bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive investigation of predictive processing: A cross‐ and within‐cognitive domains fMRI meta‐analytic approach
Authors: Costa Cristiano , Pezzetta Rachele , Masina Fabio , Lago Sara , Gastaldon Simone , Frangi Camilla , Genon Sarah , Arcara Giorgio , Scarpazza Cristina
Published: August 2024

Predictive processing (PP) stands as a predominant theoretical framework in neuroscience. While some efforts have been made to frame PP within a cognitive domain‐general network perspective, suggesting the existence of a “prediction network,” these studies have primarily focused on specific cognitive domains or functions. The question of whether a domain‐general predictive network that encompasses all well‐established cognitive domains exists remains unanswered. The present meta‐analysis aims to address this gap by testing the hypothesis that PP relies on a large‐scale network spanning across cognitive domains, supporting PP as a unified account toward a more integrated approach to neuroscience. The Activation Likelihood Estimation meta‐analytic approach was employed, along with Meta‐Analytic Connectivity Mapping, conjunction analysis, and behavioral decoding techniques. The analyses focused on prediction incongruency and prediction congruency, two conditions likely reflective of core phenomena of PP. Additionally, the analysis focused on a prediction phenomena‐independent dimension, regardless of prediction incongruency and congruency. These analyses were first applied to each cognitive domain considered (cognitive control, attention, motor, language, social cognition). Then, all cognitive domains were collapsed into a single, cross‐domain dimension, encompassing a total of 252 experiments. Results pertaining to prediction incongruency rely on a defined network across cognitive domains, while prediction congruency results exhibited less overall activation and slightly more variability across cognitive domains. The converging patterns of activation across prediction phenomena and cognitive domains highlight the role of several brain hubs unfolding within an organized large‐scale network (Dynamic Prediction Network), mainly encompassing bilateral insula, frontal gyri, claustrum, parietal lobules, and temporal gyri. Additionally, the crucial role played at a cross‐domain, multimodal level by the anterior insula, as evidenced by the conjunction and Meta‐Analytic Connectivity Mapping analyses, places it as the major hub of the Dynamic Prediction Network. Results support the hypothesis that PP relies on a domain‐general, large‐scale network within whose regions PP units are likely to operate, depending on the context and environmental demands. The wide array of regions within the Dynamic Prediction Network seamlessly integrate context‐ and stimulus‐dependent predictive computations, thereby contributing to the adaptive updating of the brain's models of the inner and external world.
Morbidity of multimodal treatments including endoscopic surgery for sinonasal malignancies: Results of an international collaborative study on 940 patients (MUSES)
Authors: Bertazzoni Giacomo , Vinciguerra Alessandro , Camous Domitille , Ferrari Marco , Mattavelli Davide , Turri‐Zanoni Mario , Schreiber Alberto , Taboni Stefano , Rampinelli Vittorio , Arosio Alberto Daniele , Verillaud Benjamin , Piazza Cesare , Battaglia Paolo , Bignami Maurizio , Deganello Alberto , Castelnuovo Paolo , Nicolai Piero , Herman Philippe
Published: August 2024

Introduction

In the management of sinonasal malignancies treatment‐induced morbidity and mortality is gaining relevance both for surgical approaches (endoscopic and open resection) and non‐surgical therapies. The aim of this multicenter study is to assess complications associated with endoscopic surgery and non‐surgical treatments (neoadjuvant and/or adjuvant) for malignant sinonasal tumors.

Methods

All patients with nasoethmoidal malignancies treated with curative intent with endoscopic or endoscopic‐assisted surgery at three referral centers with uniform management policies were included. Neo‐ and/or adjuvant (chemo)radiotherapy was administered according to histology and pathological report. Demographics, treatment characteristics, and complications related both to the surgical and non‐surgical approaches were retrieved. The data were analyzed with univariate and multivariate statistics to assess independent predictors of complications.

Results

Nine hundred and forty patients were included, 643 males (68%) and 297 females (32%). A total of 225 complications were identified in 187 patients (19.9%): cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak (3.5%), mucocele (2.3%), surgical site bleeding (2.0%), epiphora (2.0%), and radionecrosis (2.0%) were the most common. Treatment‐related mortality was 0.4%. Variables independently associated with complications at multivariate analysis were principally dural resection (OR 1.92), cranioendoscopic or multiportal resection (OR 2.93), dural repair with multilayer technique with less than three layers (OR 2.17), and graft different from iliotibial tract (OR 3.29).

Conclusion

Our study shows that modern endoscopic treatments and radiotherapy for sinonasal malignancies are associated with limited morbidity and treatment‐related mortality. CSF leak and radionecrosis, although rare, remain the most frequent complications and should be further addressed by future research efforts.
Explicating System Value through First Principles: Re‐Uniting Decision Analysis with Systems Engineering
Authors: Peterson Troy , Schindel Bill
Published: August 2024

System complexity continues to grow, creating many new challenges for engineers and decision makers. To maximize value delivery, “both” systems engineering and decision analysis are essential. The systems engineering profession has had a significant focus on improving systems engineering processes. While process plays an important role, the focus on process was often at the expense of foundational engineering axioms and their contribution to system value. As a consequence, systems engineers were viewed as process developers and managers versus technical leaders with a deep understanding of how system interactions are linked to stakeholder value. With the recent shift toward model‐based systems engineering (MBSE), systems engineering is “getting back to basics,” focusing on value delivery via first principles, using established laws of engineering and science. This paper describes how pattern‐based systems engineering (PBSE), as outlined within INCOSE's model‐based systems engineering (MBSE) initiative, explicates system value through modeling of first principles, re‐uniting systems engineering and decision analysis capabilities.
Studies in Solanum L. (and related genera) 3. A provisional conspectus of the genus Cyphomandra Mart. ex Sendtner
Authors: Child Alan
Published: August 2024

An attempt is made to formulate a taxonomic revision of the poorly known neotropical genus Cyphomandra Mart. ex Sendt.

