bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trefftz discontinuous Galerkin discretization for the Stokes problem
Authors: Lederer Philip L. , Lehrenfeld Christoph , Stocker Paul
Published: April 2024

We introduce a new discretization based on a polynomial Trefftz-DG method for solving the Stokes equations. Discrete solutions of this method fulfill the Stokes equations pointwise within each element and yield element-wise divergence-free solutions. Compared to standard DG methods, a strong reduction of the degrees of freedom is achieved, especially for higher polynomial degrees. In addition, in contrast to many other Trefftz-DG methods, our approach allows us to easily incorporate inhomogeneous right-hand sides (driving forces) by using the concept of the embedded Trefftz-DG method. On top of a detailed a priori error analysis, we further compare our approach to other (hybrid) discontinuous Galerkin Stokes discretizations and present numerical examples.
Exposure to Sublethal Concentrations of Lead (Pb) Affects Ecologically Relevant Behaviors in House Sparrows (Passer domesticus)
Authors: Di Liberto Joseph F. , Griffith Simon C. , Hall Cara J. , Mendelsohn Alexandra S. , Swaddle John P.
Published: April 2024

Global contamination of environments with lead (Pb) poses threats to many ecosystems and populations. While exposure to Pb is toxic at high concentrations, recent literature has shown that lower concentrations can also cause sublethal, deleterious effects. However, there remains relatively little causal investigation of how exposure to lower concentrations of environmental Pb affects ecologically important behaviors. Behaviors often represent first-line responses of an organism and its internal physiological, molecular, and genetic responses to a changing environment. Hence, better understanding how behaviors are influenced by pollutants such as Pb generates crucial information on how species are coping with the effects of pollution more broadly. To better understand the effects of sublethal Pb on behavior, we chronically exposed adult wild-caught, captive house sparrows (Passer domesticus) to Pb-exposed drinking water and quantified a suite of behavioral outcomes: takeoff flight performance, activity in a novel environment, and in-hand struggling and breathing rate while being handled by an experimenter. Compared to controls (un-exposed drinking water), sparrows exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations of Pb exhibited decreases in takeoff flight performance and reduced movements in a novel environment following 9–10 weeks of exposure. We interpret this suite of results to be consistent with Pb influencing fundamental neuro-muscular abilities, making it more difficult for exposed birds to mount faster movements and activities. It is likely that suppression of takeoff flight and reduced movements would increase the predation risk of similar birds in the wild; hence, we also conclude that the effects we observed could influence fitness outcomes for individuals and populations altering ecological interactions within more naturalistic settings.
Influence of combined abiotic/biotic factors on decay of P. aeruginosa and E. coli in Rhine River water
Authors: Gao Sha , Sutton Nora B. , Wagner Thomas V. , Rijnaarts Huub H. M. , van der Wielen Paul W. J. J.
Published: April 2024

Understanding the dynamic change in abundance of both fecal and opportunistic waterborne pathogens in urban surface water under different abiotic and biotic factors helps the prediction of microbiological water quality and protection of public health during recreational activities, such as swimming. However, a comprehensive understanding of the interaction among various factors on pathogen behavior in surface water is missing. In this study, the effect of salinity, light, and temperature and the presence of indigenous microbiota, on the decay/persistence of Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Rhine River water were tested during 7 days of incubation with varying salinity (0.4, 5.4, 9.4, and 15.4 ppt), with light under a light/dark regime (light/dark) and without light (dark), temperature (3, 12, and 20 °C), and presence/absence of indigenous microbiota. The results demonstrated that light, indigenous microbiota, and temperature significantly impacted the decay of E. coli. Moreover, a significant (p<0.01) four-factor interactive impact of these four environmental conditions on E. coli decay was observed. However, for P. aeruginosa, temperature and indigenous microbiota were two determinate factors on the decay or growth. A significant three-factor interactive impact between indigenous microbiota, temperature, and salinity (p<0.01); indigenous microbiota, light, and temperature (p<0.01); and light, temperature, and salinity (p<0.05) on the decay of P. aeruginosa was found. Due to these interactive effects, caution should be taken when predicting decay/persistence of E. coli and P. aeruginosa in surface water based on a single environmental condition. In addition, the different response of E. coli and P. aeruginosa to the environmental conditions highlights that E. coli monitoring alone underestimates health risks of surface water by non-fecal opportunistic pathogens, such as P. aeruginosa.

Key points

Abiotic and biotic factors interactively affect decay of E. coli and P. aeruginosa

E.coli and P.aeruginosa behave significantly different under the given conditions

Only E. coli as an indicator underestimates the microbiological water quality
Manganese reductive dissolution coupled to Sb mobilization in contaminated shooting range soil
Authors: Costa Lara , Martinez Mathieu , Suleiman Marcel , Keiser Rolf , Lehmann Moritz , Lenz Markus
Published: April 2024

