bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extra-articular screw placement strategy in Stoppa approach based on three-dimensional reconstruction model
Authors: Zhang Ruipeng , Zhang Shaojuan , Zheng Xuehong , Yin Yingchao , Wang Zhongzheng , Tian Siyu , Hou Zhiyong , Zhang Yingze
Published: April 2024

The study aimed to explore an extra-articular screw placement strategy in Stoppa approach. Radiographic data of patients who underwent pelvic computed tomography from January 2016 to June 2017 were imported into Materiaise’s interactive medical image control system software for three-dimensional reconstruction. Superior and lower margins of acetabulum and ipsilateral pelvic brim could be observed simultaneously through inlet-obturator view. A horizontal line from superior acetabular margin intersected pelvic brim at point “A” and another vertical line from lower margin intersected pelvic brim at point “B” were drawn, respectively. Lengths form sacroiliac joint to “A” (a), “A” to “B” (b), and “B” to pubic symphysis (c) were measured. Patients were divided into four groups depending on gender and side difference of measured hemi-pelvis: male left, male right, female left, and female right. Lengths of adjacent holes (d) and spanning different holes (e) of different plates were also measured. Mean lengths of a, b, c in four groups were 40.94 ± 1.85 mm, 40.09 ± 1.93 mm, 41.78 ± 3.62 mm, and 39.77 ± 2.23 mm (P = 0.078); 40.65 ± 1.58 mm, 41.48 ± 1.64 mm, 40.40 ± 1.96 mm, and 40.66 ± 1.70 mm (P = 0.265); 57.03 ± 3.41 mm, 57.51 ± 3.71 mm, 57.84 ± 4.40 mm, and 59.84 ± 4.35 mm (P = 0.165), respectively. Mean d length of different plates was 12.23 mm. Average lengths spanning 1, 2, 3 and 4 holes were 19.33 mm, 31.58 mm, 43.80 mm, and 55.93 mm. Our data showed that zones a and c could be safely inserted three and four screws. Penetration into hip joint could be avoided when vacant 3-hole drilling was conducted in zone b. Fracture line in zone b could serve as a landmark for screw placement.
Lorlatinib in the second line and beyond for ALK positive lung cancer: real-world data from resource-constrained settings
Authors: Kumar Amit , Kapoor Akhil , Noronha Vanita , Patil Vijay , Menon Nandini , Singh Ajay Kumar , Joshi Amit , Janu Amit , Kaushal Rajiv Kumar , Pai Trupti , Chougule Anuradha , Shetty Omshree , Prabhash Kumar
Published: May 2024

Background

ALK-positive lung cancers are known to have favorable responses with oral tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Lorlatinib is an approved treatment option post first and second-line ALK inhibitors and is now also in first line. We present a retrospective observational study of the safety and efficacy of patients receiving Lorlatinib in second-line and beyond.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective observational study of ALK-positive patients who received Lorlatinib post-progression or intolerance to initial therapy at the Medical Oncology department. The patients who were started on Lorlatinib between January 2018 to December 2019 were included. The patients underwent routine blood and radiological evaluation every two to three months.

Results

A total of 38 patients received Lorlatinib in the specified period. The median age was 48 years (range 23–68), with 53% of patients being male, 37% having comorbidities; the most common being hypertension and diabetes and 79% of patients were of ECOG-PS1. Twenty-two patients (58%) had received two prior TKIs. The most common sites of metastasis before starting Lorlatinib were brain (55%) and bone (53%). All patients except one received prior whole-brain radiotherapy with 4 receiving radiation twice. The median follow-up period was 49 months (95% CI: 46.4–51.6). Eighty-four percent showed disease control with median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of 16 months (95% CI 5.4–26.6) and 22 months (95% CI 9.9–34.1) respectively. Twelve patients died without documented progression. Five out of twelve with documented progression had brain involvement while six had lung involvement. Twelve out of twenty-four patients who progressed received subsequent chemotherapy. The most common grade 3 and above toxicities were hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia. Three (7.8%) patients required dose reduction.

Conclusion

This real-world data confirms the efficacy of Lorlatinib in the second line and beyond with adverse effects matching that of registration studies.
A multi-channel electrochemical biosensor based on polyadenine tetrahedra for the detection of multiple drug resistance genes
Authors: Song Yanan , Feng Jun , Wang Xueming , Wen Yanli , Xu Li , Huo Yinbo , Wang Lele , Tao Qing , Yang Zhenzhou , Liu Gang , Chen Min , Li Lanying , Yan Juan
Published: April 2024

PolyA-TDF enables PCR-free qualitative detection of drug-resistant genes, integrating biosensor recognition and probe immobilization via strong adsorption to gold.
Prediction of band inversion in Janus In2XYZ (X, Y, and Z = S, Se, Te) monolayers
Authors: Rajabi-Maram Ashkan , Babaee Touski Shoeib , Hasani Nona , Shalchian Majid
Published: April 2024

In this work, the electronic and spin characteristics of Janus In2X2Y and In2XYZ (X, Y, and Z = S, Se, Te) monolayers are explored.
Utilization of Shrimp Shells Waste and Golden Snails to Increase the Yield of Shallots
Authors: Indratmi Dian , Pangestika Padhina , Tuzzahra Diva Asih Raudya , Wachid Mochammad
Published: May 2024

