bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the Diophantine equation σ2(X¯n) = σn(X¯n)
Authors: Miska Piotr , Ulas Maciej
Published: February 2024

In this paper, we investigate the set [Formula: see text] of positive integer solutions of the title Diophantine equation. In particular, for a given [Formula: see text] we prove boundedness of the number of solutions, give precise upper bound on the common value of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] together with the biggest value of the variable [Formula: see text] appearing in the solution. Moreover, we enumerate all solutions for [Formula: see text] and discuss the set of values of [Formula: see text] over elements of [Formula: see text].
Multi-partition analogue of q-binomial coefficients
Authors: Kim Byungchan , Nam Hayan , Yu Myungjun
Published: February 2024

We introduce the multi-Gaussian polynomial [Formula: see text], a multi-partition analogue of the Gaussian polynomial (also known as [Formula: see text]-binomial coefficient), as the generating function for certain restricted multi-color partitions. We study basic properties of multi-Gaussian polynomials and non-symmetric properties of [Formula: see text]. We also derive a Sylvester-type identity and its application.
Relations of multiple t-values of general level
Authors: Li Zhonghua , Wang Zhenlu
Published: February 2024

We study the relations of multiple [Formula: see text]-values of general level. The generating function of sums of multiple [Formula: see text]-(star) values of level [Formula: see text] with fixed weight, depth and height is represented by the generalized hypergeometric function [Formula: see text], which generalizes the results for multiple zeta(-star) values and multiple [Formula: see text]-(star) values. As applications, we obtain formulas for the generating functions of sums of multiple [Formula: see text]-(star) values of level [Formula: see text] with height one and maximal height and a weighted sum formula for sums of multiple [Formula: see text]-(star) values of level [Formula: see text] with fixed weight and depth. Using the stuffle algebra, we also get the symmetric sum formulas and Hoffman’s restricted sum formulas for multiple [Formula: see text]-(star) values of level [Formula: see text]. Some evaluations of multiple [Formula: see text]-star values of level [Formula: see text] with one–two–three indices are given.
Reciprocity formulae for generalized Dedekind–Rademacher sums attached to three Dirichlet characters and related polynomial reciprocity formulae
Authors: Isaacson Brad
Published: February 2024

We define a three-character analogue of the generalized Dedekind–Rademacher sum introduced by Hall, Wilson, and Zagier and prove its reciprocity formula which contains all of the reciprocity formulas in the literature for generalized Dedekind–Rademacher sums attached (and not attached) to Dirichlet characters as special cases. Additionally, we prove related polynomial reciprocity formulas which contain all of the polynomial reciprocity formulas in the literature as special cases, such as those given by Carlitz, Beck & Kohl, and the present author.
Dynatomic Galois groups for a family of quadratic rational maps
Authors: Krumm David , Lacy Allan
Published: February 2024

For every nonconstant rational function [Formula: see text], the Galois groups of the dynatomic polynomials of [Formula: see text] encode various properties of [Formula: see text] are of interest in the subject of arithmetic dynamics. We study here the structure of these Galois groups as [Formula: see text] varies in a particular one-parameter family of maps, namely, the quadratic rational maps having a critical point of period 2. In particular, we provide explicit descriptions of the third and fourth dynatomic Galois groups for maps in this family.
Finite sequences of integers expressible as sums of two squares
Authors: Choudhry Ajai , Maji Bibekananda
Published: February 2024

This paper is concerned with finite sequences of integers that may be written as sums of squares of two nonzero integers. We first find infinitely many integers n such that [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are all sums of two squares where h and k are two arbitrary integers, and as an immediate corollary obtain, in parametric terms, three consecutive integers that are sums of two squares. Similarly we obtain n in parametric terms such that all the four integers [Formula: see text] are sums of two squares. We also find infinitely many integers n such that all the five integers [Formula: see text] are sums of two squares, and finally, we find infinitely many arithmetic progressions, with common difference 4, of five integers all of which are sums of two squares.
Rational points on x3 + x2y2 + y3 = k
Authors: Lang Xiaoan , Rouse Jeremy
Published: February 2024

We study the problem of determining, given an integer k, the rational solutions to [Formula: see text]. For [Formula: see text], the curve [Formula: see text] has genus 3 and its Jacobian is isogenous to the product of three elliptic curves [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]. We explicitly determine the rational points on [Formula: see text] under the assumption that one of these elliptic curves has rank zero. We discuss the challenges involved in extending our result to handle all [Formula: see text].
Self-Supervised Representation Learning on Electronic Health Records with Graph Kernel Infomax
Authors: Yao Hao-Ren , Cao Nairen , Russell Katina , Chang Der-Chen , Frieder Ophir , Fineman Jeremy T.
Published: February 2024

Learning Electronic Health Records (EHRs) representation is a preeminent yet under-discovered research topic. It benefits various clinical decision support applications, e.g., medication outcome prediction or patient similarity search. Current approaches focus on task-specific label supervision on vectorized sequential EHR, which is not applicable to large-scale unsupervised scenarios. Recently, contrastive learning has shown great success in self-supervised representation learning problems. However, complex temporality often degrades the performance. We propose Graph Kernel Infomax, a self-supervised graph kernel learning approach on the graphical representation of EHR, to overcome the previous problems. Unlike the state-of-the-art, we do not change the graph structure to construct augmented views. Instead, we use Kernel Subspace Augmentation to embed nodes into two geometrically different manifold views. The entire framework is trained by contrasting nodes and graph representations on those two manifold views through the commonly used contrastive objectives. Empirically, using publicly available benchmark EHR datasets, our approach yields performance on clinical downstream tasks that exceeds the state-of-the-art. Theoretically, the variation in distance metrics naturally creates different views as data augmentation without changing graph structures. Practically, our method is non-ad hoc and confirms superior performance on commonly used graph benchmark datasets.
Biophysical Modeling of Synaptic Plasticity
Authors: Lee Christopher T. , Bell Miriam , Bonilla-Quintana Mayte , Rangamani Padmini
Published: February 2024

