bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How Margaret Thatcher's Ideology Emboldened Her to Bite the Anti‐inflationary Bullet
Authors: McDonald Ian M.
Published: February 2025

To reduce the rate of inflation, Margaret Thatcher followed a policy of tight money. Milton Friedman in reviewing this policy predicted that it would lead to a modest reduction in output and employment (that) will be a side effect of reducing inflation to single figures by 1982, Friedman (1980, p. 14, my emphasis). I call this prediction Friedman's flaw. Evidence available when Thatcher introduced this policy would have revealed Friedman's flaw‐the cost could have been expected to be immodest. From various biographical and other accounts, I put forward several reasons to explain how Thatcher's ideology made her susceptible to Friedman's flaw. I propose a theory based on loss aversion to explain the costly nature of disinflation.
Evaluating mediators of the effect of varenicline preloading on smoking abstinence in a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Johnstone Samantha , Cooper Robert K. , Wray Jennifer M. , Tonkin Sarah S. , Knapp Kyler S. , Colder Craig R. , Maguin Eugene , Mahoney Martin C. , Tiffany Stephen T. , Brandon Thomas H. , Ashare Rebecca L. , Tyndale Rachel F. , Hawk Larry W.
Published: February 2025

Background and aims

Mechanisms of varenicline preloading in promoting smoking abstinence have not been evaluated. Based on an extinction of reinforcement framework, we tested the hypothesis that pre‐quit reductions in smoking rate mediate the effect of extended preloading on abstinence. We also tested alternative indicators of change in smoking reinforcement, as well as smoking aversion, nausea and abstinence self‐efficacy as candidate mediators.

Design, participants and intervention

Randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial (NCT03262662) comparing extended (4‐week varenicline) to standard (3 weeks of placebo, 1‐week varenicline) preloading, preceding 11 weeks of open‐label varenicline, in 320 adults (56% female). The primary outcome was self‐reported continuous smoking abstinence during the last 4 weeks of treatment, with cotinine bio‐verification at end of treatment (EOT).

Setting

University at Buffalo, State University of New York, USA (part of the trial was conducted at participants' homes due to the COVID‐19 pandemic).

Measurements

Candidate mediators, including smoking rate and subjective effects of smoking (reward, satisfaction, aversion), self‐reported craving, withdrawal, nausea and abstinence self‐efficacy, were assessed daily during the pre‐quit period with ecological momentary assessment. At two laboratory visits participants completed a choice task to assess smoking reinforcement.

Findings

There was a statistically significant indirect effect of extended preloading on greater EOT abstinence rates through pre‐quit declines in smoking rate [a*b = 0.284, 95% confidence interval (0.072,0.616)] and percent reduction in smoking across the pre‐quit period [a*b = 0.225, (0.080,0.437)]. There were also statistically significant indirect effects through reductions in pre‐quit craving [a*b = 0.150, (0.01,0.420)] and increases in pre‐quit self‐efficacy [a*b = 0.157, (0.038,0.375)]. Sex‐specific analyses suggested these mediated effects were consistently limited to females. No other candidate mediators yielded statistically significant indirect effects.

Conclusions

Extended varenicline preloading mediated smoking abstinence through reduced pre‐quit smoking and craving among female smokers seeking to quit; increased pre‐quit abstinence self‐efficacy was also a significant mediator.
Integrating QTL and expression QTL of PigGTEx to improve the accuracy of genomic prediction for small population in Yorkshire pigs
Authors: Shi Haoran , Geng He , Yang Bin , Yin Zongjun , Liu Yang
Published: February 2025

The size of the reference population and sufficient phenotypic records are crucial for the accuracy of genomic selection. However, for small‐to‐medium‐sized pig farms or breeds with limited population sizes, conducting genomic breeding programs presents significant challenges. In this study, 2295 Yorkshire pigs were selected from three distinct regions, including 1500 from an American line, 500 from a Canadian line, and 295 from a Danish line. All populations were genotyped using the GeneSeek 50K GGP Porcine HD chip. To enhance genomic selection accuracy, we proposed strategies that combined multiple populations and leveraged multi‐omics prior information. Cis‐QTL from the PigGTEx database and QTL identified through genome‐wide association studies were incorporated into the genomic feature best linear unbiased prediction (GFBLUP) model to predict the ADG100 and the BF100 traits. Results demonstrated that combining multiple populations effectively improved prediction accuracy for small population, accuracy for ADG100 increased by an average of 0.29 and accuracy for BF100 by 0.05. The GFBLUP model, which integrates biological priors, showed some improvements in prediction accuracy for the BF100 trait. Specifically, for the small population, accuracy increased by 0.09 in Scheme 1, where each population size was predicted independently. In Scheme 3, where the large population was used as a reference group to predict the small population, accuracy increased by 0.03. However, the GFBLUP model did not provide additional benefits in predicting the ADG100 trait. These findings offer effective strategies for genetic improvement in developing regions and highlight the potential of multi‐omics integration to enhance prediction models.
Human T‐cell leukemia virus type 1‐associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis and multiple sclerosis: Viral strategies and their implications
Authors: Nakashima Makoto , Yamano Yoshihisa
Published: February 2025

