bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Applications of machine learning in ion beam analysis of materials
Authors: Fiorini da Silva Tiago
Published: February 2025

Ion beam analysis (IBA) is an established tool for material characterization, providing precise information on elemental composition, depth profiles, and structural information in the region near the surface of materials. However, traditional data processing methods can be slow and computationally intensive, limiting the efficiency and speed of the analysis. This article explores the current landscape of applying machine learning algorithms (MLAs) in the field of IBA, demonstrating the immense potential to optimize and accelerate processes. We present how ML has been employed to extract valuable insights from large datasets, automate repetitive tasks, and enhance the interpretability of results, with practical examples of applications in various IBA techniques, such as RBS, PIXE, and others. Finally, perspectives on using MLA to approach open problems in IBA are also discussed.
A simple Minkowskian time-travel spacetime
Authors: Norton John D.
Published: February 2025

This relativistic, time-travel spacetime is everywhere metrically flat, excepting a conical singularity. Observers following timelike geodesics can eventually encounter their past selves, aging in the opposite time sense. The spacetime is not time orientable.
Repeatability of Vertical Ground Reaction Force Estimation During Running on the Athletics Track on 3 Different Days
Authors: Scheltinga Bouke L. , Buurke Jaap H. , Kok Joost N. , Reenalda Jasper
Published: February 2025

To increase understanding in development of running injuries, the biomechanical load over time should be studied. Ground reaction force (GRF) is an important parameter for biomechanical analyses and is typically measured in a controlled lab environment. GRF can be estimated outdoors, however, the repeatability of this estimation is unknown. Repeatability is a crucial aspect if a measurement is repeated over prolonged periods of time. This study investigates the repeatability of a GRF estimation algorithm using inertial measurement units during outdoor running. Twelve well-trained participants completed 3 running sessions on different days, on an athletics track, instrumented with inertial measurement units on the lower legs and pelvis. Vertical accelerations were used to estimate the GRF. The goal was to assess the algorithm’s repeatability across 3 sessions in a real-world setting, aiming to bridge the gap between laboratory and outdoor measurements. Results showed a good level of repeatability, with an intraclass correlation coefficient (2, k) of .86 for peak GRF, root mean square error of .08 times body weight (3.5%) and Pearson correlation coefficients exceeding .99 between the days. This is the first study looking into the day-to-day repeatability of the estimation of GRF, showing the potential to use this algorithm daily.
Deep-tissue transcriptomics and subcellular imaging at high spatial resolution
Authors: Gandin Valentina , Kim Jun , Yang Liang-Zhong , Lian Yumin , Kawase Takashi , Hu Amy , Rokicki Konrad , Fleishman Greg , Tillberg Paul , Castrejon Alejandro Aguilera , Stringer Carsen , Preibisch Stephan , Liu Zhe J.
Published: February 2025

Limited color channels in fluorescence microscopy have long constrained spatial analysis in biological specimens. Here, we introduce cycle Hybridization Chain Reaction (HCR), a method that integrates multicycle DNA barcoding with HCR to overcome this limitation. cycleHCR enables highly multiplexed imaging of RNA and proteins using a unified barcode system. Whole-embryo transcriptomics imaging achieved precise three-dimensional gene expression and cell fate mapping across a specimen depth of ~310 μm. When combined with expansion microscopy, cycleHCR revealed an intricate network of 10 subcellular structures in mouse embryonic fibroblasts. In mouse hippocampal slices, multiplex RNA and protein imaging uncovered complex gene expression gradients and cell-type-specific nuclear structural variations. cycleHCR provides a quantitative framework for elucidating spatial regulation in deep tissue contexts for research and potentially diagnostic applications.
Interfacial bonding enhances thermoelectric cooling in 3D-printed materials
Authors: Xu Shengduo , Horta Sharona , Lawal Abayomi , Maji Krishnendu , Lorion Magali , Ibáñez Maria
Published: February 2025

Thermoelectric coolers (TECs) are pivotal in modern heat management but face limitations in efficiency and manufacturing scalability. We address these challenges by using an extrusion-based 3D printing technique to fabricate high-performance thermoelectric materials. Our ink formulations ensure the integrity of the 3D-printed structure and effective particle bonding during sintering, achieving record-high figure of merit (
zT
) values of 1.42 for p-type bismuth antimony telluride [(Bi,Sb)
2
Te
3
] and 1.3 for n-type silver selenide (Ag
2
Se) materials at room temperature. The resulting TEC demonstrates a cooling temperature gradient of 50°C in air. Moreover, this scalable and cost-effective method circumvents energy-intensive and time-consuming steps, such as ingot preparation and subsequently machining processes, offering a transformative solution for thermoelectric device production and heralding a new era of efficient and sustainable thermoelectric technologies.
High-performance computing at a crossroads
Authors: Deelman Ewa , Dongarra Jack , Hendrickson Bruce , Randles Amanda , Reed Daniel , Seidel Edward , Yelick Katherine
Published: February 2025

Long-term plans and comprehensive vision are needed
An innate drive to save a life
Authors: Sheeran William M. , Donaldson Zoe R.
Published: February 2025

