bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A closer look in the mirror: reflections on the matter/dark matter coincidence
Authors: Bodas Arushi , Buen-Abad Manuel A. , Hook Anson , Sundrum Raman
Published: June 2024

Abstract

We argue that the striking similarity between the cosmic abundances of baryons and dark matter, despite their very different astrophysical behavior, strongly motivates the scenario in which dark matter resides within a rich dark sector parallel in structure to that of the standard model. The near cosmic coincidence is then explained by an approximate ℤ2 exchange symmetry between the two sectors, where dark matter consists of stable dark neutrons, with matter and dark matter asymmetries arising via parallel WIMP baryogenesis mechanisms. Taking a top-down perspective, we point out that an adequate ℤ2 symmetry necessitates solving the electroweak hierarchy problem in each sector, without our committing to a specific implementation. A higher-dimensional realization in the far UV is presented, in which the hierarchical couplings of the two sectors and the requisite ℤ2-breaking structure arise naturally from extra-dimensional localization and gauge symmetries. We trace the cosmic history, paying attention to potential pitfalls not fully considered in previous literature. Residual ℤ2-breaking can very plausibly give rise to the asymmetric reheating of the two sectors, needed to keep the cosmological abundance of relativistic dark particles below tight bounds. We show that, despite the need to keep inter-sector couplings highly suppressed after asymmetric reheating, there can naturally be order-one couplings mediated by TeV scale particles which can allow experimental probes of the dark sector at high energy colliders. Massive mediators can also induce dark matter direct detection signals, but likely at or below the neutrino floor.
Black hole wavefunctions and microcanonical states
Authors: Chua Wan Zhen , Hartman Thomas
Published: June 2024

Abstract

We consider the problem of defining a microcanonical thermofield double state at fixed energy and angular momentum from the gravitational path integral. A semiclassical approximation to this state is obtained by imposing a mixed boundary condition on an initial time surface. We analyze the corresponding boundary value problem and gravitational action. The overlap of this state with the canonical thermofield double state, which is interpreted as the Hartle-Hawking wavefunction of an eternal black hole in a mini-superspace approximation, is calculated semiclassically. The relevant saddlepoint is a higher-dimensional, rotating generalization of the wedge geometry that has been studied in two-dimensional gravity. Along the way we discuss a new corner term in the gravitational action that arises at a rotating horizon.
Spectral flow of fermions in the ℂP2 (anti-)instanton, and the sphaleron with vanishing topological charge
Authors: Amari Yuki , Sawado Nobuyuki , Yamamoto Shintaro
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The spectral flow is ubiquitous in the physics of soliton-fermion interacting systems. We study the spectral flows related to a continuous deformation of background soliton solutions, which enable us to develop insight into the emergence of fermionic zero modes and the localization mechanism of fermion densities. We investigate a ℂP2 nonlinear sigma model in which there are the (anti-) instantons and also the sphalerons with vanishing topological charge. The standard Yukawa coupling of the fermion successfully generates infinite towers of the spectra and the spectral flow is observed when increasing the size of such solitons. At that moment, the localization of the fermions on the solitons emerges. The avoided crossings are also observed in several stages of the exchange of the flows, they are indicating a manifestation of the fermion exchange of the localizing nature.
Genomic and phenomic predictions help capture low-effect alleles promoting seed germination in oilseed rape in addition to QTL analyses
Authors: Laurençon Marianne , Legrix Julie , Wagner Marie-Hélène , Demilly Didier , Baron Cécile , Rolland Sophie , Ducournau Sylvie , Laperche Anne , Nesi Nathalie
Published: June 2024

Key message

Phenomic prediction implemented on a large diversity set can efficiently predict seed germination, capture low-effect favorable alleles that are not revealed by GWAS and identify promising genetic resources.

Oilseed rape faces many challenges, especially at the beginning of its developmental cycle. Achieving rapid and uniform seed germination could help to ensure a successful establishment and therefore enabling the crop to compete with weeds and tolerate stresses during the earliest developmental stages. The polygenic nature of seed germination was highlighted in several studies, and more knowledge is needed about low- to moderate-effect underlying loci in order to enhance seed germination effectively by improving the genetic background and incorporating favorable alleles. A total of 17 QTL were detected for seed germination-related traits, for which the favorable alleles often corresponded to the most frequent alleles in the panel. Genomic and phenomic predictions methods provided moderate-to-high predictive abilities, demonstrating the ability to capture small additive and non-additive effects for seed germination. This study also showed that phenomic prediction estimated phenotypic values closer to phenotypic values than GEBV. Finally, as the predictive ability of phenomic prediction was less influenced by the genetic structure of the panel, it is worth using this prediction method to characterize genetic resources, particularly with a view to design prebreeding populations.
Low-temperature features of the psychrophilic chaperonin from Pseudoalteromonas haloplanktis
Authors: Hertle Eva , Ursinus Astrid , Martin Jörg
Published: June 2024

