bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Joint modeling of tumor dynamics and progression‐free survival in advanced breast cancer: Leveraging data from amcenestrant early phase I–II trials
Authors: Cerou Marc , Thai Hoai‐Thu , Deyme Laure , Fliscounakis‐Huynh Sophie , Comets Emmanuelle , Cohen Patrick , Cartot‐Cotton Sylvaine , Veyrat‐Follet Christine
Published: April 2024

A joint modeling framework was developed using data from 75 patients of early amcenestrant phase I–II AMEERA‐1‐2 dose escalation and expansion cohorts. A semi‐mechanistic tumor growth inhibition (TGI) model was developed. It accounts for the dynamics of sensitive and resistant tumor cells, an exposure‐driven effect on tumor proliferation of sensitive cells, and a delay in the initiation of treatment effect to describe the time course of target lesion tumor size (TS) data. Individual treatment exposure overtime was introduced in the model using concentrations predicted by a population pharmacokinetic model of amcenestrant. This joint modeling framework integrated complex RECISTv1.1 criteria information, linked TS metrics to progression‐free survival (PFS), and was externally evaluated using the randomized phase II trial AMEERA‐3. We demonstrated that the instantaneous rate of change in TS (TS slope) was an important predictor of PFS and the developed joint model was able to predict well the PFS of amcenestrant phase II monotherapy trial using only early phase I–II data. This provides a good modeling and simulation tool to inform early development decisions.
Temperature‐ and Excitation Power Density‐Resolved Photoluminescence of AlGaN‐Based Multiple Quantum Wells Emitting in the Spectral Range of 220–260 nm
Authors: Murotani Hideaki , Inai Kosuke , Himeno Kunio , Tani Kaichi , Hayashi Hiromasa , Kurai Satoshi , Okada Narihito , Uesugi Kenjiro , Miyake Hideto , Yamada Yoichi
Published: April 2024

Internal quantum efficiency (IQE) of AlGaN‐based multiple quantum wells (MQWs) on face‐to‐face‐annealed sputter‐deposited AlN templates is examined by photoluminescence spectroscopy. The excitation power density dependence of IQE is evaluated as a function of temperature under the selective excitation of the quantum wells. The temperature dependences of the maximum IQE and the corresponding excitation power density (EPD) are analyzed based on the rate equation models for carriers and excitons. The decrease of the maximum IQE and increase of the corresponding EPD are mainly due to the increase in the nonradiative recombination rate via nonradiative recombination centers. Furthermore, the nonradiative recombination rate for the MQW with an emission wavelength around 220 nm is activated at a lower temperature than the other samples, which is expected to lead to the lower IQE of the MQW with an emission wavelength around 220 nm.
Therapeutic effects of saffron (Crocus sativus L) on female reproductive system disorders: A systematic review
Authors: Hasheminasab Fatemeh Sadat , Azimi Maryam , Raeiszadeh Mahboobeh
Published: April 2024

The effect of Crocus sativus on several disorders has been discussed or even confirmed, but the efficacy of this herb on the female reproductive system has not been well presented. In this regard, this systematic review comprehensively discussed the efficacy of C. sativus and its main phytochemical compounds on the female reproductive system and its disorders for the first time. In this systematic review, scientific databases, including PubMed, Web of Sciences, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Scientific Information Database, were explored profoundly. In vivo, in vitro, and human studies published until the end of July 2023, which had investigated the pharmacological properties of C. sativus, crocin, crocetin, safranal, or picrocrocin on the female reproductive system, were selected. A total of 50 studies conducted on the effect of C. sativus on the female reproductive system were acquired. These studies confirmed the efficacy of C. sativus or its main phytochemical ingredients in several aspects of the female reproductive system, including regulation of sex hormones, folliculogenesis, ovulation, and protection of the ovary and uterus against several oxidative stress. Several retrieved studies indicated that this herb also can alleviate the symptoms of patients suffering from dysmenorrhea, premenstrual syndrome, menopause, polycystic ovary disease (PCOD), and sexual dysfunction. Furthermore, it is a promising candidate for future studies or even trials regarding ovarian and cervical cancers. This review concluded that C. sativus can improve the symptoms of several female reproductive system disorders, which is particularly due to the presence of phytochemical ingredients, such as crocin, crocetin, and safranal.
Lead‐time‐continuous statistical postprocessing of ensemble weather forecasts
Authors: Wessel Jakob Benjamin , Ferro Christopher A. T. , Kwasniok Frank
Published: April 2024

Numerical weather prediction (NWP) ensembles often exhibit biases and errors in dispersion, so they need some form of postprocessing to yield sharp and well‐calibrated probabilistic predictions. The output of NWP models is usually at a multiplicity of different lead times and, even though information is often required on this range of lead times, many postprocessing methods in the literature are applied either at a fixed lead time or by fitting individual models for each lead time. However, this is (1) computationally expensive because it requires the training of multiple models if users are interested in information at multiple lead times and (2) prohibitive because it restricts the data used for training postprocessing models and the usability of fitted models. This article investigates the lead‐time dependence of postprocessing methods in the idealized Lorenz'96 system as well as temperature and wind‐speed forecast data from the Met Office Global and Regional Ensemble Prediction System (MOGREPS‐G). The results indicate that there is substantial regularity between the models fitted for different lead times and that one can fit models that are lead‐time‐continuous that work for multiple lead times simultaneously by including lead time as a covariate. These models achieve similar and, in small data situations, even improved performance compared with the classical lead‐time‐separated models, whilst saving substantial computation time.
Objective Bayesian estimation for multistate stress‐strength model's reliability with various kernel functions
Authors: Ma Haijing , Jia Junmei , Peng Xiuyun , Yan Zaizai
Published: April 2024

