bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reduction of false positives using zone-specific prostate-specific antigen density for prostate MRI-based biopsy decision strategies
Authors: Hamm Charlie A. , Baumgärtner Georg L. , Padhani Anwar R. , Froböse Konrad P. , Dräger Franziska , Beetz Nick L. , Savic Lynn J. , Posch Helena , Lenk Julian , Schallenberg Simon , Maxeiner Andreas , Cash Hannes , Günzel Karsten , Hamm Bernd , Asbach Patrick , Penzkofer Tobias
Published: March 2024

Objectives

To develop and test zone-specific prostate-specific antigen density (sPSAD) combined with PI-RADS to guide prostate biopsy decision strategies (BDS).

Methods

This retrospective study included consecutive patients, who underwent prostate MRI and biopsy (01/2012–10/2018). The whole gland and transition zone (TZ) were segmented at MRI using a retrained deep learning system (DLS; nnU-Net) to calculate PSAD and sPSAD, respectively. Additionally, sPSAD and PI-RADS were combined in a BDS, and diagnostic performances to detect Grade Group ≥ 2 (GG ≥ 2) prostate cancer were compared. Patient-based cancer detection using sPSAD was assessed by bootstrapping with 1000 repetitions and reported as area under the curve (AUC). Clinical utility of the BDS was tested in the hold-out test set using decision curve analysis. Statistics included nonparametric DeLong test for AUCs and Fisher-Yates test for remaining performance metrics.

Results

A total of 1604 patients aged 67 (interquartile range, 61–73) with 48% GG ≥ 2 prevalence (774/1604) were evaluated. By employing DLS-based prostate and TZ volumes (DICE coefficients of 0.89 (95% confidence interval, 0.80–0.97) and 0.84 (0.70–0.99)), GG ≥ 2 detection using PSAD was inferior to sPSAD (AUC, 0.71 (0.68–0.74)/0.73 (0.70–0.76); p < 0.001). Combining PI-RADS with sPSAD, GG ≥ 2 detection specificity doubled from 18% (10–20%) to 43% (30–44%; p < 0.001) with similar sensitivity (93% (89–96%)/97% (94–99%); p = 0.052), when biopsies were taken in PI-RADS 4-5 and 3 only if sPSAD was ≥ 0.42 ng/mL/cc as compared to all PI-RADS 3-5 cases. Additionally, using the sPSAD-based BDS, false positives were reduced by 25% (123 (104–142)/165 (146–185); p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Using sPSAD to guide biopsy decisions in PI-RADS 3 lesions can reduce false positives at MRI while maintaining high sensitivity for GG ≥ 2 cancers.

Clinical relevance statement

Transition zone-specific prostate-specific antigen density can improve the accuracy of prostate cancer detection compared to MRI assessments alone, by lowering false-positive cases without significantly missing men with ISUP GG ≥ 2 cancers.

Key Points

• Prostate biopsy decision strategies using PI-RADS at MRI are limited by a substantial proportion of false positives, not yielding grade group ≥ 2 prostate cancer.

• PI-RADS combined with transition zone (TZ)-specific prostate-specific antigen density (PSAD) decreased the number of unproductive biopsies by 25% compared to PI-RADS only.

• TZ-specific PSAD also improved the specificity of MRI-directed biopsies by 9% compared to the whole gland PSAD, while showing identical sensitivity.
On the effectiveness of deep material networks for the multi-scale virtual characterization of short fiber-reinforced thermoplastics under highly nonlinear load cases
Authors: Dey Argha Protim , Welschinger Fabian , Schneider Matti , Köbler Jonathan , Böhlke Thomas
Published: March 2024

A key challenge for the virtual characterization of components manufactured using short fiber-reinforced thermoplastics (SFRTs) is the inherent anisotropy which stems from the manufacturing process. To address this, a multi-scale approach is necessary, leveraging deep material networks (DMNs) as a micromechanical surrogate, for a one-stop solution when simulating SFRTs under highly nonlinear long-term load cases like creep and fatigue. Therefore, we extend the a priori fiber orientation tensor interpolation for quasi-static loading (Liu et al. in Intelligent multi-scale simulation based on process-guided composite database. arXiv:2003.09491, 2020; Gajek et al. in Comput Methods Appl Mech Eng 384:113,952, 2021; Meyer et al. in Compos Part B Eng 110,380, 2022) using DMNs with a posteriori approach. We also use the trained DMN framework to simulate the stiffness degradation under fatigue loading with a linear fatigue-damage law for the matrix. We evaluate the effectiveness of the interpolation approach for a variety of load classes using a dedicated fully coupled plasticity and creep model for the polymer matrix. The proposed methodology is validated through comparison with composite experiments, revealing the limitations of the linear fatigue-damage law. Therefore, we introduce a new power-law fatigue-damage model for the matrix in the micro-scale, leveraging the quasi-model-free nature of the DMN, i.e., it models the microstructure independent of the material models attached to the constituents of the microstructure. The DMN framework is shown to effectively extend material models and inversely identify model parameters based on composite experiments for all possible orientation states and variety of material models.
Effects of post-exercise cold-water immersion on performance and perceptive outcomes of competitive adolescent swimmers
Authors: Batista Natanael P. , de Carvalho Flávia A. , Rodrigues Caio R. D. , Micheletti Jéssica K. , Machado Aryane F. , Pastre Carlos M.
Published: March 2024

Purpose

To evaluate the effects of repeated use of cold-water immersion (CWI) during a training week on performance and perceptive outcomes in competitive adolescent swimmers.

