bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early‐Stage Glottic Carcinoma in the United States: Demographics and Treatment Choice
Authors: Friedman Aaron D. , Gengler Isabelle , Altaye Mekibib , Tabangin Meredith E.
Published: July 2022

Objective

Limited investigation of factors potentially contributing to treatment choice in early‐stage glottic carcinoma (EGC) has been performed with large‐scale data. The National Cancer Database (NCDB) represents >72% of all new cancer cases in the United States. We hypothesized that NCDB variables may lend insight into treatment decisions between surgery and radiation for EGC.

Methods

The NCDB was queried for all cases of T1‐2 N0 M0 glottic carcinoma from 2004 to 2016. We used multivariable logistic regression analysis to examine factors associated with first‐line treatment modality: radiation therapy (RT) versus surgery. All reported odds ratios (OR) were adjusted for age, gender, race, insurance, residence in a metropolitan area, region, and facility volume.

Results

34,991 EGC patients received treatment: 6,687 (19%) surgery; 20,289 (58%) RT; and 8,015 (23%) surgery and RT. OR for receiving RT (vs. surgery alone) were >2 for: more advanced T stage cancers (OR 2.5 [95%CI: 2.3, 2.7]), treatment at non‐academic facilities (OR 2.8, [95%CI: 2.6, 3.0]), and shorter travel distances to treatment centers (OR 2.2, [95%CI: 2.0, 2.4]). Surgery was more likely with treatment in the western US, higher income, private insurance, living in a metropolitan (vs. non‐metropolitan) area, female gender, older age, and low facility volume. Hispanic ethnicity, education level, and race were not associated with treatment type in the multivariable model.

Conclusion

Most patients in the NCDB receive first‐line treatment with radiation for EGC, and this decision is associated with various tumor, patient, and treatment facility characteristics.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 133:901–907, 2023
Integrative assessment of amino acid nitrogen isotopic composition in biological tissue samples determined by GC/C/IRMS, LC × EA/IRMS, and LC × GC/C/IRMS
Authors: Ishikawa Naoto F. , Ogawa Nanako O. , Sun Yuchen , Chikaraishi Yoshito , Takano Yoshinori , Ohkouchi Naohiko
Published: July 2022

Compound‐specific isotope analysis of nitrogen (δ15N) in amino acids (CSIA‐AA) has significantly contributed to environmental sciences such as anthropology, biogeochemistry, and ecology. Several methods exist for determining δ15N of amino acids (AAs). Although these methods have their own strength and weakness, they have not been intercalibrated yet, especially for biological samples with matrices. To address this issue, we systematically compared AA δ15N values among three methods using gas chromatography/combustion/isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC/C/IRMS), preparative liquid chromatography (LC) separation followed by elemental analyzer/IRMS (LC × EA/IRMS), and LC separation followed by GC/C/IRMS (LC × GC/C/IRMS). The δ15N values of glutamic acid (δ15NGlu) and phenylalanine (δ15NPhe) in fish muscle, two crucial AAs for estimating the trophic positions (TPs) of organisms, were compared among methods. Although a significant difference in fish muscle δ15NGlu values was found among the three analytical methods, their δ15NGlu and δ15NPhe values were fairly consistent between all pairs of methods (n = 8, R2 = 0.9968 for GC/C/IRMS vs. LC × GC/C/IRMS; 0.9936 for LC × EA/IRMS vs. LC × GC/C/IRMS; and 0.9912 for GC/C/IRMS vs. LC × EA/IRMS), which resulted in similar TP estimates among the methods. Thus, the results provide empirical validation that the CSIA‐AA is comparable among different methods in interdisciplinary research fields. We also highlighted some critical features of each of the three analytical methods that can be used as a guideline for future CSIA‐AA research.
Derivation of a Qualitative Model for the Spatial Characteristic Wavelength of Extrusion Flow Instabilities: Investigation of a Polybutadiene Rubber through Capillary, Slit and Complex Geometry Extrusion Dies
Authors: Georgantopoulos Christos K. , Esfahani Masood K. , Pollard Michael A. , Naue Ingo F. C. , Causa Andrea , Kádár Roland , Wilhelm Manfred
Published: July 2022

The extrusion flow instabilities of commercial polybutadiene (PBD) are investigated as a function of the different extrusion die geometries, such as round capillary, slit, and complex cross‐section profile slit dies via capillary rheology. Qualitative models are used to fit the experimental data for the spatial characteristic wavelength (λ) of the appearing extrusion flow instabilities. A new qualitative model for the slit die geometry, rectangular cross‐section, is derived based on the theoretical concept of the “two layers” extrudate and the force balance at the die exit region. The proposed qualitative model for the slit die geometry is used to predict the spatial characteristic wavelength (λ) for extrudates obtained by complex cross‐section profile slit die geometries similar to industrial manufacturing. Correlation between the ratio of the extensional (Ys) and shear (σx) stress at the die exit area and the characteristic dimension, height H for slit dies and diameter D for round capillary dies, is presented. Moreover, a geometry‐dependent model is used to predict the spatial characteristic wavelength (λ) of the extrusion flow instabilities from a round capillary die to a slit die and vice versa.
A modified forward‐backward splitting methods for the sum of two monotone operators with applications to breast cancer prediction
Authors: Peeyada Pronpat , Dutta Hemen , Shiangjen Kanokwatt , Cholamjiak Watcharaporn
Published: July 2022

