bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A More Efficient Algorithm for Small Target Detection in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Authors: Zhang Yuechong , Dong Dehao , Liu Haiying , Liu Lida , Deng Lixia , Gu Jason , Li Shuang
Published: May 2024

Due to the relatively high shooting altitude of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), the captured images often contain a multitude of small‐scale targets. To solve the problems of small target scale, lack of semantic information, and high miss detection in drone target detection, in this paper we proposed a more effective unmanned aerial vehicle small target detection algorithm(MEU‐YOLOv5) based on YOLOv5s. Firstly, an efficient global contextual module is proposed to enhance the algorithm's performance in feature extraction while reducing the excessive loss of shallow features. Secondly, a small‐scale target detector is added to enhance the algorithm's detection capability for smaller targets. Lastly, a recursive multi‐level feature fusion path is introduced to better fuse the shallow and deep features of the images, reducing overfitting and improving the algorithm's generalizability and robustness. Experimental results demonstrated that compared to YOLOv5s, MEU‐YOLOv5 achieves a 7.4% improvement in mAP@0.5 and a 4.9% improvement in mAP@0.5:0.95. Additionally, the overall performance of this algorithm surpassed various algorithms in the YOLO series, including YOLOv3, YOLOv5l, YOLOv5m, and YOLOv8s. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Racioethnic disparities in comorbidities and outcomes following head and neck oncologic surgery
Authors: Waqar Usama , Arif Aahan , Hameed Ayesha N. , Zaidi Syeda M. A. , Hamza Muhammad , Iftikhar Haissan , Naz Huma , Abbas Syed A.
Published: May 2024

Objectives

Racial disparities persist despite attempts to establish an egalitarian framework for surgical care. This study aimed to investigate racioethnic disparities in comorbidities and outcomes following surgery for head and neck tumors.

Methods

This retrospective study included adult patients who underwent head and neck oncologic surgery between 2008 and 2020 from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. Multivariable regression analyses were conducted to explore the association of the following racioethnic categories with postoperative outcomes: White, Black, Hispanic, and Asian.

Results

A total of 113,234 patients were included in the study, comprising 78.3% White, 8.7% Black, 6.9% Hispanic, and 6.0% Asian patients. Black patients had higher rates of pre‐existing comorbidities compared to White patients. Specifically, the rates of comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus (19.8% vs. 12.4%), hypertension (57.5% vs. 41.5%), smoking history (18.8% vs. 15.0%), dyspnea (7.4% vs. 5.7%), and preoperative anemia (43.6% vs. 36.5%) were higher among Black patients. On regression analyses, Black race was not associated with major morbidity following head and neck oncologic surgeries (odds ratio, 1.098, 95% confidence interval, 0.935–1.289) when compared to White patients. However, there were significant associations between the comorbidities associated with the Black race and an increased risk of major morbidity.

Conclusions

Black patients undergoing head and neck oncologic surgery face a significant challenge due to a higher burden of comorbidities. These comorbidities, in turn, have been found to be associated with postoperative major morbidity.
Untacking small RNA profiling and RNA fragment footprinting: Approaches and challenges in library construction
Authors: Shen Zhaokang , Naveed Muhammad , Bao Jianqiang
Published: May 2024

Small RNAs (sRNAs) with sizes ranging from 15 to 50 nucleotides (nt) are critical regulators of gene expression control. Prior studies have shown that sRNAs are involved in a broad range of biological processes, such as organ development, tumorigenesis, and epigenomic regulation; however, emerging evidence unveils a hidden layer of diversity and complexity of endogenously encoded sRNAs profile in eukaryotic organisms, including novel types of sRNAs and the previously unknown post‐transcriptional RNA modifications. This underscores the importance for accurate, unbiased detection of sRNAs in various cellular contexts. A multitude of high‐throughput methods based on next‐generation sequencing (NGS) are developed to decipher the sRNA expression and their modifications. Nonetheless, distinct from mRNA sequencing, the data from sRNA sequencing suffer frequent inconsistencies and high variations emanating from the adapter contaminations and RNA modifications, which overall skew the sRNA libraries. Here, we summarize the sRNA‐sequencing approaches, and discuss the considerations and challenges for the strategies and methods of sRNA library construction. The pros and cons of sRNA sequencing have significant implications for implementing RNA fragment footprinting approaches, including CLIP‐seq and Ribo‐seq. We envision that this review can inspire novel improvements in small RNA sequencing and RNA fragment footprinting in future.

This article is categorized under:

RNA Evolution and Genomics > Computational Analyses of RNA

RNA Processing > Processing of Small RNAs

Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Biogenesis of Effector Small RNAs
Gravitational waves from phase transitions and cosmic strings in neutrino mass models with multiple majorons
Authors: Di Bari Pasquale , King Stephen F. , Rahat Moinul Hossain
Published: May 2024

Abstract

We explore the origin of Majorana masses within the majoron model and how this can lead to the generation of a distinguishable primordial stochastic background of gravitational waves. We first show how in the simplest majoron model only a contribution from cosmic string can be within the reach of planned experiments. We then consider extensions containing multiple complex scalars, demonstrating how in this case a spectrum comprising contributions from both a strong first order phase transition and cosmic strings can naturally emerge. We show that the interplay between multiple scalar fields can amplify the phase transition signal, potentially leading to double peaks over the wideband sloped spectrum from cosmic strings. We also underscore the possibility of observing such a gravitational wave background to provide insights into the reheating temperature of the universe. We conclude highlighting how the model can be naturally combined with scenarios addressing the origin of matter of the universe, where baryogenesis occurs via leptogenesis and a right-handed neutrino plays the role of dark matter.
Supersymmetric smooth distributions of M2-branes as AdS solitons
Authors: Anabalón A. , Astefanesei D. , Gallerati A. , Oliva J.
Published: May 2024

