bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the human dimensions of gharial conservation in the Mahanadi River, India
Authors: Rath Laxmi Prasad , Dash Suraj Kumar , Mohapatra Rajesh Kumar , Patnaik Aliva , Khan Ashaharraza , Maharana Sudarsan
Published: February 2025

Context The gharial is a critically endangered freshwater riverine crocodilian found in few Indo-Gangetic rivers and the Mahanadi River. With very few individuals remaining, the species in the Mahanadi River is on the verge of extirpation and requires conservation attention for their continuous existence. Although essential ecological information is available here to an extent, the human dimensions of gharial conservation is overlooked. Aim Therefore, we aimed to examine the dependencies of local people on the Mahanadi River and their perceptions of gharial conservation. Methods Opportunistic method was used to select respondents, and an open and close-ended questionnaire was used for survey. Descriptive statistics and logistic regressions were used for data analysis. Key results The Mahanadi River played crucial role in respondents’ lives who depend on the river in both tangible and intangible ways such as earning their livelihoods and performing everyday sanitation and minerals extraction. Initially, most of the respondents perceived gharials negatively, which could be attributed to their lack of awareness about gharial ecology and behaviour. However, age, awareness and incentives provided for gharial conservation influenced respondents to positively perceive gharial conservation in the Mahanadi River. Conclusion The study observed how lack of awareness negatively affects gharial conservation effort in the Mahanadi River as people perceive threat from gharials as similar to mugger and saltwater crocodiles, both of which are much more dangerous to humans than gharials. Implications The finding can be taken into consideration to promote awareness about gharial ecology and behaviour among the locals with warning information on muggers and saltwater crocodiles in the Mahanadi River. That may be useful for gharial conservation.
Experimental electronic structures of the Fe
IV
=O bond in S=1 heme vs. nonheme sites: Effect of the porphyrin ligand
Authors: Braun Augustin , Gee Leland B. , Waters Max D. J. , Jose Anex , Baker Michael L. , Mara Michael W. , Babicz Jeffrey T. , Ehudin Melanie A. , Quist David A. , Zhou Ang , Kroll Thomas , Titus Charles J. , Lee Sang-Jun , Nordlund Dennis , Sokaras Dimosthenis , Yoda Yoshitaka , Kobayashi Yasuhiro , Tamasaku Kenji , Hedman Britt , Hodgson Keith O. , Karlin Kenneth D. , Que Lawrence , Solomon Edward I.
Published: February 2025

High-valent Fe
IV
=O species are common intermediates in biological and artificial catalysts. Heme and nonheme S=1 Fe
IV
=O sites have been synthesized and studied for decades but little quantitative experimental comparison of their electronic structures has been available, due to the lack of direct methods focused on the iron. This study allows a rigorous determination of the electronic structure of a nonheme Fe
IV
=O center and its comparison to an Fe
IV
=O heme site using 1s2p resonant inelastic X-ray scattering (RIXS) and Fe L-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). Further, variable temperature magnetic circular dichroism (VT-MCD) of the ligand field transitions, combined with nuclear resonance vibrational spectroscopy of the two S=1 Fe
IV
=O systems show that the equatorial ligand field decreases from a nonheme to a heme Fe
IV
=O site. Alternatively, RIXS and Fe L-edge XAS combined with MCD show that the Fe d
π
orbitals are unperturbed in the Fe
IV
=O heme relative to the nonheme site because the strong axial Fe-O bond uncouples the Fe d
π
orbitals from the porphyrin
π
-system. As a consequence, the thermodynamics and kinetics of the H-atom abstraction reactions are actually very similar for heme compound II and nonheme Fe
IV
=O active sites.
A complete set of rate constants for a transporter’s catalytic cycle
Authors: Jennings Michael L.
Published: February 2025

The article by Lewis et al. (https://doi.org/10.1085/jgp.202413709) in this issue of JGP describes the use of single-molecule fluorescence polarization microscopy to obtain estimates of all the rate constants for transitions in the catalytic cycle of AdiC, a bacterial transporter for arginine and agmatine that has been believed to be a 1:1 exchanger.
Unstable motion of a point charge near an electric dipole
Authors: Varela Victor , Gianvittorio Rita
Published: February 2025

We reconsider the dynamics of a point charge in the field of a point-like electric dipole. The force is noncentral, so the angular momentum is not conserved. Our discussion is largely based on the third conserved quantity β (in addition to the total energy and the axial component of angular momentum) that we derive in spherical coordinates. The equations of motion admit orbits characterised by β = 0 which are traced on a sphere centred at the dipole. Transitions between orbits on the same sphere demand highly specialised, restricted perturbations of the angular momentum components. If the restrictions are not satisfied, then r(t) eventually goes to zero or becomes unbounded. This is due to the lack of a confining, radial effective potential. Transitions between orbits lying on a sphere are exceedingly unlikely under realistic conditions. The stability properties of this classical system are virtually unobservable and inconsequential from a physical point of view. Our approach clarifies and extends previous discussions of this matter, and should be accessible to intermediate or advanced undergraduate physics students.
Sub-barrier fusion analysis of 40Ca + 46,48,50Ti systems
Authors: Gautam Manjeet Singh , . SAMIKSHA , Kumar Anand , . Vijay
Published: February 2025

