bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical investigation of neoclassical tearing mode in toroidal plasma
Authors: Huang J X , Ma Z W , Zhang M , Zhang W
Published: January 2025

The neoclassical tearing mode (NTM) is numerically investigated with the three-dimensional toroidal magnetohydrodynamic model. Both the linear and nonlinear behaviors are simulated and compared with the theory. It is found that in the large aspect ratio condition, the growth rate for a small island limit and the saturated island width for 2/1 NTMs are in good agreement with the MRE theory. However, in the toroidal geometry, the toroidal effect will alter the NTM behaviors. In the small island region, the island growth rate is significantly reduced due to the GGJ effect, because the poloidal asymmetry of the perturbed bootstrap current and the perturbed Pfirsch–Schlüter current are resulted from the Grad–Shafranov shift. As the magnetic island grows, the poloidal asymmetry is substantially reduced, and the growth rate increases significantly.
Search for light long-lived particles decaying to displaced jets in proton–proton collisions at

s

=
13.6

TeV
Authors: Collaboration The CMS
Published: January 2025

A search for light long-lived particles (LLPs) decaying to displaced jets is presented, using a data sample of proton–proton collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 13.6 TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 34.7 fb−1, collected with the CMS detector at the CERN LHC in 2022. Novel trigger, reconstruction, and machine-learning techniques were developed for and employed in this search. After all selections, the observations are consistent with the background predictions. Limits are presented on the branching fraction of the Higgs boson to LLPs that subsequently decay to quark pairs or tau lepton pairs. An improvement by up to a factor of 10 is achieved over previous limits for models with LLP masses smaller than 60 GeV and proper decay lengths smaller than 1 m. The first constraints are placed on the fraternal twin Higgs (FTH) and folded supersymmetry (FSUSY) models, where the lower bounds on the top quark partner mass reach up to 350 GeV for the FTH model and 250 GeV for the FSUSY model.
First-principles study on the physical properties of Al-based wide-bandgap perovskites Cs3AlIxBr6-x for optoelectronic applications
Authors: Ahmed Hussain , Mukhtar Surayya , Agathopoulos Simeon
Published: January 2025

This study aims at exploring the potential of inorganic wide-bandgap mixed-halide aluminum-containing perovskites of Cs3AlI
x
Br6−x
for solar harvesting, by investigating their structural, electronic and optical properties through density functional theory using the augmented plane wave plus local orbital method. The structural properties were calculated with the PBE-GGA potential. Volume optimization and negative formation energies confirm the structural and thermal stability of the compounds. The electronic and optical properties were calculated using Tran–Blaha modified Becke–Johnson (TB-mBJ) potential. The TB-mBJ corrected band gaps revealed that these materials belong to the wide-bandgap (WBG) perovskite family, displaying band gaps in the range of 3–5 eV. The electronic properties confirm their direct bandgap nature, with the I-p and Br-p states mainly contributing to the formation of the valence band and the Al-s, Al-p and Cs-d states to the conduction band. Absorption coefficients range from 10 to140 × 104 per cm in the UV region, thus making these WBG perovskites suitable for applications in this region. Optical properties show absorption of light beyond 3 eV and validate the calculated electronic band gaps. Absorption coefficients, optical conductivity and dielectric function (real and imaginary) were calculated and revealed a peak shift from higher to lower energies with increasing I concentration. The above results suggest that these materials can be highly considered for use in photovoltaics, optoelectronic devices (light-emitting diodes, photodiodes), to power small batteries in the Internet of Things, in agrivoltaics and in fabrication of semi-transparent solar cells.
Beyond periodicity: tailoring Tamm resonances in plasmonic nanohole arrays for multimodal lasing
Authors: Shahid Shadman , Anisuzzaman Talukder Muhammad
Published: January 2025

Extraordinary optical transmission (EOT) through metal nanohole arrays (NHAs) and Tamm plasmon (TP) states have been investigated in plasmonic devices since 1998 and 2007, respectively. Since their introduction, various potential applications for structures that support these phenomena have been reported, including plasmonic absorbers, lasing cavities, and narrowband filters. The performance of EOT- and TP-based devices is significantly influenced by the sizes and patterns of the holes in the NHA. While the effects of hole size and shape on EOT have been extensively studied, similar research on TP structures involving metal NHAs is still lacking. Particularly, the impact of gradually introducing randomness into the metal NHA on TP modes has yet to be explored. In this work, we modify the hole sizes and arrangements of the metal NHA and examine the effects on EOT and Tamm resonances. We investigate three scenarios: the bare metal NHA, a passive Tamm resonant cavity, and a TP laser. We observe that multiple Tamm resonances appear as the periodicity of the holes increases. However, these resonances vanish when the hole arrangement shifts from a regular array to a pseudo-periodic random array, which is defined as a collection of holes placed randomly within a periodically repeating square unit cell. These multiple resonances can be attributed to the folding of dispersion lines in a periodically patterned TP cavity. The dispersion characteristics of the NHA array-based structures are calculated and analyzed to understand better the multiple resonances in the transmission and lasing emission patterns.
Nonlinear wave dynamics of (1+1)- dimensional conformable coupled nonlinear Higgs equation using modiﬁed ( G′G2)-expansion method
Authors: Behera Sidheswar , Behera Diptiranjan
Published: January 2025