Abstract

We show that the singularities of certain distributions of M2-branes can be removed by adding a Wilson loop around a compact direction along the brane. The holographic coordinate naturally ends up before the singularity and the resulting spacetime provides an AdS soliton configuration, albeit possibly supersymmetric. We study the phase space diagram of these M2-branes distributions endowed with Wilson loops and show that different distributions are interconnected, providing a rich structure of phase transitions at zero temperature.
Gromov hyperbolicity of Johnson and Kneser graphs
Authors: Méndez Jesús , Reyes Rosalio , Rodríguez José M. , Sigarreta José M.
Published: May 2024

The concept of Gromov hyperbolicity is a geometric concept that leads to a rich general theory. Johnson and Kneser graphs are interesting combinatorial graphs defined from systems of sets. In this work we compute the precise value of the hyperbolicity constant of every Johnson graph. Also, we obtain good bounds on the hyperbolicity constant of every Kneser graph, and in many cases, we even compute its precise value.
Ambulantes psychosoziales Screening in einem Hautkrebszentrum: Akzeptanz, psychosoziale Belastung und Inanspruchnahme von Beratungsangeboten
Authors: Wünsch Alexander , Jeske Niklas , Röderer Natalie , Meiss Frank
Published: May 2024

Hintergrund

Die psychosoziale Versorgung von Krebspatienten nimmt über den gesamten Verlauf der onkologischen Behandlung einen wichtigen Stellenwert ein. Seit 2015 ist das psychosoziale Screening in den Ambulanzen des Hauttumorzentrums in Freiburg implementiert. Wir präsentieren hier eine Post-hoc-Analyse im Rahmen der Qualitätssicherung.

Fragestellung

Akzeptanz, psychosoziale Belastung und Inanspruchnahme wurden evaluiert. Explorativ untersuchten wir, welche Patienten- und Krankheitsmerkmale mit einer erhöhten subjektiven Belastung zusammenhängen.

Material und Methoden

In einer Vollerhebung von 06/2015 bis 12/2015 wurden die Akzeptanz, die psychosoziale Belastung mittels Distress-Thermometer (DT) und der Beratungswunsch ausgewertet.

Ergebnisse

Von 753 Patienten haben 345 (45,8 %) am psychosozialen Screening teilgenommen und Daten von 310 (m:w 174:136; 89,7 % Melanompatienten, mittlere Zeit seit Erstdiagnose 4,7 ± 3,9 Jahre) konnten ausgewertet werden. Die mittlere Belastung auf dem DT betrug 2,97 ± 2,83 (Median 2, Range 0 bis 10). Eine überschwellige Belastung (DT ≥ 5) wurde von 84 Patienten (28,8 %) angegeben; 34 Patienten (11 %) gaben einen Beratungswunsch an, und 23 Patienten nahmen das Beratungsangebot in Anspruch. Patienten mit überschwelliger Belastung waren jünger, befanden sich häufiger unter laufender oder kürzlich abgeschlossener medikamentöser Therapie und hatten häufiger einen Beratungswunsch.

Diskussion

Neben der Erhebung der Belastung mit validierten Screeninginstrumenten stellt die Erhebung des subjektiven Betreuungswunsches einen wichtigen Parameter zur Identifikation von betreuungsbedürftigen Patienten dar. Junge Patienten und Patienten unter Systemtherapie sollten in den Fokus der Aufmerksamkeit rücken.
Evaluation of magnetic resonance imaging for bladder cancer detection following transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT)
Authors: Khwaja Samir A. , Caglic Iztok , Shaida Nadeem , Colquhoun Alexandra J. , Turner William , Barrett Tristan
Published: May 2024

Purpose

To evaluate the performance of MRI for detection of bladder cancer following transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT).

Methods

This single-centre retrospective study included forty-one consecutive patients with bladder cancer who underwent bladder MRI after TURBT. Two uroradiologists retrospectively assessed the presence of tumour using bladder MRI with and without DWI (diffusion weighted imaging) using a five-point Likert scale. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated and inter-reader agreement was assessed. Histopathology was used as the reference standard.

Results

24 out of 41 patients (58.5%) had no residual tumour or Tis (carcinoma in situ) after TURBT. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV for detection of tumour using T1WI (T1-weighted imaging) and T2WI (T2-weighted imaging) was 50.0%, 54.6%, 21.1%, and 81.8%, respectively and for T1WI, T2WI and DWI combined was 100%, 76.5%, 50.0% and 100%, respectively. Overestimation of tumour was more common than underestimation. MRI showed high accuracy for patients in whom there was no residual tumour (78.9%). Inter-reader agreement for tumour detection improved from fair (κ = 0.54) to moderate (κ = 0.70) when DWI was included.

Conclusion

Non-contrast MRI with DWI showed high sensitivity and relatively high specificity for detection of residual tumour after TURBT. Inter-reader agreement improved from fair to moderate with the addition of DWI. MRI can be useful after TURBT in order to guide further management.

