bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantum cloning transformation unlocks the potential of W class of states in a controlled quantum secure direct communication protocol
Authors: Jain Rashi , Adhikari Satyabrata
Published: February 2025

In a controlled quantum secure direct communication (Controlled QSDC) protocol between three parties, the sender sends the encoded secured message to one of the two receivers, which can be decoded only when the other receiver agrees to cooperate. A lot of studies have been done on it using the three-qubit GHZ state, and only a few works have involved the W state. In this work, we introduce a controlled QSDC protocol exploiting a three-qubit W class of state shared between three parties, Alice (Sender), Bob (Controller), and Charlie (Receiver). In the proposed protocol, the shared state parameters and the secret are linked in such a way that it is very difficult to factor them. We will show that these parameters can be factored out easily if the receiver uses a quantum cloning machine (QCM) and thus can retrieve the secret. We find that the protocol is probabilistic and have calculated the probability of success of the protocol. Further, we establish the relation between the success probability and the efficiency of the QCM. In general, we find that the efficiency of the constructed QCM is greater than or equal to

1

3

, but we have shown that its efficiency can be enhanced when the parameters of the shared state are used as the parameters of the QCM. Moreover, we derived the linkage between the probability of success and the amount of entanglement in the shared W class of state. We analyzed the obtained result and found that even a less entangled W class of state can also play a vital role in the proposed controlled QSDC scheme.
TSC:Efficient FRB Signal Search by a Two-Stage Cascade Deep Learning Model on FAST
Authors: yan ronghuan , Li Junlin , Tian Weixin , Mkwanda Nyasha Mariam
Published: February 2025

Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs) have emerged as one of the most intriguing and enigmatic phenomena in the feld of radio astronomy.The key of current related research is to obtain enough FRB signals. Computer-aided search is necessary for that task. Considering the scarcity of FRB signals and massive observation data, the main challenge is about searching speed, accuracy and recall.in this paper,we propose a new FRB search method based on Commensal Radio Astronomy FAST Survey(CRAFTS) data.The CRAFTS drift survey data provides extensive sky coverage and high sensitivity, which significantly enhances the probability of detecting transient signals like FRBs. The search process is separated into two stages on the knowledge of the FRB signal with the structural isomorphism, while different deep leaning model is adopted in each stage. To evaluate the proposed method, FRB signal datasets based on FAST observation data are developed combining simulation FRB signals and real FRB signals. Compared with the benchmark method, the proposed method F-score achieved 0.951, Recall achieved 0.936. The method has been applied to search FRB signals on raw FAST data.The code and datasets used in the paper are available at github.com/aoxipo
Potential of wastewater reuse to alleviate water scarcity under future warming scenarios
Authors: Kahn Myla , Sangiorgio Matteo , Rosa Lorenzo
Published: February 2025

Water scarcity is a critical issue, expected to worsen with global warming. Tackling water scarcity requires strategies to both decrease water consumption and enhance water availability. One promising solution to mitigate water scarcity is wastewater reuse, which involves collecting, treating, and repurposing used water. By employing a water balance model in conjunction with climate model outputs, we quantified the potential of wastewater reuse to reduce water gaps—situations where water consumption exceeds renewable water availability—under a baseline climate and two warming scenarios. We find that wastewater reuse could reduce the global water gap by 9.1% (from 457.9 to 416.1 km3 per year) under a baseline climate and by 8.3% in a 3 °C warming scenario (from 524.6 to 480.9 km3 per year). Our analysis highlights the potential for wastewater reuse to alleviate water gaps in water scarce countries and metropolitan areas. India, facing the world’s largest water gap, could reduce its baseline water gap by 6.6% (8.2 km3 per year) reusing all available wastewater, compared to a 1.2% (1.5 km3 per year) reduction with reuse of only currently treated wastewater. Specifically, in Delhi, India, the water gap could be reduced by 29.6% with full wastewater reuse and by 16.6% with the reuse of currently treated wastewater. As the global water gap widens with climate change, wastewater reuse is a promising solution to assure sustainable water access. Drawing attention to global disparities in access to wastewater treatment, our findings can guide targeted investments in wastewater treatment and reuse, aiming to alleviate water scarcity, reduce pollution from untreated wastewater, and support circular economies, ultimately ensuring sustainable access to water and sanitation.
Effect of multi-walled carbon nanotubes on the properties of composite bipolar plate for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells
Authors: Mathew Cijo , Boby Arun , Varghese P Rini , Mohamed Samsudeen Naina , Singaravelu D Lenin
Published: February 2025

