bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors and Tuberculosis Infection in Lung Cancer: A Case Series and Systematic Review With Pooled Analysis
Authors: He Yanqing , Peng Duanyang , Liang Pingan , Long Jie , Liu Anwen , Zeng Zhimin
Published: October 2022

The association between immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and tuberculosis (TB) infection in patients with lung cancer remains largely elusive. We performed a systematic review and conducted a retrospective analysis of TB infection in patients with lung cancer and ICI exposure to assess the clinical characteristics and outcomes using PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library. The time interval from ICI administration to diagnosis of TB between patients with and without a history of TB was compared using Kaplan–Meier analysis. A multivariate Cox regression model was used to identify potential risk factors associated with the time interval of TB development. Twenty‐four studies including 53 patients with lung cancer were included. The median age of the patients was 64 years. Eight patients had a history of TB. The median time interval from ICI administration to TB diagnosis was 3 months. In retrospective analysis, 5 (1.16%, 95%CI 0.38% to 2.68%) patients with lung cancer developed TB during ICI treatment. The median time interval was 10.4 months. In a pooled analysis, the median time interval in the without‐TB and with‐TB groups was 7.00 and 2.35 months, respectively (P = .034). Multivariate Cox regression analyses revealed a history of TB to be an independent factor affecting the time interval of TB activation in patients with lung cancer and ICI exposure (HR 3.59; 95%CI 1.17 to 11.02; P = .026). Therefore, TB infection should be considered in patients with lung cancer during or after ICI treatment. Moreover, we found TB history to be a positive risk factor for a shorter median time interval from ICI to TB diagnosis in patients with lung cancer receiving ICI.
Population Pharmacokinetics of Mivavotinib (TAK‐659), a Dual Spleen Tyrosine Kinase and FMS‐Like Tyrosine Kinase 3 Inhibitor, in Patients With Advanced Solid Tumors or Hematologic Malignancies
Authors: Li Cheryl , Watson Kenny , Wang Shining , Diderichsen Paul Matthias , Gupta Neeraj
Published: October 2022

Mivavotinib (TAK‐659), an orally administered, small‐molecule, dual inhibitor of spleen tyrosine kinase and FMS‐like tyrosine kinase 3 (SYK/FLT3), is under development for the treatment of patients with advanced malignancies. In this analysis, we evaluated the population pharmacokinetics (PK) of mivavotinib and its sources of variability (covariates) in adult patients with advanced solid tumors, or relapsed/refractory B‐cell lymphomas or acute myeloid leukemia, using pooled data from 159 patients enrolled in 2 phase 1/2 clinical studies. A 2‐compartment model with first‐order linear elimination and a first‐order absorption rate (and associated lag time) adequately described the PK of mivavotinib in this patient population. The population estimates of apparent clearance (CL/F) and apparent central compartment volume (Vc/F) were 31.6 L/h and 893 L, respectively, resulting in a half‐life of ≈20 hours. In the final model, creatinine clearance was included as a covariate of CL/F, and sex as a covariate of Vc/F. Simulations showed that steady‐state exposure to mivavotinib increased with decreasing renal function. Expanding eligibility by enrolling patients with moderate renal impairment in phase 1 increased the diversity of patients in early trials and allowed the model to inform dose adjustment in patients with moderate renal impairment in future trials. In addition, simulations showed median steady‐state trough concentration of mivavotinib following 70 mg twice daily and 160 mg daily dosing to be commensurate with 100 ng/mL, the level leading to >90% FLT3 inhibition per ex vivo plasma immune assays and considered a potential exposure threshold required for FLT3‐driven efficacy.
Small beams, fast predictions: a comparison of machine learning dose prediction models for proton minibeam therapy
Authors: Mentzel F. , Kröninger K. , Lerch M. , Nackenhorst O. , Rosenfeld A. , Tsoi A. C. , Weingarten J. , Hagenbuchner M. , Guatelli S.
Published: October 2022

Background

Dose calculations for novel radiotherapy cancer treatments such as proton minibeam radiation therapy is often done using full Monte Carlo (MC) simulations. As MC simulations can be very time consuming for this kind of application, deep learning models have been considered to accelerate dose estimation in cancer patients.

Purpose

This work systematically evaluates the dose prediction accuracy, speed and generalization performance of three selected state‐of‐the‐art deep learning models for dose prediction applied to the proton minibeam therapy. The strengths and weaknesses of those models are thoroughly investigated, helping other researchers to decide on a viable algorithm for their own application.

Methods

The following recently published models are compared: first, a 3D U‐Net model trained as a regression network, second, a 3D U‐Net trained as a generator of a generative adversarial network (GAN) and third, a dose transformer model which interprets the dose prediction as a sequence translation task. These models are trained to emulate the result of MC simulations. The dose depositions of a proton minibeam with a diameter of 800μm and an energy of 20–100 MeV inside a simple head phantom calculated by full Geant4 MC simulations are used as a case study for this comparison. The spatial resolution is 0.5 mm. Special attention is put on the evaluation of the generalization performance of the investigated models.

