bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative Outcomes of a Transthyretin Amyloid Cardiomyopathy Cohort Versus Patients With Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction Enrolled in the TOPCAT Trial
Authors: Kim Morris M. , Prasad Mark , Burton Yunwoo , Kolseth Clinton M. , Zhao Yuanzi , Chandrashekar Pranav , Nazer Babak , Masri Ahmad 
Published: July 2023

Background
Transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR‐CM), found in 6% to 15% of cohorts with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, has long been considered a rare disease with poor prognosis. New treatments have made it one of the few directly treatable causes of heart failure. This study sought to determine whether patients with ATTR‐CM, particularly those treated with tafamidis, have comparable survival to an unselected cohort with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

Methods and Results

We compared the clinical characteristics and outcomes between a single‐center cohort of patients with ATTR‐CM (n=114) and patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction enrolled in the TOPCAT (Treatment of Preserved Cardiac Function Heart Failure With an Aldosterone Antagonist) trial (n=1761, excluding Russia and Georgia). The primary outcome was a composite of all‐cause death, heart failure hospitalization, myocardial infarction, and stroke. Subgroup analysis of patients with ATTR‐CM treated with tafamidis was also performed. Patients with ATTR‐CM had higher rates of the primary composite outcome compared with patients enrolled in the TOPCAT trial (hazard ratio [HR], 1.44 [95% CI, 1.09–1.91];
P
=0.01), with similar rates of all‐cause death (HR, 1.43 [95% CI, 0.99–2.06];
P
=0.06) but higher rates of heart failure hospitalizations (HR, 1.62 [95% CI, 1.15–2.28];
P
<0.01). Compared with patients enrolled in TOPCAT, patients with ATTR‐CM treated with tafamidis had similar rates of the primary composite outcome (HR, 1.30 [95% CI, 0.86–1.96];
P
=0.21) and all‐cause death (HR, 1.10 [95% CI, 0.57–2.14];
P
=0.78) but higher rates of heart failure hospitalizations (HR, 1.96 [95% CI, 1.27–3.02];
P
<0.01).