A “redox-stat” RMnR bioreactor was employed to simulate moderately reducing conditions (+ 420 mV) in Sb-contaminated shooting range soils for approximately 3 months, thermodynamically favoring Mn(IV) reduction. The impact of moderately reducing conditions on elemental mobilization (Mn, Sb, Fe) and speciation [Sb(III) versus Sb(V); Fe2+/Fe3+] was compared to a control bioreactor RCTRL without a fixed redox potential. In both bioreactors, reducing conditions were accompanied by an increase in effluent Sb(V) and Mn(II) concentrations, suggesting that Sb(V) was released through microbial reduction of Mn oxyhydroxide minerals. This was underlined by multiple linear regression analysis showing a significant (p < 0.05) relationship between Mn and Sb effluent concentrations. Mn concentration was the sole variable exhibiting a statistically significant effect on Sb in RMnR, while under the more reducing conditions in RCTRL, pH and redox potential were also significant. Analysis of the bacterial community composition revealed an increase in the genera Azoarcus, Flavisolibacter, Luteimonas, and Mesorhizobium concerning the initial soil, some of which are possible key players in the process of Sb mobilization. The overall amount of Sb released in the RMnR (10.40%) was virtually the same as in the RCTRL (10.37%), which underlines a subordinate role of anoxic processes, such as Fe-reductive dissolution, in Sb mobilization. This research underscores the central role of relatively low concentrations of Mn oxyhydroxides in influencing the fate of trace elements. Our study also demonstrates that bioreactors operated as redox-stats represent versatile tools that allow quantifying the contribution of specific mechanisms determining the fate of trace elements in contaminated soils.

Key points

• “Redox-stat” reactors elucidate Sb mobilization mechanisms

• Mn oxyhydroxides microbial reductive dissolution has a major role in Sb mobilization in soils under moderately reducing conditions

• Despite aging the soil exhibited significant Sb mobilization potential, emphasizing persistent environmental effects
Prediction of pathological activity in Crohn’s disease based on dual-energy CT enterography
Authors: Zhou Hai-fei , Chen Wei , Li Jing-qi , Bai Gen-ji , Guo Li-li
Published: April 2024

Purpose

To explore the feasibility of predicting the pathological activity of Crohn’s disease (CD) based on dual-energy CT enterography (DECTE).

Methods

The clinical, endoscopic, imaging and pathological data of 55 patients with CD scanned by DECTE were retrospectively analyzed; the pathological results were used as a reference standard to classify the diseased bowel segments into active and inactive phases. The normalized iodine concentration (NIC), energy-spectrum curve slope K, dual energy index (DEI), fat fraction (FF) of the arterial phases and venous phases were compared. To assess the parameters’ predictive ability, receiver-operating characteristic curves were used. The Delong test was used to compare the differences between the diagnostic efficiency of each parameter.

Results

A total of 84 intestinal segments were included in the study, including 54 active intestinal segments and 30 inactive intestinal segments. The NIC, energy-spectrum curve slope K and DEI were significantly different between active and inactive bowel segments in the arterial and venous phases (P < 0.05), while FF were not significantly different (P > 0.05). The largest area under the curve (AUC) of NIC, energy-spectrum curve slope K and DEI were higher in arterial phase than in venous phase. For identifying the intestinal activity of CD, the maximum AUC of NIC in arterial phase was 0.908, with a sensitivity of 0.833 and a specificity of 0.800, and the DEI in arterial phase had the highest sensitivity (0.944).

Conclusion

The NIC, energy-spectrum curve slope K and DEI can effectively distinguish the active and inactive phases of the intestinal segments of CD patients and provide good assistance for determining further treatment.

Graphical abstract
A new protocol for renal collecting system sterilization with antibiotic irrigation during lithotripsy in retrograde intrarenal surgery: a prospective, comparative study
Authors: Yildiz Ali Kaan , Bayraktar Arif , Kacan Turgay , Demir Demirhan Orsan , Gokkurt Yusuf , Keseroglu Bugra Bilge , Karakan Tolga
Published: April 2024

Purpose

To present a new protocol using antibiotic irrigation during lithotripsy in retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) to provide sterility of the renal collecting system.

Methods

This prospective study included 102 patients who underwent RIRS between January 2022 and August 2023. The patients were examined in two groups as those who received antibiotic irrigation (n:51) and standard irrigation (n:51). In the antibiotic irrigation group, 80 mg of gentamicin was dissolved in normal saline in a 3 L irrigation pouch to obtain a 26.7 mg/L concentration. In the standard irrigation group, normal saline was used. Preoperative information, including age, sex, body mass index (BMI), ASA score, stone side, volume, and density, and the Seoul National University Renal Stone Complexity (S-ReSC) score. The groups were compared with respect to postoperative fever (> 38 °C), urinary tract infection (UTI), systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), infectious complications such as sepsis, and stone-free rate.

Results

No statistically significant difference was determined between the groups with respect to age, sex, BMI, ASA score, stone side, volume and density, and S-ReSC score (p > 0.05 for all). Statistically significant differences were determined between the groups with respect to postoperative fever (p = 0.05), SIRS (p = 0.05), and hospital length of stay (p = 0.05). Sepsis was observed in one patient in the standard irrigation group and in none of the antibiotic irrigation group.