In mice, two brain regions drive the impulse to revive an unconscious companion
Mass firings decimate U.S. science agencies
Authors: Travis John , Langin Katie , Kaiser Jocelyn , Wadman Meredith
Published: February 2025

White House’s sweeping, chaotic dismissals shatter careers and threaten research efforts
A new origin story for the highest energy cosmic rays
Authors: Cho Adrian
Published: February 2025

Curious similarity among space particles points to neutron star mergers
Traits determine dispersal and colonization abilities of microbes
Authors: Echenique-Subiabre Isidora , Jackrel Sara L. , McCarren Jay , James Chase C. , Perez-Coronel Elisabet , Tran Cindy , Perreault Madeline , Farah Ugbad , White P. Signe , Baker Henry K. , Wall Christopher B. , Sager Lindsay , Becker Scott , Barton Andrew D. , Shurin Jonathan B.
Published: February 2025

Many microbes disperse through the air, yet the phenotypic traits that enhance or constrain aerial dispersal or allow successful colonization of new habitats are poorly understood. We used a metabarcoding bacterial and eukaryotic data set to explore the trait structures of the aquatic, terrestrial, and airborne microbial communities near the Salton Sea, California, as well as those colonizing a series of experimental aquatic mesocosms. We assigned taxonomic identities to amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) and matched them to functional trait values through published papers and databases that infer phenotypic and/or metabolic traits information from taxonomy. We asked what traits distinguish successful microbial dispersers and/or colonizers from terrestrial and aquatic source communities. Our study found broad differences in taxonomic and trait composition between dispersers and colonizers compared to the source soil and water communities. Dispersers were characterized by larger cell diameters, colony formation, and fermentation abilities, while colonizers tended to be phototrophs that form mucilage and have siliceous coverings. Shorter population doubling times, spore-, and/or cyst-forming organisms were more abundant among the dispersers and colonizers than the sources. These results show that the capacity for aerial dispersal and colonization varies among microbial functional groups and taxa and is related to traits that affect other functions like resource acquisition, predator avoidance, and reproduction. The ability to disperse and colonize new habitats may therefore distinguish microbial guilds based on tradeoffs among alternate ecological strategies.

IMPORTANCE

Microbes have long been thought to disperse rapidly across biogeographic barriers; however, whether dispersal or colonization vary among taxa or groups or is related to cellular traits remains unknown. We use a novel approach to understand how microorganisms disperse and establish themselves in different environments by looking at their traits (physiology, morphology, life history, and behavior characteristics). By collecting samples from habitats including water, soil, and the air and colonizing experimental tanks, we found dispersal and invasion vary among microorganisms. Some taxa and functional groups are found more often in the air or colonizing aquatic environments, while others that are commonly found in the soil or water rarely disperse or invade new habitat. Interestingly, the traits that help microorganisms survive and thrive also play a role in their ability to disperse and colonize. These findings have significant implications for understanding microorganisms’ success and adaptation to new environments.
Chlamydia trachomatis
: a model for intracellular bacterial parasitism
Authors: Smith Erin P. , Valdivia Raphael H.
Published: February 2025

Chlamydia
comprises a diverse group of obligate intracellular bacteria that cause infections in animals, including humans. These organisms share fascinating biology, including distinct developmental stages, non-canonical cell surface structures, and adaptations to intracellular parasitism.
Chlamydia trachomatis
is of particular interest due to its significant clinical importance, causing both ocular and sexually transmitted infections. The strain L2/434/Bu, responsible for lymphogranuloma venereum, is the most common strain used to study chlamydial molecular and cell biology because it grows readily in cell culture and is amenable to genetic manipulation. Indeed, this strain has enabled researchers to tackle fundamental questions about the molecular mechanisms underlying
Chlamydia’s
developmental transitions and biphasic lifecycle and cellular adaptations to obligate intracellular parasitism, including characterizing numerous conserved virulence genes and defining immune responses. However, L2/434/Bu is not representative of
C. trachomatis
strains that cause urogenital infections in humans, limiting its utility in addressing questions of host tropism and immune evasion in reproductive organs. Recent research efforts are shifting toward understanding the unique attributes of more clinically relevant
C. trachomatis
genovars.
Carbon upshift in
Lactococcus cremoris
elicits immediate initiation of proteome-wide adaptation, coinciding with growth acceleration and pyruvate dissipation switching
Authors: van Olst Berdien , Boeren Sjef , Vervoort Jacques , Kleerebezem Michiel
Published: February 2025

Fitness optimization in a dynamic environment requires bacteria to adapt their proteome in a tightly regulated manner by altering protein production and/or degradation. Here, we investigate proteome adaptation in
Lactococcus cremoris
following a sudden nutrient upshift (e.g., nutrients that allow faster growth) and focus especially on the fate of redundant proteins after the shift. Protein turnover analysis demonstrated that
L. cremoris
cultures shifted from galactose to glucose, immediately accelerate growth and initiate proteome-wide adjustment toward glucose-optimized composition. Redundant proteins were predominantly adjusted by lowering (or stopping) protein production combined with dilution by growth. However, pyruvate formate lyase activator (PflA) was actively degraded, which appears correlated to reduced 4Fe-4S cofactor availability. Active PflA removal induces the shutdown of galactose-associated mixed acid fermentation to accelerate the switch toward glucose-associated homolactic fermentation. Our work deciphers molecular adjustments upon environmental change that drive physiological adaptation, including growth rate and central energy metabolism.

