bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Theoretical study of Th iii energy levels and transitions for applications to kilonova spectra
Authors: Kitovienė L , Gaigalas G , Rynkun P , Domoto N , Tanaka M , Kato D 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The neutron star merger is a promising site of heavy element production. By producing heavy elements, the neutron star merger gives rise to a thermal transient called a kilonova. Studying kilonova spectra enables us to quantify the heavy element production. Among the heaviest elements, doubly ionized Thorium (Th, Z=90) is one of the important candidates for producing detectable absorption features in kilonova spectra. This paper investigates the atomic properties of Th iii to provide energy level and transition data. The multiconfiguration Dirac-Hartree-Fock and relativistic configuration interaction methods, which are implemented in the general-purpose relativistic atomic structure package Grasp2018, are used to compute energy levels of the 5f6d, 6d2, 7s2, 5f2, 6d7s, 5f7p and 5f7s configurations and electric dipole transitions between states of these configurations. The accuracy of energy levels is evaluated by comparing it with experimental data and with various theoretical methods. Our calculated energy levels are consistent with the experimental results with a root mean square (RMS) deviation of 436 cm−1. The accuracy of transition data is investigated using the quantitative and qualitative evaluation method. By performing radiative transfer simulations for kilonova spectra with our transition data, we show that kilonova including Th with a mass fraction of (3 − 10) × 10−5 can produce Th iii absorption features around 18 000 Å.
End-of-Life Care in Glioblastoma: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Ellenbogen Yosef , Taslimi Shervin , Shellenberger Jonas , Brogly Susan B , Zadeh Gelareh , Alkins Ryan 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
The end-of-life (EoL) phase of care is inevitable for glioblastoma (GBM) patients; however, it lacks standardization. This study aimed to characterize the utilization of care at EoL in GBM patients, focusing on trends over time, regional variability, and the influence of socioeconomic factors.

Methods
This was a retrospective population-based cohort study of all patients with GBM treated in Ontario between 1994 – 2018 using administrative health data and registries available at ICES (formerly the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences). The proportion of patients with palliative care, supportive care, and in-hospital deaths by year of diagnosis was estimated, and trends assessed with the Cochrane-Armitage trend test.

Results
The cohort included 9,013 GBM patients. There was an increase in supportive care components over the study time-period (29.6% in 1994 – 1998 to 60.2% in 2014 – 2018; p &lt; 0.0001). There was a simultaneous decrease in in-hospital deaths (50.5% in 1994 – 1998 to 21.4% in 2014 – 2018; p&lt;0.001) and hospitalizations within 30 days before death (65.5% in 1994-1998 to 51.7% in 2014 – 2018, p&lt;0.001). This coincided with an increased in chemotherapy administration within 14 days of death and ICU admissions within 30 days of death over the studied period of time. Patient neighborhood income level and geographic location influenced EoL care patterns with regards to both supportive and aggressive components.

