bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dynamic YAP expression in the non-parenchymal liver cell compartment controls heterologous cell communication
Authors: Liu Kaijing , Wehling Lilija , Wan Shan , Weiler Sofia M. E. , Tóth Marcell , Ibberson David , Marhenke Silke , Ali Adnan , Lam Macrina , Guo Te , Pinna Federico , Pedrini Fabiola , Damle-Vartak Amruta , Dropmann Anne , Rose Fabian , Colucci Silvia , Cheng Wenxiang , Bissinger Michaela , Schmitt Jennifer , Birner Patrizia , Poth Tanja , Angel Peter , Dooley Steven , Muckenthaler Martina U. , Longerich Thomas , Vogel Arndt , Heikenwälder Mathias , Schirmacher Peter , Breuhahn Kai 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Introduction
The Hippo pathway and its transcriptional effectors yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) are targets for cancer therapy. It is important to determine if the activation of one factor compensates for the inhibition of the other. Moreover, it is unknown if YAP/TAZ-directed perturbation affects cell–cell communication of non-malignant liver cells.

Materials and Methods
To investigate liver-specific phenotypes caused by YAP and TAZ inactivation, we generated mice with hepatocyte (HC) and biliary epithelial cell (BEC)-specific deletions for both factors (YAPKO, TAZKO and double knock-out (DKO)). Immunohistochemistry, single-cell sequencing, and proteomics were used to analyze liver tissues and serum.

Results
The loss of BECs, liver fibrosis, and necrosis characterized livers from YAPKO and DKO mice. This phenotype was weakened in DKO tissues compared to specimens from YAPKO animals. After depletion of YAP in HCs and BECs, YAP expression was induced in non-parenchymal cells (NPCs) in a cholestasis-independent manner. YAP positivity was detected in subgroups of Kupffer cells (KCs) and endothelial cells (ECs). The secretion of pro-inflammatory chemokines and cytokines such as C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 11 (CXCL11), fms-related receptor tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (FLT3L), and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM1) was increased in the serum of YAPKO animals. YAP activation in NPCs could contribute to inflammation via TEA domain transcription factor (TEAD)-dependent transcriptional regulation of secreted factors.

Conclusion
YAP inactivation in HCs and BECs causes liver damage, and concomitant TAZ deletion does not enhance but reduces this phenotype. Additionally, we present a new mechanism by which YAP contributes to cell–cell communication originating from NPCs.
Bioinformatic Study of Possible Acute Regulation of Acid Secretion in the Stomach
Authors: Lee Yan Hay Grace , Cerf Nicole T. , Shalaby Nicholas , Montes Mónica R. , Clarke Ronald J. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe gastric H+,K+-ATPase is an integral membrane protein which derives energy from the hydrolysis of ATP to transport H+ ions from the parietal cells of the gastric mucosa into the stomach in exchange for K+ ions. It is responsible for the acidic environment of the stomach, which is essential for digestion. Acid secretion is regulated by the recruitment of the H+,K+-ATPase from intracellular stores into the plasma membrane on the ingestion of food. The similar amino acid sequences of the lysine-rich N-termini α-subunits of the H+,K+- and Na+,K+-ATPases, suggests similar acute regulation mechanisms, specifically, an electrostatic switch mechanism involving an interaction of the N-terminal tail with the surface of the surrounding membrane and a modulation of the interaction via regulatory phosphorylation by protein kinases. From a consideration of sequence alignment of the H+,K+-ATPase and an analysis of its coevolution with protein kinase C and kinases of the Src family, the evidence points towards a phosphorylation of tyrosine-7 of the N-terminus by either Lck or Yes in all vertebrates except cartilaginous fish. The results obtained will guide and focus future experimental research.
Inferential Tools for Assessing Dependence Across Response Categories in Multinomial Models with Discrete Random Effects
Authors: Masci Chiara , Ieva Francesca , Paganoni Anna Maria 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWe propose a discrete random effects multinomial regression model to deal with estimation and inference issues in the case of categorical and hierarchical data. Random effects are assumed to follow a discrete distribution with an a priori unknown number of support points. For a K-categories response, the modelling identifies a latent structure at the highest level of grouping, where groups are clustered into subpopulations. This model does not assume the independence across random effects relative to different response categories, and this provides an improvement from the multinomial semi-parametric multilevel model previously proposed in the literature. Since the category-specific random effects arise from the same subjects, the independence assumption is seldom verified in real data. To evaluate the improvements provided by the proposed model, we reproduce simulation and case studies of the literature, highlighting the strength of the method in properly modelling the real data structure and the advantages that taking into account the data dependence structure offers.
Evaluation of changes in the clinical benefits of oncology drugs over time following reimbursement using the ASCO-VF and the ESMO-MCBS
Authors: Yoon Na Ri , Na Young Jin , Lee Jong Hwan , Song Inmyung , Lee Eui-Kyung , Park Mi-Hai 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to estimate changes in the value of oncology drugs over time from initial data of the reimbursement decisions to subsequent publications in Korea, using two value frameworks.

