bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An analytical model for the magnetic field in the thick shell of Galactic bubbles with uniform initial conditions
Authors: Pelgrims V. , Unger M. , Maris I.C.
Published: February 2025

Bubbles and super-bubbles are ubiquitous in the interstellar medium and influence their local magnetic field. Starting from the assumption that bubbles result from violent explosions that sweep matter away in a thick shell, we derived the analytical equations for the divergence-free, regular magnetic field in the shell. The explosion velocity field is assumed to be radial but not necessarily spherical, making it possible to model various-shaped bubbles. Assuming an explosion center, the magnetic field at the present time is fully determined by the initial uniform magnetic field, the present-time geometry of the bubble shell, and a radial vector field that encodes the explosion-induced displacement of matter, from its original location to its present-time location. We presented the main characteristics of our magnetic-field model using a simple linear model for the radial displacements. Next, we used our analytical prescription, informed by a three-dimensional dust density map, to estimate the expected contribution of the shell of the Local Bubble, the super-bubbles in which the Sun resides, to the integrated Faraday rotation measures and synchrotron emission and to compare these to full-sky observational data. We found that, while the contribution to the former is minimal, the contribution to the latter is very significant at Galactic latitudes $|b|>45^∘$. Our results underline the need to take the Local Bubble into account in large-scale Galactic magnetic field studies.
CHEX-MATE: Scaling relations of radio halo profiles for clusters in the LoTSS DR2 area
Authors: Balboni M. , Ettori S. , Gastaldello F. , Cassano R. , Bonafede A. , Cuciti V. , Botteon A. , Brunetti G. , Bartalucci I. , Gaspari M. , Gavazzi R. , Ghizzardi S. , Gitti M. , Lovisari L. , Maughan B.J. , Molendi S. , Pointecouteau E. , Pratt G.W. , Rasia E. , Riva G. , Rossetti M. , Rottgering H. , Sayers J. , van Weeren R.J.
Published: February 2025

The thermal and non-thermal components in galaxy clusters have properties that, although shaped from different physical phenomena, can share some similarities, mainly driven by their halo mass and the accretion processes. Scaling relations have been proven to exist for both components and studied in X-ray (thermal) and radio (non-thermal) bands. On the X-ray side, both integrated and spatially resolved profiles have shown a predictable and correlated behaviour. At the radio wavelength, such investigations are so far limited to the integrated quantities (e.g. total power and mass). We aimed to investigate the scaling relations between the mass of a galaxy cluster and its radio emission at low frequencies, treating both the integrated and the spatially resolved quantities for a sample of well-selected objects in a self-consistent analysis. We crossmatched LoTSS DR2 and CHEX-MATE datasets in order to get the deepest and most homogeneous radio data of a representative sample of objects. Among the 40 CHEX-MATE objects in the LOFAR DR2 area, we investigated the 18 objects showing radio halo emission, which span a broad mass range, by extracting and analysing their radio emission profiles. We analytically derived the expected relation between the radio power (P_ν) and radio surface brightness profile (I_R(r)), and performed a comparison with observational results. We obtained that properly accounting for the mass and redshift dependence in the radio profile can reduce the overall scatter by a factor of ∼ 4, with an evident residual dependence on the cluster dynamical status. We show that assuming the halo size R_ H ∼ R_ did not allow us to reconcile the expected (from our analytical derivations) and observed mass profile scaling. Instead, accounting for no R_H - M relation, allowed us to reconcile the observed radio profile mass scaling and the one predicted starting from the P_ ν -M relation. We discuss the implications of a lack of R_H-M relation, assessing possible systematics and biases in the analyses, and interpreting it as a natural consequence of the structure formation process, where the halo size depends on both the cluster dynamical status, related to the strength of the merger, and mass. Finally, we also considered the role of the magnetic field in the P_ ν -M relation, putting constraints on its dependence upon the cluster mass and finding consistent results with expectations from our radio power mass scaling.
Präventionsstrategien gegen Brände und thermische Verletzungen im
Operationssaal
Authors: Stumpfe Maximilian C. , Horch Raymund E
Published: February 2025

Thermische Verletzungen und Brände im Interventionsraum stellen ein
erhebliches Risiko für Patienten dar, insbesondere durch den Einsatz
energiebasierter Geräte wie monopolare Diathermie. Eine FDA-Studie über
einen Zeitraum von 20 Jahren dokumentierte über 3500 Verletzungen und 178
Todesfälle, größtenteils verursacht durch Verbrennungen. Die Hauptursachen
für Brände im Interventionsraum lassen sich durch das „Feuerdreieck“
erklären: Entzündungsquellen, Brennstoffe und Oxidationsmittel. Monopolare
Diathermie und Laser fungieren als Entzündungsquellen, während
alkoholbasierte Desinfektionsmittel Brennstoffe liefern. Sauerstoff und
Lachgas erhöhen als Oxidationsmittel das Brandrisiko.

Diese Übersichtsarbeit basiert auf einer Literaturrecherche und der Analyse
von Patientenfällen mit thermischen Verletzungen. Ziel ist es,
schwerwiegende Folgen zu verdeutlichen und Präventionsmaßnahmen
aufzuzeigen.