Human T‐cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV‐1)‐associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS), particularly affecting the spinal cord, and is caused by HTLV‐1 infection. The biased geographic distribution of HTLV‐1‐infected individuals facilitated the early identification of a causal relationship between HTLV‐1 infection and related diseases soon after the discovery of the virus. In contrast, such a relationship would have been challenging to establish without this geographic clustering. Similarly, Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), which infects ~95% of the global population, has recently been implicated in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS), another chronic inflammatory CNS disease. Advances in seroepidemiology, immunology, genomics, and biomarker research in large MS cohorts have shed light on EBV's critical role in disease development. These insights provide a framework for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying both MS and HAM/TSP, which remain incompletely elucidated. In this review, we compare HTLV‐1 with EBV, focusing on their shared strategies for establishing long‐term latency in the host and their roles in CNS inflammation. By analyzing the relationship between HAM/TSP and MS through virological and molecular biological perspectives, we propose that both conditions may represent chronic inflammatory diseases of the CNS triggered by viral infections. This hypothesis offers a novel perspective on the pathogenesis of these diseases. Finally, we discuss current challenges and future directions in the treatment and prevention of HAM/TSP and MS.
Effects of transcranial direct current stimulation on multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder: A double‐blind, randomized, crossover trial
Authors: Shibuya Ryoko , Ishikuro Koji , Hattori Noriaki , Takasawa Shuhei , Hirosawa Hiroaki , Yamamoto Mamoru , Konishi Hirofumi , Nakane Shunya , Noguchi Kyo , Nakatsuji Yuji
Published: February 2025

Objectives

There are no effective therapies for nonmotor symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), including cognitive impairment, fatigue, depression, and pain. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a neuromodulatory technique, enhances rehabilitation effects, and has been applied to multiple neurological diseases. We attempted to clarify the effectiveness of tDCS on the nonmotor symptoms of MS/NMOSD.

Methods

A double‐blind, randomized cros‐over trial was conducted with five MS/NMOSD patients randomly assigned to active (real) or sham tDCS groups. Patients received 10 sessions of tDCS combined with rehabilitation, with assessments at baseline and poststimulation, A second session under the alternate condition followed. The anodal electrode was placed over M1 (C3 in the 10–20 system), and the cathode over Fp2, delivering 1.0 mA for 900 s. Functional magnetic resonance imaging was conducted before and after stimulation to assess functional connectivity (FC) using region of interest (ROI)‐to‐ROI analysis across six ROIs.

Results

No adverse events related to tDCS were observed. A significant improvement was observed in working memory and information‐processing ability, as assessed by using the Paced Auditory Serial Addition 2‐s version after active stimulation compared to sham stimulation. In the anterior cingulate cortex‐precuneus FC, significant changes were observed following active stimulation.

Conclusion

Anodal tDCS over M1 may be a useful means of improving cognitive function in patients with MS/NMOSD and altered FCs beyond M1.
Berberine Alleviates Kainic Acid‐Induced Acute Epileptic Seizures in Mice via Reshaping Gut Microbiota‐Associated Lipid Metabolism
Authors: Dai Wen‐Ting , Zhu Yong , Jiang Zui‐Ming , Xiang Yi , Mao Xiao‐Yuan , Liu Zhao‐Qian
Published: February 2025

Background

Berberine (BBR) has been reported to mitigate epileptic seizures. However, the potential mechanism of its anti‐seizure effect remains uncharacterized.

Aims

This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of BBR on acute epileptic seizures induced by kainic acid (KA) in mice and further explore its mechanism of action in the aspect of analysis of gut microbiota.

Materials and Methods

The protective effect of BBR against acute epileptic seizures was assessed via Racine score and Nissl training. Alterations of gut microbiota and metabolites in seizure mice after BBR treatment were analyzed through 16S sequencing and lipidomics, respectively.

Results

Our results showed that the BBR remarkably alleviated acute epileptic seizures and hippocampal neuron damage in KA‐induced mice. The analysis of gut microbiota indicated that BBR reduced the acute epileptic seizures in KA‐induced mice by increasing the abundance of Bacteroidetes and Alloprevotella, regulating short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Results of lipidomics also identified 21 candidate metabolites in the colon and hippocampus possibly involved in the protective effect of BBR against acute seizures.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that BBR exerts neuroprotection against KA‐induced epileptic seizures through remodeling gut microbiota‐associated lipid metabolism in the colon and hippocampus. BBR may serve as a valuable candidate drug for curing patients with epilepsy.
Cui prodest? A firm‐level analysis of hiring credits
Authors: Santoni Edoardo , Patriarca Fabrizio , Scarlato Margherita
Published: February 2025

