bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk of What and Why? Disaggregating Pathways to Extremist Behaviours in Individuals Susceptible to Violent Extremism
Authors: Clemmow Caitlin , Fowler Nicola , Seaward Amber , Gill Paul
Published: December 2024

Best practice in violent extremist risk assessment and management recommends adopting a Structured Professional Judgement (SPJ) approach. The SPJ approach identifies relevant, evidence‐based risk and protective factors and requires experts to articulate hypotheses about a) what the person might do (risk of what), and b) how they've come to engage in the concerning behaviour (and why) (Logan 2021) to inform who, needs to do what, and when. Whilst the field continues to move towards adopting an SPJ approach, there remains a gap between what is known empirically and what is needed in practice. We apply psychometric network modelling to a sample of 485 individuals entered into Channel, the UK's preventing and countering violent extremism (P/CVE) program. We model the system of interactions from which susceptibility to violent extremism emerges, providing data driven evidence which speaks to risk of what and why. Our research highlights a way to generate evidence which captures the multifactorial nature of susceptibility to violent extremism, to support professional decision making in the context of an SPJ approach.
Management of Placenta Previa in a Jehovah's Witness Patient
Authors: Srinivasan Aariya , Ikram Jibran , Ayad Sabry
Published: December 2024

Placenta previa is the partial or complete covering of the internal os of cervix. It is one of the major risk factors for postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. A 36‐year‐old G3P2 Jehovah's Witness female with a gestational age of 36 weeks 6 days and past medical history of chronic hypertension, T2DM, asthma, and past obstetric history of two cesarean sections, large for gestational age babies, and postpartum hemorrhage due to uterine atony, underwent an elective repeat low transverse cesarean section in view of posterior complete placenta previa, complicated by massive postpartum hemorrhage. The patient was immediately transported to the interventional radiology (IR) for uterine artery embolization (UAE) after unsuccessful treatment attempts with uterotonics and JADA system (vacuum induced uterine tamponade). In view of rapidly progressing bleeding, the decision was made for an urgent hysterectomy. Management of postpartum hemorrhage in a Jehovah's Witness patient is particularly complex as these patients refuse administration of blood products and involves medical, ethical, and legal implications.
Cornual Pregnancy as a Rare Entity of Ectopic Pregnancy After Assisted Reproductive Therapy‐Embryo Transfer (ART‐ET): A Case Report
Authors: Keikha Fatemeh , Shbeeb Hawraa , Homam Huma , Nasiri Khormoji Najmeh , Nouri Mahdiye
Published: December 2024

Cornual pregnancy, a rare and life‐threatening form of ectopic pregnancy, poses significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges due to its deep implantation in the uterus. This report presents a case of a 31‐year‐old woman with a history of assisted reproductive technology (ART) and prior salpingectomy, who was diagnosed with a right cornual pregnancy following embryo transfer. The patient experienced lower abdominal pain and was found to have an enlarged uterus on ultrasonography. Early diagnosis via three‐dimensional transvaginal ultrasonography enabled timely intervention, preventing rupture and severe hemorrhage. Surgical management involved a combined hysteroscopy and minilaparotomy to resect the cornual pregnancy. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis, and the patient's recovery was uneventful. Elective cesarean section at 36–37 weeks was advised for future pregnancies to prevent uterine rupture.
Aconite Poisoning: From Crisis to Healing
Authors: Baral Barsha , Kandel Arjun , Khan Sajjad Ahmed , Regmi Pratik Raj , Jha Saurav , Shah Rajat
Published: December 2024

Early recognition and prompt intervention are crucial in managing aconite poisoning. Rapid treatment with intravenous magnesium sulfate and amiodarone can stabilize severe cardiac arrhythmias. Vigilant monitoring and tailored therapeutic strategies enhance recovery and improve patient outcomes in acute poisoning cases.
Mechanistic Investigations on the Direct Regioselective Sulfonation of Gaseous Light Hydrocarbons by Sulfur Dioxide
Authors: Wang Jen‐Chieh , Kim Sungah , Lee Joo Ho , Ascencio Carlos , Chung Lynn , Cashman Julia , Jung Kyung Woon
Published: December 2024

Gaseous light hydrocarbons (LHs) are traditionally used as fuels, while their functionalization leads to wide applications of high economical values. Presented herein is the direct sulfonation of gaseous LHs by using SO2 and O2 gases. The in situ‐generated trifluoroperacetic acid (TFAOOH) and bis(trifluoroacetyl) peroxide ((TFAO)2) furnished the radical propagators trifluoroacetoxyl radicals (TFAO•) and HO•. The resultant trifluoroacetylsulfuric acid (TFAOSO3H) efficiently sulfonated LHs under mild conditions and in good chemoselectivities.
Efficacy of a couple‐based intervention addressing sexual concerns for breast cancer survivors: Results of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Reese Jennifer Barsky , Lepore Stephen J. , Sorice Kristen A. , Zimmaro Lauren A. , Hasler Jill , Handorf Elizabeth , Daly Mary B. , Zaleta Alexandra K. , Westbrook Kelly , Porter Laura S.
Published: December 2024

Background

Sexual concerns are common and problematic for breast cancer survivors. Partner and relationship factors often play a key role in determining survivors' sexual adjustment, making it likely that couple‐based interventions that integrate survivors' partners could be especially promising for addressing survivors' sexual concerns. Yet few such interventions have been tested. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the Intimacy Enhancement (IE) intervention, a four‐session, couple‐based intervention addressing breast cancer survivors' sexual concerns by telephone in a randomized controlled trial.

