bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Construction and performance evaluation of fully biomimetic hyaline cartilage matrix scaffolds for joint defect regeneration
Authors: Sun Haidi , Wu Zhonglian , Liu Lihua , Hu Xu , Zhao Yurui , Wang Chirun , Yang Jian , Gu Zehao , Wang Dong-An , Yao Hang
Published: October 2024

Due to the absence of nerves and blood vessels in articular cartilage, its regeneration and repair present a significant and complex challenge in osteoarthritis treatment. Developing a specialized physical and chemical microenvironment supporting cell growth has been difficult in cartilage grafting, especially when aiming for comprehensive biomimetic solutions. Based on previous research, we have designed a tissue-engineered decellularized living hyaline cartilage graft (dLhCG). The study developed a method to improve the hydrophilicity and stiffness of scaffolds by employing chemical grafting techniques and designed a decellularized hyaline cartilage phenotype matrix scaffold for tissue engineering. Here, we reported a method using 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride /N-hydroxysuccinimide (EDC/NHS) to achieve the grafting of chondroitin sulfate (CS) onto dLhCG, ultimately producing a tissue-engineered hyaline cartilage graft with the CS (dLhCG/CS). Young’s modulus measurements revealed that the cross-linked scaffolds exhibited enhanced mechanical properties. We implanted the cross-linked dLhCG/CS scaffolds into the trochlear region of rat joints and evaluated their functionality through histological analysis and biomechanical tests. After 12 weeks, the dLhCG/CS scaffolds demonstrated excellent bioinductive activity comparable to dLhCG. The regenerated tissue effectively maintained a hyaline cartilage phenotype and exhibited similar mechanical properties, playing a crucial role in cartilage regeneration.
Southeast Asian biodiversity is a fifth lower in deforested versus intact forests
Authors: Botterill-James Thomas , Yates Luke A , Buettel Jessie C , Aandahl Zach , Brook Barry W
Published: October 2024

Southeast Asia is highly biodiverse and currently experiences among the highest rates of tropical deforestation globally, but impacts on biodiversity are not well synthesized. We use Bayesian multi-level modeling to meta-analyse 831 pairwise comparisons of biodiversity in sites subject to land-use driven deforestation (for example, plantations or logged forest) versus undisturbed sites (control sites). After controlling for hierarchical dependencies, we show that biodiversity is a fifth lower in sites with these land-use driven deforestation (95% credible interval = 16%–28%, mean = 22%). This reduction was greater when forest losses were of high-intensity (34% reduction in biodiversity) compared to low-intensity (18% reduction), and effects were consistent across biogeographic regions and taxa. Oil-palm plantations led to the greatest reduction in biodiversity (39%, CI 27%–48%), and agroforests the least (24%, CI 10%–37%). We also find that biodiversity was reduced by 26% (CI 4%–42%) in secondary forest sites compared to undisturbed control sites, but biodiversity was the same in intermediate or mature-aged secondary forest compared to control sites (although species composition was potentially altered). Overall, our study provides a new line of evidence of the substantial detrimental impacts of land-use driven deforestation and particular types of land-use on the biodiversity of Southeast Asia.
Global patterns in vegetation accessible subsurface water storage emerge from spatially varying importance of individual drivers
Authors: van Oorschot Fransje , Hrachowitz Markus , Viering Tom , Alessandri Andrea , van der Ent Ruud J
Published: October 2024

Vegetation roots play an essential role in regulating the hydrological cycle by removing water from the subsurface and releasing it to the atmosphere. However, the present understanding of the drivers of ecosystem-scale root development and their spatial variability globally is limited. This study investigates the varying roles of climate, landscape, and vegetation on the magnitude of root zone storage capacity (

S

r

) worldwide, which is defined as the maximum volume of subsurface moisture accessible to vegetation roots. To this aim, we quantified

S

r

and evaluated 21 possible climate, landscape, and vegetation controls for 3612 river catchments worldwide using a random forest machine learning model. Our findings reveal climate as primary, but spatially varying, driver of ecosystem scale

S

r

with landscape and vegetation characteristics playing a minor role. More specifically, we found the mean inter-storm duration as most dominant control of

S

r

globally, followed by mean temperature, mean precipitation, and mean topographic slope. While the inter-storm duration, temperature, and slope exhibit a consistent relation with

S

r

globally, the relation between precipitation and

S

r

varies spatially. Based on this spatial variability, we classified two different regimes: precipitation driven and energy limited. The precipitation-driven regime exhibits a positive relation between precipitation and

S

r

for precipitation of up to 3

mm

d

−
1

, above which the relation flattens and eventually becomes negative. The energy-limited regime exhibits a strictly negative relation between precipitation and

S

r

. Using the random forest model based on these three dominant climate variables and the landscape variable slope, we generated a global gridded dataset of

S

r

, which closely resembles other global datasets of root characteristics. This suggests that our parsimonious approach based on four globally available variables to estimate

S

r

on a global scale has the potential to be readily and easily integrated into the parameterization of

