bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors Affecting Healthcare Professionals' Decision‐Making Around Parenteral Nutrition in Advanced Cancer: A Systematic Review
Authors: McCracken Jennifer , Bajwah Sabrina , Shaw Clare
Published: February 2025

Background

Many factors beyond clinical guidelines may influence healthcare professionals' (HCPs) decision‐making. This systematic review aims to identify the factors that affect HCPs decision‐making around parenteral nutrition (PN) in advanced cancer.

Methods

A literature search was conducted by May 2023 via MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, The Cochrane Library, CINAHL, PubMed, Web of Knowledge and PROSPERO. Fourteen additional papers were identified. Two reviewers independently screened all papers with consensus reached on inclusion. Three reviewers conducted quality appraisal independently. Reference checking and citation tracking were completed for all included papers.

Results

Of 458 papers identified, 5 papers met the eligibility criteria (3 online surveys, 2 qualitative studies). All papers were European. Papers were published between 2020 and 2023. Six themes were identified as affecting decision‐making: clinical indications, quality of life, hope, the multidisciplinary team, barriers to facilitating home PN and the influence of relatives. Performance status was a commonly considered indicator of suitability for home PN. PN is more common for people with advanced cancer and intestinal failure (IF) in the UK. Barriers to providing PN included unclear clinical indication, colleague objections, lack of local expertise and poor communication between HCPs.

Conclusion

Collaborative working and effective communication are essential between acute services, IF centres and community services to facilitate decision‐making around PN in advanced cancer. It is important for HCPs to set realistic expectations. Communication must be sensitive to the patient's values and culture.
Spray‐induced gene silencing to control plant pathogenic fungi: A step‐by‐step guide
Authors: Mosquera Sandra , Ginésy Mireille , Bocos‐Asenjo Irene Teresa , Amin Huma , Diez‐Hermano Sergio , Diez Julio Javier , Niño‐Sánchez Jonatan
Published: February 2025

RNA interference (RNAi)‐based control technologies are gaining popularity as potential alternatives to synthetic fungicides in the ongoing effort to manage plant pathogenic fungi. Among these methods, spray‐induced gene silencing (SIGS) emerges as particularly promising due to its convenience and feasibility for development. This approach is a new technology for plant disease management, in which double‐stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) targeting essential or virulence genes are applied to plants or plant products and subsequently absorbed by plant pathogens, triggering a gene silencing effect and the inhibition of the infection process. Spray‐induced gene silencing has demonstrated efficacy in laboratory settings against various fungal pathogens. However, as research progressed from the laboratory to the greenhouse and field environments, novel challenges arose, such as ensuring the stability of dsRNAs and their effective delivery to fungal targets. Here, we provide a practical guide to SIGS for the control of plant pathogenic fungi. This guide outlines the essential steps and considerations needed for designing and assessing dsRNA molecules. It also addresses key challenges inherent to SIGS, including delivery and stability of dsRNA molecules, and how nanoencapsulation of dsRNAs can aid in overcoming these obstacles. Additionally, the guide underscores existing knowledge gaps that warrant further research and aims to provide assistance to researchers, especially those new to the field, encouraging the advancement of SIGS for the control of a broad range of fungal pathogens.
Cryo‐EM structure of a minimal reaction center–light‐harvesting complex from the phototrophic bacterium Chloroflexus aurantiacus
Authors: Huang Guoqiang , Dong Shishang , Ma Lin , Li Lin , Ju Jinxin , Wang Mei‐Jiao , Zhang Jian‐Ping , Sui Sen‐Fang , Qin Xiaochun
Published: February 2025

Photosynthetic organisms have developed various light‐harvesting antenna systems to capture light and transfer energy to reaction centers (RCs). Simultaneous utilization of the integral membrane light‐harvesting antenna (LH complex) and the extrinsic antenna (chlorosomes) makes the phototrophic bacterium Chloroflexus (Cfx.) aurantiacus an ideal model for studying filamentous anoxygenic phototrophs (FAPs). Here, we determined the structure of a minimal RC–LH photocomplex from Cfx. aurantiacus J‐10‐fl (CaRC–LH) at 3.05‐Å resolution. The CaRC–LH binds only to seven LH subunits, which form a crescent‐shaped antenna surrounding the movable menaquinone‐10 (QB) binding site of CaRC. In this complex with minimal LH units, an extra antenna is required to ensure sufficient light‐gathering, providing a clear explanation for the presence of chlorosomes in Cfx. aurantiacus. More importantly, the semicircle of the antenna represents a novel RC–LH assembly pattern. Our structure provides a basis for understanding the existence of chlorosomes in Cfx. aurantiacus and the possible assembly pattern of RC–LH.
Effects of Poly‐L‐Lactic Acid Fillers on Inflammatory Response and Collagen Synthesis in Different Animal Models
Authors: He Tong , Zhang Zilin , Zhang Xiaoting , Niu Huanyun , Wang Shiwei , Wang Qiaoli , Lai Chen
Published: February 2025

Background

The responses to poly‐L‐lactic acid (PLLA) filler implantation exhibit variability across various animal models. This study aimed to investigate these differences in order to identify suitable animal models for diverse experimental applications.

