bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TOI-4860 b, a short-period giant planet transiting an M3.5 dwarf
Authors: Almenara J. M. , Bonfils X. , Bryant E. M. , Jordán A. , Hébrard G. , Martioli E. , Correia A. C. M. , Astudillo-Defru N. , Cadieux C. , Arnold L. , Artigau É. , Bakos G. Á. , Barros S.C.C. , Bayliss D. , Bouchy F. , Boué G. , Brahm R. , Carmona A. , Charbonneau D. , Ciardi D. R. , Cloutier R. , Cointepas M. , Cook N. J. , Cowan N. B. , Delfosse X. , Dias do Nascimento J. , Donati J.-F. , Doyon R. , Forveille T. , Fouqué P. , Gaidos E. , Gilbert E. A. , da Silva J. Gomes , Hartman J. D. , Hesse K. , Hobson M. J. , Jenkins J. M. , Kiefer F. , Kostov V. B. , Laskar J. , Lendl M. , L’Heureux A. , Martins J. H. C. , Menou K. , Moutou C. , Murgas F. , Polanski A. S. , Rapetti D. , Sedaghati E. , Shang H.
Published: January 2024

We report the discovery and characterisation of a giant transiting planet orbiting a nearby M3.5V dwarf (d = 80.4pc, G = 15.1 mag, K=11.2mag, R* = 0.358 ± 0.015 R⊙, M* = 0.340 ± 0.009 M⊙). Using the photometric time series from TESS sectors 10, 36, 46, and 63 and near-infrared spectrophotometry from ExTrA, we measured a planetary radius of 0.77 ± 0.03 RJ and an orbital period of 1.52 days. With high-resolution spectroscopy taken by the CFHT/SPIRou and ESO/ESPRESSO spectrographs, we refined the host star parameters ([Fe/H] = 0.27 ± 0.12) and measured the mass of the planet (0.273 ± 0.006 MJ). Based on these measurements, TOI-4860 b joins the small set of massive planets (>80 ME) found around mid to late M dwarfs (<0.4 R⊙), providing both an interesting challenge to planet formation theory and a favourable target for further atmospheric studies with transmission spectroscopy. We identified an additional signal in the radial velocity data that we attribute to an eccentric planet candidate (e = 0.66 ± 0.09) with an orbital period of 427 ± 7 days and a minimum mass of 1.66 ± 0.26 MJ, but additional data would be needed to confirm this.
Multi-View Feature Fusion Model for Software Bug Repair Pattern Prediction
Authors: XU Yong , CHENG Ming
Published: January 2024

Many search-based Automatic Program Repair (APR) techniques employ a set of repair patterns to generate candidate patches. Regarding repair pattern selection, existing search-based APR techniques either randomly select a repair pattern from the repair pattern set to apply or prioritize all repair patterns based on the bug's context information. In this paper, we introduce PatternNet, a multi-view feature fusion model capable of predicting the repair pattern for a reported software bug. To accomplish this task, PatternNet first extracts multi-view features from the pair of buggy code and bug report using different models. Specifically, a transformer-based model (i.e., UniXcoder) is utilized to obtain the bimodal feature representation of the buggy code and bug report. Additionally, an Abstract Syntax Tree (AST)-based neural model (i.e., ASTNN) is employed to learn the feature representation of the buggy code. Second, a co-attention mechanism is adopted to capture the dependencies between the statement trees in the AST of the buggy code and the textual tokens of the reported bug, resulting in co-attentive features between statement trees and reported bug's textual tokens. Finally, these multi-view features are combined into a unified representation using a feature fusion network. We quantitatively demonstrate the effectiveness of PatternNet and the feature fusion network for predicting software bug repair patterns.
Surgical Treatment of Hemifacial Spasm via Microvascular Decompression of a Large, Ectatic Vertebral Artery
Authors: Bauman Megan M. , Carlstrom Lucas P. , Link Michael J.
Published: January 2024

Hemifacial spasm is a neuromuscular disorder caused by compression of the facial nerve at the nerve root entry zone, often due to ectatic or aberrant vasculature. Pathologic compression of the nerve–brainstem interface results in involuntary, paroxysmal contractions of ipsilateral facial muscles that may cause considerable impairments in quality of life. For those with severe symptoms, have positive imaging demonstrating vascular compression, or who fail other management modalities,1
2
3
4 microvascular decompression offers potential definitive treatment.5
6 Traditionally, nonabsorbable packing agent is used to pack between the nerve and offending vascular structure. However, for large and more complex arterial structures, simple nonabsorbable padding is often not sufficient.

