bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electron-phonon interaction and modulation temperature spectroscopy in Cr point contacts
Authors: Khotkevich A. V. , Krainyukov S. N.
Published: February 2025

Nonlinearities of the current-voltage characteristics (IVC) of pressed point contacts of Cr are measured at T = 4.2 K and 77 K. For voltages corresponding to the phonon spectrum frequencies, the second derivatives of IVC’s display singularities associated with the electron-phonon interaction (EPI). The EPI spectral function, whose peak coincides with the most reliable functions of the phonon density of states and which is distinguished by an increase in the relative intensity of the low-frequency peak, is reconstructed. At low voltages, a region of decreasing differential resistance of contacts is observed and is apparently associated with the impurities introduced into the contacts at the time of their fabrication. The connection between the strong IVC nonlinearity observed for high voltages and the thermal violation of the antiferromagnetic order in the contact is based on a comparison of experimental data with the results of numerical computations of the second IVC derivative in the thermal limit.
Soliton thermodynamics of a quasi-one-dimensional antiferromagnet in an external magnetic field
Authors: Ivanov B. A. , Kolezhuk A. K.
Published: February 2025

Kinks in a quasi-one-dimensional rhombic antiferromagnet placed in an external magnetic field are considered. It is shown that the presence of the field leads to a dynamic rearrangement of the kink structure at a certain critical velocity, and this rearrangement can be interpreted as a “phase transition” in the kink. Similar effects are responsible for noticeable peculiarities in the soliton thermodynamics and in the response functions, which can be observed in neutron diffraction experiments. Two types of soliton diffusion are considered together with their effect on the dynamic structural factor (DSF) of the soliton gas. It is shown that a nondissipative diffusion gives zero contribution to DSF, while ordinary Einstein diffusion changes its form considerably in the region of small wave vectors.
Peculiarities in the density of states of ferromagnetic lattices. Symmetry and instability
Authors: Polyakov M. L.
Published: February 2025

A new method is proposed for calculating the density of states of one-magnon excitations in ferromagnetic lattices. It is shown that the singularities in g(ε) correspond to changes in the topology of projections of constant-energy surfaces. A classification of all peculiarities is carried out. The cases when an arbitrary small interaction of next nearest neighbors leads to a strong change in g(ε) are investigated.
Nonequilibrium properties of Van Vleck paramagnets in superconducting tunnel junctions
Authors: Kosov A. A.
Published: February 2025

The kinetics of level occupation of paramagnetic ions in the superconducting electrodes of a tunnel junction is investigated. Special attention is paid to the situation taking place in high-temperature superconductors, when the superconducting energy gap width is of the same order as the energy of level splitting for a rare-earth ion in the crystal electric field. It is shown that cross quantum-mechanical transitions (including those associated with recombination of Cooper pairs) in the systems formed by conduction electrons and paramagnetic impurities lead to a strong deviation of the occupation number for levels in the ion from its value in the absence of the tunnel current. The behavior of this deviation of the occupation number is investigated for the singlet ground level of Van Vleck ions for different voltages across the junction and for different values of the Cooper pair breaking parameter.
Investigations of the low-temperature plasticity anomalies in Pb-Sn alloys by active deformation and creep techniques
Authors: Shepel’ I. A. , Zagoruiko L. N. , Natsik V. D. , Pustovalov V. V. , Soldatov V. P.
Published: February 2025

Complex experimental studies of the kinetics of low-temperature plasticity of lead-tin alloys are carried out in the temperature range 4.2−293 K by the methods of creep and active loading. An anomaly in the temperature dependences of plasticity parameters is observed below 30 K. A detailed thermoactive analysis of the experimental data helped in determining the quantitative parameters of thermally activated movement of dislocations through impurity atoms in the interval 30−160 K. The emergence of this anomaly is associated with a change of the thermal activation mechanism to the thermal inertia mechanism below 30 K, and to the quantum-inertial mechanism of dislocation movement through impurity centers below 15 K.
Collective excitations in the A1-phase of superfluid 3He
Authors: Brusov P. N. , Lomakov M. V.
Published: February 2025

The spectrum of collective modes in the A1-phase of superfluid 3He is calculated for the first time by using the functional integration method. It is shown that the spectrum contains a pairbreaking mode with the dispersion relation E(k = 0) = Δ0(1.96 — i0.31) and two “clapping” modes with E(k = 0) = Δ0 (1.17 — i0.31), as well as eight modes with E = 2μH and a Goldstone modes with E = 0. The remaining six modes have a purely imaginary spectrum due to the instability of the A1-phase to small perturbations in the model of weak coupling under consideration.
Peculiarities of the resistive state of Y–Ba–Cu–O films in a magnetic field
Authors: Prokhorov V. G. , Kasatkin A. L. , Kaminskii G. G. , Kuznetsov M. A. , Matsui V. I. , Pan V. M.
Published: February 2025

The resistive state of YBa2Cu3O7−δ epitaxial films is investigated in a magnetic field H⊥ (a,b). An analysis of creep and viscous flow of the magnetic flux based on a detailed investigation of the current-voltage characteristics of the films measured by using the pulse technique in a wide range of fields and temperatures indicates that the so-called “easy slip channels” along which vortices predominantly move under the action of the Lorentz force play a significant role in the formation of the resistive state (at least at sufficiently high temperatures and in not very strong magnetic fields).
Peculiarities in acoustic properties of Bi1.4Pb0.6Ca2Sr2Cu3Oy ceramics
Authors: Gaiduk A. L. , Fil’ V. D. , Burma N. G. , Masalitin E. A. , Dotsenko V. I. , Sorin M. N. , Chaikovskaya N. M. , Gurevich A. M. , Eropkin V. N. , Smirnov A. I.
Published: February 2025

