bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultrasound fusion imaging for improving diagnostic and therapeutic strategies of focal liver lesions: A preliminary study
Authors: Huang Danqing , Wen Baojie , Zhang Han , Liu Han , Wang Wenping , Shen Haiyun , Kong Wentao
Published: April 2023

Purpose

To assess the effect of ultrasound (US) fusion imaging on the clinical diagnostic and therapeutic strategies of focal liver lesions, which are difficult to detect or diagnose by conventional US.

Methods

From November 2019 to June 2022, 71 patients with invisible or undiagnosed focal liver lesions who underwent fusion imaging combining US with CT or MR were included in this retrospective study. The reasons for US fusion imaging were as follows: (1) lesions that were undetectable or inconspicuous on B‐mode US; (2) post‐ablation lesions that could not be assessed accurately by B‐mode US; (3) to evaluate whether the lesions detected by B‐mode US that were consistent with those presented on MRI/CT images.

Results

Of the 71 cases, 43 cases were single lesions, and 28 cases were multiple lesions. Among the 46 cases which were invisible on conventional US, the display rate of lesions using US‐CT/MRI fusion imaging was 30.8%, and that combined with CEUS was 76.9%. US‐guided biopsy was performed in 30 patients after the detection and localization determined by fusion imaging, with a positive rate of 73.3%. Six patients with recurrence after ablation therapy were all detected and located accurately after fusion imaging, and 4 of them successfully underwent ablation therapy again.

Conclusion

Fusion imaging contributes to the understanding of the anatomical relationship between lesion location and blood vessels. Additionally, fusion imaging can improve the diagnostic confidence, be helpful to guide interventional operations, and hence be conducive to clinical therapeutic strategies.
A LncRNA gene polymorphism (rs1814343) is associated with the risk of coronary artery lesions in southern Chinese Kawasaki disease patients
Authors: Chen Wenchao , Chen Shuo , Tian Yan , Liu Yanqing , Chen Cheng , Wang Bingtong , Chen Chongfeng , Liu Fucheng
Published: April 2023

Background

Kawasaki disease (KD) is a multisystemic angiitis, and its most disastrous complication is coronary artery lesions (CALs). Recently, the role of long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in KD has been reported. rs1814343 is a lncRNA, but the relationship between the lncRNA rs1814343 polymorphism and KD risk remains elusive.

Methods

We enrolled 1625 Kawasaki disease patients (583 patients with CAL and 1042 without CAL) and 1000 healthy controls from a southern Chinese population. We genotyped the rs1814343 C > T polymorphism in KD and control patients using the TaqMan method. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to estimate the strength of the association.

Results

There was no significant association between the lncRNA rs1814343 C > T polymorphism and KD susceptibility. However, we stratified patients in this study by CAL and sex. First, compared with the control groups, we found that the rs1814343 genotype increased risk for KD patients with CAL (TT vs. CC + CT: OR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.08–1.71, p = 0.009). Moreover, when KD patients were stratified by CAL, the TT genotypes of this lncRNA polymorphism contributed to a relatively higher occurrence of KD with CAL than that was found in the CC/CT genotype patients (TT vs. CC + CT: OR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.07–1.69, p = 0.011). In addition, our research suggested that the TT variant genotype in the lncRNA rs1814343 had an obvious risk of KD with CAL susceptibility in male children.

Conclusion

The lncRNA rs1814343 C > T polymorphism was related to higher susceptibility of KD with CAL.
Acrodermatitis continua of Hallopeau with psoriatic arthritis treated with biologics and apremilast
Authors: Igari Shohei , Yamamoto Toshiyuki
Published: April 2023

Acrodermatitis continua of Hallopeau (ACH) is a rare variant of acral pustular psoriasis, exclusively involving the distal phalanges and nails of the hands and feet. We herein report a rare case of concurrent ACH and psoriatic arthritis sine psoriasis presenting with dactylitis. The patient was successfully treated with biologics and apremilast.
An improved result for a class of Klein–Gordon–Maxwell system with quasicritical potential vanishing at infinity
Authors: Gan Canlin , Xiao Ting , Zhang Qiongfen
Published: April 2023

