bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cost effectiveness of treatment strategies for high risk prostate cancer
Authors: Kowalchuk Roman O. , Kim Hayeon , Harmsen William S. , Jeans Elizabeth B. , Morris Lindsay K. , Mullikin Trey C. , Miller Robert C. , Wong William W. , Vargas Carlos E. , Trifiletti Daniel M. , Phillips Ryan M. , Choo C. R. , Davis Brian J. , Beriwal Sushil , Tendulkar Rahul D. , Stish Bradley J. , Breen William G. , Waddle Mark R.
Published: September 2022

Background

Patients with high‐risk prostate cancer (HRPC) have multiple accepted treatment options. Because there is no overall survival benefit of one option over another, appropriate treatment must consider patient life expectancy, quality of life, and cost.

Methods

The authors compared quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs) and cost effectiveness among treatment options for HRPC using a Markov model with three treatment arms: (1) external‐beam radiotherapy (EBRT) delivered with 20 fractions, (2) EBRT with 23 fractions followed by low‐dose‐rate (LDR) brachytherapy boost, or (3) radical prostatectomy alone. An exploratory analysis considered a simultaneous integrated boost according to the FLAME trial (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT01168479).

Results

Treatment strategies were compared using the incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER). EBRT with LDR brachytherapy boost was a cost‐effective strategy (ICER, $20,929 per QALY gained). These results were most sensitive to variations in the biochemical failure rate. However, the results still demonstrated cost effectiveness for the brachytherapy boost paradigm, regardless of any tested parameter ranges. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis demonstrated that EBRT with LDR brachytherapy was favored in 52% of 100,000 Monte Carlo iterations. In an exploratory analysis, EBRT with a simultaneous integrated boost was also a cost‐effective strategy, resulting in an ICER of $62,607 per QALY gained; however, it was not cost effective compared with EBRT plus LDR brachytherapy boost.

Conclusions

EBRT with LDR brachytherapy boost may be a cost‐effective treatment strategy compared with EBRT alone and radical prostatectomy for HRPC, demonstrating high‐value care. The current analysis suggests that a reduction in biochemical failure alone can result in cost‐effective care, despite no change in overall survival.
Understanding the Behaviour of Real Metaborates in Solution
Authors: Pope Frances , Watson Noë I. , Deblais Antoine , Rothenberg Gadi
Published: September 2022

Alkali metal borohydrides are promising candidates for large‐scale hydrogen storage. They react spontaneously with water, generating dihydrogen and metaborate salts. While sodium borohydride is the most studied, potassium has the best chance of commercial application. Here we examine the physical and chemical properties of such self‐hydrolysis solutions. We do this by following the hydrogen evolution, the pH changes, and monitoring the reaction intermediates using NMR. Most studies on such systems are done using dilute solutions, but real‐life applications require high concentrations. We show that increasing the borohydride concentration radically changes the system's microstructure and rheology. The changes are seen already at concentrations as low as 5 w/w%, and are critical above 10 w/w%. While dilute solutions are Newtonian, concentrated reaction solutions display non‐Newtonian behaviour, that we attribute to the formation and (dis)entanglement of metaborate oligomers. The implications of these findings towards using borohydride salts for hydrogen storage are discussed.
Unfurling Anion‐π Interactions Involving Graphynes
Authors: Parameswaran Aiswarya M. , James Anto , Aboobacker Adil , Srinivasamurthy Swathi Rotti
Published: September 2022

Ever since the inception of anion‐π interactions, their nature and functional relevance have intrigued researchers. We address the twin challenge of elucidation of the role of extended conjugation and design of all‐carbon neutral anion receptors by computations on the anion‐π complexes of the halide ions with graphynes. Leveraging on the extended π‐conjugation effects, we unfurl the functional relevance of graphynes as anion receptors using descriptors such as electrostatic potential, quadrupole moments, molecular polarizabilities and binding energies. Further, employing natural energy decomposition analysis, we assert that anion‐π interactions are not merely dominated by electrostatic interactions. The polarization components do indeed play a crucial role in governing the binding of the anions to the graphynes.
Intercolony variation in reproductive skipping in the African penguin
Authors: Leith Freddie W. , Grigg Jennifer L. , Barham Barbara J. , Barham Peter J. , Ludynia Katrin , McGeorge Cuan , Mdluli Andile , Parsons Nola J. , Waller Lauren J. , Sherley Richard B.
Published: September 2022

In long‐lived species, reproductive skipping is a common strategy whereby sexually mature animals skip a breeding season, potentially reducing population growth. This may be an adaptive decision to protect survival, or a non‐adaptive decision driven by individual‐specific constraints. Understanding the presence and drivers of reproductive skipping behavior can be important for effective population management, yet in many species such as the endangered African penguin (Spheniscus demersus), these factors remain unknown. This study uses multistate mark‐recapture methods to estimate African penguin survival and breeding probabilities at two colonies between 2013 and 2020. Overall, survival (mean ± SE) was higher at Stony Point (0.82 ± 0.01) than at Robben Island (0.77 ± 0.02). Inter‐colony differences were linked to food availability; under decreasing sardine (Sardinops sagax) abundance, survival decreased at Robben Island and increased at Stony Point. Additionally, reproductive skipping was evident across both colonies; at Robben Island the probability of a breeder becoming a nonbreeder was ~0.22, versus ~0.1 at Stony Point. Penguins skipping reproduction had a lower probability of future breeding than breeding individuals; this lack of adaptive benefit suggests reproductive skipping is driven by individual‐specific constraints. Lower survival and breeding propensity at Robben Island places this colony in greater need of conservation action. However, further research on the drivers of inter‐colony differences is needed.
The effect of immunosuppressive therapy on cardiac involvements in anti‐mitochondrial antibody‐positive myositis
Authors: Bujo Satoshi , Amiya Eisuke , Maeda Meiko Hashimoto , Ishida Junichi , Hatano Masaru , Ishizuka Masato , Uehara Masae , Oshima Tsukasa , Kojima Toshiya , Nakanishi Koki , Daimon Masao , Shimizu Jun , Toda Tatsushi , Komuro Issei
Published: September 2022

