bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A wideband high gain conformal self-decoupled multiport antenna for 5G millimeter wave communications
Authors: Das Priyanka , Kundu Surajit
Published: February 2025

High gain antenna is a mandate for mm wave communications for combating path loss and fading. In this work, we report a four-port antenna operating over a wide spectrum which covers the FR2 band of 5G, namely n257, n258 and n259 bands respectively using both rigid and flexible substrates having same permittivity but different thickness. A maximum isolation of 53 dB is obtained between the antenna elements. The gain of the multiport antenna is enhanced by integrating it with a wideband polarization insensitive reflective type frequency selective surface (FSS) which exhibits band-stop filtering characteristics from 16.6–35.8 GHz and 17.4–39.3 GHz using rigid and flexible substrates respectively. An equivalent circuit model (ECM) has been proposed for the FSS for investigating its frequency response. In both planar and bent configuration, a maximum gain of 11.5 dBi is obtained over the 81% fractional bandwidth in the frequency band 15–35 GHz. Characteristic mode analysis is conducted for the proposed FSS and antenna for analyzing the current distribution in the dominant resonant modes using finite integration technique. Prototypes of antenna and FSS have been fabricated using both rigid and flexible substrates. The measured results show close resemblance with the simulated results.
Dynamic analysis of Hopfield neural network with Sigmoid-type activation function
Authors: Zhang Yunzhen , Yin Xiaowei , Chen Chengjie , Zhao Guangzhe , You Yunkai , Tao Shaohua , Xiong Weihua
Published: February 2025

The Sigmoid function is a continuous and smooth nonlinear function, often called a logic function that exhibits an ‘S’-shaped characteristic similar to the Tanh function, yet possesses a distinct positive threshold property that differentiates it from the Tanh function. To elaborate on the special dynamic behaviors induced by such functions, this paper proposes a Sigmoid-type Hopfield neural network (Sigmoid-HNN) using a Sigmoid function as the activation function. With the Sigmoid-HNN model, the boundedness is proven using the Lyapunov method, and the stability of the equilibrium point is clarified exhaustively. The complex kinetic behaviors influenced by the synaptic weights and external current stimulation are analyzed using two-parameter bifurcation diagrams, phase diagrams, bifurcation diagrams, and Lyapunov exponential spectra. The results show that the bifurcation behaviors of the Sigmoid-HNN model exhibit remarkable similarity when adjusting the weight parameters and external stimuli; chaos crises frequently occur, and backward period-doubling bifurcation phenomena occur in both cases. In addition, PSIM was used to simulate an analog circuit to verify the response characteristics of the model. The simulation results are consistent with the experimental data, strongly confirming the feasibility of the system model at the physical level.
Chiral dark matter and radiative neutrino masses from gauged U(1) symmetry
Authors: Babu K.S. , Chakdar Shreyashi , P.K. Vishnu
Published: February 2025

We propose a class of dark matter models based on a chiral U(1) gauge symmetry acting on a dark sector. The chiral U(1) protects the masses of the dark sector fermions, and also guarantees the stability of the dark matter particle by virtue of an unbroken discrete 𝒵
N
gauge symmetry. We identify 38 such U(1) models which are descendants of a chiral SU(3) × SU(2) gauge symmetry, consisting of a minimal set of fermions with simple U(1) charge assignments. We show how these models can also be utilized to generate small Majorana neutrino masses radiatively via the scotogenic mechanism with the dark sector particles circulating inside loop diagrams. We further explore the phenomenology of the simplest model in this class, which admits a Majorana fermion, Dirac fermion or a scalar field to be the dark matter candidate, and show the consistency of various scenarios with constraints from relic density and direct detection experiments.
Neutrino masses and mixing from milli-charged dark matter
Authors: Jana Sudip , Klasen Michael , P.K. Vishnu , Wiggering Luca Paolo
Published: February 2025

We propose a simple extension to the Standard Model, wherein neutrinos naturally attain small Majorana masses through a one-loop radiative mechanism featuring particles within the loops characterized by milli-charges. Unlike the conventional scotogenic model, our approach avoids imposing a discrete symmetry or expanding the gauge sector. The minuscule electric charges ensure the stability of the lightest particle within the loop as a viable dark matter candidate. We systematically investigate for both, dark matter freeze-in and freeze-out, the far-reaching phenomenological implications arising from these minuscule charges.
Astrophysical properties of static black holes embedded in a Dehnen type dark matter halo with the presence of quintessential field
Authors: Albadawi Ahmad Issa , Shaymatov Sanjar
Published: February 2025

