bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Machine learning–based uncertainty modelling of mechanical properties of soft clays relating to time‐dependent behavior and its application
Authors: Zhang Pin , Jin Yin‐Fu , Yin Zhen‐Yu
Published: April 2021

Uncertainty is a commonplace and significant issue in geotechnical engineering. Unlike conventional statistical and machine learning methods, this study presents a novel approach to correlating soil properties that takes uncertainty into account using an artificial neural network with Monte Carlo dropout (ANN_MCD). An uncertainty model for two important soil properties, creep index Cα, and hydraulic conductivity k, that control the long‐term performance of geotechnical structures is proposed in a function of three soil physical properties using ANN_MCD. Evaluation of the accuracy, uncertainty, and monotonicity of the predicted results for both Cα and k reveals the excellent performance of the proposed model, which is used to simulate the long‐term settling and excess pore pressure of an embankment on soft clays. The predicted results show good agreement with observations, within a 95% confidence interval. All results indicate that the proposed ANN_MCD‐based modelling approach can be used to rapidly correlate soil properties with an uncertainty evaluation and can be further combined with numerical modelling to analyze an engineering‐scale problem and conduct risk assessment.
One‐Pot Synthesis of Asymmetrically Difunctionalized Oligomaltosides by Cyclodextrin Ring Opening
Authors: Pélingre Matthieu , Smadhi Meriem , Bil Abed , Bonnet Véronique , Kovensky José
Published: April 2021

The synthesis of pure difunctionalized hexa‐, hepta‐ and octamaltosides was performed by one‐pot chemical reaction from perbenzoylated cyclodextrin. Oligomaltosides with azide, propargyl or allyl on reducing end and an unprotected hydroxyl group on non‐reducing end were obtained from perbenzoylated α‐, β‐ and γ‐cyclodextrin with 12 to 48 % yields.
Impact of therapy on cancer metabolism in high‐risk localized prostate cancer treated with neoadjuvant docetaxel and androgen deprivation therapy
Authors: Qu Feng , Gu Yue , Xue Mengxia , He Mingzhe , Zhou Fang , Wang Guangji , Peng Ying
Published: April 2021

Background

The application of neoadjuvant docetaxel and androgen deprivation therapy before radical prostatectomy has been clinically recognized as beneficial for the overall and progression‐free survival of patients with advanced prostate cancer. However, the mechanism underlying its clinical efficacy has not yet been reported.

Methods

We conducted a randomized comparative study on about 100 patients with high‐risk localized prostate cancer. Through nontarget metabolomics and tissue microarray immunohistochemistry, we investigated the difference in the endogenous metabolism of tumors in patients with prostate cancer who received or did not receive the neoadjuvant therapy.

Results

Many endogenous metabolic pathways, especially nucleotide synthesis, glutathione metabolism, citric acid cycle, and lipid synthesis, in prostate cancer tissue were altered after the neoadjuvant treatment, and the levels of nearly 90% of the differentially regulated metabolites were significantly decreased. Moreover, the levels of key enzymes in the cellular energy pathways were downregulated in tumor tissues and upregulated in adjacent tissues after the treatment. The positive and negative effects of the neoadjuvant therapy on normal and tumor cells in the prostate, respectively, resulted in the activation of the former and inhibition of the latter, which helped in reducing the number of tumors and weakened their aggressiveness.

Conclusions

From the perspective of endogenous metabolism in tumors, we have confirmed that neoadjuvant therapy can significantly downregulate important pathways for biosynthesis and energy metabolism in prostate cancer tissue, and thereby, inhibit tumor growth and metastasis.
STAT3 phosphorylation is required for the HepaCAM‐mediated inhibition of castration‐resistant prostate cancer cell viability and metastasis
Authors: Tan Bing , Chen Xiaoming , Fan Yanru , Yang Yuanjuan , Yang Junjie , Tan Li
Published: April 2021

Background

Castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) is an advanced disease that is difficult to treat, the mechanism of it is unclear. This study illustrated the function of hepatocyte cell adhesion molecule (HepaCAM) on CRPC cell viability and metastasis.

Methods

The expression of HepaCAM and p‐STAT3 in CRPC tissues were determined by immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis. Cell Counting Kit‐8 and colony formation assays were deployed to analyze the growth ability of CRPC cells following the adenovirus‐mediated re‐expression of HepaCAM. CRPC cell migration and invasion capacity were investigated by wound healing and Matrigel‐coated transwell assays, respectively. The messenger RNA or protein levels of p‐STAT3, CyclinD1, cMyc, MMP2, MMP9, and VEGF were determined by reverse transcription (RT) followed by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR), and western blot analysis after either HepaCAM re‐expression alone or in combination with IL‐22 treatment. A CRPC orthotopic xenograft mouse model was applied to investigate the functional effect of HepaCAM on the metastasis of CRPC cells to the lungs.

Results

The expression levels of HepaCAM were decreased while those of p‐STAT3 were elevated in CRPC cells compare with surrounding benign tissues (p < .001). The overexpression of HepaCAM in CRPC cells notably reduced proliferation, migration, and invasion by inhibiting the expression of p‐STAT3, CyclinD1, cMyc, MMP2, MMP9, and VEGF (p < .05). In addition, the expression of HepaCAM significantly inhibited the IL‐22/p‐STAT3 axis and the metastasis of CRPC cells to the lungs.

