bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Virtual Reality for Pain Management During High‐Resolution Manometry: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Palte Ilan , Stewart Sarah , Rives Hal , Curtis James A. , Enver Necati , Tritter Andrew , Andreadis Katerina , Mocchetti Valentina , Schnoll‐Sussman Felice , Soumekh Amir , Zarnegar Rasa , Katz Philip , Rameau Anaïs
Published: July 2023

Objective

High‐resolution esophageal manometry (HRM) is the gold standard for the diagnosis of esophageal motility disorders. HRM is typically performed in the office with local anesthesia only, and many patients find it unpleasant and painful. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of the use of a virtual reality (VR) headset on pain and anxiety outcomes in patients with dysphagia undergoing HRM.

Methods

Patients with dysphagia were prospectively recruited and randomized to undergo HRM with and without VR distraction. Data collected included the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory‐6 (STAI‐6), the Short‐Form McGill Pain Questionnaire, heart rate, and galvanic skin response (GSR) tracings.

Results

Forty subjects completed the study, including 20 subjects in the intervention arm and 20 in the control arm. There was evidence of a significant positive effect of VR on calmness (p = 0.0095) STAI‐6 rating, as well as on physiologic measures of pain with significantly decreased GSR rise time (p = 0.0137) and average rate of change of conductance change (p = 0.0035).

Conclusion

The use of VR during HRM catheter insertion increased calmness compared to control. Change of skin conductance was also reduced in the VR group, suggesting decreased physiologic pain. This study supports the consideration of the use of VR as a distraction tool to improve patient comfort during HRM.

Level of Evidence

2 Laryngoscope, 134:1118–1126, 2024
Existence, uniqueness, and stability analysis of fractional Langevin equations with anti‐periodic boundary conditions
Authors: Shah Syed Omar , Rizwan Rizwan , Xia Yonghui , Zada Akbar
Published: July 2023

This paper is devoted to studying the system of switched coupled implicit fractional Langevin equations of nonlinear form with anti‐periodic boundary conditions. In the first step, problem's equivalence and the corresponding integral equation by applying fractional calculus tools are established, and a fixed point problem is defined. For mixed monotone mappings, we have used coupled fixed point theorems to achieve the existence and uniqueness of solutions of these equations. In the next step, by using Banach's fixed point theorem, Ulam–Hyers, Ulam–Hyers–Rassias, generalized Ulam–Hyers and generalized Ulam–Hyers–Rassias stabilities of our considered model are discussed. An example is given at the end for the verification of our results.
Biomass‐functionalized graphene oxide toward waterborne polyurethane composite with enhanced flame retardancy and hydrophobicity
Authors: Zhou Jianhua , Liu Chen , Lu Kai , Dong Fangxin
Published: July 2023

In this study, phytic acid‐polydopamine functionalized GO (GO@PA@PDA) was first synthesized. The DOPO derivatives, hydroxyl‐terminated polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and GO@PA@PDA were incorporated into waterborne polyurethane (WPU) by in situ polymerization. The chemical structure of GO@PA@PDA was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. A cone calorimeter test and a universal testing machine investigated the flame retardancy and mechanical properties of GO@PA@PDA modified waterborne polyurethane (GPD‐WPU). The results showed that the incorporation of GO@PA@PDA into WPU significantly enhanced the flame retardancy by reducing the heat release rate, total heat release, smoke production rate, and total smoke production. Furthermore, the mechanical properties of the GPD‐WPU composite films increased with the dosage of GO@PA@PDA from 0 to 2.0 wt%, and decreased slightly afterward. The contact angle and atomic force microscope measurements showed that the addition of GO@PA@PDA increased the surface roughness of GPD‐WPU composite film, thereby improving the hydrophobicity of GPD‐WPU composite films. Afterward, GPD‐WPU as a finishing agent was coated on polyester fabric. The experimental results of limiting oxygen index (LOI) and the vertical burning test indicated that when the dosage of GO@PA@PDA was 2.5 wt% in GPD‐WPU, after‐flame time, after‐glow time, damage length and LOI value of the coated polyester fabric were 2.9 s, 0 s, 6.8 cm, and 28.6%, respectively.
GOLDEN2‐LIKE transcription factors: A golden ticket to improve crops?
Authors: Hernández‐Verdeja Tamara , Lundgren Marjorie R.
Published: July 2023

Societal Impact Statement

The human population is expected to reach 9.7 billion in the next 30 years, increasing the strain on our already precarious food system. Climate change is shifting weather patterns, leading to unpredictable and catastrophic events that further threaten the agronomic sector. Plant scientists are implementing biotechnological tools to sustainably increase both the production and nutritional content of our crops. Engineering GOLDEN2‐LIKE (GLK) transcription factors is a promising route to improve photosynthesis, as well as other important agronomical traits, to achieve food security for a growing population under an unpredictable climate.

