bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adjuvant Everolimus in Non–Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Gulati Shuchi , Tangen Catherine , Ryan Christopher W. , Vaishampayan Ulka N. , Shuch Brian M. , Barata Pedro C. , Pruthi Deepak K. , Bergerot Cristiane D. , Tripathi Abhishek , Lerner Seth P. , Thompson Ian M. , Lara Primo N. , Pal Sumanta K.
Published: August 2024

Importance

Clinical trial data on adjuvant therapy in patients with non–clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC) are scant.

Objective

To evaluate the effect of adjuvant everolimus after nephrectomy on recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients with localized papillary and chromophobe RCC.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This prespecified subgroup analysis of a phase 3 randomized clinical trial, EVEREST, included patients enrolled between April 1, 2011, and September 15, 2016. Eligible patients had fully resected RCC at intermediate-high risk (pT1 grade 3-4, N0 to pT3a grade 1-2, N0) or very-high risk (pT3a grade 3-4 to pT4 any grade or N+) for recurrence who had received radical or partial nephrectomy. Final analyses was completed in March 2022.

Intervention

The intervention group received 54 weeks of everolimus (10 mg orally daily); the control group received a matching placebo.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The main outcomes were RFS, OS, and rates of adverse events. For testing the hazard ratio (HR) for treatment effect, a Cox regression model was used for both OS and RFS.

Results

Of 1545 adult patients with treatment-naive, nonmetastatic, fully resected RCC in EVEREST, 109 had papillary RCC (median [range] age, 60 [19-81] years; 82 [75%] male; 50 patients [46%] with very high–risk disease) and 99 had chromophobe RCC (median [range] age 51 [18-71] years; 53 [54%] male; 34 patients [34%] with very high–risk disease). Among 57 patients with papillary RCC in the intervention group, 26 (46%) completed 54 weeks of treatment, and among 53 patients with chromophobe RCC in the intervention group, 26 (49%) completed 54 weeks of treatment. With a median (IQR) follow-up of 76 (61-96) months, adjuvant everolimus did not improve RFS compared with placebo in either papillary RCC (5-year RFS: 62% vs 70%; HR, 1.19; 95% CI, 0.61-2.33; P = .61) or chromophobe RCC (5-year RFS: 79% vs 77%; HR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.37-2.13; P = .79). In the combined non–clear RCC cohort, grade 3 or higher adverse events occurred in 48% of patients who received everolimus and 9% of patients who received placebo.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this clinical trial assessing the use of adjuvant everolimus, postoperative everolimus did not show evidence of improved RFS among patients with papillary or chromophobe RCC, and results from the study do not support adjuvant everolimus for this cohort. However, since the lower bounds of the 95% CIs were 0.61 and 0.89, respectively, potential treatment benefit in these subgroups cannot be ruled out.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01120249
Restrictions on Pesticides and Deliberate Self-Poisoning in Sri Lanka
Authors: Noghrehchi Firouzeh , Dawson Andrew H. , Raubenheimer Jacques , Mohamed Fahim , Gawarammana Indika B. , Eddleston Michael , Buckley Nicholas A.
Published: August 2024

Importance

Deliberate self-poisoning using pesticides as a means of suicide is an important public health problem in low- and middle-income countries. Three highly toxic pesticides—dimethoate, fenthion, and paraquat—were removed from the market in Sri Lanka between 2008 and 2011. In 2015, less toxic pesticides (chlorpyrifos, glyphosate, carbofuran, and carbaryl) were restricted. Subsequent outcomes have not been well described.

Objective

To explore the association of pesticide bans with pesticide self-poisonings and in-hospital deaths.

Design, Setting, and Participants

In this cross-sectional study with an interrupted time series design, data were prospectively collected on all patients with deliberate self-poisonings presenting to 10 Sri Lankan hospitals between March 31, 2002, and December 31, 2019, and analyzed by aggregated types of poisoning. The correlates of pesticide bans were estimated within the pesticide group and on self-poisonings within other substance groups. The data analysis was performed between April 1, 2002, and December 31, 2019.

Exposures

Implementation of 2 sets of pesticide bans.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The main outcomes were changes in hospital presentations and in-hospital deaths related to pesticide self-poisoning as measured using segmented Poisson regression.

Results

A total of 79 780 patients (median [IQR] age, 24 [18-34] years; 50.1% male) with self-poisoning from all causes were admitted to the study hospitals, with 29 389 poisonings (36.8%) due to pesticides. A total of 2859 patients died, 2084 (72.9%) of whom had ingested a pesticide. The first restrictions that targeted acutely toxic, highly hazardous pesticides were associated with an abrupt and sustained decline of the proportion of poisonings with pesticides (rate ratio [RR], 0.85; 95% CI, 0.78-0.92) over the study period and increases in poisonings with medications (RR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.02-1.21) and household and industrial chemicals (RR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.05-1.36). The overall case fatality of pesticides significantly decreased (RR, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.26-0.42) following the implementation of the 2008 to 2011 restrictions of highly hazardous pesticides. Following the 2015 restrictions of low-toxicity pesticides, hospitalizations were unchanged, and the number of deaths increased (RR, 1.98; 95% CI, 1.39-2.83).