This work proposes a modified forward‐backward splitting algorithm combining an inertial technique for solving the monotone variational inclusion problem. The weak convergence theorem is established under some suitable conditions in Hilbert space, and a new step size is presented for our algorithm to speed up the convergence. We give an example and numerical results for supporting our main theorem in infinite dimensional spaces. We also provide an application to predict breast cancer by using our proposed algorithm for updating the optimal weight in machine learning. Moreover, we use the Wisconsin original breast cancer data set as a training set to show efficiency comparing with the other three algorithms in terms of three key parameters, namely, accuracy, recall, and precision.
A new way to investigate the damping properties of NR/CIIR blends characterized by the rebound behaviors
Authors: Shi Xinghui , Yuan Xiaojing , Guo Xiaohui , Zeng Fanqi , Liu Guangyong
Published: July 2022

In this work, effects of natural rubber (NR) content on the vulcanization and damping properties of chlorinated butyl rubber (CIIR) were studied. A new method to characterize the damping performance of the NR/CIIR blends by the rebound behavior of rubber ball was proposed. And an optical laser‐based measurement was used to follow the movement of the rubber sample. The DMA results showed that better damping properties of the blends was obtained at higher proportion of CIIR in the blends at room temperature (20°C) and a frequency of 0.1–100 Hz. Furthermore, a propose was made that the damping properties of the blends can be characterized by the rebound behavior of the rubber ball, and two methods were developed to characterize the damping properties of the blends according to the rebound experimental results of the rubber ball. The functional relationship between the height of the nth bounce of the rubber ball and NR content was obtained by experimental fitting. The damping index (DI) was defined by combining the parameters such as bounce height, bounce times and bounce time of the rubber ball. It was expected that this study could provide a new idea for the characterization and testing of viscoelastic damping materials.
Machinability investigation in electric discharge machining of carbon fiber reinforced composites for aerospace applications
Authors: Hassan Abual , He Yan Li , Rehman Mudassar , Ishfaq Kashif , Zahoor Sadaf , Hussain Mirza Zahid , Siddique Farah , Wang De Chao
Published: July 2022

The industry is looking forward to technological advancements for productivity improvement, and this can be achieved by improving the machining performance concerned with the machinability challenges. The machinability investigation of carbon nanotubes/carbon fiber (CNTs/CF) reinforced composites is emerging with a strong application potential in the aviation industry because of their high strength and lightweight nature. However, the conventional machining practices pose a major challenge of excessive tool wear and dimensional accuracy which lead to a high production cost. Electric discharge machining is considered one of the possible solutions to treat with hard to machine materials like CNT/CF. Therefore, this work involves the machinability investigation to study the effect of pulse on duration, pulse peak current, duty factor, and gap voltage to investigate the material removal mechanism for achieving machining stability along with improved dimensional accuracy. Experiments were designed using Taguchi design followed by the analysis of variance, parametric effects, along with signal to noise ratio‐based multi‐response optimization. Findings have inferred that peak current and gap voltage were found to be significant for radial over‐cut, contributing 47.27% and 40.25%, respectively. The gap voltage was also shown to be notable for electrode wear rate and material removal rate, with contribution percentages of 43.59% and 20.11%, respectively. As a result, Vg was identified as the most influential variable in this study. This machinability study imparts a significant potential to improve the dimensional accuracy and productivity for aerospace applications.
Energy absorption performance of Kevlar/snake grass fiber composites under ballistic impact test with nano Al2O3 inclusion
Authors: Kumaresan Gladys Ashok , Muthuvelu Vetrivel Sezhian , Kumar Karthik , Ganesh Kousiharaaj
Published: July 2022

Present research work aims to know the significance of nanofiller aluminum oxide (Al2O3) loading on viscoelastic behavior and ballistic impact behavior of Kevlar/snake grass fiber (SGF) hybrid epoxy composites. A mechanical stirring process was used to modify the epoxy matrix by adding different weights (0%, 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10%) of the nanofiller Al2O3. The manual lay‐up method by subsequent hot pressing was used to create the Al2O3‐added Kevlar/SGF hybrid epoxy composites. The tensile, interlaminar shear, flexural, and impact strength were tested. When compared to the control sample, the 2 wt% filler‐loaded hybrid composites had higher tensile strength, flexural strength, impact strength, and interlaminar shear strength by 6.42%, 6.11%, 53.11%, and 11.08%, respectively. Furthermore, morphological analysis was performed on the mechanically tested samples to forecast the failure mechanism. The 2 wt% filler‐loaded hybrid epoxy composites demonstrated effective interfacial bonding with matrix and minimal fiber pullout, according to micrograph images. The developed hybrid composites were subjected to dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The DMA results demonstrated that hybrid composites with 8 wt% filler had better viscoelastic behavior than the control sample. Under a ballistic impact test, the ability of the Kevlar/SGF composites with nano Al2O3 inclusion to absorb energy was assessed. According to the findings, incorporating nano Al2O3 into Kevlar/SGF composites strengthened their ballistic impact resistance and energy absorption. The addition of 8 wt% nanofiller resulted in high energy absorption, according to ballistic impact studies. As compared to the control sample, the composite sample with 8% filler reveals a 68.80% enhanced energy absorption. Furthermore, the composite samples with the optimal wt% Al2O3 nanofiller can be used to mold impact‐resistant materials for a bulletproof vest.
The 1969 Rocky Flats fire – We should not forget
Authors: Campbell Bruce G.
Published: July 2022