Methods

PLLA fillers were implanted into two distinct skin layers (periosteum and subcutaneous tissue), in rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, and mice. At 1, 2, 4, and 12 weeks postimplantation, biopsy samples were collected for hematoxylin and eosin staining, Masson's trichrome staining, and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to evaluate the differential responses among the animals.

Results

All four animal models exhibited significant inflammatory responses and collagen regeneration following PLLA injection. However, the magnitude of these responses varied across species, with guinea pigs and rabbits displaying the most pronounced inflammatory responses, whereas mice exhibited the mildest. The degree of response also differed between tissue layers, with rats and mice showing stronger inflammatory responses in the periosteum compared to the subcutaneous tissue; a phenomenon not observed in rabbits and guinea pigs. ELISA analysis revealed upregulated TNF‐α, IL‐12, and TGF‐β expression in rats and mice at 12 weeks.

Conclusions

Varying levels of tissue responses are observed following PLLA injections in different animals and within different tissue layers within a single animal. These findings suggest a careful selection of appropriate animal models is necessary for specific research objectives.
Feasibility and accuracy of single maxillary molar designed by an implicit neural network (INN)‐based model: A comparative study
Authors: Wang Yiqing , Shi Yuze , Li Nan , Lin Wei‐Shao , Tan Jianguo , Chen Li
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This feasibility study aimed to develop and evaluate a novel implicit neural network (INN)‐based model for the automatic reconstruction of biomimetic maxillary molar.

Material and Methods

A total of 500 sets of full dental scans containing intact right and left maxillary first molars (#3 and #14) and adjacent teeth were included in this study. The digital maxillary casts were duplicated: one set served as the original, while the other had one maxillary first molar removed. Two INN‐based models were developed, including the point convolution for surface reconstruction (POCO‐only) model and the POCO with point multilayer perceptron (POCO‐PointMLP) model. Each model was trained with either 12,000 or 50,000 sampling points from the training dataset. Chamfer distance (CD), F‐score, and Volumetric Intersection over Union (volumetric IoU) were used to evaluate the INN‐based models and training outcomes. The best INN‐based model was selected to generate 20 digital crown designs (GCs) automatically from randomly selected test datasets and compared with the digital crowns designed by experienced human laboratory technicians (TCs). Both GCs and TCs were compared with the original clinical crowns (OCs) using root mean square (RMS) and color maps. Comparisons of RMS values were analyzed utilizing paired t‐tests with statistical significance set at α = 0.05.

Results

The performance of 2 INN‐based models and training outcomes were evaluated and POCO‐PointMLP trained with 50,000 sample points showed the best outcomes, with CD of 0.000119403, F‐score of 0.919740566, and volumetric IoU of 0.943382978. This INN‐based model was then selected to generate 20 digital crown designs (GCs) and compared with TCs for the RMS outcomes. The GCs exhibited numerically lower mean RMS compared to TCs without significant difference (0.2839 ± 0.0307 versus 0.3026 ± 0.0587 mm, p = 0.202). GCs and TCs both closely matched to the original clinical crowns (OCs).

Conclusions

This study demonstrated the feasibility and accuracy of the proposed INN‐based POCO‐PointMLP model for automating the digital crown designs of maxillary first molars. The INN‐based model‐generated digital crown designs showed comparable 3D deviations to the ones designed by experienced human laboratory technicians, presenting a novel and efficient artificial neural network architecture for tooth digital design tasks with the expansion of training datasets, refined training hyperparameters, and integrated comprehensive assessments.
Effect of sleep deprivation on gait complexity
Authors: Oliveira João Henriques , Gomes João Sá , Santos Paulo , Pezarat‐Correia Pedro , Vaz João R.
Published: February 2025

Gait complexity is considered an indicator of adaptability, reflecting the complex interaction between multiple components of the neuromuscular system. Previous research provided evidence that chronobiology, which reflects the individual expression of circadian rhythms, affects the regulation of gait dynamics. The literature also suggests the disruption of these circadian rhythms affects multiple human physiological systems. Considering the association between chronobiology and gait complexity, and its clinical relevance, it would be important to investigate whether the disruption of sleep–wake cycle could affect gait complexity. This study aimed to investigate the effect of 1 night of sleep deprivation on gait complexity and variability of healthy individuals, exploring potential implications for motor control. Seventeen healthy and young male adults underwent an in‐lab supervised 24‐hr sleep deprivation protocol, with gait complexity and variability assessed using detrended fluctuation analysis and coefficient of variation, respectively. Chronotype was also assessed through the Morningness–Eveningness Questionnaire. We observed a loss of gait complexity with sleep deprivation (PRE: 0.8 ± 0.13; POST24: 0.62 ± 0.08, p < 0.001), while gait variability remained unaltered (p = 0.132). Additionally, we demonstrated an association between gait complexity's relative changes and chronotype (r = −0.665, p = 0.004). Overall, our findings suggest sleep deprivation induces a decrease in the neuromuscular system's ability to flexibly adapt gait output. Moreover, we also highlight the importance of chronobiology in motor control, as we observed the more morning‐type an individual is, the greater the loss of complexity following 1 night of sleep deprivation. Altogether, our findings underscore the potential impact of sleep deprivation on central processes underlying gait complexity.
Delimiting Species—Prospects and Challenges for DNA Barcoding
Authors: Emerson Brent C.
Published: February 2025