Anomalies in the velocity and attenuation of sound and in heat capacity are observed in Pb-stabilized Bi 2-2-2-3 ceramic at a temperature ∼60 K. These anomalies are interpreted as a second-order phase transition. The sensitivity of the anomalies to a frozen magnetic flux points to the magnetic origin of the transition. Similar peculiarities at the same temperature are also observed in l–2–3*-type superconducting compounds.
Determination of elastic constants of CsMnCI3·2H2O crystal by the Mandel’shtam–Brillouin scattering method
Authors: Eremenko V. V. , Kurnosov V. S. , Fomin V. I. , Cherepakha Yu. V.
Published: February 2025

The components of the tensor of elastic constants are determined by the method of Mandel’shtam-Brillouin scattering of light in a chain orthorhombic crystal of CsMnCl3·2H2O. The results of measurements are used for calculating the cross sections of sound velocity surfaces by the principal crystallographic planes.
Radiofrequency absorption in YBa2Cu3O7−δ thin films
Authors: Velichko A. V. , Izhik E. V. , Kirichenko A. Ya. , Usoskin A. I. , Cherpak N. T. , Chukanova I. N.
Published: February 2025

Impedance properties of an HTS thin film are measured in the rf band (f = 13 MHz) by using the inductive technique. At a temperature Tm < Tc0 (Tc0 corresponds to the onset of the superconducting transition) of the film, an rf energy absorption peak appears which was earlier observed in ceramic samples. In our opinion, this corresponds to a manifestation of the size effect. The penetration depth λ (0) of the field is estimated. The sharp variation in the value of Rs observed above Tc0 probably indicates a rearrangement of the electron system in the superconductor for T > Tc0.
Peculiarities of incommensurate phases in layered structures
Authors: Gadzhiev B. R.
Published: February 2025

A system with a two-dimensional localization of a three-dimensional space group in which an incommensurate phase is formed is considered. The temperature dependences of heat capacity and thermal expansion coefficient are obtained, and a qualitative interpretation of experimental results for layered crystals of the TlGaSe2 type is proposed.
Structure and properties of the La2–xSrxCuO4–y phase formed during oxidation of the metallic precursor
Authors: Naberezhnykh V. P. , Tkach V. I. , Limanovskii A. I. , Kameneva V. Yu. , Beloshov O. N. , Gaina I. A. , Pan’ko T. I.
Published: February 2025

Ductile ribbons of the alloy La2–xSrxCu (x = 0.1–0.2) having a partially crystalline structure were prepared by quenching the melt on a rotating disk. It was found that oxidation of the ribbons during continuous heating up to 1173 K or isothermal holding in the temperature interval 1153–1373 K leads to the formation of the equilibrium oxide La2–xSrx CuO4–y with an orthorhombic structure. The oxide was found to be oxygen-deficient, and this accounts for the semiconductor nature of the temperature dependence of resistivity down to 4.2 K.
Multi-wavelength Study for Gamma-Ray Nova V1405 Cas
Authors: Ou Zi-Wei , Tam Pak-Hin Thomas , Wang Hui-Hui , Pei Song-Peng , Huang Wen-Jun
Published: February 2025

Novae are found to have GeV to TeV γ-ray emission, which reveals the shock acceleration from the white dwarfs. Recently, V1405 Cas was reported to radiate suspicious γ-ray by Fermi-LAT with low significance (4.1σ) after the optical maximum. Radio observations reveal that it is one of the five brightest novae surrounded by low-density ionized gas columns. Here we report a continuous search for GeV γ-ray from Fermi-LAT. No γ-ray was found. For V1405 Cas the flux level is lower than other well-studied Fermi novae, and the γ-ray maximum appears at t
0 + 145 days. γ-ray of V1405 Cas is used to search potential γ-ray periodicity. No γ-ray periodicity was found during the time of observation. By comparing multi-wavelength data, the γ-ray upper limit to optical flux ratio with a value at around 10−4 is obtained to constrain the shock acceleration. Long-term analysis from Swift-XRT gets X-ray spectral in the post-shock phase, which indicates that V1405 Cas became a super-soft source. The best-fit black body temperature at the super soft state is 0.11–0.19 keV.
Long-period Double-lined Eclipsing Binaries: The System V454 Aur with the Secondary Eclipse Caused by the Occultation of the Hotter Component
Authors: Kniazev Alexei Y. , Malkov Oleg , Gorda Stanislav , Berdnikov Leonid N. , Katkov Ivan Y.
Published: February 2025