Aims

Anti‐mitochondrial antibody (AMA)‐positive myositis is frequently associated with various cardiac involvements, such as arrhythmia and left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. However, the efficacy of immunosuppressive therapy in these complications remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the cardiac response to immunosuppressive therapy in patients with AMA‐positive myositis.

Methods and results

The clinical data of 15 AMA‐positive myositis patients with cardiac involvement were retrospectively collected at our centre. To evaluate the effects of immunosuppressive therapy, echocardiographic and laboratory data of patients who received glucocorticoid therapy with additional immunosuppressants (n = 6) and those who did not (n = 6) were compared. Also, the characteristics of patients with or without >5% LV ejection fraction (LVEF) decline during the follow‐up period (n = 5 vs. n = 7) were compared. Thirteen patients (87%) had arrhythmias, and eight patients (53%) had LV wall motion abnormalities. Although arrhythmias decreased after treatment, reduced LVEF and LV wall motion abnormalities persisted. Further investigation revealed an increased LV end‐systolic dimension and reduced LVEF in patients without additional immunosuppressive therapy, while those in patients with additional immunosuppressive therapy were maintained. Six of seven patients (86%) without LVEF decline received additional immunosuppressive therapy, whereas no patients with LVEF decline had additional immunosuppressive therapy.

Conclusions

Cardiac involvement in AMA‐positive myositis may worsen even with glucocorticoid monotherapy, and there might be some associations between the change of LV function and additional immunosuppressive therapy.
Lipid–Protein Oxidation and In Vitro Digestibility of Fermented Turkey Sausages as Affected by Lipid Formulation
Authors: Serdaroğlu Meltem , Öztürk‐Kerimoğlu Burcu , Zungur‐Bastıoğlu Aslı , Kavuşan Hülya Serpil , Ötleş Semih , Özyurt Vasfiye Hazal
Published: September 2022

This research investigates the effects of using different lipid formulations (100% beef fat, 85% beef fat+15% olive oil, or 70% beef fat+30% olive oil) in fermented turkey sausages on protein–lipid oxidation, in vitro digestibility, and related quality parameters. The use of olive oil results in decreased fat content, modified fatty acid profile, and increased pH value, acidity, and water activity, besides changes are recorded in instrumental quality and sensory features. Lipid oxidation is higher in samples with 30% olive oil than in the others. Carbonyl content increases depending on oil level and storage time. α‐aminoadipic semialdehyde is only detected in products containing 30% olive oil and their concentrations increased with storage. γ‐glutamic semialdehyde also increases by olive oil inclusion, but decrements are recorded during storage. Increasing olive oil results in increased pepsin digestibility but losses are recorded in both pepsin and trypsin plus α‐chymotrypsin digestion rates during storage.

Practical applications: Inclusion of vegetable oils into meat product formulations has been preferred recently to supply healthier products, but in this situation, oxidative deterioration again becomes a considerable problem affecting overall quality. The data obtained from the present work wil contribute to understand the impacts of formulation and processing operations on the formation of oxidation products and change in digestibility, thereby to pioneer further research on this topic.
Geochemistry and U–Pb zircon geochronology of the Jutogh Thrust sheet, Himachal Pradesh, NW‐Himalaya: Implications to the petrogenesis and regional tectonic setting
Authors: Singh Paramjeet , Sethy Pratap Chandra , Singh Athokpam Krishnakanta , Singhal Saurabh , Maurya Ajay Kumar , Giri Sarthak Ranjan
Published: September 2022