The conformable coupled nonlinear Higgs equation has been analyzed here using the modified \((\frac{G'}{G^2})\)-expansion method. This equation describes the dynamics of conserved scalar nucleons interacting with neutral scalar mesons. Accordingly, new exact solutions have been obtained. Functions derived from trigonometry, hyperbolic operations, and rational functions are used to define the traveling waveform responses. These solutions are illustrated with various interesting figures for different parameters. Additionally, physical interpretations of these results are provided. The solutions uncovered in this study are more thorough, wide-ranging, and, in some cases, novel, as they have not been discovered in previous studies. {\color{red}These solutions may be useful in understanding nonstandard interactions or forces and potentially addressing phenomena beyond the standard model.} The implemented strategies are efficient, align with computer algebraic expressions, and provide a sufficient number of diverse wave solutions.
Spectroscopic Study of the Late B-type Eclipsing Binary System AR Aurigae A and B: Towards Clarifying the Differences in Atmospheric Parameters and Chemical Abundances
Authors: Takeda Yoichi
Published: January 2025

AR Aur A+B is a close binary of astrophysical interest because dissimilar surface compositions are reported between similar late B-type dwarfs. A new spectroscopic study on this system was carried out based on the disentangled spectra, in order to determine their atmospheric parameters and elemental abundances. The effective temperature and microturbulence (determined from the equivalent widths of Fe ii lines) turned out to be (11,150 K, 0.9 km s−1) and (10,650 K, 0.1 km s−1) for A and B, respectively. The chemical abundances of 28 elements were then derived while taking into account the non-LTE effect for Z ≤ 15 elements (Z: atomic number). The following trends were elucidated for [X/H] (abundance of X relative to the Sun): (1) Qualitatively, [X/H] shows a rough global tendency to increase with Z, with the gradient steeper for A than for B. (2) However, considerable dispersion is involved for A, since prominently large peculiarities are seen in specific elements reflecting the characteristics of HgMn stars (e.g., very deficient N, Al, Sc, Ni; markedly overabundant P, Mn). (3) In contrast, the Z-dependence of [X/H] for B tends to be nearly linear with only a small dispersion. These observational facts may serve as a key to understanding the critical condition for the emergence of the chemical anomaly.
Decoding imagined movement in people with multiple sclerosis for brain–computer interface translation
Authors: Russo John S , Shiels Thomas A , Lin Chin-Hsuan Sophie , John Sam E , Grayden David B
Published: January 2025

Objective. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a heterogeneous autoimmune-mediated disorder affecting the central nervous system, commonly manifesting as fatigue and progressive limb impairment. This can significantly impact quality of life due to weakness or paralysis in the upper and lower limbs. A brain–computer interface (BCI) aims to restore quality of life through control of an external device, such as a wheelchair. However, the limited BCI research in people with MS has been confined to exploring the P300 response and brain signals associated with attempted movement. The current study aims to expand the MS-BCI literature by highlighting the feasibility of decoding MS imagined movement. Approach. We collected electroencephalography data from eight participants with various symptoms of MS and ten neurotypical control participants. Participants made imagined movements of the hands and feet as directed by a go no-go protocol. Binary regularised linear discriminant analysis was used to classify imagined movement vs. rest and vs. movement at individual time-frequency points. The frequency bands which provided the maximal accuracy, and the associated latency, were compared. Main Results. In all MS participants, the classification algorithm achieved above 70% accuracy in at least one imagined movement vs. rest classification and most movement vs. movement classifications. There was no significant difference between classification of limbs with weakness or paralysis to neurotypical controls. Both the MS and control groups possessed decodable information within the alpha (7–13 Hz) and beta (16–30 Hz) bands at similar latency. Significance. This study is the first to demonstrate the feasibility of decoding imagined movements in people with MS. As an alternative to the P300 response, motor imagery-based control of a BCI may also be combined with existing motor imagery therapy to supplement MS rehabilitation. These promising results merit further long term BCI studies to investigate the effect of MS progression on classification performance.
Using transient, effector-specific neural responses to gate decoding for brain–computer interfaces
Authors: Dekleva Brian M , Collinger Jennifer L
Published: January 2025

Objective. Real-world implementation of brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) for continuous control of devices should ideally rely on fully asynchronous decoding approaches. That is, the decoding algorithm should continuously update its output by estimating the user’s intended actions from real-time neural activity, without the need for any temporal alignment to an external cue. This kind of open-ended temporal flexibility is necessary to achieve naturalistic and intuitive control. However, the relation between cortical activity and behavior is not stationary: neural responses that appear related to a certain aspect of behavior (e.g. grasp force) in one context will exhibit a relationship to something else in another context (e.g. reach speed). This presents a challenge for generalizable decoding, since the applicability of a decoder for a given parameter changes over time. Approach. We developed a method to simplify the problem of continuous decoding that uses transient, end effector-specific neural responses to identify periods of relevant effector engagement. Specifically, we use transient responses in the population response observed at the onset and offset of all hand-related actions to signal the applicability of hand-related feature decoders (e.g. digit movement or force). By using this transient-based gating approach, specific feature decoding models can be simpler (owing to local linearities) and are less sensitive to interference from cross-effector interference such as combined reaching and grasping actions. Main results. The transient-based decoding approach enabled high-quality online decoding of grasp force and individual finger control in multiple behavioral paradigms. The benefits of the gated approach are most evident in tasks that require both hand and arm control, for which standard continuous decoding approaches exhibit high output variability. Significance. The approach proposed here addresses the challenge of decoder generalization across contexts. By limiting decoding to identified periods of effector engagement, this approach can support reliable BCI control in real-world applications.