Taxa of sectional rank are proposed and described. Species ore attributed to these infra‐generic groups. The type section Cyphomandra is considered as fairly recently speciated and requires future evaluation at subsectional or serial rank.

The following are the sections proposed:

Cyphomandra. Lectotype species: C. betacea (Cav.) Sendt.

Ceratostemon Miers sensu stricto Child. Lectotype species: C. floribunda (Miers) Dun.

Allophylla Child sect. nov. Type species: C. allophylla (Miers) Hemsley.

Rhyncantherum Bitter pro sect. generis Solani. Monotypic: C. fraxinella Sendt.

Cornigera Child sect. nov. Type species: C. cornigera Dunal.

Cyphomandropsis Bitter pro sect. generis Solani. Lectotype species: C. stuckertii (Bitt.) D'Arcy.

A sectional determination key is provided.

Species of uncertain position and species to be excluded from the genus are appended.
Notes on vegetation and soil in Bale Province of Ethiopia
Authors: Weinert E. , Mazurek A.
Published: August 2024

The altitudinal vegetation zones in Bale Mountains are discussed in connection with their soil conditions. The soils of the different vegetation units have a more or less uniform character; they are rich in basic cations, organic matter and plant accessible nutrients. There might bo one reason for the relative uniformity, this is the parent rock material which is mainly basalt of the Tertiary Trappean Lava Formation.
Evaluation of a Diazo‐Based Point‐Of‐Care Bilirubin Assay careSTART S1 Total Bilirubin Strip
Authors: Kwoun Woojae , Lee Jeong Joong , Youn Young‐Ah , Chae Hyojin , Lee Jehoon
Published: August 2024

Background

Neonatal jaundice (NNJ) affects a significant proportion of newborns globally, with an increased burden in low‐resource settings. Effective health risk management of NNJ is hindered, particularly in resource‐constrained environments, where early detection and treatment are challenging. The careSTART S1 Total Bilirubin Strip, a point‐of‐care testing (POCT) device based on a diazo‐method, offers a potential solution by enabling onsite bilirubin measurement, thus, addressing the gap in early NNJ detection and management.

Methods

The current study evaluated the analytical performance of the careSTART S1 Total Bilirubin Strip for precision, linearity, method comparison, and lot‐to‐lot consistency following CLSI guidelines. For method comparison, 105 residual EDTA whole blood samples were analyzed with the careSTART S1 Total Bilirubin Strip and compared with reference measurements from the Roche Cobas c702 analyzer. Additionally, statistical analyses, including Passing‐Bablok regression and Bland–Altman plots, were performed.

Results

The careSTART S1 Total Bilirubin Strip showed allowable (<10%) within‐laboratory imprecision of 2.5%–3.6% across all levels and demonstrated linearity over the range of 4.16–439.3 μmol/L. Method comparison revealed a constant negative bias with a mean bias −4.19 μmol/L. However, the 95% confidence interval (−7.10 to −1.28 μmol/L) of the bias is covered by the prespecified allowable bias of 8.3%, at medical decision point. Lot‐to‐lot variation ranged from 0.14%–6.49%, and was within the acceptable critical difference of 8.3%.

Conclusion

The careSTART S1 Total Bilirubin Strip provided accurate and reliable bilirubin measurements that could contribute to neonatal care in settings lacking central laboratory facilities.
Phenotypes of autism spectrum disorder and schizoaffective disorder associated with SETD1B gene but without intellectual disability and seizures
Authors: Ünsel‐Bolat Gül , Bolat Hilmi
Published: August 2024

The SETD1B gene, located on chromosome 12q24, is one of the chromatin‐modifying genes involved in epigenetic regulation of gene transcription. The phenotype of pathogenic variants in the SETD1B gene includes intellectual disability, seizures, and language delay (IDDSELD, OMIM 619000). In this study, we present a family consisting of consanguineous parents who died of cancer and their offspring. This family includes two cases diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD); six cases diagnosed with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or schizoaffective disorder; there cases diagnosed with cancer; and five cases who died of unknown causes in early childhood. Three affected members of this family agreed to genetic testing. We used whole exome sequencing. We report a novel in‐frame deletion variant of the SETD1B gene in a family with cases diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and ASD without seizures and intellectual disability. It was found that the phenotypic features were inherited for at least three generations in the family we presented, and it was shown that the pathogenic variant of the SETD1B gene was transmitted from the affected parent to his affected children. In addition, the father was diagnosed with both schizoaffective disorder and leukemia. We proposed an association between rare variants of SETD1B and phenotypes of ASD and schizoaffective disorder without seizures and intellectual disability. The SETD1B gene is included in both the ASD genetic database of SFARI (https://gene.sfari.org/) and the cancer database of COSMIC (https://cancer.sanger.ac.uk/cosmic). However, there are very few reports of SETD1B gene variants as clinical entities. To our knowledge, the SETD1B gene variant has not been previously reported in an individual diagnosed with both a neuropsychiatric disorder and cancer.
Paradoxical safety leadership: Conceptualization and measurement
Authors: Hu Xiaowen , Jiang Lixin , Willis Sara , Casey Tristan , Wu Chia‐Huei
Published: August 2024