The paper discusses the objective Bayesian estimation of the reliability of a multistate stress‐strength model (MSSM) based on different kernel functions. For the MSSM, we first derive the reliability function and Fisher information matrix. The Jeffreys prior, reference prior, and probability matching prior for the reliability function of the MSSM are constructed based on the objective Bayesian paradigm. Subsequently, we demonstrated that these priors are improper density, then evaluated the effects of these priors on Bayes estimates for MSSM's reliability based on a complete sample. The Bayesian estimates are calculated using random walk Metropolis–Hastings techniques. We employ Monte Carlo simulation to examine the effectiveness of Bayes estimates for MSSM's reliability in terms of average bias and mean squared error, meanwhile the highest posterior density credible intervals are investigated in terms of average length and coverage probability. Finally, two real datasets were examined, demonstrating the viability of the objective Bayes technique for small sample data.
Causal mediation analysis with mediator values below an assay limit
Authors: Chernofsky Ariel , Bosch Ronald J. , Lok Judith J.
Published: April 2024

Causal indirect and direct effects provide an interpretable method for decomposing the total effect of an exposure on an outcome into the indirect effect through a mediator and the direct effect through all other pathways. A natural choice for a mediator in a randomized clinical trial is the treatment's targeted biomarker. However, when the mediator is a biomarker, values can be subject to an assay lower limit. The mediator is affected by the treatment and is a putative cause of the outcome, so the assay lower limit presents a compounded problem in mediation analysis. We propose two approaches to estimate indirect and direct effects with a mediator subject to an assay limit: (1) extrapolation and (2) numerical optimization and integration of the observed likelihood. Since these estimation methods solely rely on the so‐called Mediation Formula, they apply to most approaches to causal mediation analysis: natural, separable, and organic indirect, and direct effects. A simulation study compares the two estimation approaches to imputing with half the assay limit. Using HIV interruption study data from the AIDS Clinical Trials Group described in Li et al 2016, AIDS; Lok and Bosch 2021, Epidemiology, we illustrate our methods by estimating the organic/pure indirect effect of a hypothetical HIV curative treatment on viral suppression mediated by two HIV persistence measures: cell‐associated HIV‐RNA and single‐copy plasma HIV‐RNA.
Creation of Multi‐Principal Element Alloy NiCoCr Nanostructures via Nanosecond Laser‐Induced Dewetting
Authors: Mandal Soumya , Gupta Ashish Kumar , Konečná Andrea , Shirato Nozomi , Hachtel Jordan A. , Sachan Ritesh
Published: April 2024

The multi‐principal element alloy nanoparticles (MPEA NPs), a new class of nanomaterials, present a highly rewarding opportunity to explore new or vastly different functional properties than the traditional mono/bi/multimetallic nanostructures due to their unique characteristics of atomic‐level homogeneous mixing of constituent elements in the nanoconfinements. Here, the successful creation of NiCoCr nanoparticles, a well‐known MPEA system is reported, using ultrafast nanosecond laser‐induced dewetting of alloy thin films. Nanoparticle formation occurs by spontaneously breaking the energetically unstable thin films in a melt state under laser‐induced hydrodynamic instability and subsequently accumulating in a droplet shape via surface energy minimization. While NiCoCr alloy shows a stark contrast in physical properties compared to individual metallic constituents, i.e., Ni, Co, and Cr, yet the transient nature of the laser‐driven process facilitates a homogeneous distribution of the constituents (Ni, Co, and Cr) in the nanoparticles. Using high‐resolution chemical analysis and scanning nanodiffraction, the environmental stability and grain arrangement in the nanoparticles are further investigated. Thermal transport simulations reveal that the ultrashort (≈100 ns) melt‐state lifetime of NiCoCr during the dewetting event helps retain the constituent elements in a single‐phase solid solution with homogenous distribution and opens the pathway to create the unique MPEA nanoparticles with laser‐induced dewetting process.
S‐Doping Regulated Iron Spin States in Fe−N−C Single‐Atom Material for Enhanced Peroxidase‐Mimicking Activity at Neutral pH
Authors: Zhu Fuying , Yu YueYi , Yu Zhixuan , Qiu Haochen , Lu Guo‐Ping , Chen Zhong , Hu Jun , Lin Yamei
Published: April 2024