In the aftermath of the Great Recession, hiring credits have become popular worldwide. The empirical literature shows positive but moderate effects of such interventions on employment. However, an in‐depth analysis of the characteristics of the beneficiary firms and their wage‐setting policies is still lacking. By using a linked employer–employee dataset, this paper presents a firm‐level analysis of a three‐year employer‐borne payroll tax cut for permanent hirings introduced in Italy in 2015. After estimating firm and worker fixed effects through the standard AKM model, we show that the take‐up of hiring credits is significantly higher for firms that pay lower wages, are less productive, employ workers with lower mean abilities, and have a lower retention rate. This result is robust to several specifications and stratifications of the sample, and provides a further and different perspective from which to question the use of active labour market policies based on employer‐borne payroll tax cuts.
Impacts of Recreational Hunting on an Introduced Population of Fallow Deer (Dama dama) in Tasmania, Australia
Authors: Comte Sebastien , Bengsen Andrew J. , Botterill‐James Thomas , Brausch Chris , Bryant Sally L. , Dickson Catherine R. , Hamer Rowena , Hamilton David G. , Seaman James , Taylor Pip , Forsyth David M.
Published: February 2025

Non‐native deer populations are increasing in many parts of the world. Recreational hunting has commonly been advocated as a method for reducing deer population densities on private land, but there have been few robust evaluations of its effectiveness. We quantified the impacts of recreational hunting on a population of non‐native fallow deer (Dama dama) on a private conservation reserve in Tasmania, Australia. We used a grid of 64 motion‐sensitive cameras to estimate seasonal deer population density for three consecutive years. Recreational hunters recorded their hunting effort (date and duration of hunts), deer seen, and deer killed, and used a GPS to record where they hunted. Throughout the three‐year period, deer density remained between 3.95 and 4.96 deer per km2, well above the mean 2.7 deer per km2 estimated for Tasmania. The 28 hunters killed a total of 128 deer (33 males, 87 females and 8 unknown) during 306 hunts. The annual harvest comprised 21%–26% of the total deer population (28%–38% of the female population). During the four‐week ‘buck’ season (March), hunters exhibited more selective hunting behaviour characterised by frequent hunts that targeted mostly antlered males with low catch per unit effort (0.03 deer killed per hour). In contrast, the 8‐month antlerless season (March–November) was characterised by a more opportunistic hunting behaviour with fewer hunts and a higher catch per unit effort (0.11 deer killed per hour). Our results show that the current regime of recreational hunting is not reducing the population. If landowners decide to rely on recreational hunting to reduce deer densities on their properties, more deer, especially females, need to be harvested annually. Changes to regulations that increase the number of deer harvested should be considered in parallel with greater incentives for recreational hunters to harvest more females. Other deer control methods, such as helicopter‐based shooting and professional ground‐based shooting, are likely to provide faster and greater reductions in the densities of non‐native deer populations than recreational hunting while non‐lethal management should be considered for local asset protection.
More and Less Fear in Serotonin Transporter Knockout Mice
Authors: Lima João , Panayi Marios C. , Sharp Trevor , McHugh Stephen B. , Bannerman David M.
Published: February 2025

Recent theories suggest that reduced serotonin transporter (5‐HTT) function, which increases serotonin (5‐HT) levels at the synapse, enhances neural plasticity and affects sensitivity to environmental cues. This may promote learning about emotionally relevant events. However, the boundaries that define such emotional learning remain to be established. This was investigated using 5‐HTT knockout (5‐HTTKO) mice which provide a model of long‐term elevated 5‐HT transmission and are associated with increased anxiety. Compared to wild‐type controls, 5‐HTTKO mice were faster to discriminate between an auditory cue that predicted footshock (CS+) and a cue predicting no footshock (CS−). Notably, this enhanced discrimination performance was driven not by faster learning that the CS+ predicted footshock, but rather by faster learning that the CS− cue signals the absence of footshock and thus provides temporary relief from fear/anxiety. Similarly, 5‐HTTKO mice were also faster to reduce their fear of the CS+ cue during subsequent extinction. These findings are consistent with facilitated inhibitory learning that predicts the absence of potential threats in 5‐HTTKO mice. However, 5‐HTTKO mice also exhibited increased generalisation of fear learning about ambiguous aversive cues in a novel context, different from the training context. Thus, 5‐HTTKO mice can exhibit both more and less fear compared to wild‐type controls. Taken together, our results support the idea that loss of 5‐HTT function, and corresponding increases in synaptic 5‐HT availability, may facilitate learning by priming of aversive memories. This both facilitates inhibitory learning for fear memories but also enhances generalisation of fear.
How to Make a Rock in 150 Days: Observations of Biofilms Promoting Rapid Beachrock Formation
Authors: Hibner Brianna M. , Cantine Marjorie D. , Trower Elizabeth J. , Dodd Jacqueline E. , Gomes Maya L.
Published: February 2025