Results

Dose predictions with all models are produced in the order of a second on a GPU, the 3D U‐Net models being fastest with an average of 130 ms. An investigated 3D U‐Net regression model is found to show the strongest performance with overall 61.00.5% of all voxels exhibiting a deviation in energy deposition prediction of less than 3% compared to full MC simulations with no spatial deviation allowed. The 3D U‐Net models are observed to show better generalization performance for target geometry variations, while the transformer‐based model shows better generalization with regard to the proton energy.

Conclusions

This paper reveals that (1) all studied deep learning models are significantly faster than non‐machine learning approaches predicting the dose in the order of seconds compared to hours for MC, (2) all models provide reasonable accuracy, and (3) the regression‐trained 3D U‐Net provides the most accurate predictions.
Micromorphology of pineal gland calcification in age‐related neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Bukreeva Inna , Junemann Olga , Cedola Alessia , Brun Francesco , Longo Elena , Tromba Giuliana , Wilde Fabian , Chukalina Marina V. , Krivonosov Yuri S. , Dyachkova Irina G. , Buzmakov Alexey V. , Zolotov Denis A. , Palermo Francesca , Gigli Giuseppe , Otlyga Dmitry A. , Saveliev Sergey V. , Fratini Michela , Asadchikov Victor E.
Published: October 2022

Background

The formation of concrements in human pineal gland (PG) is a physiological process and, according to many researchers, is associated with the involution of PG structures. The majority of scientific publications concern progressive calcification of PG, leaving out studies on the destruction of already formed calcified concrements. Our study fills the gap in knowledge about calcified zones destruction in PG in normal aging and neuropathological conditions, which has not been addressed until now.

Purpose

Our objective is to gain insight into human PG tissue impairment in both normal aging and neurodegenerative conditions. X‐ray phase‐contrast tomography (XPCT) allowed us to study PG tissue degeneration at high spatial resolution and, for the first time, to examine the damaged PG concrements in detail. Our research finding could potentially enhance the understanding of the PG involvement in the process of aging as well as in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VD).

Methods

The research was carried out on human PG autopsy material in normal aging, VD, and AD conditions. Laboratory‐based micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT) was used to collect and evaluate samples of native, uncut, and unstained PG with different degrees of pineal calcification. The detailed high‐resolution 3D images of the selected PGs were produced using synchrotron‐based XPCT. Histology and immunohistochemistry of soft PG tissue confirmed XPCT results.

Results

We performed via micro‐CT the evaluation of the morphometric parameters of PG such as total sample volume, calcified concrements volume, and percentage of concrements in the total volume of the sample. XPCT imaging revealed high‐resolution details of age‐related PG alteration. In particular, we noted signs of moderate degradation of concrements in some PGs from elderly donors. In addition, our analysis revealed noticeable degenerative change in both concrements and soft tissue of PGs with neuropathology. In particular, we observed a hollow core and separated layers as well as deep ragged cracks in PG concrements of AD and VD samples. In parenchyma of some samples, we detected wide pinealocyte‐free fluid‐filled areas adjacent to the calcified zones.

Conclusion

The present work provides the basis for future scientific research focused on the dynamic nature of PG calcium deposits and PG soft tissue in normal aging and neurodegenerative diseases.
A new stochastic method based on the Taylor expansion to compute response probability densities of uncertain systems
Authors: Navarro‐Quiles Ana , Laudani Rossella , Falsone Giovanni
Published: October 2022

In this article, a new stochastic approach is proposed for the analysis of structural systems with uncertainties. This novel strategy method combines the probability transformation method, expressed in terms of characteristic function with a probabilistic version of the Taylor expansion. Some notes about the convergence and the accuracy of the proposed method are reported. The results of these notes and several examples here reported evidence an optimum level of accuracy, coupled with great simplicity of application of this approach, even for relatively high levels of uncertainties. Hence, this method can be considered a valuable tool for the solution of stochastic analyses of engineering systems. Several examples are performed to show the capability of the results established. These applications show how the method is a useful technique for engineering analysis.
Potential of UV‐C for management of two‐spotted spider mites and thrips in Florida strawberry
Authors: Montemayor Joseph D. , Smith Hugh A. , Peres Natalia A. , Lahiri Sriyanka
Published: October 2022

BACKGROUND

Major pests of Florida strawberry (two‐spotted spider mites, Tetranychus urticae Koch; chilli thrips, Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood; and western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis Pergande) are difficult to manage using only conventional chemical control. Previous research has demonstrated high mortality of T. urticae eggs after exposure to ultraviolet B (UV‐B) light. Additionally, ultraviolet C (UV‐C) light has been shown to suppress powdery mildew in strawberry at doses between 85 and 200 J m−2 with no damage to the plant. Therefore, UV‐C may also have the potential to be used as an integrated pest management tool for arthropod pests of strawberry. The objectives of this study were to: (i) determine the effect of UV‐C on T. urticae, S. dorsalis, and F. occidentalis natural populations in open‐field strawberry; and (ii) determine the effect of UV‐C on T. urticae egg hatch after application in open‐field strawberry. Field studies were conducted during the 2019–2020 and 2020–2021 strawberry seasons in Florida, USA. Four treatments were compared: (i) foliar application of spinetoram in response to natural pest pressure; (ii) application of UV‐C 200 J m−2 twice a week; (iii) application of UV‐C 350 J m−2 twice a week; and (iv) a non‐treated control.

