bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Breathing of a Silicon-Based Anode: Mechanical Discrete Approach Using DEM
Authors: Boivin Théo , Mathieu Benoit , Porcher Willy , Gillia Olivier
Published: December 2023

Silicon is one of the most considered solutions to improve lithium-ion battery technology. Nevertheless, silicon shows a huge expansion, leading to a significant “breathing” of electrodes during cycling, i.e. a succession of swelling and shrinking. Irreversible volume changes are observed and conjectured to be related to microstructure changes. However, current publications addressing the modeling aspects mainly use analytical or continuous models. Thus, this study aims to apply Discrete Element Method (DEM), a granular dynamics numerical tool, on a silicon-based anode in order to consider the complex internal microstructure and the associated micro-mechanics. In particular, a sample of anode was created using the DEM software LIGGGHTS and simplified linear breathing laws of particles were implemented. The global approach follows successive sensitivity analysis of granular/contact parameters to evaluate individually their capacity to reproduce more finely the observed breathing behavior. So far, it is found that the breathing amplitude is mostly influenced by the silicon fraction and the breathing irreversibility by particles stickiness. The rigidity of particles also had a decreasing influence on swelling amplitude, but only for low values, far from practical ones, and the silicon content within the anode presented a linear influence on the swelling amplitude.
Twitter Self-Organization to the Edge of a Phase Transition: Discrete-Time Model and Effective Early Warning Signals in Phase Space
Authors: Dmitriev Andrey , Lebedev Andrey , Kornilov Vasily , Dmitriev Victor
Published: December 2023

Many real-world systems of various origins are capable of self-organization to the edge of a phase transition, characterized by avalanche-like behavior. Therefore, it is important, by observing the behavior of early warning measures for dynamical series generated by systems, to timely see the early warning signals (precursors) of such self-organization and, if necessary, take preventive measures. To date, convincing evidence of self-organization to the edge of a phase transition has been obtained, but no effective precursors for this self-organization have been found. This research explores precursors for the Twitter self-organization based on the analysis of the behavior of measures directly related to the critical slowdown of the network and measures of the phase space reconstructed by the Takens method for the series of the number of network users creating avalanches of retweets in the network, corresponding to the three debates of the 2016 United States Presidential Election. We hydrated the relevant Tweet IDs, which were obtained from the Harvard Dataverse using the Social Feed Manager, to form this series. Preliminarily, we explore the potential of measures for early detection of self-organization of sandpile cellular automata as systems with Twitter-equivalent self-organization mechanisms. The equivalence is justified in the proposed discrete-time model for Twitter self-organization to the edge of a phase transition. It is found that there are more moments of the Twitter self-organization than the moments of time when debates started, and Twitter stays at the edge of a phase transition longer than the debate lasts. The effective measures, as the measures with the lowest number of false early warning signals, among all studied measures and for all studied systems, are dispersion and correlation dimension. Obtained results are practically important in the design and implementation of early warning systems for the systems with similar mechanisms for sandpile cellular automata self-organization to the edge of a phase transition.
Clinicians’ Evaluation of Lung Cancer Clinical Quality Indicators and Comparative Performance Data in Practice
Authors: Brown Bernadette (Bea) , Galpin Kirsty , Simes Robert John , Boyer Michael , Chin Venessa , Young Jane , on behalf of the Clinical Advisory Group
Published: December 2023

Objective. Lung cancer is commonly diagnosed and is the leading cause of cancer-related death, morbidity, and burden of disease globally. There is an ongoing need to ensure patients receive optimal evidence-based care and to identify and reduce unwarranted clinical variation to achieve best possible outcomes. The EnRICH program has developed evidence-based clinical quality indicators to measure processes and outcomes of lung cancer care, and a feedback dashboard to report comparative performance data, which highlight variation in both care and outcomes. The aims of this study were to evaluate the acceptability and utility of the quality indicators and feedback dashboard and identify benchmarks for performance monitoring and priorities for future quality improvement interventions to address observed clinical variation. Method. Clinicians from lung cancer multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) at six tertiary clinical sites across regional and metropolitan NSW were invited to participate in evaluation interviews. Interviews were conducted via videoconference and recorded with consent. Data were analysed thematically using framework methods. Results. Thirteen clinicians participated in interviews, with representation from each clinical site and specialty. All participants considered the quality indicators to be clinically meaningful. Three main themes were identified: (i) the importance of timely, local, quality data; (ii) implementable versus nonimplementable clinical practice changes; and (iii) the need for ongoing performance monitoring. Clinicians prioritised two areas of unwarranted clinical variation that could be immediately addressed through easily implementable quality improvement interventions to positively impact patient care: (i) a process to ensure that all stage III patients are discussed by a multidisciplinary team prior to commencing treatment; (ii) a referral pathway to palliative care within eight weeks for patients diagnosed with stage IV disease. The importance of lung cancer nurse specialists for improved care coordination was highlighted. Conclusion. Clinicians would like to continue to receive close-to-real-time quality data for ongoing performance monitoring to identify and address unwarranted clinical variation.
A Case Report of Anti-TIF1-γAntibody-Positive Dermatomyositis Concomitant with Small Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of the Urinary Bladder
Authors: Hounoki Hiroyuki , Onose Takafumi , Yamazaki Miho , Asano Ryoko , Yamaguchi Satoshi , Shinoda Koichiro , Tobe Kazuyuki , Noguchi Akira , Hirabayashi Kenichi
Published: December 2023

