bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Navigating HOPE (Hypermobile Online Pain managemEnt): Perspectives and Experiences From People With Hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome or Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder on a Condition‐Specific Online Pain Management Programme
Authors: Chew Min Tze , Ilhan Emre , Dennis Sarah , Nicholson Leslie L. , Kobayashi Sarah , Chan Cliffton
Published: February 2025

Introduction

The Hypermobile Online Pain managemEnt (HOPE) programme is a stakeholder informed intervention adopting the biopsychosocial pain approach, specifically for people with hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorder (HSD) experiencing pain. The programme topics included were based on a modified Delphi of a large sample of stakeholders: people with hEDS/HSD and healthcare practitioners who are experienced with managing these conditions. Programme feasibility, acceptability and appropriateness were previously evaluated quantitatively in a pilot randomised controlled trial, but the in‐depth experiences and perceptions of participants who engaged with the programme is unknown.

Methods

Qualitative study. 1:1, semi‐structured online interviews of participants who took part in the HOPE programme. Data was analysed using an inductive thematic analysis approach as described by Braun and Clark.

Results

Twelve participants were interviewed; 91% were female, mean age 38.1 (SD 9.1). Four themes emerged: (1) The biopsychosocial approach to understanding pain used in the HOPE programme was acceptable and appropriate, (2) benefits of the programme were stronger for those who were newer on their hEDS/HSD journey, (3) self‐guided reflections included in the programme required headspace and personal meaning and (4) participants desired more adaptable content and programme functionality. Additionally, participants gave suggestions on how to improve the content, adherence and engagement to the programme.

Conclusion

The HOPE programme was considered feasible, acceptable and appropriate for people with hEDS/HSD. The four themes and suggestions from our study findings will be used to refine subsequent versions and large‐scale trials of the HOPE programme, as well as provide translatable insights for other online interventions for hEDS/HSD or similar complex, chronic multisystemic conditions.

Patient or Public Contribution

A large community of hEDS/HSD patients' and healthcare providers' input were obtained from a two‐staged online Delphi from a prior study. This approach was preferred to capture the greatest amount of feedback from a diverse international voice. Via the Delphi study, they provided suggestions for content topics and consensus on what they felt were important to include in a hEDS/HSD specific online pain management programme, as well as programme parameters (e.g., duration and frequency of programme; healthcare provider telehealth component; types of learning activities).
Vascular intrusion is a mimic of true vascular invasion in large bowel adenomatous polyps
Authors: Wong Newton A C S , Loughrey Maurice B , Bateman Adrian C , Rodriguez‐Justo Manuel , Shepherd Neil A
Published: February 2025

Aims

‘Vascular intrusion’ is a proposed but poorly recognised phenomenon of colorectal adenomas whereby dysplastic epithelium is forced into blood vessels. This study aimed to validate its existence and to characterise histological features that distinguish it from true vascular invasion.

Methods and results

Three gastrointestinal pathologists independently assessed 38 colorectal polyps showing possible vascular intrusion as two cohorts. After the cohort A (15 cases) assessment, the pathologists met to decide upon diagnostic criteria and consensus diagnoses. They met again after the cohort B (23 cases) assessment to establish final consensus diagnoses. Histological features found to favour vascular intrusion were: absence of adenocarcinoma; presence of adjacent epithelial misplacement; low‐grade cytology; crush artefact; and presence of lamina propria among the intravascular glands. The proportion of cases where all three pathologists independently agreed upon diagnoses of vascular intrusion versus vascular invasion increased from 53% for cohort A to 74% for cohort B. However, while there were final consensus diagnoses of vascular intrusion and vascular invasion for 21 and seven cases, respectively, the assessors were unable to agree upon either diagnosis for 10 cases. Follow‐up of 17 patients who had undergone polyp resection > 3 years previously (including eight with consensus diagnoses of vascular intrusion) did not demonstrate recurrent or metastatic colorectal carcinoma.

Conclusions

Vascular intrusion may be caused by forcing of adenoma into vessels as part of epithelial misplacement or during resection or laboratory processing of the polyp. Histological features of the intravascular glands and surrounding adenoma help to distinguish this benign/artefactual phenomenon from true vascular invasion.
POLITICAL BRINKMANSHIP AND COMPROMISE
Authors: Herrera Helios , Macé Antonin , Núñez Matías
Published: February 2025

We study how do‐or‐die threats ending negotiations affect gridlock and welfare when two opposing parties bargain. Failure to agree on a deal in any period implies a continuation of the negotiation. However, under brinkmanship, agreement failure in any period may precipitate a crisis with a small chance. In equilibrium, such brinkmanship threats improve the probability of an agreement, but also increase the risk of crisis. Brinkmanship reduces welfare when one might think it is most needed: severe gridlock. In this case, despite this global welfare loss, a party has incentives to use brinkmanship strategically to obtain a favorable bargaining position.
Cardiac Characteristics of Hospitalized Influenza Patients: An Interim Analysis From the FluHeart Study
Authors: Skaarup Kristoffer Grundtvig , Davidovski Filip Soeskov , Durukan Emil , Modin Daniel , Lassen Mats Christian Højbjerg , Dons Maria , Jensen Anne Marie Reimer , Johansen Niklas Dyrby , Sengeløv Morten , Vyff Frederikke , Landler Nino Emanuel , Jensen Gorm Boje , Nielsen Anne Bjerg , Christensen Jacob , Hauser Raphael , Schnohr Peter , Møgelvang Rasmus , Nielsen Lene , Jensen Jens‐Ulrik Stæhr , Biering‐Sørensen Tor
Published: February 2025

Background

Influenza infection has been associated with multiple cardiac complications including acute heart failure and myocardial infarction. The FluHeart study aims to uncover the potential effect of influenza infection on cardiac structure and function as assessed by echocardiography during hospitalization.

