bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation between choroidal parameters and primary angle-closure suspect in different age groups
Authors: Li Mengyang , Li Zhi , Xiang Fei , Li Caixia , Zhang Ye , Li Shuning
Published: August 2024

Objective

To investigate the correlations between choroidal parameters and primary angle-closure suspect (PACS) in different age subgroups.

Methods and analysis

Participants aged 50 years or older in a rural area of Daxing District, Beijing, were recruited. Swept-source optical coherence tomography was used to measure the choroidal parameters. Demographic, ocular biometry parameters and choroidal parameters were compared between the PACS and non-PACS (NPACS) eyes. Logistic analysis was performed to explore the association between the choroidal parameters and PACS.

Results

192 (26.89%) subjects with PACS and 509 (71.29%) with PACS were analysed. Subjects were divided into two groups: group 1 (50–60 years, n=286) and group 2 (>60 years, n=415). In group 1, the mean subfoveal choroidal thickness of PACS eyes was 341.82±88.23 µm and thicker than NPACS eyes (315.07±83.53 µm, p=0.035). The choroidal volume was greater in PACS eyes (10.61±2.78 mm3) compared with NPACS eyes (9.66±2.49 mm3, p=0.013). In group 2, no significant difference in any choroidal parameters between PACS and NPACS was found. Multivariate regression demonstrated that increased choroidal volume was associated with PACS (OR 1.298, 95% CI 1.117 to 1.510, p<0.001) in group 1.

Conclusions

In the age group of 50–60 years, PACS eyes had greater choroidal thickness and volume than NPACS eyes, and the increased total choroidal volume was a predisposing factor for PACS.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR2000037944.
Patient safety and the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study of perspectives of front-line clinicians
Authors: Schulson Lucy , Bandini Julia , Bialas Armenda , Huilgol Shreya , Timmins George , Ahluwalia Sangeeta , Gidengil Courtney
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Studies on the impacts of COVID-19 on patient safety are emerging. However, few studies have elicited the perspectives of front-line clinicians.

Methods

We interviewed clinicians from 16 US hospitals who worked in the emergency department, intensive care unit or inpatient unit during the COVID-19 pandemic. We asked about their experiences with both clinician well-being and patient care throughout the pandemic. We used a rigorous thematic analysis to code the interview transcripts. This study was part of a larger randomised control trial of an intervention to improve healthcare worker well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic; the findings described here draw from clinicians who spontaneously raised issues related to patient safety.

Results

11 physicians and 16 nurses in our sample raised issues related to patient safety. We identified two primary themes: (1) compromised access to healthcare and (2) impaired care delivery. First, clinicians discussed how changes in access to healthcare early in the pandemic–including a shift to telehealth and deferred care–led to delays in accurate diagnosis and patients presenting later in their disease course. Second, clinicians discussed the effects of COVID-19 on care delivery related to staffing, equipment shortages and space constraints and how they deviated from the standard of care to manage these constraints. Clinicians noted how these issues led to patient safety events such as central line infections, patient falls and serious medication administration errors.

Conclusions

Several well-intentioned interventions implemented in the early weeks of the pandemic created a unique context that affected patient safety throughout the pandemic. Future pandemic preparedness should consider planning that incorporates a patient safety lens to mitigate further harm from occurring during a public health crisis.
How quota cuts, recreational fishing, and predator conservation can shape coastal commercial fishery efforts
Authors: Koemle Dieter , Pascoe Sean , Weltersbach Marc Simon , Gassler Birgit , Arlinghaus Robert
Published: August 2024

Commercial fishing effort often collides with other uses and interests. Fisheries resources might be co-used by recreational fishers (anglers), support populations of non-human top-predators, and fishing space might be preserved for conservation purposes. This can affect how commercial fisheries operate. We studied how the spatial distribution of commercial fishing effort among fishing districts is related to quotas, the use of resources by anglers, and the re-emergence of natural predators (the grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) and the great cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis)). Our study area is the small-scale commercial fishery of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern in Germany. We use seemingly unrelated regressions with vessel-level time series of commercial targeting behavior. Spatial shifts in effort shares were related to larger quotas. Further, effort would shift away from areas with high seal densities, but no clear changes with respect to cormorants were found. The relationship between commercial effort share and angling activity was mixed and depended on the type of angler. We found a negative relationship between commercial fishing activity and angling in fishing areas where fishing for trophy pike (Esox lucius) and other predator species was popular.
Semiclassical resolvent estimates for matrix Schrödinger operators and applications
Authors: Assal Marouane , Miranda Pablo , Zerzeri Maher
Published: August 2024

We establish semiclassical resolvent estimates for Schrödinger operators with long-range matrix-valued potentials. As an application, we prove a resonance-free domain in trapping situations. These results generalize the well-known results of [4] [N. Burq, Lower bounds for shape resonances widths of long range Schrödinger operators, Amer. J. Math. 124(4) (2002) 677–735] in the case of scalar Schrödinger operators. In addition, we give an estimate on the scattering amplitude for Schrödinger operators with compactly supported matrix-valued potentials.
Boosting Commit Classification Based on Multivariate Mixed Features and Heterogeneous Classifier Selection
Authors: Wu Yuhan , Li Yingling , Wang Ziao , Tan Qushan , Liu Jing , Jiang Yuao
Published: August 2024

