bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi-hazard risk in socially vulnerable communities across the United States
Authors: Sanchez Leslie , Armsworth Paul R , Bruno Jasmine E , Espinoza Sebastian , Galvin Kathleen , Vijay Varsha , Warziniack Travis
Published: December 2024

Society’s most vulnerable communities bear the burdens of a multitude of environmental shocks and stressors, which are increasingly likely to occur simultaneously or in quick succession. However, our understanding of where environmental risks accumulate across the United States and how determinants of multi-hazard risk vary within the country remains incomplete. This study offers a more comprehensive understanding of the national scope and underlying drivers of compounding environmental risks from five hazards (water shortage, air pollution, wildfire, flooding, and impaired water quality) in socially vulnerable communities in the contiguous United States. By pairing census tract-level Social Vulnerability Index data from the Centers for Disease Control with hazard exposure data, we find that over 11 percent of the population—37 million people—is at high risk from multiple hazards. We find that multi-hazard risk disproportionately accumulates in the most vulnerable communities and therefore constitutes an environmental injustice. Nationally, socioeconomically vulnerable populations (e.g., low-income households and those lacking health insurance) are inequitably exposed to multiple severe hazards. However, the specific combinations of demographic and environmental drivers of risk accumulation vary across regions. While the widespread nature of environmental risk accumulation indicates that reducing multi-hazard risk will likely require comprehensive rather than piecemeal approaches, results also highlight the need for context-specific interventions.
Local people’s dependency on forest and its implication for rehabilitation of Paliyan Wildlife Reserve
Authors: Puspanti A , Pujiono E , Kusumandari A , Faida L R W , Sudaryatno
Published: December 2024

Paliyan Wildlife Reserve (PWR) is located in the karst ecosystem in Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta which has degraded since it was first designated in 2000 as a conservation area. Since then, rehabilitation has been carried out to improve the ecological functions of PWR. Local communities surrounding PWR have been depending on the existence of forest to support their daily life. This paper aimed to present the forest dependency of local people surrounding PWR and elucidate how that reliance affected rehabilitation. Data were collected through interviews with local people and forest management, observing local people, mapping the vegetation cover, ground checking, and observing forest conditions. The findings showed that PWR was mainly covered by low-dense forest (66,07%) which was classified as mixed dryland agriculture. Despite PWR’s position as a conservation area, the local population nonetheless engaged in a high level of agricultural activities. The necessity for land for agriculture and cattle feed is where the locals’ greatest reliance on PWR was shown. The primary source of income for the locals was agriculture, however, there was little land ownership. As a result, PWR was under strain since the local people still heavily depended on PWR property to maintain communal agriculture. Livestock also had a strong reliance on forage crops, particularly during the dry season when feed was scarce and PWR vegetation could provide the crops. During the dry season, PWR was primarily responsible for the fodder crop. Disruption of plant growth, a slowdown in the change of land cover, disturbance of forest regeneration, conflict between people and wildlife, and a decline in biodiversity were all consequences of this reliance on the restoration process. The high level of PWR dependence in the area hampered the success of rehabilitation. Therefore, it was necessary to reduce the local population’s reliance on PWR to maximize the goals of rehabilitation.
Study of pyrite mineral type in sorong coal based on petrographic analysis
Authors: Permana Aang Panji , Eraku Sunarty Suly , Hutagalung Ronal , Isa Dewi Rahmawaty , Biya Naafi’ Syahna Firdhaus
Published: December 2024

The research site is located in the Inamo area of Sorong Regency. The research area is situated in the western part of Papua Island, administratively belonging to Southwest Papua Province. The objective of this study is to examine the type of pyrite minerals in Sorong coal based on petrographic analysis. The research methodology employed to achieve the research objective includes field geological surveys and laboratory petrographic analysis. The research results and discussion indicate that the geomorphological unit of the study area is the Alluvial Plain Unit. The lithological unit of the research area consists of alluvial deposits containing layers of coal and mudstone. Petrographic analysis of the Sorong coal reveals that the pyrite type is syn-genetic, as the pyrite crystals under the microscope exhibit euhedral and massive forms. Euhedral pyrite can be recognized as well-formed pyrite crystals. The majority of euhedral pyrite is syn-genetic and formed during peat deposition and/or early humification. On the other hand, massive pyrite is usually found as filling in fractures/cavities, cementation, or framboidal mantles, either euhedral or detrital minerals.
Analysis Influence of Initial Wave Amplitude and Slope of the Seabed on the Energy of Breaking Waves with OpenFOAM
Authors: Hidayat Ivan , Mahmudah Rida SN
Published: December 2024