S

r

in global hydrological and land surface models. This may enhance the accuracy of global predictions of land–atmosphere exchange fluxes and hydrological extremes by providing a robust representation of both spatial and temporal variability in vegetation root characteristics.
Investigation of metal-insulator-metal waveguides with elliptical-nanodisk resonator for high contrast ratio all-optical logic gates
Authors: Korkmaz Semih
Published: October 2024

This research focuses on the design and analysis of all-optical Exclusive OR(XOR), NOT, and OR logic gates based on metal-insulator-metal waveguides with elliptical-nanodisk resonators. The functionality of the proposed optical logic gates is determined by constructive and deconstructive signals which are applied to the input ports and control ports. To show the logic 0 (low) and logic 1 (high) output states, the limit of threshold transmission is 1.775 × 10−13 ∼0. The transmission (T) and contrast ratio (CR) are obtained to present the performance of the optical logic gates via the method of finite-difference time-domain. The maximum transmission is reached for the OR gate as 1.38 and the highest contrast ratio is 124.75 dB for the XOR and NOT logic gates. The designed logic devices are promising for improving more efficient optical signal information processing devices.
Dihedral beams
Authors: Jaimes-Nájera Alfonso
Published: October 2024

In this work, a group theory-based formulation that introduces new classes of dihedral-symmetric beams is presented. Our framework leverages the algebraic properties of the dihedral group of rotations and reflections to transform input beams into closed-form families of dihedral-invariant wavefields, which will be referred to as dihedral beams. Each transformation is associated with a specific dihedral group in such a way that each family of dihedral beams exhibits the symmetries of its corresponding group. Our approach is inspired by one of the outcomes of this work: elegant Hermite–Gauss beams can be described as a dihedral interference pattern of elegant traveling waves, a new set of solutions to the paraxial equation also developed in this paper. Particularly, when taking elegant traveling waves as input beams, they transform into elegant dihedral beams possessing quasi-crystalline properties and including features like phase singularities, self-healing, and pseudo-nondiffracting propagation, as well as containing elegant Hermite and Laguerre–Gauss beams as special cases. Our approach can be applied to arbitrary scalar and vector input beams and constitutes a general group-theory formulation that can be extended beyond the dihedral group.
Unveiling citizens’ perspective on citizen assemblies among participants and non-participants of a citizen assembly on energy
Authors: Perlaviciute G , Gorter W A , Muinos G
Published: October 2024

Governments all over Europe are commissioning citizen assemblies (CAs), which could be one possible way to assist the representative democracy in developing more socially acceptable sustainability policies. Yet, little is known about how citizens themselves think about CAs in general, l et al one the actual real-life procedures, which perceived aspects of CAs and how influence these opinions, and whether opinions differ between those who participate in CAs and the population at large. We investigated citizens’ perceptions and acceptability of CAs, both among the participants of the Dutch Citizen Assembly on Energy (DCAE) and the general Dutch population. First, we studied to what extent both groups thought that CAs, in general, could reach the broader goals of public participation: normative (better democracy), substantive (improved decisions), and instrumental (enhanced public support) goals. Second, we studied citizens’ perceptions of the DCAE in particular, focusing on the 4Ds of public participation: dialogue, diversity, decision-making power, and deliberation. Citizens were generally positive about the potential of CAs to reach broader participation goals, except for some scepticism about their capacity to bring in new knowledge and accelerate the energy transition. Compared to the general population, citizens who join CAs may be more accepting of CAs at the start and evaluate the process more positively at the end. In contrast to conventional wisdom, decision-making power was not the key driver of public acceptability of the DCAE—engaging in dialogue and deliberation might be more important to citizens than having more power per se.
The study of 3D FDTD modelling of large-scale Bragg gratings validated by experimental measurements
Authors: Rahimof Yasmin , Nechepurenko Igor A , Mahani M R , Tsarapkin Aleksei , Wicht Andreas
Published: October 2024

This study discusses the importance of accurately calculating the optical response of Bragg gratings and the challenges associated with the 3D finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method for simulating large-scale structures. The Bragg grating section in monolithic extended cavity diode lasers is of substantial size, making 3D FDTD simulations computationally challenging due to their complexity. In order to assess the accuracy of 3D simulations, we compare them with experimental results. Using a precise model design, involving a systematic analysis of simulation parameters, we obtain a good agreement between 3D FDTD simulations and the experimental results.
Multifunctional shape-memory smart window based on femtosecond-laser-printed photothermal microwalls
Authors: Chen Chao , Guo Sijia , Zhang Long , Yao Hao , Liu Bingrui , Zhang Chenchu , Zhang Yachao , Lao Zhaoxin , Wu Sizhu , Wu Dong
Published: October 2024