Die Ergebnisse unterstreichen die Notwendigkeit einer multidisziplinären
Herangehensweise. Wichtige Strategien sind die Reduktion der
Sauerstoffkonzentration und der Einsatz alternativer Desinfektionsmittel.
Durch gezielte Schulungen des OP-Teams und die Implementierung von „Fire
Risk Assessment Tools“ lässt sich die Patientensicherheit deutlich
erhöhen.

Es zeigt sich, dass ein umfassendes Risikomanagement sowie die Entwicklung
spezifischer Protokolle und Schulungen erforderlich sind, um thermische
Verletzungen im Interventionsraum zu verhindern und das Risiko für Patienten
langfristig zu reduzieren.
Transorbital Neuroendoscopic Approaches: Historical and Tactical Review of Orbital Corridors: A Scoping Review
Authors: Fluss Rose , Essibayi Muhammed Amir , Kang KiChang , Popoola Daniel , Monie Dileep D. , Colley Patrick , Agarwal Vijay
Published: February 2025

Introduction The orbit is a useful corridor underutilized by the neurosurgical community. The aim of this manuscript is to describe this well-established approach in the neurosurgeon's tool box.

Methods A scoping review of 363 articles containing transorbital neuroendoscopic surgical approaches were reviewed by two independent reviewers for inclusion in this report.

Results Discussed here are the four transcutaneous transorbital approaches, including the superior eyelid crease (SLC), and upper eyelid approaches, lateral (retrocanthal) transorbital approach, inferior (preseptal) transconjunctival approach, and the medial (transcaruncular) orbitotomy approach.

Conclusion This practical review will highlight the surgical approaches, historical origins, indications, and contraindications of all the orbital corridors to the cranium.
Transvaginal Cervical Screening in Individuals with Previous Late Preterm Birth
Authors: Aboukhater Diana , Elzarea Amira , Campbell Shaida , Hatton Wave , DeYoung Tracey , Waller Jerri , Kawakita Tetsuya
Published: February 2025

Objective This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of ultrasound cervical length (CL) screening in reducing preterm births among individuals with various preterm birth histories, aiming to optimize prevention strategies.

Study Design This retrospective cohort study included 576 pregnant individuals with singleton pregnancies and a history of preterm birth, who underwent transvaginal ultrasound CL screening between January 2014 and December 2020. The primary outcome was the detection of a short cervix (≤2.5 cm). We compared outcomes among individuals with a previous gestational age (GA) of 34 to 36, 28 to 33, 24 to 27, and <24 weeks. Adjusted relative risks (aRRs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated using modified Poisson's regression with robust variance, controlling for predefined confounders.

Results Of 576 (35%), 139 (24.1%) had a previous birth at 34 to 36 weeks, 129 (22.4%) had a previous birth at 28 to 33 weeks, 90 (15.6%) had a previous birth at 24 to 27 weeks, and 218 (37.8%) had a previous birth <24 weeks. Compared with individuals with a previous GA 34 to 36 weeks, the risk of short cervix was higher in those with a previous <24 weeks (21.6 vs. 52.8%, aRR = 2.56, 95% CI: 1.81–3.62) and GA 24 to 27 weeks (40.0%, aRR = 1.80, 95% CI: 1.20–2.71), but no difference was found with those with previous GA 28 to 33 weeks (24.8%, aRR = 1.12, 95% CI: 0.72–1.72). Compared with individuals with previous GA 28 to 33 weeks, individuals with prior GA 34 to 36 weeks had the same risk of cerclage placement and preterm birth <34 weeks, but a lower risk of composite neonatal outcomes.

Conclusion Based on our results of similar incidence of the short cervix between individuals with previous GA 34 to 36 weeks and those with previous GA 28 to 33 weeks, individuals with a history of late preterm birth should receive CL screening in a similar manner.

Key Points
Microvascular Anastomosis of Calcified Vessels in a Patient with Hyperlipidemia: Meeting the Challenges and Dealing with Y-Shaped Vein Graft”
Authors: Manas Raj Kumar , Ganesan Karthick
Published: February 2025

Hyperlipidemia is one of the causes of atherosclerotic calcified vessels. Anastomosis of such vessels during surgery may offer various challenges. It is twice as challenging when the limb's and flap's vascularity is compromised together. We present a case of microvascular anastomosis of calcified vessels with compromised limb vascularity (due to an inadvertent injury to the brachial artery, which created a gap between two ends) and low ischemia time for flap (free functioning muscle transfer) that dealt with a Y-shaped vein graft. Using a Y-shaped vein graft in atherosclerotic vessels allowed us to anastomosis with ease and deal with challenges encountered during anastomosis. The Y-shaped vein graft was used to reconstruct the brachial artery and at the same time, another limb of the Y-shaped vein graft was used to anastomose the flap's vessel. Postoperatively vascularity of the limb and flap were restored and computed tomography angiography confirmed patent anastomosis of the Y-shaped vein graft. The Y-shaped vein graft is a novel and simple technique that can be utilized when dealing with calcified vessel anastomosis and can help in restoring the blood supply of the flap and limb together.
Association of Plastic Surgeons of India Postgraduate Medical Education (APSI-PGME) Course: How Far Have We Reached?
Authors: Singh Veena Kumari , Bhatnagar Ankur , Mahajan Ravi , Kumar Vijay , Mokal Nitin , Venkatramani Hari
Published: February 2025

Background The Association of Plastic Surgeons of India (APSI) felt the need to create an opportunity for the residents to participate in a mock viva voce patterned course on the national platform in front of examiners from the various centers and instill a feeling of confidence and healthy competition among them. Apart from the responsibilities of teaching departments running the formal plastic surgery training programs, the association also took upon itself to further strengthen the academics, especially of residents working at centers that lack regular teaching classes, and started the postgraduate medical education course in October 2022.

