bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chiroptical switching in the azobenzene‐based self‐locked [1]rotaxane by solvent and photoirradiation
Authors: Song Xin , Zhu Xuefeng , Wu Shengfu , Chen Wenzhuo , Tian Wei , Liu Minghua
Published: April 2023

Because of its dynamic reversible nature and simple regulation properties, rotaxane systems provided a good route for the construction of responsive supramolecular chiral materials. Here, we covalently encapsulate the photo‐responsive guest molecule azobenzene (Azo) in a chiral macrocycle β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) to prepare self‐locked chiral [1]rotaxane [Azo‐CD]. On this basis, the self‐adaptive conformation of [Azo‐CD] was manipulated by solvent and photoirradiation; meanwhile, dual orthogonal regulation of the [1]rotaxane chiroptical switching could also be realized.
Design and rationale of the efficacy of spinal cord stimulation in patients with refractory angina pectoris (SCRAP) trial
Authors: Vervaat F. E. , van der Gaag A. , Smetsers C. , Barneveld P. C. , van't Veer M. , Teeuwen K. , van Suijlekom H. , Dekker L. , Wijnbergen I. F.
Published: April 2023

Background

The use of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) in patients with refractory angina pectoris (RAP) is still under debate. Studies up to date have shown a positive effect with an improvement in quality of life. However, no double blinded randomized controlled trials have been performed.

Hypothesis & Methods

The objective of this trial is to investigate if high density SCS leads to a significant reduction in the amount of myocardial ischemia in patients with RAP. Eligible patients must meet the criteria for RAP, have proven ischemia and a positive transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator treadmill test. Patients who meet the inclusion criteria will receive an implanted spinal cord stimulator. Patients receive 6 months of high density SCS and 6 months of no stimulation using a cross‐over design. The order of the treatment options is determined using randomization. The primary endpoint is the effect of SCS measured by the change in percentage of myocardial ischemia using myocardial perfusion positron emission tomography scan. Key secondary endpoints are patient related outcome measures, major cardiac adverse events and safety endpoints. The follow‐up period is 1 year for the primary and key secondary endpoints.

Results

The SCRAP trial began enrollment on December 21, 2021 and is set to complete the primary assessments in June 2025. To date, January 2, 2023, 18 patients have been enrolled in the study and 3 patients have completed the 1‐year follow‐up.

Conclusions

The SCRAP trial is an investigator‐initiated, single‐center, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, and cross‐over randomized controlled trial investigating the efficacy of SCS in patients with RAP. (ClinicalTrials. gov Identifier: NCT04915157)
Ru Supported on p‐phthalic acid‐Mn Derived from a Mn Metal–Organic Framework for Thermo‐ and Electrocatalytic Synthesis of Ethylene‐D4 Glycol
Authors: Shao Fangjun , Ma Fandong , Li Yuanan , Jiang Wenjie , Wei Zhongzhe , Zhong Xing , Wang Hong , Wang Ligeng , Wang Jianguo
Published: April 2023

Deuterium‐labeled polyols are one of the most extensive applied chemicals in biochemistry and biophysics. However, the deuteriation still is insufficient, exhibiting a low deuterated ratio and indistinct reaction mechanism. Herein, Ru supported on MnBCD (MnBDC, derived from Mn p‐phthalic acid metal‐organic framework) as nanocatalyst with an agglomerated sheet‐type structure; this allows the possibility of achieving both thermo‐ and electrocatalytic hydrogen isotope exchange (HIE) reaction. Furthermore, XPS characterization confirmed that the specific structural changes in the electron density of Ru outer layers were modulated through the impregnation and reduction processes. According to the change of outer electronic structure, hydrogen spillover and electron‐rich flow promote the reaction of the catalyst in thermo‐ and electrocatalytic systems, respectively. In addition, the results indicate that a high deuterated ratio of 97 % can be obtained, hence the catalytic technology has enormous potential for the synthesis of a broad variety of deuterium‐labeled compounds.
Attenuation of the severity and changes in the microbiota in an animal model of primary biliary cholangitis by FOXP3− regulatory T cells
Authors: Chen Yi‐Lien , Chen Szu‐Ying , Chuang Ya‐Hui , Chiang Bor‐Luen
Published: April 2023

Background

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), an autoimmune liver disease, presents with progressive damage to the intrahepatic bile ducts with infiltrating mononuclear cells and the appearance of anti‐mitochondrial antibodies (AMAs). The initiation of autoimmune liver disease is permissively mediated by dysfunctional regulatory T cells (Treg cells). Naïve CD4+ T cells cultured with splenic B220+ cells without additional cytokines or chemicals can differentiate into specific types of Treg cells (Treg/B cells) without expressing forkhead box P3. In this study, we explored the effects of Treg/B cells on disease severity and changes in intestinal microbiota in a murine model of PBC.

Methods

Treg/B cells were administered to 2‐octenoic acid‐induced PBC mice. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, flow cytometry and histopathological techniques were used to evaluate the severity of PBC and to assess its therapeutic effect. Diversity of the intestinal microbiota was determined using 16S rRNA sequencing. The suppressive mechanisms of Treg/B cells were investigated using the bone marrow‐derived dendritic cells (BMDCs).

