bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ni Single Atoms and Ni Phosphate Clusters Synergistically Triggered Surface‐Functionalized MoS2 Nanosheets for High‐performance Freshwater and Seawater Electrolysis
Authors: Kim Min Sung , Tran Duy Thanh , Nguyen Thanh Hai , Dinh Van An , Kim Nam Hoon , Lee Joong Hee
Published: February 2022

Two‐dimensional metal dichalcogenides have been evidenced as potential electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER); however, their application is limited by a poor oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity due to insufficient number/types of multi‐integrated active sites. In this study, we report a novel bifunctional catalyst developed by simultaneous engineering of single nickel atoms (NiSA) and nickel phosphate clusters (NiPi) to synergistically trigger surface‐functionalized MoS2 nanosheets (NSs) resulting in high reactivities for both HER and OER. The NiSA‐NiPi/MoS2 NSs material exhibits a fairly Pt‐like HER behavior with an overpotential of 94.0 mV and a small OER overpotential of 314.0 mV to reach 10 mA cm−2 in freshwater containing 1.0 M KOH. Experimental results of the catalyst are well supported by theoretical study, which reveals the significant modulation of electronic structure and enrichment of electroactive site number/types with their reasonably adjusted free adsorption energy. For evaluating practicability, the NiSA‐NiPi/MoS2 NSs‐based electrolyzer delivers effective operation voltage of 1.62, 1.52, and 1.66 V at 10 mA cm−2 and superior long‐term stability as compared to Pt/C//RuO2 system in freshwater, mimic seawater, and natural seawater, respectively. The present study indicates that the catalyst is a promising candidate for the practical production of green hydrogen via water electrolysis.
Bisubstrate Strategies to Target Methyltransferases
Authors: Ahmed‐Belkacem Rostom , Debart Françoise , Vasseur Jean‐Jacques
Published: February 2022

Bisubstrate strategies address the lack of specificity encountered with S‐adenosyl‐L‐methionine (SAM) analogues targeting methyltransferases (MTases). Specifically, a bisubstrate inhibitor mimics the transition state complex associating a substrate and the SAM methyl group donor to a particular methyltransferase. These potential inhibitors contain both parts of the substrate and the methyl group donor. In this review, bisubstrate inhibitors of several MTases including DNA, RNA, protein, catechol or nicotinamide MTases are discussed in order to evaluate the interest of these promising molecules for the development of selective therapeutics against cancers, neuropsychiatric disorders and viral infections.
Inhibition of Oocyte Maturation by Malathion and Structurally Related Chemicals in Zebrafish (Danio rerio) After In Vitro and In Vivo Exposure
Authors: Miller Justin G.P. , Van Essen Darren , Brinkmann Markus , Raza Yamin , Dubiel Justin , Fujita Kaden K. , Doering Jon A. , Wiseman Steve B.
Published: February 2022

Oogenesis is the process by which a primary oocyte develops into a fertilizable oocyte, making it critical to successful reproduction in fish. In zebrafish (Danio rerio), there are five stages of oogenesis. During the final step (oocyte maturation), the maturation-inducing hormone 17α,20β-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (MIH) activates the membrane progestin receptor, inducing germinal vesicle breakdown. Using in vitro assays, it has been shown that anthropogenic stressors can dysregulate MIH-induced oocyte maturation. However, it is unknown whether the in vitro assay is predictive of reproductive performance after in vivo exposure. We demonstrate that a known inhibitor of oocyte maturation, malathion, and a structurally related chemical, dimethoate, inhibit oocyte maturation. However, malaoxon and omethoate, which are metabolites of malathion and dimethoate, did not inhibit oocyte maturation. Malathion and dimethoate inhibited maturation to a similar magnitude when oocytes were exposed for 4 h in vitro or 10 days in vivo, suggesting that the in vitro zebrafish oocyte maturation assay might be predictive of alterations to reproductive performance. However, when adult zebrafish were exposed to malathion for 21 days, there was no alteration in fecundity or fertility in comparison with control fish. Our study supports the oocyte maturation assay as being predictive of the success of in vitro oocyte maturation after in vivo exposure, but it remains unclear whether inhibition of MIH-induced oocyte maturation in vitro correlates to decreases in reproductive performance. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:1381–1389. © 2022 SETAC

Abstract

The ability of oocyte maturation assays to predict reproductive performance in zebrafish. Maturation inducing hormone (MIH) stimulated maturation of oocytes after in vitro exposures to selected chemicals was predictive of the success of oocytes to mature in vitro after in vivo exposure. However, oocyte maturation assays using in vitro exposures were not predictive of reproductive performance during a 21-day reproduction assay.
Formulation and characterization of physicochemical, functional, morphological, and antioxidant properties of cassava‐based rice analogue
Authors: Liu Chiew Yen , Amani Raihan , Sulaiman Syazana , Mahmood Kaiser , Ariffin Fazilah , Mohammadi Nafchi Abdorreza
Published: February 2022

