bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immune‐Hot tumor features associated with recurrence in early‐stage ovarian clear cell carcinoma
Authors: Huang Ruby Yun‐Ju , Huang Kuan‐Ju , Chen Ko‐Chen , Hsiao Sheng‐Mou , Tan Tuan Zea , Wu Chin‐Jui , Hsu Ching , Chang Wen‐Chun , Pan Chen‐Yu , Sheu Bor‐Ching , Wei Lin‐Hung
Published: January 2023

Ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC) is a distinct histotype of ovarian cancer, which usually presages a worse prognosis upon recurrence. Identifying patients at risk for relapse is an unmet need to improve outcomes. A retrospective cohort analysis of 195 early‐stage OCCC patients diagnosed between January 2011 and December 2019 at National Taiwan University Hospital was conducted to identify prognostic factors for recurrence, progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Molecular profiling of tumors was performed in a case‐controlled cohort matched for adjuvant therapy for biomarker discovery. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard model revealed that paclitaxel‐based chemotherapy was associated with better PFS than nonpaclitaxel chemotherapy (HR = 0.19, P = .006). The addition of bevacizumab was associated with better PFS, compared to no bevacizumab (HR = 0.09, P = .02). Neither showed significant improvement in OS. Recurrence is associated with an Immune‐Hot tumor feature (P = .03), the CTLA‐4‐high subtype (P = .01) and increased infiltration of immune cells in general. The Immune‐Hot feature (HR = 3.39, P = .005) and the CTLA‐4‐high subtype (HR = 2.13, P = .059) were associated with worse PFS. Immune‐Hot tumor features could prognosticate recurrence in early‐stage OCCC.
Neonatal exposure to low‐dose X‐ray causes behavioral defects and abnormal hippocampal development in mice
Authors: Liu Yuanduo , Ma Hongying , Wang Yangyang , Ren Boxu , Liu Lian , Sun Anbang , Tang Fengru
Published: January 2023

Development of the hippocampus is critical for its normal maturation. However, there is no systematic study on the effects of low‐dose (≤2 Gy) neonatal X‐ray exposure on different cells at different developmental stages of the mouse hippocampus. The present study demonstrated that irradiation with 2 Gy at postnatal day (PD) 3 in mice induced anxiety and impairment of spatial learning and memory in adult mice. Neuroinflammatory cells were observed in the dentate gyrus (DG) and CA3 areas of the hippocampus at PD3 + 1. X‐ray irradiation impaired neuronal complexity and neurogenesis. However, the number of astrocytes and microglia in the hippocampus was increased the first day after irradiation, and then decreased 21 days later. The protein expression levels of NF‐κB, C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), and γH2A histone family member X (γH2AX) increased from 7 to 21 days after irradiation, or till 90 days after irradiation for IL‐1β, whereas those of hippocampal sirtuin1 (SIRT1) decreased after 21 days of irradiation at PD3. These results suggest that neonatal X‐ray irradiation‐induced neuroinflammation impaired neuroplasticity and neurogenesis in the hippocampus, leading to the anxiety and spatial memory disorder during adulthood. The mechanisms involved in the induction of developmental neurotoxicity following low‐dose irradiation may involve the inflammation‐mediated signaling pathway IL‐1β/ SIRT1/CHOP.
Proximity bias: Interactive effect of spatial distance and outcome valence on probability judgments
Authors: Hong Jennifer Seokhwa , Longoni Chiara , Morwitz Vicki G.
Published: January 2023

Across a range of decision contexts, we provide evidence of a novel proximity bias in probability judgments, whereby spatial distance and outcome valence systematically interact in determining probability judgments. Six hypothetical and incentive‐compatible experiments (combined N = 4007) show that a positive outcome is estimated as more likely to occur when near than distant, whereas a negative outcome is estimated as less likely to occur when near than distant (studies 1–6). The proximity bias is explained by wishful thinking and thus perceptions of outcome desirability (study 3), and it does not manifest when an outcome is less relevant for the self, such as the case of outcomes with little consequence for the self (studies 4 and 5) or when estimating outcomes for others who are irrelevant to the self (study 6). Overall, the proximity bias we document deepens our understanding of the antecedents of probability judgments.
A decrease in the incidence of encephalitis in South Korea during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A nationwide study between 2010 and 2021
Authors: Kim Se Hee , Baek Jee Yeon , Han Minkyung , Lee Myeongjee , Lim Sung Min , Lee Ji Young , Kang Ji‐Man , Jung Inkyung , Kang Hoon‐Chul , Ahn Jong Gyun
Published: January 2023

