bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cracking the code: the effects of codes of conduct and decision frames on supplier selection in financially distressed firms
Authors: Durach Christian F. , Parkinson Mary , Wiengarten Frank , Pagell Mark
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Firms are increasingly required to make ethical choices when selecting suppliers for their supply chains, and the decisions often rest on individual purchasing managers within the firm. This study builds on the literature on ethical decision-making and the concept of decision frames to investigate the decision-making process of purchasing managers in financially distressed firms. Codes of Conduct (CoC) and how they are enforced (financial rewards and codified procedures for oversight) are studied in terms of their effectiveness in informing and guiding purchasing managers in their supplier selection decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

Four sequential experiments were conducted with a total of 648 purchasing managers from manufacturing firms.

Findings

The results indicate that purchasing managers in firms facing financial distress are more than four times more likely than purchasing managers in the control groups to select the less ethical supplier in favor of better operational performance. As a potential remedy, it is found that enforcing the firm's CoC help to counteract this tendency and increase ethical supplier selection decisions by 2.1- to 2.6-fold. However, CoC enforcement that invokes multiple conflicting decision frames simultaneously is more likely to impair than promote ethical supplier selection decisions, compared to situations where only one enforcement method is present.

Originality/value

These findings develop an improved understanding of purchasers' decision-making processes and shed light on how to effectively use CoCs to guide these decisions.
Whose voice is heard? The complexities of power when conducting research with children using visual and arts-informed methods
Authors: Robb Anna
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This article examines the power relationships between researcher and participants, children and adults, drawing on the theories of transgressions and resistance in power, during a research project concerning children's experiences of the visual arts.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were gathered conducted in two Scottish primary schools by employing visual and arts-based methods, and the article discusses the role they played in revealing acts of power between participants as well as providing insight of a child's world.

Findings

The article concludes by emphasising how these methods revealed a network of power acts which supported children to transgress, resist and reveal their world to the adult.

Research limitations/implications

The role of reflexion on the part of the researcher is key when undertaking research adopting participatory methods such as visual methods.

Originality/value

The article contributes to the ongoing discussions concerning visual methods research and their use in participatory research, and illustrates the complexities of power in this field.
Increased distance or time from a major trauma centre in South Australia is not associated with worse outcomes after moderate to severe traumatic brain injury
Authors: Evenden James , Harris Daniel , Wells Adam J , Toson Barbara , Ellis Daniel Y , Lambert Paul F
Published: July 2023

Objective

Considerations in traumatic brain injury (TBI) management include time to critical interventions and neurosurgical care, which can be influenced by the geographical location of injury. In Australia, these distances can be vast with varying degrees of first‐responder experience. The present study aimed to evaluate the association that distance and/or time to a major trauma centre (MTC) had on patient outcomes with moderate to severe TBI.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from the Royal Adelaide Hospital's (RAH) Trauma Registry over a 3‐year period (1 January 2018 to 31 December 2020). All patients with a moderate to severe TBI (Glasgow Coma Scale [GCS] ≤13 and abbreviated injury score head of ≥2) were included. The association of distance and time to the RAH and patient outcomes were compared by calculating the odds ratio utilising a logistic regression model.

Results

A total of 378 patients were identified; of these, 226 met inclusion criteria and comprised our study cohort. Most patients were male (79%), injured in a major city (55%), with median age of 38 years old and median injury severity score (ISS) of 25. After controlling for age, ISS, ED GCS on arrival and pre‐MTC intubation, increasing distance or time from injury site to the RAH was not shown to be associated with mortality or discharge destination in any of the models investigated.

Conclusion

Our analysis revealed that increasing distance or time from injury site to a MTC for patients with moderate to severe TBI was not significantly associated with adverse patient outcomes.
Psychosis in acute methamphetamine intoxication is usually self‐limiting and can be managed in the emergency department: A retrospective series
Authors: Humphreys Michael , Martin Christopher , Theodoros Theo , Andronis Dean , Isoardi Katherine
Published: July 2023

Objectives

There is little recent published data characterising acute psychosis associated with methamphetamine intoxication. We aim to describe the clinical features of psychosis, management of acute behavioural disturbance and disposition of patients with psychosis associated with acute methamphetamine intoxication.

Methods

This is a retrospective review of patients presenting with acute (use within 24 h) methamphetamine intoxication, with features of psychosis (presence of delusions, hallucinations or formal thought disorder), to an ED over 4 months in 2020. All presentations were extracted from a toxicology unit database and each medical record reviewed. Demographics, past mental health diagnoses, clinical features and disposition were extracted.

Results

There were 287 presentations of methamphetamine intoxication over the period. Of these 287 presentations, 205 (71%) had features of acute psychosis, occurring in 171 patients (111 males [65%], median age 36, range 16–57 years). Paranoid delusion occurred in 134 of 205 (65%) presentations and was the most common feature of psychosis. Chemical sedation was given to 194 (95%), with 143 (70%) receiving parenteral sedation to manage acute behavioural disturbance. Complete resolution of psychotic symptoms occurred in 170 of 205 (83%) of exposures. There were 9 of 205 (4%) presentations that resulted in a mental health admission. Most presentations – 200 of 205 (98%) – were managed within the ED, primarily the short‐stay unit. The median length of stay was 15 h (interquartile range 11–20 h).

