bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deciphering the Complexity of Step Profiles on Vicinal Si(001) Surfaces Through Multiscale Simulations
Authors: Li Pai , Zhao Chao , Liu Yun , Xue Zhongying , Ding Feng , Wei Xing
Published: January 2025

The behavior of vicinal Si(001) surfaces are a subject of intense research for years, yet the mechanism behind its step modulation remains unresolved. Step B, in particular, can meander randomly or form a periodic zigzag profile, a surface phenomenon that has eluded explanation due to the lack of appropriate simulation tools. Here, a multiscale simulation strategy, enhanced by machine learning potentials are proposed, to investigate this mesoscale behavior. The study reveals a phase transition in the step profile on vicinal Si(001) surfaces from random meandering to a zigzag wave pattern as the miscut angle decreases. This step‐profile transition is corroborated by Monte Carlo simulations and experimental observations. Remarkably, this transition is robust across various surface conditions, including bare, hydrogen‐saturated, boron‐doped, or strained surfaces. The findings resolve the long‐standing puzzle of step polymorphism on vicinal Si(001) surfaces and pave the way for exploring mesoscale phenomena using multiscale simulations.
Self‐Driving Microscopes: AI Meets Super‐Resolution Microscopy
Authors: Ward Edward N. , Scheeder Anna , Barysevich Max , Kaminski Clemens F.
Published: January 2025

The integration of Machine Learning (ML) with super‐resolution microscopy represents a transformative advancement in biomedical research. Recent advances in ML, particularly deep learning (DL), have significantly enhanced image processing tasks, such as denoising and reconstruction. This review explores the growing potential of automation in super‐resolution microscopy, focusing on how DL can enable autonomous imaging tasks. Overcoming the challenges of automation, particularly in adapting to dynamic biological processes and minimizing manual intervention, is crucial for the future of microscopy. Whilst still in its infancy, automation in super‐resolution can revolutionize drug discovery and disease phenotyping leading to similar breakthroughs as have been recognized in this year's Nobel Prizes for Physics and Chemistry.
Co‐assemblies of Silver Nanoclusters and Fullerenols With Enhanced Third‐Order Nonlinear Optical Response
Authors: Li Jinrui , Xie Huiyan , Sun Di , Li Hongguang , Xin Xia
Published: January 2025

Exploring potential third‐order nonlinear optical (NLO) materials attracts ever‐increasing attention. Given that the atomically precise and rich adjustable structural features of silver nanoclusters (Ag NCs), as well as the unique π‐electron conjugated system of carbon‐based nanomaterials, a supramolecular co‐assembly amplification strategy to enhance the luminescent intensity and NLO performance of the hybrids of the two components, are constructed and the relationship between structures and optical properties are investigated. By combining water soluble Ag NCs [(NH4)6[Ag6(mna)6] (H2mna = 2‐mercaptonicotinic acid, abbreviated to Ag6─NCs hereafter) containing uncoordinated carboxyl groups with water‐soluble fullerene derivatives modified with multiple hydroxyl groups (fullerenols, C60─OH), the π‐electron delocalization is expanded owing to non‐covalent hydrogen bonding effect between Ag6─NCs and C60─OH, which provides a feasible basis for realizing the NLO response. Then, the co‐assemblies are doped into a PMMA matrix to prepare composite film and its NLO properties are evaluated by Z‐scan technique. Remarkably, the effective nonlinear absorption coefficients β is of two orders magnitude higher than those of the Ag6─NCs assemblies at the absence of C60─OH. This work showcases a new approach for amplifying NLO responses which greatly facilitates the development of integrated photonic devices.
Analysis of Acoustic and Mechanical Performance of Steel Foam Structural Parameters Using Design of Experiments
Authors: Chen Kuan‐Yu , Tzeng Yu‐Chih , Kuo Ting‐Yu
Published: January 2025

This study investigates the effects of pore size, porosity, and thickness on the acoustic and mechanical properties of 316L steel foam. Specimens with structural parameters—pore sizes (1 and 4 mm), porosities (45% and 60%), and thicknesses (10 and 30 mm)—are fabricated using the pressureless slurry sintering method. Employing Yates's experimental design and analysis of variance (ANOVA), the influences of these factors on the sound absorption coefficient and compressive mechanical properties are systematically examined. Results indicate that 316L steel foam with 60% porosity consistently outperforms 45% porosity specimens in sound absorption across all conditions, underscoring the primary role of porosity in enhancing sound absorption performance. Additionally, increased foam thickness shifts the sound absorption peak to lower frequencies, resulting in improved absorption in low‐frequency ranges. Regarding compressive mechanical properties, lower‐porosity steel foam demonstrates superior energy absorption capacity. ANOVA results further confirm that porosity is the most influential factor affecting both sound absorption and compressive performance, with no significant interaction effects among pore size, porosity, and thickness. Overall, compared to pore size and thickness, porosity emerges as the critical parameter governing the acoustic and mechanical properties of 316L steel foam, exerting opposing effects on sound absorption and compressive strength.
Friedrich Bleich (1878–1950) – Beratender Ingenieur für Stahlbau, Autor, Schriftleiter und Weltbürger
Authors: Pelke Eberhard , Kurrer Karl‐Eugen
Published: January 2025