Results

Treg/B‐cell treatment significantly decreased the levels of serum AMAs against pyruvate dehydrogenase complex E2, lowered the levels of serum bile acids, attenuated inflammatory cell infiltration, reduced dendritic cell activation, altered the population of T cells in the liver and alleviated liver collagen synthesis in PBC mice. In addition, the Treg/B‐cell treatment changed the faecal microbial diversity in PBC mice. Furthermore, Treg/B‐cell treatment decreased the levels of proinflammatory cytokines and expression of costimulatory molecules in BMDCs. This inhibitory effect was partially mediated by the cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte‐associated antigen 4 pathway.

Conclusion

Treatment with Treg/B cells in a murine model of PBC attenuated liver inflammation and altered the gut microbiota. Immune regulation of Treg/B cells may be a potential therapeutic strategy for treating autoimmune liver disease.
FURIN regulates cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte effector function and memory cell transition in mice
Authors: Ojanen Markus J.T. , Caro Fernanda Munoz , Aittomäki Saara , Ploquin Mickaël J. , Ortutay Zsuzsanna , Pekkarinen Meeri , Kesseli Juha , Vähätupa Maria , Määttä Juuso , Nykter Matti , Junttila Ilkka S. , Järvinen Tero A.H. , O´Shea John J. , Biron Christine A. , Pesu Marko
Published: April 2023

The proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexins (PCSKs) regulate biological actions by cleaving immature substrate proteins. The archetype PCSK, FURIN, promotes the pathogenicity of viruses by proteolytically processing viral proteins. FURIN has also important regulatory functions in both innate and adaptive immune responses but its role in the CD8+ CTLs remains enigmatic. We used a T‐cell‐specific FURIN deletion in vivo to demonstrate that FURIN promotes host response against the CTL‐dependent lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus by virtue of restricting viral burden and augmenting interferon gamma (IFNG) production. We also characterized Furin KO CD8+ T cells ex vivo, including after their activation with FURIN regulating cytokines IL12 or TGFB1. Furin KO CD8+ T cells show an inherently activated phenotype characterized by the upregulation of effector genes and increased frequencies of CD44+, TNF+, and IFNG+ cells. In the activated CTLs, FURIN regulates the productions of IL2, TNF, and GZMB and the genes associated with the TGFBR‐signaling pathway. FURIN also controls the expression of Eomes, Foxo1, and Bcl6 and the levels of ITGAE and CD62L, which implies a role in the development of CTL memory. Collectively, our data suggest that the T‐cell expressed FURIN is important for host responses in viral infections, CTL homeostasis/activation, and memory development.
Experimental Investigation on the Transport of Sulfide Driven by Melt-rock Reaction in Partially Molten Peridotite
Authors: Wang Zhenjiang , Yao Zhuosen , Jin Zhenmin , Wang Yannan
Published: April 2023

Extraction of sulfides from the partially molten mantle is vital to
elucidate the cycling of metal and sulfur elements between different
geochemical circles but has not been investigated systematically. Using
laboratory experiments and theoretical calculations, this study
documents systematical variations in lithologies and compositions of
silicate minerals and melts, which are approximately consistent with the
results of the thermodynamically-constrained model. During a
melt-peridotite reaction, the dissolution of olivine and precipitation
of new orthopyroxene generate an orthopyroxene-rich layer between the
melt source and peridotite. With increasing reaction degree, more melt
is infiltrated into and reacts with upper peridotite, which potentially
enhances the concomitant upward transport of dense sulfide droplets.
Theoretical analyses suggest an energetically focused melt flow with a
high velocity (~ 170.9 μm/h) around sulfide droplets
through the pore throat. In this energic melt flow, we, for the first
time, observed the mechanical coalescence of sulfide droplets, and the
associated drag force was likely driving upward entrainment of fine
μm-scale sulfide. For coarse sulfide droplets whose sizes are larger
than the pore throat in the peridotite, their entrainment through narrow
constrictions in crystal framework seems to be physically possible only
when high-degree melt-peridotite reaction drives high porosity of
peridotite and channelized melt flows with extremely high velocity.
Hence, the melt-rock reaction could drive and enhance upward entrainment
of μm- to mm-scale sulfide in the partially molten mantle, potentially
contributing to the fertilization of the sub-continental lithospheric
mantle and the endowment of metal-bearing sulfide for the formation of
magmatic sulfide deposits.
The role of emotional sensitivity to missed opportunity and grey matter volume of thalamus in risk‐taking behaviour
Authors: Huang Pujiang , Li Shuang , Li Shuyu , Liu Zhiyu , Zhang Chen , Zhang Zhenyu , Liu Zhiyuan
Published: April 2023

The ability to make suitable risky decision is necessary for individuals' survival and development. However, individuals vary in risk preference. The current study, adopting a decision task, aimed to explore the emotional sensitivity to missed opportunity and grey matter volume (GMV) of thalamus in high risk‐takers by using voxel‐based morphology analysis. In the task, eight boxes should be opened successively. Seven boxes contained coins and one box contained the devil to zero coins. Once stopped, collected and missed (missed opportunity) coins were presented. Participants were divided into high‐ and low risk‐takers according to their risk‐taking behaviour in the decision task. We found that high risk‐takers showed stronger emotional sensitivity to missed opportunity and smaller GMV of thalamus than low risk‐takers. In addition, the GMV of thalamus partially mediated the effect of emotional sensitivity to missed opportunity on risk‐taking behaviour among all participants. Overall, the current study highlights the role of emotional sensitivity to missed opportunity and the GMV of thalamus in risk‐taking behaviour, which helps us understand the possible reason for the variation among individuals in risk preference.
Successful treatment of immune‐related cystitis with bladder hydrodistension
Authors: Anraku Tsutomu , Hashidate Hideki , Imai Tomoyuki , Kawakami Yoshiaki
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Although immune checkpoint inhibitors offer significant therapeutic benefits to patients with advanced cancer, they can also cause a variety of immune‐related adverse events. As immune checkpoint inhibitors are being widely used, rare immune‐related adverse events are being reported.