The breaking wave is one example of fluid dynamics in the case of multiphase flow that is important to study. This study uses OpenFOAM CFD software to study the effect of seabed slope and wave amplitude on breaking wave energy. OpenFOAM is used to solve the Navier-Stokes equation using the finite volume and volume of fluid methods. In both ways, the mesh is divided into partitions containing information such as liquid phase, internal energy, and pressure. First, we validated the code by simulating the experimental study of breaking waves. The simulation was carried out by compiling code with OpenFOAM software. The simulation results are then compared with the experimental results. Comparisons are made by finding the RMSE value between the simulation and experimental results. The results showed good validity between the simulations and the comparison experiments conducted by available data. This is indicated by the RMSE (Root Mean Square Error) values of 0.028, 0.006, and 0.017. Then, we simulated the breaking wave with varying initial wave amplitude and seabed slope. The results of the variation of wave amplitude show that the larger the initial wave is given, the greater the breaking wave energy produced. Variations in the seabed slope indicate that the seabed slope is the main factor determining the type of breaking wave that will be formed.
Analysis Of The Water Quality Status Of Buol River In Buol Regency Using The Pollution Index Method
Authors: Lihawa Fitryane , Mariani Mimi , Mahmud Marike
Published: December 2024

This study aims to analyze the water quality status of the Buol River using the Pollution Index (IP) method. The study area includes the Buol River, which is 60.3 km long. There are 8 locations for sampling the Buol River water. The purposive sampling method determines the location of river water sampling. Location criteria are determined based on pollutant sources, namely agricultural waste, domestic waste, and industrial waste. Water quality parameters analyzed were temperature, TDS, TSS, pH, BOD, COD, DO, Nitrate, Nitrite, Ammonia, Chlorine, Sulfide, Phosphate, Surfactant, Fatty Oil, Phenol, and Total Coliform. The river water quality standard used is Republic of Indonesia Government Regulation Number 22 of 2021 Appendix VI. The analysis method for the water quality status of the Buol River is determined by the pollution index method. The results of the quality analysis of the Buol River on the parameters TSS, COD, Nitrite, Chlorine, Sulfide, and Phenol have exceeded the quality standards. The results of the water quality status analysis using the Pollution Index (IP) method obtained the Buol River water pollution index at sample point 2 was 3.94 (lightly polluted water quality status). The pollution index value at sample point 1 is 5.16 (moderately polluted). The pollution index value at sample point 3 is 5.24 (moderately polluted). The pollution index value at sample point 4 is 8.03 (moderately polluted). The pollution index value at sample point 5 is 7.36 (moderately polluted). The pollution index value at sample point 6 is 7.73 (moderately polluted). The pollution index value at sample point 7 is 7.40 (moderately polluted). The pollution index value at sample point 8 is 7.79 (moderately polluted).
Soil Dynamics Characteristics to Earthquake Using HVSR Method in Palu City
Authors: Setiawan Dewa Gede Eka , Meidji Icha Untari , Adam Susanti , Jayadi Harsano
Published: December 2024

On September 28, 2018, a 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck the west coast of Sulawesi Island, resulting in significant loss of life and destruction of infrastructure in Palu City. This disaster highlighted the urgent need for focused attention on the city and measures to mitigate earthquake damage as a crucial step in victim prevention and risk reduction. One method to assess potential earthquake hazards based on local soil dynamics is microtremor measurement. In this study, the microtremor measurement results were analyzed using the HVSR method to evaluate earthquake-prone surface conditions through three main parameters: the dominant period, seismic vulnerability index, and sediment layer thickness. The findings indicate that the dominant period values in Palu City range from 0.3676 to 2.7777, the seismic vulnerability index varies from 3.134 to 34.720, and sediment layer thickness ranges from 31.14 m to 248.5 m. These results demonstrate varying levels of earthquake vulnerability across different sub-districts in Palu City.
Bioactive compounds and their benefit to health: a scoping review of fermented coffee
Authors: Wiharyanti Risma , Pertiwi Kartika Ratna , Aulia Fera
Published: December 2024

Coffee is one of the most consumed beverages and has become very popular nowadays. Most studies on coffee still have only focused on improving flavor and aroma, leading to the emergence of specialty coffee termed as fermented coffee. On the other hand, the discussion of biological compounds present in fermented coffee and their correlation with health effects are still quite limited. This scoping review aims to provide an overview of bioactive compounds extracted from coffee fermentation and subsequently to further elucidate their corresponding biological activities. Five databases were employed, resulting to 351 identified records, which were screened and assessed to finally select eleven records as inclusion studies. The data were extracted and analyzed using narrative descriptive approach. The finding indicated that the type of coffee, fermentation parameter, and microorganism starter affect the various types and levels of bioactive compounds produced during coffee fermentation. Coffee fermentation produced phenolic and flavonoid content, including chlorogenic acid. These bioactive compounds offer various health benefits such as demonstrating antioxidant and anticancer properties, and thus preventing cardiovascular diseases. Other bioactive compounds found in fermented coffee namely alkaloids such as theobromine and caffeine, could induce diuresis in human. Coffee fermentation, however, decreased tannins which modulate nutrient bioavailability in the gut. In conclusion, fermentation can be a potential solution to increase the health benefit of coffee consumption. This study implied the importance of coffee fermentation parameter to optimalize the health benefits of fermented coffee, which is more than just as an antioxidant.
Green laboratory initiative in Faculty of Medicine: a literature review
Authors: Pertiwi Kartika Ratna , Utami Rizki Fajar , Arjana Adika Zhulhi
Published: December 2024