Conclusions
Over time there was an expansion of both inpatient and outpatient palliative care use at EoL. Rurality and neighborhood income quintile significantly influenced the utilization of these resources, underscoring the need for standardized EoL care practices.
Hydrogen zoning in olivine from kimberlites based on coupled FTIR and SIMS analyses: Significance for H2O distribution in the lithospheric mantle and H2O concentrations in kimberlite melts
Authors: Giuliani Andrea , Gies Nils B , Faccanoni Alice , Hermann Jörg , De Hoog Jan C M , Padrón-Navarta José Alberto , Cayzer Nicola , Schmidt Max W 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Kimberlite melts are widely considered to be enriched in volatiles, both CO2 and H2O. Yet, estimated H2O concentrations in primitive kimberlites vary between 3.0 and 12 wt.%, and it is unclear whether these variations are a true reflection of variable H2O in their mantle sources. The main problem rests with the origin of serpentine, the main H2O host in kimberlite rocks, and specifically, whether it derives from magmatic and/or crustal fluids. To obtain estimates of primary H2O contents in kimberlite melts, we have examined the systematics of proton incorporation in olivine point defects (referred as H) in grains from eight representative kimberlites from Africa, Canada and Greenland. These kimberlites show highly variable groundmass and therefore melt compositions, and include varieties enriched in serpentine, carbonate and/or phlogopite. Olivine grains are strongly zoned in major and minor elements based on BSE images and EPMA analysis and include mantle-derived xenocrystic cores and magmatic rims. FTIR maps and profiles show that the olivine cores are zoned with H2O decreasing outward due to diffusive loss most likely triggered by decompression and related H2O loss from the transporting kimberlite melt after xenocryst entrainment. The central portions of the cores exhibit homogeneous H2O contents representative of mantle values. A combination of Al-in-olivine thermometry with appropriate geothermal gradients and H2O determinations from SIMS analyses (from 9 to 241 μg/g across the entire sample set) shows similar systematics to those of olivine in mantle xenoliths from the same localities. H2O analyses of olivine cores in kimberlites are hence valuable to systematically examine the vertical distribution of H2O in the lithospheric mantle traversed by kimberlites. The magmatic rims examined by SIMS invariably show low H2O contents (&lt;50 μg/g but mostly ≤20 μg/g) with very limited within-sample variation regardless of olivine major-minor element chemistry and groundmass composition. Experimentally derived hydrogen partition coefficients yield ≤1 wt% of H2O in the corresponding melts, values that probably reflect post-emplacement re-equilibration in the upper crust rather than equilibrium conditions during crystallisation. These low H2O contents reflect, at least in part, exsolution of C-O-H fluids during kimberlite ascent. The implication is that kimberlite melts contain insufficient H2O to crystallise the large amount (up to 50 vol%) of serpentine commonly observed in kimberlites. Serpentine rather requires contributions by crustal fluids and/or deeply exsolved kimberlite-related fluids that percolate upwards along the pipe- or dike-like emplacement structures, modifying the composition of previously crystallised kimberlites.
The Race Between Education, Technology, and the Minimum Wage
Authors: Vogel Jonathan 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
What is the impact of the real minimum wage on wages and inequality? I develop a theory that nests “The Race Between Education and Technology.” The theory predicts that the impact of changes in minimum wages is initially small but grows over time. I present empirical evidence of these dynamic effects: the elasticity of real wages grows substantially over a three-year period. I additionally show that minimum wages help rationalize a considerable decline in real wages of low-education workers in the 1980s and play a role in shaping the evolution of the U.S. college premium.
Rural-Urban Disparities in cardiovascular disease hospitalizations and its outcomes in gout: a nationwide U.S. study
Authors: Singh Jasvinder A , Chandrupatla Sumanth R 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Objective
To assess whether patient residence is associated with the risk of myocardial infarction (MI) hospitalizations in people with gout.

Methods
We used the 2016–2019 U.S. National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database to assess whether rural patient residence is associated with a higher risk of MI hospitalizations in gout, while adjusting for demographics (age, sex, race), comorbidity, median household income, insurance payer and hospital characteristics (location and teaching status, bed size, hospital control and hospital region). We calculated adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI)

Results
We found that compared with urban residents, people living in the rural areas had higher crude rates of MI, 2,640 vs 3,145 per 100 000 area specific gout hospitalizations. In multivariable-adjusted analyses, compared with urban residents with gout, the rural area residents with gout were significantly more likely to have an MI with an odds ratio of 1.70 (95% CI, 1.61—1.79; p&lt; 0.001). The association was confirmed in multiple sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions
We demonstrated a significant rural-urban disparity in the risk of MI hospitalizations in people with gout. Policymakers and hospital systems need to design and implement interventions to reduce these disparities.
Androgen receptor ubiquitination links KCTD13 to genitourinary tract defects
Authors: Chahdi Ahmed , Jorgez Carolina , Rosenfeld Jill A. , Neetu Neetu , Seth Abhishek 
Published: February 2025

