bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trajectory equations of interaction and evolution behaviors of a novel multi-soliton to a (2+1)-dimensional shallow water wave model
Authors: Tan Xi-Yu , Tan Wei
Published: January 2025

Based on a new bilinear equation, we investigated some new dynamic behaviors of the (2+1)- dimensional shallow water wave model, such as hybridization behavior between different solitons, trajectory equations for lump collisions, and evolution behavior of multi-breathers. Firstly, the N-soliton solution of Ito equation is studied, and some high-order breather waves can be obtained from the N-soliton solutions through pairedcomplexification of parameters. Secondly, the high-order lump solutions and the hybrid solutions are obtained by employing the long wave limit method, and the motion velocity and trajectory equations of high-order lump waves are analyzed. Moreover, based on the trajectory equations of the higher-order lump solutions, we give and prove the trajectory theorem of 1-lump before and after interaction with n-soliton. Finally, we obtained some new lump solutions from the multi-solitons by constructing a new test function and using the parameter limit method. Meanwhile, some evolutionary behaviors of the obtained solutions are shown through a large number of three-dimensional graphs with different and appropriate parameters.
Impact of chaotic semiconductor laser output power on the time-delay-signature of chaos and random bit generation
Authors: Xue Chenpeng , Xu Wang , Zheng Likai , Zhang Haoyu , Hong Yanhua , Zhang Zuxing
Published: January 2025

We experimentally analyze the effect of the optical power on the time delay signature identification and the random bit generation in chaotic semiconductor laser with optical feedback. Due to the inevitable noise during the photoelectric detection and analog-digital conversion, the varying of output optical power would change the signal to noise ratio, then impact time delay signature identification and the random bit generation. Our results show that, when the optical power is less than -14 dBm, with the decreasing of the optical power, the actual identified time delay signature degrades and the entropy of the chaotic signal increases. Moreover, the extracted random bit sequence with lower optical power is more easily pass through the randomness testing.
A compact furnace for in-situ studies on high-temperature reactivity of coke using synchrotron radiation SAXS
Authors: Li Xia , Huang Weifeng , Ji Xiaolan , Liu Jiahao , Wu Haijuan , Kong Jiao , Wang Meijun , Chen Jiangang , Li Dongfeng , Li Zhihong
Published: January 2025

The study of coke reactivity under high temperature
conditions is crucial for understanding its behavior in industrial
processes. This study presents a novel compact heating furnace,
developed for in-situ synchrotron small-angle X-ray scattering
(SAXS) studies on the high-temperature reactivity of coke. The
furnace achieves temperatures up to 1400∘C at a heating
rate of 12∘C/min and enables steam introduction, simulating
industrial conditions. Combination of the furnace with the in-situ
SAXS setup at synchrotron radiation facilities facilitates real-time
monitoring of structural changes at nanoscale in coke under various
temperature and atmospheric conditions. This advancement offers a
robust experimental platform for studying coke reactivity, with
potential benefits for optimizing industrial processes and reducing
environmental impact.
A Strategy for Bonding Bounded Disciplines
Authors: Fischhoff Baruch
Published: January 2025

Applying disciplinary science to discipline-spanning problems faces three challenges. Staffing: Are people with the requisite expertise involved? Internal consultation: Are those disciplinary experts communicating effectively with one another? External consultation: Are those disciplinary experts communicating effectively with those they hope to serve? The chapter proposes a strategy for bonding bounded disciplines that addresses these challenges. It is organized around three graphic representations drawn from management science. For staffing, an influence diagram specifies which forms of expertise are needed. For internal consultation, a network diagram specifies which experts should be communicating with one another and how their work should be coordinated. For external communication, a process diagram provides a template for proactive, ongoing two-way communication.
The “Executive” Model
Authors: Carithers Kirsten
Published: January 2025

“The Executive Model: Composers as Bosses” presents the first of the author’s five models of the theory of Interpretive Labor. Here, experimental composers are theorized as analogous to corporate business executives: they manage big-picture ideas and rely on others for the mundane “grunt work.” This account draws on the concepts of realization and translation to understand the work involved in preparing and performing some of the most vexing works of the avant-garde, including works by Karlheinz Stockhausen and Johannes Kreidler. Historical performances are examined through archival sources. The author argues that some composers have effectively outsourced the work of making performable versions of their music.
The “Gamer” Model
Authors: Carithers Kirsten
Published: January 2025

“The Gamer Model: Games, Play, and Other Ludic Experiments” presents the fifth and final model of the author’s theory of Interpretive Labor. It connects the history of experimentalism to ludomusicology, a relatively new subfield that considers connections between music and (digital) gaming. The Gamer Model considers ways user-generated content (UGC) can hide its creators’ work, and discusses specific types of UGC, such as modifications (mods). UCG is demonstrated to be prevalent in experimental music, including in the practices of Fluxus and other members of the postwar avant-garde. The model further theorizes these game-like practices as a sharing economy, including unwanted sharing in some cases, and considers what happens when artists overshare. The chapter closes with a consideration of technological implications for musical gaming.
Uncertainty analysis and experimental validation of solar parabolic trough collector simulation model
Authors: Akello Philip O O , Saoke Churchil O , Kamau Joseph N , Ndeda Jared O H
Published: January 2025