By opting simple Wong formula, simple Wong formula with deformed choice of nuclear potential, symmetric-asymmetric Gaussian barrier distribution (SAGBD) model and coupled channel approach, this work investigates fusion mechanism of 40Ca + 46,48,50Ti systems. For these reactions, the roles of internal structural degrees of freedom of collision partners and diffuseness parameter associated with Woods-Saxon potential in fusion dynamics are investigated. For chosen systems, simple Wong formula based calculations are found to be unable for description of actual fusion data at sub-barrier energies. The inclusion of quadrupole deformation with an additional radius parameter in deformed choice of nuclear potential along with the simple Wong formula is capable to retrace the experimental data. In SAGBD model, simple Wong formula is weighted by a Gaussian function and SAGBD model with different choice of diffuseness has been explored wherein fusion yields have been found to be quite sensitive to the choice of diffuseness of Woods-Saxon potential. SAGBD outcomes with Winther and Akyüz-Winther diffuseness are unable in retrieving of experimental data. In order to improve theoretical predictions, the diffuseness is optimized relative to Winther & Akyüz-Winther value and theoretical outcomes with an optimized diffuseness parameter within SAGBD model keenly address the fusion behaviour of 40Ca + 46,48,50Ti reactions. Coupled channel analysis of given reactions, wherein the influences of low-lying vibrational states of participants are directly considered, readily reproduced the fusion data for all studied systems. The low lying vibrational states 2+ & 3- states are found to be sufficient to reproduce the fusion data for 40Ca + 46,48Ti reactions. However, for 40Ca + 50Ti reactions, in addition to low lying 2+ & 3- vibrational states, the considerations of a pair neutron transfer channel is required to address sub-barrier fusion data.
Challenges in Designing Basic Physics Course for Undergraduate Biologists - investigating difficulties with learning physics
Authors: Kaczmarek Mirela , Greczyło Tomasz
Published: February 2025

The paper presents the results of reflection on the course Physics with Elements of Biophysics taught at the Faculty of Physics and Astronomy of the University of Wroclaw for biology students. It contains descriptions of the research on the motivation and attitude of biology students towards learning physics, as well as presents the results of the quantitative evaluation of the course carried out after its first run. The analysis of the obtained results is placed in the research framework and makes the bases for changes in similar courses planned for the coming years. It also makes a foundation for the proposal of teaching strategies that possibly address the emerging problems and challenges. The publication ends with recommendations and actions aimed at improving the effectiveness of educational activities.
Exploring active learning in physics with ISLE-based modules in high school
Authors: Tufino Eugenio , Onorato Pasquale , Oss Stefano
Published: February 2025

This study presents a case study of active learning within the Investigative Science Learning Environment (ISLE), using the iOLab digital devices. We designed a pilot lab format to enhance student engagement and understanding through direct experimentation, taking advantage of the multifunctional capabilities of the iOLab devices. This paper evaluates the pedagogical effectiveness of integrating ISLE with digital tools for data collection and analysis in physics experiments. The initial findings provide insights into the pedagogical benefits and logistical considerations of using such technologies in a laboratory setting. Although no direct comparison with traditional teaching methods has been made, the observed student engagement and feedback suggest a positive impact on learning outcomes, even within the constraints of the short duration of the interventions.
The use of a spreadsheet in the inquiry-based activities
Authors: Spodniakova Pfefferova Miriam , Hruška Martin
Published: February 2025

Physics is the part of science where you need to work with mathematical concepts expressed by mathematical equations and graphs and understand mathematical modelling. For a clear and better understanding of physics by students, it is very important that they understand these equations and graphs. One option is to create simulations in a spreadsheet to explore physical phenomena. The aim of this paper is to show one of the possibilities of using them in inquiry-based activities focused on mechanics - uniform and non-uniform motion, periodic motion, etc. The simulations are mainly intended for a basic physics course for college students in non-physics degree programs and have been tested in an online physics course during the two academic years of the pandemic. The feedback obtained during the classes was used to finalize the simulations.
Design and evaluation of a questionnaire on the quantum physics measurement process
Authors: Pospiech Gesche , Faletič Sergej , Michelini Marisa , Santi Lorenzo , Tóth Kristof
Published: February 2025

In the context of modern approaches to quantum physics via two-state systems, the question of tools for assessing students’ understanding and for identifying learning difficulties in quantum physics arises anew because these differ from traditional approaches. In addition, there are different two-state approaches with different characteristics. One of the key points for understanding quantum physics is the measurement process as it lies at the heart of the differences between quantum and classical physics. Therefore, assessing students’ conceptions about the measurement process was regarded as a first step towards a comprehensive quantum concept inventory. Hence, a questionnaire to inquire the students’ perspective and reasoning about the measurement process as a key concept in quantum physics was developed and presented. This contribution will describe first results of its evaluation and give hints to its further development.
The Physics teachers’ formation and the curriculum reforms in Brazil
Authors: Mattos Cristiano , Machado Rodrigues André
Published: February 2025