Case presentation

A 70‐year‐old man with advanced salivary duct carcinoma was treated with pembrolizumab following radiotherapy. After receiving two doses of pembrolizumab, the patient experienced symptoms such as micturition pain and hematuria. Immune‐related cystitis was suspected, and the patient underwent a bladder biopsy and bladder hydrodistension. Histological analysis revealed non‐neoplastic bladder mucosa with CD8‐positive lymphocyte‐dominant inflammatory cell infiltration, consistent with immune‐related cystitis. The patient's bladder symptoms improved postoperatively without steroid administration.

Conclusion

Although steroids are commonly administered to treat immune‐related adverse events, bladder hydrodistension may be a promising treatment option for immune‐related cystitis to avoid administration of steroids, which may impair the therapeutic effect of immune checkpoint inhibitors.
The complex role of the community in the determination of well‐being and hope among divorced Muslim women
Authors: Abu‐Ras Ruba , Itzhaki‐Braun Yael
Published: April 2023

Based on social capital theory, in the current study, we examined the contribution of background variables (education and living with/without parents), a personal resource (religiosity), and two communal resources (a sense of community, and both positive and negative societal conditional regard) to the well‐being and hope of divorced women from the Muslim community in Israel. The study included 125 women between the ages of 20 and 60 (M = 36, SD = 9.10). A path analysis model indicated a sense of community as a protective factor that directly contributed to well‐being and hope and also mediated positively between education and religiosity and between well‐being and hope. However, societal conditional negative regard (SCNR) made a negative contribution to well‐being and hope, both directly and indirectly via the sense of community. In the discussion, we highlight the conflict experienced by Muslim divorced women: between remaining part of the Muslim community and undergoing SCNR.
Materialism and life satisfaction relations between and within people over time: Results of a three‐wave longitudinal study
Authors: Jaspers Esther D. T. , Pandelaere Mario , Pieters Rik G. M. , Shrum L. J.
Published: April 2023

The negative association between materialism and life satisfaction is well‐documented, but it is unclear what the directionality of the association is. To address this issue, we (a) conducted a three‐wave longitudinal study (N = 6551) over 3 years and examined the bidirectional relations between life satisfaction and materialism as a composite measure and with each of its three facets (happiness, success, and centrality), and (b) estimated Random Intercept Cross‐Lagged Panel Models (RI‐CLPMs) that separate inter‐ and intra‐individual effects and compared them with traditional CLPMs that do not. The traditional CLPM showed bidirectional negative associations between composite materialism and life satisfaction and strong negative bidirectional association for the happiness facet, but positive effects of the centrality facet on life satisfaction. However, and importantly, the RI‐CLPM revealed that these relations exist predominantly between people. Within people, materialism does not impact life satisfaction, but life satisfaction does impact the happiness facet negatively. These findings challenge common ideas that the direction of the effect is from materialism to life satisfaction and that it is unilaterally negative.
Valorization of biomass ash for the effective removal of dipyrone from water: an efficient and low‐cost option
Authors: dos Reis Oliveira Marina , Paulino Isabela Maria Reck , Resende Jayana Freitas , Simão Lisandro , Vieira Marcelo Fernandes , Bergamasco Rosângela , Vieira Angélica Marquetotti Salcedo
Published: April 2023

Background

In order to propose a destination for the bottom ash generated from biomass burning, its morphology, functional groups and mineral phases were studied. Dipyrone has been extensively used as an antipyretic, increased due to cases of COVID‐19, and due to excretion by urine, incorrect disposal and industrial effluents has been destined to wastewater, being harmful to human and animal life. The present study proposes using biomass ash for the adsorption of dipyrone.

Results

The characterization of biomass ash shows a sufficient surface area size for adsorption, and a mainly amorphous structure with some peaks of quartz, calcite and other mineral phases. The results show that the kinetic model which best describes the adsorption is the pseudo‐first‐order model. The Langmuir model best fits at 25 °C, and the Freundlich model best describes the adsorption at 35 and 45 °C. The thermodynamic parameters indicated that the process is endothermic with a maximum adsorptive capacity of 65.27 mg g−1. In addition, the adsorption is spontaneous, disordered and chemical. The ionic strength study reveals that the adsorbent is promising for real effluent treatment and there is evidence that electrostatic interaction is not the primary adsorptive mechanism, agreeing with the result obtained from pH testing. The proposed mechanism for dipyrone removal involves hydrogen bonds, π bonds and electron donor–acceptor complex.

