bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Migration Amidst Conflict and Cumulative Causation: An Analysis of International & Domestic Migration in Thailand’s Southernmost Provinces
Authors: Korinek Kim , Sawangdee Yothin , Jirapramukpitak Tawanchai , Jampaklay Aree
Published: February 2025

Thailand’s southernmost provinces (TSP) have experienced prolonged insurgency violence and economic deprivation, leading to substantial outmigration. Examining how the two factors interact to shape migration decision-making will provide a broader understanding of how they influence migration in other regions. In this study, we hypothesize that: (1) Residents of TSP will be more likely to migrate out of their province if they reside in households and villages that are replete with migrant social networks, (2) The experience of insurgency violence in one’s proximity will have an association with migration, and (3) Migration networks at the household and village levels will interact with insurgency violence to influence first migration trips. We analyze data from a survey conducted among a representative sample of the Muslim adult population residing in TSP in 2014, with a follow-up survey in 2016. Householdand community-level variables included information on international and domestic first migration, cumulative migration context, insurgency events, and other individual- and household-level covariates. Generalized structural equation models indicate that the likelihood of a first outmigration is greater among adults residing in households and villages that have already accumulated international migration experience. The likelihood is also greater among those living in villages impacted by frequent insurgency violence incidents. The findings suggest that outmigration is underpinned by a combination of cumulative migration processes and violence. As rising segments of the world’s population undertake migration to both flee violence and to survive economically, it becomes increasingly important to develop theories that address both human and economic security concerns.
Quantifying chlorophylls in melanic lichens: the necessity of separating the absorbance of melanin and chlorophyll
Authors: Solhaug Knut Asbjørn , Gauslaa Yngvar
Published: February 2025

This study investigates extraction and quantification techniques for chlorophylls (Chl) in melanic lichens, with an emphasis on distinguishing between Chl and melanin absorbance during spectrophotometric assessments. We compared various extraction protocols, involving solvents such as dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and acetone, and methods including intact thalli extraction, mortar grinding, and ball mill pulverizing. Three correction methods for melanic absorbance were also compared. Our findings indicated that DMSO was superior for Chl extraction compared to acetone, and differences in efficiency among the DMSO methods were minor. Correction for co-extracted melanin was deemed vital for accurate Chl quantification. The use of a C18 minicolumn was found to be effective for separating Chl and melanic pigments, providing reliable measurements of total Chl and Chl a/b-ratios. This method offers a simple cost-effective approach for Chl quantification in extracts containing a mix of Chl and other red light-absorbing pigments.
Vivianite as a phosphorus source in lake sediments: Importance of increased sulphate reduction on phosphorus mobilisation
Authors: van Kuppevelt Harm , Reitzel Kasper , Hupfer Michael
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Eutrophication of freshwater systems is primarily driven by excessive nutrient inputs, particularly phosphorus (P). While external nutrient control has been emphasized, the prediction and management of internal P loading from sedimentary sources remain complex. This study examines the role of vivianite (Fe(II)3(PO4)2·8H2O), a P-bearing mineral in anoxic sediments, in contributing to internal P release under sulfidic conditions.

Materials and methods

A mesocosm experiment was conducted using sediment cores from Lake Arendsee, Germany. The cores were exposed to elevated sulfate concentrations to induce sulfate reduction, simulating anoxic and sulfidic conditions. Both water column chemistry and sediment solid-phase analyses were performed. Phosphorus release from vivianite-rich sediments was monitored, along with changes in iron (Fe) mineral phases using sequential extraction and X-ray diffraction.

Results and discussion

Increased sulfate reduction rates significantly mobilized P from vivianite-rich sediments, leading to elevated soluble reactive P levels in the water column. A marked decrease in vivianite content and an increase in sulfide-bound Fe species were observed in the sediments. These findings demonstrate that vivianite in Fe-rich sediments serves as an important internal P source under sulfidic conditions, exacerbating P release.

Conclusions

This study highlights the role of sulfur cycling in internal P loading and suggests that increased sulfate inputs may enhance eutrophication by mobilizing P from buried vivianite. Effective management of eutrophication should consider both external inputs and internal P sources like vivianite.
A Simple Framework for Agent-Based Modeling with Extracellular Matrix
Authors: Metzcar John , Duggan Ben S. , Fischer Brandon , Murphy Matthew , Heiland Randy , Macklin Paul
Published: February 2025