Using agricultural biotechnology to increase the photosynthetic efficiency of crops has been a focus of plant science research over the last two decades. Transcription factors coordinate the expression of gene networks that are the basis of plant development and physiological responses and, as such, are good targets to help improve photosynthesis. Among the known plant transcriptional regulators, GOLDEN2‐LIKE transcription factors (GLKs) may be ideal candidates to improve photosynthesis in crops, as they are master regulators of genes associated with photosynthesis and chloroplast biogenesis across a broad diversity of plant lineages. Moreover, recent work has revealed their involvement in environmental response, pathogen defence and development regulation across the plant's whole life cycle. Thus, manipulating GLK expression and activity, alone or likely in combination with other modifications, has clear potential to improve plant development and growth. Here, we review the research into GLK function and discuss the potential of these key transcription factors as biotechnological tools to enhance photosynthetic efficiency and stress tolerance in crops. Additionally, we take advantage of the vast plant genome and transcriptome datasets available to explore the evolutionary history of GLKs across the plant kingdom and discuss the implications for their adoption into crop engineering projects.
Elastic network model reveals distinct flexibilities of capping proteins bound to CARMIL and twinfilin‐tail
Authors: Koike Ryotaro , Ota Motonori
Published: July 2023

Capping protein (CP) binds to the barbed end of an actin‐filament and inhibits its elongation. CARMIL binds CP and dissociates it from the barbed end of the actin‐filament. The binding of CARMIL peptide alters the flexibility of CP, which is considered to facilitate the dissociation. Twinfilin also binds to CP through its C‐terminal tail. The complex structures of the CP/twinfilin‐tail (TW‐tail) peptide indicate that the binding sites of CARMIL and TW‐tail overlap. However, TW‐tail binding does not facilitate the dissociation of CP from the barbed end. We extensively investigated the flexibilities of CP in the CP/TW‐tail or CP/CARMIL complexes using an elastic network model and concluded that TW‐tail binding does not alter the flexibility of CP. Our extensive analysis also highlighted that the strong contacts of peptides with the two domains of CP, that is, the CP‐L and CP‐S domains, are key to changing the flexibilities of CP. CARMIL peptides can interact strongly with both of the domains, while TW‐tail peptides exclusively interact with the CP‐S domain because the binding site of TW‐tail on CP relatively shifts to the CP‐S domain compared with that of CP/CARMIL. This result supports our hypothesis that the dissociation of CP from the barbed end is regulated by the flexibility of CP.
Rhodiola rosea supplementation on sports performance: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Sanz‐Barrio Patricia M. , Noreen Eric E. , Gilsanz‐Estebaranz Laura , Lorenzo‐Calvo Jorge , Martínez‐Ferrán María , Pareja‐Galeano Helios
Published: July 2023

The aim of this systematic review was to determine whether the supplementation with Rhodiola rosea (RR), an herb that has been used for centuries for its various properties, can have an effect on muscle damage and physical performance. The databases PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were used to find studies published until March 2023. Randomized controlled trials, healthy participants, and no use of other supplements. The search strategy was conducted by two independent reviewers, and specific information was extracted from the selected studies. Thirteen studies were included with 263 participants (198 men and 65 women between 18 and 65 years old). Two studies followed acute supplementation, 5 chronic, and 6 combined both. The results were heterogenous, having 11 studies with some positive effects, while 2 studies show no effect in variables such as rating of perceive exertion, heart rate, antioxidant capacity, blood lactate, creatine kinase, or C‐reactive protein. Two limitations were found, firstly, the difference between supplementation and exercise protocols, and secondly, the existence of unclear or high risk of bias in most of the studies included. Acute supplementation with RR has a positive effect on endurance performance and rating of perceived exertion (RPE). Chronic supplementation has a positive effect on anaerobic exercise performance, but not endurance exercise performance. Chronic supplementation may positively impact muscle damage during exercise. However, more high‐quality studies are needed to firmly establish the clinical efficacy of RR.
Self‐Doping of the Transport Layers Decreases the Bimolecular Recombination by Reducing Static Disorder
Authors: Sağlamkaya Elifnaz , Hosseini Seyed Mehrdad , Tokmoldin Nurlan , Musiienko Artem , Krüger Thomas , Behrends Jan , Raoufi Meysam , Neher Dieter , Shoaee Safa
Published: July 2023

Electron‐transport layers (ETLs) have a crucial role in the solar cells’ performance. Generally, ETLs are characterized in terms of the interface properties and conductivity rather than their effect on the photoactive layer. Herein, two ETLs, 2,9‐bis(3‐((3‐(dimethylamino)propyl)amino)propyl)anthra[2,1,9‐def:6,5,10‐d′e′f′]diisoquinoline‐1,3,8,10(2H,9H)‐tetraone (PDINN) and 2,9‐bis[3‐(dimethyloxidoamino)propyl]anthra[2,1,9‐def:6,5,10‐d′e′f′]diisoquinoline‐1,3,8,10(2H,9H)‐tetrone, are compared in the conventional PM6:Y6 organic solar cell (OSC) structure and the influence of the ETL on the photoactive layer is shown. It is shown that a significant portion of the unpaired electrons of PDINN is mobile by combining electron paramagnetic resonance and Hall effect measurements. It is established that the high doping in PDINN ETL changes the dark electron concentration of the photoactive layer. The impacts of this change in the photoactive layer can be observed in the reduced static energetic disorder, and subsequently in the (nonradiative) recombination of free carriers. The results can be used to suppress nonradiative recombination in OSC, which can significantly boost their efficiency.
A novel forgery classification method based on multi‐scale feature capsule network in mobile edge computing
Authors: Lian Zhichao , Wang Ling
Published: July 2023

