220861 research outputs found
Sort by
Conformal transformations of Cahen-Wallach spaces
No full textAbstract in English and French.We study conformal transformations of indecomposable Lorentzian symmetric spaces of non-constant sectional curvature, the so-called Cahen– Wallach spaces. When a Cahen–Wallach space is conformally curved, its conformal transformations are homotheties. Using this we show that a conformal transformation of a conformally curved Cahen–Wallach space is essential if and only if it has a fixed point. Then we explore the possibility of properly discontinuous groups of conformal transformations acting with a compact orbit space on a conformally curved Cahen–Wallach space. We show that any such group cannot centralise an essential homothety and that for Cahen–Wallach spaces of imaginary type, such a group must be contained within the isometries. = Nous étudions les transformations conformes d’espaces symétriques lorentziens indécomposables de courbure sectionnelle non constante, appelés espaces de Cahen–Wallach. Lorsqu’un espace de Cahen–Wallach n’est pas conformement plat, ses transformations conformes sont des homothéties. En utilisant cela, nous montrons qu’une transformation conforme d’un espace de Cahen–Wallach qui n’est pas conformement plat est essentielle si et seulement si il a un point fixe. Nous explorons ensuite la possibilité de groupes proprement discontinus de transformations conformes agissant avec un espace d’orbites compact sur un espace de Cahen–Wallach non conformement plat. Nous montrons qu’un tel groupe ne peut centraliser une homothétie essentielle et que pour les espaces de Cahen–Wallach de type imaginaire, un tel groupe doit être contenu dans les isométries.Thomas Leistner and Stuart Teisseir
Adenomas from individuals with pathogenic biallelic variants in the MUTYH and NTHL1 genes demonstrate base excision repair tumour mutational signature profiles similar to colorectal cancers, expanding potential diagnostic and variant classification applications
No full textAvailable online 9 January 2025Background: Colorectal cancers (CRCs) from people with biallelic germline likely pathogenic/pathogenic variants in MUTYH or NTHL1 exhibit specific single base substitution (SBS) mutational signatures, namely combined SBS18 and SBS36 (SBS18+SBS36), and SBS30, respectively. The aim was to determine if adenomas from biallelic cases demonstrated these mutational signatures at diagnostic levels. Methods: Whole-exome sequencing of FFPE tissue and matched blood-derived DNA was performed on 9 adenomas and 15 CRCs from 13 biallelic MUTYH cases, on 7 adenomas and 2 CRCs from 5 biallelic NTHL1 cases and on 27 adenomas and 26 CRCs from 46 non-hereditary (sporadic) participants. All samples were assessed for COSMIC v3.2 SBS mutational signatures. Results: In biallelic MUTYH cases, SBS18+SBS36 signature proportions in adenomas (mean±standard deviation, 65.6 %±29.6 %) were not significantly different to those observed in CRCs (76.2 % ± 20.5 %, p-value=0.37), but were significantly higher compared with non-hereditary adenomas (7.6 % ± 7.0 %, p-value=3.4 × 10–4). Similarly, in biallelic NTHL1 cases, SBS30 signature proportions in adenomas (74.5 %±9.4 %) were similar to those in CRCs (78.8 % ± 2.4 %) but significantly higher compared with non-hereditary adenomas (2.8 % ± 3.6 %, p-value=5.1 × 10–7). Additionally, a compound heterozygote with the c.1187G>A p.(Gly396Asp) pathogenic variant and the c.533G>C p.(Gly178Ala) variant of unknown significance (VUS) in MUTYH demonstrated high levels of SBS18+SBS36 in four adenomas and one CRC, providing evidence for reclassification of the VUS to pathogenic. Conclusions: SBS18+SBS36 and SBS30 were enriched in adenomas at comparable proportions to those observed in CRCs from biallelic MUTYH and biallelic NTHL1 cases, respectively. Therefore, testing adenomas may improve the identification of biallelic cases and facilitate variant classification, ultimately enabling opportunities for CRC prevention.Romy Walker, Jihoon E. Joo, Khalid Mahmood, Mark Clendenning, Julia Como, Susan G. Preston, Sharelle Joseland, Bernard J. Pope, Ana B.D. Medeiros, Brenely V. Murillo, Nicholas Pachter, Kevin Sweet, Allan D. Spigelman, Alexandra Groves, Margaret Gleeson, Krzysztof Bernatowicz, Nicola Poplawski, Lesley Andrews, Emma Healey, Steven Gallinger, Robert C. Grant, Aung K. Win, John L. Hopper, Mark A. Jenkins, Giovana T. Torrezan, Christophe Rosty, Finlay A. Macrae, Ingrid M. Winship, Daniel D. Buchanan, Peter Georgeso
Efficacy of planned root torque changes of instanding maxillary lateral incisors with the Invisalign appliance
No full textPublished online May 13, 2025Introduction: This study aimed to examine the efficacy of planned root torque changes of instanding maxillary lateral incisors (IMLIs) in patients treated with an initial series of Invisalign aligners (Align Technology, Santa Clara, Calif). Methods: Pretreatment digital models and digital models representing the planned and achieved treatment outcomes of adult patients prescribed an initial series of Invisalign aligners were measured using Geomagic Control X (version 2017.0.3; 3D systems, Rock Hill, NC). The type of orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) that was planned and achieved was assessed using the center of rotation as a reference point. Results: A sample of 65 patients with 95 IMLIs satisfied the inclusion criteria. The mean accuracy of the planned root torque change of the IMLIs was 78.9%. Palatal root torque was planned for most (82.1%) IMLIs. The accuracy of root torque expression differed according to whether planned changes were in a palatal or labial direction. Planned palatal torque changes showed a higher level of accuracy. Linear regression analysis indicated that age, sex, presence of an attachment, and type of attachment did not influence the accuracy of root torque expression (P .0.05), whereas planned anteroposterior movement of the IMLI crown did (P \0.01). The most frequently achieved OTM was uncontrolled tipping (54.7%). Conclusions: The achieved root torque in IMLIs with an initial series of Invisalign differed significantly from that planned. The amount of anteroposterior movement was significantly related to the efficacy in achieving the planned root torque. (Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 2025;-:---)Zahraa Albarki, Tony Weir, and Maurice J. Mead