Friedrich Bleich (1878–1950) war ein österreichischer Bauingenieur jüdischer Herkunft. Als einer der wenigen Ingenieure seiner Zeit gelang es ihm, in der Konsolidierungsperiode des Stahlbaus (1900–1950) die statisch‐konstruktive Praxis auf einzigartige Weise mit wissenschaftlichem Arbeiten zu verschmelzen. Kommunikation und fachlicher Austausch der Ingenieure über nationale Schranken hinaus war stets das Anliegen Bleichs. Er zählte zu den Gründern der International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering (IABSE) im Jahr 1928 und war deren wissenschaftlicher Sekretär bis 1938. Nach dem erzwungenen Anschluss Österreichs an das nationalsozialistische Deutschland und der sofort beginnenden systematischen Ausgrenzung der jüdischen Bevölkerung verließ der Weltbürger Bleich seine Heimat. Nach zweieinhalbjährigem Asyl in der Schweiz nahm die USA den international renommierten Bauingenieur 1941 auf. Im Alter von 63 Jahren stand Bleich vor einem Neuanfang seines Berufslebens, das er als wissenschaftlich beratender Ingenieur meisterte. In den USA erreichte sein wissenschaftliches Schaffen seinen Höhepunkt. Der Beitrag stellt Leben und Werk von Friedrich Bleich vor dem zeitgeschichtlichen Hintergrund in Europa und den USA dar.
High Volume Plasma Exchange Improves Survival Rates in Surgical Critically Ill Patients With Medical Jaundice and Hepatic Failure: A Comparative Study
Authors: Wu Shih‐Chi , Cheng Chih‐Chung , Yeh Hung‐Chieh , Cheng Han‐Tsung , Wang Yu‐Chun , Tzeng Chia‐Wei , Hsu Chia‐Hao , Muo Chih‐Hsin
Published: January 2025

Objectives

Acute liver failure poses a significant challenge in surgical critically ill patients. Treatments typically focus on physiological support and alleviation of hepatic insult. This study aims to evaluate the role of high‐volume plasma exchange (HVPE) in surgical critically ill patients with medical jaundice and hepatic failure.

Method

A retrospective review was conducted on surgical critically ill patients with hepatic failure unresponsive to conventional therapy, excluding those with obstructive jaundice. HVPE was considered for patients with persistent hyperbilirubinemia (> 10 mg/dL) and coexisting conditions such as coagulopathy, hyperammonemia, more than Grade II hepato‐encephalopathy, or exacerbated sepsis/septic shock status or multiple organ failure. Patients were categorized into standard medical treatment (SMT) and SMT + HVPE groups. Demographics and laboratory data were collected for analysis.

Result

A total of 117 patients were enrolled, with 79 in the SMT group and 38 in the SMT + HVPE group. There were no significant differences in laboratory data and MELD score upon admission. Before treatment, patients in the SMT + HVPE group exhibited higher levels of T‐bil., D‐bil., and sugar than the SMT group. After treatment, the SMT + HVPE group showed lower serum D‐bil. and AST levels but higher levels of albumin and platelets compared to the SMT group. The SMT + HVPE group demonstrated significantly lower delta T‐bil., delta D‐bil., and higher delta platelet levels. The survival rate was 31.6% (12/38) in the SMT + HVPE group and 1.3% (1/79) in the SMT group. The in‐hospital mortality rate in the SMT + HVPE group was lower than that in the SMT group, with a hazard ratio of 0.42 in the crude model and 0.34 (95% CI = 0.20–0.60 and p = 0.0002) in the adjusted model.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that HVPE improves survival rates in surgical critically ill patients with medical jaundice and hepatic failure. However, due to its retrospective nature, further studies were warranted.
Understanding Norms, Norm Clusters and Robustness at Different Levels of Global Governance
Authors: Funke Carolin , Dijkzeul Dennis
Published: January 2025

This chapter develops a theoretical framework and methods for studying disability inclusion at different levels of global governance based on different strands of IR norm theory. It also discusses the methods of data collection and analysis for each level of global governance and develops a multi-level perspective that goes beyond traditional International Law and IR approaches to understand the (limited) impact of disability inclusion in humanitarian crises so far.
Institutionalizing a New Understanding of Disability in Humanitarian Action at the International Level
Authors: Funke Carolin , Dijkzeul Dennis
Published: January 2025

This chapter examines the traditional views on disability (e.g., the charity and medical models), how activists, organizations of persons with disability (OPDs), and international organizations made disability a human rights issue, and discusses the central relevance of the CRPD for humanitarian policy and practice. In short, this chapter discusses how and to which extent a human rights model of disability has been institutionalized at the international level.
Translating Disability Inclusion into the Humanitarian System
Authors: Funke Carolin , Dijkzeul Dennis
Published: January 2025

