bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trust‐Aware Routing Protocol Using Hierarchical Manta Ray Foraging Optimization Algorithm With Selfish Node Detection in MANET
Authors: Jeganathan Suresh , Kulandaivelu Gunasekaran , Muthusamy Dhurgadevi , Samraj Kishore Verma
Published: February 2025

Mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) are fast, self‐organizing, infrastructure‐less wireless networks; it is highly suitable for use in emergencies, natural catastrophes, and between places without infrastructure. However, this approach fails to focus on the selfish nodes. To address this, a trust‐aware routing protocol using the Hierarchical Manta Ray Foraging Optimization Algorithm (HMRFOA) with selfish node detection in MANET (SND‐MSWGCN‐TRP‐MANET) is proposed in this manuscript. Initially, clustering is processed using Localized Sparse Incomplete Multiview Clustering (LSIMVC). The node is clustered by merging or combining two maximum comparable cluster nodes; then, the clustered node is assigned to the Mud Ring Optimization Algorithm (MROA), where the cluster head is selected using the parameters, such as energy (E), distance (Dist), delay (D), and quality of service (QoS). The selected cluster head is fed to the Multiscale Superpixel‐Guided Weighted Graph Convolutional Network (MSWGCN) for effectively detecting the selfish node to ensure secure and efficient data routing in MANET. Finally, trust‐aware routing is performed using the HMRFOA, where it selects the optimal path. Then, the proposed SND‐MSWGCN‐TRP‐MANET is implemented, and the performance metrics like energy consumption, time consumption, end‐to‐end delay, throughput, average delay, packet delivery ratio (PDR), and packet loss ratio (PLR) are examined. The performance of the SND‐MSWGCN‐TRP‐MANET approach attains 14.82%, 21.63%, and 31.57% lower energy consumption and 16.23%, 24.19%, and 31.82% higher throughput when analyzed to the existing techniques, like selfish node trust aware along optimized clustering for dependable routing protocol (SNTA‐CRRP‐NANET), trust‐aware safe energy‐efficient hybrid protocol in MANET (TASEP‐MANET), and cluster with angular base energy efficient trusted routing protocol in MANET (EPTRP‐MANET).
Nitrogen and Phosphorus Losses in Shallow Tile Drainage and Surface Water From an Agricultural Peatland: A Case Study of Extreme Summer Rainfall From Southeastern Massachusetts, United States
Authors: Millar David , Alverson Nickolas , Kennedy Casey , Jeranyama Peter , Buda Anthony , Duncan Jonathan
Published: February 2025

Tile drainage has been incorporated into many cranberry production operations. Given the potential water quality impacts of tile drainage, we quantified its contribution to surface water flows and nutrient loads for a 2 ha cranberry bed during the 2014 growing season. Our results revealed that tile drainage tracked surface water flow except during (1) two major daily storm events ( >  99th percentile and >  95th percentile based on local rainfall records), which caused enhanced overland and shallow subsurface flow, and (2) extended dry periods, when surface water was stored in ditches and/or recharged to groundwater. The combination of the two major storms contributed 44% of the total N (TN) export load in the growing season and 39% of the total P (TP) export load in the growing season. The TN load in tile drainage (4.3 kg ha−1) accounted for approximately half of that exported in surface water (7.5 kg ha−1), indicating a substantial release of N during major storm events in the form of runoff, shallow groundwater flow, and potentially from the release of ditch sediments. Conversely, the TP load in tile drainage (2.7 kg ha−1) was approximately twice that exported in surface water (1.5 kg ha−1), which was consistent with the retention of P in ditch sediments.
Comparison of Mid‐Infrared and Ultraviolet Lasers Coupled to the MALDESI Source for the Detection of Secondary Metabolites and Structural Lipids in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Ashbacher Sarah M. , Manni Jeffrey G. , Muddiman David C.
Published: February 2025

Matrix‐assisted laser desorption electrospray ionization (MALDESI) conventionally utilizes a mid‐infrared (IR) laser for the desorption of neutrals, allowing for detection of hundreds to thousands of analytes simultaneously. This platform enables mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) capabilities to not only detect specific molecules but also reveal the distribution and localization of a wide range of biomolecules across an organism. However, an IR laser comes with its disadvantages when imaging plants. At a mid‐IR wavelength (2970 nm), the compartmentalized endogenous water within the leaf structure acts as an internal matrix, causing rapid heating, and, in turn, degrades the spatial resolution and signal quality. An ultraviolet (UV) laser operates at wavelengths that overlap with the absorption bands of secondary metabolites allowing them to serve as sacrificial matrix molecules. With the integration and optimization of a 355 nm UV laser into the MALDESI‐MSI NextGen source for the analysis of plants, we were able to detect diverse molecular classes including flavonoids, fatty acid derivatives, galactolipids, and glucosinolates, at higher ion abundances when compared to the mid‐IR laser. These results show that re‐visiting UV‐MALDESI‐MSI, without the need for an exogenous matrix, provides a promising approach for the detection and imaging of important analytes in plants.
Contrast‐enhanced ultrasound enables precision diagnosis of preoperative muscle invasion in bladder cancer: a prospective study
Authors: Ou Qiyun , Xie Weibin , Yu Yunfang , Ou Bing , Luo Man , Chen Yongjian , Pan Weiwei , Lai Yiming , Li Zhuohang , Kong Jianqiu , Wu Zhuo , Ruan Jingliang , Han Jingjing , Lin Tianxin , Luo Baoming
Published: February 2025

