bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bibliometric analysis of AI and Fintech: Mapping the intersection of artificial intelligence and financial technologies
Authors: Kumar Manish , Jha Babita , Gupta Gaurav , Ranjan Shiv
Published: August 2024

This paper presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis aimed at mapping the convergent landscapes of artificial intelligence (AI) and financial technology (Fintech), fields poised for significant disruptive potential in global financial services. Given the rapid integration of AI within financial operations, this research investigates the publication trends, key contributing nations, and prevalent themes within this intersection, crucial for understanding the trajectory of Fintech innovations and their alignment with AI advancements. Employing a robust methodology utilizing VOSviewer and the Scopus database, the analysis distilled insights from 298 selected papers, focusing on co-authorship, bibliographic coupling, and keyword occurrences to highlight the global influential works and primary research hubs. Key findings reveal that AI and Fintech are not only predominant themes but are also the nucleus of emerging scholarly discussions, with the United States, China, and India leading in contributions. These nations, alongside others like France and the United Kingdom, form critical nodes in our analysis, indicating a robust interconnection of global research efforts. This study introduces the novel application of advanced bibliometric techniques to dissect dense academic outputs, offering a granular view of how AI influences financial technologies. The implications of this research are manifold; it provides a strategic blueprint for academics, industry practitioners, and policymakers to understand the focal areas of AI in Fintech, suggesting an amplified focus on collaborative innovations and policy-making that aligns with technological advancements. Future research should expand the analysis to include diverse databases and explore the integration of AI across various financial sectors, emphasizing the socioeconomic impacts, ethical considerations, and regulatory challenges posed by AI-driven financial services. This extended focus will enhance our understanding of AI’s role in shaping the future of Finance, ensuring comprehensive coverage of this dynamically evolving field.
Trustworthiness-Driven Graph Convolutional Networks for Signed Network Embedding
Authors: Kim Min-Jeong , Lee Yeon-Chang , Kang David Y. , Kim Sang-Wook
Published: August 2024

The problem of representing nodes in a signed network as low-dimensional vectors, known as signed network embedding (SNE), has garnered considerable attention in recent years. While several SNE methods based on
graph convolutional networks
(GCNs) have been proposed for this problem, we point out that they significantly rely on the assumption that the decades-old
balance theory
always holds in the real-world. To address this limitation, we propose a novel GCN-based SNE approach, named as TrustSGCN, which corrects for incorrect embedding propagation in GCN by utilizing the trustworthiness on edge signs for high-order relationships inferred by the balance theory. The proposed approach consists of three modules: (M1) generation of each node’s extended ego-network; (M2) measurement of trustworthiness on edge signs; and (M3) trustworthiness-aware propagation of embeddings. Specifically, TrustSGCN leverages topological information to measure trustworthiness on edge sign for high-order relationships inferred by balance theory. It then considers structural properties inherent to an input network, such as the ratio of triads, to correct for incorrect embedding propagation. Furthermore, TrustSGCN learns the node embeddings by leveraging two well-known social theories, i.e., balance and status, to jointly preserve the edge sign and direction between nodes connected by existing edges in the embedding space. The experiments on six real-world signed network datasets demonstrate that TrustSGCN consistently outperforms six state-of-the-art GCN-based SNE methods. The code is available at
https://github.com/kmj0792/TrustSGCN
.
A Hierarchical Model for Complex Adaptive System: From Adaptive Agent to AI Society
Authors: Zhou Deyu , Xue Xiao , Lu Xudong , Guo Yuwei , Ji Peilin , Lv Hongtao , He Wei , Xu Yonghui , Li Qingzhong , Cui Lizhen
Published: August 2024

As complex adaptive system involves human and social factors (e.g., changing demands, competition and collaboration among agents), accurately modeling the complex features of adaptive agents and AI society is crucial for the effective analysis and governance of complex adaptive systems. However, existing modeling methods struggle to accurately represent these complex features, there is a gap between existing technologies and complex features modeling. In this context, this paper proposes a hierarchical model based on the computational experiments method, which consists of four layers (i.e., L1, L2, L3 and L4) modeling the autonomous, evolutionary, interactive, and emergent features respectively from adaptive agent to AI society. Additionally, taking intelligent transportation system as an example, a computational experiments system is constructed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed model. This model builds a bridge between complex feature modeling and various technologies, thereby offering theoretical support for further research in complex adaptive systems.
Billiards Sports Analytics: Datasets and Tasks
Authors: Zhang Qianru , Wang Zheng , Long Cheng , Yiu Siu-Ming
Published: August 2024

Nowadays, it becomes a common practice to capture some data of sports games with devices such as GPS sensors and cameras and then use the data to perform various analyses on sports games, including tactics discovery, similar game retrieval, performance study, and so forth. While this practice has been conducted to many sports such as basketball and soccer, it remains largely unexplored on the billiards sports, which is mainly due to the lack of publicly available datasets. Motivated by this, we collect a dataset of billiards sports, which includes the layouts (i.e., locations) of billiards balls after performing break shots, called break shot layouts, the traces of the balls as a result of strikes (in the form of trajectories), and detailed statistics and performance indicators. We then study and develop techniques for three tasks on the collected dataset, including (1) prediction and (2) generation on the layouts data, and (3) similar billiards layout retrieval on the layouts data, which can serve different users such as coaches, players and fans. We conduct extensive experiments on the collected dataset and the results show that our methods perform effectively and efficiently.
Planter: Rapid Prototyping of In-Network Machine Learning Inference
Authors: Zheng Changgang , Zang Mingyuan , Hong Xinpeng , Perreault Liam , Bensoussane Riyad , Vargaftik Shay , Ben-Itzhak Yaniv , Zilberman Noa
Published: August 2024