Clinical Trial ID: NCT01894802
Equilibrium of charges and differential equations solved by polynomials II
Authors: Loutsenko Igor , Yermolayeva Oksana
Published: January 2025

We continue study of equilibrium of two species of 2d coulomb charges (or point vortices in 2d ideal fluid) started in (Loutsenko 2004 J. Phys. A: Math. Gen.
37 1309). Although for two species of vortices with circulation ratio −1 the relationship between the equilibria and the factorization/Darboux transformation of the Schrodinger operator was established a long ago, the question about similar relationship for the ratio −2 remained unanswered. Here we present the answer: one has to consider Darboux-type transformations of third order differential operators rather than second order Schrodinger operators. Furthermore, we show that such transformations can also generate equilibrium configurations where an additional charge of a third specie is present. Relationship with integrable hierarchies is briefly discussed.
Universal bound on the relaxation rates for quantum Markovian dynamics
Authors: Muratore-Ginanneschi Paolo , Kimura Gen , Chruściński Dariusz
Published: January 2025

Relaxation rates provide important characteristics both for classical and quantum processes. Essentially they control how fast the system thermalizes, equilibrates, decoheres, and/or dissipates. Moreover, very often they are directly accessible to be measured in the laboratory and hence they define key physical properties of the system. Experimentally measured relaxation rates can be used to test validity of a particular theoretical model. Here we analyze a fundamental question: does quantum mechanics provide any nontrivial constraint for relaxation rates? We prove the conjecture formulated a few years ago that any quantum channel implies that a maximal rate is bounded from above by the sum of all the relaxation rates divided by the dimension of the Hilbert space. It should be stressed that this constraint is universal (it is valid for all quantum systems with finite number of energy levels) and it is tight (cannot be improved). In addition, the constraint plays an analogous role to the seminal Bell inequalities and the well known Leggett–Garg inequalities (sometimes called temporal Bell inequalities). Violations of Bell inequalities rule out local hidden variable models, and violations of Leggett–Garg inequalities rule out macrorealism. Similarly, violations of the relaxation bound rule out Markovian (meaning CP-divisible) evolution.
Microstructure, microhardness and wear properties investigation in friction stir processing of stir cast Mg/B4C metal matrix composite
Authors: Singh Amandeep , Singh Palwinder , Singh Amardeep , Ram Baljinder , Bala Niraj
Published: January 2025

Friction Stir Processing (FSP) has emerged as an excellent processing approach to tailor the microstructural and other properties of cast alloys and composite materials. In the current investigation, a stir-cast magnesium metal matrix composite (MMMC) reinforced with 12 wt% B4C particles was processed using single-pass FSP. FSP was carried out with a simple cylindrical tool pin using different tool rotational speeds of 800, 1000, 1200 rpm and transverse speed of 60 mm min−1. Severe deformation occurred during FSP which helped to refine the distribution of the B4C particles and grain refinement of as-cast composites. Microstructural examination showed an appreciable grain refinement from 98 to 5 μm because of dynamic recrystallization during FSP. The maximum microhardness of the friction stir processed (FSPed) composites increased from 73 Hv to 105.4 Hv. Pin-on-disk wear tests were conducted under dry sliding conditions in the load range of 1 kg to 5 kg at a 1 m s−1 sliding velocity. The wear results indicated an enhancement of wear properties of FSPed composites in comparison to as-cast magnesium metal matrix composites. The improved hardness and wear resistance results were pertaining to the remarkable refinement in grain size coupled with refined B4C particulates and uniform distribution. The best results for hardness and wear resistance of the FSPed composite were obtained for a sample processed at a tool rotation speed of 1000 rpm. SEM/EDS of the worn samples was carried out. The wear mechanism was found as slight abrasion and oxidation. After single pass FSP, the surface of Mg/12 wt% B4C cast composite showed remarkable changes in worn surface morphology.
Crystalline structures in foams: guided mechanical self-assembly of bubbles in fiber arrays
Authors: Chammouma Marwan , Jouanlanne Manon , Egelé Antoine , Favier Damien , Farago Jean , Hourlier-Fargette Aurélie
Published: January 2025

