bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Melatonin supplementation and oxidative DNA damage repair capacity among night shift workers: a randomised placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Zanif Umaimah , Lai Agnes S , Parks Jaclyn , Roenningen Aina , McLeod Christopher B , Ayas Najib , Wang Xiangtian , Lin Yan , Zhang Junfeng (Jim) , Bhatti Parveen
Published: February 2025

Objectives

A decreased ability to repair oxidative DNA damage, due to melatonin suppression, is a compelling mechanism by which night shift workers are at an increased risk of cancer. We sought to determine if melatonin supplementation would improve oxidative DNA damage repair among night shift workers.

Methods

We conducted a parallel-arm randomised placebo-controlled trial of melatonin supplementation among 40 night shift workers. Supplements were consumed before engaging in day sleep over a 4-week period. All urine excreted during a representative day sleep and night work period before and during the intervention period was collected for measurement of creatinine-adjusted 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG) as an indicator of oxidative DNA damage repair capacity, with higher concentrations indicating better repair. Linear regression models were used to analyse the association between ln-transformed 8-OH-dG concentration and intervention status during day sleep and night work.

Results

The melatonin intervention was associated with a borderline statistically significant 1.8-fold increase in urinary 8-OH-dG excretion during day sleep (95% CI 1.0, 3.2, p=0.06). No statistically significant difference in 8-OH-dG excretion was observed during the subsequent night shift (melatonin vs placebo excretion ratio=0.9; 95% CI 0.6, 1.5; p=0.7).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that melatonin supplementation improves oxidative DNA damage repair capacity among night shift workers. Future larger-scale trials are needed to evaluate the impact of varying doses of melatonin supplements and examine the impacts of longer-term use of melatonin supplements by night shift workers.
Vitamin D levels in Portuguese Navy military personnel: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Henriques Moisés , Serranheira Florentino , Viegas Susana , Sacadura-Leite Ema
Published: February 2025

Objectives

Evaluate vitamin D levels in Portuguese active-duty Navy military personnel during winter and explore the relationship between Navy occupational settings and vitamin D levels, as well as between vitamin D levels and fatigue, sleep health, and burnout.

Methods

All active-duty Navy military personnel who collected a blood sample at the Naval Medicine Centre during the winter of 2023–2024 were included in a cross-sectional study. Serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25(OH)D), calcium, phosphorus and parathyroid hormone were added to their analysis request. They were asked to complete a questionnaire that included questions about work, sun exposure, vitamin D-rich foods and/or vitamin D supplements or medication intake, fatigue, sleep health and burnout. Blood samples were processed at the Clinical Pathology Service of the Portuguese Armed Forces Hospital. T-test/median test and z-test were applied to compare homologous means/medians and prevalences, respectively.

Results

Of the 735 participants, 42.2%, 41.1% and 16.7% were vitamin D deficient, insufficient and sufficient, respectively. The median serum 25(OH)D level was significantly lower (p<0.001), and vitamin D deficiency prevalence was significantly higher (p=0.000) in ‘onboard’ and ‘indoors’ groups, as well as in the ‘mixed shifts’ group (p=0.030; p=0.004). Median serum 25(OH)D level was not statistically different between groups with and without fatigue, poor sleep health, and personal or work-related burnout.

Conclusions

The high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in a sample of Portuguese active-duty Navy military personnel, during winter, especially those working onboard, indoors and with mixed shifts, must be addressed by Navy occupational health services. Future research should include submariners.
The thick-billed murre (Uria lomvia) in Northwest Greenland (Avanersuaq) relies on Arctic cod (Boreogadus saida) in a changing climate
Authors: Falk Knud , Merkel Flemming Ravn , Bergsma Myrthe , Johansen Kasper Lambert , Kampp Kaj , Labansen Aili Lage , Mosbech Anders , Oshima Maasannguaq , Bouchard Caroline
Published: February 2025

Considering seabirds as indicators of environmental change, we compared thick-billed murre ( Uria lomvia (Linnaeus, 1758)) adult and chick diet in the North Water polynya region, NW Greenland, during 1997 and 2023. In the adult murre diet, fish accounted for 86% and 42% of food items by number, and 99% by wet mass (WM) in both 1997 and 2023. Arctic cod ( Boreogadus saida (Lepechin, 1774)) was the most important prey, contributing 90% and 99% of WM in 1997 and 2023, respectively. In 1997 the murres ate mostly small 1-year-old cod but in 2023 they mainly took larger 2- and 3-year-old Arctic cod. In the chick diet, gadids contributed 71% and 86% of prey items brought to the chicks in 1997 and 2023, respectively, supplemented by sculpins and eelpouts in 1997. Capelin ( Mallotus villosus (Müller, 1776)) increasingly occur in the area but did not appear in the murre diet. The study highlights a consistent reliance on Arctic cod, although with differences between sampling years in size of ingested specimens. We recommend continued monitoring of top predator diets, coupled with local knowledge, to understand the impacts of ongoing changes in the region.
Bimodal water retention curves and segmented relative permeabilities of municipal solid waste
Authors: Zhang Chen Sheng , Meng Meng , Qin Rui , Hu Jie , Zhang Wenjie , Lan Ji Wu , Chen Yun Min , Ke Han
Published: February 2025