This study aimed to develop a cassava‐based rice analogue with improved nutritional value as an alternative to commercial white rice. The rice analogue formulations (RAFs) were developed by the substitution of modified cassava flour (MOCAF) with rice flour at different ratios as 1:0, 7:3, 5:5, 3:7, and 0:1, followed by the addition of cassava leaves (0, 10, and 20 wt%). The developed rice analogues were evaluated for physicochemical, functional, morphological, and antioxidant properties. The rice analogue containing a 5:5 ratio of rice flour to MOCAF (RAF 2) added with 20% cassava leaves presented the most desirable nutritional composition and functional properties. However, RAF 4 (100% MOCAF with 20% cassava leaves) showed the highest total polyphenol content (TPC) (198.8 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/100 g), total chlorophyll content (TCC) (198 mg/ml), 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) inhibition (79%), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) inhibition (85%). Hence, the addition of MOCAF and cassava leaves improved the nutritional value of cassava‐based rice analogues, which could be a healthy alternative to commercial rice in the daily diet.
Cedrus atlantica extract exerts antiproliferative effect on colorectal cancer through the induction of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis
Authors: Huang Chih‐Yuan , Chien Ju‐Huei , Chang Kai‐Fu , Hsiao Chih‐Yen , Huang Ya‐Chih , Chen Yi‐Ting , Hsu Ming‐Yi , Hsieh Ming‐Chang , Tsai Nu‐Man
Published: February 2022

Cedrus atlantica is a tree species found in Morocco with many clinical benefits in genitourinary, musculoskeletal, and skin systems. Previous studies have reported that extracts of Cedrus atlantica have antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties. However, its role in colorectal cancer (CRC) remains unclear. The present study investigated the effects and underlying mechanisms of Cedrus atlantica extract (CAt) using HT‐29 (human colorectal adenocarcinoma) and CT‐26 CRC cell lines. The 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was performed to measure cell viability. Flow cytometry analysis and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick‐end labeling (TUNEL) assay were used to study the cell cycle and cell apoptosis, respectively. The expression of cell cycle and apoptosis‐associated proteins was detected by western blotting or immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. CAt showed significant inhibitory effects on the proliferation of HT‐29 and CT‐26 cells, and combined with the clinical drug, 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU), exhibited synergistic effects. CAt induced cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase through the upregulation of p53/p21 and the downregulation of cyclin‐dependent kinases (CDKs)/cyclins. In addition, CAt‐treated cells exhibited chromatin condensation, DNA fragmentation, and apoptotic bodies, which are typical characteristics of apoptosis activated via both the extrinsic (Fas ligand (FasL)/Fas/caspase‐8) and intrinsic (Bax/caspase‐9) pathways. Importantly, CAt suppressed tumor progression and prolonged the life span of mice within a well‐tolerated dose. Therefore, our findings provide novel insights into the use of CAt for the treatment of CRC.
Tumor molecular differences associated with outcome disparities of Black patients with head and neck cancer
Authors: Kim Hugh A. J. , Zeng Peter Y. F. , Sorgini Alana , Shaikh Mushfiq H. , Khan Halema , MacNeil Danielle , Khan Mohammed I. , Mendez Adrian , Yoo John , Fung Kevin , Lang Pencilla , Palma David A. , Mymryk Joe S. , Barrett John W. , Patel Krupal B. , Boutros Paul C. , Nichols Anthony C.
Published: February 2022

Background

Numerous studies of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) have demonstrated disparate outcomes by race and ethnicity. Beyond known associations with socioeconomic variables, whether these are also associated with differences in tumor molecular composition has thus far been poorly explored.

Methods

We downloaded clinical and multiplatform molecular data from The Cancer Genome Atlas and other published studies. These were compared between non‐Hispanic Black (n = 43) and White (n = 354) patients with non‐HPV‐related tumors, using multivariable models. Publicly available validation cohorts were used.

Results

Black patients had poorer progression‐free survival than White patients. Tumors of Black patients had greater copy number aberrations, and increased SFRP1 methylation and miRNA‐mediated PRG4 silencing associated with poor survival. PI3K/AkT/mTOR pathway proteins were differentially expressed.

Conclusions

There are molecular differences between tumors of Black and White patients that may partially account for differences in survival. These may inform targeted treatment decisions to achieve equitable outcomes.
Costs of unnecessary repeated diagnostic tests in cholecystectomy
Authors: Aslan Hüseyin , Top Mehmet
Published: February 2022

The purpose of this study was to calculate the number, rate and cost of unnecessarily repeated tests on the patients who underwent open cholecystectomy and laparoscopic cholecystectomy and figure out the share of the unnecessarily repeated test costs in total test expenditures and total treatment expenditures. Alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate transaminase, gamma glutamyl transferase, Total bilirubin, whole abdominal ultrasonography, upper abdominal ultrasonography, hepatobiliary ultrasonography tests, which were among the tests used in the patients who underwent cholecystectomy. The research group included 1296 patients. All records of the patients within totally 180 days of period including 90 days of pre‐cholecystectomy and 90 days of post‐cholecystectomy period were analysed. Necessity/Unnecessary criteria of the tests were identified in accordance with literature data, expert opinions and American Society of Anaesthesiologists Physical Status Classification scores. It was determined that unnecessary test costs consisted of 8.48% of the total test costs and 0.93% of the total treatment expenditures. This study showed that age, gender, surgical technique, and American Society of Anesthesiologists scores significantly differentiated unnecessary repeated test costs. Reducing the use of excessive health service and the related health expenditures, working to reveal its financial and medical benefits are crucial for the reimbursement agency, health service hosts and patients.
Electroosmotic flow of fractional Oldroyd‐B fluid through a vertical microchannel filled with a homogeneous porous medium: Numerical and semianalytical solutions
Authors: Alsharif Abdullah M. , Abdellateef Ahmed I. , Elmaboud Yasser Abd
Published: February 2022