RESULTS

In the field trials, suppression of T. urticae was observed at 350 J m−2 in 2020–2021. In the other field trials, no effect was observed due to low natural infestations. No negative impact on yield was observed from UV‐C applications.

CONCLUSION

UV‐C shows promise as a component of an integrated pest management program for T. urticae in strawberry. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Effects of trunk injection with emamectin benzoate on arthropod diversity
Authors: Ouyang Xianheng , Fan Qingbin , Chen Anliang , Huang Junhao
Published: October 2022

BACKGROUND

Pine wood nematode is a major plant quarantine object in the world. Trunk injection is an effective method for controlling pests that cause disease. To evaluate the ecological safety of trunk injection with emamectin benzoates in forests of Pinus massoniana, the community diversity and community composition of soil arthropods and flying insects (Hymenoptera) were studied at different stages of trunk injection.

RESULTS

The dominant taxonomic groups of soil arthropods were Collembola (30.80%), Insecta (26.42%), and Arachnida (23.84%). The taxonomic groups of flying insects (Hymenoptera) were Ichneumonidae (48.94%), Formicidae (14.10%), and Braconidae (8.44%). Trunk injection with emamectin benzoate has no significant effect on the community diversity indices of total soil arthropods and flying insects (Hymenoptera). However, it has a significant effect on the community diversity indices of detritivores for soil arthropods. It changed the community composition of soil arthropods but did not impact the community composition of flying insects (Hymenoptera). Redundancy analysis of arthropod community structure and environmental variables showed that total potassium, residual of green leaf, and residual of litter leaf have a significant impact on the community structure of soil arthropods, and total phosphorus, total nitrogen, water content, organic matter, and total potassium have a significant impact on the community structure of flying insects (Hymenoptera).

CONCLUSION

Trunk injection with emamectin benzoate is safe for the ecological environment. This study provides a new insight into the field for the prevention and control of pine wood nematode disease, which is of great significance to forest management and pest control. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Switching Dynamics and Energy Storage Properties of Fluorite‐Structured Materials
Authors: Ali Faizan , Ali Tarek , Abbas Akmal , Lehninger David , Iqbal Muhammad Faisal , Fadhali Mohammed M. , Shaaban Ibrahim A. , Czernohorsky Malte , Seidel Konrad , Kämpfe Thomas
Published: October 2022

The fluorite‐structural ferroelectric (FE) and antiferroelectric (AFE) materials exhibit promising applications in memories and energy storage devices. However, understanding frequency‐dependent polarization and phase switching, which is very important for electronic device performance, is still a critical problem. Herein, frequency‐dependent polarization and phase switching of the Si‐doped HfO2‐based metal–dielectric–metal capacitors with FE and AFE‐like thin films, respectively, are investigated. The Kolmogorov–Avrami–Ishibashi (KAI) and nucleation‐limited switching models are used to attain detailed information on polarization switching of Si‐doped HfO2FE thin films. Moreover, energy storage properties of Si‐doped HfO2AFE thin films are investigated at a wide measurement frequency range (50 Hz–100 kHz). Both energy storage density and energy storage efficiency decrease with increasing frequency. However, energy loss increases with increasing testing frequency.
Mechanisms and Models for the Suppressed Defect Dynamics in SiO2–Si Structures under High‐To‐Low Switched Dose Rate Irradiations
Authors: Song Yu
Published: October 2022

Ionizing‐irradiation of Si electronic devices usually occurs under variable dose rate environments such as in the outer space. It is generally accepted that the defect dynamics in SiO2–Si structures under high‐to‐low switched dose rate (SDR) irradiation are independent, although they are different. Herein, it is clearly demonstrated that this is not true, especially for thick oxide layers. By studying the recombination rates on the oxygen vacancies of dimer and puckered configurations in SiO2, three new mechanisms under SDR irradiation are found: the low‐dose‐rate (LDR) irradiation induces a transformation of high‐dose‐rate (HDR) induced “old” centers to extra electric dipoles, which in turn significantly suppresses both the generation and conversion dynamics of “new” and P
b centers under LDR irradiation. An analytic model is derived based on these new mechanisms and can consistently explain the data in the literature, which although displays remarkable nonlinearity and ripples as a function of the irradiation dose. The feasibility of the SDR technology is revisited based on these new findings, and the origin of the limitation for thick oxide layers is clarified.
Nanoscale Mapping of Sub‐Gap Electroluminescence from Step‐Bunched, Oxidized 4H‐SiC Surfaces
Authors: Alyabyeva Natalia , Ding Jacques , Sauty Mylène , Woerle Judith , Jousseaume Yann , Ferro Gabriel , McCallum Jeffrey C. , Peretti Jacques , Johnson Brett C. , Rowe Alistair C. H.
Published: October 2022