Discovering, describing and cataloguing global species diversity remains a fundamental challenge both for biodiversity research and for the management and conservation of biodiversity. Among animals, the challenge is particularly acute within the arthropods, which comprise approximately 85% of all described animals, with approximately 1 million described species. The true number of arthropod species is estimated to be in excess of 10 million species. This estimate is likely to be revised upward in the light of global DNA barcode sequencing initiatives that are cataloguing unprecedented levels of cryptic or overlooked diversity. The scale of diversity that is being recovered with barcode sequencing places further strain on a taxonomic system confronted by ever‐limited global taxonomic capacity to verify and describe new species. It is predicted that the number of novel operational taxonomic units delimited by barcode sequencing is likely to eclipse the number of species described by Linnean taxonomy by as early as 2029. Unless addressed, this may see an increasing proportion of arthropod species falling outside of protective legislative frameworks as a consequence of their lack of formal description. Confronted with this challenge, there is increasing, but controversial, acceptance of species delimitation and species description based on barcode sequence clustering thresholds. In response to the evolving controversy surrounding this issue, it is both timely and important to identify and clarify prospects and challenges for DNA barcoding, with a specific focus on species delimitation to address important shortfalls and impediments in biodiversity research.
Broadening the Scope: The Importance of Cross‐Regional and Governance Analysis for Understanding Fiscal Rules
Authors: Smith Heidi Jane M.
Published: February 2025

This article discusses the rising federal debt in the United States and the need for effective fiscal management solutions, such as adopting fiscal rules. It highlights the importance of examining fiscal rules from various regions, particularly Latin America, to understand their impact on fiscal discipline. The United States faces unique challenges due to its deeply decentralized federal system, where state and local governments operate independently, leading to fragmented fiscal practices. This article emphasizes the need for integrated fiscal oversight and the potential benefits of learning from other countries' experiences with fiscal rules.
‘Tell them I've had a wonderful life’: Wittgenstein's final words from the perspective of the world sub specie aeterni
Authors: Manhire Ryan
Published: February 2025

Some scholars suggest a puzzle presents itself in Ludwig Wittgenstein's final words in the mismatch between what Norman Malcolm describes as a ‘fiercely unhappy’ life and Wittgenstein's expression of that life as ‘wonderful’. Ronald L. Hall attempts to overcome the apparent puzzle by retranslating Wittgenstein's final words into an expression of an awakening to the wonder inherent in reality. Beth Savickey argues that Hall's approach is a philosophical abstraction that diminishes the significance of friendship in Wittgenstein's life and that these friendships are what made Wittgenstein's life ‘wonderful’. I argue that Hall's and Savickey's accounts of wonder and friendship go wrong as attempts to explain away the apparent puzzle of Wittgenstein's final words. Drawing on remarks from Raimond Gaita, I argue that both aspects can be incorporated into a dissolution of the apparent puzzle if Wittgenstein's final words are heard in the register of an expression of gratitude from a perspective of his life as a whole sub specie aeterni.
Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Neurophysiological Indices of Working Memory Maintenance in Young Adults
Authors: Looser Vera Nina , Gerber Markus , Ludyga Sebastian
Published: February 2025

Working memory is a crucial component of cognitive performance, supporting well‐being, mental health, and successful personal and academic endeavors. Working memory performance and capacity peak during young adulthood, a critical period for managing increased life challenges. Emerging evidence indicates that cardiorespiratory fitness holds potential to enhance working memory performance; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study examined the association between cardiorespiratory fitness and neurophysiological markers of cognitive control during a task requiring working memory maintenance. Young healthy adults (N = 112) completed a submaximal ergometer test to estimate cardiorespiratory fitness. Working memory maintenance was assessed using the Sternberg task under low and high cognitive loads, while event‐related potentials (ERP) components (cue‐P300, CNV, and probe‐P300) were recorded. In addition, an immediate free recall task was administered. Path analysis revealed that higher cardiorespiratory fitness was significantly associated with better accuracy in the Sternberg task exclusively under high cognitive load (β = 0.21, p = 0.03). In the high load condition, higher negativity of the contingent negative variation (CNV) amplitude was significantly associated with higher fitness levels (β = −0.20, p = 0.03) and with better performance on the immediate free recall task (β = −0.23, p = 0.02), suggesting enhanced neurophysiological preparatory processes and dominance of proactive cognitive control strategy in fitter individuals. Cue‐P300 and probe‐P300 did not show significant associations with cardiorespiratory fitness nor working memory performance. These findings underscore the role of proactive cognitive control in mediating the benefits of cardiorespiratory fitness on cognitive performance.
Risk analysis approaches for microbial ingredients in microbial‐based cleaning products
Authors: Boesenberg Diane , Brueck Chris , Chhuon Cindy , Kim James , Miller Arthur J. , Stijntjes Gerard J. , Vedel Heidi , Whiting Richard C. , Van Trump J. Ian
Published: February 2025