From an astrophysical perspective, the composition of black holes (BHs), dark matter (DM), and dark energy can be an intriguing physical system. In this study, we consider Schwarzschild BHs embedded in a Dehnen-type DM halo exhibiting a quintessential field. This study examines the horizons, shadows, deflection angle, and quasinormal modes (QNMs) of the effective BH spacetime and how they are affected by the dark sector. The Schwarzschild BH embodied in a Dehnen-type DM halo exhibiting a quintessential field possesses two horizons: the event horizon and the cosmological horizon. We demonstrate that all dark sector parameters increase the event horizon while decreasing the cosmological horizon. We analyze the BH shadow and emphasize the impact of DM and quintessence parameters on them. We show that the dark sector casts larger shadows than a Schwarzschild BH in a vacuum. Further, we delve into the weak gravitational lensing deflection angle using the Gauss-Bonnet theorem (GBT). We then investigate QNMs using the 6th order WKB approach. To visually underscore the dark sector parameters, we present figures that illustrate the impact of varying the parameters of the Dehnen-type DM halo as well as quintessence. Our findings show that the gravitational waves emitted from BHs with a dark sector have a lower frequency and decay rate compared to those emitted from BHs in a vacuum.
Examination of Radiative Capture Rates of 99Tc(n, γ) 100Tc and Stellar β
− Decay Rates of 99Tc
Authors: Kabir Abdul , Nabi Jameel-Un , Tahir Muhammad , Abideen Zain Ul , Mudassir Isha
Published: February 2025

Within the context of the proton–neutron quasi-particle random phase approximation (pn-QRPA) model and TALYS v1.96 code, the radiative capture (99Tc(n, γ)100Tc) and stellar weak interaction (99Tc → 99Ru + e
− + ν

e
) rates were computed during thermal pulses operating in asymptotic giant branch stars. The Maxwellian average cross-section (MACS) and neutron capture rates for the 99Tc(n, γ)100Tc process are analyzed within the context of statistical code TALYS v1.96. The effect of nuclear level density (NLD) and γ-strength functions on MACS and neutron capture rates has been examined. The model-based computations for MACS provided an insightful contrast to prior investigated findings. The sensitivity of stellar weak interaction rates to different densities and temperatures is investigated using the pn-QRPA model. The impact of thermally populated excited states on electron emission (β
−) rates in 99Tc is extensively examined. Additionally, a comparison is made between the study of the stellar β
−decay rates and the thermal neutron capture rates. It is found that at T
9 = 0.26 the thermal neutron capture rates (λ
(n, γ)) and the temperature dependent stellar β
−decay rates (

λ

β

−

) cross each other. However, at higher temperatures, the λ
(n, γ) are found to be higher than

λ

β

−

.
Optimization study of cold storage environment of fruit warehouse based on CFD
Authors: Li Yuxuan , Guo Haifeng , Tang Xue
Published: February 2025

In micro-cold storage, chiller settings and cargo stacking format crucially impact the environment. This paper studies a mini apple cold storage in Linfen Boxiang Fruit Market, models 3D steady-state flow and heat transfer, and validates it through experiments and simulations. Fluent simulation was also used to simulate the distribution of temperature and velocity fields at different distances from the goods, at different wind speeds, and in different stacking forms of apples. The results found that the experimental and simulation data are consistent to a large extent, and the model is feasible; the distance between the chiller and the goods is 1.9 m, the speed of air supply is 4 m/s, and the stacking method is “three”-shaped arrangement, which is the best for apple storage.
Study on characterization and measurement method of ultrasonic nonlinear effect of interface pressure of cable accessories
Authors: Xia Rong , Ouyang Benhong , Yuan Jianjun , Wang Yuli , Huang Kaiwen
Published: February 2025

Interface pressure is the core element of the insulation structure design of cable accessories, which is essential for the insulating characteristics of accessories. Aiming at the limitations of existing detection methods, a measurement method using the ultrasonic nonlinear effect to characterize cable accessories’ interface pressure is proposed. Firstly, based on the acoustic nonlinear theory of rough contact interface, the simulation model of ultrasonic nonlinear response is constructed. The influence of the interface’s pressure on the transmission of ultrasonic waves was studied. The results of the analysis revealed that the link between the pressure exerted and the nonlinear coefficient can be established. A platform for testing the interface’s nonlinear behavior was developed with the help of an ultrasonic inspection system known as the RAM-5000 SNAP. The characteristics of crosslinked polyethylene and flat silicone rubber under different interface conditions were studied. The data revealed that the increasing pressure led to various changes in the primary interface echo’s magnitude, duration, and coefficient. This study establishes the viability of employing nonlinear ultrasonic detection techniques for measuring interface pressures in cable accessories and contributes valuable insights into the practical application of ultrasonic nonlinear detection techniques in engineering contexts.
Research on adaptive control strategy of virtual synchronous machine for optical storage inverter
Authors: Xia Min , Zhang Bin , Yang Yujin , Ke Qianwen , Li Sheng
Published: February 2025

With the wide application of renewable energy, the grid-connected stability of photovoltaic power generation systems has become increasingly prominent. To address the issues of power fluctuation and excessive frequency response caused by grid-connected photovoltaic power generation, this article introduces a flexible control approach for the Optical Storage Virtual Synchronous Generator (VSG). Through the construction of photovoltaic maximum power point tracking control (MPPT) and energy storage control strategy combined with basic circuit topology, the impact of rotational inertia and damping ratio on the dynamic behavior of VSG was examined. An adaptive control system was engineered to modify the control parameters dynamically. The simulation model was developed using the MATLAB/SIMULINK environment to verify the feasibility of the proposed control strategy. The simulation outcomes demonstrate that the adaptive control strategy is capable of effectively mitigating active power oscillations of the optical storage system, improving the rotor angular frequency overshoot, and enhancing the overall stability of the system.
Identification of transient unstable boundaries of distributed source loads considering the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics of virtual inertia
Authors: Sun Yifan , Zhong Weidong , Xu Jie , Chen Lei , Wang Yixiao
Published: February 2025