Methods

Female posttreatment breast cancer survivors reporting sexual concerns and their intimate partners (N = 120 couples; 240 participants) were randomized either to the IE intervention or to Living Healthy Together (LHT), an active control intervention of equivalent length. Outcomes (measured at baseline, postintervention, and at 3 and 6 months postintervention) included breast cancer survivors' sexual function (primary), partners' sexual function (secondary), and survivors' and partners' psychosocial and relationship outcomes (secondary). Mixed linear regression models examined intervention effects on outcomes at all follow‐ups.

Results

Model‐based estimates of intervention effects showed greater improvements in survivors' overall sexual function, sexual satisfaction, arousal, lubrication, and orgasm at postintervention (p < .05). Effects on survivors' 3‐month and 6‐month sexual functioning or other secondary outcomes were minimal. Most couples completed all IE sessions (97%) and LHT (92%), and satisfaction ratings were high.

Conclusions

Compared with an active control intervention, the IE intervention had significant short‐term benefits for survivors' sexual function. Efforts may be needed to increase the longevity of the positive effects, such as more frequent or adjunctive treatments.
MELD score predicts outcomes in patients with advanced heart failure: A longitudinal evaluation
Authors: Curcio Francesco , Amarelli Cristiano , Chiappetti Rosaria , Mattucci Irene , Flocco Veronica , Rammal Mahmoud Issa , Abete Ciro , Mazzella Francesca , Maiello Ciro , Abete Pasquale , Cacciatore Francesco
Published: December 2024

Aims

Advanced heart failure (AHF) is characterized by recurrent episodes of haemodynamic instability and frequent hospitalizations, leading to a progressive decline in quality of life and high mortality rates. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of the model for end‐stage liver disease (MELD) score and its variations in predicting adverse outcomes [death, urgent heart transplant, and left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implant] among patients with AHF to assess the clinical associations of the MELD score in this population and to compare the efficacy of this tool with other prognostic scores in AHF.

Methods and results

In this longitudinal prospective study, 162 patients with advanced heart failure (AHF) were enrolled; all patients included in the study were receiving the maximum tolerated medical therapy according to guidelines. The MELD score was measured at baseline and every 6 months during follow‐up. All patients underwent echocardiographic assessment and cardiopulmonary testing, which included the evaluation of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and the minute ventilation/carbon dioxide production (VE/VCO2) slope. The mean age of the study group was 57.7 ± 11.6 years. There were 26 deaths, 5 urgent transplants, and 1 LVAD implantation during a follow‐up period of 31.4 ± 15.6 months. The mean New York Heart Association (NYHA) class was 2.8 ± 0.5, ejection fraction (EF) was 26.3 ± 6.5%, the mean VO2max was 11.7 ± 3.5 mL/kg/min. Multiple regression analysis revealed a positive correlation between the MELD score and NT‐proBNP (β = 0.215; P = 0.041) and furosemide dosage (β = 0.187; P = 0.040). Conversely, a negative correlation was observed between the MELD score and TAPSE (β = −0.204; P = 0.047). Multivariate Cox regression on combined outcome shows a HR of 1.094 (95% CI 1.003–1.196) for unit increase in MELD considered as a continuous variable. The predictive role is independent by the effect of covariates considered in the analysis such as age, sex, NYHA class, EF, TAPSE, PASP, VO2max, NT‐proBNP, MELD score worsening, and NT‐proBNP increase. Changes in MELD score percentage, considered as a dichotomous variable (≤100% and >100%), were found to be predictors of mortality, urgent heart transplant and LVAD implant. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves showed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.887 for MELD score and composite outcome of death, urgent transplant, and need for LVAD. The predictive performance of MELD was even superior compared with MELD‐Na, MELD‐XI, MAGGIC risk score, and MECKI.

Conclusions

The MELD score and its longitudinal changes are effective predictors of adverse outcomes in AHF.
Silver‐Based Supportless Membrane Electrode Assemblies for Electrochemical CO2 Reduction
Authors: Weseler Lydia , Löffelholz Marco , Osiewacz Jens , Turek Thomas
Published: December 2024

Most commonly, electrochemical CO2 reduction is performed in a three‐compartment setup employing gas diffusion electrodes (GDEs) to decrease mass transport limitations of the gaseous reactant CO2 to the reaction interface. However recently, there has been a rising number of investigations on suitable membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) to overcome ohmic potential losses caused by the electrolyte gaps in the systems. While the significant majority of MEAs exhibited in literature is based on catalyst‐coated gas diffusion layers, this work presents an approach that does not require a likewise support. On the basis of a catalyst suspension similar to mixtures already employed for GDE production on industrial level, a method to directly transfer the resulting catalyst layers to the membrane is developed. The Faradaic efficiency of carbon monoxide, i.e. target product formation of GDEs manufactured according to a similar procedure, can be matched or even exceeded for individual modifications of the exchange MEAs. Simultaneously, the cell potentials can be remarkably decreased in this setup. By gradual adaptation of the fabrication procedure, the influence of important manufacturing parameters is unraveled, also discussing the effect of hydrogen permeation through the membrane.
Barkhausen Noise‐ and Eddy Current‐Based Measurements for Online Detection of Deformation‐Induced Martensite During Flow Forming of Metastable Austenitic Steel AISI 304L
Authors: Rozo Vasquez Julian , Kanagarajah Hanigah , Arian Bahman , Kersting Lukas , Homberg Werner , Trächtler Ansgar , Walther Frank
Published: December 2024