The water retention curve (WRC) and relative permeability are of great importance for performing saturated-unsaturated seepage analysis in soils. The bimodal WRC can better reflect the difference in water retention capacity between macropores and micropores in dual-porosity media compared with the unimodal WRC. Traditional testing methods cannot effectively measure the macropore region in municipal solid waste (MSW) as water is discharged rapidly under gravity. In this study, an implementation framework for determining the bimodal WRCs and segmented relative permeabilities of MSW was proposed, and it was applied on the synthetic sample under sequential levels of overlying stresses. First, a calculation method for dividing the size boundaries of macropores and micropores was proposed from the perspective of energy analysis. Then, the computed tomography (CT) scanning combined with the maximal inscribed spheres (MIS) algorithm was used to obtain the WRC data points for the macropore region, while the traditional pressure plate test was used to obtain the WRC data points for the micropore region. Finally, a modified Van Genuchten model was proposed to fit these data points to yield the bimodal WRCs, and the segmented relative permeabilities were further obtained. In addition, the bimodal probability density curves of pore-size distribution were obtained.
Effects of dietary levels of 6-phytase on performance, nutrient digestibility and tibia ash of broiler chickens fed corn-SBM based complex diet
Authors: Choi Pok Su , Tajudeen Habeeb , Mun Jun Young , Ha Sang Hun , hosseindoust abdolreza , Park Serin , Kim Minju , Lokhande Anushka , Ingale Santosh Laxman , Kim Jinsoo
Published: February 2025

This study evaluates phytase's impact on broiler performance. Two thousand Ross 308 broilers were randomly assigned to 5 treatments based on body weight, with 40 birds per replicate pen and 10 replicate pens per diet. The 39-day experiment followed a 4-phase feeding: starter 1 (days 0-4), starter 2 (5-11), grower (12-25), and finisher (26-39). The 5 treatments include basal diet 0 FTU/kg phytase (CON), CON + 500 FTU/kg (500 FTU/kg), CON + 750 FTU/kg (750 FTU/kg), CON + 1,000 FTU/kg (1000 FTU/kg), CON + 1,500 FTU/kg (1500 FTU/kg). The body weight increased (p<0.05) from starter 2 to finisher, and overall phase in the phytase-supplemented diets. Feed conversion ratio and mortality rate were lower (p<0.05) in the starter 2 and starter 1 respectively in the phytase-supplemented diets. On day 24, the retention of phosphorous increased (p<0.05) when the supplementary level of phytase increased from 500 FTU-1500FTU/Kg. Furthermore, on day 39, the digestibility of dry matter, calcium, and phosphorus increased (p<0.05) as the level of phytase increased. The level of tibia ash and myo-inositol increased (p<0.05) in the phytase-supplemented diets. We concluded that increasing phytase doses from 500 to 1,500 FTU/kg improved broiler performance over CON
Distributed electric vehicle decoupling control based on GA-BP neural network
Authors: Gao Wei , Zhang Yujiong , Deng Zhaowen , Zhao Youqun , Wang Baohua
Published: February 2025

Aiming at the coupling interference phenomenon of distributed electric vehicle in longitudinal and lateral motion, a decoupled controller using genetic algorithm optimism BP neural network (GA-BP) is proposed. The top controller is designed as GA-BP neural network decoupling controller, the decoupling linearization system is established based on the principle of neural network inverse system, the neural network is constructed and trained, the weights and thresholds of BP neural network were acquired, and the optimal value is obtained by GA algorithm. However, the lower controller is designed to take the minimum tire loading rate as the objective function, and the quadratic programming algorithm is adopted for the online optimization of the system. Co-simulation based on Carsim and MATLAB/Simulink is carried out to verify the effectiveness of the control strategy. The results show that the proposed GA-BP controller has good decoupling characteristics and achieves the effect of independent controllability of the vehicle longitudinal and lateral systems, small controllable range of the side-slip angle, and improved tracking accuracy of the yaw rate, which improves the mobility and driving stability of the vehicle.
Effects of external gravitational field on highly rarefied gases: analysis based on stochastic soft-sphere collision models
Authors: Tsuzuki Satori
Published: February 2025

This study examines the effects of an external gravitational field on highly rarefied gases in the transitional-flow regime near the free-molecular-flow regime. In our theoretical study, we rederive the classical kinetic theory for an ideal gas in terms of the kinetics of the constituent particles to account for the effect of particle acceleration by an external gravitational field. Subsequently, we derive an extended expression for the virial pressure equation as a generic description of the dynamics under an external gravitational field. We employ the soft-sphere model for the following reasons: In highly rarefied gases, short-range and instantaneous collisional interactions are dominant. Thus, by expanding the asymmetric two-body potential in the virial pressure equation and retaining only the contribution of the short-range interaction, we can obtain a soft-sphere model that represents the interaction in the collision direction as a harmonic oscillation. In the absence of dissipation, the soft-sphere model has been confirmed to reproduce fully elastic collisions. In our collision simulations, we define two parameters. The first parameter represents the collision probability between each pair of approaching particles, and the second represents the ratio of the magnitude of the external potential energy to the total kinetic energy of the particles. The behavior of the system is analyzed by varying the values of these two parameters. Our analysis shows that if the external potential energy is sufficiently small (1%–5%) compared with the total kinetic energy, then a pressure difference emerges between the walls. However, the system retains the properties of equilibrium statistical mechanics, as indicated by the Maxwell–Boltzmann (MB) distribution. In conclusion, highly rarefied gases obey the MB distribution even when placed under weak gravitational fields.
Alternative pipeline for option pricing using quantum computers
Authors: Manzano Alberto , Ferro Gonzalo , Leitao Álvaro , Vázquez Carlos , Gómez Andrés
Published: February 2025