Face recognition is one of the most important applications of MEC. However, there have been many fake face data that can deceive MEC devices, causing serious problems such as information leakage. Face forgery detection can effectively solve this problem. Current face forgery detection methods have achieved high accuracy. However, most of the methods are researched on the classification of face authenticity. We find that studying multi‐classification of forgery methods can not only improve the accuracy of the model to identify fake faces, but also help improve the generalization ability of fake face classification. We argue that multi‐scale features and high‐frequency features can expose more detailed forgery artifacts. So, we design four modules, which take advantage of the complementarity of RGB features and frequency features, global features and local features. The first module is a residual‐guided multi‐scale spatial attention module, which uses residuals to guide the RGB feature extractor to extract fake features from a multi‐scale perspective. The second module is a multi‐scale retinal feature extraction module. The third module is a multi‐scale channel attention‐guided local frequency statistics module, which extracts local frequency responses using sliding‐window DCT. The last module is a capsule network classification module with overall correlation to classify the fused features. The information transfer between the subject capsule and the classification capsule can increase the integrity of the model, making the model converge faster. We conduct experiments on the databases FaceForensics++, DeepfakeDetection, and FakeAVCeleb. Experimental result shows that our method performs well on forgery classification.
Office‐based facial plastics procedures: Neuromodulators
Authors: Johnson Andrew J. , Chen David S.
Published: July 2023

Botulinum toxin is a potent neuromodulator commonly used for cosmetic applications in the clinic. In this article, we reviewed the various formulations of botulinum toxin type A commercially available in the United States, as well as clinical pearls for preprocedural planning, common in‐office injections, and management of complications.
Managing floods in Chennai City as part of situation understanding and improvement project
Authors: Shivakumar Sunil , Shanmuganathan Monisha , Goonetilleke Ashantha , Day Darryl , Sarkar Archana , Hagare Dharmappa , Maheshwari Basant , Spencer Ricky , Thimmegowda Matadadoddi Nanjundegowda , Mailapalli Damodhara Rao , Purkait Mihir Kumar , Mahadevappa Sadashiva Murthy Boohalli
Published: July 2023

Transdisciplinary approaches in water are important to ensure water security to everyone around the world. Recently, Young Water Professionals (YWPs) training was carried out to impart learning in transdisciplinary approaches. Besides online workshops and lectures, the training program included the Situation Understanding and Improvement Project (SUIP). Through SUIP, YWPs were able to implement the transdisciplinary approaches learnt during lectures and workshops. The SUIP selected by one of the groups of YWPs was related to the flooding experienced by the residents of Chennai, India. Flooding is a very common phenomenon having its occurrence across the world with varying severity and magnitude because of changes to the use of river floodplains, changing the land use pattern, encroachment of waterbodies, and the impact of climate change on water resources. Chennai City in Tamil Nadu, India, with a population of about 6.5 million is facing frequent flooding because of extreme rainfall events and the presence of three rivers within the city and is also facing an acute shortage of water which also needs to be addressed for its sustainable development. This study used transdisciplinary approach to understand 2015 flooding in Chennai and made several recommendations to improve the flood management in Chennai including an early warning system. The YWP training and the concept of SUIP significantly enhanced the outcomes from this study.
Conclusions on the Transformation of the Energy Sector and the Energy Geopolitics
Authors: Hafner Manfred , Raimondi Pier Paolo , Bonometti Benedetta
Published: July 2023

The chapter draws the main conclusions, provides key takeaways and addresses the still-open issues related to the energy transformation of the MENA region and their geopolitical consequences. The chapter outlines the main features of the energy transformation, such as the growing ambitions related to clean energy development and the difficulties to translate such ambition into reality. It also provides an overview of the features of the geopolitical transformation, such as the rebalance of alliances and power in the region and possible strategies to remain relevant in a decarbonized world (e.g. export of decarbonized products).
Introduction
Authors: Hornuf Lars , Mangold Sonja , Yang Yayun
Published: July 2023

This chapter outlines the three core research questions and the scope of this book. First, we provide a concise overview of the crowdsourcing markets in China, Germany, and the United States and highlight recent market trends. Second, we examine the data protection laws in these three jurisdictions and show the extent to which crowdworkers are protected. Third, we analyze and compare data privacy practices on crowdsourcing platforms and highlight how they relate to legal rules. Finally, we provide a conclusion and, based on our functional and empirical legal investigations, show where there is a need for improvement in the legal rules and data protection practices.
The Leadership of Muhammad Masserie in Perhimpoenan Kaoem Betawi (The Association of Ethnic Betawi) 1923–1940
Authors: Sijono Siswantari , Zuhdi Susanto
Published: July 2023

