bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scala Tympani Volume Influences Initial 6‐Month Hearing Preservation With Lateral Wall Electrode Arrays
Authors: Canfarotta Michael W. , Dillon Margaret T. , Selleck A. Morgan , Brown Kevin D.
Published: November 2024

Objectives

To examine the effects of scala tympani (ST) volume, cochlear duct length (CDL), and angular insertion depth (AID) on low‐frequency hearing preservation for cochlear implant (CI) recipients of lateral wall electrode arrays.

Methods

A retrospective review identified 45 adult CI recipients of 24‐, 28‐, or 31.5‐mm lateral wall electrode arrays with preoperative unaided hearing thresholds ≤45 decibel hearing level (dB HL) at 250 Hz. All patients underwent preoperative and postoperative computed tomography to evaluate cochlear morphology and electrode array position. A linear mixed effects model evaluated effects of ST volume, CDL, AID, preoperative low‐frequency pure‐tone average (LFPTA; 125, 250, and 500 Hz), age at surgery, and biological sex on the postoperative change in LFPTA at activation and 6 months post‐activation.

Results

There were significant main effects of ST volume (p = 0.044), age (p = 0.028), and biological sex (p = 0.003), indicating better low‐frequency hearing preservation for CI recipients with larger ST volumes, younger age at surgery, and female biological sex. Although CDL positively correlated with ST volume (r = 0.74, p < 0.001), there was no significant main effect of CDL (p = 0.367). A broad range in AID of the most apical electrode contact was observed (301.4°–681.8°); however, there was no significant main effect of AID on low‐frequency hearing preservation (p = 0.700).

Conclusions

During the initial 6 months following implantation, intrinsic factors such as cochlear morphology may have a greater impact on low‐frequency hearing preservation than apical positioning of a flexible lateral wall electrode array when using soft surgical techniques.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 2024
What Drives Consumers to Engage in Immersive Technologies? A Consumer Metaverse Engagement Motivation Model
Authors: Kalender Yunus , Guzmán Francisco
Published: November 2024

As an immersive technology, the metaverse is becoming a popular environment among brands and consumers. However, little is known about what drives consumers to engage in metaverse platforms. Previous research identifies different consumer motivations to engage in online platforms, but with its immersive, grift, and complex nature, the metaverse differs from other online environments. This exploratory research aims to understand consumer metaverse engagement motivations and proposes a consumer motivation model. The proposed model stems from three qualitative studies (in‐depth interviews, focus groups, and word association) and is tested and validated through two quantitative studies. Finally, the model provides specific foci for brands for metaverse investments for experientially, socially, and functionally motivated consumers.
Molecular Dynamics Characterization of the Free and Encapsidated RNA2 of CCMV with the oxRNA Model
Authors: Mattiotti Giovanni , Micheloni Manuel , Petrolli Lorenzo , Rovigatti Lorenzo , Tubiana Luca , Pasquali Samuela , Potestio Raffaello
Published: November 2024

The cowpea chlorotic mottle virus (CCMV) has emerged as a model system to assess the balance between electrostatic and topological features of single‐stranded RNA viruses, specifically in the context of the viral self‐assembly. Yet, despite its biophysical significance, little structural data on the RNA content of the CCMV virion is available. Here, the conformational dynamics of the RNA2 fragment of CCMV was assessed via coarse‐grained molecular dynamics simulations, employing the oxRNA2 force field. The behavior of RNA2 was characterized both as a freely‐folding molecule and within a mean‐field depiction of the capsid. For the former, the role of the salt concentration, the temperature and of ad hoc constraints on the RNA termini was verified on the equilibrium properties of RNA2. For the latter, a multi‐scale approach was employed to derive a potential profile of the viral cavity from atomistic structures of the CCMV capsid in solution. The conformational ensembles of the encapsidated RNA2 were significantly altered with respect to the freely‐folding counterparts, as shown by the emergence of long‐range motifs and pseudoknots. Finally, the role of the N‐terminal tails of the CCMV subunits is highlighted as a critical feature in the construction of a proper electrostatic model of the CCMV capsid.
Clinical and Genomic Phenotype of Brain Metastasis in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Peng Ying‐peng , Yang Shuai , He Jianzhong , Liu Qiaodan , Li Xuanzi , Kong Fan‐gen , Wang Si‐yang , Liu Ye
Published: November 2024

Brain metastasis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a rare but poor prognosis clinical problem. This study aims to investigate the clinical characteristics and identify the genomic profiling of nasopharyngeal carcinoma brain metastasis. Patients with a diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma who visited at the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat‐sen University since January 2013 to December 2023 were retrospectively collected. Clinical data of patients diagnosed with nasopharyngeal carcinoma brain metastasis were extracted. Paraffin blocks of NPC brain metastases were acquired for immunohistochemistry and genetic testing. High‐throughput second generation sequencing was performed for genomic analysis. The mutation landscape was further analyzed. Of the 2378 NPC patients from our database, only six were clinically diagnosed with nasopharyngeal carcinoma brain metastasis. Three were pathologically diagnosed with nasopharyngeal carcinoma brain metastasis. The time interval from the first diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma to brain metastasis was 15–56 months. The common sites of brain metastasis were frontal lobe and cerebellum, and could be single or multiple, cystic or solid lesions. The OS ranged from 7 to 48 months. Single nucleotide variants were found in 32 genes, such as PTEN, TP53, NFKBIA, KMT2C, and NOTCH1. Copy number variation occurred in five genes, including PTEN, CCDN1, FGF19, FGF3 and FGF4. PTEN and fibroblast growth factors might be involved in the molecular regulation of brain metastasis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
Long‐Read Sequencing Identifying the Genetic Complexity of Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia in the Pedigree
Authors: Chen Ximin , Zhao Jing , Li Danhua , Xi Na , Yi Danying , Yan Mengjia , Yin Yan , Wang Xueyan
Published: November 2024