Chaperonins from psychrophilic bacteria have been shown to exist as single-ring complexes. This deviation from the standard double-ring structure has been thought to be a beneficial adaptation to the cold environment. Here we show that Cpn60 from the psychrophile Pseudoalteromonas haloplanktis (Ph) maintains its double-ring structure also in the cold. A strongly reduced ATPase activity keeps the chaperonin in an energy-saving dormant state, until binding of client protein activates it. Ph Cpn60 in complex with co-chaperonin Ph Cpn10 efficiently assists in protein folding up to 55 °C. Moreover, we show that recombinant expression of Ph Cpn60 can provide its host Escherichia coli with improved viability under low temperature growth conditions. These properties of the Ph chaperonin may make it a valuable tool in the folding and stabilization of psychrophilic proteins.
Moment-SoS methods for optimal transport problems
Authors: Mula Olga , Nouy Anthony
Published: June 2024

Most common optimal transport (OT) solvers are currently based on an approximation of underlying measures by discrete measures. However, it is sometimes relevant to work only with moments of measures instead of the measure itself, and many common OT problems can be formulated as moment problems (the most relevant examples being $$L^p$$

L
p

-Wasserstein distances, barycenters, and Gromov–Wasserstein discrepancies on Euclidean spaces). We leverage this fact to develop a generalized moment formulation that covers these classes of OT problems. The transport plan is represented through its moments on a given basis, and the marginal constraints are expressed in terms of moment constraints. A practical computation then consists in considering a truncation of the involved moment sequences up to a certain order, and using the polynomial sums-of-squares hierarchy for measures supported on semi-algebraic sets. We prove that the strategy converges to the solution of the OT problem as the order increases. We also show how to approximate linear quantities of interest, and how to estimate the support of the optimal transport map from the computed moments using Christoffel–Darboux kernels. Numerical experiments illustrate the good behavior of the approach.
Intraoperative near infrared functional imaging of rectal cancer using artificial intelligence methods - now and near future state of the art
Authors: Boland Patrick A. , Hardy N. P. , Moynihan A. , McEntee P. D. , Loo C. , Fenlon H. , Cahill R. A.
Published: June 2024

Colorectal cancer remains a major cause of cancer death and morbidity worldwide. Surgery is a major treatment modality for primary and, increasingly, secondary curative therapy. However, with more patients being diagnosed with early stage and premalignant disease manifesting as large polyps, greater accuracy in diagnostic and therapeutic precision is needed right from the time of first endoscopic encounter. Rapid advancements in the field of artificial intelligence (AI), coupled with widespread availability of near infrared imaging (currently based around indocyanine green (ICG)) can enable colonoscopic tissue classification and prognostic stratification for significant polyps, in a similar manner to contemporary dynamic radiological perfusion imaging but with the advantage of being able to do so directly within interventional procedural time frames. It can provide an explainable method for immediate digital biopsies that could guide or even replace traditional forceps biopsies and provide guidance re margins (both areas where current practice is only approximately 80% accurate prior to definitive excision). Here, we discuss the concept and practice of AI enhanced ICG perfusion analysis for rectal cancer surgery while highlighting recent and essential near-future advancements. These include breakthrough developments in computer vision and time series analysis that allow for real-time quantification and classification of fluorescent perfusion signals of rectal cancer tissue intraoperatively that accurately distinguish between normal, benign, and malignant tissues in situ endoscopically, which are now undergoing international prospective validation (the Horizon Europe CLASSICA study). Next stage advancements may include detailed digital characterisation of small rectal malignancy based on intraoperative assessment of specific intratumoral fluorescent signal pattern. This could include T staging and intratumoral molecular process profiling (e.g. regarding angiogenesis, differentiation, inflammatory component, and tumour to stroma ratio) with the potential to accurately predict the microscopic local response to nonsurgical treatment enabling personalised therapy via decision support tools. Such advancements are also applicable to the next generation fluorophores and imaging agents currently emerging from clinical trials. In addition, by providing an understandable, applicable method for detailed tissue characterisation visually, such technology paves the way for acceptance of other AI methodology during surgery including, potentially, deep learning methods based on whole screen/video detailing.
Defining the optimal target-to-background ratio to identify positive lymph nodes in prostate cancer patients undergoing robot-assisted [99mTc]Tc-PSMA radioguided surgery: updated results and ad interim analyses of a prospective phase II study
Authors: Quarta Leonardo , Mazzone Elio , Cannoletta Donato , Stabile Armando , Scuderi Simone , Barletta Francesco , Cucchiara Vito , Nocera Luigi , Pellegrino Antony , Robesti Daniele , Leni Riccardo , Zaurito Paolo , Brembilla Giorgio , De Cobelli Francesco , Samanes Gajate Ana Maria , Picchio Maria , Chiti Arturo , Montorsi Francesco , Briganti Alberto , Gandaglia Giorgio
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Prostate-specific membrane antigen radioguided surgery (PSMA-RGS) might identify lymph node invasion (LNI) in prostate cancer (PCa) patients undergoing extended pelvic lymph node dissection (ePLND). The optimal target-to-background (TtB) ratio to define RGS positivity is still unknown.