Those who have lived for quite some time in Jakarta would not find Si Doel Anak Betawi unfamiliar. Originally a children’s story, the first to use Betawian dialect, it was later adapted into a TV series that portrayed the marginalization of the Betawi people, the perceived “natives” of Jakarta, amid the progressive development of the city. Although some of the lyrics of the series’ theme song sound a bit rhetorical (“Anak Betawi … ketinggalan jaman… katenye?” that roughly translates to “Betawi people are barely catching up with progress… aren’t they?”), what the theme song says might have some truth in it: Betawians are often left behind compared with people from other ethnic groups in Indonesia.
Memory of the Seroja Struggle: Memories and the Challenges of Life After Military Operations 1978–1998
Authors: Wahyuni Tria Sri , Setiawan Agus
Published: July 2023

In Indonesia, discussions on memories of the Seroja Operation, a military act, and the government efforts to overcome its subsequent problems have not attracted much attention. This topic is sensitive due to the discussion of government responsibility for soldiers and their families after military operations, many of which are launched for the benefit of the state. However, the discussion is important because such operations have a direct effect on the fate of deployed soldiers and their families. Numerous soldiers are killed, or they return home with physical disabilities, and the government is required to issue policies related to their fate and families.
Multi-collinear splitting kernels for track function evolution
Authors: Chen Hao , Jaarsma Max , Li Yibei , Moult Ian , Waalewijn Wouter , Zhu Hua Xing
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Jets and their substructure play a central role in many analyses at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). To improve the precision of measurements, as well as to enable measurement of jet substructure at increasingly small angular scales, tracking information is often used due to its superior angular resolution and robustness to pile-up. Calculations of track-based observables involve non-perturbative track functions, that absorb infrared divergences in perturbative calculations and describe the transition to charged hadrons. The infrared divergences are directly related to the renormalization group evolution (RGE), and can be systematically computed in perturbation theory. Unlike the standard DGLAP evolution, the RGE of the track functions is non-linear, encoding correlations in the fragmentation process. We compute the next-to-leading order (NLO) evolution of the track functions, which involves in its kernel the full 1 → 3 splitting function. We discuss in detail how we implement the evolution equation numerically, and illustrate the size of the NLO corrections. We also show that our equation can be viewed as a master equation for collinear evolution at NLO, by illustrating that by integrating out specific terms, one can derive the evolution for any N -hadron fragmentation function. Our results provide a crucial ingredient for obtaining track-based predictions for generic measurements at the LHC, and for improving the description of the collinear dynamics of jets.
Probing generalized neutrino interactions with the DUNE Near Detector
Authors: Melas P. , Papoulias D. K. , Saoulidou N.
Published: July 2023

Abstract

We explore the prospects of constraining general non standard interactions involving light mediators through elastic neutrino-electron scattering events at the DUNE Near Detector (ND). We furthermore consider the special cases of light vector mediators in motivated models such as U(1)B−L, $$ \textrm{U}{(1)}_{L_{\mu }-{L}_{\tau }} $$
U

1

L
μ

−

L
τ

, E6 and left-right symmetry. The present analysis is based on detailed Monte Carlo simulations of the expected DUNE-ND signal taking into account detector resolution effects, realistic backgrounds as well as On-Axis and Off-Axis neutrino spectra. We show that the high intensity neutrino beam available at Fermilab can place competitive constraints surpassing those of low-energy neutrino searches and direct detection dark matter experiments.
Single-dose effects of methylphenidate and atomoxetine on functional connectivity during an n-back task in boys with ADHD
Authors: Kowalczyk Olivia S. , Cubillo Ana I. , Criaud Marion , Giampietro Vincent , O’Daly Owen G. , Mehta Mitul A. , Rubia Katya
Published: July 2023

Rationale

Working memory deficits and associated neurofunctional abnormalities are frequently reported in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Methylphenidate and atomoxetine improve working memory performance and increase activation of regions under-functioning in ADHD. Additionally, methylphenidate has been observed to modulate functional networks involved in working memory. No research, however, has examined the effects of atomoxetine or compared the two drugs.

Objectives

This study aimed to test methylphenidate and atomoxetine effects on functional connectivity during working memory in boys with ADHD.

Methods

We tested comparative effects of methylphenidate and atomoxetine on functional connectivity during the n-back task in 19 medication-naïve boys with ADHD (10–15 years old) relative to placebo and assessed potential normalisation effects of brain dysfunctions under placebo relative to 20 age-matched neurotypical boys. Patients were scanned in a randomised, double-blind, cross-over design under single doses of methylphenidate, atomoxetine, and placebo. Controls were scanned once, unmedicated.

Results

Patients under placebo showed abnormally increased connectivity between right superior parietal gyrus (rSPG) and left central operculum/insula. This hyperconnectivity was not observed when patients were under methylphenidate or atomoxetine. Furthermore, under methylphenidate, patients showed increased connectivity relative to controls between right middle frontal gyrus (rMFG) and cingulo-temporo-parietal and striato-thalamic regions, and between rSPG and cingulo-parietal areas. Interrogating these networks within patients revealed increased connectivity between both rMFG and rSPG and right supramarginal gyrus under methylphenidate relative to placebo. Nonetheless, no differences across drug conditions were observed within patients at whole brain level. No drug effects on performance were observed.