This paper deals with micromagnetic measurements for online detection of strain‐induced α′‐martensite during plastic deformation of metastable austenitic steel AISI 304L. The operating principles of the sensors are magnetic Barkhausen noise (MBN) and eddy currents (EC), which are suitable for detection of microstructure evolution due to formation of ferromagnetic phases. The focus of this study was put on the qualification of different micromagnetic techniques and different measurement systems under conditions similar to the real ones during production, which is crucial for implementation of a property‐controlled flow forming process. The investigation was carried out on tubular specimens produced by flow forming, which have different content of α′‐martensite. To characterize the sensitivity of the sensors, different contact conditions between sensors and workpieces were reproduced. MBN sensors are suitable for detecting amount of α′‐martensite, but the measurements are affected by the surface roughness. This entails that the calibration models for MBN sensors must take account of these effects. EC sensors show a closer match with the amount of α′‐martensite without having major affectation by other effects.
Research on the Impact of Coastal Land Reclamation on Geomorphic Complexity and Tidal Energy Dissipation—A Case Study of Zhoushan Islands, Hangzhou Bay
Authors: Zhang Shixia , Hong Qiankun , Guo Huifang
Published: December 2024

Coastal mudflats are vital land resources. In recent years, coastal reclamation has emerged as a vital strategy for alleviating coastal land supply shortages and for developing marine resources in coastal areas. However, large‐scale coastal reclamation changes the natural landscape properties of sea areas, triggering alterations in the surrounding hydrodynamic and ecological environments. Despite the significant impact of coastal geomorphic features on tidal energy loss and disaster prevention, few studies have explored the intrinsic connection between the complexity of coastal landscapes and the rate of tidal reduction. This relationship is crucial for predicting potential tidal energy loss responses to large‐scale changes in geomorphologic features caused by accelerating coastal land reclamation. This study focuses on Hangzhou Bay as the research area and develops a model that combines the correlation between the rate of tidal reduction and the complexity of coastal landscapes. The model is constructed using fractal geometry theory and quantitative methods, while also incorporating principles from ocean dynamics theory. The model is applied to assess the impacts of reclaimed land on the geomorphic complexity and tidal energy dissipation in the Zhoushan Islands. Results indicate a high correlation between differential tide reduction rates and coastal geomorphic complexity. Application of this model reveals that traditional reclamation planning and design substantially alter coastal morphology. Consequently, the significant reduction in the fractal dimension (D) and shape index (S) leads to a tidal reduction rate decrease of over 88%, posing substantial threats to coastal and estuarine bay disaster prevention and ecosystem services. The study proposes effective control indicators and scientific reclamation planning measures, providing a theoretical basis and novel methods for the rational utilization and sustainable development of coastal mudflat resources.
What's in store for UK climate policy in the next five years? Reflections from environmental leaders past, present and future
Authors: Parsons Laurie , Howarth Candice , Gagnon Alexandre , Gummer Baron Deben John Selwyn , McCarthy Kerry , McLachlan Carly , Brown Donal
Published: December 2024

In light of the UK's 2024 general election and new government, UK policy on climate change is likely to see a shift in direction. This paper presents the proceedings of an event held at the UK Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) (RGS‐IBG) in February 2024, exploring the path ahead for UK climate policy. Four expert panelists were asked to reflect on the achievements and shortcomings of climate policy over the past five years and to provide insights into the future of climate policy for the coming five years. Presenting the transactions of this panel, this dialogue paper aims to highlight the interrelationship between research and scholarship, media portrayals, and political discourse on climate change in the UK, demonstrating how preconceptions and dominant ideas in each sphere will shape action and policy in the coming years.
Influence of Betrayal on Emotional Modulation of Executive Control: Evidence From ERPs
Authors: Yuan Shuge , Xu Mengsi , Zhang Lijie
Published: December 2024

Previous studies have found that betrayal increases negative attentional bias and hinders executive control. However, it remains unclear how betrayal influences emotional modulation of executive control. What's more, according to the dual mechanisms of control model, executive control can be divided into reactive and proactive control. It also requires clarification whether both aspects of executive control are affected equally by betrayal in emotional contexts. Thus, the present study aims to provide insight into how betrayal influences the emotional modulation of executive control. Betrayal was induced using a repeated trust game in two experiments. Eighty‐two participants (40 for Experiment 1 and 42 for Experiment 2) completed emotional executive control tasks while event‐related potentials were recorded. In Experiment 1, an emotional Go/No‐go task was used to explore the impact of betrayal on the emotional modulation of executive control. The results indicated that betrayal resulted in inefficient top‐down attention processing towards negative stimuli and impaired executive control over these stimuli. This was evidenced by higher N2a and N2b amplitudes in the angry Go condition, and smaller angry No‐go P3 amplitudes in individuals who experienced betrayal compared to the control group. In Experiment 2, a modified emotional Stroop task was employed to measure proactive and reactive control in emotional contexts. The results indicated that betrayal impaired only reactive control towards negative stimuli and did not affect proactive control. This was evidenced by the betrayed group exhibiting smaller SP amplitudes under the happy incongruent condition in the most congruent context, with no significant difference observed in the most incongruent context. In summary, betrayal decreases the efficiency of top‐down attentional processing directed towards negative stimuli and hampers executive control over negative stimuli. Moreover, this impairment appears to be confined to reactive control strategy.
Behavioral Consequences of Hippocampal 5‐HT7 Receptors Blockade in Stressed Rats
Authors: Pereira Adriana Colsera , Gonçalez Júlia Lopes , Prado Thalita Aparecida Riul , Campos‐Cardoso Rodrigo , Zagatto Giovana Vieira Viais , Lorenzo Pedro Guilherme Pauletti , Padovan Cláudia Maria
Published: December 2024