Microbial‐based cleaning products (MBCPs) are an emerging class of cleaning products that contain viable microorganisms, often bacteria or bacterial endospores, as intentionally added formulation ingredients for cleaning and/or odor control. Although several well‐established methodologies exist to support risk analysis for conventional chemical‐based cleaning products, at present there are no widely recognized methods or commonly utilized frameworks to support risk analysis for use of microbial ingredients present in MBCPs, specifically. The purpose of this work is to provide information to MBCP manufacturers and regulators that can be used to assist in developing their own approaches to MBCP risk assessment. As part of this assessment, potential hazards associated with use of bacterial or bacterial endospore ingredients of MBCPs can be adequately characterized, assessed, and managed as part of both product development and ongoing product stewardship. Accordingly, this document summarizes potential approaches to support strain‐level identification of microbial ingredient(s), evaluate their hazards and potential for human exposure, and assess their potential effects following such exposures to different human populations. Recommendations for both hazard and risk characterization are discussed. Additionally, guidance is provided to support decision‐making by risk managers, including guidance for the development of risk communication strategies, where appropriate, to mitigate the identified risks. Properly applied, the conceptual approaches described herein may facilitate the standardization and more consistent application of appropriate risk analysis procedures tailored to suit microbial ingredients present in MBCPs. Beyond their utility in assessing microbial ingredients commonly used in MBCPs today, these same approaches may help companies and regulators consider and manage risks for new microbial ingredients that may be utilized in future MBCP formulations.
The Role of Medical Supply Shortages on an Age‐Structured Epidemic Model
Authors: Zhou Miao , Yang Junyuan , Li Jiaxu , Sun Guiquan
Published: February 2025

A shortage of medical resources can arise when a multitude of patients rapidly emerge during the initial phases of an emerging infectious disease, due to limited availability of healthcare resources. Chronological age plays a pivotal role in both foreseeing and preventing infection patterns. In this investigation, we present an Susceptible‐Infected‐Recovered (SIR) model that integrates an age‐structured and a saturated treatment function, and demonstrate its well‐posedness. Our analysis reveals intricate patterns in the system, characterized by a steady‐state bifurcation involving a backward bifurcation and a stable bifurcation representing a Hopf bifurcation. Notably, numerical simulations demonstrate that when , the system exemplifies a novel phenomenon wherein a disease‐free equilibrium coexists harmoniously with an enduring Hopf bifurcation. We conduct a real application for model calibration and suggest that enhancing medical facilities and minimizing treatment delays may prove to be of paramount importance in curtailing the spread of the disease.
The Past, Present and Future of Structural Health Monitoring: An Overview of Three Ages
Authors: Farrar C. R. , Dervilis N. , Worden K.
Published: February 2025

This paper presents an overview of the discipline of structural health monitoring (SHM), organised in terms of three proposed ages. The first age is delineated by the prehistory of SHM and the period where nondestructing testing methods evolved into an organised set of principles built upon physics‐based models; this age ended when the model‐based approaches reached an impasse in terms of their ability to properly deal with real‐world problems. The second age of SHM began with a transition to data‐based methods based on statistical pattern recognition, which provided a holistic approach to SHM problems for the first time. This age arguably ended when the methods foundered in situations where the necessary training data were scarce. It is argued here that the third age began with the development of population‐based SHM, which has been designed to overcome the problem of data scarcity. As there is very limited space in a single article to provide a comprehensive overview, an appendix has been provided here that gives a very systematic bibliography of SHM reviews—a meta‐bibliography.
Investigations into Relationship Between Significant Wave Height and Mean Wave Period in Nearshore Straits Under Typhoon Conditions
Authors: Imani Hasan , Wei Kai , Shen Zhonghui , Zhong Xi
Published: February 2025

With the construction of coastal infrastructure in the complex environment of nearshore straits, accurate estimation of wave conditions during the passage of tropical cyclones is essential for reliable structural design. In this study, internal and external dependence relationships between height- and period-related parameters for typhoon-induced mean wave conditions in nearshore straits are established. Field measurements and Simulating WAves Nearshore (SWAN) + ADvanced CIRCulation (ADCIRC) simulations of waves in two straits on the east coast of China under historical typhoon conditions were used. In reference to field data, the developed external relationships provide closer estimates of the lower, expected, and upper bounds of waves than do the standard-recommended and literature-proposed models. The comparison of newly proposed internal relationships with standard-recommended empirical models indicates that the use of relationships currently recommended in practice can yield up to 2% taller heights and 14–38% shorter periods in nearshore straits prone to typhoon metocean conditions. The results of this study can be used to enhance analyses of the typhoon-generated wave environment and the design of coastal infrastructure in nearshore strait areas.
A Generalized V-Shaped Peeling Model on Rigid Curved Substrates Incorporating Prestretch Effects
Authors: Wang Y. S. , Wang K. F. , Wang B. L.
Published: February 2025