Dendritic spines are small, bulbous compartments that function as postsynaptic sites and undergo intense biochemical and biophysical activity. The role of the myriad signaling pathways that are implicated in synaptic plasticity is well studied. A recent abundance of quantitative experimental data has made the events associated with synaptic plasticity amenable to quantitative biophysical modeling. Spines are also fascinating biophysical computational units because spine geometry, signal transduction, and mechanics work in a complex feedback loop to tune synaptic plasticity. In this sense, ideas from modeling cell motility can inspire us to develop multiscale approaches for predictive modeling of synaptic plasticity. In this article, we review the key steps in postsynaptic plasticity with a specific focus on the impact of spine geometry on signaling, cytoskeleton rearrangement, and membrane mechanics. We summarize the main experimental observations and highlight how theory and computation can aid our understanding of these complex processes.
Evolution, Modification, and Deformation of Continental Lithosphere: Insights from the Eastern Margin of North America
Authors: Long Maureen D.
Published: February 2024

Continental lithosphere is deformed, destroyed, or otherwise modified in several ways. Processes that modify the lithosphere include subduction, terrane accretion, orogenesis, rifting, volcanism/magmatism, lithospheric loss or delamination, small-scale or edge-driven convection, and plume-lithosphere interaction. The eastern North American margin (ENAM) provides an exceptional locale to study this broad suite of processes, having undergone multiple complete Wilson cycles of supercontinent formation and dispersal, along with ∼200 Ma of postrift evolution. Moreover, recent data collection efforts associated with EarthScope, GeoPRISMS, and related projects have led to a wealth of new observations in eastern North America. Here I highlight recent advances in our understanding of the structure of the continental lithosphere beneath eastern North America and the processes that have modified it through geologic time, with a focus on recent geophysical imaging that has illuminated the lithosphere in unprecedented detail.
▪Eastern North America experienced a range of processes that deform, destroy, or modify continental lithosphere, providing new insights into how lithosphere evolves through time.▪Subduction and terrane accretion, continental rifting, and postrift evolution have all played a role in shaping lithospheric structure beneath eastern North America.▪Relict structures from past tectonic events are well-preserved in ENAM lithosphere; however, lithospheric modification that postdates the breakup of Pangea has also been significant.
Beyond the Barrier: Unraveling the Mechanisms of Immunotherapy Resistance
Authors: Bell Hannah N. , Zou Weiping
Published: February 2024

Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) induces a remarkable and durable response in a subset of cancer patients. However, most patients exhibit either primary or acquired resistance to ICB. This resistance arises from a complex interplay of diverse dynamic mechanisms within the tumor microenvironment (TME). These mechanisms include genetic, epigenetic, and metabolic alterations that prevent T cell trafficking to the tumor site, induce immune cell dysfunction, interfere with antigen presentation, drive heightened expression of coinhibitory molecules, and promote tumor survival after immune attack. The TME worsens ICB resistance through the formation of immunosuppressive networks via immune inhibition, regulatory metabolites, and abnormal resource consumption. Finally, patient lifestyle factors, including obesity and microbiome composition, influence ICB resistance. Understanding the heterogeneity of cellular, molecular, and environmental factors contributing to ICB resistance is crucial to develop targeted therapeutic interventions that enhance the clinical response. This comprehensive overview highlights key mechanisms of ICB resistance that may be clinically translatable.
Early expression of GluN2A-containing NMDA receptors in a model of fragile X syndrome
Authors: Banke Tue G. , Traynelis Stephen F. , Barria Andres
Published: February 2024

NMDA receptors (NMDARs) play important roles in synaptic transmission and are involved in multiple neurological disorders. During development, GluN2A in the forebrain becomes incorporated into previously GluN2B-dominated NMDARs, leading to the “GluN2A/GluN2B ratio switch.” This is a crucial step for normal brain development. Here we present findings indicating that GluN2A expression occurs earlier in the fragile X mouse and this could be an underlying factor contributing to the pathology found in the fragile X model.
Efficacy of Perampanel in Nocturnal Seizures in Adult Patients with Epilepsy
Authors: López-Maza Samuel , Gifreu Ariadna , Fonseca Elena , Quintana Manuel , Santamarina Estevo , Abraira Laura , Campos Daniel , Toledo Manuel
Published: February 2024