Scanning tunneling luminescence microscopy (STLM) and scanning tunneling spectroscopy (STS) are used to study step‐bunched, oxidized 4H‐SiC surfaces prepared using a silicon melt process. The step‐bunched surface consists of atomically smooth terraces parallel to [0001] crystal planes, and rougher risers containing nanoscale steps formed by the termination of these planes. The striking topography of this surface is well resolved with large tip biases around −8 V and set currents less than 1 nA. Hysteresis in the STS spectra is preferentially observed on risers, suggesting that they contain a higher density of surface charge traps than the terraces where hysteresis is more frequently absent. Similarly, intense sub‐gap light emission centered around 2.4 eV is observed mainly on the risers albeit only with larger tunneling currents equal to or greater than 10 nA. The surface‐oxide‐related origin of this emission is reinforced by comparing tunneling electroluminescence spectra on the 4H‐ and 6H‐polytypes, and by the observation of a drastic reduction in emitted intensity after removal of the oxide in buffered HF. These results demonstrate the capability of STLM for the observation of surface impurities and defects responsible for sub‐gap light emission with spatial resolutions approaching the length scale of the defects themselves.
Efficient Tin (II) Fluoride‐Free Formamidinium Tin Triiodide Perovskite Solar Cells via Composition and Additive Engineering
Authors: Huang Lishuai , Zheng Wenwen , Zhang Wenjun , Zhou Shun , Zeng Guojun , Pu Dexin , Zhou Jin , Guan Hongling , Shen Weicheng , Li Guang , Fang Guojia , Ke Weijun
Published: October 2022

Tin halide perovskite solar cells (TPSCs) have attracted extensive attention because of their low toxicity and high theoretical efficiency. However, rapid crystallization, rich defects, and easy oxidation of tin‐based perovskite films seriously restrict solar cell performance. Herein, a composition and additive engineering solution by removing commonly used tin fluoride additive from formamidinium tin triiodide perovskite precursors and replacing it with excess tin (II) iodide and ethylenediamine dihydroiodide (EDAI2) is adopted. The presence of EDAI2 and excess SnI2 and the absence of SnF2 enable tin‐based perovskite films with greatly improved morphology, enhanced crystalline quality, boosted optical properties, and prolonged carrier lifetime. Therefore, the SnF2‐free non‐stoichiometric TPSCs employing the EDAI2 additive and excess SnI2 have increased built‐in potential, lowered dark currents, and reduced carrier recombination. The resulting SnF2‐free and SnI2‐rich TPSCs with EDAI2 addition realize a steady‐state efficiency of 10.0%, which is one of the highest power conversion efficiencies among the SnF2‐free TPSCs, along with considerably improved light stability. This work highlights the crucial roles of additives in TPSCs and provides an effective strategy to fabricate efficient and stable low‐toxic lead‐free perovskite solar cells.
Passivating the Defects and Modulating the Surface Energy of ZnO Cathode Interlayer for Efficient Nonfullerene Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Zheng Haolan , Zhou Dan , Hu Lin , Xu Zhentian , Xu Haitao , Zhang Youhui , Tong Yongfen , Hu Bin , Li Zaifang , Chen Lie
Published: October 2022

Charge transport is a meaningful process in nonfullerene organic solar cells (NOSCs). However, owing to the inherent defects of its metal oxide, the classic ZnO electron transport layer will severely hinder charge transport, and its high surface energy can cause a mismatch contact with the low surface energy active layer. Therefore, polyethylenimine ethoxylated (PEIE) is treated with quaternization and esterification to obtain polyethylenimine ethoxylated‐phenyl acetyl chloride (PEIE‐PAC). ZnO:PEIE‐PAC (ZnO‐P) with fewer defects and lower surface energy film is prepared by blending PEIE‐PAC with the precursor solution of ZnO. Compared with ZnO‐based control device with a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 15.30%, the PCE of ZnO‐P‐based device is increased to 16.47% in PM6:Y6 system due to the optimization of oxygen defects and surface roughness. Meanwhile, owing to the decrease of surface energy in ZnO‐P, the contact between ZnO‐P and hydrophobic nonfullerene acceptors is closer, and it can isolate water and oxygen in the external environment, thus enhancing the stability in air of NOSCs. The ZnO‐P‐based PM6:Y6 device maintains long‐term storage stability in both N2 and ambient temperature, and after 1000 h aging, the PCE of ZnO‐P‐based device is still more than 85% of the initial PCE.
Perovskite‐Based Photovoltaics for Artificial Indoor Light Harvesting: A Critical Review
Authors: Singh Ranbir , Nazim Mohammed , Kini Gururaj P. , Kan Zhipeng
Published: October 2022

Under artificial indoor light, the development of efficient photovoltaics has attracted massive attention due to the revolutionary growth involving the Internet of Things for riding low‐power wireless electronic gadgets. Among the variety of available photovoltaic technologies such as inorganics (i.e., silicon, copper indium gallium selenide, cadmium telluride), organic photovoltaics, and hybrid organic–inorganic perovskites photovoltaics (PPVCs), the PPVCs have been recognized as the most promising PVCs for indoor light energy harvesting applications. This suitability is related to various factors due to its significant absorption coefficient, tunable bandgap, remarkable defect tolerance, better optoelectronic properties, and straightforward fabrication process. However, several parameters interconnected to materials, processing conditions, architecture, and indoor characterizations need to be optimized to enhance indoor photovoltaic efficiency, stability, and eco‐friendly nature. This review summarizes the latest research trends on organic–inorganic perovskite material‐based indoor PVCs, including the impact of composition tuning, choice of many practical layers, and device structures on their performance. Various challenges are highlighted to address before these indoor PPVCs are available in the commercial market.
In Vitro Digestibility, Pasting and Thermal Properties, and Structure of Cross‐Linked Arenga pinnata (Wurmb.) Merr. Starch
Authors: Liu Yuan‐Sen , Tan Lin‐Bin , Li Meng‐Yun , An Feng‐Kun , Xue Shan , Fu Zhen
Published: November 2022