Conclusions

In this series of patients presenting to ED with acute methamphetamine intoxication, psychosis appeared to occur commonly and was mostly short‐lived, resolving within 24 h in the majority of patients.
Can I live with you after I retire? Retirement, old age support and internal migration in a developing country
Authors: Chen Simiao , Jin Zhangfeng , Prettner Klaus
Published: July 2023

This study provides causal evidence on the impact of retirement on internal migration in a developing country. Using a fuzzy regression discontinuity design, combined with a nationally representative sample of 228,855 older Chinese adults, we find that retirement leads to an increase in the probability of being a migrant by 12.9 percentage points (an 80% increase in migration). Approximately 38% of the total migration effects can be attributed to intertemporal shifts. The impact is more pronounced for the lower‐educated, those who have restricted access to health insurance and pension and those who come from origins with high accommodation costs. Relying on old age support from adult children in migration is a likely mechanism. Lifting migration restrictions and improving government‐provided benefits for retirees could be helpful to cope with population aging in a developing country.
Narrative Matters: Hidden LIVE – Adam's story – a mental health theatre production as an example of participatory principles and practices
Authors: Grundy Andrew C. , Hine Paul , McAvoy Aneela , Lovell Karina
Published: July 2023

This article presents the co‐production principles underpinning the co‐creation of a multimedia theatre production on young people's mental health.
Infant Phonetic Learning as Perceptual Space Learning: A Crosslinguistic Evaluation of Computational Models
Authors: Matusevych Yevgen , Schatz Thomas , Kamper Herman , Feldman Naomi H. , Goldwater Sharon
Published: July 2023

In the first year of life, infants' speech perception becomes attuned to the sounds of their native language. This process of early phonetic learning has traditionally been framed as phonetic category acquisition. However, recent studies have hypothesized that the attunement may instead reflect a perceptual space learning process that does not involve categories. In this article, we explore the idea of perceptual space learning by implementing five different perceptual space learning models and testing them on three phonetic contrasts that have been tested in the infant speech perception literature. We reproduce and extend previous results showing that a perceptual space learning model that uses only distributional information about the acoustics of short time slices of speech can account for at least some crosslinguistic differences in infant perception. Moreover, we find that a second perceptual space learning model, which benefits from word‐level guidance. performs equally well in capturing crosslinguistic differences in infant speech perception. These results provide support for the general idea of perceptual space learning as a theory of early phonetic learning but suggest that more fine‐grained data are needed to distinguish between different formal accounts. Finally, we provide testable empirical predictions of the two most promising models and show that these are not identical, making it possible to independently evaluate each model in experiments with infants in future research.
Four steps to strengthen connectivity modeling
Authors: Riordan‐Short Eamon , Pither Richard , Pither Jason
Published: July 2023

Maintaining and restoring ecological connectivity is considered a global imperative to help reverse the decline of biodiversity. To be successful, practitioners need to be guided by connectivity modeling research that is rigorous and reliable for the task at hand. However, the methods and workflows within this rapidly growing field are diverse and few have been carefully scrutinized. We propose four steps that should be consistently undertaken in connectivity modeling studies in order to improve rigour and utility: 1) describe the type of connectivity being modeled, 2) assess the uncertainty and sensitivity of model parameters, 3) validate the model outputs, ideally with independent data and 4) make non‐sensitive raw data and code openly available to enhance computational reproducibility. We reviewed the literature to determine the extent to which studies included these four steps. We focused on studies that generated novel landscape connectivity outputs using circuit theory and restricted our assessment to studies concerning terrestrial mammals. Among 181 studies meeting our search criteria, 39% communicated the type of connectivity being modeled, 18% conducted some form of sensitivity or uncertainty analysis (or both), 18% of studies attempted to validate their connectivity model outputs and only 7% used fully independent data to do so. Lastly, 13% of the studies made all raw data available, 2% provided all required code and only two studies provided both. Our findings highlight a clear need and opportunity to improve the reliability, reproducibility and utility of connectivity modeling research. We provide a checklist that researchers can consult and include with outputs. This will help practitioners make more informed decisions and ensure limited resources for connectivity conservation and restoration are allocated appropriately.
Influence of conditioning regimen intensity on outcomes post‐allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation for acute myeloid leukemia in complete morphological remission
Authors: Alfaro Moya Tommy , Mattsson Jonas , Remberger Mats , Lipton Jeffrey H. , Kim Dennis D. , Viswabandya Auro , Kumar Rajat , Lam Wilson , Law Arjun D. , Gerbitz Armin , Pasic Ivan , Novitzky‐Basso Igor , Michelis Fotios V.
Published: July 2023

Introduction

The literature comparing outcomes between myeloablative (MAC) and reduced intensity conditioning (RIC) for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is conflicting.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 451 patients who underwent allogenic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT) for AML in complete remission (CR) with either RIC (n = 331) or MAC (n = 120) with the use of dual T‐cell depletion as graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis.

Results

Univariate analysis demonstrated nonrelapse mortality (NRM) at 2 years was 19.1% for MAC and 22.5% for RIC (p = .44). Two‐year cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR) was 19.8% for MAC and 24.5% for RIC (p = .15). Two‐year overall survival (OS) was 61% and 53% for MAC and RIC, respectively (p = .02). Two‐year graft‐versus‐host disease relapse‐free survival (GRFS) was 40.8% for MAC and 33.7% for RIC (p = .30).

