bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relations between Poincaré series for quasi-complete intersection homomorphisms
Authors: Pollitz Josh , Şega Liana
Published: October 2024

In this article we study base change of Poincaré series along a quasi-complete intersection homomorphism

φ
:
Q
→
R

\varphi \colon Q \to R

, where

Q
Q

is a local ring with maximal ideal

m

\mathfrak {m}

. In particular, we give a precise relationship between the Poincaré series

P

M
Q

(
t
)

\mathrm {P}^Q_M(t)

of a finitely generated

R
R

-module

M
M

to

P

M
R

(
t
)

\mathrm {P}^R_M(t)

when the kernel of

φ
\varphi

is contained in

m

a
n
n

Q

(
M
)

\mathfrak {m}\,\mathrm {ann}_Q(M)

. This generalizes a classical result of Shamash for complete intersection homomorphisms. Our proof goes through base change formulas for Poincaré series under the map of dg algebras

Q
→
E

Q\to E

, with

E
E

the Koszul complex on a minimal set of generators for the kernel of

φ
\varphi

.
Homoclinic classes of geodesic flows on rank 1 manifolds
Authors: Lima Yuri , Poletti Mauricio
Published: October 2024

Given a

C

1
+
β

C^{1+\beta }

flow

φ
\varphi

with positive speed on a closed smooth Riemannian manifold, we code two homoclinically related

φ
\varphi

–invariant probabilities by an irreducible countable topological Markov flow. As an application, we give a proof using symbolic dynamics of the theorem of Knieper [Ann. of Math. (2) 148 (1998), pp. 291–314] on the uniqueness of the measure of maximal entropy and theorems of Burns et al. [Geom. Funct. Anal. 28 (2018), pp. 1209–1259] on the uniqueness of equilibrium states.
Symmetric and Kähler–Einstein Fano polygons
Authors: Hwang DongSeon , Kim Yeonsu
Published: October 2024

We investigate singular symmetric and Kähler–Einstein Fano polytopes. More precisely, we show that every symmetric Fano polytope is Kähler–Einstein generalizing the work by Batyrev and Selivanova, and study the automorphism groups of symmetric and Kähler–Einstein Fano polygons in detail. In particular, every finite subgroup of

G

L
2

(

Z

)

GL_2(\mathbb {Z})

is an automorphism group of a Kähler–Einstein Fano polygon.
Decidability in geometric grid classes of permutations
Authors: Braunfeld Samuel
Published: October 2024

We prove that the basis and the generating function of a geometric grid class of permutations

G
e
o
m

(
M
)

\mathrm {Geom}(M)

are computable from the matrix

M
M

, as well as some variations on this result. Our main tool is monadic second-order logic on permutations and words.
Stability results of octahedrality in tensor product spaces
Authors: Rueda Zoca Abraham
Published: October 2024

We prove that there exists a finite-dimensional Banach space

X
X

such that

L
1

C

(
[
0
,
1
]
)

⊗
^

ε

X

L_1^\mathbb C([0,1])\widehat {\otimes }_\varepsilon X

fails the strong diameter two property and
<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" alttext="upper L Subscript normal infinity Superscript double-struck upper C Baseline left-parenthesis left-bracket 0 comma 1 right-bracket right-parenthesis ModifyingAbove circled-times With caret Subscript pi Baseline upper X Superscript asterisk">

L
∞

C

(
[
0
,
1
]
)

⊗
^

π

X
∗

L_\infty ^\mathbb C([0,1])\widehat {\otimes }_\pi X^*

fails to have an octahedral norm. This proves that the octahedrality of the norm (respectively the strong diameter two property) is not automatically inherited from one factor by taking projective tensor product (respectively injective tensor product), which answers Question 4.4 in Langemets, Lima, and Rueda Zoca [Rev. R. Acad. Cienc. Exactas Fís. Nat. Ser. A Mat. RACSAM 111 (2017), no. 3, pp. 841–853].
Twisted Jacquet modules: A conjecture of D. Prasad
Authors: Nadimpalli Santosh , Sheth Mihir
Published: October 2024

In this note, we study the twisted Jacquet modules of subquotients of principal series representations of

G
L

2

(
D
)

\mathrm {GL}_2(D)

where

D
D

is a division algebra over a non-archimedean local field

F
F

. We begin with a proof of a conjecture of D. Prasad on twisted Jacquet modules of Speh representations of

G
L

2

(
D
)

\mathrm { GL}_2(D)

when

D
D

is the quaternionic division algebra. For arbitrary division algebras

D
D

over

F
F

, we focus on depth-zero principal series. We compute the dimensions of twisted Jacquet modules of generalized Speh representations and explicitly investigate their structure as

D

×

D^{\times }

-representations in the depth-zero situation.
Tubes in complex hyperbolic manifolds
Authors: Basmajian Ara , Kim Youngju
Published: October 2024

We prove a tubular neighborhood theorem for an embedded complex geodesic in a complex hyperbolic 2-manifold where the width of the tube depends only on the Euler characteristic

χ
\chi

of the embedded complex geodesic. We give an explicit estimate for this width. We supply two applications of the tubular neighborhood theorem. The first is a lower volume bound for such manifolds. The second is an upper bound on the first eigenvalue of the Laplacian in terms of the geometry of the manifold. Finally, we prove a geometric combination theorem for two

C

\mathbb {C}

-Fuchsian subgroups of

PU
⁡
(
2
,
1
)

