINA PIMENTA , AMORIM DALTON DE SOUZA , CARMO DANIEL DIAS DORNELAS DO
Published: February 2025

The genus Tabanus Linnaeus, 1758 is the most species-rich in the family Tabanidae (Diptera: Brachycera), with about 1,350 valid species. Evidence suggests that the genus is not monophyletic, i.e., there are some smaller clades also with generic rank that phylogenetically fit inside Tabanus. To deal with the complexity of the genus, previous research divided the Neotropical Tabanus fauna into nine groups of species based on morphological similarity. The T. nebulosus group has a considerably uniform morphology among its twelve species and there is evidence that it corresponds to a small clade within the genus. There are records of economic importance of the species of the group. Some species are potential vectors of bovine trypanosomiasis, which causes severe anemia and weight loss in cattle. There are pending issues in the taxonomy of this group, both in terms of a better understanding of the species composition and of species delimitation. This paper corresponds to a taxonomical review of the species related to T. nebulosus. Here we provide a diagnosis of the known species of the group, a pictorial key with high-definition images, and updated distribution maps for the valid species. Also, considering the limits of each species based on a careful morphological assessment of the group, the status of Tabanus ornativenris Kröber is evaluated and Tabanus vestigium sp. nov. is described from the state of São Paulo, Brazil.
Multi-scale modeling and 3D printing of PLA composites reinforced with boron nitride, single-walled carbon nanotube, and graphene oxide
Authors: Moarrefzadeh Aiien , Angili Sajad Niazi , Emami Mohammad , Morovvati Mohammadreza , Bodaghi Mahdi
Published: February 2025

This study explores the mechanical properties and microstructure of 3D-printed polylactic acid (PLA) reinforced with boron nitride (BN), single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT), and graphene oxide (GO). Fused deposition modeling (FDM) was employed to fabricate PLA composites with different weight percentages (0.2, 0.4, and 0.6) of each nanomaterial. The mechanical efficacy of PLA composites with 0.6% BN and GO reinforcements were weaker to that of those with 0.6% SWCNT reinforcement, as evidenced by tensile strength testing. The microstructure of the PLA/BN, PLA/SWCNT, and PLA/GO nanocomposites was analyzed using the representative volume element (RVE) method. The material characteristics were accurately anticipated by numerical simulations that utilized RVE results, which were in good agreement with the experimental results. Additionally, the mechanical and physical properties of 3D-printed samples were simulated to further investigate them comprehensively. These results aid in comprehending the impact of nanomaterial reinforcement on the behavior of 3D-printed PLA composites. The research results indicate that PLA reinforced with 0.6 wt% SWCNT exhibits superior mechanical performance in comparison to other nanocomposites. Specifically, the PLA/SWCNT elastic modulus has increased from 4498.27 MPa (C1) to 5685.48 MPa (C3), and the maximum von misses stress of the PLA/SWCNT nanocomposite has increased from 859.4 MPa (C1) to 1087 MPa (C3).
Personal and perceived partner orgasm pursuit: A daily diary study about the gendered orgasm gap
Authors: Wolfer Carly , Carmichael Cheryl L
Published: February 2025

Interdependence theory reveals the robust influence romantic partners have on each other’s outcomes. However, research on “the orgasm gap”—that men orgasm significantly more often than women in partnered (hetero) sex—relies largely on women-only samples and ignores gendered interpersonal influences. We apply interdependence theory and investigate how gendered interpersonal orgasm goal pursuit (OGP) underlies orgasm inequity in relationships. With a 21-day diary study of heterosexually partnered individuals ( N = 127, 18–40 yrs), we tested a novel experience sampling assessment of interdependent OGP that measures event-level personal OGP, partner OGP, and perceived partner OGP. Results from multi-level models on 566 sex events revealed that men were 15x more likely to orgasm, and were more satisfied, than women. Men reported higher personal and perceived partner OGP, and lower partner OGP than women during sex. Higher levels of personal and perceived partner OGP during sex were associated with greater orgasm likelihood and satisfaction. Moreover, perceived partner OGP moderated the link between personal OGP and satisfaction, such that personal OGP was associated with greater satisfaction at high, but not low, levels of perceived partner OGP. Personal OGP is thus unlikely to yield satisfying orgasms and sex without (perceived) collaboration from a partner. This research exposes an orgasm pursuit gap, in favor of men’s orgasm, that contributes to inequity in partnered sex between men and women. We discuss how sexual pleasure equity requires symmetric pursuit of orgasm goals and interdependent strategies, rather than dwelling on women’s individual level barriers to orgasm.
Towards a novel approach to enhance cyber security assessment of industrial energy control and distribution systems through generative adversarial networks
Authors: Marulli Fiammetta , Lancellotti Fabio , Paganini Pierluigi , Dondossola Giovanna , Terruggia Roberta
Published: February 2025