Sodium trimetaphosphate (STMP) cross‐linked Arenga pinnata starch (CLAPS) with different degrees of cross‐linking (0–97.79%) are prepared and their structural characteristics and physicochemical properties are evaluated. Cross‐linking does not significantly change APS granular structure, but seems to lower the intensity of Maltese cross. With the cross‐linking degrees (CLD) increasing from 0.00% to 97.79%, the rapidly digestible starch (RDS) content of CLAPS is decreased from 66.50% to 16.34%, but the resistant starch (RS) content has the opposite trend and is increased from 29.87% to 82.77%. As the CLD increased, the solubility and swelling power of APS are significantly reduced from 10.24% and 16.52 g g−1 to 1.02% and 4.60 g g−1, respectively. Low CLD could increase viscosities of the APS, whereas high CLD significantly reduce the viscosities of the APS and the greater theCLD, the more obvious the reduction effect. Meanwhile, cross‐linked APS exhibits a high conclusion temperature and lower gelatinization enthalpy (ΔH). With the CLD increasing, short molecular ordered structure of CLAPS exhibits increasing trends. These results indicate that crosslinking with STMP can significantly alter digestibility and improve thermal stability of APS, which would provide a theoretical basis for development of APS products and could be used in low glycemic index (GI) foods.
Ten years later: Reexamining the TESOL Technology Standards for Language Teachers
Authors: Sun Xiaorui
Published: October 2022

The TESOL Technology Standards were developed for language teachers to better understand how to use technology appropriately. This article explores the following questions: (1) After 10 years since its publication, are the TESOL Technology Standards for Language Teachers (2011) still applicable to the current educational context? and (2) What potential updates are needed? To answer these questions, a panel of practitioners with expertise and experience in language teaching, computer‐assisted language Learning (CALL), and instructional technology were recruited to provide perspectives. Data collection utilized an online survey and a semi‐structured interview protocol. Findings reveal that the TESOL Technology Standards for Language Teachers remain applicable and helpful to teachers in current contexts. However, further updates for performance indicators are needed, such as learning with mobile applications, learner data privacy, and other issues that have been emerging over the decade. Addressing this need is crucial for furthering the research and guiding teacher education programs, teacher educators, individual teachers and other relevant stakeholders who pursue the effective technology integration in current and future educational contexts. Informed by qualitative data, this research recommends using the TESOL Technology Standards for Language Teachers as guidelines to train teachers for technology integration.
Conclusion
Authors: Semple Tara
Published: October 2022

This research aimed to identify self-understanding and practices within the social milieu labelled as hipster, but it emerged as a paradigm for western, capitalist, liquid societies. The contradictions in hipster spaces demonstrated tendencies in contemporary society that shape current modernity. Hipsterism amplifies these tendencies and as such can be utilised to analyse the development of recent modernity and indicate what challenges of identity and action are faced by young adults in the new spirit of capitalism.
Celestial holography meets twisted holography: 4d amplitudes from chiral correlators
Authors: Costello Kevin , Paquette Natalie M.
Published: November 2022

Abstract

We propose a new program for computing a certain integrand of scattering amplitudes of four-dimensional gauge theories which we call the form factor integrand, starting from 6d holomorphic theories on twistor space. We show that the form factor integrands can be expressed as sums of products of 1.) correlators of a 2d chiral algebra, related to the algebra of asymptotic symmetries uncovered recently in the celestial holography program, and 2.) OPE coefficients of a 4d non-unitary CFT. We prove that conformal blocks of the chiral algebras are in one-to-one correspondence with local operators in 4d. We use this bijection to recover the Parke-Taylor formula, the CSW formula, and certain one-loop scattering amplitudes. Along the way, we explain and derive various aspects of celestial holography, incorporating techniques from the twisted holography program such as Koszul duality. This perspective allows us to easily and efficiently recover the infinite-dimensional chiral algebras of asymptotic symmetries recently extracted from scattering amplitudes of massless gluons and gravitons in the celestial basis. We also compute some simple one-loop corrections to the chiral algebras and derive the three-dimensional bulk theories for which these 2d algebras furnish an algebra of boundary local operators.
Three-dimensional evolution of body and fluid motion near a wall
Authors: Smith Frank T. , Liu Kevin
Published: October 2022

