bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Random Forest Model Driven by CLT-Simulated Data for Predicting the Growth Rate of Internal Kink Mode in Tokamak
Authors: Ning Hongwei , Yang Jinhong , Wang Weihua , Ren Zhenzhen , Liu sheng , Zhang Peijie , Kai Zhong , Zhou Teng , Wu Jianguo
Published: November 2024

Real-time prediction of the growth rate of internal kink modes and the timely implementation of control measures are crucial for the stable operation of tokamak devices. In this study, machine learning techniques are combined with the three-dimensional toroidal nonlinear magnetohydrodynamic code CLT (Ci-Liu-Ti) to enable real-time prediction of the growth rate of internal kink modes. The CLT code is first utilized to generate a dataset of internal kink mode growth rates with 15 input features. Based on this dataset, four machine learning algorithms are applied to predict the growth rate of internal kink modes within a timescale of less than 25 microseconds. Experimental results indicate that Random Forest model achieves the highest coefficient of determination (R2) at 95.07%. Additionally, dataset size was progressively expanded, starting from 50 data points and increasing by 10 points at a time, resulting in a total of 16 datasets of varying sizes. Random Forest and other machine learning models are trained on each of these 16 datasets. The results suggest that the current dataset contains a sufficient volume of data, and the four machine learning models trained exhibit adequate generalization capabilities, making the predictions of the internal kink mode growth rate reliable.
Simulation of novel CsSnBr3 perovskite solar cells achieving efficiency of 31.62 %
Authors: Kheswa B V , Majola SNT
Published: November 2024

In this study, we performed computational optimization on four designs of CsSnBr3 perovskite solar cells using the SCAPS-1D simulation tool. Our main objective was to enhance the efficiency of the FTO/AlZnO/CsSnBr3/WSe2/Se, FTO/ZnO/CsSnBr3/WSe2/Se, FTO/LiTiO2/CsSnBr3/WSe2/Se, and FTO/WS2/CsSnBr3/WSe2/Se configurations. We investigated how adjusting the thicknesses of the electron transport layer (ETL), hole transport layer (HTL), and perovskite layer, along with varying temperature, series and shunt resistances, and the acceptor doping density of the HTL, affected key performance metrics, such as the short-circuit current (Jsc), open-circuit voltage (Voc), fill factor (FF), and power conversion efficiency (PCE). The optimized PCEs for these configurations were 30.52%, 31.62%, 30.42%, and 30.51%, respectively, indicating that they all achieved similar levels of efficiency. The solar cells performed optimally at a temperature of 300 K, with zero series resistance and a shunt resistance of at least 1 × 105 Ω cm2. While zero series resistance is not practical in real-world applications, the findings suggest it should be minimized as much as possible for maximum efficiency. Furthermore, when comparing our results to prior studies, we found that the PCE values of all CsSnBr3-based solar cell designs developed in this research surpassed that of the previously reported ITO/WS2/CsSnBr3/Cu2O/Au cell, which had the highest recorded PCE for similar devices. Our best-performing structure showed a 9.19% improvement in efficiency over the previous record.
Non-autonomous exact solutions and dynamic behaviors for the variable coefficient nonlinear Schrödinger equation with external potential
Authors: Qin Qing , Li Li , Yu Fajun
Published: November 2024

The nonlinear Schrödinger(NLS) equation represents a nonlinear dynamical system, which is usually used to describe nonlinear waves in deep water, self-focusing of intense lasers contained in electrolytes, and so on. The exact solutions of the variable coefficient nonlinear Schrödinger equation with external potential are considered. The variable coefficient nonlinear Schrödinger equation is transformed into a constant coefficient nonlinear equation by using the similarity transformation method, the exact solutions of the constant coefficient nonlinear equation are generated by using the homogeneous balance method. We obtain one-soliton, two-soliton, kink type soliton, bright soliton, parabolic soliton and rogue wave solutions. A ‘stepped’ type soliton solution is obtained in this paper, which is a novel type solution and different from the solutions of most nonlinear Schrödinger equations. Some special dynamic behaviors of solitons of the variable coefficient nonlinear Schrödinger equation with external potential are obtained via selecting some free functions. We found that the numerical simulation result is consistent with the exact solution through illustrating the time evolution of bright soliton solution.
Non-uniform Al2O3 back reflector for performance enhancement of thin rear passivated silicon solar cells
Authors: Banerjee Pritam , Mukhopadhyay Sumita , Hossain Syed Minhaz
Published: November 2024

Low material usage, physical flexibility, portability, and lightweight applications are some of the major advantages that have claimed serious research attention towards ultrathin crystalline wafer-based solar cells. This work seeks to address a major challenge for such cells namely poor light absorption in thin absorbers. A novel inclined back reflector layer (BRL) of aluminium oxide for both planar and textured surfaced silicon devices with a thickness of 20 μm was investigated, combined with the passivation properties of the metal oxide film. A study of symmetric, asymmetric, and textured conformal BRL revealed an optical gain of ∼32% for the optimized BRL as compared to the structure without BRL. The combined effect of passivation and back reflection of the proposed BRL improved the power conversion efficiency by 60%. The optical and efficiency gain of 17% was observed for the structures with inclined BRL, as compared to that of a planar BRL. A remarkable omnidirectional response was also observed for textured BRL structures.
Observation of bi-directional global Alfvén eigenmodes in the MAST-U tokamak
Authors: Dreval M.B. , Oliver H.J.C. , Sharapov S.E. , Rivero-Rodriguez J.F. , Fitzgerald M. , Michael C. , Ochoukov R. , Velarde L. , Cecconello M. , Ryan D. ,   the MAST-U Team
Published: November 2024

