bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The interplay of trophic interactions and game dynamics gives rise to life-history trade-offs, consistent personalities, and predator–prey and aggression power laws
Authors: Salahshour Mohammad
Published: February 2025

Ecological processes and evolutionary change are increasingly recognized as intimately linked. Here, we introduce an eco-evolutionary model of trophic interactions between predators and prey and show that the flow of resources in the ecosystem results in the scale-invariant spatial and temporal structure of ecosystems. In contrast to conventional approaches that rely on fitness-based selection, evolution in our eco-evolutionary framework is a direct consequence of ecological interactions. To illustrate this, we combine trophic interactions with evolutionary games by allowing individuals to play a game within the population where they can adopt aggressive or non-aggressive strategies. We show that individuals develop consistent personalities and their life-history trade-offs become intertwined with the scale-invariant ecological dynamics. Aggressive individuals tend to live faster, more reproduction-focused lives, whereas nonaggressive individuals favor slower, longer-lived strategies. These patterns emerge naturally, rather than being imposed as model assumptions. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the nonequilibrium dynamics of resource flow play a decisive role in driving the evolution of consistent personalities within and across populations. We identify a new class of aggression scaling laws arising from the interplay of ecological and evolutionary processes. The model relates predator–prey scaling laws with food web control and shows that small offspring size, high relative prey mobility, low predator conversion efficiency, predator competition, and prey competition all favor prey control over the food web. Our findings illuminate how large-scale ecological patterns—including power laws in predator–prey biomass and avalanche-like resource pulses—can relate to evolutionary outcomes such as consistent personalities, life-history trade-offs, and density-dependent growth. This perspective strengthens the emerging view that ecology and evolution are two faces of the same coin, each shaping the other in a self-organized, energy-driven system.
Nano-structured FeS2 Cathode for Lithium Metal Battery
Authors: Li Shuai , Wang Liping
Published: February 2025

FeS2 is emerging as one of the promising cathode materials for high-energy-density energy storage systems. However, the huge volume expansion and dissolution of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) result in poor cycling and rate performance. Herein, nano-structured FeS2 is synthesized through a controllable solid-state reaction method, avoiding introducing harmful substances from the waste generated by solvent reactions. Consequently, the synthesized nano-structured FeS2 with reduced Li+ diffusion exhibits an exceptional capacity of 650.7 mAh g−1 (0.5 C, after 300 cycles). Moreover, it also demonstrates extremely good rate performance and has a high capacity retention of 74.8% even at 2 C after 780 cycles.
Carbon emission measurement method for electric-hydrogen coupling systems based on carbon emission flow and carbon emission allocation
Authors: Zhao Xin , Chen Yanqi , Hou Langbo , Zhang Bo
Published: February 2025

With the proposal of the dual carbon goals, carbon capture and power-to-gas technologies present vast application prospects in carbon emission reduction and wind energy utilization. However, research on the impact of these technologies on carbon emission flows within power systems has been limited. This study investigates the changes in carbon emission flows in power systems incorporating carbon capture and power-to-gas technologies from the perspective of the attribution and allocation of carbon emissions. Firstly, the theoretical relationship between power flow and carbon emission flow is used to calculate the node carbon intensity, followed by the deployment of carbon capture and power-to-gas equipment. Next, the carbon emission flow in the power system is reasonably allocated to the load side based on the attribution and allocation of the carbon emissions method. In contrast, the carbon emission flow caused by active power losses is allocated to the source side. Finally, the changes in the carbon emission flow rate of generator units, load, and network loss are analyzed after introducing carbon capture and power-to-gas technologies. The results indicate that the attribution and allocation of carbon emissions method can reasonably delineate the carbon emission responsibilities of various segments within the power system, thereby promoting clean energy development.
Integrated layout and design of photothermal integrated energy system for northwest region
Authors: Li Wei , Liu Shiling , Yang Zhaohui
Published: February 2025

The northwest region is one of the regions with the richest solar energy resources and superior natural conditions in China. It is an ideal region for developing comprehensive solar thermal energy systems. In this paper, first of all, taking advantage of the characteristics of solar energy resource endowment in the northwest region, a comprehensive solar thermal energy system is designed for the northwest region. Secondly, a proposed integrated layout and design method for solar thermal integrated energy systems addresses the issue of deep coupling between capacity allocation and operational planning that exists in traditional integrated energy systems. Next, an integrated layout and design method for solar thermal integrated energy systems is proposed, which solves the problem of inaccurate matching between capacity allocation and operational planning in traditional integrated energy systems. Finally, in order to verify the superiority of the proposed solar thermal integrated energy system and its integrated layout and design method, a typical park in the northwest region of China is taken as an example for a case study and compared with the “following heat load” operation mode of traditional integrated energy systems, verifying that the proposed solar thermal integrated energy system and its integrated layout and design method are in good condition. The experimental simulation results show that the comprehensive layout and design method of the solar thermal integrated energy system in the northwest region proposed in this paper can effectively reduce system operating expenses, significantly reduce carbon emissions, realize the comprehensive utilization of electricity and heat, and effectively alleviate the energy shortage in remote areas.
Time history analysis of wind vibration response of offshore photovoltaic structures based on davenport wind spectrum
Authors: Ju Pengpeng , Wang Yong , Meng Qingfei
Published: February 2025