Bladder cancer's high mortality underscores the need for precise staging, especially to differentiate between nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) and muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) types. This prospective study evaluated the efficacy of contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) for preoperative staging, focusing on its ability to distinguish NMIBC from MIBC. Conducted from April 2020 to September 2021, the study involved 163 patients (median age: 64.0 years; 137 males, 26 females), with 133 NMIBC (81.6%) and 30 MIBC (18.4%). Each patient underwent CEUS followed by transurethral resection of bladder tumor or radical cystectomy. CEUS demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy in determining muscle invasion status (sensitivity 83.3%, specificity 92.5%, accuracy 90.8%, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC] 0.88). Comparative analyses against MRI (AUC 0.77) showed CEUS outperforming in muscle invasion detection. Combining CEUS with MRI improved diagnostic accuracy, particularly when MRI vesical imaging reporting and data system score was 3 points. The combined approach achieved an AUC of 0.73, with sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 76.2, 70.2, and 71.6%, respectively. Thus, CEUS emerges as a valuable diagnostic tool for preoperative staging of bladder cancer, particularly in its role in assessing muscle invasion status and thereby aiding in clinical decision‐making and intervention outcomes.
An Algebraic Preconditioner for the Exactly Divergence‐Free Discontinuous Galerkin Method for Stokes
Authors: Rhebergen Sander , Southworth Ben S.
Published: February 2025

We present an algebraic preconditioner for the exactly divergence‐free discontinuous Galerkin (DG) discretization of Cockburn, Kanschat, and Schötzau [J. Sci. Comput., 31 (2007), pp. 61–73] and Wang and Ye [SIAM J. Numer. Anal., 45 (2007), pp. 1269–1286] for the Stokes problem. The exactly divergence‐free DG method uses finite elements that use an ‐conforming basis, thereby significantly complicating its solution by iterative methods. Several preconditioners for this Stokes discretization has been developed, but each is based on specialized solvers or decompositions. To avoid requiring custom solvers, we hybridize the ‐conforming finite element so that the velocity lives in a standard ‐DG space, and present a simple algebraic preconditioner for the extended hybridized system. The proposed preconditioner is optimal in mesh size , effective in 2d and 3d, and only relies on standard relaxation and algebraic multigrid methods available in many packages. Furthermore, the Schur complement approximation is robust in element order , although more AMG cycles are needed on the velocity block when increasing .
Determination of Collisional Cross Section Using Microscale High‐Field Asymmetric Waveform ion Mobility Spectroscopy–Mass Spectrometry (FAIMS‐MS)
Authors: Krasnova Kristina , Creaser Colin S. , Reynolds James C.
Published: February 2025

Rationale

Collisional cross sections (CCS) are an important characteristic of gas‐phase ions that are measured using ion mobility‐mass spectrometry (IMS). Typically, CCS measurements are performed with drift‐tube IMS or travelling‐wave IMS. However. in a high‐field asymmetric waveform ion mobility (FAIMS) device, ion heating effects make CCS determination more challenging. This research explores whether CCS can be predicted with microscale FAIMS by using known CCS standards.

Methods

An Owlstone ultraFAIMS microscale FAIMS spectrometer was coupled to an Orbitrap Exactive mass spectrometer. Two different CCS standard mixtures (tetraalkylammonium halides [TAAHs] and poly‐DL‐alanine oligomers) were used to evaluate the system's potential to determine CCS. Test peptide bradykinin acetate and substance P were used to evaluate CCS determination accuracy for singly and doubly charged peptide species using external calibration with a series of poly‐DL‐alanine peptides for +1, +2 charge states.

Results

Calibrations with excellent correlation coefficients (R2 = 0.99) for both TAAHs and poly‐DL‐alanine were obtained. Good accuracy of determination was achieved for bradykinin [M + 2H]2+ with a ± 0.5% difference between experimental and published CCS at a dispersion field (DF) strength of 250 Td; the model proved less accurate for bradykinin [M + H]+ (±1.4% at 240 Td). The accuracy of determination for the [M + H]+ and [M + 2H]2+ ions of substance P was within ± 5% and ± 3% at 250 Td, respectively, while at higher DF values, accuracy decreased to approximately 5%.

Conclusions

Distinct relationships were observed between CCS and transmission CF with both calibrants. Optimum accuracy was obtained at DF 240–260 Td. At lower DF, accuracy is reduced by insufficient resolution of analyte ions from solvent cluster adducts, while at higher DF values, poor transmission becomes a factor. Nevertheless, these data suggest microscale FAIMS can conduct CCS measurements with reasonable accuracy when the compound being measured has similar structural features to the CCS standards used.
NR5A1 and cell population heterogeneity: Insights into developmental and functional disparities and regulatory mechanisms
Authors: Inoue Miki , Miyabayashi Kanako , Shima Yuichi
Published: February 2025

Background

NR5A1 plays essential roles in the development of various tissues, including the ventromedial hypothalamus, pituitary gonadotrope, adrenal cortex, spleen, testis, and ovary. Additionally, NR5A1‐positive cells in these tissues exhibit developmental and functional heterogeneity.