The following kind of Klein–Gordon–Maxwell system is investigated
where is a parameter, and V is vanishing potential. By using some suitable conditions on K and f, we obtain a Palais–Smale sequence by using Pohožaev equality and prove the ground‐state solution for this system by employing variational methods. Our result improves the related one in the literature.
Lipopolymeric Nanocarrier Enables Effective Delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 Expressing Plasmid
Authors: Sahel Deepak Kumar , Goswami Sangam Giri , Jatyan Reena , Kumari Anupma , Mittal Anupama , Ramalingam Sivaprakash , Chitkara Deepak
Published: April 2023

CRISPR/Cas9 has proven its accuracy and precision for gene editing by making a double‐strand break at the predetermined site. Despite being a mainstream gene editing tool, CRISPR/Cas9 has limitations for its in vivo delivery due to the physico‐chemical properties such as high molecular weight, supranegative charge, degradation in the presence of nucleases, etc. Hereby, a cationic lipopolymer is explored for its efficiency in delivering CRISPR/Cas9 plasmid (pCas9) in vitro and in vivo. The lipopolymer is utilized to form blank cationic nanoplexes having a zeta potential of +15.8 ± 0.7 mV. Being cationic, the blank nanoplexes are able to condense the pCas9 plasmid at a ratio of 1:20 with a complexation efficiency of ≈98% and show a size and zeta potential of ≈141 ± 16 nm and 4.2 mV ± 0.7, respectively. The pCas9‐loaded nanoplexes show a transfection efficiency of ≈69% in ARPE‐19 cells and show ≈22% of indel frequency, indicating the successful translation of Cas9 protein and guide RNA in the cytosol. Further, they are found to be stable under in vivo environment when given intravenously in Swiss albino mice. These lipopolymeric nanoplexes can be a potential carrier for CRISPR plasmids for genome editing applications.
Judicial system reform and trade credit financing: Evidence from a quasi‐natural experiment
Authors: Cheng Bo , Lu Shiyu
Published: April 2023

This paper examines the impact of judicial system reform on trade credit financing using a quasi‐natural experiment in China. We find that the judicial system reform promotes the trade credit financing. The reform effect is stronger for firms that are non‐state‐owned, advocating trust culture orientation, and with high relationship‐specific investment level, high debt level, and low cash holdings level. Moreover, our results show that the increase in business transaction volume and the improvement of internal control quality are important channels to increase the trade credit financing. The judicial system reform has notably improved the total factor productivity and firm value.
A multiparameter radiomic model for accurate prognostic prediction of glioma
Authors: Li Yan , Bao Li , Yang Caiwei , Deng Zhenglong , Zhang Xin , Xu Pin , Su Xiaorui , Zeng Fanxin , Mehrabi Mir Q. U. , Yue Qiang , Song Bin , Gong Qiyong , Lui Su , Wu Min
Published: April 2023

An accurate prediction of prognosis is important for clinical treatments of glioma. In this study, a multiparameter radiomic model is proposed for accurate prognostic prediction of glioma. Three kinds of region of interest were extracted from preoperative postcontrast T1‐weighted images and T2 fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery images acquired from 140 glioma patients. Radiomics score (Radscore) was calculated and the conventional image features and clinical molecular characteristics that may be related to progression‐free survival (PFS) were evaluated. Five uniparameter and various combinations of biparameter and multiparameter models based on above characteristics were built. The performance of these models was evaluated by concordance index (C index), and the nomogram of the multiparameter radiomic model was constructed. The results show that the proposed multiparameter radiomic model has a better prediction performance than other models. In the training and validation sets, the calibration curves of the multiparameter radiomic model for the 1‐, 2‐, and 3‐year PFS probability demonstrate a high consistence between predictions and observations. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that the multiparameter radiomic model based on Radscore, conventional image features and clinical molecular characteristics can improve the prediction accuracy of glioma prognosis, which could be informative for individualized treatments.
Comparison of postoperative urinary continence and incontinence types between conventional and Retzius‐sparing robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy
Authors: Kadono Yoshifumi , Nohara Takahiro , Kawaguchi Shohei , Makino Tomoyuki , Naito Renato , Kadomoto Suguru , Iwamoto Hiroaki , Yaegashi Hiroshi , Shigehara Kazuyoshi , Izumi Kouji , Mizokami Atsushi
Published: April 2023

Aims

This study aimed to investigate the postoperative urinary continence rate and incontinence types compared over time between conventional robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy (C‐RARP) and Retzius‐sparing RARP (RS‐RARP).

Methods

All 61 cases were selected from the C‐RARP and RS‐RARP by propensity score matching, and the pad scale, 24‐h pad weight test, and International consultation on incontinence questionnaire‐short form (ICIQ‐SF) were followed‐up over time up to 12 months.

