bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Capillary water migration characteristics of sandstone with different porosities and calculation methods for pore surface relaxation strength
Authors: Ning Lin , Bi Jing , Zhao Yu , Wang Chaolin , Zhang Yongfa , Shen Mingxuan , Deng Xiaojiang , Li Yang
Published: February 2025

The relaxation strength of pore surfaces (ρ2) plays a pivotal role in transforming the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) T2 spectrum into the pore size distribution, rendering it an indispensable parameter for characterizing the microstructure via NMR techniques. In this study, spontaneous imbibition (SI) experiments, real-time NMR measurements, and mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) tests were conducted on three sandstones with different porositirs. We propose a novel approach for calculating ρ2 using the capillary water absorption coefficient while analyzing the characteristics of capillary water migration during SI through entropy theory. The results demonstrate a positive correlation between porosity and the capillary water absorption coefficient, indicating that micropores and mesoporous channels play dominant roles in this process. Moreover, the migration rate of capillary water is influenced primarily by porosity, followed by pore size. Additionally, the equilibrium time of entropy during SI is negatively correlated with both the porosity and the capillary water absorption coefficient. Furthermore, the capillary water absorption coefficient can be utilized to calculate ρ2. Notably, when comparing the difference ratios of ρ2 obtained through the capillary water absorption coefficient method and MIP for samples A1, B1, and C1 (5.075%, 2.746%, and 7.583%, respectively) were compared, except for tight sandstone A1, the difference is less than 10%. This suggests that this method is not only feasible but also reliable for not particularly dense rocks. Moreover, this method is simple, widely applicable, enables nondestructive testing of samples, and incurs a low experimental cost; thus, this method has promising application prospects.
Graphics processing unit accelerated modeling of thrombus formation in cardiovascular systems using smoothed particle hydrodynamics
Authors: Laha Sumanta , Fourtakas Georgios , Das Prasanta Kuamr , Keshmiri Amir
Published: February 2025

Cardiovascular diseases remain a global health threat, often due to uncontrolled thrombus formation. Understanding its biochemical, biological, and mechanical aspects is essential. Given the challenges of in-vivo studies, computational fluid dynamics has emerged as a cost-effective alternative. This research introduces a novel methodology for modeling thrombus formation and its growth, utilizing smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH). The approach is optimized for execution on graphics processing unit, significantly reducing the runtime of time-intensive thrombus simulations. Herein, two distinct approaches—the penalty and dissipation approach—are applied to the thrombus growth, with a comparison made to determine the most suitable method. The penalty approach is based on a fibrin-linked velocity penalty term while in the dissipation approach the Einstein equation is linked with fibrin concentration. The model simulates the coagulation cascade by accounting for concentrations of key elements such as thrombin, prothrombin, fibrinogen, fibrin, and both activated and resting platelets. The implementation is carried out using the open-source DualSPHysics solver, incorporating the wall shear stress effects alongside thrombus development. To validate the model, simulations of thrombus formation were conducted in a backward-facing step and a microchannel. The results demonstrate the potential of SPH and the proposed approach in transforming thrombus modeling, particularly for predicting device-induced thrombosis. This research highlights its potential to advance the understanding of cardiovascular diseases and improve clinical outcomes.
Lived Experience Advisor Program initiative: harnessing consumer leadership for best care
Authors: Barbara Rebecca , Lydeker Jodie , Potter Alex , Kerr Debra
Published: February 2025

The Lived Experience Advisor Program (LEAP), introduced at Western Health in January 2023, is an innovative approach to consumer engagement in mainstream health care, integrating lived experience perspectives into organisational decision-making, research, and quality improvement. As health care has increasingly embraced consumer involvement at both direct care and governance levels, the LEAP was implemented to expand the role of health consumers beyond traditional volunteer positions, recognising lived experience as a valuable form of expertise. Through employment of Lived Experience Advisors (LEAs) across a range of clinical and operational projects, this program has enhanced service planning and health literacy for diverse communities. This case study details the development, implementation, and outcomes of the LEAP, focusing on how LEAs have contributed to areas such as youth health services, carer support, emergency care, and consumer engagement strategies. With support from a Community of Practice, LEAs receive ongoing mentorship and training, fostering skill development and promoting sustainable career pathways. The program has also driven shifts in staff perspectives, supporting a patient-centred culture where consumer voices are prioritised. Challenges in program funding, role clarity, and matching lived experience to project needs, underscore the need for thoughtful recruitment, executive sponsorship, and adaptable role design. The impact of the LEAP has extended beyond individual projects, influencing organisational culture, and enhancing staff capabilities in consumer partnership. The case study offers practical insights for other healthcare organisations aiming to integrate lived experience roles, emphasising the potential for consumer-led initiatives to drive transformative change in healthcare delivery and policy.
Patterns of activity and travel by koalas in a disturbed urban landscape in Queensland
Authors: Tacla Philippa Kirsten , Barth Benjamin James , FitzGibbon Sean Ian , Gillett Amber Kristen , Ellis William Anthony
Published: February 2025

