bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Radiative heat transport of Cattaneo‐Christov double diffusive Casson nanofluid flow between two rotating disks with Hall current and activation energy
Authors: Sahoo Anindita , Nandkeolyar Raj
Published: October 2023

The present research uncovers the mathematical exploration of the magnetohydrodynamic radiative Casson nanofluid flow produced due to stretching and coaxially rotating surfaces of two disks inside a non‐Darcy porous medium under the dominance of the diacritic Hall current and heat generation. The energy field is displayed under the dominance of radiative and dissipative heat transport by involving the consequences of distinctive nonlinear thermal radiation, viscous dissipation, and Joule heating. The present study overcomes the barrier of heat and mass transport by annexing Cattaneo‐Christov double diffusion effects. The current exploration shows the characteristics of the concentration field due to arising chemical reaction incited by activation energy. A substantive mathematical problem is modeled by assigning nonlinear partial differential equations together with convective boundary conditions. A compatible similarity transformation comprised in the current study is exerted to produce a set of nonlinear ordinary differential equations with competent boundary conditions. The resulting mathematical model is numerically solved via dispensing the SLM. The present article deals with an in‐depth exploration of diagnostic flow parameters' attributes against the flow field and efficient physical quantities with the help of distinctive graphs and tables. As per the current investigation, the energy field becomes potent due to enhancing the stretching of each of the disks. Besides, augmenting the thermophoretic diffusion and chemical reaction boosts diluting the concentration of nanoparticles. The flow along the radial direction gets controlled near the upper disk under the increasing influence of the Hall current, intensity of the magnetic field, and stretching rate of the lower disk. On the other hand, the enlarging Casson parameter, rotation parameter, and stretching parameter for the lower disk lead to controlling the flow along the radial direction adjacent to the lower disk. Apart from that, the intense effects of the stretching rate of the upper disk and rotation rein axial flow throughout the flow region.
Strength and Limits of Unterritorial Approaches
Authors: Mazzoleni Oscar
Published: October 2023

The relevance of the notion of territory is often overlooked in political sociology. This chapter explores how powerful scientific narratives like nationalist methodology, mass society, globalism and theories of audience democracy contribute to neglect the concept of territory. At the same time, the chapter stresses how recent transformations in contemporary democracies would provide rising relevance of territorial-oriented approaches.
Territorial Populism
Authors: Mazzoleni Oscar
Published: October 2023

This chapter shows how territory-oriented thinking helps to enrich the heuristic strength of populism, one of the most controversial yet prevalent concepts in social and political science. It is argued that populism and territory are strongly intertwined concepts. Territory is an implicit dimension in populist rhetoric, especially when nationalist and sovereignist claims are at stake. The notion of border, which stresses the protective dimension of the territory, is also closely related to populism and contributes to enriching the analytical agenda of territorial approaches to politics.
Effect of posteromedial vertical capsulotomy with medial collateral ligament liberation on intraoperative medial component gap mismatch between extension and mid‐flexion during total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Katagiri Hiroki , Saito Ryusuke , Shioda Mikio , Jinno Tetsuya , Kaneyama Ryutaku , Watanabe Toshifumi
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The aim of this study was to quantify the effect of posteromedial vertical capsulotomy on intraoperative component gaps and angles from extension through mid‐flexion to flexion during total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Methods

In the present study, 47 cases of primary posterior‐stabilized TKA using the measured resection technique for varus knee osteoarthritis (hip–knee–ankle angles < 0°) were reviewed. Component gaps and angles at 0°, 10°, 45°, 90°, and maximum flexion were measured intraoperatively, before and after posteromedial vertical capsulotomy. Differences in pre‐ and post‐posteromedial vertical capsulotomy medial and lateral component gaps and angles and medial component gap mismatches among knee flexion angles were assessed using the Wilcoxon signed rank test for two paired samples.

Results

The medial component gaps at 0° and 10° of flexion of post‐posteromedial vertical capsulotomy were significantly greater, exceeding the minimal detectable change, than those pre posteromedial vertical capsulotomy (change of the gap after the procedure at 0° of flexion was 0.7 ± 0.7 mm and at 10° of flexion was 0.8 ± 0.8 mm; all P values < 0.05). The medial component gap mismatches between both 0° and 10°, and 45°, 90°, and maximum flexion were significantly smaller post posteromedial vertical capsulotomy than pre posteromedial vertical capsulotomy, with the values of the change exceeding the minimal detectable change (change of the gap mismatch after the procedure: knee flexion at 0° and 45° was − 0.6 ± 0.9 [mm], at 0° and 90° was 0.7 ± 1.0, at 0° and maximum flexion was − 0.6 ± 1.2, at 10° and 45° was − 0.7 ± 0.9, at 10° and 90° was − 0.8 ± 0.9, at 10° and maximum flexion was − 0.7 ± 1.1; all P values < 0.05).