Serotonin (5‐HT) has long been involved in response to stress and its effect may be, in part, mediated by 5‐HT1a and 5‐HT7 receptor subtypes in different brain structures. Both pre‐ and post‐synaptic activation of 5‐HT1a receptor, respectively, in the rat median raphe nucleus (MnRN) and hippocampus, lead to adaptation to acute inescapable stressors such as restraint and forced swim. 5‐HT7 receptor (5HT7r), a stimulatory G‐protein coupled receptor, has also been investigated as a possible candidate for mediating stress response. In the MnRN, activation of 5‐HT7r has antidepressant effects, while in the hippocampus, 5HT7r mRNA expression is increased after exposure to restraint stress, but the functional significance of these receptors remains to be determined. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate whether blockade of hippocampal 5HT7r would prevent and/or attenuate the behavioral effects of stress. Male adult Wistar rats with bilateral cannulas aimed at the dorsal hippocampus were restrained for 2 h and tested in the elevated plus maze (EPM) 24 h later. SB 258741 (3 nmoles/0.5 μL/side; selective 5HT7r antagonist) was administered bilateraly into the hippocampus according to the experimental protocol: immediately before or after stress, or 24 h after it (immediately before the test). In a second experiment, rats were exposed to 15 min. of forced swim, and tested 24 h later. Intra‐hippocampal treatment was performed as described for the restraint stress protocol. We found that blockade of hippocampal 5‐HT7r immediately after, but not before, the exposure to restraint or forced swim attenuated stress‐induced behavioral changes. Similar results were obtained when SB was administered before the test in previously stressed rats. Our data suggest that activation of hippocampal 5‐HT7r is crucial for the consolidation and retrieval of aversive stimulus‐related memories, such as those caused by a stressful experience, probably through mechanisms involving stress‐induced changes in 5‐HT7r expression.
At the Interface Between Parasympathetic Activity and Self‐Regulation in Young Children: Introduction to the Special Issue
Authors: Holochwost Steven J. , Propper Cathi B.
Published: December 2024

The parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) is highly responsive to changes in environmental conditions and serves an essential role in mobilising the metabolic resources required for young children to regulate their thoughts, emotions and behaviours. According to polyvagal theory, the PNS evolved to play a leading role in the neurophysiological response to situations that range from modestly challenging to engaging, and many situations in which young children must exercise volitional processes of self‐regulation conform to this description. Children's phasic parasympathetic activity during measures of volitional self‐regulation is often associated with their performance on those measures or with their performance on other assessments of self‐regulation, but the nature of the associations between PNS activity and performance on measures of volitional self‐regulation is highly variable. This heterogeneity complicates the interpretation of results obtained across different studies and inhibits our ability to formulate directional hypotheses about what patterns of phasic parasympathetic activity we would expect to observe as young children exercise volitional processes of self‐regulation in different situations. This special issue presents a set of papers that addressed these challenges by administering multiple measures of volitional self‐regulation to the same sample of children or by examining how children's characteristics and experience in their developmental environments may account for observed differences in their phasic PNS activity.
Diffusion‐Based Causality‐Preserving Neural Network for Dementia Recognition
Authors: Mamoon Saqib , Xia Zhengwang , Alfakih Amani , Lu Jianfeng
Published: December 2024

Analyzing large‐scale functional brain networks for brain disorders often relies on undirected correlations in activation signals between brain regions. While focusing on co‐occurring activations, this approach overlooks the potential for directionality inherent in brain connectivity. Established research indicates the causal nature of brain networks, suggesting that activation patterns co‐occur and potentially influence one another. To this end, we propose a novel dffusion vector auto‐regressive (Diff‐VAR) method, enabling the assessment of whole‐brain effective connectivity (EC) as a directed and weighted network by integrating the search objectives into the deep neural network model as learnable parameters. The EC learned by our method identifies widespread differences in flow of influence within the brain network for individuals with impaired brain function compared to those with normal brain function. Moreover, we introduce an adaptive smoothing mechanism to enhance the stability and reliability of inferred EC. We evaluated the results of our proposed method on the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) database. The model's performance is compared with existing correlation‐based and causality‐based methods. The results revealed that the brain networks constructed by our method achieve high classification accuracy and exhibit features consistent with physiological mechanisms. The code is available at https://github.com/SaqibMamoon/Diff‐VAR.
Exchange Rate Volatility and ESG Performance: An International Empirical Analysis
Authors: Al Amosh Hamzeh
Published: December 2024