Shallots are high economic value commodities. The chemical fertilizers alone in onion cultivation can treat to agricultural sustainability. Environmentally friendly alternative fertilizers are urgently needed. One of them is Local Microorganism (LMO) which is developed from waste/natural materials, such as shrimp shells and golden snails which are available in nature. Shrimp shell contains nutrients N, P, K, C, Mg, and Fe. Golden snail is dangerous pest for rice plants, but it can be used as organic fertilizer. This study aims to determine effect of giving LMO of shrimp shells and golden snail for shallots growth and yield. The experiment used randomized block design with eight treatments, four replications, namely without LMO, 1.2 g plant-1 NPK fertilizer; 250 mL, 300 mL, and 350 mL shrimp shell LMO; LMO golden snail 250 mL, 300 mL, and 350 mL. The results showed that the provision of local microorganisms of shrimp shells and golden snails was able to increase shallot growth and yield, which was indicated by an increase in plant height, number of leaves, fresh weight, and dry weight of tubers per plant. The increase in tuber dry weight ranged from 130 % to 239 % (2.3 times to 3.4 times higher than control).
Stability of the Broiler Antibody Under Heat Stress Using Dry Rice
Authors: Tonda Rusli , Setyobudi Roy Hendroko , Sutanto Adi , Zalizar Lili , Supartini Nonok , Purbajanti Endang Dwi , Vincevica-Gaile Zane , Zekker Ivar , Widodo Wahyu , Basyaruddin Muhammad , Fauzi Ahmad , Sulistyoningrum Delfy Diah , Wirawan Wira
Published: May 2024

This study examines the impact of using dry rice, characterized by low calories and high resistant starch content, on broiler performance under heat stress conditions in Indonesia. Broilers face challenges related to stress, particularly heat stress, which can compromise their immunity. The research investigates the potential of resistant starch in dry rice to enhance broiler digestion performance and immunity. The experiment, conducted at Zakiyah Farm and the Laboratory of the Wates Veterinary Center, Yogyakarta, involved three treatments (T1, T2, and T3) with five replications each. Observed variables included water consumption, carcass weight, Packed Cell Volume (PCV), bursa fabricius weight, and Hi-Test Nd antibody levels. Results showed no significant impact on water consumption, carcass weight, and PCV across all treatments. However, a decrease in bursa weight in T1 and T3 indicated an increased level of stress. The lowest seropositive Hi-Test Nd values in T1 and T3 suggested that the use of dry rice through the sowing method might alleviate heat stress on broilers. In conclusion, this research emphasizes the potential of dry rice to maintain the stability of broiler antibodies under heat stress conditions, emphasizing the need for further exploration of alternative dietary components.
Secure and efficient covert communication for blockchain-integrated SAGINs
Authors: Li Weijia , Zhang Yuan , He Xinyu , Song Yaqing
Published: April 2024

Blockchain has brought great potential in improving Space-Air-Ground Integrated Networks (SAGINs) in terms of security and efficiency. In blockchain-integrated SAGINs, many applications and services inherently require both the communication contents and communication behaviors to be secure against eavesdroppers, in which a covert communication algorithm is always deployed as a fundamental communication component. However, existing covert communication schemes suffer from critical problems. On the one hand, they require a sender to locally maintain a cryptographic key for a long period of time, which is very costly and inefficient to renew which means renewing the secret key. On the other hand, the ciphertext of covertly sent data would explicitly appear in the network, and thereby the schemes are vulnerable to secret key breach. In this paper, we propose a secure and efficient covert communication scheme for blockchain-integrated SAGINs, dubbed CC-BSAGINs, to free the sender from maintaining secret keys. The key technique is to map the covertly sent data to some transactions on the underlying blockchain in a secure and efficient way; the mapping information is sent via a covert communication algorithm. Such a two-step mechanism releases the sender from key management and does not require the ciphertext to be communicated. We provide formal security proofs and conduct a comprehensive performance evaluation, which demonstrates the security and efficiency of CC-BSAGINs.
Customized modulation on plasma uniformity by non-uniform magnetic field in capacitively coupled plasma
Authors: WANG 王 Sen 森 , ZHANG 张 Quanzhi 权治 , MA 马 Fangfang 方方 , YUSUPOV Maksudbek , WANG 王 Younian 友年
Published: April 2024

A two-dimensional fluid model based on COMSOL Multiphysics is developed to investigate the modulation of static magnetic field on plasma homogeneity in a capacitively coupled plasma (CCP) chamber. To generate a static magnetic field, direct current is applied to a circular coil located at the top of the chamber. By adjusting the magnetic field’s configuration, which is done by altering the coil current and position, both the plasma uniformity and density can be significantly modulated. In the absence of the magnetic field, the plasma density exhibits an inhomogeneous distribution characterized by higher values at the plasma edge and lower values at the center. The introduction of a magnetic field generated by coils results in a significant increase in electron density near the coils. Furthermore, an increase in the sets of coils improves the uniformity of the plasma. By flexibly adjusting the positions of the coils and the applied current, a substantial enhancement in overall uniformity can be achieved. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of using this method for achieving uniform plasma densities in industrial applications.
Kohler-Jobin meets Ehrhard: The sharp lower bound for the Gaussian principal frequency while the Gaussian torsional rigidity is fixed, via rearrangements
Authors: Herscovici Orli , Livshyts Galyna
Published: May 2024

In this note, we provide an adaptation of the Kohler-Jobin rearrangement technique to the setting of the Gauss space. As a result, we prove the Gaussian analogue of the Kohler-Jobin resolution of a conjecture of Pólya-Szegö: when the Gaussian torsional rigidity of a domain is fixed, the Gaussian principal frequency is minimized for the half-space. At the core of this rearrangement technique is the idea of considering a “modified” torsional rigidity, with respect to a given function, and rearranging its layers to half-spaces, in a particular way; the Rayleigh quotient decreases with this procedure.