In this work we present an alternative methodology to the standard Quantum Accelerated Monte Carlo (QAMC) applied to derivatives pricing. Our pipeline benefits from the combination of a new encoding protocol, referred to as the direct encoding, and an amplitude estimation algorithm, the modified Real Quantum Amplitude Estimation (mRQAE) algorithm. On the one hand, the direct encoding prepares a quantum state which contains the information about the sign of the expected payoff. On the other hand, the mRQAE is able to read all the information contained in the quantum state. Although the procedure we describe is different from the standard one, the main building blocks are almost the same. Thus, all the extensive research that has been performed is still applicable. Moreover, we experimentally compare the performance of the proposed methodology against the standard QAMC employing a quantum emulator and show that we retain the speedups.
Investigating luminosity optimization in STCF with crab waist scheme by beam–beam simulation
Authors: Li Sangya , Zhou Demin , Zhang Linhao , Liu Tao , Zou Ye , Li Weiwei , Luo Qing
Published: February 2025

To achieve the design luminosity of [Formula: see text], the Super Tau-Charm Facility (STCF) adopts an extremely low [Formula: see text] and a crab waist (CW) collision design. The extremely small vertical beam size at the interaction point and low vertical emittance required to achieve a beam–beam parameter of around 0.1 make the CW colliders highly susceptible to beam instabilities arising from beam–beam interactions. Some of these instabilities need to be carefully assessed and optimized through strong–strong beam–beam simulations. In this paper, we investigate the luminosity stability of the STCF design parameters using both weak–strong and strong–strong simulations. We also explore the influence of the CW scheme and various beam parameters on luminosity. These findings offer valuable insight to guide lattice design and optimize global parameters for STCF.
Parameterized Hardware Verification Through A Term-level Generalized Symbolic Trajectory Evaluation And Its Linkage With Concrete Hardware Verification At Netlist Level
Authors: Li Yongjian , Cai Zhenghai , Wang Bow-Yaw , Zhao Yongxin
Published: February 2025

This paper proposes a term-level generalized symbolic trajectory evaluation (GSTE) to tackle parameterized hardware verification. We develop a theorem-proving technique for parameterized GSTE verification. In our technique, a constraint is associated with a node in GSTE graphs to specify reachable states. Generalized inductive relations between nodes of GSTE graphs are formulated; instantaneous implications are formalized on the edges of GSTE graphs. Based on this formalization, parameterized GSTE are verified. We moreover formalize our techniques in Isabelle. Furthermore, once a parametrized design is verified at the term level, we can convert the generally parameterized invariants into concrete ones, which can be used to verify a synthesized netlist of an instance of the parameterized design at the Boolean level. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our techniques in case studies. Interestingly, subtleties between different implementations of FIFOs are discovered by our parameterized verification, although these circuits have been extensively studied previously.
Counterfeiting Attacks on a RDH-EI scheme based on block-permutation and Co-XOR
Authors: Chen Fan , Qu Lingfeng , Amirpour Hadi , Timmerer Christian , He Hongjie
Published: February 2025

Reversible data hiding in encrypted images (RDH-EI) has gained widespread attention due to its potential applications in secure cloud storage. However, the security challenges of RDH-EI in cloud storage scenarios remain largely unexplored. In this paper, we present a counterfeiting attack on RDH-EI schemes that utilize block-permutation and Co-XOR (BPCX) encryption. We demonstrate that ciphertext images generated by BPCX-based RDH-EI are easily tampered with to produce a counterfeit decrypted image with different contents imperceptible to the human eye. This vulnerability is mainly because the block permutation key information of BPCX is susceptible to known-plaintext attacks (KPAs). Taking ciphertext images in telemedicine scenarios as an example, we describe two potential counterfeiting attacks, namely fixed-area and optimal-area attacks. We show that the quality of forged decrypted images depends on the accuracy of the estimated block-permutation key under KPA conditions. To improve the invisibility of counterfeit decrypted images, we analyze the limitations of existing KPA methods against BPCX encryption for

\(2\times 2\)

block sizes and propose a novel diagonal inversion rule specifically designed for image blocks. This rule further enhances the accuracy of the estimated block-permutation key. The experiments show that, compared to existing KPA methods, the accuracy of the estimated block-permutation key in the UCID dataset increases by an average of 11.5%. In the counterfeiting attack experiments on Camera's encrypted image, we successfully tampered with over 80% of the pixels in the target area under the fixed-region attack. Additionally, we achieved a tampering success rate exceeding 90% in the optimal-region attack.
Igniting Language Intelligence: The Hitchhiker's Guide from Chain-of-Thought Reasoning to Language Agents
Authors: Zhang Zhuosheng , Yao Yao , Zhang Aston , Tang Xiangru , Ma Xinbei , He Zhiwei , Wang Yiming , Gerstein Mark , Wang Rui , Liu Gongshen , Zhao Hai
Published: February 2025

