bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vanishing twins, spared cohorts, and the birthweight of periviable infants born to Black and white women in the United States
Authors: Catalano Ralph , Stolte Allison , Casey Joan , Gemmill Alison , Lee Hedwig , Bustos Brenda , Bruckner Tim
Published: September 2024

Pregnancies ending before 26 weeks contribute 1% of births but 40% of infant deaths in the United States. The rate of these “periviable” births to non-Hispanic (NH) Black women exceeds four times that for NH whites. Small male periviable infants remain most likely to die. NH white periviable males weigh more than their NH Black counterparts. We argue that male infants born from twin gestations, in which one fetus died in utero (i.e., the vanishing twin syndrome), contribute to the disparity. We cannot directly test our argument because “vanishing” typically occurs before clinical recognition of pregnancy. We, however, describe and find associations that would emerge in vital statistics were our argument correct. Among male periviable singleton births from 288 monthly conception cohorts (January 1995 through December 2018), we found an average NH white advantage of 30 grams (759 grams versus 729 grams). Consistent with our argument, however, cohorts signaling relatively few survivors of the vanishing twin syndrome showed no disparity.
Human interactive liquid crystal fiber arrays
Authors: Weima Samuël A. M. , Norouzikudiani Reza , Baek Jaeryang , Peixoto Jacques A. , Slot Thierry K. , Broer Dirk J. , DeSimone Antonio , Liu Danqing
Published: September 2024

This paper presents interactive liquid crystal fiber arrays that can actuate in a way perceptible by human touch. The fibers are actuated via a computer interface, enabling precise control over actuation direction, magnitude, and frequency. Unlike conventional methods, our technique initiates the actuation at the base of the fibers, which is enabled by fabricating the fibers directly onto an electrical circuit. Fiber actuation is achieved by localized addressing of an in situ formed radially aligned segment. This induces reduction in the scalar order parameter and leads to deformation of the fiber base, causing bending toward the activated region. Extensive modeling validates this actuation mechanism and identifies optimal conditions and actuation strategies for achieving the desired responses. The actuation process is rapid, is highly reversible, and maintains excellent performance over repeated (>200) cycles. These liquid crystal fiber arrays provide a safe contact with humans or other objects, making them highly suitable for applications in smart wearable devices and immersive interfaces.
Alignment and actuation of liquid crystals via 3D confinement and two-photon laser printing
Authors: Hsu Li-Yun , Melo Santiago Gomez , Vazquez-Martel Clara , Spiegel Christoph A. , Ziebert Falko , Schwarz Ulrich S. , Blasco Eva
Published: September 2024

Liquid crystalline (LC) materials are especially suited for the preparation of active three-dimensional (3D) and 4D microstructures using two-photon laser printing. To achieve the desired actuation, the alignment of the LCs has to be controlled during the printing process. In most cases studied before, the alignment relied on surface modifications and complex alignment patterns and concomitant actuation were not possible. Here, we introduce a strategy for spatially aligning LC domains in three-dimensional space by using 3D-printed polydimethylsiloxane-based microscaffolds as confinement barriers, which induce the desired director field. The director field resulting from the boundary conditions is calculated with Landau de Gennes theory and validated by comparing experimentally measured and theoretically predicted birefringence patterns. We demonstrate our procedures for structures of varying complexity and then employed them to fabricate 4D microstructures that show the desired actuation. Overall, we obtain excellent agreement between theory and experiment. This opens the door for rational design of functional materials for 4D (micro)printing in the future.
A unique metabolic gene cluster regulates lactose and galactose metabolism in the yeast
Candida intermedia
Authors: Peri Kameshwara V. R. , Yuan Le , Faria Oliveira Fábio , Persson Karl , Alalam Hanna D. , Olsson Lisbeth , Larsbrink Johan , Kerkhoven Eduard J. , Geijer Cecilia
Published: September 2024

Lactose assimilation is a relatively rare trait in yeasts, and
Kluyveromyces
yeast species have long served as model organisms for studying lactose metabolism. Meanwhile, the metabolic strategies of most other lactose-assimilating yeasts remain unknown. In this work, we have elucidated the genetic determinants of the superior lactose-growing yeast
Candida intermedia
. Through genomic and transcriptomic analyses, we identified three interdependent gene clusters responsible for the metabolism of lactose and its hydrolysis product galactose: the conserved
LAC
cluster (
LAC12
,
LAC4
) for lactose uptake and hydrolysis, the conserved
GAL
cluster (
GAL1
,
GAL7
, and
GAL10
) for galactose catabolism through the Leloir pathway, and a “
GALLAC
” cluster containing the transcriptional activator gene
LAC9
, second copies of
GAL1
and
GAL10
, and a
XYL1
gene encoding an aldose reductase involved in carbon overflow metabolism. Bioinformatic analysis suggests that the
GALLAC
cluster is unique to
C. intermedia
and has evolved through gene duplication and divergence, and deletion mutant phenotyping proved that the cluster is indispensable for
C. intermedia’s
growth on lactose and galactose. We also show that the regulatory network in
C. intermedia
, governed by Lac9 and Gal1 from the
GALLAC
cluster, differs significantly from the galactose and lactose regulons in
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
,
Kluyveromyces lactis
, and
Candida albicans
. Moreover, although lactose and galactose metabolism are closely linked in
C. intermedia
, our results also point to important regulatory differences.