We present datasets of the whole‐rock geochemistry and U–Pb zircon geochronology from the Jutogh Thrust (JT) sheet of eastern Himachal Pradesh, NW Himalaya, in order to explain the tectono‐magmatic environment in which they formed. The metapelite and granitoids of the JT sheet have moderate to high SiO2, Al2O3, Na2O, K2O, and rare earth elements (REE). The A/CNK (Al2O3/CaO + Na2O + K2O) ratio with magnitudes ≥1, indicates the peraluminous nature, calc‐alkaline series, and S‐type granitoids. The high values of Rb and Th as compared to Nb and the negative Ba anomaly also suggest the dominance of crustal source material. The distinct enrichment of large‐ion lithophile elements of Rb, Th, K, Ba and Pb and strong depletion in high‐field‐strength elements (HFSE) of Zr, Nb and Ti results in high incompatible elements/HFSE ratios, which suggest that the source is derived from many intra‐crustal tectonic environments. All samples are well‐fractionated REE patterns [(La/Yb)N = 6.06–17.37] and characterized by moderately flat enriched [(La/Sm)N = 2.31–4.71] of light rare earth elements. The negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.18–0.71), suggest the plagioclase fractionation from the sourced magma and the origin of granitic gneiss through the high temperature (~800°C). The zircon U–Pb ages of granite range between 883.0 ± 15.0 Ma and 1260.0 ± 10.0 Ma, with a consistent peak of ~925.0 Ma. It confirms that the northern edge of the Indian Plate collided with an unnamed microcontinent. Also, in a contemporaneous process, the upper crust underwent partial melting, and the generated magma intruded in an extensional tectonic set‐up of the northern edge (i.e., presently known as the Jutogh and Vaikrita thrust sheets) of the Indian Plate during the Neoproterozoic. The available zircon U–Pb ages of the JT sheet range between 550–2750 Ma. The magmatic nature of zircons, with two peaks of ~825 Ma and ~910 Ma, suggests that episodic magmatic processes have taken place during the Neoproterozoic. This study revealed that the Higher Himalayan Crystalline Sequence was a meta‐sedimentary sequence and was deposited in an active margin set‐up of the northern edge of the Indian Plate.
Age‐matched control or age‐specific template, which is essential for voxel‐wise analysis of cerebral metabolism abnormality in pediatric patients with epilepsy?
Authors: Zhu Yuankai , Ruan Ge , Zou Sijuan , Liu Luoxia , Zhu Xiaohua
Published: September 2022

The aim of this study was to explore the influences of age‐matched control and/or age‐specific template on voxel‐wise analysis of brain 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18F‐FDG PET) data in pediatric epilepsy patients. We, retrospectively, included 538 pediatric (196 females; age range of 12 months to 18 years) and 35 adult subjects (18 females; age range of 20–50 years) without any cerebral pathology as pediatric and adult control group, respectively, as well as 109 pediatric patients with drug‐resistant epilepsy (38 females; age range of 13 months to 18 years) as epilepsy group. Statistical parametric mapping (SPM) analysis for 18F‐FDG PET data of each epilepsy patients was performed in four types of procedures, by using age‐matched controls with age‐specific template, age‐matched controls with adult template, adult controls with age‐specific template or adult controls with adult template. The numbers of brain regions affected by artifacts among these four types of SPM analysis procedures were further compared. Any template being adopted, the artifacts were significantly less in SPM analysis procedures using age‐matched controls than those using adult controls in each age range (p < .001 in each comparison), except in the age range of 15–18 (p > .05 in each comparison). No significant difference was found in artifacts, when compared procedures using the identical control group with different templates (p = 1.000 in each comparison). In conclusion, the age stratification for age‐matched control should be divided as many layers as possible for the SPM analysis of brain 18F‐FDG PET images, especially in pediatric patients ≤14‐year‐old, while age‐specific template is not mandatory.
Pushing the boundaries of evaluation, diffusion, and use of medical devices in Europe: Insights from the COMED project
Authors: Torbica Aleksandra , Tarricone Rosanna , Schreyögg Jonas , Drummond Mike
Published: September 2022

The field of medical devices has attracted considerable interest from scholarly research in health economics in recent years. Medical devices are indispensable tools for quality health care delivery, but their assessment and appropriate use pose significant challenges to healthcare systems. More research is needed to overcome existing gaps associated with evaluation of digital technologies, address challenges in the use of real‐world data in generating evidence for decision‐making and to uncover drivers of variation in access to medical devices across countries. Furthermore, the translation of the results and recommendations stemming from research projects into health technology assessment practices needs to be strengthened. The European Union (EU) project COMED aimed to address these gaps by improving existing research and developing new research streams on the methods for evaluation and diffusion of medical devices. The project also intended to provide directly applicable policy advice and tools to inform decision‐making, with the aim of impacting public health in the EU. This Health Economics Supplement, together with references of other published outputs of the project, is intended to be the main source for researchers and policy makers seeking information on the COMED project.
Inflammatory markers at baseline correlate with subsequent clinical response to quetiapine in patients with bipolar disorder
Authors: Ferrari Marco , Godio Marco , Martini Stefano , Callegari Camilla , Cosentino Marco , Marino Franca
Published: September 2022

Objectives

Recent studies proposed the existence of a correlation between patients' inflammatory status and therapy response in bipolar disorder (BD). Here we investigated the correlation between levels of inflammatory markers and quetiapine (QUE) effects in BD patients.

Methods

In 15 hospitalised BD patients, we investigated changes in inflammatory markers such as C‐Reactive Protein (CRP), Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) and cytokines after a 6‐week treatment with QUE monotherapy.

Results

We found QUE treatment to significantly reduce CRP and IL‐6 plasma levels. Moreover, we found higher CRP and IL‐6 plasma levels at baseline correlated with better improvement of patients' clinical symptoms.

