bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implantable physical sensors for in vivo organ monitoring
Authors: Li Xuan , Huang Xinghao , Yang Liheng , Jung Sunyoung , Wang Jihe , Zhao Hangbo
Published: January 2025

Implantable sensors can provide access to accurate, continuous, and minimally invasive monitoring of physiological signals from internal organs and tissues, thereby facilitating timely diagnosis, closed-loop intervention, and advanced health management. Among the various types of implantable sensors, those capable of measuring physical parameters–such as temperature, force, and flow–are particularly important due to their ability to monitor physical conditions critical to nearly all organs and to provide insights into a wide range of health conditions. This review presents recent progress in four key types of implantable physical sensors: strain sensors, pressure sensors, temperature sensors, and flow sensors. It covers their engineering principles, design considerations, in vivo performances, and clinical relevance. The review also addresses critical challenges and future opportunities in the development of implantable physical sensors, such as flexibility and stretchability, biocompatibility, long-term stability, and the translation of these sensing technologies from bench to clinic.

Graphical Abstract
Optimizing bendability of flexible electronic devices using a neutral layer strategy
Authors: Wu Majiaqi , Jian Maoliang , Zhang Jianhua , Yang Lianqiao
Published: January 2025

The neutral layer (NL) strategy is a key technique for improving the bendability of flexible electronic devices. In this study, by considering a three-layer structure as an example, the results obtained by finite element analysis (FEA) showed that the NL gradually moved to the top surface of the film as the film thickness and Young’s modulus increased, which are similar to the results produced by theoretical calculations. Subsequently, we optimized the thickness of a single NL structure and the failure bending radius of an indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode was reduced by 50% after optimization. In order to address the problems that affect the design of a single NL, we used optical clear adhesive (OCA) to generate multiple NLs. The FEA method was again applied to the structure and the results showed that decreasing the elastic modulus of the OCA and film thickness could reduce the maximum strain in the film. Finally, the effects of the OCA parameters on the protection of a multiple-layer ITO electrode structure were verified in bending experiments, which showed that the strain on ITO could be reduced from 5.6% to almost 0 in the two-electrode structure. The proposed strategies for designing single and multiple NLs can provide some guidance to facilitate optimizing the electronic infrastructure of flexible devices.
Exploring the potentialities and challenges of deep learning for simulation and prediction of urban sprawl features
Authors: Belinga Ange Gabriel , Tékouabou Koumetio Stéphane Cedric , El Haziti Mohamed
Published: January 2025

Rapid urbanization poses several challenges, especially when faced with an uncontrolled urban development plan. Therefore, it often leads to anarchic occupation and expansion of cities, resulting in the phenomenon of urban sprawl (US). To support sustainable decision–making in urban planning and policy development, a more effective approach to addressing this issue through US simulation and prediction is essential. Despite the work published in the literature on the use of deep learning (DL) methods to simulate US indicators, almost no work has been published to assess what has already been done, the potential, the issues, and the challenges ahead. By synthesising existing research, we aim to assess the current landscape of the use of DL in modelling US. This article elucidates the complexities of US, focusing on its multifaceted challenges and implications. Through an examination of DL methodologies, we aim to highlight their effectiveness in capturing the complex spatial patterns and relationships associated with US. This work begins by demystifying US, highlighting its multifaceted challenges. In addition, the article examines the synergy between DL and conventional methods, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages. It emerges that the use of DL in the simulation and forecasting of US indicators is increasing, and its potential is very promising for guiding strategic decisions to control and mitigate this phenomenon. Of course, this is not without major challenges, both in terms of data and models and in terms of strategic city planning policies.
Unanticipated Behavioral Consequences of On-demand COVID-19 Testing Policy in US States
Authors: Robertson Leon S.
Published: January 2025

Objectives

During the COVID-19 pandemic, free on-demand testing was promoted in the US. This study was undertaken to support or refute the hypothesis that negative SARS-CoV-2 tests led to travel that exposed travelers to the virus in US states.

Methods

Data on daily trips outside households based on cell phone movement were matched by date to negative tests, positive tests, subsequent COVID-19 cases, and deaths lagged at various intervals in 49 US states during the first 16 months of the pandemic. Least-squares regression of weekly trips as a function of prior trips, negative tests, and cases was examined. Cases 10-14 days after negative tests and deaths 20-25 days later as a function of previous trips and positive tests were also assessed by least squares regression.

Results

Increases in negative tests predicted increases in trips but trips declined as cases increased. Changes in trips predicted short-term changes in cases and deaths. The data closely fit the models.

