bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patterns of chromosome abnormalities in a sample of Colombian patients with chronic myeloid leukemia
Authors: Largo-Peralta Azucena , Rondón-Lagos Milena , Sánchez-Peñarete Diana , Cordón Katherin , Rubio Cladelis , Forero-Castro Maribel
Published: February 2024

Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) is characterized by the presence of the Philadelphia (Ph) chromosome, resulting from a translocation between chromosomes 9 and 22 that gives rise to the BCR-ABL1 fusion gene. The Ph chromosome is present in 95 % of CML cases. In 5 %-10 % of these cases Ph variants occur and, approximately 5 % of these cases present with additional chromosomal abnormalities (ACAs). In this work we describe the prevalence of chromosome abnormalities in a sample of Colombian CML patients. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted, analyzing cytogenetic and molecular data from 142 CML patients. Data were collected between 2016 and 2019 at the laboratory of Biogenética Diagnóstica S.A.S. Among the 142 patients were analyzed, 56 % were male, and the average age was 45 years. The Ph chromosome was observed in 81 % of the cases. Three-way chromosome variants involving chromosomes 3, 7, and 8 were detected. The most frequent additional chromosomal aberration was +der(22)t(9;22). Atypical patterns associated with poor prognosis were found, via FISH analyses, in 88.2 % of the patients. The BCR-ABL1 fusion gene was detected in 100 % of the 18 patients subjected RT-PCR tests. This retrospective study reveals intriguing findings regarding chromosomal abnormalities in Colombian patients with CML, including rare three-way chromosome variants and atypical FISH patterns associated with a poor prognosis.Further investigation is warranted to explore the clinical implications, prognosis, and survival outcomes associated with these cytogenetic findings in CML patients.
“Ahogando a María en la angustia”: Ecumenio y su interpretación de Ap 12,15-16 en el contexto de la exégesis cristiana antigua*
Authors: Cardozo Mindiolaa Cristian
Published: February 2024

Entre las primeras interpretaciones cristianas de Ap 12,15-16, la exégesis de Oecumenius es distintiva. Él argumenta que este pasaje describe la estrategia por medio de la cual Satanás esperaba destruir a María, que consistía en angustiarla al hacerla ver el cruel sufrimiento de Jesús en la cruz. Satanás pretendía que los sufrimientos de Jesús sacudieran a María y la sumergieran en angustia y vejación, derrotándola por completo. De esta manera, ella sería destruida, con lo cual se cumpliría el propósito de Satanás de destruirla a ella, a su hijo y a quienes creen en él, tal como lo representa la visión de Ap 12. Este artículo propone que la interpretación distintiva de Ecumenio radica en su lectura cristológica e histórica de Ap 12, así como su lectura intertextual de Ap 12,14-16 con Jon 2,4, Mt 7,25 y Lc 2,35.
Theory and Empirical Analysis of Bridge Load Limitation Under the Action of Typical Heavy-Duty Vehicles
Authors: Gao Qingfei , Jiang Haonan , Wang Haoran , Guo Binqiang , Jiang Zaiyang , Wang Chuan
Published: February 2024

With the continuous growth of transportation demands, in-service highway bridges face greater challenges in their long-term operational lifespans, and bridge collapse accidents caused by vehicle overloading occur from time to time. Additionally, under the influence of loads and environmental factors, various wear patterns inevitably lead to degraded reinforced concrete bridges. In view of this problem, it is reasonable and feasible to limit the vehicle loads passing over highway bridges, and the key basis for limitation is determining the load limit value of a bridge. To determine a reasonable load limit value of a bridge, this paper has carried out the following research: Based on a classification of vehicle types, this paper explores the load parameters of several heavy-duty vehicles with large traffic volumes through traffic flow information and summarizes the load spectra of typical heavy-duty vehicles. On the basis of the theory of structural reliability, a method for determining the limit load of bridges is proposed. Given a structural target reliability index, the theoretical load limit value of a bridge can be calculated. To ensure the rationality of the theory of bridge load limit value, by relying on the engineering example, the theoretical load limit value is calculated. By comparing actual bridge load test data with the finite element model results, the rationality of the bridge load limiting theory is verified. Finally, the paper notes that it is safer and more reliable to define the load limit value according to the bending stress state for bridges.
Sizing and Shape Optimization of Discrete Truss Employing a Target-Oriented Krill Herd Algorithm
Authors: Cheng Lixiang , Zhao Yan-Gang , Li Pei-Pei , Yan Lewei
Published: February 2024

