bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Virtual reality application for indoor daylight visual comfort assessment: a systematic review of current research
Authors: Azmi Athira , Salih Sarah , Ummihusna Annisa , Abdul Ghafar Maszura , Ibrahim Rahinah
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study explores the role of digital visualization technology, specifically virtual reality (VR), in assessing daylight visual comfort, a critical aspect of indoor environmental quality (IEQ) in built environment.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines on articles published between 2019 and 2023, sourced from Scopus, ScienceDirect, Emerald Insight and Sage. A total of 17 articles were selected for final analysis. The study classifies factors affecting users’ emotions and behavioral responses in immersive virtual environments using the stimulus-organism-response (S-O-R) framework from environmental psychology.

Findings

The review reveals that most VR studies on visual comfort and lighting focus predominantly on office environments, highlighting a significant research gap in residential contexts where daylighting strategies differ considerably. The analysis identifies four major clusters of factors—window properties, light properties, natural properties and spatial properties—that influence emotional, physiological, cognitive and perceptual responses, leading to behavioral outcomes such as energy consumption, productivity and lighting preferences.

Practical implications

The experimental designs, protocols and measurement tools from the selected studies are analyzed to recommend best practices for future research. This research offers strategic insights for conducting empirical studies using VR to assess daylight visual comfort in buildings.

Originality/value

This study extends the S-O-R framework by proposing a conceptual model linking key elements of visual comfort in residential settings to users’ emotions and behavioral responses. This model serves as a foundation for future VR-based experiments on indoor daylight visual comfort evaluation.
Unlocking sustainable performance in the health-care sector: the dynamic nexus of artificial intelligence, green innovation and green knowledge sharing
Authors: Al-Balushi Hanan Ahmed , Singh Harcharanjit , Saleem Irfan
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study, using stakeholder theory and diffusion of innovations (DOIs), aims to examine the readiness of Omani health-care firms to adopt artificial intelligence (AI). This adoption is seen as a key step towards ensuring green innovation and sustainable performance (SP) in the health-care sector.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted convenience and referral sampling techniques to enhance the response rate for the limited number of health-care firms using AI. Using explanatory research design, structure equation modelling and employees as the unit of analysis, a random sample technique is used to distribute the structured questionnaire to five hospitals in North Al-Batinah, including Shinas, Liwa and Sohar cities. Smart PLS 4.1 analyses the responses.

Findings

The research demonstrates that AI could significantly enhance SP, a finding that is of utmost importance in the current health-care landscape. This study also tested green knowledge sharing as a boundary condition. Furthermore, the study’s findings indicate that AI leads to the emergence of green innovation and SP, suggesting that firms are willing to adopt AI and achieve the sustainable development goals (SDGs).

Practical implications

This study implies that stakeholders, including the Omani Government and Middle Eastern firms, should prioritize investments in AI technologies tailored to sustainability initiatives.

Originality/value

This research study makes three significant and unique contributions. Firstly, it uniquely integrates stakeholder and DOIs theories to explain the mediating function of green innovation and the moderating effect of green knowledge sharing. Secondly, it provides a unique Middle Eastern context, where the government’s focus on the health sector is crucial. Finally, this study outlines a clear and actionable pathway for the Middle East to achieve the SDGs, thereby enlightening the reader on the potential of AI in the health-care sector.
The Direct and Indirect Role of IgE on Airway Epithelium in Asthma
Authors: Domingo Christian , Busse William W. , Hanania Nicola A. , Ertugrul Muyesser , Millette Lauren A. , Maio‐Twofoot Tina , Jaumont Xavier , Palomares Oscar
Published: February 2025

Asthma is a chronic airway inflammatory disorder, affecting over 350 million people worldwide, with allergic asthma being the most common form of the disease. Allergic asthma is characterized by a type 2 (T2) inflammatory response triggered by numerous allergens beginning in the airway epithelium, which acts as a physical barrier to allergens as well as other external irritants including infectious agents, and atmospheric pollutants. T2 inflammation is propagated by several key cell types including T helper 2 (Th2) cells, eosinophils, mast cells, and B cells. Immunoglobulin E (IgE), produced by B cells, is a key molecule in allergic airway disease and plays an important role in T2 inflammation, as well as being central to remodeling processes within the airway epithelium. Blocking IgE with omalizumab has been shown to be efficacious in treating allergic asthma however, the role of IgE on airway epithelial cells is less communicated. Developing a deeper explanation of the complex network of interactions between IgE and the airway epithelium will facilitate an improved understanding of asthma pathophysiology. This review discusses the indirect and direct roles of IgE on airway epithelial cells, with a focus on allergic asthma disease.
Who Leads and Who Follows? The Pathways to Joint Attention During Free‐Flowing Interactions Change Over Developmental Time
Authors: Perapoch Amadó M. , Phillips E. A. M. , Esposito G. , Greenwood E. , Ives J. , Labendzki P. , Lancaster K. , Northrop T. J. , Viswanathan N. K. , Gök M. , Peñaherrera M. J. , Jones E. J. H. , Wass S. V.
Published: February 2025

