bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wasting to Slow Down Time
Authors: Offenhuber Dietmar
Published: February 2025

This chapter examines the concept of informational waste by tracing its relationships with energy, value, and time. The concept of data exhaust is often used as a metaphor for datasets that have outlived their original role and are subsequently used for the secondary purposes of analytics and surveillance. In this chapter, the concept is taken literally by contrasting it with physical waste and focusing on its materialities and their implications. To understand the role of infotrash in the digital economy, this chapter examines how it paradoxically serves as a mode of value creation. Examples discussed include the proof-of-work blockchain, which creates computational friction to delay transactions, and informational clutter generated to maximize the time users spend on a page. In both cases, the bulk of the information involved is not generated for its semantic content but for its material effects.
Attempting to Waste Time
Authors: Alexander Kelly , Reno Joshua O
Published: February 2025

This chapter considers the potential paradox of wasting time within the purposive framework of advanced-stage capitalism by exploring intentional acts of freewheeling creativity. In a society driven by productivity, it questions the feasibility of wasting time and its cultural implications. Through a cultural anthropological lens, the research scrutinizes the intentional pursuit of leisure activities like cooking and playing video games as avenues for purposeful time-wasting endeavors. Employing autoethnographic methods, the chapter reveals how individuals, amidst value-producing capitalist pressures, engage in deliberate acts of creative idleness as a form of resistance or subversion. It analyses these intentional practices within the context of cultural norms and societal expectations and challenges conventional perceptions of time use and productivity. The authors’ experiment with wasting time not only sheds light on the intersection of leisure, creativity, and capitalist structures but also provokes contemplation of the cultural significance and potential transformative power of purposeful time-wasting activities.
Theorizing Toleration of Noncompliance
Authors: Zhang Yaning
Published: February 2025

This chapter develops a theoretical framework to unpack the conceptual ambiguity and causal variety of ToN. Through a rigorous definition of ToN, this chapter effectively distinguishes ToN from other similar concepts and then specifies its various manifestations along the substantive and procedural dimensions. As the analytical basis, this chapter sees the Commission as a hybrid institution of a judicial trustee and a political agent. This hybrid nature also generates divergent enforcement incentives for safeguarding the stability of the EU legal order and advancing the Commission’s policy agenda. As a result, the interaction of dual incentives leads to four ideal types of ToN, which form the theoretical core of this book. To strengthen the validity of the proposed typology, it also introduces alternative explanations based on the mainstream literature. The final section outlines the analytical steps of case studies in the following chapters.
Ravens, Books, and Bells
Authors: Miller Peter
Published: February 2025

Chapter 2 argues that Edgar Allan Poe’s poetry foregrounds prosodic and sonic reproducibility, rather than psychological authenticity, in order to critique Romantic theories of poetry dominant by the 1830s. Poe’s emblem for his prosody-oriented poetics is his famous raven, which can reproduce human speech without comprehending it, and so evacuates lyric utterance of its presumed emotional or cognitive content. Through readings of poems including “The Raven” and “The Bells” and essays including “The Rationale of Verse,” the chapter details the ways in which Poe draws attention to the physical media and literary conventions that shape prosodic form. It analyzes The Simpsons’ 1990 television repurposing of “The Raven” and the folk singer Phil Ochs’ 1964 recording of “The Bells” to argue that Poe’s work ultimately affirms the value of prosodic variability from one performer to the next, both within and across historical periods.
Syllable from Sound
Authors: Miller Peter
Published: February 2025

Chapter 3 argues that Dickinson’s prosody might best be accessed not by scanning the words of a given text, nor by restoring a particular document to its original discourse network, but through an act of remediation. Dickinson published almost nothing during her lifetime, leaving nearly 1,800 poems in manuscript at the time of her death. Some critics have therefore argued that her work should be interpreted in manuscript or facsimile. Other critics have emphasized her aural and prosodic innovations. Dickinson herself does not say whether to prioritize her scripted forms or her audible language, but her poems contemplate this choice at the level of image and trope, frequently juxtaposing images of fluidity and gradience with images of materialist particularity. Reading these oxymoronic pairings alongside Dickinson’s textual history, contemporaneous advances in sound recording, and the recent Dickinson television series, this chapter synthesizes aural and documentary approaches to her work.
Explaining Apologies in Post-Crisis Europe
Authors: Kovras Iosif
Published: February 2025

The chapter examines the comparative experience of Ireland and Greece, focusing on the presence or absence of public apologies from political leaders. The chapter reveals that Irish politicians, operating within a culture that values individual accountability, frequently issued apologies to maintain public trust and support. This approach facilitated institutional reforms and helped leaders manage public expectations. Conversely, in Greece, politicians avoided apologies due to a cultural context that prioritizes collective reputation and blame avoidance, fearing that admissions of failure would be exploited by political opponents. The chapter uses a detailed comparative analysis to highlight how these cultural differences influenced political responses to the crisis, providing insights into the broader dynamics of accountability and crisis management in Europe.
Giant cell tumour of the larynx—a diagnostic challenge
Authors: Fraga de Abreu Vitor H , Pacheco Ricardo , Cunha Fernando , Borges Alexandra
Published: February 2025