IMPORTANCE

This study paves the way to a better understanding of lactose and galactose metabolism in the non-conventional yeast
C. intermedia
. Notably, the unique
GALLAC
cluster represents a new, interesting example of metabolic network rewiring and likely helps to explain how
C. intermedia
has evolved into an efficient lactose-assimilating yeast. With the Leloir pathway of budding yeasts acting like a model system for understanding the function, evolution, and regulation of eukaryotic metabolism, this work provides new evolutionary insights into yeast metabolic pathways and regulatory networks. In extension, the results will facilitate future development and use of
C. intermedia
as a cell-factory for conversion of lactose-rich whey into value-added products.
Epidemiology of gastrointestinal cancers: a systematic analysis from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021
Authors: Danpanichkul Pojsakorn , Suparan Kanokphong , Tothanarungroj Primrose , Dejvajara Disatorn , Rakwong Krittameth , Pang Yanfang , Barba Romelia , Thongpiya Jerapas , Fallon Michael B , Harnois Denise , Lui Rashid N , Wallace Michael B , Yang Ju Dong , Roberts Lewis R , Wijarnpreecha Karn
Published: September 2024

Background

Gastrointestinal cancers comprise nearly one-third of global mortality from cancer, yet the comprehensive global burden of these cancers remains uninvestigated.

Objective

We aimed to assess the global, regional and national burden of gastrointestinal cancers.

Designs

Data on oesophagus, gastric, colorectal, liver, pancreas and biliary tract cancers were extracted from the Global Burden of Disease 2021 database. Age-standardised incidence rate (ASIR) and age-standardised death rate (ASDR) were calculated by sex, region and Sociodemographic Index (SDI).

Results

In 2021, there were 5.26 million incidences and 3.70 million deaths from gastrointestinal cancer. The greatest burden is from colorectal, followed by gastric, oesophageal, pancreatic, liver and biliary tract cancer. We noted geographical and socioeconomic differences in ASIR and ASDR across all types of cancers. From 2000 to 2021, ASIR increased for colorectal cancer (annual percent change (APC): 0.10%, 95% CI 0.05% to 0.14%), pancreatic cancer (APC: 0.27%, 95% CI 0.14% to 0.41%), and liver cancer from metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (APC: 0.62%, 95% CI 0.58% to 0.67%) and alcohol-related liver disease (APC: 0.26%, 95% CI 0.22% to 0.30%). ASDR increased for pancreatic cancer (APC: 0.18%, 95% CI 0.02% to 0.34%). Higher SDI countries had higher incidence rates for most types of gastrointestinal cancer.

Conclusions

Although the ASIR of oesophageal, gastric and biliary tract cancer has decreased, the ASIR still increased in colorectal, pancreatic and liver cancer from steatotic liver disease. Public policies are important for controlling gastrointestinal cancers—most importantly, reducing alcohol consumption, hepatitis B immunisation and tackling the burden of metabolic diseases.
Study on seismic performance of the CFST-framed aeolian sand concrete composite shear wall
Authors: Chen Kangjie , Wang Chi , Wang Yaohong , Li Zhiqiang , Dong Wei , Lu Xiaokai
Published: September 2024

This study examined the seismic performance of composite shear walls framed with concrete-filled steel tubes (CFST) utilizing aeolian sand concrete. Six specimens were designed and tested under low cyclic load with a constant axial compression ratio. The research aimed to analyze how the CFST frame affects the seismic behavior of shear walls made from aeolian sand concrete and understand the underlying influence mechanism. The results showed significant differences in failure modes between CFST-framed and conventional aeolian sand concrete shear walls, with the former exhibiting a lower degree of failure and instances of plastic hinge failure. The hysteretic curve of CFST-framed walls displayed noticeable pinching, indicating enhanced seismic energy dissipation capacity and ductility. The damage analysis model based on the energy damage principle was found to be suitable for conducting seismic damage analysis of these walls. A shear capacity model was also established to accurately depict the variation in bearing capacity under low cyclic loading, providing valuable insights for engineering applications.
Neural Memory State Space Models for Medical Image Segmentation
Authors: Wang Zhihua , Gu Jingjun , Zhou Wang , He Quansong , Zhao Tianli , Guo Jialong , Lu Li , He Tao , Bu Jiajun
Published: September 2024

With the rapid advancement of deep learning, computer-aided diagnosis and treatment have become crucial in medicine. UNet is a widely used architecture for medical image segmentation, and various methods for improving UNet have been extensively explored. One popular approach is incorporating transformers, though their quadratic computational complexity poses challenges. Recently, State-Space Models (SSMs), exemplified by Mamba, have gained significant attention as a promising alternative due to their linear computational complexity. Another approach, neural memory Ordinary Differential Equations (nmODEs), exhibits similar principles and achieves good results. In this paper, we explore the respective strengths and weaknesses of nmODEs and SSMs and propose a novel architecture, the nmSSM decoder, which combines the advantages of both approaches. This architecture possesses powerful nonlinear representation capabilities while retaining the ability to preserve input and process global information. We construct nmSSM-UNet using the nmSSM decoder and conduct comprehensive experiments on the PH2, ISIC2018, and BU-COCO datasets to validate its effectiveness in medical image segmentation. The results demonstrate the promising application value of nmSSM-UNet. Additionally, we conducted ablation experiments to verify the effectiveness of our proposed improvements on SSMs and nmODEs.
HOW DOES THE DIGITAL ECONOMY AFFECT ENERGY EFFICIENCY?
Authors: LIU HONGWEI , DONG YINGYING , PAN YINGHAO
Published: September 2024