Joint attention (JA) has been found to correlate with many developmental outcomes. However, little is known about how naturalistic JA is established and develops during early infancy. In this study, free‐flowing tabletop toy play between infants at 5 and 15 months and their mothers (N = 48 dyads; 65% white) was observed to (1) examine changes in JA, (2) investigate whether infants become better leaders or followers of JA, and (3) explore the role of intentionally mediated forms of communication. JA episodes increased in frequency and duration, and initiations of JA became more evenly distributed between members of the dyad. Older infants became better at leading as well as following their mothers' attention behaviors and more frequently directed their attention towards their partner, though this had minimal impact on the organization of episodes of JA.
Comparative study of film quality on c axis oriented AlN deposited by pulsed DC and RF reactive sputtering with optical emission spectroscopy big data analysis
Authors: Tseng Xue-Li , Chen Hsuan-Fan , Chen Yu-Shin , Chiu Shun-Chien , Lo Hsiao-Han , Fuh Yiin-Kuen , Li Tomi T.
Published: February 2025

This study compares the quality of aluminum nitride (AlN) thin films deposited on Si substrates using 350 kHz pulsed DC and 13.56 MHz RF reactive sputtering techniques under identical process conditions with varied source power. Our focus was on evaluating the differences in film properties such as crystallinity, surface morphology, and thickness uniformity. Our results indicated that, although scanning electron microscopy cross-sectional images showed a lower deposition rate for RF sputtering, the produced films exhibited better crystallinity, as evidenced by sharper and more intense XRD peaks, particularly the ⟨002⟩ peak. Calculations derived from XRD spectra of c axis oriented AlN thin films, utilizing RF source power at 700 W, revealed that the optimal c axis lattice constant is 4.8706 Å, and the texture coefficient in the ⟨002⟩ (TC002) direction is 1.99. Both values surpass those obtained at the same power level in pulse DC power source. Additionally, atomic force microscopy measurements indicate that the surface roughness of films deposited by both pulsed DC and RF sputtering slightly increased with the sputtering power. In the in situ optical emission spectroscopy (OES) plasma spectrum, the higher spectral intensities observed in RF sputtering, particularly the emission characteristic of ionized nitrogen (N2+) at around 390.93 nm, suggest that RF plasma provides energy conditions conducive to the formation of high-quality AlN films. Additionally, we applied the principal component analysis algorithm for big data analysis to reduce dimensionality and visualize the clustering results of OES data recorded during the deposition of thin films using two different power sources. It is evident from the analysis that there are distinct clustering effects for both power sources, and thus, substantiating the presence of diverse characteristics between the two sources is essential.
Area selective PECVD on metal oxide resist
Authors: Robert Rosanna A. , Lutker-Lee Katie , Vallée Christophe
Published: February 2025

This paper explores the use of a selective deposition process to selectively modify the thickness and/or the roughness of a metal-oxide extreme ultraviolet resist. It is shown that by controlling the time of a plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition process, a selective deposition of 6 nm can be observed on the metal-oxide resist surfaces while no deposition is observed on the spin on glass (SOG) surfaces. Based on both material and plasma characterizations, the origin of selectivity is discussed. It is shown that for short process times, there is a deposition regime on the metal-oxide resist while a plasma/surface interaction regime occurs on the SOG material with a competitive effect between deposition and etch. Fluorine diffusion inside the metal-oxide resist prevents fluorine atoms from saturating the surface of the growing film. Finally, in addition to the selective deposition, a 50% roughness reduction of the metal-oxide surface is demonstrated.
Horizontal direction estimation performance of combined vertical line array incorporating single vector hydrophone
Authors: Liu Yadong , Fang Erzheng , Huo Zhonghao
Published: February 2025

The spatial and energy resources available on small underwater platforms are limited, imposing strict restrictions on the structure, weight, and channel count of the sonar array they carry. To enhance the direction of arrival (DOA) estimation capabilities of small platform sonars under these constraints, this paper examines a combined vertical array (CVA), composed of a single vector hydrophone and pressure hydrophones. The vertical line array is insensitive to azimuthal variations, but the CVA is capable of horizontal direction estimation with better gain compared to a single vector hydrophone. A novel DOA estimation algorithm, based on the joint processing of sound pressure and particle velocity signals from a CVA, has been proposed: By jointly processing the sound pressure signals from the vertical array and the particle velocity signals from a single vector hydrophone, the method achieves gain transformation of the CVA in three-dimensional space, effectively enhancing the horizontal bearing estimation capability. Expressions for the horizontal gain of the CVA were derived, and the impact of array and signal parameters on the horizontal direction estimation accuracy of the CVA was simulated using the Monte Carlo method. Numerical simulations and experimental results indicate that the horizontal direction estimation accuracy of the CVA surpasses that of traditional vector hydrophones, with high-frequency gain stability unaffected by grating lobes in the elevation direction. This allows for high-precision, unambiguous estimation of target directions.
Draft whole genome sequence of
Alternaria alternata
strain P02PL2
,
an endophytic fungal species isolated from
Sclerocarya birrea
Authors: Matandela Aviwe N. , Mafuna Thendo , Ndlovu Sizwe I.
Published: February 2025

Here, we report the draft whole genome sequence of an endophytic fungal species,
Alternaria alternata
P02PL2 isolated from
Sclerocarya birrea
. The genome of this isolate was sequenced using the MGISEQ 2000RS platform. The estimated genome size for
A. alternata
P02PL2 was 32.0 Mb with a GC content of 50.56%.
Public patient forwarding to private pharmacies: an analysis of data linking patients, facilities and pharmacies in the state of Odisha, India
Authors: Haakenstad Annie , Kalita Anuska , Bose Bijetri , Chakraborty Arpita , Gupta Kirti , Tsuei Sian Hsiang-Te , Woskie Liana Rosenkrantz , Yip Winnie
Published: February 2025

Introduction

In India, public sector patients purchase drugs from private pharmacies instead of obtaining them for free from public pharmacies—a phenomenon we call public patient forwarding to private pharmacies. This behaviour results in substantial financial hardship. We examine whether low public drug stocks, patient preferences for private drugs or the presence of private pharmacies nearby explain this behaviour.