Limited data are available on the impact of the coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) pandemic on encephalitis. Therefore, we evaluated trends in encephalitis in South Korea between 2010 and 2021 using data from the National Health Insurance Service. During the pandemic (February 2020 to 2021), the monthly incidence of encephalitis declined by 0.027 per 100 000 population (95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.055 to 0.001, p = 0.062) compared to that before the pandemic. In subgroup analysis, the estimated coefficient for level change during the pandemic in the 0–4 and 5–9 years age groups were −2.050 (95% CI: −2.972 to −1.128, p < 0.001) and −0.813 (95% CI: −1.399 to −0.227, p = 0.008), respectively. The annual incidence of encephalitis during the pandemic period significantly decreased in the 0–4 and 5–9 years age groups (incidence rate ratio: 0.34 [p = 0.007] and 0.28 [p = 0.024], respectively). The intensive care unit admission rate (39.1% vs. 58.9%, p  < 0.001) and cases of death (8.9% vs. 11.1%, p < 0.001) decreased significantly during the pandemic compared to the prepandemic. During the pandemic, the incidence of encephalitis decreased markedly in South Korea, particularly in children aged ≤9 years. In addition, there were changes in the clinical outcome of encephalitis during the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Glacial fluctuations during the Last Glacial Maximum and Lateglacial in the Zhuxi and Songlong valleys, eastern Nyainqêntanglha Range, southeastern Tibet
Authors: Xie Jinming , Yang Taibao , Zhou Shangzhe , Xu Liubing , Ou Xianjiao , Hu Gang
Published: January 2023

This study outlines the paleoglacial history and paleoclimatic conditions that were present during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) and Lateglacial (LG) in the Songlong and Zhuxi valleys in the eastern Nyainqêntanglha Range, southeastern Tibet. Two sets of moraines were identified at the valley mouths, and were dated using cosmogenic 10Be exposure and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating. The ages suggest that two glaciations occurred at ~20–21 and ~14–16 ka, respectively, coinciding with the LGM and LG. Using glacier–climate modeling, temperature drops were calculated to have ranged from 6.3 to 7.8 °C during the LGM–LG, with precipitation being 40–60% of the present‐day value. The results in the modeled domain appear generally consistent with other climatic records from the Tibetan Plateau. Glacial advances in monsoon‐dominated southeastern Tibet during the LGM–LG were probably driven by low temperatures rather than by high precipitation, which was usually produced by an enhanced Indian Summer Monsoon during periods of climatic warming.
Composition, morphology, interfacial rheology and emulsifying ability of soy hull polysaccharides extracted with ammonium oxalate and sodium citrate as extractants
Authors: Yang Hui , Liu Yexuan , Wang Shengnan , Zhao Lingling , Liu He , Liu Jun , Zhu Danshi
Published: January 2023

BACKGROUND

Soy hull, a by‐product of crop processing, is rich in pectin‐like polysaccharides that have potential for thickening, gelling and emulsifying applications. The effect of ammonium oxalate (SHPA) and sodium citrate (SHPS) on the conformation, physicochemical properties and emulsifying ability of soy hull polysaccharide (SHP) were investigated.

RESULTS

The composition analysis showed that SHPS had more polysaccharide, protein, and higher molecular weight than SHPA. Images of atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that SHPS molecules appeared spherical bodies with smooth and firm surfaces, while SHPA molecules appeared chain‐like bodies with rough and wrinkled surface. At the oil–water interface, SHPS adsorbed faster and formed a more elastic interfacial layer than SHPA. The characterization of the prepared emulsions showed that the SHPS emulsion was a smaller particle size and more stable system within 30 days than SHPA emulsion, especially at the SHPS concentration of 9 mg mL−1. Images of cryo‐scanning electron microscopy (cryo‐SEM) also demonstrated SHPS formed clearer network structure on the surface of the oil droplets, compared to SHPA.

CONCLUSION

Overall, ammonium oxalate and sodium citrate significantly influenced the composition and properties of the SHP. SHPS exhibited a better emulsifying ability than SHPA, which was mainly due to the higher protein content of SHPS and the sodium ion (Na+) residue of sodium citrate. This study is useful for the extraction and application of SHP and other plant‐based polysaccharides. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Post‐thyroidectomy voice and swallowing disorders and association with laryngopharyngeal reflux: A scoping review
Authors: Rodriguez Alexandra , Hans Stéphane , Lechien Jérôme R.
Published: January 2023

Objective

Postthyroidectomy voice and swallowing symptoms (PVSS) may occur even in absence of laryngeal nerve injuries, which remains poorly understood. The objective of this review was to investigate the occurrence of PVSS and the potential etiological role of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR).

Design

Scoping review.

Methods

Three investigators search PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases for studies investigating the relationship between reflux and PVSS. The authors adhered to PRISMA statements and the following outcomes were investigated: age, gender, thyroid features, reflux diagnosis, association outcomes, and treatment outcomes. Based on the study findings and bias analysis, authors proposed recommendations for future studies.

Results

Eleven studies met our inclusion criteria, accounting for 3829 patients (2964 females). Postthyroidectomy swallowing and voice disorders were found in 5.5%–64%; and 16%–42% of patients, respectively. Prospectively, some results suggested an improvement of swallowing/voice disorders postthyroidectomy, whereas others did not observe significant changes. The prevalence of reflux ranged from 16.6% to 25% of subjects who benefited from thyroidectomy. There was an important heterogeneity between studies regarding the profile of included patients, the PVSS outcomes used, the delay of PVSS assessment and reflux diagnosis, making difficult the study comparison. Some recommendations were provided to guide future studies, especially about the reflux diagnosis approach and clinical outcomes.

Conclusion

The potential etiological role of LPR in PVSS is not demonstrated. Future studies are needed to demonstrate an increase of pharyngeal reflux events with objective findings from prethyroidectomy to postthyroidectomy.

