bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interface Engineering in 2D/2D Heterogeneous Photocatalysts
Authors: Yu Huijun , Dai Meng , Zhang Jing , Chen Wenhan , Jin Qiu , Wang Shuguang , He Zuoli
Published: December 2022

Assembling different 2D nanomaterials into heterostructures with strong interfacial interactions presents a promising approach for novel artificial photocatalytic materials. Chemically implementing the 2D nanomaterials’ construction/stacking modes to regulate different interfaces can extend their functionalities and achieve good performance. Herein, based on different fundamental principles and photochemical processes, multiple construction modes (e.g., face‐to‐face, edge‐to‐face, interface‐to‐face, edge‐to‐edge) are overviewed systematically with emphasis on the relationships between their interfacial characteristics (e.g., point, linear, planar), synthetic strategies (e.g., in situ growth, ex situ assembly), and enhanced applications to achieve precise regulation. Meanwhile, recent efforts for enhancing photocatalytic performances of 2D/2D heterostructures are summarized from the critical factors of enhancing visible light absorption, accelerating charge transfer/separation, and introducing novel active sites. Notably, the crucial roles of surface defects, cocatalysts, and surface modification for photocatalytic performance optimization of 2D/2D heterostructures are also discussed based on the synergistic effect of optimization engineering and heterogeneous interfaces. Finally, perspectives and challenges are proposed to emphasize future opportunities for expanding 2D/2D heterostructures for photocatalysis.
Impacts of publicly funded health insurance for adults on children's academic achievement
Authors: Bullinger Lindsey Rose , Gopalan Maithreyi , Lombardi Caitlin McPherran
Published: December 2022

Publicly funded adult health insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has had positive effects on low‐income adults. We examine whether the ACA's Medicaid expansions influenced child development and family functioning in low‐income households. We use a difference‐in‐differences framework that exploits cross‐state policy variation and focus on children in low‐income families from a nationally representative, longitudinal sample followed from kindergarten to fifth grade. The ACA Medicaid expansions improved children's reading test scores by ~2% (0.04 SD). Potential mechanisms for these effects within families are more time spent reading at home, less parental help with homework, and eating dinner together. We find no effects for children's math test scores or socioemotional skill development.
Experimental tests and analytical model for reinforced polyvinyl alcohol‐engineered cementitious composite beams in bending
Authors: Wang Dan‐Dan , Li Jing‐Zhuo , Qin Shou‐Dao , Liu Cun‐Xiang , Long Bin , Kang Shao‐Bo
Published: December 2022

Polyvinyl alcohol‐engineered cementitious composite (PVA‐ECC) exhibits strain hardening and multiple cracking characteristics under tension. Its superior tensile behavior may also influence the flexural behavior of reinforced PVA‐ECC beams. This paper investigates the load capacity and failure mode of reinforced PVA‐ECC beams in bending. Seven beams with different tensile reinforcement ratios, including six PVA‐ECC beams and one conventional concrete beam, were tested in the experimental program. The influence of reinforcement ratio on load capacity and failure characteristics was discussed in detail. Test results showed that with increasing reinforcement ratio, the ultimate load of beams was increased, but the failure mode was changed from fracture of PVA‐ECC in the tension zone to crushing in the compression zone, thereby limiting the full development of beam ductility. An analytical model is proposed to calculate the load and the vertical deflection of beams. In the model, the tension‐stiffening effect of reinforcement after cracking of PVA‐ECC is considered by defining the bond–slip relationship of reinforcement embedded in PVA‐ECC. Comparisons are made between experimental results in the literature and those calculated by using the analytical model to show the accuracy of the model in predicting the load–deflection relationship, the moment–rotation relationship, and the moment–curvature relationship.
Development of statistical model for prediction of modulus of elasticity of concrete
Authors: Jajodia Rangesh , Gadve Sangeeta
Published: December 2022

Modulus of elasticity of concrete is one of the important parameters in structural design of Reinforced Concrete (RC) members. For design and analysis purposes destructive/laboratory test are performed, however, for structural health monitoring and forensic investigation non‐destructive tests are preferred. Hence, it is essential to have correlations that can yield accurate results. Standard codes of different nations propose different methodologies for the estimation of modulus of elasticity. Moreover, in available literature no consensus is observed for ideal methodology. In view of this, the present paper experimentally investigates secant modulus of elasticity, initial tangent modulus, P‐wave dynamic modulus and S‐wave dynamic modulus for eight different concrete mixes. The regression analysis is conducted on experimental data and statistical models are proposed for reliable assessment of modulus of elasticity. Further, a correlation between static and dynamic modulus of elasticity is also proposed. Lastly, the experimental results are compared to the results obtained from developed models. It has been discovered that the proposed models accurately predict the modulus of elasticity of concrete.
The subsystem quantum chemistry program Serenity
Authors: Niemeyer Niklas , Eschenbach Patrick , Bensberg Moritz , Tölle Johannes , Hellmann Lars , Lampe Lukas , Massolle Anja , Rikus Anton , Schnieders David , Unsleber Jan P. , Neugebauer Johannes
Published: December 2022

SERENITY [J Comput Chem. 2018;39:788–798] is an open‐source quantum chemistry software that provides an extensive development platform focused on quantum‐mechanical multilevel and embedding approaches. In this study, we give an overview over the developments done in Serenity since its original publication in 2018. This includes efficient electronic‐structure methods for ground states such as multilevel domain‐based local pair natural orbital coupled cluster and Møller–Plesset perturbation theory as well as the multistate frozen‐density embedding quasi‐diabatization method. For the description of excited states, SERENITY features various subsystem‐based methods such as embedding variants of coupled time‐dependent density‐functional theory, approximate second‐order coupled cluster theory and the second‐order algebraic diagrammatic construction technique as well as GW/Bethe–Salpeter equation approaches. SERENITY's modular structure allows combining these methods with density‐functional theory (DFT)‐based embedding through various practical realizations and variants of subsystem DFT including frozen‐density embedding, potential‐reconstruction techniques and projection‐based embedding.