Methods

This review summarizes recent knowledge on the relationships between physiological functions and gene cascades regulated by NR5A1 in each tissue. In addition, we also present several intriguing examples of disparities in Nr5a1 gene regulation within the same tissues, which are relevant to developmentally and functionally heterogeneous cell populations.

Main Findings

The adrenal cortex and testicular Leydig cells exhibit clear biphasic developmental processes, resulting in functionally distinct fetal and adult cell populations in which Nr5a1 is regulated by distinct enhancers. Similar heterogeneity of cell populations has been suggested in other tissues. However, functional differences in each cell population remain unclear, and Nr5a1 gene regulation disparities have not been reported.

Conclusion

Some steroidogenic tissues demonstrate biphasic development, with fetal and adult cell populations playing distinct and crucial physiological roles. Nr5a1 regulation varies across cell populations, and analyses of gene cascades centered on NR5A1 will aid in understanding the mechanisms underlying the development and maturation of reproductive capabilities.
Problematische Nutzung digitaler Medien und Gesundheitskompetenz von Schülerinnen und Schülern in Deutschland. Befunde der HBSC-Studie 2022
Authors: Dadaczynski Kevin , Kaman Anne , Ravens-Sieberer Ulrike , Fischer Saskia M. , Bilz Ludwig , Sendatzki Saskia , Helmchen Ronja M. , Rathmann Katharina , Richter Matthias
Published: February 2025

Hintergrund

Der digitale Alltag von Kindern und Jugendlichen ist durch eine hohe Nutzung sozialer Medien und digitaler Spiele geprägt. Bisherige Forschung konnte gesundheitsabträgliche Konsequenzen einer problematischen Mediennutzung aufzeigen. Hingegen wurden Zusammenhänge mit der Gesundheitskompetenz kaum untersucht, obgleich Rahmenmodelle Gesundheitskompetenz als Determinante des Gesundheitsverhaltens nahelegen.

Methoden

Dieser Beitrag greift auf Daten der repräsentativen Studie „Health Behaviour in School-aged Children“ (HBSC) in Deutschland aus dem Jahr 2022 mit n = 6475 Schülerinnen und Schülern zurück. Es wurden Zusammenhänge zwischen der problematischen Nutzung von sozialen Medien und der Videospielintensität sowie der Gesundheitskompetenz unter Berücksichtigung soziodemografischer und -ökonomischer Merkmale bivariat und multivariat untersucht.

Ergebnisse

Die Prävalenz der problematischen Nutzung sozialer Medien betrug 11,1 % und etwa ein Drittel gab an, mehr als 9 h pro Woche mit digitalen Spielen zu verbringen. Eine geringe Gesundheitskompetenz stand mit beiden Formen der Mediennutzung in signifikantem Zusammenhang. Zudem war die problematische Nutzung sozialer Medien mit einer weiblichen und genderdiversen Geschlechtszugehörigkeit, dem Alter von 13 Jahren, dem Vorliegen eines Migrationshintergrunds und der Zugehörigkeit zu einer anderen Schulform als das Gymnasium verbunden. Eine hohe Spielintensität war mit einer männlichen und genderdiversen Geschlechtszuordnung, der Zugehörigkeit zu den Altersgruppen der 13- und 15-Jährigen und einem geringen familiären Wohlstand assoziiert.

Diskussion

Die Ergebnisse liefern nicht nur Hinweise für die Identifikation von Heranwachsenden mit besonderem Präventionsbedarf, sondern betonen auch die Relevanz, die der Gesundheitskompetenz für das Mediennutzungsverhalten zukommt. Exemplarische Empfehlungen werden unter Rückgriff auf die internationale Literatur aufgegriffen.
Operative Versorgungsstrategien bei periprothetischen Femurfrakturen Typ Vancouver B
Authors: Ries Christian , Gerhardt Patrick , Helwig Peter , Bäthis Holger , Kirschner Stephan , Rolvien Tim , Beil Frank Timo
Published: February 2025

Hintergrund

Durch den demographischen Wandel ist eine weitere Zunahme von endoprothetischen Versorgungen anzunehmen. Entsprechend ist, wie bereits in den letzten Jahren zu beobachten, mit einem weiteren Anstieg periprothetischer Frakturen zu rechnen. Die periprothetische Fraktur ist mittlerweile der dritthäufigste Grund für eine Revisionsoperation nach Implantation einer Hüfttotalendoprothese.

Ziel der Arbeit

Unter Berücksichtigung der bekannten Risikofaktoren für periprothetische Femurfrakturen (PPF) werden die Versorgungsstrategien der periprothetischen Frakturbehandlung auf Grundlage der aktuellen Erkenntnisse evaluiert, um Empfehlungen für die Praxis aussprechen zu können.

Material und Methoden

Narratives Review.

Ergebnisse

Die Literatur ist sehr heterogen und für viele Aspekte fehlt die Evidenz. Basis vieler Behandlungsempfehlungen bilden nicht randomisierte Studien mit geringer Patientenanzahl. Die Mortalität nach PPF ist unabhängig von der gewählten Therapie hoch. Das Alter und die Knochenqualität spielen eine Rolle bei der Versorgungstrategie und bei den heterogenen Ergebnissen. Für die Schaftverankerung bei Wechseloperationen nach proximaler PPF werden zementierte und zementfreie Schäfte in der Literatur gleichermaßen verwendet. Signifikante Ergebnisunterschiede zeigen sich nicht. Ein propagierter Vorteil von zementfreien Schäften in modularer Ausfertigung für diese Versorgung wird von der Literatur aktuell nicht gestützt.