Conclusion

The reported results, although preliminary, could be useful in clinical practice, providing not only markers for QUE response, but also allowing for identification of new targets and new therapies for the treatment of this condition.
Influence of systemic copper toxicity on early development and metamorphosis in Xenopus laevis
Authors: Fort Douglas J. , Todhunter Kevin J. , Wolf Jeffrey C. , Long Kevin , Poland Craig A. , McGrath Micheal , Baken Stijn , Mackie Carol
Published: September 2022

The primary objective of the present study was to examine the influence of early systemic toxicity resulting from copper (Cu) exposure on metamorphic processes in Xenopus laevis. A 28‐day exposure study with copper, initiated at developmental stage 10, was performed using test concentrations of 3.0, 9.0, 27.2, 82.5, and 250 μg Cu/L. The primary endpoints included mortality, developmental stage, embryo‐larval malformation, behavioral effects, hindlimb length (HLL), growth (snout‐vent length [SVL] and wet body weight), and histopathology. The 28‐day LC50 value with 95% confidence intervals was 61.2 (51.4–72.9) μg Cu/L with 250 μg Cu/L resulting in complete lethality. Developmental arrest in the 82.5 and delay in the 27.2 μg Cu/L treatments was observed as early as study day 10 continuing throughout the remainder of exposure. SVL‐normalized HLL, body weight, and SVL in the 27.2 and 82.5 μg Cu/L treatments were significantly decreased relative to control. At 82.5 μg Cu/L, and thyroid gland size was markedly reduced when compared with controls consistent with the stage of developmental and growth arrest. Concentration‐dependent findings in the intestine, liver, gills, eyes, and pharyngeal mucosa were consistent with non‐endocrine systemic toxicity. These were prevalent in the 9.0 and 27.2 μg Cu/L treatment groups but were minimally evident or absent in the 82.5 μg/L group, which was attributed to developmental arrest. In conclusion, developmental delay in larvae exposed to 27.2 and 82.5 μg Cu/L was the result of systemic toxicity occurring in early development prior hypothalomo‐pituitary‐thyroid axis (HPT)‐driven metamorphosis and was not indicative of endocrine disruption.
Effects of ceramic additives and bioactive coatings on the degradation of polylactic acid‐based bone scaffolds under hydrolytic conditions
Authors: Donate Ricardo , Monzón Mario , Alemán‐Domínguez María Elena , Rodríguez‐Esparragón Francisco
Published: September 2022

Polylactic acid (PLA) has been extensively used for the manufacturing of scaffolds in bone tissue engineering applications. Due to the low hydrophilicity and the acidic degradation process of this biomaterial, different strategies have been proposed to increase the biofunctionality of the support structure. The use of ceramic particles is a generally preferred option to increase the osteoconductivity of the base material, while acting as buffers to maintain the pH level of the surroundings tissues. Surface modification is another approach to overcome the limitations of PLA for tissue engineering applications. In this work, the degradation profile of 3D‐printed PLA scaffolds containing beta‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP) and calcium carbonate (CaCO3) particles has been studied under hydrolytic conditions. Composite samples treated with plasma and coated with Aloe vera extracts were also studied to evaluate the effect of this surface modification method. The characterization of the 3D structures included its morphological, calorimetric and mechanical evaluation. According to the results obtained, the proposed composite scaffolds allowed an adequate maintenance of the pH level of the surrounding medium, with no effects observed on the morphology and mechanical properties of these structures. Hence, these samples showed potential to be further investigated as candidates for bone tissue regeneration.
Optimization of density fitting auxiliary Slater‐type basis functions for time‐dependent density functional theory
Authors: Medves Marco , Fronzoni Giovanna , Stener Mauro
Published: September 2022

A new set of auxiliary basis function suitable to fit the induced electron density is presented. Such set has been optimized in order to furnish accurate absorption spectra using the complex polarizability algorithm of time‐dependent density functional theory (TDDFT). An automatic procedure has been set up, able, thanks to the definition of suitable descriptors, to evaluate the resemblance of the auxiliary basis‐dependent calculated spectra with respect to a reference. In this way, it has been possible to reduce the size of the basis set maximizing the basis set accuracy. Thanks to the choice to employ a collection of molecules for each element, such basis has proven transferable to molecules outside the collection. The final sets are therefore much more accurate and smaller than the previously optimized ones and have been already included in the database of the last release of the AMS suite of programs. The availability of the present new set will allow to improve drastically the applicability range of the polTDDFT method with higher accuracy and less computational effort.
New horizon of contrast‐enhanced sonography in the differential diagnosis of periampullary mass: A random forest nomogram
Authors: Ishida Hideaki , Naganuma Hiroko
Published: September 2022

This article has two important future possibilities. This random forest nomogram system can serve to overcome the disadvantage of the poor generalizability of contrast‐enhanced sonography. Its routine use is expected to improve young doctors' diagnostic confidence of periampullary mass.
Extracellular vesicles from colorectal cancer cells promote metastasis via the NOD1 signalling pathway
Authors: Wei Xiduan , Ye Jingjia , Pei Yameng , Wang Chunting , Yang Hongzhen , Tian Jingyuan , Si Guangxu , Ma Yao , Wang Kun , Liu Gang
Published: September 2022

