bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Holographic vacuum misalignment
Authors: Elander Daniel , Fatemiabhari Ali , Piai Maurizio
Published: January 2025

We develop a bottom-up holographic model that provides the dual description of a strongly coupled field theory, in which the spontaneous breaking of an approximate global symmetry yields the SO(5)/SO(4) coset relevant to minimal composite-Higgs models. The gravity background is completely regular and smooth, and has an end of space that mimics confinement on the field theory side. We add to the gravity description a set of localized boundary terms, that introduce additional symmetry-breaking effects, capturing those that would result from coupling the dual strongly coupled field theory to an external, weakly coupled sector. Such terms encapsulate the gauging of a subgroup of the global SO(5) symmetry of the dual field theory, as well as additional explicit symmetry-breaking effects. We show how to combine spurions and gauge fixing and how to take the appropriate limits, so as to respect gauge principles and avoid violations of unitarity. The interplay of bulk and boundary-localized couplings leads to the breaking of the SO(5) symmetry to either its SO(4) or SO(3) subgroup, via vacuum misalignment. In field theory terms, the model describes the spontaneous breaking of a SO(4) gauge symmetry to its SO(3) subgroup. We expose the implications of the Higgsing phenomenon by computing the spectrum of fluctuations of the model, which we interpret in four-dimensional field-theory terms, for a few interesting choices of parameters. We conclude by commenting on the additional steps needed to build a realistic composite Higgs model.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Vector leptoquark contributions to lepton dipole moments
Authors: Bhaskar Arvind , Das Diganta , Kundu Soumyadip , Madathil Anirudhan A. , Mandal Tanumoy , Mitra Subhadip
Published: January 2025

Leptoquarks (LQs) can contribute to the magnetic and electric dipole moments of charged leptons, which the current experiments have measured with good accuracy. We revisit the parameter spaces of TeV-scale vector LQs that contribute to these observables and study how these models fare against the LHC bounds. We show that significant portions of the parameter space are excluded when the current LHC data is utilized effectively. We find that only U1 and V2 can explain the observed positive shift in (aμexp−aμSM) through a lepton chirality-flipping contribution with O(1) LQ-quark-lepton coupling. We also see how these two LQs can fit the electron dipole moment and atomic parity violation measurements. We find that the current electric dipole moment measurements of the muon cannot restrain the LQ-quark-lepton couplings within perturbative regions.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
A QCD
R
-axion
Authors: Unwin James , Yildirim Tom
Published: January 2025

R-parity can be extended to a continuous global U(1)R symmetry. We investigate whether an anomalous U(1)R can be identified as the Peccei-Quinn symmetry suitable for solving the strong CP problem within supersymmetric extensions of the Standard Model. In this case, U(1)R is broken at some intermediate scale and the quantum chromodynamics axion is the R-axion. Moreover, the R-symmetry can potentially be gauged via the Green-Schwarz mechanism within completions to supergravity, in order to evade the axion quality problem. Obstacles to realizing this scenario are highlighted and phenomenologically viable approaches are identified.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Electronic structure and topology in gulf-edged zigzag graphene nanoribbons
Authors: Liu Tsai-Jung , Arnold Florian M. , Ghasemifard Alireza , Liu Qing-Long , Golze Dorothea , Kuc Agnieszka , Heine Thomas
Published: January 2025

With advanced synthetic techniques, a wide variety of well-defined graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) can be produced with atomic precision. Hence, finding the relation between their structures and properties becomes important for the rational design of GNRs. In this work, we explore the complete chemical space of gulf-edged zigzag graphene nanoribbons (ZGNR-Gs), a subclass of zigzag GNRs in which the zigzag edges miss carbon atoms in a regular sequence. We demonstrate that the electronic properties of ZGNR-Gs depend on four structural parameters: ribbon width, gulf edge size, unit length, and gulf offset. Using tight-binding calculations and the Hubbard model, we find that all ZGNR-Gs are semiconductors with varying band gaps; there are no metals in this class of materials. Notably, when spin polarization is considered, most ZGNR-Gs exhibit antiferromagnetic behavior, with the spin moments and spin-induced band gap opening being stabilized by longer zigzag segments at the edges. Furthermore, we provide simple empirical rules that describe the Z2 topological invariant based on the aforementioned structural parameters. By analyzing the full chemical space of ZGNR-Gs, we offer insights into the design of GNRs with desired electronic, magnetic, and topological properties for nanoelectronic applications.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Physics identity of Asian identified US college students
Authors: Zhang Linda , Swirtz Madison , Nordstrom Kerstin
Published: January 2025