This work explores the use of generative adversarial networks (GANs) to tackle cyber-security challenges, including threat identification, anomaly detection, and mitigation strategies, particularly in complex systems and critical infrastructures like industrial control systems for energy production and distribution. GANs address a key obstacle in machine learning (ML)-based systems: the scarcity of quality data for training models capable of fully leveraging ML and deep learning in cyber-security applications, such as intrusion detection systems and malicious behaviour detectors. The study highlights GANs’ potential to enhance data augmentation by generating realistic synthetic network traffic flows. These flows simulate common cyber-attacks targeting operational technologies (OTs) and information technologies (ITs). A primary contribution of this research is the creation of a large, high-quality dataset of OT and IT network traffic, designed to improve the robustness of ML models used in cyber-defense systems. Additionally, the work includes statistical analyses to evaluate the reliability of GAN-based data augmentation, laying the foundation for further research. This approach promises significant advancements in developing resilient ML models capable of addressing evolving cyber-security threats.
A new approach for parameter optimization of parallel mechanisms based on Stackelberg game theory and Gaussian process regression
Authors: Wu Mingkun , Corves Burkhard
Published: February 2025

Parallel mechanisms-based industrial robots have been widely applied in various industries, such as food, electronics, aerospace, etc. Undoubtedly, the performance of parallel mechanisms plays a crucial role in the working capability of robots. However, in order to achieve a comprehensive optimal performance, more and more performance indices (e.g. kinematic, rigid-body dynamic, stiffness, and elastodynamic performances) and design variables have to be considered, which results in the fact that solving such a multi-variable multi-objective optimization problem becomes an extremely challenging task. To address this problem, this paper proposes a new parameter optimization approach based on Stackelberg game theory and Gaussian process regression. Firstly, the design variables and optimization objectives are categorized into two groups, that is, the leader and the follower, and parameters of each group can be optimized separately, which can effectively reduce the complexity of the optimization problem. Besides, the time-consuming performance indices are assigned to the follower to improve the efficiency of the optimization process. Without loss of generality, an integrated parameter optimization is conducted on Delta robots to verify the effectiveness of the proposed parameter optimization approach.
Stakeholders’ Perspectives on Anti-tobacco Legislation and Tobacco Use: Findings from a Qualitative Study
Authors: William Sibin Sudha Bright , C K Radhika , G K Libu
Published: February 2025

Background

Globally, tobacco consumption is ever-increasing despite legal regulations and widespread public education. India is the second country in tobacco use in many forms. It is important to know the viewpoints of stakeholders at various levels. The opinions of important stakeholders regarding anti-tobacco legislation and factors about the use of tobacco products are examined in this study.

Methods

We conducted semi-structured interviews with 12 stakeholders from the Thiruvananthapuram corporation—public health officials, consumers, vendors and law and order officers who deal with tobacco. Interviews examined their opinions on the use of tobacco, as well as how legislations relate to it and how they view their sphere of operation. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

The use of tobacco products is rampant across age groups in many forms. The stakeholders mostly opined regarding the loopholes in the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act and its improper implementation at many levels. It is also noted that gross ignorance regarding the legal aspects of tobacco is there, especially at the grassroots level. They also highlighted the future actions that need to be taken into account, such as the involvement of representatives from all walks of tobacco in the policymaking process, ensuring that policies are congruent to the local context, and effective public campaigns should be conducted with a special focus on children and women.