Methods

This randomized-crossover study included 20 athletes, who received each intervention [CWI (14 ± 1 °C), thermoneutral water immersion (TWI) (27 ± 1 °C) as placebo, and passive recovery (PAS)] three times a week between the land-based resistance training and swim training. The interventions were performed in a randomized order with a 1-week wash-out period. We tested athletes before and after each intervention week regarding swim (100 m freestyle sprints) and functional performance (flexibility, upper and lower body power, and shoulder proprioception). We monitored athlete’s perceptions (well-being, heaviness, tiredness, discomfort and pain) during testing sessions using a 5-item questionnaire. Athlete preferences regarding the interventions were assessed at the end of the study. We used generalized linear mixed models and generalized estimating equations for continuous and categorical variables, respectively (intervention x time).

Results

We found a time effect for swim performance (p = .01) in which, regardless the intervention, all athletes improved sprint time at post-intervention compared to baseline. There was an intervention effect for pain (p = .04) and tiredness (p = .04), but with no significant post-hoc comparisons. We found no significant effects for other outcomes. All athletes reported a preference for CWI or TWI in relation to PAS.

Conclusion

The repeated use of CWI throughout a training week did not impact functional or swim performance outcomes of competitive adolescent swimmers. Perceptive outcomes were also similar across interventions; however, athletes indicated a preference for both CWI and TWI.
Online learning of stable robust adaptive controllers design based on data-dependent feedback linearization with application to rotary inverted pendulum
Authors: Soydemir Mehmet Uğur , Şahin Savaş , Kocaoğlu Aykut , Bulucu Parvin , Güzeliş Cüneyt
Published: March 2024

This study introduces an online (supervised) learning method to design nonlinear auto-regressive moving average (NARMA) controllers for feedback-linearized nonlinear single-input single-output (SISO) systems. The algorithm ensures Schur stability of the overall closed-loop system and provides adaptiveness and robustness for the NARMA controllers. The first stage of the method derives, in a data-dependent way, a feedback-linearized model of the nonlinear plant by using its input and output sample pairs. The method’s second stage, which constitutes the novel part of the presented study, builds up an online learning scheme for the linear auto-regressive moving average (ARMA) controller based on an already learned feedback-linearized model of the nonlinear plant. During online supervised learning, ARMA parameters of the feedback-linearized SISO plant model and the closed-loop ARMA model are computed by minimizing the plant identification and the closed-loop system tracking errors. Both errors are defined as $${{\ell}}_{1,{\varvec{\varepsilon}}}$$

ℓ

1
,

ε

, namely ε-insensitive loss functions that provide NARMA controller the robustness against noise and outliers. The proposed online learning control algorithm is applied to a rotary inverted pendulum model and to a real rotary inverted pendulum setup. The tracking performance of the developed controller is compared with those of the linear quadratic regulator and coupled sliding mode controller in terms of mean square error.
Lung cancer after kidney transplantation: a 50-year experience at a single institution
Authors: Watanabe Hiroki , Kadomatsu Yuka , Hakiri Shuhei , Yoshioka Hiromu , Hiramitsu Takahisa , Futamura Kenta , Okada Manabu , Goto Norihiko , Narumi Shunji , Watarai Yoshihiko , Chen-Yoshikawa Toyofumi Fengshi
Published: March 2024

Purpose

To investigate the clinical characteristics of lung cancer that develops after kidney transplantation.

Methods

The clinical data of patients with lung cancer diagnosed after kidney transplantation were collected retrospectively. The medical records were extracted from our database. All patients underwent routine chest examination after kidney transplantation.

Results

In total, 17 lung tumors were detected in 15 (0.6%) of 2593 patients who underwent kidney transplantation at our institution. Eleven lung tumors were completely resected from a collective 10 patients (surgical group). The remaining five patients did not receive surgical treatment (nonsurgical group). The surgical group underwent wedge resection (n = 5), segmentectomy (n = 1), lobectomy (n = 3), and bilobectomy (n = 1). The pathological stages were 0 (n = 1), IA1 (n = 2), IA2 (n = 4), IA3 (n = 2), and IB (n = 1). The surgical group had a significantly better prognosis than the nonsurgical group. There were no perioperative complications related to kidney transplantation in either group.