Results

The probability of urinary continence per pad scale evaluation differed according to how it was defined: the continence rate 12 months after C‐RARP and RS‐RARP were 94% and 95% for 1 pad/day, 85% and 92% for 1 security pad/day, 61% and 85% for no pad use, respectively, which were all significantly better with RS‐RARP. The results of the 24‐h pad weight test were significantly better with RS‐RARP at both 3 and 12 months, with median C‐RARP versus RS‐RARP values of 5 versus 1 g and 2 versus 0 g, respectively. In terms of types of urinary incontinence, the rates of postoperative stress urinary incontinence (SUI) increased in both procedures but to a lesser extent in RS‐RARP. Other types of urinary incontinence, such as urge incontinence and terminal dribbling, did not differ significantly before and after surgery and between the two procedures.

Conclusions

Postoperative urinary continence was better with RS‐RARP than with C‐RARP per all follow‐up parameters until 12 months postoperatively. Postoperative SUI was significantly lower with RS‐RARP than with C‐RARP, which was considered the main reason for better postoperative urinary continence with RS‐RARP.
Germination temperature sensitivity differs between co‐occurring tree species and climate origins resulting in contrasting vulnerability to global warming
Authors: Filipe João C. , Ahrens Collin C. , Byrne Margaret , Hardy Giles , Rymer Paul D.
Published: April 2023

Climate change is shifting temperatures from historical patterns, globally impacting forest composition and resilience. Seed germination is temperature‐sensitive, making the persistence of populations and colonization of available habitats vulnerable to warming. This study assessed germination response to temperature in foundation trees in south‐western Australia's Mediterranean‐type climate forests (Eucalyptus marginata (jarrah) and Corymbia calophylla (marri)) to estimate the thermal niche and vulnerability among populations. Seeds from the species' entire distribution were collected from 12 co‐occurring populations. Germination thermal niche was investigated using a thermal gradient plate (5–40°C). Five constant temperatures between 9 and 33°C were used to test how the germination niche (1) differs between species, (2) varies among populations, and (3) relates to the climate of origin. Germination response differed among species; jarrah had a lower optimal temperature and thermal limit than marri (To 15.3°C, 21.2°C; ED50 23.4°C, 31°C, respectively). The thermal limit for germination differed among populations within both species, yet only marri showed evidence for adaptation to thermal origins. While marri has the capacity for germination at higher thermal temperatures, jarrah is more vulnerable to global warming exceeding safety margins. This discrepancy is predicted to alter species distributions and forest composition in the future.
A conditional decomposition of proper scores: quantifying the sources of information in a forecast
Authors: Allen Sam , Ferro Christopher A. T. , Kwasniok Frank
Published: April 2023

Scoring rules condense all information regarding the performance of a probabilistic forecast into a single numerical value, providing a convenient framework with which to rank and compare competing prediction schemes objectively. Although scoring rules provide only a single measure of forecast accuracy, the expected score can be decomposed into components that each assess a distinct aspect of the forecast, such as its calibration or information content. Since these components could depend on several factors, it is useful to evaluate forecast performance under different circumstances; if a forecaster were able to identify situations in which their forecasts perform particularly poorly, then they could more easily develop their forecast strategy to account for these deficiencies. To help forecasters identify such situations, a novel decomposition of scores is introduced that quantifies conditional forecast biases, allowing for a more detailed examination of the sources of information in the forecast. From this, we claim that decompositions of proper scores provide a broad generalisation of the well‐known analysis of variance (ANOVA) framework. The new decomposition is applied to the Brier score, which is then used to evaluate forecasts that the daily maximum temperature will exceed a range of thresholds, issued by the Swiss Federal Office of Meteorology and Climatology (MeteoSwiss). We demonstrate how the additional information provided by this decomposition can be used to improve the performance of these forecasts, by identifying appropriate auxiliary information to include within statistical postprocessing methods.
Adenocarcinoma with mediastinal lymph node involvement developed from a pure ground grass nodule during 14 years
Authors: Miura Hiroyuki , Miura Jun , Goto Shinichi , Yamamoto Tomoko
Published: April 2023