The scope of this study is to present a novel methodology for the validation of a solar parabolic trough collector simulation model, developed in System Advisor Model software, using solar field thermal performance experimental model functions that duly account for the contributions of errors inherent in the collection of input experimental data. The study focuses on the uncertainty associated with the predicted thermal energy output and thermal efficiency, which were calculated using standardised testing procedures developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. Errors due to imperfections of the experimental models used through the test are also counted in, as well as uncertainties attributed to the variability of meteorological conditions. The experimental tests were conducted under clear-sky and steady-state conditions in Kenya, using a prototype parabolic trough collector. The uncertainty analysis provided a realistic evaluation of the prototype’s thermal performance during testing, resulting in expanded uncertainties of 9.05% (0.104 kWhth) for thermal output and 3.66% (0.0258) for thermal efficiency. Notably, the predicted thermal output and thermal efficiency from the experimental models did not exceed observed levels, demonstrating a strong correlation between predicted and observed values, supported by R2 regression coefficients of 0.972 for thermal output and 0.989 for thermal efficiency. The comparison of the two experimental model results with the simulation outcomes validated the simulation model’s performance, as the simulation results fell within the experimental error margins. Additionally, the statistical analysis yielded significant results, with root mean square error, mean bias error, and t-statistics values for thermal energy output being 0.057, 0.033, and 2.135, respectively, and for thermal efficiency, 0.018, 0.010, and 1.993, respectively, indicating the accuracy and reliability of the simulation model. Thus, the simulation model has been successfully validated, proving its capability to accurately predict the thermal output and efficiency of the parabolic trough collector.
Efficacy of Deucravacitinib and Guselkumab in a Psoriasis Patient with Multiple Biologic Failures: A Case Report
Authors: Lovell Katie K , Daniel Sophia , McGrath Lauren , Feldman Steven R
Published: January 2025

This case highlights the successful use of combination therapy in a 69-year-old patient with recalcitrant psoriasis, achieving clinically significant improvement with deucravacitinib and guselkumab after multiple biologic failures. Deucravacitinib’s selective TYK2 inhibition, combined with guselkumab’s IL-23 blockade, may have provided enhanced suppression of the Th17 inflammatory pathway. Further research is needed to define the efficacy and tolerance of such combination regimens in severe, difficult-to-treat psoriasis cases.
Feature refinement and attention enhancement for click-through rate prediction
Authors: Li Sumin , Xie Zhen , Pan Xiuqin
Published: January 2025

Click-through rate (CTR) prediction has become a crucial task in online advertising and other fields. Many researchers focus on improving CTR prediction models by exploring feature interactions. One popular model, Deep Factorization Machine (DeepFM), addresses both high-order and low-order feature interactions, but it overlooks the variability of feature representation in different contexts and lacks a comprehensive explanation of high-order feature interactions. In this paper, we propose a CTR prediction model called DeepFM-GA, which is based on improved feature refinement generation and attention enhancement representation. Firstly, we incorporate an attention convolutional generation module into $\text{DeepFM}_{\text{FRNet}}$, which enriches the feature space by generating complementary features through convolutional neural networks while maintaining context-aware feature representation. Secondly, we utilize a multi-head self-attention layer for feature-enhanced representation, enhancing the model’s ability to select important features. Finally, experiments are conducted on four real-world datasets, and the results show that DeepFM-GA has a better performance compared to other mainstream CTR models.
Arachidonic acid synergizes with aspirin preventing myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury and mitigates bleeding risk
Authors: Talabieke Shaletanati , Yang Xuejian , Yang Jianfeng , Wan Qing , Zhu Dekun , Rao Haojie , Wu Yifei , Chen Zengrong , Li Huihui , Xu Pengfei , Chen Hong , Liu De-Pei , Zhang Xu , FitzGerald Garret A , Wang Miao
Published: January 2025

Aims

The therapeutic efficacy of coronary revascularization is compromised by myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (MI/R) injury. Higher levels of circulating arachidonic acid (AA) are reportedly associated with lower risk of cardiovascular disease. The cyclooxygenase (COX) pathway metabolizes AA into prostaglandins (PGs) and the platelet-activating thromboxane A2 (TXA2), which is inhibited by aspirin. We aimed to explore whether AA or its combination with aspirin modulates MI/R injury and aspirin-caused gastric bleeding.

Methods and results

Mice were subjected to 30min coronary artery ligation followed by reperfusion. AA reduced MI/R injury in mice, and its combination with aspirin provided further cardioprotection. Aspirin inhibited MI/R-triggered platelet activation and ameliorated microvascular obstruction immediately upon reperfusion, whereas AA improved microvascular perfusion at a later stage of reperfusion, coinciding with increased coronary vasodilatation. Co-administration of AA and aspirin markedly reduced cardiac neutrophil infiltration and vascular permeability and improved microcirculation. AA increased urinary metabolites of PGI2 and PGE2, not TXA2, and this selective augmentation was further enhanced by co-treatment with aspirin. Elevation in PGI2 and PGE2 correlated with reduced infarction and improved ventricular function, and inhibiting COX-2 attenuated the synergistic cadioprotection. Furthermore, oral administration of AA with aspirin after reperfusion provided a maximal cardioprotection and abolished aspirin-caused gastric bleeding.