Methods
We retrieved primary publications assessed for reimbursement between 2007 and July 2021 from the decision documents of Health Insurance Review and Assessment and subsequent publications made available following reimbursement decision from ClinicalTrials.Gov and PubMed databases. Changes in the clinical benefit scores were assessed using the American Society of Clinical Oncology Value Framework (ASCO-VF) and the European Society for Medical Oncology Magnitude of Clinical Benefit Scale (ESMO-MCBS). A paired t test was performed to test whether there was a difference in the scores between primary and subsequent publications.

Results
Of 73 anticancer product/indication pairs, 45 (61.6%) had subsequent publications, of which 62.5% were released within 1 year of reimbursement decision. The mean ESMO-MCBS and ASCO-VF Net Health Benefit scores increased from primary to subsequent publications, although the differences were not significant. The mean ASCO-VF bonus score significantly increased from 15.91 to 19.09 (p = 0.05). The ESMO-MCBS and bonus scores increased by 0.25 and 0.21, respectively, and the bonus score had a greater impact on the ESMO-MCBS score than the preliminary score did.

Conclusion
The value of drugs demonstrated in subsequent publications varies considerably among oncology drugs, depending on uncertainty associated with the initial evidence and the availability of updated evidence. As decision-making in the face of uncertainty becomes more prevalent, the value frameworks can serve as simple screening tools for re-evaluation in these cases.
Prognosis of LSPD versus TIPS for the treatment of esophagogastric variceal bleeding in cirrhosis
Authors: Chen Biao , Wang Jingxuan , Sheng Weiyong , Ma Bingqing , Xu Peng , Cheng Xing , Cheng Weiyi , Cai Chengjun , Wang Guoliang , Pan Wenming , Wan Chidan , Zheng Chuansheng , Cheng Ping , Zhang Jinxiang 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
This study aimed to compare postoperative complications in patients with esophagogastric variceal bleeding (EVB) who underwent laparoscopic splenectomy combined with pericardial devascularization (LSPD) versus transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) procedures.

Methods
A retrospective collection of medical records was conducted from January 2014 to May 2020 at Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology. The study included patients from the departments of trauma surgery, interventional radiology, and general surgery who were diagnosed with EVB caused by portal hypertension and treated with LSPD or TIPS. Follow-up data were obtained to assess the occurrence of postoperative complications in both groups.

Results
A total of 201 patients were included in the study, with 104 cases in the LSPD group and 97 cases in the TIPS group. There was no significant difference in the 1-year and 3-year post-surgery survival rates between the TIPS and LSPD groups (P = 0.669, 0.066). The 3-year survival rate of Child–Pugh B patients in the LSPD group was higher than TIPS group (P = 0.041). The LSPD group also had a significantly higher rate of freedom from rebleeding at 3-year post-surgery compared to the TIPS group (P = 0.038). Stratified analysis showed no statistically significant difference in the rebleeding rate between the two groups. Furthermore, the LSPD group had a higher rate of freedom from overt hepatic encephalopathy at 1-year and 3-year post-surgery compared to the TIPS group (P = 0.007, < 0.001). The LSPD group also had a lower rate of severe complications at 3-year post-surgery compared to the TIPS group (P = 0.020).