Small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma is rare among urinary bladder cancer types, and to date, there are no case reports of concurrent antitranscriptional intermediary factor 1-γantibody-positive dermatomyositis. We describe the case of a 69-year-old Japanese man who presented with elevated creatine kinase levels and haematuria on medical examination. Approximately one month later, he developed dysphagia. Laryngoscopy confirmed laryngeal dysfunction. He also presented with muscle weakness and a skin rash. Magnetic resonance imaging of the upper extremities suggested bilateral brachial muscle myositis. He was diagnosed as having dermatomyositis and was later found to be positive for antitranscriptional intermediary factor 1-γ antibody. Computed tomography revealed an intravesical space-occupying lesion and right iliac lymphadenopathy, suggesting urinary bladder cancer. The patient was admitted to our hospital for treatment. Urinary bladder biopsy confirmed small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma because tumour cells were positive for synaptophysin, CD56, and chromogranin A. Thus, the patient was diagnosed as having an antitranscriptional intermediary factor 1-γantibody-positive dermatomyositis concomitant with urinary bladder small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma. The patient was treated with glucocorticoid and intravenous immune globulin therapy for dermatomyositis. Radiotherapy was selected for the carcinoma. Although muscle weakness and skin symptoms improved with treatment, dysphagia persisted. Furthermore, expression of the transcriptional intermediary factor 1-γ protein in tumour cells was also confirmed by immunohistochemistry, but the significance is unknown. It should be noted that antitranscriptional intermediary factor 1-γantibody-positive dermatomyositis can occur concomitantly with such a rare malignancy.
An Analysis of Dosing-Related Postmarketing Requirements for Novel Oncology Drugs Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2012–2022
Authors: Collins Grace , McKelvey Brittany , Andrews Hillary S. , Allen Jeff D. , Stewart Mark D.
Published: December 2023

The FDA's Oncology Center of Excellence's (OCE) launch of Project Optimus signals increased focus on dose optimization approaches in oncology drug development, particularly toward optimization in the premarket setting. Although sponsors continue to adapt premarket study designs and approaches to align with FDA's expectations for dose optimization, including consideration of the optimal dosage(s), there are still instances where questions remain at the time of approval about whether the approved doses or schedules are optimal. In these cases, FDA can exercise regulatory flexibility by issuing postmarketing requirements (PMR) and avoid delaying patient access to promising therapies. This landscape analysis demonstrates that over the past decade (2012–2022), FDA frequently used PMRs to answer additional questions about dosing for novel oncology approvals. We found more than half of drugs (78/132, 59.1%) had a dosing PMR and observed a recent increase in PMRs intended to evaluate whether a lower dose could be more optimal. These results suggest there are opportunities to adapt premarket dose optimization strategies and leverage innovative development tools to ensure timely identification of the optimal dose.
Maps, Ontological Worlds and a Hybrid Modernity: Reading the Chinese Gazetteer Tukao of Tibet 1886
Authors: Hu Su
Published: December 2023

This paper explores difference within geographical writings in the transition to modernity in nineteenth century China. In some maps, the experiential realities of travelers were valued and expressed. More significantly, landscape maps sometimes pointed to a reality of absence rather than of presence. This contrasted with the arising modern commitment to triangulation, which deleted the phenomenological in favour of an omniscient ‘view from nowhere’. It is conventional to treat this transition as an expression of progress in which non-Western scholars started to undo a scientific deficit regarding precision and measurement with the use of new tools, or for postcolonial scholars to propose heroic resistance from native map makers. Against these interpretations, the minutiae in the 1886 Chinese gazetteer Tukao of Tibet do not simply show a progressive or coerced transition, but rather the expression of an inconsistent difference. Tukao reflects different survey methods, producing fundamentally incompatible ontological worlds. The paper shows that the Tukao does not legislate between different practices, and argues that the alterity in Tukao offers lessons for postcolonial theory and practice, avoiding both hegemony of modern science and relativism.
Differentiation of Australian and New Zealand abalone species based on partialmitochondrial gene sequences of 12S rRNA, 16S rRNA and ND2 (NADHdehydrogenase subunit 2)
Authors: WANG AISUO , ROFFEY PAUL , BLANCHARD CHRISTOPHER
Published: December 2023

Partial sequences of mitochondrial ND2 (NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2), 12S rRNA and 16S rRNA genes were obtained from four Australian abalone species and two New Zealand abalone species. Phylogenetic analyses were conducted using the parsimony method. The resulting phylogenetic trees revealed two clades, one consisting of four Australian abalone species and the other containing two New Zealand abalone species. The possible application of ND2, 12S and 16S sequence for the investigation of abalone poaching is discussed.
A Recent pulmonate (Charopidae) originally described as a Jurassic marinevetigastropod from New Zealand
Authors: MARSHALL BRUCE A. , MAXWELL PHILLIP A. , MANNERING ALEX A.
Published: December 2023