In-network machine learning inference provides high throughput and low latency. It is ideally located within the network, power efficient, and improves applications' performance. Despite its advantages, the bar to in-network machine learning research is high, requiring significant expertise in programmable data planes, in addition to knowledge of machine learning and the application area. Existing solutions are mostly one-time efforts, hard to reproduce, change, or port across platforms. In this paper, we present Planter: a modular and efficient open-source framework for rapid prototyping of in-network machine learning models across a range of platforms and pipeline architectures. By identifying general mapping methodologies for machine learning algorithms, Planter introduces new machine learning mappings and improves existing ones. It provides users with several example use cases and supports different datasets, and was already extended by users to new fields and applications. Our evaluation shows that Planter improves machine learning performance compared with previous model-tailored works, while significantly reducing resource consumption and co-existing with network functionality. Planter-supported algorithms run at line rate on unmodified commodity hardware, providing billions of inference decisions per second.
From the Editor-in-Chief
Authors: Gorla Daniele
Published: August 2024

Welcome everybody to the third issue of 2024! Some of us are already in holiday, some are still at work; surely, many of us will meet in the forthcoming conferences, mostly our flagship conference (LICS). In the meanwhile, I invite you to read the present issue of SIGLOG News, whose contents are the following:

-The SIGLOG Chair introduces this year edition of LICS and reports on the current situation of SIGLOG.

-We present the outcome of the 2024 Alonzo Church Award. This prize was established in 2015 by SIGLOG, by the European Association for Theoretical Computer Science (EATCS), by the European Association for Computer Science Logic (EACSL), and by the Kurt Goedel Society (KGS). In 2022 the KGS was dissolved and, since then, the award has been sponsored by EACSL, EATCS and SIGLOG. The award is for an outstanding contribution represented by a paper or by a small group of papers published within the past 25 years. This year's recipients are Thomas Ehrhard and Laurent Regnier.

-Then, you can read a new semantics column, edited by Prakash Panangaden and written by Samson Abramsky and Luca Reggio, on
Game comonads
; these offer a categorical view of a number of model-comparison games central to model theory and provide a new bridge between categorical methods developed for semantics, and the combinatorial and algorithmic methods of resource-sensitive model theory.

-To conclude, we wrap up this number with the latest issue of SIGLOG Monthly, prepared by Elli Anastasiadi.
An Invitation to Game Comonads
Authors: Abramsky Samson , Reggio Luca
Published: August 2024

Game comonads offer a categorical view of a number of model-comparison games central to model theory, such as pebble and Ehrenfeucht-Fraïssé games. Remarkably, the categories of coalgebras for these comon-ads capture preservation of several fragments of resource-bounded logics, such as (infinitary) first-order logic with
n
variables or bounded quantifier rank, and corresponding combinatorial parameters such as tree-width and tree-depth. In this way, game comonads provide a new bridge between categorical methods developed for semantics, and the combinatorial and algorithmic methods of resource-sensitive model theory.
Reliability of MR Enterography Features for Describing Fibrostenosing Crohn Disease
Authors: Rieder Florian , Baker Mark E. , Bruining David H. , Fidler Jeff L. , Ehman Eric C. , Sheedy Shannon P. , Heiken Jay P. , Ream Justin M. , Holmes David R. , Inoue Akitoshi , Mohammadinejad Payam , Lee Yong S. , Taylor Stuart A. , Stoker Jaap , Zou Guangyong , Wang Zhongya , Rémillard Julie , Carter Rickey E. , Ottichilo Ronald , Atkinson Norma , Siddiqui Mohamed Tausif , Sunkesula Venkata C. , Ma Christopher , Parker Claire E. , Panés Julian , Rimola Jordi , Jairath Vipul , Feagan Brian G. , Fletcher Joel G. ,   for the Stenosis Therapy and Anti-Fibrosis Research (STAR) Consortium
Published: August 2024

Stricture length, maximal stricture wall thickness, and maximal associated small bowel dilation at MR enterography can reliably assess Crohn disease stricture severity and serve as eligibility and efficacy criteria in clinical trials.
Effect of Light and Electrode Polarization on BiVO4 and TiO2 Photoanodes for Glycerol Oxidation
Authors: Molera Martí , Sarret Maria , Fàbrega Cristian , Andreu Teresa
Published: August 2024

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the photoelectrochemical oxidation of glycerol to produce high-value products. Most studies have focused solely on the photocatalytic properties of the electrodes, overlooking their electrocatalytic properties and the different products obtained under dark conditions. Our work aims to address this gap by comparing the electrocatalytic activity under dark and light conditions to determine whether light influences the reactivity of the electrodes or if it just reduces the overpotential of the reaction. To achieve this, we employed two model semiconductors, TiO2 and BiVO4. We have analyzed their polarization curves under both dark and light conditions and evaluated the competence of glycerol oxidation reaction with the oxygen evolution reaction. Furthermore, we conducted long-term (photo)electrolysis revealing the beneficial role of light on the electrolytic process, as it enables the obtention of C3 products on illuminated TiO2 photoanodes at low electrode polarization, comparable to the performance of BiVO4.
Accelerated High-Temperature Oxidation Behavior of Ferritic Stainless Steel under Air/H2+H2O Dual Atmosphere
Authors: Inuzuka Riko , Osada Norikazu , Imai Kiyoshi , Kameda Tsuneji , Ishihara Tatsumi
Published: August 2024