Giant cell tumours (GCTs) of the larynx are extremely rare. The most affected structure is the thyroid cartilage and only 44 cases are reported in the literature.1 Clinically, their first manifestation is usually a palpable neck mass, often accompanied by hoarseness, dyspnoea, and/or dysphagia depending on size and location. GCTs are benign neoplasms, yet awareness of this entity is crucial as their aggressive local behaviour can cause significant morbidity with airway obstruction and can simulate a malignancy. The differential diagnosis is broad and remains a clinical and radiological challenge. Indeed, the final diagnosis is established by histology postoperatively. Surgery is the preferred treatment but may impair voice quality. For incomplete surgical resections and high surgical risk lesions, denosumab treatment is a valuable option. We share our experience on GCTs in a young adult presenting as a supraglottic mass.
Minimally invasive lung surgery with an intraoperative completely or partially tubeless protocol: randomized clinical trial
Authors: Zhao Yunpeng , Shan Lei , Zhang Weiquan , Li Peichao , Li Ning , Zhang He , Peng Chuanliang , Cong Bo , Zhao Xiaogang
Published: February 2025

Background

Thoracic surgery is an invasive procedure and there has been a move towards minimally invasive approaches. This includes video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. Non-intubated video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery without endotracheal intubation has been developed with a view to avoiding complications associated with intubation including tracheal injury, vocal cord injury and lung impairment due to mechanical ventilation. This study aims to compare outcomes from non-intubated ‘completely tubeless’ versus intubated ‘partially tubeless’ minimally invasive thoracic surgery.

Methods

A single-institution, prospective randomized clinical trial was conducted comparing patients who underwent minimally invasive lung completely tubeless versus partially tubeless surgery, both with enhanced recovery. The primary outcome was the short-term postoperative complication rate. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the significant predictors of severe mediastinal shift and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve plots were drawn.

Results

Among the 348 patients, 174 patients were assigned to the completely tubeless group and 174 patients were assigned to the partially tubeless group. There was no difference in postoperative complications including pulmonary complications, supraventricular arrhythmia, acute myocardial infarction, acute cerebral stroke, venous thromboembolism and urinary retention. The completely tubeless protocol was associated with a higher proportion of early mobilization (66.7% versus 55.7%, P = 0.047), a shorter median duration of drainage (1.0 versus 2.0 days, P = 0.002), and a shorter median duration of postoperative hospital stay (2.0 versus 3.0 days, P = 0.001). The completely tubeless group had less of a difference in white blood cell count before and after the operation (P = 0.042). Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that weight was a significant predictor of mediastinal shift in the completely tubeless group.

Conclusion

Under enhanced recovery after surgery protocols, there is no difference in postoperative complications in patients undergoing completely or partially tubeless surgery. However, patients having completely tubeless surgery have shorter durations of postoperative drainage, shorter durations of hospital stay, milder systemic inflammatory reactions, and better immune protection than patients who undergo lung resection with a partially tubeless protocol. The severity of mediastinal shift may be mainly related to body-weight.

Registration number

NCT05269784 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).
Total synthesis-driven structure determination of viridamide A
Authors: Yoshida Masahito , Hagimoto Kazuki , Jo Tomonori , Uekusa Yoshinori , Glukhov Evgenia , Gerwick William H , Kigoshi Hideo
Published: February 2025

The originally reported structure of viridamide A was determined to be incorrect based on total synthesis, and the reassignment of NMR spectra suggested a new proposed structure of viridamide A. While the newly proposed structure was successfully synthesized, its 1H NMR spectrum exhibited discrepancies with respect to that of the natural product, particularly in the chemical shifts of the δ-protons of the Pro residue and N-Me moieties. These discrepancies suggested a possible misassignment of amino acid configurations around the C-terminus. Hence, we synthesized 2 diastereomers by replacing the Val or the Pro residue with a corresponding D-amino acid. The 1H NMR spectrum of the D-Val analog closely matched that of the natural product. Finally, both diastereomers possessing (R)- or (S)-methoxymethine group at the C39 position were synthesized. The NMR spectra of diastereomers were compared with that of the natural product, confirming that the absolute configuration at the C39 position was R.
Sex-based differences in adverse left ventricular remodelling and clinical outcomes after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Alonso Tello Albert , Sambola Antonia , Valente Filippa , Sao Augusto , Ródenas-Alesina Eduard , Rello Pau , Maymi Manel , Barrabés José A , Otaegui Imanol , García del Blanco Bruno , Morr-Verenzuela Carlos Igor , Lorenzatti Daniel , Pérez-Solé Nerea , Gavara José , Marcos-Garcés Victor , Ortiz-Pérez José T , Bodí Vicente , Rodríguez-Palomares José F , Ferreira-González Ignacio
Published: February 2025

Aims

The impact of sex on adverse left ventricular remodelling (LVR) after ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is unclear due to conflicting results. This study sought to establish sex-based differences in adverse LVR using cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) among STEMI patients and their impact on clinical outcomes.