The paper provides an overview of the current state of Physics education in Brazil, focusing on recent educational reforms implemented amidst the high school crisis and the shortage of Physics teachers. These intricate reforms reflect the country’s vast scale and unique challenges, including disparities and inequalities. Despite the necessity for comprehensive changes spanning different levels and components, educational policies fail to adequately address the historical challenges in Physics teaching. For example, efforts to address issues such as the shortage of Physics teachers through neoliberal curriculum reform, which diminishes the emphasis on Physics classes, merely mask the problems rather than effectively resolve them.
The influence of teacher´s experience on students´ argumentation
Authors: Kozánek Kiss Tünde , Velmovská Klára
Published: February 2025

Argumentation in solving physics problems is among the important aspects of teaching that contribute to the development of the students´ personality. The outcome of science education should, among other things, be the development of young people´s abilities to participate in discussions and make decisions on scientific issues based on relevant information that affects their lives. In the paper we gave a definition of argumentation in teaching of physics, according to which the pupils provide explanation or clarification some physical phenomenon, based on assumptions – known and valid facts, rules and laws of physics or based on facts and acquired information (for example by measuring) draws conclusions and provides proof for hypotheses. We also looked at criteria for evaluating students´ responses in terms of argumentation – scheme C(claim)+A(argument)+C(conclusion) and Toulmin´s scheme. As part of the research, we dealt with argumentation of students in solving physics problems in terms of the number of years of experience of their teachers. We found that students of more experienced teachers were not more successful in solving tasks focused on argumentation.
Analysis of atmospheric water locks and water lock solutions in tight sandstone gas reservoirs in the Ordos Basin
Authors: Zheng Sen , Wang Ruifei , Shou Qianru , Zhao Jia , Zhang Yixuan
Published: February 2025

The target layer of the tight sandstone gas reservoir in Area J of the Ordos Basin is the Lower Shihezi Formation, and the well depth is greater than 3,000 meters. The porosity of the reservoir ranges from 4% to 16%, and the permeability ranges from (0.1 to 3.0) × 10−3μm2. It is a low-porosity and low-permeability reservoir with developed micro-fractures, high clay mineral content, high bound water saturation, and high capillary forces under the dual medium of pores and micro-fractures. It is extremely vulnerable to water lock damage during development. Based on the geological characteristics of the study area, water-lock experiments using the saturating displacement method and the imbibition method, as well as water-lock release experiments using the reverse injection of nitrogen and the reverse injection of methanol were carried out to compare the degree of water-lock damage and the degree of water-lock recovery using different methods. The research found that the water-lock damage under the saturating displacement method was 67.15%, and the water-lock damage under the imbibition method was slightly higher at 69.63%, both of which showed significant water-lock damage. The reverse injection of nitrogen to relieve water locks has a high rate of permeability recovery; the reverse injection of methanol to relieve water locks has the second-highest rate of permeability recovery. The lower the permeability, the higher the water lock damage rate and the rate of permeability recovery. A deeper understanding of the water lock mechanism in tight sandstone gas reservoirs and the improvement of water lock evaluation and water lock relief methods are of great significance for the efficient development of tight sandstone gas reservoirs.
Epoxide modification for enhancing chemical and suspension stability of cerium oxide polishing abrasives
Authors: Gao Bo , Wu Shuming , Shen Hui , Li Simin , Zhang Fan
Published: February 2025

In order to address the significant challenges presented by ultra-precision machining technology, conventional cerium oxide (CeO2) polishing materials are incorporated into the polishing fluid as a means of resolving this issue. However, traditional CeO2 exhibits drawbacks such as low dispersion, susceptibility to aggregation, and limited suspension stability, all of which have a negative impact on the uniformity of the polishing process. A preparation method of CeO2 polishing fluid modified by epoxy carboxylic acid was presented. A series of modified epoxy-cerium oxide abrasives with different types and contents of surface ligands were obtained by surface modification of the precursor abrasives of CeO2 polishing powders using different kinds and proportions of epoxy-carboxylic acids. By adding stabilizer and pH regulator to prepare the polishing liquid, the chemical and physical properties of the modified epoxy-cerium oxide abrasive can be optimized, and its reactivity and removal rate in the chemical mechanical polishing process can be improved, thus effectively enhancing the polishing efficiency. By optimizing the reaction conditions, the sample with the best ratio is selected as 50CeO2-EPO2-@NH3. The modified CeO2 was tested by SEM and TEM, its XRD pattern was collected, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was performed. The results showed that the surface modification strategy was successfully realized. The surface functionalization strategy enhanced the suspension of CeO2 abrasive in an aqueous solution. Compared with the modified epoxy-cerium oxide polishing liquid before modification, the cutting ability and removal rate did not decrease significantly, and the modified epoxy-cerium oxide polishing liquid had stronger chemical stability and suspension in the solution. It is worth noting that the local structure and surface environment of the CeO2 surface are precisely regulated by the presence of surface epoxide carboxylic acid, which enhances the suspension property (T50) of modified CeO2 in water for up to two months. This study expands the scope of considerations for the development of cerium oxide polishing fluid.
Study on coagulation treatment and floc settling rate of alcohol and oil containing wastewater
Authors: Dong Yue , Wang Zhenyu , Zhang Le , Hu Haijie , Han Lei
Published: February 2025

