bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diversifying corn production systems with living mulches in the southeastern United States
Authors: Quinby Marcia P. , Nave Renata L. G. , Hill Nicholas S. , Boyer Chris N. , Sykes Virginia R. , Bates Gary E. , Levi Matthew R.
Published: January 2023

Living mulch (LM) production systems are gaining traction as an alternative to the use of annual cover crops in the southeastern United States, warranting research on the viability and functionality of this system. Our objective was to evaluate the benefits of LM in corn silage and grain production and to evaluate the potential of LM grazing during the corn (Zea Mays L.) growing season. The experiment was conducted in Spring Hill, TN in 2020 and 2021 and consisted of two mulch species, white clover (WC) (Trifolium repens L.) and a mixture of crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.) and cereal rye (CCCR) (Secale cereale L.). Cull cows were used for the grazing periods (4 weeks before planting and after the harvest of corn). The study evaluated the botanical composition, mulch mass, nutritive value, corn silage and grain production, and cow average daily weight gain (ADG). The WC treatment had a greater weed control than CCCR. In 2020, when differences in mulch mass were observed, CCCR had greater mass than WC mass due to the weed presence. Meanwhile, in 2021, the mulch mass did not differ between WC and CCCR, with both treatments showing less mass in spring and early summer. Grain production was 30% less than silage in 2020 and 90% less in 2021. The ADG was only observed for WC (0.5 kg−1) paddocks. It was concluded that WC as LM has greater corn production than CCCR treatments. The LM for grazing is a beneficial strategy if feeding costs are greater than $2.22 head day−1.
Delayed harvest time affects strength and color parameters in cotton fibers
Authors: Scarpin Gonzalo J. , Cereijo Antonela E. , Dileo Pablo N. , Winkler Horacio H. Martin , Muchut Robertino J. , Lorenzini Fernando G. , Roeschlin Roxana A. , Paytas Marcelo
Published: January 2023

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is the most widely used natural fiber worldwide in the textile industry; thus, maintaining or even improving fiber quality is essential to produce the best quality yarn and uniform fabrics. Final fiber quality properties are determined not only by genotypes or environmental conditions during crop development but can also be affected by other postmaturity factors, such as harvesting and ginning methods, and harvest time (HT). The aim of this study is to associate the different environmental factors that affect specific lint quality traits produced by a delay in HT, also assessing cultivar effect. This field study included four cotton cultivars evaluated at seven different HTs (manual harvested) for different quality parameters. Results indicate that prolonged exposure of cotton fiber to the environment affects lint percentage (LP), strength (Str), reflectance (Rd), and yellowness (+b). Str showed a decrease of 0.02 g tex−1 day−1 from defoliant application, whereas LP, Rd, and +b presented different rates according to the season. No differences were obtained neither for length nor for fineness and maturity (micronaire) traits. In addition, the analysis of the results together with the climatic data recorded during the experiments indicated a negative correlation among Str, Rd, and +b with the number of rainy days, accumulated precipitation, and frost temperatures. Overall, this study establishes specific relationships between certain fiber characteristics and environmental conditions, being an important tool for crop management with regards to climate predictions that could help to make estimates of economic losses when the harvest is delayed.
Fewer hills with more seedlings improved lodging resistance of whole hill and yield stability of machine‐transplanted rice
Authors: Li Zhenzhen , Deng Fei , Zhu Li , Tang Lei , Zhou Tao , Lu Hui , Xia Haixiao , Zhong Xiaoyuan , Wang Li , Tao Youfeng , Zhou Wei , Lei Xiaolong , Chen Yong , Hu Jianfeng , Ren Wanjun
Published: January 2023

Lodging is a leading cause of yield loss in rice (Oryza sativa L.). To elucidate the effect of field configuration on lodging‐related traits at the single‐stem and whole hill levels, indica hybrid rice cultivars, Yixiangyou2115 and Shuyou217, were grown under traditional dense planting (30 × 12 cm row‐hill spacing) and under fewer hills with more seedlings (30 × 23 cm row‐hill spacing) in 2019 and 2020. The results show that there was no significant difference in single‐stem lodging index between fewer hills with more seedlings and traditional dense planting, as shown by the similarity in plant height, relative gravity center height, culm wall thickness, culm diameter, and breaking strength. However, compared with traditional dense planting, fewer hills with more seedlings significantly increased the anti‐thrust of whole plant and the ventilation rate between whole hills by 45.02%–117.36% and 58.18%–117.39%, respectively. This contributed to the marked improvement in the lodging resistance of whole rice hills, where plant inclination angle and apparent lodging rate were reduced by 41.75%–75.46% and 53.49%–63.33%, respectively. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in grain yield between the two configurations. These results indicate that the field configuration of fewer hills with more seedlings can improve the lodging resistance of whole hills while maintaining the grain yield of machine‐transplanted rice.
Stainless steel membrane distributor‐type dielectric barrier discharge plasma reactor for co‐conversion of CH4/CO2
Authors: Wang Xinrui , Guo Wei , Xu Shanshan , Chen Huanhao , Fan Xiaolei
Published: January 2023

