bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A cheater founds the winning lineages during evolution of a novel metabolic pathway
Authors: Widney Karl A. , Phillips Lauren C. , Rusch Leo M. , Copley Shelley D.
Published: January 2025

Underground metabolic pathways—leaks in the metabolic network caused by promiscuous enzyme activities and non-enzymatic transformations—can provide the starting point for emergence of novel protopathways if a mutation or environmental change increases flux to a physiologically significant level. This early stage in the evolution of metabolic pathways is typically hidden from our view. We have evolved a novel protopathway in ΔpdxB E. coli, which lacks an enzyme required for synthesis of the essential cofactor pyridoxal 5′-phosphate (PLP). This protopathway is comprised of four steps catalyzed by promiscuous enzymes that are still serving their native functions. Complex population dynamics occurred during the evolution experiment. The dominant strain after 150 population doublings, JK1, had acquired four mutations. We constructed every intermediate between the ΔpdxBstrain and JK1 and identified the order in which mutations arose in JK1 and the physiological effect of each. Three of the mutations together increased the PLP accumulation rate by 32-fold. The second mutation created a cheater that was less fit on its own but thrived in the population by scavenging nutrients released from the fragile parental cells. Notably, the dominant lineages at the end of the experiment all derived from this cheater strain.
Circadian rhythmicity and reinforcement processing: a dataset of MRI, fMRI, and behavioral measurements
Authors: Scislewska Patrycja , Zareba Michal Rafal , Lengier Julia , Schirmer Aaron E. , Bebas Piotr , Szatkowska Iwona
Published: January 2025

Circadian rhythmicity is a complex phenomenon that influences human behavior, emotionality and brain activity. A detailed description of individual differences in circadian rhythmicity could inform the design of educational systems, shift-worker schedules, and daily routines. Here we present a comprehensive dataset for studying diurnal rhythms and their relationship with human behavior. Thirty seven male participants (aged 20-30) filled in validated psychometric questionnaires assessing characteristics of the circadian rhythm, sleep quality, emotionality, personality traits, reward-punishment processing and attention deficits. Moreover, we acquired high-resolution anatomical T1-weighted images using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), B0 fieldmaps for distortion corrections, and functional MRI (fMRI) during the Monetary Incentive Delay (MID) task, which is a common paradigm to assess human neural reinforcement processing. All files are organized in Brain Imaging Data Structure (BIDS) and openly available on OpenNeuro.org. The validation of all data confirmed high-quality of described dataset. The various psychological measures combined with neuroimaging data provide strong foundation for exploring emotionality, affective processing, and attention in the context of brain activity and circadian influences.
Stochastic action for the entanglement of a noisy monitored two-qubit system
Authors: Shea Dominic , Romito Alessandro
Published: January 2025

We study the effect of local unitary noise on the entanglement evolution of a two-qubit system subject to local monitoring and interqubit coupling by constructing a suitable stochastic path integral based on the Chantasri-Dressel-Jordan formalism. From this, we identify the optimal entanglement dynamics and deploy a diagrammatic method to find a closed-form approximation for the evolution of the average squared concurrence. We find that the optimal trajectory and diagrammatic expansion capture the oscillations of entanglement at short times. A separate numerical analysis of the long-time steady-state entanglement reveals a nonmonotonic relationship between the concurrence and noise strength.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Random matrix ensemble for the covariance matrix of Ornstein-Uhlenbeck processes with heterogeneous temperatures
Authors: Ferreira Leonardo S. , Metz Fernando L. , Barucca Paolo
Published: January 2025

We introduce a random matrix model for the stationary covariance of multivariate Ornstein-Uhlenbeck processes with heterogeneous temperatures, where the covariance is constrained by the Sylvester-Lyapunov equation. Using the replica method, we compute the spectral density of the equal-time covariance matrix characterizing the stationary states, demonstrating that this model undergoes a transition between stable and unstable states. In the stable regime, the spectral density has finite and positive support, whereas negative eigenvalues emerge in the unstable regime. We determine the critical line separating these regimes and show that the spectral density exhibits a power-law tail at marginal stability, with an exponent independent of the temperature distribution. Additionally, we compute the spectral density of the lagged covariance matrix characterizing the stationary states of linear transformations of the original dynamical variables. Our random-matrix model is potentially interesting to understand the spectral properties of empirical correlation matrices appearing in the study of complex systems.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Cloth-net: improved hybrid adversarial network with dense vision transformer for 2D-3D image classification for accurate cloth recommendation engine
Authors: Mrinali Akanksha , Gupta Pankaj
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The aim of this study is to enhance the performance of cloth recommendation systems by proposing a hybrid adversarial network called Cloth-Net, which integrates Dense Vision Transformers for effective 2D-3D image classification.

Design/methodology/approach

Cloth-Net combines the strengths of adversarial networks with Dense Vision Transformers to process both 2D and 3D images for improved classification. The model was trained on a large-scale dataset of clothing images, using a hybrid adversarial approach that enhances both feature extraction and image classification accuracy. The methodology also includes data augmentation and transfer learning techniques to optimize the model’s generalization capability.