This article is categorized under:

Electronic Structure Theory > Density Functional Theory

Electronic Structure Theory > Ab Initio Electronic Structure Methods

Software > Quantum Chemistry
A passively self‐adjusting floating wind farm layout to increase the annual energy production
Authors: Mahfouz Mohammad Youssef , Cheng Po‐Wen
Published: December 2022

Wake losses inside a wind farm occur due to the aerodynamic interactions when a downwind turbine is in the wake of upwind turbines. The ability of floating offshore wind turbines (FOWTs) to relocate their positions in the horizontal plane introduces an opportunity to decrease the wake losses in a floating wind farm (FWF). Our goal is to use this ability to passively move the downwind FOWT out of the wake of upwind ones. Since the mooring system (MS) attached to a FOWT is responsible for its station keeping, the horizontal motions of the FOWT depend on the MS design. Hence, if we can design the MS to passively move the FOWT out of the wake, we can increase the FWF annual energy production (AEP). In this paper, we investigate if we can benefit from relocating FOWTs in a FWF and increase its AEP. In addition, we present a novel approach that considers the ability of a FOWT to relocate its position as a new degree of freedom (DoF) in the FWF layout design. This means we will have a self‐adjusting wind farm layout where the FOWTs passively re‐arrange themselves depending on the wind direction and the wind speed. Consequently, we will have a slightly different wind farm layout for every wind direction and every wind speed. To achieve this layout, we include the MS design as part of the FWF's layout design. In a self‐adjusting FWF layout, each FOWT is attached to a customized MS design allowing it to relocate its position in the best way possible according to the wind direction, to increase the overall AEP of the wind farm. The results of one case study show that the novel approach can increase the FWF's AEP by 1.6% when compared with a current state of the art optimized floating wind farm layout. Finally, we implemented our method as an open‐source python tool to be used and enhanced further within the wind energy community.
Histories of Failures
Authors: Jancovich Leila , Stevenson David
Published: December 2022

This chapter offers a historical context on the development of cultural participation as a policy “problem” in the UK. Furthermore, it identifies the logic on which policymakers tend to base their cultural participation policies and the assumptions that prevail as a result. Specifically, this chapter looks at the fault lines that have shaped the type of policies, projects, and practices that many cultural agencies see as “necessary” and “appropriate” interventions.
Neumann-Rosochatius system for strings on I-brane
Authors: Chakraborty Adrita , Padhi Nibedita , Pandit Priyadarshini , Panigrahi Kamal L.
Published: December 2022

Abstract

We study rigidly rotating and pulsating strings in the background of a 1+1 dimensional intersection of two orthogonal stacks of fivebranes in type IIB string theory by using the Neumann-Rosochatius (NR) model. Starting with the Polyakov action of the probe fundamental string we show that a generalised ansatz reduce the system into the one dimensional NR model in the presence of flux. The integrable construction of the model is exploited to analyze the rotating and oscillating string solution. We render the largeJBMN-type expansion for the energy of rotating string states while the same for the oscillating string has been derived in long string and small angular momenta limit.
Role of hsa_circ_0000280 in regulating vascular smooth muscle cell function and attenuating neointimal hyperplasia via ELAVL1
Authors: Wang Zunzhe , Wang Huating , Guo Chenghu , Yu Fangpu , Zhang Ya , Qiao Lei , Zhang Haijun , Zhang Cheng
Published: December 2022

The pathological proliferation of cells in vascular smooth muscle underlies neointimal hyperplasia (NIH) development during atherosclerosis. Circular RNAs (circRNAs), which represent novel functional biomarkers and RNA-binding proteins, contribute to multiple cardiovascular diseases; however, their roles in regulating the vascular smooth muscle cell cycle remain unknown. Thus, we aimed to identify the roles of circRNAs in vascular smooth muscle during coronary heart disease (CHD). Through circRNA sequencing of CHD samples and human antigen R (ELAVL1) immunoprecipitation, we identified circRNAs that are associated with CHD and interact with ELAVL1. Our results suggested that the hsa_circ_0000280 associated with CHD inhibits cell proliferation and induces ELAVL1-dependent cell cycle arrest. Gain/loss-of-function experiments and assays in vivo indicated that hsa_circ_0000280 facilitates interactions between ELAVL1 and cyclin-dependent kinase suppressor 1 (CDKN1A) mRNA and stabilization of this complex and leads to cell cycle arrest at the G1/S checkpoint, inhibiting cell proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells in vitro and NIH in vivo. Importantly, hsa_circ_0000280 reduced neointimal thickness and smooth muscle cell proliferation in vivo. Taken together, these findings reveal a novel pathway in which hsa_circ_0000280 facilitates the regulation of ELAVL1 on CDKN1A mRNA to inhibit NIH. Therefore, measuring and modulating their expression might represent a potential diagnostic or therapeutic strategy for CHD.
Role of peripheral immune cells in spinal cord injury
Authors: Li Cong , Xiong Wu , Wan Bowen , Kong Guang , Wang Siming , Wang Yingying , Fan Jin
Published: December 2022