Conclusion
Compared to TIPS, LSPD does not increase the risk of mortality and rebleeding, while demonstrating fewer complications. In patients classified as Child–Pugh A and B, the use of LSPD for treating EVB is both safe and effective.
A prediction model for plastic hinge length of rectangular RC columns using gene expression programming
Authors: Alacali Sema , Arslan Guray 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIn the reinforced concrete (RC) columns which are exposed extreme loads such as earthquake effects, the plastic hinge length can be defined as the length of the region where flexural moments exceed the yielding capacity, and the plastic deformations are concentrated. More accurate estimation of plastic hinge length increases the reliability of the seismic design. However, a sensitivity prediction of plastic hinge length is difficult due to a large number of model parameters. Therefore, this study aims to predict the plastic hinge length using the gene expression programming (GEP). An experimental database of 133 RC columns gathered from the literature was utilized for prediction with GEP. The results of GEP model are statistically compared with those of 13 models existing in the literature proposed by various researchers. The comparison results reveal that the proposed GEP-based formulation has the best efficiency among all models. Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis and parametric study are conducted to identify the most influential parameters affecting the GEP formulation.
Predictability of the atmospheric circulation patterns in Africa, south of the equator, using variations of the Southern Annular Mode and ENSO
Authors: Ibebuchi Chibuike Chiedozie 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe contribution of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Southern Annular Mode (SAM) to the variations of the leading modes of atmospheric circulation in Africa south of the equator, during austral summer (i.e., from December to March), is examined in this study. The rotated principal component analysis is applied to classify the leading modes of atmospheric circulation in the study region. The result showed that relatively, through the control of sea level pressure in the mid-latitudes, the SAM is more related to the variability of the austral summer leading modes of atmospheric circulation in the study region. Overall, during the analysis period, the SAM explained about 20% to 46% variance of the leading atmospheric circulation modes. ENSO rather explains up to about 10% to 20% of the variance. Due to the continuous nature of atmospheric circulation, incorporating the co-variability of the classified circulation patterns adds skill to the predictability of the classified leading modes. Overall, the joint variations of the SAM, ENSO, and other less frequent regional circulation patterns that are related to classified leading modes, explained up to 46% to 80% variance of the leading modes—which is indeed an added value in further considering the natural gradient of the classified circulation patterns.
tacSTART-Triage – Anwendung für zivile und militärische Einsatzkräfte
Authors: Wunderlich Robert , Schirner Andrea , Gerstner Jessica , Stricker Eric , Ladehof Karsten , Hermann Sabine , Breckwoldt Benjamin , Münch Alexander 
Published: March 2024

Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund
Bei Massenanfällen von Verletzten (MANV) besteht oft ein Missverhältnis zwischen dem Behandlungsbedarf und den verfügbaren Ressourcen. Verschiedene Sichtungssysteme werden präklinisch verwendet, darunter der „tactical Simple Triage and Rapid
Treatment“(tacSTART)-Algorithmus, der speziell für Bedrohungslagen entwickelt wurde.

Ziel der Arbeit
Die Studie untersuchte, ob der tacSTART-Algorithmus von zivilen und militärischen Rettungskräften ohne vorherige Erfahrung mit Sichtungsalgorithmen wirksam genutzt werden kann. Das Weltwirtschaftsforum (WEF) 2020 bot ein optimales Umfeld für diese Untersuchung.

Material und Methoden
Die Studie wurde während des WEF in Davos durchgeführt und umfasste nichtärztliches und ärztliches Personal von zivilen und militärischen Rettungsdiensten. Die Teilnehmenden erhielten eine Einführung in den tacSTART-Algorithmus und führten insgesamt 2000 Vorsichtungen an Schauspielpatientinnen und -patienten sowie Patientenkarten durch. Ein Online-Fragebogen diente zur Datenerfassung, welche statistisch ausgewertet wurde.