This chapter studies how the main international actors in the humanitarian system—donors, intergovernmental bodies, and humanitarian organizations—have translated disability inclusion into their policies. After a brief introduction, the second part investigates the policies of the main humanitarian donors. It shows that despite growing attention, donor governments vary considerably in their approaches to disability inclusion and need to improve their translation further. The third part studies translation at the interorganizational level. This part explores how humanitarian organizations work with the four “must-do” action: (1) promote meaningful participation of persons with disabilities, (2) address barriers, (3) exercise data collection and monitoring, and (4) engage in empowerment and capacity building. It reveals that humanitarian organizations only gradually adapt their practices and struggle with considering the diversity of the populations they seek to support. The fourth part of this chapter comparatively describes the measures that individual organizations have taken so far to translate disability inclusion. Finally, a comparative analysis reveals that most donor approaches are too abstract and general for implementation and that the humanitarian organizations need to develop their capacities for disability inclusion further.
Climate Disruptions and the Coming Dark Age
Authors: Pelizzon Alessandro
Published: January 2025

In his opening remarks at the United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP25), held in Madrid at the beginning of December 2019, UN Secretary General António Guterres stated in no uncertain terms that ‘we [i.e. the entirety of humankind] are knowingly destroying the very support systems keeping us alive’. To validate such a radical assertion, Guterres cited the most recent scientific information on the state of the world’s environment (the IPPC Reports), leading him to the realization that a possible path—certainly the darkest—ahead of humanity is one ‘of surrender, [one] where we have sleepwalked past the point of no return, jeopardizing the health and safety of everyone on this planet … If we don’t urgently change our way of life’ Guterres concluded, ‘we jeopardize life itself’. The sense of urgency conveyed by the UN Secretary General’s words is far from a single, isolated cry to attention. On the contrary, the idea of a veritable climate apocalypse pervades the current global discourse, within scientific and political circles as much as within popular culture.
Anthropocentrism Redefined
Authors: Pelizzon Alessandro
Published: January 2025

What underpins the worldview that sees the environmental damages outlined in the previous chapter as legally invisible or at least legally irrelevant? Swimme and Tucker point out that, in relatively recent times.
Wild Law
Authors: Pelizzon Alessandro
Published: January 2025

‘What would happen to the world’, Steb Fisher asks (2013), ‘if, with the snap of our fingers, we shifted all our energy supplies to renewable sources overnight? You might be surprised at the answer: not much, at least for biodiversity and ecosystems’. Bill McKibben also notes that ‘[t]he diminished availability of fossil fuel is not the only limit we face.
Rights of Nature
Authors: Pelizzon Alessandro
Published: January 2025

There are, the authors discussed in the previous chapter have shown, many distinct ways to make law less anthropocentric and more ecocentric: to some, this means the extension of rights of nature and, or, granting nature legal personhood and standing to nature; to others, a stronger application of the precautionary principle, the adoption of notions of sustainability and ecological integrity as guiding principles, both jurisprudentially and legislatively; to others still, the reimagination of the current theoretical and practical approach to property.
Executive Summary
Authors: Zhou Xiao-Nong , Guo Xiaokui , Zhang Xiaoxi
Published: January 2025

In the last two decades, the globe has faced numerous significant public health crises triggered by zoonotic diseases. Notable instances include the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreak from 2002 to 2004, the Ebola virus epidemic in West Africa between 2013 and 2016, the spread of the Zika virus in the Americas from 2015 to 2016, and the COVID-19 pandemic starting in 2019. These events underscore the pressing need for a holistic, integrated approach to address these health threats. The global One Health index (GOHI) was introduced to meet this need, emphasizing a collaborative strategy across human, animal, and environmental health domains. This initiative is backed by significant global organizations like the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Organization of Animal Health (WOAH), and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Together, they have clearly defined One Health as “an integrated, unifying approach that aims to sustainably balance and optimize the health of people, animals and ecosystems”. The GOHI project aims to assess the application and development status of the One Health approach in over 160 countries/territories, intending to enhance its global implementation. The GOHI framework evaluates various aspects, including external, intrinsic, and core drivers of One Health development. Emphasizing a multidisciplinary collaboration, GOHI offers insights into the global performance of the One Health approach, highlighting areas for improvement. Its ultimate goal is to guide nations in adopting effective strategies, optimizing health practices, and formulating policies that encompass the intricate interplay between humans, animals, and the environment.
Methodology
Authors: Zhou Xiao-Nong , Guo Xiaokui , Zhang Xiaoxi
Published: January 2025

The global One Health index (GOHI) is a comprehensive measure developed to assess the integrated approach to human, animal, and environmental health. The construction of GOHI involves five steps: (i) framework formulation, (ii) indicator selection, (iii) database building, (iv) weight determination, and (v) GOHI score calculation. To ensure its reliability, a GOHI expert advisory committee was established, drawing expertise from diverse fields such as human medicine, veterinary science, and environmental science. The foundational principles of GOHI are based on the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, the holistic perspective required to address global health challenges, and the promotion of coordinated development within these systems. The GOHI framework consists of three layers: external drivers index (EDI) assessing factors influencing One Health’s evolution, intrinsic drivers index (IDI) evaluating practices across human, animal, and environmental interfaces, and core drivers index (CDI) measuring the management of key scientific areas, such as zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance, food security, climate change, and governance, etc. Indicator selection was guided by expert consultations and literature reviews, ensuring they are relevant, accessible, and globally comparable. The fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (FAHP) was used to assign weights to the indicators, and scores were normalized using specific equations to derive the overall GOHI score. The GOHI serves as a pivotal tool for global health evaluation, promoting a more integrated approach to address health challenges.
Findings and Recommendations
Authors: Zhou Xiao-Nong , Guo Xiaokui , Zhang Xiaoxi
Published: January 2025