In biological adhesion systems, it is often observed that organisms climb on curved surfaces by controlling the relaxation and contraction of their muscles. In this article, we propose a general model for V-peeling on an arc-shaped substrate based on Griffith's energy release theory. The developed model can handle V-peeling problems on arc-shaped substrates with arbitrary initial configurations and considers the effects of prestretching in the bonded segment. When the substrate radius and initial peeling angle are relatively large, the results approach those obtained for flat substrates. However, due to the constraints of the substrate size and its active alteration of the peeling angle, a steady state, as seen on flat substrates, does not occur during the peeling process. Prestress has a certain inhibitory effect on the initiation of delamination, but once delamination begins, the presence of prestress promotes it. Meanwhile, the same degree of prestretch has a more pronounced effect on enhancing the peel resistance of structures with smaller curvatures, and prestretch further amplifies the differences between arc-shaped and flat substrates. The article also discusses the impact of variations in different parameters on energy. The conclusions drawn in this study have implications for understanding biological adhesion and designing multilayered structures.
Deep Learning-Based Residual Useful Lifetime Prediction for Assets With Uncertain Failure Modes
Authors: Su Yuqi , Fang Xiaolei
Published: February 2025

Industrial prognostics focuses on utilizing degradation signals to forecast and continually update the residual useful life of complex engineering systems. However, existing prognostic models for systems with multiple failure modes face several challenges in real-world applications, including overlapping degradation signals from multiple components, the presence of unlabeled historical data, and the similarity of signals across different failure modes. To tackle these issues, this research introduces two prognostic models that integrate the mixture (log)-location-scale distribution with deep learning. This integration facilitates the modeling of overlapping degradation signals, eliminates the need for explicit failure mode identification, and utilizes deep learning to capture complex nonlinear relationships between degradation signals and residual useful lifetimes. Numerical studies validate the superior performance of these proposed models compared to existing methods.
Analytical Solutions for the Oblique Compression Behaviors of Two Elastic Hollow Cylinders
Authors: QI Ge , Zheng Huai-liang , Liu Chen-xi
Published: February 2025

Bundled elastic hollow cylinders are one of the most widely adopted configurations in biomaterials and architected materials. A fundamental problem in the behavior of the bundled elastic hollow cylinders is that of the oblique compression of two hollow cylinders. In this paper, we develop the analytical solutions by decoupling this problem into normal and tangential behaviors. The normal components present the Hertzian contacts, and the similar formulas corresponding to shear are derived based on the considerations of incremental displacement changes. Then, we introduce the methods to determine the unknown coefficients and to improve the accuracy. The numerical studies demonstrate the feasibility of our method, and the parametric analysis clarifies the effects of the material properties, the geometric parameters, and the oblique angle on the contact responses. Finally, we indicate how this method can be applied to more general practice applications.
Observation and modeling of three-dimensional sound propagation along a nonlinear internal gravity wave at a shelfbreak
Authors: Chen Tzu-Ting , Lin Ying-Tsong , Chiu Linus Y.-S. , Siegmann William L.
Published: February 2025

Underwater sound propagation can be influenced by strong sound speed gradients generated by nonlinear internal gravity waves (NIWs). Additionally, the seafloor slope plays a crucial role in controlling the direction of acoustic reflections. Experimental data collected at a shelfbreak in the northeastern area of the South China Sea were analyzed to investigate the joint acoustic effects of these two environmental factors. Both two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) numerical sound propagation models were employed to study the observed acoustic signal variations on a hydrophone vertical line array. Comparisons between 2D and 3D sound propagation were conducted to examine changes in ray tracing paths and transmission loss associated with approaching NIWs over the sloping seafloor. 3D sound ducting between the NIW front and the bottom slope was observed to cause a significant increase in acoustic intensity, up to 9.5 dB, over a propagation distance of 4.8 km.
Hyperandrogenism as a Sports Medical Pathology in the Norwegian Media: The Role of the Mass Media in Creating a Phenomenon
Authors: Adlwarth Anna
Published: February 2025

In 2011 and 2012, World Athletics and the International Olympic Committee released eligibility regulations for “Females with Hyperandrogenism,” using the term hyperandrogenism synonymously with intersex variations. This usage deviates from the usual medical definition, which encompasses various medical conditions. Accordingly, the governing bodies constructed hyperandrogenism as a sports medical pathology that requires treatment. Employing discourse analytical methodology to examine 42 Norwegian newspaper and Press Agency articles, this study looks into how the media has contributed to this pathologization. The findings are especially relevant as more and more national and international sport governing bodies will develop their own eligibility criteria for gender- and sex-diverse athletes in the future.
Titan’s spin state as a constraint on tidal dissipation
Authors: Downey Brynna G. , Nimmo Francis
Published: February 2025