Methods

This prospective cohort study included hospitalized influenza patients of the 2021–2022 influenza season. Participants underwent echocardiography using a prespecified protocol. Participants were successfully matched 1:1:1 on age, sex, and heart failure status with controls from the general population and controls hospitalized with COVID‐19.

Results

This interim analysis involved 108 participants (36 influenza patients, 36 general population controls, and 36 COVID‐19 patients). Mean age was 72 ± 18 years and 58% were male. Median time from admission to echocardiography was 1 day (IQI: 1:1) for influenza patients. The prevalence of left ventricular (LV) dysfunction was 75%, and right ventricular (RV) dysfunction was observed in 20% of influenza patients. N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide levels were elevated ≥ 300 pg/mL in 62%, and 19% exhibited myocardial injury with elevated high‐sensitivity troponin I levels. RV tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion and LV early diastolic peak mitral inflow to early diastolic tissue velocity were significantly worse in influenza patients compared to general population controls. Echocardiographic measures did not significantly differ between patients hospitalized with influenza and COVID‐19.

Conclusion

In this interim analysis of the FluHeart study, both RV and LV function measures were significantly impaired in hospitalized influenza patients compared with matched general population controls. The extent of impairment resembled that observed in hospitalized COVID‐19 patients.
Comparative Analysis of Influenza Epidemiology Before and After the COVID‐19 Pandemic in Argentina (2018–2019 vs. 2022–2023)
Authors: Gentile Angela , Juárez María del Valle , Ensinck Gabriela , Lopez Oscar , Melonari Pablo , Fernández Tatiana , Gioiosa Andrés , Lazarte Gustavo , Lobertti Silvina , Lucion María Florencia , Pejito Natalia , Racana Camila , López Leandro , Gregorio Gabriela
Published: February 2025

Introduction

The COVID‐19 pandemic altered the epidemiology of respiratory viruses other than SARS‐CoV‐2. This study investigated the clinical‐epidemiological pattern of hospitalized pediatric patients with acute lower respiratory tract infections (ALRI) and influenza in Argentina, comparing prepandemic and postpandemic periods.

Materials and Methods

This multicenter, cross‐sectional study included patients under 18 years old admitted for ALRIs in five tertiary centers of Argentina before (2018 and 2019) and after (2022 and 2023) COVID‐19. Changes in viral detection rates, seasonality, and case fatality rate (CFR), along with epidemiological and clinical characteristics, were analyzed. Indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) or RT‐PCR was used for virological diagnosis pre‐pandemic, and only RT‐PCR in post‐pandemic. Epi Info 7 and SPSS 15.0 was used for data analysis.

Results

A total of 5838 cases of ALRI were included (mean age: 9.5 months; IQR: 4–22 months); 96.6% were tested for viral detection, and 66.4% were positive (3877 cases). Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was the most prevalent. Influenza showed typical winter seasonality in 2018, 2019, and 2023. However, 2022 exhibited a bimodal pattern: late summer and spring, with co‐circulation of influenza A and B in the second peak. CFR varied by viral diagnosis; influenza showed the highest CFR, all deaths related to influenza A. Among 354 influenza cases, 81% were < 5 years old, 53% were male, 63% had comorbidities, and 14.1% required intensive care. Mean of influenza vaccine coverage (6–24 months) was 21.4%. In both periods, patients with influenza were more likely to have pneumonia. Additionally, in the postpandemic period, malnourishment or being 3 years of age or older was also associated with a higher likelihood of influenza infection compared with infection with other respiratory viruses.

Conclusions

Influenza primarily affected children under 5 years old. Postpandemic cases involved older individuals, and increased circulation of influenza A H3N2 was observed. Vaccination coverage was notably low. Influenza returned to its usual seasonal pattern in 2023.
Analysis of Common Treatment Drugs and Allergen Sensitization in Hair Loss Patients
Authors: Feng Chengcheng , Wang Ying , Yang Dingquan , Shen Hui
Published: February 2025

Background

Hair loss significantly impacts an individual's appearance, self‐confidence, quality of life, and social competitiveness. Over 250 million people in China suffer from hair loss, accounting for 18% of the population. To ensure the safe selection of topical hair products for hair loss patients, reduce the risks of allergies and irritation, and improve clinical efficacy and adherence, we developed a hair patch test based on clinical needs.

Objective

In this study, we explored the allergic situation of hair diseases through the test of patch products, which provided a strong basis for clinical personalized treatment.

