bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical and electroencephalographic findings prior to the onset of juvenile myoclonic epilepsy: A case series
Authors: Hiraiwa Akiko , Kobayashi Yu , Hojo Moemi , Tohyama Jun
Published: March 2023

The purpose of this study was to investigate the timing of generalized electroencephalographic abnormalities in patients with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy who were followed up long term before the onset of juvenile myoclonic epilepsy. We enrolled juvenile myoclonic epilepsy patients whose course of epilepsy had been observed for >5 years before the onset of juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, those who had undergone electroencephalogram recording more than twice before the onset of juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, and those who had terminated antiseizure medications for at least 2 years before the onset of juvenile myoclonic epilepsy. Patients who had transitioned from childhood absence epilepsy to juvenile myoclonic epilepsy were excluded. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records and neurophysiological data of the patients. Four patients met the inclusion criteria. One patient was diagnosed with febrile seizures during childhood, and the remaining three had transitioned to juvenile myoclonic epilepsy from other epileptic disorders, such as self‐limited epilepsy with autonomic seizures, genetic epilepsy with febrile seizure plus, or nonspecific genetic generalized epilepsy. All patients exhibited generalized spike–wave discharges or photoparoxysmal responses for >2 years before the onset of juvenile myoclonic epilepsy. The four patients had transitioned to juvenile myoclonic epilepsy from other epileptological preconditions. Patients with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy may show generalized electroencephalographic abnormality many years prior to the onset of symptoms. Generalized spike–waves on the electroencephalogram during the course of any type of epilepsy or febrile seizure may be a risk factor for developing juvenile myoclonic epilepsy.
Ictal bruxism in temporal lobe epilepsy with hippocampal sclerosis
Authors: Jayalakshmi Sita , Patil Anuja , Parekh Mihir , Vooturi Sudhindra , Madigubba Sailaja , Panigrahi Manas
Published: March 2023

Content available: Video
Importance of Dietary Uptake for in Situ Bioaccumulation of Systemic Fungicides Using Gammarus pulex as a Model Organism
Authors: Raths Johannes , Schnurr Jacob , Bundschuh Mirco , Pinto Fernanda E. , Janfelt Christian , Hollender Juliane
Published: March 2023

Bioaccumulation of organic contaminants from contaminated food sources might pose an underestimated risk toward shredding invertebrates. This assumption is substantiated by monitoring studies observing discrepancies of predicted tissue concentrations determined from laboratory-based experiments compared with measured concentrations of systemic pesticides in gammarids. To elucidate the role of dietary uptake in bioaccumulation, gammarids were exposed to leaf material from trees treated with a systemic fungicide mixture (azoxystrobin, cyprodinil, fluopyram, and tebuconazole), simulating leaves entering surface waters in autumn. Leaf concentrations, spatial distribution, and leaching behavior of fungicides were characterized using liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS/MS) and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-mass spectrometric imaging. The contribution of leached fungicides and fungicides taken up from feeding was assessed by assembling caged (no access) and uncaged (access to leaves) gammarids. The fungicide dynamics in the test system were analyzed using LC-HRMS/MS and toxicokinetic modeling. In addition, a summer scenario was simulated where water was the initial source of contamination and leaves contaminated by sorption. The uptake, translocation, and biotransformation of systemic fungicides by trees were compound-dependent. Internal fungicide concentrations of gammarids with access to leaves were much higher than in caged gammarids of the autumn scenario, but the difference was minimal in the summer scenario. In food choice and dissectioning experiments gammarids did not avoid contaminated leaves and efficiently assimilated contaminants from leaves, indicating the relevance of this exposure pathway in the field. The present study demonstrates the potential impact of dietary uptake on in situ bioaccumulation for shredders in autumn, outside the main application period. The toxicokinetic parameters obtained facilitate modeling of environmental exposure scenarios. The uncovered significance of dietary uptake for detritivores warrants further consideration from scientific as well as regulatory perspectives. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:1993–2006. © 2023 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.

Abstract

Schematic overview of systemic fungicide fluxes along a vegetated riparian buffer stripe. Runoff, plant uptake, and bioconcentration in aquatic organisms are dominant fate processes in summer. In autumn systemic fungicides incorporated into foliage may be an important fate process, resulting in leaching and biomagnification processes in adjacent water bodies
Sex differences, asymmetry, and age‐related white matter development in infants and 5‐year‐olds as assessed with tract‐based spatial statistics
Authors: Kumpulainen Venla , Merisaari Harri , Silver Eero , Copeland Anni , Pulli Elmo P. , Lewis John D. , Saukko Ekaterina , Shulist Satu J. , Saunavaara Jani , Parkkola Riitta , Lähdesmäki Tuire , Karlsson Linnea , Karlsson Hasse , Tuulari Jetro J.
Published: March 2023