Materials & methods

Ad interim analyses which focused on 30 patients with available pathological information were conducted. All patients underwent preoperative PSMA positron emission tomography (PET). 99m-Technetium-PSMA imaging and surgery ([99mTc]Tc-PSMA-I&S) was administered the day before surgery. In vivo measurements were conducted using an intraoperative gamma probe. Performance characteristics and implications associated with different TtB ratios were assessed.

Results

Overall, 9 (30%) patients had LNI, with 22 (13%) and 80 (11%) positive regions and lymph nodes, respectively. PSMA-RGS showed uptakes in 12 (40%) vs. 7 (23%) vs. 6 (20%) patients for a TtB ratio ≥ 2 vs. ≥ 3 vs. ≥ 4. At a per-region level, sensitivity, specificity and accuracy for a TtB ratio ≥ 2 vs. ≥ 3 vs. ≥ 4 were 72%, 88% and 87% vs. 54%, 98% and 92% vs. 36%, 99% and 91%. Performing ePLND only in patients with suspicious spots at PSMA PET (n = 7) would have spared 77% ePLNDs at the cost of missing 13% (n = 3) pN1 patients. A TtB ratio ≥ 2 at RGS identified 8 (24%) suspicious areas not detected by PSMA PET, of these 5 (63%) harbored LNI, with one pN1 patient (11%) that would have been missed by PSMA PET. Adoption of a TtB ratio ≥ 2 vs. ≥ 3 vs. ≥ 4, would have allowed to spare 18 (60%) vs. 23 (77%) vs. 24 (80%) ePLNDs missing 2 (11%) vs. 3 (13%) vs. 4 (17%) pN1 patients.

Conclusions

PSMA-RGS using a TtB ratio ≥ 2 to identify suspicious nodes, could allow to spare > 50% ePLNDs and would identify additional pN1 patients compared to PSMA PET and higher TtB ratios.
Navigated intraoperative ultrasound in pediatric brain tumors
Authors: Klein Gunnewiek Kevin , van Baarsen Kirsten M. , Graus Evie H. M. , Brink Wyger M. , Lequin Maarten H. , Hoving Eelco W.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value and accuracy of navigated intraoperative ultrasound (iUS) in pediatric oncological neurosurgery as compared to intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI).

Methods

A total of 24 pediatric patients undergoing tumor debulking surgery with iUS, iMRI, and neuronavigation were included in this study. Prospective acquisition of iUS images was done at two time points during the surgical procedure: (1) before resection for tumor visualization and (2) after resection for residual tumor assessment. Dice similarity coefficients (DSC), Hausdorff distances 95th percentiles (HD95) and volume differences, sensitivity, and specificity were calculated for iUS segmentations as compared to iMRI.

Results

A high correlation (R = 0.99) was found for volume estimation as measured on iUS and iMRI before resection. A good spatial accuracy was demonstrated with a median DSC of 0.72 (IQR 0.14) and a median HD95 percentile of 4.98 mm (IQR 2.22 mm). The assessment after resection demonstrated a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 84.6% for residual tumor detection with navigated iUS. A moderate accuracy was observed with a median DSC of 0.58 (IQR 0.27) and a median HD95 of 5.84 mm (IQR 4.04 mm) for residual tumor volumes.

Conclusion

We found that iUS measurements of tumor volume before resection correlate well with those obtained from preoperative MRI. The accuracy of residual tumor detection was reliable as compared to iMRI, indicating the suitability of iUS for directing the surgeon’s attention to areas suspect for residual tumor. Therefore, iUS is considered as a valuable addition to the neurosurgical armamentarium.

Trial registration number and date

PMCLAB2023.476, February 12th 2024.
Characterization of Cannabis users and products and the experience of negative mental emotions following Cannabis use
Authors: Treves Nir , Yakirevich-Amir Noa , Abu Ahmad Wiessam , Bonne Omer , Davidson Elyad , Keeling Keenan , Hall Branden , Dautrich Tyler , Matok Ilan
Published: June 2024

There is a potential link between cannabis and mental disorders﻿. Cannabis exposure involves in many cases negative mental emotions, which are unpleasant sensations or thoughts. Whereas mild cases of negative mental emotions inflict patient’s quality of life, more severe cases lead to therapy discontinuations, or even hospitalizations and death. This study characterizes cannabis users who experienced negative mental emotions after cannabis exposure. The Releaf App database was utilized to evaluate the association between personal and cannabis use characteristics on reporting a negative mental emotion during cannabis exposure. This global mobile lets individuals track real-time cannabis experience use with cannabinoid-based products, containing data points such as gender, age, reasons for use, product type, cannabis composition, and feelings and emotions experienced after cannabis use. Multivariable logistic regression models were constructed, adjusting for potential confounders such as gender and previous experience with cannabis use. The study population comprised 4,435 users, and 34,279 sessions were collected from various countries, mainly from North America, and included in the primary analysis. Reporting on negative mental emotions was associated with users in the age group of 18–30 years. Using cannabis for a mental purpose was associated with a small increase in reporting on negative mental emotions (OR = 1.10, 95%CI [1.03–1.19]). Oral products were associated with reporting on negative mental emotions. THC-dominant products were associated with reporting negative mental emotions compared to balanced products (OR = 1.21, 95%CI [1.06–1.38]). This study suggests that some characteristics of cannabis use, such as young age and oral consumption are associated with negative mental emotions. Further studies should examine the interface between cannabis consumption, characteristics of consumers, and negative emotional experience or even long-term mental disorders.
Prognosis and predictive factors of conversion surgery for initially unresectable advanced colorectal cancer
Authors: Ohira Gaku , Endo Satoshi , Imanishi Shunsuke , Tochigi Toru , Maruyama Tetsuro , Hayano Koichi , Maruyama Michihiro , Matsubara Hisahiro
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The aim of this study was to report the outcomes of conversion surgery for initially unresectable advanced colorectal cancer and to identify factors that enable successful conversion surgery.