The global One Health index (GOHI) study provides an extensive assessment of health interrelations among humans, animals, and the environment. Globally, the average GOHI score is 54.82, signaling substantial room for improvement. The study reveals marked disparities in GOHI scores across various regions and countries, suggesting uneven performances in managing health issues in the interface of human, animal and ecosystem. In examining specific nations, Oman’s commendable efforts in animal and environmental health contrast its human health performance, while Singapore excels in human health but lags in environmental health. Among the GOHI-Governance indicators, consensus-oriented methods score highest, but the formation of specialized One Health associations is lacking. The GOHI-Zoonoses score is notable, but the route of transmission indicator highlights weaknesses in managing zoonotic disease pathways. These findings underscore the need for robust international cooperation, enhanced data sharing mechanisms, and the translation of One Health research into actionable policies. The study’s limitations include potential data collection biases and the need for further validation of the GOHI framework.
Muon (g − 2) and thermal WIMP DM in $$ \textrm{U}{(1)}_{L_{\mu }-{L}_{\tau }} $$ models
Authors: Baek Seungwon , Kim Jongkuk , Ko P.
Published: January 2025

Abstract

The

$$ \textrm{U}{(1)}_{L_{\mu }-{L}_{\tau }} $$

U

1

L
μ

−

L
τ

model is anomaly-free with the Standard Model (SM) fermion content, and can make substantial contributions to the muon (g − 2) at the level of ∆a

μ
∼ O(10) × 10
−10 for

$$ {M}_{Z^{\prime }} $$

M

Z
′

∼ O(10 − 100) MeV and g

X
∼ (4 − 8) × 10
−4. In this light Z′ region, it was claimed that the model can also incorporate thermal WIMP dark matter (DM) if M
DM ∼

$$ {M}_{Z^{\prime }} $$

M

Z
′

/2. This setup relies on DM particles annihilating into SM particles through a Z′-mediated s-channel. In this work, we show that this tight relationship between

$$ {M}_{Z^{\prime }} $$

M

Z
′

and M
DM can be evaded or nullified both for scalar and spin-1/2 DM by considering the contributions from the dark Higgs boson (H
1). The dark Higgs boson plays an important role, not only because it gives mass to the dark photon but also because it introduces additional DM annihilation channels, including new final states such as H
1
H
1, Z′Z′, and Z′H
1. As a result, the model does not require a close mass correlation between the Z′ boson and dark matter M
DM ~

$$ {M}_{Z^{\prime }} $$

M

Z
′

/2 any longer, allowing for a broader range of mass possibilities for both scalar and fermionic dark matter types. We explore in great details various scenarios where the U(1) symmetry is either fully broken or partially remains as discrete symmetries, Z
2 or Z
3. This approach broadens the model’s capacity to accommodate various WIMP dark matter phenomena in the light Z′ region where the muon (g − 2)
μ
makes a sensitive probe of the model.
KrkNLO matching for colour-singlet processes
Authors: Sarmah Pratixan , Siódmok Andrzej , Whitehead James
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Matched calculations combining perturbative QCD with parton showers are an indispensable tool for LHC physics. Two methods for NLO matching are in widespread use: Mc@Nlo and Powheg. We describe an alternative, KrkNLO, reformulated to be easily applicable to any colour-singlet process. The primary distinguishing characteristic of KrkNLO is its use of an alternative factorisation scheme, the ‘Krk’ scheme, to achieve NLO accuracy. We describe the general implementation of KrkNLO in Herwig 7, using diphoton production as a test process. We systematically compare its predictions to those produced by Mc@Nlo with several different choices of shower scale, both truncated to one-emission and with the shower running to completion, and to Atlas data from LHC Run 2.
Replica wormholes and entanglement islands in the Karch-Randall braneworld
Authors: Geng Hao
Published: January 2025

