bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LIV selection in ‘tweener’ patients treated with magnetically controlled growing rods vs. posterior spinal fusion
Authors: Yoshida Brandon , Leonardi Claudia , Valenzuela-Moss Jacquelyn , Andras Lindsay M. , Tetreault Tyler A. , Emans John B. , Smith John T. , Pahys Joshua M. , Li G. Ying ,   Pediatric Spine Study Group, Heffernan Michael J.
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to compare the LIV selection in ‘tweener’ patients treated with MCGR or PSF.

Methods

A multicenter pediatric spine database was queried for ambulatory patients ages 8–11 years treated by MCGR or PSF with at least 2-year follow-up. The relationship between the LIV and preoperative spinal height, curve magnitude, and implant type were assessed. The relationship between the touched vertebrae (TV), the last substantially touched vertebrae (LSTV), the stable vertebrae (SV), and the LIV were evaluated.

Results

One hundred and fifty-nine patients met inclusion criteria. Preoperative curve magnitude was similar between groups (MCGR 68 ± 19.0° vs. PSF 66 ± 17.2°, p = 0.6). Preoperative curve magnitude was associated with LIV, as larger curves were associated with a more caudal LIV (p = 0.0004). Distribution of the LIV was more varied in PSF compared to MCGR. L3 was the LIV in 43% of MCGR patients compared to 27% of PSF patients. A thoracic LIV was more common in the PSF group (PSF 13% vs. MCGR 1.2%, p = 0.0038). The LIV was cephalad to the SV in 68% of PSF compared to 48% of MCGR patients (p = 0.02).

Conclusion

The majority of LIV selection in ‘tweener’ patients was at L3 or below regardless of surgical strategy, likely driven by curve magnitude. However, ‘tweener’ patients treated with PSF had more cephalad LIV selections compared to patients treated with MCGR. Potential LIV differences should be considered when selecting MCGR vs. PSF in ‘tweener’ patients.

Level of evidence

III.
Addition of SHR-1701 to first-line capecitabine and oxaliplatin (XELOX) plus bevacizumab for unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer
Authors: Qiu Miao-Zhen , Bai Yuxian , Wang Jufeng , Gu Kangsheng , Yang Mudan , He Yifu , Yi Cheng , Jin Yongdong , Liu Bo , Wang Feng , Chen Yu-kun , Dai Wei , Jiang Yingyi , Huang Chuanpei , Xu Rui-Hua , Luo Hui-Yan
Published: December 2024

This phase 2/3 trial (NCT04856787) assessed the efficacy and safety of SHR-1701, a bifunctional protein targeting PD-L1 and TGF-β, in combination with BP102 (a bevacizumab biosimilar) and XELOX (capecitabine plus oxaliplatin) as a first-line treatment for unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). In this phase 2 study, a total of 62 patients with untreated, histologically confirmed colorectal adenocarcinoma and no prior systemic therapy for metastatic disease were enrolled. Patients received SHR-1701 (30 mg/kg), bevacizumab (7.5 mg/kg), and oxaliplatin (130 mg/m2) intravenously on day 1, along with oral capecitabine (1 g/m2 twice daily) on days 1–14 of 21-day cycles. Up to eight induction cycles were administered, followed by maintenance therapy for responders or those with stable disease. The primary endpoints were safety and objective response rate (ORR) per RECIST v1.1. The combination achieved an ORR of 59.7% and a disease control rate (DCR) of 83.9%. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 10.3 months (95% CI: 8.3–13.7), with 6- and 12-month PFS rates of 77.2% and 41.3%, respectively. The estimated 12-month overall survival (OS) rate was 67.7%. Grade ≥3 treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) were reported in 59.7% of patients, with anemia and neutropenia (8.1% each) being the most common. Retrospective DNA sequencing revealed that high tumor mutational burden, neo-antigens, and SBS15 enrichment correlated with better responses. Elevated baseline lactate dehydrogenase was linked to shorter PFS. SHR-1701 combined with XELOX and bevacizumab demonstrated a manageable safety profile and potent antitumor activity in unresectable mCRC.
Metric‐guided class‐level alignment for domain adaptation
Authors: Wang Xiaoshun , Li Yunhan
Published: December 2024

The utilisation of domain adaptation methods facilitates the resolution of classification challenges in an unlabelled target domain by capitalising on the labelled information from source domains. Unfortunately, previous domain adaptation methods have focused mostly on global domain adaptation and have not taken into account class‐specific data, which leads to poor knowledge transfer performance. The study of class‐level domain adaptation, which aims to precisely match the distributions of different domains, has garnered attention in recent times. However, existing investigations into class‐level alignment frequently align domain features either directly on or in close proximity to classification boundaries, resulting in the creation of uncertain samples that could potentially impair classification accuracy. To address the aforementioned problem, we propose a new approach called metric‐guided class‐level alignment (MCA) as a solution to this problem. Specifically, we employ different metrics to enable the network to acquire supplementary information, thereby enhancing class‐level alignment. Moreover, MCA can be effectively combined with existing domain‐level alignment methods to successfully mitigate the challenges posed by domain shift. Extensive testing on commonly‐used public datasets shows that our method outperforms many other cutting‐edge domain adaptation methods, showing significant gains over baseline performance.
A Gaussian Unscented Kalman Filter algorithm for indoor positioning system using Ultra Wide Band measurement
Authors: Sun DaLong , Wei Mingsheng , Lyu Yiyang , Wang Di , Li Shidang , Li Wenshuai , He Lei , Zhu Shihu
Published: December 2024