The first observations and classification of deuterium beam-driven sub-cyclotron frequency range Alfvén eigenmodes (AEs) are presented for the MAST-Upgrade tokamak. Sets of observed eigenmodes are separated in frequency by approximately 200 kHz. We observe a lower frequency separation of ∼10 kHz within each set, and the toroidal mode number n increases with frequency sequentially. The ∼200 kHz step between the sets coincides with the interval between successive curves of the Shear Alfvén continuum according to linear ideal MHD modeling. The sub-cyclotron frequency AEs can be identified as the global AEs (GAEs) localized at the continuum extrema regions. Each set contains the same range of n. These observations are consistent with our GAE modeling. In low plasma current (I
p) discharges, we observe only GAEs propagating counter to the plasma current and the beam direction. These GAEs are located near the magnetic axis. We observe counter and co-propagating GAEs simultaneously in higher I
p discharges. The co-propagating GAEs occur because of the formation of second continuum minima. Very flat safety factor profiles in higher I
p MAST-U discharges give rise to these minima. They are located at around half of the plasma radius. The GAEs have properties that are very different to those of compressional AEs previously reported for the MAST tokamak with low magnetic fields (Sharapov et al 2014 Phys. Plasmas
21 082501) before the upgrade.
Regionally optimized fire parameterizations using feed-forward neural networks
Authors: Ham Yoo-Geun , Nam Seung-Ho , Kang Geun-Hyeong , Kim Jin-Soo
Published: November 2024

The fire weather index (FWI) is a widely used metric for fire danger based on meteorological observations. However, even though it simulates the nonlinear relationship between the meteorological observations and fire intensity, the ability of the FWI to accurately represent global satellite-derived fire intensity observations is limited due to its empirical formulation based on a specific region. In this study, we propose a regionally-fitted fire parameterization method using feed-forward neural networks (FFNNs) to understand the nonlinear relationship between the meteorological variables and the fire intensity, which eventually improves the parameterization accuracy. These FFNNs for each grid point utilize daily-averaged meteorological variables (2 m relative humidity (RH2m), precipitation (PRCP), 2 m temperature, and wind speed) as inputs to estimate the satellite-derived fire radiative power (FRP) values. Applying the proposed FFNNs for fire parameterization during the 2001–2020 period revealed a marked enhancement in cross-validated skill compared to fire intensity estimation based on the FWI. This improvement was particularly notable across East Asia, Russia, the eastern US, southern South America, and central Africa. The sensitivity experiments demonstrated that the RH2m is the most critical variable in estimating the FRP. Conversely, the FWI-based estimations were primarily influenced by PRCP. The FFNNs accurately captured the observed nonlinear RH2m-FRP and PRCP-FRP relationship compared to that of the FWI-based estimations.
The Black Reveler in Christmas Villancicos
Authors: Davies Drew Edward
Published: November 2024

A unique genre of the Hispanic Baroque with roots in the theater, the villancico uses popularizing elements to communicate complex doctrinal ideas. One tradition of Christmas villancicos presents caricatures of Black revelers traveling to Bethlehem to celebrate Christ’s birth in a way that expresses the social inversion of the Christmas story through concepts derived from scenes of the adoration of the kings and shepherds as well as contemporaneous theatrical clichés. This chapter proposes topic theory as an interpretive framework for such villancicos and argues that the exaggerated simplicity of their musical gestures, as exemplified in three villancicos by Juan Gutiérrez de Padilla from the mid-seventeenth century, contribute to the inherent racism of their stereotyped content as directly as the poetry does. The topic theory approach warns against presuming verisimilitude between these works and actual historical communities in New Spain, although traces of sympathetic and humanistic representation of the characters occasionally emerge from the stereotyped language.
Imagining Latin America through Performance
Authors: Davies Drew Edward
Published: November 2024

The revival of New Spanish music has roots in a collaboration between Robert Stevenson and the Roger Wagner Chorale in 1960s Los Angeles. This final chapter critically chronicles how early music ensembles since then, and especially around 1992, have combined themes of exoticism, travel, discovery, and encounter to create a contemporary Latin Baroque performance tradition that foregrounds rhythm, improvised percussion, conviviality, and a Caribbean-themed imagination of Latin America. This new Latin Baroque tradition differs from historically plausible scenarios and celebrates Latinx identities in the present, sometimes problematically. Meanwhile, choral ensembles have taken historically informed approaches, but some repertories and timbral elements still await exploration and revival through performance.
Consent under Duress
Authors: Dougherty Tom
Published: November 2024