Conclusion

The reliability, efficacy, and utility of antibiotic irrigation during lithotripsy in RIRS were presented in this study as a new protocol for sterilization of the renal collecting system which will be able to reduce infectious complications.
Investigation of tyre rim protectors on the aerodynamics of a passenger vehicle
Authors: Josefsson Erik , Semeraro Francesco Fabio , Urquhart Magnus , Sebben Simone
Published: April 2024

The wheels of a passenger vehicle contribute to a significant part of the vehicle’s aerodynamic drag. The previous research has shown that the flow is sensitive to small geometrical variations of the tyre, such as its shoulder profile and tread pattern. This work investigates the effect of altering the tyre profile in the transition region between the tyre and the rim by adding a so-called rim protector. Full-scale wind tunnel tests capturing forces, flow fields and surface pressures were conducted for three tyre variants in combination with two rim configurations on a crossover SUV. With a low rim protector, the forces and flow fields were similar to the reference tyre without a rim protector for both rims. With a wide, protruding, rim protector on the open rim, a larger and more outwashed front wheel wake was obtained with differences in the vortex structures, resulting in a drag penalty of $$0.017~C_D$$

0.017

C
D

. The altered front wheel wake reduced the shielding of the rear wheel, resulting in differences in the rear wheel wake and base pressure. With a closed rim, the differences with the wide rim protector were much smaller with only a slight drag increase compared to the reference, demonstrating that there can be a strong interaction between the tyre and rim design.
Is there a link between appendicitis and the risk of diverticular disease?: a large German cohort study
Authors: Krieg Sarah , Kolbe Ernst W. , Loosen Sven H. , Roderburg Christoph , Krieg Andreas , Kostev Karel
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Appendicitis, characterized by inflammation of the vermiform appendix, is a common abdominal emergency necessitating appendectomy. Recent evidence suggests a potential link between appendicitis and subsequent diverticular disease, yet population-based studies investigating this association are limited.

Methods

Utilizing the Disease Analyzer database encompassing data from over 1000 primary care practices in Germany, we conducted a retrospective cohort study. We included 25,379 adults diagnosed with appendicitis and an equal number of matched controls without appendicitis. The incidence of diverticular disease over a 10-year follow-up period was compared between the two cohorts. Cox regression analysis was performed to assess the association between appendicitis and diverticular disease, adjusting for potential confounders.

Results

Our findings revealed a significant association between appendicitis and subsequent diverticular disease (HR: 1.76; 95% CI: 1.57–1.97), with an increased risk observed across all age groups. Notably, this association was stronger in men (HR: 2.00; 95% CI: 1.68–2.37) than in women (HR: 1.58; 95% CI: 1.36–1.84). The cumulative 10-year incidence of diverticular disease was higher in patients with appendicitis (6.5%) compared to those without (3.6%). Additionally, we observed a clear age-dependent increase in the incidence of diverticular disease.

Conclusion

This large-scale population-based study provides valuable insights into the interaction between appendicitis and diverticular disease. The study underscores the need for further research elucidating the underlying mechanisms linking appendicitis to diverticular disease. Probiotics emerge as a potential therapeutic avenue warranting exploration in the management of both conditions. These findings have important implications for clinical practice, highlighting the importance of considering appendicitis as a potential risk factor for diverticular disease, particularly in men. Further investigation is warranted to validate these findings and explore potential therapeutic interventions targeting the shared pathophysiological pathways underlying both conditions.
Clinical and neuroanatomical characterization of the semantic behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia in a multicenter Italian cohort
Authors: Ghirelli Alma , Spinelli Edoardo Gioele , Canu Elisa , Basaia Silvia , Castelnovo Veronica , Cecchetti Giordano , Sibilla Elisa , Domi Teuta , Magnani Giuseppe , Caso Francesca , Caroppo Paola , Prioni Sara , Villa Cristina , Rossi Giacomina , Tremolizzo Lucio , Appollonio Ildebrando , Verde Federico , Ticozzi Nicola , Silani Vincenzo , Filippi Massimo , Agosta Federica
Published: April 2024

Background

Semantic behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (sbvFTD) is a neurodegenerative condition presenting with specific behavioral and semantic derangements and predominant atrophy of the right anterior temporal lobe (ATL). The objective was to evaluate clinical, neuropsychological, neuroimaging, and genetic features of an Italian sbvFTD cohort, defined according to recently proposed guidelines, compared to semantic variant primary progressive aphasia (svPPA) and behavioral variant FTD (bvFTD) patients.

Methods

Fifteen sbvFTD, sixty-three bvFTD, and twenty-five svPPA patients and forty controls were enrolled. Patients underwent clinical, cognitive evaluations, and brain MRI. Symptoms of bvFTD patients between onset and first visit were retrospectively recorded and classified as early and late. Grey matter atrophy was investigated using voxel-based morphometry.

Results

sbvFTD experienced early criteria-specific symptoms: world, object and person-specific semantic loss (67%), complex compulsions and rigid thought (60%). Sequentially, more behavioral symptoms emerged (apathy/inertia, loss of empathy) along with non-criteria-specific symptoms (anxiety, suspiciousness). sbvFTD showed sparing of attentive/executive functions, especially compared to bvFTD and better language functions compared to svPPA. All sbvFTD patients failed at the famous face recognition test and more than 80% failed in understanding written metaphors and humor. At MRI, sbvFTD had predominant right ATL atrophy, almost specular to svPPA. Three sbvFTD patients presented pathogenic genetic variants.