Conclusions and Relevance

These findings support the restriction of acutely toxic pesticides in resource-poor countries to help reduce hospitalization for and deaths from deliberate self-poisonings and caution against arbitrary bans of less toxic pesticides while more toxic pesticides remain available.
A transfer sparse identification method for ARX model
Authors: Wang Yuchao , Luan Xiaoli , Zhang Kang , Ding Feng , Liu Fei
Published: August 2024

The aim of this paper is to improve the parameter estimation accuracy of the system to be identified by using measurements from a known system. By introducing the transfer gain matrix and setting the effective identification criterion, a novel transfer sparse identification method is raised, which deals with the sparse issues more precise. Besides, the unbiased form is given in the parameter analysis and the recursion form can prevent the dimension catastrophe related problems. Moreover, in order to test the effects of the transfer and avoid bad performance, a negative transfer analysis condition is carried out. Finally, the simulation verifies the enhancements and benefits of the proposed transfer sparse identification method, confirming that the transfer performance outperforms better than that of no transfer, especially on the zero parameters identification.
Embedded Hybrid‐Dimensional Heterointerface for Filament Modulation in 2D Material‐Based Artificial Nociceptor
Authors: Huang Chang‐Hsun , Cheng Te‐Yu , Wu Chia‐Yi , Chen Kuan‐Hung , Wu Tian‐Li , Chou Yi‐Chia
Published: August 2024

Nociceptors are key sensory receptors that transmit warning signals to the central nervous system in response to painful stimuli. This fundamental process is emulated in an electronic device by developing a novel artificial nociceptor with an ultrathin, nonstoichiometric gallium oxide (GaOx)‐silicon oxide heterostructure. A large‐area 2D‐GaOx film is printed on a substrate through liquid metal printing to facilitate the production of conductive filaments. This nociceptive structure exhibits a unique short‐term temporal response following stimulation, enabling a facile demonstration of threshold‐switching physics. The developed heterointerface 2D‐GaOx film enables the fabrication of fast‐switching, low‐energy, and compliance‐free 2D‐GaOx nociceptors, as confirmed through experiments. The accumulation and extrusion of Ag in the oxide matrix are significant for inducing plastic changes in artificial biological sensors. High‐resolution transmission electron microscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy demonstrate that Ag clusters in the material dispersed under electrical bias and regrouped spontaneously when the bias is removed owing to interfacial energy minimization. Moreover, 2D nociceptors are stable; thus, heterointerface engineering can enable effective control of charge transfer in 2D heterostructural devices. Furthermore, the diffusive 2D‐GaOx device and its Ag dynamics enable the direct emulation of biological nociceptors, marking an advancement in the hardware implementation of artificial human sensory systems.
Thermomechanical properties of multifunctional polymer hybrid nanocomposites based on carbon nanotubes and nanosilica
Authors: Silva Bruno Milton Oliveira , Fernandes Nathália Maria Moraes , Barbosa Juliano Martins , Pinto Gabriel Matheus , Benega Marcos Antônio Gimenes , Taha‐Tijerina José Jaime , Andrade Ricardo Jorge Espanhol , Ribeiro Hélio
Published: August 2024

Nanocomposites containing low wt% of oxidized multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT‐OXI), nanosilica (NS), and its hybrid (MWCNT‐OXI/NS) in epoxy resin were produced and evaluated. The used nanoparticles were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Raman spectroscopy while the nanocomposites were investigated in relation to its morphology, thermal, and mechanical properties. The results demonstrated significant improvements in the storage modulus (E′), glass transition temperature (Tg), and cross link density (CD), for the produced nanocomposites. Increases in thermal conductivity (TC) of up to 85% at 90°C were observed for the nanocomposites containing 1.0 wt% of the hybrid MWCNT‐OXI + NS nanofiller, when compared with neat polymer. It was also verified increases in the resistance to plastic deformation for the nanocomposites, maintained the polymer thermal stability with the addition of these nanoparticles. Finally, the use of MWCNT‐OXI and NS, combined or not, significantly improved the thermal and mechanical properties of polymer, showing multifunctional characteristics for the produced nanocomposites.
FDM printing of microneedles based on biocompatible and biodegradable thermoplastic polymers
Authors: Kouassi Marie‐Carole , Abdallah Abir Ben , Nouira Samia , Ballut Sébastien , Fitoussi Joseph , Shirinbayan Mohammadali , Kallel Achraf
Published: August 2024

Microneedles are an emerging class of transdermal drug delivery systems for biomedical applications. These devices allow minimally invasive and painless drug delivery, making them an attractive alternative to hypodermic injections. This paper focuses on the study of polymer‐based solid microneedles fabrication process using the fused deposition modeling (FDM) method. Biodegradable and biocompatible polymers are selected as printing materials. For this study, the thermoplastic polylactic acid (PLA), currently used for FDM microneedle preparation was selected. To overcome the potential brittleness of PLA during transdermal application, two other materials are also studied: polycaprolactone (PCL) and a PLA/PCL blend. The effect of 3D printing parameters on the dimensional accuracy of the microneedles is studied to determine the optimum printing conditions for each filament. In addition, the dimensions and/or geometry of the microneedles are modified to print its with minimal dimensions. Then, a post‐fabrication chemical etching treatment is used to improve both, size and shape of the printed solid microneedles.
Enantiomeric Analysis of Chiral Drugs Using Mass Spectrometric Methods: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Vallamkonda Bhaskar , Sethi Sonika , Satti PhanikumarReddy , Das Dipak Kumar , Yadav Suman , Vashistha Vinod Kumar
Published: August 2024