The krill herd (KH) algorithm is widely used for optimizing truss structures as no gradient information is necessary, and only a few parameters require adjustment. However, when the truss structure becomes discrete and complex, KH tends to fall into a local optimum. Therefore, a novel target-oriented KH (TOKH) algorithm is proposed in this study to optimize the design of discrete truss structures. Initially, a crossover operator is established between the “best krill” and “suboptimal krill” to generate a robust “cross krill” for global exploration. Additionally, an improved local mutation and crossover (ILMC) operator is introduced to fine-tune the “center of food” and candidate solutions for local exploitation. The proposed method and other optimization approaches are experimentally compared considering 15 benchmark functions. Then, the performance of the TOKH algorithm is evaluated based on four discrete truss structure optimization problems under multiple loading conditions. The obtained optimization results indicate that the proposed method presents competitive solutions in terms of accuracy, unlike other algorithms in the literature, and avoids falling into a local minimum.
Controlling Surface of Rods With Entrained Particle as Asperities
Authors: Khalil Md Ibrahim , Islam Md. Akibul , Tong Dezhong , Jawed Mohammad Khalid , Khoda Bashir
Published: February 2024

Changing the surface properties (i.e., roughness or friction) can be instrumental for many applications but can be a complex and resource-intensive process. In this paper, we demonstrate a novel process of controlling the friction of a continuous rod by delivering inorganic microparticles. A standardized continuous particle transfer protocol has been developed in our laboratory for depositing particles from a liquid carrier system (LCS) to the cylindrical rod substrate. The particle transfer process can produce controllable and tunable surface properties. Polymeric binder is used to deliver the particles as asperities over the rod substrate and by controlling their size, shape, and distribution, the coefficient of friction of the rod is determined. Tabletop experiments are designed and performed to measure the friction coefficient following the Capstan equation. The entrained particles on the substrate will create size- and shape-based asperities, which will alter the surface morphology toward the desired direction. Both oblique and direct quantitative measurements are performed at different particles and binder concentrations. A systematic variation in the friction coefficient is observed and reported in the result section. It is observed from the capstan experiment that adding only 1% irregular shaped particles in the suspension changes the friction coefficient of the rods by almost 115%. The proposed friction control technique is a simple scale-up, low-cost, low-waste, and low-energy manufacturing method for controlling the surface morphology.
‘Snapshot in time’: a cross-sectional study exploring stakeholder experiences with environmental scans in health services delivery research
Authors: Charlton Patricia , Nagel Daniel A , Azar Rima , Kean Terri , Campbell Alyson , Lamontagne Marie-Eve , Déry Julien , Kelly Katherine Jennifer , Fahim Christine
Published: February 2024

Objective

To describe stakeholder characteristics and perspectives about experiences, challenges and information needs related to the use of environmental scans (ESs).

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting and participants

A web-based survey platform was used to disseminate an online survey to stakeholders who had experience with conducting ESs in a health services delivery context (eg, researchers, policy makers, practitioners). Participants were recruited through purposive and snowball sampling. The survey was disseminated internationally, was available in English and French, and remained open for 6 weeks (15 October to 30 November 2022).

Analysis

Descriptive statistics were used to describe the characteristics and experiences of stakeholders. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the open-text questions.

Results

Of 47 participants who responded to the survey, 94% were from Canada, 4% from the USA and 2% from Australia. Respondents represented academic institutions (57%), health agency/government (32%) and non-government organisations or agencies (11%). Three themes were identified: (a)having a sense of value and utility; (b)experiencing uncertainty and confusion; and (c)seeking guidance. The data suggest stakeholders found value and utility in ESs and conducted them for varied purposes including to: (a) enhance knowledge, understanding and learning about the current landscape or state of various features of health services delivery (eg, programmes, practices, policies, services, best practices); (b) expose needs, service barriers, challenges, gaps, threats, opportunities; (c) help guide action for planning, policy and programme development; and (d) inform recommendations and decision-making. Stakeholders also experienced conceptual, methodological and practical barriers when conducting ESs, and expressed a need for methodological guidance delivered through published guidelines, checklists and other means.

Conclusion

ESs have value and utility for addressing health services delivery concerns, but conceptual and methodological challenges exist. Further research is needed to help advance the ES as a distinct design that provides a systematic approach to planning and conducting ESs.
Strategies for research capacity building by family physicians in primary healthcare: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Gil Conde Margarida , Costa Isabel , Silvério Serra Sofia , Ramos Raquel Carmona , Ribeiro Cristina , Broeiro-Goncalves Paula , Penedo Carolina Reis , Parola Vitor , Nicola Paulo
Published: February 2024

Introduction

The qualities of primary healthcare (PHC) make it a very relevant environment for research; however, there is still work to be done to enhance the research capabilities of family physicians in healthcare units. Considering there is no ongoing review that specifically addresses this objective, the proposed goal of this scoping review is to determine the depth of the literature on the current strategies that support research capacity building among family physicians in the context of PHC.

Methods and analysis

The scoping review will include studies from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and grey literature, published from 2008 to 2023, that address strategies to promote research capacity building among family physicians in the context of PHC. Only studies published in English, Portuguese or Spanish will be considered. All study designs, including quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods studies, will be eligible for inclusion. The literature search will be performed from January to March of 2024 and data charting will employ a descriptive-analytical method, systematically summarising study objectives, methodologies, findings and implications. This protocol follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Protocols and the review will employ the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping reviews.