Improvement in durability is one of the important subjects for utilizing solid oxide electrolyzer cell (SOEC) systems widely. In SOEC stacks, separators are exposed to complexed dual atmosphere (i.e. hydrogen - steam mixed gases and oxygen rich air are on each side). In this study, the degradation phenomena of separator materials (SUS430, ZMG232G10, Crofer22APU) in SOEC dual atmosphere were investigated. The samples were exposed in SOEC dual and simple atmospheres at 700 °C for 500 h. Then, their cross sections were analyzed by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray analysis. The degradation mechanisms of the separator materials in the SOEC stack operating conditions were discussed. ZMG232G10 and Crofer22APU with high Cr content showed thin oxide layer under both the dual or single atmosphere, while SUS430 with low Cr content showed significant oxidation in the H2-steam atmosphere and on the air side under the dual atmosphere condition. The significant oxidation on the air side of the dual atmosphere of SUS430 observed in this study is a unique phenomenon under the dual atmosphere condition and not observed in a single air atmosphere.
Functional involvement of the sternohyoid muscle during breathing and swallowing in rats
Authors: Saka Nobuaki , Chotirungsan Titi , Yoshihara Midori , Pan Charng-Rong , Tsutsui Yuhei , Dewa Nozomi , Magara Jin , Tsujimura Takanori , Inoue Makoto
Published: August 2024

We found that the sternohyoid muscle was activated in the inspiratory phase. However, increased airway resistance had different effects on the extrathoracic muscles than on the diaphragm. The swallowing activity of the sternohyoid disappeared when the muscle length was fixed. These findings suggest that the sternohyoid muscle may be activated not by the swallowing central pattern generator but as a myotatic reflex.
Mucociliary clearance is impaired in small airways of cystic fibrosis pigs
Authors: Stewart Carley G. , Hilkin Brieanna M. , Gansemer Nicholas D. , Adam Ryan J. , Dick David W. , Sunderland John J. , Stoltz David A. , Zabner Joseph , Abou Alaiwa Mahmoud H.
Published: August 2024

We developed a novel positron emission tomography scan assay with unprecedented temporal and spatial resolution to measure mucociliary clearance in the small airways. We proved a long-standing but unproven assertion that mucociliary clearance is inherently abnormal in the small airways of newborn cystic fibrosis piglets that are otherwise free of infection or inflammation. This technique can be easily extended to other airway diseases such as asthma, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
The pontine Kölliker-Fuse nucleus is important for reduced postinspiratory airflow elicited by stimulation of the ventral respiratory parafacial region
Authors: Flor Karine C. , Maia Octavio A. C. , Takakura Ana C. , Moreira Thiago S.
Published: August 2024

Our research reveals specific roles and interactions between the retrotrapezoid nucleus/respiratory parafacial region (RTN/pFRG) and the pontine Kölliker-Fuse (KF) region in controlling respiratory phases. RTN/pFRG neurons are key in regulating all aspects of breathing, including frequency, inspiration, postinspiration, and active expiration. This regulation depends on the functional integrity of glutamatergic neurons in the KF region, aligning with anatomical projections.
Convolutional Neural Network Models Combined with Kansei Engineering in Product Design
Authors: Hu Yuping , Yan Kechun
Published: August 2024

This study aims to combine deep learning technology and user perception to propose an efficient design method that can meet the perceptual needs of users and enhance the competitiveness of products in the market. Firstly, the application development of sensory engineering and the research on sensory engineering product design by related technologies are discussed, and the background is provided. Secondly, the Kansei Engineering theory and the algorithmic process of the convolutional neural network (CNN) model are discussed, and theoretical and technical support is provided. A perceptual evaluation system is established for product design based on the CNN model. Finally, taking a picture of the electronic scale as an example, the testing effect of the CNN model in the system is analyzed. The relationship between product design modeling and sensory engineering is explored. The results show that the CNN model improves the “logical depth” of perceptual information of product design and gradually increases the abstraction degree of image information representation. There is a correlation between the user perception impression of electronic weighing scales of different shapes and the design effect of product design shapes. In conclusion, the CNN model and perceptual engineering have in‐depth application significance in the image recognition of product design and the perceptual combination of product design modeling. Combined with the CNN model of perceptual engineering, product design is studied. From the perspective of product modeling design, perceptual engineering has been deeply explored and analyzed. In addition, the product perception based on the CNN model can accurately analyze the correlation between product design elements and perceptual engineering and reflect the rationality of the conclusion.
The Association of Myopia Progression with Changes in Retinal Thickness among Primary School Students with Myopia
Authors: Zhang Jing Shang , Li Jing , Wang Jin Da , Xiong Ying , Cao Kai , Li Meng , Wang Kai Jie , Mao Ying Yan , Liu Jian Ying , Wan Xiu-Hua
Published: August 2024