Chirality plays a crucial role in the drug development process, influencing fundamental chemical and biochemical processes and significantly affecting our daily lives. This review provides a comprehensive examination of mass spectrometric (MS) methods for the enantiomeric analysis of chiral drugs. It thoroughly investigates MS‐hyphenated techniques, emphasizing their critical role in achieving enantioselective analysis. Furthermore, it delves into the intricate chiral recognition mechanisms inherent in MS, elucidating the fundamental principles that govern successful chiral separations. By critically assessing the obstacles and potential benefits associated with each MS‐based method, this review offers valuable insights for researchers navigating the complexities of chiral analysis. Both qualitative and quantitative approaches are explored, presenting a comparative analysis of their strengths and limitations. This review is aimed at significantly enhancing the understanding of chiral MS methods, serving as a crucial resource for researchers and practitioners engaged in enantioselective studies.
Protein‐Protein Interface Identification by Site‐Specific Photo‐Cross‐linking/Cleavage in Mammalian Cells
Authors: Terasawa Kazue , Seike Tatsuro , Sakamoto Kensaku , Ohtake Kazumasa , Watabe Tetsuro , Yokoyama Shigeyuki , Hara‐Yokoyama Miki
Published: August 2024

Identification of protein‐protein interfaces is necessary for understanding and regulating biological events. Genetic code expansion enables site‐specific photo‐cross‐linking by introducing photo‐reactive non‐canonical amino acids into proteins at defined positions during translation. This technology is widely used for analyzing protein‐protein interactions and is applicable in mammalian cells. However, the identification of the cross‐linked region still remains challenging. Our new protocol enables its identification by pre‐installing a site‐specific cleavage site, an α‐hydroxy acid (Nε‐allyloxycarbonyl‐α‐hydroxyl‐L‐lysine acid, AllocLys‐OH), into the target protein. Alkaline treatment cleaves the crosslinked complex at the position of the α‐hydroxy acid residue and thus helps to identify which side of the cleavage site, either closer to the N‐terminus or C‐terminus, the crosslinked site is located on within the target protein. A series of AllocLys‐OH introductions narrows down the crosslinked region. This combination of site‐specific crosslinking and cleavage promises to be useful for revealing binding interfaces and protein complex geometries. © 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Search for crosslinkable sites

Basic Protocol 2: Site‐specific photo‐cross‐linking/cleavage
Current Protocols: Alopecia Areata Mouse Models for Drug Efficacy and Mechanism Studies
Authors: Sundberg John P. , Wang Eddy H. C. , McElwee Kevin J.
Published: August 2024

Alopecia areata is the second most common form of hair loss in humans after androgenetic alopecia. Although a variety of animal models for alopecia areata have been described, currently the C3H/HeJ mouse model is the most commonly used and accepted. Spontaneous hair loss occurs in 15%‐25% of older mice in which the lesions wax and wane, similar to the human disease, with alopecia being more common and severe in female mice. Full‐thickness skin grafts from mice with spontaneous alopecia areata to young, normal‐haired, histocompatible mice provide a highly reproducible model with progressive lesions that makes it useful for drug efficacy and mechanism‐based studies. As alopecia areata is a cell‐mediated autoimmune disease, transfer of cultured lymph node cells from affected mice to unaffected, histocompatible recipients also promotes disease development and provides an alternative, nonsurgical protocol. Protocols are presented to produce these models such that they can be used to study alopecia areata and to develop novel drug therapies. © 2024 The Author(s). Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Full‐thickness skin grafts to reproducibly induce alopecia areata in C3H/HeJ mice

Basic Protocol 2: Adoptive transfer of cultured lymphoid cells provides a nonsurgical method to induce alopecia areata in C3H/HeJ mice
Cretaceous cyclic peritidal carbonates of the Apulia Carbonate Platform (Apulia, southern Italy) in a hierarchical sequence‐stratigraphic perspective: A case study from the Murge area (the Giovinazzo sea‐cliff section)
Authors: Spalluto Luigi , Petruzzelli Marco , Sabato Luisa , Tropeano Marcello
Published: August 2024