A propensity score‐matched analysis was done matching patients for age, HLA match, in vivo T‐cell depletion, and Disease Risk Index (DRI). Two‐year OS was 67% for MAC, 66% for RIC (p = .95). A subgroup analysis identified that matched related donor transplants benefit from MAC with OS at 2 years 82.6% versus 57.3% for RIC (p = .006).

Conclusions

In the matched‐related donor setting, MAC regimens may offer superior survival. Overall, for our cohort of predominantly in vivo T‐cell depleted patients the outcomes of MAC and RIC were similar.
High‐performance KNN piezoceramics with reproducibility and chemical stability. Part I: Solid‐state reaction route
Authors: Vaschalde Lucile , Víllora Encarnación G. , Shimamura Kiyoshi
Published: July 2023

(K,Na)NbO3‐based compounds are attracting much attention for their high potential as Pb‐free piezoelectric ceramics. They have, however, three major drawbacks to overcome in order to achieve a mature development: densification, reproducibility, and chemical stability. In this first part, based on standard solid‐state reaction, the way to synthesize high‐density homogeneous ceramics with high piezoelectric performance and chemical stability is elucidated. It relies on a low‐temperature spark‐plasma sintering process, after the raw materials have been finely pulverized prior to reaction. The reproducibility, however, remains a pending issue due to the unavoidable random formation of parasitic phases.
Synergistic strengthening of aluminum with SiC by grain refinement and dispersion hardening
Authors: Nayak Kanhu C. , Han Juyeon , Park Suwon , Joo Miran , Lee Kon‐Bae , Bae Donghyun , Choi Hyunjoo
Published: July 2023

This study investigates the synergistic effect of SiCp on grain refinement and dispersion hardening in Al matrix composites produced by ball milling followed by hot rolling. Al grains are effectively refined by generating significant dislocations and subsequent dynamic recrystallization during milling. The presence of SiCp stimulates the grain refinement process by more effectively reducing the grain size to ∼40 nm. Furthermore, an increase in the milling speed and duration reduces the grain size and improves the dispersion of SiCp, thereby enhancing the yield strength without any significant loss of ductility. Consequently, SiCp/Al composites exhibit a tensile strength of 430.27 MPa with more than 4% of elongation before failure, indicating a strength enhancement of ∼325% compared to the unmilled pure Al counterpart.
Dietary wheat gluten induces astro‐ and microgliosis in the hypothalamus of male mice
Authors: Rizwan Mohammed Z. , Kerbus Romy , Kamstra Kaj , Keerthisinghe Pramuk , Tups Alexander
Published: July 2023

Gluten, which is found in cereals such as wheat, rye and barley, makes up a major dietary component in most western nations, and has been shown to promote body mass gain and peripheral inflammation in mice. In the current study, we investigated the impact of gluten on central inflammation that is typically associated with diet‐induced obesity. While we found no effect of gluten when added to a low‐fat diet (LFD), male mice fed high fat diet (HFD) enriched with gluten increased body mass and adiposity compared with mice fed HFD without gluten. We furthermore found that gluten, when added to the LFD, increases circulating C‐reactive protein levels. Gluten regardless of whether it was added to LFD or HFD led to a profound increase in the number of microglia and astrocytes in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus, as detected by immunohistochemistry for ionised calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba‐1) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), respectively. In mice fed LFD, gluten mimicked the immunogenic effects of HFD exposure and when added to HFD led to a further increase in the number of immunoreactive cells. Taken together, our results confirm a moderate obesogenic effect of gluten when fed to mice exposed to HFD and for the first‐time report gluten‐induced astro‐ and microgliosis suggesting the development of hypothalamic injury in rodents.
Posterior Olecranon Fracture Dislocations in Adults: A Systematic Review
Authors: Xiong Jie , Yang Jiyong , Luo Lian , Gong Maoqi
Published: July 2023

Posterior olecranon fracture dislocations (POFDs) were considered posterior Monteggia lesions, which were less described in the literature. The purpose of this study was to provide a systematic review of the diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, and complications of POFDs in adults. A systematic review was performed to identify all relevant studies on the POFDs in the PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and MEDLINE databases. The methodological quality of the studies was scored using the Methodological Index for Non‐Randomized Studies (MINORS). A total of 117 patients were identified in the nine studies selected. The high‐energy injuries accounted for 42.7% of the included studies. The rates of concomitant coronoid process, radial head fractures, and lateral collateral ligament injury were 84.6% (99/117), 87.2% (102/117), and 5% (6/117), respectively. The procedure was performed with a dorsal mid longitudinal approach to reconstruct all injury components. The postoperative clinical scores included the Broberg/Morrey rating, with a mean rating of excellent or good at 66%, the mean DASH score was 20.6, and the mean ASES score was 83. The flexion and extension arc and forearm rotation arcs were 100° and 134°, respectively. Complications included arthrosis in 28.2% (33/117) of cases, fracture nonunion or delayed union in 9.4% (11/117) of cases, heterotopic ossification in 7% (8/117) of cases, and the re‐operation rate was 16% (19/117). There was nearly no postoperative ulnohumeral instability. The main characteristics of POFDs were disruptions of the trochlear notch, including the olecranon and coronoid processes, and severe radial head fractures, while the lateral collateral ligament was spared. Although the POFDs had a low frequency of instability, the prognosis was relatively poor. The POFDs should be considered independently.
Cardiac electronic implantable devices: A call for a new coding system
Authors: Pereferrer Damià , Villuendas Roger , Bazan Victor , Sarrias Axel , Bisbal Felipe , Aranyo Júlia , Bayes‐Genís Antoni
Published: July 2023