Polymer Composite Bipolar Plates (PCBP) with carbon fillers are emerging as a lightweight and compact alternative to pure graphite bipolar plate for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFC). PCBP can reduce the weight and volume occupied by PEMFC assembly, enhancing the payload capacity of hydrogen-powered electric vehicles. This study focuses on the development of PCBP using Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube (MWCNT) as tertiary filler, Carbon Black (CB) as secondary filler, Natural Flake Graphite (NFG) as primary filler and bisphenol A Epoxy resin (EPR) as binder. The fabrication is done by compression molding. The study aims to examine the effect of filler concentration of MWCNT on the mechanical, electrical, morphological, chemical and thermal properties of the PCBP. The optimized PCBP with 3.0 vol% MWCNT achieved a flexural strength of 46 MPa, in-plane electrical conductivity of 182 S cm−1 and a corrosion current density of 0.221 μA cm−2, satisfying 2025 US Department of Energy targets. Additionally, it demonstrated a bulk density of 1.46 g cm−3, shore D hardness of 70, thermal conductivity of 5.45 W mK−1 and a water contact angle of 86.78°, which are desirable values for PEMFC application. These results underline the potential of hybrid nanocomposite PCBPs to enhance the desired properties of PEMFC systems, paving the way for advancements in hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
Shape formation of swarm robots based on parallel strategy
Authors: Jia Yongnan , Zhao Jiali , Guo Yu
Published: February 2025

The shape formation problem has attracted significant attention due to its broad applicability in various fields such as robotics, biology, and distributed computing. The problem involves the coordination of multiple agents, such as robots, drones, or biological cells, to form a predefined geometric shape based on distributed algorithms and local communication mechanisms. Efficiently achieving the desired formation, despite variations in the number of agents, is critical for real-world applications. In response, this paper proposes a parallel strategy characterized by scalability, robustness, and adaptivity to enhance the execution efficiency of shape formation tasks. The proposed approach begins by dividing the target shape along a central axis into left and right sections. A gradient generation rule is then introduced to determine the movement order and direction for each agent. Robots located at the edge of the left or right sections initiate movement based on edge-following and positioning rules when their gradient value exceeds that of neighboring agents. These robots continue to move until they reach their target positions. The method is resilient to failures, even if some robots fail, the shape formation task can still be completed provided that there is sufficient redundancy in the robot population. An out-of-bounds monitoring mechanism is also implemented to automatically withdraw excess robots. A simulation platform with a user-friendly human-computer interaction interface is developed to test the proposed method on various shape formation tasks, including square, pentagram, and hexagram formations, with group sizes of 119, 439, and 1019 robots, respectively. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed method achieves approximately 3.5 times the execution efficiency of traditional single-sided shape formation methods and is effective for different group sizes. Additionally, two fault tolerance experiments are conducted, simulating robot failures both inside and outside the shape, to further validate the robustness of the method.
Energy efficiency in wireless sensor networks: comparing traditional and advanced clustering protocols
Authors: Kaur Shinder , Kour Satveer , Singh Manjit
Published: February 2025

Wireless networks have experienced tremendous growth, particularly in the telecommunications sector, with various technologies such as cellular networks, Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN), Bluetooth, Mobile Ad-hoc NETworks (MANETs), Ultra-WideBand (UWB), and Wi-Max. Multi-hop wireless networks, composed of diverse devices like wireless transceivers, provide advanced storage, forwarding capabilities, and efficient media access techniques. Among these, Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) have gained significant attention due to their versatility and applications in military, environmental monitoring, and smart infrastructure. The increasing use of WSNs in energy-constrained environments has necessitated the development of energy-efficient protocols to extend network lifetime and improve overall performance. This study conducts a comprehensive simulation-based evaluation of various energy-efficient clustering protocols for WSNs, focusing on Low-Energy Adaptive Clustering Hierarchy (LEACH), Improved-LEACH (I-LEACH), Hybrid Energy-Efficient Distributed Clustering (HEED), Power-Efficient GAthering in Sensor Information Systems (PEGASIS), Energy-Efficient Cluster Head (EECH), Flower Pollination Algorithm (FPA), and Termite Colony Optimization (TCO). Key performance metrics such as Total Energy Consumption (TEC), Packet Delivery Ratio (PDR), Throughput, Packet Loss, Cumulative Energy Consumption (CEC), and Residual Energy (RE) were analyzed to identify protocol-specific strengths and weaknesses. The simulation results reveal significant differences in protocol performance, with FPA demonstrating superior energy efficiency and network reliability, achieving improvements of up to 30% in TEC, 35% in throughput, 7% in PDR, 12% in packet loss, 20% in CEC, and 25% in RE compared to other protocols. These findings provide valuable insights into the trade-offs associated with clustering protocols, aiding in the selection of the most suitable methodology for specific WSN applications. The research work advances the understanding of clustering protocols by presenting a data-driven comparative analysis that evaluates their fitness for energy-constrained scenarios. The study contributes to optimizing protocol selection for enhanced network lifetime and performance, paving the way for more efficient WSN deployments.
Medical image segmentation assisted with clinical inputs via language encoder in a deep learning framework
Authors: Zhao Hengrui , Wang Biling , Mistry Deepkumar , Wang Jing , Dohopolski Michael , Yang Daniel , Lu Weiguo , Jiang Steve , Nguyen Dan
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Auto-segmentation of tumor volumes and organs at risk (OARs) is a critical step in cancer radiotherapy treatment planning, where rapid, precise adjustments to treatment plans are required to match the patient anatomy. Although auto-segmentation has been clinically accepted for most OARs, auto-segmentation of tumor volumes, particularly clinical target volumes (CTVs), remains a challenge. This difficulty arises because images alone are often insufficient to capture the necessary information for accurate delineation of microscopic tumor invasion invisible on the image itself. Methods: We propose a deep learning-based medical image segmentation framework designed to mimic the clinical process of delineating CTVs and OARs. At its core, the model performs precise segmentation of medical images while enhancing accuracy by integrating clinical information in text format. A transformer-based text encoder converts textual clinical data into vectors, which are incorporated into the segmentation process with image features. This integration bridges the gap between traditional automated segmentation methods and clinician-guided, context-rich delineations. The framework’s effectiveness is demonstrated through a prostate segmentation example in the context of radiation therapy for localized prostate cancer, where incorporating clinical context significantly impacts the delineation process. Results: In our experiments, we included additional clinical information potentially influencing clinicians’ prostate segmentation. The results show that our proposed method not only outperforms the baseline model, but also surpasses current state-of-the-art methods, with or without clinical contexts. Furthermore, our method demonstrates high performance even with limited data. Conclusion: This proposed segmentation framework has shown to significantly improve auto-segmentation, particularly for CTVs, in cancer radiotherapy.
The Puma and the Jaguar
Authors: I. Córdova Hidalgo Amalia
Published: February 2025