Graphical abstract
Design of smart magnetic thin-sheet structure based wireless sensors-array arrangement for intraoral-pressure sensing approach
Authors: Kohli Mayank , Hsu Li-Fang , Chen Chin-Chung , Yao Chung-Chen Jane , Chung Tien-Kan
Published: May 2024

During orthodontic treatments, orthodontists want to simultaneously measure different kinds of intraoral pressure of a patient to determine a suitable orthodontic treatment plan for the patient. To achieve this, an intraoral pressure sensors-array with a specific arrangement in the oral cavity is needed. Hence, in this paper, we design a smart magnetic thin-sheet structure based wireless sensors-array arrangement for intraoral-pressure sensing for orthodontics to determine the above suitable treatment plan. In general, the sensors-array consists of multiple sensing modules. Each module consists of two parts: the first part is a transmitting/receiving electromagnet which is connected to a reference electromagnet in a balanced inductance bridge configuration while the second part is a smart magnetic thin-sheet structure based high-permeable sensing diaphragm. A voltage input is applied to the reference electromagnet and transmitting/receiving electromagnet, while the voltage output is measured from the transmitting/receiving electromagnet, respectively (the transmitting/receiving electromagnet can transmit the magnetic flux as well as receive or sense the change of magnetic flux). When the sensing diaphragm (which is placed in proximity to the transmitting/receiving electromagnet) undergoes a displacement, the gap between the sensing diaphragm and transmitting/receiving electromagnet changes. This subsequently changes surrounding magnetic flux, and consequently results in a change in magnetic reluctance between the sensing diaphragm and transmitting/receiving electromagnet. Thus, the voltage output of the transmitting/receiving electromagnet is changed accordingly. Based on this operation principle, furthermore, we use multiple transmitting/receiving electromagnets to form a compact (specifically arranged) sensors-array. The results show that specifically arranged sensors-array can provide measurement results in multiple points in the oral cavity to the orthodontists, as a simplified decision-making reference for the orthodontists to determine the clinical treatment plan for patients.
Meta-analysis: loop ileostomy versus colostomy to prevent complications of anterior resection for rectal cancer
Authors: Yang Shilai , Tang Gang , Zhang Yudi , Wei Zhengqiang , Du Donglin
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Anastomotic leakage is a serious complication of colorectal cancer surgery, prolonging hospital stays and impacting patient prognosis. Preventive colostomy is required in patients at risk of anastomotic fistulas. However, it remains unclear whether the commonly used loop colostomy(LC) or loop ileostomy(LI) can reduce the complications of colorectal surgery. This study aims to compare perioperative morbidities associated with LC and LI following anterior rectal cancer resection, including LC and LI reversal.

Methods

In this meta-analysis, the Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for prospective cohort studies, retrospective cohort studies, and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on perioperative morbidity during stoma development and reversal up to July 2023, The meta-analysis included 10 trials with 2036 individuals (2 RCTs and 8 cohorts).

Results

No significant differences in morbidity, mortality, or stoma-related issues were found between the LI and LC groups after anterior resection surgery. However, patients in the LC group exhibited higher rates of stoma prolapse (RR: 0.39; 95%CI: 0.19–0.82; P = 0.01), retraction (RR: 0.45; 95%CI: 0.29–0.71; P < 0.01), surgical site infection (RR: 0.52; 95%CI: 0.27–1.00; P = 0.05) and incisional hernias (RR: 0.53; 95%CI: 0.32–0.89; P = 0.02) after stoma closure compared to those in the LI group. Conversely, the LI group showed higher rates of dehydration or electrolyte imbalances(RR: 2.98; 95%CI: 1.51–5.89; P < 0.01), high-output(RR: 6.17; 95%CI: 1.24–30.64; P = 0.03), and renal insufficiency post-surgery(RR: 2.51; 95%CI: 1.01–6.27; P = 0.05).

Conclusion

Our study strongly recommends a preventive LI for anterior resection due to rectal cancer. However, ileostomy is more likely to result in dehydration, renal insufficiency, and intestinal obstruction. More multicenter RCTs are needed to corroborate this.
Impact of tumor size on overall survival and cancer-specific survival of early-onset colon and rectal cancer: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Yin Wanbin , Zhang Maorun , Ji Zhe , Li Xiaoping , Zhang Shiyao , Liu Gang
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the impact of tumor size on survival in early-onset colon and rectal cancer.

Methods

Early-onset colon and rectal cancer patients were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database between 2004 and 2015. Tumor size was analyzed as both continuous and categorical variables. Several statistical techniques, including restricted cubic spline (RCS), Cox proportional hazard model, subgroup analysis, propensity score matching (PSM), and Kaplan–Meier survival analysis, were employed to demonstrate the association between tumor size and overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) of early-onset colon and rectal cancer.

Results

Seventeen thousand five hundred fifty-one (76.7%) early-onset colon and 5323 (23.3%) rectal cancer patients were included. RCS analysis confirmed a linear association between tumor size and survival. Patients with a tumor size > 5 cm had worse OS and CSS, compared to those with a tumor size ≤ 5 cm for both early-onset colon and rectal cancer. Notably, subgroup analysis showed that a smaller tumor size (≤ 50 mm) was associated with worse survival in stage II early-onset colon cancer, although not statistically significant. After PSM, Kaplan–Meier survival curves showed that the survival of patients with tumor size ≤ 50 mm was better than that of patients with tumor size > 50 mm.