Kidney Failure due to Diabetic Kidney Disease Among Australians Aged less than or equal to 45Years, 2000-2022: A Population-Based Geospatial Analysis
No full textAim: Evaluate the area-level incidence of kidney failure due to diabetes among Australians aged ≤ 45 years. Methods: Using Australian registry and census data (2000–2022), incidence rates and prevalence of kidney failure (defined as commencing kidney replacement therapy) due to diabetes among people aged ≤ 45 years were compared by geographical region. Results: Incidence (per 100 000/year, 95% confidence interval) of kidney failure due to diabetes among people aged ≤ 45 years in Australia was 0.72 (0.68–0.77) in 2000–2011, and 1.13 (1.07–1.18) in 2012–2022 (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 1.56, 1.50–1.62). Between 2012 and 2022, there were 48 regions where the crude incidence of kidney failure due to diabetes was more than double the national average, the highest being 49.8 cases per 100 000 per year. Between 2012 and 2022, all jurisdictions had similar age-sex- adjusted point estimates for kidney failure incidence (range 0.78–1.48) except for the Northern Territory (15.8, 13.9–17.8). The most significant characteristics associated with the rate of incident kidney failure were residence in remote areas (IRR 13.9, 13.1–14.8, ref. major cities), socioeconomic disadvantage (IRR 2.96, 2.75–3.19, ref. advantaged areas), and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ethnicity (IRR 24.2, 23.0–25.5). Between the eras, people born outside Australia had the largest increase in incident cases (IRR 2.47, 2.23–2.72) but had a lower overall incidence than those born in Australia (IRR 0.55, 0.52–0.59). Conclusion: In Australia, there was an increase in the incidence of kidney failure due to diabetes among people aged ≤ 45 years in the last two decades. There was a strong relationship between the risk of kidney failure and social determinants of health, including place of residence, socioeconomic status and Indigenous status.Robert J. Ellis, Christopher E. Davies, Dominic Keuskamp, Benjamin Lazarus, Stephen P. McDonal
Gamification Impact on Brand Strategies: A Systematic Review
No full textOnlinePublGamification has attracted the attention of researchers from information systems and digital marketing in recent years. As digital technologies increasingly shape immersive consumer engagement, gamification is emerging as a strategic mechanism for enhancing brand objectives by offering new ways to structure consumer experiences. Our study aims to synthesize the literature on the use of gamification technologies in brand strategy design. After conducting a systematic review of 140 articles, we identified three themes of gamification research in branding: ad elements, game features, and consumer factors. We further found that extant studies examine idiosyncratic aspects of gamification using a variety of analyses, highlighting the difficulties in comparing and transferring findings. Finally, we enrich the literature with a framework that provides a comprehensive perspective of the constructions of gamification’s impact on branding, and we identify opportunities for future research.Wenjie Li, Graciela Corral de Zubielqui, and Sally Rao Hil
Prevalence of metabolic syndrome among pregnant women: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
No full textPurpose: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of risk factors that increase the risk of cardiometabolic diseases. The prevalence of MetS and individual components across pregnancy has not been reviewed in the literature. This research was conducted to identify the prevalence of MetS and its components among pregnant women. Methods: The PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science and Scopus databases were searched. The review protocol is registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023460729). Quality assessment was performed using the JBI critical appraisal checklist. The study selection, data extraction and data analyses were performed in accordance with the MOOSE guidelines. Results: The prevalence of MetS among pregnant women was 16.3%, (n = 3946). The prevalences for individual MetS components were: low HDL, 12.3% (n = 1108); high fasting glucose, 16.2% (n = 2333); high triglycerides, 48.5% (n = 2880); obesity, 42.7% (n = 5162) and high blood pressure 37.7% (n = 828). According to the definitions used to diagnose MetS, the prevalences were 18.2% according to the World Health Organization, 15.0% according to the International Diabetes Federation and 17.2% according to the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III. When stratified by gestational age at assessment, the prevalence of MetS was 9.9% before 16 weeks’ and 24.1% after 20 weeks’ of gestation. Conclusion: This review demonstrates that MetS is detected in approximately one-fifth of pregnant women. Screening for MetS and its components during pregnancy may help identify young women at risk for future cardiovascular disease.A. Mohebi, MM Pathirana, A. Khoja, MR Wittwer, K. Lowe, D. Fisher, S. Kharwadkar, C. Gomes, T. Gamage, E. Toyer, S. Young, MA Arstall, PH Andraweer
Roping Prediction Versus Detection: Could Prediction Be Possible?
