bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accelerate Neural Subspace-Based Reduced-Order Solver of Deformable Simulation by Lipschitz Optimization
Authors: Lyu Aoran , Zhao Shixian , Xian Chuhua , Cen Zhihao , Cai Hongmin , Fang Guoxin
Published: November 2024

Reduced-order simulation is an emerging method for accelerating physical simulations with high DOFs, and recently developed neural-network-based methods with nonlinear subspaces have been proven effective in diverse applications as more concise subspaces can be detected. However, the complexity and landscape of simulation objectives within the subspace have not been optimized, which leaves room for enhancement of the convergence speed. This work focuses on this point by proposing a general method for finding optimized subspace mappings, enabling further acceleration of neural reduced-order simulations while capturing comprehensive representations of the configuration manifolds. We achieve this by optimizing the Lipschitz energy of the elasticity term in the simulation objective, and incorporating the cubature approximation into the training process to manage the high memory and time demands associated with optimizing the newly introduced energy. Our method is versatile and applicable to both supervised and unsupervised settings for optimizing the parameterizations of the configuration manifolds. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach through general cases in both quasi-static and dynamics simulations. Our method achieves acceleration factors of up to 6.83 while consistently preserving comparable simulation accuracy in various cases, including large twisting, bending, and rotational deformations with collision handling. This novel approach offers significant potential for accelerating physical simulations, and can be a good add-on to existing neural-network-based solutions in modeling complex deformable objects.
Computational Design of a Kit of Parts for Bending Active Structures
Authors: Becker Quentin , Kusupati Uday , Suzuki Seiichi , Pauly Mark
Published: November 2024

Bending-active structures are composed of elastic elements that deform to achieve a desired target shape. To support effective design, inverse algorithms have been proposed that optimize the geometry of each element specifically for each design. This makes it difficult to reuse elements across designs or gain efficiency in fabrication through mass production.

We address this issue and propose a computational framework to rationalize bending-active structures into a sparse kit of parts. Our method solves for the optimal part geometry such that multiple input designs can be faithfully realized with the same kit of parts. Assigning parts to different assemblies leads to a combinatorial explosion that makes exhaustive search intractable. Instead, we propose a relaxed continuous optimization incorporating a physics-based simulation in its inner loop to model the elastic deformation of the bending-active structure accurately. Our algorithm allows analyzing different design trade-offs of a kit of parts to tune the balance between fabrication complexity and fidelity to the original designs. We demonstrate our method on three different classes of bending-active structures, showcasing the effectiveness of our approach for part reuse and sustainable practices in fabrication-driven design.
C^0 Generalized Coons Patches for High-order Cage-based Deformation
Authors: Qin Kaikai , Zhou Yunhao , Ying Chenhao , Li Yajuan , Deng Chongyang
Published: November 2024

Space deformations deform the ambient space and thus implicitly deform the embedded objects. Free-Form Deformation allows high-order deformation to the embedding space, yet the lattice may fail to conform to the object and involves many internal control points. Cage-based Deformation utilizes a cage space that conforms to the object, obviating the need for additional internal control points, but it is typically linear at edges. In this paper, we propose a simple and general method with both advantages while avoiding their drawbacks, allowing users to implement high-order cage-based deformation. To achieve this goal, we introduce a new parametric transfinite interpolation scheme based on generalized barycentric coordinates, which unifies and generalizes the rectangular and triangular Coons patch. This
C
0
Generalized Coons patch can be defined not only over 2D domains but also 3D domains or even higher-dimensional domains, with arbitrary polytopes, even including non-manifold topologies. Moreover, the
C
0
Generalized Coons patch has an elegant mathematical expression.
MV2MV: Multi-View Image Translation via View-Consistent Diffusion Models
Authors: Cai Youcheng , Li Runshi , Liu Ligang
Published: November 2024

Image translation has various applications in computer graphics and computer vision, aiming to transfer images from one domain to another. Thanks to the excellent generation capability of diffusion models, recent single-view image translation methods achieve realistic results. However, directly applying diffusion models for multi-view image translation remains challenging for two major obstacles: the need for paired training data and the limited view consistency. To overcome the obstacles, we present a first unified multi-view image to multi-view image translation framework based on diffusion models, called MV2MV. Firstly, we propose a novel self-supervised training strategy that exploits the success of off-the-shelf single-view image translators and the 3D Gaussian Splatting (3DGS) technique to generate pseudo ground truths as supervisory signals, leading to enhanced consistency and fine details. Additionally, we propose a latent multi-view consistency block, which utilizes the latent-3DGS as the underlying 3D representation to facilitate information exchange across multi-view images and inject 3D prior into the diffusion model to enforce consistency. Finally, our approach simultaneously optimizes the diffusion model and 3DGS to achieve a better trade-off between consistency and realism. Extensive experiments across various translation tasks demonstrate that MV2MV outperforms task-specific specialists in both quantitative and qualitative.
Content-aware Tile Generation using Exterior Boundary Inpainting
Authors: Sartor Sam , Peers Pieter
Published: November 2024