Beachrock is a type of carbonate‐cemented rock that forms via rapid cementation in the intertidal zone. Beachrock is a valuable geological tool as an indicator of paleoshorelines and may protect shorelines from erosion. Previous studies present a range of hypotheses about the processes enabling rapid beachrock formation, which span purely physicochemical mechanisms to a significant role for microbially mediated carbonate precipitation. We designed a set of in situ field experiments to explore the rates and mechanisms of beachrock formation on Little Ambergris Cay (Turks and Caicos Islands). Our field site has evidence for rapid beachrock cementation, including the incorporation of 20th century anthropogenic detritus into beachrock. We deployed pouches of sterilized ooid sand in the upper intertidal zone and assessed the extent of cementation and biofilm development after durations of 4 days, 2.5 months, and 5 months. We observed incipient meniscus cements after only 4 days of incubation in the field, suggesting that physicochemical processes are important in driving initial cementation. After 2.5 months, we observed substantial biofilm colonization on our experimental substrates, with interwoven networks of Halomicronema filaments binding clusters of ooids to the nylon pouches. After 5 months, we observed incipient beachrock formation in the form of coherent aggregates of ooids up to 1 cm in diameter, bound together by both networks of microbial filaments and incipient cements. We interpret that the cyanobacteria‐dominated beachrock biofilm community on Little Ambergris Cay plays an important role in beachrock formation through the physical stabilization of sediment as cementation proceeds. Together, this combination of physicochemical and microbial mechanisms enables fresh rock to form in as little as 150 days.
Joint and Myofascial Manual Therapy Techniques in Haemophilic Ankle Arthropathy: A Randomized Pilot Study
Authors: Truque‐Díaz Carlos , Meroño‐Gallut Javier , Cuesta‐Barriuso Rubén , Pérez‐Llanes Raúl
Published: February 2025

Background

Haemophilic ankle arthropathy is characterized by chronic pain, loss of strength and proprioception, decreased range of motion (ROM) and impaired functionality.

Objective

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a manual therapy protocol based on joint and myofascial techniques in patients with haemophilic ankle arthropathy.

Methods

A randomized, single‐blind pilot study. Twenty‐four patients with haemophilia were randomized to the experimental (manual therapy) and control (no intervention) groups. The intervention lasted for 3 weeks, with one 50‐min weekly session. Techniques used: active‐passive joint mobilization, articulatory technique, joint decompression and high‐speed and short‐stroke manipulation, and sustained myofascial induction techniques. The study variables were safety of the intervention (number of hemarthroses), joint pain intensity (visual analogue scale), pressure pain threshold (pressure algometer), range of ankle motion (Leg Motion) and joint condition (Haemophilia Joint Health Score).

Results

None of the patients developed ankle hemarthrosis during the intervention. After the intervention there were intergroup differences in the variables pain intensity (MD = −0.45; p < 0.001), ROM (MD = 0.19; p = 0.003), joint condition (MD = 0.04; p = 0.03) and pressure pain threshold in the internal malleolus (MD = 1.36; p = 0.01). For the interaction time*group after the follow‐up period, there were statistically significant differences in pain intensity (F = 6.94; p = 0.01) and dorsal flexion (F = 3.36; p = 0.04) of the ankle.

Conclusions

Manual therapy based on joint and myofascial techniques is safe in haemophilia patients. A protocol implementing joint and myofascial techniques having the dosage and safety parameters established in this study can improve the intensity of pain and dorsal flexion of the ankle in these patients.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05549843
Editor's Highlights—March 2025
Authors: Kemény Lajos
Published: February 2025

Managing chronic inflammatory skin diseases such as hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) and psoriasis extends beyond clinical measures; it should also consider patient‐reported outcomes, treatment burden, and overall satisfaction. Successful therapy in both conditions is influenced by factors such as residual disease activity, the psychological profiles of patients, and the availability of new treatment options. The coexistence of psoriasis and atopic dermatitis can pose significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. In such rare cases, Janus kinase inhibitors may be considered a treatment option instead of biologics.
Update on chronic pain management
Authors: Glare Paul , Mahendran Melani , Weiss Andrew D.
Published: February 2025

Pain is a common presenting symptom to consultant physicians, both in the hospital and in the clinic or rooms. Biologically, pain serves as warning of tissue damage. But this is no longer the case when pain is present for months or years, especially when it has been fully investigated. There can be a substantial discrepancy between the magnitude of pain, disability and distress reported by a patient with chronic pain and the extent of tissue damage identified. From the 1990s until the mid‐2010s, opioids were promoted as a safe and effective panacea for chronic non‐cancer pain. This led to overprescribing with unfortunate consequences of misuse, abuse and overdose deaths. The response to the so‐called ‘opioid epidemic’ has led to a renewed focus on how chronic pain should be managed. The aim of this article is to update fellows and trainees on the assessment and management of chronic pain in adult medical patients. In particular, we address the role of pharmacotherapy post‐opioid epidemic (primarily antidepressants and anticonvulsants in neuropathic pain), the place of interventional procedures and the nature and effectiveness of pain self‐management training in people with chronic pain, many of whom have had pain for a year or more and failed other treatments.
The Response of Patients' Immune System After Facial Mesotherapy
Authors: Bobowska‐Guglas Olga , Chalcarz Michał , Oskar Grabarek Beniamin , Sirek Tomasz , Żurawski Jakub
Published: February 2025

Background

Facial mesotherapy is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure involving the injection of active substances into the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. Although generally considered safe, complications such as granulomatous inflammation can arise due to improper techniques or unregulated products. This case report highlights the immune response to facial mesotherapy and its clinical management.