Laboratories are important part of teaching and learning in university, however they also possess significant threat for environment sustainability. Laboratories in medical school produce significant amount of biomedical waste and need huge amount of energy, water, and hazardous chemicals. Green laboratory promotes sustainability and reduces environmental impact. This concept involves key elements namely energy and water conservation, consumable wise, as well as waste reduction and recycling. This literature review aims to explore the purposes, principles, and implementation strategies of a green laboratory, using best practices from green laboratory initiative conducted at various medical schools. To initiate the establishment of green laboratory initiative, the implementation strategies should consist of providing education and training, adopting green technology, and maintaining long-term sustainable practices. To conclude, green laboratory initiative in medical school could serve as a reference for initiating and establishing green laboratories in other university laboratories, as such university can support the achievement of sustainable development goals, while still be able to maintain the teaching-learning productivity and the quality of research.
Subsurface Modelling of the Progo River Area Using Euler Deconvolution of Topex Gravity Data
Authors: Amelia Tri , Aziz Khafidh Nur , Fitrianingtyas Rahmawati , Darmawan Denny , Nugroho Kuncoro Asih , Pramesthi Febri , Putri Elin Amelia
Published: December 2024

This study explores the subsurface characteristics of the Progo River area in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, using TOPEX satellite gravity data to investigate the Progo Fault. Understanding this fault is crucial, as it poses a significant earthquake risk like the 2006 Yogyakarta earthquake. The analysis focused on deriving the Complete Bouguer Anomaly (CBA), performing Euler deconvolution, and constructing a 2D subsurface model to enhance the understanding of the area’s geological structure. The research derived the Complete Bouguer Anomaly (CBA), ranging from 87.6 mGal to 134.4 mGal, and performed Euler deconvolution to map the anomaly sources at depths between 778 and 1190 meters. A 2D subsurface model was developed, revealing four distinct geological formations: the Kebobutak Formation, the Sentolo Formation, the Young Volcano Formation, and alluvial deposits, offering insights into the area’s potential fault activity.
Preparation and Characterization of Bergamot Essential Oil Nanoemulsion
Authors: Wong Siew Tin Susana , Kamari Azlan , Abdullah Nurul Nabila Aini , Yusof Norjan , Wayan Sutapa I
Published: December 2024

As technology advances, there are a bunch of new materials being invented including the drug carrier system. The development of a stable and sustainable drug carrier system for essential oil aroused the curiosity of scientists and researchers. The ultimate aim of this study was to synthesize and characterize bergamot essential oil nanoemulsion. The nanoemulsion was prepared with different percentage concentrations (w/v) of xanthan gum (XG), a biopolymer derived from Xanthomonas campestris bacteria that feed on corn sugar. The nanoemulsion was homogenized with a high-speed homogenizer and then with an ultrasonic homogenizer. The physicochemical characteristics of the nanoemulsion were characterized by pH, conductivity test, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS) study, and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). Research findings suggested that the concentration of a biopolymer significantly affected the pH, conductivity, and size of the nanoemulsion. The repulsion of surface ions resulted in the decline trends in the pH and conductivity tests. FTIR confirmed the well blending of the biopolymer with bergamot essential oil. STEM results presented the spheres with the size range between 63.6 nm and 85.3 nm. The sizes of particles were in accordance with DLS studies. Zeta potential values were between -15 mV and +5 mV, indicating short-term stability of the nanoemulsion. Overall, this study revealed the importance of selecting an appropriate biopolymer and its optimum concentration to obtain the most stable nanoemulsions for effective ingredient-delivery applications.
Modeling and analysis of the effects of age hardening, magnesium dissolution, and SiC reinforcement on wear properties in eutectic Al-Si composites using full factorial techniques
Authors: Shetty Ashwin , Bhat Thirumaleshwara , Sharma Sathyashankara , Prabhu Ravikantha , Hegde Ananda , K Nithesh , Anne Gajanan
Published: December 2024

This study aims to explore the effects of age-hardened traces, magnesium (Mg) dissolution, and silicon carbide (SiC) reinforcement on the wear properties of eutectic aluminum-silicon (Al-Si) matrix composites, focusing on optimizing their performance for industrial applications. A systematic investigation was conducted using a full factorial experimental design, with analysis of variance (ANOVA) performed through Minitab software to quantify the individual and interactive effects of these factors on the wear rate and coefficient of friction (COF). The results demonstrated that age-hardened traces significantly enhance wear resistance by promoting the formation of finely dispersed hardening precipitates at moderate ageing temperatures, while over-ageing negatively impacts performance due to precipitate coarsening. SiC reinforcement emerged as a key factor in improving wear resistance, attributed to its high hardness and superior abrasion resistance. The role of Mg dissolution was found to be multifaceted, contributing to solid solution strengthening and grain refinement but also interacting with other variables in complex ways. The study concludes that the optimal combination of 1.5% Mg, 4% SiC, and a peak ageing temperature of 100 °C achieves the best balance between wear resistance and frictional performance. These findings offer valuable insights into the design of high-performance Al-Si composites, highlighting the importance of microstructural control to meet the demands of advanced engineering applications.
Resilient consensus for multiagent networks with time-varying delay and mobile adversaries
Authors: Shang Y
Published: December 2024