Consent can make actions morally permissible. But consent can lose its moral force when it is given under duress. Understanding how this happens requires answering the question of which types of duress undermine consent. Uncontroversially, severe coercion, like threats of violence, can prevent consent from creating moral permissions. But what about minor duress? Duress from natural causes? Duress from social norms? Duress that is merely apparent to the consent-giver with no objective basis in reality? To answer these questions, Consent under Duress defends an account that follows two key approaches. First, it adopts an expansive approach that broadens the class of misconduct that is constituted by acting on someone’s consent that is given under duress. Second, it adopts a scalar approach that allows that consent can be invalidated to varying degrees, which in turn can track the degrees of the severity of the duress to which the consent-giver is subject. The expansive and scalar approaches work in tandem. Once there is an expansion of the aforementioned class of misconduct, additional theoretical resources are needed to draw moral distinctions within this heterogeneous class. By providing these resources, the scalar approach supplements the expansive approach. Meanwhile, once it is recognized that consent can be partially invalidated by minor duress, it is necessary to expand the class of what constitutes misconduct that is constituted by acting on someone’s consent that is given under duress. By arguing independently for these mutually reinforcing approaches, Consent Under Duress offers a robust defense of their combination.
The Ameliorative View of Consent
Authors: Dougherty Tom
Published: November 2024

Chapter 6 introduces and develops the “Ameliorative View” of consent. This view posits three categories of consent. First, there is fully valid consent to an action, which releases the consent-receiver from their duty not to perform the action. Second, there is fully invalid consent to an action, which has no effect at all: it remains just as gravely wrong for the consent-receiver to perform the action. Third, there is partially valid consent to an action, which has an ameliorative effect: it is now less gravely wrongful for the consent-receiver to perform the action. Partial validity comes in degrees, which determine the size of the ameliorative effect. The degree of partial validity is also explained by scalar phenomena: in the case of duress, it is explained by the severity of the duress. The Ameliorative View is helpful for theorizing sexual misconduct, as it provides us with a tool to recognize a spectrum of misconduct that varies in its gravity. The Ameliorative View mandates a revision of the draft of the Consent-Receiver Principle so that the principle states a sufficient condition for consent that is not fully valid.
Duress from Social Norms
Authors: Dougherty Tom
Published: November 2024

Chapter 9 considers duress from social norms. In particular, it focuses on social norms that imply that it is rude for someone to decline sex. These social norms can be sources of duress in two ways. First, these norms can indirectly shape the consent-receiver’s behavior. For example, if social norms dictate that declining sex is rude, then this could explain why a consent-receiver imposes a penalty on withholding consent. Second, social norms can be direct sources of duress. For example, when social norms mark withholding consent as rude, someone may thereby consent because they are intrinsically motivated to avoid behaving rudely. For this type of scenario, Chapter 9 defends the Social Norm Principle. Roughly, its key idea is that consent may not be fully valid when the consent-giver is entitled to withhold consent without this instantiating an adverse property like rudeness.
Thucydides the historian
Authors: Roberts Jennifer T.
Published: November 2024

This chapter discusses the work of Thucydides as a historian. According to Thucydides, history grows primarily from actions freely chosen by human beings themselves. Thucydides sought to show the history as it happened while also instructing the present for the benefit of the future. His narrative was very much a revisionist history aiming to offer a new paradigm that would replace the prevailing habit of blaming the war on Pericles and ascribing his actions to discreditable personal motives. Thucydides, the author argues, has often been praised for the objectivity of his work, but such a characterization of his writing is misguided.
Speeches in Thucydides
Authors: Roberts Jennifer T.
Published: November 2024

This chapter analyses the speeches within the work of Thucydides. The History contains over 40 speeches, and dozens more are reported indirectly while presenting the issues that exercised the minds of the participants in this war, and many that must exercise those of participants in any war. Thucydides, however, never depicts any speech responding to Pericles. The chapter discusses how Thucydides frames the opposing speeches of Nicias and Alcibiades to highlight the temperament of the Athenians. It notes the conundrum regarding the credibility of Thucydides’ representation of Alcibiades’ speech, as he used speeches that punctuate his History to elucidate his views of what motivated the participants in the war.
Methods and methodologies
Authors: Betts Alexander
Published: November 2024

This chapter discusses the significance of methodologies and methods that are essential in social science. Methodology refers to the rationale and justification for the selection of methods to solve a particular research problem, while methods refer to the particular tools and techniques used in collecting and analysing data. Generally, social science research methods are divided into quantitative methods and qualitative methods, based on whether they mainly use numerical or non-numerical data. Different methods have particular strengths and weaknesses. The chapter explains that experiments can be useful in social science because they offer the promise of causal inference. It introduces the notion of mixed methods research, which is research combining qualitative and quantitative methods.
Relationship Between Cognitive Estimation, Executive Functions, and Theory of Mind in Patients With Prefrontal Cortex Damage
Authors: Ouerchefani Riadh , Ouerchefani Naoufel , Rejeb Mohamed Riadh Ben , Le Gall Didier
Published: November 2024

Objective

Conflicting evidence has arisen from the few studies that have examined the role of the prefrontal cortex and executive control functions in theory of mind (ToM). Moreover, the involvement of other cognitive domains in the ability to infer mental states is still under debate. This study aims to examine, in addition to the potential contribution of executive functions, the role of cognitive estimation in ToM abilities, given that cognitive estimation processes are strongly associated with some aspects of executive control functions.

Method

The cognitive estimation task, along with a set of neuropsychological tasks assessing executive functions, was administered to 30 patients with prefrontal cortex damage and 30 control subjects matched by gender, age, and education level.