In this manuscript, numerical and semianalytical solutions of electroosmotic flow of fractional Oldroyd‐B fluid through a vertical microchannel filled with a porous medium have been investigated. The fractional Cattaneo model is used to alter the energy equation. The Laplace and finite Fourier sine transforms have been used to get the semianalytical solutions as well as the finite difference method as a numerical solution. The results show that there is an excellent agreement between the two solutions. Moreover, the surge in velocity, flow rate, and heat transfer is extremely noticeable at the beginning of the time interval for various physical characteristics. Furthermore, as time passes, this phenomenon will reduce, and they will attain a steady state. Due to the existence of a different distribution of charges in the EDL at the channel walls, the velocity profile becomes asymmetric.
Dihydroquercetin improves rotenone‐induced Parkinsonism by regulating NF‐κB‐mediated inflammation pathway in rats
Authors: Akinmoladun Afolabi C. , Famusiwa Courage D. , Josiah Sunday S. , Lawal Akeem O. , Olaleye Mary T. , Akindahunsi Afolabi A.
Published: February 2022

This study examined the effect of dihydroquercetin (DHQ), also knofigurewn as taxifolin, on rotenone‐induced Parkinsonism in rats. Male Wistar rats were administered 1.5 mg/kg rotenone for 10 days and subsequently treated with 0.25–1.0 mg/kg DHQ for 3 days followed by the assessment of parkinsonian symptoms. Brain striatal redox stress and neurochemical dysfunction markers were assessed spectrophotometrically. Histopathological evaluation of the striatum was done by hematoxylin and eosin staining technique. The expression of genes involved in the activation of NF‐κB signaling pathway (IL‐1β, TNF‐α, NF‐κB and IκKB), and the p53 gene in the striatum were determined by RT‐qPCR. DHQ attenuated parkinsonian symptoms as well as striatal redox stress, neurochemical dysfunction, and histological alterations occasioned by rotenone toxicity. Importantly, DHQ significantly suppressed the rotenone‐induced upregulation of IL‐1β, NF‐κB, and IκKB expression (p < 0.05) in the striatum of parkinsonian rats. DHQ demonstrated notable neurotherapeutic potential against rotenone‐induced Parkinsonism in rats by improving parkinsonian symptoms (bradykinesia, catalepsy, postural instability, impaired locomotor behavior, and tremor) and neurochemical dysfunctions via modulation of genes involved in the activation of the canonical pathway of NF‐κB‐mediated inflammation.
Grade‐dependent changes in sphingolipid metabolism in clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Młynarczyk Grzegorz , Mikłosz Agnieszka , Suchański Jarosław , Reza Safoura , Romanowicz Lech , Sobolewski Krzysztof , Chabowski Adrian , Baranowski Marcin
Published: February 2022

There is a host of evidence for the role of bioactive sphingolipids in cancer biology, and dysregulated sphingolipid metabolism was observed in many malignant tumors. The aim of the present study was to provide more detailed data on sphingolipid metabolism in different stages of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Samples of the tumor and noncancerous fragments of the same kidney were collected from patients who underwent a radical nephrectomy. The subjects were stratified according to the degree of malignancy of the tumor (n = 14 for G2, 12 for G3, and 9 for G4). The content of bioactive sphingolipids/glycosphingolipids was measured with an HPLC and HPTLC method, and the mRNA and protein expression of sphingolipid transporters and metabolizing enzymes was evaluated using real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blot, respectively. Compared to healthy kidney tissue, ccRCC was characterized by accumulation of sphingosine, sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P), ceramide, dihydrosphingosine, and dihydroceramide. However, in the case of the latter two, the accumulation was limited to higher malignancy grades. In addition, compared to the healthy tissue, the content of gangliosides in the tumor was increased at the expense of globosides. We also found profound grade‐dependent changes in the mRNA level of S1P‐metabolizing enzymes, and spinster homolog 2. In general, their expression was much higher in G2 tumors compared to higher malignancy grades. We conclude that ccRCC is characterized by profound and multilevel alterations in sphingolipid metabolism, which to a large extent are grade‐dependent. We hypothesize that dysregulation of sphingolipid metabolism contributes to the progression of ccRCC.
Development of a climate‐informed analog downscaling method for Asian regions
Authors: Kim Seon‐Ho , Kim Jeong‐Bae , Bae Deg‐Hyo
Published: February 2022