Conclusions

This study shows shared modulating effects of methylphenidate and atomoxetine on parieto-insular connectivity but exclusive effects of methylphenidate on connectivity increases in fronto-temporo-parietal and fronto-striato-thalamic networks in ADHD.
Thickness of zero-strength layer in timber beam exposed to fuel-controlled parametric fires
Authors: Huč Sabina , Hozjan Tomaž , Pečenko Robert
Published: July 2023

Fire resistance is one of the essential requirements to be fulfilled in the design of timber structures. For this purpose, a reduced cross-section method is given in the European standards, Eurocodes. The method is based on the assumption that an initial, rectangular timber cross-section exposed to fire conditions reduces to an effective cross-section, which has material properties as at a room temperature. The reduced part of the cross-section with no resistance is determined by a sum of two parameters, namely a charring depth and a thickness of zero-strength layer. Eurocodes give a value of the latter only for the standard fire exposure, which is only one of the fire curves proposed in the same standards. Therefore, the present paper examines the thickness of zero-strength layer in case of 46 different fuel-controlled parametric fire exposures applied to a timber beam from three sides. A four-phase numerical analysis is applied for this purpose that includes the use of a hygro-thermal model and a mechanical model to determine temperatures of timber over the cross-section and the mechanical resistance of timber beam in fire conditions, respectively. The results show that the thickness of zero-strength layer takes the values between 7.9 and 18.4 mm for the fuel-controlled parametric fire exposures. Since it is clearly dependent on the parameters describing the parametric fire curve, five equations are proposed that can be used for determination of the thickness of zero-strength layer in case of parametric fire exposures.
Corporate Engagement Strategies in Northern Mining: Boliden, Sweden and Cameco, Canada
Authors: Poelzer Gregory
Published: July 2023

The role of corporations in societal outcomes continues to grow. Mining companies now face the expectation of not only providing economic benefits to communities, but act as a facilitator for social wellbeing and environmental stewardship. In the mining sector, this has placed renewed attention to defining corporate social responsibility and, in turn, how social license to operate is understood. These developments are particularly pertinent when mining operations affect Indigenous communities – where land use is central to livelihood. This study looks at the community engagement strategies of two mining companies in northern countries, Cameco (Canada) and Boliden (Sweden). By comparing their approaches, this paper explores the development of their practices over time and assess to what extent their corporate policy has translated into everyday practice and outcomes. The findings of demonstrate that high levels of trust are established when corporate approaches are built around transparency and collaboration – resulting in agreements that include long-term partnerships around socio-economic and environmental management.
Consensus report from the 10th Global Forum for Liver Magnetic Resonance Imaging: developments in HCC management
Authors: Taouli Bachir , Ba-Ssalamah Ahmed , Chapiro Julius , Chhatwal Jagpreet , Fowler Kathryn , Kang Tae Wook , Knobloch Gesine , Koh Dow-Mu , Kudo Masatoshi , Lee Jeong Min , Murakami Takamichi , Pinato David J. , Ringe Kristina I. , Song Bin , Tabrizian Parissa , Wang Jin , Yoon Jeong Hee , Zeng Mengsu , Zhou Jian , Vilgrain Valérie
Published: July 2023

The 10th Global Forum for Liver Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) was held as a virtual 2-day meeting in October 2021, attended by delegates from North and South America, Asia, Australia, and Europe. Most delegates were radiologists with experience in liver MRI, with representation also from specialists in liver surgery, oncology, and hepatology.

Presentations, discussions, and working groups at the Forum focused on the following themes:

• Gadoxetic acid in clinical practice: Eastern and Western perspectives on current uses and challenges in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) screening/surveillance, diagnosis, and management

• Economics and outcomes of HCC imaging

• Radiomics, artificial intelligence (AI) and deep learning (DL) applications of MRI in HCC.

These themes are the subject of the current manuscript. A second manuscript discusses multidisciplinary tumor board perspectives: how to approach early-, mid-, and late-stage HCC management from the perspectives of a liver surgeon, interventional radiologist, and oncologist (Taouli et al, 2023).

Delegates voted on consensus statements that were developed by working groups on these meeting themes. A consensus was considered to be reached if at least 80% of the voting delegates agreed on the statements.

Clinical relevance statement

This review highlights the clinical applications of gadoxetic acid–enhanced MRI for liver cancer screening and diagnosis, as well as its cost-effectiveness and the applications of radiomics and AI in patients with liver cancer.

Key Points

• Interpretation of gadoxetic acid–enhanced MRI differs slightly between Eastern and Western guidelines, reflecting different regional requirements for sensitivity vs specificity.

• Emerging data are encouraging for the cost-effectiveness of gadoxetic acid–enhanced MRI in HCC screening and diagnosis, but more studies are required.

