bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Performance Evaluation of an Artificial Intelligence-Powered Amyloid Brain PET Quantification Method
Authors: Kang Seung Kwan , Heo Mina , Chung Ji Yeon , Kim Daewoon , Shin Seong A. , Choi Hongyoon , Chung Ari , Ha Jung-Min , Kim Hoowon , Lee Jae Sung
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study assesses the clinical performance of BTXBrain-Amyloid, an artificial intelligence-powered software for quantifying amyloid uptake in brain PET images.

Methods

150 amyloid brain PET images were visually assessed by experts and categorized as negative and positive. Standardized uptake value ratio (SUVR) was calculated with cerebellum grey matter as the reference region, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and precision-recall (PR) analysis for BTXBrain-Amyloid were conducted. For comparison, same image processing and analysis was performed using Statistical Parametric Mapping (SPM) program. In addition, to evaluate the spatial normalization (SN) performance, mutual information (MI) between MRI template and spatially normalized PET images was calculated and SPM group analysis was conducted.

Results

Both BTXBrain and SPM methods discriminated between negative and positive groups. However, BTXBrain exhibited lower SUVR standard deviation (0.06 and 0.21 for negative and positive, respectively) than SPM method (0.11 and 0.25). In ROC analysis, BTXBrain had an AUC of 0.979, compared to 0.959 for SPM, while PR curves showed an AUC of 0.983 for BTXBrain and 0.949 for SPM. At the optimal cut-off, the sensitivity and specificity were 0.983 and 0.921 for BTXBrain and 0.917 and 0.921 for SPM12, respectively. MI evaluation also favored BTXBrain (0.848 vs. 0.823), indicating improved SN. In SPM group analysis, BTXBrain exhibited higher sensitivity in detecting basal ganglia differences between negative and positive groups.

Conclusion

BTXBrain-Amyloid outperformed SPM in clinical performance evaluation, also demonstrating superior SN and improved detection of deep brain differences. These results suggest the potential of BTXBrain-Amyloid as a valuable tool for clinical amyloid PET image evaluation.
Active afforestation of drained peatlands is not a viable option under the EU Nature Restoration Law
Authors: Jurasinski Gerald , Barthelmes Alexandra , Byrne Kenneth A. , Chojnicki Bogdan H. , Christiansen Jesper Riis , Decleer Kris , Fritz Christian , Günther Anke Beate , Huth Vytas , Joosten Hans , Juszczak Radosław , Juutinen Sari , Kasimir Åsa , Klemedtsson Leif , Koebsch Franziska , Kotowski Wiktor , Kull Ain , Lamentowicz Mariusz , Lindgren Amelie , Lindsay Richard , Linkevičienė Rita , Lohila Annalea , Mander Ülo , Manton Michael , Minkkinen Kari , Peters Jan , Renou-Wilson Florence , Sendžikaitė Jūratė , Šimanauskienė Rasa , Taminskas Julius , Tanneberger Franziska , Tegetmeyer Cosima , van Diggelen Rudy , Vasander Harri , Wilson David , Zableckis Nerijus , Zak Dominik H. , Couwenberg John
Published: May 2024

The EU Nature Restoration Law (NRL) is critical for the restoration of degraded ecosystems and active afforestation of degraded peatlands has been suggested as a restoration measure under the NRL. Here, we discuss the current state of scientific evidence on the climate mitigation effects of peatlands under forestry. Afforestation of drained peatlands without restoring their hydrology does not fully restore ecosystem functions. Evidence on long-term climate benefits is lacking and it is unclear whether CO2 sequestration of forest on drained peatland can offset the carbon loss from the peat over the long-term. While afforestation may offer short-term gains in certain cases, it compromises the sustainability of peatland carbon storage. Thus, active afforestation of drained peatlands is not a viable option for climate mitigation under the EU Nature Restoration Law and might even impede future rewetting/restoration efforts. Instead, restoring hydrological conditions through rewetting is crucial for effective peatland restoration.
Development of a biodegradable polymer-based implant to release dual drugs for post-operative management of cataract surgery
Authors: Subhash Nayana E- , Nair Soumya , Srinivas Srilatha Parampalli , Theruveethi Nagarajan , Bhandary Sulatha V- , Guru BharathRaja
Published: May 2024

Cataract surgery is followed by post-operative eye drops for a duration of 4–6 weeks. The multitude of ocular barriers, coupled with the discomfort experienced by both the patient and their relatives in frequently administering eye drops, significantly undermines patient compliance, ultimately impeding the recovery of the patient. This study aimed to design and develop an ocular drug delivery system as an effort to achieve a drop-free post-operative care after cataract surgery. An implant was prepared containing a biodegradable polymer Poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA), Dexamethasone (DEX) as an anti-inflammatory drug, and Moxifloxacin(MOX) as an antibiotic. Implant characterization and drug loading analysis were conducted. In vitro drug release profile showed that the release of the two drugs are correlated with the clinical prescription for post operative eye drops. In vivo study was conducted on New Zealand albino rabbits where one eye underwent cataract surgery, and the drug delivery implant was inserted into the capsular bag after placement of the synthetic intraocular lens (IOL). Borderline increase in the intraocular pressure (IOP) was noted in the test sample group. Slit-lamp observations revealed no significant anterior chamber reaction in all study groups. Histopathology study of the operated eye revealed no significant pathology in the test samples. This work aims at developing the intra ocular drug delivery implant which will replace the post-operative eye drops and help the patient with the post-operative hassle of eye drops.