We present the results of our study of the long-period eclipsing binary star V454 Aur. The results are based on spectroscopic data obtained with the UFES échelle spectrograph and photometric observations from Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS). The derived radial velocity curve is based on 17 spectra obtained between 2021 and 2023, covering all orbital phases of this binary system. The orbital period determined from TESS data, P = 27.019803 ± 0.000003 days, agrees within uncertainties with the period established in previous studies. The model constructed for the TESS photometric light curve achieves a precision of 0.01%. The effective temperatures of both components, as well as the system metallicity, were directly derived from the spectra and are T
eff,A = 6250 ± 50 K, T
eff,B = 5855 ± 50 K, and [Fe/H] = −0.10 ± 0.08, respectively. Our analysis of the photometric and spectroscopic data allowed us to directly compute the luminosities of the components, L
A = 1.82 L
⊙ and L
B = 1.07 L
⊙, their radii, R
A = 1.15 R
⊙ and R
B = 1.00 R
⊙, and their masses, M
A = 1.137 M
⊙ and M
B = 1.023 M
⊙, with uncertainties below 1%. Comparison with evolutionary tracks indicates that the system’s age is 1.18 ± 0.10 Gyr, and both components are still on the main sequence. The V454 Aur system is particularly interesting due to the partial eclipse of the primary component, which results in the “inversion” of the primary and secondary minima in the photometric light curve.
Constraints on Baryon Density from the Effective Optical Depth of High-redshift Quasars
Authors: Liu Wen-Fei , Xie Yuan-Bo , Liu Zhi-E , Qin Jin , Jiao Kang , Zhao Dong-Yao , Zhang 张 Tong-Jie 同杰
Published: February 2025

We present constraints on the baryonic matter density parameter, Ω
b
, within the framework of the ΛCDM model. Our analysis utilizes observational data on the effective optical depth from high-redshift quasars. To parameterize the photoionization rate Γ−12, we employ a Bézier polynomial. Additionally, we approximate the Hubble parameter at high redshifts as

H
(
z
)
≈
100
h

Ω

m

1
/
2

(
1
+
z
)

3
/
2

km s−1 Mpc−1. Confidence regions are obtained with h = 0.701 ± 0.013 and Ω
m
 = 0.315, optimized by the Planck mission. The best-fit values are

Ω

b

=
0.04

3

−
0.006

+
0.005

and

Ω

b

=
0.04

5

−
0.006

+
0.004

, corresponding to an old data set and a new data set, respectively. We test the non-parametric form of Γ−12, obtaining

Ω

b

=
0.04

8

−
0.003

+
0.001

. These results are consistent with the findings of Planck at the 1σ confidence level. Our findings underscore the effectiveness of quasar data sets in constraining Ω
b
, eliminating the need for independent photoionization rate data. This approach provides detailed cosmic information about baryon density and the photoionization history of the intergalactic medium.
Tests of X-ray Image Reconstruction: A New Index for Assessing Image Quality
Authors: Li Zhentong , YU Wenhui , Su Yang , Chen Wei , Gan Weiqun
Published: February 2025

Indirect X-ray modulation imaging has been adopted in a number of solar missions and provided reconstructed X-ray images of solar flares that are of great scientific importance. However, the assessment of the image quality of the reconstruction is still difficult which is particularly useful for scheme design of X-ray imaging systems, testing and improvement of imaging algorithms, and scientific research of X-ray sources. Currently, there is no specified method to quantitatively evaluate the quality of X-ray image reconstruction and the point spread function (PSF) of an X-ray imager. In this paper, we propose percentage proximity degree (PPD) by considering the imaging characteristics of X-ray image reconstruction and in particular, sidelobes and their effects on imaging quality. After testing a variety of imaging quality assessments in six aspects, we utilized the technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution to the indices that meet the requirements. Then we develop the final quality index for X-ray image reconstruction, QuIX, which consists of the selected indices and the new PPD. QuIX performs well in a series of tests, including assessment of instrument PSF and simulation tests under different grid configurations, and imaging tests with RHESSI data. It is also a useful tool for testing of imaging algorithms, and determination of imaging parameters for both RHESSI and ASO-S/HXI, such as field of view (FOV), beam width factor, and detector selection.
Seedling size affects the strategy of dune seedlings responding to rainfall variation
Authors: Shen-Tu Xiao-Lu , Hu Yu-Kun , Shea Katriona , Gascoigne Samuel JL , Wei Qing , Tang Li-Chen , Li Dan-Dan , Li Shou-Li
Published: February 2025

Background and Aims

Climate change poses a growing threat to population maintenance in harsh desert habitats with high precipitation variability. Desert seeds may germinate at different times as a bet-hedging strategy to cope with increased rainfall fluctuation. As a result, a population may consist of seedlings of various sizes. However, it remains unknown how the variation in seedling sizes affects their capacity to cope with different rainfall scenarios, thus impairing our capacity to manage population under climate change.

Methods

To fill this gap in knowledge, we examined how seedling size (large seedlings with an average height of 14.30 cm vs. small seedlings with an average height of 5.85 cm) affects the strategy seedlings use to cope with a gradient of rainfall treatments (-75%, -50%, -25%, 0%, +25%, +50%, +75%) for Artemisia ordosica Krasch., a dominant shrub widely used for ecological restoration in the Mu Us Sandland.