Purpose. To observe the relationship between myopia progression and changes in retinal thickness during one year of follow‐up among primary school children. Methods. The study included 1161 eyes of 708 myopic children, with 616 (53.06%) right eyes and 545 (46.94%) left eyes. The participants underwent a comprehensive ophthalmic examination, including visual acuity, axial length (AL), autorefraction, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) examination in 2016 and in 2017. An analysis was conducted on the differences in retinal thickness between different genders and between high myopia and nonhigh myopia. Furthermore, the study delved into the correlation between the progression of myopia and the changes of retinal thickness. Results. The average diopter was −1.83 ± 1.29D, average AL was 23.78 ± 0.94 mm, and average foveal thickness was 228.02 ± 23.00 μm. For the inner retina, the median value [the lower quartile value, the upper quartile value] of the foveal thickness was thicker in the high myopia group than the nonhigh myopia group (67 [64; 74] μm vs. 63 [56; 70] μm), while the parafoveal region and perifoveal region were thinner in the high myopia group than the nonhigh myopia group (106 [100; 123] μm vs. 124 [117; 130] μm; 95.0 [93; 102] μm vs. 104 [100; 108] μm). Among all the children with myopia, 67.53% (784/1161) of them have a diopter progression within one year. The AL progression was 95.43% (1108/1161). The retinal thickness of all children has slightly increased in various regions. As the AL of the eye increased and the diopter decreased, the progression degree of inner retinal thickness and full retinal thickness (exclusive of full fovea) decreased. Conclusion. For the school‐age myopic children, the inner foveal retinal thickness were thicker in highly myopic students than in the nonhighly myopic students, while the parafoveal and perifoveal retina were thinner in highly myopic students. The inner and full retinal thicknesses of male students were thicker than that of females. The progression of myopia mainly affected the changes of the inner retinal thickness in the one‐year follow‐up.
Evaluation of the Psychiatric Disorders among Amphetamine Addicts in Rehabilitation Centers: A Cross‐Sectional Analysis
Authors: AlOtaibi Saud D. , Elsisi Hossam A. , AlShammary Mohammed J. , AlQader Saud A. , AlHarbi Hejab A. , AlOlaiyan Bayan R. , Alanazi Ahmad O. , AlMendeel Firas S. , AlHarbi Yazeed N. , AlKhalaf Ibrahim , Alhowail Ahmad H. , Elwy Abdelhamid Mohamed , Emara Ashraf M.
Published: August 2024

Background. People who are addicted to amphetamines have a much greater chance of developing psychosis compared to those who are not. It is essential to study the behavioral and psychological effects of amphetamines. Therefore, this research aimed to examine conditions such as depression, anxiety, mood, cognitive abilities at the workplace, and social responsibilities by using sociodemographic factors as useful tools in determining effective strategies for preventing, managing, and treating amphetamine addiction. Methods. A cross‐sectional study among addicts hospitalized at two rehabilitation centers across Saudi Arabia between May and October 2023. A validated questionnaire consisting of psychiatric disorders assessment tools was distributed to healthcare professionals to start an interview with addicts to assess the abnormalities. The results were compared with healthy people (control). The assessment tools used are Hamilton Anxiety and Depression Rating Scale, Young Mania Rating Scale, and Work and Social Adjustment Scale. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 22.0. Pearson correlation coefficients (r) were employed. Results. A total of 60 subjects participated in this study. The participants were divided into two groups (n = 60): group I was control (n = 25) healthy volunteers and group II was amphetamine abusers (n = 35), who were hospitalized for detoxification. The ages ranged from 18 to 60 years old with mean ages of 38.68 (±8.14) and 37.77 (±10.95) years in the control and amphetamine groups, respectively. Among the addicts, the mean severity dependence scale value was 10.46 (±1.82), which denotes high dependency on the illicit drug. The prevalence of high levels of anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder was significantly higher among addicts when they were compared to healthy people (control). The assessment of the Work and Social Adjustment Scale (WSAS) reflected a higher impairment that minimized their ability to perform the work requirements, home management, social leisure, and relationships. Conclusions. The addiction to amphetamines was associated with high impairment of work performance and social obligations and a negative impact on the addict’s mental health. The risk of suffering anxiety, depression, and bipolar is higher than in nonaddict people. These effects are attributed to brain damage, neurotoxicity, and neuronal inflammation, particularly when these substances are abused over extended periods and at higher doses.
Energy Dissipation and Fractal Properties of Coal under Cyclic Impact Loading
Authors: He Yongliang , Li Chuantian , Fu Yuping , Xing Xuegang , Sun Liying
Published: August 2024

To investigate the periodic disturbance and damage characteristics of coal under different impact pressures, the stress‒strain failure and damage trends of weak, impact‐prone coal samples were analysed under different impact pressures and different numbers of impacts. Split‐Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) tests were conducted to study the stress‒strain curve, dynamic compressive strength, elastic modulus, failure strain, and absorbed energy responses with different numbers of impacts and different strain rates. Fractal theory and methods were applied to analyse the influence of different impact pressures and different numbers of impacts on coal sample failure to reveal the relationship between the number of impacts and the fractal size characteristics of coal fragmentation. The energy modes and failure modes of coal samples under different impact effects were analysed under dynamic loading. Regarding the energy absorption corresponding to different numbers of impacts, the energy absorption per unit volume (EAPUV) of three impacts was calculated to be 0.46 J/cm3. The number of impacts was directly correlated with the energy absorbed by the coal sample. Furthermore, the number of impacts was directly correlated with the severity of the deformation and damage of the coal sample and was inversely correlated with the fragmentation of the coal sample. The degree of coal sample fragmentation was directly proportional to the number of impacts, and the fractal dimension increased with the number of impacts. The study of the failure and fractal characteristics of coal samples under different impact pressures and different numbers of impacts provides important information for the prevention and control of coal mine rock bursts.
A Systematic Review of Urban Vegetation Research during 2000–2023: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Boukita Hassan , Elwahab Fathalah , El Ammari Mohamed , Chemchaoui Abdelazziz , Benchahid Boutaina , Haouazine Youssef , Brhadda Najiba , Ziri Rabea
Published: August 2024