In this operative video, we demonstrate microvascular decompression for intractable hemifacial spasm in a 52-year-old female using a specialized sling tacked to the petrous dura for management of a large, ectatic vertebral artery. Following a standard left retrosigmoid craniotomy, an atheromatous ectatic vertebral artery was identified. We fashioned a bovine pericardium sling around the vessel and used a permanent aneurysm clip to secure it to an incision portion of petrous dura. We subsequently identified potential additional facial nerve root compression by anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) and posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) branches, which were elevated and secured using Teflon felt packing. Following elevation of all three vessels, the lateral spread response resolved. At 2 weeks postoperatively, the patient reported substantial relief in her hemifacial spasms and endorsed highly improved quality of life.
Nickel-Catalyzed Synthesis of Benzylamines from (Hetero)aryl Halides and Glycine-Derived N-Hydroxyphthalimide Esters
Authors: Huestis Malcolm P. , Choi Eun Seo , Rousseaux Sophie A. L.
Published: January 2024

A nickel-catalyzed aminomethylation of aryl or heteroaryl iodides or bromides for the preparation of protected primary benzylamines is reported. This cross-electrophile reductive protocol engages carbamate-protected, glycine-derived N-hydroxyphthalimide (NHP) esters in an efficient decarboxylative cross-coupling in only two hours. The catalyst and NHP ester reagents are commercially available or can be synthesized in one step on a decagram scale with no chromatography.
Effects of EPs 7630 on Illness Absence from Childcare or School due to Acute Bronchitis—A Meta-analysis
Authors: Zwiauer Karl , Funk Petra , Zimmermann Andrea , Lehmacher Walter , Kamin Wolfgang
Published: January 2024

Objective In the pediatric population, acute bronchitis (AB) is a leading cause of illness absence from childcare, school, or apprenticeship. We report a meta-analysis of double-blind, randomized trials with children and adolescents with AB (aged 1–18 years), who were treated with Pelargonium extract EPs 7630 or placebo for 7 days.

Methods The average number of days absent from childcare, school, or apprenticeship due to illness and the proportion of patients still unable to return to their normal activities at treatment end were assessed.

Results Literature search identified two eligible trials with a total of 420 patients. Illness absence was reported for all but two patients under placebo at baseline and for 46.7% (EPs 7630) and 85.0% (placebo) of patients at day 7. Meta-analysis risk ratio for absence at day 7 was 0.55 (95% confidence interval: 0.47, 0.64) for all patients, 0.59 (0.46, 0.76) for children younger than 6 years, and 0.53 (0.44, 0.64) for participants aged 6 to 18 years, all favoring EPs 7630. Compared with placebo, average time until return to normal activities was reduced by EPs 7630 by 1.51 (1.16, 1.86) days for all subjects, by 1.50 (0.92, 20.7) days for those younger than 6 years, and by 1.54 (1.11, 1.97) days for those 6 to 18 years of age (p < 0.001 favoring EPs 7630 for all treatment group comparisons shown).

Conclusion For children and adolescents with AB, meta-analysis shows that EPs 7630 treatment for 7 days significantly reduces the average time of illness absence and significantly increases the proportion of patients able to return to normal activities within 1 week.
Digital financial development and inefficient investment: a study based on the dual perspectives of resource and governance effects
Authors: Xue Liuyang , Dong Junan , Jiang Shiyao
Published: January 2024

As one of the most crucial domains within the digital economy, digital finance has garnered significant attention due to its impact on firms. This study empirically examines the influence of digital finance on inefficient investment, using a sample of Chinese non-financial firms from 2011 to 2019. Results show that digital finance effectively mitigates firm inefficient investment, with a more pronounced effect observed in non-state firms and those operating in regions with higher levels of institutional development. Mechanism analysis demonstrates that digital finance mitigates inefficient investment through resource and governance effects. Further analysis shows that the breadth of coverage, use depth, and digital support services of digital finance all contribute to reducing inefficient investment. Moreover, digital finance enhances the willingness and ability of firms to invest and improves their overall investment levels. These results provide evidence for the positive impact of digital finance in mitigating inefficient investment.
Computational complexity in analogue gravity
Authors: Parvizi Shahrokh , Shahbazi Mojtaba
Published: January 2024

Analogue gravity helps to find some gravitational systems which are similar to the evolution of perturbation in condensed matter systems. These analogies provide a very good tool for either side. In other words, some aspects of gravity could be simulated in condensed matter laboratories. In this study, we find an interpretation for computational complexity in condensed matter systems in terms of the flux density of the fluid and the analogue of the uncertainty principle as the Lloyd bound. We show that the Lloyd bound is reduced to the shear viscosity to entropy ratio (SVER). It has been revealed that the analogue gravity is a fluid located at a time-like finite cut-off surface (call it the bulk fluid) and we found the relation between SVER of the analogue gravity and the boundary fluid. Then we see that whenever the Kovtun–Son–Starinet (KSS) bound is satisfied in the boundary fluid, the KSS bound could be either satisfied in the bulk fluid or not; in addition, when the KSS bound is violated in the boundary fluid, then the KSS bound is violated in the bulk fluid. In other words the satisfaction of the KSS bound in the boundary fluid is a necessary condition for the satisfaction of the KSS bound in the bulk fluid.
Direct voxel classification from x-ray projections for 3D pore detection applied to laser sintered parts
Authors: Bellens Simon , Guerrero Patricio , Janssens Michel , Vandewalle Patrick , Dewulf Wim
Published: January 2024

X-ray computed tomography (XCT) is a validated and frequently used tool to verify part geometry and to perform a non-destructive inspection of additive manufacturing parts. However, the acquisition of a large number of x-ray projections generates long inspection times. This conflicts with a high throughput of the production process and hinders the integration of XCT as an in-line quality control procedure for low-end parts. In this paper, we propose a method to obtain three-dimensional (3D) information of the internal pores from a limited view or limited angle scan. The method combines a forward projection model of a cone-beam x-ray system and a deep learning neural network to directly classify each individual voxel, based on the x-ray projections in order to avoid the reconstruction and segmentation step. Accompanying reconstruction artifacts for limited view and limited angle XCT scans are thereby reduced, while preserving 3D information of the pores, defects or inclusions inside the material. The method is validated on real x-ray projections of polymer laser sintered industrial parts and shows a significant reduction in the required x-ray projections, hence acquisition time.
SISS-MCO: large scale sparsity-induced spot selection for fast and fully-automated robust multi-criteria optimisation of proton plans
Authors: Kong W , Oud M , Habraken S J M , Huiskes M , Astreinidou E , Rasch C R N , Heijmen B J M , Breedveld S
Published: January 2024