Conclusions

Posteromedial vertical capsulotomy increased the medial component gaps during knee extension but not during mid‐flexion or full flexion during posterior‐stabilized TKA. Posteromedial vertical capsulotomy improved mild medial component gap mismatch between extension and mid‐flexion and full flexion during posterior‐stabilized TKA. Surgeons can consider posteromedial vertical capsulotomy when there is intraoperative constriction of the medial component gap during extension in patients undergoing posterior‐stabilized TKA.
Lateral trochlear inclination measured by the transepicondylar axis holds potential for evaluating trochlear dysplasia in patients with lateral patellar dislocation
Authors: Chen Jiaxing , Li Xinyi , Feng Yi , Li Qiaochu , Xu Zijie , Wang Linbang , Zhang Jian , Quan Zhengxue , Zhou Aiguo
Published: October 2023

Purpose

To verify that lateral trochlear inclination (LTI) measured by the transepicondylar axis can reliably be used to evaluate trochlear dysplasia (TD) on MRI and can serve as an objective indication of trochleoplasty for patients with lateral patellar dislocation (LPD).

Methods

Eighty patients with recurrent LPD and eighty healthy subjects were included. TD, posterior condylar angle (PCA), and LTI measured by the posterior condylar reference line (LTIp), surgical transepicondylar axis (LTIs), and anatomical transepicondylar axis (LTIa) were assessed on MRI. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland–Altman analysis were performed, the correlations and differences amongst the parameters were identified, and a binary logistic regression model was established.

Results

Each measurement had excellent inter‐ and intra‐observer agreement. The LTIp, LTIs and LTIa were smaller in the study group than in the control group, with mean differences of 9.0°, 7.2° and 7.0°, respectively (P < 0.001). The PCA was larger in patients with LPD than in the control group (P < 0.001). LTIp was associated with PCA in the study group (r = − 0.41, P < 0.001). The pathological values of LTIp, LTIs and LTIa were 11.7°, 15.3° and 17.4°, respectively. LTIs and LTIa were independent risk factors for LPD, with ORs of 7.33 (95% CI [1.06–52.90], P = 0.048) and 10.29 (95% CI [1.38–76.96], P = 0.023), respectively.

Conclusion

The LTI can be reliably measured by MRI, but LTIp could potentially decrease the recorded value from the actual inclination angle. LTIs and LTIa are more appropriate to serve as trochleoplasty indications for patients with LPD, which could help orthopedists with surgical decision‐making.

Level of evidence

Level III.
Dominance of posterior predictive densities over plug-in densities for order statistics in exponential distributions
Authors: Nishi Kouhei , Kurosawa Takeshi , Ozeki Nobuyuki
Published: October 2023

Many researchers have proposed numerous Bayesian predictive densities for Type-II censored data that is generated by ordered observations. However, their evaluations of predictive densities were insufficient because the Bayesian predictive density includes prior parameters, thus we suffer from the selection of the prior parameters. In this study, we consider two types of predictive densities, posterior predictive and plug-in, for observations from an exponential distribution of Type-II censored data. We discuss a suitable predictive density using the risk with the Kullback–Leibler loss function. In our setting, we consider a Gamma prior, which is a conjugate prior for mathematical tractability. We prove that the posterior predictive density with an improper Gamma prior provides the dominance of the posterior predictive density over the plug-in densities without depending on the selection of an unknown parameter in our setting. Finally, we show that the posterior predictive density outperforms the plug-in densities in terms of coverage probabilities for unobserved data by censoring in a simulation study.
Efficacy of methenamine with methylthioninium in the treatment of dysuria: a randomized clinical study
Authors: Neto Felício Savioli , Hachul Helena , Pereira Márcio Antônio , Filho Carlos Isaia
Published: October 2023

Introduction and hypothesis

Dysuria is a common symptom present in several urological and gynecological conditions. Management relies on the underlying disease but may require additional symptomatic treatment. This study evaluated the combination of methenamine 250 mg and methylthioninium chloride 20 mg in the treatment of dysuria versus phenazopyridine.

Methods

This was a multicenter, single-blind, randomized, superiority clinical trial, including individuals over 18 with dysuria and a score ≥ 5 points on the pre-treatment categorical scale for pain. The primary outcome was the proportion of participants presenting excellent clinical response within 24 h after treatment. Improvement up to 72 h, time to reach improvement, sustained healing, investigators’ opinion, and safety were also evaluated.

Results

Three hundred and fifteen participants were evaluated. Demographic characteristics and symptoms of dysuria were comparable between groups at baseline. The difference in the excellent response rate between treatments within 24 h was 12.7% (95% CI 6.16, 19.21) for pain, 9.4% (95% CI 3.32, 15.39) for burning, and 12.7% (95% CI 6.37, 18.99) for burning on urination, all in favor of the test drug, which was also superior from 36 to 48 h. Treatments were similar concerning time to reach the absence of symptoms and in the percentage of participants with sustained healing after 72 h.

