bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Whole‐brain glucose metabolic pattern differentiates minimally conscious state from unresponsive wakefulness syndrome
Authors: Guo Kun , Zhang Qi , Quan Zhiyong , Wang Yirong , Ma Taoqi , Jiang Jiehui , Kang Fei , Wang Jing
Published: June 2024

Aims

The patient being minimally conscious state (MCS) may benefit from wake‐up interventions aimed at improving quality of life and have a higher probability of recovering higher level of consciousness compared to patients with the unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (UWS). However, differentiation of the MCS and UWS poses challenge in clinical practice. This study aimed to explore glucose metabolic pattern (GMP) obtained from 18F‐labeled‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18F‐FDG‐PET) in distinguishing between UWS and MCS.

Methods

Fifty‐seven patients with disorders of consciousness (21 cases of UWS and 36 cases of MCS) who had undergone repeated standardized Coma Recovery Scale‐Revised (CRS‐R) evaluations were enrolled in this prospective study. 18F‐FDG‐PET was carried out in all patients and healthy controls (HCs). Voxel‐based scaled subprofile model/principal component analysis (SSM/PCA) was used to generate GMPs. The expression score of whole‐brain GMP was obtained, and its diagnostic accuracy was compared with the standardized uptake value ratio (SUVR). The diagnostic efficiency was validated by one‐year later clinical outcomes.

Results

UWS‐MCS GMP exhibited hypometabolism in the frontal–parietal cortex, along with hypermetabolism in the unilateral lentiform nucleus, putamen, and anterior cingulate gyrus. The UWS‐MCS‐GMP expression score was significantly higher in UWS compared to MCS patients (0.90 ± 0.85 vs. 0 ± 0.93, p < 0.001). UWS‐MCS‐GMP expression score achieved an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.77 to distinguish MCS from UWS, surpassing that of SUVR based on the frontoparietal cortex (AUC = 0.623). UWS‐MCS‐GMP expression score was significantly correlated with the CRS‐R score (r = −0.45, p = 0.004) and accurately predicted the one‐year outcome in 73.7% of patients.

Conclusion

UWS and MCS exhibit specific glucose metabolism patterns, the UWS‐MCS‐GMP expression score significantly distinguishes MCS from UWS, making SSM/PCA a potential diagnostic methods in clinical practice for individual patients.
Application of concept drift detection and adaptive framework for non linear time series data from cardiac surgery
Authors: Ganesan Rajarajan , Kaur Tarunpreet , Mittal Alisha , Sahi Mansi , Konar Sushant , Samra Tanvir , Puri Goverdhan Dutt , Thingnum Shayam Kumar Singh , Auluck Nitin
Published: June 2024

The quality of machine learning (ML) models deployed in dynamic environments tends to decline over time due to disparities between the data used for training and the upcoming data available for prediction, which is commonly known as drift. Therefore, it is important for ML models to be capable of detecting any changes or drift in the data distribution and updating the ML model accordingly. This study presents various drift detection techniques to identify drift in the survival outcomes of patients who underwent cardiac surgery. Additionally, this study proposes several drift adaptation strategies, such as adaptive learning, incremental learning, and ensemble learning. Through a detailed analysis of the results, the study confirms the superior performance of ensemble model, achieving a minimum mean absolute error (MAE) of 10.684 and 2.827 for predicting hospital stay and ICU stay, respectively. Furthermore, the models that incorporate a drift adaptive framework exhibit superior performance compared to the models that do not include such a framework.
Masked self‐supervised pre‐training model for EEG‐based emotion recognition
Authors: Hu Xinrong , Chen Yu , Yan Jinlin , Wu Yuan , Ding Lei , Xu Jin , Cheng Jun
Published: June 2024

Electroencephalogram (EEG), as a tool capable of objectively recording brain electrical signals during emotional expression, has been extensively utilized. Current technology heavily relies on datasets, with its performance being limited by the size of the dataset and the accuracy of its annotations. At the same time, unsupervised learning and contrastive learning methods largely depend on the feature distribution within datasets, thus requiring training tailored to specific datasets for optimal results. However, the collection of EEG signals is influenced by factors such as equipment, settings, individuals, and experimental procedures, resulting in significant variability. Consequently, the effectiveness of models is heavily dependent on dataset collection efforts conducted under stringent objective conditions. To address these challenges, we introduce a novel approach: employing a self‐supervised pre‐training model, to process data across different datasets. This model is capable of operating effectively across multiple datasets. The model conducts self‐supervised pre‐training without the need for direct access to specific emotion category labels, enabling it to pre‐train and extract universally useful features without predefined downstream tasks. To tackle the issue of semantic expression confusion, we employed a masked prediction model that guides the model to generate richer semantic information through learning bidirectional feature combinations in sequence. Addressing challenges such as significant differences in data distribution, we introduced adaptive clustering techniques that manage by generating pseudo‐labels across multiple categories. The model is capable of enhancing the expression of hidden features in intermediate layers during the self‐supervised training process, enabling it to learn common hidden features across different datasets. This study, by constructing a hybrid dataset and conducting extensive experiments, demonstrated two key findings: (1) our model performs best on multiple evaluation metrics; (2) the model can effectively integrate critical features from different datasets, significantly enhancing the accuracy of emotion recognition.
Sea turtle conservation in São Tomé and Príncipe: Policies, practices, and insights from a community‐based initiative
Authors: Ferreira Rogério L. , dos Prazeres Inocêncio A.
Published: June 2024