Level of Evidence

3a.
Highly Pressure‐Sensitive, Temperature Independent Luminescence Ratiometric Manometer Based on MgO:Cr3+ Nanoparticles
Authors: Szymczak Maja , Runowski Marcin , Lavín Victor , Marciniak Lukasz
Published: January 2023

Reliable remote pressure readout is possible only if high sensitivity of the measurement and independence from other physical factors are ensured. Among the parameters most strongly affecting measurements, temperature plays the most important role. In luminescence manometry, ratiometric measurement facilitates rapid pressure measurement ensuring high sensitivity of measurement while maintaining accuracy. Therefore, this paper compares the manometric performance of two ratiometric approaches in the material based on the luminescence of Cr3+ ions: using the intensity ratio of 2E→4A2 to 4T2→4A2 and a new approach based on the luminescence intensity ratio of 4T2→4A2 band recorded in two spectral ranges. Using the first approach, a manometer with an unprecedented sensitivity of SR = 40% GPa−1 is developed. However, the second approach provides completely temperature‐invariant pressure measurement with a sensitivity of SR = 9.8% GPa−1. The presented results indicate that the MgO:Cr3+ nanoparticles are a highly reliable and sensitive candidate for a new luminescent manometer.
Dosimetric characterization of a novel commercial plastic scintillation detector with an MR‐Linac
Authors: Ferrer Carlos , Huertas Concepción , García David , Sáez Moisés
Published: January 2023

Background

Plastic scintillators have been used as radiation detectors for the past few years, as they are water‐equivalent and independent of the dose, dose rate, and angle of incidence. In addition, they are also independent of the presence of a magnetic field and could be used for in vivo dosimetry in an MR‐Linac. With the advent of a new commercial scintillation detector, Blue Physics Model 10, its characterization has been performed on an MR‐Linac with a view to future applications.

Purpose

To perform the dosimetric characterization and study potential applications of a novel commercial plastic scintillation detector in a MR‐Linac.

Methods

Scintillation detector description, calibration procedure, short‐term repeatability, dose‐response linearity, dose‐rate dependence, angular dependence, and temperature dependence have been studied. Percent‐depth‐dose (PDD) and beam profiles were measured for small fields and a standard field, as well as output factors, for comparison with other PTW detectors: a diamond diode and PinPoint and Semiflex 3D ionization chambers. The suitability of the plastic scintillator for in vivo dosimetry in a magnetic field has also been studied measuring the dose to a point in an anthropomorphic phantom while acquiring MR imaging. This measured dose was compared with that calculated with Monaco planning system and with that measured with a PTW Semiflex 3D chamber, the latter without acquiring MR images.

Results

Short‐term repeatability presented negligible variations (<0.4%) for 100 and 20 MU. Similar results were obtained for dose‐response linearity and dose‐rate dependence. A small angular dependence was determined, while the scintillator resulted practically independent of the temperature. PDDs showed excellent agreement except in the build‐up region, and calculated penumbras with the profiles given by the scintillator were between the ones obtained with the diamond detector and the PinPoint ionization chamber. Measured OF with the scintillator were the highest between all detectors, 1.26% higher than the value obtained with the microdiamond for the smallest field measured, 0.5 × 0.5 cm2. Finally, the total dose to a point measured with the scintillator was 0.51% higher compared to that calculated by the planning system.

Conclusion

The Blue Physics model 10 scintillation system showed excellent dosimetric characteristics. Its response independent of the temperature and the presence of a magnetic field make it suitable for in vivo dosimetry in an MR‐Linac while acquiring MR images, which could solve the impossibility of performing a dosimetric QA for each adapted plan. Furthermore, its temporal resolution allows independent radiation pulses to be measured and visualized, which could be used in future applications.
Phase‐regularized and displacement‐regularized compressed sensing for fast magnetic resonance elastography
Authors: Mohammed Shahed , Kozlowski Piotr , Salcudean Septimiu
Published: January 2023

Liver magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) is a noninvasive stiffness measurement technique that captures the tissue displacement in the phase of the signal. To limit the scanning time to a single breath‐hold, liver MRE usually involves advanced readout techniques such as simultaneous multislice (SMS) or multishot methods. Furthermore, all these readout techniques require additional in‐plane acceleration using either parallel imaging capabilities, such as sensitivity encoding (SENSE), or
‐space undersampling, such as compressed sensing (CS). However, these methods apply a single regularization function on the complex image. This study aims to design and evaluate methods that use separate regularization on the magnitude and phase of MRE to exploit their distinct spatiotemporal characteristics. Specifically, we introduce two compressed sensing methods. The first method, termed phase‐regularized compressed sensing (PRCS), applies a two‐dimensional total variation (TV) prior to the magnitude and two‐dimensional wavelet regularization to the phase. The second method, termed displacement‐regularized compressed sensing (DRCS), exploits the spatiotemporal redundancy using 3D total variation on the magnitude. Additionally, DRCS includes a displacement fitting function to apply wavelet regularization to the displacement phasor. Both DRCS and PRCS were evaluated with different levels of compression factors in three datasets: an in silico abdomen dataset, an in vitro tissue‐mimicking phantom, and an in vivo liver dataset. The reconstructed images were compared with the full sampled reconstruction, zero‐filling reconstruction, wavelet‐regularized compressed sensing, and a low rank plus sparse reconstruction. The metrics used for quantitative evaluation were the structural similarity index (SSIM) of magnitude (M‐SSIM), displacement (D‐SSIM), and shear modulus (S‐SSIM), and mean shear modulus. Results from highly undersampled in silico and in vitro datasets demonstrate that the DRCS method provides higher reconstruction quality than the conventional compressed sensing method for a wide range of stiffness values. Notably, DRCS provides 24% and 22% increase in D‐SSIM compared with CS for the in silico and in vitro datasets, respectively. Comparison with liver stiffness measured from full sampled data and highly undersampled data (CR=4) demonstrates that the DRCS method provided the strongest correlation (
=0.95), second‐lowest mean bias (−0.18 kPa, lowest for CS with −0.16 kPa), and lowest coefficient of variation (CV=3.6%). Our results demonstrate the potential of using DRCS to improve the reconstruction quality of accelerated MRE.
Relationship between self‐efficacy and physical activity among colorectal cancer patients: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Li Xiaoyu , Geng Liangrong , Yuan Qiao , Yue Shujin
Published: January 2023