In order to further improve the accuracy of the non‐linear positioning model in the research of ultra wide band (UWB) indoor positioning, a Gaussian unscented Kalman filter (GUKF) algorithm is proposed in this paper. This localisation algorithm first uses a Gaussian function to design a Gaussian smoothing filter template to process the smoothing of experimental data in the GUKF algorithm, and then the filtering algorithm is used to obtain higher positioning accuracy. This paper utilises simulations and actual experiments to verify and analyse the GUKF algorithm, and the actual experiment environment was divided into line‐of‐sight (LOS) and non‐line‐of‐sight (NLOS) experimental environments. The measured experimental results indicate that in the static test of location tags in LOS and NLOS experimental environments, the root mean square error (RMSE) of the GUKF algorithm is reduced by 15.88% and 14.10%, respectively; in the dynamic test, the RMSE of the GUKF algorithm is reduced by 16.67% and 17.89%, respectively, compared with the unscented Kalman filter algorithm. In addition, the positioning performance evaluation method of the mean error and cumulative distribution function curve also verifies that the GUKF algorithm has a higher positioning accuracy than the UKF, Least Squares, and Time of Arrival algorithms.
A cyber–physical system prospect theoretic game through a VANET lens
Authors: Alabdel Abass Ahmed A.
Published: December 2024

In this paper, the problem of attack mitigation in an intelligent transportation network or vehicular network is considered as a game. The player’s perception of uncertainty and decision making is studied under a subjective prospect theoretic (PT) model and an objective expected utility theory (EUT) model. A game where each player chooses one of two strategies with certain probabilities is analysed. The case where subjective players bias their choices of the probabilities using the Prelec weighting function is considered and compared with the EUT based decisions and the effect of the framing effect function and . The corresponding Nash equilibria (NE) are derived and found through the replicator dynamic equation. Under the Prelec function, the results agree with the previously published results that the defender is biased more into defending the more important road side units. However, under both the function and the framing effect, the players' behaviour does not depend on the loss penalty parameter, and the Prelec function dominates the framing effect. For small values, the players make conservative decisions compared to higher values regardless of the effect of the framing function. For high values the players are more certain in their decisions than the EUT players.
Scandium(III)-Catalyzed N-Alkylation of Carbazoles with Alcohols
Authors: Niu Yu-Dan , Lv Pei , Chen Peng , Jiang Yi-Jun , Hu Hao-Lan , Shi Jianghuan
Published: December 2024

A general and efficient protocol has been developed for the N-alkylation of carbazoles with benzylic alcohols via scandium-catalyzed reaction. This transformation proceeds smoothly under an air atmosphere and features simple reaction conditions and wide substrate scope, which deliver a variety of N-alkylated carbazoles with up to 99% yields and broad functional group compatibilities.
Optic neuritis in demyelinating diseases: study of 38 cases
Authors: Ferreira João Marcos Campos , Fontes Cristiane Rebello Gomes de Souza , Ramos Carolina do Val Ferreira , Nascimento Osvaldo J. M.
Published: December 2024

Background Optic neuritis is an inflammation of the optic nerve caused by genetic factors, external influences, and the activation of cross-reactive immune responses to infections.

Objective To describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of patients presenting optic neuritis as the initial symptom of some demyelinating diseases, divided among multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein-immunoglobulin G (MOG-IgG)-associated disorders (MOGADs).

Methods Thirty-eight patients who had optic neuritis as their first symptom and later developed MS, NMOSD, or MOGADs were analyzed.

Results There were thirty-four female patients (90%) and 4 male patients (10%); 23 (60%) were white and 15 (40%) were black. The most frequent definitive diagnosis was MS, with 24 (63%) cases, followed by NMOSD with 12 (32%) cases, and MOGADs with 2 (5%) cases. Regarding age, 9 (24%) were under 20 years old, 19 (50%) were between 20 and 30 years old, 6 (21%) were between 31 and 40 years old, and 2 (5%) were over 41 years old. As for the time to diagnosis, MS required 54 months in the public sector and 12 months in the private sector. Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder took 108 months in the private sector and 14.5 months in the public sector, while MOGADs averaged 2 months in the private sector.

Conclusion Patients with optic neuritis as the initial symptom were predominantly female, aged between 21 and 40 years, and of predominantly white ethnicity, with a higher prevalence of MS. Additionally, a direct relationship between the healthcare sector and the time to diagnosis became evident.
Association of interleukin 4 and MTHFR gene polymorphisms with distal symmetrical polyneuropathy in young diabetics
Authors: Silva Raquel Garcia Rocco da , Lima Marcelo A. Costa , Moura Claudia de Melo , Luescher Jorge Luiz , Campos Ludmila Nascimento Rodrigues , Silva Daniel de Souza e , Ribeiro Márcia Gonçalves
Published: December 2024

Background It is believed that genetic factors play a role in the development and severity of neural injury among people with distal symmetrical polyneuropathy (DSP), because some genes are involved in specific biological pathways, acting in different ways in the pathogenic process.