Managing workplace safety requires leaders to navigate through competing goals and processes. However, the current conceptualization and measurement of safety leadership do not adequately address this practical reality. To address this issue, we integrate paradox theory and paradoxical leadership research with safety‐management literature to develop the conceptualization and measurement of paradoxical safety leadership (PSL). We define PSL as a multidimensional construct that consists of seemingly contradictory yet interrelated leader behaviors to meet competing goals and demands in safety management. Using a combination of deductive and inductive methods, we identify four behavioral dimensions of PSL: (1) placing an emphasis on both production and safety; (2) enforcing safety compliance while allowing flexibility; (3) bridging upper management safety requirements versus frontline safety needs and requests; and (4) balancing time in the office and the time spent with employees in the field. We then provide evidence that supports the proposed four‐factor structure, reliability, convergent, discriminant, incremental validity, and cross‐cultural invariance of the PSL scale. Our study broadens the understanding of the role of leadership in workplace safety by developing a paradoxical approach to managing safety tensions and providing a measure that has the potential to advance research in both safety and paradox leadership domains.
Effect of electron beam irradiation on glycosylation reaction and structural characterization of whey isolate protein
Authors: Zhang Linlu , Bai Rong , Jiang Shengqi , Li Ziwei , Chen Ya , Ye Xiang , Yu Jiangtao , Ding Wu
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND

Whey protein isolate (WPI) is a high‐quality animal protein resource. The modification of WPI through physical, chemical and biological methods can substantially improve the functional properties of proteins. This study investigated the effect of electron beam irradiation (EBI) on the modification of WPI–xylose glycosylation.

RESULTS

The degree of grafting and browning revealed that EBI promoted WPI glycosylation. The maximum emission wavelength of intrinsic fluorescence was red‐shifted and the fluorescence intensity was reduced, suggesting that irradiation induced the unfolding of the WPI structure, thereby promoting glycosylation. Fourier‐transformed infrared spectroscopy revealed that the covalent binding of the conjugates occurred on the introduction of the hydrophilic groups, resulting in decreased surface hydrophobicity. When compared with conventional wet‐heat glycosylation, irradiation‐assisted glycosylation improved the emulsifying activity of WPI from 179.76 ± 0.83 to 277.83 ± 1.44 m2 g−1, and the emulsifying and rheological properties improved.

CONCLUSION

These results confirmed that EBI can increase the degree of WPI glycosylation and improve the functional properties of proteins, thereby laying a theoretical foundation for the further application of WPI. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Effect of Ca2+ signal on the activity of key enzymes of carbon metabolism and related gene expression in yeast under high sugar fermentation
Authors: Xie Dongdong , Zheng Jiaxin , Sun Yingqi , Li Xing , Ren Shuncheng
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND

Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a fungus widely used in the food industry and biofuel industry, whereas it is usually exposed to high sugar stress during the fermentation process. Ca2+ is a key second messenger of the cell, it can regulate cell metabolism. The present study investigated the effect of the Ca2+ signal on the activity of key enzymes of carbon metabolism and related gene expression in yeast under high sugar fermentation.

RESULTS

The expression of genes encoding hexokinase was up‐regulated in the high sugar environment, the activity of hexokinase was increased, glucose transmembrane transport capacity was enhanced, the ability of glucose to enter into glycolytic metabolism was increased, and the expression of genes related to pentose phosphate metabolism, glycerol metabolism and trehalose metabolism was up‐regulated in the high glucose with Ca2+ group.

CONCLUSION

Ca2+ signal regulates the cellular metabolism of glycerol and trehalose and optimizes the allocation of carbon flow by regulating the key enzymes and related gene expression to enhance the resistance of yeast to high sugar stress. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Elevated levels of branched chain fatty acids in low‐salt fish sauce by co‐fermentation: flavor improvement and metabolism analysis
Authors: Zhou Yue , Wu Junxiao , Monto Abdul Razak , Yuan Li , Gao Ruichang
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND

Traditional fish sauce products rely on relatively long fermentation time and high salt concentration, resulting in inconsistent quality and health risks. Branched‐chain fatty acids (BCFAs) are associated with nutritional benefits and health‐care effects, mainly derived from food fermentation. This study aimed to screen BCFAs‐producing bacteria with high protease and aminotransferase activity as starter cultures for fish sauce fermentation.

RESULTS

The low‐salt fish sauce products were obtained by co‐fermentation with three chosen strains. Trichloroacetic acid (TCA)‐soluble peptides and amino acid nitrogen concentrations were higher in the co‐fermentation group (FH group). The organoleptic evaluation showed co‐fermentation optimized flavor composition and endured with rich taste. The levels of BCFAs and branched‐chain amino acids (BCAAs) significantly increased by co‐fermentation. Volatile metabolomics analysis indicated that BCFAs, branched‐chain esters, and pyrazines were the key flavor compounds in the co‐fermented group.