Spontaneous mechanical self-assembly of monodisperse bubbles generally leads to disordered foams at low density. Producing crystalline structures requires specific care: for example, Kelvin foams—periodic assemblies of bubbles arranged on a body-centered cubic lattice—are a typical example of a structure which is challenging to obtain experimentally, despite it being a local minimum of energy. Here we show how bubbling in different arrangements of fibers enables to control foam architectures through a guided mechanical self-assembly of bubbles: for optimal ratios of bubble size to fiber spacing, Kelvin and hexagonal close packing crystalline foams are formed in square and hexagonal fiber arrays, respectively. The long-range crystalline architectures achieved in samples spanning hundreds of bubbles are then quantified through a theoretical approach analysing the orientational order in the samples. This methodology, based on the decomposition of strut orientations via spherical harmonics, is inspired by the so-called Steinhardt’s coefficients, developed for quantifying rotational order in 3D liquids. Beyond the achievement of architecting liquid foam structures, our work demonstrates that the obtained ordering persists upon solidification of initially liquid polymeric foams, using alginate and polyurethane foams in nylon fiber arrays as model systems. The mechanically guided self-assembly of bubbles offers an attractive alternative to additive manufacturing to generate highly ordered architected polymeric materials.
Steel surface defect detection based on improved YOLOv8
Authors: LU Xin-ya , QU Mei-xia
Published: January 2025

Addressing the issue of imbalance between detection accuracy and speed in current steel surface defect detection methods, we propose an improved YOLOv8-based algorithm, named YOLO-SSD, for steel surface defect detection. This algorithm replaces the downsampling module with a SPD-Conv module in the backbone network and introduces the CBAM attention module to enhance feature extraction capability and small object detection ability. Additionally, in the neck network, the C2f module is replaced with a C2f-Ghost module, which not only lightweightens the neck module but also improves the utilization of computational resources. Experimental results on the NEU-DET dataset demonstrate that compared to the original YOLOv8 algorithm, the average detection accuracy of the YOLO-SSD algorithm for steel surface defect detection has been improved by 2.8%, with a frame per second (FPS) reaching 96. Compared to current mainstream steel surface defect detection algorithms, the improved detection algorithm can enhance the detection accuracy of the defect detection model without compromising detection speed.
Control technology of roadway floor heave based on a new grouting material
Authors: Jia Chuanbao
Published: January 2025

In the mining process of the working face, mining activities will inevitably damage the surrounding rock of the roadway near the working face and pose a threat to the safety of coal miners. The stability of the roadway was of great significance for the safe production of coal mines. In this paper, a new type of grouting material was used to treat the failure characteristics of the roadway with rock bolts and bottom plate unloading grooves, and the deformation of the roadway after treatment was monitored. The results show that stress concentration occurs after the mining of the working face, with a large influence range and broken surrounding rock. The new grouting material has a wide setting time range, which can meet the grouting needs of different broken surrounding rocks. The dry shrinkage and bleeding rate of the stone-forming body were small, and the slurry has good stability. The strength of consolidated coal after 8 h can reach 13.1 MPa. After roadway treatment, the displacements of the roadway were 59 mm and 46 mm respectively. The deformation of the roadway was effectively controlled.
Democracy, Disagreement, and Authority: A Response to the Symposium on Common Good Constitutionalism
Authors: Vermeule Adrian
Published: January 2025

In this response to a recent symposium on Common Good Constitutionalism in the American Journal of Jurisprudence, I principally take up themes related to democracy, disagreement, pluralism, and authority. I emphasize that the classical legal tradition is teleological, oriented to performance standards rather than design standards. Thus it does not attempt to prescribe an identical set of constitutional and institutional arrangements for all polities everywhere, but asks whether constitutional arrangements are ordered to the common good and (thus) compatible with natural and divine law. Subject to those conditions, political authority is natural, inevitable, inescapable, and good. The possibility of social and political disagreement is just a precondition for all law, not an objection to the classical legal framework. None of this entails judicial supremacism in any form, which the classical legal tradition squarely rejects.
Functional expression mechanisms of food-derived components based on target proteins
Authors: Mitani Takakazu
Published: January 2025

Food-derived polyphenols and some alkaloids have reported bioactivities related to the prevention of systemic metabolic disorders such as obesity, glucose intolerance, and dyslipidemia. For food-derived components to exert their functions in vivo, it is essential to interact with biological factors such as proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. However, it is still unclear whether bioactive components in foods express functions related to their target factors. In this review, I introduce the target proteins in which food-derived components express functions in cells.
Risk factors for steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head in children with immune kidney disease
Authors: Liu Jiao , Liu Shaoshan , Su Yuxi
Published: January 2025

Objective

To investigate the risk factors for steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (SONFH) after glucocorticoid (GC) therapy in children with immune kidney diseases.

Methods

This retrospective study included patients (1–18years) diagnosed with immune kidney disease treated with GCs from January 2012 to July 2022 in our hospital. Data, such as sex, age and body weight at the first GC treatment, and the GC dose, were collected. Patients were divided into SONFH and non-SONFH groups based on the occurrence of SONFH. According to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10), the disease diagnosis was searched on the clinical data webpage of our hospital. The descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression analyses were performed. A nomogram was constructed to predict the risk of SONFH in children with immune kidney disease after GC treatment. The predictive ability of the nomogram was evaluated using the concordance index and calibration plots.