Commit classification plays a crucial role in software maintenance, as it permits developers to make informed decisions regarding resource allocation and code review. There are several approaches for automatic commit classification, yet they do not sufficiently explore the features related to commits and consider the advantages of ensemble models over individual models. Therefore, there is some room for improvement. In this paper, we propose MuheCC, a commit classification approach based on multivariate mixed features and heterogeneous classifier selection to address these challenges. It mainly consists of three phases: (1) Multivariate mixed feature extraction, which extracts features from commit messages, changed code and handcrafted features to construct comprehensive mixed features; (2) Hyperparameter tuning based on genetic algorithm, which utilizes genetic algorithm to optimize candidate traditional models and ensemble models; (3) Heterogeneous classifier selection, which selects the optimal combinations of traditional and ensemble models, respectively, to build a heterogeneous classifier for commit classification. To evaluate this approach, we extend an existing dataset with code changes for each commit and compare MuheCC with three baselines on this real-world dataset. The results show that MuheCC outperforms all baselines, especially improving the best baseline by 7.25% for accuracy, 6.88% for precision, 7.25% for recall and 7.06% for [Formula: see text]-score. Furthermore, the ablation experiments validate that the performance advantage of MuheCC is mainly attributed to the multivariate features (e.g. 12.55% contributions to accuracy) and the heterogeneous classifier (e.g. 12.26% contributions to accuracy). We further discuss the impact of hyperparameter tuning and heterogeneous classifier selection on the performance of MuheCC. These results prove the superiority and potential practical value of MuheCC.
Complete representation by partial functions for signatures containing antidomain restriction
Authors: McLean Brett
Published: August 2024

We investigate notions of complete representation by partial functions, where the operations in the signature include antidomain restriction and may include composition, intersection, update, preferential union, domain, antidomain, and set difference. When the signature includes both antidomain restriction and intersection, the join-complete and the meet-complete representations coincide. Otherwise, for the signatures we consider, meet-complete is strictly stronger than join-complete. A necessary condition to be meet-completely representable is that the atoms are separating. For the signatures we consider, this condition is sufficient if and only if composition is not in the signature. For each of the signatures we consider, the class of (meet-)completely representable algebras is not axiomatizable by any existential-universal-existential first-order theory. For 14 expressively distinct signatures, we show, by giving an explicit representation, that the (meet-)completely representable algebras form a basic elementary class, axiomatizable by a universal-existential-universal first-order sentence. The signatures we axiomatize are those containing antidomain restriction and any of intersection, update, and preferential union and also those containing antidomain restriction, composition, and intersection and any of update, preferential union, domain, and antidomain.
ON NEW SOLUTIONS OF THE NORMALIZED FRACTIONAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
Authors: AL-REFAI MOHAMMED , BALEANU DUMITRU
Published: August 2024

The normalized fractional derivatives (NFDs) are a normalization of the existing fractional derivatives (FDs) which admit geometrical meanings. They have finite ordinary derivatives at the initial point, which cause smoothness of solutions for related fractional differential equations (FDEs). For FDs with non-singular kernels, the NFDs do not vanish at the starting point, in general, and therefore related FDEs admit solutions without the need to impose extra conditions. In this paper, we consider FDEs with the normalized Caputo–Fabrizio derivative of Caputo type. We show in closed forms the solutions of related FDEs and show that the Cauchy problem with the NFD admits a nontrivial solution. We also define the higher-order NFDs and show that related FDEs can be solved by transforming them to integro-differential equations with integer orders.
ON THE SOLUTION UNIQUENESS IN PORTFOLIO OPTIMIZATION AND RISK ANALYSIS
Authors: GRECHUK BOGDAN , PALCZEWSKI ANDRZEJ , PALCZEWSKI JAN
Published: August 2024

In this paper, we consider the issue of solution uniqueness of the mean-deviation portfolio optimization problem and its inverse for asset returns distributed over a finite number of scenarios. Due to the asymmetry of returns, the risk is assessed by a general deviation measure introduced by Rockafellar et al. [(2006b) Optimality conditions in portfolio analysis with general deviation measures, Mathematical Programming 108, 515–540] instead of the standard deviation as in the classical Markowitz optimization problem. We demonstrate that, in general, one cannot expect the uniqueness of Pareto-optimal profit sharing in cooperative investment and the uniqueness of solutions in the mean-deviation Black–Litterman asset allocation model. For a large class of deviation measures, we provide a resolution of the above nonuniqueness issues based on the principle of law-invariance. We provide several examples illustrating the nonuniqueness and the law-invariant solution.
Block quantum dynamical semigroups of completely positive definite kernels
Authors: Dey Santanu , Saini Dimple , Trivedi Harsh
Published: August 2024

Kolmogorov decomposition for a given completely positive definite kernel is a generalization of Paschke’s GNS construction for the completely positive map. Using Kolmogorov decomposition, to every quantum dynamical semigroup (QDS) for completely positive definite kernels over a set [Formula: see text] on given [Formula: see text]-algebra [Formula: see text] we shall assign an inclusion system [Formula: see text] of Hilbert bimodules over [Formula: see text] with a generating unit [Formula: see text] Consider a von Neumann algebra [Formula: see text], and let [Formula: see text] be a QDS over a set [Formula: see text] on the algebra [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] which acts block-wise. Further, if [Formula: see text] is the inclusion system affiliated to the diagonal QDS [Formula: see text] along with the generating unit [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text], then we prove that there exists a unique contractive (weak) morphism [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] for every [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] We also study the semigroup version of a factorization theorem for [Formula: see text]-families.
Semi-classical states for fractional Choquard equations with decaying potentials
Authors: Deng Yinbin , Peng Shuangjie , Yang Xian
Published: August 2024