AbstractThe potassium channel tetramerization domain containing 13 (KCTD13) protein is a substrate‐specific adapter for cullin3‐based E3 ubiquitin ligase. Patients with copy number variants at this locus exhibit genitourinary tract anomalies. In this study, we show that decreased androgen receptor (AR) protein level correlated with increased AR ubiquitination in the testis of Kctd13‐deficient mice, suggesting that KCTD13 inhibits AR ubiquitination. KCTD13 increased CUL3‐dependent AR ubiquitination but had no effect on CUL3 binding to AR, confirming the role of KCTD13 as an adaptor of CUL3 ligase. Recombinant KCTD13 directly binds to recombinant AR, and the BTB domain of KCTD13 is critical for binding both the N‐terminal domain of AR and STUB1. Moreover, KCTD13 dose‐dependently decreased STUB1 binding to AR resulting in decreased AR ubiquitination. KCTD13 ΔBTB was unable to bind to AR and subsequently failed to block STUB1‐mediated AR ubiquitination, strongly suggesting that reduced AR ubiquitination is dependent on KCTD13 ability to dissociate AR/STUB1 complex. Furthermore, KCTD13 increased the expression of AR target gene, FOXJ1, whereas KCTD13 ΔBTB had no effect. Our data reveal a distinctive mode of action of KCTD13 on AR ubiquitination depending on the E3 ubiquitin ligase involved: (1) KCTD13 increased CUL3‐dependent AR ubiquitination but had no effect on CUL3 binding to AR; and (2) KCTD13 decreased STUB1‐mediated AR ubiquitination by decreasing STUB1 binding to AR thus preventing AR ubiquitination. We hypothesize that in the testes of Kctd13‐deficient mice, the absence of KCTD13 results in increased binding of STUB1 to AR leading to increased AR ubiquitination and degradation.
Exploring N400 Predictability Effects During Sustained Speech Comprehension: From Listening-Related Fatigue to Speech Enhancement Evaluation
Authors: Hsin Cheng-Hung , Lee Chia-Ying , Tsao Yu 
Published: February 2025

Objectives:
This study investigated the predictability effect on the N400 as an objective measure of listening-related fatigue during speech comprehension by: (1) examining how its characteristics (amplitude, latency, and topographic distribution) changed over time under clear versus noisy conditions to assess its utility as a marker for listening-related fatigue, and (2) evaluating whether these N400 parameters could assess the effectiveness of speech enhancement (SE) systems.

Design:
Two event-related potential experiments were conducted on 140 young adults (aged 20 to 30) assigned to four age-matched groups. Using a between-subjects design for listening conditions, participants comprehended spoken sentences ending in high- or low-predictability words while their brain activity was recorded using electroencephalography. Experiment 1 compared the predictability effect on the N400 in clear and noise-masked conditions, while experiment 2 examined this effect under two enhanced conditions (denoised using the transformer- and minimum mean square error-based SE models). Electroencephalography data were divided into two blocks to analyze the changes in the predictability effect on the N400 over time, including amplitude, latency, and topographic distributions.

Results:
Experiment 1 compared N400 effects across blocks under different clarity conditions. Clear speech in block 2 elicited a more anteriorly distributed N400 effect without reduction or delay compared with block 1. Noisy speech in block 2 showed a reduced, delayed, and posteriorly distributed effect compared with block 1. Experiment 2 examined N400 effects during enhanced speech processing. Transformer-enhanced speech in block 1 demonstrated significantly increased N400 effect amplitude compared to noisy speech. However, both enhancement methods showed delayed N400 effects in block 2.

Conclusions:
This study suggests that temporal changes in the N400 predictability effect might serve as objective markers of sustained speech processing under different clarity conditions. During clear speech comprehension, listeners appear to maintain efficient semantic processing through additional resource recruitment over time, while noisy speech leads to reduced processing efficiency. When applied to enhanced speech, these N400 patterns reveal both the immediate benefits of SE for semantic processing and potential limitations in supporting sustained listening. These findings demonstrate the potential utility of the N400 predictability effect for understanding sustained listening demands and evaluating SE effectiveness.
Indirect Spinal Decompression in Thoracolumbar Burst Fractures
Authors: Chen Hou-Tsung , Wu Re-Wen , Yang Fu-Shine , Chang Cheh-Yung , Hsu Chieh-Cheng , Chen Sung-Hsiung , Lu Meng-Ling 
Published: February 2025

Study Design:
This is a retrospective cohort study.

Objective:
To evaluate the combined modified percutaneous short-segment posterior instrumentation technique by reducing and fixating the thoracolumbar burst fracture and checking the efficacy of indirect spinal decompression using intraoperative CT. This study aims to (1) demonstrate that using modified percutaneous short-segment posterior instrumentation is enough to rebuild spinal stability and decompress the spinal stenosis for thoracolumbar burst fracture and (2) prove the effects of spinal canal decompression by intraoperative portable CT with the surgical technique.

Summary of Background Data:
Various posterior instrumentation methods have been used to treat thoracolumbar burst fractures and decompress retropulsed bony fragments through ligamentotaxis, but no studies have assessed the efficacy of combining percutaneous short-segment posterior instrumentation with intraoperative CT.