Conclusion

This study’s findings revealed various stakeholders’ views on tobacco control laws, patterns of tobacco use and concerns regarding the current scenario. Addressing the tobacco epidemic would necessitate sustained collaboration with larger partners. In general, tobacco control must be given priority to achieve a healthy nation.
Racial Identities, Linguistic Proficiency, and Public Attitudes Towards Immigrants: Evidence From Two Surveys in Taiwan
Authors: Kao Jay C. , Liu Amy H.
Published: February 2025

Are host populations more accepting of immigrants who are racially similar and/or linguistically proficient in the host vernacular? The empirical focus in the literature has been largely dominated by Western democracies where the host society is white—and therefore the immigrants are often non-white. As such, we lack a theoretical explanation for how race moderates other markers—for example, language—when it comes to immigrant attitudes. To remedy this, we shift the focus to Taiwan, where the “New Residents”—a new catch-all census category for all post-1987 immigrants regardless of race, language, and national origins—offers an empirical opportunity to test our theory. In a conjoint experiment of Taiwanese attitudes and a survey of New Residents, we find attitudes are (1) most positive for Han Chinese who can speak a Taiwanese vernacular; (2) the least positive for Han Chinese who cannot speak a Taiwanese vernacular; and (3) relatively positive when immigrants are neither racially similar nor linguistically proficient. These findings, however, are conditional on the New Residents being from a non-politicized country (i.e., not China). The results have implications for how we study immigration, Taiwanese politics, and the Chinese diaspora.
Intergroup contact in the context of gender. A critical review of the literature and opportunities for future research
Authors: Mikołajczak Gosia , Fisher Alexandra N. , Ryan Michelle K.
Published: February 2025

Compared to other intergroup contexts, gendered contact is more prevalent yet relatively understudied in contact research. We critically review available studies examining cross-gender contact—including contact between women and men, and contact involving genders outside of the gender binary—and its impact on outgroup attitudes and support for social change. We then outline future directions for gendered contact research with a focus on (a) assessing interpersonal and intergroup dynamics within cross-gendered relationships; (b) understanding the conditions that facilitate gendered contact that is both harmonious and support social change toward gender equality; and (c) conceptual and methodological considerations necessary to study gendered contact. Finally, we discuss the theoretical and practical importance of gendered contact research for advancing intergroup contact theory and gender equality.
Investigations on the transient coupling mechanism between heat transfer and key component transport of double diesel injections in confined spaces under near-ignition-limit temperature conditions
Authors: Wang Manlin , Yang Ziming , Shi Zhongjie , Li Yikai , Wang Dongfang
Published: February 2025

Double injection strategy is an important solution to the difficulty of ignition and the long ignition delay time (IDT) of diesel sprays in cold environments, especially coupled with high altitudes. Under such extreme conditions, the pre-injected fuel does not ignite during the dwell time (DT) but instead facilitates the ignition process of the main injected fuel. To investigate this facilitation mechanism, the ignition process of five double injection strategies with different DTs was simulated using CFD coupled with chemical reaction kinetics. It was found that pre-injection has two simultaneous effects on the main injection: (1) The atomization and evaporation process of the pre-injection reduce the in-cylinder temperature, which subsequently hinders the ignition of the main injection. (2) The early reaction of the pre-injection accumulates part of the active substance for the following ignition of the main injection stage, resulting a shorter IDT of the main injection. (3) As the increase of dwell time (DT), the cooling and hindrance effects of the fuel evaporation increase, and the accumulation time of pre-reaction increased as well. The competition between these two effects in an optimal DT for the shortest ignition delay time of the main injection.
Psychosocial Factors and Andropause Symptoms Among Japanese Men: An Internet-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Tanji Fumiya , Nanbu Hirohito , Nishimoto Daisaku , Kawajiri Maiko
Published: February 2025

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between psychosocial factors and andropause symptoms among Japanese men in an internet-based cross-sectional study. We conducted an internet-based cross-sectional study in 2024, named Japanese Men’s health and Andropause Related Symptoms (J-MARS) study. Data on demographics, medical history, andropause symptoms, lifestyles (physical activity, insomnia, height, weight, and smoking and drinking habits), and psychological distress were collected from 1,489 men aged 20–69 years who participated in the J-MARS study. Andropause symptoms were measured using the Aging Males’ Symptoms (AMS) rating scale, which was included in the analysis. We conducted a multivariate logistic regression analysis, and estimated odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals to examine the associated factors with severe andropause symptoms. Severe andropause symptoms according to the AMS score were noted in 125 men (8.4%). Severe andropause symptoms were associated with former smoking, current smoking, strength training (≥1.0 hr/day), probable insomnia, moderate psychological distress, and severe psychological distress. After excluding 289 participants with cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, cancer, or depression, severe andropause symptoms were associated with age, absence of a spouse, and suspected insomnia in addition to the above factors. Age, insomnia, and psychological distress were also significantly associated with all AMS subdomains (somatic, psychological, and sexual symptoms). Psychological stress, insomnia, and smoking habits are strongly associated with severe andropause symptoms. These findings may be useful for the prevention of andropause and for patient education.
Hybrid sample size calculations for cluster randomised trials using assurance
Authors: Williamson S. Faye , Tishkovskaya Svetlana V , Wilson Kevin J
Published: February 2025