Conclusions

Routine chest examination would be useful for the early diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer after kidney transplantation. Moreover, surgical resection for early-stage lung cancer was associated with a better prognosis for kidney transplantation patients.
Engineering and evaluating an unsupervised predictive maintenance solution: a cold-forming press case-study
Authors: Giannoulidis Apostolos , Gounaris Anastasios , Naskos Athanasios , Nikolaidis Nikodimos , Caljouw Daniel
Published: March 2024

In real-world industries, production line assets may be affected by several factors, both known and unknown, which dynamically and unpredictably evolve so that past data are of little value for present ones. In addition, data is collected without assigned labels. How can someone use run-to-failure data to develop a suitable solution toward achieving predictive maintenance (PdM) in this case? These issues arise in our case, which refers to a cold-forming press. Such a setting calls for an unsupervised solution that can predict upcoming failures investigating a wide spectrum of approaches, namely similarity-based, forecasting-based and deep-learning ones. But before we decide on the best solution, we first need to understand which key performance indicators are appropriate to evaluate the impact of each such solution. A comprehensive study of available evaluation methods is presented, highlighting misconceptions and limitations of broadly used evaluation metrics concerning run-to-failure data, while proposing an extension of state-of-the-art range-based anomaly detection evaluation metrics to serve PdM purposes. Finally, an investigation of pre-processing, distance metrics, incorporation of domain expertise, and the role of deep learning shows how to engineer an unsupervised solution for predictive maintenance providing insightful answers to all these problems. Our experimental evaluation showed that judicious design choices can improve efficiency of solutions up to two times.
Exploring the Occupational Lifestyle Experiences of the Families of Public Safety Personnel
Authors: Richmond Rachel , Ricciardelli Rosemary , Dekel Rachel , Norris Deborah , Mahar Alyson , MacDermid Joy , Fear Nicola T. , Gribble Rachael , Cramm Heidi
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Public safety personnel, including first responders, are regularly exposed to physical, social, and psychological risks and occupational requirements. These risks and requirements extend beyond the employee and may also impact the families (for example, work-family conflict, compassion fatigue). Despite recent attention directed at the population’s wellness, considerably less attention is directed towards the family. This review investigates how the risks and requirements associated with these occupations affect families’ lives and experiences, and correspondingly, how families respond and adapt to these risks.

Methods

In the current qualitative review, we sought to identify and describe the lifestyle experiences of public safety families as they navigate the occupational risks and requirements of public safety work. The inclusion criteria resulted in an analysis of 18 articles, representing only police (n = 11), paramedics (n = 7), and firefighting (n = 10) sectors.

Results

We identified and described the experiences of public safety families both by occupation and familial role. Shared familial themes across occupational groups included ‘Worry’, ‘Communication’, ‘Where do I turn’, ‘Are they okay’, ‘Serving alongside’, and ‘(Over)Protective’. However, distinct themes also emerged between different occupational groups and family configurations. Themes prevalent amongst primarily children of police included: ‘Worry’, ‘Let’s Laugh Instead’, ‘(Over)Protective’, and ‘I’m not the Police, my Parent is!’. Experiences differed if the family contained on serving public safety personnel or multiple.

Conclusion

We identified the shared and unique occupational experiences of public safety families. This review normalizes these experiences and emphasizes the need to develop initiatives to improve the well-being of families and safety employees.
Controllability of the time-varying fractional dynamical systems with a single delay in control
Authors: Vishnukumar K. S. , Sivalingam S. M. , Ahmad Hijaz , Govindaraj V.
Published: March 2024

In this article, we explored the controllability of fractional dynamical systems with a single delay in the control function with the Caputo fractional derivative. It is the first work in which the author studies the controllability of a time-varying fractional dynamical system with a delay in the control function. We develop the necessary and sufficient criteria for the solution representation of controllability of time-varying fractional linear dynamical systems by utilizing the Grammian matrix. We use Schauder’s fixed point theorem to establish sufficient conditions for the controllability of time-varying nonlinear fractional dynamical systems. With the help of successive approximation techniques, numerical examples validate the theoretical results.
De-internationalization of cross-border investments from a de-globalization perspective: a systematic literature review and structuring of the field
Authors: Pillich Sidney Michael
Published: March 2024

Globalization has propelled economic development for decades, but this trend seems to be broken, potentially entering a reversal trend of de-globalization, as recent indicators allegedly reveal. Owing to the complexity and novelty of this trend, the literature leads to ambiguous assessments of economic de-globalization and its implications. Therefore, this literature review, drawn from international business literature, attempts to outline the drivers of economic de-globalization and understand how these drivers affect the de-internationalization of cross-border investments by multinational enterprises. Thus, this review provides a terminological basis by distinguishing between de-globalization as an external macro driver and de-internationalization as an internal corporate response. The interdependent de-globalization drivers are social inequality, technological advancement, and environmental sustainability. Additionally, (inter-) national politics play an outstanding role in understanding the development of de-globalization. This study structures the literature on de-globalization and finds that the impact of de-globalization drivers on multinational enterprises varies considerably. As the topic of de-globalization is rather new and conceptually elaborated, many research opportunities exist in this field.
Revisitation of “implicit quiescent optical solitons with complex Ginzburg–Landau equation having nonlinear chromatic dispersion": generalized temporal evolution
Authors: Adem Abdullahi Rashid , Biswas Anjan , Yildirim Yakup , Alshomrani Ali Saleh
Published: March 2024