Klebyella minuta Bandel, Gründel Maxwell, 2000, originally described as a Jurassic marine gastropod of the Turbinidae (Liotiinae), is shown to be based on a shell of a Recent terrestrial pulmonate and referred to Mocella Iredale, 1915.
Brian John Smith 24.6.1939–19.7.2006: A malacological assessment
Authors: BURN ROBERT
Published: December 2023

Brian Smith contributed much to Australian malacology. His interest was focused on terrestrial molluscs although his work on molluscs from freshwater and marine environments also carried considerable weight.
Techniques for collecting, handling, preparing, storing and examining smallmolluscan specimens
Authors: GEIGER DANIEL L. , MARSHALL BRUCE A. , PONDER WINSTON F. , SASAKI TAKENORI , WARÉN ANDERS
Published: December 2023

Micromolluscs are small-sized molluscs (< 5 mm), and include the great majority of undescribed molluscan taxa. Such species require special collecting, sorting and handling techniques and different storage requirements to those routinely used for larger specimens. Similarly, the preparation of shells, opercula, radulae and animals poses some challenges for scanning electron microscopy (SEM). An overview of experiences with various techniques is presented, both positive and negative. Issues discussed include those relating to storage of dry specimens and interaction of specimens with glass, gelatine and paper products, handling techniques and storage in various fluids. Techniques for cleaning shells for SEM are described and compared, as well as those for radular extraction. The interactions of chemicals used for the dissolution of tissue with calcareous micromolluscs are described. Methods for handling and mounting small radulae for SEM are detailed and brief guides to SEM and light photography are given. An appendix listing details of frequently-used chemicals is provided.
A remarkable similarity in scaly shell structure in Early Cambrian univalved limpets (Monoplacophora; Maikhanellidae) and a Recent fissurellid limpet (Gastropoda: Vetigastropoda) with a review of Maikhanellidae
Authors: PONDER W. F. , PARKHAEV P. Yu. , BEECHEY D. L.
Published: December 2023

A remarkable similarity in a scaly external (probably calcified periostracal) sculpture between Lower Cambrian limpet-like taxa and a modern septate fissurellid limpet, Vacerrena kesteveni (Hedley), is demonstrated. Both taxa also have cross lamellar shell structure. Taxonomic notes on both the Lower Cambrian and Recent taxa are provided, including a review of the Lower Cambrian Maikhanellidae and the genus Canopoconus.
Colonisation of Fremantle Harbour and Cockburn Sound, Western Australia by theeastern Australian scallopScaeochlamys livida(Lamarck, 1819)
Authors: MORRISON HUGH , WELLS FRED E.
Published: December 2023

The eastern Australian scallop Scaeochlamys livida (Lamarck, 1819) is recorded from Cockburn Sound and Fremantle Harbour, Western Australia. It was first recorded in Cockburn Sound in the 1980s and has now become a permanent part of the molluscan fauna of both Fremantle Harbour and Cockburn Sound.
Two new records of marine mussels (Mytilidae) from subantarctic Macquarie Island
Authors: BROTHERS N. , DAVIS G.
Published: December 2023

Two new records of Mytilidae, Aulacomya ater ater (Iredale, 1915) and Mytilus cf. galloprovincialis (Lamarck, 1819), are reported for Macquarie Island. The former is considered to have been a recent arrival at the island, but is apparently not yet established there, which raises issues of management response and the need for a species inventory update to enable appropriate management of alien species in the future. The mode of arrival of Mytilus is uncertain but it is possibly indicative of an already established, but previously unreported, population.
Indices to authors and new taxa in volume 28 (2008)
Authors: Anonymous
Published: December 2023

Index
mRNA expression of antioxidant enzymes and physiological responses in the Pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas, exposed to an hypoxic environment
Authors: MI SEON  , JO PIL GUE , AN KWANG WOOK , CHO SUNG HWOAN , KIL GYUNG-SUK , CHOI CHEOL YOUNG
Published: December 2023

We measured the trends of oxygen (O2) consumption by Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas) exposed to an hypoxic environment and compared mRNA expression of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX). We also measured changes in osmolality and inorganic ion concentration in the haemolymph. O2 consumption led to increased expression of SOD mRNA in gills and digestive glands up to 1 h, when it then decreased. CAT and GPX mRNA in gills and digestive glands tended to decrease. Haemolymph osmolality and K+ level decreased with increasing water influx for O2 uptake, and Ca2+ and Mg2+ levels increased through mobilization of calcium carbonate to provide bicarbonate to buffer against acidosis. Therefore, under hypoxic conditions, activities of these antioxidant enzymes seem to be key in minimizing tissue damage caused by reactive oxygen species.
Estimation of body size from the beaks of eight sepiolid species (Cephalopoda: Sepiolidae) from the Eastern Mediterranean Sea
Authors: AÇIK SERMIN , SALMAN ALP
Published: December 2023