We present a novel and flexible learning-based method for generating tileable image sets. Our method goes beyond simple self-tiling, supporting sets of mutually tileable images that exhibit a high degree of diversity. To promote diversity we decouple structure from content by foregoing explicit copying of patches from an exemplar image. Instead we leverage the prior knowledge of natural images and textures embedded in large-scale pretrained diffusion models to guide tile generation constrained by exterior boundary conditions and a text prompt to specify the content. By carefully designing and selecting the exterior boundary conditions, we can reformulate the tile generation process as an inpainting problem, allowing us to directly employ existing diffusion-based inpainting models without the need to retrain a model on a custom training set. We demonstrate the flexibility and efficacy of our content-aware tile generation method on different tiling schemes, such as Wang tiles, from only a text prompt. Furthermore, we introduce a novel Dual Wang tiling scheme that provides greater texture continuity and diversity than existing Wang tile variants.
Multi-Resolution Real-Time Deep Pose-Space Deformation
Authors: Zheng Mianlun , Barbic Jernej
Published: November 2024

We present a hard-real-time multi-resolution mesh shape deformation technique for skeleton-driven soft-body characters. Producing mesh deformations at multiple levels of detail is very important in many applications in computer graphics. Our work targets applications where the multi-resolution shapes must be generated at fast speeds ("hard-real-time", e.g., a few milliseconds at most and preferably under 1 millisecond), as commonly needed in computer games, virtual reality and Metaverse applications. We assume that the character mesh is driven by a skeleton, and that high-quality character shapes are available in a set of training poses originating from a high-quality (slow) rig such as volumetric FEM simulation. Our method combines multi-resolution analysis, mesh partition of unity, and neural networks, to learn the pre-skinning shape deformations in an arbitrary character pose. Combined with linear blend skinning, this makes it possible to reconstruct the training shapes, as well as interpolate and extrapolate them. Crucially, we simultaneously achieve this at hard real-time rates and at multiple mesh resolution levels. Our technique makes it possible to trade deformation quality for memory and computation speed, to accommodate the strict requirements of modern real-time systems. Furthermore, we propose memory layout and code improvements to boost computation speeds. Previous methods for realtime approximations of quality shape deformations did not focus on hard real-time, or did not investigate the multi-resolution aspect of the problem. Compared to a "naive" approach of separately processing each hierarchical level of detail, our method offers a substantial memory reduction as well as computational speedups. It also makes it possible to construct the shape progressively level by level and interrupt the computation at any time, enabling graceful degradation of the deformation detail. We demonstrate our technique on several examples, including a stylized human character, human hands, and an inverse-kinematics-driven quadruped animal.
A class of new tuned primal subdivision schemes with high-quality limit surface in extraordinary regions
Authors: Wang Xu , Ma Weiyin
Published: November 2024

We propose a unified tuning framework for primal subdivision schemes that are generalizations of odd-degree uniform B-spline surfaces for unstructured quadrilateral meshes of arbitrary topology. The subdivision of the resulting tuned primal subdivision (TPS) schemes is performed through efficient repeated local refinement operations. One level of subdivision of TPS-schemes is decomposed into one step of simple topological splitting plus an additional series of repeated local smoothing operations. The unified tuning framework optimizes subdivision rules for both topological splitting and smoothing operations near extraordinary vertices by minimizing the curvature fluctuation of the second-order characteristic maps of the respective TPS-scheme. To validate the limit surface quality of TPS-schemes in extraordinary regions, a mesh-independent metric is also devised to estimate local curvature variation in addition to highlight lines and direct curvature evaluation. With
(p -
1)/2 steps of smoothing operations in each level of subdivision, the respective TPS-scheme is termed as a degree-p scheme that produces global

C
p

-1
limit surfaces everywhere except at a finite number of extraordinary positions where near-
G
2
continuity is achieved. The limit surface of TPS-schemes in extraordinary regions also exhibits appealing highlight lines, and the larger the number of smoothing operations applied in each level of subdivision, the better the final limit surface quality. One of the key advantages of the proposed tuning framework for TPS-schemes is that the optimization of relevant subdivision rules is performed by tuning structured operations of topological splitting and repeated smoothing that involve direct neighbors of an extraordinary vertex only without the need of tuning large subdivision stencils. All subdivision operations of TPS-schemes are local, involving one-ring of neighboring vertices only, which is efficient for high-degree surface subdivision and convenient for practical implementation. Numerical examples also validate the superiority of TPS-schemes over other state-of-the-art subdivision methods in terms of both highlight lines and various curvature measures.
Barrier-Augmented Lagrangian for GPU-based Elastodynamic Contact
Authors: Guo Dewen , Li Minchen , Yang Yin , Li Sheng , Wang Guoping
Published: November 2024

