bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Establishment of a Lactylation‐Related Gene Signature for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Applying Bulk and Single‐Cell RNA Sequencing Analysis
Authors: Yu Lianghe , Shi Yan , Zhi Zhenyu , Li Shuang , Yu Wenlong , Zhang Yongjie
Published: February 2025

Background: Lactylation is closely involved in cancer progression, but its role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is unclear. The present work set out to develop a lactylation‐related gene (LRG) signature for HCC.

Methods: The lactylation score of tumor and normal groups was calculated using the gene set variation analysis (GSVA) package. The single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐seq) analysis of HCC was performed in the “Seurat” package. Prognostic LRGs were selected by performing univariate and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression analyses to develop and validate a Riskscore model. Functional enrichment analysis was conducted by gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) using the “clusterProfiler” package. Genomic characteristics between different risk groups were compared, and tumor mutational burden (TMB) was calculated by the “Maftools” package. Immune cell infiltration was assessed by algorithms of cell‐type identification by estimating relative subsets of RNA transcript (CIBERSORT), microenvironment cell populations‐counter (MCP‐counter), estimating the proportions of immune and cancer cells (EPIC), tumor immune estimation resource (TIMER), and single‐sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA). Immunotherapy response was predicted by the tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion (TIDE) algorithm. Drug sensitivity was analyzed using the “pRRophetic” package. A nomogram was established using the “rms” package. The expressions of the prognostic LRGs in HCC cells were verified by in vitro test, and cell counting kit‐8 (CCK‐8), wound healing, and transwell assays were carried out to measure the viability, migration, and invasion of HCC cells.

Results: The lactylation score, which was higher in the tumor group than in the normal group, has been confirmed as an independent factor for the prognostic evaluation in HCC. Six prognostic LRGs, including two protective genes (FTCD and APCS) and four risk genes (LGALS3, C1orf43, TALDO1, and CCT5), were identified to develop a Riskscore model with a strong prognostic prediction performance in HCC. The scRNA‐seq analysis revealed that LGALS3 was largely expressed in myeloid cells, while APCS, FTCD, TALDO1, CCT5, and C1orf43 were mainly expressed in hepatocytes. The high‐risk group was primarily enriched in the pathways involved in tumor occurrence and development, with higher T cell infiltration. Moreover, the high‐risk group was found to be less responsive to immunotherapy but was more sensitive to chemotherapeutic drugs. By integrating Riskscore and clinical features, a nomogram with a high predictive accuracy was developed. Additionally, C1orf43, CCT5, TALDO1, and LGALS3 were highly expressed in HCC cells. Silencing CCT5 inhibited the viability, migration, and invasion of HCC cells.

Conclusion: The present work developed a novel LRG gene signature that could be considered a promising therapeutic target and biomarker for HCC.
Homograft Root Replacement Does Not Provide Superior Outcomes in Invasive Aortic Valve Endocarditis Compared With Prosthetic Valve Conduits
Authors: Farrington Woodrow J. , Lou Xiaoying , Zurcher Jonathan R. , Chen Edward P. , Keeling William Brent , Leshnower Bradley G.
Published: February 2025

Background: Surgical dogma advocates for the use of homograft in invasive aortic valve endocarditis due to a perceived advantage in the prevention of recurrent infection. However, conclusive data to support this strategy are lacking. This study evaluated outcomes of root replacement in invasive aortic valve endocarditis using homografts or prosthetic‐valved conduits.

Methods: A retrospective review of a single U.S. academic center’s aortic database identified 150 patients who underwent aortic root replacement for invasive aortic valve endocarditis from 2002 to 2022. Patients undergoing the Ross procedure or aortic valve replacement without root replacement were excluded from the study. Patients were divided into two groups based upon the type of valved conduit implanted. Preoperative characteristics, postoperative morbidity, reintervention for recurrence of infection, and short‐ and long‐term survival were compared between the two groups.

Results: There were 70 patients who underwent a homograft root replacement (homograft), and 80 patients who received either a bioprosthetic or mechanical‐valved conduit (prosthetic). The mean age of patients was 53.3 ± 15.6 and 21.3% were female. The overall incidence of preoperative stroke and aortic root abscess was 42% and 71%, respectively. There was no difference between the two groups in age, gender, end‐stage renal disease, cardiogenic shock, and aortic root abscess. The prosthetic group had a higher incidence of preoperative stroke (prosthetic 52% vs. homograft 25%, p = 0.02). The incidence of preoperative prosthetic valve endocarditis was 30% for the cohort and significantly higher in the homograft group (p = 0.02). Reoperative sternotomy was 78.7% among the groups with a higher likelihood among the homograft group. Cardiopulmonary bypass and cross clamp times were shorter in the prosthetic group (p < 0.05). There was no difference in postoperative stroke or renal failure between the two groups. The 30‐day mortality for the entire cohort was 20.1% and was increased in the homograft group (homograft 25.7% vs. prosthetic 16.3%, p = 0.15). At 7 years follow‐up, survival was 62% in the prosthetic group and 53% in the homograft group. The need for reintervention due to recurrence of infection was 3.2% for the entire series and equivalent (homograft 3.5%, vs. prosthetic 4.2%, p = 0.82) between the groups.