Cretaceous cyclic peritidal carbonates form the bulk of the Apulia Region in Italy and represent the vestiges of the Apulia Carbonate Platform. To show from a sequence stratigraphic perspective the architecture of peritidal carbonates, the 17 m thick Albian Giovinazzo sea‐cliff section was studied at a centimetre detail, aiming to: (i) describe cyclic facies organisation in beds and bedsets; (ii) reconstruct the relative sea‐level curve and its evolution over time; (iii) interpret the long‐term evolution of the accommodation space in terms of sequence stratigraphy. The hierarchical stacking pattern of facies in beds and bedsets reveals Milankovitch cyclicity. As a working hypothesis, elementary sequences are assumed to represent the precession cycle (ca 20 kyr) and small‐scale and medium‐scale sequences the short (ca 100 kyr) and long (ca 400 kyr) eccentricity cycles, respectively. Four different types of elementary sequences (condensed, catch‐down, catch‐up and give‐up) are recognised and interpreted in terms of relative sea‐level changes to reconstruct the relative sea‐level curve of the entire succession. The envelope of the reconstructed relative sea‐level curve is used to represent the long‐term accommodation change on the platform, which covers a time span of approximately 1.8 Myr. Most of this time was spent in subaerial exposure, as approximately 1.2 Myr was predicted to be condensed in a stratigraphic interval encompassing both the sequence‐boundary zone/falling stage deposits and the lowstand deposits. Moreover, it was interpreted that about two‐third of the total thickness of the succession was formed in only 280 kyr and consisted of both transgressive and maximum‐flooding deposits. The main implication of this study is that unconformities do not necessarily correspond to single surfaces but, rather, to very amalgamated intervals or unconformity zones. Moreover, based on biostratigraphic constraints, there is a correlation between the unconformity zone of the studied succession and the third‐order KAl4 sequence boundary of the Cretaceous eustatic cycle chart.
Assessing Children's Autonomic Nervous System Activity During Structured Tasks: A Feasibility and Reliability Study in Ghana
Authors: Bentil Helena J. , Daang Enya M. , Guyer Amanda E. , Yuan Haiying , Adu‐Afarwuah Seth , Amponsah Benjamin , Manu Adom , Mensah Mavis Osipi , Demuyakor Maku E. , Arnold Charles D. , Oaks Brietta M. , Prado Elizabeth , Hastings Paul D.
Published: August 2024

The significance of physiological regulation in relation to behavioral and emotional regulation is well documented, but primarily in economically advantaged contexts. Few studies have been conducted in low‐ and middle‐income countries. We investigated the feasibility and reliability of measuring autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity and behavior during challenge tasks in 30 children aged 8–10 years in Ghana during two visits, 1 week apart. Completeness of ANS data ranged from 80% to 100% across all tasks. There was low‐to‐moderate test–retest reliability of video mood induction (VMI) emotion ratings and balloon analog risk task (BART) pumps (r = 0.34–0.52). VMI elicited higher targeted emotion ratings in Visit 2 than Visit 1. Respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) was higher, and pre‐ejection period (PEP) was longer at Visit 2 than Visit 1 for baseline and both tasks. RSA was higher at baseline than during the VMI anger scene at Visit 1, whereas PEP was shorter at baseline than during all VMI emotion scenes at Visit 2. RSA was higher at baseline than during BART at both visits. In conclusion, ANS data collection within evocative and arousing challenge tasks was feasible in Ghana, and the tasks were generally reliable and effective in eliciting target emotions and risk‐taking behavior in this sample.
The role of intraspecific trait variation in driving post‐metamorphic survival: Implications for recruitment in open populations
Authors: Giménez Luis , Jenkins Stuart R.
Published: August 2024

Most ecological studies attempting to understand causes of population dynamics and community structure disregard intraspecific trait variation. We quantified the importance of natural intra‐cohort variation in body size and density of juveniles for recruitment of a sessile marine organism, the barnacle Semibalanus balanoides. Barnacles are representative of species organised in metapopulations, that is, as open local populations connected by larval dispersal. We tracked the individual growth and survival of a cohort of juvenile barnacles from two shores of North Wales. Barnacles settled as larvae in spring of 2002 on previously cleared rock. The density of these new recruits was experimentally manipulated in June and randomly selected individuals were monitored from June to October to evaluate the role of barnacle size and density in predicting survival. In doing so we characterised density at three spatial scales (quadrat: 25 cm2, cells within quadrats: 25 mm2 and neighbourhood: number of neighbours in physical contact with the target barnacle). At all scales, variations in juvenile body size exacerbated the effect of density‐dependent mortality on population size. While density‐dependent mortality was very intense in the small‐sized individuals, large‐sized individuals experienced very weak density‐dependent mortality and showed high survival rates. Using the concept of ‘Jensen inequality’, we show that important biases in estimations of survival, based on population size only, occur at high barnacle densities, where survival is low. Our study highlights the role of body size variation in understanding dynamics of open populations.
SYNTHESIS AND REACTIVITY OF CARBOHYDRATES CONTAINING 3‐MEMBERED HETEROCYCLES, KEY PRECURSORS OF MODIFIED SUGARS AND MIMETICS
Authors: Repetto Evangelina , Manzano Verónica Elena , Varela Oscar , Uhrig Maria Laura
Published: August 2024

Molecules containing three‐membered heterocycles, including oxiranes (epoxides), thiiranes (episulfides) and aziridines, are considered privileged structures as they serve as key precursors or intermediates for the synthesis of a varied range of organic compounds, such as natural products, mimetics and pharmaceuticals. The principal advantage of this type of heterocycles is their reactivity towards the nucleophilic ring‐opening, which usually occurs in a regioselective manner, resulting in the formation of 1,2‐disubstituted products. When attached to a chiral scaffold, such as a carbohydrate molecule, the ring‐opening process is usually highly diastereoselective. Therefore, these compounds have been extensively employed in the field of carbohydrates for the synthesis of enantiomerically pure modified sugars that are useful as glycobiology tools. This review presents an overview of the recent methodologies developed for the construction of epoxide, thiirane, and aziridine rings from common or modified sugars. Due to their structural similarity to carbohydrates, three‐membered heterocyclic derivatives of cyclitols and carbasugars have been included. All these compounds, and their ring‐opening derivatives have shown to be crucial in the synthesis of glycomimetics, which display diverse biological activities. These include enzyme inhibition, binding to lectin receptors, and more recently, the use as probes for the diagnosis and monitoring of diseases.
In vitro degradation behavior of grain refined WE43 magnesium alloy for biodegradable temporary implant applications
Authors: Vardhan V. S. S. H. , Sharma A.
Published: August 2024