CONCLUSION

The co‐fermentation system with selected strains to ferment low‐salt fish sauce has the potential to increase BCFA content and improve flavor and nutrition. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Wine metabolome and sensory analyses demonstrate the oenological potential of novel grapevine genotypes for sustainable viticulture in warm climates
Authors: Gómez Héctor Alonzo Gómez , Niederauer Guilherme Francio , Minatel Igor Otavio , Antunes Elisa Ribeiro Miranda , Carneiro Mara Junqueira , Sawaya Alexandra Christine Helena Frankland , Zanus Mauro Celso , Ritschel Patrícia Silva , Quecini Vera , Pereira Lima Giuseppina Pace , Marques Marcia Ortiz Mayo
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND

Genetic breeding is essential to develop grapevine genotypes adapted to warm climates and resistant to pathogens. Traditionally cultivated Vitis vinifera is susceptible to biotic and abiotic stresses. Winemakers and consumers, however, perceive wines from non‐vinifera or hybrid cultivars as inferior. In this study, sensory analyses and comprehensive metabolite profiling by targeted and untargeted approaches were used to investigate the oenological potential of wines from grapes of genotypes developed throughout four breeding cycles to improve climate adaptation, sugar contents and berry color.

RESULTS

Novel genotypes had higher yields and the wines exhibited increased contents of polyphenols, including anthocyanins. Volatile monoterpenes in the wines decreased throughout breeding cycles in the absence of selective pressure. Polyphenol contents were higher in intermediate wines, with hydroxytyrosol contents reaching up to three times reported values. Mouthfeel attributes astringency, leafy taste, flavor and body, and persistency showed significant correlation with untargeted features. Supervised model‐based analyses of the metabolome effectively discriminate wines from distinct genetic origins.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, the results demonstrate the potential of novel grapevine genotypes to a more sustainable viticulture and quality wine production in warm climates. Comprehensive metabolite profiling of the wines reveals that genotype clustering is dependent on the chemical class and that traits not submitted to selective pressure are also altered by breeding. Supervised multivariate models were effective to predict the genetic origin of the wines based on the metabolic profile, indicating the potential of the technique to identify biomarkers for wines from sustainable genotypes. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Age and Menopausal Status in Idiopathic Subglottic Stenosis
Authors: Awadallah Andrew S. , Bowen Andrew J. , Ali Hawa M. , O'Byrne Thomas J. , Aden Aisha A. , Khalil Yousuf H. , Edell Eric S. , Koster Matthew J. , Bayan Semirra L. , Ekbom Dale C.
Published: August 2024

Objective

To evaluate the impact of age on disease recurrence in idiopathic subglottic stenosis (iSGS) patients.

Methods

This was a retrospective chart review of iSGS patients treated with laser wedge excision. Patients did not have prior surgery. Survival rates free of recurrence were estimated using the Kaplan–Meier methods, and associations were evaluated using Cox Proportional Hazards models.

Results

Eighty‐five female patients were included in the study. Most patients (68%) were postmenopausal, had first period at or before 13 years of age, had at least one full‐term pregnancy (82%), were not undergoing hormone replacement therapy (93%), were not using hormonal birth control (88%), and were either partially or completely compliant with triple therapy regime (80%). There was a statistically significant average reduction in risk of recurrence of 5% for every additional year of age (p < 0.0001). When compared to patients older than 65 years of age, patients less than 35 were nearly 10 times more likely to recur (p = 0.002), and patients 55–65 and 45–55 years of age were 8 and 5 times more likely to recur, respectively (p = 0.003 and 0.009). Additionally, females on birth control showed decreased risk of recurrence of 74% compared with their counterparts (p = 0.04).

Conclusion

This is the first study to demonstrate an inverse relationship between age and disease recurrence in patients with iSGS following surgery. Using age as a surrogate for menopausal status, these results suggest that increased age and/or birth control provide a protective effect through decreased recurrence rates, possibly mediated by decreased estrogen levels.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 2024
Economic insecurity decreases cute product choice preference via other‐focused concern and the need to connect with others
Authors: Qin Yao , Wang Xuehua
Published: August 2024

There are plenty of cute products in the marketplace even in difficult times. Yet, cute products do not always capture people's attention. Does insecure economic perception affect people's choice of cute products? To address this unexamined research gap, we propose that economic insecurity negatively influences cute product choice preference via the serial mediation effects of other‐focused concern and the need to connect with others. Desire for emotional support is proposed to moderate the focal relationship. We demonstrate these effects using four studies. Studies 1a and 1b tested the causal relationship between primed economic insecurity and choice preference towards cute products as well as ruling out several possible mechanisms (i.e., sense of control, affect, parental caring motives, risk aversion, the desire for cuteness, and the need for protection). Study 2 demonstrated that other‐focused concern and the need to connect with others serially mediated the above effect. Study 3 explored the moderating effect of desire for emotional support. Companies that manufacture cute products can benefit from our findings on how to communicate with consumers in times of economic downturn.
Salt Resistant PPy/MXene Flexible Waffle Type Fabric for Efficient Solar Evaporation and Water Purification Production
Authors: Su Jinbu , Xie Yunong , Zhang Pengkui , Zhang Kuangtaibei , Wang Jilun , Zhao Heng , Xu Yuyi , Lin Xuli , Shi Chenyi , Cao Xiaoyu , Wang Chengbing
Published: August 2024

