bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Military Biomedical Complex During the Interwar Period
Authors: Parasidis Efthimios 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
This chapter details the expansion of the military biomedical complex during the two decades between World War I and World War II, an era now commonly referred to as the interwar period. During the interwar period, the United States expanded its pre-WWI medical research programs and established new divisions that built off the chemical weapons programs of WWI. Also during this period, considerable efforts were dedicated to demobilization and attending to the healthcare needs of millions of returning WWI veterans. But the Great Depression derailed these efforts; subpar treatment of veterans led to widespread public backlash and eventually to the creation of the Veterans Administration, a department charged with coordinating and providing healthcare and benefits to veterans. This chapter also describes the global proliferation of chemical and biological weapons programs and the diplomatic efforts to curtail use of these weapons in combat, including the enactment of several international treaties.
Biomedical Enhancements and the Modern Warfighter
Authors: Parasidis Efthimios 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
This chapter discusses the research and development of biomedical human enhancements for military uses, including drugs that increase endurance, neurostimulation devices that enhance focus, and brain-computer interfaces that allow warfighters to control weapons via thought alone. The chapter examines contemporary and emerging advancements in pharmacological enhancements, precision medicine, and military applications of neuroscience. Within each area, the chapter explores how military projects raise unique concerns in medico-legal concepts such as autonomy, privacy, and human dignity. The chapter also examines whether biomedical enhancements might alter one’s ability to control or be responsible for their actions. It analyzes how to measure and assess benefits and risks of new military technologies, and what safeguards are appropriate during research and operational integration.
More reason for humility in our relationships with ecological communities
Authors: Vucetich John A , Hoy Sarah R , Peterson Rolf O 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Many public decisions about the environment seem infused with a worldview that supposes nature is well understood as a machine and that the key purpose of science is the discovery of its rules to then control nature for the betterment of humanity. That nature-as-machine worldview leads to damaging overconfidence in forecasting ecological outcomes. A competing worldview is that nature is better understood to unfold like human history—explainable but critically and inherently unpredictable because of the important influence of historically contingent events. Recent analysis offers compelling support for this idea. This article explores a demanding consequence of such findings—namely, that those involved—directly and indirectly—with environmental decision-making should strive to relax the influence of the nature-as-machine worldview on environmental decisions, including difficult-to-identify influences that have resulted from centuries of this worldview's normalization. This striving includes analyzing decisions about the environment in terms of humility and favoring humbler decisions.
Mechanical circulatory support for high-risk surgical aortic valve and ascending aortic replacement in severe bicuspid aortic valve stenosis: a case series
Authors: Dimarakis Ioannis , Tennyson Charlene , Karatasakis Aris , Macnab Anita , Dobson Laura E , Kadir Isaac , Feddy Lee , Callan Paul 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is the most common congenital heart defect (reported incidence of 0.5%–2%) and is commonly associated with proximal aortic dilation. Patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) of BAV have been shown to have worse pre-operative left ventricular (LV) function as well as a higher incidence of post-operative heart failure hospitalization when compared with analogous patients with tri-leaflet aortic valve disease. While surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) may be favoured over transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) due to anatomical factors or concomitant aortopathy and coronary artery disease, surgical candidacy is often limited by prohibitive operative risk.

Case summary
We report on three cases of severe AS in BAV with concomitant aortopathy and severe left ventricular dysfunction in whom we proceeded with SAVR with a priori planned venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) support and inotrope-assisted wean. All patients had severe LV dysfunction (ejection fraction &lt; 25%) at baseline with gradual substantial improvement or normalization after successful SAVR.