Evolution of three-dimensional body motion within surrounding three-dimensional fluid motion is addressed, each motion affecting the other significantly in a dynamic fluid–body interaction. This unsteady problem is set near a wall. The spatial three-dimensionality present is a new feature. For inviscid incompressible fluid, a basic nonlinear formulation is described, followed by a linearised form as a first exploration of parameter space and solution responses. The problem reduces to solving Poisson’s equation within the underbody planform, subject to mixed boundary conditions and to coupling with integral equations. Numerical and analytical properties show dependence mainly on the normal and pitch motions, as well as instability or bounded oscillations depending on the position of the centre of mass of the body, and a variety of three-dimensional shapes is examined.
Guidelines for Perioperative Care for Liver Surgery: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Society Recommendations 2022
Authors: Joliat Gaëtan‐Romain , Kobayashi Kosuke , Hasegawa Kiyoshi , Thomson John‐Edwin , Padbury Robert , Scott Michael , Brustia Raffaele , Scatton Olivier , Tran Cao Hop S. , Vauthey Jean‐Nicolas , Dincler Selim , Clavien Pierre‐Alain , Wigmore Stephen J. , Demartines Nicolas , Melloul Emmanuel
Published: October 2022

Background

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) has been widely applied in liver surgery since the publication of the first ERAS guidelines in 2016. The aim of the present article was to update the ERAS guidelines in liver surgery using a modified Delphi method based on a systematic review of the literature.

Methods

A systematic literature review was performed using MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. A modified Delphi method including 15 international experts was used. Consensus was judged to be reached when >80% of the experts agreed on the recommended items. Recommendations were based on the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations system.

Results

A total of 7541 manuscripts were screened, and 240 articles were finally included. Twenty‐five recommendation items were elaborated. All of them obtained consensus (>80% agreement) after 3 Delphi rounds. Nine items (36%) had a high level of evidence and 16 (64%) a strong recommendation grade. Compared to the first ERAS guidelines published, 3 novel items were introduced: prehabilitation in high‐risk patients, preoperative biliary drainage in cholestatic liver, and preoperative smoking and alcohol cessation at least 4 weeks before hepatectomy.

Conclusions

These guidelines based on the best available evidence allow standardization of the perioperative management of patients undergoing liver surgery. Specific studies on hepatectomy in cirrhotic patients following an ERAS program are still needed.
Foreign direct investment and labor demand by skill in Indonesian manufacturing firms
Authors: Matsuura Toshiyuki , Saito Hisamitsu
Published: October 2022

A recent debate on globalization addresses the importance of skills for firms’ performance in developing countries. Employing microdata from Indonesian manufacturing, we examine the externality effects of inward foreign direct investment (FDI) on labor demand by skill in local firms and identify the relative contribution of each effect to their skill structure. The results show that local firms replace unskilled workers with skilled ones to enable transactions with foreign firms in downstream industries. However, severe labor market competition for skilled workers with foreign firms hinders them from upgrading the skill structure. Moreover, severe product market competition decreases demand for unskilled workers in local firms. Thus, an adequate supply of skilled workers is crucial for the better performance of local firms. The results also highlight the necessity of policies to mitigate the negative impact of inward FDI on unskilled employment in the host economy.
Green transition, investment horizon, and dynamic portfolio decisions
Authors: Semmler Willi , Lessmann Kai , Tahri Ibrahim , Braga Joao Paulo
Published: October 2022

This paper analyzes the implications of investors’ short-term oriented asset holding and portfolio decisions (or short-termism), and its consequences on green investments. We adopt a dynamic portfolio model, which contrary to conventional static mean-variance models, allows us to study optimal portfolios for different decision horizons. Our baseline model contains two assets, one asset with fluctuating returns and another asset with a constant risk-free return. The asset with fluctuating returns can arise from fossil-fuel based sectors or from clean energy related sectors. We consider different drivers of short-termism: the discount rate, the nature of discounting (exponential vs. hyperbolic), and the decision horizon of investors itself. We study first the implications of these determinants of short-termism on the portfolio wealth dynamics of the baseline model. We find that portfolio wealth declines faster with a higher discount rate, with hyperbolic discounting, and with shorter decision horizon. We extend our model to include a portfolio of two assets with fluctuating returns. For both model variants, we explore the cases where innovation efforts are spent on fossil fuel or clean energy sources. Detailing dynamic portfolio decisions in such a way may allow us for better pathways to empirical tests and may provide guidance to some online financial decision making.
Roads and water availability influence the occurrence of koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) in secondary habitat: a multiscale approach
Authors: Gardiner Riana , Terraube Julien , Frere Celine , Cristescu Romane
Published: October 2022

Given the high proportion of Earth’s ecosystems already anthropogenically modified, especially through clearing, it is critical we determine whether species can persist outside of their primary habitat as a means of ensuring population persistence in the remaining landscape. The koala(Phascolarctos cinereus)has been heavily impacted by habitat loss through clearing, and recently upgraded to endangered across its eastern distribution. It is timely to understand what variables may influence the occurrence of koalas in secondary habitat, which can then guide conservation efforts. We surveyed 959 sites with detection dogs to determine the occurrence of koalas through the presence of scats. Using GLMMs, we accounted for environmental and anthropogenic variables that may influence koala occurrence, meanwhile focusing on the use of secondary eucalyptus forests at multiple spatial scales (250, 500, 1500 m radii). Overall koala occurrence was negatively associated with secondary eucalyptus forests compared to primary forests, while there was no effect of total forest area present at any scale. However, we found interactive effects between secondary forest and (1) distance from the closest major road at the smallest landscape scale (250 m radii) and (2) water area at the larger landscape scales (500 m, 1500 m radii). This suggests that occurrence of koalas in secondary forests are predicted to increase when the distance to major roads, and the water area, increase. While protecting primary eucalyptus forests should always be a prioritisation for the conservation of koalas, our results emphasize the important role that secondary eucalyptus forests can play in conservation, as long as these are carefully considered in the landscape context to maximise restoration investments.
Pyrotinib combined with trastuzumab and chemotherapy for the treatment of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive metastatic breast cancer: a single-arm exploratory phase II trial
Authors: Xie Xiao-Feng , Zhang Qiu-Yi , Huang Jia-Yi , Chen Li-Ping , Lan Xiao-Feng , Bai Xue , Song Lin , Xiong Shui-Ling , Guo Si-Jia , Du Cai-Wen
Published: October 2022