Graphical abstract (created using BioRender.com)
Enhancing Power Lines Detection Using Deep Learning and Feature-Level Fusion of Infrared and Visible Light Images
Authors: Aboalia Hossam , Hussein Sherif , Mahmoud Alaaeldin
Published: May 2024

The detection of power lines is critical for flight safety, especially for drones and low-flying aircraft. Power line detection models help prevent collisions, reducing potential damage and preserving lives, while also safeguarding critical infrastructure. This has led to significant research efforts to develop accurate detection models. In this study, we employ paired infrared–visible power line datasets to train three distinct deep learning models. The first two models are sequential deep learning models based on VGG16 and AlexNet networks. They are tailored for detection in visible images, while they were optimized again for infrared images. For the third model, we introduce an innovative deep learning architecture utilizing Functional Application Programming Interface, affording us the flexibility to construct a multi-input model with shared layers. Our proposed model accepts paired images (visible and infrared) as inputs. Then, a feature-level fusion process is applied to merge the extracted features from both inputs and generate an enriched feature map. This approach amalgamates the advantages of visible images, which boast high resolution and rich texture features, with infrared images, which excel in high contrast and clear vision under adverse environmental conditions. Comparing the outcomes of the three models, our proposed model emerges as the front runner, boasting an impressive accuracy rate of 99.37%. Moreover, real-time processing was adopted by conducting ablation experiments to optimize the model and reduce the number of trainable parameters, resulting in an inference speed of 2.7 milliseconds per frame.
A volume-conservation particle shifting scheme for moving particle method simulating free-surface flow
Authors: Liu Xiaoxing , Wang Kai , Duan Guangtao , Zhang Shuai
Published: May 2024

In this study, a novel particle shifting scheme for the moving particle method simulating free surface flow is developed. The overall method is based on the framework of least square moving particle semi-implicit (LSMPS) method, enabling accurate and stable treatment of wall boundary without configuration of dummy or virtual wall particles. To avoid volume expansion, a volume-conservation particle shifting (VCPS) model is developed. An additional term considering the variation of particle numerical density is incorporated into the VCPS model to avoid volume expansion. Several numerical simulations are calculated to validate the effectiveness of the VCPS. It is demonstrated that LSMPS incorporating with VCPS shows satisfactory accuracy and superior capability to conserve volume.
Improvement in clinical features of hypercortisolism during osilodrostat treatment: findings from the Phase III LINC 3 trial in Cushing's disease
Authors: Pivonello R. , Fleseriu M. , Newell-Price J. , Shimatsu A. , Feelders R. A. , Kadioglu P. , Tabarin A. , Brue T. C. , Geer E. B. , Piacentini A. , Pedroncelli A. M. , Biller B. M. K.
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Cushing’s disease is associated with substantial morbidity and impaired quality of life (QoL) resulting from excess cortisol exposure. The current study explored improvements in clinical signs and additional specific manifestations of hypercortisolism during osilodrostat (potent oral 11β-hydroxylase inhibitor) therapy by degree of control of mean urinary free cortisol (mUFC).

Methods

LINC 3 (NCT02180217) was a prospective, open-label, 48-week study of osilodrostat (starting dose: 2 mg bid; maximum: 30 mg bid) that enrolled 137 adults with Cushing’s disease and mUFC > 1.5 times the upper limit of normal (ULN). mUFC (normal range 11‒138 nmol/24 h), cardiometabolic parameters (blood pressure, weight, waist circumference, body mass index, total cholesterol, fasting plasma glucose, glycated haemoglobin), physical manifestations of hypercortisolism (facial rubor, striae, fat distribution, bruising, hirsutism [females], muscle atrophy) and QoL were evaluated. mUFC was defined as controlled if ≤ ULN, partially controlled if > ULN but ≥ 50% reduction from baseline, and uncontrolled if > ULN and < 50% reduction from baseline. Concomitant medications were permitted throughout the study.

Results

At weeks 24 and 48, respectively, mUFC was controlled in 93 (67.9%) and 91 (66.4%) patients, partially controlled in 20 (14.6%) and 13 (9.5%), and uncontrolled in 24 (17.5%) and 33 (24.1%). Overall, mean improvements from baseline in cardiometabolic at week 24 were greater in patients with controlled or partially controlled versus uncontrolled mUFC; at week 48, improvements occurred irrespective of mUFC control. Generally, physical manifestations and QoL progressively improved from baseline irrespective of mUFC control.

Conclusions

Improvements in clinical signs and additional specific manifestations of hypercortisolism associated with Cushing’s disease occurred alongside decreases in mUFC.