Conclusions

Our data suggested that HepaCAM suppressed the viability of CRPC cells via the IL‐22/p‐STAT3 axis and inhibited the metastasis of CRPC cells from the prostate to the lungs (p < .05).
Herb‐drug interactions in diabetes mellitus: A review based on pre‐clinical and clinical data
Authors: Thikekar Archana K. , Thomas Asha B. , Chitlange Sohan S.
Published: April 2021

Global diabetes epidemic is the major cause of fatality and lethality. As per IDF 2019 report, diabetes caused 4.2 million deaths, approximately 463 million people are living with diabetes and by 2045, this will rise to 700 million. Nowadays, the physicians and common people in both developed and developing countries are using medicinal plants and their formulations to treat diseases with the postulation that organic commodities are safe for consumption. These plants may act as inhibitors or inducers of the Cytochrome P450 or transport and efflux proteins or both and may alter gastrointestinal, renal functions leading to Herb‐Drug Interactions. This review intends to focus on the frequently employed medicinal plants, their traditional uses, their Cytochrome P450 inhibition or induction activity, phytochemical, and pharmacological effects, established HDI with the help of in vitro tools, in vivo pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics studies to understand the impact of herbs on ADME of the drug and whether it is beneficial, harmful or has no effect respectively. This review will help the physicians and other health care professionals as a reference guide to update their knowledge and expertise about HDI. However, more quality research in this area is needed to evaluate the efficacy of many herbal medicines, thereby reducing side effects and improving the safety of patients.
Preparation of low‐density polyethylene‐ and poly (lactide)/poly (butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate)‐based antibacterial films integrated with elemental sulfur and sulfur nanoparticles
Authors: Kim Se‐Mi , Roy Swarup , Yoon Ki Sun , Rhim Jong‐Whan
Published: April 2021

Antibacterial low‐density polyethylene (LDPE)‐ and poly (lactide)/poly (butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PLA/PBAT)‐based films incorporated with elemental sulfur (ES) and sulfur nanoparticles (SNPs) were prepared using a blow extrusion method for food packaging applications. Flexible and free‐standing films were manufactured using an industrial processing method without any modification. The films were characterized using ultraviolet (UV)–visible spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Also, film properties include optical, mechanical, surface hydrophobicity, thermal stability and antibacterial activity. The addition of ES and SNP significantly reduced the light transmittance (both UV and visible light) of LDPE‐ and PLA/PBAT‐based films and slightly reduced mechanical properties but did not affect thermal stability. The ES‐ and SNP‐added films showed apparent antibacterial activity against the Gram‐positive foodborne pathogenic bacteria (Listeria monocytogenes). In general, SNP showed superior film properties and antibacterial properties compared to ES, but ES also showed comparable properties as SNP. Antibacterial LDPE‐ and PLA/PBAT‐based films can be produced on an industrial scale and used in the packaging of refrigerated foods susceptible to L. monocytogenes contamination.
Cu(II)‐Catalysed Azide‐Alkyne Cycloaddition Reaction towards Synthesis of β‐Carboline C1‐Tethered 1,2,3‐Triazole Derivatives
Authors: Kumar Sunit , Malakar Chandi C. , Singh Virender
Published: April 2021

Indole and β‐carboline alkaloids exhibit diverse range of significant pharmacological properties as reflected by their contribution in drug‐discovery. We have described the synthesis of hybrid molecules containing β‐carboline C1‐linked 1,2,3‐triazoles in moderate to good yields. The developed transformation was realized by using Cu(II)‐catalysed click‐reaction of diverse alkynes within‐situderived rarely explored β‐carboline tethered aliphatic azides. These molecular hybrids also exhibited excellent fluorescence properties.
Synthesis of 9‐O‐Arylated Berberine with a Polystyrene Resin Supported Copper(II) Catalyst
Authors: Meng Qi , Zhang Lian , Zhu Xinhui , Teng Qiaoqiao
Published: April 2021

A series of polyfluorobenzene, pyridine and aniline substituted berberine derivatives (3 b–3 h) were prepared via resin‐supported Cu(II) catalyzed cross‐coupling reactions of tetrahydroberberrubine with iodoarenes and subsequent I2 oxidation. The best catalyst, a polyethyleneimine functionalized polystyrene supported Cu2+ (PSAPA⋅Cu(II)), could be reused for at least 5 runs without significant loss of catalytic activity. Comparative studies on the morphology and porous structures of the materials suggested a catalyst with a moderate specific surface area and larger pore diameters was more active in catalyzing the cross‐coupling reactions.
Synthesis of α‐Heterocycle Anchored Spirocyclic Azetidin‐2‐ones in a Minute by p‐TSA Catalyzed Cyclocondensation of Azetidin‐2,3‐diones with Difunctionalized Substrates
Authors: Narula Dipika , Bari Shamsher S. , Yadav Pooja , Khullar Sadhika , Mandal Sanjay K. , Kaur Gurpreet , Chaudhary Ganga Ram , Bhalla Aman
Published: April 2021