Objective. Intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT) is an emerging treatment modality for cancer. However, treatment planning for IMPT is labour-intensive and time-consuming. We have developed a novel approach for multi-criteria optimisation (MCO) of robust IMPT plans (SISS-MCO) that is fully automated and fast, and we compare it for head and neck, cervix, and prostate tumours to a previously published method for automated robust MCO (IPBR-MCO, van de Water 2013). Approach. In both auto-planning approaches, the applied automated MCO of spot weights was performed with wish-list driven prioritised optimisation (Breedveld 2012). In SISS-MCO, spot weight MCO was applied once for every patient after sparsity-induced spot selection (SISS) for pre-selection of the most relevant spots from a large input set of candidate spots. IPBR-MCO had several iterations of spot re-sampling, each followed by MCO of the weights of the current spots. Main results. Compared to the published IPBR-MCO, the novel SISS-MCO resulted in similar or slightly superior plan quality. Optimisation times were reduced by a factor of 6 i.e. from 287 to 47 min. Numbers of spots and energy layers in the final plans were similar. Significance. The novel SISS-MCO automatically generated high-quality robust IMPT plans. Compared to a published algorithm for automated robust IMPT planning, optimisation times were reduced on average by a factor of 6. Moreover, SISS-MCO is a large scale approach; this enables optimisation of more complex wish-lists, and novel research opportunities in proton therapy.
Low-pressure inductively coupled plasmas in hydrogen: impact of gas heating on the spatial distribution of atomic hydrogen and vibrationally excited states
Authors: Smith Gregory J , Diomede Paola , Gibson Andrew R , Doyle Scott J , Guerra Vasco , Kushner Mark J , Gans Timo , Dedrick James P
Published: January 2024

Non-equilibrium inductively coupled plasmas (ICPs) operating in hydrogen are of significant interest for applications including large-area materials processing. Increasing control of spatial gas heating, which drives the formation of neutral species density gradients and the rate of gas-temperature-dependent reactions, is critical. In this study, we use 2D fluid-kinetic simulations with the Hybrid Plasma Equipment Model to investigate the spatially resolved production of atomic hydrogen in a low-pressure planar ICP operating in pure hydrogen (10–20 Pa or 0.075–0.15 Torr, 300 W). The reaction set incorporates self-consistent calculation of the spatially resolved gas temperature and 14 vibrationally excited states. We find that the formation of neutral-gas density gradients, which result from spatially non-uniform electrical power deposition at constant pressure, can drive significant variations in the vibrational distribution function and density of atomic hydrogen when gas heating is spatially resolved. This highlights the significance of spatial gas heating on the production of reactive species in relatively high-power-density plasma processing sources.
Off-diagonal long-range order in arrays of dipolar droplets
Authors: Bombín R , Mazzanti F , Boronat J
Published: January 2024

We report quantum Monte Carlo results of harmonically confined quantum Bose dipoles within a range of interactions covering the evolution from a gas phase to the formation of an array of droplets. Scaling the experimental setup to a computationally accessible domain we characterize that evolution in qualitative agreement with experiments. Our microscopic approach generates ground-state results free from approximations, albeit with some controlled statistical noise. The simultaneous estimation of the static structure factor and the one-body density matrix allows for a better knowledge of the quantum coherence between droplets. Our results show a narrow window of interaction strengths where diagonal and off-diagonal long-range order can coexist. This domain, which is the key signal of a supersolid state, is reduced with respect to the one predicted by the extended Gross–Pitaevskii equation. Differences are probably due to an increase of attraction in our model, observed previously in the calculation of critical atom numbers for single dipolar drops.
Analysis of the structural complexity of Crab Nebula observed at radio frequency using a multifractal approach
Authors: Langlen Chanu Athokpam , Chingangbam Pravabati , Rahman Fazlu , Brojen Singh R K , Kharb Preeti
Published: January 2024

The Crab Nebula is an astrophysical system that exhibits complex morphological patterns at different observing frequencies. We carry out a systematic investigation of the structural complexity of the nebula using publicly available imaging data at radio frequency. For the analysis, we use the well-known multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis in two dimensions. We find that radio data exhibit long-range correlations, as expected from the underlying physics of the supernova explosion and evolution. The correlations follow a power-law scaling with length scales. The structural complexity is found to be multifractal in nature, as evidenced by the dependence of the generalized Hurst exponent on the order of the moments of the detrended fluctuation function. By repeating the analysis on shuffled data, we further probe the origin of the multifractality in the radio imaging data. For the radio data, we find that the probability density function is close to a Gaussian form. Hence, the multifractal behavior is due to the differing nature of long-range correlations of the large and small detrended fluctuation field values. We investigate the multifractal parameters across different partitions of the radio image and find that the structures across the image are highly heterogeneous, making the Crab Nebula a structurally complex astrophysical system. Our analysis thus provides a fresh perspective on the morphology of the Crab Nebula from a complexity science viewpoint.
Clinical and pathologic features of Sturge-Weber syndrome in patients with refractory epilepsy
Authors: Duan Zejun , Xu Ke , Xie Mingguo , Tian Xiaolin , Wang Xiongfei , Feng Jing , Guan Yuguang , Zhou Jian , Luan Guoming , Qi Xueling , Lu Dehong
Published: January 2024

Objectives

We aimed to investigate the clinicopathologic features of and genetic changes in Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS) in patients with refractory epilepsy.