This paper is a revisitation to the study on the retrieval of quiescent optical solitons to the complex Ginzburg–Landau equation that is considered with generalized temporal evolution and nonlinear chromatic dispersion. The results are recovered with the application of Lie symmetry. Apart from a couple of self-phase modulation structures where the results are in quadratures, the integrals are with a range of special functions. Two new forms of self-phase modulation structures are addressed in the paper.
Mindfulness and Cardiometabolic Health During Pregnancy: An Integrative Review
Authors: Lindsay Karen L. , Guo Yuqing , Gyllenhammer Lauren E.
Published: March 2024

Objectives

Cardiometabolic health during pregnancy has potential to influence long-term chronic disease risk for both mother and offspring. Mindfulness practices have been associated with improved cardiometabolic health in non-pregnant populations. The objective was to evaluate diverse studies that explored relationships between prenatal mindfulness and maternal cardiometabolic health.

Method

An integrative review was conducted in January 2023 across five databases to identify and evaluate studies of diverse methodologies and data types. Quantitative studies that examined mindfulness as an intervention or exposure variable during pregnancy and reported any of the following outcomes were considered: gestational weight gain (GWG), blood glucose, insulin resistance, gestational diabetes, inflammation, blood pressure, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Qualitative studies were included if they evaluated knowledge, attitudes, or practices of mindfulness in relation to the above-mentioned outcomes during pregnancy.

Results

Fifteen eligible studies were identified, and 4 received a “Good” quality rating (1/7 interventional, 1/5 observational, 2/2 qualitative). Qualitative studies revealed interest among pregnant women in mindfulness-based practices for managing GWG. Some beneficial effects of mindfulness interventions on maternal glucose tolerance and blood pressure were identified, but not for other cardiometabolic outcomes. Observational studies revealed null direct associations between maternal trait mindfulness and cardiometabolic parameters, but one study suggests potential for mindful eating to mitigate excess GWG and insulin resistance.

Conclusions

There currently exists limited quality evidence for mindfulness practices to support prenatal cardiometabolic health. Further rigorous studies are required to understand whether prenatal mindfulness-based interventions, either alone or in combination with other lifestyle modalities, can benefit cardiometabolic health.

Preregistration

This study is not preregistered.
Assessing the hydrocarbon potential of the Kadanwari gas field using integrated seismic and petrophysical data
Authors: Khan Zahid Ullah , Ahmed Zulfiqar , Naseer Muhammad Tayyab , Kontakiotis George , Naseem Shazia , Janjuhah Hammad Tariq , Antonarakou Assimina , Panagiotopoulos Ioannis P.
Published: March 2024

Kadanwari is a major gas-producing field in Pakistan's Lower Indus Basin (LIB), extensively explored for optimized production. However, the reservoir sands of the Lower Goru Formation (LGF), deposited in a complex river-dominated delta, bear severe variability and hinder accurate facies approximation for optimal production. Furthermore, the regionally extended NNW-SSE directed horst and graben structures significantly compartmentalized these reservoir facies. The main E-sand interval is analyzed for its geological properties, depositional environment, and distribution. The integration of various approaches, including seismic interpretation, attribute extraction, well-based facies modeling, and petrophysical evaluation, proved significant in evaluating the heterogeneous and tectonically influenced E-sands. The discontinuity attribute substantially highlighted the structural style and aided in analyzing the geometries of faults. The low values of the frequency attribute (< 10 Hz) signified the entrapped gas-bearing sands along the faulted zones. The high responses of instantaneous amplitude and sweetness profoundly illuminated the gas-significant deposits throughout the field in association with the well-identified gas-prone sand facies. The outcomes of the neutron-density crossplot depicted gas-bearing sands having low density (< 2.3 g/cc) and good porosity (12%) with the assessment of various cements. The facies modeling distinguished between clean and intermixed sand-shale reservoir zones. Petrophysical analysis revealed a net pay of 14 m within E-sand having gas saturation of about 68%. The adopted approach is robust and efficient, employing a limited data set for developing well-associated seismic responses for potential zone delineation within structural arrangements. The techniques can be optimistic about the LGF's complex potential sands demarcation throughout the Indus Basin.
Optimal attitude control of satellites
Authors: Pedregal P. , Úbeda V.
Published: March 2024

We test an approximation mechanism, recently proposed, on some relevant optimal control problems for satellites. Our emphasis is placed in the treatment of the full non-linear model with no linearization whatsoever. In addition to testing its performance for several typical manoeuvres, we also carried out some comparison with linearized models.
Risk of sarcopenia and mobility of older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic: the longitudinal data from the REMOBILIZE study
Authors: Batista Patricia Parreira , Perracini Monica Rodrigues , do Carmo Correia de Lima Maria , de Amorim Juleimar Soares Coelho , Pereira Daniele Sirineu , Pereira Leani Souza Máximo
Published: March 2024

Background

We assessed whether clinical, functional and behavioral factors were associated with the decrease in mobility trajectories reported in older people at risk of sarcopenia (RS) and without risk of sarcopenia (NRS) during COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

We prospectively analyzed mobility trajectories reported in older adults with RS and NRS over 16-month follow-up (Remobilize study). The self-perceived risk of sarcopenia and mobility were assessed using the SARC-F and the Life-Space Assessment (LSA) tools, respectively. Gender, age, comorbidities, pain, functional limitation, physical activity (time spent in walking; min/week), and sitting time (ST; hours/day) were assessed. We used a multilevel model to determine changes in mobility between groups and over time.