We propose a GPU-based iterative method for accelerated elastodynamic simulation with the log-barrier-based contact model. While Newton's method is a conventional choice for solving the interior-point system, the presence of ill-conditioned log barriers often necessitates a direct solution at each linearized substep and costs substantial storage and computational overhead. Moreover, constraint sets that vary in each iteration present additional challenges in algorithm convergence. Our method employs a novel barrier-augmented Lagrangian method to improve system conditioning and solver efficiency by adaptively updating an augmentation constraint sets. This enables the utilization of a scalable, inexact Newton-PCG solver with sparse GPU storage, eliminating the need for direct factorization. We further enhance PCG convergence speed with a domain-decomposed warm start strategy based on an eigenvalue spectrum approximated through our in-time assembly. Demonstrating significant scalability improvements, our method makes simulations previously impractical on 128 GB of CPU memory feasible with only 8 GB of GPU memory and orders-of-magnitude faster. Additionally, our method adeptly handles stiff problems, surpassing the capabilities of existing GPU-based interior-point methods. Our results, validated across various complex collision scenarios involving intricate geometries and large deformations, highlight the exceptional performance of our approach.
A Progressive Embedding Approach to Bijective Tetrahedral Maps driven by Cluster Mesh Topology
Authors: Nigolian Valentin Zénon , Campen Marcel , Bommes David
Published: November 2024

We present a novel algorithm to map ball-topology tetrahedral meshes onto star-shaped domains with guarantees regarding bijectivity. Our algorithm is based on the recently introduced idea of Shrink-and-Expand, where images of interior vertices are initially clustered at one point (Shrink-), before being sequentially moved to non-degenerate positions yielding a bijective map (-and-Expand). In this context, we introduce the concept of the
cluster mesh
, i.e. the unexpanded interior mesh consisting of geometrically degenerate simplices. Using local, per-vertex connectivity information solely from the cluster mesh, we show that a viable expansion sequence guaranteed to produce a bijective map can always be found as long as the mesh is
shellable.
In addition to robustness guarantees for this ubiquitous class of inputs, other practically relevant benefits include improved parsimony and reduced algorithmic complexity. While inheriting some of the worst-case high run time requirements of the state of the art, significant acceleration for the average case is experimentally demonstrated.
Domain-aware Multimodal Dialog Systems with Distribution-based User Characteristic Modeling
Authors: Chen Xiaolin , Song Xuemeng , Zuo Jianhui , Wei Yinwei , Nie Liqiang , Chua Tat-Seng
Published: November 2024

Textual response generation is a pivotal yet challenging task for multimodal task-oriented dialog systems, which targets at generating the appropriate textual response given the multimodal context. Although existing efforts have obtained remarkable advancements, they ignore the potential of the domain information in revealing the key points of the user intention and the user’s history dialogs in indicating the user’s characteristics. To address this issue, in this work, we propose a novel domain-aware multimodal dialog system with distribution-based user characteristic modeling (named DMDU). In particular, DMDU contains three vital components:
context-knowledge embedding extraction
,
domain-aware response generation
, and
distribution-based user characteristic injection
. Specifically, the context-knowledge embedding extraction component aims to extract the embedding of multimodal context and related knowledge following existing studies. The domain-aware response generation component targets at conducting domain-aware fine-grained intention modeling based on the context and knowledge embedding, and thus fulfills the textual response generation. Moreover, the distribution-based user characteristic injection component first captures the user’s characteristics and current intention with the Gaussian distribution and then conducts the sampling-based contrastive semantic regularization to promote the context representation learning. Experimental results on the public dataset demonstrate the effectiveness of DMDU. We release codes to promote other researchers.
Increased Emergency Department Medical Imaging: Association with Short-Term Exposures to Ambient Heat and Particulate Air Pollution
Authors: Hanneman Kate , Taboun Omar , Kirpalani Anish , Ertl-Wagner Birgit , Aguet Julien , Delaney Scott , Nethery Rachel C. , Choi Joseph , Panet Hayley , Brown Maura J. , Schmidt Heidi , Kielar Ania , Patlas Michael
Published: November 2024

In an analysis of data collected over a 10-year period from four emergency departments, short-term exposures to ambient heat and particulate air pollution were associated with increased utilization of radiography and CT but not US or MRI.
Respiratory muscle strength pre- and post-maximal apneas in a world champion breath-hold diver
Authors: Duke Joseph W. , Hubbard Colin D. , Vrdoljak Dario , Coombs Geoff B. , Lovering Andrew T. , Drvis Ivan , Dujić Željko , Foretic Nikola
Published: November 2024

Previous work has suggested that respiratory muscle fatigue may result from maximal breath-holds but this has not been measured. We measured respiratory muscle strength pre- and post-maximal apneas in a world champion breath-hold diver. We found no change in respiratory muscle strength following a series of apneas. This may be an adaptation of the diver’s training or a feature of their physiology that allows them to be successful in this physiologically challenging sport.
Investigation on Dynamic Factors of Railway Steel‐Plate–Concrete Composite Beam Bridges With Small and Medium Spans
Authors: Di Jin , Su Yi , Han Yuxuan , Luo Jinming , Qin Fengjiang , Yan Rui
Published: November 2024