IMPORTANCE

Bacteria adapt to their environment by adjusting their molecular makeup, in particular their proteome, which ensures fitness optimization under the newly encountered environmental condition. We present a detailed analysis of proteome adaptation kinetics in
Lactococcus cremoris
following its acute transition from galactose to glucose media, as an example of a sudden nutrient quality upshift. Analysis of the replacement times of individual proteins after the nutrient upshift established that the entire proteome is instantly adjusting to the new condition, which coincides with immediate growth rate acceleration and metabolic adaptation. The latter is driven by the active removal of the pyruvate formate lyase activator protein that is pivotal in controlling pyruvate dissipation in
L. cremoris
. Our work exemplifies the amazing rate of molecular adaptation in bacteria that underlies physiological adjustments, including growth rate and carbon metabolism. This mechanistic study contributes to our understanding of adaptation in
L. cremoris
during the dynamic conditions it encounters during (industrial) fermentation, even though environmental transitions in these processes are mostly more gradual than the acute shift studied here.
Complete genome sequence of the unique
Rhizobium johnstonii
strain NaPi
Authors: Kirichek Evgenii A. , Afonin Alexey M. , Kusakin Pyotr G. , Tsyganov Viktor E.
Published: February 2025

In contrast to
Rhizobium johnstonii
strain 3841,
R. johnstonii
strain NaPi is able to form large pink nodules on the roots of pea (
Pisum sativum
L.) mutants in the gene
Sym40
. The genetic determinants underlying such efficiency have not been discovered yet. In this study, we report the complete genome sequence of the strain NaPi.
Very preterm gut microbiota development from the first week of life to 3.5 years of age: a prospective longitudinal multicenter study
Authors: Toubon Gaël , Patin Constance , Delannoy Johanne , Rozé Jean-Christophe , Barbut Frédéric , Ancel Pierre-Yves , Charles Marie-Aline , Butel Marie-José , Lepage Patricia , Aires Julio
Published: February 2025

This study analyzed the longitudinal evolution of intestinal microbiota in very preterm neonates (PN) during and after their hospitalization. The bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequencing approach was applied for the analysis of fecal samples (
n
= 1,307) from 596 PN. Samples were collected at one week after birth, at one month, at the neonatal intensive care unit discharge, and at 3.5 years of age. Over time, the intestinal microbiota of the infants matured progressively, with increasing alpha diversity and decreasing beta diversity. Based on a Dirichlet multinomial mixture clustering approach (DMM), during hospitalization, infants progressed among ten different clusters. At 3.5 years of age, only three clusters were identified. The influence of the gestational age, the neonatal antibiotic administration, and the maternal antibiotic therapy during delivery on the gut microbiota varied over time and depended on the sampling period. Preconceptional maternal body mass index (BMI) was associated with the gut microbiota of infants during the hospitalization period and at 3.5 years of age. Infants with a lower gestational age or those born by Cesarean section shifted between clusters more frequently. Using PICRUSt2, the inferred metabolic pathways revealed a change in the functional capacities of the intestinal microbiota over time. We found that preconceptional maternal BMI was the only consistent perinatal factor influencing the development of the gut microbiota over time. After hospital discharge, infants exhibited a transition toward a microbiota community similar to that of adults by 3.5 years of age, in accordance with the functional metabolic pathways of the gut microbiota.

IMPORTANCE

This study is among the very few reports analyzing the gut microbiota development in very preterm infants over time in a large, multicenter population of 596 children from a well-described nationwide birth cohort, with a follow-up until the age of 3.5 years. The maturation of the intestinal microbiota was confirmed to occur over time, with increased alpha diversity and decreased beta diversity. Specifically, 13 microbiota clusters were identified during the hospitalization period, while and only three clusters were observed at 3.5 years. Infants born prematurely or via Cesarean section exhibited a less stable microbiota, frequently shifting clusters. A number of perinatal factors were identified as influencing the development of the microbiota. Among these, the preconceptional maternal BMI emerged as the only consistent factor up to 3.5 years. The metabolic pathways of the microbiota evolved over time, in accordance with the maturation of the gut microbiota.
Systemic inflammation is associated with worse outcomes from SARS-CoV-2 infection but not neutralizing antibody
Authors: Farnsworth Christopher W. , Roemmich Brittany , Prostko John , Davis Gerard , Murtagh Gillian , Jackson Laurel , Jacobson Christopher , Jeanblanc Nicolette , Griffiths Timothy , Frias Edwin , Daghfal David J.
Published: February 2025