Over the last decades, cardiac electronic implantable devices (CEID) have incorporated a myriad of technological capabilities that are not conveniently inferred by using the conventional ICHD and NBG coding systems. We propose a new coding system (i.e., the C‐ARL‐A coding system) aimed at overcoming this important limitation.
Alternatives to transvenous lead placement in a patient undergoing surgical tricuspid valve repair
Authors: Zhu Angela , Rubinstein Matanyahu , Leet Angeline , Doi Atsuo , Patel Hitesh C
Published: July 2023

Tricuspid regurgitation is a widely recognised phenomenon in patients with transvenous cardiac rhythm management (CRM) devices. If tricuspid valve repair or replacement is to be considered, what to do with the existing CRM system requires scrutiny with multidisciplinary input. We present a case of multifactorial tricuspid regurgitation in a 48‐year‐old female with giant cell myocarditis and a transvenous implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD). Key considerations in management and alternative CRM options are discussed.
Energy-Efficient Tristable Soft Gripper Using Shape Memory Alloy Wires for Gripping Convex and Concave Objects
Authors: Jo Seon Mi , Yoon Hae-Sung
Published: July 2023

Bistable structures have been widely utilized in soft grippers to reduce the energy required for maintaining grip. Grippers have been investigated in terms of the energy efficiency and accuracy of gripping; however, the limited number of gripping states hinders the holding of objects of various shapes. In this study, an energy-efficient gripper was developed to accommodate both convex and concave shapes using a tristable structure that combines two bistable structures, with shape memory alloy wires used as actuators. Different gripping modes were designed for convex and concave shapes, based on three states of the gripper: gripping, open, and holding. The gripper consisted of a driving part with a leaf spring for a “linear snap action” and a soft finger part with an elastic ring and prestressed fingers. Geometric variables were adjusted to construct a tristable energy curve through experiments and analyses. The fabricated gripper weighed about 140 g and was capable of gripping convex objects of up to 80 g, and concave objects of about 120 g. Only a small amount of energy was consumed in the switching states, and the gripper maintained a stable state while gripping with no energy consumption. It is expected that this research will contribute to lightweight and energy-efficient grippers for application to drones, for example.
A Screening Method for Retired Lithium-Ion Batteries Based on Support Vector Machine With a Multi-Class Kernel Function
Authors: Qiang Hao , Liu Yuanlin , Zhang Wanjie
Published: July 2023

With the retirement of a large number of lithium-ion batteries from electric vehicles, their reuse has received increasing attention. However, a retired battery pack is not suitable for direct reuse due to the poor consistency of in-pack batteries. This paper proposes a method of retired lithium-ion battery screening based on support vector machine (SVM) with a multi-class kernel function. First, ten new NCR18650B batteries were used to carry out the aging experiments for collecting the main parameters, such as capacity, voltage, and direct current resistance. Second, an SVM based on a multi-class kernel function was proposed to screen retired batteries. To improve the screening efficiency, a capacity/voltage second-order conductance curve was adopted to extract their capacity features quickly, and four new feature points were selected as the input of the SVM to classify retired batteries. Finally, the retired batteries are accurately divided into four classes by the trained model, and the classification accuracy can reach 97.0%. Compared with the traditional method, the feature extraction time can be reduced by four-fifths, and the screening efficiency is greatly improved.
Back Matter
Authors: Matthews Clifford
Published: July 2023

This back matter contains the Postscript: From Exam Candidates Themselves, List of Acronyms and Index.
API RP 571: Damage Mechanisms
Authors: Matthews Clifford
Published: July 2023

API RP 571: Damage Mechanisms Affecting Fixed Equipment in the Refining Industry appears in all three ICP BoKs. It developed from old IRE (Inspection of Refinery Equipment) documents and has swelled in technical detail with each new edition. The 2020 edition now describes 67 DMs over 370+ pages and so contains huge amounts of technical detail.
ASME IX Welding Qualifications
Authors: Matthews Clifford
Published: July 2023

All three ICPs contain the welding requirements of ASME IX in their BoK and the use of ASME IX is specified in the core API codes. For example, API 510 requires repair organizations to use welders and welding procedures qualified to ASME IX and maintain records of the welding procedures and welder qualifications.
API 510 Section 7: Inspection Data Evaluation, Analysis and Recording
Authors: Matthews Clifford
Published: July 2023

This is a major source of API 510 exam questions. It brings together key concepts surrounding corrosion rate, remaining life, evaluation methods and FFS of corroded components. Note the breakdown of Section 7 below (see also Figure 24.1).
Introduction to API 653
Authors: Matthews Clifford
Published: July 2023

The API 653 ICP differs in a few ways from its partner ICPs API 510 and 570. Although the purpose, structure and general format of the ICP are the same, there are some differences.
API RP 652: Tank Bottom Linings
Authors: Matthews Clifford
Published: July 2023