This paper provides the events that led to one of the worst fires in the nuclear industry, if not the worst. The fire occurred at the former Rocky Flats plant located near Denver, Colorado. If it occurred today, the cost of the damage would likely approach or exceed $1B dollars.
Designing phase I oncology dose escalation using dose–exposure–toxicity models as a complementary approach to model‐based dose–toxicity models
Authors: Pantoja Kristyn , Lanke Shankar , Munafo Alain , Victor Anja , Habermehl Christina , Schueler Armin , Venkatakrishnan Karthik , Girard Pascal , Goteti Kosalaram
Published: July 2022

One of the objectives of oncology phase I dose‐escalation studies has been to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD). Although MTD is no longer set as the dose for further development in contemporary oncology drug development, MTD determination is still important for informing the therapeutic index. Bayesian adaptive model‐based designs are becoming mainstream in oncology first‐in‐human trials. Herein, we illustrate via simulations the use of systemic exposure in Bayesian adaptive dose–toxicity models to estimate MTD. We extend traditional dose–toxicity models to incorporate pharmacokinetic exposure, which provides information on exposure–toxicity relationships. We pursue dose escalation until the maximum tolerated exposure (corresponding to the MTD) is reached. By leveraging pharmacokinetics, dose escalation considers exposure and interindividual variability on a continuous rather than discrete domain, offering additional information for dose‐escalation decisions. To demonstrate this, we generated 1000 simulations (starting dose of 1/25th the reference dose and six dose levels) for several different scenarios. Both rule‐based and model‐based designs were compared using metrics of potential safety, accuracy, and reliability. The mean results over simulations and different toxicity scenarios showed that model‐based designs were better than rule‐based methods and that exposure–toxicity model‐based methods have the potential to valuably complement dose–toxicity model‐based methods. Exposure–toxicity model‐based methods had decreased underdose risk accompanied by a relatively smaller increase in overdose risk, resulting in improved net reliability. MTD estimation accuracy was compromised when exposure variability was large, emphasizing the importance of appropriate control of pharmacokinetic variability in phase I dose‐escalation studies.
A Compact and High‐Gain Omnidirectional Antenna‐Based Coding Metasurface Ground for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Applications
Authors: Saleem Muhammad , Anjum Muhammad Rizwan , Atiq Shahid
Published: July 2022

In this article, the design and implementation of a small omnidirectional antenna operating at 0.83 GHz for industrial, research, medical and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) applications is proposed. By designing two unit cells (“0” and “1”) of the coding metasurface with a dynamic phase difference, a coding metasurface ground is proposed. The suggested antenna replaces the traditional ground with a coding metasurface ground that is deliberate to work at the center frequency of 0.83 GHz and uses a coaxial feed probe to provide a lightweight, high‐gain antenna design. The omnidirectional antenna gain and efficiency are boosted using a coding metasurface as a ground. A simulation tool is used to characterize the antenna designed. A remarkable gain increase and operational bandwidth of the radiator have been developed in the proposed design, which entails the replacement of the conventional ground. The proposed antenna is constructed and empirically characterized in addition to the simulation. The proposed antenna has a return loss of –16.14 dB and a steady radiation gain of 3.2 dB, according to the measurements. Furthermore, the designed antenna demonstrates an omnidirectional radiation pattern based on simulation and experiment. Radiation properties are assessed using a radome framework, and simulations and measurements results coincide well. Such an antenna has omnidirectional radiation patterns across a wide frequency range and could be used in future UAV and aircraft applications.
Distributed output‐feedback sampled‐data control of nonlinear multi‐agent systems
Authors: Xu Xiaoyu , Wang Hui , Li Wuquan , Wang Meiqiao
Published: July 2022

We study the distributed output‐feedback tracking control problem by linear sampled‐data control for nonlinear multi‐agent systems with unmeasurable states in this paper. Noting that sampled‐data control can effectively reduce implementation cost and time, we develop a novel linear sampled‐data high‐gain homogeneous domination control strategy by integrating backstepping method and high‐gain homogeneous domination method into sampled‐data control. A series of linear sampled‐data output‐feedback controllers and reduced‐order observers are designed to ensure that the output tracking errors can be tuned arbitrarily small while all states of the closed‐loop system are globally bounded. A numerical example is given to verify the effectiveness of the sampled‐data strategy.
Ranking the art design and applications of artificial intelligence and machine learning
Authors: Xu Yandong , Nazir Shah
Published: July 2022