• Radiomics and artificial intelligence are likely, in the future, to contribute to the detection, staging, assessment of treatment response and prediction of prognosis of HCC—reducing the burden on radiologists and other specialists and supporting timely and targeted treatment for patients.
Effects of temperature on factors relevant to laser operation near 1.6 µm wavelength in resonantly (in-band) pumped CaF2:Er and SrF2:Er crystals: a comparative study
Authors: Lisiecki R. , Macalik B. , Komar J. , Kowalski R. , Strzep A. , Zhang Zhen , Zhang Zhonghan , Wang Yunfei , Su Liangbi , Ryba-Romanowski W.
Published: July 2023

Single crystals of CaF2 and SrF2 containing Er3+ ions with concentrations between 0.01 and 0.6 at% respectively, were grown using the temperature gradient technique (TGT). Absorption spectra related to the 4I15/2 → 4I13/2 transition of Er3+ ions were measured at 5 K to investigate the properties of the crystal field splitting of the 4I13/2 multiplet, and at several temperatures in the region 80 K – 300 K to determine the effect of temperature on the spectral bands. The 4I13/2 → 4I15/2 luminescence spectra were recorded within the same temperature range as for absorption measurement. The analysis of absorption and luminescence spectra provides an in-depth knowledge on the effect of temperature on the factors that govern the efficiency of resonant optical pumping near 1.6 µm and the resulting lasing ability of Er3+ ions imbedded in CaF2 and SrF2 hosts.
Preliminary Study on Retrograde Recanalization of Radial Artery Occlusion Through Distal Radial Artery Access: a Single-Center Experience
Authors: Wang Huanhuan , Cui Cheng , Liu Haiming , Zhang Bo , Tian Tao , Ye Shaodong , Yang Weixian , Yuan Jinqing , Xu Bo , Gao Lijian
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Radial artery occlusion (RAO) is an unresolved complication after transradial artery (TRA) puncture. The aim of this observational study was to assess the feasibility and safety of retrograde recanalization of RAO through distal transradial access (dTRA).

Methods

From June 2021 to March 2022, 28 consecutive patients with successful puncture and intubation through the dTRA in the anatomical snuffbox and RAO confirmed by angiography were enrolled.

Results

Among the 28 patients, 27 (96.4%) patients with RAO were successfully retrogradely recanalized through the dTRA and successfully underwent coronary angiography or coronary intervention. After the procedure, only 1 (3.7%) patient developed a forearm hematoma, and there were no other bleeding complications or nerve disorders.

Conclusions

DTRA is a safe and feasible approach for retrograded recanalization of RAO, with a high procedure success rate and few complications.
Indirect determination of partial depolymerization reactions in dialdehyde celluloses (DAC) by gel permeation chromatography of their oxime derivatives
Authors: Fliri Lukas , Simon Jonas , Sulaeva Irina , Rosenau Thomas , Potthast Antje , Hummel Michael
Published: July 2023

Owing to a supposed quantitative transformation, oximation of dialdehyde cellulose (DAC) with hydroxylamine hydrochloride is commonly employed in chemical DAC analysis, e.g., for the determination of the degree of oxidation (DO) by titration or elemental analysis. In this study, this modification was utilized for the indirect determination of molecular weight distributions (MWD) by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The presumably quantitative conversion of aldehyde groups in DAC to the corresponding oxime also breaks up the intermolecular and intramolecular hemiacetal crosslinks, which were associated with solubility issues in the DMAc/LiCl solvent system in previous studies. The limits of the procedure and the material's stability during oximation were investigated. For samples with a DO up to approximately 9% a good applicability was observed, before at higher DO values residual crosslinks led to solubility problems. The oximation/GPC protocol was used to examine the development of the MWD in the early stages of DAC formation under different reaction conditions. The time-dependent partial depolymerization of the polymer backbone was observed. Furthermore, the stability of DAC towards different pH conditions ranging from strongly acidic to strongly alkaline was tested. The depolymerization of DAC in alkaline media occurred with concomitant degradation of aldehyde moieties. In turn, DAC proved to be remarkably stable in acidic and neutral solutions up to a pH of 7.
Electrochemical Sensors Based on Manganese and Cobalt Oxide Nanostructures for the Detection of Flutamide and its Derivatives in Real Water Samples
Authors: Ravele Thompho , Hlongwa Ntuthuko W. , Nkambule Thabo T. I. , Gumbi Nozipho N. , Sekhosana Kutloano E.
Published: July 2023