Objective. Nocturnal seizures are usually underestimated and represent a major problem in adult patients with epilepsy. Our aim was to study the effectiveness of perampanel for the treatment of nocturnal seizures in adult patients with epilepsy. Methods. Observational study of a prospectively acquired sample of adult patients with focal and generalized epilepsy in which perampanel was started from January to October 2021 in a specialized epilepsy unit in a tertiary hospital. Demographic and clinical characteristics were recorded. All patients completed a follow‐up period of at least 3 months. Seizure frequency during the 6‐month period before the patient started treatment was obtained from medical records. Retention and responder rates (considered as a nocturnal seizure frequency reduction of ≥50%) and improvement of subjective sleep disturbances were analyzed as outcome measures. Results. Forty‐eight patients were included (mean age 39.8 ± 17.4; 60.4% men), and 38 of them had a 6‐month follow‐up. Focal epilepsy was the most common diagnosis (81.3%), and most patients had a structural etiology (56.3%). Thirty‐four (70.8%) patients had drug‐resistant epilepsy. The mean nocturnal seizure frequency per month at baseline was 13.2 ± 35.9. Fifteen (31.3%) patients had subjective sleep disturbances at baseline, of which insomnia was the most frequent complaint (16.7%). Perampanel was started at a median dose of 4 mg/day (range = 2‐14). At 3‐month follow‐up, the retention rate was 74.6%; 64.6% were considered responders (54.2% were seizure‐free). Monthly nocturnal seizures decreased significantly at 3 months (8.2 ± 26.7 vs. 13.2 ± 35.9 seizures/month; p = 0.044) and 6 months (5.3 ± 18.2 vs. 13.2 ± 35.9 seizures/month; p = 0.006). Subjective sleep disturbances improved at 3‐month follow‐up (10.4% vs. 31.3%; p = 0.002) and 6‐month follow‐up (10.5% vs. 31.3%; p = 0.022). Significance. Perampanel can be a suitable treatment option in adult patients with both focal and generalized epilepsy with nocturnal seizures and can reduce the presence of sleep complaints.
Biopolymer Composite Materials in Oil and Gas Sector
Authors: Abdulrahman Jibrilla , Ebhota Williams S. , Tabakov Pavel Y.
Published: February 2024

In the oil and gas industry, the demand for alternative materials is rising due to corrosion and the desire to reduce costs through weight reduction. Polymer composites are gaining attention for their corrosion resistance, favourable strength‐to‐weight ratio, and cost‐effectiveness. The biopolymer composite is projected to have an output worth $4.95 billion between 2021 and 2025 and growth at a 5.38% compound annual growth rate. This review focuses on exploring the potential of natural fibres as reinforcement for biofibre polymer composite pipes in oil and gas, highlighting their ecofriendliness, biodegradability, and cost‐efficiency. The paper assesses biopolymer composite pipes’ development, challenges, and applications, particularly those using continuous basalt and banana fibres. While basalt fibre has found field applications, banana fibre‐reinforced polymer composites are still in the early research stages. Despite significant oil and gas industry players already endorsing polymer composites, further research is needed for biopolymer composites to address challenges like compatibility, environmental impact, standardisation, long‐term durability, production processes, and regulatory acceptance. Advancing biocomposite research and exploring new research opportunities are essential for engineering advancements and advanced materials.
A Novel Enhanced Torsional Eddy Current Damper for Fixed‐Axis Rotation Control of Rigid Bodies
Authors: Wang Shuai , Chen Zhengqing , Wang Wenxi , Yu Tianfu , Zhang Hongyi , Hua Xugang
Published: February 2024

The control of angular velocities in the fixed‐axis rotation of rigid bodies is crucial for ensuring the safety and functionality of civil structures and mechanical systems. In this research, a novel enhanced torsional eddy current damper (ETECD) is proposed to effectively control the angular velocities of rigid bodies within confined installation spaces. At first, an estimation approach is developed to determine the damping coefficient of the eddy current damper (ECD) within limited installation space. Furthermore, we utilize a gearbox to enhance the damping performance of the ECD in confined spaces. To establish the framework for the design of the proposed ETECD, the motion equation and solution of the rotating body are derived. By analytically presenting the approximate solution for the responses of a rotating body with a torsional viscous damper, the required range of the torsional damping coefficient is derived. This range ensures compliance to velocity restrictions under linearly angle‐related torques, guiding the design of the ETECD. The ETECD, comprising two cylindrical torsional eddy current dampers (ECDs) and a motion‐amplified gearbox, is designed and tested for a rotating body. Numerical examples and experimental tests are carried out to validate the performance of the proposed ETECD. The calculated damping coefficients and predicted control performance in the numerical examples agree well with the experimental results. Notably, under the minimum and maximum torques, the terminal angular velocity (TAV) of the rotating body can be significantly reduced by 70.76% and 58.99%, respectively. The proposed work emphasizes the potential of the ETECD as an effective and economic method in reducing angular velocities for rotating bodies.
Mitigating Software Vulnerabilities through Secure Software Development with a Policy‐Driven Waterfall Model
Authors: Hussain Shariq , Anwaar Haris , Sultan Kashif , Mahmud Umar , Farooqui Sherjeel , Karamat Tehmina , Toure Ibrahima Kalil
Published: February 2024

For the past few years, software security has become a pressing issue that needs to be addressed during software development. In practice, software security is considered after the deployment of software rather than considered as an initial requirement. This delayed action leads to security vulnerabilities that can be catered for during the early stages of the software development life cycle (SDLC). To safeguard a software product from security vulnerabilities, security must be given equal importance with functional requirements during all phases of SDLC. In this paper, we propose a policy‐driven waterfall model (PDWM) for secure software development describing key points related to security aspects in the software development process. The security requirements are the security policies that are considered during all phases of waterfall‐based SDLC. A framework of PDWM is presented and applied to the e‐travel scenario to ascertain its effectiveness. This scenario is a case of small to medium‐sized software development project. The results of case study show that PDWM can identify 33% more security vulnerabilities as compared to other secure software development techniques.
Modified Model Predictive Control for Coordinated Signals along an Arterial under Relaxing Assumptions
Authors: Zhang Kun , Xu Hongfeng , Pan Baofeng , Zheng Qiming , Chen Hongjin
Published: February 2024