Smart windows (SWs) garner significant potential in green buildings owing to their capability of on-demand tuning the solar gains. Apart from solar regulation, people always desire a type of slippery SW which can repel the surface hydrous contaminants for anti-fouling application. Unfortunately, the up-to-date slippery SWs that respond to electrical/thermal stimuli have drawbacks of inferior durability and high energy-consumption, which greatly constrain their practical usability. This article presents our current work on an ultra-robust and energy-efficient near-infrared-responsive smart window (NIR-SW) which can regulate the optical transmittance and droplet’s adhesion in synergy. Significantly, laser-printing strategy enables us to seed the shape-memory photothermal microwalls on a transparent substrate, which can promote daylighting while maintaining privacy by near-infrared (NIR) switching between being transparent and opaque. As a light manipulator, it turns transparent with NIR-activated erect microwalls like an open louver; however, it turns opaque with the pressure-fixed bent microwalls akin to a closed louver. Simultaneously, the droplets can easily slip on the surface of erect microwalls similar to a classical lotus effect; by contrast, the droplets will tightly pin on the surface of bent microwalls analogous to the prevalent rose effect. Owing to shape-memory effect, this optical/wettability regulation is thus reversible and reconfigurable in response to thealternate NIR/pressure trigger. Moreover, NIR-SW unfolds a superior longevity despite suffering from the raindrop’s impacting more than 10 000 cycles. Remarkably, such a new-type SW is competent for thermal management, anti-icing system, peep-proof screen, and programmable optics. This work renders impetus for the researchers striving for self-cleaning intelligent windows, energy-efficient greenhouse, and so forth.
Multifunctional and reprogrammable 4D pixel mechanical metamaterials
Authors: Xin Xiaozhou , Lin Cheng , Li Bingxun , Zhang Ruikang , Zeng Chengjun , Liu Liwu , Liu Yanju , Leng Jinsong
Published: October 2024

Metamaterials have exotic physical properties that rely on the construction of their underlying architecture. However, the physical properties of conventional mechanical metamaterials are permanently programmed into their periodic interconnect configurations, resulting in their lack of modularity, scalable fabrication, and programmability. Mechanical metamaterials typically exhibit a single extraordinary mechanical property or multiple extraordinary properties coupled together, making it difficult to realize multiple independent extraordinary mechanical properties. Here, the pixel mechanics metamaterials (PMMs) with multifunctional and reprogrammable properties are developed by arraying uncoupled constrained individual modular mechanics pixels (MPs). The MPs enable controlled conversion between two extraordinary mechanical properties (multistability and compression-torsion coupling deformation). Each MP exhibits 32 independent and reversible room temperature programming configurations. In addition, the programmability of metamaterials is further enhanced by shape memory polymer (SMP) and 4D printing, greatly enriching the design freedom. For the PMM consisting of m × n MPs, it has 32(m × n) independent room temperature programming configurations. The application prospects of metamaterials in the vibration isolation device and energy absorption device with programmable performance have been demonstrated. The vibration isolation frequencies of the MP before and after programming were [0 Hz–5.86 Hz], [0 Hz–13.67 Hz and 306.64 Hz–365.23 Hz]. The total energy absorption of the developed PMM can be adjusted controllably in the range of 1.01 J–3.91 J. Six standard digital logic gates that do not require sustained external force are designed by controlling the closure between the modules. This design paradigm will facilitate the further development of multifunctional and reprogrammable metamaterials.
An efficient deep learning approach for ultimate bond strength estimations of corroded bar and concrete
Authors: Parida Lukesh , Moharana Sumedha , Sahani Rima
Published: October 2024

The corrosion behavior of the reinforced concrete structure depends heavily on the interfacial bond behavior between steel and concrete. Over the years, the deterioration of integrated reinforced steel has weakened this bond and potentially led to structural problems. Conventional methods of bond strength evaluation, such as pullout and bond beam tests, is frequently intrusive and tedious. Therefore, there is a growing need for non-intrusive, effective, and reliable forecasting algorithms capable of assessing bond deterioration caused by corrosion. Traditional algorithms for predicting bond strength make it difficult to capture the complex nature of steel-concrete bonds. The present study proposes two different deep learning algorithms, i.e., convolutional neural networks (CNN) and long short-term memory (LSTM), for predicting maximum bond strength in the presence of corrosion. The predictive model is based on a comprehensive dataset comprising 218 datasets from previous studies encompassing diverse input and output variables for predicting the models. The models were trained and tested using the given data to improve early predictions of corrosion-induced bond degradations. The predictive model’s effectiveness was assessed by applying various performance metrics. From this study, the CNN model exhibits higher accuracy and efficiency with mean absolute error, root mean square error, and mean absolute percentage error of 0.25, 0.28, and 95.72, respectively, for predicting ultimate bond strength estimations. The findings of this study provide an accurate and robust prediction model to improve the reliability and safety of the concrete structure by enhancing the residual load-bearing capacity of the concrete structure that has undergone corrosion.
Vision-based displacement monitoring for the integral lifting of a large-span spatial truss structure
Authors: Bai Qiye , Qiu Fuxiang , Fu Jing , Cheng Jiaming , Zheng Zijian , Jin Hui
Published: October 2024

Large-span spatial truss structures are widely used for their high performance, making it crucial to ensure proper installation quality. Currently, the lifting process of the large-span spatial truss structure is guided by visual observation, which is both imprecise and time-consuming. This paper presents a vision-based monitoring system designed to guide the lifting process of large-span spatial truss structures in real-time. A deep learning-based target detector initially tracks the trajectory of welded balls during the lifting process. To precisely extract the center point of each welded ball within the detected bounding box, we propose a novel ellipse recognition algorithm that uses morphological operations and the least squares method to identify the center coordinates at the pixel level. The binocular vision system then converts these pixel coordinates into world coordinates and calculates the displacement of the welded ball during the jacking process. A field test of the lifting of a large-span structure at a high-speed railway station verifies the effectiveness of the proposed. Test results indicate that the proposed method provides relatively accurate displacement estimates with a 2.5% relative error.
On the category 𝒪 of a hybrid quantum group
Authors: Situ Quan
Published: October 2024

