bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of automated insulin delivery during major surgery in patients with type 1 diabetes: Two case reports
Authors: Stadnik Julia , Seget Sebastian , Tarasiewicz Mateusz , Jarosz‐Chobot Przemysława , Piątek Karolina , Dróżdż Maria , Czarniecka Agnieszka , Koszutski Tomasz , Walęza‐Widuch Anna , Olejnik Krzysztof , Nowiński Bogdan
Published: December 2024

With the rapid advancement of diabetes technology, the number of patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) using automated insulin delivery (AID) systems is increasing, making the presence of such patients in the perioperative period more common. This study presents two cases of T1D patients who underwent thyroidectomy while using AID, following a protocol designed in collaboration with the diabetology, anesthesiology, and surgical teams. Two female patients, aged 12 and 33 years, both using AID systems, were admitted for elective thyroidectomy. Glycemic metrics prior to surgery indicated good glycemic control, leading to the decision to continue AID during the procedures. The use of AID enabled safe surgical performance with satisfactory glycemic control. In one case, a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) sensor disruption likely resulted from acetaminophen distribution and/or sensor's proximity to the surgical field. This report highlights the need for standardized guidelines regarding the use of AID in the perioperative period.
Epidemiology and treatment of Adamantiades–Behçet's disease in Germany: A healthcare claims database study
Authors: Zouboulis C. C. , Borchert J. , Diesing J. , Heinrich R. , Galetzka W. , Medelnik J.‐P. , Altenburg A. , Feldhus A. , Schönfelder T.
Published: December 2024

Background

Adamantiades–Behçet's disease (ABD) is a rare, chronic, relapsing, multisystem vasculitis, with a reported prevalence of 0.9 out of 100,000 population in Germany in 2012. However, more recent epidemiological data are lacking.

Objectives

To estimate the prevalence and incidence of ABD in Germany and assess associated comorbidities and current treatment patterns.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study used claims data from the anonymized Institute for Applied Health Research Berlin (InGef) research database. Cohorts were formed for the observation years 2016, 2017 and 2018, using data from 2013 to 2018 (allowing for a 3‐year baseline period for incidence data). The study population included patients ≥18 years old with a diagnosis of ABD (ICD‐10 diagnostic code M35.2), covered under the statutory health insurance system and in the InGef research database, with continuous insurance in the observation year and baseline period. We descriptively evaluated prevalence (≥2 outpatient ABD diagnoses in different quarters/≥1 main inpatient diagnosis in the observation year), incidence (no confirmed outpatient/inpatient diagnosis in the baseline period), comorbidities reported during the study and ABD‐related medications.

Results

We identified 300, 303 and 329 patients diagnosed with ABD in 2016, 2017 and 2018, respectively, with fewer than half (122/300 [40.7%], 127/303 [41.9%] and 150/329 [45.6%]) prescribed ≥1 disease‐related medication. In the treated population, ABD prevalence was 3.9 (2016), 4.1 (2017) and 4.7 (2018) per 100,000 population; annual ABD incidence was 0.5 per 100,000 population in 2016 and 2017 and 0.6 per 100,000 population in 2018. The most commonly reported comorbidities in patients diagnosed with ABD were dorsalgia (an indicator of possible misdiagnosis), disorders of refraction and accommodation, and essential (primary) hypertension. Prednisolone, colchicine and azathioprine were the most commonly prescribed treatments for ABD, with approximately 15% of patients taking >1 medication for ABD.

Conclusions

The reported data provide evidence that ABD remains a rare disease in Germany.
Porphyromonas gingivalis‐Lipopolysaccharide Induced Gingival Fibroblasts Trained Immunity Sustains Inflammation in Periodontitis
Authors: Liu Jiayi , Tian Haoyang , Ju Jinhong , Nie Fujiao , Yin Qiuyue , Zhao Jingjing , Wang Suli , Guo Hongmei , Yang Pishan
Published: December 2024

Aim

To investigate whether trained immunity occurs in gingival fibroblasts (GFs) and its relationship to the persistence of inflammation in periodontitis.

Methods

Periodontally healthy and inflammatory gingival fibroblasts (HGFs and IGFs) were cultured through continuous adherence subculture of tissue blocks. Trained immunity in HGFs was evaluated via a classic in vitro model, with relevant markers assessed via enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, lactate content assay, glycolytic rate assay, and chromatin immunoprecipitation. A histone methyltransferase blocker and a PI3K inhibitor were added to investigate the mechanisms underlying trained immunity. The relationship between trained immunity and periodontitis was further examined via immunofluorescence staining and chromatin immunoprecipitation on IGFs.

Results

Compared with untrained cells, GFs trained with Porphyromonas gingivalis‐lipopolysaccharide (P. gingivalis‐LPS) exhibited a significant increase in IL‐6 and TNF‐α secretion, enhanced glycolytic metabolism, and enriched mono‐methylation of lysine 4 on histone H3 (H3K4me1) at the enhancer regions of TNF‐α and IL‐6. The addition of a histone methyltransferase blocker and a PI3K inhibitor greatly reduced trained immunity. Additionally, the response of IGFs to P. gingivalis‐LPS stimulation and their epigenetic modifications were similar to those observed in trained HGFs.

