bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prioritization of Subwatershed Using Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System in Gandaki Province, Nepal
Authors: Poudel Diwakar , Panthi Saroj , Kharel Ripesh , Gautam Aayush , Dhungana Badri Raj , Ghimire Krishna Prasad , Dhakal Maheshwar , Karki Ajay , Adhikari Indra Prasad , Adhikari Shyam Sundar , Gurung Anup , Baral Umanga , Sedhai Chandra Prakash , Mishra Shambhu Kumar , Giri Prakash , Sedhai Nischal , Poudel Arbin , BK Rana Bahadur , Pariyar Shiva
Published: February 2025

Watershed degradation is a significant global problem, and as a mountainous nation, Nepal faces even greater challenges in managing its water resources. Because it is largely unrealistic to execute management plans at a time for a large spatial extent, subwatershed prioritization has now become a promising approach for managing watersheds. Our study delineated and prioritize subwatersheds in the Gandaki Province, Nepal, utilizing geospatial technique‐based morphometric analysis for the first time at provincial level. Using Digital Elevation Model having a 30‐m resolution in ArcGIS, we delineated 121 subwatersheds across the province, ranging in size from 29 to 796 km2. Subwatersheds were quantitatively ranked for prioritization by assigning a 60% weight to biophysical parameters and 40% to anthropogenic factors. The study's approach is novel in its inclusion of road network density and livestock density within the anthropogenic aspect, each assigned 10 points, alongside population density that received 20 points. Eleven subwatersheds, one from each district, were prioritized because of the highest degradation risk. Myagdi Khola 3 in Myagdi district, covering an area of 309 km2, and Kali Gandaki Nadi 1 in Parbat district, covering 33 km2, were the two highest prioritized subwatersheds with a prioritization score of 100. The subwatersheds scoring higher priorities should be adopted for development and management programs with immediate effect. This prioritization approach directly contributes to Sustainable Development Goals by promoting targeted action for water resource management, supporting ecosystem preservation, and climate resilience.
Data Management and the ‘BBNJ Standardized Batch Identifier’ Under the BBNJ Agreement
Authors: Lawson Charles , Humphries Fran , Jaspars Marcel , Rabone Muriel
Published: February 2025

This chapter addresses two innovations in the BBNJ Agreement—the ‘“BBNJ” standardized batch identifier’ (BBNJ Identifier) and the data management plan (DMP). The BBNJ Identifier is a means to link information about the subject matter of the BBNJ Agreement—marine genetic resources (MGRs) and digital sequence information on MGRs (DSI)—back to reporting on usage, to enable transparency and equitable benefit sharing. DMPs outline processes and standards for data creation, access, ownership, management and storage, and the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders where data is derived from MGRs and associated DSI. Both requirements are important to fulfilling the BBNJ Agreement obligation that MGR data are Findable Accessible Interoperable and Reusable, or FAIR. This chapter outlines the BBNJ Agreement obligations and the areas that will require further input as the agreement develops into practice, with direction from the subsidiary bodies: the Conference of the Parties (COP); the Scientific and Technical Body (STB), and the Access and Benefit-Sharing Committee (ABSC). It provides legal perspectives and context on the data requirements in relation to other relevant legal frameworks. The chapter concludes that the BBNJ Identifier and DMPs can contribute to modalities for the sharing of the benefits arising from the use of MGRs and DSI that are mutually supportive of, and adaptable to other access and benefit-sharing instruments.
Conclusions: Equity, Sustainability, and Transformation Under the BBNJ Agreement
Authors: Morgera Elisa
Published: February 2025

This chapter reflects on the overarching contributions of the Agreement Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction to inter- and intra-generational equity, environmental sustainability, and transformation. The chapter explains the areas of the Agreement that will require further development during its implementation in terms of incomplete theorization. The chapter will reflect on how the BBNJ Agreement can contribute to enhanced international cooperation to ultimately support the protection of everyone’s human right to a healthy environment.
The Novel Notification Information System for Marine Genetic Resources Under the BBNJ Agreement
Authors: Humphries Fran , Jaspars Marcel , Lavelle Jessica , Kachelriess Daniel
Published: February 2025

The new treaty on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction promotes equity through the fair and equitable sharing of benefits from activities with respect to marine genetic resources (MGR) and digital sequence information (DSI). To obtain information about these activities, the treaty provides a framework for a ‘light touch’ notification system, leaving many questions about how it might work in practice. Using textual legal analysis, this chapter draws from the negotiation history to offer a detailed interpretation of articles 11 and 12 of the treaty and the key features of the notification system: collection and utilization notifications and procedures for access to MGR and DSI in repositories and databases. It offers practical considerations about how its innovative features such as the BBNJ Standardized Batch Identifier may work in practice and summarises some priority areas for clarification if the notification system is to be effective for years to come as technologies change.
Integrable formulation of the OPE coefficients in the UV limit of the sine-Gordon model
Authors: Hegedűs Árpád
Published: February 2025