Background

High sequence homology between CYP21A2 and CYP21A1P poses challenges to genetic diagnosis of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21‐hydroxylase deficiency (21‐OHD). Traditional genetic testing is unable to provide an accurate diagnosis due to the genetic complexity of CAH.

Methods

Deletions, duplications, and recombination breakpoints were precisely identified by long‐read sequencing (LRS).

Results

This study presented a pregnant woman, a 21‐OHD carrier detected by MLPA, and her husband, a normal subject also detected by MLPA. The fetus was suspected of having 21‐OHD based on clinical presentations such as enlarged adrenal glands, atypical external genitalia and karyotyping of 46, XX. LRS further identified the fetus as having the most severe salt‐wasting (SW) form of 21‐OHD with a compound heterozygote genotype. One allele was TNXA/TNXB CH‐2, while the other allele was CYP21A1P/CYP21A2 CH‐8. LRS precisely determined the genotypes of the fetus's father and grandmother with duplications, which misdiagnosed by MLPA. The multidisciplinary team recommended immediate glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid treatment for the child after birth to prevent life‐threatening adrenal crisis.

Conclusions

LRS provides precise diagnosis for family members with CYP21A2 deletion or duplication, improving disease management and preventing potential adrenal crises. When used in pre‐pregnancy genetic testing, LRS can indicate high genetic risk and guide the appropriate therapy during pregnancy and immediately after birth.
Design of a Bandpass Continuous Class‐F Filtering Power Amplifier Based on a Terminated Coupled Lines Structure
Authors: Wang Chenlu , Zhang Zhiwei , Zhang Luyu , Gu Chao
Published: November 2024

This paper presents a filtered power amplifier (PA) based on the continuous class‐F mode. This broadband filtering PA employs a terminated coupled line structure, which consists of coupled line segments and four terminations loaded on them for obtaining high efficiency over a wide frequency band. Also, a detailed theoretical analysis and calculation of the proposed termination coupling line structure is given. The filter plays the role of filtering and impedance matching simultaneously, and thus high‐order harmonics of the filtering PA are suppressed. For verification, the proposed PA is designed, fabricated, and measured. The measurement results show that a drain efficiency of 60.5%–69.8%, a gain of more than 10 dB, and an output power of 40.2–42.4 dBm are achieved in the target frequency band.
A Soft–Soft Nanocomposite Approach for Design of Water‐Borne Acrylic Surface Coatings
Authors: Eaves Elizabeth M. , Lovell Peter A.
Published: November 2024

Poly[(n‐butyl methacrylate)‐co‐(n‐butyl acrylate)]‐based core‐shell latexes are prepared by emulsion polymerization with a shell copolymer glass transition temperature (Tg) of 5 °C, but differences in core copolymer wt.% (4–90) and Tg (5–25 °C), and in wt.% of diacetone acrylamide (DAAM) in the shell copolymer, which facilitates crosslinking in the percolating phase of films through addition of adipic acid dihydrazide. Analysis of samples removed from reactions, together with analysis of film cross‐sections by atomic force microscopy (AFM), confirms the core‐shell particle structures and honeycomb morphologies in films, with simultaneous AFM and infrared spectroscopy showing the distribution of hydrazone crosslinks. Increasing wt.% DAAM (i.e., degree of crosslinking) in the percolating phase shifts film tensile stress–strain curves towards higher stresses and lower extensions at break. For core and shell copolymer Tgs of 5 °C there is a small effect of core wt.%. At 70 and 80 wt.% core, increasing core copolymer Tg also shifts the curves towards higher stresses and lower extensions at break. Thus by combining effects of core copolymer wt.% and Tg with effects of wt.% DAAM in the shell through the soft–soft nanocomposite approach, it is possible to achieve a wide range of tensile deformation behavior in films that have quite similar overall copolymer compositions.
Adaptive FEM‐SPIM Coupling for Phase‐Field Modeling of Fracture
Authors: Novelli Larissa , Pitangueira Roque Luiz da Silva , Gori Lapo
Published: November 2024