Flow arrangement in a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma reactor is key to affecting multi‐component gas reactions. Herein, a stainless‐steel membrane distributor‐type DBD reactor was developed to allow the change of gas flow arrangements freely to understand their effect on plasma‐assisted CH4/CO2 co‐conversion to syngas. Variation of gas flow arrangements in the DBD reactor could regulate the reaction performance. Also, the inclusion of quartz wool in the DBD reactor could enhance the effect of gas flow arrangement compared to the plasma‐alone DBD. Especially, the DBD reactor with CO2 feed in the quartz wool‐packed discharge zone and CH4 distributed via the membrane exhibited good stability over 600 min on stream, with rather stable CO2/CH4 conversions of ~25%/20%, H2/CO selectivities of ~50%/32%, H2/CO molar ratio of 0.9–1.1, and energy efficiency of ~0.20 mmol·kJ−1 based on the conversion of feed gases.
A molecular kinetic model incorporating catalyst acidity for hydrocarbon catalytic cracking
Authors: Chen Zhengyu , Lyu Wenjin , Wang Ruipu , Li Yuming , Xu Chunming , Jiang Guiyuan , Zhang Linzhou
Published: January 2023

This work built a molecular‐level kinetic model for hydrocarbon catalytic cracking, incorporating the catalyst acidity as the parameter to estimate reaction rates. The n‐decane and 1‐hexene co‐conversion catalytic cracking process was chosen as the studying case. The molecular reaction network was automatically generated using a computer‐aided algorithm. A modified linear free energy relationship was proposed to estimate the activation energy in a complex reaction system. The kinetic parameters were initially regressed from the experimental data under several reaction conditions. On this basis, the product composition was evaluated for three catalytic cracking catalysts with different Si/Al. The Bronsted acid and Lewis acid as the key catalyst properties were correlated with kinetic parameters. The built model can calculate the product distribution, gasoline composition, and molecular distribution at different reaction conditions for different catalysts. This sensitive study shows that it will facilitate the model‐based optimization of catalysts and reaction conditions according to product demands.
Nonlinear model predictive control for dividing wall columns
Authors: Qian Xing , Lin Kuan‐Han , Jia Shengkun , Biegler Lorenz T. , Huang Kejin
Published: January 2023

Dividing wall columns (DWCs) are practical, effective, and promising among distillation process intensification technologies. Nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC) schemes are developed in this study to control the three‐product DWCs. As these systems are intensely interactive and highly nonlinear, NMPC may be more suitable than the traditional PI control. The model is established based on Python and Pyomo platforms. As the original mathematical model of the column section is ill‐posed, index reduction is used to avoid a high‐index differential‐algebraic equation (DAE) system. The well‐posed index‐1 system after index reduction is employed for the steady‐state simulation and dynamic control in this study. Case studies with three DWC configurations to separate the mixture of ethanol (A), n‐propanol (B), and n‐butanol (C) show that the NMPC performs very well with small maximum deviations and short settling times. This demonstrates that the NMPC is a feasible and very effective scheme to control three‐product DWCs.
1/f Noise in Synaptic Ferroelectric Tunnel Junction: Impact on Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Shin Wonjun , Min Kyung Kyu , Bae Jong-Ho , Kim Jaehyeon , Koo Ryun-Han , Kwon Dongseok , Kim Jae-Joon , Kwon Daewoong , Lee Jong-Ho
Published: January 2023

In recent years, neuromorphic computing has been rapidly developed to overcome the limitations of von Neumann architecture. In this regard, the demand for high‐performance synaptic devices with high switching speeds, low power consumption, and multilevel conductance is increasing. Among the various synaptic devices, ferroelectric tunnel junctions (FTJs) are promising candidates. While previous studies have focused on improving reliability of FTJs to enhance the synaptic behavior, low‐frequency noise (LFN) of FTJs has not been characterized and its impact on the learning accuracy in neuromorphic computing remains unknown. Herein, the LFN characteristics of FTJs fabricated on n‐ and p‐type Si along with the impact of 1/f noise on the learning accuracy of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) are investigated. The results indicate that the FTJ on p‐type Si exhibits a far lower 1/f noise than that on n‐type Si. The FTJ on p‐type Si exhibits a significantly higher learning accuracy (86.26%) than that on n‐type Si (78.70%) owing to its low‐noise properties. This study provides valuable insights into the LFN characteristics of FTJs and a solution to improve the performance of synaptic devices by significantly reducing the 1/f noise.
Quality of life and symptoms among patients with relapsed/refractory AL amyloidosis treated with ixazomib‐dexamethasone versus physician's choice
Authors: Sanchorawala Vaishali , Wechalekar Ashutosh D. , Kim Kihyun , Schönland Stefan O. , Landau Heather J. , Kwok Fiona , Suzuki Kenshi , Dispenzieri Angela , Merlini Giampaolo , Comenzo Raymond L. , Cherepanov Dasha , Hayden Vanessa C. , Kumar Arun , Labotka Richard , Faller Douglas V. , Kastritis Efstathios
Published: January 2023