Tidal dissipation in satellites affects their orbital and rotational evolution and their ability to maintain subsurface oceans. However, a satellite’s dissipation rate, parameterized by
k
2
/Q
, is hard to measure and is only known for the Moon and Io. Here, we use Titan’s measured departure from its expected rotation state to infer
k
2
/Q
and its boundary layer dissipation parameter
K/C
s
. Over the likely range of ocean and ice shell thicknesses, we infer a
K
/
C
s
of 6.3 × 10
−14
s
−1
to 2.4 × 10
−10
s
−1
, a
k
2
/Q
of 0.058 to 0.12, and a minimum dissipation factor
Q ≈ 5
. Titan’s dissipation parameters are one to two orders of magnitude larger than the Moon’s and suggest an interior with a low effective viscosity. Titan’s dissipation rate implies that its eccentricity and inclination are damping rapidly, consistent with an excitation within the last ~350 Myr. The forthcoming Dragonfly lander could measure Titan’s tidal response, and JUICE could use our approach to determine Ganymede’s
k
2
/Q
.
Dynamics of influenza transmission in vampire bats revealed by longitudinal monitoring and a large-scale anthropogenic perturbation
Authors: Griffiths Megan E. , Broos Alice , Morales Juan , Tu I-Ting , Bergner Laura , Behdenna Abdelkader , Valderrama Bazan William , Tello Carlos , Carrera Jorge E. , Recuenco Sergio , Streicker Daniel G. , Viana Mafalda
Published: February 2025

Interrupting pathogen transmission between species is a priority strategy to mitigate zoonotic threats. However, avoiding counterproductive interventions requires knowing animal reservoirs of infection and the dynamics of transmission within them, neither of which are easily ascertained from the cross-sectional surveys that now dominate investigations into newly discovered viruses. We used biobanked sera and metagenomic data to reconstruct the transmission of recently discovered bat-associated influenza virus (BIV; H18N11) over 12 years in three zones of Peru. Mechanistic models fit under a Bayesian framework, which enabled joint inference from serological and molecular data, showed that common vampire bats maintain BIV independently of the now assumed fruit bat reservoir through immune waning and seasonal transmission pulses. A large-scale vampire bat cull targeting rabies incidentally halved BIV transmission, confirming vampire bats as maintenance hosts. Our results show how combining field studies, perturbation responses, and multi-data–type models can elucidate pathogen dynamics in nature and reveal pathogen-dependent effects of interventions.
A microcomb-empowered Fourier domain mode-locked LIDAR
Authors: Cai Zhaoyu , Wang Zihao , Wei Ziqi , Shi Baoqi , Sun Wei , Yang Changxi , Liu Junqiu , Bao Chengying
Published: February 2025

Light detection and ranging (LIDAR) has emerged as an indispensable tool in autonomous technology. Among its various techniques, frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) LIDAR stands out due to its capability to operate with ultralow return power, immunity to unwanted light, and simultaneous acquisition of distance and velocity. However, achieving a rapid update rate with submicrometer precision remains a challenge for FMCW LIDARs. Here, we present such a LIDAR with a sub–10-nanometer precision and a 24.6-kilohertz update rate by combining a broadband Fourier domain mode-locked (FDML) laser with a silicon nitride soliton microcomb. An ultrahigh-frequency chirp rate up to 320 petahertz per second is linearized by a 50-gigahertz microcomb to reach this performance. Our theoretical analysis also contributes to resolving the challenge of FMCW velocity measurements with nonlinear frequency sweeps and enables us to realize velocity measurement with an uncertainty below 0.4 millimeter per second. Our work shows how microcombs can unlock the potential of ultrafast frequency sweeping lasers.
Retrograde mitochondrial signaling governs the identity and maturity of metabolic tissues
Authors: Walker Emily M. , Pearson Gemma L. , Lawlor Nathan , Stendahl Ava M. , Lietzke Anne , Sidarala Vaibhav , Zhu Jie , Stromer Tracy , Reck Emma C. , Li Jin , Levi-D’Ancona Elena , Pasmooij Mabelle B. , Hubers Dre L. , Renberg Aaron , Mohamed Kawthar , Parekh Vishal S. , Zhang Irina X. , Thompson Benjamin , Zhang Deqiang , Ware Sarah A. , Haataja Leena , Qi Nathan , Parker Stephen C. J. , Arvan Peter , Yin Lei , Kaufman Brett A. , Satin Leslie S. , Sussel Lori , Stitzel Michael L. , Soleimanpour Scott A.
Published: February 2025

Mitochondrial damage is a hallmark of metabolic diseases, including diabetes, yet the consequences of compromised mitochondria in metabolic tissues are often unclear. Here, we report that dysfunctional mitochondrial quality control engages a retrograde (mitonuclear) signaling program that impairs cellular identity and maturity in β-cells, hepatocytes, and brown adipocytes. Targeted deficiency throughout the mitochondrial quality control pathway, including genome integrity, dynamics, or turnover, impaired the oxidative phosphorylation machinery, activating the mitochondrial integrated stress response, eliciting chromatin remodeling, and promoting cellular immaturity rather than apoptosis to yield metabolic dysfunction. Indeed, pharmacologic blockade of the integrated stress response in vivo restored β-cell identity following loss of mitochondrial quality control. Targeting mitochondrial retrograde signaling may therefore be promising in the treatment or prevention of metabolic disorders.
Advances and shortfalls in knowledge of Antarctic terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity
Authors: Pertierra L. R. , Convey P. , Barbosa A. , Biersma E. M. , Cowan D. , Diniz-Filho J. A. F. , de los Ríos A. , Escribano-Álvarez P. , Fraser C. I. , Fontaneto D. , Greve M. , Griffiths H. J. , Harris M. , Hughes K. A. , Lynch H. J. , Ladle R. J. , Liu X. P. , le Roux P. C. , Majewska R. , Molina-Montenegro M. A. , Peck L. S. , Quesada A. , Ronquillo C. , Ropert-Coudert Y. , Sancho L. G. , Terauds A. , Varliero G. , Vianna J. A. , Wilmotte A. , Chown S. L. , Olalla-Tárraga M. Á. , Hortal J.
Published: February 2025