Systemic inflammation is associated with COVID-19 mortality rates, but the impact of inflammation on neutralizing antibodies to severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and on outcomes is poorly understood. This study aimed to determine the association between neutralizing antibody responses, inflammation, and clinical outcomes in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Two hundred and eight patients presenting to the ED with symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 were included. Neutralization was assessed using the architect angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) binding inhibition assay, and inflammation was assessed using C reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin 6 (IL-6). Medical records were examined for 30-day mortality and 10-day intubation. Correlation between biomarkers was assessed and Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards models were constructed for outcomes. Thirty-seven (18%) patients died and 59 (28%) required intubation. There was a correlation between IL-6 and CRP (
r
= 0.34) but not ACE-2 (
r
< 0.06). Patients that died had higher CRP (14 mg/dl, 8–21) than those that survived (5 mg/dl, 2–11) and IL-6 (died = 344 pg/ml, 138–870 vs. survived = 65 pg/ml, 28–140). ACE-2 inhibition trended higher in those who survived (18%, 0%–65%) than those who died (3%, 0%−48%). Patients with elevated IL-6, elevated CRP, or low ACE2 inhibition had higher mortality. Only IL-6 (hazard ratio: 1.28, 95% CI 1.08–1.52) and age (1.04, 1.01–1.08) were associated with mortality in multivariate models. Elevated IL-6 was associated with 30-day mortality from SARS-CoV-2 infection. Lower ACE-2 inhibition was not independently associated with mortality or correlated with inflammatory markers, implying the importance of other aspects of the immune response for reducing SARS-CoV-2 mortality risk.

IMPORTANCE

While systemic inflammation associated with worse outcomes from SARS-CoV-2 infection, it is not associated with neutralizing antibody concentrations, implying the importance of other aspects of the immune response for reducing SARS-CoV-2 mortality risk.
Key strategies to reduce the global burden of myopia: consensus from the international myopia summit
Authors: Eppenberger Leila Sara , Davis Amanda , Resnikoff Serge , Wong Tien Yin , Lan Weizhong , Saw Seang-Mei , He Ming Guang , Ohno-Matsui Kyoko , Jonas Jost B , Qu Jia ,   for the International Myopia Summit Workgroup, Ang Marcus
Published: February 2025

In this paper, we describe key strategies to guide global collaborative efforts to further reduce the burden of myopia and myopia-related visual impairment. A modified Delphi method was applied as an iterative multistage process to collect expert and stakeholders’ opinions and extract consensus strategies regarding myopia diagnosis, prevention and control. Anonymous pre-meeting preparation rounds, structured discussions for prioritisation and the development of key consensus areas were performed. Consensus was reached on three key areas to collaborate and complement existing frameworks: (1) Myopia defined not only as a refractive error but also as a disease with phenotypic features allowing for risk stratification of significant visual impairment. (2) In addition to preventive strategies, a focus is needed on preventing progression to high myopia (HM). (3) A focus on preventing and treating pathologic myopia (PM), that is, end-stage of myopia disease with irreversible visual impairment. In conclusion, the workgroup suggests a global, collaborative strategy that is needed across public health, healthcare and advocacy sectors to support efforts in reducing visual impairment from myopia. Complementary to existing preventive public health efforts, additional focus on defining myopia as a disease with risk stratification for visual impairment and an emphasis on reducing visual impairment associated with HM and PM should be considered.
Investigating outcomes in a substance use treatment provider: a cross-sectional comparison of long-acting injectable buprenorphine and oral medication for opioid use disorder
Authors: Montgomery Catharine , Abbasi Yasir , De Silva Devon , Gittins Rosalind , Jones Andrew , Van Hout Marie-Claire
Published: February 2025

Objectives

Advances in the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD) have seen the development of long-acting injectable opioid substitutes which could improve outcomes for people with OUD. However, comparative quantitative analysis of individual outcomes is lacking. The present study sought to investigate factors associated with prescribing long-acting injectable buprenorphine (LAIB), and changes in outcome variables compared with oral medication for OUD.

Design

Cross-sectional retrospective analysis of electronic health records.

Setting

Community substance use treatment service Via. Six sites shared their data between 15 August 2022 and 15 August 2023.

Participants

Anonymised data were extracted for 235 people receiving LAIB and 266 people receiving oral medication for OUD.

Primary and secondary outcomes

Prescribing data, sociodemographic information (age, sex, indices of multiple deprivation decile of individual’s residence, primary and secondary substance, number of previous treatment episodes, employment and ethnicity) and treatment outcome profiles (substance use, physical and mental health, quality of life, employment) were extracted and analysed. To examine predictors of receiving LAIB (vs medication for OUD), we conducted logistic regression including the demographic predictors. Psychological health, physical health and quality of life scores were analysed using Welch’s t-tests.

Results

LAIB was associated with positive changes in quality of life between the first and last assessments. Demographic and situational factors were predictors of LAIB initiation, indicating the potential for increasing health inequalities in substance use treatment.

Conclusions

LAIB is associated with changes in quality of life over a 1-year period. Further research is needed to investigate the aetiology of improved well-being and outcomes over time.
High-dose high-intensity Queen Square upper-limb rehabilitation for people with chronic stroke (INTENSIVE): protocol for a single-centre, randomised controlled trial
Authors: Tedesco Triccas Lisa , Sporn Sebastian , Coll I Omana Mireia , Brander Fran , Kelly Kate , Bestmann Sven , Ward Nick
Published: February 2025

Introduction

There is currently insufficient high-quality evidence to make general recommendations about high-dose high-intensity upper-limb rehabilitation programmes. Here we describe a randomised controlled trial that will determine the efficacy of two forms of high-dose, high-intensity upper-limb rehabilitation provided in a rehabilitation unit setting.