Abstract

In the repulsive regime of the sine-Gordon model, we work out a method, that enables one to formulate the UV limit of finite volume expectation values in terms of the integrable description of the UV limit of the corresponding spectral problem. Since these expectation values are related to 3-point couplings containing at least two identical operators, our computations provide with an integrable formulation to the 3-point couplings of the UV CFT. Our approach is based on the fermionic description of operators in the sine-Gordon theory, in which these expectation values are expressed in terms of a finite number of elements of an infinite matrix. Focusing on vacuum expectation values, in this paper, the first two nontrivial coefficients in the UV series representation of this matrix are expressed in terms of integrability data. This allows one to get an integrable description to some specific ratios of vacuum expectation values in the complex Liouville CFT.
The Juno mission as a probe of long-range new physics
Authors: Singh Praniti , Yan Shi , Allali Itamar J. , Fan JiJi , Li Lingfeng
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Orbits of celestial objects, especially the geocentric and heliocentric ones, have been well explored to constrain new long-range forces beyond the Standard Model (SM), often referred to as fifth forces. In this paper, for the first time, we apply the motion of a spacecraft around Jupiter to probe fifth forces that don’t violate the equivalence principle. The spacecraft is the Juno orbiter, and ten of its early orbits already allow a precise determination of the Jovian gravitational field. We use the shift in the precession angle as a proxy to test non-gravitational interactions between Juno and Jupiter. Requiring that the contribution from the fifth force does not exceed the uncertainty of the precession shift inferred from data, we find that a new parameter space with the mass of the fifth-force mediator around 10−14 eV is excluded at 95% C.L.
CP violation in two-meson Tau decays induced by heavy new physics
Authors: López Aguilar Daniel A. , Rendón Javier , Roig Pablo
Published: February 2025

Abstract

We apply the effective field theory formalism that was used to study CP violation induced by heavy new physics in the τ → K

S

πν

τ
decays to the other two-meson tau decay channels. We focus on the rate and the forward-backward asymmetries, that are predicted using current bounds on the complex Wilson coefficients of the effective Lagrangian. We discuss our outcomes for the modes with (K/π)π
0 and KK

S
, that can be studied at Belle-II and a super-tau-charm facility. Our main finding is that current and forthcoming experiments would be sensitive to the maximum allowed CP rate asymmetry in the K
±
K

S
modes if a precision of 5% is reached on this observable, that can check as well the BaBar anomaly in K

S

π. For the π
±
π
0 channels, new physics would be difficult to probe at present. Disentangling new sources of CP violation would be most challenging in K
±
π
0 and the other modes.
$$ \textrm{T}\overline{\textrm{T}} $$ deformations from AdS2 to dS2
Authors: Aguilar-Gutierrez Sergio E. , Svesko Andrew , Visser Manus R.
Published: February 2025

Abstract

We revisit the formalism of

$$ \textrm{T}\overline{\textrm{T}} $$

T

T
¯

deformations for quantum theories that are holographically dual to two-dimensional dilaton-gravity theories with Dirichlet boundary conditions. To better understand the microscopics of de Sitter space, we focus on deformations for which the dual bulk geometry flows from Anti-de Sitter to de Sitter space. We explore two distinct ways to achieve this: either through so-called centaur geometries that interpolate between AdS2 and dS2, or by a spherical dimensional reduction of

$$ \textrm{T}\overline{\textrm{T}} $$

T

T
¯

+ Λ2 theories that were proposed to give a microscopic interpretation of three-dimensional de Sitter entropy. We derive the microscopic energy spectrum, heat capacities, and deformed Cardy expressions for the thermodynamic entropy in the canonical and microcanonical ensembles for these two setups. In both setups a signature of the change from AdS to dS is that the heat capacity at a fixed deformation parameter of the boundary system changes sign, indicating the existence of a thermodynamically unstable de Sitter patch. Our findings provide important consistency conditions for holographic models of the dS2 static patch.
Geometric Josephson junction
Authors: Santos Fabiano F. , Boschi-Filho Henrique
Published: February 2025

Abstract

In this work, we present a gravitational dual to a constriction Josephson junction constructed from the AdS/BCFT correspondence. On the gravity side, we consider a planar AdS-Schwarzschild black hole. Our junction is connected by the boundary ∂Ω with tension Σ on the boundary CFT. This approach lead us to analytical solutions rather than usual numerical methods. Our computations on the gravity side reproduce the standard relation between the current across the junction and the phase difference of the condensate controlled by the tension Σ. We also study the maximum current’s dependence on the junction’s tension and size and reproduce familiar results.
Correlating 0νββ decays and flavor observables in leptoquark models
Authors: Fajfer S. , Leal L. P. S. , Sumensari O. , Funchal R. Zukanovich
Published: February 2025

Abstract

In this paper, we investigate minimal scalar leptoquark models that dynamically generate neutrino Majorana masses at the one-loop level and examine their implications for low-energy processes. We show that these models can produce viable neutrino masses, consistent with neutrino oscillation and cosmological data. By using leptoquark couplings fixed by neutrino data, we predict additional contributions to neutrinoless double-beta decays (0νββ), which are chirality enhanced and compete with the standard contributions from the Majorana masses. Our analysis demonstrates that these effects are sizable for leptoquark masses as large as

$$ \mathcal{O}\left(300\ \textrm{TeV}\right) $$

O

300

TeV

, potentially increasing or decreasing the 0νββ half-life, and creating an ambiguity between the normal and inverted mass ordering scenarios. Furthermore, we explore the correlation between 0νββ and flavor observables, such as kaon decays and μ → e conversion in nuclei, emphasizing that the latter is complementary to 0νββ decays.
Half-line kink scattering in the ϕ4 model with Dirichlet boundary conditions
Authors: Santos Jairo S. , Simas Fabiano C. , Gomes Adalto R.
Published: February 2025