Findings

Experimental results demonstrate that Cloth-Net significantly outperforms traditional convolutional neural network-based methods in terms of accuracy, precision, and recommendation quality. The hybrid adversarial framework, together with Dense Vision Transformers, enables the model to better understand complex clothing images, leading to more accurate and personalized recommendations.

Originality/value

This study introduces a novel hybrid adversarial model, Cloth-Net, that uniquely combines Dense Vision Transformers with traditional adversarial networks for the first time in the context of 2D-3D image classification. The findings present a substantial improvement in the performance of cloth recommendation engines, making the proposed model valuable for both academic research and practical applications in fashion technology.
“It was completely transformational”: experiences of a prison staff coaching programme
Authors: Harrison Karen , Smith Lauren , Mason Rachael , Bretherton Roger
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Although existing research demonstrates that the health and wellbeing of prison staff is affected by many factors, the current academic evidence base for effective support is limited. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of prison staff who had been involved in the Spark Inside Prison Staff Coaching Programme to understand the perceived benefits of this intervention.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory approach using in-depth semi-structured interviews with 17 staff who had experienced coaching was used.

Findings

Perceived benefits included personal and professional growth, a positive sense of self and improved relationships. A positive influence on health and wellbeing and staff retention was noted.

Originality/value

The research details the perceived benefits of coaching for prison staff and adds to the evidence base about what interventions can usefully support the health and wellbeing of correctional staff. The findings have implications for prisons as well as broader occupations who experience challenges with staff retention.
ERM value for community banks: a natural experiment
Authors: Smith Garrett C.C. , Danforth Gary A.
Published: January 2025

Purpose

We explore the apparent value of ERM within the CB landscape in the absence of endogeneity concerns.

Design/methodology/approach

We explore the observed market value of enterprise risk management (ERM) in a specific industry, community banks (CBs). To do this we employ standard event study methodology. We use the surprise failures of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) and Signature Bank (SBNY) as a natural experiment to investigate this phenomenon.

Findings

We observe several consistent results. CBs with high institutional ownership and high insider ownership exhibited a negative relationship with abnormal returns. Univariate results indicate that there is a negative relationship between ERM and CB. However, multivariate results controlling for other known factors which impact returns indicate no relationship between ERM implementation and value for CBs. Finally, we find evidence the market considers CBs to have less risk of failure or exposure to regional banking contagion, as CARs are positive when using a regional bank index as the market model benchmark.

Research limitations/implications

These results call into question the value of ERM for CBs.

Originality/value

These results call into question the value of ERM for CBs. This is the first paper to explore ERM value within CBs using a natural experiment approach.
Managerial overconfidence and dividend policy: a case study of PSX listed firms
Authors: Khan Muhammad Imran , Farooq Muhammad , Jabri Qadri Al , Ullah Saif , Hussain Mazhar
Published: January 2025

Purpose

A company’s dividend policy is determined not just by its strategy but also by the qualities of its managers, particularly overconfidence. As a result, the purpose of this study is to explore the impact of CEO overconfidence on dividend policy using the dividend payout ratio and dividend yield ratio.

Design/methodology/approach

The study’s sample includes 170 non-financial enterprises listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchange between 2011 and 2022. Furthermore, we used corporate governance and firm-specific factors as control variables. The fixed effect model based on the Hausman test result and dynamic system GMM estimation technique was employed in the analysis. Furthermore, the dividend dummy variable and alternative proxies of dividend payments are used to ensure the results are robust.

Findings

The findings indicate that CEOs’ overconfidence positively impacts dividend payout and dividend yield ratios. Further analysis reveals that board size and remuneration committee significantly impact dividend payment among corporate governance control variables, while block holding has a negative effect. Among firm-specific control variables, the results suggest that firm size, profitability, and market-to-book ratio are significantly positively associated. In contrast, the coefficient of variation and debt ratio are inversely associated with dividend payments.

Practical implications

Managerial overconfidence benefits shareholders by increasing dividend payouts, but firms may struggle in the long run if they do not have adequate retained earnings to meet capital requirements. Dividends and retained earnings must be balanced to make enough funds available for long-term investment in capital-intensive projects.

Originality/value

Although little previous research has focused on the managerial overconfidence-dividend policy relationship, the authors believe this is the first study to test this relationship generally in emerging markets, particularly Pakistan.
Influence of temperature and layer height on the structural and mechanical properties of continuous biocomposites by in–nozzle impregnation additive manufacturing
Authors: Wu Xikun , Ginoux Geoffrey , Paux Joseph , Allaoui Samir
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aims to assess the relationships between limit parametric settings of in-nozzle impregnation additive manufacturing, namely, nozzle temperature and layer height, on the micromorphology and induced mechanical properties of continuous flax yarns-reinforced biocomposites.

Design/methodology/approach

The additively manufactured biocomposites with different printing parameters were characterized by X-ray microcomputed tomography and tensile testing to link the process–structure–properties relationships regarding the internal morphologies of yarns, matrix and porosities and tensile properties.