Conclusions

The association of methenamine with methylthioninium is superior to phenazopyridine in the treatment of dysuria.
Zerumbone liquid crystalline nanoparticles protect against oxidative stress, inflammation and senescence induced by cigarette smoke extract in vitro
Authors: Paudel Keshav Raj , Clarence Dvya Delilaa , Panth Nisha , Manandhar Bikash , De Rubis Gabriele , Devkota Hari Prasad , Gupta Gaurav , Zacconi Flavia C. , Williams Kylie A. , Pont Lisa G. , Singh Sachin Kumar , Warkiani Majid Ebrahimi , Adams Jon , MacLoughlin Ronan , Oliver Brian G. , Chellappan Dinesh Kumar , Hansbro Philip Michael , Dua Kamal
Published: October 2023

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential of zerumbone-loaded liquid crystalline nanoparticles (ZER-LCNs) in the protection of broncho-epithelial cells and alveolar macrophages against oxidative stress, inflammation and senescence induced by cigarette smoke extractin vitro. The effect of the treatment of ZER-LCNs onin vitrocell models of cigarette smoke extract (CSE)-treated mouse RAW264.7 and human BCi-NS1.1 basal epithelial cell lines was evaluated for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-senescence activities using colorimetric and fluorescence-based assays, fluorescence imaging, RT-qPCR and proteome profiler kit. The ZER-LCNs successfully reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory markers includingIl-6,Il-1βandTnf-α, as well as the production of nitric oxide in RAW 264.7 cells. Additionally, ZER-LCNs successfully inhibited oxidative stress through reduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and regulation of genes, namelyGPX2andGCLCin BCi-NS1.1 cells. Anti-senescence activity of ZER-LCNs was also observed in BCi-NS1.1 cells, with significant reductions in the expression ofSIRT1,CDKN1AandCDKN2A. This study demonstrates strongin vitroanti-inflammatory, antioxidative and anti-senescence activities of ZER-LCNs paving the path for this formulation to be translated into a promising therapeutic agent for chronic respiratory inflammatory conditions including COPD and asthma.
Factors affecting the success of CT-guided core biopsy of musculoskeletal lesions with a 13-G needle
Authors: Gataa Khaldun Ghali , Inci Fatih , Szaro Pawel , Geijer Mats
Published: October 2023

Objective

To determine the value of CT-guided bone core biopsy and investigate factors that affect diagnostic yield and biopsy outcome.

Materials and methods

The single-centre retrospective analysis included 447 patients who had CT-guided core biopsy with a 13-G needle (Bonopty®) from January 2016 to December 2021. Histological results or ≥ 6 months of clinical and radiological follow-up served as outcome references. A successful biopsy was classified as “diagnostic” when a definitive diagnosis was made and “adequate” when only the malignant or benign nature of the tumour could be determined. Biopsies were “nondiagnostic” when the nature of the lesion could not be determined. The occult lesions were defined as not seen on CT but visible on other modalities.

Results

In 275 (62%) females and 172 (38%) males, the overall success rate was 85% (383 biopsies), with 314 (70%) diagnostic biopsies and 69 (15%) adequate biopsies. There was no relationship between biopsy success and the localisation of the lesion, length of biopsy material, or number of biopsy attempts. The lesions’ nature had a statistically significant effect on biopsy success with lytic and mixed lesions having the highest success rate. Occult lesions had the lowest success rate.

Conclusion

CT-guided bone core biopsy is an effective method in the workup of musculoskeletal diseases with the highest success rate in lytic and mixed lesions. No apparent relationship was found between biopsy success and biopsy length, number of attempts, or localisation of the lesion.
Impact of Enhanced Recovery Protocols on Short‐Term Outcomes in Esophagectomy: A Retrospective Cohort Study from Cancer Research Institute, Uttarakhand, India
Authors: Ramakrishnan Priya , Saini Sunil , Arora Anshika , Khurana Gurjeet
Published: October 2023

Objective

Surgery for esophageal cancer is associated with high mortality and morbidity, especially in low and middle‐income countries. The recent enhanced recovery after surgery guidelines for esophagectomy (2018) which attempt to reduce complications and length of stay (LOS) have rarely been validated in these settings. This study aimed to analyse the effect of this protocol on short‐term outcomes in our subset of patients.

Methods

A retrospective review was conducted to investigate the outcomes of enhanced recovery protocol (ERP) compared to standard pre‐protocol care (PP) in patients who underwent esophagectomy for cancer (31 in ERP vs 61 in PP group) at Cancer Research Institute, Uttarakhand, India. The main outcomes measured were 30‐day mortality, morbidity and LOS. Risk assessment was stratified as per Physiological and Operative Severity Score for the Enumeration of Mortality and Morbidity (POSSUM) systems while complications were classified as per the Clavien‐Dindo scale.

Results

Preoperative clinical characteristics were similar between groups. Though the predicted POSSUM mortality and morbidity were significantly higher in the ERP group (p = 0.007), 30‐day morbidity (19.35% vs 42.62%, p = 0.027) as well as median LOS (12 vs 15 days, p < 0.001) was significantly lower in ERP group. The PP group reported 4 deaths within 30 days as compared to none in the ERP group (p = 0.296). Furthermore, the ERP group reported lower occurrence of pulmonary complications (6.4%vs24.6%,p = 0.046), hemodynamic instability (0%vs14.75%,p = 0.026) as well as need for prolonged postoperative ventilation (> 24 h; 0% vs 11.48%, p = 0.004). Both minor and major complications as assessed by the Clavien‐Dindo scale were lower in the group ERP though these differences were not statistically significant (0.059).