Materials and Methods The course module was divided into nine sections: one long case, five short cases, instrument, radiology, operative. It was conducted over 2.5 hours for two consecutive evenings on an online platform (apsi.vidocto.com). The flow comprised presentation by the resident with two faculty examiners for asking questions and two course mentors for observation followed by feedback to the resident on his/her performance. Course feedback was collected in a Google form.

Results A total of eight courses have been conducted to date. The online synchronous viewership varied from 83 to 172 (mean, 115.94 ± 34.01), out of which 62 to 67% (mean, 74.18 ± 4.06) were residents and 33 to 38% (mean, 40.28 ± 3.93) were faculty. These courses were also archived for later access. The feedback showed that 96.6% participants agreed that the objective to enhance knowledge was achieved and 100% agreed that such a program will benefit in gaining confidence. Thirty-one percent students rated their learning experience after the course as 10 on a scale of 1 to 10. The majority of the faculty and residents preferred the online mode.

Conclusion Being a maiden initiative of its kind, the APSI-PGME is a competency-driven course that has significantly enhanced the residents' confidence as a result of gain in knowledge and understanding.
Dual-use on-chip polarizer based on straight silicon nitride platform
Authors: Zhao Chenxi , Zheng Xinzhi , Zhao Shilong , Lv Jinman , Yu Mingyang , Xiang Bingxi , Lu Fei , Zhou Cangtao , Ma Yujie , Ruan Shuangchen
Published: February 2025

Silicon nitride (Si3N4) based optical platforms have been widely used in integrated photonics due to their low loss and simple processing characteristics. Polarizers working as polarization filters for purifying optical polarization and minimizing polarization crosstalk are important in integrated photonic devices. Here, we introduce a dual-use all-Si3N4 TE-pass integrated polarizer with a wide working bandwidth and a high polarization extinction ratio (PER) in a simple straight ridge waveguide structure. The polarization modulation properties of this on-chip Si3N4 polarizer were investigated analytically and experimentally. The fabricated polarizer can achieve an ultrahigh PER >40 dB and a broad operation bandwidth of ∼80 nm. The measured insertion loss is <1 dB in the wavelength range of 1540–1640 nm. Moreover, by covering it with a layer of high refractive index material, it becomes a waveguide for transmitting two orthogonally polarized modes with a loss of <1 dB. That is, this straight Si3N4 ridge waveguide structure can function as an on-chip polarizer as well as an optical waveguide.
Effects of a flexible leading edge on the aerodynamic performance of a vertical axis wind turbine model
Authors: Zhao Jiaming , Zhang Yan
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the effects of a novel passive flow control mechanism, a flexible leading edge (LE), on the aerodynamic performance of a NACA 0018 airfoil and a scaled vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) model. Wind tunnel experiments were conducted on 2D airfoil sections under steady flow and dynamic pitching conditions, and a scaled VAWT model was tested in an open-field environment. The flexible LE airfoil demonstrated significant improvements in delaying static stall angles and enhancing lift generation during dynamic pitching by inducing earlier and prolonged high suction pressures. The scaled VAWT model with flexible LE blades showed increased rotational speeds and higher voltage outputs compared with the rigid blade VAWT, particularly at higher wind speeds. Both rotational speed and electrical voltage data suggest that the flexible LE structure enhances the aerodynamic efficiency of the VAWT. The findings suggest that the flexible LE structure is an efficient and cost-effective method to improve VAWT aerodynamic efficiency.
Optical absorption stacking modulation in atypical multilayer graphene
Authors: Ge Ailing , Ma Xiaoyang
Published: February 2025

With graphene layers increasing, the interlayer charge transfers would generate an out-of-plane electric dipole moment, which is directly related to the optical absorption according to the Fermi Golden rule. Thus, in this work, we investigated the relationship between the absorption of multilayer graphene with different stacking orders from the transition dipole moment (TDM) and joint density of states (JDOS). It is found that the interlayer linkage of different stacking sequences leads to the varied chiral pseudospin doublets, which results in changes in TDM, consequently influencing the absorption spectra in the infrared and visible regions. While the enhanced absorption in the thicker multilayers from the ultraviolet to ionizing radiation region could be attributed to the increasement of JDOS. The comprehensive understanding of the absorption mechanism behind the multilayer graphene could provide another way of thinking about the optical absorption stacking modulation in atypical multilayer graphene.
Optimization of transportation efficiency through fuzzy logic and LINGO software
Authors: Ganie Zahoor Ahmad , Khaki Zahid Gulzar , Tarray Tanveer Ahmad , Salam Gazala , Alotaibi Eid Sadun
Published: February 2025

This paper proposes a new approach to optimize transportation efficiency by integrating fuzzy logic with a multi-objective stratified sampling framework using the LINGO software. Intuitionistic fuzzy programming and randomized response techniques have been adapted in this proposed methodology to overcome data privacy, cost-effectiveness, and minimization of variation within strata problems. The model was confirmed to be able to lower standard errors, maintain data integrity, and improve transportation management in computational tests. This study significantly contributes to the development of optimization algorithms and transportation systems with a solid basis for accurate, privacy-preserving data collection and efficient decision-making.
Artificial neural networks analysis of an unsteady fluid flow through a horizontal oscillating flat plate in a porous slab
Authors: Nalimela Pothanna , Thirmal Chinthakuntla , Kumar V. Ganesh , Reddy G. Jithender
Published: February 2025