Dynamic factor (DF) is an important indicator for describing the dynamic action of a train on a bridge. For small‐ and medium‐span bridges, although existing research and codes have studied and specified the DF of steel–concrete composite beam bridges, few studies have been refined to steel‐plate–concrete composite beam bridges (SPCCBs), and the effect of eccentric loads has not been considered. Considering the poor torsional properties of SPCCBs, a double‐line railway SPCCB was used as the background, and the DF under eccentric loads was investigated. The results show that the DF increased with an increase in the bridge fundamental frequency. Resonance is produced when the train travel speed and bridge frequency meet a certain relationship, which in turn significantly increases the DF. The DF generated by a single‐car train is larger than that generated by a multicar train in the conditions of nonresonance speed interval. Finally, an empirical formula that is more applicable for describing the DFs is proposed based on the results of numerous numerical analyses. In the design of railway SPCCBs with small‐ and medium‐spans, the DFs used in national codes that do not consider the eccentric load are considered unsafe and can be appropriately adjusted upward. The study can provide support for the rapid design of double‐line railway SPCCBs with small‐ and medium‐spans.
Evolutionary Game Analysis of Queue‐Jumping and Yielding Behaviours of Drivers With Type A and Type B Personality Traits
Authors: Yang Liping , Zhang Mengmeng , Zhang Lidong , Lin Qinghai
Published: November 2024

Although Type A personality traits have been confirmed to be more frequently engaged in risky driving behaviours, the existing research on the decision‐making of queue‐jumping behaviours has not considered this personality trait. This study aimed to explore the decision‐making processes of the subject driver’s queue‐jumping and the follower vehicle driver’s yielding behaviours with Type A and Type B personalities. First, the decision‐making utility variables for both players were selected, and a payoff matrix considering utility variable weights was constructed. Next, a decision‐making utility evaluation questionnaire was designed, and this questionnaire and the existing Type A behaviour pattern scale were investigated simultaneously. Then, the weight coefficients of the decision‐making utility variables were calculated; the replicated dynamic equations of four game combinations were constructed and the local stability principle of a dynamic system was used to determine the evolutionarily stable strategy for each game combination. Finally, the evolutionary process in which subject vehicle drivers select jumping the queue strategy and follower vehicle drivers select giving way strategy was simulated using MATLAB software based on empirical data to verify the validity of the constructed evolutionary game model. The results indicated some differences in the weight coefficients of decision utility variables between Type A and Type B personalities. The constructed game model can effectively reflect the decision‐making processes of subject and follower vehicle drivers of different personality types. The dynamic evolution processes of strategy selection were different for the four game combinations. This study revealed the evolutionary game process between subject and follower vehicle drivers, laying a theoretical foundation for traffic management departments to manage queue‐jumping behaviours.
Application of the Method of Initial Functions to Study Dynamics and Stress Distribution in Structural Members
Authors: Namdeo Jitendra , Dubey S. K. , Biswas Rahul , Patel Rakesh
Published: November 2024

This study investigates plate analyses employing the method of initial functions (MIFs) across various plate geometries and loading conditions. The conclusions derived from thick rectangular plates highlight substantial thickness‐induced effects on deflection and stress distributions. For thicker plates, the classical assumption of constant deflection fails, with maximum deflection often occurring at surfaces other than the middle plane. The classical and Reissner theories’ constant deflection assumption leads to significant discrepancies in thick plate deflection estimates, emphasizing the need for MIFs more accurate approach. Similarly, in the case of thick circular plates, deviations from classical theory are evident in radial and shear stress distributions, particularly pronounced closer to the plate edge and support. These deviations dissipate further away from these regions. Moreover, the study delves into free vibration analyses for rectangular and circular plates, revealing that classical theory tends to overestimate frequencies, especially as plate dimensions increase. Mindlin’s theory and MIF approaches showcase improved accuracy with increasing order, converging toward exact solutions. Additionally, Mindlin’s theory effectively captures the behavior of higher vertical modes, showcasing sign changes in characteristic quantities of the plate. The findings underscore the limitations of classical theories in accurately predicting plate behaviors, especially in thicker plates and higher modes of vibration. Conversely, the MIF method, alongside Mindlin’s theory, proves effective in providing nuanced insights into plate behaviors under various conditions, thus offering valuable implications for structural design and analysis.
Hormone Receptor–Positive HER2-Negative/MammaPrint High-2 Breast Cancers Closely Resemble Triple-Negative Breast Cancers
Authors: Rios-Hoyo Alejandro , Xiong Kaitlyn , Dai Jiawei , Yau Christina , Marczyk Michal , Garcia-Milian Rolando , Wolf Denise M. , Huppert Laura A. , Nanda Rita , Hirst Gillian L. , Cobain Erin F. , van ’t Veer Laura J. , Esserman Laura J. , Pusztai Lajos
Published: November 2024

Purpose:

The MammaPrint (MP) prognostic assay categorizes breast cancers into high- and low-risk subgroups, and the high-risk group can be further subdivided into high-1 (MP-H1), and very high-risk high-2 (MP-H2). The aim of this analysis was to assess clinical and molecular differences between the hormone receptor–positive (HR+)/HER2-negative MP-H1, -H2, and triple-negative (TN) MP-H1 and -H2 cancers.