Methods

Clinical data were retrospectively analyzed. H&E and immunohistochemistry were performed to assess pathologic changes. Targeted amplicon sequencing was applied to investigate the somatic GNAQ (c.548G>A) mutation. The potential predictors of seizure outcomes were estimated by univariate and multivariate statistical analyses.

Results

Forty-eight patients with SWS and refractory epilepsy were enrolled. According to the imaging data and pathologic examination, ipsilateral hippocampal sclerosis (HS), calcification of leptomeningeal arteries, and focal cortical dysplasia were found in 14 (29.2%), 31 (64.6%), and 37 (77.1%) patients, respectively. A high frequency of GNAQ alteration was detected in both cerebral cortex (57.7%) and ipsilateral hippocampus (50.0%) from patients with SWS. During follow-up, 43 of 48 patients (85.4%) had achieved seizure control (Engel class I). Statistically, HS signs on imaging were found to be independent predictors of unfavorable seizure outcomes (P = .015).

Conclusions

Calcification of leptomeningeal arteries, focal cortical dysplasia, and GNAQ alteration are common features in SWS pathology. Patients with refractory epilepsy caused by SWS can achieve satisfactory seizure control after surgery, but seizure control was compromised in patients with comorbid HS.
Potential Anomalous Findings on the Cerberus Subtest of the TEACh 2 in a Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Cohort
Authors: Verity Sarah J , Hagan Alexander J , Kearney Anna , Waern Susanna
Published: January 2024

Introduction

The Test of Everyday Attention for Children 2 (TEA-Ch 2) is a rigorously tested measure of attention, often used in pediatric neuro-oncology settings. Data from one Primary Treatment Centre found a high proportion of children scored in the highest range on the Cerberus subtest. This brief report attempts to answer the question: Does the Cerberus subtest of the TEA-Ch 2 provide outlying scores in the pediatric neuro-oncology population?

Methods

Data representing 62 Cerberus assessments from four primary treatment centers were analyzed.

Results

Data showed a substantially higher level of performance on the Cerberus subtest compared to other TEA-Ch2 subtests. Scores were not only higher than expected relative to children’s performance on other subtests but also higher than would be expected in the general population.

Discussion

Within our data, performance on the Cerberus subset of the TEA-Ch 2 yields somewhat questionable data from which to draw conclusions regarding sustained attentional ability in a pediatric neuro-oncology cohort.
Characterization of anatomical characters of Peperomia (Piperaceae) from Asia for taxonomy
Authors: Suwanphakdee Chalermpol , Sutthinon Pornsawan , Hodkinson Trevor R
Published: January 2024

The flowers of Peperomia (Piperaceae) are simple, minute, and unique structures within the angiosperms consisting of a rounded bract, two stamens and an ovary, but generally lack taxonomic value at species level. Because of this, morphological characters of vegetative parts have been mainly used for species level taxonomy. There is a need to supplement these vegetative characters with anatomical characters. We selected 17 native Thai species representatives of South East Asian Peperomia to investigate the utility of vegetative anatomical characters for species delimitation, taxon identification, and classification. Stem, petiole, and leaf anatomical characters were studied using standard microscopic techniques. The anatomical characters demonstrated high diversity and supported species identification. Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean (UPGMA) culstering, Principal Coordinates analysis (PCoA), and Principal Component Anaysis (PCA) were used to investigate patterns in the multivariate anatomical data and identify groupings of value to species classification. Four broad groupings were retrieved and some subgroupings identified. The most important characters that differentiated the species in the multivariate analysis included stem shape (roundness and ridges), petiole indumentum and trichome type, vascular bundle pattern and number, stem pith cavity, mucilage canals, and stem cortex sclerenchyma. These data were further used to prepare anatomical descriptions at generic and species levels and to provide a key to species.
Novel loss-of-function variants expand ABCC9-related intellectual disability and myopathy syndrome
Authors: Efthymiou Stephanie , Scala Marcello , Nagaraj Vini , Ochenkowska Katarzyna , Komdeur Fenne L , Liang Robin A , Abdel-Hamid Mohamed S , Sultan Tipu , Barøy Tuva , Van Ghelue Marijke , Vona Barbara , Maroofian Reza , Zafar Faisal , Alkuraya Fowzan S , Zaki Maha S , Severino Mariasavina , Duru Kingsley C , Tryon Robert C , Brauteset Lin Vigdis , Ansari Morad , Hamilton Mark , van Haelst Mieke M , van Haaften Gijs , Zara Federico , Houlden Henry , Samarut Éric , Nichols Colin G , Smeland Marie F , McClenaghan Conor
Published: January 2024

Loss-of-function mutation of ABCC9, the gene encoding the SUR2 subunit of ATP sensitive-potassium (KATP) channels, was recently associated with autosomal recessive ABCC9-related intellectual disability and myopathy syndrome (AIMS). Here we identify nine additional subjects, from seven unrelated families, harbouring different homozygous loss-of-function variants in ABCC9 and presenting with a conserved range of clinical features.