This chapter offers an analysis of seminal works by influential Indigenous directors and media projects working in diverse regions of Latin America and with distinctly different approaches. With examples from Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, and Mexico, the chapter covers a range of genres, such as documentary advocacy videos, narrative films, and experimental, hybrid formats that incorporate archival and historical footage, that are also in Indigenous languages. Sections of the chapter are devoted to specific works and directors, including Alberto Muenala (Kichwa), Jeanette Paillán (Mapuche), Eriberto Gualinga (Kichwa), Dante Cerano (Purépecha), and Divino Tserewahú (Xavante), who have had a great impact on the field.
Studying Negotiating Strategies
Authors: Das Abhijit
Published: February 2025

The introductory chapter provides the rationale for studying negotiating strategies, particularly in the context of multilateral trade negotiations at the GATT/WTO. It provides a bird’s-eye view of existing literature on negotiating strategies at GATT/WTO—the platform for negotiating the framework of rules for the conduct of international trade among countries. It briefly discusses the role of state strength in determining negotiating outcomes. Turning to domestic determinant of negotiating outcomes, it focuses attention on resolving multiplicity of conflicting interests among stakeholders and how interactions at the domestic level affect negotiating flexibility. The chapter concludes by providing an overview of each of the subsequent nine chapters of the book.
Negotiation
Authors: Das Abhijit
Published: February 2025

This chapter discusses various theoretical constructs that are relevant for understanding multilateral trade negotiations and gleaning insights about strategies deployed by parties to push their economic interests. These include definition, categories, and stages of negotiations. In addition, it describes certain typical behaviour patterns that a negotiator is likely to encounter at the different stages of a negotiation. Some of the concepts and elements of negotiations discussed in the chapter include the following: agenda setting, role of chair in negotiations involving a large number of countries, getting recalcitrant parties onto the negotiating table, opening gambit, distributive strategies, integrative strategies, issue linkage, strategic hold-outs, ratification, and securing negotiated outcomes. Finally, it provides details of some of these concepts and elements from the perspective of multilateral trade negotiations at the GATT and the WTO.
Introduction
Authors: Myers Matt
Published: February 2025

The introduction outlines how the left revaluated its prospects during the 1970s. It analyses the radical change in the structural, political, and ideological contexts in which it was thinking in order to explain a shared conviction that the working class was no longer the subject of history. It argues that alternative accounts of working-class obsolescence rarely analyse what actually happened in the 1970s and that Europe in this decade saw the paradox of rising workers’ power, opportunities for hope in class politics, and the sudden faltering of confidence in the left’s capacities. It presents the complex fortunes of the working class and the left from the end of the 1960s to the late 1980s. It justifies an ambitious comparison of the three cases of Italy, France, and Britain on the basis that these advanced industrial economies provided a common strategic context.
Fordism Restructured
Authors: Myers Matt
Published: February 2025

This chapter discusses how the restructuring of mass-production industry after the mid-twentieth century is an insufficient explanation of the decline in the fortunes of the European left. The emphasis on the inevitability of longer-term changes to the structure of production risks deflecting attention from the short-term relation between party and class. The crisis of confidence in labour during the 1970s can be traced to the belief that the left could either participate in a process of restructuring to restore industry to profitability and consolidate their image as parties of government, or it could resist the technical, spatial, and financial re-organisation of production at the cost of undermining workers’ control, raising tensions with the trade unions, and encouraging apathy on the factory floor. The sense of impasse emerged alongside the sudden realisation that the workers’ parties in Britain, France, and Italy could not simultaneously participate in the ‘modernisation’ of their economies without also undermining the power of their supporters.
Previous reproductive success informs nest-building decisions
Authors: Alexander Evelyn J , Edwards Sophie C , Chapman Elisabeth G , Healy Susan D
Published: February 2025