Conclusions: The use of homograft for root replacement does not provide significant improved short‐ or long‐term outcomes compared with prosthetic‐valved conduits in invasive endocarditis. In this patient population, these data refute the necessity for a more complex procedure using homograft in these high‐risk patients and conduit selection should be tailored to individual anatomy and surgeon‐specific experience.
CD103+CD56+ ILCs are associated with an altered CD8+ T-cell profile within the tumour microenvironment
Authors: Chung Douglas C. , Shakfa Noor , Vakharia Jehan , Warner Kathrin , Jacquelot Nicolas , Sayad Azin , Han SeongJun , Ghaedi Maryam , Garcia-Batres Carlos R. , Sotty Jules , Azarmina Arvin , Nowlan Ferris , Chen Edward L.Y. , Zon Michael , Elford Alisha R. , Wang Ben X. , Nguyen Linh T. , Mrkonjic Miralem , Clarke Blaise A. , Bernardini Marcus Q. , Haibe-Kains Benjamin , Ferguson Sarah E. , Crome Sarah Q. , Jackson Hartland W. , Ohashi Pamela S.
Published: February 2025

Immunotherapies have had unprecedented success in the treatment of multiple cancer types, albeit with variable response rates. Unravelling the complex network of immune cells within the tumour microenvironment (TME) may provide additional insights to enhance antitumour immunity and improve clinical response. Many studies have shown that natural killer (NK) cells or innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) have regulatory capacity. Here, we identified CD103 as a marker that was found on CD56+ cells that were associated with a poor proliferative capacity of tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in culture. We further demonstrated that CD103+CD56+ ILCs isolated directly from tumours represented a distinct ILC population that expressed unique surface markers (such as CD49a and CD101), transcription factor networks, and transcriptomic profiles compared to CD103–CD56+ NK cells. Using single-cell multi-omic and spatial approaches, we found that these CD103+CD56+ ILCs were associated with CD8+ T cells with reduced expression of granzyme B (GZMB). Thus, this study identifies a population of CD103+CD56+ ILCs with potentially inhibitory functions that are associated with a TME that includes CD8+ T cells with poor antitumour activity. Further studies focusing on these cells may provide additional insights into the biology of an inhibitory TME.
Table S2 from Expression Patterns of DLL3 across Neuroendocrine and Non-neuroendocrine Neoplasms Reveal Broad Opportunities for Therapeutic Targeting
Authors: Lozada John R. , Elliott Andrew , Evans Mark G. , Wacker James , Storey Kathleen M. , Egusa Emily A. , Zorko Nicholas A. , Kumar Akhilesh , Crymes Anthony , Heath Elisabeth I. , Carneiro Benedito A. , Soares Heloisa P. , Cichocki Frank , Miller Jeffrey S. , Lou Emil , Beltran Himisha , Antonarakis Emmanuel S. , Ryan Charles J. , Hwang Justin H.
Published: February 2025

DLL3-high versus -low hazard ratios across cancer.
Figure S2 from Expression Patterns of DLL3 across Neuroendocrine and Non-neuroendocrine Neoplasms Reveal Broad Opportunities for Therapeutic Targeting
Authors: Lozada John R. , Elliott Andrew , Evans Mark G. , Wacker James , Storey Kathleen M. , Egusa Emily A. , Zorko Nicholas A. , Kumar Akhilesh , Crymes Anthony , Heath Elisabeth I. , Carneiro Benedito A. , Soares Heloisa P. , Cichocki Frank , Miller Jeffrey S. , Lou Emil , Beltran Himisha , Antonarakis Emmanuel S. , Ryan Charles J. , Hwang Justin H.
Published: February 2025

Supplementary Figure S2: Correlations between expression of DLL3, ASCL1, and NEUROD1 across select NEN sites. Scatterplots displaying the expression of DLL3 vs ASCL1 (top) and DLL3 vs NEUROD1 (bottom) across NEN sites. Expression is depicted as log(TPM + 0.001). Spearman correlations and corresponding p-values are shown for each site.
A Mechanism of Stochastic Synchronization in the Climate System: an Interpretation of the Boundary Current Synchronization as a Maxwell’s Demon
Authors: Yasuda Yuki , Kohyama Tsubasa
Published: February 2025