This paper proposes a research method for identifying transient unstable boundaries of distributed source loads considering the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics of virtual inertia. We establish a distributed source load system model and extract the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics of virtual inertia, including its variation patterns at different time scales, distribution differences at different spatial locations, and interaction mechanisms with other system parameters. A transient stability analysis model for power systems was established based on the dynamic model and control strategy of distributed power loads, identifying the transient instability boundaries of the system under different operating conditions. The experimental results show that this method can accurately identify the transient instability boundary of distributed power loads, improve the static voltage stability limit, suppress frequency and speed surges, increase power, and thus improve the transient voltage stability of the system.
Sensitivity analysis of closed and semi-closed heat pump drying systems
Authors: Zhang Weiqing , Fan Yi , Zhang Jingkui
Published: February 2025

Closed and semi-closed heat pump drying (CHPD and SCHPD) systems models were constructed. The system performance was found to be contingent upon the supply air temperature and the circulating air volume. The findings indicate that increasing the supply air temperature increases the Moisture Extraction Ratio (MER) of the CHPD and SCHPD systems but decreases the Coefficient of Performance (COP) of the CHPD and SCHPD systems. The energy efficiency and the Specific Moisture Extraction Ratio (SMER) of the SCHPD system are not as good as those of the CHPD system. The maximum difference in SMER between the CHPD and SCHPD systems is 3.31 kg/kWh, which occurs at a supply air temperature of 65°C. An increase in the circulating air volume has the effect of increasing the MER, SMER, and COP of the CHPD and SCHPD systems, reducing compressor power consumption but significantly decreasing supply air temperature.
An Extended Linearisation Approach to Nonlinear Control of Rover Lateral Dynamics
Authors: de Jesús Pablo-Sotelo Abraham , Ramírez-Luna Mauricio , Daniel Ávila-Gutiérrez Jesús , Olvera-Alvarado Abigail , Hernández Jorge
Published: February 2025

Space exploration in recent years has seen growth, with Mars being the preferred destination for major space agencies. Among the multiple problems faced by robotic exploration systems (commonly called rovers) is the control of their orientation. For this, complex and highly non-linear dynamic models are used as a starting point. Among the models used is the lateral dynamics model, which takes into consideration factors such as sideslip, yaw rate, and lateral forces generated in the rover. This work presents a non-linear control law based on extended linearisation capable of orienting the rover to a certain angle according to an inertial reference frame.
Failure analysis and lessons learned on crate and power supply equipment
Authors: Bobillier V. , Edvardsen J. , Mico S. , Pinzoni C. , Smaniotto B.
Published: February 2025

For nearly 20 years, the Power Supply and Crate Service at CERN has been responsible for
the maintenance tracking of power supplies and crates used by the CERN experiments. With this
experience, and with the imminent introduction of a new generation of power supplies for the
HL-LHC, the timing is ideal to conduct a statistical analysis to draw lessons from the past and
make recommendations for the future. This study aims to analyze failures, expose
the most vulnerable components, identify the improvement solutions, and highlight
the benefits of preventive maintenance campaigns to ensure reliable long-term operation.
Application of physics-informed neural networks for thin liquid film flows
Authors: Han Qixun , Sun Xianhu , Zhang Fan , Shao Sujuan , Ma Chicheng
Published: February 2025

The flow of a film induced by gravity is not only widespread in nature but also has significant applications in various industrial technologies such as coating techniques, nanotechnology, microfluidic chips, and heat exchangers. The film exhibits various nonlinear dynamic phenomena due to the interactions between surface tension, gravity, and other forces, making the study of this type of flow of great importance. However, the theoretical derivation of thin film fluid dynamics is complex, with diverse working conditions, making numerical solutions difficult, time-consuming, and labor-intensive. Therefore, it is of significant importance to seek an approach that differs from theoretical derivation or numerical solutions for the study of thin film fluid dynamics. With the rapid development of deep learning, this paper employs physics-informed neural networks (PINNs) algorithm, in conjunction with the partial differential equation governing the fluid film thickness, to conduct research on forward prediction of the film thickness variation over time and space, and inverse problem solving to determine unknown parameters in the governing equation from data. The study investigates the governing equation for the thickness of a falling film along an inclined plane and applies the PINNs method to solve it. The research predicted the film thickness for three different characteristic waveforms and conducted a comparative analysis with solutions obtained using the commercial software COMSOL. Additionally, the unknown parameters in the governing equation were inversely solved using limited data, and the differences in prediction results with and without noisy data were compared.
Active Brownian particle under stochastic position and orientation resetting in a harmonic trap
Authors: Shee Amir
Published: February 2025