Methods

We compared the outcomes of patients with colorectal cancer with distant metastases, including extrahepatic metastases, who underwent upfront surgery, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, conversion surgery, and chemotherapy only at our department from 2007 to 2020. In addition, factors influencing the achievement of conversion surgery in patients who were initially unresectable were examined in univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

Of 342 colorectal cancer patients with distant metastases treated during the study period, 239 were judged to be initially unresectable, and 17 (conversion rate: 7.1%) underwent conversion surgery. The prognosis for the conversion surgery group was better than that of the chemotherapy only group but worse than that of the upfront surgery group. In the conversion surgery group, the recurrence-free survival after resection was significantly shorter than that upfront surgery group and neoadjuvant chemotherapy group, and no patients have been cured. Among patients who were initially unresectable, left-sided primary cancer and normal CA19-9 level were identified as independent factors contributing to the achievement of conversion surgery in a multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

Although relapse after conversion surgery is common, and no patients have been cured thus far, overall survival was better in comparison to patients who received chemotherapy only. Among unresectable cases, patients with left-sided primary cancer and normal CA19-9 levels are likely to be candidates for conversion surgery.
Cerebral fractional tissue oxygen extraction (cFTOE) during immediate fetal-to-neonatal transition: a systematic qualitative review of the literature
Authors: Schlatzer Christoph , Schwaberger Bernhard , Bruckner Marlies , Wolfsberger Christina Helene , Pichler Gerhard , Urlesberger Berndt , Baik-Schneditz Nariae
Published: June 2024

Cerebral monitoring during immediate fetal-to-neonatal transition is of increasing interest. The cerebral fractional tissue oxygen extraction (cFTOE) is a useful parameter to gain insight in the balance between tissue oxygen delivery and consumption during this complex process. The aim of this study was to review the literature on cFTOE during the first 15 min immediately after birth. A systematic qualitative literature research was last performed on 23 November 2023 of PubMed and EMBASE with the following search terms: neonate, infant, newborn, transition, after birth, delivery room, NIRS, near-infrared spectroscopy, spectroscopy, cFTOE, cerebral fractional tissue oxygenation extraction, cerebral oxygenation, and fractional oxygen extraction. Additional published reports were identified through a manual search of references in retrieved articles and in review articles. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed by predefined quality criteria. Only human studies with data of cFTOE in the first 15 min after birth were included. Accordingly, exclusion criteria were defined as no measurement of cFTOE or no measurement within the first 15 min after birth. Across all studies, a total of 3566 infants (2423 term, 1143 preterm infants) were analysed. Twenty-five studies were identified describing cFTOE within the first 15 min after birth. Four studies established reference ranges for cFTOE and another four studies focused on the effect of pre-/perinatal circumstances on cFTOE in the first 15 min after birth. Six studies investigated the course of cFTOE after transition in infants without complications. Eleven studies analysed different potentially influencing parameters on cFTOE during transition.

Conclusion: This systematic review provides a comprehensive insight on cFTOE during uncomplicated transition as well as the influence of perinatal circumstances, respiratory, haemodynamic, neurological, and laboratory parameters in preterm and term infants.

What is Known:

• The NIRS-measured cerebral fractional tissue oxygen extraction (cFTOE) is a useful parameter to estimate the balance between oxygen delivery and consumption. • During normal transition, the cFTOE decreases in the first minutes after birth and then remains at a stable plateau.

What is New:

• The cFTOE is a promising parameter that gives additional information on cerebral oxygenation and perfusion in preterm and term infants. • Several hemodynamic, metabolic, respiratory, and perinatal factors are identified, influencing the oxygen extraction of the newborn's brain after birth.
MARCH5 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression by inducing p53 ubiquitination degradation
Authors: Cai Xin , Gao Jie , Yan Zhiping , Zhang Huapeng , Guo Danfeng , Zhang Shuijun
Published: June 2024

Background

Human MARCH5 is a mitochondria-localized E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase that is essential for the regulation of mitochondrial dynamics. A large body of evidence suggests that imbalances in mitochondrial dynamics are strongly associated with cancer. However, the expression, biological function and prognostic significance of MARCH5 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have not been determined.

Materials and methods

The mRNA and protein expression of MARCH5 in HCC cell lines and tumor tissues was assessed by real-time quantitative PCR, Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry. The clinical prognostic significance of MARCH5 was evaluated in 135 HCC patients. Knockdown or overexpression of MARCH5 in HCC cells was determined by in vitro cell proliferation, migration and invasion assays, and in vivo tumor growth and metastasis assays. In addition, the intrinsic mechanisms by which MARCH5 regulates HCC cell growth and metastasis were explored.