Aim

To investigate the current status of self‐efficacy and physical activity among Chinese colorectal cancer (CRC) patients and explore the relationship between them.

Design

A cross‐sectional study.

Methods

This study was conducted on 282 CRC patients in China. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data on demographic and clinical information, self‐efficacy (Exercise Self‐Efficacy Scale [ESES]) and physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire‐Short Form [IPAQ‐SF]).

Results

The median (interquartile range) total self‐efficacy score for patients with CRC was 52.78 (42.08–61.11), and the median (interquartile range) total physical activity score was 1776.00 (1142.25–2812.05). Only 28.37% of CRC patients met the guideline recommendations for physical activity. The total self‐efficacy score was significantly positively correlated with the total physical activity score (r = 0.123, p = 0.040).

Patient or Public Contribution

CRC patients contributed to the data of this study. Hospital administrators facilitated the implementation of the study.
Primary care provider confidence in addressing opioid use disorder: A concept analysis
Authors: Turi Eleanor R. , McMenamin Amy , Wolk Courtney Benjamin , Poghosyan Lusine
Published: January 2023

Primary care providers (PCPs) are well‐positioned to provide care for opioid use disorder (OUD), yet very few address OUD regularly. One contributing factor may be PCPs' lack of confidence in their ability to effectively treat OUD. Evidence demonstrates that clinician confidence in home care and hospital settings is associated with improved care delivery and patient outcomes. However, a conceptual definition of PCP confidence in addressing OUD has yet to be established. The aim of this concept analysis is to enhance conceptual understanding of PCP confidence in addressing OUD and inform future measurement strategies. Following Walker and Avant's method of concept analysis, PubMed, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar were searched in October 2021. Manuscripts were included if they referenced confidence in relation to PCPs who provide care to adult patients with OUD. Studies conducted outside the US and not published in English were excluded. The search resulted in 18 studies which were synthesized to conceptualize PCP confidence in addressing OUD. Defining attributes include self‐efficacy, experience, and readiness to address OUD. These attributes may be influenced by organizational culture, training, support, and resources. Consequences of PCP confidence addressing OUD may include improved patient outcomes, improved delivery of and access to OUD care, and PCP attitude changes. This concept analysis—which grounds the concept of PCP confidence in addressing OUD in the theoretical and empirical literature—lays the framework for future measurement of the concept. This represents a critical first step towards developing strategies to enhance PCP confidence in addressing OUD.
Immunomodulatory effects of colchicine on peripheral blood mononuclear cell subpopulations in human obesity: Data from a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Patel Tushar P. , Levine Jordan A. , Elizondo Diana M. , Arner Brooke E. , Jain Arad , Saxena Ankit , Lopez‐Ocasio Maria , Dagur Pradeep K. , Famuyiwa Olufisola , Gupta Suryaa , Sarrafan‐Chaharsoughi Zahra , Biancotto Angelique , McCoy J. Philip , Demidowich Andrew P. , Yanovski Jack A.
Published: January 2023

Objective

Colchicine is known to reduce inflammation and improve endothelial cell function and atherosclerosis in obesity, but there is little knowledge of the specific circulating leukocyte populations that are modulated by colchicine.

Methods

A secondary analysis of a double‐blind randomized controlled trial of colchicine 0.6 mg or placebo twice daily for 3 months on circulating leukocyte populations and regulation of the immune secretome in 35 adults with obesity was performed.

Results

Colchicine altered multiple innate immune cell populations, including dendritic cells and lymphoid progenitor cells, monocytes, and natural killer cells when compared with placebo. Among all subjects and within the colchicine group, changes in natural killer cells were significantly positively associated with reductions in biomarkers of inflammation, including cyclooxygenase 2, pulmonary surfactant‐associated protein D, myeloperoxidase, proteinase 3, interleukin‐16, and resistin. Changes in dendritic cells were positively correlated with changes in serum heart‐type fatty acid‐binding protein concentrations. Additionally, colchicine treatment reduced cluster of differentiation (CD) CD4+ T effector cells and CD8+ T cytotoxic cells. Conversely, colchicine increased CD4+ and CD8+ T central memory cells and activated CD38HighCD8+ T cells. Changes in CD4+ T effector cells were associated with changes in serum heart‐type fatty acid‐binding protein.