Purpose

A substantial need for effective and safe treatment options is still unmet for patients with heavily pre-treated human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Herein, we assessed the efficacy and safety of pyrotinib plus trastuzumab and chemotherapy in patients with heavily treated HER2-positive MBC.

Methods

In this single-arm exploratory phase II trial, patients with HER2-positive MBC previously treated with trastuzumab plus lapatinib or pertuzumab, received pyrotinib plus trastuzumab and chemotherapy. The primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS) in the total population (TP). Secondary end points included PFS in the subgroup with brain metastases (Sub-BrM), confirmed objective response rate (ORR), clinical benefit rate (CBR), disease control rate (DCR), exploration of predictive factors of PFS, and safety.

Results

Between November 1, 2018, and March 31, 2021, 40 patients were eligible for this study. The median PFS reached 7.5 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 4.7 to 9.9 months) and 9.4 months (95% CI 6.6 to 12.1 months) in the TP and Sub-BrM, respectively. ORR was 50.5% (20/40). CBR was 75.5% (30/40) and DCR reached 97.5% (39/40). Cox univariate and multivariate analyses demonstrated that liver or/and lung metastases was the significant adverse prognostic factor for PFS (p = 0.018; p = 0.026; respectively). The most frequent grade 3 or 4 treatment-related adverse events were diarrhea, neutropenia and leukopenia. No new safety signals were observed.

Conclusion

Pyrotinib plus trastuzumab and chemotherapy offered a promising option with manageable safety profile for heavily pre-treated HER2-positive MBC, especially for those without liver or/and lung metastases.
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic Quarantine on Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Intellectual Disability: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Jodra Marina , García-Villamisar Domingo
Published: October 2022

The impact of the pandemic is being very significant psychologically, especially for people who were already vulnerable in these aspects, such as adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and Intellectual Disability (ID). A longitudinal analysis of motor aspects such as balance and gait, executive functions in daily life, severity of symptoms characteristic of autism, and degree of subjective well-being was performed in 53 adults with ASD and ID. A repeated measures ANOVA was performed and three measures were taken, the first in December 2019, the second in March 2020, and the last in July 2020. The results demonstrated a significant decrease in balance on the latter measure, along with a deterioration in well-being and ASD symptoms in the period of seclusion and an improvement in executive functions after seclusion.
The 2021 IAEA software intercomparison for k0-INAA
Authors: Blaauw Menno , D’Agostino Giancarlo , di Luzio Marco , Dung Ho Manh , Jacimovic Radojko , Da Silva Dias Mauro , Semmler Renato , van Sluijs Robbert , Barradas Nuno Pessoa
Published: October 2022

In order to establish the variation between results in mass fractions due to software implementation, as measured by the k0-method for INAA, the IAEA has organized a software intercomparison. A complete set of test spectra and associated information was assembled. Efficiency curves, neutron spectrum parameters, correction factors and mass fractions were calculated with the participating programs (k0-IPEN, k0-INRIM, k0-DALAT, k0-IAEA and KayWin) using identical peak areas. In this paper, we report on the observed discrepancies, causes, remedies and future software developments. The test data, as well as intermediate results and observed mass fractions of the certified reference material BCR-320R “channel sediment” are available through the IAEA on request. The variations in concentrations attributed to differences between the programs were initially found to be 5.6 and 7.9%, for certified and uncertified concentrations, respectively. After the certified concentrations had been made available to the participants and they had been allowed to improve their programs, the variations found were 2.7 and 3.4%, respectively. The main identified remaining causes of variation are differences in the procedures used for detector efficiency characterisation and neutron spectrum parameter determination.
On the potential for megathrust earthquakes and tsunamis off the southern coast of West Java and southeast Sumatra, Indonesia
Authors: Supendi Pepen , Widiyantoro Sri , Rawlinson Nicholas , Yatimantoro Tatok , Muhari Abdul , Hanifa Nuraini Rahma , Gunawan Endra , Shiddiqi Hasbi Ash , Imran Iswandi , Anugrah Suci Dewi , Daryono Daryono , Prayitno Bambang Setyo , Adi Suko Prayitno , Karnawati Dwikorita , Faizal Lutfi , Damanik Ruben
Published: October 2022