Conclusion

AA synergizes with aspirin in protecting against MI/R injury, while minimizing the related bleeding risk, a major concern for patients with acute myocardial infarction. This is attributable to the selective augmentation of PGI2 and PGE2 that is amplified by TXA2 suppression by aspirin, underscoring improved microcirculation and ameliorated inflammation.
Contrasting diversity patterns between microeukaryotic and prokaryotic communities in the cold-seep sediments
Authors: Xu Zhimeng , Chen Jiawei , Liang Wenzhao , Chen Zhao Liang , Wu Wenxue , Xia Xiaomin , Chen Bingzhang , He Ding , Liu Hongbin
Published: January 2025

Cold seeps are hotspots of biodiversity. However, the quantification of the microbial diversity, particularly that of microeukaryotes, remains scarce and little is known about the active groups. Here we investigated the diversity and activity of prokaryotes and microeukaryotes in the Haima cold seep sediments in northern South China Sea using both DNA (whole community) and RNA (active community) signatures. We found that, in general, prokaryotes had lower diversity in the seep sediment than in non-seep regions while microeukaryotes showed the opposite pattern. This could be explained by the dominance of homogeneous selection in the prokaryotic community while microeukaryotic communities were less affected by environmental selection, harboring high richness of abundant groups in the seep regions. Compositional difference between DNA and RNA communities was much larger in microeukaryotes than prokaryotes, which could be reflected by the large number of inactive microeukaryotic taxa. Compared to whole community, the seep-active groups, e.g., Breviatea, Labyrinthulomycetes and Apicomplexa in microeukaryotes, were more sensitive to and directly influenced by environmental factors, suggesting their pivotal roles in ecosystem biodiversity and functions. This study provides insight into the distinct diversity patterns and regulating mechanisms between prokaryotic and microeukaryotic communities in cold-seep sediments, deepening our understanding of microbial ecology in deep-sea extreme habitats.
Medium and Managerial Expertise: Orthogonal Drawing and Advertising in T.M. Cleland’s The New Cadillac (1928)
Authors: Golec Michael J
Published: January 2025

In the first few decades of the twentieth century, mechanical drawing systems were utilized for advertising and marketing campaigns. This article examines an unremarked on episode of this early history: T.M. Cleland’s illustrations for The Book of Locomobile (1917) and The New Cadillac (1928), a booklet that appeared as an advertising supplement in Scribner’s and the Saturday Evening Post. The examples of advertising design addressed in this article are notable for the designer’s intentional integration of technical knowledge and visual practices of his audience, which was mostly made up of engineers and a growing managerial class. Designing with his audience’s technical and visual acuities as his medium, Cleland’s advertising illustrations took a mechanical ideal and transcribed it into a mercantile ideal that brought a technically informed audience into close harmony with a commercially created order. Importantly, this article contributes to the literature on the history of advertising design by introducing the concept of a beholder’s “skillful interpretation” to investigate an order of technically inflected perception within the context of advertising’s commercialization of attention.
Spatial effect detection regression for large-scale spatio-temporal covariates
Authors: Zhang Chenlin , Zhou Ling , Guo Bin , Lin Huazhen
Published: January 2025

We develop a Spatial Effect Detection Regression (SEDR) model to capture the nonlinear and irregular effects of high-dimensional spatio-temporal predictors on a scalar outcome. Specifically, we assume that both the component and the coefficient functions in the SEDR are unknown smooth functions of location and time. This allows us to leverage spatially and temporally correlated information, transforming the curse of dimensionality into a blessing, as confirmed by our theoretical and numerical results. Moreover, we introduce a set of 0–1 regression coefficients to automatically identify the boundaries of the spatial effect, implemented via a novel penalty. A simple iterative algorithm, with explicit forms at each update step, is developed, and we demonstrate that it converges from the initial values given in the paper. Furthermore, we establish the convergence rate and selection consistency of the proposed estimator under various scenarios involving dimensionality and the effect space. Through simulation studies, we thoroughly evaluate the superior performance of our method in terms of bias and empirical efficiency. Finally, we apply the method to analyse and forecast data from environmental monitoring and Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative study, revealing interesting findings and achieving smaller out-of-sample prediction errors compared to existing methods.
Synthesizing Surveys with Multiple Units of Observation: An Application to the Longitudinal Aging Study in India
Authors: Snoke Joshua , Meijer Erik , Phillips Drystan , Wilkens Jenny , Lee Jinkook
Published: January 2025

We present methodology for creating synthetic data and an application to create a publicly releasable synthetic version of the Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI). The LASI, a health and retirement survey, is used for research and educational purposes, but it can only be shared under restricted access due to privacy considerations. We present novel methods to synthesize the survey, maintaining three nested levels of observation—individuals, couples, and households—with both continuous and categorical variables and survey weights. We show that the synthetic data maintains the distributional patterns of the confidential data and largely mitigates identification and attribute disclosure risk. We also present a novel method for controlling the risk and utility tradeoff for the synthetic data that take into account the survey sampling rates. Specifically, we down-weight records that have a high likelihood of being uniquely identifiable in the population due to unique demographic information and oversampling. We show this approach reduces both identification and attribute risk for records while preserving better utility over another common approach of coarsening records. Our methods and evaluations provide a foundation for creating a synthetic version of surveys with multiple units of observation, such as the LASI.
Role of dehydrated human amnion/chorion membrane in enhancing functional outcomes after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yang Yun-Jung , Kim Taehyen , Yang Eun-Jung , Choi Se Young
Published: January 2025

Background

Dehydrated human amnion/chorion membrane (dHACM) has shown potential in enhancing neurovascular recovery and functional outcomes in robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP).