Designing biomimetic nanomaterials with peroxidase (POD)‐like activity at neutral pH remains a significant challenge. An S‐doping strategy is developed to afford an iron single‐atom nanomaterial (Fe1@CN‐S) with high POD‐like activity under neutral conditions. To the best of knowledge, there is the first example on the achievement of excellent POD‐like activity under neutral conditions by regulating the active site structure. S‐doping not only promotes the dissociation of the N─H bond in 3,3″,5,5″‐tetramethylbenzidine (TMB), but also facilitates the desorption of OH* by the transformation of iron species’ spin states from middle‐spin (MS FeII) to low‐spin (LS FeII). Meanwhile, LS FeII sites typically have more unfilled d orbitals, thereby exhibiting stronger interactions with H2O2 than MS FeII, which can enhance POD‐like activity. Finally, a one‐pot visual detection of glucose at pH 7 is performed, demonstrating the best selectivity and sensitivity than previous reports.
Spin Effect to Regulate the Electronic Structure of Ir─Fe Aerogels for Efficient Acidic Water Oxidation
Authors: Gao Cunyuan , Wang Juan , Hübner René , Zhan Jinhua , Zhao Mingwen , Li Yangyang , Cai Bin
Published: April 2024

“Spin” has been recently reported as an important degree of electronic freedom to promote catalysis, yet how it influences electronic structure remains unexplored. This work reports the spin‐induced orbital hybridization in Ir─Fe bimetallic aerogels, where the electronic structure of Ir sites is effectively regulated by tuning the spin property of Fe atoms. The spin‐optimized electronic structure boosts oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalysis in acidic media, resulting in a largely improved catalytic performance with an overpotential of as low as 236 mV at 10 mA cm−2. Furthermore, the gelation kinetics for the aerogel synthesis is improved by an order of magnitude based on the introduction of a magnetic field. Density functional theory calculation reveals that the increased magnetic moment of Fe (3d orbital) changes the d‐band structure (i.e., the d‐band center and bandwidth) of Ir (5d orbital) via orbital hybridization, resulting in optimized binding of reaction intermediates. This strategy builds the bridge between the electron spin theory with the d‐band theory and provides a new way for the design of high‐performance electrocatalysts by using spin‐induced orbital interaction.
Microstructure, Precipitation, and Strengthening Mechanism of a High‐Strength Q1100 Heavy Steel Plate via Niobium–Boron Microalloying Technology
Authors: Gao Yifan , Wei Yunxuan , Zha Zepeng , Huo Dongshen , Li Hongliang , Wang Zhenqiang
Published: April 2024

Herein, a niobium–boron‐bearing high‐strength Q1100 steel plate is developed through chemical composition designing and thermomechanical control process combined quenching and tempering. The microstructure, precipitation, and mechanical properties of the experimental steels for various conditions including as‐quenched and tempered at 300, 350, and 600 °C are investigated. Results show that the microstructure of the as‐quenched specimen is all martensite. The regular lath structure is still observed in the 300 and 350 °C tempering conditions, while equiaxed grains appear in the 600 °C tempering condition. With an increase in tempering temperature, the grain size of Q1100 steel slightly decreases. As tempering at 300 and 350 °C, the short rod cementites precipitate, while at 600 °C, MX (M = Nb, Ti, Mo; X = C, N) spheroidal carbide precipitates. Grain refinement strengthening and dislocation and precipitation strengthening are the main strengthening mechanisms for Q1100 steel tempered at low temperatures. Interestingly, a yield platform appears in Q1100 steel after tempering, which is mainly attributed to the combined effect of decreasing dislocation density and grain size.
Design of Heterogeneous Lamella Microstructure of 316L Austenitic Stainless Steel and Effect of Aging on Its Mechanical Behavior and Corrosion Properties
Authors: Liu Chaoze , Li Shaohong , Gao Junkang , Jia Yunfei , Li Jun , Bu Hengyong , Zhou Liexing , Qi Huarong , Li Mengnie
Published: April 2024

316L austenitic stainless steel (ASS) with a heterogeneous structure exhibits favorable mechanical properties at room temperature, promising excellent application potential. However, the thermal stability of 316L ASS with heterogeneous lamella structure (HLS) has not been adequately addressed yet. Herein, an HLS of 316L ASS is fabricated through 78% cold rolling followed by annealing at 750 °C for 13 min. The detailed investigation focuses on the influence of microstructure evolution on the mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of the alloy after aging at temperatures ranging from 350 to 550 °C for 100 h. The results show that a notable quantity of residual martensite persists even after annealing at high temperatures for a brief duration. The dislocation density of the test steel is reduced after long‐term aging treatment, and the residual martensite is further reversed into austenite during aging. In addition, the aging treatment also promotes further growth of nanocrystalline/ultrafine‐grained, which weakens the heterogeneous characteristics of HLS 316L ASS, resulting in a slight decrease in mechanical properties. However, the decrease in defect density and the enhancement of recrystallization degree are beneficial for eliminating most of the corrosion‐sensitive areas in the cold‐deformed structure, thereby improving the corrosion resistance.
Grid Forming Converter Control System Synthesis: A Static Output Feedback Approach
Authors: Rehimi Sharara , Bevrani Hassan , Urabe Chiyori T. , Kato Takeyoshi
Published: April 2024