Conclusions

Implementation of ERP improved short‐term outcomes; hence can be strongly recommended in patients undergoing esophagectomy.
Variation in photoperiod response corresponds to differences in circadian light sensitivity in northern and southern Nasonia vitripennis lines
Authors: Floessner Theresa S. E. , Benetta Elena Dalla , Beersma Domien G. M. , Hut Roelof A.
Published: October 2023

The circadian clock times physiological and behavioural processes and resets on a daily basis to synchronize with the environment. The involvement of the circadian clock in photoperiodic time measurement synchronising annual rhythms is still under debate and different models have been proposed explaining their integration. Insects overcome unfavourable conditions in diapause, a form of dormancy. A latitudinal cline in diapause induction in the parasitoid wasp Nasonia vitripennis as well as a difference in circadian light sensitivity between north and south provide us with additional evidence that the circadian system of Nasonia is involved in photoperiodic time measurement and that latitude-specific seasonality drives adaptive evolution in photoperiodism partly through adaptation responses in the circadian system. We tested diapause induction in a range of T-cycles and photoperiods and found diapause induction in short photoperiods in all T-cycles in the northern line but in the southern line, diapause only occurred in T-cycles close to 24 h. Due to a lower light sensitivity in the southern line, a wider distribution of phase angles of entrainment can be expected at a specific T-cycle duration, while the range of entrainment will decrease. Taking these oscillator properties into account, our data can be explained by an external coincidence model involving a single oscillator with a light-sensitive phase that drives annual timing of diapause in Nasonia vitripennis.
Region and cloud regime dependence of parametric sensitivity in E3SM atmosphere model
Authors: Qian Yun , Guo Zhun , Larson Vincent E. , Leung L. Ruby , Lin Wuyin , Ma Po-Lun , Wan Hui , Wang Hailong , Xiao Heng , Xie Shaocheng , Yang Ben , Zhang Kai , Zhang Shixuan , Zhang Yuying
Published: October 2023

The Department of Energy (DOE)’s Energy Exascale Earth System Model (E3SM), including its atmosphere model (EAM), has many relatively new features. In a previous study we conducted a systematic parametric sensitivity analysis for EAM based on short, perturbed parameter ensemble (PPE) simulations, mainly focusing on global mean climate features and metrics. While parameter values in global climate models are generally invariant in space and time, model response to parameters perturbation may vary by regions and climate regimes, which motivates the need to better understand the EAM model behaviors and physics at regional scale and process level. In this study, using the same set of PPE simulations and a similar sensitivity analysis framework, we identify parameters that cause largest sensitivities over different regions and compare model responses in fast atmospheric processes to the parameters across different cloud regimes for several important cloud-related fidelity metrics. We find that cloud forcing has opposite response to some parameters over mid-latitude vs. tropical land. We also analyze how the parametric sensitivity varies as stratocumulus transitions to shallow convection and to deep convection over ocean. Low cloud forcing and shortwave cloud forcing in the subtropical eastern Pacific are most sensitive to the parameters controlling the width of the probability density function (PDF) of the subgrid vertical velocity (w’) (gamma) and the damping of the w’ skewness (c8) near the coast but become more sensitive to the parameter affecting the damping of the w’ variance (c1) further offshore. Detailed interpretation of the spatial dependence of parametric sensitivity is provided. We also investigate how the parametric sensitivity evolves with prediction duration. This study improves our process-level understanding of cloud physics and parameterization and provides insights for developing more advanced regime-aware parameterization schemes in global climate model.
Associations of C-reactive protein with depressive symptoms over time after mild to moderate ischemic stroke in the PROSCIS-B cohort
Authors: Schaeff Viktoria L. K. , Sperber Pia S. , Piper Sophie K. , Giesers Naomi K. , Gertz Karen , Heuschmann Peter U. , Endres Matthias , Liman Thomas G.
Published: October 2023

Background and purpose

C-reactive protein serves as a marker of inflammation and is linked to depression in the general population. We aimed to assess whether elevated baseline levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) are associated with depressive symptoms over time in a prospective cohort of mild-to-moderate first-ever ischemic stroke patients.

Methods

Data were obtained from the Prospective Cohort with Incident Stroke Berlin (NCT01363856). Depressive symptoms were assessed with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) at three annual follow-up points. We assessed the association of elevated levels of hs-CRP with CES-D scores over time via linear mixed models. In a subgroup analysis, we explored an interaction effect with sex.

Results

We included 585 ischemic stroke patients with baseline data on CRP levels. The mean age was 67 (13 SD), 39% (n = 226) were female, and the median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) was 3 (IQR 1–4). Twenty percent of survivors showed evidence for depressive symptoms one year after stroke with CES-D ≥ 16, 21% at year two, and 17% at year three. Higher log-transformed baseline hs-CRP levels were associated with higher CES-D Scores over time in the adjusted linear mixed model (β = 1.28; (95% CI 0.22–2.34)). The subgroup analysis revealed an interaction effect of hs-CRP on depressive symptoms in women (β = 2.33; (95% CI 0.71–3.95)).