Conclusions
Patients with ATTR‐CM treated with tafamidis have similar rates of all‐cause death compared with patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, with higher rates of heart failure hospitalizations.
Exploring Trade-Offs in Spiking Neural Networks
Authors: Bacho Florian , Chu Dominique 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Spiking neural networks (SNNs) have emerged as a promising alternative to traditional deep neural networks for low-power computing. However, the effectiveness of SNNs is not solely determined by their performance but also by their energy consumption, prediction speed, and robustness to noise. The recent method Fast & Deep, along with others, achieves fast and energy-efficient computation by constraining neurons to fire at most once. Known as time-to-first-spike (TTFS), this constraint, however, restricts the capabilities of SNNs in many aspects. In this work, we explore the relationships of performance, energy consumption, speed, and stability when using this constraint. More precisely, we highlight the existence of trade-offs where performance and robustness are gained at the cost of sparsity and prediction latency. To improve these trade-offs, we propose a relaxed version of Fast & Deep that allows for multiple spikes per neuron. Our experiments show that relaxing the spike constraint provides higher performance while also benefiting from faster convergence, similar sparsity, comparable prediction latency, and better robustness to noise compared to TTFS SNNs. By highlighting the limitations of TTFS and demonstrating the advantages of unconstrained SNNs, we provide valuable insight for the development of effective learning strategies for neuromorphic computing.
Physical Time as Human Time
Authors: Kastner Ruth E. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
I dissent from the standard assertion of a “Two-Times Problem,” in which physical time is taken as being at odds with the human sense of a “flow of time.” I provide a brief overview of the case to be made for the contrary view: namely, that physical theory is indeed consistent with a genuine temporal dynamism that takes into account the quantum level in connection with spacetime emergence, the latter being supervenient on specific quantum processes.
Long-Term Trends and Interannual Variability of Southwesterly Flows around Southern Taiwan during 44 Mei-Yu Seasons
Authors: Chiu Yen-Chao , Chien Fang-Ching 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
This study investigates the characteristics and long-term trends of southwesterly flows around southern Taiwan (SWs) during mei-yu seasons (15 May–15 June) from 1979 to 2022. The results show that the number of SWs in general exhibited an increasing trend over this 44-yr period, with a decadal oscillation starting from a relatively small number in the 1980s and reaching a relative peak in the 2000s. This tendency posts a potential threat to Taiwan because of the increasing trend of heavy rainfall associated with the higher moisture flux of the SWs events. The SWs activity was influenced by the long-term increasing trend of geopotential height gradients and their decadal variability near Taiwan. When the intraseasonal oscillation was evident, the weather system mainly affecting the occurrence of SWs was the low pressure system to the north of Taiwan; when it was weak, the intensity and location of the western North Pacific subtropical high to the south of Taiwan was relatively more important. In addition, the SWs index, which was highly correlated with the precipitation during mei-yu seasons, can effectively reflect the interannual variability of precipitation in Taiwan in periods of different lengths. These findings indicate that the SWs index can be used as a monsoonal precipitation index for Taiwan, especially southern Taiwan.
Minerals with a palmierite-type structure. Part I. Mazorite Ba3(PO4)2, a new mineral from the Hatrurim Complex in Israel
Authors: Juroszek Rafał , Galuskina Irina , Krüger Biljana , Krüger Hannes , Vapnik Yevgeny , Kahlenberg Volker , Galuskin Evgeny 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe new mineral mazorite, ideally Ba3(PO4)2, a P-analogue of gurimite Ba3(VO4)2, was discovered in rankinite paralava hosted by the massive gehlenite-bearing pyrometamorphic rocks of the Hatrurim Complex in Israel. It has also recently been discovered in xenolith samples from the Bellerberg volcano in Germany. Holotype mazorite usually forms colourless plate-like crystals up to 70–100 μm in length but also occurs in small aggregates in association with other rare Ba-bearing minerals such as zadovite, celsian, hexacelsian, bennesherite, sanbornite, walstromite, fresnoite, gurimite, alforsite and barioferrite. The mineral is transparent, exhibits vitreous lustre and has a good cleavage on (001). Optically, mazorite is uniaxial (+), with ω = 1.760(3) and ɛ = 1.766(3) (λ = 589 nm). The empirical formula of the holotype mazorite calculated on 8O is (Ba2.69K0.22Na0.04Ca0.02Sr0.01)Σ2.98(P1.16V0.57S0.24Al0.04Si0.03)Σ2.04O8. Mazorite crystallises in space group R$\bar{3}$m, with unit-cell parameters a = 5.6617(5) Å, c = 21.1696(17) Å, V = 587.68(9) Å3 and Z = 3. Its crystal structure consists of BaO12, BaO10, and PO4 polyhedra, ordered along the c-axis in PO4–BaO10–BaO12–BaO10–PO4 columnar arrangement characteristic for palmierite-supergroup minerals. A tetrahedrally coordinated site is generally occupied by P5+ but can be partially substituted by V5+ and S6+. This substitution is shown in the Raman spectrum of mazorite, which reveals bands that can be assigned to the stretching and bending vibrations of (PO4)3–, (VO4)3– and (SO4)2– groups. The Raman spectra of mazorite from two localities (Hatrurim and Bellerberg) and spectra of minerals belonging to the mazorite Ba3(PO4)2 to gurimite Ba3(VO4)2 solid-solution series are presented. The gradual shift of the Raman bands, caused by cation substitutions, is well observed. The high V5+ → P5+ substitution is also observed for gurimite, for which the first X-ray structural data are also presented. Mazorite and other Ba-bearing minerals crystallised from a small portion of residual melt enriched in incompatible elements, such as Ba, V, P, U, S, Ti and Nb, at a temperature of ~1000°C.
ETV6 represses inflammatory response genes and regulates HSPC function during stress hematopoiesis in mice
Authors: Bloom Mackenzie , Oak Ninad , Baskin-Doerfler Rebekah , Feng Ruopeng , Iacobucci Ilaria , Baviskar Pradyumna , Zhao Xujie , Stroh Alexa N. , Li Chunliang , Ozark Patrick , Tillman Heather S. , Li Yichao , Verbist Katherine C. , Albeituni Sabrin , Scott Danny C. , King Moeko T. , McKinney-Freeman Shannon L. , Weiss Mitchell J. , Yang Jun J. , Nichols Kim E. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
ETS variant 6 (ETV6) encodes a transcriptional repressor expressed in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs), where it is required for adult hematopoiesis. Heterozygous pathogenic germline ETV6 variants are associated with thrombocytopenia 5 (T5), a poorly understood genetic condition resulting in thrombocytopenia and predisposition to hematologic malignancies. To elucidate how germline ETV6 variants affect HSPCs and contribute to disease, we generated a mouse model harboring an Etv6R355X loss-of-function variant, equivalent to the T5-associated variant ETV6R359X. Under homeostatic conditions, all HSPC subpopulations are present in the bone marrow (BM) of Etv6R355X/+ mice; however, these animals display shifts in the proportions and/or numbers of progenitor subtypes. To examine whether the Etv6R355X/+ mutation affects HSPC function, we performed serial competitive transplantation and observed that Etv6R355X/+ lineage−sca1+cKit+ (LSK) cells exhibit impaired reconstitution, with near complete failure to repopulate irradiated recipients by the tertiary transplant. Mechanistic studies incorporating cleavage under target and release under nuclease assay, assay for transposase accessible chromatin sequencing, and high-throughput chromosome conformation capture identify ETV6 binding at inflammatory gene loci, including multiple genes within the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling pathway in ETV6-sufficient mouse and human HSPCs. Furthermore, single-cell RNA sequencing of BM cells isolated after transplantation reveals upregulation of inflammatory genes in Etv6R355X/+ progenitors when compared to Etv6+/+ counterparts. Corroborating these findings, Etv6R355X/+ HSPCs produce significantly more TNF than Etv6+/+ cells post-transplantation. We conclude that ETV6 is required to repress inflammatory gene expression in HSPCs under conditions of hematopoietic stress, and this mechanism may be critical to sustain HSPC function.
Significance of E-lesions in Hodgkin lymphoma and the creation of a new consensus definition: a report from SEARCH
Authors: Zijtregtop Eline A. M. , Zeal Jamie , Metzger Monika L. , Kelly Kara M. , Mauz-Koerholz Christine , Voss Stephan D. , McCarten Kathleen , Flerlage Jamie E. , Beishuizen Auke 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
The International Staging Evaluation and Response Criteria Harmonization for Childhood, Adolescent, and Young Adult Hodgkin Lymphoma (SEARCH for CAYAHL) seeks to provide an appropriate, universal differentiation between E-lesions and stage IV extranodal disease in Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). A literature search was performed through the PubMed and Google Scholar databases using the terms “Hodgkin disease,” and “extranodal,” “extralymphatic,” “E lesions,” “E stage,” or “E disease.” Publications were reviewed for the number of participants; median age and age range; diagnostic modalities used for staging; and the definition, incidence, and prognostic significance of E-lesions. Thirty-six articles describing 12 640 patients met the inclusion criteria. Most articles reported staging per the Ann Arbor (72%, 26/36) or Cotswolds modification of the Ann Arbor staging criteria (25%, 9/36), and articles rarely defined E-lesions or disambiguated “extranodal disease.” The overall incidence of E-lesions for patients with stage I-III HL was 11.5% (1330/11 602 unique patients). Available stage-specific incidence analysis of 3888 patients showed a similar incidence of E-lesions in stage II (21.2%) and stage III (21.9%), with E-lesions rarely seen with stage I disease (1.1%). E-lesions likely remain predictive, but we cannot unequivocally conclude that identifying E-lesions in HL imparts prognostic value in the modern era of the more selective use of targeted radiation therapy. A harmonized E-lesion definition was reached based on the available evidence and the consensus of the SEARCH working group. We recommend that this definition of E-lesion be applied in future clinical trials with explicit reporting to confirm the prognostic value of E-lesions.
Three-Dimensional Conjugate Tooth Surface Design and Contact Analysis of Harmonic Drive with Double-Circular-Arc Tooth Profile
Authors: Song Chaosheng , Zhu Feihong , Li Xinzi , Du Xuesong 
Published: July 2023