Aim

To evaluate the effects of dHACM on continence recovery, sexual function, and oncological outcomes in patients undergoing RARP.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following PRISMA guidelines, analyzing data from PubMed, Cochrane, and EMBASE. Six retrospective studies comparing RARP with and without dHACM were included. Odds ratios (OR) and standardized mean differences (SMD) were calculated using a random-effects model.

Outcomes

The primary outcomes were continence and potency recovery, and secondary outcomes included biochemical recurrence (BCR).

Results

The meta-analysis included 4072 patients (1699 experimental and 2373 control). dHACM significantly improved early continence recovery (SMD 1.78, 95% CI 1.26–2.34) at <3, 3, and 6 months postoperatively (OR 1.95, 95% CI 1.13–3.36; OR 2.17, 95% CI 1.52–3.09; and OR 1.70, 95% CI 1.10–2.63, respectively). Time to potency recovery was shorter (SMD –0.55, 95% CI –0.67 to –0.43), with significant improvements at <3, 3, 6, and 9 months (OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.25–2.23; OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.06–1.53; OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.15–1.72; and OR 1.51, 95% CI 1.16–1.97, respectively). There were no significant differences in BCR (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.54–1.35).

Clinical Implications

dHACM offers potential as an adjunct to enhance functional recovery following RARP without compromising oncologic safety, but further high-quality studies are needed.

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths include a comprehensive analysis of early functional outcomes and low heterogeneity in early potency and continence data. Limitations include reliance on retrospective studies and lack of randomized controlled trials.

Conclusion

dHACM may accelerate continence and sexual function recovery in early period after RARP while maintaining oncological outcomes, but further randomized studies are necessary to confirm these findings.
A cross-sectional study characterizing the prevalence of utility service outages across demographic characteristics and health correlates in New York City
Authors: Do Vivian , Yuan Ariel , Lane Kathryn , Mantey Lauren Smalls , Siegel Eva , Olson Carolyn , Daouda Misbath , Casey Joan A. , Hernández Diana
Published: January 2025

Background:

Utility services for electricity, gas, heat, and hot water are necessities for everyday activities (e.g., lighting, cooking, and thermal safety). Utility outages can threaten health; however, information is limited on the prevalence of electricity, gas, heat, and hot water outages in representative studies. We characterized infrastructure-related electricity, gas, heat, and hot water outages in New York City (NYC) and within subgroups.

Methods:

Using a representative 2022 survey of NYC adults (18+), we assessed the prevalence for 6+ hour utility outages and compared across building, demographic, and health subgroups. Building characteristics included age, number of floors, rental type, and owner/rental status. Demographics included household poverty, neighborhood poverty, and race/ethnicity. For health, we focused on cognitive impairment, electricity-dependent medical equipment use, and mental health conditions.

Results:

Outages impacted 20% of NYC residents. Heat outages were nearly 3× and 2× more common in mid-rise and high-rise buildings respectively, vs. low-rise buildings. Similarly, hot water outages were 5× and over 6× more prevalent in mid-rise and high-rise residences. Renters faced 2× more heat and hot water outages compared with owners. Compared with low-poverty households, high-poverty households faced 2× more hot water outages. Residents with mental health conditions experienced more electricity (11% vs. 5%), heat (15% vs. 7%), and hot water (16% vs. 8%) outages compared with those without.

Conclusions:

NYC utility outage prevalence varied by type with heat and hot water being most common. Disparities across building, sociodemographic, and health characteristics were also larger and more frequent for heat and hot water outages.
Dexamethasone Intravitreal Injection in Diabetic Patients Undergoing Cataract Surgery: an updated literature review
Authors: Meduri Alessandro , De Luca Laura , Oliverio Giovanni William , Mancini Maura , Minutoli Letteria , Silvagno Francesca , Bergandi Loredana , Aragona Pasquale
Published: January 2025

Purpose:

This literature review synthetizes current evidence on the timing and efficacy of dexamethasone intravitreal injections for diabetic macular edema (DME) in patients undergoing cataract surgery, particularly phacoemulsification, to determine the optimal timing for improved outcome.

Methods:

A systematic review of the literature was conducted across key databases to identify peer-reviewed studies, clinical trials, and meta-analyses addressing dexamethasone injections administered pre-, intra-, and post-operatively for DME in the context of cataract surgery. Studies were selected based on relevance to timing, visual outcomes, and inflammation control, with a focus on comparative efficacy.

Results:

The findings suggest that timely dexamethasone injections can substantially reduce inflammation and enhance visual recovery for patients with DME undergoing cataract surgery. Studies indicate that preoperative injections may effectively dampen the inflammatory response triggered by surgical trauma, potentially preserving retinal integrity, while intraoperative and postoperative administrations contribute to sustained anti-inflammatory effects during the recovery phase. Comparative studies also highlight dexamethasone’s advantages over other anti-inflammatory treatments, such as NSAIDs, particularly in preventing cystoid macular edema. Notably, there was considerable variation in dosage and timing across studies, underscoring the need for standardized treatment protocols.