Pattern‐recognition receptors (PRRs) have been shown to promote tumour metastasis via sensing tumour cell‐derived small extracellular vesicles (EVs). Nucleotide‐binding oligomerisation domain 1 (NOD1), a cytoplasmic PRR, plays a role in colorectal cancer (CRC) by detecting bacterial products. However, the precise mechanisms underlying the effects of NOD1, following identification of CRC cell‐derived EVs (CRC‐EVs), to potentiate CRC liver metastasis (CRC‐LM), remain poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that CRC‐EVs activate NOD1 in macrophages to initiate secretion of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. NOD1‐activated macrophages also promote CRC cell migration, while in a murine model of liver metastasis (LM), NOD1‐deficient mice exhibit reduced metastasis following CRC‐EV treatment. Furthermore, cell division cycle 42 (CDC42), a small Rho guanosine‐5′‐triphosphate (GTP)ase, is delivered by CRC‐EVs into macrophages where it activates NOD1. In addition, EVs from the plasma of patients with CRC‐LM mediate NOD1 activation in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Moreover, high NOD1 expression in tumour tissues is associated with poor prognosis of CRC‐LM. Our findings suggest that CRC‐EVs activate NOD1 to promote tumour metastasis, thus, NOD1 may serve as a potential target in the diagnosis and treatment of CRC‐LM.
Forest formulas of discrete Green's functions
Authors: Chung Fan , Zeng Ji
Published: September 2022

The discrete Green's functions are the pseudoinverse (or the inverse) of the Laplacian (or its variations) of a graph. In this article, we will give combinatorial interpretations of Green's functions in terms of enumerating trees and forests in a graph that will be used to derive further formulas for several graph invariants. For example, we show that the trace of the Green's function associated with the combinatorial Laplacian of a connected simple graph on vertices satisfies where denotes the eigenvalues of the combinatorial Laplacian, denotes the number of spanning trees, and denotes the set of rooted spanning 2‐forests in . We will prove forest formulas for discrete Green's functions for directed and weighted graphs and apply them to study random walks on graphs and digraphs. We derive a forest expression of the hitting time for digraphs, which gives combinatorial proofs to old and new results about hitting times, traces of discrete Green's functions, and other related quantities.
Decreased frequency of a novel T‐lymphocyte subset, CD3+CD4−CD7+CD57− T cells, in hepatitis B virus‐related end‐stage liver disease might contribute to disease progression
Authors: Yu Xueping , Zheng Yijuan , Zeng Dawu , Zhou Yongjun , Sun Jian , Su Milong , Zhang Huatang , Zheng Minhui , Huang Zhipeng , Lin Wenwu , Mao Richeng , Zhang Jiming , Zheng Chunfu , Su Zhijun
Published: September 2022

CD7 and CD57 are related to the differentiation and functional stages of CD8+ T cells. However, the role of their combined presence in CD8+ T cells in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, especially those with end‐stage liver disease, remains unclear. Blood samples from healthy volunteers and patients with chronic hepatitis B were analyzed via Luminex assay and ELISA to measure plasma cytokine levels. Further, recombinant IL‐22 was used to stimulate peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy volunteers, and the frequency of CD3+CD4−CD7+CD57− T cells and apoptosis rates were investigated via flow cytometry. Patients with end‐stage liver disease, particularly those with acute to chronic liver failure, showed decreased CD3+CD4−CD7+CD57− T cell frequency. Furthermore, the prevalence of CD3+CD4−CD7+CD57− T cells was negatively correlated with disease severity, prognosis, and complications (ascites). We also observed that IL‐22 promoted apoptosis and brought about a decrease in the number of CD3+CD4−CD7+CD57− T cells in a dose‐dependent manner. CD3+CD4−CD7+CD57− T cells displayed a B and T lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA)highCD25highCD127high immunosuppressive phenotype and showed low interferon‐γ, tumor necrosis factor‐α, granzyme A, and perforin expression levels. The present findings will elucidate the pathogenesis of HBV‐related end‐stage liver disease and aid the identification of novel drug targets.
Functional connectivity of the central autonomic and default mode networks represent neural correlates and predictors of individual personality
Authors: Li Yating , Cai Huanhuan , Li Xueying , Qian Yinfeng , Zhang Cun , Zhu Jiajia , Yu Yongqiang
Published: September 2022

There is solid evidence for the prominent involvement of the central autonomic and default mode systems in shaping personality. However, whether functional connectivity of these systems can represent neural correlates and predictors of individual variation in personality traits is largely unknown. Resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging data of 215 healthy young adults were used to construct the sympathetic (SN), parasympathetic (PN), and default mode (DMN) networks, with intra‐ and internetwork functional connectivity measured. Personality factors were assessed using the five‐factor model. We examined the associations between personality factors and functional network connectivity, followed by performance of personality prediction based on functional connectivity using connectome‐based predictive modeling (CPM), a recently developed machine learning approach. All personality factors (neuroticism, extraversion, conscientiousness, and agreeableness) other than openness were significantly correlated with intra‐ and internetwork functional connectivity of the SN, PN, and DMN. Moreover, the CPM models successfully predicted conscientiousness and agreeableness at the individual level using functional network connectivity. Our findings may expand existing knowledge regarding the neural substrates underlying personality.
Piece selection and cardinal arithmetic
Authors: Matet Pierre
Published: September 2022

We study the effects of piece selection principles on cardinal arithmetic (Shelah style). As an application, we discuss questions of Abe and Usuba. In particular, we show that if , then (a) is not (λ, 2)‐distributive, and (b) does not hold.
Effect of LHRH analogs on lower urinary tract symptoms associated with advanced prostate cancer in real clinical practice: ANALUTS study
Authors: Morote Juan , Gómez‐Caamaño Antonio , de Celis Raúl Poza , Gómez‐Veiga Francisco , Ciria Juan P. , Calleja Jesús , Extramiana Javier , Pérez‐Sampietro Maria , Perrot Valerie , Angulo Javier C. ,   ANALUTS Study Group
Published: September 2022

Aims

To estimate the prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in patients with prostate cancer scheduled to receive LHRH analogs, and to assess the effectiveness of LHRH analogs on LUTS in patients presenting moderate/severe symptoms.