\operatorname {PU}(2,1)

. Using this combination theorem, we show that the optimal width size of a tube about an embedded complex geodesic is asymptotically bounded between

1

|

χ

|

\frac {1}{|\chi |}

and

1

|

χ

|

\frac {1}{\sqrt {|\chi |}}

.
Mean value theorems in multiplicative systems and joint ergodicity of additive and multiplicative actions
Authors: Charamaras Dimitrios
Published: October 2024

In this paper we are concerned with the study of additive ergodic averages in multiplicative systems and the investigation of the “pretentious” dynamical behaviour of these systems. We prove a mean ergodic theorem (Theorem A) that generalises Halász’s mean value theorem for finitely generated multiplicative functions taking values in the unit circle. In addition, we obtain two structural results concerning the “pretentious” dynamical behaviour of finitely generated multiplicative systems.

Moreover, motivated by the independence principle between additive and multiplicative structures of the integers, we explore the joint ergodicity (as a natural notion of independence) of an additive and a finitely generated multiplicative action, both acting on the same probability space. In Theorem B, we show that such actions are jointly ergodic whenever no “local obstructions” arise, and we give a concrete description of these “local obstructions”. As an application, we obtain some new combinatorial results regarding arithmetic configurations in large sets of integers including refinements of a special case of Szemerédi’s theorem.
Why ain’t evidentialists rich?
Authors: Weatherson Brian
Published: October 2024

A common argument for favouring Evidential Decision Theory (EDT) over Causal Decision Theory (CDT) is that EDT has predictably higher expected returns in Newcomb Problems. But this does not show much. For almost any pair of theories, you can come up with cases where one does, on average, better than the other. Here I describe a case involving dynamic choice where EDT predictably does worse than CDT.
vSPACE: exploring virtual spatial representation of articular chondrocytes at the single-cell level
Authors: Zhang Chenyu , Wang Honglin , Chung Yeonsoo , Hong Seung-Hyun , Olmer Merissa , Swahn Hannah , Lotz Martin , Maye Peter , Rowe David , Shin Dong-Guk
Published: October 2024

vSPACE is a web-based application presenting a spatial representation of scRNAseq data obtained from human articular cartilage by emulating the concept of spatial transcriptomics technology, but virtually. This virtual 2D plot presentation of human articular cartage cells generates several zonal distribution patterns, for one or multiple genes at a time, revealing patterns that scientists can appreciate as imputed spatial distribution patterns along the zonal axis.

Availability and implementation

vSPACE is implemented in Python Dash as a web-based toolbox designed for data visualization of zonal gene expression patterns in articular cartilage chondrocytes. This tool is freely accessible at: https://vspace.cse.uconn.edu/

The source code and extra materials for this service can be downloaded from: https://github.com/zhacheny/vSPACE
PCBS: an R package for fast and accurate analysis of bisulfite sequencing data
Authors: Lande Kathryn , Williams April E
Published: October 2024

Motivation

Whole-genome bisulfite sequencing is a powerful tool for analyzing chromatin methylation genome-wide, but analysis of whole-genome bisulfite data is slow, inflexible, and often inaccurate.

Results

We developed PCBS (Principal Component BiSulfite), a computationally efficient R package for Whole Genome Bisulfite Sequencing analysis that demonstrates remarkable accuracy and flexibility compared to current tools. PCBS identifies differentially methylated loci, differentially methylated regions, and offers novel functionality that allows for more targeted methylation analyses. PCBS uses minimal computational resources; a complete pipeline in mouse can run on a local RStudio instance in a matter of minutes.

Availability and implementation

PCBS is an R package available under a GNU GPLv3 license on GitHub: https://github.com/katlande/PCBS and CRAN: https://CRAN.R-project.org/package=PCBS. Instructions for use are available at: https://katlande.github.io/PCBS/.
Content evaluation of pruritus, skin pain and sleep disturbance patient-reported outcome measures for adolescents and adults with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis: qualitative interviews
Authors: Blauvelt Andrew , Reckleff Jennifer , Zhao Yang , Clark Marci , Kosa Katherine , Harris Nimanee , Esfandiari Ehsanollah , Martin Susan , Whalley Diane , Guttman-Yassky Emma
Published: October 2024

Background

Pruritus, skin pain and sleep disturbance place a significant burden on individuals with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) and negatively affect their quality of life. Fit-for-purpose patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) that assess AD-related pruritus, skin pain and sleep disturbance are important for evaluating the effectiveness of new AD treatments.

Objectives

To evaluate the content validity of five AD-related PROMs in adolescents and adults with moderate-to-severe AD [the Worst Pruritus Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), the AD Skin Pain NRS, the Sleep Disturbance NRS, the skin pain-specific Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) and the skin pain-specific Patient Global Impression of Severity (PGIS)], and to assess patient-reported experience with pruritus, skin pain and sleep disturbance.