Discussion
These cases demonstrate the utility of planned VA-ECMO with SAVR and aortic root replacement as an integral component of the operative strategy for high surgical risk patients with severe BAV AS not amenable to TAVI. Appropriate pre-operative planning and consent for VA-ECMO as well as a multi-disciplinary approach involving anaesthesia, intensive care, and heart failure cardiology are the key to offering this option as an alternative to palliative medical therapy to a selected group of patients.
A rare cardiac presentation of a lymphoma: case report
Authors: Grohs Ilona , Riedl Katharina , Kliment Christa , Delle-Karth Georg 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Cardiac lymphoma is a rare disease that can present in various ways. Additionally, atypical clinical presentation makes the diagnosis even more challenging. The most common type of cardiac lymphoma is diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. With chemotherapy, the median survival rate can be up to 2 years. In this report, we focus on the diagnostic approach and differential diagnosis.

Case summary
A 56-year-old patient presented with complete heart block and B-symptoms. Implantation of a pacemaker (PM) was initially deferred due to a junctional rhythm (50 b.p.m.). Echocardiography showed thickening of the left heart with small pericardial effusion. For better visualization of the extent and infiltration cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and computer tomography (CT) were performed. In addition to the cardiac mass, enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes were found on staging CT scan, prompting a transbronchial biopsy. Histology revealed diffuse large B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The patient was referred to a hospital with a Hemato-oncology Department for initiation of chemotherapy.