Large language models (LLMs) have dramatically enhanced the field of language intelligence, as demonstrably evidenced by their formidable empirical performance across a spectrum of complex reasoning tasks. Additionally, theoretical proofs have illuminated their emergent reasoning capabilities, providing a compelling showcase of their advanced cognitive abilities in linguistic contexts. Critical to their remarkable efficacy in handling complex reasoning tasks, LLMs leverage the intriguing chain-of-thought (CoT) reasoning techniques, obliging them to formulate intermediate steps en route to deriving an answer. The CoT reasoning approach has not only exhibited proficiency in amplifying reasoning performance but also in enhancing interpretability, controllability, and flexibility. In light of these merits, recent research endeavors have extended CoT reasoning methodologies to nurture the development of autonomous language agents, which adeptly adhere to language instructions and execute actions within varied environments. This survey paper orchestrates a thorough discourse, penetrating vital research dimensions, encompassing: (i) the foundational mechanics of CoT techniques, with a focus on elucidating the circumstances and justification behind its efficacy; (ii) the paradigm shift in CoT; and (iii) the burgeoning of language agents fortified by CoT approaches. Prospective research avenues envelop explorations into generalization, efficiency, customization, scaling, and safety. A repository for the related papers is available at https://github.com/Zoeyyao27/CoT-Igniting-Agent.
Game Theoretical Decision-Making of Dynamic Defense in Cyber-Physical Power Systems under Cyber-Attacks
Authors: Yao Pengchao , Yan Bingjing , Yang Qiang
Published: February 2025

The reliable and safe operation of the Cyber-Physical Power system (CPPS) consisting of power generation and transmission highly depends on the security of the underlying communication infrastructure. The facilities of the CPPS are often geographically distributed and vulnerable to coordinated cyber-attacks. This demands proactive security management solutions considering the various security situation of CPPS facilities to protect them. This paper presents a game theory-based dynamic decision-making solution for collaboratively securing critical facilities to minimize system performance degradation under cyber-attacks. We take the essential generation facility (i.e., power plant) as the research object to validate the solution. An analysis of the attack penetration process described by the Bayesian Attack Graph (BAG) is carried out to assess the security situation of each power plant. Then, a stochastic game model is developed to characterize the interaction of the attacker and the defender considering the varying situation of every power plant. A novel reinforcement learning algorithm is presented to solve the Nash equilibrium and obtain the dynamic optimal security strategies that defend the most important power plants. The proposed solution is extensively evaluated through a range of experiments based on the IEEE 57-bus test system and the numerical results demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed solution.
Phase-resolved Functional Lung MRI Reveals Distinct Lung Perfusion Phenotype in Children and Adolescents with Post–COVID-19 Condition
Authors: Pöhler Gesa H. , Voskrebenzev Andreas , Heinze Marc-Luca , Skeries Valentina , Klimeš Filip , Glandorf Julian , Eckstein Jan , Babazade Nigar , Wernz Marius , Pfeil Alexander , Hansen Gesine , Wacker Frank K. , Vogel-Claussen Jens , Wetzke Martin , Renz Diane Miriam
Published: February 2025

Phase-resolved functional lung MRI–derived parameters depicted pulmonary perfusion abnormalities in children and adolescents with post–COVID-19 condition and correlated with heart rate and chronic fatigue severity.
Interlimb reflexes of the lower limb elicited by femoral nerve stimulation in able-bodied persons
Authors: Meyer Britta L. , Beermann Finja , Langmann Jakob , Stieglitz Thomas , Pasluosta Cristian , Mrachacz-Kersting Natalie
Published: February 2025

Sensory feedback arising from muscles in the lower limb make an important contribution to the activation of muscles on the opposite side. To date little is known about this interlimb communication for muscles of the upper leg. Here we quantify interlimb reflexes of the quadriceps muscles elicited by femoral nerve stimulation. The reflex response of 10 able-bodied participants was analyzed at eight stimulation intensities (0.7x motor threshold (MT) - 100 % maximal M-wave (M-max)), during standing and sitting. EMG signals of the contralateral vastus lateralis (cVL), rectus femoris (cRF), biceps femoris (cBF) and soleus (cSOL) muscle were analyzed. Significant inhibitory long-latency responses were observed at stimulation intensities higher than 0.7xMT, for the cVL and cRF. Onset latencies ranged from 67 ± 12 ms - 70 ± 13 ms during standing and from 61 ± 14 ms - 67 ± 15 ms during sitting. The strongest depression (- 32,39 % compared to baseline EMG activity) was observed for the cRF during standing at 50 % M-max. The cBF showed excitatory long-latency responses during standing (strongest at 100 % M-max with + 52.36 %) and inhibitory once during sitting, as well as small excitatory short-latency responses during standing. The cSOL showed inhibitory long-latency responses (- 18.15 % at 25 % M-max) during standing. In conclusion, the results show that femoral nerve stimulation elicits consistent contralateral reflex responses in the quadriceps muscles. The occurrence at all intensities suggests that group Ia, Ib and II afferents are involved in the pathways.
Interactions between type of culture medium and addition of serum on development and gene expression of bovine blastocysts produced in vitro
Authors: Cuellar Camila J. , Ismail Esraa A. , Haimon McKenzie LJ , Hoorn Quinn A , Yu Fahong , Rabaglino Maria Belen , Hansen P. J.
Published: February 2025