This paper proposes modified model predictive control (MMPC) for coordinated signals, aiming to enhance a model’s fidelity to the realistic traffic environment by relaxing typical assumptions. We focus on the arterial, where every intersection is equipped with a dual‐ring‐barrier signal controller that complies with the standards of the National Electric Manufacturers Association. MMPC employs the store‐and‐forward model to describe traffic flow, thereby transforming the signal control problem into a model‐based rolling‐horizon optimization problem, in which the prediction horizon is composed of several future sample intervals, commonly equal to the cycle length. A radar detector is used to collect vehicle data upstream of the stop line at every sampling instant. The optimization problem is solved to minimize the number of vehicles within the prediction horizon, and the next timing plan is determined based on the optimization results. Constraints are added and modified in order to incorporate the typical relaxed assumptions in the optimization process. For this purpose, MMPC introduces a transition‐free ring‐barrier structure, vehicle distribution ratio, and percent arrival before the end of green. Simulation results indicate that coordination can be maintained by MMPC without the need for transitions, and the estimation of current and future traffic states can be improved with the assistance of modified constraints. Compared with benchmark techniques, MMPC offers superior vehicle progression for coordinated movement and significant improvements in delays, number of stops, and total travel time from a system‐wide perspective, with an acceptable small increase in runtime.
Figure S4 from NRF2 Activation in Trp53;p16-deficient Mice Drives Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Hamad Samera H. , Sellers Rani S. , Wamsley Nathan , Zolkind Paul , Schrank Travis P. , Major Michael B. , Weissman Bernard E.
Published: February 2024

Figure S4 shows scatterplots Protein abundances measured by targeted protein mass spectrometry in CP and CPN oral cavity tissues.
A Prospective, Single-Arm, Phase 2 Study of Modified Transarterial Chemoembolization Using Low-Dose Chemotherapy with Blank Microspheres Plus Low-Dose Lenvatinib and Microwave Ablation in Patients with Large (≥7 cm) Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma: The TALEM Trial
Authors: Huang Zhi-Mei , Han Xue , Wang Jian , Gu Ling , Tang Lu , Wu Shao-Yong , Di Tian , Hou Ying-Wen , Lau Wan Yee , Jiang Yi-Quan , Huang Jin-Hua
Published: February 2024

Introduction: For patients with large unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the effectiveness of conventional transarterial chemoembolization (cTACE) remains suboptimal. This study investigated the efficacy and safety of modified TACE using low-dose chemotherapy with blank microspheres (BMS-TACE) plus low-dose lenvatinib (LD-LEN) and microwave ablation (MWA) in patients with large unresectable HCC. Methods: In this prospective, single-arm, phase 2 study, patients with unresectable HCC exceeding the up-to-seven criteria, with maximum tumor diameter ≥7 cm, and without macrovascular invasion or extrahepatic metastases, received initial BMS-TACE (lipiodol, low-dose doxorubicin, and lobaplatin up to 30 mg each, and blank microspheres; subsequently modified and repeated in most patients) plus LD-LEN (4–8 mg/day) and MWA. The primary endpoint was downstaging rate (DSR); secondary endpoints were objective response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and adverse events. Results: From November 2019 to March 2022, 43 patients were enrolled. Median follow-up was 21.2 months. Median largest tumor diameter was 11.2 cm (interquartile range [IQR], 7–25). Following BMS-TACE and LD-LEN, downstaging occurred in 37 (86.0%) patients, 32 of whom received MWA, and 8 of whom had a complete response (CR) without MWA. ORR was 93.0% (CR in 32 [74.4%] and partial response in 8 [18.6%] patients). The 1-, 2-, and 3-year PFS rates were 57.5%, 25.9%, and 18.1%, respectively (median PFS, 14.7 months [95% CI: 8.1–19.5]). The 1-, 2-, and 3-year OS rates were 85.8%, 67.7%, and 61.6%, respectively (median OS, 36.4 months [95% CI: 26.8-not reached]). After BMS-TACE, a significant decline in CD11b+/CD33+/HLA-DR- myeloid-derived suppressor cells and early elevation in CXCR5+/CD8+ and CXCR5+/CD4+ T cells were observed (both p < 0.05). Conclusion: BMS-TACE plus LD-LEN and MWA resulted in promising efficacy and tolerable toxicity in patients with large unresectable HCC exceeding the up-to-seven criteria with a maximum tumor diameter ≥7 cm and without macrovascular invasion or extrahepatic metastases.
Tislelizumab versus Sorafenib in First-Line Treatment of Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Impact on Health-Related Quality of Life in RATIONALE-301 Study
Authors: Finn Richard S. , Kudo Masatoshi , Barnes Gisoo , Meyer Tim , Boisserie Frederic , Abdrashitov Ramil , Chen Yaxi , Li Songzi , Zhu Andrew X. , Qin Shukui , Vogel Arndt
Published: February 2024