Methanol, as a new type of energy, is becoming increasingly widely used in society. However, how to efficiently utilize and recover methanol has become a major challenge. In order to improve the methanol recovery efficiency of the methanol distillation tower, this paper applied the chemical oxidation coagulation method to pretreat the high alcohol and oil containing wastewater entering the methanol distillation tower. The results showed that the transmittance of the supernatant of the treated water could reach 97.76%, and the removal rates of suspended solids, oil, and iron were 99.71%, 98.62%, and 98.61%, respectively. This can meet the inlet water index of the methanol distillation tower in Yanchang Oilfield Gas Production Plant 2, indirectly improving the methanol recovery efficiency in the methanol distillation tower. By examining the settling velocity of flocs, it was found that the maximum settling velocity of flocs was 0.848mm/s when the methanol content was 40%. The settling velocity of flocs decreased with the increase of the ratio of condensate oil/suspended solids content. When the ratio of condensate oil/suspended solids content was greater than 5.88, flocs would float up and the optimal coagulation formula would no longer be applicable.
Tribus: Semi-automated discovery of cell identities and phenotypes from multiplexed imaging and proteomic data
Authors: Kang Ziqi , Szabo Angela , Farago Teodora , Perez-Villatoro Fernando , Junquera Ada , Saundarya Shah , Launonen Inga-Maria , Anttila Ella , Casado Julia , Elias Kevin , Virtanen Anni , Haltia Ulla-Maija , Färkkilä Anniina
Published: February 2025

Motivation

Multiplexed imaging and single-cell analysis are increasingly applied to investigate the tissue spatial ecosystems in cancer and other complex diseases. Accurate single-cell phenotyping based on marker combinations is a critical but challenging task due to (i) low reproducibility across experiments with manual thresholding, and, (ii) labor-intensive ground-truth expert annotation required for learning-based methods.

Results

We developed Tribus, an interactive knowledge-based classifier for multiplexed images and proteomic datasets that avoids hard-set thresholds and manual labeling. We demonstrated that Tribus recovers fine-grained cell types, matching the gold standard annotations by human experts. Additionally, Tribus can target ambiguous populations and discover phenotypically distinct cell subtypes. Through benchmarking against three similar methods in four public datasets with ground truth labels, we show that Tribus outperforms other methods in accuracy and computational efficiency, reducing runtime by an order of magnitude. Finally, we demonstrate the performance of Tribus in rapid and precise cell phenotyping with two large in-house whole-slide imaging datasets.

Availability

Tribus is available at https://github.com/farkkilab/tribus as an open-source Python package.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Disruption of oocyte SUMOylation impacts critical regulatory processes during folliculogenesis in mice
Authors: Liao Zian , Steenwinkel Tessa E , Moscoso Bruno , Salas Ernesto , Patton Bethany K , Rodriguez Amanda , Malovannaya Anna , Pangas Stephanie A
Published: February 2025

The conjugation of small ubiquitin-like modifiers (SUMO) to target proteins, known as SUMOylation, plays a crucial role in regulating protein homeostasis, activity, interaction with other proteins, and subcellular localization. Loss of SUMOylation in non-growing oocytes by conditional deletion of the E2 sumo conjugating enzyme, Ube2i, at the primordial follicle stage leads to female sterility due to complex changes in oocyte development, including altered folliculogenesis, defective meiotic progression, and premature loss of the ovarian reserve. In this study, proteomics was used to compare control and Ube2i conditional knockout ovaries during the first wave of folliculogenesis to identify key differences that may drive the premature follicle loss phenotype. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD055913. Label-free mass spectrometry results showed that 238 proteins were significantly altered more than 2-fold (P < 0.05). Proteins upregulated in the Ube2i conditional knockout ovaries included those involved in mRNA splicing and WNT signaling, while those downregulated were related to metabolism, mitochondria, and the maternal effect proteins NLRP2 and NLRP9B. The majority of differentially expressed proteins showed no change by transcriptome analysis, indicating protein level regulation and revealing potential SUMOylation targets with necessary roles in oocyte and follicle development.
High-dimensional Factor Analysis for Network-linked data
Authors: Li Jinming , Xu Gongjun , Zhu Ji
Published: February 2025

Factor analysis is a widely used statistical tool in many scientific disciplines, such as psychology, economics, and sociology. As observations linked by networks become increasingly common, incorporating network structures into factor analysis remains an open problem. In this paper, we focus on high-dimensional factor analysis involving network-connected observations, and propose a generalized factor model with latent factors that account for both the network structure and the dependence structure among high-dimensional variables. These latent factors can be shared by the high-dimensional variables and the network, or exclusively applied to either of them. We develop a computationally efficient estimation procedure and establish asymptotic inferential theories. Notably, we show that by borrowing information from the network, the proposed estimator of the factor loading matrix achieves optimal asymptotic variance under much milder identifiability constraints than existing literature. Furthermore, we develop a hypothesis testing procedure to tackle the challenge of discerning the shared and individual latent factors’ structure. The finite sample performance of the proposed method is demonstrated through simulation studies and a real-world dataset involving a statistician co-authorship network.
Minimally invasive resection is associated with decreased occurrence of early delayed gastric conduit emptying after Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy
Authors: Rompen Ingmar F , Yilmazcelik Batuhan , Crnovrsanin Nerma , Schiefer Sabine , Jorek Nicolas , Kantowski Marcus , Al-Saeedi Mohammed , Michalski Christoph W , Sisic Leila , Schmidt Thomas , Müller-Stich Beat P , Nienhüser Henrik
Published: February 2025