Art design is a method of conveying human feelings and emotions, particularly via the use of visual structures such as paintings or sketches. Every element of our life, including arts and crafts, has been positively affected by the introduction of novel technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). In today's modern environment, these technologies have altered the techniques of art creation, consumption, and distribution. In today's environment, ML and human emotions are the two most important aspects for interactive and high‐quality art design. Whereas traditional learning systems can be extremely effective in the teaching and learning process of art‐related subjects, AI and ML can be very effective in the teaching and learning process of art‐related subjects for the advancement of learners' artistic skills. The productive and active role of AI and ML in the developments and advancements of art design has been given a very comprehensive and detailed overview in this study. Following a detailed examination of the existing techniques, distinct characteristics have been identified. Six of the most widely utilized features were chosen from the literature to execute the analytical hierarchy process (AHP). For ranking the options based on the weights derived by AHP, the TOPSIS algorithm is used. The option with the best performance came in first, whereas the one with the worst performance came in last.
Grain Boundary Defect Controlling of Perovskite via N‐Hydroxysuccinimide Post‐Treatment Process in Efficient and Stable n–i–p Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Li Xiaohui , Wu Shenghan , Chen Yiming , Tang Jianyao , Liu Meiyue , Chen Zeng , Zhang Putao , Li Shengjun
Published: July 2022

Nonradiative recombination on perovskite surface and grain boundary largely constrains the efficiency and stability of photovoltaic devices. Surface passivation has proven to be the most effective strategy to suppress photogenerated carrier recombination. Herein, functional N‐hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) is incorporated in perovskite films by suppressing nonradiative losses both in surface and in grain boundary. The NHS molecules are located at the perovskite grain boundary and surface with good compability with the perovskite crystal network, which forms an effective barrier at the grain boundary to prevent the permeation of moisture. Equally important, the interactions between the CO group in NHS and perovskite undercoordinated groups (Pb2+ or Pb clusters) reduce the surface defects of the perovskite, yielding a minimal energy loss. The prolonged lifetime of carriers with NHS‐treated perovskites prevents the carrier quenching at the perovskite grain boundary and interface. As a result, open‐circuit voltage of the solar cell is up to 1.13 V with a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 22.21%. The stability of the device is also significantly improved, wherein devices with NHS retain 81% of the initial PCE after 1000 h at room temperature.
Z‐scheme SnS2/CsPbBr3 Heterojunctions for Photoreduction CO2 Reaction and Related Photoinduced Carrier Behaviors
Authors: Zhang Rui , Li Linjia , Li YinYin , Wang Dejun , Lin Yanhong , Xie Tengfeng
Published: July 2022

CsPbBr3 perovskite exhibits potential application in photocatalytic CO2 reduction into valuable chemical fuels; however, enhancing carrier separation capability of the CsPbBr3 and fully understanding the CO2 reduction reaction process are still imperative. Herein, a new series of xSnS2/CsPbBr3 nanocrystals (NCs)‐y heterostructures are developed, which exhibit better catalytic activity in comparison with pure CsPbBr3 NCs. Interface and surface carrier dynamic investigation reveals that this heterojunction structure can effectively improve carrier separation efficiency. Based on the interfacial electric field direction of CsPbBr3 to SnS2, it is suggested that SnS2/CsPbBr3 NC heterostructure satisfies Z‐scheme transfer dynamics. Meanwhile, by the aid of in situ surface photovoltage, it is experimentally confirmed there is dynamic carrier interaction between CO2 molecules and the SnS2/CsPbBr3 NCs photocatalyst under irradiation, and a photocatalytic CO2 reduction mechanism is thus proposed. This work expands the awareness of the interaction between CO2 and the photocatalyst, which can be strongly influenced by carrier separation efficiency at the photocatalyst heterojunction.
When Immigrant Mothers of Color Become Public School Teachers for English Language Learners: Intersectionality for Transformative Teacher Preparation
Authors: Lee‐Johnson Yin Lam
Published: July 2022

This article contests the whitewashed ideologies and practices in teacher preparation programs and K–12 schools (Lee‐Johnson, 2019) with a counter‐storytelling analysis (Solorzano & Yosso, 2001, 2002). Based on the analysis of the lived experiences of two immigrant mothers of color (IMC), who had transitioned into certified English Language Learner (ELL) teachers, the researcher proposes a transformative frame, which stems from Crenshaw's (1989) intersectionality and Mezirow's (1990) transformative learning. The data sources include the two immigrant mothers' oral stories told at an ELL parent panel, their written teaching philosophy statements, and blog posts. The findings contribute to the knowledge base of teacher preparation in TESOL and applied linguistics by foregrounding the racially othered experiences of IMC; envisioning intersectionality as an agentive tool for negotiation, emancipation, and advocacy; and proposing a transformative frame for TESOL teacher education. The researcher calls for considerations of using intersectionality for transforming the teaching practices and ideologies in teacher preparation programs and K–12 schools.
Supporting Students' Construction of Themes When Reading
Authors: Morgan Denise N. , DeFrancesco Justine
Published: July 2022

Helping students learn how to interpret themes in text can be, without a doubt, challenging. Students benefit from knowing different aspects/textual elements within stories to look for when constructing themes. In this teaching and learning guide, we share seven concrete ways to help students anchor their theme thinking. These seven elements can help students gather evidence when considering themes.
Assessment of the duration of maternal‐derived antibodies specific to the Mycoplasma agalactiae vaccine in goat kids
Authors: Abdollahi Mostafa , Lotfollahzadeh Samad , Salehi Taghi Zahraei , Moosakhani Farhad , Raoofi Afshin
Published: July 2022

Background

Contagious agalactia (CA) is one of the most important diseases in the small ruminant industry in Iran. The historical aetiology of this disease is Mycoplasma agalactiae (Ma). The main way to control this disease, in addition to management measures, is vaccination. In ruminant newborns, determining the age of first vaccination against Ma is a challenge due to the interference between colostrum‐derived maternal immunity and vaccination‐induced immunity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the consistency of maternal‐derived antibodies specific to the Ma in goat kids blood serum born from the vaccinated does.

