bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Population genetic structure of 2 mole species (Mogera imaizumii and M. wogura) in the Japanese Archipelago
Authors: Tsunoi Takeru , Kinoshita Gohta , Mitsuhashi Reiko , Harada Masashi , Sato Jun J , Tatsumoto Shoji , Go Yasuhiro , Suzuki Hitoshi , Osada Naoki 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
The Japanese Archipelago hosts a diverse group of mammalian species, including subterranean moles, whose migratory and dispersion patterns are believed to have been significantly influenced by environmental fluctuations during the Quaternary period. However, the genetic structure of these species has not been extensively studied using large-scale molecular data. In this study, we explored the population structure of 2 widely distributed mole species in Japan: the Lesser Japanese Mole (Mogera imaizumii), found mainly in eastern Honshu with a few isolated patches in western Honshu, and the Large Japanese Mole (M. wogura), distributed in western Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu. We constructed a genome sequence for M. wogura using the Chromium system and conducted a reduced genome representation analysis using multiplexed inter-simple sequence repeat genotyping by sequencing on M. imaizumii and M. wogura. Our findings indicate that M. imaizumii comprises 3 major genetic clusters (ncMim- 1 to 3) that are strongly differentiated (fixation index ranging from 0.376 to 0.478). We discovered genetic connections between populations in the southern Kinki area and isolated populations in western Japan. Mogera wogura consists of 5 main genetic clusters (ncMwo- 1 to 5). Evidence of introgression between 2 genetic clusters (ncMwo-2/ncMwo-3) was found among individuals from the Chugoku area, indicating secondary contact between the 2 differentiated populations. Both species shared a similar population boundary within the Kinki area, which may be associated with current and past geographic barriers. We confirmed that the Kinki region serves as an important site for the diversification of moles, where multiple factors (topographic barriers, interspecific interactions, and/or isolation related to vegetation) may have shaped their population genetic structures.
Economic Evaluations of Music Therapy and Other Music-Based Interventions: A Scoping Review
Authors: Riedl Hannah , Else Barbara A , Grünhaus Christian , Holck Ulla 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
The cost-effectiveness of an intervention is an important factor in health care decisions about which health care services should be publicly funded and/or approved as an eligible intervention for private insurance coverage. Music therapy as a health profession lacks substantial research on the cost-effectiveness of its services and there is no overview of existing data. We therefore conducted a scoping review. To contextualize and focus the scope, we describe different types of economic evaluations (EEs) and characterize four types of music interventions. Following the PRISMA extension for scoping reviews, we systematically searched six databases (EBSCOHost, ProQuest, Web of Science, APA PsycNet, Scopus, and Prospero) in January 2023, and, after screening the initial 1,041 hits, 26 references were included in the review. The results consist of 19 completed and 7 planned EEs published between 1999 and 2022, mainly in the United States. The results show a heterogeneous picture with regard to: (a) the health economic methods used, ranging from cost analyses to cost-effectiveness analyses (CEAs), and one social return on investment analysis; (b) the service users involved, ranging from neonatal intensive care patients to persons with dementia and care staff; (c) the outcomes and cost components examined in the respective studies; and (d) the type of study and the conclusions drawn from the results. Accordingly, this scoping review provides an up-to-date overview of health economic studies and identifies research gaps in the field of music interventions for health-related goals and aims to contribute to the discussion on this topic.
Evaluating infectious disease forecasts with allocation scoring rules
Authors: Gerding Aaron , Reich Nicholas G , Rogers Benjamin , Ray Evan L 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Recent years have seen increasing efforts to forecast infectious disease burdens, with a primary goal being to help public health workers make informed policy decisions. However, there has been only limited discussion of how predominant forecast evaluation metrics might indicate the success of policies based in part on those forecasts. We explore one possible tether between forecasts and policy: the allocation of limited medical resources so as to minimize unmet need. We use probabilistic forecasts of disease burden in each of several regions to determine optimal resource allocations, and then we score forecasts according to how much unmet need their associated allocations would have allowed. We illustrate with forecasts of COVID-19 hospitalizations in the U.S., and we find that the forecast skill ranking given by this allocation scoring rule can vary substantially from the ranking given by the weighted interval score. We see this as evidence that the allocation scoring rule detects forecast value that is missed by traditional accuracy measures and that the general strategy of designing scoring rules that are directly linked to policy performance is a promising direction for epidemic forecast evaluation.