Objective To identify potential associations involving the 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR C677T) and interleukin 4 (IL-4 intron 3 variable number of tandem repeats [I3VNTR]) gene polymorphisms and DSP in the studied sample.

Methods In total, 70 children and adolescents with type-1 diabetes underwent a nerve conduction studie (NCS) of the sural nerve. Saliva samples were collected for DNA extraction and genotyping of the MTHFR C677T and IL-4 I3VNTR polymorphisms.

Results The prevalence of DSP was 15.71%. The participants with DSP presented higher mean levels of glycated hemoglobin, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (p > 0.05). The NCS amplitudes were lower in individuals with DSP (p = 0.00). The mean conduction velocity was lower in people with the A1A1 genotype (p = 0.02). Maternal and paternal history of diabetes in great-grandparents were associated with DSP (p = 0.04 and 0.02, respectively). Glycated hemoglobin and impaired Achilles reflex were associated with the MTHFR
CC genotype (p = 0.04 and 0.05 respectively) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol was associated with the MTHFR
CT genotype (p = 0.05). We found no association between the polymorphisms investigated and DSP.

Conclusion In the present study, we found no association involving the MTHFR C677T and IL-4 I3VNTR polymorphisms and DSP. However, the study provides other associations and suggests possible implications for these findings.
Barriers to volunteering and other challenges facing community-based conservation in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Sextus Charlotte P. , Hytten Karen F. , Perry Paul
Published: December 2024

Context In many countries, community-based conservation plays an important role in protecting natural ecosystems and preserving biodiversity. However, community-based conservation groups face a variety of challenges including recruiting and retaining volunteers, maintaining relationships with stakeholders and monitoring progress towards achieving conservation objectives. In order to address these challenges, it is important to understand the barriers to volunteering, and ways to assess and improve effectiveness. Methods This research explores these barriers and looks at some potential solutions through a case study of community-based conservation in the Manawat u ¯ region of Aotearoa New Zealand. Twenty-one in-depth, semi-structured interviews were carried out with group leaders and other key stakeholders and an online questionnaire was used to explore the experiences and perspectives of volunteers participating in community-based conservation initiatives. Key results Our research showed that one of the most effective ways of recruiting new volunteers was through social interaction and that the main barriers to participation were time commitment and health issues. Conclusions Relationships between volunteers, non-government organisations and government agencies impact the success of local groups, and environmental monitoring was key to obtaining funding and documenting success. Implications A collaborative approach creates a framework that encourages participation by empowering communities to work together on conservation initiatives, and can increase volunteer commitment. Increased recognition of the importance of Māori culture and interests will also further collaboration with Indigenous communities.
Simulation, imagination and justification
Authors: Werner Christiana
Published: December 2024

According to an epistemically optimistic view of empathy – understood as the simulation of another person’s state – agents learn (1) in which state the target is and (2) what it is like for her to be in this state. Assuming the necessity of justification for knowledge, this view faces the challenge of how imagination can justify beliefs. Constraining simulation to match the target’s state seems to be a solution. Because of the abundance of plausible psychological reactions towards a specific situation, however, we need to know how the target reacts in order to simulate the correct mental state. According to narrativists, we gain this knowledge by means of testimony, which makes simulation superfluous. For those who accept that (2) has epistemic value, the paper presents a solution to the problem of justification that assigns a central role to both testimony and imagination.
A novel scaffold for biofilm formation by soil microbes using iron-cross-linked alginate gels
Authors: Machida-Sano Ikuko , Koizumi Hiroshi , Yoshitake Shinpei
Published: December 2024

This study aimed to evaluate the suitability of alginate gels, specifically ferric-ion-cross-linked alginate (Fe-alginate) and calcium-ion-cross-linked alginate (Ca-alginate), as scaffolds for soil microbial attachment and biofilm formation in soil. Staining with crystal violet and observations with scanning electron microscopy showed that microorganisms formed biofilms on Fe-alginate surfaces in the soil. When the soil was incubated with Fe-alginate, microbial biomass, estimated by adenosine triphosphate content, increased not only in the Fe-alginate but also in the surrounding soil. The weight of Ca-alginate in the soil decreased with time owing to chemical dissolution. However, the weight of Fe-alginate in the soil did not decrease, likely because it was protected by the microbial biofilm that formed on its surface. These results demonstrate that the use of Fe-alginate, in contrast to Ca-alginate, as a scaffold may allow for more efficient use of soil microbial functions in agriculture and bioremediation.
Integrated Through Risk?: How Actuarial and Epidemiological Approaches to Urban Violence Reduction Interact Within a Multi-Agency Gangs Team
Authors: Rosbrook-Thompson James , Greer Chris , McLaughlin Eugene , Ilan Jonathan , Armstrong Gary , Myers Carrie-Anne , Taylor Emmeline , Rojek Chris
Published: December 2024

Despite the emergence of multi-agency initiatives that seek to integrate actuarial and epidemiological approaches to urban violence reduction, little work has compared and contrasted these approaches and considered the associated implications for their integration. This article begins addressing this research gap with findings from the first academic analysis of an Integrated Gangs Team (IGT) in the United Kingdom. Drawing on interviews with IGT members, we demonstrate how discursive and epistemological differences between the actuarial and epidemiological approaches created tensions in the IGT’s work, the practical accommodation of which consistently privileged the actuarial approach. This is further evidence, we conclude, of how deeply embedded actuarial models can neutralize challenges to their logic, even in the context of multi-agency integration.
Immune Response to the 13-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine Is Reduced in Infants Immunized During the Respiratory Viral Season
Authors: Dagan Ron , van der Beek Bart A
Published: December 2024

Background

We hypothesized that response to infant pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) administered during peak respiratory viral seasons (RVSs) could be blunted, particularly to higher carrier-load PCVs.