Key Results

We found that seedling performance was affected both by rainfall intensity and seedling size. Seedling survival and growth declined with reduction in rainfall. Moreover, large seedlings allocated more biomass to roots, thus increasing their capacity for water absorption, resulting in relatively less reduction in their total biomass under water stress. In contrast, small seedlings invested more in aboveground growth, likely to compete for light.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates that seedling size may strongly affect the responses of seedlings to rainfall variation. As a result, populations having recruitment of seedlings with different sizes may better spread mortality risk under variable rainfall conditions. Therefore, our results suggest that species with flexible germination time may be highly suitable for desert vegetation restoration under climate change.
Instagram Vs. Reality: Assessment of the Representation of Lip Aesthetic Subtypes on Social Media Using the Lip Classification of Tubercles System
Authors: Harris Steven , Castellari Fabrizio , Orlovska Madara , Othoro Don , Bran Greg
Published: February 2025

Background

Social media platforms, particularly Instagram appear to be influencing contemporary beauty standards, especially concerning lip enhancements. Understanding the prevalent lip types showcased can offer valuable insights into evolving aesthetic ideals to inform both patients and practitioners.

Objectives

This study aims to analyse lip types associated with minimally invasive lip enhancements on Instagram (Meta, Menlo Park, CA) and compare these findings with classifications from a patient clinic using the Lip Classification of Tubercles (LCT) system.

Methods

A within-subjects design was employed to examine 120 "Before and After" images from four trending Instagram hashtags related to lip enhancements. Four expert examiners performed the classification, and inter-rater reliability was assessed. Data from a previous study involving patients from an aesthetic clinic (N = 214) were incorporated to compare the frequencies of lip types in the clinic and on Instagram.

Results

The inter-rater reliability for lip classification on Instagram was very good (Fleiss’ Kappa: pre-treatment k = 0.817; post-treatment k = 0.837). The most common lip type pre-treatment was 1A, which dramatically shifted to type 3A post-treatment. The comparison with the patient clinic revealed that while type 1A was the most prevalent in both datasets, Instagram exhibited lower variability, with only 10 unique types identified pre-treatment and a predominant type 3A post-treatment.

Conclusions

The representations of lip enhancements on Instagram reflect a narrower range of lip types compared to clinical findings, including a dramatic shift toward a type 3A lip shape. This standardisation of beauty ideal highlights the need for further exploration of social media's influence on lip enhancement preferences and the associated risks, as well as how these trends shape patient expectations in aesthetic practices.
RAS Awards 2025
Authors: Bowler S
Published: February 2025

The RAS is delighted to recognise outstanding achievement in astronomy and geophysics by scientists, after their nomination by fellow researchers
Global Geomagnetism
Authors: Beggan Ciarán , Kloss Clemens , Gomez-Perez Natalia , Watson Callum
Published: February 2025

Every five years, the geomagnetic community ups sticks and moves to where the magnetism is going. Meet the 14th Generation International Geomagnetic Reference Field.
Weight of opinion
Authors: Whittaker Ian , Hough Frankie
Published: February 2025

Here's an inconvenient truth: there might just be an educational value to be found in the culture of conspiracy theory
Solarigraphy across borders
Authors: Aljamaan Abrar , Calvin Diego
Published: February 2025

Tracing the Sun's path using solarigraphy … and a lot of patience
David Lloyd (Dai) Jones
Authors: Briden Jim
Published: February 2025

David Lloyd (Dai) Jones (1936–2024) giant of university geophysics in Zimbabwe
Malate inhibits light-induced stomatal opening through SLAC1- and G-proteins-mediated pathway in grapevine and Arabidopsis
Authors: Yang Zhongyi , Gong Ruhai , Mimata Yoshiharu , Ye Shaosong , Ji Wei , Ye Wenxiu
Published: February 2025

A key tricarboxylic acid cycle metabolite, malate, accumulates in leaves during dehydration and induces stomatal closure by recruiting cytosolic Ca2+, activating a SLOW ANION CHANNEL-ASSOCIATED 1, and promoting reactive oxygen species. However, the effects of malate on stomatal opening and its underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. Our study revealed that, among TCA cycle metabolites, malate specifically inhibited light-induced stomatal opening in both grapevine and Arabidopsis. We demonstrated that SLAC1 was required for malate's inhibitory effects. The inhibition by malate was disrupted by Ca2+ signaling inhibitors. Additionally, malate signal was mediated by G-proteins, which regulate the production of second messengers. ROS production was abolished when G-proteins were inhibited. These findings show that malate efficiently maintains stomatal closure by not only inducing stomatal closure but also inhibiting stomatal opening. The inhibition of stomatal opening by malate is mediated through the activation of SLAC1 and the G-protein signaling cascade.
Privacy-Preserving Framework for Genomic Computations via Multi-Key Homomorphic Encryption
Authors: Namazi Mina , Farahpoor Mohammadali , Ayday Erman , Pérez-González Fernando
Published: February 2025

Motivation

The affordability of genome sequencing and the widespread availability of genomic data have opened up new medical possibilities. Nevertheless, they also raise significant concerns regarding privacy due to the sensitive information they encompass. These privacy implications act as barriers to medical research and data availability. Researchers have proposed privacy-preserving techniques to address this, with cryptography-based methods showing the most promise. However, existing cryptography-based designs lack i) interoperability, ii) scalability, iii) a high degree of privacy (i.e., compromise one to have the other), or (iv) multiparty analyses support (as most existing schemes process genomic information of each party individually). Overcoming these limitations is essential to unlocking the full potential of genomic data while ensuring privacy and data utility. Further research and development are needed to advance privacy-preserving techniques in genomics, focusing on achieving interoperability and scalability, preserving data utility, and enabling secure multiparty computation.