Monocyclic azetidin‐2,3‐diones provide easy extensions to spiro‐fused azetidin‐2‐ones upon p‐toluenesulfonic acid (p‐TSA) catalyzed cyclocondensation reaction with difunctionalized substrates [mercaptoacids (mercaptoacetic acid, 2‐mercaptopropionic acid, 3‐mercaptopropionic acid), ethan‐1,2‐dithiol, ortho‐difunctionalized benzenes (ortho‐phenylenediamine, ortho‐aminothiophenol)]. 1,3‐Oxathiolan‐5‐one/6‐one, 1,3‐dithiolane, 2,3‐dihydrobenzo[d]imidazole and 2,3‐dihydrobenzo[d]thiazole tethered spirocyclic azetidin‐2‐ones were obtained in good overall isolated yields (69–89 %) in a very short‐time duration (max 1 min) using toluene Dean‐Stark reflux/dichloromethane rt stirring conditions. The stereochemical and spectral studies, stabilities and diastereoisomeric ratio for trans and cis spiro‐fused products are reported. The trans and cis configuration has been assigned to spiro‐β‐lactams wrt the stereochemical relationship between sulfur atom (at spiro centre) and the vicinal methine hydrogen atom at C3/C2. The absolute configuration of one trans 1,3‐oxathiolan‐5‐one fused spirocyclic azetidin‐2‐one was clearly identified by X‐ray single crystal structure analysis.
Bedtime repetitive negative thinking moderates the relationship between psychological stress and insomnia
Authors: Benham Grant
Published: April 2021

Research suggests that psychological stress is associated with insomnia, but there is limited research on vulnerabilities that might amplify this association, particularly in college students. Based on a sample of 507 undergraduates, the current study demonstrates that the observed positive correlation between self‐perceived stress and insomnia severity is moderated by the tendency to engage in repetitive negative thinking (RNT) at bedtime. Additionally, separate analyses of those who scored below/above the threshold for insomnia (non‐insomniacs vs. insomniacs) revealed that the interaction between stress and these negative bedtime cognitions differed qualitatively between the two groups. In insomniacs, the stress‐insomnia relationship was dampened for those with lower levels of bedtime RNT, but amplified for those with higher levels. For non‐insomniacs, the stress‐insomnia relationship was stronger for those with minimal bedtime RNT, while higher levels of bedtime RNT appeared to overshadow this association. To develop a better understanding of the contribution of stress and RNT to clinically relevant levels of insomnia, future studies should take into account the dissimilar patterns of moderation seen in non‐insomniacs and insomniacs, either through prospective screening or separate analyses. Findings from the current study suggest that insomnia treatments that can simultaneously reduce stress and address bedtime RNT may be optimal.
Occupational, industry, and geographic exposure to artificial intelligence: A novel dataset and its potential uses
Authors: Felten Edward , Raj Manav , Seamans Robert
Published: April 2021

Research Summary

We create and validate a new measure of an occupation's exposure to AI that we call the AI Occupational Exposure (AIOE). We use the AIOE to construct a measure of AI exposure at the industry level, which we call the AI Industry Exposure (AIIE) and a measure of AI exposure at the county level, which we call the AI Geographic Exposure (AIGE). We also describe several ways in which the AIOE can be used to create firm level measures of AI exposure. We validate the measures and describe how they can be used in different applications by management, organization and strategy scholars.

Managerial Summary

Although artificial intelligence (AI) promises to spur economic growth, there is widespread concern that it could displace workers, alter industry trajectories, and reshape organizations. Despite the interest in this area, we have limited ability to study the effects of AI on occupations, firms, industries, and geographies because of limited availability of data that measures exposure to AI. To address this limitation, we create and validate a new measure of an occupation's exposure to AI that we call the AI Occupational Exposure (AIOE). We use the AIOE to construct a measure of AI exposure at the industry level (AIIE) and county level (AIGE). We describe how our measures can be useful to scholars and policy‐makers interested in identifying the effect of AI on markets.
Boosting CsPbBr3‐Driven Superior and Long‐Term Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction under Pure Water Medium: Synergy Effects of Multifunctional Melamine Foam and Graphitic Carbon Nitride (g‐C3N4)
Authors: Chen Qiao , Lan Xuefang , Ma Yongchao , Lu Pengfei , Yuan Zhengcui , Shi Jinsheng
Published: April 2021

Achieving high‐efficiency and long‐term CO2 photoreduction under an aqueous environment is still a challenge for CsPbBr3‐based catalysts due to the poor humidity resistance. Herein, multifunctional melamine foam (MF) and graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) are selected to modify CsPbBr3, successfully realizing efficient and long‐term CO2 reduction under pure H2O medium. The 3D framework of MF can support CsPbBr3, avoiding its degradation due to direct contact with the aqueous solution. In addition, the abundant porosity of MF can accelerate H2O evaporation, achieving sufficient blending of CO2 with H2O vapor. These functions lead to the enormously enhanced conversion efficiencies of MF/CsPbBr3 and MF/g‐C3N4 compared to powdery catalysts. Photocatalytic activities of MF/CsPbBr3‐g‐C3N4 are further improved due to the accelerated charge migration, and accordant sites of electron accumulation and CO2 adsorption in composites. The best product yield of the composite is 975.57 μmol g−1 h−1, and the corresponding electron consumption rate reaches 2571.27 μmol g−1 h−1, surpassing almost all the already reported CsPbBr3‐based catalysts whether in H2O or organic solvent media. Moreover, the strong surface hydrophobicity and excellent photothermal effect of MF/CsPbBr3‐g‐C3N4 result in long‐term and stable photocatalytic activity, with no obvious CO and CH4 decrease after continuous reaction for 76 h.
RGraph: Asynchronous graph processing based on asymmetry of remote direct memory access
Authors: Chen Hanhua , Yuan Jie , Jin Hai , Wang Yonghui , Wu Sijie , Jiang Zhihao
Published: April 2021