Patient‐reported outcomes in AL amyloidosis have not been well‐studied. We analyzed health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) and AL amyloidosis symptoms data from the phase 3 TOURMALINE‐AL1 trial (NCT01659658) (ixazomib‐dexamethasone, n = 85; physician's choice of chemotherapy [PC], n = 83). HRQOL and symptom burden were measured with the SF‐36v2, Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy/Gynecologic Oncology Group Neurotoxicity subscale (FACT/GOG‐Ntx), and an amyloidosis symptom questionnaire (ASQ). Score changes during treatment were analyzed descriptively and using repeated‐measures linear mixed models; analyses were not adjusted for multiplicity. Least‐squares (LS) mean changes from baseline were significantly higher (better HRQOL) for ixazomib‐dexamethasone at several cycles for SF‐36v2 Role Physical and Vitality subscales (p < .05); no subscales demonstrated significant differences favoring PC. For FACT/GOG‐Ntx, small but significant differences in LS mean changes favored ixazomib‐dexamethasone over PC at multiple cycles for seven items and both summary scores; significant differences favored PC for one item (trouble hearing) at multiple cycles. ASQ total score trended downward (lower burden) in both arms; significant LS mean differences favored ixazomib‐dexamethasone over PC at some cycles (p < .05). Patients with relapsed/refractory AL amyloidosis treated with ixazomib‐dexamethasone experienced HRQOL and symptoms that were similar to or trended better than patients treated with PC despite longer duration of therapy.
The past, present, and future of child growth monitoring: A review and primer for clinical genetics
Authors: Shur Natasha , Tigranyan Annie , Daymont Carrie , Regier Debra S. , Raturi Sumant , Roshan Lal Tamanna , Cleary Kevin , Summar Marshall
Published: January 2023

Child growth measurements are critical vital signs to track, with every individual child growth curve potentially revealing a story about a child's health and well‐being. Simply put, every baby born requires basic building blocks to grow and thrive: proper nutrition, love and care, and medical health. To ensure that every child who is missing one of these vital aspects is identified, growth is traditionally measured at birth and each well‐child visit. While the blue and pink growth curves appear omnipresent in pediatric clinics, it is surprising to realize that their use only became standard of care in 1977 when the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) adopted the growth curve as a clinical tool for health. Behind this practice lies a socioeconomically, culturally, and politically complex interplay of individuals and institutions around the world. In this review, we highlight the often forgotten past, current state of practice, and future potential of this powerful clinical tool: the growth reference chart, with a particular focus on clinical genetics practice. The goal of this article is to understand ongoing work in the field of anthropometry (the scientific study of human measurements) and its direct impact on modern pediatric and genetic patient care.
Incorporation of concussion history as part of the LIfestyle for BRAin Health (LIBRA) modifiable factors risk score and associations with cognition in older former National Football League players
Authors: Brett Benjamin L. , Aggarwal Neelum T. , Chandran Avinash , Kerr Zachary Yukio , Walton Samuel R. , DeFreese J. D. , Guskiewicz Kevin M. , Echemendia Ruben J. , Meehan William P. , McCrea Michael A. , Mannix Rebekah
Published: January 2023

Objective

Investigate associations between the LIfestyle for BRAin Health (LIBRA) risk score with odds of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) diagnosis and cognitive function, incorporating concussion history.

Methods

Former National Football League (NFL) players (N = 1050; mean age = 64.8 ± 9.0‐years) completed initial testing for integration of concussion history into LIBRA scores (i.e., modified‐LIBRA) and completed the Brief Test of Adult Cognition by Telephone (BTACT). Modified‐LIBRA score (including concussion history) associations with odds of MCI and cognitive dysfunction were assessed via logistic and linear regression.

Results

The highest quartile LIBRA scores were six times more likely to have a diagnosis of MCI compared to the lowest quartile (OR = 6.27[3.61, 10.91], p < 0.001). Modified‐LIBRA scores significantly improved model fit for odds of MCI above original LIBRA scores (χ2(1) = 7.76, p = 0.005) and accounted for a greater fraction of variance in executive function (ΔR2 = 0.02, p = 0.003) and episodic memory (ΔR2 = 0.02, p = 0.002).

Conclusions

Modified‐LIBRA score, incorporating concussion history, may help monitoring risk status in former contact sport athletes, by targeting modifiable, lifestyle‐related risk factors.
Mit sichtbarem Licht geförderte schaltbare selektive Oxidationen von Styrol über kovalente Triazin‐Gerüste in Wasser
Authors: Ayed Cyrine , Yin Jie , Landfester Katharina , Zhang Kai. A. I.
Published: January 2023

Die Nutzung der photokatalytischen Oxidation zur Umwandlung von Basischemikalien in hochwertige Verbindungen in umweltfreundlichen Reaktionsmedien ist ein aktueller Schwerpunkt der katalytischen Forschung. Dabei besteht die Herausforderung darin, Kontrolle über die Selektivität der Produktbildung zu erlangen. In der hier vorgestellten Arbeit entwickeln wir kovalente Triazin‐Gerüste als heterogene, metallfreie und recycelbare Photokatalysatoren für die durch sichtbares Licht angetriebene selektive Oxidation von Styrol in reinem Wasser. Die Selektivität der Produktbildung wurde durch Aktivierung oder Deaktivierung der spezifischen photogenerierten Sauerstoffspezies erreicht. Unter Verwendung desselben Photokatalysators konnte Benzaldehyd durch Deaktivierung von photogeneriertem H2O2mit über 99 % Umsatz und über 99 % Selektivität als Einzelprodukt gewonnen werden. Die äußerst anspruchsvolle und empfindliche Epoxidierungsreaktion von Styrol wurde durch die Bildung von Peroxymonocarbonat als anfängliches Epoxidierungsmittel in Gegenwart von Bicarbonat durchgeführt, was zur Bildung von Styroloxid mit einer Selektivität von bis zu 76 % bei nahezu quantitativer Umsetzung führte. Diese Studie stellt ein vorläufiges, aber dennoch interessantes Beispiel für die einfache Kontrolle über schaltbare Selektivität der Produktbildung bei anspruchsvollen Oxidationsreaktionen von organischen Verbindungen in reinem Wasser dar.
Amplification of Lipid Peroxidation by Regulating Cell Membrane Unsaturation To Enhance Chemodynamic Therapy
Authors: Zhu Yang , Gong Peng , Wang Jun , Cheng Junjie , Wang Wenyu , Cai Huilan , Ao Rujiang , Huang Hongwei , Yu Meili , Lin Lisen , Chen Xiaoyuan
Published: January 2023