Trial registration NCT02180217 (first posted July 2014).
Return on Investment of Three-Year Accelerated Programs for Students, Medical Schools, Departments, and Community
Authors: Santen Sally A. , Gonzalez-Flores Alicia , Coe Catherine L. , Partin Michael , Brenner Judith M. , Nalin Peter M. , Macerollo Allison A. , Cangiarella Joan , Saavedra Arthur , Leong Shou Ling
Published: May 2024

Building on the initial accelerated pathway programs in the 1970s to increase workforce, nearly 30 schools have launched accelerated 3-year pathways (A3YP) during the past decade. The authors based on their educational roles, experiences, and scholarship with A3YP provide this perspective of the argument for A3YP and potential disadvantages for each group—students, schools, residencies, departments, and community. When schools consider innovations, they might consider A3YPs for multiple reasons; this perspective helps provide justification for the program and broadly considers return on investment (ROI). The ROI for students includes decreased debt, reduced costs and stress associated with the fourth-year residency applications, and a directed pathway with facilitated transition into a residency program with accompanying professional identity development. Disadvantages for students include early specialty commitment, risk of deceleration, and condensed curriculum. The ROI for schools includes recruiting and retaining students, who will then transition more easily into residency and stimulating innovation. Residency programs gain residents with known skills, who have been a part of the department for 3 years. In addition, fewer residency slots for interviewing leads to saving recruitment administrative costs and time. Finally, many programs are intended to increase the workforce, since students who come to the region for medical school and transition directly into residency are likely to stay in the region. Disadvantages include increased curricular complexity for the medical school, increased administrative support, and advising resources. Finally, several of the accelerated programs attract matriculants from diverse backgrounds contributing to the diversity of the medical school, residency program, and community workforce.
Multicriteria group decision making for prioritizing IoT risk factors with linear diophantine fuzzy sets and MARCOS method
Authors: Jayakumar Vimala , Kannan Jeevitha , Kausar Nasreen , Deveci Muhammet , Wen Xin
Published: May 2024

In a dynamic world of technological advances, the Internet of Things (IoT) is a transformational and widespread force that has revolutionized the way we communicate with our surroundings and regulate our environments. It offers several advantages but also introduces inherent risks. In this study, we provide a comprehensive analysis of the risks associated with IoT and employ the effectiveness of a Linear Diophantine Fuzzy Set to rank the risk factors. Because of the significant uncertainties frequently present in IoT contexts, the use of a fuzzy framework is invaluable in discerning and addressing these risks. The primary contribution is to employ the Measurement of Alternatives and Ranking according to the Compromise Solution (MARCOS) method and linear diophantine fuzzy sets to propose a multi-criteria group decision-making method (MCGDM) for ranking attributes to facilitate risk prioritization, enabling consumers to determine the crucial hazards in their IoT systems. Furthermore, we implement a comparative study and a sensitivity analysis to demonstrate the robustness of our proposed methodology. The insights obtained from our research not only improve the awareness of IoT hazards but also enable organizations and individuals to make informed decisions when navigating IoT fields. By proactively addressing these risks, we endorse the development and secure deployment of IoT technology.
Evaluation of the strength performance and microstructural properties of different based metakaolin blended cements containing greenly synthesized nanosilica
Authors: Raheem Akeem Ayinde , Abdulwahab Rasheed , Ikotun Bolanle Deborah , Adetoro Ezekiel Adeyemi
Published: May 2024

The drive towards improving the properties of cement composite thus making it eco-friendly, sustainable, and durable, has been the focus of the construction industry. Kaolin is one of the pozzolans that have been investigated in recent times, but its reactivity is influenced by its source. In addition, the problem of homogenous mixing onsite and early strength development of pozzolana blended cement are evident. This research focused on the strength and microstructural properties of factory-produced metakaolin blended cement incorporated with green nanosilica. Kaolin samples were obtained from three locations and calcinated at 700 ℃ for 1 h. Metakaolin was interground with 10% Portland Limestone Cement (PLC) clinker at the factory. Binder-sand ratio (1:3) with a water-binder ratio of 0.5 was adopted for batching the mortar. Nanosilica was added to the mortar at: 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5%, respectively. Prisms of 40 × 40 × 160 mm were cast and cured for 3, 7, 14, 28, 56, 90, 180, 270, and 365 days, respectively. The flexural and compressive strengths of prisms including the water absorption of cubes were evaluated. 10% MK addition enhanced the mechanical properties of the mortar with MK C having the highest enhancement. Incorporation of 1% nanosilica enhanced strengths at early and later ages, as well as refinement in the pores of the mortar with increasing nanosilica.
Consequences of increased temperature on the abundances of epilithic cyanobacteria and macroalgae in the Baltic Sea
Authors: Kibria Golam
Published: May 2024

The ongoing global warming is likely to cause changes in the growth and species composition of aquatic epilithic communities. To be able to predict such changes, a field study was conducted in the cooling water discharge area of a nuclear power plant that releases brackish cooling water to the Baltic Sea at Forsmark. The power plant creates a temperature gradient in the field from 0 to ca. 8 °C above normal temperature. The project was concentrated on the growth and distribution of four dominant taxa in the upper littoral zone: the colonial cyanobacterium Rivularia atra and the three filamentous macroalgae Cladophora glomerata (green), Ulva spp. (green) and Ceramium tenuicorne (red). Overall, Cladophora increased strongly, Ulva spp. increased slightly and Ceramium decreased strongly in abundance with higher water temperature. For Rivularia these results were corroborated in a laboratory experiment and studied in more detail. The colonies collected at 18 °C in the field were experimentally exposed to 18 °C, 22 °C and 26 °C in climate chambers for 50 days. Growth rates were highest in 18 °C and lowest in 22 and 26 °C. Addition of extra stress in the form of a heavy metal (copper) decreased growth in all temperatures, but highest growth rates still occurred in 18 °C. Rivularia was less stressed in 18 °C than in 22 °C and 26 °C, which was shown by, higher chlorophyll a (chla) concentration, higher photosynthetic performance (measured as electron transport rate by pulse amplitude modulated fluorescence), lower zeaxanthin concentration and a lower carotenoids:chla ratio.
Effect of hydrogel on survival and growth of Grevillea robusta seedlings under semi-arid field condition
Authors: Garedew Efrem , Woldemariam Zewdie , Eshete Negash , Anjulo Agena , Tesema Teshome
Published: May 2024