Extracellular matrix (ECM) is a key component of the cellular microenvironment and critical in multiple disease and developmental processes. Representing ECM and cell-ECM interactions is a challenging multiscale problem as they span molecular-level details to tissue-level dynamics. While several computational frameworks exist for ECM modeling, they often focus on very detailed modeling of individual ECM fibers or represent only a single aspect of the ECM. Using the PhysiCell agent-based modeling platform, we developed a framework of intermediate detail with the ability to capture bidirectional cell-ECM interactions. We represent a small region of ECM, an ECM element, with three variables describing its local microstructure: anisotropy, density, and overall fiber orientation. To spatially model the ECM, we use an array of ECM elements. Cells remodel local ECM microstructure and in turn, local microstructure impacts cellular motility. We demonstrate the utility of this framework and reusability of its core cell-ECM interaction model through examples in cellular invasion, wound healing, basement membrane degradation, and leader-follower collective migration. Despite the relative simplicity of the framework, it is able to capture a broad range of cell-ECM interactions of interest to the modeling community. Furthermore, variables representing the ECM microstructure are accessible through simple programming interfaces. This allows them to impact cell behaviors, such as proliferation and death, without requiring custom code for each interaction, particularly through PhysiCell’s modeling grammar, enabling rapid modeling of a diverse range of cell-matrix biology. We make this framework available as a free and open source software package at https://github.com/PhysiCell-Models/collective-invasion.
Automation bias in AI-assisted detection of cerebral aneurysms on time-of-flight MR angiography
Authors: Kim Su Hwan , Schramm Severin , Riedel Evamaria Olga , Schmitzer Lena , Rosenkranz Enrike , Kertels Olivia , Bodden Jannis , Paprottka Karolin , Sepp Dominik , Renz Martin , Kirschke Jan , Baum Thomas , Maegerlein Christian , Boeckh-Behrens Tobias , Zimmer Claus , Wiestler Benedikt , Hedderich Dennis M.
Published: February 2025

Purpose

To determine how automation bias (inclination of humans to overly trust-automated decision-making systems) can affect radiologists when interpreting AI-detected cerebral aneurysm findings in time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography (TOF-MRA) studies.

Material and Methods

Nine radiologists with varying levels of experience evaluated twenty TOF-MRA examinations for the presence of cerebral aneurysms. Every case was evaluated with and without assistance by the AI software © mdbrain, with a washout period of at least four weeks in-between. Half of the cases included at least one false-positive AI finding. Aneurysm ratings, follow-up recommendations, and reading times were assessed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

Results

False-positive AI results led to significantly higher suspicion of aneurysm findings (p = 0.01). Inexperienced readers further recommended significantly more intense follow-up examinations when presented with false-positive AI findings (p = 0.005). Reading times were significantly shorter with AI assistance in inexperienced (164.1 vs 228.2 s; p < 0.001), moderately experienced (126.2 vs 156.5 s; p < 0.009), and very experienced (117.9 vs 153.5 s; p < 0.001) readers alike.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate the susceptibility of radiology readers to automation bias in detecting cerebral aneurysms in TOF-MRA studies when encountering false-positive AI findings. While AI systems for cerebral aneurysm detection can provide benefits, challenges in human–AI interaction need to be mitigated to ensure safe and effective adoption.
Chronological change of gallbladder fossa nodularity in the liver as observed in patients with alcoholic liver disease: cross-sectional and longitudinal observation
Authors: Sato Keisuke , Hisatomi Eiko , Tanaka Shinji , Goto Nahoko , Murayama Ryo , Takayama Yukihisa , Yoshimitsu Kengo
Published: February 2025

Purpose

To confirm the concept that gallbladder fossa nodularity (GBFN) as observe in patients with alcoholic liver disease (ALD) develops in a biphasic fashion as the cirrhotic process progresses, by clarifying the sequential or chronological change of GBFN both in cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses.

Materials and methods

We retrospectively recruited 52 ALD patients who had both quadruple phase CT and gadoxetate-enhanced MRI (EOB-MRI) within 6 months between 2013 and 2020, and GBFN were morphologically classified into grades 0–3, as previously described. As a cross-sectional study, correlation coefficients (rho values) between mALBI grades and GBFN grades were compared for monophasic vs biphasic models. Biphasic models were defined based on the median values of liver stiffness as measured by MR elastography and extracellular volume fraction as calculated from CT data. Similar analysis was done for GBFN signal intensity on hepatobiliary phase of EOB-MRI (HBP-SI). As a longitudinal study, we recruited patients for whom at least 3-year follow-up of GBFN were available using any CT or MR imaging examination.

Results

As for cross-sectional study, the rho values for the biphasic model were significantly larger than those for the monophasic model, both for GBFN grades and HBP-SI (p < 0.01). As for the longitudinal study, 10 patients were available, 6 of whom showed downgrading of GBFN as the cirrhotic change progressed.

Conclusion

Our cross sectional and longitudinal analyses suggested GBFN would develop in a biphasic pattern both on morphology and HBP-SI as the cirrhotic process progresses.
The development of wear-resistant composite coatings onto LLDPE substrate for tribological purposes
Authors: Difallah Basma Ben , Bouaziz Ayda , Pereira António , Kharrat Mohamed , Cardoso César , Dammak Maher , Horovistiz Ana
Published: February 2025