Methods

A qualitative study in adolescents (aged 12–17 years) and adults (aged ≥ 18 years) with moderate-to-severe AD was conducted in two consecutive stages. In each stage, two iterative rounds of individual interviews were conducted by experienced interviewers. All interviews included concept elicitation and cognitive debriefing components. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Twenty-seven adults and 20 adolescents with moderate-to-severe AD took part in the initial content evaluation (stage 1) of the Worst Pruritus NRS (1.0) and AD Skin Pain NRS (1.0) (n = 26; 16 adults, 10 adolescents) and in the subsequent content evaluation (stage 2) of the revised Worst Pruritus NRS (1.1), revised AD Skin Pain NRS (1.1), Sleep Disturbance NRS, skin pain-specific PGIC and skin pain-specific PGIS (n = 21; 11 adults, 10 adolescents). The results were generally aligned and consistent for adult and adolescent participants. Additionally, we found that sleep disturbance is relevant and important for evaluation in adults and adolescents with moderate-to-severe AD (stage 2), while also providing further confirmation of this for pruritus and skin pain (stages 1 and 2).

Conclusions

Our findings support the content validity of the revised Worst Pruritus NRS (1.1), revised AD Skin Pain NRS (1.1), Sleep Disturbance NRS, skin pain-specific PGIC and skin pain-specific PGIS in individuals aged ≥ 12 years with moderate-to-severe AD. Furthermore, the findings support sleep disturbance, skin pain and pruritus as being relevant and important for adolescents and adults with moderate-to-severe AD.
Do large language model chatbots perform better than established patient information resources in answering patient questions? A comparative study on melanoma
Authors: Kamminga Nadia C W , Kievits June E C , Plaisier Peter W , Burgers Jako S , van der Veldt Astrid M , van den Brand Jan A G J , Mulder Mark , Wakkee Marlies , Lugtenberg Marjolein , Nijsten Tamar
Published: October 2024

Background

Large language models (LLMs) have a potential role in providing adequate patient information.

Objectives

To compare the quality of LLM responses with established Dutch patient information resources (PIRs) in answering patient questions regarding melanoma.

Methods

Responses from ChatGPT versions 3.5 and 4.0, Gemini, and three leading Dutch melanoma PIRs to 50 melanoma-specific questions were examined at baseline and for LLMs again after 8 months. Outcomes included (medical) accuracy, completeness, personalization, readability and, additionally, reproducibility for LLMs. Comparative analyses were performed within LLMs and PIRs using Friedman’s Anova, and between best-performing LLMs and gold-standard (GS) PIRs using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

Results

Within LLMs, ChatGPT-3.5 demonstrated the highest accuracy (P = 0.009). Gemini performed best in completeness (P < 0.001), personalization (P = 0.007) and readability (P < 0.001). PIRs were consistent in accuracy and completeness, with the general practitioner’s website excelling in personalization (P = 0.013) and readability (P < 0.001). The best-performing LLMs outperformed the GS-PIR on completeness and personalization, yet it was less accurate and less readable. Over time, response reproducibility decreased for all LLMs, showing variability across outcomes.

Conclusions

Although LLMs show potential in providing highly personalized and complete responses to patient questions regarding melanoma, improving and safeguarding accuracy, reproducibility and accessibility is crucial before they can replace or complement conventional PIRs.
A 3-year national DRL for CT in hybrid imaging study in Kuwait health environment—impact and implementation
Authors: Masoomi Michael , Al-Kandari Latifah , Al-Shammeri Iman , Elrahman Hany , Al-Shammeri Jehan
Published: October 2024

Objective

Diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) for CT in PET-CT are limited, and published DRLs from other countries may not be directly applicable to the State of Kuwait (KW). The authors aimed to carry out the final phase of a 3-year study on DRLs in KW, supporting optimization and dose reduction as imaging technology advances.

Methods

In this cohort study, 400 adult oncology patients from 8 PET-CT centres were included, following the same procedures as in the first (2018) and second (2020) years, in accordance with the MOH-KW Ethical Committee’s recommendations. The CT dose index (CTDIvol), dose-length product (DLP), and scan length were recorded, and the median, mean, standard deviation, as well as the 75th and 25th percentiles, along with the whole-body (WB) effective dose (ED), were calculated. Comparative studies were conducted to track implementation and identify any shortfalls.

Results

In this study, half-body (HB) and WB scans accounted for 66% and 34% of the total 400 cases, respectively. The proposed local DRL practice among the 8 centres in the 2022 study exhibited a maximum variation of 25%, showing a 30% improvement over 2020. The achievable local DRL remained consistent with 2020 levels. Comparative results of the third quartile DLP (476 mGy cm) and CTDIvol (4 mGy) values for 2022 indicated lower values for the third phase (400 entries) compared to 2020, with a 1.5-fold variation in DLP. The calculated ED for WB scans ranged from 2.6 to 7.1 mSv, with mean values of 4.7 ± 1.25 mSv, using a conversion factor (k = 0.0093 mSv/mGy/cm). The 2022 proposed national diagnostic reference levels (NDRLs) for HB (469 mGy cm, 4.0 mGy) were lower than the Swiss National Data (620 mGy cm, 6.0 mGy) and France (628 mGy cm, 6.6 mGy), but slightly higher than those of the United Kingdom (400 mGy cm, 4.3 mGy), despite the Swiss having about 5000 entries, France 1000 entries, and the United Kingdom 370 HB entries.

Conclusions

There was a 11.1% continuous improvement in NDRL for 2022 compared to 9.1% in 2020 and 13% in 2018, demonstrating a trend of enhanced optimization.