In recent years, with the development of solar seawater desalination technology, many solar evaporators are affected by precipitated salts during the evaporation process, which can reduce efficiency. In this work, flexible fabrics made of polypyrrole (PPy)/MXene are obtained by impregnating the prepared PPy ink onto waffle like fabrics. The combination of PPy and fabric greatly improves the water absorption and evaporation performance of the fabric. The average evaporation rate of this structure is 1.43 kg m−2 h−1, and the average evaporation efficiency under a single light source is 85.13%. After a 15‐h testing cycle and a total of 8 cycles, lasting nearly 120 h, the performance of the device remained stable. The structural characteristics of waffle fabric, based on the Marangoni thermal effect, make it possible to suppress salt precipitation during evaporation, avoiding large salt particles covering the evaporation surface and reducing efficiency. This experiment successfully demonstrated long‐term stable water evaporation, providing new ideas for the development of fabric evaporators.
Broadband circularly polarized MIMO antenna in single layer substrate for Wi‐Fi 7 applications
Authors: Srinivas Guthi , Sanjeeva Reddy B. R.
Published: August 2024

In this paper, a MIMO antenna with broadband circular polarization is designed in a single‐layer substrate for the next‐generation Wi‐Fi 7 applications. The top of the substrate is designed with a periodic array of 5 × 5 circle patches and orthogonally placed four L‐shaped aperture CPW feeds on the bottom face of the substrate are used to feed the patches. The stubs are arranged across the apertures to achieve a broad bandwidth. The array of patches is used to achieve high gain over resonant frequency range and L‐shaped apertures are used to achieve circular polarization. The designed antenna with the above specifications has gained an impedance bandwidth of 20.4% (5.37–6.59 GHz), a 3 dB axial ratio bandwidth over the entire resonant frequency range of 25.61% (5.14–6.65 GHz) and a peak gain of 8.5dBi.
Addressing intra‐ and inter‐institution variability of a radiomic framework based on Apparent Diffusion Coefficient in prostate cancer
Authors: Morelli Letizia , Paganelli Chiara , Marvaso Giulia , Parrella Giovanni , Annunziata Simone , Vicini Maria Giulia , Zaffaroni Mattia , Pepa Matteo , Summers Paul Eugene , De Cobelli Ottavio , Petralia Giuseppe , Jereczek‐Fossa Barbara Alicja , Baroni Guido
Published: August 2024

Background

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a highly heterogeneous disease, making tailored treatment approaches challenging. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), notably diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) and the derived Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADC) maps, plays a crucial role in PCa characterization. In this context, radiomics is a very promising approach able to disclose insights from MRI data. However, the sensitivity of radiomic features to MRI settings, encompassing DWI protocols and multicenter variations, requires the development of robust and generalizable models.

Purpose

To develop a comprehensive radiomics framework for noninvasive PCa characterization using ADC maps, focusing on identifying reliable imaging biomarkers against intra‐ and inter‐institution variations.

Materials and methods

Two patient cohorts, including an internal cohort (118 PCa patients) used for both training (75%) and hold‐out testing (25%), and an external cohort (50 PCa patients) for independent testing, were employed in the study. DWI images were acquired with three different DWI protocols on two different MRI scanners: two DWI protocols acquired on a 1.5‐T scanner for the internal cohort, and one DWI protocol acquired on a 3‐T scanner for the external cohort. One hundred and seven radiomics features (i.e., shape, first order, texture) were extracted from ADC maps of the whole prostate gland. To address variations in DWI protocols and multicenter variability, a dedicated pipeline, including two‐way ANOVA, sequential‐feature‐selection (SFS), and ComBat features harmonization was implemented. Mann–Whitney U‐tests (α = 0.05) were performed to find statistically significant features dividing patients with different tumor characteristics in terms of Gleason score (GS) and T‐stage. Support‐Vector‐Machine models were then developed to predict GS and T‐stage, and the performance was assessed through the area under the curve (AUC) of receiver‐operating‐characteristic curves.

Results

Downstream of ANOVA, two subsets of 38 and 41 features stable against DWI protocol were identified for GS and T‐stage, respectively. Among these, SFS revealed the most predictive features, yielding an AUC of 0.75 (GS) and 0.70 (T‐stage) in the hold‐out test. Employing ComBat harmonization improved the external‐test performance of the GS model, raising AUC from 0.72 to 0.78.

Conclusion

By incorporating stable features with a harmonization procedure and validating the model on an external dataset, model robustness, and generalizability were assessed, highlighting the potential of ADC and radiomics for PCa characterization.
Joint estimation of compartment‐specific T2 relaxation and tumor microstructure using multi‐TE IMPULSED MRI
Authors: Jiang Xiaoyu , Harkins Kevin D. , Xie Jingping , Wang Jian , Zu Zhongliang , Gore John C. , Xu Junzhong
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to assess how T2 heterogeneity biases IMPULSED‐derived metrics of tissue microstructure in solid tumors and evaluate the potential of estimating multi‐compartmental T2 and microstructural parameters simultaneously.