Abstract

In this work, we investigate the dynamics of a scalar field in the nonintegrable ϕ
4 model, restricted to the half-line. Here we consider singular solutions that interpolate the Dirichlet boundary condition ϕ(x = 0, t) = H and their scattering with the regular kink solution. The simulations reveal a rich variety of phenomena in the field dynamics, such as the formation of a kink-antikink pair, the generation of oscillons by the boundary perturbations, and the interaction between these objects and the boundary, which causes the emergence of boundary-induced resonant scatterings (for example, oscillon-boundary bound states and kink generation by oscillon-boundary collision) founded into complex fractal structures. Linear perturbation analysis was applied to interpret some aspects of the scattering process. We detected the presence of two shape modes near the boundary. The power spectral density of the scalar field at a fixed point leads to several frequency peaks. Most of them can be explained with some interesting insights for the interaction between the scattering products and the boundary.
Web of 4D dualities, supersymmetric partition functions and SymTFT
Authors: Duan Zhihao , Jia Qiang , Lee Sungjay
Published: February 2025

Abstract

We study ℤ

N
one-form center symmetries in four-dimensional gauge theories using the symmetry topological field theory (SymTFT). In this context, the associated TFT in the five-dimensional bulk is the BF model. We revisit its canonical quantization and construct topological boundary states on several important classes of four manifolds that are spin, non-spin and torsional. We highlight a web of four-dimensional dualities, which can be naturally interpreted within the SymTFT framework. We also point out an intriguing class of four-dimensional gauge theories that exhibit mixed ’t Hooft anomaly between one-form symmetries. In the second part of this work, we extend the SymTFT to account for various quantities protected by supersymmetry (SUSY) in SUSY gauge theories. We proposed that their behaviour under various symmetry operations are entirely captured by the topological boundary of the SymTFT, resulting in strong constraints. Concrete examples are considered, including the Witten index, the lens space index and the Donaldson-Witten and Vafa-Witten partition functions.
Wedge holographic complexity in Karch-Randall braneworld
Authors: Fu Yichao , Kim Keun-Young
Published: February 2025

Abstract

We investigate holographic complexities in the context of wedge holography, focusing specifically on black string geometry in AdS3. The wedge spacetime is bounded by two end-of-the-world (EOW) branes with intrinsic Dvali-Gabadadze-Porrati (DGP) gravity. In line with this codimension-two holography, there are three equivalent perspectives: bulk perspective, brane perspective, and boundary perspective. Using both the “Complexity=Volume” (CV) and “Complexity=Action” (CA) proposals, we analyze the complexity in wedge black string geometry in the tensionless limit. By treating the branes as rigid, we find the late-time growth rates of CV and CA match exactly across bulk and brane perspectives. These results are consistent with those from JT gravity, with additional contributions from the intrinsic gravity of the branes. For fluctuating branes, we find that the late-time growth rates of CV and CA match between bulk and brane perspectives at the linear order of fluctuation. The CV

$$ \frac{\phi_h^2}{\phi_0} $$

ϕ
h
2

ϕ
0

corrections from fluctuations, consistent with the findings in previous work. Moreover, the CA results reveal an additional constant term in the fluctuating branes case. We provide an interpretation of this in terms of gravitational edge mode effects. The distinct corrections arising from fluctuations in the CA and CV proposals suggest that the CV proposal is more sensitive to geometric details. Furthermore, we discuss these results in relation to Lloyd’s bound on complexity, their general time dependence, and the effects of fluctuations.
T-model Higgs inflation and metastable cosmic strings
Authors: Pallis C.
Published: February 2025

Abstract

We present the formation of metastable cosmic strings (CSs) in the context of a supersymmetric (SUSY) left-right model. The spontaneous SU(2)R symmetry breaking occurs during a stage of T-model (Higgs) inflation (TI) driven by an SU(2)R triplet superfield which inflates away the produced monopoles. The subsequent breaking of the remaining U(1)R × U(1)
B−L
symmetry, triggered due to an instability arising in the system of a pair of SU(2)R doublet superfields, leads to the production of CSs. TI is based on a quartic potential, is consistent with data thanks to the adopted hyperbolic Kähler geometry and may be followed by successful non-thermal leptogenesis. The decay of the produced CSs interprets the recent observations from PTA experiments on the stochastic background of gravitational waves with values of the superpotential coupling constants close to 10−6 − 10−8 and symmetry-breaking scales a little lower than the SUSY grand unified theory scale. A solution to the μ problem of the MSSM is also accommodated provided that μ is two to three orders of magnitude lower than the gravitino mass. The issue of the gauge coupling unification is also discussed.
Spin cobordism and the gauge group of type I/heterotic string theory
Authors: Kneißl Christian
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Cobordism offers a unique perspective into the non-perturbative sector of string theory by demanding the absence of higher form global symmetries for quantum gravitational consistency. In this work we compute the spin cobordism groups of the classifying space of Spin(32)/ℤ2 relevant to describing type I/heterotic string theory and explore their (shared) non-perturbative sector. To facilitate this we leverage our knowledge of type I D-brane physics behind the related ko-homology. The computation utilizes several established tools from algebraic topology, the focus here is on two spectral sequences. First, the Eilenberg-Moore spectral sequence is used to obtain the cohomology of the classifying space of the Spin(32)/ℤ2 with ℤ2 coefficients. This will enable us to start the Adams spectral sequence for finally obtaining our result, the spin cobordism groups. We conclude by providing a string theoretic interpretation to the cobordism groups.
Bootstrapping ground state correlators in matrix theory. Part I
Authors: Lin Henry W. , Zheng Zechuan
Published: February 2025