Water scarcity limits the survival and growth of planted-out seedlings in Ethiopia’s semi-arid regions. Hydrogel, recently introduced in Ethiopia, is a super-absorbent polymer to reduce water stress. This study investigated its effect on the early survival and growth of Grevillea robusta seedlings in semi-arid areas. Relevant soil characteristics were analyzed. Four hydrogel levels (control, 3, 5, and 7 g/plant) were applied to the bottom of planting holes in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Survival, Height, and Root Collar Diameter were measured at 6 and 14 months after planting. One-way ANOVA assessed hydrogel effects. No significant positive effects of hydrogel on survival or early growth compared to the control (0 g/plant) were observed in the sandy-loam soil. These findings suggest limited benefit under the study’s specific conditions. Further research is crucial to explore the potential of hydrogels, considering broader ranges of application rates and methods, tree species, and environmental conditions. This knowledge may support forest restoration efforts in the face of severe land degradation, climate change, and variability in Ethiopia.
Business Model Innovation
Authors: Velu Chander
Published: May 2024

What strategic challenges are faced by both start-ups and incumbent firms, and what opportunities do these challenges create for business model innovation? Focusing on the underpinning theory and concepts of business models, this book identifies new business models capable of creating sustainable competitive advantage, and guides readers through their implementation. A detailed introduction outlines current research in business model innovation (including directions for future research) and global business cases are applied throughout to illustrate key issues. Topics covered include market creation, leadership, digital technology adoption, small- and medium-sized enterprises, start-ups, sustainability, socio-economic development and conduct risk. Also discussed are the principles of the architecting economic systems, the role of government in influencing business models design, and how organisational structures must adapt in the context of business model innovation.
L’éthique et l’éthos de la profession chez les avocats en droit criminel et en droit social
Authors: Jean-Bouchard Évelyne , Noreau Pierre
Published: May 2024

Quelle relation les avocats entretiennent-ils avec les exigences éthiques de leur profession? Ce texte pose l’hypothèse qu’il existe un décalage entre la définition déontologique, universelle et abstraite établie par le Code de déontologie des avocats et les prises de décisions éthiques prises au quotidien par les professionnels du droit dans le contexte de leur domaine de pratique et des relations qu’ils tissent avec leurs clients, leurs collègues et l’administration judiciaire. Ainsi, nous avons identifié les différents sites de socialisation où les professionnels sont susceptibles de faire l’apprentissage des normes propres à leur pratique. Nous nous sommes alors plus directement intéressés aux dimensions systémiques et institutionnelles de celle-ci. À partir des résultats d’une série d’entretiens semi-directifs menés auprès d’avocats en droit criminel et en droit social, nous avons pu constater que leurs prises de décisions éthiques étaient fortement influencées par les manières d’être et les logiques de pratique au sein de leur communauté, c’est-à-dire par l’ethos spécifique à leur profession.
Cross-Country Discrepancies in Monkeypox Vaccine Hesitancy Among Postgraduate and Undergraduate Medical Students
Authors: Hussein Mai , Siddiq Abdelmonem , Ismail Horeya M. , Mansy Norhan , Ellakwa Doha El-Sayed , Nassif Mohammed , Hussein Areej A. , Abdullah Alzedaar Jubran K. , Iloanusi Chukwuagoziem A. , Omran Murad O. , Rourou Khalil M. , Suvvari Tarun K. , Yazbek Saja , Ghazy Ramy M.
Published: May 2024

Background:

Medical students hold significant importance, as they represent the future of healthcare provision. This study aimed to explore psychological antecedents towards the monkeypox (mpox) vaccines among postgraduate and undergraduate medical students across countries.

Methods:

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among medical students aged 18 years old and above in 7 countries; Egypt, Romania, Malaysia, and Yemen, Iraq, India, and Nigeria. We used social media platforms between September 27 and November 4, 2022. An anonymous online survey using the 5C scale was conducted using snowball and convenience Sampling methods to assess the 5 psychological antecedents of vaccination (i.e., confidence, constraints, complacency, and calculation, as well as collective responsibility).