The rapid white matter (WM) maturation of first years of life is followed by slower yet long‐lasting development, accompanied by learning of more elaborate skills. By the age of 5 years, behavioural and cognitive differences between females and males, and functions associated with brain lateralization such as language skills are appearing. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) can be used to quantify fractional anisotropy (FA) within the WM and increasing values correspond to advancing brain development. To investigate the normal features of WM development during early childhood, we gathered a DTI data set of 166 healthy infants (mean 3.8 wk, range 2–5 wk; 89 males; born on gestational week 36 or later) and 144 healthy children (mean 5.4 years, range 5.1–5.8 years; 76 males). The sex differences, lateralization patterns and age‐dependent changes were examined using tract‐based spatial statistics (TBSS). In 5‐year‐olds, females showed higher FA in wide‐spread regions in the posterior and the temporal WM and more so in the right hemisphere, while sex differences were not detected in infants. Gestational age showed stronger association with FA values compared to age after birth in infants. Additionally, child age at scan associated positively with FA around the age of 5 years in the body of corpus callosum, the connections of which are important especially for sensory and motor functions. Lastly, asymmetry of WM microstructure was detected already in infants, yet significant changes in lateralization pattern seem to occur during early childhood, and in 5‐year‐olds the pattern already resembles adult‐like WM asymmetry.
Associations between everyday activities and arterial spin labeling‐derived cerebral blood flow: A longitudinal study in community‐dwelling elderly volunteers
Authors: Sanders Anne‐Marthe , Richard Geneviève , Kolskår Knut , Ulrichsen Kristine M. , Alnæs Dag , Beck Dani , Dørum Erlend S. , Engvig Andreas , Lund Martina Jonette , Nordhøy Wibeke , Pedersen Mads L. , Rokicki Jaroslav , Nordvik Jan Egil , Westlye Lars T.
Published: March 2023

Cerebral blood flow (CBF) is critical for brain metabolism and function. Age‐related changes in CBF are associated with increased risk of neurocognitive disorders and vascular events such as stroke. Identifying correlates and positive modifiers of age‐related changes in CBF before the emergence of incipient clinical decline may inform public health advice and clinical practice. Former research has been inconclusive regarding the association between regular physical activity and CBF, and there is a lack of studies on the association between level of everyday activities and CBF, in older adults. To investigate these relationships, 118 healthy community‐dwelling adults (65–89 years) underwent pseudo‐continuous arterial spin labeling (ASL) MRI, neurocognitive, physical, and activity assessments at baseline. Eighty‐six participants completed a follow‐up ASL MRI, on average 506 (SD = 113) days after the baseline scan. Cross‐sectional analysis revealed credible evidence for positive associations between time spent on low intensity physical activity and CBF in multiple cortical and subcortical regions, time spent on moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity and accumbens CBF, participation in social activity and CBF in multiple cortical regions, and between reading and thalamic CBF, indicating higher regional CBF in more active adults. Longitudinal analysis revealed anecdotal evidence for an interaction between time and baseline level of gardening on occipital and parietal CBF, and baseline reading on pallidum CBF, indicating more change in CBF in adults with lower level of activity. The findings support that malleable lifestyle factors contribute to healthy brain aging, with relevance for public health guidelines.
Drug repurposing for Mpox: Discovery of small molecules as potential inhibitors against DNA‐dependent RNA polymerase using molecular modeling approach
Authors: Dutt Mansi , Kumar Anuj , Rout Madhusmita , Dehury Budheswar , Martinez Gustavo , Ndishimye Pacifique , Kelvin Alyson A. , Kelvin David J.
Published: March 2023

Mpox (formerly Monkeypox), a zoonotic illness caused by the Mpox virus, belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus in the family Poxviridae. To design and develop effective antiviral therapeutics against DNA viruses, the DNA‐dependent RNA polymerase (DdRp) of poxviruses has emerged as a promising drug target. In the present study, we modeled the three‐dimensional (3D) structure of DdRp using a template‐based homology approach. After modeling, virtual screening was performed to probe the molecular interactions between 1755 Food and Drug Administration‐approved small molecule drugs (≤500 molecular weight) and the DdRp of Mpox. Based on the binding affinity and molecular interaction patterns, five drugs, lumacaftor (−11.7 kcal/mol), conivaptan (−11.7 kcal/mol), betulinic acid (−11.6 kcal/mol), fluspirilene (−11.3 kcal/mol), and imatinib (−11.2 kcal/mol), have been ranked as the top drug compounds interacting with Mpox DdRp. Complexes of these shortlisted drugs with DdRp were further evaluated using state‐of‐the‐art all‐atoms molecular dynamics (MD) simulations on 200 nanoseconds followed by principal component analysis (PCA). MD simulations and PCA results revealed highly stable interactions of these small drugs with DdRp. After due validation in wet‐lab using available in vitro and in vivo experiments, these repurposed drugs can be further utilized for the treatment of contagious Mpox virus. The outcome of this study may establish a solid foundation to screen repurposed and natural compounds as potential antiviral therapeutics against different highly pathogenic viruses.
Training the next generation of delivery science researchers: 10‐year experience of a post‐doctoral research fellowship program within an integrated care system
Authors: Grant Richard W , Schmittdiel Julie A , Liu Vincent X , Estacio Karen R , Chen Yi‐Fen Irene , Lieu Tracy A
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Learning health systems require a workforce of researchers trained in the methods of identifying and overcoming barriers to effective, evidence‐based care. Most existing postdoctoral training programs, such as NIH‐funded postdoctoral T32 awards, support basic and epidemiological science with very limited focus on rigorous delivery science methods for improving care. In this report, we present the 10‐year experience of developing and implementing a Delivery Science postdoctoral fellowship embedded within an integrated health care delivery system.