Ethics and dissemination

This review does not need ethical approval. Peer-reviewed publications, policy summaries, presentations at conferences and involvement with pertinent stakeholders are all part of our outreach approach.
Community health navigator-assisted transition of care from hospital to community: protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Parker Sharon M , Aslani Parisa , Harris-Roxas Ben , Wright Michael C , Barr Margo , Doolan-Noble F , Javanparast Sara , Sharma Anurag , Osborne Richard H , Cullen John , Harris Elizabeth , Haigh Fiona , Harris Mark
Published: February 2024

Introduction

The objective of this parallel group, randomised controlled trial is to evaluate a community health navigator (CHN) intervention provided to patients aged over 40 years and living with chronic health conditions to transition from hospital inpatient care to their homes. Unplanned hospital readmissions are costly for the health system and negatively impact patients.

Methods and analysis

Patients are randomised post hospital discharge to the CHN intervention or usual care. A comparison of outcomes between intervention and control groups will use multivariate regression techniques that adjust for age, sex and any independent variables that are significantly different between the two groups, using multiple imputation for missing values. Time-to-event analysis will examine the relationship between seeing a CHN following discharge from the index hospitalisation and reduced rehospitalisations in the subsequent 60 days and 6 months. Secondary outcomes include medication adherence, health literacy, quality of life, experience of healthcare and health service use (including the cost of care). We will also conduct a qualitative assessment of the implementation of the navigator role from the viewpoint of stakeholders including patients, health professionals and the navigators themselves.

Ethics approval

Ethics approval was obtained from the Research Ethics and Governance Office, Sydney Local Health District, on 21 January 2022 (Protocol no. X21-0438 and 2021/ETH12171). The findings of the trial will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and national and international conference presentations. Data will be deposited in an institutional data repository at the end of the trial. This is subject to Ethics Committee approval, and the metadata will be made available on request.

Trial registration number

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN 12622000659707).

Article Summary

The objective of this trial is to evaluate a CHN intervention provided to patients aged over 40 years and living with chronic health conditions to transition from hospital inpatient care to their homes.
Protocol of a 12-week eHealth programme designed to reduce concerns about falling in community-living older people: Own Your Balance randomised controlled trial
Authors: Lim Mei Ling , Perram Amy , Radford Kylie , Close Jacqueline , Draper Brian , Lord Stephen R , Anstey Kaarin J , O'Dea Bridianne , Ambrens Meghan , Hill Thi-Yen , Brown Alicia , Miles Lillian , Ngo Michelle , Letton Meg , van Schooten Kimberley S , Delbaere Kim
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Concerns about falling (CaF) are common in older people and have been associated with avoidance of activities of daily life. Exercise designed to prevent falls can reduce CaF, but the effects are usually short-lived. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can reduce CaF for longer but is not readily available in the community and unlikely to prevent falls. A multidomain intervention that combines CBT, motivational interviewing and exercise could be the long-term solution to treat CaF and reduce falls in older people with CaF. This paper describes the design of a randomised controlled trial to test the effectiveness of two different 12 week self-managed eHealth programmes to reduce CaF compared with an active control.

Methods

A total of 246 participants (82 per group) aged 65 and over, with substantial concerns about falls or balance will be recruited from the community. They will be randomised into: (1) myCompass-Own Your Balance (OYB) (online CBT programme) intervention or (2) myCompass-OYB plus StandingTall intervention (an eHealth balance exercise programme), both including motivational interviewing and online health education or (3) an active control group (online health education alone). The primary outcome is change in CaF over 12 months from baseline of both intervention groups compared with control. The secondary outcomes at 2, 6 and 12 months include balance confidence, physical activity, habitual daily activity, enjoyment of physical activity, social activity, exercise self-efficacy, rate of falls, falls health literacy, mood, psychological well-being, quality of life, exercise self-efficacy, programme adherence, healthcare use, user experience and attitudes towards the programme. An intention-to-treat analysis will be applied. The healthcare funder’s perspective will be adopted for the economic evaluation if appropriate.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was obtained from the South Eastern Sydney Local Health District Human Research Ethics Committee (2019/ETH12840). Results will be disseminated via peer-reviewed journals, local and international conferences, community events and media releases.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12621000440820.
Impact of human papillomavirus age-related prevalence and vaccination levels on interpretation of cervical screening modalities: a modelling study
Authors: Grimes David Robert
Published: February 2024

Objective

Cervical screening is a life-saving intervention, which reduces the incidence of and mortality from cervical cancer in the population. Human papillomavirus (HPV) based screening modalities hold unique promise in improving screening accuracy. HPV prevalence varies markedly by age, as does resultant cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), with higher rates recorded in younger women. With the advent of effective vaccination for HPV drastically reducing prevalence of both HPV and CIN, it is critical to model how the accuracy of different screening approaches varies with age cohort and vaccination status. This work establishes a model for the age-specific prevalence of HPV factoring in vaccine coverage and predicts how the accuracy of common screening modalities is affected by age profile and vaccine uptake.