In the present work, grain‐refined WE43 magnesium alloy was produced by friction stir processing to investigate the in vitro degradation behavior targeted for temporary bone implant applications. Friction stir processing resulted in significant grain refinement (from 46±4.2 μm to 16.1±5.4 μm) as observed from microstructural studies. Increased wettability was observed from the contact angle measurements in grain‐refined WE43 alloy. The corrosion behavior of the base alloy and the grain refined alloy assessed by potentiodynamic polarization tests demonstrated the influence of the smaller grain size and decreased intermetallics on enhancing corrosion resistance. Immersion studies carried out in simulated body fluids for one week indicated a quick development of the protective magnesium hydroxide on the surface of grain‐refined WE43 alloy compared with the base alloy. The deposition of the mineral phases from the immersed solution on the surface of the samples was studied by scanning electron microscopy and x‐ray diffraction analysis to assess the effect of microstructure on the biomineralization. Promisingly, grain refined WE43 exhibited relatively excellent mineral deposition which further helped to control the degradation of the alloy. The weight loss measurements of the samples from the immersion tests were also in good agreement with the electrochemical test results. Hence, the results demonstrate the promising role of grain refinement by friction stir processing in tailoring WE43 magnesium alloy with better degradation behavior for temporary bone implant applications.
Dynamic characteristics of nonlinear vibration isolator for gas turbine
Authors: Wang Teng , Feng Linhan , Zhang Lei , Zhang Chunhui , Wu Yue
Published: August 2024

In this study, a theoretical model of the vibration isolation system of the gas turbine is developed and numerically solved. A simplified finite element (FE) model was also established to determine the response under the shock load. The results of the FE model are used to verify the effectiveness of the theoretical model and the numerical solution. The influence of isolator stiffness, vibration isolator damping, and vibration isolator nonlinear stiffness coefficient on the shock response of the vibration isolation system is studied using the controlled‐variable method. These parameters (stiffness, damping, and nonlinear coefficient) enter into the shock resistance design of gas turbine vibration isolators.
Synthesis and biological profile of substituted hexahydrofuro[3,4‐b]furans, a novel class of bicyclic acyl‐acyl carrier protein (ACP) thioesterase inhibitors
Authors: Ahrens Hartmut , Barber David M. , Bojack Guido , Bollenbach‐Wahl Birgit , Churchman Luke , Getachew Rahel , Helmke Hendrik , Hohmann Sabine , Laber Bernd , Lange Gudrun , Rees Shaun , Reingruber Anna M. , Schmutzler Dirk , Frackenpohl Jens
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND

Weed control is a significant challenge for farmers around the globe. Of the various methods available for combatting weeds, small molecules remain the most effective and versatile technology to date. In the search for novel chemical entities with new modes of action toward herbicide‐resistant weeds, we have investigated hexahydrofuro[3,4‐b]furan‐based acyl‐acyl carrier protein (ACP) thioesterase inhibitors inspired by X‐ray co‐crystal structure‐based modeling studies.

RESULTS

By exploiting scaffold hopping concepts and molecular modeling studies we were able to identify new hexahydrofuro[3,4‐b]furan‐based lead structures showing promising activity in vivo against commercially important grass weeds in line with strong target affinity.

CONCLUSION

The present work covers a series of novel herbicidal lead structures that possess a hexahydrofuro[3,4‐b]furan scaffold as a structural key feature, carrying ortho‐substituted aryloxy side chains. Based on an optimized synthetic approach a broad structure–activity relationship (SAR) study was carried out. The new compounds emerging from our modeling‐inspired structural variations show good acyl‐ACP thioesterase inhibition in line with promising initial herbicidal activity. Glasshouse trials showed that the hexahydrofuro[3,4‐b]furans outlined herein display good control of cold and warm season grass‐weed species in pre‐emergence application. Remarkably, some of the novel acyl‐ACP thioesterase‐inhibitors also showed promising efficacy against warm season weeds that are difficult to control. © 2024 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Developing summative assessment literacy: Novice language teachers' perceptions in Sweden and Finland
Authors: Yildirim Ali , Stjernkvist Maria Proitsaki , Hilden Raili , Fröjdendahl Birgitta , Oscarson Anne Dragemark
Published: August 2024

The purpose of this study is to investigate summative assessment (SA) perceptions and the sources of summative assessment literacy for novice second/foreign language teachers in Sweden and Finland. Data were collected through a questionnaire (N = 27) and a semi‐structured interview (N = 22) from a group of novice teachers who graduated from two Swedish universities and one Finnish university. Descriptive and content analysis of the data reveal that novice teachers perceive themselves to have a good understanding of most of the basic SA areas. They consider teacher education as the main source of their conceptual understanding while they attribute their skills mostly to experience in schools. Swedish and Finnish teachers present both similar and varied perceptions of the role of teacher education in developing their summative assessment literacy.