Experimental Design:

Pretreatment gene expression data from 742 HER2-negative breast cancers enrolled in the I-SPY2 neoadjuvant trial were used. Prognostic risk categories were assigned using the MP assay. Transcriptional similarities across the four receptor and prognostic groups were assessed using principal component analyses and by identifying differentially expressed genes. We also examined pathologic complete response rates and event-free survivals by risk group.

Results:

Principal component analysis showed that HR+/MP-H2 tumors clustered with TN/MP-H2 cancers. Only 125 genes showed differential expression between the HR+/MP-H2 and TN/MP-H2 cancers, whereas 1,465 genes were differentially expressed between HR+/MP-H2 and -H1. Gene set analysis revealed similarly high expression of cell cycle, DNA repair, and immune infiltration–related pathways in HR+/MP-H2 and TN/MP-H2 cancers. HR+/MP-H2 cancers also showed low estrogen receptor–related gene expression. Pathologic complete response rates were similarly high in TN/MP-H2 and HR+/MP-H2 cancers (42% vs. 30.5%; P = 0.11), and MP-H2 cancers with residual cancer had similarly poor event-free survival regardless of estrogen receptor status.

Conclusions:

In conclusion, HR+/MP-H2 cancers closely resemble TN breast cancers in transcriptional and clinical features and benefit from similar treatment strategies.
Differential Effector Function of Tissue-Specific Natural Killer Cells against Lung Tumors
Authors: Dunbar Zerick Terrell , González-Ochoa Salvador , Kanagasabai Thanigaivelan , Ivanova Alla , Shanker Anil
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphoid cells capable of directly killing target cells while modulating immune effector responses. Despite their multifunctional capacities, a limited understanding of their plasticity and heterogeneity has impeded progress in developing effective NK cell-based cancer therapies. In this study, we investigated NK cell tissue heterogeneity in relation to their phenotype and effector functions against lung tumors. Methods: Using hanging drop tumor spheroid and subcutaneously established LL/2 (LLC1) lung tumor models, we examined NK cell receptor diversity and its correlation with tissue-specific cytotoxicity through multiparametric flow cytometry, fluorescence imaging, and cytotoxicity assays. Results: We identified distinct patterns of cell surface receptors expression on tissue-specific NK cells that are crucial for antitumor activity. Linear regression mathematical analyses further revealed significant positive correlations between activation-associated cell surface receptors and cytotoxic capacity in NK cells from tissues such as the liver and bone marrow. Conclusion: These findings underscore the differential effector capacities of NK cells from distinct tissues, even prior to exposure to LL/2 tumor cells. This highlights the significance of tissue-specific NK cell heterogeneity and its impact on their antitumor cytotoxicity. Recognizing these distinct tissue-specific receptor expression patterns will be instrumental in developing more efficacious NK cell-based cancer treatments.
Immunogenicity and safety of COVID-19 vaccines in patients with lung cancer : results of a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Zhizhao , Wang Yahui , Zhao Jing , Liu Lei , Ran Pancen , Shu Yang , Xu Wei , Fu Guobin
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT
Introduction: COVID-19 has emerged as a significant worldwide health crisis in recent years, characterized by elevated morbidity and mortality rates. COVID-19 vaccinations can diminish transmission and safeguard people. The evaluation of immunogenicity and safety in high-risk populations, such as lung cancer patients, continues to provide a problem. This evaluation seeks to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of COVID-19 vaccinations in patients with lung cancer.
Methods: A search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science from January 2021 to November 2022 utilizing the keywords: COVID-19 OR SARS-CoV-2 AND COVID-19 vaccination AND lung cancer OR lung carcinoma. The subsequent requirements must be satisfied for inclusion: (1) Research involving at least 30 lung cancer patients undergoing active anti-tumor therapy alongside healthy controls; (2) COVID-19 vaccination; (3) Observational studies (either prospective or retrospective) and clinical trials featuring healthy controls; (4) The primary outcome measured was anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike IgG titers following the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in lung cancer patients. Secondary results included local and systemic adverse responses following the first and second doses. Antibody titers (mean ± standard deviation) were assessed for each study individually. The occurrence of adverse events following the first and second dosages was recorded
Results: Eight studies were included, comprising 1,220 lung cancer patients and 599 healthy persons. IgG titers against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein were markedly reduced in lung cancer patients compared to healthy controls, with a statistically significant difference (p=0.002). The safety profiles of lung cancer patients and healthy individuals were comparable: local reaction after the first vaccine: RR=0.90, 95% CI: 0.68-1.19; systemic reaction after the first vaccine: RR=0.92, 95% CI: 0.51-1.66; local reaction after the second vaccine: RR=0.81, 95% CI: 0.54-1.19; systemic reaction after the second vaccine: RR=1.20, 95% CI: 0.65-2.21.
Conclusion: The antibody titer in lung cancer patients is markedly lower than that in the healthy group. Consequently, fatalities from COVID-19 may transpire in these people notwithstanding vaccination. Consequently, comprehensive protective measures must continue to be implemented to safeguard lung cancer patients who have received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccination against COVID-19.
Addressing Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenges in a Case of Concurrent Tinea and Plaque Psoriasis
Authors: Asnani Divya , Singh Shrishti , Gupta Aayush
Published: November 2024