Design

Modelling study of HPV infection rates by age, ascertained from European cohorts prior to the introduction of vaccination. Reductions in HPV due to vaccination were estimated from the bounds predicted from multiple modelling studies, yielding a model for age-varying HPV and CIN grades 2 and above (CIN2+) prevalence.

Setting

Performance of both conventional liquid-based cytology (LBC) screening and HPV screening with LBC reflex (HPV reflex) was estimated under different simulated age cohorts and vaccination levels.

Participants

Simulated populations of varying age and vaccination status.

Results

HPV-reflex modalities consistently result in much lower incidence of false positives than LBC testing, with an accuracy that improves even as HPV and CIN2+ rates decline.

Conclusions

HPV-reflex tests outperform LBC tests across all age profiles, resulting in greater test accuracy. This improvement is especially pronounced as HPV infection rates fall and suggests HPV-reflex modalities are robust to future changes in the epidemiology of HPV.
Association of Long COVID with mental health disorders: a retrospective cohort study using real-world data from the USA
Authors: Zhang Yue , Chinchilli Vernon M , Ssentongo Paddy , Ba Djibril M
Published: February 2024

Objectives

Mental health disorders (MHD) rank third for US adult hospitalisations. Given the substantial prevalence of ‘Long COVID’ in SARS-CoV-2 survivors, this study aims to assess its association with increased MHD risk using extensive real-world data.

Design

A retrospective cohort study with propensity score matching was conducted. We used the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision codes to identify individuals with Long COVID status and COVID-19 histories. Multivariable stratified Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was conducted to determine the association of Long COVID status with MHD.

Setting

Data were sourced from the TriNetX database, spanning records from 1 October 2021 to 16 April 2023.

Participants

Two distinct cohorts were established: one comprising individuals diagnosed with Long COVID and another comprising individuals with no history of Long COVID or COVID-19. At the start of the study, none of the participants had a recorded MHD.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The main outcome of interest was a composite diagnosis of MHD. Secondary outcomes were individual mental health conditions.

Results

The study included 43 060 control participants without Long COVID and 4306 Long COVID participants, demonstrating well-balanced distribution across all covariates. After adjusting for 4 demographic factors and 10 comorbidities, Long COVID was associated with MHD (adjusted HR, aHR 2.60; 95% CI 2.37 to 2.85). In subgroup analysis, Long COVID was associated with major depression disorder (aHR 3.36; 95% CI 2.82 to 4.00) and generalised anxiety disorder (aHR 3.44; 95% CI 2.99 to 3.96).

Conclusions

In this retrospective large real-world cohort study, Long COVID was associated with an increased risk of incident MHD. The MHD impact is significant considering the vast number of patients with Long COVID. Enhanced MHD screening among COVID-19 survivors should be a priority.
Priming transcranial direct current stimulation for improving hemiparetic upper limb in patients with subacute stroke: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Zhu Feifei , Xu Xiaojing , Jin Minxia , Chen Jiahui , Feng Xiaoqing , Wang Jiaren , Yu Dan , Wang Rong , Lian Yijie , Huai Baoyu , Lou Xiaoyu , Shi Xiaoyu , He Ting , Lu Jiani , Zhang Jack Jiaqi , Bai Zhongfei
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that modulates brain states by applying a weak electrical current to the brain cortex. Several studies have shown that anodal stimulation of the ipsilesional primary motor cortex (M1) may promote motor recovery of the affected upper limb in patients with stroke; however, a high-level clinical recommendation cannot be drawn in view of inconsistent findings. A priming brain stimulation protocol has been proposed to induce stable modulatory effects, in which an inhibitory stimulation is applied prior to excitatory stimulation to a brain area. Our recent work showed that priming theta burst magnetic stimulation demonstrated superior effects in improving upper limb motor function and neurophysiological outcomes. However, it remains unknown whether pairing a session of cathodal tDCS with a session of anodal tDCS will also capitalise on its therapeutic effects.

Methods and analysis

This will be a two-arm double-blind randomised controlled trial involving 134 patients 1–6 months after stroke onset. Eligible participants will be randomly allocated to receive 10 sessions of priming tDCS+robotic training, or 10 sessions of non-priming tDCS+robotic training for 2 weeks. The primary outcome is the Fugl-Meyer Assessment-upper extremity, and the secondary outcomes are the Wolf Motor Function Test and Modified Barthel Index. The motor-evoked potentials, regional oxyhaemoglobin level and resting-state functional connectivity between the bilateral M1 will be acquired and analysed to investigate the effects of priming tDCS on neuroplasticity.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Shanghai Yangzhi Rehabilitation Center (reference number: Yangzhi2023-022) and will be conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki of 1964, as revised in 2013.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR2300074681.
Efficacy and safety of autologous tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in recurrent or refractory ovarian cancer, colorectal cancer, and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Amaria Rodabe , Knisely Anne , Vining David , Kopetz Scott , Overman Michael J , Javle Milind , Antonoff Mara B , Tzeng Ching-Wei D , Wolff Robert A , Pant Shubham , Lito Kathryn , Rangel Kelly , Fellman Bryan , Yuan Ying , Lu Karen H , Sakellariou-Thompson Donastas , Haymaker Cara L , Forget Marie-Andrée , Hwu Patrick , Bernatchez Chantale , Jazaeri Amir A
Published: February 2024