Conclusion

This study novelly discovered that both P. gingivalis‐LPS‐stimulated HGFs and IGFs in periodontitis acquired trained immunity. Following P. gingivalis‐LPS stimulation, HGFs underwent metabolic and epigenetic changes via the PI3K/AKT pathway, with these epigenetic changes also observed in IGFs. This finding suggests that trained immunity in GFs may be a key mechanism underlying the recurrence and persistence of periodontitis.
An analysis of green trademarks vis‐à‐vis Indian trademark law
Authors: Mishra Nikhil , Singh Digvijay
Published: December 2024

Businesses have a huge impact on the environment in the present economic era. The market is full of noneco‐friendly products. In the epic struggle between the profit‐oriented mode of production and environmental protection, green branding acts as a ray of hope for change, satisfying the needs and objectives of both, the capitalists as well as the environment. Green branding is a method to demonstrate the products as eco‐friendly through a green trademark which implies that the mode of production, constituents, packaging, final output and/or the disposing of the products is eco‐friendly. However, there is no evidence suggesting recognition of green trademarks across the jurisdictions. Authors argue that the global challenge of environmental protection cannot be neglected by the reason of varying laws or their absence at all. Further, there has been continuous efforts by businesses to harness the profit by marketing numerous noneco‐friendly products as eco‐friendly by misutilising the concept of green branding in absence of any stringent laws constituting the greenwashing. Such practices must be curtailed to protect consumers from misleading information while promoting genuine environmental responsibility and encouraging sustainable business practices. This article analyses the statutory standing of green trademarks in India and the existing and potential measures, including legislative changes, which are and can be potentially taken for recognition, registration and promotion of green trademarks and to curb any existing or potential misutilisation of the same.
On Estimates of Insider Trading in Sports Betting
Authors: Whelan Karl
Published: December 2024

Several researchers have reported estimates of the fraction of money placed on sports betting by “insiders” with superior information to bookmakers. We show the method for estimating the fraction of insiders used in this research is only accurate under highly unrealistic conditions and that these estimates will tend to be positive in realistic cases where there are no insiders. We also argue that variations in these estimates are unlikely to be related to variations in the amount of inside information but rather are more likely due to other factors such as variations in bookmakers' costs or the extent of competition in betting markets.
Diets, Fruit and Vegetable Intake and Nutritional Status in Tanzania: Scoping Review
Authors: Amunga Dorcas A. , Hess Sonja Y. , Grant Frederick K. E. , Kinabo Joyce , Olney Deanna K.
Published: December 2024

Globally, the intake of fruit and vegetables (F&V) is far below the recommended levels, contributing to various health challenges including micronutrient deficiencies and non‐communicable diseases. In Tanzania, where the triple burden of malnutrition persists, there is a need to identify gaps in evidence, better understand diets and F&V intake and identify promising interventions for improved intake. We conducted a scoping review to summarize the evidence on dietary intake, F&V intake and nutritional status in Tanzania. This included three separate literature searches in PubMed covering the years 2012–2023. A total of 62, 37 and 15 articles met predefined eligibility criteria for the review of overall diet, dietary intake of F&V and nutritional status, respectively. Identified studies suggest that overall dietary practices among all population groups were primarily based on carbohydrate‐rich foods, complementary feeding practices were suboptimal among young children and a low proportion of women of reproductive age (WRA) and pregnant and lactating women achieved minimum dietary diversity for women (MDD‐W). Across all population groups, F&V intake was below the recommended 400 g per day. Analysis of nutritional status in Tanzania in population representative surveys showed high stunting prevalence in children below 5 years of age, and a high prevalence of overweight and obesity among WRA, particularly in urban areas. Additional research is needed to understand better the complex interactions between diet and nutrition and health outcomes, and to identify efficient and cost‐effective strategies to improve overall dietary quality, including increasing F&V intake.
Species‐Specific Traits Shape Genetic Diversity During an Expansion–Contraction Cycle and Bias Demographic History Reconstruction
Authors: Vishwakarma Ravi , Sgarlata Gabriele Maria , Soriano‐Paños David , Rasteiro Rita , Maié Tiago , Paixão Tiago , Tournebize Rémi , Chikhi Lounès
Published: December 2024