Abstract

The Karch-Randall braneworld provides a natural set-up to study the Hawking radiation from a black hole using holographic tools. Such a black hole lives on a brane and is highly quantum yet has a holographic dual as a higher dimensional classical theory that lives in the ambient space. Moreover, such a black hole is coupled to a nongravitational bath which is absorbing its Hawking radiation. This allows us to compute the entropy of the Hawking radiation by studying the bath using the quantum extremal surface prescription. The quantum extremal surface geometrizes into a Ryu-Takayanagi surface in the ambient space. The topological phase transition of the Ryu-Takayanagi surface in time from connecting different portions of the bath to the one connecting the bath and the brane gives the Page curve of the Hawking radiation that is consistent with unitarity. Nevertheless, there doesn’t exit a derivation of the quantum extremal surface prescription and its geometrization in the Karch-Randall braneworld. In this paper, we fill this gap. We mainly focus on the case that the ambient space is (2+1)-dimensional for which explicit computations can be done in each description of the set-up. We show that the topological phase transition of the Ryu-Takayanagi surface corresponds to the formation of the replica wormhole on the Karch-Randall brane as the dominant contribution to the replica path integral. For higher dimensional situations, we show that the geometry of the brane satisfies Einstein’s equation coupled with conformal matter. We comment on possible implications to the general rule of gravitational path integral from this equation.
Using phenomic selection to predict hybrid values with NIR spectra measured on the parental lines: proof of concept on maize
Authors: Rincent Renaud , Solin Junita , Lorenzi Alizarine , Nunes Laura , Griveau Yves , Pirus Ludivine , Kermarrec Dominique , Bauland Cyril , Reymond Matthieu , Moreau Laurence
Published: January 2025

Key message

Phenomic selection based on parental spectra can be used to predict GCA and SCA in a sparse factorial design.

Prediction approaches such as genomic selection can be game changers in hybrid breeding. They allow predicting the genetic values of hybrids without the need for their physical production. This leads to significant reductions in breeding cycle length, and so to the increase in genetic progress. However, these methods are often underutilized in breeding programs due to the substantial cost involved in genotyping thousands of candidate parental lines annually. To address this limitation, we propose a cost-effective alternative based on phenomic selection, where genotyping of parental lines is replaced by NIR spectroscopy. Standard prediction models are then applied for genomic and phenomic selection, using similarity matrices derived from either genotyping data (genomic selection) or NIR spectral data (phenomic selection). Our hypothesis is that the chemical composition of parental tissues captured by NIRS reflects the genetic similarity between parental lines. We evaluated both strategies using a sparse factorial design, whose hybrids have been phenotyped in a multi-environment trial network, and with NIR spectra acquired on the parental lines on two independent environments. Both genomic and phenomic prediction approaches demonstrated moderate-to-high predictive abilities across various cross-validation scenarios. Our results also showcase the capability of phenomic selection to predict Mendelian sampling. This study serves as a proof of concept that low-cost high-throughput phenomics of parental lines can effectively be used to predict maize hybrids in independent trials. This paves the way for widespread adoption of prediction approaches at the very first stages of hybrid breeding, benefiting both major and orphan species.
Conformal Field Theory, Solitons, and Elliptic Calogero–Sutherland Models
Authors: Berntson Bjorn K. , Langmann Edwin , Lenells Jonatan
Published: January 2025

We construct a non-chiral conformal field theory (CFT) on the torus that accommodates a second quantization of the elliptic Calogero–Sutherland (eCS) model. We show that the CFT operator that provides this second quantization defines, at the same time, a quantum version of a soliton equation called the non-chiral intermediate long-wave (ncILW) equation. We also show that this CFT operator is a second quantization of a generalized eCS model which can describe arbitrary numbers of four different kinds of particles; we propose that these particles can be identified with solitons of the quantum ncILW equation.
First Passage Percolation, Local Uniqueness for Interlacements and Capacity of Random Walk
Authors: Prévost Alexis
Published: January 2025

The study of first passage percolation (FPP) for the random interlacements model has been initiated in Andres and Prévost (Ann Appl Probab 34(2):1846–1895), where it is shown that on

$$\mathbb {Z}^d$$

Z

d

,

$$d\ge 3$$

d
≥
3

, the FPP distance is comparable to the graph distance with high probability. In this article, we give an asymptotically sharp lower bound on this last probability, which additionally holds on a large class of transient graphs with polynomial volume growth and polynomial decay of the Green function. When considering the interlacement set in the low-intensity regime, the previous bound is in fact valid throughout the near-critical phase. In low dimension, we also present two applications of this FPP result: sharp large deviation bounds on local uniqueness of random interlacements, and on the capacity of a random walk in a ball.
Rigidity Aspects of Penrose’s Singularity Theorem
Authors: Galloway Gregory , Ling Eric
Published: January 2025

In this paper, we study rigidity aspects of Penrose’s singularity theorem. Specifically, we aim to answer the following question: if a spacetime satisfies the hypotheses of Penrose’s singularity theorem except with weakly trapped surfaces instead of trapped surfaces, then what can be said about the global spacetime structure if the spacetime is null geodesically complete? In this setting, we show that we obtain a foliation of MOTS which generate totally geodesic null hypersurfaces. Depending on our starting assumptions, we obtain either local or global rigidity results. We apply our arguments to cosmological spacetimes (i.e., spacetimes with compact Cauchy surfaces) and scenarios involving topological censorship.
Examining Truth Regimes Reveals How Local Communities View Flooding and River Management in the Lower Missouri River Basin, USA
Authors: Catalano Angela J. , Hall Damon M. , Gentil Gerardo M.
Published: January 2025