Sepiolidae play an important role in the marine ecosystem as their beaks occur frequently in the stomach contents of whales, sword fish and tuna. To enable the estimation of body size and biomass, the biometrical measurements of upper (5 dimensions) and lower (5 dimensions) beaks of sepiolid specimens were plotted against both mantle length and body weights of intact ani-mals of eight species of Sepiolidae (Sepiola intermedia, Sepiola robusta, Sepiola steenstrupiana, Sepietta oweniana, Sepietta neglecta, Rossia macrosoma, Neorossia caroli and Heteroteuthis dispar) from the coasts of Turkey. Significant differences observed among the beak ratio means and structural characteristics are used to construct a key for upper beaks of the eight spe-cies. Some upper (hood, crest and basal lengths) and lower beak (wing, basal and crest lengths) measurements were found to be particularly useful for estimating the mantle length of the species examined. The results of the present study, especially data for the lower beaks of specimens, were qualitatively compared with those of the previous studies carried out in different zoogeo-graphic regions.
Two similar new species of Alvania Risso, 1826 (Caenogastropoda: Rissoidae) from the late Cenozoic of Italy
Authors: GARILLI VITTORIO , PARRINELLO DANIELA
Published: December 2023

Alvania baldoi n. sp. and A. dimitrii n. sp. are described from the Plio-Pleistocene of Italy. A. baldoi n. sp. is characterized by clathrate/cingulated sculpture of delicate axial and spiral elements forming knobs. It is closer to the species placed in Alvania Risso, 1826 s.s. than to those grouped within Acinopsis Monterosato, 1884 which is usually treated as a subgenus or synonym of Alvania. A. dimitrii n. sp. is characterized by an almost globose, conical shell bearing a clathrate pattern of subequal spiral and axial elements forming rounded tubercles. It also shows pronounced denticles and a crenulated outer lip. It is intermediate in shell characters between Alvania s.s. and Acinopsis, and closely resembles A. baldoi n. sp. Both the described species have a paucispiral protoconch indicating a non-planktotrophic larval development. Taphonomic and taxonomic information on the fossil sites indicates that A. baldoi n. sp. lived on the mid to lower shelf, whereas A. dimitrii n. sp. presumably inhabited lower shelf to upper slope environments. The morphological features of the new species described are an example of the difficulties in separating some of the nominal genus-group taxa previously recognized that are now usually treated as synonyms of Alva-nia.
Index of authors and new taxa in volume 30 (2010)
Authors: Anonymous
Published: December 2023

Index
Growth and population dynamics of the giant clam Tridacna maxima (Röding) at its southern limit of distribution in coastal, subtropical eastern Australia
Authors: SMITH STEPHEN D. A.
Published: December 2023

The Solitary Islands Marine Park in northern New South Wales hosts eastern Australia’s southernmost coastal population of the giant clam Tridacna maxima. This small population of clams was monitored and measured over a 12-yr period to determine patterns of distribution, dynamics and growth rates. Most (31) of the 40 specimens found were present at the most offshore location (North Solitary Island) and growth rates were similar to those recorded on the southern Great Barrier Reef. Recruitment rates were very low (<2 yr-1 across the whole Park) and loss of individuals was mostly associated with periods of large swell. The importance of North Solitary Island for Tridacna reflects the results of other studies demonstrating a strong tropical influence, mediated by the East Australian Current, at this, the most offshore island on the NSW coast.
A review of the Recent Australian species of Merelina Iredale, 1915 (Caenogastropoda: Rissoidae)
Authors: CRISCIONE FRANCESCO , PONDER WINSTON F.
Published: December 2023

The four previously-named Australian species of the rissoid genus Merelina Iredale, 1915 are redescribed and illustrated. A neotype is designated for M. elegans (Angas, 1877) and this species and three others previously named are redescribed and illustrated. In addition, a further four new species are described; M. hirta n. sp. from SE Australia, M. cancellata n. sp. From Bass Strait and Tasmania, M. lordhowensis n. sp. from the islands and seamounts of the southern Lord Howe Rise plateau and M. norfolkensis n. sp. from Norfolk Island. Distributions and revised synonymies are given, along with a key to the Australian species and a list of all the Recent species of the genus.
ITS1 DNA sequences reveal population genetic differentiation and structure in the Chinese clam Cyclina sinensis (Veneridae: Bivalvia)
Authors: PAN BAOPING , ZHANG LIYAN , SONG XIN , GAO WEIWEI , BU WENJUN
Published: December 2023

The genetic diversity and structure of 10 populations of Cyclina sinensis distributed along coastal regions in China were inves-tigated by sequencing ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer1 (ITS1). The lengths of the ITS1 sequences of C. sinensis ranged from 564 to 595 nucleotides. Forty-two allelic sequences [nucleotide diversity; π=0.033; θ (per site) based on the total number of mutations=0.048] have been identified from a total of 80 individuals. Phylogenetic analysis of these sequences, using a sample from Japan as outgroup, recovered a topology containing two major clades. One clade comprised the samples from the China Bohai Sea, the Yellow Sea and the Dong Sea (northern and middle parts of the China Sea), the other clade rep-resented the those from the South China Sea. FST values indicated significant differences in each pairwise combination of pop-ulations representing each of the two clades, while the AMOVA analysis showed that the majority of genetic variation (67.7%) was attributable to variation between the two main clades, with 25.7% attributable to within-population variation and 6.6% to between populations within groups. These results suggest strong genetic structure among the Chinese populations of C. sinen-sis. Evolutionary rate analysis implies that the two main clades have experienced population isolation since the late Pleistocene (approximately 0.35and1.91MY ago), due to coastal freshwater intrusions and/or cold current upwelling.
Native predator and alien prey: Lepsiella (Bedeva) hanleyi (Muricidae) feeding on Mytilus galloprovincialis (Mytilidae) in the Swan River, Perth, Western Australia
Authors: MORTON BRIAN
Published: December 2023