Species ranges are dynamic, experiencing expansions, contractions or shifts in response to habitat changes driven by extrinsic factors such as climate change or human activities. While existing research examines the genetic consequences of spatial processes, few studies integrate species‐specific traits to analyse how habitat changes affect co‐existing species. In this study, we address this gap by investigating how genetic diversity patterns vary among species with different traits (such as generation length, population density and dispersal) experiencing similar habitat changes. Using spatial simulations and a simpler panmictic population model, we investigate the temporal genetic diversity in refugium populations undergoing range expansion of their habitat, followed by stationary and contraction periods. By varying habitat contraction speed and species traits, we identified three distinct temporal dynamics of genetic diversity during contraction: (i) a decrease in genetic diversity, (ii) an initial increase followed by a decrease and (iii) a continuous increase throughout the contraction period. We show that genetic diversity trajectories during population decline can be predicted by comparing sampled population diversity to equilibrium values expected under expanded and contracted habitat ranges. Our study also challenges the belief that high genetic diversity in a refugium population is due to a recent and rapid habitat loss. Instead, we found contrasting effects of contraction speed on genetic diversity depending on the interaction between species‐specific traits and the dynamics of habitat change. Finally, using simulated genetic data, we found that demographic histories inferred from effective population size estimates may vary across species, even when they experience similar habitat changes.
Stomatal Parameters in a Changing Environment
Authors: Potkay Aaron , Sloan Brandon , Feng Xue
Published: December 2024

Summary statement

We recommend that stomatal slope parameters (g1) be inferred by inversion so that variations in g1 may be attributed to variations physiological and environmental conditions. Understanding g1 will advance predictions of plant gas exchange and performance under global climate.
Power, meta‐perceptions, and belonging: How positive recognition matters for group identification, identity compatibility, and intergroup attitudes
Authors: Obradović Sandra , Albayrak‐Aydemir Nihan , Amer Amena , Boza Mihaela , Kışlıoğlu Reşit
Published: December 2024

Creating a shared group identification has been theorized as one pathway for overcoming intergroup divides within larger, superordinate contexts. Although self‐identification with superordinate groups has been extensively studied in political psychology, less attention has been paid to how others' recognition of our belonging shapes this process. The present paper examines the role of such perceived recognition for European identification across three countries ‐ Romania, Serbia, and Türkiye ‐ using data from three studies. We find support for a hierarchical framing of a superordinate group (Study 1, N = 374), where the perspective of more prototypical subgroups come to act as gatekeepers, impacting the identities of less prototypical members (Study 2, N = 1255). Through an experimental design (Study 3, N = 573), we find that exposure to more positive perspectives of prototypical subgroups can increase identification, superordinate–subordinate identity compatibility and political support for group membership. Significant differences emerge between the countries, highlighting the importance of socio‐political and historical context, which we consider in the discussion.
Reducing ethnic inequities: Patterns of asthma medication use and hospital discharges in Māori in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Eathorne Allie , Noble Jonathan , Hatter Lee , Hills Tom , Te Paa Selwyn , Harwood Matire , Weatherall Mark , Beasley Richard
Published: December 2024

Background and Objective

In Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) widespread transition to budesonide/formoterol maintenance and/or reliever regimens in clinical practice is temporally associated with reduced rates of asthma hospitalization. It is unknown whether this association is observed in Māori, the indigenous population of NZ, who experience a disproportionate burden from asthma. We investigated patterns in asthma medication use and hospital admissions in Māori in NZ.

Methods

Review of NZ national dispensing data for asthma inhaler medications and asthma hospital discharge data from January 2013 to December 2023 in the 12+ age group, with calculation of the relative change in dispensed medication and asthma hospitalization rates for Māori and non‐Māori. The most recent six‐month period, July to December 2023, is compared with the corresponding six‐month period 4 years earlier, July to December 2019.

Results

Budesonide/formoterol dispensing increased for both Māori and non‐Māori for 2019–2023, with a relative 111% and 115% increase, respectively. Between the two periods, asthma hospital discharges reduced from 142.5 to 97.3 per 100,000, absolute difference 45.2 per 100,000, a 32% reduction for Māori; and 49.4–37.9 per 100,000, absolute difference 11.5 per 100,000; a 23% reduction for non‐Māori.

Conclusion

The temporal association between a marked increase in dispensing of budesonide/formoterol maintenance and/or reliever regimens and reduced asthma hospitalization was observed for Māori and non‐Māori, with a greater reduction in asthma hospitalization for Māori. Despite this reduction in health inequities, asthma hospitalization rates are two and a half times greater for Māori compared to non‐Māori.

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The Selection of Sports Schools: The Influence of the Environment on the Development of Youth Athletes' Career Adaptability
Authors: Nikander Jaakko A. O. , Tolvanen Asko , Ryba Tatiana V.
Published: December 2024

There are many routes to achieving an elite status in sports, which can be described as a journey that involves many developmental environments. In terms of navigating transitions and across environments, the adolescent years are particularly crucial, and psychosocial skills may assist youth athletes to maintain balance and wellbeing in combining sports and education. The aim of this study was to investigate the environmental differences in career adaptability profiles as students adapt to their sports high schools. A total of 391 student‐athletes (51% female, 49% male) from six sports high schools in Finland participated in the study. To compare the environments' features, we created a typology of the environments based on a document analysis methodology. Our quantitative analysis builds upon the findings of the first author, who applied latent profile analysis (LPA) to career adaptability measures across the first year of sports high school. To investigate whether student‐athletes have a higher probability of belonging to a profile in certain sports high schools, we used multinomial regression analysis. The results showed that the most sports‐focused and centralized environment did not support career adaptability development to the same extent as other environments. Furthermore, we found that student‐athletes in the “highly successful” environment had the highest probability of belonging to the high or increased career adaptability profile, despite reporting the highest number of sports training hours and high academic success. This study demonstrates the importance of the locality and the authenticity of the environments and of how their features support student‐athletes' career adaptability development.
Self‐Relatedness or Cross‐Relatedness: The Co‐Evolution of Industries and Occupations Among Chinese Cities
Authors: Zhou Xiaoqi , Ao Rongjun , Li Xiaojing , Chen Jing
Published: December 2024