Methods

This study quantifies the impact of T2 relaxation on IMPULSED‐derived microstructural parameters using computer simulations and in vivo multi‐TE IMPULSED MRI in five tumor models, including brain, breast, prostate, melanoma, and colon cancer. A comprehensive T2 + IMPULSED method was developed to fit multi‐compartmental T2 and microstructural parameters simultaneously. A Bayesian model selection approach was carried out voxel‐wisely to determine if the T2 heterogeneity needs to be included in IMPULSED MRI in cancer.

Results

Simulations suggest that T2 heterogeneity has a minor effect on the estimation of d in tissues with intermediate or high cell density, but significantly biases the estimation of with low cell density. For the in vivo animal experiments, all IMPULSED metrics except are statistically independent on TE. For B16 tumors, the IMPULSED‐derived exhibited a notable increase with longer TEs. For MDA‐MB‐231 tumors, IMPULSED‐derived showed a significant increase with increasing TEs. The T2 + IMPULSED‐derived of all five tumor models are consistently smaller than .

Conclusions

The findings from this study highlight two key observations: (i) TE has a negligible impact on IMPULSED‐derived cell sizes, and (ii) the TE‐dependence of IMPULSED‐derived intracellular volume fractions used in T2 + IMPULSED modeling to estimate and . These insights contribute to the ongoing development and refinement of non‐invasive MRI techniques for measuring cell sizes.
A survey on optimization studies of group centrality metrics
Authors: Camur Mustafa Can , Vogiatzis Chrysafis
Published: August 2024

Centrality metrics have become a popular concept in network science and optimization. Over the years, centrality has been used to assign importance and identify influential elements in various settings, including transportation, infrastructure, biological, and social networks, among others. That said, most of the literature has focused on nodal versions of centrality. Recently, group counterparts of centrality have started attracting scientific and practitioner interest. The identification of sets of nodes that are influential within a network is becoming increasingly more important. This is even more pronounced when these sets of nodes are required to induce a certain motif or structure. In this study, we review group centrality metrics from an operations research and optimization perspective for the first time. This is particularly interesting due to the rapid evolution and development of this area in the operations research community over the last decade. We first present a historical overview of how we have reached this point in the study of group centrality. We then discuss the different structures and motifs that appear prominently in the literature, alongside the techniques and methodologies that are popular. We finally present possible avenues and directions for future work, mainly in three areas: (i) probabilistic metrics to account for randomness along with stochastic optimization techniques; (ii) structures and relaxations that have not been yet studied; and (iii) new emerging applications that can take advantage of group centrality. Our survey offers a concise review of group centrality and its intersection with network analysis and optimization.
Occupational stress and associated sources and risk factors among nurses in Gaza strip, Palestine: A cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Albelbeisi Ahmed Hassan , Al‐amoudi Sameh Musleh , Anabri Azadeh , Obaid Hassan Abu , Alijla Fady , Kakemam Edris
Published: August 2024

Aim

To determine the occurrence of occupational stress among Palestinian nurses, and their associated sources and risk factors.

Design

A cross‐sectional descriptive design.

Methods

A total of 250 registered nurses from eight governmental hospitals, using a convenience sampling method. Data collection were conducted using the 30‐items self‐reported Occupational Stress Scale from December 2022 to March 2023. Descriptive statistics, independent sample t‐test, one‐way ANOVA, and multiple linear regression analysis were applied to analysis data.

Data analysis included descriptive statistics, independent sample t‐test, one‐way ANOVA, and multiple linear regression analysis.

Results

The prevalence of high occupational stress levels was 64.8% (Mean = 3.9 out of 5). The main sources of stress are too much responsibility and work, understaffing, lack of promotion and recognition, inadequate pay, time pressure, and management style. The results regression analysis demonstrated that male nurses with a Masters or PhD degree and those working in fixed shifts experienced higher occupational stress. Moreover, participants who worked overtime hours were more susceptible to stress.

Conclusions

The research indicates that occupational stress presents a notable challenge for nurses in the Gaza Strip, Palestine. It suggests that in order to alleviate this stress, decision‐makers in healthcare policy and hospital management should prioritize the execution of strategies aimed at addressing the primary stressors and risk factors identified.

Reporting Method

This study adhered to the STROBE guidelines.

Public Contribution

A total of 250 registered nurses were taken part in this study by answering a self‐administered study survey.
Fabrication of highly thermal conductive epoxy/graphite@La2O3 composite coating with anti‐erosion and mechanical flexibility
Authors: Pan Zihe , Liu Yanhong , Ai Xin , Wang Fei
Published: August 2024

Highly thermal conductive polymer coating is delivered from blending thermal conductive fillers, yet sacrificing the mechanical properties, e.g. anti‐erosion, and mechanical flexibility. In this work, highly thermal conductive, mechanical flexible and anti‐erosion epoxy resin (EP)/graphite@La2O3 composite coating was developed via chemically modification. Polydopamine (PDA), γ‐methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane and n‐octyltrichlorosilane were used to graft La2O3 particles onto graphite (graphite@La2O3) to enhance interfacial compatibility. Graphite@La2O3 homogeneously dispersed in epoxy forming more thermal conductive pathways and layered structure. In‐plane and cross‐plane thermal conductivity of EP/graphite@La2O3 coating was 2.06 and 1.7 W/(m K), respectively. The temperature of EP/graphite@La2O3 composite coating increased from room temperature to 107.2°C in 60 s while the temperature of EP/graphite coating increased to 59.9°C within 60 s. Furthermore, dispersing graphite@La2O3 into epoxy significantly decreased the weight loss percentage from 0.17 to 0.05 mg/g while the hardness increased from around 7.0–16.77 HV, respectively. The fracture stress and strain of EP/graphite@La2O3 coating was 25 MPa and 6.0%, respectively, which is two times of EP/graphite coating. This is attributed to the chemically grafting La2O3 particles enhanced the interfacial compatibility, homogeneous dispersion and the formation of layered structures in epoxy. This study provides an effective approach to prepare thermal conductive epoxy coatings with multifunctional mechanical properties.