Conclusion

Patients with tumors larger than 5 cm were associated with worse survival in early-onset colon and rectal cancer. However, smaller tumor size may indicate a more biologically aggressive phenotype, correlating with poorer survival in stage II early-onset colon cancer.
Influence of prior myocardial infarction on outcome in patients with ischaemic HFrEF: insights from the EVIdence based TreAtment in Heart Failure (EVITA-HF) registry
Authors: Heer Tobias , Zeymer Uwe , Hochadel Matthias , Frankenstein Lutz , Pauschinger Matthias , Hambrecht Rainer , Bruder Oliver , Böhm Michael , Maier Lars S. , Zahn Ralf , Senges Jochen
Published: May 2024

Background

There is scarce information about the influence of prior myocardial infarction (pMI) on outcomes in patients (pts) with ischaemic HFrEF. We analysed data from the EVIdence based TreAtment in Heart Failure (EVITA-HF) registry.

Methods

EVITA-HF comprises web-based case report data on demography, diagnostic measures, adverse events and 1-year follow-up of patients hospitalized for chronic heart failure ≥ 3 months (CHF) and an ejection fraction ≤ 40%. In the present study, we focused on the outcomes of pts with and without pMI in ischaemic HFrEF.

Results

Between February 2009 and November 2015, a total of 2075 consecutive pts with ischaemic HFrEF were included from 16 centres in Germany. A total of 81.2% were male, and the mean age was 71 years. A total of 61.5% of the pts with ischaemic HFrEF had a history of pMI. These pts were treated less often with PCI (20.0 vs. 31.0%, p < 0.001) or CABG (3.8 vs. 7.7%, p < 0.001). They more often received an ICD (40.9 vs. 28.7%, p < 0.001), but less often a CRT-D (11.3 vs. 19.4%, p < 0.001). After multivariate adjustment, pts with pMI had a greater all-cause mortality after 1 year than those without pMI (hazard ratio 1.4; 95% CI, 1.10–1.79, p = 0.007). The combined endpoint of death, resuscitation or ICD shock after 1 year was greater in patients with pMI (20.8 vs. 16.4%, p = 0.03). Mobility was more often reduced in pts with pMI (46.8% vs. 40.1%, p = 0.03), and overall health status was more frequently worse in patients with pMI than in those 12 months ago (23.1 vs. 15.9%, p = 0.01). More than a quarter of the pts with ischaemic HFrEF were anxious or depressive.

Conclusion

pMI in patients with CHF and ischaemic HFrEF was associated with increased mortality, increased event rates, and worsened health status. Hence, the subgroup of pts with ischaemic HFrEF and pMI is at higher risk and deserves special attention.

Graphical abstract
Gewalt gegen Frauen und ihre psychischen Auswirkungen
Authors: Mossaheb Nilufar
Published: May 2024

Weltweit haben 35 % der Mädchen und Frauen körperliche und/oder sexuelle Gewalt erfahren. Strukturelle Ungleichbehandlung und hegemoniale Männlichkeitskonzepte bilden die Grundlage für Gewalt gegen Mädchen und Frauen. Frauen mit Gewalterfahrung entwickeln deutlich häufiger psychische Erkrankungen. Umgekehrt ist die Wahrscheinlichkeit, lebenszeitlich Opfer häuslicher oder sexueller Gewalt zu werden, für Frauen mit psychischen Erkrankungen erhöht. Mental health professionals haben eine wichtige Rolle und Verantwortung hinsichtlich der Möglichkeiten zur Unterstützung bei – und zur Prävention von – Gewalt gegen Frauen. Eine Anamneseerhebung im psychiatrischen Kontext sollte geschlechtssensibel sein, Traumata berücksichtigen und routinemäßig ein Erfragen von Gewalterfahrungen beinhalten. Hierfür ist neben dem psychiatrischen Wissen auch eine Kenntnis über weitere Maßnahmen zum Schutz der Opfer notwendig als auch Unterstützungsmöglichkeit bei eigener Betroffenheit.
Diet color affects female preference for mate color in the guppy Poecilia reticulata
Authors: Kato Raihi , Karino Kenji
Published: May 2024

It has been argued that a preexisting sensory bias for food color influences female mate preference for male ornament color. However, the effect of diet color over a short period on female preference for color-polymorphic male ornaments has not yet been investigated. In this study, we examined the effect of diet color on female preference for mate color in the guppy Poecilia reticulata, with color-polymorphic ornaments such as orange and black spots. From an early age, females were reared on a diet with orange and black color, respectively. A dichotomous mate choice experiment using females was conducted between males with large orange spots and males with large black spots. Females fed on an orange-colored diet preferred males with large orange spots, whereas those fed on a black-colored diet preferred males with large black spots. Afterward, the diet color treatment for the females was reversed for seven days. This dietary color alteration resulted in the reversal of female preference for male color. These results suggest that diet color has a great influence on female preference for mate color, even within a short period, and environmental gradients may function to maintain color-polymorphic male ornaments in this species.
Deducing neighborhoods of classes from a fitted model
Authors: Gerharz Alexander , Groll Andreas , Schauberger Gunther
Published: May 2024

