bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preoperative planning programme in minimally invasive lung surgery reduces intraoperative adverse events
Authors: Epailly Julien , Braggio Cesare , Vasse Matthieu , Todesco Alban , Pauly Vanessa , D’Journo Xavier-Benoit , Thomas Pascal Alexandre , Fourdrain Alex
Published: December 2024

OBJECTIVES

While minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is the preferred approach in patients with early-stage lung cancer, intraoperative adverse events (IOAE) may still occur. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of a dedicated preoperative planning program on adverse event occurrence.

METHODS

A single-centre cross-sectional comparative study was conducted, including all patients with proven/suspected lung cancer undergoing curative MIS, prior (September 2021–October 2022) and after (November 2022–January 2024) the implementation of a preoperative planning program. The preoperative planning program consisted of a weekly assessment of upcoming surgical cases, evaluating surgical strategy, anatomical variations and anticipating surgical difficulties. Data were prospectively collected. The primary outcome was the rate of IOAE. Secondary outcomes were conversion rate, healthcare-associated adverse events and postoperative morbi-mortality.

RESULTS

We included 553 patients, 290 without preoperative planning and 263 undergoing a preoperative planning program. The overall IOAE rate was 11.4%, significantly lower after preoperative planning (7.6% vs 14.8%, P = 0.008). The overall healthcare-associated adverse events rate was 23.2%, significantly lower after preoperative planning (17.1% vs 28.6%, P = 0.0014). There were no statistical differences before and after preoperative planning for conversion rate (8.37% vs 10.7%, P = 0.354), complication rate (33.1% vs 34.5%, P = 0.73) and 90-day mortality (0.38% vs 2.07%, P = 0.126). Preoperative planning program impacted surgical strategy in 61/263 patients (23.2%) including a change in the extent of resection in 25/263 patients (9.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

Implementation of a systematic preoperative planning program in MIS for lung cancer decreases IOAE enabling an improvement in surgical safety.
Immigration, segregation, and attitudes toward immigrants: a longitudinal multiscalar analysis across egohoods
Authors: Laurence James , Goebel Jan
Published: December 2024

Evidence on how proximity to ethnic outgroups shapes attitudes toward immigration remains inconclusive. We suggest this may be driven, in part, by the fact that studies rarely account for the role of residential segregation. We argue that how the minority-share in an environment affects majority-group attitudes will depend on how segregated groups are from one another. To explore this, we undertake fixed-effects modelling of nationally representative German panel data and contextual data (2005–2013), and generate bespoke, home-centred egohoods for respondents across 12 spatial scales (500–10,000 metres radius). Findings show that how egohood minority-share is related to immigration-attitudes is conditional on egohood segregation: only egohoods becoming ethnically diverse and segregated see anti-immigrant sentiment increase; egohoods becoming ethnically diverse and integrated actually see anti-immigrant sentiment decrease. This conditioning-relationship exhibits a (broadly monotonic) bell-curve relationship across egohood-scales, peaking around a 3500/4000 metres radius.
Cross-national variation in the skills trap: illuminating the heterogeneous economic returns to high cognitive skills
Authors: Araki Satoshi
Published: December 2024

Research argues possessing high skills is crucial for economic success. While such arguments are often evidenced by the average skills effect, we know little about its heterogeneity. From a comparative perspective, this article examines the heterogeneous effects of cognitive skills on earnings using the standardized dataset for Britain, the Czech Republic, France, Korea, Norway, and the United States. Propensity score (PS) matching analysis first shows skills generally contribute to higher earnings. However, the effect size varies across PS strata, including the negative selection trend with low-PS groups (i.e. individuals who are least likely to acquire high skills) gaining more from such traits (Norway); U-shaped patterns with mid-PS being penalized (Britain and USA); homogeneous effects (Czech Republic); and their mixtures (France and Korea). Subpopulation PS models further reveal these heterogeneities comprise unequal returns across gender and parental education in a way that either intensifies or mitigates existing social inequalities. The results suggest (i) the ‘skills trap’ operates in structurally devaluing high skills among certain groups of people whilst rewarding others; and (ii) this trap works variously across societies in accordance with their socio-economic and educational systems. Methodologically, these findings also underscore the importance of investigating effect heterogeneity across both composite PS and its components.
Alcohol-attributed disease burden and formal alcohol policies in the Nordic countries (1990–2019): an analysis using the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019
Authors: van der Velde Lode , Shabaan Ahmed Nabil , Månsson Anastasia , Wennberg Peter , Allebeck Peter , Karlsson Thomas G , Flodin Pär , Eikemo Terje Andreas , Skrindo Knudsen Ann Kristin , de Soysa Indra , Skogen Jens Christoffer ,   GBD 2019 Nordic Alcohol Collaborators, Abolhassani Hassan , Ärnlöv Johan , Arumugam Ashokan , Asaduzzaman Muhammad , Baker Jennifer L , Dalal Koustuv , Deuba Keshab , Edvardsson David , Fereshtehnejad Seyed-Mohammad , Havmöller Rasmus J , Hay Simon I , Juel Knud , Kauppila Joonas H , Kiadaliri Ali , Kisa Adnan , Kisa Sezer , Kivimäki Mika , Lallukka Tea , Larsson Anders O , Leinsalu Mall , Meretoja Atte , Meretoja Tuomo J , Jonasson Junmei Miao , Murray Christopher J L , Neupane Subas , Ngwa Che Henry , Pereira Gavin , Sagoe Dominic , Shiri Rahman , Truelsen Thomas Clement , Vasankari Tommi Juhani , Gissler Mika , McGrath John J , Sigfusdottir Inga Dora , Sigurvinsdottir Rannveig , Pasovic Maja , Danielsson Anna-Karin , Agardh Emilie E
Published: December 2024