Conclusions

In adults with obesity, colchicine significantly affects circulating leukocyte populations involved in both innate and adaptive immune systems along with the associated inflammatory secretome.
Preparation and properties of flame retardant biobased polyamide elastomer with shape memory
Authors: Zhou Xinjie , Wang Yanqing , Zhang Jing , Wang Guoqing , Liu Yuetao , Gao Chuanhui
Published: January 2023

Nylon is the general name of high molecular polymers with amide bonds repeat structure in the main chain. Because of its good wear resistance, excellent chemical resistance and outstanding impact resistance, it is widely used in various fields of national life, such as automobile parts, oil pipelines, electronic parts, gears, connectors, coating materials and medical applications. Using isocyanate terminated polyamide prepolymer as hard segment, polypropylene glycol as soft segment and triethanolamine as crosslinking agent, polyamide elastomer was flame retardant modified by adding reactive P flame retardant and P/N synergistic flame retardant mechanism. The sample was named IAHDP‐x, in which IAHD is the synthetic hexamethylene diamine polyaitaconic acid, and x is the mass of the added flame retardant DDP. Its tensile properties, fatigue resistance, self‐recovery and tear resistance were investigated. The results revealed that the synthesized phosphorus flame retardant (9,10‐dihydro‐9‐oxa‐10‐[N,N‐bis‐(2‐hydroxyethylamino methylene)]‐10‐phenanthroline‐10‐oxide (DDP)) could not only enhance the flame retardancy, but also strengthen the mechanical properties of polyamide. Among them, the LOI and UL‐94 of IAHDP‐1.2 were 27.6% and V‐0, respectively, indicating that it could be used as flame retardant material; Cyclic tensile test demonstrated that it had good fatigue resistance and self‐recovery; Besides, the tear resistance of IAHDP‐1.2 could reach 35.24 kJ/m2. Interestingly, IAHDP‐1.2 also displayed shape memory characteristics, and the sample could be restored to its original state at 60°C. The synthetic IAHDP‐x also had excellent flame retardancy, high mechanical properties, fatigue resistance, tear resistance, shape memory, so the material can be used in satellite wings, solar panels, electronic and electrical equipment, and smart materials.
The relationship between pain and sleep in pediatric sickle cell disease
Authors: Padmanabhan Dakshin , Tucker Tiffany , Murdaugh Donna , Ilonze Chibuzo , Lebensburger Jeffrey , Thomas S. Justin
Published: January 2023

Background

Pain and sleep disturbances are prevalent complications experienced by pediatric patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). This study aims to identify associations between pain and sleep, and to characterize sleep chronotype and social jetlag in children and adolescent patients with SCD.

Methods

We performed a cross‐sectional survey of 105 pediatric patients with SCD aged 8–17 years using PROMIS (Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement System) pain interference, sleep disturbance, and sleep‐related impairment item banks. The μMCTQ (Ultra‐short Munich Chronotype Questionnaire) assessed chronotype and social jetlag. Analyses were performed to assess associations between PROMIS measures, sleep patterns, and clinical variables.

Results

Female participants reported higher T‐scores for sleep‐related impairment than males (females: 56.7 ± 10 vs. males 50.2 ± 9.4, p = .0009). Patients with one or more emergency department (ED) visits for pain in the last 12 months reported greater sleep disturbance (55.0 ± 8.5 vs. 50.7 ± 10, p = .046) and sleep‐related impairment (57.1 ± 9.3 vs. 52.1 ± 10.2, p = .03) than patients without any ED visits for pain in the last 12 months. Pain interference was significantly associated with both sleep disturbance (r = .49, p < .0001) and sleep‐related impairment (r = .46, p < .0001). The average mid‐sleep time was 4:14 ± 1:44 a.m. and the average social jetlag (hh:mm) was 2:32 ± 1:35.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates that pain interference is associated with both sleep disturbance and sleep‐related impairment. PROMIS measures can identify patients that suffer from pain and sleep disturbances and highlights the need to conduct longitudinal prospective studies to define the directionality of pain and sleep in SCD.
International migration and its short‐term effect on partnership stability
Authors: Mansfeld Lisa
Published: January 2023

Up to now, we know only a little about the causal effect of international migration on partnership stability, with the few existing analyses being restricted to internal migration or international migration from less developed countries to the Global North. Using longitudinal data on German citizens [the German Emigration and Remigration Panel Study plus the German Family Panel (pairfam)], this study contributes to existing literature primarily in two ways: first, by comparing international migrants to nonmigrants at origin and applying the appropriate methods (Entropy Balancing and Discrete Time Proportional Hazards Models), the causal effect of international migration was studied. Second, assessing (non‐)mobile German citizens allows looking at these effects in the context of a highly industrialized welfare state. Additional to the general effect of international migration, differences between emigrants and remigrants are studied — which has not been done before, except for the Latin American context. To advance our understanding of the underlying mechanisms, the role of further migration characteristics is investigated. Findings show that international migration increases the risk of union dissolution compared to no migration and that the risk of union dissolution is higher for remigrants compared to emigrants. The underlying migration reasons play an additional role in explaining the risk of union dissolution.
Comprehensive Polarity Regulation of WSe2Field‐Effect Transistors Enabled by Combining Contact Engineering and Plasma Doping
Authors: Tang Kui , Liu Xiaochi , Wang Zhongwang , Wu Rongqi , Dai Xianfu , Jing Yumei , Sun Jian , Luo Wenchen
Published: January 2023