We present an exact analytical study of an active Brownian particle (ABP) subject to both position and orientation stochastic resetting in a two dimensional harmonic trap. Utilizing a Fokker-Planck-based renewal approach, we derive the system’s exact moments, including the mean parallel displacement, mean squared displacement (MSD), and the fourth order moment of displacement, and compare these with numerical simulations. To capture deviations from Gaussian behavior, we analyze the excess kurtosis, which reveals rich dynamical crossovers over time. These transitions span from Gaussian behavior (zero excess kurtosis) to two distinct non-Gaussian regimes: an activity-dominated regime (negative excess kurtosis) and a resetting-dominated regime (positive excess kurtosis). Furthermore, we quantify the steady state phase diagrams by varying three key control parameters: activity, resetting rate, and harmonic trap strength, using steady state excess kurtosis as the primary metric.
MBR membrane fouling diagnosis based on multi-dimensional network
Authors: Zeng Jingxiao , Wang Zhiwen , Shi Yaoke , Ling Guobi , Wang Haoxu , Dong Hongyu , Zhang Hailin
Published: February 2025

This paper presents a Multi-Dimensional Network model aimed at analyzing mutually coupled membrane fouling in membrane bioreactors (MBR), addressing the limitations of existing diagnostic methods. First, fouling data were processed through wavelet transformation, using time-domain information as the network input. Second, initial features were extracted via convolution, with an inception structure applied for multidimensional feature extraction. Third, horizontal dense blocks were utilized to reduce network complexity while preserving key information. An attention mechanism was then incorporated to enhance model expressiveness, generalization, and diagnostic stability. Comparative testing revealed strong overall performance in diagnosing membrane fouling in hollow fiber membrane systems, achieving an average accuracy of 99.44%, which increased to 99.72% under noisy conditions. This underscores the model’s effectiveness in filtering contaminants in complex environments while maintaining excellent noise resistance and stability. Ultimately, the model significantly reduces operational and maintenance costs of wastewater treatment, providing a valuable theoretical foundation for advancing membrane water treatment technologies.
A parameter adaptive sine cosine algorithm for global optimization problems
Authors: Cheng Jiatang , Song Peisen , Xiong Yan
Published: February 2025

Sine cosine algorithm (SCA) is a random search technique for global numerical optimization. However, SCA still exhibits low efficiency for some complex problems. In this paper, we develop a novel SCA variant (PASCA) by introducing a parameter adaptive mechanism. Specifically, the control parameter is produced based on a Cauchy distribution rather than the original linear decreasing scheme. After that, at the end of each generation, the successful historical information is utilized to dynamically update the control parameter, which helps to strengthen the search ability and reduce dependence on the problem to be solved. To verify the effectiveness of PASCA algorithm, comparison experiments are conducted on 43 benchmark functions including 13 classic problems and CEC 2017 test suite as well as a time series prediction problem. Simulation results demonstrate that PASCA is an efficient and promising optimization method compared with the classic SCA and its four recent strong variants.
LSTM-based estimation of energy consumption in energy-intensive facilities
Authors: Uzun Ecem , Karabinaoğlu Murat Salim , Ayaz Murat
Published: February 2025

With rising energy demand, it is crucial to diversify energy sources and enhance energy efficiency. This urgency is particularly evident in energy-intensive facilities, where efficient energy production and consumption management play a pivotal role in optimizing energy utilization. In this study, a long- short-term memory (LSTM) based energy consumption estimation model was developed for a steel production plant as a representative energy-intensive facility. LSTM models excel in handling time-series data because of their ability to store sequential data in memory using memory blocks. The proposed model was subjected to a performance comparison with a traditional back-propagation neural network (BPNN) and regression-based models. Utilizing three-year production and consumption data, along with heating and cooling degree day information specific to the plant, the models were developed and tested. We validated and analyzed the models using 8640 data entries from the fourth year, which were not included in the training data. The evaluation based on the root mean squared error parameter yielded error values of 0.0586, 0.0608, and 0.0879 for the LSTM, BPNN, and regression models, respectively. Notably, the LSTM model achieved approximately 3.6% and 33.3% lower error rates in predicting the fourth year’s energy consumption compared to the BPNN and regression methods, utilizing data from the previous three years in an energy-intensive facility. In conclusion, the LSTM model introduced in this study offers a systematic approach to energy consumption forecasting, proving its effectiveness for energy-intensive facilities due to its flexible structure and ability to model nonlinear relationships.
Foundations of Matroids, Part 1: Matroids without Large Uniform Minors
Authors: Baker Matthew , Lorscheid Oliver
Published: February 2025

The foundation of a matroid is a canonical algebraic invariant which classifies, in a certain precise sense, all representations of the matroid up to rescaling equivalence. Foundations of matroids are pastures, a simultaneous generalization of partial fields and hyperfields which are special cases of both tracts (as defined by the first author and Bowler) and ordered blue fields (as defined by the second author).