Conclusions

Surges in cases and deaths from COVID-19 were likely a partial result of on-demand testing, without sufficient contact tracing and quarantine, which misled those who tested negative into thinking that it was safe to travel.
Linear stability analysis of a thin liquid film on a horizontal wall under quasi-periodic oscillation
Authors: El Jaouahiry Abdelouahab , Aniss Saïd
Published: January 2025

We carry out a linear stability analysis of the flow of a thin layer of Newtonian fluid with a deformable free surface bounded at the bottom by a horizontal wall subjected to quasi-periodic oscillation in its own plane. Or's model (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 335, 1997, pp. 213–232), using a periodic oscillation, is extended to the configuration where oscillation has two incommensurate frequencies,

$\omega _1$

and

$\omega _2$

, with an irrational ratio

$\omega ={\omega _2}/{\omega _1}$

. Using the long-wave expansion, we derive the asymptotic function involved in the long-wave instability criterion while taking into account the frequency ratio. It turns out that the maximum of this asymptotic function, as well as the frequency parameter at which long-wave instabilities occur, depend strongly on the frequency ratio. For arbitrary wavenumbers, the equations governing the problem under consideration are solved in space using Chebyshev's spectral collocation method, while the temporal resolution is performed using Floquet theory, knowing that an irrational number can be approximated by a rational number. For a large frequency ratio and for a velocity amplitude ratio equal to unity, we obtain, as in Or's work (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 335, 1997, pp. 213–232) considering the same frequency parameter interval, an alternation between the U shape and oblique shape referring respectively to instabilities of long wavelength and finite wavelength appearing in the diagram representing Reynolds number as a function of frequency parameter. By decreasing the frequency ratio towards

$1/\sqrt {37}$

, the three initial U-shaped and three oblique instabilities merge into a single U-shaped and a single oblique instability. This merging phenomenon also occurs when the ratio of the amplitudes of the superimposed velocities, linked to the introduction of the second frequency, increases from small values to unity. For a fixed frequency parameter, the effect of frequency ratio and velocity amplitude ratio on the marginal stability curves in terms of Reynolds number versus wavenumber is also investigated, focusing on the appearance of long wavelength instability and finite wavelength instability.
Prognostic value of the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition criteria including systemic inflammation in patients with advanced cancer
Authors: Rocha Bruna M. M. , McGovern Josh , Paiva Carlos E. , Dolan Ross D. , Paiva Bianca S. R. , Preto Daniel D. , Laird Barry J. , Maia Yara C. P. , McMillan Donald C.
Published: January 2025

An assessment of systemic inflammation and nutritional status may form the basis of a framework to examine the prognostic value of cachexia in patients with advanced cancer. The objective of the study was to examine the prognostic value of the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition criteria, including BMI, weight loss (WL) and systemic inflammation (as measured by the modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS)), in advanced cancer patients. Three criteria were examined in a combined cohort of patients with advanced cancer, and their relationship with survival was examined using Cox regression methods. Data were available on 1303 patients. Considering BMI and the mGPS, the 3-month survival rate varied from 74 % (BMI > 28 kg/m2) to 61 % (BMI < 20 kg/m2) and from 84 % (mGPS 0) to 60 % (mGPS 2). Considering WL and the mGPS, the 3-month survival rate varied from 81 % (WL ± 2·4 %) to 47 % (WL ≥ 15 %) and from 93 % (mGPS 0) to 60 % (mGPS 2). Considering BMI/WL grade and mGPS, the 3-month survival rate varied from 86 % (BMI/WL grade 0) to 59 % (BMI/WL grade 4) and from 93 % (mGPS 0) to 63 % (mGPS 2). When these criteria were combined, they better predicted survival. On multivariate survival analysis, the most highly predictive factors were BMI/WL grade 3 (HR 1·454, P = 0·004), BMI/WL grade 4 (HR 2·285, P < 0·001) and mGPS 1 and 2 (HR 1·889, HR 2·545, all P < 0·001). In summary, a high BMI/WL grade and a high mGPS as outlined in the BMI/WL grade/mGPS framework were consistently associated with poorer survival of patients with advanced cancer. It can be readily incorporated into the routine assessment of patients.
Effects of intraspecific hybridisation between the northern and the southern populations of the cabbage beetle, Colaphellus bowringi on life-history traits
Authors: He Hai-Min , Huang Li-Li , Wu Shao-Hui , Tang Jian-Jun , Xue Fang-Sen
Published: January 2025

Significant differences in life-history traits between the southern population (S) and northern (N) population of the cabbage beetle Colaphellus bowringi make it an excellent model for studying inheritance in this insect. In the present study, we observed the life-history traits of pure strains, F1, reciprocal backcross and reciprocal F2 progeny under a photoperiod of L:D 15:9 h at 22 °C. The S population had shorter larval development time, longer pupal time, higher body weight, growth rate and weight loss compared with the N population. In the F1 testing, the larval development time and body weight in hybrid populations were intermediate between the parents, and the paternal parents played a greater role in determining the larval development time, while the maternal parents exhibited a greater role in determining the body weight. The pupal time of hybrid populations was significantly shorter than that of the parents. In the reciprocal backcross testing, both father and grandfather affected the larval development time, while both mother and grandmother affected the body weight. Consistently, in the reciprocal F2 cross testing, the grandfather was more influential in determining the larval development time, and grandmother was more important in determining the body weight. In all tested populations, females had greater body weight, higher growth rate and weight loss than males. Hybridization pattern did not affect sex dimorphism and sex ratio. Overall, these findings suggest that different pathways (maternal or paternal effects) were involved in the inheritance of various life-history traits in C. bowringi.
Assessing neighbourhood-scale BTI spray applications and laboratory-based mortality testing on Aedes aegypti larval development
Authors: Carvalho Gabriel de , Cozzer Gilberto Dinis , Almeida Manuelle Osmarin Pinheiro de , Borges Wiliam Gabriel , Rezende Renan de Souza , Godoy Bruno Spacek , da Silva Ivoneide Maria , Oliveira José Vladmir , Albeny-Simões Daniel , Dal Magro Jacir
Published: January 2025

Mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti, pose significant public health risks by transmitting diseases like dengue, zika and chikungunya. Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (BTI) is a crucial larvicide targeting mosquitoes while sparing other organisms and the environment. This study evaluated the effects of sublethal BTI doses on Ae. aegypti larvae regarding mortality, development, adult emergence and size, using a wide-area spray application in an urban neighbourhood. Laboratory experiments with four BTI concentrations (0, 0.008, 0.02 and 0.04 ppm) assessed compensatory and over compensatory responses. The spray achieved over 90% larval mortality within 48 h, but accumulating sublethal doses could trigger compensatory and over compensatory effects, enhancing the fitness of survivors. A dose–response relationship was evident, with higher BTI concentrations leading to increased mortality, reduced longevity and fewer pupae. BTI exposure also skewed the sex ratio towards males and altered adult sizes, potentially affecting population dynamics and vectorial capacity. These findings highlight the effectiveness of BTI in Ae. aegypti control and the importance of understanding compensation, overcompensation and density-dependent effects. While wide-area BTI applications can reach inaccessible breeding sites and offer potent mosquito control, careful consideration of ecological and evolutionary consequences is crucial.
Learned Societies, Knowledge Production, and Public Engagement in Colonial and Postcolonial Ghana, 1930–90
Authors: Bob-Milliar George M
Published: January 2025

This paper constructs the intellectual histories of learned societies in Ghana to illuminate African agency in pursuing knowledge production and dissemination. Academics and politicians founded some of Africa’s first scientific societies in Ghana. Previous scholarship on scientific research and higher education in Africa has overlooked the role of disciplines-based learned societies and national academies. This paper contributes to that literature using a historical comparative approach to construct the histories of learned societies that emerged during the colonial and postcolonial periods to understand how such scientific associations contributed to research productivity. I advance two arguments based on case studies of three scientific societies. First, there is linearity in the evolution of learned societies. Second, the institutionalization of scientific communities along interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary lines provided flexibility and enabled learned associations to contribute relevant knowledge to the “developmental state” that the political leaders were constructing.
COVID-19 vaccine anxieties: exploring social and political drivers of vaccine attitudes in Kono District, Sierra Leone
Authors: Malcolm Liza J. , McLean Kristen E.
Published: January 2025

As COVID-19 spread rapidly during the early months of the pandemic, many communities around the globe anxiously waited for a vaccine. At the start of the pandemic, it was widely believed that Africa would be a significant source of infection, and thus, vaccinating African communities became a primary goal among local and global health authorities. However, when the COVID-19 vaccine became available in March 2021 in Sierra Leone, many people viewed it with scepticism and hesitation. While much literature has focused on access and distribution-related challenges for vaccination in the region, a growing number of studies discuss vaccine hesitancy as driving low vaccine uptake. Shifting attention to understanding the determinants of vaccine hesitancy remains fundamental to increasing vaccination rates, as negative vaccine perceptions tend to delay or prevent vaccination. This study sought to do this by assessing, through semi-structured qualitative interviews, vaccine-related attitudes and experiences of residents of Sierra Leone’s Kono District. In contrast to studies that utilise “knowledge-deficit” models of belief, however, this study drew upon the vaccine anxieties framework (Leach and Fairhead, 2007), which views vaccines as being imbued with personal, historical, and political meaning. Findings suggest that important bodily, social, and political factors, including fear of side effects, the spread of misinformation prompted by poor messaging strategies, and distrust of government and international actors, influenced people’s COVID-19 vaccine attitudes and behaviours. It is hoped that the study’s findings will inform future policies and interventions related to vaccine uptake in Africa and globally.
The impact of published guidance on trends in the pharmacological management of depression in children and adolescents- a whole population e-cohort data linkage study in Wales, UK
Authors: Marchant A. , McGregor J. , Del Pozo Banos M. , Lloyd K. , Williams D. , Thapar A. , Watkins A. , John A.
Published: January 2025

Background

This study evaluated the impact of 2015/2016 prescribing guidance on antidepressant prescribing choices in children.

Methods

A retrospective e-cohort study of whole population routine electronic healthcare records was conducted. Poisson regression was undertaken to explore trends over time for depression, antidepressant prescribing, indications and secondary care contacts. Time trend analysis was conducted to assess the impact of guidance.