Secondary spinal cord injury is caused by an inflammatory response cascade, and the process is irreversible. The immune system, as a mediator of inflammation, plays an important role in spinal cord injury. The spinal cord retains its immune privilege in a physiological state. Hence, elucidating the mechanisms by which peripheral immune cells are recruited to the lesion site and function after spinal cord injury is meaningful for the exploration of clinical therapeutic targets. In this review, we provide an overview of the multifaceted roles of peripheral immune cells in spinal cord injury.
Rezidivierende Larynxpapillomatose
Authors: Coordes Annekatrin , Grund Daniel , Mainka Alexander , Olze Heidi , Hanitsch Leif , von Bernuth Horst , Dommerich Steffen
Published: December 2022

Die rezidivierende Larynxpapillomatose (RLP) wird in 90 % der Fälle durch die humanen Papillomviren (HPV) 6 und 11 verursacht. Unklar ist, ob Rezidive durch Neuinfektion oder Ausbreitung infizierter Zellen entstehen. Symptomatische und z. T. kurative Therapie ist die laserchirurgische bzw. konventionelle mikrochirurgische Abtragung. Die Operation zielt auf die Linderung der Atemnot und Verbesserung der Stimme. Im Krankheitsverlauf werden Patienten, insbesondere Kinder, durch Stimmprobleme, wiederholte operative Abtragungen, pulmonale Manifestationen und psychologische Traumata beeinträchtigt. Die Impfung mit Gardasil 9 (Merck & Co., Rahway, NJ, USA) beugt Neuinfektionen mit HPV 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 und 58 vor und induziert Impfantigen-spezifische Antikörper und CD4+-T-Helferzellen. Die RLP ist nach aktueller Studienlage durch eine prophylaktische Impfung vermeidbar. Die Behandlung ist mit dem allgemeinen Impfrisiko verbunden (EMA-Zulassung: Mädchen, Jungen ab 9 Jahren). Studien zeigen zudem, dass der Impfstoff nach Entfernung HPV-assoziierter Neoplasien/Papillome Rezidiven vorbeugt. Die Erweiterung der Impfempfehlung für die Rezidivprophylaxe HPV-assoziierter Erkrankungen und als prophylaktische Impfung bei Männern würde zusätzlich die Anwendbarkeit und Herdenimmunität fördern. Für seltene und therapieresistente Fälle mit laryngotrachealer Beteiligung ist die systemische Therapie mit Bevacizumab (Avastatin; Genentech, San Francisco, CA, USA), einem VEGF-Antikörper, eine vielversprechende adjuvante Therapiemöglichkeit.
Use of the head-twitch response to investigate the structure–activity relationships of 4-thio-substituted 2,5-dimethoxyphenylalkylamines
Authors: Halberstadt Adam L. , Luethi Dino , Hoener Marius C. , Trachsel Daniel , Brandt Simon D. , Liechti Matthias E.
Published: December 2022

Rationale

4-Thio-substituted phenylalkylamines such as 2,5-dimethoxy-4-ethylthiophenethylamine (2C-T-2) and 2,5-dimethoxy-4-n-propylthiophenethylamine (2C-T-7) produce psychedelic effects in humans and have been distributed as recreational drugs.

Objectives

The present studies were conducted to examine the structure–activity relationships (SAR) of a series of 4-thio-substituted phenylalkylamines using the head twitch response (HTR), a 5-HT2A receptor-mediated behavior induced by psychedelic drugs in mice. The HTR is commonly used as a behavioral proxy in rodents for human psychedelic effects and can be used to discriminate hallucinogenic and non-hallucinogenic 5-HT2A agonists.

Methods

HTR dose–response studies with twelve different 4-thio-substituted phenylalkylamines were conducted in male C57BL/6 J mice. To detect the HTR, head movement was recorded electronically using a magnetometer coil and then head twitches were identified in the recordings using a validated method based on artificial intelligence.

Results

2C-T, the parent compound of this series, had relatively low potency in the HTR paradigm, but adding an α-methyl group increased potency fivefold. Potency was also increased when the 4-methylthio group was extended by one to three methylene units. Fluorination of the 4-position alkylthio chain, however, was detrimental for activity, as was the presence of a 4-allylthio substituent versus a propylthio group. 2C-T analogs containing a 4-benzylthio group showed little or no effect in the HTR paradigm, which is consistent with evidence that bulky 4-substituents can dampen agonist efficacy at the 5-HT2A receptor. Binding and functional studies confirmed that the compounds have nanomolar affinity for 5-HT2 receptor subtypes and act as partial agonists at 5-HT2A.