A 69‐year‐old female Japanese patient presented with an abnormal shadow on chest computed tomography (CT). She had received a mastectomy 14 years prior. Under the diagnosis of primary lung cancer, left upper lobectomy was conducted. Pathology showed a lepidic adenocarcinoma with mediastinal lymph node metastases with pT2aN2M0. Upon retrospective analysis, the chest CT at the time of mastectomy depicted a ground‐glass nodule (GGN) of less than 20 mm. Over the previous 10.5 years, the concentration of the central part of the GGN increased. Conclusively, a pure GGN developed into lung adenocarcinoma with mediastinal lymph node involvement over 14 years. She had bone metastases 4 years after the lobectomy but has survived for five and a half years after surgery with treatment with osimertinib. Comparison readings of films should be performed throughout the patient's clinical history to detect subtle shadow alterations indicative of tumour progression.
Digital approach toward environmental sustainability in supply chains: Evidence from Vietnamese firms
Authors: Nguyen Nha Minh , Hoai Tu Thanh , Vo Hien Van , Nguyen Nguyen Phong
Published: April 2023

Despite substantial efforts to examine the factors driving green supply chain management practices and environmental performance in emerging markets, the roles of green digital learning orientation and digital transformation facilitating these practices are still not fully understood. Utilizing the resource‐based view strategy, we investigated how green digital learning orientation impacts environmental performance through green supply chain management practices, while also exploring the moderating effect of digital transformation in the green digital learning orientation and green supply chain management practices link. Our findings, based on data collected from 212 Vietnamese enterprises, indicate that green digital learning orientation has a positive impact on green supply chain management practices, which in turn leads to improved environmental performance. Additionally, the study reveals that digital transformation plays a significant moderating role in the relationship between green digital learning orientation and green supply chain management practices. These findings make a notable contribution to the existing digital transformation and sustainable supply chain literature. The study provides both theoretical and managerial implications, which are discussed in detail.
Theoretical Study of Azetidine Derivative by Quantum Chemical Methods, Molecular Docking and Molecular Dynamic Simulations
Authors: Sinha Prashasti , Yadav Anil Kumar
Published: April 2023

Azetidine substituent group has a wide range of application in organic chemistry and medical field. In this study, a novel azetidine derivative and its reaction mechanism has been reported. Using quantum chemical method spectroscopic analysis and other parameters such as electronic and thermodynamic properties were studied to understand the physical as well as chemical behavior of the reported compound. Additionally, to study the antiviral activity, molecular docking studies were carried out against Hepatitis virus C (HCV) NS5B genotype and Norovirus as target protein. In order to validate the docking results molecular dynamic (MD) simulation and Molecular Mechanics‐Poisson‐Boltzmann Surface Area (MM‐PBSA) were calculated at 90 ns. The RMSD was obtained within the range 0.75 Å to 1.5 Å and binding energies (ΔGbind) for the two complexes was found to be −18.34 kJ/mol and −16.10 kJ/mol for each respective targets.It was found that reported compound can act as potential inhibitor for HCVand Norovirus.
A Bird's‐Eye View on Deep Eutectic Solvent‐Mediated Multicomponent Synthesis of N‐Heterocycles
Authors: Kumar S Lokesh , Servesh Anushka , Kumar Sriwastav Yash , Balasubramanian Sanjaybala , Tabassum Sumaiya , Govindaraju Santhosh
Published: April 2023

Multicomponent reactions are crucial for operating organic synthesis. In today's world, chemists concentrate on greener methodologies that cater to rising environmental concerns. Most conventional organic solvents are harsh on the environment, which can be addressed by environmentally and pocket‐friendly Deep eutectic solvents (DES). Organic synthesis via MCR in the presence of DES has resulted in the blend of green methodology and green solvent for organic transformations. Forasmuch as addressing the environmental concerns and developing higher heterocycles, our review focuses on the literature published on the DES‐mediated Multicomponent synthesis of N‐Heterocyclic compounds.
Stratum‐Confined Solid‐State Reaction (SC‐SSR) toward Colloidal Silicon‐Based Hollow Nanostructures for Bioapplications
Authors: Choi Jeong Hun , Kumari Nitee , Kumar Amit , Acharya Anubhab , Ahn Jungsoo , Kim Jaerim , Hwang Hyeonwoong , Joo Taiha , Kim Jong Kyu , Lee In Su
Published: April 2023