Results:

A total of 2780 participants were recruited. Participants’ median age was 22 years and 52.1% of them were males. The 5C psychological antecedents of vaccination were as follows: 55% were confident about vaccination, 10% were complacent, 12% experienced constraints, and 41% calculated the risk and benefit. Lastly, 32% were willing to be vaccinated for the prevention of infection transmission to others. The Country was a significant predictor of confidence, complacency, having constraints, and calculation domains (P < 0.001). Having any idea about the mpox vaccine was linked to 1.6 times higher odds of being more confident [OR = 1.58 (95% CI, 1.26–1.98), P < 0.001] Additionally, living in a rural area significantly increased complacency [OR = 1.42 (95% CI, 1.05–1.95), P = 0.024] as well as having anyone die from mpox [OR = 3.3 (95% CI, 1.64–6.68), P < 0.001]. Education level was associated with increased calculation [OR = 2.74 (95% CI, 1.62–4.64), P < 0.001]. Moreover, being single and having no chronic diseases significantly increased the calculation domain [OR = 1.40 (95% CI, 1.06–1.98), P = 0.02] and [OR = 1.54 (95% CI, 1.10–2.16), P = 0.012] respectively. Predictors of collective responsibility were age 31–45 years [OR = 2.89 (95% CI, 1.29–6.48), P = 0.01], being single [OR = 2.76 (95% CI, 1.94 -3.92), P < 0.001], being a graduate [OR = 1.59 (95% CI (1.32–1.92), P < 0.001], having no chronic disease [OR = 2.14 (95% CI, 1.56–2.93), P < 0.001], and not knowing anyone who died from mpox [OR = 2.54 (95% CI, 1.39–4.64), P < 0.001), as well as living in a middle-income country [OR = 0.623, (95% CI, 0.51–0.73), P < 0.001].

Conclusions:

This study underscores the multifaceted nature of psychological antecedents of vaccination, emphasizing the impact of socio-demographic factors, geographic location, and awareness, as well as previous experiences on individual attitudes and collective responsibility towards vaccination.
Monthly rainfall prediction using artificial neural network (case study: Republic of Benin)
Authors: Aïzansi Arsène Nounangnon , Ogunjobi Kehinde Olufunso , Ogou Faustin Katchele
Published: May 2024

Complex physical processes that are inherent to rainfall lead to the challenging task of its prediction. To contribute to the improvement of rainfall prediction, artificial neural network (ANN) models were developed using a multilayer perceptron (MLP) approach to predict monthly rainfall 2 months in advance for six geographically diverse weather stations across the Benin Republic. For this purpose, 12 lagged values of atmospheric data were used as predictors. The models were trained using data from 1959 to 2017 and tested for 4 years (2018–2021). The proposed method was compared to long short-term memory (LSTM) and climatology forecasts (CFs). The prediction performance was evaluated using five statistical measures: root mean square error, mean absolute error, mean absolute percentage error, coefficient of determination, and Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) coefficient. Furthermore, Taylor diagrams, violin plots, box error, and Kruskal–Wallis test were used to assess the robustness of the model’s forecast. The results revealed that MLP gives better results than LSTM and CF. The NSE obtained with the MLP, LSTM, and CF models during the test period ranges from 0.373 to 0.885, 0.297 to 0.875, and 0.335 to 0.845, respectively, depending on the weather station. Rainfall predictability was more accurate, with 0.512 improvement in NSE using MLP at higher latitudes across the country, showing the effect of geographic regions on prediction model results. In summary, this research has revealed the potential of ANN techniques in predicting monthly rainfall 2 months ahead, supplying valuable insights for decision-makers in the Republic of Benin.
Stretch Goals and Radical Creativity: Cognitive Flexibility as a Key Contingency
Authors: Liu Zhiqiang , Xu Yuping , Yu Ziyi , Wu Bingqing , Wang Zijing
Published: May 2024

Although some organizations encourage employees to generate radical ideas by implementing stretch goals, the relationship between stretch goals and radical creativity is complicated. Unfortunately, existing research has not adequately addressed this issue. Therefore, we integrate signaling theory with creativity-related research and propose that the interaction between stretch goals and cognitive flexibility predicts employees' willingness to take risks, thereby influencing their engagement in radical creative activities and ultimately affecting their radical creativity. To test our hypotheses, we conduct two empirical studies. The results suggest that, for employees with high cognitive flexibility, stretch goals increase their willingness to assume risks, thus leading to improved engagement in radical creative activities and enhancing their radical creativity. Conversely, for employees with low cognitive flexibility, stretch goals decrease their willingness to take risks, which hampers their engagement in radical creative activities and their radical creativity. The theoretical contributions and practical implications of this study are also discussed.
Some congruences for 12-coloured generalized Frobenius partitions
Authors: Cui Su-Ping , Gu Nancy S. S. , Tang Dazhao
Published: May 2024

In his 1984 AMS Memoir, Andrews introduced the family of functions $c\phi_k(n)$, the number of k-coloured generalized Frobenius partitions of n. In 2019, Chan, Wang and Yang systematically studied the arithmetic properties of $\textrm{C}\Phi_k(q)$ for $2\leq k\leq17$ by utilizing the theory of modular forms, where $\textrm{C}\Phi_k(q)$ denotes the generating function of $c\phi_k(n)$. In this paper, we first establish another expression of $\textrm{C}\Phi_{12}(q)$ with integer coefficients, then prove some congruences modulo small powers of 3 for $c\phi_{12}(n)$ by using some parameterized identities of theta functions due to A. Alaca, S. Alaca and Williams. Finally, we conjecture three families of congruences modulo powers of 3 satisfied by $c\phi_{12}(n)$.
Logistic regression analysis of risk factors for post-operative morbidities in parotidectomy: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Lau Kin Lun , Ouma Luke , Whitehead Lou , Mukherjee Aritra , Cocks Helen
Published: May 2024

Objective

In this study, we reviewed the post-operative complications in parotidectomy and its association with various patient, tumour and surgical factors.