Habitat loss and fragmentation threaten koala persistence in south-east Queensland, intensifying the challenges posed by climate change and disease to koala survival. Adaptation to modified landscapes may mediate species’ persistence, so we collected location and accelerometery data for 10 koalas in a changing landscape in the Moreton Bay region of Queensland, using remote global positioning system (GPS) collars and manual tracking. We investigated whether ambient temperature influenced how active koalas were and how far they moved, and compared area of use estimated by manual tracking and remote GPS uploads. Accelerometric data showed that koalas were more active at night, and GPS data showed that males moved further than females, but accelerometers measuring activity were not indicative of total distance travelled. Distance moved by koalas per day and night was greatest from May through August and least during March for both males and females. Remotely uploaded GPS locations described a not significantly larger total area of use by each koala compared to manual VHF tracking. There was no general trend in the relationship between day temperature and koala activity or distance moved.
Proximity sensors attached to ewes and rams at mating can predict date of lambing
Authors: Shorten P. R. , Peers-Adams J. , Johnson P. L. , O’Connor C. E. , Juengel J. L.
Published: February 2025

Context Determining the birth date of lambs is important, as it is used in analysis for the generation of breeding values for lamb liveweight and lamb growth traits. Aims We used proximity sensors to measure the daily interactions between 300 ewes and three rams over the mating period for two successive trial years to test the hypothesis that lambing date can be predicted for a typical New Zealand commercial mating system. Methods The day that the ewe had the highest number interactions with the three rams was used to estimate the day of conception. Key results In both trial years, 89% of ewes had a proximity sensor-based predicted lambing date ±6 days of the measured lambing date. In the two trial years, 81% and 78% of ewes had a predicted lambing date ±3 days of the measured lambing date. This demonstrates that the performance of the proximity sensor-based method to predict the lambing date was consistent between years. Conclusions Proximity sensors, therefore, provide an indirect method to study mating behaviour that can be used to predict the birth date of lambs. Implications This tool can be used by breeders to improve the breeding values of sires for lamb growth and liveweight when lambs are not tagged at birth, and the management of ewes by grouping them together by gestational age.
CCQM-K155: elements and tributyltin in seawater
Authors: Fung Wai-hong , Can Süleyman Z , Tse Kelvin Chun-wai , Tsoi Yuk-tai , Lee Wan-waan , Arı Betül , Tunç Murat , Merrick Jeffrey , de Sena Rodrigo Caciano , Nadeau Kenny , Meija Juris , Yang Lu , Mester Zoltan , Riquelme Soraya Sandoval , Maldonado Javier Vera , Chao Jingbo , Wang Qian , Song Shanjun , Fisicaro Paola , Zhu Yanbei , Yim Yong-Hyeon , Lee Kyoung-Seok , Naujalis Evaldas , Strzelec Michał , Stakheev Aleksey , Krylov Anatoliy , Sobina Egor , Shin Richard , Dewi Fransiska , Peng Sim Lay , Wah Leung Ho , Yu Wesley , Jaćimović Radojko , Zuliani Tea , Haraldsson Conny , Taebunpakul Sutthinun
Published: February 2025

Main text

Twenty National Metrology Institutes and Designated Institutes registered in the CCQM Key Comparison of CCQM-K155 "Elements and Tributyltin in Seawater" and nineteen institutes submitted their results. Participants were requested to evaluate the mass fractions, expressed in ng/g, of arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead, nickel, zinc and ng/kg level of tributyltin in seawater. Key Comparison Reference Values (KCRVs) are assigned to the various measurands by the NIST decision tree approach (NDT). Participants used analytical methods of their choice. Most participants employed dilution or co-precipitation for sample treatment and analyzed the samples using Isotope Dilution Mass Spectrometry (IDMS) or standard addition method with ICP-MS, applying various interference removing techniques for different elements. For tributyltin, most participants utilized derivatization followed by liquid-liquid extraction, with analysis conducted using isotope dilution GC-ICP-MS.

Successful participation in CCQM-K155 demonstrates measurement capabilities for determining mass fraction of transition elements (excluding mercury) and metalloids/semi-metals, with mass fractions ranging from 0.1 ng/g to 50 ng/g. Additionally, it covers small organo-tin and organo-mercury compounds with mass fractions from 1 ng/kg to 50 ng/g in a high-salt content matrix (seawater).

To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database https://www.bipm.org/kcdb/.