The importance of global circulation model data have been increased for climate change adaptation and natural hazard mitigation. Constructed analog is one of a common statistical downscaling methodology for spatial downscaling of large domain. It has challenges to reproduce extreme climate and wet‐dry conditions due to combination of multiple analogs. To address this challenge, localized constructed analog (LOCA) method was developed. The global applicability of LOCA has not been reviewed, and there is a limitation in that the analog domain is spatially discontinuous and too extensive for localization. Therefore, in this study, the global applicability of the localized analog method was evaluated for the Asia region, and the bias corrected climate informed analog (BCIA) method, a localized analog method based on climate information, was proposed to overcome the limitation of existed method. The localized analogs have 7–36% higher skill for monthly and seasonal climate and at least 20 higher skill score for climate indices than unlocalized analog. Localized methods have significant advantages in reproducing the extreme and the wet‐dry indices. Therefore, the global applicability of the localized analog method was confirmed. The analog dates in BCIA showed highly better qualities than those of LOCA. In downscaling performance, BCIA was superior to LOCA, and, it has a significant advantage in the index related to precipitations by more than 10% in skill score. Therefore, in the global application of localized techniques, BCIA can be utilized as a promising method.
Competition, prey, and mortalities influence gray wolf group size
Authors: Sells Sarah N. , Mitchell Michael S. , Podruzny Kevin M. , Ausband David E. , Emlen Douglas J. , Gude Justin A. , Smucker Ty D. , Boyd Diane K. , Loonam Kenneth E.
Published: February 2022

Group living is found in only 10–15% of carnivorans and can shape demographic processes. Sociality is associated with benefits including increased ability to acquire resources, decreased risk of mortality, and increased reproductive success. We hypothesized that carnivore group size is influenced by conditions related to competition, prey, and mortality risk, which should affect benefits and costs of sociality and resulting demographic processes. We evaluated our hypotheses with gray wolves (Canis lupus) using a 14‐year dataset from a large, heavily managed population in the northern Rocky Mountains, USA. Annual mean group size ranged 4.86–7.03 and averaged 5.92 overall. Most groups were relatively small, with 80% containing ≤8 members. Groups were larger in areas with higher densities of conspecific groups, and smaller where prey availability was low. Group sizes remained largely stable while the population was unharvested or under low‐intensity harvest but declined under high‐intensity harvest. Results support the hypothesis that as habitat becomes saturated, inclusive fitness may become increasingly important such that subordinates delay dispersal. In addition to direct implications for birth and deaths, conditions related to prey and mortality risk may also influence dispersal decisions. Our work also provided a model to predict group size of wolves in our system, directly fulfilling a management need.
Gustatory Function in Acute COVID‐19 ‐ Results From Home‐Based Psychophysical Testing
Authors: Hintschich Constantin A. , Brosig Anja , Hummel Thomas , Andorfer Kornelia E. , Wenzel Jürgen J. , Bohr Christopher , Vielsmeier Veronika
Published: February 2022

Objective

Gustatory function during COVID‐19 is self‐reported by around 50% of patients. However, only a few studies assessed gustation using psychophysical testing during acute infection. The objective of this study is to test gustatory function on threshold tests in the very first days of COVID‐19.

Methods

Psychophysical testing consisted of validated and blinded tests for olfaction (NHANES Pocket Smell Test) and gustation (Taste Strips Test). These test kits were sent to home‐quarantined patients and self‐administered using a detailed instruction sheet.

Results

A total of 51 patients were included in this study. Testing was performed 6.5 ± 2.7 days after sampling of respiratory swabs. At this time 37% of patients stated to currently experience a gustatory impairment. The mean Taste Strips score was 10.0 ± 3.4 with 28% scoring in the range of hypogeusia. Interestingly, no significant difference in the results of gustatory testing could be observed between the group with subjectively preserved gustation and the group with self‐rated taste impairment.

Conclusion

During the very first days of COVID‐19, psychophysical gustatory testing revealed hypogeusia in 28%. This is far lower than patients' self‐reports. Different from previous studies, we did not find clear evidence for an impairment of only certain taste qualities.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 132:1082–1087, 2022
Lung cancer diagnosis using deep attention‐based multiple instance learning and radiomics
Authors: Chen Junhua , Zeng Haiyan , Zhang Chong , Shi Zhenwei , Dekker Andre , Wee Leonard , Bermejo Inigo
Published: February 2022

Background

Early diagnosis of lung cancer is a key intervention for the treatment of lung cancer in which computer‐aided diagnosis (CAD) can play a crucial role. Most published CAD methods perform lung cancer diagnosis by classifying each lung nodule in isolation. However, this does not reflect clinical practice, where clinicians diagnose a patient based on a set of images of nodules, instead of looking at one nodule at a time. Besides, the low interpretability of the output provided by these methods presents an important barrier for their adoption.

Method

In this article, we treat lung cancer diagnosis as a multiple instance learning (MIL) problem, which better reflects the diagnosis process in the clinical setting and provides higher interpretability of the output. We selected radiomics as the source of input features and deep attention‐based MIL as the classification algorithm. The attention mechanism provides higher interpretability by estimating the importance of each instance in the set for the final diagnosis. To improve the model's performance in a small imbalanced dataset, we propose a new bag simulation method for MIL.