Lipid peroxidation (LPO) is one of the most damaging processes in chemodynamic therapy (CDT). Although it is well known that polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are much more susceptible than saturated or monounsaturated ones to LPO, there is no study exploring the effect of cell membrane unsaturation degree on CDT. Here, we report a self‐reinforcing CDT agent (denoted as OA@Fe‐SAC@EM NPs), consisting of oleanolic acid (OA)‐loaded iron single‐atom catalyst (Fe‐SAC)‐embedded hollow carbon nanospheres encapsulated by an erythrocyte membrane (EM), which promotes LPO to improve chemodynamic efficacy via modulating the degree of membrane unsaturation. Upon uptake of OA@Fe‐SAC@EM NPs by cancer cells, Fe‐SAC‐catalyzed conversion of endogenous hydrogen peroxide into hydroxyl radicals, in addition to initiating the chemodynamic therapeutic process, causes the dissociation of the EM shell and the ensuing release of OA that can enrich cellular membranes with PUFAs, enabling LPO amplification‐enhanced CDT.
Efficient adsorption of trinitrotoluene by isoxazoline‐based porous polymers prepared from room‐temperature stable bis(nitrile oxide)
Authors: Xu Yewei , Yang Chunyan , Deng Hongyang , Zhong Chi , He Peiyu , Zhang Tinghong , Sun Yi , Yuan Rui , Liang Shuen , Kang Biao , Chang Guanjun
Published: January 2023

A novel isoxazoline‐based porous adsorbent (PB‐TTNO) is prepared by click polymerization and freeze‐drying from a methyl‐containing bis(nitrile oxide) stable at room temperature. The introduction of four methyl groups around the nitrile oxide group reduces the activity of the bis(nitrile oxide) and make it react more mildly with polybutadiene, resulting in PB‐TTNO with a more uniform pore size. Meanwhile, the electron‐donating methyl groups further increase the π–π interaction between the polymer benzene ring and the TNT benzene ring. The π–π interaction enables one benzene ring in the polymer to interact with two TNT molecules to form a sandwich structure, which further improves the adsorption capacity. The synergistic effect of dual π–π interactions and dipole‐π interactions makes the maximum adsorption capacity of PB‐TTNO reach 235.3 mg g−1 within 12 h at 25°C. The factors such as pH value, adsorbent dosage, contact time, initial TNT concentration, and temperature are also discussed. The adsorption kinetics fit well with the pseudo‐second‐order model, and the Langmuir model exhibits better correlation for equilibrium data analysis. In addition, the adsorption data of PB‐TTNO in real water samples are similar to those in laboratory, and the maximum adsorption capacity decreases by only 15% after five adsorption–desorption cycles.
DNA release from plant tissue using focused ultrasound extraction (FUSE)
Authors: Stettinius Alexia , Holmes Hal , Zhang Qian , Mehochko Isabelle , Winters Misa , Hutchison Ruby , Maxwell Adam , Holliday Jason , Vlaisavljevich Eli
Published: January 2023

Premise

Sample preparation in genomics is a critical step that is often overlooked in molecular workflows and impacts the success of downstream genetic applications. This study explores the use of a recently developed focused ultrasound extraction (FUSE) technique to enable the rapid release of DNA from plant tissues for genetic analysis.

Methods

FUSE generates a dense acoustic cavitation bubble cloud that pulverizes targeted tissue into acellular debris. This technique was applied to leaf samples of American chestnut (Castanea dentata), tulip poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera), red maple (Acer rubrum), and chestnut oak (Quercus montana).

Results

We observed that FUSE can extract high quantities of DNA in 9–15 min, compared to the 30 min required for control DNA extraction methods. FUSE extracted DNA quantities of 24.33 ± 6.51 ng/mg and 35.32 ± 9.21 ng/mg from American chestnut and red maple, respectively, while control methods yielded 6.22 ± 0.87 ng/mg and 11.51 ± 1.95 ng/mg, respectively. The quality of the DNA released by FUSE allowed for successful amplification and next‐generation sequencing.

Discussion

These results indicate that FUSE can improve DNA extraction efficiency for leaf tissues. Continued development of this technology aims to adapt to field‐deployable systems to increase the cataloging of genetic biodiversity, particularly in low‐resource biodiversity hotspots.
Polarization‐Dependent Optical Forces Arising from Fano Interference
Authors: Zhang Yao , Li Tianyue , Wang Shuming , Wang Zhenlin , Zhu Shining
Published: January 2023

A Fano resonance originates from the resonant coupling between interacting multipoles inside nanostructures. It breaks the symmetry of spectral line shape and enables Fano‐resonant media to present unusual scattering properties. However, understanding the mechanical effects of such multipolar coupling systems is highly complex compared with the traditional simple dipole. In this work, using single Si nanospheres as the Fano‐resonant media, optical forces arising from different types of Fano resonances including the electric, magnetic, and magnetoelectric Fano resonances are investigated. It is shown that the directions of these types of forces are tunable in three dimensions. The necessary condition to realize a direction change of the Fano‐resonance‐induced forces and elucidate the underlying physics are presented. Furthermore, it is found that the Fano‐resonance‐induced forces exhibit strong polarization‐dependent properties which traditional optical (dipolar) forces cannot possess.
Classification of multiple sclerosis women with voiding dysfunction using machine learning: Is functional connectivity or structural connectivity a better predictor?
Authors: Tran Khue , Salazar Betsy H. , Boone Timothy B. , Khavari Rose , Karmonik Christof
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Machine learning (ML) is an established technique that uses sets of training data to develop algorithms and perform data classification without using human intervention/supervision. This study aims to determine how functional and anatomical brain connectivity (FC and SC) data can be used to classify voiding dysfunction (VD) in female MS patients using ML.