Results

Mobility was lower in RS than in NRS. Older people at RS, who were women, aged 70–79 years and 80 years or older, inactive, and with moderate to severe functional limitation experienced reduced mobility trajectories reported over the pandemic. For older people at NRS, trajectories with reduce mobility reported were experienced by women with comorbidities, for those with insufficient walking time and aged 70–79 years; aged 70–79 years and with ST between 5 and 7 hours/day; for those with insufficient walking time and increased ST; and for those with pain and increased ST.

Conclusion

Mobility trajectories reported in older people at risk of sarcopenia were negatively influenced by insufficient level of physical inactivity and pre-existing moderate to severe functional limitation. Health and social interventions should be target to avoid mobility limitation during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Virtual Reality Relaxation for Stress in Young Adults: A Remotely Delivered Pilot Study in Participants’ Homes
Authors: Riches Simon , Kaleva Ina , Nicholson Sarah L. , Payne-Gill James , Steer Natalie , Azevedo Lisa , Vasile Ruxandra , Rumball Freya , Fisher Helen L. , Veling Wim , Valmaggia Lucia
Published: March 2024

High stress levels experienced by young adults were exacerbated by COVID-19 and traditional stress management techniques can be challenging. Virtual reality (VR) relaxation appears promising and is accessible remotely; however, research on young adults is limited, especially in naturalistic settings. This remotely delivered and controlled mixed-methods study investigated feasibility and acceptability of VR relaxation for young adults (N = 23, mean age = 22.96) at home during the pandemic. VR participants (N = 11) were asked to complete daily VR relaxation sessions (scenes of virtual beaches, mountains, the sea, and more) for a 14-day intervention period, alongside visual analogue scales (VAS) of psychological well-being pre- and post-VR sessions. Post-intervention, VR participants completed semi-structured interviews. Control participants (N = 12) received no intervention. Both groups completed outcome measures of psychological well-being pre- and post-intervention periods to evaluate feasibility of remote data collection. VAS results indicated acceptability of daily VR, with significant short-term increases in relaxation, happiness, and connectedness to nature, and decreases in stress, anxiety, and sadness within VR participants. VR usage and 100% completion of outcome measures indicated feasibility of VR relaxation and remote data collection. Qualitative findings suggest participants found the VR relaxing, but interest diminished over time and technical issues hindered user experience. This suggests a more informal, less prescriptive frequency of VR use may be more appealing for young adults, although adherence may relate to technical issues. Greater interactivity and remote technical assistance within VR could increase engagement. Future research should investigate optimal frequency of use, longer-term impact, and technical issues with a larger sample.
United States Electric Utility Adaptation to Natural Hazards and Green Power Mandates
Authors: Huang Robert , Kahn Matthew E.
Published: March 2024

Access to electricity is a crucial determinant of quality of life and productivity. The United States has a highly reliable electricity grid, but it faces new resilience challenges due to more intense disasters and ambitious green power requirements. Over the past decade, utilities have faced tradeoffs between achieving carbon mitigation goals, offering reliable power access, and keeping retail prices low. Using a generator panel dataset from 2013 to 2022, we document that electricity generation from renewables declines during extreme weather events. Based on an electric utility panel dataset over the same period, we find that disasters also disrupt electricity distribution. Although utilities have made some adaptation progress, investments in green and reliable green power are associated with higher electricity prices.
Risk and Protective Factors for Bullying in Sport: A Scoping Review
Authors: Kalina Lisa , O’Keeffe Brendan T. , O’Reilly Siobhán , Moustakas Louis
Published: March 2024

The aim of the current study was to examine risk and protective factors related to bullying in sport. Adopting the methodological approach outlined by Arksey and O’Malley (International Journal of Social Research Methodology 8(1):19–32, 2005), 37 articles met the inclusion criteria. A consistent definition of bullying could not be identified in the publications examined, and several articles (n = 8) did not explicitly define bullying. The most frequent risk factor identified was an individual’s social background (n = 9). Negative influence of coaches (n = 5), level of competition (n = 5), lack of supportive club culture (n = 5) and issues in locker rooms (n = 4) were among the most commonly cited risk factors for bullying in sport settings. Preventative policies were cited as the most common method to reduce the incidence of bullying (n = 13). Contextually tailored intervention programmes (n = 5) were also noted as a key protective factor, particularly for marginalised groups, including athletes with disabilities or members of the LGBTQ+ community. The need for sport-specific bullying prevention education was highlighted by 10 of the articles reviewed. In summary, the current review accentuates the range of risk and protective factors associated with sport participation. Furthermore, the need for educational training programmes to support coaches in addressing and preventing bullying within sport settings is emphasised.
Spectral inequality with sensor sets of decaying density for Schrödinger operators with power growth potentials
Authors: Dicke Alexander , Seelmann Albrecht , Veselić Ivan
Published: March 2024