In this work, the wear resistance of the linear low-density polyethylene polymer (LLDPE) is enhanced by incorporating copper (Cu) and bronze powders into thin composite coatings. These coatings are applied separately to the LLDPE substrate using an ecologically friendly elaboration methodology. Digital image processing methodology indicates better homogeneity of LLDPE/Cu coatings when compared to the LLDPE/bronze coatings. Mechanical characterizations of the coating film show a significant increase in the tensile elastic modulus, tensile yield strength, and Vickers microhardness as the filler content increases. Reciprocating friction tests against high-chromium steel ball indicate that the friction coefficient of LLDPE/Cu composite coatings (with a 20% weight fraction) decreases by 24% compared to pure LLDPE, providing the best friction results. Bronze coatings show superior wear resistance with an optimum filler reinforcement equal to 10 wt%. An increase in the friction and wear performances of LLDPE/Cu coatings is associated with the ability of copper atoms in enhancing the adhesion of the transfer film to the steel counterface, preventing its direct contact with the coating. The transfer film is less coherent than that obtained with LLDPE/Cu coatings due to the spherical shape of bronze particles, which could act as bearing and roll inside the wear track.
Socio-technical perspectives for mechanical ventilation systems in buildings: predictors of attitude and user satisfaction
Authors: Berneiser Jessica , Maier Diana , Gölz Sebastian , Auerswald Sven , Dinkel Arnulf
Published: February 2025

Mechanical ventilation plays an important role in an increasingly energy-efficient building stock by promoting a good indoor air quality, occupant comfort and building protection. It can also reduce energy losses due to suboptimal ventilation behavior during the cold season and increase the overall energy efficiency of the building. However, the effectiveness of mechanical ventilation systems is dependent on appropriate user behavior. Discrepancies between technical requirements and actual user behavior in terms of adequate ventilation system use have been observed in empirical research. This can decrease energy efficiency and potentially negatively impact indoor air quality. The aim of this research was to explore factors that predict occupants’ attitudes towards their ventilation system and their satisfaction with it. We examined self-reported natural ventilation practices of occupants as well as predictors of technology acceptance and user satisfaction with mechanical ventilation. Predictors of these two dependent variables differed slightly in our sample. Perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use of the ventilation system predicted both attitudes and user satisfaction. In addition, user satisfaction was significantly associated with the perceived cleanliness of the ventilation system. Even though stated as a relevant preference for ventilation systems in our pre-study, satisfaction with control options was not related to attitudes or user satisfaction, neither was the subjective importance of the noise level and energy efficiency. We therefore conclude that it is essential to emphasize the goals and benefits of mechanical ventilation systems, hence their usefulness for comfort, health, building protection, and energy efficiency. Furthermore, it seems crucial to provide detailed explanations on the correct operation of the system to maintain its effectiveness. Ensuring the system’s understandability and ease of use are also vital for aligning technology requirements with user needs. Finally, to increase user satisfaction it may be critical to place importance on the filtering capabilities and cleanliness of the ventilation systems. Highlighting these aspects and explaining what is required of users to maintain hygienic environments in manuals and during installation could be a promising means of ensuring adequate long-term operation by occupants.
Discrepancy and approximation of absolutely continuous measures with atomic measures
Authors: Brandolini Luca , Colzani Leonardo , Travaglini Giancarlo
Published: February 2025

We prove several results concerning the discrepancy, tested on balls in the d-dimensional torus

$$\mathbb {T}^{d}$$

T

d

, between absolutely continuous measures and finite atomic measures.
Parental strategies and educational inequalities during severe economic, political and refugee crises in conflict-affected Lebanon
Authors: Al Khalili Tamara
Published: February 2025

This study explores how parents in Lebanon select schools and how their choices contribute to educational inequality, especially during the ongoing severe economic, political and refugee crises. Using an exploratory methodology within a qualitative research design, the study included 30 semi-structured interviews with parents of school-aged children, chosen through purposive convenience and snowball sampling technique. Thematic analysis reveals widespread parental preference for private, fee-paying schools as opposed to public schools that are free at the point of entry. However, the ability of parents to choose private institutions, unsurprisingly linked to socioeconomic status, has been exacerbated by the recent crises. This study offers insights into a new socio-economic group of parents, previously part of the middle class, who are facing difficulties in selecting schools that align with their aspirations for their children. It found them strategically moving their children between private and public schools and making compromises based on factors such as the perceived importance of the educational stage and the child’s perceived academic abilities. Moreover, it shows parents exhibiting harsh practices, favoring private schools for high-achieving children while sending children with lower levels of academic performance and children with disabilities and/or specific educational needs, to public schools. The study underscores the challenges stemming from diminished trust in public education, detailing the difficult decisions some parents are forced to make due to unprecedented crises. It also highlights the growing educational inequality in this conflict-affected context and emphasizes the urgent need for systemic interventions to address widening disparities in Lebanon’s education system.
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Screening in Primary Care Settings for Adults: A Systematic Review
Authors: Küçükardalı-Cansever Betül , Lamson Angela , Sira Natalia , Bridgland Stephanie Ann , Eagan Sheena , Roberts Erin
Published: February 2025