The current paper investigates an artificial neural network (ANN) analysis of an unsteady thermo-viscous fluid with incompressible motion in a porous slab in a region of semi-infinite through an horizontal oscillating flat plate with an impermeable bottom. Suitable conditions at the boundary were applied to get the solutions of temperature and velocity distributions. The analytical results were obtained for the heat transfer coefficient, shear stress, and external forces. The feed-forward neural network algorithms are also utilized to compute and analyze the solution of governed flow of the fluid. A neural network with multi-layer perceptron is applied for trial functions, and the adaptive moment estimation algorithm is utilized to estimate the suitable parameters with adjustable capability. The numerical computations of both exact and ANN solutions have been presented in tabular form and visually depicted for various physical factor values. The convergence analysis of the problem has been studied with respect to the velocity and temperature on the plate boundary with the various values of data points and hidden neurons. The effectivity of the solution increases with the growth of neurons and data points within the neural networks. The R-squared parameters with high values were achieved to estimate the velocity (0.999 86) and temperature (0.999 95) of the fluid. Moreover, because it takes less time and processing power to solve the problem, the current ANN model may be used to more complicated models.
Effect of pressure-balance pipes on the axial hydraulic thrust of a reversible pump-turbine under the runaway condition
Authors: Han Shuangqian , Chen Zhenmu , Zhao Haoru , Zhu Baoshan
Published: February 2025

Axial hydraulic thrust is a crucial factor contributing to the unstable operation of the pump-turbine especially under off-design conditions. Pressure-balance pipe can effectively achieve axial hydraulic thrust balance of the pump-turbine. In this study, the impact of diameter and location of the pressure-balance pipe on the axial hydraulic thrust under the runaway condition is investigated. The influence mechanism of pressure distribution and internal flow patterns on the axial hydraulic thrust is further explored. The results show that the location of the pipes have a relatively minor impact on the axial hydraulic thrust while the increase in the pipe diameter causes a rise of the axial hydraulic thrust. Compared with the outer pressure-balance pipe, the inner pressure pipe demonstrates a more significant effect on the balance of axial force of the pump-turbine runner. Additionally, low-frequency components at 0.6 times runner rotational frequency are observed, which indicate the occurrence of rotational stall in vaneless area. The variation in pipe diameter also affects the number of runner passages with vortices, as well as the quantity of vortices. With the increase in pipe diameter, backflow phenomena and negative pressure regions gradually emerge in the pressure-balance pipe, which result in more chaotic flow.
On the dependence of internal stress on dislocation inclination pattern in HVPE-GaN substrates
Authors: Zhou Fei-Fei , Li Zhi-Qiao , Liu Miao , Qiu Yong-Xin , Yin Ting-Ting , Xu Yu , Zhang Yu-Min , Niu Mu-Tong , Cai De-Min , Wang Jian-Feng , Xu Ke
Published: February 2025

Internal stress in gallium nitride (GaN) induced during epitaxy growth can degrade the performance of GaN devices. This work studied the internal stress distribution and dislocation configuration around an inclusion of ∼300 μm in GaN substrates grown by hydride vapor phase epitaxy, by means of combined Raman spectroscopy, x-ray topography, and two-photon excitation photoluminescence. The inclusion-induced internal stress decreased exponentially along the radial direction. However, the internal stress, though reduced to a small magnitude, was unexpectedly maintained and propagated over long distances. A stress localization phenomenon, which was out of the prediction of classic elasticity theory, was also observed. The inclination of threading dislocations was found to be substantially influenced by the unreported distribution of internal stress. Four characteristic dislocation inclination patterns were identified: the two-short-tooth pattern, two-long-tooth pattern, gear pattern, and sun-like pattern. The dependence of internal stress on the dislocation inclination pattern was revealed. Based on this dependence, a method to predict the stress field in crystal based on dislocation pattern without corrosion was proposed.
Three-dimensional hyporheic exchange driven by local riverbed scouring below the in-stream structure
Authors: Li Linlin , Xiao Yao , Liu Defu , Yin Hailong , Li Hang , Liu Ying , Feng Jinghong , Wei Hang
Published: February 2025

In-stream structures influence water flow, sediment transport, bed deformation, and hyporheic exchange, aiding river ecological restoration. However, the impact of local riverbed scouring (LBS) on hyporheic exchange remains unclear. This study develops a coupled surface–subsurface model incorporating LBS, validated with field data (scouring depth, temperature variations) and achieving high accuracy (NSE = 0.75–0.93). The results showed that: (i) the pressure gradient of the sediment-water interface increased by 2.3–2.7 times as the weir height increased from 15 to 25 cm, and it increased by 1.1–1.3 times as the inlet discharge increased from 0.062 to 0.12 m3/s; (ii) the pressure gradient, temperature response area, and hyporheic exchange flux of the hyporheic zone, respectively, increased by 2.5, 2.3, and 3.1 times as the weir height increased from 15 to 25 cm; (iii) the pressure gradient, temperature response area, and Darcy velocity of the hyporheic zone can be greatly improved when the LBS effect was considered in the coupled surface–subsurface model, i.e., the hyporheic exchange flux (q) increased by 1.28 times; (iv) the hyporheic exchange characteristics in the horizontal section and vertical direction were different under certain conditions. Therefore, the LBS effect on the hyporheic exchange driven by the in-stream structure needs to be considered for higher simulation accuracy, and it can also provide recommendations for river ecological restoration.
Drag reduction and lift enhancement mechanism induced by a novel combinational spike and high-pressure capturing wing concept in hypersonic flows
Authors: Guo Jian , Lei Juanmian , Zhang Lingyun , Sun Guoyou , Zhang Boqian , Ding Shuaibing
Published: February 2025