Methods

We conducted a post hoc analysis of a large, double-blind, randomized study comparing 13-valent vs 7-valent PCVs (PCV13, PCV7) administered to infants (at 2, 4, 6, and 12 months). We defined RVS, based on local epidemiology as December through April and non-RVS as June through October. Infants receiving the first dose at 7–9 weeks during the defined seasons were eligible. Serotype-specific immunoglobulin-G geometric mean concentrations (SSIgG-GMCs; µg/mL) were compared between the 2 seasons at age 7 and 13 months.

Results

179 and 225 infants received PCV13 in RVS and non-RVS. The corresponding numbers for PCV7 were 188 and 217. At 7 months, PCV13 recipients during RVS had significantly lower SSIgG-GMCs compared with non-RVS for 10/13 serotypes (GMC ratios: 0.76–0.86). This difference remained significant in 2/13 serotypes after a booster dose. Unlike PCV13 recipients, PCV7 recipients showed no seasonal difference. Results were similar for both vaccine results among children who had received the first dose only or both the first and second dose during the defined seasons. Similarly, no difference was observed if the booster was given in RVS or non-RVS.

Conclusions

Administration of the first PCV13 dose to young infants during RVS resulted in a significant blunting of the immune response, partially corrected by booster administration. PCV7 recipients were unaffected, suggesting an increased susceptibility to respiratory viral immune blunting with higher carrier-load PCVs.
Effect of intradialytic exercise training on hemodialysis-induced myocardial stunning: a pilot-controlled trial
Authors: Josse Matthieu , Patrier Laure , Cristol Jean-Paul , Isnard Myriam , Grandperrin Antoine , Turc-Baron Cécile , Nottin Stéphane , Mandigout Stéphane , Maufrais Claire , Obert Philippe
Published: December 2024

Background

Hemodialysis (HD) can lead to left ventricular (LV) transient regional wall motion abnormalities (RWMAs), due to segmental hypoperfusion, better known as myocardial stunning. Repeated episodes of HD-induced ischemia contribute directly to the development of heart failure and increased mortality in patients receiving HD. Intradialytic exercise (IDE) training is capable of exerting favorable effects on the cardiovascular system. However, its impact on HD-induced myocardial stunning remains currently unknown.

Methods

In this prospective controlled study, 31 patients participating in an intradialytic aerobic and resistance training program (3/week for 16 weeks) were compared with 30 patients receiving usual care. Two-dimensional echocardiography was performed at baseline and follow-up both just before HD onset (T0) and at peak stress of HD (Tpeak). LV longitudinal strain from an 18-segment model were used to assess the presence of RWMAs.

Results

Training resulted in a significant reduction of RWMAs at Tpeak between groups [–2.22 segments; 95% confidence interval (CI) –0.49/–3.96; P = .01]. Compared with usual care, trained patients demonstrated also a greater reduction in the decline of global longitudinal strain during HD (–1.45%; 95% CI –0.24/–2.66; P = .01). There were significant reductions in LV mass (–23.3 g; 95% CI –8.7/–37.9; P = .002) and improvements in LV ejection fraction (4%; 95% CI 1.5/6.6; P = .002) between groups favoring IDE. Correlations were found between change in RWMAs with change in LV mass and ejection fraction over the study period.

Conclusion

IDE training is cardioprotective, improving LV remodeling and reducing HD-induced myocardial stunning.
Relationship between symptoms, sociodemographic factors, and general practice help-seeking in 10 904 adults aged 50 and over
Authors: Adam Rosalind , Vieira Rute , Hannaford Philip C , Martin Kathryn , Whitaker Katriina L , Murchie Peter , Elliott Alison M
Published: December 2024

Symptoms are a common reason for contact with primary care. This study investigated associations between symptom-related, demographic, social, and economic factors on general practice (GP) help-seeking. Secondary analysis of responses to a 25-symptom questionnaire, from 10 904 adults aged ≥50 years reporting at least one symptom in the preceding year. Cluster analysis and univariable and multivariable logistic regressions explored associations between self-reported GP help-seeking, symptom-related factors, and respondent characteristics. Most respondents, 7638 (70%), reported more than one symptom in the preceding year. Ten symptom clusters were identified. Most included common symptoms like headache and back or joint pain. There were increased odds of help-seeking in females, those with poorer health status and those unable to work due to illness/disability when multiple symptoms were reported, but not when single symptoms were reported. Age and sex had variable effects on help-seeking, depending on the symptom. Reporting poorer health status, more comorbidities, and being unable to work due to illness or disability increased odds of help-seeking across a diverse variety of symptoms. Single people and those reporting lower social contact had lower odds of help-seeking for some symptoms. Being a current smoker reduced odds of help-seeking for persistent indigestion/heartburn, persistent cough, coughing up phlegm, and shortness of breath. Factors associated with self-reported help-seeking vary for different symptoms. Poorer health and adverse economic and social factors are associated with increased GP help-seeking. These wider determinants of health interact with symptom experiences and will influence GP workload.
Experimental evidence on the impact of climate-induced hydrological and thermal variations on glacier-fed stream biofilms
Authors: Touchette David , Mateu Martina Gonzalez , Michoud Grégoire , Deluigi Nicola , Marasco Ramona , Daffonchio Daniele , Peter Hannes , Battin Tom
Published: December 2024