This paper deals with the following fractional Choquard equation: [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] is a small parameter, [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] is the fractional Laplacian, [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] is a Riesz potential, [Formula: see text] is an external potential. Under some assumptions on the decay rate of [Formula: see text] and the corresponding range of [Formula: see text], we prove that the problem has a family of solutions [Formula: see text] concentrating at a local minimum of [Formula: see text] as [Formula: see text]. Since the potential [Formula: see text] vanishes at infinity, we need to employ a type of penalized argument and implement delicate analysis on the double nonlocal terms to establish regularity, positivity and asymptotic behavior of [Formula: see text], which is totally different from the local case. As a contrast, we also develop some nonexistence results, which imply that the assumptions on [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] for the existence of [Formula: see text] are almost optimal. To prove our main results, a general strong maximum principle and comparison function for the weak solutions of fractional Laplacian equations are established.
Intersection de Rham theory on spaces with isolated singularities
Authors: Spreafico M.
Published: August 2024

We construct an extension of the classical de Rham theory on spaces with isolated singularities, that we call intersection de Rham theory. The construction is based on the definition of some closed extension of the exterior differentiation operator on (distributional) forms, based on the introduction of some boundary conditions at the singular point. We prove that the cohomology of the associated Hilbert complex, that we call intersection de Rham complex, is naturally isomorphic to the combinatorial intersection cohomology of Goresky and MacPherson.
Modica-type estimates and curvature results for overdetermined elliptic problems
Authors: Ruiz David , Sicbaldi Pieralberto , Wu Jing
Published: August 2024

In this paper, we establish a Modica-type estimate on bounded solutions to the overdetermined elliptic problem [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text]. As we will see, the presence of the boundary changes the usual form of the Modica estimate for entire solutions. We will also discuss the equality case. From such estimates, we will deduce information about the curvature of [Formula: see text] under a certain condition on [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. The proof uses the maximum principle together with scaling arguments and a careful passage to the limit in the arguments by contradiction.
A Survey of 3D Human Body Reconstruction from Single and Multiple Camera Views
Authors: Wilser Nicola , Cordier Frédéric , Maillot Yvan
Published: August 2024

In today’s digital realm, where the metaverse, virtual reality, and video games converge, the importance of 3D human body reconstruction methods is undeniable. These techniques are useful for creating realistic avatars, lifelike animations, and immersive virtual environments. The problem of 3D model reconstruction remains subject to several challenges, including execution time of methods, the ability to reconstruct complex poses, and managing a variety of clothing. That is why human body reconstruction from one or multiple images or videos is an active area of research. The goal is to reconstruct the body surface geometry, and sometimes appearance, which refers to the textures. Reconstruction methods using parametric models require low computation time but may generate body shapes that are only roughly matching the input images. Thus, they may not be able to capture clothing and appearance details as accurately as non-parametric, photorealistic reconstruction methods, which are computationally intensive. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of various reconstruction methods, ranging from those with minimal constraints (such as single-camera approaches) to those with more significant constraints (such as multi-camera techniques that require calibration data and prior segmentation mask extraction). To facilitate clarity, we will categorize the methods based on whether they produce a parametric or non-parametric model. This paper aims at (i) giving an overview of the existing methods, focusing on those published during the last two years, (ii) describing the requirements and constraints of each of these methods, (iii) presenting the metrics and datasets that are commonly used for the problem of human body reconstruction, (iv) and providing a classification and a comparison of these methods.
Adaptive Spatially-Weighted Region-Based Active Contour
Authors: Sa Bijay Kumar , Panda Rutuparna , Agrawal Sanjay
Published: August 2024

A region-based level-set active contour is the preferred choice for image-segmentation tasks, when the region of interest is defined by weak edges. While, the minimization of an energy functional leads to the contour’s conformation to object boundary, the energy is composed of contour’s internal and image-dependent external energies. In such a model, the overall motion (expansion/shrinkage) of contour is controlled by its area-energy, whereas the length-energy controls the contour’s elasticity. Traditionally, these two internal energies are weighted by scalar constants, which remain fixed throughout the level-set evolution. Both the internal energies are responsible for the contour’s regularization only, whereas the contour converges due to the minimization of external energies. Further, inappropriate weighting results into an inaccurate segmentation either because of premature convergence, or leakage beyond the object boundary. To address these issues, an adaptive spatially weighted region-based active contour (ASWRAC) is proposed. The weights are assigned adaptively to the internal energy terms at successive steps of evolution. This basically removes the need of weight initialization for an improved segmentation process. Additionally, the proposed weights are modeled as vectors, depending on the local regional statistics of the image. This causes the originally internal energies to also reflect external characteristics. Moreover, the time-step used in the discrete implementation of level-set evolution is also managed adaptively. This restricts the contour’s leakage beyond the region of interest. The suggested technique is tested on brain MR slices and other biomedical images from public databases. Comparison of the obtained results with state-of-the-art techniques shows its superiority in segmentation accuracy measured using the metrics: dice Similarity Coefficient, sensitivity, and specificity.
Preparation and Characterization of CuS Nanoparticles
Authors: Chakraborty Sudhangshu
Published: August 2024