Abstract

The D0-brane/Banks-Fischler-Shenker-Susskind matrix theory is a strongly coupled quantum system with an interesting gravity dual. We develop a scheme to derive bootstrap bounds on simple correlators in the matrix theory at infinite N at zero energy by imposing the supercharge equations of motion. By exploiting SO(9) symmetry, we are able to consider single-trace operators involving words of length up to 9 using very modest computational resources. We interpret our initial results as strong evidence that the bootstrap method can efficiently access physics in the strongly coupled, infinite N regime.
Lohnt sich AIT? Wirtschaftlichkeitsbetrachtung der allergenspezifischen Immuntherapie (AIT) für den niedergelassenen Hals-Nasen-Ohren(HNO)-Arzt
Authors: Reineke U. , Cappello C.
Published: February 2025

Allergien haben für Patienten, aber auch für die Kostenträger und die Volkswirtschaft eine enorme Bedeutung. Die Wirksamkeit und die Kosteneffektivität der allergenspezifischen Immuntherapie (AIT) gegenüber symptomatischen Behandlungen wurden bereits in verschiedenen Studien belegt. In Deutschland sind Allergiepatienten jedoch unterversorgt. Ziel dieser Arbeit ist die Untersuchung der Honorierung der allergologischen Diagnostik und AIT für niedergelassene Hals-Nasen-Ohren(HNO)-Ärzte. Eine Modellberechnung wurde für die Vergütung allergologischer Leistungen für zwölf Kassenärztliche Vereinigungen (KV) auf Basis des einheitlichen Bewertungsmaßstabes (EBM) und der KV-spezifischen Regelungen für das Jahr 2022 durchgeführt [20, 22]. Die Honorierung wurde sowohl gemäß der Werte im EBM als auch mit einem abgesenkten Punktwert kalkuliert. Die Vergütung wurde quartalsweise, für eine dreijährige Therapie und pro Stunde für subkutane Immuntherapien (SCIT) und sublinguale Immuntherapien (SLIT) analysiert und in Relation zum jeweiligen durchschnittlichen Honorar pro Behandlungsfall (DHPB) gesetzt. Bei Einhaltung des Budgets liegt die Honorierung eines HNO-Arztes in jeder KV bei einer SCIT über dem DHPB. Dies ist in den meisten KV auch dann der Fall, wenn der Überschuss zum Fallwert nur mit 15 % honoriert wird. Das Honorar bei einer dreijährigen SLIT ist in allen KV geringer als das DHPB. Die allergologische Diagnostik und die AIT rechnen sich für HNO-Praxen. Die Fortsetzungsbehandlung zeigt ein positives Aufwand-Ertrag-Verhältnis und unterstützt somit die Forderung nach einer dreijährigen Therapietreue.
QTL mapping and whole-genome sequencing analysis for novel genetic resources associated with sucrose content in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]
Authors: Lee Dongho , Vuong Tri D. , Shannon James G. , Song Qijian , Lin Feng , Nguyen Henry T.
Published: February 2025

Key message

A major QTL for sucrose content was mapped on chromosome 8 in PI 506593. The novel genetic variants and candidate genes were further identified within the major QTL.

Sucrose in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] contribute to animal feed efficiency and natural sweetness of soy products. Thus, identifying novel genetic resources, such as quantitative trait loci (QTL), associated with sucrose content in soybean is essential for enhancing seed values. In this study, two recombinant inbred line populations derived from the same high sucrose donor parent, PI 506593, were used to identify significant QTLs. A total of 11 sucrose-related regions on chromosomes (Chrs.) 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, and 13 were identified using QTL analysis. Among them, four QTLs (qSUC_08.1, qSUC_08.2, qSUC_08.3, and qSUC_08.4) were clustered in the interval of 40,597,410–42,861,364 bp on Chr. 8, which was considered major QTL region. A desirable marker at 41,834,095 bp was tested in two populations, showing that two phenotypically extreme groups were efficiently differentiated. We further identified 44 and 54 candidate genes with non-synonymous mutations in the major QTL region based on the annotations of Wm82.a2.v1 and Wm82.a5.v1 assemblies, respectively. Among 54 candidate genes from Wm82.a5.v1, Protein Variation Effect Analyzer (PROVEAN) revealed that 18 genes contained 34 variants that had deleterious impacts on biological functions. RNA-seq analysis highlighted five candidate genes that were highly expressed in pod and seed tissues during reproductive stages and other plant parts. A gene, Gm_Wm82_23219 (Glyma.08G293800, Wm82.a2.v1) encoding proline-rich protein 4-like, was highlighted in both PROVEAN and RNA-seq analyses. Novel findings in this study will be valuable genetic resources in soybean breeding programs that aim to improve efficiency in animal feed and human food.
Investigations on process vibrations and forces and their effects on resulting optical component qualities in a CNC grinding process
Authors: Binder Marcel , Henkel Sebastian , Bliedtner Jens , Fritzsche Marco , Biegler Eugen
Published: February 2025