Schlussfolgerungen

Unter Berücksichtigung der Umfeldfaktoren und Komorbiditäten empfiehlt sich ein individueller Ansatz bei der Versorgung PPF. Beim geriatrischen Patienten sollte zur Vermeidung von Komplikationen postoperativ eine Vollbelastung der unteren Extremität angestrebt werden.
Improving image quality and diagnostic usability in photon-counting coronary CT angiography using a novel reconstruction algorithm
Authors: Haag Nina P. , Niehoff Julius H. , Shahzadi Iram , Panknin Christoph , Wiemer Marcus , Kaese Sven , Gertz Roman Johannes , Pennig Lenhard , Platte Ole Inuk , Surov Alexey , Borggrefe Jan , Kroeger Jan Robert
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Qualitative comparison of image quality and diagnostic usability of the recently introduced ZeeFree (ZF) reconstruction algorithm for photon-counting coronary CT angiography (cCTA) with Standard (SD) and TrueStack (TS) reconstruction algorithms.

Methods and materials

This retrospective single-center study included 59 patients (mean age 62.5 ± 13.7, 37 males) who were referred for cCTA on a clinical photon-counting CT scanner between July and December 2023. Curved planar reformations were reconstructed for coronary arteries using ZF, SD, and TS algorithms. Three blinded radiologists individually evaluated image quality on a 5-point Likert scale (5 = excellent; median and interquartile range). Differences were evaluated using Friedman’s test with pair-wise post-hoc testing. Readers were advised to assess the image quality to be diagnostic using a dichotomous yes/no question, with results being presented as percentages and significance evaluated by the Pearson Chi-Square test. Interrater reliability for image quality used Gwet’s AC2 coefficient with ordinal weights, and Gwet’s AC1 coefficient for diagnostic usability.

Results

ZF showed superior quality (4 (2)) compared to SD (4 (2), p = 0.03) and TS (4 (1), p < 0.001) while a substantial inter-rater agreement was observed for all algorithms (0.70–0.74). Furthermore, ZF obtained the highest diagnostic usability compared to SD (82.5% vs. 77.0%, p < 0.001) and TS (75.5%, p < 0.001) while yielding an almost perfect inter-rater agreement (0.84).

Conclusion

Compared to SD and TS, the novel ZF image reconstruction algorithm for photon-counting cCTA provides improved image quality and diagnostic usability, suggesting its primary use for clinical assessment.

Key Points

Question

How well does the novel ZeeFree algorithm address motion artifacts in photon-counting coronary CT angiography?

Findings

ZeeFree significantly outperformed Standard and TrueStack reconstruction algorithms for image quality and diagnostic usability.

Clinical relevance

Enhanced image quality with ZeeFree could improve the diagnosis of coronary artery disease.
Stratospheric polar vortex, wave absorption/reflection and effect on surface climate
Authors: Hannachi A. , Lechner M. , Finke K. , Mukhin D.
Published: February 2025

The study of the stratosphere-troposphere interaction is important as it can contribute to boosting predictability in the subseasonal-to-seasonal timescale, particularly regarding extremes. This manuscript investigates the relationship between the stratospheric polar vortex and its sudden stratospheric warming and the troposphere in regard to the reflective and absorptive states of the vortex. We explore the eddy heat flux in relation to vertical wave propagation and sudden stratospheric warming, in addition to using the reflective index for comparison and checking. To find reflective and absorptive vortex regime and associated tropospheric flow, the analysis is complemented by clustering analysis. Using northern winter stratospheric and mid-tropospheric Reanalysis heights as well as sea level pressure and 2 m-temperature, absorptive and reflective states are identified and their coherent structures investigated in relation to the vortex state and surface climate. While the reflective index is not consistent with the eddy heat flux on the classification, the absorptive type for both methods consistently trigger a response in the annular mode with a negative Arctic Oscillation imprint. It also exhibits longer lasting wave propagation, compared to reflective types, suggesting sustained disruption of the circulation and occurrence of blocking. The clustering analysis reveals specific characteristics within vortex states affecting wave propagation. Precisely, weak and displaced or split vortex over the eastern hemisphere is associated with absorptive type, and yields more persistence, compared to the reflective type, associated with strong or quite weak vortex and also displaced vortex over North America. Effect on the surface climate are also discussed.
Schwall hat auch für adulte Äschen Konsequenzen. Beobachtungen zu schwall- und sunkbedingten Standortwechseln am Oberen Inn
Authors: Pinter Kurt , Wolf Moritz , Neuburg Jakob , Schletterer Martin , Hauer Christoph , Holzapfel Patrick
Published: February 2025

