bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Zhu Xinzhe , Xiao Zhiwen , Liu He , Zhang Pin , Deng Shengming , Ding Lei , Feng Jingjing , Luo Jianfeng , Ni Quanxing , Luo Guopei , Yu Xianjun 
Published: December 2023

Objective:
To examine the characteristics of patients with pancreatic cancer with long-term survival.

Background:
Although pancreatic cancer is a highly lethal malignancy, a minority of patients experience long-term survival. The characteristics of these patients remain largely unidentified.

Methods:
An indolent subgroup was established using carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9), which is the best-validated biomarker for pancreatic cancer. Of 1558 patients, 13.9% were included in the CA19-9–normal (≤37 U/mL) subgroup.

Results:
A normal CA19-9 level was an independent variable for overall survival (median survival, 18.1 vs 9.7 months, hazard ratio = 0.53, P < 0.001). The 5-year survival of patients with stage IV CA19-9–normal cancer was higher than that of patients with stage I-IV CA19-9-high cancer (22.4% vs 6.8%, P = 0.034). The CA19-9–normal subgroup exhibited reduced levels of circulating glucose (P < 0.001) and increased expression of insulin (P < 0.001) compared with the CA19-9-high subgroup. Glucose was a substrate for CA19-9 biosynthesis through the hexosamine biosynthesis pathway. In addition, in pancreatic cancer animal models of diabetes, glucose control decreased CA19-9 levels and improved overall survival. In a clinical trial (NCT05306028) of patients before undergoing major anticancer treatments, glucose control decreased CA19-9 levels in 90.9% of the patients.

Conclusions:
CA19-9–normal pancreatic cancer is a strikingly indolent subgroup with low glucose and high insulin. Glucose control is a promising therapeutic strategy for pancreatic cancer.
Neighborhood-level Social Determinants of Health and Waitlist Mortality for Liver Transplantation: The Liver Outcomes and Equity Index
Authors: Zhou Kali , Lit Aaron , Kuo Leane S. , Thompson Laura K. , Dodge Jennifer L. , Mehta Neil , Terrault Norah A. , Ha Nghiem B. , Cockburn Myles G. 
Published: December 2023

Background and Aims.
To examine neighborhood-level disparities in waitlist mortality for adult liver transplantation (LT), we developed novel area-based social determinants of health (SDOH) index using a national transplant database.

Methods.
ZIP Codes of individuals listed for or received LT in the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients database between June 18, 2013, and May 18, 2019, were linked to 36 American Community Survey (ACS) variables across 5 SDOH domains for index development. A step-wise principal component analysis was used to construct the Liver Outcomes and Equity (LOEq) index. We then examined the association between LOEq quintiles (Q1 = worst and Q5 = best neighborhood SDOH) and waitlist mortality with competing risk regression among listed adults in the study period and acuity circle (AC) era.

Results.
The final LOEq index consisted of 13 ACS variables. Of 59 298 adults waitlisted for LT, 30% resided in LOEq Q5 compared with only 14% in Q1. Q1 neighborhoods with worse SDOH were disproportionately concentrated in transplant regions with low median Model for End-Stage Liver Disease at transplant (MMAT) and shorter wait times. Five years cumulative incidence of waitlist mortality was 33% in Q1 in high MMAT regions versus 16% in Q5 in low MMAT regions. Despite this allocation advantage, LOEq Q1–Q4 were independently associated with elevated risk of waitlist mortality compared with Q5, with highest increased hazard of waitlist deaths of 19% (95% CI, 11%-26%) in Q1. This disparity persisted in the AC era, with 24% (95% CI, 10%-40%) increased hazard of waitlist deaths for Q1 versus Q5.

Conclusions.
Neighborhood SDOH independently predicts waitlist mortality in adult LT.
Association of Neighborhood Deprivation and Transplant Center Quality with Liver Transplantation Outcomes
Authors: Munir Muhammad Musaab , Endo Yutaka , Mehdi Khan Muhammad Muntazir , Woldesenbet Selamawit , Yang Jason , Washburn Kenneth , Limkemann Ashley , Schenk Austin , Pawlik Timothy M 
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND:
Social determinants of health can impact the quality of liver transplantation (LT) care. We sought to assess whether the association between neighborhood deprivation and transplant outcomes can be mitigated by receiving care at high-quality transplant centers.

STUDY DESIGN:
In this population-based cohort study, patients who underwent LT between 2004 and 2019 were identified in the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients. LT-recipient neighborhoods were identified at the county level and stratified into quintiles relative to Area Deprivation Index (ADI). Transplant center quality was based on the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients 5-tier ranking using standardized transplant rate ratios. Multivariable Cox regression was used to assess the relationship between ADI, hospital quality, and posttransplant survival.