Asian(American) physics students lack ample representation in physics identity studies and in the broader science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) sociological literature. This may be due to their perceived overrepresentation, the “model minority” myth, or their treatment as monolithic. These misconceptions obscure the diversity among Asian(American) students. How do these students understand and form their physics identity? Through in-person interviews, we have gathered data on the experiences of self-identifying Asian or Asian American undergraduate physics majors. For our analysis, we draw from previous physics identity research and use the critical physics identity framework developed in recent studies on Black physicists’ identities. We present results from the ideational resource code and emergent codes generated from the data, such as Transnational Context and Asianization. Our findings suggest that some participants found other personal and social identities beyond their race or ethnicity to be salient to their physics identity and experience. Our results also indicate that the perceptions of Asian(Americans) as overrepresented in STEM may also serve to hide the less privileged identities that some of the participants hold and thereby the challenges that come with those less visible identities.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
School leadership dimensions that foster the development of learning ecosystems. The cases of the “Scuola Diffusa” (Reggio Emilia, Italy) and “interseccions” (Catalonia, Spain)
Authors: Iglesias Vidal Edgar , Landi Laura , Jornet Alfredo , Damiani Paola , Esteban-Guitart Moises
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This article is based on the hypothesis that distributed and ecological leadership by the school institution and agents involved contributes to the creation, further development and sustainability of learning ecosystems. With this premise in mind, the main research question was: What are the main dimensions for developing learning ecosystems from an ecological perspective focused on school leadership? Thus, the purpose of this article is to identify and analyze school leadership dimensions from an ecological perspective within the context of flourishing learning ecosystems. The specific aims are to test the significance of and empirically illustrate those dimensions and/or conditions considered to nurture learning ecosystems.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on notions of system, distributed and ecological leadership, the article presents a theoretical approach for examining ecological leadership. The framework is tested and illustrated in two case studies developed in Reggio Emilia (Italy) and El Prat de Llobregat, Catalonia (Spain), respectively. The data consist of semi-structured interviews and focus group interviews involving school principals, educators and program coordinators from the two municipalities.

Findings

Based on the literature review and empirical work carried out, three conditions are suggested and illustrated for creating, developing and sustaining learning ecosystems: (1) cultural conditions (shared purpose and view, ecosystem engagement, shared knowledge and organizational changes); (2) social conditions (social capital, trust and interdependence-collaborative culture) and (3) material conditions (time, infrastructure and sustainability).

Practical implications

The findings have practical implications for understanding the conditions needed for an ecological leadership that nurtures thriving learning ecosystems throughout the school and local communities.

Originality/value

This article adopts an ecological perspective on school leadership that challenges more traditional perspectives emphasizing individual leadership (school leaders) and identifies three core dimensions that characterize school leadership in the context of socio-educational ecosystems connecting school and local community. This approach is illustrated through two cases carried out in Reggio Emilia, Italy, and Catalonia, Spain, respectively.
Functional intraspecific variation in the base water potential for seed germination along soil microclimatic gradients
Authors: Espinosa del Alba Clara , Cruz‐Tejada Diana , Jiménez‐Alfaro Borja , Fernández‐Pascual Eduardo
Published: January 2025

The ability of plants to successfully regenerate depends on complex physiological and ecological processes, and one of the first vital stages is seed germination, which depends on temperature, light and water availability. Within species variation in seed germination allows differential responses when facing stimuli and is key for adaptation in the natural world. There has been abundant research about variation in germination responses to temperature changes, but much less is known about responses to water availability, specifically the limits and the potential variation within a single wild species. Under ongoing climate change with increasing drought episodes it is vital to know the minimum amount of water required for germination, as well as if variation and therefore the potential to adapt exists within a species.

We focused on a wild carnation (Dianthus langeanus) endemic to the northwestern Iberian Peninsula. We collected seeds from 18 different subpopulations, some only 10 m apart, and with contrasting microclimatic conditions due to topography, slope and orientation. We measured germination responses to water stress using polyethylene glycol (PEG) solutions, a polymer that increases water density and allows to mimic different drought intensities. We found considerable differences in germination under water stress between each subpopulation. Seeds from warmer and drier subpopulations were able to germinate under higher water stress, meaning their germination was more drought tolerant.

Our results highlight the importance of germination responses to water availability. Variation within species appears to be important even at small scales, suggesting an important previously unknown potential for seed germination adaptation to future drier conditions.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
A novel framework to build saliva‐based DNA methylation biomarkers: Quantifying systemic chronic inflammation as a case study
Authors: Schmunk Lisa J. , Call Toby P. , McCartney Daniel L. , Javaid Hira , Hastings Waylon J. , Jovicevic Vanja , Kojadinović Dragoljub , Tomkinson Natacha , Zlamalova Eliska , McGee Kirsty C. , Sullivan Jack , Campbell Archie , McIntosh Andrew M. , Óvári Veronika , Wishart Karl , Behrens Christian E. , Stone Emma , Gavrilov Miloš , Thompson Rob ,   Hurdle bio‐infrastructure team, Jackson Thomas , Lord Janet M. , Stubbs Thomas M. , Marioni Riccardo E. , Martin‐Herranz Daniel E.
Published: January 2025

Accessible and non‐invasive biomarkers that measure human ageing processes and the risk of developing age‐related disease are paramount in preventative healthcare. Here, we describe a novel framework to train saliva‐based DNA methylation (DNAm) biomarkers that are reproducible and biologically interpretable. By leveraging a reliability dataset with replicates across tissues, we demonstrate that it is possible to transfer knowledge from blood DNAm to saliva DNAm data using DNAm proxies of blood proteins (EpiScores). We apply these methods to create a new saliva‐based epigenetic clock (InflammAge) that quantifies systemic chronic inflammation (SCI) in humans. Using a large blood DNAm human cohort with linked electronic health records and over 18,000 individuals (Generation Scotland), we demonstrate that InflammAge significantly associates with all‐cause mortality, disease outcomes, lifestyle factors, and immunosenescence; in many cases outperforming the widely used SCI biomarker C‐reactive protein (CRP). We propose that our biomarker discovery framework and InflammAge will be useful to improve understanding of the molecular mechanisms underpinning human ageing and to assess the impact of gero‐protective interventions.
Antecedents of university students' self‐leadership: The roles of teacher developmental feedback and student proactive vitality management
Authors: Wang Dongdong , Liu Zongrui , Wang Yun , Zhang Junlin
Published: January 2025

Background

Self‐leadership is of significant importance to the growth and development of college students. However, few studies have systematically examined how teachers and college students can work together to cultivate the self‐leadership of college students.