It is still unclear how changes in alcohol control policies may have contributed to changes in overall levels of alcohol-attributed harm between and within the Nordic countries. We modified and applied the Bridging the Gap (BtG)-scale to measure the restrictiveness of a set of alcohol control policies for each Nordic country and each year between 1990 and 2019. Alcohol-attributed harm was measured as total and sex-specific alcohol-attributed disease burden by age-standardized years of life losts (YLLs), years lived with disability (YLDs), and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) per 100 000 population from the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD). Longitudinal cross-country comparisons with random effects regression analysis were employed to explore associations, within and across countries, differentiated by sex and the time to first effect. Overall, alcohol-attributed YLLs, YLDs, and DALYs decreased over the study period in all countries, except in Iceland. The burden was lower in those countries with restrictive national policies, apart from Finland, and higher in Denmark which had the least restrictive policies. Changes in restrictiveness were negatively associated with DALYs for causes with a longer time to effect, although this effect was stronger for males and varied between countries. The low alcohol attributed disease burden in Sweden, Norway, and Iceland, compared to Denmark, points towards the success of upholding lower levels of harm with strict alcohol policies. However, sex, location and cause-specific associations indicate that the role of formal alcohol policies is highly context dependent and that other factors might influence harm as well.
Evolutionary potential and constraints in an aposematic species: genetic correlations between warning coloration and fitness components in wood tiger moths
Authors: Koch Eva L , Brien Melanie N , Galarza Juan A , Jiggins Chris D , Mappes Johanna
Published: December 2024

Variability in warning signals is common but remains puzzling since deviations from the most common form should result in a higher number of predator attacks. One explanation may lie in constraints due to genetic correlations between warning color and other traits under selection. To explore the relationship between variation in warning color and different life-history traits, we used an extensive data set comprising 64,741 individuals from a Finnish and an Estonian population of the wood tiger moths, Arctia plantaginis, that have been maintained in captivity over 25 generations. This species exhibits variable warning coloration in larval and adult stages. Measuring these traits alongside several fitness components allowed us to set color variation into context and obtain a better understanding of selection and constraints. Complete pedigree information enabled us to estimate genetic variances and covariances, which revealed several complex interplays between fitness components: Selection for faster development led to a significantly reduced fecundity. Fecundity was also constrained by negative correlations between direct genetic and maternal effects. However, we found no evidence that genetic associations with life-history traits constrain the efficiency of warning colors.
The evolution of a placenta accelerates the evolution of postcopulatory reproductive isolation
Authors: Morrison Keenan R , Zúñiga-Vega J Jaime , Travis Joseph , Reznick David N
Published: December 2024

The evolution of placentation is predicted to intensify intergenomic conflicts between mothers and offspring over optimal levels of maternal investment by providing offspring opportunities to manipulate mothers into allocating more resources. Parent–offspring conflicts can result in the evolution of reproductive isolation among populations when conflicts resolve in different ways. Postzygotic reproductive isolation is hypothesized to evolve more rapidly following the evolution of placentation due to the predicted increase in conflict. We tested this hypothesis by performing interpopulation crosses within placental and nonplacental species of Poeciliopsis to determine if the relationship between genetic distance and measures of postzygotic reproductive success differed as function of reproductive mode. We did not observe any differences in offspring viability or sterility among crosses. Offspring size declined rapidly as a function of interpopulation genetic distance within the placental species, but not among our nonplacental species. The decrease in offspring size in the placental species was beyond normal variation, likely representing a major fitness cost, consistent with the prediction that negative epistatic interactions are evolving more quickly among populations in our placental species than the nonplacental species. We discuss how our results support the role parent–offspring conflicts play in the evolution of reproductive isolation and reproductive mode.
Recombinant design of the enzymatically active domain of phage Enc34 endolysin to improve its activity against Gram-negative bacteria
Authors: Kazaka Tatjana , Zrelovs Nikita , Akopjana Inara , Bogans Janis , Jansons Juris , Dislers Andris , Kazaks Andris
Published: December 2024