The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCQM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
Attosecond electron dynamics in solid-state systems
Authors: Inzani G , Lucchini M
Published: February 2025

Attosecond science has revolutionized the study of ultrafast electron dynamics. Originally based on high-order harmonic generation from intense laser fields, it provided groundbreaking insights into physical processes occurring on the few- to sub-femtosecond time scales. From its initial focus on atomic and molecular systems, the field rapidly expanded to solid-state materials, uncovering phenomena with possible significant implications for information technology. This review focuses on some of the key experimental techniques that enable attosecond resolution in solid-state systems. We categorize them into four main groups: core-hole clock spectroscopy, photoemission, XUV-based all-optical techniques, and sub-cycle strong-field approaches. Together, these methods contributed to significant breakthroughs, such as elucidating the timing of photoemission from solids, possibly enabling the manipulation of the electro-optical properties of a crystal with light fields, and advancing our understanding of fundamental light–matter interactions. Their application to novel materials and the development of innovative, cutting-edge light sources and techniques, will define the future of attoscience in solids, setting the basis for profound advancements in both scientific understanding and technological innovation.
Commercial vehicle state estimation based on Interactive multi-model square root cubature Kalman filtering
Authors: He Shuilong , Ling Wenquan , Jia Bin , Mo Deyun , Tang Tao
Published: February 2025

Accurate and reliable vehicle state information is essential for ensuring vehicle safety and stability. While Interactive Multiple Model Square Root Cubature Kalman Filtering (IMM-SRCKF) has shown promise in state estimation, this work specifically addresses the unique challenges of achieving high-accuracy and real-time state estimation for commercial vehicles within complex driving scenarios. A nonlinear three-degree-of-freedom vehicle dynamic model, encompassing longitudinal, lateral, and yaw motions, was developed as a foundation. State space and observation equations were then derived. The IMM-SRCKF algorithm was strategically utilized and adapted to enhance the selection of process and measurement noise covariance matrices, effectively integrating multiple model strategies with the inherent advantages of square root Kalman filtering. This approach enables real-time dynamic adjustment of each sub-model’s weights. Co-simulation results using TruckSim and MATLAB/Simulink demonstrate that the proposed IMM-SRCKF method offers significant improvements over traditional techniques like the Extended Kalman Filter (EKF), Cubature Kalman Filter (CKF), and Square Root Cubature Kalman Filter (SRCKF), particularly in demanding double lane change and serpentining maneuvers. The notably lower Normalized Root Mean Square Error (NRMSE) values confirm the substantial enhancements in both accuracy and stability for commercial vehicle state estimation.
Futurism
Authors: Merjian Ara H
Published: February 2025

Futurism: A Very Short Introduction presents the ideas, works, key figures, and development of the Futurist movement in Italy and beyond. As one of Western Europe’s least industrialized countries, Italy appeared impervious to developments of modern technology like motorcars and radio as it radically transformed urban life in the twentieth century. Moreover, Futurism holds significance in the pioneering development of new media. The VSI provides an overview of a nuanced account revolving around the relationship between Futurism and Mussolini’s Fascist regime. It also discusses the influence of Futurism on the art world, politics, and culture, and its subsequent continuing legacy.
“Second” Futurism and the Fascist regime
Authors: Merjian Ara H
Published: February 2025

This chapter discusses the extent of “Second” Futurism and the Fascist regime, examining how the movement persisted even after the death of key figures during World War I. The Fascist regime’s elusiveness on aesthetic matters afforded a significant degree of leeway, which also increased exponentially the amount of work produced in service of the state, fomenting rivalry for attention and commissions. The constructive ethos of interwar Futurism spurred the creation of numerous innovative set designs along with interior spaces from cafés to dance halls to theaters. The chapter then notes how Futurism’s increasing defensiveness against conservative cultural factions mirrored wider polemics over what kind of architecture should represent the regime. It mentions that Filippo Tommaso Marinetti remained as the movement’s de facto leader.
Pluralizing Global Justice
Authors: Caney Simon
Published: February 2025

Research on global justice often focusses on a narrow range of thinkers, topics, and arguments, and tends to ignore the contributions from thinkers and traditions from many parts of the world. This chapter argues that this exclusionary approach is deeply mistaken. It defends what I term the ‘inclusion of voices’. This holds that the failure to engage with thinkers from all over the world is disrespectful and stands in the way of a deeper understanding of global justice. It further argues that including more voices is not enough and that what is required is what I term the ‘inclusive agenda’. The ‘agenda’ of global justice, the chapter argues, should be inclusive in the sense that the topics selected reflect the concerns of all humanity and the concepts employed and questions posed are sensitive to the many different ways in which topics might be framed and different questions asked.
Killing Three Birds with One Stone
Authors: Bai Tongdong
Published: February 2025

Among the multi-meanings of the Chinese philosophical conception of the unity of heaven and human, only the one inspired by the Lao Zi is related to environmentalism, but its ultimate solution is a dystopic state of small, isolated, and backward communities. Climate change also poses a ‘perfect storm’ to democratic institutions, domestically and globally. This chapter argues that Confucianism, despite being anthropocentric, can offer theoretic justifications for the protection of the environment. More importantly, Confucianism-inspired domestic institutions (hybrid regime) and global governance (‘New Tian Xia Order’) can offer institutional responses to climate challenges. Based on these Confucianism-inspired ideas, the chapter shows how a state can take care of its own interests while helping peoples from troubled states through controlled migration, and this solution can avoid the exacerbation of climate change due to population boom.
Precarity, Dependence, and Inequality
Authors: Kittay Eva Feder
Published: February 2025