The scale of real‐world graphs is constantly growing. To deal with large‐scale graphs, distributed graph processing has attracted much research efforts. Existing distributed graph processing systems are commonly built on traditional TCP/IP communication stack, which leads to network bottleneck because of low bandwidth and heavy kernel stack operations. Meanwhile, in real power‐law graphs, the average number of mirror vertices after graph partitioning is very large, resulting in significant communication overhead among nodes. The emerging high‐performance Remote Direct Memory Access (RDMA) network has the features of low latency, high bandwidth, and low CPU overhead, which brings new opportunities for distributed graph processing systems. Existing RDMA‐assisted graph processing systems focus on synchronous execution, which imposes barriers between consecutive iterations. Synchronous execution transfers bulk data among nodes and thus only needs a small number of network transfers. However, synchronous execution is usually less efficient than asynchronous execution because of bulk synchronization. Asynchronous execution accelerates graph processing by eliminating barriers, which in turn requires to transfer a large amount of small size data. In this paper, we propose RGraph, an RDMA‐assisted asynchronous distributed graph processing system. RGraph distributes edges into two parts to isolate master and mirror vertices. RGraph exploits the asymmetry of RDMA to accelerate the one‐to‐many communication between master and mirror vertices. We implement RGraph on top of PowerGraph and conduct comprehensive experiments with large‐scale real graphs to evaluate its performance. Results show that compared to existing designs, RGraph reduces the execution time by up to 81%.
Bilingual Families’ Perspectives on Literacy Resources and Supports at Home
Authors: Noguerón-Liu Silvia , Driscoll Kristen
Published: April 2021

This article features the literacy practices, resources, and strategies reported and observed in two households, by Latina mothers and their children in elementary school. Drawing on asset‐based frameworks (funds of knowledge, transnational literacies, and family language policies), the analysis presents case studies of two households, featuring the perspectives and practices of mothers and children who participated in a community‐based family literacy program. Findings center on issues of access to texts and technology, views on academic literacy practices, and selection of educational resources that promote bilingualism, biliteracy, and transnational understandings of culture and inequality. Implications for text selection, inclusion of bilingual language practices, and collaboration with families in equitable home‐school partnerships are described.
The association between media exposure and enrollment in health insurance in Nepal: Implications for health policy
Authors: Acharya Devaraj , Devkota Bhimsen , Kreps Gary L.
Published: April 2021

Exposure to mass media plays a crucial role in behavior change or decision‐making. The study used a cross‐sectional survey design. A total of 810 households were randomly selected for data collection by using a validated interview schedule. The study examined exposure to radio, television (TV), hoarding boards (billboards), newspapers, and brochures, pamphlets, and posters as media platform “independent variables” and enrollment in health insurance (HI) as the “dependent variable.” Data showed that 60% of the respondents had exposure to HI information with electronic (radio and TV) media and 33% had exposure via printed or displayed media. All these media were significantly associated with enrollment in HI. But exposure to HI‐related information from radio (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.91, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.39–2.61, p < 0.001), TV (aOR = 1.72, 95% CI = 1.25–2.38, p < 0.01), and hoarding board (billboard) (aOR = 1.87, 95% CI = 1.25–2.81, p < 0.01) were the significant predictor for enrollment in HI. The study findings suggest that it would be best to consider the use of these predictor communication channels when making strategic communication plans to promote HI enrollment in Nepal.
Multifunctional MnO2 nanoparticles for tumor microenvironment modulation and cancer therapy
Authors: Yang Guangbao , Ji Jiansong , Liu Zhuang
Published: April 2021

Tumor microenvironment (TME) is generally featured by low pH values, high glutathione (GSH) concentrations, overproduced hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and severe hypoxia. These characteristics could provide an interior environment for origination and residence of tumor cells and would lead to tumor progression, metastasis, and drug resistance. Therefore, the development of TME‐responsive smart nanosystems has shown significant potential to enhance the efficacy of current cancer treatments. Manganese dioxide (MnO2)‐based nanosystems have attracted growing attentions for applications in cancer treatment as an excellent TME‐responsive theranostic platform, due to their tunable structures/morphologies, pH responsive degradation, and excellent catalytic activities. In this review, we mainly summarize the strategies of MnO2 and its nanocomposites to modulate TME, such as tumor hypoxia relief, excessive GSH depletion, glucose consumption, and tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment moderation. Such MnO2‐based TME modulation would be beneficial for a wide range of cancer therapies including photodynamic therapy, radiotherapy, sonodynamic therapy, chemodynamic therapy, starvation therapy, and immunotherapy. Next, some representative designs of MnO2‐based nanoplatforms in other tumor therapies are highlighted. Moreover, we will discuss the challenges and future perspectives of these MnO2‐based nanosystems for enhanced tumor treatment.