We study the representation theory of a hybrid quantum group at root of unity

ζ
\zeta

introduced by Gaitsgory. After discussing some basic properties of its category

O

\mathcal {O}

, we study deformations of the category

O

\mathcal {O}

. For subgeneric deformations, we construct the endomorphism algebra of big projective object and compute it explicitly. Our main result is an algebra isomorphism between the center of deformed category

O

\mathcal {O}

and the equivariant cohomology of

ζ
\zeta

-fixed locus on the affine Grassmannian attached to the Langlands dual group.
Polyphony
Authors: Edstrom Brent
Published: October 2024

This chapter discusses polyphony, wherein multiple voices combine to create harmony. It examines strategies for organizing audio objects into polyphonic data structures before considering three approaches to note prioritization, a necessary feature in any synthesis architecture with a finite number of voices. The approach to polyphony is built around one of two data structures: SynthVoice or SimpleSynth. SynthVoice refers to an object that encapsulates the characteristics of a musical voice and works in conjunction with audio objects created in the Audio System Design Tool. Meanwhile, SimpleSynth is a container class that stores multiple voices and coordinates MIDI messages and other user input with the voices contained within the class.
Making Connections
Authors: Edstrom Brent
Published: October 2024

This chapter looks into making connections with microcontroller I/O. Eurorack refers to a unique space inhabited by musicians, engineers, hobbyists, music technologists, and others alongside a strong DIY undercurrent evident in the many custom projects on the web. The chapter then details the strategies for taming the input and output signals that are typically encountered in Eurorack systems. It then introduces strategies to minimize the risk of damage that can occur when circuits are connected in unconventional ways. The key concepts of circuits provide a useful foundation for the Eurorack projects which provide an opportunity for innumerable creations ranging from custom synthesizer modules and effects processors to MIDI/CV converters.
Comparison of low-dose CT and MRI in enthesitis-related arthritis patients with sacroiliitis
Authors: Bayrak Yunus Emre , Özer Törehan , Anık Yonca , Şahin Nihal , Sönmez Hafize Emine
Published: October 2024

Objective

This study investigated the utility of low-dose CT (ldCT) compared with MRI in diagnosing sacroiliitis in enthesitis-related arthritis (ERA) patients.

Methods

Thirty patients diagnosed with ERA were evaluated, with a median follow-up of 1.47 years. Images from patients were examined by two paediatric radiologists. For each patient, we assessed the density changes on ldCT at corresponding locations, employing the signal intensity observed on MRI across each joint surface as a reference. While measurements in areas without oedema on MRI showed relatively high density, measurements in areas with oedema on MRI showed relatively low density.

Results

MRI revealed bilateral bone marrow oedema in 22 (73.3%) patients. During the ldCT evaluation of the right iliac crest, lower density was identified on ldCT in regions displaying heightened signal intensity on MRI in 20 (66.6%) patients. On the right sacral side, lower density was observed in the ldCT of 22 (73.3%) patients. Moving to the left iliac crest, 18 (60%) patients displayed a lower density. On the left sacral side, lower density was identified on ldCT in 22 (73.3%) patients. Erosion was detected in 23 patients on ldCT, whereas only 11 patients showed erosion on MRI.

Conclusions

This study suggests that ldCT is superior to MRI for early structural change detection. Pixel-based density evaluation in ldCT aligns with MRI for bone marrow oedema.

Advances in knowledge

The present study showed that ldCT is superior to MRI for early structural change detection. Pixel-based density evaluation in ldCT aligns with MRI findings for bone marrow oedema.
Prior EEG marks focused and mind-wandering mental states across trials
Authors: Nakatani Chie , Bernhard Hannah , van Leeuwen Cees
Published: October 2024

Whether spontaneous or induced by a tedious task, the transition from a focused mental state to mind wandering is a complex one, possibly involving adjacent mental states and extending over minutes or even hours. This complexity cannot be captured by relying solely on subjective reports of mind wandering. To characterize the transition in a mind-wandering-inducing tone counting task, in addition we collected subjective reports of thought generation along with task performance as a measure of cognitive control and EEG measures, namely auditory probe evoked potentials (AEP) and ongoing 8-12 Hz alpha-band amplitude. We analyzed the cross-correlations between timeseries of these observations to reveal their contributions over time to the occurrence of task-focused and mind-wandering states. Thought generation and cognitive control showed overall a yoked dynamics, in which thought production increased when cognitive control decreased. Prior to mind wandering however, they became decoupled after transient increases in cognitive control-related alpha amplitude. The decoupling allows transitory mental states beyond the unidimensional focused/wandering continuum. Time lags of these effects were on the order of several minutes, with 4–10 min for that of alpha amplitude. We discuss the implications for mind wandering and related mental states, and for mind-wandering prediction applications.
The role of loss aversion in social conformity: psychological and neural representations
Authors: Li Yiman , Van Dam Nicholas T , Wang Zhihao , Zhou Jiali , Xu Pengfei , Luo Yuejia
Published: October 2024