Methods

All parotidectomies performed in our regional unit between 2013 to 2020 were identified. Electronic medical record and clinic letters were reviewed for any post-operative complications. A logistical regression model was applied on data collected on twelve patient factors, three tumour factors and four surgical factors.

Results

379 cases of parotidectomy were identified in the eight-year study period. 55% (n = 210) were documented with nine types of post-operative complications. This study identified age >80 (odds ratio = 1.89, p = 0.018), active smoker (odds ratio = 0.94, p = 0.018), total parotidectomy approach (odds ratio = 1.77, p = 0.012), longer operation time (odds ratio = 0.006, p = 0.015) and hypertension (odds ratio = 1.23, p = 0.019) were associated with a higher risk of facial nerve palsy. Predictive factors were also identified for auricular nerve numbness and Frey syndrome.

Conclusion

This study revealed the incidences and potential predictors of post-operative complications in parotidectomy. Notably, the grade of operator (consultants/ registrars) had no effect on the possibility of adverse outcome, reflecting patient safety was not compromised for training. These findings can be used in patient counselling and guide treatment options to minimise post-operative complications.
Carrying the Cross: Popular Christian Communities and Religious Protest during Pinochet's Dictatorship, 1973–90
Authors: Jashari Denisa
Published: May 2024

This article examines the activities of Comunidades Cristianas Populares (Popular Christian Communities, CCPs) in marginalised neighbourhoods of Chile's capital, Santiago, during the Augusto Pinochet dictatorship. It traces how the CCPs emerged, thrived and then stopped, to showcase the uneasy co-existence between liberationist practices espoused by popular sectors and traditional ecclesiastical paradigms until their breaking point in 1990. In doing so, I argue that religious ritual is an important form of social protest against authoritarianism. Public processions exposed tensions between the Church and state, within the Church's diverse constituents, as well as between Christian community members and left-wing party militants. In the late 1980s, as the Church increasingly retreated from liberation theology, the dictatorship successfully co-opted social organisations and rendered religious rituals largely ineffective as a form of social protest.
Repairing Historic Injustice: The Return of Indigenous Peoples’ Ancestral Human Remains Through Transitional Justice
Authors: Chechi Alessandro
Published: May 2024

This article focuses on the ancestral human remains of Indigenous peoples that were taken by European invaders during the colonial era. It begins by considering the notion of human remains. It then describes the two types of heritage that result from the removal of human remains: the tangible heritage made of the remains exhibited or stored in the museums or universities of former colonial States, and the intangible heritage made of the collective memories of the surviving communities and their descendants about the removal (and the absence) of the stolen remains. The article next examines the role of national and international laws with respect to the restitution of human remains by exploring the concept of transitional justice. This article argues that transitional justice can facilitate the meaningful repatriation of ancestral human remains and hence the healing of past injustice.
Reconstruction of Wide Swath Significant Wave Height From Quasi‐Synchronous Observations of Multisource Satellite Sensors
Authors: Yang Yuchao , Qi Jinpeng , Yan Qiushuang , Fan Chenqing , Zhang Rui , Zhang Jie
Published: May 2024

Global sea wave monitoring is of utmost importance for tasks such as analysis of ocean climate change, offshore fisheries, and early warning of marine disasters. Significant wave height (SWH) is one of the most vital and widely used metrics for measuring sea waves in marine research. Hence, obtaining high precision and extensive coverage measurements of SWH is of great significance for comprehensive sea wave studies. A data set is constructed by combining wave spectrometer and scatterometer data from China‐French Ocean Satellite, synthetic aperture radar (SAR) wave mode data from Sentinel‐1, and altimeter data from Jason‐3 and HY‐2B through space‐time matching method. The multi‐sources integrated data set is used to complete the reconstruction of the wide swath SWH. A model based on stacked autoencoder and deep neural network (SAE‐DNN) is developed. The SWH reconstructed by the model is evaluated with the training‐independent test set. The results demonstrate that the accuracy of the SAE‐DNN model is significantly improved by incorporating SAR joint quasi‐synchronous observations and the root mean square error can reach 0.217 m, which is comparable to the SWH measured by altimeter and highlights the effectiveness and reliability of the model in accurately reconstructing SWH. We further examine and analysis the distance variations between SWH reconstruction sites and Surface Wave Investigation and Monitoring observations, the influence of different SAR features, and the influence of sea state, highlighting the benefits of incorporating SAR data into SAE‐DNN model.
Effect of Nucleation Heterogeneity on Mineral Precipitation in Confined Environments
Authors: Yang Fengchang , Guan Dongshi , Starchenko Vitalii , Yuan Ke , Stack Andrew G. , Ling Bowen
Published: May 2024