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease
Ruthenium(II) Complex of a Tridentate Azoaromatic Pincer Ligand and its Use in Catalytic Transfer Hydrogenation of Aldehydes and Ketones with Isopropanol
Authors: Saha Tanushri , Prasad Rath Santi , Goswami Sreebrata
Published: April 2021

In this work, a new Ru(II) complex with the redox‐active pincer 2,6‐bis(phenylazo)pyridine ligand (L) is reported which acts as a metal‐ligand bifunctional catalyst for transfer hydrogenation reactions. The isolated complex [(L)Ru(PMe2Ph)2(CH3CN)](ClO4)2; [1](ClO4)2 is characterized by a host of spectroscopic measurements and X‐ray structure determination. It is diamagnetic and single‐crystal X‐ray structure analysis reveals that [1]2+ adopts a distorted octahedral geometry where L binds Ru center in meridional fashion. The observed elongation in the coordinated azo bond length (1.29 Å) is attributed to the extensive π‐back bonding, dπ(RuII)→π*(azo)L. The complex [1](ClO4)2 acts as an efficient catalyst, which brings about catalytic transfer hydrogenation reactions of a broad array of aldehydes and ketones in isopropanol and in inert conditions. The selectivity of the catalyst for aldehyde reduction over the other reducible functional groups such as nitro, nitrile, ester etc was also investigated. Mechanistic studies, examined by suitable control reactions and isotope labelling experiments, indicate synergistic participation of both ligand and metal centres via the formation of a fleeting Ru−H intermediate and hydrogen walking to the coordinated azo function of L.
Overview and Evidence-Based Recommendations to Address Health and Human Rights Inequities Faced by Sex Workers
Authors: Goldenberg Shira M. , Morgan Thomas Ruth , Forbes Anna , Baral Stefan
Published: April 2021

This volume uses community case studies and data from around the world to highlight the sustained health and social inequities that sex workers in all of their diversity experience in 2020. Guided by a balanced community–academic partnership, this volume aims to ensure that sex workers’ voices are amplified in describing both challenges and the ways forward. Collectively, the chapters describe an elevated burden of HIV, sexually transmitted infections, drug-related harms, violence and other human rights violations, and significant unmet sexual and reproductive health needs. They also demonstrate that sex workers are not passive recipients of such inequity, but rather actively resist and continue to mobilise to advocate for improved health, safety, and human rights conditions and policy changes. Evidence-based recommendations include sex work decriminalisation, ensuring accessible and sex worker-friendly services, removal of punitive policing and surveillance, community empowerment, and strengthening capacity for community engagement in research, policy, and programmes.
The Epidemiology of HIV Among Sex Workers Around the World: Implications for Research, Programmes, and Policy
Authors: Viswasam Nikita , Rivera Justice , Comins Carly , Rao Amrita , Lyons Carrie E. , Baral Stefan
Published: April 2021

Globally, sex workers of all genders and identities continue to face disproportionately high burdens of HIV, demonstrating the need for programmes better tailoring services to their unmet needs. The reasons for this high burden are complex, intersecting across behavioural, social, and structural realities experienced by sex workers. Here, we build on systematic reviews of HIV among sex workers and case studies rooted in sex workers’ lived experience to describe: (1) the global HIV burden among sex workers; (2) the factors and determinants that influence the HIV burden; (3) intervention coverage and gaps to reduce HIV-related inequities faced by sex workers, over the past decade.

Sex workers living with HIV have not benefited enough from significant increases in HIV treatment among the general population. Engagement in this HIV treatment cascade is hindered by structural factors including stigma, migration, policing, criminalisation, and violence, as well as substance use, which present increasingly concurrent risks with HIV among sex workers.

Emerging biomedical HIV prevention innovations exist to support the health and human rights of sex workers and reduce onward transmission risk, but persistent data gaps remain, and should be addressed via community-driven implementation research. Epidemiologic research engaging sex workers who are cismen and transgender persons is similarly crucial. Community empowerment approaches have reduced the odds of HIV infection, highlighting the case for greater investments in structural interventions. These investments, combined with filling data gaps and national action towards sex work decriminalisation alongside legal protections, are critical to achieving reductions in sex workers’ HIV burden.
Global Burden of Violence and Other Human Rights Violations Against Sex Workers
Authors: Argento Elena , Win Kay Thi , McBride Bronwyn , Shannon Kate
Published: April 2021

Globally, sex workers experience a disproportionate burden of violence and human rights violations linked to criminalisation, punitive law enforcement, and lack of labour protections. Social injustices including poor working conditions, violence and victimisation, police harassment, and discrimination constitute severe violations of sex workers’ health, labour and human rights, and abuses of their freedom and dignity. Policymakers, researchers, and international bodies increasingly recognise violence as a critical public health and human rights concern among the general population; however, human rights violations against sex workers remain largely overlooked within international agendas on violence prevention and in human rights conventions. This chapter provides an overview of the global literature on violence against sex workers, other human rights violations, and drivers of elevated violence and rights inequities across settings. In addition to synthesising global research findings, this chapter features contributions and case studies from community partners in Asia Pacific. Guided by a structural determinants framework, and in recognising the right to live and work free from violence as a human right, this chapter provides an evidence base pertaining to violence against sex workers towards that informs the development of policy and public health interventions to uphold human rights among sex workers worldwide.
Patterns and Epidemiology of Illicit Drug Use Among Sex Workers Globally: A Systematic Review
Authors: Iversen Jenny , Long Pike , Lutnick Alexandra , Maher Lisa
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Sex workers who use drugs represent two distinct populations, yet programmatic and policy responses are siloed and failed to acknowledge the ways in which populations overlap and needs intersect. Although prevalence of drug use among sex workers is believed to be higher than the general population, no published estimates of global prevalence exist. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of lifetime illicit drug use among sex workers overall, by gender (cis, transgender, and non-binary), and sub-region.