Results and conclusion

The results show that our method can achieve a mean accuracy of 0.807 with a standard error of the mean (SEM) of 0.069, a recall of 0.870 (SEM 0.061), a positive predictive value of 0.928 (SEM 0.078), a negative predictive value of (SEM 0.155), and an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.842 (SEM 0.074), outperforming other MIL methods. Additional experiments show that the proposed oversampling strategy significantly improves the model's performance. In addition, experiments show that our method provides a good indication of the importance of each nodule in determining the diagnosis, which combined with the well‐defined radiomic features, to make the results more interpretable and acceptable for doctors and patients.
Cultural considerations for conducting autism assessment with Asian American and Pacific Islander students
Authors: Truong Dieu M. , Barth Alexandra M. , Mire Sarah S. , Ayala Mycah L. , Ramclam Ashley N. , Tan Samantha X. L. , McKee Shannon L.
Published: February 2022

In public schools, Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) students are overidentified with autism (AU) but are underrepresented in other special education categories. Such patterns may be result, in part, from overaggregation of data from students representing diverse AAPI ethnic groups. Yet, professionals' implicit biases, limited cultural responsivity in evaluation and research, and structural and systemic racism also likely contribute to the pervasive AU disproportionality in school‐based identification. To improve accuracy of AU identification and appropriateness of school services and programming, the current paper aims to enhance school psychologists' (SPs') awareness and knowledge about AAPI cultures and to improve their efforts in conducting culturally responsive evaluation with AAPI students suspected of AU. An overview of historical and current anti‐AAPI issues and AAPI cultural perceptions of AU are provided. Then, through the lens of sociocultural theory and using a framework of cultural humility, specific suggestions for culturally responsive autism assessment approaches are offered for SPs working with AAPI students and their families.
Facile fabrication of underwater superoleophobic membrane based on polyacrylamide/chitosan hydrogel modified metal mesh for oil–water separation
Authors: Zhang Yang , Cao Zheng , Luo Zili , Li Wenjun , Fu Tao , Qiu Wang , Lai Zhirong , Cheng Junfeng , Yang Haicun , Ma Wenzhong , Liu Chunlin
Published: February 2022

Using chemically etched stainless steel mesh (SSM) as matrix, chitosan (CS) as the hydrophilic component and acrylamide as (AAm) monomer, the underwater superoleophobic membrane (PAAm/CS@SSM) for oil–water separation was prepared by free radical polymerization initiated by ultraviolet light. The composition, morphology, underwater oil contact angle, and structure of PAAm/CS@SSM were characterized by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, x‐ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and confocal laser scanning microscopy. The underwater oil contact angles of PAAm/CS@SSM could reach 154.5°. When the number of oil–water cycles reached 20 times, the oil–water separation efficiency of PAAm/CS@SSM was larger than 99%. When the oil–water ratio is 1:3, 1:2, 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, the oil–water separation flux of PAAm/CS@SSM was 2096.8, 4457.9, 4735.7, 5395.7, and 3606.9 L·m·−2·h−1, respectively. When oils are n‐hexane, petroleum ether, vegetable oil, and liquid paraffin, the oil–water separation efficiency of PAAm/CS@SSM was 99.0%, 97.7%, 97.2%, and 99.3%, respectively. After the wear resistance test, the PAAm/CS@SSM membrane still exhibited underwater super‐oleophobicity (>150°).
Effect of pelvic lymph node dissection and its extent on oncological outcomes in intermediate‐risk prostate cancer patients: A multicenter study of the Turkish Uro‐oncology Association
Authors: Izol Volkan , Ok Fesih , Aslan Guven , Akdogan Bulent , Sozen Sinan , Ozden Ender , Celik Orcun , Muezzinoglu Talha , Turkeri Levent , Akdogan Nebil , Baltaci Sumer
Published: February 2022

Background

Pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) is the gold standard method for lymph node staging in prostate cancer. We aimed to evaluate the effect of PLND combined with radical prostatectomy (RP) on oncological outcomes in D'Amico intermediate‐risk prostate cancer (IRPC) patients.

Methods

Patients with D'Amico IRPC were included in the study. In the overall cohort and subgroups (biopsy International Society of Urological Pathology [ISUP] grade group 2 and 3), patients were divided into two groups as PLND and no‐PLND. More extensive PLND, defined as a number of removed nodes (NRN) ≥ 75th percentile.

Results

After exclusion, a total of 631 patients were included: 351 (55.6%) had PLND and 280 (44.4%) had no‐PLND. The mean age was 63.1 ± 3.60 years. The median NRN was 8.0 (1.0–40.0). The mean follow‐up period was 47.7 ± 37.5 months. The lymph node involvement (LNI) rate was 5.7% in the overall cohort, 3.9% in ISUP grade 2, and 10.8% in ISUP grade 3. Patients with PLND were associated with more aggressive clinicopathologic characteristics but no significant difference in biochemical recurrence‐free survival (BCRFS) was found between patients with PLND and no‐PLND (p = 0.642). In the subgroup analysis for ISUP grades 2 and 3, no significant difference in BCRFS outcomes was found in patients with PLND and No‐PLND (p = 0.680 and p = 0.922). Also, PLND extent had no effect on BCRFS (p = 0.569). The multivariable Cox regression model adjusted for preoperative tumor characteristics revealed that prostate specific antigen (PSA) (HR: 1.18, 95% CI: 1.01–1.25; p = 0.048) was an independent predictor of biochemical recurrence (BCR). The optimum cut‐off value for PSA, which can predict BCRFS, was assigned to be 7.81 ng/ml, with an AUC of 0.63 (95% CI: 0.571–0.688). The highest sensitivity and specificity were 0.667 and 0.549.