Methods

In 2012, the Kaiser Permanente Northern California Division of Research designed and implemented a 2‐year postdoctoral Delivery Science Fellowship research training program to foster research expertise in identifying and addressing barriers to evidence‐based care within health care delivery systems.

Results

Since 2014, 20 fellows have completed the program. Ten fellows had PhD‐level scientific training, and 10 fellows had clinical doctorates (eg, MD, RN/PhD, PharmD). Fellowship alumni have graduated to faculty research positions at academic institutions (9), and research or clinical organizations (4). Seven alumni now hold positions in Kaiser Permanente's clinical operations or medical group (7).

Conclusions

This delivery science fellowship program has succeeded in training graduates to address delivery science problems from both research and operational perspectives. In the next 10 years, additional goals of the program will be to expand its reach (eg, by developing joint research training models in collaboration with clinical fellowships) and strengthen mechanisms to support transition from fellowship to the workforce, especially for researchers from underrepresented groups.
LncRNA ENST00000370438 promotes cell proliferation by upregulating DHCR24 in breast cancer
Authors: Yan Liang , Wu Xu , Zhang Yuan , Tan Qiuyu , Xu Jinwen , Wang Ying , Wang Ruodan , Li Yulei , Zhao Jun
Published: March 2023

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are critically involved in the occurrence and development of breast cancer (BC). In this study, we performed RNA sequencing, and the results revealed an increase in the expression level of novel lncRNA ENST00000370438 in tissues of patients with BC. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) results showed an increase in lncRNA ENST00000370438 expression level in 23 pairs of BC tissues. Next, we determined the effect of ENST00000370438 on BC cell proliferation, and the results showed that ENST00000370438 promotes cell proliferation in BC. The proteomic analysis showed a decrease in DHCR24 expression level in BC cells transfected with ENST00000370438 small interfering RNA. Western blot and qRT‐PCR assay results showed that ENST00000370438 regulated DHCR24 expression. Furthermore, the rescue experiment showed that the interference with ENST00000370438 expression could restore the effect of DHCR24 overexpression on BC cell proliferation, demonstrating that ENST00000370438 could promote cell proliferation by upregulating DHCR24. Finally, we showed that lncRNA ENST000000370438 could promote tumor growth by overexpressing DHCR24 in nude mice. Our results demonstrated that lncRNA ENST00000370438 promotes BC cell proliferation by upregulating DHCR24 expression.
Limb Preference Changes after Focused‐Ultrasound Thalamotomy for Tremor
Authors: Swytink‐Binnema Catherine A. , Rockel Conrad P. , Martino Davide , Dukelow Sean P. , Pike G. Bruce , Kiss Zelma H.T.
Published: March 2023

Background

Magnetic resonance‐guided focused‐ultrasound (MRgFUS) thalamotomy is an effective treatment for essential and other tremors. It targets the ventrointermedius (Vim) nucleus, which is the thalamic relay in a proprioceptive pathway, and contains kinesthetic cells. Although MRgFUS thalamotomy reduces some risks associated with more invasive surgeries, it still has side effects, such as balance and gait disturbances; these may be caused by the lesion impacting proprioception.

Objectives

Our aim was to quantitatively measure the effects of MRgFUS on proprioception and limb use in essential tremor patients. We hypothesized that this thalamotomy alters proprioception, because the sensorimotor Vim thalamus is lesioned.

Methods

Proprioception was measured using the Kinarm exoskeleton robot in 18 patients. Data were collected pre‐operatively, and then 1 day, 3 months, and 1 year after surgery. Patients completed four tasks, assessing motor coordination and postural control, goal‐directed movement and bimanual planning, position sense, and kinesthesia.

Results

Immediately after surgery there were changes in posture speed (indicating tremor improvement), and in bimanual hand use, with the untreated limb being preferred. However, these measures returned to pre‐operative baseline over time. There were no changes in parameters related to proprioception. None of these measures correlated with lesion size or lesion‐overlap with the dentato‐rubro‐thalamic tract.

Conclusions

This is the first quantitative assessment of proprioception and limb preference following MRgFUS thalamotomy. Our results suggest that focused‐ultrasound lesioning of the Vim thalamus does not degrade proprioception but alters limb preference. This change may indicate a required “relearning” in the treated limb, because the effect is transient. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Regulation of beta‐amyloid for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease: Research progress of therapeutic strategies and bioactive compounds
Authors: Qiu Weimin , Liu Hui , Liu Yijun , Lu Xin , Wang Lei , Hu Yanyu , Feng Feng , Li Qi , Sun Haopeng
Published: March 2023