The presented investigations deal with the real-time evaluation and recording of vibrations and forces during a CNC grinding process as well as the analysis and control of process influences on the surface quality of optical components. The experiments were performed on a 5-axis CNC machine and monitored using a laser vibrometer and a dynamometer. The subsequent examination of the component surfaces and topographies is carried out with the aid of two white light interferometry systems (macroscopic and microscopic). The aim of the investigations is to record and analyze correlations between the vibrometry, force and topography measurement data in order to examine their influence on the grinding process and the resulting component quality and to examine whether in-process vibrometry and force measurements can be used to detect and predict component quality during the process. Furthermore, the influence of individual grinding parameters on the grinding forces as well as the resulting component qualities are investigated under consideration of the surface roughness. It is shown that the vibration and force data measured during the grinding process correlate to a high degree with the recorded topography data. In addition, it was possible to determine which parameters have a significant influence on the observed CNC process. The setting parameters feed speed, tool grain size, and infeed depth had the greatest influence on the roughness and also on the forces. For example, the roughness could be reduced by around 47% by using the lowest considered feed speed compared to the highest. Furthermore, the forces were significantly influenced by the ultrasonic and could be reduced by around 53% by switching it on. The results underline the importance of real-time measurement technologies for improving CNC grinding processes, as they provide critical insights into the dynamic behavior of the system and its impact on the surface quality of optical components. This research demonstrates that by understanding the correlation between process forces, vibrations, and resulting surface topographies, it is possible to develop predictive models for in-process quality assurance. Consequently, the findings pave the way for more efficient and reliable grinding processes, reducing rework rates, and production costs. The presented approach can be directly applied in high-precision manufacturing environments, contributing to advancements in the fabrication of high-quality optical systems.
Effect of metoprolol exposure following myocardial infarction on future cardiovascular events: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Bruun Lina Dorthea , Andersen Geir Øystein , Kringen Marianne Kristiansen , Myhre Peder Langeland , Halvorsen Sigrun , Hansen Charlotte Holst , Molden Espen , Øie Erik
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The clinical benefit of up-titration of metoprolol to a guideline-recommended target dose after myocardial infarction (MI) is unknown. Our aim was to investigate whether variation in metoprolol exposure determined by cytochrome p450 enzyme 2D6 (CYP2D6) influences the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and cardiovascular death (CV death) among patients treated with metoprolol after MI.

Method

This Mendelian randomization study was performed using individual-level data from 1554 patients treated with metoprolol after an acute MI. CYPD26 genotype was applied as a binary genetic instrument assigning patients into two metoprolol exposure groups: CYP2D6 normal metabolizers (NM) (low exposure) and CYP2D6 intermediate and poor metabolizers (IM + PM) (high exposure). The null hypothesis of no association between the CYP2D6 metabolizer subgroup and MACE or CV death was tested using the Cox proportional hazards model. All-cause mortality and individual components of MACE were included as secondary outcomes.

Results

In total, 879 (56.6%) patients were classified as NM and 675 (43.4%) as IM + PM. During the 3-year follow-up, 56 patients (6.4%) in the NM group had an outcome of MACE, and 24 (2.7%) patients died from CV disease. Corresponding frequency in the IM + PM group was 47 (7.0%) and 22 (3.3%), respectively. There was no association between genotype and MACE [unadjusted HR 1.12 (CI 0.76, 1.65)] or CV death [unadjusted HR 1.20 (CI 0.67, 2.14)], or between the CYP2D6 group and any of the secondary outcomes.

Conclusion

In patients treated with metoprolol after MI, variation in metoprolol exposure determined by CYP2D6 did not impact the occurrence of cardiovascular events.
Reducing radiation exposure in pediatric cervical spine imaging for trauma: a multi-disciplinary quality improvement initiative
Authors: Yu Nina , Kohler Jonathan Emerson , Grether-Jones Kendra , Murphy Maureen , Zwienenberg Marike
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Pediatric cervical spine injury (PCSI) can result in devastating neurologic disability. While computed tomography (CT) imaging is both sensitive and specific in detecting clinically significant injuries, indiscriminate utilization can lead to excessive ionizing radiation exposure. A routine institutional audit revealed CTs were inappropriately obtained 54% of the time. This study evaluates the effects of an updated protocol to reduce radiation exposure in pediatric trauma patients.

Methods

Data were retrospectively analyzed from a pediatric level 1 trauma center from 2021 to 2022. The data were divided into two cohorts, pre-implementation (2021) and post-implementation (2022). Inclusion criteria were patients 0–14 years old with a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) ranging 9–15. Outside-hospital transfers were excluded. The primary study endpoints were guideline compliance and CT utilization.

