bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Causal Gödel-type metrics in non-local gravity theories
Authors: Nascimento J. R. , Petrov A. Yu. , Porfírio P. J. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIt is well known that non-local theories of gravity have been a flourish arena of studies for many reasons, for instance, the UV incompleteness of General Relativity (GR). In this paper we check the consistency of ST-homogeneous Gödel-type metrics within the non-local gravity framework. The non-local models considered here are ghost-free but not necessarily renormalizable since we focus on the classical solutions of the field equations. Furthermore, the non-locality is displayed in the action through transcendental entire functions of the d’Alembert operator$$\Box $$□that are mathematically represented by a power series of the$$\Box $$□operator. We find two exact solutions for the field equations correspondent to the degenerate ($$\omega =0$$ω=0) and hyperbolic ($$m^{2}=4\omega ^2$$m2=4ω2) classes of ST-homogeneous Gödel-type metrics.
Effect of Electroacupuncture Combined with Guizhi Gegen Decoction on Cervical Vertigo and Its Influence on TCD of Vertebrobasilar Artery, Blood Rheology Indexes, and Quality of Life
Authors: Li Bo , Chen Li , Wang Dongqiang 
Published: September 2021

Cervical vertigo is a common clinical disease. In this study, we investigated the clinical efficacy of adding the treatment protocol of Gui Zhi Ge Gen Tang and electroacupuncture to the Western medical treatment in cervical vertigo. The results showed that the total effective rate of the study group was higher than that of the control group

P
<
0.05

. After treatment, the vertigo, headache, neck and shoulder pain, daily life and work, and psychological and social adjustment scores were higher in the study group than in the control group

P
<
0.05

. LVA, RVA, and VB were higher in the study group than in the control group after treatment

P
<
0.05

. The whole blood viscosity high cut, whole blood viscosity low cut, and plasma viscosity levels were lower in the study group than in the control group after treatment

P
<
0.05

. After treatment, PF, RF, RE, BP, GH, VT, SF, MH, and HT were higher in the study group than those before treatment

P
<
0.05

. The incidence of adverse reactions was not statistically significant in the study group compared with the control group

P
>
0.05

. This means that electroacupuncture combined with Gui Zhi Ge Gen Tang can effectively increase the blood flow velocity of the vertebrobasilar artery in patients with cervical vertigo and improve their blood rheology and quality of life with definite efficacy and high safety.
Smoking Methylation Marks for Prediction of Urothelial Cancer Risk
Authors: Yu Chenglong , Jordahl Kristina M. , Bassett Julie K. , Joo Jihoon Eric , Wong Ee Ming , Brinkman Maree T. , Schmidt Daniel F. , Bolton Damien M. , Makalic Enes , Brasky Theodore M. , Shadyab Aladdin H. , Tinker Lesley F. , Longano Anthony , Hopper John L. , English Dallas R. , Milne Roger L. , Bhatti Parveen , Southey Melissa C. , Giles Graham G. , Dugué Pierre-Antoine 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Background:
Self-reported information may not accurately capture smoking exposure. We aimed to evaluate whether smoking-associated DNA methylation markers improve urothelial cell carcinoma (UCC) risk prediction.

Methods:
Conditional logistic regression was used to assess associations between blood-based methylation and UCC risk using two matched case–control samples: 404 pairs from the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study (MCCS) and 440 pairs from the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) cohort. Results were pooled using fixed-effects meta-analysis. We developed methylation-based predictors of UCC and evaluated their prediction accuracy on two replication data sets using the area under the curve (AUC).

Results:
The meta-analysis identified associations (P &lt; 4.7 × 10−5) for 29 of 1,061 smoking-associated methylation sites, but these were substantially attenuated after adjustment for self-reported smoking. Nominally significant associations (P &lt; 0.05) were found for 387 (36%) and 86 (8%) of smoking-associated markers without/with adjustment for self-reported smoking, respectively, with same direction of association as with smoking for 387 (100%) and 79 (92%) markers. A Lasso-based predictor was associated with UCC risk in one replication data set in MCCS [N = 134; odds ratio per SD (OR) = 1.37; 95% CI, 1.00–1.90] after confounder adjustment; AUC = 0.66, compared with AUC = 0.64 without methylation information. Limited evidence of replication was found in the second testing data set in WHI (N = 440; OR = 1.09; 95% CI, 0.91–1.30).