Advances in knowledge

The data established a trend of NDRL for WBCT (PET-CT) that can serve as a national databank for ongoing optimization. This promotes improvements in patient protection and quality care within the clinical environment of the State of Kuwait, aligning with the strategic goals of Kuwait Vision-2035.
Bacterial microbiome and their assembly processing in two sympatric desert rodents (Dipus sagitta and Meriones meridianus) from different geographic sources
Authors: Tuoliu Dilala , Cheng Jilong , Xia Lin , Wen Zhixin , Wang Muyang , Yang Weikang , Yang Qisen
Published: October 2024

The microbiome of mammals has profound effects on host fitness, but the process, which drives the assembly and shift of mammalian microbiome remains poorly understood. To explore the patterns of small mammal microbial communities across host species and geographical sites and measure the relative contributions of different processes in driving assembly patterns, 2 sympatric desert rodent species (Dipus sagitta and Meriones meridianus) were sampled from 2 geographically distant regions, which differed in the environment, followed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The microbiomes differed significantly between D. sagitta and M. meridianus, and linear mixed modeling (LMM) analysis revealed that microbial diversity was mostly affected by species rather than the environment. For each rodent species, the microbiome diversity and structure differed across geographical regions, with individuals from lower rainfall environments exhibiting greater diversity. The null modeling results suggested dispersal limitation and ecological drift rather than differential selective pressures acting on the microbiome. In addition, each group had a different core genus, suggesting that the taxonomic composition of the microbiome was shaped most strongly by stochastic processes. Our results suggest that variation in the microbiome between hosts, both within and among geographic rodent populations, is driven by bacterial dispersal and ecological drift rather than by differential selective pressures. These results elucidated the diversity patterns and assembly processes of bacterial microbiomes in small desert mammals. Deciphering the processes shaping the assembly of the microbial community is a premise for better understanding how the environment-host-microbe interactions of mammals are established and maintained, particularly in the context of increased environmental disturbances and global changes.
Impact of cannabis use on presentation and treatment response in eosinophilic esophagitis
Authors: Borinsky Stephanie A , Weir Alexandra A , LaFata Sean S , Gee Timothy S , Thel Hannah L , Cameron Brenderia A , Xue Angela Z , Kiran Akshatha , Ocampo Adolfo A , McCallen Justin , Lee Christopher J , Redd Walker D , Barlowe Trevor S , Kaakati Rayan N , Cotton Cary C , Eluri Swathi , Reed Craig C , Dellon Evan S
Published: October 2024

Cannabis use is becoming increasingly common, both for recreational and medical purposes. However, there is a paucity of data regarding cannabis use in the context of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). We aimed to determine the impact of cannabis use on presentation and treatment response in EoE. To this end, we conducted a retrospective cohort study at a large academic medical center of newly diagnosed EoE patients age ≥ 12 years. Self-reported cannabis use status, baseline characteristics, and treatment response to topical corticosteroids and dietary therapy data were extracted. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were used to compare cannabis users and non-users at time of EoE diagnosis and to assess treatment response. Of 983 EoE patients, 80 reported using cannabis, with the majority reporting daily use and administration by inhalation. Baseline symptoms and peak eosinophil count were similar between cannabis users and non-users; cannabis users were less likely to have baseline endoscopic findings of exudates, edema, and stricture, and lower total Endoscopic Reference Score. On multivariable analysis, younger age, male sex, non-White race, and psychiatric diagnosis were independently associated with history of cannabis use at EoE presentation and stricture was independently associated with cannabis non-use. Post-treatment symptom and histologic responses were similar between cannabis users and non-users though there was a higher odds of post-treatment endoscopic inflammatory features with cannabis use. In conclusion, despite presenting with milder initial endoscopic findings, cannabis users exhibited greater inflammatory findings after treatment, highlighting a potential negative influence of cannabis use on EoE management.
Hepatic T1 mapping as a novel cardio-hepatic axis imaging biomarker early after ST-elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Bergamaschi Luca , Arangalage Dimitri , Maurizi Niccolò , Pizzi Carmine , Valgimigli Marco , Iglesias Juan F , Landi Antonio , Leo Laura Anna , Eeckhout Eric , Schwitter Juerg , Pavon Anna Giulia
Published: October 2024

Aims

The hepatic response after ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) may be associated with mortality and morbidity. We aimed to assess the cardio-hepatic axis post-STEMI using cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR).

Methods and results

This prospective, observational, single-centre study included consecutive patients with STEMI who underwent CMR after primary angioplasty from January 2015 to January 2019. Standard infarct characteristics were analysed, and hepatic T1 and hepatic extracellular volume (ECV) were assessed using pre- and post-contrast T1 mapping sequences. The primary endpoint was the relationship between native hepatic T1 values and ischaemic right ventricular (RV) involvement, determined by RV ejection fraction (EF) dysfunction and/or the presence of RV acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The diagnostic performance of hepatic T1 values for detecting RV involvement was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Of 177 consecutive patients with STEMI undergoing CMR, 142 were included. Patients with RV ischaemic involvement, compared with those without, had significantly higher native hepatic T1 (P < 0.001) and hepatic ECV (P = 0.016). Hepatic T1 values demonstrated a good diagnostic performance in detecting RV involvement (AUC 0.826, P < 0.001) and correlated positively with NT-proBNP values (r = 0.754, P < 0.001). Patients with high hepatic T1 values (> 605 ms) had significantly higher NT-proBNP levels (< 0.001), larger RV end-diastolic volume (P < 0.001), lower RVEF (P < 0.001), and a higher prevalence of RV AMI (P = 0.022) compared with those with hepatic T1 ≤ 605 ms, whereas left ventricular EF and infarct size were similar. Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified RVEF (P = 0.010) and NT-proBNP values (P < 0.001) as independent predictors of increased hepatic T1 values. Patients with increased hepatic T1 values had a higher rate of rehospitalization for heart failure at 17-month follow-up (12.1 vs. 2.0%, P = 0.046).