This study has applied information thermodynamics to a bivariate linear stochastic differential equation (SDE) that describes a synchronization phenomenon of sea surface temperatures (SSTs) between the Gulf Stream and the Kuroshio Current, which is referred to as the boundary current synchronization (BCS). Information thermodynamics divides the entire system fluctuating with stochastic noise into subsystems and describes the interactions between these subsystems from the perspective of information transfer. The SDE coefficients have been estimated through regression analysis using observational and numerical simulation data. In the absence of stochastic noise, the solution of the estimated SDE shows that the SSTs relax toward zero without oscillation. The estimated SDE can be interpreted as a Maxwell’s demon system, with the Gulf Stream playing the role of the “Particle” and the Kuroshio Current playing the role of the “Demon.” The Gulf Stream forces the SST of the Kuroshio Current to be in phase. By contrast, the Kuroshio Current maintains the phase by interfering with the relaxation of the Gulf Stream SST. In the framework of Maxwell’s demon, the Gulf Stream is measured by the Kuroshio Current, whereas the Kuroshio Current performs feedback control on the Gulf Stream. When the Gulf Stream and the Kuroshio Current are coupled in an appropriate parameter regime, synchronization is realized with atmospheric and oceanic fluctuations as the driving source. This new mechanism, “stochastic synchronization,” suggests that such fluctuations can be converted into directional variations in a subsystem of the climate system through synchronization by utilizing information (i.e., information-to-energy conversion).
Assessing Patient-Reported Outcomes: A Mixed Methods Qualitative Comparison Between Obturator and Surgically Reconstructed Maxillectomy Patients
Authors: Almanaseer Ala , Dong Cecilia , Paczkowski Freeman , Laxague Francisco , Macneil S Danielle , Nichols Anthony C. , Yoo John , Fung Kevin , Aragon Cecilia , Mendez Adrian
Published: February 2025

Objectives:

Cancers of the maxillary region are often treated surgically with a maxillectomy followed by rehabilitation involving surgical reconstruction or obturator insertion to improve functional outcomes. However, there is a lack of consensus regarding the specific indications for either rehabilitation method. The objective of this study was to identify unique functional domains for maxillectomy patients who underwent surgical reconstruction or obturator insertion post-op to provide standardized data that can inform selection of either method.

Methods:

This mixed-methods qualitative research was conducted from January 2020 to June 2022 at London Health Sciences Centre, a tertiary care center in London, Ontario, Canada. Phase I included open-ended patient interviews through grounded theory, while phase II incorporated focus groups through the Delphi technique. Phase I identified functional domains of interest, which were further refined based on importance to patients in phase II. Inclusion criteria consisted of adults, 18 years or older who underwent maxillectomy surgery for head and neck cancer.

Results:

A total of 22 patients were included in phase I and 8 patients were included in phase II. The top 4 functional domains that affected patients regardless of rehabilitation method were eating difficulties, speaking difficulties, social discomfort with public eating, and numbness. The top 4 unique functional domains identified for the surgical group were dry mouth, trismus, chewing difficulties, and eye-related symptoms. The top 4 unique functional domains for the obturator group were obturator discomfort, nasal regurgitation, weight loss, and voice changes.

Conclusions:

This study identified functional domains affecting maxillectomy patients, which can be used to inform decisions regarding selection of rehabilitation method in clinical practice. This data can also in the future to create the first patient-reported outcomes instrument for this patient population.
Tracce del sacro nelle carte leviane del confino (1935–1936)
Authors: Valentini Silvia
Published: February 2025

The following article, part of a broader research dedicated to studying the theme of the “sacred” in Carlo Levi's work during the interwar period, seeks to trace Levi's reflections on this theme as they emerge in documents from his period of confinement (1935–1936), both in letters to family or friends and in a personal writing such as the Prison Notebook. Although Levi will give an explicit definition of the concept of the “sacred” only in 1939, at the beginning of the essay “Fear of Freedom”, the early articles and archival documents preceding 1939 suggest that his reflections on “religion” and the “sacred” have been central to his thought before then. In particular, the experience of confinement seems to play a determining role in the development of his ideas on this theme.
Finite-element simulation of pressure profile and 3D deformation of breasts wearing adjustable bras
Authors: Wang Yongrong , Wang Yingying , Zuo Kaiyue
Published: February 2025

Adjustable bras should be well designed with scientific analysis of pressure distribution to maintain a balance between the multidimensional considerations of comfort, function, and safety. A contact mechanics model of a body-adjustable brassiere was developed, with the aim of investigating the interaction between these considerations, and of further scientifically optimizing the pattern design and fabric selection. Point cloud data were obtained through 3D body scanning, and the torso surface was reconstructed using a detection contour method. A geometric model of the torso was divided into soft tissue, thorax, and breast by reverse engineering; the brassiere geometric model, in the semi-dressed state, was divided into eight parts and constructed using forward–reverse methods. The breast and soft tissue were considered as linear elastic entities with different material parameters, the thorax was taken to be a rigid body, and the brassiere was modeled as a linear elastic shell with variable components and material parameters. The simulation was validated by pressure measurement and shaping evaluation in vivo. Results show that the model could be used to predict the contact pressure and 3D deformation with reasonable accuracy. The contact pressure at the top of the shoulder is 4.9–7.8 kPa, that at the underband is 1.9–4.9 kPa, and that at the upper band is 1.0–2.9 kPa. The pressure on the breasts is mainly concentrated in the lower half of the breasts, and ranges from 0.1 to 1.5 kPa. The finite-element model developed in this study helps to provide a better understanding of the complex interactions between the body and an adjustable brassiere, and can be used to analyze different bra design features (fabric parameter, pattern, etc.) for predicting the pressure distribution and deformation of breast shapes.
Comparison of Commonly Used Fall Risk Assessment Tools in Predicting Fall Risk: A Prospective Observational Study in Older Adult Inpatients Over 80 Years of Age
Authors: Cai Lingqin , Cheng Xianzong , Zhang Kaijie , Yao Ling , Zhang Xiyue , Wang Zhang
Published: February 2025

Background:

Falls and fall-related injuries represent significant public health concerns, yet no reliable and valid assessment tool exists for evaluating fall risk in hospitalized older adults (≥80 years old).