Urban vegetation is a fundamental element and the keystone of urban ecological systems. Therefore, better comprehending the patterns of change over time and space in this vegetation is crucial for more effective urban environment management to enhance urban habitat and counteract the negative impacts of accelerated urbanization. This study examined 1,081 articles listed in the Scopus database on urban vegetation between 2000 and 2023. After being exported in CSV format, these data were analyzed using VOSviewer for data visualization, Scopus Analytics for performance evaluation, MS Excel for organizing data in graphical form, and CiteSpace for examining the emergence of keywords. The objective was to offer guidance on current topics and forecast future research trends related to this theme. This analysis shows that in 2000, only 5 articles on urban vegetation were published, which has risen by 2840% to 142 in 2023, following a quadratic function (R2 = 0.9524). China is the country most interested in this topic, with 273 articles (25.25%). Thus, China and the United States are the most cooperative nations on the urban vegetation subject. Over the past 24 years, the environmental science field has contributed the most, with 33.3% of papers published. Concerning sources, the journal Urban Forestry and Urban Greening comes first with 73 articles and 2127 citations. The keyword “urban vegetation” is the most frequently used by authors (occurrences: 330, links: 115, and total link strength: 459). In terms of cocitations, an analysis of 75887 authors revealed that X. Li came out first with a total link strength of 21626 and 507 citations while G. D. Jenerette takes first place, concerning the co‐authorship with 11 publications and 899 citations. Moreover, the Chinese Academy of Sciences is the most effective and influential institution on the subject. Keyword emergence analysis revealed that urban growth, urban development, and ecosystem services have become current research hotspots with considerable impact over the past three years. This work has provided structured data, guidelines, and useful recommendations for further investigations, which can contribute to a better comprehension of the environmental features of urban vegetation.
Supplementary Table 2 from Anti-EGFR Antibody–Drug Conjugate Carrying an Inhibitor Targeting CDK Restricts Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Growth
Authors: Cheung Anthony , Chenoweth Alicia M. , Johansson Annelie , Laddach Roman , Guppy Naomi , Trendell Jennifer , Esapa Benjamina , Mavousian Antranik , Navarro-Llinas Blanca , Haider Syed , Romero-Clavijo Pablo , Hoffmann Ricarda M. , Andriollo Paolo , Rahman Khondaker M. , Jackson Paul , Tsoka Sophia , Irshad Sheeba , Roxanis Ioannis , Grigoriadis Anita , Thurston David E. , Lord Christopher J. , Tutt Andrew N. J. , Karagiannis Sophia N.
Published: August 2024

Supplementary Table 2. Disease characteristics of breast cancer patients for PDX TMA samples (please see Figure 6C–6F).
Supplementary Table S2 from Evaluating the Base Excision Repair Inhibitor TRC102 and Temozolomide for Patients with Recurrent Glioblastoma in the Phase 2 Adult Brain Tumor Consortium Trial BERT
Authors: Ahluwalia Manmeet S. , Ozair Ahmad , Drappatz Jan , Ye Xiaobu , Peng Sen , Lee Matthew , Rath Sanhita , Dhruv Harshil , Hao Yue , Berens Michael E. , Walbert Tobias , Holdhoff Matthias , Lesser Glenn J. , Cloughesy Timothy F. , Sloan Andrew E. , Takebe Naoko , Couce Marta , Peereboom David M. , Nabors Burt , Wen Patrick Y. , Grossman Stuart A. , Rogers Lisa R.
Published: August 2024

Representativeness of Study Participants
Supplementary Figure S7 from Evaluating the Base Excision Repair Inhibitor TRC102 and Temozolomide for Patients with Recurrent Glioblastoma in the Phase 2 Adult Brain Tumor Consortium Trial BERT
Authors: Ahluwalia Manmeet S. , Ozair Ahmad , Drappatz Jan , Ye Xiaobu , Peng Sen , Lee Matthew , Rath Sanhita , Dhruv Harshil , Hao Yue , Berens Michael E. , Walbert Tobias , Holdhoff Matthias , Lesser Glenn J. , Cloughesy Timothy F. , Sloan Andrew E. , Takebe Naoko , Couce Marta , Peereboom David M. , Nabors Burt , Wen Patrick Y. , Grossman Stuart A. , Rogers Lisa R.
Published: August 2024

Association between MGMT and MPG mRNA levels in recurrent glioblastoma patients from the CCGA database.
Supplementary Figure S3 from Evaluating the Base Excision Repair Inhibitor TRC102 and Temozolomide for Patients with Recurrent Glioblastoma in the Phase 2 Adult Brain Tumor Consortium Trial BERT
Authors: Ahluwalia Manmeet S. , Ozair Ahmad , Drappatz Jan , Ye Xiaobu , Peng Sen , Lee Matthew , Rath Sanhita , Dhruv Harshil , Hao Yue , Berens Michael E. , Walbert Tobias , Holdhoff Matthias , Lesser Glenn J. , Cloughesy Timothy F. , Sloan Andrew E. , Takebe Naoko , Couce Marta , Peereboom David M. , Nabors Burt , Wen Patrick Y. , Grossman Stuart A. , Rogers Lisa R.
Published: August 2024