Climate change is predicted to alter the hydrological and thermal regimes of high-mountain streams, particularly glacier-fed streams. However, relatively little is known about how these environmental changes impact the microbial communities in glacier-fed streams. Here, we operated streamside flume mesocosms in the Swiss Alps, where benthic biofilms were grown under treatments simulating climate change. Treatments comprised four flow (natural, intermittent, stochastic, and constant) and two temperature (ambient streamwater and warming of +2°C) regimes. We monitored microbial biomass, diversity, community composition, and metabolic diversity in biofilms over 3 months. We found that community composition was largely influenced by successional dynamics independent of the treatments. While stochastic and constant flow regimes did not significantly affect community composition, droughts altered their composition in the intermittent regime, favouring drought-adapted bacteria and decreasing algal biomass. Concomitantly, warming decreased algal biomass and the abundance of some typical glacier-fed stream bacteria and eukaryotes, and stimulated heterotrophic metabolism overall. Our study provides experimental evidence towards potential and hitherto poorly considered impacts of climate change on benthic biofilms in glacier-fed streams.
Wavenumber-aware diffusion sampling to regularize multiparameter elastic full waveform inversion
Authors: Taufik Mohammad H , Alkhalifah Tariq
Published: December 2024

Multiparameter elastic full waveform inversion (EFWI) provides a more realistic depiction of the subsurface models than the standard acoustic approximation. In practice, however, the significant additional cost and interdependence between the unknown parameters (cross-talks) hinder the application of such algorithms. Diffusion model-based regularization can be used to improve the inversion results while simultaneously injecting prior information into the solution. The main challenge here is how to inject such priors into the EFWI iterations that can better complement the solution’s evolution. To address this challenge, we incorporate a model wavenumber continuation process into a diffusion model-based regularization contribution to multiparameter EFWI. To do so, we promote a sampling strategy such that at the early iteration, the proposed regularization updates account for the low wavenumber component more and increase progressively with the iteration. We first train the diffusion model on elastic moduli images in an unsupervised manner and incorporate the trained model during the EFWI inversion. We deliberately use single-component measurements, which is the most common acquisition scenario, during the inversion to demonstrate the effectiveness of our regularization. At the inference stage, the proposed framework provides more accurate solutions with negligible additional computational cost compared to several conventional regularization algorithms.
Localization of infrasonic sources via Bayesian back projection
Authors: Blom Philip S , Frazier W Garth , Bishop Jordan W
Published: December 2024

A Bayesian framework is investigated for event-specific localization of infrasonic sources using back projection ray tracing. Direction-of-arrival information from array-based detection analysis is used to initialize a back projection ray path originating from the detecting array location and quantifying propagation characteristics from hypothetical source locations. The Fisher statistic, computed from the array’s beam coherence, is mapped into uncertainty in the launch angles of the ray path. Auxiliary parameters previously introduced for solving the Transport equation to compute geometric spreading along ray paths are used to map uncertainty in the ray launch angles into spatial and temporal uncertainties in the ray path. An atmospheric ensemble approach is applied to account for atmospheric uncertainty, and the relation between uncertainties in the atmospheric state and confidence in estimated localization are evaluated using several ensembles with specified variances. The method is evaluated using a synthetic event in the western United States constructed via forward propagation simulations as well as a single-station, multi-arrival detection from a surface explosion in the western United States. Localization results using this event-specific approach are more accurate and exhibit improved precision than existing Bayesian localization methods that leverage generalized, pre-computed propagation statistics.
Experimental observation of moduli dispersion and attenuation at seismic frequencies in saturated tight rock: effect of microstructure and fluid viscosity
Authors: He Yan-Xiao , Yuan Sanyi , Tang Genyang , Sun Chao , Feng Yuzhao , Yuan Junliang , Feng Zhanxun , Dong Chunhui , Shi Peidong , Wang Shangxu
Published: December 2024