Conclusion

In our cohort with mild-to-moderate first-ever ischemic stroke patients, hs-CRP levels were associated with more depressive symptoms over time, with an interaction effect for the female sex.

Study registration

https://clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT01363856.
An economic evaluation of universal and targeted case-finding strategies for identifying antenatal depression: a model-based analysis comparing common case-finding instruments
Authors: Camacho Elizabeth M. , Shields Gemma E. , Eisner Emily , Littlewood Elizabeth , Watson Kylie , Chew-Graham Carolyn A. , McMillan Dean , Ali Shehzad , Gilbody Simon
Published: October 2023

Half of women with depression in the perinatal period are not identified in routine care, and missed cases reflect inequalities in other areas of maternity care. Case finding (screening) for depression in pregnant women may be a cost-effective strategy to improve identification, and targeted case finding directs finite resources towards the greatest need. We compared the cost-effectiveness of three case-finding strategies: no case finding, universal (all pregnant women), and targeted (only pregnant women with risk factors for antenatal depression, i.e. history of anxiety/depression, age < 20 years, and adverse life events). A decision tree model was developed to represent case finding (at around 20 weeks gestation) and subsequent treatment for antenatal depression (up to 40 weeks gestation). Costs include case finding and treatment. Health benefits are measured as quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). The sensitivity and specificity of case-finding instruments and prevalence and severity of antenatal depression were estimated from a cohort study of pregnant women. Other model parameters were derived from published literature and expert consultation. The most cost-effective case-finding strategy was a two-stage strategy comprising the Whooley questions followed by the PHQ-9. The mean costs were £52 (universal), £61 (no case finding), and £62 (targeted case finding). Both case-finding strategies improve health compared with no case finding. Universal case finding is cost-saving. Costs associated with targeted case finding are similar to no case finding, with greater health gains, although targeted case finding is not cost-effective compared with universal case finding. Universal case finding for antenatal depression is cost-saving compared to no case finding and more cost-effective than targeted case finding.
Ultrahigh Thermoelectric Performance of ZnO-CdO Thin Films
Authors: Karim Al Momin Md. Tanveer , Rumana Islam M. , Khatun Halima , Khalilur Rahman Khan M. , Mozibur Rahman M. , Shahjahan Md. , Hossain Md. Faruk , Arif E. M. H. , Nazrul-Islam Sheik Md Kazi
Published: October 2023

Zinc oxide (ZnO) is emerging as a promising n-type thermoelectric material (TE) for power harvesting due to its high melting point and large Seebeck coefficient. However, the TE performance of ZnO is limited by high thermal conductivity and low carrier mobility. Adding or doping a divalent element such as cadmium oxide (CdO) can lower the thermal conductivity and enhance the carrier concentration of ZnO. In this paper, the thermoelectric transport properties of ZnO-CdO nanocrystalline thin films are investigated by varying the Zn/Cd ratio at temperatures ranging from room temperature (RT) to 423 K. The electrical conductivity, carrier concentration and mobility of ZnO were enhanced by increasing the Cd concentration. The maximum power factor of 2.75 × 10−4 W m−1 K−2 was obtained at 423 K for the Zn/Cd = 1:3 sample. The thermal conductivity was dominated by lattice thermal conductivity in which Umklapp scattering occurs between anharmonic phonons. The thermal conductivity of ZnO decreased significantly with increasing Cd concentration. The highest estimated figure of merit (ZT) of 0.59 was found at 413 K for the Zn/Cd = 1:3 sample, which is 223 times greater than for ZnO, indicating that the film is efficient in energy generation.
The effects of nicotine use during adolescence and young adulthood on gray matter cerebral blood flow estimates
Authors: Courtney Kelly E. , Baca Rachel , Thompson Courtney , Andrade Gianna , Doran Neal , Jacobson Aaron , Liu Thomas T. , Jacobus Joanna
Published: October 2023

Nicotine and tobacco product (NTP) use remains prevalent in adolescence/young adulthood. The effects of NTPs on markers of brain health during this vulnerable neurodevelopmental period remain largely unknown. This report investigates associations between NTP use and gray matter cerebral blood flow (CBF) in adolescents/young adults. Adolescent/young adult (16–22 years-old) nicotine users (NTP; N = 99; 40 women) and non-users (non-NTP; N = 95; 56 women) underwent neuroimaging sessions including anatomical and optimized pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling scans. Groups were compared on whole-brain gray matter CBF estimates and their relation to age and sex at birth. Follow-up analyses assessed correlations between identified CBF clusters and NTP recency and dependence measures. Controlling for age and sex, the NTP vs. non-NTP contrast revealed a single cluster that survived thresholding which included portions of bilateral precuneus (voxel-wise alpha < 0.001, cluster-wise alpha < 0.05; ≥7 contiguous voxels). An interaction between NTP group contrast and age was observed in two clusters including regions of the left posterior cingulate (PCC)/lingual gyrus and right anterior cingulate cortex (ACC): non-NTP exhibited positive correlations between CBF and age in these clusters, whereas NTP exhibited negative correlations between CBF and age. Lower CBF from these three clusters correlated with urine cotinine (rs=-0.21 – − 0.16; ps < 0.04) and nicotine dependence severity (rs=-0.16 – − 0.13; ps < 0.07). This is the first investigation of gray matter CBF in adolescent/young adult users of NTPs. The results are consistent with literature on adults showing age- and nicotine-related declines in CBF and identify the precuneus/PCC and ACC as potential key regions subserving the development of nicotine dependence.
Temporal variation of floral reward can improve the pollination success of a rare flowering plant
Authors: Benadi Gita , Kögel Raphael , Lämsä Juho , Gegear Robert J.
Published: October 2023