Materials and Methods

A 50‐year‐old woman presented with erythematous, hard, and painless facial nodules three weeks after undergoing mesotherapy in a non‐medical setting. A detailed clinical examination, laboratory tests, histopathological analysis, and immunohistochemical evaluation were performed. Tissue expression of CD3, CD20, and CD68 markers was quantified using morphometric analysis. Statistical analysis was conducted to compare the expression of immune markers.

Results

Histopathological examination revealed granulomatous inflammation dominated by macrophages. Immunohistochemical analysis showed significantly higher macrophage activity (CD68, mean reaction area: 5,982.76 µm2) compared to T lymphocytes (CD3, 1,775.12 µm2) and B lymphocytes (CD20, 187.55 µm2) (p < 0.001). Initial treatment included antibiotics, corticosteroids, and topical therapies. Subsequent interventions involved intralesional triamcinolone, oral glucocorticoids, and platelet‐rich plasma therapy. Significant clinical improvement was observed within three months, with satisfactory cosmetic outcomes achieved after one year.

Conclusion

Granulomatous inflammation is a potential complication of facial mesotherapy, particularly when performed in non‐medical settings. Effective management requires timely diagnosis, a combination of systemic and topical treatments, and long‐term follow‐up. This case underscores the need for standardized mesotherapy protocols and medical oversight to minimize risks.
Sensitivity and Specificity Analysis of Different Lesion Areas of Vitiligo by Reflectance Confocal Microscopy
Authors: Wu Jiyuan , Sun Miaomiao , Wei Zijia , Jiang Qian , Chen Hongying , Chen Liuqing
Published: February 2025

Background

Clinical diagnosis and staging of vitiligo often rely on the patient's subjective recollection, physician's experience, or clinical evaluation methods. An objective, quantitative diagnostic approach is lacking.

Aims

This study was performed to compare the sensitivity and specificity of different lesion areas and full scanning of lesion areas using reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) for diagnosis and staging of vitiligo.

Methods

Clinical and RCM data of patients diagnosed with vitiligo were collected. RCM data were gathered from three sites of a lesion: the center of the lesion, the margin of the lesion, and the perilesional normal skin. Scoring was conducted for each method, categorizing the results as either the progressive or stable stage of vitiligo.

Results

The sensitivity was significantly lower in the perilesional normal skin than at multiple sites (p < 0.001). The specificity was significantly lower in the center of the lesion and at the margin than at multiple sites and significantly higher in the perilesional normal skin than at multiple sites (p < 0.05 for all).

Conclusions

The results of RCM of different lesion areas of vitiligo showed that the rate of missed diagnosis of the progressive stage was lowest in the center of the lesion and comparable to that of multiple sites. The misdiagnosis rate for the stable stage was lowest in the perilesional normal skin, significantly differing from the other sites. Overall, scanning multiple sites yielded the most accurate results, offering flexibility in selection according to the patient's compliance.
Comparison of Predictive Models for Keloid Recurrence Based on Machine Learning
Authors: Hao Yan , Shan Mengjie , Liu Hao , Xia Yijun , Kuang Xinwen , Song Kexin , Wang Youbin
Published: February 2025

Objectives

To establish, evaluate and compare three recurrence prediction models for keloid patients using machine learning methods.

Methods

We enrolled 301 keloid patients who underwent surgery and postoperative radiotherapy, dividing them into a training set (70%) and a validation set (30%). Three recurrence prediction models were established in the training set: the logistic regression model, the decision tree model, and the random forest model. We then evaluated and compared the performance of these models in the validation set, using metrics such as accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, recall, precision, kappa coefficient, and the area under the ROC curve (AUC).

Results

We developed three machine learning‐based prediction models for keloid recurrence. KAAS, mean arterial pressure levels, postoperative complications, and the proportion of inflammatory cells played crucial roles in these models. The decision tree model outperformed both the random forest and logistic regression models in terms of accuracy, and it also exhibited the highest overall precision. Regarding AUC, logistic regression performed the best, followed by random forest and decision trees.

Conclusions

This study established three prediction models for keloid recurrence using machine learning techniques, highlighting the significance of KAAS, blood pressure levels, postoperative complications, and inflammatory cell proportions. When compared from various dimensions, the logistic regression model demonstrated the most favorable prognostic performance in terms of AUC.
Linking phenotypic variation to patterns of genetic isolation along a speciation continuum
Authors: Heiser Sabrina , Amsler Charles D. , Shilling Andrew J. , Higginbotham Hazel M. , Amsler Margaret O. , Stoeckel Solenn , McClintock James B. , Baker Bill J. , Krueger‐Hadfield Stacy A.
Published: February 2025