Using deep results due to Tutte, Dress–Wenzel, and Gelfand–Rybnikov–Stone, we give a presentation for the foundation of a matroid in terms of generators and relations. The generators are certain “cross-ratios” generalizing the cross-ratio of four points on a projective line, and the relations encode dependencies between cross-ratios in certain low-rank configurations arising in projective geometry.

Although the presentation of the foundation is valid for all matroids, it is simplest to apply in the case of matroids without large uniform minors. i.e., matroids having no minor corresponding to five points on a line or its dual configuration. For such matroids, we obtain a complete classification of all possible foundations.

We then give a number of applications of this classification theorem, for example:

We prove the following strengthening of a 1997 theorem of Lee and Scobee: every orientation of a matroid without large uniform minors comes from a dyadic representation, which is unique up to rescaling.

For a matroid

M
M

without large uniform minors, we establish the following strengthening of a 2017 theorem of Ardila–Rincón–Williams: if

M
M

is positively oriented then

M
M

is representable over every field with at least 3 elements.

Two matroids are said to belong to the same representation class if they are representable over precisely the same pastures. We prove that there are precisely 12 possibilities for the representation class of a matroid without large uniform minors, exactly three of which are not representable over any field.
When everything is a master regulator, nothing is
Authors: Krauss Robert S. , Kyba Michael
Published: February 2025

The term “master regulator” emerged in the 1960s and 1970s and referred to autoregulatory transcription factors that sat atop a developmental lineage. Since that time, usage of the term has increased and broadened to the point where it has lost clear meaning. Here we discuss the term “master regulator” with the goals of developing a consensus view of its definition and stimulating discussion on use of similar terms. We propose that the designation “master regulator” be reserved for transcription factors that are: 1) positioned at the top of a regulatory hierarchy specifying a cell lineage (and potentially specific cell states, such as hypoxia); and 2) sufficient to drive the transcriptional program characterizing that lineage or state. It is hoped that this piece will provide a precedent for use of additional terms applied to incompletely understood biological processes, resulting in experimentation that sheds light on such processes.
Early Sedation with Dexmedetomidine in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction Requiring Mechanical Ventilation
Authors: Banna Soumya , Schenck Christopher , Singh Avinainder , Safiriyu Israel , Jimenez Jose Victor , Franko Ashley , Thomas Alexander , Heck Cory , Ludmir Jonathan , Gage Ann , Ali Tariq , Katz Jason N , Dudzinski David M , Ross Joseph S , Miller P Elliott
Published: February 2025

Background and Aims

Patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) who require invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) represent a critically ill population with limited data on optimal sedative and analgesic use. Clinical trials assessing dexmedetomidine use exclude or poorly represent patients with AMI. This study aimed to compare the use of early sedation with dexmedetomidine to usual-care sedation in patients with AMI requiring IMV.

Methods

We utilized the Vizient® Clinical Data Base to identify patients aged ≥18 years admitted between 2015 and 2019 with a primary diagnosis of AMI who required IMV. Patients receiving dexmedetomidine on the first day of IMV were included in the early dexmedetomidine group while the remaining patients were assigned to the usual care group. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was used to estimate adjusted risk differences between groups.

Results

We identified 15,928 patients, of which 1,620 (10.2%) received early dexmedetomidine. Patients who received early dexmedetomidine were more likely to present with cardiogenic shock (52.0% vs. 47.7%, P=0.001). In unadjusted analyses, patients receiving early dexmedetomidine had lower in-hospital mortality (33.0% vs 42.1%) and more ventilator-free days (13.6 vs 12.1) compared to usual care (both, P<0.05). After IPTW, patients receiving early dexmedetomidine had a 11.0% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 8.6% to 13.5%) lower mortality and more ventilator-free days (mean difference: +2.2 days, 95% CI: 1.6-2.8 days).

Conclusion

Early sedation with dexmedetomidine was associated with lower mortality compared to usual care in patients with AMI requiring IMV. A randomized controlled trial of sedative agents in this population is warranted
Genome-wide SNP-based relationships improve genetic parameter estimates and genomic prediction of growth traits in a large operational breeding trials of Pinus taeda L.
Authors: Tambarussi Evandro Vagner , Shalizi Mohammad Nasir , Grattapaglia Dario , Hodge Gary , Isik Fikret , Paludeto João Gabriel Zanon , Biernaski Fabricio A , Acosta Juan Jose
Published: February 2025