Substantial evidence links ACE scores with adult health complications, emphasizing the significance of enhanced detection, interpretation, and management of ACEs in primary care settings for adults. This systematic review aims to explore existing ACE screening and post-screening practices for adult patients in primary care settings worldwide via a thorough systematic review, including a search of PubMed, PsycINFO, and CINAHL databases. Out of an initial 883 potential articles from two independent reviewers, 53 articles met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Most studies were conducted in the US (71.7%). Globally, 83% of the ACE screening studies indicated that ACES were screened specifically for research purposes, while the remaining 17% covered quality improvement, trauma-informed care interventions, and routine screenings in healthcare settings. This review delves into various intricacies of ACEs screening, the professional roles involved in the screening process, the location where the screening was conducted, prior training on ACEs for the screening implementers, and subsequent actions like interventions, referrals, and resource allocation. Despite growing awareness of the long-term effects of ACEs, a gap exists between ACEs research and related clinical practices in primary care. Additionally, there is no consensus on how to utilize ACEs screening in primary care and which ACE scores necessitate indicated interventions. Implications focus on the collaborative health use of ACEs screenings in primary care.
Tight quasi-universality of Reeb graph distances
Authors: Bauer Ulrich , Bjerkevik Håvard Bakke , Fluhr Benedikt
Published: February 2025

We establish tight bi-Lipschitz bounds certifying quasi-universality (universality up to a constant factor) for various distances between Reeb graphs: the interleaving distance, the functional distortion distance, and the functional contortion distance. The definition of the latter distance is a novel contribution, and for the special case of contour trees we also prove strict universality of this distance. Furthermore, we prove that for the special case of merge trees the functional contortion distance coincides with the interleaving distance, yielding universality of all four distances in this case.
Biodegradable microplastics coupled with biochar enhance Cd chelation and reduce Cd accumulation in Chinese cabbage
Authors: Zhao Meng , Zou Guoyuan , Li Yifan , Pan Bo , Wang Xuexia , Zhang Jiajia , Xu Li , Li Congping , Chen Yanhua
Published: February 2025

The impact of microplastics on the remediation of cadmium-contaminated soil by biochar is still unclear. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated the effects of combining different biochars with polylactic acid (PLA) microplastics on the growth of Chinese cabbage, rhizosphere soil metabolomics, bacterial community structure, and Cd accumulation in Cd-contaminated soil. Compared with the treatment with biochar alone, the addition of PLA suppressed plant growth, but also reduced Cd accumulation in Chinese cabbage by 8–42%; the treatment with sugarcane bagasse biochar (SBC)–PLA showed the most prominent effect. Compared with the treatment with SBC alone, SBC–PLA reduced Cd accumulation in roots and aboveground parts by 47 and 22%, respectively (p < 0.05). The addition of PLA enhanced the soil organic matter, dissolved organic carbon, and total nitrogen contents, but reduced the available phosphorus and readily available potassium contents, with no significant impact on available Cd. The rhizosphere metabolite analysis showed that PLA plus biochar promoted the formation of cyclohexene terpenoids and chelating agents, the urea cycle, and chelation with Cd ions, thereby reducing Cd uptake by Chinese cabbage roots. The microbial structure analysis demonstrated that PLA plus biochar drove chelation between organic carbon, nitrogen, and Cd. This study highlights the potential of microplastics for mitigating Cd accumulation in plants and the remediation of heavy metal-contaminated soil.

Graphical Abstract
Differences in the physical protection mechanisms of soil organic carbon with 13C-labeled straw and biochar
Authors: Yang Caidi , Chang Yuexin , Liu Jingjing , Tian Yu , Lu Shenggao , Wang Jun
Published: February 2025

Straw-derived biochar has a greater potential for carbon (C) sequestration than straw that is directly returned to the soils. An incubation experiment was carried out to explore the impact of different straw returning modes (straw and biochar) on soil organic C (SOC) sequestration and their underlying physical protection mechanisms. The 13C-labeled straw and biochar were applied at rates of 0.5% and 1% (w/w) to three typical upland soils collected from Yuzhong, Yangling, and Changwu (labeled as YZ, YL, and CW, respectively) on the Loess Plateau in China. Soil C fractions and isotopic C were measured, and the pore structure of macroaggregates was quantified using X-ray computed tomography (CT) and verified by 3D visualization images. Compared to the control (CK), the addition of straw biochar increased SOC contents more than straw in three soils, especially at higher rates. Only biochar improved particulate organic C (POC) contents, and the changes of mineral-associated organic C (MOC) contents differed with soil types. Soil potential C mineralization (PCM) and microbial biomass C (MBC) increased with the addition of straw rather than biochar, except for MBC in YZ soil. The contribution percentages and contents of 13C in SOC, POC, and MOC were higher with biochar addition than with straw addition, especially in YZ and YL soils. The total porosity and pore connectivity increased with straw addition in YL soil and with the 1% biochar application in CW soil. However, only isolated porosity increased in YZ soil. Meanwhile, the macropores increased while the mesopores and micropores showed decreasing trends in both YL and CW soils. Additionally, YL soil exhibited more pronounced positive correlations between pore structure and C fractions compared to the other two soils. These findings suggested that the sequestration of SOC was attributed to the improvements of POC and MOC by affecting soil pore structure in straw- and biochar-amended soils, respectively. Therefore, both the form of imported C and soil properties, such as the fertility and pore structure, should be comprehensively considered to fully optimize the potential for C sequestration in farmland soils.