Flutamide (FLU), bicalutamide (BIC), and hydroxyflutamide (OHF), having a low biodegradability, may cause severe health effects on humans as antiandrogens. In this work, we have developed two electrochemical sensors using manganese oxide (MnO) and Cobalt oxide (CoO) nanostructures (NSs) as electrocatalysts. The GCE modified with MnO is referred to as MnO/GCE and the GCE modified by CoO is referred to as CoO/GCE. The electrochemical behaviours of CoO/GCE and MnO/GCE were examined in ferricyanide solution. It was observed through the employment of cyclic voltammetry that MnO/GCE exhibit better electron transfer than CoO/GCE. The calculated surface coverage values, 1.46 x10−9 mol cm−2 and 5.02 x10−9 mol cm−2 of MnO/GCE and CoO/GCE suggest a multilayer of a metal oxide molecule film at the surfaces of glassy carbon electrodes (GCE). FLU, BIC and OHF were detected at a linear range from 32.01 to 50.00 µM. The limits of detection of FLU, BIC and OHF were 18.5, 13.0 and 78.8 µM at MnO/GCE respectively and 18.8, 18.7 and 18.5 µM at CoO/GCE respectively. Both MnO/GCE and CoO/GCE showed good catalytic stability towards detecting FLU and its derivatives. FLU, BIC and OHF were also detected in the presence of interferents for both electrochemical sensors in phosphate buffer solution. Both MnO/GCE and CoO/GCE confirmed good selectivity without cross interference. Some of the health effects associated with FLU, BIC and OHF are liver damage, prostate inflammation, and methamoglobenia. Although FLU, BIC and OHF are detected in low concentration levels in water bodies, their continuous ingestion is a great concern. As far as we know, MnO and CoO NSs have not been used to electrochemically detect FLU, BIC and OHF. Furthermore, OHF has not been detected electrochemically before and there are only a few studies on the electrochemical detection of BIC. Hence, MnO and CoO NSs are used in this study for the first time for an electrochemical sensor fabrication towards the detection of FLU, BIC and OHF.
Race, Prejudice and Support for Racial Justice Countermovements: The Case of “Blue Lives Matter”
Authors: Newman Benjamin J. , Reny Tyler T. , Merolla Jennifer L.
Published: July 2023

In this article, we develop and test three propositions related to the status of a primary counterpoint of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement—“Blue Lives Matter” (BlueLM). Employing correlational and causal analyses on a wide array of data, including public opinion, news and social media, internet searches, and merchandise sales, our findings are threefold: first, we offer evidence that Whiteness is associated with attitudinal and behavioral indicators of support for BlueLM; second, we present evidence that support for BlueLM is systematically linked to White racial prejudice; and third, we demonstrate that BlueLM activity is caused by BLM protest following a high-profile police killing of a Black man, which comports with the conceptualization of BlueLM as engaging in a process of “competitive victimhood” against BLM. Together, these findings suggest that BlueLM is a new incarnation of an ongoing history of White countermobilization against organized Black claims-making activity.
Integrating Norms, Knowledge, and Social Ties into the Deterrence Model of Cartels: A Survey Study of Business Executives
Authors: van Stekelenburg Loet , Dijkstra Peter T. , van Steenbergen Elianne F. , Mastop Jessanne , Ellemers Naomi
Published: July 2023

We expand the rational choice theory of crime, as applied to cartels, with three psychological factors—personal norms, social norms and social ties—and knowledge of competition law. Through a survey of Dutch businesses, we find that adding psychological factors substantially increases the explanatory power of the model: All predict attitudes toward future cartel behavior, with personal norms as the strongest (negative) predictor. Better knowledge of competition law relates to stronger deterrence and norms against collusion. We conclude that psychological factors and knowledge of the law are likely necessary to understand and prevent potential cartel behavior.
Familiar transformative experiences
Authors: Randell Petronella
Published: July 2023

On the standard Paulian definition of epistemically transformative experiences (ETE), we can’t know what an ETE is like before we have it. ETEs are new kinds of experiences and, importantly, can’t be imagined—this is why they have a unique ability to teach us what a particular experience is like. Contra Paul, some philosophers (Sharadin, 2015; Wilkenfeld, 2016; Ismael, 2019; Kind, 2020; Daoust, 2021; Cath, 2022) have argued that transformative experiencescanbe imagined. A neglected consequence of this argument is that if transformative experiences can in fact be imagined, then it is unclear how they could be epistemically transformative. What do they teach us if we can imagine what they’re like in advance? I will argue not only that imaginable experiences can be transformative, but that experiences of a kind which an agent is experientially acquainted with can also be transformative. This latter kind of transformative experiences, which I will call familiar transformative experiences, are transformative not because the agent learns what a new kind of experience is like—by definition, they are not new kinds of experiences—but because the transformativeness of the experience is brought out by features of the agent experiencing them. Epistemic transformation in these cases may be explained by facts about the agent’s perspective and social environment, which allow them to appreciate elements of the experience they did not previously.
Looking back to look forward: a systematic review of and research agenda for dynamic managerial capabilities
Authors: Heubeck Tim
Published: July 2023