Conclusion

We replicated the application of sbvFTD diagnostic guidelines in an independent Italian cohort, demonstrating that the presence of person-specific semantic knowledge loss and mental rigidity, along with preserved executive functions and a predominant right ATL atrophy with sparing of frontal lobes, should prompt a diagnosis of sbvFTD.
Research advances of tissue-derived extracellular vesicles in cancers
Authors: Li Wei , Zhu Jingyao , Li Jiayuan , Jiang Yiyun , Sun Jiuai , Xu Yan , Pan Hongzhi , Zhou Yan , Zhu Jun
Published: April 2024

Background

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) can mediate cell-to-cell communication and affect various physiological and pathological processes in both parent and recipient cells. Currently, extensive research has focused on the EVs derived from cell cultures and various body fluids. However, insufficient attention has been paid to the EVs derived from tissues. Tissue EVs can reflect the microenvironment of the specific tissue and the cross-talk of communication among different cells, which can provide more accurate and comprehensive information for understanding the development and progression of diseases.

Methods

We review the state-of-the-art technologies involved in the isolation and purification of tissue EVs. Then, the latest research progress of tissue EVs in the mechanism of tumor occurrence and development is presented. And finally, the application of tissue EVs in the clinical diagnosis and treatment of cancer is anticipated.

Results

We evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of various tissue processing and EVs isolation methods, and subsequently analyze the significance of protein characterization in determining the purity of tissue EVs. Furthermore, we focus on outlining the importance of EVs derived from tumor and adipose tissues in tumorigenesis and development, as well as their potential applications in early tumor diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment.

Conclusion

When isolating and characterizing tissue EVs, the most appropriate protocol needs to be specified based on the characteristics of different tissues. Tissue EVs are valuable in the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of tumors, and the potential risks associated with tissue EVs need to be considered as therapeutic agents.
Preoperative nomogram for predicting spread through air spaces in clinical-stage IA non-small cell lung cancer using 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography
Authors: Wang Yun , Lyu Deng , Cheng Chao , Zhou Taohu , Tu Wenting , Xiao Yi , Zuo Changjing , Fan Li , Liu Shiyuan
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aims to assess the predictive value of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) radiological features and the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) in determining the presence of spread through air spaces (STAS) in clinical-stage IA non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 180 cases of NSCLC with postoperative pathological assessment of STAS status, spanning from September 2019 to September 2023. Of these, 116 cases from hospital one comprised the training set, while 64 cases from hospital two formed the testing set. The clinical information, tumor SUVmax, and 13 related CT features were analyzed. Subgroup analysis was carried out based on tumor density type. In the training set, univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed to identify the most significant variables. A multivariable logistic regression model was constructed and the corresponding nomogram was developed to predict STAS in NSCLC, and its diagnostic efficacy was evaluated in the testing set.

Results

SUVmax, consolidation-to-tumor ratio (CTR), and lobulation sign emerged as the best combination of variables for predicting STAS in NSCLC. Among these, SUVmax and CTR were identified as independent predictors for STAS prediction. The constructed prediction model demonstrated area under the curve (AUC) values of 0.796 and 0.821 in the training and testing sets, respectively. Subgroup analysis revealed a 2.69 times higher STAS-positive rate in solid nodules compared to part-solid nodules. SUVmax was an independent predictor for predicting STAS in solid nodular NSCLC, while CTR and an emphysema background were independent predictors for STAS in part-solid nodular NSCLC.

Conclusion

Our nomogram based on preoperative 18F-FDG PET/CT radiological features and SUVmax effectively predicts STAS status in clinical-stage IA NSCLC. Furthermore, our study highlights that metabolic parameters and CT variables associated with STAS differ between solid and part-solid nodular NSCLC.
Frequency and characteristics of immune-related thyroid adverse events in patients with resected stage III/IV melanoma treated with adjuvant PD-1 inhibitors: a national cohort study
Authors: Christensen Stine K. , Winther Mette L. , Laursen Ida J. , Madsen Freja S. , Brink Carsten , Brix Thomas H. , Ellebaek Eva , Svane Inge Marie , Hansen Frederikke S. , Haslund Charlotte , Laursen Olivia K. , Schmidt Henrik , Larsen Ida D. , Bastholt Lars , Ruhlmann Christina H.
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Immune-related thyroid adverse events (irTAEs) occur frequently following immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy. The purpose of this study is to provide knowledge about the incidence, clinical timeline characteristics, associated factors of irTAEs, and potential impact on treatment efficacy in patients with melanoma receiving adjuvant ICI therapy.

Methods

A national multicenter retrospective cohort study of patients with resected stage III/IV melanoma treated with adjuvant PD-1 inhibitors between November 2018 and December 2020. Data were extracted from the Danish Metastatic Melanoma Database. The irTAEs were defined as two consecutive abnormal TSH values and subdivided into transient or persistent.