All of this short (30-page) document is included in the API 653 BoK. It covers internal lining of tank bottoms to protect against product-side corrosion. Lining is commonplace in both new and existing tanks and there are numerous different types described by manufacturer’s specification data sheets (MSDS), all of which have different advantages and limitations. Problems with linings are commonplace on tanks – mainly related to the integrity and adhesion – particularly over alreadydegraded areas or repairs. It’s therefore a common area of involvement for API 653 tank inspectors so exam questions centre on the problems of lining integrity. Similar to RP 651, closed-book questions are straightforward but open-book ones are trickier, sourced from specific points stated in the RP 652 text. There are a few awkward areas, about the merits of thin- versus thick-film linings. Watch out also for multiple references to other published codes such as National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE), Society of Protective Coatings (SSPC) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) (for openbook questions).
Source Material: API and ASME Codes
Authors: Matthews Clifford
Published: July 2023

All ICP examinations are based on the content of published codes and documents. For 510/570/653 these are limited to API codes, API RPs and ASME codes.
Front Matter
Authors: Matthews Clifford
Published: July 2023

This frontmatter contains the Contents, Acknowledgements, Preface. It is available for access by clicking on the PDF icon below.

eBook keywords: API 510, API 570, API 653, API Bodies of Knowledge, ICP exam, API codes, welding inspection, welding processes, NDE requirements, ASME IX, inspection pipe flanges, process piping.
Subepidermal calcified nodule (nodular calcinosis of Winer)
Authors: Choudhary Sanjiv , Srivastava Ankita , Pattebahadur Rajesh , Choudhary Rijavi
Published: July 2023

Subepidermal calcified nodule (SCN) is a clinical form of idiopathic calcinosis cutis, which commonly affects children, and presents as yellowish-white lesions involving the face. It is often misdiagnosed for other disorders like warts and molluscum contagiosum and treated by ablative procedures. In such a scenario, lack of histopathological examination makes it difficult to reach the correct diagnosis. We here report a case of SCN which was diagnosed after an excisional biopsy. Further, histopathological finding of dermal calcium deposits must prompt the clinician to rule out other disorders leading to calcinosis cutis, before labelling the case as SCN.
Mercury spectrum lamp property analysis and parameter optimization
Authors: Shao Huili , Xie Yonghui , Liang Yue , Xu Haotian , Zhao Yang
Published: July 2023

Mercury spectrum lamp is an important part of Mercury Atomic Frequency Standard (MAFS), which is used for light pumping and state detection. It may limit the stability and the signal-to-noise ratio performance in MAFS. In this work, we experimentally demonstrate mercury spectrum lamp can work under an optimum mode by controlling the cold end temperature of the lamp. It is found the maximum radiation intensity at 194[Formula: see text]nm and the minimal 254[Formula: see text]nm/194[Formula: see text]nm ratio can be achieved simultaneously at about 55∘C. The minimal 254[Formula: see text]nm/194[Formula: see text]nm is about 24, which is an order of magnitude lower than the case in common. Meanwhile, the effect of RF excitation power on 254[Formula: see text]nm/194[Formula: see text]nm ratio and the self-absorption phenomenon of 254[Formula: see text]nm are also investigated. The result demonstrates RF excitation power has a stronger influence on the light intensity of 194[Formula: see text]nm than on that of 254[Formula: see text]nm. These experimental results could shed light on later fluorescence detection experiment in MAFS and other lamp-based applications.
Analyzing the physical behavior of optical fiber pulses using solitary wave solutions of the perturbed Chen–Lee–Liu equation
Authors: Khater Mostafa M. A.
Published: July 2023

This research paper investigates the behavior of optical fiber pulses by studying the solitary wave solutions of the perturbed Chen–Lee–Liu (CLL) equation. The perturbed CLL equation is derived from the perturbed Schrödinger equation. Two analytical approaches for obtaining the innovative soliton-wave solutions are presented in this paper, and their reliability is examined by using a well-established numerical method. The accuracy of pulse wave analysis in an optical cable is demonstrated through a series of graphical representations. Our study introduces scientific novelty, as evidenced by the comparative analysis of our data with those of previous research papers. This research contributes to enhancing the understanding of the kinetics and physical behavior of pulses in optical fibers, which holds implications for the advancement of optical communication technologies.
Monocrystalline Silicon PERC Solar Cell with Rear-Side AlOx Film Formed by Furnace Oxidation
Authors: Hsu Ching-Hui , Lao Da-Yao , Wang Likarn
Published: July 2023

In this study, AlOx passivation layers on the rear sides of silicon PERC solar cells are formed by thermally oxidizing 3 nm-thick aluminum films deposited in advance by an e-gun evaporator. The oxidation process is conducted in a furnace full of oxygen at 400°C for a duration of 10 minutes, followed by annealing for a duration of 3 minutes at 700°C, and then the stacking of SiNx films on the back surfaces. After that, a second annealing process is done at 400°C for a duration of 10 minutes to repair the defects resulting from the bombardment of ions on the passivation layer. With the thermal oxidation method applied, we confirmed the existence of an AlOx passivation layer with a negative charge density of

−
3.21
×

10

12

 cm-2 for an annealed sample, in contrast to

−
6.17
×

10

11

 cm-2 for an unannealed sample.
Lung Cancer Cells Infiltration into a Mandibular Follicular Cyst
Authors: Marelli Stefano , Ghizzoni Martina , Pellegrini Matteo , Scribante Andrea , D’Ambrosio Gioacchino , Sfondrini Domenico
Published: July 2023