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that is difficult to treat. Extracellular amyloid is the principal pathological criterion for the diagnosis of AD. Amyloid β (Aβ) interacts with various receptor molecules on the plasma membrane and mediates a series of signaling pathways that play a vital role in the occurrence and development of AD. Research on receptors that interact with Aβ is currently ongoing. Overall, there are no effective medications to treat AD. In this review, we first discuss the importance of Aβ in the pathogenesis of AD, then summarize the latest progress of Aβ‐related targets and compounds. Finally, we put forward the challenges and opportunities in the development of effective AD therapies.
Cell division factor ZapE regulates Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm formation by impacting the pqs quorum sensing system
Authors: Liu Xi , Jia Minlu , Wang Jing , Cheng Hang , Cai Zhao , Yu Zhaoxiao , Liu Yang , Ma Luyan Z. , Zhang Lianhui , Zhang Yingdan , Yang Liang
Published: March 2023

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the leading nosocomial pathogens that causes both severe acute and chronic infections. The strong capacity of P. aeruginosa to form biofilms can dramatically increase its antibiotic resistance and lead to treatment failure. The biofilm resident bacterial cells display distinct gene expression profiles and phenotypes compared to their free‐living counterparts. Elucidating the genetic determinants of biofilm formation is crucial for the development of antibiofilm drugs. In this study, a high‐throughput transposon‐insertion site sequencing (Tn‐seq) approach was employed to identify novel P. aeruginosa biofilm genetic determinants. When analyzing the novel biofilm regulatory genes, we found that the cell division factor ZapE (PA4438) controls the P. aeruginosa pqs quorum sensing system. The ∆zapE mutant lost fitness against the wild‐type PAO1 strain in biofilms and its production of 2‐heptyl‐3‐hydroxy‐4(1H)‐quinolone (PQS) had been reduced. Further biochemical analysis showed that ZapE interacts with PqsH, which encodes the synthase that converts 2‐heptyl‐4‐quinolone (HHQ) to PQS. In addition, site‐directed mutagenesis of the ATPase active site of ZapE (K72A) abolished the positive regulation of ZapE on PQS signaling. As ZapE is highly conserved among the Pseudomonas group, our study suggests that it is a potential drug target for the control of Pseudomonas infections.
Finite‐time stable of time‐varying delay distributed parameter systems with input saturation via periodically intermittent control
Authors: Xia Wenhua , Luo Yiping , Zhou Bifeng , Wang Zhujun
Published: March 2023

A class of time‐varying delay distributed parameter systems with input saturation is investigated in this paper. The periodic intermittent control method is adopted to make the system stable in finite time, improve the control performance of the system, and save on control cost. A periodic intermittent controller combined saturated input is designed to ensure the stability of the proposed system in finite time. Lyapunov–Krasoviskii stability theory and matrix inequality techniques are used to analyze the finite‐time stability of the system, and sufficient conditions for the system to be stable in finite time are obtained. Finally, the correctness of the theorems is verified by simulation experiments.
Serum nuclear magnetic resonance metabolomics analysis of human metastatic colorectal cancer: Biomarkers and pathway analysis
Authors: Tristán Ana Isabel , González‐Flores Encarnación , Salmerón Ana del Mar , Abreu Ana Cristina , Caba Octavio , Jiménez‐Luna Cristina , Melguizo Consolación , Prados José , Fernández Ignacio
Published: March 2023

We describe the use of nuclear magnetic resonance metabolomics to analyze blood serum samples from healthy individuals (n = 26) and those with metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC; n = 57). The assessment, employing both linear and nonlinear multivariate data analysis techniques, revealed specific metabolite changes associated with metastatic CRC, including increased levels of lactate, glutamate, and pyruvate, and decreased levels of certain amino acids and total fatty acids. Biomarker ratios such as glutamate‐to‐glutamine and pyruvate‐to‐alanine were also found to be related to CRC. The study also found that glutamate was linked to progression‐free survival and that both glutamate and 3‐hydroxybutyrate were risk factors for metastatic CRC. Additionally, gas chromatography coupled to flame‐ionization detection was utilized to analyze the fatty acid profile and pathway analysis was performed on the profiled metabolites to understand the metabolic processes involved in CRC. A correlation was also found between the presence of certain metabolites in the blood of CRC patients and certain clinical features.
Polyglycerol‐modified polyvinyl alcohol with improved stability during thermoplastic processing
Authors: Zeng Shulong , Li Li , Wang Qi
Published: March 2023

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), which can be synthesized via a non‐petroleum route, is a multi‐hydroxyl polymer with good comprehensive properties and environmental friendliness. However, poor thermal processability impedes its development. Herein, polyglycerol (PGL) was firstly adopted to substitute parts of glycerin as one of the plasticizers to prepare modified PVA with greater thermal stability. FTIR spectra revealed the strong hydrogen‐bonding interaction between PGL and PVA which would be destroyed during heating, indicating that PGL was suitable for plasticizing PVA. The introduction of PGL weakened the volatilization of plasticizer as T5% of modified PVA was remarkably improved from 174.7°C to 245.8°C with the addition of 20 wt% PGL. The effects of PGL content on the crystallization behaviors, melting characteristics, dynamic rheological behaviors, and mechanical properties of PVA were investigated. It revealed that the substitution of PGL for glycerin did not influence the final crystalline structure and crystallinity of PVA, but shortened the crystallization time, improved the tensile strength and decreased the melt index owing to the entanglement between PVA and PGL molecules. Dynamic oscillatory rheological measurement showed that the lowest complex viscosity was obtained when 10 wt% PGL was incorporated, which is beneficial for practical processing and film forming. Under proper processing conditions, the production and application of this hot‐blown PVA film were realized at an experimental scale. This work sheds light on the exploitation of new plasticizers with high plasticizing efficiency and thermal stability during processing of PVA.
Traditional Chinese medicine: saponins, critical micellar concentrations and partition coefficients
Authors: Barthel Cédric , Massiot Georges , Lavaud Catherine
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) revolves around complex mixtures bound to specific roles within the formulation, among which saponin‐containing plants with alleged properties of harmonising or detoxifying other compounds present in the preparations.