We emphasize that the analogy of the Gaussian case with the Lebesgue case is not to be expected here, as in addition to some soft symmetrization ideas, the argument relies on the properties of some special functions; the fact that this analogy does hold is somewhat of a miracle.
Operator theory and quantum information theory—POVM and entangled state
Authors: Ohno Hiromichi
Published: May 2024

This survey paper introduces several topics in quantum information theory, especially positive operator valued measures (POVMs) and entangled states. POVMs are needed to mathematically express measurements in the quantum world, and there are two special POVMs, named symmetric informationally complete POVMs and mutually unbiased bases. These two POVMs have very beautiful symmetry. We give the definitions and examples of these POVMs and discuss the existence or non-existence problem of these POVMs. Entanglement is some kind of relationship between two or more quanta. When several quanta have entanglement, the state of the quanta is called an entangled state. In this paper, quantum teleportation is introduced as an application using entangled states. Moreover, we investigate the problem of determining whether a given quantum state is an entangled state.
Moving for Grace: Motor-Aesthetic Properties and Dance Appreciation
Authors: Heckman Ian
Published: April 2024

Bodily responses to dance have sparked recent controversy in philosophy. Some people claim that they have no place in dance appreciation. Some use evidence from cognitive science to support the view that bodily responses have an important place in dance appreciation. However, this paper focuses not on whether motor responses to dance are part of dance appreciation but on their role in dance appreciation. It argues that many aesthetic qualities important to dance appreciation, such as gracefulness, are motor-aesthetic qualities, meaning that they require bodily response to appreciate them fully. It thus doubles not just as an analysis of motor response and its place in dance appreciation, but also as an analysis of gracefulness, a central aesthetic property in dance.
Investigating the relationship between prenatal alcohol exposure and children’s behavioural and emotional development: analysis of the Growing Up in New Zealand study
Authors: Chu Joanna Ting Wai , McCormack Jessica , Jiang Yannan , Walsh Daniel , Wilson Holly , Marsh Samantha , Langridge Fiona , Bullen Chris
Published: April 2024

Aims

To examine the relationship between prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) and children’s behavioural and emotional development in a large generalizable sample of women and their children in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Methods

Using data from the Growing Up in New Zealand longitudinal cohort, we investigated the relationship between maternal PAE and behavioural and emotional development in 8-year-old children. We explored secondary outcomes including measures of language, executive function, academic achievement, and adaptive behaviour.

Results

We found no significant differences in the measures of behavioural and emotional development in children 8 years old based on alcohol consumption. No significant differences in behavioural and emotional development were found based on amount of PAE and when PAE occurred, despite controlling for a range of potential confounding factors, such as neighbourhood deprivation and maternal health measures. PAE was associated with significantly higher scores for parent-rated oral language indicating better oral language. In Māori mothers, PAE was significantly associated with an increased risk of higher scores on two of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire subscales.

Conclusions

We did not find an association between PAE and behavioural and emotional development in children aged 8 years. PAE and behavioural and emotional development are difficult to measure accurately, and the moderating variables between them are complex. Future analyses will require larger cohorts of mothers and their children using precise measures of PAE and outcomes to enable more precise estimates of association.
CyclicPepedia: a knowledge base of natural and synthetic cyclic peptides
Authors: Liu Lei , Yang Liu , Cao Suqi , Gao Zhigang , Yang Bin , Zhang Guoqing , Zhu Ruixin , Wu Dingfeng
Published: April 2024

Cyclic peptides offer a range of notable advantages, including potent antibacterial properties, high binding affinity and specificity to target molecules, and minimal toxicity, making them highly promising candidates for drug development. However, a comprehensive database that consolidates both synthetically derived and naturally occurring cyclic peptides is conspicuously absent. To address this void, we introduce CyclicPepedia (https://www.biosino.org/iMAC/cyclicpepedia/), a pioneering database that encompasses 8744 known cyclic peptides. This repository, structured as a composite knowledge network, offers a wealth of information encompassing various aspects of cyclic peptides, such as cyclic peptides’ sources, categorizations, structural characteristics, pharmacokinetic profiles, physicochemical properties, patented drug applications, and a collection of crucial publications. Supported by a user-friendly knowledge retrieval system and calculation tools specifically designed for cyclic peptides, CyclicPepedia will be able to facilitate advancements in cyclic peptide drug development.
A speech fluency brain network derived from gliomas
Authors: Sun Cechen , Zhang Jie , Bu Linghao , Lu Junfeng , Yao Ye , Wu Jinsong
Published: April 2024