Offshore large-module PV foundations are prone to vibration under the action of pulsating wind, causing structural damage. In this paper, based on the Davenport wind spectrum, the wind speed and wind pressure time history are simulated by the harmonic superposition method. The structure is modeled by SACS software, and the modal and wind vibration time history analysis is carried out. The results show that the wind vibration response is dominated by the overall motion, and the wind vibration coefficient based on the base shear is about 1.52. The wind vibration response is dominated by the fluctuating wind direction, but it causes vibration in both the orthogonal and vertical directions. The vertical vibration of the topside is obvious, and the whole produces torsional vibration. The stress level of the upper chord, the umbrella-shaped support, the web member connected to it, and the root area of the pile foundation are relatively high.
Research on the influence of plastic oil pan of the engine on the NVH performance
Authors: Dong Yangyang , Du Changyan , Wang Xiaohui , Fan Yi , Liao Shengyou , Han Yiyong
Published: February 2025

To analyze the dynamic characteristics of diesel engine camshafts and the factors affecting camshaft speed fluctuations, a multi-body dynamic model for gear transmission analysis is established. We analyze and consider the calculation results of spring preload, spring stiffness, cam profile, crankshaft timing gear speed fluctuation, gear meshing clearance, accessory load, and part rotational inertia on the fluctuation of camshaft angular velocity. The results show that gear clearance has a significant impact on camshaft speed fluctuation, while other factors have a relatively small impact on camshaft speed fluctuation. As verified through bench tests, the test results are consistent with the simulation.
Experimental research on the cold storage and release performance of air conditioning systems using phase change tubes
Authors: Jia Rongrong , Qi Hong
Published: February 2025

A phase-change cold storage air conditioning system incorporates phase-change rods to facilitate thermal energy storage and subsequent release for temperature regulation. Water and PCM systems can be utilized as thermal storage media to accumulate cold energy during the nocturnal period, thereby facilitating the release of this stored cold energy throughout daylight hours to accomplish the intended cooling objective. This work presents an innovative approach involving phase change materials, which investigates the methodologies for load balancing through peak shaving and valley filling to achieve equilibrium in power distribution. The phase-change material with a phase-change temperature of 6 ℃ is filled into an aluminium rod with a diameter of 50mm. 950 PCM aluminium rods are put vertically in the space of about 4.3 m3 tank. The duration for the system to achieve the cooling of the storage compartment, along with its resultant impact on investigations into the differential effects of various cooling storage and thermal release conditions on the water-based and Phase-Change Composite (PCCS) systems, were conducted.
Experimental and theoretical study on the flow friction of the plate fin heat exchange without fans
Authors: Li Zhi , Yang Zhangbin , Cai Hang , Qian Minhua , Ao Chengyan , Wang Wenlong , Bi Yanke
Published: February 2025

The self-circulating evaporative cooling technology, which utilizes latent heat, is developed to address the thermal dissipation challenges in wind power generation. To meet miniaturization requirements, the condenser adopts the plate-fin heat exchange without fans. This study presents a method for calculating the airflow friction. Six different specifications of heat exchangers were fabricated. Measurements of air inlet and outlet wind velocities were conducted in the FD-2010-008 wind tunnel. Based on the experimental data, a new adaptive correlation of friction resistance coefficient is proposed, with the prediction error between −13.2% and +14%. The new formula is applicable to air inlet velocities ranging from 4 m/s to 14m/s, with depths of 40 mm to 110 mm, fin heights of 2 to 12.5 mm, and fin spacing of 2 mm to 3 mm.
Research on fuel cell stack consistency based on multi-model and multi-dimensional simulation
Authors: Feng Yong , Chen Juexiao , Lu Siyu , Liu Ziran , Gu Ziheng , Shi Lei , Ding Wei
Published: February 2025

This study examines the impact of individual cell performance variations on the overall efficiency of fuel cell systems. Using MATLAB and COMSOL software, we developed a one-dimensional model of a fuel cell stack and a three-dimensional model of a single cell for integrated simulation. The objective is to improve the uniformity of the fuel cell stack by optimizing flow channel dimensions. The research investigates performance disparities among individual cells resulting from uneven fluid distribution and evaluates the effect of flow rate on cell performance. By optimizing the flow channel dimensions, we mitigated performance deficiencies caused by inadequate gas supply. The results demonstrate a 5.59% improvement in the performance of cells with previously insufficient gas supply following optimization. Although increasing the inlet flow rate can enhance performance, the rate of improvement diminishes with higher flow rates. Post-optimization, the performance disparity between cells with the maximum and minimum inlet flow rates decreased by 7.7%, resulting in a 67.3% enhancement in the overall consistency of the stack.
Verilog-based logical design of CubeSat ACS based in fuzzy inference systems focused on trapezoidal membership functions
Authors: López-Balcázar C. A. , Hernández Jorge , Ramírez-López F. , García-Balcázar G. G.
Published: February 2025