This study focuses on producing Copper sulphide (CuS) nanoparticles via the sol–gel technique. Characterization methods such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), FTIR, UV spectroscopy, and PL spectroscopy were used to analyze the samples. Various Nanocomposites were created through sol–gel and electro-polishing techniques, yielding core-shell nanostructures via oxidation or sulfidation treatment. These CuS nanocomposites displayed distinct optical absorption peaks reflecting their structural characteristics. Notably, sol–gel methodologies successfully generated copper sulfide (CuS) nanoparticles sized between 30[Formula: see text]nm and 40[Formula: see text]nm. This result is verified by XRD data and field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) images in this study.
A Novel Broadband Green Phosphor La2W2O9: Bi3+, and Its Application in High Color-Rendering Index pc-WLED
Authors: Gong Changshuai , Liu Danhe , Wang Ziying , Feng Xiaowen , Wang Xuejiao
Published: August 2024

Broadband green phosphors have important applications in overcoming the blue-green (cyan) 470–510[Formula: see text]nm gap of phosphor-converted white LED (pc-WLED) and achieving high color rendering index (CRI) white lighting. In this work, a broadband green phosphor La2W2O9: [Formula: see text]Bi[Formula: see text] was synthesized by solid-state method. The phase, morphology and luminescence properties of the series of phosphors were systematically studied. The results showed the La2W2O9: [Formula: see text]Bi[Formula: see text] green phosphor exhibits a wide emission band in the range of 400–800[Formula: see text]nm with full width at half-maximum (FWHM) of 164[Formula: see text]nm, filling the cyan gap and reaching its peak at 550[Formula: see text]nm. The phosphor exhibits broadband excitation, and the excitation range covers the wavelength region of 200–500[Formula: see text]nm, and matches well with commercial ultraviolet LED. With the obtained broadband green phosphor, commercial CaAlSiN3:Eu[Formula: see text] red phosphor, commercial BaMgAl[Formula: see text]O17:Eu[Formula: see text] blue phosphor, and a 365[Formula: see text]nm commercial chip, a warm white pc-WLED device with a high color-rendering index (Ra[Formula: see text]97.4, R1–R15[Formula: see text]90) and low correlated color temperature (CCT[Formula: see text]3610[Formula: see text]K) was fabricated. The results demonstrate the wide range of applications for La2W2O9:Bi[Formula: see text] phosphor in the field of premium warm white LED lighting.
NLRP3 inflammasome-induced pyroptosis and serum ASC specks are increased in patients with cardiogenic shock
Authors: Kogel Alexander , Baumann Lisa , Maeder Christina , Büttner Petra , Thiele Holger , Kneuer Jasmin Marga , Boeckel Jes-Niels , Laufs Ulrich , Gaul Susanne
Published: August 2024

Background: Cardiogenic shock (CS) is characterized by impaired cardiac function, very high mortality, and limited treatment options. The pro-inflammatory signalling during different phases of CS is incompletely understood. Methods: We collected serum and plasma (N=44) as well as freshly isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC, N=7) of patients with CS complicating acute myocardial infarction on admission and after revascularization (24h, 48h, 72h) and of healthy controls (serum and plasma N=75; PBMC N=12). Results: PBMC of CS patients had increased gene expression of NLRP3, CASP1, PYCARD, IL1B, and IL18 and showed increased rates of pyroptosis (control: 4.7±0.3% vs. 9.9±1.7% in CS patients, p=0.02). Serum interleukin (IL)-1ß levels were increased after revascularization. IL-18 and IL-6 were higher in patients with CS than in healthy controls but comparable before and after revascularization. Pro-inflammatory apoptosis-associated speck-like proteins containing CARD (ASC) specks were elevated in the serum of CS patients on admission and increased after revascularization (admission: 11.1±4.4 specks/µl, after 24h: 19.0±3.9, p=0.02). ASC specks showed a significant association with 30-day mortality in patients with CS (p<0.05). The estimated regression coefficients and odds ratios indicated a positive relationship between ASC specks and mortality (Odds ratio 1.029, 95% CI, 1.000 to 1.072; p=0.02). Conclusions: Pyroptosis and circulating ASC specks are increased in patients with CS and are particularly induced after reperfusion This underscores their potential role as a biomarker for poor outcomes in CS patients. ASC specks represent promising new therapeutic targets for CS patients with high inflammatory burden.
Potential Application of Camel Milk as a Therapeutic Ingredient in Bath Soaps and Shampoos
Authors: Oginga Elly , Toeri Julius , Marete Eunice , Arimi Joshua
Published: August 2024