In the estuary of the Swan River, Western Australia, the muricid caenogastropod Lepsiella (Bedeva) hanleyi has been found attacking the alien mytilid bivalve Mytilus galloprovincialis by shell drilling. Attacks were nearly always to the antero- and postero-dorsal regions of the mussel’s shell in either valve approximately equally. This is because ventral byssal attachment inhibits attacks in this location. No M. galloprovincialis individuals with shells of length 20 mm were attacked. A tenet of alien introductions is that success is possibly enhanced because native predators do not recognize them. This study confirms other studies and laboratory experiments on the congener Lepsiella vinosa that, provided the alien is morphologically similar to natural prey, one of which as here identified is Brachidontes ustulatus, then these generalist muricid predators can readily attack them.
Life history and population dynamics of the surf clam, Mactra veneriformis (Bivalvia: Mactridae), on an estuarine intertidal sandflat in western Kyushu, Japan
Authors: NAKANO TADASHI , NASUDA JUHN , AGATA YOSHIHIRO , YURIMOTO TATSUYA , MAENO YUKIO , NAKAMURA YASUO , YAMADA FUMIHIKO , TAMAKI AKIO
Published: December 2023

Mactra veneriformis occurs commonly on estuarine tidal flats in temperate East Asia. Based on population sampling and recording of environmental variables over an extensive sandflat at a river mouth in Ariake Sound, southern Japan for 39 months, several reproductive traits were monitored and the recruitment, growth, and survivorship for cohorts tracked. The reproductive season ranged from May to September. Each year three to five newly-recruited cohorts appeared in June to October. A single cohort derived from adult spawning in late September occurred in December to January but disappeared by mid-May. Earlier summer recruits reached a maturation size in late September. Each year two or three cohorts survived until next February and fused into a composite cohort. High mortality in juveniles sometimes happened in the rainy period from June to July and at typhoon arrivals in July to October, with increased river discharges. Occasionally juvenile mass mortalities were observed following large wind-induced waves associated with typhoons. Despite their high mortality in the rainy period in some years, the fused adult cohorts contributed solely to the effective reproduction for the entire population. The surviving members of these cohorts died off during the following winter, with an estimated life span of 1.5 years.
A new species of Hydara (Hemiptera: Coreidae: Coreinae: Hydarini) from Madagascar
Authors: BRAILOVSKY HARRY
Published: December 2023

Hydara kmenti new species, collected in Madagascar is described. The relationships with Hydara tenuicornis (Westwood) and Hydara nigrofasciata Garcia Varela are discussed. The adult dorsal habitus, and drawings of pronotum, male genital capsule, and female genital plates are included, as is a key to the Madacascar Hydarini.
Two new species of Plinachtus Stal (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Coreidae: Coreinae: Gonocerini) from Aldabra Atoll and Madagascar
Authors: BRAILOVSKY HARRY , BARRERA ERNESTO
Published: December 2023

Plinachtus aldabrensis new species, collected in Aldabra Atoll, and P. contortus new species, collected in Madagascar are described, and included in the dubius-group. The relationships with P. dubius Herrich-Schaeffer, and P. schoutedeni van Reenen are discussed. The adult dorsal habitus, and drawings of pronotum, and male genital capsule are provided, as is a key to the known species from Madagascar and Aldabra Atoll.
2. Financing Public Investment in France
Authors: Plane Mathieu , Saraceno Francesco
Published: December 2023

The chapter first deals with the historical evolution of public investment and capital in France. While still high in comparison with other EU countries, it was significantly reduced since the early 1990s. A reversal of the trend, prior to COVID-19, was mostly due to local governments. After COVID-19, a rebound was followed by flat growth; investment in 2023 is barely at 2019 levels. The result of these trends is a significant drop in net public wealth (mostly of the central government) since 2008. Funding exhibits a growing diversity. Investment spending is increasingly characterised by co-financing involving multiple actors, reducing the central-government share. The chapter concludes with an assessment of the sustainability of France’s public finances. The critical gap (g-r) remains positive for France even in the current environment of high inflation and increasing interest rates. We conclude, with some caution, that there is no real cause for concern regarding sustainability.
6. Escaping Fragmentation and Secular Stagnation
Authors: Padoan Pier Carlo
Published: December 2023