The blunt cone vehicle experiences significant shockwave-induced drag during hypersonic flight, compromising its aerodynamic performance. To enhance the lift-to-drag ratio of hypersonic blunt cone vehicles, this study proposes an innovative combinational spike and high-pressure capture wing (S-HCW) configuration. The drag reduction and lift enhancement mechanism of the S-HCW configuration was analyzed. The spike significantly reduces drag by pushing the bow shock away from the cone's leading edge. The high-pressure capture wing (HCW) captures high-pressure regions behind both the bow shock and reattachment shock, greatly enhancing the lift. To achieve increased lift, the HCW must capture as much of the high-pressure region following the reattachment shock as possible. Additionally, the effects of the spike length and aerodisk diameter on the flow field and aerodynamic characteristics of the on-design S-HCW configuration were discussed. The lift-to-drag ratio first rises and then falls as the spike length increases, while it steadily declines with a larger aerodisk diameter. At a 0° angle of attack, compared to the blunt cone configuration, the optimal S-HCW reduces drag by approximately 53%, while the lift coefficient and lift-to-drag ratio increase significantly. Furthermore, the aerodynamic characteristics of the three-dimensional S-HCW configuration were also examined. Although its lift-to-drag ratio is slightly lower than that of the two-dimensional configuration, it remains relatively high, further validating the configuration's feasibility. The proposed S-HCW configuration enhances the lift-to-drag ratio of hypersonic blunt cone vehicles, demonstrating significant application potential in the aerodynamic design of hypersonic vehicles.
An innovative q-homotopy analysis approach for solving generalized q-fractional non-linear biological population model
Authors: Ali Khalid K. , Shehata Ahmed S. , Mohamed Mohamed S. , Alqurashi Turki J. , Maneea M.
Published: February 2025

This paper presents an innovative approach for solving the generalized q-fractional non-linear biological population model through synthesis of a semi-analytical technique called the q-homotopy analysis method (qHAM). The qHAM is extended to merge q-fractional Laplace transform to obtain approximations in both non-linear and linear terms of q-fractional partial differential equations (q-FPDEs). The q-FPDEs are important types of fractional q-equations in q-calculus that have recently captured the attention of researchers due to their importance in engineering applications, especially in quantum mechanics. The biological population model is used to describe the dynamics of population changes over time, and growth of viruses, parasites, and illnesses may also be explained using this model. A biological population model may manage the devolution of delicate species by treading carefully on them. Duo to the model’s importance, we find an approximate solution with high accuracy, and to confirm this, we compare our results with the solutions in other approaches. We study the convergence of the solutions obtained. The results have also been elucidated by presenting the solutions in two- and three-dimensional graphs to show the influence of different parameters on the system.
Effect of increased air temperature and vapour pressure deficit on water relations, gas exchange, and stem increment in saplings of Norway spruce (Picea abies)
Authors: Rohula-Okunev Gristin , Kupper Priit , Tullus Arvo , Kukumägi Mai , Sell Marili , Ostonen Ivika
Published: February 2025

Whilst temperature (T) increase on tree function has been well studied, the associated effect of vapour pressure deficit (VPD) is less clear. We investigated the impact of increasing T and VPD on canopy transpiration rate (E), shoot gas exchange, and stem growth in Norway spruce (Picea abies) saplings grown in organic and mineral soils in climate chambers with three treatment conditions for 12 weeks: (1) ‘ambient’ (VPD ≈ 0.5 kPa); (2) ‘highT’ treatment (+3°C relative to ambient; VPD ≈ 0.6 kPa); and (3) ‘highT/lowRH’ treatment (+3°C and −7% RH relative to ambient; VPD ≈ 0.8 kPa). The stem diameter increment, assimilation rate (A), and E were highest, and the needle-to-fine root biomass ratio was smallest in ‘highT/lowRH’ treatment (P < 0.05). The A of trees grown in organic soil was higher (P < 0.05) in ‘highT/lowRH’ treatment compared to ambient conditions, but no significant difference was found in mineral soil. Our findings indicate that the effect of a 3-°C temperature increase on spruce was marginal under well-watered conditions, and moderate VPD increase instead improved the tree’s functioning. Thus, aside from temperature, the impact of the RH as a primary driver of the VPD should be considered when predicting spruce response to global warming.
Perspectives of general practice nurses, people living with dementia and carers on the delivery of dementia care in the primary care setting: potential models for optimal care
Authors: Gibson Caroline , Goeman Dianne , Dimity Pond Constance , Yates Mark , Hutchinson Alison M.
Published: February 2025