This paper proposes an effective control synthesis strategy to stabilize grid forming converters in the presence of disturbances. The conventional control system for a grid forming converter is based on paralleled and cascaded proportional‐integral (PI) controllers, which are widely used in the industry due to their simplicity and reliability. However, the sequential adjustment of PI gains in different control loops, without consideration of dynamic interconnections limits their performance and capability. To address this limitation, the present paper introduces a control design method based on static output feedback theory. The proposed control scheme reduces the dynamic control design problem to an effective gain scheduling problem. In the proposed methodology, without removing the existing practical control structure, its dynamic parts are moved to the open‐loop system, and simultaneous scheduling of all remaining control gains is achieved during one control design process. MATLAB simulations were conducted to evaluate the performance of the designed control system, and compare it with the conventional control one in terms of step response characteristics. The results demonstrate the superiority of the proposed controller, ensuring system stability and exhibiting improved performance. The proposed control framework provides several advantages, including keeping stability in various disturbance conditions, simultaneous tuning of all control parameters, and no need to change the existing simple control structure. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Platycodi radix aqueous extract salvages doxorubicin‐induced senescence by mitochondrial reactive oxygen species reduction in umbilical cord matrix stem cells
Authors: Lee Pei‐Ying , Sitorus Maria Angelina , Kuo Chia‐Hua , Tsai Bruce Chi‐Kang , Kuo Wei‐Wen , Lin Kuan‐Ho , Lu Shang‐Yeh , Lin Yueh‐Min , Ho Tsung‐Jung , Huang Chih‐Yang
Published: April 2024

Platycodi radix is a widely used herbal medicine that contains numerous phytochemicals beneficial to health. The health and biological benefits of P. radix have been found across various diseases. The utilization of umbilical cord stromal stem cells, derived from Wharton's jelly of the human umbilical cord, has emerged as a promising approach for treating degenerative diseases. Nevertheless, growing evidence indicates that the function of stem cells declines with age, thereby limiting their regenerative capacity. The primary objective in this study is to investigate the beneficial effects of P. radix in senescent stem cells. We conducted experiments to showcase that diminished levels of Lamin B1 and Sox‐2, along with an elevation in p21, which serve as indicative markers for the senescent stem cells. Our findings revealed the loss of Lamin B1 and Sox‐2, coupled with an increase in p21, in umbilical cord stromal stem cells subjected to a low‐dose (0.1 μM) doxorubicin (Dox) stimulation. However, P. radix restored the Dox‐damage in the umbilical cord stromal stem cells. P. radix reversed the senescent conditions when the umbilical cord stromal stem cells exposed to Dox‐induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial membrane potential are significantly changed. In Dox‐challenged aged umbilical cord stromal stem cells, P. radix reduced senescence, increased longevity, prevented mitochondrial dysfunction and ROS and protected against senescence‐associated apoptosis. This study suggests that P. radix might be as a therapeutic and rescue agent for the aging effect in stem cells. Inhibition of cell death, mitochondrial dysfunction and aging‐associated ROS with P. radix provides additional insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms.
Detection of metallic pollutants in waste water using bio sensors and its remediation
Authors: Talukder Pratik , Dutta Debankita , Ghosh Elija , Bose Indrani , Bhattacharjee Sourish , Mishra Meghna , Sinha Baishakhi
Published: April 2024

Water pollution has emerged as the biggest threat to the sustenance of human civilization and the environment. With the increase in rapid industrialization and urbanization, there is a considerable increase in the influx of complex and diverse pollutants in water bodies. Hence continuous and efficient monitoring is required to detect the pollutants in the aquatic environment. Either preventing or detecting and subsequent elimination of these pollutants is of utmost importance for the health of the aquatic ecosystem. Biosensors have proved to be efficient in detecting these pollutants in a better way as compared to other conventional methods. Sensors are devices that have the ability to detect changes in the physical, chemical, or biological domains and produce a signal that can be measured. The distinguisher element in it minimizes noise caused by other components in the analyte mixture by being able to detect a specific analyte or set of analytes. This current review is focused on the role of biosensors in detecting metallic pollutants in water bodies. It also discusses the process of remediation of metallic pollutants in the aquatic environment.
Outcomes of atypical lobular hyperplasia managed by active surveillance or immediate surgery
Authors: Han Lynn K. , Lee Joyce , Dodelzon Katerina , Towne William S. , Zhou Xi Kathy , Ginter Paula S. , Marti Jennifer L.
Published: April 2024

Background

Atypical lobular hyperplasia (ALH) is typically diagnosed via needle core biopsy (NCB) and is commonly removed surgically in light of upgrade to malignancy rates of 1%–5%. As studies on radiographic outcomes of ALH managed by active surveillance (AS) are limited, we investigated the upgrade rates of surgically excised ALH as well as radiographic progression during AS.

Methods

In this retrospective study, 125 patients with 127 ALH lesions diagnosed via NCB at Weill Cornell Medicine from 2015 to 2021 were included. The upgrade rate to cancer was determined for patients who had surgical management ≤6 months after biopsy. Among patients with ALH managed by AS, we investigated radiographic progression on 6‐month interval imaging.

Results

Of 127 ALH lesions, 75% (n = 95) were immediately excised and 25% (n = 32) were observed under AS. The upgrade rate of immediately excised ALH was 2.1% (n = 2; invasive ductal carcinoma [IDC], T1N0 and IDC, and T1Nx). In the AS cohort, no ALH lesions progressed radiographically during the follow‐up period of 22.5 months (median), with all remaining stable (50%, n = 16), resolving (47%, n = 15), or decreasing in size (3%, n = 1).