Conclusions:

Dexamethasone intravitreal injections offer a valuable intervention for managing DME in diabetic patients undergoing cataract surgery, with optimal timing playing a crucial role in maximizing therapeutic benefits. Preoperative injections appear to be particularly beneficial in reducing the risk of postoperative inflammatory complications. Further research should focus on developing comprehensive guidelines for timing and dosage to standardize treatment and improve patient outcomes in this high-risk population.
Performance of baseline quartile-stratified minimal clinically important difference estimates was superior to individual minimal clinically important difference estimates when compared with a gold standard comparator of important change
Authors: Riddle Daniel L. , Dumenci Levent
Published: January 2025

A variety of minimal clinically important difference (MCID) estimates are available to distinguish subgroups with differing outcomes. When a true gold standard is absent, latent class growth curve analysis (LCGC) has been proposed as a suitable alternative for important change. Our purpose was to evaluate the performance of individual and baseline quartile-stratified MCIDs. The current study included data from 346 persons with baseline and 12-month postoperative outcome data from KASTPain, a no-effect randomized clinical trial conducted on persons with knee arthroplasty and pain catastrophizing. Subgroup trajectories from LCGC were used as a gold standard comparator. Minimal clinically important difference–specific trajectories of recovery were calculated for the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) Pain, Disability and EuroQol-5 Dimension Visual Analogue Scale of self-reported health. The latent Kappa (K
l
) chance-corrected agreement between MCIDs and LCGCs were estimated to indicate which MCID method was best at detecting important change. For all 3 outcomes, the average latent class probabilities ranged from 0.90 to 0.99, justifying the use of LCGCs as a gold standard. The K
l
for LCGC and individual MCIDs ranged from 0.21 (95% CI = 0.13, 0.28) to 0.52 (95% CI = 0.41, 0.66). Baseline quartile-stratified K
l
for WOMAC Pain and Disability were 0.85 (95% CI = 0.78, 0.92) and 0.74 (95% CI = 0.68, 0.83), respectively. Classification errors in individual MCID estimates most likely result from ceiling effects. Minimal clinically important differences calculated for each baseline quartile are superior to individually calculated MCIDs and should be used when latent class methods are not available. Use of individual MCIDs likely contribute substantial error and are discouraged for clinical application.
Molecular and cellular targets of GABAergic anesthetics in the mesopontine tegmentum that enable pain-free surgery
Authors: Baron Mark , Vaso Kristina , Ibraheem Angham , Minert Anne , Devor Marshall
Published: January 2025

The mesopontine tegmental anesthesia area (MPTA) is a focal brainstem locus which, when exposed to GABAergic agents, induces brain-state transitioning from wakefulness to unconsciousness. Correspondingly, MPTA lesions render animals relatively insensitive to GABAergic anesthetics delivered systemically. Using chemogenetics, we recently identified a neuronal subpopulation within the MPTA whose excitation induces this same pro-anesthetic effect. However, very few of these “effector-neurons” express synaptic γ
2-containing GABAA receptor isoforms and none express extrasynaptic δ-subunit containing receptors, suggesting that they are not the direct cellular target of GABAergic agents. Here we used pharmacological tools in rats to define the molecular target(s) of GABAergics in the MPTA. GABA microinjected into the MPTA at nanomolar concentrations, selective for GABAA
δ-Rs, proved to be pro-anesthetic as was blocking GABA reuptake. Likewise, low-concentration gaboxadol/THIP, also selective for GABAA
δ-Rs, was effective, whereas benzodiazepines and zolpidem, which selectively target GABAA
γ
2-Rs, were not. The GABAergic anesthetics pentobarbital and propofol proved pro-anesthetic when applied to the MPTA at the low concentrations present in the brain after systemic dosing. Glycinergic agonists which are inhibitory, but infective on GABAA
δ-Rs, and other non-GABAergic agonists tested, were at most only marginally effective. We conclude that GABAA
δ-Rs are the primary molecular target of GABAergic anesthetics in the MPTA. Immunolabeling revealed that this GABAA-R isoform is expressed exclusively by a distinct subpopulation of MPTA “δ-cells” that reside in close apposition to effector neurons. This suggests that during wakefulness, δ-cells serve as inhibitory interneurons which, when silenced by GABAergic agents, disinhibit (excite) the effector-neurons, triggering transition to unconsciousness.
Updating an HIV Knowledge Questionnaire With Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Through Expert Opinions in the United States Using Delphi Methodology: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Min Se Hee , Kempf Mirjam-Colette , Johnson Amy Kristen , Wingood Gina , Klitzman Robert , Hughes Tonda L. , McDonald Victoria , Lee Corcoran Jessica , Dionne Jodie A. , Liu Jianfang , Schnall Rebecca
Published: January 2025