A just society is founded on the equal moral worth of all its members. It not only fairly distributes its resources to those who produce its wealth but also enables the care for those who require it. An unjust society not only skews the distribution of resources to the powerful, it also neglects the needs of those who require care and exploits their caregivers. Such neglect both places members of each population in a precarious social and economic condition and creates significant inequalities between those dependent on or giving care, and those who fashion themselves as independent. This chapter is concerned with the inequalities experienced by portions of the population that require care because of a disability, as well as those who provide that care. This inequality and the precarious social and economic conditions that affect both populations threaten to put them in a condition of precarity.
Green Liberalism and Sustainable Transitions
Authors: Binder Constanze
Published: February 2025

A transition away from current resource-intensive socio-economic systems is extremely urgent. A crucial point of discussion concerns potential conflicts between liberal values and policies needed for sustainable transitions. This chapter aims to draw on existing debates about green liberalism to achieve a better understanding of these alleged conflicts and to explore the potential and possible limitations of green liberalism. To this end, two core commitments of prominent liberal traditions are scrutinized: a commitment to the free market and a commitment to pluralism, requiring non-interference in conceptions of the good life. The chapter argues that the alleged conflicts identified in the literature can be overcome if one adopts a conception of effective freedom that allows for human-made resource constraints decreasing freedom. The chapter concludes with a discussion of how an effective freedom lens brings to light the important role institutions can play in a liberal society to ensure just sustainable transitions.
Mysticism and Jean-Joseph Surin’s Cantiques spirituels
Authors: Gordon Catherine E
Published: February 2025

Chapter 3 presents an analysis of Jean-Joseph Surin’s Cantiques spirituels, first published in Bordeaux in 1655, followed by several editions between 1660 and 1731. Surin was a Jesuit priest, mystic, and exorcist, best known for his successful exorcism of Jeanne des Anges in Loudun, France. His cantiques are autobiographical, recount his own battle with demonic possession, and describe the different stages associated with his search for unity with God, the Purgative, Illuminative, and the Unitive. The chapter covers (1) the Catholic Reform in Bordeaux; (2) mystical expressions of love for the divine in the cantiques as representative of the “feminized” side of the reform, particularly as it applies to female mystics; (3) a comparison of the musical repertory included in throughout the collections; (4) the sources of the original tunes; and (5) issues of performance practice. A study of all the editions reveals important developments in changing trends in the Jesuit attitudes towards mysticism and a focus away from female mystics (Saint Teresa of Avila) to male saints (Saint Joseph) over the long seventeenth century.
Bertrand de Bacilly’s Airs spirituels and the Musical Education of Girls
Authors: Gordon Catherine E
Published: February 2025

Later in the seventeenth century, several female teaching orders founded educational institutions for young girls. In his Airs spirituels (1672, 1677, 1688), Bacilly states his spiritual airs should be the only songs used to teach girls how to sing since lascivious secular songs corrupt young minds. Chapter 6 demonstrates that pedagogical practices espoused by the most influential seventeenth-century pedagogues are revealed not only by what Bacilly says, but also through compositional strategies revealed through an analysis of his unaccompanied vocal preludes, which include few to no measure lines and are meant to be performed as improvisations. Just as students learning how to read break down sentences into letters, syllables, words, and phrases, so too a prelude can be broken down into its components, each phrase offering technical challenges that, once memorized and conquered, can be applied to singing the spiritual airs that follow each prelude. Most important, through memorization and repetition of music and texts, girls would internalize the sacred lyrics and become pious young women.
Conclusion
Authors: Gordon Catherine E
Published: February 2025

Throughout the book are encountered men and women who contributed to the composition of sacred songs by writing introductions and dedications to the collections or treatises on topics pertaining to religion, the status of women, and female education. Most were men, and most, members of the clergy. But who were the women? The Conclusion focuses not necessarily on those women who took an active part in the Catholic Reform, but on the unknown women who may have sung sacred songs and quietly aspired to live pious lives. Did the Catholic Church just “act on” women, or was it possible for the female gender to use the reform to gain agency and respect? Drawing on various feminist theories, the final chapter draws broader conclusions about the effect of the Catholic Reform and the role of sacred songs on women’s lives. Also examined are additional sources of education available to literate women, such as treatises in French by Descartes and others, and the importance of music in the lives of women during the seventeenth century.
Evaluation of claims-based frailty measurements in older patients with cancer: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Hirooka Kayo , Kanno Yusuke , Itoh Sakiko , Sagawa Mieko , Sakano Tomomi , Takahashi Kunihiko , Anzai Tatsuhiko , Fukui Sakiko
Published: February 2025

Background

Frailty is associated with poor outcomes in older adults with cancer. Several efforts have been made to assess frailty using the administrative claims data based on the number of clinical diagnosis codes, yet the literature reporting on this is scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of frailty measures using administrative databases in Japan.

Design

A retrospective cohort study.

Setting and participants

5176 patients with cancer aged ≥65 years who underwent cancer treatment in hospitals.