RESULTS:
A total of 41,333 recipients (median age, 57.0 [50.0 to 63.0] years; 27,112 [65.4%] male) met inclusion criteria. Patients residing in the most deprived areas were more likely to have nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, be Black, and travel further distances to reach a transplant center. On multivariable analysis, post-LT long-term mortality was associated with low- vs high-quality transplant centers (hazard ratio [HR] 1.19, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.32), as well as among patients residing in high- vs low-ADI neighborhoods (HR 1.25, 95% CI 1.16 to 1.34; both p ≤ 0.001). Of note, individuals residing in high- vs low-ADI neighborhoods had a higher risk of long-term mortality after treatment at a low-quality (HR 1.31, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.62, p = 0.011) vs high-quality (HR 1.12, 95% CI 0.83 to 1.52, p = 0.471) LT center.

CONCLUSIONS:
LT at high-quality centers may be able to mitigate the association between posttransplant survival and neighborhood deprivation. Investments and initiatives that increase access to referrals to high-quality centers for patients residing in higher deprivation may lead to better outcomes and help mitigate disparities in LT.
Mapping Structural Drivers of Insulin and its Analogs at the IGF-1 Receptor Using Molecular Dynamics and Free Energy Calculations
Authors: Sena Mohan Maruthi , C Ramakrishnan , Gromiha M. Michael , Chatterji Monalisa , Khedkar Anand , Ranganathan Anirudh 
Published: December 2023

AbstractInsulin and insulin-like growth factor-1 receptors (IR, IGF-1R) belong to the family of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), and share close structural resemblance. However, these receptors exhibit distinct activity profiles and functions in vivo. Binding of insulin to IGF-1R results in additional growth-factor-like behavior and cell proliferation, but its ∼100-fold reduced affinity to IGF-1R limits off-target activity. However, insulin analogs with increased potency at IGF-1R have oncogenicity as a key safety concern. Hence, the ability to accurately predict potency of novel analogs at IGF-1R could represent a key breakthrough towards rational insulin design. To date, a comprehensive molecular level understanding of insulin interactions at IGF-1R has remained elusive. This study capitalized on recent advancements in structural biology that provided high resolution structures of IGF-1R bound to IGF-1 and insulin. Initially, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were employed to unravel the intricate interactions that characterize the receptor-ligand pairs. Next, free energy perturbation (FEP) calculations were performed to understand the increased affinity observed in insulin analogs, X10 and glargine. Subsequently, multiple mutations at the B10 position of insulin spanning different activities at IGF-1R and different metabolites of insulin glargine, encompassing various mitogenic potencies were studied using FEP. The calculations successfully captured directional shifts in potency for all studied mutants, with approximately 50% of the predicted values falling within 1 kcal/mol of experiment. Beyond its impressive accuracy, FEP’s ability to provide a detailed understanding of protein- and solvent-mediated contributions to the observed functional profiles underscores its utility in designing safe IGF-1R selective novel insulin analogs.
Reversing the decline of threatened koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) populations in New South Wales: Using genomics to define meaningful conservation goals
Authors: Lott Matthew J. , Frankham Greta J. , Eldridge Mark D.B. , Alquezar-Planas David E. , Donnelly Lily , Zenger Kyall R. , Leigh Kellie A. , Kjeldsen Shannon R. , Field Matt A. , Lemon John , Lunney Daniel , Crowther Mathew S. , Krockenberger Mark B. , Fisher Mark , Neaves Linda E. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractGenetic management is a critical component of threatened species conservation. Understanding spatial patterns of genetic diversity is essential for evaluating the resilience of fragmented populations to accelerating anthropogenic threats. Nowhere is this more relevant than on the Australian continent, which is experiencing an ongoing loss of biodiversity that exceeds any other developed nation. Using a proprietary genome complexity reduction-based method (DArTSeq), we generated a data set of 3,239 high quality Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) to investigate spatial patterns and indices of genetic diversity in the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus), a highly specialised folivorous marsupial that is experiencing rapid and widespread population declines across much of its former range. Our findings demonstrate that current management divisions across the state of New South Wales (NSW) do not fully represent the distribution of genetic diversity among extant koala populations, and that care must be taken to ensure that translocation paradigms based on these frameworks do not inadvertently restrict gene flow between populations and regions that were historically interconnected. We also recommend that koala populations should be prioritised for conservation action based on the scale and severity of the threatening processes that they are currently faced with, rather than placing too much emphasis on their perceived value (e.g., as reservoirs of potentially adaptive alleles), as our data indicate that existing genetic variation in koalas is primarily partitioned amongst individual animals. As such, the extirpation of koalas from any part of their range represents a potentially critical reduction of genetic diversity for this iconic Australian species.
External validation of a deep-learning mandibular ORN prediction model trained on 3D radiation distribution maps
Authors: Humbert-Vidan Laia , Hansen Christian R , Patel Vinod , Johansen Jørgen , King Andrew P , Urbano Teresa Guerrero 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackground and purposeMandibular osteoradionecrosis (ORN) is a severe side effect affecting patients undergoing radiation therapy for head and neck cancer. Variations in the bone’s vascularization and composition across the mandible may influence the susceptibility to ORN. Recently, deep learning-based models have been introduced for predicting mandibular ORN using radiation dose distribution maps to incorporate spatial information. These studies, however, only feature internal validation on a holdout subset of the data used for training.Materials and methodsThis study externally validated a 3D DenseNet-40 (DN40) ORN prediction model on an independent dataset. Model performance was evaluated in terms of discrimination and calibration, with Platt scaling applied for improved external calibration. The DN40 model’s discriminative ability on the external dataset was compared to a Random Forest model on corresponding dose-volume histogram (DVH) data.ResultsThe overall model performance was worse at external validation than at internal validation, with Platt scaling improving balance between recall and specificity but not significantly improving the overall calibration. Although the discrimination ability of the DN40 model was slightly lower at external validation (AUROC 0.63 vs. 0.69), this was statistically comparable to that of a DVH-based RF model for the same dataset (p-value 0.667).ConclusionsOur results suggest that, in addition to potential model overfitting issues, dosimetric data distribution differences between the two datasets could explain the low generalisability of the DN40 ORN prediction model. Future work will involve a larger and more diverse cohort.
A numerical method to solve structural dynamic response caused by cable failure
Authors: Li Xuanzhi , Xue Suduo , Li Xiongyan , Liu Guanchen , Liu Renjie 
Published: December 2023