Graphical Abstract
Sustainable post-purchase behaviour of consumers of fashion textile products
Authors: Kemi Arifa Parvin , Zilahy Gyula
Published: February 2025

Sustainable consumption is crucial for advancing the circular economy envisioned by the European Union in its Circular Economy Action Plan. This framework emphasizes that, alongside corporations adopting more sustainable production processes, consumers must also contribute to a sustainable future by altering their consumption patterns and lifestyles. A key aspect of consumer behaviour involves preferences for new versus second-hand products and actions taken post-purchase. To deepen understanding in this area, our research analyses consumers’ sustainable post-purchase behaviours related to fashion (textile) products, focusing on the factors influencing their intentions to reuse, repair, and recycle. We conducted a representative survey of 500 residents in Budapest, Hungary, employing clustering techniques and structural equation modelling grounded in the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB). Our findings indicate that consumers who purchase second-hand fashion products are slightly more likely to engage in sustainable post-purchase activities. We identified and characterized four distinct clusters of fashion consumers based on their post-purchase behaviours. Moreover, we found that attitudes have a relatively minor influence on repairing and giving away old fashion items, whereas social norms and perceived behavioural control play a more significant role.
Carbon quantum dots modified 3D flower-like BiOCl nanostructures with enhanced visible light photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B
Authors: Li Jiaxin , Li Xinyuan , Li Xia
Published: February 2025

In this work, a series of carbon quantum dot (CQDs) modified three-dimensional flower-like BiOCl microspheres were synthesized using a simple solvothermal method.A multitude of techniques like XRD, TEM, XPS, BET, XPS UV–vis, PL and EPR were employed to investigate the morphology, structure, optical and electronic properties as well as photocatalytic performance of the samples. The BC-1.5 photocatalyst displays the he best-performing photocatalytic degradation rate of 99% for Rhodamine B (RhB) degradation under visible-light irradiation within 30 min. The photoactivity is 5.3 times of that of the bare BiOCl. This unique three-dimensional flower-like structure can provide a large number of reaction sites and stronger internal light reflection, which can enhance the absorption of photons. Meanwhile, CQDs enable faster charge transfer and more effective separation of photogenerated charge carriers, thereby increasing the degradation rate. The mechanism of photocatalysis was further proposed, and the charge transfer and active substances formed during photocatalysis were unfolded. This study provides a new opportunity for rational design of efficient photocatalysts in environmental remediation.
Advances in 4D Shape-Memory Resins for AI-Aided Personalized Scaffold Bioengineering
Authors: Thurzo Andrej , Varga Ivan
Published: February 2025

This paper introduces an innovative workflow for developing personalized bioengineered scaffolds by combining AI-driven auto-segmentation of Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scans with the design of temperature-responsive photocurable resins, or 4D polymers. Using Diagnocat software, AI segmentation achieves precise morphological replication of anatomical structures, creating accurate 3D models that are tailored to each patient's unique anatomy. These models guide the fabrication of scaffolds with varying porosities and geometries, using TC-85—a biocompatible, temperature-sensitive resin with distinct mechanical and viscoelastic properties. The resin’s temperature responsiveness enables the scaffolds to dynamically adapt to physiological conditions, enhancing functionality by morphologically shifting to stimulate adherent cells. This approach demonstrates the advantages of automated AI segmentation and underscores the potential of 4D scaffolds for advanced bioengineering applications.
Use of standardized nasal and skin decolonization to reduce rates of bacteremia in patients undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: Taylor Madyson , Griffin Russell L , Walker Jeremey , James Catina , Akinsanya Angela , Duncan Mary , Lee Rachael A
Published: February 2025

Objective:

We aimed to determine if implementation of universal nasal decolonization with daily chlorhexidine bathing will decrease blood stream infections (BSI) in patients undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).

Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting:

Tertiary care facility.

Patients:

Patients placed on ECMO from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2023.

Intervention:

Daily bathing with 4% chlorhexidine soap and universal mupirocin nasal decolonization were initiated for all ECMO patients May 2021. The primary outcome was rate of ECMO-attributable positive blood cultures. Zero-inflated Poisson regression analysis was performed to estimate rate ratios (RRs) for the association between decolonization with BSI rates.

Results:

A total of 776 patients met inclusion criteria during the study period, 425 (55%) preimplementation and 351 (45%) post-implementation. Following implementation of decolonization, the overall incidence rate of BSI increased nonsignificantly from 10.7 to 14.0 infections per 1000 ECMO days (aRR 1.09, 95% CI 0.74–1.59). For gram-positive cocci (GPC) pathogens, a nonsignificant 40% increased rate was observed in the post-implementation period (RR 1.40, 95% CI 0.89–2.21), due mostly to a significant increase in the crude rate of Enterococcus BSI (RR 1.89, 95% CI 1.01–3.55). Excluding Enterococcus resulted in a nonsignificant 28% decreased rate (aRR 0.72, 95% CI 0.39-1.36) due to a nonsignificant 55% decreased rate of MRSA (aRR 0.45, 95% CI 0.18–3.58).