Methods

Twenty‐seven ambulatory MS individuals with lower urinary tract dysfunction were recruited and divided into two groups (Group 1: voiders [V, n = 14]; Group 2: VD [n = 13]). All patients underwent concurrent functional MRI/urodynamics testing.

Results

Best‐performing ML algorithms, with highest area under the curve (AUC), were partial least squares (PLS, AUC = 0.86) using FC alone and random forest (RF) when using SC alone (AUC = 0.93) and combined (AUC = 0.96) as inputs. Our results show 10 predictors with the highest AUC values were associated with FC, indicating that although white matter was affected, new connections may have formed to preserve voiding initiation.

Conclusions

MS patients with and without VD exhibit distinct brain connectivity patterns when performing a voiding task. Our results demonstrate FC (grey matter) is of higher importance than SC (white matter) for this classification. Knowledge of these centres may help us further phenotype patients to appropriate centrally focused treatments in the future.
Horseshoe kidney: Morphologic features, embryologic and genetic etiologies, and surgical implications
Authors: Humphries Audrey , Speroni Samantha , Eden Kristin , Nolan Michael , Gilbert Carol , McNamara John
Published: January 2023

The horseshoe kidney (HSK) is the most common congenital abnormality of the upper urinary tract with an incidence of approximately 1 in 500 in the general population. Although individuals with HSK are often asymptomatic, they are at increased risk for neoplasms, infections, ureteropelvic obstruction secondary to lithiasis or vascular compression. Direct injury from trauma is increased in these individuals as is the risk of intraoperative complications secondary to damage involving the typically complex renal or adrenal vascular supply.

We briefly review etiological factors including renal and urinary system embryology, genetic mutations, abnormalities related to faulty cell signaling, aberrant cell migration, and other possible causes including environmental exposures and trauma. In addition, we call attention to factors that might influence the success of surgical procedures in patients with HSK. We argue that an understanding of possible etiologies of the HSK and its different subtypes may be useful when planning surgical procedures or considering risk–benefit ratios associated with different surgical options.

We briefly present the organization of a HSK in a 100‐year‐old male demonstrating an unusual vascular supply discovered during a dissection laboratory session in a medical school anatomy course. We describe the structure of the HSK, the position and relationships of the HSK to other structures within the abdomen, and the associated vascular relationships.
Assessment of the efficacy and tolerability of ruxolitinib for the treatment of myelofibrosis patients in a real‐life setting: An Italian MYNERVA Project
Authors: Coltro Giacomo , Sant'Antonio Emanuela , Palumbo Giuseppe A. , Mannelli Francesco , De Stefano Valerio , Ruggeri Marco , Elli Elena M. , Zanotti Roberta , Borsani Oscar , Bertozzi Irene , Duminuco Andrea , Betti Silvia , Carli Giuseppe , Cavalca Fabrizio , Tanasi Ilaria , Rumi Elisa , Randi Maria L. , Garibaldi Bruno , Loscocco Giuseppe G. , Guglielmelli Paola , Vannucchi Alessandro M.
Published: January 2023

Background

Incorporating real‐world data in the drug development process allows the improvement of health outcomes by providing better representation of actual patterns of drug safety and efficacy.

Aims and Methods

Here, we present the results of a retroprospective, observational real‐life study of 154 patients with myelofibrosis treated with ruxolitinib in a real‐life setting in seven Italian centers of the MYNERVA project.

Results

Median drug exposure was 29 (range, 3–98) months. Discontinuation rate was 27% after a median time of 13 (range, 3–61). While hematological toxicities were in line with previous findings, infections occurred frequently, representing a not negligible cause of discontinuation and death. Anemia, symptoms, and spleen responses were obtained at any time in 23%, 91%, and 68% of patients, respectively; most patients achieved their responses by week 24. Larger splenomegaly and delayed treatment initiation correlated with lower spleen response at 24 weeks. Spleen response was associated with a superior overall survival, regardless of DIPSS. Of interest, both achievement and loss of spleen response had prognostic implications.

Discussion and Conclusion

Overall, our findings provide insights on the efficacy and safety of ruxolitinib in a real‐world, multicenter cohort of Italian MF patients.
Response to induction chemotherapy predicts survival outcomes in oropharyngeal cancer
Authors: Zhang Qixian , Xu Tingting , Shen Chunying , Qian Wei , Ying Hongmei , He Xiayun , Wang Yu , Ji Qinghai , Hu Chaosu , Zhou Xin , Lu Xueguan
Published: January 2023

Background

The role of induction chemotherapy (IC) in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) remains controversial. Its interpretation can be confounded by heterogeneity in chemosensitivity and human papillomavirus (HPV) status. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic impact of IC response in HPV‐positive and ‐negative OPSCC.