Methods

We designed a hair patch test to screen for allergens that are highly associated with hair diseases. The experiment is based on screening of haptens and drugs commonly encountered by hair and scalp, covering hair dyes, scalp care products, and therapeutic drugs. The research subjects are patients diagnosed with hair related diseases (such as androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata, etc.), ensuring that the samples are targeted. The allergen patch is fixed on the surface of the skin, with a contact time of 48 h, followed by recording and evaluating local skin reactions within 72 h. The experiment aims to identify allergens that may cause or exacerbate hair diseases, providing a basis for the etiology research and treatment of related diseases.

Results

Common allergens in daily hair care products include dodecyl polyglucoside (10.2% positivity rate) and Balsam of Peru (8.67% positivity rate). Cobalt chloride (56.63% positivity rate) and nickel sulfate (32.65% positivity rate) were prevalent metal semiallergens. The positive rates of 5% minoxidil liniment were 22.96%, and the positive rate of 5% minoxidil tincture was 27.04%, indicating significant sensitization potential. Lowering minoxidil liniment concentration to 2% reduced positivity to 4.08%. The positive rate of Hasonide solution mixed with 5% minoxidil tincture was 16.33%, while Hasinide solution and 5% minoxidil liniment were not positive, suggesting that the addition of both Hasonide solution could reduce the sensitization of 5% minoxidil tincture and minoxidil liniment.

Conclusion

The increasing prevalence of hair disorders necessitates personalized treatment approaches. This study demonstrated the utility of patch testing with hair care products to investigate allergenic reactions, offering robust evidence for tailored clinical interventions. Future research should refine patch testing methodologies to better simulate real‐world conditions and conduct larger‐scale studies to optimize therapeutic strategies.
Genetic Admixture and Novel Host Shifts in a Parasitic Plant, Orobanche boninsimae (Orobanchaceae), Endemic to the Ogasawara Islands
Authors: Nishimura Akihiro , Takayama Koji
Published: February 2025

Parasitic plants depend on other plants for nutrients and water and have undergone evolutionary processes tightly linked to their host range. As parasitic adaptations specialise host range, host shifts between parasite lineages are considered essential events that can lead to genetic differentiation and speciation. A thorough examination of population genealogy covering the entire host range is imperative to comprehend the impact of host‐shift evolution on parasitic plant species diversity. Therefore, we investigated the population genetic structure of Orobanche boninsimae (Orobanchaceae), an endemic parasitic plant in the Bonin (Ogasawara) Islands. The host species of O. boninsimae are entirely distinct from those of other Orobanche species and show differences between geographically isolated islands, even though the host species coexist in some localities. Genetic differentiation was observed among populations from different islands, corresponding to variations in the host range of O. boninsimae. Demographic analysis supported a scenario in which populations on the southern island emerged through the admixture of populations parasitic on the different host species from the northern islands. This suggests a progressive colonisation process, wherein continental ancestors established in the northern islands underwent a host shift, followed by the migration of a lineage to the southern island. Notably, host shift across islands may have occurred through the admixture of populations. These findings provide a foundation for elucidating the roles of host plants and geographical isolation in the speciation of parasitic plants and enhance our understanding of the mechanisms driving parasitic plant diversification.
Out of Proportion: Israel's Paradox In China's Middle Eastern Policy
Authors: Shichor Yitzhak
Published: February 2025

After Hamas's brutal October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, China appeared to side with the Islamists, as if its relationship with the Jewish state had deteriorated beyond repair. This was accompanied by an officially inspired wave of antisemitism and votes against Israel at the United Nations. Within a few months, however, the Chinese began to tone down their response and to repair what has become an important component in their Middle East policy. Israel was the first Middle Eastern government to recognize the People's Republic, though no diplomatic relations were established between the two until January 1992. The long delay was caused by Beijing's cultivation of ties with the Arab and Muslim worlds, which required enmity toward Israel. This had been expected to be a limited partnership. However, as this article shows, Israel has played a major role in China's regional strategy, somewhat in politics but much more in economic growth, defense modernization, technology, and innovation. In relative and, in some areas, absolute terms, Israel has proved to be as important to China as other regional states, and it has often won, implicitly and even explicitly, Beijing's appreciation—out of all proportion.
Brain structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging alterations in individuals with convergence insufficiency
Authors: Wang Yuxia , Huang Gantian , Wu Ye , Xiong Ling , Chen Yufei , Li Haoran , Long Fenghua , Li Qian , Sun Huaiqiang , Kemp Graham J. , Liu Longqian , Gong Qiyong , Li Fei
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Individuals with convergence insufficiency (CI) encounter challenges in turning their eyes inward during near work. It is unclear how this relates to brain structural and functional alterations. This study aimed to explore the neural mechanism underlying CI using multimodal brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods

Thirty‐four CI participants and 35 healthy controls (HC) were recruited, who underwent visual examinations and brain MRI scanning. Structural MRI data were analysed to calculate cortical thickness, volume and surface area. Fractional amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuation (fALFF) and seed‐based functional connectivity were obtained from resting‐state functional MRI data. The brain structural and functional metrics were compared between the two groups followed by correlation analyses between clinical measurements and significant brain features.