Methods:
Using modified percutaneous short-segment posterior instrumentation to rebuild the spinal stability and ligamentotaxis effect to indirect decompression of the spinal stenosis without laminectomy and check parameters immediately after surgery by real-time intraoperative portable CT.

Results:
Fifty-seven patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures underwent modified percutaneous short-segment posterior instrumentation from 2018 to 2023 at a single medical center. Mean injured vertebral canal dimension increased from 90.8±26.3 to 122.1±30.3 mm2 (P<0.05) and mean canal encroachment index decreased from 44.8±9.5% to 25.6±4.8% (P<0.05), the anterior body height increased from 13.9±3.8 to 25.9±3.9 mm (P<0.01) and kyphotic angle decreased from 27.3±3.2 to 8.6±2.1 degrees (P<0.01). Neurological function was improved by at least 1 Frankel grade in neurological deficit patients. No significant difference in kyphotic angle between post-op and 6-month follow-up.

Conclusions:
Indirect decompression of the spinal canal with modified percutaneous short-segment fixation without laminectomy was an effective treatment for thoracolumbar burst fracture, even in selected incomplete neurological deficits patients.
Vonoprazan-based quadruple therapy is non-inferior to esomeprazole-based quadruple therapy for Helicobacter pylori eradication: A multicenter, double-blind, randomized, phase 3 study
Authors: Song Zhiqiang , Du Qin , Zhang Guoxin , Zhang Zhenyu , Liu Fei , Lu Nonghua , Gu Liqun , Kuroda Shingo , Zhou Liya 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background:
Owing to the high prevalence of antibiotic resistance in Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) in China, bismuth-containing quadruple therapies have been recommended for H. pylori eradication. This study compared the efficacy and safety of quadruple regimens containing vonoprazan vs. esomeprazole for H. pylori eradication in a patient population in China.

Methods:
This was a phase 3, multicenter, randomized, double-blind study. Patients with confirmed H. pylori infection were randomized 1:1 to receive quadruple therapy for 14 days: amoxicillin 1000 mg and clarithromycin 500 mg after meals, bismuth potassium citrate 600 mg before meals, plus either vonoprazan 20 mg or esomeprazole 20 mg before meals, all twice daily. The primary outcome was the eradication rate of H. pylori, evaluated using a 13C urea breath test at 4 weeks after treatment. The non-inferiority margin was at 10%.

Results:
The study included 510 patients, 506 of whom completed the follow-up assessment. The primary analysis revealed eradication rates of 86.8% (210/242) and 86.7% (208/240) for vonoprazan and esomeprazole therapy, respectively (treatment difference: 0.1%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: −5.95, 6.17; non-inferiority P = 0.0009). Per-protocol analysis showed eradication rates of 87.4% for vonoprazan and 86.3% for esomeprazole (treatment difference: 1.2%; 95% CI: −5.03, 7.36; non-inferiority P = 0.0004). Vonoprazan and esomeprazole were well tolerated, with similar safety profiles.

Conclusion:
Vonoprazan was found to be well-tolerated and non-inferior to esomeprazole for eradicating H. pylori in patients from China.

Trial registration:

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04198363.
Free Vastus Lateralis Functional Muscle Transfer: An Approach to Facial Reanimation and Reconstruction in Radical Parotidectomy
Authors: Econ Michaelsam E. , Umezawa Hiroki , Mitsuwa Hideyuki , Bayir Sahin Atakan , Cho Hoyu , Kubo Genshiro , Ogawa Rei 
Published: February 2025

Background:
Our report focuses on a new method for reanimating the facial nerve and reconstructing soft tissue after radical parotidectomy due to malignant parotid tumor infiltration. We found that using the free vastus lateralis functional muscle transfer (FVL-FMT) can be effective.

Methods:
FVL-FMT is an immediate single-stage reconstruction technique. It uses 2 branches of the vastus lateralis motor nerve—the descending (type 1) and oblique (type 2) branches—to supply the transferred free functional muscle. The descending branch also acts as a vascularized nerve graft that reconnects the facial nerve and its branches. It was used in a review of patients with stage IVA parotid cancer who underwent radical parotidectomy, with facial function assessed using modified House–Brackmann and Yanagihara facial nerve grading scales.

Results:
Seven patients underwent facial nerve reconstruction, 6 with type 1 and 1 with type 2 FVL-FMT. Three patients regained normal ocular function, whereas 4 achieved moderate dysfunction for the lower midface. The modified House–Brackmann scores were III (n = 3, 42.9%), IV (n = 2, 28.6%), and V (n = 2, 28.6%), whereas the Yanagihara system scores ranged from 4 to 30. All patients had minimal synkinesis, and 6 (86%) achieved acceptable symmetrical resting tone. All flaps survived, and ocular complications and feeding problems were absent.