Results

A total of 82 subjects were enrolled in this study. In 2021, there were 38 subjects (female/male 15/23, mean age 5.9 years old) with an average GCS of 13.6. In 2022, there were 44 subjects (female/male 19/25, mean age 5.2 years old) with an average GCS of 14.0. In 2021, the overall protocol adherence rate was 81.6%, and post-implementation in 2022, compliance was 93.2% (p = 0.109). Following implementation, the rate of inappropriate (protocol non-adherent CT) use decreased from 58.6 to 6.8% (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Implementation of a new evidence-based institutional protocol for PCSI was associated with improved adherence and reduction of unnecessary CT orders. Ongoing monitoring will help determine if these improvements are sustained.
A comparative study on trocar configurations and the use of steerable instruments in totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernia surgery training
Authors: van de Pas M. E. C. M. , Postema R. R. , Theeuwes H. P. , Klok J. W. A. , Rahimi M. , Verhoef C. , Horeman Tim
Published: February 2025

Background

Totally extraperitoneal (TEP) inguinal hernia surgery is a commonly performed but technically challenging procedure with a long learning curve. As TEP can be executed using two different trocar placements: a midline or a triangular configuration, the question remains which one is technically easier to master.

Methods

In a multicenter crossover-study, medical students were randomised into two groups and executed tasks on a box trainer that measured time, volume and force parameters. Additionally, the study assessed whether the SATA instrument, a steerable laparoscopic instrument that articulates the instrument’s tip, would reduce the difficulty of performing the tasks in the midline configuration. After training, all participants executed a first experiment using both trocar configurations, followed by a second experiment executed with steerable and non-steerable instruments in the midline configuration. Subjective and objective performances per condition and learning curves were assessed.

Results

Participants were faster and showed lower peak forces in the triangulated configuration. Learning curve analysis showed a positive improvement in time and path length in the midline configuration. Although participants rated ergonomics and intuitiveness similarly between the instruments, they found the task easier with the SATA instruments, ranking the added value of the steering function as 5 out of 5. Objectively, time and path length showed no significant differences while exerted forces were lower when using conventional instruments.

Conclusion

Although the midline configuration is preferred in terms of comfort and posture, the findings indicate that, for inexperienced practitioners, performing TEP surgery in midline configuration is both subjectively and objectively more challenging, highlighting the need for extensive training to overcome its difficulties and possibly shorten its learning curve. Although instruments with additional steering functions were preferred over conventional instruments in the more challenging midline configuration, additional steering complexity did not result in better parameter outcomes, showing the need for more extensive training.
Fistulectomy and primary sphincter reconstruction for high cryptoglandular anal fistula: a retrospective cohort study with long-term results
Authors: Sørensen Karam Matlub , Qvist Niels
Published: February 2025

Background

Surgical repair for high anal fistulas is challenging and can be associated with impaired functional outcomes. This study evaluated the long-term results of transsphincteric fistulectomy with primary sphincter repair for high anal fistulas in terms of recurrence, wound healing, fecal incontinence, and quality of life.

Method

This retrospective cohort study included patients who underwent surgical repair for high anal fistulas between 2006 and 2015. Data were collected by reviewing patients’ electronic hospital records, including demographic characteristics, medical conditions, surgical findings, performed procedures, and follow-up data until the last recorded visit. Functional outcomes were assessed using self-reported online questionnaires for quality of life (RAND SF-36) and fecal incontinence (Wexner score).

Results

Fifty-five patients were included. Primary healing was achieved in 42 (76%) patients, while 13 (24%) experienced recurrence. Following reoperations for recurrence, an additional 12 patients achieved healing, resulting in an overall healing rate of 98%. The median Wexner score was significantly higher in reoperated patients, and the median scores across all eight parameters of the RAND SF-36 were lower. None of the patients required proctectomy, and two ended with permanent stomas.

Conclusion

Surgery for high anal fistulas is associated with a high success rate, but reoperations for recurrence are linked to considerable impairment in functional outcomes.
Model-informed repurposing of eliglustat for treatment and prophylaxis of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli hemolytic-uremic syndrome (STEC-HUS) in children
Authors: Wolthuis David F. G. J. , Freriksen Jolien J. M. , ter Avest Mendy , Kartha Reena V. , de Wildt Saskia N. , Wijnsma Kioa , van de Kar Nicole C. A. J. , ter Heine Rob
Published: February 2025

Background

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli hemolytic-uremic syndrome (STEC-HUS) is a severe illness predominantly affecting young children, with limited treatment options beyond supportive care. Eliglustat, approved for Gaucher disease, shows potential in reducing Shiga toxin binding to target glomerular endothelial cells in vitro, prompting interest as a treatment for STEC-HUS. However, it remains unknown what dose is likely to be effective and safe for treatment of STEC-HUS in the pediatric population. We hypothesize that effective and safe levels of eliglustat can be reached in children.

Methods

We identified pharmacokinetic targets of efficacy for treatment and prophylaxis of STEC-HUS based on a preclinical model and human cardiac safety data. Then, we developed oral and intravenous dosing regimens using population pharmacokinetic (popPK) simulations based on an existing model enriched to allow extrapolation to a simulated virtual pediatric population. These dosing regimens were then confirmed using a verified physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model.