Methods

Patients with OPSCC who underwent IC and concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) were retrospectively analyzed. Radiologic response to IC by ≥50% was defined as IC‐sensitive (IC‐s), while lesser response was deemed as IC‐resistant (IC‐r). Progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were compared between subgroups.

Results

A total of 51 HPV‐positive and 57 HPV‐negative patients were included. IC‐s patients accounted for 55.6%, 62.7%, and 49.1% in the entire cohort, HPV‐positive, and HPV‐negative subgroup, respectively. Compared with IC‐r subgroup, IC‐s was associated with better clinical outcomes either in the entire cohort (3y‐PFS 91.7%vs.43.7%, P < 0.001; 3y‐OS 98.3% vs. 67.4%, P = 0.002), the HPV‐positive subgroup (3‐year PFS 94.7% vs. 47.9%, P < 0.001; 3‐year OS 100% vs. 73.5%, P = 0.055) or the HPV‐negative subgroup (3‐year PFS 88.2% vs. 40.9%, P = 0.001; 3‐year OS 96.4% vs. 63.1%, P = 0.026). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that response to IC represents an independent prognosticator for 3‐year PFS (HR, 0.088; 95% CI, 0.027–0.289; P < 0.001) and 3‐year OS (HR, 0.100; 95% CI, 0.021–0.477; P = 0.004).

Conclusions

Response to IC exerts a critical predictive effect on prognosis of both HPV‐positive and ‐negative OPSCC. Personalized treatment strategy based on IC response is worthy of further exploration in the future.
The effects of altered DNA damage repair genes on mutational processes and immune cell infiltration in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Yuan Huangbo , Qing Tao , Zhu Sibo , Yang Xiaorong , Wu Weicheng , Xu Kelin , Chen Hui , Jiang Yanfeng , Zhu Chengkai , Yuan Ziyu , Zhang Tiejun , Jin Li , Suo Chen , Lu Ming , Chen Xingdong , Ye Weimin
Published: January 2023

Background

Defects in DNA damage repair (DDR) pathways lead to genomic instability and oncogenesis. DDR deficiency is prevalent in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), but the effects of DDR alterations on mutational processes and tumor immune microenvironment in ECSS remain unclear.

Methods

Whole‐exome and transcriptome sequencing data of 45 ESCC samples from Taizhou, China, were used to identify genomic variations, gene expression modulation in DDR pathways, and the abundance of tumor‐infiltrating immune cells. Ninety‐six ESCC cases from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) project were used for validation.

Results

A total of 57.8% (26/45) of the cases in the Taizhou data and 70.8% (68/96) of the cases in the TCGA data carried at least one functional impact DDR mutation. Mutations in the DDR pathways were associated with a high tumor mutation burden. Several DDR deficiency‐related mutational signatures were discovered and were associated with immune cell infiltration, including T cells, monocytes, dendritic cells, and mast cells. The expression levels of two DDR genes, HFM1 and NEIL1, were downregulated in ESCC tumor tissues and had an independent effect on the infiltration of mast cells. In the Taizhou data, increased expression of HFM1 was associated with a poor prognosis, and the increased expression of NEIL1 was associated with a good outcome, but no reproducible correlation was observed in the TCGA data.

Conclusion

This research demonstrated that DDR alterations could impact mutational processes and immune cell infiltration in ESCC. The suppression of HFM1 and NEIL1 could play a crucial role in ESCC progression and may also serve as prognostic markers.
The COVID‐19 threat and luxury advertising
Authors: Baek Tae Hyun , Kim Jungkeun , Yoon Sukki , Choi Yung Kyun , Taylor Charles R.
Published: January 2023

The purpose of this research is to examine how the COVID‐19 pandemic has impacted the luxury goods industry. The authors hypothesize that pandemic threats drive consumers toward luxury consumption to increase their perceptions of control. The article reports results of three experimental studies conducted in the United States. In Study 1, after participants read an article about COVID‐19, they respond favorably to an advertisement for a luxury brand. The comparative control participants read an article about a tofu dish and respond less favorably to the luxury advertisement. Study 2 provides further evidence that perceived control acts as a mediator, while ruling out alternative explanations. Study 3 indicates that threat evokes luxury preferences only when advertisements for both luxury and nonluxury products use abstract messages, as opposed to concrete messages. The findings provide practical insights showing that the most effective advertising strategy for luxury brand managers is to use abstract rather than concrete messages for targeting consumers who feel highly threatened by COVID‐19.
What makes people hesitant from circularity: An analysis of risk, marketing mix, cost and inconvenience
Authors: Shashi  , Centobelli Piera , Cerchione Roberto , Jhamb Deepika
Published: January 2023

The circular economy (CE) concept has attracted significant research and practical momentum. Nevertheless, knowledge about its relationships to consumption and disposal from consumers' standpoint is still fragmented. Most CE consumer‐centric research ends with a consumer's intention to purchase. As a result, this study intends to fill several research gaps by presenting a framework that goes beyond purchase intention and, consequently, incorporates both actual purchase behaviour and circular disposal, as well as their predictors. We gathered survey data from 489 Indian consumers and the proposed research claims were tested by adopting a structural equation modelling approach. The findings demonstrate that pricing advantage and product quality negatively impact perceived risk and positively impact perceived value. The main results confirm that the perception towards marketing mix plays a significant role in generating positive purchase intention. Furthermore, the indirect influence of the perception towards marketing mix on actual purchase behaviour is stronger than the direct influence. Both actual purchase behaviour and disposal convenience positively impact circular disposal behaviour. Meanwhile, the higher disposal costs discourage customers from circular disposal. This research has important implications for researchers and managers seeking to understand how to foster the circularity rate among consumers.
Young offenders in forensic institutions in the Netherlands after committing serious crimes: Contribution of mandatory treatment and reduction of reincarceration
Authors: Reef Joni , Jeltes Marije , van den Brink Yannick , Brand Eddy
Published: January 2023