Results

A total of 643 322 primary care patients in Wales UK, aged 6–17 years from 2010–2019 contributed 3 215 584 person-years of follow-up. Adjusted incidence of depression more than doubled (IRR for 2019 = 2.8 [2.5–3.2]) with similar trends seen for antidepressants. Fluoxetine was the most frequently prescribed first-line antidepressant. Citalopram comprised less than 5% of first prescriptions in younger children but 22.9% (95% CI 22.0–23.8; 95% CI 2533) in 16–17-year-olds. Approximately half of new antidepressant prescribing was associated with depression. Segmented regression analysis showed that prescriptions of ‘all’ antidepressants, Fluoxetine and Sertraline were increasing before the guidance. This upward trend flattened for both ‘all’ antidepressants and Fluoxetine and steepened for Sertraline. Citalopram prescribing was decreasing significantly pre guidance being issued with no significant change afterward.

Conclusions

Targeted intervention is needed to address rising rates of depression in children. Practitioners are partially adhering to local and national guidance. The decision-making process behind prescribing choices is likely to be multi-factorial. Activities to support implementation of guidance should be adopted in relation to safety in prescribing of antidepressants in children including timely availability of talking therapies and specialist mental health services.
The effects of recent stressful life events on outcomes in individuals at clinical high risk for psychosis: results from the longitudinal EU-GEI high-risk study
Authors: See Cheryl R. Z. , Si Shuqing , Hedges Emily , Tognin Stefania , Modinos Gemma , van der Gaag Mark , de Haan Lieuwe , Velthorst Eva , McGorry Patrick , Nelson Barnaby , Riecher-Rössler Anita , Bressan Rodrigo , Barrantes-Vidal Neus , Krebs Marie-Odile , Nordentoft Merete , Ruhrmann Stephan , Sachs Gabriele , Rutten Bart P. , van Os Jim ,   EU-GEI High Risk Study, McGuire Philip , Valmaggia Lucia R. , Kempton Matthew J.
Published: January 2025

Background

Recent stressful life events (SLE) are a risk factor for psychosis, but limited research has explored how SLEs affect individuals at clinical high risk (CHR) for psychosis. The current study investigated the longitudinal effects of SLEs on functioning and symptom severity in CHR individuals, where we hypothesized CHR would report more SLEs than healthy controls (HC), and SLEs would be associated with poorer outcomes.

Methods

The study used longitudinal data from the EU-GEI High Risk study. Data from 331 CHR participants were analyzed to examine the effects of SLEs on changes in functioning, positive and negative symptoms over a 2-year follow-up. We compared the prevalence of SLEs between CHR and HCs, and between CHR who did (CHR-T) and did not (CHR-NT) transition to psychosis.

Results

CHR reported 1.44 more SLEs than HC (p < 0.001), but there was no difference in SLEs between CHR-T and CHR-NT at baseline. Recent SLEs were associated with poorer functioning and more severe positive and negative symptoms in CHR individuals (all p < 0.01) but did not reveal a significant interaction with time.

Conclusions

CHR individuals who had experienced recent SLEs exhibited poorer functioning and more severe symptoms. However, as the interaction between SLEs and time was not significant, this suggests SLEs did not contribute to a worsening of symptoms and functioning over the study period. SLEs could be a key risk factor to becoming CHR for psychosis, however further work is required to inform when early intervention strategies mitigating against the effects of stress are most effective.
Uniformity of quasi-integral points of bounded degree in higher-dimensional orbits
Authors: YASUFUKU YU
Published: January 2025

Given a self-morphism

$\phi$

on a projective variety defined over a number field k, we prove two results which bound the largest iterate of

$\phi$

whose evaluation at P is quasi-integral with respect to a divisor D, uniformly across P defined over a field of bounded degree over k. The first result applies when the pullback of D by some iterate of

$\phi$

breaks up into enough irreducible components which are numerical multiples of each other. The proof uses Le’s algebraic-point version of a result of Ji–Yan–Yu, which is based on Schmidt subspace theorem. The second result applies more generally but relies on a deep conjecture by Vojta for algebraic points. The second result is an extension of a recent result of Matsuzawa, based on the theory of asymptotic multiplicity. Both results are generalisations of Hsia–Silverman, which treated the case of morphisms on

${\mathbb{P}}^1$

.
Cross cultural exchanges in the ancient world: Early connections between Azania and diverse civilizations of the Indian Ocean, the Mediterranean basin and distant regions in the African continent
Authors: Chami Felix A.
Published: January 2025

In the Roman time, Azania and its capital Rhapta had cultural and economic connections with diverse civilizations of the world, including those in the Mediterranean basin, the Middle East, India, the Far East, and the deep interior of Africa. Information about Azania was first provided by the Romans – Pliny the Elder, Claudius Ptolemy, and sources such as the Periplus of the Erythraean Sea. Apart from the Romans, other people of the Middle East, including the Homerites or Himyarites, were found to have lived and traded in Azania. Pliny the Elder reported that Azanian received spices from the Far East and sent them to the Great Lakes’ region where they were ferried via the Nile to the Mediterranean basin. The Periplus also reported other exported and imported trade goods. Indian and Chinese records provided evidence of connections with Azania. The most recent evidence of these connections is archeological. Materials recovered include beads and ceramics from Rome, the Middle East, and India. Archeology of submerged Rhapta also uncovered architectural remains of Roman technology. Material remains from the deep interior of Africa have been found on the coast of Azania. Roman connections with the deep interior of Africa are believed to have created caravan routes that facilitated cultural and technological exchanges.
High takeoff of the right coronary artery by echocardiography: normal variant or something more?
Authors: Cooley Ashley S. , DeGroff Curt G. , Co-Vu Jennifer , Jacobs Jeffrey P. , Lopez-Colon Dalia , Chandran Arun
Published: January 2025