Methods

We collected cross-sectional data from 7567 households, 523 health facilities and 1036 private pharmacies in Odisha, India. We linked 917 outpatient visits to facilities based on patient reports and linked public facilities to the nearest private pharmacy using Global Positioning System coordinates. We used ordinary least squares regression to assess whether the behaviour of facilities and patients was associated with drug stocks and pharmacy proximity, and whether patient satisfaction was associated with private drug purchases.

Results

Among public patients prescribed drugs, more than 70% purchased private drugs. In hospitals, for each 10% increase in drug stocks, 4.8% fewer patients purchased private drugs (p=0.047). In primary facilities, the same share of patients purchased private drugs across stock levels. Regardless of facility level, when more than 75% of drugs were in stock, 60% or more of patients still obtained drugs from the private sector. Patients were more likely to purchase private drugs when private pharmacies were near public facilities, but were not more satisfied with their visit when they obtained private drugs.

Conclusion

The results suggest that private pharmacies are both secondary and complementary suppliers of drugs for hospitals, but may act more like substitutes for primary facilities, consistent with evidence that private pharmacies provide advice and other services akin to primary care in Odisha. Improving public facility drug stocks alone is unlikely to fully address drug-driven financial hardship in India. Provider prescribing practices should be investigated to identify additional policy options.
Human papillomavirus negative cervical cancers and precancerous lesions: prevalence, pathological and molecular features, and clinical implications
Authors: Dai Wenli , Zeng Xianxu , Pantanowitz Liron , Zhao Chengquan
Published: February 2025

Background: Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women globally. Although human papillomavirus (HPV) testing plays an increasing role in cervical cancer screening and treatment, HPV-negative cervical cancer remains a consistently reported entity globally. While numerous studies have focused on HPV-positive cervical cancers, detailed studies on HPV-negative counterparts remain limited.

Results: This literature review aims to discuss several aspects of HPV-negative cervical cancers including the prevalence of HPV-negative cervical carcinomas and precancerous lesions and their relation to sample types (paraffin-embedded tissue blocks or liquid samples). Additionally, we explore possible reasons for false HPV-negative cases. Furthermore, we review histomorphological, molecular and clinical features of HPV-negative cervical cancers.

Conclusions: The topic of HPV-negative cervical cancers is of importance given the drive towards HPV primary screening, initiation of self-collected HPV testing and widespread use of HPV vaccination.
Multiomics analysis of immune correlatives in hepatocellular carcinoma patients treated with tremelimumab plus durvalumab
Authors: Myojin Yuta , Babaei Sepideh , Trehan Rajiv , Hoffman Christoph , Kedei Noemi , Ruf Benjamin , Benmebarek Mohamed-Reda , Bauer Kylynda C , Huang Patrick , Ma Chi , Monge Cecilia , Xie Changqing , Hrones Donna , Duffy Austin G , Armstrong Paul , Kocheise Lorenz , Desmond Fiona , Buchalter Jemma , Galligan Marie , Cantwell Colin , Ryan Ronan , McCann Jeff , Bourke Michele , Mac Nicholas Ross , McDermott Ray , Awosika Joy , Cam Maggie , Krebs Rosanna , Budhu Anuradha , Revsine Mahler , Figg William D , Kleiner David E , Redd Bernadette , Wood Bradford J , Wang Xin Wei , Korangy Firouzeh , Claassen Manfred , Greten Tim F
Published: February 2025

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality. The combination of tremelimumab and durvalumab is now a standard treatment option for advanced HCC.

Objective

To study immune responses in HCC patients treated with tremelimumab and durvalumab.

Design

We treated 28 HCC patients with durvalumab, tremelimumab and locoregional therapies. We performed a high-dimensional multiomics analysis including whole exome sequencing, single-cell RNA seq, CO-Detection by indEXing, flow cytometry and multiplex cytokine/chemokine analysis of patients’ blood and tumour samples and integrated this data to elucidate immune correlatives and response mechanisms. Mice with syngeneic HCC were treated with anti-PD-L1 plus anti-CTLA4 for hepatic lymphocytes, tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes and peripheral blood mononuclear cell analysis.

Results

The median overall survival was 19.2 months. Tumour tissue analysis revealed enhanced interferon responses, with stronger effects in responders. Gene set variation analysis indicated enhanced antigen presentation in responders. Spatial analysis revealed that non-responder tumours had higher numbers of Tregs located in neighbourhoods enriched with immune cells and expressed higher levels of ICOS and PD-1. Conversely, non-responder PD1+CD8+T in these Treg-enriched neighbourhoods expressed lower ICOS. Cell-communication analysis demonstrated that Treg-CD8+T interaction was enhanced in non-responder tissue. Peripheral blood analysis showed increased classical monocytes in responders and Tregs in non-responders. Treg-CD8+T interaction was confirmed in preclinical models. Finally, single-patient computational analysis from the all-across analysis was performed on 860 features, which led to the identification of multiomics feature sets including Treg features.