Introduction: RATIONALE-301 (NCT03412773) was a global, phase 3 study comparing the efficacy and safety of tislelizumab with sorafenib as first-line (1L) treatment in adult patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) that met its primary endpoint of noninferiority in overall survival (OS). This analysis compared health-related quality-of-life (HRQOL) outcomes between the arms. Methods: Systemic therapy-naive adults with HCC were randomized 1:1 to receive tislelizumab (n = 342) or sorafenib (n = 332). HRQOL was assessed using EORTC QLQ-C30, QLQ-HCC18, and EQ-5D-5L. At cycles 4 and 6, a mixed model for repeated measures was performed using key-prespecified patient-reported outcome (PRO) endpoints of the QLQ-C30 and the QLQ-HCC18. Time to deterioration was analyzed with the Kaplan-Meier method using the PRO endpoints. Results: At cycles 4 and 6, patients in the tislelizumab arm had better HRQOL outcomes than the patients in the sorafenib arm per mean-change difference in GHS/QOL, QLQ-C30 physical functioning and fatigue, and QLQ-HCC18 symptom index; however, no differences for pain were observed. Patients in the tislelizumab arm had lower risk of deterioration in GHS/QOL (HR: 0.68; 95% CI: 0.49–0.94), QLQ-C30 physical functioning (HR: 0.45; 95% CI: 0.32–0.63) and fatigue (HR: 0.47; 95% CI: 0.36–0.61), QLQ-HCC18 symptom index (HR: 0.52; 95% CI: 0.34–0.81), and HCC-specific fatigue (HR: 0.59; 95% CI: 0.45–0.79). For pain, both arms had similar risk of deterioration (HR: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.56–1.09). At cycles 4 and 6, patients in the tislelizumab arm maintained in EQ-5D-5L visual analog scale, whereas scores decreased for the patients in the sorafenib arm. Conclusion: Patients with 1L HCC treated with tislelizumab had favorable HRQOL outcomes compared with patients treated with sorafenib, particularly in fatigue and physical functioning. These results, along with favorable safety profile, better response rate, and OS noninferiority, support tislelizumab as a potential 1L treatment option for unresectable HCC.
Metodologi Penelitian Sistem Berbasis Action Research: Teori dan Aplikasinya
Authors: Wilopo Wilopo , Dewantara Rizki , Wiyata Wiyata
Published: February 2024

Dalam dunia yang semakin kompleks, penelitian memiliki peran penting dalam memahami, merancang, dan memecahkan masalah sistem. Buku ini, "Metodologi Penelitian Sistem Berbasis Action Research: Teori dan Aplikasinya," menyajikan sebuah panduan komprehensif yang menggabungkan dua pendekatan kuat: Action Research (Riset Aksi) dan Soft Systems Methodology (SSM).
Multi-Ancestry Polygenic Risk Score for Coronary Heart Disease Based on an Ancestrally Diverse Genome-Wide Association Study and Population-Specific Optimization
Authors: Smith Johanna L. , Tcheandjieu Catherine , Dikilitas Ozan , Iyer Kruthika , Miyazawa Kazuo , Hilliard Austin , Lynch Julie , Rotter Jerome I. , Chen Yii-Der Ida , Sheu Wayne Huey-Herng , Chang Kyong-Mi , Kanoni Stavroula , Tsao Philip S. , Ito Kaoru , Kosel Matthew , Clarke Shoa L. , Schaid Daniel J. , Assimes Themistocles L. , Kullo Iftikhar J.
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:

Predictive performance of polygenic risk scores (PRS) varies across populations. To facilitate equitable clinical use, we developed PRS for coronary heart disease (CHD; PRS
CHD
) for 5 genetic ancestry groups.

METHODS:

We derived ancestry-specific and multi-ancestry PRS
CHD
based on pruning and thresholding (PRS
PT
) and ancestry-based continuous shrinkage priors (PRS
CSx
) applied to summary statistics from the largest multi-ancestry genome-wide association study meta-analysis for CHD to date, including 1.1 million participants from 5 major genetic ancestry groups. Following training and optimization in the Million Veteran Program, we evaluated the best-performing PRS
CHD
in 176,988 individuals across 9 diverse cohorts.

RESULTS:

Multi-ancestry PRS
PT
and PRS
CSx
outperformed ancestry-specific PRS
PT
and PRS
CSx
across a range of tuning values. Two best-performing multi-ancestry PRS
CHD
(ie, PRS
PTmult
and PRS
CSxmult
) and 1 ancestry-specific (PRS
CSxEUR
) were taken forward for validation. PRS
PTmult
demonstrated the strongest association with CHD in individuals of South Asian ancestry and European ancestry (odds ratio per 1 SD [95% CI, 2.75 [2.41–3.14], 1.65 [1.59–1.72]), followed by East Asian ancestry (1.56 [1.50–1.61]), Hispanic/Latino ancestry (1.38 [1.24–1.54]), and African ancestry (1.16 [1.11–1.21]). PRS
CSxmult
showed the strongest associations in South Asian ancestry (2.67 [2.38–3.00]) and European ancestry (1.65 [1.59–1.71]), lower in East Asian ancestry (1.59 [1.54–1.64]), Hispanic/Latino ancestry (1.51 [1.35–1.69]), and the lowest in African ancestry (1.20 [1.15–1.26]).