The formation of new mineral phases in confined environments, especially in porous media, is crucial for various geological processes like mineralization and diagenesis. The nucleation and precipitation of minerals are initiated at the microscale through fluid‐rock interaction, where dissolution of primary phases leads to supersaturated conditions and nucleation and growth of secondary ones. Previous research has focused primarily on either precipitation or nucleation, without fully exploring their combined impact. Our study introduces a computational framework that integrates classical nucleation theory with the micro‐continuum method. We validated our model by comparing with experiments, and discovered that different surface nucleation rate changes the mode of precipitation from a preferential to uniform precipitate textures. Furthermore, our study uncovered that the conventional deterministic precipitation method tends to underestimate the permeability of the porous matrix. In contrast, the new framework significantly improves model accuracy by incorporating preferential precipitation and heterogeneous nucleation.
Contribution of Smoke Aerosols From Wildfires in Indo‐China Peninsula to the Western Pacific Ocean Carbon Sink
Authors: Liu Wenjing , Wang Wencai , Han Yongqing , Li Yundan , He Zhizheng , Zhao Zhixin , Sheng Lifang
Published: May 2024

Smoke aerosols from wildfires play a vital role in marine ecosystems and the ocean carbon cycle. This study analyzed a severe wildfires incident occurred in the Indo‐China Peninsula on 26 March 2019, and assessed its impact on ocean carbon sink. The satellite observations showed that the wildfires covered an area of about 56% of the entire peninsula, burning an area of 1.17 × 106 km2. Consequently, the wildfires discharged about 0.43 × 109 kg carbon. Moreover, a substantial amount of smoke released by severe wildfires was carried downstream by the wind and reached the western Pacific Ocean within 2 days. These smoke aerosols contribute to the ocean carbon sink through the mechanisms of the biological pump and their own carbon deposition. Model simulation results showed smoke aerosols contribute 6.44 × 104 kg black carbon to surface ocean by their own carbon deposition. Moreover, during the period of smoke aerosol's deposition, the flourishing growth of phytoplankton resulted in an increased carbon export of 0.25 ± 0.09 × 109 kg carbon (the biological pump mechanism), which represented approximately 57.97% ± 20.30% of the carbon emissions originating from the wildfire‐affected source region. Our research showed a positive impact of large wildfires on the ocean carbon sink, indicating the potential of smoke aerosols to alleviate the climate pressures resulting from carbon dioxide released by wildfires through improving the capacity of ocean carbon sink.
Shifting Winter Storms Bring More Flooding to India
Authors: Pardikar Rishika
Published: May 2024

Western disturbances are hanging out over India for longer, adversely affecting water security in the country.
The Impact of Vertical Plasma Motion on the Evolution of Predawn Equatorial Plasma Bubbles on the Dayside
Authors: Kil Hyosub , Huba Joseph D. , Paxton Larry J.
Published: May 2024

This study investigates the impact of vertical ionospheric drift during daytime on the evolution of predawn equatorial plasma bubbles by conducting model simulations using “Sami3 is Another Model of the Ionosphere.” The upward drift of the ionosphere transports bubbles to higher altitudes, where their lifetime is set by the atomic oxygen photoionization rate. While the bubbles generated at predawn persist into dayside, the bubbles generated shortly after sunset diminish before sunrise. Therefore, post‐sunset bubbles do not contribute to daytime electron density irregularities. Bubbles maintain their field‐aligned characteristics throughout the daytime regardless of the vertical ionospheric drift. This property allows bubbles to exist near the magnetic equator despite poleward plasma transport by the fountain process. The shift of irregularity concentration to higher latitudes over time in satellite observations is explained by the combined effect of transport of bubbles to higher altitudes and rapid refilling of depletions near the magnetic equator.
Continuously improving outcome over time after second allogeneic stem cell transplantation in relapsed acute myeloid leukemia: an EBMT registry analysis of 1540 patients
Authors: Schmälter Ann-Kristin , Ngoya Maud , Galimard Jacques-Emmanuel , Bazarbachi Ali , Finke Jürgen , Kröger Nicolaus , Bornhäuser Martin , Stelljes Matthias , Stölzel Friedrich , Tischer Johanna , Schroeder Thomas , Dreger Peter , Blau Igor-Wolfgang , Savani Bipin , Giebel Sebastian , Esteve Jordi , Nagler Arnon , Schmid Christoph , Ciceri Fabio , Mohty Mohamad
Published: May 2024

Second allogeneic stem cell transplantation (alloSCT2) is among the most effective treatments for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) relapse after first alloSCT (alloSCT1). Long-term EBMT registry data were used to provide large scale, up-to-date outcome results and to identify factors for improved outcome. Among 1540 recipients of alloSCT2, increasing age, better disease control and performance status before alloSCT2, more use of alternative donors and higher conditioning intensity represented important trends over time. Between the first (2000–2004) and last (2015–2019) period, two-year overall and leukemia-free survival (OS/LFS) increased considerably (OS: 22.5–35%, LFS: 14.5–24.5%). Cumulative relapse incidence (RI) decreased from 64% to 50.7%, whereas graft-versus-host disease and non-relapse mortality (NRM) remained unchanged. In multivariable analysis, later period of alloSCT2 was associated with improved OS/LFS (HR = 0.47/0.53) and reduced RI (HR = 0.44). Beyond, remission duration, disease stage and patient performance score were factors for OS, LFS, RI, and NRM. Myeloablative conditioning for alloSCT2 decreased RI without increasing NRM, leading to improved OS/LFS. Haploidentical or unrelated donors and older age were associated with higher NRM and inferior OS. In summary, outcome after alloSCT2 has continuously improved over the last two decades despite increasing patient age. The identified factors provide clues for the optimized implementation of alloSCT2.
A novel long non-coding RNA MIR4500HG003 promotes tumor metastasis through miR-483-3p-MMP9 axis in triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Lin Wen-Der , Chang Chia-Hao , Pan Jhih-Kai , Lin Forn-Chia , Chen Yu-Chia , Chen Ya-Jyun , Wang Po-Shun , Hong Wei-Qiao , Chen Sheng-Yuan , Lin Cheng-Han , Kuo Yao-Lung , Chung Wei-Pang , Cheng Hui-Chuan , Hsiao Michael , Yang Chia-Ning , Lu Pei-Jung
Published: May 2024