Objectives

Dtermination of level of antibody against Ma in goat kids born from vaccinated dams against Ma. Assessment of duration of protective level of maternal derived antibody in goat kids serum, after receiving colostrum from vaccinted mother with Ma vaccine. Determination the best time vaccination against Ma in goat kids receiving colostrum from vaccinated dams.

Methods

20 Saanen goat kids were studied in two groups of 10 animals including control (receiving colostrum from unvaccinated does) and treatment (receiving colostrum from vaccinated does). Indirect Elisa was used to evaluate serum specific antibodies to Ma in goat kids (control and treatment groups) from birth to 100 days of age.

Results

After receiving a sufficient amount of colostrum, the goat kids in the treatment group had a significantly higher S/P% than the control group until 56 days after birth (p < 0.05) and at 70–100 days after birth, there was no significant difference between the treatment and control groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

This study showed that 56–70 days of age could be a good age to give the first dose of CA vaccine in goat kids, but more studies are needed on the effectiveness of this vaccine at this age.
Velocity data in a fully developed experimental wind turbine array boundary layer
Authors: Turner V John , Wosnik Martin
Published: July 2022

Experimental data are reported for a wind turbine array boundary layer (WTABL) in a model wind farm. An array of 95 model wind turbines consisting of 5 streamwise columns by 19 spanwise rows was studied in a high Reynolds number boundary layer in the Flow Physics Facility (FPF) at the University of New Hampshire. The wind turbine array was constructed of porous disks of 0.25 m diameter, which were drag (thrust) matched to typical offshore wind turbine operating conditions. The turbine spacing was 8 diameters in the streamwise and 4 diameters in the spanwise directions. Spires were used to thicken the boundary layer and achieve a boundary layer thickness on the order of 1 m at the first row of the wind turbine array, which is located 33 m downstream from the test section inlet, thus placing the turbines in the bottom 1/3 of the boundary layer. Velocity profiles were measured with a pitot tube in the center column of the array. To within experimental uncertainty, a fully developed WTABL condition is observed in the mean velocity, for defined inlet conditions and spacings, from row 12 on. The wind turbine array acts as asparse displaced roughness:it creates an internal layer whose origin (in the wall‐normal direction) remains fixed in space, while the turbulent boundary layer the array was placed in continues to grow. Careful consideration was given to an expanded uncertainty analysis, which elucidates the need for long measurement times in large facilities. Porous disk turbine models are the experimental equivalent of numerical actuator disks; therefore, this publicly available data set is expected to be useful for numerical model validation.
An Inorganic Pac‐Man: Synthesis, structure and electrochemical studies of a heterometallic {YCoII3W} cluster sandwiched by two germanotungstates
Authors: Ibrahim Masooma , Mbomekallé Israël M. , de Oliveira Pedro , Bergfeldt Thomas , Anson Christopher E.
Published: July 2022

A new heterometallic sandwich‐type Keggin polyoxometalate, [(GeW9O34)2{YCo(W=O)(μ3‐O)(μ3‐OH)(μ2‐O)(μ2‐OH2)(OH2)(C2H3O2)}]13− has been synthesized by a simple reaction method. The isolated compound has been structurally characterized by single crystal X‐ray diffraction (SC‐XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and thermogravimetric (TG) analysis. In addition, electrochemical properties have been investigated in detail. The X‐ray structure of this POM reveals that a unique heterometallic core {YCo3(W=O)(μ3‐O)(μ3‐OH)(μ2‐O)(μ2‐OH2)(OH2)(OAc)}7+ is sandwiched between two [GeW9O34]10− ligands, giving rise to the first example of a heterometallic core composed of 3d–4d–5d transition metal ions.
Gravimetric Geoid Modeling by Stokes and Second Helmert’s Condensation Method in Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Authors: Bramanto Brian , Prijatna Kosasih , Fathulhuda Muhammad Syahrullah , Pahlevi Arisauna Maulidyan
Published: July 2022

Since the last decade, Indonesia has continuously improved the accuracy of the national geoid model by conducting rapid gravity acquisition using airborne and terrestrial gravimetry. As gravity data have been collected thoroughly in all regions, the time has come to carry out Indonesia’s geoid modeling. We started our study by employing the Stokes and Second Helmert’s condensation method to our terrestrial gravity data in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, with a target area of 1∘× 1∘. The computation was based on the commonly applied remove-compute-restore process. We used a satellite-only geopotential model of GO_CONS_GCF_2_TIM_R6 up to degree 300 to remove and restore the long-wavelength part of the gravity field within the modeling process. Numerical results show that few cm of geoid model accuracy was achieved when we compared it to the validation points. Also, our best performance geoid is estimated to be better than the Earth Gravitational Model 2008 (EGM2008) geoid model by up to 2.8 cm in terms of standard deviation.
Waste Recycling and Repurposing to Address SDG 11 in Burkina Faso: Do Multi-stakeholder Platforms Matter?
Authors: Sanfo Safiétou , Neya Oblé , Da Sylvestre , Salack Seyni , Amikuzuno Joseph , Gandaa Bizoola Zinzoola , Hackman Kwame Oppong , Ogunjobi Kehinde Olufunso
Published: July 2022