Conclusion

Our study provides a blueprint for in-depth analysis of immune correlates in immunotherapy studies and demonstrates the importance of Treg distribution in HCC.

Trial registration numbers

NCT02821754and the EudraCT identifier: 2019-002767-98.
Disease burden byALPLvariant number in patients with non-life-threatening hypophosphatasia in the Global HPP Registry
Authors: Kishnani Priya S , Seefried Lothar , Dahir Kathryn M , Martos-Moreno Gabriel Á , Högler Wolfgang , Greenberg Cheryl R , Fang Shona , Petryk Anna , Mowrey William R , Linglart Agnès , Ozono Keiichi
Published: February 2025

Background

Hypophosphatasia (HPP) is a rare metabolic disease caused by autosomal dominant or recessive inheritance ofALPLvariants resulting in low alkaline phosphatase activity. The objective of this analysis was to compare HPP disease burden between patients with non-life-threatening disease in the Global HPP Registry who have oneALPLvariant versus two or more ALPLvariants.

Methods

Patients were included if they had one or more ALPLvariants identified through genetic testing and first HPP manifestations after 6 months of age. Assessments included history of HPP manifestations, Brief Pain Inventory-Short Form (BPI-SF), Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (HAQ-DI), 6-Min Walk Test (6MWT), Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) and 36-Item Short-Form Survey V.2 (SF-36v2).

Results

Of 685 included patients, 568 (82.9%) had oneALPLvariant, 116 (16.9%) had two variants, and one (0.1%) had three variants. Patients with two or more ALPLvariants had higher proportions of skeletal (52.1% vs 32.6%), dental (73.5% vs 56.0%), muscular (36.8% vs 23.6%) and neurological (22.2% vs 8.8%) manifestations at last assessment. BPI-SF, HAQ-DI, PedsQL and SF-36v2 scores were similar between groups. Distances walked on the 6MWT were similar between groups for children. Distance walked was lower among adults with two or more variants (293 m (n=8)) than adults with one variant (466 m (n=103)), although the former group was very small.

Conclusion

HPP disease burden is high in patients with HPP, regardless ofALPLvariant number. While prevalence of HPP-specific manifestations was higher in patients with two or more variants than those with one variant, patient-reported outcomes were similar between groups.

Trial registration number

NCT02306720; EUPAS13514.
Multiple autoimmunity: neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder with Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome
Authors: Platt Isobel Sarah , Joseph Albert , Tsirka Vasiliki , Raja Nazia , Garcia Maria , Palace Jacqueline , Dobson Ruth
Published: February 2025

A 56-year-old woman with a background of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder associated with aquaporin-4 antibodies (AQ4-NMOSD) treated with azathioprine, presented with a 2-month history of declining mobility, weight loss and hoarse voice. She had a history of autoimmune thyrotoxicosis and treated hypertension. Given her smoking history, the initial clinical concern was of malignancy. Neurophysiological examination identified severely attenuated responses from the upper and lower limb motor units, with significant neurophysiological incrementation postexercise, indicating a presynaptic neuromuscular junction disorder. Antibody testing showed markedly raised antibodies to the p/q subtype voltage-gated calcium channels, and she was diagnosed with Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS). She was treated with 3,4-diaminopyridine and rituximab to maintain remission. Follow-up serial fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) CT scans have yet to identify an underlying malignancy. LEMS is associated with additional autoimmune diseases in about half of cases. This case illustrates the importance of recognising other treatable autoimmune conditions in the context of NMOSD.
Symptom reduction in advanced cancer from multi-session mindful breathing: randomised controlled study
Authors: Tung Yu Zhen , Ng Diana Leh Ching , Lai Natalie Zi , Ang Chui Munn , Lim Poh Khuen , Zainuddin Sheriza Izwa , Lam Chee Loong , Loh Ee Chin , Chai Chee Shee , Tan Seng Beng
Published: February 2025

Objectives

While single-session mindful breathing shows symptom reduction in palliative care, data on multi-session efficacy is lacking. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of multi-session mindful breathing in reducing symptoms among patients with advanced cancer.

Methods

Adult patients with advanced cancer who scored ≥4 in at least two or more symptoms based on the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS) were recruited from January to March 2020 at the University of Malaya Medical Centre, Malaysia. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either four daily sessions of 30 min mindful breathing and standard care (intervention) or standard care alone (control). The outcome measured was the change in the ESAS score after each session.

Results

80 patients were recruited and randomised equally into the intervention and control groups. The demographic and clinical characteristics between the two groups were not statistically different. For the intervention group, there were statistically significant reductions in the total ESAS scores following all four sessions of 30 min mindful breathing (n1=40: z1=−5.09, p<0.001; z2=−3.77, p<0.001; z3=−4.38, p<0.001; z4=−3.27, p<0.05). For the control group, statistically significant reductions in the total ESAS scores were seen only after sessions 1 and 3 (n2=40: z1=−4.04, p<0.001; z3=−4.53, p<0.001).

Conclusions

Our result provides evidence that four daily sessions of 30 min mindful breathing may be effective in reducing multiple symptoms rapidly in patients with advanced cancer.