Serum is commonly added to culture medium to improve production of bovine embryos in vitro. Main goals were to verify actions of serum to increase blastocyst yield and test the hypothesis that fetal bovine serum alters blastocyst gene expression in a manner that could affect competence to establish pregnancy and dysregulate fetal development. Media used were synthetic oviduct fluid medium bovine embryo 2 (SOF-BE2) and a commercial medium termed here as IVFB. Three experiments were conducted in which either adult or fetal bovine serum (10%, v/v) was added at day 1 or 5 of development. Overall, serum increased blastocyst production. Gene expression in blastocysts was measured in the experiment in which fetal bovine serum was added at day 5. Serum resulted in 215 differentially-expressed genes for embryos cultured in SOF-BE2 and 194 genes for embryos cultured in IVFB (adjusted p-value of < 0.05 and a |log2| fold change > 1). Only 24 genes were regulated by serum similarly for both media including several transcription factors, imprinted genes, PSAT1 implicated in fetal growth in mice, and genes dysregulated in cloned embryos. Serum largely eliminated differences in gene expression between media. Expression data on eight biomarker genes were also used to calculate an embryo competence index previously related to embryo survival. Serum lowered the embryo competence index for both media. In conclusion, actions of fetal bovine serum on the preimplantation embryo include changes in gene expression indicative of reduced embryo competence and possible alterations in fetal development.
Supplementary figure 4 from Single-Cell Transcriptomic Analysis Identifies Senescent Osteocytes That Trigger Bone Destruction in Breast Cancer Metastasis
Authors: Kaur Japneet , Adhikari Manish , Sabol Hayley M. , Anloague Aric , Khan Sharmin , Kurihara Noriyoshi , Diaz-delCastillo Marta , Andreasen Christina Møller , Barnes Charles Lowry , Stambough Jeffrey B. , Palmieri Michela , Reyes-Castro Olivia , Zarrer Jennifer , Taipaleenmäki Hanna , Ambrogini Elena , Almeida Maria , O’Brien Charles A. , Nookaew Intawat , Delgado-Calle Jesus
Published: February 2025

Supplementary figure 4
Supplementary Table 1 from Single-Cell Transcriptomic Analysis Identifies Senescent Osteocytes That Trigger Bone Destruction in Breast Cancer Metastasis
Authors: Kaur Japneet , Adhikari Manish , Sabol Hayley M. , Anloague Aric , Khan Sharmin , Kurihara Noriyoshi , Diaz-delCastillo Marta , Andreasen Christina Møller , Barnes Charles Lowry , Stambough Jeffrey B. , Palmieri Michela , Reyes-Castro Olivia , Zarrer Jennifer , Taipaleenmäki Hanna , Ambrogini Elena , Almeida Maria , O’Brien Charles A. , Nookaew Intawat , Delgado-Calle Jesus
Published: February 2025

Supplementary Table 1
Electrolytes Abnormalities in Cancer Patients
Authors: Rashidi Arash , Youssef Nada , Workeneh Biruh , Carsel Alex , Gutgarts Victoria , Latcha Sheron
Published: February 2025

Background: Electrolyte disorders are common in cancer patients and have significant impacts on treatment outcomes and quality of life. The frequency, severity, complexity and etiology of fluid and electrolyte disorders is different among cancer patients when compared to the general population.

Summary: This review describes the key electrolyte imbalances and pathogenesis, including sodium disorders, potassium disorders, and abnormalities in magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus levels, within the context of cancer therapies. Cancer specific therapies reviewed surgical and radiologic therapies, cellular therapies, use of checkpoint inhibitors and traditional cytotoxic chemotherapy that can result in specific patterns of electrolyte derangements.

Key Message: The objective of this article is to highlight clinical presentations and to discuss management of some cancer specific electrolyte disturbances. This article underscores the importance of regular electrolyte monitoring and timely intervention in managing cancer patients.
Consumindo para salvar o mundo: Um estudo de caso sobre o discurso propagado pela Apple (RED)
Authors: Costa Thiago
Published: February 2025

This study analyzes the discourse of cause-related marketing (CRM) used by Apple to promote its products and support social causes through (RED) products aimed at combating HIV/AIDS in Africa. It reflects on consumption practices using a psychoanalytic framework and its developments, such as Rifkin’s concept of cultural capitalism and Richey and Ponte’s ‘causumerism’ practice. The methodology involves a critical analysis of Apple and (RED)’s institutional materials, combined with a bibliographic review on branding. Findings indicate that although CRM promotes important causes, it also transforms social activism into a product, aligning with contemporary critiques of ethical consumption and the practices of comfort and authenticity.
A Substância: uma imersão no universo do consumo de Bauman e da construção do eu
Authors: Oliveira Matheus Weslley Gonçalves
Published: February 2025

En una sociedad en la que el consumo se convierte en uno de los pilares centrales para la construcción de una identidad y un sentido del “yo”, la película La Sustancia expone metafóricamente el declive del sentido de autoestima de un individuo al no cumplir con expectativas sociales imaginarias. , y cómo la industria de consumo encuentra, en este escenario, un mercado por explorar. Este trabajo pretende establecer un paralelo entre los temas tratados por la película y los conceptos relacionados con el consumo y la autoconstrucción de identidad contemporánea presentados por Bauman en sus obras.
Protofantasia brasileira oitocentista: manifestações iniciais de um gênero do insólito
Authors: Taniguchi André Karasczuk
Published: February 2025