Introduction: The annular lesions of dermatophytosis can closely resemble the plaques of psoriasis, posing significant diagnostic and treatment challenges. Methotrexate, a common treatment for psoriasis, can exacerbate the former due to its immunosuppressive effects. Case Report: ​​A middle-aged man with chronic plaque psoriasis was on tablet methotrexate (7.5 mg once weekly) and topical steroids for 1 year. Despite some improvement, new annular lesions emerged whenever topical steroids were tapered. Frustrated with the lack of disease control, the patient finally visited a tertiary care center, where tinea corporis was diagnosed alongside psoriasis via dermoscopy, mycological tests, and histopathology. Methotrexate and steroids were discontinued, and the patient was started on antifungals. Once the dermatophytosis was brought under control, methotrexate was resumed alongside targeted application of steroid and antifungal creams. Conclusion: The coexistence of tinea corporis and psoriasis can be challenging to diagnose and treat, necessitating thorough clinical evaluation and mycological testing. Proactive monitoring and timely intervention are crucial to prevent complications and ensure optimal management outcomes in immunosuppressed individuals with dermatophyte infections.
Introduction: The annular lesions of dermatophytosis can closely resemble the plaques of psoriasis, posing significant diagnostic and treatment challenges. Methotrexate, a common treatment for psoriasis, can exacerbate the former due to its immunosuppressive effects. Case Report: ​​A middle-aged man with chronic plaque psoriasis was on tablet methotrexate (7.5 mg once weekly) and topical steroids for 1 year. Despite some improvement, new annular lesions emerged whenever topical steroids were tapered. Frustrated with the lack of disease control, the patient finally visited a tertiary care center, where tinea corporis was diagnosed alongside psoriasis via dermoscopy, mycological tests, and histopathology. Methotrexate and steroids were discontinued, and the patient was started on antifungals. Once the dermatophytosis was brought under control, methotrexate was resumed alongside targeted application of steroid and antifungal creams. Conclusion: The coexistence of tinea corporis and psoriasis can be challenging to diagnose and treat, necessitating thorough clinical evaluation and mycological testing. Proactive monitoring and timely intervention are crucial to prevent complications and ensure optimal management outcomes in immunosuppressed individuals with dermatophyte infections.
The Association of Impaired Vibration Sensation in the Lower Limb with Tests of Cognition in Older People: The Cardiovascular Health Study
Authors: Barzilay Joshua I. , Buzkova Petra , Longstreth Jr. William T. , Lopez Oscar , Bleich David , Siscovick David , Newman Anne , Sarma Shohinee , Mukamal Kenneth J.
Published: November 2024

Introduction: The prevalence of peripheral neuropathy (PN) in the lower limb increases with age and with the presence of diabetes. Studies show an association of PN with advanced cognitive impairment. Here we examine the association of PN with measures of early cognitive deficits in a cohort of older adults without apparent cognitive impairment, with or without diabetes. Methods: A total of 2,798 participants from the Cardiovascular Health Study were examined, mean age 80 years. All underwent tests of overall cognition (3MSE), executive function (DSST), and visual memory (BVRT). Impairment of vibration sensation in the toes, ankles, and tibial tuberosities was ascertained. Participants were graded according to the extent of impairment. Adjusted linear regression analyses of the extent of impaired vibration sensation with cognitive tests were performed. Results were further categorized by the presence or absence of diabetes. Results: 70% of participants had intact vibration sensation in the toes; 8% had no vibration sensation in the tibial tuberosities or below. Compared to participants with intact vibration sensation in the toes, those with no vibration sensation in the tibial tuberosities had lower 3MSE scores. Tests of executive function were lower in a stepwise manner with greater impaired vibration sensation. Visual memory was less strongly associated with impaired vibration sensation. Findings did not differ significantly by diabetes status. Conclusion: In older adults, impaired vibration sensation in the lower limb is associated with impaired executive function and visual memory. These findings did not differ by diabetes status.
Pre-Stroke Frailty Negatively Affects Leptomeningeal Collateral Flow in Proximal Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion
Authors: Arsava Ethem Murat , Yilmaz Ezgi , Demirel Ezgi , Aykac Ozlem , Uysal Kocabas Zehra , Dogan Baki , Polat Murat , Ozdemir Atilla Ozcan , Gungor Levent , Topcuoglu Mehmet Akif
Published: November 2024