Conclusions

In general, there were close parallels between the HTR data and the known SAR governing activity of phenylalkylamines at the 5-HT2A receptor. These findings further support the classification of 2C-T compounds as psychedelic drugs.
The role of [99mTc]Tc-HFAPi SPECT/CT in patients with malignancies of digestive system: first clinical experience
Authors: Jia Xi , Li Xinru , Jia Bing , Yang Ye , Wang Yuanbo , Liu Yan , Ji Ting , Xie Xin , Yao Yu , Qiu Guanglin , Deng Huixing , Zhu Zhaohui , Chen Si , Yang Aimin , Gao Rui
Published: December 2022

Background

Recently, PET/CT imaging with radiolabelled FAP inhibitors (FAPIs) has been widely evaluated in diverse diseases. However, rare report has been published using SPECT/CT, a more available imaging method, with [99mTc]Tc-labelled FAPI. In this study, we evaluated the potential effect of [99mTc]Tc-HFAPi in clinical analysis for digestive system tumours.

Methods

This is a single-centre prospective diagnostic efficiency study (Ethic approved No.: XJTU1AF2021LSK-021 of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University and ChiCTR2100048093 of the Chinese Clinical Trial Register). Forty patients with suspected or confirmed digestive system tumours underwent [99mTc]Tc-HFAPi SPECT/CT between January and June 2021. For dynamic biodistribution and dosimetry estimation, whole-body planar scintigraphy was performed at 10, 30, 90, 150, and 240 min post-injection in four representative patients. Optimal acquisition time was considered in all the patients at 60–90 min post-injection, then quantified or semi-quantified using SUVmax and T/B ratio was done. The diagnostic performance of [99mTc]Tc-HFAPi was calculated and compared with those of contrast-enhanced CT (ceCT) using McNemar test, and the changes of tumour stage and oncologic management were recorded.

Results

Physiological distribution of [99mTc]Tc-HFAPi was observed in the liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and to a lesser extent in the kidneys, spleen and thyroid. Totally, 40 patients with 115 lesions were analysed. The diagnostic sensitivity of [99mTc]Tc-HFAPi for non-operative primary lesions was similar to that of ceCT (94.29% [33/35] vs 100% [35/35], respectively; P = 0.5); in local relapse detection, [99mTc]Tc-HFAPi was successfully detected in 100% (n = 3) of patients. In the diagnosis of suspected metastatic lesions, [99mTc]Tc-HFAPi exhibited higher sensitivity (89.66% [26/29] vs 68.97% [20/29], respectively, P = 0.03) and specificity (97.9% [47/48] vs 85.4% [41/48], respectively, P = 0.03) than ceCT, especially with 100% (24/24) specificity in the diagnosis of liver metastases, resulting in 20.0% (8/40) changes in TNM stage and 15.0% (6/40) changes in oncologic management.

Conclusion

[99mTc]Tc-HFAPi demonstrates a greater diagnostic efficiency than ceCT in the detection of distant metastasis, especially in identifying liver metastases.
Network Governance at the Margin of the State: Rural Drinking Water Communities in Chile
Authors: Abarzúa Gabriela Estefania Bawarshi , Glückler Johannes
Published: December 2022

We focus on the relationship between the network structure of Chilean rural drinking water associations (APRs) and effective governance outcomes regarding the provision of infrastructure and drinking water to peripheral rural communities in the Valparaiso region. Based on a comparative regional multi-method case study, we assess the coherence of differences in the governance network structure with the corresponding governance outcomes. Using qualitative interviews, participant observation, and a network survey of collaboration and legitimacy relationships among leaders of local APRs, we find that when isolated APRs establish collective organizations, they can generate better governance outcomes even without support from the state. We demonstrate that higher levels of collaboration as well as a more integrative distribution of legitimacy relations in the network are coherent with more effective governance outcomes. The findings suggest to strengthen social and organizational capacity at the local level of water governance in order to overcome the challenges of megadroughts and of a lack of public infrastructure in peripheral rural areas.
Sudden unexpected death: a national programme which will establish genetic testing and cardiological screening of families in the UK
Authors: Sheppard Mary N.
Published: December 2022

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) in young people is due to genetic cardiac causes in the majority of cases. In UK all cases have an autopsy and results are given to the family. We now have  a national pathway with detailed programme to establish that all members of the family  are screened by cardiologists in inherited cardiac centres . Also genetic testing of material taken at autopsy will be carried out in all cases which will be a valuable addition to the pathological and clinical findings. All this will aid the family in coming to terms with the tragic death and provide genotype phenotype correlation within the family to prevent future deaths.
Persons with rheumatoid arthritis have higher barriers to physical activity than controls: a cross-sectional study using the Facilitators and Barriers to Physical Activity Questionnaire (FasBarPAQ)
Authors: Videm Vibeke , Houge Ingrid Sæther , Hoff Mari
Published: December 2022