The brain network of speech fluency has not yet been investigated via a study with a large and homogenous sample. This study analysed multimodal imaging data from 115 patients with low-grade glioma to explore the brain network of speech fluency. We applied voxel-based lesion-symptom mapping to identify domain-specific regions and white matter pathways associated with speech fluency. Direct cortical stimulation validated the domain-specific regions intra-operatively. We then performed connectivity-behaviour analysis with the aim of identifying connections that significantly correlated with speech fluency. Voxel-based lesion-symptom mapping analysis showed that damage to domain-specific regions (the middle frontal gyrus, the precentral gyrus, the orbital part of inferior frontal gyrus and the insula) and white matter pathways (corticospinal fasciculus, internal capsule, arcuate fasciculus, uncinate fasciculus, frontal aslant tract) are associated with reduced speech fluency. Furthermore, we identified connections emanating from these domain-specific regions that exhibited significant correlations with speech fluency. These findings illuminate the interaction between domain-specific regions and 17 domain-general regions—encompassing the superior frontal gyrus, middle frontal gyrus, inferior frontal gyrus and rolandic operculum, superior temporal gyrus, temporal pole, inferior temporal pole, middle cingulate gyrus, supramarginal gyrus, fusiform gyrus, inferior parietal lobe, as well as subcortical structures such as thalamus—implicating their collective role in supporting fluent speech. Our detailed mapping of the speech fluency network offers a strategic foundation for clinicians to safeguard language function during the surgical intervention for brain tumours.
Long-term outcomes of adults with FSGS in the German Chronic Kidney Disease cohort
Authors: Stamellou Eleni , Nadal Jennifer , Hendry Bruce , Mercer Alex , Bechtel-Walz Wibke , Schiffer Mario , Eckardt Kai-Uwe , Kramann Rafael , Moeller Marcus J , Floege Jürgen ,   GCKD study investigators, Eckardt Kai-Uwe , Meiselbach Heike , Schneider Markus P , Schiffer Mario , Prokosch Hans-Ulrich , Bärthlein Barbara , Beck Andreas , Reis André , Ekici Arif B , Becker Susanne , Alberth-Schmidt Ulrike , Marschall Sabine , Weigel Anke , Walz Gerd , Köttgen Anna , Schultheiß Ulla T , Kotsis Fruzsina , Meder Simone , Mitsch Erna , Reinhard Ursula , Floege Jürgen , Saritas Turgay , Schaeffner Elke , Baid-Agrawal Seema , Theisen Kerstin , Schmidt-Ott Kai , Zeier Martin , Sommerer Claudia , Aykac Mehtap , Wolf Gunter , Busch Martin , Steiner Andi , Sitter Thomas , Wanner Christoph , Krane Vera , Bauer Britta , Kronenberg Florian , Raschenberger Julia , Kollerits Barbara , Forer Lukas , Schönherr Sebastian , Weissensteiner Hansi , Oefner Peter , Gronwald Wolfram , Schmid Matthias , Nadal Jennifer
Published: April 2024

Background

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) can lead to kidney failure in adults. This study examines the progression of FSGS in the German Chronic Kidney Disease (GCKD) cohort.

Methods

The GCKD study (N = 5217), a prospective cohort, included 159 patients with biopsy-confirmed FSGS recruited from 2010 to 2012. Baseline was defined as the first study visit. Adjudicated endpoints included a composite kidney endpoint (CKE), including an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decrease >40%, eGFR <15 ml/min/1.73 m2 or initiation of kidney replacement therapy and combined major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including non-fatal myocardial infarction or stroke and all-cause mortality. Associations between baseline demographics, laboratory data, comorbidity and CKE and MACE were analysed using the Cox proportional hazards regression model.

Results

The mean age at baseline was 52.1 ± 13.6 years, with a disease duration of 4.72 years (quartile 1: 1; quartile 3: 6) before joining the study. The median urinary albumin:creatinine ratio (UACR) at baseline was 0.7 g/g (IQR 0.1;1.8), while mean eGFR was 55.8 ± 23 ml/min/1.73 m2. Based on clinical and pathological features, 69 (43.4%) patients were categorized as primary FSGS, 55 (34.6%) as secondary FSGS and 35 (22%) as indeterminate. Over a follow-up of 6.5 years, 44 patients reached the composite kidney endpoint and 16 individuals had at least one MACE. UACR ≥0.7 g/g was strongly associated with both the composite kidney endpoint {hazard ratio [HR] 5.27 [95% confidence interval (CI) 2.4–11.5]} and MACE [HR 3.37 (95% CI 1.05–10.82)] compared with <0.7 g/g, whereas a higher eGFR at baseline (per 10 ml/min) was protective for both endpoints [HR 0.8 (95% CI 0.68–0.95) and HR 0.63 (95% CI 0.46–0.88), respectively]. Patients with secondary FSGS experienced a greater rate of eGFR decline than patients with primary FSGS.