Introduction: The adequacy of blood flow from the leptomeningeal collaterals is considered one of the most important factors determining the rate of infarct progression and response to acute stroke treatments in the setting of large vessel occlusions. Several patient-related variables, including age, vascular risk factors, and laboratory parameters, have been proposed to explain the interindividual variability of collateral flow among stroke patients. This study aimed to assess how pre-stroke frailty, an aging-related syndrome characterized by a loss in the physiologic reserve of numerous body functions, affected the degree of leptomeningeal collateral flow in the setting of acute ischemic stroke. Methods: A consecutive series of patients presenting with proximal middle cerebral artery occlusion were enrolled in this prospective, multicenter observational study. Collateral flow was determined by the regional leptomeningeal collateral (rLMC) score on admission computed tomography angiography images. Pre-stroke frailty was assessed by the Edmonton Frailty Scale (EFS), based on the information obtained from patients or their next of kin. The relationship between collateral flow and frailty was evaluated by bivariate and multivariate analyses taking into consideration the demographic, clinical, and imaging characteristics of the patients. Results: The study population was comprised of 116 patients (median [interquartile range] age 78 [71–84] years; 60% female). The EFS scores were negatively correlated with the rLMC score (r = −0.264; p = 0.004). A vulnerable or frail (EFS ≥6) status before stroke, higher blood pressure levels at admission, having imaging studies performed at an earlier phase after contrast injection, and presenting with thrombi extending to the proximal half of the M1 portion of the middle cerebral artery were significantly related to poor collateral circulation (rLMC score ≤10). After adjustment for potential confounders in multivariable analyses, a vulnerable/frail status was independently associated with poor leptomeningeal collateral flow (OR: 2.97 [95% CI: 1.15–7.69]; p = 0.025). Conclusion: Our findings highlight that the leptomeningeal collateral flow is also compromised as part of the diminished physiologic reserve characterizing the frailty status in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Future studies are needed to understand how this interplay contributes to the unfavorable clinical outcomes observed in frail patients after stroke.
The saNeuroGut Initiative: Investigating the Gut Microbiome and Symptoms of Anxiety, Depression, and Posttraumatic Stress
Authors: O'Hare Michaela A. , Swart Patricia C. , Malan-Müller Stefanie , van den Heuvel Leigh L. , Bröcker Erine , Seedat Soraya , Hemmings Sian M.J.
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Common mental disorders, such as anxiety disorders, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), present a substantial health and economic burden. The gut microbiome has been associated with these psychiatric disorders via the microbiome-gut-brain axis. However, previous studies have focused on the associations between the gut microbiome and common mental disorders in European, North American, and Asian populations. As part of the saNeuroGut Initiative, we assessed associations between gut microbial composition and self-reported symptoms of anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress (PTS) among South African adults. Methods: Participants completed validated, online self-report questionnaires to evaluate symptoms of state anxiety, trait anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Eighty-six stool-derived microbial DNA samples underwent sequencing of the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene to characterise gut bacterial taxa in the sample. Results: No significant associations were observed between symptom severity scores and alpha (Shannon and Simpson indices) and beta (Aitchison distances) diversity metrics. Linear regression models revealed that the abundances of Catenibacterium, Collinsella, and Holdemanella were significantly positively associated with the severity of PTS symptoms. Conclusion: Catenibacterium, Collinsella, and Holdemanella have each previously been associated with various psychiatric disorders, with Catenibacterium having been positively associated with symptoms of PTSD in another South African cohort. This study sheds light on the relationship between the human gut microbiome and symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTS in a South African adult sample.
Chapter 8: The Rights of European Minorities in the Fields of Justice, Public Administration and Public Services—International Developments in 2022
Authors: Nagy Noémi , Szappanyos Melinda
Published: November 2024

This article provides an overview of the implementation of the rights of European national, ethnic or linguistic minorities and indigenous peoples in 2022, in the fields of administration of justice, public administration and public services. Relevant legal developments are presented in the activities of the United Nations, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, the European Union, and the Council of Europe. These legal developments include not only resolutions and decisions of the relevant monitoring bodies, but also jurisprudence when applicable. Special attention is paid to the application of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages and the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities, which are the most important international treaties on the rights of minorities in Europe.
Schizobasis litanthiflora (Hyacinthaceae, Urgineoideae), a new species from the Tugela River Basin of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Authors: CROUCH NEIL R. , MARTÍNEZ-AZORÍN MARIO
Published: November 2024

In the course of a taxonomic revision of Schizobasis, field work in the KwaZulu-Natal Province of South Africa revealed plants showing a distinct syndrome of morphological characters not previously reported in the genus, especially regarding the long lasting, nodding, consistently tubular-like, constricted flowers, which resemble those of its phylogenetically sister genus Litanthus. Historical herbarium records of Schizobasis in KwaZulu-Natal, although limited, support the description of Schizobasis litanthiflora as a new disjunct species. We provide a complete morphological description of the new taxon, as well as data on its ecology and distribution.
Aspidistra linearistyla (Asparagaceae), a new species from northern Vietnam
Authors: PENG CAI-XIA , TONG YI-HUA , VU TIEN-CHINH , LIN CHUN-RUI
Published: November 2024