Trial registration number

NCT05910541.
Efficacy and Safety of Gabapentinoids in the Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: RAATIKAINEN Saara , JAATINEN Kati , KARJALAINEN Teemu , LUSA Vieda
Published: February 2025

Background: The off-label use of gabapentinoids for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is increasing despite limited evidence of efficacy and known risks of adverse effects. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to synthesise the evidence of the benefits and harms of oral gabapentinoids in treating CTS.

Methods: We searched Medline and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for randomised controlled trials (RCT). Based on the search results, we formed three comparisons assessing the effect of oral gabapentinoid interventions against (1) placebo (primary comparison), (2) open label no-treatment (with co-interventions in both arms) or (3) splinting. The primary outcome was symptom severity. The secondary outcomes were pain, function, clinical improvement, health-related quality of life, adverse effects and need for surgery. We adhered to the Cochrane and GRADE methodology throughout conducting this systematic review and meta-analysis.

Results: Gabapentinoids probably do not improve CTS symptoms (moderate certainty) compared with placebo. The benefit was 0.08 points better (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.33 better to 0.17 worse; two studies, 286 randomised participants) expressed on the Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire (BCTQ) Symptom Severity Scale (1–5 points, lower is better; minimal clinically important difference [MCID] 1.14 points) with gabapentinoids at 8 weeks. Secondary comparison to no treatment aligned with this finding. Gabapentinoids probably cause more fatigue (risk ratio [RR] 1.67 [95% CI 1.06–2.63]) and may cause more dizziness (RR 1.96 [95% CI 0.93–4.13]) compared to placebo. When compared to no-treatment at short term, gabapentinoids may provide minor benefits for pain but not for hand function.

Conclusions: Current evidence does not support the use of oral gabapentinoids for CTS. There were no clinically important benefits in symptom relief when compared to placebo or no-treatment, and gabapentinoids caused adverse effects, particularly fatigue and maybe also dizziness.

Level of Evidence: Level II (Therapeutic)
Silicone Locking-Liner Socket with a Lightweight Aesthetic Prosthesis for Short Congenital Forearm Stumps: A Report of Two Patients
Authors: LEOW Michael El , PUHAINDRAN Mark E. , CHONG Alphonsus K. S.
Published: February 2025

Conventional prosthetic sockets can be uncomfortable and restrictive to elbow flexion when fitted on short forearm stumps due to their high trimline. We report improved patient experience after switching to a locking silicone-liner socket in conjunction with a lightweight aesthetic prosthesis in two congenital transradial amputees with short stumps who were previously dissatisfied with their conventional prosthesis. To reduce weight, the forearm section of the prosthesis was constructed using a lightweight design. Seven of eight attributes, namely aesthetics, comfort, suspension, ease of donning/doffing, weight, range of motion, skin issues and overall satisfaction, were rated by both patients as having improved versus their conventional prosthesis, with no change reported regarding issues of the skin. Our experience suggests that transradial amputees with short stumps who had problems with conventional fittings due to socket impingement and prosthesis weight may benefit from an approach combining a locking-pin liner suspension with a lightweight prosthesis.

Level of Evidence: Level V (Therapeutic)
CM-CaFE: A Clustering Method with Causality-based Feature Embedding
Authors: Jing Xuechun , Cao Fuyuan , Yu Kui , Liang Jiye
Published: February 2025

Clustering is a fundamental technique widely used for exploring the inherent data structure. Many studies indicate that an appropriate feature representation can effectively improve clustering performance. However, the existing feature representation methods are based on correlation to select or extract features, which makes it hard to deal with spurious correlations. The spurious correlations mislead the correlation-based methods to consider features that have no causal relationship as being correlative, which limits the clustering performance and feature interpretability. To tackle this issue, inspired by causal learning, we propose a new joint optimization
C
lustering
M
ethod with
Ca
usal
F
eature
E
mbedding (CM-CaFE), which utilizes the causality of features to learn more discriminative representation for clustering. Specifically, to eliminate spurious correlations among features, we first employ any state-of-the-art Markov blanket learning method to learn an undirected causal graph. Next, we extract the maximal fully-connected causal subgraphs from the learned undirected causal graph and propose an approach to merge them to generate the causal matrix. Based on the causal matrix, we present an objective function that consists of a clustering loss term and a causal matrix fitting term to learn a causal transformation matrix. The causal transformation matrix is utilized to map the original data into a new space for clustering. Finally, we comprehensively compare the proposed method with some state-of-the-art clustering approaches on several datasets to demonstrate the effectiveness and interpretability of the proposed method.
Challenges and Solutions for Fuel Cell stacks in Transportation
Authors: Xiao Yang , Wang Jie , Zhang Tianyao , Yang Faqing , Liu Mengjun , Kou Zitao
Published: February 2025