On the convergence of credit risk in current consumer automobile loans
Authors: Lautier Jackson P , Pozdnyakov Vladimir , Yan Jun 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Risk-based pricing within consumer lending is ubiquitous. It considers both prevailing interest rates and the credit profile of a borrower to determine the cost of borrowing. All else equal, higher default risks pay higher borrowing costs. This cost is the annual percentage rate (APR), and it is set at the loan’s origination. A borrower’s credit profile is dynamic, however, and the risk of default gradually declines for current loans. In this article, we derive a novel large-sample statistical hypothesis test suitable for loans sampled from asset-backed securities to populate a credit risk transition matrix between consumer credit risk groups. We find that current loans in all risk groups eventually converge to the top credit tier before scheduled termination, a phenomenon we call credit risk convergence. We then use these convergence estimates for two empirical economic studies. We first estimate that lender conditional risk-adjusted expected profits significantly increase as high-risk, high-APR borrowers stay active and paying. We then estimate current borrowers are entitled to $1,153–2,327 in potential credit-based savings from their improving risk profiles. Because we study consumer auto loans, a large-scale and essential economic good, we opine on the social implications of these results and suggest areas of further study.
Sex-Specific Dominance of Gene Expression in Seed Beetles
Authors: Kaufmann Philipp , Rönn Johanna Liljestrand , Immonen Elina , Arnqvist Göran 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
When different alleles are favored in different environments, dominance reversal where alternate alleles are dominant in the environment in which they are favored can generate net balancing selection. The sexes represent two distinct genetic environments and sexually antagonistic (SA) selection can maintain genetic variation, especially when the alleles involved show sex-specific dominance. Sexual dimorphism in gene expression is pervasive and has been suggested to result from SA selection. Yet, whether gene-regulatory variation shows sex-specific dominance is poorly understood. We tested for sex-specific dominance in gene expression using three crosses between homozygous lines derived from a population of a seed beetle, where a previous study documented a signal of dominance reversal for fitness between the sexes. Overall, we found that the dominance effects of variants affecting gene expression were positively correlated between the sexes (r = 0.33 to 0.44). Yet, 586 transcripts showed significant differences in dominance between the sexes. Sex-specific dominance was significantly more common in transcripts with more sex-biased expression, in two of three of our crosses. Among transcripts showing sex-specific dominance, lesser sexual dimorphism in gene expression among heterozygotes was somewhat more common than greater. Gene ontology enrichment analyses showed that functional categories associated with known SA phenotypes in Callosobruchus maculatus were overrepresented among transcripts with sex-specific dominance, including genes involved in metabolic processes and the target-of-rapamycin pathway. Our results support the suggestion that sex-specific dominance of regulatory variants contributes to the maintenance of genetic variation in fitness mediated by SA selection in this species.
Solving self-calibration of ALMA data with an optimization method
Authors: Ikeda Shiro , Nakazato Takeshi , Tsukagoshi Takashi , Takeuchi Tsutomu T , Yamaguchi Masayuki 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
We reformulate the gain correction problem of radio interferometry as an optimization problem with regularization, which is solved efficiently with an iterative algorithm. Combining this new method with our previously proposed imaging method, PRIISM, the whole process of the self-calibration of radio interferometry is redefined as a single optimization problem with regularization. As a result, the gains are corrected and an image is estimated. We tested the new approach with ALMA observation data and found that it provides promising results.
Migration, Growth, and Poverty Reduction in Rural China: Retrospect and Prospects
Authors: Giles John , Mu Ren 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Rural-to-urban migration is a transformative force in economic development and the unprecedented scale of China's experience offers valuable insight for other countries. We draw comparisons with international findings as we review empirical evidence on the impacts of migration on rural migrant-sending communities. We begin by examining how institutional factors, particularly household registration systems and land tenure policies, shape migration decisions. Next, the discussion turns to methodological challenges in studying migration, presents long-term trends, and reviews the impacts of migration on rural household earnings, consumption, and the risk of falling into poverty. We then explore the global phenomenon of “left behind” populations, comparing China's experience with other countries regarding the impact of migration on children's well-being, women's empowerment, and care for older people. Throughout, we highlight the way China's internal migration patterns both align with and diverge from international experiences. We conclude by identifying key research gaps.
Human cold pain: a randomized crossover trial
Authors: Resch Felix J. , Heber Stefan , Shahi Farzin , Zauner Manuel , Ciotu Cosmin I. , Gleiss Andreas , Sator Sabine , Fischer Michael J. M. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
The mechanism causing cold pain in humans is unresolved. Animal data suggest a nonredundant contribution to cold pain for transient receptor potential channels TRPM8 and TRPA1 for detection and voltage-gated sodium channels NaV1.7 and NaV1.8 for conduction at these temperatures. We established an intradermal injection–based cold pain model, which allows pharmacologically addressing molecular targets at the site of cooling. Lidocaine, added to the injection solution as positive control, largely reduced cold-induced pain in 36 volunteers. The 4 mentioned molecular targets were blocked by antagonists in a double-blinded crossover trial. Pain induced by 3°C intradermal fluid was not reduced to a relevant extent by any of the 4 antagonists alone or by the quadruple combination. However, the temperature threshold for cold pain appeared shifted by the inhibition of TRPA1, TRPM8, and NaV1.7 and to a lesser extent by NaV1.8 inhibition, 4-fold inhibition decreased the threshold by 5.8°C. Further mechanisms contributing to human cold pain need to be considered.
