bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Absolute and relative risk estimation in the presence of outcome ascertainment gaps and competing risks
Authors: Liu Danping , Wu Emily , Shih Joanna H. , Kitahara Cari M. , Cheung Li C.
Published: January 2023

Incomplete coverage by cancer registries can lead to an underreporting of cancers and a resulting bias in risk estimates. When registries are defined by geographic region, gaps in observation can arise for individuals who reside outside of or migrate from the total registry catchment area. Moreover, the exact periods of non‐observation for an individual may be unknown due to intermittent reporting of residential histories. The motivating example for this work is the U.S. Radiologic Technologist (USRT) study which ascertained cancer outcomes for a national cohort through 43 state/regional registries; similar gaps in outcome ascertainment can appear in other registry or electronic health record‐ based cohort studies. We propose a two‐step procedure for estimating relative and absolute risk in these settings. First, using a mover stayer model fitted to individuals' known residential history, we obtain individual posterior probabilities of residing outside the registry catchment area each year. Second, we incorporate these probabilities in the survival data likelihood for competing risks to account for unobserved events. We assess the performance of the proposed method in extensive simulation studies. Compared to several simple alternative approaches, the proposed method reduces bias and improves efficiency. Finally, we apply the proposed method to a study of first primary lung cancers in the USRT cohort.
Crystalline Nanocellulose Anchored on Reduced Graphene Oxide for the Removal of Pharmaceuticals from Aqueous Systems: Adsorbent Characterization and Adsorption Performance
Authors: Ogunleye Deborah T. , Akpotu Samson O. , Moodley Brenda
Published: January 2023

Improved adsorption of pharmaceuticals on reduced graphene oxide anchored on a crystalline nanocellulose base was achieved in this study. One‐pot synthesis of graphene‐nanocrystalline cellulose (G‐CNC) hybrid with in‐depth characterization was carried out, and the adsorbent's successful synthesis was confirmed through the characteristic peaks observed using FTIR and XRD. Further characterization was done using the surface area and porosity analyzer, TGA, SEM, TEM, and the elemental analyzer. The adsorbent was then applied in the adsorption of aspirin (Asp) and acetaminophen (Acet), which are frequently used over‐the‐counter anti‐inflammatory and antipyretic drugs. The major mechanism for the adsorption was ascertained to be through electrostatic interaction, hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic and π‐π interactions with the pharmaceutical. The maximum capacity for sorption obtained for the adsorption of Asp on graphene oxide (GO) and G‐CNC was 61.73 mg/g and 99 mg/g, respectively, while those of Acet on GO and G‐CNC were 20.41 mg/g and 76.34 mg/g, respectively.
Synthesis of Hierarchical ZSM‐11 Nanorods Aggregates and Catalytic Properties in Cyclohexene Hydration to Cyclohexanol
Authors: Yang Mengyao , Wang Yaquan , Liu Wenrong , Lu Jiaxin , Shi Mingxue , Wu Shuhui , Bu Lingzhen , Zhi Yaqiong , Wang Zhiqiang , Sang Juncai , Chu Kailiang , Huang Yitong , Guo Niandong , Qu Liping
Published: January 2023

A series of hierarchical ZSM‐11 nanorods aggregates were prepared by a hydrothermal crystallization method with the addition of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). The physical and chemical properties of the samples were characterized and the catalytic properties in the direct hydration of cyclohexene to cyclohexanol were also investigated. The characterization results showed that adding CTAB effectively increased the crystallinity of the zeolite, and the external specific surface areas and pore volume of the zeolite increased dramatically. With the increase of CTAB addition, more and more mesopores were formed which could be clearly seen from TEM micrograph. The ratio of Brønsted/Lewis acid decreased first and then increased with the increase of CTAB addition, with the lowest point appeared at the ratio of CTAB/SiO2 of 0.015. The zeolite synthesized at the CTAB/SiO2 ratio of 0.015 exhibited the highest reaction rate with the cyclohexene conversion as high as 14.23 %. The excellent performance of the hierarchical ZSM‐11 nanorods aggregates can be attributed to the lowest Brønsted/Lewis acid ratio and large mesoporous volume.
All Cubic‐Phase δ‐TAGS Thermoelectrics Over the Entire Mid‐Temperature Range
Authors: Ma Baopeng , Ren Hongrui , Zhang Fudong , Peng Zhanhui , He Hailong , Cui Minchao , Ge Zhenhua , Li Bingyu , Wu Wenwen , Liang Pengfei , Xiao Yu , Chao Xiaolian , Yang Zupei , Wu Di
Published: January 2023