Endolysins are bacteriophage-encoded peptidoglycan-degrading enzymes with potential applications for treating multidrug-resistant bacterial infections. While exogenously applied endolysins are active against Gram-positive bacteria in their native form, Gram-negative bacteria are protected from such activity of most native endolysins by an outer membrane. However, it was shown that recombinant endolysins can be designed to efficiently lyse Gram-negative bacteria from without as well. During our previous efforts, we purified and structurally characterized the enzymatically active domain (EAD) of phage Enc34 endolysin. In this work, we investigated the lytic potential of products resulting from different variants of fusions involving this EAD with a panel of selected antimicrobial peptides. A set of constructs was generated and expressed in Escherichia coli cells. While most such recombinant proteins accumulated intracellularly, some of them could lyse cells from within and appear in the expression medium. The fusion protein variants produced were purified and tested for their bactericidal activity against Gram-negative bacteria. The best candidate caused rapid degradation of E. coli XL1-Blue cells during the first minutes after addition, reducing the viable cell count more than three-fold. We believe that these results might be helpful in the design of new antibacterial tools.
Multidisciplinary methodologies used in the study of cable bacteria
Authors: Wawryk Michaela M H , Ley Philip , Vasquez-Cardenas Diana , Tabor Rico F , Cook Perran L M
Published: December 2024

Cable bacteria are a unique type of filamentous microorganism that can grow up to centimetres long and are capable of long-distance electron transport over their entire lengths. Due to their unique metabolism and conductive capacities, the study of cable bacteria has required technical innovations, both in adapting existing techniques and developing entirely new ones. This review discusses the existing methods used to study eight distinct aspects of cable bacteria research, including the challenges of culturing them in laboratory conditions, performing physical and biochemical extractions, and analysing the conductive mechanism. As cable bacteria research requires an interdisciplinary approach, methods from a range of fields are discussed, such as biogeochemistry, genomics, materials science, and electrochemistry. A critical analysis of the current state of each approach is presented, highlighting the advantages and drawbacks of both commonly used and emerging methods.
Updating Victor Hugo for the Twenty-First Century: Addressing Entrenched Inequality, Discrimination and Police Violence in Ladj Ly’s Banlieue Film, Les Misérables (2019)
Authors: Tribout-Joseph Sarah
Published: December 2024

In the same time that it took France to win the 2018 World Cup final, Ladj Ly’s film, Les Misérables (2019), takes viewers from jubilant football crowd scenes to protest in the streets. Produced as a response to the 2005 riots in France, Ly takes an urgent look at inequality and police violence in the banlieue or impoverished suburbs. His aim is both to debunk the Republic’s claim to universalism and to contest the representation of the banlieue in mainstream media and banlieue film. I argue that in claiming heritage from Victor Hugo, Ly explores the effectiveness of various media platforms for challenging social exclusion in the high-rise estates on the margins of the city, with their large immigrant populations. I look firstly at Republican values and marginalization in the banlieue, before considering banlieue film and how Les Misérables moves from nineteenth-century literature to twenty-first century digital activism in order to embrace a more inclusive society.
Evolutionary signatures of the erosion of sexual reproduction genes in domesticated cassava (Manihot esculenta)
Authors: Long Evan M , Stitzer Michelle C , Monier Brandon , Schulz Aimee J , Romay Maria Cinta , Robbins Kelly R , Buckler Edward S
Published: December 2024

Centuries of clonal propagation in cassava (Manihot esculenta) have reduced sexual recombination, leading to the accumulation of deleterious mutations. This has resulted in both inbreeding depression affecting yield and a significant decrease in reproductive performance, creating hurdles for contemporary breeding programs. Cassava is a member of the Euphorbiaceae family, including notable species such as rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) and poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima). Expanding upon preliminary draft genomes, we annotated 7 long-read genome assemblies and aligned a total of 52 genomes, to analyze selection across the genome and the phylogeny. Through this comparative genomic approach, we identified 48 genes under relaxed selection in cassava. Notably, we discovered an overrepresentation of floral expressed genes, especially focused at 6 pollen-related genes. Our results indicate that domestication and a transition to clonal propagation have reduced selection pressures on sexually reproductive functions in cassava leading to an accumulation of mutations in pollen-related genes. This relaxed selection and the genome-wide deleterious mutations responsible for inbreeding depression are potential targets for improving cassava breeding, where the generation of new varieties relies on recombining favorable alleles through sexual reproduction.
18F-FAPI-42 PET/CT enhances the diagnostic efficacy for peritoneal metastasis of colorectal cancer and guides treatment decisions: an original retrospective study
Authors: Zhang Xuneng , Zhang Rongqin , Zheng Qingyang , He Zichuan , Lan Bing , Zhong Yun , Huang Zhichao , Fan Wei , Wang Hui , Yang Keli , Zhang Zhanwen , Wang Huaiming
Published: December 2024

Background

Colorectal cancer is the third-most common type of cancer. When peritoneal metastasis (PM) develops, diagnosing metastatic lesions is difficult and the prognosis is poor. This study aimed to compare the value of fluorine-18 fibroblast activation protein-specific inhibitor (18F-FAPI-42) and fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) for detecting PM of colorectal cancer and to guide clinical decision-making.

Methods

Forty-eight patients with PM who underwent both 18F-FAPI-42 and 18F-FDG PET/CT examinations were studied. The maximum standardized uptake value (SUV max), tumor-to-background ratios (TBRs) and peritoneal cancer index (PCI) of the PM were compared between the two imaging techniques. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to compare the consistency between the PET/CT PCI score and the intraoperative PCI. A receiver-operating characteristic curve was used to predict the accuracy of CC-0 cytoreduction (complete cytoreduction with no visible disease).