Results

The SONFH and non-SONFH groups included 18 and 90 patients, respectively. Age at the first GC treatment, the six-month cumulative (oral [po.] plus intravenous [iv.]) GC dose, the total cumulative prednisone (po.) dose, total cumulative methylprednisolone (iv.) dose for pulse therapy, and total cumulative GC (po. plus iv.) dose significantly differed between the two groups. Age at the initial GC treatment, the total cumulative prednisone (po.) dose, and the total cumulative methylprednisolone (iv.) dose for pulse therapy were independent risk factors for SONFH in the multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

This study identified specific risk factors for developing SONFH during GC treatment. Thus, children with immune-related kidney disease undergoing GC treatment should be closely monitored based on these risk factors, which aims to avoid the irreversible damage to the femoral head.
Are we ready? assessing effectiveness and implementation of cancer control strategies in primary care: a comprehensive review of systematic reviews
Authors: Martinez-Gutierrez Javiera , Soto María Gabriela , Rioseco Andrea , Bienzobas Catalina , Fowler Madeline , Ulloa Gonzalo , Soto Mauricio , Emery Jon David , Puschel Klaus
Published: January 2025

Background

Cancer is a major global cause of death, and primary care is crucial for cancer prevention and early detection. However, there is conflicting information on the effectiveness, implementation, and sustainability of cancer control interventions in primary care.

Objective

This study aimed to summarize the evidence for cancer control in primary care, focussing on identifying relevant factors for implementation and sustainability.

Study setting and design

We conducted a narrative, mixed-methods review of systematic reviews, guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Four databases were screened, and two independent reviewers selected studies reporting on cancer prevention, screening, or early detection in primary or community settings. We analysed findings using the extended Reach-Effectiveness-Adopt-Implementation-Maintenance (RE-AIM) Framework.

Principal findings

From the 37 reviews that met the inclusion criteria, 6 focussed on primary prevention, 23 on screening, and 12 on early detection. Most reviews (78%) addressed intervention effectiveness, such as HPV vaccination, tobacco cessation, and cervical, breast, and colorectal screening. One-third of the reviews mentioned adoption and implementation factors, including barriers and facilitators to the implementation of cancer screening programs. Only one review addressed maintenance and sustainability factors, exploring continuous resources and funding strategies.

Conclusion

While numerous interventions are effective for cancer prevention and detection in primary care, literature on implementation and sustainability strategies is lacking. Focusing on continuous resources and funding for cancer strategies in primary care may aid sustainability. Future research should prioritize reporting on implementation and sustainability factors to enhance cancer prevention and control in primary care settings.
Dynamics of fungal endophytic communities in bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) fruits through development is shaped by host phenolic compounds
Authors: Nguyen Minh-Phuong , Lehosmaa Kaisa , Martz Françoise , Koskimäki Janne J , Toth Katalin , Ahonen Saija H K , Häggman Hely , Pirttilä Anna-Maria
Published: January 2025

The physical and chemical properties of wild berry fruits change dramatically during development, and the ripe berries host species-specific endophytic communities. However, the development of fungal endophytic communities during berry ripening is unknown. We studied bilberries (Vaccinium myrtillus L.), valuable natural resources in northern Europe and richest sources of phenolic compounds, to characterize dynamics of the fungal communities over fruit developmental stages (raw, veraison, and ripe). Our focus was to examine the changes in the fruit phenolic compounds associated with the fungal community structure using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry for phenolic compounds and high-throughput sequencing technology targeting the internal transcribed spacer 2 ribosomal DNA region for endophytic fungi. We found that the fungal diversity increased with the ripening stages. The fungal profile changed dramatically through fruit development, and the veraison stage was a transition stage, where the core mycobiome of fruits changed. The fungal community structure and abundance of the most dominant genera in raw and ripe stages, Monilinia and Cladosporium, respectively, were driven by the bilberry phenolic profile. We conclude that sampling time, tissue age, and phenolic compounds play important roles in the development of fruit fungal community. Moreover, phenolic compounds could be the host's strategy to recruit beneficial microbes.
Exploring 1-alkene biosynthesis in bacterial antagonists and Jeotgalicoccus sp. ATCC 8456
Authors: Schweitzer Matthias , Friedrich Andrea Marianne , Dennig Alexander , Berg Gabriele , Müller Bogotá Christina Andrea
Published: January 2025

Terminal olefins are important platform chemicals, drop-in compatible hydrocarbons and also play an important role as biocontrol agents of plant pathogens. Currently, 1-alkenes are derived from petroleum, although microbial biosynthetic routes are known. Jeotgalicoccus sp. ATCC 8456 produces 1-alkenes via the fatty acid decarboxylase OleTJE. UndA and UndB are recently identified non-heme iron oxidases converting medium-chain fatty acids into terminal alkenes. Our knowledge about the diversity and natural function of OleTJE, UndA, and UndB homologs is scarce. We applied a combined screening strategy—solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (SPME GC–MS) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based amplification—to survey an environmental strain collection for microbial 1-alkene producers and their corresponding enzymes. Our results reinforce the high level of conservation of UndA and UndB genes across the genus Pseudomonas. In vivo production of defined 1-alkenes (C9–C13; C15; C19) was directed by targeted feeding of fatty acids. Lauric acid feeding enabled 1-undecene production to a concentration of 3.05 mg l−1 in Jeotgalicoccus sp. ATCC 8456 and enhanced its production by 105% in Pseudomonas putida 1T1 (1.10 mg l−1). Besides, whole genome sequencing of Jeotgalicoccus sp. ATCC 8456 enabled reconstruction of the 1-alkene biosynthetic pathway. These results advance our understanding of microbial 1-alkene synthesis and the underlying genetic basis.
Schlesneria sphaerica sp. nov., a neutrophilic, xylan-degrading planctomycete from a mountain wetland, and emended description of the genus Schlesneria
Authors: Kulichevskaya Irina S , Ivanova Anastasia A , Naumoff Daniil G , Zlatogorskaya Anna A , Kachmazov Gennady S , Dedysh Svetlana N
Published: January 2025