Results

This study aims to overcome the limitations of current cryptography-based techniques by employing a multi-key homomorphic encryption scheme. By utilizing this scheme, we have developed a comprehensive protocol capable of conducting diverse genomic analyses. Our protocol facilitates interoperability among individual genome processing and enables multiparty tests, analyses of genomic databases, and operations involving multiple databases. Consequently, our approach represents an innovative advancement in secure genomic data processing, offering enhanced protection and privacy measures.

Availability and Implementation

All associated code and documentation, is available at https://github.com/farahpoor/smkhe.
tidk: a toolkit to rapidly identify telomeric repeats from genomic datasets
Authors: Brown Max R , Manuel Gonzalez de La Rosa Pablo , Blaxter Mark
Published: February 2025

“tidk” (short for telomere identification toolkit) uses a simple, fast algorithm to scan long DNA reads for the presence of short tandemly repeated DNA in runs, and to aggregate them based on canonical DNA string representation. These are telomeric repeat candidates. Our algorithm is shown to be accurate in genomes for which the telomeric repeat unit is known and is tested across a wide variety of newly assembled genomes to uncover new telomeric repeat units. Tools are provided to identify telomeric repeats de novo, scan genomes for known telomeric repeats, and to visualize telomeric repeats on the assembly. “tidk” is implemented in Rust and is available as a command line tool which can be compiled using the Rust toolchain or downloaded as a binary from bioconda.

Availability and implementation

The “tidk” Rust crate is freely available under the MIT license (https://crates.io/crates/tidk), and the source code is available at https://github.com/tolkit/telomeric-identifier.
Structural basis of differential gene expression at eQTLs loci from high-resolution ensemble models of 3D single-cell chromatin conformations
Authors: Du Lin , Farooq Hammad , Delafrouz Pourya , Liang Jie
Published: February 2025

Motivation

Techniques such as high-throughput chromosome conformation capture (Hi-C) have provided a wealth of information on nucleus organization and genome important for understanding gene expression regulation. Genome-Wide Association Studies have identified numerous loci associated with complex traits. Expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) studies have further linked the genetic variants to alteration in expression levels of associated target genes across individuals. However, the functional roles of many eQTLs in noncoding regions remain unclear. Current joint analyses of Hi-C and eQTLs data lack advanced computational tools, limiting what can be learned from these data.

Results

We developed a computational method for simultaneous analysis of Hi-C and eQTL data, capable of identifying a small set of nonrandom interactions from all Hi-C interactions. Using these nonrandom interactions, we reconstructed large ensembles (×105) of high-resolution single-cell 3D chromatin conformations with thorough sampling, accurately replicating Hi-C measurements. Our results revealed many-body interactions in chromatin conformation at the single-cell level within eQTL loci, providing a detailed view of how 3D chromatin structures form the physical foundation for gene regulation, including how genetic variants of eQTLs affect the expression of associated eGenes. Furthermore, our method can deconvolve chromatin heterogeneity and investigate the spatial associations of eQTLs and eGenes at subpopulation level, revealing their regulatory impacts on gene expression. Together, ensemble modeling of thoroughly sampled single-cell chromatin conformations combined with eQTL data, helps decipher how 3D chromatin structures provide the physical basis for gene regulation, expression control, and aid in understanding the overall structure-function relationships of genome organization.

Availability and implementation

It is available at https://github.com/uic-liang-lab/3DChromFolding-eQTL-Loci.
Instrumental variable estimation of complier casual treatment effects with interval-censored competing risks data
Authors: Lou Yichen , Ma Yuqing , Sun Jianguo , Wang Peijie , Ye Zhisheng
Published: February 2025

This paper discusses the assessment of causal treatment effects on a time-to-event outcome, a crucial part of many scientific investigations. Although some methods have been developed for the problem, they are not applicable to situations where there exist both interval censoring and competing risks. We fill in this critical gap under a class of transformation models for cumulative incidence functions by developing an instrumented variable (IV) estimation approach. The IV is a valuable tool commonly used to mitigate the impact of endogenous treatment selection and to determine causal treatment effects in an unbiased manner. The proposed method is flexible as the model includes many commonly used models such as the sub-distributional proportional odds and hazards models (ie, the Fine–Gray model) as special cases. The resulting estimator for the regression parameter is shown to be consistent and asymptotically normal. A simulation study is conducted to evaluate finite sample performance of the proposed approach and suggests that it works well in practice. It is applied to a breast cancer screening study.
Neuropathological comorbidity, genetics and cognition in a Chinese community-based autopsy cohort
Authors: Wu Wei , Wang Xue , Xu Yuanyuan , Ma Chao , Qian Xiaojing , Qiu Wenying
Published: February 2025

Neurodegenerative comorbidities are common and critical, yet data specific to the Chinese population remains limited. The study aims to investigate the prevalence and associations of neuropathologic changes and comorbidities, and their correlation with genetics and cognition in a community-dwelling autopsy cohort in China.

Datasets of 610 participants were obtained from the National Human Brain Bank for Development and Function at the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College. Neuropathological changes analysed included Alzheimer’s disease neuropathological change (ADNC) (n = 331); α-synucleinopathies (n = 124) with 120 Lewy body disease (LBD) and 4 multiple system atrophy; limbic-predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy neuropathologic changes (LATE-NC) (n = 341); primary age-related tauopathy (PART) (n = 231); argyrophilic grain disease (AGD) (n = 107); age-related tau astrogliopathy (ARTAG) (n = 144); cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) (n = 183); hippocampus sclerosis (HS) (n = 46). Frontotemporal lobar degeneration, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and amygdala-predominant LBD are rare. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression models were used to assess the neuropathological associations.