We prove a spectral inequality (a specific type of uncertainty relation) for Schrödinger operators with confinement potentials, in particular of Shubin-type. The sensor sets are allowed to decay exponentially, where the precise allowed decay rate depends on the potential. The proof uses an interpolation inequality derived by Carleman estimates, quantitative weighted$$L^2$$L2-estimates and an$$H^1$$H1-concentration estimate, all of them for functions in a spectral subspace of the operator.
Comparable rates of lumbar disc degeneration at long-term following adolescent idiopathic scoliosis spinal fusion extended to L3 or L4: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ruffilli Alberto , Traversari Matteo , Manzetti Marco , Viroli Giovanni , Artioli Elena , Zielli Simone Ottavio , Mazzotti Antonio , Faldini Cesare
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Surgical treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) requires a careful choice of fusion levels. The usual recommendation for the selection of the lowest instrumented vertebra (LIV) for double major or thoracolumbar/lumbar (TL/L) curves falls on L3 or L4. The aim of the present study is to assess if the spinal fusion with LIV selection of L3 or L4 in AIS patients has a clinical or radiological impact in terms of degenerative disc disease (DDD) in distal unfused segments at long-term follow-up.

Methods

A systematic search of electronic databases from eligible articles was conducted. Only studies regarding long-term follow-up of AIS patients treated with spinal fusion were included. Clinical and radiographic outcomes were extracted and summarized. Meta-analysis on long-term follow-up MRI studies was performed. p value < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results

Fourteen studies were included, for a total of 1264 patients. Clinical assessment of included patients showed a slight tendency to have worse clinical outcomes if spinal fusion is extended to L4 rather than L3. Despite that, meta-analysis could not be performed on clinical parameters because of heterogeneity of evaluated PROMs in included studies. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluation at long-term follow-up showed no significant difference in terms of disc degeneration rate at overall meta-analysis (p = 0.916) between patients fused to L3 and L4.

Conclusion

The LIV selection of L3 rather than L4, according to current literature, does not prevent disc degeneration in distal unfused segments over the long term. Long-term studies of patients treated with contemporary spinal instrumentation are needed.
Adoption of Decentralization: Are Our Perceptions Holding Us Back?
Authors: Kehoe Lindsay , Calvert Sara Bristol , Hallinan Zachary , Hanger Morgan
Published: March 2024

Incorporating decentralized approaches into clinical trials is a critical innovation with potential implications for improved accessibility and diversity, as well as lower burden for participants and caregivers. As we move forward in a collective effort to modernize clinical trials, we consistently hear of hurdles that interfere with the adoption of decentralized approaches. But are these hurdles really the impediments we think they are? In this commentary, we offer three perceptions that are commonly heard as impediments to the adoption of digital and decentralized clinical trials. Leveraging the Clinical Trial Transformation Initiative’s Digital Health Trial hub of work, interactions with members and regulators, and observations related to adoption, we address those perceptions and note some resources that exist to overcome them. In working through these barriers, we can instill confidence in sponsors and designers to leverage all the clinical trial design tools available to them to advance the use of decentralized approaches.
Towards reliable national social footprints: refining work-related injury and fatality metrics
Authors: Berthet Etienne , Anquetil-Deck Candy , Stadler Konstantin , Laurent Alexis
Published: March 2024

Objectives

The objective of this data note is to provide a reliable, comprehensive dataset focusing on work-related injuries and fatalities, broken down by year, country, gender, and economic sector. We aim to fill a significant gap in sustainability models, specifically in metrics concerning occupational health. Although the data is compatible with any Multi-Regional Input–Output (MRIO) model, it is primarily designed for integration with the EXIOBASE model. The dataset seeks to broaden MRIO models’ capabilities in social impact assessments and national social footprint evaluations. Ultimately, this resource aims to offer a holistic tool for researchers and policymakers, enabling more thorough assessments of international trade flows, Global Value Chains (GVC), and national policies across both environmental and social dimensions.

Data description

Our dataset enriches the EXIOBASE model with updated fatality statistics from World Health Organization (WHO) and Eurostat databases, covering the years 2008 to 2019. It provides detailed data on work-related fatal injuries by country, gender, and economic sector. With its broad applicability, this dataset stands to influence research and policy across multiple disciplines. It offers valuable insights for studies on global social impacts, policy economics, and the real effects of global value chains, among other research areas.
Using bolted connections for the construction, de-construction and reuse of lightweight exterior infill walls: Experimental study
Authors: Kitayama Shoma , Iuorio Ornella
Published: March 2024

Bolted connections offer advantages in terms of disassembly and reusability, potentially replacing conventional connections like screws, welds, or chemical bonds. This research investigates the behaviour of bolted connections between lightweight exterior infill walls and beams of primary structural members that are conventionally connected using screws. Although previous studies have investigated bolted connections in different structural members, understanding of the behaviours of these specific connections remains limited. The connections between infill walls and steel beams primarily experience shear loads under serviceability conditions. Therefore, an experimental study was conducted to gain insight into their shear behaviour. The obtained experimental results were analysed using existing predictive equations from design standards that are used across European, North American and Oceanian countries, to identify the most suitable equations for designing such connections.
Insight on prioritization of antibiotics in China, their occurrence, and removal by different wastewater treatment technologies
Authors: Bavumiragira Jean Pierre , Eheneden Iyobosa , Yin Hailong , Mumbi Anne Wambui , Quoie Gerald D. S. , Uyisaba Pascaline , Wang Rongchang , Zhao Jianfu
Published: March 2024