The increasing worldwide market for natural‐ingredient‐based cosmetic toiletries is fuelled by the awareness of the dangers of synthetic cosmetics and benefits of natural‐based cosmetics on the skincare and management of skin disorders. Besides naturally formulated cosmetics being biodegradable, they also contain ingredients which are chemically beneficial to human skin. Milk‐based cosmetics are very promising since milk is rich in essential components such as lactoferrins, vitamins, and lactic acids, which have shown therapeutic properties against disorders such as skin cancer, acne scars, and dandruff. One of the milk that is very promising in the cosmetics industry is the camel milk. Currently, there is limited information in literature regarding the use of camel milk in cosmetics and their benefits. Camel milk stands out from bovine milk following its unique therapeutic properties and chemical composition, making it a potential ingredient for skincare and haircare products such as bath soaps and shampoos. The aim of this paper is to review the available literature on camel milk composition and evaluate the contribution of camel milk constituents to cosmetics.
An Unexpected Presentation of Serotonin Syndrome in a Patient Receiving ECT
Authors: Khan Shahzaib , Wennberg Breanna , Witkowska Malgorzata , Rattin Jacob , Khisty Raunak
Published: August 2024

Serotonin syndrome is a toxidrome consisting of autonomic instability, altered mentation, hyperreflexia, clonus, and seizures. It is suspected to be due to either elevated serotonin concentrations or overstimulation of 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) receptors. There are at least seven families of serotonin or 5‐HT receptors along with multiple subtypes. The 5‐HT1A and 5‐HT2A serotonin receptor subtypes are heavily suspected to cause the broad spectrum of symptoms seen in serotonin syndrome. We present the case of a young woman treated with multiple psychotropic medications who developed serotonin syndrome (SS) after receiving electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). She had multiple psychiatric hospitalizations, and ECT was determined to be the appropriate course of treatment due to her treatment‐resistant symptoms and catatonia. The case was unique as she tolerated multiple ECT treatments over a few weeks before the acute onset of serotonin syndrome following her eighth treatment, and she did not have any medication changes after the second ECT treatment. The patient’s acute presentation of rigidity, elevated temperature, hyperreflexia, diaphoresis, confusion, and psychomotor agitation led to a diagnosis of serotonin syndrome. ECT is a neuromodulatory procedure approved for treatment‐resistant depression and schizophrenia that involves electrically stimulating the brain with electrodes on the scalp to induce a seizure. The mechanism by which ECT confers therapeutic benefit for patients with neuropsychiatric conditions is not entirely understood. We discuss some of the literature on SS and ECT to better understand the potential for a causal relationship.
Fiber Bragg Grating Accelerometer and Its Application to Measure Wheel‐Rail Excitation
Authors: Li Jianzhi , Shen Bohao , Zhang Haoran , Song Ying
Published: August 2024

This research aims to develop and validate a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) accelerometer, designed with a bearing and flexure hinge structure, to accurately measure medium‐ and high‐frequency vibrations caused by wheel‐rail excitation. The structural parameters of the accelerometer are optimized through theoretical mechanics analysis, and its dynamic characteristics are verified by experimental vibration testing and compared with the finite element simulated results. Key findings reveal that the proposed sensor has a wide operational frequency range of 10–1200 Hz and a high acceleration sensitivity of 3 pm/m·s−2, in addition to excellent linearity and repeatability. Moreover, the sensor demonstrates immunity to temperature variations, making it suitable for use in fluctuating temperature environments. Laboratory model experiment tests of high‐speed train tracks show that the FBG accelerometer effectively identifies medium‐ to high‐frequency vibration signals caused by wheel‐rail excitation, corroborated by traditional piezoelectric accelerometers. The results confirm the sensor’s ability to capture vertical axle box vibration acceleration (ABVA) and its potential for assessing axle box structural dynamics in high‐speed railway applications.
Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Genotypes in an Ecuadorian Population: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Moncayo Miguel , Teran Enrique , Gutierrez Bernardo , Reyes Jorge , Cortez Johanna , Tobar Rodrigo , Yerovi Gabriela , Robalino Marcia , Aguilar Ana , Garzon-Chavez Daniel
Published: August 2024

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection affects 257–291 million people worldwide. The World Health Organization reported 890,000 HBV‐related deaths in 2019, higher than reported previously. There are 10 HBV genotypes (A–J) subdivided into several subgenotypes that differ considerably by geography. Various virologic factors, including genotype and subgenotype, impact the odds of acquiring a chronic HBV infection, the type of treatment prescribed, and the risk of developing hepatocarcinoma. Information on the HBV genotypes and subgenotypes that circulate in Ecuador remains low. To address this gap, the current study took a preliminary look at HBV‐infected human samples from this region to identify the most common genotypes and subgenotypes. Samples from 44 patients in the Andean, Coastal, and Amazon regions of Ecuador were amplified and two major genotypes were identified, genotype F (42/44; 95.5%) and genotype E (2 patients; 4.5%). The genotype F subgenotypes were F3 (35/42; 83.33%), F4 (6/42; 14.28%), and F1b (1/42, 2.39%). This is the first epidemiological study to assess the distribution of HBV genotypes in Ecuador. The findings can inform antiviral drug effectivity studies specific to HBV genotypes prevalent in South America.
Figure S2 from Coordinated Targeting of S6K1/2 and AXL Disrupts Pyrimidine Biosynthesis in PTEN-Deficient Glioblastoma
Authors: Behrmann Catherine A. , Ennis Kelli N. , Sarma Pranjal , Wetzel Collin , Clark Nicholas A. , Von Handorf Kate M. , Vallabhapurapu Subrahmanya , Andreani Cristina , Reigle James , Scaglioni Pier Paolo , Meller Jarek , Czyzyk-Krzeska Maria F. , Kendler Ady , Qi Xiaoyang , Sarkaria Jann N. , Medvedovic Mario , Sengupta Soma , Dasgupta Biplab , Plas David R.
Published: August 2024