Poor waste management and uncontrolled waste disposal cause pollution and blocked drainage facilities, leading to flooding and water stagnation, increasing the risk of diseases, and eroding local progresses toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Recycling and repurposing liquid and solid waste for urban and periurban agriculture, green spaces, and green energy on the other hand benefit social and ecosystem resilience and can contribute to SDG11. This chapter considers the uneven progress in Burkina Faso where the transgressive behavior of garbage producers leads to illegal garbage dumping, equipment obsolescence, insufficient maintenance, and the lack of support from authorities. We show how the creation of a participatory Multi-Stakeholder Platform (MSP) can lead to better collection, recycling, and repurposing of wastes. The results showed that (1) the practice of liquid and solid waste management involves several interacting stakeholders, (2) these interactions generate complex problems hardly resolved by a single (few) stakeholder(s), and (3) an MSP is a good approach toward solving these complex problems.
Four-point correlators of light-ray operators in CCFT
Authors: Hu Yangrui , Lippstreu Luke , Spradlin Marcus , Srikant Akshay Yelleshpur , Volovich Anastasia
Published: July 2022

Abstract

We compute the four-point correlator of two gluon light-ray operators and two gluon primaries from the four-gluon celestial amplitude in (2, 2) signature spacetime. The correlator is non-distributional and allows us to verify that light-ray operators appear in the OPE of two gluon primaries. We also carry out a conformal block decomposition of the terms involving the exchange of gluon operators.
Phenomenological analysis of multi-pseudoscalar mediated dark matter models
Authors: Banerjee Shankha , Bélanger Geneviève , Bhatia Disha , Fuks Benjamin , Raychaudhuri Sreerup
Published: July 2022

Abstract

Non-minimal simplified extensions of the Standard Model have gained considerable currency in the context of dark matter searches at the LHC, since they predict enhanced mono-Higgs and mono-W/Z signatures over large parts of the parameter space. However, these non-minimal models obviously lack the simplicity and directness of the original simplified models, and are more heavily dependent on the model assumptions. We propose to classify these models generically on the basis of additional mediator(s) and dark matter particles. As an example, we take up a scenario involving multiple pseudoscalar mediators, and a single Dirac dark matter particle, the latter being a popular introduction to ensure ultraviolet completion of theories with multiple pseudoscalar fields. In the chosen scenario, we discuss the viable channels and signatures of relevance at the future runs of the LHC. These are then compared with the minimal simplified scenarios and distinguishing features are pinpointed.
Cyclists and autonomous vehicles at odds
Authors: Gaio Alexander , Cugurullo Federico
Published: July 2022

Consequential historical decisions that shaped transportation systems and their influence on society have many valuable lessons. The decisions we learn from and choose to make going forward will play a key role in shaping the mobility landscape of the future. This is especially pertinent as artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more prevalent in the form of autonomous vehicles (AVs). Throughout urban history, there have been cyclical transport oppressions of previous-generation transportation methods to make way for novel transport methods. These cyclical oppressions can be identified in the baroque and modernist periods, and a third oppression may occur in the contemporary period. To explore the idea of a third oppression, we focus on the bicycle and outline the history of cycling to understand how historical mode oppression unfolded. We then present several social and political factors that contributed to the oppression of cycling and share recommendations for how to avoid future oppressions including political, social, and design actions for researchers and policymakers to take. This paper argues that priorities for AI-enabled mobility and cyclist needs be advanced in proportion to the extent that they contribute to societal goals of urban containment, public realm, and proximal cities. Additionally, future mobility evolutions should prioritise mobility justice and mode choice over inducing a singular transportation method.
Model averaging for sparse seemingly unrelated regression using Bayesian networks among the errors
Authors: Salam Abdul , Grzegorczyk Marco
Published: July 2022

Multivariate Bayesian linear regression (MBLR) is a popular statistical tool with many applications in a variety of scientific fields. However, a shortcoming is potential model over-complexity, as the model assumes that all responses depend on the same covariates and that all errors are mutually pairwise correlated. The class of Bayesian seemingly unrelated regression (SUR) models generalizes the class of MBLR models by allowing for response-specific covariate sets. In a recent work it has been proposed to employ Gaussian graphical models for learning sparse SUR (SSUR) models with conditional independencies among the errors. The proposed SSUR model infers undirected edges among the errors, and the proposed Reversible Jump Markov Chain Monte Carlo (RJMCMC) inference algorithm relies on approximations of the marginal likelihoods. In this paper, we propose a new refined SSUR model that replaces the undirected graphs (Gaussian graphical models) by directed acyclic graphs (Gaussian Bayesian networks). Unlike the earlier proposed model, our new model is therefore able to learn some directed edges among the errors. And we derive a RJMCMC algorithm that does not require approximations of the marginal likelihoods. In particular, we present an algorithm for sampling covariance matrices that are coherent with a given directed acyclic graph. The proposed RJMCMC algorithm allows for exact Bayesian model averaging across both: the response-specific covariate sets and the directed acyclic graphs.
X-ray multiscale 3D neuroimaging to quantify cellular aging and neurodegeneration postmortem in a model of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Barbone Giacomo E. , Bravin Alberto , Mittone Alberto , Pacureanu Alexandra , Mascio Giada , Di Pietro Paola , Kraiger Markus J. , Eckermann Marina , Romano Mariele , Hrabě de Angelis Martin , Cloetens Peter , Bruno Valeria , Battaglia Giuseppe , Coan Paola
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Modern neuroimaging lacks the tools necessary for whole-brain, anatomically dense neuronal damage screening. An ideal approach would include unbiased histopathologic identification of aging and neurodegenerative disease.