Methods: We searched electronic databases for studies measuring the prevalence of illicit drug use among sex workers from the past decade [2009–2018]. Data were combined to generate pooled prevalence and associated 95% confidence intervals of lifetime use using a random effects model. Countries were categorised into geographic sub-regions, and sub-regional pooled estimates of lifetime use among female sex workers generated and mapped.

Results: Among 86 studies in 46 countries, pooled prevalence of lifetime illicit drug use among sex workers was 35% (95% CI 30–41%). There was significant diversity (I2 > 90.0%, P < 0.01), and prevalence ranged from 1.2% to 84%. Most studies reported lifetime drug use among female sex workers (32 studies from 20 countries), and pooled prevalence in this sub-group was 29% (95% CI 24–34%). Insufficient data precluded generation of estimates for male and transgender sex workers.

Conclusions: Our review identified significant gaps in data quality and availability. Future research in partnership with sex workers is necessary to explore the diversity of populations and contexts in which drug use and sex work intersect, inform more accurate estimates of prevalence, identify differences in risks and exposures, and guide the creation, implementation, and evaluation of programmes and services.
Criminalised Interactions with Law Enforcement and Impacts on Health and Safety in the Context of Different Legislative Frameworks Governing Sex Work Globally
Authors: Krüsi Andrea , D’Adamo Kate , Sernick Ariel
Published: April 2021

This chapter focuses on cis and trans sex workers’ experiences with law enforcement, and how various regimes of regulating sex work including full and partial criminalisation, legalisation, and decriminalisation shape the human rights and the work environments of sex workers globally including access to occupational health and safety, police protection, and legal recourse. Criminalisation and policing of sex work constitute forms of structural violence that perpetuate and exacerbate experiences of interpersonal violence and negative health outcomes among sex workers globally. Country spotlights from the global North and South provide examples of different regimes of regulation and draw attention to how laws and regulations interact with specific work environments in various settings to shape sex workers’ lived experiences of health, safety, and human rights. This chapter highlights how various approaches to criminalising and policing sex work undermine sex workers’ safety, health and human rights, including violence and poor health and concludes with an evidence-based call for the decriminalisation of sex work globally.
Poincaré series, 3d gravity and averages of rational CFT
Authors: Meruliya Viraj , Mukhi Sunil , Singh Palash
Published: April 2021

Abstract

We investigate the Poincaré series approach to computing 3d gravity partition functions dual to Rational CFT. For a single genus-1 boundary, we show that for certain infinite sets of levels, the SU(2)k WZW models provide unitary examples for which the Poincaré series is a positive linear combination of two modular-invariant partition functions. This supports the interpretation that the bulk gravity theory (a topological Chern-Simons theory in this case) is dual to an average of distinct CFT’s sharing the same Kac-Moody algebra. We compute the weights of this average for all seed primaries and all relevant values of k. We then study other WZW models, notably SU(N)1 and SU(3)k, and find that each class presents rather different features. Finally we consider multiple genus-1 boundaries, where we find a class of seed functions for the Poincaré sum that reproduces both disconnected and connected contributions — the latter corresponding to analogues of 3-manifold “wormholes” — such that the expected average is correctly reproduced.
$$ T\overline{T} $$ Deformation of stress-tensor correlators from random geometry
Authors: Hirano Shinji , Nakajima Tatsuki , Shigemori Masaki
Published: April 2021

Abstract

We study stress-tensor correlators in the $$ T\overline{T} $$
T

T
¯

-deformed conformal field theories in two dimensions. Using the random geometry approach to the $$ T\overline{T} $$
T

T
¯

deformation, we develop a geometrical method to compute stress-tensor correlators. More specifically, we derive the $$ T\overline{T} $$
T

T
¯

deformation to the Polyakov-Liouville conformal anomaly action and calculate three and four-point correlators to the first-order in the $$ T\overline{T} $$
T

T
¯

deformation from the deformed Polyakov-Liouville action. The results are checked against the standard conformal perturbation theory computation and we further check consistency with the $$ T\overline{T} $$
T

T
¯

-deformed operator product expansions of the stress tensor. A salient feature of the $$ T\overline{T} $$
T

T
¯

-deformed stress-tensor correlators is a logarithmic correction that is absent in two and three-point functions but starts appearing in a four-point function.
Trimodal therapy with high-dose-rate brachytherapy and hypofractionated external beam radiation combined with long-term androgen deprivation for unfavorable-risk prostate cancer
Authors: Mori Keiichiro , Sasaki Hiroshi , Tsutsumi Yuki , Sato Shun , Takiguchi Yuki , Saito Shun , Nishi Eriko , Ishii Gen , Yamamoto Toshihiro , Koike Yusuke , Miki Jun , Shimomura Tatsuya , Kimura Takahiro , Miki Kenta , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Takahashi Hiroyuki , Aoki Manabu , Egawa Shin
Published: April 2021

Purpose

To assess the outcomes of high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy and hypofractionated external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) combined with long-term androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in very-high-risk (VHR) versus high-risk (HR) prostate cancer (PCa), as defined in the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) criteria.