Background

In the Netherlands, young offenders who have been convicted of a particularly serious offence may be subjected to a so‐called ‘Placement in an Institution for Juveniles’ (PIJ) measure if they are considered to pose a high ongoing risk to public safety. They form a rarely studied distinct group. Treatment in specialist forensic custodial institutions for young people (FYCI) is an intervention of last resort and costly. The most serious young offenders tend to be the hardest to rehabilitate while preventing further offending. Treatment is focussed on reducing risk of harm as well as improving health and other protective factors.

Aims

To explore the contribution of treatment in an FYCI under a forensic treatment order—the PIJ‐measure—to the reduction of risk of reoffending.

Methods

In a pre–post intervention study, the Juvenile Forensic Profile (JFP) was used to score complete case files of 178 young offenders at the start and end of their placement in an FYCI under the PIJ‐measure, 59% of those serving between the years 2013 and 2016 inclusive. The JFP covers risk and protective factors in seven domains encompassing criminal behaviour, family, environment, risk factors, psychopathology, psychology and behaviour during incarceration. Change or stability in scores was tested against reincarceration within 2 years of PIJ‐measure completion.

Results

Impulse control and alcohol and drug use problems showed the greatest improvements. Behaviour that deteriorates during the stay is primarily related to obtaining more autonomy during reintegration efforts, including furlough. Reincarceration in the 2 years of community follow‐up was unusual (13.5%). The two main variables associated with reincarceration were problematic behaviour during the pre‐discharge year and lack of behavioural improvement during treatment.

Conclusions

Outcomes of mandatory treatment in this group of serious young offenders have not previously been studied in a rigorous pre–post intervention study design. We found evidence of an overall tendency to improvement over time in mental state and social skills, reflected by risk assessment scale scores. Continued substance use problems while incarcerated and continuing social skills deficits were most strongly associated with reincarceration suggests a possible need for review of these areas in the PIJ‐measure programme. Results contribute to knowledge about risk assessment, treatment and preventions of harms by serious young offenders and may inform evidence‐based policies and practices in the Netherlands and beyond.
Lumbar paraspinal atypical spindle cell/pleomorphic lipomatous tumor: A report of a rare case
Authors: Cheng Yu‐Wen , Chen Yang‐Yi , Kuo Chao‐Hung , Liao Wei‐Chuan , Kwan Aij‐Lie
Published: January 2023

The atypical spindle cell/pleomorphic lipomatous tumor (ASPLT) was classified as a new tumor by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2020. The tumor is benign and commonly occurs in the limbs. Paraspinal presentations are rare. A 38‐year‐old man presented at our clinic complaining of sudden onset back pain. No neurological deficit was found. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a well‐defined heterogeneous mass in the left psoas muscle, from L1 to L3 extending over the L1 and L2 neuroforamen. The tumor was totally excised. Pathology led to an ASPLT diagnosis. Clinical symptoms improved and there was no postsurgical neurological deficit. This case of ASPLT, located in an uncommon location and present an unusual cluster of symptoms, could be treated by surgical excision, usually the first‐treatment strategy. Totally, removal was achieved because there was a clear morphological margin. The risk of metastatic dissemination was minimal, though there remains a nonnegligible risk of local recurrence.
Circularly polarized luminescence of helicenes: A data‐informed insight
Authors: Cei Matteo , Di Bari Lorenzo , Zinna Francesco
Published: January 2023

Helicenes are an interesting scaffold for chiroptical properties and in particular circularly polarized luminescence (CPL). In this short review, we collect the luminescence (glum) and absorption (gabs) dissymmetry factors associated to the first Cotton effect of the electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectrum. Considering the data for 170 [n]‐helicenes (n = 4–11), overall we found reasonable correlations between glum and gabs. Despite a few notable exceptions, this would confirm a similarity in the stereochemistry of the ground and emitting excited states for most helicenes. These results may be useful in rationalizing chiroptical data and help chemists in designing new helicene structures with the desired CPL properties.
A Randomized, Double‐Blind, Parallel Design Thorough QT Study With a Nested Crossover to Compare the Cardiac Safety of Amiselimod With Placebo and Positive Control in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Lee Jimin , Lester Robert , O'Reilly Terry , Lowe Ezra R. , Slatkin Neal E. , Franklin Howard , Israel Robert J.
Published: January 2023