All variants are predicted to result in severe truncations or in-frame deletions within SUR2, leading to the generation of non-functional SUR2-dependent KATP channels. Affected individuals show psychomotor delay and intellectual disability of variable severity, microcephaly, corpus callosum and white matter abnormalities, seizures, spasticity, short stature, muscle fatigability and weakness. Heterozygous parents do not show any conserved clinical pathology but report multiple incidences of intra-uterine fetal death, which were also observed in an eighth family included in this study. In vivo studies of abcc9 loss-of-function in zebrafish revealed an exacerbated motor response to pentylenetetrazole, a pro-convulsive drug, consistent with impaired neurodevelopment associated with an increased seizure susceptibility.

Our findings define an ABCC9 loss-of-function-related phenotype, expanding the genotypic and phenotypic spectrum of AIMS and reveal novel human pathologies arising from KATP channel dysfunction.
An increase in albuminuria is associated with a higher incidence of malignancies
Authors: Luo Li , Kieneker Lyanne M , Yang Yuanhang , Janse Roemer J , Bosi Alessandro , de Boer Rudolf A , Vart Priya , Carrero Juan-Jesus , Gansevoort Ron T
Published: January 2024

Background

A single albuminuria measurement is reported to be an independent predictor of cancer risk. Whether change in albuminuria is also independently associated with cancer is not known.

Methods

We included 64 303 subjects of the Stockholm CREAtinine Measurements (SCREAM) project without a history of cancer and with at least two urine albumin–creatinine ratio (ACR) tests up to 2 years apart. Albuminuria changes were quantified by the fold-change in ACR over 2 years, and stratified into the absence of clinically elevated albuminuria (i.e. never), albuminuria that remained constant, and albuminuria that increased or decreased. The primary outcome was overall cancer incidence. Secondary outcomes were site-specific cancer incidences.

Results

During a median follow-up of 3.7 (interquartile range 3.6–3.7) years, 5126 subjects developed de novo cancer. After multivariable adjustment including baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate and baseline ACR, subjects with increasing ACR over 2 years had a 19% (hazard ratio 1.19; 95% confidence interval 1.08–1.31) higher risk of overall cancer compared with those who never had clinically elevated ACR. No association with cancer risk was seen in the groups with decreasing or constant ACR. Regarding site-specific cancer risks, subjects with increasing ACR or constant ACR had a higher risk of developing urinary tract and lung cancer. No other associations between 2-year ACR changes and site-specific cancers were found.

Conclusions

Increases in albuminuria over a 2-year period are associated with a higher risk of developing overall, urinary tract and lung cancer, independent of baseline kidney function and albuminuria. These data add important weight to the link that exists between albuminuria and cancer incidence.
Beta-adrenergic blockade increases pulmonary vascular resistance and causes exaggerated hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction at high altitude: a physiological study
Authors: Hilty Matthias Peter , Siebenmann Christoph , Rasmussen Peter , Keiser Stefanie , Müller Andrea , Lundby Carsten , Maggiorini Marco
Published: January 2024

Background

An increasing number of hypertensive persons travel to high altitude (HA) while using antihypertensive medications such as beta-blockers. Nevertheless, while hypoxic exposure initiates an increase in pulmonary artery pressure (Ppa) and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), the contribution of the autonomic nervous system is unclear. In animals, beta-adrenergic blockade has induced pulmonary vasoconstriction in normoxia and exaggerated hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV) and both effects were abolished by muscarinic blockade. We thus hypothesized that in humans, propranolol (PROP) increases Ppa and PVR in normoxia and exaggerates HPV, and that these effects of PROP are abolished by glycopyrrolate (GLYC).

Methods

In seven healthy male lowlanders, Ppa was invasively measured without medication, with PROP and PROP + GLYC, both at sea level (SL, 488 m) and after a 3-week sojourn at 3454 m altitude (HA). Bilateral thigh-cuff release manoeuvres were performed to derive pulmonary pressure-flow relationships and pulmonary vessel distensibility.

Results

At SL, PROP increased Ppa and PVR from (mean ± SEM) 14 ± 1 to 17 ± 1 mmHg and from 69 ± 8 to 108 ± 11 dyn s cm−5 (21% and 57% increase, P = 0.01 and P < 0.0001). The PVR response to PROP was amplified at HA to 76% (P < 0.0001, P[interaction] = 0.05). At both altitudes, PROP + GLYC abolished the effect of PROP on Ppa and PVR. Pulmonary vessel distensibility decreased from 2.9 ± 0.5 to 1.7 ± 0.2 at HA (P < 0.0001) and to 1.2 ± 0.2 with PROP, and further decreased to 0.9 ± 0.2% mmHg−1 with PROP + GLYC (P = 0.01).