Results

Of 454 patients, 99 developed an irTAE (21.8%), of these were 46 transient (46.5%) and 53 persistent (53.5%). Median time to transient and persistent irTAE was 55 and 44 days, respectively (p = 0.57). A hyperthyroid phase followed by hypothyroidism was seen in 73.6% of persistent irTAEs, whereas 87% of transient irTAEs developed an isolated hypo- or hyperthyroid phase. Multiple variable analysis demonstrated an association between irTAE and female sex (HR 2.45; 95% CI 1.63–3.70; p < 0.001), but no association with recurrence-free survival (HR 0.86; 95% CI 0.50–1.48; p = 0.587) or overall survival (HR 1.05; 95% CI 0.52–2.12, p = 0.891).

Conclusions

IrTAE is a common side effect to PD-1 inhibitors primarily occurring within the first 3 months, with a high risk of persistency. Female sex is a strong predictive factor. IrTAE was not associated with improved clinical outcome.
Financial difficulties experienced by patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST) in the Netherlands: data from a cross-sectional multicentre study
Authors: van de Wal Deborah , den Hollander Dide , Desar Ingrid M. E. , Gelderblom Hans , Oosten Astrid W. , Reyners Anna K. L. , Steeghs Neeltje , Husson Olga , van der Graaf Winette T. A.
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aims to (1) explore the prevalence of patient-reported financial difficulties among GIST patients, differentiating between those currently undergoing tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment and those who are not; (2) investigate associations between financial difficulties and sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, work, cancer-related concerns, anxiety and depression and (3) study the impact of financial difficulties on health-related quality of life.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among Dutch GIST patients diagnosed between 2008 and 2018, who were invited to complete a one-time survey between September 2020 and June 2021. Patients completed nine items of the EORTC item bank regarding financial difficulties, seven work-related questions, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Cancer Worry Scale and EORTC QLQ-C30.

Results

In total, 328 GIST patients participated (response rate 63.0%), of which 110 (33.8%) were on TKI treatment. Patients currently treated with TKIs reported significantly more financial difficulties compared to patients not on TKIs (17.3% vs 8.7%, p = 0.03). The odds of experiencing financial difficulties was 18.9 (95% CI 1.7–214.7, p = 0.02) times higher in patients who were less able to work due to their GIST diagnosis. Patients who experienced financial difficulties had significantly lower global quality of life and functioning, and more frequently reported psychological symptoms as compared to patients who did not report financial difficulties.

Conclusion

Even in a country where the costs of TKIs and follow-up care are covered by health insurance, financial difficulties can be present in GIST patients, especially in patients on TKI treatment, and may negatively influence the quality of life.
Author name disambiguation literature review with consolidated meta-analytic approach
Authors: Rodrigues Natan S. , Mariano Ari M. , Ralha Celia G.
Published: April 2024

Name ambiguity is a common problem in many bibliographic repositories affecting data integrity and validity. This article presents an author name disambiguation (AND) literature review using the theory of the consolidated meta-analytic approach, including quantitative techniques and bibliometric aspects. The literature review covers information from 211 documents of the Web of Science and Scopus databases in the period 2003 to 2022. A taxonomy based on the literature was used to organize the identified approaches to solve the AND problem. We identified that the most widely used AND solving approaches are author grouping associated with similarity functions and clustering methods and some works using author assignment allied to classification methods. The countries that publish most in AND are the USA, China, Germany, and Brazil with 21%, 19%, 13% and 8% of the total papers, respectively. The review results provide an overview of AND state-of-the-art research that can direct further investigation based on the quantitative and qualitative information from the AND research history.
Supporting the decision to perform molecular profiling for cancer patients based on routinely collected data through the use of machine learning
Authors: Kasprzak Julia , Westphalen C. Benedikt , Frey Simon , Schmitt Yvonne , Heinemann Volker , Fey Theres , Nasseh Daniel
Published: April 2024

Background

Personalized medicine offers targeted therapy options for cancer treatment. However, the decision whether to include a patient into next-generation sequencing (NGS) testing is not standardized. This may result in some patients receiving unnecessary testing while others who could benefit from it are not tested. Typically, patients who have exhausted conventional treatment options are of interest for consideration in molecularly targeted therapy. To assist clinicians in decision-making, we developed a decision support tool using routine data from a precision oncology program.

Methods

We trained a machine learning model on clinical data to determine whether molecular profiling should be performed for a patient. To validate the model, the model’s predictions were compared with decisions made by a molecular tumor board (MTB) using multiple patient case vignettes with their characteristics.

Results

The prediction model included 440 patients with molecular profiling and 13,587 patients without testing. High area under the curve (AUC) scores indicated the importance of engineered features in deciding on molecular profiling. Patient age, physical condition, tumor type, metastases, and previous therapies were the most important features. During the validation MTB experts made the same decision of recommending a patient for molecular profiling only in 10 out of 15 of their previous cases but there was agreement between the experts and the model in 9 out of 15 cases.