Conclusions:
Combination of smoking-associated methylation marks may provide some improvement to UCC risk prediction. Our findings need further evaluation using larger data sets.

Impact:
DNA methylation may be associated with UCC risk beyond traditional smoking assessment and could contribute to some improvements in stratification of UCC risk in the general population.
Exposure Definition in Case–Control Studies of Cervical Cancer Screening: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Castanon Alejandra , Kamineni Aruna , Elfström K. Miriam , Lim Anita W.W. , Sasieni Peter 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
The first step in evaluating the effectiveness of cervical screening is defining exposure to screening. Our aim was to describe the spectrum of screening exposure definitions used in studies of the effectiveness of cervical screening. This systematic review included case-control studies in a population-based screening setting. Outcome was incidence of cervical cancer. Three electronic databases were searched from January 1, 2012 to December 6, 2018. Articles prior to 2012 were identified from a previous review. The qualitative synthesis focused on describing screening exposure definitions reported in the literature and the methodologic differences that could have an impact on the association between screening and cervical cancer. Forty-one case–control studies were included. Six screening exposure definitions were identified. Cervical cancer risk on average decreased by 66% when screening exposure was defined as ever tested, by 77% by time since last negative test, and by 79% after two or more previous tests. Methodologic differences included composition of the reference group and whether diagnostic and/or symptomatic tests were excluded from the analysis. Consensus guidelines to standardize exposure definitions are needed to ensure evaluations of cervical cancer screening can accurately measure the impact of transitioning from cytology to human papillomavirus–based screening and to allow comparisons between programs.
The Safety of Bridging Radiation with Anti-BCMA CAR T-Cell Therapy for Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Manjunath Shwetha H. , Cohen Adam D. , Lacey Simon F. , Davis Megan M. , Garfall Alfred L. , Melenhorst J. Joseph , Maxwell Russell , Arscott W. Tristram , Maity Amit , Jones Joshua A. , Plastaras John P. , Stadtmauer Edward A. , Levine Bruce L. , June Carl H. , Milone Michael C. , Paydar Ima 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Purpose:
B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-targeted chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells (CART-BCMA) are a promising treatment for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (r/rMM). We evaluated the safety and feasibility of bridging radiation (RT) in subjects treated on a phase I trial of CART-BCMA.

Experimental Design:
Twenty-five r/rMM subjects were treated in three cohorts with two doses of CART-BCMA cells ± cyclophosphamide. We retrospectively analyzed toxicity, response, and CART manufacturing data based on RT receipt.

Results:
Thirteen subjects received no RT &lt;1 year before CART infusion (Group A). Eight subjects received RT &lt;1 year before CART infusion (Group B) with median time from RT to apheresis of 114 days (range 40–301). Four subjects received bridging-RT (Group C) with a median dose of 22 Gy and time from RT to infusion of 25 days (range 18–35). Group C had qualitatively lower rates of grade 4 (G4) hematologic toxicities (25%) versus A (61.5%) and B (62.5%). G3–4 neurotoxicity occurred in 7.7%, 25%, and 25% in Group A, B, and C, respectively. G3–4 cytokine release syndrome was observed in 38.5%, 25%, and 25% in Group A, B, and C, respectively. Partial response or better was observed in 54%, 38%, and 50% of Group A, B, and C, respectively. RT administered &lt;1 year (P = 0.002) and &lt;100 days (P = 0.069) before apheresis was associated with lower in vitro proliferation during manufacturing; however, in vivo CART-BCMA expansion appeared similar across groups.