Die negativen Auswirkungen schwallbelasteter Fließgewässer auf juvenile Äschen (Thymallus thymallus) sind weitgehend bekannt. Für andere Altersstadien sind bisher nur wenige wissenschaftliche Untersuchungen verfügbar. Diese Studie konzentriert sich auf die Habitatwahl adulter Äschen im Oberen Inn. Mithilfe von telemetrischen Standortbestimmungen wurden die Reaktionen der Fische auf wechselnde Abflussbedingungen (Schwall und Sunk) erfasst. Ergänzend wurden fotogrammetrische Daten des Untersuchungsgebiets erhoben und hydrodynamischen Modelle berechnet, um die Parameter Fließgeschwindigkeit und Wassertiefe an den von den Äschen gewählten bzw. verlassenen Standorten bei Schwall und Sunk zu ermitteln. Äschen reagieren aktiv auf Abflussänderungen und verändern ihre Position im Mittel um rund 21 m, um bevorzugte Habitatbedingungen wie moderate Wassertiefen (0,56–1,19 m) und Strömungsgeschwindigkeiten (0,57–1,27 m/s) aufzusuchen. Die verlassenen Standorte weisen signifikant abweichende abiotische Rahmenbedingungen auf. Die Ergebnisse unterstreichen die Notwendigkeit gezielter Maßnahmen zur Reduktion der Auswirkungen von Schwall-Sunk, um die Lebensraumqualität für adulte Äschen zu verbessern.
Randomized crossover comparison of two teriparatide self-injection regimens for primary osteoporosis: Interim report (end of 52-week treatment) of the Japanese Osteoporosis Intervention Trial 06 (JOINT-06)
Authors: Soen Satoshi , Uemura Yukari , Tanaka Shiro , Takeuchi Yasuhiro , Endo Naoto , Takada Junichi , Ikeda Satoshi , Iwamoto Jun , Okimoto Nobukazu , Tanaka Sakae
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Patient satisfaction with two teriparatide (TPTD) self-injection regimens [once-daily (1/D)-TPTD and twice-weekly (2/W)-TPTD] was compared in a randomized crossover study involving patients with osteoporosis at high fracture risk.

Materials and Methods

Questionnaires evaluated overall satisfaction, satisfaction with treatment effectiveness, satisfaction with utility of the self-injection device, and preference for a particular injection regimen after crossover. Quality of life (QOL), visual analogue scale pain scores, and bone mineral density (BMD) were also analyzed. Safety was evaluated based on the incidence and severity of adverse events (AEs).

Results

The 1/D-TPTD and 2/W-TPTD groups comprised 180 (mean age: 75.9 ± 7.3 years) and 178 (75.4 ± 6.9 years) patients, respectively. After 26 weeks of treatment, the injection regimens were switched and treatment continued for another 26 weeks. Significantly higher persistence was observed in the 1/D-TPTD to 2/W-TPTD group (p = 0.032). No significant between-group differences in overall satisfaction scores or satisfaction with treatment were observed. Satisfaction with the utility of the injection device was significantly higher with the 2/W-TPTD regimen (p < 0.05); this regimen was preferred by 69.4% of patients after crossover (p < 0.001). A significant increase in BMD from baseline was observed at the lumbar vertebrae in both groups and at the hip area in the 1/D-TPTD to 2/W-TPTD group at 52 weeks (p < 0.05). Significant improvement in the QOL score was observed in both groups (p < 0.05). No serious AEs were reported.

Conclusion

Continuation of this study will further clarify patient satisfaction, treatment effects, and tolerability.
The genetic landscape of pediatric postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome
Authors: Qu Huiqi , Qu Jingchun , Chang Xiao , Williams Nolan , Mentch Frank , Snyder James , Lemma Maria , Nguyen Kenny , Behr Meckenzie , March Michael , Connolly John , Glessner Joseph , Boris Jeffrey R. , Hakonarson Hakon
Published: February 2025

Background

Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a complex disorder with serious health consequences, while its etiology remains largely elusive.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to investigate the genetic landscape of POTS using genomic approaches in a unique pediatric cohort.

Methods

We conducted a combined genome wide genotyping and whole exome sequencing (WES) study to systemically examine the molecular mechanisms of POTS pathogenesis. The patients were genotyped as two independent cohorts: a family cohort of 100 complete families and a case–control cohort of 207 unrelated European cases and 4063 ethnicity-matched control subjects. The WES component consisted of a subset of the genotyped subjects, including 87 unrelated European cases and 2719 unrelated European control subjects.

Results

The heterogeneous phenotype of POTS made achieving genome-wide significance improbable. Instead, 5670 SNPs with nominal significance (P < 0.05) were identified in both the family and case–control cohorts, with effects in the same direction. We conducted an over-representation analysis (ORA) by considering all genes that showed nominal significance. The ORA identified gene sets linked to cell–cell junction, early estrogen response, and substance-related disorders with statistical significance. Moreover, WES revealed 55 genes with genome-wide significance through rare variant burden analysis, harboring 92 variants classified as pathogenic or likely pathogenic by ClinVar.