Results

Relative to HC, individuals with CI had lower grey matter volume (GMV) and surface area in the right frontal eye fields, parietal eye fields and left medial orbitofrontal cortex, higher GMV and surface area in the right middle frontal and inferior temporal gyri and higher fALFF of the left cerebellum and functional connection between bilateral cerebellums. GMV of the right middle frontal gyrus and fALFF in the left cerebellum were positively correlated with the near point of convergence in all participants.

Conclusions

Lower structural metrics in the visual and oculomotor cortices and higher functional activity in the cerebellum may underpin convergence dysfunction and visual fatigue, while higher structural metrics in the right middle frontal and inferior temporal gyri reflect partial compensation for the visual and oculomotor cortex defects, thereby maintaining attention and parallax information processing. This study may enhance understanding of the neural mechanism of CI by revealing the impact of abnormal visual experiences of CI on the brain with disassociated structural and functional alterations in the vergence system.
Anti‐Exceptionalism About Logic (Part II): Methodological Anti‐Exceptionalism About Logic
Authors: Martin Ben , Hjortland Ole Thomassen
Published: February 2025

According to anti‐exceptionalism about logic (AEL), logic is not as exceptional in terms of its subject matter and epistemology as has been conventionally thought. As such, AEL either outright rejects certain traditional properties of logic, such as its formality, apriority, or necessity, or rather proposes that while logic possesses these properties, it does so in a similar way to other research areas. In this second part of a two‐part entry on AEL, we focus on contemporary proposals for Methodological AEL, the view that the mechanisms of theory‐choice in logic are similar to those in the sciences. Firstly, we consider the various contemporary motivations for Methodological AEL and highlight how these motivations need not equally motivate Evidential AEL, the view that the sources of logical evidence are the same as the sources of evidence within the sciences. Secondly, we discuss the two most prominent versions of Methodological AEL in the literature, logical abductivism and predictivism, and end by briefly outlining some of the important challenges presently facing Methodological AEL.
The Impact of Basel III Implementation on Bank Lending in South Africa
Authors: Sibande Xolani , Milne Alistair
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the impact of the Basel III capital requirement on the supply of bank credit in South Africa. The literature offers greatly varying estimates of the impact of bank capital requirements on loan supply. Using a specification closely modelled on a related study of Peru, we report panel regressions using monthly balance sheet data for the four biggest banks in South Africa. We distinguish between three different categories of bank lending for household and corporate borrowers and report complementary local projection estimates to capture dynamic impacts. We find little evidence that the introduction of higher capital requirements under Basel III has reduced the supply of bank credit in South Africa. We surmise that this is mainly due to the large banks being well capitalised and operating with capital buffers that are larger than regulatory minimum requirements.
Maduro's Machines Against Paper Coalitions: Party Digitalization and Narratives on Machine Voting in Bulgaria
Authors: Bankov Petar
Published: February 2025

Party digitalisation has become an increasingly significant aspect of European parties' organisational work. The literature has explored the sources and effects of party digitalisation, but its influence on political processes remains understudied. This article fills this gap by investigating the contribution of party digitalisation to policy narratives on e‐voting. It focusses on the debates about the restoration of a dual voting method, combining paper ballots and machine voting, in Bulgaria in late 2022. In particular, it performs a narrative analysis on the policy narratives of the political parties represented in the Bulgarian parliament. This exemplary case demonstrates that the level of party digitalisation provides an important context for understanding the policy narratives of these parties. These findings have important implications for the study of party digitalisation. Future works may need to consider party digitalisation as part of political parties' public image.
What drives data‐driven campaigning (DDC)? A comparative analysis of the institutional and organisational factors shaping the adoption of DDC in the French and German party systems
Authors: Bon Esmeralda , Gibson Rachel , Darius Philipp , Greffet Fabienne , Römmele Andrea
Published: February 2025

This paper analyses the adoption of data‐driven campaigning (DDC) by German and French parties in recent national elections using data from an original post‐election survey of 27 parties (12 German, 15 French) and a new purpose‐built DDC campaign index. Specifically, we investigate two main research questions: (1) Do countries and parties vary in the extent to which DDC is practised? (2) If so, what explains those differences? We find that while in both countries DDC adoption is limited in comparison to other campaign modes, differences exist across countries and parties based on a range of macro (systemic) and meso (organisation‐level) factors. Most notably, contrary to normalisation theory, we find that minor parties with a ‘netroots’ base and newcomers who are digital ‘natives’ engage more in DDC than the ‘legacy’ major parties.
Whole‐genome data shed light on speciation and within‐species differentiation of the Papilio machaon complex around the Mediterranean Basin
Authors: Cassar Louis‐F. , Nabholz Benoit , Reboud Eliette L. , Chevalier Emmanuelle , Lafon Bérénice J. , Cotton Adam M. , Condamine Fabien L.
Published: February 2025