Background

Tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy has shown efficacy in metastatic melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, and other solid tumors. Our preclinical work demonstrated more robust CD8 predominant TIL production when agonistic anti-4-1BB and CD3 antibodies were used in early ex vivo TIL culture.

Methods

Patients with treatment-refractory metastatic colorectal (CRC), pancreatic (PDAC) and ovarian (OVCA) cancers were eligible. Lymphodepleting chemotherapy was followed by infusion of ex vivo expanded TIL, manufactured at MD Anderson Cancer Center with IL-2 and agonistic stimulation of CD3 and 4-1BB (urelumab). Patients received up to six doses of high-dose IL-2 after TIL infusion. Primary endpoint was evaluation of objective response rate at 12 weeks using Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1 with secondary endpoints including disease control rate (DCR), duration of response, progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and safety.

Results

17 patients underwent TIL harvest and 16 were treated on protocol (NCT03610490), including 8 CRC, 5 PDAC, and 3 OVCA patients. Median age was 57.5 (range 33–70) and 50% were females. Median number of lines of prior therapy was 2 (range 1–8). No responses were observed at 12 weeks. Ten subjects achieved at least one stable disease (SD) assessment for a DCR of 62.5% (95% CI 35.4% to 84.8%). Best response included prolonged SD in a patient with PDAC lasting 17 months. Median PFS and OS across cohorts were 2.53 months (95% CI 1.54 to 4.11) and 18.86 months (95% CI 4.86 to NR), respectively. Grade 3 or higher toxicities attributable to therapy were seen in 14 subjects (87.5%; 95% CI 61.7% to 98.4%). Infusion product analysis showed the presence of effector memory cells with high expression of CD39 irrespective of tumor type and low expression of checkpoint markers.

Conclusions

TIL manufactured with assistance of 4-1BB and CD3 agonism is feasible and treatment is associated with no new safety signals. While no responses were observed, a significant portion of patients achieved SD suggesting early/partial immunological effect. Further research is required to identify factors associated with resistance and functionally enhance T cells for a more effective therapy.
Harmonization of tumor mutation burden testing with comprehensive genomic profiling assays: an IQN Path initiative
Authors: Esposito Abate Riziero , Pasquale Raffaella , Sacco Alessandra , Simeon Vittorio , Maiello Monica Rosaria , Frezzetti Daniela , Chiodini Paolo , Normanno Nicola
Published: February 2024

Background

Although conflicting results emerged from different studies, the tumor mutational burden (TMB) appears as one of most reliable biomarkers of sensitivity to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Several laboratories are reporting TMB values when performing comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) without providing a clinical interpretation, due to the lack of validated cut-off values. The International Quality Network for Pathology launched an initiative to harmonize TMB testing with CGP assay and favor the clinical implementation of this biomarker.

Methods

TMB evaluation was performed with three commercially available CGP panels, TruSight Oncology 500 (TSO500), Oncomine Comprehensive Plus Assay (OCA) and QIAseq Multimodal Panel (QIA), versus the reference assay FoundationOne CDx (F1CDx). Archived clinical samples derived from 60 patients with non-small cell lung cancer were used for TMB assessment. Adjusted cut-off values for each panel were calculated.

Results

Testing was successful for 91.7%, 100%, 96.7% and 100% of cases using F1CDx, TSO500, OCA and QIA, respectively. The matrix comparison analysis, between the F1CDx and CGP assays, showed a linear correlation for all three panels, with a higher correlation between F1CDx and TSO500 (rho=0.88) than in the other two comparisons (rho=0.77 for QIA; 0.72 for OCA). The TSO500 showed the best area under the curve (AUC, value 0.96), with a statistically significant difference when compared with the AUC of OCA (0.83, p value=0.01) and QIA (0.88, p value=0.028). The Youden Index calculation allowed us to extrapolate TMB cut-offs of the different panels corresponding to the 10 mutations/megabase (muts/Mb) cut-off of F1CDx: 10.19, 10.4 and 12.37 muts/Mb for TSO500, OCA and QIA, respectively. Using these values, we calculated the relative accuracy measures for the three panels. TSO500 showed 86% specificity and 96% sensitivity, while OCA and QIA had lower yet similar values of specificity and sensitivity (73% and 88%, respectively).