Correlation between MGMT mRNA and MGTM protein abundance values in glioblastoma from the CPTAC database.
Supplementary Figure S1 from Evaluating the Base Excision Repair Inhibitor TRC102 and Temozolomide for Patients with Recurrent Glioblastoma in the Phase 2 Adult Brain Tumor Consortium Trial BERT
Authors: Ahluwalia Manmeet S. , Ozair Ahmad , Drappatz Jan , Ye Xiaobu , Peng Sen , Lee Matthew , Rath Sanhita , Dhruv Harshil , Hao Yue , Berens Michael E. , Walbert Tobias , Holdhoff Matthias , Lesser Glenn J. , Cloughesy Timothy F. , Sloan Andrew E. , Takebe Naoko , Couce Marta , Peereboom David M. , Nabors Burt , Wen Patrick Y. , Grossman Stuart A. , Rogers Lisa R.
Published: August 2024

Preclinical data supporting the combination of DNA base excision repair inhibitor (TRC102) with DNA alkylating agent (TMZ)
Data from Evaluating the Base Excision Repair Inhibitor TRC102 and Temozolomide for Patients with Recurrent Glioblastoma in the Phase 2 Adult Brain Tumor Consortium Trial BERT
Authors: Ahluwalia Manmeet S. , Ozair Ahmad , Drappatz Jan , Ye Xiaobu , Peng Sen , Lee Matthew , Rath Sanhita , Dhruv Harshil , Hao Yue , Berens Michael E. , Walbert Tobias , Holdhoff Matthias , Lesser Glenn J. , Cloughesy Timothy F. , Sloan Andrew E. , Takebe Naoko , Couce Marta , Peereboom David M. , Nabors Burt , Wen Patrick Y. , Grossman Stuart A. , Rogers Lisa R.
Published: August 2024

AbstractPurpose:
Patients with glioblastoma (GBM) have a dismal prognosis. Although the DNA alkylating agent temozolomide (TMZ) is the mainstay of chemotherapy, therapeutic resistance rapidly develops in patients. Base excision repair inhibitor TRC102 (methoxyamine) reverses TMZ resistance in preclinical glioma models. We aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of oral TRC102+TMZ in recurrent GBM (rGBM).
Patients and Methods:
A preregistered (NCT02395692), nonrandomized, multicenter, phase 2 clinical trial (BERT) was planned and conducted through the Adult Brain Tumor Consortium (ABTC-1402). Arm 1 included patients with bevacizumab-naïve GBM at the first recurrence, with the primary endpoint of response rates. If sufficient activity was identified, a second arm was planned for the bevacizumab-refractory patients. The secondary endpoints were overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), PFS at 6 months (PFS6), and toxicity.
Results:
Arm 1 enrolled 19 patients with a median of two treatment cycles. Objective responses were not observed; hence, arm 2 did not open. The median OS was 11.1 months [95% confidence interval (CI), 8.2–17.9]. The median PFS was 1.9 months (95% CI, 1.8–3.7). The PFS6 was 10.5% (95% CI, 1.3%–33.1%). Most toxicities were grades 1 and 2, with two grade 3 lymphopenias and one grade 4 thrombocytopenia. Two patients with PFS ≥ 17 months and OS > 32 months were deemed “extended survivors.” RNA sequencing of tumor tissue, obtained at diagnosis, demonstrated significantly enriched signatures of DNA damage response (DDR), chromosomal instability (CIN70, CIN25), and cellular proliferation (PCNA25) in “extended survivors.”
Conclusions:
These findings confirm the safety and feasibility of TRC102+TMZ in patients with rGBM. They also warrant further evaluation of combination therapy in biomarker-enriched trials enrolling GBM patients with baseline hyperactivated DDR pathways.
Metabolomic Prediction of Breast Cancer Treatment–Induced Neurologic and Metabolic Toxicities
Authors: Piffoux Max , Jacquemin Jérémie , Pétéra Mélanie , Durand Stéphanie , Abila Angélique , Centeno Delphine , Joly Charlotte , Lyan Bernard , Martin Anne-Laure , Everhard Sibille , Boyault Sandrine , Pistilli Barbara , Fournier Marion , Rouanet Philippe , Havas Julie , Sauterey Baptiste , Campone Mario , Tarpin Carole , Mouret-Reynier Marie-Ange , Rigal Olivier , Petit Thierry , Lasset Christine , Bertaut Aurélie , Cottu Paul , André Fabrice , Vaz-Luis Ines , Pujos-Guillot Estelle , Drouet Youenn , Trédan Olivier
Published: August 2024

Purpose:

Long-term treatment-related toxicities, such as neurologic and metabolic toxicities, are major issues in breast cancer. We investigated the interest of metabolomic profiling to predict toxicities.

Experimental Design:

Untargeted high-resolution metabolomic profiles of 992 patients with estrogen receptor (ER)+/HER2− breast cancer from the prospective CANTO cohort were acquired (n = 1935 metabolites). A residual-based modeling strategy with discovery and validation cohorts was used to benchmark machine learning algorithms, taking into account confounding variables.

Results:

Adaptive Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection (adaptive LASSO) has a good predictive performance, has limited optimism bias, and allows the selection of metabolites of interest for future translational research. The addition of low-frequency metabolites and nonannotated metabolites increases the predictive power. Metabolomics adds extra performance to clinical variables to predict various neurologic and metabolic toxicity profiles.