Conclusions:
Immediate facial nerve reconstruction can improve the quality of life for patients with facial palsy after surgery. The vastus lateralis functional muscle transfer is a reliable method that restores function and appearance in facial nerve defects.
LIVE-SMART: A sequential, multiple assignment randomized trial to reduce falls in cirrhosis
Authors: Tapper Elliot B. , Nikirk Samantha , Evon Donna M. , Asrani Sumeet , Bloom Patricia , Hynes James W. , Alber J. Mark , Gill Anna , Mehta Shivang , Weinberg Ethan , Alexander Neil B. , Althuis Katie , Hoelscher Alise , Zhao Lili , Chen Xi , Burdzy Alex , Serper Marina 
Published: February 2025

Introduction:
Falls are a major threat to the well-being of patients with cirrhosis. We are performing a clinical trial to determine whether lactulose, TeleTai-Chi, or their combination will reduce falls in HE and improve health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among patients with cirrhosis.

Methods and Analysis:
Patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension without HE will be enrolled in 3 US states and followed participants for 24 weeks. In stage 1 (12 wk), participants will be randomized to receive either lactulose therapy or enhanced usual care. In stage 2 (12 wk), participants will be randomized to either TeleTai-Chi or usual care. The primary outcome is a hierarchical composite: Injurious falls, noninjurious falls, incident HE, and death/transplantation. Secondary outcomes include cognitive function, days-alive and out-of-hospital, and HRQOL. After completion of the interventions, participants will be followed for 48 weeks for health and financial outcomes.

Ethics and Dissemination:
Our study has a central institutional review board with individual site IRB review. Dissemination includes the publication of study findings and patient-focused educational webinars.
Liver involvement in a large cohort of patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria or X-linked protoporphyria
Authors: Levy Cynthia , Naik Hetanshi , Overbey Jessica , Hedstrom Karli , Wang Kelly , McDonough Catherine , Freeman Mary , Keel Siobán B. , Erwin Angelika L. , Dickey Amy K. , Leaf Rebecca K. , Quigley John , Mazepa Marshall , Wang Bruce , Phillips John , Parker Charles , McGuire Brendan , Kazamel Mohamed , Bonkovsky Herbert , Rudnick Sean , Anderson Karl E. , Moghe Akshata , Thapar Manish , Saberi Behnam , Wheeden Kristen , Desnick Robert , Balwani Manisha ,   on behalf of the Porphyrias Consortium of the Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network
Published: February 2025

Background:
Erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) and X-linked protoporphyria (XLP) are characterized by the accumulation of protoporphyrin in the marrow, erythrocytes, plasma, skin, and liver, and present clinically with painful cutaneous phototoxicity. Liver abnormalities have been reported in over 25% of patients with EPP. Further characterization of liver involvement in protoporphyria is needed.

Methods:
Patients with EPP or XLP enrolled in the longitudinal studies of the NIH-supported Porphyrias Consortium were included. Medical history, laboratory, and liver histology data were abstracted and described.

Results:
A total of 322 patients were enrolled; 28 (8.7%) had XLP, 52% were female, and the median age at enrollment was 33.3 years. Liver chemistries were available for 235 patients, and 132 (56.2%) had abnormalities, mostly mild. Abnormal liver enzymes were associated with higher erythrocyte protoporphyrin levels. Eleven patients had advanced protoporphyric hepatopathy. In total, 54 (16.8%) underwent cholecystectomy, 8 (2.5%) had a liver transplant, 4 (1.2%) had a bone marrow transplant, and 8 (2.5%) died. At least 4 deaths were caused by liver failure due to protoporphyric hepatopathy, 2 were complications of bone marrow transplant, and 1 from HCC, which developed in a patient with EPP without cirrhosis. Patients with XLP were more likely to develop liver-related complications compared to EPP.

Conclusions:
Liver abnormalities are common in patients with EPP and XLP. In this national registry, only 3.4% had protoporphyric hepatopathy, with most requiring a transplant. Of the deaths, 62.5% were attributable to liver disease. Further observations are needed for guiding hepatic evaluation and management of patients with protoporphyria with or without initial hepatic abnormalities.