Investigating taxa at varying stages of divergence can shed light on the evolutionary forces that lead to reproductive isolation and eventual speciation. The forces promoting isolation vary in space and time, which makes it difficult to reconstruct the trajectory that resulted in the divergence observed among species today. The red macroalgal genus Plocamium is known worldwide for its cryptic genetic and chemical diversity. Previous work on the genus Plocamium in Antarctica observed two haplotypes along the western Antarctic Peninsula that have been treated as the same species. Using 10 microsatellite loci, we observed that these two haplotypes correspond to two highly divergent, co‐occurring genetic entities in Antarctic Plocamium, which are located within close vicinity of each other at the same sites. The morphology of the reproductive structures, a feature commonly used to identify cryptic species in Plocamium, as well as the timing of reproduction, differed significantly between the two genetic entities. Altogether, this suggests that two Antarctic Plocamium species exist on the western Antarctic Peninsula. We observed evidence for high levels of selfing in both genetic entities, which likely exacerbated the lack of gene flow between them. In addition, we identified concomitant chemodiversity that generates compelling evidence of early evolutionary divergence within one of these entities. This chemodiversity has ecological consequences for its main grazer, which alludes to one putative evolutionary driver of divergence. Antarctic Plocamium spp. provide a promising model system for investigating the eco‐evolutionary forces that initiate and maintain species boundaries.
Exploring Philosophically Driven Research in Nursing: An Exploration of Research Driven by Jamesian Pragmatism
Authors: Pettifer Annie , Hughes Sean
Published: February 2025

Nursing research has commonly taken a problem‐based approach to research design seeking to ground research endeavour within the phenomena with which nursing is occupied. The aim of this paper is to explore an alternative of using philosophical imperative as a research driver, considering both the appropriateness and implications of this approach for nursing. Jamesian pragmatism, with its emphasis on plural, fluid ontology and evolving knowledge, aligns with nursing and is one philosophical imperative which has much to the profession. The paper offers an exemplar of research into family members' experience of the diminishing drinking of a dying relative, which was undertaken within, and from, a pragmatic imperative. Research driven by philosophical imperative has consequences. The philosophical imperative will likely to be pervasive across the research, influencing research topic, conceptualisation, design, delivery and utilisation, bringing both advantages and constraints.
Comparing Premaritally Pregnant Couples and Demographically Matched Nonpregnant Controls on Recalled Relationship Progression and Marital Outcomes
Authors: Willis‐Grossmann Emma , Niehuis Sylvia , Reifman Alan , Weiser Dana , Fitzpatrick Jacki
Published: February 2025

Prior reviews suggest that premarital pregnancies are deleterious to couples' relationship quality and stability. However, outcomes of premarital pregnancy may be confounded with socioeconomic factors. Study 1 (1) compared demographically matched premaritally pregnant and nonpregnant couples on partners' recalled courtship trajectories of commitment to marriage and milestone occurrence (e.g., first sex, feeling love) and marital outcomes (satisfaction and disillusionment); (2) examined how partners' commitment‐trajectory similarity was linked to their milestone attainment and marital outcomes; and (3) investigated how familism relates to premarital pregnancy and relationship progression. Using a predominantly Hispanic local sample, we compared 47 premaritally pregnant and 47 demographically matched nonpregnant newlywed couples on mean levels of key variables and on correlations among them. Pregnant and nonpregnant couples exhibited similar timing and correlates of milestone attainment. Partners' commitment‐trajectory similarity was more important for reaching milestones than was premarital pregnancy. Study 2 addressed Study 1's potential selection bias for highly stable couples (because all eventually married) by including only cohabiting couples from a national dataset. Findings likewise showed little difference in relationship quality between cohabiters with and without young children. Hence, researchers, practitioners, and policymakers should consider premaritally pregnant couples' full context of their romantic relationship rather than the pregnancy alone.
Arthroscopic synovitis severity scoring in canine stifles with cranial cruciate ligament disease
Authors: Lemmon Elisabeth A. , Xiao Rui , Mauck Robert L. , Agnello Kimberly A.
Published: February 2025

Objective

To investigate the occurrence, degree, and risk factors associated with arthroscopic stifle joint synovitis in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) disease.

Study design

Retrospective, observational study.

Sample population

Canine CCL disease (n = 163) from 149 dogs and their arthroscopic video recordings.

Methods

Arthroscopic video recordings were reviewed. A synovitis severity (0–5) and a modified Outerbridge cartilage classification system score were assigned, along with recording the presence or absence of a medial meniscal bucket handle tear. Medical records were reviewed for age, sex, limb, and duration of clinical signs. Univariate analyses were performed via a Fisher's exact test for categorical independent variables, and ordered logistic regression was used for continuous variables. Multivariable ordered logistic regression considered independent variables with a p‐value <.2 on univariate analyses. p‐value <.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Synovitis was identified in 100% of the stifles examined. The most frequent synovitis severity score was 3/5. Univariate analysis showed a significant association between synovitis severity score and bodyweight (p = .005), median cartilage score (p = .002), and being female (p = .032). On multivariable analysis, the synovitis severity score was significantly associated with median cartilage score (p = .042) and duration of clinical signs (p < .001).

Conclusion

Synovitis was arthroscopically always identified in stifles with CCL disease. The severity of synovitis was associated with more progressive damage to the articular cartilage and a longer duration of clinical signs.