Background/Aims:

Sample size determination for cluster randomised trials is challenging because it requires robust estimation of the intra-cluster correlation coefficient. Typically, the sample size is chosen to provide a certain level of power to reject the null hypothesis in a two-sample hypothesis test. This relies on the minimal clinically important difference and estimates for the overall standard deviation, the intra-cluster correlation coefficient and, if cluster sizes are assumed to be unequal, the coefficient of variation of the cluster size. Varying any of these parameters can have a strong effect on the required sample size. In particular, it is very sensitive to small differences in the intra-cluster correlation coefficient. A relevant intra-cluster correlation coefficient estimate is often not available, or the available estimate is imprecise due to being based on studies with low numbers of clusters. If the intra-cluster correlation coefficient value used in the power calculation is far from the unknown true value, this could lead to trials which are substantially over- or under-powered.

Methods:

In this article, we propose a hybrid approach using Bayesian assurance to determine the sample size for a cluster randomised trial in combination with a frequentist analysis. Assurance is an alternative to traditional power, which incorporates the uncertainty on key parameters through a prior distribution. We suggest specifying prior distributions for the overall standard deviation, intra-cluster correlation coefficient and coefficient of variation of the cluster size, while still utilising the minimal clinically important difference. We illustrate the approach through the design of a cluster randomised trial in post-stroke incontinence and compare the results to those obtained from a standard power calculation.

Results:

We show that assurance can be used to calculate a sample size based on an elicited prior distribution for the intra-cluster correlation coefficient, whereas a power calculation discards all of the information in the prior except for a single point estimate. Results show that this approach can avoid misspecifying sample sizes when the prior medians for the intra-cluster correlation coefficient are very similar, but the underlying prior distributions exhibit quite different behaviour. Incorporating uncertainty on all three of the nuisance parameters, rather than only on the intra-cluster correlation coefficient, does not notably increase the required sample size.

Conclusion:

Assurance provides a better understanding of the probability of success of a trial given a particular minimal clinically important difference and can be used instead of power to produce sample sizes that are more robust to parameter uncertainty. This is especially useful when there is difficulty obtaining reliable parameter estimates.
EXPRESS: Advanced cancer perineural invasion induces profound peripheral neuronal plasticity, pain, and somatosensory mechanical deactivation, unmitigated by the lack of TNFR1. Part 2. Biophysics and gene expression.
Authors: Gutierrez Silvia , Parker Renee , Zhang Morgan , Santi Maria Daniela , Ye Yi , Boada M. Danilo
Published: February 2025

Preclinical studies addressing the peripheral effects of cancer perineural invasion report severe neuronal availability and excitability changes. Oral cell squamous cell carcinoma perineural invasion (MOC2-PNI) shows similar effects, modulating the afferent's sensibility (tactile desensitization with concurrent nociceptive sensitization) and demyelination without inducing spontaneous activity (see Part 1.). The current study addresses the electrical status (normal or abnormal) of both active (low threshold mechano receptors (LT) and high threshold mechano receptors (HT)) and inactive (F-type and S-type) afferents. Concurrently, we have also evaluated changes in the genetic landscape that may help to understand the physiological dynamics behind MOC2-PNI-induced functional disruption of the peripheral sensory system. We have observed that the altered cell distribution and mechanical sensibility of the animal's somatosensory system cannot be explained by cellular electrical dysfunction or MOC2-PNI-induced apoptosis. Although PNI does modify the expression of several genes related to cellular hypersensitivity, these changes are insufficient to explain the MOC2-PNI-induced aberrant neuronal excitability state. Our results indicate that genetic markers provide limited information about the functional hyperexcitable state of the peripheral system. Importantly, our results also highlight the emerging role of plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase activity (PMCA) in explaining several aspects of the observed gender-specific neuronal plasticity and the reported cellular distribution switch generated by MOC2-PNI.