As a new way of promoting high-quality economic development, whether the digital economy can enhance energy use efficiency by improving resource allocation is of great practical significance to global energy conservation and emission reduction efforts. This research employs principal component analysis and slacks-based measure data envelopment analysis in a case study of 30 provinces in China between 2014 and 2020 to evaluate the digital economy and energy efficiency. The analysis explores how the digital economy impacts energy efficiency, considering direct impacts, mediating effects, and their nonlinear relationship. The findings indicate a declining trend in China’s energy efficiency before it starts to moderate. The digital economy can boost energy efficiency by encouraging industry upgrades and reducing labor mismatches. The threshold regression model reveals that when the capital mismatch level exceeds 0.8871, the digital economy adds considerably to energy efficiency. The study’s findings confirm the linear and nonlinear energy efficiency impact trajectories of the digital economy, offering useful references for sustainable development policymaking.
Topological defects on mass spectra of quarkonium system with a Class of Yukawa potential (CYP)
Authors: Das Tapashi , Ahmed Faizuddin , Bouzenada Abdelmalek
Published: September 2024

In this paper, our focus lies in investigating nonrelativistic quantum systems under external potentials by solving the Schrödinger wave equation within a topological defect background. We opt for a class of Yukawa potential (CYP) and substitute the screening parameter with the Debye mass, which varies with temperature. Employing a Taylor series expansion to simplify the exponential term, we solve the radial wave equation, yielding an analytical solution for the quantum system in question, referred to as the Quarkonium system. Our analysis reveals that the presence of a topological defect modifies the energy profile of the Quarkonium system, consequently disrupting the degeneracy of the energy spectra.
An adaptive hybridizable discontinuous Galerkin method for Darcy–Forchheimer flow in fractured porous media
Authors: Leng Haitao , Chen Huangxin
Published: September 2024

In this paper, we consider an adaptive hybridizable discontinuous Galerkin (HDG) method based on the discrete fracture model for approximation of a single-phase flow in fractured porous media. We are interested in the case that the flow rate in fracture is large enough to justify the use of Forchheimer’s law for modeling flow within the fracture, while Darcy’s law is applied to the surrounding matrix. The HDG method could be designed to simulate the flow in porous media with reduced fractures which consist of many straight lines or planes. More specifically, we use piecewise polynomials of degree [Formula: see text] to approximate the velocity and pressure in fracture and surrounding porous media. The existence and uniqueness of discrete solutions are proved by the Brouwer fixed point theorem, and an efficient and reliable a posteriori error estimator is obtained with respect to an energy norm. Moreover, the HDG scheme, the existence and uniqueness of discrete solutions, and the a posteriori error estimates are also extended to the problem with non-planar, embedded, and intersecting fractures. Finally, several numerical examples are provided to validate the performance of the obtained a posteriori error estimator.
Analytical Free Vibration Solutions of Rectangular Thin Plates Subjected to Three Edges Rotationally-Restrained and One Edge Free
Authors: Zhang Jinghui , Gao Pin , Diao Xingjian , Ullah Salamat , Li JiaPeng , Zhang Yuwei , Qi Wenyue
Published: September 2024

Due to the challenges in mathematical solving, accurate analytical solutions for rectangular thin plates are mainly limited to these plates subject to simple Lévy-type boundary conditions (BCs). Conversely, plates with more complicated BCs are more frequently encountered in practical engineering applications. This study employs the finite integral transform method to analyze the free vibration behavior of isotropic rectangular thin plates with three edges rotationally-restrained and one edge free, which is difficult for other methods. Primarily, the method adopted eliminates the necessity for predetermining trial function for plate deflection, offering simplicity and generality for plate mechanical problems. Furthermore, the approach establishes one way to allow one solving linear algebraic equations instead of handling complex boundary value problems of higher-order vibration partial differential equation (PDE), resulting precise and rapidly converging analytical solutions. Finally, new accurate free vibration studies for plates with four non-Lévy-type BCs and three non-classical BCs are presented via altering the introduced rotating fixed coefficients. The results obtained are contrasted with the numerical simulations from ABAQUS software and existing literature works, confirming the accuracy of this method and providing benchmark results for further exploration of free vibration problems of rectangular plates.
Non-injectivity of the lattice map for non-mixed Anderson t-motives, and a result towards its surjectivity
Authors: Grishkov A. , Logachev D.
Published: September 2024