Introduction. The oral cavity is a rare site for other organs’ tumor metastases. The incidence rate ranges from 1% to 3% of all oral malignancies. Metastases more frequently localize in the mandible, especially in the molar area. Metastases within odontogenic cysts are extremely rare, thus in the literature, only a few cases have been reported. The follicular cyst is one of the most frequent cysts of the jaws. Radiologically it shows as a unilocular lesion with a sclerotic border, characterized by a homogenous radiolucency that incorporates the crown of the unerupted tooth. Methods. A 76-year-old female patient, affected by stage IV of lung adenocarcinoma, reported pain on the left mandible border, alongside lip dysesthesia. The ortho-panoramic radiograph showed a follicular cyst in the posterior left side of the mandible, with involvement of the ascending branch region. The cyst was surgically removed together with the impacted tooth. A histopathological examination of the specimen confirmed the diagnostic suspect of a follicular cyst, but in the cystic wall, focal infiltration of epithelial neoplastic cells was also found. The immunohistochemical analysis showed the presence of three different markers: CK 7+, TTF1+/−, and P40−. These markers identify the cells as metastatic lung carcinoma. Results. Secondary tumor spreading in the jaws’ area is rare (3% of all malignant lesions). Despite odontogenic cysts can undergo a dysplastic transformation (affecting the epithelial covering in ≤1% of the cases), infrequently these neoplastic cells can be related to secondary tumor spreading in a cystic wall. This report describes a metastatic localization within a mandibular follicular cyst. Conclusions. Malignant cancers’ metastasis in the oral district remains a rare and unexplored condition, especially when metastases are located in odontogenic cysts. In this circumstance, surgical removal and histopathological examination are strongly recommended.
Supplementary Figure S4 from Dissecting the Mechanisms Underlying the Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS) Mediated by T-Cell Bispecific Antibodies
Authors: Leclercq-Cohen Gabrielle , Steinhoff Nathalie , Albertí Servera Llucia , Nassiri Sina , Danilin Sabrina , Piccione Emily , Yángüez Emilio , Hüsser Tamara , Herter Sylvia , Schmeing Stephan , Gerber Petra , Schwalie Petra , Sam Johannes , Briner Stefanie , Jenni Sylvia , Bianchi Roberta , Biehl Marlene , Cremasco Floriana , Apostolopoulou Katerina , Haegel Hélène , Klein Christian , Umaña Pablo , Bacac Marina
Published: July 2023

Supplementary Figure S4. Multidimensional scaling plot of gene expression distances between pseudobulks
Data from ATF3 Repression of BCL-XL Determines Apoptotic Sensitivity to HDAC Inhibitors across Tumor Types
Authors: Chüeh Anderly C. , Tse Janson W.T. , Dickinson Michael , Ioannidis Paul , Jenkins Laura , Togel Lars , Tan BeeShin , Luk Ian , Davalos-Salas Mercedes , Nightingale Rebecca , Thompson Matthew R. , Williams Bryan R.G. , Lessene Guillaume , Lee Erinna F. , Fairlie Walter D. , Dhillon Amardeep S. , Mariadason John M.
Published: July 2023

AbstractPurpose:
Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) are epigenome-targeting small molecules approved for the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and multiple myeloma. They have also demonstrated clinical activity in acute myelogenous leukemia, non–small cell lung cancer, and estrogen receptor–positive breast cancer, and trials are underway assessing their activity in combination regimens including immunotherapy. However, there is currently no clear strategy to reliably predict HDACi sensitivity. In colon cancer cells, apoptotic sensitivity to HDACi is associated with transcriptional induction of multiple immediate-early (IE) genes. Here, we examined whether this transcriptional response predicts HDACi sensitivity across tumor type and investigated the mechanism by which it triggers apoptosis.
Experimental Design:
Fifty cancer cell lines from diverse tumor types were screened to establish the correlation between apoptotic sensitivity, induction of IE genes, and components of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway.
Results:
We show that sensitivity to HDACi across tumor types is predicted by induction of the IE genes FOS, JUN, and ATF3, but that only ATF3 is required for HDACi-induced apoptosis. We further demonstrate that the proapoptotic function of ATF3 is mediated through direct transcriptional repression of the prosurvival factor BCL-XL (BCL2L1). These findings provided the rationale for dual inhibition of HDAC and BCL-XL, which we show strongly cooperate to overcome inherent resistance to HDACi across diverse tumor cell types.
Conclusions:
These findings explain the heterogeneous responses of tumor cells to HDACi-induced apoptosis and suggest a framework for predicting response and expanding their therapeutic use in multiple cancer types.
Data from Phase I trial of Ganitumab plus Dasatinib to Cotarget the Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 Receptor and Src Family Kinase YES in Rhabdomyosarcoma
Authors: Akshintala Srivandana , Sundby R. Taylor , Bernstein Donna , Glod John W. , Kaplan Rosandra N. , Yohe Marielle E. , Gross Andrea M. , Derdak Joanne , Lei Haiyan , Pan Alexander , Dombi Eva , Palacio-Yance Isabel , Herrera Kailey R. , Miettinen Markku M. , Chen Helen X. , Steinberg Seth M. , Helman Lee J. , Mascarenhas Leo , Widemann Brigitte C. , Navid Fariba , Shern Jack F. , Heske Christine M.
Published: July 2023