A Fantasia, parte da macrocategoria do Insólito Ficcional, é um gênero originário da literatura britânica oitocentista que se propagou no século XX até atingir o nível de alta popularidade. No contexto brasileiro, a disseminação da Fantasia foi relativamente tardia, assim como as suas produções inaugurais; entretanto, histórias do Insólito eram frequentes entre autores nacionais, algo já amplamente documentado pela historiografia literária. Nesse sentido, a proposta deste artigo é refletir acerca dos possíveis protótipos e marcos iniciais da Fantasia na produção brasileira, partindo de alguns aspectos primordiais para o gênero. Para o presente exercício, analisamos três narrativas oitocentistas: “As bruxas” (1861), de Fagundes Varela, “O país das Quimeras” (1862), de Machado de Assis, e o romance A ilha maldita (1879), de Bernardo Guimarães.
Diálogos de um simbolismo tropical: a revista Alma Latina e o Simbolismo em Pernambuco
Authors: Cordeiro Felipe da Silva , Andrade Fábio  Cavalcante de
Published: February 2025

Symbolism is an artistic and literary movement that has received renewed interest in recent decades. In Brazil, from the open hostility that dominated criticism at the turn of the 19th to the 20th century, the importance and impact of the movement on national literature began to be reviewed. The objective of this article is to present the dialogue between Pernambuco letters from the beginning of the century and Symbolist aesthetics, through the study of the magazine Alma Latina, edited in Recife by young poets and writers who moved the cultural life of the city. These authors were imbued with the new ideas and new sensibility announced by decadentists and symbolists. Such research, in turn, configures a relatively recent trend in critical studies on Brazilian symbolism, which are the regional repercussions of the movement.
Acima de mim os ramos vazios: resenha de A filha primitiva, de Vanessa Passos
Authors: Silva Camila Geovanna Alves da
Published: February 2025

A review of the novel A filha primitiva, by Vanessa Passos.
O tiro
Authors: Macieira Vitor Siqueira
Published: February 2025

Produção literária narrativa.
Multicenter Results of a Novel Pediatric Pacemaker in Neonates and Infants
Authors: Berul Charles I. , Haack Lindsey , Sherwin Elizabeth D. , Whitehill Robert D. , Nash Dustin , Dasgupta Soham , Johnsrude Christopher , Chandler Stephanie F. , LeGras Marc D. , Clark Bradley C. , Jimenez Erick , Giacone Heather M. , Ceresnak Scott , Goya Garbiñe , Jackson Lanier B. , Pham Tam Dan , Valdes Santiago O. , Rhee Edward , Brucker Rachel , Olson Sonja , Whitman Teri
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND:

To address the unmet need for a smaller pacemaker for babies, a specially modified implantable pulse generator was developed containing a Medtronic Micra subassembly in a polymer header connecting to a bipolar epicardial lead. The aim of this study was to report midterm follow-up data and outcomes of patients who underwent implantation of this device.

METHODS:

Deidentified data were collected from 12 of 15 sites in the United States implanting the pediatric implantable pulse generator between March 2022 and February 2024. All 29 patients at these 12 sites within this timeframe were included in the analysis.

RESULTS:

The median age at implant was 15 days (range, 0 days to 3 years, including 1 outlier). The median weight was 2.3 kg (range, 1.3–11.4 kg). Gestational age was 28.5 weeks to term, with 23 (79%) patients born prematurely. Of those with anatomic information, 25% had congenital heart disease. The average duration of implant was 325 days (73–808days). The most recent lead impedance mean was 612 ohms (450–840 ohms), ventricular capture threshold mean was 1 V @ 0.4 ms (range, 0.38–2.75 V), and R-wave sensing mean was 12.5 mV (3.6–20 mV). There were 7 generator explants (24%), removed at 6.5 to 31 months of age.

CONCLUSIONS:

The pediatric implantable pulse generator can be safely implanted in neonates and infants. This multicenter report demonstrates that the devices remain stable, with effective pacing, normal electrical parameters, and battery longevity aligned with projections. This novel pediatric pacemaker provides a viable alternative to standard-size generators and addresses a vital unmet need for these small patients.
Succinylation of SERCA2a at K352 Promotes Its Ubiquitinoylation and Degradation by Proteasomes in Sepsis-Induced Heart Dysfunction
Authors: Yang Ni , Li Linus , Shi Xiao-Lu , Liu Yong-Ping , Wen Ri , Yang Yu-Hang , Zhang Tao , Yang Xin-Ru , Xu Yang-Fan , Liu Chun-Feng , Ning Wanshan , Zhang Tie-Ning
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND:

Intracellular Ca
2+
cycling governs effective myocardial systolic contraction and diastolic relaxation. SERCA2a (sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca
2+
ATPase type 2a), which plays a crucial role in controlling intracellular Ca
2+
signaling and myocardial cell function, is downregulated and inactivated during sepsis-induced heart dysfunction. However, the cause of this dysregulation remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the effect of lysine succinylation in lipopolysaccharide-induced septic heart dysfunction through global succinylome analysis of myocardial tissues from septic rats.

METHODS:

We conducted a succinylome profiling and developed a protein language model–based framework to prioritize succinylation at a functionally important site, and further analysis revealed crosstalk between ubiquitination and succinylation of SERCA2a. The succinylation of SERCA2a in septic rats or lipopolysaccharide-treated cells were detected by co-immunoprecipitation. Thereafter, a desuccinylated SERCA2a
K352R
was introduced and its function and stability were determined by Ca
2+
transient and Western blot, respectively. Meanwhile, the effect on SERCA2a
K352R
on heart function was assessed in vivo by echocardiography and hemodynamics.