In this article, a new kind of interpretable machine learning method is presented, which can help to understand the partition of the feature space into predicted classes in a classification model using quantile shifts, and this way make the underlying statistical or machine learning model more trustworthy. Basically, real data points (or specific points of interest) are used and the changes of the prediction after slightly raising or decreasing specific features are observed. By comparing the predictions before and after the shifts, under certain conditions the observed changes in the predictions can be interpreted as neighborhoods of the classes with regard to the shifted features. Chord diagrams are used to visualize the observed changes. For illustration, this quantile shift method (QSM) is applied to an artificial example with medical labels and a real data example.
Enhancing multiple myeloma staging: a novel cell death risk model approach
Authors: Deng Zeyu , Zhu Hongkai , Yuan Zhaoshun , Zhang Rong , Wang Zhihua , Li Heng , Yin Le , Ruan Xueqin , Cheng Zhao , Li Ruijuan , Peng Hongling
Published: May 2024

The prognostication of survival trajectories in multiple myeloma (MM) patients presents a substantial clinical challenge. Leveraging transcriptomic and clinical profiles from an expansive cohort of 2,088 MM patients, sourced from the Gene Expression Omnibus and The Cancer Genome Atlas repositories, we applied a sophisticated nested lasso regression technique to construct a prognostic model predicated on 28 gene pairings intrinsic to cell death pathways, thereby deriving a quantifiable risk stratification metric. Employing a threshold of 0.15, we dichotomized the MM samples into discrete high-risk and low-risk categories. Notably, the delineated high-risk cohort exhibited a statistically significant diminution in survival duration, a finding which consistently replicated across both training and external validation datasets. The prognostic acumen of our cell death signature was further corroborated by TIME ROC analyses, with the model demonstrating robust performance, evidenced by AUC metrics consistently surpassing the 0.6 benchmark across the evaluated arrays. Further analytical rigor was applied through multivariate COX regression analyses, which ratified the cell death risk model as an independent prognostic determinant. In an innovative stratagem, we amalgamated this risk stratification with the established International Staging System (ISS), culminating in the genesis of a novel, refined ISS categorization. This tripartite classification system was subjected to comparative analysis against extant prognostic models, whereupon it manifested superior predictive precision, as reflected by an elevated C-index. In summation, our endeavors have yielded a clinically viable gene pairing model predicated on cellular mortality, which, when synthesized with the ISS, engenders an augmented prognostic tool that exhibits pronounced predictive prowess in the context of multiple myeloma.
Efficacy and survival of nivolumab treatment for recurrent/unresectable esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma: real-world clinical data from a large multi-institutional cohort
Authors: Makino Tomoki , Nakai Shigeto , Momose Kota , Yamashita Kotaro , Tanaka Koji , Miyata Hiroshi , Yamamoto Sachiko , Motoori Masaaki , Kimura Yutaka , Ushimaru Yuki , Hirao Motohiro , Matsuyama Jin , Akamaru Yusuke , Kurokawa Yukinori , Eguchi Hidetoshi , Doki Yuichiro
Published: May 2024

Background

Real-world clinical outcomes of and prognostic factors for nivolumab treatment for esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma (ESCC) remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate real-world outcomes of nivolumab monotherapy in association with relevant clinical parameters in recurrent/unresectable advanced ESCC patients.

Methods

This population-based multicenter cohort study included a total of 282 patients from 15 institutions with recurrent/unresectable advanced ESCC who received nivolumab as a second-line or later therapy between 2014 and 2022. Data, including the best overall response, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS), were retrospectively collected from these patients.

Results

Objective response and disease control rates were 17.0% and 47.9%, respectively. The clinical response to nivolumab treatment significantly correlated with development of overall immune-related adverse events (P < .0001), including rash (P < .0001), hypothyroidism (P = .03), and interstitial pneumonia (P = .004). Organ-specific best response rates were 20.6% in lymph nodes, 17.4% in lungs, 15.4% in pleural dissemination, and 13.6% in primary lesions. In terms of patient survival, the median OS and PFS was 10.9 and 2.4 months, respectively. Univariate analysis of OS revealed that performance status (PS; P < .0001), number of metastatic organs (P = .019), C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio (CAR; P < .0001), neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (P = .001), and PMI (P = .024) were significant. Multivariate analysis further identified CAR [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.61, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.15–2.25, P = .0053)] in addition to PS (HR = 1.65, 95% CI 1.23–2.22, P = .0008) as independent prognostic parameters.

Conclusions

CAR and PS before nivolumab treatment are useful in predicting long-term survival in recurrent/unresectable advanced ESCC patients with second-line or later nivolumab treatment.

Trial Registration

UMIN000040462
Climate modelling of the potential distribution in South Africa of two Zygogramma species (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) released for the biological control of invasive weed Tithonia rotundifolia (Asteraceae: Heliantheae)
Authors: Mawela Khethani V. , Simelane David O. , Olckers Terence
Published: May 2024