Silicon nanostructures (SiNSs) can provide multifaceted bioapplications; but preserving their subhundred nm size during high‐temperature silica‐to‐silicon conversion is the major bottleneck. The SC‐SSR utilizes an interior metal‐silicide stratum space at a predetermined radial distance inside silica nanosphere to guide the magnesiothermic reduction reaction (MTR)‐mediated synthesis of hollow and porous SiNSs. In depth mechanistic study explores solid‐to‐hollow transformation encompassing predefined radial boundary through the participation of metal‐silicide species directing the in‐situ formed Si‐phase accumulation within the narrow stratum. Evolving thin‐porous Si‐shell remains well protected by the in‐situ segregated MgO emerging as a protective cast against the heat‐induced deformation and interparticle sintering. Retrieved hydrophilic SiNSs (<100 nm) can be conveniently processed in different biomedia as colloidal solutions and endocytosized inside cells as photoluminescence (PL)‐based bioimaging probes. Inside the cell, rattle‐like SiNSs encapsulated with Pd nanocrystals can function as biorthogonal nanoreactors to catalyze intracellular synthesis of probe molecules through C‐C cross coupling reaction.
MXene and Carbon‐Based Electrodes of Thermocells for Continuous Thermal Energy Harvest
Authors: Liu Zhuoxin , Wei Shouhao , Hu Zhe , Zhu Minshen , Chen Guangming , Huang Yang
Published: April 2023

Low‐grade heat represents a significant form of energy loss; thermocells (TECs) utilizing the thermogalvanic effect can convert thermal energy into electricity without generating vibrations, noise, or waste emissions, making them a promising energy conversion technology for efficiently harvesting low‐grade heat. Despite recent advancements, the reliance on high‐cost platinum electrodes in TECs has considerably hindered their widespread adoption. Developing cost‐effective electrodes that maintain the same thermoelectrochemical performance is crucial for the successful application of TECs. In this review article, the exploration of MXene materials as TEC electrodes is discussed first, emphasizing the immense potential of the MXene family for low‐grade heat harvesting applications. Next, recent research on carbon‐based electrodes is summarized, and morphological and structural optimizations are comprehensively discussed aiming at enhancing the thermoelectrochemical performance of TECs. In the concluding section, the challenges are outlined and future perspectives are offered, which provide valuable insights into the ongoing development of high‐performance TEC electrodes using MXene and carbon‐based materials.
In‐person versus online instruction: Evidence from principles of economics
Authors: Elzinga Kenneth G. , Harper Daniel Q.
Published: April 2023

COVID‐19 required many professors to switch from in‐person teaching to online instruction, allowing exploration of a pivotal question in education: are learning outcomes better when instruction takes place in‐person or online? We compare student performance across two semesters of the same large introductory economics course—one taught in‐person in 2019, the other taught online in 2020. We analyze test scores from over 2000 students for exam questions common to both instructional formats. At the aggregate level, we find no difference in student performance between online and in‐person instruction. When dividing questions by required reasoning skills, we find that online instruction improves student performance on questions requiring knowledge of a definition or formula. Additionally, student course evaluations rated the online course over in‐person pedagogy.
The challenge of inclusivity, capability and change in complex, multi‐stakeholder problem situations—Practical insight from the application of participative systems methods, models and facilitation within an organisational setting
Authors: Newsome Ian , Lloyd David
Published: April 2023

Reflecting on learning from the practical experience in the employment of systems thinking and facilitation to tackle complex, multi‐stakeholder problems in work settings, three interconnected challenges were commonly encountered: an inclusivity challenge, a capability challenge and a change challenge. A series of typical cases are outlined to help illustrate these challenges, where combinations of participative systems methods, models and facilitation practices were employed within complex, multi‐stakeholder policing problem situations.
Towards a robust and compact deep learning system for primary detection of early Barrett’s neoplasia: Initial image‐based results of training on a multi‐center retrospectively collected data set
Authors: Fockens Kiki N. , Jukema Jelmer B. , Boers Tim , Jong Martijn R. , van der Putten Joost A. , Pouw Roos E. , Weusten Bas L. A. M. , Alvarez Herrero Lorenza , Houben Martin H. M. G. , Nagengast Wouter B. , Westerhof Jessie , Alkhalaf Alaa , Mallant Rosalie , Ragunath Krish , Seewald Stefan , Elbe Peter , Barret Maximilien , Ortiz Fernández‐Sordo Jacobo , Pech Oliver , Beyna Torsten , van der Sommen Fons , de With Peter H. , de Groof A. Jeroen , Bergman Jacques J.
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Endoscopic detection of early neoplasia in Barrett's esophagus is difficult. Computer Aided Detection (CADe) systems may assist in neoplasia detection. The aim of this study was to report the first steps in the development of a CADe system for Barrett's neoplasia and to evaluate its performance when compared with endoscopists.