Conclusions

This study showcases the complex interplay between common and rare genetic variants in POTS development, marking a pioneering step forward in deciphering its complex etiologies. The insights from this research enrich our understanding of POTS, offering new avenues for precise treatment strategies and highlighting areas for further research.
Spectral stochastic gradient method with additional sampling for finite and infinite sums
Authors: Krklec Jerinkić Nataša , Ruggiero Valeria , Trombini Ilaria
Published: February 2025

In this paper, we propose a new stochastic gradient method for numerical minimization of finite sums. We also propose a modified version of this method applicable on more general problems referred to as infinite sum problems, where the objective function is in the form of mathematical expectation. The method is based on a strategy to exploit the effectiveness of the well-known Barzilai–Borwein (BB) rules or variants of these (BB-like) rules for updating the step length in the standard gradient method. The proposed method adapts the aforementioned strategy into the stochastic framework by exploiting the same Sample Average Approximations (SAA) estimator of the objective function for several iterations. Furthermore, the sample size is controlled by an additional sampling which also plays a role in accepting the proposed iterate point. Moreover, the number of “inner” iterations with the same sample is also controlled by an adaptive rule which prevents the method from getting stuck with the same estimator for too long. Convergence results are discussed for the finite and infinite sum version, for general and strongly convex objective functions. For the strongly convex case, we provide convergence rate and worst-case complexity analysis. Numerical experiments on well-known datasets for binary classifications show very promising performance of the method, without the need to provide special values for hyperparameters on which the method depends.
Biofiltration by an imperilled freshwater mussel: implications for water quality in a drying climate
Authors: Daviot Jake R. , Lymbery Alan J. , Beatty Stephen J.
Published: February 2025

Freshwater mussels are keystone species in freshwater streams, providing important ecosystem services, including biofiltration. While most research has focussed on Unionidae mussels in northern hemisphere perennial rivers, far less is known about the biofiltration capacities of Hyriidae mussels, which are prevalent in intermittent rivers in arid and semi-arid regions of the southern hemisphere. This study examined biofiltration of the imperilled Australian hyriid, Westralunio carteri. We estimated biofiltration capacity by measuring reduction in algal concentration across three temperatures (15, 20 and 25 ºC) under laboratory conditions. We then validated these laboratory results with field experiments using natural seston. Westralunio carteri exhibited a mean clearance rate of 177.5 (95% CI 125.4–229.7) mL/g dry tissue/hour in the laboratory and 210.9 (95% CI 171.6–250.2) mL/g dry tissue/hour in the field. Clearance rate increased with temperature, with maximum rates recorded at 25 ºC, and smaller mussels had higher mass-specific clearance rates. Clearance rate estimates aligned with rates in other hyriid mussels. Given its biofiltration capabilities, W. carteri may aid in maintaining water quality in intermittently flowing rivers of south-western Australia, where decreasing streamflow due to climate change is increasing the duration of drying in smaller, warmer and increasingly isolated refuge pools.
Enhancing Academic Decision-Making: A Pilot Study of AI-Supported Journal Selection in Higher Education
Authors: Farber Shai
Published: February 2025

This pilot study explores the potential role of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in enhancing the academic manuscript-to-journal matching process, focusing on Large Language Models (LLMs). Through a focused evaluation of LLM-based recommendation systems, the study analyzes their performance across 40 papers from four distinct disciplines: law, psychology, exact sciences, and engineering. The research uniquely compares LLM-generated journal suggestions to expert human evaluations, providing insights into LLM's strengths and limitations. Findings reveal that while LLMs excel in fields with well-established publishing norms, such as psychology and exact sciences, they struggle with interdisciplinary research, niche topics, and emerging fields, particularly in law and engineering. The study contributes new evidence by identifying specific patterns in LLM's performance across disciplines and highlighting critical challenges, such as regional journal biases and the inability to fully address innovative or complex methodologies. These insights establish a foundation for improving AI systems and emphasize the importance of integrating AI capabilities with human expertise for a balanced, efficient, and effective approach to journal selection.
Nut graphs with a given automorphism group
Authors: Bašić Nino , Fowler Patrick W.
Published: February 2025

A nut graph is a simple graph of order 2 or more for which the adjacency matrix has a single zero eigenvalue such that all nonzero kernel eigenvectors have no zero entry (i.e. are full). It is shown by construction that every finite group can be represented as the group of automorphisms of infinitely many nut graphs. It is further shown that such nut graphs exist even within the class of regular graphs; the cases where the degree is 8, 12, 16, 20 or 24 are realised explicitly.
How Long Does it Last? The Enduring Benefits of Neurodiversity Training and Diagnostic Disclosure on Hiring Outcomes for Adults with ASD
Authors: May Cynthia P. , Whelpley Christopher E. , Moyer Levi , Feingold Lillian M.
Published: February 2025

Even when perceived as highly qualified, job candidates with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are less likely to be hired after a job interview than their neurotypical (NT) counterparts. However, when NT individuals receive training about neurodiversity and are aware of an ASD diagnosis, preliminary evidence suggests hiring outcomes for candidates with ASD are significantly more positive, at least when training occurs immediately before evaluation. This study examined whether the benefits of neurodiversity training coupled with diagnostic disclosure extend to the general population and persist over time. Participants included undergraduate students and individuals from the general U.S. population recruited through Prolific. They completed neurodiversity training either two weeks or two months before reviewing taped interviews of job candidates with and without ASD. They rated candidates on several social dimensions (e.g., trustworthiness, likeability, awkwardness) and indicated how likely they were to hire each candidate. Although candidates with ASD were rated less favorably on some social characteristics (e.g., awkwardness, similarity) relative to NT candidates, they were rated similarly on other dimensions (e.g., trustworthiness), and at both delays were just as likely to be hired as NT candidates. These findings suggest that evaluators who engage in neurodiversity training and receive diagnostic information about ASD candidates are favorably inclined to hire ASD candidates, and this positive disposition towards ASD candidates persists for several months after neurodiversity training.
Exploring Parent Perspectives: A Qualitative Study on the Impact of Post-Separation Domestic Abuse on Children
Authors: Millar Rosalyn , Hardy Caoilfhionn , McLaughlin Katrina
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aimed to explore mothers’ perceptions of the impact post-separation abuse has on their children. Despite ample research exploring the impacts of domestic abuse on an international scale, literature concerning post-separation abuse is lacking. Internationally, there has been a historical permissiveness towards experiences of coercive control, whereby non-physical acts have only recently become criminalizable. This has led to judicial proceedings minimizing women’s experiences during child contact/residence proceedings. Minimization can lead to post-separation abuse, facilitated by continued contact between a perpetrator, their victim and child. The effects of which were rarely acknowledged.