Discussion
Cardiac lymphoma can be a rare cause of complete heart block. Prior to PM implantation, basic echocardiography is important. In rare conditions like cardiac lymphoma, multimodal imaging, and interdisciplinary decision-making are crucial for management. In the future, lead-less pacemakers could be a safe and effective option for oncology patients.
Population structure of the swordfish, Xiphias gladius, across the Indian Ocean using next-generation sequencing
Authors: Chevrier Thomas , Cowart Dominique A , Nieblas Anne-Elise , Charrier Grégory , Bernard Serge , Evano Hugues , Brisset Blandine , Chanut Jérémie , Bonhommeau Sylvain 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Swordfish (Xiphias gladius) is of significant economic importance as it is the second most exploited billfish in the Indian Ocean. While the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) considers swordfish to be a single panmictic population in the Indian Ocean, several studies have examined the potential for spatial variations within this highly migratory species with conflicting results, including emerging evidence that population structuring does indeed exist within swordfish. These findings therefore raise questions about the current guidelines for management adopted by the IOTC. In the present study, we address questions about the genetic structuring of swordfish in the Indian Ocean through the analysis of three datasets: (i) neutral SNPs, (ii) with, and (iii) only SNPs under potential selection identified from 1694 swordfish originating from 24 distinct locations across the Indian Ocean. A discriminant analysis of principal components showed the presence of two swordfish subpopulations in the Indian Ocean in the north and the south and was confirmed by admixture methods. This genetic differentiation may be explained by a chromosomal inversion, indicating that both populations could be demographically connected but remain differentiated by this structural variant.
Allometry, sexual dimorphism, and Rensch’s rule in pygmy and marbled newts
Authors: Ivanović Ana , Vučić Tijana , Arntzen Jan W 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Allometry, the relationship between body size and the size of other body parts, explains a significant portion of morphological variation across biological levels, at the individual level, within and between species. We used external morphology measurements of 6 Triturus (sub)species, focussing on the T. marmoratus species group, to explore allometric parameters within and between taxa. We tested for allometry of sexual size dimorphism in body, head, and limb dimensions and examined whether intraspecific allometry directed evolutionary allometry, as described by Rensch’s rule. Our findings indicated that female-biased trunk and head dimensions exhibited positive allometry, whereas male-biased limb dimensions showed isometric relationships or weak correlations with body size. Morphological divergences between sexes occurred along common allometric slopes, most often through changes in the intercepts. Among taxon, comparisons revealed that (sub)species diverged in the direction of the allometric slopes. In line with Rensch’s rule, sexual size dimorphism in female-biased traits significantly decreased as overall body size increased. However, the observed intraspecific allometric parameters deviated from theoretical expectations because the steepest allometric slopes for female-biased traits were recorded in the larger species. Our results contribute to understanding the dynamics of allometric relationships and sexual dimorphism in amphibians and provide a robust baseline for future comparative analyses.
About the accuracy of the relxill/relxill_nk models in view of the next generation of X-ray missions
Authors: Liu Honghui , Abdikamalov Askar B , Mirzaev Temurbek , Bambi Cosimo , Dauser Thomas , García Javier A , Zhang Zuobin 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT
X-ray reflection spectroscopy is a powerful tool to study the strong gravity region of black holes. The next generation of astrophysical X-ray missions promises to provide unprecedented high-quality data, which could permit us to get very precise measurements of the properties of the accretion flow and of the space–time geometry in the strong gravity region around these objects. In this work, we test the accuracy of the relativistic calculations of the reflection model relxill and of its extension to non-Kerr space–times relxill_nk in view of the next generation of X-ray missions. We simulate simultaneous observations with Athena/X-IFU and LAD of bright Galactic black holes with a precise and accurate ray-tracing code and we fit the simulated data with the latest versions of relline and relline_nk. While we always recover the correct input parameters, we find residuals in the fits when the emission from the inner part of the accretion disc is higher. Such residuals disappear if we increase the number of interpolation points on the disc in the integral of the transfer function. We also simulate full reflection spectra and find that the emission angle from the accretion disc should be treated properly in this case.
The effect of spectroscopic binning on atmospheric retrievals
Authors: Davey Jack J , Yip Kai Hou , Al-Refaie Ahmed F , Waldmann Ingo P 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT
With the JWST offering higher resolution data in space-based transmission spectroscopy, understanding the capabilities of our current atmospheric retrieval pipelines is essential. These new data cover wider wavelength ranges and at much higher spectral resolution than previous instruments have been able to offer. Therefore, it is often appealing to bin spectra to fewer points, better constrained in their transit depth, before using them as inputs for atmospheric retrievals. As such, we produce a simulation replicating the observations of WASP-39b by the Near Infrared Spectrograph (NIRSpec) instrument on board JWST using the PRISM dispersion element. Then, we assess the accuracy and consistency of retrievals while varying both the resolution and the average photometric error of this simulated spectrum. We repeat this analysis on three different simulation setups where each includes an opaque cloud layer at a different height in the atmosphere. In agreement with previous studies, we find that a much greater resolution is needed in the case of a high cloud deck since features are already heavily muted by the presence of the clouds. In the other two cases, there are large ‘safe zones’ in the parameter space where accurate estimations are made. If these maps can be generalized, they could be used to inform future observations on how long to observe a given target in order to achieve the most accurate retrieval results. We also find that the resolution required to fully resolve the degeneracies between the parameters contributing to the spectra is much greater than that needed to constrain the marginalized posterior distributions for each parameter individually.
Accretion onto WD 2226-210, the central star of the Helix Nebula
Authors: Estrada-Dorado S , Guerrero M A , Toalá J A , Maldonado R F , Lora V , Vasquez-Torres D A , Chu Y -H 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT
The central star of the Helix Nebula, WD 2226$-$210 presents enigmatic hard X-ray emission and mid-IR excess. The latter has been attributed to a dusty disc or a cloud-like structure around WD 2226$-$210 formed from material of Kuiper Belt-like or comet-like objects in highly eccentric orbits. We present here a detailed analysis of multi-epoch Chandra and XMM–Newton X-ray observations of WD 2226$-$210, comparing these to previous Einstein and ROSAT data. The luminosity of the hard X-ray component of WD 2226$-$210 has remained basically constant in the decade from 1992 to 2002, with very subtle evidence for variability in time-scales of hours. Under the assumption that the X-ray emission from WD 2226$-$210 is due to accretion of material, an accretion rate of $\dot{M}\approx 10^{-10}$ M$_\odot$ yr$^{-1}$ is estimated. The origin of the material accreted by WD 2226$-$210 is uncertain, and can be attributed to the disc-like structure around it or to a substellar donor companion. The accretion rate proposed for the continuous replenishment by bombardment of the mid-IR-emitting structure around WD 2226$-$210 cannot match that required by the X-ray emission.
Sociodemographic and Smoking Characteristics Associated With Low Perceived Harm of “Organic” and “Additive-Free” Tobacco Products Among US Adults
Authors: Drake Cara , Starcevich Katherine , Wackowski Olivia , Gratale Stefanie K , Ganz Ollie , Ohman-Strickland Pamela , Pearson Jennifer L 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Introduction
This study describes the prevalence and correlates of beliefs that “organic” and “additive-free” tobacco products are less harmful than conventional tobacco products among US adults, stratified by smoking status and preference for Natural American Spirit (NAS), a brand that uses “organic” and historically used “additive-free.”