Unifying research and conservation objectives with the needs of local populations demands a profound understanding of the field. This perspective provides a brief policy and social‐cultural context for the conservation of endangered sea turtles in São Tomé and Príncipe, Central Africa. It is illustrated by initiatives implemented from the 90s to the 2000s and complemented by a community‐based intervention on Príncipe Island (2010–2014). The intervention focused on awareness‐raising, economic‐alternatives, capacity‐building, and surveillances to deter poaching, collect scientific data, and increase outreach. It contributed to reduce sea turtle exploitation, train local conservationists, and increase awareness to economic alternatives. Securing stakeholders' support is vital for success, and endeavors like this provide a cost‐effective approach, aligning biodiversity conservation strategies with local values and aspirations. Overall, this perspective underscores that failure to collaborate with those involved in wildlife subsistence livelihoods often results in delays and setbacks in reducing exploitation, while modest investments in local stewardship can efficiently improve ecosystems and human well‐being.
Successful endoscopic retrieval of migrated biliary plastic stent via hepaticogastrostomy route using uneven double‐lumen catheter and stent retriever
Authors: Hirai Shingo , Okabe Yoshinobu , Yoshioka Shinichiro
Published: June 2024

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Geographic and racial variability in kidney, cardiovascular and safety outcomes with canagliflozin: A secondary analysis of the CREDENCE randomized trial
Authors: Cardoza Kathryn , Kang Amy , Smyth Brendan , Yi Tae Won , Pollock Carol , Agarwal Rajiv , Bakris George , Charytan David M. , de Zeeuw Dick , Wheeler David C. , Zhang Hong , Cannon Christopher P. , Perkovic Vlado , Arnott Clare , Levin Adeera , Mahaffey Kenneth W.
Published: June 2024

Aim

To explore the effect of canagliflozin on kidney and cardiovascular events and safety outcomes in individuals with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease across geographic regions and racial groups.

Materials and Methods

A stratified Cox proportional hazards model was used to assess efficacy and safety outcomes by geographic region and racial group. The primary composite outcome was a composite of end‐stage kidney disease (ESKD), doubling of the serum creatinine (SCr) level, or death from kidney or cardiovascular causes. Secondary outcomes included: (i) cardiovascular death or heart failure (HF) hospitalization; (ii) cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction (MI) or stroke; (iii) HF hospitalization; (iv) doubling of the SCr level, ESKD or kidney death; (v) cardiovascular death; (vi) all‐cause death; and (vii) cardiovascular death, MI, stroke, or hospitalization for HF or for unstable angina.

Results

The 4401 patients were divided into six geographic region subgroups: North America (n = 1182, 27%), Central and South America (n = 941, 21%), Eastern Europe (n = 947, 21%), Western Europe (n = 421, 10%), Asia (n = 749, 17%) and Other (n = 161, 4%). The analyses included four racial groups: White (n = 2931, 67%), Black or African American (n = 224, 5%), Asian (n = 877, 20%) and Other (n = 369, 8%). Canagliflozin reduced the relative risk of the primary composite outcome in the overall trial by 30% (hazard ratio 0.70, 95% confidence interval 0.59‐0.82; P = 0.00001). Across geographic regions and racial groups, canagliflozin consistently reduced the primary composite endpoint without evidence of heterogeneity (interaction P values of 0.39 and 0.91, respectively) or significant safety outcome differences.

Conclusions

Canagliflozin reduces the risk of kidney and cardiovascular events similarly across geographic regions and racial groups.
Fatigue testing strategies for the X65 steel catenary riser with small‐scale specimens considering the effect of welding residual stress
Authors: Zhang Niantao , Deng Caiyan , Liang Hang , Gong Baoming , Liu Yong
Published: June 2024

To accurately evaluate the fatigue performance of a full‐scale deep‐water steel catenary riser (SCR) using small‐size specimens, six fatigue testing strategies were explored, considering the effect of welding residual stress. Through a comparison with the full‐scale resonant bending fatigue testing results, the most equivalent strategy using small‐scale specimens was identified. The results indicate that the test strategies applying constant stress underestimated the fatigue life, compared with that of a full‐scale specimen; meanwhile, fatigue life values obtained from the low‐stress ratio testing strategy were higher, particularly in the low‐stress range region. Comparatively, the fatigue lives obtained for the 100 mm‐wide specimens without cutting were higher in the high‐stress range region. The variable‐applied mean stress strategy using the 25 mm‐wide welded joint specimen was the most suitable for equivalence with the full‐scale fatigue testing, with only a 9.7% difference in the fatigue life testing results. The difference between the applied mean stress and the actual transverse welding residual stress under various fatigue testing strategies is the key factor affecting the equivalence of the fatigue testing results.
A Decision Aid for Patients Considering Surgery for Sciatica: Codesign and User‐Testing With Patients and Clinicians
Authors: Ayre Julie , Kumarage Richie , Jenkins Hazel , McCaffery Kirsten J. , Maher Christopher G. , Hancock Mark J.
Published: June 2024

Background

Surgery can help patients with leg pain caused by sciatica recover faster, but by 12 months outcomes are similar to nonsurgical management. For many the decision to have surgery may require reflection, and patient decision aids are an evidence‐based clinical tool that can help guide patients through this decision.