Conclusion

Hepatic T1 mapping has emerged as a possible novel imaging biomarker of the cardio-hepatic axis in STEMI, being associated with RV involvement and increased NT-proBNP values.
Parathyroid carcinoma and atypical parathyroid tumor: analysis of an Italian database
Authors: Marini Francesca , Marcucci Gemma , Giusti Francesca , Arvat Emanuela , Benvenga Salvatore , Bondanelli Marta , Castellino Laura , Camozzi Valentina , Corbetta Sabrina , Davì Maria Vittoria , Famà Fausto , Ferone Diego , Iacobone Maurizio , Loli Paola , Mantovani Giovanna , Pagotto Uberto , Persani Luca , Perigli Giuliano , Piovesan Alessandro , Repaci Andrea , Ruggeri Rosaria Maddalena , Eller-Vainicher Cristina , Vera Lara , Zatelli Maria Chiara , Zavatta Guido , Brandi Maria Luisa
Published: October 2024

Objective

Atypical parathyroid tumor (aPT) and parathyroid carcinoma (PC) are extremely rare parathyroid neoplasms, accounting together for <2% of all parathyroid tumors. They often present an overlapping clinical phenotype, sharing clinical, biochemical, and some histological features. They are distinguished only by the presence of local invasion, and lymph nodes or distant metastasis, which are all absent in aPTs. To date, only few studies have compared clinical presentation and features between aPTs and PCs. Our purpose was to conduct a retrospective study on a multicenter Italian database of aPT and PC patients.

Design and methods

We comparatively analyzed main features of aPT (n = 57) and PC (n = 74) patients collected at 15 major endocrinology and endocrine surgery centers in Italy.

Results and conclusions

Atypical parathyroid tumors and PCs showed no significant differences in many clinical features and presented similar values of elevated parathyroid hormone and total serum calcium. Renal complications, namely nephrolithiasis and nephrocalcinosis, appeared to be more common in PC, with a significantly higher rate of renal colic, regardless of total serum calcium levels and 24-h calciuria. Parathyroid carcinomas showed significantly higher postoperative disease persistence and recurrence rates, presumably due to an uncomplete resection of the primary tumor in 23.5% of cases and/or presence of unremoved active metastasis, but they had similar disease-free mean time after surgery than aPT. To deepen the study of malignant parathyroid tumors, the institution of a novel Italian retro-prospective multicenter registry of aPTs and PCs is currently ongoing, and a dedicated PC European registry has been recently activated.
Palatal canine impaction is associated with craniofacial shape in humans
Authors: Athanasiou Maria , Papadopoulou Christianna I , Alamoudi Ragda , Halazonetis Demetrios , Verna Carlalberta , Gkantidis Nikolaos , Kanavakis Georgios
Published: October 2024

Background/Objectives

It is unclear whether palatal canine impaction is related to genetic or local/environmental factors. If a genetic origin is assumed, then it could be expected that palatal canine impaction is associated with overall craniofacial development. Within this context, the aim of this study was to evaluate the craniofacial morphology of individuals with palatal canine impaction and compare it to a matched group of normal controls.

Materials/Methods

The sample for this investigation comprised 404 individuals (232 females and 172 males). Half of these individuals presented with unilateral or bilateral palatal canine impaction confirmed clinically and radiographically. The other half were matched for sex and age with the first half and comprised individuals without tooth impaction, apart from third molars. The shape of the craniofacial structures was outlined on calibrated cephalometric images through 15 curves and 127 landmarks (11 fixed and 116 semi-landmarks). Shape configurations were superimposed using Procrustes Superimposition and the resulting shape coordinates were reduced into principal components for all subsequent analyses. The effect of palatal canine impaction on craniofacial shape was assessed with regression models, separately in females and males. All statistical tests were performed assuming a type-1 error of 5%.

Results

Individuals with palatally impacted canines appear to have a less convex face, a more brachyfacial skeletal pattern, and a sagittally extended premaxilla. In females effect sizes ranged between η2 = 0.136–0.397 (P < 0.05) and in males between η2 = 0.125–0.396 (P < 0.05, apart from the entire craniofacial configuration: P = 0.259).

Limitations

Palatal canine impaction was not confirmed through cone beam computer tomography images in all patients, however, in those cases, the treatment history confirmed the diagnosis.

Conclusions/Implications

Palatal canine impaction is related to a distinct craniofacial shape in females and males. These findings allow for speculation that palatal canine impaction is affected by genetic pathways involved in overall craniofacial development.
Lonely, stressed-out moms
Authors: Bridgers Elena , Fox Molly M
Published: October 2024

Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) are estimated to affect as many as 17.7% of mothers in agricultural and postindustrial societies. Various lines of research converge to suggest that PMADs may be ‘diseases of modernity’, arising from a mismatch between the environments in which humans evolved over hundreds of thousands of years and contemporary postindustrial lifestyles. Here we highlight the social context of childrearing by focusing on three sources of mismatch associated with PMADs: closer interbirth spacing, lack of allomaternal support and lack of prior childcare experience. The transitions to agriculture and industrialization disrupted traditional maternal support networks, allowing closer birth spacing without compromising infant survival but increasing maternal isolation. Caring for closely spaced offspring is associated with high levels of parenting stress, and poses a particular challenge in the context of social isolation. The mother’s kin and community play a critical role in allomothering (childcare participation) in all contemporary hunter-gatherer societies, facilitating a system of simultaneous care for children of a range of ages with unique age-specific needs. The absence of social support and assistance from allomothers in postindustrial societies leaves mothers at increased risk for PMADs due to elevated caregiving burdens. Furthermore, the traditional system of allomothering that typified human evolutionary history afforded girls and women experience and training before motherhood, which likely increased their self-efficacy. We argue that the typical postindustrial motherhood social experience is an evolutionary anomaly, leading to higher rates of PMADs.
Multipoint pacing is associated with improved prognosis and cardiac resynchronization therapy response: MORE-CRT MPP randomized study secondary analyses
Authors: Calò Leonardo , De Ruvo Ermenegildo , Kolb Christof , Janmohamed Amir , Marques Pedro , Defaye Pascal , Marquie Christelle , Piot Olivier , Grammatico Andrea , Lee Kwangdeok , Lin Wenjiao , Burri Haran , Sperzel Johannes , Thibault Bernard , Rinaldi Christopher , Leclercq Christophe
Published: October 2024

Aims

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) via biventricular (BIV) pacing is indicated in patients with heart failure (HF), reduced ejection fraction, and prolonged QRS duration. Quadripolar leads and multipoint pacing (MPP) allow multiple left ventricle (LV) sites pacing. We aimed to assess the clinical benefit of MPP in patients who do not respond to standard BIV pacing.

Methods and results

Overall, 3724 patients were treated with standard BIV pacing. After 6 months, 1639 patients were considered as CRT non-responders (echo-measured relative reduction in LV end-systolic volume (LVESV) < 15%) and randomized to MPP or BIV. We analysed 593 randomized patients (291 MPP, 302 BIV), who had BIV pacing >97% of the time before randomization and complete 12 months of clinical and echocardiographic data. The endpoint composed of freedom from cardiac death and HF hospitalizations and by LVESV relative reduction ≥15% between randomization and 12 months occurred more frequently in MPP [96/291 (33.0%)] vs. BIV [71/302 (23.5%), P = 0.0103], which was also confirmed at multivariate analysis (hazard ratio = 1.55, 95% confidence interval = 1.02–2.34, P = 0.0402 vs. BIV). HF hospitalizations occurred less frequently in MPP [14/291 (4.81%)] vs. BIV [29/302 (9.60%), incidence rate ratio = 50%, P = 0.0245]. Selecting patients with a large (>30 ms) dispersion of interventricular electrical delay among the four LV lead dipoles, reverse remodelling was more frequent in MPP [18/51 (35.3%)] vs. BIV [11/62 (17.7%), P = 0.0335].

Conclusion

In patients who do not respond to standard CRT despite the high BIV pacing percentage, MPP is associated with lower occurrence of HF hospitalizations and higher probability of reverse LV remodelling compared with BIV pacing.
Trivalent immunization with metal-binding proteins confers protection against enterococci in a mouse infection model
Authors: Lam Ling Ning , Sedra Angie , Kajfasz Jessica , Berges Aym , Saengpet Irene S , Adams Grace , Fairman Jeffery , Lemos José A
Published: October 2024

Enterococcus faecalis is ranked among the top five bacterial pathogens responsible for catheter-associated urinary tract infections, wound infections, secondary root canal infections, and infective endocarditis. Previously, we showed that inactivation of either the manganese- and iron-binding (EfaA) or zinc-binding (AdcA and AdcAII) lipoproteins significantly reduced E. faecalis virulence. Here, we explored whether immunization using a multi-valent approach induces protective immunity against systemic enterococcal infections. We found that multi-antigen antisera raised against EfaA, AdcA, and AdcAII displayed similar capacities to initiate neutrophil-mediated opsonization, like their single-antigen counterparts. Further, these antigen-specific antibodies worked synergistically with calprotectin, a divalent host metal chelator, to inhibit the growth of E. faecalis in laboratory media as well as in human sera. Using the Galleria mellonella invertebrate model and mouse peritonitis model, we showed that passive immunization with multi-antigen antisera conferred robust protection against E. faecalis infection, while the protective effects of single antigen antisera were negligible in G. mellonella, and negligible-to-moderate in the mouse model. Lastly, active immunization with the 3-antigen (trivalent) cocktail significantly protected mice against either lethal or non-lethal E. faecalis infections, with this protection appearing to be far-reaching based on immunization results obtained with contemporary strains of E. faecalis and closely related Enterococcus faecium.
Genome-wide association studies of photosynthetic and agronomic traits in cowpea collection
Authors: Sansa Olakunle , Abberton Michael Terrance , Ariyo Johnson , Paliwal Rajneesh , Ige Adenike , Dieng Ibnou , Ayo-Vaughan Moninuola , Olowe Victor Idowu , Oyatomi Olaniyi
Published: October 2024