Ergebnisse
Die Studienergebnisse zeigten, dass der tacSTART-Algorithmus eine hohe Übereinstimmung mit der wahren Vorsichtung erzielte (91,7 %). Es gab keine signifikanten Unterschiede zwischen zivilen und militärischen Rettungskräften. Die Selbsteinschätzung der Teilnehmenden und die Bewertung des Algorithmus waren positiv.

Diskussion
Die Studienergebnisse unterstützen die Effektivität des tacSTART-Algorithmus als Instrument zur Vorsichtung in MANV-Szenarien. Die Ergebnisse betonen seine Anwendbarkeit für verschiedene Fachkräftegruppen. Die Studie trägt dazu bei, das Verständnis für Sichtungsalgorithmen in Großschadenslagen zu erweitern und die Patientenversorgung zu verbessern.

Graphic abstract
Hessian barrier algorithms for non-convex conic optimization
Authors: Dvurechensky Pavel , Staudigl Mathias 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
A key problem in mathematical imaging, signal processing and computational statistics is the minimization of non-convex objective functions that may be non-differentiable at the relative boundary of the feasible set. This paper proposes a new family of first- and second-order interior-point methods for non-convex optimization problems with linear and conic constraints, combining logarithmically homogeneous barriers with quadratic and cubic regularization respectively. Our approach is based on a potential-reduction mechanism and, under the Lipschitz continuity of the corresponding derivative with respect to the local barrier-induced norm, attains a suitably defined class of approximate first- or second-order KKT points with worst-case iteration complexity

$$O(\varepsilon ^{-2})$$

O
(

ε

-
2

)

(first-order) and

$$O(\varepsilon ^{-3/2})$$

O
(

ε

-
3
/
2

)

(second-order), respectively. Based on these findings, we develop new path-following schemes attaining the same complexity, modulo adjusting constants. These complexity bounds are known to be optimal in the unconstrained case, and our work shows that they are upper bounds in the case with complicated constraints as well. To the best of our knowledge, this work is the first which achieves these worst-case complexity bounds under such weak conditions for general conic constrained non-convex optimization problems.
Optimizing Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography Using a Novel Deep Learning-Based Algorithm
Authors: Dreesen H. J. H. , Stroszczynski C. , Lell M. M. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractCoronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is an essential part of the diagnosis of chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) in patients with low-to-intermediate pre-test probability. The minimum technical requirement is 64-row multidetector CT (64-MDCT), which is still frequently used, although it is prone to motion artifacts because of its limited temporal resolution and z-coverage. In this study, we evaluate the potential of a deep-learning-based motion correction algorithm (MCA) to eliminate these motion artifacts. 124 64-MDCT-acquired CCTA examinations with at least minor motion artifacts were included. Images were reconstructed using a conventional reconstruction algorithm (CA) and a MCA. Image quality (IQ), according to a 5-point Likert score, was evaluated per-segment, per-artery, and per-patient and was correlated with potentially disturbing factors (heart rate (HR), intra-cycle HR changes, BMI, age, and sex). Comparison was done by Wilcoxon-Signed-Rank test, and correlation by Spearman’s Rho. Per-patient, insufficient IQ decreased by 5.26%, and sufficient IQ increased by 9.66% with MCA. Per-artery, insufficient IQ of the right coronary artery (RCA) decreased by 18.18%, and sufficient IQ increased by 27.27%. Per-segment, insufficient IQ in segments 1 and 2 decreased by 11.51% and 24.78%, respectively, and sufficient IQ increased by 10.62% and 18.58%, respectively. Total artifacts per-artery decreased in the RCA from 3.11 ± 1.65 to 2.26 ± 1.52. HR dependence of RCA IQ decreased to intermediate correlation in images with MCA reconstruction. The applied MCA improves the IQ of 64-MDCT-acquired images and reduces the influence of HR on IQ, increasing 64-MDCT validity in the diagnosis of CCS.
Testing hypotheses of invasion pathways of the ladybird Harmonia axyridis into and across South Africa
Authors: Collop Amy , Terblanche John S. , Clusella-Trullas Susana , Garnas Jeff R. , Bradicich Pius , Karsten Minette 
Published: March 2024

