Software upgrades in Optical Transport Networks (OTNs) present significant operational challenges due to the mission-critical nature of these infrastructures and the necessity for continuous service availability. Current upgrade practices often result in service disruptions, restrictive maintenance windows, and increased operational risks. This paper addresses these challenges by examining practical enhancements to existing upgrade methodologies for optical networks. The research introduces three incremental improvements to standard practices: modified A/B testing procedures adapted for OTN environments, enhanced rollback verification steps, and simplified zero-downtime techniques based on established redundancy principles. Experimental validation was conducted in a laboratory optical network environment with multiple vendor equipment. Results indicate measurable improvements in service continuity and operational efficiency compared to conventional approaches. The findings provide network operators and telecommunications service providers with straightforward, implementable guidelines for enhancing their upgrade processes in optical transport infrastructures. These improvements can be adopted within existing operational frameworks without requiring fundamental architectural changes.

Correspondence re: Priskorn L, et al. Semen quality and lifespan: a study of 78 284 men followed for up to 50 years., Human Reproduction, Volume 40, Issue 4, April 2025, Pages 730–738.https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/deaf023

Reproducible analytical instrumentation system performance is critical for mass spectrometry, particularly metabolomics, aptly named system suitability testing. We identified a need based on literature report that stated only two percent of papers performed system suitability testing. To address that need, we report MassQLab, built upon open-source, vendor-agnostic software called the mass spectrometry query language (MassQL). MassQL, implemented in MassQLab, provides freedom for researchers to choose their analyte/s, mass spectrometry system (including liquid chromatography – mass spectrometry), and metrics of performance. The queries upon which MassQLab relies can be written, reused, and shared amongst researchers. In this report, we describe the use of MassQLab, demonstrate common metrics of performance ( i.e. extracted ion chromatograms), demonstrate uncommon metrics ( i.e. MS/MS product ion spectra), and discuss insights gained about performance – including issues requiring correction prior to sample analysis.

Abstract To enhance the economic efficiency and flexibility of Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) and address the limitations of traditional battery storage in terms of lifespan, cost, and environmental impact, this paper proposes a capacity configuration and optimized dispatch method for VPPs that incorporates independent energy storage. Initially, a hydrogen energy system centered around hydrogen production electrolyzers, hydrogen fuel cells, and hydrogen storage tanks is constructed to replace traditional batteries. An alkaline electrolyzer wide power adaptation model is introduced, expanding its operational power range to 5%~130%, significantly enhancing the electrolyzer’s ability to handle fluctuations in renewable energy output. Subsequently, the waste heat generated by the operation of the hydrogen energy system is utilized for combined heat and power supply to the load, and the by-product oxygen from the electrolyzer is sold as an industrial product, further reducing the system’s operational costs. On this basis, combined with the Model Predictive Control (MPC) method, a two-stage optimized dispatch strategy for day-ahead declaration and intraday rolling correction is designed. Through dynamic aggregation of distributed energy storage resources and real-time feedback correction, full renewable energy consumption and economic optimization are achieved. Simulation results show that the proposed method significantly improves the economic efficiency and renewable energy consumption capability of the VPP, with a reduction in lifecycle operational costs by approximately 35.15%, an increase in renewable energy consumption rate to 88.41%, and a 28.45% increase in revenue under a 2-hour rolling cycle for the optimized dispatch strategy, with a notable improvement in computational efficiency. KEYWORDS Virtual Power Plant ; Independent Energy Storage; Wide Power Adaptation; Combined Heat and Power; Model Predictive Control

The paper reports on coordinating in field conditions a group of autonomous surface vehicles (ASVs) into environmentally‐aware desired formations. In the application case that motivates this work, these formations are dictated by an overarching water quality data collection and fusion task. The formations achieved here are not tied to fixed spatial coordinates but rather can flow with the ambient current, allowing the deployment of these robots into a variety of aquatic environments, including rivers and estuaries. In addition to collision avoidance between robotic vehicles, the reported free‐floating formation controller also takes into account workspace boundaries and obstacles, which can come in the form of river banks, floating piers, and boats. The methodology introduces key modifications on a potential field‐based formation control strategy and is validated extensively in simulation and experimental tests.