Clinical significance

Earlier intervention in dogs with CCL disease may be warranted to decrease synovitis and progression of osteoarthritis.
In-vitro Biocompatibility Analyses on Co-electrospun of Polyurethane/Chitosan and Polyvinyl Alcohol/Elastin Vascular Membrane
Authors: Shabira Fakhira Alanna , Vangetaraman Kugambikai , Kumphune Sarawut , Sivalingam Sivakumar
Published: February 2025

The demand for vascular grafts and membranes is rising, particularly in Malaysia, where cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death. Chitosan (CS) and elastin (EL) are commonly used in cardiovascular applications for their cell adhesion and proliferation properties, promoting functional tissue formation. This study blended these natural polymers with synthetic materials, polyurethane (PU) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), to create co-electrospun vascular membranes. Glutaraldehyde (GA) was used as a crosslinking agent to enhance membrane stability. The study aimed to investigate the biocompatibility of co-electrospun membranes before and after GA crosslinking, focusing on cell viability and proliferation using cardiomyocytes. The results obtained from cell viability show that all co-electrospun membranes were very toxic, with the highest cell viability found in PU-CS/PVA at 26.36 ± 4.52% and PU-CS/PVA-EL at 22.27 ± 12.56%. However, in the cell proliferation analysis, the PU-CS/PVA-EL membrane was able to support cell proliferation at 85.88 ± 4.47% on day 3 and 78.34 ± 1% on day 7. After crosslinking, all the co-electrospun membranes experienced a significant reduction in cell proliferation that led to cytotoxicity. Therefore, due to their toxicity, this study did not support crosslinked PU-CS/PVA-EL membrane for cardiovascular applications.
Elastic Interaction of Pressurized Cavities in Hyperelastic Media: Attraction and Repulsion
Authors: Saeedi Ali , Kothari Mrityunjay
Published: February 2025

This study computationally investigates the elastic interaction of two pressurized cylindrical cavities in a 2D hyperelastic medium. Unlike linear elasticity, where interactions are exclusively attractive, nonlinear material models (neo-Hookean, Mooney-Rivlin, Arruda-Boyce) exhibit both attraction and repulsion between the cavities. A critical pressure-shear modulus ratio governs the transition, offering a pathway to manipulate cavity configurations through material and loading parameters. At low ratios, the interactions are always attractive; at higher ratios, both attractive and repulsive regimes exist depending on the separation between the cavities. Effect of strain stiffening on these interactions are also analyzed. These insights bridge theoretical and applied mechanics, with implications for soft material design and subsurface engineering.
Design and Performance Assessment of Air Cycle Machine Based Self-Contained Cooling System for Pod-Based Electronic Warfare Systems on Fighter Aircraft Platforms
Authors: Shourya R. Nithantha , Guhaprasad N. , Bhat B. Sreenath
Published: February 2025

Airborne electronic warfare (EW) pods installed on outboard stations require a self-contained cooling system for the thermal management of electronics. This article brings out the challenges encountered in the development of an air cycle machine-based liquid cooling system used in a pod-based EW suite on a fighter aircraft. The cooling system consists of three primary modules: ACM module, liquid circulation unit, and electronic control unit. The overall system design requirements are translated to individual module and component level performance requirements, control system modes, and health monitoring requirements. The various parameters that affect the performance of the individual component and in turn the cooling system such as inlet and outlet scoop performance, ACM performance, heat exchanger effectiveness, path losses, and pump unit are deliberated in the article and an analytical model developed to analyze and predict the performance of the system at various altitudes and Mach conditions is discussed. Finally, the experimental test results obtained during ground evaluation at a dedicated cooling system test facility and in-flight performance parameters obtained from the 2 kW air cycle machine-based liquid cooling system are discussed.
Modelling Particulate Deposition in Gas Turbines Part II: Prediction and Validation of Deposition Distributions
Authors: Gaskell Jack , Vadgama Nikul , Villain Florian , Beal Simon , McGilvray Matthew , Gillespie David R.H. , Littley Benjamin
Published: February 2025

Cooling passages and the secondary air system of gas turbine components are prone to blockage from sand, dust and ash. The ability to model deposition of non-spherical particles accurately using CFD would allow the prediction of in-service performance degradation and the design of deposition-tolerant hardware. This paper implements a Continuous Random Walk (CRW) transport model with a Discrete Elements Methods (DEM) based bounce stick model to predict deposition in CFD. These are the first such simulations in the open literature to incorporate particle shape and surface roughness. The resulting spatial trends of deposition are compared with experimental data of particle deposition in an S-bend. The case considered is representative of the flow and metal conditions, particle size and loading distribution, and passage geometry seen in HPT blade cooling passages. Numerical predictions of deposition distribution show good qualitative agreement with experiments. The approach is therefore suitable to assess and compare the susceptibility of components to particulate damage in industry. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first example in the open literature of experimental comparison of deposition trends in CFD. The approach provided reasonable first-order estimations of quantitative deposition heights, which may be used to estimate component-level degradation in-engine. More accurate quantitative predictions of deposition will require a suitable deposit evolution and erosion model and improved material data, which are not yet available in the literature. The performance of the DEM bounce stick model was favourable compared to energy-based alternatives.
Hearing threshold quartiles from the 1999–2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys
Authors: Murphy William J. , Flamme Gregory A. , Losonczy Katalin G. , Themann Christa L. , Hoffman Howard J.
Published: February 2025