Results

The sensitivity and accuracy of 18F-FAPI-42 PET/CT for detecting PM were higher than those of 18F-FDG PET/CT (82.1% vs 61.1%, P < 0.01; 84.6% vs 74.5%, P < 0.01). The median SUV max and TBR of PM was greater in 18F-FAPI-42 than in 18F-FDG PET/CT [4.8 (1.9–20.1) vs 4.7 (1.0–11.0), P = 0.02; 4.3 (1.4–14.6) vs 2.9 (0.6–8.0), P < 0.01, respectively]. The median PCI of PM based on 18F-FAPI-42 PET/CT was greater than that based on 18F-FDG PET/CT (15 vs 9, P < 0.01). The ICC for 18F-FAPI-42 PCI was greater than that for 18F-FDG PCI (0.915 vs 0.724, P < 0.01). The cut-off values of the PCI of the PM for 18F-FAPI-42 and 18F-FDG PET/CT to predict CC-0 were <18 and <10, with areas under the curve of 0.80 and 0.79, respectively.

Conclusions

18F-FAPI-42 PET/CT has superior diagnostic efficacy for PM, particularly in the right upper epigastrium and small intestine. The PCI score of 18F-FAPI-42 PET/CT is very close to the intraoperative PCI score and has a high value for predicting CC-0. The individualized management of PM based on the 18F-FAPI-42 PET/CT PCI score is pivotal.
The Sustainability Spillover: Uncovering the Link between Informal Elder Care and Eco-Conscious Behaviors across the European Union
Authors: Tur-Sinai Aviad , Bentur Netta , Lamura Giovanni , Rodrigues Ricardo , Di Rosa Mirko , Socci Marco
Published: December 2024

Background and Objectives

This study explores the association between informal caregiving for older adults and environmentally sustainable behaviors across the 27 European Union countries, aiming to identify how the gendered and domestic nature of environmentalism relates to elder care.

Research Design and Methods

Data from 41,742 respondents aged 16–74 were analyzed from the Survey of Gender Gaps in Unpaid Care, Individual and Social Activities and conducted by a scientific consortium in 2022. Frequency of sustainable behaviors was measured across 10 indicators. Multilevel mixed-effects linear regressions examined associations between caregiving and sustainable behaviors, adjusting for demographic, socioeconomic, and attitudinal covariates.

Results

Informal caregivers engaged in eco-friendly actions significantly more frequently than non-caregivers across all 10 sustainable-behavior indicators (p<0.001). The “caregiver effect” was strongest for sustainable-consumption choices like buying eco-friendly (β=0.16), fair-trade (β=0.15), and used products (β=0.17), and weaker for household practices such as recycling (β=0.05) and mindful resource consumption (β=0.06). Caregivers attained higher composite environmental behavior scores (33.93±8.23) than non-caregivers (31.88±8.00; p<0.001). This association remained robust after adjusting for gender, age, education, employment, household size, attitudes, and other covariates. Caregiving had the strongest association with buying used items (β=0.20) and eco-friendly products (β=0.14). Country-level analyses revealed consistent caregiver vs. non-caregiver differences, with the largest gaps in Southern and Eastern Europe.

Discussion and Implications

This is the first large-scale cross-national study that demonstrates a consistent association between older-adult caregiving and a wide range of environmentally sustainable behaviors. Results suggest the experience of caring for a vulnerable family member is closely related to a broader sense of social and environmental responsibility. Caregivers’ heightened engagement in sustainable consumption positions them as potential early adopters and change makers. Findings highlight new avenues for environmental education and caregiver support initiatives that synergistically promote interpersonal and environmental care.
Development of a Complex Intervention for Promoting Participation in Resistance Exercise Among Community-Dwelling Frail Older Adults in China: A Multimethod Qualitative Study
Authors: Sun Xuemei , Liu Wenqi , Li Lingqi , Song Jinlu , Gao Yinyan , Zhang Weiru , Wu Irene X Y
Published: December 2024

Background and Objectives

Regular resistance exercise (RE) showed a promising effect in reducing frailty in older adults. However, the participation of RE among this population remains low. This study was, therefore, aimed at developing a complex intervention tailored to community-dwelling frail older adults in China to promote participation in RE and reduce frailty ultimately.

Research Design and Methods

Using a multimethods qualitative study design, this study included 2 parts: (1) a qualitative study was performed to explore barriers and facilitators for participation in RE among frail older adults through stakeholder interviews. The interview was guided by the comprehensive framework of implementation research; (2) two rounds of expert consultation, guided by the social cognitive theory, were conducted to identify the key barriers and facilitators, and corresponding implementation strategies for promoting participation in RE. A complex intervention was developed accordingly.