Conclusion

This study estimated TMB cut-off values for commercially available CGP panels. The results showed a good performance of all panels on clinical samples and the calculated cut-offs support better accuracy measures for TSO500. The validated cut-off values can drive clinical interpretation of TMB testing in clinical research and clinical practice.
Comprehensive multiplexed autoantibody profiling of patients with advanced urothelial cancer
Authors: Ravi Praful , Freeman Dory , Thomas Jonathan , Ravi Arvind , Mantia Charlene , McGregor Bradley A , Berchuck Jacob E , Epstein Ilana , Budde Petra , Ahangarian Abhari Behnaz , Rupieper Elena , Gajewski Jana , Schubert Ann-Sophie , Kilian Annika L , Bräutigam Manuel , Zucht Hans-Dieter , Sonpavde Guru
Published: February 2024

Background

Comprehensive profiling of autoantibodies (AAbs) in metastatic urothelial cancer (mUC) has not been performed to date. This may aid in diagnosis of UC, uncover novel therapeutic targets in this disease as well as identify associations between AAbs and response and toxicity to systemic therapies.

Methods

We used serum from patients with mUC collected prior to and after systemic therapy (immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) or platinum-based chemotherapy (PBC)) at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. 38 age-matched and sex-matched healthy controls (HCs) from healthy blood donors were also evaluated. The SeroTag immuno-oncology discovery array (Oncimmune) was used, with quantification of the AAb reactivity toward 1132 antigens. Bound AAbs were detected using an anti-immunoglobulin G-specific detection antibody conjugated to the fluorescent reporter dye phycoerythrin. The AAb reactivity was reported as the median fluorescence intensity for each color and sample using a Luminex FlexMAP3D analyzer. Clinical outcomes of interest included radiographic response and development of immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Significance analysis of microarray was used to compare mUC versus HC and radiographic response. Associations with irAE were evaluated using a logistic regression model. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

66 patients were included with a median age of 68 years; 54 patients (82%) received ICI and 12 patients (18%) received PBC. Compared with HCs, AAbs against the cancer/testis antigens (CTAG1B, CTAG2, MAGEB18), HSPA1A, TP53, KRAS, and FGFR3 were significantly elevated in patients with mUC. AAbs against BRCA2, TP53, and CTNBB1 were associated with response, and those against BICD2 and UACA were associated with resistance to ICI therapy. AAbs against MITF, CDH3, and KDM4A were associated with development of irAEs in patient who received an ICI. A higher variance in pre-to-post treatment fold change in AAb levels was seen in patients treated with ICI versus PBC and was associated with response to ICI.

Conclusions

This is the first report of comprehensive AAb profiling of patients with mUC and identified key AAbs that were elevated in patients with mUC versus HCs as well as AAbs associated with therapeutic response to ICI. These findings are hypothesis generating and further mechanistic studies evaluating humoral immunity in UC are required.
PROBABLE CHANGE OF PRODUCTION CHAINS WITH INDUSTRIAL NETWORKS AND CLUSTERS BASED ON SPECIALIZATION AND DIVISION OF LABOUR AFTER THE PANDEMIC
Authors: KE LI
Published: February 2024

After the COVID-19 pandemic, the whole world will operate remarkably differently over its global production chain. This paper develops a general equilibrium model with endogenous industrial cluster and endogenous industrial network based on the division of labor and specialization to formalize and explore the interrelationship and rules of industrial cluster, network of division of labor, the economies of specialization and agglomeration under the new era of post-pandemic global economy. The model suggests that institutional efficiency of mutual trust, and competition among countries and industries will facilitate important circular effects, which will propel and shape the arrangement and allocation of industrial clusters, the position located at the production chain, and consequently the status of economic growth. In particular, the improvements in institutional efficiency of mutual trust over economic and technology systems will expand the demand for transactions and network size, which in turn will determine the development of cluster and network scope, as well as the position of the network. It offers a partially economic explanation of the current concern of de-globalization, decoupling and de-risking after the pandemic.
CONTACT-INTENSITY, DISRUPTIONS IN THE CULTURAL SECTOR AND WAGE INEQUALITY: A MODEL OF COVID-19 CRISIS AND ITS IMPACT
Authors: MARJIT SUGATA , DAS GOURANGA G.
Published: February 2024

COVID-19 has adverse impacts on contact-intensive sectors, viz., manufacturing, tourism, and the entertainment sector (ES). In a general equilibrium (GE) model with online, entertainment and informal sectors employing skill, unskilled, and capital, we show that COVID-19 could cause polarization pushing contact-intensive entertainment industry on the brink of collapse while the other two survive. Dual roles of factor intensity and contact intensity (CI) contribute to such finite changes, triggering inter-skill wage inequality. This is the first of its kind to offer a theoretical mechanism capturing the contractionary effects on contact-intensive sectors and wage inequality. These results match with the literature emphasizing the hardships faced by the cultural sector.
EFFECT OF GENDER EQUALITY ON HUMAN CAPITAL ACCUMULATION: RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MATERNAL FAMILY STATUS AND CHILDREN’S ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN CHINA
Authors: XIA XUE-QING , ZHU MING-BAO , HU YUN-YAN
Published: February 2024