Exploring genomic regions linked with drought tolerance and photosynthesis in cowpea could accelerate breeding of climate-resilient cowpea varieties. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted to identify marker–trait associations for agronomic and photosynthetic traits measured under well-watered and water-stressed conditions. One hundred and twelve cowpea accessions from IITA were phenotyped for agronomic and photosynthetic traits across 3 locations in 2 years: Ibadan, Ikenne (2020 and 2021), and Kano (2021 and 2022). The accessions were genotyped using 19,000 Diversity Arrays Technology sequencing single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers from which 9,210 markers were utilized for GWAS analysis using BLINK and linear mixed model (LMM) in GAPIT. Results revealed significant accession × environment interactions for measured traits, while ΦPSII, ΦNO, and ΦNPQ had significant and consistent correlations with grain yield across conditions. GWAS identified 5 SNP markers having consistent associations with grain yield under well-watered and water-stressed conditions and 3 markers associated with ΦNPQ and ΦNO. Gene annotations revealed Vigun04g169000 and Vigun08g168900 genes linked with grain yield and highly expressed under water-stressed conditions have functional roles in regulating plant development and adaptive response to environmental stress. Vigun07g133400, Vigun07g132700, and Vigun07g258000 genes linked with ΦNPQ and ΦNO are involved in activities controlling photoprotection and stress-induced damage in plants. This study identified natural genetic variation in cowpea and correlations between photosynthetic traits and grain yield under real-field drought conditions. The identified SNP markers upon validation would be valuable in marker-assisted selection and useful for cowpea breeders to harness the role of photosynthesis in genetic enhancement of cowpea’s tolerance to drought.
CIEC: Cross-tissue Immune Cell Type Enrichment and Expression Map Visualization for Cancer
Authors: He Jinhua , Luo Haitao , Wang Wei , Bu Dechao , Zou Zhengkai , Wang Haolin , Tang Hongzhen , Han Zeping , Luo Wenfeng , Shen Jian , Xie Fangmei , Zhao Yi , Xiang Zhiming
Published: October 2024

Single-cell transcriptome sequencing technology has been applied to decode the cell types and functional states of immune cells, revealing their tissue-specific gene expression patterns and functions in cancer immunity. Comprehensive assessments of immune cells within and across tissues will provide us with a deeper understanding of the tumor immune system in general. Here, we present Cross-tissue Immune cell type or state Enrichment analysis of gene lists for Cancer (CIEC), the first web-based application that integrates database and enrichment analysis to estimate the cross-tissue immune cell type or state. CIEC version 1.0 consists of 480 samples covering primary tumor, adjacent normal tissue, lymph node, metastasis tissue, and peripheral blood from 323 cancer patients. By applying integrative analysis, we constructed an immune cell-type/state map for each context and adopted our previously developed Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) Orthology Based Annotation System (KOBAS) algorithm to estimate the enrichment for context-specific immune cell type/state. In addition, CIEC also provides an easy-to-use online interface for users to comprehensively analyze the immune cell characteristics mapped across multiple tissues, including expression map, correlation, similar genes detection, signature score, and expression comparison. We believe that CIEC will be a valuable resource for exploring the intrinsic characteristics of immune cells in cancer patients and for potentially guiding novel cancer–immune biomarker development and immunotherapy strategies. CIEC is freely accessible at http://ciec.gene.ac/.
A liberal defense of no-platforming
Authors: Adenitire John Olusegun
Published: October 2024

This article defends a definition of no-platforming as the practice by private actors of obstructing, or attempting to obstruct, a speaker on the ground that the speech or speaker is deeply objectionable, typically for moral reasons. A liberal defense of no-platforming is presented, asserting that it is a form of free speech protected by liberal principles, provided it is not violent. The core implication is that advocates of free speech should also support non-violent no-platforming. However, the free speech rights of no-platformers must be carefully balanced against those of the individuals being no-platformed, which may require ensuring that obstructed speakers still have an opportunity to be heard. Ultimately, the moral conflict is not merely between free speech and nondiscrimination, or between free speech and academic freedom, but rather a conflict within the realm of free speech itself.
Still Engaging, Not Avoiding, Contradictions: Conceptualizing Cooperative Research in Practical, Structural and Epistemic Terms
Authors: Lottholz Philipp , Kluczewska Karolina
Published: October 2024

Critical methodologies in International Political Sociology (IPS) and its intersecting fields and research traditions have increasingly coalesced around the idea that research should be done in dialogue, and possibly cooperation, with people rather than only about them. Drawing together research under this theme and wider debates on participatory, activist, and action research, alongside our own research experience, this article proposes the notion of cooperative research to capture and further develop this research agenda. In the context of neoliberal academia and its narrow insurance-based conception of research ethics and safety, we argue that cooperative and ethical research can be done and developed further both in the cracks and margins of the system, and in a gradual reform process within it. Starting with a survey of existing traditions and recent advances towards cooperative research, we proceed to unpack what cooperative research looks like in practice and how it benefits the involved parties. The article then explores structural and epistemic obstacles that cooperative research faces within the current institutional, body, and geo-politics of knowledge production. It also reflects on future avenues to productively deal with the inherent contradictions of cooperative research, not only by embracing the “ethos of critique”, but also by trying to make (even small) changes within the Western knowledge production system by promoting, and rendering more legitimate, alternative forms of knowledge and storytelling.
More Women, Fewer Nukes?
Authors: Wattenberg Jana
Published: October 2024