Two‐dimensional semiconductors are considered as promising candidates in next‐generation nanoelectronics. The polarity regulation, however, has been a great obstacle to their applications. Herein, a strategy to comprehensively modulate the polarity of WSe2field‐effect transistors (FETs) by combining contact engineering and plasma doping is demonstrated. N‐type and ambipolar WSe2FETs are obtained by indium (In) and chromium (Cr) contact, respectively. Meanwhile Cr contact and mild oxygen plasma doping are employed simultaneously to realize p‐type WSe2FET. High on/off ratio of ≈107has been achieved for both n‐type and p‐type WSe2FETs. Subsequently, they are connected in series to construct a homogeneous complementary logic inverter and a lateral p–n diode. Anti‐ambipolar transfer characteristics, therefore, are accessed from the inverter. And the forward to backward rectifying ratio reaches 106for the p–n diode. The proposed strategy paves the way for practical applications of WSe2FETs in logic circuits and optoelectronics.
Characterization of a robust probabilistic framework for brain magnetic resonance image data distributions
Authors: Banerjee Abhirup , Mukhoti Sujay
Published: January 2023

Probabilistic characterisation of image data for accurate prognosis and treatment planning remains a long‐standing problem in medical research, especially when the data distribution depicts flat‐top and high‐order contact. Such flat‐top distributions are quite common in brain magnetic resonance (MR) image data, where the density drops sharply beyond the flat interval. Intuitively, it would indicate a bipartition of data into positive region containing observations definitely belonging to the image class and boundary region with observations possibly belonging to it. The flat peak would also imply that multiple values are equally most likely to belong to that class. However, the popular probability distributions used in such cases are unimodal, creating ambiguity about the positive region. In this work, we study the statistical properties and develop likelihood‐based iterative estimation method for the parameters of a novel class of platykurtic probability distributions containing normal, called the stomped normal distribution, that provides more accurate modelling to the flat‐top data distributions. The robustness of the proposed stomped normal model has been illustrated with six simulated and nine real brain MR volumes. Our analysis shows substantial improvement in explaining a variety of shapes of data distributions using the proposed probability model.
Potential energy production from organic waste and its environmental and economic impacts at a tertiary institution in Palestine
Authors: Abuhelwa Mai , Salah Wael A. , Bashir Mohammed J. K.
Published: January 2023

Municipal solid waste (MSW) is one of the most well‐known biomass resources that can be utilized to produce renewable energy. Numerous countries are plagued by the proliferation of waste, particularly organic waste that can be utilized for energy recovery. Palestine suffers from inefficient solid waste management, and only recently have a few projects focused on bioenergy production been implemented. Throughout the years, the city of Tulkarm experiences power outages which cause a challenge to the Palestine Technical University‐Kadoorie campus in Tulkarm. Thus, the possibility of energy recovery from the organic portion in Palestine Technical University‐Kadoorie was evaluated. The analysis of an economic impact included discussions of a number of economic aspects, including Levelized cost of energy, internal rate of return, present worth, annual worth, and payback period. On the other hand, a carbon dioxide savings analysis and gas emission were evaluated. The outcomes of the energy optimization demonstrated that the suggested system could supply the institution with an average of roughly 7 MWh of electrical energy. According to the economic study, this project offers 0.25 million dollars in present value, 0.144 million dollars in annual value, a 13 percent internal rate of return, a payback period of 6 years, and a levelized cost of energy of 0.11 dollars for each kWh generated. Additionally, the environmental assessment revealed that this system might reduce CO2 emissions by around 8,343,778 tons. For effective waste management, energy recovery, and emission reduction, it is advised to implement anaerobic digestion technology.
Exact strong coupling results in $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 2 Sp(2N) superconformal gauge theory from localization
Authors: Beccaria M. , Korchemsky G. P. , Tseytlin A. A.
Published: January 2023

Abstract

We apply the localization technique to compute the free energy on four-sphere and the circular BPS Wilson loop in the four-dimensional $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= ∈ superconformal Sp(2N) gauge theory containing vector multiplet coupled to four hypermultiplets in fundamental representation and one hypermultiplet in rank-2 antisymmetric representation. This theory is unique among similar $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= ∈ superconformal models that are planar-equivalent to $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= ∆ SYM in that the corresponding localization matrix model has the interaction potential containing single-trace terms only. We exploit this property to show that, to any order in large N expansion and an arbitrary ’t Hooft coupling λ, the free energy and the Wilson loop satisfy Toda lattice equations. Solving these equations at strong coupling, we find remarkably simple expressions for these observables which include all corrections in 1/N and 1/$$ \sqrt{\lambda } $$

λ

. We also compute the leading exponentially suppressed $$ \mathcal{O}\left({e}^{-\sqrt{\lambda }}\right) $$
O

e

−

λ

corrections and consider a generalization to the case when the fundamental hypermultiplets have a non-zero mass. The string theory dual of this $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= ∈ gauge theory should be a particular orientifold of AdS5 × S5 type IIB string and we discuss the string theory interpretation of the obtained strong-coupling results.
Tree-level soft emission of a quark pair in association with a gluon
Authors: Del Duca Vittorio , Duhr Claude , Haindl Rayan , Liu Zhengwen
Published: January 2023