Methods

This CADe system was developed by a consortium, consisting of the Amsterdam University Medical Center, Eindhoven University of Technology, and 15 international hospitals. After pretraining, the system was trained and validated using 1.713 neoplastic (564 patients) and 2.707 non‐dysplastic Barrett's esophagus (NDBE; 665 patients) images. Neoplastic lesions were delineated by 14 experts. The performance of the CADe system was tested on three independent test sets. Test set 1 (50 neoplastic and 150 NDBE images) contained subtle neoplastic lesions representing challenging cases and was benchmarked by 52 general endoscopists. Test set 2 (50 neoplastic and 50 NDBE images) contained a heterogeneous case‐mix of neoplastic lesions, representing distribution in clinical practice. Test set 3 (50 neoplastic and 150 NDBE images) contained prospectively collected imagery. The main outcome was correct classification of the images in terms of sensitivity.

Results

The sensitivity of the CADe system on test set 1 was 84%. For general endoscopists, sensitivity was 63%, corresponding to a neoplasia miss‐rate of one‐third of neoplastic lesions and a potential relative increase in neoplasia detection of 33% for CADe‐assisted detection. The sensitivity of the CADe system on test sets 2 and 3 was 100% and 88%, respectively. The specificity of the CADe system varied for the three test sets between 64% and 66%.

Conclusion

This study describes the first steps towards the establishment of an unprecedented data infrastructure for using machine learning to improve the endoscopic detection of Barrett's neoplasia. The CADe system detected neoplasia reliably and outperformed a large group of endoscopists in terms of sensitivity.
Increase Efficiency of Energy Transmission by Incentives
Authors: Jacobsen Benjamin
Published: April 2023

The sustainability of manufacturing processes can be monitored by various key performance indicators and usually has a positive impact on the operating result. There are thus direct incentives to maximize efficiency and sustainability. The situation is different for the transmission of electrical energy. Energy transmission and distribution are generally regulated economic sectors in which incentive regulation methods are used to ensure economic efficiency. The current regulations provide only limited incentives for the energetic and ecological efficiency and sustainability of the transmission and distribution of electrical energy. With this paper a key figure is presented that enables a better consideration of ecological aspects in the incentive regulation. This creates a better incentive to increase transmission efficiency, which has a direct positive impact on all downstream manufacturing processes.
Prospects for a lattice calculation of the rare decay Σ+ → pℓ+ℓ−
Authors: Erben Felix , Gülpers Vera , Hansen Maxwell T. , Hodgson Raoul , Portelli Antonin
Published: April 2023

Abstract

We present a strategy for calculating the rare decay of a Σ+(uus) baryon to a proton (uud) and di-lepton pair using lattice QCD. To determine this observable one needs to numerically evaluate baryonic two-, three-, and four-point correlation functions related to the target process. In particular, the four-point function arises from the insertion of incoming and outgoing baryons, together with a weak Hamiltonian mediating the s → d transition and an electromagnetic current creating the outgoing leptons. As is described in previous work in other contexts, this four-point function has a highly non-trivial relation to the physical observable, due to proton and proton-pion intermediate states. These lead to growing Euclidean time dependence and, in the case of the two-particle intermediate states, to power-like volume effects. We discuss how to treat these issues in the context of the Σ+ → pℓ+ℓ− decay and, in particular, detail the relation between the finite-volume estimator and the physical, complex-valued amplitude. In doing so, we also make connections between various approaches already described in the literature.
Modular-invariant large-N completion of an integrated correlator in $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 4 supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory
Authors: Dorigoni Daniele , Green Michael B. , Wen Congkao , Xie Haitian
Published: April 2023

Abstract

The use of supersymmetric localisation has recently led to modular covariant expressions for certain integrated correlators of half-BPS operators in $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory with a general classical gauge group GN. Here we determine generating functions that encode such integrated correlators for any classical gauge group and provide a proof of previously conjectured formulae. This gives a systematic understanding of the relation between properties of these correlators at finite N and their expansions at large N. In particular, it determines a duality-invariant non-perturbative completion of the large-N expansion in terms of a sum of novel non-holomorphic modular functions. These functions are exponentially suppressed at large N and have the form of a sum of contributions from coincident (p, q)-string world-sheet instantons.
Ebastine impairs metastatic spread in triple-negative breast cancer by targeting focal adhesion kinase
Authors: Seo Juyeon , Park Minsu , Ko Dongmi , Kim Seongjae , Park Jung Min , Park Soeun , Nam Kee Dal , Farrand Lee , Yang Jinsol , Seok Chaok , Jung Eunsun , Kim Yoon-Jae , Kim Ji Young , Seo Jae Hong
Published: April 2023