Conclusions

Our data show that beta-adrenergic blockade increases, and muscarinic blockade decreases PVR, whereas both increase pulmonary artery elastance. Future studies may confirm potential implications from the finding that beta-adrenergic blockade exaggerates HPV for the management of mountaineers using beta-blockers for prevention or treatment of cardiovascular conditions.
Domestic Debate and International Office: Sweden in the UN Security Council 2017–18
Authors: Möller Ulrika , Ekengren Ann-Marie
Published: January 2024

Through an explanation of the domestic political controversy that surrounded the most recent Swedish candidature and subsequent membership of the UN Security Council 2017–18, this article contributes to our understanding of the domestic–foreign policy nexus in two respects. First, it conceptualizes a domain of foreign policy priorities. Issues within this domain are likelier to deviate from a consensual pattern of foreign policy by sparking conflict, as they provoke competing national role conceptions among the foreign policy elite. Second, it refines results from previous study on the executive–legislative relationship in foreign policy. It confirms the association between party conflict on substantive foreign policy and a higher level of parliamentary control on the government. The conflict on substance leads to a decline in trust among members of parliament in opposition, which may motivate the continuation of parliamentary control through available instruments also after the conflict on substance is settled. The analysis is conducted in three descriptive steps: (1) the domestic-institutional context of decision-making, (2) partisan divides, and (3) the executive–legislative relationship. It utilizes a variety of sources, including parliamentary debates, governmental and parliamentary assessments, and interviews with diplomats and senior officials.
On Clairaut's theory and its extension for planetary hydrostatic equilibrium derived using gravitational multipole formalism
Authors: Chao Benjamin F , Shih Sheng-An
Published: January 2024

Clairaut's theory that relates the Earth's oblate figure and internal ellipticity to its gravity under rotational-hydrostatic equilibrium has reigned classical geodesy over the centuries. In this paper, we (i) derive from first principles the classical Clairaut's theory for the polar oblateness of a rotating planet under axi-symmetric rotational-hydrostatic equilibrium and (ii) extend the development to the triaxial case for the equatorial ellipticity of a tidally locked synchronous-rotating moon under rotational-tidal-hydrostatic equilibrium. Typical derivations of the classical Clairaut's theory presented in the literature being rather laborious even to first order, we instead exploit two concise forms of methodology: the gravitational multipole formalism on the physics side, and the Jacobian determinant for the Clairaut coordinate transformation on the mathematics side. The outcome is a logical and straightforward derivation of Clairaut's theory to first order in its entirety, encompassing all the equations and related formulas in geodesy bearing Clairaut's name. That further allows a natural extension to a tidally locked moon. In particular it is demonstrated that the same Clairaut's differential equation applies to both cases governing both the polar oblateness and the equatorial ellipticity.
Stress and frequency dependence of wave velocities in saturated rocks based on acoustoelasticity with squirt-flow dissipation
Authors: Ba Jing , Wei Yijun , Carcione José M , Adam Ludmila , Tang Genyang
Published: January 2024

We perform seismic and ultrasonic measurements in carbonate and shaley sandstone samples as a function of differential pressure. The velocities show a strong frequency and pressure dependence. The dispersion disappears with increasing pressure and the squirt flow in turn inhibits the pressure dependence. To model these effects, we combine the Gurevich's squirt-flow model with the Mori–Tanaka scheme and the David Zimmerman model, and extend it with third-order elastic constants, to obtain a frequency-dependent acoustoelasticity model. Comparisons between measurements from this study and literature and modelling results show that the P-wave velocity increases non-linearly first and then nearly linearly, dominated by crack closure and acoustoelasticity, respectively. The pressure dependence of wave velocities is reduced by liquid substitution and further by the squirt-flow mechanism. The effects of fluid properties and crack closure on P-wave velocity decrease with differential pressure. The results will feed a new model and help better understanding the wave propagation in pre-stressed rocks at different scales.
GNE deficiency impairs Myogenesis in C2C12 cells and cannot be rescued by ManNAc supplementation
Authors: Neu Carolin T , Weilepp Linus , Bork Kaya , Gesper Astrid , Horstkorte Rüdiger
Published: January 2024

GNE myopathy (GNEM) is a late-onset muscle atrophy, caused by mutations in the gene for the key enzyme of sialic acid biosynthesis, UDP-N-acetylglucosamine 2-epimerase/N-acetylmannosamine kinase (GNE). With an incidence of one to nine cases per million it is an ultra-rare, so far untreatable, autosomal recessive disease. Several attempts have been made to treat GNEM patients by oral supplementation with sialic acid precursors (e.g. N-acetylmannosamine, ManNAc) to restore sarcolemmal sialylation and muscle strength. In most studies, however, no significant improvement was observed. The lack of a suitable mouse model makes it difficult to understand the exact pathomechanism of GNEM and many years of research have failed to identify the role of GNE in skeletal muscle due to the lack of appropriate tools. We established a CRISPR/Cas9-mediated Gne-knockout cell line using murine C2C12 cells to gain insight into the actual role of the GNE enzyme and sialylation in a muscular context. The main aspect of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic potential of ManNAc and N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac). Treatment of Gne-deficient C2C12 cells with Neu5Ac, but not with ManNAc, showed a restoration of the sialylation level back to wild type levels–albeit only with long-term treatment, which could explain the rather low therapeutic potential. We furthermore highlight the importance of sialic acids on myogenesis, for C2C12 Gne-knockout myoblasts lack the ability to differentiate into mature myotubes.
A Scanner Darkly: Copyright Liability and Exceptions in Artificial Intelligence Inputs and Outputs
Authors: Guadamuz Andres
Published: January 2024