This article proposes an adaptive coupling strategy between the standard FEM and smoothed point interpolation methods (SPIMs) for the solution of phase‐field fracture problems, where the SPIM discretization is used to model the fracture propagation regions. Adaptive strategies are an important tool for problems that demand highly refined meshes in localized regions, such as in phase‐field problems. In the proposed strategy, the problem is initially discretized with a coarse FEM mesh, that is automatically replaced and refined by an SPIM discretization when and where fracture occurs. Five different benchmark tests are presented to illustrate the robustness of the proposed strategy. Brittle and quasi‐brittle problems are simulated and evaluated in terms of phase‐field contour plots and load‐displacement paths, showing good agreement with literature results and with results obtained with previously refined FEM models. The numerical simulations consider different criteria for the identification of the regions where the discretization replacement and refinement must occur, different sizes of the substitution regions, and different SPIM strategies. The proposed strategy relies on three properties of the meshfree strategy: (i) the reduced connectivity that ease the adaptive refinement, (ii) the presence of the Kronecker‐delta property, that makes the coupling with the FEM mesh straightforward, and (iii) the presence of nonpolynomial approximation functions, that provide a better approximation of the phase‐field profile. As illustrated by the simulations, this new strategy results in computational times that are comparable with the ones of a previously refined FEM mesh, without requiring an a priori knowledge of the replacement regions.
Plasma‐Assisted Material Preparation Strategies and Property Optimization
Authors: Heng Yaping , Yu Lei , Chen Yanrong , Chen Xianwei , Wang Wenlu
Published: November 2024

In this article, the preparation strategies of plasma‐assisted materials and their applications in many kinds of materials and their performance optimization are reviewed. The concept, classification, and unique advantages of plasma in the field of materials science are introduced. Its application in metal‐based materials (including metal nanomaterials and catalysts), organic–inorganic composites (such as metal‐organic frameworks and quantum dots), 2D materials, and derived materials (such as graphene, boron nitride, and diamond), including improving material properties, realizing one‐step synthesis, adjusting structure and function, etc. The future development of this field is also prospected.
Beyond the Fragility Index
Authors: Quatto Piero , Ripamonti Enrico , Marasini Donata
Published: November 2024

The results of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) are frequently assessed with the fragility index (FI). Although the information provided by FI may supplement the p value, this indicator presents intrinsic weaknesses and shortcomings. In this article, we establish an analysis of fragility within a broader framework so that it can reliably complement the information provided by the p value. This perspective is named the analysis of strength. We first propose a new strength index (SI), which can be adopted in normal distribution settings. This measure can be obtained for both significance and nonsignificance and is straightforward to calculate, thus presenting compelling advantages over FI, starting from the presence of a threshold. The case of time‐to‐event outcomes is also addressed. Then, beyond the p value, we develop the analysis of strength using likelihood ratios from Royall's statistical evidence viewpoint. A new R package is provided for performing strength calculations, and a simulation study is conducted to explore the behavior of SI and the likelihood‐based indicator empirically across different settings. The newly proposed analysis of strength is applied in the assessment of the results of three recent trials involving the treatment of COVID‐19.
Thoracic splenosis: Precision medicine can prevent thoracic surgery
Authors: Harb Nathan , Fattore Julia , Saththianathan Mayuran , Parsons Stephen
Published: November 2024

Thoracic splenosis is a rare condition referring to the auto‐transplantation of splenic tissue into the thoracic cavity following splenic trauma. We present a case of thoracic splenosis in a 62‐year‐old man who at the age of 17 suffered three gunshot wounds to the posterior thorax and abdomen, requiring a splenectomy and intercostal catheter insertion. In 2007, he underwent a thoracotomy and biopsy of a left sided pulmonary mass which was complicated by a haemothorax requiring an emergent return to theatre and rib resection to achieve haemostasis. The biopsy revealed granulation tissue. In 2023, Technetium‐99m (Tc‐99m) heat‐damaged erythrocyte scintigraphy confirmed the diagnosis of thoracic splenosis. This case highlights the importance of recognizing this uncommon condition to prevent unnecessary investigation, as well as the use of Tc‐99m heat‐damaged erythrocyte scintigraphy to confirm the diagnosis.
Electrochemical Exfoliation of Large Antioxidative MXene Flakes for Polymeric Fire Safety
Authors: Wang Dong , Shi Shuo , Luo Qiaoling , Su Yupei , Ren Yuhao , Zhang Jichao , Lei Leqi , Shi Yongqian , Fan Lishan , Hu Jinlian , Fu Shaohai
Published: November 2024

Large‐size MXene flakes have drawn growing attention due to their fascinating properties, which inevitably suffer from the low yield and weak oxidation resistance. Herein, an electrochemical exfoliation approach is proposed to achieve a high recording yield of 87% for preparing large antioxidative MXene flakes with an average lateral size of 8.3 µm, which combines the etching, electrolyte intercalation, interlay expansion, and short‐time sonication. Moreover, the MXene flakes can keep stable for over three months in the presence of water and oxygen, and even have good stability over 500 °C under an air atmosphere, ascribed to the protection of the surface electrolyte layer. Combined with bacterial cellulose, the MXene can serve as an intelligent resistance‐type sensor for contact/non‐contact fire alarm, and further integrate with IoT for remote fire detection and warning within 1 s. In addition, the MXene significantly improves the flame‐retardant properties of indoor textiles and household materials, owing to the large thermostable 2D barriers to restrain heat and mass transfer. This work establishes an innovative and efficient method to prepare the large antioxidative MXene flakes in high yield for practical usage and extends its application to polymeric fire safety.
Life Gain: Using a Co-creation Approach to Developing the Socio-emotional Intelligence of a Foundation Year Student Cohort
Authors: Devis-Rozental Camila , O’Sullivan Helen , Polkinghorne Martyn , Clarke Susanne
Published: November 2024