Early delayed gastric conduit emptying (DGCE) is a frequent complication after Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy (ILE). Despite its relevance, few studies are published using the international consensus criteria. Therefore, we aimed to assess predictors and clinical consequences of DGCE in patients after ILE. This analysis represents a retrospective, single-center cohort study of patients who underwent ILE (2016–2021). DGCE was assessed by the international consensus criteria. Univariable and a multivariable penalized LASSO logistic regression model was applied to identify predictors of DGCE, whereas postoperative outcomes were assessed by group comparisons. The incidence of early DGCE was 15.6% (46/294 included patients). Of all tested preoperatively known and treatment related factors, only minimally invasive surgery was associated with lower odds for the occurrence of DGCE (OR 0.33, 95%CI:0.12–0.77, P = 0.017) when compared to open surgery. When DGCE occurred, the impact on major postoperative morbidity was limited (DGCE 39.1% vs. non-DGCE 33.1%, P = 0.425), especially there were no differences in starting adjuvant treatment (DGCE 50% vs. non-DGCE 46%; P = 0.615) or overall survival (Log-Rank P = 0.995). The results of this study suggest that the impact of DGCE might have been overestimated in the past. The only factor found to be significantly associated with decreased DGCE was minimally invasive surgery. Therefore, individual patient selection for preventive interventions is difficult and routine preventive interventions only seem justified when they can be performed with low adverse outcomes and at low cost. Higher evidence from randomized controlled trials is needed to assess the optimal strategy to prevent and treat DGCE.
Added predictive value of childhood physical fitness to traditional risk factors for adult cardiovascular disease
Authors: Fraser Brooklyn J , Blizzard Leigh , Tomkinson Grant R , Dwyer Terence , Venn Alison J , Magnussen Costan G
Published: February 2025

Aim

Childhood physical fitness is a predictor of cardiovascular (CV) health but is underutilised in health surveillance. This study determined the predictive utility of child physical fitness levels on obesity, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, and the metabolic syndrome (MetS) in adulthood over traditional CV risk factors in childhood.

Methods

A longitudinal cohort study of Childhood Determinants of Adult Health Study participants who had their fitness (cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF): 1.6 km run/walk, physical work capacity at 170 beats per minute; muscular fitness: dominant handgrip strength, standing long jump) measured as children and their CV health assessed as children and adults (mean follow-up=27 years). Participants had their body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, blood pressure, fasting blood sample (lipids, glucose), and smoking status assessed as children in 1985 and in early adulthood (2004-06, 26-36 years) and/or middle adulthood (2014-19, 36-49 years) where obesity, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, and MetS were defined. Logistic regression was used to model associations (N range=578-5049).

Results

Additionally considering childhood CRF or muscular fitness improved the ability to discriminate and fit models to predict adult obesity, low HDL-C and MetS when added to demographics (age, sex) and the corresponding measure in childhood (BMI, HDL-C, CV risk score), as reflected by increments in area under the curve (Δrange=0.003-0.022), net reclassification index (range=0.026-0.149), integrated discrimination index (range=0.003-0.027), reductions in deviance and Brier scores, and statistically significant likelihood ratio tests.

Conclusion

CRF and muscular fitness are independent health indicators that could complement other risk factors in childhood to identify individuals at increased long-term CV risk.
‘Diagnose & Adios’: Multi-Perspective Insights on Formal Service Use in Dementia Family Caregivers
Authors: Falzarano Francesca , Greenfield Annabelle , Osso Francesco , Bumbalova Katerina , Bloom Rachel F
Published: February 2025

Background and Objectives

Dementia family caregiving is a complex role that becomes increasingly intense and demanding over time. The utilization of home and community-based services (HCBS) can provide knowledge and skills to foster preparedness, which may protect against adverse caregiving outcomes; yet actual uptake of services remains low. The current study aims to gather multi-perspective insights underlying the disconnect between caregivers' need for - versus utilization of - HCBS using Pearlin et al.’s (1990) stress process model as a guiding theoretical framework.

Research Design and Methods

Five focus groups of 4-8 participants each were conducted with dementia family caregivers (n=13) and Subject Matter Experts (n=17). A deductive-inductive thematic approach was used for data analysis.

Results

Three overarching concepts were identified: “Pathways to Preparedness'', “Multi-Level Barriers”, and “Bridging the Gap.” Findings reflected caregivers’ need for support in four core areas: 1) Dementia-specific education/training; 2) Competent mental health support; 3) Financial/legal navigation, and 4) Emergency readiness. Results revealed cross-dimensional barriers across individual-, provider-, and systemic-contexts impeding HCBS access and utilization. Personalized caregiving navigation and technology were deemed potential solutions to facilitate clearer clinical pathways between unmet needs and relevant services.