Conclusions:

Untargeted high-resolution metabolomics allows better toxicity prediction by considering environmental exposure, metabolites linked to microbiota, and low-frequency metabolites.
Decoding Patient Heterogeneity Influencing Radiation-Induced Brain Necrosis
Authors: Chamseddine Ibrahim , Shah Keyur , Lee Hoyeon , Ehret Felix , Schuemann Jan , Bertolet Alejandro , Shih Helen A. , Paganetti Harald
Published: August 2024

Purpose:

In radiotherapy (RT) for brain tumors, patient heterogeneity masks treatment effects, complicating the prediction and mitigation of radiation-induced brain necrosis. Therefore, understanding this heterogeneity is essential for improving outcome assessments and reducing toxicity.

Experimental Design:

We developed a clinically practical pipeline to clarify the relationship between dosimetric features and outcomes by identifying key variables. We processed data from a cohort of 130 patients treated with proton therapy for brain and head and neck tumors, utilizing an expert-augmented Bayesian network to understand variable interdependencies and assess structural dependencies. Critical evaluation involved a three-level grading system for each network connection and a Markov blanket analysis to identify variables directly impacting necrosis risk. Statistical assessments included log-likelihood ratio, integrated discrimination index, net reclassification index, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC).

Results:

The analysis highlighted tumor location and proximity to critical structures such as white matter and ventricles as major determinants of necrosis risk. The majority of network connections were clinically supported, with quantitative measures confirming the significance of these variables in patient stratification (log-likelihood ratio = 12.17; P = 0.016; integrated discrimination index = 0.15; net reclassification index = 0.74). The ROC curve area was 0.66, emphasizing the discriminative value of nondosimetric variables.

Conclusions:

Key patient variables critical to understanding brain necrosis post-RT were identified, aiding the study of dosimetric impacts and providing treatment confounders and moderators. This pipeline aims to enhance outcome assessments by revealing at-risk patients, offering a versatile tool for broader applications in RT to improve treatment personalization in different disease sites.
TEAD2 Promotes Hepatocellular Carcinoma Development and Sorafenib Resistance via TAK1 Transcriptional Activation
Authors: Zhang Yahui , Ren Yidan , Dong Guoying , Jiao Qinlian , Guo Nan , Gao Ping , Li Ya , Wang Yunshan , Zhao Wei
Published: August 2024

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most prevalent type of liver cancer, yet the effectiveness of treatment for patients with HCC is significantly hindered by the development of drug resistance to sorafenib. Through the application of accessibility sequencing to examine drug-resistant HCC tissues, we identified substantial alterations in chromatin accessibility in sorafenib-resistant patient-derived xenograft models. Employing multiomics data integration analysis, we confirmed that the key transcription factor TEAD2, which plays an important role in the Hippo signaling pathway, is a key factor in regulating sorafenib resistance in HCC. Functional assays illustrated that TEAD2 plays a role in promoting HCC progression and enhancing resistance to sorafenib. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that TEAD2 binds to the TAK1 promoter to modulate its expression. Furthermore, we established the involvement of TAK1 in mediating TEAD2-induced sorafenib resistance in HCC, a finding supported by the effectiveness of TAK1 inhibitors. Our research highlights that targeting the TEAD2-TAK1 axis can effectively mitigate drug resistance in patients with HCC receiving sorafenib treatment, offering a novel approach for enhancing the treatment outcomes and prognosis of individuals with HCC.

Implications: Targeting the TEAD2-TAK1 axis presents a promising therapeutic strategy to overcome sorafenib resistance in HCC, potentially improving treatment outcomes and prognosis for patients.
Figure S2 from Exosomal Thomsen–Friedenreich Glycoantigen: A New Liquid Biopsy Biomarker for Lung and Breast Cancer Diagnoses
Authors: Hsu Chang-Chieh , Su Yafei , Rittenhouse-Olson Kate , Attwood Kristopher M. , Mojica Wilfrido , Reid Mary E. , Dy Grace K. , Wu Yun
Published: August 2024

Supplementary Figure S2. SPR assay demonstrated exosomes carry TF-Ag-α. Exosomes were isolated from cancer patient serum samples using both total exosome isolation kit (from serum) (ThermoFisher) and exoRNeasy midi kit (Qiagen). Significantly higher levels of TF-Ag-α were observed in exosome samples isolated using both kits than the exosome-depleted serum samples. The exosome concentration was 3.29x10^11 exosomes/mL.
Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Kunz Joachim B. , Tagliaferri Laura
Published: August 2024

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is among the most frequent hereditary disorders globally and its prevalence in Europe is increasing due to migration movements. Summary: The basic pathophysiological event of SCD is polymerization of deoxygenated sickle hemoglobin, resulting in hemolysis, vasoocclusion, and multiorgan damage. While the pathophysiological cascade offers numerous targets for treatment, currently only two disease-modifying drugs have been approved in Europe and transfusion remains a mainstay of both preventing and treating severe complications of SCD. Allogeneic stem cell transplantation and gene therapy offer a curative option but are restricted to few patients due to costs and limited availability of donors. Key Message: Further efforts are needed to grant patients access to approved treatments, to explore drug combinations and to establish new treatment options.
Effects of Suspension Pharyngeal Flap on Speech in Filipino Individuals with Velopharyngeal Insufficiency
Authors: Alighieri Cassandra , Hodges Andrew , Verbeke Jolien , Kestens Katrien , Bettens Kim , Albite Rica , May Tan Raphaelle , Van Lierde Kristiane M.
Published: August 2024