Security issues in cyber-physical systems are often the Achilles heel for cooperative control and coordination. This paper addresses resilient consensus problems for multiagent systems under heterogeneous time-varying delays and mobile Byzantine adversaries. We propose two types of mobile attack models for continuous-time dynamical agents with or without infection detection capabilities. Delayed consensus protocols are presented where the agents are able to adjust their behavior during the latency period after recovery from an attack. It is shown that resilient consensus can be achieved under bounded delays and robust communication topologies. As a further contribution, resilient vector consensus has been solved within our framework. Simulations regarding the mobile patterns of adversaries indicate the irrelevance of global and local mobility in terms of convergence rate over Erdős–Rényi random networks. In contrast, local mobility of adversaries leads to longer convergence time compared to global mobility in power-law random networks due to their characteristic topology.
Firearms Technology and Organized Crime Assessing the Threat
Authors: Mann Monique , Bright David , Allen Ashley
Published: December 2024

There has been a concerning rise in the availability, interce ption, affordability, and technological sophistication of 3D-printed (3DP) guns. This has occurred alongside, and due to, the increasing accessibility of the digital design files required to manufacture them, which are freely and readily available on the surface or open web. Our aim in this chapter is to explore these developments, catalogue evidence concerning cases where individuals have been charged or prosecuted for possession of design files, and their availability on the surface web. We document evidence and explore the risks and potential for organized crime groups to manufacture 3DP firearms. We consider potential policy, preventative and policing responses, highlighting challenges such as harmonization of legal definitions of firearms and their components, and the transnational nature of the Internet. We conclude that further research is required to more fully understand the interplay between organized offending and emerging technologies to inform law, policy, prevention, and policing practice.
Chemical Warfare
Authors: Parasidis Efthimios
Published: December 2024

This chapter details the battlefield deployment of chemical weapons during World War I. It describes the proliferation of gas warfare in Europe, even though the warring nations had agreed under the 1899 Hague Convention to abstain from the use of chemical weapons. The chapter also discusses how the warring nations brought together their respective academic and industrial elite to assist in chemical weapons research and development: how each nation considered the moral and societal implications of chemical warfare but elected to deploy chemical weapons under the rubric of military necessity. These developments expanded the scope of military medicine and research, and brought physicians and researchers into the realm of weapons development.
The Military Biomedical Complex During the Interwar Period
Authors: Parasidis Efthimios
Published: December 2024

This chapter details the expansion of the military biomedical complex during the two decades between World War I and World War II, an era now commonly referred to as the interwar period. During the interwar period, the United States expanded its pre-WWI medical research programs and established new divisions that built off the chemical weapons programs of WWI. Also during this period, considerable efforts were dedicated to demobilization and attending to the healthcare needs of millions of returning WWI veterans. But the Great Depression derailed these efforts; subpar treatment of veterans led to widespread public backlash and eventually to the creation of the Veterans Administration, a department charged with coordinating and providing healthcare and benefits to veterans. This chapter also describes the global proliferation of chemical and biological weapons programs and the diplomatic efforts to curtail use of these weapons in combat, including the enactment of several international treaties.
Biomedical Enhancements and the Modern Warfighter
Authors: Parasidis Efthimios
Published: December 2024

This chapter discusses the research and development of biomedical human enhancements for military uses, including drugs that increase endurance, neurostimulation devices that enhance focus, and brain-computer interfaces that allow warfighters to control weapons via thought alone. The chapter examines contemporary and emerging advancements in pharmacological enhancements, precision medicine, and military applications of neuroscience. Within each area, the chapter explores how military projects raise unique concerns in medico-legal concepts such as autonomy, privacy, and human dignity. The chapter also examines whether biomedical enhancements might alter one’s ability to control or be responsible for their actions. It analyzes how to measure and assess benefits and risks of new military technologies, and what safeguards are appropriate during research and operational integration.
More reason for humility in our relationships with ecological communities
Authors: Vucetich John A , Hoy Sarah R , Peterson Rolf O
Published: December 2024

Many public decisions about the environment seem infused with a worldview that supposes nature is well understood as a machine and that the key purpose of science is the discovery of its rules to then control nature for the betterment of humanity. That nature-as-machine worldview leads to damaging overconfidence in forecasting ecological outcomes. A competing worldview is that nature is better understood to unfold like human history—explainable but critically and inherently unpredictable because of the important influence of historically contingent events. Recent analysis offers compelling support for this idea. This article explores a demanding consequence of such findings—namely, that those involved—directly and indirectly—with environmental decision-making should strive to relax the influence of the nature-as-machine worldview on environmental decisions, including difficult-to-identify influences that have resulted from centuries of this worldview's normalization. This striving includes analyzing decisions about the environment in terms of humility and favoring humbler decisions.
Comment on ‘A practical guide to using oral Janus kinase inhibitors for atopic dermatitis from the International Eczema Council’: a case of rhabdomyolysis induced by upadacitinib
Authors: Mortato Edoardo , Talamonti Marina , Paganini Claudia , Belcastro Alfredo , Bianchi Luca , Galluzzo Marco
Published: December 2024