Conclusion

Based on a historical cohort, our predictive model has the potential to assist clinicians in deciding whether to perform molecular profiling.
Rapid flight feathers moult and fat stores in the Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago in the early stage of autumn migration
Authors: Pinchuk Pavel , Meissner Włodzimierz
Published: April 2024

We analysed primary and secondary feather moult and fat reserves in 539 Common Snipes captured in the middle Pripyat River Valley, an important stopover site for waders in Central Europe, between 2002 and 2022. The average daily rate of feather growth was 1.89% in primaries and 2.27% in secondaries, being one of the highest documented in waders. The estimated duration of growth for a single flight feather varied from 11 to 21 days in primaries and from 8 to 11 days in secondaries. Moreover, multiple flight feathers (up to 14) were replaced simultaneously. As a result, the wing moult in Common Snipes was rapid with the mean primary moult duration estimated at 53 days (28 June–20 August) according to the Underhill–Zucchini model, and only 20 days in secondaries (31 July–20 August) based on moult estimates of individual secondaries. Hence, although secondary feathers began to grow when primary moult was already advanced, moulting of both flight feather groups was completed in most birds at almost the same time. Our study shows that Common Snipe in the middle Pripyat River Valley exhibit very rapid wing moult with large wing gaps. Fat reserves and thus body mass of Common Snipes were the lowest when the wing gap was greatest, compensating for their reduced wing area. Late and slow movement towards wintering grounds, allows them to moult rapidly at the early stage of autumn migration, which is likely to occur only in sites with abundant food resources.
Extraction of three-dimensional shapes in glaucoma patients in response to monocular depth cues
Authors: Sawamura Hiromasa , Asaoka Ryo , Murata Hiroshi , Ando Eriko , Gillebert Céline R.
Published: April 2024

Purpose

To assess the impact of glaucoma on perceiving three-dimensional (3D) shapes based on monocular depth cues.

Study design

Clinical observational study.

Methods

Twenty glaucoma patients, subjected to binocular visual-field sensitivity (binocular-VFS) tests using a Humphrey Visual Field Analyzer, and 20 age-matched healthy volunteers, underwent two tasks: identifying the nearest vertex of a 3D shape using monocular shading (3D-SfS), texture (3D-SfT), or motion (3D-SfM) cues, and distinguishing elementary one-dimensional (1D) features of these cues. The association of the visual-field index (VFI) of binocular-VFS with 3D shape perception in glaucoma patients was also examined.

Results

Glaucoma patients demonstrated reduced accuracy in distinguishing 1D luminance brightness and a larger "error-in-depth" between the perceived and actual depths for 3D-SfM and 3D-SfS compared to healthy volunteers. Six glaucoma patients with a 100% VFI for binocular-VFS exhibited a similar error-in-depth to the other fourteen glaucoma patients; they had a larger error-in-depth for 3D-SfM compared to healthy volunteers. No correlation between the error-in-depth values and the VFI values of binocular-VFS was observed.

Conclusions

The 3D shape perception in glaucoma patients varies based on the depth cue's characteristics. Impaired 1D discrimination and larger thresholds for 3D-SfM in glaucoma patients with a 100% VFI for binocular-VFS indicate more pronounced perceptual deficits of lower-level elementary features for 3D-SfS and higher-level visual processing of 3D shapes for 3D-SfM. The effects of the location and degree of binocular visual-field defects on 3D shape perception remain to be elucidated. Our research provides insights into the 3D shape extraction mechanism in glaucoma.
Numerical simulation of resistance furnaces by using distributed and lumped models
Authors: Bermúdez A. , Gómez D. , González D.
Published: April 2024

This work proposes a methodology that combines distributed and lumped models to simulate the current distribution within an indirect heat resistance furnace and, in particular, to calculate the current to be supplied for achieving a desired power output. The distributed model is a time-harmonic eddy current problem, which is solved numerically using the finite element method. The lumped model relies on calculating a reduced impedance associated with an equivalent circuit model. Numerical simulations and plant measurements demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach. The good correlation between the results indicates that this approximation is well-suited to support the design and improve the efficiency of the furnace in a short time.
Are Companies Offloading Risk onto Employees in Times of Uncertainty? Insights from Corporate Pension Plans
Authors: Cumming Douglas , Lu Fanyu , Xu Limin , Yu Chia-Feng
Published: April 2024

We investigate how firms adjust corporate pension plans in response to economic policy uncertainty (EPU). Using a sample of US-listed firms, we find that firms increase pension underfunding levels when facing higher EPU. The result is robust to controlling for pension portfolio returns, discount rates, plan sizes, pension liability, numbers of employees, other macroeconomic factors, difference-in-differences and instrumental variable estimation, and additional evidence of pension risk-shifting. Further analysis reveals that financial distress and information asymmetry induced through EPU are the potential channels. The effect is stronger for firms having CEOs being excessively paid, using cash flow as a performance metric in CEO compensation, paying high dividends, and having short-term institutional investors, whereas the presence of unions, positive corporate culture, and social capital alleviate the effect. Notably, managers, not shareholders, appear to be the party reaping the benefits. Our findings suggest that firms may shift risk to employees in response to heightened uncertainty and institutional characteristics play a moderating role in this crucial business ethics issue.
NASCI case of the month: a case of anomalous right coronary artery arising from the pulmonary artery
Authors: Guys Nicholas , Lippincott Emily , Frank Luba
Published: April 2024