Results

Interviews were conducted with 16 frail older adults (mean age = 72.9) and 10 community workers (mean working years = 11.2). A total of 10 barriers and 16 facilitators were identified; safety concerns, decline in physical function, and lack of knowledge were frequently mentioned barriers, while health needs, social support, and professional guidance were common facilitators. Then 10 experts (mean working years = 20.9) were consulted to determine the main barriers and facilitators, and a list of corresponding implementation strategies was developed subsequently. Thus, a tailored complex intervention delivered by community workers in the community setting, including the core component of “group elastic-band RE,” and supplementary components of “community education, feedback, goal setting, and reinforcement guidance” was developed.

Discussion and Implications

This study constructed a list of key barriers and facilitators as well as corresponding implementation strategies for promoting participation in RE among community-dwelling frail older adults. A tailored complex intervention was developed accordingly, which will facilitate the management of frail older adults in the Chinese community setting.
Increasing Representation/Inclusivity Of Older Adults And Investigators From Minoritized Groups In Aging Research
Authors: Harden J Taylor , Heyn Patricia C , Hill Carl V , Oh Esther S , Perez G Adriana
Published: December 2024

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) plays a pivotal role in advancing scientific research, developing training and the science workforce, and promoting public health initiatives. However, the benefits of the NIA’s work have not been equally distributed among all older adult population groups, highlighting persistent disparities in chronic illness burden and access to healthcare and research. As the NIA commemorates its 50th anniversary, this milestone presents an opportunity to reflect on its consequential initiatives and accomplishments while also strategizing for the robust inclusion of underrepresented and minoritized populations and the future health of our Nation’s older adult population. Disparities in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias among four minoritized and racialized groups are highlighted, as well as the critical need to recruit and retain investigators from these populations. Three trans-NIA training, outreach, and pipeline initiatives are described as having elevated the profile of aging research across the nation, particularly among minoritized and ethnic groups, and have reached thousands of individuals interested in aging research. Leaders and healthcare advocates argue that efforts to reduce health disparities cannot be fully achieved without successfully addressing the underrepresentation of minoritized leaders in healthcare and research. Racism, xenophobia, discrimination, and separation deprive our nation and the scientific community of the breadth of talent, expertise, and perspectives needed to address racialized/minoritized health inequities. To all the staff at the NIA, past and present, may you continue to be proud of the work you do, the Institute you represent, and the difference you make. Happy 50th Anniversary!
Stigma, Stereotypes, and Self-Disclosure: Disability and Empowerment in Older Adults on the Autism Spectrum
Authors: Eliassen A Henry
Published: December 2024

Older adults on the autism spectrum exhibit a broad array of strengths and limitations. Although exceptional abilities may be masked by difficulties in presentation and communication, hidden disabilities can lead to unmet needs for accommodation and support. Critical to the recognition of disabilities is subjects’ readiness to disclose potentially stigmatizing conditions or concerns—weighing the benefits of self-disclosure (e.g., for effective medical care) versus risks (exposure of weaknesses or vulnerabilities). Strategic self-disclosure, based on reading of immediate social contexts, can be problematic for autistic persons who have difficulty processing social cues demarcating situationally appropriate boundaries. Disclosure of autism by older patients in clinical settings can lead to troubled interactions that reinforce stereotypes of aging conflated with disability and reduce implicit biases regarding older patients and autistic persons. Future gerontological research and policy initiatives should be designed to empower older autistic adults (and others with lived experience of disability and marginalization) by including them as expert partners in the quest for needed societal change—challenging ableist assumptions embedded in traditional definitions of successful aging, promoting an open awareness context that normalizes the occurrence of disability, and fostering expectations of interdependence (as opposed to helpless dependency or complete independence).
Reconciling the irreconcilable: window-based versus stochastic declustering algorithms
Authors: Spassiani I , Gentili S , Console R , Murru M , Taroni M , Falcone G
Published: December 2024

Short-term earthquake clustering is one of the most essential features of seismicity. Clusters are identified using various techniques, generally deterministic and based on spatiotemporal windowing. Conversely, the leading approach in short-term earthquake forecasting has a probabilistic view of clustering, usually based on the epidemic type aftershock sequence (ETAS) models. The effectiveness of the deterministic techniques and whether or not to prefer a probabilistic approach is often debated in the literature: sharp cutoffs or randomness degree? In this study, we contribute to the debate by “measuring” (inferring) seismic clusters, identified by two different deterministic window-based techniques, in terms of the ETAS probabilities associated with any event in the clusters, to investigate the consistency between deterministic and probabilistic approaches. Inference is performed by considering, for each event in an identified cluster, the corresponding probability of being independent and the expected number of triggered events according to ETAS. Results show no substantial differences between the two deterministic cluster identification procedures, and an overall consistency between the identified clusters and the relative events’ ETAS probabilities. A consistency between probabilistic and deterministic declustering approaches is also important for seismic hazard analyses, where the latter approach is routinely used for its simplicity.
Estimation of source characteristics, site effects and path attenuation in the Sichuan Basin, China, using a non-parametric generalized inversion technique
Authors: Dang Pengfei , Cui Jie , Yang Hongfeng , Song Jian
Published: December 2024