The EU has been impacted by multiple crises due to economic and geopolitical drivers. These crises have left scarring effects and may lead to fragmentation with serious permanent consequences. This takes place against the background of secular stagnation which makes the policy response more difficult. The main response strategy is the NGEU mechanism, based on public investment and structural reforms. It should deliver sustainable growth and structural change that allows for exit from the multiple crises―pandemic, geopolitical, energy, inflationary―and puts the European Union on a path of twin transformation (digital and green), reverting the drift towards secular stagnation. NGEU is an effective policy tool, provided it acts through policy packages of public investment and structural reforms and allows for time to complete the reform cycle. Its effectiveness must be seen in the context of a new policy mix fit to address the multiple-crises framework.
Bacteriological Profile and Antibiotic Susceptibility Patterns of Sepsis-Causing Bacteria at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of a Tertiary Health Care Facility in Ghana
Authors: Opare-Asamoah Kwame , Vicar Ezekiel Kofi , Acquah Samuel Ekuban , Quaye Lawrence , Alhassan Abdul-Mumin , Majeed Saeed F , Sakyi Abigail Asantewaa , Blankson Endorah Fotwe , Mensah Kwasi Boadu
Published: December 2023

Background:

Neonatal sepsis is a clinical emergency that requires sound evaluation supported by accurate laboratory analysis and timely clinical intervention for its management. This study, therefore, was conducted to identify bacteria causing neonatal sepsis and their susceptibility to the commonly prescribed antibiotic at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of a tertiary health care facility in the Northern Region of Ghana.

Methods:

Neonatal biodata were collected from patient folders, after which identification, isolation, and susceptibility of isolated bacteria to prescribed anti-bacterial (Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method) were carried out on single venipuncture blood samples aseptically drawn from 275 neonates clinically diagnosed with sepsis.

Results:

275 neonates took part in the study, of which 218 (79.3%) presented with early-onset sepsis (EOS) and 57 (20.7%) with late-onset sepsis (LOS). The laboratory results confirmed a septicemia prevalence of 70.3% among neonates clinically diagnosed with sepsis. Preterm delivery ( P = .01), hypothermia ( P = .001), and delivery at the tertiary healthcare facility were significantly associated with EOS ( P < .000), while low birth weight ( P = .012), duration of hospital stay ( P = .001), and delivery at the tertiary healthcare facility ( P < .000) were found to be significantly associated with LOS. Gram-positive cocci constituted 54.9% (107), with Gram-negative constituting 45.1% (88) of all the bacteria isolates. Coagulase-negative staphylococcus (CoNS) 70.1% (75) and Klebsiella species 39.8% (35) were the dominant Gram-positive and Gram-negative isolates, respectively. 57.8% and 55.8% of CoNS isolates were susceptible to ampicillin and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, respectively. 93.5% of CoNS and all the isolated Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella species were susceptible to amikacin.

Conclusions:

Coagulase-negative staphylococcus (CoNS) and Klebsiella species were the predominant Gram-positive and negative sepsis-causing agents at the NICU, respectively. Amikacin exhibited the highest sensitivity to Gram-positive and negative causative agents, making it a strong candidate for consideration in the facility’s empirical treatment of neonatal sepsis.
Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers-like large language models in patient safety and pharmacovigilance: A comprehensive assessment of causal inference implications
Authors: Wang Xingqiao , Xu Xiaowei , Liu Zhichao , Tong Weida
Published: December 2023

Causality assessment is vital in patient safety and pharmacovigilance (PSPV) for safety signal detection, adverse reaction management, and regulatory submission. Large language models (LLMs), especially those designed with transformer architecture, are revolutionizing various fields, including PSPV. While attempts to utilize Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (BERT)-like LLMs for causal inference in PSPV are underway, a detailed evaluation of “fit-for-purpose” BERT-like model selection to enhance causal inference performance within PSPV applications remains absent. This study conducts an in-depth exploration of BERT-like LLMs, including generic pre-trained BERT LLMs, domain-specific pre-trained LLMs, and domain-specific pre-trained LLMs with safety knowledge-specific fine-tuning, for causal inference in PSPV. Our investigation centers around (1) the influence of data complexity and model architecture, (2) the correlation between the BERT size and its impact, and (3) the role of domain-specific training and fine-tuning on three publicly accessible PSPV data sets. The findings suggest that (1) BERT-like LLMs deliver consistent predictive power across varied data complexity levels, (2) the predictive performance and causal inference results do not directly correspond to the BERT-like model size, and (3) domain-specific pre-trained LLMs, with or without safety knowledge-specific fine-tuning, surpass generic pre-trained BERT models in causal inference. The findings are valuable to guide the future application of LLMs in a broad range of application.
Peripatric speciation within Torreya fargesii (Taxaceae) in the Hengduan Mountains inferred from multi-loci phylogeography
Authors: Kou Yixuan , Fan Dengmei , Cheng Shanmei , Yang Yi , Wang Meixia , Wang Yujin , Zhang Zhiyong
Published: December 2023

Background

The Hengduan Mountains (HDM) are one of the major global biodiversity hotspots in the world. Several evolutionary scenarios, especially in-situ diversification, have been proposed to account for the high species richness of temperate plants. However, peripatric speciation, an important mode of allopatric speciation, has seldom been reported in this region.