Results

Patients with prefrontal cortex damage were impaired in all measures of executive functions, cognitive estimation, and theory of mind compared with control subjects. Regression analysis showed a significant interaction between executive measures and cognitive estimation in predicting ToM performance for patients with prefrontal cortex damage. Additionally, voxel-based lesion analysis identified a partially common bilaterally distributed prefrontal network involved in all three domains, centered within the ventral and dorsomedial areas with extension to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex.

Conclusion

Our findings highlight that, apart from executive functions, cognitive estimation plays a crucial role in the ability to interpret others’ cognitive and emotional states in both patients with prefrontal cortex damage and control subjects.
Language and Cognitive Impairments in Multiple Sclerosis: a Comparative Study of RRMS and SPMS Patients
Authors: Martzoukou Maria , Nousia Anastasia , Messinis Lambros , Konstantopoulos Kostas , Nasios Grigorios
Published: November 2024

Objective

Previous studies have reported that patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) face cognitive difficulties. Much less, however, is known about their language abilities. The present study aims to provide a clear view of the language abilities of adults with MS, considering their cognitive skills and the type of the disorder.

Method

Specifically, 20 patients with Relapsing–Remitting MS, 17 patients with Secondary Progressive MS, and two healthy control groups demographically matched with the clinical groups, took part in the study. Their language abilities were examined using the Adult Language Abilities Test, which explores morpho-syntactic and semantic phenomena of the Greek language in both comprehension and production modes.

Results

Our results did not reveal statistically significant differences between the two clinical groups on any cognitive or language subtest. Both groups, however, performed poorer than the control groups in producing the correct form of verbs, possessive and weak personal pronouns, and in comprehending relative and passive clauses. Participants’ performance in morphosyntax was found to be related to their processing speed.

Conclusion

Mapping the cognitive and language abilities of patients with MS is crucial for designing effective targeted interventions, which can help them adopt strategies to manage their specific cognitive and language symptoms.
Long-term (68 weeks) administration of nemolizumab in paediatric patients aged 6–12 years with atopic dermatitis with moderate-to-severe pruritus: efficacy and safety data from a phase III study
Authors: Igarashi Atsuyuki , Katsunuma Toshio , Nagano Yuko , Komazaki Hiroshi
Published: November 2024

Background

A phase III clinical trial in Japanese children aged 6–12 years with atopic dermatitis (AD) and inadequately controlled moderate-to-severe pruritus found that 16 weeks of nemolizumab treatment [30 mg every 4 weeks (Q4W)] was clinically effective and tolerable, with early improvement in pruritus and associated skin signs and a positive impact on patient quality of life (QoL).

Objectives

To report the findings from the long-term extension period of the study, and evaluate the efficacy and safety profiles of nemolizumab when administered concomitantly with topical agents over 68 weeks.

Methods

The study included a 16-week randomized placebo-controlled double-blind parallel-group period during which patients received nemolizumab 30 mg or placebo Q4W; those who completed this period could enter a 52-week long-term treatment period during which all patients received nemolizumab Q4W. Efficacy endpoints assessed treatment impact on pruritus, AD signs and QoL. Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were tabulated to evaluate long-term safety. The study was registered with the Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (jRCT2080225289).

Results

Among the 89 paediatric patients evaluated, efficacy outcome measures showed a tendency toward improvement between weeks 16 and 68, and sustained efficacy during the subsequent follow-up period after treatment cessation. At week 68, among patients who received nemolizumab treatment throughout the study, the mean (SD) change from baseline in the 5-level itch score was −1.8 (0.8), the mean (SD) percentage change from baseline in the Average Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale score was −65.9 (25.0), and the mean (SD) percentage change from baseline in the Eczema Area and Severity Index score was −77.1 (23.1). Data from the Dermatitis Family Impact questionnaire indicated that the burden of housework on family members and parent/caregiver fatigue were reduced and the sleep quality of family members was improved by week 16, with further improvement at week 68. The overall safety profile was similar to that recorded in nemolizumab-treated patients aged ≥ 13 years, with no late-onset TEAEs seen over long-term treatment.

Conclusions

These data confirm the safety of long-term nemolizumab for paediatric patients with AD, and demonstrate improvements in pruritus, skin symptoms, and patient and caregiver QoL over 68 weeks of treatment.
The efficacy and safety of first-line metastatic melanoma treatment with ipilimumab + nivolumab versus nivolumab in a real-world setting
Authors: Karine Billard , Mortier Laurent , Dereure Olivier , Dalac Sophie , Montaudié Henri , Legoupil Delphine , Dutriaux Caroline , De Quatrebarbes Julie , Maubec Eve , Leccia Marie-Thérèse , Granel-Brocard Florence , Brunet-Possenti Florence , Arnault Jean-Philippe , Gaudy-Marqueste Caroline , Pages Cecile , Saiag Philippe , L’orphelin Jean-Matthieu , Zehou Ouidad , Lesimple Thierry , Allayous Clara , Porcher Raphael , Oriano Bastien , Dalle Stephane , Lebbé Céleste
Published: November 2024

Background

The Checkmate 067 randomized controlled trial, published in 2015, demonstrated improved progression-free survival and numerically, although not statistically, superior overall survival for ipilimumab + nivolumab. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of nivolumab to ipilimumab + nivolumab as first-line treatment for metastatic melanoma in a real-world setting.