A non-parametric generalized inversion technique for the S-wave amplitude spectrum on both the horizontal and vertical components was adopted to calculate the source parameters, site effects and path attenuations. In this scheme, 1647 three-component records corresponding to 78 earthquakes with Ms values of 2.9–6.0 recorded by 58 strong-motion stations in the Sichuan Basin were used. In the non-parametric generalized inversion technique, a reference station was adopted to remove the trade-off between the site and source terms. Then, the simple model R−0.5 was selected to describe the geometric spreading characteristics of the Sichuan Basin region. The frequency-related quality factor models for the horizontal and vertical components are estimated as Q(f) = 129.9872f 1.1119 and Q(f) = 132.54f 1.1236, respectively. In addition, the inverted source spectra are well matched with Brune's model, in which the stress drop values range between 0.3 and 3.5 MPa with a mean value of 1.36 MPa. In addition, a comparison between the site effects estimated from horizontal-to-vertical and non-parametric generalized inversion methods shows that the geological environment significantly amplifies the vertical component of ground motion. Finally, a residual related to distance and magnitude indicates that there is no obvious dependence of the scatter on distance or magnitude. The source, path and site parameters estimated in this inversion can be adopted in ground motion simulations, which could aid in the study of seismic disasters and risk assessment in the Sichuan Basin.
Probabilistic multiparameter Backus–Gilbert method—Application to density inversion
Authors: Kaplunov Noami , Hofstede Coen , Zigone Dimitri , Eisen Olaf , Kennett Brian L N , Fichtner Andreas
Published: December 2024

We present an adaptation of the Backus–Gilbert method that enables (i) the incorporation of arbitrary prior knowledge and (ii) the solution of multiparameter inverse problems, providing a tunable balance between spatial resolution, inference errors and interparameter trade-offs. This yields a powerful approach for solving a class of inverse problems where the forward relation is linear or weakly nonlinear. The method rests on a probabilistic reformulation of Backus–Gilbert inversion and the solution of an optimization problem that maximizes deltaness while minimizing interparameter trade-offs. Applying the theory to multimode surface wave dispersion data collected by distributed acoustic sensing on the Northeast Greenland Ice Stream, we show that density in the firn layer may be constrained directly and without the need for scaling relations to depths of around ten metres, provided that dispersion data up to at least the third overtone of Rayleigh waves are available in the $\sim$10–50 Hz frequency band. The limiting factor that prevents the resolution of density at greater depth is data quality. Hence, progress on the direct inference of density could be made by repeated experiments or higher signal-to-noise ratios that would require better coupling and shielding of fibre-optic cables from wind and temperature fluctuations.
A Neighbourhood-oriented approach to foster healthy ageing in low socioeconomic older adults: development and protocol for evaluation through intervention mapping
Authors: Duijsens Lieke J E , Lechner Lilian , Peels Denise A , Bolman Catherine A W
Published: December 2024

The rapid ageing of our society poses significant challenges, including an increase in chronic diseases and loneliness among older adults, leading to higher demands for care and support. Addressing these needs requires an integral approach, especially among older adults with low socioeconomic status (SES). This article details the development of the Neighbourhood Active & Connected (NAC) intervention, using the Intervention Mapping framework to expand an evidence-based physical activity intervention into a neighbourhood-oriented, holistic and systemic strategy for healthy ageing. NAC focuses on enhancing physical activity, social connectedness, and digital literacy. It was developed through co-creation with local stakeholders and low-SES older adults, ensuring optimal alignment with their needs and capabilities. Performance and change objectives were established based on literature consultation and an extensive need assessment, with intervention materials refined through engagement with the target group. The results of a large-scale cluster randomised controlled trial will be utilised to evaluate NAC’s impact on physical activity, loneliness, social cohesion, health-related quality of life, and digital literacy among low-SES community-dwelling older adults. This paper aims to provide a detailed roadmap for researchers and practitioners to adapt, implement and evaluate similar interventions, promoting healthy ageing in low socio-economic contexts.
Telomere-to-telomere, gap-free genome of mung bean (Vigna radiata) provides insights into domestication under structural variation
Authors: Jia Kai-Hua , Li Guan , Wang Longxin , Liu Min , Wang Zhi-Wei , Li Ru-Zhi , Li Lei-Lei , Xie Kun , Yang Yong-Yi , Tian Ru-Mei , Chen Xue , Si Yu-Jun , Zhang Xiao-Yan , Song Feng-Jing , Li Lianzheng , Li Na-Na
Published: December 2024

Mung bean (Vigna radiata), an essential annual legume, holds substantial value in global agriculture due to its short growth cycle, low input requirements, and nutritional benefits. Despite extensive domestication, the genetic mechanisms underlying its morphological and physiological evolution remain incompletely understood. In this study, we present a gap-free, telomere-to-telomere genome assembly of the mung bean cultivar 'Weilv-9', achieved through the integration of PacBio HiFi, Oxford Nanopore, and Hi-C sequencing technologies. The 500 Mb assembly, encompassing 11 chromosomes and containing 28,740 protein-coding genes, reveals that 49.17% of the genome comprises repetitive sequences. Within the genome, we found the recent amplification of transposable elements significantly impacts the expression of nearby genes. Furthermore, integrating structural variation and SNP data from resequencing, we identified that the fatty acid synthesis, suberin biosynthetic, and phenylpropanoid metabolic processes have undergone strong selection during domestication. These findings provide valuable insights into the genetic mechanisms driving domestication and offer a foundation for future genetic enhancement and breeding programs in mung beans and related species.
Provider Education and Clinical Decision Support Tool Improve Proficiency in Advanced Therapies for Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Dulai Parambir S , Johnson Elizabeth , Cox Kenny , Eldasher Lobna M , Theriault Nicolette
Published: December 2024

Background

Despite the growing availability of advanced medical therapies for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), significant gaps remain in treatment initiation. Targeted education and point-of-care clinical decision support may address this gap and lead to improved patient outcomes.