Methods

Data from 338 consecutive HR or VHR PCa patients who had undergone this tri-modal therapy between 2005 and 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Biochemical recurrence (BCR)-free, progression-free, overall, and cancer-specific survival (BCRFS/PFS/OS/CSS) rates were analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method and Wilcoxon test. Cox regression models were used to evaluate candidate prognostic factors for survival. C‑indexes were used to assess model discrimination.

Results

Within a median follow-up of 84 months, 68 patients experienced BCR, 58 had disease progression including only 3 with local progression, 27 died of any cause, and 2 died from PCa. The 5‑year BCRFS, PFS, OS, and CSS rates were 82.2% (HR 86.5%; VHR 70.0%), 90.0% (HR 94.3%; VHR 77.6%), 95.7% (HR, 97.1%; VHR, 91.8%), and 99.6% (HR, 100%; VHR, 98.0%), respectively. In multivariable analyses that adjusted for standard clinicopathologic features, the risk subclassification was associated both PFS and OS (p = 0.0003 and 0.001, respectively). Adding the risk subclassification improved the accuracy of models in predicting BCRFS, PFS, and OS.

Conclusion

While the outcome of this trimodal approach appears favorable, VHR PCa patients had significantly worse oncological outcomes than those with HR PCa. The NCCN risk subclassification should be integrated into prognostic tools to guide risk stratification, treatment, and follow-up for unfavorable PCa patients receiving this trimodal therapy.
Laser beam calibration for wood surface colour treatment
Authors: Jurek M. , Wagnerová R.
Published: April 2021

Laser engraving of photographs on wood surfaces is a challenging task. To optimize the outcome and production quality it is necessary to control every aspect of the laser engraving process. Most of the production machines and technologies overall are mainly focused on laser power control. However, with other systems and deeper knowledge of the wood characteristics it is possible to achieve even better quality. This paper deals with enlarging the number of achievable shades of burned wood and its optimization. A calibration system was developed to control colour shades of engraved wood with a combination of laser power and optic focus. With this approach it is possible to widen achievable palette of engraved shades by continuous control of chemical processes of laser and wood interaction. The production is divided into wood burning and wood carbonization by variation of laser beam focus.
Robots beyond Science Fiction: mutual learning in human–robot interaction on the way to participatory approaches
Authors: Weiss Astrid , Spiel Katta
Published: April 2021

Putting laypeople in an active role as direct expert contributors in the design of service robots becomes more and more prominent in the research fields of human–robot interaction (HRI) and social robotics (SR). Currently, though, HRI is caught in a dilemma of how to create meaningful service robots for human social environments, combining expectations shaped by popular media with technology readiness. We recapitulate traditional stakeholder involvement, including two cases in which new intelligent robots were conceptualized and realized for close interaction with humans. Thereby, we show how the robot narrative (impacted by science fiction, the term robot itself, and assumptions on human-like intelligence) together with aspects of power balancing stakeholders, such as hardware constraints and missing perspectives beyond primary users, and the adaptivity of robots through machine learning that creates unpredictability, pose specific challenges for participatory design processes in HRI. We conclude with thoughts on a way forward for the HRI community in developing a culture of participation that considers humans when conceptualizing, building, and using robots.
New approach in constitutive modelling of commercially pure titanium thermo-mechanical processing
Authors: Bańczerowski Jakub , Pawlikowski Marek
Published: April 2021

The pure titanium, as a biomaterial destined for production of load-demanding prostheses, requires thermo-mechanical processing to increase its strength. The most common way to achieve this is the method of grain fragmentation. Thermo-mechanical deformation of titanium is a complex process, which makes it very difficult to describe it by means of constitutive equations. Such constitutive relations are very useful as they can be implemented in the finite element method tools in order to simulate and optimize the whole process. Cylindrical specimens were compressed at elevated temperatures on a thermo-mechanical simulator. The tests were performed at four different strain rates (from 10$$^{\mathrm {-2}}$$

-
2

s$$^{\mathrm {-1}}$$

-
1

to 10 s$$^{\mathrm {-1}})$$

-
1

)

and at 775 K and 875 K temperatures. The collected data allowed us to create strain–stress graphs characterizing the process. Observations on the scanning electron microscope and scanning transmission electron microscope were done as well as the electron backscatter diffraction analysis, revealing significant grain fragmentation. The aim of the studies described in the paper was to verify and select a proper mathematical model for the process of titanium grain fragmentation obtained in a thermoplastic process. Four different constitutive models were considered. The calculation of theoretical stress values based on the Arrhenius-type equation, Anand viscoplastic model, Johnson–Cook model and Khan Huang-Liang model was done and compared to experimental results. The theoretical curves were generated and fitted to experimental, which made it possible to calibrate the constants in the mathematical models. The curve-fitting analyses showed that the Anand constitutive model described the titanium behaviour best.
The Aetiopathogenesis of Late Inflammatory Reactions (LIRs) After Soft Tissue Filler Use: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Bachour Y. , Kadouch J. A. , Niessen F. B.
Published: April 2021

Background

Late inflammatory reactions (LIRs) are the most challenging complications after filler use. The immune system plays a prominent role in its etiology, albeit to an unknown extent. Bacterial contamination in situ has been hypothesized to be causative for LIRs. How this relates to the immunological processes involved is unknown. This article aims to provide an overview of immunological and bacterial factors involved in development of LIRs.