This article delves into the legal issues surrounding the use of copyrighted works in training artificial intelligence (AI). It examines two critical questions: firstly, whether accessing and analysing copyrighted works for AI training constitutes copyright infringement; and secondly, whether outputs generated by AI from these inputs infringe on copyright. The primary focus is on the United Kingdom’s jurisdiction, with comparative analyses from EU law and a few US cases. The article aims to bring clarity to these multifaceted legal issues by thoroughly exploring the technicalities of machine learning and its implications for ongoing and future litigation. The hypothesis suggests that most inputs may fall under existing exceptions and limitations, but the outputs’ legality may depend on individual case specifics. The conclusion reflects on the inevitable legal challenges that accompany technological advances, as happened in the past with file sharing and the early World Wide Web. The article highlights the current stage of AI technology and law, suggesting that legal precedents or legislative actions might eventually settle disputes. It also emphasizes the importance of finding technological solutions – like metadata standards or proactive initiatives – to balance copyright holders’ rights with AI innovation. The article concludes by acknowledging the irreversible emergence of AI in our lives and the legal system’s need to adapt, offering equitable solutions to copyright holders while fostering technological advancement.
A cryptozoospermic infertile male with Y chromosome AZFc microdeletion and low FSH levels due to a simultaneous polymorphism in the FSHB gene: a case report
Authors: Graziani Andrea , Merico Maurizio , Grande Giuseppe , Di Mambro Antonella , Vinanzi Cinzia , Rocca Maria Santa , Selice Riccardo , Ferlin Alberto
Published: January 2024

Genetic causes account for 10–15% of male factor infertility, making the genetic investigation an essential and useful tool, mainly in azoospermic and severely oligozoospermic men. In these patients, the most frequent findings are chromosomal abnormalities and Y chromosome long arm microdeletions, which cause a primary severe spermatogenic impairment with classically increased levels of FSH. On the other hand, polymorphisms in the FSH receptor (FSHR) and FSH beta chain (FSHB) genes have been associated with different FSH plasma levels, due to variations in the receptor sensitivity (FSHR) or in the production of FSH from the pituitary gland (FSHB). Here, we describe an unusual patient with a combined genetic alteration (classic AZFc deletion of the Y chromosome and TT homozygosity for the -211G>T polymorphism in the FSHB gene (rs10835638)), presenting with cryptozoospermia, severe hypospermatogenesis, and normal LH and testosterone plasma concentrations, but low FSH levels. The patient partially benefitted from treatment with FSH (150 IU three times/week for 6 months) which allowed him to cryopreserve enough motile spermatozoa to be used for intracytoplasmic sperm injection. According to our knowledge, this is the first report of an infertile man with AZFc microdeletion with low FSH plasma concentrations related to homozygosity for the -211G>T polymorphism in the FSHB gene.
Favourable surgical outcomes for either second primary lung cancer or intrapulmonary metastasis after resection of non-small-cell lung cancer
Authors: Ishikawa Yoshihiro , Tsuura Yukio , Okudela Koji , Sawazumi Tomoe , Arai Hiromasa , Ando Kohei , Woo Tetsukan , Morohoshi Takao , Inafuku Kenji , Kobayashi Nobuaki , Rino Yasushi
Published: January 2024

OBJECTIVES

Metachronous lung cancer arising after resection of non-small-cell lung cancer is either a second primary lung cancer (SPLC) or intrapulmonary metastasis (IPM) of the initial lung cancer; however, differential diagnosis is difficult. We evaluated the surgical outcomes of metachronous lung cancer in a combined population of patients with SPLC and IPM.

METHODS

A retrospective study of 3534 consecutive patients with resected non-small-cell lung cancer between 1992 and 2016 was conducted at 4 institutions.

RESULTS

A total of 105 patients (66 males; median age, 70 years) who underwent a second pulmonary resection for metachronous lung cancer were included. Most patients (81%) underwent sublobar resection, and there was no 30-day mortality. All metachronous lung cancers were cN0, 5 were pN1-2. The postoperative comprehensive histologic assessment revealed SPLC (n = 77) and IPM (n = 28). The 5-year overall survival rate after the second resection was 70.6% (median follow-up: 69.7 months). A multivariable analysis showed that age >70 years at the second resection (P = 0.013), male sex (P = 0.003), lymph node involvement in metachronous cancer (P < 0.001), pathological invasive size of metachronous cancer >15 mm (P < 0.001) and overlapping squamous cell carcinoma histology of the initial and metachronous cancers (P = 0.003) were significant prognostic factors for poor survival after the second resection, whereas histological IPM was not (P = 0.065).