Methods

A multiphase IBD-focused provider education and decision support program spanning 10 years was developed consisting of (1) symposia-based education (n = 1101 learners; 2014 to 2019), (2) point-of-care education (n = 8547 learners) with clinical decision support tool (CDST) deployment (n = 11 940 users, n = 954 learners; 2019 to 2023), and (3) data-driven platform optimization (2024). Modifications were made through qualitative learner and user surveys, crowdsourced cases to guide implementation, and quantitative data metrics. A matched prepost methodology for testing was used for learners, and a key outcome measure was impact on mastery defined as correctness and confidence for scenario-based questions.

Results

Symposia-based education significantly improved provider knowledge, competence, and confidence for all learning domains except shared decision making and treatment selection. Based on learner data and qualitative provider feedback, a freely accessible web-based platform was launched (IBD CDST; www.CDSTforIBD.com). The platform had significant positive impacts on knowledge, competence, confidence, practice, and clinical decision-making learning domains, including shared decision-making. A greater than 200% increase in mastery was observed because of the educational platform model. The impact was consistent for physicians and advanced practice providers.

Conclusions

We have built a freely accessible web-based decision support tool platform for advanced medical therapy selection in IBD that significantly improved provider mastery in decision-making for advanced medical therapies.
Private law subjects in European mini-publics
Authors: Hesselink Martijn W
Published: December 2024

This article explores viable paths towards a more radically democratic European private law. In particular, it argues that European private law should catch the deliberative wave. To this end, the article proposes the introduction of deliberative citizens’ assemblies and citizens’ panels in the context of EU private-law making, especially its reform. The argument is grounded in the dialectical relationship between the private autonomy of persons as European legal subjects (individual self-determination) and their public autonomy as European citizens (collective self-determination). However, on the same grounds, the article also cautions against possible exclusionary effects of mini-publics constituted through sortition towards members of marginalized groups, which could end up undermining both individual and collective self-determination.
Numerical methods for computing the discrete and continuous Laplace transforms
Authors: Zhang Yupeng , Shen Yueyang , Zhang Rongqian , Liu Yuyao , Guo Yunjie , Deng Daxuan , Dinov Ivo D
Published: December 2024

The Laplace transform (LT) and its inverse (ILT) play vital roles in contemporary data science, probability modelling, statistical inference and spacekime analytics. For some complex functions, noisy data or incomplete observations, there are challenges with computing LT and ILT. This article reports on new numerical algorithms for computing the forward and inverse LT. The technique is applicable to both continuous functions and discrete signals, and yields computationally efficient and analytically robust results. We review a Meijer-G symbolic approach to compute the LT and test the LT and ILT on discrete data and on analytic functions with known exact transforms. We also report empirical evidence of the asymptotic behaviour of the expectation of the smallest singular value of the LT matrix, $\mathbb{E}(\sigma _{n}(\mathbf{A})) \sim \frac{1}{n^\gamma }$ for some $\gamma \in (0,2)$. Our analysis of the smallest singular values of the random matrix emerging in the ILT algorithm indicates that under certain assumptions, the matrix can be bounded. Random phase sampling independent of the radial strategy may violate isotropicities of the random matrix. This LT/ILT technique is applicable to analytical functions as well as observational signals. The article also proposes a Clifford algebra approach for generalizing the LT to higher dimensional space-time processes.
Spectral Instability of Coverings
Authors: Ballmann Werner , Mondal Sugata
Published: December 2024

We study the behaviour of eigenvalues, below the bottom of the essential spectrum, of the Laplacian under finite Riemannian coverings of complete and connected Riemannian manifolds. We define spectral stability and instability of such coverings. Among others, we provide necessary conditions for stability or, equivalently, sufficient conditions for instability.
Decline of Antibodies to Major Viral and Bacterial Respiratory Pathogens During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Lorenz Natalie , James Alex , Van Rooyen Tiaan , Paterson Aimee , Ramiah Ciara , Carlton Lauren H , Sharma Prachi , Baker Michael G , Charlewood Richard , McGregor Reuben , Moreland Nicole J
Published: December 2024