Conclusions

Lower eGFR and higher albuminuria are key risk factors for kidney disease progression and cardiovascular events in patients with FSGS.
Contemporary outcomes of left thoraco-abdominal esophagectomy due to cancer in the esophagus or gastroesophageal junction, a multicenter cohort study
Authors: Klevebro F , Ash S , Mueller C , Garbarino G M , Gisbertz S S , van Berge Henegouwen M I , Mandeville Y , Ferri L , Davies A , Maynard N , Low D E
Published: April 2024

Surgery for cancer of the esophagus or gastro-esophageal junction can be performed with a variety of minimally invasive and open approaches. The left thoracoabdominal esophagectomy (LTE) is an open technique that gives an opportunity to operate in the chest and abdomen with excellent exposure of the gastro-esophageal junction through a single incision, and there is currently no equivalent minimally invasive technique available. The aim of this multi-institutional review was to study a large contemporary international study cohort of patients treated with LTE. An international multicenter cohort study was performed including all patients treated with LTE at six high-volume centers for gastro-esophageal cancer surgery between 2012 and 2022. Patient data were prospectively collected in each participating centers’ institutional database. Information about patient, tumor, and treatment details were collected. The study cohort included a total of 793 patients treated with LTE during the study period. The most frequently observed complications were pneumonia in 185/727 (25.5%) patients and atrial fibrillation in 91/727 (12.5%). Anastomotic leak occurred in 35/727 (4.8%) patients; no patient suffered from conduit necrosis. Thirty-day mortality occurred in 15/785 (1.9%) patients and 90-day mortality in 39/785 (5.0%) patients. Factors with statistically significant association with survival were American Society for Anesthesiologists-score, tumor location, tumor stage, and tumor free resection margins. Neoadjuvant therapy was not associated with increased survival compared to surgery alone but neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy compared to neoadjuvant chemotherapy showed statistically significant improved survival with hazard ratio 0.60 (95% confidence intervals:0.44–0.80, P = 0.001) in a multivariable adjusted model. This study demonstrates that LTE can be applied in selected patients with results that are comparable to other large studies of open and minimally invasive surgery for esophageal or gastro-esophageal cancer at high-volume centers.
Long-term outcomes after hospitalization for atrial fibrillation or flutter
Authors: Ngo Linh Thi Hai , Peng Yang , Denman Russell , Yang Ian , Ranasinghe Isuru
Published: April 2024

Background and Aims

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and flutter are common causes of hospitalizations but contemporary long-term outcomes following these episodes are uncertain. This study assessed outcomes up to 10 years after an acute AF or flutter hospitalization.

Methods

Patients hospitalized acutely with a primary diagnosis of AF or flutter from 2008–17 from all public and most private hospitals in Australia and New Zealand were included. Kaplan–Meier methods and flexible parametric survival modelling were used to estimate survival and loss in life expectancy, respectively. Competing risk model accounting for death was used when estimating incidence of non-fatal outcomes.

Results

A total of 260 492 adults (mean age 70.5 ± 14.4 years, 49.6% female) were followed up for 1 068 009 person-years (PY), during which 69 167 died (incidence rate 6.5/100 PY) with 91.2% survival at 1 year, 72.7% at 5 years, and 55.2% at 10 years. Estimated loss in life expectancy was 2.6 years, or 16.8% of expected life expectancy. Re-hospitalizations for heart failure (2.9/100 PY), stroke (1.7/100 PY), and myocardial infarction (1.1/100 PY) were common with respective cumulative incidences of 16.8%, 11.0%, and 7.1% by 10 years. Re-hospitalization for AF or flutter occurred in 21.3% by 1 year, 35.3% by 5 years, and 41.2% by 10 years (11.6/100 PY). The cumulative incidence of patients undergoing catheter ablation of AF was 6.5% at 10 years (1.2/100 PY).

Conclusions

Patients hospitalized for AF or flutter had high death rates with an average 2.6-year loss in life expectancy. Moreover, re-hospitalizations for AF or flutter and related outcomes such as heart failure and stroke were common with catheter ablation used infrequently for treatment, which warrant further actions.
Louis Pasteur, a child of the Jura, a man for the world
Authors: Raichvarg Daniel , Jagielski Tomasz
Published: April 2024

How did Louis Pasteur, born in a small town in the Jura—Dole, still little known to the world today, become a man of global recognition and fame? The answer to this question is guided by two pivotal considerations. First is Pasteur's relationship to the representation of reality. This relationship was seeded and steadily developed since his juvenile years through practicing different forms of artistic expression, the most famous of which were subtle pastels portraying Pasteur's parents and neighbors. This genuine attraction towards art gradually became «scientificized» at the same time, when new means of reproducing the reality were invented, such as photography. The second consideration, critical to understand the phenomenon of Pasteur's celebrity, is a strong linkage of his research with nature-based agricultural production. Here again, deeply rooted in his youth and home environment, permeated with the taste of wine and the smell of tanned leather, Pasteur's interests necessitated the processes of communication, not only at the scientific level, but also on a daily life basis, with numerous «social actors» at play (ferments, silkworms etc.). Throughout his work, Pasteur had to provide himself with the means to set up these interdisciplinarity and communication. The final result was the Pasteur Institute, or rather the Pasteur Institutes and the global Pasteur network.
Selective Orexin 2 Receptor Blockade Alleviates Cognitive Impairments and the Pathological Progression of Alzheimer’s Disease in 3xTg-AD Mice
Authors: Hu Xiao-Hong , Yu Kai-Yue , Li Xin-Xin , Zhang Jin-Nan , Jiao Juan-Juan , Wang Zhao-Jun , Cai Hong-Yan , Wang Lei , He Ye-Xin , Wu Mei-Na
Published: April 2024