Antarctica harbors many distinctive features of life, yet much about the diversity and functioning of Antarctica’s life remains unknown. Evolutionary histories and functional ecology are well understood only for vertebrates, whereas research on invertebrates is largely limited to species descriptions and some studies on environmental tolerances. Knowledge on Antarctic vegetation cover showcases the challenges of characterizing population trends for most groups. Recent community-level microbial studies have provided insights into the functioning of life at its limits. Overall, biotic interactions remain largely unknown across all groups, restricted to basic information on trophic level placement. Insufficient knowledge of many groups limits the understanding of ecological processes on the continent. Remedies for the current situation rely on identifying the caveats of each ecological discipline and finding targeted solutions. Such precise delimitation of knowledge gaps will enable a more aware, representative, and strategic systematic conservation planning of Antarctica.
Rapid and dynamic evolution of a giant Y chromosome in
Silene latifolia
Authors: Akagi Takashi , Fujita Naoko , Shirasawa Kenta , Tanaka Hiroyuki , Nagaki Kiyotaka , Masuda Kanae , Horiuchi Ayano , Kuwada Eriko , Kawai Kanta , Kunou Riko , Nakamura Koki , Ikeda Yoko , Toyoda Atsushi , Itoh Takehiko , Ushijima Koichiro , Charlesworth Deborah
Published: February 2025

Some plants have massive sex-linked regions. To test hypotheses about their evolution, we sequenced the genome of
Silene latifolia
, in which giant heteromorphic sex chromosomes were first discovered in 1923. It has long been known that the Y chromosome consists mainly of a male-specific region that does not recombine with the X chromosome and carries the sex-determining genes and genes with other male functions. However, only with a whole Y chromosome assembly can candidate genes be validated experimentally and their locations determined and related to the suppression of recombination. We describe the genomic changes as the ancestral chromosome evolved into the current XY pair, testing ideas about the evolution of large nonrecombining regions and the mechanisms that created the present recombination pattern.
The essential genome of
Plasmodium knowlesi
reveals determinants of antimalarial susceptibility
Authors: Elsworth Brendan , Ye Sida , Dass Sheena , Tennessen Jacob A. , Sultana Qudseen , Thommen Basil T. , Paul Aditya S. , Kanjee Usheer , Grüring Christof , Ferreira Marcelo U. , Gubbels Marc-Jan , Zarringhalam Kourosh , Duraisingh Manoj T.
Published: February 2025

Measures to combat the parasites that cause malaria have become compromised because of reliance on a small arsenal of drugs and emerging drug resistance. We conducted a transposon mutagenesis screen in the primate malaria parasite
Plasmodium knowlesi
, producing the most complete classification of gene essentiality in any
Plasmodium
spp. to date, with the resolution to define truncatable genes. We found conservation in the druggable genome between
Plasmodium
spp. and divergences in mitochondrial metabolism. Perturbation analyses with the frontline antimalarial artemisinin revealed modulators that both increase and decrease drug susceptibility. Our findings aid prioritization of drug and vaccine targets for the
Plasmodium vivax
clade and reveal mechanisms of resistance that can inform therapeutic development.
Does the mantis shrimp pack a phononic shield?
Authors: Alderete N. A. , Sandeep S. , Raetz S. , Asgari M. , Abi Ghanem M. , Espinosa H. D.
Published: February 2025

The powerful strikes generated by the smasher mantis shrimp require it to possess a robust protection mechanism to withstand the resultant forces. Although recent studies have suggested that phononic bandgaps complement the mantis shrimp’s defensive suite, direct experimental evidence for this mechanism has remained elusive. In this work, we explored the phononic properties of the mantis shrimp’s dactyl club using laser ultrasonic techniques and numerical simulations. Our results demonstrate that the dactyl club’s periodic region functions as a dispersive, high-quality graded system, exhibiting Bloch harmonics, flat dispersion branches, ultraslow wave modes, and wide Bragg bandgaps in the lower megahertz range. These features effectively shield the shrimp from harmful high-frequency stress waves generated by cavitation bubble collapse events during impact.
Arctic research cooperation in a turbulent world
Authors: Spence Jennifer , Holdren John , Ulmer Fran
Published: February 2025

Rapid Arctic change requires multifaceted approaches with Arctic peoples at the forefront
Antarctica in 2025: Drivers of deep uncertainty in projected ice loss
Authors: Fricker Helen Amanda , Galton-Fenzi Benjamin K. , Walker Catherine Colello , Freer Bryony Isabella Diana , Padman Laurie , DeConto Robert
Published: February 2025