Methods
We analyzed Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Study Wave 6 data (n = 29 516) for adults aged 18+ years and generated weighted prevalence estimates. We used weighted logistic regressions to model the odds of believing organic/additive-free tobacco products are “less harmful” versus “about the same” or “more harmful.”

Results
Overall, 10.0% of adults, 15.3% of adults who smoke cigarettes, and 34.0% of adults who smoke NAS believed “organic” tobacco products were less harmful, with similar findings for “additive-free.” Belief that “organic” products were less harmful was greater among people who were ages 18–34 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.6; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.4, 1.9) or 35–54 (aOR: 1.4; 95% CI: 1.1, 1.6), were Black (aOR: 1.3; 95% CI: 1.2, 1.5), currently smoke (aOR: 2.0; 95% CI: 1.7, 2.3), or formerly smoke (aOR: 1.4; 95% CI: 1.2, 1.6). Belief that “additive-free” products were less harmful was greater among males (aOR: 1.3; 95% CI: 1.1, 1.4) and people aged 18–34 (aOR: 1.3; 95% CI: 1.1, 1.5), who currently smoke (aOR: 2.0; 95% CI: 1.7, 2.4) or who formerly smoke (aOR: 1.7; 95% CI: 1.4, 2.0).

Conclusions
Many adults who smoke, particularly those who smoke NAS, believe organic and additive-free tobacco products are less harmful than regular cigarettes.

Implications
In light of recent changes in the tobacco marketing environment, this study provides an update on harm perceptions from “organic” and “additive-free” cigarette product descriptors. Results indicate that many US adults continue to believe that “organic” and “additive-free” tobacco products are less harmful tobacco products. These beliefs may continue to mislead people, as they are more prevalent among young people, people who identify as Black, males, people who smoke cigarettes, and those who smoke NAS cigarettes.
Development of the brain network control theory and its implications
Authors: Wu Zhoukang , Huang Liangjiecheng , Wang Min , He Xiaosong 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Brain network control theory (NCT) is a groundbreaking field in neuroscience that employs system engineering and cybernetics principles to elucidate and manipulate brain dynamics. This review examined the development and applications of NCT over the past decade. We highlighted how NCT has been effectively utilized to model brain dynamics, offering new insights into cognitive control, brain development, the pathophysiology of neurological and psychiatric disorders, and neuromodulation. Additionally, we summarized the practical implementation of NCT using the nctpy package. We also presented the doubts and challenges associated with NCT and efforts made to provide better empirical validations and biological underpinnings. Finally, we outlined future directions for NCT, covering its development and applications.
Variability and negligence: grant peer review panels evaluating impact ex ante
Authors: Oxley Kristin , Gulbrandsen Magnus 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Building on extensive observations of grant review panels and interviews with panellists in five funding organizations, we explore how such panels assess societal impact. We find that impact assessments are accorded little weight and are prone to substantial reviewer variability unless competitions feature dedicated societal impact criteria with clearly assigned weight, which are scored collectively based on highly structured discussions. These findings cast new light on the general phenomenon of variability in grant assessments. While earlier literature has tended to see inter-rater variability as a flaw in the review process that should be rectified, an unavoidable part of the process, or a desirable feature, we advocate a more nuanced understanding. Introducing the concepts of productive and unproductive variability, we show the dual nature of variability and provide concrete policy recommendations for how unproductive variability, caused by differing interpretations or gaming of the organizational framework, can be reduced.
Bayesian Reanalysis of Statistically Nonsignificant Outcomes in Plastic Surgery Clinical Trials
Authors: Wong Gordon C. , Huang Cynthia , Fahmy Joseph N. , Zhang Casey , Teunis Teun , Chung Kevin C. 
Published: December 2024