AbstractA three-dimensional conjugate tooth surface design method for Harmonic Drive with a double-circular-arc tooth profile is proposed. The radial deformation function of the flexspline (FS), obtained through Finite Element (FE) analysis, is incorporated into the kinematics model. By analyzing the FS tooth enveloping process, the optimization of the overlapping conjugate tooth profile is achieved. By utilizing the hobbing process, the three-dimensional machinable tooth surface of FS can be acquired. Utilizing the coning deformation of the FS, simulations are conducted to analyze the multi-section assembly and meshing motion of the machinable tooth surface. The FE method is utilized to analyze and compare the loaded contact characteristics. Results demonstrate that the proposed design method can achieve an internal gear pair consisting of a circular spline with a spur gear tooth surface and the FS with a machinable tooth surface. With the rated torque, approximately 24% of the FS teeth are engaged in meshing, and more than 4/5 of the tooth surface in the axial direction carries the load. The contact patterns, maximum contact pressure, and transmission error of the machinable tooth surface are 227.2%, 40.67%, and 71.24% of those on the spur gear tooth surface, respectively. It clearly demonstrates exceptional transmission performance.
Acute kidney injury secondary to obstructive bladder malakoplakia: a case report
Authors: Jdiaa Sara S. , Degheili Jad A. , Matar Charbel F. , Mocadie Michele F. , Khaled Chirine S. , El Zakhem Aline M. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
Malakoplakia is a rare granulomatous inflammatory condition that can affect immunosuppressed patients. The genitourinary system is the most involved organ. We present a case of kidney failure caused by obstructing bladder lesions, clinically suspicious for malignancy and pathologically proven to be malakoplakia.