Conclusions

The results are promising in comparison with recent literature and solve two environmental problems: biomass bottom ash disposal and pharmaceutical removal in aqueous medium. The ash may be regarded as a low‐cost and environmentally friendly adsorbent. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Prognostic Value of Left Ventricular Longitudinal Function and Myocardial Fibrosis in Patients With Ischemic and Non‐Ischemic Dilated Cardiomyopathy Concomitant With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A 3.0 T Cardiac MR Study
Authors: Zhang Hong‐Kai , Du Yu , Shi Chun‐Yan , Zhang Nan , Gao Hui‐Qiang , Zhong Yong‐Liang , Wang Mao‐Zhou , Zhou Zhen , Gao Xue‐Lian , Li Shuang , Yang Lin , Liu Tong , Fan Zhan‐Ming , Sun Zhong‐Hua , Xu Lei
Published: April 2023

Background

Poorly controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is known to result in left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, myocardial fibrosis, and ischemic/nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (ICM/NIDCM). However, less is known about the prognostic value of T2DM on LV longitudinal function and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) assessed with cardiac MRI in ICM/NIDCM patients.

Purpose

To measure LV longitudinal function and myocardial scar in ICM/NIDCM patients with T2DM and to determine their prognostic values.

Study Type

Retrospective cohort.

Population

Two hundred thirty‐five ICM/NIDCM patients (158 with T2DM and 77 without T2DM).

Field Strength/Sequence

3T; steady‐state free precession cine; phase‐sensitive inversion recovery segmented gradient echo LGE sequences.

Assessment

Global peak longitudinal systolic strain rate (GLPSSR) was evaluated to LV longitudinal function with feature tracking. The predictive value of GLPSSR was determined with ROC curve. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was measured. The primary adverse cardiovascular endpoint was follow up every 3 months.

Statistical Tests

Mann–Whitney U test or student's t‐test; Intra and inter‐observer variabilities; Kaplan–Meier method; Cox proportional hazards analysis (threshold = 5%).

Results

ICM/NIDCM patients with T2DM exhibited significantly lower absolute value of GLPSSR (0.39 ± 0.14 vs. 0.49 ± 0.18) and higher proportion of LGE positive (+) despite similar LV ejection fraction, compared to without T2DM. LV GLPSSR was able to predict primary endpoint (AUC 0.73) and optimal cutoff point was 0.4. ICM/NIDCM patients with T2DM (GLPSSR < 0.4) had more markedly impaired survival. Importantly, this group (GLPSSR < 0.4, HbA1c ≥ 7.8%, or LGE (+)) exhibited the worst survival. In multivariate analysis, GLPSSR, HbA1c, and LGE (+) significantly predicted primary adverse cardiovascular endpoint in overall ICM/NIDCM and ICM/NIDCM patients with T2DM.

Conclusions

T2DM has an additive deleterious effect on LV longitudinal function and myocardial fibrosis in ICM/NIDCM patients. Combining GLPSSR, HbA1c, and LGE could be promising markers in predicting outcomes in ICM/NIDCM patients with T2DM.

Evidence Level

3

Technical Efficacy

5
Population dynamics and harvest management of eastern mallards
Authors: Roberts Anthony J. , Hostetler Jeffrey A. , Stiller Joshua C. , Devers Patrick K. , Link William A.
Published: April 2023

Managing sustainable harvest of wildlife populations requires regular collection of demographic data and robust estimates of demographic parameters. Estimates can then be used to develop a harvest strategy to guide decision‐making. Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) are an important species in the Atlantic Flyway for many users and they exhibited exponential growth in the eastern United States between the 1970s and 1990s. Since then, estimates of mallard abundance have declined 16%, prompting the Atlantic Flyway Council and United States Fish and Wildlife Service to implement more restrictive hunting regulations and develop a new harvest strategy predicated on an updated population model. Our primary objective was to develop an integrated population model (IPM) for use in an eastern mallard harvest management strategy. We developed an IPM using annual estimates of breeding abundance, 2‐season banding and recovery data, and hunter‐harvest data from 1998 to 2018. When developing the model, we used novel model selection methods to test various forms of a sub‐model for survival including estimating the degree of harvest additivity and any age‐specific trends. The top survival sub‐model included a negative annual trend on juvenile survival. The IPM posterior estimates for population abundance tracked closely with the observed estimates and estimates of mean annual population growth rate ranged from 0.88 to 1.08. Our population model provided increased precision in abundance estimates compared to survey methods for use in an updated harvest strategy. The IPM posterior estimates of survival rates were relatively stable for adult cohorts, and annual growth rate was positively correlated with the female age ratio, a measure of reproduction. Either or both of those demographic parameters, juvenile survival or reproduction, could be a target for management efforts to address the population decline. The resulting demographic parameters provided information on the equilibrium population size and can be used in an adaptive harvest strategy for mallards in eastern North America.
A compact formulation for the base station deployment problem in wireless networks
Authors: Avella Pasquale , Calamita Alice , Palagi Laura
Published: April 2023

This article considers the base station deployment problem in a wireless network. The natural formulation of this problem usually leads to numerical and memory issues, preventing users from dealing with real‐world cases. We provide a compact reformulation that allows us to get beyond the drawbacks of the natural formulation. Tests are done on ten instances derived from realistic LTE scenarios. The computational results show that the proposed reformulation enables mixed‐integer programming solvers to provide an optimal solution in a short amount of time.
The role of patient activation in self‐care behaviours of Korean older adults with heart failure
Authors: Son Youn‐Jung , Lee Suk Jeong , Kim Sun‐Hee
Published: April 2023

Aim

This study was aimed at investigating the level of patient activation, and its association with self‐care behaviours in older people with heart failure.