Aims

Based on the social cognitive theory, this paper aims to propose and teste a comprehensive model examining the comprehensive influence effects of teacher developmental feedback, student proactive vitality management, and psychological resilience on student self‐leadership.

Sample

Data from 807 valid respondents were collected via online questionnaire surveys administered at several universities in Southeast China.

Methods

The validation and robustness testing of the variables were conducted using SPSS version 22.0. The discriminant validity of our measures was assessed using AMOS version 24.0. Finally, the proposed model was tested using Hayes' PROCESS macro in SPSS version 22.0.

Results

Both teacher developmental feedback and student proactive vitality management were positively related to student self‐leadership. Moreover, psychological resilience mediated the relationships between teacher developmental feedback and student self‐leadership, as well as between student proactive vitality management and student self‐leadership. Additionally, teacher developmental feedback was more strongly related to student self‐leadership when student proactive vitality management was higher.

Conclusions

Our research demonstrates the potential of using social cognitive theory to understand the multifaceted drivers of students’ self‐leadership. Specifically, both teacher developmental feedback and student proactive vitality management contribute to enhancing student self‐leadership through psychological resilience.
The alcohol use disorder treatment gap and its correlates among middle‐aged and older adults
Authors: Behrendt Silke , Kuerbis Alexis , Mejldal Anna , Søndergaard Jens , Andersen Kjeld , Becker Ulrik , Eliasen Marie Holm , Nielsen Anette Søgaard
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Alcohol use disorders (AUD) are under‐treated, particularly among older adults. Using data from national treatment registers can expand knowledge on the AUD treatment rate among older adults and on potential biases in treatment receipt. The aim of this paper was to determine the AUD treatment prevalence rate and to investigate sociodemographic, health‐related and substance use‐related correlates of AUD treatment receipt among older adults with different degrees of problematic alcohol use.

Methods

The study sample (n = 13,403; inclusion criteria: age 55–80 years, positive CAGE‐C) is a subsample from the representative cross‐sectional 2017 Danish National Health Survey. It was enriched with data from Danish National Registers, including the National Alcohol Treatment Database. Weighted 12‐month AUD treatment prevalence rates were determined. Logistic regression analysis was applied to identify correlates of treatment receipt. All analyses were conducted among: (i) the study sample; (ii) the 28.9% with a positive original CAGE (n = 3725); and (iii) the 6.1% endorsing the CAGE's E‐criterion (n = 692).

Results

The 12‐month AUD treatment prevalence was 0.5% in the study sample, 1.6% in the CAGE‐, and 3.8% in the E‐criterion subsample. Not being married or partnered, loneliness and contacts with health care providers were positively associated with AUD treatment receipt in all three samples.

Discussion and Conclusions

Even in the subsample with putative alcohol withdrawal, the AUD treatment rate did not reach 5%. This finding suggests that putative AUD is significantly undertreated in older adults. Contacts with other health care providers may facilitate AUD treatment entry in this age group.
Comparison of efficacy of low glycemic index treatment and modified Atkins diet among children with drug‐resistant epilepsy: A randomized non‐inferiority trial
Authors: Anand Vaishakh , Gulati Sheffali , Agarwala Anuja , Kamila Gautam , Mahesan Aakash , Sondhi Vishal , Gupta Kanak L. , Chakrabarty Biswaroop , Jauhari Prashant , Panda Prateek Kumar , Pandey Ravindra Mohan
Published: January 2025

Objective

The ketogenic diet has been the mainstay of treatment of drug‐resistant epilepsy (DRE). No comparative trials have been conducted to assess the efficacy of the two less strict ketogenic diets: modified Atkins diet (MAD) and low glycemic index treatment (LGIT). This study assesses the non‐inferiority of LGIT compared with MAD.

Methods

This was an open‐label randomized non‐inferiority trial. Children with DRE were randomized to receive either MAD or LGIT as an add‐on to anti‐seizure medications. The primary endpoint was percentage seizure reduction at the end of 24 weeks of therapy compared to the baseline. The non‐inferiority margin of −15% was predefined to calculate the sample size.