Abstract

We compute the tree-level current for the emission of a soft quark-antiquark pair in association with a gluon. This soft current is the last missing ingredient to understand the infrared singularities that can arise in next-to-next-to-next-to-leading-order (N3LO) computations in QCD. Its square allows us to understand for the first time the colour correlations induced by the soft emission of a quark pair and a gluon. We find that there are three types of correlations: besides dipole-type correlations that have already appeared in soft limits of tree-level amplitudes, we uncover for the first time also a three-parton correlation involving a totally symmetric structure constant. We also study the behaviour of collinear splitting amplitudes in the triple-soft limit, and we derive the corresponding factorisation formula.
Evaluation of urinary cysteinyl leukotrienes as biomarkers of severity and putative therapeutic targets in COVID-19 patients
Authors: Reina-Couto Marta , Roboredo-Madeira Mariana , Pereira-Terra Patrícia , Silva-Pereira Carolina , Martins Sandra , Teixeira-Santos Luísa , Pinho Dora , Dias Andreia , Cordeiro Gonçalo , Dias Cláudia Camila , Sarmento António , Tavares Margarida , Guimarães João T. , Roncon-Albuquerque Roberto , Paiva José-Artur , Albino-Teixeira António , Sousa Teresa
Published: January 2023

Background

Cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLT) are potent inflammation-promoting mediators, but remain scarcely explored in COVID-19. We evaluated urinary CysLT (U-CysLT) relationship with disease severity and their usefulness for prognostication in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. The impact on U-CysLT of veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) and of comorbidities such as hypertension and obesity was also assessed.

Methods

Blood and spot urine were collected in “severe” (n = 26), “critically ill” (n = 17) and “critically ill on VV-ECMO” (n = 17) patients with COVID-19 at days 1–2 (admission), 3–4, 5–8 and weekly thereafter, and in controls (n = 23) at a single time point. U-CysLT were measured by ELISA. Routine markers, prognostic scores and outcomes were also evaluated.

Results

U-CysLT did not differ between groups at admission, but significantly increased along hospitalization only in critical groups, being markedly higher in VV-ECMO patients, especially in hypertensives. U-CysLT values during the first week were positively associated with ICU and total hospital length of stay in critical groups and showed acceptable area under curve (AUC) for prediction of 30-day mortality (AUC: 0.734, p = 0.001) among all patients.

Conclusions

U-CysLT increase during hospitalization in critical COVID-19 patients, especially in hypertensives on VV-ECMO. U-CysLT association with severe outcomes suggests their usefulness for prognostication and as therapeutic targets.
Investigation of chip formation of Ti–6Al–4V in oxygen-free atmosphere
Authors: Denkena Berend , Bergmann Benjamin , Schaper Florian
Published: January 2023

Titanium and titanium alloys have high strength at low density, good corrosion resistance and excellent biocompatibility. Therefore, the use of titanium materials is well established in high-performance applications such as aerospace and biomedical. However, titanium and titanium alloys such as Ti–6Al–4 V have low thermal conductivity, exhibit unfavorable chip formation with typical segmented chips and have high chemical affinity to surrounding elements such as oxygen. Tool wear and the properties of the component surface and sub-surface are significantly influenced by the presence of oxygen and resulting chemical interactions. Among other things, chemical reactions such as oxidation occur due to the high temperatures and presence of oxygen. In this work, the chip formation of Ti–6Al–4 V at different cutting speeds in discontinuous orthogonal cutting process under different atmospheres is investigated. A conventional air atmosphere, a pure argon atmosphere and a silane-doped atmosphere were used. The oxygen content of the silane-doped argon atmosphere corresponds to an extremely high vacuum (XHV), which is practically oxygen-free. It was found that chip formation is affected by the surrounding atmosphere. At the cutting speed vc = 80 m/min, non-periodic segmentation is present under oxygen-free atmosphere, while segmental chip formation occurs under air. This is accompanied by up to 16.5% lower feed force under inert gas atmosphere, which is due to reduced friction caused by the use of an oxygen-free atmosphere.
Comparison Between Several CT‐Derived Psoas Muscle Sarcopenia Markers for Predicting Survival After Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair
Authors: Forte‐Genescà Pau , Casajuana Urgell Eduard , Díaz‐Duran Carles , Romero‐Montaña Lorena , Paredes‐Mariñas Ezequiel , Clarà‐Velasco Albert
Published: January 2023

Background

Multiple CT‐derived measurements of sarcopenia have been described yet their relationship with survival after abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair has not been properly assessed. We aimed to define and compare the relationship between several psoas CT‐derived measurements and the 5‐year survival after AAA repair and to evaluate their potential contribution to survival prediction.

Methods

Preoperative CT area (TPA) and density (MTPD) of the psoas muscle at L3 were measured in 218 consecutive AAA patients electively intervened. Additional measurements were obtained by normalizing TPA by anthropometric data or L3‐vertebra surface or by TPAxMTPD multiplication (lean psoas muscle area—LPMA). The association of sarcopenia markers with survival was evaluated with Cox models adjusted by age, sex, type of intervention and the Charlson Comorbidity Index, and their contribution to survival prediction assessed with the C‐statistic and the Continuous Net Reclassification Index (c‐NRI).