Objective

The aim of this study was to develop and refine a decision aid for patients with sciatica who are deciding whether to have surgery or ‘wait and see’ (i.e., try nonsurgical management first).

Design

Semistructured interviews with think‐aloud user‐testing protocol.

Participants

Twenty clinicians and 20 patients with lived experience of low back pain or sciatica.

Outcome Measures

Items from Technology Acceptance Model, Preparation for Decision Making Scale and Decision Quality Instrument for Herniated Disc 2.0 (knowledge instrument).

Methods

The prototype integrated relevant research with working group perspectives, decision aid standards and health literacy guidelines. The research team refined the prototype through seven rounds of user‐testing, which involved discussing user‐testing feedback and implementing changes before progressing to the next round.

Results

As a result of working group feedback, the decision aid was divided into sections: before, during and after a visit to the surgeon. Across all rounds of user‐testing, clinicians rated the resource 5.9/7 (SD = 1.0) for perceived usefulness, and 6.0/7 for perceived ease of use (SD = 0.8). Patients reported the decision aid was easy to understand, on average correctly answering 3.4/5 knowledge questions (SD = 1.2) about surgery for sciatica. The grade reading score for the website was 9.0. Patients scored highly on preparation for decision‐making (4.4/5, SD = 0.7), suggesting strong potential to empower patients. Interview feedback showed that patients and clinicians felt the decision aid would encourage question‐asking and help patients reflect on personal values.

Conclusions

Clinicians found the decision aid acceptable, patients found it was easy to understand and both groups felt it would empower patients to actively engage in their care and come to an informed decision that aligned with personal values. Input from the working group and user‐testing was crucial for ensuring that the decision aid met patient and clinician needs.

Patient or Public Contribution

Patients and clinicians contributed to prototype development via the working group.
Detection of GRM1 gene rearrangements in chondromyxoid fibroma: a comparison of fluorescence in‐situ hybridisation, RNA sequencing and immunohistochemical analysis
Authors: Torrence Dianne , Dermawan Josephine K , Zhang Yanming , Vanderbilt Chad , Hwang Sinchun , Mullaney Kerry , Jungbluth Achim , Rao Mamta , Gao Kate , Sukhadia Purvil , Linos Konstantinos , Agaram Narasimhan , Hameed Meera
Published: June 2024

Aims

Chondromyxoid fibroma (CMF) is a rare, benign bone tumour which arises primarily in young adults and is occasionally diagnostically challenging. Glutamate metabotropic receptor 1 (GRM1) gene encodes a metabotropic glutamate receptor and was recently shown to be up‐regulated in chondromyxoid fibroma through gene fusion and promoter swapping. The aim of this study was to interrogate cases of CMF for the presence of GRM1 gene rearrangements, gene fusions and GRM1 protein overexpression.

Methods and results

Selected cases were subjected to testing by fluorescent in‐situ hybridisation (FISH) with a GRM1 break‐apart probe, a targeted RNA sequencing method and immunohistochemical study with an antibody to GRM1 protein. Two cases were subjected to whole transcriptomic sequencing. In 13 of 13 cases, GRM1 protein overexpression was detected by immunohistochemistry using the GRM1 antibody. Of the 12 cases successfully tested by FISH, nine of 12 showed GRM1 rearrangements by break‐apart probe assay. Targeted RNA sequencing analysis did not detect gene fusions in any of the eight cases tested, but there was an increase in GRM1 mRNA expression in all eight cases. Two cases subjected to whole transcriptomic sequencing (WTS) showed elevated GRM1 expression and no gene fusions.

Conclusion

GRM1 gene rearrangements can be detected using FISH break‐apart probes in approximately 75% of cases, and immunohistochemical detection of GRM1 protein over‐expression is a sensitive diagnostic method. The gene fusion was not detected by targeted RNA sequencing, due most probably to the complexity of fusion mechanism, and is not yet a reliable method for confirming a diagnosis of CMF in the clinical setting.
Efficacy and Safety of Ensitrelvir for Asymptomatic or Mild COVID‐19: An Exploratory Analysis of a Multicenter, Randomized, Phase 2b/3 Clinical Trial
Authors: Ohmagari Norio , Yotsuyanagi Hiroshi , Doi Yohei , Yamato Masaya , Imamura Takumi , Sakaguchi Hiroki , Yamanaka Hideki , Imaoka Ryosuke , Fukushi Akimasa , Ichihashi Genki , Sanaki Takao , Tsuge Yuko , Uehara Takeki , Mukae Hiroshi
Published: June 2024

Background

This phase 2b/3, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial explored the efficacy and evaluated the safety of ensitrelvir. This trial involved individuals with asymptomatic infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) and patients with mild symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19).

Methods

The trial was conducted at 57 medical institutions in Japan, South Korea, and Vietnam (study period: January 6–August 14, 2022). Eligible participants were randomized (1:1:1) to the ensitrelvir 125‐mg, ensitrelvir 250‐mg, or placebo group, received the allocated intervention orally, and were followed up until Day 28. Participants self‐rated the severity of 14 typical COVID‐19 symptoms and recorded the data in an electronic diary.