Results

Ninety‐one children were enrolled and randomized to receive either MAD (n = 45) or LGIT (n = 46). Intention‐to‐treat analysis done at the end of 24 weeks of therapy showed a mean (±standard deviation [SD]) percentage seizure reduction of 60.7% (±41.3) in the MAD sub‐group and 57% (±39.4) in the LGIT sub‐group (p = 0.664). The absolute difference between the means of percentage seizure reduction was −3.7 (−20.5 to 13.2) and crossed the non‐inferiority margin. Ten children in the MAD group and nine children in the LGIT group did not complete 24 weeks of therapy. Adverse effects were comparable between the arms (MAD, 66.6%; LGIT, 50%), although serious adverse effects were higher in the MAD arm. The most common adverse effect was decreased acceptance (24.2%) followed by decreased satiety (9.9%), vomiting (9.9%), weight loss (5.5%), constipation (5.5%), and diarrhea (3.3%). Dyslipidemia was more commonly seen in the MAD group (MAD, six; LGIT, one). One death in the LGIT arm was unrelated to therapy. Although there was no statistically significant difference in improvement in cognition, behavior, and quality of life scales, improvement was noted from baseline scores.

Significance

LGIT may be non‐inferior to MAD in the treatment of children with DRE with the advantage of increased acceptance and fewer adverse effects.
Objective assessment of acute pain in foals using a facial expression‐based pain scale
Authors: van Loon Johannes P. A. M. , Trindade Pedro Henrique Esteves , da Silva Gustavo Venâncio , Keus Jiska , Huberts Carlijn , de Grauw Janny C. , Lanci Aliai
Published: January 2025

Background

Pain assessment based on facial expressions has been described in foals.

Objectives

To extend previous pilot findings of the Equine Utrecht University Scale for Facial Assessment of Pain in Foals (EQUUS‐FAP FOAL).

Study design

Prospective blinded case–control study (known groups analysis).

Methods

Video recordings (30–60 s) of n = 100 foals (38 patients and 62 controls) were collected. Videos were randomised and scored by two observers, blinded for the condition of the animals. Inter‐ and intra‐observer agreement was tested by Intra Class Correlation (ICC) analysis. Differences between patients and controls were tested using Mann–Whitney U test, differences before and after analgesic treatment were tested with Wilcoxon signed rank test. Multilevel binomial logistic regression was performed for statistical weighting of each pain scale item. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to determine sensitivity, specificity and cut‐off values.

Results

EQUUS‐FAP FOAL showed good inter‐ and intra‐observer reliability (ICC coefficient of 0.85 and 0.90 respectively, p < 0.001). Patients had significantly higher pain scores (median score 7, IQR 5.3–7.5) compared with controls (median score 2.5, IQR 1–3, p < 0.001) and the patient pain scores decreased after analgesic treatment (median score 6.5, IQR 5–8 vs. median score 4.5, IQR 3.5–6.5, p < 0.05). Multilevel binomial logistic regression showed the relative importance of the individual scale items. Using the original scale, sensitivity and specificity were 88.2% (95% CI 76%–96%) and 87.9% (81%–98%) respectively, with an area under the ROC curve of 94.9% (92%–98%), based on a cut‐off value of ≥4. These values remained similar with the weighted scale based on logistic regression output.

Main limitations

Videos of included patients were short and acquired by a person in front of the stable.

Conclusions

The current study shows that EQUUS‐FAP FOAL can be effectively used to assess acute pain in young foals.
Fast crack healing in glass‐matrix composites with rigid filler percolation frameworks
Authors: Blaeß Carsten , Müller Ralf
Published: January 2025

To ensure the durability of solid oxide fuel cell sealants, the understanding of the microstructural influence on viscous crack healing is essential. To this end, the effect of microstructure with respect to the spatial distribution of filler particles on viscous crack healing was studied with confocal laser scanning microscopy in glass‐matrix composites (GMCs) made by mix‐milling and sintering of soda‐lime magnesium silicate glass and Φ ≈ 6 vol% ZrO2 chemically inert rigid filler particles. This way, no change in Φ occurred during the crack healing treatments studied on Vickers indentation‐induced radial cracks in polished GMC surfaces. Different microstructures were mimicked using different ZrO2 particle sizes for mix‐milling. Unlike coarse ZrO2 particles, similar in size to the glass particle, fine ZrO2 particles, much smaller than the glass particles, form a rigid percolation framework (RPF) of ZrO2 filler particles around the former glass particles or glass particle agglomerates. For this RPF microstructure, crack healing was observed more readily as crack healing retardation phenomena like large‐scale crack widening and crack tip rounding were strongly reduced, whereas narrow cracks could still heal locally within the glassy regions.
Ablation of Premature Ventricular Contractions With Prepotentials Mapped Inside Coronary Cusps: When to Go Infra‐Valvular?
Authors: Shen Youmei , Wang Lei , Chen Ning , Wang Linlin , Wang Yajun , Pan Qian , Li Lei , Ding Xiangwei , Gu Zhoushan , Li Fei , Ju Weizhu , Li Mingfang , Chen Hongwu , Yang Gang , Gu Kai , Liu Hailei , Chen Minglong
Published: January 2025

Background

Discrete prepotentials (DPPs) mapped inside aortic sinuses of Valsalva (ASVs) are deemed as reliable targets for ablation of premature ventricular contractions (PVCs). Nevertheless, ablation may still fail, necessitating further investigation. This study aimed to investigate the electrophysiological features and ablation approaches for PVCs with failed ablation inside ASVs, despite identified DPPs.