Many pollinating animals visit a variety of flowering plant species. Rare plant species pollinated by such generalists may experience a low quality or quantity of pollination, depending on the pollinators’ foraging behaviour. How plants cope with this rarity disadvantage is not well understood. One possibility would be to offer a higher floral reward, for example, a higher nectar sugar concentration. However, since nectar production is costly, rare plants may only be able to increase their nectar concentration for a limited time and offer little reward afterwards. In this study, we performed a laboratory experiment with bumblebees (Bombus terrestris) foraging on artificial flowers of two colours to investigate whether the bees’ foraging behaviour produces a rarity disadvantage and if so, whether the rare flower type could improve its pollination success through temporal variation of its nectar sugar concentration, i.e. a temporary increase of nectar sugar followed by a period with low concentration. We found that when both flower colours offered equal rewards, the rare colour received only slightly fewer visits per flower, but had a considerably lower expected pollination success based on the bumblebees’ visitation sequences. Temporal variation of the rare colour’s sugar concentration increased both the quantity and quality of visits it received. This positive effect was reduced when there were fewer rare flowers or when two bumblebees foraged simultaneously. Our results suggest that temporal variation of floral rewards can alleviate, but not completely eliminate the rarity disadvantage.
Distribution of PD-L1, TROP2 and HER2- “lowness” in early triple-negative breast cancer: an opportunity for treatment de-escalation
Authors: Bueno Maria Jose , Mouron Silvana , Caleiras Eduardo , Martínez Mario , Manso Luis , Colomer Ramón , Quintela-Fandino Miguel
Published: October 2023

Background

HER2, TROP2 and PD-L1 are novel targets in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). The combined expression status of these targets, and whether they can define prognostic subgroups, is currently undefined.

Methods

Immunohistochemistry was used to determine HER2, TROP2 and PD-L1 levels in 459 TNBC cases, that received in the adjuvant/neoadjuvant setting active surveillance, CMF, anthracycline-, anthracycline plus taxane-, or carboplatin-containing regimes.

Results

HER2-low patients with PD-L1 > 1 CPS (double-positive, herein “DP”) had a mean PFS of 4768 days (95% CI: 4267–5268) versus 3522 days (95% CI: 3184–3861) for non-DP patients (P = 0.002). Regarding the received adjuvant treatment, DP patients (versus non-DP) receiving anthracyclines plus taxanes exhibited a mean PFS time of 4726 (95% CI: 4022–5430) versus 3302 (95% CI: 2818–3785) days (P = 0.039). Finally, 100% of DP patients that received a carboplatin-based regimen were long-term disease-free.

Conclusions

Early HER2-low, PD-L1-positive TNBC patients have a very good prognosis, particularly if treated with anthracycline/taxane- or carboplatin-containing regimes.
Parametric modelling of clogging behavior of porous pavements with time
Authors: Imteaz M. A. , Ahsan A. , Shams S.
Published: October 2023

With the aim of facilitating easier development of guidelines for the stakeholders using porous pavements, a simple parametric mathematical model is developed for the prediction of clogging behavior, i.e., time-dependent decaying hydraulic conductivity of porous pavement dependent on two different input parameters in addition to time. Based on earlier experimental results, trends of diminishing hydraulic conductivities with time under different void ratios and particle sizes were established. It is found that for a particular particle size, the effect of void ratio on time-dependent hydraulic conductivity can be expressed with a combined linear and exponential functions. Again, for a particular void ratio, the effect of particle size on time-dependent hydraulic conductivity can be expressed with an exponential function. The particle size dependent equation was further extended to include the effect of void ratio through multiplying a linear function having void content as independent variable. Developed equation predicted results were compared with the original experimental measurements. It is found that all the three models are capable to well-predict experimental measurements with RMSE values equal or higher than 0.98. The void content dependent equation is capable to predict results having standard errors as, Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) = 0.04, Mean Absolute Error (MAE) = 0.03 and Relative Absolute Error (RAE) = 0.09, whereas the same error statistics of the particle size dependent equation are 0.04, 0.02 and 0.08 respectively. Error statistics of the combined (particle size and void ratio) equation are, RMSE = 0.1, MAE = 0.07 and RAE = 0.22. Such modelling technique would be useful for the prediction of potential clogging in the porous pavement for any combination of input parameters.
Do product returns in the retail sector affect the price level? Evidence from the equation of exchange
Authors: Beretta Edoardo , Neuberger Doris , Senner Richard
Published: October 2023