Behavioral outcomes, including foraging efficiency and reproductive success, often improve with age and with repeated breeding attempts. Here we examined the role of previous experience on the nest-building behavior of wild blue tits Cyanistes caeruleus. In particular, we focused on how previous success or failure in rearing nestlings shapes nest-building decisions in subsequent years. We found that previous breeding outcome is important for predicting nest building decisions in blue tits: birds that had previously raised fledglings added insulating material at a similar rate as they had when they built their first nest. Some birds that had been previously unsuccessful changed their rate of adding insulating material and then were more likely to produce fledglings. These responses indicate that at least some of the decisions made by wild nest-building birds are based on their own experience of past breeding seasons.
Parkinson's disease mutant Miro1 causes mitochondrial dysfunction and dopaminergic neuron loss
Authors: Chemla Axel , Arena Giuseppe , Sacripanti Ginevra , Barmpa Kyriaki , Zagare Alise , Garcia Pierre , Gorgogietas Vyron , Antony Paul , Ohnmacht Jochen , Baron Alexandre , Jung Jaqueline , Lind-Holm Mogensen Frida , Michelucci Alessandro , Marzesco Anne-Marie , Buttini Manuel , Schmidt Thorsten , Grünewald Anne , Schwamborn Jens C , Krüger Rejko , Saraiva Cláudia
Published: February 2025

The complex and heterogeneous nature of Parkinson’s disease (PD) is still not fully understood, however, increasing evidence supports mitochondrial impairment as a major driver of neurodegeneration. Miro1, a mitochondrial GTPase encoded by the RHOT1 gene, is involved in mitochondrial transport, mitophagy and mitochondrial calcium buffering, and is therefore essential for maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis. Recently, Miro1 has been linked genetically and pathophysiologically to PD, further supported by the identification of heterozygous variants of Miro1 in patients.

Herein, we used patient-derived cellular models alongside knock-in mice to investigate Miro1-dependent pathophysiological processes and molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration in PD.

Experimental work performed in induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC)-derived models, including midbrain organoids and dopaminergic neuronal cell cultures from a PD patient carrying the p.R272Q Miro1 mutation as well as healthy and isogenic controls, indicated that the p.R272Q Miro1 mutation leads to increased oxidative stress, disrupted mitochondrial bioenergetics and altered cellular metabolism. This was accompanied by increased α-synuclein levels and a significant reduction of dopaminergic neurons. Moreover, the p.R272Q Miro1 mutation – located in the calcium-binding domain of the GTPase – disrupted calcium homeostasis. This resulted in the calcium-dependent activation of calpain proteases and the subsequent cleavage of α-synuclein. Knock-in mice expressing p.R285Q Miro1 (the orthologue of the human p.R272Q mutation) displayed accumulation of phosphorylated α-synuclein in the striatum and a significant loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, accompanied by behavioral alterations.

These findings demonstrate that mutant Miro1 is sufficient to comprehensively model PD-relevant phenotypes in vitro and in vivo, reinforcing its pivotal role in PD pathogenesis.
From bulk to bits: understanding the degradation dynamics from plastics to microplastics, geographical influences and analytical approaches
Authors: Payel Sofia , Pahlevani Farshid , Ghose Anirban , Sahajwalla Veena
Published: February 2025

The popularity of plastics in major application sectors is creating an increasing burden of pollutants in the environment in the forms of plastics and microplastics. More than 6 billion tons of plastics now reside in the environment, which is now an available source of secondary microplastics. Research focused on the degradation of plastics/microplastics dealing with different environmental conditions and their change in properties. Despite being a serious pollutant, sufficient resources are still missing for the transformation of secondary microplastics from large plastics and how to detect the level of degradation before this transition. This article’s brief review provides insight into the current scenario of plastics, disposed waste plastics, management system, and their limitations. In addition, a detailed explanation of the transition of plastics to microplastics, their mechanism, and the effect of different geographical conditions on degradation is also demonstrated. Moreover, the available analytical techniques to understand the degradation index of different polymers are also described in addition to the future perspectives for research in this area. This review could provide valuable insight into the formation of microplastics from waste plastics and their mechanisms in addition to a comprehensive knowledge of the quantification of the degradation.
Association of Muscle-Strengthening and Aerobic Physical Activity With All-Cause, Cardiovascular Disease, and Cancer Mortality in U.S. Adults With Diabetes
Authors: Dai Jin , Dai Wen , Li Wen-Qing
Published: February 2025

Aims

To evaluate associations of muscle-strengthening activity (MSA) with all-cause, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and cancer mortality in adults with diabetes, independent of and jointly with moderate-to-vigorous aerobic physical activity (MVPA).

Methods

This prospective cohort study included 29,609 adults with diabetes free of CVD and cancer from the U.S. National Health Interview Survey 1997-2018 (baseline). MSA and MVPA were derived from standardized questionnaires. Mortality by 2019 was ascertained through linkage to the National Death Index. Cox models were utilized to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs).