Methods

Patients were prospectively included in the French Melbase cohort from 2013 to 2022. Eligible patients were those in first-line treatment for stage-IIIc or -IV melanoma, undergoing immunotherapy with nivolumab or ipilimumab + nivolumab. The primary endpoint was overall survival at 36 months. The secondary endpoints included progression-free survival at 36 months, best radiological response, and safety analyses. We conducted a propensity score using the IPTW method to overcome the various confounding factors and also a subgroup analysis (brain metastasis, LDH levels, and BRAF mutation status).

Results

A total of 406 patients were treated with nivolumab, and 416 with ipilimumab + nivolumab. Overall survival at 36 months was higher in the ipilimumab + nivolumab group (57.1%, ([95%CI 50.7-64.2]) than in the nivolumab group (46.6% [95%CI 41.6-52.1]), HR 1.4[1.1;1.8]. Progression-free survival at 36 months was significantly improved in the ipilimumab + nivolumab group (42.3%) compared to the nivolumab group (21.9%), with a HR 1.6[1.4;1.9]. The objective response rate was similar for the two groups (44%). The overall incidence of side effects was comparable (82 vs. 84%), and severe toxicity (grade ≥ 3) was more frequent, though not significantly so, in the ipilimumab + nivolumab arm (29% vs. 41%).

Conclusions

Our results are consistent with those from the Checkmate 067 study, except for the objective response rate and the incidence of toxicities, which proved to be lower in our analysis.
Upadacitinib for Induction of Remission in Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis: An International Multicenter Study
Authors: Yerushalmy-Feler Anat , Spencer Elizabeth A , Dolinger Michael T , Suskind David L , Mitrova Katarina , Hradsky Ondrej , Conrad Máire A , Kelsen Judith R , Uhlig Holm H , Tzivinikos Christos , Ancona Silvana , Wlazlo Magdalena , Hackl Lukas , Shouval Dror S , Bramuzzo Matteo , Urlep Darja , Olbjorn Christine , D’Arcangelo Giulia , Pujol-Muncunill Gemma , Yogev Dotan , Kang Ben , Gasparetto Marco , Rungø Christine , Kolho Kaija-Leena , Hojsak Iva , Norsa Lorenzo , Rinawi Firas , Sansotta Naire , Magen Rimon Ramit , Granot Maya , Scarallo Luca , Trindade Eunice , Velasco Rodríguez-Belvís Marta , Turner Dan , Cohen Shlomi
Published: November 2024

Background and Aims

Data on upadacitinib therapy in children with ulcerative colitis (UC) or unclassified inflammatory bowel disease (IBD-U) are scarce. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of upadacitinib as an induction therapy in pediatric UC or IBD-U.

Methods

In this multicenter retrospective study, children treated with upadacitinib for induction of remission of active UC or IBD-U from 30 centers worldwide were enrolled. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data, as well as adverse events (AEs), were recorded at Week 8 post-induction.

Results

One hundred children were included (90 UC and 10 IBD-U, median age 15.6 [interquartile range 13.3–17.1] years). Ninety-eight were previously treated with biologic therapies, and 76 were treated with ≥2 biologics. At the end of the 8-week induction period, clinical response, clinical remission, and corticosteroid-free clinical remission (CFR) were observed in 84%, 62%, and 56% of the children, respectively. Normal C-reactive protein and fecal calprotectin (FC) <150 mcg/g were achieved in 75% and 50%, respectively. Combined CFR and FC remission was observed in 18/46 (39%) children with available data at 8 weeks. Adverse events were recorded in 37 children, including 1 serious AE of an appendiceal neuroendocrine tumor. The most frequent AEs were hyperlipidemia (n = 13), acne (n = 12), and infections (n = 10, 5 of whom with herpes viruses).

Conclusions

Upadacitinib is an effective induction therapy for refractory pediatric UC and IBD-U. Efficacy should be weighed against the potential risks of AEs.
Adult living-donor lobar lung transplant using a small-for-size graft
Authors: Nakajima Daisuke , Sakanoue Ichiro , Kayawake Hidenao , Sumitomo Ryota , Nishikawa Shigeto , Tanaka Satona , Yutaka Yojiro , Menju Toshi , Date Hiroshi
Published: November 2024

OBJECTIVES

This study was designed to examine the outcomes of adult living-donor lobar lung transplants (LDLLTs) using small-for-size grafts.

METHODS

A calculated graft forced vital capacity of <50% of the predicted forced vital capacity of the recipient was considered to indicate a small-for-size graft. Adult recipients (≥18 years) who underwent LDLLTs between 2008 and 2022 were included in this study.

RESULTS

We performed 80 adult LDLLTs, using small-for-size grafts in 15 patients and non-small grafts in 65 patients. Grade 3 primary graft dysfunction developed within 72 h after the transplant in 3 patients (20%) in the small group and in 3 patients (4.6%) in the non-small group (P = 0.0763). The 1- and 5-year survival rates were 86.7% and 69.3% in the small group and 93.8% and 77.1% in the non-small group (P = 0.742). In the small group, the native lungs were spared in 8 patients, whereas 2 lobar grafts were implanted with non-spared native lungs in the other 7 patients. The 1- and 5-year survival rates were significantly better in the spared group (both 100%) than in the non-spared group (71.4% and 23.8%; P = 0.0375). The spared group showed a significantly higher median percent forced vital capacity after the transplant than the non-spared group (68.5% vs 44.9%; P = 0.0027).