GeTe‐based pseudo‐binary (GeTe)x(AgSbTe2)100−x (TAGS–x) is recognized as a promising p‐type mid‐temperature thermoelectric material with outstanding thermoelectric performance; nevertheless, its intrinsic structural transition and metastable microstructure (due to Ag/Sb/Ge localization) restrict the long‐time application of TAGS‐x in practical thermoelectric devices. In this work, a series of non‐stoichiometric (GeTe)x(Ag1‐δSb1+δTe2+δ)100−x (x = 85∼50; δ = ≈0.20–0.23), referred to as δ‐TAGS‐x, with all cubic phase over the entire testing temperature range (300‐773 K), is synthesized. Through optimization of crystal symmetry and microstructure, a state‐of‐the‐art ZTmax of 1.86 at 673 K and average ZTavg of 1.43 at ≈323–773 K are realized in δ‐TAGS‐75 (δ = 0.21), which is the highest value among all reported cubic‐phase GeTe‐based thermoelectric systems so far. As compared with stoichiometric TAGS‐x, the remarkable thermoelectric achieved in cubic δ‐TAGS‐x can be attributed to the alleviation of highly (electrical and thermal) resistive grain boundary Ag8GeTe6 phase. Moreover, δ‐TAGS‐x exhibits much better mechanical properties than stoichiometric TAGS‐x, together with the outstanding thermoelectric performance, leading to a robust single‐leg thermoelectric module with ηmax of ≈10.2% and Pmax of ≈0.191 W. The finding in this work indicates the great application potential of non‐stoichiometric δ‐TAGS‐x in the field of mid‐temperature waste heat harvesting.
Deciphering the Superior Electronic Transmission Induced by the Li–N Ligand Pairs Boosted Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Geng Zikang , Bo Tingting , Zhou Wei , Tan Xin , Ye Jinhua , Yu Tao
Published: January 2023

Atomic level decoration route is designated as one of the attractive methods to regulate both the charge density and band structure of photocatalysts. Moreover, to enable more efficient separation and transport of photocarriers, the construction of novel active sites can enhance both the reactivity and electrical conductivity of the crystal. Herein, an Li–N ligand is constructed via co‐doping lithium and nitrogen atoms into ZnIn2S4 lattice, which achieves a promoted photocatalytic H2 evolution at 9737 µmol g−1 h−1. The existence of Li–N ligand pairs and the behaviors of photocarriers on L40N5ZIS are determined systematically, which also provides a unique insight into the mechanism of the improved photocarrier migration rate. With the introduction of Li–N dual sites, the vacancy form of ZnIn2S4 has changed and the photocatalytic stability is significantly improved. Interestingly, the change of charge density around Li–N ligand in ZnIn2S4 is determined by theoretical simulations, as well as the regulated energy barrier of photocatalytic water splitting caused by Li–N dual sites, which act as both adsorption site for H2O and stronger reactive sites. This work helps to extend the understanding of ZnIn2S4 and offers a fresh perspective for the creation of a Li–N co‐doped photocatalyst.
Magnetic Targeting Nanocarriers Combined with Focusing Ultrasound for Enhanced Intracerebral Hemorrhage Therapy
Authors: Wang Tianyi , Lei Huali , Li Xiang , Yang Nailin , Ma Cheng , Li Guangqiang , Gao Xiang , Ge Jun , Liu Zhuang , Cheng Liang , Chen Gang
Published: January 2023

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality around the world, and surgery is still the most direct and effective way to remove ICH. However, the potential risks brought by surgery, such as normal brain tissue damage, post‐operative infection, and difficulty in removing deep hematoma, are still the main problems in the surgical treatment of ICH. Activation of the peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) is reported to show a good therapeutic effect in hematoma clearance. Herein, a magnetic targeting nanocarrier loaded with a PPARγ agonist (15d‐PGJ2‐MNPs) is synthesized, which could be magnetically targeted and enriched in the area of the hematoma after intravenous injection. Subsequent application of focusing ultrasound (FUS) could enhance drug diffusion, which activates the PPARγ receptors on macrophages around the hematoma for better hematoma clearance. The 15d‐PGJ2‐MNP treatment alleviates brain injury, accelerates hematoma clearance, attenuates neuroinflammation, reduces brain edema and significantly improves the deficits in sensory and motor function and spatial learning ability in the ICH mouse model. This work proposes an effective magnetic targeting plus FUS method to treat ICH, highlighting its great potential in the treatment of hemorrhagic stroke.
Simple Construction of Multistage Stable Silicon–Graphite Hybrid Granules for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Jiapeng , Wang Dengke , Yuan Renlu , Li Xiaotian , Li Jiangchuan , Jiang Zhijie , Li Ang , Chen Xiaohong , Song Huaihe
Published: January 2023

Because of its high specific capacity, the silicon–graphite composite (SGC) is regarded as a promising anode for new‐generation lithium‐ion batteries. However, the frequently employed two‐section preparation process, including the modification of silicon seed and followed mixture with graphite, cannot ensure the uniform dispersion of silicon in the graphite matrix, resulting in a stress concentration of aggregated silicon domains and cracks in composite electrodes during cycling. Herein, inspired by powder engineering, the two independent sections are integrated to construct multistage stable silicon–graphite hybrid granules (SGHGs) through wet granulation and carbonization. This method assembles silicon nanoparticles (Si NPs) and graphite and improves compatibility between them, addressing the issue of severe stress concentration caused by uncombined residue of Si NPs. The optimal SGHG prepared with 20% pitch content exhibits a highly reversible specific capacity of 560.0 mAh g−1 at a current density of 200 mA g−1 and a considerable stability retention of 86.1% after 1000 cycles at 1 A g−1. Moreover, as a practical application, the full cell delivers an outstanding capacity retention of 85.7% after 400 cycles at 2 C. The multistage stable structure constructed by simple wet granulation and carbonization provides theoretical guidance for the preparation of commercial SGC anodes.
In Situ Porousized MoS2 Nano Islands Enhance HER/OER Bifunctional Electrocatalysis
Authors: Chen Bo , Hu Ping , Yang Fan , Hua Xingjiang , Yang Fairy Fan , Zhu Fei , Sun Ruiyan , Hao Ke , Wang Kuaishe , Yin Zongyou
Published: January 2023