The impact of others' choices on decision-making is influenced by individual preferences. However, the specific roles of individual preferences in social decision-making remain unclear. In this study, we examine the contributions of risk and loss preferences as well as social influence in decision-making under uncertainty using a gambling task. Our findings indicate that while both individual preferences and social influence affect decision-making in social contexts, loss aversion plays a dominant role, especially in individuals with high loss aversion. This phenomenon is accompanied by increased functional connectivity between the anterior insular cortex and the temporoparietal junction. These results highlight the critical involvement of loss aversion and the anterior insular cortex–temporoparietal junction neural pathway in social decision-making under uncertainty. Our findings provide a computational account of how individual preferences and social information collectively shape our social decision-making behaviors.
Six Alternatives to War, One Solution for Peace: The Pacifying Effect of Civil Society
Authors: Choi Seung-Whan , James Patrick
Published: October 2024

Although civil society has significant implications for international peace, it has been overlooked and not given enough attention. Instead, existing studies focus on other factors that contribute to peace. In this study, we compare five prominent peace factors, namely, democratic peace, Cold War peace, contractualist peace, capitalist peace, and territorial peace, to a robust civil society. Our research presents a unique theoretical argument that a robust civil society can have a pacifying effect on international conflict. This is because it can organize a united front against belligerent leaders, solve collective action problems, and take immediate action against leaders’ war decisions in pursuit of a common peace agenda. We begin by building a canonical democratic peace model and then compare the results related to civil society and each of the five peace factors. Our findings provide supporting evidence that a robust civil society has a stronger pacifying effect compared to democratic, Cold War, contractualist, capitalist, and territorial peace, respectively. Our empirical results are significant for academics and policymakers, highlighting the importance of building a robust civil society in the pursuit of perpetual peace.
Algae-fungi symbioses and bacteria-fungi co-exclusion drive tree species-specific differences in canopy bark microbiomes
Authors: Freudenthal Jule , Dumack Kenneth , Schaffer Stefan , Schlegel Martin , Bonkowski Michael
Published: October 2024

With over 3 trillion trees, forest ecosystems comprise nearly one-third of the terrestrial surface of the Earth. Very little attention has been given to the exploration of the above-ground plant microbiome of trees, its complex trophic interactions, and variations among tree species. To address this knowledge gap, we applied a primer-independent shotgun metatranscriptomic approach to assess the entire living canopy bark microbiome comprising prokaryotic and eukaryotic primary producers, decomposers, and various groups of consumers. With almost 1500 genera, we found a high microbial diversity on three tree species with distinct bark textures: oak (Quercus robur), linden (Tilia cordata), both with rough bark, and maple (Acer pseudoplatanus) with smooth bark. Core co-occurrence network analysis revealed a rich food web dominated by algal primary producers, and bacterial and fungal decomposers, sustaining a diverse community of consumers, including protists, microscopic metazoans, and predatory bacteria. Whereas maple accommodated a depauperate microbiome, oak and linden accommodated a richer microbiome mainly differing in their relative community composition: Bacteria exhibited an increased dominance on linden, whereas co-occurring algae and fungi dominated on oak, highlighting the importance of algal-fungal lichen symbioses even at the microscopic scale. Further, due to bacteria-fungi co-exclusion, bacteria on bark are not the main beneficiaries of algae-derived carbon compounds as it is known from aquatic systems.
Association of vertebral fractures with worsening degenerative changes of the spine: a longitudinal study
Authors: Ye Carrie , Leslie William D , Bouxsein Mary L , Dufour Alyssa B , Guermazi Ali , Habtemariam Daniel , Jarraya Mohamed , Kiel Douglas P , Suri Pradeep , Samelson Elizabeth J
Published: October 2024

Vertebral compression fractures (VFs) and spinal degeneration are both common causes of back pain, particularly in older adults. Previous cross-sectional studies have shown a potential association between these entities, but there is limited evidence on the role of VFs in spinal degeneration. In this longitudinal study, we evaluated the association between prevalent VFs and the subsequent progression of facet joint osteoarthritis (FJOA) and intervertebral disc height narrowing (DHN), using data from the Framingham Heart Study Offspring and Third Generation Multi-Detector Computed Tomography study. Summary indices representing the total burden of each spinal parameter (VFs, DHN, and FJOA) were calculated for each individual. We hypothesized that prevalent VFs are associated with worsening spinal degeneration. Three hundred and seventy (31%) of 1197 participants had a baseline (prevalent) VF. The change in summary index of DHN over the follow-up period was significantly higher in those with vs without prevalent VF (difference in change in DHN 0.38, 95% CI 0.18 to 0.59, p<.001), but the change in summary index of FJOA was similar between those with and without prevalent VF. However, once adjusted for age, sex, cohort, smoking status, BMI, and baseline DHN, the change in summary index of DHN did not differ by prevalent VF status. There was a modestly higher change in the FJOA summary index in those with prevalent VFs compared to those without in the fully adjusted model (difference in change in FJOA 0.62, 95% CI −0.01 to 1.24, p = .054), driven primarily by those with severe (grade 3) VF (difference in change in FJOA 4.48, 95% CI 1.99-6.97). Moreover, there was greater change in the summary index of FJOA with increasing severity of prevalent VF (linear trend p = .005). Beyond the established morbidity and mortality associated with VFs, our study suggests that VFs may also lead to worsening spine osteoarthritis.
Evaluating the relationship between glycemic control and bone fragility within the UK Biobank: observational and one-sample Mendelian randomization analyses
Authors: Ghatan Samuel , Koromani Fjorda , Trajanoska Katerina , van Velsen Evert F S , Kavousi Maryam , Zillikens M Carola , Medina-Gomez Carolina , Oei Ling , Rivadeneira Fernando
Published: October 2024