CONCLUSIONS

Although the use of small-for-size grafts was associated with a higher rate of severe primary graft dysfunction, no differences were found in survival rates. When the graft is small, the native lung should be partially spared if possible.
Two coacting shadow enhancers regulate twin of eyeless expression during early Drosophila development
Authors: Dresch Jacqueline M , Nourie Luke L , Conrad Regan D , Carlson Lindsay T , Tchantouridze Elizabeth I , Tesfaye Biruck , Verhagen Eleanor , Gupta Mahima , Borges-Rivera Diego , Drewell Robert A
Published: November 2024

The Drosophila PAX6 homolog twin of eyeless (toy) sits at the pinnacle of the genetic pathway controlling eye development, the retinal determination network. Expression of toy in the embryo is first detectable at cellular blastoderm stage 5 in an anterior–dorsal band in the presumptive procephalic neuroectoderm, which gives rise to the primordia of the visual system and brain. Although several maternal and gap transcription factors that generate positional information in the embryo have been implicated in controlling toy, the regulation of toy expression in the early embryo is currently not well characterized. In this study, we adopt an integrated experimental approach utilizing bioinformatics, molecular genetic testing of putative enhancers in transgenic reporter gene assays and quantitative analysis of expression patterns in the early embryo, to identify 2 novel coacting enhancers at the toy gene. In addition, we apply mathematical modeling to dissect the regulatory landscape for toy. We demonstrate that relatively simple thermodynamic-based models, incorporating only 5 TF binding sites, can accurately predict gene expression from the 2 coacting enhancers and that the HUNCHBACK TF plays a critical regulatory role through a dual-modality function as an activator and repressor. Our analysis also reveals that the molecular architecture of the 2 enhancers is very different, indicating that the underlying regulatory logic they employ is distinct.
Debunking the dogma that RecBCD nuclease destroys phage
Authors: Zheng Clarence , Furukawa Curtis , Liu Jerry , Sankaran Srishti , Lin Han , Munugeti Nidhi , Wang Meranda , Smith Gerald R
Published: November 2024

For decades, it has been repeatedly claimed that the potent bacterial helicase-nuclease RecBCD (exonuclease V) destroys foreign (nonself) DNA, such as that of phages, but repairs and recombines cellular (self) DNA. While this would constitute a strong host-survival mechanism, no phage destroyed by RecBCD is ever specified in those claims. To determine which phages are destroyed by RecBCD, we searched for phage isolates that grow on Escherichia coli ΔrecBCD but not on recBCD+. In contrast to the prevailing claim, we found none among >80 new isolates from nature and >80 from previous collections. Based on these and previous observations, we conclude that RecBCD repairs broken DNA that can recombine but destroys DNA that cannot recombine and recycles the nucleotides.
Recognizing the ethical complexity of food policies and the role of the food industry
Authors: Abdool Karim Safura , Alvarado Miriam , Johnson Tess , Barnhill Anne
Published: November 2024

Restrictive food policies are often contentious and controversial. Supporters of these policies view them as imperative for achieving public health aims while some opponents view them as overly paternalistic, infringing on consumer choice and potentially inequitable. As a consequence, their ethical status and permissibility are both contested and of importance in decision-making for policy. Traditional ethical analysis of these interventions has examined the ethical implications of the policies according to a direct, linear view of the relationships between government and consumer and the impact of government policy on the consumer. However, this approach to ethical analysis fails to take into account the role of the food industry as the subjects of the policies and intermediaries between government and consumers in the implementation and effectiveness of the policies. The actions of the food industry in response to a policy substantially determine how the policy translates to changes in the food supply and thus, the effect of the policy on consumers. This has significant implications for the ethical status of the policy. As a result, this article calls for complicating the common ethical approach to restrictive food policies by adopting a framing that recognizes the role of the food industry in the implementation of these policies. We then discuss three implications this framing has for ethical analysis: first that ethical analysis must be more nuanced and recognize the potentially complex outcomes of a policy, second that it must be dynamic and ongoing and third that underlying assumptions about policies’ effects on choice, effectiveness and equity need to be reconsidered.
Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Receptor Agonists Are Not Associated With an Increased Risk of Ileus or Intestinal Obstruction in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease—A Danish Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Nielsen Jan , Friedman Sonia , Nørgård Bente Mertz , Knudsen Torben , Kjeldsen Jens , Wod Mette
Published: November 2024

Background

There is a global increase in the prevalence of obesity, including among individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are potential anti-obesity medications due to their weight-lowering effects. However, concerns exist regarding ileus and intestinal obstruction as a severe side effect.

Methods

This nationwide Danish cohort study evaluates the risk of ileus and intestinal obstruction in patients with IBD receiving GLP-1RAs. Patients with IBD and their exposure to GLP-1RAs were identified using Danish health registries. Cox regression analysis was used to estimate hazard ratios for the risk of ileus and intestinal obstruction adjusted for age at diagnosis of IBD, sex, type of IBD, prior ileus or intestinal obstruction, diabetes status, steroid use, and small bowel or colon surgery.