High-precision estimation of genetic parameters of growth traits is a fundamental requisite for effective selection of individuals to advance breeding cycles and support continued genetic gain in tree improvement. Due to the lack of efficient large-scale cloning techniques of adult trees, plantation forestry of Pinus taeda relies mostly on genetically improved families deployed by seed or clonally propagated from juvenile tissue. The accuracy of genetic parameter estimation is a direct function of the precision by which the genetic relatedness of individuals is measured. To this end, modern tree breeding has increasingly used high-density DNA markers to capture the realized genetic relatedness among individuals into a genomic relationship matrix (GRM) instead of the standard pedigrees. This study aimed to assess the impact of GRM in improving parameter estimation in an operational P. taeda network of progeny trials in southern Brazil. A total of 35 820 individuals from 332 open-pollinated families were measured for growth traits at age five, and 917 of them were genotyped with the Pita50K SNP array. Pedigree-best linear unbiased prediction (ABLUP) and single-step genomic BLUP (ssGBLUP) models were compared for parameter estimates and predictions of individual tree and family genetic values. Estimates of narrow-sense heritability (${h}_i^2$) were moderate to high, varying between 0.46 for height and 0.68 for diameter at breast height using both ABLUP and ssGBLUP models. Additive genetic correlations among trials indicated low magnitude genotype by environment interaction across trials. Preliminary estimates of genomic predictive ability ranged from 0.34 for height to 0.46 for volume using an RRBLUP model applied exclusively to the genotyped trees. Genotyping a relatively small portion of progeny individuals provides improved accuracies in selecting individuals and families opening the possibility of clonally propagating them from juvenile tissue for large-scale deployment of P. taeda clonal plantations.
Trajectories of Burden or Benefits of Caregiving Among Informal Caregivers of Older Adults: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ping Yongjing , Lim-Soh Jeremy , Østbye Truls , A'Azman Shamirah D/O , Ting Yong , Malhotra Rahul
Published: February 2025

Background and Objectives

Informal caregiving for older adults can be both burdensome and beneficial. Given that the informal caregiving situation may evolve over time, and care needs of older adults can result from diverse health conditions, it is valuable to understand the trajectories of burden or benefits of caregiving and how these trajectories vary across health conditions common among older care-recipients. This review is the first to summarize the literature on trajectories of burden or benefits of caregiving, including caregiver and care-recipient characteristics associated with the trajectories.

Research Design and Methods

We reviewed longitudinal observational quantitative studies, from five bibliographic databases, that assessed burden or benefits of caregiving at three or more time points among informal caregivers of older adults (60 years or above).

Results

The narrative synthesis included 41 studies, with only seven (17%) considering trajectories of benefits. A stable average trajectory of burden or benefits of caregiving was the most common pattern over time across various care-recipient health conditions. However, increasing burden over time was primarily observed among caregivers of persons with dementia, and decreasing burden among caregivers of persons discharged from a hospital after an acute health event. Only six (10%) studies, which reported heterogeneity in the progression of burden or benefits separately or jointly, identified distinctive trajectories within the same set of caregivers. Risk factors consistently identified to be associated with trajectories indicating persistently higher burden or persistently lower benefits included more care-recipient functional limitations and behavioral problems, being a non-spousal caregiver, being a solo caregiver, and perceiving less self-efficacy or competence.

Discussion and Implications

Future studies should focus on the trajectories of benefits of caregiving, untangle heterogeneity in trajectories of burden or benefits of caregiving, and consider both burden and benefits concurrently to identify factors that both enhance benefits and alleviate burden over time.
Poplar plantations enhance biomass and soil organic carbon stocks in a Yangtze River-connected floodplain wetland, China
Authors: Zhong Jiashun , Li Youzhi , Yu Dongzheng , Xie Yonghong , Hou Zhiyong , Chen Xinsheng
Published: February 2025

Floodplain wetlands have a significant capacity for carbon sequestration but are vulnerable to land use changes. Poplars are extensively planted in wetlands due to the increasing demand for wood products and bioenergy. Although the large biomass of poplar may increase the carbon stock in wetlands, a high transpiration rate may reduce soil moisture, thereby improving the aeration of wetland soils and facilitating the oxidation of organic materials. Therefore, the impact of poplars on wetland carbon stocks is undetermined and remains unexplored. Here, we investigated the effects of poplar plantations on biomass carbon stocks (BCS) and soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks in Dongting Lake wetlands, China, using native Miscanthus lutarioriparius vegetation as a control. Our results indicated that the BCS of middle-aged and near-mature poplar plantations (36.47–81.34 t ha−1) was higher than that of M. lutarioriparius (8.31 t ha−1), and it increased with stand age. The SOC stocks within the 0–60 cm depth in young, middle-aged, and near-mature poplar plantations (130.32–152.58 t ha−1) were higher than those in M. lutarioriparius (70.48 t ha−1), but it did not increase with stand age. The BCS was positively associated with soil bulk density, and the SOC stocks were negatively associated with soil sand content. Overall, our findings indicate that poplar plantations increase carbon stocks in the Dongting Lake wetlands. Nevertheless, the long-term effect of poplar plantation on carbon sequestration in floodplain wetlands should be further investigated.
Correlation between formaldehyde and methanol in prestellar cores
Authors: Punanova A F , Borshcheva K , Fedoseev G S , Caselli P , Wiebe D S , Vasyunin A I
Published: February 2025