Case presentation
A 70-year-old woman presented with acute kidney injury and Escherichia coli (E.coli) bacteremia. Investigation showed bilateral hydronephrosis with thickening of the renal pelvises suggestive of urothelial malignancy. Cystourethroscopy revealed multiple bladder lesions completely obliterating both ureteral orifices. Pathology of the resected lesions confirmed the diagnosis of malakoplakia. Patient was treated with a prolonged antibiotic course over 6 months with recovery of her kidney function.

Conclusion
Malakoplakia can mimic invasive tumors, and the diagnosis is only attained through histopathology which uniquely demonstrates the pathognomonic Michaelis–Gutmann inclusions inside sheets of histiocytes. Treatment is largely dependent on prolonged antibiotics therapy that must cover the most common isolated pathogen, E.coli.
Investigations on tram-pedestrian impacts by application of virtual testing with human body models
Authors: Lackner Christian , Heinzl Philipp , Leo Christoph , Klug Corina 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
In Austria around 100 trams are involved in accidents with pedestrians every year. Since the service lives of trams are very high, the probabilities are also high that each tram on the network will be involved in an accident of this kind at least once, highlighting the need of protective designs of tram fronts. However, due to lack of studies in this area, this is still a challenging task.

Purpose
The aim of this study is to show the applicability and the usability of virtual testing involving HBMs in tram front design studies to improve passive safety in general.

Methodology
In this study, the impact of pedestrians with a tram was investigated using a generic tram front model in a basic version and a conceptually improved version, respectively, and detailed finite element human body models (HBM). To consider gender-differences and to avoid designs that unintentionally favour only particular groups of the population, the study simulations were carried out with a male and a female 50th percentile finite element human body model (VIVA+). The risk for head, chest, femur and tibia injuries were analysed as the simulation result, since these body areas were identified based on field data to be most relevant in accidents involving pedestrians and trams. Collision scenarios are evaluated for a wide parameter variation in impact location and speed, respectively.