Objective:

This study compared the discriminative properties of 5 commonly utilized fall risk assessment tools and comprehensive geriatric assessments for fallers and non-fallers among older adult inpatients.

Methods:

Comprehensive geriatric assessments, which included evaluations of fall risk, were conducted on 82 older adult inpatients. The incidence of falls during hospitalization was documented. The analysis compared the consistency of these scales with actual fall incidents, and the predictive values for fall risk were assessed using the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve.

Results:

More than 30 older adult inpatients had a documented history of falls. The incidence of falls recorded in this study was 27.6 per 1000 patient days. The assessment scores of the National Health Commission Fall Scale, Morse Fall Scale, Berg Balance Scale, and Barthel Index revealed that fallers were at a significantly higher risk compared with non-fallers. The Morse Fall Scale showed the best consistency between score and fall occurrence (kappa = 0.461, P = .001). Its area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.813 (95% CI 0.676-0.949). The combined AUC for the Morse Fall Scale and Barthel Index was 0.891 (95% CI 0.784-0.998).

Conclusions:

Analysis of these assessment scales indicates that the Morse Fall Scale exhibits the highest predictive value for falls among older adult inpatients aged 80 years and above. Integration of the Barthel Index may enhance the predictive validity.
Aging alters calcium signaling in vascular mural cells and drives remodeling of neurovascular coupling in the awake brain
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Tao Lechan , Nygaard Amalie H , Dong Yiqiu , Groves Teddy , Hong Xiaoqi , Goddard Carolyn M , He Chen , Postnov Dmitry , Allodi Ilary , Lauritzen Martin J , Cai Changsi
Published: February 2025

Brain aging leads to reduced cerebral blood flow and cognitive decline, but how normal aging affects neurovascular coupling (NVC) in the awake brain is unclear. Here, we investigated NVC in relation to calcium changes in vascular mural cells (VMCs) in awake adult and aged mice. We show that NVC responses are reduced and prolonged in the aged brain and that this is more pronounced at the capillary level than in arterioles. However, the overall NVC response, measured as the time integral of vasodilation, is the same in the two age groups. In adult, but not in aged mice, the NVC response correlated with Ca2+ signaling in VMCs, while the overall Ca2+ kinetics were slower in aged than in adult mice. In particular, the rate of Ca2+ transport, and the Ca2+ sensitivity of VMCs were reduced in aged mice, explaining the reduced and prolonged vasodilation. Spontaneous locomotion was less frequent and reduced in aged mice as compared to young adult mice, and this was reflected in the ‘slow but prolonged' NVC and vascular Ca2+ responses. Taken together, our data characterize the NVC in the aged, awake brain as slow but prolonged, highlighting the remodeling processes associated with aging.
Le prix du végétarisme Légitimité et autonomie culturelle de la caste en Inde contemporaine
Authors: Ferry Mathieu
Published: February 2025

Résumé

Dans l’Inde contemporaine, le végétarisme reste un marqueur social de la religion et de la position de caste. L’abstinence à la consommation d’aliments non-végétariens (les viandes, les poissons et les œufs) est d’autant plus forte que les ménages appartiennent à une caste hindoue de statut social élevé, et est particulièrement importante au sein des castes brahmanes. Mais le rôle distinctif de ce régime alimentaire interroge dans une société marquée par de fortes inégalités économiques où l’alimentation est en moyenne le premier poste de dépenses des ménages. Cet article met en rapport l’opposition entre végétariens et non-végétariens au regard des autres logiques de distinctions alimentaires, marquées au premier rang par les contraintes économiques des ménages. À partir d’enquêtes statistiques de consommation des ménages, je mets premièrement au jour la structure sociale des pratiques alimentaires grâce à une Analyse des Correspondances Multiples (ACM) des coefficients budgétaires consacrés à l’alimentation. Ensuite, des analyses spécifiques de classe (ASC) permettent de compléter l’analyse factorielle en examinant le degré d’homologie structurale entre régions de l’espace social indien. Enfin, l’analyse longitudinale permet de saisir le poids de la contrainte économique en comparant l’évolution du végétarisme des ménages suivant leur rapport à la pauvreté. En parallèle, les entretiens auprès d’un échantillon diversifié de la population du nord-ouest de l’Inde mettent en lumière comment les jugements de caste sont en partie liés à la position économique. L’articulation des deux matériaux – recueil exhaustif de la composition du panier alimentaire et analyse discursive des rapports sociaux – permet de souligner la saillance de la norme sociale végétarienne, mais aussi de relativiser sa portée géographique et sociale dans l’Inde contemporaine.
From Compensation to Commitment: Dynamic Capabilities as Bridges to Ethical Climates in Nigerian Private Education
Authors: Bilgin Fevzullah , Hadziahmetovic Nereida , Tandir Natasa
Published: February 2025