Existing research on regional diversification primarily focuses on relatedness within industries or occupations, whilst neglecting the cross‐effects between the two. This study first formalizes the concepts of self‐ and cross‐relatedness and then establishes a two‐layer network framework to approach the interaction between industries and occupations. Then, based on China's export and occupation data, both occupation and industry are incorporated as the endogenous factors in explaining regional diversification among 264 prefectural‐level cities in China. The empirical evidence suggests that both self‐ and cross‐relatedness are significantly associated with new regional specializations in the co‐evolution of industries and occupations. More importantly, the roles of self‐relatedness are more significant in small‐sized cities, while the association between cross‐relatedness and industry–occupation co‐evolution is more prominent in large cities.
Al rescate del sujeto en las redes sociodigitales: Estudio antropológico sobre la apropiación y socialización de la información política en Uruguay
Authors: Winocur Rosalía , Rojas Torres Camila , Morales Ramos Soledad , Porta Mariana , Passarini Analía , Díaz Heinzen Francisco
Published: December 2024

Este artículo presenta los resultados de la segunda etapa de una investigación antropológica sobre la apropiación y socialización de la información política en Uruguay, que tiene como premisa fundamental recuperar la perspectiva de los sujetos en la indagación del significado de sus prácticas a través de entrevistas en profundidad. En esta etapa, nos focalizamos, por una parte, en explorar los modos de convivencia en las redes sociodigitales, particularmente, el papel que juega el recurso del “silencio” en la administración y amortiguación del conflicto, y, por otra, en indagar el peso del territorio y la localidad en las diversas tramas de sociabilidad socio-técnicas que integran las personas. Los hallazgos permiten relativizar el impacto de la polarización y del filtro burbuja en la selección, interpretación y validación de la información política significativa en diversos actores sociales.
Research on Fatigue Crack Growth Life of Offshore Wind Turbine Towers With Double Cracks in Extreme Environments
Authors: Tian Jinrong , Li Xiang , Li Fanchun
Published: December 2024

Offshore wind turbines (OWTs) face fatigue damage from constant exposure to wind, waves, and ocean currents, which can lead to catastrophic tower failure, especially with the presence of double cracks. This study investigates the fatigue crack growth life (FCGL) of a 2.1-MW OWT tower under typhoon conditions, considering double cracks. Fluid–structure interaction (FSI) simulations are conducted to reflect real environmental conditions in the Yellow Sea, identifying stress hotspots that serve as crack initiation points. The Forman–Newman–de Koning (FNK) model and linear elastic fracture mechanics are used to calculate crack growth under double crack conditions compared to single cracks. The results indicate that, under typhoon conditions, the location of the maximum equivalent stress on OWT towers shifts upward. During the growth of double cracks, the dominant crack exhibits a similar growth trend to a single crack, while the subordinate crack experiences a gradual decrease in growth rate after penetrating the tower and tends to cease expansion. The presence of double cracks significantly reduces the FCGL of the tower; under wind loading, FCGL decreases from 2.46 years for a single crack to 1.45 years, and under combined wind and wave loading, FCGL decreases from 1.48 years to 0.82 years. This study provides a basis for assessing the damage tolerance of OWT under extreme conditions with double cracks and offers references for maintenance and repair work for engineering professionals.
An Innovative Analogy Serial-Parallel Mass-Spring System Model for Sound Reduction Frequency Prediction of Asymmetric Resonators
Authors: Li Jiaming , Gea Hae Chang
Published: December 2024

In this article, an innovative and comprehensive model is proposed to predict the sound reduction frequency of asymmetric side-branch resonators. This analytical model, referred to as the analogy serial-parallel mass-spring system (ASPMSS) model, incorporates the concept of serial-parallel mass-spring systems into the analogy mass-spring system (AMSS) model. The side-branch resonator is modeled as two parallel effective mass-spring systems, with the sound reduction frequency equal to the natural frequency of the two effective parallel mass-springs. The proposed model is capable of predicting the sound reduction frequency of asymmetric branch cavities with random shapes, as well as symmetric branch cavities as a special case. Several simulation and prediction examples are presented, and the sound reduction frequencies calculated by the analytical model are compared to simulation results from comsol 5.4. The comparison results show that the proposed ASPMSS model is applicable to side-branch resonators with asymmetric geometric profiles and has a high level of prediction accuracy and robustness.
Magnetorheological Damper Design Based on Improved H–B Model
Authors: Zhang Tieshan , Ren Zhong
Published: December 2024