Results

This study found that GLP-1RA exposure was not associated with an increased risk of ileus or intestinal obstruction in patients with IBD.

Conclusion

This study suggests that GLP-1RAs do not increase the risk of ileus or intestinal obstruction in patients with IBD.
Potential Utility of Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging to Detect Early Microcirculatory Changes Associated With Erythema Nodosum in Crohn’s Disease: A Case Report
Authors: Yang EunMee , Wayne Peter M , Ahn Andrew C , Korzenik Joshua
Published: November 2024

Lay Summary

In this case report of a young female patient with Crohn’s disease, presenting with erythema nodosum, laser speckle contrast imaging was able to detect blood flow changes in the affected skin area before clinical signs of the skin lesion emerged.
Rotavirus Vaccine Effectiveness Stratified By National-Level Characteristics: An Introduction to the 24-Country MNSSTER-V Project, 2007–2023
Authors: Burnett Eleanor , Umana Jazmina , Anwari Palwasha , Mujuru Hilda A , Groome Michelle J , Van Trang Nguyen , Iniguez Volga , Gheorghita Stela , Sahakyan Gayane , Nazurdinov Anvar , Michael Fausta , Mandomando Inacio , Desormeaux Anne Marie , Eraliev Umid , Enweronu-Laryea Christabel , Nalunkuma Cissy , Bonkoungou Isidore , Muhsen Khitam , Luhata Lungayo Christophe , Omore Richard , Goldfarb David M , Robinson Annick Lalaina , McCracken John , Uwimana Jeannine , N’Zue Kofi , Rey-Benito Gloria , Weldegebriel Goitom , Mwenda Jason M , Parashar Umesh D , Tate Jacqueline E
Published: November 2024

Background

Rotavirus vaccines are moderately protective against illness in settings with high compared with low mortality rates. Vaccine effectiveness (VE) evaluations may clarify our understanding of these disparities, but estimates among key subpopulations and against rare outcomes are not available in many analyses due to sample size. We combined 25 data sets from test-negative design case-control evaluations in 24 countries that enrolled children with medically attended diarrhea, laboratory-confirmed rotavirus stool testing, and documented vaccination status. We calculated rotavirus VE stratified by country-level characteristics.

Methods

Children 3–59 months old with birthdates and surveillance hospital arrival dates were included; other variables were standardized as available. Children were considered vaccinated if they received ≥1 dose of rotavirus vaccine >14 days before arrival. We summarized child- and country-level characteristics, including national <5-year-old mortality rate (U5M). Following the manufacturer recommended dose schedule, complete- and partial-series adjusted VE were estimated using logistic regression models.

Results

We included 6626 rotavirus-positive children (case patients) and 19 459 rotavirus negative children (controls). Adjusted complete-series VE was significantly higher among children from countries in the low and medium U5M stratum (74% [95% confidence interval, 64%–81%]) compared with all groups within the high U5M stratum (range, 52% [42%–60%]) to 46% [31%–57%]). Partial-series estimates were lower than complete-series estimates.

Conclusions

These findings are consistent with the published literature, though they suggest heterogeneity in vaccine performance within broad child mortality rate levels. Our findings also highlight the importance of complete-series vaccination.
Flourishing as an aim of higher education: exploring the aspirations and challenges of the educational philosophy of the University of Humanistic Studies (UvH)
Authors: de Ruyter Doret
Published: November 2024

This study paper intends to look into the multidimensional world of producing tactile and sensory fashion clothes particularly suited for those who have visual impairments. This research focuses on the fundament principle of this approach is that visually impaired individuals and communities should be the centre stage of the development process of tactile and sensory products. In addition, it analyses the potential advantages that may be received from the incorporation of tactile and sensory components into clothes, in terms of accessibility also as a method of enabling visually impaired persons to express themselves via clothing. In this study, we take a deeper look at the challenges that arose throughout the development. By embracing this innovative approach, the fashion industry can pave the way for more inclusive and empowering solutions that transcend traditional boundaries and contribute to a more diverse and accessible fashion landscape.
The Dynamic Atom-Probe: Past, Present, and Perspectives
Authors: Kruse Norbert , Visart de Bocarmé Thierry
Published: November 2024

The present communication aims at demonstrating the wealth of information accessible by 1D-atom probe experiments using pulsed field desorption mass spectrometry (PFDMS), ultimately combined with video-field ion microscopy, while subjecting metallic samples to elevated gas pressures and studying surface reaction kinetics. Two case studies are being presented here: (a) the microkinetics of nickel tetracarbonyl (Ni(CO)4) formation through reaction of carbon monoxide with nickel and (b) the nitric oxide decomposition and reaction with hydrogen on platinum at variable steady electric fields mimicking electrocatalytic conditions. In both cases, surface areas with 140–150 atomic sites of the stepped Ni (001) and Pt (111) sample surfaces were probed. Under (a), we demonstrate variable repetition frequencies of field pulses to inform kinetic and mechanistic details of the surface reaction while under (b), we reveal the occurrence of field-induced processes impacting the surface reaction mechanism of nitric oxide with hydrogen and therefore opening new pathways not available under purely thermal conditions (in the absence of electric fields). Some aspects of PFDMS technical achievements will be discussed as they may provide clues for designing dynamic atom probe tomography instrumentation.
“It Really Hurts When I Get Up.”: A 24-Year-Old Male with Progressive Sacral Pain and Stiffness
Authors: Mohan Niveditha
Published: November 2024