Methods

Prospective, noninterventional, multicenter study conducted at 28 centers in Spain and Portugal. LUTS were evaluated using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) at baseline, 24 and 48 weeks after initiation of treatment. Subanalyses were performed according to age and concomitant treatment (radiotherapy, alpha‐blockers, and antiandrogens).

Results

A total of 354 patients were treated with LHRH analogs for 48 weeks. The percentage of patients with moderate/severe LUTS (IPSS > 7) decreased from 60.2% (n = 213/354) at baseline to 52.8% (n = 187/354) at Week 48. Among patients with moderate/severe LUTS at baseline: 73.7% (n = 157/213) still had moderate/severe LUTS at Week 48; percentage reductions of patients with LUTS at Week 48 were statistically significant (p < 0.05) overall and by age or concomitant treatment, except for alpha‐blockers (84.2% patients receiving them still had moderate/severe LUTS at Week 48). All IPSS items, including quality of life for urinary symptoms, improved throughout the study. The only predictor of response to treatment with LHRH analogs that improved IPSS by 3 points after 48 weeks was baseline testosterone levels. Lower baseline testosterone levels were associated with greater improvement in IPSS after treatment with LHRH analogs (odds ratio 0.998, 95% confidence interval 0.996–1.000, p = 0.0277).

Conclusion

LHRH analogs have a positive effect in patients with locally advanced or metastatic prostate cancer presenting moderate/severe LUTS regardless of age or concomitant treatment received (radiotherapy, antiandrogens, or alpha‐blockers).
How we approach localized vascular anomalies
Authors: Pahl Kristy S. , Pabon‐Ramos Waleska M. , Jeng Michael R.
Published: September 2022

Vascular anomalies are a group of disorders divided into two distinct subtypes: vascular tumors and vascular malformations. Vascular tumors are proliferative in nature, while malformations are nonproliferative. Simple, localized vascular malformations refer to a group of malformations that are localized to a single area of involvement. These simple malformations include capillary, lymphatic, venous, and arteriovenous malformations. The pediatric hematologists and oncologists are becoming increasingly involved in the diagnosis and management of these disorders. This review presents four cases as a means to discuss the diagnosis, clinical and imaging features, and management strategies of simple, localized vascular malformations.
How we approach coagulopathy with vascular anomalies
Authors: Mack Joana M. , Crary Shelley E.
Published: September 2022

Some vascular anomalies can present with challenging hematologic aberrations. Kaposiform hemangioendothelioma (KHE) may be complicated with Kasabach–Merritt phenomenon (KMP) and stagnant blood flow in slow‐flow malformations can promote activation and consumption of coagulation factors, which results in bleeding and clotting known as localized intravascular coagulopathy (LIC). These patients can experience significant morbidity secondary to pain due to thrombosis and are at higher risk of hematologic complications during surgical procedures. No standard of care has been established to prevent or manage these complications. This review focuses on the management of coagulopathy in children and adults with vascular anomalies.
Imaging of pediatric extremity soft tissue tumors: A COG Diagnostic Imaging Committee/SPR Oncology Committee White Paper
Authors: Acord Michael Richard , Pace Erika , El‐Ali Alexander , Chaturvedi Apeksha , Iyer Ramesh S , Navarro Oscar M , Pandit‐Taskar Neeta , K Parikh Ashishkumar , Schechter Ann , Shaikh Raja , McCarville M Beth
Published: September 2022

Pediatric soft tissue tumors of the extremity include rhabdomyosarcoma and nonrhabdomyosarcoma neoplasms. This manuscript provides consensus‐based imaging recommendations for imaging evaluation at diagnosis, during treatment, and following completion of therapy for patients with a soft tissue tumor of the extremity.
An investigation to enhance the mechanical property of high‐performance thermoplastic composite through different plasma treatment
Authors: Kantharaju Sudheendra , Vinodhini Jennifer , M Govindaraju , Bhowmik Shantanu
Published: September 2022

In this study, polyetherketone was investigated as the high‐performance thermoplastic resin for fabrication of carbon fiber reinforced polymer composite. The composites were manufactured by film‐fiber stacking process and consolidation by compression molding. The surfaces are modified with different plasma treatment (argon, nitrogen, and air) to overcome the inert nature of carbon fiber surface and subsequent changes were analyzed through atomic force microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and contact angle measurements. The effectivity of each type of plasma treatment in improvement of the surface—roughness, composition, and wettability were quantified and the subsequent effect on the mechanical properties was demonstrated by measurement of tensile properties and interlaminar shear strength (ILSS). The changes in interfacial morphology of the composite post plasma treatment have been characterized by scanning electron microscopy. From the test results, nitrogen plasma was found to most effective with a 43% increase in mean tensile strength and 25% increase in ILSS when compared to untreated composite.
The isothiocyanate sulforaphane induces respiratory burst oxidase homologue D‐dependent reactive oxygen species production and regulates expression of stress response genes
Authors: Arruebarrena Di Palma Andrés , Perk Enzo A. , Carboni Martín E. , García‐Mata Carlos , Budak Hikmet , Tör Mahmut , Laxalt Ana M.
Published: September 2022