We aimed to: (1) examine the relationship between glycemic control, BMD estimated from heel ultrasound (eBMD) and fracture risk in individuals with type 1 (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) and (2) perform a one-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study to explore potential causal associations between glycemic control, eBMD, and fractures. This study comprised 452 131 individuals from the UK Biobank with glycated hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) and eBMD levels. At baseline, 4078 participants were diagnosed with T1D and 23 682 with T2D. HbA1c was used to classify patients into “adequately-” (ACD; n = 17 078; HbA1c < 7.0%/53 mmol/mol) and “inadequately-” (ICD; n = 10 682; HbA1c ≥ 7.0%/53 mmol/mol) controlled diabetes. In individuals with T1D, a 1% unit (11 mmol/mol) increase in HbA1c levels was associated with a 12% increase in fracture risk (HR: 1.12, 95% CI [1.05-1.19]). Fracture risk was highest in individuals with T1D and ICD (HR 2.84, 95%CI [2.53, 3.19]), followed by those with ACD (HR 2.26, 95%CI [1.91, 2.69]), as compared to subjects without diabetes. Evidence for a non-linear association between HbA1c and fracture risk was observed (F-test ANOVA p-value = 0.002) in individuals with T2D, with risk being increased at both low and high levels of HbA1c. Fracture risk between the T2D ACD and ICD groups was not significantly different (HR: 0.97, 95%CI [0.91-1.16]), despite increased BMD. In MR analyses genetically predicted higher HbA1c levels were not significantly associated with fracture risk (causal risk ratio: 1.04, 95%CI [0.95-1.14]). We did observe evidence of a non-linear causal association with eBMD (quadratic test p-value = 0.0002), indicating U-shaped relationship between HbA1c and eBMD. We obtained evidence that lower HbA1c levels will reduce fracture risk in patients with T1D. In individuals with T2D, lowering HbA1c levels can mitigate the risk of fractures up to a threshold, beyond which the risk may begin to rise again.
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and pancreatic cancer risk: target trial emulation using real-world data
Authors: Wang Lindsey , Wang QuanQiu , Li Li , Kaelber David C , Xu Rong
Published: October 2024

Background

Data on the effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) on pancreatic cancer incidence are limited and inconsistent. Here we evaluate the association of GLP-1RAs, alone and in combinations, with incident pancreatic cancer risk in a real-world population, stratified by obesity and smoking status.

Methods

This retrospective cohort included patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who were prescribed GLP-1RAs or other nonglucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist antidiabetes medications between January 2013 and March 2019 and had no prior diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. The incident (first-time) diagnosis of pancreatic cancer during a 5-year follow-up was compared between propensity-score matched cohorts of patients prescribed GLP-1RAs vs other nonglucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist antidiabetes medications. Subgroup analyses were performed in patients stratified by the status of obesity and tobacco use disorder. We also compared GLP-1RA combination therapies with monotherapies. Time-to-first-event analysis was performed using Cox proportional hazards and Kaplan–Meier survival analysis, with the hazard ratio and 95% confidence interval calculated.

Results

The study population comprised 1 636 056 eligible patients including 167 091 prescribed GLP-1RAs and 1 468 965 prescribed other antidiabetes medications. GLP-1RAs were associated with a statistically significant decreased risk for pancreatic cancer incidence compared with each of 6 nonglucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist antidiabetes medications with hazard ratios ranging from 0.42 to 0.82. The reduction was greater in patients with obesity and tobacco use disorder than in those without. GLP-1RA combination therapies were associated with lower pancreatic cancer risk compared with monotherapies.