Inflammatory arthritis of the spine, such as ankylosing spondylitis, can cause significant disability and most commonly affects those under age 45. There are medications that prevent disease progression, making early identification critical. Only about 2% of those who are positive for the HLA-B27 allele actually have an inflammatory arthropathy. The vast majority of individuals with ankylosing spondylitis can be identified through history, physical examination, and imaging. A range of musculoskeletal and non-musculoskeletal features of inflammatory arthritis are important to identify in the diagnostic evaluation. Imaging is the cornerstone of diagnosis, particularly plain radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging of the spine and sacroiliac joints. Appropriate care includes education, exercise, physical therapy, behavioral health care, and smoking cessation. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications are commonly used as the initial therapy in most patients, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors have been shown to prevent disease progression with symptom control in many patients.
“I Need to Exercise to Lose Weight, but My Back Hurts.”: Low Back Pain with a BMI of 47
Authors: Watson Alex , Standaert Christopher J.
Published: November 2024

Already one of the most common health conditions, low back pain (LBP) is even more prevalent in those with obesity. This population has higher rates of chronic pain in general—approximately 33% vs. 10% in the average population. In part, this is related to a combination of adipose tissue secreting pro-inflammatory cytokines, diet, sedentary lifestyle, and behavioral issues, such as kinesiophobia (fear of movement). Obesity-related diseases, further complicate an already impaired health state and present additional barriers to exercise and other forms of care. There is reason to believe that obesity may contribute to the development of degenerative spinal issues, and obesity is associated with worse outcomes for treatment of these conditions. Language, understanding, and a comprehensive approach to managing LBP in patients with obesity is essential. A treatment approach including exercise (especially aquatic therapy), behavioral support, dietary intervention, medications, and bariatric surgery consultation may be the most effective approach.
Dark energy survey year 3 results: likelihood-free, simulation-based wCDM inference with neural compression of weak-lensing map statistics
Authors: Jeffrey N , Whiteway L , Gatti M , Williamson J , Alsing J , Porredon A , Prat J , Doux C , Jain B , Chang C , Cheng T -Y , Kacprzak T , Lemos P , Alarcon A , Amon A , Bechtol K , Becker M R , Bernstein G M , Campos A , Rosell A Carnero , Chen R , Choi A , DeRose J , Drlica-Wagner A , Eckert K , Everett S , Ferté A , Gruen D , Gruendl R A , Herner K , Jarvis M , McCullough J , Myles J , Navarro-Alsina A , Pandey S , Raveri M , Rollins R P , Rykoff E S , Sánchez C , Secco L F , Sevilla-Noarbe I , Sheldon E , Shin T , Troxel M A , Tutusaus I , Varga T N , Yanny B , Yin B , Zuntz J , Aguena M , Allam S S , Alves O , Bacon D , Bocquet S , Brooks D , da Costa L N , Davis T M , De Vicente J , Desai S , Diehl H T , Ferrero I , Frieman J , García-Bellido J , Gaztanaga E , Giannini G , Gutierrez G , Hinton S R , Hollowood D L , Honscheid K , Huterer D , James D J , Lahav O , Lee S , Marshall J L , Mena-Fernández J , Miquel R , Pieres A , Malagón A A Plazas , Roodman A , Sako M , Sanchez E , Cid D Sanchez , Smith M , Suchyta E , Swanson M E C , Tarle G , Tucker D L , Weaverdyck N , Weller J , Wiseman P , Yamamoto M
Published: November 2024

We present simulation-based cosmological wcold dark matter (wCDM) inference using dark energy survey year 3 weak-lensing maps, via neural data compression of weak-lensing map summary statistics: power spectra, peak counts, and direct map-level compression/inference with convolutional neural networks (CNN). Using simulation-based inference, also known as likelihood-free or implicit inference, we use forward-modelled mock data to estimate posterior probability distributions of unknown parameters. This approach allows all statistical assumptions and uncertainties to be propagated through the forward-modelled mock data; these include sky masks, non-Gaussian shape noise, shape measurement bias, source galaxy clustering, photometric redshift uncertainty, intrinsic galaxy alignments, non-Gaussian density fields, neutrinos, and non-linear summary statistics. We include a series of tests to validate our inference results. This paper also describes the Gower Street simulation suite: 791 full-sky pkdgrav3 dark matter simulations, with cosmological model parameters sampled with a mixed active-learning strategy, from which we construct over 3000 mock dark energy survey lensing data sets. For wCDM inference, for which we allow $-1< w< -\frac{1}{3}$, our most constraining result uses power spectra combined with map-level (CNN) inference. Using gravitational lensing data only, this map-level combination gives $\Omega _{\rm m}= 0.283^{+0.020}_{-0.027}$, ${S_8 = 0.804^{+0.025}_{-0.017}}$, and $w < -0.80$ (with a 68 per cent credible interval); compared to the power spectrum inference, this is more than a factor of two improvement in dark energy parameter ($\Omega _{\rm DE}, w$) precision.