Objective

This article deals with the study of these interactions with, as a model, the interaction between saponins and selected active principles.

Methods

The measurement of the partition coefficient between water and octanol (logP) was used as an indicator and determined by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) for these active principles in the presence of saponins. For each compound, a graph was constructed showing the evolution of logP with increasing concentrations of saponins.

Results

Four distinct patterns of interactions were distinguished. Pattern A showed a constant decrease of logP, pattern B showed a decrease followed by a plateau, in pattern C the logP did not vary until the critical micellar concentration (CMC) and decreased afterwards, and pattern D exhibited an increase of logP. These properties were linked to the ability of saponins to form micelles in water once the CMC is reached. The interaction of aconitine and saponins followed pattern D, thus explaining the detoxification of herbal preparations using Aconitum with licorice. The licorice facilitated the extraction of the notoriously water‐insoluble artemisinin from Artemisia annua.

Conclusion

This investigation confirms that the physical properties of micelle forming saponins are intimately linked to a modification of behaviour of the other molecules in solution, as seen with the alteration of logP and the four types of interactions presented.
A Minimal b Ghost
Authors: Cederwall Martin
Published: March 2023

The b ghost, or b operator, used for fixing Siegel gauge in the pure spinor superfield formalism, is a composite operator of negative ghost number, satisfying , where q is the pure spinor differential (BRST operator). It is traditionally constructed using non‐minimal variables. However, since all cohomology has minimal representatives, it seems likely that there should be versions of physically meaningful operators, also with negative ghost number, using only minimal variables. The purpose of this letter is to demonstrate that this statement holds by providing a concrete construction in super‐Yang–Mills theory, and to argue that it is a general feature in the pure spinor superfield formalism.
Significance of extraprostatic extension by Grade Groups 1–3 prostatic carcinoma on needle biopsy
Authors: Zhao Jianping , Epstein Jonathan
Published: March 2023

Background

It is rare for extraprostatic extension (EPE) on biopsy to be seen with Grade Groups (GG) 1–3 (Gleason scores 3 + 3 = 6; 3 + 4 = 7; 4 + 3 = 7) prostatic adenocarcinoma, and there is no data whether this finding should be a contraindication for performing radical prostatectomy (RP).

Methods

Thirty eight cases with GG 1–3 prostatic adenocarcinoma as the highest grade in the case with EPE on biopsy were identified from our consultation files. Highly unfavorable findings at RP were those that if they could have been predicted preoperatively, might have factored into the decision of whether to proceed with surgery. For these purposes, highly unfavorable pathology at RP was defined as either the presence of seminal vesicle invasion or lymph node metastases or GG5 (Gleason score 9–10).

Results

Among 37 patients with clinical follow‐up data, 18 (49%) received radiation and/or hormonal therapy (RT/HT), 13 patients (35%) either underwent (n = 11) or are planning (n = 2) RP, and 6 patients (16%) received either ablation therapy or active surveillance. Based on the 11 RP pathology reports, 8 were GG2, one GG3 with tertiary pattern 5, and two GG3. Ten cases were reported to have EPE and six cases had positive margins. Only one had highly unfavorable pathology with pT3bN1 disease. The only difference between the RP and the RT/HT groups in their pretreatment parameters was the mean age of the RP patients was 61 compared with 69 for the RT/HT men (p = 0.02); the lack of many cases with highly unfavorable pathology at RP cannot be attributable to a selection bias of men with lower volume cancer on biopsy or lower serum prostate‐specific antigen levels choosing RP over RT/HT.

Conclusions

Despite EPE on biopsy, most men do not have highly unfavorable pathology at RP, and this treatment should remain an option in this setting.
Geometrical and Electronic Structure Analysis of Mn‐Doped CaMO3 (M = Ti, Zr, and Sn)
Authors: Kurboniyon Mekhrdod S. , Zafari Umar , Ma Chong-Geng , Piasecki Michal , Brik Mikhail G. , Yamamoto Tomoyuki
Published: March 2023

The geometrical and electronic structures of Mn‐doped CaTiO3, CaZrO3, and CaSnO3 deep‐red emission phosphors are investigated both experimentally and theoretically. All the samples are synthesized with solid‐state reaction method by changing the concentration of the doped Mn ions. Crystal structures of the fabricated samples are examined with the powder X‐ray diffraction technique and valence states of the doped Mn ions are determined by measuring the Mn‐L3 X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure (XANES) spectra. Diffuse reflectance spectra are observed to study the change in electronic structures due to the Mn doping. First‐principles calculations are also carried out to investigate geometrical and electronic structures of Mn‐doped CaMO3, in which different types of electron–electron correlation functionals are employed.
Directing Exfoliation, Slipping, and Corrugation in WS2 through Bubbling with 15 keV He2+ Ion Irradiation
Authors: Deka Bhupali , Mohanta Dambarudhar , Naik Vaishali , Saha Abhijit
Published: March 2023