China still dominates all other nations as the world's most significant producer and consumer of antibiotics. Antibiotic misuse and overuse have been qualitatively and quantitatively documented in China recently. Antibiotic misuse has alarmed the Chinese population because some antibiotics persist in the environment and adversely affect human health and other non-target organisms. Antibiotic priority setting has been considered the best monitoring tool that is also affordable and time-efficient. Therefore, this article aims to assess the status methods of antibiotic prioritization within ten years ago years (2012–2022) in China and its prevalence and removal by conventional wastewater treatment facilities. Twenty-six priority antibiotics in China may need more attention, according to a recent prioritization assessment. According to other nations, the outcomes of prioritization vary from one nation to another. However, the same antibiotics are frequently reported despite applying various prioritization techniques (method). Their prevalence and frequent detection in China’s environmental media indicate that conventional treatment plants cannot remove them from effluents altogether. Their removal patterns vary from wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) to another and are affected by different factors, including pH, physical–chemical properties of the antibiotic compound, temperature, sludge retention time (SRT), hydraulic retention time (HRT), and the amount of microorganism present.

Graphical Abstract
Fostering effective governance through intragovernmental networks: a case of a justice, crime prevention and security cluster network
Authors: Mphahlele-Ntsasa Lebogang , Jansen van Rensburg Mari
Published: March 2024

South Africa’s crime challenge remains despite substantial public sector efforts. As wicked problems, including crime, often transcend the conventional capacities of public authorities to address them effectively, the primary aim of this research was to uncover the underlying dimensions that contribute to the effective functioning of an intragovernmental collaboration network. This research adopted a case study approach to delve into the structure and efficacy of the South African Justice, Crime Prevention, and Security Cluster. The chosen methodology and insider access to senior management produced rich descriptions not previously available to offer a conceptual understanding of balances and trade-offs required during a mandated and directed collaboration. Findings offer enhanced understanding, contributing to overcoming traditional barriers in public administration networks and reforming traditional hierarchical structures to offer meaningful governance alternatives or improvements to existing structures. Specifically, this study reveals gaps in the intragovernmental network and offers insights for governance and performance enhancements. Findings emphasize the importance of fostering a collaborative culture based on performance and accountability. The study underscores the need for more robust network directives, clarifying roles and responsibilities, and enhancing leadership attributes. It stresses the importance of efficient coordination, collaborative capability, and shared purpose. The study also suggests cluster-oriented budgeting and greater involvement of key stakeholders, including civil societies, research institutions, and academic establishments. These findings contribute to improving government-led networks in addressing complex challenges.
Be a More Productive Scholar
Authors: Kiewra Kenneth A.
Published: March 2024

Some scholars are highly productive. They break new ground and do it again and again. Their names and ideas are ubiquitous in scientific journals and scholarly books. They scoff at 'publish or perish.' To them, it's 'publish and flourish.' But how are they so productive, publishing hundreds of powerful works over their careers? Most graduate students, junior faculty, and even senior faculty have no idea. The methods of the productive are rarely taught and remain a hidden-curriculum. Kenneth A. Kiewra interviewed dozens of productive scholars to uncover the hidden curriculum of scholarly success. Be a More Productive Scholar now reveals those productivity stories and methods by dispensing more than 100 pointers for enhancing professional development and boosting scholarly productivity. Graduate students to seasoned scholars can benefit from this career-guiding advice.
Paul and Secular Singleness in 1 Corinthians 7
Authors: Danylak Barry N.
Published: March 2024

Paul's discussion of marriage and singleness in 1 Corinthians 7 has long presented exegetical challenges, beginning with the chapter's opening statement: 'It is good for a man not to touch a woman.' Interpreters continue to debate whether the ascetic language of the statement reflects the views of Paul or the Corinthians. They also debate the motivations for the rise of an ascetic movement in Corinth. In this ground-breaking study, Barry N. Danylak offers a fresh solution to these conundra. Using evidence from Egyptian census papyri, he demonstrates the prevalence of secular singleness in Roman urban environments. He also draws on classic Greek marriage debates to argue that the Corinthians' disposition likely reflected an Epicurean perspective of secular singleness; and that Paul himself was responsible for the 'touch' language as a rhetorical adaptation in his response to the Corinthians' question. Combining fresh evidence with attentive analysis, Danylak's study thus proposes a viable resolution to these long-standing exegetical challenges.
China's Age of Abundance
Authors: Wang Feng
Published: March 2024