Due to the advantages of environmental friendliness and high energy density, fuel cells have broad application prospects in many fields, such as automobiles, ships, aerospace, etc. However, commercial applications of fuel cells also face challenges of durability and reliability, especially in shock and vibration environments. Here, the electrochemical and mechanical behaviours of fuel cells under vibration environments are described, and the effects of vibration and shock conditions on the electrochemical, mechanical, water and gas transport, and durability performance of fuel cells are systematically reviewed, involving the variation laws of assembly torque, sealing, relative slippage between cells, water and gas transport, electrical resistance, and membrane electrodes. In addition, the methods that can mitigate the effects of vibration on fuel cells in existing studies are summarised. Finally, discussions and perspectives on the research methods of fuel cell performance under vibration are presented. It is hoped that the review can provide a systematic comprehension and direction for vibration protection of fuel cells.
Clinical and Translational Results from PORTER, a Multi-cohort Phase 1 Platform Trial of Combination Immunotherapy in Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Galsky Matthew D. , Autio Karen A. , Cabanski Christopher R. , Wentzel Kristopher , Graff Julie N. , Friedlander Terence W. , Howes Timothy R. , Shotts Kristin M. , Densmore Julie , Spasic Marko , Da Silva Diane M. , Chen Richard O. , Lata Jennifer , Skolnik Jeffrey , Keler Tibor , Yellin Michael J. , LaVallee Theresa M. , Fairchild Justin , Boffo Silvia , O'Donnell-Tormey Jill , Dugan Ute , Bhardwaj Nina , Subudhi Sumit K. , Fong Lawrence
Published: February 2025

Purpose: Current immune checkpoint therapies offer limited benefits for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Novel combinations may enhance immunotherapy efficacy. Patients and Methods: We conducted an open-label, non-comparative platform trial (NCT03835533) in mCRPC to assess nivolumab-based combinations. The cohorts were: A) bempegaldesleukin 0.006 mg/kg and nivolumab 360 mg intravenously Q3W, B) stereotactic body radiation therapy 30-50 Gray, CDX-301 75 μg/kg subcutaneously for 5 days, poly-ICLC 1 mg intramuscularly twice weekly for 3 weeks, and nivolumab 480 mg Q4W, and C) CDX-301 75 μg/kg for 10 days, INO-5151 3 mg intramuscularly on Lead-in Day 8, Day 1 of Cycles 1-3, then Q12W, and nivolumab 480 mg Q4W. The primary endpoint was safety; secondary endpoints included composite response rate (radiographic, PSA, or circulating tumor cell responses), 6-month disease control rate, progression-free survival, and overall survival. Serial blood and tissue samples were analyzed for pharmacodynamics and association with disease control. Results: 43 patients enrolled (N = 14, 15, 14 in Cohorts A, B, C). Grade 3-4 treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) occurred in 10 (71%), 2 (13%), and 2 (14%) patients, respectively, with one Grade 5 TRAE in Cohort A. Composite response rates were 7% (1/14), 33% (5/15), and 7% (1/14). Across cohorts, 6-month disease control was associated with pre-existing memory/regulatory T cells, TNFα, and other inflammatory pathways. Conclusions: Cohort B, which combined radiation therapy with CDX-301, poly-ICLC, and nivolumab, demonstrated encouraging clinical activity. Pre-existing rather than treatment-induced immune activation was associated with clinical benefit across cohorts, highlighting the importance of baseline immune fitness.
Table S7 from Clinical Efficacy of ONC201 in H3K27M-Mutant Diffuse Midline Gliomas Is Driven by Disruption of Integrated Metabolic and Epigenetic Pathways
Authors: Venneti Sriram , Kawakibi Abed Rahman , Ji Sunjong , Waszak Sebastian M. , Sweha Stefan R. , Mota Mateus , Pun Matthew , Deogharkar Akash , Chung Chan , Tarapore Rohinton S. , Ramage Samuel , Chi Andrew , Wen Patrick Y. , Arrillaga-Romany Isabel , Batchelor Tracy T. , Butowski Nicholas A. , Sumrall Ashley , Shonka Nicole , Harrison Rebecca A. , de Groot John , Mehta Minesh , Hall Matthew D. , Daghistani Doured , Cloughesy Timothy F. , Ellingson Benjamin M. , Beccaria Kevin , Varlet Pascale , Kim Michelle M. , Umemura Yoshie , Garton Hugh , Franson Andrea , Schwartz Jonathan , Jain Rajan , Kachman Maureen , Baum Heidi , Burant Charles F. , Mottl Sophie L. , Cartaxo Rodrigo T. , John Vishal , Messinger Dana , Qin Tingting , Peterson Erik , Sajjakulnukit Peter , Ravi Karthik , Waugh Alyssa , Walling Dustin , Ding Yujie , Xia Ziyun , Schwendeman Anna , Hawes Debra , Yang Fusheng , Judkins Alexander R. , Wahl Daniel , Lyssiotis Costas A. , de la Nava Daniel , Alonso Marta M. , Eze Augustine , Spitzer Jasper , Schmidt Susanne V. , Duchatel Ryan J. , Dun Matthew D. , Cain Jason E. , Jiang Li , Stopka Sylwia A. , Baquer Gerard , Regan Michael S. , Filbin Mariella G. , Agar Nathalie Y.R. , Zhao Lili , Kumar-Sinha Chandan , Mody Rajen , Chinnaiyan Arul , Kurokawa Ryo , Pratt Drew , Yadav Viveka N. , Grill Jacques , Kline Cassie , Mueller Sabine , Resnick Adam , Nazarian Javad , Allen Joshua E. , Odia Yazmin , Gardner Sharon L. , Koschmann Carl
Published: February 2025