Our study was designed to update the HIV Knowledge Questionnaire by incorporating pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) knowledge questions, as previous HIV knowledge tools lack this focus. Four rounds of Delphi surveys were conducted with 47 expert participants, each with extensive HIV-related expertise (mean experience: 18.94 years). Expert participants rated item relevance on a scale of 0–3 and provided feedback. An item was removed if over 70% scored it two or less. The process continued until consensus was reached, defined as 80% of items scoring above two by more than 70% of expert participants, with no new suggestions. The final measure included 31 items covering general HIV knowledge, transmission modes, treatment, risk, and PrEP definitions, types, and dosages. Future research is essential to validate this tool for research and clinical settings, ensuring it accurately measures patients' diverse knowledge levels.
Can Multiple Sclerosis-Related Symptoms Determine Sleep Disorders?
Authors: Koçak Ayyüce Tuba , Uçar Ayşe , Arslan Selda , Uca Ali Ulvi
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND: Sleep disorders are common and various in persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). However, their assessment and management remain in the background compared with motor symptoms. This study was conducted to better understand sleep disorders in PwMS and to analyze sleep problems and their predictive symptoms. METHODS: This cross-sectional design study was conducted with 136 PwMS. Data were collected using a participant identification form, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Insomnia Severity Index, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and Stop-Bang Test. In data analysis, 1-way analysis of variance, t test and Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analysis were used. RESULTS: The study found that 51.5% of the participants have poor sleep quality, 36.8% have insomnia, 24.3% have excessive daytime sleepiness, and 19.9% were at risk of obstructive sleep apnea. Symptoms of forgetfulness (β = 0.199), depression (β = 0.223), pain (β = 0.278), and increased urinary frequency at night (β = 0.236) explain approximately 40% of the change in sleep quality score; difficulty swallowing (β = 0.218), depression (β = 0.253), and pain (β = 0.313) symptoms explain 33% of the change in insomnia score; fatigue (β = 0.292) and anxiety (β = 0.409) symptoms explain 32% of the change in sleepiness score. CONCLUSIONS: PwMS start to experience sleep disorders in the early stages of the disease, some characteristics affect sleep disorders, and the symptoms they experience explain sleep disorders at significant rates. Sleep disorders should be evaluated by nurses and interdisciplinary healthcare teams from the early stages of multiple sclerosis with different aspects and to include predictive symptoms in the interventions to be implemented to reduce sleep disorders.
Smooth Muscle Myosin Heavy Chain Expression in Nodal and Extranodal Follicular Dendritic Cell Sarcoma
Authors: Kelley Justin T. , Amoth Haley M. , Lopez-Hisijos Nicolas , Hrycaj Steven , Valdez Riccardo , Rottmann Douglas
Published: January 2025

Follicular dendritic cell sarcoma (FDCS) is a rare neoplasm requiring a high index of suspicion, especially on small biopsies. Smooth muscle myosin heavy chain (SMMHC) is a common immunohistochemical (IHC) stain that has been reported to mark normal nodal follicular dendritic cells (FDCs). We hypothesize that SMMHC can be a sensitive marker for FDCS and aim to compare its performance with established markers of FDCS. The archive of a large academic center was searched for cases of FDCS. Clinical features, including age, sex, and site at diagnosis, were reviewed. A hematoxylin and eosin-stained slide was evaluated to assess for morphology and presence of hyaline vascular Castleman disease. The established FDC markers CD21, CD23, fascin, clusterin, and D2-40 were reviewed and compared with SMMHC for all cases. The staining pattern was classified as positive (strong or weak) or negative. Seven unique cases of nodal and extranodal FDCS were collected. SMMHC was positive in most cases (n=5) and performed similarly to established FDC markers, including clusterin, CD21, and CD23 (n=7 each), and fascin and D2-40 (n=4 each). SMMHC was also negative in all 14 examined cases among 5 common differential diagnoses. We demonstrate that the common IHC marker SMMHC has high specificity and similar sensitivity as established FDC markers in nodal and extranodal FDCS, and is useful in the evaluation of common neoplastic mimics.
Clinicopathological Characteristics and Long-Term Outcomes of Cystic vs. Solid Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors
Authors: Ventin Marco , Arya Shahrzad , Cattaneo Giulia , Fernandez-del Castillo Carlos , Wei Alice C. , Zureikat Amer H. , Alvikas Jurgis , Javed Ammar A. , Campbell Brady A. , Sekigami Yurie , Zheng Jian , Qadan Motaz , Lillemoe Keith D. , He Jin , Ferrone Cristina R. ,   the PAncreatic Neuroendocrine Disease Alliance (PANDA)
Published: January 2025

Objective:

To investigate the clinicopathological features and long-term outcomes of cystic and solid pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNETs).

Summary Background Data:

PanNETs uncommonly present as cystic lesions. Whether cystic PanNETs represent a distinct clinical entity compared to solid PanNETs is controversial.

Methods:

Clinicopathologic data of patients with resected PanNETs were collected from 4 high-volume centers between 2000-2019. Clinicopathological characteristics and outcomes of patients with cystic and solid PanNETs were compared based on a 3 cm tumor size cut-off using the Chi-squared test and Mann–Whitney U test. Survival estimates were calculated with the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test and multivariable analysis using a Cox proportional hazard model.