This Letter to the Editor is a rapid response to the recent publication in the BJD ‘A practical guide to using oral Janus kinase inhibitors for atopic dermatitis from the International Eczema Council’.
Mechanical circulatory support for high-risk surgical aortic valve and ascending aortic replacement in severe bicuspid aortic valve stenosis: a case series
Authors: Dimarakis Ioannis , Tennyson Charlene , Karatasakis Aris , Macnab Anita , Dobson Laura E , Kadir Isaac , Feddy Lee , Callan Paul
Published: December 2024

Background

Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is the most common congenital heart defect (reported incidence of 0.5%–2%) and is commonly associated with proximal aortic dilation. Patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) of BAV have been shown to have worse pre-operative left ventricular (LV) function as well as a higher incidence of post-operative heart failure hospitalization when compared with analogous patients with tri-leaflet aortic valve disease. While surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) may be favoured over transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) due to anatomical factors or concomitant aortopathy and coronary artery disease, surgical candidacy is often limited by prohibitive operative risk.

Case summary

We report on three cases of severe AS in BAV with concomitant aortopathy and severe left ventricular dysfunction in whom we proceeded with SAVR with a priori planned venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) support and inotrope-assisted wean. All patients had severe LV dysfunction (ejection fraction < 25%) at baseline with gradual substantial improvement or normalization after successful SAVR.

Discussion

These cases demonstrate the utility of planned VA-ECMO with SAVR and aortic root replacement as an integral component of the operative strategy for high surgical risk patients with severe BAV AS not amenable to TAVI. Appropriate pre-operative planning and consent for VA-ECMO as well as a multi-disciplinary approach involving anaesthesia, intensive care, and heart failure cardiology are the key to offering this option as an alternative to palliative medical therapy to a selected group of patients.
A rare cardiac presentation of a lymphoma: case report
Authors: Grohs Ilona , Riedl Katharina , Kliment Christa , Delle-Karth Georg
Published: December 2024

Background

Cardiac lymphoma is a rare disease that can present in various ways. Additionally, atypical clinical presentation makes the diagnosis even more challenging. The most common type of cardiac lymphoma is diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. With chemotherapy, the median survival rate can be up to 2 years. In this report, we focus on the diagnostic approach and differential diagnosis.

Case summary

A 56-year-old patient presented with complete heart block and B-symptoms. Implantation of a pacemaker (PM) was initially deferred due to a junctional rhythm (50 b.p.m.). Echocardiography showed thickening of the left heart with small pericardial effusion. For better visualization of the extent and infiltration cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and computer tomography (CT) were performed. In addition to the cardiac mass, enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes were found on staging CT scan, prompting a transbronchial biopsy. Histology revealed diffuse large B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The patient was referred to a hospital with a Hemato-oncology Department for initiation of chemotherapy.

Discussion

Cardiac lymphoma can be a rare cause of complete heart block. Prior to PM implantation, basic echocardiography is important. In rare conditions like cardiac lymphoma, multimodal imaging, and interdisciplinary decision-making are crucial for management. In the future, lead-less pacemakers could be a safe and effective option for oncology patients.
Population structure of the swordfish, Xiphias gladius, across the Indian Ocean using next-generation sequencing
Authors: Chevrier Thomas , Cowart Dominique A , Nieblas Anne-Elise , Charrier Grégory , Bernard Serge , Evano Hugues , Brisset Blandine , Chanut Jérémie , Bonhommeau Sylvain
Published: December 2024

Swordfish (Xiphias gladius) is of significant economic importance as it is the second most exploited billfish in the Indian Ocean. While the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) considers swordfish to be a single panmictic population in the Indian Ocean, several studies have examined the potential for spatial variations within this highly migratory species with conflicting results, including emerging evidence that population structuring does indeed exist within swordfish. These findings therefore raise questions about the current guidelines for management adopted by the IOTC. In the present study, we address questions about the genetic structuring of swordfish in the Indian Ocean through the analysis of three datasets: (i) neutral SNPs, (ii) with, and (iii) only SNPs under potential selection identified from 1694 swordfish originating from 24 distinct locations across the Indian Ocean. A discriminant analysis of principal components showed the presence of two swordfish subpopulations in the Indian Ocean in the north and the south and was confirmed by admixture methods. This genetic differentiation may be explained by a chromosomal inversion, indicating that both populations could be demographically connected but remain differentiated by this structural variant.
Allometry, sexual dimorphism, and Rensch’s rule in pygmy and marbled newts
Authors: Ivanović Ana , Vučić Tijana , Arntzen Jan W
Published: December 2024