Methods

We undertook a systematic literature review focused on immunological factors and microbiota in relation to LIRs after filler use. This systematic review was performed in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane databases were searched from inception up to August 2019. Included studies were assessed for the following variables: subject characteristics, number of patients, primary indication for filler injection, implant type/amount and injection site, type of complication, follow-up or injection duration, study methods, type of antibiotics or medical therapies and outcomes related to microbiota and immunological factors.

Results

Data on immunological factors and bacterial contamination were retrieved from 21 included studies. Notably, the presence of histocytes, giant cells andStaphylococcus epidermidiswithin biopsies were often associated with LIRs.

Conclusion

This review provides a clear overview of the immunological factors associated with LIRs and provides a hypothetical immunological model for development of the disease. Furthermore, an overview of bacterial contamination and associations with LIRs has been provided. Follow-up research may result in clinical recommendations to prevent LIRs.

Level of Evidence III

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors-www.springer.com/00266..
Evaluating a Novel Prehospital Emergency Trauma Care Assessment Tool (PETCAT) for Low‐ and Middle‐Income Countries in Sierra Leone
Authors: Delaney Peter G. , Eisner Zachary J. , Thullah Alfred H. , Muller Benjamin D. , Sandy Kpawuru , Boonstra Philip S. , Scott John W. , Raghavendran Krishnan
Published: April 2021

Background

WHO recommends training lay first responders (LFRs) as the first step toward formal emergency medical services development, yet no tool exists to evaluate LFR programs.

Methods

We developed Prehospital Emergency Trauma Care Assessment Tool (PETCAT), a seven‐question survey administered to first‐line hospital‐based healthcare providers, to independently assess LFR prehospital intervention frequency and quality. PETCAT surveys were administered one month pre‐LFR program launch (June 2019) in Makeni, Sierra Leone and again 14 months post‐launch (August 2020). Using a difference‐in‐differences approach, PETCAT was also administered in a control city (Kenema) with no LFR training intervention during the study period at the same intervals to control for secular trends. PETCAT measured change in both the experimental and control locations. Cronbach's alpha, point bi‐serial correlation, and inter‐rater reliability using Cohen's Kappa assessed PETCAT reliability.

Results

PETCAT administration to 90 first‐line, hospital‐based healthcare providers found baseline prehospital intervention were rare in Makeni and Kenema prior to LFR program launch (1.2/10 vs. 1.8/10). Fourteen months post‐LFR program implementation, PETCAT demonstrated prehospital interventions increased in Makeni with LFRs (5.2/10, p < 0.0001) and not in Kenema (1.2/10) by an adjusted difference of + 4.6 points/10 (p < 0.0001) (“never/rarely” to “half the time”), indicating negligible change due to secular trends. PETCAT demonstrated high reliability (Cronbach's α = 0.93, Cohen's K = 0.62).

Conclusions

PETCAT measures changes in rates of prehospital care delivery by LFRs in a resource‐limited African setting and may serve as a robust tool for independent EMS quality assessment.
Pharmacokinetics and safety of rucaparib in patients with advanced solid tumors and hepatic impairment
Authors: Grechko Nikolay , Skarbova Viera , Tomaszewska-Kiecana Monika , Ramlau Rodryg , Centkowski Piotr , Drew Yvette , Dziadziuszko Rafal , Zemanova Milada , Beltman Jeri , Nash Eileen , Habeck Jenn , Liao Mingxiang , Xiao Jim
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor rucaparib is approved for the treatment of patients with recurrent ovarian and metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer; however, limited data are available on its use in patients with hepatic dysfunction. This study investigated whether hepatic impairment affects the pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability of rucaparib in patients with advanced solid tumors.

Methods

Patients with normal hepatic function or moderate hepatic impairment according to the National Cancer Institute Organ Dysfunction Working Group (NCI-ODWG) criteria were enrolled and received a single oral dose of rucaparib 600 mg. Concentrations of rucaparib and its metabolite M324 in plasma and urine were measured. Pharmacokinetic parameters were compared between hepatic function groups, and safety and tolerability were assessed.

Results

Sixteen patients were enrolled (n = 8 per group). Rucaparib maximum concentration (Cmax) was similar, while the area under the concentration–time curve from time 0 to infinity (AUC0–inf) was mildly higher in the moderate hepatic impairment group than in the normal control group (geometric mean ratio, 1.446 [90% CI 0.668–3.131]); similar trends were observed for M324. Eight (50%) patients experienced ≥ 1 treatment-emergent adverse event (TEAE); 2 had normal hepatic function and 6 had moderate hepatic impairment.

Conclusion

Patients with moderate hepatic impairment showed mildly increased AUC0–inf for rucaparib compared to patients with normal hepatic function. Although more patients with moderate hepatic impairment experienced TEAEs, only 2 TEAEs were considered treatment related. These results suggest no starting dose adjustment is necessary for patients with moderate hepatic impairment; however, close safety monitoring is warranted.