This chapter considers the transition of students from school to higher education, and the role that a Foundation Year can play in smoothing this change. Specifically, it reports on the development of the socio-emotional intelligence of students during this period, and questions if this better prepares them for undertaking a degree course. Using a co-creation approach, data relating to the socio-emotional intelligence of a small pilot cohort of business studies students studying were collected at the start of their Foundation Year, and again at the end, using a questionnaire survey. The data collected were based upon the students’ own self-reflections. A comparison of the data from this longitudinal study revealed the areas of personal growth that some students reported. Overall, the findings of the research were positive, and this pilot has demonstrated that this is a possible co-creation method for enhancing the socio-emotional development of Foundation Year students.
Interlude: A Look Around
Authors: Herbst Gernot , Madonski Rafal
Published: November 2024

Equipped with an essential understanding of ADRC, one could confidently move to the second part of the book, which deals with its practical implementation. But for those wishing to get a wider look at the topic of ADRC and get a bit more context than what has been provided in the book so far, we use this chapter to take a quick pause and look around. Here we recall what we covered so far in the first part, put things in historical perspective, and provide relevant bibliographical support. We also briefly touch on some of the topics in the area of ADRC, which, although interesting and horizon-broadening, go beyond the scope of this book, which is focused on fundamentals. Finally, we discuss what is to come in Part II.
Novel two component dark matter features in the Z2 × Z2 3HDM
Authors: Boto Rafael , Figueiredo Pedro N. , Romão Jorge C. , Silva João P.
Published: November 2024

Abstract

We discuss the constraints and phenomenology of the ℤ2 × ℤ2 three Higgs doublet model (3HDM) with two inert scalars, originating two dark matter (DM) particles. We elucidate the competing vacua and we submit the model to all theoretical and current experimental constraints. We find unexplored regions of parameter space and investigate their experimental signatures. In particular, we find regions where the two DM particles contribute equally to the relic DM density.
Field redefinitions and evolutions in relativistic Navier-Stokes
Authors: Bea Yago , Figueras Pau
Published: November 2024

Abstract

In recent years the equations of relativistic first-order viscous hydrodynamics, that is, the relativistic version of Navier-Stokes, have been shown to be well posed and causal under appropriate field redefinitions, also known as hydrodynamic frames. We perform real-time evolutions of these equations for a conformal fluid and explore, quantitatively, the consequences of using different causal frames for different sets of initial data. By defining specific criteria, we make precise and provide evidence for the statement that the arbitrarily chosen frame does not affect the physics up to first order, as long as the system is in the effective field theory regime. Motivated by the physics of the quark-gluon plasma created in heavy-ion collisions we also explore systems which are marginally in the effective field theory regime, finding that even under these circumstances the first order physics is robust under field redefinitions.
Unitarization of electron scattering with an external potential at NLO in QED
Authors: Oller J. A. , Peláez Marcela
Published: November 2024

Abstract

We have calculated the one-loop scattering amplitude of an electron by an external Coulomb potential in QED free of infrared divergences. This feature is achieved by applying the Faddeev-Kulish formalism, which implies a redefinition of both the asymptotic electronic states and of the S matrix. Additionally, we have also derived the infrared-finite one-loop partial-wave amplitudes for this process by applying a recent method in the literature. Next, these partial-wave amplitudes are unitarized based on analyticity and unitarity by employing three different methods of unitarization: the algebraic N/D method, the Inverse Amplitude Method and the first-iterated N/D method. Then, we have studied several partial waves both for physical momentum and for complex ones to look for bound-state poles. The binding momentum for the fundamental bound state in S wave is discussed with special detail. This is a wide-ranging method for calculating nonperturbative partial-wave amplitudes for infinite-range interactions that could be applied to many other systems.
New ester-type chemical bonding wood adhesion with a dicarboxylic acid compound
Authors: Ando Daisuke , Umemura Kenji , Yamauchi Hidefumi
Published: November 2024

Wood adhesion is one of the fundamental joint technologies for wood-based materials. We focused on an unprecedented chemical bonding wood adhesion. With the final goal of water-resistant wood adhesion using dicarboxylic acid compounds with straight alkyl chains, this study clarified the difference of adhesiveness between glutaric acid (GA) and citric acid (CA) to explore the direct effects of chemical bonding type adhesion on physical properties. In the prepared wood-based moldings, the structural analysis with 2D-NMR of the interphase between GA or CA and wood surfaces revealed that GA adhesion is cleaner and more reactive than CA adhesion, without any side reactions. GA reacted with the wood powder surface. In addition, the water resistance treatments of the GA-type wood-based molding showed a thickness reversibility that is not observed with CA-adhesion. The results indicate that GA-adhesion is very likely a chemical bonding type of wood adhesion, considering the molding process under high temperature and pressure conditions. The physical properties of the molding were evaluated to determine the adhesion properties. GA-type wood-based molding was tougher and more water-resistant than CA-type wood-based molding. The physical properties were attributed to the side-chain structure of GA. The results indicate that dicarboxylic acid compounds could be superior wood adhesives, and other dicarboxylic acids could be used for wood adhesion and the expression of material properties owing to their various side chain structures. Furthermore, the material properties could be controlled by considering the chemical structure of adhesive compounds in the future.
Integrated planning in hospitals: a review
Authors: Rachuba Sebastian , Reuter-Oppermann Melanie , Thielen Clemens
Published: November 2024