Riverine flooding is increasing in frequency and intensity, requiring river management agencies to consider new approaches to working with communities on flood mitigation planning. Communication and information sharing between agencies and communities is complex, and mistrust and misinformation arise quickly when communities perceive that they are excluded from planning. Subsequently, riverfront community members create narratives that can be examined as truth regimes—truths created and repeated that indicate how flooding and its causes are understood, represented, and discussed within their communities—to explain why flooding occurs in their area. To better understand community perceptions of river management related to repeated flooding, we employed a qualitative methodology of semi-structured interviews with 112 community members in 3 communities on the Missouri River, USA. Discourse analysis of the interviews revealed three dominant truth regimes that shape perceptions of river management in these communities: (1) upstream reservoir releases are driven by recreational aims, such as fishing and boating within reservoirs, instead of downstream flood control; (2) endangered species protection surpasses other river values and flood management; and (3) river navigation for commerce is no longer prioritized. For environmental managers, understanding the truth regimes circulating within local affected communities can help moderate mistrust of and frustration with governing bodies, guide project messaging to disarm false truth regimes, and improve the communication of river science, management options and policy implementation.
Fatigue patterns surrounding biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug injection in patients with an inflammatory rheumatic disease: an ecological momentary assessment study
Authors: van Lint Jette A. , Vriezekolk Johanna E. , Jessurun Naomi T. , den Broeder Alfons A. , van den Bemt Bart J. F. , Huiskes Victor J. B.
Published: January 2025

This study investigated severity, course and patterns of fatigue surrounding subcutaneous biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (bDMARD) injection in inflammatory rheumatic disease (IRD) patients using ecological momentary assessments and investigated self-reported adverse drug reactions (ADRs). In this prospective cohort study, IRD patients completed fatigue severity numeric rating scales (0–10) in web-based ecological momentary assessments in three waves of five days surrounding bDMARD injection. The course of fatigue was measured by the change in fatigue from pre-dosing to post-dosing scores and was classified as: worsening, improving or no clinically relevant change. A pattern was defined as a course of worsening, improving or no clinically relevant change in fatigue in at least two out of three waves for patients completing assessments across all three waves. ADRs could be reported on day five of each wave. In total 609 participants completed ecological momentary assessments surrounding 1541 bDMARD injections. Overall average fatigue severity across all three waves was 4.5 (± SD 2.4) and 78% experienced severe fatigue in at least one assessment. Of 398 patients completing all three waves, 61% had no clinically relevant change in fatigue in at least two out of three waves, 13% had a pattern of worsening fatigue and 18% had a pattern of improving fatigue. Of 398 patients, 36% had a consistent pattern in all three waves. IRD patients using a bDMARD may consistently experience specific fatigue patterns surrounding bDMARD administration. These patterns provide insights for clinical practice and could be used to inform patients properly.
Let the fish do the cropping: identifying fish grazers to improve coral aquaculture
Authors: Neil Rachel C. , Heyward Andrew , Bourne David G. , Humphrey Craig
Published: January 2025

Controlling the growth of fouling organisms in coral aquaculture is a recognised approach to enhance survival during grow-out of recruits. Herbivorous fish can reduce algae growth, though indiscriminate grazing by the fish pose a risk to the early life stages of corals. To identify a suitable age or size to introduce fish to coral recruit culture, settlement tiles with 1-week-old, single-polyp and 1-month-old, multi-polyp Acropora millepora, Acropora kenti and Goniastrea retiformis were exposed to “brusher”, “cropper” and “concealed cropper” fish grazers for 24 h, in addition to a manual aquarist cleaned treatment and a control uncleaned treatment for comparison. In general, acroporid recruits displayed lower mortality than Goniastrea recruits across all types of grazing, and younger, smaller recruits were more vulnerable to grazing, with the “brusher” fish functional group more likely to cause mortality. Morality was low in the uncleaned controls for all corals, whilst single-polyp recruits generally saw slightly elevated mortality under manual aquarist cleaning. Grazing by the “brusher” Ctenochaetus binotatus resulted in the highest mortality across all treatments with week old, single-polyp recruits experiencing 2.5% and 8.6% mortality for A. millepora and A. kenti, respectively, and as high as 88.9% mortality for G. retiformis. In contrast, month old acroporids that were 2–7 polyps in size displayed < 1% probability of mortality when exposed to the same C. binotatus grazing. Grazing intensity of the fish also played a role, as fish belonging to the same functional group with higher bite rates caused higher recruit mortality. Overall, “cropper” Acanthurus nigrofuscus represented the best trade-off between minimising recruit mortality whilst reducing algae coverage on the settlement tiles. Based on our results and knowledge of coral recruit growth, coral grow-out operations would gain the most benefit by introducing fish grazers once corals reach the multi-polyp stage at > 1 month old for acroporids and other fast growing species, and later for smaller, slower growing species such as G. retiformis.
Optimization of Gibberellic Acid Production from Fusarium incarnatum and Its Effect on Zea mays Growth Promotion and Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Mahmoud Ghada Abd-Elmonsef , Sabra Mayada A. , Mohamed Abdallah E. , Darwish Khaled Mohamed , Gaber Dalia A.
Published: January 2025