Results

We simulated, using popPK data, oral and intravenous dosing regimens resulting in adequate target exposure in > 90% of all patients, with minimal expected risk for cardiotoxicity. Confirmation of these dosing regimens with PBPK modeling resulted in very similar exposure, with lower interindividual variability and minimal toxicity potential.

Conclusions

Based on pharmacokinetic modeling, we developed oral and intravenous eliglustat dosing regimens that are likely safe and effective for treatment of STEC-HUS and prophylaxis in case of outbreaks of STEC infections. Clinical evaluation of these dosing regimens in children suspected of or diagnosed with STEC-HUS is required and should include assessment of pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety (e.g., ECG monitoring).

Graphical abstract
Physical activity promotion and participation for people living with and beyond head and neck cancer: A mixed methods study
Authors: Doughty Hannah C. , Woolfall Kerry , Hill Ruaraidh A. , Midgley Adrian W. , Patterson Joanne M. , Boddy Lynne M. , Rogers Simon N. , Williams Nefyn H.
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Head and neck cancer (HaNC) can be debilitating, resulting in high symptom burden. Physical activity (PA) can improve quality of life; however, less than 9% of HaNC patients are physically active. This study explored barriers to, and facilitators of, PA promotion and participation for HaNC patients.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews with patients, family members and healthcare professionals were conducted. A questionnaire was used to measure patients’ self-reported self-efficacy (The General Self-Efficacy Scale) and patients’ and healthcare professionals’ self-reported PA (The International PA Questionnaire — Short Form). Qualitative data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis and quantitative data were analysed descriptively. Data were synthesised drawing on the Capability-Opportunity-Motivation-Behaviour model and the Theoretical Domains Framework.

Results

Twenty-eight patients, 10 family members and 18 healthcare professionals participated. Most patients self-reported moderate-to-high levels of PA and self-efficacy. Professionals self-reported high levels of PA. Patients were unaware of the benefits of PA for managing side effects and improving quality of life. Family members and professionals were fearful of patients causing themselves harm by being physically active (reflective motivation and beliefs about consequences). Some professionals did not consider it within their role to promote PA to HaNC patients. Many professionals stated they required training in PA promotion, and patients and family members stated they required information and guidance (psychological capability and knowledge).

Conclusion

The responsibility of PA promotion is multidisciplinary and educating patients on the benefits and safety of PA may mitigate treatment-related side effects and improve quality of life. Future research should explore if barriers to, and facilitators of, PA behaviour change over a patient’s treatment trajectory.
Clioquinol inhibits angiogenesis by promoting VEGFR2 degradation and synergizes with AKT inhibition to suppress triple-negative breast cancer vascularization
Authors: Gu Yuan , Tang Tianci , Qiu Moqin , Wang Hongmei , Ampofo Emmanuel , Menger Michael D. , Laschke Matthias W.
Published: February 2025

Inhibition of angiogenesis, either as monotherapy or in conjunction with other treatments, holds significant promise in cancer treatment. However, the limited efficacy of clinically approved anti-angiogenic agents underscores the urgent need for the development of novel drugs and therapeutic strategies. In this study, we demonstrate the highly selective inhibitory effects of clioquinol, a topical antifungal and antibiotic agent, on the angiogenic activity of endothelial cells (ECs) in a series of in vitro angiogenesis assays. Moreover, clioquinol effectively suppressed blood vessel formation in ex vivo aortic ring and in vivo Matrigel plug assays. Mechanistic studies revealed that clioquinol directly binds to the ATP-binding site of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2), promoting its degradation through both proteasome and lysosome pathways. This led to the down-regulation of the downstream extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway. In addition, the combination with the AKT inhibitor MK-2206 synergistically boosted the anti-angiogenic efficacy of clioquinol in vitro and in an in vivo dorsal skinfold chamber model of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), leading to the suppression of TNBC growth. Accordingly, clioquinol, either alone or in combination with AKT inhibitors, represents a promising therapeutic agent for future anti-angiogenic cancer treatment.
“Until dignity becomes customary” archiving the #28A strike in Colombia
Authors: Giraldo Marta Lucía , Arenas Sandra , Yepes Nicolás , Sáenz Andrés , Ramirez Duan
Published: February 2025

The purpose of this paper is to document the creation of the Archivo del Paro #28A, a digital archive created in Colombia as a result of the social mobilizations that took place in 2021. To this end, we situate the cycle of protests that has been referred to as “social outburst” in a context of economic, political, and social crisis deepened by the effects of unequal management of the COVID-19 pandemic, but also in a context of political opening following the peace agreements between the State and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia—People’s Army (FARC-EP) in 2016. In this context, we argue that the social outburst of 2021 constituted a historical milestone in terms of democratic political participation and, consequently, we respond to the ethical and political duty of archiving it. We then show that the project for creating the Archivo del Paro #28A is inspired by other initiatives that have taken place in the international arena. Finally, we describe the process of creating the archive through the campaign “Hacer eterno lo efímero” [Making the ephemeral last forever], which framed the processes of gathering, classification, valuation, and dissemination of the collected documents as a strategy to achieve a broad diversity of voices.
Co-designing to develop computational thinking skills in Nigeria K-12 using scratch
Authors: Sunday Amos Oyelere , Agbo Friday Joseph , Suhonen Jarkko , Jormanainen Ilkka , Tukiainen Markku
Published: February 2025