Conclusions:
Bridging-RT appeared safe and feasible with CART-BCMA therapy in our r/rMM patients, though larger future studies are needed to draw definitive conclusions.
PD-1/PD-L1–Associated Immunoarchitectural Patterns Stratify Pancreatic Cancer Patients into Prognostic/Predictive Subgroups
Authors: Karamitopoulou Eva , Andreou Andreas , Pahud de Mortanges Aurélie , Tinguely Marianne , Gloor Beat , Perren Aurel 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Immunotherapy, including PD-1/PD-L1 agonists, has shown limited efficacy in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). We examined the PD-1/PD-L1 expression and immunoarchitectural features by automated morphometric analysis using multiplex immunofluorescence and 118 microsatellite-stable, treatment–naïve, surgically resected PDACs (study cohort). Five microsatellite-instable cases were stained in parallel (MSI cohort). Molecular analysis was additionally performed. An independent PDAC cohort (n = 226) was immunostained for PD-L1 and used as a validation cohort. PD-L1 expression on tumor cells (TC) and/or immune cells (IC) was present in 32% and 30% of the study and validation cohorts, respectively, and assigned into one of four patterns: “adaptive-1” (TC: 0, IC &gt; 1%), “adaptive-2” (TC &gt; 1% to &lt; 25%, IC &gt; 1%), “constitutive” (TC ≥ 25%, IC: 0), and “combined” (TC ≥ 25%, IC &gt; 1%). “Constitutive” tumors were characterized by reduced numbers of all ICs and poor outcome. In contrast, “adaptive-1” tumors exhibited abundant T cells, including high counts of cytotoxic CD3+CD8+ and PD-1+CD3+CD8+ cells, but low counts of PD-L1+CD3+CD8+ cells and associated with the best outcome. “Adaptive-2” tumors displayed higher proportions of PD-L1+CD3+CD8+ T cells and tumor-associated macrophages (CD68+ and CD68+CD206+) compared with “adaptive-1” tumors. In the “combined” pattern, extensive PD-L1 expression on TCs was accompanied by increased numbers of T cells and improved overall survival. ICs were closer to PD-L1− than to PD-L1+ PDAC cells. TP53 and PIK3CA alterations tended to be more frequent in PD-L1+ tumors. The 5 MSI cases were PD-L1−. The distinct PD-1/PD-L1–associated immunoarchitectural patterns underpin the heterogeneity of the immunologic responses and might be used to inform patient outcomes and therapeutic decisions in pancreatic cancer.
Moral Psychology, Neuroscience, and Non-Combatant Immunity
Authors: Price Richard 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Some have argued for the relevance for normative ethics of empirical research in international relations on the origins and role of moral norms. Building on such arguments, the paper considers the relevance of contemporary research in moral psychology and neuroscience for the ethics of war. Research in those fields has implications for our understanding of the sources and nature of moral beliefs and judgement, and thus may shed light on efforts to morally bound violence. In this chapter I consider how such research helps us understand the norm of non-combatant immunity, and explore the implications for understanding the effectiveness of such norms and for normative practice.
Why the Ethics of War needs the Social Sciences
Authors: Colonomos Ariel 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
This paper argues that, for both sociological and epistemic reasons, the ethics of war needs the social sciences and, accordingly, sets an alternative to the two prevailing approaches in the literature in the ethics of war field, i.e. the just war tradition model and the ethics of war theory. Given what we learn from the factual description of war and its interpretation in the social sciences, and given what their epistemic premises are, both models - and more particularly the second one – fail to address important normative issues that arise in the course of warfare. Based on the discussion of two case studies – states’ policy in the face of hostage-taking and the rule of proportionality – I argue it is important to move beyond the divide between a state-centric approach (the just war tradition) and an individualistic one (the ethics of war theory): it is indispensable to take into consideration other social spheres where norms emerge and find, between those spheres, some ‘overlapping normative ground’. I argue, both sociologically and normatively, that norms rely upon interlocking sets of expectations. I also argue that these social expectations need to be thoroughly examined in order to ascertain the plausibility of norms in warfare. As a conclusion, for reasons that are both sociological and normative, I stress the political importance, within a liberal and knowledge-oriented society, of the access to facts that always need to be interpreted when making normative claims.
Attributing Compound Events to Anthropogenic Climate Change
Authors: Zscheischler Jakob , Lehner Flavio 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Extreme event attribution answers the question of whether and by how much anthropogenic climate change has contributed to the occurrence or magnitude of an extreme weather event. It is also used to link extreme event impacts to climate change. Impacts, however, are often related to multiple compounding climate drivers. Because extreme event attribution typically focuses on univariate assessments, these assessments might only provide a partial answer to the question of anthropogenic influence to a high-impact event. We present a theoretical extension to classical extreme event attribution for certain types of compound events. Based on synthetic data, we illustrate how the bivariate fraction of attributable risk (FAR) differs from the univariate FAR depending on the extremeness of the event as well as the trends in and dependence between the contributing variables. Overall, the bivariate FAR is similar in magnitude or smaller than the univariate FAR if the trend in the second variable is comparably weak and the dependence between both variables is moderate or high, a typical situation for temporally co-occurring heat waves and droughts. If both variables have similarly large trends or the dependence between both variables is weak, bivariate FARs are larger and are likely to provide a more adequate quantification of the anthropogenic influence. Using multiple climate model large ensembles, we apply the framework to two case studies, a recent sequence of hot and dry years in the Western Cape region of South Africa and two spatially co-occurring droughts in crop-producing regions in South Africa and Lesotho.
Evaluating Foehn Occurrence in a Changing Climate Based on Reanalysis and Climate Model Data Using Machine Learning
Authors: Mony Christoph , Jansing Lukas , Sprenger Michael 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThis study explores the possibilities of employing machine learning algorithms to predict foehn occurrence in Switzerland at a north Alpine (Altdorf) and south Alpine (Lugano) station from its synoptic fingerprint in reanalysis data and climate simulations. This allows for an investigation on a potential future shift in monthly foehn frequencies. First, inputs from various atmospheric fields from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) interim reanalysis (ERAI) were used to train an XGBoost model. Here, similar predictive performance to previous work was achieved, showing that foehn can accurately be diagnosed from the coarse synoptic situation. In the next step, the algorithm was generalized to predict foehn based on the Community Earth System Model (CESM) ensemble simulations of a present-day and warming future climate. The best generalization between ERAI and CESM was obtained by including the present-day data in the training procedure and simultaneously optimizing two objective functions, namely, the negative log loss and squared mean loss, on both datasets, respectively. It is demonstrated that the same synoptic fingerprint can be identified in CESM climate simulation data. Finally, predictions for present-day and future simulations were verified and compared for statistical significance. Our model is shown to produce valid output for most months, revealing that south foehn in Altdorf is expected to become more common during spring, while north foehn in Lugano is expected to become more common during summer.
Shoulder pain in a patient with renal cell carcinoma? Suprascapular neuropathy caused by bone metastasis of renal cell carcinoma: A case report
Authors: Noh Jeong-Se , Kim Dong Hyun , Chun Seong-Min , Choi Yoon-Hee 
Published: September 2021