RESULTS:

We identified 10 324 succinylated lysine sites in heart tissues, including 1042 differentially succinylated lysine sites, in response to lipopolysaccharide. SERCA2a was hypersuccinylated in the myocardial tissues of septic rats and lipopolysaccharide-treated cardiomyocytes. Increased ubiquitination level, reduced protein level, and activity of SERCA2a were observed, along with increased succinylation of SERCA2a in vivo and in vitro. K352 was essential for SERCA2a succinylation, which reduced SERCA2a protein level by promoting formation of the K48 ubiquitin chain on SERCA2a and its degradation by proteasomes. Co-immunoprecipitation combined with liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry identified that SIRT2 (sirtuin2), a deacylase, exhibited interaction with SERCA2a. Furthermore, SIRT2 decreased K352 succinylation of SERCA2a, suggesting that SIRT2 may function as a desuccinylase for SERCA2a.

CONCLUSIONS:

Succinylation of SERCA2a at K352, which was controlled by SIRT2, promotes its ubiquitinoylation and degradation by proteasomes in sepsis-induced heart dysfunction.
Acute Intermittent Hypoxia in People Living With Chronic Stroke: A Case Series
Authors: Pearcey Gregory E.P. , Barry Alexander J. , Sandhu Milap S. , Carroll Timothy J. , Roth Elliot J. , Rymer W. Zev
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND:

Acute intermittent hypoxia (AIH) is a novel therapeutic intervention that facilitates recovery of function, but the tolerability and effectiveness have not been tested in people living with chronic stroke. The purpose here was to examine whether AIH is tolerable and effective in this population.

METHODS:

Ten participants with a unilateral, hemispheric stroke were assessed before and after 4 sessions of AIH separated by ≥48 hours in a case series at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab (Chicago). Physician-assessed signs and symptoms (assessed via: repeated symptom reviews, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, cranial nerve assessment, a muscle strength test, the Brunnstrom scale, sensory changes, reflexes, assessment of heart and lung status, Fugl-Meyer test, Chedoke-McMaster Stroke Assessment, Modified Ashworth Scale for Spasticity, and Delis Kaplan Executive Function System Color-Word Interference Test) and bilateral upper limb strength (grip and elbow flexion) were assessed before, ≈15 to 30 minutes, and ≈60 minutes after the intervention.

RESULTS:

AIH was well-tolerated and there were no adverse events observed. After AIH, grip strength (12.91% and 16.53% improvement at 30 and 60 minutes post-AIH, respectively) and elbow flexion force (5.87% and 7.01% improvement at 30 and 60 minutes post-AIH, respectively) improved in the more-affected limb.

CONCLUSIONS:

AIH is potentially safe and effective for improving strength in the more-affected limb in people living with hemiparetic stroke. Future work should explore the use of AIH to enhance task-specific training-induced plasticity.

REGISTRATION:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT04019522.
Morphology and multigene phylogeny reveal a new species and a new record of saprobic Dothideomycetes from Hevea brasiliensis in Yunnan Province, China
Authors: XU RUI-FANG , KARUNARATHNA SAMANTHA C. , HYDE KEVIN D. , KAKUMYAN PATTANA , DAI DONG-QIN , ELGORBAN ABDALLAH M. , PHUKHAMSAKDA CHAYANARD , TIBPROMMA SAOWALUCK
Published: February 2025

Hevea brasiliensis (Para rubber) is an important crop that produces a milky, white fluid called “natural rubber” and is one of the economic plants in the Greater Mekong region. Among the Greater Mekong Region countries, China has received little attention to the saprobic fungi associated with rubber. In our survey of saprobic fungi associated with rubber plants in Yunnan Province, China, we collected and isolated two types of ascomata on dead rubber branches and identified them based on phylogenetic analyses of ITS, LSU, SSU, tef1-α, and rpb2 sequence data and morphological characteristics. The results revealed one previously unknown taxon (Anthosulcatispora heveae) and a new host and country record (Anteaglonium parvulum) on Hevea brasiliensis in Yunnan Province, China. The new species has a unique morphology of fusiform, hyaline ascospores with large guttules and mucilaginous sheath compared with similar species in Anthosulcatispora. The descriptions, illustrations, and phylogenetic analysis results of the two taxa are provided.
Astragalus helanshanensis, a new plant species from the arid region of the Helan Mountains in northwestern China
Authors: YANG BO , WANG WENQIANG , WEI SIYU , LIANG YONGLIANG , XU HAO , MA JINLIAN , LI XIAOWEI
Published: February 2025

Astragalus helanshanensis is a newly identified species found on the floodplain fan at the southern end of the Helanshan Mountains in northwestern China. This leguminous plant is 3–5 cm in height, with extremely short, condensed stems and subappressed hairs throughout. Leaves 2–4 cm long; rachis persistent, leaflets always 2 pairs, mostly inserted on the upper 1/3 of petiole, opposite; 1–3 flowered; flag petal tips retuse, pterygoid limb notched; keeled limb 1/2 as long as petiole; pods ovate-elliptic, 10–12 mm long, densely covered with white subappressed hairs, bipinnate. The discovery of this species enriches the known diversity of Astragalus and provides a scientific basis for the ecological protection and utilization of these plant resources in the Helan Mountains, while further advancing our understanding of the evolution and ecology relationships of the Astragalus genus.
A Little Help from My Friends? Navigating the Tension Between Social Capital and Meritocracy in the Job Search
Authors: Adler Laura , Ayala-Hurtado Elena
Published: February 2025