Results

In total, 572 participants (194, 189, and 189 in the ensitrelvir 125‐mg, ensitrelvir 250‐mg, and placebo groups, respectively) were included in the intention‐to‐treat population. Ensitrelvir 125‐mg group observed a 77% reduction in the risk of developing any of the 14 COVID‐19 symptoms or fever and a 29% reduction in the risk of worsening of such symptoms or fever versus placebo (statistically nonsignificant). The viral RNA, viral titer, and time to infectious viral clearance observed a statistically significant decrease versus placebo. Most treatment‐related adverse events (TEAEs) were mild to moderate in severity, and the most common TEAE observed across groups was a decrease in high‐density lipoprotein.

Conclusions

Our exploratory results suggest a potential reduction in the risk of development or worsening of COVID‐19 symptoms with ensitrelvir. Ensitrelvir showed antiviral efficacy and was well tolerated.

Trial Registration: Japan Registry of Clinical Trials identifier: jRCT2031210350.
Decolonizing IT governance in international non‐governmental organisations: An Ubuntu approach
Authors: Zubler Marie‐E. , Plattfaut Ralf , Niehaves Björn
Published: June 2024

IT has an enormous potential to democratise, equalise and decolonize development aid; however, the right IT governance is needed to actualize this potential. Such governance must align with the general efforts in development work to decolonize and eradicate adverse power imbalances. Power imbalances are at play when donors from the Global North finance and thereby set the development agenda for the Global South without concern for the actual needs. IT use in development aid is an important tool in decolonisation struggles, but corresponding structures also risk cementing problematic power distributions. As such, guidelines are needed on how to set up and decolonize IT governance structures. Using insights from a case study of a large international development aid NGO and building on the African emancipation philosophy Ubuntu, we propose five organising principles for a decolonized IT governance. These organising principles serve as guidelines to set up decolonized and emancipating IT governance structures and extend current IT governance theories.
Evaluating strategies to increase PET bottle recycling in the United States
Authors: Basuhi R. , Bhuwalka Karan , Roth Richard , Olivetti Elsa A.
Published: June 2024

In the United States, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle collection rates have not increased in a decade. Recycling rates remain abysmal while industry commitments and policy targets escalate the demand for recycled plastics. We investigate the PET bottle recycling system, where collection is a critical bottleneck and recycled PET supply is not meeting the expected demand. We characterize demand for recycled PET (R‐PET), analyze scenarios of expanding deposit return systems (DRS), and quantify cost barriers to improving PET bottle recycling. We find that a nation‐wide DRS can increase PET bottle recycling rates from 24% to 82%, supplying approximately 2700 kt of recycled PET annually. With stability in demand, we estimate that this PET bottle recycling system can achieve 65% bottle‐to‐bottle circularity, at a net cost of 360 USD/tonne of PET recycled. We also discuss environmental impacts, stakeholder implications, producer responsibility, and complimentary policies toward an efficient and effective recycling system.
Embed systemic equity throughout industrial ecology applications: How to address machine learning unfairness and bias
Authors: Bozeman Joe F. , Hollauer Catharina , Ramshankar Arjun Thangaraj , Nakkasunchi Shalini , Jambeck Jenna , Hicks Andrea , Bilec Melissa , McCauley Darren , Heidrich Oliver
Published: June 2024

Recent calls have been made for equity tools and frameworks to be integrated throughout the research and design life cycle —from conception to implementation—with an emphasis on reducing inequity in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) applications. Simply stating that equity should be integrated throughout, however, leaves much to be desired as industrial ecology (IE) researchers, practitioners, and decision‐makers attempt to employ equitable practices. In this forum piece, we use a critical review approach to explain how socioecological inequities emerge in ML applications across their life cycle stages by leveraging the food system. We exemplify the use of a comprehensive questionnaire to delineate unfair ML bias across data bias, algorithmic bias, and selection and deployment bias categories. Finally, we provide consolidated guidance and tailored strategies to help address AI/ML unfair bias and inequity in IE applications. Specifically, the guidance and tools help to address sensitivity, reliability, and uncertainty challenges. There is also discussion on how bias and inequity in AI/ML affect other IE research and design domains, besides the food system—such as living labs and circularity. We conclude with an explanation of the future directions IE should take to address unfair bias and inequity in AI/ML. Last, we call for systemic equity to be embedded throughout IE applications to fundamentally understand domain‐specific socioecological inequities, identify potential unfairness in ML, and select mitigation strategies in a manner that translates across different research domains.
Using dynamic life cycle assessment to evaluate the effects of industry digitalization: A steel case study
Authors: Astudillo Miguel F. , Krämer Kai , Arteaga Asier
Published: June 2024

Decarbonization of steelmaking has stagnated while it has a considerable share of global greenhouse gas emissions and a growing demand. Digitalization is seen as a viable option to reduce emissions and costs of the sector in the near term and life cycle assessment (LCA) as a comprehensive framework to evaluate changes in production practices. In this study, we analyze the potential impact of using optimization algorithms to improve the operation of a steelmaking plant in Spain. Specifically, we study the potential effects of optimizing the sequence in which steel is produced to minimize losses during casting. The global warming (GW) impacts and economic costs are quantified using a dynamic LCA model, considering uncertainty and temporal variability using an open‐source LCA framework. The results indicate, on average, modest savings in costs and are inconclusive regarding GW emissions. Most of the cost savings come from a reduction in the use of additives and electricity, which are wasted when the steel is scrapped during casting. The methodological framework has proven useful in quantifying and interpreting the potential effects of digitalization. The implemented solution, tested in an industrial setting, allows an automated evaluation of production at the plant using the LCA model, facilitating the use of sustainability criteria in decision‐making.
Hair transplantation versus scalp micropigmentation: A retrospective study of treatment selection in persons with female pattern hair loss
Authors: Park Jae Hyun , Kim Narae , You Seung Hyun
Published: June 2024

Background

Hair transplant (HT) is the standard treatment for female pattern hair loss (FPHL), but scalp micropigmentation (SMP) is an alternative. Currently, there are no criteria to help choose between HT and SMP.