Background: We recently published on clinical efficacy of 1-year-long evaluation of 65 asthmatics with severe IgE-mediated food allergy (FA) under Omalizumab: Omalizumab is safe and able to increase reactivity threshold, allows safe food introduction, and improves quality of life (OSAFA-study, ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT06316414). Herein, we assess Omalizumab dose–related efficacy during the first year Omalizumab-treatment in achieving food desensitization in patients with severe FA. Methods: Children (6-18 years) with severe asthma and severe allergy to ≥ 1food allergen were screened. Oral food challenges (OFCs), skin prick test (SPT), complete blood count, chemistry, total and specific IgE were measured at baseline and at 12 months of Omalizumab. Results: 76 patients (previously published cohort plus 11 newly-enrolled patients) were included [OSAFA (Omalizumab in Severe Asthmatics with Food Allergy) study]. 69.7% were male; mean age (SD) 12.2 (4.19) years. 77.6% were allergic to 2+ foods. Total IgE median was 644 kU/L. After adjusting for confounders, such as age and gender, a significant association was observed between the achievement of desensitization and the dosage (mg/month) of Omalizumab (OR: 1.151, 95% CI:1. 066-1.258), while no significant effect was observed for total IgE levels at the baseline (OR: 0.999, 95% CI: 0.998-1.001). Conclusions: The findings of this study indicate that the efficacy of Omalizumab is independent, ceteris paribus, from total IgE levels, suggesting that body weight is the most appropriate parameter for calculating its dosage in the treatment of patients with severe FA.

As the core energy storage component of the air brake system, the brake air reservoir significantly influences the braking performance and safety of the vehicle. Traditional metal reservoirs discharge condensate through openings but are prone to corrosion. Although composite reservoirs offer advantages in lightweight design and corrosion resistance, conventional perforation methods compromise fiber continuity, induce stress concentration, degrade performance, and increase costs. This study, based on the equal-stress design theory, establishes a mandrel design method and optimizes the fiber winding path. Furthermore, a six-degree-of-freedom (6-DOF) end-effector motion trajectory planning approach is proposed, along with an analysis of acceleration effects on tension stability. An optimized fractional-order PID control strategy, enhanced by an adaptive genetic algorithm, is also developed. Finally, a fiber winding platform is constructed using a KUKA KR210 R2700 robot, and a control system is designed. Experimental validation confirms the uniformity of fiber distribution, the rationality of the enveloping trajectory, and the stability of tension control, demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed system.

A common methodology to modify both the thermal characteristics and surface properties of battery separators is the incorporation of particles. At present, the particles employed are predominantly of an arbitrary shape. The enhanced mechanical stability of particle layers comprising platelet-shaped particles is demonstrated and further evaluated on the influence of their aspect ratio (edge length to thickness) on the electrochemical properties of battery separators. Glass is selected as the particle material due to its temperature stability and the freedom of design that it offers when particles are formed directly from the melt. A parametric study of glass particle layers as function of edge length and thickness is conducted. Depending on the electrochemical characterization method, symmetrical cells with stainless steel electrodes and graphite-lithium half cells are used. Particles with an excessively high aspect ratio impede the Li+ diffusion pathway, thereby negatively affecting the performance and stability of the cell. Conversely, if the aspect ratio is insufficient, a deterioration in cell performance can be observed, particularly at elevated C-rates, due to the high specific surface area of the particles. An optimum performance can be achieved by utilizing particles with an aspect ratio of about 10 and a thickness of around 1 µm.

Projections of European heat extremes have been widely explored in the context of continued global warming. However, analyses of recent Earth system model simulations point to substantial climatic changes over multi-centennial timescales in net-zero emissions futures. Focusing on Europe, we address the gap in characterising heat extremes in long-term net-zero stabilised climates. We quantify the long-term effects of delayed mitigation on annual maximum daily maximum temperatures (TXx) in European regions using 1000-year-long stabilised simulations with ACCESS-ESM-1.5, reaching net-zero CO₂ emissions at different times over the coming decades. We evaluate ACCESS-ESM-1.5 against the ERA5 reanalysis for European maximum temperatures using rank frequency analysis and compare present-day maximum temperatures to their long-term future likelihood. Across all European regions, any delay in achieving net-zero emissions shifts the distribution to higher annual maximum temperatures, remaining elevated at the same levels for centuries. European regions show two- to five-fold frequency increases for heat events as strong as current records, while the Mediterranean region could experience 30-fold increases if emissions cessation is delayed until 2060. When comparing extreme heat distributions at global warming levels, we find substantial differences between transient and net-zero emissions quasi-stable climate states, with larger differences at higher warming levels. We provide the first comprehensive assessment of European extreme hot temperatures in net-zero stabilised climates, paving the way for further investigations of other extreme event types or regions in net-zero futures.