2D molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) is developed as a potential alternative non‐precious metal electrocatalyst for energy conversion. It is well known that 2D MoS2 has three main phases 2H, 1T, and 1T′. However, the most stable 2H‐phase shows poor electrocatalysis in its basal plane, compared with its edge sites. In this work, a facile one‐step hydrothermal‐driven in situ porousizing of MoS2 into self‐supporting nano islands to maximally expose the edges of MoS2 grains for efficient utilization of the active stable sites at the edges of MoS2 is reported. The results show that such active, aggregation‐free nano islands greatly enhance MoS2's hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) bifunctional electrocatalytic activities. At a low overpotential of 248 and 300 mV, the porous MoS2 nano islands can generate a current density of 10 mA cm−2 in HER and OER, which is much better than typical nanosheet morphology. Surprisingly, the porous MoS2 nano islands even exhibit better performance than the current commercial RuO2 catalyst in OER. This discovery will be another effective strategy to promote robust 2H‐phase, instead of 1T/1T′‐phase, MoS2 to achieve efficient endurable bifunctional HER/OER, which is expected to further replace precious metal catalysts in industry.
Embedding Ru Clusters and Single Atoms into Perovskite Oxide Boosts Nitrogen Fixation and Affords Ultrahigh Ammonia Yield Rate
Authors: Han Zhiya , Tranca Diana , Rodríguez‐Hernández Fermín , Jiang Kaiyue , Zhang Jichao , He Mingyuan , Wang Fu , Han Sheng , Wu Peng , Zhuang Xiaodong
Published: January 2023

Ammonia is a key chemical feedstock worldwide. Compared with the well‐known Haber–Bosch method, electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (ENRR) can eventually consume less energy and have less CO2 emission. In this study, a plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition method is used to anchor transition metal element onto 2D conductive material. Among all attempts, Ru single‐atom and Ru‐cluster‐embedded perovskite oxide are discovered with promising electrocatalysis performance for ENRR (NH3 yield rate of up to 137.5 ± 5.8 µg h−1 mgcat−1 and Faradaic efficiency of unexpected 56.9 ± 4.1%), reaching the top record of Ru‐based catalysts reported so far. In situ experiments and density functional theory calculations confirm that the existence of Ru clusters can regulate the electronic structure of Ru single atoms and decrease the energy barrier of the first hydrogenation step (*NN to *NNH). Anchoring Ru onto various 2D perovskite oxides (LaMO‐Ru, MCr, Mn, Co, or Ni) also show boosted ENRR performance. Not only this study provides an unique strategy toward transition‐metal‐anchored new 2D conductive materials, but also paves the way for fundamental understanding the correlation between cluster‐involved single‐atom sites and catalytic performance.
How are decisions made in open source software communities? — Uncovering rationale from python email repositories
Authors: Sharma Pankajeshwara Nand , Savarimuthu Bastin Tony Roy , Stanger Nigel
Published: January 2023

Group decision‐making (GDM) processes shape the evolution of open source software (OSS) products, thus playing an important role in the governance of open source software communities. While these GDM processes have attracted the attention of researchers, the rationale behind decisions, that is, how decisions are made that enhance the OSS, have not received much attention. This work bridges this gap by extracting these rationales from a large open source repository comprising 1.55 million emails available in Python development archives. This work makes a methodological contribution by presenting a heuristics‐based rationale extraction system called Rationale Miner that employs information retrieval, natural language processing, and heuristics‐based techniques. Using these techniques, it extracts the rationale behind specific decisions (for example, whether a new module was added based on core developer consensus or a benevolent dictator's pronouncement). This work unearths 11 such rationales behind decisions in the Python community and thus makes a knowledge contribution. It also analyzes the prevalence of these rationales across all PEPs and three sub‐types of PEPs: Process, Informational, and Standard Track PEPs. The effectiveness of our contributions has been positively evaluated using quantitative and qualitative approaches (e.g., comparison against baselines for rationale identification showed up to 47% improvement in the most conservative case, and feedback from the Python steering committee showed the accurate identification of rationales respectively). The approach proposed in this work can be used and extended to discover the rationale behind decisions that remain hidden in communication repositories of other OSS projects, which will make the decision‐making (DM) process transparent to stakeholders and encourage decision‐makers to be more accountable.
Tailoring Self‐Assembled Monolayers for High‐Performance Polymer Solar Cells with Improved Stability
Authors: Hu Jie , He Chengliang , Zheng Xiangjun , Li Yaokai , Yang Xi , Wang Wenyuan , Zhang Jie , Chen Qi , Huang Fei , Fu Weifei , Chen Hongzheng
Published: January 2023