Within swallowtail butterflies, the type species Papilio machaon Linnaeus has fostered many studies leading to a complex taxonomy. With >40 subspecies formally recognized in the Palaearctic and recently simplified to 14 subspecies, there is still a need to address the taxonomic delineation within this complex. A previous phylogenomic analysis including Holarctic subspecies has revealed that Palaearctic P. machaon formed several monophyletic groups, leading to treat P. saharae Oberthür as a subspecies and the Nearctic P. machaon as a separate species (P. bairdii Edwards). Here, we aim at testing the taxonomic boundaries and relationships in the Western Palaearctic using whole‐genome data of taxa from the Mediterranean region, which include first draft genomes of P. hospiton Géné (41× coverage depth) and P. saharae (51× coverage depth). We refined the species boundary of P. machaon and confirmed the species status of P. saharae. We assessed subspecies limits of Mediterranean P. machaon and P. saharae through Bayesian multispecies coalescent inferences and population genomic analyses, indicating that a taxonomic simplification is needed, with the exclusion of P. machaon from North Africa (P. saharae mauretanica Verity, comb. nov.) and the synonymy of subspecies (P. saharae neosaharae Tarrier, syn. nov.). We revealed heterogeneous levels of heterozygosity between island and continental lineages that warrant further taxonomic actions. We also found evidence of low gene flow between Corsican P. machaon and P. hospiton, endemic to Corsica (and Sardinia). We discuss how the speciation and phylogeographic patterns are in line with past climatic and geological changes of the Mediterranean Basin.
Characterisation of the Novel HLA‐B*35:627 Allele by Sequencing‐Based Typing
Authors: Pajot Thibault , Elsermans Vincent , Top Isabelle , Labalette Myriam
Published: February 2025

HLA‐B*35:627 differs from HLA‐B*35:01:01:01 by one nucleotide substitution in codon 80 in exon 2.
Characterisation of the Novel HLA‐DQA1*01:67:02 Allele by Sequencing‐Based Typing
Authors: Cargou Marine , Andreani Marco , Gustiniani Paola , Ralazamahaleo Mamy , Visentin Jonathan
Published: February 2025

HLA‐DQA1*01:67:02 differs from HLA‐DQA1*01:67:01 by one nucleotide substitution in codon 229 in exon 4.
Analysis of the Surface Urban Heat Island Effect and the Spatiotemporal Heterogeneity of Its Driving Factors
Authors: Rao Xuqian , Cui Haifu , Dong Jiaying , Xiang Longwei , Peng Li
Published: February 2025

The surface urban heat island (SUHI) effect presents a significant challenge in urban environments. However, there is spatiotemporal variability in the SUHI effect and its drivers, which is often overlooked. To address this issue, this study employs the geographically and temporally weighted regression (GTWR) model to analyze the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of the SUHI and its driving factors. The findings reveal the following: (1) The SUHIs in the central urban area of Wuhan are located mainly on both sides of the Yangtze and Han Rivers, most notably in the Qingshan Industrial Zone; (2) in the city center, the land surface temperature (LST) is strongly positively correlated with the bare soil index (BSI), normalized difference built‐up index (NDBI), normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), and nighttime light (NTL); (3) clear temporal disparities exist between the LST and the drivers, with the NDBI, NDWI, and NTL factors displaying the most notable variations; and (4) a comprehensive analysis has yielded quantitative relationships between the LST and associated drivers. In summary, it has been proven that there are spatiotemporal differences in the LST and its driving factors. Therefore, the impact of spatiotemporal heterogeneity should be considered when studying the mitigation of the SUHI effect.
Voting on Vaccinations: The Political Legitimacy of Referendums on Science‐Related Questions
Authors: Ongaro Malvina
Published: February 2025

In this paper, I ask whether a referendum is more legitimate than parliamentary voting as a procedure to reach a collective decision on the question of mandatory vaccinations. Since I define both procedures as applications of binary majority rule, I start by exploring the political legitimacy of such rule. There are two main legitimising arguments for it: an instrumental one and a procedural one. After an illustration of their respective limitations, I defend a hybrid account of legitimacy that makes use of both. My main claim is that which of these should be used to ground the legitimacy of a procedure depends crucially on the empirical content of the question at stake. However, I contend that only a procedural argument could make a referendum more legitimate than parliamentary voting. Thus, the answer to my research question depends on the empirical status of the issue of mandatory vaccinations. I describe it as a complex issue, the answer to which depends on both empirical and non‐empirical components. Under a premise‐based approach, a referendum would be more legitimate only for the non‐empirical components. Under a conclusion‐based one, it would be more legitimate only if an overall assessment conferred more relevance to the non‐empirical components.
A generalized pseudo‐rotation with positive topological entropy
Authors: Çineli Erman
Published: February 2025

In this note, we give examples of Hamiltonian diffeomorphisms which are on one hand dynamically complicated, for instance, with positive topological entropy, and on the other hand minimal from the perspective of Floer theory. The minimality is in the sense that the barcode of the Floer complex of all iterates of these maps consists of only infinite bars. In particular, the maps have zero barcode entropy.
Development of a rapid automated binaural detection task
Authors: Shub Daniel E. , Grant Ken W. , Brungart Douglas S.
Published: February 2025