In today’s dynamic environment, traditional business models often fall short. This study focuses on Nigerian private education, emphasizing human capital as a driver of competitive advantage. It examines how well-designed compensation practices foster affective commitment, cultivate an ethical climate, and enhance dynamic capabilities. The research highlights the role of equitable rewards in promoting emotional attachment, loyalty, and positive work attitudes while addressing the overlooked link between compensation and ethical business practices. By integrating these elements, the study explores how dynamic capabilities enable organizations to adapt and thrive amidst challenges. Using structural equation modeling, the findings reveal that dynamic capabilities not only directly influence affective commitment and ethical climate but also amplify the impact of strategic compensation on staff dedication. The study offers actionable insights to help Nigerian private schools build a committed, high-performing workforce, paving the way for long-term success in an increasingly competitive landscape.
Dynamic modeling and analysis of face gear considering uncertain interval mounting errors
Authors: Yang Yufan , Shen Yunbo
Published: February 2025

To accurately assess the impact of misalignment errors with interval properties on the dynamics of face gear drive, a method for interval uncertainty analysis of mounting errors based on face gear dynamics is proposed. Considering stiffness excitation and error excitation, a dynamics model of the face gear drive is developed, while the tooth contact analysis (TCA) and loaded tooth contact analysis (LTCA) for face gear drive with misalignment are established. Then the interval range of dynamic response of the face gear drive is determined using the Chebyshev inclusion function based interval method. The research findings demonstrate that the misalignment can alter the bearing contact of the face gear pair which resulting in shifts in resonance peaks. The impact of different mounting errors on the frequency domain response range varies. And by setting the bias error interval to a negative range, the axis intersection angle error and axial displacement error of the face gear drive to a positive range, the vibration caused by the errors in the face gear drive can be somewhat mitigated.
A multi-scale framework for predicting residual deformation of laser directed energy deposition considering the kinematic hardening behavior of materials
Authors: Ye Chao , Xu Yang , Chen Yun , Li Yuan , Huang Xiaomei , Hou Liang , Guo Jing
Published: February 2025

The accumulation of plastic strain resulting from repeated thermal cycling can lead to residual deformation that seriously impacts the forming quality of functionally gradient materials (FGMs) during laser directional energy deposition (L-DED) processing. The accumulated plastic strain in L-DED depends mainly on the high-temperature constitutive behavior of the material. Therefore, the construction of a model that accurately reproduces the plastic strain evolution resulting from thermal cycling is essential to predict the residual deformation of FGMs with greater accuracy. Many existing studies ignore the impact of the plastic strain evolution under thermal cycling. Therefore, this study proposes a multi-scale framework: firstly, a meso-scale thermal-mechanical coupling model considering the nonlinear kinematic hardening criterion (Chaboche constitutive model), which can simulate the plastic strain evolution behavior under thermal cycling of cladding and obtain the magnitude of accumulated plastic strain, and then apply it to the part-scale model by the inherent strain method to achieve the prediction of residual deformation. Finally, the proposed multi-scale framework is validated by single-material thin-walled parts and two distributions of FGMs thin-walled parts. The results indicate that the prediction accuracy of the residual deformation of single-material and FGMs thin-walled parts is improved. This is because the framework not only considers the plastic strain evolution under thermal cycling, but also avoids overestimation of the accumulated plastic strain due to the presence of the dynamic recovery item in the constitutive model. The multi-scale framework, which considers the nonlinear kinematic hardening criterion, predicts residual deformation with higher agreement to experiment than the conventional bilinear isotropic hardening criterion (Biso constitutive model). This framework proposed in this paper can be utilized to predict the residual deformation caused by multiple thermal cycling of L-DED process.
Finite element analysis in wheel crushing tests: Correlating simulation and physical testing for Aluminum alloy wheels
Authors: Malaimeham Selvamanikandan , Vinaitheerthan Satheeshkumar
Published: February 2025

Finite element analysis significantly enhances the efficiency, safety, and reliability of wheel crushing tests by providing valuable insights into the behavior of wheels under crushing loads. It is an indispensable tool in the design and optimization of wheels for various applications. Conducting physical crushing tests can be expensive and time-consuming. FEA reduces the need for extensive prototyping and testing by providing valuable insights into the behavior of the wheel under different conditions. The study of radial crush analysis for Aluminum alloy car wheels aims to determine their maximum load-carrying capacity relative to crushing displacement. This research involved conducting quasi-static crushing tests on physical 16-inch-diameter wheels using a uniaxial compressive testing machine. Additionally, the wheel geometry was reverse-engineered using a 3D scanner and CAD modeling in Creo, and subsequently converted into a finite element model for LS-DYNA simulation. The simulation utilized a tetrahedral element mesh with a MAT-224 material card to accurately reflect physical material properties and failure strains and to achieve a strong correlation with the physical tests. Two distinct wheel samples were evaluated. For the first wheel design, a numerical methodology was iteratively developed and achieved an 87.2% correlation with physical test results, exhibiting similar failure and cracking patterns. The same methodology applied to a second wheel achieved an 88.3% correlation, confirming its consistency. This approach offers the potential to streamline Aluminum alloy wheel testing processes, reducing both investment requirements and product development cycle times.
Multi-class lane marking segmentation dataset for vision-based environmental perception in autonomous driving
Authors: Rajalakshmi Thozhuvur Suchindra Babu , Senthilnathan Ranganathan
Published: February 2025