Conclusions

In this study, NCB‐diagnosed ALH had a low upgrade to malignancy rate (2.1%), and no ALH lesions managed by AS progressed radiographically during the follow‐up period of 22.5 months. These results support AS as the favorable option for patients with pure ALH on biopsy, with surgical excision for lesions that progress on surveillance.
Diagnosis and treatment of epiploic appendagitis in a Middle Eastern country: An observational retrospective analysis of 156 cases
Authors: El‐Menyar Ayman , Naqvi Syed G. A. , Al‐Yahri Omer , Abusal Abdelaziz MA , Al‐Shaikhli Abdulwahhab , Sajid Sadia , Abdelrahman Husham , Kloub Ahmad G. , Ibnas Muhamed , Latifi Rifat , Toble Yasser M. R. , Al‐Thani Hassan
Published: April 2024

Background

Epiploic appendagitis (EPA) is an uncommon emergency surgical condition that causes acute abdominal pain, rendering a list of differential diagnoses. Therefore, careful examination and imaging tools are required. EPA is a self‐limiting condition that can be resolved in 1–2 weeks and rarely needs surgical intervention. Its low incidence makes EPA less well‐known among the public and some medical professionals, and it is frequently under‐diagnosed. We aimed to explore the incidence, clinical presentation, modalities of imaging to diagnose and options for treating EPA.

Methods

An observational retrospective analysis was conducted between 2016 and 2022 at a tertiary hospital in an Arab Middle Eastern country.

Results

There were 156 EPA cases diagnosed over six years, with a mean age of 33 years. Males represented 82% of the cohort. The entire cohort was treated non‐operatively except for eight patients who had surgical intervention using open or laparoscopic surgery. The diagnosis was made by a computerized tomographic scan (CT). However, plain X‐ray, abdominal ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed initially in a few selected cases to rule out other conditions. No specific blood test indicated EPA; however, a histopathology examination was diagnostic. No mortality was reported in the study cohort.

Conclusion

This is the most extensive study analyzing EPA patients from the Middle East. EPA is a rare and mostly self‐limiting acute abdominal disorder; however, early ultrasound and CT scan can pick it up quickly after a high index of suspicion.
Using imaging modalities to predict nanoparticle distribution and treatment efficacy in solid tumors: The growing role of ultrasound
Authors: Cooley Michaela B. , Wegierak Dana , Exner Agata A.
Published: April 2024

Nanomedicine in oncology has not had the success in clinical impact that was anticipated in the early stages of the field's development. Ideally, nanomedicines selectively accumulate in tumor tissue and reduce systemic side effects compared to traditional chemotherapeutics. However, this has been more successful in preclinical animal models than in humans. The causes of this failure to translate may be related to the intra‐ and inter‐patient heterogeneity of the tumor microenvironment. Predicting whether a patient will respond positively to treatment prior to its initiation, through evaluation of characteristics like nanoparticle extravasation and retention potential in the tumor, may be a way to improve nanomedicine success rate. While there are many potential strategies to accomplish this, prediction and patient stratification via noninvasive medical imaging may be the most efficient and specific strategy. There have been some preclinical and clinical advances in this area using MRI, CT, PET, and other modalities. An alternative approach that has not been studied as extensively is biomedical ultrasound, including techniques such as multiparametric contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (mpCEUS), doppler, elastography, and super‐resolution processing. Ultrasound is safe, inexpensive, noninvasive, and capable of imaging the entire tumor with high temporal and spatial resolution. In this work, we summarize the in vivo imaging tools that have been used to predict nanoparticle distribution and treatment efficacy in oncology. We emphasize ultrasound imaging and the recent developments in the field concerning CEUS. The successful implementation of an imaging strategy for prediction of nanoparticle accumulation in tumors could lead to increased clinical translation of nanomedicines, and subsequently, improved patient outcomes.

This article is categorized under:

Diagnostic Tools In Vivo Nanodiagnostics and Imaging

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery Emerging Technologies
Teilhabe
Authors: Albrecht Joanna , Hüning Nadine
Published: April 2024

Die gesellschaftliche und politische Relevanz des Themas Teilhabe von MB lässt sich an geltenden nationalen und internationalen Rechtsansprüchen und Verpflichtungen festmachen. Gemäß dem ICF-Modell der WHO (2005) stützt sich die UN-BRK auf den Begriff Behinderung als Teilhabebeeinträchtigung. Ein Prinzip der Konvention ist die „volle und wirksame Teilhabe an der Gesellschaft und Einbeziehung in die Gesellschaft“.
Revealing the landscape of globally color-dual multi-loop integrands
Authors: Edison Alex , Mangan James , Pavao Nicolas H.
Published: April 2024