The orexin system is closely related to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Orexin-A aggravates cognitive dysfunction and increases amyloid β (Aβ) deposition in AD model mice, but studies of different dual orexin receptor (OXR) antagonists in AD have shown inconsistent results. Our previous study revealed that OX1R blockade aggravates cognitive deficits and pathological progression in 3xTg-AD mice, but the effects of OX2R and its potential mechanism in AD have not been reported. In the present study, OX2R was blocked by oral administration of the selective OX2R antagonist MK-1064, and the effects of OX2R blockade on cognitive dysfunction and neuropsychiatric symptoms in 3xTg-AD mice were evaluated via behavioral tests. Then, immunohistochemistry, western blotting, and ELISA were used to detect Aβ deposition, tau phosphorylation, and neuroinflammation, and electrophysiological and wheel-running activity recording were recorded to observe hippocampal synaptic plasticity and circadian rhythm. The results showed that OX2R blockade ameliorated cognitive dysfunction, improved LTP depression, increased the expression of PSD-95, alleviated anxiety- and depression-like behaviors and circadian rhythm disturbances in 3xTg-AD mice, and reduced Aβ pathology, tau phosphorylation, and neuroinflammation in the brains of 3xTg-AD mice. These results indicated that chronic OX2R blockade exerts neuroprotective effects in 3xTg-AD mice by reducing AD pathology at least partly through improving circadian rhythm disturbance and the sleep-wake cycle and that OX2R might be a potential target for the prevention and treatment of AD; however, the potential mechanism by which OX2R exerts neuroprotective effects on AD needs to be further investigated.
Non-contacting laser-based acousto-seismics at the laboratory scale: towards near-real-time monitoring of granular analogue models
Authors: Smits J , Vasconcelos I , Willingshofer E , Beekman F
Published: April 2024

In this work we present a novel, experimentally efficient set-up for performing non-contacting laser vibrometry on geologic materials and their analogues. We show it is possible to acoustically monitor a granular material experiment in real time compared to the typical timescale of analogue modelling experiments. We acquire non-contacting waveform data with consistently high signal-to-noise ratio. Compared to previously used standard contacting transducers, the novel joint use of sources and receivers that are both laser-based resulted in measured signals with improved waveforms and temporal bandwidths. These data acquisition improvements, in our case where surface waves are prominent in the data, enable enhanced multichannel surface wave processing, for example, in terms of reliable dispersion curve estimates. We find, given the high waveform fidelity of our acquisition system, that the observed surface waves are highly sensitive to relatively small changes in the medium’s elastic properties, making them a demonstrably reliable to monitor any processes that affect elasticity in these models in near real time. As a demonstration, we continuously monitor a scaled analogue model containing granular glass beads. By continuously monitoring—that is, performing repeatable active-source acousto-seismic surveys at short time-lapse intervals—over a period of 10 hr, we find that an increase of relative humidity of 10 per cent can lead to as much as a factor of two increase in surface wave group velocities. Finally, we discuss future applications of the developed method by considering surface wave inversion for fault and stress monitoring during the deformation of a model.
Understanding the municipal-level design and adaptation of pay-for-performance schemes across two states of Brazil
Authors: Fardousi Nasser , Dantas Gurgel Junior Garibaldi , Shimizu Helena , Silene de Brito E Silva Keila , Da Silva Everton , Dos Santos Mariana Olivia Santana , Falangola Benjamin Bezerra Adriana , Gomes Luciano , Powell-Jackson Timothy , Sampaio Juliana , Borghi Josephine
Published: April 2024

The design of complex health systems interventions, such as pay for performance (P4P), can be critical to determining such programmes’ success. In P4P programmes, the design of financial incentives is crucial in shaping how these programmes work. However, the design of such schemes is usually homogenous across providers within a given scheme. Consequently, there is a limited understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of P4P design elements from the implementers’ perspective. This study takes advantage of the unique context of Brazil, where municipalities adapted the federal incentive design, resulting in variations in incentive design across municipalities. The study aims to understand why municipalities in Brazil chose certain P4P design features, the associated challenges and the local adaptations made to address problems in scheme design. This study was a multiple case study design relying on qualitative data from 20 municipalities from two states in Northeastern Brazil. We conducted two key informant interviews with municipal-level stakeholders and focus group discussions with primary care providers. We also reviewed municipal Primary Care Access and Quality laws in each municipality. We found substantial variation in the design choices made by municipalities regarding ‘who was incentivized’, the ‘payment size’ and ‘frequency’. Design choices affected relationships within municipalities and within teams. Challenges were chiefly associated with fairness relating to ‘who received the incentive’, ‘what is incentivized’ and the ‘incentive size’. Adaptations were made to improve fairness, mostly in response to pressure from the healthcare workers. The significant variation in design choices across municipalities and providers’ response to them highlights the importance of considering local context in the design and implementation of P4P schemes and ensuring flexibility to accommodate local preferences and emerging needs. Attention is needed to ensure that the choice of ‘who is incentivized’ and the ‘size of incentives’ are inclusive and fair and the allocation and ‘use of funds’ are transparent.
Finite element methods for multicomponent convection-diffusion
Authors: Aznaran Francis R A , Farrell Patrick E , Monroe Charles W , Van-Brunt Alexander J
Published: April 2024