Allometry, the relationship between body size and the size of other body parts, explains a significant portion of morphological variation across biological levels, at the individual level, within and between species. We used external morphology measurements of 6 Triturus (sub)species, focussing on the T. marmoratus species group, to explore allometric parameters within and between taxa. We tested for allometry of sexual size dimorphism in body, head, and limb dimensions and examined whether intraspecific allometry directed evolutionary allometry, as described by Rensch’s rule. Our findings indicated that female-biased trunk and head dimensions exhibited positive allometry, whereas male-biased limb dimensions showed isometric relationships or weak correlations with body size. Morphological divergences between sexes occurred along common allometric slopes, most often through changes in the intercepts. Among taxon, comparisons revealed that (sub)species diverged in the direction of the allometric slopes. In line with Rensch’s rule, sexual size dimorphism in female-biased traits significantly decreased as overall body size increased. However, the observed intraspecific allometric parameters deviated from theoretical expectations because the steepest allometric slopes for female-biased traits were recorded in the larger species. Our results contribute to understanding the dynamics of allometric relationships and sexual dimorphism in amphibians and provide a robust baseline for future comparative analyses.
About the accuracy of the relxill/relxill_nk models in view of the next generation of X-ray missions
Authors: Liu Honghui , Abdikamalov Askar B , Mirzaev Temurbek , Bambi Cosimo , Dauser Thomas , García Javier A , Zhang Zuobin
Published: December 2024

X-ray reflection spectroscopy is a powerful tool to study the strong gravity region of black holes. The next generation of astrophysical X-ray missions promises to provide unprecedented high-quality data, which could permit us to get very precise measurements of the properties of the accretion flow and of the space–time geometry in the strong gravity region around these objects. In this work, we test the accuracy of the relativistic calculations of the reflection model relxill and of its extension to non-Kerr space–times relxill_nk in view of the next generation of X-ray missions. We simulate simultaneous observations with Athena/X-IFU and LAD of bright Galactic black holes with a precise and accurate ray-tracing code and we fit the simulated data with the latest versions of relline and relline_nk. While we always recover the correct input parameters, we find residuals in the fits when the emission from the inner part of the accretion disc is higher. Such residuals disappear if we increase the number of interpolation points on the disc in the integral of the transfer function. We also simulate full reflection spectra and find that the emission angle from the accretion disc should be treated properly in this case.
The effect of spectroscopic binning on atmospheric retrievals
Authors: Davey Jack J , Yip Kai Hou , Al-Refaie Ahmed F , Waldmann Ingo P
Published: December 2024

With the JWST offering higher resolution data in space-based transmission spectroscopy, understanding the capabilities of our current atmospheric retrieval pipelines is essential. These new data cover wider wavelength ranges and at much higher spectral resolution than previous instruments have been able to offer. Therefore, it is often appealing to bin spectra to fewer points, better constrained in their transit depth, before using them as inputs for atmospheric retrievals. As such, we produce a simulation replicating the observations of WASP-39b by the Near Infrared Spectrograph (NIRSpec) instrument on board JWST using the PRISM dispersion element. Then, we assess the accuracy and consistency of retrievals while varying both the resolution and the average photometric error of this simulated spectrum. We repeat this analysis on three different simulation setups where each includes an opaque cloud layer at a different height in the atmosphere. In agreement with previous studies, we find that a much greater resolution is needed in the case of a high cloud deck since features are already heavily muted by the presence of the clouds. In the other two cases, there are large ‘safe zones’ in the parameter space where accurate estimations are made. If these maps can be generalized, they could be used to inform future observations on how long to observe a given target in order to achieve the most accurate retrieval results. We also find that the resolution required to fully resolve the degeneracies between the parameters contributing to the spectra is much greater than that needed to constrain the marginalized posterior distributions for each parameter individually.
Accretion onto WD 2226-210, the central star of the Helix Nebula
Authors: Estrada-Dorado S , Guerrero M A , Toalá J A , Maldonado R F , Lora V , Vasquez-Torres D A , Chu Y -H
Published: December 2024

The central star of the Helix Nebula, WD 2226$-$210 presents enigmatic hard X-ray emission and mid-IR excess. The latter has been attributed to a dusty disc or a cloud-like structure around WD 2226$-$210 formed from material of Kuiper Belt-like or comet-like objects in highly eccentric orbits. We present here a detailed analysis of multi-epoch Chandra and XMM–Newton X-ray observations of WD 2226$-$210, comparing these to previous Einstein and ROSAT data. The luminosity of the hard X-ray component of WD 2226$-$210 has remained basically constant in the decade from 1992 to 2002, with very subtle evidence for variability in time-scales of hours. Under the assumption that the X-ray emission from WD 2226$-$210 is due to accretion of material, an accretion rate of $\dot{M}\approx 10^{-10}$ M$_\odot$ yr$^{-1}$ is estimated. The origin of the material accreted by WD 2226$-$210 is uncertain, and can be attributed to the disc-like structure around it or to a substellar donor companion. The accretion rate proposed for the continuous replenishment by bombardment of the mid-IR-emitting structure around WD 2226$-$210 cannot match that required by the X-ray emission.
Sociodemographic and Smoking Characteristics Associated With Low Perceived Harm of “Organic” and “Additive-Free” Tobacco Products Among US Adults
Authors: Drake Cara , Starcevich Katherine , Wackowski Olivia , Gratale Stefanie K , Ganz Ollie , Ohman-Strickland Pamela , Pearson Jennifer L
Published: December 2024

Introduction

This study describes the prevalence and correlates of beliefs that “organic” and “additive-free” tobacco products are less harmful than conventional tobacco products among US adults, stratified by smoking status and preference for Natural American Spirit (NAS), a brand that uses “organic” and historically used “additive-free.”