Sulforaphane (SFN) is an isothiocyanate‐type phytomolecule present in crucifers, which is mainly synthesized in response to biotic stress. In animals, SFN incorporated in the diet has anticancer properties among others. The mechanism of action and signaling are well described in animals; however, little is known in plants. The goal in the present study is to elucidate components of the SFN signaling pathway, particularly the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and its effect on the transcriptome. Our results showed that in Arabidopsis, SFN causes ROS production exclusively through the action of the NADPH oxidase RBOH isoform D that requires calcium as a signaling component for the ROS production. To add to this, we also analyzed the effect of SFN on the transcriptome by RNAseq. We observed the highest expression increase for heat shock proteins (HSP) genes and also for genes associated with the response to oxidative stress. The upregulation of several genes linked to the biotic stress response confirms the interplay between SFN and this stress. In addition, SFN increases the levels of transcripts related to the response to abiotic stress, as well as phytohormones. Taken together, these results indicate that SFN induces an oxidative burst leading to signaling events. This oxidative burst may cause the increase of the expression of genes such as heat shock proteins to restore cellular homeostasis and genes that codify possible components of the signaling pathway and putative effectors.
Unraveling origin of chemoselectivity and regioselectivity of iridium‐catalyzed B(4)–H functionalization of o‐carborane by alkyne
Authors: Chen Zitong , Liu Jiying , Liu Jiabin , Bao Panpan , He Hailing , Xia Hui , Zhang Wenjing
Published: September 2022

Functionalization at target site is an extremely challenging subject for surface modification of o‐carborane. It is a common tactic to introduce a directing group onto the C(2)–H vertex to induce exclusive B(4,5)–H functionalizations. In this study, was investigated. The computational results indicate that the formal [4 + 2] annulation going via the reductive elimination mechanism has kinetic priority than alkenylation via the decarboxylation mechanism. This is in excellent agreement with the experimental results of carborano‐isocoumarin as the major product. Given the alkyne insertion product, the protonation of alkene is likely to occur before decarboxylation followed by protonation of carborane. The reductive elimination of HOPiv is the regioselectivity determining step, and the non‐covalent interaction analysis discloses that it is the steric repulsion of the methyl on C(1) atom of carborane towards the iridacycle and the Cp* group that causes the higher barrier for the B(3)–H activation, which finally leads to the specific B(4)–H functionalization.
Higher‐Order Spatially Squeezed Beam for Enhanced Spatial Measurements
Authors: Li Zhi , Guo Hui , Liu Hongbo , Li Jiaming , Sun Hengxin , Yang Rongguo , Liu Kui , Gao Jiangrui
Published: September 2022

A scheme is proposed to realize high‐precision spatial measurement of laser beams beyond quantum limit using a novel quantum state called the order spatially squeezed state, which is the combination of a bright mode coherent state and squeezed vacuum mode state. An effective technique for the generation of a rectangular shape higher‐order mode squeezed light with a maximum mode order of 5 is experimentally demonstrated using a doubling resonated optical parametric amplifier. Furthermore, the fourth order tilt‐ and displacement‐squeezed beams are constructed and used to perform spatial tilt and displacement measurements, thereby improving the signal‐to‐noise ratio by 10 and 8.6 dB compared to the mode. The results indicate that high‐order spatially squeezed states enhance measurement precision beyond the shot noise limit and are more prominent in back‐action noise reduction. High‐precision spatial measurement has potential practical applications in high‐sensitivity atomic force microscope and super‐resolution quantum imaging.
Simultaneous determination of phthalates and bisphenols from plastic bottled water samples by dispersive solid‐phase extraction with multiwalled carbon nanotubes and liquid chromatography/atmospheric pressure photoionization/high‐resolution mass spectrometry
Authors: Sreedhashyam Haripriya , Mehtab Vazida , Chenna Sumana , Upadhyayula Vijayasarathi V. R.
Published: September 2022

Rationale

Phthalates and bisphenols were reported as endocrine disrupting chemicals and hence a potential threat to human health. Polyethylene terephthalate bottles are being used to store drinking water and the probability of migration of phthalates and bisphenols from the bottles into the water is high. The migration of analytes with respect to different storage conditions need to be studied.

Method

A sensitive analytical method for simultaneous determination of seven phthalates and three bisphenols from packaged drinking water was developed using liquid chromatography/atmospheric pressure photoionization/high‐resolution mass spectrometry. The analytes were extracted by dispersive solid‐phase extraction by multiwalled carbon nanotubes.

Results

The developed method showed linearity from 0.5 to 5000 μg/L with the limit of detection and limit of quantification ranging from 0.5 to 1 μg/L and 1 to 2 μg/L, respectively, for phthalates and bisphenols. The inter‐ and intraday variations were below 10%. The recoveries were in the range of 79.5% to 112%. The migration of phthalates and bisphenols increased with storage time and temperature. Maximum migration was observed for diisobutyl phthalate of 1209.7 ng/L followed by dibutyl phthalate at 777.8 ng/L on 180 days of analysis at room temperature. Migration of bis(2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate was observed to be higher at elevated temperatures, increasing from 14.9 to 514 ng/L. Similarly, migration of bisphenol‐A was increased at 45°C. The results were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) studies and the results showed significant variations of phthalates and bisphenols with respect to storage temperature and time.