Findings

Several types of morphology were defined regarding fiber, void, raster and interfaces. The results showed a competition between porosity development, coating effect and variation in fiber volume fraction on the biocomposite quality and mechanical performance when simultaneously varying the layer height and the temperature due to rheology-related phenomena and process-induced defects.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no previous study has been carried out on the relation between the internal micromorphologies in three directions of continuous biocomposites manufactured by in-nozzle impregnation additive manufacturing and the limit printing parameters. The findings are thought to help manufacturers master this technology for high-end applications.
Towards a sustainable built environment: evaluating alternative water sources for concrete production
Authors: Belur Raju Vidya , Gejjalagere Puttaswamaiah Shivashankara , Singh Atul Kumar
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study explores the feasibility of substituting freshwater with alternative water sources such as potable water (PW), harvested rainwater (HRW), stormwater (SW), borewell water (BW) and seawater (Sea W) in concrete manufacturing. The aim is to evaluate the potential of these alternative sources to support sustainable development, reduce environmental impact and conserve freshwater resources in the construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The research followed established concrete production standards and evaluated the chemical properties of various water sources. Fresh concrete characteristics, including setting time, workability and mechanical properties (compressive, split tensile and flexural strength), were tested at 7, 28 and 90 days. Durability assessments utilized the Volhard assay for chloride content, RCPT for chloride permeability and a physical sulfate attack test. Additionally, a life cycle assessment (LCA) examined the environmental impacts, while an economic analysis assessed cost implications for each water source.

Findings

The results showed only minor differences of 2%–3% in the fresh and mechanical properties of concrete using alternative water sources, with no significant changes in compressive, tensile or flexural strength compared to potable water. The Rapid Chloride Penetration Test (RCPT) and Nord Test techniques showed that all water sources, except seawater, are suitable for concrete mixing, as they enhance concrete durability due to their very low chloride ion concentrations, which minimize the risk of steel corrosion. The sulfate attack, including mass loss and expansion measurements for various water sources, indicates low susceptibility to except seawater. SEM and EDS HRW and SW also showed denser microstructures compared to Potable Water, indicating the absence of voids or cracks and the formation of ettringite needles, while seawater posed challenges due to high chloride content and corrosion risks. The LCA indicated that SW had the lowest environmental impact, while seawater posed substantial challenges. The economic analysis confirmed SW as the most cost-effective option, with all sources meeting production standards except seawater.

Originality/value

This study provides new insights into the sustainable use of non-potable water sources in concrete manufacturing. It demonstrates the viability of using HRW, SW and BW as alternative water sources to potable water, supporting sustainability goals in construction while conserving vital freshwater resources and reducing environmental impact.
The Academic Job Market for (Financial) Economists
Authors: Kofman Paul
Published: January 2025

The notes [These notes reflect a panel discussion on the job markets for Australian PhDs on the occasion of the 2024 PhD Conference in Economics and Business. The author is grateful for the comments by Professor Ken Clements, moderator of the panel and cofounder of the PhD Conference] start with a personal reflection on the job market for PhDs in Economics and Finance. We take a closer look at today's academic job market conditions and draw comparisons with the job market conditions in the corporate, public and not‐for‐profit sectors. We then consider the selection criteria adopted by the recruiters. Followed by advice on how to successfully navigate the academic job market, how to avoid common mistakes, and how to find the perfect match between a candidate and a recruiting school.
Assessing Family Caregiver Readiness for Hospital Discharge of Patients With Serious or Life‐Limiting Illness Using Electronic Health Record (EHR) and Self‐Reported Data
Authors: Griffin Joan M. , Holland Diane E. , Vanderboom Catherine E. , Kaufman Brystana G. , Gustavson Allison M. , Ransom Jeanine , Mandrekar Jay , Dose Ann Marie , Ingram Cory , Fong Zhi Ven , Wild Ellen , Weiss Marianne E.
Published: January 2025

Objective

To assess how patient and caregiver factors influence caregiver readiness for hospital discharge in palliative care patients.

Study Setting and Design

This transitional care study uses cross‐sectional data from a randomized controlled trial conducted from 2018 to 2023 testing an intervention for caregivers of hospitalized adult patients with a serious or life‐limiting illness who received a palliative care consult prior to transitioning out of the hospital.

Data Sources and Analytical Sample

Caregiver readiness was measured with the Family Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale (n = 231). Caregiver demographic, intra‐ and interpersonal factors were self‐reported. Patient demographic, comorbidity score, and risk score for complicated discharge planning were extracted from electronic health records. Stepwise regression models estimated variance explained (r2) in caregiver readiness for patient hospital discharge.

Principal Findings

Patient demographics and complexity were not statistically associated with caregiver readiness for discharge. Caregiver depressive symptoms, poor caregiver‐patient relationship quality, and fewer hours spent caregiving prior to hospitalization explained 29% of the variance in caregiver readiness.