Methods

We report the postmortem application of multiscale X-ray phase-contrast computed tomography (X-PCI-CT) for the label-free and dissection-free organ-level to intracellular-level 3D visualization of distinct single neurons and glia. In deep neuronal populations in the brain of aged wild-type and of 3xTgAD mice (a triply-transgenic model of Alzheimer’s disease), we quantified intracellular hyperdensity, a manifestation of aging or neurodegeneration.

Results

In 3xTgAD mice, the observed hyperdensity was identified as amyloid-β and hyper-phosphorylated tau protein deposits with calcium and iron involvement, by correlating the X-PCI-CT data to immunohistochemistry, X-ray fluorescence microscopy, high-field MRI, and TEM. As a proof-of-concept, X-PCI-CT was used to analyze hippocampal and cortical brain regions of 3xTgAD mice treated with LY379268, selective agonist of group II metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGlu2/3 receptors). Chronic pharmacologic activation of mGlu2/3 receptors significantly reduced the hyperdensity particle load in the ventral cortical regions of 3xTgAD mice, suggesting a neuroprotective effect with locoregional efficacy.

Conclusions

This multiscale micro-to-nano 3D imaging method based on X-PCI-CT enabled identification and quantification of cellular and sub-cellular aging and neurodegeneration in deep neuronal and glial cell populations in a transgenic model of Alzheimer’s disease. This approach quantified the localized and intracellular neuroprotective effects of pharmacological activation of mGlu2/3 receptors.
Community as Governor: Exploring the role of Community between Industry and Government in SLO
Authors: Poelzer Gregory , Frimpong Rosette , Poelzer Greg , Noble Bram
Published: July 2022

For many natural resource projects, the impact on Indigenous communities is a primary concern. Therefore, governance arrangements that account for the interests of companies, communities, and government are critical for the project’s success. This paper looked at two successful mining projects in northern Canada, McArthur River and Diavik, to examine the governance arrangement that led to mutually beneficial outcomes. Through an analysis of interviews and documents, we assessed both governing institutions and interactions to understand how the respective companies and communities established a high level of trust. In both cases, government took a less prominent role in the management of resources, allowing the Indigenous communities to hold a stronger role in the governance of the resources. Both Indigenous communities, therefore, built partnerships with the company around socio-economic benefits along with environmental monitoring – redefining ‘community’ in governance arrangements.
Safety of Prophylactic Anticoagulation During Bedside Procedures: A Prospective Multicenter Observational Study
Authors: Barton Cassie A. , Shapiro David S. , Webb Andrew J. , Gontarz Brendan , Schreiber Martin
Published: July 2022

Background

Bedside percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) are common procedures performed in the intensive care unit (ICU). Venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis is frequently prescribed to ICU patients and it remains unclear whether pre‐procedure discontinuation is necessary.

Methods

This multi‐center prospective observational study aimed to describe bleeding rates in patients undergoing bedside PEG or PDT who did or did not have VTE prophylaxis held. Decision to hold prophylaxis was made by the operating physician. The primary endpoint was the rate of peri‐procedural bleeding complications. Secondary endpoints included quantification of held doses in the peri‐procedural period, rate of venous thromboembolism, and characteristics associated with having prophylaxis held.

Results

91 patients were included over a 2‐year period. Patients were on average aged 54 years, 40% female, mostly admitted to the trauma service (59%), and most commonly underwent bedside PDT (59%). Overall, 21% of patients had doses of pre‐procedure prophylaxis held. Bleeding events occurred in 1 patient (1.4%) who had prophylaxis continued and in 1 patient (5.0%) who had prophylaxis held, a rate difference of 3.6% (95% CI–9.5%, 16.7%). One bleeding event was managed with bedside surgical repair and one with blood transfusion. There were 10 VTE events, all of whom had prophylaxis continued during the pre‐procedure period but 3 had prophylaxis held after the procedure.

Conclusions

Bleeding complications were rare and did not significantly differ depending on whether prophylaxis was held or not. Future research is required to confirm the lack of risk with continuing prophylaxis through bedside procedures.
Incidental findings on routine preoperative noncontrast chest computed tomography and chest radiography prior to cardiac surgery in the multicenter randomized controlled CRICKET study
Authors: Knol Wiebe G. , den Harder Annemarie M. , de Heer Linda M. , Benke Kálmán , Maurovich-Horvat Pál , Leiner Tim , Merkely Béla , Krestin Gabriel P. , Bogers Ad J.J.C. , Budde Ricardo P.J.
Published: July 2022

Objective

To describe the prevalence and consequences of incidental findings when implementing routine noncontrast CT prior to cardiac surgery.

Methods

In the multicenter randomized controlled CRICKET study, 862 adult patients scheduled for cardiac surgery were randomized 1:1 to undergo standard of care (SoC), which included a chest-radiograph, or an additional preoperative noncontrast chest CT-scan (SoC+CT). In this subanalysis, all incidental findings detected on the chest radiograph and CT-scan were analyzed. The influence of smoking status on incidental findings was also evaluated, adjusting for sex, age, and group allocation.