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women worldwide. The 5-year survival rate is over 90% in BC patients, but once BC cells metastasis into distal organs, it is dramatically decreasing to less than 30%. Especially, triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients usually lead to poor prognosis and survival because of metastasis. Understanding the underline mechanisms of TNBC metastasis is a critical issue. Non-coding RNAs, including of lncRNAs and microRNAs, are non-protein-coding transcripts and have been reported as important regulators in TNBC metastasis. However, the underline mechanisms for non-coding RNAs regulating TNBC metastasis remain largely unclear. Here, we found that lncRNA MIR4500HG003 was highly expressed in highly metastatic MDA-MB-231 TNBC cells and overexpression of MIR4500HG003 enhanced metastasis ability in vitro and in vivo and promoted MMP9 expression. Furthermore, we found MIR4500HG003 physically interacted with miR-483-3p and reporter assay showed miR-483-3p attenuated MMP9 expression. Importantly, endogenous high expressions of MIR4500HG003 were correlated with tumor recurrence in TNBC patients with tumor metastasis. Taken together, our findings suggested that MIR4500HG003 promotes metastasis of TNBC through miR-483-3p-MMP9 signaling axis and may be used as potential prognostic marker for TNBC patients.
Cytotoxic sigma-2 ligands trigger cancer cell death via cholesterol-induced-ER-stress
Authors: Takchi Rony , Prudner Bethany C. , Gong Qingqing , Hagi Takaomi , Newcomer Kenneth F. , Jin Linda X. , Vangveravong Suwanna , Van Tine Brian A. , Hawkins William G. , Spitzer Dirk
Published: May 2024

Sigma-2-ligands (S2L) are characterized by high binding affinities to their cognate sigma-2 receptor, overexpressed in rapidly proliferating tumor cells. As such, S2L were developed as imaging probes (ISO1) or as cancer therapeutics, alone (SV119 [C6], SW43 [C10]) and as delivery vehicles for cytotoxic drug cargoes (C6-Erastin, C10-SMAC). However, the exact mechanism of S2L-induced cytotoxicity remains to be fully elucidated. A series of high-affinity S2L were evaluated regarding their cytotoxicity profiles across cancer cell lines. While C6 and C10 displayed distinct cytotoxicities, C0 and ISO1 were essentially non-toxic. Confocal microscopy and lipidomics analysis in cellular and mouse models revealed that C10 induced increases in intralysosomal free cholesterol and in cholesterol esters, suggestive of unaltered intracellular cholesterol trafficking. Cytotoxicity was caused by cholesterol excess, a phenomenon that contrasts the effects of NPC1 inhibition. RNA-sequencing revealed gene clusters involved in cholesterol homeostasis and ER stress response exclusively by cytotoxic S2L. ER stress markers were confirmed by qPCR and their targeted modulation inhibited or enhanced cytotoxicity of C10 in a predicted manner. Moreover, C10 increased sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2 (SREBP2) and low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), both found to be pro-survival factors activated by ER stress. Furthermore, inhibition of downstream processes of the adaptive response to S2L with simvastatin resulted in synergistic treatment outcomes in combination with C10. Of note, the S2L conjugates retained the ER stress response of the parental ligands, indicative of cholesterol homeostasis being involved in the overall cytotoxicity of the drug conjugates. Based on these findings, we conclude that S2L-mediated cell death is due to free cholesterol accumulation that leads to ER stress. Consequently, the cytotoxic profiles of S2L drug conjugates are proposed to be enhanced via concurrent ER stress inducers or simvastatin, strategies that could be instrumental on the path toward tumor eradication.
The role of circular RNAs in regulating resistance to cancer immunotherapy: mechanisms and implications
Authors: Ma Yu , Wang Ting , Zhang Xudong , Wang Pinghan , Long Fangyi
Published: May 2024

Cancer immunotherapy has rapidly transformed cancer treatment, yet resistance remains a significant hurdle, limiting its efficacy in many patients. Circular RNAs (circRNAs), a novel class of non-coding RNAs, have emerged as pivotal regulators of gene expression and cellular processes. Increasing evidence indicates their involvement in modulating resistance to cancer immunotherapy. Notably, certain circRNAs function as miRNA sponges or interact with proteins, influencing the expression of immune-related genes, including crucial immune checkpoint molecules. This, in turn, shapes the tumor microenvironment and significantly impacts the response to immunotherapy. In this comprehensive review, we explore the evolving role of circRNAs in orchestrating resistance to cancer immunotherapy, with a specific focus on their mechanisms in influencing immune checkpoint gene expression. Additionally, we underscore the potential of circRNAs as promising therapeutic targets to augment the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapy. Understanding the role of circRNAs in cancer immunotherapy resistance could contribute to the development of new therapeutic strategies to overcome resistance and improve patient outcomes.