Conclusion

The use of atmospheric pressure photoionization facilitated simultaneous determination of phthalates and bisphenols. The migration of phthalates and bisphenols increased with increasing temperature and storage time. Maximum migration was observed for diethyl, diisobutyl, dibutyl and bis(2‐ethylhexyl) phthalates. This may be attributed to the type of plastic, the processing parameters and recycling.
Machine learning and neural network based model predictions of soybean export shares from US Gulf to China
Authors: Awasthi Shantanu , SenGupta Indranil , Wilson William , Lakkakula Prithviraj
Published: September 2022

In this paper, we propose a general model for the soybean export market share dynamics and provide several theoretical analyses related to a special case of the general model. We implement machine and neural network algorithms to train, analyze, and predict US Gulf soybean market shares (target variable) to China using weekly time series data consisting of several features between January 6, 2012 and January 3, 2020. Overall, the results indicate that US Gulf soybean market shares to China are volatile and can be effectively explained (predicted) using a set of logical input variables. Some of the variables, including shipments due at US Gulf port in 10 days, cost of transporting soybean shipments via barge at Mid‐Mississippi, and soybean exports loaded at US Gulf port in the past 7 days, and binary variables have shown significant influence in predicting soybean market shares.
Boreognathus pogorevichi, a remarkable new polychaete annelid from the lower Permian of the Pechora Basin, Russia
Authors: Shcherbakov Dmitry E. , Tzetlin Alexander B. , Zhuravlev Andrey Yu.
Published: September 2022

The sclerotized jaw elements (scolecodonts) of polychaete annelids are rarely preserved as articulated jaw apparatuses. Here we describe a morphologically unusual, rather large, and symmetrical jaw apparatus, assigned to the new taxon Boreognathus pogorevichi gen. et sp. nov., from the Kungurian (lower Permian) of the Pechora Coal Basin, northern Cis‐Urals, Russia. Whereas the specimen is mainly preserved as a three‐dimensional external mould of the near‐complete dorsal maxillary apparatus, some organic matter comprising the original jaw wall is also retained. The new taxon combines edentate, pincer‐like first maxillae (MI) typical of the extant Labidognatha apparatus type with long slender carriers common in the Prionognatha type. Unlike the smooth MI, MII are consistently and prominently denticulated. The new genus represents a hitherto unknown type of polychaete jaw apparatus and is assigned to the Palaeozoic family Atraktoprionidae.
Creating Anti‐Oppressive Digital Spaces for Social Justice Language Education
Authors: Ortaçtepe Hart Deniz
Published: September 2022

Contemporary moves towards social justice education and digital pedagogies require language educators to examine the ways digital learning platforms reinforce economic, social, and cultural inequities, and to explore how to instead offer anti‐oppressive pedagogies for diverse online communities. In this Teaching Issues essay, I draw from the principles of critical pedagogy to argue that non‐linear, non‐modular and multimodal digital learning platforms created on content‐management systems (CMS) can provide anti‐oppressive pedagogical affordances for 1) dismantling teacher‐student power relations, 2) cultivating a sense of a digital learning community, and 3) promoting intersectionality within language teacher education programs. Next, I present a discussion of the challenges involved in designing an anti‐oppressive, transformative digital learning space, and of several critical questions teacher educators can reflect upon while designing their own virtual environments.
Assessing winter habitat selection by river otters using aerial surveys
Authors: Taylor Janelle M. , Crimmins Shawn M. , Roberts Nathan M.
Published: September 2022

River otters (Lontra canadensis) are widespread in the United States and are managed for sustainable fur harvest throughout much of their range in the United States. Despite their widespread distribution, river otters can be difficult to monitor due to their cryptic nature and the inaccessible habitats they often occupy. Additionally, there has been little research conducted to quantify winter habitat selection patterns of river otters. We used 4 years of aerial survey data conducted during the winter to quantify habitat selection patterns of river otters in Wisconsin, USA, and to determine factors associated with survey efficacy. We used a mixed‐effects logistic regression framework to evaluate habitat and anthropogenic factors at 2 spatial scales. We found that river otters were positively associated with the amount of forested and wetland habitat within a 1 km buffer around sampling locations, but that no factors we measured were influential at a local (100 m) scale. River otters were more likely to be detected when ice cover was only partial as opposed to when ice coverage was complete or when it was completely absent. Our results suggested that river otter habitat selection in Wisconsin is not strongly affected by anthropogenic influences but instead by broad‐scale habitat configuration. Furthermore, our results suggested that aerial survey approaches for river otters can be optimized by conducting surveys during periods when ice coverage is sufficient to allow for clear tracking substrate without being prevalent enough to limit movements into and out of corresponding aquatic habitats.
Holographic perspectives on models of moduli stabilization in M-theory
Authors: Ning Sirui
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Recent holographic analyses on IIA and IIB models of moduli stabilization have led to many interesting results. Here we extend this approach to M-Theory. We consider both flux-stabilized models and non-perturbative stabilization methods. We perform a holographic analysis to determine the spectrum of the assumed dual CFT3 to see its AdS/CFT implication. For the flux stabilization, which relies on a large complex Chern-Simons invariant, moduli have integer dimensions similar to the DGKT flux-stabilized model in type IIA. For the non-perturbative stabilization, the results are similar to racetrack models in type IIB.