This study examines the impact of exchange rate volatility (ERV) on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance using a large dataset of 15,196 firms from various countries, covering the period from 2012 to 2019. By employing a comprehensive set of statistical tests, including the system generalized method of moments (GMM) estimation technique, the research provides robust empirical evidence on how ERV influences different dimensions of ESG performance. The results reveal a significant negative effect of ERV on ESG performance, indicating that greater exchange rate instability adversely impacts firms' sustainability practices across ESG aspects. Companies may have difficulty complying with evolving regulations and stakeholder expectations when faced with volatile exchange rates, negatively impacting their ESG performance. Regulatory responses to exchange rate fluctuations may also create compliance burdens, and the difficulty in securing resources limits their ability to invest in sustainable technologies and practices. From an efficient market hypothesis (EMH) perspective, these findings suggest that ERV introduces additional risks and uncertainties that the market reflects in corporate valuations and performance metrics, thereby affecting ESG outcomes. The study highlights implications for policymakers, investors, and corporate managers, emphasizing the need for strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of ERV on ESG performance. Limitations of the study and directions for future research are discussed, calling for further exploration of the interplay between macroeconomic factors and corporate sustainability initiatives.
Dirichlet Boundary Conditions for FFT‐Based Micromechanics of Bicontinuous Stochastic Microstructures
Authors: Risthaus Lennart , Schneider Matti
Published: December 2024

Computational homogenization may be used to evaluate effective properties of microstructured materials. As digital imaging techniques generally generate microstructure information on a regular grid, a common approach to compute the effective properties of the microstructured materials is to use fast Fourier transform (FFT)‐based methods. Traditionally, this approach involves periodic boundary conditions. However, for certain microstructure types, nonperiodic boundary conditions are of interest. In this work, we show how to efficiently impose Dirichlet boundary conditions for FFT‐based micromechanics on stochastic bicontinuous microstructures in combinations with a linear conjugate gradient (CG) solver. Consequently, we compute the effective properties of bicontinuous stochastic microstructures and compare the results to values reported in the literature computed by a finite element (FE) code.
Social Support, Depression and Anxiety in Cancer Patient‐Relative Dyads in Early Survivorship: An Actor‐Partner Interdependence Modeling Approach
Authors: Hermann Myriel , Goerling Ute , Hearing Charis , Mehnert‐Theuerkauf Anja , Hornemann Beate , Hövel Peter , Reinicke Sabrina , Zingler Hanna , Zimmermann Tanja , Ernst Jochen
Published: December 2024

Objective

Cancer places a psychological burden on both patients and their relatives. Perceived social support influences the extent of psychological distress. Our aim was to investigate associations between positive support, detrimental interactions, depression and anxiety in patient‐relative dyads in the initial period after diagnosis.

Methods

Patients with a solid tumor and their relatives participated in this prospective, multicenter observational study. Participants answered validated measures including the Illness‐specific Social Support Scale (SSUK‐8), the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ‐9) and the General Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD‐7). We analyzed cross‐sectional data from the initial time following diagnosis with paired t‐tests and actor‐partner interdependence models.

Results

A total of 347 dyads of patients (mean age 59.9 years) and their relatives (mean age 56.7 years) participated. Compared to their relatives, patients reported significantly higher levels of depression (patients: M = 6.31, SD = 4.94; relatives: M = 5.44, SD = 4.77) and lower levels of anxiety (patients: M = 4.40, SD = 4.10; relatives: M = 4.98, SD = 4.47) as well as more positive support (patients: M = 14.31, SD = 2.07; relatives: M = 12.46, SD = 3.29) and a lower frequency of detrimental interactions (patients: M = 3.21, SD = 2.97; relatives: M = 3.66, SD = 2.93). Intrapersonal effects: Positive support was associated with lower distress only for relatives, whereas detrimental interactions were associated with higher distress for both patients and relatives (all p < 0.05). Interpersonal effects: More positive support and fewer detrimental interactions experienced by relatives were associated with lower patient distress (all p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Better support for relatives may not only reduce their own distress, but also patients' distress. Relatives experience similar levels of distress and poorer social support than patients.
Pro‐197‐Ser mutation combinations in acetolactate synthase (ALS) homoeologous genes affect ALS inhibitor herbicide resistance levels in Monochoria korsakowii
Authors: Wang Jiaxin , Du Ying , Zhang Lulu , Deng Yunyan , Wang Tao , Wang Saiya , Ji Mingshan
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND

Monochoria korsakowii is a common broadleaf weed found in rice (Oryza sativa) fields. Acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitor herbicides are commonly used to control broadleaf weeds in rice fields. However, prolonged herbicide use has exacerbated resistance issues. In this study, we evaluated the resistance to ALS inhibitors in populations where the same mutation occurred separately and simultaneously in the two ALS homoeologous genes (ALS1 and ALS2) and investigated the resistance mechanisms in M. korsakowii.