High seismicity rates in and around West Java and Sumatra occur as a result of the Indo-Australian plate converging with and subducting beneath the Sunda plate. Large megathrust events associated with this process likely pose a major earthquake and tsunami hazard to the surrounding community, but further effort is required to help understand both the likelihood and frequency of such events. With this in mind, we exploit catalog seismic data sourced from the Agency for Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics (BMKG) of Indonesia and the International Seismological Centre (ISC) for the period April 2009 through to July 2020, in order to conduct earthquake hypocenter relocation using a teleseismic double-difference method. Our results reveal a large seismic gap to the south of West Java and southeast Sumatra, which is in agreement with a previous GPS study that finds the region to be a potential future source of megathrust earthquakes. To investigate this further, tsunami modeling was conducted in the region for two scenarios based on the estimated seismicity gaps and the existence of a backthrust fault. We show that the maximum tsunami height could be up to 34 m along the west coast of southernmost Sumatra and along the south coast of Java near the Ujung Kulon Peninsula. This estimate is comparable with the maximum tsunami height predicted by a previous study of southern Java in which earthquake sources were derived from the inversion of GPS data. However, the present study extends the analysis to southeast Sumatra and demonstrates that estimating rupture from seismic gaps can lead to reliable tsunami hazard assessment in the absence of GPS data.
Dismissals for Social Media Hate Speech in South Africa: Animalistic Dehumanisation and the Circulation of Racist Words and Images
Authors: Cornish René , Tranter Kieran
Published: October 2022

Social media is changing the way humans create and exchange information. Not all social media communications are, however, civil: the ‘dark side’ of social media cultivates various ‘anti-social’ exchanges including hate speech. Parallel accelerating social media use has been an increase in decision-makers having to consider the legalities of dismissing employees for social media misconduct. This paper through an analysis of first instance South African employee dismissal decisions, identifies an economy of hate within South African workplaces. In 30% of social media misconduct decisions (120/400), employees were dismissed for circulating racialised hate speech. This hate speech took three forms. First was the use of animality discourse and animal metaphors to dehumanise colleagues and employers. Second, employees used words that had specific racist connotations within South Africa. Third, there was the direct deployment of signs or symbols connected with South Africa’s racialised past.
Effect of extensive artery isolation during robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy on blood pressure of patients with poorly controlled hypertension: a preliminary study
Authors: Wang Xin , Zhao Xiaozhi , Ji ChangWei , Liu Guangxiang , Li Xiaogong , Guo Hongqian
Published: October 2022

Purpose

To investigate whether extensive renal artery isolation during robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) affects blood pressure (BP) of patients with poorly controlled hypertension.

Methods

We included 60 patients diagnosed with poorly controlled hypertension who underwent RAPN by an experienced surgeon. The renal artery of the treated kidney was sufficiently isolated. Systolic BP (SBP), diastolic BP (DBP) and antihypertensive medication information were obtained at baseline and 3- and 6-month follow-up after surgery. Primary endpoints were changes in BP, and medications. Predictors of SBP reduction at 3 months were assessed by multivariable logistic regression.

Results

All 60 RAPN procedures were successful, with no major intra- or postoperative complications. Mean SBP and DBP decreased significantly at 3 months after surgery (SBP, −7.8 ± 6.3 mmHg, P < 0.001; DBP, −4.2 ± 6.4 mmHg, P = 0.01). SBP and DBP did not differ between 3- and 6-month follow-up. The mean number of BP medications prescribed was lower at 3 months than baseline (1.7 ± 1.0 vs 2.1 ± 1.0, P = 0.016). The only significant predictor of SBP reduction at 3 months was baseline SBP.

Conclusions

Renal denervation with extensive renal artery isolation during RAPN may improve BP control among patients with poorly controlled hypertension in short term.
Filling the gap between the heart and the body in acromegaly: a case-control study
Authors: Ságová Ivana , Dragula Milan , Mokáň Marián , Vaňuga Peter
Published: October 2022

Objective

Cardiovascul diseases are the most common comorbidities in acromegaly. Potential parameters in pathology of cardiovascular comorbidities are changes in levels of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) as well as body composition parameters.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to examine morphological and functional parameters of the cardiovascular system by echocardiography and to assess its relationship with disease activity and body composition parameters.

Methods

We prospectively enroled 129 acromegalic patients (82 females, 47 males) and 80 healthy controls (53 females, 27 males) matched for age, gender, and BMI. All patients underwent two-dimensional echocardiography. Body composition parameters were assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.

Results

Acromegaly patients presented with higher left ventricle mass (LVM) compared to controls (LVMI: 123 ± 45 g/m2 vs 83 ± 16 g/m2, P < 0.001). Prevalence of left ventricle hypertrophy in acromegaly patients was 67% (78% concentric, 22% eccentric). IGF -1 levels, BMI, and lean mass positively correlated with LVM in all acromegaly patients (P < 0.001). Fat mass positively correlated with LVM in females (R = 0.306, P = 0.005), but this correlation was not found in males. We did not find any difference in size of the left and right ventricle between acromegaly patients and controls. Acromegaly patients presented with left atrium enlargement, diastolic dysfunction and low incidence of systolic dysfunction. Valvopathy was found in 43% of patients with predominant (31%) prevalence of mitral regurgitation.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates higher prevalence of cardiovascular comorbidities in acromegaly patients and the impact of IGF-1 levels and body composition parameters in pathology in some of these comorbidities.