Purpose:

High takeoff of the right coronary artery suspected by echocardiography is widely considered a normal variant. However, in our experience, some patients initially thought to have a high takeoff of the coronary artery were later found to have an anomalous coronary origin with high-risk features. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that high takeoff of the right coronary artery suspected by echocardiography may indicate the presence of an anomalous coronary artery lesion with an intramural course requiring further investigation.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review was performed of patients evaluated at the University of Florida Congenital Heart Center from January 2010 through September 2015. Charts of all 62 patients who were noted to have an anomalous coronary artery or concern for an anomalous coronary artery were reviewed to identify those who were initially identified as having simply a high takeoff of the right coronary artery by initial echocardiogram. A total of 24 patients met these criteria.

Results:

Out of 24 patients identified as having high takeoff of the right coronary artery on their initial echocardiogram, 20 had confirmatory computerized tomographic angiography. On review of these patients, 9 had a right coronary origin from the left. This included 3 patients with an anomalous right coronary artery from the left coronary sinus and 6 with an anomalous right coronary artery origin just above the left coronary sinus. Six of these 9 patients had an intramural course. The remaining patients had high takeoff above the right coronary sinus or normal coronary origins.

Additionally, on review of all patients with computerized tomographic angiographic confirmation of high takeoff of the coronary artery, those with high takeoff above the left coronary sinus were more likely to have an intramural course (6 out of 9). Meanwhile, none of the 6 patients with high takeoff above the right coronary sinus confirmed by computerized tomographic angiography had an intramural course.

Conclusion:

Accurate identification of the coronary origin and course of the anomalous coronary artery is difficult by echocardiogram. Correct diagnosis of origin and course is important for appropriate risk stratification and treatment decisions. Therefore, patients with high takeoff of the right coronary artery suspected by echocardiography should undergo additional evaluation to assess for the presence of a potentially malignant course.
Visualizing Scientific Landscapes: A Powerful Method for Mapping Research Fields
Authors: Shoshan Aya , Oser Jennifer
Published: January 2025

How can political science scholars use visualization and mapping tools to refine the development of research on complex theoretical concepts? Literature mapping, a powerful method commonly used in the natural sciences to visualize scientific landscapes, is not yet widely used in political science. This study illustrates the capabilities of this method by analyzing visual maps of academic research on the term “organizing” in the context of political action. We describe our multistep methodological approach for generating the maps and demonstrate how they can be analyzed to produce insights about themes, potential gaps, canonical literature, and levels of dialogue across research areas. We conclude by outlining future research possibilities generated by this study’s literature mapping approach.
Quantifying and hedging economic risk in disability income insurance portfolios
Authors: Schneider Annika , Khemka Gaurav , Pitt David , Zhang Jinhui
Published: January 2025

The association between economic variables and the frequency and duration of disability income insurance (DII) claims is well established. Across many jurisdictions, heightened levels of unemployment have been associated with both a higher incidence and a longer duration of DII claims. This motivated us to derive an asset portfolio for which the total asset value moves in line with the level of unemployment, thus, providing a natural match for the DII portfolio liabilities. To achieve this, we develop an economic tracking portfolio where the asset weights in the portfolio are chosen so that the portfolio value changes in a way that reflects, as closely as possible, the level of unemployment. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first paper applying economic tracking portfolios to hedge economic risk in DII. The methodology put forward to establish this asset-liability matching portfolio is illustrated using DII data from the UK between 2004 and 2016. The benefits of our approach for claims reserving in DII portfolios are illustrated using a simulation study.
Neurosteroid replacement therapy using tiagabine and zuranolone restores cerebellar neurodevelopment and reduces hyperactive behaviour following preterm birth
Authors: Pavy Carlton L. , Shaw Julia C. , Palliser Hannah K. , Moloney Roisin A. , Hirst Jonathan J.
Published: January 2025