Design

Cross‐sectional secondary data analysis was conducted.

Methods

We included a total of 182 Korean patients with heart failure who were aged ≥65 years for a cardiovascular outpatient clinic visit. Baseline characteristics, the Patient Activation Measure (PAM), health literacy, disease knowledge and self‐care behaviours were collected via a self‐administered questionnaire.

Results

The proportion of patient activation at Levels 1 and 2 was 22.5% and 14.3%, respectively. Highly activated patients had a high level of health literacy, disease knowledge and self‐care behaviours. After adjusting for confounding factors, we observed that patient activation was the only statiscally significant predictor of self‐care behaviours among older people with heart failure. Healthcare professionals should help patients take active roles in their self‐care through a comprehensive needs assessment including health literacy and disease knowledge.
The use of a modified rescue cervical cerclage in a diamniotic dichorionic twin pregnancy that had cervical dilatation
Authors: Bailey Michelle , Reid Marvin , DaCosta Vernon
Published: April 2023

Objective

We describe the successful utilization of a modified rescue cerclage in a 32‐year‐old G4 P1213 woman of Afro‐Caribbean descent with a Diamniotic Dichorionic twin gestation who presented at 20 weeks and 2 days for a routine anomaly scan and was found to have a dilated (1.7 cm) and short (0.49 cm) cervix.

Design

A standard prophylactic cervical cerclage was done at 12 weeks' gestation using Mersilene™ tape. For the rescue cerclage, the client was placed in a steep Trendelenburg position, with back filling of the bladder. The cervix was grasped with ring forceps, and an inflated foley balloon catheter was introduced into the cervical opening to aid in reduction of membranes. In addition to the initial cerclage, two 1‐ Prolene™ sutures were inserted distally to the tape and a second Mersilene™ tape was inserted proximally at the vesicocervical junction (reinforcement cerclages). The first Prolene™ was to provide additional structural support to prevent prolapse of the membrane. The second Prolene™ was used to close the external cervical or to minimize the risk of an ascending infection. The procedure was uneventful and postoperatively she was treated with antibiotics, vaginal micronized progesterone and venous thromboembolism prophylaxis. The membranes remained intact.

Result

The twins were successfully delivered by a scheduled repeat caesarean section at 36 weeks with Twin 1 Apgar scores of 9 and 9 at 1 and 5 min, respectively, and Twin 2 Apgar scores of 8 and 10, respectively.

Conclusion

In the context of a challenging obstetric history as in this case, a more aggressive approach inclusive of reinforcement cerclage may be considered. The successful outcomes in this case further reiterates the need for larger clinical trials with pregnant individuals with larger cervical dilations at entry.
Share density‐based clustering of income data
Authors: Condino Francesca
Published: April 2023

The Lorenz curve is a fundamental tool for analyzing income and wealth distribution and inequality. Indeed, the Lorenz curve and its derivative, the so‐called share density, provide valuable information regarding inequality. There is a widely recognized connection between the Lorenz curve and elements from information theory field. Starting from this evidence, the aim of this work is to compare the income inequality of different subgroups, by using a proper dissimilarity measure, borrowed from information theory, between parametric share densities. This measure is then considered for clustering purposes. To this end, a dynamic clustering algorithm is considered to group unconventional data, such as density functions. Finally, an application, regarding data from Survey on Households Income and Wealth (SHIW) by Bank of Italy, is shown.
CRM and partial order CRM with adaptive rescaling for dose‐finding in immunotherapy trials with a continuous outcome
Authors: Saha Pooja T. , Fine Jason P. , Ivanova Anastasia
Published: April 2023

In many phase 1 oncology trials of immunotherapies, no dose‐limiting toxicities are observed and the maximum tolerated dose cannot be identified. In these settings, dose‐finding can be guided by a biomarker of response rather than the occurrences of dose‐limiting toxicity. The recommended phase 2 dose can be defined as the dose with mean response equal to a prespecified value of a continuous response biomarker. To target the mean of a continuous biomarker, we build on the idea of the continual reassessment method and the quasi‐Bernoulli likelihood. We extend the design to a problem of finding the recommended phase 2 dose combination in a trial with multiple immunotherapies.
Modeling and maximum likelihood based inference of interval‐censored data with unknown upper limits and time‐dependent covariates
Authors: Wu Jing , Geng Lijiang , Starkweather Angela , Chen Ming‐Hui
Published: April 2023

Due to the nature of study design or other reasons, the upper limits of the interval‐censored data with multiple visits are unknown. A naïve approach is to treat the last observed time as the exact event time, which may induce biased estimators of the model parameters. In this paper, we first develop a Cox model with time‐dependent covariates for the event time and a proportional hazards model with frailty for the gap time. We then construct the upper limits using the latent gap times to resolve the issue of interval‐censored event time data with unknown upper limits. A data‐augmentation technique and a Monte Carlo EM (MCEM) algorithm are developed to facilitate computation. Theoretical properties of the computational algorithm are also investigated. Additionally, new model comparison criteria are developed to assess the fit of the gap time data as well as the fit of the event time data conditional on the gap time data. Our proposed method compares favorably with competing methods in both simulation study and real data analysis.
Ni(OH)2 nanoparticles as a recyclable catalyst in acceptorless dehydrogenation of alcohols to acids/acid salts under aerobic conditions
Authors: Paul Tumpa , Saikia Partha Pratim , Borah Dhrubajit , Mahanta Nilkamal , Baruah Arabinda , Borah Jayanta M. , Saikia Bhaskar J. , Raidongia Kalyan , Gogoi Raj Kumar , Gogoi Raktim
Published: April 2023