Aspidistra linearistyla, a new species of Asparagaceae from Ha Giang Province, Vietnam, is described and illustrated. It is morphologically similar to A. cerina, but clearly distinguished by its tubular perianth to 24–26 mm long with a white tube and yellow lobes, and linear pistil that is13–14 mm long and 0.8–1 mm in diameter. The new species is currently known only from the type locality in northern Vietnam. A detailed taxonomic description along with photographs of the diagnostic characters is presented.
The Sounds of Silence: Embodied Registers, Erotic Reverie
Authors: Elise Dianne
Published: November 2024

This paper engages a Winnicottian formulation of the analytic field to highlight the often unspoken, implicit erotic dimensions of analytic work. Material from an analysis with a very inhibited, emotionally constricted man shows both patient and analyst encountering difficulty in “locating” each other within the analytic field. Paradoxically, a felt sense of connection was also palpable, and possibly/impossibly erotic. Movement in the treatment required the development of what the analyst came to think of as an “erotic sonar”—a “sounding” in the erotic body of each participant that could indicate the place of creative connection. A sensing in the body for the “feel” of the analytic dyad became a kinetic reading of emotional closeness or distance, as well as indicating the subtle, and shifting, tones of the relationship. Emphasis is placed on bodily experience in a subjective registering of the erotic, both as sexuality and as a more general experience of passion, vitality, and creativity.
Exclusion through integration: Roadbuilding and colonización in Colombia's Eastern territories
Authors: Matson Zannah Mae
Published: November 2024

The most recent Colombian civil conflict is widely understood to have its roots in longstanding land conflict that arose from unequal land distribution in the country. In a purported effort to pacify leftist peasant demands for land without angering landholding elites through meaningful land redistribution, starting in the 1950s the Colombian state intensified colonización programmes to settle the eastern territories. This article examines the entanglements of road construction and land politics during this period of colonización, considering the systematic establishment of penetration, transversal and local roads as technologies of land control. Analysing planning documents for one of the most significant highway projects from the period – the Marginal de la Selva – alongside influential research on land colonización, this article argues that the Marginal de la Selva extended patterns of uneven integration and exacerbated exclusion of Indigenous people from their land.
Isogeometric boundary element method analysis for dielectric target shape optimization in electromagnetic scattering
Authors: Liu Chengmiao , Pei Qingxiang , Cui Ziyu , Song Zelu , Zhao Gaochao , Yang Yang
Published: November 2024

In order to optimize the overall form of electromagnetic scattering in two-dimensional dielectric media, this work offers a frequency-domain boundary element method based on isogeometric analysis. The Isogeometric boundary element method (IGABEM) is used to guarantee geometric correctness during optimization and prevent over-refinement of the mesh. Non-uniform rational B-splines are used to discretize the boundary integrals of the model, enabling rapid numerical computation while ensuring high accuracy. Furthermore, as an alternative model for electromagnetic scattering shape optimization issues, a gray wolf optimizer-based back-propagation neural network (GWO-ANN) is created, with radar cross-section (RCS) as the objective function. Finally, the GWO-ANN is used as a surrogate model for shape optimization in multi-frequency electromagnetic scattering problems with the RCS as the objective function. In computational examples, this algorithm efficiently and accurately solves electromagnetic scattering problems under multiple frequencies.
Why Life Moves Fast: Exploring the Mechanisms Behind Autobiographical Time Perception
Authors: Ryu Young-Ju , Landau Mark J. , Arnold Samuel E. , Arndt Jamie
Published: November 2024

We investigate why individuals commonly perceive time as passing quickly when reflecting on past periods of their lives. A traditional cognitive account proposes that routine experienced during a period decreases the number of memorable events, making that period appear short in retrospect. A motivational account derived from self-determination theory proposes that a period remembered as lacking self-determined growth feels unsatisfying or wasted, and thus seems to pass quickly. Two exploratory studies ( N = 999) did not consistently support these accounts, although in Study 2 remembered routine predicted faster perceived pace, as hypothesized. Contrary to our motivational account, remembered growth positively, rather than negatively, predicted pace. Interpreting this unexpected finding, we conducted two pre-registered studies ( N = 965) exploring how satisfaction with, and nostalgic longing for, periods of growth contribute to the perception of time passing quickly. Our findings have implications for encouraging productive responses to the subjective pace of life.
Informal human resource management and innovation: Insights from European SMEs
Authors: Meurs Desiree , Born Marise , Grift Yolanda , Lycklama à Nijeholt Maaike , Schippers Joop
Published: November 2024

This article explores the relation between informal human resource management practices and innovation performance in European small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). We use the resource-based view and the self-determination theory to develop hypotheses on how informal human resource management practices affect innovation performance. The research was based on data from the European Company Survey 2019. The sample consisted of senior managers in charge of personnel, working in SMEs across 28 European countries. Structural equation modelling showed that informal human resource management practices that satisfy employees’ needs for competence and autonomy positively contributed to innovation performance. Fostering employee needs for relatedness, however, negatively affected innovation performance. The study provides theoretical and practical implications, gives insights for managers and policy makers seeking to foster innovation in SMEs and identifies areas for future research.