Results

MARCH5 was significantly overexpressed in HCC cells and was closely associated with patients' poor postoperative prognosis. In vivo and in vitro experiments revealed that MARCH5 significantly promoted the increase and invasive and migratory ability of hepatocellular carcinoma cells, which was mainly due to the promotion of autophagy by MARCH5. Mechanistic studies revealed that MARCH5 promoted autophagy through ubiquitination degradation of p53 leading to malignant progression of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that MARCH5 plays a critical oncogenic role in HCC cells, which provides experimental evidence for the use of MARCH5 as a potential target for HCC therapy.
Acute kidney injury after colorectal surgery with prophylactic ureteral stents
Authors: Rather Assar , Fisher Adrianne , Gardner Kelly , Ghanem Nessreen , Katsichtis Theodoris , Siegelman Gary , Mannion John D.
Published: June 2024

Background

After colorectal surgery, acute kidney injury (AKI) results from a complex interplay of multiple independent causes and preventive measures that occur during the hospitalization. Prophylactic stenting for ureter identification has been identified as a potential cause, but the evidence is conflicting, possibly because of differing baseline characteristics and procedure-related approaches.

Objective

This retrospective cohort study assesses the role of stents in the etiology of AKI after determining the independent predictors of AKI.

Methods

From a population of 1224 consecutive colorectal patients (from 8/1/2016 through 12/31/2021), 382 (31.2%) received ureteral stents, and propensity score matching was used to create stented and control groups. Emergent cases and patients with sepsis were excluded from the analysis. Previously identified independent predictors of AKI, minimally invasive procedures, and a history of diabetes mellitus were used as criteria to create two balanced groups.

Results

Baseline demographic characteristics and procedure-related factors baseline factors were similar between the groups. There was no difference in the rate of AKI between stented patients and controls (P = 0.82), nor was there any difference in postoperative complications, such as chronic renal insufficiency (CRI, P = 0.49), average postoperative creatinine (P = 0.67), urinary tract infections (UTI, P = 0.82), any postoperative infection (P = 0.48), in-hospital complications (P = 1.00), length of stay (LOS, P = 0.15), and 30-day readmissions (P = 0.79).

Conclusions

In a population of patients where stenting was frequently employed, ureter stents placed for identification did not appear to cause AKI or AKI-related complications.

Graphical Abstract
A finite volume adaptation of beam-to-beam contact interactions implemented for geometrically exact Simo–Reissner beams
Authors: Bali Seevani , Tuković Željko , Cardiff Philip , Ivanković Alojz , Pakrashi Vikram
Published: June 2024

This paper presents an adaption of the finite-element based beam-to-beam contact interactions into a finite volume numerical framework. A previous work of the same authors, where a cell-centred based finite volume implementation of geometrically exact nonlinear Simo–Reissner beams was developed, is used as an underlying mathematical model. An implicit contact procedure is developed for both point-to-point and line-to-line beam frictionless contact interactions, and is implemented using the cell-centred finite volume method. To enforce the contact constraint, both penalty method and augmented-Lagrangian based techniques are used. A total of six numerical benchmark cases for point and line beam-to-beam contact interactions based on the finite element method are used to verify the numerical results, accuracy and robustness of the developed contact procedure.
Proliferative glomerulonephritis with monoclonal IgG deposits in an adolescent successfully treated with daratumumab
Authors: Svabova Eva , Zieg Jakub , Sukova Martina , Flachsova Eva , Kment Martin , Tesar Vladimir
Published: June 2024

There is no specific treatment for proliferative glomerulonephritis with monoclonal IgG deposits (PGNMID), a disease that is very rare in the pediatric population. We report the case of a 15-year-old boy who presented with mildly reduced kidney function and nephrotic syndrome. Kidney biopsy revealed PGNMID with monoclonal deposits of IgG3 with kappa light chain restriction. Flow cytometry showed a significant CD38 plasma cell population in the peripheral blood in the absence of other signs of hematological malignancy. The patient was treated with a 6-month course of daratumumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting CD38. There was a significant reduction in proteinuria and normalization of kidney function. Based on positive experience with adults, daratumumab should also be studied in children with PGNMID.
Assessing the association between quantity and quality of family caregiver participation in decision-making clinical encounters on patient activation in the metastatic breast cancer setting
Authors: Henderson Nicole L. , Padalkar Tanvi , Bourne Garrett , Hendrix Emma K. , Williams Courtney P. , Odom J. Nicholas , Triebel Kristen , Rocque Gabrielle B.
Published: June 2024

Objective

Caregivers support individuals undergoing cancer treatment by assisting with activities, managing care, navigating healthcare systems, and communicating with care teams. We explored the quality and quantity of caregiver participation during recorded decision-making clinical appointments in women with metastatic breast cancer.