Methods and analysis

Patients with moderate upper-limb impairment (n=105, at least 6 months after stroke) will be randomised to either (1) high-dose high-intensity conventional upper-limb rehabilitation, (2) high-dose high-intensity virtual reality-based upper-limb rehabilitation and (3) usual care (a waiting list control group). Groups 1 and 2 will receive a minimum of 45 hours of active time on task over 3 weeks. Outcome measures will be collected at (T1) baseline; (T2) immediately post intervention and (T3) 3 months after the intervention has finished. The primary outcome measure will be the Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity Assessment at 3 months after the intervention. Secondary outcome measures will be clinical, kinematic and neurophysiological using transcranial magnetic stimulation and electroencephalography. Explanatory measures will include MRI-based markers for integrity of the corticospinal tract, dorsal column-medial lemniscal pathway, grey and white matter and lesion load. The aim is to detect a difference of 7.25 points on the Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity Assessment between each treatment group and the waitlist control group, with a power of 0.9 and significance of 0.025 (to account for two primary analyses). Analysis of change in the primary and secondary outcome measures will be performed using mulitple regression analysis.

Ethics and dissemination

The study protocol (V.1) has been approved by the Wales Research Ethics Committee 2 Cardiff (Rec reference: 22/WA/0065) on 15 March 2022. All recruited participants will provide informed consent. Trial results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, presentations at major stroke/neurorehabilitation conferences and outreach to relevant stakeholder communities.

Trial registration number

NCT05527262.
Traumatic brain injuries in civilian war victims in Afghanistan
Authors: Spagnolello Ornella , Fabris Silvia , Esmati Shekiba , Dost Arezo , Ahmadzai Muhebullah , Aryan Ahmad Khan , Gatti Sofia , Cormio Manuela , Portella Gina , Baiardo Redaelli Martina
Published: February 2025

Background

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are a common cause of morbidity and mortality in war zones. Currently, the vast majority of reports on war-related TBIs concern soldiers, and little is known about this condition in civilians.

Methods

This is a retrospective observational study from the EMERGENCY NGO hospital for civilian war victims in Kabul, Afghanistan. Data were gathered for all adults and children with war-related TBIs admitted between June and November 2021. The study aims to describe the epidemiology and clinical patterns of patients with war-related TBIs in a non-military context.

Results

Out of a total of 1469 hospital admissions during the study period, 130 (8.8%) were war-related TBIs. Among these, 90 (69.2%) involved a penetrating brain injury. More than one-third of the study population were children aged 14 or younger (36.1%), and the most frequent cause of war-related TBIs was shells (58.1%). The median time from injury to admission was 3 hours (from 30 min to 3 days), with only 19% of patients presenting in the ‘golden hour’. Neurosurgery was performed on 38 patients (29.2%), and 55 patients (42.3%) underwent mechanical ventilation. In-hospital mortality occurred in 35 patients (26.9%), including 15 do-not-resuscitate cases.

Conclusions

War-related TBIs were frequent among adults and children and had a high mortality rate. With more than one-third of patients undergoing mechanical ventilation, our data highlight that the availability of intensive care units with the ability to ventilate patients is of the utmost importance to save lives of civilians in areas of armed conflict.
Physical workload during pregnancy and adverse pregnancy outcomes: results from a Danish nationwide occupational register-based pregnancy cohort (DOC*X-Generation)
Authors: Sejbaek Camilla Sandal , Nørtoft Frankel Hannah , Flachs Esben Meulengracht , Hougaard Karin Sørig , Mehlum Ingrid Sivesind , Soegaard Toettenborg Sandra , Madsen Ida E H , Bonde Jens Peter Ellekilde , Begtrup Luise Moelenberg
Published: February 2025

Objectives

The objective was to investigate if high physical workload during pregnancy is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Methods

The register-based cohort, DOC*X-Generation included employed pregnant women in Denmark (1977–2018). A summary score of physical workloads, based on a job exposure matrix with eight physical work activities, was linked to the job held during pregnancy (coded by DISCO-88). The exposure was divided into five groups from low to high exposure. Data on miscarriages were retrieved from the Danish National Patient Register. Preterm birth (PTB) and small for gestational age (SGA) were determined by gestational age and birth weight from the Danish Medical Birth Register. Other nationwide registers provided data on potential confounders.

Results

We included pregnancies for approximately 1 million unique women where 13% terminated in miscarriages (of ~1.9 million pregnancies), 5% were PTB (of ~1.5 million pregnancies) and 13% were SGA (of ~1.6 million pregnancies). Employment in occupations with high physical workload was associated with increased risk of all three outcomes in a dose-dependent manner. For the highest compared with the lowest exposed group, adjusted ORs were 1.24 (95% CI 1.22 to 1.27) for miscarriage, 1.15 (95% CI 1.12 to 1.19) for overall PTB and 1.12 (95% CI 1.10 to 1.14) for SGA.