Given the complexities of today’s hypercompetitive economy and challenges imposed by recent crises, managerial capabilities have become critical for realizing strategic change. Dynamic managerial capability (DMC) theory offers a useful theoretical lens for analyzing how managers make strategic decisions to build and sustain competitive advantages in dynamic environments. Despite receiving less attention than the broader field of dynamic capabilities, the existing body of research has reached a point where a comprehensive synthesis of the current state of knowledge is warranted. Past reviews of DMCs are either outdated or do not comprehensively examine this multifaceted construct, making a review of research highly necessary and timely. This review systematically synthesizes 54 empirical studies on DMCs. It contributes to the literature by systematically synthesizing DMC research and summarizing these findings into a multi-level framework. This review demonstrates that research on DMCs has significantly progressed over the years, for example, through conceptual expansions, new levels of analysis, or methodological advancements. The developed framework provides an overview of the nomological network surrounding DMCs. A systematic historical analysis of research limitations and recommendations offers a rich research agenda for DMCs. These findings guide scholars and managers by overviewing the foundations of DMCs, demonstrating why strong DMCs are critical for achieving sustainable competitive advantage, and how this theory applies to management practice. Altogether, this review presents an up-to-date review of DMC literature by systematically synthesizing its developments—looking back—and pointing to central research opportunities—looking forward.
Antifungal Prophylaxis in the Era of Targeted Chemotherapy for Acute Myelogenous Leukemia
Authors: Lewis Russell E. , Stanzani Marta
Published: July 2023

Purpose of Review

This review will provide an overview of the potential drug-drug interactions (DDIs) that may occur when using small-molecule kinase inhibitors (SMKIs) for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with triazole antifungals. We aim to discuss the management strategies for these interactions, including the assessment of invasive fungal disease (IFD) risks, alternative antifungal treatments, and dosage adjustments of SMKI therapy.

Recent Findings

Recent advances in molecular and cell biology have led to the approval of several SMKIs for the treatment of AML. These targeted therapies, while more tolerable than traditional cytotoxic chemotherapy regimens, are metabolized via the cytochrome P450 3A4 pathway, making them susceptible to potential DDIs with triazole antifungals. Managing these interactions requires a tailored approach, taking into consideration the patient’s specific IFD risks, treatment status, and comorbidities. While specific dosing guidance is available for using venetoclax or ivosidenib with triazole antifungals, recommendations for other SMKIs are less certain.

The use of SMKIs in AML treatment has revolutionized patient care by providing more targeted and tolerable therapies. However, the potential for DDIs, particularly with triazole antifungals, necessitates careful management. Clinicians must carefully assess the specific IFD risks associated with SMKI therapies, evaluate the limitations of current and future antifungal treatments, and consider evidence supporting dosage adjustments when co-administering SMKIs with triazoles. Ongoing research in model-informed precision dosing and therapeutic drug monitoring holds promise for improving the safety and efficacy of managing drug interactions with SMKI therapy.
Current status and development of neutron radiation for biophysical applications in Colombia
Authors: Leyva J. Alfonso , Munévar Edwin
Published: July 2023

In Colombia, medical physics started formally about 3 decades ago. Two master’s programs in medical physics initiated activities at two different universities. In particular, the master’s program at the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana has been underway since 2012, and taking into account its projections, a team was established in 2015 in collaboration with the Universidad Distrital Francisco José de Caldas to conduct basic research on cancer treatment using neutron capture therapy (NCT). The primary goal of our initiative is to create the infrastructure required to adapt new technologies in our universities in the future. The long-term objective is to use neutron radiation to study not only NCT but also biomolecules, membranes, and materials. This will require the commissioning of an actual nuclear facility. Our group has been exclusively focused on carrying out calculations with GEANT4 because of its characteristics as open-source software, its accessibility, and its ample worldwide use and validation in the particle physics, nuclear physics, and medical physics communities. In this work, we present some results of our preliminary design for the ion accelerator column of a compact neutron generator. Also, we present the characterization of the kinematical and dose distributions of boron neutron capture processes using Geant4.
The Compassion Balance: Understanding the Interrelation of Self- and Other-Compassion for Optimal Well-being
Authors: Sahdra Baljinder K. , Ciarrochi Joseph , Fraser Madeleine I. , Yap Keong , Haller Elisa , Hayes Steven C. , Hofmann Stefan G. , Gloster Andrew T.
Published: July 2023

Objectives

This study examined the role of self-other harmony in the relations between self-compassion, other-compassion, and well-being. Past research has shown self- and other-compassion to be positively related. But we hypothesised that self-compassion can be perceived as incompatible with other-compassion, and that self-compassion and other-compassion might be uncorrelated or negatively correlated in daily life for some individuals. We termed this pattern lack of self-other harmony in compassion and hypothesised that it would undermine the benefits of compassion.

Method

Using an experience sampling method in patients (n=154) with a variety of diagnoses, we measured self-compassion, other-compassion, life-satisfaction, mood, and contextual variables six times per day for 42 time points.

Results

For most participants, self-compassion was positively associated with other-compassion. However, there was substantial heterogeneity in this effect. The degree of self-other harmony moderated the link between compassion directed towards self or other and well-being. Higher levels of compassion were associated with higher levels of well-being, but only for those who experienced the harmony. When the two forms of compassion were not in harmony, levels of self/other-compassion were largely unrelated to well-being.

Conclusions

The findings emphasise the importance of personalised compassion interventions rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Increasing self-compassion or other-compassion is likely to improve well-being for most people. However, for a minority lacking the self-other harmony, it may be necessary to assess their interpretation of self- and other-compassion, then work with them to promote the compassion balance optimal for their well-being.

Preregistration

This study is not preregistered.