Methods

Forty female patients with FPHL who had successfully undergone HT and SMP, were reviewed to identify factors that might help decide between treatments. Hair density (HD) and hair caliber were measured at the part line and mid‐occipital region by a Folliscope. The sensitivity and specificity of HT and SMP were determined by area under the curve (AUC) and receiver operating characteristic curve.

Results

Patients were divided into HT (n = 23) and SMP (n = 17) groups. The follicular unit density (FUD) (HT: 62.06 ± 4.8551/cm2; SMP: 66.59 ± 3.4971/cm2) and HD (HT: 96.16 ± 16.6954/cm2; SMP: 116.08 ± 17.0520/cm2) were significantly different (p < 0.01) between groups. The AUC for FUD was 77.6% with a cutoff value of 66.83 and 87.0% (1–0.412) sensitivity. The AUC for HD was 82.4% with a cutoff value of 96.17 and 69.6% (1–0.118) sensitivity.

Conclusions

HD was the most important factor when deciding between HT surgery and SMP. SMP is recommended when the HD is ≥104.6 hairs/cm2 and HT surgery is strongly recommended when the HD is ≤96.17 hairs/cm2.
Clear cell renal cell carcinoma metastasizing to the oral cavity: A diagnostic challenge of a case revealing an unusual clinical presentation
Authors: Franzoi Gabriely , Rabelo Gustavo Davi , Smiderle Fabiane , Lisboa Mariah Luz , Vieira Daniella Serafin Couto , Meurer Maria Inês , Grando Liliane Janete
Published: June 2024

Objective

Diagnosing lesions with unusual clinical presentation can be challenging, mostly for cases in which the inclusion of oral metastasis in the differential diagnosis is necessary.

Materials and Methods

A 55‐year‐old man complaining of a large mass in the oral cavity was referred to the Hospital Dentistry Service. The patient reported bleeding episodes and pain, with a 5‐month evolution. Intraoral examination revealed a 5 cm tumour with purplish‐red and ulcerated focal areas at the right buccal mucosa. Differential diagnosis included malignant mesenchymal tumours, lymphoproliferative lesions, and metastasis of an occult primary lesion. Two biopsies were conducted, with the first one presenting an intense haemorrhage, and the second performed under general anaesthesia and difficult bleeding control.

Results

Histologic and immunohistochemical analysis diagnosed a clear cell carcinoma infiltration. A whole‐body CT scan reveals a renal tumour with multiple metastasis sites in the abdomen and bones. Metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma was finally confirmed, and the patient was followed with palliative care for 4 months.

Conclusion

A challenging diagnosis of a rare metastatic lesion in the oral cavity was conducted after two procedures under difficult bleeding conditions.
The museology of peace: How accessible, collection‐led, peace history contributes to cultures of peace
Authors: Barrett Clive
Published: June 2024

Yamane and Anzai (2020) identify over 300 “museums for peace” worldwide, including large national tourist attractions, Sites of Conscience with their “dark tourism,” and small independent institutions celebrating civil society and war resistance. A subset of these, “peace museums,” focus on peace and peace movement history. The Peace Museum, Bradford, UK, uses a collection of 16,000 peace artifacts to encourage casual tourists to access past peace activism and to adopt that mantle themselves.
Collaboration of corporates with coworking spaces: different pathways to develop innovation capabilities
Authors: Demir Ferhat , Lukes Martin
Published: June 2024

Although academia has witnessed increasing interest in coworking spaces over the past decade, the corporate perspective on utilizing such spaces has not been thoroughly studied. This paper investigates corporate goals, activities, and outcomes of corporate–coworking collaboration by examining 11 different cases in which corporates engage in coworking spaces. We find that, based on their goals, corporates choose different collaboration pathways to enhance their innovation capabilities. We call these pathways explorer, startup hunter, implementer, and transformer. Coworking spaces play an essential role by hosting and orchestrating key open innovation actors, resources, and activities such as scanning, scouting, community building, co‐development, and learning. They are emerging as an open innovation platform that can trigger sensing, seizing, and transforming capabilities of corporates. Our study contributes to the innovation management and the coworking space literature and offers practical implications for both corporates and coworking spaces.
Made and created in China: the role of processing trade
Authors: Chen Zhiyuan , Erbahar Aksel , Zi Yuan
Published: June 2024

This paper examines the main participants of China's processing trade regime – firms that engage in both processing and ordinary exports. By matching several datasets from China, including a unique sample of transaction‐level customs data with firms' branding information, we uncover three stylized facts. First, these “mixed” firms exhibit superior performance in various margins such as revenue and physical productivity. Second, even within firms, there is a link between export mode choice and brand ownership – own‐branded products are typically exported under ordinary trade while products under other firms' brands are exported under processing trade. Third, there is a price premium associated with selling one's own‐branded products. To rationalize these findings, we present a simple theoretical framework where firms with multi‐attributes (i.e., “making” and “creating”) endogenously determine their specialization within a production network. We find evidence for the model's main prediction that firms in China intensified their branding activities when faced with favorable processing trade policies upstream.
Behind Closed Doors: The Human Remains Trade within Private Facebook Groups
Authors:   Carleton University, Graham Shawn , Davidson Katherine ,   Carleton University, Huffer Damien ,   University of Queensland
Published: June 2024