To address the issues of sedimentation of the working medium,high sealing requirements, and rapid increase in stiffness under medium- and high-frequency excitation leading to severe energy dissipation in traditional magnetorheological dampers, a magnetorheological composite material with good sedimentation stability and low sealing requirements was prepared and tested. An improved Herschel–Bulkley model was established to characterize the mechanical properties of the composite material. Furthermore, a shear magnetorheological damper was designed and manufactured based on the composite material, and the performance response law of the damper under medium- and high-frequency excitation was tested by designed experiments. The results show that the dynamic stiffness of the damper increases from 4.83 × 105N/m to 6.32 × 105 N/m when the test frequency is increased from 5 Hz to 20 Hz under the current excitation of 3A, and the single-cycle energy consumption of the damper under the full-band is about 0.037J, which verified the energy consumption capacity of the designed magnetorheological damper under medium- and high-frequency vibrations.
Effect of Hilbert Fractal Acoustic Metamaterials on Ventilation Noise Control
Authors: Karthik R. , Srinivasan K.
Published: December 2024

Ventilation noise control devices often involve a trade-off between their size and ventilating performance, which limits the ability to reduce low-frequency sound in high-ventilation conditions. To address this challenge, the present study explores the use of Hilbert fractal-based design in ventilated metamaterials for improved acoustic performance. The sound transmission loss (STL) of these metamaterials is compared to that of a simple expansion chamber, which serves as the base case. Various parameters, including Hilbert order (O), channel width (K), ventilated space (l), unit cell thickness (H), and the number of unit cells (N) are investigated. Initially, the transfer matrix method evaluates STL without considering thermoviscous effects, which are later incorporated in numerical simulations and impedance tube experiments. The parametric study reveals that increasing the Hilbert curve order decreases the fundamental frequency, while a higher K value increases it. Additionally, more unit cells enhance STL but reduce its broadband nature. Through the finite element method, band diagrams and eigenmodes of Hilbert and base configurations indicate that increased Hilbert orders result in more bands and correspondence between transmission loss spectra and band gaps. The study also identifies dipole resonance modes in the Hilbert structure, which induce a negative effective bulk modulus that contributes to STL. Real-time performance testing in a twin reverberation chamber demonstrates that the Hilbert structure achieves a 5-dB improvement in STL compared to the base configuration across the 700- to 1400-Hz range. These findings are essential for achieving broadband low-frequency noise reduction while allowing airflow.
Novel approach for KrF chemically amplified resist optimization assisted by deep learning
Authors: Tang Chen , Tanaka Toshiaki , Sekiguchi Atsushi , Hirai Yoshihiko , Yasuda Masaaki
Published: December 2024

The development of chemically amplified resists requires many experiments to optimize the chemical composition, which includes the type of monomer molecules and their component ratios, initiator concentration, and process conditions. In addition, the optimization process requires extensive knowledge and experience. In this paper, we apply deep learning to predict the exposure properties, such as sensitivity and contrast, of KrF chemically amplified resists and to optimize the ratio of monomer components. The experimental data are used to predict photoresist development properties by deep learning using in-house code. To achieve this goal, we synthesized several photoresist resins with different proportions. Each resin was then used to prepare photoresist formulations, which were subsequently subjected to exposure and development testing under various energy conditions. Using the film thickness data obtained, we trained our deep learning system to more comprehensively predict the exposure and development curves of photoresists under different resin component conditions. The results of validation experiments showed that the predicted results were consistent with the experimental results, and the predictions for the exposure and development characteristics of different monomer component ratios were quite accurate, confirming that the deep learning outcomes possess high credibility and feasibility.
An ideal compressed mask for increasing speech intelligibility without sacrificing environmental sound recognition
Authors: Johnson Eric M. , Healy Eric W.
Published: December 2024

Hearing impairment is often characterized by poor speech-in-noise recognition. State-of-the-art laboratory-based noise-reduction technology can eliminate background sounds from a corrupted speech signal and improve intelligibility, but it can also hinder environmental sound recognition (ESR), which is essential for personal independence and safety. This paper presents a time-frequency mask, the ideal compressed mask (ICM), that aims to provide listeners with improved speech intelligibility without substantially reducing ESR. This is accomplished by limiting the maximum attenuation that the mask performs. Speech intelligibility and ESR for hearing-impaired and normal-hearing listeners were measured using stimuli that had been processed by ICMs with various levels of maximum attenuation. This processing resulted in significantly improved intelligibility while retaining high ESR performance for both types of listeners. It was also found that the same level of maximum attenuation provided the optimal balance of intelligibility and ESR for both listener types. It is argued that future deep-learning-based noise reduction algorithms may provide better outcomes by balancing the levels of the target speech and the background environmental sounds, rather than eliminating all signals except for the target speech. The ICM provides one such simple solution for frequency-domain models.
ACOUSTICAL NEWS
Authors: Moran Elaine
Published: December 2024

Editor's Note: Readers of this journal are encouraged to submit news items on awards, appointments, and other activities about themselves or their colleagues. Deadline dates for news and notices are 2 months prior to publication.
Public Health and School Health Partnership for a Web-Based Physical Activity Resource
Authors: Welker Kristen , Cox Carol
Published: December 2024