Conclusions

GLP-1RAs were associated with reduced pancreatic cancer incidence in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Further studies and trials are needed to explore mechanisms and confirm causal effects.
The Vasicek distribution autoregressive time-series model for aggregated data of default and delinquency rates
Authors: Blümke Oliver
Published: October 2024

Is it possible to analyse time series of aggregated data of default and delinquency rates with a simple model that includes both cross-sectional and serial dependence? To address this question, this paper proposes an autoregressive time-series model for Vasicek-distributed random variables. A direct result from the proposed model is that it leads to a novel out-of-time validation test for aggregated default and delinquency rates. The motivation for the model comes from an analysis of a time series of aggregated US credit card delinquencies, for which the Poisson or binomial distribution cannot be used. The proposed model can also be employed to analyse a time series of the average default probability of a portfolio.
Characteristics of aircrew who flew while infectious with mpox during the 2022 multi-country mpox outbreak, United States, May 10—September 30, 2022
Authors: Roy Sheila , Gertz Alida M , Minhaj Faisal S , Akinkugbe Olubunmi , Delea Kristin C , Lumpkin-Knighten Antresa , Mase Sundari R , Alvarado-Ramy Francisco , Brown Clive , Gearhart Shannon L
Published: October 2024

Among aircrew identified as having flown while infectious with mpox and for whom information was available, most followed recommendations to mask and cover lesions. Clearer occupational health guidance and education for aircrew who contract mpox may be useful.
JADES – the Rosetta stone of JWST-discovered AGN: deciphering the intriguing nature of early AGN
Authors: Juodžbalis Ignas , Ji Xihan , Maiolino Roberto , D’Eugenio Francesco , Scholtz Jan , Risaliti Guido , Fabian Andrew C , Mazzolari Giovanni , Gilli Roberto , Prandoni Isabella , Arribas Santiago , Bunker Andrew J , Carniani Stefano , Charlot Stéphane , Curtis-Lake Emma , de Graaff Anna , Hainline Kevin , Parlanti Eleonora , Perna Michele , Pérez-González Pablo G , Robertson Brant , Tacchella Sandro , Übler Hannah , Williams Christina C , Willott Chris , Witstok Joris
Published: October 2024

JWST has discovered a large population of active galactic nuclei (AGN) at high redshift, which are weak in the X-rays. Here we present the NIRSpec spectrum of the most extreme of these objects, GN-28074, an AGN at $z=2.26$ with prominent hydrogen and He i broad lines, and with the highest limit on the bolometric to X-ray luminosity ratio among all spectroscopically confirmed AGN in GOODS. This source is also characterized by a mid-IR excess, likely associated with the AGN torus’ hot dust. The high bolometric luminosity and moderate redshift of this AGN allow us to explore its properties more in depth relative to other JWST-discovered AGN. The NIRSpec spectrum reveals prominent, slightly blueshifted absorption of H$\alpha$, H$\beta$, and He i $\lambda$10830. The Balmer absorption lines require gas with densities of $n_{\rm H}\gt 10^8~{\rm cm}^{-3}$, consistent with clouds in the broad-line region (BLR). This finding suggests that part of the X-ray weakness is due to high (Compton-thick) X-ray absorption by clouds in the BLR, or in its outer regions. GN-28074 is also extremely radio-weak. The radio weakness can also be explained in terms of absorption, as the inferred density of the BLR clouds makes them attenuate the radio emission through free–free absorption. Alternatively, the nuclear magnetic field may be underdeveloped, resulting both in intrinsically weak radio emission and lack of hot corona, hence intrinsic X-ray weakness. Finally, we show that recently proposed scenarios, invoking hyper-dense outflows or Raman scattering to explain the broad H$\alpha$, are ruled out.
GA-NIFS: an extremely nitrogen-loud and chemically stratified galaxy at z ~ 5.55
Authors: Ji Xihan , Übler Hannah , Maiolino Roberto , D’Eugenio Francesco , Arribas Santiago , Bunker Andrew J , Charlot Stéphane , Perna Michele , Rodríguez Del Pino Bruno , Böker Torsten , Cresci Giovanni , Curti Mirko , Kumari Nimisha , Lamperti Isabella
Published: October 2024

We report the chemical abundance pattern of GS_3073, a galaxy hosting an overmassive active black hole at $z=5.55$, by leveraging observations from JWST/NIRSpec and Very Large Telescope/VIsible Multi-Object Spectrograph. Based on the rest-frame ultraviolet (UV) emission lines, which trace high-density ($\sim 10^5~{\rm cm^{-3}}$) and highly ionized gas, we derive $\rm \log (N/O) = 0.42^{+0.13}_{-0.10}$. At an estimated metallicity of $0.2~Z_{\odot }$, this is the most extreme nitrogen-rich object found by JWST thus far. In comparison, the relative carbon abundance derived is $\rm \log (C/O) = -0.38^{+0.13}_{-0.11}$, which is not significantly higher than those in local galaxies and stars with similar metallicities. We also found potential detection of [Fe vii]$\lambda 6087$ and [Fe xiv]$\lambda 5303$, both blended with [Ca v]. We inferred a range of Fe abundances compatible with those in local stars and galaxies. Overall, the chemical abundance pattern of GS_3073 is compatible with enrichment by supermassive stars with $M_* \gtrsim 1000~M_\odot$, asymptotic giant branch stars, or Wolf–Rayet stars. Interestingly, when using optical emission lines that trace lower density ($\sim 10^3~{\rm cm}^{-3}$) and lower ionization gas, we found a sub-solar N/O ratio, consistent with local galaxies at the same metallicity. We interpret the difference in N/O derived from UV lines and optical lines as evidence for a stratified system, where the inner and denser region is both more chemically enriched and more ionized. Our results suggest that nitrogen loudness in high-z galaxies might be confined to the central, dense, and highly ionized regions of the galaxies, while the bulk of the galaxies evolves more normally.
JS04.4.A SHORTENING THE TURNAROUND TIME FROM SURGERY TO COMPLETE MOLECULAR DIAGNOSIS
Authors: Halldorsson S , Leske H , Nagymihaly R M , Patel A , Sahm F , Vik-Mo E O
Published: October 2024