Methods

This was a convergent parallel mixed methods study that utilized qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis. Caregiver participation quality was operationalized using a summative thematic content analysis to identify and sum caregiver actions performed during appointments. Performance of a greater number of actions was considered greater quality of participation. Caregiver participation quantity was measured by calculating the proportion of speaking time. Participation quality and quantity were compared to patient activation, assessed using the Patient Activation Measure 1-month post decision-making appointment.

Results

Fifty-three clinical encounters between patients with MBC, their caregivers, and oncologists were recorded. Identified caregiver actions included: General Support; Management of Treatment or Medication; Treatment History; Decision-Making; Insurance or Money; Pharmacy; Scheduling; Travel Concerns; General Cancer Understanding; Patient Specific Cancer Understanding; Caregiver-Initiated or Emphasis on Symptom Severity; and Caregiver Back-Up of Patient Symptom Description. Caregivers averaged 5 actions (SD 3): 48% of patient’s caregivers had low quality (< 5 actions) and 52% had high quality (> 6 actions) participation. Regarding quantity, caregivers spoke on average for 4% of the encounter, with 60% of caregivers speaking less than 4% of the encounter (low quantity) and 40% of caregivers speaking more than 4% (high quantity). Greater quality and quantity of caregiver participation was associated with greater patient activation.

Conclusions

Caregivers perform a variety of actions during oncological decision-making visits aiding both patient and provider. Greater participation in terms of quantity and quality by the caregiver was associated with greater patient activism, indicating a need for better integration of the caregiver in clinical decision-making environments.
A crossover comparison of patient satisfaction with two teriparatide regimens: primary results of the Japanese Osteoporosis Intervention Trial 06 (JOINT-06)
Authors: Soen Satoshi , Uemura Yukari , Tanaka Shiro , Takeuchi Yasuhiro , Endo Naoto , Takada Junichi , Ikeda Satoshi , Iwamoto Jun , Okimoto Nobukazu , Tanaka Sakae
Published: June 2024

Introduction

This study aimed to compare treatment satisfaction with two dosing regimens (two teriparatide [TPTD] self-injection systems) in osteoporosis patients at high risk of fracture.

Materials and methods

In this open-label crossover randomized trial comparing self-injected once-daily (1/D)-TPTD with self-injected twice-weekly (2/W)-TPTD, three satisfaction variables were evaluated by questionnaire for 2 years. The primary endpoint was overall satisfaction and secondary endpoints were satisfaction with treatment effectiveness and with utility of the self-injection device. Changes in quality of life (QOL) assessed by EuroQol-5 Dimension, pain assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS), and anthropometric parameters were also analyzed. Safety was evaluated based on the incidence and severity of adverse events (AEs).

Results

The 1/D-TPTD and 2/W-TPTD groups consisted of 180 (75.9 ± 7.3 years) and 179 (age: 75.5 ± 6.9 years) patients, respectively. After 26 weeks of treatment, no significant between-group difference in the persistence rate (79.4% vs 72.6% in the 1/D-TPTD and 2/W-TPTD groups, respectively), distributions of overall satisfaction scores, and satisfaction with treatment (p > 0.05) were observed. However, several items of satisfaction with the utility of the injection device were significantly higher in the 2/W-TPTD group (p < 0.05). Statistical improvements from baseline values were observed in QOL and pain VAS in both groups (p < 0.05). No serious AEs were reported.

Conclusion

The between-group similarity of overall treatment satisfaction and effectiveness scores and between-group difference in satisfaction with the utility of the self-injection device was useful information for real-world treatment of osteoporosis. Both medication regimens were well tolerated.
Audience perceptions of Foley footsteps and 3D realism designed to convey walker characteristics
Authors: Cunningham Stuart , McGregor Iain
Published: June 2024

Foley artistry is an essential part of the audio post-production process for film, television, games, and animation. By extension, it is as crucial in emergent media such as virtual, mixed, and augmented reality. Footsteps are a core activity that a Foley artist must undertake and convey information about the characters and environment presented on-screen. This study sought to identify if characteristics of age, gender, weight, health, and confidence could be conveyed, using sounds created by a professional Foley artist, in three different 3D humanoid models, following a single walk cycle. An experiment was conducted with human participants (n=100) and found that Foley manipulations could convey all the intended characteristics with varying degrees of contextual success. It was shown that the abstract 3D models were capable of communicating characteristics of age, gender, and weight. A discussion of the literature and inspection of related audio features with the Foley clips suggest signal parameters of frequency, envelope, and novelty may be a subset of markers of those perceived characteristics. The findings are relevant to researchers and practitioners in linear and interactive media and demonstrate mechanisms by which Foley can contribute useful information and concepts about on-screen characters.
Viewpoint-sharing method with reduced motion sickness in object-based VR/AR collaborative virtual environment
Authors: Tserenchimed Tuvshintulga , Kim Hyungki
Published: June 2024