Results

Sixty patients (27.5%) died during the first 5 years after surgery. There was a statistically significant and linear (spline analysis) relationship of sarcopenia markers with 5‐year survival in all multivariate models, except that including LPMA. Despite this association, the inclusion of sarcopenia markers did not improve the C‐statistic and moderately increased the c‐NRI. None normalized sarcopenia markers performed better than TPA.

Conclusion

The majority of CT‐derived psoas muscle measurements of sarcopenia showed a significant and independent relationship with survival after elective AAA repair. Despite this association, they did not appear to improve sufficiently our survival prediction ability to become an efficient tool for decision‐making.
A propensity score-matched analysis on the impact of patient and surgical factors on early periprosthetic joint infection in minimally invasive anterolateral and transgluteal total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Luger Matthias , de Vries Marcel , Feldler Sandra , Hipmair Günter , Gotterbarm Tobias , Klasan Antonio
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Increased risk of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) in minimally invasive (MIS) total hip arthroplasty (THA) is still debated. This study aimed to identify differences in surgical and patient-related risk factors for PJI between an MIS anterolateral approach and transgluteal-modified Hardinge approach.

Methods

A retrospective cohort of 5315 THAs performed between 2006 and 2019 at a single institution was screened. Short stem THAs performed via an MIS anterolateral approach in the supine position and standard straight stem THAs performed via a transgluteal modified Hardinge approach were included. Propensity score matching was performed to control for selection bias. After matching, 1405 (34.3%) short stem THAs implanted via MIS anterolateral approach and 2687 (65.7%) straight stem THAs implanted via a transgluteal modified Hardinge approach were included. The risk of PJI due to patient-specific and surgical factors was retrospectively analyzed using chi-square test and multivariate regression analysis.

Results

PJI occurred in 1.1% in both MIS anterolateral and transgluteal approach (p = 0.823). Multivariate regression showed an increased infection risk for patients with a BMI between 35 and 39.99 kg/m2 (OR 6.696; CI 1.799–24.923; p = 0.005), which could not be demonstrated for transgluteal approach (OR 0.900; CI 0.900–4.144; p = 0.93). A BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2 (OR 14.150; CI 2.416–82.879; p = 0.003) was detected as a risk factor for PJI only in anterolateral approach. Increased operation time ≥ 121 min showed a significantly increased risk for PJI in the general cohort (OR 6.989; CI1.286–37.972; p = 0.024).

Conclusion

Minimally invasive anterolateral and transgluteal THA show a comparable rate of early PJI within the first year of index surgery. A BMI of ≥ 35 kg/m2 was detected as a clear risk factor for infection in the anterolateral approach. Prolonged operation time ≥ 121 min increases the risk of PJI regardless of approach.
Insight problem solving is not that special, but business is not quite 'as usual': typical versus exceptional problem-solving strategies
Authors: Salmon-Mordekovich Nirit , Leikin Mark
Published: January 2023

The intriguing phenomenon of insight (also known as the "Aha!" moment) has provoked a long-standing conflict over its cognitive mechanism. The special-process theory posits insight as a unique, unconscious mechanism. Conversely, the business-as-usual theory conceptualizes insight processing as ordinary and similar to non-insight, i.e., analytic, incremental, and attention demanding. To resolve this conflict, participants completed cognitive tests and solved four types of problems: verbal insight, spatial insight, verbal non-insight, and spatial non-insight. These problems were solved under three conditions: silence (control), inner speech suppression (articulatory suppression), and non-verbal attentional demands (spatial tapping). Interestingly, insight problem solving differed from verbal non-insight, but resembled spatial non-insight problem solving. Solving insight and spatial non-insight problems substantially benefitted from spatial and near verbal analogical thinking and convergent thinking, and little from divergent thinking. Both were unaffected by secondary tasks. Analogical thinking was associated more strongly with the generation of new solution procedures than with the retrieval of known procedures from memory, as in verbal non-insight problem solving. Analogical and convergent thinking seem to be key skills for the creation of new solutions, whether or not they are insight based. The results indicate a typical, analytic solution method consistent with the business-as-usual theory. Yet, there is also evidence for an exceptional solving method that includes rare attributes of the insightful process delineated by the special-process theory. Thus, we endorse an unequally integrated assertion that each theory reflects a different mode of thinking, the common versus the uncommon, by which insightful solutions can be produced.
T-splines computational membrane–cable structural mechanics with continuity and smoothness: I. Method and implementation
Authors: Terahara Takuya , Takizawa Kenji , Tezduyar Tayfun E.
Published: January 2023

We present a T-splines computational method and its implementation where structures with different parametric dimensions are connected with continuity and smoothness. We derive the basis functions in the context of connecting structures with 2D and 1D parametric dimensions. Derivation of the basis functions with a desired smoothness involves proper selection of a scale factor for the knot vector of the 1D structure and results in new control-point locations. While the method description focuses on $$C^0$$

C
0

and $$C^1$$

C
1

continuity, paths to higher-order continuity are marked where needed. In presenting the method and its implementation, we refer to the 2D structure as “membrane” and the 1D structure as “cable.” It goes without saying that the method and its implementation are applicable also to other 2D–1D cases, such as shell–cable and shell–beam structures. We present test computations not only for membrane–cable structures but also for shell–cable structures. The computations demonstrate how the method performs.