Results

Here, two chloroplast DNA regions and 14 nuclear loci were sequenced for 112 individuals from 10 populations of Torreya fargesii var. fargesii and 63 individuals from 6 populations of T. fargesii var. yunnanensis. Population genetic analyses revealed that the two varieties are well differentiated genetically (FST, 0.5765) and have uneven genetic diversity (π, 0.00221 vs. 0.00073 on an average of nuclear loci). The gene genealogical relationship showed that T. fargesii var. yunnanensis is inferred as derived from T. fargesii var. fargesii, which was further supported by the coalescent simulations (DIYABC, fastsimcoal2 and IMa2). By the coalescent simulations, the divergence time (~ 2.50–3.65 Ma) and the weak gene flow between the two varieties were detected. The gene flow was asymmetrical and only occurred in later stages of divergence, which is caused by second contact due to the population expansion (~ 0.61 Ma) in T. fargesii var. fargesii. In addition, niche modeling indicated that the two varieties are differentiated geographically and ecologically and have unbalanced distribution range.

Conclusions

Overall, T. fargesii var. fargesii is always parapatric with respect to T. fargesii var. yunnanensis, and the latter derived from the former in peripatry of the HDM following a colonization from central China during the late Pliocene. Our findings demonstrate that peripatric speciation following dispersal events may be an important evolutionary scenario for the formation of biodiversity hotspot of the HDM.
Dissecting cellular states of infiltrating microenvironment cells in melanoma by integrating single-cell and bulk transcriptome analysis
Authors: Shi Aiai , Yan Min , Pang Bo , Pang Lin , Wang Yihan , Lan Yujia , Zhang Xinxin , Xu Jinyuan , Ping Yanyan , Hu Jing
Published: December 2023

Background

Cellular states of different immune cells can affect the activity of the whole immune microenvironment.

Methods

Here, leveraging reference profiles of microenvironment cell states that were constructed based on single-cell RNA-seq data of melanoma, we dissected the composition of microenvironment cell states across 463 skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM) bulk samples through CIBERSORT-based deconvolution of gene expression profiles and revealed high heterogeneity of their distribution. Correspondence analysis on the estimated cellular fractions of melanoma bulk samples was performed to identify immune phenotypes. Based on the publicly available clinical survival and therapy data, we analyzed the relationship between immune phenotypes and clinical outcomes of melanoma.

Results

By analysis of the relationships among those cell states, we further identified three distinct tumor microenvironment immune phenotypes: “immune hot/active”, “immune cold-suppressive” and “immune cold-exhausted”. They were characterized by markedly different patterns of cell states: most notably the CD8 T Cytotoxic state, CD8 T Mixed state, B non-regulatory state and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), depicting distinct types of antitumor immune response (or immune activity). These phenotypes had prognostic significance for progression-free survival and implications in response to immune therapy in an independent cohort of anti-PD1 treated melanoma patients.

Conclusions

The proposed strategy of leveraging single-cell data to dissect the composition of microenvironment cell states in individual bulk tumors can also extend to other cancer types, and our results highlight the importance of microenvironment cell states for the understanding of tumor immunity.
“Real-world” analysis of battery longevity of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators: an in-depth analysis of a prospective defibrillator database
Authors: de Almeida Fernandes Diogo , António Natália , Sousa Pedro A. , Preto Leonor , Madeira Marta , Elvas Luís , Gonçalves Lino
Published: December 2023

Background

There is a lack of evidence regarding contemporary implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) battery longevity. Our aim was to assess battery longevity in ICDs in a real-world setting.

Methods

Retrospective cross-sectional single center study of a prospectively collected database of consecutive patients who underwent ICD implantation from January 2010 to December 2015. Clinical data and battery longevity of all manufacturers were collected.

Results

A total of 351 patients (84.6% males, mean age of 61 ± 12 years) were included in the study (292 VVI; 6 VDD; 53 DDD). All manufacturers (Abbott, Biotronik, Boston, Medtronic and Microport) were equally represented in the study (p = 0.110). Median battery longevity was 10.8 years (11 years for VVI and 8.5 for DDD). After a follow-up time of 5 years, 98% of VVI and DDD were still in service (vs. industry-projected longevity of 98%). During this time, 89 patients (25.4%) underwent device replacement − 69 patients (77.5%) due to battery depletion, 6 patients due to infection, 3 patients due to dysfunction and 13 patients due to upgrade to CRT-D. Patients with Medtronic or Biotronik ICDs had a greater probability of being replaced earlier due to battery depletion (Biotronik HR 6.87, 95% CI 2.54–18.58, p < 0.001; Medtronic HR 6.08, 95% CI 2.45–15.06 p < 0.001).

Conclusions

VVI and DDD ICD battery longevity matched industry-projected longevity after 5 years of follow-up. Medtronic and Biotronik ICDs appeared to have an earlier battery depletion. Further randomized studies are required to ensure optimal care.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of mass spectrometry proteomics applied to ocular fluids to assess potential biomarkers of age-related macular degeneration
Authors: Guo Hanmu , Li Jianqing , Lu Peirong
Published: December 2023

Background

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a significant cause of severe vision loss. The main purpose of this study was to identify mass spectrometry proteomics-based potential biomarkers of AMD that contribute to understanding the mechanisms of disease and aiding in early diagnosis.