We sought to investigate the utility of ebastine (EBA), a second-generation antihistamine with potent anti-metastatic properties, in the context of breast cancer stem cell (BCSC)-suppression in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). EBA binds to the tyrosine kinase domain of focal adhesion kinase (FAK), blocking phosphorylation at the Y397 and Y576/577 residues. FAK-mediated JAK2/STAT3 and MEK/ERK signaling was attenuated after EBA challenge in vitro and in vivo. EBA treatment induced apoptosis and a sharp decline in the expression of the BCSC markers ALDH1, CD44 and CD49f, suggesting that EBA targets BCSC-like cell populations while reducing tumor bulk. EBA administration significantly impeded BCSC-enriched tumor burden, angiogenesis and distant metastasis while reducing MMP-2/-9 levels in circulating blood in vivo. Our findings suggest that EBA may represent an effective therapeutic for the simultaneous targeting of JAK2/STAT3 and MEK/ERK for the treatment of molecularly heterogeneous TNBC with divergent profiles. Further investigation of EBA as an anti-metastatic agent for the treatment of TNBC is warranted.
Increased complications rates and inferior patient reported outcomes following total knee arthroplasty due to post‐traumatic osteoarthritis with previous fracture treatment: a systematic review
Authors: Syrikas Ioannis , Engbäck Cecilia , Tsikandylakis Georgios , Karikis Ioannis , Desai Neel
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This study aims to present the existing literature relating to patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) and complications in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) due to posttraumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) with prior fracture treatment around the knee compared with patients who underwent TKA because of primary osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

A systematic review was undertaken and synthesised in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines by searching existing literature in the following databases: PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library and EMBASE. A search string according to the PECO was used. After analysing 2781 studies, 18 studies (5729 PTOA patients/149,843 OA patients) were included for a final review. An analysis revealed that 12 (67%) were retrospective cohort studies, four (22%) were register studies and the remaining two (11%) were prospective cohort studies. The mean Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) score was 23.6 out of 28, signifying studies of moderate quality.

Results

The most frequently reported outcome measure were postoperative complications, reported in all eighteen studies. Intraoperative complications were reported in ten (4165 PTOA/124.511 OA) and patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) in six studies (210 PTOA/2768 OA). A total of nine different PROMs were evaluated. As far as PROMs were concerned, the scores were inferior for PTOA but did not differ statistically from OA, except for one study, which favoured the OA group. Across all studies, postoperative complications were higher in the PTOA group, reporting infections as the most common complication. Furthermore, a higher revision rate was reported in the PTOA group.

Conclusion

PROM analysis suggests that both patient groups benefit from a TKA in terms of functional outcome and pain relief, however, patient‐reported outcomes could be inferior for PTOA patients. There is consistent evidence for increased complication rates following PTOA TKA. Patients undergoing TKA due to PTOA after fracture treatment should be informed about the risk for inferior results and refrain from comparing their knee function to patients with TKA after OA. Surgeons should be aware of the challenges that PTOA TKA poses.

Level of evidence

Level III.
Analysis of 200 unrelated individuals with a constitutional NF1 deep intronic pathogenic variant reveals that variants flanking the alternatively spliced NF1 exon 31 [23a] cause a classical neurofibromatosis type 1 phenotype while altering predominantly NF1 isoform type II
Authors: Koczkowska Magdalena , Chen Yunjia , Xie Jing , Callens Tom , Gomes Alicia , Wimmer Katharina , Messiaen Ludwine M.
Published: April 2023