Between the 1980s and the present day, China has experienced one of the most consequential economic transformations in world history. One-fifth of the Earth's population has left behind a life of scarcity and subsistence for one of abundance and material comfort, while their nation has emerged as a preeminent economic and political power. In a systematic historical and sociological analysis of this unique juncture, Wang Feng charts the origins, forces, and consequences of this meteoric rise in living standards. He shifts the focus away from institutions and policies to offer new perspectives based on consumption among poorer, rural populations as a driver of global economic change. But is this 'Age of Abundance' coming to an end? Anticipating potential headwinds, including an aging population, increasing inequality, and intensifying political control, Wang explores whether this preeminence could be coming to a close.
Inequality, urbanism, and governance at Coba and the Northern Maya Lowlands
Authors: Hutson Scott R. , Stanton Travis W. , Ardren Traci
Published: March 2024

Gini coefficients for residential groups at Coba for roofed surface area, volume of architecture, and houselot space range from 0.423 to 0.551, fitting well within the range of many ancient and modern state-level cities and societies and other Mesoamerican centers. These values are also similar to other large, Classic period, Northern Lowland cities, such as Dzibilchaltun and Chunchucmil. These data do not support the idea that autocratic regimes exhibit greater wealth inequality. We also failed to find a pattern in which inequality grew over the course of the Classic period. The Lorenz curves for Coba and other sites do not indicate any breaks that would allow households to be sorted into wealth classes. Thus, wealth differences were fluid, continuous, and out in the open, giving these settlements the dynamism and attractiveness that helped them grow into some of the largest and most remarkable ancient Maya cities.
FUT8-mediated aberrant N-glycosylation of SEMA7A promotes head and neck squamous cell carcinoma progression
Authors: Liu Zhonglong , Meng Xiaoyan , Zhang Yuxin , Sun Jingjing , Tang Xiao , Zhang Zhiyuan , Liu Liu , He Yue
Published: March 2024

Abstract

SEMA7A belongs to the Semaphorin family and is involved in the oncogenesis and tumor progression. Aberrant glycosylation has been intricately linked with immune escape and tumor growth. SEMA7A is a highly glycosylated protein with five glycosylated sites. The underlying mechanisms of SEMA7A glycosylation and its contribution to immunosuppression and tumorigenesis are unclear. Here, we identify overexpression and aberrant N-glycosylation of SEMA7A in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, and elucidate fucosyltransferase FUT8 catalyzes aberrant core fucosylation in SEMA7A at N-linked oligosaccharides (Asn 105, 157, 258, 330, and 602) via a direct protein‒protein interaction. A glycosylated statue of SEMA7A is necessary for its intra-cellular trafficking from the cytoplasm to the cytomembrane. Cytokine EGF triggers SEMA7A N-glycosylation through increasing the binding affinity of SEMA7A toward FUT8, whereas TGF-β1 promotes abnormal glycosylation of SEMA7A via induction of epithelial–mesenchymal transition. Aberrant N-glycosylation of SEMA7A leads to the differentiation of CD8+ T cells along a trajectory toward an exhausted state, thus shaping an immunosuppressive microenvironment and being resistant immunogenic cell death. Deglycosylation of SEMA7A significantly improves the clinical outcome of EGFR-targeted and anti-PD-L1-based immunotherapy. Finally, we also define RBM4, a splice regulator, as a downstream effector of glycosylated SEMA7A and a pivotal mediator of PD-L1 alternative splicing. These findings suggest that targeting FUT8-SEMA7A axis might be a promising strategy for improving antitumor responses in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients.
Comprehensive mutational scanning of EGFR reveals TKI sensitivities of extracellular domain mutants
Authors: Hayes Tikvah K. , Aquilanti Elisa , Persky Nicole S. , Yang Xiaoping , Kim Erica E. , Brenan Lisa , Goodale Amy B. , Alan Douglas , Sharpe Ted , Shue Robert E. , Westlake Lindsay , Golomb Lior , Silverman Brianna R. , Morris Myshal D. , Fisher Ty Running , Beyene Eden , Li Yvonne Y. , Cherniack Andrew D. , Piccioni Federica , Hicks J. Kevin , Chi Andrew S. , Cahill Daniel P. , Dietrich Jorg , Batchelor Tracy T. , Root David E. , Johannessen Cory M. , Meyerson Matthew
Published: March 2024

The epidermal growth factor receptor, EGFR, is frequently activated in lung cancer and glioblastoma by genomic alterations including missense mutations. The different mutation spectra in these diseases are reflected in divergent responses to EGFR inhibition: significant patient benefit in lung cancer, but limited in glioblastoma. Here, we report a comprehensive mutational analysis of EGFR function. We perform saturation mutagenesis of EGFR and assess function of ~22,500 variants in a human EGFR-dependent lung cancer cell line. This approach reveals enrichment of erlotinib-insensitive variants of known and unknown significance in the dimerization, transmembrane, and kinase domains. Multiple EGFR extracellular domain variants, not associated with approved targeted therapies, are sensitive to afatinib and dacomitinib in vitro. Two glioblastoma patients with somatic EGFR G598V dimerization domain mutations show responses to dacomitinib treatment followed by within-pathway resistance mutation in one case. In summary, this comprehensive screen expands the landscape of functional EGFR variants and suggests broader clinical investigation of EGFR inhibition for cancers harboring extracellular domain mutations.