Methods and results

The study included patients with a first STEMI who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Cardiovascular magnetic resonance was performed at 6 days (interquartile range [IQR]: 4–9 days) and after 6 months (6.42 months; IQR: 5.98–7.47 months). Follow-up was 6.94 years (IQR: 4.48–9.32 years). The primary endpoint was the presence of adverse LVR (>15% of LV end-diastolic volume and a decrease of >3% in LV ejection fraction) at 6 months. The secondary endpoint was major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), defined as a combined variable: cardiovascular death, heart failure admission, or ventricular arrhythmias. One thousand sixty-seven patients were included (17.5% women; mean age: 58.71 ± 11.85 years). Women were older and had more cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF). There was no association between sex and adverse LVR [OR: 0.80; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.39–1.64; P = 0.536]. Major adverse cardiac events occurred in 177 patients (16.7%) and was more frequent in women (22.6% vs. 15.4%; P = 0.017). However, after adjusting for baseline differences and CVRF, the female sex was not associated with MACE (hazard ratio: 1.21; 95% CI, 0.81–1.81; P = 0.343).

Conclusion

The higher rate of MACE after STEMI in women compared to men appears to be associated with a higher prevalence of CVRF and comorbidities rather than a more significant occurrence of adverse LVR.
Smartphone for heart sound measurement in hospital: feasibility and influencing factors
Authors: Li Yun , Zhao Zhanjiang , Ainiwaer Aikeliyaer , Mei Daoju , Zhang Peirong , Prinzen Frits W , Luo Hongxing
Published: February 2025

Aims

Smartphones have recently been utilized to measure heart sounds in the general population, but not yet in real-world hospital settings. This study aims to assess the feasibility of smartphones for heart sound measurement across various hospital departments and to identify the factors causing suboptimal heart sound measurements.

Methods and results

The FonoCheck app was used to measure heart sounds from the chest of 296 hospitalized patients. Two assessors independently evaluated the quality of heart sound recordings based on the presence of the first and second heart sounds. Both environmental and patient-related factors were examined for their effects on heart sound quality. Visual assessments identified 254 (86%) good-quality heart sound recordings, with lower frequencies observed in the emergency room (67%), respiratory intensive care unit (78%), and general intensive care unit (82%). The heart sound recordings were affected by various types of noise, including respiration, conversation, motion, and interference from medical devices. However, patient demographics such as sex and body mass index were not associated with poor heart sound quality (P > 0.05), except for age which had a negative impact (P = 0.003). None of the patients’ comorbidities, including atrial fibrillation, coronary artery disease, heart failure, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, significantly affected the heart sound measurements (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

It is feasible to use smartphones to measure high-quality heart sounds in hospitals. However, environmental factors and patient’s age may lead to suboptimal measurements. This study supports the future medical applications of FonoCheck app in hospital settings.
Sensitivity analysis of leaky-mode dispersion curves for horizontal stratified models
Authors: Shi Caiwang , Li Zhengbo , Chen Xiaofei
Published: February 2025

The leaky-mode dispersion extracted from seismograms and noise cross-correlation functions has gained lots of attention in recent years. It has been reported that leaky modes can provide constraints for subsurface structures, especially for P-wave velocities, which may compensate for the limits of traditional surface wave methods. For stable and reliable dispersion-curve inversion, the quantitative analysis of leaky-mode sensitivity is of great importance, which, however, has rarely been studied systematically. Limited by the forward modelling methods, the previous methods for calculating leaky-mode sensitivity are usually hindered by issues of mode skipping, low efficiency, etc. To this end, we propose an effective method that can calculate the leaky-mode sensitivity for various types of models based on the previously proposed forward modelling method named the semi-analytical spectral element method (SASEM). Using the intermediate results of SASEM, we derive analytical expressions for the sensitivity kernels with only matrix operations, which endows the sensitivity calculation procedure with high accuracy and reliability identical to the SASEM. In addition, we suggest a novel modal classification scheme to distinguish different kinds of leaky modes based on the sensitivity features. This scheme facilitates the stable identification of the most attractive guided-P modes from numerous normal and leaky modes, which removes obstacles in the dispersion-curve inversion using guided-P modes to constrain P-wave velocities. Several numerical tests are performed to demonstrate the high accuracy of the sensitivity calculation method and the effectiveness of the modal classification method. To assess the roles of leaky modes in the retrieval of underground structures, we perform comprehensive sensitivity analyses of leaky modes using both crust-scale and near-surface models. Besides the general conclusion that the joint inversion using normal and leaky modes can effectively retrieve P- and S-wave velocities, the feasibility of constraining models with the apparent Σ modes and the split guided-P mode dispersion curves has been demonstrated.
EuVeM2022—a European three-dimensional GNSS velocity model based on least-squares collocation
Authors: Steffen Rebekka , Steffen Holger , Kenyeres Ambrus , Nilsson Tobias , Lidberg Martin
Published: February 2025