Methods

We analyzed Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Study Wave 6 data (n = 29 516) for adults aged 18+ years and generated weighted prevalence estimates. We used weighted logistic regressions to model the odds of believing organic/additive-free tobacco products are “less harmful” versus “about the same” or “more harmful.”

Results

Overall, 10.0% of adults, 15.3% of adults who smoke cigarettes, and 34.0% of adults who smoke NAS believed “organic” tobacco products were less harmful, with similar findings for “additive-free.” Belief that “organic” products were less harmful was greater among people who were ages 18–34 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.6; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.4, 1.9) or 35–54 (aOR: 1.4; 95% CI: 1.1, 1.6), were Black (aOR: 1.3; 95% CI: 1.2, 1.5), currently smoke (aOR: 2.0; 95% CI: 1.7, 2.3), or formerly smoke (aOR: 1.4; 95% CI: 1.2, 1.6). Belief that “additive-free” products were less harmful was greater among males (aOR: 1.3; 95% CI: 1.1, 1.4) and people aged 18–34 (aOR: 1.3; 95% CI: 1.1, 1.5), who currently smoke (aOR: 2.0; 95% CI: 1.7, 2.4) or who formerly smoke (aOR: 1.7; 95% CI: 1.4, 2.0).

Conclusions

Many adults who smoke, particularly those who smoke NAS, believe organic and additive-free tobacco products are less harmful than regular cigarettes.

Implications

In light of recent changes in the tobacco marketing environment, this study provides an update on harm perceptions from “organic” and “additive-free” cigarette product descriptors. Results indicate that many US adults continue to believe that “organic” and “additive-free” tobacco products are less harmful tobacco products. These beliefs may continue to mislead people, as they are more prevalent among young people, people who identify as Black, males, people who smoke cigarettes, and those who smoke NAS cigarettes.
Development of the brain network control theory and its implications
Authors: Wu Zhoukang , Huang Liangjiecheng , Wang Min , He Xiaosong
Published: December 2024

Brain network control theory (NCT) is a groundbreaking field in neuroscience that employs system engineering and cybernetics principles to elucidate and manipulate brain dynamics. This review examined the development and applications of NCT over the past decade. We highlighted how NCT has been effectively utilized to model brain dynamics, offering new insights into cognitive control, brain development, the pathophysiology of neurological and psychiatric disorders, and neuromodulation. Additionally, we summarized the practical implementation of NCT using the nctpy package. We also presented the doubts and challenges associated with NCT and efforts made to provide better empirical validations and biological underpinnings. Finally, we outlined future directions for NCT, covering its development and applications.
Variability and negligence: grant peer review panels evaluating impact ex ante
Authors: Oxley Kristin , Gulbrandsen Magnus
Published: December 2024

Building on extensive observations of grant review panels and interviews with panellists in five funding organizations, we explore how such panels assess societal impact. We find that impact assessments are accorded little weight and are prone to substantial reviewer variability unless competitions feature dedicated societal impact criteria with clearly assigned weight, which are scored collectively based on highly structured discussions. These findings cast new light on the general phenomenon of variability in grant assessments. While earlier literature has tended to see inter-rater variability as a flaw in the review process that should be rectified, an unavoidable part of the process, or a desirable feature, we advocate a more nuanced understanding. Introducing the concepts of productive and unproductive variability, we show the dual nature of variability and provide concrete policy recommendations for how unproductive variability, caused by differing interpretations or gaming of the organizational framework, can be reduced.
Bayesian Reanalysis of Statistically Nonsignificant Outcomes in Plastic Surgery Clinical Trials
Authors: Wong Gordon C. , Huang Cynthia , Fahmy Joseph N. , Zhang Casey , Teunis Teun , Chung Kevin C.
Published: December 2024

Background:

Statistically nonsignificant randomized clinical trial (RCT) results are challenging to interpret, as they are unable to prove the absence of a difference between treatment groups. Bayesian analysis offers an alternative statistical framework capable of providing a comprehensive understanding of nonsignificant results.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study conducted a post hoc Bayesian analysis of statistically nonsignificant outcomes from RCTs published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery from 2013 to 2022. Bayes factors representing the probability of the absence of a difference, or the null hypothesis of no difference, were calculated and examined. P values and Bayes factors of these outcomes were also compared with assessment of their association.

Results:

In 73 studies with 176 statistically nonsignificant outcomes, 160 (91%) indicated evidence for the absence of a difference (Bayes factor > 1). For 110 (63%) of these, the Bayes factor was between 1 and 3, indicating weak evidence for the absence of a difference; 16 (9.1%) results supported the presence of a difference (Bayes factor < 1). A greater P value was independently associated with a larger Bayes factor (β = 2.6, P <0.001).