Nowadays, fuzzy inference systems are popular tools to implement control systems with relative development ease and speed. In particular, within CubeSat development, it is crucial to implement systems subject to severe design restrictions imposed by the CubeSat Standard, like size, weight and power consumption, among others. For attitude control in CubeSats, one option is to implement fuzzy inference systems of the Sugeno type. However, control algorithms based in fuzzy logic principles are, as many others, established in a sequential order, following specific steps, and not requiring further repetitive tasks. In this sense, they are more suitable to be implemented in logic circuitry than in microcontrollers or microprocessors. Thus, in this work we present the logical design of an attitude control subsystem for CubeSats which is developed in Verilog® hardware description language, which is then validated through simulation. As this is an ongoing research, the presented system only implements triangular/trapezoidal membership functions.
Osteomimetic bioceramic scaffolds with high-fidelity human-bone features produced by rotational printing
Authors: Pang Shumin , Wu Dongwei , Hanaor Dorian A H , Haibel Astrid , Kurreck Jens , Gurlo Aleksander
Published: February 2025

Scaffolds that emulate the architecture of human bone, combined with strong mechanical stability and biocompatibility, are vital for promoting effective bone tissue regeneration. However, most existing bone-mimetic scaffolds fall short in reproducing the intricate hierarchical structure of human bone, which restricts their practical application. This study introduces a novel strategy that combines rotational three-dimensional (3D) printing technology and sponge replication technique to fabricate bone-mimetic scaffolds based on composite materials comprising copper-substituted diopside and biphasic calcium phosphate. The scaffolds closely mimic the structure of human bone, featuring both cancellous and cortical bone with Haversian canals. Additionally, the scaffolds exhibit high porosity and transport capacity, while exhibiting compressive strength that is on par with human bone under both axial and lateral loads. Moreover, they demonstrate good biocompatibility and the potential to induce and support osteogenesis and angiogenesis. The scaffolds produced here present a pathway to remediating particularly large bone defects. Given their close resemblance to human bone structure and function, these scaffolds may be well-suited for developing in vitro bone disease models for pharmaceutical testing and various biomedical applications.
Modelling the effects of climate policy on firewood collection and women’s welfare in developing countries
Authors: Aggarwal Raavi
Published: February 2025

Climate policies such as carbon taxes for emissions reduction could be detrimental to social welfare in developing countries. High energy prices could induce substitution towards traditional solid fuels such as fuelwood for cooking. Given fuelwood is primarily collected by women in low- and middle-income countries, climate policies may particularly affect women’s welfare. This article reviews the empirical evidence on climate policies, energy use and women’s well-being. Further, I develop a theoretical framework to characterise the potential effects of climate policy and complementary social policies on women’s welfare. The theoretical results show provision of clean cooking technologies and improved biomass cook-stoves, when complementary to fuel taxes, could improve women’s welfare and confer health and climate benefits in developing countries. The predictions of the theoretical framework are validated in the empirical literature.
The iGains4Gains model guides irrigation water conservation and allocation to enhance nexus gains across water, food, carbon emissions, and nature
Authors: Lankford Bruce , Amdar Nafn , McCartney Matthew , Mabhaudhi Tafadzwanashe
Published: February 2025

This paper introduces and applies iGain4Gains, an Excel-based model, to reveal how changes to water conservation and allocation, and irrigation technology, can produce four nexus gains. These gains are; reduced aggregate water consumption, sustained crop production, lower carbon emissions, and enhanced water availability for nature. We developed the model with limited data and hypothetical future scenarios from the Amman–Zarqa basin in Jordan. Given its significant irrigation and urban water demands and difficult decisions regarding future water allocation and nexus choices, this basin is a highly appropriate case study. The paper’s primary aim is to demonstrate the iGains4Gains nexus model rather than to build an accurate hydrological model of the basin’s water resources. The model addresses two critical questions regarding increased irrigation efficiency. First, can irrigation efficiency and other factors, such as irrigated area, be applied to achieve real water savings while maintaining crop production, ensuring greenhouse gas emission reductions, and ‘freeing’ water for nature? Second, with the insight that water conservation is a distributive/allocative act, we ask who between four paracommoners (the proprietor irrigation system, neighbouring irrigation systems, society, and nature) benefits hydrologically from changes in irrigation efficiency? Recognising nexus gains are not always linear, positive and predictable, the model reveals that achieving all four gains simultaneously is difficult, likely leading to trade-offs such as water consumption rebounds or increased carbon emissions. Demonstrated by its use at a workshop in Jordan in February 2024, iGains4Gains can be used by students, scientists and decision-makers, to explore and understand nexus trade-offs connected to changes in irrigation management. The paper concludes with recommendations for governing water and irrigated agriculture in basins where large volumes of water are withdrawn and depleted by irrigation.
An Invisible Archive
Authors: I. Córdova Hidalgo Amalia
Published: February 2025