Discussion and Implications

Results underscore the complexity of the HCBS system in the United States and highlight the multidimensional barriers disrupting the pipeline connecting caregivers to HCBS. Findings can inform web-based behavioral interventions aiming to enhance family caregivers’ knowledge of, access to, and utilization of formal services in community settings.
Single-Cell Transcriptomic Profile of Innate Cell Populations in Mesenteric Lymph Nodes of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients
Authors: Wils Pauline , Habibi Kavashkohie Mohammad Reza , Sélos Guerra Fabiana , Landais Séverine , Rubio Manuel , Mehta Heena , Sarfati Marika , Chapuy Laurence
Published: February 2025

Background and Aims

Innate immune cells, including dendritic cells (DCs), monocytes (Mono), macrophages (Mac), natural killer (NK), and innate lymphoid cells (ILC), contribute to chronic inflammation in lymphoid tissues. Here, we characterized the innate immune cell landscape in inflamed mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) of patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) at the single-cell level.

Methods

Surgically resected colonic MLNs were obtained from patients with Crohn’s disease (CD; n = 3), ulcerative colitis (UC; n = 3), non-inflamed UC (n = 1), and non-IBD (n = 2). CD45+CD3−CD19− non-T/non-B cells were FACS-sorted to capture rare innate immune cells. Cellular Indexing of Transcriptomes and Epitopes by Sequencing (CITE-seq) was performed on the BD Rhapsody platform alongside multiparameter flow cytometry staining.

Results

CITE-seq analysis unveiled the molecular signature of 11 Mono/Mac/DC (MMDC) and 7 NK/ILC enriched clusters in human MLNs. DC clusters included 3 newly characterized DC clusters such as CD1c/CD163/VCAN/CD64-expressing DC3; AXL-expressing DCs; and a CD103+ DC subset, expressing LTB, S100B, and IL22RA2 (encoding IL22BP). Mono/Mac clusters comprised inflammatory monocytes, which accumulated in IBD compared to non-IBD MLNs. Among NK/ILC clusters, we identified a cytotoxic ILC subset (IL7R, KLRD1, GNLY), previously not reported in MLNs, reminiscent of cytotoxic ILC1-like cells found in inflamed gut mucosa.

Conclusion

CITE-seq and flow-cytometry analyses of colonic MLNs from patients with active IBD reveal the molecular signature and cell distribution of previously uncharacterized DC and ILC subpopulations in human MLNs. These findings expand our understanding of immune responses during chronic inflammation in IBD.
Serum IgG1 and IgG3 antibody responses to Chlamydia trachomatis Pgp3 and Hsp60 in tubal factor infertility
Authors: Holster Tiina , Joki-Korpela Päivi , Yu Hong , Brunham Robert C , Tiitinen Aila , Paavonen Jorma , Puolakkainen Mirja
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Our goal was to investigate IgG1 and IgG3 antibody responses to Chlamydia trachomatis proteins Pgp3 and Hsp60 in women with tubal factor infertility (TFI). Our goal was to determine the role of these biomarkers in the diagnosis of C. trachomatis-associated TFI, and assess their sensitivity and specificity for detecting tubal pathology.

Methods

Serum samples were collected from 258 subfertile women, and 34 women positive for C. trachomatis by nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT). IgG1 and IgG3 antibodies to Pgp3 and Hsp60 were measured using enzyme immune assays (EIA).

Results

Pgp3 IgG1 antibodies were detected in 68.2% of TFI cases and 31.8% of controls (non-TFI), while Hsp60 IgG1 antibodies were found in 36.4% of TFI cases. Pgp3 IgG1 had the highest sensitivity for TFI (68.2%, 95% CI [45.1–86.1]), while Hsp60 IgG3 was the most specific (93.6%, 95% CI [89.7–96.4]). Antibody levels increased with tubal damage severity. Among the 34 NAAT-positive women, 78.8% were positive for Pgp3 IgG1.

Conclusions

Pgp3 IgG1 antibody was a sensitive marker for detecting C. trachomatis-related TFI, while Hsp60 IgG3 antibody was highly specific. These findings suggest that Pgp3 and Hsp60 antibodies and antibody subclass testing may be useful diagnostic tools for assessing TFI.
Automated surrogate-assisted particle swarm optimizer with an adaptive parental guidance strategy for expensive engineering optimization problems
Authors: Dai Rui , Jie Jing , Wang Zheng , Zheng Hui , Wang Wanliang
Published: February 2025

Surrogate-assisted evolutionary algorithms (SAEAs) have emerged as powerful tools for addressing complex engineering optimization problems, but their implementation often involves extensive manual intervention. To reduce the subjectivity of human design and lower computational costs, this paper proposes a generalized framework of automated surrogate-assisted optimization inspired by ensemble learning. Within this framework, we develop the AutoSAPSO algorithm, which integrates model and algorithm adaptation at the control layer. The algorithm employs an adaptive parental guidance strategy (APGS) to dynamically adjust optimizer selection based on population diversity and convergence trends, an automated parameter control strategy (APCS) to fine-tune key algorithm parameters during optimization, and an ensemble model dynamic selection (EMDS) strategy to enhance surrogate model accuracy by leveraging problem-specific characteristics. Additionally, an interactive cooperative optimization strategy (ICOS) is introduced to improve generalization ability and prediction accuracy by enabling dynamic interactions between the metamodel and objective function. The performance of AutoSAPSO is evaluated using 20 benchmark functions and verified with three real-world engineering optimization problems. Results demonstrate that AutoSAPSO significantly outperforms state-of-the-art approaches regarding convergence accuracy and robustness, confirming its potential as a general-purpose optimization tool for expensive engineering optimization problems.
Phototherapeutic keratectomy for calcific band keratopathy secondary to multiple myeloma
Authors: Tardão Gonçalo , Moraes Filipe , Barros Sandra R , Cardoso Ana , Campos Nuno
Published: February 2025