Two Mexican leaf-feeding beetles, Zygogramma piceicollis (Stål) and Zygogramma signatipennis (Stål) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), were released in South Africa for the biological control of the invasive species Tithonia rotundifolia (Mill.) S.E. Blake (Asteraceae: Heliantheae). The aim of this study was to predict the potential of these beetles to establish and spread in South Africa, using MaxEnt climate modelling that incorporated locality data recorded in Mexico between 2008 and 2019 and data from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility. Zygogramma signatipennis displayed a wider distribution than Z. piceicollis in Mexico, with some overlap between the two species. The average receiver operating characteristic curves obtained for Z. piceicollis and Z. signatipennis predicted high mean area under curve values of 0.910 and 0.885, respectively. Jackknife tests revealed that mean annual temperature had the highest gain when used in isolation for Z. piceicollis, compared with minimum precipitation of the driest month for Z. signatipennis. These tests also revealed that the highest and lowest contributing environmental variables for Z. piceicollis and Z. signatipennis were minimum precipitation of the driest month (37.9 and 46.7%) and maximum annual temperature of the warmest month (3.8 and 12.3%), respectively. MaxEnt modelling predicted that at least six of South Africa’s nine provinces provide regions that would support the proliferation of both beetles, with conditions best suited for Z. piceicollis. Despite predictions that both beetles should establish throughout the range of T. rotundifolia in South Africa, their realized establishment has so far been poor. Other factors, besides climate, including release size, site destructions, drought, soil moisture and texture could be constraining establishment.
Overexpression of a pearl millet WRKY transcription factor gene, PgWRKY74, in Arabidopsis retards shoot growth under dehydration and salinity-stressed conditions
Authors: Qazi Maimuna , Gupta Shashi Kumar , Takano Tetsuo , Tsugama Daisuke
Published: May 2024

Pearl millet (Cenchrus americanus) is a cereal crop that can tolerate high temperatures, drought, and low-fertility conditions where other crops lose productivity. However, genes regulating this ability are largely unknown. Transcription factors (TFs) regulate transcription of their target genes, regulate downstream biological processes, and thus are candidates for regulators of such tolerance of pearl millet. PgWRKY74 encodes a group IIc WRKY TF in pearl millet and is downregulated by drought. PgWRKY74 may have a role in drought tolerance. The objective of this study was to gain insights into the physiological and biochemical functions of PgWRKY74. Yeast one-hybrid and gel shift assays were performed to examine transcriptional activation potential and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)-binding ability, respectively. Transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana plants overexpressing PgWRKY74-green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion gene were generated and tested for growth and stress-responsive gene expression under mannitol and NaCl-stressed conditions. A construct with PgWRKY74 enabled yeast reporter cells to survive on test media in the yeast one-hybrid assays. The electrophoretic mobility of DNA with putative WRKY TF-binding motifs was lower in the presence of a recombinant PgWRKY74 protein than its absence. The PgWRKY74-GFP-overexpressing Arabidopsis plants exhibited smaller rosette areas than did wild-type plants under mannitol-stressed and NaCl-stressed conditions, and exhibited weaker expression of RD29B, which is induced by the stress-related phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA), under the mannitol-stressed condition.

PgWRKY74 have transcriptional activation potential and DNA-binding ability, and can negatively regulate plant responses to mannitol and NaCl stresses, possibly by decreasing ABA levels or ABA sensitivity.
Boardroom Diversity and Carbon Emissions: Evidence from the UK Firms
Authors: Khatri Ishwar
Published: May 2024

This study provides comprehensive evidence on the link between boardroom diversity and reduction of carbon emissions. Analyzing data from a sample of 344 UK-listed non-financial and unregulated firms over the period from 2005 to 2021, our findings indicate that task-oriented (i.e., tenure) and structural (i.e., insider/outsider) board diversity are important for reducing corporate carbon emissions while relational diversity does not appear to be useful. Furthermore, the study explores the role of external carbon governance, such as the Paris Agreement, on firms with weaker internal governance structures. The findings reveal that external governance plays a critical role in curbing emissions when internal governance is not effective. Overall, our research offers valuable insights for management and regulatory bodies on the interplay between various governance mechanisms internal and external to a firm. This knowledge could guide them in determining the right mix and degree of diversity in the boardroom to achieve environmental goals.
Did Facebook Cheat?: A Test Case of Antitrust Ethics
Authors: Goldwater Jonah
Published: May 2024

Citing corporate concentration and lax enforcement since the Reagan era, the Biden administration has declared a new era of aggressive antitrust prosecution, bringing antimonopoly actions against tech giants such as Meta, Google, and Amazon. But what’s so bad about monopoly or corporate concentration? The standard answer appeals to economic consequences, such as higher prices or deadweight losses. This paper offers a different framework. It argues monopolizing can be a form of cheating, which is a wrong that attaches to means, not just ends; an athlete who cheats but loses still does wrong. In particular, this paper argues that certain market-controlling strategies constitute a form of cheating I call ‘structural cheating,’ best illustrated by the metaphor of creating an unlevel playing field: rather than compete fairly on merits such as product quality and price, a firm that acquires rivals biases the market in its favor, thereby entrenching a dominant position that effectively forces would-be competitors to compete uphill. By framing (alleged) antitrust violations as cheating, while using the FTC’s lawsuit against Facebook (now Meta) as a test case, this paper provides a needed corrective to those citing market success as evidence of merit or skill. A further upshot is the structural cheating account better explains the distinctively problematic features of social media market concentration than Heath’s Market Failures Approach. More generally, this paper provides a normative lens for analyzing fair market competition and shows why it’s not only winning or losing that counts in capitalism, but how one plays the game.
Vertex stabilizers of locally s-arc transitive graphs of pushing up type
Authors: van Bon John , Parker Chris
Published: May 2024