GSEA of genes associated with positive or negative correlation with radiographic response to ONC201 treatment.
Table S15 from Clinical Efficacy of ONC201 in H3K27M-Mutant Diffuse Midline Gliomas Is Driven by Disruption of Integrated Metabolic and Epigenetic Pathways
Authors: Venneti Sriram , Kawakibi Abed Rahman , Ji Sunjong , Waszak Sebastian M. , Sweha Stefan R. , Mota Mateus , Pun Matthew , Deogharkar Akash , Chung Chan , Tarapore Rohinton S. , Ramage Samuel , Chi Andrew , Wen Patrick Y. , Arrillaga-Romany Isabel , Batchelor Tracy T. , Butowski Nicholas A. , Sumrall Ashley , Shonka Nicole , Harrison Rebecca A. , de Groot John , Mehta Minesh , Hall Matthew D. , Daghistani Doured , Cloughesy Timothy F. , Ellingson Benjamin M. , Beccaria Kevin , Varlet Pascale , Kim Michelle M. , Umemura Yoshie , Garton Hugh , Franson Andrea , Schwartz Jonathan , Jain Rajan , Kachman Maureen , Baum Heidi , Burant Charles F. , Mottl Sophie L. , Cartaxo Rodrigo T. , John Vishal , Messinger Dana , Qin Tingting , Peterson Erik , Sajjakulnukit Peter , Ravi Karthik , Waugh Alyssa , Walling Dustin , Ding Yujie , Xia Ziyun , Schwendeman Anna , Hawes Debra , Yang Fusheng , Judkins Alexander R. , Wahl Daniel , Lyssiotis Costas A. , de la Nava Daniel , Alonso Marta M. , Eze Augustine , Spitzer Jasper , Schmidt Susanne V. , Duchatel Ryan J. , Dun Matthew D. , Cain Jason E. , Jiang Li , Stopka Sylwia A. , Baquer Gerard , Regan Michael S. , Filbin Mariella G. , Agar Nathalie Y.R. , Zhao Lili , Kumar-Sinha Chandan , Mody Rajen , Chinnaiyan Arul , Kurokawa Ryo , Pratt Drew , Yadav Viveka N. , Grill Jacques , Kline Cassie , Mueller Sabine , Resnick Adam , Nazarian Javad , Allen Joshua E. , Odia Yazmin , Gardner Sharon L. , Koschmann Carl
Published: February 2025

GSEA analysis of genes with significantly increased H3K27me3 in ONC201-treated versus untreated patients.
COVID-19 e atividade física: aumento da inatividade entre estudantes universitários e impactos na saúde
Authors: Fiorentin Luciano , Marmitt Luana Patrícia , Cordeiro Marcos Freitas , Cetolin Sirlei Favero , Beltrame Vilma
Published: February 2025

This study aimed to analyze the occurrence and factors associated with physical inactivity (PI) among university students of health-related programs during the COVID-19 social distancing measures. This cross-sectional study included university students enrolled in health-related programs of the Universidade do Oeste de Santa Catarina (UNOESC) and Universidade Católica de Santa Catarina (Católica SC). Data were collected using a self-applied online questionnaire with demographic and health questions, including the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short (IPAQ Short) for the assessment of physical activity (PA). Were considered as “active” students that practiced at least moderate PA at least 5 days per week for at least 30 minutes; “insufficiently active” the ones who did not reach this recommendation; and “inactive” the participants that did not practice and PA. Factors associated with PI were calculated using Poisson regression with robust adjustment of variance stratified by sex. A total of 656 students participated in the study. Prevalence of PI was of 54.6%. The significant factors were related to female sex, more advanced age, studying Psychology, time under social distancing, and quality of the eating habits. Among the students that reported practicing PA (45.4%), the majority was considered “insufficiently active” (70.2%). Walking/running was the most prevalent PA (57%), followed by stretching (46.3%), and exercises with weights (39.6%). PI was prevalent among health students, with greater risk observed among students that were female, older, studied Psychology, and reported low-quality eating habits.
Indicadores de saúde e desempenho em corredores de rua não profissionais
Authors: Santos Anderson Santana , Thuany Mabliny , Gomes Thayse Natacha
Published: February 2025

The purpose of this study was to investigate differences in health indicators, according to performance, among runners. This is a cross-sectional study, whose sample comprised 35 male runners (36,9±12,5 years). Weltman test (3200m) was used to estimate the running pace, and runners were split based on test results: amateur runners, semi-professional runners, and recreational runners. Variables studied were: waist circumference, body mass index, body fat percentage, systolic blood pressure, physical activity, and sedentary behaviour. Analysis of variance, with Bonferroni post-hoc test, was used to estimate group differences. Regression linear analysis was performed to verify factors associated with performance. In all the analysis, p<0,05 was considered. Except for systolic blood pressure, physical activity and sedentary behavior, significant differences were observed for all variables. Regression analysis results did not indicate any significant association with performance. Differences in body composition indicators between runners may indicate that better performance can be associated with a better health indicators profile.
Decolonization, Heritage, And Problems of Forgetting
Authors: Nugent Gabriella
Published: February 2025

As art historians and curators have attempted to foreground African artists in the name of decolonization, there has been a certain forgetfulness of previous postcolonial attempts to reckon with colonial knowledge production. Questions around the relationship between political decolonization, postcolonialism, decoloniality, and current demands to decolonize have come to the fore in recent years. Nugent addresses these concerns as they relate to African art through two studies: Pierre-Philippe Fraiture's Past Imperfect: Time and African Decolonization 1945–1960 and Ferdinand de Jong's Decolonizing Heritage: Time to Repair in Senegal. Both books intervene in such instances of forgetting by looking to the past to challenge many of the constructs and assumptions around African art that continue to be taken for granted today. They invite us to consider alternate ways of imaging art and history through the dialogue between modern African intellectuals and European scholars.
Caring for Children in Lower-SES Contexts: Recognizing Parents' Agency, Adaptivity & Resourcefulness
Authors: Ellwood-Lowe Monica E. , Reyes Gabriel , DeJoseph Meriah L. , Frankenhuis Willem E.
Published: February 2025