CONCLUSIONS:

The use of summary statistics from a large multi-ancestry genome-wide meta-analysis improved the performance of PRS
CHD
in most ancestry groups compared with single-ancestry methods. Despite the use of one of the largest and most diverse sets of training and validation cohorts to date, improvement of predictive performance was limited in African ancestry. This highlights the need for larger genome-wide association study datasets of underrepresented populations to enhance the performance of PRS
CHD
.
“His Numbering Clock”: Clockwork Men in Literary and Popular Culture
Authors: Barrows Adam
Published: February 2024

The image of a man turning into a clock has haunted literary and popular culture for the last four hundred years. This essay surveys the trope of the clockwork man from Shakespeare’s Elizabethan age to the modernist era and beyond. I explore two modernist examples of the trope, E. V. Odle’s The Clockwork Man (1923) and D. H. Lawrence’s Women in Love (1920), before turning to the postwar example of a DC comic book supervillain named the “Clock King,” who adorns his costume with clock dials and whose traumatic backstory involves the failure of mechanical devices to accurately measure human existence. Bookended by two examples of “clockwork kings,” this essay charts the relationship between a persistent cultural trope and the technological/ sociocultural history of time measurement.
Animal-Assisted Psychotherapy: A Meta-Analytic Review
Authors: Germain Sarah Meghan , Wilkie Karlene , Milbourne Virginia M. K. , Theule Jennifer
Published: February 2024

In this meta-analysis, we examine the efficacy of animal-assisted psychotherapy (AAP) on mental disorders. Twenty-eight studies quantitatively assessed the treatment effects of AAP. We used a random effects model to aggregate each study into an overall effect size. We found a large effect for pre- versus post-intervention comparisons and a moderate effect for the treatment versus control comparison for all disorders. Most of the moderator analyses were non-significant. We used the Grade measure (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation) to assess the quality of the studies included in this paper. The results of the Grade analyses indicated a score of very low quality on the assessment. Therefore, only tentative conclusions about the efficacy of AAP can be drawn. The results suggest that AAP is a potentially efficacious treatment for mental disorders; however, significant limitations temper this conclusion.
“Kuna Corona fake na Og”: The Role of Postcolonial Laughter during the COVID-19 Outbreak in Tanzania
Authors: Mnenuka Angelus
Published: February 2024

Scholars are basically divided in their perception of the functions of postcolonial humour. One block ascribes it to the role of criticising postcolonial governments for maladministration. Another group ascribes it to ridiculing the masses for their passivity to unjust rulers. In addition, there is also a middle group that does not specifically assign the art to either side. Taking these varying opinions as a point of departure and the novelty of COVID-19 humour, the researcher adapted multimodality and social semiotics to analyse and ascertain the role of postcolonial humour used in debates about COVID-19 in Tanzania during the peak of the malady. In this regard, the study reports that besides entertainment function, COVID-19 postcolonial humour reminded people from all walks of life to take responsibility in the fight against the disease. Thus, the findings confirm that postcolonial humour in social media, like other traditional African verbal arts, criticises undesirable societal practices regardless of a person’s social and political status.
Infrastructural Development and Neo-Colonialism in Africa: The Case of the Standard Gauge Railway in Kenya
Authors: Mulaku Lemmy N. , Sabala Kizito S.
Published: February 2024

The paper argues that funding and development of mega projects in Africa is the new way through which neo-colonialism is manifesting itself. Development partners are increasingly using infrastructural development aid as the means to continue exploiting and dominating Africa’s political economy. Using the Chinese funded Standard Gauge Railway in Kenya as a case study, the paper confirms that to some extent infrastructural development projects are replicating colonial structures. The role of foreign funding, multinational corporations, and co-option of elites provides neo-colonial anxieties. However, through sensitivity to Africa’s mounting external debt, and its policy on shared prosperity, China demonstrates that not all its activities on the continent have neo-colonial characteristics. It renegotiates loan repayment, converts loans to grants, and withholds loans to assessed recipient’s abilities to repay. The concept of neo-colonialism provides a framework through which to analyze externally funded development projects in Africa. The study analyzed secondary sources of data.
The Artistic Reception of Decorative Graphics in Wus’ Memorial Temple in Hong’an
Authors: Wang Yichun , Leng Xianping
Published: February 2024

The decorative graphics of Wus’ Memorial Temple in Hong’an have evolved continuously over time, forming a unique symbolic system. This article analyzes the various forms of artistic reception of the decorative graphics in Wus’ Memorial Temple from the perspective of art communication, including the cultural traditions of the decorative graphics, the symbolic language, and the choice of its audience. It explores the symbolic meanings behind the decorative graphics, that is, the symbols of the Wus’ Memorial Temple in contemporary design, promoting inheritance, innovation, and development.
Erratum: INDIARA NUNES MESQUITA FERREIRA, DANIELLE DE OLIVEIRA DINIZ, FERNANDA GOMES FERREIRA & FÁBIO VENTUROLI (2024) A new species of Oxandra (Annonaceae) from the Brazilian Cerrado. Phytotaxa 636 (3): 246–251
Authors: FERREIRA INDIARA NUNES MESQUITA , DINIZ DANIELLE DE OLIVEIRA , FERREIRA FERNANDA GOMES , VENTUROLI FÁBIO
Published: February 2024

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A new species of Compsoneura (Myristicaceae) from interandean valleys of middle Magdalena and lower Cauca rivers, Colombia
Authors: TAMAYO BORIS VILLANUEVA , PACHECO ÁLVARO COGOLLO
Published: February 2024