Background: With physical activity levels in children and youth decreasing as their obesity rates rise, collaborations between public health and school health professionals for physical activity interventions are recommended. Physical activity interventions at the school site and those with community involvement in program planning have demonstrated positive outcomes. Methods: As schools are a vital part of community physical activity promotion for students, public health and school health partners in one state created a brain energizers/movement integration website to support 2 components of a comprehensive school physical activity program: “Physical activity integrated into the school day” and “Staff involvement.” This study presents a process evaluation and level of utilization assessment of a public health, web-based resource for physical activity promotion in the elementary school for students aged 6–12 years. Web links were sent to all members of a statewide school nurse association, and 269 school nursing staff responded to an online survey evaluating the website. Results: About 40% of respondents used and shared the site with other teachers/staff at their schools, and the activities and videos were stated as the greatest benefits. Conclusions: Public health and education sectors can collaborate within comprehensive school physical activity programs to provide movement integration resources for students to meet physical activity goals. School nurses can encourage physical activity during the school day and staff involvement by promoting both the health promotion and educational benefits of movement integration and physically active learning.
Antiviral signaling of a type III CRISPR-associated deaminase
Authors: Li Yutao , Li Zhaoxing , Yan Purui , Hua Chenyang , Kong Jianping , Wu Wanqian , Cui Yurong , Duan Yan , Li Shunxiang , Li Guanglei , Ji Shunli , Chen Yijun , Zhao Yucheng , Yang Peng , Hu Chunyi , Lu Meiling , Chen Meirong , Xiao Yibei
Published: December 2024

Prokaryotes have evolved diverse defense strategies against viral infection, including foreign nucleic acid degradation by CRISPR-Cas systems and DNA and RNA synthesis inhibition through nucleotide pool depletion. Here, we report an antiviral mechanism of type III CRISPR-Cas–regulated adenosine triphosphate (ATP) depletion in which ATP is converted into inosine triphosphate (ITP) by CRISPR-Cas–associated adenosine deaminase (CAAD) upon activation by either cA
4
or cA
6
, followed by hydrolysis into inosine monophosphate (IMP) by Nudix hydrolase, ultimately resulting in cell growth arrest. The cryo–electron microscopy structures of CAAD in its apo and activated forms, together with biochemical evidence, revealed how cA
4
or cA
6
binds to the CRISPR-associated Rossmann fold (CARF) domain and abrogates CAAD autoinhibition, inducing substantial conformational changes that reshape the structure of CAAD and induce its deaminase activity. Our results reveal the mechanism of a CRISPR-Cas–regulated ATP depletion antiviral strategy.
Inverse design workflow discovers hole-transport materials tailored for perovskite solar cells
Authors: Wu Jianchang , Torresi Luca , Hu ManMan , Reiser Patrick , Zhang Jiyun , Rocha-Ortiz Juan S. , Wang Luyao , Xie Zhiqiang , Zhang Kaicheng , Park Byung-wook , Barabash Anastasia , Zhao Yicheng , Luo Junsheng , Wang Yunuo , Lüer Larry , Deng Lin-Long , Hauch Jens A. , Guldi Dirk M. , Pérez-Ojeda M. Eugenia , Seok Sang Il , Friederich Pascal , Brabec Christoph J.
Published: December 2024

The inverse design of tailored organic molecules for specific optoelectronic devices of high complexity holds an enormous potential but has not yet been realized. Current models rely on large data sets that generally do not exist for specialized research fields. We demonstrate a closed-loop workflow that combines high-throughput synthesis of organic semiconductors to create large datasets and Bayesian optimization to discover new hole-transporting materials with tailored properties for solar cell applications. The predictive models were based on molecular descriptors that allowed us to link the structure of these materials to their performance. A series of high-performance molecules were identified from minimal suggestions and achieved up to 26.2% (certified 25.9%) power conversion efficiency in perovskite solar cells.
Study reveals kinship among first modern humans in Europe
Authors: Curry Andrew
Published: December 2024

Ancient DNA links people across hundreds of kilometers
New Perspectives on Antimicrobial Agents: Rezafungin
Authors: Forrister Nicholas M. , McCarty Todd P. , Pappas Peter G.
Published: December 2024

Candidemia and invasive candidiasis persist as significant causes of morbidity and mortality. As fluconazole resistance rates rise, alternative means of treatment are necessary, either via mold-active azoles or extended durations of echinocandins. These come with the potential for undesirable side effects for triazoles or choosing between prolonged hospitalization or outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy in the case of echinocandins. Rezafungin offers an opportunity to manage extended treatment durations with shorter hospital stays and no extended parenteral access. Herein, we review the most recent published data pertaining to rezafungin including anti-fungal activity, pharmacokinetics, and clinical data relating to the treatment of invasive candidiasis. Given its prolonged half-life allowing for once-weekly dosing, rezafungin has the potential as an anti-fungal prophylactic agent in high-risk patients, and studies to examine this potential role are ongoing.
Two cases of Legionnaires’ disease due to
Legionella cardiaca
Authors: Han Xiang Y. , Bowman Christopher J. , Bhatti Micah M. , Balachandran Diwaker
Published: December 2024

Background

Legionella cardiaca
is a Gram-negative bacterium initially isolated from the heart valve of a patient with endocarditis. Since its species description in 2012, there have been no other report of infections.