Efficient planning of scarce resources in hospitals is a challenging task for which a large variety of Operations Research and Management Science approaches have been developed since the 1950s. While efficient planning of single resources such as operating rooms, beds, or specific types of staff can already lead to enormous efficiency gains, integrated planning of several resources has been shown to hold even greater potential, and a large number of integrated planning approaches have been presented in the literature over the past decades. This paper provides the first literature review that focuses specifically on the Operations Research and Management Science literature related to integrated planning of different resources in hospitals. We collect the relevant literature and analyze it regarding different aspects such as uncertainty modeling and the use of real-life data. Several cross comparisons reveal interesting insights concerning, e.g., relations between the modeling and solution methods used and the practical implementation of the approaches developed. Moreover, we provide a high-level taxonomy for classifying different resource-focused integration approaches and point out gaps in the literature as well as promising directions for future research.
Ein prozeduraler Ansatz zur Umsetzung von nicht-invasiven Pränataltests in der GKV: Lessons from England
Authors: Domenici Irene , Günther Christian
Published: November 2024

Die Kostenübernahme des nicht-invasiven Pränataltests (NIPT) durch die Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung
wird weiterhin diskutiert, da die Sorge besteht, dass der Test routinemäßig ohne medizinische
Relevanz angeboten wird. Am Beispiel des NIPT zeigt dieser Beitrag, wie ein prozedurales Modell nach englischem
Vorbild helfen kann, ethische Konflikte zu entschärfen und die Legitimität gesundheitspolitischer
Entscheidungen zu stärken. Im Hinblick auf die Entwicklungen in England zu Fragen des NIPT und des
Schwangerschaftsabbruchs werden insbesondere drei Aspekte der Diskussion analysiert: die Berücksichtigung
ethischer Fragen bei Erstattungsentscheidungen im öffentlichen Gesundheitssystem, das Aussenden eines
negativen Signals gegenüber bereits geborenen Menschen mit Behinderungen und die Sicherstellung umfassender,
nichtdirektiver medizinischer Beratung.
Empowering Young Writers: A Multimodal Case Study of Emergent Writing in Urban Preschool Classrooms
Authors: Mathew Katie A. , Lee Vera J. , Gentile Claudia , Hanna Casey , Montgomery Alene
Published: November 2024

With a view of children as social negotiators, this study explored how preschool children’s voices were nurtured through the implementation of an early-writing/applied phonics approach called Kid Writing (KW). The approach encouraged children to compose writing from their lives as they were guided by an adult who scaffolded the writing process. An analysis of classroom observations, focus groups, and children’s work samples revealed the extent to which preschool children’s voices, motivation, and writing capabilities were supported. Imperative to children’s success as writers in this study was the expansion of preschool teachers’ views of what counts as writing. By legitimizing the full developmental continuum of children’s early writing attempts, including scribbling, mark-making, drawing, and early letter formation, the results of this study documented what young children are capable of when they are empowered to self-express through their joy of writing. The findings disrupt the notion that preschool children are not ready to write. Rather, children’s overall literacy learning is supported by providing opportunities for preschoolers to write from their lived experiences.
Updated findings on temporal variation in radiation-effects on cancer mortality in an international cohort of nuclear workers (INWORKS)
Authors: Daniels Robert D. , Bertke Stephen J. , Kelly-Reif Kaitlin , Richardson David B. , Haylock Richard , Laurier Dominique , Leuraud Klervi , Moissonnier Monika , Thierry-Chef Isabelle , Kesminiene Ausrele , Schubauer-Berigan Mary K.
Published: November 2024

The International Nuclear Workers Study (INWORKS) contributes knowledge on the dose-response association between predominantly low dose, low dose rate occupational exposures to penetrating forms of ionizing radiation and cause-specific mortality. By extending follow-up of 309,932 radiation workers from France (1968–2014), the United Kingdom (1955–2012), and the United States (1944–2016) we increased support for analyses of temporal variation in radiation-cancer mortality associations. Here, we examine whether age at exposure, time since exposure, or attained age separately modify associations between radiation and mortality from all solid cancers, solid cancers excluding lung cancer, lung cancer, and lymphohematopoietic cancers. Multivariable Poisson regression was used to fit general relative rate models that describe modification of the linear excess relative rate per unit organ absorbed dose. Given indication of greater risk per unit dose for solid cancer mortality among workers hired in more recent calendar years, sensitivity analyses considering the impact of year of hire on results were performed. Findings were reasonably compatible with those from previous pooled and country-specific analyses within INWORKS showing temporal patterns of effect measure modification that varied among cancers, with evidence of persistent radiation-associated excess cancer risk decades after exposure, although statistically significant temporal modification of the radiation effect was not observed. Analyses stratified by hire period (< 1958, 1958+) showed temporal patterns that varied; however, these analyses did not suggest that this was due to differences in distribution of these effect measure modifiers by hire year.
Applying bayesian data analysis for causal inference about requirements quality: a controlled experiment
Authors: Frattini Julian , Fucci Davide , Torkar Richard , Montgomery Lloyd , Unterkalmsteiner Michael , Fischbach Jannik , Mendez Daniel
Published: November 2024