From public policy to the social sciences, parenting in low-resource contexts is often viewed through a lens of deficit: there is a focus on what parents should be doing differently. We challenge this idea, highlighting the deliberate and rational choices parents with low socioeconomic status often make to navigate their circumstances and give their children the best lives possible under significant constraints. These parenting decisions may go beyond simply ensuring children's survival in harsh contexts. In some cases, they might give children the best shot at upward mobility. This view broadens our scientific understanding of good care, and implies that children may be best served when resources are spent on meeting families' needs, rather than instructing parents on how to care.
Expanding the Community of Fate by Expanding the Community of Care
Authors: Levi Margaret
Published: February 2025

All of us need or give care-or both-over the course of our lives. Thus, care is a widely shared interest that can become the basis of an expanded and inclusive community of fate in which people take responsibility for those in need, even if they are strangers or unlikely to be able to reciprocate. This essay explores this claim and some of the conditions for creating such an expanded and inclusive community of fate.
Short association fibres form topographic sheets in the human
V1–V2 processing stream
Authors: Movahedian Attar Fakhereh , Kirilina Evgeniya , Chaimow Denis , Haenelt Daniel , Schneider Christian , Edwards Luke J. , Pine Kerrin J. , Jäger Carsten , Reimann Katja , Pohlmann Andreas , Periquito João , Streubel Tobias , Trampel Robert , Mohammadi Siawoosh , Niendorf Thoralf , Morawski Markus , Weiskopf Nikolaus
Published: February 2025

Despite the importance of short association fibres (SAF) for human brain function their structures remain understudied. It is not known how SAF are organised across the brain, and how consistent their geometries and locations are across individuals. To address this gap, we mapped the precise structures of SAF in the primary (V1) and secondary (V2) visual cortex in a group of participants in vivo and a post mortem specimen. We assessed the consistency of SAF geometries and their expected structural and functional topography using probabilistic tractography on sub-millimetre resolution diffusion-weighted MRI combined with functional MRI retinotopic maps in vivo. We found that dense SAF connected V1 and V2, forming sheet structures with retinotopic topography and bearing consistent geometries that resembled the local V1–V2 cortical folding. In vivo findings were corroborated by the robust and fine-grained post mortem reference. Our in vivo approach provides important insights into SAF organisation and could be applied to studies across species on cortical and SAF reorganisation and support neuronavigation.
Quantifying the influence of biophysical factors in shaping brain communication through remnant functional networks
Authors: Nakuci Johan , Garcia Javier , Bansal Kanika
Published: February 2025

Functional connectivity (FC) reflects brain-wide communication essential for cognition, yet the role of underlying biophysical factors in shaping FC remains unclear. We quantify the influence of physical factors–structural connectivity (SC) and Euclidean distance (DC), which capture anatomical wiring and regional distance–and molecular factors–gene expression similarity (GC) and neuroreceptor congruence (RC), representing neurobiological similarity–on resting-state FC. We assess how these factors impact graph-theoretic and gradient features, capturing pairwise and higher-order interactions. By generating remnant functional networks after selectively removing connections tied to specific factors, we show that molecular factors, particularly RC, dominate graph-theoretic features, while gradient features are shaped by a mix of molecular and physical factors, especially GC and DC. SC has a surprisingly minor role. We also link FC alterations to biophysical factors in schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and ADHD, with physical factors differentiating these groups. These insights are key for understanding FC across various applications, including task performance, development, and clinical conditions.
Psychometric Assessment of the Mental Health Self-Management Questionnaire in a Clinical Sample With Anxiety Disorders
Authors: Muñoz Gómez Natalia , Coulombe Simon , Houle Janie , Carrier Nathalie , Provencher Martin D. , Norton Peter J. , Roberge Pasquale
Published: February 2025

The development of self-management strategies plays an active role in the recovery process of individuals suffering from mental disorders. The Mental Health Self-Management Questionnaire (MHSQ) was developed to give empirical insight into the construct of self-management. This study aimed to assess the psychometric properties of this recent instrument in a sample of patients meeting DSM-5 criteria for anxiety disorders. Data were drawn from a randomized controlled trial examining transdiagnostic group cognitive-behavioural therapy compared to treatment-as-usual for anxiety disorders. Participants ( n = 231) completed a structured interview for anxiety disorders and several self-reported measures, including the MHSQ. Confirmatory factor analysis for the initial three-factor structure showed adequate fit after adding covariances between certain items. The MHSQ had acceptable reliability for the clinical (α = .73, ω = .78), empowerment (α = .80, ω = .80) and vitality (α = .71, ω = .71) subscales. Results showed high correlations with measures of well-being and moderate correlations with measures of disability and depression, especially on the empowerment and vitality subscales. Lower correlations were found between the MHSQ and anxiety symptoms. The linear mixed model examining sensitivity to change showed that the MHSQ score at post-treatment was significantly greater for the experimental condition compared to the control condition for the clinical and empowerment subscales. The MHSQ is a promising measure, and research with other clinical populations and long-term follow-up is warranted to gather further evidence on the validity and fidelity of the instrument.