Facilitators and barriers to performing physical activity (PA) may vary among persons with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) as well as between RA patients and healthy individuals. Primary objective: To investigate associations of presence of RA and levels of stress and depression with scores for facilitators and barriers to PA, using a new questionnaire (FasBarPAQ). Secondary objectives: investigate inter-individual score differences in persons with RA, and associations with RA disease-specific variables. Persons with RA from two outpatient clinics (n = 203) and blood donor controls (n = 293) filled in the new 14-item FasBarPAQ questionnaire, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale depression scale (HADS-D), Cohen’s perceived stress scale, and questions regarding PA. Clinical data, and self-reported disease activity and physical function were collected for the persons with RA. Data were analyzed using linear and logistic regression. RA was associated with lower Facilitators scores (coefficient = − 1.30, p = 0.015), higher Barriers scores (coefficient = 2.36, p < 0.001) and lower Total Facilitators-Barriers scores (coefficient = − 3.67, p < 0.001). HADS-D ≥ 8 was associated with lower Total scores (coefficient = − 3.32, p = 0.022), and the two higher stress score tertiles were associated with higher Barriers and lower Total scores (p = 0.023 to p < 0.001). Persons with RA reported greatly varying facilitators and barriers profiles. Seropositivity and higher patient global assessment were associated with higher Barriers scores (coefficients = 1.79, p = 0.011; 0.60, p < 0.001) and lower Total scores (coefficients = − 3.60, p = 0.003; − 0.98, p < 0.001). Persons with RA had higher barriers and lower facilitators for PA, with varying individual profiles. The new FasBarPAQ questionnaire may be a useful screening tool for healthcare providers treating persons with RA.
Using commercial high-resolution satellite imagery to monitor a nuisance macroalga in the largest marine protected area in the USA
Authors: Fraiola Kauaoa M. S. , Miura Tomoaki , Martinez Jonathan , Lopes Keolohilani H. , Amidon Fred , Torres-Pérez Juan , Spalding Heather L. , Williams Taylor , So Khemarith , Sachs Elyse , Kosaki Randall K.
Published: December 2022

Satellite imagery is a useful tool for monitoring and mapping the distribution of invasive or nuisance algal species on coral reefs over the temporal and spatial scales needed for ecosystem management. Visual inspections of high-resolution satellite imagery were used to detect the newly discovered nuisance alga, Chondria tumulosa, at Manawai (Pearl and Hermes Atoll) in combination with ground-truthing surveys. Low-albedo (“dark”) survey sites on spur habitats were associated with mean C. tumulosa cover seven times higher than adjacent high-albedo (“light”) sites. There was an inverse relationship between C. tumulosa percent cover at ground-truthing sites and mean reflectance values. Archival satellite imagery showed that areas of high C. tumulosa cover (i.e., dark patches) were not evident on or before 2015 on the northeast backreef. The ability to use satellites for the detection of nuisance or invasive benthic species, such as expansive mats of C. tumulosa, provides managers with a valuable tool, especially in remote regions.
Empowering episodic memory through a model-based egocentric navigational training
Authors: Fragueiro Agustina , Tosoni Annalisa , Di Matteo Rosalia , Committeri Giorgia
Published: December 2022

Recent works have proposed that spatial mechanisms in the hippocampal–entorhinal system might have originally developed to represent distances and positions in the physical space and successively evolved to represent experience and memory in the mental space (Bellmund et al. 2018; Bottini and Doeller 2020). Within this phylogenetic continuity hypothesis (Buzsáki and Moser 2013), mechanisms supporting episodic and semantic memory would have evolved from egocentric and allocentric spatial navigation mechanisms, respectively. Recent studies have described a specific relationship between human performance in egocentric navigation and episodic memory (Committeri et al. 2020; Fragueiro et al. 2021), representing the first behavioral support to this hypothesis. Here, we tested the causal relationship among egocentric navigation and both episodic and semantic components of declarative memory. We conducted two experiments on healthy young adults: in the first experiment, participants were submitted to a navigational training based on path integration, while in the second experiment, participants completed a control training based on visual–perceptual learning. Performance in a set of memory tasks assessing episodic, semantic and short-term memory was compared among the pre- vs. post-training sessions. The results indicated a significant improvement of the episodic memory but not of the semantic or the short-term memory performance following the navigational training. In addition, no modulations of performance across the three memory tasks were observed following the control perceptual training. Our findings provide brand-new evidence of a potential causal association between mechanisms of egocentric navigation and episodic memory, thereby further supporting the phylogenetic continuity hypothesis between navigation and memory mechanisms as well as offering new insights about possible clinical applications of navigational trainings for memory functions/dysfunctions.
Laparoscopic cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy: a prospective clinical trial and comparative analysis
Authors: Cho Chae Yun , Veerapong Jula , Baumgartner Joel M. , Murphy James D. , Lowy Andrew M. , Kelly Kaitlyn J.
Published: December 2022

Background

Open cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is associated with high morbidity, which limits the degree to which patients may benefit from this therapy. This study aimed to determine the feasibility of laparoscopic CRS/HIPEC.

Methods

This was a single institution prospective clinical trial and comparative study using historical controls. Patients with histologically confirmed peritoneal surface malignancy (PSM) of appendiceal, colorectal, ovarian, or primary peritoneal origin, peritoneal carcinomatosis index (PCI) $$\le$$
≤
10 were eligible.