Background: Pain management is crucial in palliative care for patients with advanced cancer. Here, we report a case of shoulder pain in a patient with renal cell carcinoma. Case presentation: A 36-year-old male diagnosed metastatic renal cell carcinoma presented with pain and weakness on left shoulder for more than 6 months. Physical examination showed limited range of motion and atrophic changes on supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles. Weakness in shoulder abduction and external rotation was also noted. Possible courses of action: In this case, suprascapular neuropathy, adhesive capsulitis of shoulder and metastatic lesions involving shoulder joint were suspected. Formulation of a plan: We planned imaging studies including X-ray, bone scan, magnetic resonance imaging, and electrodiagnostic studies. Outcome: Imaging and electrodiagnostic studies showed suprascapular neuropathy by bone metastasis. Conservative treatment including injection and rehabilitation therapy reduced the patient’s pain and improved the range of motion limitation. Lessons from the case: Clinicians should be aware that bone metastasis in patients with advanced cancer can cause suprascapular neuropathy, shoulder pain and shoulder dysfunction. View on research problems, objectives, or questions generated by the case: More research is expected on development of an early surveillance model, barriers to cancer pain management, communication from patients’ perspectives.
Ability of Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction to Overcome Lateral Patellar Motion in the Presence of Trochlear Flattening: A Cadaveric Biomechanical Study
Authors: Vinod Amrit V. , Hollenberg Alex M. , Kluczynski Melissa A. , Marzo John M. 
Published: September 2021