The frequency-dependent elastic properties of fully saturated rocks are notably influenced by fluid pressure diffusion at the microscopic scale. Our experimental evaluation, utilizing forced oscillation and ultrasonic transmission methods under varying effective pressures (${P_{{\rm{eff}}}} = [ {1 - 20} ]$ MPa) and temperatures ($T = [ {{3^{\rm{\circ\!}}}{\rm{C}},{\rm{\,\,}}{{10}^{\rm{\circ\!}}}{\rm{C}},{\rm{\,\,}}{{23}^{\rm{\circ\!}}}{\rm{C}}} ]$), provides critical insights into how rock microheterogeneity and pore fluid viscosity affect elastic dispersion and attenuation at frequencies of $f = [ {1 - 300,{\rm{\,\,}}{{10}^6}} ]$ Hz. We employed a sandstone rock sample with $8.2\,\,\mathrm{ per}\,\,\textrm{cent}$ porosity and conducted measurements using three different fluids: N2, brine and glycerine. In its dry state, our chosen rock exhibits frequency independent elastic moduli at measured effective pressures due to the absence of fluid flow, resulting in negligible deviations in local measurements at different locations. However, this uniform response changes markedly when the rock is saturated with fluids. Gassmann's predictions agree with the measured undrained elastic moduli. Under fluid-saturated conditions, rock's elastic moduli increase with frequency, revealing significant differences depending on measurement positions. This variation suggests that differentiation in elastic properties is amplified during wet measurements, particularly at seismic frequencies. Our modelling indicates that the dominant mechanism is squirt flow, arising from microscopic compressibility heterogeneities within the rock frame and saturating fluid. As the viscosity of the saturating fluid decreases with rising temperature, the magnitude of attenuation peaks diminishes, while their frequency spread widens. This behaviour aligns with predictions from the squirt flow model, which considers the microstructure and varied pore types within the rock. Consequently, the observed frequency dependence in elastic moduli is primarily attributed to fluid flow processes driven by microheterogeneity, which are highly sensitive to small variations in the rock's microstructures. In microstructurally complex regions, it is evident that assuming isotropic and homogeneous conditions for forced axial oscillation measurements can introduce errors. The inherent heterogeneity of the rock must be taken into account to accurately interpret the frequency dependence of elastic moduli. This is especially relevant for applications in geophysical hydrocarbon exploration and seismic monitoring of reservoir geomechanical integrity during CO2 geo-sequestration.
An improved time-window-partition-based algorithm for the container drayage problem in separation mode with tractor-trailer
Authors: Zhang Hui , Li Wenjun , Si Pengju , Fu Yaping , Wang Yuqin
Published: December 2024

Although the container drayage problem (CDP) involves a relatively short transportation distance, its cost proportion is significant, making its optimization economically and environmentally important. When considering the separable operations of tractors and trailers, the time synchronization constraints significantly increase the challenge of solving the CDP. To address the challenge, this paper first formulates the CDP as a non-linear mixed-integer programming model and then linearizes it into a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) model. Subsequently, an improved time-window-partitioning-based (TWPB) matheuristic algorithm is designed. This approach includes an acceleration strategy and a feasible solution enhancement strategy. Numerical experiments validate the effectiveness of the proposed model and algorithm. Compared to existing literature, the proposed TWPB algorithm shows improvements in both computation time and accuracy. Additionally, the proposed MILP approach is more effective than existing MILP approach for solving clustered distribution instances. The proposed model and algorithm provide a new and effective tool for addressing the container drayage routing problem with time synchronization constraints, offering the potential to reduce operational costs and improve the efficiency of container drayage in real-world logistics operations.
Malassezia yeast population dynamics on the skin of patients living with HIV
Authors: Abdillah Abdourahim , Ravaux Isabelle , Mokhtari Saadia , Ranque Stéphane
Published: December 2024

Malassezia species are lipid-dependent yeasts of the normal skin mycobiota in humans and some animals. Yet, both the dynamic of Malassezia skin colonization and the associated fungal and bacterial skin microbiome remain unknown in HIV+ patients. This study aimed to compare Malassezia yeast community structure and associated microbiome on the healthy skin of HIV+ patients and healthy controls. A total of 23 HIV+ patients and 10 healthy controls were included and followed-up for a maximum of 5 visits over 10–17 months. At each visit, chest, face, nasolabial fold, and scalp skin samples were subjected to both culture and MALDI-TOF MS identification, and ITS/16S metabarcoding. The participants were categorized according to their Malassezia colony forming unit (CFU) abundance. Malassezia were cultured from each participant at each visit. HIV+ patients were highly colonized on all visits with CFU > 100. Malassezia sympodialis and M. globosa were the most dominant species. Malassezia furfur and M. dermatis were more prevalent in HIV+ than in healthy participants. Malassezia sympodialis prevalence was stable at each sampling sites over time. Malassezia furfur prevalence was stable and more abundant over time on HIV+ patients’ chest. The metabarcoding analysis suggested a higher fungal and bacterial diversity and an increased abundance of Cladosporium halotolerans and Streptococcus in HIV+ patients than in controls. Overall, HIV+ patients display a high skin colonization by Malassezia yeasts and a dysbiosis of both fungal and bacterial communities.
The redshift dependence of the inferred H0 in a local void solution to the Hubble tension
Authors: Mazurenko Sergij , Banik Indranil , Kroupa Pavel
Published: December 2024