Conclusions

Reliance on patient data may not be sufficient for explaining caregiver readiness for discharge. Assessing caregiver factors may be a better alternative for identifying caregivers at risk for low discharge readiness and those in need of additional support.

Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov on November 13, 2017, (No. NCT03339271)
Can Digitalization Improve China's Food Security?
Authors: Yin Jing‐Hua , Song Hai‐Ying
Published: January 2025

As global food security continues to be extremely challenging, countries are seeking optimal solutions for the sustainable development of their agriculture and food systems under environmental and resource pressures. This study explores whether and how digitalization facilitates or hinders China's food security. Based on data from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), World Bank, and United Nations E‐Government survey, we assess digital transformation in terms of digital infrastructure, competition, innovation, and digital governance using the entropy method. Specifically, we use ordinary least‐squares and robust and ridge regressions to estimate the impact of digitalization on food security in China during 2000–2021. The results indicate that digitalization improves food security through production and transaction enablement. Namely, digital infrastructure and competition significantly contribute to food availability, accessibility, and utilization. In addition, digital innovation experiences synergies with other digital indicators to improve food security. However, digital governance decreases food sustainability because of premature digital governance, as well as a lack of digital talent, investment, and technical support. Thus, to increase food security, it is essential to upgrade the digital infrastructure, accelerate digital innovation, cultivate digital talents, improve digital governance, and make full use of digital enabling in production as well as the market.
Physical Exercise Decreases Complement‐Mediated Synaptic Loss and Protects Against Cognitive Impairment by Inhibiting Microglial Tmem9‐ATP6V0D1 in Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Li Shiyin , Li Mingyue , Li Ge , Li Lili , Yang Xiaofeng , Zuo Zejie , Zhang Liying , Hu Xiquan , He Xiaofei
Published: January 2025

Physical exercise is known to slow synaptic neurodegeneration and cognitive aging in Alzheimer's disease (AD). The benefits of physical exercise are related to reduced amyloid beta (Aβ) deposition and increased synaptic plasticity. Yet little is known about the mechanisms that mediate these effects. Here, we show that physical exercise down‐regulated the microglial Tmem9 protein, inhibited C1q activation, and decreased C1q‐dependent microglial synapse engulfment, eventually ameliorating cognitive impairment in 5xFAD mice. Furthermore, using oAβ cultured‐BV2 in vitro, we show that downregulation of microglial Tmem9 was sufficient to restrain complement activity and decrease microglia‐mediated synaptic loss, whereas overexpression of microglial Tmem9 tended to promote complement activation and induced synaptic loss, abolishing exercise‐associated protection. Finally, we show that microglial Tmem9 contributed to complement activation by regulating ATP6V0D1, a vesicular (H+) ATP‐dependent proton pump (V‐ATPase) subunit that regulates V‐ATPase assembly. Together, our results demonstrate that exercise is a potential treatment for AD patients. In an AD mouse model, it decreased the levels of microglial Tmem9 to inhibit the activation of complement, alleviated complement‐dependent synaptic loss, and eventually ameliorated emotional and cognitive disorders.
Open government data and firm value: A quasi‐natural experiment from China
Authors: Lan Fei , Lan Shiqi , Gong Yukai
Published: January 2025

The Chinese government is actively promoting the utilisation of open government data (OGD) to unlock the intrinsic value of data assets. This study considers the establishment of local OGD platforms as a quasi‐natural experiment. We conducted our research using a sample of China's A‐share listed firms from 2007 to 2021 and employed the staggered difference‐in‐difference (DID) model to examine the impact of OGD on firm value. The empirical analysis reveals a significant positive effect of the establishment of OGD platforms on firm value, which is achieved by alleviating financing constraints, promoting corporate risk‐taking, and enhancing resource allocation efficiency as well as talent agglomeration. Heterogeneity analysis shows that OGD has a more pronounced impact on the value of firms operating in highly competitive industries, firms with weak internal controls, and firms located in non‐central cities. The findings presented in this paper provide valuable insights for promoting the deep integration of government data with enterprise management.
Quantifying the Water Quality Impacts of Cropland Farming in China: A Satellite Data Approach
Authors: Tang Chuan , Guo Yifeng , Feng Lian
Published: January 2025

We compile a unique satellite‐derived panel dataset to investigate the impacts of cropland coverage on the outbreak of Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) in China between 2003 and 2019. Our results indicate that a 1% increase in cropland leads to a 0.5% increase in the size of HABs in lakes larger than 20 km2. The increase in cropland not only affects the size of HABs but also significantly prolongs their duration on average. Furthermore, we provide evidence of a diminishing legacy effect of cropland on HAB area over time and a nonlinear relationship between cropland area and HABs. Fertilizer leakage from cropland shapes the entire pollution mechanism, with farming practices that require elevated fertilizer posing significantly greater impacts on water quality. While the nationwide fertilizer reduction policy implemented in 2015 successfully dampens HABs in nonreservoir lakes during the initial three years, its long‐term effects remain uncertain. This study highlights the potential of satellite imagery data for economic analyses of nutrient pollution in China.
Structural and evolutionary insights into the functioning of glycoprotein hormones and their receptors
Authors: Hendrickson Wayne A. , Gong Zhen
Published: January 2025