To report a case of calcific band keratopathy (CBK) secondary to multiple myeloma (MM) successfully treated with phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK). An 80-year-old woman presented with progressive vision loss in her left eye with a best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 4/10 in the left eye (OS). Slit-lamp examination revealed a central band-like corneal opacification indicative of CBK. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) showed a subepithelial hyper reflective layer. Further evaluation confirmed an indolent IgAk MM, with no indication for systemic therapy. PTK was performed using the Technolas® TENEO™ 317 M2 excimer laser, resulting in corneal surface regularization and BCVA improvement. At 1-year follow-up, the patient was asymptomatic, had a clear cornea, normal topography, and a BCVA of 10/10. CBK can be associated with systemic conditions. PTK is an effective and safe procedure for managing CBK, and can provide complete visual rehabilitation.
A large colonic polyp: an atypical presentation of follicular lymphoma
Authors: Rezkalla Abraam , Rajab Islam , Orhun Nagihan , Musallam Alaa , Villegas Katrina , Nouri Ahmad
Published: February 2025

Follicular lymphoma of the gastrointestinal tract is a rare entity accounting for <7% of all non-Hodgkin lymphomas and is more common in the small intestine, whereas colorectal manifestations account for only 1%–2% of the cases. Most patients have limited disease with promising overall survival in comparison to nodal lymphoma although the morphologic, immunophenotypic, and genetic aspects of nodal follicular lymphomas remain the same. Despite the lack of randomized clinical trials, chemotherapy is frequently used to treat NCCN grade III and IV colonic follicular lymphomas with favorable prognosis. We hereby present a case of follicular lymphoma of the colon that was treated conservatively with a successful outcome.
COVID-19 infection and the progression of kidney disease in British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Atiquzzaman Mohammad , Er Lee , Djurdjev Ognjenka , Zheng Yuyan , Wong Michelle M Y , Birks Peter C , Bevilacqua Micheli U , Yau Kevin , Hladunewich Michelle A , Oliver Matthew J , Levin Adeera
Published: February 2025

Background

We investigated the long-term effect of COVID-19 on eGFR trajectory and the association with progression to kidney failure in patients with CKD.

Methods

Patients living with non-dialysis dependent CKD from British Columbia, Canada infected with COVID-19 (cases) were matched 1:2 to non-COVID-19 infected controls on variables including pre-COVID-19 annual rate of eGFR decline. Patients were followed from 90 days from the date of COVID-19 diagnosis. The Cox proportional hazards model was used for the primary outcome of kidney failure defined as a composite of eGFR reaching <15 ml/min/1.73m2, initiation of maintenance dialysis, or kidney transplantation. A linear mixed regression model was used to calculate the annual rate of change in eGFR.

Results

The study included 802 patients, 268 cases and 534 controls. Median age was 70 years and 54% were male. Over ∼3 years of follow up, the risk of developing kidney failure did not differ significantly between cases and controls. The annual rate of eGFR decline was -2.05 ml/min/1.73m2 among cases versus -1.35 ml/min/1.73m2 among controls representing a rate difference of 0.71 ml/min/1.73m2 (p-value= 0.02).

Conclusion

In patients with non-dialysis dependent CKD who survived at least 90 days without requiring dialysis, COVID-19 was not associated with an increased long-term risk of kidney failure over three years, but was associated with a greater annual decline in eGFR. Future research with longer follow-up is required to examine if this difference persists and leads to increased risk for kidney failure.
Boosting the Li-O2 pouch cell beyond 860 Wh kg−1 by an O2-enriched localized high-concentration electrolyte
Authors: Wen Zhang , Liu Yiwen , Li Kaiwen , Yang Sixie , Zhou Haoshen , He Ping
Published: February 2025