We propose a viewpoint-sharing method with reduced motion sickness in an object-based remote collaborative virtual environment (CVE). The method is designed with an assumption of asymmetric, object-based CVE where collaborators use non-homogeneous devices, such as immersive virtual reality head-mounted display (VR HMD) and tablet-based augmented reality (AR), and simultaneously interact with 3D virtual objects. Therefore, collaborators interact with different interfaces such as virtual reality (VR) users relying on controllers for virtual locomotion and object manipulation, while AR users perform physical locomotion and multi-touch input for object manipulation. The proposed viewpoint-sharing method allows both users to observe and manipulate the objects in interest from the shared point of view, enabling participants to interact with the objects without the need for virtual/physical locomotion. While viewpoint-sharing, instead of changing point of view, the proposed method performs seamless object transformation to provide a shared point of view, reducing motion sickness and associated discomfort. From our user experiment, the viewpoint-share condition resulted in a 35.47% faster task completion time than the baseline condition which is without proposed viewpoint-sharing. The advantage of viewpoint-sharing regarding system usability was significant, while task workloads were similar in the baseline and viewpoint-sharing conditions. We expect that the proposed viewpoint-sharing method allows users to quickly, efficiently, and collaboratively communicate in an object-based CVE, and represents a step forward in the development of effective remote, asymmetric CVE.
The discovery and significance of fast radio bursts
Authors: Lorimer Duncan R. , McLaughlin Maura A. , Bailes Matthew
Published: June 2024

In 2007 we were part of a team that discovered the so-called “Lorimer Burst”, the first example of a new class of objects now known as fast radio bursts (FRBs). These enigmatic events are only a few ms in duration and occur at random locations on the sky at a rate of a few thousand per day. Several thousand FRBs are currently known. While it is now well established that they have a cosmological origin, and about 10% of all currently known sources have been seen to exhibit multiple bursts, the origins of these enigmatic sources are currently poorly understood. In this article, we review the discovery of FRBs and present some of the highlights from the vast body of work by an international community. Following a brief overview of the scale of the visible Universe in §1, we describe the key moments in radio astronomy (§2) that led up to the discovery of the Lorimer burst (§3). Early efforts to find more FRBs are described in §4 which led to the discovery of the first repeating source (§5). In §6, as we close out on the second decade of FRBs, we outline some of the many open questions in the field and look ahead to the coming years where many surprises are surely in store.
(Un)Solvable loop analysis
Authors: Amrollahi Daneshvar , Bartocci Ezio , Kenison George , Kovács Laura , Moosbrugger Marcel , Stankovič Miroslav
Published: June 2024

Automatically generating invariants, key to computer-aided analysis of probabilistic and deterministic programs and compiler optimisation, is a challenging open problem. Whilst the problem is in general undecidable, the goal is settled for restricted classes of loops. For the class of solvable loops, introduced by Rodríguez-Carbonell and Kapur (in: Proceedings of the ISSAC, pp 266–273, 2004), one can automatically compute invariants from closed-form solutions of recurrence equations that model the loop behaviour. In this paper we establish a technique for invariant synthesis for loops that are not solvable, termed unsolvable loops. Our approach automatically partitions the program variables and identifies the so-called defective variables that characterise unsolvability. Herein we consider the following two applications. First, we present a novel technique that automatically synthesises polynomials from defective monomials, that admit closed-form solutions and thus lead to polynomial loop invariants. Second, given an unsolvable loop, we synthesise solvable loops with the following property: the invariant polynomials of the solvable loops are all invariants of the given unsolvable loop. Our implementation and experiments demonstrate both the feasibility and applicability of our approach to both deterministic and probabilistic programs.
Weighted Composition Semigroups on Spaces of Continuous Functions and Their Subspaces
Authors: Kruse Karsten
Published: June 2024

This paper is dedicated to weighted composition semigroups on spaces of continuous functions and their subspaces. We consider semigroups induced by semiflows and semicocycles on Banach spaces $$\mathcal {F}(\Omega )$$

F
(
Ω
)

of continuous functions on a Hausdorff space $$\Omega $$
Ω
such that the norm-topology is stronger than the compact-open topology like the Hardy spaces, the weighted Bergman spaces, the Dirichlet space, the Bloch type spaces, the space of bounded Dirichlet series and weighted spaces of continuous or holomorphic functions. It was shown by Gallardo-Gutiérrez, Siskakis and Yakubovich that there are no non-trivial norm-strongly continuous weighted composition semigroups on Banach spaces $$\mathcal {F}(\mathbb {D})$$

F
(
D
)

of holomorphic functions on the open unit disc $$\mathbb {D}$$
D
such that $$H^{\infty }\subset \mathcal {F}(\mathbb {D})\subset \mathcal {B}_{1}$$

H
∞

⊂
F

(
D
)

⊂

B
1

where $$H^{\infty }$$

H
∞

is the Hardy space of bounded holomorphic functions on $$\mathbb {D}$$
D
and $$\mathcal {B}_{1}$$

B
1

the Bloch space. However, we show that there are non-trivial weighted composition semigroups on such spaces which are strongly continuous w.r.t. the mixed topology between the norm-topology and the compact-open topology. We study such weighted composition semigroups in the general setting of Banach spaces of continuous functions and derive necessary and sufficient conditions on the spaces involved, the semiflows and semicocycles for strong continuity w.r.t. the mixed topology and as a byproduct for norm-strong continuity as well. Moreover, we give several characterisations of their generator and their space of norm-strong continuity.
The approximation capabilities of Durrmeyer-type neural network operators
Authors: Coroianu Lucian , Costarelli Danilo , Natale Mariarosaria , Pantiş Alexandra
Published: June 2024