Increasing human presence and activities in the environment of wild animals expose them to persistent disturbances. Individuals in disturbed populations often become tolerant towards humans, although the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. We used playback experiments to manipulate perceived level of human disturbance during breeding in wild great tits (Parus major). We found that incubating females remained more often on the nest, and parents caring for their nestlings exhibited lower level of vigilance and shorter return latencies after standard disturbances in human disturbance treatment than in control treatments. The tolerance of birds increased with time, and was influenced by multiple disturbance sources including the frequency of nest visits by observers and distance to roads. These results support that behavioural tolerance can quickly emerge by phenotypic plasticity in natural populations. The spread of tolerant populations can have significant effects in ecological communities and on their interactions with humans in anthropogenic environments.

The timing of animal migrations is an interplay between migration programmes and physiological and environmental conditions. The rate of body store deposition underlies many timing options, with a key unresolved question being whether the rate of body store deposition and resource constraints limit advancements in migration departure. To study limits of deposition on departure timing, we captured red knots (Calidris canutus islandica) wintering in the Wadden Sea and manipulated food availability during spring body store deposition and prenuptial moulting phases, followed by release and automated tracking. With longer access to food in captivity, birds gained body stores faster and were heavier and further progressed in prenuptial feather moult, and after release departed earlier from the Wadden Sea. Our results show flexibility in migration decisions with an important role for food availability.

AbstractNitrate-based and ammonium-based fertilizers are widely used in agriculture, with global nitrogen fertilizer consumption reaching 108 million metric tons in 2022. Wheat, a major global crop, accounts for 18% of total fertilizer use, yet its nitrogen use efficiency is low, leading to significant nitrogen losses. These losses, occurring through ammonia volatilization, nitrate leaching, and nitrous oxide emissions, contribute to climate change, eutrophication, and soil degradation. Stabilized ammonium fertilizers have shown promise in reducing nitrogen losses and greenhouse gas emissions by keeping nitrogen in a stable ammonium form. This study was conducted over three years to assess the effectiveness of stabilized ammonium fertilization (AS) in wheat production, evaluating yield, nitrate losses, and fungal community shifts under selected nitrate and ammonium-based fertilization strategies. Stabilized ammonium fertilization combined with wheat varieties showed varying yield patterns according to the climate, with the most stable grain production in an intermediate climate year. Regardless of climate, this fertilization strategy reduced soil nitrate losses while maintaining ammonium availability and appeared to significantly increase the diversity and abundance of root-associated fungi during wheat flowering in the intermediate climate year. This study integrated agronomic performance and environmental impact assessments of AS fertilization on bread wheat, demonstrating its potential for sustainable integration into wheat production systems.

Surface ecosystems such as the phyllosphere host diverse microbial communities, a fraction of which may detach and remain aloft for up to several days. As airborne, bacteria are challenged by high exposure to oxidants and limited nutrients, and we postulate that specific biological trait such as phototrophy may support the maintenance of metabolic functions. Omics data reanalysis indicates the presence of the genetic biomarker of anoxygenic photosynthesis in the atmosphere and clouds. Using an atmospheric simulation chamber, we monitored proxies for viability and metabolic activity in airborne photoheterotrophic aerobic Methylobacterium sp. cells expressing or not photosynthetic capabilities (bacteriochlorophyll). We observe shorter airborne residence time in [Bchl+] cells than in [Bchl-] cells, and higher survival rate and potential for metabolic activity, in particular under light exposure. These results imply that aerial transport is not neutral, and can favor the maintenance and spread of biological traits often considered elsewhere as poorly competitive.

This paper introduces JCDR-TCN, a lightweight WiFi-based gesture recognition model that captures dynamic CSI variations from a first-person perspective by integrating channel dimensionality reduction and temporal convolutional networks. A Raspberry Pi 4B equipped with Nexmon firmware is employed to collect raw CSI data, which is then processed and classified into specific gestures by the proposed JCDR-TCN. Experimental results indicate that JCDR-TCN achieves a recognition accuracy of 95.63\%, surpassing conventional CNN, LSTM, and CRNN models. Furthermore, the model maintains approximately 50K parameters and requires 8.38M floating-point operations, demonstrating a favorable balance between accuracy and computational efficiency, thereby making it well-suited for embedded and mobile deployment.