The neuroendocrine system that comprises the glycoprotein hormones (GpHs) and their receptors is essential for reproduction and metabolism. Each GpH hormone is an αβ heterodimer of cystine‐knot proteins and its cognate receptor is a G‐protein coupled receptor (GPCR) distinguished by a large leucine‐rich‐repeat (LRR) extracellular domain that binds the hormone and a class A GPCR transmembrane domain that signals through an associating heterotrimeric G protein. Hence, the receptors are called LRR‐containing GPCRs—LGRs. The vertebrate GpHs and LGRs have co‐evolved from homologs in the earliest metazoan animals, including sponges and comb jellies, but these are absent from unicellular organisms and plants. The two GpH subunits and accompanying LGR receptor of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans are representative of the invertebrate evolutionary predecessors of human GpH proteins and their receptors, for example follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) and the FSH receptor (FSHR). Atomic structures of the human GpHs and their receptors, which have been determined by X‐ray crystallography and cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo‐EM), inform the evolutionary process and provide a mechanistic understanding of the transmission of biochemical signals of hormone binding at the cell surface to the elicitation of second messengers such as cyclic AMP in the cytoplasm. There is compelling biochemical and cellular evidence for the importance of receptor dimers in GpH signaling in cells; yet, all of the human receptors are monomeric as defined beautifully by cryo‐EM. Fortunately, the LGR of C. elegans is a stable dimer and its structure, when analyzed in the context of structural information from the human counterparts, predicts a hypothetical model for functionally relevant dimeric associations of the human GpH receptors.
Living donor uterus transplant research project in Singapore: Progress of the first case
Authors: Tan Hak Koon , Kee Terence Y. S. , Tan Bien Keem , Dahm‐Kähler Pernilla , Kvarnström Niclas , Nadarajah Ravinchandran , Chew Khong Yik , Tan Ban Hock , Ho Tew Hong , Tan Lay Kok , Tan Yin Ru , Thangaraju Sobhana , Wong Loong Tat , Lee John S. E. , Lim Leslie E. C. , Wong Shing Lih , Ng Lay Guat , Law Yan Mee , Lim Crystal , Jeyaraj Prema Raj , Poopalingam Ruban , Brännström Mats
Published: January 2025

Introduction

To report the progress of the human living uterus transplant research project in Singapore.

Material and Methods

The uterus transplant research project began in 2012 with a collaboration between the Swedish and Singapore teams. Ethics approval was obtained from the SingHealth Centralised Institutional Review Board, the SingHealth Transplant and the Singapore General Hospital Biomedical Ethics Committee to perform 5 uterus transplant procedures in a collaborative multi‐site research study at the Singapore General Hospital. Regulatory approval was obtained from the Ministry of Health, Singapore. A suitable recipient–donor pair was identified. The living donor was the perimenopausal mother‐in‐law of the recipient who had Mayer–Rokitansky–Kuster–Hauser syndrome. They underwent the requisite matching process as well as robust medical, psychiatric and psychosocial assessments. The recipient then underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment resulting in 6 frozen blastocysts. Preparations were made for the transplant surgery on 25 November 2023 in Singapore General Hospital, aided by the 3 Uterus transplant experts from the Swedish Team, for whom temporary registration was granted by the Singapore Medical Council.

Results

This first uterus transplant procedure involved an operative time of 10 h and 30 min for the donor. The synchronized recipient surgery lasted 6 h and 20 min. Surgery was by midline laparotomy in both the living donor and recipient. The total warm ischemic time of the graft was 45 min, and the cold ischemic time was 1 h 45 min (total ischemic time 2 h 30 min). The patient's first menstruation occurred 38 days after the uterus transplant procedure. Cytomegalovirus infection was detected 6 weeks postoperatively for which she was aggressively treated. Serial cervical biopsies showed no rejection and Doppler ultrasound of the transplanted uterus showed good uterine blood flow.

Conclusions

To date the Living Donor Uterus Transplant Research Project in Singapore has progressed with a uterus transplant surgery involving a living donor performed by a multidisciplinary team. The recipient had a menstrual period 38 days postoperatively. Further study of the outcomes from this procedure will inform the safety and efficacy of uterus transplant in the Singapore context.
First relapse in older adults with multiple myeloma: Creating new pathways in uncharted territory
Authors: Wildes Tanya M.
Published: January 2025

Treatment options for older adults with relapsed multiple myeloma are constrained by the toxicities of existing treatments, the ageing‐associated vulnerabilities that may increase the risk of poor treatment tolerance and patient preferences for treatments that do not impair their function or cognition. The study by Toussea et al. epitomizes approaches to designing trials specifically for more vulnerable older adults and moves the field forward with a regimen of great interest for older adults experiencing their first relapse.