The existence of a thriving trade in human remains online is facilitated by social media platforms. While much of this trade is conducted in fully public forums such as e-commerce platforms, the retail website of bricks-and-mortar stores, public personal and business pages on social media, etc., there also exist numerous private groups using the affordances of various social media platforms to buy, sell, and share photographs of human remains. This article describes a case study of four private Facebook groups featuring people who buy and sell human remains, to explore how the discourses of the trade may be different when not made in public. Using a close-reading approach on the text of posts and threaded conversations, and associated visual similarity analysis of the accompanying photographs, we observe, among other things, a strikingly 'more professional' approach, shibboleths and patterns of behaviour that serve to create group identities. We analyse posts made over a seven-week period across the selected private groups in the run-up to the 2023 holiday season. Given the issues of privacy raised by studying private groups, we also experiment with a locally hosted large language model to see if it could classify discourses meaningfully without the intervention of a researcher having to read the original posts. This case study might also serve as a model for other kinds of research investigating the reception of various archaeological topics that might be discussed and understood differently in private versus public venues.
Measuring Sleep Among Cancer Survivors: Accelerometer Measures Across Days and Agreement Between Accelerometer and Self-Reported Measures
Authors: Donzella Sidney M. , Sikorski Alla , Lind Kimberly E. , Skiba Meghan B. , Thomson Cynthia A. , Crane Tracy E.
Published: June 2024

Background: The associations between subjective (self-reported) and objective (actigraphy) sleep measurements are not well documented among survivors of cancer. The purpose of this study was to examine actigraphy measurements across days and the associations of two self-reported sleep measures with actigraphy-measured sleep measures. Methods: Sleep data were collected using self-reported sleep diary, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and hip-worn actigraphy at baseline for a subsample participating in the Lifestyle Intervention for oVarian cancer Enhanced Survival (N = 516) randomized controlled trial. Intraclass correlation coefficients were used to evaluate consistency of actigraphy sleep measures across days of wear and associations of sleep diary with actigraphy for total sleep time (TST), time asleep, and time awake. Bland–Altman plots were used to assess the associations of sleep duration and sleep efficiency derived from Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and actigraphy. Results: Participants were aged 60.3 years (SD 9.3 years). For TST, the associations were strongest after 3 weekdays of consecutive actigraphy wear (ICC = .43 95% CI [.35, .51]), and actigraphy-measured daily TST was longest (617, SD 135 min) compared with self-reported measures. Sleep diary versus actigraphy associations for TST, time asleep, and time awake were weak to moderate. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index versus actigraphy association was weak for all sleep constructs. Conclusion: The strength of association between self-reported and actigraphy measures of sleep ranged from weak to very strong, depending on the sleep construct. Impact: Results highlight the importance of selecting an appropriate measurement tool for estimating individual sleep constructs among survivors of cancer.
Inter-Brand, -Dynamic Range, and -Sampling Rate Comparability of Raw Accelerometer Data as Used in Physical Behavior Research
Authors: Lettink Annelinde , van Wieringen Wessel N. , Altenburg Teatske M. , Chinapaw Mai J.M. , van Hees Vincent T.
Published: June 2024

Objective: Previous studies that looked at comparability of accelerometer data focused on epoch or recording level comparability. Our study aims to provide insight into the comparability at raw data level. Methods: We performed five experiments with accelerometers attached to a mechanical shaker machine applying movement along a single axis in the horizontal plane. In each experiment, a 1-min no-movement condition was followed by nineteen 2-min shaker frequency conditions (30–250 rpm). We analyzed accelerometer data from Axivity, ActiGraph, GENEActiv, MOX, and activPAL devices. Comparability between commonly used brands and dynamic ranges was assessed in the frequency domain with power spectra and in the time domain with maximum lagged cross-correlation analyses. The influence of sampling rate on magnitude of acceleration across brands was explored visually. All data were published open access. Results: Magnitude of noise in rest was highest in MOX and lowest in ActiGraph. The signal mean power spectral density was equal between brands at low shaker frequency conditions (<3.13 Hz) and between dynamic ranges within the Axivity brand at all shaker frequency conditions. In contrast, the cross-correlation coefficients between time series across brands and dynamic ranges were higher at higher shaking frequencies. Sampling rate affected the magnitude of acceleration most in Axivity and least in GENEActiv. Conclusions: The comparability of raw acceleration signals between brands and/or sampling rates depends on the type of movement. These findings aid a more fundamental understanding and anticipation of differences in behavior estimates between different implementations of raw accelerometry.
Genetic identification of medullary neurons underlying congenital hypoventilation
Authors: Cui Ke , Xia Yiling , Patnaik Abhisarika , Salivara Aikaterini , Lowenstein Elijah D. , Isik Eser G. , Knorz Adrian L. , Airaghi Laura , Crotti Michela , Garratt Alistair N. , Meng Fanqi , Schmitz Dietmar , Studer Michèle , Rijli Filippo M. , Nothwang Hans G. , Rost Benjamin R. , Strauß Ulf , Hernandez-Miranda Luis R.
Published: June 2024