Herein, effects of normal and 55° oblique angle incidence of 15 keV He2+ ion irradiation on polycrystalline WS2 are reported. Bright‐field high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy reveals exfoliated rectangular sheets, slipped to varying extents while edge angle maintains 90° for oblique angle irradiation (5 × 1015 ions cm−2). At similar fluence, normal ion irradiation gives polyhedral inorganic‐fullerene‐like morphologies occasionally. Moreover, uniformly distributed globular surface construct is quite evident at a critical fluence of 1 × 1016 ions cm−2, captured in semi‐contact mode of atomic force microscopy. Attributed to the formation of blisters and leading to microcracks through nucleation and evolution of bubbles by way of coprecipitation of He2+ ions in the target, these cracks result in corrugated surfaces. To determine the oxidation states of the elements and to examine the purity of phase upon irradiation, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy is employed that offers the core‐level spectra of W and S elements of WS2. In addition, vibrational modes are probed through Raman spectroscopy studies. The scope of exfoliated and slipped‐off sheets by ion beams can offer new insights and serve as a complementary window to process and visualize 2D materials for further use.
Successful baricitinib treatment of refractory anti‐synthetase syndrome associated with interstitial lung disease
Authors: Sugino Keishi , Ono Hirotaka , Saito Mikako , Ando Masahiro , Tsuboi Eiyasu
Published: March 2023

A 47‐year‐old Japanese man was admitted with dyspnoea on exertion (DOE), skin rash and myalgia. Clinical findings of Gottron's sign and mechanic's hands were observed, with increased serum levels of Krebs von den Lungen‐6, surfactant protein‐D, creatine kinase, and anti‐EJ on laboratory tests. In both lungs, chest computed tomography revealed diffuse reticular opacities and lower lobe predominance. The patient was diagnosed with anti‐synthetase syndrome (ASS) and associated interstitial lung disease. Despite repeated administration of high‐dose intravenous corticosteroids, cyclophosphamide and immunoglobulin, his skin rash, myalgia, and DOE followed a relapsing and remitting course. He was then given rituximab therapy. This was initially successful, but disease activity increased approximately 12 months after starting rituximab therapy. Finally, in addition to prednisolone and cyclosporine A, we administered baricitinib. There has been no relapse of the disease in the 12 months since he began baricitinib treatment.
Nonparametric estimation of marked survival data in the presence of dependent censoring
Authors: Sanusi Busola , Cai Jianwen , Hudgens Michael G.
Published: March 2023

We consider nonparametrically estimating the joint distribution of a survival time and mark variable, where the survival time is subject to right censoring and the mark variable is only observed when the survival time is not censored. The possibility of dependent censoring is allowed for using inverse probability of censoring weights. The proposed estimator is shown to be consistent and asymptotically normal. Finite sample behavior of the proposed methods are investigated via simulation study. Finally, we illustrate the nonparametric estimator from a recent HIV vaccine efficacy trial.
Improved High‐Temperature Softening Resistance and Wear Resistance of AISI M42 High‐Speed Steel by N‐Alloying
Authors: Jiao Wei-Chao , Li Hua-Bing , Feng Hao , Wang Hai-Jian , Zhu Hong-Chun , Zhang Shu-Cai , Jiang Zhou-Hua , Wu Wei
Published: March 2023

Herein, a novel high‐nitrogen (0.18 wt%) M42 high‐speed steel is fabricated by pressurized metallurgy. The high‐temperature softening resistance of N‐free and 0.18N steels is evaluated by hardness measurement at room temperature after additional heating at 600 °C for various times, and the high‐temperature wear resistance is evaluated by ball‐on‐disk dry sliding wear test at 600 °C. The microstructure is characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and high‐resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM). The results indicate that the hardness of 0.18N steel is 2–3 HRC higher than that of N‐free steel after additional heating at 600 °C for 4–120 h. The superior high‐temperature softening resistance of 0.18N steel is primarily ascribed to the smaller coarsening rate of M2C secondary carbides. Under the dry sliding condition at 600 °C, the wear rate of N‐free steel is approximately 1.5 times higher than that of 0.18N steel. The better high‐temperature wear resistance of 0.18N steel is primarily because the superior softening resistance makes it maintain higher hardness during the wear process to provide stronger support for the oxide layer and increase the protective ability of oxide layer to steel.
Optimization of Porous Phosphorylated Chestnut Starch Synthesis by Response Surface Methodology and Characterization of its Properties
Authors: Wang Shuo , Hu Na , Tang Erjun , Yang Shenglan , Liu Xinying , Jewell Linda
Published: March 2023