Self‐assembly monolayers (SAMs) of small molecules are attractive alternatives of traditional transporting materials to reconcile interfaces with tunable interface properties in polymer solar cells (PSCs). Herein, it is found that benzylphosphonic acid (BnPA)/pentafluorobenzylphosphonic acid (F5BnPA) mixture could form an ordered SAM on indium tin oxide (ITO) due to the strong arene–perfluoroarene interaction, thus the hole‐transport‐layer‐free PSCs based on poly[(2,6‐(4,8‐bis(5‐(2‐ethylhexyl‐3‐fluoro)thiophen‐2‐yl)‐benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]‐dithiophene))‐alt‐(5,5‐(1′,3′‐di‐2‐thienyl‐5′,7′‐bis(2‐ethylhexyl)benzo[1′,2′‐c:4′,5′‐c′]dithiophene‐4,8‐dione)] (PM6): BO‐4Cl achieves a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 18.0%. The high performance is attributed to the improved energy level alignment, excellent carrier‐extraction ability, and reduced recombination. The device also shows much better stability compared with the devices based on BnPA‐ or F5BnPA‐modified ITO, and shows comparable stability to the device based on ITO/poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS). Furthermore, the device with an area of 1.05 cm2 shows a PCE of 15.3%, which is among the highest reported values. Herein, the potential of SAMs is highlighted for highly stable and high‐performance PSCs toward commercialization.
Study on Prior Austenite Grain Size and Softening Fraction in Governing Microstructure and Mechanical Behavior of Medium Mn Steel after Intercritical Annealing
Authors: Sun Xiaoyun , Zhang Mei , Xu Xiang , Wei Yong , Pan Lu , Wang Banglun
Published: January 2023

The effects of the prior austenite grain (PAG) size and softening fraction on the microstructure and mechanical properties of 0.15C–7Mn steel after intercritical annealing (IA) are investigated. The hot‐forged alloy is subjected to double‐hit compression under different conditions to obtain different PAG sizes and softening fractions. Comparing the samples with the maximum (67 μm) and minimum (33 μm) PAG sizes, different grain morphology and size of reversed austenite, and carbide re‐dissolution degree are noted after IA. The ultimate tensile strength (UTS), total elongation (TE), and product of UTS and TE increase linearly with decreasing PAG size. The decrease in PAG size increases the nucleation rate and volume fraction of the retained austenite. The softening fraction affects the morphology of the microstructure and formation of carbide particles after IA, and the austenite formation kinetics. In particular, a smaller PAG size and higher softening fraction can yield austenite grains with more suitable mechanical stability and higher volume fraction, which is conducive to the transformation‐induced plasticity effect and the improvement of mechanical properties.
Recent Developments in Intermolecular Cross‐Rauhut‐Currier Reactions
Authors: Biswas Subhankar , Bania Nimisha , Chandra Pan Subhas
Published: January 2023

Intermolecular cross Rauhut‐Currier reactions have gained much importance in recent years. It has proved its importance through procedures involving various catalysts and resulting in complex structures with good regio‐ as well as stereo‐ selectivity. This review highlights the recent developments of these reactions, published in current years, involving both achiral and chiral catalysts to give products, having various utilities. In addition, the detailed mechanistic studies of the above‐mentioned reactions are also presented.
A call for strengthening the current Libyan national health system by focusing on quality of care: A policy brief
Authors: Eddib Abeer , Eddib Hasan
Published: January 2023

The Libyan health system is in a dire state, and after security, strengthening the health system is a top national priority. The initial effort should focus on capacity building using the existing healthcare system as a foundation, and not try to design a new health system that is not appropriate for the situation on the ground. Many new health systems that have been successfully designed and implemented in the last two decades, such as in Taiwan, have built on the experiences and best practices from different countries. These however, were already stable countries that possess the requisite cross‐sector infrastructure to build upon. Libya is different: it not only lacks a robust functioning health system, it lacks many of the infrastructure requirements to carry on most other basic functions. Furthermore, unlike many other countries, Libya is unique in that the financing of healthcare in the long run should not be an issue due to the relatively small population size and potential revenue.

Efforts should focus on identifying the strengths and weaknesses of the current national health system and see what needs to be changed to align it along a model of patient‐centered quality care. The current main issue appears to be that of governance and management, which should be redesigned and strengthened to achieve the key strategic objectives of quality and patient safety. For Libya to start to do this, it should try to model an existing single‐payer government model to help improve outcomes.
Integrated correlators in $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 4 SYM via SL(2, ℤ) spectral theory
Authors: Paul Hynek , Perlmutter Eric , Raj Himanshu
Published: January 2023

Abstract

We perform a systematic study of integrated four-point functions of half-BPS operators in four-dimensional $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 super Yang-Mills theory with gauge group SU(N). These observables, defined by a certain spacetime integral of $$ \left\langle {\mathcal{O}}_2{\mathcal{O}}_2{\mathcal{O}}_p{\mathcal{O}}_p\right\rangle $$

O
2

O
2

O
p

O
p

where $$ {\mathcal{O}}_p $$

O
p

is a superconformal primary of charge p, are known to be computable by supersymmetric localization, yet are non-trivial functions of the complexified gauge coupling τ. We find explicit and remarkably simple results for several classes of these observables, exactly as a function of N and τ. Their physical and formal properties are greatly illuminated upon employing the SL(2, ℤ) spectral decomposition: in this S-duality-invariant eigenbasis, the integrated correlators are fixed simply by polynomials in the spectral parameter. These polynomials are determined recursively by linear algebraic equations relating different N and p, such that all integrated correlators are ultimately fixed in terms of the integrated stress tensor multiplets in the SU(2) theory. Our computations include the full matrix of integrated correlators at low values of p, and a certain infinite class involving operators of arbitrary p. The latter satisfy an open lattice chain equation for all N, reminiscent of the Toda equation obeyed by extremal correlators in $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 superconformal theories. We compute ensemble averages of these observables and analyze our solutions at large N, confirming and predicting features of semiclassical AdS5× S5 supergravity amplitudes.
Identifying photochemical alterations of dissolved pyrogenic organic matter using fluorescence spectroscopy
Authors: Egan Jessica K. , McKnight Diane M. , Bowman Maggie M. , SanClements Michael D. , Gallo Adrian C. , Hatten Jeff A. , Matosziuk Lauren M.
Published: January 2023