Conclusion

Overall and cancer‐specific survival analyzes were not evaluated because not enough events were observed. Neither PLND nor its extent improved BCRFS outcomes in IRPC. The LNI rate is low in patients with biopsy ISUP grade 2 and the BCR rate is low in those with PSA < 7.81 ng/dl so PLND can be omitted in these IRPC patients.
Light‐Induced Topological Patterning toward 3D Shape‐Reconfigurable Origami
Authors: Hu Wei‐Hsun , Ji Ming , Chen Ta‐Te , Wang Siqian , Tenjimbayashi Mizuki , Sekiguchi Yu , Watanabe Ikumu , Sato Chiaki , Naito Masanobu
Published: February 2022

Shape‐reconfigurable materials are crucial in many engineering applications. However, because of their isotropic deformability, they often require complex molding equipment for shaping. A polymeric origami structure that follows predetermined deformed and non‐deformed patterns at specific temperatures without molding is demonstrated. It is constructed with a heterogeneous (dynamic and static) network topology via light‐induced programming. The corresponding spatio‐selective thermal plasticity creates varied deformability within a single polymer. The kinematics of site‐specific deformation allows guided origami deployment in response to external forces. Moreover, the self‐locking origami can fix its geometry in specific states without pressurization. These features enable the development of shape‐reconfigurable structures that undergo on‐demand geometry changes without requiring bulky or heavy equipment. The concept enriches polymer origamis, and could be applied with other polymers having similar chemistries. Overall, it is a versatile material for artificial muscles, origami robotics, and non‐volatile mechanical memory devices.
An approach for semantic interoperability in autonomic distributed intelligent systems
Authors: Yaghoobirafi Kamaleddin , Farahani Ali
Published: February 2022

The complexity and dynamism of distributed intelligent systems have motivated the utilization of autonomic computing in such systems. However, the interoperability of agents in order to attain self‐managing properties is itself a great challenge that requires more attention. Although a number of semantic approaches exist for central autonomic systems, there are not many attempts to develop mechanisms for facilitating semantic interoperability to attain a distributed feedback loop. In this paper, a semantic approach is presented to overcome this challenge. The main component of this approach is AutonoML language that provides the shared semantics for autonomic computing in distributed environments. Besides this language, the method of its application for enhancing the interoperability of the distributed MAPE‐K loop is presented. In order to evaluate this mechanism, three well‐known metrics from the ontological assessment area are utilized, and the results are compared with an existing autonomic ontology that shows greater relational and attributes richness of the proposed semantic structures. Moreover, in order to evaluate the applicability of the mechanism, a case from NASA‐ANTS project is studied, and the results show that the proposed mechanism is capable of facilitating the achievement of more stable self‐adaptive solutions in less time and by exchanging fewer messages.
Nanostructured Carbons: Towards Soft‐Bioelectronics, Biosensing and Theraputic Applications
Authors: Marzana Maliha , Morsada Zinnat , Faruk Md. Omar , Ahmed Abbas , Khan Md. Manirul Alam , Jalil Mohammad Abdul , Hossain Md. Milon , Rahman Mohammed Muzibur
Published: February 2022

Recently, nanostructured carbon‐based soft bioelectronics and biosensors have received tremendous attention due to their outstanding physical and chemical properties. The ultrahigh specific surface area, high flexibility, lightweight, high electrical conductivity, and biocompatibility of 1D and 2D nanocarbons, such as carbon nanotubes (CNT) and graphene, are advantageous for bioelectronics applications. These materials improve human life by delivering therapeutic advancements in gene, tumor, chemo, photothermal, immune, radio, and precision therapies. They are also utilized in biosensing platforms, including optical and electrochemical biosensors to detect cholesterol, glucose, pathogenic bacteria (e. g., coronavirus), and avian leucosis virus. This review summarizes the most recent advancements in bioelectronics and biosensors by exploiting the outstanding characteristics of nanocarbon materials. The synthesis and biocompatibility of nanocarbon materials are briefly discussed. In the following sections, applications of graphene and CNTs for different therapies and biosensing are elaborated. Finally, the key challenges and future perspectives of nanocarbon materials for biomedical applications are highlighted.
Toxicology properties of commercial anti‐mosquitos and their effects on carboxyhemoglobin and malondialdehyde levels
Authors: Andini Ary , Sunaryo Merry , Ayu Friska , Syafiuddin Achmad
Published: February 2022

Exposure of carbon monoxide (CO) released by insect repellent has a negative impact on health by forming carboxyhemoglobin (CO‐Hb) as a trigger for oxidative stress in the human body. Therefore, the objective of the study was to investigate the effect of commercial anti‐mosquitos on CO‐Hb and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the blood. Effect of electric spray, coils, and electric mats on CO‐Hb and MDA levels in blood was evaluated using male Wistar rats (8 h per day) and monitored for 20 days. The study found that the highest increase in CO‐Hb and CO‐Hb levels in the blood was observed when exposed to electric spray formula compared to other anti‐mosquitos. In addition, the highest increase in MDA levels also occurred when exposed to the electric spray. Statistical analysis revealed that there was a significant relationship between CO‐Hb and MDA levels in the blood (p‐value = 0.000). High CO‐Hb levels in the blood could stimulate oxidative stress and lead to cell damage in the body.
Three-loop helicity amplitudes for diphoton production in gluon fusion
Authors: Bargieła Piotr , Caola Fabrizio , von Manteuffel Andreas , Tancredi Lorenzo
Published: February 2022