Starting from Irving Fisher’s equation of exchange ($$MV=PT$$

M
V
=
P
T

) at the basis of the quantity theory of money and mainstream (macro)economics linking money ($$M$$
M
) and its frequency of circulation ($$V$$
V
) on the one hand to the general price level ($$P$$
P
) and real goods and services exchanged ($$T$$
T
) on the other, we analyze whether product returns by consumers (reaching 16.5% of total US sales in 2022) affect macroeconomic variables such as the price level and the velocity of money. We explore two different product-return scenarios: (1) reselling, and (2) destroying returned items. Based on a theoretical analysis and data for the US, we find that reselling product returns at a discount price reduces the price level, which is however not taken into account in the statistical measurement of the consumer price index. Moreover, the “modern” equation of exchange used in mainstream macroeconomics is an unsuitable instrument to study the effects of product returns on money velocity, because it neglects non-GDP-relevant transactions such as returning and reselling products. This leads to underestimate the actual velocity of money.
Numerical study on the effectiveness of directional well with multiple hydraulic slots for enhanced gas recovery in deep coal seam
Authors: Chen Yi , Zhou Lei , Peng Yu , Ren Xiangyan
Published: October 2023

Coalbed methane production failures through hydraulic fracturing in the Linxing gas field in China have encountered significant setbacks, hindering efforts to enhance the recovery of deep CBM reserves in the region. To address this challenge, we investigate the potential of directional wells with multiple hydraulic slots as a stimulation technology for deep coalbed methane extraction. This study presents two numerical models to evaluate the effectiveness of this technology. The first model is a continuum damage numerical model based on the Material Point Method, which simulates large deformations and complex contact behaviors induced by hydraulic slotting in the deep coal seam. The second model is a wellbore-pore coupling model to simulate the gas extraction process. We verified both numerical models against theoretical and experimental results. We conducted a case study in the Linxing gas field using these models. The investigation assessed stress relief, gas desorption, and permeability enhancement around a large deformed hydraulic slot, as well as the gas extraction performance of a directional well with multiple slots. The results indicate that (1) The Linxing gas recovery failure may be attributed to unsuccessful hydraulic fracturing based on the history matching analysis of field production; (2) Hydraulic slotting causes gradual compaction of the slot until full closure, and results in a rapid stress drop exceeding 7 MPa in the elliptical zone surrounding the slot, which is the large plastic damage zone; (3) The enhanced permeability in plastic zone exceeds ten times the natural coal permeability, leading to total gas desorption of 556 m3 from elastic and plastic zones; (4) Performance optimization can be achieved through reducing slot length and increasing slot width when using directional well with multiple slots. In summary, this research demonstrates the efficiency of directional wells with multiple slots in enhancing gas recovery from deep coal seams.
Three-dimensional hydrological thresholds to predict shallow landslides
Authors: Lee Seulchan , Oh Seungcheol , Ray Ram. L. , Lee Yangwon , Choi Minha
Published: October 2023

Past studies have focused on the importance of hydrological variables in analyzing landslide initiation condition. Even though precipitation is the main driver of shallow landslides and debris flows, use of only rainfall-based parameters has shown some limitations. Soil moisture has been used widely to improve threshold detection capabilities. Since soil moisture directly reflects the wetness status of the ground, it can be used to identify pore pressure fluctuations more effectively. This study used rainfall and soil moisture simultaneously to capture landslide initiation conditions in detail. Results showed that continued rainfall on the day of landslide leaded to a sudden increase in soil moisture, and that soil moisture increments (∆SM) were positive in 155 out of 170 landslide cases (91%). Two simple thresholds (daily precipitation over 40 mm, ∆SM over 0) and daily precipitation (P), Antecedent Precipitation Index (API), ∆SM-based three-dimensional threshold planes having 5%, 20% probability levels were applied and compared. With respect to false alarms (FA), P-based threshold was most effective among the single thresholds (FA ranging from 24 to 28 from September 2016 to December 2019 at five validation locations). Combining P- and ∆SM-based thresholds, FA reduced without compromising the detection accuracy (2 to 3 reduction in FA). Additionally combining three-dimensional threshold with 20% probability level, FA reduced significantly (ranging from 12 to 16), at the cost of two detection failures. These findings demonstrate the need for combining precipitation and soil moisture to determine landslide thresholds.
New principles to live by: and a change of skin
Authors: Davies Bronwyn
Published: October 2023