We demonstrate herein the catalytic performance of unsupported Ni(OH)2 nanoparticles towards the dehydrogenation of primary alcohols to corresponding acids under aerobic conditions in refluxing toluene. An assortment of aromatic and aliphatic carboxylic acids/acids salts was prepared from corresponding alcohols in moderate to excellent yields. Interestingly, the protocol can also be employed to synthesize carboxylic acids on a gram scale, demonstrating the practical utility of the method. Mechanistic studies suggest that the reaction proceeds through an acceptorless dehydrogenation strategy and follow both Cannizzaro and catalytic dehydrogenative path. Broad substrate scope, operational simplicity, low cost, and reusability are the most interesting features of the current heterogeneous catalytic protocol described herein.
Syntheses and Catalytic Behavior of Dendritic Macrocyclic Schiff‐Base Nickel (II) Complexes in Ethylene Oligomerization
Authors: Xue Jingqi , Guo Lijun , Huo Hongliang , Ma Lili , Huang Jin , Li Feng , Li Cuiqin
Published: April 2023

The functionalized dendrimers play an important role in catalytic application. A dendritic Schiff base macrocyclic compound was designed and synthesized with the 1.0 generation dendrimer polyamidoamine (1.0G PAMAM) and terephthalaldehyde for ethylene oligomerization. The role of solvent in the synthesized process of dendritic macrocyclic Schiff base ligand was studied. Surprisingly, intermolecular or intramolecular cyclization occurred and formed bicyclic Schiff base ligand (Ligand 1) and polycyclic Schiff base ligand (Ligand 2). And their corresponding nickel complexes (Catalyst 1 and Catalyst 2) were also synthesized with NiCl2(DME) as material to be used for ethylene oligomerization. The effects of the reaction parameters and the chemical structure of the ligand on the catalytic behavior were investigated with methyl‐aluminoxane (MAO) as cocatalyst, and Catalyst 1 and Catalyst 2 displayed the high catalytic activity and the high selectivity for low‐carbon olefin in ethylene oligomerization. Catalyst 2 based on Ligand 2 had a higher catalytic activity of 9.12×104 g (mol Ni h)−1 in ethylene oligomerization because of large dendritic ring in the ligand for ethylene diffusion and mass transfer. Moreover, two synthesized nickel complexes based on dendritic macrocyclic Schiff base ligand had a higher catalytic activity compared with the corresponding dendritic salicylaldehydeimine nickel (II) catalyst.
Synthesis and Cytotoxic Evaluation of New Fluoro and Trifluoromethyl Substituents Containing Chromeno[2,3‐d]pyrimidines
Authors: Nguyen Ha Thanh , Nguyen Van Ha , Hoang Thi Phuong , Thi Tuyet Anh Dang , Le‐Nhat‐Thuy Giang , Nguyen Thi Quynh Giang , Tuan Anh Nguyen , Ba Thi Cham , Tran Quang Hung , Van Nguyen Tuyen
Published: April 2023

In this research, microwave‐assisted “one‐pot” multicomponent reactions have been employed for the synthesis of new chromeno[2,3‐d]pyrimidines containing fluorine atoms. The biological significance of the obtained compounds was highlighted by evaluating in vitro for cytotoxic activity against four human cancer cell lines (HepG2, hepatoma carcinoma; MCF7, breast cancer; A549, non‐small lung cancer; KB, epidermoid carcinoma). Interestingly, two compounds revealed significant inhibitory activity against A549 cell line, and showed low toxicity to human embryonic kidney (Hek‐293) cell line. The synthetic efficacy and cytotoxic potency have offered an opportunity to further development of chromeno[2,3‐d]pyrimidines containing fluorine atoms as potential anticancer agents.
Assessment of existing structures in fib modelcode 2020: Solutions and examples
Authors: Walraven Joost , Dieteren Gerrie
Published: April 2023

For the assessment of concrete structures in the new fib Model Code 2020 (fib MC 2020), three categories are distinguished: (1) the residual capacity of existing structures without damage, (2) the residual capacity of structures suffering deterioration, and (3) the residual capacity of structures with noncompliant details. In the accompanying paper by Walraven and Dieteren in this volume, the backgrounds for this subdivision have been explained, and indications for the assessment of existing concrete structures in those categories have been given. In the actual paper, examples are given how to perform an assessment of concrete structures for the categories mentioned above. These examples have contributed to the formulations of the recommendations proposed for fib MC 2020.
Use of radio‐linked VHF technology to monitor neonate carnivores
Authors: Engebretsen Kristin N. , DeBloois Darren , Young Julie K.
Published: April 2023

Fine‐scale monitoring of neonate mammals can provide important data about survival rates and cause‐specific mortality. However, the VHF transmitters and collars frequently used to monitor neonate mammals necessitate logistically intensive field efforts, often requiring personnel to check on collared animals several times a day. We adapted technology that creates a proximity link between GPS collars fitted on adult animals to expandable VHF collars fitted for use on neonate cougar kittens (Puma concolor). We describe and evaluate the use of this system, which resulted in an 87% success rate of tracking kittens from ~5 weeks to 6 months of age. Our experience with these collars suggests that this technology can be used to enhance understanding of neonate survival and to gain information about maternal behavior and time allocation with offspring, providing a new source of data that was previously unobservable.
QCD factorization of quasi generalized gluon distributions
Authors: Ma J. P. , Pang Z. Y. , Zhang C. P. , Zhang G. P.
Published: April 2023