This chapter raises the question of preservation of Indigenous film and video collections and archives, as a responsibility to Indigenous cultural memory. The chapter expands the concept of the archives beyond the physical works themselves, looking at these collections as repositories of Indigenous knowledge that constitute invaluable sources for future research and productions. These collections are in a state of precarity and are dispersed in variety of formats and collections, ranging from informal and individual to institutional and inaccessible. Issues of return, cataloging, processing, and preservation are discussed through interactions with select works and collections, underscoring the need to consider community access or shared stewardship in collection development and preservation.
Acetylcholinesterase activity and hematological parameters in individuals exposed to pesticides in a Brazilian state: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Barreto Marina dos Santos , dos Santos Letícia Milena Machado , Santos Ronaldy Santana , Silva Eloia Emanuelly Dias , Silva Deise Maria Rego Rodrigues , Moura Pedro Henrique Macedo , de Jesus Pamela Chaves , de Souza Jessiane Bispo , da Silva Mario Jorge Sobreira , Gopalsamy Rajiv Gandhi , Hariharan Govindasamy , Santana Lucas Alves da Mota , Guimarães Adriana Gibara , Borges Lysandro Pinto
Published: February 2025

The use of pesticides has become a worldwide concern, and Brazil is one of the countries that release the most pesticides and is affected by them. These chemical substances, when in contact with the human body, can cause health problems such as nephrotoxicity, neurodegeneration, and even cancer. This study investigates how direct and indirect pesticide exposure interferes with acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and hematological parameters. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Sergipe, Brazil, and included 378 participants. The impact of pesticides on AChE and hematological parameters in individuals exposed to these agents was evaluated. Triazine (TZ) and Organochlorine (OC) classes combination generated the lowest AChE. A lower mean for AChE for individuals directly exposed to pesticides (p < 0.05) was observed. Men and younger individuals tended to have lower levels of AChE, as did individuals who declared themselves black or yellow or did not declare any ethnicity. As for hematological alterations, micronuclei (MN) were detected in 12.2% of farmers and 8.7% of families and neighborhoods. We found that AChE values tended to increase with the number of platelets and red blood cells (RBC). Still, we did not detect any other relationships between AChE and the type of exposure with hematological parameters. These findings contribute to evaluating the impact of pesticide exposure on human health. Thus, it allows us to infer that individuals directly exposed to pesticides tend to have lower levels of AChE, demonstrating the need to monitor these clinical parameters in individuals exposed to these agents and seek to identify the profile of this population.
Different intestinal ecological niches drive the divergent evolution of probiotics in the gut
Authors: Han Zhe , Huang Denggao , Liu Xinlei , Ma Wenyao , Cui Weipeng , Jiang Shuaiming , Zhen Dongyu , Zhang Jiachao
Published: February 2025

Previously, we described the divergent evolution of probiotics in the gut, which potentially compromises their health-promoting effects. Here, we employed a spatiotemporal multiomic approach to explore the distribution and evolutionary trends of the probiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum HNU082 (Lp082) in specific-pathogen-free (SPF) and Monocolonized (Mono) mouse models. Initially, after establishing the inherent differences in the gut microbiota between the small and large intestines, we observed that the small intestine served as the main site for Lp082 survival and colonization. Subsequently, we discovered that the small intestine was the sole site where Lp082 exhibited divergent evolution. Moreover, our research indicated that Lp082 had a more substantial impact on the small-intestinal microbiota than on the large-intestinal microbiota. Consequently, we observed a significantly greater number of closely associated species coevolving with Lp082 in the small intestine than in the large intestine. This suggests that Lp082 faced higher selective pressures within the small intestine, potentially leading to the emergence of a greater number of mutants. Our findings will contribute to the differentiated application of probiotics, enhancing their beneficial effects, and offer insights into the targeted domestication of probiotic strains.
Combating enteropathogenic and multidrug resistant Escherichia coli using the lytic bacteriophage vB_EcoM_ECO78 which disrupts bacterial biofilm formation and exhibits a remarkable environmental stability
Authors: Rajab Azza A H , Khafagy El-Sayed , Lila Amr Selim Abu , Yousef Nehal , Askoura Momen
Published: February 2025

Aim

The current study aimed to establish a phenotypic and genotypic characterization record of a novel lytic bacteriophage (phage) against multidrug-resistant (MDR) Escherichia coli (E. coli) infections.

Methods and results

Phenotypic characterization of the isolated phage included the assessment of phage morphology, host range, stability, and antibiofilm activity. The isolated phage vB_EcoM_ECO78 demonstrated high lytic activity against MDR E. coli and E. coli serotypes O78:K80:H12 and O26:H11. Additionally, it showed a marked antibiofilm activity and high physical stability at a wide range of temperatures and pH. Genotypic investigations identified a double-stranded DNA genome of 165 912 base pairs (bp) spanning 258 open reading frames (ORFs), out of which 149 ORFs were identified and annotated. In vivo analysis further confirmed the therapeutic potential of vB_EcoM_ECO78 which effectively increased the survival of mice infected with MDR E. coli.