Abstract

We present a calculation of the helicity amplitudes for the process gg → γγ in three-loop massless QCD. We employ a recently proposed method to calculate scattering amplitudes in the ’t Hooft-Veltman scheme that reduces the amount of spurious non-physical information needed at intermediate stages of the computation. Our analytic results for the three-loop helicity amplitudes are remarkably compact, and can be efficiently evaluated numerically. This calculation provides the last missing building block for the computation of NNLO QCD corrections to diphoton production in gluon fusion.
Polarised W+j production at the LHC: a study at NNLO QCD accuracy
Authors: Pellen Mathieu , Poncelet Rene , Popescu Andrei
Published: February 2022

Abstract

We study polarisation of W-bosons produced in association with one jet at the LHC. In particular, we provide all necessary theoretical ingredients for the precise extraction of polarisation fractions. To that end, we present new polarised predictions up to NNLO QCD accuracy employing the narrow-width approximation, in two phase spaces: inclusive and fiducial. We compare results in the fiducial phase space to a full off-shell computation as well as experimental data. Finally, we fit the polarisation fractions using shape templates and show that NNLO corrections significantly improve their determination.
Non-BPS floating branes and bubbling geometries
Authors: Heidmann Pierre
Published: February 2022

Abstract

We derive a non-BPS linear ansatz using the charged Weyl formalism in string and M-theory backgrounds. Generic solutions are static and axially-symmetric with an arbitrary number of non-BPS sources corresponding to various brane, momentum and KKm charges. Regular sources are either four-charge non-extremal black holes or smooth non-BPS bubbles. We construct several families such as chains of non-extremal black holes or smooth non-BPS bubbling geometries and study their physics. The smooth horizonless geometries can have the same mass and charges as non-extremal black holes. Furthermore, we find examples that scale towards the four-charge BPS black hole when the non-BPS parameters are taken to be small, but the horizon is smoothly resolved by adding a small amount of non-extremality.
Some Remarks on the Saito Kurokawa Lift for Orthogonal Forms
Authors: Matthes Roland
Published: February 2022

Duke and Imamoglu showed that the Saito–Kurokawa lift for Siegel modular forms can in an elegant manner be obtained from a converse theorem by Imai using spectral analysis of the hyperbolic Laplacian. In an earlier paper we gave a simplified approach without any appeal to spectral analysis. Here we want to show, that this generalizes to some orthogonal groups of signature $$(2,m+2)$$

(
2
,
m
+
2
)

with $$m>2$$

m
>
2

.
Most amateur football teams do not implement essential components of neuromuscular training to prevent anterior cruciate ligament injuries and lateral ankle sprains
Authors: Rommers Nikki , Rössler Roland , Tassignon Bruno , Verschueren Jo , De Ridder Roel , van Melick Nicky , Longé Lieselot , Hendrikx Tim , Vaes Peter , Beckwée David , Eechaute Christophe
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Neuromuscular training (NMT) is effective at reducing football injuries. The purpose of this study was to document the use of NMT to prevent anterior cruciate ligament injuries and lateral ankle sprains in adult amateur football and to identify barriers for using NMT.

Methods

A preseason and in-season online survey was completed by players and coaches of 164 football teams. The survey contained questions concerning injury history, type and frequency of NMT, and barriers when NMT was not used.

Results

A total of 2013 players (40% female) and 180 coaches (10% female) completed the preseason survey, whereas 1253 players and 140 coaches completed the in-season survey. Thirty-four percent (preseason) to 21% (in-season) of players used NMT, but only 8% (preseason) to 5% (in-season) performed adequate NMT (i.e. both balance and plyometric exercises, at least twice per week). In the subpopulation of players with an injury history, 12% (preseason) and 7% (in-season) performed adequate NMT. With respect to the coaches, only 5% (preseason) and 2% (in-season) implemented adequate NMT. Most important barriers for using NMT for both players and coaches were a lack of belief in its effectiveness, a lack of knowledge, the belief that stretching is sufficient, and not feeling the need for it.

Conclusion

Most amateur football teams do not implement essential components of NMT. The results highlight the urgent need for developing strategies to enhance the adequate use of NMT in amateur football.

Level of evidence

II.
Quantum Fields on Semi-globally Hyperbolic Space–Times
Authors: Janssen Daan W.
Published: February 2022

We introduce a class of space–times modeling singular events such as evaporating black holes and topology changes, which we dub as semi-globally hyperbolic space–times. On these space–times we aim to study the existence of reasonable quantum field theories. We establish a notion of linear scalar quantum field theories on these space–times, show how such a theory might be constructed and introduce notions of global dynamics on these theories. Applying these contructions to both black hole evaporation and topology changing space–times, we find that existence of algebras can be relatively easily established, while the existence of reasonable states on these algebras remains an unsolved problem.
The effect of female hormone in otosclerosis. A comparative study and speculation about their effect on the ossicular chain based on the clinical results
Authors: Ricci Giampietro , Gambacorta Valeria , Lapenna Ruggero , della Volpe Antonio , La Mantia Ignazio , Ralli Massimo , Di Stadio Arianna
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This study aimed at identifying gender differences in the hearing thresholds in a sample of patients with otosclerosis before and after surgery to understand the impact of female hormones on auditory thresholds.

Methods

This retrospective study analyzed 184 patients (123 women and 61 men) affected by otosclerosis. All the patients were affected by conductive hearing loss and treated by stapedoplasty. Auditory thresholds at the baseline (T0) and one month after surgery (T30) were collected. Air and bone thresholds and Air Bone Gap (ABG) were compared between females and males using one-way ANOVA.