Methods

This study retrieved studies that aim to detect differences relate to proteomics in AMD patients and healthy control groups by mass spectrometry (MS) proteomics approaches. The search process was accord with PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO database: CRD42023388093). Gene Ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes Pathway Analysis (KEGG) were performed on differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in the included articles using the DAVID database. DEPs were included in a meta-analysis when their effect size could be computed in at least two research studies. The effect size of measured proteins was transformed to the log2-fold change. Protein‒protein interaction (PPI) analysis was conducted on proteins that were statistically significant in the meta-analysis using the String online database.

Results

Eleven studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria, and 161 DEPs were identified. The GO analysis showed that AMD is significantly related to proteolysis, extracellular exosome and protein binding. In KEGG, the most significant pathway was the complement and coagulation cascades. Meta-analysis results suggested that eight proteins were statistically significant, and according to PPI results, the most significant four proteins were serotransferrin (TF), apolipoprotein A1 (APOA1), complement C3 (C3) and lipocalin-1 (LCN1).

Conclusions

Four possible biomarkers, TF, APOA1, C3 and LCN1, were found to be significant in the pathogenesis of AMD and need to be further validated. Further studies should be performed to evaluate diagnostic and therapeutic value of these proteins.
Understanding for whom, under what conditions and how smoking cessation services for pregnant women in the United Kingdom work—a rapid realist review
Authors: Tatton Claire , Lloyd Jenny
Published: December 2023

Background

Maternal smoking in pregnancy is associated with several adverse maternal and infant health outcomes including increased risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, low birth weight, preterm birth, and asthma. Progress to reduce rates of smoking at time of delivery in England have been slow and over the last decade, less than half of pregnant women who accessed services went onto report having quit. This realist review was undertaken to improve the understanding of how smoking cessation services in pregnancy work and to understand the heterogeneity of outcomes observed.

Methods

The initial programme theory was developed using the National Centre for Smoking Cession and Training Standard Treatment Programme for Pregnant Women and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidance on treating tobacco dependency. A search strategy and inclusion criteria were developed. Four databases were searched to identify published papers and four websites were hand searched to identify any unpublished literature that could contribute to theory building. Realist logic was applied to the analysis of papers to identify the contexts in which the intended behaviour change mechanism(s) were triggered, or not, and towards what outcomes to develop context mechanism outcome configurations.

Results

The review included 33 papers. The analysis produced 19 context mechanism outcome configurations structured under five closely interconnected domains (i) articulating harm, (ii) promoting support, (iii) managing cravings, (iv) maintaining commitment and (v) building self-efficacy. This review identifies two key processes involved in how services achieve their effects: how material resources are implemented and relationships. Of the two key processes identified, more existing literature was available evidencing how material resources are implemented. However, the review provides some evidence that non-judgemental and supportive relationships with healthcare workers where regular contact is provided can play an important role in interrupting the social cues and social practice of smoking, even where those around women continue to smoke.

Conclusions

This review clarifies the range of interconnected and bi-directional relationships between services and the personal and social factors in women’s lives. It underscores the importance of aligning efforts across the models five domains to strengthen services’ ability to achieve smoking cessation.
Tobacco smoke and all-cause mortality and premature death in China: a cohort study
Authors: Zhang Liang , Ma Yonghong , Men Ke , Li Chao , Zhang Zhuo , Shi Guoshuai
Published: December 2023

Background

Tobacco smoke is associated with several diseases, and identified as the second leading risk factor for death from any cause worldwide. The relationship of tobacco smoke to mortality or premature death is not yet available from contemporary cohorts after 2010 in China. This study aimed to investigate the smoking behavior and the relationship of tobacco smoke to mortality and premature death among a nationally representative cohort starting from 2011 in China.

Methods

The nationally representative datasets (China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, CHARLS, 2011–2012) was employed and linked with follow-up data (2013). CHARLS was an ongoing nationally representative survey, which longitudinally followed up subjects aged over 45 years. Smoking status (non-smoker, ex-smoker, smoker, pack-years of smoking, age at starting and ceasing smoking) was used as independent variable, and all-cause mortality, premature death (defined as mortality before age 72.7 years in men and 76.9 years in women) were used as dependent variables. The Cox’s proportional hazards regression mode was used to estimate the effect of tobacco smoke and pack-years of smoking on all-cause mortality and premature death.

Results

A total of 16,701 subjects were included. The association between tobacco smoker (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.37, 95%CI = 1.02, 1.83) / ex-smoker (HR = 1.75, 95%CI = 1.24, 2.46) and all-cause mortality was significant. Tobacco smoker (HR = 1.58, 95%CI = 1.04, 2.39) and ex-smoker (HR = 2.25, 95%CI = 1.38, 3.66) was associated with increase in the risk of premature death. Pack-years of smoking ≥ 30 was associated with increased risk of premature death compared with non-smokers in total (HR = 1.59, 95%CI = 1.03, 2.43) and women (HR = 3.38, 95%CI = 1.22, 9.38). Additionally, our results also revealed that there was a linear trend between pack-years of smoking and premature death in total (P = 0.002) and women (P = 0.010).

Conclusion

This study found a negative effect of smoking status on all-cause mortality and premature death among a contemporary and nationally representative data in China. The correlation between pack-years of smoking and premature death and the trend of pack-years of smoking with premature death was also identified.