Although the academic performance of children is directly related to the long-term accumulation of human capital, there is limited empirical evidence on how gender equality affects children’s academic performance. Based on the Third Survey of Chinese Women’s Social Status in 2010, from the perspective of gender equality in the family field, this study examines the influence of maternal family status on children’s academic performance. We find that higher maternal family status can improve children’s academic performance. This conclusion is robust after alternative measures of maternal family status and children’s academic performance, adjusting the analysis sample, controlling for family incomes and instrumental variable estimation. The mechanism analysis reveals that mothers with higher maternal family status increase the spending on education and nutrition, while provide more psychological support for children. The role of the maternal family status is more important for boys and children in non-compulsory education, also in the case where mothers value children’s studies but fathers don’t. This paper sheds light on the impact of gender equality in families on human capital accumulation, which provides an empirical basis for promoting gender equality.
Closed-form bound states for two Dunkl–Liénard oscillator systems
Authors: Schulze-Halberg Axel
Published: February 2024

In this paper, we construct the general Hamiltonian for position-dependent mass systems within the Dunkl formalism. The associated Schrödinger equation is shown to admit closed-form solutions of bound state type for two particular Dunkl–Liénard systems, given by the Dunkl–Higgs oscillator, and a spiked mass Dunkl oscillator. Differences to the conventional scenario are discussed.
Cosmological constant as quantum error correction from generalized gauge invariance in double field theory
Authors: Patrascu Andrei T.
Published: February 2024

The holographic principle and its realization as the anti-de Sitter/conformal field theory (AdS/CFT) correspondence leads to the existence of the so-called precursor operators. These are boundary operators that carry nonlocal information regarding events occurring deep inside the bulk and which cannot be causally connected to the boundary. Such nonlocal operators can distinguish nonvacuum-like excitations within the bulk that cannot be observed by any local gauge invariant operators in the boundary. The boundary precursors are expected to become increasingly nonlocal the further the bulk process is from the boundary. Such phenomena are expected to be related to the extended nature of the strings. Standard gauge invariance in the boundary theory equates to quantum error correction which furthermore establishes localization of bulk information. I show that when double field theory quantum error correction prescriptions are considered in the bulk, gauge invariance in the boundary manifests residual effects associated to stringy winding modes. Also, an effect of double field theory quantum error correction is the appearance of positive cosmological constant. The emergence of space–time from the entanglement structure of a dual quantum field theory appears in this context to generalize for de Sitter space–times as well.
Insight of mixed convectional heat transport in molybdenum disulfide-water nanofluid flow on moving vertical permeable plate with homogeneous-heterogeneous reactions
Authors: Pandey Amit Kumar , Begum Momtaz , Rajput Sohita , Bhattacharyya Krishnendu , Dular Mitu , Banerjee Astick , Chamkha Ali J.
Published: February 2024

This analysis is framed to take care of the high heat transfer demand from various application prospects and in this context nanofluid may be in consideration because nanofluids are well-known liquids with higher heat transfer capabilities. Here, a mixed convection flow of Molybdenum disulfide-water (MoS2-H2O) nanofluid on a moving vertical plate is examined when there are chemical reactions. Nanofluid problem is investigated using Tiwari and Das model, and numerically solved by “bvp4c” method. For the considered effects in the study, overshoots in temperature profile of nanofluid are observed. Momentum and thermal layer thicknesses become thinner with suction and thicker with blowing. Temperature overshoot is higher for blowing cases. Enhanced homogeneous–heterogeneous reactions lead to rise of the concentration boundary layer’s thickness. Also, magnitude of surface-drag force decays and cooling rate enhances with MoS2-H2O nanofluid mixed convection. For weaker suction and for blowing, cooling of nanofluid is faster with larger volume fraction of nanoparticles, but contrast results are obtained for greater suction. Importantly, compared to the homogeneous reaction, the heterogeneous reaction exhibits more impactful influences on flow and heat-mass transport characters.
Digital Background Calibration Assisted with Noise-Shaping for a 10-b Bridged SAR ADC
Authors: Xie Shuang , Wang Yong
Published: February 2024

This paper presents a background calibration method assisted with noise-shaping, for a 10-b bridged SAR ADC. It proposes calibrating the mismatches from the MSB capacitors using the LSBs. First-order noise-shaping has been employed to facilitate the calibration as well as the analog-to-digital conversion. Since noise-shaping is able to shape both the comparator input and quantization noise, it is expected to improve the calibration effects as well as the SNR, for the SAR ADC. Measurement results show, upon the proposed calibration, the SAR’s INL and SNR are improved by 3[Formula: see text]LSB and 9[Formula: see text]dB, respectively, compared to when the noise shaping is off. Fabricated using a 55[Formula: see text]nm CMOS MOMCAP technology and tested with a −2.5[Formula: see text]dB sinewave input, the bridged SAR ADC achieves an SNR of 62.2[Formula: see text]dB and an INL better than 1[Formula: see text]LSB, when consuming a power of [Formula: see text], at a supply voltage of 1.2[Formula: see text]V and sampling frequency of 50[Formula: see text]kHz. The ADC’s active area is [Formula: see text].
Distinguishing Legendrian knots in topological types 74, 948, 10136 with maximal Thurston–Bennequin number
Authors: Prasolov Maxim , Shastin Vladimir
Published: February 2024