Geodetic velocity models, derived from Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) velocity solutions, interpolate between sparse GNSS measurements to provide a more comprehensive view of horizontal and vertical intraplate deformation. These models contribute to improved assessment of seismic and volcanic hazards, assist in validating geodynamic models, and enable the integration of diverse data sets for comprehensive Earth science studies. Most interpolation techniques are not adequate to model the velocity distribution, especially for the horizontal velocities where the correlation between the components has to be included. Here, we apply a recent extension of the least-squares collocation interpolation technique to the velocity field solution of the EUREF (Reference Frame Sub-Commission for Europe) Permanent GNSS Network Densification (EPND) project (EPND_D2150). The effect of known plate boundaries is accounted for during the interpolation to avoid smoothing across European microplates, thereby preserving the high velocity gradients at plate boundaries. The velocity model EuVeM2022 covers Europe and Anatolia, and has a resolution of 0.1$^{\circ }$. The model can be applied, amongst other things, to correct models used for ground motion services, support tectonic studies, or identify local deformation along coasts for use in sea level research.
Seismic imaging of the crustal structure in the Sodankylä region (Finland): unveiling the Central Lapland Greenstone Belt’s mineral potential
Authors: Hloušek Felix , Jusri Tomi , Buske Stefan , Heinonen Suvi , Karinen Tuomo , Kozlovskaya Elena , Leväniemi Hanna
Published: February 2025

The XSoDEx (eXperiment of Sodankylä Deep Exploration) project acquired in total 82 km of seismic reflection and refraction data to improve the understanding of the crustal composition and, consequently, the mineral systems of the Sodankylä region in Northern Finland. The Sodankylä region is part of the Central Lapland Greenstone Belt, which is famous for its mineral resources. Here, we present the first subsurface images resulting from the seismic reflection and refraction data processing, and provide the first geological interpretation of the data. Our workflow comprised time domain signal processing, migration velocity model building and finally, focusing pre-stack depth migration. The results along the acquired seismic profile lines show a rich inventory of imaged reflectors throughout the upper crust, which in some parts can be correlated clearly with geological features at the surface and also show the complex structure of the lithological units of the Central Lapland Greenstone Belt in the investigation area. Moreover, the presumable top of the Archaean basement can be traced through all lines. The basement is partly bent up to the shallow subsurface. In places, the basement forms a dome-like outcrop. The derived results of the seismic data are in good accordance with earlier interpretations of adjacent seismic investigations. The XSoDEx seismic profiles connect the imaged reflective structures to these surveys, which were acquired over known mineral deposits.
Pediatric vaccination in pharmacies is not associated with delayed well-child visits among commercially insured children
Authors: Bhardwaj Shiven , Galanter Nina , Berenbrok Lucas A , Shah Parth D , Bacci Jennifer L
Published: February 2025

Pediatric vaccination rates in the United States lag national goals. Policies that expand pharmacy-based vaccinations among children could help improve vaccination rates. Opponents argue, however, that such policies will result in delayed or missed well-child visits as most children receive routine vaccinations in primary care settings. We evaluated the likelihood of having a timely well-child visit following a routine vaccination in pharmacies and primary care settings among children aged 4–17 years. We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis with commercial claims data from 2016–2019, using conditional logistic regression models. A timely well-child visit was defined as one within 12 months after a preceding well-child visit for primary analysis and 15 months for secondary analysis. Approximately 95% of the sample consisted of children with influenza among their index vaccine(s). The odds of having a timely well-child visit were similar between children who received vaccines in pharmacies and those who received them in primary care settings. Findings suggest that guardians or parents who choose pharmacy-based pediatric vaccinations for their commercially insured children do not forgo well-child visits and may actually be more likely to obtain a timely well-child visit. Extending pharmacy-based vaccinations to patients of all ages can help improve pediatric vaccination rates.
Anthropogenic Impacts on Coral-Algal Interactions of the Subtropical Lagoonal Reef, Norfolk Island
Authors: Ho M L , Page C , Leggat B , Gaston T , Eckhardt S , Ainsworth T
Published: February 2025

Synopsis

Reef building corals are important in subtropical marine ecoregions, shaping ecosystems and providing habitats for fish and benthic species. Algal communities contribute substantially to the benthic population structure across subtropical coral reefs, however increasing algal cover on subtropical reefs is also linked to degraded ecosystems as has been shown on tropical systems. As such, the dynamics of coral-algal interactions on subtropical reefs are also likely to be an indicator of ecosystem health on subtropical ecosystems. The subtropical lagoonal coral reef of Norfolk Island within the Norfolk Marine Park has been impacted by a regime of disturbance since 2020 including flooding, sedimentation, and heat stress events. Assessing the type and extent of algal interactions with the dominant coral Pocillopora damiconis within the reef sites of Emily Bay, Slaughter Bay, and Cemetery Bay has the potential to provide insight into drivers of ecosystem decline within the reef. Similarly, photochemical efficiency, as measured by yield (Fv/Fm) using pulse amplitude modulated fluorometry, can be used to provide a measure of the health of corals on reefs during degradation events. Here we assess the extent of coral-algal interactions and health of colonies of P. damicornis prior to the onset of summertime conditions (April 2023) and during summertime conditions (December 2023). Seasonal and within site dynamics of coral-algal interactions were evident by a significant bloom of red cyanobacteria (P < 0.0001, April 2023) and Lyngbya {P < 0.01 [Slaughter Bay West (SBW)], P < 0.01 [Slaughter Bay East (SBE)], December 2023}. Within reef, variability of coral-algal interactions was most evident for Lyngbya, and on the Norfolk reef, interactions of Lyngbya with P. damincornis were found to be significantly higher at slaughter bay west (SBW 30.2% of interactions) and east (SBE 24.6% of interactions) in December 2023 than at neighboring Emily (11.6% of interactions) and Cemetery Bay (0.6% of interactions). Pulse Amplitude Modulated (PAM) fluorometry also highlighted the potential for algal interactions to influence the photochemical efficiency of Pocillopora damicornis. Benthic structure, as measured by coral-algal interactions, and coral health within the Norfolk lagoonal, both highlight the potential for anthropogenic drivers of reef decline to influence the health of the ecosystem. Further investigation is therefore necessary to elucidate the specific causes and consequences of algae linked to poor water quality, such as red cyanobacteria and Lyngbya, interacting with corals.
Proteomic evidence for aerobic methane production in groundwater by methylotrophic Methylotenera
Authors: Li Shengjie , Dong Xiaoli , Humez Pauline , Borecki Joanna , Birks Jean , McClain Cynthia , Mayer Bernhard , Strous Marc , Diao Muhe
Published: February 2025