Conclusion

The isolated phage vB_EcoM_ECO78 exhibits considerable stability and antibiofilm activity against MDR E. coli isolates, supported by notable environmental fitness and in vivo antibacterial capability.
Association Between Insomnia and Cognitive Frailty Among Older Patients With Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: Zhang Simeng , Liu Jian , Qu Wenran , Wei Huimin , Wang Jiurui , Wang Zhiwei , Yan Zeping , Liu Mengqi , Wang Xiaoli , Luan Xiaorong
Published: February 2025

Background

Older patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) are prone to insomnia. Studies have shown that insomnia affects the onset of cognitive frailty and is also strongly associated with depressive symptoms and social support. However, information on how these factors interact to influence cognitive frailty remains underexplored.

Objective

Our aim in this study was to explore the multiple mediating roles of depressive symptoms and social support in the relationship between insomnia and cognitive frailty.

Methods

We recruited 300 hospitalized older patients with CHF to participate in this study. The participants completed the Athens Insomnia Scale, Geriatric Depression Scale, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, FRAIL Scale, and Social Support Rating Scale. The mediation hypothesis was tested using a multiple mediation model and bootstrapping method.

Results

In this study, 44% of the patients experienced insomnia, and 51.3% were in a state of cognitive frailty. Our main findings suggest that insomnia has an indirect effect on cognitive frailty through 2 pathways: the multiple mediating effects of depressive symptoms and social support, and a single mediating effect of depressive symptoms. The direct effect of insomnia on cognitive frailty is also significant.

Conclusions

Older patients with CHF who experience insomnia tend to have more severe depressive symptoms, cognitive frailty, and poor social support. Thus, interventions to recognize insomnia early, improve depressive symptoms, and provide social support may reduce cognitive frailty in older patients with CHF. Longitudinal studies are necessary to further refine our findings and address the limitations of the current study.
Long-term non-progression in children living with HIV: estimates from international cohort data
Authors: Jackson Charlotte , Crichton Siobhan , Judd Ali , Bamford Alasdair , Goulder Philip , Klein Nigel , Marques Laura , Paioni Paolo , Riordan Andrew , Spoulou Vana , Vieira Vinicius Adriano , Ansone Santa , Chiappini Elena , Le Coeur Sophie , Ene Luminita , Galli Luisa , Giaquinto Carlo , Goetghebuer Tessa , Fortuny Claudia , Kanjanavanit Suparat , Marczynska Magda , Navarro Marisa , Naver Lars , Ngo-Giang-Huong Nicole , Plotnikova Yulia K. , Plynskey Aleksey A. , Ramos Jose Tomas , Raus Irina , Rozenberg Vladimir Y. , Samarina Anna V. , Schölvinck Elisabeth H. , Vasylenko Natalia , Volokha Alla , Collins Intira Jeannie , Goodall Ruth
Published: February 2025

Objectives:

To estimate the probability of long-term nonprogression (LTNP) in the absence of antiretroviral treatment (ART) in children with perinatally acquired HIV, and the impact of LTNP definitions on these estimates.

Design:

Analysis of longitudinal routine care data (follow-up to 2016) collected through a collaboration of cohorts of children in routine HIV care across Europe and Thailand.

Methods:

LTNP was defined as reaching age 8 years without disease progression (defined as an AIDS diagnosis or immunosuppression based on WHO immunosuppression-for-age thresholds, age-adjusted CD4+
z-scores or CD4+ counts). ART initiation was treated as a competing risk (children initiating ART before age 8 were not considered to have LTNP). We included children born domestically in six national HIV cohorts (n = 2481). Additional analyses included domestic-born children enrolled in national cohorts in infancy (aged <12 months, n = 1144, six cohorts), or all domestic-born children in national and nonnational cohorts (n = 4542, 18 cohorts). Results were stratified by birth year.

Results:

Among children born domestically in national cohorts in 2004–2007, the probability [95% confidence interval (CI)] of LTNP at age 8 years was 10% (6–15%) based on WHO immunosuppression-for-age criteria. This was lower for children born earlier when ART use was less frequent. Results were similar using other immunosuppression thresholds. Estimates were lower when restricted to domestic-born children in national cohorts enrolled in infancy, and higher when including all domestic-born children.

Conclusion:

Up to 10% of children born during 2004–2007 had LTNP at age 8. Our findings may help identify participants with LTNP for research into posttreatment control and HIV cure.
Cost-effectiveness of long-acting injectable cabotegravir-rilpivirine as HIV treatment per virally-suppressed persons in a San Francisco clinic: an intermediary outcome analysis
Authors: Marseille Elliot , Walker Ryan S. , Hickey Matthew D. , Grochowski Janet , Mayorga-Munoz Francis , Oskarsson Jon , Imbert Elizabeth , Shiels Mary , Szumowski John D. , Neilands Tor B. , Johnson Mallory O. , Gandhi Monica , Christopoulos Katerina A.
Published: February 2025

Background:

Long-acting injectable cabotegravir-rilpivirine (CAB/RPV-LA) is a promising treatment alternative for people with HIV (PWH) who face adherence challenges with oral antiretroviral therapy (ART). While its clinical efficacy is well-documented, cost-effectiveness data from real-world settings remain limited.

Objective:

To evaluate the incremental first-year cost and cost-effectiveness of CAB/RPV-LA versus standard of care (SoC) oral ART among PWH with adherence challenges, from the perspective of a healthcare payer.