Results

Over 270,178 person-years, 6,716 all-cause, 1,995 CVD, and 1,202 cancer deaths were documented in the study population (mean age, 55.7 years, 51.6% female). There were U-shaped associations of MSA with all-cause mortality risk, with ≤3 times/week associated with mortality benefits. Compared with no MSA, aHRs of all-cause mortality were 0.72 (95% CI, 0.47-1.10) for MSA <1 time/week, 0.58 (0.44-0.77) for 1 time/week, 0.76 (0.61-0.96) for 2 times/week, 0.80 (0.67-0.96) for 3 times/week, 0.97 (0.65-1.47) for 4-6 times/week, and 0.99 (0.83-1.19) for ≥7 times/week. Nonlinear associations with CVD and cancer mortality were also observed. These associations did not vary by age or sex. Jointly, compared with no MSA and MVPA<150 minutes/week, adults performing MSA≤2 times/week and MVPA≥150 minutes/week had the lowest all-cause and CVD mortality risk.

Conclusions

For adults with diabetes, performing MSA ≤3 times/week may be associated with lower all-cause, CVD, and cancer mortality risk, independent of MVPA. Jointly performing MSA≤2 times/week and MVPA≥150 minutes/week may confer the lowest all-cause and CVD mortality risk.
Association of Motoric Cognitive Risk Syndrome and High C-Reactive Protein Serum Levels With Incident Major Neurocognitive Disorder: Results From the Quebec NuAge Cohort
Authors: Beauchet Olivier , Galéry Kevin , Gaudreau Pierrette , Allali Gilles
Published: February 2025

Both motoric cognitive risk (MCR) syndrome and C-reactive protein (CRP) serum levels have been separately associated with increased risk of incident major neurocognitive disorder. The study aims to compare the CRP serum levels of older adults with and without MCR and to examine the associations of MCR and CRP serum levels and their combination with incident major neurocognitive disorder.

915 individuals participating in an older adult’s population-based observational cohort study with a 3-year follow-up design were selected. MCR and CRP serum levels were collected at baseline. Incident major neurocognitive disorder was measured at annual follow-up visits using the Modified Mini-Mental State Examination (≤79/100) and simplified instrumental activity daily living scale (<4/4) score values.

The prevalence of MCR at baseline assessment was 3.7%. The overall incidence of major neurocognitive disorder was 3.0%. MCR alone (hazard ratio = 25.36 with 95% confidence interval = [6.25–102.95] and p ≤ .001) and MCR with a high CRP serum level (hazard ratio = 5.61, with 95% confidence interval [1.29–24.26] and p = .021) were significantly associated with incident major neurocognitive disorder.

MCR is a significant risk factor for predicting major neurocognitive disorder in older adults, while serum CRP levels are not. In addition, serum CRP levels reduce the predictive strength of MCR for major neurocognitive disorder.
Assessing Racial Heterogeneity in “Housing First” Supports’ Effectiveness among Older Adults Experiencing Homelessness: Evidence from Los Angeles County
Authors: Schachner Jared N , Schmidt Steven , Painter Gary D
Published: February 2025

Background and Objectives

Just as the U.S. population is aging and racially diversifying, housing prices are spiking. These conditions could spur a homelessness crisis among older adults of color. Although researchers have examined racial stratification and age-based differences in homelessness risk, separately, few studies probe whether age and race interact to render older adults of color more vulnerable to repeated episodes of homelessness than younger adults and older White adults. Fewer still have considered whether and why “Housing First” interventions (e.g., rapid rehousing/RRH, permanent supportive housing/PSH) are disproportionately effective— or ineffective— in reducing this risk for older adults of color.

Research Design and Methods

Using individual-level data from Los Angeles County’s Homelessness Management Information System, tracking Continuum of Care (CoC) services received between 2013 and 2019, we show how race and age jointly shape the risk of receiving additional CoC homelessness services after an initial CoC service. Linear probability models reveal whether PSH and RRH disproportionately reduce this risk for Black versus White older adults.

Results

Our analyses indicate an age-race interaction, whereby Black adults aged 55-64 exhibit the highest risk of receiving additional CoC homelessness services after an initial service. PSH disproportionately reduces this risk for Black older adults.

Discussion and Implications

We conclude that “Housing First” interventions may hold particular promise for older adults of color, perhaps because these groups sort into more effective programs, on average. Future research on aging and housing should highlight heterogeneity and consider program sorting processes as a potential explanation for it.
Analytical computation of the total topographic torque at the core–mantle boundary and its impact on nutations
Authors: Dehant V , Puica M , Folgueira-López M , Rekier J , Van Hoolst T
Published: February 2025