Methods and Results

Patients undergoing PVCs ablation requiring left ventricular outflow tract mapping were consecutively enrolled at six centers. Inclusion criteria comprised the presence of reproducible DPPs in ASVs and the earliest activation inside ASVs preceding the left ventricle. Patients were divided into ASV and non‐ASV groups based on ablation outcomes within ASVs. Of 780 assessed patients, 40 (age 47.5 ± 19.4; 17 males) were included in the final analysis, with 10 in the non‐ASV group. The interval from DPPs to QRS onset (DPP‐QRS) in the ASV group significantly exceeded that in the non‐ASV group (44.3 ± 6.7 ms vs. 15.0 ± 5.0 ms, p < 0.001). A DPP‐QRS interval < 25 ms perfectly differentiated non‐ASV from ASV cases. Successful ablation beneath ASVs was achieved in all non‐ASV patients, despite the local potential preceding the QRS onset by only 2.3 ± 8.0 ms. In the non‐ASV group, the distance between locations of targets and DPPs was 13.3 ± 4.2 mm, negatively correlated with the DPP‐QRS interval (R2 = 0.618, p = 0.007). Over a 22‐month follow‐up, one patient in the non‐ASV group had recurrence.

Conclusion

DPPs mapped inside ASVs, despite being the earliest sites, do not necessarily represent PVCs targets. An infra‐valvular approach is suggested with a DPP‐QRS interval < 25 ms.
3D‐Printed Ultra‐Thin Non‐Prep Lithium Disilicate Veneers: A Proof‐of‐Concept Clinical Case
Authors: Unkovskiy Alexey , Beuer Florian , Hey Jeremias , Bomze Daniel , Schmidt Franziska
Published: January 2025

Objective

To test the clinical application of LCM‐printed lithium disilicate veneers.

Clinical Considerations

A female patient with tooth wear was scanned with intraoral scanner (Prime Scan, Dentsply Sirona). The six non‐prep veneers were designed (DentalCAD, Exocad) and printed from lithium disilicate with an LCM‐printer with the thickness of 0.1–0.2 mm (CeraFab System S65 Medical, Lithoz GmbH). The green parts after printing were cleaned of the excess slurry and debindered in a furnace (Nabertherm, Lilienthal) until 430°C with a dwell time of 5 h to remove all polymeric binder. The resulting parts were sintered in an oven (Programat P510, Ivoclar Vivadent AG) at a temperature of 900°C. The supports were removed with a dental technician handpiece (Perfecta 900, W & H). The final restorations were stained (e‐max Ceram, Ivoclar Vivadent AG) by a master dental technician.

Conclusions

The six LCM‐printed ultra‐thin non‐prep lithium disilicate veneers were tried‐in on the patient using a try‐in glycerin gel (Ivoclar Vivadent, Schaan, Lichtenstein) and demonstrated excellent fit and esthetics. LCM technology enabled the production of ultra‐thin non‐prep lithium disilicate veneers with layer thicknesses of down to 0.1 mm.

Clinical Significance

The 3D‐printing of ultra‐thin non‐prep veneers is technically feasible and provides an adequate clinical outcome. Additive manufacturing of ultra‐thin non‐prep lithium disilicate veneers may pose a valid alternative to conventional and subtractive manufacturing.
Closed‐loop vibration stimulation based on heart rhythm for reducing sleep inertia
Authors: Son Hyo Won , Kim Sang Hyuk , Lee Tae Mu , Heo Hyoyoung , Kwon Hyun Bin , Choi Byunghun , Yoon Heenam , Baek Hyun Jae
Published: January 2025

The aim of this study was to determine whether closed‐loop vibration stimulation, delivered at +3% of the heart rate frequency at an imperceptible intensity before waking, could reduce sleep inertia. Participants napped on a bed equipped with a woofer that delivered vibration stimulation every 5 min, starting 30 min before their scheduled wake time. The effects of the stimulation were assessed using a Psychomotor Vigilance Task performed immediately upon waking, along with the analysis of salivary cortisol and melatonin levels, as well as subjective arousal ratings based on the Karolinska Sleepiness Scale and the Stanford Sleepiness Scale. The results indicated that vibration stimulation at +3% of the heart rate frequency improved Psychomotor Vigilance Task reaction times and increased self‐reported arousal scores, thus reducing sleep inertia compared with the control condition without stimulation. Additionally, salivary melatonin levels were lower immediately after waking. These findings suggest that closed‐loop vibration stimulation at +3% of the heart rate frequency before waking could be an effective method to reduce sleep inertia. This non‐invasive approach may facilitate cognitive recovery following sleep. Further research is required to investigate the underlying mechanisms, and confirm these findings across different populations and settings.
Legislator turnover and lobbyist exits
Authors: Strickland James M.
Published: January 2025

Turnover among legislators encourages lobbyists to exit their profession since turnover is associated with decreased wages and increased workplace stress for lobbyists. I examine the exits of 5566 lobbyists who registered in eighteen states in 1973. Turnover among legislators is associated with increased rates of exit among lobbyists. I also test for whether various individual traits determine exit. Contrary to expectations, former legislators who lobby are not more likely to exit in response to turnover among incumbents than other lobbyists, including turnover in the chambers in which they served. These findings suggest that legislator turnover ends relationships with lawmakers or reduces skills among lobbyists, but that non‐revolver lobbyists are more affected by such turnover than others. These findings matter for institutional reforms that affect legislative turnover, and the representation of organized interests.
Perioperative management of a neonate with congenital biliary atresia complicated by severe pneumonia undergoing hepatic hilar jejunostomy: A case report
Authors: Zhang Hao , Zhang Mingjiao
Published: January 2025