Highlights

La2O3 nanoparticles grafted on graphite successfully.

Mechanical flexibility and anti‐erosion were improved by chemical grafting.

Chemical modification improves the interfacial compatibility.

The utilization of La2O3 nanoparticles induced the formation of layer structure.

Layered structure offsets the stress improving thermal and mechanical property.
Characteristics and Outcomes of Fetal Cardiac Rhabdomyoma With or Without mTOR Inhibitors, a Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Mustafa Hiba J. , Javinani Ali , Morning Makayla L. , D'Antonio Francesco , Pagani Giorgio , Puranik Poonam M. , Khalil Asma , Shamshirsaz Alireza A.
Published: August 2024

Objectives

To investigate the characteristics and outcomes of fetal cardiac rhabdomyoma with or without prenatal use of mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor (mTORi).

Search Strategy

We systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science until June 2023.

Selection Criteria

Studies reporting on pregnancies with fetal cardiac rhabdomyoma were included.

Data Collection and Analysis

A meta‐analysis of proportions was conducted only on studies that included three or more cases.

Results

A systematic review included 61 studies reporting on 400 fetuses with cardiac rhabdomyoma, of which 52 studies (389 fetuses) had expectant management and 9 studies (11 fetuses) were managed with mTORi. The meta‐analysis included 26 studies reporting on 354 fetuses. Prenatally, 14% (95% CI 4–36) had pericardial effusion, 13% (95% CI 6–27) had arrhythmia, 16% (95% CI 7–31) had outflow tract obstruction, and 10% (95% CI 4–21) had hydrops. Fetal demise occurred in 12% (95% CI 5–30). Before delivery, tumor size reduction was noted in 13%, and after birth in 58%. Following birth, 8% (95% CI 3–14) had neonatal death and 9% (95% 4–17) required cardiac surgery. 60% (95% CI 41–79) of cases were diagnosed with tuberous sclerosis. Seizures were reported only in cases with a tuberous sclerosis diagnosis (41/71 infants). For the 9 studies reporting all together on 11 fetuses with tuberous sclerosis receiving prenatal mTORi, they showed improvement in the size of cardiac rhabdomyoma as well as outflow obstruction and none had fetal demise or neonatal death, and none required postnatal cardiac surgery.

Conclusions

We report on the natural history of prenatal cardiac rhabdomyoma, including characteristics, progression, and survival. We report 11 fetuses with tuberous sclerosis and cardiac rhabdomyoma receiving prenatal mTORi, showing promising results.
Electrical Performance, Loss Analysis, and Efficiency Potential of Industrial‐Type PERC, TOPCon, and SHJ Solar Cells: A Comparative Study
Authors: Wang Qinqin , Guo Kaiyuan , Gu SiWen , Huang Wei , Peng Hui , Wu Wangping , Ding Jianning
Published: August 2024

Currently, the efficiency of p‐type passivated emitter and rear contact (PERC) cells has been growing at an absolute efficiency of 0.5% per year and has reached 23%–23.5% in mass production while getting closer to its theoretical efficiency limit. n‐Type tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) and silicon heterojunction (SHJ) cells with their superior “passivating selective contacts” technology were the most interesting photovoltaics (PV) technology in the industry. The effect of different passivated contact layers with respect to their influence on the J0, J0,metal, ρc, and the carrier selectivity (S10) and the loss analysis and efficiency potential of industrial‐type PERC, TOPCon, and SHJ solar cells were studied and compared. The results showed that TOPCon structure with a high passivation performance and good optical performance is more suitable for bifacial solar cell and the highest theoretical limiting efficiency with metal shading on the n‐type Si wafer (ηb,e,h,m,max) can be achieved to 27.62%. Although SHJ structure with the highest passivation performance but the worst optical performance owing to the parasitic absorption of a‐Si:H layer and high contact resistivity, the value of ηb,e,h,m,max is 0.7% lower than that of TOPCon solar cells. PERC structure has superior optical performance than SHJ structure, but due to poor passivation performance, the ηb,e,h,m,max is only 26.42%. The next‐generation products may be heterojunction back‐contact (HBC) and TOPCon back‐contact (TBC) cells with high ηb,e,h,m,max of 28.12% and 27.99%, respectively. Exploiting a perfect passivation of the noncontact area, the wide process window and low cost are required and transferring these new concepts to industrial solar cell production will be the next major challenge.
Mechanistic Insight Into the Conformational Changes of Cas8 Upon Binding to Different PAM Sequences in the Transposon‐Encoded Type I‐F CRISPR‐Cas System
Authors: Alalmaie Amnah , Khashan Raed
Published: August 2024