In this paper, we examine the dynamic pressure torque acting on a bumpy core–mantle boundary (CMB) at diurnal timescale in a frame tied to the planet. This torque possibly contributes to the CMB coupling constants determined from nutation observations and could affect the interpretation of these constants in terms of different CMB coupling mechanisms. We revisit the work of Wu & Wahr (1997) who have used seismic estimates for the topography at the CMB and computed the associated pressure torque effect on nutations. These authors showed that some topography wavelengths can lead to amplifications in nutations. For example, they found that the effects on the retrograde annual nutation can be at the milliarcsecond level for a degree-5 spherical harmonics of the topography. While Wu & Wahr (1997) only go up to degree 6 in their development in spherical harmonics and use a numerical technique, we go up to degree 20 and employ an analytical approach to solve the equations and to further study the Earth’s nutations. The approach is similar to the one we used for the effects of the pressure torque on the tidal variations of the length of day (a companion paper, Puica et al. 2023). Unlike the numerical approach, this has the advantage of highlighting the mathematical dependencies between the different spherical harmonics involved in the development of the topographic torque and to highlight the frequency dependence of the results and thereby the possible resonances with inertial waves. By doing so, we can isolate and estimate the magnitude of the influence of each topographic coefficient on nutation. We show that only the core flattening may have an important role on nutation and that the other large wavelengths of the topography have a very small contribution, less than that obtained by Wu & Wahr (1997).
Study on the practical application of deep learning technologies aimed at achieving low carbon targets in enhancing user experience
Authors: Lu Guoying , Song Ting
Published: February 2025

The diverse energy usage behaviors of various types of users within integrated energy systems have heightened the challenges of system coordination and low-carbon operation. To enhance user experience and effectively manage energy consumption, this study, based on an analysis of user behaviors, employs a deep learning architecture that integrates gated recurrent units and convolutional neural networks to classify users precisely and recommend corresponding energy consumption packages. Following rigorous experimentation, the model achieved an accuracy rate exceeding 85% in categorizing users into conservative and aggressive profiles, which significantly enhances user satisfaction.
Mechanisms of cooperation in the plants-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi-bacteria continuum
Authors: Duan Shilong , Jin Zexing , Zhang Lin , Declerck Stéphane
Published: February 2025

In nature, cooperation is an essential way for species, whether they belong to the same kingdom or to different kingdoms, to overcome the scarcity of resources and improve their fitness. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi are symbiotic microorganisms whose origin date back 400 million years. They form symbiotic associations with the vast majority of terrestrial plants, helping them to obtain nutrients from the soil in exchange for carbon. At the more complex level, soil bacteria participate in the symbiosis between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and plants: they obtain carbon from the exudation of hyphae connected to the roots and compensate for the limited saprophytic capacity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi by mineralizing organic compounds. Therefore, plants, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and soil bacteria constitute a continuum that may be accompanied by multiple forms of cooperation. In this review, we first analyzed the functional complementarities and differences between plants and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis. Secondly, we discussed the resource exchange relationship between plants and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi from the perspective of biological market theory and “surplus carbon” hypothesis. Finally, on the basis of mechanisms for maintaining cooperation, direct and indirect reciprocity in the hyphosphere, induced by the availability of external resource and species fitness, were examined. Exploring these reciprocal cooperations will provide a better understanding of the intricate ecological relationships between plants, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and soil bacteria as well as their evolutionary implications.
Effects of Bacillus subtilis ATCC PTA-122264 on Apparent Total Tract Macronutrient Digestibility and Fecal Characteristics, Metabolites, and Microbiota of Healthy Adult Dogs
Authors: Oba Patrícia M , Swanson Olivia R , Kang Yifei , Mioto Julio C , Menton John F , Vinay Elena , Millette Mathieu , Kelly Melissa R , Swanson Kelly S
Published: February 2025

Gastrointestinal and stool quality issues are common in companion animals. In addition to dietary fibers and prebiotics, the consumption of live microorganisms may be used to support the gastrointestinal health of pets. Spore-forming Bacillus species are gaining interest due to their viability during processing, storage, and within the gastrointestinal tract. The objective of the current study was to determine the effects of B. subtilis ATCC PTA-122264 supplementation on dietary apparent total tract macronutrient digestibility and the fecal characteristics, metabolites, and microbiota of healthy adult dogs. Twelve healthy adult beagle dogs (6 ± 1.14 yr; 8.71 ± 0.91 kg body weight) were used in a replicated 3x3 Latin square design. Dogs were fed to maintain body weight and allotted to one of three treatments each experimental period (n=12/treatment): Control [kibble diet + placebo (1.25 g of maltodextrin)], Low [kibble diet + 1×109 colony-forming units (CFU)/day of B. subtilis], and High (kibble diet + 5×109 CFU/day of B. subtilis). Each experimental period was composed of a 22-day adaptation phase, 5-day fecal collection phase, and one day for blood collection. Fecal microbiota data were evaluated using QIIME2. All other data were analyzed using the Mixed Models procedure of SAS, with P<0.05 being considered significant. B. subtilis supplementation tended to decrease (P<0.10) apparent total tract dry matter, organic matter, and energy digestibilities, but did not influence food or energy intake, fecal output, and apparent total tract protein or fat digestibilities. Most serum metabolites, hematology, fecal characteristics, and fecal bacterial alpha and beta diversity indices were not affected. Fecal dysbiosis index tended to be affected and fecal Streptococcus, Escherichia coli, and Blautia abundances were lower (P<0.05) in dogs allotted to the Low treatment. These data suggest that daily supplementation of up to 5×109 CFU/day of B. subtilis ATCC PTA-122264 is safe and does not affect markers of general health and fecal characteristics of healthy dogs, warranting further exploration.
Stability Based on Treaty
Authors: Cameron Peter
Published: February 2025