Case Summary

Here, we describe two cases of
L. cardiaca
pneumonia. The patients were a 74-year-old man from New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, with underlying multiple myeloma and a 67-year-old man from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA, with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. They developed cough and fever while undergoing antineoplastic therapy in August 2022 and July 2024, respectively. Laboratory examinations showed leukocytosis in the man with multiple myeloma and pancytopenia in the other with leukemia. In both patients, chest computed tomography showed ground-glass and consolidative opacities in the lung fields to suggest pneumonia. The cultures of the bronchoalveolar lavage fluids grew slender Gram-negative bacilli on buffered charcoal yeast extract (BCYE) agar with growth dependence on L-cysteine. The bacilli were identified by sequencing analyses of the 16S rRNA gene and Mip gene as
L. cardiaca
. The patients were treated with a combination of cefepime and other antibiotics and recovered. Both cases were sporadic infections, with likely exposure in the patients’ hometowns of New Orleans and Oklahoma City, respectively.

Conclusion

These results suggest that
L. cardiaca
is an opportunistic pathogen and may cause pneumonia, or Legionnaires’ disease, in immunocompromised patients. Culture with BCYE agar and gene sequencing analysis may be required to recover and identify the bacterium for an etiologic diagnosis.
Draft genome sequences of
Corynebacterium mastitidis
strains isolated from ocular surface of CD36-knockout mice (B6.129S1-

Cd36
tm1Mfe

/J) with keratitis
Authors: Mannion Anthony , Shen Zeli , Buckley-Jordan Ellen , Garcia Alexis , Lyons Claire , Lee Yao , Boucher Magalie , Carrasco Sebastian , Gilmore Michael S. , Fox James G.
Published: December 2024

Three
Corynebacterium mastitidis
strains were cultured from the eyes of CD36-knockout mice (B6.129S1-

Cd36
tm1Mfe

/J) with and without keratitis housed at a biomedical research institute. Bacteria were sequenced using Illumina MiSeq technology for subsequent phylogenetic characterization and identification of virulence factor genes conferring pathogenic potential.
Complete genome sequence of the biopesticidal
Burkholderia ambifaria
strain BCC0191
Authors: Webster Gordon , Mullins Alex J. , Mahenthiralingam Eshwar
Published: December 2024

Here, we report the genome sequence of
Burkholderia ambifaria
BCC0191, a biopesticide originally isolated from the barley rhizosphere. The genome was assembled using an Illumina–Nanopore hybrid approach and consisted of 7.62 Mbp distributed across three replicons. Several specialized metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters, including those known to be active in biocontrol, were identified.
Comparative mitogenomics of Leptographium procerum, Leptographium terebrantis, and Leptographium wingfieldii, an invasive fungal species in Canadian forests
Authors: Zubaer Abdullah , Wai Alvan , Hausner Georg
Published: December 2024

Leptographium wingfieldii is a fungal associate of Tomicus piniperda (the pine shoot beetle) and pathogen of pines and this species is an agent of blue stain in sapwood on infected trees. This fungus was first reported from Europe and has been recently introduced to Canadian forests. Ten new mitogenomes have been sequenced and characterized, including seven strains of L. wingfieldii, two strains of L. procerum and one strain of L. terebrantis. The data were combined with other members of the Ophiostomatales collected from NCBI to gain more insight into the genetic diversity, evolution, and systematics of these fungi. The size of the studied mitogenomes of Leptographium species ranged from 41 to 126 kb with the number of potential mobile introns embedded within these mitogenomes ranging from 13 to 45. These data show that introns generate genetic diversity and confirms the contribution of mobile introns in genome expansion in Ophiostomatales fungi. This study also uncovered complex intron arrangements (twintrons) suggesting the potential of mobile introns generating complex ribozymes that may have implications in gene regulation.
Runs of homozygosity assessment using reduced representation sequencing highlight the evidence of random mating in emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae)
Authors: Goli Rangasai Chandra , Mahar Karan , Chishi Kiyevi G. , Choudhary Sonu , Rathi Pallavi , Sree Chandana Chinnareddyvari , Haritha Pala , Sukhija Nidhi , Kanaka K.K.
Published: December 2024