The earlier a child with biliary atresia undergoes surgery after diagnosis, the better the prognosis. However, newborns often present with additional symptoms, most commonly pneumonia, which complicate in stabilizing the child's internal environment preoperatively, challenges anaesthetic management during surgery and hampers postoperative recovery. In current clinical practice, nursing care tends to focus more on symptomatic treatment rather than on a comprehensive pre‐ and postoperative assessment. This paper aimed to summarize the perioperative nursing experience of a neonate with biliary atresia and severe pneumonia. The study design of this article is a case report. After 17 days of intensive treatment and care, the child recovered and was discharged from the hospital, with ongoing progress noted during regular outpatient follow‐ups. A thorough nursing assessment encompassing preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative care for children with biliary atresia, along with clearly defined nursing priorities at each stage, is essential for safeguarding the child's well‐being throughout the perioperative period and supporting optimal postoperative recovery. This case study offers a comprehensive assessment of the child's condition throughout hospitalization. It highlights essential nursing interventions and monitoring strategies during the perioperative period, particularly preoperative and postoperative care. The insights gained can serve as a valuable reference for nursing practices in paediatric intensive care units, enhancing care for similar cases.
Awake Bruxism Is Unrelated to Smoking, Despite the Different Psychological Status: A Pilot Study
Authors: Saracutu Ovidiu Ionut , Manfredini Daniele , Bracci Alessandro , Ferrari Marco , Cagidiaco Edoardo Ferrari , Colonna Anna , Pollis Matteo
Published: January 2025

Objective

The aim of the present study is to get deeper into the complex interplay that might exist between awake bruxism (AB), tobacco smoking, and anxiety and/or depression symptoms in a group of healthy young adults.

Materials and Methods

The study participants were recruited by advertising the investigation at the University of Siena, Siena, Italy. The inclusion criteria were being in good general health, without systemic diseases or oral diseases. People with ongoing medical or dental treatment and those with a history of systemic disease or temporomandibular disorders were excluded. The participants who were included in the study received a questionnaire containing three sections for the assessment of AB behaviors, anxiety and depression symptoms, and the number of cigarettes smoked.

Results

A total of 141 healthy young adults met the inclusion criteria. Different awake masticatory muscle activities showed different strengths of association with anxiety and depression symptoms. However, no relationship was found between the number of smoked cigarettes and the frequency of the various masticatory muscle activities considered.

Conclusions

The result of the present study shows no clear‐cut association between the frequency of self‐reported AB behaviors and smoking in healthy individuals.
Buckwheat UDP‐Glycosyltransferase FtUGT71K6 and FtUGT71K7 Tandem Repeats Contribute to Drought Tolerance by Regulating Epicatechin Synthesis
Authors: Gao Yuanfen , Shi Yaliang , Jahan Tanzim , Huda Md. Nurul , Hao Lin , He Yuqi , Quinet Muriel , Chen Hui , Zhang Kaixuan , Zhou Meiliang
Published: January 2025

Glycosyltransferase genes are organised as tandem repeats in the buckwheat genome, yet the functional implications and evolutionary significance of duplicated genes remain largely unexplored. In this study, gene family analysis revealed that FtUGT71K6 and FtUGT71K7 are tandem repeats in the buckwheat genome. Moreover, GWAS results for epicatechin suggested that this tandem repeat function was associated with epicatechin content of Tartary buckwheat germplasm, highlighting variations in the promoter haplotypes of FtUGT71K7 influenced epicatechin levels. FtUGT71K6 and FtUGT71K7 were shown to catalyse UDP‐glucose conjugation to cyanidin and epicatechin. Furthermore, overexpression of FtUGT71K6 and FtUGT71K7 increased total antioxidant capacity and altered metabolite content of the epicatechin biosynthesis pathway, contributing to improved drought tolerance, while overexpression of FtUGT71K6 significantly improved salt stress tolerance. However, overexpression of these two genes did not contribute to resistance against Rhizoctonia solani. Evolutionary selection pressure analysis suggested positive selection of a critical amino acid ASP‐53 in FtUGT71K6 and FtUGT71K7 during the duplication event. Overall, our study indicated that FtUGT71K6 and FtUGT71K7 play crucial roles in drought stress tolerance via modulating epicatechin synthesis in buckwheat.
Elevated plasma testosterone concentrations from males on testosterone replacement therapy are mitigated with pathogen reduction technology
Authors: Greenwall B. , Reeder K. , Anani W.
Published: January 2025

Background

Donors on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) may require frequent whole blood donation due to erythrocytosis, but FDA guidelines prevent the transfusion of plasma‐based products from these donors. This study surveyed TRT donor testosterone levels in whole blood components and evaluated a possible mitigation strategy with a pathogen reduction technology using UVA light and compound adsorption device (CAD) steps.

Study Design and Methods

Whole blood from male TRT donors and controls were processed into red blood cells and plasma components. Free and total testosterone were measured in 78 TRT donors and 48 controls by high‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry. Pathogen reduction (INTERCEPT Blood System) on pooled plasma components (n = 10) with supraphysiologic testosterone were sampled: before treatment, after UVA illumination, and after CAD incubation.