Galaxy number counts suggest that we are located within the Gpc-scale KBC void. The Hubble tension might arise due to gravitationally driven outflow from this void, as explored in detail by Haslbauer et al. We explore how the impact of the void on redshift decays at large distances. We define $H_0(z)$ as the present expansion rate $H_0$ that would be inferred from observations in a narrow redshift range centred on z. We find $H_0(z)$ in three different ways, all of which give similar results. We then compare these results with the observations of Jia et al., who were careful to minimize the impact of correlations between $H_0$ measurements from data in different redshift bins. We find reasonable agreement with their results for the Gaussian and exponential void underdensity profiles, although the agreement is less good in the Maxwell–Boltzmann case. The latter profile causes severe disagreement with the observed bulk flow curve at $z \lt 0.1$ (Mazurenko et al.), so the tension with higher redshift data further highlights that the deepest part of the KBC void is probably near its centre. The observations show a decline of $H_0(z)$ towards the background Planck value in qualitative agreement with the considered models, even if we use a larger void. The good overall agreement with the recent results of Jia et al. suggests that the local supervoid evident from the galaxy luminosity density out to a Gpc might also solve the Hubble tension while retaining a low background $H_0$ consistent with Planck data, assuming enhanced structure formation on $\gt 100$ Mpc scales.
Do stars still form in molecular gas within CO-dark dwarf galaxies?
Authors: Whitworth David J , Smith Rowan J , Glover Simon C O , Tress Robin , Watkins Elizabeth J , Feng Jian-Cheng , Brucy Noé , Klessen Ralf S , Clark Paul C
Published: December 2024

In the Milky Way and other main-sequence galaxies, stars form exclusively in molecular gas, which is traced by CO emission. However, low-metallicity dwarf galaxies are often ‘CO-dark’ in the sense that CO emission is not observable even at the high resolution and sensitivities of modern observing facilities. In this work, we use ultra high-resolution simulations of four low-metallicity dwarf galaxies (which resolve star formation down to the scale of star-forming cores, 0.01 pc) combined with a time-dependent treatment of the chemistry of the interstellar medium, to investigate the star formation environment in this previously hidden regime. By generating synthetic observations of our models we show that the galaxies have high to extremely high dark gas fractions (0.13 to 1.00 dependent on beam size and conditions), yet despite this form stars. However, when examined on smaller scales, we find that the stars still form in regions dominated by molecular gas, it is simply that these are far smaller than the scale of the beam (1.5 arcsec). Thus, while stars in CO-dark dwarf galaxies form in small molecular cores like larger galaxies, their cloud-scale environment is very different.
Analytical noise bias correction for precise weak lensing shear inference
Authors: Li Xiangchong , Mandelbaum Rachel ,   The LSST Dark Energy Science Collaboration
Published: December 2024

Noise bias is a significant source of systematic error in weak gravitational lensing measurements that must be corrected to satisfy the stringent standards of modern imaging surveys in the era of precision cosmology. This paper reviews the analytical noise bias correction method and provides analytical derivations demonstrating that we can recover shear to its second order using the ‘renoising’ noise bias correction approach introduced by METACALIBRATION. We implement this analytical noise bias correction within the AnaCal shear estimation framework and propose several enhancements to the noise bias correction algorithm. We evaluate the improved AnaCal using simulations designed to replicate Rubin Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST) imaging data. These simulations feature semi-realistic galaxies and stars, complete with representative distributions of magnitudes and Galactic spatial density. We conduct tests under various observational challenges, including cosmic rays, defective CCD columns, bright star saturation, bleed trails, and spatially variable point spread functions. Our results indicate a multiplicative bias in weak lensing shear recovery of less than a few tenths of a per cent, meeting LSST Dark Energy Science Collaboration requirements without requiring calibration from external image simulations. Additionally, our algorithm achieves rapid processing, handling one galaxy in less than a millisecond.
Clinical impact of UV mutational signatures in Veterans with cancer
Authors: Wu Ni-Chi , Huang Richard S P , Tseng Chin-Lin , Sokol Ethan S , Serway Christine N , Chadwick Gregory , Mitchell Jerry , Kelley Michael J
Published: December 2024

Background

UV-related DNA damage signature (UVsig) is highly specific for cutaneous cancers. The prevalence of UVsig among tumors without a primary site and tumors of extracutaneous origin were previously reported, suggesting potential misclassification of cancers. Our study aims to assess if the knowledge of UVsig at diagnosis would change first-line treatment recommendation.

Methods

The main outcome was the potential clinical impact (PCI) of UVsig. High PCI was defined as UVsig leading to change in diagnosis and first-line therapy. Medium PCI was a change in diagnosis, but appropriate therapy was offered. Low PCI group had diagnosis modified by clinicians and treated as cutaneous cancer independently of UVsig.

Results

Among 5565 cases, 650 (12%) were positive for a UVsig. In the cancer of unknown primary group: 20 (49%), 9 (22%), and 12 (29%) cases were categorized in the high, medium, and low PCI group, respectively. In the cancer of extracutaneous origin cohort: 22 (54%), 15 (36%), and 4 (10%) cases were high, medium, and low PCI, respectively. The diagnosis would have changed in 14% of Veterans with UVsig positive tumor. Among all high PCI cases, 37 (88%) received chemotherapy that was not indicated based on a UVsig-informed diagnosis of cutaneous malignancy.