Let [Formula: see text] be an uniformizable Anderson t-motive and [Formula: see text] its lattice. First, we prove by an explicit construction that for the non-mixed [Formula: see text], the lattice map [Formula: see text] is not injective. Second, we show that [Formula: see text] lattices [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] for pure [Formula: see text], but [Formula: see text] a non-pure [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text]. This is a result towards surjectivity of the lattice map. The t-motives used in the proofs are non-pure t-motives of dimension 2, rank 3. Finally, we start calculations in order to answer a question whether all non-pure t-motives of dimension 2, rank 3 are uniformizable, or not.
Quantum Bernoulli noises approach to quantum master equations and applications to Ehrenfest-type theorems
Authors: Chen Jinshu , Hao Jie , Guo Mei
Published: September 2024

This paper investigates the regularity properties of quantum master equations with unbounded coefficients within the space of square-integrable complex-valued Bernoulli functionals. Initially, we demonstrate the existence of a unique regular solution to the linear stochastic Schrödinger equation driven by cylindrical Brownian motions. Subsequently, we establish the existence of regular solutions for the autonomous linear quantum master equation and provide a probabilistic representation of this solution in terms of the stochastic Schrödinger equation. Finally, by taking the expectation of some observables with respect to the solution of the quantum master equation, we derive a system of differential equations that describe the evolution of the mean values of certain quantum observables.
Analytical solutions of planar geometry with zero complexity in extended gravity
Authors: Bhatti M. Z. , Almutairi Bander , Yousaf Z. , Ijaz S. , Khan A. S.
Published: September 2024

In this paper, we discuss various analytical solutions of the planner geometry with anisotropic fluid as well as vanishing complexity factor condition in the framework of [Formula: see text] theory. The matching conditions are employed at the interior and exterior hypersurfaces. The connection between the matter parameters and the Weyl tensor has been constructed. For dissipative and non-dissipative structures, we examine four different conformal Killing vector possibilities, while some possibilities adhere to the [Formula: see text] condition along with the matching conditions, where [Formula: see text] indicates the trace free part of the electric component of the Riemann tensor. Several theoretical models are provided to show how a non-static system evolves.
Influence of wet–dry cycles on the disintegration characteristics of Cretaceous siltstone, China
Authors: Zhu Sheng , Wu Li , Zuo Qingjun , Jia Lin , Liu Guangjin , Pan Donghao
Published: September 2024

Cretaceous siltstone, which is widely distributed in the Yichang region, is a type of soft rock characterized by its low strength and its susceptibility to softening and disintegration when exposed to water. To gain a better understanding of the impact of wet–dry cycles on the disintegration characteristics and mechanisms of Cretaceous siltstone, a series of rock disintegration experiments were conducted. These experiments involved microscopic structure analysis and solution ion concentration tests on the specimens. The results of the experiments revealed that with an increase in the number of wet–dry cycles, the Cretaceous siltstone progressively fractured and disintegrated, with larger fragments transitioning into smaller ones. Microscopic structure analysis indicated that continuous wet–dry cycles altered the specimen's microscopic structure, resulting in the formation of new microcracks and pores. The results of solution ion concentration tests showed significant mineral dissolution losses during specimen immersion in the solution. Furthermore, a comparative analysis of various disintegration parameters highlighted that each metric emphasized specific aspects of Cretaceous siltstone disintegration characteristics. Therefore, adopting a multi-metric approach allows a comparison of the validation and assessment of the disintegration features of Cretaceous siltstone from many aspects. Finally, based on the experimental findings, a concise description and summary of the disintegration mechanisms of Cretaceous siltstone under wet–dry cycle conditions are provided; then, combined with its disintegration mechanisms, engineering prevention and control suggestions for timely drainage and a reduction in thermal contact are put forward from the perspectives of waterproofing and heat insulation, which can be used for reference.
Matching Tabular Data to Knowledge Graph with Effective Core Column Set Discovery.
Authors: Qiu Jingyi , Song Aibo , Jin Jiahui , Chen Jiaoyan , Zhang Xinyu , Fang Xiaolin , Zhang Tianbo
Published: September 2024

Matching tabular data to a knowledge graph (KG) is critical for understanding the semantic column types, column relationships, and entities of a table. Existing matching approaches rely heavily on core columns that represent primary subject entities on which other columns in the table depend. However, discovering these core columns before understanding the table’s semantics is challenging. Most prior works use heuristic rules, such as the leftmost column, to discover a single core column, while an insightful discovery of the core column set that accurately captures the dependencies between columns is often overlooked. To address these challenges, we introduce Dependency-aware Core Column Set Discovery (
DaCo
), an iterative method that uses a novel rough matching strategy to identify both inter-column dependencies and the core column set. Additionally,
DaCo
can be seamlessly integrated with pre-trained language models, as proposed in the optimization module. Unlike other methods,
DaCo
does not require labeled data or contextual information, making it suitable for real-world scenarios. In addition, it can identify multiple core columns within a table, which is common in real-world tables. We conduct experiments on six datasets, including five datasets with single core columns and one dataset with multiple core columns. Our experimental results show that
DaCo
  outperforms existing core column set detection methods, further improving the effectiveness of table understanding tasks.
Strenuous training combined with erythropoietin induces red cell volume expansion-mediated hypervolemia and alters systemic and skeletal muscle iron homeostasis
Authors: Ryan Benjamin J. , Barney David E. , McNiff Julie L. , Drummer Devin J. , Howard Emily E. , Gwin Jess A. , Carrigan Christopher T. , Murphy Nancy E. , Wilson Marques A. , Pasiakos Stefan M. , McClung James P. , Margolis Lee M.
Published: September 2024