This double‐blind study evaluated the cardiac safety of amiselimod. Healthy adults (n = 190) were randomized (2:1:1) to receive (1) oral placebo (day −1), followed by oral amiselimod (days 1–26), which was upwardly titrated from 0.4 to 1.6 mg once daily to achieve steady‐state concentrations comparable with 0.4 (therapeutic) and 0.8 mg (supratherapeutic) once daily, and placebo (day 27); (2) placebo (day −1), oral moxifloxacin 400 mg (day 1; positive control), followed by placebo (days 1–27); or (3) placebo (days −1 to 26), followed by moxifloxacin 400 mg (day 27). No participant had a corrected QT interval by Fredericia (QTcF) >500 milliseconds or a change from baseline (dQTcF) >60 milliseconds. The upper limits of the 90%CIs for the differences in least‐squares mean difference in dQTcF between amiselimod and placebo on days 13 and 26 were <10 milliseconds. Area under the concentration‐time curve from 0 to 23.5 hours after dosing and maximum plasma concentration of amiselimod and amiselimod‐P (active metabolite) at steady‐state concentrations for the 0.8‐mg dose on day 26 were approximately double that observed with the 0.4‐mg dose on day 13. All adverse events were mild to moderate in severity, and no deaths occurred. Amiselimod did not have any clinically relevant effect on the QTcF interval.
Moving Toward a Question‐Centric Approach for Regulatory Decision Making in the Context of Drug Assessment
Authors: Musuamba Flora T. , Cheung S.Y. Amy , Colin Pieter , Davies Elin H. , Barret Jeffrey S. , Pappalardo Francesco , Chappell Michael , Dogne Jean‐Michel , Ceci Adriana , Della Pasqua Oscar , Rusten Ine S.
Published: January 2023

The most intuitive question for market access for medicinal products is the benefit/risk (B/R) balance. The B/R assessment can conceptually be divided into subquestions related to establishing efficacy and safety. There are additional layers to the B/R ratio for medical products, including questions related to dose selection, clinical and nonclinical pharmacology, and drug quality. Explicitly stating the actual questions and how they contribute to the overall B/R provides a structure that fosters better informed cross‐domain discussions. There is currently no systematic approach in the regulatory setting to assess and establish the acceptability of alternative methods and data sources. In most cases, the medicinal product sponsors tend to prioritize traditional data types and methods, which are well accepted by regulators for inclusion in regulatory submissions. This, in addition to the absence of rigor in the use and validation of new data types and methods, and the limited training of assessors in related fields can lead to increased regulatory skepticism toward new data types and methods. A data‐knowledge backbone is needed to mitigate the uncertainty in efficacy and safety characterization. This white paper discusses the value of explicitly redefining and restructuring the regulatory scientific decision making around the scientific question to be addressed. The ecosystem proposed is based on three pillars: (i) a repository connecting questions, data, and methods; (ii) the development and validation of high‐quality standards for data and methods; and (iii) credibility assessment. The ecosystem is applied to four use cases for illustration. The need for training and regulatory guidance is also discussed.
Impacts of ozone stress on stem lodging characteristics of different indica and japonica rice cultivars
Authors: Shao Zaisheng , Zhang Yanliu , Hu Shaowu , Gao Bo , Jing Liquan , Wang Yunxia , Wang Yulong , Yang Lianxin
Published: January 2023

Ozone (O3) stress inhibits rice growth and development, resulting in yield loss and poor quality. However, the effect of ozone stress on the lodging resistance of rice stems has scarcely been reported. In this study, three indica rice cultivars and three modern japonica rice cultivars were treated with high O3 concentration (100 ppb) while a gas fumigation platform was used in the indoor control (about 10 ppb). The influence of O3 stress on lodging resistance was investigated in 2016 and 2017. Ozone stress reduced the in situ pushing resistance of intact plants by 40% and single stems by 32.0%. The breaking resistance of the third, fourth, and fifth internodes from the top of the rice stem was, respectively, reduced by 24.0%, 25.1%, and 33.6%, on average. The O3‐induced reduction in the basal internode morphological characteristics was associated with the reduced cross‐sectional area, maximum and minimum stem diameter, dry weight per unit length, length, dry weight, and culm wall thickness. Among these characteristics, the largest reduction was exhibited by internode dry weight (−43.1%), while the lowest reduction was observed for culm wall thickness (−9.7%). The O3 induced a significantly higher reduction in basal internode characteristics of indica compared with the japonica rice, with a larger effect in the lower internode than the upper internode, indicating a significant interaction between O3 and rice cultivar and internode position. Statistical analysis revealed a significant positive linear correlation between the response of in situ pushing resistance of rice under O3 stress and the response of basal internode breaking resistance, cross‐sectional area, and dry weight per unit length. Ozone stress significantly reduced the lodging resistance in the rice stem, which is primarily associated with the thinning and poor filling of the basal internodes, and the O3 impacts varied with cultivars and internode positions, but were similar between the two years. These results provide a scientific reference for the study of lodging resistance regulation of rice under high O3 concentrations.
Modification of a machine learning‐based semi‐empirical turbulent transport model for its versatility
Authors: Narita Emi , Honda Mitsuru , Nakata Motoki , Hayashi Nobuhiko , Nakayama Tomonari , Yoshida Maiko
Published: January 2023

A machine learning‐based semi‐empirical turbulent transport model DeKANIS has been modified to apply it independently of the device. DeKANIS predicts particle and heat fluxes, distinguishing diffusive and non‐diffusive transport processes. DeKANIS consists of a neural network (NN) model, which computes coefficients of the non‐diffusive terms and the ratio of the fluxes based on the gyrokinetic calculations, and a scaling formula, which estimates the turbulent saturation level founded on empirical fluxes. The datasets used for NN training have been prepared based on JT‐60U plasmas so far, but by exploiting JET plasmas, the datasets have been expanded and the parameter ranges covered by the NN models have become wider. The scaling formula has been rebuilt considering the decrease in the residual zonal flow level due to collisions. The new DeKANIS has demonstrated a reasonable profile prediction of an ITER plasma in the pre‐fusion power operation 1 phase with an integrated model GOTRESS+. In validating the prediction results with the gyrokinetic calculations, transport processes causing the fluxes have been exhibited.