Endophytic fungi are a significant group of fungi found in various ecosystems, producing significant secondary metabolites with economic applications. The study aims to extract gibberellic acid from endophytic fungi, optimize its production using low-cost agriculture residues, and apply it to plants. Endophytic fungi were isolated from onion leaves, screened for gibberellic acid production, and the highest producer was identified by morphological and molecular tools. The production was optimized using three levels Box–Behnken design, and the hormone was applied to maize seeds at concentrations of 0, 50, and 100 ppm. Fusarium solani, F. oxysporum, F. incarnatum, and F. camptoceras produced gibberellic acid at concentrations from 3.04 to 36.33 mg/l, with the highest production by F. incarnatum-ASU19 (MK387876). The optimal parameters increased the production significantly (R2 0.9974) to 166.81 mg/l using 20 g/l sugarcane bagasse, 35 °C incubation temperature, and seven days of incubation. Increased gibberellic acid concentrations induced morphological characteristics, chlorophyll, flavonoids, and total antioxidants in maize compared to controls without GA3 addition. In conclusion, the endophytic fungus Fusarium incarnatum demonstrates significant potential for gibberellic acid production from low-cost agricultural residues. This bioprocess not only promotes a cleaner environment but also enhances plant tolerance to abiotic stress and positively influences agricultural productivity.
Evaluation of the risk factors for postoperative pectus excavatum and scoliosis in cystic lung disease
Authors: Takahisa Tainaka , Chiyoe Shirota , Wataru Sumida , Satoshi Makita , Hizuru Amano , Yoko Kano , Akihiro Yasui , Daiki Kato , Takuya Maeda , Yousuke Gohda , Hiroki Ishii , Kazuki Ota , Akinari Hinoki , Hiroo Uchida
Published: January 2025

Purpose

To analyze the frequency and predictive factors of the development of postoperative pectus excavatum and scoliosis in children who underwent surgery for cystic lung disease.

Methods

This study examined patients who underwent surgery for cystic lung disease (open and thoracoscopic) between July 2000 and December 2018 with a > 3-year follow-up period. Lesion size, surgical outcomes, and subsequent musculoskeletal complications were compared between the open surgery and thoracoscopic surgery groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify predictive factors.

Results

Overall, 90 patients (19 and 71 patients in the open and thoracoscopic groups, respectively) were included in this study. There was no significant difference in the incidence of pectus excavatum or scoliosis between open and thoracoscopic surgery; however, Haller’s index and Cobb angle were significantly higher in the open surgery group. In the univariate analysis, neonatal surgery and lesion size were substantial predictors of musculoskeletal malformations.

Conclusion

Postoperative musculoskeletal deformities emerge after surgical treatment for cystic lung disease, with thoracoscopic surgery showing advantages in selected dimensions. Neonatal surgery and lesion size are pivotal prognostic factors for musculoskeletal complications. Further corroborative multicenter studies are imperative to substantiate these findings and foster enhanced patient outcomes.
Efficacy and safety of indocyanine green-fluorescence imaging guided liver resection: a single-arm prospective cohort study
Authors: Gon Hidetoshi , Omiya Satoshi , Komatsu Shohei , Yamasaki Nobuaki , Murakami Sae , Fukushima Kenji , Urade Takeshi , Tsugawa Daisuke , Yanagimoto Hiroaki , Toyama Hirochika , Kido Masahiro , Fukumoto Takumi
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of indocyanine green (ICG)-fluorescence imaging for the identification of hepatic boundaries during liver resection and its advantages in surgical outcomes over conventional methods.

Methods

This prospective, exploratory, single-arm clinical trial included 47 patients with liver tumors who underwent liver resection using ICG-fluorescence imaging (ICG-LR) between 2019 and 2020. The primary outcome measure was the successful identification of hepatic boundaries during liver resection, from the perspective of both the hepatic surface and intrahepatic boundary, using ICG-fluorescence imaging. The secondary outcomes comprised surgical outcomes. Using propensity score matching (PSM), the surgical outcomes were subsequently compared between the ICG-LR group and patients who underwent conventional liver resection (C-LR, n = 100) between 2017 and 2018.

Results

Hepatic boundaries were successfully identified in 28 patients (60%; 95% confidence interval, 45–72%), including 21 and 7 who underwent anatomical and non-anatomical liver resection, respectively. After PSM, 40 patients were included in each of the ICG-LR and C-LR groups. The surgical outcomes were similar between the groups. Subsequently, surgical outcomes were compared between the groups focusing on anatomical liver resection. After PSM, 21 patients were included in each group. The ICG-LR group had a lower rate of Clavien–Dindo grade ≥ IIIa complications (0% vs. 24%; P = 0.017), including ascites and bile leak, and a shorter hospital stay (12 vs. 14 days, P = 0.041) than the C-LR group did.

Conclusion

ICG-fluorescence imaging could be used to recognize hepatic boundaries during liver transection. Additionally, ICG-LR may be useful in preventing severe liver-associated complications.