Mutations in the transcription factors encoded by
PHOX2B
or
LBX1
correlate with congenital central hypoventilation disorders. These conditions are typically characterized by pronounced hypoventilation, central apnea, and diminished chemoreflexes, particularly to abnormally high levels of arterial PCO
2
. The dysfunctional neurons causing these respiratory disorders are largely unknown. Here, we show that distinct, and previously undescribed, sets of medullary neurons coexpressing both transcription factors (dB2 neurons) account for specific respiratory functions and phenotypes seen in congenital hypoventilation. By combining intersectional chemogenetics, intersectional labeling, lineage tracing, and conditional mutagenesis, we uncovered subgroups of dB2 neurons with key functions in (i) respiratory tidal volumes, (ii) the hypercarbic reflex, (iii) neonatal respiratory stability, and (iv) neonatal survival. These data provide functional evidence for the critical role of distinct medullary dB2 neurons in neonatal respiratory physiology. In summary, our work identifies distinct subgroups of dB2 neurons regulating breathing homeostasis, dysfunction of which causes respiratory phenotypes associated with congenital hypoventilation.
Cell cycle–dependent centrosome clustering precedes proplatelet formation
Authors: Becker Isabelle C. , Wilkie Adrian R. , Nikols Emma , Carminita Estelle , Roweth Harvey G. , Tilburg Julia , Sciaudone Anthony R. , Noetzli Leila J. , Fatima Farheen , Couldwell Genevieve , Ray Anjana , Mogilner Alex , Machlus Kellie R. , Italiano Joseph E.
Published: June 2024

Platelet-producing megakaryocytes (MKs) primarily reside in the bone marrow, where they duplicate their DNA content with each cell cycle resulting in polyploid cells with an intricate demarcation membrane system. While key elements of the cytoskeletal reorganizations during proplatelet formation have been identified, what initiates the release of platelets into vessel sinusoids remains largely elusive. Using a cell cycle indicator, we observed a unique phenomenon, during which amplified centrosomes in MKs underwent clustering following mitosis, closely followed by proplatelet formation, which exclusively occurred in G
1
of interphase. Forced cell cycle arrest in G
1
increased proplatelet formation not only in vitro but also in vivo following short-term starvation of mice. We identified that inhibition of the centrosomal protein kinesin family member C1 (KIFC1) impaired clustering and subsequent proplatelet formation, while KIFC1-deficient mice exhibited reduced platelet counts. In summary, we identified KIFC1- and cell cycle–mediated centrosome clustering as an important initiator of proplatelet formation from MKs.
Signatures of wave erosion in Titan’s coasts
Authors: Palermo Rose V. , Ashton Andrew D. , Soderblom Jason M. , Birch Samuel P. D. , Hayes Alexander G. , Perron J. Taylor
Published: June 2024

The shorelines of Titan’s hydrocarbon seas trace flooded erosional landforms such as river valleys; however, it is unclear whether coastal erosion has subsequently altered these shorelines. Spacecraft observations and theoretical models suggest that wind may cause waves to form on Titan’s seas, potentially driving coastal erosion, but the observational evidence of waves is indirect, and the processes affecting shoreline evolution on Titan remain unknown. No widely accepted framework exists for using shoreline morphology to quantitatively discern coastal erosion mechanisms, even on Earth, where the dominant mechanisms are known. We combine landscape evolution models with measurements of shoreline shape on Earth to characterize how different coastal erosion mechanisms affect shoreline morphology. Applying this framework to Titan, we find that the shorelines of Titan’s seas are most consistent with flooded landscapes that subsequently have been eroded by waves, rather than a uniform erosional process or no coastal erosion, particularly if wave growth saturates at fetch lengths of tens of kilometers.
Inhibiting AGTR1 reduces AML burden and protects the heart from cardiotoxicity in mouse models
Authors: Pan Yi , Wang Chen , Zhou WenXuan , Shi Yao , Meng XiaDuo , Muhammad Yasir , Hammer Richard D. , Jia Bei , Zheng Hong , Li De-Pei , Liu Zhenguo , Hildebrandt Gerhard , Kang XunLei
Published: June 2024

Clinical treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) largely relies on intensive chemotherapy. However, the application of chemotherapy is often hindered by cardiotoxicity. Patient sequence data revealed that angiotensin II receptor type 1 (
AGTR1
) is a shared target between AML and cardiovascular disease (CVD). We found that inhibiting AGTR1 sensitized AML to chemotherapy and protected the heart against chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity in a human AML cell–transplanted mouse model. These effects were regulated by the AGTR1-Notch1 axis in AML cells and cardiomyocytes from mice. In mouse cardiomyocytes, AGTR1 was hyperactivated by AML and chemotherapy. AML leukemogenesis increased the expression of the angiotensin-converting enzyme and led to increased production of angiotensin II, the ligand of AGTR1, in an MLL-AF9–driven AML mouse model. In this model, the AGTR1-Notch1 axis regulated a variety of genes involved with cell stemness and chemotherapy resistance. AML cell stemness was reduced after
Agtr1a
deletion in the mouse AML cell transplant model. Mechanistically,
Agtr1a
deletion decreased γ-secretase formation, which is required for transmembrane Notch1 cleavage and release of the Notch1 intracellular domain into the nucleus. Using multiomics, we identified AGTR1-Notch1 signaling downstream genes and found decreased binding between these gene sequences with Notch1 and chromatin enhancers, as well as increased binding with silencers. These findings describe an AML/CVD association that may be used to improve AML treatment.
Modified surgical fusion: VATS and BABA approach for ectopic intrathoracic and cervical thyroidectomy
Authors: Thalasta Puneeth , Dhar Anita , Parshad Rajinder , Agarwal Shipra
Published: June 2024