Conclusions

This study, based on an unselected cohort of employed women over a 40-year period, corroborates previous findings of an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes due to high physical workload during pregnancy. A general recommendation to decrease the overall occupational workload of pregnant women might prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes.
The longitudinal evaluation of the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Adults: lessons learned and considerations for future research
Authors: Kauffeldt Kaitlyn D. , Latimer-Cheung Amy E. , Faulkner Guy , Brouwers Melissa C. , Jones Rebecca , Lane Kirstin N. , Weston Zachary J. , Morgan Tamara L. , Varkul Olivia , Tomasone Jennifer R.
Published: February 2025

National movement behaviour guidelines, in isolation, are unlikely to influence practice or policy unless accompanied by robust knowledge mobilization (KMb) strategies. However, without pairing KMb strategies with systematic evaluation, the impact of large-scale dissemination is unknown. The objectives of this study were to (1) systematically assess the dissemination of the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Adults Aged 18–64 Years and Adults Aged 65 Years or Older (24HMG) using the Reach Effectiveness Adoption Implementation and Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework and (2) provide recommendations to support the KMb and future impact of national movement behaviour guidelines. Intermediary organizations involved in the development and dissemination of the 24HMG were invited to participate in this study. A combination of methods—including cross-sectional surveys, media monitoring, and website content analysis—were performed at multiple timepoints over a 12-month period to assess the dissemination of the 24HMG. Findings suggest that the multi-pronged dissemination approach used for the 24HMG had a large reach to guideline target audiences (approximately 11.9 million) but resulted in low awareness and knowledge of the 24HMG among adults living in Canada (31.9% and 1.6%, respectively). Dissemination activities performed by intermediary organizations peaked in the first 4-months post-guideline release (76% of responding organizations), trending downwards over time (53% of responding organizations at 12 months). The complexity of disseminating national movement behaviour guidelines presents many challenges to systemic adoption. However, the impact of future national movement behaviour guidelines may be improved by augmenting current dissemination approaches to include coordinated, scalable, and capacity-building strategies.
Structural analysis of an area of ductile deformation between the Murray Fault and the Grenville Front Boundary Fault near Coniston, Ontario
Authors: Rousell D.H. , James R.S. , Roth T.M.
Published: February 2025

Zones of mylonites are a prominent feature of rocks that occur at the Grenville Front in central Ontario. They represent periods of northwest-directed thrusting during the Mesoproterozoic, the latest period due to the Grenville Orogeny at ∼1.0 Ga. We describe the strain and folding of a 300 m wide zone of mylonites southeast of Coniston, Ontario that occur in the foreland to the Grenville Province. They are greenschist facies quartz mylonites and quartz feldspar mylonites formed in the upper crust from sandstones and granites in the Southern Province. They are bounded to the north and south by the Murray Fault and Grenville Front Boundary Fault, respectively, steeply dipping reverse faults, which are post-mylonitization in age. The latter fault marks the southern boundary of the foreland mylonites with zones of mylonite in high grade, lower crustal schists, and gneisses of the Grenville Province. The Murray Fault marks their northwestern boundary against a middle Proterozoic metamorphic terrane. Shape fabric measurements of quartz indicate that strain intensity is random across the mylonite zone. Open angle quartz c-axis fabrics, the dominance of subgrain rotation recrystallization of quartz, and the metamorphic paragenesis quartz–muscovite–chlorite indicate that the mylonites formed at low greenschist facies temperature (350–430 °C). The measured variation in strain is attributed to variations in strain rate and water weakening. The mylonites are folded; hinge lines and axial planar stretching lineations plunge southeast perpendicular to the Grenville Front. The mylonites are similar to those that occur in the foreland of the Moine Thrust (northwest Scotland) and the Munsiari Thrust (northwest India).
Primordial black holes from the ultraslow-roll phase in the inflaton–curvaton mixed field inflation
Authors: Su Bing-Yu , Li Nan , Feng Lei
Published: February 2025

Primordial black holes (PBHs) are a promising candidate for dark matter, as they can form in the very early universe without invoking new particle physics. This work explores PBH formation within a curvaton scenario featuring an ultraslow-roll (USR) phase. An inflaton–curvaton mixed field model is presented, where the inflaton drives early inflation and then transits into the USR phase, amplifying the small-scale curvature perturbation. During inflation, the curvaton generates entropy perturbation, which later converts into curvature perturbation after the curvaton decays in the radiation-dominated era. Using the

$$\delta N$$

δ
N

formalism, we compute the power spectrum of the total primordial curvature perturbation and analyze the relevant non-Gaussianity. Our results show that adding a curvaton field not only has a significant impact on primordial non-Gaussianity, but also introduces more complex inflationary dynamics, even saving the inflaton potentials that generate too low scalar spectral indices. Our model can produce PBHs with mass around

$$10^{-14}\,M_\odot $$

10

-
14

M
⊙

that account for all dark matter, while remaining consistent with current observational constraints.
Denoising structure against adversarial attacks on graph representation learning
Authors: Chen Na , Li Ping , Huang Jincheng , Zhang Kai
Published: February 2025