Trial registration number

This study is registered at the UMIN Clinical Trials Registry: UMIN0000180139 and Japan Registry of Clinical Trials: jRCT1051180070. The Registration Data Set is available at https://jrct.niph.go.jp/.
Validity of the MED4CHILD tool for assessing adherence to the Mediterranean diet in preschool children
Authors: Larruy-García Alicia , De Miguel-Etayo Pilar , Babio Nancy , Flores-Rojas Katherine , Picáns-Leis Rosaura , Gómez-Martínez Carlos , Miguel-Berges María L. , Martínez J. Alfredo , Corella Dolores , de la Torre-Aguilar M. José , Vázquez-Cobela Rocío , Shyam Sangeetha , Pastor-Villaescusa Belén , Córdoba-Rodríguez Diana Paola , Schröder Helmut , Fernández de la Puente María , Jurado-Castro José Manuel , Ni Jiaqi , Navas-Carretero Santiago , Leis Rosaura , Gil-Campos Mercedes , Salas-Salvadó Jordi , Moreno Luis A.
Published: January 2025

Most of the available tools to assess adherence to Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) were constructed for adults, having limited applicability to children and adolescents. The aim of this study is to validate a specific questionnaire to assess adherence to MedDiet in children aged 3 to 6 years (MED4CHILD questionnaire). The validation was performed in a baseline examination of a cohort of children who were recruited in schools in seven cities. Of the total sample of 1509 children, we included 858 children aged 3 to 6 years with complete information on adherence to the MedDiet, food consumption, anthropometry and cardiometabolic characteristics. Adherence to the MedDiet was assessed using an 18-item questionnaire, adapted from validated questionnaire for adults using the Delphi method. Food and beverage consumption was assessed using a validated COME-Kids Food and Beverage Frequency Questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements and cardiometabolic risk factors were assessed using standard methods. Statistical analyses included kappa agreement, ANOVA and linear regression models. Higher MED4CHILD scores were associated with higher intakes of food characteristic of the MedDiet. The MED4CHILD questionnaire showed moderate validity, especially for key items of the Mediterranean diet (kappa ranging from 0.333 to 0.665). Direct significant associations were found between MED4CHILD scores and cardiometabolic profile, including waist circumference (p), triglycerides and HOMA-IR (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The 18-item MED4CHILD questionnaire showed moderate validity for assessing adherence to the MedDiet in children aged 3 to 6 years, in terms of agreement with food and beverage consumption and favourable cardiometabolic profile.

What is known:• The Mediterranean diet has been linked to a number of health benefits and the assessment of children's adherence to this diet is important for public health and research.• The tools available to assess MedDiet compliance are mainly for adults.

What is new:• The MED4CHILD questionnaire is a simple, inexpensive and rapid tool for assessing MedDiet compliance in children.• This tool showed moderate relative validity and a high score was associated with a favourable cardiometabolic profile.
Comparative effectiveness of laparoscopic versus open colectomy in colon cancer patients: a study protocol for emulating a target trial using cancer registry data
Authors: Abera Semaw Ferede , Robers Gabriele , Kästner Anika , Stentzel Ulrike , Weitmann Kerstin , Hoffmann Wolfgang
Published: January 2025

Introduction: The objective of this study is to compare the 5 year overall survival of patients with stage I–III colon cancer treated by laparoscopic colectomy versus open colectomy. Methods: Using Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania Cancer Registry data from 2008 to 2018, we will emulate a phase III, multicenter, open-label, two-parallel-arm hypothetical target trial in adult patients with stage I–III colon cancer who received laparoscopic or open colectomy as an elective treatment. An inverse-probability weighted Royston‒Parmar parametric survival model (RPpsm) will be used to estimate the hazard ratio of laparoscopic versus open surgery after confounding factors are balanced between the two treatment arms. Further to the hazard ratio, we will also compute differences in the absolute risk (at 1, 3, and 5 years) and restricted mean survival time (up to 1, 3, and 5 years). A weighted Kaplan‒Meier curve will be used to compare five-year overall survival in both treatment arms. Various comparator and sensitivity analyses will be performed to check the robustness of the results that will be estimated by the RPpsm main model. Treatment period- and stage-specific results will also be provided. Discussion: This study aims to causally model the effect of laparoscopic versus open colectomy on 5 year overall survival using a target trial emulation approach. As the cancer registry data do not cover BMI, comorbidity, and previous abdominal surgery for non-malignant indications, the potential for residual confounding arising from these factors is a limitation of this study. This will be approached in a quantitative bias analysis using the E-method. The results will substantiate existing evidence on the comparative effectiveness of laparoscopic versus open colectomy in patients with stage I–III colon cancer and may guide clinical decisions as to whether a laparoscopic approach is as safe as an open approach in terms of improving 5-year overall survival in these patient groups.
On Galois Groups of Type-1 Minimally Rigid Graphs
Authors: Makhul Mehdi , Schicho Josef , Warren Audie
Published: January 2025

For every graph that is minimally rigid in the plane, its Galois group is defined as the Galois group generated by the coordinates of its planar realizations, assuming that the edge lengths are transcendental and algebraically independent. In this paper we compute the Galois group of all minimally rigid graphs that can be constructed from a single edge by repeated Henneberg 1-steps. It turns out that any such group is totally imprimitive, i.e., it is determined by all the partitions it preserves.