Many streams originate in forested watersheds at risk of wildfires. Wildfires can introduce thermally altered organic compounds to terrestrial and aquatic systems. Understanding the degradation of leachates from these burned organic materials, referred to as dissolved pyrogenic organic material (PyDOM), is critical in determining water quality impacts in forested watersheds. This study used fluorescence spectroscopy to examine photochemical alterations of PyDOM generated by leaching organic matter burned at various temperatures. The PyDOM was exposed to natural sunlight for 25 days and the photochemical formation of hydrogen peroxide was monitored. PyDOM was characterized using ultraviolet–visible absorption, excitation–emission matrix (EEM) fluorescence spectroscopy, and fluorescence indices. Throughout the experiment, the emission intensity of the humic peak for all light-exposed leachates decreased while dark leachates exhibited no significant change in their fluorescence spectra. Additionally, hydrogen peroxide concentrations and UV absorbance decreased progressively over time, providing direct evidence that PyDOM concentrations can be significantly reduced by photodegradation. A characteristically low emission peak was observed in the EEMs of the fresh PyDOM, which could help in detecting fresh PyDOM. These results demonstrate that PyDOM derived from burned leachates is susceptible to photodegradation and that fluorescence measurements could be used as proxies for detecting PyDOM immediately post-wildfire.
Equilibria in bottleneck games
Authors: Kawasaki Ryo , Konishi Hideo , Yukawa Junki
Published: January 2023

This paper introduces a bottleneck game with finite sets of commuters and departing time slots as an extension of congestion games of Konishi et al. (J Econ Theory 72:225–237, 1997a). After characterizing Nash equilibrium of the game, we provide sufficient conditions for which the equivalence between Nash and strong equilibria holds. Somewhat surprisingly, unlike in congestion games, a Nash equilibrium in pure strategies may often fail to exist, even when players are homogeneous. In contrast, when there is a continuum of atomless players, the existence of a Nash equilibrium and the equivalence between the set of Nash and strong equilibria hold as in congestion games (Konishi et al. 1997a).
Extended therapy with [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 in responding patients with high-volume metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Mader Nicolai , Nguyen Ngoc Christina , Kirkgöze Bilge , Baumgarten Justus , Groener Daniel , Klimek Konrad , Happel Christian , Tselis Nikolaos , Chun Felix K. H. , Grünwald Frank , Sabet Amir
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The currently used scheme for radioligand therapy (RLT) of patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) consists of 4–6 cycles of 6.0–7.4 GBq [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 each. This standard treatment scheme has proved safe and effective resulting in objective response in most patients with no significant toxicity. Many patients, however, show high-volume residual tumor burden after the sixth cycle and may benefit from treatment continuation. Extended treatment with additional cycles has been withheld due to concerns on potential increased toxicity.

Methods

Twenty-six patients with high-volume residual tumor burden (according to CHAARTED) after standard RLT with [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 and no alternative treatment option received additional RLT cycles reaching a median of 10 (range 7–16) cycles with a mean activity of 7.4 ± 0.9 GBq per cycle. Response assessment with [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT was done every 2–3 cycles or if disease progression was clinically suspected or based on change in PSA value (according to the PCWG3 criteria). Toxicity was measured using routine blood work up including blood counts, liver and renal function, and was graded according to CTCAE v5.0 criteria. Survival outcome was calculated based on the Kaplan-Meier method.

Results

Further PSA decline of 33 ± 28% during the extended treatment was observed in 21/26 (81%) patients, whereas 5/26 (19%) patients showed a PSA increase; correspondingly in 11/21 patients with an initial response (PR or SD) to extended cycles, treatment was discontinued due to progressive disease, whereas six (23%) patients achieved low-volume residual disease. Two (8%) patients died without showing progression, and two (8%) patients are still under therapy. The median progression-free survival was 19 (95% CI: 15–23) months, and the overall survival was 29 (95% CI: 18–40) months. Grade ≥ 3 hematological toxicities occurred in 4/26 (15%) patients during treatment extension, and nephrotoxicity (grade ≥ 3) was observed in 1/26 (4%) patient during the follow-up.

Conclusion

Extended radioligand therapy is a feasible treatment option in patients with high-volume residual tumor after the completion of standard treatment with six cycles of [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617. Improved survival and the acceptable safety profile warrant further investigation of the concept of additional cycles in selected patients.
The short spined crown-of-thorns starfish Acanthaster brevispinus is a corallivore too
Authors: Keesing John K. , Mortimer Nick , Hellmrich Logan , Godoy Daniel , Babcock Russell C. , Heyward Andrew , Paton David , Harvey Euan S.
Published: January 2023