Porous phosphorylated chestnut starch (P‐PCS) is prepared by enzymic hydrolysis of chestnut starch (CS) and phosphorylation, and the phosphorylation conditions are optimized by response surface design. The optimum reaction conditions are a compound phosphate (CP)/porous chestnut starch (P‐CS) mass ratio of 2:1, reaction temperature of 146 °C, and reaction time of 159 min. The degree of phosphate substitution of P‐PCS is 0.197. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy demonstrate that phosphate groups are esterified with ‐OH groups on P‐CS. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) shows that the starch crystal form changes after both enzymatic hydrolysis and phosphorylation. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) reveals that the surface of P‐CS is no longer as smooth as CS, but has different degrees of depressions and holes and P‐PCS grains are fractured and cracked. P‐PCS has much better light transmittance (26.4% vs. 2.6%) and Pb(II) adsorption performance (124.2 vs. 17.5 mg g−1) than CS, thereby providing a potential new application for chestnut starch as a natural polymer adsorbent for use in wastewater treatment.
Long noncoding RNA CASC9 promotes pancreatic cancer progression by acting as a ceRNA of miR‐497‐5p to upregulate expression of CCND1
Authors: Zhou Jia , Song Guodong , Su Mingqi , Zhang Hui , Yang Tingsong , Song Zhenshun
Published: March 2023

Background

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is an aggressive malignancy with poor prognosis. Accumulating studies have showed that long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) is a crucial regulator in various tumorigenesis and progression including PC. This research aims to explore the roles and molecular mechanism of lncRNA cancer susceptibility candidate 9 (CASC9) in PC.

Methods

The expression levels of lncRNA CASC9 and miR‐497‐5p were evaluated in PC tissues and paired adjacent healthy tissues by quantitative real‐time PCR. PC cell lines were transfected with lentivirus targeting lncRNA CASC9, and cells proliferation, migration and invasion tests were conducted. Dual luciferase reporter assays were also carried out to explore the relationship between lncRNA CASC9, miR‐497‐5p and Cyclin D1 (CCND1).

Results

LncRNA CASC9 was significantly up‐regulated in PC tissues, while miR‐497‐5p expression was down‐regulated. Down‐regulation of lncRNA CASC9 in PC cells can significantly suppress the cell aggressiveness both in vitro and in vivo; moreover, knock‐down of miR‐497‐5p could neutralize this impact. Additionally, the luciferase activity assay has assured that CCND1 was a downstream target of miR‐497‐5p.

Conclusion

LncRNA CASC9 can promote the PC progression by modulating miR‐497‐5p/CCND1 axis, which is potential target for PC treatment.
Introduction
Authors: Steinbach Ingo , Salama Hesham
Published: March 2023

The chapter introduces the meaning of Phase Field from the aspect of thermodynamics on the one hand and numerics of moving boundary solutions on the other hand. A moving boundary solution here means the evolution, motion, of grain boundaries, phase boundaries or surfaces in multicrystalline materials as described by a set of partial differential equations. The thermodynamic aspect relates to the concept of an order parameter, identifying a phase, in thermodynamics in general. Here the interfaces, grain- or phase boundaries and surfaces, are described by a gradient contribution in the free energy functional, the gradient of the phase field when the order changes between different grains. The history of both approaches is reviewed shortly considering their pros and cons.
Temperature
Authors: Steinbach Ingo , Salama Hesham
Published: March 2023

In this chapter the coupling of the phase field to a second, external field is discussed for the case of non-isothermal systems. A thermodynamic consistent derivation of the set of equations for the phase-field and temperature field is presented, starting from an entropy functional. In the second part of the chapter the systematic error, which arises in a phase-field model at the mesoscopic scale, is discussed. Finally, the so-called thin interface limit is presented, which is an elegant remedy of this systematic error by an asymptotic matching condition. The example in this section relates to solidification under additive manufacturing conditions.
Multi-Phase-Field Approach
Authors: Steinbach Ingo , Salama Hesham
Published: March 2023

In this chapter the extension of a phase-field model for two phases to multiple phases is presented. This relates to the treatment of triple lines and junctions between several phases, or grains in a multicrystalline structure. The conservation constraint of the sum of all fields in one material point is realized using a Lagrange formalism. The free energy functional is expanded in pairs of phases, as well as the equation of motion of individual phase fields in dependence on all other fields. As example coarsening and texture evolution in a multi grain structure with anisotropic interface energy is presented.
Tutorial 1: OpenPhase
Authors: Steinbach Ingo , Salama Hesham
Published: March 2023