Strenuous exercise training combined with erythropoietin (EPO) treatment increases blood volume, driven exclusively by red cell volume expansion. This hematological adaptation results in increased total oxygen-carrying capacity and hypervolemia. The marked upregulation of erythropoiesis with training + EPO reduces whole body iron stores and circulating hepcidin concentrations. The finding that the abundance of ferritin in muscle decreased after training + EPO suggests that muscle may release iron to support red blood cell production.
Analysis of Indicators for Assessing the Risk of Progression from PACS to APAC and the Degree of Intraocular Pressure Elevation in APAC Using AS‐OCT
Authors: Zhao Rumin , Du Qiaofang , Wu Yunlong , Geng Wenhui , Zhang Zijian , Zhao Bojun
Published: September 2024

Objective. The aim of this study is to quantify anterior chamber parameters to provide potential risk indicators for evaluating the progression of primary angle‐closure suspect (PACS) eyes to acute primary angle closure (APAC) and the degree of intraocular pressure elevation in patients with APAC utilizing anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS‐OCT). Methods. Tomey CASIA2 AS‐OCT was used to quantitatively measure various anterior chamber parameters, including anterior chamber depth (ACD), anterior chamber volume (ACV), lens thickness (LT), lens vault (LV), iris‐trabecular contact index (ITC), iris thickness (IT), iris volume (IV), iris curvature (IC), iris area (IA), and iris thickness (IT), in APAC eyes (30 eyes) and contralateral PACS eyes (30 eyes) of 30 patients. The differences in these parameters between the two groups and their relationship with intraocular pressure were analyzed. Results. Compared to the PACS group, the APAC group exhibited significantly smaller IA and IC, and significantly larger pupil diameter (PD) and ITC (P < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in ACV, ACD, ACW, ACA, LV, IV, and IT750/2000 between the two groups. In APAC eyes, multivariable linear regression analysis showed a significant negative correlation between intraocular pressure and IV (β = −1.85; 95% confidence interval: −2.77 to −0.93; P = 0.001), while no correlation was found in PACS eyes. In all 60 eyes, LT showed a negative correlation with ACV, ACD, ACA, and nasal IT750, and a positive correlation with LV and nasal IC. Conclusion. AS‐OCT has multiple advantages in evaluating various anterior chamber parameters in patients with glaucoma. IA may serve as a predictive indicator of the progression of eyes from PAC or APAC. A significant negative correlation was found between intraocular pressure and IV during APAC attacks. LT can be considered a predictive factor for the occurrence of primary angle‐closure disease.
“There is No Alternative.” Treatment Decision‐Making in Lung Cancer Patients with Limited Prognosis: Results of a Qualitative Interview Study
Authors: Unsöld Laura , Deis Nicole , Siegle Anja , Thomas Michael , Villalobos Matthias
Published: September 2024

Objective. Decision‐making in advanced cancer with a limited prognosis is particularly challenging: constantly evolving therapeutic algorithms with new treatment options that show marginal benefits have to be balanced with end‐of‐life decision‐making. But existing decision support tools for advanced cancer patients are rare, not routinely used in clinical practice and do not sufficiently meet patients’ needs. Therefore, our project explores the experienced decision‐making process in advanced lung cancer to derive recommendations for the use of shared decision‐making in this context. Methods. 20 semistructured interviews with lung cancer patients, their relatives, and healthcare professionals were conducted. All data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed with a thematic content analysis. Results. The decision‐making process of advanced cancer patients is mainly characterized by a lack of perceived options. Physicians do not adequately present palliative care as an alternative or additional support for these patients. Being confronted with limited options that only include active cancer treatment patients tend to choose a more paternalistic decision model leaving the treatment decision to their physicians and accepting aggressive treatments uncritically. Conclusion. A paternalistic decision‐making model in advanced cancer may neglect individual wishes, values, and preferences of patients and promote a feeling of powerlessness. Empowerment of these patients is needed with context‐specific SDM tools and trainings of professionals to avoid overtreatment and facilitate the timely integration of palliative care. This trial is registered in DRKS00023674.
Hepatocellular Carcinoma Etiology Drives Survival Outcomes: A Population-Based Analysis
Authors: Cranford Hannah M. , Jones Patricia D. , Wong Robert J. , Liu Qinran , Kobetz Erin N. , Reis Isildinha M. , Koru-Sengul Tulay , Pinheiro Paulo S.
Published: September 2024

Background:

Previous survival studies on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by etiology are limited to hospital-based series, restricted cohorts, and monolithic etiologic categories. We studied population-based survival by seven mutually exclusive HCC etiologic groups—standalone hepatitis-C virus (HCV), hepatitis-B virus (HBV), alcohol-related liver disease (ALD), nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and dual etiology HCV–HBV, HCV–ALD, and HBV–ALD—accounting for clinical and sociodemographic characteristics.