Advancements in lane detection, leveraging semantic knowledge, have enhanced the detection capabilities of intelligent vehicles in various traffic scenarios. However, existing lane detection algorithms encounter difficulties in reliably extracting lane instances and adapting to simultaneous variations in lane numbers. The proposed study delves into the critical realm of visual scene understanding with a focus on the semantic knowledge of lane classes. The complexity of multi-class lane marking classification is highlighted due to the eccentric, bland, and repeatable nature of lane markings, with classification relying on relative locations. In this study, an effort has been undertaken to introduce a dataset named SemSeg-Lanes, which is derived from the BDD Lane Detection dataset. This dataset encompasses 10 distinct lane marking classes specifically designed for semantic segmentation. Various baseline models, relying on established methods for semantic segmentation, are presented for this demanding dataset. Among these, real-time networks, including PPLiteSeg variants, were incorporated into the baselines and trained to achieve a mean average precision exceeding 70%. The dataset presented enables exploration of fundamental challenges in lane marking segmentation, paving the way for applications such as lane-centric activity understanding, future event prediction, and continual learning.
Use of fabric tensors in damage and healing mechanics of materials
Authors: Voyiadjis George Z , Kattan Peter I
Published: February 2025

A mathematical formulation incorporating the relationship between the damage tensor, healing tensor, and fabric tensors is presented. This formulation provides for a direct link between the subjects of Damage and Healing Mechanics using Fabric Tensors. A new damage-healing tensor is introduced that is based on the fabric of the material. This new tensor is pivotal in characterizing the micro-structure of the material, especially the distributions of micro-cracks and other micro defects. It is noted that the theory applies to linear elastic materials but can be generalized to other constitutive models incorporating inelastic behavior. As examples, the authors solve three cases, namely those of plane stress, plane strain, and isotropic elasticity. The case of plane stress assumes plane damage and plane healing as will be illustrated in the equations. Similarly, the case of plane strain is also illustrated. The case of isotropic elasticity assumes the presence of isotropic damage and isotropic healing. As an illustration, a numerical example is shown for a certain micro-crack distribution. Finally, experimental results are shown to illustrate the relationship between the fabric tensor parameters and the components of the damage and healing tensors. Finally, the evolution of damage and healing are discussed based on sound thermodynamic principles.
Utility of 3D Wound Assessment in Monitoring Granulation Tissue Velocity Following Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy in Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Authors: Ahn Jiyong , Flaherty Alexandra
Published: February 2025

Background:

Wound healing in diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) is challenging and often requires extensive debridement and in some cases leads to amputation. Negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) can be utilized for DFUs. The optimal time frame for successful NPWT lacks consensus. Advanced wound scanning with a three-dimensional (3D) camera can enhance accuracy of DFU area and volume calculations. This study aimed to investigate the utility of 3D wound assessment in monitoring granulation tissue filling velocity with NPWT in DFUs.

Methods:

A retrospective case series study was performed for 101 DFUs (Wagner classification 3 or 4 lesions with significant necrotic tissue debridement failing to achieve primary closure, leading to open amputation) undergoing NPWT from September 2018 to June 2019. Demographic data and wound characteristics were recorded. Before application of NPWT, wounds were irrigated after extensive procedures, and digital photographs of the wound were captured using an infrared 3D camera. Wound area and volume were measured weekly from before the application of NPWT to 1 month after. Risk factors associated with wound healing in DFUs were also evaluated.

Results:

NPWT resulted in significant area improvements for open DFUs. Postoperative 1-week area change velocity was 1.35 cm2/d, peaking at 2 weeks (1.84 cm2/d). Volume also showed significant improvement over time ( P = .001), with a 1-week peak velocity of 1.20 cm3/d. All peak area and volume changes occurred within 2 weeks after NPWT application. Compared to the midfoot and hindfoot, the forefoot exhibited a lower velocity of volume ( P = .001).

Conclusion:

3D wound assessment for the velocity of granulation tissue filled in an open DFU after NPWT can be useful for monitoring healing progression. Most wound healing following NPWT in DFUs was completed within the first 2 weeks.
Management and desensitization to Avelumab in anaphylaxis and metastatic urothelial carcinoma: A case report
Authors: Villarreal-González Rosalaura , Treviño-Morales Ana Karen , Cadenas-García Diana , López-Galindo Ángel , Vidal-Gutiérrez Oscar
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Urothelial carcinoma is the prevailing type of bladder cancer, characterized by expression of the programed death-ligand-1-protein (PD-L1). Avelumab is an anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibody used in urothelial carcinoma. It is associated with an incidence of 47.4% and 25.2% in grade 3 adverse events or greater, respectively; gastrointestinal symptoms and cutaneous affections are the most common.