Ectopic goitre, presenting as an isolated thoracic mass without connection to the main thyroid gland enlargement, is a rare occurrence. We describe a case where a patient reported persistent dry cough and back pain for 1 year, along with throat discomfort unresponsive to medication. A 2×1 cm swelling was noted over the right anterior aspect of the neck. Extensive evaluation, including chest X-rays and contrast-enhanced CT of the thorax, revealed a mediastinal mass suggestive of an ectopic thyroid.

This case presents a distinctive scenario involving the simultaneous presence of ectopic mediastinal and cervical thyroid lesions. Both were effectively managed using a minimally invasive approach, combining video-assisted thoracic surgery for the excision of the mediastinal mass and a bilateral axillo-breast approach for the cervical lesion in a single procedure. This approach yielded minimal morbidity, aesthetically pleasing outcomes and rapid recovery. Remarkably, such a case has not been previously documented in the available literature.
Selection for feed efficiency improves production traits and digestibility and its relationship to the fecal microbiota in both Large White dam and sire lines
Authors: Beens Laura , Rajendiran Ethendhar , Derakhshani Hooman , Mejicanos Gustavo , Yang Chengbo , Nyachoti Martin , Lei Huaigang , Verschuren Lisanne , Bergsma Rob , Rodas-Gonzalez Argenis
Published: June 2024

This study evaluated production traits, apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD), and fecal microbiota composition in finishing boars ( n = 207) selected for feed efficiency (FE; low = LFE; high = HFE) based on estimated breeding value for feed conversion ratio (FCR) within a Large White dam and sire genetic lines. Also, the association between gut microbiota with production and digestibility traits was investigated. Regardless of the genetic line, HFE pigs presented low FCR ( P < 0.05), had thinner back fat ( P < 0.05) and had greater loin depth ( P < 0.05) than LFE pigs. Also, HFE pigs had a significantly higher ATTD for Ca and a tendency for a higher crude protein ( P = 0.06) and phosphorous ( P = 0.10) ATTD than LFE pigs. No significant differences in alpha- and beta-diversity measurements for fecal microbiota were seen between FE groups in each genetic line. The genera Lactobacillus and Prevotella were associated ( P < 0.01) with some growth performance (e.g., feed intake), carcass traits (e.g., backfat thickness), and nutrient digestibility (e.g., Ca). In conclusion, HFE pigs had favourable production traits and higher digestibility of key nutrients than LFE pigs; however, the bacterial genera were associated with phenotypic traits but not by genetic merit.
Autonomous firefighting using a quadruped robot
Authors: Baird Christopher , Nokleby Scott
Published: June 2024

This paper presents the development of a proof-of-concept autonomous firefighting robot based on the Spot quadruped robot. Both the payload and software package for the autonomous detection, localization, and extinguishing of a small fire are discussed. A thermal camera is mounted to the front of Spot and a standard ABC fire extinguisher is mounted to the back. The thermal camera is used to autonomously detect fires and the fire extinguisher is used to put out a detected fire. The system was successfully tested at a local fire station in a controlled setting with actual fires. The results of this project have direct application in the area of autonomous first response in complex industrial environments and fire watch applications.
Ab initio description of monopole resonances in light- and medium-mass nuclei
Authors: Porro A. , Duguet T. , Ebran J. -P. , Frosini M. , Roth R. , Somà V.
Published: June 2024

Giant resonances (GRs) are a striking manifestation of collective motions in mesoscopic systems such as atomic nuclei. Until recently, theoretical investigations have essentially relied on the (quasiparticle) random phase approximation ((Q)RPA), and extensions of it, based on phenomenological energy density functionals (EDFs). As part of a current effort to describe GRs within an ab initio theoretical scheme, the present work promotes the use of the projected generator coordinate method (PGCM). This method, which can handle anharmonic effects while satisfying symmetries of the nuclear Hamiltonian, displays a favorable (i.e. mean-field-like) scaling with system’s size. Presently focusing on the isoscalar giant monopole resonance (GMR) of light- and medium-mass nuclei, PGCM’s potential to deliver wide-range ab initio studies of GRs in closed- and open-shell nuclei encompassing pairing, deformation, and shape coexistence effects is demonstrated. The comparison with consistent QRPA calculations highlights PGCM’s unique attributes and sheds light on the intricate interplay of nuclear collective excitations. The present paper is the first in a series of four and focuses on technical aspects and uncertainty quantification of ab initio PGCM calculations of GMR using the doubly open-shell$$^{46}$$46Ti as an illustrative example. The second paper displays results for a set of nuclei of physical interest and proceeds to the comparison with consistent (deformed) ab initio QRPA calculations. While the third paper analyzes useful moments of the monopolar strength function and different ways to access them within PGCM calculations, the fourth paper focuses on the effect of the symmetry restoration on the monopole strength function.