Methods:

All HCC cases diagnosed during 2005 to 2018 from the Florida Cancer Registry were linked for etiology using statewide discharge and viral hepatitis data. We performed a cause-specific survival analysis including Cox regression for the matched 15,616 cases by HCC etiology.

Results:

The leading etiology was HCV only (n = 4,983; 31.9%); the leading dual etiology was HCV–ALD (n = 2,552; 16.3%). The five-year adjusted survival was low—17.6% overall and <22% across all HCC etiologies. ALD-related etiologies [ALD only (14.4%; 95% confidence interval (CI), 12.7–16.0), HCV–ALD (10.2%; 95% CI, 8.7–11.7), and HBV–ALD (8.2%; 95% CI, 2.2–14.1)] showed lower survival than non-ALD causes—HCV only, HBV only, and NAFLD only. After adjustment for clinical and sociodemographic covariates, ALD and HBV–ALD HCC had 1.20 (95% CI, 1.13–1.27) and 1.28 (95% CI, 1.06–1.54) times higher risk of death compared with those with HCV-only HCC.

Conclusions:

ALD only and dual etiologies involving ALD show worse prognosis for HCC compared with viral etiology alone. To increase survival, improved screening and treatment are needed for patients with multiple HCC risk factors.

Impact:

Understanding US disparities in HCC survival by etiology can help guide the identification of etiologically specific biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets and inform public health measures.
Data from First-in-Human Study of PF-06647020 (Cofetuzumab Pelidotin), an Antibody–Drug Conjugate Targeting Protein Tyrosine Kinase 7, in Advanced Solid Tumors
Authors: Maitland Michael L. , Sachdev Jasgit C. , Sharma Manish R. , Moreno Victor , Boni Valentina , Kummar Shivaani , Stringer-Reasor Erica , Lakhani Nehal , Moreau Allison R. , Xuan Dawei , Li Ray , Powell Eric L. , Jackson-Fisher Amy , Bowers Michelle , Alekar Shilpa , Xin Xiaohua , Tolcher Anthony W. , Calvo Emiliano
Published: September 2024

AbstractPurpose:
We investigated safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and antitumor activity of the protein tyrosine kinase 7 (PTK7)-targeted, auristatin-based antibody–drug conjugate (ADC) PF-06647020/cofetuzumab pelidotin (NCT02222922).
Patients and Methods:
Patients received PF-06647020 intravenously every 3 weeks at 0.2–3.7 mg/kg or every 2 weeks at 2.1–3.2 mg/kg, in sequential dose escalation, following a modified toxicity probability interval method. In dose expansion, pretreated patients with advanced, platinum-resistant ovarian cancer, non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), or triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) received PF-06647020 2.8 mg/kg every 3 weeks.
Results:
The most common, treatment-related adverse events for PF-06647020 administered every 3 weeks were nausea, alopecia, fatigue, headache, neutropenia, and vomiting (45%–25%); 25% of patients had grade ≥ 3 neutropenia. Two patients experienced dose-limiting toxicities (grade 3 headache and fatigue) at the highest every 3 weeks dose evaluated. The recommended phase II dose was 2.8 mg/kg every 3 weeks. The overall safety profile observed with PF-06647020 administered every 2 weeks was similar to that of the every 3 weeks regimen. Systemic exposure for the ADC and total antibody generally increased in a dose-proportional manner. Antitumor activity was observed in treated patients with overall objective response rates of 27% in ovarian cancer (n = 63), 19% in NSCLC (n = 31), and 21% in TNBC (n = 29). Responders tended to have moderate or high PTK7 tumor expression by IHC.
Conclusions:
This PTK7-targeted ADC demonstrated therapeutic activity in previously treated patients with ovarian cancer, NSCLC, and TNBC at a dose range of 2.1–3.2 mg/kg, supporting further clinical evaluation to refine dose, schedule, and predictive tissue biomarker testing in patients with advanced malignancies.
Table 1 from Phase I Study of Simlukafusp Alfa (FAP-IL2v) with or without Atezolizumab in Japanese Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors
Authors: Koyama Takafumi , Yonemori Kan , Shimizu Toshio , Sato Jun , Kondo Shunsuke , Sudo Kazuki , Yoshida Tatsuya , Katsuya Yuki , Imaizumi Tatsuki , Enomoto Masashi , Seki Ryoko , Yamamoto Noboru
Published: September 2024

Baseline characteristics
Supplementary Table 2 from Phase I Study of Simlukafusp Alfa (FAP-IL2v) with or without Atezolizumab in Japanese Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors
Authors: Koyama Takafumi , Yonemori Kan , Shimizu Toshio , Sato Jun , Kondo Shunsuke , Sudo Kazuki , Yoshida Tatsuya , Katsuya Yuki , Imaizumi Tatsuki , Enomoto Masashi , Seki Ryoko , Yamamoto Noboru
Published: September 2024

Table S2 shows the prior treatment regimens in the individual study participants.
Figure 3 from Phase I Study of Simlukafusp Alfa (FAP-IL2v) with or without Atezolizumab in Japanese Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors
Authors: Koyama Takafumi , Yonemori Kan , Shimizu Toshio , Sato Jun , Kondo Shunsuke , Sudo Kazuki , Yoshida Tatsuya , Katsuya Yuki , Imaizumi Tatsuki , Enomoto Masashi , Seki Ryoko , Yamamoto Noboru
Published: September 2024