Conclusions:

Implementation of a universal decolonization protocol did not significantly reduce rates of certain BSIs, including MRSA and other gram-positive pathogens. Although nonsignificant, reduction in BSI rates in this patient population has important implications on surveillance metrics, such as MRSA, and in the future, hospital-onset bacteremia.
European constitutional scholars in the digital public sphere: reply to Somek and Paar
Authors: Komárek Jan
Published: February 2025

In their recent article ‘Europe’s political constitution’, Alexander Somek and Elisabeth Paar conclude: ‘scholactivism is the form of constitutional law of Europe. There is nothing below or above it. It is all there is’. In this reply I want to take issue with such (rather bleak) view of what European constitutional scholarship is about. Firstly, I argue that scholactivism undermines the very conditions of scholarship as a pursuit of knowledge autonomous from both public and private power. The current attacks on academic institutions by authoritarian governments, and also the increasing dependence of research on private funders result, at least in part, from the politicization of scholarship. Secondly, I argue that we should be more critical towards the infrastructure of the digital public sphere, which Somek and Paar see to be emerging through blogs and other platforms, and be more protective of the existing practices that we inherited from our predecessors.
ASKAP EMU Radio Detection of the Reflection Nebula VdB-80 in the Monoceros Crossbones Filamentary Structure
Authors: Bradley A. C. , Smeaton Z. J. , Tothill N. F. H. , Filipović M. D. , Becker W. , Hopkins A. M. , Koribalski B. S. , Lazarević S. , Leahy D. , Rowell G. , Velović V. , Urošević D.
Published: February 2025

We present a new radio detection from the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP) Evolutionary Map of the Universe (EMU) survey associated with the Reflection Nebula (RN) VdB-80. The radio detection is determined to be a previously unidentified Hii region, now named Lagotis. The RN is located towards Monoceros, centred in the molecular cloud feature known as the ‘Crossbones’. The 944 M̃Hz EMU image shows a roughly semicircular Hii region with an integrated flux density of 30.2±0.3 mJy. The Hii region is also seen at 1.4 GHz by NRAO VLA Sky Survey (NVSS), yielding an estimated spectral index of 0.65±0.51, consistent with thermal radio emission. Gaia Data Release 3 (DR3) and Two Micron All Sky Survey (2MASS) data give a distance to the stars associated with the Hii region of ∼960 pc. This implies a size of 0.76×0.68(±0.09) pc for the Hii region. We derive an Hii region electron density of the bright radio feature to be 26 cm−3, requiring a Lyman-alpha photon flux of 1045.6 s−1, which is consistent with the expected Lyman flux of HD46060, the B2 ii type star which is the likely ionising star of the region. The derived distance to this region implies that the Crossbones feature is a superposition of two filamentary clouds, with Lagotis embedded in the far cloud.
Neural subgroups in unaffected first-degree relatives of patients with bipolar disorder during emotion regulation
Authors: Kjærstad Hanne Lie , Ritsma Florien , Coello Klara , Stanislaus Sharleny , Munkholm Klaus , Faurholt-Jepsen Maria , Macoveanu Julian , Bjertrup Anne Juul , Vinberg Maj , Kessing Lars Vedel , Miskowiak Kamilla Woznica
Published: February 2025

Background

Impaired emotion regulation has been proposed as a putative endophenotype in bipolar disorder (BD). Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies investigating this in unaffected first-degree relatives (UR) have thus far yielded incongruent findings. Hence, the current paper examines neural subgroups among UR during emotion regulation.

Methods

71 UR of patients with BD and 66 healthy controls (HC) underwent fMRI scanning while performing an emotion regulation task. Hierarchical cluster analysis was performed on extracted signal change during emotion down-regulation in pre-defined regions of interest (ROIs). Identified subgroups were compared on neural activation, demographic, clinical, and cognitive variables.

Results

Two subgroups of UR were identified: subgroup 1 (39 UR; 55%) was characterized by hypo-activity in the dorsolateral, dorsomedial, and ventrolateral prefrontal cortex and the bilateral amygdalae, but comparable activation to HC in the other ROIs; subgroup 2 (32 UR; 45%) was characterized by hyperactivity in all ROIs. Subgroup 1 had lower success in emotion regulation compared to HC and reported more childhood trauma compared to subgroup 2 and HC. Subgroup 2 reported more anxiety, lower functioning, and greater attentional vigilance toward fearful faces compared to HC. Relatives from both subgroups were poorer in recognizing positive faces compared to HC.