Surges in infections caused by respiratory pathogens have been documented in multiple settings after relaxation of pandemic restrictions. Antibodies to major antigens from respiratory syncytial virus and group A Streptococcus waned significantly in a longitudinal adult cohort throughout the pandemic. This waning may have contributed to the pathogen-surges that followed.
Temporal dynamics in a red alga dominated geothermal feature in Yellowstone National Park
Authors: Stephens Timothy G , Van Etten Julia , McDermott Timothy , Christian William , Chaverra Martha , Gurney James , Lee Yongsung , Kim Hocheol , Cho Chung Hyun , Chovancek Erik , Westhoff Philipp , Otte Antonia , Northen Trent R , Bowen Benjamin P , Louie Katherine B , Barry Kerrie , Grigoriev Igor V , Mock Thomas , Liu Shao-Lun , Miyagishima Shin-ya , Yoshinaga Masafumi , Weber Andreas P M , Yoon Hwan Su , Bhattacharya Debashish
Published: December 2024

Alga-dominated geothermal spring communities in Yellowstone National Park (YNP), USA, have been the focus of many studies, however, relatively little is known about the composition and community interactions which underpin these ecosystems. Our goal was to determine, in three neighboring yet distinct environments in Lemonade Creek, YNP, how cells cope with abiotic stressors over the diurnal cycle. All three environments are colonized by two photosynthetic lineages, Cyanidioschyzon and Galdieria, both of which are extremophilic Cyanidiophyceae red algae. Cyanidioschyzon, a highly specialized obligate photoautotroph, dominated cell counts at all three Lemonade Creek environments. The cell cycle of Cyanidioschyzon in YNP matched that observed in synchronized cultures, suggesting that light availability plays a strong role in constraining growth of this alga in its natural habitat. Surprisingly, the mixotrophic and physiologically more flexible Galdieria, was a minor component of these algal populations. Arsenic detoxification at Lemonade Creek occurred via complementary gene expression by different eukaryotic and prokaryotic lineages, consistent with this function being shared by the microbial community, rather than individual lineages completing the entire pathway. These results demonstrate the highly structured nature of these extreme habitats, particularly regarding arsenic detoxification.
Weak selection for resistance to quorum sensing inhibition during multiple host infection cycles
Authors: Yang Qian , Defoirdt Tom
Published: December 2024

Quorum sensing (QS) inhibition is a promising novel approach to control bacterial infections. However, it is not clear whether QS inhibition will impose selective pressure for the spread of resistance against QS inhibition in pathogen populations. Previous research tried to answer this question by using synthetic growth media, and this revealed that whether or not resistance will spread completely depends on the environment in which it is studied. Therefore, the spread of resistance should be studied in the environment where it ultimately matters: in vivo during infection of a host. Here, using QS inhibitor-susceptible and -resistant mimics, we show that resistance to QS inhibition does not spread in host-associated populations of Vibrio campbellii during up to 35 cycles of infection and transmission if the initial frequency of the resistance is low in the pathogen population, whereas it further increases to 100% if it is already prevalent. However, even in the latter case, the resistance spreads at a slower pace than resistance to antibiotics spreads under the same conditions.
Three-stage location-routing programming for heavy-duty railway maintenance machinery base based on multi-factor combined weights
Authors: Wang Jin , Qiu Shi , Yang Bobo , Zaheer Qasim , Wang Weidong , Sun Ying , Liu Xianhua , Xiao Chunzhong , Ge Hanzhang
Published: December 2024

An imperative shift toward a scientific and methodical approach has become increasingly essential when deliberating the placement of maintenance bases for robust railway machinery dedicated to heavy-duty tasks. This article addresses the need for a systematic approach to placing maintenance bases for heavy-duty railway machinery. It introduces a meticulously crafted three-stage location-routing paradigm that factors in both qualitative and quantitative determinants. This approach optimizes routing strategies for the machinery while constructing an evaluative framework for base placement. An evaluative index is created by merging relevant qualitative and quantitative elements, using an enhanced game theory methodology combined with the evidential analytic hierarchy process and the entropy weight method to balance subjective and objective considerations. The model’s complexity is handled with an improved genetic algorithm and a hybrid ant colony algorithm, effectively addressing location and routing interactions. Practical implementation and case studies validate the model’s and algorithm’s efficacy, confirming their applicability in real-world scenarios.
Utopian Design Space: Practical Concerns and Transformative Ambitions
Authors: Engelbutzeder Philip , Jahn Leonie , Berns Katie , Kirschsieper Dennis , Wulf-Miskati Daniel , Schäfer Franka , Randall Dave , Wulf Volker
Published: December 2024

Interconnected global crises have emphasized the need for alternative visions of the future, making transformative action urgent. Consequently, Sustainable Human–Computer Interaction (SHCI) has seen growing interest in exploring means to support radical and sustainable change, starting with grassroots, community-driven endeavors. This study explores the concept of Utopian Design Space (UDS) in the context of surplus redistribution in grassroots communities. The objective is to understand how practical concerns and transformative ambitions intersect, creating spaces that foster sharing and caring practices. Through action-oriented research, we examine six local projects, highlighting ICT’s role in these initiatives. Our findings highlight the challenges and opportunities in managing values, scalability, sustainability and inclusivity within UDSs. We discuss how aligning ICT with community practices can foster socio-technical innovation and support transformative change, introducing the notion of prefigurative technology. These insights can help us envisage design spaces that foster utopian ideas like equitable resource distribution and generalized reciprocity.