Suppose that $$\Delta $$
Δ
is a thick, locally finite and locally s-arc transitive G-graph with $$s \ge 4$$

s
≥
4

. For a vertex z in $$\Delta $$
Δ
, let $$G_z$$

G
z

be the stabilizer of z and $$G_z^{[1]}$$

G
z

[
1
]

the kernel of the action of $$G_z$$

G
z

on the neighbours of z. We say $$\Delta $$
Δ
is of pushing up type provided there exist a prime p and a 1-arc (x, y) such that $$C_{G_z}(O_p(G_z^{[1]})) \le O_p(G_z^{[1]})$$

C

G
z

(

O
p

(

G
z

[
1
]

)

)

≤

O
p

(

G
z

[
1
]

)

for $$z \in \{x,y\}$$

z
∈
{
x
,
y
}

and $$O_p(G_x^{[1]}) \le O_p(G_y^{[1]})$$

O
p

(

G
x

[
1
]

)

≤

O
p

(

G
y

[
1
]

)

. We show that if $$\Delta $$
Δ
is of pushing up type, then $$O_p(G_x^{[1]})$$

O
p

(

G
x

[
1
]

)

is elementary abelian and $$G_x/G_x^{[1]}\cong X$$

G
x

/

G
x

[
1
]

≅
X

with $$ \textrm{PSL}_2(p^a)\le X \le \mathrm{P\Gamma L}_2(p^a)$$

PSL
2

(

p
a

)

≤
X
≤

P
Γ
L

2

(

p
a

)

.
Möbius function of the subgroup lattice of a finite group and Euler characteristic
Authors: Dalla Volta Francesca , Di Gravina Luca
Published: May 2024

The Möbius function of the subgroup lattice of a finite group has been introduced by Hall and applied to investigate several questions. In this paper, we consider the Möbius function defined on an order ideal related to the lattice of the subgroups of an irreducible subgroup G of the general linear group $$\textrm{GL}(n,q)$$

GL
(
n
,
q
)

acting on the n-dimensional vector space $$V=\mathbb {F}_q^n$$

V
=

F
q
n

, where $$\mathbb {F}_q$$

F
q

is the finite field with q elements. We find a relation between this function and the Euler characteristic of two simplicial complexes $$\Delta _1$$

Δ
1

and $$\Delta _2$$

Δ
2

, the former raising from the lattice of the subspaces of V, the latter from the subgroup lattice of G.
Exploring Emotional Dysregulation and Avoidance with Caregivers as the Mechanisms Linking Social Communication Understanding and Aggressive Behaviours
Authors: Thompson Emma Louise , Gillespie-Smith Karri , Mair Ally Pax Arcari , Obsuth Ingrid
Published: May 2024

Many autistic adolescents and young adults present with aggressive behaviours, which can be challenging for caregivers. The present study aimed to explore the underlying mechanisms between social communication understanding and aggressive behaviours in autistic and non-autistic adolescents, specifically the role of emotional dysregulation and its impact on avoidance with caregivers. Caregivers of autistic (n = 275) and non-autistic adolescents (n = 123) completed standardised caregiver-report questionnaires measuring social communication understanding, emotional dysregulation, avoidance between the adolescent and caregiver and aggressive behaviours. A serial mediation analysis indicated that levels of social communication understanding were indirectly associated with aggressive behaviours. This occurred through increased emotional dysregulation, which may have led to increased avoidance between the autistic and non-autistic adolescents and their caregivers. These findings support a sequential process by which adolescents with low social communication understanding are more likely to behave aggressively through being emotionally dysregulated and the impact of this on the increased avoidance within the caregiver–adolescent dyad. This process was found within autistic and non-autistic adolescents, suggesting a mechanism across individuals with aggression. These findings indicate that interventions based on improving emotion regulation ability and responses between adolescents and their caregivers may aid in reducing aggressive behaviours in adolescents and young adults with lower social communication understanding.
A Longitudinal Analysis of Mothers’ Parenting Stress and Internalizing and Externalizing Behavior of Young Children on the Autism Spectrum
Authors: Paynter Jessica , Heng Vanessa , Tucker Madonna , Malone Stephanie
Published: May 2024

We investigated longitudinal relations between internalizing, externalizing, and total behaviors that challenge in young children on the autism spectrum and mothers’ parenting stress. Participants included 93 mothers of children on the autism spectrum aged 27.89–65.84 months, who completed questionnaires on maternal parenting stress, and children’s internalizing (anxiety), externalizing (disruptive), and total behaviors that challenge. Data were collected on early intervention program intake and approximately one year later. Cross-sectional findings indicated small to medium effect size associations between internalizing and externalizing behavior and parenting stress. However, cross-lagged structural equation models found that neither internalizing nor externalizing behavior predicted later parenting stress, nor the reverse. Significant stability effects were found for measures of child internalizing (anxiety), externalizing (disruptive), and total behaviors, and parenting stress. Relations between behaviors that challenge and parenting stress over time were non-significant in our models that controlled for stability of behaviors and parenting stress over time. Implications for research and clinical practice, in understanding and targeting the persistence of behaviors that challenge and parenting stress, are discussed.
A synergistic approach to optimizing the performance of a concentrating solar segmented variable area leg thermoelectric generator using numerical methods and neural networks
Authors: Alghamdi Hisham , Maduabuchi Chika , Albaker Abdullah , Alatawi Ibrahim , Alsenani Theyab R. , Alsafran Ahmed S. , AlAqil Mohammed , Alkhedher Mohammad
Published: May 2024