Methods

The Electronic Frailty Index (eFI) and Veterans Affairs Frailty Index (VA-FI), based on diagnostic codes recorded were calculated. We plotted Kaplan–Meier survival curves and calculated hazard ratios (HR) using Cox regression analyses. The primary outcome was mortality, whereas the composite secondary outcome included a decline in care-need level, admission to a long-term care facility (LTCF) or mortality.

Results

The Kaplan–Meier survival curve demonstrated a significant association between the eFI and VA-FI and each research outcome. Compared to the lowest frailty group, the highest frailty group exhibited an HR of 2.59 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.66–4.06] for eFI and 2.45 (95%CI, 1.02–5.91) for VA-FI in relation to a decline in care-need level, an LTCF admission and mortality. The trend test indicated a significant increase in the rate of each outcome with higher frailty levels.

Conclusions

Higher frailty levels are associated with an increased risk of composite outcomes in older adults with cancer. This study suggests the potential application of frailty measurements in oncology care settings.
Creating dementia-friendly travel: enhancing accessibility and inclusion
Authors: Solis-Lopez Sara , Durón-Reyes Dafne Estefania , Gutiérrez-Zuñiga Raquel , Migeot Joaquin , Lawlor Brian , Romero-Ortuno Roman
Published: February 2025

The growing participation of older adults in travel is reshaping this industry and highlighting the need for inclusive travel experiences, particularly for people living with dementia (PLwD). While travel provides substantial physical, psychological, cognitive and social benefits that promote active and healthy ageing, it also presents significant challenges. Although physical disabilities are generally proactively addressed, more "hidden" cognitive difficulties often remain unrecognised and unaddressed. These include navigating complex environments, making timely decisions and relying on working memory—tasks that are further challenged by dynamic settings such as airports, train stations and bus terminals. Although efforts to create dementia-friendly travel experiences are underway, their implementation across travel infrastructure remains inconsistent. There is still much to be done to ensure this activity is accessible and inclusive for this population, and there is a need to advocate for a comprehensive, person-centred approach to dementia-friendly travel environments, emphasising the integration of tailored assessments, innovative technologies and coordinated global policies.
SHP2 regulates the HIF-1 signaling pathway in the decidual human endometrial stromal cells
Authors: Ouyang Liqun , Gao Xia , Yang Rongyu , Zhou Peiyi , Cai Han , Tian Yingpu , Wang Haibin , Kong Shuangbo , Lu Zhongxian
Published: February 2025

The decidual endometrial stromal cells play a critical role in the establishment of uterine receptivity and pregnancy in human. Our previous studies demonstrate that protein tyrosine phosphatase 2 SHP2 is highly expressed in decidualized cells and governs the decidualization progress. However, the role and mechanism of SHP2 in the function of decidual cells remain unclear. Here, we screened proteins interacting with SHP2 in decidual hTERT-immortalized human endometrial stromal cells (T-HESCs) and identified Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) signaling pathway as a potential SHP2-mediated signaling pathway through proximity-dependent biotinylation (BioID) analysis. Immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) revealed an interaction between SHP2 and HIF-1α, which colocalized to the nucleus in decidual cells. Furthermore, the SHP2 expression correlated with the transcriptional activation of HIF-1α and its downstream genes Beta-enolase (Eno3), Pyruvate kinase 2 (Pkm2), Aldolase C (Aldoc), and Facilitative glucose transporter 1 (Glut1). Knockdown or inhibition of SHP2 significantly reduced the mRNA and protein levels of HIF-1α and its downstream genes, as well as lactate production in decidual cells. We also established a hypoxia model of T-HESCs and 293 T cells and found that hypoxic treatment induced the expression of SHP2 and HIF-1α, which colocalized in the nucleus. SHP2 forced-expression rescued the inhibitory effects of SHP2 deficiency on HIF-1α expression and lactate production. Finally, SHP2 binds to the promoter regions of HIF-1α and its target genes (Eno3, Pkm2, Aldoc, and Glut1). Collectively, our results suggest that SHP2 influences the function of decidual cells by HIF-1α signaling and provide a novel function mechanism of decidual stromal cells.
Roles of the EF-hand domain of PLCZ1 in establishing species-specific Ca2+ oscillations in mouse and rat fertilization
Authors: Lee Hoi Chang , Akizawa Hiroki , Fissore Rafael A
Published: February 2025