Context and implications

Rationale for this study

What summative assessment literacy pre‐service teachers acquire during teacher education, and how this literacy reflects on their teaching are critical questions in understanding novice teachers' learning and use of summative assessment in schools. This study investigates the perceptions and experiences of novice teachers of second/foreign languages in Sweden and Finland.

Why the new findings matter

The findings provide an understanding of novice language teachers’ perceptions on key components of summative assessment and the sources and processes enabling development of this literacy. Insights into theoretical and practical aspects of summative assessment that novice teachers need are expected to guide teacher education programmes in realigning their programmes respectively.

Implications for teacher educators and policy makers

Novice language teachers are confident about their theoretical knowledge of summative assessment but need to develop skills to put their knowledge into practice. Hands on exercises through content‐specific materials and tasks are critical in developing skills such as test construction, grading, analysis of exams and exposure to national tests. Special needs and diverse sociocultural contexts should be taken into consideration in teacher education. Steering documents should make the summative assessment requirements and expected competencies clearer to guide TE programmes in organising learning experiences for pre‐service teachers.
Research on the control of thrust vectoring turbojet aircraft with uncertainties and input saturation based on fixed‐time control
Authors: Liu Benshan , Gao Yongsheng , Gao Liang , Zhang Junming , Zhu Yanhe , Zhao Jie
Published: August 2024

One‐dimensional thrust vectoring turbojet vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft have attracted research attention due to their high thrust‐to‐weight ratios and their solution for the slow speed response of turbojet engines. However, there are some uncertainties and physical limitations in their systems, such as external disturbances, unknown parameters and input saturation. To improve the accuracy and convergence speed of trajectory tracking, a fixed‐time control method that is robust to saturation is proposed. The system dynamics are established, and an auxiliary system is built within a fixed time control framework to address the influence of input saturation and increase the error convergence rate. Nonsingular fast terminal sliding mode technology is combined with a few adaptive laws to ensure the robustness of the closed‐loop system against dynamic uncertainties and improve the precision of steady‐state control. The stability of the control system is proven based on Lyapunov, and the controller parameters are optimized based on particle swarm optimization (PSO). The proposed method based on fixed‐time stability guarantees that the states of the closed‐loop system can reach the residual set around zero within the designed time, and an expression for the upper bound on the convergence time is given. Finally, numerical simulations demonstrate the superiority of the proposed method based on the error integral criterion.
Exploring barriers to menstrual education between maternal figures and young girls: A pilot study in South Africa
Authors: Sobudula Viwe , Naidoo Dhee
Published: August 2024

The study sought to explore barriers to menstrual education between maternal figures and young girls. Menstruation is a key part of the reproductive process and affects young adolescent girls. Menstrual blood is perceived as contaminating and impure, leading to the socialization of women and girls undergoing menstruation to feel soiled and impure. Menstruation is enveloped in feelings of disgust and shame, and societal expectations, dictating that women should conceal the appearance and odor of menstrual blood. Prevailing cultural narratives depict menstruation as a “hygienic crisis” necessitating management and concealment. In sub‐Saharan Africa, menstruation is afflicted with shame and stigma, with cultural and religious practices that support its concealment and secrecy. This is explained in the pollution theory which sees menstruation as dirt. This study used qualitative research to get the lived experiences of 10 maternal figures and 10 young adolescent girls through semi‐structured interviews. Maternal figures are the mothers/guardians of adolescent girls. The data was coded using similarities/differences in three themes (knowledge about menstruation, source of information, and quality of information shared). In the first theme, due to the concealment and treatment of menstruation with secrecy, knowledge about menstruation is not often provided. In the second theme, due to norms of concealment, maternal figures do shy away from being sources of information. In the last theme, stigma and shame limit the quality of information shared, leaving misinformation and further perpetuation of menstrual taboos. The study concluded that shame and stigma limit menstrual education and awareness. The information deficit has long‐lasting effects on young girls, creating a complex relationship that adversely affects their ability to embrace their womanhood and further pass on knowledge to future generations of adolescent girls.
Double‐edged stars: Michelin stars, reactivity, and restaurant exits in New York City
Authors: Sands Daniel B.
Published: August 2024

Research Summary

This article develops a theoretical framework to explicate how third parties, who are not transactionally involved in a given exchange relationship, can promote or impede the creation and capture of value by influencing market actor beliefs and behaviors. I investigate these issues empirically through an abductive mixed‐method case study of the Michelin Guide's entry into New York City. An examination of two decades of the openings and closings of New York City's elite restaurants indicates that receiving a Michelin star corresponded to an increased likelihood of restaurant exit. Michelin stars appear to have fostered disruptions at recipients' upstream and downstream interfaces, which inhibited their ability to capture value. This ultimately underscores how value network reactivity to third‐party evaluations may lead to unintended consequences for firms.