Commentary on: Touzeau et al. Iberdomide, Ixazomib and Dexamethasone in elderly patients with multiple myeloma at first relapse. Br J Haematol 2025 (Online ahead of print). doi: 10.1111/bjh.19978.
Effects of Isoproterenol Administration in Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography
Authors: Patel Puja A. , Parsia Zachary N. , Aberra Tsion , Tillman Nayrana , Mathias Martin , Johnson Adam Newell Bohn , Girish Akanksha , Deb Brototo , Valdiviezo Carolina , Kaiser Christy , Srichai Monvadi B.
Published: January 2025

Objective

This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of isoproterenol administration as an adjunct for achievement of target heart rate (HR) during dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE).

Background

In DSE, optimal accuracy is achieved when a target HR of 85% of maximal predicted heart rate (MPHR) is attained. Although rarely studied, intravenous isoproterenol has been used as an adjunct therapy to dobutamine and atropine to increase chronotropic response during pharmacologic stress testing.

Methods

We identified 5569 DSE studies during which 264 received isoproterenol at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital from August 2011 to March 2023. Of the studies receiving isoproterenol, we collected clinical and echocardiographic parameters from each study to assess the effects of isoproterenol administration, including downstream events.

Results

In 264 examinations with isoproterenol, 169 (64%) achieved 85% MPHR. Among these, 103 (39%) developed premature ventricular contractions, 79 (30%) developed symptoms including nausea/vomiting in 44 (17%), and chest pain in 15 (6%). There was a hypertensive response to stress in 53 studies (20%) and a hypotensive response in 37 studies (14%). There was no significant increase in 30‐day and 1‐year death when compared to studies that did not receive isoproterenol.

Conclusions

Isoproterenol can effectively be used as an adjunctive agent in DSE to achieve the requisite hemodynamic stress for evaluation of ischemia, with a similar rate of side effects and complications compared to dobutamine and atropine stress testing.
Evaluating Statistical Distributions for Equivalent Conduit Flow in Suffusion Model of Cohesionless Gap‐Graded Soils
Authors: Huang Zhe , Zhang Bangwen , Xu Haijue , Bai Yuchuan
Published: January 2025

Suffusion is a typical form of internal erosion and a major cause of the degradation and failure of hydraulic structures. Suffusion‐induced particle movement is a random process because of the statistical distribution of pore flows in soil. However, few studies have focused on the application of the statistical distribution of pore flow in the suffusion model. This study evaluates four statistical distributions of conduit flows to equate pore flow in calculating the soil particles movement rate in the suffusion model for cohesionless gap‐graded soils. Multiple experimental data are collected to comprehensively evaluate the four distribution‐based models with multiple variable changes during suffusion. The results show that the uniform distribution of the equivalent conduit flows is more accurate and reliable for gap‐graded soils than the other three distributions are. Compared with previous studies, this article directly provides an applicable statistical distribution of pore flows, which simplified calculation steps and improved efficiency by explicitly calculating the particle movement velocity. Moreover, the uniform distribution has a concise formula; thus, it is recommended to estimate suffusion in unstable gap‐graded soil. The accurate evaluation of statistical conduit flow is critical for the suffusion model because of its complete synchronicity with the particle movement rate. More attention should further be paid to the statistical distribution of pore flows, as the uniform distribution‐based model may also generate deviations during the later period of the simulation.
Stereoelectroencephalographic exploration and surgical outcome in Lennox–Gastaut syndrome
Authors: Cho Soomi , Makhalova Julia , Medina Villalon Samuel , Villeneuve Nathalie , Trébuchon Agnes , Krouma Manel , Scavarda Didier , Lépine Anne , Milh Mathieu , Carron Romain , Bonini Francesca , Daquin Géraldine , Aubert Sandrine , Lagarde Stanislas , Pizzo Francesca , Bartolomei Fabrice
Published: January 2025

Objective

Lennox–Gastaut syndrome (LGS) is typically characterized by drug‐resistant epilepsy and subsequent cognitive deterioration. Surgery is a rare but viable option for the control of seizures in a subset of patients with LGS. This study aimed to describe the organization of the epileptogenic zone network (EZN) in patients with LGS using stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) and to report the outcome of post‐SEEG treatment.

Methods

A quantitative SEEG signal analysis was conducted in 14 consecutive patients with LGS, in whom a potentially localized EZN was suggested based on a comprehensive noninvasive evaluation. The EZN and the irritative zone network were identified using relevant biomarkers during ictal (epileptogenicity index and connectivity epileptogenicity index) and interictal (spikes and high‐frequency oscillations) recordings. The applied post‐SEEG treatments were assessed, including SEEG‐guided radiofrequency thermocoagulation (RF‐TC), surgery, and neurostimulation.

Results

The seizure onset patterns showed some specificity by seizure type, with 84% of tonic seizures involving low‐voltage fast activity. The EZN of patients with LGS was often, but not always, complex and extensive, involving two or more lobes (79%) and both hemispheres (64%). The lateral neocortical structures, particularly the lateral premotor and dorsolateral prefrontal cortices, were identified as being most frequently involved in the EZN. Among the explored subcortical structures, only the pulvinar, central–lateral thalamic nucleus, and hypothalamic hamartoma belonged to the EZN. Twelve patients (86%) underwent SEEG‐guided RF‐TC, with 50% experiencing a >50% reduction in baseline seizure frequency. Four patients (29%) underwent curative surgery for significant involvement of a lesion in the EZN, and one case achieved an Engel class I outcome.