Case report

A 52-year-old male with a history of rectal cancer and non-muscle-invasive bladder carcinoma. PET/CT revealed adenopathies in the pelvic region, the biopsy confirmed metastatic urothelial carcinoma. Next PET/CT indicated progression. Treatment with Cisplatin + Gemcitabine led to complete response after 4 cycles. Maintenance with Avelumab was indicated. Fifteen minutes after the first Avelumab administration, the patient experienced hypotension, presyncope, skin itching, and nasal congestion. Epinephrine, hydrocortisone, and physiological solution were administered, with resolution of symptoms.

Management & outcome

Since Avelumab is first-line maintenance therapy in this patient, a desensitization protocol was performed with (3-bag, 12-steps). The patient was premedicated with acetaminophen and chlorpheniramine. The protocol was successfully completed without hypersensitivity reactions for 6 cycles.

Discussion

Patients with hypersensitivity reactions to their first line of treatment are challenged to continue the best approach. We detail the case of a patient diagnosed with metastatic urothelial carcinoma who underwent a desensitization protocol for Avelumab after presenting a severe allergic reaction. The patient tolerated Avelumab throughout the protocol with no complications, achieving the total dosage for his maintenance therapy; drug desensitization is a safe and effective procedure in patients with hypersensitivity reactions to their first-line treatment.
UV light-driven deformations in photoactive fiber-reinforced planar annular membranes
Authors: Nguyen Nhung , Wineman Alan Stuart
Published: February 2025

Engineered fibers such as azobenzene—a photoresponsive material—change their stress free or natural reference length in response to ultraviolet (UV) light. This work focuses on the mechanics of a plane annular membrane formed from a homogeneous incompressible nonlinear elastic material reinforced by an axisymmetric distribution of activated fibers lying in a plane parallel to the mid-surface. The lengths of these fibers can be triggered to change by non-mechanical influences such as temperature change or radiation from an UV light source. Each fiber has the shape of a plane spiral curve that extends from the inner to the outer radius. The membrane is attached to a rigid circular disc at the inner boundary. The outer boundary can have a prescribed radial stretch. A new constitutive model for the UV-activated fiber-reinforced medium is developed. Boundary value problems that combine twist with radial expansion are formulated and solved as a system of ordinary differential equations. Corresponding finite element (FE) models are also developed. Results show that the contraction of the spiral fibers will lead to a shape change, a shearing deformation in the radial-circumferential plane, and a distribution of shear stresses within the membrane. The resulting shear deformation may cause a principal stress to become negative indicating wrinkling. The shearing deformation disappears in the special cases of radial and circumferential fiber distributions while negative principal stresses might still present. We consider conditions where wrinkling may be avoided by imposing a radial stretch. We also investigate the regimes of instability due to the compressive stress in the membrane using FE methods. Such understanding is critical to multiple applications including designing soft robotic devices that can be actuated by active fibers, biomechanical modeling of biological phenomena (e.g., vasoconstriction and vasodilation in blood vessels, the peristalsis motion in urinary and gastrointestinal tract systems), and complex deformation in muscular hydrostats of animals.
Corneal endothelial neovascularization and glaucoma in X-linked Alport syndrome
Authors: Zhou Lin , Zhang Yao , Tian Chaohua , Liao Jinying , Yu Houjue , Tang Li
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Variants in COL4A5 are responsible for X-linked Alport syndrome. It is characterized by kidney disease, sensorineural hearing loss and variable ocular abnormalities. In this case, a woman with corneal endothelial neovascularization, glaucoma, nuclear cataract, temporal retinal thinning, and renal defects was identified with a variant in COL4A5.

Case presentation

We described a 64-year-old woman who was referred to our Eye Clinic due to a progressive decline in vision in both eyes over the course of two years. Corneal endothelial neovascularization, elevated intraocular pressure (31.2 mmHg and 27.8 mmHg in the right and left eyes, respectively), lens opacity, an increased cup-to-disc (C/D) ratio (0.8 in both eyes), and thinner retinal nerve fiber layer were detected upon examination. Concurrently, microscopic hematuria and proteinuria were observed. Following phacoemulsification and the administration of Latanoprost, intraocular pressure returned to within the normal range. Whole exome sequencing revealed a novel hemizygous missense pathogenic variant in COL4A5 (c.3980G > T (p.G1327V)). Importantly, this particular variant was not identified in the healthy daughter of the proband, underscoring its potential relevance to the observed clinical manifestations.