Methods

17 in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with service users of the domestic abuse support organization, Women's Aid. All participants had experienced instances of coercive control in their previous intimate partner relationship prior to seeking support from Women's Aid. All participants had also undergone child contact litigative proceedings.

Results

Five themes emerged: (1) Loss, (2) Diminished control, (3) Psychoemotional impacts (4) And so, it continues… and (5) Experiencing parent to child abuse.

Conclusions

Perpetrators often use children as vessels against their mothers to exert power and control, furthering emotional turmoil, regardless of the impact upon the child. Children experienced “an awful lot of loss” attributed to continued contact with their abusive father. This research indicates that the prioritization of a pro-contact approach and minimization of experiences of coercive control illicit ill-effects which permeate many aspects of children’s lives. This can lead to short and long term behavioral, emotional, and mental problems, and exposure to further abuse.
Domain generalization via content factors isolation: a two-level latent variable modeling approach
Authors: Gao Erdun , Bondell Howard , Huang Shaoli , Gong Mingming
Published: February 2025

The purpose of domain generalization is to develop models that exhibit a higher degree of generality, meaning they perform better when evaluated on data coming from previously unseen distributions. Models obtained via traditional methods often cannot distinguish between label-specific and domain-related features in the latent space. To confront this difficulty, we propose formulating a novel data generation process using a latent variable model and postulating a partition of the latent space into content and style parts while allowing for statistical dependency to exist between them. In this model, the distribution of content factors associated with observations belonging to the same class depends on only the label corresponding to that class. In contrast, the distribution of style factors has an additional dependency on the domain variable. We derive constraints that suffice to recover the collection of content factors block-wise and the collection of style factors component-wise while guaranteeing the isolation of content factors. This allows us to produce a stable predictor solely relying on the latent content factors. Building upon these theoretical insights, we propose a practical and efficient algorithm for determining the latent variables under the variational auto-encoder framework. Our simulations with dependent latent variables produce results consistent with our theory, and real-world experiments show that our method outperforms the competitors.
Pedochemical fractionation of potentially toxic elements within the context of soil–plant interactions at abandoned heap-field of Caporciano (Italy)
Authors: Andráš Peter , Midula Pavol , Kmeťová Jarmila , Ševčíková Janka , Tomaškin Ján , Drímal Marek , Janštová Jana , Masný Matej , Kharbish Sherif
Published: February 2025

Technosols from the heap of the abandoned Italian Cu deposit Caporciano contain important amounts of potentially toxic elements (Crtot., Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd and Pb). Copper contents exceed the Italian law limits for industrial/commercial sites. The studied metals in Pinus sylvestris and Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl. show strategy of excluders (bioconcentration factor < 1.0) except Ni and Pb (calculated for branches and leaves in Pinus sylvestris) while the translocation factor indicates preferential metal accumulation to leaves/needles (translocation factor > 1.0) in both plant speciments.At the heap the contents of the chlorophyll in leaves in the photosynthetic tissues of Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl. (8.56 CCI—chlorophyll content index) are significantly lower as those measured at reference area (17.71 CCI). The goal of the study is to use a modified methodology for the fractional analysis of soils for the determination of the potential bioavailability of potentially toxic elements in six steps. The innovative steps of sequential analysis are adapted with respect to the release of PTEs from the clay mineral surfaces. (fraction I: 1 M ammonium acetate at pH 7; fraction II: ammonium acetate at pH 5; fraction III: H2O2 in ammonium acetate buffer solution; fraction IV: acidic 0.2 M ammonium oxalate (pH 3.2); fraction V: 0.2 M ammonium oxalate and 0.1 M ascorbic acid mixture; fraction VI: 0.5 M ammonium acetate; pH 6). The best bioavailable metals are Cd, Cu, Zn and Pb. The obtained results enable international comparison with similar Cu-deposits.
Better than My Father or Better than His Absence: Understanding How Variation in Patterns of Absence Influence Intentions for Fatherhood
Authors: Alemu Matthew
Published: February 2025

Previous research and policy implementation on absentee fatherhood maintains an overly narrow conception of absence based solely on residency. This paper argues that absence is a variegated experience for many that is inadequately captured through the resident/non-resident binary. Qualitative interviews with 26 men on their experiences growing up with non-residential fathers revealed four ideal-typical patterns of residential absence. The four ideal-types of absence are Consistent, Inconsistent, Extended, and Absolute. This research demonstrates how these four types of absence are each uniquely consequential for how these men make sense of their fathers and conceptualize fatherhood. The paper concludes with policy and research considerations for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners.
The effects of stigma and social support on the health-related quality of life of people with drug resistance tuberculosis in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Adejumo Olusola Adedeji , Jinabhai Champaklal , Daniel Olusoji , Haffejee Firoza
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study assessed the effects of TB stigma and social support on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of people living with drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) in Lagos, Nigeria.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in five DR-TB treatment centres in Lagos, Nigeria, between September and December 2023. A total of 203 adults on DR-TB treatment were recruited to complete a questionnaire including the Redwood DR-TB stigma scale, the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-TB (FACCIT) scale, and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Student ‘t’ test/one-way ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation, and hierarchical linear regression analysis were conducted to explore the factors associated with HRQoL and the relationships between stigma, social support, and HRQoL.