Background The increasing prevalence of dementia requires a change in the organisation and delivery of primary care to improve the accessibility of best-practice care for people living with dementia and their carer(s). The aim of this study is to describe potential models of dementia care in the primary care setting whereby the nurse plays a central role, from the perspectives of nurses working in general practice, people living with dementia and carer(s). Methods Data from two qualitative semi-structured interview studies were pooled to explore the views of nurses working in general practice, people living with dementia and carer(s) on potential models for the provision of nurse-delivered dementia care. Data were thematically analysed. Six carers, five people living with dementia and 13 nurses working in general practice took part in the study. The data used in this study have not been previously reported. Results Three themes describing nurse-delivered models of care to meet the healthcare needs of people living with dementia and their carer(s) were identified: nurse-led care, dementia care nurse specialist outreach and nurse-enhanced post-diagnostic care. Conclusions This study describes three potential models of dementia care delivery by the nurse in general practice. These findings can be used to guide the implementation of new models of care that integrate the provision of dementia care by nurses within interdisciplinary primary care teams, to better meet the healthcare needs of people living with dementia and their carer(s).
Experimental investigation of fire behaviours and heat transfer in single cypress tree crown fires
Authors: Guo Hanwen , Gao Yunji , Ye Ziqun , Yang Zhengyuan , Zhang Yuchun , Lei Zijian , Sun Ao
Published: February 2025

Background Crown fires are among the most perilous and challenging types of forest fires to combat, posing a significant hazard to forest ecosystems and the wildland–urban interface. Methods Crown fire experiments were carried out using cypress trees with five different crown heights from 0.4 to 1.2 m to investigate the fire behaviours and heat transfer mechanisms. Key results and conclusions The characteristic values of flame height, mass loss rate and heat flux increased with crown height, whereas flame width increased with crown width. Empirical correlations of mass loss rates were established. Flame temperature varied with flame height and relationships between these were developed based on four dimensionless temperature zones. Flame emissivity was related to crown height and increased exponentially with the heat release rate. This study proposes a modified model to predict the radiation heat flux from crown fires, taking the variations of flame temperature and flame emissivity into account. Implications The findings of this work enhance understanding of fire behaviours and controlling mechanisms of crown fire under different crown heights, and also improve the accuracy of prediction of wildland fire development and spread in the wildland–urban interface.
Limited and biased global conservation funding means most threatened species remain unsupported
Authors: Guénard Benoit , Hughes Alice C. , Lainé Claudianne , Cannicci Stefano , Russell Bayden D. , Williams Gray A.
Published: February 2025

The conservation of biodiversity represents a global challenge as the world experiences its sixth mass extinction. Understanding how conservation efforts are allocated is paramount to effectively protect threatened species. We analyzed ~14,600 conservation projects over a 25-y period, revealing substantial taxonomic biases in funding. When matched with formal assessments of species’ threat status, several highly threatened groups such as amphibians receive little and ever-decreasing support. Within particular groups (e.g., Mammalia, Reptilia), funding is directed to a very narrow selection of taxa, leaving the majority of their threatened species with limited or no support. More attention is urgently needed to assess the extinction risks of neglected taxa, especially smaller species. Paradoxically, while approximately 6% of species identified as threatened were supported by conservation funds, 29% of the funding was allocated to species of “least concern”. A more holistic distribution of conservation funding is, therefore, urgently needed if we are to protect biodiversity efficiently. We suggest avenues and mechanisms for a more balanced coverage of threatened species within conservation programs and highlight some of the benefits that could be derived from such an approach.
Structural variant and nucleosome occupancy dynamics postchemotherapy in a HER2+ breast cancer organoid model
Authors: Starostecka Maja , Jeong Hyobin , Hasenfeld Patrick , Benito-Garagorri Eva , Christiansen Tania , Stober Brasseur Catherine , Gomes Queiroz Maise , Garcia Montero Marta , Jechlinger Martin , Korbel Jan O.
Published: February 2025

The most common chemotherapeutics induce DNA damage to eradicate cancer cells, yet defective DNA repair can propagate mutations, instigating therapy resistance and secondary malignancies. Structural variants (SVs), arising from copy-number-imbalanced and -balanced DNA rearrangements, are a major driver of tumor evolution, yet understudied posttherapy. Here, we adapted single-cell template-strand sequencing (Strand-seq) to a HER2+ breast cancer model to investigate the formation of doxorubicin-induced de novo SVs. We coupled this approach with nucleosome occupancy (NO) measurements obtained from the same single cell to enable simultaneous SV detection and cell-type classification. Using organoids from TetO-CMYC/TetO-Neu/MMTV-rtTA mice modeling HER2+ breast cancer, we generated 459 Strand-seq libraries spanning various tumorigenesis stages, identifying a 7.4-fold increase in large chromosomal alterations post-doxorubicin. Complex DNA rearrangements, deletions, and duplications were prevalent across basal, luminal progenitor (LP), and mature luminal (ML) cells, indicating uniform susceptibility of these cell types to SV formation. Doxorubicin further elevated sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs), indicative of genomic stress persisting posttreatment. Altered nucleosome occupancy levels on distinct cancer-related genes further underscore the broad genomic impact of doxorubicin. The organoid-based system for single-cell multiomics established in this study paves the way for unraveling the most important therapy-associated SV mutational signatures, enabling systematic studies of the effect of therapy on cancer evolution.
Abrupt changes in algal biomass of thousands of US lakes are related to climate and are more likely in low-disturbance watersheds
Authors: Soranno Patricia A. , Hanly Patrick J. , Webster Katherine E. , Wagner Tyler , McDonald Andrew , Shuvo Arnab , Schliep Erin M. , Reinl Kaitlin L. , McCullough Ian M. , Tan Pang-Ning , Lottig Noah R. , Spence Cheruvelil Kendra
Published: February 2025