Abstract

We study the factorization relations between quasi gluon GPDs and twist-2 GPDs. The perturbative coefficient functions are obtained at one-loop level. They are free from any collinear- or I.R. divergences. Unlike the case of the factorization of quasi quark GPDs at one-loop, we have to add ghost contributions for the factorization of quasi gluon GPDs in order to obtain gauge-invariant results. In general, operators will be mixed beyond tree-level. Our work shows that the mixing pattern of the nonlocal operators in quasi gluon GPDs is the same as those of local operators, i.e., the nonlocal operators considered are mixed with gauge-invariant operators, BRST-variation operators and operators involving EOM operator. The factorization relations are obtained for all quasi gluon GPDs. Taking the forward limit, we also obtain the relations between quasi gluon PDFs and twist-2 PDFs.
More on massive gravitino scattering amplitudes and the unitarity cutoff of the new Fayet-Iliopoulos terms
Authors: Antoniadis Ignatios , Cunat Jules , Guillen Anthony
Published: April 2023

Abstract

We extend the 2 → 2 gravitino scattering amplitude computed in [1] to an arbitrary $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 supergravity model of one chiral and one vector multiplet, in a Minkowski background with supersymmetry breaking driven by both F- and D-terms. We find that the cancellation of the leading term in $$ \mathcal{O} $$
O
(κ2E4/|m3/2|2), that would lead to a breakdown of perturbative unitarity at a scale Λ ~ MSUSY, is a consequence of the vanishing of the scalar potential at its minimum, which is implied by the flat background. We then analyse the inclusion of the new Fayet-Iliopoulos (FI) terms. We find that, since they modify the scalar potential without contributing to the amplitudes, they generically lead to uncanceled leading terms in the latter and a perturbative cutoff at the supersymmetry breaking scale, except for particular cases where the new FI term does not modify the potential at its minimum and the cutoff is pushed up to the Planck scale.
Trends and outcomes of trauma patients positive to marijuana and cocaine
Authors: Roque-Torres José , Ramírez-Martínez Laura , Ramos-Meléndez Ediel O. , García-Rodríguez Omar , Rodríguez-López Agustín , Guerrios Lourdes , Rodríguez-Ortiz Pablo
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Substance misuse has long been recognized as a major predisposing risk factor for traumatic injury. However, there still exists no clear scientific consensus regarding the impact of drug use on patient outcomes. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the demographic profile, hospital-course factors, and outcomes of trauma patients based on their toxicology.

Methods

This is a non-concurrent cohort study of 3709 patients treated at the Puerto Rico Trauma Hospital during 2002–2018. The sample was divided into four groups according to their toxicology status. Statistical techniques used included Pearson’s chi-square test, Spearman correlation, and negative binomial and logistic regressions.

Results

Admission rates for marijuana (rho = 0.87) and marijuana and cocaine positive (rho = 0.68) patients increased. Positive toxicology patients underwent surgery more often than negative testing patients (marijuana: 68.7%, cocaine: 65.6%, marijuana & cocaine: 69.8%, negative: 57.0%). Among patients with non-penetrating injuries, a positive toxicology for cocaine or marijuana was linked to a 48% and 42% increased adjusted risk of complications, 37% and 27% longer TICU LOS, and 32% and 18% longer hospital LOS, respectively.

Conclusion

Our results show an association between positive toxicology for either marijuana, cocaine, or both with higher need for surgery. Additionally, our results show an increase in complications, TICU LOS, and hospital LOS among non-penetrating trauma patients testing positive for marijuana or cocaine. Therefore, this study provides valuable information on the clinical profile of patients with positive toxicology, suggesting they might benefit from more aggressive management.
Clustering of extreme values: estimation and application
Authors: Ferreira Marta
Published: April 2023

The extreme value theory (EVT) encompasses a set of methods that allow inferring about the risk inherent to various phenomena in the scope of economic, financial, actuarial, environmental, hydrological, climatic sciences, as well as various areas of engineering. In many situations the clustering effect of high values may have an impact on the risk of occurrence of extreme phenomena. For example, extreme temperatures that last over time and result in drought situations, the permanence of intense rains leading to floods, stock markets in successive falls and consequent catastrophic losses. The extremal index is a measure of EVT associated with the degree of clustering of extreme values. In many situations, and under certain conditions, it corresponds to the arithmetic inverse of the average size of high-value clusters. The estimation of the extremal index generally entails two sources of uncertainty: the level at which high observations are considered and the identification of clusters. There are several contributions in the literature on the estimation of the extremal index, including methodologies to overcome the aforementioned sources of uncertainty. In this work we will revisit several existing estimators, apply automatic choice methods, both for the threshold and for the clustering parameter, and compare the performance of the methods. We will end with an application to meteorological data.
The importance of dynamic risk constraints for limited liability operators
Authors: Armstrong John , Brigo Damiano , Tse Alex S. L.
Published: April 2023