Compsoneura choibo, a new species of Myristicaceae from lowland wet forests located in interandean valleys in middle Magdalena (inhabited by Ateles hybridus) and lower Cauca rivers, Colombia, is described, illustrated, and its morphological relationships with allied species is discussed. This new species is similar to C. mutisii, but it is characterized by the fruits with smooth pericarp but densely covered by T-shaped trichomes. A morphological description, taxonomic comments, an illustration, information about its current conservation status and an updated key to species of Compsoneura are presented. Compsoneura has its center of distribution in Colombia, where 12 of the species are known to occur.
A New Species of Burmeistera (Campanulaceae, Lobelioideae) from the Pacific Slope of the Northwestern Andes of Colombia
Authors: ZAPATA-CORREA DIEGO ALEJANDRO , GARZÓN-VENEGAS JAVIER , CARO HOLGUÍN ANDRÉS FELIPE , RUIZ MOLINA DANIEL
Published: February 2024

A new species of Burmeistera (Campanulaceae, Lobelioideae) from the Pacific slope of the Northwestern Andes of Colombia, in the Antioquia and Chocó departments, is described. Burmeistera luciae is distinguished by being a hemiepiphytic herb with scandent and glabrous stems; ebracteate peduncle, obconic hypanthium, and its most particular feature, the filiform, ascending, and curved calyx lobes in anthesis; corolla lobes forming an obtuse angle in relation to the tube, falcate; ventral anthers barbate; ellipsoid berries that turn a striking fuchsia color when mature. These characters differentiate it from Burmeistera serraniaguae, B. succulenta, and B. crocodila, the three most morphologically similar species that also inhabit the humid Andean regions of the Chocó biogeographic region between Colombia and Ecuador. Additional comments related to its distribution, etymology, and conservation status are presented.
A new species of Begonia (Begoniaceae) from Mishmi Hills of Arunachal Pradesh, India
Authors: HAJONG BIPANKAR , BHAT NAZIR AHMAD , BHARALI PANKAJ
Published: February 2024

A new species of the genus Begonia (sect. Platycentrum, Begoniaceae) from Mishmi Hills of Arunachal Pradesh, India, Begonia naraharii B.Hajong, N.Bhat & P.Bharali is described and illustrated. A detailed taxonomic description, accompanied by photographs, as well as notes on distribution, conservation status, and a table of comparisons with allied species, are provided.
Insights on Begonia jagori (Begoniaceae), a cryptic species of Albay Province, Luzon Island, Philippines
Authors: DELA CRUZ CYRUS JOB P. , COLLANTES JOHN PAUL R. , BUSTAMANTE RENE ALFRED ANTON , ANG YU PIN
Published: February 2024

In documenting the flora of Mt. Malinao, Albay Province, Bicol region, Philippines an unknown Begonia from section Petermannia was discovered in the higher altitudes. Further study of relevant specimens and protologue identified it as Begonia jagori, a species endemic to the Philippines. Begonia jagori was known from a single collection in 1861 and since then, it has not been recollected or redocumented again. The collection locality was listed broadly as Luzon, and the protologue lacked some details. Using the materials from Mt. Malinao, the plant was redescribed and lectotypified. A note comparing its affinity to B. cumingiana is provided.
Cornifronus gen. nov., a new dark sac spider genus from China (Araneae: Trachelidae)
Authors: JIN CHI , LI LIANGTAO , ZHANG FENG
Published: February 2024

A new genus of the spider family Trachelidae L. Koch, 1872, Cornifronus gen. nov. from China is described, as well as one new species, C. simplex sp. nov. (♂♀), known only from Hainan and Yunnan Province.
An Intelligent Human-Computer Interaction System Based on Wireless Self-Powered Sensor for Motion Monitoring
Authors: Liu Datian , Wang Yunlu , Feng Qingyang , Cheng Zihang , Liu Dongsheng , Mao Yupeng
Published: February 2024

With the development of the Internet of Things and information technology, large numbers of self-powered flexible sensors are needed to monitor the state of human motions. Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have attracted attention in sports monitoring due to its low cost and materials versatility. An Eco-flex-PTFE TENG (PE-TENG) system has been designed to real-time monitor and analyze the position and force changes of soccer players when kicking the ball on the outside, inside, and front of the foot, and to evaluate the technical motions. The PE-TENG system includes a PE-TENG sensing unit, Bluetooth transmission end, and an upper computer digital signal receiving end. The friction layer of the PE-TENG sensing unit is composed of Eco-flex and PTFE. PE-TENG system has the advantages of small size, light weight, stable working performance, and does not require external power supply. On the basis of the PE-TENG system, designed a human-computer interaction system to achieve the combination of real and virtual kicking skills for analyzing soccer players’ kicking motions. The system provides a new direction for scientific monitoring of soccer training, and entertainment of soccer players, while also accelerating the broad application prospects of self-powered wearable sports sensors in the field of sports monitoring.
The Impacts of Heat and Air Pollution on Mortality in the United States
Authors: Huang Zeying , Lim Jungmin , Skidmore Mark
Published: February 2024

Extreme heat events stress the body and can result in fatalities, especially for those with underlying health problems. Air pollution is another threat to health and is an important confounder of extreme heat risks. However, previous empirical studies that have addressed the joint health impacts of air pollution and heat rarely considered the endogeneity and spillover effects of air pollution. To fill this research gap, this article investigates the interconnected impacts of extreme heat and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) on all-cause and cause-specific mortality. We correct the endogeneity of PM2.5 by applying the control function approach and explore transboundary externalities of all-source PM2.5 and wildfire-caused PM2.5. We use a county-year balanced panel dataset covering 2992 U.S. counties from 2001 through 2011. Results show that extreme heat and air pollution exacerbate each other and jointly increase mortality. Specifically, a 1-standard-deviation (SD) increase in the heat index results in 0.60% (95% confidence interval: 0.26%–0.97%), 2.14% (1.34%–2.94%), and 0.86% (0.41%–1.34%) more all-cause fatalities, fatalities from respiratory system diseases, and fatalities from circulatory system diseases, respectively. A 1-SD increase in PM2.5 results in 5.75% (3.61%–7.90%), 6.99% (3.01%–11.15%), and 2.93% (0.66%–5.28%) additional fatalities, respectively. Failure to consider the endogeneity of PM2.5 leads to a substantial underestimation of PM2.5 risk. In addition, our instrumental variable strategy offers evidence of spillover effects from PM2.5 and wildfires.