Results

Clinical trial: 18 patients (median age 57 years, 39% female) with appendiceal (15) or colorectal (3) primary PSM underwent laparoscopic CRS/HIPEC. Median and range outcomes were: operative time 219 min (134–378), EBL 10 mL (0–100), time to return to bowel function 3 days (1–7), duration IV narcotic use 3 days (1–8), length of stay 6 days (3–11). All patients had a complete cytoreduction (CC-score 0). Three (17%) experienced minor morbidity, with no major morbidity or mortality. Median DFS and OS were not reached with median follow-up of 48 months. Comparative analysis: Laparoscopic approach associated with reduced time to return of bowel function (3 versus 4 days, p = 0.001), length of stay (8 versus 5 days, p < 0.001), and morbidity (16% versus 42%, p = 0.008). Independent predictors of DFS included prior chemotherapy (HR 5.07, 95% CI 1.85, 13.89; p = 0.002), and CC-score > 0 (HR 3.31, 95% CI 1.19, 9.41; p = 0.025), but not surgical approach. CC-score > 0 was the only independent predictor of OS (HR 10.12, 95% CI 2.16, 47.30, p = 0.003).

Conclusions and relevance

Laparoscopic CRS/HIPEC should be considered for patients with PSM with low-volume disease, including those with adenocarcinoma histology.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov; NCT02463877.
Studies on the binding of CO to low-spin [Fe(II)(Por)L2] complexes: an aid to understanding the binding of CO to haemoglobin and myoglobin
Authors: Silver Jack , al-Jaff Golzar , Taies Jehad A. , Wilson Michael T. , den Engelsen Daniel , Fern George R. , Ireland Terry G.
Published: December 2022

The visible and Mössbauer spectra of [Fe(II)(Por)L2] and [Fe(II)(Por)L(CO)] complexes (where Por = protoporphyrin IX (PPIX) or tetra(p-sulfophenyl)porphyrin (TPPS) and L = an aliphatic or aromatic nitrogenous base) are reported and discussed. The results are compared to those of previously reported [Fe(II)(Por)L(CO)] complexes (where Por = PPIX, TPPS, PMXPP, TPP, OMTBP and OEP; L = a nitrogenous aromatic ligand) and HbCO (where Hb = haemoglobin) and MyCO (where My = myoglobin). A new approach, to extracting information from the Mössbauer parameters has been developed by plotting those of the [Fe(II)(Por)L2] complexes against those of [Fe(II)(Por)L(CO)] complexes for the same ligands, has yielded a series of trend lines that show a significant dependence on both the nature of the porphyrin and also of the nitrogenous ligand. Different trend lines were found for aromatic nitrogenous ligands to aliphatic nitrogenous ligands showing that the porphyrins could donate different amounts of charge to the Fe(II) cations as the L ligand changed, and hence, they display electron sink properties. From the plots, it was shown that haemoglobin and myoglobin both bind CO very strongly compared to the model complexes studied herein. Using the reported structural and Mössbauer data for the [Fe(II)(Por)L2] and [Fe(II)(Por)L(CO)] complexes, it proved possible and instructive to plot the Mössbauer parameters against a number of the bond lengths around the Fe(II) cations. The interpretation of the resulting trend lines both supported and facilitated the extension of our findings enabling further understanding of the geometry of the bonding in CO haemoglobin and CO myoglobin.

Graphical abstract
On Unique Continuation for Non-local Dispersive Models
Authors: Linares Felipe , Ponce Gustavo
Published: December 2022

We consider unique continuation properties of solutions to a family of evolution equations. Our interest is mainly on nonlinear non-local models. This class contains the Benjamin–Ono, the Intermediate Long Wave, the Camassa–Holm, the dispersion generalized Benjamin–Ono and non-local Schrödinger equations as well as their generalizations. We shall review, discuss, expand, and comment on several results. In addition, we shall state some open questions concerning these results and their techniques.
Principal Blocks for Different Primes, II
Authors: Navarro Gabriel , Rizo Noelia , Schaeffer Fry A. A.
Published: December 2022

If G is a finite group, we have proposed three new conjectures on the interaction between different primes and their corresponding Brauer principal blocks. In this paper,we give strong support to the validity of Conjectures B and C.
NMR spectroscopy of dissolved organic matter: a review
Authors: Mitschke N. , Vemulapalli S. P. B. , Dittmar T.
Published: December 2022

The presence of liquid water makes our planet habitable. Water in soils, sediments, lakes, rivers and the ocean forms the largest habitat for life on Earth. During life and upon death, all organisms release dissolved organic matter (DOM) to their environment. These molecular traces of life travel with water through land- and seascapes. DOM in the ocean and freshwaters contains more carbon than all living biomass on Earth combined. An in-depth knowledge of the molecular composition of the DOM pool is crucial to understand its role in the global carbon cycle. DOM is one of the most diverse mixtures known. So far, only the structure of a few components has been elucidated, thus, its molecular composition remains largely unknown. NMR spectroscopy is a promising tool for the molecular-level characterization of complex mixtures such as DOM. Major drawbacks of this spectroscopic technique in the past were the lack of sensitivity and insufficient spectral resolution. Large amounts of DOM were required and overlapping signals of the manifold DOM constituents resulted in broad unresolved spectral features. Recent technical and methodical improvements, the application of multivariate statistical analyses and the development of new chemical derivatization strategies may overcome these limitations. Here, we review the application of NMR spectroscopy within the quickly emerging field of the structural characterization of marine DOM. In the first section, this review covers fundamental aspects of NMR spectroscopy and its application to the analysis of DOM. The major points in the following are (1) a comprehensive overview of the current state of NMR spectroscopy for the analysis of marine DOM, (2) a discussion of the most important technical and methodical improvements and (3) suggestions for future implementations of NMR for the characterization of DOM. This review provides an overview for experts but also serves as a starting point for beginners.
Long-term memory for spatial frequency: a non-replication
Authors: Sacripante Riccardo , Della Sala Sergio , Logie Robert H.
Published: December 2022