AbstractPurpose:
Antibodies against insulin-like growth factor (IGF) type 1 receptor have shown meaningful but transient tumor responses in patients with rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS). The SRC family member YES has been shown to mediate IGF type 1 receptor (IGF-1R) antibody acquired resistance, and cotargeting IGF-1R and YES resulted in sustained responses in murine RMS models. We conducted a phase I trial of the anti–IGF-1R antibody ganitumab combined with dasatinib, a multi-kinase inhibitor targeting YES, in patients with RMS (NCT03041701).
Patients and Methods:
Patients with relapsed/refractory alveolar or embryonal RMS and measurable disease were eligible. All patients received ganitumab 18 mg/kg intravenously every 2 weeks. Dasatinib dose was 60 mg/m2/dose (max 100 mg) oral once daily [dose level (DL)1] or 60 mg/m2/dose (max 70 mg) twice daily (DL2). A 3+3 dose escalation design was used, and maximum tolerated dose (MTD) was determined on the basis of cycle 1 dose-limiting toxicities (DLT).
Results:
Thirteen eligible patients, median age 18 years (range 8–29) enrolled. Median number of prior systemic therapies was 3; all had received prior radiation. Of 11 toxicity-evaluable patients, 1/6 had a DLT at DL1 (diarrhea) and 2/5 had a DLT at DL2 (pneumonitis, hematuria) confirming DL1 as MTD. Of nine response-evaluable patients, one had a confirmed partial response for four cycles, and one had stable disease for six cycles. Genomic studies from cell-free DNA correlated with disease response.
Conclusions:
The combination of dasatinib 60 mg/m2/dose daily and ganitumab 18 mg/kg every 2 weeks was safe and tolerable. This combination had a disease control rate of 22% at 5 months.
Data from Dissecting the Mechanisms Underlying the Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS) Mediated by T-Cell Bispecific Antibodies
Authors: Leclercq-Cohen Gabrielle , Steinhoff Nathalie , Albertí Servera Llucia , Nassiri Sina , Danilin Sabrina , Piccione Emily , Yángüez Emilio , Hüsser Tamara , Herter Sylvia , Schmeing Stephan , Gerber Petra , Schwalie Petra , Sam Johannes , Briner Stefanie , Jenni Sylvia , Bianchi Roberta , Biehl Marlene , Cremasco Floriana , Apostolopoulou Katerina , Haegel Hélène , Klein Christian , Umaña Pablo , Bacac Marina
Published: July 2023

AbstractPurpose:
Target-dependent TCB activity can result in the strong and systemic release of cytokines that may develop into cytokine release syndrome (CRS), highlighting the need to understand and prevent this complex clinical syndrome.
Experimental Design:
We explored the cellular and molecular players involved in TCB-mediated cytokine release by single-cell RNA-sequencing of whole blood treated with CD20-TCB together with bulk RNA-sequencing of endothelial cells exposed to TCB-induced cytokine release. We used the in vitro whole blood assay and an in vivo DLBCL model in immunocompetent humanized mice to assess the effects of dexamethasone, anti-TNFα, anti-IL6R, anti-IL1R, and inflammasome inhibition, on TCB-mediated cytokine release and antitumor activity.
Results:
Activated T cells release TNFα, IFNγ, IL2, IL8, and MIP-1β, which rapidly activate monocytes, neutrophils, DCs, and NKs along with surrounding T cells to amplify the cascade further, leading to TNFα, IL8, IL6, IL1β, MCP-1, MIP-1α, MIP-1β, and IP-10 release. Endothelial cells contribute to IL6 and IL1β release and at the same time release several chemokines (MCP-1, IP-10, MIP-1α, and MIP-1β). Dexamethasone and TNFα blockade efficiently reduced CD20-TCB–mediated cytokine release whereas IL6R blockade, inflammasome inhibition, and IL1R blockade induced a less pronounced effect. Dexamethasone, IL6R blockade, IL1R blockade, and the inflammasome inhibitor did not interfere with CD20-TCB activity, in contrast to TNFα blockade, which partially inhibited antitumor activity.
Conclusions:
Our work sheds new light on the cellular and molecular players involved in cytokine release driven by TCBs and provides a rationale for the prevention of CRS in patients treated with TCBs.
Applications of molecular markers in taxonomic identification of Araceae species from Vietnam – A short review
Authors: Van Hong Thien , Nguyen-Phi Nga , Luu Hong Truong
Published: July 2023

Araceae is a large family widely distributed worldwide, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. Members of Araceae have a characteristic inflorescence and they also possess various morphologies. There were many taxonomic confusions based on the botanist's views on the taxonomic status of Araceae members. This review provides information about application of molecular markers in studying taxonomy of the Araceae species, especially in Vietnam. Furthermore, it includes illustrative photos of all aroids species in Vietnam identified using molecular markers.
Stem Cells and Their Derivatives: An Implication for the Regeneration of Nonunion Fractures
Authors: Smolinska Veronika , Csobonyeiova Maria , Zamborsky Radoslav , Danisovic Lubos
Published: July 2023