Introduction: This study investigated the effects of suspension pharyngeal flap surgery for velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) due to cleft palate. Methods: Ten Filipino individuals (mean age = 20.63 years, range = 8.4–34.9 years) with a cleft palate who underwent suspension pharyngeal flap surgery for VPI were included in this study. Perceptual and instrumental speech assessments were conducted at two different time points: before surgery (data point 1) and after surgery (data point 2, range = 4–26 weeks postoperatively). Speech intelligibility in different contexts and satisfaction with speech were assessed by the participants themselves using a self-report questionnaire. Additionally, the risk for obstructive sleep apnea was assessed using the Berlin Questionnaire. Results: Velopharyngeal gap size significantly decreased after the surgery. Additionally, significant improvements in speech understandability and acceptability were observed following the suspension pharyngeal flap procedure. Besides, a significant reduction in hypernasality, nasal emission, and the occurrence of passive articulation errors was seen. No difference in the occurrence of active articulation errors was observed when comparing data pre- and post-surgery. The ten individuals reported to be significantly more intelligible in different contexts after surgery. Conclusion: Improved speech was observed in individuals who received the suspension pharyngeal flap procedure. This procedure also positively influences an individual’s intelligibility in different contexts in daily life. In individuals with persisting active articulation errors, post-surgery speech therapy will still be necessary.
Causal Effects of Asthma on Upper Airway Diseases and Allergic Diseases: A Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization
Authors: Zhang Zengxiao , Li Gongfei , Zhou Shizhe , Wang Minghui , Yu Longgang , Jiang Yan
Published: August 2024

Introduction: Asthma is associated with upper airway diseases and allergic diseases; however, the causal effects need to be investigated further. Thus, we performed this two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to explore and measure the causal effects of asthma on allergic rhinitis (AR), vasomotor rhinitis (VMR), allergic conjunctivitis (AC), atopic dermatitis (AD), and allergic urticaria (AU). Methods: The data for asthma, AR, VMR, AC, AD, and AU were obtained from large-scale genome-wide association studies summarized recently. We defined single-nucleotide polymorphisms satisfying the MR assumptions as instrumental variables. Inverse-variance weighted (IVW) approach under random-effects was applied as the dominant method for causal estimation. The weighted median approach, MR-Egger regression analysis, MR pleiotropy residual sum and outlier test, and leave-one-out sensitivity analysis were performed as sensitivity analysis. Horizontal pleiotropy was measured using MR-Egger regression analysis. Significant causal effects were attempted for replication and meta-analysis. Results: We revealed that asthma had causal effects on AR (IVW, odds ratio [OR] = 1.93; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.74−2.14; p < 0.001), VMR (IVW, OR = 1.40; 95% CI, 1.15−1.71; p < 0.001), AC (IVW, OR = 1.65; 95% CI, 1.49−1.82; p < 0.001), and AD (IVW, OR = 2.13; 95% CI, 1.82−2.49; p < 0.001). No causal effect of asthma on AU was observed. Sensitivity analysis further assured the robustness of these results. The evaluation of the replication stage and meta-analysis further confirmed the causal effect of asthma on AR (IVW OR = 1.81, 95% CI 1.62–2.02, p < 0.001), AC (IVW OR = 1.44, 95% CI 1.11–1.87, p < 0.001), and AD (IVW OR = 1.85, 95% CI 1.42–2.41, p < 0.001). Conclusions: We revealed and quantified the causal effects of asthma on AR, VMR, AC, and AD. These findings can provide powerful causal evidence of asthma on upper airway diseases and allergic diseases, suggesting that the treatment of asthma should be a preventive and therapeutic strategy for AR, VMR, AC, and AD.
Development of the Interosseous Muscles of the Human Hand: Morphological and Functional Aspects of the Terminal Insertion
Authors: Maldonado Estela , Martínez-Sanz Elena , Catón Javier , Arráez-Aybar Luis A. , Barrio María Carmen , Naredo Esperanza , Murillo-González Jorge A. , Mérida-Velasco José Ramón
Published: August 2024

Introduction: To date, there have been no studies conducted on the development of interosseous muscles (IO) in the human hand. This study aimed to investigate the development of these muscles in order to clarify their terminal insertions and their relationship with the metacarpophalangeal joints. Methods: Serial sections of 25 human specimens (9 embryos and 16 fetuses) between the 7th and 14th weeks of development, sourced from the Collection of the Department of Anatomy and Embryology at UCM Faculty of Medicine, were analyzed bilaterally using a conventional optical microscope. Results: Our findings revealed that, during the 7th week of development, the metacarpophalangeal interzone mesenchyme extended into the extensor apparatus of the fingers. Furthermore, we observed that the joint capsule and the tendon of the IO derive from the articular interzone mesenchyme. By the end of the 7th week, corresponding to Carnegie stage 21, the myotendinous junction appeared, initiating cavitation of the metacarpophalangeal joint. During the fetal period, the terminal insertions of the IO were identified: both the dorsal interosseous (DI) and palmar interosseous (PI) muscles insert into the metacarpophalangeal joint capsule and establish a connection with the volar plate located at the base of the proximal phalanx and the extensor apparatus. Some muscle fibers also attach to the joint capsule at the level of the proximal synovial cul-de-sac. The functional implications of these findings are discussed within this work. Conclusion: This study provides the first detailed description of the development of the interosseous muscles in the human hand.