Conclusions

These findings may explain the discrepancy in earlier fMRI studies on emotion regulation in UR, showing two different subgroups of UR that both exhibited aberrant neural activity during emotion regulation, but in opposite directions. Furthermore, the results suggest that impaired recognition of positive facial expressions is a broad endophenotype of BD.
Towards more transparent risk assessment of communicable diseases – Redefining probability and impact
Authors: Nauta Maarten , Christiansen Lasse Engbo , Lefèvre Stine Kjær , Munkstrup Charlotte Louise , Young Johanna , Rosenquist Hanne
Published: February 2025

Epidemic preparedness requires clear procedures and guidelines when a rapid risk assessment of a communicable disease threat is requested. In an evaluation of past risk assessments, we found that modifications to existing guidelines, such as the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control’s (ECDC) rapid risk assessment operational tool, can strengthen this process. Therefore, we present alternative guidelines, in which we propose a unifying risk assessment terminology, describe how the risk question should be phrased by the risk manager, and redefine the probability and impact dimension of risk, including a methodology to express uncertainty. In our approach, probability refers to the probability of the introduction of a disease into a specified population in a specified time period, and impact combines the magnitude of spread and the severity of the health outcomes. Based on the collected evidence, both the probability of introduction and the magnitude of spread are quantitatively expressed by expert judgements, providing unambiguous risk assessment. We advise not to summarize the risk by a single qualification as ‘low’ or ‘high’. These alternative guidelines, which are illustrated by a hypothetical example on mpox, have been implemented at Statens Serum Institut in Denmark and can benefit other public health institutes.
Bob Morris: teacher and explorer
Authors: Rodger Richard
Published: February 2025

Two characteristics that defined Bob Morris were his empathy and his humanity. As a person, not just as a teacher and scholar, these elements infused his approach to people no matter their age or status. This short appreciation considers his contributions to urban and social history, his capacity for synthesis and analysis and his sensitivity in exploring places and spaces using text, data and images. Bob Morris’ humility was the hallmark of an exceptional historian, colleague and friend.
Predicting the Evolution of Shallow Cumulus Clouds With a Lotka‐Volterra Like Model
Authors: Chen Jingyi , Hagos Samson , Fast Jerome , Feng Zhe
Published: February 2025

In numerical weather prediction and climate models, boundary‐layer clouds are controlled by a wide range of subgrid‐scale processes. However, understanding the nature of these processes and their role in the evolution of the cloud size distribution as a whole has been elusive. To address this issue, we adopt a novel empirical framework from the field of population dynamics to model the evolution of cloud size statistics by using the shallow cumulus properties obtained from a large‐eddy simulation (LES). Our approach involves representing the cloud size distribution and the total cloud area using a revised Lotka‐Volterra model and ridge linear model, respectively. The physical interpretation of the total cloud area and coefficients obtained from the optimization of the models reveals three stages probably interpreted by dominant processes: the formation of new clouds, the growth of single clouds, and a steady state with organized transitions involving the growth and decay of multiple clouds. Furthermore, we showcase the potential of this framework to serve as a component of scale‐aware parameterizations of shallow‐convective clouds in atmospheric models.
Variability of Eastern North Atlantic Summertime Marine Boundary Layer Clouds and Aerosols Across Different Synoptic Regimes Identified With Multiple Conditions
Authors: Zheng X. , Qiu S. , Zhang D. , Adebiyi A. , Zheng X. , Faruque O. , Wu P. , Wang J.
Published: February 2025

This study estimates the meteorological covariations of aerosol and marine boundary layer (MBL) cloud properties in the eastern North Atlantic (ENA) region, characterized by diverse synoptic conditions. Using a deep‐learning‐based clustering model with mid‐level and surface daily meteorological data, we identify seven distinct synoptic regimes during the summer from 2016 to 2021. Our analysis, incorporating reanalysis data and satellite retrievals, shows that surface aerosols and MBL clouds exhibit clear regime‐dependent characteristics, whereas lower tropospheric aerosols do not. This discrepancy likely arises from synoptic regimes determined by daily large‐scale conditions, which may overlook air mass histories that predominantly dictate lower tropospheric aerosol conditions. Focusing on three regimes dominated by northerly winds, we analyze the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement Program (ARM) ENA observations on Graciosa Island in the Azores. In the subtropical anticyclone regime, fewer cumulus clouds and more single‐layer stratocumulus clouds with light drizzle are observed, along with the highest cloud droplet number concentration (Nd), surface cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) and surface aerosol levels. The post‐trough regime features more broken or multi‐layer stratocumulus clouds with slightly higher surface rain rate, and lower Nd and surface CCN levels. The weak trough regime is characterized by the deepest MBL clouds, primarily cumulus and broken stratocumulus clouds, with the strongest surface rain rate and the lowest Nd, surface CCN and surface aerosol levels, indicating strong wet scavenging. These findings highlight the importance of considering the covariation of cloud and aerosol properties driven by large‐scale regimes when assessing aerosol indirect effects using observations.
Experimental benchmarking of quantum state overlap estimation strategies with photonic systems
Authors: Zhan Hao , Wang Ben , Mi Minghao , Xie Jie , Xu Liang , Zhang Aonan , Zhang Lijian
Published: February 2025

Accurately estimating the overlap between quantum states is a fundamental task in quantum information processing. While various strategies using distinct quantum measurements have been proposed for overlap estimation, the lack of experimental benchmarks on estimation precision limits strategy selection in different situations. Here we compare the performance of four practical strategies for overlap estimation, including tomography-tomography, tomography-projection, Schur collective measurement and optical swap test using photonic quantum systems. We encode the quantum states on the polarization and path degrees of freedom of single photons. The corresponding measurements are performed by photon detection on certain modes following single-photon mode transformation or two-photon interference. We further propose an adaptive strategy with optimized precision in full-range overlap estimation. Our results shed new light on extracting the parameter of interest from quantum systems, prompting the design of efficient quantum protocols.
Novel biomarkers of fetal and neonatal environmental exposure, effect and susceptibility
Authors: Peeples Eric S. , Molloy Eleanor J. , Bearer Cynthia F.
Published: February 2025