Several theories have been proposed about the default configuration of the brain’s networks underlying unisensory and multisensory processing abilities and the development of multisensory integration during childhood. Recent empirical findings from animal models and behavioral data collected from typically developing (TD) children and children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), however, are consistent with the idea that in the immature brain, prior to systematic cross-sensory exposures typically encountered in everyday life, that the individual sensory systems interact in a competitive manner. Which neural architecture and mechanisms best describe the brain’s naïve configuration are still unknown. To fill this gap, this study investigates how sensory modalities interact in the young brain by comparing the predictions of two alternative biologically plausible neuro-computational models to empirical data. The neural substrates responsible for the altered development of multisensory integrative processes observed in ASD children are also investigated. Linking the framework suggested by empirical data to a plausible neural implementation, our results challenge the classical notion of cross-sensory brain organization at birth, whereby the various sensory pathways do not initially interact. Instead, we suggest that direct inhibitory interactions between sensory modalities are taking place in the immature brain, and we suggest that these inhibitory interactions play a crucial role in the altered multisensory perceptual abilities of children with autism.

Sucralfate is a commonly prescribed medication in use for decades. Despite the availability of more effective medications for acid-dyspeptic conditions, including proton pump inhibitors and histamine H2-receptor antagonists, sucralfate continues to be utilized for upper gastrointestinal symptoms. We reviewed the limited evidence base supporting the approval and ongoing usage of sucralfate and performed a cost analysis using the ClinCalc database. The financial impact of sucralfate was comparable to famotidine, lansoprazole, and ranitidine. We encourage further studies to accurately gauge the true clinical efficacy of sucralfate and to question its ongoing prescription until then.

A document by Xiaoyong yang. Click on the document to view its contents.

Recurrent ischemic strokes in a Patient with Chronic Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia: a case reportSoroush Ehsan1, Sirous Afshar2, Sahel Bakhtiari 3, Reza Pourfallah4, Shabnam Danaei Mehrabad5Soroush Ehsan, MD1: Neurologist.Department of Neurology, Valiasr Naja Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.Email: Soroushehsanir@gmail.comORCID: 0009-0006-6562-9776Sirous Afshar: MD2: Orthopedic SurgeonDirector of Valiasr Naja Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.Email\RL: Afshar.cy@gmail.comORCID: 0009-0003-6922-8716Sahel Bakhtiari 3: MSc in Nursing.Department of Education, Valiasr Naja Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.Email: Bakhtiarisahel5@gmail.comORCID: 0009-0004-3558-7670Reza Pourfallah: MD4 IntensivistDepatment of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Valiasr Naja Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.Email\RL: pourfallahreza@gmail.comShabnam Danaei Mehrabad5*: Ph.D. in Medical library and information sciences.Department \RL of Medical Library and Information Science, School of Health Management \RL and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran\RL, IranEmail: Danaii.shabnam@gmail.comORCID:  0000-0001-7501-8721Corresponding author: Shabnam Danaei Mehrabad, Ph.D. in Medical Library and informationSciences.Keywords: Ischemic stroke, Autoimmune hemolytic anemia, Antiphospholipid syndrome, Lupus erythematosus, systemic.

Successful Treatment of Refractory Bullous Pemphigoid with Omalizumab in a Liver Transplant Recipient: A Case Report

Habitat restoration is an ecological management tool used to address the erosion of biodiversity caused by human activities. In this study, we examined the effect of restoration work in temperate highland forests, carried out to restore habitats for capercaillie Tetrao urogallus, a bird species known to be highly sensitive to habitat loss, fragmentation and anthropogenic disturbance. We used automatic audio recorders to investigate the daily and seasonal dynamics of acoustic biodiversity in recently restored temperate forests and compared them to unrestored control sites. From the recorded soundscapes, we compared the acoustic entropy difference (dH) and the acoustic dissimilarity (D) in three different habitat types: pure beech forests, mountain pine forests with dense rhododendron understories, and a mature mixed fir-beech forest. The dH index revealed an increase of the soundscape entropy or complexity in the restored habitats regardless of forest type, which may reflect a diversification of species present in the restored forest habitats. The D index revealed significant acoustic dissimilarity between control and restored montane pine forests, for which the new microhabitats may support greater spatial heterogeneity of biodiversity. The dH index also revealed an increase in bioacoustic entropy throughout the recording season at most sites (during spring/summer), with lower daily variability in bioacoustic entropy at restored sites compared to control sites, particularly in the afternoon. These results suggest that long-term bioacoustics monitoring can provide data that support forest conservation efforts conducted over large spatial and temporal scales.