The short spined crown-of-thorns starfish Acanthaster brevispinus inhabits deeper water soft bottom habitats, in contrast to the more infamous Indo-Pacific Acanthaster species complex of which population outbreaks have been responsible for widespread coral mortality throughout the Indo-West Pacific region. Acanthaster brevispinus has not previously been regarded as a threat to corals or coral reefs. Here, we report A. brevispinus occurring on mesophotic off-reef or inter-reef habitats in 20–70-m depths dominated by solitary corals off both the western and eastern coasts of Australia. On Ningaloo Reef, A. brevispinus were found on mushroom coral (Cycloseris distorta) beds using an underwater towed camera and further exploration using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) confirmed predation by A. brevispinus on C. distorta. On the southern Great Barrier Reef, A. brevispinus in large numbers were found in habitat dominated by the dendrophylliid Heteropsammia cf. cochlea. Predation on H. cf. cochlea was also directly observed. This is the first confirmed report of predation on hard corals by A. brevispinus, and while there are yet to be any records of population outbreaks of this species, such outbreaks could have a significant effect on mesophotic solitary coral assemblages.
Synthesis of a fluorene and quinoxaline-based co-polymer for organic electronics
Authors: Sigl Marco , Rath Thomas , Schlemmer Bettina , Fürk Peter , Trimmel Gregor
Published: January 2023

Quinoxaline has recently gained interest as monomer in conjugated copolymers because of its easy synthetic accessibility and successful use in highly efficient organic solar cells. In this contribution, we introduce a quinoxaline–fluorene-co-polymer, PFQ10, synthesized by copolymerization of 5,8-dibromo-6,7-difluoro-2-[(2-hexyldecyl)oxy]quinoxaline and 9,9-dioctyl-9H-9-fluorene-2,7-bis(boronic acid pinacol ester) using the Suzuki–Miyaura reaction. By optimization of the reaction conditions, polymers with molecular weights up to 17.2 kDa and a low dispersity of 1.3 were obtained. PFQ10 showed blue photoluminescence with an emission maximum at 459 nm and a relative fluorescence quantum yield of 0.37. As proof of principle, PFQ10 was employed in organic light-emitting diodes and showed a blue–green electroluminescence.

Graphical abstract
The risk of depressive and anxiety symptoms in women with premature ovarian insufficiency: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Xi Dan , Chen Biyin , Tao Hui , Xu Yunxiang , Chen Guizhen
Published: January 2023

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) appears to be associated with depressive and anxiety symptoms. However, there is a lack of high-quality evidence relating to the risk of patients with POI developing depression or anxiety. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to quantify the risk of depressive and anxiety symptoms in women with POI. We searched English and Chinese databases to evaluate the risk of depression and anxiety disorders in patients with POI. The final search date was November 2021. The risk was quantified using meta-analysis, with an estimation of pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Sources of heterogeneity were explored by subgroup analysis. A total of seven primary studies with 1316 individuals were included, five of which were related to depression and six to anxiety disorders. All included articles were case–control studies of high quality. Patients with POI were associated with a higher odds of depression and anxiety (depression: OR = 3.33, 95% CI = 2.31–4.81, P < 0.001; anxiety: OR = 4.89, 95% CI = 3.28–7.30, P < 0.001). Subgroup analysis also indicated that patients with POI are at a higher risk of anxiety and depression. POI appears to be associated with a high risk of depression and anxiety. Early psychosocial assessment and regular screening of patients with POI are also necessary. In addition, it is important to consider the mental health of patients with POI.
Inferring inter-colony movement within metapopulations of yellow-footed rock-wallabies using estimates of kinship
Authors: Smith Deane A. , Lethbridge Mark R. , Allen Benjamin L. , Andrew Rose L.
Published: January 2023

Understanding the exchange of individuals between wildlife populations, particularly those with naturally fragmented habitats, is important for the effective management of these species. This is of particular consequence when the species is of conservation concern, and isolated populations may be lost due to pressures from predation or competition, or catastrophic events such as wildfire. Here we demonstrate the use kinship and population structure analysis to show potential recent movement between colonies in metapopulations of yellow-footed rock-wallaby (Petrogale xanthopus Gray 1854) at two sites in the Grey Range of Queensland, and at four sites in the Gawler Ranges of South Australia. These colonies are also compared to a single colony from the Flinders Ranges, a connected landscape of rock-wallaby habitat. Using reduced representation next-generation sequencing, we acquired and filtered a set of ~ 17,000 single-nucleotide polymorphisms to examine population genetic variation, structure and relationships within populations, and also identify putative migrants. Initial STRUCTURE analysis re-confirmed each population should be considered separately. Tests of population genetic variation identify several colonies appearing to be experiencing genetic erosion, also with low calculated effective population sizes (Ne = 4.5–36.6). Pairwise comparisons of individual relatedness (relatedness coeffiecients; r) implied several contemporary movement events between colonies within both the Gawler and Grey Ranges (r > 0.125), which was then affirmed with tests for putative first generation migrants. These results are of particular note in South Australia, where threat abatement (management of key predators and competitors) may facilitate dispersion. Additionally, in Queensland, colonies are separated by anthropogenic barriers: predator exclusion fencing designed to exclude dingoes (Canis familiaris) from grazing land, which may hinder dispersal. This work highlights the usefulness of population genetics to inform management outcomes in wildlife, in this case, highlighting the need for threatened species management at the landscape level.
Examining the spatiotemporal variation of genetic diversity and genetic rarity in the natural plant recolonization of human-altered areas
Authors: Garrote Pedro J. , Castilla Antonio R. , Picó F. Xavier , Fedriani Jose M.
Published: January 2023