Formaldehyde is a key precursor in the formation routes of many complex organic molecules (COMs) in space. It is also an intermediate step in CO hydrogenation sequence that leads to methanol formation on the surface of interstellar grains in cold dense prestellar cores where pristine ices are formed. Various chemical models successfully reproduce the COMs abundances in cold cores, however, they consistently overpredict the abundance of formaldehyde by an order of magnitude. This results in an inverse H$_2$CO:CH$_3$OH abundance ratio obtained in the astrochemical simulations as compared to the observed values. In this work, we present a homogeneous data set of formaldehyde observational maps obtained towards seven dense cores in the L1495 filament with the IRAM 30-m telescope. Resolving the spatial distribution of the molecules is essential to test the chemical models. We carefully estimate the formaldehyde column densities and abundances to put reliable observational constraints on the chemical models of cold cores. Through numerous tests, we aim to constrain the updated chemical model monaco to better align with the observed formaldehyde abundance and its ratio to methanol. In particular, we elaborate on the branching ratio of the CH$_3$ + O reaction at low temperatures. The revised monaco model reproduces abundances of both methanol and formaldehyde within an order of magnitude. However, the model tends to overproduce formaldehyde and underproduce methanol. Consequently, the model systematically overestimates the H$_2$CO:CH$_3$OH ratio, although it remains within an order of magnitude of the values derived from observations.
Tonic-clonic seizures induce hypersomnia and suppress REM sleep in mouse models of epilepsy
Authors: Wang Ruizhi , Teng Sasa , Turanchik Matt , Zhen Fenghua , Peng Yueqing
Published: February 2025

The reciprocal relationship between sleep and epilepsy has been reported by numerous clinical studies. However, the underlying neural mechanisms are poorly understood. Animal models of epilepsy are powerful tools to tackle this question. A lagging research area is the understudied sleep in epilepsy models. Here, we characterize sleep architecture and its relationship with seizures in a mouse model of sleep-related hypermotor epilepsy (SHE), caused by mutation of KCNT1. We demonstrated that nocturnal tonic-clonic seizures induce more NREM sleep but suppress REM sleep, resulting in altered sleep architecture in this mouse model. Importantly, the seizure number is quantitatively anti-correlated with the amount of REM sleep. Strikingly, this modulation of NREM and REM sleep states can be repeated in another mouse model of epilepsy with diurnal tonic-clonic seizures. Together, our findings provide evidence from rodent models to substantiate the close interplay between sleep and epilepsy, which lays the ground for mechanistic studies.
Diet-induced obesity alters the ovarian chemical biotransformation and oxidative stress response proteins both basally and in response to 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene exposure
Authors: Timme Kelsey , Inyang Imaobong , White Hunter E , Keating Aileen F
Published: February 2025

7,12-Dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon that causes female infertility via DNA damage, and the ovary has the capacity to mitigate DMBA exposure via the action of proteins including the glutathione S-transferase (GST) family. Due to previous findings of DNA damage and a reduced ovarian chemical biotransformation response to DMBA exposure in hyperphagia-induced obese mice, this study investigated the hypothesis that diet-induced obesity would hamper the ovarian biotransformative response to DMBA exposure. Six-week-old C57BL6/J mice were fed either a normal rodent diet (L) or a high fat high sucrose diet (O) until the O group was ∼30% heavier than the L. Both L and O mice were exposed to either corn oil (C) or DMBA (1 mg/kg) for 7 d. Liver weight was increased (P < 0.05) in obese mice exposed to DMBA but no effect on spleen weight, uterine weight, ovary weight, estrous cyclicity, or circulating 17β-estradiol and progesterone were observed. Primordial and preantral follicle numbers were higher (P < 0.05) in the obese mice and there was a tendency (P = 0.055) for higher antral follicles in DMBA-exposed obese mice. The ovarian proteome was identified by LC-MS/MS analysis to be altered both by diet-induced obesity and by DMBA exposure with changes observed in levels of proteins involved in oocyte development and chemical biotransformation, including GST isoform pi. Fewer proteins were affected by the combined exposure of diet and DMBA than by a single treatment, indicating that physiological status impacts the response to DMBA exposure.
Genetic concordance in melanoma: insights from primary tumors and their matched distant metastases
Authors: Kerkour Thamila , Meijers Ruud W.J. , Hollestein Loes M. , Jansen Anne M.L. , Haanappel Ayla , Atmodimedjo Peggy , Blokx Willeke A.M. , van Brakel Bas , Nijsten Tamar E.C. , Mooyaart Antien L.
Published: February 2025

Melanoma metastasis poses a significant challenge due to its aggressive nature and increasing incidence. Confirming the clonal relationship between the primary melanoma and its metastasis is essential to developing reliable prediction models. Here, we compared the genetic profile of primary melanoma and matched metastasis to assess their genetic clonal relationship. Using a targeted sequencing panel encompassing 330 amplicons, we targeted hotspot regions in 41 cancer genes and 154 single nucleotide polymorphisms. The clonal relation between primary and matched metastasis tumors was evaluated by comparing the mutational status and the copy number variations profile in 15 patients with primarily thin melanomas and distant metastases, or with a long latency between the primary melanoma and distant metastasis. Our findings revealed that only about 50% of the analyzed matched primaries and metastases were clonally or likely clonally related, while the remaining sets were either not clonally related or difficult to determine with certainty the clonal relatedness. The findings of our study illustrate the intricate clonal relationships between primary melanoma and metastasis and raise doubts if the metastatic potential is overestimated in the primary tumors. Further investigation with larger cohorts is needed to better understand this complexity of melanoma metastasis and clonality phenomenon, which should be carefully considered when using primary tumor molecular profiles for prognostic model building or therapeutic guidance in metastatic cases.
Trimetazidine Use in Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Kallash Mohammed , Frishman William H.
Published: February 2025