In a recent work of Dynnikov and Prasolov [I. Dynnikov and M. Prasolov, An algorithm for comparing Legendrian knots, preprint (2023), arXiv:2309.05087] a new method of comparing Legendrian knots with nontrivial symmetry group is proposed. Using this method, we confirm conjectures of [W. Chongchitmate and L. Ng, An atlas of Legendrian knots, Exp. Math. 22(1) (2013) 26–37, arXiv:1010.3997] about Legendrian knots in topological types [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. This completes the classification of Legendrian types of rectangular diagrams of knots of complexity up to 9.
Universe bouncing its way to inflation
Authors: Kaur Manjeet , Nandi Debottam , Choudhury Debajyoti , Seshadri T. R.
Published: February 2024

Cosmological models with inflation and those with bounce have their own strengths and weaknesses. Here, we construct a model in which a phase of bounce is followed by a viable inflationary phase. This incorporates several advantages of both and hence, is a more viable model for cosmic evolution. We explore scenarios wherein the bouncing phase smoothly transits to an inflationary one, with the pivot scale leaving the Hubble horizon during the latter era, thereby maintaining consistency with observations. Staying within the ambit of Einstein–Hilbert gravity augmented by the inflation, we ensure a pre-inflationary bounce by introducing a second scalar field that helps engineer the requisite violation of the null energy condition. Potential ghost instabilities can be mitigated by invoking a nontrivial coupling between the two scalar fields.
Train–Bridge Coupled Vibration of a Long-Span Steel Truss Suspension Bridge Under Complex Driving Conditions
Authors: Xu Chuyi , Luo Hao , Gan Xianbei , Liu Mougang , Guo Hui
Published: February 2024

To investigate the vibration characteristics of long-span suspension bridges under the impact of high-speed trains, a method for conducting a time–frequency domain analysis of the dynamic response of a coupled system is presented in this study. First, the finite element model of a suspension bridge is established to conduct modal analysis, and simulation results are compared with measured data to validate the correctness of the bridge model. Subsequently, a multi-body dynamics model of a high-speed train is developed. Then, two approaches, the dummy method and flexible-track method, are employed to create the train–bridge coupled system. Finally, the flexible-track method is used to perform time–frequency domain analysis of the system under complex operational conditions. The research revealed that large-span suspension bridges exhibit lower natural frequencies. The vertical bending vibrations of the main beam have the potential to significantly impact train operations. Under the combined impact of cable tension and wheel–rail forces, the vibration patterns of large-span suspension bridges become notably intricate. The number of trains and their loading configurations both exert influence over the dominant frequencies and amplitudes in the PSD of bridges. In the complex traffic of large-span suspension bridges, the rational arrangement of travel lanes can reduce the possibility of resonance in the bridge–train system.
Dynamic Analysis of 2D FG Porous Thick Cylindrical Shells Under Thermal Shock
Authors: Liu Juanyin , Li Juan
Published: February 2024

In this research, a thick hollow cylindrical shell made of bidirectional functionally graded open cell porous materials under internal thermal shock according to the classical theory of linear thermo-elasticity is examined for the first time. The cylinder is made of a porous cellular material and its porosity varies along both radial and axial directions continuously. The governing motion equations are obtained by using 2D-axisymmetric theory of linear thermo-elasticity rather than shell theories. This theory represents thickness stretching and gives more precise results. Graded finite element method is employed to model the problem. Applying this method rather than conventional FEM leads to more accurate results, especially for dynamic analyses. The cubic higher order element is used for dividing the solution domain. To obtain transient temperatures, Crank–Nicolson algorithm is used and then the Newmark procedure is used to derive time responses of displacement and stress components. The time history of displacements and stress components for different radial and axial power law exponents, porosity coefficient, boundary conditions, length-to-thickness ratio and two different porosity patterns are investigated in detail. The obtained results show that thermal-induced vibration is generally caused by hoop stress, and frequency and amplitude of vibrations and velocity of stress waves are considerably influenced by the porosity distribution, porosity coefficient and power law exponents in both directions.
Abundance of the ideals of the monoid of all orientation-preserving extensive full transformations
Authors: Zhao Ping
Published: February 2024

Let [Formula: see text] be the monoid of all orientation-preserving and extensive full transformations on [Formula: see text]. In this paper, first we discuss left and right abundance of the principal ideals of [Formula: see text]. Second, we give necessary and sufficient conditions for the principal ideals of [Formula: see text] to be abundant and regular. Finally, we study abundance of the ideals in [Formula: see text].