Aerobic chemoorganotrophic planctomycetes of the genus Schlesneria colonize a wide spectrum of freshwater ecosystems. The only described species of this genus, S. paludicola, is represented by ellipsoid-shaped, moderately acidophilic bacteria isolated from acidic peat bogs. Here, we characterize a novel neutrophilic member of this genus from a mountain wetland, strain T3-172T. This isolate possesses unpigmented, non-motile, spherical cells, which grow on media containing some mono- and polysaccharides in the pH range of 6.0–7.5 and at temperatures between 15 and 37°C. Good growth is observed on xylan, one of the major plant cell wall biopolymers. The genome of strain T3-172T is 7.16 Mb in size and contains two unlinked sets of rRNA genes, 93 tRNA genes, and about 5500 potential protein-coding genes. Among the latter, the GH5 family protein is identified as the most reliable candidate for the cleavage of xylan. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain T3-172T displays 97.8% similarity to that of S. paludicola MPL7T, and the average nucleotide identity between the genomes of these planctomycetes is 71.6%. We, therefore, propose a novel species of the genus Schlesneria, S. sphaerica sp. nov., with strain T3-172T (=KCTC 102306T = VKM B-3856T) as the type strain.
Prosocial Intentions and Subsequent Cognitive Health: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Farmer Justin G , Macchia Lucía , Bu Feifei , Gong Jessica , Steptoe Andrew , Demakakos Panayotes , Kubzansky Laura D
Published: January 2025

Objectives

Prosociality, defined as positive other-regarding intentions and behaviors, is a modifiable factor demonstrated to be associated with better mental, physical, and cognitive health in older adults. Prior studies have largely focused on individual prosocial behaviors, especially volunteering. This study examines whether prosocial intentions are associated with maintaining cognitive health over time.

Methods

Data are from 7,844 adults aged 50 or older in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. A 9-item prosocial intentions scale was derived from self-reported items assessing altruism and collectivism. Cognitive health was assessed via biennial completion of tasks related to executive function and verbal memory and incident dementia diagnosis over 11 years. Linear mixed-effects models examined relationships between prosocial intentions and changes in executive function and verbal memory. Cox proportional hazards models assessed risk of developing dementia. A broad array of demographic, socioeconomic, and health-related covariates were also considered.

Results

Results from mixed-effects analyses suggest higher prosocial intentions are associated with better cognitive health maintenance after controlling for sociodemographics and baseline health characteristics including depressive symptoms. Participants with high versus low prosocial intentions had 24% slower decline in verbal memory and 55% slower decline in executive function. Similarly, higher prosocial intentions were associated with a 35% reduced hazard of dementia during this same period in fully adjusted models.

Discussion

These results suggest aspects of prosociality beyond formal volunteering facilitate maintaining cognitive health among older adults and may provide novel targets for future interventions to enhance healthy aging.
Making sense of sentinels: wildlife as the One Health bridge for environmental antimicrobial resistance surveillance
Authors: Doyle Caoimhe , Wall Katie , Fanning Séamus , McMahon Barry J
Published: January 2025

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), arising from decades of imprudent anthropogenic use of antimicrobials in healthcare and agriculture, is considered one of the greatest One Health crises facing healthcare globally. Antimicrobial pollutants released from human-associated sources are intensifying resistance evolution in the environment. Due to various ecological factors, wildlife interact with these polluted ecosystems, acquiring resistant bacteria and genes. Although wildlife are recognized reservoirs and disseminators of AMR in the environment, current AMR surveillance systems still primarily focus on clinical and agricultural settings, neglecting this environmental dimension. Wildlife can serve as valuable sentinels of AMR in the environment, reflecting ecosystem health, and the effectiveness of mitigation strategies. This review explores knowledge gaps surrounding the ecological factors influencing AMR acquisition and dissemination in wildlife, and highlights limitations in current surveillance systems and policy instruments that do not sufficiently address the environmental component of AMR. We discuss the underutilized opportunity of using wildlife as sentinel species in a holistic, One Health-centred AMR surveillance system. By better integrating wildlife into systematic AMR surveillance and policy, and leveraging advances in high-throughput technologies, we can track and predict resistance evolution, assess the ecological impacts, and better understand the complex dynamics of environmental transmission of AMR across ecosystems.
On Nilpotent Minimum logics defined by lattice filters and their paraconsistent non-falsity preserving companions
Authors: Gispert Joan , Esteva Francesc , Godo Lluís , Coniglio Marcelo E
Published: January 2025