Trimetazidine is an antianginal medication approved in numerous countries for use in the symptomatic treatment of stable coronary artery disease and angina pectoris. Its main mechanism of action revolves around the inhibition of β-oxidation of free fatty acids in the myocardium, in addition to its antioxidant properties and inhibition of cardiac fibrosis. Based on current evidence, trimetazidine is classified by European guidelines as a second-line antianginal agent and as an add-on for the symptomatic treatment of stable angina in patients not adequately controlled with first-line antianginal therapies such as beta-blockers. However, its role in the treatment of cardiovascular disease extends past coronary artery disease, as numerous studies have demonstrated its potential benefit in heart failure patients as well. Unfortunately, trimetazidine’s role in the treatment of heart failure is still not clearly identified, since most studies on this topic were underpowered and unable to reach a decisive conclusion regarding any potential mortality benefits in heart failure. Current European guidelines have categorized trimetazidine as a class IIb recommendation in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction and angina because of its additive effects of improved left ventricular function and anginal symptom relief in patients already on beta-blockers. Additionally, trimetazidine’s use in coronary interventions (ie, percutaneous coronary intervention and coronary artery bypass grafting) showed a reduction in the frequency of anginal attacks and myocardial damage, but the studies were also underpowered and therefore unable to conclusively determine whether trimetazidine should be incorporated in guideline-directed therapy for coronary interventions.
Ultra-widefield indocyanine green angiographic changes after photodynamic therapy in central serous chorioretinopathy. CERTAIN study report 3
Authors: Pauleikhoff Laurenz J.B. , Chang-Wolf Jennifer M. , Diederen Roselie M.H. , Moll Annette C. , Schlingemann Reinier O. , van Dijk Elon H.C. , Boon Camiel J.F.
Published: February 2025

Purpose:

Venous overload choroidopathy (VOC), showing pachyvessels, choroidal intervortex venous anastomoses (CVA), asymmetric venous drainage (AVD), choroidal vascular hyperpermeability (CVH) and increased choroidal thickness (CT), is observed in the vast majority of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) patients based on ultra-widefield indocyanine green angiography (UWF ICGA). This report investigates how photodynamic therapy (PDT) alters signs of VOC.

Methods:

The CERTAIN study is a monocentric, retrospective study on consecutive CSC patients who underwent UWF ICGA. For this report, patients who underwent UWF ICGA twice were included. Two independent graders assessed changes in pachyvessels, CVA, AVD, CT and CVH when comparing pre- and post-PDT images of treated and untreated eyes.

Results:

In total, 38 eyes (19 patients) were included. Of those, 19 eyes had undergone PDT and 19 had not. PDT had no significant effect on pachyvessels, CVA, and AVD (all p > 0.05). Only CT (-51 ± 48 µm vs. 1 ± 43 µm, p = 0.006) and CVH within the PDT treatment area (79% vs. 0% reduced CVH, p < 0.0001) were significantly decreased in treated vs. untreated eyes.

Conclusion:

PDT reduced CT and CVH within the treatment area while not significantly altering the overall choroidal vascular architecture associated with VOC.
Comparison of Effectiveness and Tolerability of Clonidine and Trihexyphenidyl in Clozapine-Induced Hypersalivation
Authors: Pansawat Puangpet , Pansawat Wattanapong , Silaket Sipanut , Supapaan Teeraporn Sadira , Boonlue Tuanthon
Published: February 2025

Purpose/Background

Clozapine-induced hypersalivation is one of the most common bothersome adverse reactions of clozapine. The management strategies for this condition remain inadequately studied and understood. The objective of the study is to compare the effectiveness and tolerability of (1) trihexyphenidyl 5 mg/d, (2) clonidine 0.15 mg/d, or (3) a reduction of clozapine dosage by 25 to 50 mg/d for managing clozapine-induced hypersalivation

Methods/Procedures

A randomized, open-label, non–placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted from December 2023 to May 2024. Eligible patients were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups. Primary outcomes were assessed using the Drooling Severity and Frequency Scale (DSFS) and the Nocturnal Hypersalivation Rating Scale (NHRS) at baseline, week 4, and week 8. Quality of life assessed using the pharmaceutical therapy for quality of life short version and adverse drug reactions were recorded as secondary outcomes.

Findings/Results

A total of 67 patients were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatment groups. By week 8, significant reductions in DSFS and NHRS scores were observed in all groups, with clonidine showing the greatest improvement. Trihexyphenidyl was also effective, whereas reducing clozapine dose resulted in more modest improvements. Quality of life improved significantly across all groups, with the greatest improvement observed in the clonidine group. The most common adverse effects were dry mouth, constipation, drowsiness, and dizziness.

Implications/Conclusions

Clonidine and trihexyphenidyl appear to be more effective options for managing clozapine-induced hypersalivation compared to clozapine dose reduction.