Antarctica is a vital component of Earth’s climate system, influencing global sea level, ocean circulation, and planetary albedo. Major knowledge gaps in critical processes—spanning the atmosphere, ocean, ice sheets, underlying beds, ice shelves, and sea ice—create uncertainties in future projections, hindering climate adaptation and risk assessments of ice intervention strategies. Antarctica’s ice sheet could contribute 28 centimeters to sea level by 2100, and potentially more if we surpass warming thresholds that trigger instabilities and rapid retreat. We review recent advances in understanding the changing stability of the ice sheet margins and identify key processes that require further research. Progress requires high-resolution satellite data, targeted field campaigns, improved modeling, and refined theory. Increased investment and interdisciplinary collaboration are essential to uncovering Antarctica’s hidden processes and reducing uncertainties in future projections.
Convergent evolution in whale and human vocal cultures
Authors: Whiten Andrew , Youngblood Mason
Published: February 2025

The complex songs of humpback whales conform to fundamental laws of language
After abuse, Inuit group closes off ancient rock belt
Authors: Berkowitz Rachel
Published: February 2025

The nearly 4-billion-year-old rocks offer a look into Earth’s earliest years
Clinical presentation of bone tumours in children and young people: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Jo-Fen , Shanmugavadivel Dhurgshaarna , Ball-Gamble Ashley , Walker David
Published: February 2025

Background

Children and young people (CYP) with bone tumours often experience lengthy intervals prior to diagnosis that can lead to increased morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis is key to optimising treatment options and long-term outcomes. This review aims to describe symptomatology at diagnosis, in order to develop interventions to accelerate diagnosis.

Methods

A literature search of MEDLINE and EMBASE was conducted for studies published between January 2008 and May 2023, reporting signs and symptoms in CYP with bone tumours. Pooled proportions of symptoms and signs were calculated.

Results

16 studies (1452 patients; 492 osteosarcoma and 932 Ewing’s sarcoma) were included in the analysis. The most prevalent symptoms were pain (64%, 95% CI 52% to 75%) and swelling (22%, 95% CI 6% to 42%). Other symptoms included fever, pain and swelling, history of trauma, pathological fracture, palpable mass, functional limitation, increased volume and limp. Subanalysis identified differences in symptom clusters: osteosarcoma more frequently presented with a history of trauma, pathological fracture, pain on weight-bearing, pain worse at night, pain at rest and weight loss. Ewing’s sarcoma was associated with fever, functional limitation and a palpable mass.

Conclusions

These data highlight the differences in presentations between osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma, which may account for differences in survival and outcome. This will be used to inform professional and public health interventions through the Child Cancer Smart campaign to accelerate diagnosis for all. This review also highlights the need for a renewed research focus to identify patients earlier in the disease development as a strategy to improve the current static outcomes.
Highlighting the importance of X-ray diagnostics for targeted molecular genetic analysis in the diagnosis of rare autosomal dominant craniometaphyseal dysplasia
Authors: Friedova Natalie , Baxova Alice , Sipek Antonin , Liska Frantisek
Published: February 2025

Autosomal dominant craniometaphyseal dysplasia (AD-CMD) is a rare condition defined by the occurrence of progressive diffuse hyperostosis of cranial bones and abnormal metaphyseal widening of the tubular bones.ANKHis known to be the only gene associated with AD-CMD. We present a case of a toddler boy with macrodolichocephaly, asymmetry of the skull, wide bulging forehead, gingival hypertrophy and irregular teeth. Physical examination, X-ray and DNA analysis were performed. All exons and flanking intron regions ofANKHwere amplified by PCR and directly sequenced using the Sanger method. X-ray images showed diffuse osteosclerosis in the area of facial skeleton and skull base. Limbs exhibited club-shaped enlargement of the distal metaphysis of the femur and the proximal metaphysis of the tibia were described. The DNA analysis showed that the patient is a heterozygous carrier of the known pathogenic in-frame deletion (rs121908406;ANKH:c.1122-4delCTC, p.Ser375del), which has already been described in patients with AD-CMD.
Incidental diagnosis of familial hypercholesterolaemia in a mother–daughter pair: the underdiagnosis of the disease highlighting the need for universal screening
Authors: Senarathne Udara Dilrukshi , Lu Zhong Xian , Desra Andra Prastama , Brown Justin , Nicholls Stephen James , Doery James Clifford Gowar
Published: February 2025

Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is a common yet underdiagnosed genetic disorder of low-density lipoprotein metabolism leading to premature cardiovascular disease. Most FH individuals are only diagnosed later in their adulthood, missing the critical window for pre-emptive treatment. The absence of clinical manifestations until adulthood and poor awareness by medical and general communities contribute to this unmet clinical need. This case report describes a mother–daughter pair diagnosed with FH after hypercholesterolaemia was incidentally detected in the daughter during an evaluation for obesity. This underscores the importance of increasing awareness among primary care physicians about the clinically silent nature of FH. As the first point of contact for patients, they play a vital role in identifying potential FH cases during routine clinical encounters. Simultaneously, efforts should focus on developing a cost-effective universal screening programme.