Conclusion

Our study suggested that UVsig would lead to revision of the working clinical diagnosis and significantly alter the first-line treatment in at least half of cancers of unknown primary or extracutaneous origin with UVsig. Knowledge of UVsig could lead to more effective and less toxic therapy for patients with cancer.
Second-line therapies in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma following first-line atezolizumab and bevacizumab: multicenter single institution cohort experience
Authors: Marell Paulina , Kournoutas Ioannis , Gile Jennifer , Peersen Anina , Shah Priyanshi , Babiker Hani , Kankeu Lionel Fonkoua , Washburn Leslie , Graham Rondell , Truty Mark , Starlinger Patrick , Halfdanarson Thorvardur , Jin Zhaohui , Jatoi Aminah , McWilliams Robert , Borad Mitesh , Bekaii-Saab Tanios S , Mahipal Amit , Ou Fang-Shu , Tran Nguyen H
Published: December 2024

Background

Atezolizumab plus bevacizumab (A/B) received FDA approval as the first-line therapy for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in 2020. However, optimal subsequent treatment options are unclear. Here, we describe clinical outcomes of advanced HCC patients following first-line treatment with A/B.

Patients and Methods

We conducted a multi-site analysis of patients with HCC treated with first-line A/B between January 2018 and December 2022 at Mayo Clinic. This study cohort included all patients receiving second-line systemic therapy after A/B. Median overall survival (OS) and time-to-treatment discontinuation (TTD) were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Child Pugh (CP) scores are also described at diagnosis, prior to first line, and prior to second-line therapy.

Results

Of the 342 patients who received A/B, 107 (31.3%) received second-line treatments including anti-VEGF therapy or immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) and were included in the final analysis. Median OS for all patients was 11.1 months from initiation of second-line therapy. Median OS was 10.7 months (95% CI: 7.2-12.8) and 15.7 months (95%CI: 6.8-NE) for those receiving anti-VEGF inhibitors and ICI ( P = .50). Median TTD for second-line therapies was 2.4 months (95% CI: 1.7-3.3) and 2.6 months (95% CI: 1.5-5.1) for anti-VEGF inhibitors and ICI, respectively (P = .87). In multivariate analyses, CP was significantly associated with survival.

Conclusion

Following first-line A/B treatment, there is no statistically significant difference in survival between ICI and anti-VEGF therapy, nor in time to treatment discontinuation. CP score remains an important prognostic tool.
Experience with sociodemographic data collection in the Canadian paediatric surgical context: A quality improvement initiative
Authors: So Jeannette P , Wiebe Kayla , Kelley Simon , Matava Clyde , Kirsch Roxanne
Published: December 2024

Groups that experience social inequities have poorer health outcomes; however, Canadian healthcare institutions do not routinely collect data to identify those with health inequities. This quality improvement initiative assessed response rates for different methods of sociodemographic data collection using a questionnaire developed to support the ethical prioritization of paediatric non-urgent surgery. Of the 329 families contacted, 85.4% (281/329) completed the questionnaire and of those, 79.7% (224/281) provided sociodemographic data. Surgeon asking in the clinic had the highest response rate (100.0%, 5/5), followed by phone calls from surgical booking administrators (81.6%, 93/114), and a research assistant asking in the clinic (81.0%, 34/42). Sociodemographic data collection is feasible in a Canadian paediatric hospital setting and response rates were higher when completed in person and by staff supporting the care of the patient. The next steps will be to incorporate patient social determinants of health data into decision-making for surgical prioritization.
The Logic of Potential Infinity
Authors: Cook Roy T
Published: December 2024

Michael Dummett argues that acceptance of potentially infinite collections requires that we abandon classical logic and restrict ourselves to intuitionistic logic. In this paper we examine whether Dummett is correct. After developing two detailed accounts of what, exactly, it means for a concept to be potentially infinite (based on ideas due to Charles McCarty and Øystein Linnebo, respectively), we construct a Kripke structure that contains a natural number structure that satisfies both accounts. This model supports a logic much stronger than intuitionistic logic, demonstrating that Dummett was wrong. We conclude by briefly examining ways to extend the account(s) in question to indefinitely extensible concepts such as Cardinal, Ordinal, and Set.
Vitamin B12 intake during pregnancy linked to child speech development and intelligence quotient
Authors: Hrezova Eliska , Jiskrova Gabriela Ksinan , Prusa Tomas , Andryskova Lenka , Pikhart Hynek
Published: December 2024

Background

Nutrient deficiencies during pregnancy may affect offspring development. We aim to examine the association between prenatal vitamin B12 intake and children’s cognitive development.

Methods

A total of 5151 mother–child pairs from the Czech part of ELSPAC study were included in the analysis. Dietary information was obtained during pregnancy using food frequency questionnaire. Parents reported on their child’s speech and language development at 18 months, 3, 5 and 7 years. Intelligence quotient (IQ) was measured at 8 years in subcohort of 854 children.

Results

Children of mothers with higher vitamin B12 intake demonstrated higher scores in language (B = 0.20, 95% CI 0.06, 0.34) and talking and understanding (B = 2.39, 95% CI 0.97, 3.80) in a fully adjusted model at 18 months. Additionally, they were more likely to get maximum points in the intelligibility test at age 3 (OR = 1.05, 95% CI 1.01, 1.09) in unadjusted model, however, not in fully adjusted model. We found a positive effect of higher vitamin B12 intake on verbal IQ (B = 1.08, 95% CI 0.09, 2.08).

Conclusions

We identified consistent associations between prenatal vitamin B12 intake and children’s cognitive development. The results suggest that inadequate vitamin B12 during pregnancy may negatively affect children’s cognitive development, particularly in speech and language.