Nilpotent Minimum logic (NML) is a substructural algebraizable logic that is a distinguished member of the family of systems of Mathematical Fuzzy logic, and at the same time it is the axiomatic extension with the prelinearity axiom of Nelson and Markov’s Constructive logic with strong negation. In this paper our main aim is to characterize and axiomatize paraconsistent variants of NML and its extensions defined by (sets of) logical matrices over linearly ordered NM-algebra with lattice filters as designated values, with special emphasis on those that only exclude the falsum truth-value, called non-falsity preserving logics. We also consider turning these non-falsity preserving logics into Logics of Formal Inconsistency by expanding them with a consistency operator, and we axiomatize them as well. Finally, we provide a full description of the logics defined by finite products of matrices over finite NM-chains.
Kifunensine-sensitive ADP-ribosylation factor A1E
G69R mutant reveals coordination of protein glycosylation and vesicle transport pathways
Authors: Nagashima Yukihiro , Sharma Vinita , Reekers Lea-Franziska , von Schaewen Antje , Koiwa Hisashi
Published: January 2025

Complex N-glycans are asparagine (N)-linked branched sugar chains attached to secretory proteins in eukaryotes. They are produced by modification of N-linked oligosaccharide structures in the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus. Complex N-glycans formed in the Golgi apparatus are often assigned specific roles unique to the host organism, with their roles in plants remaining largely unknown. Using inhibitor (kifunensine, KIF) hypersensitivity as read out, we identified Arabidopsis mutants that require complex N-glycan modification. Among >100 KIF-sensitive mutants, one showing abnormal secretory organelles and a salt-sensitive phenotype contained a point mutation leading to amino acid replacement (G69R) in ARFA1E, a small Arf1-GTPase family protein presumably involved in vesicular transport. In vitro assays showed that the G69R exchange interferes with protein activation. In vivo, ARFA1EG69R caused dominant-negative effects, altering the morphology of the endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, and trans-Golgi network (TGN). Post-Golgi transport (endocytosis/endocytic recycling) of the essential glycoprotein KORRIGAN1, one of the KIF sensitivity targets, is slowed down constitutively as well as under salt stress in the ARFA1EG69R mutant. Because regulated cycling of plasma membrane proteins is required for stress tolerance of the host plants, the ARFA1EG69R mutant established a link between KIF-targeted luminal glycoprotein functions/dynamics and cytosolic regulators of vesicle transport in endosome-/cell wall-associated tolerance mechanisms.
Evolution of parsec-scale jet directions in active galaxies
Authors: Kostrichkin I M , Plavin A V , Pushkarev A B , Butuzova M S
Published: January 2025

We analyze the variability of the parsec-scale jet directions in active galactic nuclei (AGNs). Our analysis involves 317 AGNs at frequencies ranging from 2 to 43 GHz, and is made possible by developing an automatic jet direction measurement procedure. We find strong significant variations in a one quarter of these AGNs; the effect is likely ubiquitous, and not detected in the rest due to a limited sensitivity and observations epoch coverage. Apparent jet rotation speeds range from 0.21 deg yr−1 at 2 GHz to 1.04 deg yr−1 at 43 GHz. This strong frequency dependence indicates that the variability cannot be explained by jet components propagating ballistically without acceleration: more complex jet shapes or motion patterns are required. Still, we demonstrate that the apparent direction changes are predominantly caused by the jet nozzle rotations, and not by individual components propagating transversely to the jet. In this work, we focus on variability scales much longer than the times of observations, that is ≳ 50 years. Using our measurements, we bound potential periods to less than 1000 years in the source rest frame for 90% AGNs in the sample. These timescales constrain jet direction variation mechanisms, with the most likely explanations being the plasma instabilities, the precession caused by the accretion disk with density ∼r−1, and the orbital motion of binary systems.
High-resolution isotopic data link settlement complexification to infant diets within the Roman Empire
Authors: Cocozza Carlo , Harris Alison J T , Formichella Giulia , Pedrucci Giulia , Rossi Paola F , D’Alessio Alessandro , Amoretti Valeria , Zuchtriegel Gabriel , O’Reilly Michelle , Mantile Noemi , Panella Sofia , Tafuri Mary A , Altieri Simona , di Cicco Maria R , Fernandes Ricardo , Lubritto Carmine
Published: January 2025

Our study explores the potential relationship between infant feeding practices and settlement complexity in the Roman Empire through high-resolution Bayesian-modeled stable isotope measurements from incremental dentine. We compiled isotopic data from permanent first molars of individuals from various Roman sites: five from Bainesse (UK), 30 from Thessaloniki (Greece), along with new carbon and nitrogen isotope analyses from four individuals from Pompeii and six from Ostia Via del Mare (AVM). Our results reveal significant inter-site variability in breastfeeding durations, ranging from 1.5 years to approximately 5 years. Notably, individuals from the highly complex urban centers of Pompeii and Thessaloniki ceased breastfeeding around or below the 2-year weaning threshold recommended by Roman physicians. In contrast, individuals from the rural site of Ostia AVM and the site of Bainesse, near the northern frontier of the Roman Empire, generally ceased breastfeeding after 2 years of age. The link between settlement complexity and duration of breastfeeding observed in our study may have resulted from adherence to medical guidelines, support infrastructures, and/or strategies to mitigate financial constraints within households.
Perioperative Management of Patients with Preeclampsia: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Dennis Alicia T. , Xin Annie , Farber Michaela K.
Published: January 2025