Periodic increases in cytosolic calcium concentration (Ca2+ oscillations) during mammalian fertilization induce all the events collectively known as egg activation. The sperm-specific phospholipase C, Phospholipase C zeta 1 (PLCZ1) represents the “sperm factor” vital for initiating the persistent Ca2+ oscillations in mammals. Despite sequence conservation, the Ca2+ oscillation-inducing properties of the enzyme differ vastly among species, and this is particularly salient between mouse and rat PLCZ1, where the activities vary at least one order of magnitude in favor of the former. As previously shown, injecting wild-type rat Plcz1 mRNA into metaphase II mouse eggs induced delayed Ca2+ oscillations with low specific activity compared to the homologous mouse Plcz1 mRNA. We, therefore, sought to uncover the factor(s) diversifying these enzymes by swapping functional domains between species, creating chimeric PLCZ1s. When injected into mouse metaphase II eggs, mouse Plcz1 mRNA with the whole- or part of the EF-hand domains swapped with the rat showed a substantial reduction in activity compared to WT. Consistently, the opposite exchange enhanced the rat’s enzyme activity. EF-hand domains 1 and 2 seemed to underlie most differences, and mutations of the divergent amino acids within these domains, substitutions for Glu(m-30; r-29) and Gln(m-58; r-57), changed the activity of both species’ PLCZ1s in opposite directions. Collectively, our findings support the view that differences in the sequences of EF-hand domains, especially in several of its charged residues, underpin the distinct PLCZ1 activities between these species, revealing the gametes and species’ adaptability to optimize the fertilization signal and early development.
Time to inhibit: P300 amplitude differences in individuals with high and low temporal efficiency
Authors: Krystecka Klaudia , Stanczyk Magdalena , Choinski Mateusz , Szelag Elzbieta , Szymaszek Aneta
Published: February 2025

Temporal processing and inhibitory control are closely interconnected. This study investigated whether individuals of high and low temporal efficiency display different behavioral and neural patterns while performing an electrophysiological Go/No-Go task. Individuals with lower temporal processing had significantly poorer behavioral performance of the task—slower reaction times to Go stimuli, greater number of omissions, and lower stimulus detectability (lower d-prime value)—than the high temporal efficiency group. Additionally, participants with low temporal efficiency had significantly lower P300 response to correct inhibitions (No-Go stimuli) compared to those with high temporal efficiency. Furthermore, the greater amplitude of the difference wave (No-Go vs Go) in the high temporal efficiency group may suggest superior efficacy of response inhibition and attention control processes in comparison to the low temporal efficiency group. These findings highlight significant differences in inhibitory control at both behavioral and neural levels in young adults differing in temporal processing efficiency.
The food of life: which nectar do mosquitoes feed on?—An evidence-based meta-analysis
Authors: Herreros-Moya Eva , Sinka Marianne , Harris Angela F , Entwistle Julian , Martin Andrew C , Willis Kathy J
Published: February 2025

Nectar is an important source of food for adult mosquitoes, influencing their biological characteristics including longevity, fecundity, and flight range. Consequently, it can impact mosquitoes’ survival and efficiency in transmitting disease. Different mosquito species are known to show preferences for flower nectar from certain plants, yet despite the importance of these plant–mosquito associations, knowledge of such biotic interactions is sparse. Here, we present a systematic map to address the question: “Which nectar do mosquitoes feed on?.” The mapping process identified 49 articles (comprising 51 studies) meeting inclusion criteria, detailing 397 records of 74 mosquito species feeding on nectar from 145 plant species and 109 genera. Data extracted from the map were then analyzed to better understand if mosquitoes showed preferences for specific plant nectar. A key finding from this study is clear evidence supporting the hypothesis that mosquitoes exhibit preferences for nectar from particular plant species, including 77 species of plants and 58 genera for Aedes species, 18 species of plants and 17 genera for Anopheles species, and 16 species of plants and 16 genera for Culex species (all 3 genera belong in Diptera: Culicidae). Our study also highlighted the need for further field and laboratory work in time and space and using methods that randomly selects plant species for investigation. This would facilitate a better understanding of the relationship between mosquito feeding behavior and nectar seasonality and abundance; data that are critical for the development and improvement of new mosquito control methods to tackle vector-borne diseases.
Does a real-life cognitively enriched walking program “Take a walk with your brain” benefit cognitive functioning and physical activity in community-dwelling older adults? A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hotterbeex Pauline , Cardon Greet , Beeckman Melanie , Latomme Julie , Fias Wim , van Puyenbroeck Stef , Chastin Sebastien , van Uffelen Jannique
Published: February 2025

Background and Objectives

Most studies examining combined cognitive and physical activity are conducted in laboratory settings. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) examines the effects of a real-life cognitively enriched walking program on cognitive functioning and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in adults aged ≥65 years.

Research Design and Methods

A three-arm RCT was conducted, comparing the cognitively enriched walking program (WALK+, doing cognitive tasks while walking) with a walking program without enrichment (WALK-only) and a passive control condition (CONT). Both WALK+ and WALK-only had a duration of six months, with two outdoors, supervised group-based sessions/week (60-90 minutes/session). Cognitive functioning (short- and long-term memory, executive functioning and processing speed) and MVPA were measured at baseline, three, six and 12 months using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) and ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometers respectively.

Results

A total of 148 community-dwelling adults (median age: 69 years, range: 65-85; 72% (n=107) female) were included. Comparing WALK+ to WALK-only and CONT, and WALK-only to CONT, there were no significant intervention effects on cognitive functioning at three, six or 12 months. MVPA decreased with 13 minutes/day in WALK+ between baseline and 12 months, whilst it increased between baseline and six months with 12 minutes/day in WALK-only and between three and six months with 16 minutes/day in CONT.