This report extends the development of normative standards for estimating occupational hearing loss using data from the United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics. A proposed revision of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 1999:2013 standard (“Acoustics—Estimation on noise-induced hearing loss”) uses a linear interpolation of hearing threshold data to estimate the 25th and 75th percentiles for men and women at 500, 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, 6000, and 8000 Hz. This paper revisits the NHANES data to provide these estimates, avoiding other types of interpolations that could misrepresent the population data.
A nonlinear sound field control method for a multi-channel parametric array loudspeaker array
Authors: Zhu Yunxi , Qin Liwen , Ma Wenyao , Fan Fengyi , Wu Ming , Kuang Zheng , Yang Jun
Published: February 2025

A parametric array loudspeaker (PAL) generates a highly directional audible sound beam. However, indoor scattering and reflecting effects diminish its advantage of high directivity, causing the scattered or reflected sound to appear in undesired regions. Deriving from the Westervelt equation, the nonlinear coupling exists between each channel, rendering linear sound field control algorithms ineffective. This paper proposes a framework of nonlinear sound field control, enabling the manipulation of nonlinear sound fields generated by the PAL in complicated acoustic environments. Besides, PAL often faces challenges in radiation efficiency due to the poor conversion efficiency of nonlinear sound. Therefore, a sound control algorithm suitable for PAL is proposed, which maximizes radiation efficiency while ensuring acoustic contrast through a two-stage non-convex optimization procedure. The simulations and experimental results verify the effectiveness of the proposed framework and algorithm of nonlinear sound field control. The undesired audible sound in the dark zone is suppressed while maintaining the desired audible sound in the bright zone. This enhances the performance of a PAL in real scenarios with existing scattering or reflecting effects.
mSphere of Influence: Complement activity beyond systemic circulation—implications in the context of infections
Authors: Desai Jigar V.
Published: February 2025

Jigar V. Desai works in the field of immunology, studying the mucosal and systemic complement systems and their roles in regulating the immune response. In this mSphere of Influence article, he reflects on how the papers by the Kemper, Kulkarni, and Kasper laboratories made an impact on his ongoing work investigating the cell-intrinsic and extrinsic regulation of complement and studying its impacts on mucosal and systemic immunity.
Supplemental Material: Topography and mineralogy of clay deposits signify an epoch of warm and humid climate on early Mars
Authors: Klidaras Athanasios , al. et
Published: February 2025

Further detail of the study’s methods and maps, tables, calculations, and data to complement the main text. 
Effects of exercise and exercise timing on energy intake and appetite control in Danish individuals with overweight or obesity with and without type 2 diabetes: a protocol for a randomised controlled cross-over trial
Authors: Jalking Lea , Launbo Natja Poder , Jensen Marie Møller , Pedersen Hanne Enghoff , Blond Martin Bæk , Gerstenberg Marina Kjærgaard , Finlayson Graham , Beaulieu Kristine , Færch Kristine , Grunnet Louise Groth , Quist Jonas Salling
Published: February 2025

Introduction

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of acute exercise on appetite control and whether this differs between morning and late afternoon in individuals with overweight/obesity with or without type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Methods and analysis

The hedonic and homeostatic appetite control in obesity and type 2 diabetes in the context of meal and exercise timing (TIMEX) study is a randomised, controlled, cross-over trial. Fifty-eight women and men (aged 18–75 years) with overweight or obesity (body mass index ≥25 kg/m
2
) with or without T2D will be recruited. All participants will complete a screening and baseline visit followed by four test visits: two morning visits and two late afternoon visits. The participants will arrive in the fasted state during the visits. During one morning visit and one late afternoon visit, the participants will engage in a 45-min bout of acute high-intensity interval exercise on an ergometer bicycle. The remaining two visits (one morning and one late afternoon visit) will include 45 min of rest. Fifteen minutes after the rest or exercise period, the participants will be presented with an ad libitum meal. Blood samples will be collected and subjective appetite will be assessed using Visual Analogue Scales in the fasted state before exercise/rest, immediately post-exercise/rest and at 15, 30, 45 and 60 min post-exercise/rest. Food reward and food preferences will be assessed using the validated diurnal version of the Steno Biometric Food Preference Task in the fasted state before exercise/rest and 15 min after the ad libitum meal (45 min post-exercise/rest). The primary outcome is the difference in ad libitum energy intake after exercise compared with rest. Secondary outcomes include eating rate; 24-hour energy intake; appetite-related metabolites and hormones, and circulating biomarkers assessed from proteomics, metabolomics and lipidomics analyses; food choice, food attention and reaction time, explicit and implicit liking and wanting for different food categories, subjective appetite; ratings of perceived exertion during exercise. All outcomes will be compared between morning and late afternoon and between participants with and without T2D.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been approved by the Ethics Committee of the Capital Region of Denmark (H-22019913) and the Capital Region of Denmark’s Research Register (Privacy). The study will be conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. All results will be published in national and international peer-reviewed journals and will be disseminated at national and international conferences.

Trial registration number

NCT05768958
.