This paper explores the question of what matters and what is made to matter — the ethics of encounters in the intimate entwining of ontology and epistemology. Within an ethics based on matter and mattering, it explores the evolving symbiotic entanglement of humans with each other and with non-human beings, who, with us, make up the world. Our complex symbiotic relationality is discussed in relation to the limiting force of neoliberalism, where all that matters is economic growth and productivity. It asks what hope there is for the survival of the planet, when so many humans, including politicians of almost every stripe, have lost the capacity to think outside the neoliberal box. As things stand, as one scientist observed, it is as if we have a medical, terminal diagnosis, and, although there is a cure, we choose to ignore it. It asks what are those cures and explores the possibility that we humans might learn to respond — to be response-able to our planet, in its state of terminal distress.
Optimal VIX-linked structure for the target benefit pension plan
Authors: Chen Lv , Li Danping , Wang Yumin , Zhu Xiaobai
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we study the optimal VIX-linked target benefit (TB) pension design. By applying the dynamic programming approach, we show the optimal risk-sharing structure for the benefit payment exhibits a linear form that consists of three components: (1) a model-robust performance adjustment, (2) a counter-cyclical volatility adjustment that depends on the VIX index, and (3) a TB level that is partially indexed to the cost-of-living adjustment. Differences between our results and the previous literature are highlighted via both theoretical derivations and numerical illustrations.
Understanding refugee and immigrant health literacy and beliefs toward antimicrobial resistance
Authors: Ladines-Lim Joseph , Scruggs-Wodkowski Elizabeth , Adžemović Tessa , Croxton Rachel , Romero Ron , Lukela Michael , Rao Krishna , Mehrotra Preeti , Patel Payal K.
Published: October 2023

Refugee and migrant populations have increased vulnerability to antimicrobial resistance, yet stewardship guidance is lacking. We addressed this gap through a cross-sectional survey, finding that these populations and immigrants from low and middle-income countries had lower health literacy on the issue compared to native-born Americans and those from high-income countries.
Community Corrections Officers’ Perspectives of the Impact of Hurricane Maria on the Participant’s Mental Health and Substance Use: A Qualitative Content Analysis
Authors: Vega Graciela , Rivera-Berríos Nicole , Camacho-Martínez Vilmary , Marty Lugo René , Albizu-García Carmen
Published: October 2023

Objective:

This study explored community supervision officers’ perceptions of the individual, community, and organizational challenges confronted by program participants after Hurricane María and their recommendations for future emergency management.

Methods:

A qualitative content analysis was conducted for nine focus group with community supervision officers in Puerto Rico. Participants were asked about their perceptions of how the mental health and drug abuse of persons on parole or probation were affected and the measures taken to address these concerns in disaster response.

Results:

Narratives expose vulnerabilities experienced by those supervised and the aggregated challenges that impact retention in health and rehabilitative services, all of which can detract from successful sentence completion. The disaster response categories call for a more adaptable approach to overseeing procedures in light of the difficulties involved and recognizing the support of the supervised population who have contributed to community initiatives.

Conclusion:

Findings will contribute to informing planning, preparedness, and responses that mitigate the adverse consequences this vulnerable population may experience when exposed to future disaster hazards. Addressing emergency preparedness in this setting provides an opportunity to enact reforms in community supervision and improve access to services needed to enable the successful reintegration of individuals into their communities.
Agents, multilateral institutions, and fundamental institutional change in international society: The case of Russia’s peacekeeping policy
Authors: Hadano Takamitsu
Published: October 2023

Drawing on recent debates in English School (ES) theory, this article develops an analytical framework for examining how states use multilateral institutions, or what ES theorists call ‘secondary institutions’, to reshape ‘primary institutions’, i.e. fundamental practices in international society. The framework highlights the role of states’ agency in international institutional change by shedding light on strategies that they employ to bring about changes in primary institutions. It posits that, although they can seek to directly remould primary institutions, states in practice often seek to bring about primary institutional changes through existing or newly formed secondary institutions and that this is especially the case at the level of regional international societies (RISs). The article demonstrates the utility of the framework by using it to analyse the case of Russia’s peacekeeping policy in the post-Soviet regional international society (PSRIS), focusing on its efforts to institutionalise the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) as an alternative ‘peacekeeping’ actor.
Animating theAffect–Care–Labor Linkin the Wake of “The Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill”: Care Ethics and Policymaking on Indian Surrogacy
Authors: Banerjee Amrita , Sharma Priya
Published: October 2023

Starting from the early 2000s, India was one of the most sought-after destinations for commercial surrogacy. However, in 2015 the government decided to ban transnational commercial surrogacy, and recently “The Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021,” which bans commercial surrogacy altogether and confines it to its altruistic form, has been enacted. Our article makes a philosophical intervention into the policy debate around this move by analyzing various draft versions of “The Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill” which culminated in the ban. We argue that the Bill fails to realize its ethical potential since it is vitiated by a number of conceptual fallacies. We expose the conceptual fallacies by unpacking the concept of care in gestational surrogacy through the lens of care ethics. The robust conceptualization of care serves as a critical vantage point for analyzing the Bill's distorted understanding of care (and especially the affect–care–labor link) in gestational surrogacy. Consequently, we conclude that regulation of commercial surrogacy with fair compensation and due consideration for the agency of surrogates holds far greater ethical potential than a blanket ban on commercial surrogacy and mandating that it be practiced only in its altruistic form.