Three different automated procedures for efficiently measuring the 500 Hz N0Sπ binaural tone detection threshold of individuals with normal audiometric thresholds were tested with 6803 subjects and the results are compared with an automated version of an existing clinical procedure. Two of these procedures resulted in substantially reduced binaural detection performance and caused a notable decrease in the reliability of the behavior of the subjects. The remaining procedure was an 18-trial yes/no procedure and the difficulty of the trials in this procedure varied in a non-monotonic manner. This procedure not only has fewer trials than the existing clinical procedure but the reliability of the estimate of threshold is improved. The average difference in threshold between this procedure and the clinical procedure was only −0.67 dB, which is likely not clinically significant. Further, only 0.35% of the 6208 subjects tested with the non-monotonic-order procedure were unable to complete the fully automated test which was better than the failure rate for the automated version of the clinical procedure. With such a low failure rate, the modified procedure appears suitable for use as a rapid tool for helping to detect functional hearing deficits that are not captured by the audiogram.
Sustained Gα
s
signaling mediated by vasopressin type 2 receptors is ligand dependent but endocytosis and β-arrestin independent
Authors: Teixeira Larissa B. , Blouin Marie-José , Le Gouill Christian , Picard Louis-Philippe , Costa-Neto Claudio M. , Bouvier Michel , Parreiras-e-Silva Lucas T.
Published: February 2025

The canonical model of G protein–coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling comprises G protein activation at the plasma membrane, followed by receptor phosphorylation and β-arrestin recruitment, which leads to receptor desensitization and endocytosis. However, the activation of some GPCRs results in sustained G protein signaling from intracellular compartments in a manner reportedly dependent on β-arrestin and receptor endocytosis. The vasopressin type 2 receptor (V
2
R) can be activated by two structurally similar hormones, arginine vasopressin and oxytocin, both of which stimulate the production of the second messenger cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). In this study, we showed that sustained V
2
R signaling and endosomal Gα
s
(stimulatory G protein alpha subunit) translocation could occur without β-arrestin–mediated receptor endocytosis and was primarily controlled by the residence time of the ligand on the receptor. β-Arrestin had opposing effects on sustained signaling: It facilitated receptor internalization into endosomes, where it activated Gα
s
, and promoted cAMP production from this compartment. However, β-arrestin–mediated receptor endocytosis also induced ligand dissociation due to the acidic endosomal environment, thereby limiting the signal. Overall, our data suggest that signals originating at the plasma membrane play a dominant role in sustained V
2
R signaling stimulated by arginine vasopressin.
Sustained chromosomal passenger complex activity preserves the pluripotency of human embryonic carcinoma cells
Authors: Tsunematsu Takaaki , Mouri Yasuhiro , Shao Wenhua , Arakaki Rieko , Ruppert Jan G. , Murano Kensaku , Ishimaru Naozumi , Guardavaccaro Daniele , Pagano Michele , Kudo Yasusei
Published: February 2025

Human embryonic carcinoma (hEC) cells are derived from teratocarcinomas, exhibit robust proliferation, have a high differentiation potential, are the malignant counterparts of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), and are considered hESC-like. The chromosomal passenger complex (CPC), made up of the microtuble binding protein Borealin, the kinase Aurora-B, the CPC-stabilizing inner centromere protein (INCENP), and the inhibitor of apoptosis family member Survivin, regulates cell division and is active exclusively during mitosis in somatic cells. The anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome and its cofactor Cdh1 (APC/C
Cdh1
) is a ubiquitylating complex that catalyzes the degradation of Aurora-B and Borealin in somatic cells but has low activity during interphase in hESCs. Here, we found that Borealin and Aurora-B exhibited sustained stability throughout the cell cycle of hEC cells due to low APC/C
Cdh1
activity. In contrast with somatic cells, CPC activity persisted across the cell cycle of hEC cells because of diminished APC/C
Cdh1
activity. Disrupting the CPC complex by depleting its constituents triggered spontaneous differentiation in hEC cells. As hEC cells differentiated, APC/C
Cdh1
activation curtailed CPC activity. Inactivating the CPC by pharmacologically inhibiting Aurora-B induced hEC cell differentiation by activating the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) program. Hence, APC/C
Cdh1
-mediated termination of CPC activity triggered hEC cell differentiation. Collectively, these findings demonstrate a role for the CPC in governing hESC cell fate.
Tourmaline geochemical and boron isotopic constraints on the magmatic-hydrothermal transition and Li mineralization in LCT-type pegmatites
Authors: Li Wenjing , Chen Bin , Chen Xiaodong , Sun Yang , Liu Shuaijie
Published: February 2025