PurposeInstantaneous unloading with equal force is usually used to simulate the sudden failure of cables. This simulation method with equivalent force requires obtaining the magnitude and direction of the force for the failed cable in the normal state. It is difficult, however, to determine the magnitude or direction of the equivalent force when the shape of the cable is complex (space curve). This model of equivalent force may be difficult to establish. Thus, a numerical simulation method, the instantaneous temperature rise method, was proposed to address the dynamic response caused by failures of the cables with complex structural form.Design/methodology/approachThis method can instantly reduce the cable force to zero through the instantaneous temperature rise process of the cable. Combined with theoretical formula and finite element model, the numerical calculation principle and two key parameters (temperature rise value and temperature rise time) of this method were detailed. The validity of this approach was verified by comparing it with equivalent force models. Two cable-net case with saddle curved surfaces were presented. Their static failure behaviors were compared with the dynamic failure behaviors calculated by this method.FindingsThis simulation method can effectively address the structural dynamic response caused by cable failure and may be applied to all cable structures.Originality/valueAn instantaneous temperature rise method (ITRM) is proposed and verified. Its calculation theory is detailed. Two key parameters, temperature rise value and temperature rise time, of this method are discussed and the corresponding reference values are recommended.
Managing a social business of Lilly Apartments’ Welfare Association – a tale of unending crises
Authors: Qureshi Jawaid Ahmed , Morah Ejindu Iwelu MacDonald 
Published: December 2023

Learning outcomes
The learning objectives (or expected learning objectives and outcomes) are to be achieved by linking them with particular concepts, theories and models. These include conducting a situational analysis of the social business, namely, Lilly Apartments’ Welfare Association; explaining the characteristics and mindset of the leadership, particularly the social entrepreneurial leaders; analysing the conflict among the team members; and designing strategic solutions for combating crises and attaining operations’ effectiveness.

Case overview/synopsis
Lilly Apartments’ Welfare Association Karachi was registered under the Act of 1860 of the Government of Pakistan. The members established this Association to oversee the affairs of the maintenance of the apartments, including the provision of utilities, particularly water, sanitation, lifts, generators, parking, security and a park with a small play area for children. The front-burner issue of the Association consisted of mis-governance (causing underperformance), including maintenance of buildings within apartments; recovery of funds from the past executive committee (EC) members due to their massive corruption; managing defaulters’ issues (i.e., the members who did not pay their monthly maintenance fees) and deficiency of funds; inefficient and corrupt practices of the majority of the employees, including one manager and two supervisors; and task-related and personal conflicts between the leadership members. The EC of the Association was elected every year and presently it had only four months left. The research design used for this case study involved conducting 12 interviews, four each involving EC members, former EC members and senior residents, which were analysed to learn the challenges and achievements of the Association. Moreover, pertinent records of the Association were reviewed. The canons of research ethics and soundness were applied.