Methods:

A cohort of 59 PWH initiating CAB/RPV-LA at Ward 86, a San Francisco-based clinic, was analyzed. Viral suppression (VS) rates and treatment costs were compared between CAB/RPV-LA and SoC ART. Cost-effectiveness was assessed using incremental cost per newly virally-suppressed PWH and net monetary benefit (NMB). Sensitivity analyses were performed to evaluate parameter uncertainty.

Results:

CAB/RPV-LA achieved a VS rate of 92%, compared to an estimated 15% with SoC ART. The estimated first-year cost of CAB/RPV-LA delivery was $67,041 per patient versus $50,668 for SoC. The incremental cost per newly virally-suppressed PWH was $21,264. CAB/RPV-LA is the most cost-effective option at any willingness-to-pay above this level. The NMB was $243,721 suggesting favorable cost-effectiveness. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of these results.

Conclusions:

Initiating CAB/RPV-LA for PWH with viremia suggests highly favorable cost-effectiveness. Results are sensitive to the costs of antiretroviral drugs, but not to variations in personnel costs or rates of viral suppression within plausible input ranges.
A Quantitative Framework for Evaluating the Performance of Algorithm-Directed Whole-Population Remote Patient Monitoring for Type 1 Diabetes Care
Authors: Kurtzig Jamie , Ferstad Johannes O , Dupenloup Paul , Zaharieva Dessi P , Maahs David M , Prahalad Priya , Johari Ramesh , Bishop Franziska K , Addala Ananta , Scheinker David
Published: February 2025

Clinics continue to adopt remote patient monitoring for type 1 diabetes (T1D) and care models shaped by algorithmic CGM data analysis. No clinic-facing quantitative framework currently exists to track the impact of such algorithm-directed care on patient outcomes and clinical workload. The Teamwork, Targets, Technology, and Tight Control (4T) Study provides precision, whole-population care enabled by algorithms that use continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) data to direct clinician attention to patients with deteriorating glucose management. We used data from the 4T Pilot (n=133) and 4T Study 1 (n=135), in which algorithms use CGM data to identify youth with T1D meeting criteria for clinical review and potential clinician contact. Through iterative data analysis and interviews with diabetes educators and clinicians, we identified metrics for reviewing and revising clinical workloads, glucose management, and timeliness of care. For each metric, we developed an interactive dashboard to provide clinical and administrative leaders with an overview of the program. The metrics to track clinical workload were the total number of youths: (1) in the program, (2) in each study, and (3) cared for by each clinician. The metrics to track glucose management were the number of youths meeting each criterion for review: (4) in total, (5) for each clinician, and (6) for each study. The metric to track timeliness of care was (7) the number of days since meeting criteria for clinical review. When presented at weekly program leadership meetings, the metrics facilitated data-driven decision making about clinical and operational components of the program. We propose a novel quantitative framework for diabetes care teams to supervise and enhance algorithm-directed whole-population T1D care. As the role of algorithms grows in directing clinical effort and prioritizing patients for care, this framework may help clinics track clinical workload, patient outcomes, and the timeliness of care.
Reconstructing life history of the 18thcentury priest from Prozorje, Croatia: bioarchaeological and biochemical approaches
Authors: Kokotović T. , Carić M. , Stingl S. , Novak M. , Belaj J.
Published: February 2025

The study presents a case of the adult male individual dated to the Early Modern Period buried at the church of St. Martin at Prozorje in Croatia. Based on the burial characteristic, the individual is presumed to be a member of the clergy. Using stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis of the dentine increments from the second permanent mandibular molar (Man 2) of the individual, this study aims to identify dietary changes during the juvenile years of the individual in order to reconstruct the timing of his admission into the seminary. Meanδ13C andδ15N values indicate mixed C3 and C4 terrestrial based diet with the visible animal protein intake. Results of the incremental dentine analysis provide more detailed information. The possible end of the weaning period is identified, followed by the diet based on C4 resources with low animal protein intake with periods of physiological stress during his early childhood. By the end of the observed period, significant dietary change is recorded characterised by the high animal protein intake and consumption of less C4 resources. According to the historical resources, this corresponds with the timing clergy cadets usually entered the seminary with the dietary regiment consisting of daily intake of meat or fish dishes accompanied by variety of fruit and vegetables (C3 resources). This is the first such study conducted in this part of Europe and it significantly contributes to our knowledge of dietary practices and certain social customs in Early Modern Period Croatia.
SiR-XActin: A fluorescent probe for imaging actin dynamics in live cells
Authors: Nasufovic Veselin , Kompa Julian , Lindamood Halli L. , Blümke Merle , Koch Birgit , Le-vario-Diaz Victoria , Weber Katharina , Maager Marlene , Cavalcanti-Adam Elisabetta Ada , Vitriol Eric A. , Arndt Hans-Dieter , Johnsson Kai
Published: February 2025