Increased age at death was correlated with increased severity in ADNC, LBD, and LATE-NC, as well as with a higher number of comorbidities. APOE ε4 allele frequency in the present autopsy cohort was 13.63%. The presence of the APOE ε4 allele was linked to an advanced ADNC stage and increased comorbidities. The co-pathology prevalence varied by pathologies, with notable increases in specific subgroups: within the ADNC subgroups, LBD, LATE-NC, CAA, and HS were more frequent in advanced stages; in the LATE-NC subgroups, ADNC, CAA, and ARTAG increased, while PART decreased in higher LATE-NC stages. PART cases presented the highest proportion of pure pathology (37.2%) compared to other groups. Advanced ADNC stages were significantly associated with higher LATE-NC stages, and vice versa. Neocortical LBD was correlated with elevated ADNC levels, and higher LATE-NC stages were associated with worsening LBD pathology. High level ADNC, neocortical LBD, and stage 3 of LATE-NC were identified as independent predictors of severe cognition status.

Our study suggests that older age at death and APOE ε4 presence are the risk factors for neuropathologic comorbidities in Chinese people. The findings underscore the importance of considering comorbid neurologic diagnoses and therapies in clinical practice.
General dermatology and dermatology in primary health care
Authors: Weng Pei-Chun , Chen Kuang-Hua , Lin Chien-Yio
Published: February 2025

Cutaneous metastases account for 1-10% of all metastases. Carcinoma en cuirasse, a form of cutaneous metastases, manifests with hardened and erythematous skin lesions and should be differentiated from other entities such as infection and dermatitis. Here, we present a case of metastatic breast cancer presenting as carcinoma en cuirasse, which was initially misdiagnosed as herpes zoster.
What's Hot This Year in Infectious Diseases Clinical Science
Authors: Freiberg Jeffrey A , Wright Patty W
Published: February 2025

Clinical science in the field of infectious diseases (ID) moved at a rapid pace in 2024. Among the highlights were multiple trials of new antibiotics and new approaches to prevent infections. Concerning trends, with outbreaks of dengue, measles, mpox, and highly pathogenic avian influenza A in 2024, demonstrate the importance of ID and the continued need for further advances through clinical science. This review highlights some of the most important trials and clinical trends in ID over the past year.
Attraction of Lygus lineolaris (Hemiptera: Miridae) to a ubiquitous floral volatile in the field
Authors: Hetherington Matthew C , Weissner Morgan , Guédot Christelle
Published: February 2025

Herbivorous insects utilize olfactory and visual cues to orient on suitable host plants, and such cues can be employed to facilitate insect monitoring. Lygus lineolaris Palisot de Beauvois is a polyphagous pest throughout North America. Monitoring this pest as it moves between crop and non-crop hosts remains challenging, and a lack of effective monitoring tools complicates management of this insect. In this study, we examined the electrophysiological and behavioral responses of L. lineolaris to the volatile emissions of 2 crop hosts: alfalfa and strawberry. Gas chromatography with electroantennographic detection was applied to identify antennally active compounds in headspace extracts of flowering host plants, before responses to individual compounds were examined in the field. Five compounds consistently elicited antennal depolarizations in adults of L. lineolaris and, of these, (±)-linalool increased the capture rate of L. lineolaris females in the field. Subsequent experiments examined the influence of visual cues and stereochemistry on capture rate, revealing that lures containing (±)-linalool and (S)-(+)-linalool significantly increased the capture rate of L. lineolaris females compared with traps baited with (R)-(-)-linalool and controls, indicating that L. lineolaris is attracted to (S)-(+)-linalool. While lures increased capture on red traps, this was not the case for white traps, emphasizing the importance of visual cues in the movements and monitoring of L. lineolaris. This study demonstrates that L. lineolaris is attracted to (S)-(+)-linalool in the field, and that attraction depends on trap color. This knowledge is expected to improve monitoring strategies for L. lineolaris in agricultural systems.
Risk factors for prolonged air leak after uniportal anatomical segmentectomy
Authors: Gioutsos Konstantinos , Rieder Olga , Galanis Michail , Nguyen Thanh-Long , Senbaklavaci Ömer , Dorn Patrick
Published: February 2025

OBJECTIVES

Our aim was to investigate the incidence and risk factors for prolonged air leak in patients undergoing minimally invasive single-port pulmonary segmentectomy.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of all patients undergoing uniportal segmentectomy in our department from March 2015 to September 2023 was performed. Univariable, multivariable logistic regression analyses and machine learning were used to investigate risk factors for prolonged air leak (>5 days)

RESULTS

575 segmentectomies were performed using uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. 333 patients (57.9%) were men and the mean age was 64.8 years.

Prolonged air leak occurred in 88 patients (15.3%). Length of stay and duration of chest drainage were 8.6 (SD 4.86) and 10.6 (SD 8.12) days in the subgroup with prolonged air leak, compared to 3.6 (SD 2.25) and 2.0 (SD 1.3) days in the subgroup without air leak (p < 0.0001). Multivariable analysis revealed that upper lobe location, lower BMI, an additional wedge resection on another segment and hypertension were associated with increased risk of PAL.