BACKGROUND

The neuropathological assessment of central nervous system (CNS) tumors often necessitates extensive molecular analyses to arrive at a diagnosis consistent with the WHO CNS classification (2021). Key diagnostic indicators include the epigenetic profile of the tumor, MGMT methylation status, gene amplifications, deletions, duplications, gene fusions, and point mutations. Achieving comprehensive classification typically involves multiple distinct analyses, including NGS gene panels, fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), pyrosequencing, Sanger sequencing, and methylation bead arrays. The emergence of the nanopore long-read sequencing enables whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of a tumor sample, consolidating all diagnostically relevant information into a single analysis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

DNA from fresh-frozen tissue from 52 CNS tumors was sequenced retrospectively using nanopore Promethion flow cells. Basecalling, methylation calling and mapping to reference genome was performed during sequencing over a period of 72 hours. Once sequencing was completed, copy-number variations (CNVs), structural variants (SVs) and single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) were called using the Epi2me software suite. Methylation on CpG sites overlapping the EPIC 850K array were extracted and used for classification using the MNP-flex platform. All relevant findings were compared to results from the routine diagnostic work-up.

RESULTS

Nanopore WGS provided on average 35x coverage after 72 hours of sequencing on a single flow cell. The average turnaround time from obtaining a tumor biopsy to producing a report was five days. Classification based on the methylation profile was concordant with molecular pathology in 46 of 52 cases (88%). Three cases were classified as control tissue, characterized by low tumor-cell content, while four cases displayed discordance with the initial classification. All relevant gene-fusion events and amplifications were successfully identified in the nanopore data, with two additional relevant findings reported that had not been previously detected. Seventy-three clinically relevant SNVs were reported in the nanopore data matching previous findings while seven SNVs were unreported, six of which were from samples with low tumor content.

CONCLUSION

Nanopore whole-genome sequencing showed high concordance with traditional methods for CNS tumor classification. It holds potential for improving diagnostic accuracy and shortening the turnaround time from surgery to complete molecular diagnosis.
JS04.6.A EVOLUTION OF GLIOBLASTOMA THERAPY IN TWO DECADES: COMPARISON OF TWO PROSPECTIVE, CONTROLLED TRIALS ON THE RESECTION OF GLIOBLASTOMA: THE 5-ALA AND IMRI VS. 5-ALA-TRIALS
Authors: Roder C , Study group i , Study group A , Haas P , Tatagiba M , Stummer W
Published: October 2024

BACKGROUND

Two prospective, controlled multicenter trials on the resection of glioblastomas are published to date spanning almost 2 decades of medical evolution. The 5-ALA (ALA) trial, published 2006, comparing the extent of resection (EOR) and overall survival (OS) of patients after 5-ALA fluorescence-guided and white-light surgery, and the iMRI vs. 5-ALA (iMRI/ALA) published 2023, comparing 5-ALA fluorescence-guided and iMRI-guided surgery. Both studies had comparable inclusion criteria, therefore this analysis aims to compare surgical and survival results of both studies.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We analyzed the data of both trials in terms of baseline, peri- and postoperative clinical data, as well as EOR and OS.

RESULTS

Data of 243 patients of the ALA and 277 patients of the iMRI/ALA trial were analyzed. Median age and preoperative NIHSS were comparable between cohorts. Tumors were rated “eloquent” in 56% in the ALA and 51% in the iMRI/ALA trial. Total resection of contrast enhancement was achieved in 36.1% (white-light), 64.5% (ALA in ALA trial), 78% (ALA in iMRI/ALA trial) and 81% (iMRI). 19.5% (ALA trial) compared to 8% (iMRI/ALA trial) of patients deteriorated neurologically postoperatively. OS differed significantly between both studies, especially depending on the EOR: Patients with incomplete resections had a median OS of 11.8 (ALA-trial) and 19.4 (iMRI/ALA trial), in contrast to 16.9 and 25.4 months for completely resected tumors, respectively. Incomplete resections led to worse OS in both studies, regardless of residual tumor size. Patients with the prognostically “worst” tumors (MGMT non-methylated, subtotal resection) in the iMRI/ALA trial had a comparable median OS (16.1 months) to patients with the prognostically “best” tumors (total resection) have from the ALA-trial (16.9 months). First-line adjuvant treatment was radiotherapy in 92.6% of patients in the ALA trial and a combined radiochemotherapy with temozolomide in 84% of patients in the iMRI/ALA trial.

CONCLUSION

Most likely due to increasing experience with5-ALA fluorescence guidance, the numbers of complete resections using this technology increased from 64.5 to 78% within the last two decades. Further, the role of complete resections without any residual contrast enhancing tumor remains a highly significant prognostic factor. OS has significantly improved throughout the last years, most likely caused by the routine use of combined radiochemotherapy in combination with better surgical results.