Gliomasphere drug responses
ORIC-101, a Glucocorticoid Receptor Antagonist, in Combination with Nab-Paclitaxel in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors
Authors: Chen Christopher T. , Khanna Vishesh , Kummar Shivaani , Abdul-Karim Raghad M. , Sommerhalder David , Tolcher Anthony W. , Ueno Naoto T. , Davis Sarah Lindsey , Orr Douglas W. , Hamilton Erika , Patel Manish R. , Spira Alexander I. , Jauhari Shekeab , Florou Vaia , Duff Maureen , Xu Rongda , Wang Jian , Barkund Shravani R. , Zhou Haiying , Pankov Aleksandr , Kong Wayne , Jahchan Nadine S. , Jackson Erica L. , Sun Jessica D. , Junttila Melissa R. , Multani Pratik S. , Daemen Anneleen , Chow Maneval Edna , Munster Pamela N.
Published: August 2024

Purpose: In preclinical models, glucocorticoid receptor (GR) signaling drives resistance to taxane chemotherapy in multiple solid tumors via upregulation of antiapoptotic pathways. ORIC-101 is a potent and selective GR antagonist that was investigated in combination with taxane chemotherapy as an anticancer regimen preclinically and in a phase 1 clinical trial.

Patients and Methods: The ability of ORIC-101 to reverse taxane resistance was assessed in cell lines and xenograft models, and a phase 1 study (NCT03928314) was conducted in patients with advanced solid tumors to determine the dose, safety, and antitumor activity of ORIC-101 with nab-paclitaxel.

Results: ORIC-101 reversed chemoprotection induced by glucocorticoids in vitro and achieved tumor regressions when combined with paclitaxel in both taxane-naïve and -resistant xenograft models. In the phase 1 study, 21 patients were treated in dose escalation and 62 patients were treated in dose expansion. All patients in dose expansion had previously progressed on a taxane-based regimen. In dose escalation, five objective responses were observed. A preplanned futility analysis in dose expansion showed a 3.2% (95% confidence interval, 0.4–11.2) objective response rate with a median progression-free survival of 2 months (95% confidence interval, 1.8–2.8) across all four cohorts, leading to study termination. Pharmacodynamic analysis of tissue and plasma showed GR pathway downregulation in most patients in cycle 1.

Conclusions: ORIC-101 with nab-paclitaxel showed limited clinical activity in taxane-resistant solid tumors. Despite clear inhibition of GR pathway signaling, the insufficient clinical signal underscores the challenges of targeting a single resistance pathway when multiple mechanisms of resistance may be in play.

Significance: Glucocorticoid receptor (GR) upregulation is a mechanism of resistance to taxane chemotherapy in preclinical cancer models. ORIC-101 is a small molecule GR inhibitor. In this phase 1 study, ORIC-101 plus nab-paclitaxel did not show meaningful clinical benefit in patients who previously progressed on taxanes despite successful GR pathway downregulation.
Long-Lasting Response to Lorlatinib in Patients with ALK-Driven Relapsed or Refractory Neuroblastoma Monitored with Circulating Tumor DNA Analysis
Authors: Ek Torben , Ibrahim Raghda R. , Vogt Hartmut , Georgantzi Kleopatra , Träger Catarina , Gaarder Jennie , Djos Anna , Rahmqvist Ida , Mellström Elisabeth , Pujol-Calderón Fani , Vannas Christoffer , Hansson Lina , Fagman Henrik , Treis Diana , Fransson Susanne , Österlund Tobias , Chuang Tzu-Po , Verhoeven Bronte Manouk , Ståhlberg Anders , Palmer Ruth H. , Hallberg Bengt , Martinsson Tommy , Kogner Per , Dalin Martin
Published: August 2024

Patients with anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)–driven neuroblastoma may respond to tyrosine kinase inhibitors, but resistance to treatment occurs and methods currently used for detection of residual disease have limited sensitivity. Here, we present a national unselected cohort of five patients with relapsed or refractory ALK-driven neuroblastoma treated with lorlatinib as monotherapy and test the potential of targeted circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) analysis as a guide for treatment decisions in these patients. We developed a sequencing panel for ultrasensitive detection of ALK mutations associated with neuroblastoma or resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors and used it for ctDNA analysis in 83 plasma samples collected longitudinally from the four patients who harbored somatic ALK mutations. All four patients with ALK p.R1275Q experienced major responses and were alive 35 to 61 months after starting lorlatinib. A fifth patient with ALK p.F1174L initially had a partial response but relapsed after 10 months of treatment. In all cases, ctDNA was detected at the start of lorlatinib single-agent treatment and declined gradually, correlating with clinical responses. In the two patients exhibiting relapse, ctDNA increased 9 and 3 months, respectively, before clinical detection of disease progression. In one patient harboring HRAS p.Q61L in the relapsed tumor, retrospective ctDNA analysis showed that the mutation appeared de novo after 8 months of lorlatinib treatment. We conclude that some patients with relapsed or refractory high-risk neuroblastoma show durable responses to lorlatinib as monotherapy, and targeted ctDNA analysis is effective for evaluation of treatment and early detection of relapse in ALK-driven neuroblastoma.