The need to integrate the teaching and learning of computational thinking (CT) in K-12 education has been on the rise since it was identified as a skill for solving 21st-century problems. The co-design pedagogical approach has shown great potential in promoting effective communication of CT to both university and K-12 students with the support of different educational tools in different contexts. To ensure Nigerian secondary school (K-12) students develop CT skills, a four-day co-design CT activities workshop was organized. Co-design pedagogy and constructivism theory were deployed in this study with students co-designing COVID-19 disease spread game for learning CT. A mixed method was adopted to investigate student’s interest, attitudes, understanding of CT, and their learning experience from implementing CT-based prototype using Scratch. This study recruited 40 students from two different secondary schools in Nigeria as participants. The result revealed that student’s interest in learning CT was aroused through the use of co-design pedagogy and Scratch (μ = 4.55, σ = 0.815). Similarly, students attitude toward CT after the intervention study shows positive (μ = 4.50, σ = 0.716). This study paved way for student’s skills development in teamwork and collaborative learning, communication, idea sharing, personal skill development, game design, and understanding of programming. This study instigates thinking ideation, inspires the application of CT concepts in daily life activities, and improves problem-solving skills. This study promotes and advocates for the application of co-design pedagogy to foster the teaching and learning of CT in a Nigerian context. This study contributes to knowledge by promoting the use of Scratch as a tool for co-designing in learning CT, proposing a four-phase co-design application flow for the integration of co-design pedagogy with Scratch for learning CT in the Nigerian K-12 context and suggesting ways to implement the teaching and learning of CT in K-12 education.
$$\gamma $$/hadron discrimination by analysis of the muon lateral distribution and the ALPAQUITA array
Authors: Anzorena M. , de la Fuente E. , Fujita K. , Garcia R. , Goto K. , Hayashi Y. , Hibino K. , Hotta N. , Imaizumi G. , Jimenez-Meza A. , Katayose Y. , Kato C. , Kato S. , Kawashima T. , Kawata K. , Koi T. , Kojima H. , Makishima T. , Masuda Y. , Matsuhashi S. , Matsumoto M. , Mayta R. , Miranda P. , Mizuno A. , Munakata K. , Nakamura Y. , Nishizawa M. , Noguchi Y. , Ogio S. , Ohnishi M. , Okukawa S. , Oshima A. , Raljevic M. , Rivera H. , Saito T. , Sako T. , Sako T. K. , Shibasaki T. , Shibata S. , Shiomi A. , Subieta M. , Sugimoto F. , Tajima N. , Takano W. , Takita M. , Tameda Y. , Tanaka K. , Ticona R. , Toledano-Juarez I. , Tsuchiya H. , Tsunesada Y. , Udo S. , Usui R. , Yamagishi G. , Yamazaki K. , Yokoe Y.
Published: February 2025

A new method using the muon lateral distribution and an underground muon detector to achieve high discrimination power against hadrons is presented. The method is designed to be applied in the Andes Large-area PArticle detector for Cosmic-ray physics and Astronomy (ALPACA) experiment in Bolivia. This new observatory in the Southern hemisphere has the goal of detecting >100 TeV

$$\gamma $$

γ

rays in search for the origins of Galactic cosmic rays. The method uses the weighted sum of the lateral distribution of the muons detected by underground detectors to separate between air showers initiated by cosmic rays and

$$\gamma $$

γ

rays. We evaluate the performance of the method through Monte Carlo simulations with CORSIKA and Geant4 and apply the analysis to the prototype of ALPACA, ALPAQUITA. With the application of this method in ALPAQUITA, we achieve an improvement of about 18 % in the energy range from 60 to 100 TeV over the estimated sensitivity using only the total number of muons.
Effect of particle size on the oxygen reduction reaction activity of carbon‐supported niobium-oxide‐based nanoparticle catalysts
Authors: Shinyoshi Naoki , Seino Satoshi , Hasegawa Yuta , Uetake Yuta , Nagai Takaaki , Monden Ryuji , Ishihara Akimitsu , Nakagawa Takashi
Published: February 2025

In this study, niobium oxynitride nanoparticles were examined to determine the effect of particle size on oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity. To this end, catalyst precursors with niobium oxides dispersed on carbon supports were prepared using the irradiation or impregnation method. Polyacrylonitrile was added to each precursor, followed by heat treatment under an ammonia‐containing atmosphere to synthesize niobium oxynitride nanoparticles. The structures of the prepared catalysts were analyzed using transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray absorption spectroscopy. The results indicated that two catalysts with the same crystal phase but different particle sizes were obtained. Comparing their ORR activities revealed that the effect of particle size on ORR activity was limited. Thus, it was inferred that controlling the microelectron conduction paths can help maximize the benefits of particle size reduction. In addition, niobium oxynitride nanoparticles with different structures were obtained by varying the heat-treatment temperatures, and the ORR activity of each prepared catalyst was evaluated. These findings suggest that forming graphitized carbon residues with high electrical conductivity and controlling nitrogen-doping in the oxide nanoparticles are crucial steps for enhancing the ORR activity of oxide-based catalysts. These findings offer valuable insights for developing material design strategies to improve oxide-based catalyst performance.

Graphical abstract