The magmatic-hydrothermal transition in LCT-type pegmatites, which are enriched in lithium (Li), cesium (Cs), and tantalum (Ta), has received international attention because rare metal (e.g., Li) minerals reach saturation at this stage. However, deciphering the details of the melt-fluid evolution and Li distribution behavior remains difficult. We conducted studies of in situ major and trace elements and B isotopes of tourmalines from the Dangba Li-rich and Li-poor pegmatites in the Songpan-Ganze terrane of the Eastern Tibetan Plateau to unravel the magmatic-hydrothermal transition processes that may have contributed to Li mineralization. Tourmalines range in composition from magmatic dravite and schorl to hydrothermal elbaite in the Li-rich pegmatite, while those from the Li-poor pegmatite primarily consist of magmatic schorl. Tourmalines from the Li-rich pegmatite show dominantly Fe3+Al3+−1 substitution, which indicates that they formed in an oxidizing and high-salinity magmatic-hydrothermal environment. Tourmalines from the Li-poor pegmatite, however, show the dominant substitution of Fe2+Mg2+−1, which suggests they formed in a reducing and low-salinity environment with limited aqueous fluid. Three types of tourmaline were identified in the Li-rich pegmatites: (1) tourmalines that formed earlier from primary melt in the border zone, (2) tourmalines in the intermediate zone that crystallized from fluid-rich melts during the magmatic-hydrothermal transition, and (3) the overgrowth rims that crystallized from hydrothermal fluids. The tourmalines from the intermediate zone (with spodumene mineralization) typically exhibit heavy and varied B isotopic compositions (δ11B = −12.3‰ to −6.0‰) with higher δ11B in the overgrowth rims, which was probably caused by massive fluid activities, as is also supported by the high Mn, Pb, and Li abundances in these tourmalines. By contrast, tourmalines from the Li-poor pegmatite show homogeneous and relatively light B isotopes (−12.3‰ to −11.0‰), which suggests weak fluid activity (consistent with their relatively low Mn, Pb, and Li). Modeling suggests that ∼29 wt% and ∼10 wt% of B is removed by fluid exsolution in the Li-rich and Li-poor pegmatites, respectively. We suggest that the occurrence of large amounts of hydrothermal fluids with high Cl contents is crucial to pegmatite Li mineralization. Aqueous fluids may be separated from the pegmatite-forming magma when water oversaturation is reached. As a result, Li could be continuously concentrated into the fluid-rich part of such a coexisting fluid-melt system. Eventually, this would lead to spodumene mineralization. This study highlights the potential of tourmaline as a tracer of the magmatic-hydrothermal transition and Li mineralization process in LCT-type pegmatite.
Mathematical modelling and simulations for microplastic environmental research: a systematic review
Authors: de Oliveira Manildo , Souza Nikolas , Lugon Jader , Silva Neto Antônio , Neves Ramiro
Published: February 2025

The Anthropocene has been characterised as an era in which man, with his anthropocentric thinking and attitudes, has the maximum influence on the environment. The presence of plastics in the environment is a problem that challenges all actors involved. This theme provokes important reflections on the role of sustainable development for a common future, in the constant search for coexistence between the interests of men who hold political and economic power and the limitations of the planet's carrying capacity. Even with advances in the field in recent decades, new questions have been proposed to better understand the issues and complexities of microplastics. Mathematical model simulations of microplastic particles (MPs) provide valuable strategies to better understand and predict the probable environmental effects of transport, settlement of and adsorption of pollutants, microorganisms, and antibiotic-resistance. In this review, 75 studies published between 2012 and 2022 were evaluated. Most of the studies focused on hydrodynamic modelling (42.6%), followed by simulations of pollutant adsorption kinetics by microplastics (26.7%). A third group of studies (30.7%) included simulations that employed approaches other than the first two, including regression, deep learning, and mass balance. Based on our review, we suggest that simulations that can unify the studies on the transport of MPs with those on the adsorption capacity for pollutants from these particles should be encouraged in the future.
Understanding stock market instability via graph auto-encoders
Authors: Gorduza Dragos , Zohren Stefan , Dong Xiaowen
Published: February 2025

Understanding stock market instability is a key question in financial management as practitioners seek to forecast breakdowns in long-run asset co-movement patterns which expose portfolios to rapid and devastating collapses in value. These disruptions are linked to changes in the structure of market wide stock correlations which increase the risk of high volatility shocks. The structure of these co-movements can be described as a network where companies are represented by nodes while edges capture correlations between their price movements. Co-movement breakdowns then manifest as abrupt changes in the topological structure of this network. Measuring the scale of this change and learning a timely indicator of breakdowns is central in understanding both financial stability and volatility forecasting. We propose to use the edge reconstruction accuracy of a graph auto-encoder as an indicator for how homogeneous connections between assets are, which we use, based on the literature of financial network analysis, as a proxy to infer market volatility. We show, through our experiments on the Standard and Poor’s index over the 2015-2022 period, that the reconstruction errors from our model correlate with volatility spikes and can be used to improve out-of-sample autoregressive modeling of volatility. Our results demonstrate that market instability can be predicted by changes in the homogeneity in connections of the financial network which expands the understanding of instability in the stock market. We discuss the implications of this graph machine learning-based volatility estimation for policy targeted at ensuring financial market stability.
The Long-Term Effects of Radial Head Excision for Mason Type 3 Radial Head Fracture
Authors: DASHTBOZORG Ahmad , SHARIATZADEH Hooman , SHARIATI Sina , SHARIATIRAD Mahmoud
Published: February 2025

Background: Radial head fractures with comminution and displacement present challenges in achieving optimal treatment outcomes in the long term. This study aims to evaluate the long-term effects of radial head excision (RHE) in patients with Mason type 3 fractures.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of patients with a Mason type 3 radial head fracture who underwent primary RHE between January 2010 and January 2020. The primary outcome was the Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS). Additionally, joint stability and arthritis, and the carrying angle were recorded for each patient.