Abstract

We report on progress in understanding how to construct color-dual multi-loop amplitudes. First we identify a cubic theory, semi-abelian Yang-Mills, that unifies many of the color-dual theories studied in the literature, and provides a prescriptive approach for constructing D-dimensional color-dual numerators through one-loop directly from Feynman rules. By a simple weight counting argument, this approach does not further generalize to two-loops. As a first step in understanding the two-loop challenge, we use a D-dimensional color-dual bootstrap to successfully construct globally color-dual local two-loop four-point nonlinear sigma model (NLSM) numerators. The double-copy of these NLSM numerators with themselves, pure Yang-Mills, and $$\mathcal{N}$$ = 4 super-Yang-Mills correctly reproduce the known unitarity constructed integrands of special Galileons, Born-Infeld theory, and Dirac-Born-Infeld-Volkov-Akulov theory, respectively. Applying our bootstrap to two-loop four-point pure Yang-Mills, we exhaustively search the space of local numerators and find that it fails to satisfy global color-kinematics duality, completing a search previously initiated in the literature. We pinpoint the failure to the bowtie unitarity cut, and discuss a path forward towards non-local construction of color-dual integrands at generic loop order.
Twisting asymptotic symmetries and algebraically special vacuum solutions
Authors: Mao Pujian , Zhao Weicheng
Published: April 2024

Abstract

In this paper, we study asymptotic symmetries and algebraically special exact solutions in the Newman-Penrose formalism. Removing the hypersurface orthogonal condition in the well studied Newman-Unti gauge, we obtain a generic asymptotic solution space which includes all possible origins of propagating degree of freedom. The asymptotic symmetry of the generalized system extends the Weyl-BMS symmetry by two independent local Lorentz transformations with non-trivial boundary charges, which reveals new boundary degrees of freedom. The generalized Newman-Unti gauge includes algebraically special condition in its most convenient form. Remarkably, the generic solutions satisfying the algebraically special condition truncate in the inverse power of radial expansions and the non-radial Newman-Penrose equations are explicitly solved at any order. Hence, we provide the most general algebraically special solution space and the derivation is self-contained in the Newman-Penrose formalism. The asymptotic symmetry with respect to the algebraically special condition is the standard Weyl-BMS symmetry and the symmetry parameters consist only the integration constant order. We present the Kerr solution and Taub-NUT solution in the generalized Newman-Unti gauge in a simple form.
Bayesian Inversion of MDJ Seismograms for Source Parameters and Yields of DPRK Underground Nuclear Explosions 2 to 6
Authors: Ziolkowski Anton
Published: April 2024

The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) conducted six underground nuclear explosions at the Punggye-ri nuclear test site at Mount Mantap, a granite peak. Test 1 was separate from tests 2 to 6, which were within about 1 km of each other. Using seismograms recorded at Mudanjiang (MDJ) seismic station in China, I propose a new approach to obtain source parameters, source time functions and yields of events 2 to 6, assuming they share the same Green’s function from Punggye-ri to MDJ. Each source is modelled as a spherical cavity in a homogeneous isotropic elastic full space, with four independent parameters constrained by published data on the properties of granite and analysis of the recorded MDJ seismograms. The effect of the ground surface is included as a planar reflection that modifies the pressure at the cavity boundary. The Green’s function for each event is estimated by deconvolving the seismogram for the estimated source time function. Very fast simulated annealing (VFSA) is used to search the parameter space to minimise the root-mean square difference among the estimated Green’s functions and their mean. The estimated Green’s functions are similar and differ in amplitude by less than a factor of 2. Green’s functions from Punggye-ri to other seismic stations may be obtained by deconvolving the seismograms for the corresponding source time functions. Mapping the nonlinear zones surrounding each explosion indicates that this part of the site was destroyed by the underground nuclear tests before its official destruction on 24 May 2018.
Asymptotic behavior of solutions to the extension problem for the fractional Laplacian on noncompact symmetric spaces
Authors: Papageorgiou Effie
Published: April 2024

This work deals with the extension problem for the fractional Laplacian on Riemannian symmetric spaces G/K of noncompact type and of general rank, which gives rise to a family of convolution operators, including the Poisson operator. More precisely, motivated by Euclidean results for the Poisson semigroup, we study the long-time asymptotic behavior of solutions to the extension problem for $$L^1$$

L
1

initial data. In the case of the Laplace–Beltrami operator, we show that if the initial data are bi-K-invariant, then the solution to the extension problem behaves asymptotically as the mass times the fundamental solution, but this convergence may break down in the non-bi-K-invariant case. In the second part, we investigate the long-time asymptotic behavior of the extension problem associated with the so-called distinguished Laplacian on G/K. In this case, we observe phenomena which are similar to the Euclidean setting for the Poisson semigroup, such as $$L^1$$

L
1

asymptotic convergence without the assumption of bi-K-invariance.
Improving the surface quality of additive manufactured polyamide parts using conventional treatment methods
Authors: Rohrsen Nyengeterai Cherryl , Hagedorn Daniel
Published: April 2024

Additive manufacturing processes have progressed in years past from not only being prototyping methods to also being end-product manufacturing methods. However, there are many challenges hindering higher industrial adoption rates of additive manufacturing such as low surface quality of the manufactured parts. Post-process surface treatment methods can play a key role in addressing this challenge. In this work, three mechanical methods were applied to selective laser-sintered polyamide 12 (PA12) parts with the aim of improving the surface quality. The effects of the methods regarding the surface integrity characteristics were evaluated. The results show improved surface roughness across all three methods: from initial Ra of 7.09 μm to 0.055 μm Ra, 0.28 μm Ra and 0.45 μm Ra by grinding, diamond turning and milling on the surfaces oriented upwards during fabrication respectively. Across the three methods, surface hardness was slightly reduced: with a maximum reduction of 2.5% by diamond turning.
New multi-function building plate for improving metal laser powder bed fusion by enhancing the alignment accuracy of in-process monitoring data, computed tomography measurements, and building volume geometry
Authors: Zanini Filippo , Bonato Nicolò , Carmignato Simone
Published: April 2024