Summary of efficacy with simlukafusp alfa. Best overall response in each patient is presented in parentheses at the end of the bar. NE, not evaluable; PD, progressive disease; RPC, renal pelvis cancer; SD, stable disease.
Efficacy and Durability of Faricimab in Naïve Eyes with Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Toto Lisa , Formenti Federico , Ruggeri Maria Ludovica , Quarta Alberto , Romano Anna , De Nicola Chiara , Belloni Baroni Luca , Porreca Annamaria , Di Nicola Marta , Mastropasqua Rodolfo
Published: September 2024

Introduction: The aim of the study was to evaluate functional and anatomical changes in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) treated with a loading dose of faricimab intravitreal injections (IVIs). Methods: Eighteen eyes of 18 patients with active macular neovascularization and nAMD were enrolled at the Ophthalmology Clinic of University G. D’Annunzio, Chieti-Pescara, Italy. All patients were scheduled for faricimab IVI as per label. Enrolled patients underwent complete ophthalmic evaluation, including optical coherence tomography, fluorescein angiography, and indocyanine green angiography. All measurements were evaluated at baseline (T0) and then monthly up to week 20 (T4). Main outcome measures were changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT), pigment epithelial detachments (PEDs) presence and maximum height (PED-MH), intraretinal fluid (IRF) presence, subfoveal subretinal fluid (SSRF) presence and thickness. Results: BCVA improved and CMT reduced significantly during follow-up (p < 0.001). In addition, SFCT decreased significantly (p = 0.031). Between T0 and T4, SSRF presence reduced from 55.6 to 16.7% (p = 0.045); IRF presence changed from 50 to 22.2%, respectively (p = 0.074). PED-MH was reduced in 58.8% of patients at T4. At week 20, 72.3% of patients were in the q12/q16 interval. Conclusion: Faricimab showed efficacy in the treatment of naïve nAMD patients with an improvement of anatomical and functional parameters and a treatment interval after the loading phase equal or greater than 12 weeks in the majority of patients.
Charting the brain networks of impulsivity: Meta-analytic synthesis, functional connectivity modelling, and neurotransmitter associations
Authors: Gell Martin , Langner Robert , Küppers Vincent , Cieslik Edna C. , Satterthwaite Theodore D. , Eickhoff Simon B. , Müller Veronika I.
Published: September 2024

Impulsivity is a multi-dimensional construct that plays a crucial role in human behaviour and is believed to be a transdiagnostic marker of several psychiatric disorders. However, given its multi-faceted nature, investigations of its neural correlates are challenging and systematic comparisons across dimensions are lacking. In this study, we used a comprehensive multi-modal approach to investigate the functional network organisation of two dimensions in which impulsivity manifests: decision-making and response inhibition. Activation likelihood estimation (ALE) meta-analyses of task-based fMRI studies within each dimension identified two distinct and non-overlapping functional systems. One located in the default-mode network, associated with value-based judgements and goal-directed decision-making, and the other distributed across higher-order networks associated with cognitive control. Resting-state functional connectivity revealed the two systems were organised into four specialised communities of default-mode, cingulo-insular, fronto-parietal, and temporal regions. Finally, given the widespread use of neurotransmitter-acting medication to treat conditions with impulsive symptoms, we investigated the association between this organisation and neurochemistry and found that integration across communities was associated with PET-derived serotonin receptor density. Our findings reinforce insights from previous behavioural research and provide substantial evidence for the multi-dimensional nature of impulsivity on the neural level. This highlights the necessity for a comprehensive dimensional ontology on all levels of investigation to address impulsivity in a transdiagnostic manner.
Online functional connectivity analysis of large all-to-all networks in MNE Scan
Authors: Esch Lorenz , Dong Jinlong , Hämäläinen Matti , Baumgarten Daniel , Haueisen Jens , Vorwerk Johannes
Published: September 2024

The analysis of electroencephalography (EEG)/magnetoencephalography (MEG) functional connectivity has become an important tool in neuroscience. Especially the high time resolution of EEG/MEG enables important insight into the functioning of the human brain. To date, functional connectivity is commonly estimated offline, that is, after the conclusion of the experiment. However, online computation of functional connectivity has the potential to enable unique experimental paradigms. For example, changes of functional connectivity due to learning processes could be tracked in real time and the experiment be adjusted based on these observations. Furthermore, the connectivity estimates can be used for neurofeedback applications or the instantaneous inspection of measurement results. In this study, we present the implementation and evaluation of online sensor and source space functional connectivity estimation in the open-source software MNE Scan. Online capable implementations of several functional connectivity metrics were established in the Connectivity library within MNE-CPP and made available as a plugin in MNE Scan. Online capability was achieved by enforcing multithreading and high efficiency for all computations, so that repeated computations were avoided wherever possible, which allows for a major speed-up in the case of overlapping intervals. We present comprehensive performance evaluations of these implementations proving the online capability for the computation of large all-to-all functional connectivity networks. As a proof of principle, we demonstrate the feasibility of online functional connectivity estimation in the evaluation of somatosensory evoked brain activity
“By Turff and Twigg”: Seeing, Reading, and Hearing in the Performance of Legal Ritual in Seventeenth Century Maine
Authors: Bottino Daniel
Published: September 2024