Results

The mean overall HRQoL was 41.1 ± 12.9 among people with DR-TB. The HRQoL score of the physical domain was the lowest (25.8 ± 13.8). Participants who were young, male, single, with higher education, and HIV-negative had higher HRQoL than their counterparts (p < 0.05). Stigma was negatively associated with HRQoL, while social support was positively related, collectively explaining 57.6% of the variance. In the final model, social support contributed more (B = 0.576) to predicting HRQoL than did stigma (B = − 0.414).

Conclusion

The overall HRQoL of people with DR-TB in Lagos, Nigeria, was poor. Strategies that improve social support systems and reduce stigma are needed to improve this. Further studies are also required to assess the changes in HRQoL over time and evaluate the impact of specific stigma-reduction interventions.
Quality of life outcomes in colorectal cancer survivors: insights from an observational study at a tertiary cancer center
Authors: Marchewczyk Pola , Costeira Beatriz , da Silva Francisca Brito , Cavadas Daniela , Abecasis Nuno , Limbert Manuel , Maciel João
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Colorectal cancer (CRC) significantly impacts the quality of life (QoL) of survivors, yet detailed assessments of long-term QoL are sparse. This study evaluates QoL among CRC survivors, examining the influence of different treatments and patient characteristics on outcomes.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study at a tertiary cancer center in Portugal, enrolling CRC patients who underwent curative surgery from 2013 to 2022. QoL was assessed using the EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-CR29 at 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year follow-up intervals. Subgroup analyses were performed based on tumor location, radiotherapy administration, chemotherapy administration, presence of a stoma, and time since treatment, with sociodemographic and clinical factors examined on univariate and multivariate analysis.

Results

Of the 825 eligible patients, 324 were invited and 179 participated (response rate: 55.2%). Overall, patients reported high global QoL and functional scores with low symptom scores, comparable to those of the general population. However, rectal cancer survivors experienced poorer outcomes in role and social functioning, body image, and symptom management. Those receiving radiotherapy or chemotherapy reported more symptoms, with chemotherapy recipients showing lower functional scores. Patients with a stoma had significantly lower QoL across functional and symptom scales. Long-term survivors reported decreased physical functioning. Multivariate analysis identified female gender, open surgery, and chemotherapy as factors associated with reduced QoL.

Conclusion

This study highlights significant disparities in QoL outcomes between CRC survivors, with QoL influenced by gender, cancer location, radiotherapy or chemotherapy, stoma presence, and survivorship duration, underscoring the need for personalized support programs and tailored care plans.
Attenuation measurements on non-contrast-enhanced CT brain: a re-visit of their role in the diagnosis of cerebral venous thrombosis
Authors: Abdrabou Ahmed , Osman Ahmed M. , Taha Noha M. , Darwish Eman A. F.
Published: February 2025

Purpose

To determine the diagnostic merit of using quantitative imaging parameters measured on non-contrast CT (NCCT) in the diagnosis of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT).

Materials and methods

43 patients with CVT and 30 age and sex-matched controls were enrolled in this retrospective study. Two blinded neuroradiologists independently assessed the NCCT scans for direct and indirect signs of CVT. Absolute attenuation values of thrombosed and non-thrombosed sinuses were measured and the ratio of sinus attenuation to patient’s hematocrit (H/H ratio) was calculated for each case. The attenuation value of the internal carotid artery was also measured to calculate the veno-arterial (V/A) difference. Inter-reader agreement was evaluated and all measurements were compared between patient and control groups.

Results

The sensitivity and specificity of the dense sinus sign for diagnosis of CVT ranged from 72 to 79% and from 83 to 87% respectively. Sinus attenuation, H/H ratio and V/A difference were significantly higher in the CVT group than in the control group (P < 0.0001). An attenuation threshold value of > 55 HU yielded a sensitivity of 86% and a specificity of 90% and had the largest AUC of 0.89 (95%CI 0.795–0.951) among all stand-alone parameters, while the combination of an attenuation value greater than 55, or a V/A difference greater than 22, yielded the best diagnostic performance among all the parameters with sensitivity and specificity at values of 86% and a 100% respectively and an AUC of 0.93 (95%CI 0.846 to 0.977).

Conclusions

Overall, the analysis of quantitative parameters resulted in a notable upgrade in the accuracy of the diagnosis of CVT over visual inspection alone. Their high specificities make them reliable markers of CVT, yet their relatively lower sensitivities may indicate a need to perform further studies to safely eliminate the possibility of CVT in highly suspicious cases.

Trial registration number: FMASU R 10/2020/2021.