We develop finite element methods for coupling the steady-state Onsager–Stefan–Maxwell (OSM) equations to compressible Stokes flow. These equations describe multicomponent flow at low Reynolds number, where a mixture of different chemical species within a common thermodynamic phase is transported by convection and molecular diffusion. Developing a variational formulation for discretizing these equations is challenging: the formulation must balance physical relevance of the variables and boundary data, regularity assumptions, tractability of the analysis, enforcement of thermodynamic constraints, ease of discretization and extensibility to the transient, anisothermal and nonideal settings. To resolve these competing goals, we employ two augmentations: the first enforces the definition of mass-average velocity in the OSM equations, while its dual modifies the Stokes momentum equation to enforce symmetry. Remarkably, with these augmentations we achieve a Picard linearization of symmetric saddle point type, despite the equations not possessing a Lagrangian structure. Exploiting structure mandated by linear irreversible thermodynamics, we prove the inf-sup condition for this linearization, and identify finite element function spaces that automatically inherit well-posedness. We verify our error estimates with a numerical example, and illustrate the application of the method to nonideal fluids with a simulation of the microfluidic mixing of hydrocarbons.
Port-Hamiltonian discontinuous Galerkin finite element methods
Authors: Kumar Nishant , van der Vegt J J W , Zwart H J
Published: April 2024

A port-Hamiltonian (pH) system formulation is a geometrical notion used to formulate conservation laws for various physical systems. The distributed parameter port-Hamiltonian formulation models infinite dimensional Hamiltonian dynamical systems that have a nonzero energy flow through the boundaries. In this paper, we propose a novel framework for discontinuous Galerkin (DG) discretizations of pH-systems. Linking DG methods with pH-systems gives rise to compatible structure preserving semidiscrete finite element discretizations along with flexibility in terms of geometry and function spaces of the variables involved. Moreover, the port-Hamiltonian formulation makes boundary ports explicit, which makes the choice of structure and power preserving numerical fluxes easier. We state the Discontinuous Finite Element Stokes–Dirac structure with a power preserving coupling between elements, which provides the mathematical framework for a large class of pH discontinuous Galerkin discretizations. We also provide an a priori error analysis for the port-Hamiltonian discontinuous Galerkin Finite Element Method (pH-DGFEM). The port-Hamiltonian discontinuous Galerkin finite element method is demonstrated for the scalar wave equation showing optimal rates of convergence.
The Lane-Emden System on Cartan-Hadamard Manifolds: Asymptotics and Rigidity of Radial Solutions
Authors: Muratori Matteo , Soave Nicola
Published: April 2024

We investigate existence and qualitative properties of globally defined and positive radial solutions of the Lane-Emden system, posed on a Cartan-Hadamard model manifold $ {{\mathbb{M}}}^{n} $. We prove that, for critical or supercritical exponents, there exists at least a one-parameter family of such solutions. Depending on the stochastic completeness or incompleteness of $ {{\mathbb{M}}}^{n} $, we show that the existence region stays one dimensional in the former case, whereas it becomes two dimensional in the latter. Then, we study the asymptotics at infinity of solutions, which again exhibit a dichotomous behavior between the stochastically complete (where both components are forced to vanish) and incomplete cases. Finally, we prove a rigidity result for finite-energy solutions, showing that they exist if and only if is isometric to $ {\mathbb{R}}^{n} $.
Voting Rights, Agenda Control and Information Aggregation
Authors: Bouton Laurent , Llorente-Saguer Aniol , Macé Antonin , Xefteris Dimitrios
Published: April 2024

This paper examines the comparative properties of voting rules based on the richness of their ballot spaces, assuming a given distribution of voting rights. We focus on how well voting rules aggregate the information dispersed among voters. We consider how different voting rules affect both voters’ decisions at the voting stage and the incentives of the agenda-setter, who decides whether to put the proposal to a vote. Without agenda-setter, the voting efficiency of rules is higher when their ballot space is richer. Moreover, full-information efficiency requires full divisibility of the votes. In the presence of an agenda-setter, we uncover a novel trade-off: in some cases, rules with high voting efficiency provide worse incentives to the agenda-setter to select good proposals. This negative effect can be large enough to wash out the higher voting efficiency of even the most efficient rules.
Differences in postoperative prognosis between early-stage lung adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Izaki Yu , Mimae Takahiro , Kagimoto Atsushi , Handa Yoshinori , Tsutani Yasuhiro , Miyata Yoshihiro , Okada Morihito , Takeshima Yukio
Published: April 2024

Background

Although prognosis and treatments differ between small-cell- and nonsmall-cell carcinoma, comparisons of the histological types of NSCLC are uncommon. Thus, we investigated the oncological factors associated with the prognosis of early-stage adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.

Methods

We retrospectively compared the clinicopathological backgrounds and postoperative outcomes of patients diagnosed with pathological stage I–IIA adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma primary lung cancer completely resected at our department from January 2007 to December 2017. Multivariable Cox regression analysis for overall survival and recurrence-free survival was performed.

Results

The median follow-up duration was 55.2 months. The cohort consisted of 532 adenocarcinoma and 96 squamous cell carcinoma patients. A significant difference in survival was observed between the two groups, with a 5-year overall survival rate of 90% (95% confidence interval 86–92%) for adenocarcinoma and 77% (95% CI 66–85%) for squamous cell carcinoma (P < 0.01) patients. Squamous cell carcinoma patients had worse outcomes compared to adenocarcinoma patients in stage IA disease, but there were no significant differences between the two groups in stage IB or IIA disease. In multivariate analysis, invasion diameter was associated with overall survival in adenocarcinoma (hazard ratio 1.76, 95% confidence interval 1.36–2.28), but there was no such association in squamous cell carcinoma (hazard ratio 0.73, 95% confidence interval 0.45–1.14).