Animals must cope with a range of climatic conditions across seasons, and they can accomplish this by selecting habitats that are favourable for thermoregulation. Sheltering from environmental conditions can be particularly important for reducing energetic costs when animals are inactive, but the influence of microclimate on fine-scale selection of sleeping sites is often unclear. We compared microclimate at eastern wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) roost trees and nearby non-roost trees during summer and winter in southern Ontario, Canada, near the northern part of the turkeys’ range. During both winter and summer, overnight air temperature and wind speeds at turkey roost trees were similar to those at nearby non-roost trees. In summer, however, there was slightly less accumulated precipitation at roost trees compared to non-roost trees. Fine-scale selection of roost trees was better predicted by tree characteristics, with a preference for larger trees in both seasons, and for deciduous trees in summer. Our findings suggest that although roost trees may occasionally provide thermoregulatory benefits related to slight differences in microclimate, turkeys’ choice of specific roost trees within a woodland is more likely influenced by proximate signals related to tree characteristics. Our study highlights the importance of forests with large trees as roosting habitat for wild turkeys, particularly in agricultural landscapes within the northern part of their range.

Thymus is a species-rich and as well as a taxonomically complex genus. To address its diversity, taxonomic, biogeographical, and evolutionary uncertainties in the flora of Iran, detailed investigations are essential. During extensive botanical fieldwork and herbarium studies, three species Th. syriacus (West Iran), Th. coriifolius, and Th. jankae (Northwest Iran) were identified as new. These species are described in detail, with emphasis on their taxonomic, ecological, phenological, and biogeographical characteristics. By the current record of Thymus syriacus, distribution of Th. sect. Hyphodromii subsect. Thymprobsis is extended from Morocco to Iran highlighting a floristic connection between the Irano-Turanian (West Asia) and Mediterranean (North Africa) regions. Previously considered a Caucasian endemic, Th. coriifolius was found in the Arasbaran region of Iran, which biogeographically aligns with the Iranian highlands of the Caucasus. Similarly, Th. jankae, previously documented from the Balkans to Northeast Türkiye, is reported from the Caucasian highlands of Northwest Iran (Arasbaran). This finding reveals a significant spatial disjunction of approximately 500 km. The occurrence of both Th. coriifolius and Th. jankae in the Arasbaran Biosphere Reserve underscores the biogeographical homogeneity of the Caucasus ecoregion. Notably, the Caucasus highlands of Iran are now recognized as one of the richest habitats for Thymus. Finally, identification keys for these species are provided. To facilitate accurate identification, comprehensive descriptions of each species, along with a combination of diagnostic characteristics are essential.

This study investigates how perceptions and attitudes towards hypnosis could affect its effectiveness in relieving stress. Despite the growing acceptance of hypnosis as a psychological intervention tool, misconceptions surrounding hypnosis continue to hinder its application. A total of 52 participants were randomly selected and invited to experience a 21-minute hypnotic session, during which they engaged in tasks addressing common myths about hypnosis. Participants completed the Attitudes Towards Hypnosis Questionnaire and self-rated their immediate stress levels and emotional states before and after the session. Statistical analysis revealed a significant reduction in self-rated stress levels, with an average decrease from 3.75 to 2.6 (p < 0.01). Additionally, participants exhibited improved attitudes towards hypnosis, with the average score on the Attitudes Towards Hypnosis Questionnaire increasing from 60.48 to 65.69 (p < 0.01). Age difference is identified with younger participants demonstrated a greater improvement in stress relief when comparing to older counterparts. These findings suggest that hypnosis could effectively reduce stress and enhance emotional well-being, while challenging the prevalent misconceptions.

This study focuses on perceptions of urban wildlife in different urban settings - a college town and a city. We used surveys, interviews, and geographical analysis to examine perceptions about wildlife in each city. This furthered research because of the absence of similar studies. Data collected from surveys and interviews showed that there was a difference in perceptions about wildlife between the areas of study. Data from geographical analysis showed a stark lack of relevance to key contributing factors to wildlife in urban settings. Results confirmed individual perceptions about wildlife varied between cities. This result is significant since feelings about wildlife in urban areas were similar between cities. Understanding individual and collective perceptions about wildlife can offer significant opportunities to guide policy, governance and Geographical Information System (GIS) improvements.