CONCLUSIONS

Surgery for cN0 metachronous lung cancer is safe and shows good outcomes. There were no statistically significant differences in the SPLC and IPM results. Caution should be exercised when operating on patients with overlapping squamous cell carcinoma.
A Matter of Journal Choice: A Conjoint Experiment on Submission Choices of Latin American IR Scholars
Authors: Montal Florencia , Pauselli Gino , Yamin Patricio
Published: January 2024

This article addresses the underrepresentation of Global South scholars in Global North journals. In order to explore this issue, we conducted a study on the submission decisions of Global South scholars, with a focus on International Relations (IR). We collected novel data on IR scholars based in Latin America and conducted a conjoint experiment on a sample of 446 scholars. Our study provides the first experimental evidence of journal submission choice in Political Science in the Global South. Our findings indicate that both journal attributes and individual characteristics impact the choice of journal, including factors such as language, editorial location, and acceptance rates. This research has important implications for the discipline and for journal editors in the Global North, as it provides valuable insights on how to promote diversity in academic publishing as well as the limits of such strategies.
A novel approach: targeting virulence factors of Candida albicans with essential oil components
Authors: Shaban Abdulrahman M Abu , Darmani Homa
Published: January 2024

Aims

Focusing on phytochemicals to target the virulence factors of Candida albicans is a promising avenue for novel antifungal compounds. Given the limited prior research on essential oil (EO) components and their specific effects on C. albicans virulence, our study aimed to explore their impact and uncover the underlying mechanisms.

Methods and results

We examined the effects on viability, dimorphic transition, biofilm formation, and changes in the expression of critical virulence-related genes. The results showed that Dehydrocostus lactone, displayed the most potent growth-inhibiting activity with the lowest MIC value, followed by Thymol and Costunolide. A substantial, dose-dependent decrease in germ tube formation occurred after exposure to sub-inhibitory concentrations of the EO components, with Carvacrol, Dehydrocostus Lactone, and Thymol exerting the most potent inhibitory effects. Across sub-inhibitory concentrations, Alpha Bisabolol consistently showcased the most potent antibiofilm activity, followed by lower but significant inhibitory effects with Dehydrocostus Lactone, Thymol, Alpha Pinene, Costunolide, Carvone, and Carvacrol. Alpha Bisabolol, Alpha Pinene, and Dehydrocostus Lactone caused almost total downregulation of ACT1 while minimal changes occurred in expression of HWP1, SAP4, ALS3, and ECE1.

Conclusions

Considering that actin is essential for various cellular processes, including budding, cell shape maintenance, and the formation of filaments in C. albicans, it is a plausible hypothesis that inhibiting ACT1 or disturbing actin’s normal functioning could potentially affect the fungus’s virulence, which warrants additional research and exploration. This study underscores the potent antifungal and anti-virulence properties of various EO components, which effectively cripple C. albicans and reduce its disease-causing ability. This innovative approach holds promise for effective clinical therapies.
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of five distinct commercially available hemp-derived topical cannabidiol products
Authors: Zamarripa C Austin , Tilton Hayleigh E , Lin Spencer , Cone Edward J , Winecker Ruth E , Flegel Ronald R , Kuntz David , Beals Melissa , Jacques Martin , Clark Michael , Welsh Eric R , Wagner Lynn , Bonn-Miller Marcel O , Vandrey Ryan , Spindle Tory R
Published: January 2024

Products containing cannabidiol (CBD) have proliferated after the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp (cannabis with ≤0.3% delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC)). CBD-containing topical products have surged in popularity, but controlled clinical studies on them are limited. This study characterized the effects of five commercially available hemp-derived high CBD/low Δ9-THC topical products. Healthy adults (N = 46) received one of six study drugs: a CBD-containing cream (N = 8), lotion (N = 8), patch (N = 7), balm (N = 8), gel (N = 6) or placebo (N = 9; matched to an active formulation). The protocol included three phases conducted over 17 days: (i) an acute drug application laboratory session, (ii) a 9-day outpatient phase with twice daily product application (visits occurred on Days 2, 3, 7 and 10) (iii) a 1-week washout phase. In each phase, whole blood, oral fluid and urine specimens were collected and analyzed via liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS-MS) for CBD, Δ9-THC and primary metabolites of each and pharmacodynamic outcomes (subjective, cognitive/psychomotor and physiological effects) were assessed. Transdermal absorption of CBD was observed for three active products. On average, CBD/metabolite concentrations peaked after 7–10 days of product use and were highest for the lotion, which contained the most CBD and a permeation enhancer (vitamin E). Δ9-THC/metabolites were below the limit of detection in blood for all products, and no urine samples tested “positive” for cannabis using current US federal workplace drug testing criteria (immunoassay cut-off of 50 ng/mL and confirmatory LC–MS-MS cut-off of 15 ng/mL). Unexpectedly, nine participants (seven lotions, one patch and one gel) exhibited Δ9-THC oral fluid concentrations ≥2 ng/mL (current US federal workplace threshold for a “positive” test). Products did not produce discernable pharmacodynamic effects and were well-tolerated. This study provides important initial data on the acute/chronic effects of hemp-derived topical CBD products, but more research is needed given the diversity of products in this market.
Breaking Bad News in Breast Imaging: Keys to Success
Authors: Greenstein Joshua , Green-Walker Aja , Stein Regina , Wang Lilian C , Bhole Sonya
Published: January 2024

The radiologist’s ability to effectively communicate with patients is crucial in breast imaging. Having to tell a patient that she or he requires a biopsy procedure or has a new diagnosis of breast cancer is both a challenging task and a daily reality for many practicing breast radiologists. Despite this, communication in breast imaging is often not formally taught in most training programs, leading many breast radiologists to obtain their skills through on-the-job experience. We discuss the importance of effective communication with patients and a breast imaging–specific method for delivering bad news, adapted from approaches used in medical oncology. A conversation “script” or guide is provided along with the rationale for how to best handle these difficult conversations. Lastly, we review how to teach effective communication to those in training using our breast imaging fellowship program and recent survey results as an example.