Members of Methylotenera are signature denitrifiers and methylotrophs commonly found together with methanotrophic bacteria in lakes and freshwater sediments. Here we show that three distinct Methylotenera ecotypes were abundant in methane-rich groundwaters recharged during the Pleistocene. Just like in surface water biomes, groundwater Methylotenera often co-occurred with methane-oxidizing bacteria, even though they were generally unable to denitrify. One abundant Methylotenera ecotype expressed a pathway for aerobic methane production from methylphosphonate. This phosphate-acquisition strategy was recently found to contribute to methane production in the oligotrophic, oxic upper ocean. Gene organization, phylogeny, and 3D protein structure of the key enzyme, C-P lyase subunit PhnJ, were consistent with a role in phosphate uptake. We conclude that phosphate may be a limiting nutrient in productive, methane-rich aquifers, and that methylphosphonate degradation might contribute to groundwater methane production.
Conotoxins from sea snails as potential bone Remodeling disruptors
Authors: Iduarte-Frias Brenda , Fournier Pierrick G J , Galindo-Torres Pavel , Ventura-López Claudia , Licea-Navarro Alexei F , Bernáldez-Sarabia Johana , Juárez Patricia
Published: February 2025

The ocean provides food and shelter to diverse marine species, and it is an exceptional source of potential bioactive natural products with promising medicinal properties. Among these, α-conotoxins from venom sea snails show tremendous potential. Our study characterized the effects of synthetic α-conotoxins, sXm1b and sVc1.1, on bone remodeling. Transcriptomic analysis showed significant modulation of critical biological processes, leading to increased osteoclast activity and decreased osteoblast mineralization. sXm1b and sVc1.1 treatment also promoted genes involved in osteoblast and osteoclast proliferation. Interestingly, sVC1.1 showed higher osteoclast gene modulation and reduced the expression of genes critical for osteoblast development and differentiation. In vitro, functional evaluations demonstrated increased osteoclastogenesis and resorption, along with decreased differentiation and mineralization by osteoblasts. In a 3D ex vivo calvaria culture model, these conotoxins significantly decreased bone area, increased osteoclast number, and modulated the expression of osteoclast- and osteoblast-related genes. The findings highlight the promise of α-conotoxins as modulator of bone remodeling for treating non-genetic bone mass accumulation problems, while also cautioning about potential adverse effects on bone in individuals undergoing conotoxin therapy for pain management.
A comprehensive study of the dust declines in R Coronae Borealis stars
Authors: Crawford Courtney L , Soon Jamie , Clayton Geoffrey C , Tisserand Patrick , Bedding Timothy R , Clark Caleb J , Lee Chung-Uk
Published: February 2025

The R Coronae Borealis (RCB) variables are rare, hydrogen-deficient, carbon-rich supergiants known for large, erratic declines in brightness due to dust formation. Recently, the number of known RCB stars in the Milky Way and Magellanic Clouds has increased from $\sim$30 to 162. We use all-sky and targeted photometric surveys to create the longest possible light curves for all known RCB stars and systematically study their declines. Our study, the largest of its kind, includes measurements of decline activity levels, morphologies, and periodicities for nearly all RCB stars. We confirm previous predictions that cool RCB stars exhibit more declines than warm RCBs, supporting a relationship between dust formation and condensation temperatures. We also find evidence for two distinct dust production mechanisms. R CrB and SU Tau show decline onsets consistent with a Poisson process, suggesting their dust production is driven by stochastic processes, such as convection. In contrast, RY Sgr’s declines correlate with its pulsation period, suggesting that its dust production is driven by pulsationally induced shocks. Finally, we show that the dust properties of the related class of DY Per variables differ from those of the RCB stars, suggesting differences in their evolutionary status.
Hierarchical Bayesian estimation of population-level torque law parameters from anomalous pulsar braking indices
Authors: Vargas Andrés F , Carlin Julian B , Melatos Andrew
Published: February 2025