Significance

This is the first quantitative SEEG study in patients with LGS to demonstrate the utility of SEEG in identifying patients who may benefit from surgery and to perform SEEG‐guided RF‐TC. Nevertheless, the indications for SEEG should be carefully assessed, as localized EZN is uncommon in LGS.
The talk and walk in Black families: Exploring racial socialization content and competency in the context of parental worries about racial profiling and adolescents' internalizing outcomes
Authors: Adjah Farzana T. , Christophe N. Keita , Anyiwo Nkemka , Bernard Donte L. , Jones Shawn C. T. , Anderson Riana E. , Stein Gabriela Livas , Kiang Lisa
Published: January 2025

Although many parents worry that their child will be the target of racial profiling, there is a dearth of literature on how parental worries about children facing racism are linked to racial socialization (RS) practices and youth internalizing symptoms. Additionally, it is unclear how RS content relative to competency may uniquely influence whether and how parental worries influence youth internalizing outcomes. Using data from 203 Black parents (Mage = 44.099, 68% mothers) of adolescents, the current study examines the direct effects of parental worries on RS content (cultural socialization, preparation for bias, and promotion of mistrust) and competency (confidence, skills, general stress, and call to action stress) on youth internalizing outcomes, as well as whether RS content and competency indirectly links parental worries about racial profiling with youth internalizing symptoms. Parental worries were positively related to greater RS content across domains and child internalizing symptoms, but there were no indirect links. Parents' worries about racial profiling were positively associated with more call to action stress, general stress, and youth internalizing symptoms. RS confidence and general stress were associated with fewer and greater internalizing symptoms, but there were similarly no significant indirect effects. Findings speak to supporting and addressing parental stress in the context of family racial worries and child adjustment and have implications for policy efforts to dismantle racism and fund programs that support youth and caregivers in managing the ongoing consequences of this insidious stressor.
Infection by the Marine Cestode Hepatoxylon trichiuri in Returning Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) Spawners in Patagonia: Implications for a Novel Fishery
Authors: Figueroa‐Muñoz Guillermo , Torres Patricio , Rodriguez J. Marcos , Murphy Christina A.
Published: January 2025

Parasitological information may be useful for managing economically important fisheries by providing insights into population dynamics and health effects. The Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), an invasive species with high socio‐ecological importance in South America, supports recreational and incipient artisanal fisheries. In Southern Chile, the recent approval of coastal fisheries for returning Chinook salmon in some regions highlights the importance of understanding salmon foraging, habitat use, and commercial value. However, such information is lacking. Parasites have been extensively used as cost‐effective biological tags to identify fish stocks. We conducted the first parasitological examination of the marine tapeworm Hepatoxylon trichiuri larvae in returning adult Chinook salmon from the Cisnes River to assess its potential as a biological tag for returning Chinook salmon in Patagonia. Of 61 Chinook salmon from the Cisnes River, 52.46% were infected by H. trichiuri, with 1.65 ± 1.26 parasites per infected salmon (mean ± SD). Infection prevalence and intensity did not differ significantly between males and females. Infection intensity was higher in larger salmon but decreased with increasing salmon condition. Infection intensity was not significantly related to length, mass, or body condition. Infection prevalence and intensity of H. trichiuri varied spatially among Patagonian river‐basin populations of Chinook salmon, thereby supporting the use of H. trichiuri as a biological tag. Our findings provide important parasitological metrics that may enhance future management practices by informing geographic variability in foraging locations of adult salmon and their commercial value for human consumption.
Overlapping Landsat Scene Classifications and Focal Context to Identify Boreal Disturbance Mapping Uncertainty
Authors: Wu Wesley J. , Remmel Tarmo K. , Ouellette Marc
Published: January 2025

The BorealDB dataset provides annual fire and timber harvesting disturbance classifications for Ontario that are derived from a collection of independently classified Landsat scenes. This study assesses the confidence of BorealDB classifications within overlapping scene margins since multiple classifications for common locations are available. For each focal point in BorealDB, the disturbance state of its four nearest spatial orthogonal neighbors were extracted and used to produce classification tree (CT) and random forest (RF) predictions of the focal class. Uncertainty was assessed as being greatest when predictions by neighboring locations or overlapping disturbance classes disagree with the focal class. The assessment found that identified locations of uncertainty within BorealDB varied with disturbance class, with fire having lower uncertainty than timber harvesting. With the results of the analysis, we recommend the inclusion of the analysis outputs and comparisons to supplement existing ensemble confidence attribute in BorealDB.
Temozolomide‐Promoted MGMT Transcription Contributes to Chemoresistance by Activating the ERK Signalling Pathway in Malignant Melanoma
Authors: Deng Meiyi , Ren Bingjie , Zhao Jing , Guo Xia , Yang Yuanyuan , Shi Huiling , Bian Xuyu , Wu Mengyao , Xu Caihua , Tao Min , Liang Rongrui , Li Qiang
Published: January 2025