Previous literature shows that prevalent risk measures such as value at risk or expected shortfall are ineffective to curb excessive risk-taking by a tail-risk-seeking trader with S-shaped utility function in the context of portfolio optimisation. However, these conclusions hold only when the constraints are static in the sense that the risk measure is just applied to the terminal portfolio value. In this paper, we consider a portfolio optimisation problem featuring S-shaped utility and a dynamic risk constraint which is imposed throughout the entire trading horizon. Provided that the risk control policy is sufficiently strict relative to the Sharpe ratio of the asset, the trader’s portfolio strategies and the resulting maximal expected utility can be effectively constrained by a dynamic risk measure. Finally, we argue that dynamic risk constraints might still be ineffective if the trader has access to a derivatives market.
Experimental results of reinforced concrete frames with masonry infills with and without openings under combined quasi-static in-plane and out-of-plane seismic loading
Authors: Milijaš Aleksa , Marinković Marko , Butenweg Christoph , Klinkel Sven
Published: April 2023

Reinforced concrete (RC) frames with masonry infills can be encountered all over the world, especially in earthquake prone regions. Although masonry infills are usually not considered in the design process, in the case of seismic loading they are subjected to in-plane and out-of-plane forces that can act separately or simultaneously. In recent earthquakes it was observed that seismic loads can severely damage masonry infills or even cause their complete collapse, especially when the loads act simultaneously. Due to this, effects of interaction of in-plane and out-of-plane loads on seismic performance of masonry infills have received more attention recently. However, most of studies focus only on fully infilled frames, even though openings, such as windows and doors are essential parts of infills that substantially affect the seismic response of masonry infills. Therefore, this article presents the results of a comprehensive experimental study on nine full-scale traditional masonry RC frames infilled with modern hollow clay bricks for configurations with and without window and door openings under separate, sequential and combined in-plane and out-of-plane loading. Based on the results, a detailed comparison and interpretation for the different infill and loading configurations is presented. The test results clearly show the unfavourable influence of openings and combined loading conditions as well as the importance of the quality of execution of the circumferential mortar joint between infill and frame. The new findings can be used as a basis for the required development of innovative solutions to improve significantly the seismic performance of RC frames with masonry infills.
An in vitro platform for study of the human gut microbiome under an oxygen gradient
Authors: Comolli James , Walsh David I. , Bobrow Johanna , Lennartz Chelsea L. , Guido Nicholas J. , Thorsen Todd
Published: April 2023

The complex, dynamic environment of the human lower gastrointestinal tract is colonized by hundreds of bacterial species that impact health and performance. Ex vivo study of the functional interactions between microbial community members in conditions representative of those in the gut is an ongoing challenge. We have developed an in vitro 40-plex platform that provides an oxygen gradient to support simultaneous maintenance of microaerobic and anaerobic microbes from the gut microbiome that can aid in rapid characterization of microbial interactions and direct comparison of individual microbiome samples. In this report, we demonstrate that the platform more closely maintained the microbial diversity and composition of human donor fecal microbiome samples than strict anaerobic conditions. The oxygen gradient established in the platform allowed the stratification and subsequent sampling of diverse microbial subpopulations that colonize microaerobic and anaerobic micro-environments. With the ability to run forty samples in parallel, the platform has the potential to be used as a rapid screening tool to understand how the gut microbiome responds to environmental perturbations such as toxic compound exposure, dietary changes, or pharmaceutical treatments.
Emplaced Partnerships and the Ethics of Care, Recognition and Resilience
Authors: Ryan Annmarie , Geiger Susi , Haugh Helen , Branzei Oana , Gray Barbara L. , Lawrence Thomas B. , Cresswell Tim , Anderson Alastair , Jack Sarah , McKeever Ed
Published: April 2023

The aim of the SI is to bring to the fore the places in which cross-sector partnerships (CSPs) are formed; how place shapes the dynamics of CSPs, and how CSPs shape the specific settings in which they develop. The papers demonstrate that partnerships and place are intrinsically reciprocal: the morality and materiality inherent in places repeatedly reset the reference points for partners, trigger epiphanies, shift identities, and redistribute capacities to act. Place thus becomes generative of partnerships in the most profound sense: by developing an awareness of their emplacement, CSPs commit to place, and through their place-based commitments produce three intertwined modalities of place-specific ethics that bind CSPs and place: ethic of recognition, an ethic of care, and an ethic of resilience. Our authors have found vivid examples of how emplaced CSPs embody these ethics, signaling hope for the sustainability of our (always hyper-local) life-worlds.
Employee Ethical Silence Under Exploitative Leadership: The Roles of Work Meaningfulness and Moral Potency
Authors: Wang Zhining , Ren Shuang , Chadee Doren , Chen Yuhang
Published: April 2023

Employees remaining silent about ethical aspects of work or organization-related issues, termed employee ethical silence, perpetuates misconduct in today’s business setting. However, how and why it occurs is not yet well specified in the business ethics literature, which is insufficient to manage corporate misconducts. In this research, we investigate how and when exploitative leadership associates with employee ethical silence. We draw from the conservation of resources theory to theorize and test a cognitive resource pathway (i.e., work meaningfulness) and a moral resource pathway (i.e., moral potency) to explain the association between exploitative leadership and employee ethical silence. Results from two studies largely support our hypotheses that work meaningfulness and moral potency mediate the effect of exploitative leadership on ethical silence contingent on performance reward expectancy. Theoretical and practical implications are thoroughly discussed in the paper.