OpenPhase is a robust open-source microstructure simulation software project targeted at the phase-field simulations of complex scientific problems involving structural transformation and phase change in systems undergoing first-order phase transformation. The multi-physics models that are contained in the phase-field approach allow for the simulation of a wide variety of material processes, including but not limited to solidification, heat treatment, mechanical testing, and many more. This chapter gives an introduction to OpenPhase, the open software library for microstructure simulation. After providing a concise overview of the main features of the library, the next section will walk you through the process of installing and compiling the software library. Finally, it describes the format of the simulation input file as well as how to comprehend and make use of each input parameter.
Towards a sub-percent precision measurement of sin2 θ13 with reactor antineutrinos
Authors: Zhang Jinnan , Cao Jun
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Measuring the neutrino mixing parameter sin2θ13 to the sub-percent precision level could be necessary in the next ten years for the precision unitary test of the PMNS matrix. In this work, we discuss the possibility of such a measurement with reactor antineutrinos. We find that a single liquid scintillator detector on a reasonable scale could achieve the goal. We propose to install a detector of ∼ 10% energy resolution at about 2.0 km from the reactors with a JUNO-like overburden. The integrated luminosity requirement is about 150 kton · GW · year, corresponding to 4 years’ operation of a 4 kton detector near a reactor complex of 9.2 GW thermal power like Taishan reactor. Unlike the previous θ13 experiments with identical near and far detectors, which can suppress the systematics especially the rate uncertainty by the near-far relative measurement and the optimal baseline is at the first oscillation maximum of about 1.8 km, a single-detector measurement prefers to offset the baseline from the oscillation maximum. At low statistics ≲ 10 kton · GW · year, the rate uncertainty dominates the systematics, and the optimal baseline is about 1.3 km. At higher statistics, the spectral shape uncertainty becomes dominant, and the optimal baseline shifts to about 2.0 km. The optimal baseline keeps being ∼ 2.0 km for an integrated luminosity up to 106 kton · GW · year. Impacts of other factors on the precision sin2θ13 measurement are also discussed. We have assumed that the TAO experiment will improve our understanding of the spectral shape uncertainty, which gives the highest precision measurement of reactor antineutrino spectrum for neutrino energy in the range of 3–6 MeV. We find that the optimal baseline is ∼ 2.9 km with a flat input spectral shape uncertainty provided by the future summation or conversion methods’ prediction. The shape uncertainty would be the bottleneck of the sin2θ13 precision measurement. The sin2θ13 precision is not sensitive to the detector energy resolution and the precision of other oscillation parameters.
Transverse momentum resummation at N3LL+NNLO for diboson processes
Authors: Campbell John M. , Ellis R. Keith , Neumann Tobias , Seth Satyajit
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Diboson processes are one of the most accessible and stringent probes of the electroweak gauge structure of the Standard Model at the LHC. They will be probed at the percent level at the high-luminosity LHC, challenging current theory predictions. We present transverse momentum resummed calculations at N3LL+NNLO for the processes ZZ, WZ, WH and ZH, compare our predictions with most recent LHC data and present predictions at 13.6 TeV including theory uncertainty estimates. For W+W− production we further present jet-veto resummed results at N3LLp+NNLO. Our calculations will be made publicly available in the upcoming MCFM release and allow future analyses to take advantage of improved predictions.
Multiverse in Karch-Randall Braneworld
Authors: Yadav Gopal
Published: March 2023

Abstract

In this paper, we propose a model based on wedge holography that can describe the multiverse. In wedge holography, we consider two gravitating baths, one of which has strong gravity and the other one has weak gravity. To describe a multiverse, we consider 2n Karch-Randall branes, and we propose that various d-dimensional universes are localized on these branes. These branes are embedded in (d + 1)-dimensional spacetime. The model is useful in obtaining the Page curve of black holes with multiple horizons and in the resolution of the “grandfather paradox”. We explicitly obtain the Page curves of eternal AdS black holes for n = 2 multiverse and Schwarzschild de-Sitter black hole with two horizons.
Hartle-Hawking wavefunction in double scaled SYK
Authors: Okuyama Kazumi
Published: March 2023

Abstract

We compute the transition amplitude between the chord number 0 and ℓ states in the double scaled SYK model and interpret it as a Hartle-Hawking wavefunction of the bulk gravitational theory. We observe that the so-called un-crossed matter correlators of double scaled SYK model are obtained by gluing the Hartle-Hawking wavefunctions with an appropriate weight.
Molecular characterization of two new alternaviruses identified in members of the fungal family Nectriaceae
Authors: Pielhop Tom P. , Popp Carolin , Fricke Sebastian , Knierim Dennis , Margaria Paolo , Maiß Edgar
Published: March 2023

Since the first report in 2009, at least ten additional viruses have been identified and assigned to the proposed virus family Alternaviridae. Here we report two new mycoviruses tentatively assigned to this family, both identified as members of the fungal family Nectriaceae, which were isolated from surface-disinfected apple roots (Malus x domestica, Borkh.) affected by apple replant disease (ARD). ARD is a highly complex, worldwide-occurring disease resulting from plant reactions to a disturbed (micro)-biome and leads to high economic losses every year. The first alternavirus characterized in this study was identified in a Dactylonectria torresensis isolate. The virus was tentatively named dactylonectria torresensis alternavirus 1 (DtAV1) as the first member of the proposed new species Alternavirus dactylonectriae. The second virus was identified in an isolate of Ilyonectria robusta and was tentatively named ilyonectria robusta alternavirus 1 (IrAV1) as the first member of the proposed new species Alternavirus ilyonectriae. Full genomic sequences of the viruses were determined and are presented. Further, we found hints for putative components of a methyl transferase machinery using in silico approaches. This putative protein domain is encoded by segment 2. However, this result only establishes the basis for subsequent studies in which the function must be confirmed experimentally in vitro. Thus, this is the first study where a function is predicted to all three genomic segments within the group of the alternaviruses. These findings provide further insights into the virome of ARD-associated fungi and are therefore another brick in the wall of understanding the complexity of the disease.