Despite advances in biomedical research, fracture nonunion rates have remained stable throughout the years. Long-bone fractures have a high likelihood of nonunion, but the specific biological pathways involved in this severe consequence are unknown. Fractures often heal in an organized sequence, including the production of a hematoma and an early stage of inflammation, the development of a soft callus and hard callus, and eventually the stage of bone remodeling. Deficient healing can result in a persistent bone defect with instability, discomfort, and loss of function. In the treatment of nonunions, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) prove to be a promising and safe alternative to the standard therapeutic strategies. Moreover, novel scaffolds are being created in order to use a synergistic biomimetic technique to rapidly generate bone tissue. MSCs respond to acellular biomimetic matrices by regenerating bone. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from MSCs have recently gained interest in the field of musculoskeletal regeneration. Although many of these techniques and technologies are still in the preclinical stage and have not yet been approved for use in humans, novel approaches to accelerate bone healing via MSCs and/or MSC derivatives have the potential to reduce the physical, economic, and social burdens associated with nonhealing fractures and bone defects. In this review, we focus on providing an up-to-date summary of recent scientific studies dealing with the treatment of nonunion fractures in clinical and preclinical settings employing MSC-based therapeutic techniques.
The Osaka prognostic score and Naples prognostic score: novel biomarkers for predicting short-term outcomes after spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Liu Rui , Chen Changcun , Zhao Yutong , Tang Yuguang , Shen Weiwei , Xie Zongyi
Published: July 2023

Objectives

Poor immune-nutritional status has been associated with an unfavorable outcome in critical illness. The Osaka prognostic score (OPS) and the Naples prognostic score (NPS), based on inflammatory and nutritional status, has been shown to predict prognosis following cancer and other diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the OPS and NPS and the short-term outcomes of patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH).

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of patients hospitalized with spontaneous ICH (n = 340) at The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University between August 2016 and August 2021. Inclusion criteria included patients aged between 18 and 70, and if a blood sample was taken for laboratory testing within 24 h of admission (serum C-reactive protein, albumin, total cholesterol, and counts for neutrophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes were collected on admission). Exclusion criteria included a non-spontaneous cause of ICH and patient death during hospitalization. Patients were divided into four groups based on OPS or five groups according to NPS. Outcomes were evaluated by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at six months post-ICH hospitalization. An unfavorable outcome was defined as a mRS score ≥ 3.

Results

A total of 289 patients met our inclusion criteria. The unfavorable outcome group had older age, a lower Glasgow Coma Scale score, a higher rate of complications and cerebral herniation, a longer hospital stay, and higher OPS and NPS when compared with the favorable outcome group. Univariate analysis showed that both OPS and NPS were strongly correlated with mRS (r = 0.196,P < 0.001; r = 0.244, P = 0.001, respectively). Multivariate analysis further showed that OPS and NPS were both independent predictors of unfavorable outcomes for patients with ICH with adjusted odds ratios of 1.802 (95% confidence interval [CI]:1.140–2.847, P = 0.012) and 1.702 (95% CI: 1.225–2.635, P = 0.02), respectively. The area under the curve (AUC) of NPS for predicting a poor outcome was 0.732 (95% CI: 0.665–0.799), which was similar to the AUC of OPS 0.724 (95% CI: 0.657–0.792).

Conclusions

In this cohort, a higher OPS and NPS on admission was associated with poor outcome at six months following ICH, supporting their potential role as markers for predicting the outcome of patients with ICH.
Sintilimab plus bevacizumab and CapeOx (BBCAPX) on first-line treatment in patients with RAS mutant, microsatellite stable, metastatic colorectal cancer: study protocol of a randomized, open-label, multicentric study
Authors: Fang Xuefeng , Zhong Chenhan , Weng Shanshan , Hu Hanguang , Wang Jian , Xiao Qian , Wang Jianwei , Sun Lifeng , Xu Dong , Liao Xiujun , Dong Caixia , Zhang Suzhan , Li Jun , Ding Kefeng , Yuan Ying
Published: July 2023

Background

Rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (RAS) gene mutation is a common molecular event in colorectal cancer (CRC). The prognosis of mCRC (metastatic colorectal cancer) patients with RAS mutation is poor and capecitabine and oxaliplatin (CapeOx) plus bevacizumab has shown to be one of the standard therapeutic regimens as first line for these patients with objective response rate (ORR) of ~ 50% and median progression-free survival (mPFS) of 8–9 months. Immunotherapy, especially anti-programmed death 1 (PD-1) monoclonal antibody has demonstrated ground-breaking results in deficient mismatch repair (dMMR) / microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) mCRC patients. However, the response rate of in microsatellite stable (MSS) patients is extremely low. In addition, preclinical studies have demonstrated that anti-Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents, such as bevacizumab, can induce tumor vascular normalization and enhance antitumor immunity. Previous study indicated the combination of chemotherapy, anti-VEGF agents (bevacizumab) with immune checkpoint inhibitors may have promising clinical activity in RAS mutant, MSS refractory mCRC patients. Based on these evidences, we will explore the combination of CapeOx with bevacizumab and sintilimab (anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody) in RAS mutant, MSS mCRC patients as first-line therapy.

Methods

This is a randomized, open-label, multicentric clinical trial. In the sintilimab arm, patients will receive sintilimab in combination with CapeOx and bevacizumab. In the control arm, patients will receive CapeOx and bevacizumab. This trial will recruit 494 patients from 20 centers and randomly (1:1) disseminated into two groups. The primary endpoint is the PFS. The secondary endpoints include overall survival, safety, ORR, and disease control rate.

Discussion

This study may provide new ideas for optimizing oncology treatment planning for RAS mutant, MSS mCRC patients in the first-line set.

Trial registration

This study is short for BBCAPX and has been registered at clinicaltrials.gov registry with identifier NCT05171660.