The spatiotemporal genetic variation at early plant life stages may substantially affect the natural recolonization of human-altered areas, which is crucial to understand plant and habitat conservation. In animal-dispersed plants, dispersers’ behavior may critically drive the distribution of genetic variation. Here, we examine how genetic rarity is spatially and temporally structured in seedlings of a keystone pioneer palm (Chamaerops humilis) and how the variation of genetic rarity could ultimately affect plant recruitment. We intensively monitored the seed rain mediated by two medium-sized carnivores during two consecutive seasons in a Mediterranean human-altered area. We genotyped 143 out of 309 detected seedlings using 12 microsatellite markers. We found that seedlings emerging from carnivore-dispersed seeds showed moderate to high levels of genetic diversity and no evidence of inbreeding. We found inflated kinship among seedlings that emerged from seeds within a single carnivore fecal sample, but a dilution of such FSGS at larger spatial scales (e.g. latrine). Seedlings showed a significant genetic sub-structure and the sibling relationships varied depending on the spatial scale. Rare genotypes arrived slightly later throughout the dispersal season and tended to be spatially isolated. However, genetic rarity was not a significant predictor by itself which indicates that, at least, its influence on seedling survival was smaller than other spatiotemporal factors. Our results suggest strong C. humilis resilience to genetic bottlenecks due to human disturbances. We highlight the study of plant-animal interactions from a genetic perspective since it provides crucial information for plant conservation and the recovery of genetic plant resilience.
The Justice and Ontology of Gastrospaces
Authors: Bonotti Matteo , Borghini Andrea , Piras Nicola , Serini Beatrice
Published: January 2023

In this paper, we establish gastrospaces as a subject of philosophical inquiry and an item for policy agendas. We first explain their political value, as key sites where members of liberal democratic societies can develop the capacity for a sense of justice and the capacity to form, revise, and pursue a conception of the good. Integrating political philosophy with analytic ontology, we then unfold a theoretical framework for gastrospaces: first, we show the limits of the concept of “third place;” second, we lay out the foundations for an ontological model of gastrospaces; third, we introduce five features of gastrospaces that connect their ontology with their political value and with the realization of justice goals. We conclude by briefly illustrating three potential levels of intervention concerning the design, use, and modification of gastrospaces: institutions, keepers, and users.
Trajectories of Affine Control Systems and Geodesics of a Spacetime with a Causal Killing Vector Field
Authors: Bartolo Rossella , Caponio Erasmo
Published: January 2023

We study the geodesic connectedness of a globally hyperbolic spacetime (M,g) admitting a complete smooth Cauchy hypersurface S and endowed with a complete causal Killing vector field K. The main assumptions are that the kernel distribution $\mathcal D$
D
of the one-form induced by K on S is nowhere integrable and that the gradient of g(K,K) is orthogonal to $\mathcal {D}$
D
. We approximate the metric g by metrics gε smoothly depending on a real parameter ε and admitting K as a timelike Killing vector field. A known existence result for geodesics of such type of metrics provides a sequence of approximating solutions, joining two given points, of the geodesic equations of (M,g) and whose Lorentzian energy turns out to be bounded thanks to an argument involving trajectories of some affine control systems related with $\mathcal {D}$
D
.
The Cartesian Grid Active Flux Method with Adaptive Mesh Refinement
Authors: Calhoun Donna , Chudzik Erik , Helzel Christiane
Published: January 2023

We present the first implementation of the Active Flux method on adaptively refined Cartesian grids. The Active Flux method is a third order accurate finite volume method for hyperbolic conservation laws, which is based on the use of point values as well as cell average values of the conserved quantities. The resulting method has a compact stencil in space and time and good stability properties. The method is implemented as a new solver in ForestClaw, a software for parallel adaptive mesh refinement of patch-based solvers. On each Cartesian grid patch the single grid Active Flux method can be applied. The exchange of data between grid patches is organised via ghost cells. The local stencil in space and time and the availability of the point values that are used for the reconstruction, leads to an efficient implementation. The resulting method is third order accurate, conservative and allows the use of subcycling in time.
Preparation and characterization of α-zirconium phosphate as a perspective material for separation of 225Ac and 213Bi
Authors: Ondrák Lukáš , Ondrák Fialová Kateřina , Sakmár Michal , Vlk Martin , Štamberg Karel , Drtinová Barbora , Šlouf Miroslav , Bruchertseifer Frank , Morgenstern Alfred , Kozempel Ján
Published: January 2023

The interest for ZrP this material is based on its physicochemical properties which makes this material a perspective candidate for applications in nuclear medicine. In this study ZrP was prepared and completely characterized using various analytical methods. Finally, the study of radiometals sorption mechanism on a surface of ZrP and the surface characterization of ZrP were done. In conclusion, ZrP appears as promising for next studies with various purposes like drug delivery system or ion-exchanger for separations of medical radionuclides such as 225Ac and 213Bi.
The Cognitive Makeup of Writing: Multivariate Analysis of Writing Impairments Following Stroke
Authors: Chen Haobo , Yu Shaode , Pan Xiaoping , Chen Yanjia , Zhang Tian , Li Ze , Zhou Jin , Hu Jianxi , Bickerton Wai-Ling , Lau Johnny King , Guo Aihua , Kong Anthony Pak Hin , Rotshtein Pia
Published: January 2023