Discussion and Implications

The WALK+ program did not lead to statistically significant benefits for cognitive functioning or MVPA compared to WALK-only or CONT. Future studies should explore for whom combined interventions may work and determine the optimal dosage.
Prior Authorization and Utilization Management for Post-Acute Home Health in Medicare Advantage
Authors: Thomas Kali S , Daus Marguerite , Jones Christine , Bunker Jennifer N , Smith Jamie M , Marr Jeffrey , Gadbois Emily
Published: February 2025

In 2024, 90% of Medicare Advantage (MA) enrollees were in a plan that required prior authorization of home health care. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 44 leaders of MA plans, post-acute care (PAC) management companies, and home health agencies (HHAs) across the country to understand their experiences with prior authorization and utilization management (UM) of post-acute home health care. Our analysis of these interviews revealed that representatives of MA plans and PAC management companies report varying motives and approaches to prior authorization for post-acute home health care, resulting in varying experiences for HHAs. Both MA plan and HHA representatives view prior authorization and UM of post-acute home health as burdensome, and each have taken distinct approaches to manage the process but have conflicting views on the utility of these approaches. HHA representatives report that prior authorization and UM requirements impact access to care, the way that care is delivered, and ultimately patients’ experiences. Our findings warrant additional research and policy attention so that MA plans’ UM techniques do not unintentionally cause patient harm, particularly among vulnerable patients in need of post-acute home health care.
Attention politics and China's role transformation in global health partnerships
Authors: Ding Mengli , Liu Hongsong , Yu Hanzhi
Published: February 2025

China's role in global health governance evolved during the COVID-19 pandemic, sparking academic discussion. Most literature focuses on the structural factors shaping China's participation in global health governance at the international level, with fewer studies addressing China's domestic ideational factors. This article aims to integrate these two levels of analysis by examining how China's domestic political system has shaped the transformation of its role in global health governance using the concept of ‘politics of attention’. Through a case-study of global health partnerships (GHPs), the article argues that China's role transformation in such partnerships is attributable to a policy outcome driven by shifts in Beijing's attention in response to external shocks, facilitated through resource mobilization and allocation. Moreover, the article explores the limitations of China's participation in GHPs during the pandemic as a non-western power; these limitations arose primarily from competition between different channels for Chinese global health participation; the various internal and external obstacles faced by Chinese corporations; and criticisms surrounding the efficacy of Chinese-produced vaccines and medical products.
Prediction of Pellet Durability Index (PDI) in a Commercial Feed Mill Using Multiple Linear Regression with Variable Selection and Dimensionality Reduction
Authors: You Jihao , Tulpan Dan , Krziyzek Cheryl , Ellis Jennifer L
Published: February 2025

Pellet quality, measured as Pellet Durability Index (PDI), is an important key performance indicator (KPI) for commercial feed manufacturing, as it can impact both mill efficiency and downstream performance of animals fed the manufactured diets. However, it is an ongoing challenge for the feed industry to control pellet quality, due to the complexity of feed manufacturing and the large number of variables influencing the process. Previous studies have explored prediction of pellet quality using either simple empirical models with a few variables or machine learning models with many variables. The objective of the current study was to develop statistical regression models to predict PDI, and to describe the relationship between pellet quality and 55 available variables based on a dataset with 2691 observations collected from a commercial feed mill. In the current study, the response variable (PDI) was transformed using the Box-Cox approach into the transformed response variable (tPDI), that was more normally distributed. Three multiple regression models were developed based on subsets of variables processed by variable selection and dimensionality reduction methods: Forward Selection, Principal Component Analysis, and Partial Least Squares. The results indicated that Model 1 (Forward Selection with manual removal of sparse variables), built on 9 variables, performed better than the other two models. It exhibited consistent model prediction performance on the training data and testing data, in terms of MAE (1.93 ± 0.063 versus 1.96), RMSPE (2.45 ± 0.079 versus 2.45), and CCC (0.549 ± 0.0273 versus 0.550), with a better prediction precision based on the fit plot. Expanding Temperature (℃), Fat Content (%), and ADF Content (%), and Indoor Humidity (Pelletizer) (%) were identified as more influential than other variables on the transformed response variable (tPDI) in Model 1, based on a behavior analysis. The models developed in the current study can be helpful to feed mills for predicting and comprehending the effect of a number of commonly measured variables on pellet quality in the commercial setting.
Current management of neurotrophic receptor tyrosine kinase fusion-positive sarcoma: an updated review
Authors: Kubota Yuta , Kawano Masanori , Iwasaki Tatsuya , Itonaga Ichiro , Kaku Nobuhiro , Ozaki Toshifumi , Tanaka Kazuhiro
Published: February 2025