Conclusions:

Nearly two-thirds of nonsignificant RCT outcomes provided only weak evidence supporting the absence of a difference. This uncertainty poses challenges for clinical decision-making and highlights the inefficiency in resource utilization. Integrating Bayesian statistics into future trial design and analysis could overcome these challenges, enhancing result interpretability and guiding medical practice and research.
Spatial analyses revealed CXCL5 and SLC6A14 as the markers of microvascular invasion in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Fan Guangyu , Dai Liyuan , Xie Tongji , Li Lin , Tang Le , Han Xiaohong , Shi Yuankai
Published: December 2024

Background:

Microvascular invasion (MVI) is a critical prognostic factor in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), strongly associated with postoperative recurrence. However, the phenotypic features and spatial organization of MVI remain inadequately understood.

Methods:

We performed a spatial transcriptomic analysis on 29,632 spots from six ICC samples, manually delineating MVI clusters using the cloupe software. Key biomarkers were identified and validated in an independent cohort of 135 ICC patients. Functional and survival analyses were conducted to assess clinical relevance, and cell-cell communication pathways were investigated.

Results:

MVI regions exhibited heightened proliferation, angiogenesis, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition, driven by increased expression of transcription factors SOX10, ZEB1, and SNAI2. CXCL5 and SLC6A14 were identified as potential MVI biomarkers and showed high expression in tumor-invasive areas. Serum CXCL5 demonstrated strong predictive power for vascular invasion (AUC = 0.92) and intrahepatic metastasis (AUC = 0.96). High expression of both CXCL5 and SLC6A14 was associated with the worst survival outcomes. MVI regions were enriched with immunosuppressive MRC1+ macrophages and exhibited elevated immune checkpoint expression, including HAVCR2 and TIGHT, indicative of immune resistance. Cell-cell communication analysis revealed CXCL5-CXCR2 and LGALS9-HAVCR2 as key ligand-receptor pairs contributing to the immunosuppressive microenvironment.

Conclusions:

This study identifies CXCL5 and SLC6A14 as key biomarkers of MVI, highlighting their roles in tumor proliferation, immune resistance, and poor clinical outcomes. These findings provide valuable insights into the spatial organization of MVI and its contribution to ICC progression, offering potential therapeutic targets.
Gut microbiota-produced vitamin B6 mitigates alcohol-associated liver disease by attenuating hepatic oxidative stress damage
Authors: Shen Haiyuan , Zhou Liangliang , Yang Yuanru , Shu Hang , Wu Dongqing , Yang Simin , Xie Linxi , Yang Lei , Tian Shanfei , Zhang Xinru , Ma Rui , Jiang Ling , Jiang Man , Zhang Hao , Wang Yan , Zhang Hejiao , Gao Shan , Xu Long , Wang Hua
Published: December 2024

Background:

Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) is a major clinical issue characterized by progressive stages, including hepatic steatosis, liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and HCC. Patients with long-term chronic alcoholism often present with gut microbiota dysbiosis and reduced plasma levels of vitamin B6. This study aimed to verify that gut microbiota disruption in ALD significantly contributes to reduced in vivo production of vitamin B6 and to investigate the role of this reduction in the pathogenesis of ALD.

Methods:

The ALD was investigated utilizing the Gao-binge mouse model. Fecal microbial composition was analyzed in pair-fed mice and ALD mice to identify alcohol-induced functional changes in the microbiota. Additionally, liver protein expression profiles and liver and plasma metabolomic profiles were characterized to elucidate the role of vitamin B6 in ALD pathogenesis through integrated proteomic and metabolomic analyses. The findings were further validated using animal models and clinical patient samples.

Results:

Alcohol consumption disrupted the gut microbiota in the mice, impairing the vitamin B6 synthesis by intestinal microorganisms. Vitamin B6 deficiency aggravated the disorder of amino acid metabolism in the liver and inhibited ornithine aminotransferase expression, thereby worsening oxidative stress damage. In patients with ALD, significant disturbances of gut microbiota were observed, along with decreased intestinal vitamin B6 levels, which were negatively correlated with serum biochemical markers.

Conclusions:

The imbalance of gut microbiota in ALD mice reduces vitamin B6 synthesis, which affects amino acid metabolism and glutathione synthesis in the liver, thereby exacerbating ALD. These findings suggest that vitamin B6 may play a critical protective role in ALD progression by regulating amino acid metabolism.
Key role of macrophages in the progression of hepatic fibrosis
Authors: Ran Jinqiu , Yin Shengxia , Issa Rahma , Zhao Qianwen , Zhu Guangqi , Zhang Huan , Zhang Qun , Wu Chao , Li Jie
Published: December 2024

Liver fibrosis is a pathological change characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix caused by chronic liver injury, and the mechanisms underlying its development are associated with endothelial cell injury, inflammatory immune cell activation, and HSC activation. Furthermore, hepatic macrophages exhibit remarkable heterogeneity and hold central functions in the evolution of liver fibrosis, with different subgroups exerting dual effects of promotion and regression. Currently, targeted macrophage therapy for reversing hepatic fibrosis has been extensively studied and has shown promising prospects. In this review, we will discuss the dual role of macrophages in liver fibrosis and provide new insights into reversing liver fibrosis based on macrophages.