Reports on stability of spatial frequency in short-term memory span have confirmed low-level perceptual memory mechanism in early visual processing. However, some studies have also claimed evidence for high-fidelity perceptual long-term storage of spatial frequency. We report an attempted replication of Magnussen et al. (Psychol Sci 14:74–76, 2003) where participants were asked to discriminate the spatial frequency of a reference grating from a test stimulus after intervals of 5 s or 24 h. Group thresholds after 24 h were significantly higher than after 5 s, therefore failing to support long-term storage of spatial frequency.
Keeping thinning-derived deadwood logs on forest floor improves soil organic carbon, microbial biomass, and enzyme activity in a temperate spruce forest
Authors: Nazari Meisam , Pausch Johanna , Bickel Samuel , Bilyera Nataliya , Rashtbari Mehdi , Razavi Bahar S. , Zamanian Kazem , Sharififar Amin , Shi Lingling , Dippold Michaela A. , Zarebanadkouki Mohsen
Published: December 2022

Deadwood is a key component of forest ecosystems, but there is limited information on how it influences forest soils. Moreover, studies on the effect of thinning-derived deadwood logs on forest soil properties are lacking. This study aimed to investigate the impact of thinning-derived deadwood logs on the soil chemical and microbial properties of a managed spruce forest on a loamy sand Podzol in Bavaria, Germany, after about 15 years. Deadwood increased the soil organic carbon contents by 59% and 56% at 0–4 cm and 8–12 cm depths, respectively. Under deadwood, the soil dissolved organic carbon and carbon to nitrogen ratio increased by 66% and 15% at 0–4 cm depth and by 55% and 28% at 8–12 cm depth, respectively. Deadwood also induced 71% and 92% higher microbial biomass carbon, 106% and 125% higher microbial biomass nitrogen, and 136% and 44% higher β-glucosidase activity in the soil at 0–4 cm and 8–12 cm depths, respectively. Many of the measured variables significantly correlated with soil organic carbon suggesting that deadwood modified the soil biochemical processes by altering soil carbon storage. Our results indicate the potential of thinned spruce deadwood logs to sequester carbon and improve the fertility of Podzol soils. This could be associated with the slow decay rate of spruce deadwood logs and low biological activity of Podzols that promote the accumulation of soil carbon. We propose that leaving thinning-derived deadwood on the forest floor can support soil and forest sustainability as well as carbon sequestration.
Approximation of functions from Korobov spaces by deep convolutional neural networks
Authors: Mao Tong , Zhou Ding-Xuan
Published: December 2022

The efficiency of deep convolutional neural networks (DCNNs) has been demonstrated empirically in many practical applications. In this paper, we establish a theory for approximating functions from Korobov spaces by DCNNs. It verifies rigorously the efficiency of DCNNs in approximating functions of many variables with some variable structures and their abilities in overcoming the curse of dimensionality.
Water sorption in wood cell walls–data exploration of the influential physicochemical characteristics
Authors: Fredriksson Maria , Rüggeberg Markus , Nord-Larsen Thomas , Beck Greeley , Thybring Emil Engelund
Published: December 2022

The material properties of wood are intimately tied to the amount of moisture contained in the wood cell walls. The moisture content depends on the environmental conditions, i.e. temperature and relative humidity, but also on material characteristics of the wood itself. The exact mechanisms governing moisture equilibrium between wood cell walls and environmental conditions remain obscure, likely because multiple material characteristics have been proposed to be involved. In this study, we used a data exploration approach to illuminate the important wood characteristics determining the cell wall moisture content in the full moisture range. Specimens of nine different wood species (two softwoods and seven hardwoods) were examined in terms of their material characteristics at multiple scales and their cell wall moisture content was measured in equilibrium with both hygroscopic conditions and at water-saturation. By statistical analysis, the chemical composition was found to be the most important predictor of the cell wall moisture content in the full moisture range. For the other wood characteristics the importance differed between the low moisture range and the humid and saturated conditions. In the low moisture range, the cellulose crystallinity and hydroxyl accessibility were found to be important predictors, while at high moisture contents the microfibril orientation in the S1 and S3 layers of the cell walls was important. Overall, the results highlighted that no single wood characteristic were decisive for the cell wall moisture content, and each of the predictors identified by the analysis had only a small effect in themselves on the cell wall moisture content. Wood characteristics with a major effect on the cell wall moisture content were, therefore, not identified.