Writing is a recently acquired skill to human behavioral repertoire, essential in industrialized societies. In the clinic, writing impairment is evident in one-third of stroke patients. This study aimed to find out the cognitive features that contribute to writing impairment of stroke patients in two different writing systems (logographic and phonological). Cognitive profiles were assessed using the Birmingham Cognitive Screen in two cohorts, China (244 patients) and UK (501 patients). The datasets were analyzed separately using an identical procedure. Elastic net was used to rank the importance of different cognitive abilities (features) to writing skill; and linear support vector machine was used to identify the discriminative features needed to accurately identify the stroke patients with and without writing impairments. The prediction performance was evaluated with the area under the curve (AUC), accuracy (ACC), sensitivity (SEN), and specificity (SPE). For the China cohort, writing numbers, complex figure copy, and number calculation obtained good prediction performance on writing impairments with AUC 0.85 ± 0.06, ACC (89 ± 3) %, SEN (81 ± 10) %, and SPE (90 ± 27) %. Concerning the UK data, writing numbers, number calculation, non-word reading, and auditory sustain attention achieved AUC 0.79 ± 0.04, ACC (83 ± 3) %, SEN (74 ± 9) %, and SPE (84 ± 3) %. A small number of patients in both cohorts (China: 9/69, UK: 24/137), who were impaired in writing, were consistently misclassified. Two patients, one in each cohort, showed selective impairments in writing, while all remaining patients were impaired in attention, language, and/or praxis tasks. The results showed that the capability to write numbers and manipulate them were critical features for predicting writing abilities across writing systems. Reading abilities were not a good predictor of writing impairments across both cohorts. Constructive praxis (measured by complex figure copy) was relevant to impairment classification in characters-based writing (China), while phonological abilities (measured by non-word reading) were important features for impairment prediction in alphabetic writing (UK). A small proportion minority of cases with writing deficits were related to different impairment profiles. The findings in this study highlight the multifaceted nature of writing deficits and the potential use of computation methods for revealing hidden cognitive structures in neuropsychological research.
A healthy diet for a growing population: a case study of Arua, Uganda
Authors: Hermelink Marleen I. , Pittore Katherine H. , Álvarez Aranguiz Adolfo , Pereira da Silva Fatima I. , Roefs Marlene M. I. , Kajobe Robert , Malingumu Richard , Hengsdijk Huib
Published: January 2023

It is uncertain whether Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG2), a healthy diet for all, can be achieved in East Africa given its strong population growth, low agricultural yields, and the high perishability of nutrient-dense foods. We examine the consequences of a locally produced healthy diet on land use in a case study of the Arua district in Uganda. This type of analysis can alert policy makers to looming nutrition gaps and support the selection of alternative solution strategies. Using a linear programming (LP) model and three population growth projections, we estimate the minimum agricultural area needed in 2040 to produce a healthy diet that follows EAT-Lancet dietary diversity guidelines and supplies the average requirements of calories, proteins, Iron, and vitamin A. We also compare in scenarios to what extent i) production intensification, ii) food loss reduction, iii) by-product consumption, and iv) vitamin supplementation could reduce the required agricultural area. Results show that the necessary area to produce a healthy diet in 2040 is 160% larger than Arua’s current crop area and would greatly exceed the district’s total area. We also show that none of the changes proposed in our scenarios allows a sufficient increase in food production, suggesting that a mix of even more drastic changes across sectors will be necessary. The results underline the challenge for rural areas in East Africa like Arua to provide a healthy diet to its fast growing population, requiring integrated food system changes and policy coordination to orchestrate the increased availability of diverse and nutritious foods.
Deuteron and α-particle-induced nuclear reactions on 45Sc: activation cross section measurement and thick target yield evaluation
Authors: Al-abyad M. , Hassan H. E. , Solieman A. H. M. , Ditrói F. , Saleh Z. A.
Published: January 2023

Systematic measurements of nuclear reaction cross sections were done in the low energy range for the two reactions45Sc(d,p)46Sc and45Sc(α,n)48V. Thin foils of high-purity (99.95%) natural Sc targets (100%45Sc), purchased from Good-Fellow, were irradiated with 10 and 20 MeV incident deuteron andα-particle energies, respectively, at beam current of 100 nA using MGC-20 cyclotron. For precise measurements, high-purity Ti and Cu foils were used for monitoring the actual deuteron andα-particle beam intensities, respectively. The conventional stacked-foil technique was applied for measurement and calculation of the cross section values using a high-resolutionγ-ray spectrometer for measuring the radioactivity. Nuclear model code EMPIRE-3.2 was used for calculation of the investigated excitation functions. The obtained results were compared with the experimental values and TENDEL-2021 data which are based on TALYS-1.96 code calculations. The integrated yields for the two reactions, based on the proposed average excitation functions, were estimated.
Effect of modelling choices in the unit commitment problem
Authors: Wuijts Rogier Hans , van den Akker Marjan , van den Broek Machteld
Published: January 2023

In power system studies the unit commitment problem (UC) is solved to support market decisions and assess system adequacy. Simplifications are made to solve the UC faster, but they are made without considering the consequences on solution quality. In this study we thoroughly investigated the impacts of simplifications on solution quality and computation time on a benchmark set consisting of almost all the available instances in the literature. We found that omitting the minimum up- and downtime and simplifying the startup cost resulted in a significant quality loss without reducing the computation time. Omitting reserve requirements, ramping limits and transmission limits reduced the computation time, but degraded the solution significantly. However, the linear relaxation resulted in less quality loss with a significant speed-up and resulted in no difference when unserved energy was minimized. Finally, we found that the average and maximum capacity factor difference is large for all model variants.