Background:
Statistically nonsignificant randomized clinical trial (RCT) results are challenging to interpret, as they are unable to prove the absence of a difference between treatment groups. Bayesian analysis offers an alternative statistical framework capable of providing a comprehensive understanding of nonsignificant results.

Methods:
This cross-sectional study conducted a post hoc Bayesian analysis of statistically nonsignificant outcomes from RCTs published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery from 2013 to 2022. Bayes factors representing the probability of the absence of a difference, or the null hypothesis of no difference, were calculated and examined. P values and Bayes factors of these outcomes were also compared with assessment of their association.

Results:
In 73 studies with 176 statistically nonsignificant outcomes, 160 (91%) indicated evidence for the absence of a difference (Bayes factor > 1). For 110 (63%) of these, the Bayes factor was between 1 and 3, indicating weak evidence for the absence of a difference; 16 (9.1%) results supported the presence of a difference (Bayes factor < 1). A greater P value was independently associated with a larger Bayes factor (β = 2.6, P <0.001).

Conclusions:
Nearly two-thirds of nonsignificant RCT outcomes provided only weak evidence supporting the absence of a difference. This uncertainty poses challenges for clinical decision-making and highlights the inefficiency in resource utilization. Integrating Bayesian statistics into future trial design and analysis could overcome these challenges, enhancing result interpretability and guiding medical practice and research.
Spatial analyses revealed CXCL5 and SLC6A14 as the markers of microvascular invasion in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Fan Guangyu , Dai Liyuan , Xie Tongji , Li Lin , Tang Le , Han Xiaohong , Shi Yuankai 
Published: December 2024

Background:
Microvascular invasion (MVI) is a critical prognostic factor in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), strongly associated with postoperative recurrence. However, the phenotypic features and spatial organization of MVI remain inadequately understood.

Methods:
We performed a spatial transcriptomic analysis on 29,632 spots from six ICC samples, manually delineating MVI clusters using the cloupe software. Key biomarkers were identified and validated in an independent cohort of 135 ICC patients. Functional and survival analyses were conducted to assess clinical relevance, and cell-cell communication pathways were investigated.

Results:
MVI regions exhibited heightened proliferation, angiogenesis, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition, driven by increased expression of transcription factors SOX10, ZEB1, and SNAI2. CXCL5 and SLC6A14 were identified as potential MVI biomarkers and showed high expression in tumor-invasive areas. Serum CXCL5 demonstrated strong predictive power for vascular invasion (AUC = 0.92) and intrahepatic metastasis (AUC = 0.96). High expression of both CXCL5 and SLC6A14 was associated with the worst survival outcomes. MVI regions were enriched with immunosuppressive MRC1+ macrophages and exhibited elevated immune checkpoint expression, including HAVCR2 and TIGHT, indicative of immune resistance. Cell-cell communication analysis revealed CXCL5-CXCR2 and LGALS9-HAVCR2 as key ligand-receptor pairs contributing to the immunosuppressive microenvironment.

Conclusions:
This study identifies CXCL5 and SLC6A14 as key biomarkers of MVI, highlighting their roles in tumor proliferation, immune resistance, and poor clinical outcomes. These findings provide valuable insights into the spatial organization of MVI and its contribution to ICC progression, offering potential therapeutic targets.