Coronary artery anomalies are rare but potentially fatal abnormalities with occasional striking imaging findings radiologists should recognize.
Ponto-Caspian amphipod co-location with zebra mussel beds (Dreissena polymorpha) is influenced by substrate size and population source
Authors: Sanders Catherine H. , Buckley Phil L. , Devereux Hunt Charlotte , Mathers Kate L. , Mills Daniel N.
Published: April 2024

The global spread of non-native species is leading to an increasing frequency of multiple co-occurring non-native species. We examined the co-occurrence of the bivalve mollusc Dreissena polymorpha (zebra mussel) with three Ponto-Caspian amphipods (Dikerogammarus villosus, Dikerogammarus haemobaphes, and Chelicorophium curvispinum) across England and Wales in association with in-situ substrate size. For all three amphipod species, substrate grain size where amphipods co-occurred with D. polymorpha was significantly finer than when recorded in isolation. Subsequently, we confirmed this via aquarium experiments. We examined the occurrence of D. villosus with D. polymorpha when present with cobbles, gravel, or sand from three population sources (co-location with abundant D. polymorpha populations, co-location with low populations, and naïve). Experiments demonstrated that D. villosus actively sought shelter on or near D. polymorpha, with their co-location being significantly more prevalent in finer grained substrates (sand > gravel > cobble). The strength of this co-location differed by population source, with those co-located with high D. polymorpha densities demonstrating a greater association. Our analyses and experiments indicate that D. polymorpha may facilitate Ponto-Caspian amphipod establishment in otherwise suboptimal locations, whereby mussel shells provide favourable structural habitat for the amphipods, analogous to the presence of coarse-grained benthic sediment.
Infeasible and Critically Feasible Optimal Control
Authors: Burachik Regina S. , Kaya C. Yalçın , Moursi Walaa M.
Published: April 2024

We consider optimal control problems involving two constraint sets: one comprised of linear ordinary differential equations with the initial and terminal states specified and the other defined by the control variables constrained by simple bounds. When the intersection of these two sets is empty, typically because the bounds on the control variables are too tight, the problem becomes infeasible. In this paper, we prove that, under a controllability assumption, the “best approximation” optimal control minimizing the distance (and thus finding the “gap”) between the two sets is of bang–bang type, with the “gap function” playing the role of a switching function. The critically feasible control solution (the case when one has the smallest control bound for which the problem is feasible) is also shown to be of bang–bang type. We present the full analytical solution for the critically feasible problem involving the (simple but rich enough) double integrator. We illustrate the overall results numerically on various challenging example problems.
A methodological approach to evaluate the dynamic response of internal septa and pillars in soft rock underground cavities
Authors: de Lucia D. , Ugenti A. , Fazio N. L. , Lollino P.
Published: April 2024

A large amount of underground cavities nowadays exists throughout the Apulian region (south-eastern Italy) as a result of mining processes of soft calcarenite, which frequently followed the “room and pillar” technique. In these cave systems, pillars and septa are critical structures, whose failure can lead to a significant increment of the sinkhole hazard. The behaviour of these rocky structures in the dynamic field is poorly studied in literature, and the present study aims to investigate their dynamic stability, according to regional seismicity data. For this purpose, ideal pillar geometries were considered, for which the evolution of the stress–strain field under dynamic inputs was observed in both 2D and 3- configurations by means of parametrical finite element analysis. For shallow cavities, slender septa were found to be the most affected by the influence of seismic loading. For deep cavities, dynamic instability is observed only for rather squat septa, with the cavity width also influencing the dynamic behaviour. To quantitatively assess the septum stability, a stability index was also proposed in 2D models. Moreover, three-dimensional analyses showed a stabilizing effect in the pillar exerted by the stress component perpendicular to the earthquake.
“We don’t separate out these things. Everything is related”: Partnerships with Indigenous Communities to Design, Implement, and Evaluate Multilevel Interventions to Reduce Health Disparities
Authors: Rink Elizabeth , Stotz Sarah A. , Johnson-Jennings Michelle , Huyser Kimberly , Collins Katie , Manson Spero M. , Berkowitz Seth A. , Hebert Luciana , Byker Shanks Carmen , Begay Kelli , Hicks Teresa , Dennison Michelle , Jiang Luohua , Firemoon Paula , Johnson Olivia , Anastario Mike , Ricker Adriann , GrowingThunder Ramey , Baldwin Julie
Published: April 2024

Multilevel interventions (MLIs) are appropriate to reduce health disparities among Indigenous peoples because of their ability to address these communities’ diverse histories, dynamics, cultures, politics, and environments. Intervention science has highlighted the importance of context-sensitive MLIs in Indigenous communities that can prioritize Indigenous and local knowledge systems and emphasize the collective versus the individual. This paradigm shift away from individual-level focus interventions to community-level focus interventions underscores the need for community engagement and diverse partnerships in MLI design, implementation, and evaluation. In this paper, we discuss three case studies addressing how Indigenous partners collaborated with researchers in each stage of the design, implementation, and evaluation of MLIs to reduce health disparities impacting their communities. We highlight the following: (1) collaborations with multiple, diverse tribal partners to carry out MLIs which require iterative, consistent conversations over time; (2) inclusion of qualitative and Indigenous research methods in MLIs as a way to honor Indigenous and local knowledge systems as well as a way to understand a health disparity phenomenon in a community; and (3) relationship building, maintenance, and mutual respect among MLI partners to reconcile past research abuses, prevent extractive research practices, decolonize research processes, and generate co-created knowledge between Indigenous and academic communities.
Two-worker Households, Decentralized Employment, and Residential Segregation
Authors: Yilmaz Kuzey
Published: April 2024