Job seekers often rely on help from social ties in the search for employment. Yet the job search is characterized by meritocratic ideals according to which candidates should be selected based on their qualifications, not their connections. How do people justify the use of connections given the conflicting cultural logics of social capital and meritocracy? We conduct an inductive analysis of 56 interviews with young Spaniards experiencing a difficult labor market and identify a novel process of justification, situational alignment, that reconciles these conflicting logics. Respondents justified situations in which connections provided assistance as legitimate when they perceived alignment among the job seeker, job, and type of help that connections provided. Respondents deemed illegitimate the situations in which these were not aligned. These justifications allowed respondents to embrace the social capital logic’s prescription to use connections, while upholding the meritocratic principle that jobs be awarded based on qualifications. We further find that situations involving close ties were more readily justified than those involving distant others. We test this inductively derived process using a survey experiment with 1,536 young Spaniards. This study demonstrates that perceptions of merit are situated, and advances the understanding of social capital by identifying a novel process of justification that contributes to labor market inequality.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of alcohol and other drug use and problematic use among people accessing mental health treatment in Australia
Authors: Marel Christina , Siedlecka Ewa , Wilson Jack , Eugene Dit Rochesson Sylvia , Chu Daniel , Fisher Alana , Mills Katherine L
Published: February 2025

Objective:

Substance use and use disorders are elevated among people accessing mental health treatment, but the nature and patterns of use are unknown. The current study aimed to identify the prevalence of alcohol and other drug (AOD) use and problematic AOD use (i.e. hazardous, harmful, risky, misuse, abuse, dependence, disorder) in Australian mental health settings and conduct a meta-analysis of studies where sufficient data were available.

Method:

A systematic review of all papers published up to July 2023 identified 59 eligible studies reporting the prevalence of substance use, problematic use, and use disorders among people accessing mental health treatment in Australia. Overall, 55 studies provided sufficient data for a meta-analysis for past year use and problematic use of any AOD overall, alcohol, cannabis, tobacco, stimulants/amphetamines, and opioids.

Results:

Pooled prevalence estimates of past year use and problematic use among clients of mental health treatment settings varied (5%–58% and 7%–53%, respectively). Past year use and past year problematic use of tobacco were particularly prevalent (58% and 53%, respectively), as was cannabis (38% and 37%, respectively). Several key factors, including the type of mental health disorder, may explain some variation in prevalence estimates.

Conclusion:

The presence of co-occurring and problematic AOD use should be expected among a considerable proportion of clients of mental health treatment settings, and are a significant concern that services must be prepared to address. As such, screening and assessment of AOD use and use disorders should be part of routine clinical care, and clinicians should be familiar with evidence-based management and treatment strategies, including those that address tobacco.
Privilege and discrimination in identity politics: ‘Guiding Distinctions’ as a tool for analyzing social inequality
Authors: Müller-Brandeck Marlene
Published: February 2025

This article examines the evolution of discourse on social inequality through the concept of ‘guiding distinctions’, a theoretical term introduced by Niklas Luhmann. The study develops criteria for ‘guiding distinctions’, making the concept usable as an analytical tool. Using this framework, the article traces a historical shift from the Marxist focus on economic inequality, rooted in the capital/labor dichotomy, to the contemporary emphasis on identity politics, which is characterized by the novel guiding distinction between privilege and discrimination. The study illuminates how current identity politics redefine social inequality as a multifaceted phenomenon involving various forms of discrimination, beyond just economic issues. Applying the ‘guiding distinction’ framework reveals two key developments: an increasing complexity in the understanding of social inequality and a shift in efforts to address it, moving from class struggle to approaches centered on enlightenment and education. The article argues that recognizing these shifts is crucial for a nuanced analysis of identity politics and its implications for societal understanding of social inequality. The findings contribute to ongoing debates in sociology about the role of identity politics in shaping contemporary social movements and the study of social inequality.
Impact of Constructive Narratives About Climate Change on Learned Helplessness and Motivation to Engage in Climate Action
Authors: Said Nadia , Wölfl Vivien
Published: February 2025

Currently, news is dominated by the negative impacts of climate change rather than by solutions. Based on previous research, we propose that the standard way of reporting (problem-focused) leads to learned helplessness and decreases motivation to engage in climate action. On the other hand, using constructive narratives (solution-focused) should decrease helplessness and increase motivation to engage in climate action. We thus conducted an experiment with N = 1,359 participants (quota-based sample of the German population). Results showed that reading constructive narratives significantly decreased participants’ helplessness ratings. On the other hand, standard narratives increased climate change attitudes. Furthermore, mediation analysis hinted toward a relationship between a decrease in helplessness and higher motivation to act. As constructive narratives effectively reduced helplessness and reduced helplessness, in turn, was related to higher motivation to act, they could support climate change mitigation by increasing climate action and thereby become a powerful tool within climate change communication.
Power transition in process: Explaining the dominant power's failures to prevent the rise of a challenger
Authors: Duan Xiaolin
Published: February 2025

Power transition theory often overlooks why, despite its dominance, an established power may fail to prevent the emergence of a challenger. This article addresses this gap by incorporating analysis of the politics of threat assessment. It presents three explanations: (1) It is difficult for an established power to accurately identify a potential challenger, particularly considering that the rising power may strategically accommodate the more dominant state to reduce early animosity; (2) Due to the fallacy of dominance, the established power may fail to effectively manage incentives and attain normative acceptability among secondary states; (3) Under certain circumstances, a third country's presence can alleviate rivalry and reduce hostility from the established power.