Conclusions

Our study reports a novel phenotype observed in a 64-year-old woman, featuring corneal endothelial neovascularization and glaucoma, which has been linked to X-linked Alport syndrome caused by variants in COL4A5. This discovery contributes to the broadening of our understanding of the clinical heterogeneity associated with COL4A5 variants.
Social theory and migration research in dialog
Authors: Schwiertz Helge , Jørgensen Martin Bak
Published: February 2025

“Migration” has received less attention in social theory compared to other topics, and at the same time, migration research is often said to have a “theory deficit.” Against this background, we argue that it is mutually beneficial to relate and link social theory and migration research more closely. On the one hand, a stronger reference to social theories is important for migration research to break down prevailing views on migration and to further develop independent analytical perspectives and concepts that allow for a critical-reflexive distance to (national-)state and hegemonic categories. These established categories often go hand in hand with undercomplex, essentialist notions of society, as in dominant integration discourses. In social theory, on the other hand, migration is rarely addressed, with hardly any debates in migration research discussed. When migration is addressed, it is mostly to illustrate theoretical concepts and theses, without sufficiently considering the complexity of migration phenomena. In this introductory article, we outline how we can revise perspectives and categories of migration studies based on a rearticulation of social theories and, conversely, how we can rethink theoretical approaches starting from a perspective of migration (studies).
The metaverse as an opportunity for entrepreneurship and innovation
Authors: Kromidha Endrit , Taheri Babak , Kraus Sascha , Malodia Suresh
Published: February 2025

From social simulation platforms like The Sims to virtual environments like Second Life, the metaverse has evolved both as a concept and business practice for many new or established ventures. Fragmented research, mainly from computer sciences and, to a lesser extent, from business and management has been struggling to keep up with the pace of the evolution and use of the metaverse. This highlights the pressing need for a critical examination of the opportunities offered by the metaverse and of its transformative potential from the perspective of the fields of entrepreneurship and innovation. The diversity of topics in this special issue on the role of the metaverse in transforming business models, its use in unexpected industries like that of wine and in the future of education, its adoption and the related collaboration and engagement reveal that our understanding of it has started to mature. Yet, significant gaps remain to be addressed. As the metaverse moves beyond entertainment and gaming or experimentation within firms’ boundaries to become an interorganizational connecting, networking, and collaborating space, research also needs to move from trying to define the metaverse into conceptualizing its role in multiuser business, industrial, and commercial environments. As the metaverse is set to reshape the entrepreneurial landscape by transforming cross-platform digital innovations and economies, technical and ethical issues remain to be solved as part of a collaborative value creation process for balanced opportunities across various industries, ventures and consumers.
Researching children's COVID-19 friendship experiences online: Methodological and ethical opportunities and challenges
Authors: Barley Ruth , Carter Caron , Omar Arwa
Published: February 2025

In March 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic was rife and global lockdowns were implemented research restrictions were also put in place curtailing established research practice with children. These restrictions required researchers to reflexively navigate the interplay between responsiveness and responsibility to ensure that ethical processes continued to be fluid and co-produced. Teasing out the ethical dilemmas, this article examines the enforced online research experience with children during this time to show its complexities and idiosyncratic nature. It draws upon data examples from a pilot case study project with ten 7- to 11-year-olds investigating how children maintained their friendships during lockdown in the United Kingdom. Data were collected through a range of creative participatory research methods accompanied by an open-ended online unstructured interview. This article has implications for researchers and educators for future online data collection with children as it reflects on the ethical maze of doing research with children online. Reflections provide new insights into how allowing children to choose their creative method facilitated the production of agentic knowledge.
Systematization of the methodology of children and adolescents as co-researchers. The research case on school engagement and contextual factors in Chile
Authors: Santana López Alejandra , Nogueira Llovet Amanda , Saracostti Schwartzmann Mahia , de Toro Consuagra Ximena
Published: February 2025

Scientific research involving children and adolescents as members of research teams are relevant, both because of the possibility of giving voice and leading role to this social group and because it constitutes an expressway of exercising the participation rights enshrined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). Increased research involving children and adolescents as co-researchers appears, seeking designs and implementations that safeguard technical, cultural, and ethical aspects. This article reports a methodology implementation of children as co-researchers in a scientific research project associated with school engagement and its contextual factors in Chile. Therefore, the article goes in-depth into the methodology implementation, the conditions of the implementation, and its results. Finally, conclusions and projections for future research in this line are shared.
Cripping the content: An analysis of disability-related digital content at engineering-intensive universities
Authors: Figard Rachel , Brunhaver Samantha , Bekki Jennifer
Published: February 2025

It is well known that disabled students face a myriad of barriers to inclusion while navigating higher education. Institutional policies and practices serve as fundamental drivers to the operation of a university and, as such, play a significant role in the support, experiences, protections, and inclusion of disabled students. This study critically analyzes the current state of disability-related institutional policies and practices across five large U.S. higher education institutions through a content analysis of their student support-related websites. As much of the analysis criteria for assessing disability inclusion are based on adherence to legal requirements, our findings showcase the extent to which universities meet or fail to meet the mere minimum accessibility legal requirements. Further, this paper extends beyond the evaluation of legal adherence to present a more comprehensive assessment of the current state of structural institutional support, marking a necessary first step for enhancing disability inclusion within higher education. We offer implications for improved disability support and enforcement of disability-related policies and practices within U.S. institutions of higher education.