It is commonly accepted that the quality of requirements specifications impacts subsequent software engineering activities. However, we still lack empirical evidence to support organizations in deciding whether their requirements are good enough or impede subsequent activities. We aim to contribute empirical evidence to the effect that requirements quality defects have on a software engineering activity that depends on this requirement. We conduct a controlled experiment in which 25 participants from industry and university generate domain models from four natural language requirements containing different quality defects. We evaluate the resulting models using both frequentist and Bayesian data analysis. Contrary to our expectations, our results show that the use of passive voice only has a minor impact on the resulting domain models. The use of ambiguous pronouns, however, shows a strong effect on various properties of the resulting domain models. Most notably, ambiguous pronouns lead to incorrect associations in domain models. Despite being equally advised against by literature and frequentist methods, the Bayesian data analysis shows that the two investigated quality defects have vastly different impacts on software engineering activities and, hence, deserve different levels of attention. Our employed method can be further utilized by researchers to improve reliable, detailed empirical evidence on requirements quality.
The role of neighbours in aggressive defence of territories in mixed-species breeding aggregations of cichlid fish
Authors: Lehtonen Topi K. , Helanterä Heikki
Published: November 2024

While territorial aggression is a prerequisite for reproduction in many animals, individuals need to balance its benefits against the costs. Territorial neighbours can influence these costs and benefits, yet their role is often poorly understood, especially in neighbourhoods with heterospecifics. To address this topic, we assessed both the overall (i.e. neighbourhood-level) and species-level aggression towards an intruder in naturally formed mixed-species neighbourhoods of Nicaraguan cichlid fish. We found that while the territories were tightly packed and territory holders were likely to benefit from neighbours that are aggressive towards intruders, the burden of intruder repellence fell mainly to the territory owners closest to the intruder. Moreover, the overall aggression did not markedly increase with the number of territories, further indicating that the investment by most territory holders decreased with territory density. While some species appeared better neighbours than others in terms of their contribution to the neighbourhood-level defensive aggression, the patterns of species co-occurrence did not reveal significant species pair-specific associations. Overall, these results are consistent with the selfish herd theory and suggest that territory defence against intruders can impact the composition of the local community.
Synchrony of algal blooms in neighbouring lakes: connectivity or territoriality
Authors: Tóth Viktor R.
Published: November 2024

The biological synchrony of neighbouring lakes in Central Europe was evaluated by analysing the concurrent time series of algal biomass variables using long-term (1999–2019) satellite (Landsat 7) derived chlorophyll-index data. The synchrony between the hydrologically connected and disconnected lakes was estimated and compared. Although the hydrologically connected lakes showed a low but significant synchrony (0.21 ± 0.07), the synchrony of phytoplankton phenological events in two hydrologically separated lakes was higher (0.50 ± 0.07). All data indicated a robust spatial correlation: the closer the compared lake regions were to each other, the higher the degree of similarity was. These data suggest that hydrological connectivity between lakes is not necessary and that the geological, geomorphological and mesoclimatic characteristics of the region may have a greater influence on the occurrence of biological processes in the lakes. Proximity of the lakes studied suggests that large-scale, integrating factors affecting all three studied lakes override the idiosyncrasies of these lakes, and therefore clustered management of neighbouring lakes may be useful to consider.
Maximum likelihood estimation of normal-gamma and normal-Nakagami stochastic frontier models
Authors: Stead Alexander D.
Published: November 2024

The gamma and Nakagami distributions have an advantage over other proposed flexible inefficiency distributions in that they can accommodate not only non-zero modes, but also cases in which many firms lie arbitrarily close to the frontier. We propose a normal-Nakagami stochastic frontier model, which provides a generalisation of the normal-half normal that is more flexible than the familiar normal-truncated normal. The normal-gamma model has already attracted much attention, but estimation and efficiency prediction have relied on approximation methods. We derive exact expressions for likelihoods and efficiency predictors, and demonstrate direct maximum likelihood estimation of both models. Across three empirical applications, we show that the models avoid a convergence issue that affects the normal-truncated normal model, and can accommodate a concentration of observations near the frontier similar to zero-inefficiency stochastic frontier models. We provide Python implementations via the package.
Promising stabs in the Dark: theory virtues and pursuit-worthiness in the Dark Energy problem
Authors: Wolf William J. , Duerr Patrick M.
Published: November 2024