Climate change is predicted to intensify lake algal blooms globally and result in regime shifts. However, observed increases in algal biomass do not consistently correlate with air temperature or precipitation, and evidence is lacking for a causal effect of climate or the nonlinear dynamics needed to demonstrate regime shifts. We modeled the causal effects of climate on annual lake chlorophyll (a measure of algal biomass) over 34 y for 24,452 lakes across broad ecoclimatic zones of the United States and evaluated the potential for regime shifts. We found that algal biomass was causally related to climate in 34% of lakes. In these cases, 71% exhibited abrupt but mostly temporary shifts as opposed to persistent changes, 13% had the potential for regime shifts. Climate was causally related to algal biomass in lakes experiencing all levels of human disturbance, but with different likelihood. Climate causality was most likely to be observed in lakes with minimal human disturbance and cooler summer temperatures that have increased over the 34 y studied. Climate causality was variable in lakes with low to moderate human disturbance, and least likely in lakes with high human disturbance, which may mask climate causality. Our results explain some of the previously observed heterogeneous climate responses of lake algal biomass globally and they can be used to predict future climate effects on lakes.
CTCF regulates global chromatin accessibility and transcription during rod photoreceptor development
Authors: Chen Dahong , Keremane Saumya , Wang Silu , Lei Elissa P.
Published: February 2025

Chromatin architecture facilitates accurate transcription at a number of loci, but it remains unclear how much chromatin architecture is involved in global transcriptional regulation. Previous work has shown that rapid depletion of the architectural protein CTCF in cell culture alters global chromatin organization but results in surprisingly limited gene expression changes. This discrepancy has also been observed when other architectural proteins are depleted, and one possible explanation is that full transcriptional changes are masked by cellular heterogeneity. We tested this idea by performing multiomics analyses with sorted juvenile postmitotic mouse rods, which undergo synchronized development, and we identified CTCF-dependent regulation of global chromatin accessibility and gene expression. CTCF depletion leads to dysregulation of ~20% of the entire transcriptome (>3,000 genes) and ~41% of genome accessibility (>27,000 sites) before any prominent cellular or physiological phenotypes arise. Importantly, these changes are highly enriched for CTCF occupancy at euchromatin, suggesting direct CTCF binding and transcriptional regulation at these active loci. CTCF mainly promotes chromatin accessibility and frequently inhibits expression of these direct binding targets, which are enriched for binding motifs of transcription repressors. These findings provide different and sometimes opposite conclusions from previous studies, emphasizing the need to consider cellular heterogeneity and cell-type specificity when performing multiomics analyses. CTCF knockout rods undergo complete degeneration by adulthood, indicating an essential role for their viability. We conclude that the architectural protein CTCF binds chromatin and regulates global chromatin accessibility and transcription during rod development.
RORγt-expressing dendritic cells are functionally versatile and evolutionarily conserved antigen-presenting cells
Authors: Narasimhan Hamsa , Richter Maria L. , Shakiba Ramin , Papaioannou Nikos E. , Stehle Christina , Ravi Rengarajan Kaushikk , Ulmert Isabel , Kendirli Arek , de la Rosa Clara , Kuo Pin-Yu , Altman Abigail , Münch Philipp , Mahboubi Saba , Küntzel Vanessa , Sayed Amina , Stange Eva-Lena , Pes Jonas , Ulezko Antonova Alina , Pereira Carlos-Filipe , Klein Ludger , Dudziak Diana , Colonna Marco , Torow Natalia , Hornef Mathias W. , Clausen Björn E. , Kerschensteiner Martin , Lahl Katharina , Romagnani Chiara , Colomé-Tatché Maria , Schraml Barbara U.
Published: February 2025

Conventional dendritic cells (cDCs) are potent antigen-presenting cells (APCs) that integrate signals from their environment allowing them to direct situation-adapted immunity. Thereby they harbor great potential for being targeted in vaccination, autoimmunity, and cancer. Here, we use fate mapping, functional analyses, and comparative cross-species transcriptomics to show that RORγt
+
DCs are a conserved, functionally versatile, and transcriptionally distinct type of DCs. RORγt
+
DCs entail various populations described in different contexts including Janus cells/RORγt-expressing extrathymic Aire-expressing cells (eTACs), subtypes of Thetis cells, RORγt
+
-DC (R-DC) like cells, cDC2C and ACY3
+
DCs. We show that in response to inflammatory triggers, RORγt
+
DCs can migrate to lymph nodes and in the spleen can activate naïve CD4
+
T cells. These findings expand the functional repertoire of RORγt
+
DCs beyond the known role of eTACs and Thetis cells in inducing T cell tolerance to self-antigens and intestinal microbes in mice. We further show that RORγt
+
DCs with proinflammatory features accumulate in autoimmune neuroinflammation in mice and men. Thus, our work establishes RORγt
+
DCs as immune sentinel cells that exhibit a broad functional spectrum ranging from inducing peripheral T cell tolerance to T cell activation depending on signals they integrate from their environment.
Chemical genetic interactions elucidate pathways controlling tuberculosis antibiotic efficacy during infection
Authors: Oluoch Peter O. , Koh Eun-Ik , Proulx Megan K. , Reames Charlotte J. , Papavinasasundaram Kadamba G. , Murphy Kenan C. , Zimmerman Matthew D. , Dartois Véronique , Sassetti Christopher M.
Published: February 2025