Results:

Of the 1727 patients undergoing pancreatectomy for PanNET, the median age was 58.1 years (IQR, 18.4), and 53.3% were male. Of these, 177 (10.3%) were cystic and 1550 (89.7%) solid. Cystic PanNETs were more prevalent in patients with hereditary syndromes, less frequently functional, and more often located in the body/tail of the pancreas. After the exclusion of patients with functional tumors, WHO G3 tumors, hereditary syndromes, neoadjuvant treatment, and metastatic stage, 145 cystic PanNETs were compared to 1059 solid PanNETs, and the median follow-up period of the cohort was 64 months. Cystic PanNETs demonstrated significantly fewer high-risk histopathological features, lymph node metastases (5.5% vs. 24.0%, P<0.001), and distant recurrence (4.1% vs. 14.4%; P<0.001). Among tumors ≤3 cm, cystic PanNETs had a low rate of lymph node metastases (3.9% vs. 17.8%; P<0.001), recurrence (3.1% vs. 8.4%; P=0.041), and low propensity to recur distantly. Cystic PanNETs had favorable long-term survival regardless of tumor size.

Conclusion:

Cystic PanNETs have a more benign course than their solid counterparts and conservative management can be considered for EUS-FNA-proven cystic PanNETs ≤3 cm. Parenchyma and lymph-node sparing resections are warranted in patients with cystic PanNETs>3 cm. Patients with poor baseline performance status may forego cystic PanNET resection and not affect their overall survival.
Genomic data reveal that the Cuban blue-headed quail-dove (
Starnoenas cyanocephala
) is a biogeographic relict
Authors: Oswald Jessica A. , Boyd Bret M. , Szewczak Avery R. , LeFebvre Michelle J. , Stucky Brian J. , Guralnick Robert P. , Johnson Kevin P. , Allen Julie M. , Steadman David W.
Published: January 2025

Islands are well known for their unique biodiversity and significance in evolutionary and ecological studies. Nevertheless, the extinction of island species accounts for most human-caused extinctions in recent time scales, which have accelerated in recent centuries. Pigeons and doves (Columbidae) are noteworthy for the high number of island endemics, as well as for the risks those species have faced since human arrival. On Caribbean islands, no other columbid has generated more phylogenetic interest and uncertainty than the blue-headed quail-dove,
Starnoenas cyanocephala
. This endangered Cuban endemic has been considered more similar, both behaviourally and phenotypically, to Australasian species than to the geographically closer ‘quail-dove’ (
Geotrygon
s.l.) species of the Western Hemisphere. Here, we use whole genome sequencing from
Starnoenas
and other newly sequenced columbids in combination with sequence data from previous publications to investigate its relationships. Phylogenomic analyses, which represent 35 of the 51 genera currently comprising the Columbidae, reveal that the blue-headed quail-dove is the sole representative of a lineage diverging early in the radiation of columbids.
Starnoenas
is sister to the species-rich subfamily Columbinae, which is found worldwide. As a highly distinctive evolutionary lineage lacking close modern relatives, we recommend elevating the conservation priority of
Starnoenas
.
Patterns of paternity: insights into mating competition and gene flow in a recovering population of humpback whales
Authors: Eichenberger Franca , Carroll Emma L. , Garrigue Claire , Steel Debbie J. , Bonneville Claire D. , Rendell Luke , Garland Ellen C.
Published: January 2025

Variation in reproductive success is a fundamental prerequisite for sexual selection to act upon a trait. Assessing such variation is crucial in understanding a species’ mating system and offers insights into population growth. Parentage analyses in cetaceans are rare, and the underlying forces of sexual selection acting on their mating behaviours remain poorly understood. Here, we combined 25 years of photo-identification and genetic data to assess patterns of male reproductive success and reproductive autonomy of the New Caledonian (Oceania, South Pacific) humpback whale breeding population. Paternity analysis of 177 mother–offspring pairs and 936 males revealed low variation in male reproductive success (average 1.17 offspring per father) relative to other polygynous species. The observed skew in success was higher than expected under random mating and skewed overall towards males (93%) without evidence of paternity over the study period. Finally, an updated male gametic mark-recapture abundance estimate of 2084 (95% confidence interval = 1761–2407, 1995–2019) fell between previous census estimates of the New Caledonian population and the wider Oceanian metapopulation. Our results provide critical insights into the mating competition of male humpback whales and population dynamics across Oceanian populations, two important factors affecting the slow recovery from whaling across the South Pacific region.
Male medaka continue to mate with females despite sperm depletion
Authors: Kondo Yuki , Kohda Masanori , Awata Satoshi
Published: January 2025

In animals where males engage in multiple matings, sperm depletion can substantially reduce the reproductive success of both sexes. However, little is known about how successive matings affect sperm depletion, fertilization rates and mating behaviour. Here, we investigated this phenomenon under laboratory conditions. Medaka (
Oryzias latipes
), an externally fertilizing fish, is an ideal model to test predictions of sperm depletion because there are established methods to observe its mating and count sperm. Medaka males mated with multiple females (19 per day, on average; range, 4–27), experiencing significant sperm depletion, with sperm release declining markedly after the first few matings, reaching only 0.5–6.3% by the last mating of the day. Fertilization rates decreased, particularly after approximately 10 consecutive matings, although there was some recovery in the next-day’s matings. The decline in courtship effort and mating duration probably resulted from the males becoming increasingly fatigued. Despite the reduced sperm availability, females did not adjust their clutch size as a counterstrategy. These results suggest substantial reproductive costs for males and the potential for sexual conflict owing to limited sperm availability. For species with frequent successive mating, these findings highlight the need to reconsider reproductive strategies and their impact on sexual selection.
Towards a ‘people and nature’ paradigm for biodiversity and infectious disease
Authors: Gibb Rory , Redding David W. , Friant Sagan , Jones Kate E.
Published: January 2025