Stochastic fluctuations in the spin frequency $\nu$ of a rotation-powered pulsar affect how accurately one measures the power-law braking index, $n_{\rm pl}$, defined through $\dot{\nu }=K\nu ^{n_{\rm pl}}$, and can lead to measurements of anomalous braking indices, with $\vert n \vert = \vert \nu \ddot{\nu }/ \dot{\nu }^{2} \vert \gg 1$, where the overdot symbolizes a derivative with respect to time. Previous studies show that the variance of the measured n obeys the predictive, falsifiable formula $\langle n^{2} \rangle = n_{\rm pl}^{2}+\sigma ^{2}_{\ddot{\nu }}\nu ^{2}\gamma _{\ddot{\nu }}^{-2}\dot{\nu }^{-4}T_{\rm obs}^{-1}$ for $\dot{K}=0$, where $\sigma _{\ddot{\nu }}$ is the timing noise amplitude, $\gamma _{\ddot{\nu }}^{-1}$ is a stellar damping time-scale, and $T_{\rm obs}$ is the total observing time. Here, we combine this formula with a hierarchical Bayesian scheme to infer the population-level distribution of $n_{\rm pl}$ for a pulsar population of size M. The scheme is validated using synthetic data to quantify its accuracy systematically and prepare for its future application to real, astronomical data. For a plausible test population with $M=100$ and injected $n_{\rm pl}$ values drawn from a population-level Gaussian with mean $\mu _{\rm pl}=4$ and standard deviation $\sigma _{\rm pl}=0.5$, intermediate between electromagnetic braking and mass quadrupole gravitational radiation reaction, the Bayesian scheme infers $\mu _{\rm pl}=3.89^{+0.24}_{-0.23}$ and $\sigma _{\rm pl}=0.43^{+0.21}_{-0.14}$. The $M=100$ per-pulsar posteriors for $n_{\rm pl}$ and $\sigma ^{2}_{\ddot{\nu }}\gamma _{\ddot{\nu }}^{-2}$ contain 87 and 69 per cent, respectively, of the injected values within their 90 per cent credible intervals. Comparable accuracy is achieved for (i) population sizes spanning the range $50 \le M \le 300$, with fractional errors ranging from 2 to 6 per cent for $\mu _{\rm pl}$, and 12 to 54 per cent for $\sigma _{\rm pl}$, and (ii) wide priors satisfying $\mu _{\rm pl} \le 10^{3}$ and $\sigma _{\rm pl} \le 10^{2}$, which accommodate plausible spin-down mechanisms with $\dot{K}\ne 0$ and $\vert \dot{K} / K \vert \gg \vert \dot{\nu }/\nu \vert$. The Bayesian scheme generalizes readily to other plausible astrophysical situations, such as pulsar populations with bimodal $n_{\rm pl}$ distributions.
Decretion disc evolution and neutron star accretion in short-period eccentric Be/X-ray binaries
Authors: Rast R G , Jones C E , Suffak M W , Carciofi A C
Published: February 2025

We examine Be star discs in highly eccentric Be/X-ray systems. We use a three-dimensional smoothed particle hydrodynamics code to model the structure of the Be star disc and investigate its interactions with the secondary star over time. We use system parameters consistent with the eccentric, short-period (P$\approx$ 16 d) Be/X-ray binary A0538-66 as the basis for our models. We explore a range of system geometries by incrementally varying the misalignment angle of the neutron star’s orbital plane with respect to the primary star’s equatorial plane to cover a complete range from coplanar prograde to coplanar retrograde. For all simulations, we follow the evolution of the disc’s total mass and angular momentum as well as the average eccentricity and inclination with respect to the equatorial planes of both the primary and secondary. We also determine the neutron star accretion rates. We find that the high eccentricity of the binary orbit causes all calculated disc parameters to vary with orbital phase in all models. The amplitude of these variations is negatively correlated with misalignment angle for models with misalignment angles less than 90$^{\circ }$, and positively correlated for models with misalignment angles greater than 90$^{\circ }$. Accretion rates are affected by the number of particles the neutron star interacts with as well as the length of the interaction time between the particles and the neutron star. We find that accretion rates are largest for models with misalignment angles less than 90$^{\circ }$, and smaller for models with those greater than 90$^{\circ }$.
Genetic mechanisms and adaptive benefits of anthocyanin-red stigmas in a wind-pollinated tree
Authors: Wang Wei-Hao , Renner Susanne S , Liu Hao-Sheng , Dai Liu-Feng , Chen Cai-Jin , Zhang Yi , Zhang Bo-Wen , Zhang Da-Yong , Bai Wei-Ning
Published: February 2025

Anthocyanin accumulation in leaves or flowers mitigates photooxidation damage from Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and functions in plant/animal interactions. Among the most conspicuously anthocyanin-accumulating tissues are stigmas, especially in wind-pollinated trees. In the walnut genus (Juglans), yellow stigmas are ancestral, but a few species have dark red stigmas. We have used a natural F1 hybrid resulting from crosses between yellow-stigma and red-stigma species to investigate the genetic basis of the red stigmas. We found that a Copia transposable element (TE) insertion in the ubiquitin-protein ligase gene MIEL1 suppresses its expression in stigmas through RNA-directed DNA methylation and has gone to fixation in red-stigma species. A younger Gypsy TE insertion fully inhibits MIEL1 expression, but is not fixed, explaining the color segregation in hybrid populations. Based on reference genomes and whole-genome sequencing data representing 20 of the 22 species of Juglans, we traced the evolution of MIEL1, finding the insertions in all consistently-red-stigma species. Red stigmas had lower levels of ROS than yellow stigmas, and population-genetic data reveal strong positive selection on the TE-bearing MIEL1 allele. In combination, these results suggest that anthocyanin-accumulating stigma tissues support pollen germination and growth by protecting cells from ROS.
Real-World Effectiveness of 3 Types of Acellular Pertussis Vaccines Among Children Aged 3 Months–16 Years in Lu’an, China: A Matched Case-Control Study
Authors: Qin Wei , Ma Bingxin , Zhang Huan , Wang Yao , Pan Fan , Chen Yafei , Zhou Yu , Liu Yongyu , Ma Liguo , Zhao Changjun , Tian Yongjie
Published: February 2025

Background

The real-world vaccine effectiveness (VE) of the diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis (DTaP), DTaP–Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), and DTaP–inactivated polio (IPV)/Hib vaccines has not been thoroughly evaluated in China. Additionally, there are limited data on the VE of acellular pertussis–containing vaccines (aPVs) when used interchangeably.