This study presents an optimized design for segmented variable area leg thermoelectric modules using finite element methods and Bayesian regularized neural networks. We explored the impact of geometry and thermal parameters on module performance using ANSYS software, identifying optimal parameters for power output and efficiency. Key findings revealed the higher influence of geometric parameters and confirmed the advantages of segmented thermoelectric generators for high-temperature applications like concentrated solar systems. With this optimization, power output and efficiency of the module increased by 875% and 165%, respectively, under 25 Suns. To refine the optimization process, a Bayesian regularized neural network was utilized, proving effective in predicting module performance with a low mean squared error and high coefficient of determination. This research provides important insights into high-performance thermoelectric modules for sustainable energy applications, demonstrating the significant role of advanced computational methods in energy solutions.
A constrained maximum likelihood approach to developing well-calibrated models for predicting binary outcomes
Authors: Cao Yaqi , Ma Weidong , Zhao Ge , McCarthy Anne Marie , Chen Jinbo
Published: May 2024

The added value of candidate predictors for risk modeling is routinely evaluated by comparing the performance of models with or without including candidate predictors. Such comparison is most meaningful when the estimated risk by the two models are both unbiased in the target population. Very often data for candidate predictors are sourced from nonrepresentative convenience samples. Updating the base model using the study data without acknowledging the discrepancy between the underlying distribution of the study data and that in the target population can lead to biased risk estimates and therefore an unfair evaluation of candidate predictors. To address this issue assuming access to a well-calibrated base model, we propose a semiparametric method for model fitting that enforces good calibration. The central idea is to calibrate the fitted model against the base model by enforcing suitable constraints in maximizing the likelihood function. This approach enables unbiased assessment of model improvement offered by candidate predictors without requiring a representative sample from the target population, thus overcoming a significant practical challenge. We study theoretical properties for model parameter estimates, and demonstrate improvement in model calibration via extensive simulation studies. Finally, we apply the proposed method to data extracted from Penn Medicine Biobank to inform the added value of breast density for breast cancer risk assessment in the Caucasian woman population.
TLCE: Transfer-Learning Based Classifier Ensembles for Few-Shot Class-Incremental Learning
Authors: Wang Shuangmei , Cao Yang , Wu Tieru
Published: May 2024

Few-shot class-incremental learning (FSCIL) struggles to incrementally recognize novel classes from few examples without catastrophic forgetting of old classes or overfitting to new classes. We propose TLCE, which ensembles multiple pre-trained models to improve separation of novel and old classes. Specifically, we use episodic training to map images from old classes to quasi-orthogonal prototypes, which minimizes interference between old and new classes. Then, we incorporate the use of ensembling diverse pre-trained models to further tackle the challenge of data imbalance and enhance adaptation to novel classes. Extensive experiments on various datasets demonstrate that our transfer learning ensemble approach outperforms state-of-the-art FSCIL methods.
WaveVC: Speech and Fundamental Frequency Consistent Raw Audio Voice Conversion
Authors: Ko Kyungdeuk , Kim Donghyeon , Oh Kyungseok , Ko Hanseok
Published: May 2024

Voice conversion (VC) is a task for changing the speech of a source speaker to the target voice while preserving linguistic information of the source speech. The existing VC methods typically use mel-spectrogram as both input and output, so a separate vocoder is required to transform mel-spectrogram into waveform. Therefore, the VC performance varies depending on the vocoder performance, and noisy speech can be generated due to problems such as train-test mismatch. In this paper, we propose a speech and fundamental frequency consistent raw audio voice conversion method called WaveVC. Unlike other methods, WaveVC does not require a separate vocoder and can perform VC directly on raw audio waveform using 1D convolution. This eliminates the issue of performance degradation caused by the train-test mismatch of the vocoder. In the training phase, WaveVC employs speech loss and F0 loss to preserve the content of the source speech and generate F0 consistent speech using the pre-trained networks. WaveVC is capable of converting voices while maintaining consistency in speech and fundamental frequency. In the test phase, the F0 feature of the source speech is concatenated with a content embedding vector to ensure the converted speech follows the fundamental frequency flow of the source speech. WaveVC achieves higher performances than baseline methods in both many-to-many VC and any-to-any VC. The converted samples are available online.
Multi-view Self-supervised Learning and Multi-scale Feature Fusion for Automatic Speech Recognition
Authors: Zhao Jingyu , Li Ruwei , Tian Maocun , An Weidong
Published: May 2024

To address the challenges of the poor representation capability and low data utilization rate of end-to-end speech recognition models in deep learning, this study proposes an end-to-end speech recognition model based on multi-scale feature fusion and multi-view self-supervised learning (MM-ASR). It adopts a multi-task learning paradigm for training. The proposed method emphasizes the importance of inter-layer information within shared encoders, aiming to enhance the model’s characterization capability via the multi-scale feature fusion module. Moreover, we apply multi-view self-supervised learning to effectively exploit data information. Our approach is rigorously evaluated on the Aishell-1 dataset and further validated its effectiveness on the English corpus WSJ. The experimental results demonstrate a noteworthy 4.6$$\%$$
%
reduction in character error rate, indicating significantly improved speech recognition performance . These findings showcase the effectiveness and potential of our proposed MM-ASR model for end-to-end speech recognition tasks.