Significance:

We present five patients with ALK-driven relapsed or refractory neuroblastoma treated with lorlatinib as monotherapy. All patients responded to treatment, and four of them were alive after 3 to 5 years of follow-up. We performed longitudinal ctDNA analysis with ultra-deep sequencing of the ALK tyrosine kinase domain. We conclude that ctDNA analysis may guide treatment decisions in ALK-driven neuroblastoma, also when the disease is undetectable using standard clinical methods.
Targeting TREX1 Induces Innate Immune Response in Drug-Resistant Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Murayama Takahiko , Mahadevan Navin R. , Meador Catherine B. , Ivanova Elena V. , Pan Yuqiao , Knelson Erik H. , Tani Tetsuo , Nakayama Jun , Ma Xueying , Thai Tran C. , Hung Yin P. , Kim William , Watanabe Hideo , Cai Kathy Q. , Hata Aaron N. , Paweletz Cloud P. , Barbie David A. , Cañadas Israel
Published: August 2024

Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) is the most lethal type of lung cancer. Paradoxically, this tumor displays an initial exquisite response to chemotherapy; however, at relapse, the tumor is highly resistant to subsequent available therapies. Here, we report that the expression of three prime repair exonuclease 1 (TREX1) is strongly induced in chemoresistant SCLCs. Assay for transposase-accessible chromatin using sequencing and chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing revealed a significant increase in chromatin accessibility and transcriptional activity of TREX1 gene locus in chemoresistant SCLCs. Analyses of human SCLC tumors and patient-derived xenografts (PDX) also showed an increase in TREX1 expression in postchemotherapy samples. TREX1 depletion caused the activation of cyclic GMP-AMP synthase stimulator of interferon gene pathway due to cytoplasmic accumulation of damage-associated double-stranded DNA, inducing immunogenicity and enhancing the sensitivity of drug-resistant cells to chemotherapy. These findings suggest TREX1 upregulation may partially contribute to the survival of resistant cells, and its inhibition may represent a promising therapeutic strategy to enhance antitumor immunity and potentiate the efficacy of chemotherapy and/or immunotherapy in chemoresistant SCLCs.

Significance: In this study, we show that targeting TREX1 induces an innate immune response and resensitizes SCLC cells to chemotherapy, representing a promising novel target for “immunologically” cold tumors, such as SCLC.
Inborn Errors of Immunity in Early Childhood: Essential Insights for the Neonatologist
Authors: Dirks Johannes , Wölfl Matthias , Speer Christian P. , Härtel Christoph , Morbach Henner
Published: August 2024

Background: Inborn errors of immunity (IEI), formerly referred to as primary immunodeficiencies, manifest with a wide range of symptoms such as increased susceptibility to infections, immune dysregulation, and autoinflammation. Although most cases manifest in childhood, onset during the neonatal period is rare but potentially critical. Summary: In this review, we discuss the diverse clinical presentations of IEI and the specific challenges they pose to neonatologists. Rather than detailing every molecular defect, we focus on common clinical scenarios in neonates and young infants, providing practical diagnostic strategies to ensure timely and effective therapeutic interventions. Key Messages: Clinical presentations of IEI in neonates may include delayed separation of the umbilical cord, skin rashes such as eczema and erythroderma, and recurrent episodes of inflammation. We also highlight immunological emergencies that require urgent medical attention, such as hyperinflammatory activity mimicking acute neonatal liver failure, sometimes seen in hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. We also discuss appropriate medical action in the case of a positive newborn screening for severe T-cell defects. Early medical intervention in such circumstances may significantly improve outcomes.
Manufatura aditiva na confecção de moldes para fabricação de ladrilhos hidráulicos
Authors: Medeiros Arthur Thiago Thamay , Silva Fabio Pinto da , Silva Pedro Arthur Bueno , Kauffmann Gabriel Reis
Published: August 2024

Con la llegada de las tecnologías 3D, el uso de la fabricación aditiva ha hecho posible fabricar herramientas para la producción masiva de artefactos. En este sentido, el objetivo de la investigación es insertar la fabricación aditiva en el proceso de producción de baldosas hidráulicas, concretamente en la fabricación de moldes. La metodología propuesta consistió en modelado CAD, selección del material prototipado y ajustes a la configuración de la impresora para adaptarse a las dimensiones del equipo. La etapa de validación de los moldes y fabricación de las tejas se realizó en colaboración con la Fábrica de Mosaicos de Pelotas - RS. Como resultado de la investigación, el molde para la fabricación de los azulejos fue fabricado mediante impresión 3D, utilizando modelado informático CAD, con referencia visual al patrón de los azulejos en el vestíbulo del Palacio Municipal de Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul. La conclusión Los resultados de la investigación demostraron cómo la ciencia, en asociación con la industria, puede contribuir a los avances tecnológicos en los medios de producción en una industria que preserva su proceso de fabricación centenario.
Mechanism of Duration Perception in Artificial Brains Suggests New Model of Attentional Entrainment
Authors: Tehrani-Saleh Ali , McAuley J. Devin , Adami Christoph
Published: August 2024