Background: Medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction is an established operative procedure to restore medial restraining force in patients with patellar instability. In the setting of a shallow sulcus, it is unclear whether an isolated MPFL reconstruction is sufficient to restore patellofemoral stability. Hypothesis: Progressively increasing the sulcus angle would have an adverse effect on the ability of an MPFL reconstruction to restrain lateral patellar motion. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Seven fresh-frozen human cadaveric knees were harvested and prepared for experimentation. Each specimen was run through the following test conditions: native, lateral retinacular release, lateral retinacular repair, MPFL release, MPFL reconstruction, and MPFL reconstruction with trochlear flattening. Four 3-dimensional printed wedges (10°, 20°, 30°, and 40°) were created to insert beneath the native trochlea to raise the sulcus angle incrementally and simulate progressive trochlear flattening. For each test condition, the knee was positioned at 0°, 15°, 30°, and 45° of flexion, and the force required to displace the patella 1 cm laterally at 10 mm/s was measured. Group comparisons were made with repeated measures analysis of variance. Results: In the setting of an MPFL reconstruction, as the trochlear groove was incrementally flattened, the force required to laterally displace the patella progressively decreased. A 10° increase in the sulcus angle significantly reduced the force at 15° ( P = .01) and 30° ( P = .03) of knee flexion. The force required to laterally displace the patella was also significantly lower at all knee flexion angles after the addition of the 20°, 30°, and 40° wedges ( P≤ .05). Specifically, a 20° increase in the sulcus angle reduced the force by 29% to 36%; a 30° increase, by 35% to 43%; and a 40° increase, by 40% to 47%. Conclusion: Despite an MPFL reconstruction, the force required to laterally displace the patella decreased as the sulcus angle was increased in our cadaveric model. Clinical Relevance: An isolated MPFL reconstruction may not be sufficient to restore patellar stability in the setting of a shallow or flat trochlea. Patients with an abnormal sulcus angle may have recurrent instability postoperatively if treated with an isolated MPFL reconstruction.
Arthroscopic Centralization for Lateral Meniscal Injuries Reduces Laxity in the Anterior Cruciate Ligament–Reconstructed Knee
Authors: Nakamura Tomomasa , Marshall Brandon D. , Price Taylor M. , Mao Yongtao , Linde Monica A. , Koga Hideyuki , Smolinski Patrick , Fu Freddie H. 
Published: September 2021

Background: A lateral meniscal (LM) disorder is one factor that causes rotational laxity after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR). There are different types of irreparable meniscal disorders, one of which is a massive meniscal defect. Hypothesis/Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the kinematic effects of arthroscopic centralization on an irreparable LM defect. The hypothesis was that arthroscopic centralization for an irreparable LM defect with concomitant ACLR would improve knee rotational stability. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: A total of 14 fresh-frozen human cadaveric knees were tested in 4 states: (1) intact ACL and intact lateral meniscus, (2) reconstructed ACL and intact lateral meniscus, (3) reconstructed ACL and lateral meniscus defect, and (4) reconstructed ACL and centralized lateral meniscus. Anatomic ACLR was performed using an 8 mm–diameter hamstring tendon graft. An LM defect (20% of the anteroposterior length) was created arthroscopically, and arthroscopic centralization was performed. Kinematics were analyzed using a 6 degrees of freedom robotic system under 4 knee loads: (1) an 89.0-N anterior tibial load, (2) a 5.0-N·m external rotation tibial torque, (3) a 5.0-N·m internal rotation tibial torque, and (4) a simulated pivot-shift load with a combined 7.0-N·m valgus and 5.0-N·m internal rotation tibial torque. Results: LM centralization reduced anterior tibial translation similar to that of the ACLR intact LM state under anterior tibial loading (~2 mm at 30° of flexion) and showed 40% to 100% of tibial displacement in the 4 knee states under simulated pivot-shift loading. The procedure overconstrained the knee under internal rotation tibial torque and simulated pivot-shift loading. Conclusion: Arthroscopic centralization reduced knee laxity after ACLR for a massive LM defect in a cadaveric model. Clinical Relevance: In cases involving irreparable LM injuries during ACLR, consideration should be given to arthroscopic centralization for reducing knee laxity. However, the procedure may overconstrain the knee in certain motions.