Methods

We conducted a matched case-control study to estimate the VE of aPVs against polymerase chain reaction–confirmed pertussis infection in Lu’an in 2024. A conditional logistic regression model was used to compare the odds ratios (ORs) of vaccination between cases and controls. VE was calculated as [(1 – adjusted OR) × 100%], and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed around the estimates.

Results

A total of 1936 children aged 3 months to 16 years were included in the study. The overall VE was 77.3% (95% CI, 35.2%–92.1%). The VE for fully vaccinated children was 88.4% (95% CI, 57.3%–96.8%), while the VE for partially vaccinated children was 77.4% (95% CI, 35.5%–92.1%). The VE of DTaP, DTaP-Hib, and DTaP-IPV/Hib was 75.8% (95% CI, 29.7%–91.7%), 83.2% (95% CI, 47.8%–94.6%), and 79.8% (95% CI, 36.5%–93.6%), respectively. Compared with mixed vaccination (65.3%.), the incremental VE of DTaP, DTaP-Hib, and DTaP-IPV/Hib was 31.0% (95% CI, 1.0%–51.9%), 52.9% (95% CI, 19.1%–72.6%), and 41.1% (95% CI, −18.7% to 71.8%), respectively. We observed a decline in VE over time, decreasing from 76.5% (95% CI, 33.0%–91.7%) within the first 2 years to −5.5% (95% CI, −495.2% to 81.3%) after 6 years or more.

Conclusions

All aPVs provide significant protection against pertussis infection, although this protection wanes over time. The VE appears to decrease materially if these vaccines are administered alternately in an individual's routine immunization schedule.
Melatonin confers saline-alkali tolerance in tomato by alleviating nitrosative damage and S-nitrosylation of H+-ATPase 2
Authors: Wei Jin-Wei , Liu Minghui , Zhao Dan , Du Pengmeng , Yan Lu , Liu Derui , Shi Qinghua , Yang Changxian , Qin Guochen , Gong Biao
Published: February 2025

Soil salinization and alkalization disrupt redox homeostasis, impairing plant survival and crop production. Disruption of redox homeostasis can cause accumulation of reactive nitrogen species, such as nitric oxide (NO), which causes nitrosative damage in which the properties of biomacromolecules are altered. It is unclear whether melatonin regulates NO homeostasis, thereby affecting plant saline-alkali tolerance. In tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), excess NO caused by saline-alkali stress resulted in nitrosative damage, which was alleviated by S-nitrosoglutathione reductase (GSNOR). Moreover, saline-alkali stress-triggered NO stimulated caffeic acid O-methyltransferase (COMT) transcription and melatonin biosynthesis to scavenge excess NO and alleviate nitrosative damage at the proteome level. Under saline-alkali stress, plasma membrane-localized H+-ATPase 2 (HA2) was S-nitrosylated at Cys206, impairing its interaction with 14-3-3 protein 1 (TFT1). HA2 S-nitrosylation resulted in reduced HA activity, H+ efflux, and saline-alkali tolerance. Conversely, COMT-generated melatonin alleviated HA2 S-nitrosylation, recovering its function and tomato saline-alkali tolerance. Therefore, we propose that melatonin and NO are redox switches of HA2 S-nitrosylation for saline-alkali tolerance. Under natural saline-alkali conditions, tomato productivity was improved by grafting with COMT-, GSNOR-, or HA2-overexpression rootstocks, or by generating nonnitrosylated HA2C206S mutants. By establishing the melatonin–NO–HA2 module, this study illuminates a molecular function of melatonin and suggests possible genetic engineering strategies to improve agriculture.
Centering equity through in-person data collection: short report
Authors: Zaidi Izza , Dominguez Gomez Leonardo , Jordan Ashly E , Jessell Lauren , Harocopos Alex
Published: February 2025

Background

During the COVID-19 pandemic, data collection activities largely became tele-remote, excluding those who did not have the required technology or digital literacy.

Methods

Between June and September 2020, we collected data in-person from people who use opioids in New York City. Participants were recruited via street intercept and outside four syringe service programs in the city. Surveys were conducted outdoors, with researchers and participants wearing masks and maintaining physical distance.

Results

A total of 329 people participated in the survey. Participants reported an average age of 45.8 years, 69.6% identified as male, 32.6% identified as Hispanic/Latino/a and 22.3% identified as Black. Many experienced unstable housing/street homelessness (65.9%) and half did not have regular smartphone access (51.1%).