Results

TRT donors had 3.8 and 3.9 times more free testosterone in plasma and red blood cell supernatant, respectively, and 2.3 times more total testosterone in both components than controls (p < .0001). Two controls and 33 TRT donors had supraphysiologic testosterone. The CAD incubation reduced the mean free and total testosterone by 88% (571.72–73.8 pg/mL) and 84% (1498.61–240.59 ng/mL), respectively (p = .0065), but UVA light had no effect (p > .9999).

Discussion

TRT donors had significantly higher testosterone levels than controls. The CAD step in the pathogen reduction process abrogated supraphysiologic testosterone in plasma at or below the reference range. Studies validating testosterone removal from plasma can support the transfusion of pathogen‐reduced plasma and platelets from TRT donors.
Slope classification of Slovenia and selected field survey results from the Slovenian Motorway Project: A dataset for studying the influence of geomorphic processes on the field survey's site discovery effectiveness (Data paper)
Authors: Gruškovnjak Luka
Published: January 2025

This data paper concerns a dataset of slope classification results for the entire country of Slovenia and data on extensive and intensive survey results at 24 case study sites along with excavated areas at the sites.
Natural evidence of organic nanostructure transformation of shale during bedding-parallel slip
Authors: Zhu Hongjian , Ju Yiwen , Lu Yanjun , Yang Manping , Feng Hongye , Qiao Peng , Qi Yu
Published: January 2025

There are considerable variabilities in the macroscopic structures, fabric development, and petrophysical properties of shale-involved detachment systems, which also alter the nature of organic materials in the weak or “easy-slip” zones on the nanoscale. Bedding-parallel slip is one of the main drivers of organic matter deformation and graphitization and therefore can constrain the evolution of organic nanostructure and porosity. However, the mechanisms and details of such processes are not yet well understood. Deformation in a suite of organic-rich shales (Lower Silurian−Lower Cambrian) selected from six geological sections around the Sichuan Basin, China, is dominated by bedding-parallel slip and tectonic compression that occur at varying scales across the various sections. The deformation results in changes in the shale fabric and its organic thermal maturity. The Raman-estimated organic maturity increases with the grade of deformation. The highest maturity was estimated on the mirror-like slip surface, which indicates the structurally and thermally altered organic material with a slight graphitization. We used transmission electron microscopy to observe an abundance of better-stacked basic structural units (BSUs) with the minimum lattice spacing of ∼0.38 nm within the organic component, which is indicative of high aromaticity and partial graphitization of the organic molecular structures in the slip zones. Scanning electron microscope images reveal that the organic porosity is intimately linked to organic types and associated with detachment deformation. As tectonic compression and thermal metamorphism increase, the relative abundance of isolated coarse macropores (pore size >200 nm) and microcracks increases, whereas the relative abundance of organic spongy pores and mesopores to micropores decreases. Associated with this evolution of organic pore networks with increasing deformation/maturity grade, there is a decrease in the gas adsorption capacity, pore surface area, and pore volume. This decrease is caused by a transition to better-stacked BSUs and smaller lattice spacing that correspond to changes in the type and size of organic pores. The reduction in organic micropore and mesopore volumes is attributed to the adjustment of BSUs due to compressive tectonic stress and graphitization of the organic materials, which could emerge as key primary and secondary controls on organic nanoporosity, particularly in overmature shale. We suggest that predicting shale-related bedding-parallel slip events in areas of shale gas exploration could be significant for estimating of total gas resources.
Multiepisode subduction of a mid-oceanic ridge: Insights from West Junggar, southern Central Asian Orogenic Belt
Authors: Zhang Ji’en , Chen Yichao , Xiao Wenjiao , Wakabayashi John , Ma Chong , Safonova Inna , Zhao Yulong
Published: January 2025

The subduction of major oceans may involve ridge-trench interactions at various convergence angles, but their consequences have not been well constrained. We defined orogenic components and their evolution in southern West-East Junggar of the southern Central Asian Orogenic Belt by integrating structural analysis of geological relationships, and geophysical and geochemical features, to provide insights into the changes an orogenic architecture undergoes. Late Silurian−Early Devonian adakitic rocks apparently resulted from ridge subduction. During this period, a short-lived magmatic belt in the forearc region and a long-lived Central Tianshan magmatic arc constituted double magmatic belts, which were subsequently separated by a newly generated Devonian−Carboniferous ocean. Beneath a former accretionary complex, an ∼12-km-thick lower crustal high-velocity layer between doublet Moho zones, and positive magnetic anomalies, indicate remnants of a subducted oceanic slab. This oceanic slab resembles the architecture of the late Cenozoic California, USA and Mexico, subduction, which occurred subparallel to the trench ridge. The late Paleozoic Baogutu adakite, Miaoergou charnockite, and Karamay sanukitoid suggest another episode of ridge subduction. The zone with high total field magnetic anomalies and high Bouguer gravity anomalies is composed of mafic-ultramafic rocks, which likely are products of frozen magma upwelling of the suboceanic asthenosphere through a high angle-to-trench ridge-transform fault system. An underplated ridge-transform system possibly heated up the wallrocks and contributed to the emplacement of orthogonal Karamay sanukitoid dikes. The initiation of subparallel ridge-trench interaction triggered two episodes of ridge subduction. These results illustrate an orogenic architecture of ridge-trench interactions and provide guidance for evaluating such events during the consumption of major oceans and subsequent formation of orogenic belts worldwide.
Frozen versus fresh embryo transfer in women with low prognosis for in vitro fertilisation treatment: pragmatic, multicentre, randomised controlled trial
Authors: Wei Daimin , Sun Yun , Zhao Han , Yan Junhao , Zhou Hong , Gong Fei , Zhang Aijun , Wang Ze , Jin Lei , Bao Hongchu , Zhao Shuyun , Xiao Zhuoni , Qin Yingying , Geng Ling , Cui Linlin , Sheng Yan , Sun Mei , Liu Peihao , Ding Lingling , Liu Hong , Wu Keliang , Li Yan , Lu Yao , Xu Bufang , Xu Bei , Zhang Luqing , Zhang Heping , Legro Richard S , Chen Zi-Jiang
Published: January 2025