In recent years, pembrolizumab has demonstrated significant efficacy in treating tumors characterized by a high tumor mutational burden and high microsatellite instability. Tropomyosin receptor kinase (TRK) inhibitors have shown considerable efficacy against tumors harboring neurotrophic receptor tyrosine kinase (NTRK) fusion genes, highlighting the growing importance of personalized medicine in cancer treatment. Advanced sequencing technologies enable the rapid analysis of numerous genetic abnormalities in tumors, facilitating the identification of patients with positive biomarkers. These advances have increased the likelihood of providing effective, tailored treatments. NTRK fusion genes are present in various cancer types, including sarcomas, and the TRK inhibitors larotrectinib and entrectinib have been effectively used for these malignancies. Consequently, the treatment outcomes for NTRK fusion-positive tumors have improved significantly, reflecting a shift toward more personalized therapeutic approaches. This review focuses on NTRK fusion-positive sarcomas and comprehensively evaluates their epidemiology, clinical features, and radiological and histological characteristics. We also investigated the treatment landscape, including the latest methodologies involving TRK inhibitors, and discussed the long-term efficacy of these inhibitors, and their optimal order of use. Notably, larotrectinib has demonstrated a high response rate in infantile fibrosarcoma, and its efficacy has been confirmed even in advanced cases. However, further research is warranted to optimize treatment duration and subsequent management strategies. The accumulation of clinical cases worldwide will play a pivotal role in refining the treatment approaches for tumors associated with NTRK fusion genes.
Analysis of medical practices used as indicators in the fourth basic plan for the promotion of cancer control in Japan
Authors: Takahashi Richi , Nakazawa Yoko , Miyashita Mitsunori , Wada Saho , Matsuoka Yutaka
Published: February 2025

Background

In the Fourth Basic Plan to Promote Cancer Control Programs, the number of medical practices using claims data from the National Database (NDB) is measured as a clinical indicator. This study aimed to clarify the characteristics of patients who received care as an indicator of medical practices using more manageable claims data.

Methods

We used the claims data collected by the DeSC Healthcare, Inc., and included patients diagnosed with cancer between 2017 and 2022 in this study. We compared age and cancer type distributions between the study population and population estimates, as well as cancer-specific medical practices with the NDB open data. We also described the number of medical practices, patients, and the percentage of patients receiving care by age and region. The percentage of female patients who underwent treatment was also calculated.

Results

A total of 1 251 850 patients was included. The distribution of cancer types was similar to the estimated prevalence, and the number of medical practices resembled the NDB open data; however, the age distribution was skewed. The highest median number of medical procedures per patient was six for specialized palliative care, whereas the others were one medical procedure per patient. The percentage of patients receiving care according to age was classified into three groups: increased with age, decreased with age, and peaked in their 40s. The percentage of patients receiving care varied by region depending on the type of medical practice. Of the patients who received care for lymphedema, 93.8% were female.

Conclusion

The background information of cancer patients who received designated care may help interpret the total number of medical practices used as clinical indicators in cancer control programs.
Chondrosarcoma in Japan: an analytic study using population-based National Cancer Registry
Authors: Kondo Hiroya , Ogura Koichi , Morizane Chigusa , Satake Tomoyuki , Iwata Shintaro , Toda Yu , Muramatsu Shudai , Takemori Toshiyuki , Kobayashi Eisuke , Higashi Takahiro , Kawai Akira
Published: February 2025

Background

Chondrosarcoma (CS) is a rare malignant bone tumor exhibiting diverse histological features and clinical behaviors. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiological characteristics, clinical features, prognostic factors, and subtype-specific differences of CS in Japan using National Cancer Registry data.

Methods

We analyzed data from CS cases diagnosed between 2016 and 2019, calculating age-adjusted incidence, estimating overall survival, and identifying prognostic factors through multivariate analysis.

Results

The study identified 1015 CS cases with an age-adjusted incidence of 0.159 per 100 000 population and a mean overall survival of 1205.2 days. Multivariate analysis revealed that female sex, younger age (15–39 years), histological subtypes other than dedifferentiated CS, localized disease, and surgical treatment were associated with better prognoses. Conversely, male sex, older age (≥75 years), dedifferentiated subtype, advanced stage, and non-surgical treatment were linked to a higher risk of death. Significant differences in sex distribution, age at diagnosis, tumor location, disease stage, and tumor differentiation were observed among CS subtypes.

Conclusion

This comprehensive analysis provides valuable insights into CS epidemiology, prognostic factors, and subtype-specific characteristics in Japan. The identification of high-risk groups emphasizes the need for improved therapeutic strategies and supportive care. The observed heterogeneity among CS subtypes underscores the importance of individualized management approaches in treating this complex malignancy.
Novel association of ocular myasthenia gravis with Brown syndrome in an adult
Authors: Wang Amy Tianyi , Goodwin Todd
Published: February 2025

Brown syndrome is an ocular misalignment disorder affecting the superior oblique tendon-trochlea complex. We report a case of a 45-year-old woman with protracted symptoms of presumed idiopathic Brown syndrome later diagnosed as ocular myasthenia gravis. Acquired Brown syndrome secondary to ocular myasthenia gravis has not previously been reported in the literature. Ocular myasthenia gravis should be considered a differential in any patient presenting with vertical strabismus presenting as Brown syndrome.