Despite their excellent performance in graph representation learning, graph convolutional networks have been proved to be vulnerable to adversarial perturbations on the connectivity between nodes in an unnoticed manner. In this work, by looking into the impacts of adversarial attacks on graph data, we empirically find that the dominant edge-addition attacks generally increase the heterophily between connected nodes, which will fool the transductive inference models on node classification task. To defend against such attacks, we develop a two-stage denoising method (TSD) that aims at removing possible malicious edges so as to mitigate the heterophily issue introduced by attacks. In particular, after a rough removal of the links that have quite low feature similarity, our method further spots the potentially heterophilious links by predicting node labels with a multi-view labeling consensus. This design is based on assumption that if the label predictions for the same node from two different views of a graph data are consistent, then we have a high chance to acquire the reliable labeling. The experiments demonstrate that by denoising a graph this way, the robustness of graph convolutional networks on node classification task is remarkably improved, compared to several strong competitive robust graph neural network models.
Rethinking computing students’ help resource utilization through sequentiality
Authors: Ko Shao-Heng , Stephens-Martinez Kristin
Published: February 2025

Background
. Academic help-seeking benefits students’ achievement, but existing literature either studies important factors in students’ selection of all help resources via self-reported surveys or studies their help-seeking behavior in one or two separate help resources via actual help-seeking records. Little is known about whether computing students’ approaches and behavior match, and not much is understood about how they transition sequentially from one help resource to another.

Objectives
. We aim to study post-secondary computing students’ academic help-seeking approach and behavior. Specifically, we seek to investigate students’ self-reported orders of resource usage and whether these approaches match with students’ actual utilization of help resources. We also examine frequent patterns emerging from students’ chronological help-seeking records in course-affiliated help resources.

Context and Study Method
. We surveyed students’ self-reported orders of resource usage across 19 offerings of seven courses at two institutions, then analyzed their responses using various help resource dimensions identified by existing works. From two of these courses (an introduction to programming course and a data science course, 11 offerings), we obtained students’ help-seeking records in all course-affiliated help resources, along with code autograder records. We then compared students’ reported orders in these two courses against their actions in the records. Finally, we mined sequences of student help-seeking events from these two courses to reveal frequent sequential patterns.

Findings
. Students’ reported orders of help resource usage form a progression of clusters where resources in each cluster are more similar to each other by help resource dimensions than to resources outside of their cluster. This progression partially confirms phenomena and decision factors reported by existing literature, but no factor/dimension alone can explain the entire progression. We found students’ actual help-seeking records did not deviate much from their self-reported orders. Mining of the sequential records revealed that help-seeking from course-affiliated human resources led to measurable progress more often than not, and students’ usage of consulting/office hours (mainly run by undergraduate teaching assistants) itself was the best indicator for future usage within the lifespan of the same assignment.

Implications
. Our results demonstrate that computing students’ help resource selection/utilization is a sophisticated process that should be modeled and analyzed with sufficient awareness of its inherent sequentiality. We identify future research directions through this preliminary analysis, which can lead to a better understanding of computing students’ help-seeking behavior and better resource utilization/management in large-scale instructional contexts.
Evaluating Skellytour for Automated Skeleton Segmentation from Whole-Body CT Images
Authors: Mann Daniel C. , Rutherford Michael W. , Farmer Phillip , Eichhorn Joshua M. , Palot Manzil Fathima Fijula , Wardell Christopher P.
Published: February 2025

“Just Accepted” papers have undergone full peer review and have been accepted for publication in Radiology: Artificial Intelligence. This article will undergo copyediting, layout, and proof review before it is published in its final version. Please note that during production of the final copyedited article, errors may be discovered which could affect the content. Purpose To construct and evaluate the performance of a machine learning model for bone segmentation using whole-body CT images. Materials and Methods In this retrospective study, whole-body CT scans (June 2010 to January 2018) from 90 patients (mean age, 61 ± [SD] 9 years; 45 male, 45 female) with multiple myeloma were manually segmented using 60 labels and subsegmented into cortical and trabecular bone. Segmentations were verified by board-certified radiology and nuclear medicine physicians. The impacts of isotropy, resolution, multiple labeling schemes, and postprocessing were assessed. Model performance was assessed on internal and external test datasets ( n = 362 scans) and benchmarked against the TotalSegmentator segmentation model. Performance was assessed using Dice similarity coefficient (DSC), normalized surface distance (NSD), and manual inspection. Results Skellytour achieved consistently high segmentation performance on the internal dataset (DSC: 0.94, NSD: 0.99) and two external datasets (DSC: 0.94, 0.96, NSD: 0.999, 1.0), outperforming TotalSegmentator on the first two datasets. Subsegmentation performance was also high (DSC: 0.95, NSD: 0.995). Skellytour produced finely detailed segmentations, even in low density bones. Conclusion The study demonstrates that Skellytour is an accurate and generalizable bone segmentation and subsegmentation model for CT data and is available as a Python package via GitHub ( https://github.com/cpwardell/Skellytour ). Published under a CC BY 4.0 license.
Alkaline Water Splitting Over RuO2@phosphomolybednic Acid Encased Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Bavdane Priyanka P. , Bora Dimple K. , Trivedi Ravi Kumar , Paramasivam Selvaraj , Ash Anish , Nikumbe Devendra Y. , Sreenath Sooraj , Verma Vivek , Kuma Shanmugam Senthil , Chakraborty Brahmananda , Nagarale Rajaram K.
Published: February 2025