This paper argues that we ought to conceive of the Dark Energy problem—the question of how to account for observational data, naturally interpreted as accelerated expansion of the universe—as a crisis of underdetermined pursuit-worthiness. Not only are the various approaches to the Dark Energy problem evidentially underdetermined; at present, no compelling reasons single out any of them as more likely to be true than the other. More vexingly for working scientists, none of the approaches stands out as uncontroversially preferable over its rivals in terms of its rationally warranted promise, i.e. the reasons to further work on, explore, and develop it. We demonstrate this claim by applying a Peircean economic model of pursuit-worthiness in terms of a cognitive cost/benefit estimate—with the instantiation of theory virtues as key indicators of cognitive gains—to the four main Dark Energy proposals (the cosmological constant approach, modified gravity, quintessence, and inhomogeneous cosmologies). According to our analysis, these approaches do not admit of an unambiguous, or uncontroversial, ranking with respect to which ansatz deserves distinguished attention and research efforts. The overall methodological counsel that our analysis underwrites recommends a pragmatic double research strategy forward: to encourage and foster theory pluralism and the search for tests—with the goal of enhancing the testability of the
$$\Lambda $$
CDM model and “testing it to destruction".
Atrial Fibrillation in Heart Failure: Novel Insights, Challenges, and Treatment Opportunities
Authors: Bidaoui Ghassan , Assaf Ala’ , Marrouche Nassir
Published: November 2024

Purpose of Review

Atrial fibrillation and heart failure frequently co-exist. This review discusses the comorbidity of atrial fibrillation and heart failure, the bi-directional link between them, and the recent advances in the management of these co-existing diseases.

Recent Findings

Catheter ablation received a class 1 A recommendation for patients with AF and HF, after overwhelming evidence in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction and end-stage heart failure, while clinical trials are still lacking in patients with preserved ejection. Guideline-medical therapy of heart failure decreases the incidence of atrial fibrillation and the progression of atrial myopathy.

Based on the current evidence, management of patients with both HF and AF should be include early optimization of comorbidity control, guideline-medical therapy for heart failure, and rhythm control preferentially through catheter ablation in properly selected patients.
Wie CYPs Medikamente verarbeiten: Einblicke durch innovative Labortechniken
Authors: Ramm Franziska , Schulz Christian , Walter Ruben M. , Zemella Anne
Published: November 2024

Cytochrome-P450 enzymes (CYPs) represent a major class of enzymes responsible for the metabolism of xenobiotic substances. To assess the role of CYPs in drug metabolism, model systems such as liver cells are used but they harbor a variety of CYPs. Mono-CYP systems were established with a defined CYP activity to study the underlying mechanisms. We utilize a Mono-CYP system based with cell-free protein synthesis. We have shown that this combination enhances the understanding of CYP reactions.
Nanobodies – effektive Immunwaffen gegen Krebs
Authors: Knauer Shirley , Blüggel Mike
Published: November 2024

Recently, we attached a nanobody targeting the cancer-relevant protein Survivin to ultrasmall gold nanoparticles. This enabled intracellular uptake, Survivin crosslinking, and interference with cancer cell mitosis. Coupling nanobodies to nanosized scaffolds is universally applicable to improve the function and therapeutic potential of nanobodies in general. Currently, we are developing novel inhibitory nanobodies against Survivin as well as the oncologically relevant Protease Taspase 1.
Die Auswirkung zweier Mikrobiota-Bakterien auf das C. elegans-Proteom
Authors: Pees Barbara , Dierking Katja
Published: November 2024

Although Chaenorhabditis elegans has been extensively used as a model organism in the laboratory, we know almost nothing about its interaction with naturally associated microbes. Using proteomics, we studied the C. elegans response to two natural Pseudomonas symbionts that protect the roundworms against pathogens. The host response is manifold, involving proteomic changes related to metabolism, pathogen defense, and cell structure, laying the groundwork for exploring mechanisms of microbiota-mediated protection.
Absolute Proteinquantifizierung erlaubt Einblicke in den Proteintransport
Authors: Maaß Sandra
Published: November 2024

With the help of methodological adaptations and suitable protein standards, mass spectrometry can determine the number of protein molecules per cell. This article describes recent developments in absolute protein quantification extending the method to analytically challenging proteins from the cell membrane or the extracellular medium. Finally, the integration of such data leads to information on the speed of protein transport and thus provides new insights into bacterial cell physiology.
ReLo: Analyse direkter Protein-Protein-Interaktionen durch Relokalisation
Authors: Miederer Levi , Jeske Mandy
Published: November 2024

We have developed a cell-based relocalization (ReLo) assay for the detection of direct protein-protein interactions. In the assay, one protein is anchored to a membrane, causing the other protein to relocalize upon interaction. The assay can be used to study the influence of protein domains, post-translational modifications, protein conformations, and effector molecules on interactions. The ReLo assay requires plasmid transfection and fluorescence microscopy and can handle structurally complex proteins.
Dietary transitions in Indonesia: the case of urban, rural, and forested areas
Authors: Nurhasan Mulia , Ariesta Desy Leo , Utami Mia Mustika Hutria , Fahim Mochamad , Aprillyana Nia , Maulana Agus Muhamad , Ickowitz Amy
Published: November 2024