Preterm birth exposes the neonate to hypoxic-ischaemic and excitotoxic insults that impair neurodevelopment and are magnified by the premature loss of placentally supplied, inhibitory neurosteroids. The cerebellum is a neuronally dense brain region, which undergoes critical periods of development during late gestation, when preterm births frequently occur. We propose that neurosteroid replacement therapy using tiagabine and zuranolone will protect the cerebellum against preterm-associated insults. Guinea pig dams received c-section surgery preterm (gestational age (GA) 64) or at term (GA70) with preterm pups administered tiagabine (2.5 mg/kg/day), zuranolone (1 mg/kg/day) or vehicle (15% β-cyclodextrin) until term equivalent age (GA70). Behavioural testing was performed at corrected postnatal day 8 (PND8) and PND41 with tissue collection occurring at PND42. Neurodevelopmental markers (MBP, OLIG2 and NeuN) were assessed within the cerebellum by immunohistochemistry, whilst GABAergic and glutamatergic pathway expression was quantified using high throughput RT-PCR. Zuranolone and, to a lesser extent, tiagabine were able to protect against hyperactive behaviour at PND8 in males, whilst in females, a less marked hyperactive phenotype was present with neither treatment impacting behaviour further. Both treatments improved MBP staining, whilst tiagabine was found to restore oligodendrocyte maturation in females only. GABAergic and glutamatergic pathway expression was found to be restored by both treatments in females. Overall, this study demonstrates the neuroprotective attributes of neurosteroid replacement therapy using tiagabine and zuranolone, thereby demonstrating their potential to mitigate long-term neurodevelopmental impairments. Furthermore, the sexually dimorphic effects observed suggest future investigations may show increased benefit by using sex-specific treatment regimes.
Roughness and Energy Losses Induced by Mussel Growth on the Walls of Hydraulic Structures and Application to a Water Transfer Project
Authors: Zhang Jiahao , Xu Mengzhen , Huber Boris , Grünzner Markus , Blanckaert Koen
Published: January 2025

Mussel biofouling increases energy losses in hydraulic structures. The first contribution of this paper is the quantification of the mussel‐induced equivalent sand roughness ks as function of the mussel attachment density N and the shell length L. Laboratory experiments reveal that ks/L ≈ 1.5 for a continuous regular layer of mussels, which is found for N L2 > 1.2. For 0.5 < N L2 < 1.2, the mussels form a continuous irregular roughness layer with increased values of ks/L of up to 2.4. These geometrical irregularities are interpreted as macro‐roughness elements, that is, roughness elements with a spatial scale larger than that of an individual mussel. For N L2 < 0.5, the density of the irregularities is too low to act as macro‐roughness elements leading to ks/L < 1.5. The second contribution is the establishment of a threshold criterion for the importance of filtering activity on ks based on data from the here reported experiments and data reported in literature in other configurations and/or with other mussel species. It is found that laboratory conditions are often close to the threshold value but that mussel filtering is always negligible in large hydraulic structures. The third contribution is the development of a method based on 3‐D numerical simulations for estimating a Darcy‐Weisbach friction factor f for walls that are only partially covered with patches of mussels. An application example illustrates how the thus obtained f can be used in a 1‐D model for quantifying the additional energy losses in large water transfer projects.
Impact of Arctic and Antarctic Sudden Stratospheric Warmings on Thermospheric Composition
Authors: Zhang Jiarong , Oberheide Jens , Pedatella Nicholas M. , Liu Guiping
Published: January 2025

Using the Global‐scale Observations of the Limb and Disk (GOLD) and the Global Ultraviolet Imager (GUVI), we examine the impact of sudden stratospheric warmings (SSWs) on the changes of thermospheric composition during the 2018–2019 and 2020–2021 Arctic SSWs and the 2019 Antarctic SSW. Contributions of planetary waves, gravity waves, and migrating tides are assessed by performing numerical experiments with the NSF National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) vertically extended version of the Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model (WACCM‐X). The variations in the column integrated O and N2 density ratio () are generally similar among WACCM‐X, GOLD, and GUVI observations though some differences exist. Following the onset of the Arctic SSWs, is reduced by 10% at low to mid latitudes. The variations during the 2019 Antarctic SSW are less pronounced, likely due to the event being a minor warming. WACCM‐X simulations, with the Kp index and F10.7 cm solar flux kept at fixed low levels, confirm that the variability of at low to mid latitudes is primarily induced by SSWs. The changes are associated with the reversals of the mean meridional circulation (MMC) in the lower thermosphere, mainly driven by westward‐traveling planetary waves. The results highlight that planetary wave activity during SSWs can significantly impact the mean state of the thermosphere.
A novel prognostic risk model for patients with refractory/relapsed acute myeloid leukemia receiving venetoclax plus hypomethylating agents
Authors: Shahswar Rabia , Gabdoulline Razif , Krueger Katja , Wichmann Martin , Götze Katharina S. , Braitsch Krischan , Meggendorfer Manja , Schmalbrock Laura , Bullinger Lars , Modemann Franziska , Fiedler Walter , Krauter Juergen , Kaun Stephan , Rotermund Susanne , Voß Andreas , Behrens Yvonne Lisa , Bergmann Anke Katharina , Koller Elisabeth , Beutel Gernot , Thol Felicitas , Heidel Florian , Heuser Michael
Published: January 2025