RESULTS

Monochoria korsakowii exhibited high resistance to bensulfuron‐methyl, low resistance to penoxsulam, and sensitivity to imazethapyr. Three resistant populations were identified: M‐1 and M‐2, which independently evolved the Pro‐197‐Ser mutation in ALS1 and ALS2, respectively, and M‐3, which harbored this mutation in both ALS1 and ALS2. The sensitivity of ALS isolated from these populations to herbicide inhibition corresponded to the whole‐plant resistance levels. Subsequently, we cloned and transformed Pro‐197‐Ser‐mutated ALS1 and ALS2 into Arabidopsis thaliana. The resistance of homozygous A. thaliana to bensulfuron‐methyl and penoxsulam aligned with bioassay trends. Furthermore, we measured the ploidy, relative expression, and copy number of ALS1 and ALS2, and found no significant differences, suggesting that the evolution of resistance was primarily attributed to the Pro‐197‐Ser mutation. Finally, we developed a derived cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence marker for detecting Pro‐197‐Ser mutation in ALS.

CONCLUSION

The same mutation occurring separately in homoeologous genes resulted in similar resistance levels, whereas simultaneous mutations in homoeologous genes led to increased resistance levels. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Dynamically Tunable Terahertz Multiple Plasmon‐Induced Transparency and Slow Light in Planar Metamaterials With Rectangular Interrupted Graphene
Authors: Wang Boyun , Wang Xialan , Yan Xiang , Yu Chunchao , Wang Tao
Published: December 2024

A novel planar monolayer graphene metamaterial structure containing rectangular interrupted graphene is proposed. Dynamically tunable multiple plasmon‐induced transparency (PIT) and slow light are obtained within the terahertz band through destructive interference between continuous dark and interrupted bright modes. Two distinct graphene types function as the optical dark and bright modes, and continuous graphene array is the nonradiative dark mode, whereas interrupted graphene array is the broad linewidth bright mode, respectively. Given the existence of graphene structure in the continuous state, continuous graphene Fermi level is dynamic tuned through the simple use of the bias voltage. Expressions of n‐order coupled mode theory (CMT) are correctly deduced, with CMT fitting theoretical analysis being identical to finite‐difference time‐domain numerical simulation based on dual‐ and triple‐PIT results for n = 3 and n = 4 cases, respectively. The continuous graphene Fermi level increases within 0.7–1.1 eV; the group index of the dual‐PIT system is maintained within 475.1–801.6, while that of the triple‐PIT system is 583.3–886.3. Additionally, the maximal group index is as high as 886.3 at 1.1 eV, indicating that an outstanding slow light device is established. Consequently, these proposed structures and research outcomes can guide the design of multichannel optical filters, excellent slow light devices, and dynamically tunable optical modulators.
Muscle weakness, myositis and scleroderma induced by durvalumab
Authors: Aguado Suquia Josu , Carballosa de Miguel Pilar , Naya Prieto Alba , Lobo Rebollo Maria Jesus , Blázquez Sánchez Teresa , Heili Frades Sarah Béatrice
Published: December 2024

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have shown a change in the prognosis of multiple malignancies, but a wide range of immune‐related adverse events (irAE) can occur. We present a case of a 72‐year‐old Caucasian male treated with Durvalumab for epidermic lung cancer, who developed a sclerosis‐like syndrome and myositis. The patient was admitted to our hospital with respiratory failure due to muscular weakness and pulmonary hypertension. Differential diagnoses pointed to scleroderma secondary to ICI. We report a rare case of ICI‐induced axonal polyneuropathy, myopathy and RNA polymerase III positive scleroderma. As this therapy is widely recommended, adverse effects may become more frequent. Early identification and treatment are warranted.
Collaborative Hollow Porous Structure Design and N Doping to Achieve a Win–Win Situation of “Stable” and “Fast” Lithium Battery
Authors: Li Kezhuo , Yuan Gaoqian , Zhou Yuqi , Liu Xuefeng , Zhang Haijun , Liu Huiqiang , Xiong Ying , Lei Wen
Published: December 2024

Polymer‐derived SiOC materials are widely regarded as a new generation of anodes owing to their high specific capacity, low discharge platform, tunable chemical/structural composition, and good structural stability. However, tailoring the structure of SiOC to improve its electrochemical performance while simultaneously achieving elemental doping remains a challenge. Besides, the lithium storage mechanism and the structural evolution process of SiOC are still not fully understood due to its complex structure. In this study, a hollow porous SiOCN (Hp‐SiOCN) featuring abundant oxygen defects is successfully prepared, achieving both the creation of a hollow porous structure and nitrogen element doping in one step, finally enhancing the structural stability and improving the lithium storage kinetics of Hp‐SiOCN. In addition, the formation of a fully reversible structural unit, SiO3C─N, through the chemical interaction between N and Si/C, showcases a strong lithium adsorption capacity. Taking advantage of these combined benefits, the as‐prepared Hp‐SiOCN electrode delivers a reversible specific capacity of 412 mAh g−1 (93% capacity retention) after 500 cycles at 1.0 A g−1 and exhibited only 4% electrode expansion. This work offers valuable mechanistic insights into the synergistic optimization of elemental doping and structural design in SiOC, paving the way for advanced developments in battery technology.
Value of PGT‐A when only one or two blastocysts are obtained: propensity‐score matching and cost‐effectiveness study
Authors: Cimadomo D. , Taggi M. , Cimadomo V. , Innocenti F. , Albricci L. , Colamaria S. , Argento C. , Giuliani M. , Ferrero S. , Borini A. , Guido M. , Campitiello M. R. , Ubaldi F. M. , Capalbo A. , Rienzi L. , Gennarelli G. , Vaiarelli A.
Published: December 2024

Objective

To compare the effectiveness and cost of in‐vitro fertilization (IVF) with or without preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT‐A) when only one or two blastocysts are obtained.