The last century was marked by a remarkable improvement in the economic position of women, as reflected in higher labor force participation and wages. This paper extends the Hybrid Tiebout models of residential choice to allow for two-worker households. Our model incorporates both residential choice and labor market choices of households simultaneously and, thus, gives us a unique opportunity to study the impact of changes in the labor market conditions for workers on residential segregation. We develop a general equilibrium model of residential choice with decentralized workplaces in which households face a trade-off among accessibility, space and a public good (education). Education is financed through property taxes, which are determined by majority voting. The quality of education is determined by the spending and the peer group effects. The model is interesting in the sense that (i) households consider the work locations of both male and female working members of the household while making residential choice decisions; (ii) the presence of decentralized workplaces offers an alternative job location to workers; and (iii) the endogenous labor supply decisions for workers. We find that the increase in educational attainment for women and the changes in wages for men and women have had a substantial impact on the spatial distribution of households across metropolitan areas and hence, segregation by income.
Mathematical Modelling of Parasite Dynamics: A Stochastic Simulation-Based Approach and Parameter Estimation via Modified Sequential-Type Approximate Bayesian Computation
Authors: Twumasi Clement , Cable Joanne , Pepelyshev Andrey
Published: April 2024

The development of mathematical models for studying newly emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases has gained momentum due to global events. The gyrodactylid-fish system, like many host-parasite systems, serves as a valuable resource for ecological, evolutionary, and epidemiological investigations owing to its ease of experimental manipulation and long-term monitoring. Although this system has an existing individual-based model, it falls short in capturing information about species-specific microhabitat preferences and other biological details for different Gyrodactylus strains across diverse fish populations. This current study introduces a new individual-based stochastic simulation model that uses a hybrid $$\tau $$
τ
-leaping algorithm to incorporate this essential data, enhancing our understanding of the complexity of the gyrodactylid-fish system. We compare the infection dynamics of three gyrodactylid strains across three host populations. A modified sequential-type approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) method, based on sequential Monte Carlo and sequential importance sampling, is developed. Additionally, we establish two penalised local-linear regression methods (based on L1 and L2 regularisations) for ABC post-processing analysis to fit our model using existing empirical data. With the support of experimental data and the fitted mathematical model, we address open biological questions for the first time and propose directions for future studies on the gyrodactylid-fish system. The adaptability of the mathematical model extends beyond the gyrodactylid-fish system to other host-parasite systems. Furthermore, the modified ABC methodologies provide efficient calibration for other multi-parameter models characterised by a large set of correlated or independent summary statistics.
Self-Rated Health in Middle Age and Risk of Hospitalizations and Death: Recurrent Event Analysis of the ARIC Study
Authors: Mu Scott Z. , Hicks Caitlin W. , Daya Natalie R. , Foraker Randi E. , Kucharska-Newton Anna M. , Lutsey Pamela L. , Coresh Josef , Selvin Elizabeth
Published: April 2024

Background

Self-rated health is a simple measure that may identify individuals who are at a higher risk for hospitalization or death.

Objective

To quantify the association between a single measure of self-rated health and future risk of recurrent hospitalizations or death.

Participants

Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study, a community-based prospective cohort study of middle-aged men and women with follow-up beginning from 1987 to 1989.

Main Measures

We quantified the associations between initial self-rated health with risk of recurrent hospitalizations and of death using a recurrent events survival model that allowed for dependency between the rates of hospitalization and hazards of death, adjusted for demographic and clinical factors.

Key Results

Of the 14,937 ARIC cohort individuals with available self-rated health and covariate information, 34% of individuals reported “excellent” health, 47% “good,” 16% “fair,” and 3% “poor” at study baseline. After a median follow-up of 27.7 years, 1955 (39%), 3569 (51%), 1626 (67%), and 402 (83%) individuals with “excellent,” “good,” “fair,” and “poor” health, respectively, had died. After adjusting for demographic factors and medical history, a less favorable self-rated health status was associated with increased rates of hospitalization and death. As compared to those reporting “excellent” health, adults with “good,” “fair,” and “poor” health had 1.22 (1.07 to 1.40), 2.01 (1.63 to 2.47), and 3.13 (2.39 to 4.09) times the rate of hospitalizations, respectively. The hazards of death also increased with worsening categories of self-rated health, with “good,” “fair,” and “poor” health individuals experiencing 1.30 (1.12 to 1.51), 2.15 (1.71 to 2.69), and 3.40 (2.54 to 4.56) times the hazard of death compared to “excellent,” respectively.

Conclusions

Even after adjusting for demographic and clinical factors, having a less favorable response on a single measure of self-rated health taken in middle age is a potent marker of future hospitalizations and death.