No full textRoping is a hydrocyclone failure mode that reduces separation efficiency, negatively impacting both the comminution circuit and downstream flotation processes. Therefore, detection of roping as early as possible is crucial in maintaining the normal performance of physical separation and linked processes. Most importantly, instead of detecting roping after it happens, could roping be predicted even before it arises? This review examines various detection methods, including mechanical, tomography, vibration, acoustic, and image processing, highlighting their cost and ability to monitor parameters like air core size, spray angle, and solid concentration. While most current methods detect roping only after it happens, predictive approaches could save time and costs. A promising solution combines pressure and vibration sensing with advanced signal processing, showing early potential to transform roping prediction and improve operational efficiency. This review highlights research gaps across various methods, underscores the importance of developing predictive capabilities for hydrocyclone operations, and outlines the essential conditions and future priorities for achieving roping prediction.Lin Yang, Lei Chen, Difan Tang, Massimiliano Zanin, Chris Aldrich, Richmond Asamoa
Leading the way: the contribution of Aboriginal community controlled health organisations to community health in Australia
No full textBackground. The Aboriginal community controlled health sector has been a leader in community health in Australia. We sought to understand the influence this sector has had on the non-Indigenous community health movement in Australia since the 1970s. Methods. We interviewed 87 key informants on the history of community health in Australia, including policy makers, researchers, medical doctors, allied health, social workers, nurses and politicians. Five were Aboriginal, and 11 had particular experience in Aboriginal community health. A team approach was taken to qualitative analysis using a codebook. We interrogated data to seek evidence for the influence of Aboriginal community health on non-Indigenous community health, and the relationship between the two sectors. This was complemented by construction of a policy timeline. Results. Aboriginal community health services were regarded as best practice community health, and informed and influenced practice in non-Indigenous community health services. Non-Indigenous community health was sometimes more of a competitor than an ally. The respect for the Aboriginal community health sector, particularly community controlled, was seen to have grown over time, acknowledging the strengths of the model. Although establishing Aboriginal community health services was a struggle, the resulting model has better resisted managerialist control compared with non-Indigenous community health. Conclusions. The Aboriginal health sector developed a vision and practice of community health that went on to inform generalist non-Indigenous community health sector in Australia. The sector continues to remain strong today as an example model of community health that is relevant to all Australians.Tamara Mackean, Toby Freeman, Connie Musolino, Denise Fry, Colin MacDougall, Virginia Lewis and Fran Bau
A framework phylogeny of the diverse guinea-flowers (Hibbertia, Dilleniaceae) using high-throughput sequence data
No full textHibbertia is the largest genus in Dilleniaceae and one of the largest Australian plant genera, with ~350 current and more than 100 known undescribed species in Australia. We present the first published phylogeny based on rigorous sampling of Hibbertia. As part of Genomics for Australian Plants Stage II, 95 Hibbertia species were newly sequenced using Angiosperm353, OzBaits nuclear and OzBaits plastid bait sets, resulting in 402 nuclear and 79 plastid loci that were subsampled to retain the most phylogenetically useful 300 and 60 loci respectively. Nuclear and plastid phylogenies were reconstructed using concatenation and coalescent approaches, and further analysed using Quartet Sampling. We found that Hibbertia and the four subgenera within the genus are robustly supported as monophyletic and recovered 14 major clades, supported in both datasets, within the two largest subgenera (subg. Hemistemma and subg. Hibbertia). However, many relationships between these major clades are unresolved and discordant. Some incongruence was also detected between the plastid and nuclear trees. Discordance was particularly high in the largest eastern Australian clade of subg. Hemistemma. Possible causes of this discordance, and relationships between and within these major clades, are discussed.Timothy A. Hammer, Ed Biffin, Kor-jent van Dijk, Kevin R. Thiele and Michelle Waycot
Neon Canvas - A Multi-User Interactive Art Installation on Large Scale LED (Light Emitting Diode) Wall Displays
No full textSteven Cook, Ethan Schoemaker, Matthew Hall, and Tristan Castl