Conclusions

The importance of tumor invasion diameter in postoperative outcomes was different between adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Thus, it is important to consider that nonsmall-cell carcinoma may have different prognoses depending on the histological type, even for the same stage.
Embryonal and alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma in adolescents/young adults, adults and older adults: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Kobayashi Hiroshi , Okajima Koichi , Zhang Liuzhe , Hirai Toshihide , Ishibashi Yuki , Tsuda Yusuke , Ikegami Masachika , Kawai Akira , Tanaka Sakae
Published: April 2024

Background

The clinical characteristics, outcomes, and prognostic factors of adult embryonal rhabdomyosarcomas (ERMS) and alveolar rhabdomyosarcomas (ARMS), particularly the differences among adolescents/young adults (AYA), adults, and older adults, remain unclear. We assessed the clinicopathological features and survival outcomes of adult patients with ERMS and ARMS in Japan and to compare these features among AYA, adult, and older adult patients.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed data from the Bone and Soft Tissue Tumor Registry of Japan and enrolled patients aged ≥15 years with ERMS and ARMS. Disease-specific overall survival (DOS) was estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method, and a Cox regression model was used to identify prognostic factors.

Results

Among 184 patients with ERMS and ARMS (median age, 27 years; interquartile range, 18–49 years), a high rate of distant and regional nodal metastases was initially observed in 65 (35%) and 66 (36%) cases, respectively. Older age and distant metastasis at first presentation were statistically poor prognostic factors, and histological subtype and site of tumor origin were not associated with DOS. In patients with localized ERMS and ARMS, older age and nodal metastasis were poor prognostic factors; the 5-year DOS rates of patients with and without nodal metastasis were 23% and 72%, respectively.

Conclusions

Older patients with rhabdomyosarcoma had a dismal prognosis, and distant metastasis was a poor prognostic factor. The prognostic factors differed between adult and pediatric patients with rhabdomyosarcoma; biological analyses, such as genome analysis of adult rhabdomyosarcoma and clinical trials with pediatric oncologists, are needed to improve the prognosis of adult rhabdomyosarcoma.
Inclination instability of circumbinary planets
Authors: Lubow Stephen H , Childs Anna C , Martin Rebecca G
Published: April 2024

We analyse a tilt instability of the orbit of an outer planet in a two-planet circumbinary system that we recently reported. The binary is on an eccentric orbit and the inner circumbinary planet is on a circular polar orbit that causes the binary to undergo apsidal precession. The outer circumbinary planet is initially on a circular or eccentric orbit that is coplanar with respect to the binary. We apply a Hamiltonian in quadrupole order of the binary potential to show that the tilt instability is the result of a secular resonance in which the apsidal precession rate of the binary matches the nodal precession rate of the outer planet. A resonance is possible because the polar inner planet causes the apsidal precession of the binary to be retrograde. The outer planet periodically undergoes large tilt oscillations for which we analytically determine the initial evolution and maximum inclination. Following a typically relatively short adjustment phase, the tilt grows exponentially in time at a characteristic rate that is of order the absolute value of the binary apsidal precession rate. The analytic results agree well with numerical simulations. This instability is analogous to the Kozai–Lidov instability, but applied to a circumbinary object. The instability fails to operate if the binary mass ratio is too extreme. The instability occurs even if the outer planet is instead an object of stellar mass and involves tilt oscillations of the inner binary.
On the directional nature of celestial object’s fall on the earth (Part 1: distribution of fireball shower, meteor fall, and crater on earth’s surface)
Authors: Ghosh Prithwish , Chatterjee Debashis , Banerjee Amlan
Published: April 2024

This paper investigates the directional distribution of extraterrestrial objects (meteors, fireballs) impacting Earth’s surface and forming craters. It also introduces a novel directional statistical mixture model to analyze their falls, validated through rigorous testing. First, we address whether these falls follow non-uniform directional patterns by explicitly employing directional statistical tools for analysing such data. Using projection techniques for longitude and latitude and more importantly, a general spherical statistical approach, we statistically investigate the suitability of the von Mises distribution and its spherical version, the von Mises–Fisher distribution, (a maximum entropy distribution for directional data). Moreover, leveraging extensive data sets encompassing meteor falls, fireball showers, and craters, we propose and validate a novel mixture von Mises–Fisher model for comprehensively analysing extraterrestrial object falls. Our study reveals distinct statistical characteristics across data sets: fireball falls exhibit non-uniformity, while meteor craters suggest a potential for both uniform and von Mises distributions with a preference for the latter after further refinement. Meteor landings deviate from a single-directional maximum entropic distribution; we demonstrate the effectiveness of an optimal 13-component mixture von Mises–Fisher distribution for accurate modelling. Similar analyses resulted in 3- and 6-component partitions for fireball and crater data sets. This research presents valuable insights into the spatial patterns and directional statistical distribution models governing extraterrestrial objects’ fall on Earth, useful for various future works.