This chapter reviews features of the investment treaty regime that are most relevant to the energy investment law and its goal of providing investors with the kind of long-term stability that is emblematic of energy investments. It mentions the emergence of a large, comprehensive network of International Investment Agreements (IIAs) that changed the legal landscape for energy investment forever. It also talks about a significant expansion of the substantive and procedural guarantees, which an international energy investor can typically expect from a host government's legal framework. The chapter highlights common treaty requirements that oblige states to provide investors with guarantees, such as those encompassed by Fair and Equitable Treatment. It considers the expectations of an international energy investor of long-term protection from possible abuses by governments of host states that has reached a state of comfort.
Galaxy properties from the outskirts to the core of a protocluster at z = 3.70
Authors: Toshikawa Jun , Wuyts Stijn , Kashikawa Nobunari , Uchiyama Hisakazu , Bremer Malcolm , Sawicki Marcin , Ono Yoshiaki , Kubo Mariko , Ito Kei , Ali Sadman S
Published: February 2025

We study the dependence of galaxy properties on their spatial position within a protocluster by carrying out follow-up spectroscopy on a protocluster candidate selected from the wide-field imaging of the Hyper SuprimeCam Subaru Strategic Programme. In the $4.5\sigma$ surface-overdense region of g-dropout galaxies, we now spectroscopically confirm that 13 galaxies, at least, are clustering in a narrow redshift range of $\Delta z\lt 0.05$ around $z=3.70$. Next, we investigate the physical properties and three-dimensional (3D) distribution of the protocluster’s member galaxies. Based on spectroscopically confirmed g-dropout galaxies, we find an overabundance of rest-frame ultraviolet (UV) bright galaxies in the protocluster. The UV brightest protocluster member turns out to be an active galactic nucleus, and the other UV brighter members tend to show smaller Ly$\alpha$ equivalent widths than field counterparts. The member galaxies tend to densely populate near the 3D centre of the protocluster, but the separation from the nearest neighbour rather than the distance from the centre of the protocluster is more tightly correlated to galaxy properties, implying that the protocluster is still in an early phase of cluster formation and only close neighbours have a significant impact on the physical properties of protocluster members. The number density of massive galaxies, selected from an archival photometric-redshift catalogue, is higher near the centre of the protocluster, while dusty starburst galaxies are distributed on the outskirts. The protocluster thus appears to consist of multiple galaxy populations, whose spatial distributions reveal the developmental stage of the galaxy cluster.
Risk of Placenta Accreta Spectrum Disorder After Prior Non–Cesarean Delivery Uterine Surgery
Authors: Yang Ru , Zhang Lizi , Sun Lu , Wu Jianli , Bi Shilei , Hu Miao , Luo Shijun , He Fang , Chen Jingsi , Yu Lin , Zhu Qiying , Chen Dunjin , Du Lili
Published: February 2025

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the association between previous non–cesarean uterine surgery and placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) in subsequent pregnancies.

DATA SOURCES:

PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure), and Wan-fang Database were searched from inception to April 2024, supplemented by manual searches.

METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION:

Studies included prospective, retrospective cohort, case–control, and cross-sectional studies involving pregnant women diagnosed with PAS and reporting at least one risk factor associated with previous uterine surgery.

TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS:

Two authors independently screened potentially eligible studies and extracted data. The quality of the studies was assessed with the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. The pooled odds ratios (ORs), adjusted ORs, and their 95% CIs were estimated with fixed- or random-effects models if the heterogeneity (I
2) was high. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to account for potential study bias. The main measures were myomectomy, uterine artery embolization, dilatation and curettage, hysteroscopic adhesiolysis, abortion, endometrial ablation, and operative hysteroscopy. A total of 38 studies involving 7,353,177 participants were included in the systematic review, with an overall prevalence of PAS of 0.16%, and 31 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Prior non–cesarean uterine surgeries were associated with PAS in subsequent pregnancy (pooled OR 2.29, 95% CI, 1.43–3.68). Distinct associations between specific uterine surgery and PAS included myomectomy (OR 2.29, 95% CI, 1.77–2.97), uterine artery embolization (OR 43.16, 95% CI, 20.50–90.88), dilatation and curettage (OR 2.28, 95% CI, 1.78–2.93), hysteroscopic adhesiolysis (OR 7.72, 95% CI, 4.10–14.53), abortion (OR 1.65, 95% CI, 1.43–1.92), endometrial ablation (OR 20.26, 95% CI, 17.15–23.93), and operative hysteroscopy (OR 3.10, 95% CI, 1.86–5.18).