Off-label hypomethylating agents and venetoclax (HMA/VEN) are often used for relapsed and refractory (R/R) AML patients. However, predictors of outcome are elusive. The objective of the current retrospective observational multicenter study of 240 adult patients (median age 68.6 years) with R/R AML was to establish a prognostic risk score. Overall response was documented in 106 (44%) patients. With a median follow-up of 31.5 months, 179 deaths were recorded. Median overall survival (mOS) was 7.9 months. In multivariate analysis of the subgroup with molecular information (n = 174), risk factors for inferior survival included the presence of extramedullary disease, HMA pretreatment and mutations in NF1, PTPN11, FLT3, and TP53, whereas mutated SF3B1 was identified as favorable risk factor. These risk factors were subsequently applied to construct an HR-weighted risk model that allocated patients to one of three risk groups with significantly different survival outcomes: favorable (n = 46; mOS 21.4 months), intermediate (n = 75; mOS 7.5 months), and adverse (n = 53; mOS 4.6 months; p < 0.001). The model was validated in 189 AML patients treated with HMA/VEN in first line. This clinical-molecular, 3-tiered venetoclax prognostic risk score (VEN-PRS) for HMA/VEN treatment outcomes in R/R AML patients will support the selection of appropriate treatment options in this high-risk population.
Association between equivalized annual household income and regular medical visits for hypertensive patients since the COVID-19 outbreak
Authors: Toyama Maya , Satoh Michihiro , Hashimoto Hideaki , Iwabe Yutaro , Yagihashi Takahito , Nakayama Shingo , Murakami Takahisa , Nakaya Naoki , Metoki Hirohito , Hozawa Atsushi , Tabuchi Takahiro
Published: January 2025

Previous studies have shown an increase in blood pressure during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic even among patients receiving antihypertensive treatment. This study aims to evaluate the association between equivalized annual household income and refraining from regular medical visits for hypertensive patients since the COVID-19 outbreak. We analyzed data from the Japan COVID-19 and Society Internet Survey (JACSIS), including 2832 hypertensive patients aged 20–79 years from the 2020 survey and at least one survey between 2021 and 2023. They were categorized into lower-income (<median of ¥3,182,000) and higher-income (≥median) groups. Refraining from regular medical visits was defined as not attending scheduled medical visits for hypertension in the past two months. Poisson regression or generalized linear mixed models were used, inverse probability weighted for Internet survey selection. After weighting, the mean age was 64.8 ± 10.3 years and 63.7% were men. In 2020, the proportion of hypertensive patients refraining from regular medical visits after weighting was 19.6% in the lower-income group and 8.8% in the higher-income group, with an adjusted proportion ratio (95% confidence interval) of 1.86 (1.13–3.06) for the lower-income group compared with the higher-income group. After 2020, the proportion of those refraining from regular medical visits declined in all income groups, and the income-related differences disappeared. During the social restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, hypertensive patients with lower equivalized annual household incomes were more likely to refrain from regular medical visits. Strategies to reduce income-related inequities in medical care utilization may be necessary for future public health crises.
Premature birth changes wiring constraints in neonatal structural brain networks
Authors: Mousley Alexa , Akarca Danyal , Astle Duncan E.
Published: January 2025

Structural brain organization in infancy is associated with later cognitive, behavioral, and educational outcomes. Due to practical limitations, such as technological advancements and data availability of fetal MRI, there is still much we do not know about the early emergence of topological organization. We combine the developing Human Connectome Project’s large infant dataset with generative network modeling to simulate the emergence of network organization over early development. Preterm infants had reduced connectivity, shorter connection lengths, and lower network efficiency compared to term-born infants. The models were able to recapitulate the organizational differences between term and preterm networks and revealed that preterm infant networks are better simulated under tighter wiring constraints than term infants. Tighter constraints for preterm models resulted in shorter connection lengths while preserving vital, long-range rich club connections. These simulations suggest that preterm birth is associated with a renegotiation of the cost-value wiring trade-off that may drive the emergence of different network organization.
Advanced remote focus control in multicore meta-fibers through 3D nanoprinted phase-only holograms
Authors: Khosravi Mohammadhossein , Wieduwilt Torsten , Zeisberger Matthias , Lorenz Adrian , Schmidt Markus A.
Published: January 2025

In this study, we present an unexplored approach for remote focus manipulation using 3D nanoprinted holograms integrated on the end face of multi-core single-mode fibers. This innovative method enables precise focus control within a monolithic metafiber device by allowing light coupled into any of the 37 cores to be precisely focused at predefined locations. Our approach demonstrates significant advances over conventional lenses and offers unique functionalities through computationally designed holograms. This research marks the first successful use of multi-core fibers for remote focus control via 3D nanoprinting, achieving crosstalk-free operation at visible wavelengths. Key findings include strong agreement between design, simulation, and experimental results, highlighting the potential of this technology to improve applications in fields such as biological optics, laser micromachining, telecommunications, and laser surgery. This work opens new avenues for the development of advanced optical systems with superior focus control capabilities.
Long-term intake of Tamogi-take mushroom (Pleurotus cornucopiae) mitigates age-related cardiovascular dysfunction and extends healthy life expectancy
Authors: Sato Michio , Torigoe Daisuke , Kinoshita Yuya , Cyuman Momoka , Toda Chitoku , Sato Masaru , Ikeda Kazutaka , Kadomatsu Tsuyoshi , Horiguchi Haruki , Morinaga Jun , Fukami Hirotaka , Sugizaki Taichi , Miyata Keishi , Kusaba Ryoko , Okadome Yusuke , Matsunaga Eiji , Node Koichi , Oike Yuichi
Published: January 2025