Rapid advancements in science and technology have allowed medical providers to treat wider ranges of diseases with safer and more effective therapies than ever before. One of the areas of health that has been consistently understudied, however, is one that affects us all: environmental health or the effects that the chemicals we are exposed to every day have on our acute and chronic health. This effect can be exacerbated during and shortly after pregnancy, as an individual exposure is often shared by both the mother and the fetus/neonate. The diagnosis and monitoring of chemical exposure can be quite challenging, and improving our understanding of the effects of exposure will therefore require effective use of an expanding set of biomarker tests and biological matrices. This review covers the background and history of neonatal biomarkers of exposure, effect, and susceptibility, focusing on the potential uses for the non-invasive matrix of exhaled breath for the detection and monitoring of chemical exposures.

Impact

Provides a brief overview of Food and Drug Administration and National Institutes of Health Joint Leadership Council BEST (Biomarkers, EndpointS, and other Tools) Resource.

Summarizes new and potential biomarkers for fetal exposure.

Collates studies using breath as a matrix for environmental exposures.
The 2023 EBMT report on hematopoietic cell transplantation and cellular therapies. Increased use of allogeneic HCT for myeloid malignancies and of CAR-T at the expense of autologous HCT
Authors: Passweg Jakob R. , Baldomero Helen , Atlija Marina , Kleovoulou Iliana , Witaszek Aleksandra , Alexander Tobias , Angelucci Emanuele , Averbuch Dina , Bazarbachi Ali , Ciceri Fabio , Greco Raffaella , Hazenberg Mette D. , Kalwak Krzysztof , McLornan Donal P. , Neven Bénédicte , Perić Zinaida , Risitano Antonio M. , Ruggeri Annalisa , Sánchez-Ortega Isabel , Snowden John A. , Sureda Anna
Published: February 2025

In 2023, 47,731 HCT (20,485 (42.9%) allogeneic and 27,246 (57.1%) autologous) in 43,902 patients were reported by 696 European centers. 6042 patients received advanced cellular therapies, 4888 of which were CAR-T. Compared to the previous year there was an increase in CAR-T (+52.5%), in allogeneic HCT (+7.8%) but none in autologous HCT (+0.4%). Main indications for allogeneic HCT were myeloid (11,748; 60.7%), lymphoid malignancies (4,850; 25.0%), and non-malignant disorders (2558; 13.2%). Use of allogeneic HCT increased for AML (+12.1%) and for NHL (+11.0%), particularly in T-NHL (+25.6%). Main indications for autologous HCT were lymphomas (7890; 32.2%), PCD (14,271; 58.2%), and solid tumors (1608; 6.6%) with recovering numbers for autoimmune diseases. In patients with allogeneic HCT, the use of sibling donors increased by +1.0%, haploidentical donors by +11.7%, and unrelated donors by +11.1%. Cord blood HCT decreased again by −5.4%. Pediatric HCT activity increased slightly (5455; +0.1%) with differences between allogeneic (4111; −0.5%) and autologous HCT (1344: +1.7%). Use of CAR-T increased to a cumulative total of 13,927 patients including patients treated for autoimmune diseases. Overall, numbers show a complete recovery from the pandemic dip with increased cellular therapy at the expense of autologous HCT. Allogeneic HCT activity focuses on myeloid malignancies.
Optimising the mainstreaming of renal genomics: Complementing empirical and theoretical strategies for implementation
Authors: Cheng Lin , Kugenthiran Nathasha , Quinlan Catherine , Stark Zornitza , Jayasinghe Kushani , Best Stephanie
Published: February 2025

To identify and develop complementary implementation strategies that support nephrologists in mainstreaming renal genomic testing. Interviews were conducted with individuals nominated as ‘genomics champions’ and ‘embedded genomics experts’ as part of a mainstreaming project to identify initial barriers and investigate empirical strategies for delivering the project at initial stage. Data were mapped onto implementation science framework to identify complementary theoretical strategies. Interviews with 14 genomics champions and embedded genomics experts (genetic counsellors, nephrologists, renal nurses), identified 34 barriers to incorporating genomic testing into routine care, e.g., lack of long-term multidisciplinary team support and role clarity. In total, 25 empirical implementation strategies were identified such as creating new clinical teams. Using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research, 10 complementary theoretical implementation strategies were identified. Our study presents a novel approach complementing empirical strategies with theoretical strategies to support nephrologists in incorporating genomic testing into routine practice. Complementary strategies can potentially address barriers and inform future studies when mainstreaming renal genomics. This process underscored the need for integrating collaborative efforts among health professionals, patients, implementation scientists and the health system to overcome identified challenges to mainstream genomic testing. Future research should explore the applicability of these strategies to support mainstreaming genomic testing in different clinical settings.