The domestication of emu ( Dromaius novaehollandiae) began in the 1970s, but their productive characteristics have not undergone significant genetic enhancement. This study investigated the inbreeding and genetic diversity of 50 emus from various farms in Japan using Double digest restriction-site associated DNA sequencing (ddRAD-seq) markers. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) calling revealed 171 975 high-quality SNPs while runs of homozygosity (ROH) analysis identified 1843 homozygous segments, with an average of 36.86 ROH per individual and a mean genome length of 27 Mb under ROH. The majority (86%) of ROH were short (0.5–1 Mb), indicating ancient or remote inbreeding. The average genomic inbreeding coefficient ( FROH) was 0.0228, suggesting nearly no inbreeding. Overlapping ROH regions were identified, with top consensus regions found on chromosomes 8 and Z. Seven candidate genes related to egg production, feather development, and energy metabolism were annotated in these regions. The findings highlight the prevalence of genetic diversity and low inbreeding levels in the studied emu population. This research highlights the potentiality of random mating in genetic management and conservation of emus. Further studies should focus on enhancing productive traits through selective breeding while preserving genetic diversity to ensure the sustainable growth of the emu farming.
Exploring the metric dimensions of graphene: Unveiling the intricacies of its atomic structure
Authors: Abbas Wasim , Chaudhry Faryal , Farooq Umar , Baber Muhammad Zafarullah , Sulaiman Tukur Abdulkadir
Published: December 2024

Graphene, celebrated for its remarkable atomic structure, stands as a key material in diverse fields such as nanoelectronics and materials science. This paper presents a thorough investigation into the metric dimensions of graphene, emphasizing its unique spatial properties and their broad implications. We analyze how these metric dimensions affect graphene’s electrical, thermal, and mechanical behavior in various applications. Our study delves into the physical mechanisms behind these properties, including atomic interactions, lattice dynamics, and external factors like temperature and pressure.

The metric dimension of a graph G is the minimum cardinality of a subset [Formula: see text] such that every pair of distinct vertices [Formula: see text] is uniquely identified by their distance vectors relative to W and the resolving set, ensures for any [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text], there exists a vertex [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text], where d denotes the distance function in G. In this work, we will determine the metric dimension and Resolving set. However, these findings pave the way for innovative applications in electronics, composites, and beyond.
Prototype of 3D Reliability Assessment Tool Based on the Deep Learning Considering OSS Effort Wiener Process Data
Authors: Tamura Yoshinobu , Miyamoto Shoichiro , Zhou Lei , Yamada Shigeru
Published: December 2024

At present, the fault big data of open source software are opened as the open data set. In particular, the fault detection phenomenon depends on various situation of operation in OSS. Actually, various software reliability growth models have been actively proposed by several researchers in the past. This paper applies the deep learning approach to the OSS fault big data. Then, we propose several reliability assessment measures based on the deep learning. As an approach, the range of estimate expands by the Wiener process embedded for the data preprocessing. Furthermore, this paper proposes the performability as novel reliability assessment measure from the proposed deep learning model. In particular, we develop the prototype of 3D reliability assessment tool. Several illustration examples based on the developed prototype of 3D reliability assessment tool by using the actual fault big data sets are shown in this paper.
Data Breach Disclosure Laws and Social Responsibility Initiatives
Authors: Zhang Yanlei
Published: December 2024

Synopsis

The research problem

This study investigated how firms employ corporate social responsibility (CSR) as a precautionary strategy in response to heightened concerns about cybersecurity following the adoption of data breach disclosure laws in the United States.

Motivation

CSR has garnered substantial attention in contemporary society. Simultaneously, the last few decades have witnessed a rapid surge of the digital economy. However, it remains unclear how CSR is adapting to digitalization. In this study, I focused on cybersecurity, a pivotal challenge in the digital age.

Theoretical reasoning

The enactment of data breach disclosure laws enhances the reporting of cybersecurity incidents and intensifies concerns about cybersecurity, promoting firms to take measures to mitigate the adverse impacts of data breaches. Building on the theory that CSR functions like an insurance policy, I hypothesized that firms increase their engagement in CSR to fortify their reputation after the enactment of data breach disclosure laws, helping cushion the potential impact of future breaches.

Analyses

The main analysis employed a difference-in-differences research design to compare the changes in CSR engagement between firms with high and low levels of cybersecurity risk following the enactment of data breach disclosure laws in the United States. Cross-sectional analyses delved into the underlying mechanisms. Additional analyses first explored the role of CSR in mitigating stock price decline and then illustrated reputational concerns after data breaches.

Findings

The main analysis showed that firms with high cybersecurity risk increase their CSR engagement to a greater extent following the adoption of data breach disclosure laws. CSR initiatives are particularly pronounced for firms likely to incur significant losses from data breaches, aligning with the theoretical framework and offering insight into the underlying mechanisms. I also found that firms with fewer financial constraints exhibit stronger CSR initiatives. Furthermore, these CSR initiatives are distinct and cannot be substituted by investments in information technology. The additional analysis illustrates that firms with superior CSR performance undergo a smaller stock price decline surrounding data breach announcements. This supports the notion that CSR functions much like insurance, shielding against the impacts of data breaches. Subsequently, this study presents direct evidence on firms’ concerns regarding the reputational impact of cybersecurity. Overall, this study underscores cybersecurity concerns as a driving force behind social responsibility initiatives in this digital era.

Target population

This research holds significance for policymakers worldwide who are considering cybersecurity-related regulations and for firms seeking effective risk management strategies in the face of cybersecurity challenges.