Successful tuberculosis therapy requires treatment with an unwieldy multidrug combination for several months. Thus, there is a growing need to identify novel genetic vulnerabilities that can be leveraged to develop new, more effective antitubercular drugs. Consequently, recent efforts to optimize tuberculosis (TB) therapy have exploited
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
(Mtb) chemical genetics to identify pathways influencing antibiotic efficacy, novel mechanisms of antibiotic action, and new targets for TB drug discovery. However, the influence of the complex host environment on these interactions remains largely unknown, leaving the therapeutic potential of the identified targets unclear. In this study, we leveraged a library of conditional mutants targeting 467 essential Mtb genes to characterize the chemical–genetic interactions (CGIs) with TB drugs directly in the mouse infection model. We found that these in vivo CGIs differ significantly from those identified in vitro. Both drug-specific and drug-agnostic effects were identified, and many were preserved during treatment with a multidrug combination, suggesting numerous strategies for enhancing therapy. This work also elucidated the complex effects of pyrazinamide (PZA), a drug that relies on aspects of the infection environment for efficacy. Specifically, our work supports the importance of coenzyme A synthesis- inhibition during infection, as well as the antagonistic effect of iron limitation on PZA activity. In addition, we found that inhibition of thiamine and purine synthesis increases PZA efficacy, suggesting additional therapeutically exploitable metabolic dependencies. Our findings present a map of the unique in vivo CGIs, characterizing the mechanism of PZA activity in vivo and identifying potential targets for TB drug development.
No evidence for Peto’s paradox in terrestrial vertebrates
Authors: Butler George , Baker Joanna , Amend Sarah R. , Pienta Kenneth J. , Venditti Chris
Published: February 2025

Larger, longer-lived species are expected to have a higher cancer prevalence compared to smaller, shorter-lived species owing to the greater number of cell divisions that occur during their lifespan. Yet, to date, no evidence has been found to support this expectation, and no association has been found between cancer prevalence and body size across species—a phenomenon known as Peto’s paradox. Specifically, while anticancer mechanisms have been identified for individual species, wider phylogenetic evidence has remained elusive. Here, we show that there is no evidence for Peto’s paradox across amphibians, birds, mammals, and squamate reptiles: Larger species do in fact have a higher cancer prevalence compared to smaller species. Moreover, we demonstrate that the accumulation of repeated instances of accelerated body size evolution in mammals and birds is associated with a reduction in the prevalence of neoplasia and malignancy, suggesting that increased rates of body size evolution are associated with the evolution of improved cellular growth control. These results represent empirical evidence showing that larger body size is related to higher cancer prevalence, thus rejecting Peto’s paradox, and demonstrating the importance of heterogenous routes of body size evolution in shaping anticancer defenses.
Thiopurine therapy enhances immune checkpoint inhibitor efficacy in low-mutational burden melanoma: A promising anticancer approach
Authors: Nazerai Loulieta , Tsiavou Christina , Vardouli Lina , Schmiegelow Kjeld , De Zio Daniela
Published: February 2025

A key limitation of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) therapy is their reduced efficacy toward cancers with a low tumor mutational burden (TMB). Since low-TMB tumors express fewer neoantigens, they are less responsive to ICI therapy like anti-PD-1 and anti-CTLA-4. In preclinical immunocompetent mouse models of low-TMB melanoma, we recently demonstrated that exposure to 6-thioguanine (6TG) significantly improved tumor control by increasing TMB and creating a proinflammatory tumor microenvironment. The combination of 6TG with anti-PD-1 further improved tumor control, although it did not fully inhibit tumor growth. We here investigated additional ICI combinations, assessing anti-CTLA-4 with anti-PD-1 to improve efficacy. ICI eliminated tumors in 6TG-exposed mice when ICI treatment was initiated at tumor volumes of 20 mm
3
, stopped tumor growth at volumes of 120 mm
3
, and had no effect at volumes of 300 mm
3
. Finally, we showed that mice achieving complete tumor regression with 6TG and ICI treatment exhibited lasting immune memory, which effectively suppressed tumor growth at relapse upon re-exposure to tumor cells. These findings may pave the way to effective application of ICI to low-TMB cancers, when initiated at low tumor volume.
Chunk reading strategy training improves multiword processing by Japanese English learners
Authors: Kosaka Takumi , Zhao Helen
Published: February 2025

The Chunk-and-Pass model suggests that language acquisition involves learning to appropriately chunk language
input into multiword sequences and to form more abstract linguistic representations. While the theoretical model has gained
widespread attention in the language sciences, there are limited studies that adopt this model, particularly in the context of
second language (L2) learning and teaching research. This study examines the effects of Chunk Reading Strategy Training (CRST),
which was developed based on the model, on multiword processing in low-proficiency Japanese learners of English. A treatment group
received CRST, while a control group underwent standard block-format reading training. A phrasal decision test assessed online
multiword processing at pretest, posttest, and delayed posttest stages. The results indicated improvement in response times
post-intervention for the treatment group, and only in the delayed posttest for the control group. This study, therefore,
discusses the theoretical implications and limitations of CRST.