Imaging actin-dependent processes in live cells is important for understanding numerous biological processes. However, currently used natural-product based fluorescent probes for actin filaments affect the dynamics of actin polymerization and can induce undesired cellular phenotypes. Here, we introduce SiR-XActin, a simplified jasplakinolide-based, far-red fluorescent probe that enables bright and photostable staining in various cell types without requiring genetic modifications. Due to its relatively weak binding affinity, the probe exhibits minimal cytotoxicity and labels actin filaments without significantly altering actin dynamics. Furthermore, SiR-XActin is suitable for time-resolved, live-cell super-resolution STED microscopy. Exchanging the SiR fluorophore in SiR-XActin for other fluorophores yields probes in different colors. All these properties make SiR-XActin and its analogs powerful tools for studying actin dynamics using live-cell fluorescence microscopy.
Common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) excel in a one-trial spatial memory test, yet perform poorly in a classical memory task
Authors: Sehner Sandro , Mobili Flávia , Willems Erik P. , Burkart Judith
Published: February 2025

When quantifying animal cognition, memory represents one of the most tested domains and is key to understanding cognitive evolution. Memory tests thus play an important role in comparative cognitive research, yet slight variations in the experimental settings can substantially change the outcome, questioning whether different memory tests tap into different memory systems or whether they test memory at all. Here, we first assessed memory performance of 16 common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) in two distinct paradigms varying in their format and delay. First, we examined marmoset memory in a 24-hour delay memory test (24h-DMT) in which they could freely explore an environment with three novel objects of which one contained food. We examined their retention the day after, and the procedure was iterated cumulatively with previous objects remaining in the enclosure until the marmosets had to choose the correct out of 30 objects. Second, we administered a classical delayed response test (DRT) in the same animals with three objects and a maximum delay of 30 seconds. In the DRT, marmoset performance was poor and not better than chance after 15 seconds already. However, individuals excelled in the 24h-DMT, performing above chance level after 24h even with tenfold the number of objects to choose from compared to the DRT. Moreover, individual performances in the two tests were not correlated, and typical age effects on memory could not be detected in both experiments. Together, these results suggest that the two tests explore different domains, and that the 24h-DMT examines long-term memory. The outcome of the DRT is more difficult to assign to memory since individuals performed only moderately even in the 0-second delay condition. This puts into question whether this task design indeed tests memory or other cognitive processes.
Heterologous production, purification and crystallization of 24C-sterol methyltransferase fromCandida albicans
Authors: Mpontshane Nokwanda S. , Fairhead Michael , Opperman Diederik J. , Hart Rodney , van Breda Valmary , von Delft Frank , Koekemoer Lizbé , Tolmie Carmien
Published: February 2025

Candida albicansis a critical priority fungal pathogen causing invasive fungal infections with high mortality rates in immunocompromised patients. The increasing fungal infection rate and resistance of fungal pathogens to existing antifungal treatments have emphasized the need for the development of novel antifungal medicine. The ergosterol biosynthesis pathway has been a successful target for antifungal compounds, but many enzymatic steps remain unexplored. 24C-sterol methyltransferase (24C-SMT) catalyzes a critical fungal-specific step in ergosterol biosynthesis. When 24C-SMT is disrupted, fungal pathogens are sensitized to temperature, various inhibitors, and antifungals, and a loss of virulence can be observed. In this study, five 24C-SMT variants with different lengths of N-termini were heterologously produced inEscherichia coliand three were purified to near-homogeneity with immobilized metal-affinity and size-exclusion chromatography. N-terminally truncatedC. albicans24C-SMT was utilized for crystallization trials due to its increased stability and higher purity compared to the full-length protein. 24C-SMT crystals were obtained in the presence of Sadenosyl-homocysteine, but diffracted to low resolution. Therefore, we established a starting point for 24C-SMT crystallization by providing an optimized protocol for heterologous 24C-SMT production, purification and initial crystallization conditions, which could be used for further downstream crystallographic studies.
Increased maize chromosome number by engineered chromosome fission
Authors: Zeng Yibing , Wang Mingyu , Gent Jonathan Isaiah , Dawe R. Kelly
Published: February 2025

Activation of synthetic centromeres on chromosome 4 in maize leads to its breakage and formation of trisomic fragments called neochromosomes. A limitation of neochromosomes is their low and unpredictable transmission rates due to trisomy. Here we report that selecting for dicentric recombinants through male crosses uncovers stabilized chromosome 4 fission events which split it into 4a-4b complementary chromosome pairs, where 4a carries a native centromere and 4b a synthetic one. The cells rapidly stabilized chromosome ends by de novo telomere formation and the new centromeres spread among genes without altering their expression. When both 4a and 4b chromosomes were present in a homozygous state, they segregated through meiosis indistinguishably from wild-type, and gave rise to healthy plants with normal seed set. This work leverages synthetic centromeres to engineer chromosome fission, effectively raising the diploid chromosome number of maize from 20 to 22.
Experiments on buoyancy-driven instability ahead of a dissolution front in a porous rock
Authors: Clarke Sam , Harrington Jon , Norris Simon , Woods Andy
Published: February 2025