Women increasingly feature in nuclear diplomacy, both as participants and as subject matter. Research institutes report a steady increase in women's representation in large multilateral disarmament forums. Diplomats emphasize the importance of women in statements and working papers. The recent conversation on women in nuclear diplomacy forms part of a wider discourse on women in the nuclear weapons field. This article studies portrayals of women in the discourse. It identifies three narratives as prominent themes: women are missing, women are change-makers and women are victims. The narratives can generate support for political projects for gender equality and nuclear disarmament. However, they also create an ideal image of women as peaceful that bears negative connotations for perceptions of women's political agency. The article makes three contributions to feminist literature in International Relations. First, it brings the debate on the value of strategic essentialism to the nuclear case. Second, it proposes a new research agenda on women in the nuclear field to complexify the image of women as peaceful. Lastly, the article identifies tensions between feminisms in the nuclear field and suggests viewing these tensions as an indication that feminism is an ongoing conversation shaped by contention and solidarity. The practical significance of the article concerns the way in which the use of narratives about women can reinforce gender stereotypes. Practitioners might want to consider this implication when drawing on the narratives in their advocacy for women's inclusion and nuclear disarmament.
The quantification of bone mineral density using photon counting computed tomography and its implications for detecting bone remodeling
Authors: Quintiens Jilmen , Coudyzer Walter , Bevers Melissa , Vereecke Evie , van den Bergh Joop P , Manske Sarah L , van Lenthe G Harry
Published: October 2024

HR-pQCT has become standard practice when quantifying volumetric BMD (vBMD) in vivo. Yet, it is only accessible to peripheral sites, with small fields of view and lengthy scanning times. This limits general applicability in clinical workflows. The goal of this study was to assess the potential of photon counting CT (PCCT) in quantitative bone imaging. Using the European Forearm Phantom, PCCT was calibrated to hydroxyapatite (HA) density. Eight cadaveric forearms were scanned twice with PCCT and once with HR-pQCT. The dominant forearm of two volunteers was scanned twice with PCCT. In each scan, the carpals were delineated. At bone level, accuracy was assessed with a paired measurement of total vBMD (Tt.vBMD) calculated with PCCT and HR-pQCT. At voxel-level, repeatability was assessed by image registration and voxel-wise subtraction of the ex vivo PCCT scans. In an ideal scenario, this difference would be zero; any deviation was interpreted as falsely detected remodeling. For clinical usage, the least detectable remodeling was determined by finding a threshold in the PCCT difference image that resulted in a classification of bone formation and resorption below acceptable noise levels (<0.5%). The paired measurement of Tt.vBMD had a Pearson correlation of 0.986. Compared to HR-pQCT, PCCT showed a bias of 7.46 mgHA/cm3. At voxel-level, the repeated PCCT scans showed a bias of 17.66 mgHA/cm3 and a standard error of 96.23 mgHA/cm3. Least detectable remodeling was found to be 250 mgHA/cm3, for which 0.37% of the voxels was incorrectly classified as newly added or resorbed bone. In vivo, this volume increased to 0.97%. Based on the cadaver data, we conclude that PCCT can be used to quantify vBMD and bone turnover. We provided proof of principle that this technique is also accurate in vivo, hence, that it has high potential for clinical applications.
Automatic cable routing based on improved pathfinding algorithm and B-spline optimization for collision avoidance
Authors: Kim Kunchan , Yoon Yeongjun , Kim Byung Chul , Kim Jongguk , Han Soonhung , Kwon Soonjo
Published: October 2024

With the recent growth of electrical and electronic systems such as electric vehicles, the demand for automatic cable routing for electrical wiring design is increasing. However, real industry use cases of automatic cable routing are still rare especially in three-dimensional design. In this study, we propose a new pathfinding algorithm, JPS–Theta*, which combines the existing pathfinding algorithms, Jump Point Search and Theta*, that is better suited for cable routing. In addition, we propose a B-spline optimization algorithm to create natural cable shapes while avoiding collisions. In the experiments, it was found that the proposed pathfinding algorithm complements the existing algorithms and is thought to be more suitable for the purpose of automatic cable routing. Additionally, ant colony optimization for continuous domains, a meta-heuristic algorithm, was successfully used for optimizing the B-spline to obtain cable shapes without collision. Lastly, as a case study, the proposed method was directly applied to the electrical panel design to show its effectiveness. We expect that the proposed method will be able to improve the efficiency and quality of electrical wiring design.
Numerical simulation of three-phase mud invasion using an epidermal effect model and adaptive time-stepping
Authors: Xiao Jiaqi , Chen Xinliang , Wang Peisheng , Gao Meixiang
Published: October 2024

The numerical simulation of reservoir mud invasion is widely used for studying the dynamic invasion process. To investigate the saturation changes of the three phases (water, oil, and mud filtrate) during mud infiltration into intact formations, this study presents a mathematical model for three-phase invasion in cylindrical coordinates. The principle of mud intrusion into the reservoir allows the derivation of the basic equation of three-phase mud seepage from Darcy's law and the law of mass conservation. This is followed by the derivation of the differential equations of pressure and three-phase saturation during mud intrusion. A numerical simulation program for the three-phase seepage flow of mud intrusion is written using the finite-difference method. An adaptive time-step algorithm is developed to address the inadaptability of the intrusion algorithm in the case of mud surges. Additionally, an epithermal effect algorithm is developed to address the problem of mud particles entering the stratum and affecting the absolute permeability. The results show that, as the porosity increases, the radial depth of intrusion decreases, along with a reduction in the invaded annulus range. It can be demonstrated that, when the reservoir pressure is maintained at a constant level, the size of the borehole pressure leads to an increase in the depth of radial intrusion and the extent of the intrusion annulus, under different differential pressure conditions.