Laser-based powder bed fusion of metals (PBF-LB/M) is an additive manufacturing process enabling the fabrication of parts with highly complex and customizable geometries, enhanced strength-to-weight properties, and minimized material waste. Despite its unique capabilities, PBF-LB/M needs research and innovation efforts to enhance process dynamics and product quality, as well as to broaden its adoption in high-value industrial sectors, such as aerospace and biomedical. In this context, in-process monitoring solutions and post-process part quality evaluations are fundamental to improving the process towards sustainable, first-time-right, and zero-defect production. This paper describes a novel building plate concept for metal laser powder fusion, whose characteristics were specifically designed to enable and improve the performances of in-process monitoring and high-resolution X-ray computed tomography (CT) measurements. In particular, the plate features markers for perspective correction in off-axis optical monitoring and dismountable inserts with machined geometrical elements to be used for the precise alignment between high-resolution CT reconstructions, in-process gathered data, and building volume geometry. The plate capabilities were demonstrated through examples related to in-process monitoring and post-process X-ray CT measurements.
The role of therapeutic plasma exchange in plasma cell disorders
Authors: Dima Danai , Khouri Jack
Published: April 2024

Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is an extracorporeal technique where patient’s plasma containing pathogenic substances is separated and removed from the whole blood, while the cellular component is returned to the patient mixed with replacement solution via an apheresis machine. Due to its ability to remove pathogenic substances from plasma including immunoglobulins, TPE has proven efficacious in the management of various disorders across different medical disciplines, including plasma cell dyscrasias, which are characterized by the abundant secretion of non-functional immunoglobulins produced by an abnormally proliferating plasma cell clone. This review summarizes the current indications of TPE in plasma cell-related disorders and discusses its application, safety, and therapeutic effects.
Big Multiple Sclerosis Data network: an international registry research network
Authors: Glaser Anna , Butzkueven Helmut , van der Walt Anneke , Gray Orla , Spelman Tim , Zhu Chao , Trojano Maria , Iaffaldano Pietro , Battaglia Mario A. , Lucisano Giuseppe , Vukusic Sandra , Vukusic Irena , Casey Romain , Horakova Dana , Drahota Jiri , Magyari Melinda , Joensen Hanna , Pontieri Luigi , Elberling Frederik , Klyve Pernilla , Mouresan Elena Flavia , Forsberg Lars , Hillert Jan
Published: April 2024

Background

The Big Multiple Sclerosis Data (BMSD) network (https://bigmsdata.org) was initiated in 2014 and includes the national multiple sclerosis (MS) registries of the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Italy, and Sweden as well as the international MSBase registry. BMSD has addressed the ethical, legal, technical, and governance-related challenges for data sharing and so far, published three scientific papers on pooled datasets as proof of concept for its collaborative design.

Data collection

Although BMSD registries operate independently on different platforms, similarities in variables, definitions and data structure allow joint analysis of data. Certain coordinated modifications in how the registries collect adverse event data have been implemented after BMSD consensus decisions, showing the ability to develop together.

Data management

Scientific projects can be proposed by external sponsors via the coordinating centre and each registry decides independently on participation, respecting its governance structure. Research datasets are established in a project-to-project fashion and a project-specific data model is developed, based on a unifying core data model. To overcome challenges in data sharing, BMSD has developed procedures for federated data analysis.

Future perspectives

Presently, BMSD is seeking a qualification opinion from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) to conduct post-authorization safety studies (PASS) and aims to pursue a qualification opinion also for post-authorization effectiveness studies (PAES). BMSD aspires to promote the advancement of real-world evidence research in the MS field.
The influence of chorioamnionitis on respiratory drive and spontaneous breathing of premature infants at birth: a narrative review
Authors: Panneflek Timothy J. R. , Kuypers Kristel L. A. M. , Polglase Graeme R. , Derleth Douglas P. , Dekker Janneke , Hooper Stuart B. , van den Akker Thomas , Pas Arjan B.te
Published: April 2024

Most very premature infants breathe at birth but require respiratory support in order to stimulate and support their breathing. A significant proportion of premature infants are affected by chorioamnionitis, defined as an umbrella term for antenatal inflammation of the foetal membranes and umbilical vessels. Chorioamnionitis produces inflammatory mediators that potentially depress the respiratory drive generated in the brainstem. Such respiratory depression could maintain itself by delaying lung aeration, hampering respiratory support at birth and putting infants at risk of hypoxic injury. This inflammatory-mediated respiratory depression may contribute to an association between chorioamnionitis and increased requirement of neonatal resuscitation in premature infants at birth. This narrative review summarises mechanisms on how respiratory drive and spontaneous breathing could be influenced by chorioamnionitis and provides possible interventions to stimulate spontaneous breathing.

  Conclusion: Chorioamnionitis could possibly depress respiratory drive and spontaneous breathing in premature infants at birth. Interventions to stimulate spontaneous breathing could therefore be valuable.