While cognitive theory has advanced several candidate frameworks to explain attentional entrainment, the neural basis for the temporal allocation of attention is unknown. Here we present a new model of attentional entrainment guided by empirical evidence obtained using a cohort of 50 artificial brains. These brains were evolved in silico to perform a duration judgment task similar to one where human subjects perform duration judgments in auditory oddball paradigms. We found that the artificial brains display psychometric characteristics remarkably similar to those of human listeners and exhibit similar patterns of distortions of perception when presented with out-of-rhythm oddballs. A detailed analysis of mechanisms behind the duration distortion suggests that attention peaks at the end of the tone, which is inconsistent with previous attentional entrainment models. Instead, the new model of entrainment emphasizes increased attention to those aspects of the stimulus that the brain expects to be highly informative.
Hedayatollah Khan and the Gulgakh Canal
Authors: Potts Daniel T.
Published: August 2024

The present article republishes a forgotten, eyewitness account of a canal built by the Gilaki ruler, Hedayatollah Khan, c. 1776. Written by the German physician Julius Cäsar Häntzsche, who was shown the remains of the canal in 1855, the account sheds light on the career of a contemporary of Karim Khan Zand and Agha Mohammad Khan, and on the environment of the southwestern Caspian region, particularly the Anzali lagoon.
China’s Belt and Road Initiative and the Eurasian Economic Union
Authors: Sahakyan Mher D. , Zheng Yuntian
Published: August 2024

This article focuses on the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). It argues that EAEU members and China need each other to implement their two major initiatives. As a result of the conjunction of the EAEU and BRI, China and the EAEU states linked their transportation infrastructure, which provided them opportunities for modernization and growth. The EAEU member states established contacts with the second economy of the world at a multilateral level as well. The Agreement on Economic and Trade Cooperation between the Eurasian Economic Union and Its Member States, of the One Part, and the People’s Republic of China, of the other Part, signed in 2018, which came into force in 2019, provided added impetus to strengthen economic relations and created a legal platform for the further harmonization of the BRI with the EAEU. This article also argues that the conjunction of the EAEU and BRI has a political meaning as well. It means that in post-Soviet Eurasia, Russia and China have chosen cooperation over competition, as they are the main initiators of these economic and political integration initiatives. It explains that it fully coincides with the national interests of other members of the EAEU, such as Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan, as these states can cooperate with both Russia and China without choosing any side. This contribution concludes that cooperation between China and the EAEU in post-Soviet Eurasia improves security level and contributes to peaceful, cooperative development.
The Enemy of My Enemy Is My Friend
Authors: du Quenoy Irina
Published: August 2024

The year 2016 saw the historic meeting between Pope Francis I and Patriarch Kirill I of the Russian Orthodox Church. Taking place on what was understood as the “neutral” territory of communist Cuba, the meeting sent shockwaves through the Orthodox world as it indicated a warming of relations that, for some, augured the healing of a millennium-long schism and, for others, the capitulation of the Orthodox Church to papal hegemony. Though certainly startling (the meeting was prepared in secret), the summit in Havana could not have occurred without a preparatory process of rapprochement between the two sides. This paper examines this rapprochement as it occurred under the pontificate of Benedict XVI (2005–2013), arguing that it was this process that made Havana possible. While relations between the RCC and ROC post 2016 are outside the scope of this paper, I note that the context of that event suggested that the road forward would remain far from clear as the obstacles to full reconciliation obvious in the preceding period remained salient.
“How could we possibly forget this?”
Authors: Fert Andriy
Published: August 2024

Addressing the topic of historical memory of the Soviet Union, and World War II in particular within the Orthodox Churches of Ukraine prior to 2022, the article provides a number of examples illustrating the ambiguity of this memory in post-Soviet Ukraine. The ambiguity concerns the place of memory itself, the former Soviet Union as a – officially decreed – homeland to Russians and Ukrainians to be defended in the “Great Patriotic War” 1941–1945, but it also concerns ambivalences between heroic secular narratives and Christian sainthood. Furthermore, the ambivalence is reflected in monuments as much as in the statements of church officials and believers.
Improved glass formability of Fe76Si9−xB10P5Cx amorphous alloys through carbon content optimization for gas atomization
Authors: Nam Yeong Gyun , Lee Dongsup , An Subong , Yang Sangsun , Jang Min Sun , Choi Dong Hyeok , Kim Choongnyun Paul , Kim Jongryoul , Lee Jung Woo , Jeong Jae Won
Published: August 2024

Micron-scale powdered amorphous soft magnetic materials are being aggressively pursued for miniaturized and high-efficiency power inductors working at high frequencies due to their excellent soft magnetic properties such as extremely low coercivity and high electrical resistivity originated from the disordered atomic structures and zero magnetocrystalline anisotropy. However, the limited glass forming ability of amorphous soft magnetic alloys has hindered the preparation of amorphous soft magnetic powders through gas atomization. Here, we present the development of amorphous soft magnetic alloys based on carbon containing alloys with abnormal glass forming ability, and demonstrate the preparation of fully-amorphous soft magnetic powders fabricated through the conventional medium-cooling-rate gas atomization process. Our carbon-containing Fe76Si9−xB10P5Cx alloy showed exceptional glass forming ability, characterized by a ΔTx (Tx−Tg) value of 33 °C, and can achieve a fully amorphous state in ribbon form with a thickness of up to 68 μm. Gas atomization was performed using the alloy produced fully amorphous powder with diameter of up to 45 μm, while possessing high saturation magnetization of 167.8 emu/g (1.53 T) and coercivity of 2.3 Oe.