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YouBelong Home: A Ugandan Community Mental Health Intervention
Authors: Cappo D. , Mutamba B. , Ayesiga K. , Kebirungi E. , Chelangat D. , Fegan G. , Jacob S.T. , Nsangi E. , Ntabazi I. , Nalubwama D. , Nakasujja N. , Odoki E. , Odoi P. , Mpairwe I. , Verity F.
Published: December 2022

In Uganda, low resources for mental health provision combine with disadvantage and inadequate supports for family and community-based care. Catalysed by the need to reduce overcrowded psychiatric hospital wards and frequent readmissions at Butabika National Referral Mental Hospital (BNRMH) in Kampala, the nongovernment organisation YouBelong Uganda (YBU) developed the YouBelong Home (YBH) intervention. YBH is a theoretically eclectic pre and post hospital discharge intervention. This paper reports on qualitative findings of the project Curtailing Hospital Readmissions for Patients with Severe Mental Illness in Africa (CHaRISMA), which explored how to refine the YBH intervention. The project was funded by a UK Joint Global Health Trials (JGHT) Development Grant. Data was collected through structured interviews with service users and caregivers, reflective practice by the YBH implementing team and a stakeholder focus group. A summary of refinements to the YBH intervention follows the TIDieR format (Template for Intervention Description and Replication).
A proof of concept reinforcement learning based tool for non parametric population pharmacokinetics workflow optimization
Authors: Otalvaro J. D. , Yamada W. M. , Hernandez A. M. , Zuluaga A. F. , Chen R. , Neely M. N.
Published: December 2022

The building of population pharmacokinetic models can be described as an iterative process in which given a model and a dataset, the pharmacometrician introduces some changes to the model specification, then perform an evaluation and based on the predictions obtained performs further optimization. This process (perform an action, witness a result, optimize your knowledge) is a perfect scenario for the implementation of Reinforcement Learning algorithms. In this paper we present the conceptual background and a implementation of one of those algorithms aiming to show pharmacometricians how to automate (to a certain point) the iterative model building process.We present the selected discretization for the action and the state space. SARSA (State-Action-Reward-State-Action) was selected as the RL algorithm to use, configured with a window of 1000 episodes with and a limit of 30 actions per episode. SARSA was configured to control an interface to the Non-Parametric Optimal Design algorithm, that was actually performing the parameter optimization.The Reinforcement Learning (RL) based agent managed to obtain the same likelihood and number of support points, with a distribution similar to the reported in the original paper. The total amount of time used by the train the agent was 5.5 h although we think this time can be further improved. It is possible to automatically find the structural model that maximizes the final likelihood for an specific pharmacokinetic dataset by using RL algorithm. The framework provided could allow the integration of even more actions i.e: add/remove covariates, non-linear compartments or the execution of secondary analysis. Many limitations were found while performing this study but we hope to address them all in future studies.
Effects of the SLCO1B1 A388G single nucleotide polymorphism on the development, clinical parameters, treatment, and survival of multiple myeloma cases in a Polish population
Authors: Michalska Katarzyna , Balcerczak Ewa , Jeleń Agnieszka , Saed Lias , Pietrzak Jacek , Żebrowska-Nawrocka Marta
Published: December 2022

Background

Multiple myeloma is one of the most common hematological malignancies worldwide. Genetic alterations may lead to the progression from monoclonal gammopathy to multiple myeloma. Additionally, the genetic background of the disease might influence therapy outcomes, including survival time. SLCO1B1, belonging to the OATPs family, is a membrane protein that mediates the uptake of a wide range of endogenous and exogenous (including drugs) compounds.

Methods and results

In this study, the A388G single nucleotide polymorphism in the SLCO1B1 gene in Polish multiple myeloma patients was determined. This polymorphism affects the amino acid change of the protein, so it may be responsible for treatment effectiveness or risk of disease development. A388G was evaluated by the PCR–RFLP method. The presented study showed a statistically significant association between the GG genotype with longer survival of patients with multiple myeloma with Melphalan-Prednisone therapy compared to other treatment regimens (p = 0.0271). There was no statistically significant association in the frequency of genotypes (p = 0.8211) and alleles: allele A (p = 0.5442); allele G (p = 0.8020) between multiple myeloma patients and a control group.

Conclusions

The A388G polymorphism does not seem to affect the increased risk of the development of multiple myeloma. However, the occurrence of the GG genotype may prolong of patients overall survival in the case of Melphalan-Prednisone therapy.
Decentralized revenue sharing from broadcasting sports
Authors: Bergantiños Gustavo , Moreno-Ternero Juan D.
Published: December 2022

We study the problem of sharing the revenues from broadcasting sports leagues among participating clubs. First, we characterize the set of rules satisfying two basic axioms: anonymity and additivity. Then, we decentralize the problem by letting clubs vote for rules. No majority equilibrium exists when they are allowed to vote for any rule within the characterized set. However, if the set is restricted in a meaningful and plausible way (just replacing anonymity by equal treatment of equals), majority equilibrium does exist.
Justified belief, knowledge, and the topology of evidence
Authors: Baltag Alexandru , Bezhanishvili Nick , Özgün Aybüke , Smets Sonja
Published: December 2022

We propose a new topological semantics for evidence, evidence-based justifications, belief, and knowledge. Resting on the assumption that an agent’s rational belief is based on the available evidence, we try to unveil the concrete relationship between an agent’s evidence, belief, and knowledge via a rich formal framework afforded by topologically interpreted modal logics. We prove soundness, completeness, decidability, and the finite model property for the associated logics, and apply this setting to analyze key epistemological issues such as “no false lemma” Gettier examples, misleading defeaters, undefeated justification versus undefeated belief, as well as the defeasibility theories of knowledge.