Conclusion

Many participants were struggling to meet their basic needs and did not have the resources to participate in tele-remote research or surveillance. In-person engagement may help researchers build trust, explain data security measures, and decrease technology and comprehension barriers. As data inform policies and programs, researchers must center equity by including under-engaged groups in data collection activities.
Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period: A Review of Pathophysiological Mechanisms, Clinical Manifestations, and Treatment Approaches
Authors: Pandit Maya V. , Frishman William H.
Published: February 2025

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is a rare neurological emergency associated with significant morbidity and mortality. CVST has been found to account for up to 57% of pregnancy-related strokes. Pregnancy and the postpartum period are associated with physiological changes that lead to a hypercoagulable state, increasing the risk for CVST. The pathophysiological mechanism for CVST involves increased venule and capillary pressure as well as intracranial pressure, which lead to clinical manifestations such as headaches, seizures, and focal neurological deficits. Diagnosis involves imaging including computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, venography, and in some cases, cerebral angiography. Treatment options during pregnancy and postpartum include anticoagulation with low molecular weight heparin and symptomatic management. Further research is needed to elucidate the safety and efficacy of endovascular treatment techniques in severe or refractory cases of CVST, particularly during pregnancy and puerperium. In this review, we describe the physiological changes of pregnancy, outline the pathophysiological mechanisms and clinical findings of CVST, and discuss treatment approaches specific to pregnancy and the postpartum period.
Impact of kidney function on stiffness of small conduit arteries in hypertension and obesity
Authors: Moriconi Diego , Nannipieri Monica , Badhwar Smriti , Taddei Stefano , Boutouyrie Pierre , Bruno Rosa Maria
Published: February 2025

Background:

Arterial stiffness is a key cardiovascular risk factor influenced by conditions like hypertension, obesity and kidney function. Although large arteries have been extensively studied, small conduit arteries remain less investigated. This study aims to explore the impact of kidney function on small conduit artery stiffness in two distinct groups: normotensive individuals with severe obesity and normal-weight hypertensive individuals.

Methods:

Thirty-three severely obese (OB) individuals, 33 hypertensive (HT) individuals, and 33 normotensive, normal-weight control participants, matched for age and sex, were recruited. Eleven participants (33%) in both the OB and HT groups had estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) less than 60 ml/min/1.73 m2. Aortic stiffness (carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity) was recorded. Ultrasound images of common carotid, radial, and interdigital arteries were acquired for the assessment of geometry, distensibility coefficient, circumferential wall stress, and Young's elastic modulus (Einc).

Results:

The OB group exhibited higher radial stiffness (both Einc and distensibility coefficient) compared to the HT and control groups, independent of radial diameter adjustments. An inverse correlation between eGFR and radial Einc was noted only in the OB group (P = 0.002). Conversely, a direct correlation between eGFR and carotid distensibility coefficient was found only in the HT group (P = 0.001). In multivariable analysis, eGFR and BMI were the only predictors of radial Einc in the overall population.

Conclusion:

Severe obesity and reduced eGFR synergistically increase radial artery stiffness, a phenomenon not observed in essential hypertension. This study suggests that moderate chronic kidney disease exacerbates vascular alterations in obese individuals, highlighting the need for further research on the role of small conduit arteries in cardiovascular risk.
Treatment of early hypertensive renal damage with Quanduzhong capsules: two case reports
Authors: Zhang Gao-Yu , Fan Jia-Rong , Wang Zi-Han , He Qing , Gao Xue-Fei , Li Xiao-Feng , Zhou Zhi-Gang , Cui Yu , Li Lin
Published: February 2025

Background:

Hypertensive nephropathy is increasingly prevalent and a leading cause of end-stage renal disease. Current treatment strategies for hypertensive nephropathy focus on blood pressure control and reducing urinary albumin. However, the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI)/angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) medications carries risks, including a potential decrease in glomerular filtration rate (GFR). This report aims to assess the clinical effectiveness of Quanduzhong capsules (QDZCs) in early-stage hypertensive kidney damage, contributing to the evidence base for their use in traditional Chinese medicine for hypertension treatment.

Methods:

The patients, two middle-aged gentlemen with over a decade of hypertension in their medical history, were currently in the early phase of grade 1 hypertension. Notably, their blood pressure readings consistently exceeded the normal parameters. Furthermore, they exhibited signs of microalbuminuria and proteinuria in their clinical presentations. Based on these symptoms, they received a diagnosis of hypertensive kidney damage, specifically at the microalbuminuria stage.

Results:

After admission, the two patients took QDZCs for treatment. The medication method was: 2 times a day, 3 capsules each time. The results showed that the microalbuminuria of case 1 and the proteinuria of case 2 were reduced within 12 weeks after taking the medicine, and the average 24-h blood pressure was also reduced. Case 2 experienced a slight decrease in creatinine clearance and glomerular filtration rate after treatment, but the difference was not significant. During the 12-week follow-up period, there were no significant abnormalities in serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine clearance, and estimated glomerular filtration rate.

Conclusion:

This case report shows that Quanduzhong capsule can lower blood pressure and improve symptoms of microalbuminuria and proteinuria in patients with early hypertensive renal damage, and may provide a promising treatment option for the management of early hypertensive renal damage. However, the evidence is preliminary and larger, controlled studies are needed to determine its efficacy and potential advantages.