Machine learning was used to develop models that predicted the occurrence of prolonged air leak with an accuracy of 70%. The first model detected the following parameters as significant: resection of segment 2, diabetes, inhalers, and squamous cell carcinoma. The second model recognized DLCO (%), pack-years, FEV1 (%) and surgery time respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Low BMI, DLCO% or FEV1% values, increased pack-years, inhalers, diabetes, hypertension, histology of primary lung cancer, longer surgery time, an additional wedge resection, segment 2 removal and upper lobe surgery were identified as risk factors for prolonged air leak.
Real-life experience on efficacy and safety of setmelanotide treatment in prepubertal children
Authors: Kahveci Ahmet , Kurt Ilknur , Turan Serap , Guran Tulay , Bereket Abdullah , Haliloglu Belma
Published: February 2025

Monogenic obesity, characterized by severe, early-onset obesity due to single-gene defects, often resists traditional weight management strategies. This report presents real-life experiences on the efficacy and safety of setmelanotide, an MC4R agonist, in 4 prepubertal children (ages 3-9) with LEPR and POMC deficiencies. Findings indicate that setmelanotide is effective at lower doses in our patients with POMC deficiency (0.3-0.5 mg/day) than the patients with LEPR deficiency (2.5 mg/day). Treatment was generally well-tolerated, with injection site reactions and hyperpigmentation as common side effects. As novel findings, gonadotropin-related effects such as hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis activation and testicular descent were observed in 2 patients. Growth deceleration was noted in 2 children, and recovery from central hypothyroidism in 1 patient with POMC deficiency. Overall, setmelanotide appears to be effective and well-tolerated in young children with monogenic obesity. However, further studies are necessary to evaluate the long-term effects of early intervention on growth and pubertal development.
When selection becomes selection bias
Authors: Laugesen Kristina , Dekkers Olaf M , Groenwold Rolf H H , Skajaa Nils
Published: February 2025

Selection in clinical research does not necessarily result in selection bias. To understand when selection leads to bias, we discuss collider-conditioning bias, which is a common and often self-inflicted type of selection bias. Collider-conditioning bias may be difficult to recognize, and paying more attention to the bias could therefore increase the quality of research. In this paper, we aim to increase awareness and understanding of the topic.
Genomes of the Caribbean reef-building corals Colpophyllia natans, Dendrogyra cylindrus, and Siderastrea siderea
Authors: Locatelli Nicolas S , Baums Iliana B
Published: February 2025

Coral populations worldwide are declining rapidly due to elevated ocean temperatures and other human impacts. The Caribbean harbors a high number of threatened, endangered, and critically endangered coral species compared with reefs of the larger Indo-Pacific. The reef corals of the Caribbean are also long diverged from their Pacific counterparts and may have evolved different survival strategies. Most genomic resources have been developed for Pacific coral species which may impede our ability to study the changes in genetic composition of Caribbean reef communities in response to global change. To help fill the gap in genomic resources, we used PacBio HiFi sequencing to generate the first genome assemblies for 3 Caribbean reef-building corals, Colpophyllia natans, Dendrogyra cylindrus, and Siderastrea siderea. We also explore the genomic novelties that shape scleractinian genomes. Notably, we find abundant gene duplications of all classes (e.g. tandem and segmental), especially in S. siderea. This species has one of the largest genomes of any scleractinian coral (822 Mb) which seems to be driven by repetitive content and gene family expansion and diversification. As the genome size of S. siderea was double the size expected of stony corals, we also evaluated the possibility of an ancient whole-genome duplication using Ks tests and found no evidence of such an event in the species. By presenting these genome assemblies, we hope to develop a better understanding of coral evolution as a whole and to enable researchers to further investigate the population genetics and diversity of these 3 species.
Pakistan’s Judicial Engagement with International Refugee Law
Authors: Kazmi Arjumand Bano
Published: February 2025

This article examines the case law at different tiers of Pakistan’s judiciary in order to map its engagement with international refugee law. Pakistan hosts one of the world’s largest refugee populations, with no national legislation dealing with refugees. Nor has it ratified the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees (Refugee Convention). Nevertheless, this article shows that Pakistan’s judicial engagement with the Refugee Convention has been meaningful and instructive. Rahil Azizi v The State is used to illustrate how domestic courts can utilize the principle of non-refoulement, as well as article 31 of the Refugee Convention, to deal with the situation of refugees unlawfully in the country of refuge. The judgment instructs the State that the application of existing domestic law for illegal foreigners or refugees should be nuanced and sensitive to their distinct vulnerabilities. Further, it is argued that, by creatively weaving together UNHCR–host State memoranda of understanding with constitutional and international law obligations, courts in non-signatory States can ensure stronger protection for refugees vis-à-vis ad hoc and regressive government policies.
Comparative analysis of routine clinical debriefings and incident reports: insights for patient safety and teamwork enhancement
Authors: Paquay Méryl , Kolbe Michaela , Klenkenberg Sophie , Buléon Clément , Bertrand Audrey , Simon Robert , Ghuysen Alexandre
Published: February 2025

Background

Routine clinical debriefings (RCDs) have been shown to improve communication, team reflexivity, and safety in clinical settings. When combined with incident reports (IRs), RCDs offer a potential tool for enhancing quality improvement frameworks. This study aimed to identify and compare healthcare safety-related information captured through RCDs and IRs in a Belgian emergency department operating across two distinct facilities.