Findings
The results show a reduction in head injury risk for both the female and the male HBM at different speeds and impact locations for impact with the enhanced version of the tram front. Depending on the gender of the HBM, the considered improvement shows different effects for each body region, with a greater reduction in the likelihood of head injury for the female model, and a greater reduction in the likelihood of thoracic injury for the male model. These differences are due to the considered anthropomorphic variations. A reduction for the risk of femur injuries can be achieved in all cases using the modified tram front. The study showcases the application of detailed human body models for tram pedestrian impact analyses in the context of pedestrian safety and in particular for tram front improvements. It was shown that even a minor modification of the tram front with softer front skirt attachments leads to remarkable benefits with respect to injury criteria in all investigated crash scenarios. The presented research goes beyond current technical recommendations and shows the benefit of virtual testing including HBMs and considering a wide variety of impact speeds, anthropometries and injury assessments, respectively.
Employment trajectories of workers in low-skilled jobs in Western Germany
Authors: Kaboth Arthur , Hünefeld Lena , Himmelreicher Ralf 
Published: July 2023

AbstractAccording to the segmentation theory, low-skilled jobs belong to the secondary sector of the labour market. Low-skilled jobs do not require vocational training and workers are interchangeable. Therefore, workers in this sector have poor working conditions and are regularly affected by employment interruptions. The current state of research, however, does not provide any longitudinal information about individual employment stability of workers performing low-skilled jobs. Furthermore, most of these workers are employed full-time and have completed professional training. Against this background, this paper deals with employment trajectories of workers in low-skilled jobs and their changes over time with regard to standard employment relationship. The aim of the explorative study is to analyse the assignment of workers in low-skilled jobs within the segmentation theory and to determine how segments have changed over time.We use data from the German Socio-Economic Panel (GSOEP) to analyse the employment trajectories of two cohorts aged 35 to 44 years in Western Germany over a period of ten years. The employment trajectories are compared by means of sequence analysis with optimal matching algorithm as well as cluster analysis applying the “Partitioning Around Medoids” method (PAM) in combination with results from hierarchical ward clusters. The employment trajectories indicate that low-skilled jobs can be assigned to both the secondary and the primary sectors. The cohort comparison of employment trajectories shows change and continuity in the context of segments.
Fever and health-seeking behaviour among migrants living along the Thai-Myanmar border: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Khirikoekkong Napat , Asarath Supa-at , Munruchaitrakun Mayreerat , Blay Naw , Waithira Naomi , Cheah Phaik Yeong , Nosten François , Lubell Yoel , Landier Jordi , Althaus Thomas 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
Fever is a common reason to seek healthcare in Southeast Asia, and the decline of malaria has complexified how is perceived, and what actions are taken towards it. We investigated the concept of fever and the determinants influencing health-seeking behaviours among migrants on the Thai-Myanmar border, where rapid economic development collides with precarious political and socio-economic conditions.

Methods
We implemented a mixed-methods study between August to December 2019. Phase I used a qualitative approach, with in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. Phase II used a quantitative approach with a close-ended questionnaire based on Phase I findings. A conditional inference tree (CIT) model first identified geographic and socio-demographic determinants, which were then tested using a logistic regression model.

Results
Fever corresponded to a high diversity of conceptions, symptoms and believed causes. Self-medication was the commonest behaviour at fever onset. If fever persisted, migrants primarily sought care in humanitarian cost-free clinics (45.5%, 92/202), followed by private clinics (43.1%, 87/202), health posts (36.1%, 73/202), public hospitals (33.7%, 68/202) and primary care units (30, 14.9%). The qualitative analysis identified distance and legal status as key barriers for accessing health care. The quantitative analysis further investigated determinants influencing health-seeking behaviour: living near a town where a cost-free clinic operated was inversely associated with seeking care at health posts (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.40, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] [0.19–0.86]), and public hospital attendance (aOR 0.31, 95% CI [0.14–0.67]). Living further away from the nearest town was associated with health posts attendance (aOR 1.05, 95% CI [1.00–1.10] per 1 km). Having legal status was inversely associated with cost-free clinics attendance (aOR 0.27, 95% CI [0.10–0.71]), and positively associated with private clinic and public hospital attendance (aOR 2.56, 95% CI [1.00–6.54] and 5.15, 95% CI [1.80–14.71], respectively).

Conclusions
Fever conception and believed causes are context-specific and should be investigated prior to any intervention. Distance to care and legal status were key determinants influencing health-seeking behaviour. Current economic upheavals are accelerating the unregulated flow of undocumented migrants from Myanmar to Thailand, warranting further inclusiveness and investments in the public health system.