Tumour cells possess a multitude of chemoresistance mechanisms, which could plausibly contribute to the ineffectiveness of chemotherapy. O6‐methylguanine‐DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) is an important effector protein associated with Temozolomide (TMZ) resistance in various tumours. To some extent, the expression level of MGMT determines the sensitivity of cells to TMZ, but the mechanism of its expression regulation has not been fully elucidated. Cultured malignant melanoma cell lines A375 and Sk‐MEL28 were employed. A luciferase assay was used to detect the transcriptional activity of the MGMT promoter. Western blotting was used to compare the expression levels of phosphorylated ERK1/2 (P‐ERK1/2) after TMZ treatment. Immunofluorescent staining was used to detect TMZ‐induced DNA damage protein levels. The sensitivity of melanoma cells to TMZ was detected by MTT assay and animal experiments. The expression of MGMT mRNA was tested by Quantitative real‐time PCR (RT‐qPCR). Flow cytometry was used to measure the apoptosis of TMZ‐treated cells. TMZ enhanced the transcription of MGMT through activating the ERK pathway. ERK inhibitors U0126 and vemurafenib (vMF) inhibited the TMZ induced transcription of MGMT. The expression of MGMT and p‐ERK1/2 was closely related in human MM tissues. vMF increased the sensitivity of melanoma (MM) to TMZ in vitro and in vivo through downregulating MGMT and promoting the TMZ induced DNA damage in MM. TMZ‐promoted MGMT transcription contributed to instinctive chemoresistance by activating the ERK signalling pathway in malignant melanoma. Our study indicates that the use of the ERK inhibitor in combination with TMZ could potentially enhance the effectiveness of clinical treatment for malignant melanoma.
Ultrasound‐Assisted Thermal Maceration of Bordo Grape (Vitis labrusca L.): Insights of Anthocyanin Degradation Kinetics, Antioxidant Activity and Thermostability Parameters
Authors: de Almeida Micael José , Ribeiro‐Sanches Marcio Augusto , Guimarães Bianca , Lago‐Vanzela Ellen Silva , Telis‐Romero Javier
Published: January 2025

This study assessed the degradation kinetics of monomeric anthocyanins in Bordo grape must after conventional thermal maceration (CV) and thermosonication (TS) at temperatures ranging from 20°C to 90°C. Quality analysis of the musts included measurements of soluble solids (SS), pH, titratable acidity (TA), and color (L*, a*, b*, , , and ). Kinetic parameters, including half‐life (t1/2), decimal reduction time (D), temperature coefficient (Q10), and decimal reduction temperature (z), along with thermodynamic parameters such as activation enthalpy (ΔH#), Gibbs free energy (ΔG#), and activation entropy (ΔS#), were determined. Antioxidant capacity was evaluated using ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP methods after maceration and heat treatment. TS did not significantly affect pH and TA but increased SS, resulting in a higher SS/TA ratio and greater total anthocyanin content. Color parameters indicated that TS produced a darker must. The degradation followed first‐order kinetics, with rate constants ranging from 8.18 × 10−6 to 1855.00 for TS and 8.89 × 10−6 to 2070 × 10−6 (min−1) for CV, showing significant differences. TS reduced activation energy and ΔH#, with positive ΔG# confirming the non‐spontaneous nature of degradation and lower ΔS# indicating greater molecular stability. Despite the significant differences in kinetic and thermodynamic parameters between the methods, the practical impact is minimal, suggesting that anthocyanins extracted by TS have similar thermal stability to those obtained by CV. Antioxidant tests revealed that TS initially increased antioxidant capacity due to extraction, although antioxidant activity decreased with higher temperatures. Despite this, TS must showed higher antioxidant capacity post‐thermal treatment compared to CV. These results suggest that TS is an effective method to increase the extraction of anthocyanins from Bordo grape, without negatively affecting their thermal degradation kinetics, thermodynamic, and stability parameters.
Quality of life in breast cancer survivors: An ambiguous loss perspective
Authors: Salafia Caroline , Adamsons Kari
Published: January 2025

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer diagnosed among women in the United States. Although advances in detection and medical treatment have improved survival rates, breast cancer survivors experience physical symptoms and psychological distress that can adversely impact their quality of life. Examining the quality of life in breast cancer survivors is important as it may inform supportive services, patient‐centered care, and well‐being after treatment. Theoretical perspectives such as ambiguous loss theory can assist in understanding the factors that shape quality of life. Ambiguous loss theory, developed by Pauline Boss, refers to a loss that remains unclear, unresolved, and lacks closure. Grief theorists have acknowledged grief associated with symbolic losses, such as the loss of health status. The current article integrates empirical research and established constructs derived from ambiguous loss theory to develop a middle‐range theory focused on explaining quality of life among breast cancer survivors.