Methods

This study employed a quasi-mixed-method design with a monostrand conversion approach. Information was collected from 90 RCDs and 263 IRs. Data were analyzed using two frameworks: the World Health Organization’s Incident Report Classification Grid and the Debriefing and Organizational Lessons Learned Grid.

Results

The findings revealed significant differences in the types of information captured by RCDs and IRs. RCDs predominantly highlighted teamwork, internal organization, and procedural issues, while IRs focused more on care processes, patient concerns, and patient flow. These complementary insights demonstrate the value of integrating RCDs and IRs to create a comprehensive understanding of patient and clinician safety.

Conclusions

This study highlights the complementary nature of RCDs and IRs in addressing healthcare safety. RCDs foster team reflexivity and promote open discussions about systemic challenges, directly improving team cohesion, resilience, and learning. Combining RCDs and IRs provides actionable insights for enhancing safety and driving organizational improvements.
Widespread yet Unreliable: A Systematic Analysis of the Use of Presence Questionnaires
Authors: Kukshinov Eugene , Tu Joseph , Szita Kata , Senthil Nathan Kaushall , Nacke Lennart E
Published: February 2025

Presence, as a psychological state, is typically assessed using questionnaires. While many researchers in this field assume that these self-report instruments are standardized, the reliability of such questionnaires remains uncertain. This knowledge gap challenges the accuracy and validity of data derived from studies assessing presence. Ensuring reliable and precise data collection and reporting is essential for the credibility of findings in presence research, because inaccuracies may cause errors in conclusions, which affects theoretical understandings, methodological approaches and practical applications. To address this issue, we conducted a systematic analysis of 397 empirical quantitative studies on presence. We investigated the use of presence scales, including applications, modifications, a variety of measures and reporting practices. We found that the majority of the presence studies modify questionnaires, do not re-validate them and improperly report their methods. Based on these findings, we propose solutions to enhance transparency and validation of the presence measurements.
myAURA: a personalized health library for epilepsy management via knowledge graph sparsification and visualization
Authors: Correia Rion Brattig , Rozum Jordan C , Cross Leonard , Felag Jack , Gallant Michael , Guo Ziqi , Herr Bruce W , Min Aehong , Sanchez-Valle Jon , Stungis Rocha Deborah , Valencia Alfonso , Wang Xuan , Börner Katy , Miller Wendy , Rocha Luis M
Published: February 2025

Objectives

Report the development of the patient-centered myAURA application and suite of methods designed to aid epilepsy patients, caregivers, and clinicians in making decisions about self-management and care.

Materials and Methods

myAURA rests on an unprecedented collection of epilepsy-relevant heterogeneous data resources, such as biomedical databases, social media, and electronic health records (EHRs). We use a patient-centered biomedical dictionary to link the collected data in a multilayer knowledge graph (KG) computed with a generalizable, open-source methodology.

Results

Our approach is based on a novel network sparsification method that uses the metric backbone of weighted graphs to discover important edges for inference, recommendation, and visualization. We demonstrate by studying drug-drug interaction from EHRs, extracting epilepsy-focused digital cohorts from social media, and generating a multilayer KG visualization. We also present our patient-centered design and pilot-testing of myAURA, including its user interface.

Discussion

The ability to search and explore myAURA’s heterogeneous data sources in a single, sparsified, multilayer KG is highly useful for a range of epilepsy studies and stakeholder support.

Conclusion

Our stakeholder-driven, scalable approach to integrating traditional and nontraditional data sources enables both clinical discovery and data-powered patient self-management in epilepsy and can be generalized to other chronic conditions.
Unplanned Extubation in the Burn Unit: A Retrospective Review
Authors: Nelson Cameron , Weigel Isaac , Galet Colette , Wibbenmeyer Lucy , Kurjatko Alexander
Published: February 2025

Unplanned extubation rates in burn patients were previously reported at 27% (3 cases per 100 ventilator days). As facial burns pose a unique challenge to tube securement, patients in our unit have surgically placed bite blocks to secure the endotracheal tube at the provider’s discretion. Herein, we assessed unplanned extubation rates at our burn center. We performed a retrospective cohort study including burn patients who required mechanical ventilation from 7/01/2015 to 6/30/2023. Demographics, comorbidities, injuries, and hospital course information were collected and compared between patients who had an unplanned extubation and those who did not. Binary logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with unplanned extubation and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) complication. P < 0.05 was considered significant. Of 360 patients, 17 (4.7%) had unplanned extubations, representing 0.7 cases per 100 ventilator days. There were no significant differences in demographics, comorbidities, or burn injury characteristics between groups. Patients with unplanned extubation were more likely to have an inhalation injury (70.6% vs. 42.6%, p=0.001), paCO2 ≥50 (70.6% vs. 39.1%, p=0.031), more ventilator days (6 [2-15] vs. 2 [1-4] days, p<0.001), and more hospital days (14 [8.5-25.5] vs. 8 [2-20], p=0.020). VAP rate tended to be higher in the unplanned extubation group (17.6% vs. 5.5%, p=0.077. On multivariate analysis, inhalation injury was associated with increased risk of unplanned extubation (Odds ratio (OR) = 4.68 [1.59-13.81], p=0.005). No patients with bite blocks had an unplanned extubation. Further study on the utility of advanced securement devices is recommended.