Results

Incidental findings were observed in 11.4% (n = 49) of patients in the SoC+CT group and in 3.7% (n = 16) of patients in the SoC-group (p < 0.001). The largest difference was observed in findings requiring follow-up (SoC+CT 7.7% (n = 33) vs SoC 2.3% (n = 10), p < 0.001). Clinically relevant findings changing the surgical approach or requiring specific treatment were observed in 10 patients (1.2%, SoC+CT: 1.6% SoC: 0.7%), including lung cancer in 0.5% of patients (n = 4) and aortic dilatation requiring replacement in 0.2% of patients (n = 2). Incidental findings were more frequent in patients who stopped smoking (OR 1.91, 1.03–3.63) or who actively smoked (OR 3.91, 1.85–8.23).

Conclusions

Routine CT-screening increases the rate of incidental findings, mainly by identifying more pulmonary findings requiring follow-up. Incidental findings are more prevalent in patients with a history of smoking, and preoperative CT might increase the yield of identifying lung cancer in these patients. Incidental findings, but not specifically the use of routine CT, are associated with delay of surgery.

Key Points

• Clinically relevant incidental findings are identified more often after a routine preoperative CT-scan, when compared to a standard of care workup, with some findings changing patient management.

• Patients with a history of smoking have a higher rate of incidental findings and a lung cancer rate comparable to that of lung cancer screening trials.

• We observed no clear delay in the time to surgery when adding routine CT screening.
KNTC1 as a putative tumor oncogene in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Liu Ling , Chen Hongwei , Chen Xinan , Yao Chenjie , Shen Weimin , Jia Changku
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Recent studies have demonstrated that kinetochore-associated protein 1 (KNTC1) plays a significant role in the carcinogenesis of numerous types of cancer. This study aimed to explore the role and possible mechanisms of KNTC1 in the development of pancreatic cancer.

Methods and results

We analyzed differentially expressed genes by RNA sequencing in three paired pancreatic cancer and para-cancerous tissue samples and found that the expression of KNTC1 was significantly upregulated in pancreatic cancer. A Cancer and Tumor Gene Map pan-analysis showed that high expression of KNTC1 was related to poor prognosis in 9499 tumor samples. With immunohistochemical staining, we found that the high expression of KNTC1 in pancreatic cancer was related to pathological grade and clinical prognosis. Similarly, RT-PCR results indicated that the expression of KNTC1 was higher in three groups of pancreatic cancer cell lines (BxPC-3, PANC-1, and SW1990) than in normal pancreatic ductal cells. We introduced lentivirus-mediated shRNA targeting KNTC1 into PANC-1 and SW1990 cells and found that KNTC1 knockdown significantly decreased cell growth and increased cell apoptosis compared to the control group cells. Bioinformatic analysis of the cell expression profile revealed that differential genes were mainly enriched in the cell cycle, mitosis, and STAT3 signaling pathways, and co-immunoprecipitation confirmed an interaction between KNTC1 and cell division cycle associated 8.

Conclusions

KNTC1 could be linked to the pathophysiology of pancreatic cancer and may be an early diagnostic marker of cervical precancerous lesions.
Mortality and cancer in eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders distal to the esophagus: nationwide cohort study 1990–2017
Authors: Bledsoe Adam C. , Garber John J. , Ye Weimin , Roelstraete Bjorn , Murray Joseph A. , Ludvigsson Jonas F.
Published: July 2022

Background

Eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders (EGIDs) include inflammatory conditions with enteric infiltration of eosinophils and resulting symptoms. This study aims to examine a population-based sample of patients for prevalence, mortality, and cancer risk in EGIDs distal to the esophagus.

Methods

Nationwide, population-based cohort study. EGID was identified through relevant biopsy codes from Sweden’s all 28 pathology departments through the ESPRESSO cohort. Individuals with EGID were then matched to general population reference individuals with similar age and sex. Study participants were linked to Swedish healthcare registers. Through Cox regression, we calculated adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) adjusting for sex, age, county, calendar period, and education.

Results

In total, 2429 patients (56% female) were found to have EGID distal to the esophagus, representing a prevalence of about 1/4800 in the Swedish population. Mean age was 44 years with 11% children at the time of diagnosis. Mortality was increased 17% in patients with EGIDs compared to reference individuals (aHR = 1.17; 95%CI = 1.04–1.33). Excess mortality was seen in gastric and small bowel eosinophilic disease, but not colonic disease (aHR = 1.81; 95%CI = 1.32–2.48, aHR = 1.50; 95%CI = 1.18–1.89, and aHR = 0.99; 95%CI = 0.85–1.16, respectively). Cause specific mortality was driven by cancer-related death (aHR = 1.33; 95%CI = 1.05–1.69). However, this study failed to show an increase in incident cancers (aHR = 1.14; 95%CI = 0.96–1.35). Comparison of EGID individuals with their siblings yielded similar aHRs.

Conclusions

This study found an increased risk of death in patients with EGIDs distal to the esophagus, with cancer death driving the increase. Proximal gut disease seems to confer the greatest risk. There was no increase in incident cancers.