This study examines food consumption patterns in Indonesia across urban, rural, and forested areas with varying levels of tree cover loss (TCL). Using household food consumption data from the National Socio-economic Survey in 2008 and 2017, and data from the Global Forest Watch website, we identify differences in food consumption patterns in urban, rural, and forested areas with high and low TCL. The results indicate a dietary transition is occurring in Indonesia, characterized by increased consumption of wheat, chicken, fish, sugar-sweetened beverages, processed, ultra-processed, and ready-to-eat foods, and a decline in the consumption of green leafy vegetables and fresh legumes across all area categories. Diet quality is declining in all area categories, however, urban areas showed the most accelerated decline, with declining dietary diversity, decreasing consumption of healthy foods, while increasing consumption of less healthy foods and the highest consumption of ultra-processed foods. Furthermore, foods consumed more in urban (vs. rural) and high-TCL (vs. low-TCL) areas, such as wheat, broiler chicken, dairy, and packaged foods, are associated with modern diets and sourced from farther away, indicating accelerated modernization and delocalization of diets. Conversely, foods consumed more in rural and low-TCL areas, such as traditional staple foods, free-range eggs, and dark green leafy vegetables, are considered more locally sourced and traditional. We conclude that dietary transitions occur across all regions, but the modernization of diets is more accelerated in urban and high-TCL areas. Given the mixed health consequences of modern diets, policies should anticipate negative impacts while preserving positive aspects.
Use of Carica papaya waste as bio-adsorbent for sewage wastewater treatment
Authors: Nady Doaa Sayed , Abdel-Halim Sally , Hegazy Mohamed-Elamir F. , El-Desouky Mohamed A. , Hanna Demiana H.
Published: November 2024

A large amount of wastewater is generated, with the rapid increase in the human population, industrialization, and agricultural development, that leads to a decrease in freshwater amount at an alarming rate. Hence, the current research aims to investigate the effect of the mark of natural bio-sorbent on the improvement of the physicochemical properties of sewage wastewater. The obtained powder was characterized by a Fourier transmission infrared spectrophotometer (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), and zeta potential. The batch adsorption process was carried out to study the effect of adsorbent dose (0.25–1.5 g/mL) and contact time (0–180 min) at a constant temperature of 23 ± 2 °C and a stirring speed of 150 rpm. After treatment with the obtained powder, the physicochemical properties of wastewater were significantly improved, and 77, 79.2, 95, 37.4, 50, and 38.1% reductions of COD, BOD, TSS, TDS, TN, and TP were reached, respectively, at an adsorbent dose of 0.5 g/500 mL and contact time of 180 min. The adsorption equilibrium data were examined, and the adsorption data was well represented by the Langmuir isotherm model, and the most appropriate kinetic model was pseudo-second order. The current research proves that Carica papaya seeds are considered a potential recyclable adsorbent to improve the physicochemical properties of wastewater.
A Multicenter Randomized Double-Blind Vehicle-Controlled Parallel Group Phase 2 Study Evaluating the Efficacy and Safety of GN-037 Cream in Patients with Mild-to-Moderate Plaque Psoriasis
Authors: Engin Burhan , Güler Özden Müge , Karstarlı Bakay Özge Sevil , Kartal Selda Pelin , Zindancı İlkin , Çınar Salih Levent , Dursun Recep , Pehlivan Ulutaş Gizem , Özkök Akbulut Tuğba Özkök , Hapa Fatma Aslı , Bülbül Başkan Emel , Melikoğlu Mehmet , Polat Ekinci Algün , Demirel Öğüt Neslihan , Hızlı Pelin , Türkoğlu Zafer , Küçük Özlem Su , Topkarcı Zeynep , Türsen Ümit , Canpolat Filiz , Uçgun Hanife , Yaşar Şirin , Temiz Selami Aykut , Doğramacı Asena Çiğdem , Altuğ Sedat , Kozlu Serhat , Ulu Nadir , Serdaroğlu Server
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Topical therapies are used in almost all patients with psoriasis. A novel fixed topical combination cream (GN-037) with a lower concentration (0.0356%) of clobetasol 17-propionate (CP) was developed together with urea, salicylic acid, and retinoic acid to provide a better benefit–risk ratio. The present multicenter randomized double-blind vehicle-controlled parallel group phase 2 study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of GN-037 in patients with mild-to-moderate plaque psoriasis (MMPP).

Methods

Patients (n = 190) were randomized (2:2:1) to receive GN-037 or CP or vehicle (V) cream twice daily to a selected target body lesion for 4 weeks. The primary endpoint was treatment success defined as percentage of patients with at least two-grade improvement in Investigator’s Global Assessment Score (IGA) and IGA score equal to 0 or 1 evaluated at weeks 2, 4, 6, and 8 in each arm compared with baseline. Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) and safety were evaluated throughout the study.

Results

GN-037 demonstrated statistically significant superiority over V throughout the study. At week 4, treatment success was achieved in 37.9% of patients in the GN-037 arm compared with 29.2% and 9.1% in the CP and V arms, respectively. At least two-grade improvement compared with baseline was achieved by 57.6%, 72.7%, and 80.3% of the patients in the GN-037 arm for erythema, plaque elevation, and scaling, respectively. The mean changes in affected BSA were −2.1 ± 2.9, −1.8 ± 2.4, and −0.5 ± 1.6 in the GN-037, CP, and V arms, respectively. The TEAEs were similar among the arms and the most frequently observed TEAEs were Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) increase in all arms.

Conclusions

GN-037 was more effective than V in achieving primary and all secondary endpoints throughout the study. Safety data did not reveal any new safety concerns with the combination cream product. Therefore, 4 weeks of GN-037 treatment demonstrated an excellent efficacy and safety profile in patients with MMPP.

Trial Registration number

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT05706870.