Preeclampsia is a common condition of pregnancy characterized by hypertension complicated by cerebral, cardiac, hepatic, renal, hematologic, and placental dysfunction. Patients with preeclampsia frequently undergo cesarean delivery, the most common major surgical procedure in the world. They represent a high-risk perioperative cohort suffering significant preventable morbidity and mortality. This review focuses on the anesthesiologist’s role, through a perioperative lens, in reducing maternal complications through management of hypertension and strategies for preserving the function of the brain, heart, liver, kidney, hematologic and coagulation systems, and placenta in patients with preeclampsia undergoing cesarean delivery. Preeclampsia-specific resuscitation, individualized fluid administration, safe neuraxial and general anesthesia, and management of intraoperative bleeding are discussed along with strategies for postoperative analgesia, thromboprophylaxis, and antihypertensive agents in patients who breastfeed. This review discusses recently recognized postoperative deterioration in maternal mental health, the possibility of myocardial injury after cesarean delivery, and the need for long-term cardiometabolic follow-up.
Molecular and clinical traits of HER2-low breast cancer patients and their relationship with neoadjuvant treatment effectiveness
Authors: Zhao Wei , Zhang Mingxiang , Zhu Bohui , Pan Yueyin , Sun Yiyuan
Published: January 2025

Background

We aimed to investigate the clinical and molecular characteristics of different degrees of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) protein expression in HER2-negative breast cancer and the related factors affecting the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in HER2-low breast cancer patients.

Methods

The study endpoint was pathological complete remission (PCR). Blood specimens and fresh cancer tissue samples were collected before neoadjuvant chemotherapy for whole-exon sequencing (WES) and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), and patients were divided into a human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-low group and a HER2-0 group according to their HER2 expression status via bioinformatics analysis.

Results

A total of 409 HER2-negative breast cancer patients were included in the analysis, and HER2 status (HER2-0 vs. HER2-low) was significantly different between hormone receptor status, the Ki-67 index, and the PCR rate. A total of 18 patients who underwent WES and RNA testing were included, and the WES results suggested that the HER2-low group had a significantly higher rate of PIK3CA mutations and a greater frequency of PI3K pathway variants than the other groups and the HER2-low group had a greater number of concomitant mutations and reached statistical significance (P = 0.03). In terms of expression profiles, HER2-low and HER2-0 patients had different expression profiles. Overall, suggesting that the low PCR rate in the HER2-low group may also be related to chemoresistance.

Conclusion

Our investigation highlights the possibility that HER2-low breast cancer may indicate a unique clinical and biological phenomenon.
Why Does an “Avatar Nose” Appear After Dermal Filler Injection? Insights From a Cadaveric Study on the Nasofrontal Ligament
Authors: Wan Jovian , Hong Gi-Woong , Wu Raymond , Alvin Lee Kar Wai , Wah Chan Lisa Kwin , Chua Deborah , Cartier Hugues , Kim Soo-Bin , Yi Kyu-Ho
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND

Nonsurgical rhinoplasty (NSR) with dermal fillers has gained popularity because of its immediate and visible results, minimal downtime, and long-lasting effects. However, complications such as filler migration can lead to the development of the “Avatar nose,” a condition where the nose appears unnaturally wide and bulbous in the nasion area, disrupting facial harmony. This phenomenon is often exacerbated by the presence of a taut nasofrontal ligament, which tethers the periosteum to the dermal layer and influences nasal contour.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to introduce and define the nasofrontal ligament, a previously unrecognized anatomical structure identified during cadaveric dissection, and to measure the penetration force required to traverse this ligament in the context of NSR. By exploring these aspects, the study seeks to enhance the understanding of nasal anatomy and improve the precision and outcomes of filler-based NSR.

METHODS

The study involved the dissection of 2 fresh-frozen human cadaveric specimens, during which the nasofrontal ligament was identified. Penetration force was measured using a motorized force tester, with a standardized cannula depth of 5 mm. The force required to traverse the nasofrontal ligament was compared with a control point devoid of ligaments and muscles.

RESULTS

The nasofrontal ligament required a significantly higher penetration force compared with the control point, highlighting its structural integrity and potential impact on filler migration. These findings suggest that subcision of the ligament could prevent the development of the “Avatar nose” and improve the outcomes of NSR.

CONCLUSION

This study introduces the nasofrontal ligament as a key anatomical structure in NSR and demonstrates its influence on filler migration. Subcision of this ligament may enhance filler stability and aesthetic outcomes. However, the study's limitations, including a small sample size and the exclusive use of Korean cadavers, suggest the need for further research across diverse populations to validate these findings and refine NSR techniques.