Rational design of active and stable bifunctional electrocatalysts for the generation of hydrogen and oxygen is crucial for clean and renewable energy. Herein, we developed a robust method for the preparation of electrocatalysts from RuO2 and phosphomolybdic acid (PMA)-encapsulated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT). It involves a low-temperature thermal encapsulation of PMA followed by anchoring of RuO2 at phosphomolybdic acid sites by ion exchange. RuO2@PMA/MWCNTs showed an exceptionally low overpotential of 41 mV for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) with a Tafel slope of 71 mV d−1ec−1 in an alkaline medium. Thermal sintering of RuO2@PMA/MWCNTs resulted in rutile T-RuO2@PMA/MWCNTs. It showed an overpotential of 320 mV for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) with an 81 mV/dec Tafel slope in 1 M KOH solution. In continuous operation for 24 h, the electrocatalyst exhibited good stability for HER and OER. The electrocatalytic activity was supported by density functional theory (DFT) simulations. The electronic state near the Fermi level exhibits the metallic character of the RuO2@PMA/MWCNTs system, supporting charge transfer from the PMA/MWCNTs to RuO2. The qualitative magnitude of the simulated overpotential for the HER and OER matching the experimental data suggests that the combined effect of RuO2 and PMA on the MWCNTs host offers efficient water splitting activity.
Pharyngeal Electrical Stimulation favorably modifies healthy human pharyngo-esophageal function - a randomized trial using High Resolution Manometry Impedance
Authors: Everaert Marthe , Hamdy Shaheen , Goeleven Ann , Tack Jan , Vanuytsel Tim , Rommel Nathalie
Published: February 2025

Background: Despite positive clinical evidence for the effects of Pharyngeal Electrical Stimulation (PES) on swallowing performance in disease, it remains unknown which specific swallow characteristics improve. Using High Resolution Manometry Impedance (HRMI) with Pressure Flow Analysis (PFA), we aimed to assess the effects of PES on normal swallow function and to evaluate the impact of pharyngeal length variability on electrode placement. Methods: As part of a prospective RCT, 20 asymptomatic volunteers were randomly assigned to three days of PES or SHAM treatment. HRMI assessments were conducted at baseline (during which pharyngeal length measurements were acquired) and repeated at 1-2 hours, and at 24-72 hours following PES or SHAM treatment. Key results: Twenty healthy adults (10 male, median age: 28.0 (IQR 23.8-45.0) years, age range: 20-65 years) participated in this RCT. We developed an objective, standardized method of catheter placement based on pharyngeal length measurements. Over 3 days, the median stimulation intensity of PES was 11 mA. When compared to the SHAM group, the PES group scored better on multiple pharyngeal and esophageal metrics resulting in improved global swallow function values 1-2 hours after treatment (p=0.029). One day later, most of these beneficial effects were no longer present. Conclusions: This study suggests that PES can temporarily alter swallow function in healthy individuals. Functional reserve in healthy individuals may be further enhanced by PES. In the majority of volunteers, electrode position needed to be adjusted 1-3 cm to account for variations in pharyngeal length.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus Risk Perception, Condom Utilization, and Associated Factors Among Youths (15–24 Years of Age) in Gashena Town, Northeast Ethiopia: Community‐Based Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Abyie Gebeyaw , Mekonnen Melaku , Walle Getaw
Published: February 2025

Background: Globally, an estimated 1.7 million people were newly infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and approximately 37.9 million people were living with the virus. The prevalence of HIV remains high in sub‐Saharan African countries, including Ethiopia. Consequently, enhancing the awareness of HIV risk is crucial for prevention efforts, as studies have shown that increased risk perception is strongly linked to condom utilization among youths.

Objective: This study aimed to assess HIV risk perception and condom utilization among youths and associated factors in Gashena town, Northeast Ethiopia.

Method: Community‐based cross‐sectional study involving 422 youths (15–24 years old) was conducted from June 01 to 30, 2022. Participants were selected using a systematic random sampling technique, and data analysis was conducted using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 25 software. Logistic regression analysis was employed to determine the odds ratios for variable associations, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.

Result: The present study revealed that 50% (95% CI: 42.7–57.3) of youths utilized condoms, while 19.4% (95% CI: 15.8–23.5) had a perception of being at risk for HIV. Factors significantly associated with both condom utilization and HIV risk perception included being 18 years old or older (AOR: 95% CI: 0.2 [0.10–0.40]), having completed primary education or higher (AOR: 95% CI: 6.23 [3.44–11.29]), and being employed (AOR: 95% CI: 1.96 [1.09–3.53]).

Conclusion: This study found a low prevalence of condom utilization and HIV risk perception among youths. Being 18 years old or older, having completed primary education or higher, and being employed were factors significantly linked to both condom use and HIV risk perception. Therefore, raising awareness about the implications of unprotected sexual intercourse and HIV risk perception among youths of varying ages, educational status, and occupational statuses could potentially enhance condom utilization among this demographic group.