Well-Being and Mental Health
Authors: Nibbio Gabriele , Calzavara-Pinton Irene , Barlati Stefano , Necchini Nicola , Bertoni Lorenzo , Lisoni Jacopo , Stanga Valentina , Deste Giacomo , Turrina Cesare , Vita Antonio 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Mental health encompasses the ability to cope with important stresses of life and to realize one's abilities in the community, and the COVID-19 pandemic represented a very stressful event for people with mental illnesses. Our aim was to assess mental well-being in people living with different mental disorders, comparing results obtained in 2016 with those observed after the COVID-19 pandemic. Ninety-six participants were assessed using the Mental Health Continuum Short Form and classified as “flourishing,” “moderately mentally healthy,” and “languishing.” Overall, a significant increase in the prevalence of “flourishing” and “moderately mentally healthy” subjects and a reduction of “languishing” subjects (p = 0.003) were observed. However, a significant improvement in well-being (p = 0.005) was observed only in the schizophrenia spectrum disorder group. Moreover, only subjects that never contracted SARS-CoV-2 showed a significant (p = 0.019) increase in positive well-being states. Lockdowns may have led caregivers to spend more time with the participants, also increasing treatment adherence, resulting in an improvement of overall well-being in several participants.
Never tested for HIV among men who have sex with men, Hanoi, Vietnam: correlates and missed opportunities
Authors: Van Hoang Thi Hai , Huong Dang Thi , Hong Nguyen Thi Thu , McFarland Willi , Diep Vu Bich , Ngoc Lung Bich , Giang Le Minh 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Introduction: Understanding levels of HIV testing among populations at risk for acquisition is essential to meeting the goal of the United Nations that 95% of individuals living with HIV know their status. This study assessed HIV testing prevalence among men who had sex with men (MSM), characteristics of MSM who have never tested for HIV, and missed testing opportunities in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Methods: We measured the prevalence of never testing for HIV and missed opportunities for testing in the baseline data of a cohort study of MSM recruited in 2017-2019 in Hanoi. Logistic regression analysis characterized MSM who had never tested prior to cohort participation.

Results: Of 1,893 MSM enrolled in the cohort, 39.4% had never previously tested for HIV. MSM with children (aOR 1.75, 95% CI 1.09–2.82) and those who did not know or remember having a male partner living with HIV (aOR 1.41, 95% CI 1.07–1.84) were more likely to have never tested. Older age, university education, higher income, and having a male partner living with HIV were associated with a lower likelihood of never having been tested. The most common missed testing opportunities to test MSM who had never been tested were when receiving free condoms from health educators (35.3%), testing for other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) (23.3%), reporting their MSM status to healthcare workers (16.4%), and receiving an STI diagnosis (13.0%). The most common barriers identified by MSM who had never tested were fear of seeking health care due to their sexual orientation (82.7%) and having been refused healthcare due to their sexual oreitnation (76.2%).

Conclusions: Facilitating provider-initiated HIV testing in STI clinics and other healthcare services, community-based testing, and HIV self-test kits should enhance HIV testing options for young MSM, especially those with lower education and income.
Utility of Oligoclonal Band Testing in Differentiating Immune-Mediated From Infectious Central Nervous System Disorders
Authors: Shen Min-hui 
Published: December 2024

Objective:
This study aimed to evaluate the clinical utility of oligoclonal bands (OCB) in differentiating between immune and infectious diseases of the central nervous system (CNS).

Methods:
The study enrolled patients hospitalized with suspected autoimmune or infectious CNS disorders between 2021 and 2023. Patients were categorized into diagnostic groups: multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD), autoimmune encephalitis (AE), and viral encephalitis (VE). Relevant clinical and laboratory data were collected and subjected to comparative analysis.

Results:
Comparative analysis among the 4 groups revealed that the immunoglobulin G (IgG) index of patients in the MS group was significantly higher than that of patients in the NMOSD and VE groups (P < 0.05). The 24-hour intrathecal synthesis rate of IgG also differed significantly between the MS and NMOSD groups, the NMOSD and AE groups, as well as the AE and VE groups (P < 0.05). The positive rate of OCB was significantly higher in the MS group than in the other 3 groups (P < 0.05). Functional abilities, measured by scores of the Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), were higher in the immune group than in the infection group at 1-week, 1-month, 6-month, and 1-year post-treatment. Among patients with immune diseases, those who were OCB-positive showed significantly smaller ΔmRS and ΔEDSS at 1-month, 6-month, and 1-year post-treatment compared with patients who were OCB-negative (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:
The IgG index and 24-hour intrathecal synthesis rate of IgG served as valuable early indicators for distinguishing between CNS immune and infectious diseases. Positive OCB findings were more common in patients with MS and often associated with poor prognosis and increased risk of disease recurrence.