Zoonotic and vector-borne infectious diseases are among the most direct human health consequences of biodiversity change. The COVID-19 pandemic increased health policymakers’ attention on the links between ecological degradation and disease, and sparked discussions around nature-based interventions to mitigate zoonotic emergence and epidemics. Yet, although disease ecology provides an increasingly granular knowledge of wildlife disease in changing ecosystems, we still have a poor understanding of the net consequences for human disease. Here, we argue that a renewed focus on wildlife-borne diseases as complex socio-ecological systems—a
‘people and nature’
paradigm—is needed to identify local interventions and transformative system-wide changes that could reduce human disease burden. We discuss longstanding scientific narratives of human involvement in zoonotic disease systems, which have largely framed people as ecological disruptors, and discuss three emerging research areas that provide wider system perspectives: how anthropogenic ecosystems construct new niches for infectious disease, feedbacks between disease, biodiversity and social vulnerability and the role of human-to-animal pathogen transmission (‘spillback’) in zoonotic disease systems. We conclude by discussing new opportunities to better understand the predictability of human disease outcomes from biodiversity change and to integrate ecological drivers of disease into health intervention design and evaluation.

This article is part of the discussion meeting issue ‘Bending the curve towards nature recovery: building on Georgina Mace's legacy for a biodiverse future’.
Methylobacterium litchii sp. nov., Methylobacterium guangdongense sp. nov. and Methylorubrum subtropicum sp. nov., isolated from the phyllosphere of litchi
Authors: Gao Ruifeng , Li Jiali , Li Huaping , Xie Xinqiang , Feng Guang-Da , Zhu Honghui
Published: January 2025

Three aerobic, pink-pigmented, Gram-negative, motile and rod-shaped bacterial strains, designated SD21T, SI9T and SB2T, were isolated from the phyllosphere of healthy litchis collected from three main producing sites of Guangdong Province, PR China. The 16S rRNA gene analysis showed that strains SD21T and SI9T belonged to the genus Methylobacterium (Mtb.) with the highest similarity to Mtb. komagatae DSM 19563T (98.7%) and Mtb. phyllosphaerae CBMB27T (99.8%), respectively, while strain SB2T belonged to the genus Methylorubrum (Mtr.) and showed the highest similarity to Mtr. suomiense DSM 14458T (98.6%). Phylogenomic analysis based on 92 core genes clearly showed that the most closely related type strains of SD21T, SI9T and SB2T were Mtb. komagatae DSM 19563T, Mtb. phyllostachyos ICMP 17619T and Mtr. salsuginis CGMCC 1.6474T, respectively. The ANI and dDDH values between the three isolates and their most closely related type strains were 85.6‒90.1% and 29.5‒40.4%, respectively, much below the threshold values for species delimitation. The isolates showed clear differences from their closely related type strains in terms of growth conditions, enzyme activities, substrates assimilation and contents of the major fatty acids. They all took summed feature 8 (C18 : 1 ω7c and/or C18 : 1 ω6c) as the major fatty acid, ubiquinone 10 as the predominant respiratory quinone and phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylcholine as the major polar lipids. The phenotypic, phylogenetic and chemotaxonomic analyses with genome comparison strongly support that the isolates represent three distinct novel species within the genera of Methylobacterium and Methylorubrum, for which the names Methylobacterium litchii sp. nov., Methylobacterium guangdongense sp. nov. and Methylorubrum subtropicum sp. nov. are proposed, with SD21T (=GDMCC 1.4327T=KCTC 8300T), SI9T (=GDMCC 1.4329T=KCTC 8298T) and SB2T (=GDMCC 1.4328T=KCTC 8299T) as the type strains, respectively.
Fast and flexible minimizer digestion with digest
Authors: Zheng Alan , Lee Ishmeal , Shivakumar Vikram S. , Ahmed Omar Y. , Langmead Ben
Published: January 2025

Minimizer digestion is an increasingly common component of bioinformatics tools, including tools for De Bruijn-Graph assembly and sequence classification. We describe a new open source tool and library to facilitate efficient digestion of genomic sequences. It can produce digests based on the related ideas of minimizers, modimizers or syncmers.Digestuses efficient data structures, scales well to many threads, and produces digests with expected spacings between digested elements.Digestis implemented in C++17 with a Python API, and is available open-source athttps://github.com/VeryAmazed/digest.
Disproportionate High-Risk Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID) Prescribing in Rural Virginia
Authors: Rockwell Michelle S. , Grubb Christopher , Turner Jamie K. , Vinson Matthew , Yim Isaiah , Hanlon Alexandra L. , Epling John W.
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Individuals living in rural areas experience limited access to safe and effective pain management. Using insurance claims for 1.3 million Virginians, we evaluated variation in high-risk nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) prescribing by rurality during 2019-2021.

Methods

We applied a difference-in-differences model to analyze the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on high-risk NSAID prescribing rates, stratifying incidence rate ratios (IRR) by rurality.

Results

Although high-risk NSAID prescribing rates decreased modesty during 2020-2021, rural areas experienced significantly higher prescribing rates throughout the study period (IRR: 1.594 [95% CI: 1.408, 1.803], p<.001).

Conclusions

Context-driven efforts to de-implement high-risk NSAID prescribing in rural Virginia are needed.