Methods

A dataset was gathered from 1829 patients including 368 non‐PGT‐A and 1461 PGT‐A cycles with one or two blastocysts obtained, between April 2013 and July 2022. Patients were matched 1:1 by propensity‐score matching for maternal age, number of metaphase‐II oocytes inseminated and number of blastocysts obtained, achieving a database of 242 patients per group. The non‐PGT‐A and PGT‐A groups were compared for differences in live birth rate (LBR) per embryo transfer (ET), cumulative LBR per patient, miscarriage rate (MR) per clinical pregnancy, number of days between oocyte retrieval and conclusion of the IVF cycle (primary outcome), mean expenses incurred at the clinic and incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER).

Results

More than twice as many ETs were conducted in the non‐PGT‐A group compared with the PGT‐A group, yet the cumulative LBR per patient was similar between groups (23.6% (95% CI, 18.5–29.5%) vs 27.3% (95% CI, 21.9–33.4%)). This outcome was achieved with a higher LBR per ET (16.2% (95% CI, 12.6–20.5%) vs 41.5% (95% CI, 33.9–49.4%)) and lower MR per clinical pregnancy (30.1% (95% CI, 21.8–42.6%) vs 13.9% (95% CI, 7.5–24.0%)) in the PGT‐A group. The MR per patient was also lower in the PGT‐A group (9.5% (95% CI, 6.2–14.1%) vs 4.5% (95% CI, 2.4–8.2%)). The mean duration between oocyte retrieval and IVF cycle conclusion was 131 (95% CI, 113–150) days in the non‐PGT‐A group vs 74 (95% CI, 61–87) days in the PGT‐A group (P < 0.001; power = 99.8%). The ICER of PGT‐A for the months saved between oocyte retrieval and conclusion of the IVF cycle was €499 overall, ranging between €170 and €2065 according to the number of blastocysts obtained and/or maternal age. The ICER of PGT‐A for prevented miscarriages was €18 968, decreasing to €3525 when calculated among patients aged ≥ 35 years with two blastocysts obtained.

Conclusions

When conducted in expert IVF clinics for patients indicated for the procedure, PGT‐A is clinically valuable even when only one or two blastocysts are obtained. PGT‐A reduces the number of ETs and miscarriages while the cumulative LBR per patient remains unaffected, and allows these outcomes to be achieved in a shorter timeframe. The ICER of PGT‐A vs non PGT‐A decreased as maternal age increased. © 2024 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Modular Calabi-Yau fourfolds and connections to M-theory fluxes
Authors: Jockers Hans , Kotlewski Sören , Kuusela Pyry
Published: December 2024

Abstract

In this work, we study the local zeta functions of Calabi-Yau fourfolds. This is done by developing arithmetic deformation techniques to compute the factor of the zeta function that is attributed to the horizontal four-form cohomology. This, in turn, is sensitive to the complex structure of the fourfold. Focusing mainly on examples of fourfolds with a single complex structure parameter, it is demonstrated that the proposed arithmetic techniques are both applicable and consistent. We present a Calabi-Yau fourfold for which a factor of the horizontal four-form cohomology further splits into two pieces of Hodge type (4, 0) + (2, 2) + (0, 4) and (3, 1) + (1, 3). The latter factor corresponds to a weight-3 modular form, which allows expressing the value of the periods in terms of critical values of the L-function of this modular form, in accordance with Deligne’s conjecture. The arithmetic considerations are related to M-theory Calabi-Yau fourfold compactifications with background four-form fluxes. We classify such background fluxes according to their Hodge type. For those fluxes associated to modular forms, we express their couplings in the low-energy effective action in terms of L-function values.
Urban structures are poor stepping stones for crevice-nesting ants in fragmented landscapes
Authors: Satizabal-Niemeyer D. , Bernadou A. , Wanke C. , Heinze J. , Cordonnier M.
Published: December 2024

Despite the high fragmentation of its natural habitats—grasslands with limestone rocks—a previous study revealed that the ant species Temnothorax nigriceps show no evidence of genetic isolation between populations separated by kilometers of presumably unsuitable landscape. In the present study, we hypothesized that urban anthropogenic structures might allow the species to nest and maintain efficient gene flow in spite of the ongoing fragmentation. To test this, we surveyed the presence of T. nigriceps in many putatively suitable anthropized habitats—such as stone walls, ornamental devices, or urban park structures—in an urban area near a continuous source of propagules from natural habitats. We found very few occurrences of T. nigriceps in this urban area, suggesting either a low density of nests in such habitats or difficulty in detecting them in anthropized environment. We discuss the importance of surrounding vegetation and water sources for nesting, especially in anthropized environment where temperatures on mineral surfaces can exceed those in the species’ natural habitats. We conclude that T. nigriceps tend to nest in the most natural-like structures, implying that urban habitats provide poor substitute for the species’ native environment.
Ensemble Kalman filter with precision localization
Authors: Gryvill Håkon , Tjelmeland Håkon
Published: December 2024