Results

Statistically significant differences were observed comparing the air threshold at T0 vs T30 both in women and men (p < 0.0001). No statistically significant differences were observed in the bone conduction thresholds before and after surgery. The comparison between females and males showed statistically significant differences both at T0 (p < 0.01) and T30 (p < 0.05) for air conduction thresholds and ABG at 4000 Hz.

Conclusion

Although stapedoplasty reduced the difference between females and males in the air conduction thresholds and ABG, women showed better recovery of their middle ear function with better auditory thresholds and ABG. The female hormones might positively impact the ligaments of the incudostapedial joint improving chain flexibility. This benefit might explain the statistically significant difference observed in women at 4000 Hz before and after surgery.
Minimal Delaunay Triangulations of Hyperbolic Surfaces
Authors: Ebbens Matthijs , Parlier Hugo , Vegter Gert
Published: February 2022

Motivated by recent work on Delaunay triangulations of hyperbolic surfaces, we consider the minimal number of vertices of such triangulations. First, we show that every hyperbolic surface of genus g has a simplicial Delaunay triangulation with O(g) vertices, where edges are given by distance paths. Then, we construct a class of hyperbolic surfaces for which the order of this bound is optimal. Finally, to give a general lower bound, we show that the $$\Omega (\sqrt{g})$$

Ω
(

g

)

lower bound for the number of vertices of a simplicial triangulation of a topological surface of genus g is tight for hyperbolic surfaces as well.
Emergent ordering of microswimmers in smectic liquid crystals
Authors: Lakey C. C. , Turner M. S.
Published: February 2022

Self-propelled agents can interact in many different ways, including by perturbing a shared physical environment, e.g, hydrodynamic interactions. We study motile particles that are embedded into a smectic liquid crystal, locally distorting the smectic layer spacing. This results in interactions mediated by a smectic liquid crystal distortion field and corresponds to a form of “active smectic” liquid crystal. We identify several dynamical phases that emerge in different regimes of the smectic stiffness and particle reorientation time. We characterise these as (i) ballistic motion, (ii) clustering and (iii) collective motion where orientational order emerges even thought the system lacks explicit co-alignment. We further identify an order-to-disorder transition on the addition of angular noise.
‘Whose Call?’ The Conflict Between Tradition-Based and Expressivist Accounts of Calling
Authors: Wightman Sally , Potts Garrett , Beadle Ron
Published: February 2022

Research evidencing the consequences of the experience of ‘calling’ have multiplied in recent years. At the same time, concerns have been expressed about the conceptual coherence of the notion as studies have posited a wide variety of senses in which both workers and scholars understand what it means for workers to be called, what they are called to do and who is doing the ‘calling’. This paper makes both conceptual and empirical contributions to the field. We argue that Bellah et al.’s (Habits of the heart: Individualism and commitment in American life, University of California Press, 1996) contrast between tradition-based and expressivist understandings of ‘calling’ highlights a fundamental but neglected fissure in the literature. Expressivist accounts amongst both scholars and research participants require only that ‘calling’ be deeply felt by those who experience it. However, tradition-based accounts require an external caller. Exemplifying this, workers who attest to a divine call and scholars who write about ‘calling’ in the context of particular Christian traditions understand ‘calling’ in terms of a relationship with God. These accounts cannot but be in radical tension. We suggest that this conceptual confusion can be understood in terms of MacIntyre’s notion of ‘tradition-constituted rationality.’ The implications of this argument for practice are evidenced in our report of a study of adherents to one such tradition, workers at a Christian organization that supports people in poverty. Through in-depth interviews with long-term volunteers, we seek to assess if tradition-based ‘calling’ can be evidenced in unpaid work for the lack of pay and career progression opportunities strongly suggest the presence of ‘calling.’ This study demonstrates that even in the context of work that exhibits duty and altruism associated with expressivist accounts of ‘calling,’ these workers’ understanding of the relationships between themselves, their clients and Jesus Christ dominate their work choices. It is the meaning derived from a divine caller, understood in terms of Christian tradition, that accounts for their decision to begin and to continue this work.
The missing link: The parental voice in Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) programs
Authors: Keane Therese , Keane William F.
Published: February 2022

This paper reports on the parental perspective on one school’s implementation of a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Program to ensure students had access to a personalized computer. Often studies of one computer to one student (1:1) Programs focus on students and or teachers while parent compliance in the Program is assumed. Consequently, there is limited literature that explores parental perceptions and concerns, and subsequent decision-making process, in the implementation of a BYOD Program. The aim of this study was to document the parental voice in the implementation of one such BYOD program. This case study focused on one large co-educational school with 130 parents completing a questionnaire that provided both quantitative and qualitative responses. This enabled an exploration of the effect of the BYOD Program as reported by parents themselves, as well as the examination of a range of related issues, such as textbook use, the financial burden and choice of device. The findings provided insight, through the lens of the parents, into how the BYOD Program was deployed. Three trends emerged from the study: parents clearly expected some kind of trade-off in terms of expenditure, they clearly wanted reassurances that their investment was worthwhile and that the devices would be used for improving learning. Further research needs to be undertaken about parental perspectives, expectations, and concerns of BYOD Programs.