Managerial Summary

This article explains how third‐party evaluators' reviews, ratings, and rankings can promote or impede the creation and capture of value. This occurs because third‐party evaluations engender reactions by those being evaluated, as well as reactions by other market actors such as competitors and exchange partners. I study these issues within the context of the Michelin Guide's entry into New York City, and my findings indicate that restaurants that received a Michelin star were more likely to close in subsequent years. Evidence suggests that intensified bargaining problems with landlords, suppliers, and employees, along with heightened consumer expectations, created new challenges for these Michelin‐starred restaurants, which ultimately made it more difficult for them to stay in business.
Empirische Untersuchung zum Status quo der externen Unternehmensberichterstattung über digitale Transformation und Würdigung vor dem Hintergrund der Anforderungen potenzieller Stakeholder
Authors: Pelster Clemens
Published: August 2024

Um ein Berichtskonzept zur entscheidungsnützlichen externen Berichterstattung über digitale Transformation zu entwickeln, soll im Verlauf der vorliegenden Arbeit die folgende Leitfrage beantwortet werden: Wer sollte wem, wozu, wo, wann, was und wie zur digitalen Transformation berichten? In Kapitel 3 wurden zur Beantwortung dieser Fragen zunächst die Anforderungen potenzieller Adressaten einer solchen Berichterstattung erhoben. Mögliche Erwartungen an eine Berichterstattung zur digitalen Transformation innerhalb des (Konzern-)Lageberichts wurden in Kapitel 4 formuliert. Gegenstand des vorliegenden Kapitels ist die Praxis der externen Berichterstattung über digitale Transformation. Es ist das Ziel, auf Basis des Stands der Forschung und einer eigenen Untersuchung ausgewählter Konzernlageberichte den Status quo der externen Berichterstattung über digitale Transformation zu erheben. Anhand der Ergebnisse soll zudem gewürdigt werden, inwieweit die zuvor erhobenen Anforderungen potenzieller Adressaten bereits erfüllt werden (können). Darüber hinaus sollen Verbesserungspotenziale und best practices identifiziert werden, um sie in dem nachfolgend entwickelten Berichtskonzept zu berücksichtigen. In Abschnitt 5.2 wird zunächst der Stand der Forschung zur externen Berichterstattung über digitale Transformation dargelegt und die eigene Untersuchung von den bestehenden abgegrenzt. Im Anschluss werden die Konzernlageberichte 2019 und 2021 ausgewählter Unternehmen im Hinblick auf Angaben zur digitalen Transformation analysiert (Abschnitt 5.3 und 5.4). Die Studie ist die erste, in welcher unter Berücksichtigung der regulatorischen Vorgaben eines Berichtsinstruments sowohl die Verortung von digitalisierungsbezogenen Informationen innerhalb der Berichtsbestandteile als auch deren Inhalte sowie die Art ihrer Darstellung analysiert und zugleich die Anforderungen potenzieller Stakeholder für eine Würdigung berücksichtigt werden. Zu Beginn der zunächst folgenden Beschreibung des Forschungsdesigns, werden der Forschungsgegenstand erläutert und die Forschungsfragen aus der zuvor genannten Leitfrage zur Entwicklung des Berichtskonzepts abgeleitet (Abschnitt 5.3.1). Nach der Beschreibung der Datenbasis (Abschnitt 5.3.2) wird die verwendete Methode der integrativen Inhaltsanalyse sowie der Ablauf der Analyse beschrieben und das Kategoriensystem erläutert (Abschnitt 5.3.3). Sodann folgt eine Darstellung des Status quo der externen Berichterstattung über digitale Transformation als Ergebnis der Analyse (Abschnitt 5.4). Abschließend werden die Ergebnisse vor dem Hintergrund der Anforderungen potenzieller Stakeholder zusammenfassend gewürdigt und ein Zwischenfazit gezogen (Abschnitt 5.5).
Celestial holography revisited. Part II. Correlators and Källén-Lehmann
Authors: Iacobacci Lorenzo , Sleight Charlotte , Taronna Massimo
Published: August 2024

Abstract

In this work we continue the investigation of the extrapolate dictionary for celestial holography recently proposed in [1], at both the perturbative and non-perturbative level. Focusing on scalar field theories, we give a complete set of Feynman rules for extrapolate celestial correlation functions and their radial reduction in the hyperbolic slicing of Minkowski space. We prove to all orders in perturbation theory that celestial correlators can be rewritten in terms of corresponding Witten diagrams in EAdS which, in the hyperbolic slicing of Minkowski space, follows from the fact that the same is true in dS space. We then initiate the study of non-perturbative properties of celestial correlators, deriving the radial reduction of the Källén-Lehmann spectral representation of the exact Minkowski two-point function. We discuss the analytic properties of the radially reduced spectral function, which is a meromorphic function of the spectral parameter, and highlight a connection with the Watson-Sommerfeld transform.
GP100 expression is variable in intensity in melanoma
Authors: Mann Jacqueline E. , Hasson Nitzan , Su David G. , Adeniran Adebowale J. , Smalley Keiran S. M. , Djureinovic Dijana , Jilaveanu Lucia B. , Schoenfeld David A. , Kluger Harriet M.
Published: August 2024