Fluid-rock reactions are of great interest in many engineered geological storage and disposal systems where the long term integrity of the system is key, and where fluid seepage through a permeable rock may lead to reaction and convective transport of material through the formation. If an unsaturated fluid displaces formation fluid in equilibrium with a reactive porous medium, a reaction front develops, across which the invading fluid becomes saturated with the soluble matrix material. Depending on the composition of the invading fluid, it may initially be less dense than the formation fluid, but following reaction it may become denser than the formation fluid. If the invading fluid displaces the formation fluid downwards through the porous layer, the reaction front may then be stabilized by buoyancy, but a Rayleigh-Taylor type instability can develop at the interface between the reacted fluid and the original formation fluid ahead of the reaction front. We present a series of new analog experiments of this process by injecting aqueous sugar solutions into a porous layer containing saturated salt solution, salt powder, and glass ballotini. As an analog of a reaction front, a dissolution front develops as the aqueous sugar solution dissolves the salt powder and becomes denser than the saturated salt solution. The buoyancy instability then leads to a growing finger interface. If the buoyancy speed of the fluid, uB, is smaller than uF−uR, where the speed of the advancing fluid-fluid front is uF and the speed of the dissolution front is uR then the instability grows as if the system were unconfined. However, if uB>uF−uR, then the supply of fluid at the dissolution front limits the growth of the instability. We present an idealised model for the speed of the non-linear buoyancy-driven fingers, and we consider the implications of our results for the long term integrity of a number of geological storage systems.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Optical Superlattice for Engineering Hubbard Couplings in Quantum Simulation
Authors: Chalopin Thomas , Bojović Petar , Bourgund Dominik , Wang Si , Franz Titus , Bloch Immanuel , Hilker Timon
Published: February 2025

Quantum simulations of Hubbard models with ultracold atoms rely on the exceptional control of coherent motion provided by optical lattices. Here we demonstrate enhanced tunability using an optical superlattice in a fermionic quantum gas microscope, evidenced by long-lived coherent double-well oscillations, next-nearest-neighbor quantum walks in a staggered configuration, and correlated quantum walks of two particles initiated through a resonant pair-breaking mechanism. We furthermore demonstrate tunable spin couplings through local offsets and engineer a spin ladder with ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic couplings along the rungs and legs, respectively. Our Letter underscores the high potential of optical superlattices for engineering, simulating, and detecting strongly correlated many-body quantum states, with direct applications ranging from the study of mixed-dimensional systems to fermionic quantum computing.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Is CEO servant leadership key for hotels to be entrepreneurial? The mediation of internal social capital across family and non-family firms
Authors: Linuesa-Langreo Jorge , Ruiz-Palomino Pablo , Jiménez-Estévez Pedro
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Entrepreneurial orientation is critical to staying ahead in the current competitive hospitality industry. Drawing on the theories of social capital, socioemotional wealth and upper echelons, this study aims to highlight the mechanisms through which CEO servant leadership enhances entrepreneurial orientation. Moreover, this paper examines (1) the mediating role of internal social capital in the CEO servant leadership–entrepreneurial orientation relationship and (2) the moderating role of family and non-family firms.

Design/methodology/approach

Our hospitality industry sample frame was based on several databases (SABI, Camerdata, INE). Large and medium-sized hotels with more than 30 employees in the Canary and Balearic Islands (Spain) were targeted. After eliminating duplicate cases and entities no longer in business, 597 hotels remained. Complete information was obtained for 176 hotels. To test our hypotheses, structural equation modeling based on partial least squares (PLS) and Smart PLS 4 was used.

Findings

Our results revealed that CEO servant leadership was positive for entrepreneurial orientation, mediated by internal social capital through its three dimensions: structural, relational and cognitive. In addition, the results also showed that the relationships observed were generally stronger in family firms than in non-family firms.

Practical implications

Our study shows that CEOs of family and non-family firms can improve the practice of servant leadership through implementing appropriate management selection and training policies.

Originality/value

Our findings advance the servant leadership literature, currently dominated by individual- and group-level research, by providing empirical evidence that CEO servant leadership has a positive impact on firm-level variables (internal social capital and entrepreneurial orientation). In addition, using multigroup analysis, we are able to study the moderating role of family and non-family firms.
Narrative Diaries in Paediatric Palliative Care: A Scoping Review
Authors: Marinetto Anna , Carraro Caterina , Santini Anna , Lazzarin Pierina , Benini Franca , Zanin Anna
Published: February 2025

Aim

The aim of the study was to offer a comprehensive overview about literature on narrative diaries in paediatric palliative care.

Methods

A scoping review was conducted in accordance with the methods of Arksey and O'Malley.

Results

Among 83 studies, nine met the inclusion criteria. In the majority of publications (six research, 66%), the principal objective of employing diaries was to examine the disease experiences of children from the familial viewpoint. Three studies were focused on the feasibility of the diary to get information enhancing the understanding of real‐life experiences of patients.

The most common diarists are parents (five studies, 55%), followed by young patients (two studies, 22%) and close relatives (one study, 11%). The most common type of diary is the paper diary (seven studies, 77%). App‐diary and audio recorders are also reported.

Conclusion

Current literature has demonstrated a limited use of diaries in paediatric palliative care. They could represent a valid tool that can enable healthcare providers an enhanced understanding of the child and family's experiences and needs comprehensively.