This essay analyzes orality and literacy in seventeenth-century Maine. As most of Maine's English colonists were not fully literate, legal instruments such as land deeds existed simultaneously as oral, material, and textual representations of the authority of the law, integrally supported by the use of ritual.
Social Media and Emergence of Neo-Traditional Protests: Exploring Communicative Ecology of Oromo Protests in Ethiopia
Authors: Gutu Urgessa Deressa , Mulugeta Mercy Fekadu
Published: September 2024

Entanglements of rituals and networks of the past with the present have not been sufficiently appreciated by studies of contemporary protest movements; instead, most emphasis the contrast between protest movements mobilized online and traditional offline platforms. This article adopts the holistic lens of communicative ecology to analyze the entanglements between the novel (online) and traditional (offline) communication repertoires and actors during the Oromo Protests in Ethiopia (2014–2018). We collected data from key Oromo Protests actors in five cities in Oromia, focusing on their engagement with social media and how that impacted the movement. This study reveals that traditional platforms and actors in the Oromo Protests were critically aided by online platforms; giving rise to a new dynamic of protests that can be characterized as ‘neo-traditional’ protests; protests in which majority of the activities and platforms are offline but complemented by online channels or platforms and activists.
Navigating the Future of Education: Harnessing Data Mining to Illuminate Pathways to Success
Authors: Kada Becharef , Amel Belhamiti , Abderrezzaq Bouziani , El Batoul Ammour
Published: September 2024

This study aims to enhance educational assessment tools in Algerian middle schools by utilizing Educational Data Mining (EDM) techniques to predict student performance in the Middle School Certificate Examination. Recognizing a gap in the Algerian education system’s use of abundant student data for improving learning outcomes and decision-making, this research applies advanced data analytics to overcome the limitations of traditional evaluation methods. Using a dataset of 541,760 student records from the Ministry of National Education, the study employs regression models including CatBoost, Ridge, and linear regression, to analyze and forecast student examination performance. Findings indicate that EDM can effectively predict student outcomes, offering educators and policymakers a valuable resource for crafting targeted educational interventions and enhancing student success rates. This research underscores the significance of bridging the gap between available data and data-driven decision-making, advocating for the integration of EDM to modernize and improve educational efficacy in Algeria.
Articulations of StrongMen: A Knowledge Cultural Sociology of Recognizing Autocratic Practices in Russian, Turkish, and Global Regimes
Authors: Bavbek N. Yasemin , Kennedy Michael D.
Published: September 2024

Autocracies and their practices have figured prominently in modernity’s making and associated sociologies, but in the 21st century the discourse of StrongMen has surged, coming to dominate our “attention economy.” We consider its various expressions alongside its articulations referencing multiple spaces and consider it a “floating signifier” that appears to explain but in fact distracts from deeper causalities and possible effects of autocratic governance. In this knowledge cultural sociology, we explore how the concept of StrongMen works within nations, with antipodes, and in networks across global and historical conjunctures. We focus in the end on Erdoğan’s 2023 re-election and Putin’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, identifying not only the practices that make them StrongMen, but also how the very concept becomes part of the toolkit implicated in recognizing their autocratic practices.
Body Composition in Primary Hyperparathyroidism: A Potential Contributor to Weakness and Fatigue
Authors: Bunch Paul M. , Johansson Erik D. , Rigdon Joseph , Tan Josh , Lenchik Leon , Randle Reese W.
Published: September 2024

Background

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) patients commonly report weakness and fatigue, though the underlying mechanisms are uncertain. Our purpose is to determine whether CT-derived muscle and adipose tissue metrics are associated with weakness and fatigue in PHPT patients.

Methods

For this retrospective study, cross-sectional muscle and adipose tissue metrics were derived from CTs in PHPT patients undergoing preoperative imaging within 1 year of parathyroid surgery. Skeletal muscle index (SMI) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT)/subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) ratio were calculated based on a single CT image at the level of the L3 vertebra. Established sex-specific SMI thresholds were used to define sarcopenia. Demographic and clinical data were collected from the electronic health record. When available, postoperative CT images were analyzed to assess for changes in body composition pre- and post-parathyroidectomy.

Results

The cohort comprised 53 PHPT patients (38 females, 15 males, mean age 61.4 years), of whom 24 (45%) reported weakness, 43 (81%) reported fatigue, and 31 (58%) met CT-based criteria for sarcopenia. Lower SMI was significantly associated with preoperative weakness in females but not males. For both weakness and fatigue, VAT/SAT ratios were higher in symptomatic females and lower in symptomatic males than their asymptomatic counterparts, though these differences were not statistically significant. In patients with postoperative CTs (n = 23), no significant changes in CT metrics were observed after parathyroidectomy.

Discussion

In females but not males with PHPT, subjective preoperative weakness was significantly associated with lower SMI. Effects of parathyroid hormone on skeletal muscle and visceral adiposity may differ by sex.