Age-related declines in cardiac function and exercise tolerance interfere with healthy living and decrease healthy life expectancy in older individuals. Tamogi-take mushrooms (Pleurotus cornucopiae) are known to contain high levels of Ergothioneine (EGT), an antioxidant with potential health benefits. In this study, we assessed the possibility that long-term consumption of Tamogi-take mushrooms might attenuate age-related decline in cardiac and vascular endothelial function in mice. We found that long-term intake of Tamogi-take mushrooms significantly maintained cardiac and vascular endothelial function and improved exercise tolerance in mice. Long-term mushroom consumption also increased levels of Nrf2 (Nuclear factor E2-related factor 2) protein in heart tissues and increased translation of HO-1 (Heme Oxygenase 1) proteins, which have antioxidant effects in heart and aortic tissues. Finally, long-term Tamogi-take mushroom consumption inhibited ROS accumulation with aging and reduced expression of inflammatory biomarkers. We conclude that ingestion of Tamogi-take mushrooms could serve as a dietary intervention to promote cardiovascular health, support healthy aging and slow the progression of age-related diseases.
Physical embodiment and anthropomorphism of AI tutors and their role in student enjoyment and performance
Authors: Ackermann Helene , Henke Anja , Chevalère Johann , Yun Hae Seon , Hafner Verena V. , Pinkwart Niels , Lazarides Rebecca
Published: January 2025

Rising interest in artificial intelligence in education reinforces the demand for evidence-based implementation. This study investigates how tutor agents’ physical embodiment and anthropomorphism (student-reported sociability, animacy, agency, and disturbance) relate to affective (on-task enjoyment) and cognitive (task performance) learning within an intelligent tutoring system (ITS). Data from 56 students (M = 17.75 years, SD = 2.63 years; 30.4% female), working with an emotionally-adaptive version of the ITS “Betty’s Brain”, were analyzed. The ITS’ agents were either depicted as on-screen robots (condition A) or as both on-screen avatars and physical robots (condition B). Physical presence of the tutor agent was not significantly related to task performance or anthropomorphism, but to higher initial on-task enjoyment. Student-reported disturbance was negatively related to initial on-task enjoyment, and student-reported sociability was negatively related to task performance. While physical robots may increase initial on-task enjoyment, students’ perception of certain characteristics may hinder learning, providing implications for designing social robots for education.
A pseudo-cubic metal–organic cage with conformationally switchable faces for dynamically adaptive guest encapsulation
Authors: Xu Houyang , Ronson Tanya K. , Heard Andrew W. , Teeuwen Paula C. P. , Schneider Laura , Pracht Philipp , Thoburn John D. , Wales David J. , Nitschke Jonathan R.
Published: January 2025

The creation of hosts capable of accommodating different guest molecules may enable these hosts to play useful roles in chemical purifications, among other applications. Metal–organic cages are excellent hosts for various guests, but they generally incorporate rigid structural units that hinder dynamic adaptation to specific guests. Here we report a conformationally adaptable pseudo-cubic cage that can dynamically increase its cavity volume to fit guests with differing sizes. This pseudo-cube incorporates a tetramine subcomponent with 2,6-naphthalene arms that cooperatively adopt a non-planar conformation, enabling the cage faces to switch between endo and exo states. A wide range of guest molecules were observed to bind within the cavity of this cage, spanning a range of sizes from 46% to 154% of the cavity volume of the empty cage. Experimental and computational evidence characterizes the flipping of cage faces from endo to exo, expanding the cavity upon binding of larger guests.
Watt-class silicon photonics-based optical high-power amplifier
Authors: Singh Neetesh , Lorenzen Jan , Wang Kai , Gaafar Mahmoud A. , Sinobad Milan , Francis Henry , Edelmann Marvin , Geiselmann Michael , Herr Tobias , Garcia-Blanco Sonia M. , Kärtner Franz X.
Published: January 2025

High-power amplifiers are critical components in optical systems spanning from long-range optical sensing and optical communication systems to micromachining and medical surgery. Today, integrated photonics with its promise of large reductions in size, weight and cost cannot be used in these applications, owing to the lack of on-chip high-power amplifiers. Integrated devices severely lack in output power owing to their small size, which limits their energy storage capacity. For the past two decades, large mode area (LMA) technology has played a disruptive role in fibre amplifiers, enabling a dramatic increase of output power and energy by orders of magnitude. Owing to the ability of LMA fibres to support significantly larger optical modes, the energy storage and power handling capabilities of LMA fibres have significantly increased. Therefore, an LMA device on an integrated platform can play a similar role in power and energy scaling of integrated devices. In this work, we demonstrate LMA waveguide-based watt-class high-power amplifiers in silicon photonics with an on-chip output power exceeding ~1 W within a footprint of only ~4.4 mm2. The power achieved is comparable and even surpasses that of many fibre-based amplifiers. We believe that this work has the potential to radically change the integrated photonics application landscape, allowing power levels previously unimaginable from an integrated device to replace much of today’s benchtop systems. Moreover, mass producibility, reduced size, weight and cost will enable yet unforeseen applications of laser technology.