Objective

To test the hypothesis that a freeze-all strategy would increase the chance of live birth compared with fresh embryo transfer in women with low prognosis for in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment.

Design

Pragmatic, multicentre, randomised controlled trial.

Setting

Nine academic fertility centres in China.

Participants

838 women with a low prognosis for IVF treatment defined by ≤9 oocytes retrieved or poor ovarian reserve (antral follicle count <5 or serum anti-Müllerian hormone level <8.6 pmol/L).

Interventions

Eligible participants were randomised (1:1) to undergo either frozen embryo transfer or fresh embryo transfer on the day of oocyte retrieval. Participants in the frozen embryo transfer group had all of their embryos cryopreserved and underwent frozen embryo transfer later. Participants in the fresh embryo transfer group underwent fresh embryo transfer after oocyte retrieval.

Main outcome measures

The primary outcome was live birth, defined as the delivery of neonates with a heartbeat and respiration at ≥28 weeks’ gestation. Secondary outcomes were clinical pregnancy, singleton or twin pregnancy, pregnancy loss, ectopic pregnancy, birth weight, maternal and neonatal complications, and cumulative live birth after embryo transfers within one year after randomisation.

Results

In an intention-to-treat analysis, the rate of live birth was lower in the frozen embryo transfer group than in the fresh embryo transfer group (32% (132 of 419)
v
40% (168 of 419); relative ratio 0.79 (95% confidence interval 0.65 to 0.94); P=0.009). The frozen embryo group had a lower rate of clinical pregnancy than the fresh embryo group (39% (164 of 419)
v
47% (197 of 419); 0.83 (0.71 to 0.97)). The cumulative live birth rate was lower in the frozen embryo transfer group compared with the fresh embryo transfer group (44% (185 of 419)
v
51% (215 of 419), 0.86 (0.75 to 0.99)). No difference was observed in birth weight, incidence of obstetric complications, or risk of neonatal morbidities.

Conclusions

Fresh embryo transfer may be a better choice for women with low prognosis in terms of live birth rate compared with a freeze-all strategy. The treatment strategies that prevent fresh embryo transfers, such as accumulating embryos with back-to-back cycles or performing routine preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy, warrant further studies in women with a low prognosis.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2100050168.
Blocking the CD39/CD73 pathway synergizes with anti-CD20 bispecific antibody in nodal B-cell lymphoma
Authors: Kolbe Clara , Kauer Joseph , Brinkmann Berit , Dreger Peter , Huber Wolfgang , Müller-Tidow Carsten , Dietrich Sascha , Roider Tobias
Published: January 2025

Bispecific antibodies (BsAb) have emerged as a leading treatment modality in patients suffering from B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (B-NHL). However, treatment failure is common and may potentially be attributed to pre-existing or emerging T-cell exhaustion. CD39 catalyzes—together with CD73—the hydrolysis of immunogenic ATP into immunosuppressive adenosine and thus actively promotes an immunosuppressive micromilieu. Previously, we and others demonstrated that CD39+T-cell subsets may have an adverse impact on the efficacy of T-cell-engaging immunotherapies. In this study, we applied an autologous ex vivo culture model of primary lymph node-derived T cells to investigate the potential of anti-CD39 or anti-CD73 blocking antibodies as T-cell enhancing combination partners of an anti-CD20 BsAb. Existing single-cell data of patient samples examined in this study were used to detect potential biomarkers predicting combination benefits. Combining anti-CD20 BsAb with anti-CD39 or anti-CD73 blocking antibodies induced synergistic effects on tumor cell killing, T-cell expansion and secretion of cytokines, including granzyme B, perforin, interleukin-10, interferon-γ, and tumor necrosis factor-α. We discovered that blockade of the CD39/CD73 pathway was particularly effective in patients with a high proportion of Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)+T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain containing-3 (TIM3)+exhausted T cells. Also, expression of CD39 in effector memory T cells indicated superior treatment benefit ex vivo. In summary, our study holds significant relevance as it introduces the combination of bispecific and anti-CD39 or anti-CD73 antibodies as a synergistic treatment approach in B-NHL, while also suggesting potential indicators to identify patients that might benefit from this treatment.