CONCLUSION:

Prior non–cesarean uterine surgery is associated with a significantly increased odds for development of PAS in subsequent pregnancy, and the risk varies depending on the types of uterine surgery.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION:

PROSPERO: CRD42024552210.
Thiotepa-Induced Toxicity: A Clinical Mimic of Stevens–Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Featuring Severe Mucositis, Diffuse Dusky Discoloration, and Skin Sloughing
Authors: Shaker Nada , Phelps Robert , Niedt George , Ben Musa Ruwaida , Bhowmik Rituja , Sangueza Omar P. , Pradhan Dinesh
Published: February 2025

Background:

Thiotepa, an alkylating agent commonly used in chemotherapy, is increasingly recognized to induce cutaneous reactions resembling toxic erythema of chemotherapy (TEC). This condition is characterized by erythema, hyperpigmentation, and mucositis, often affecting intertriginous areas, and can mimic the early stages of Stevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS) or toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN).

Case description:

A 31-year-old woman with a history of systemic lupus erythematosus, antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, seizures, and chronic kidney disease was admitted for the management of central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma. Seven days after receiving thiotepa during an autologous stem cell transplant, she developed severe mucositis, requiring intubation for airway protection, followed by a dusky, gray, full-body rash with sloughing in the groin, axillae, and buttocks. A skin biopsy from the back revealed vacuolar interface changes, eccrine gland necrosis, and occasional necrotic keratinocytes at the dermal-epidermal junction, with no evidence of full-thickness necrosis or significant eosinophilic infiltration. The differential diagnosis included thiotepa-induced toxicity, SJS/TEN, and drug eruption. Based on the patient's clinical presentation and the biopsy findings, thiotepa-induced TEC was favored over SJS/TEN.

Discussion:

Thiotepa is a potent lipophilic alkylating agent widely used in chemotherapy for pediatric and adult patients with various solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. Its anticancer mechanism involves DNA alkylation, leading to DNA strand cross-linking that disrupts replication and transcription, ultimately inhibiting cancer cell proliferation and survival. While thiotepa is primarily utilized in high-dose preparative regimens for stem cell transplantation in pediatric patients, its use in the adult population remains comparatively limited.

This case emphasizes the importance of differentiating thiotepa-induced TEC from severe cutaneous adverse reactions such as SJS/TEN. While these conditions share clinical and histologic features, the absence of extensive epidermal necrosis, satellite cell necrosis, and systemic involvement, along with recent thiotepa exposure, supported a diagnosis of TEC.

Conclusions:

This case highlights the diagnostic challenge of distinguishing thiotepa-induced TEC from SJS/TEN in post-transplant patients. Recognizing the characteristic involvement of intertriginous areas and eccrine gland necrosis in TEC is critical for accurate diagnosis and management. Awareness of this potential complication in patients receiving thiotepa is essential to avoid misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment.
Circumferential Eschar-Covered Necrotic Leg Ulcers in a Case of Granulomatous Vasculitis: Looking Beyond ANCA Serology
Authors: Tyagi Shilpi , Kumar Shubham , Alam Afroz , Vedant Deepak , Singh Saurabh
Published: February 2025

Cutaneous vasculitis, either as a single organ or part of systemic vasculitis, can take various forms. Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is characterized by necrotizing granulomatous inflammation in the respiratory tract and vasculitis affecting small- to medium-sized blood vessels. Skin-limited GPA, an uncommon presentation, poses diagnostic challenges and may result in delayed diagnosis. We describe a 32-year-old man with painful ulcers and black eschars on both lower limbs, evolving from purpura. Despite lacking typical anti neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies and systemic involvement, histopathology revealed granulomatous vasculitis. Treatment with prednisolone and methotrexate led to complete symptom resolution within 8 months. Skin-limited GPA, often without anti neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody positivity, warrants clinical suspicion, early intervention, and increased awareness to enhance patient outcomes.
Gene Fusion-Driven Cutaneous Adnexal Neoplasms: An Updated Review Emphasizing Molecular Characteristics
Authors: Cazzato Gerardo , Daruish Maged , Fortarezza Francesco , Colagrande Anna , Marzullo Andrea , Ingravallo Giuseppe , Dei Tos Angelo Paolo , Yang Richard K. , Cho Woo Cheal
Published: February 2025

Gene rearrangements or fusions have emerged as critical oncogenic drivers in various cutaneous adnexal neoplasms. This review offers a comprehensive overview of both established and recently identified molecular alterations, with a specific focus on gene fusions. Key alterations discussed include YAP1 rearrangements, CRTC1::MAML2 fusions, BRD3 rearrangements, MYB::NFIB fusions, ETV6::NTRK3 fusions, and PLAG1 rearrangements, alongside rarer fusion transcripts, such as MEF2C::SS18, FOXK1::GRHL1/2, GPS2::GRHL, and RARA::NPEPPS. The article highlights the significance of these genetic changes in tumor biology and their potential therapeutic implications for locally advanced and metastatic skin adnexal tumors. It also addresses diagnostic challenges and molecular distinctions, providing updated insights into adnexal tumors driven by these gene fusions.