The INTEGRATE system is a gene‐editing approach that offers advantages over the widely used CRISPR‐Cas9 system. It does not introduce double strand breaks in the target DNA but rather integrates the desired DNA sequence directly into it. The first step in the integration process is PAM recognition, which is critical to understanding and optimizing the system. Experimental testing revealed varying integration efficiencies of different PAM mutants, and computational simulations were carried out to gain mechanistic insight into the conformational changes of Cas8 during PAM recognition. Our results showed that the interaction between Arg246 and guanine at position (−1) of the target strand is critical for PAM recognition. We found that unfavorable interactions in the 5′‐AC‐3′ PAM mutant disrupted this interaction and may be responsible for its 0% integration efficiency. Additionally, we discovered that PAM sequences not only initiate the integration process but also regulate it through an allosteric mechanism that connects the N‐terminal domain and the helical bundle of Cas8. This allosteric regulation was present in all PAMs tested, even those with lower integration efficiencies, such as 5′‐TC‐3′ and 5′‐AC‐3′. We identified the Cas8 residues that are involved in this regulation. Our findings provide valuable insights into PAM recognition mechanisms in the INTEGRATE system and can help improve the gene‐editing technology.
Effects of ttk on development and courtship of male Nilaparvata lugens
Authors: Feng Bo , Hu Yang , Wang Fang‐Hai
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND

The transcription product of tramtrack (ttk) is an important transcription factor which plays many roles in the regulation of the development, differentiation and chromosome recombination of organisms. Few studies have been reported on the specific functions of ttk in other insects except Drosophila melanogaster. Our aims are to reveal the ttk effects on development and courtship of male rice pest brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens.

RESULTS

In this study, we first assayed spatiotemporal expression of ttk in BPH, then treated the fourth nymphs of BPH with dsttk. We found most individuals died before emerging to adults, the adult eclosion rate was only 18.89%. No courtship behavior was found in individuals injected with dsttk. Further research showed that the main frequency of courtship vibration signal (CVS) 431.3 Hz in the individuals injected with dsttk was significantly higher than 223 Hz in the individuals injected with dsGFP, and female adults nearly had no response to the 431.3 Hz CVS.

CONCLUSION

We found that about 81% of the 4‐instar nymphs of BPH treated with dsttk died before they emerged as adults, the successfully emerged adults emitted the 431.3 Hz CVS to which female adults did not respond and lost the ability of courtship. This was first finding about the functions of ttk in rice planthopper and illustrated the potential of ttk as target for RNAi to control rice planthopper. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Modeling of HIV‐1 prophylactic efficacy and toxicity with islatravir shows non‐superiority for oral dosing, but promise as a subcutaneous implant
Authors: Kim Hee‐yeong , Zhang Lanxin , Hendrix Craig W. , Haberer Jessica E. , von Kleist Max
Published: August 2024

HIV prevention with pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) constitutes a major pillar in fighting the ongoing epidemic. While daily oral PrEP adherence may be challenging, long‐acting (LA‐)PrEP in oral or implant formulations could overcome frequent dosing with convenient administration. The novel drug islatravir (ISL) may be suitable for LA‐PrEP, but dose‐dependent reductions in T cell and lymphocyte counts were observed at high doses. We developed a mathematical model to predict ISL pro‐drug levels in plasma and active intracellular ISL‐triphosphate concentrations after oral vs. subcutaneous implant dosing. Using phase II trial data, we simulated antiviral effects and estimated HIV risk reduction for multiple dosages and dosing frequencies. We then established exposure thresholds where no adverse effects on immune cells were observed. Our findings suggest that implants with 56–62 mg ISL offer effective HIV risk reduction without reducing lymphocyte counts. Oral 0.1 mg daily, 3–5 mg weekly, and 10 mg biweekly ISL provide comparable efficacy, but weekly and biweekly doses may affect lymphocyte counts, while daily dosing regimen offered no advantage over existing oral PrEP. Oral 0.5–1 mg on demand provided protection, while not being suitable for post‐exposure prophylaxis. These findings suggest ISL could be considered for further development as a promising and safe agent for implantable PrEP.
Unveiling the Reactivity of Oxygen and Ozone on C2N Monolayer
Authors: Das Soumendra Kumar , Patra Lokanath , Samal Prasanjit , Sahoo Pratap Kumar
Published: August 2024

Understanding the interaction of various environmental oxidizing agents is important in determining the physical and chemical properties of 2D materials. Its impact holds great significance for the practical application of these materials in nanoscale devices functioning under ambient conditions. This study delves into the influence of O2 and O3 exposure on the structural and electronic characteristics of the C2N monolayer, focusing on the kinetics of adsorption and dissociation reactions. Employing first‐principles density‐functional theory calculations alongside climbing image nudged elastic band calculations, it is observed that the monolayer exhibits resistance to ozonation, evidenced by energy barriers of 0.56 eV. These processes are accompanied by the formation of COC groups. Furthermore, the dissociation mechanism involves charge transfers from the monolayer to the molecules. Notably, the dissociated configurations demonstrate higher bandgaps compared to the pristine monolayer, attributed to robust CO hybridization. These findings suggest the robustness of C2N monolayers against oxygen/ozone exposures, ensuring stability for devices incorporating these materials.