We propose a novel localization strategy for the ensemble Kalman filter procedure based on sparse precision matrices, which we denote precision localization. We assume the latent state vector to come from a Gaussian Markov random field and use the iterative proportional scaling algorithm to estimate the associated sparse precision matrix. Precision localization is compared against a standard covariance localization technique in two simulation studies; one with a Gauss-linear model and one based on the Lorenz 96 model. We evaluate the results by their prediction accuracy and to what degree the generated ensembles give a realistic representation of the exact filtering distributions. In the Gauss-linear example we also compare our results with the Kalman filter solution. Here we see that both precision and covariance localization produce reasonably good results in terms of prediction accuracy, but that precision localization provides the best representation of the correlation structure in the filtering distribution. For the Lorenz model we cannot compare with the Kalman filter solution, but precision localization seems to provide the most accurate predictions and the most realistic uncertainty representation.
Extending higher-order model for non-conservative perturbing forces acting on Galileo satellites during eclipse periods
Authors: Chen Xinghan , Ge Maorong , Männel Benjamin , Hugentobler Urs , Schuh Harald
Published: December 2024

For precise orbit determination (POD) and precise applications with POD products, one of the critical issues is the modeling of non-conservative forces acting on satellites. Since the official publication of Galileo satellite metadata in 2017, analytical models including the box-wing model and thermal thrust models have been established to absorb a substantial amount of solar radiation pressure (SRP) and thermal thrust. These models serve as the foundation for the best overall modeling approach, combining the analytical box-wing model and thermal thrust model with parameterization of the remaining non-conservative perturbing forces using various optimized Empirical CODE Orbit Models (ECOMs) of the Center for Orbit Determination in Europe (CODE). Firstly, we have demonstrated the significance of the second-order signals in the D direction and the first-order signals in the B direction through spectral analyses of the pure box-wing model, which are consistent with the currently recommended 7-parameter Empirical CODE Orbit Model 2 (ECOM2). In spite of this, we still found that degradation in orbit accuracy frequently occurs during deep eclipse seasons when using the ECOM2 model. We confirm a high-frequency signal existing in the fluctuating orbit overlap differences through the spectral analysis. Considering this, the ECOM2 force model should be extended to higher order and adapted to absorb the remaining effects of potential perturbing forces. After extending the ECOM2 force model to the sixth order in the Sun direction, we demonstrated the significance of fourth- and sixth-order sine terms for deep eclipses. Due to the higher-order periodic terms, the averaged RMS values of orbit overlap difference over deep eclipses can be reduced from 5.3, 10.8, and 23.8 cm to 3.2, 3.9, and 9.9 cm for in-orbit validation (IOV) satellites, from 5.0, 8.6, and 17.7 cm to 3.0, 3.0, and 7.1 cm for the first generation of full operational capability (FOC-1) satellites, and from 5.4, 8.6, and 19.0 cm to 3.6, 3.6, and 7.4 cm for the second generation of FOC (FOC-2) satellites, in the radial, cross-track, and along-track directions, respectively. Fluctuations with a peak amplitude of approximately 0.4 nm/s2 in the bias in the solar panel axis (Y) direction (Y-bias) are effectively mitigated by the higher-order terms. Due to the higher-order terms, the vertical positioning errors during kinematic precise point positioning (PPP) convergence can be improved from 42.3 to 37.1 cm at the 95.5% confidence level. Meanwhile, a low correlation level of up to 0.02 is found between the newly introduced higher-order parameters and earth rotation parameters (ERPs).
Radiopharmaceutical formulation and preliminary clinical dosimetry of [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-MGS5 for application in peptide receptor radionuclide therapy
Authors: Zavvar Taraneh Sadat , Hörmann Anton Amadeus , Konijnenberg Mark , Kraihammer Martin , Mair Christian , Kronthaler Ariane , Joosten Lieke , Laverman Peter , Gruber Leonhard , di Santo Gianpaolo , Decristoforo Clemens , Virgolini Irene , von Guggenberg Elisabeth
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Radiolabelled minigastrin (MG) analogues targeting the cholecystokinin-2 receptor (CCK2R) have proven to be a promising approach for peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT). In this study, we report on the radiopharmaceutical development and standardization of the preparation of [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-MGS5 using an automated synthesis module. Furthermore, we present the preclinical tests required to move forward towards a first therapeutic clinical trial as well as preliminary clinical dosimetry data.

Methods

Five individual batches of [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-MGS5 were synthesized and analysed according to predefined quality control specifications. Cell-based experiments and biodistribution studies were performed to evaluate the specific receptor binding and tumour uptake of the radiopharmaceutical formulation. A preclinical dosimetry study was carried out in tumour xenografted mice and a first dosimetry study was performed in a patient with small cell lung cancer.

Results

The automated cassette-based production of [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-MGS5 resulted in a product with high radiochemical purity of > 98% and high stability. The new radiopharmaceutical showed a favourable biodistribution profile in A431-CCK2R xenografted BALB/c nude mice. Pharmacokinetic data obtained in mice and dosimetry extrapolation demonstrated the feasibility of PRRT. In the preliminary patient-specific dosimetry study, a low risk of toxicity was shown and a mean absorbed dose of 12.5 ± 10.2 (1.2–28) Gy/GBq was calculated for delineable tumour lesions.

Conclusion

The radiopharmaceutical development and the preclinical/clinical results support the initiation of a first clinical trial to evaluate the therapeutic potential of [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-MGS5 in PRRT.