Complexity academic level
This case study is suitable for the students of social entrepreneurship or strategy or strategy and leadership. The study level is for graduates in management science, including MBA and EMBA students. This case study is suitable for teaching at any point but ideally near the middle or end of the aforementioned courses.

Supplementary materials
Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code
CSS 3: Entrepreneurship.
Understanding configurations of continuance commitment for platform workers using fuzzy-set QCA
Authors: Deng Ting , Tang Chunyong , Lai Yanzhao 
Published: December 2023

PurposeHow to improve continuance commitment for platform workers is still unclear to platforms' managers and academic scholars. This study develops a configurational framework based on the push-pull theory and proposes that continuance commitment for platform workers does not depend on a single condition but on interactions between push and pull factors.Design/methodology/approachThe data from the sample of 431 full-time and 184 part-time platform workers in China were analyzed using fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (FsQCA).FindingsThe results found that combining family motivation with the two kinds of pull factors (worker's reputation and algorithmic transparency) can achieve high continuance commitment for full-time platform workers; combining job alternatives with the two kinds of pull factors (worker's reputation and job autonomy) can promote high continuance commitment for part-time platform workers. Particularly, workers' reputations were found to be a core condition reinforcing continuance commitment for both part-time and full-time platform workers.Practical implicationsThe findings suggest that platforms should avoid the “one size fits all” strategy. Emphasizing the importance of family and improving worker's reputation and algorithmic transparency are smart retention strategies for full-time platform workers, whereas for part-time platform workers it is equally important to reinforce continuance commitment by enhancing workers' reputations and doing their best to maintain and enhance their job autonomy.Originality/valueThis study expands the analytical context of commitment research and provides new insights for understanding the complex causality between antecedent conditions and continuance commitment for platform workers.
Effect of renewable energy consumption on environmental quality in sub-Saharan African countries: evidence from defactored instrumental variables method
Authors: Diallo Souleymane 
Published: December 2023

PurposeSub-Saharan Africa is a region that is highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Renewable energy consumption could play a major role in mitigating the effects of climate change by improving environmental quality in the region. The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of renewable energy consumption on environmental quality in sub-Saharan African countries.Design/methodology/approachThe empirical investigation is based on the estimation of an augmented Green Solow model through the defactored instrumental variables approach on a sample of 34 countries over the period 1996 to 2018.FindingsThe results of two-stage defactored instrumental variables estimator show that renewable energy consumption improves environmental quality. Indeed, renewable energies have a significant negative influence on CO2 emissions. This result is robust when using the ecological footprint as an indicator of environmental quality.Practical implicationsIn terms of implications, governments in Sub-Saharan Africa need to pursue policies to encourage investment in the renewable energy sector. This will promote renewable energy consumption, change the structure of the energy mix in favour of renewable energy, improve environmental quality and effectively combat climate change.Originality/valueThe originality of this research in relation to the existing literature lies at several levels. Firstly, the analysis is carried out using a unified framework combining the environmental Kuznets curve and the environmental convergence hypotheses. Secondly, this research uses a very recent econometric method. Finally, environmental quality is measured using two indicators.
The quest for sustainable sports management: evidence from the football industry
Authors: Tettamanzi Patrizia , Grazioli Francesco , Murgolo Michael 
Published: December 2023

PurposeThis study investigates how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the sustainability of sports business models by means of a specific case analysis, conducted on M-I Stadio S.r.l., the service management firm that provides all types of backstage activities related to football matches performed at San Siro Stadium in Italy.Design/methodology/approachBuilding on interviews on its management team's direct experience and on archival data, the authors depict the consequences of the pandemic in terms of corporate governance, accounting choices and overall strategic business development through information triangulation from a forward-looking perspective.FindingsComplying with restrictions, M-I Stadio S.r.l. preserved its financial position by embracing digitalization, increasing information flows with partners and adopting a risk aversion behaviour. Overall, results indicate that the pandemic played a catalyst role in the transformation process of the football industry. Moreover, apart from the physical and virtual merge acceleration, well-being for athletes, society and the planet, transcending the gaming part of sports activities has also been taking place. The study also illustrates the foreseeable developments of sustainable sport management practices from a critical perspective.Originality/valueSince the San Siro Stadium management company might represent one of the forefront companies, within the sports industry, this study results should be conveniently taken into consideration by sporting authorities and international bodies, emphasizing the relevance of sustainability (i.e. environmental and social practices within the sports industry) and digitalization so as to better prepare sports organizations and to provide the overall industry with the tools deemed necessary to navigate this important transition in a smoother way.