Graphene-polymer Nanofibers Enable Optically Induced Electrical Maturation in Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes and Brain Organoids
Authors: LaMontagne Erin , Gonzalez Gisselle , Vatsyayan Ritwik , Martin-Burgos Blanca , Puppo Francesca , Biagi Diogo , Papes Fabio , Dayeh Shadi A. , Muotri Alysson R. , Engler Adam J. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractHuman pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived electrically excitable cells provide a unique window into development, but they remain electrically immature partially due to the lack of chronic stimulation. Here, we fabricated electrospun polymer nanofibers containing light-reactive reduced graphene oxide (rGO) as part of a new classes of on-demand, electrically active biomaterials to enhance cell function. Fiber size, stiffness, and electrical conductivity varied with rGO concentration, which impacted hPSC-derived cardiomyocyte and neuron responses; with acute light stimulation, cardiomyocytes exhibited increased, synchronous calcium handling, and neurons showed more calcium peaks with higher frequency. Chronic, repetitive nanofiber light stimulation caused brain organoids to become increasingly electrically active and to activate photoreceptor pathways. This work outlines a tunable method where electrical cell functions can be titrated with rGO fibers and light stimulation, and it suggests that repetitive light stimulation may provide a novel method for retinal differentiation.HIGHLIGHTSElectrospun graphene-polymer nanofibers electrically respond to light stimulationLight reactive graphene nanofibers stimulate electrically excitable cells in real-timeStem cell-derived cardiomyocytes and neurons on nanofibers functionally improveLight-training of brain organoids induces retinal and excitable neuron maturation
ANALYSIS AND IMPLICATIONS OF COMPLIANCE IN JOINT BIOMECHANICS SUPERPOSITION TESTING
Authors: Gillespie Callan M. , Haas Nicholas J. , Nagle Tara F. , Colbrunn Robb W. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTTo quantify the contribution of specific ligaments to overall joint movement, the principle of superposition has been used for nearly 30 years. This principle relies on using a robotic test system to move a biological joint to the same position before and after transecting a ligament. The difference in joint forces before and after transecting the ligament is assumed to be the transected ligament’s tension. However, the robotic test system’s ability to accurately return the joint to the commanded pose is dependent on the compliance of the system’s various components, which is often neglected. Accordingly, there were three objectives in this manuscript: (1)Explainthe influence of system compliance on positioning error in superposition testing with a mathematical model, (2)Quantifythe compliance of components within the test system and (3)Provide a frameworkto evaluate uncertainty in published superposition based in situ force measurements, and demonstrate it on published Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) forces. A system stiffness model was derived to explain that compliance of test system components will cause the superposition method to underestimate ligament tension and stiffness. Based on typical test system component and joint stiffness ranges measured in this study, it was determined that with decreasing robot and/or bone stiffness, or increasing joint stiffness values, ligament load error could increase to values greater than 50%. Results indicate that experimentalists should (1) increase test system component stiffness relative to joint stiffness and/or (2) compensate for compliance induced deflection of the test system components.
Integration of sexual dimorphism and left-right asymmetry in the development of the duck syrinx
Authors: Mishkind Darcy , Lee ChangHee , Prabhakara Chaitra , Tir Penelope , Kingsley Evan P. , Clarke Julia A. , Goller Franz , Tabin Clifford J. 
Published: December 2024

SummaryEmbryonic morphogenesis is regulated across multiple dimensions. In ducks, the syrinx, the avian vocal organ, undergoes morphogenic processes that result in both left-right asymmetric and sexually dimorphic development. Although these properties are thought to be controlled by the NODAL-PITX2 left-right signaling cascade and the sex steroid pathways, how these mechanisms work together to produce an asymmetric structure in a sexually dimorphic manner remains unclear. Here, we first establish evidence for sexual selection driving the evolution of the duck syrinx. During its development, we observe thatPITX2is expressed on the left side in both male and female ducks, although not in other birds. Asymmetric activation ofPITX2in this domain is triggered by bilateral BMP signaling but is limited to the left side by left-specific stably accessible chromatin established during an earlier asymmetric wave ofPITX2expression. Ultimately, there is an induction of left-specific WNT and BMP signaling in the syrinx primordium, which synergistically elevates cell proliferation on the left, leading to asymmetric growth. Estrogen receptor expression is also shown to be induced on the left side of the forming syrinx. This has no effect in males, but in females where the hormone is present, estrogen signaling reduces left-sided cell proliferation, thus promoting bilaterally symmetric growth. These data demonstrate how sexually dimorphic left-right asymmetry can be integrated to produce an adaptive trait.