Results: In total, 61 patients (21; 34% female) with a follow-up range of 3–13 years were examined. The mean (SD) total MEPS was 91.8 (9.2). The results were excellent for 46, good for 12 and fair for 3 patients. A model of total MEPS adjusted for sex, age and follow-up time showed a significant effect of patient age on treatment success (p < 0.001). Thirteen patients (21%) showed elbow instability. Six individuals had increased valgus laxity. The mean carrying angle was 19° (range: 11°–27°) on the injured side and 9° (4°–15°) on the uninjured side, t(120) = 12.608, p < 0.001. Overall, 37 patients had degenerative changes in the operative elbow.

Conclusions: Benefits of RHE persist for a long time with predominantly excellent elbow function and minimal complications. An increase in the carrying angle, joint instability and degenerative changes are to be expected. Patient age at the time of the surgery can affect treatment outcomes.

Level of Evidence: Level IV (Therapeutic)
Arthroscopic Thermal Capsular Shrinkage with Open Dorsal Radiocarpal Ligament Tensioning for Palmar Midcarpal Instability: Surgical Technique and Preliminary Outcomes
Authors: CHANG Chih-Hsun , WU Chin-Hsien , WANG Jung-Pan , HUANG Hui-Kuang
Published: February 2025

Background: Palmar midcarpal instability (PMCI) is often neglected in diagnosis and lacks a gold standard treatment. It is primarily associated with dorsal radiocarpal (DRC) ligament insufficiency. We used a combined approach of arthroscopic thermal capsular shrinkage and open DRC ligament suture tensioning for symptomatic PMCI and present our outcomes.

Methods: From 2018 to 2022, nine PMCI patients (mean age: 32 years) underwent this treatment. The mean symptom duration was 15.3 months, with a mean follow-up of 16.8 months. Outcomes were measured by wrist ROM, grip strength, VAS for pain, Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) and modified Mayo Wrist scores.

Results: All patients showed significant improvement in pain, grip strength and function, with maintained radiocarpal stability at final follow-up. Although wrist ROM showed mild limitation after surgery, all patients returned to their previous work and activities.

Conclusions: This approach may provide an effective and less aggressive treatment for PMCI.

Level of Evidence: Level IV (Therapeutic)
Underthrusting of continental lithospheric mantle controls architecture of crustal deformation: Numerical modeling of the northern margin of the Tibetan plateau
Authors: Chen Qizhi , Hu Caibo , Zuza Andrew V. , Zhang Kai-jun , Zhang Huai , Shi Yaolin
Published: February 2025

Lithospheric shortening can be described by one of two end-member modes: lithosphere indentation and lithospheric mantle subduction. Deciphering the difference between these modes is critical to interpret past and present orogens, and to predict their structural architecture at depth. To this goal, it is important to establish how observable upper crustal proxies reflect deep lithospheric kinematics and dynamics. Over the past few decades, geological and geophysical data have provided valuable constraints on the northern margin of the Tibetan Plateau. This margin is defined by the Qilian Shan thrust belt, which has developed in response to the far-field convergence between Indian and Eurasian plates. The primary mechanism for this development is the southward subduction of the Asian lithospheric mantle beneath the plateau. Here, we conducted numerical modeling to simulate the kinematics and upper-crust response to southward lithospheric mantle subduction. Our results show that lithospheric mantle subduction can result in upper crustal deformation that matches records in the Qilian Shan, including the broad width and architecture of the bivergent orogenic wedge, timing of fault initiation and evolution, seismicity and fault activity, topography, and geomorphology, where pure-shear shortening alone does not generate similar upper-crust proxies. The geometry of the subducting lithosphere impacts the width and asymmetry of the bivergent orogenic wedge. Our results demonstrate how records of crustal strain can be used to better interpret the deep structural architecture of orogenic wedges past and present.
SmartParcels: Constructing Smart Communities Through Human-in-the-Loop Urban IoT Planning
Authors: Chang Tung-Chun , Wu Chih-Chun , Bouloukakis Georgios , Hsu Cheng-Hsin , Venkatasubramanian Nalini
Published: February 2025

The growth of smart communities has expanded the use of IoT as a critical element in the urban planning toolkit by city officials whose goal is to improve the quality of life for citizens. Smart applications such as air pollution monitoring, intelligent transportation, and smart buildings pose diverse information needs from the underlying sensing, communication, and computation infrastructure. In this article, we propose SmartParcels, a framework that exploits the service needs of communities to generate a comprehensive and cost-effective plan for instrumenting designated regions (often called parcels). SmartParcels embeds a cross-layer approach incorporating information/data, infrastructure, and geospatial layout as interdependent layers. We explore a suite of algorithms (optimal, partial optimal, heuristic) that can be composed in a plug-and-play manner to achieve performance-cost tradeoffs. SmartParcels can be utilized for clean-slate planning (from scratch) or retrofitting communities with existing smart infrastructure. SmartParcels allows planners to explore the possible impact of unexpected events to improve infrastructure resilience with what-if analyzers. Two real-world settings at Hsinchu, Taiwan, and Irvine, California are leveraged in the evaluation, which reveals that SmartParcels enables a 2X - 7X improvement in cost/performance metrics compared to baseline algorithms and achieves a 57% higher communication throughput while dealing with unexpected events.