What is Known:• A large proportion of premature infants are affected by chorioamnionitis, antenatal inflammation of the foetal membranes and umbilical vessels.

What is New:• Premature infants affected by chorioamnionitis might be exposed to higher concentrations of respiratory drive inhibitors which could depress breathing at birth.• Premature infants affected by chorioamnionitis seem to be associated with a higher and more extensive requirement of resuscitation at birth.
Change in taste sensation after orthognathic surgery
Authors: Malkoc Yagmur , Gulsever Serap , Uckan Sina
Published: April 2024

Objective

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of orthognathic surgery on taste sensation.

Materials and methods

Thirty-five patients scheduled to undergo Le Fort I osteotomy (LFIO), sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO), and bimaxillary surgery (BMS) were evaluated by administering localized and whole-mouth taste tests preoperatively and postoperatively at months 1, 3, and 6. The patients were asked to identify the quality of four basic tastes applied to six locations on the palate and tongue and to rate the taste intensities they perceived. Taste recognition thresholds and taste intesity scores were evaluted according to operation groups and follow-ups.

Results

There were significant decreases in the quinine HCl recognition thresholds at the postoperative follow-ups compared to the preoperative in LFIO patients (p = 0.043). There were significant decreases in sucrose taste intensity scores in the right posterolateral part of the tongue at months 3 and 6 compared to preoperative in SSRO patients (p = 0.046), and significant increases in quinine HCL taste intensity scores in the right and left anterior parts of the tongue at month 6 compared to preoperative in LFIO patients (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Taste perception is affected due to potential damage to the chemosensory nerves during orthognathic surgical procedures. Generally, non-significant alterations have been observed in taste perception after orthognathic surgery, except for significant alterations in bitter and sweet taste perceptions.

Clinical relevance

Maxillofacial surgeons should be aware of taste perception change after orthognathic surgery procedures and patients should be informed accordingly.

The trial registration number (TRN)

NCT06103422/Date of registration: 10.17.2023 (retrospectively registered).
Standard Error Adaptive Moment Estimation for Mean-Value-at-Risk Portfolio Optimization Problems by Sampling
Authors: Su Stephanie See Weng , Kek Sie Long , Teo Kok Lay
Published: April 2024

In this paper, an improvement of the adaptive moment estimation (Adam) method equipped with standard error (SE), namely the AdamSE algorithm, is proposed. Our aims are to improve the convergence rate of the Adam algorithm and to explore the utility of the AdamSE algorithm for solving mean-value-at-risk (mean-VaR) portfolio optimization problems. For this, 10 stocks from the top 30 equity holdings list released by the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) have a weak correlation among them. The weekly stock prices of these stocks are selected for the period from 2015 to 2019, and then the mean, covariance and required rate of return are calculated to build a mean-VaR portfolio optimization model. In this way, the Adam and AdamSE algorithms are used to solve the model, and their results are compared. During the calculation, the stochastic gradients of the model are simulated through sampling, and nine samples are taken into consideration. With this sampling, the standard error of each sample is computed and the optimal weight for each sample is determined using the AdamSE algorithm. After convergence is achieved, the results show that different sample sizes could provide a satisfactory outcome for the portfolio concerned and from these nine samples, the lowest and highest iteration numbers were obtained to guarantee a robust optimal solution to the model constructed. Hence, we concluded that the AdamSE algorithm through sampling reveals its computational capability for handling the mean-VaR portfolio optimization problem.
An observational prospective study based on a large cohort of HIV-negative neurosyphilis patients with particular reference to the Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction
Authors: Peng Rui-Rui , Wu Juan , Zhao Wei , Zhu Lin , Guan Zhifang , Gu Xin , Shi Mei , Yu Junjun , Cheng Yanchun , Zhou Pingyu
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to outline a complete picture of Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction (JHR) in the central nervous system among HIV-negative neurosyphilis patients.

Methods

A prospective study cohort of 772 cases with almost all stages of neurosyphilis depicted the features of JHR including occurrence rate, risk profiles, clinical manifestations, medical management and prognosis.

Results

The total occurrence rate of JHR was 9.3% (95% CI, 7.3-11.4%), including 4.1% (95% CI, 2.7-5.6%) with severe JHR. The reaction started 5 h after treatment initiation, peaked after 8 h, and subsided after 18 h. Patients with severe JHR experienced a longer recovery time (26 h). Patients with general paresis (OR = 6.825), ocular syphilis (OR = 3.974), pleocytosis (OR = 2.426), or a high CSF-VDRL titre (per log2 titre increase, OR = 2.235) were more likely to experience JHR. Patients with general paresis had an 11.759-fold increased risk of severe JHR. Worsening symptoms included cognitive impairment, mania, nonsense speech, and dysphoria, while symptoms of hallucination, urination disorder, seizures, myoclonus, or aphasia appeared as new-onset symptoms. Neurosyphilis treatment did not need to be interrupted in most patients with JHR and could be reinstated in patients with seizures under supportive medication when JHR subsided.

Conclusion

Severe JHR displayed a 4.1% occurrence rate and clinicians should pay particular attention to patients at a higher risk of JHR. The neurosyphilis treatment regime can be restarted under intensive observation for patients with severe JHR and, if necessary, supportive medication should be initiated and continued until the end of therapy.