Lithium-oxygen batteries (LOBs) are considered to be the next generation of high specific energy storage devices. To improve the practical specific energy, LOBs typically require thick cathode electrodes to achieve higher areal capacity. However, due to the inefficient O2 diffusion within the electrolyte-flooded thick cathodes, the practical discharge capacity of LOBs is significantly lower than their ultra-high theoretical value. Herein, we propose a strategy to solve the problem of limited O2 diffusion in thick cathodes of LOBs by applying an O2-enriched localized high-concentration electrolyte (LHCE). With a thick cathode (10 mg cm−2), LOBs based on this O2-enriched LHCE deliver impressive discharge capacities of 50.4 mAh cm−2, 27.1 mAh cm−2 and 20.3 mAh cm−2 at current densities of 0.1 mA cm−2, 0.3 mA cm−2 and 0.5 mA cm−2, respectively. The discharge product Li2O2 is homogeneously distributed within the thick cathode due to the enhanced O2 diffusion conferred by the O2-enriched LHCE, indicating that the products storage space of the thick cathode is more efficiently utilized. Besides, the O2-enriched LHCE-based LOBs derive a stable SEI to protect the Li anode from O2 corrosion. Additionally, a pioneering primary Li-O2 pouch cell with the O2-enriched LHCE achieves an exceptional specific energy of 860.6 Wh kg−1 (based on the total pouch cell weight), providing a promising technical pathway for the practical application of LOBs.
Spin regulated Fe-N-C catalyst enabled by adjusting coordination nitrogen species for robust oxygen reduction
Authors: Wang Ning , Meng Chao , Wang Bin , Tan Xiaojie , Wan Yi , Yang Yang , Kong Deyu , Wang Wanli , Cao Fengliang , Fielding Alistair J , Li Lina , Wu Mingbo , Hu Han
Published: February 2025

The Fe-N-C catalysts emerge as a promising substitute for the expensive Pt/C to boost the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). However, the conventional Fe-N4 active sites, which generally feature a low-spin configuration, strongly adsorb oxygen intermediates and necessitate structural optimization of the active sites for improved performance. Herein, graphitic nitrogen (NGC) adjacent to the Fe-N4 centers is straightforwardly introduced to modulate the spin state of Fe-N-C catalysts after elucidating the influence of nitrogen species on the Fe-N4 sites. Theoretical calculations demonstrate that the adjacent NGC can effectively regulate the spin state of the active Fe sites, which enables the electron filling from Fe to anti-bonding π* orbital of oxygen species and optimizes the *OH desorption for accelerated ORR. Based on this inspiration, such catalysts are cost-effectively prepared by a rational combination of electrospinning and controlled thermal annealing using inexpensive precursors. The optimal catalyst shows superior ORR activity to the benchmark Pt/C, and excellent durability with a minor voltage decay of 11 mV after 10,000 cycles, where the spin-state promoted performance-enhancement is confirmed by a series of in-situ characterizations. The remarkable performance of the optimized catalyst is further confirmed in Zn-air batteries (ZABs) with a peak power density of 225 mW cm−2. Moreover, quasi-solid ZABs using this catalyst realize excellent performance even under bending conditions and successfully power electronic devices, including a mobile phone and an electronic watch. This work correlates the spin state of catalysts and oxygen reduction performance, providing an alternative strategy for regulating the performance of electrocatalysts as well as promoting their application for wearable electronics.
How pore formation in complex biological membranes is governed by lipid composition, mechanics, and lateral sorting
Authors: Starke Leonhard J , Allolio Christoph , Hub Jochen S
Published: February 2025

The primary function of biological membranes is to enable compartmentalization among cells and organelles. Loss of integrity by the formation of membrane pores would trigger uncontrolled depolarization or influx of toxic compounds, posing a fatal threat to living cells. How the lipid complexity of biological membranes enables mechanical stability against pore formation while, simultaneously, allowing for ongoing membrane remodeling is largely enigmatic. We performed molecular dynamics simulations of eight complex lipid membranes including the plasma membrane and membranes of the organelles ER, Golgi, lysosome, and mitochondrion. To quantify the mechanical stability of these membranes, we computed the free energy of transmembrane pore nucleation as well as the line tension of the rim of open pores. Our simulations reveal that complex biological membranes are remarkably stable, however, with the plasma membrane standing out as exceptionally stable, which aligns with its crucial role as a protective layer. We observe that sterol content is a key regulator for biomembrane stability, and that lateral sorting among lipid mixtures influences the energetics of membrane pores. A comparison of 25 model membranes with varying sterol content, tail length, tail saturation, and head group type shows that the pore nucleation free energy is mostly associated with the lipid tilt modulus, whereas the line tension along the pore rim is determined by the lipid intrinsic curvature. Together, our study provides an atomistic and energetic view on the role of lipid complexity in biomembrane stability.
Natural radionuclides baseline in soil at unconventional oil fields in Mexico
Authors: Hernandez-Mendez Beatriz , Carranza Arturo Angeles , Suarez-Contreras Sergio , Quintero Ponce Esperanza , Robles Mario Barcenas , Sanchez Meza Juan Carlos , Gutierrez Segura Edith Erielia , Balcazar Miguel
Published: February 2025

Activity concentration of 238 U and 232Th and their decay products are assessed in soil at three hydrocarbon zones to determine the baseline before further fracking studies. The range of activity concentration for the three zones was 238U (from 9.2 ± 0.5 to 115.8 ± 7.5) Bq kg−1, 228Ra (from 8.3 ± 2.0 to 50.0 ± 4.4) Bq kg−1 and 226Ra (from 24.1 ± 2.3 to 86.8 ± 4.7) Bq kg−1; which are comparable to the global average values reported by UNSCEAR in soil. Similar activity-concentration patterns for 238U decay series and 232Th decay series for the three zones indicate no previous industrial action. This baseline is useful to assess a possible enrichment of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials if industrial activities take place in the future.