Drugs or cellular products that bind to gp100 are being investigated for treatment of cutaneous melanoma. The relative specificity of gp100 expression in melanocytes makes it an attractive target to harness for therapeutic intent. For example, Tebentafusp, a bispecific gp100 peptide-HLA-directed CD3 T cell engager, has generated significant enthusiasm in recent years due to its success in improving outcomes for uveal melanoma and is being studied in cutaneous melanoma. However, the extent and intensity of gp100 expression in advanced cutaneous melanoma has not been well studied. Here, we interrogated a large cohort of primary and metastatic melanomas for gp100 expression by immunohistochemistry. Expression in metastatic samples was globally higher and almost uniformly positive, however the degree of intensity was variable. Using a quantitative immunofluorescence method, we confirmed the variability in expression. As gp100-binding drugs are assessed in clinical trials, the association between activity of the drugs and the level of gp100 expression should be studied in order to potentially improve patient selection.
Predictive value of the single most suspicious ultrasound feature in subcentimeter thyroid nodules: a retrospective observational cohort study
Authors: Huang Peiying , Han Lili , Shi Xiulin , Xiao Fangsen , Shen Qingbao , Li Xuejun , Zhang Fuxing
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Proper management of subcentimeter thyroid nodules remains challenging for both clinicians and patients. Conducting extensive sonographic research using a safe and inexpensive tool for identifying thyroid nodules is necessary. The aim of this study was to identify whether having the highest-risk ultrasound (US) characteristic suggests that US-guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy of subcentimeter nodules is more appropriate for the identification of malignancy than active surveillance (AS) or surgery.

Methods

The data of patients with highly suspicious subcentimeter thyroid nodules and US characteristic data who underwent surgery were retrospectively examined.

Results

Among a total of 556 subcentimeter nodules, 223 (40.1%) were benign, and 333 (59.9%) were malignant, with a mean maximal nodule size of 8.1 mm. In addition to age younger than 45 years, several US features were significantly associated with malignancy: irregular margins, the presence of microcalcifications, and taller-than-wide shapes (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis also revealed that a taller-than-wide shape (OR = 8.988, P = 0.0015) was an independent factor associated with malignancy in subcentimeter thyroid nodules. The diagnostic performance of preoperative FNA was classified as a malignancy, with a sensitivity of 98.4%, specificity of 100%, positive predictive value of 100%, and negative predictive value of 76.9%.

Conclusions

This is one of the few reports based on actual data of the most suspicious US features in subcentimeter thyroid nodules. A taller-than-wide shape US feature is most significantly associated with malignancy. FNA is a simple, accurate, and reliable preoperative method for diagnosing malignant subcentimeter thyroid nodules with highly suspicious US characteristics. AS was less appropriate than FNA for subcentimeter nodules with a taller-than-wide shape, especially in patients ≤ 45 years of age.
Large language models in healthcare: from a systematic review on medical examinations to a comparative analysis on fundamentals of robotic surgery online test
Authors: Moglia Andrea , Georgiou Konstantinos , Cerveri Pietro , Mainardi Luca , Satava Richard M. , Cuschieri Alfred
Published: August 2024

Large language models (LLMs) have the intrinsic potential to acquire medical knowledge. Several studies assessing LLMs on medical examinations have been published. However, there is no reported evidence on tests related to robot-assisted surgery. The aims of this study were to perform the first systematic review of LLMs on medical examinations and to establish whether ChatGPT, GPT-4, and Bard can pass the Fundamentals of Robotic Surgery (FRS) didactic test. A literature search was performed on PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and arXiv following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) approach. A total of 45 studies were analyzed. GPT-4 passed several national qualifying examinations with questions in English, Chinese, and Japanese using zero-shot and few-shot learning. Med-PaLM 2 obtained similar scores on the United States Medical Licensing Examination with more refined prompt engineering techniques. Five different 2023 releases of ChatGPT, one of GPT-4, and one of Bard were tested on FRS. Seven attempts were performed with each release. The pass score was 79.5%. ChatGPT achieved a mean score of 64.6%, 65.6%, 75.0%, 78.9%, and 72.7% respectively from the first to the fifth tested release on FRS vs 91.5% of GPT-4 and 79.5% of Bard. GPT-4 outperformed ChatGPT and Bard in all corresponding attempts with a statistically significant difference for ChatGPT (p < 0.001), but not Bard (p = 0.002). Our findings agree with other studies included in this systematic review. We highlighted the potential and challenges of LLMs to transform the education of healthcare professionals in the different stages of learning, by assisting teachers in the preparation of teaching contents, and trainees in the acquisition of knowledge, up to becoming an assessment framework of leaners.
Fine-scale deep learning model for time series forecasting
Authors: Chen Yuwei , Jia Wenjing , Wu Qiang
Published: August 2024

Time series data, characterized by large volumes and wide-ranging applications, requires accurate predictions of future values based on historical data. Recent advancements in deep learning models, particularly in the field of time series forecasting, have shown promising results by leveraging neural networks to capture complex patterns and dependencies. However, existing models often overlook the influence of short-term cyclical patterns in the time series, leading to a lag in capturing changes and accurately tracking fluctuations in forecast data. To overcome this limitation, this paper introduces a new method that utilizes an interpolation technique to create a fine-scaled representation of the cyclical pattern, thereby alleviating the impact of the irregularity in the cyclical component and hence enhancing prediction accuracy. The proposed method is presented along with evaluation metrics and loss functions suitable for time series forecasting. Experiment results on benchmark datasets demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach in effectively capturing cyclical patterns and improving prediction accuracy.