AbstractHarmonia axyridis is an invasive beetle (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), native to Asia, that has established on four continents beyond its native range and was first observed in South Africa in 2001. Using microsatellite data and a comprehensive geographic coverage of international (17 locations) and South African (14 locations) beetle samples, we inferred the source of colonists invading South Africa and the beetle’s movement within the country. Genetic structure analyses suggest that this species’ populations in South Africa are derived from admixture between beetles originating from eastern North America (which acted as a bridgehead population) and another population not directly sampled in our study. Genetic admixture prior its invasion into South Africa, along with the possibility of multiple introductions from the bridgehead population, may explain the high genetic diversity estimates for South African H. axyridis (HE = 0.582–0.625) compared to beetles from the native range (HE = 0.440–0.636). Harmonia axyridis appear to be frequently exchanging genetic material across South Africa, with no clear genetic structure between sampled locations. However, evidence of weak isolation-by-distance within South Africa suggests that beetles are dispersing less frequently between locations that are furthest apart. This study supports previous findings on global invasion pathways in this species but provides new insights in the context of the invasion in South Africa. We highlight how mixing of distinct lineages from divergent origins prior to the invasion into South Africa has augmented genetic diversity in the region. The high dispersal rates and large effective population sizes inferred from genetic markers suggest that slowing the spread or reducing population abundances of the species in South Africa will be challenging without an integrated, multi-faceted management approach.
The law and economics of the data economy: introduction to the special issue
Authors: Eger Thomas , Scheufen Marc 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis article intends to provide a framework to better understand the economic problems and legal challenges resulting from the transition of the European economy to a data economy. We discuss some policy concerns surrounding the data economy, such as concentration in the data economy, anticompetitive business practices in the data economy, access to data and data sharing, data reliability, distributional effects of the data economy, and cybercrime. Moreover, we provide an overview of some important EU legal initiatives and reforms and clarify how the papers in this special issue contribute to assessing these initiatives from an economic point of view.
Development and Usability Testing of Virtual Reality (VR)-Based Reminiscence Therapy for People with Dementia
Authors: Lau Joyce S.Y. , Tang Yuk Ming , Gao Grace , Fong Kenneth N.K. , So Billy C.L. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe prevalence of dementia is increasing due to a longer life expectancy and an ageing population. Cognitive impairment affects patients’ daily lives and places a financial and healthcare burden on them and their families. Reminiscence therapy (RT) is a non-pharmacological approach that has been found to enhance the quality of life for older adults with or without dementia. There is an urgent need for more functional and effective treatments, such as virtual reality (VR), which are becoming increasingly popular. VR in RT is a relatively new field, and this paper proposes a conceptual model for developing proof-of-concept virtual reality-based reminiscence therapy (VR-RT) for people with dementia, based on the 4Is: immersion, interaction, imagination, and impression. This model is intended to offer an alternative therapeutic experience for older adults with dementia. This paper demonstrates VR-RT in accordance with the results from the proposed 4Is model, to depict different periods of the olden days of scenes, such as restoring the historical objects and appearance of the citizens. The proposed VR-RT is then evaluated with the occupational therapists (OTs) through pilot testing. The findings reveal that VR-RT based on the proposed model may elicit a positive attitude and motivation in older adults with dementia. The proposed 4Is model serves to offer essential features for VR development, followed by a survey to identify suitable reminiscence materials and themes tailored to older adults with dementia. A pilot test with OTs revealed that VR-RT has the potential to improve the conditions of people with dementia. The research contributes valuable insights and lays the groundwork for future development of VR-RT for people with dementia.