Significance Statement

This study illustrates how extreme heat events combined with air pollutants threaten health. This article investigates the interconnected impact of extreme heat and air pollution using data from 2992 United States counties over the 2001–11 period. Results indicate that extreme heat and air pollution jointly increase mortality. Results also show that wind-driven pollution from other counties and wildfires increase mortality.
The New News Barons: Investment Ownership Reduces Newspaper Reporting Capacity
Authors: Peterson Erik , Dunaway Johanna
Published: February 2024

In recent years, local media in the U.S. have faced increasing economic precarity, and many newspapers have been purchased by hedge funds and private equity firms. How do investment owners shape the newspapers they acquire? We document the shift in ownership and its impact on the number and type of journalists that local newsrooms employ. Using over 13,000 digitized media directory pages, we measure the newsrooms of 211 major newspapers from 2005 to 2022. We estimate that the acquisition of a newspaper by an investment owner reduced the paper’s newsroom by nine reporters and editors compared to newspapers that remained under other ownership, a cut equivalent to 14 percent of the average newspaper’s staff. These cuts were concentrated among positions focused on general assignment and political reporting. Our findings indicate the rise of investment owners has accelerated the decline of local newspapers.
¿Qué pasa with American News Media? How Digital-Native Latinx News Serves Community Information Needs Using Messaging Apps
Authors: Chacón Lourdes M. Cueva , Retis Jessica
Published: February 2024

Traditional and legacy Spanish-language news outlets are shrinking, leaving many communities in the U.S. without news that satisfies their critical information needs. At the same time, news media entrepreneurs are adopting and adapting to technological changes that offer new venues for news delivery. We use a mixed-methods research approach to analyze Latinx digital-native news media organizations that distribute news in Spanish via mobile instant messaging (MIM) apps. Results show that journalists took a bottom-up approach to meeting the information needs of their audiences, choosing MIMs because their readers were already established on those platforms. Our work also reveals that news delivered via MIMs focuses mostly on health, emergencies and public safety, civic information, and economic development.
Assessing Community Needs for Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Review of Rural/Frontier Needs Through Community Outreach With Developmental Pediatrics
Authors: Eygnor Alyssa , Angulo Abigail , Cobian Maritza , Wilson Rebecca , Coan Elizabeth , Reynolds Ann , Friedman Sandra , Boles Richard E.
Published: February 2024

Early intervention is known to improve long-term outcomes for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Access barriers to care limit timely engagement with supportive services. This report characterized the community needs and supportive services for children and families with suspected or diagnosed ASD. Families and providers participating in outreach clinics identified available services and their attitudes about support for ASD diagnosis. Chart reviews provided referral history, insurance, and current services. Children were nearly 6 years old, 95% of families relied on public health insurance, whereas 50% reported traveling 11 miles or greater for supportive services. Most providers (83%) were medically trained in primary care and placed 1-5 referrals per month to a tertiary referral hospital. Providers reported travel difficulty as the primary reason for referring patients for evaluation. Multiple barriers for supportive services were identified, highlighting the importance to increase the capacity and availability of local ASD supportive services.
Like a bridge over troubled water: Wellbeing and trust in governance during turbulent times
Authors: Vigoda-Gadot Eran , Levitats Zehavit
Published: February 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic extended interest in the relationships between citizens and governments in turbulent times of crises and emergencies. While the pandemic generated a critical existential threat to the lives of many, it also had a significant effect on the quality of life and on the wellbeing of even larger populations. This paper deals with the relationship between the wellbeing of citizens and three types of trust in governance (i.e. trust in political institutions, trust in public administration, trust in enforcement institutions) during the pandemic. We aim at advancing knowledge on both wellbeing and trust during crises, and more specifically on direct and indirect patterns of these important relationships. To do so, we suggest alternative models and a series of hypotheses aimed at examining them empirically. Two datasets on Israeli citizens are used. They were collected over two points in time during the heat of the pandemic and toward its decline and end (Study 1/t1; N = 1026 and Study 2/t2; N = 3024) and largely represent major sectors and ethnicities in the population. The findings generally support a positive relationship between wellbeing and trust, but more importantly indicate that during crisis, trust in public administration and enforcement institutions mediates the relationship between wellbeing and trust in political institutions. We thus argue that the public service may act as a bridge between citizens’ wellbeing and political trust. In our view, the findings testify to the complexity of the wellbeing–trust relationship, especially in challenging times. Implications and directions for future studies are suggested.

Points for practitioners

Trust in governance is different for various political institutions and for different public administration organizations, especially in turbulent times Civil servants should be aware of citizens’ wellbeing during crises as it affects trust in governance Citizen trust and wellbeing are significantly related in times of emergency and crises