In this paper, a new family of neural network (NN) operators is introduced. The idea is to consider a Durrmeyer-type version of the widely studied discrete NN operators by Costarelli and Spigler (Neural Netw 44:101–106, 2013). Such operators are constructed using special density functions generated from suitable sigmoidal functions, while the reconstruction coefficients are based on a convolution between a general kernel function $$\chi $$
χ
and the function being reconstructed, f. Here, we investigate their approximation capabilities, establishing both pointwise and uniform convergence theorems for continuous functions. We also provide quantitative estimates for the approximation order thanks to the use of the modulus of continuity of f; this turns out to be strongly influenced by the asymptotic behaviour of the sigmoidal function $$\sigma $$
σ
. Our study also shows that the estimates we provide are, under suitable assumptions, the best possible. Finally, $$L^p$$

L
p

-approximation is also established. At the end of the paper, examples of activation functions are discussed.
Modeling of distortional hardening including plane strain tension and pure shear for a TWIP steel
Authors: Wu Kang , Zhang Shunying , Weiss Matthias , Yoon Jeong Whan
Published: June 2024

This paper focuses on calibrating and modeling of distortional hardening behaviours in twinning induced plasticity steels. True stress-strain curves for uniaxial tension, plane strain tension, and pure shear specimens are inversely identified from corresponding load-displacement curves. The study reveals that accurately predicting the hardening behaviours of TWIP980 steel under plane strain tension and pure shear stress states is challenging with an isotropic hardening model, and a negative hydrostatic effect for TWIP980 is observed through shear testing. A novel distortional hardening model is proposed to simultaneously accommodate the three stress states on the contours of plastic work. Coefficients of the distortional hardening model are calibrated at discrete levels of plastic work and then interpolated to describe the distortion of the initial yield surface. The model is then expanded to consider the true stress-strain curves under uniaxial tension along 0, 45 and 90-degree directions, as well as under the plane strain tension along the 0-degree direction simultaneously. This expansion explicitly incorporates the three true stress-strain curves under uniaxial tension, with the curve of plane strain tension captured by an evolutionary exponent related to plastic work. The developed distortional hardening models demonstrate reasonable reproduction of load-displacement curves for TWIP980 steel under uniaxial tension, plane strain tension, and pure shear stress states.
Pontryagin Maximum Principle for Fractional Delay Differential Equations and Controlled Weakly Singular Volterra Delay Integral Equations
Authors: Gasimov Jasarat J. , Asadzade Javad A. , Mahmudov Nazim I.
Published: June 2024

This article explores two distinct issues. To begin with, we analyze the Pontriagin maximum principle concerning fractional delay differential equations. Furthermore, we investigate the most effective method for resolving the control problem associated with Eq. (1.1) and its corresponding payoff function (1.2). Subsequently, we explore the Pontryagin Maximum principle within the framework of Volterra delay integral equations (1.3). We enhance the outcomes of our investigation by presenting illustrative examples towards the conclusion of the article.
Psychopharmaka und Knochen
Authors: Gasser Rudolf W.
Published: June 2024

Psychopharmaka aus der Gruppe der Antidepressiva bzw. Neuroleptika (Antipsychotika) und Lithiumpräparate haben unterschiedliche Auswirkungen auf den Knochen. Sie können zur Entwicklung einer Osteoporose mit erhöhtem Frakturrisiko beitragen (Antidepressiva, Neuroleptika), aber auch knochenprotektiv wirken (Lithiumpräparate). Antidepressiva führen zu einem Anstieg von Serotonin und/oder Noradrenalin in den Synapsen. Am Knochen bewirken sie eine Abnahme der Knochenmineraldichte und konsekutiv eine Erhöhung des Frakturrisikos. Neuroleptika führen als Dopaminrezeptorantagonisten zu einer Hyperprolaktinämie und damit zu einem sekundären Hypogonadismus; dadurch und über eine direkt negative Einwirkung auf Osteoblasten kommt es zu einer Abnahme der Knochenmineraldichte und einem erhöhten Frakturrisiko. Lithiumsalze sind hingegen knochenprotektiv; eine Therapie mit Lithiumpräparaten ist mit einer Abnahme des Frakturrisikos assoziiert. Bei einer Therapie mit Psychopharmaka, insbesondere mit Antidepressiva oder Neuroleptika, sollte auch auf die Knochengesundheit geachtet werden, vor allem bei Risikopatienten (Alter, Sturzneigung, Komedikation, vorbestehende Osteoporose, Frakturen). Die erhöhte Frakturneigung bei einer Psychopharmakatherapie ist meist multifaktoriell bedingt, da neben der direkten negativen Einwirkung der Medikamente auf den Knochen auch eine erhöhte Sturzneigung und eine Abnahme der Knochenmineraldichte durch die psychische Erkrankung per se vorliegen können. Eine Optimierung der Psychopharmakatherapie sollte unter Berücksichtigung der potenziellen Nebenwirkungen, zu denen auch das erhöhte Frakturrisiko zählt, erfolgen.