Neurofibromatosis type 1 results from loss-of-functionNF1pathogenic variants (PVs). Up to 30% of allNF1PVs disrupt mRNA splicing, including deep intronic variants. Here, we retrospectively investigated the spectrum ofNF1deep intronic PVs in a cohort of 8,090 unrelated individuals from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) dataset with a molecularly confirmed neurofibromatosis type 1. All variants were identified through their effect on theNF1transcript, followed by variant characterization at the DNA-level. A total of 68 distinct variants, which were ≥ 20 nucleotides away from the closest exon–intron junction, were identified in 2.5% unrelated individuals with NF1 (200/8,090). Nine different pathogenic splice variants, identified in 20 probands, led to exonization of different parts of intron 30 [23.2] or 31 [23a]. The two majorNF1transcript isoforms, distinguished by the absence (type I) or presence (type II) of the alternatively spliced cassette exon 31 [23a], are equally expressed in blood in control individuals without NF1 or NF1-affected individuals carrying their PV not in the introns flanking exon 31 [23a]. By fragment and cloning analysis we demonstrated that the exonization of intron 31 [23a] sequences due to deep intronic PV predominantly affects theNF1isoform II. Seven additional (likely) pathogenicNF1deep intronic variants not observed in the UAB dataset were found by classification of 36 variants identified by a literature search. Hence, the unique list of these 75 deep intronic (likely) PVs should be included in any comprehensiveNF1testing strategy.
Absence of Arrhythmogenicity with Biphasic Pulsed Electric Fields Delivered to Porcine Airways
Authors: Meininger Glenn R. , Neal Robert E. , Hunter David W. , Krimsky William S.
Published: April 2023

Pulsed electric field (PEF) technologies treat many types of tissue. Many systems mandate synchronization to the cardiac cycle to avoid the induction of cardiac arrhythmias. Significant differences between PEF systems make the assessment of cardiac safety from one technology to another challenging. A growing body of evidence suggests that shorter duration biphasic pulses obviate the need for cardiac synchronization, even when delivered in a monopolar fashion. This study theoretically evaluates the risk profile of different PEF parameters. It then tests a monopolar, biphasic, microsecond-scale PEF technology for arrhythmogenic potential. PEF applications of increasing likelihood to induce an arrhythmia were delivered. The energy was delivered throughout the cardiac cycle, including both single and multiple packets, and then with concentrated delivery on the t-wave. There were no sustained changes to the electrocardiogram waveform or to the cardiac rhythm, despite delivering energy during the most vulnerable phase of the cardiac cycle, and delivery of multiple packets of PEF energy across the cardiac cycle. Only isolated premature-atrial contractions (PAC) were observed. This study provides evidence that certain varieties of biphasic, monopolar PEF delivery do not require synchronized energy delivery to prevent harmful arrhythmias.
How to Ensure Inclusivity in Large-Scale General Population Cohort Studies? Lessons Learned with Regard to Including and Assessing Sex, Gender, and Sexual Orientation
Authors: Ballering Aranka V. , Burke Sarah M. , Maeckelberghe Els L. M. , Rosmalen Judith G. M.
Published: April 2023

Despite recent advances in the measurement of sex, gender, and sexual orientation in large-scale cohort studies, the three concepts are still gaining relatively little attention, may be mistakenly equated, or non-informatively operationalized. The resulting imprecise or lacking information hereon in studies is problematic, as sex, gender, and sexual orientation are important health-related factors. Omission of these concepts from general population cohort studies might dismiss participants’ identity and experiences and pushes research on sexual or gender minority populations toward purposive sampling, potentially introducing selection bias. It also reinforces the unintentional notion of irrelevance of these concepts to health research, ultimately disadvantaging sexual and gender minority populations. Similarly, a lack of uniform measures on sex, gender, and sexual orientation hampers multi-cohort studies in which data from multiple studies are combined, facilitating increased statistical power. This paper discusses the encountered pitfalls and lessons learned on including and assessing sex, gender, and sexual orientation in large-scale general population cohort studies, exemplified by the Dutch Lifelines Cohort Study. Additionally, we propose hands-on strategies on how to operationalize these concepts in an inclusive manner that is useful for large-scale general population cohort studies.
Convergence of derivative-free nonmonotone Direct Search Methods for unconstrained and box-constrained mixed-integer optimization
Authors: García Palomares Ubaldo M.
Published: April 2023

This paper presents a class of nonmonotone Direct Search Methods that converge to stationary points of unconstrained and boxed constrained mixed-integer optimization problems. A new concept is introduced: the quasi-descent direction. A point x is stationary on a set of search directions if there exists no feasible qdd on that set. The method does not require the computation of derivatives nor the explicit manipulation of asymptotically dense matrices. Preliminary numerical experiments carried out on small to medium problems are encouraging.
Latent factors on the design and adoption of gamified apps in primary education
Authors: Vázquez-Cano Esteban , Quicios-García María-Pilar , Fombona Javier , Rodríguez-Arce Jorge
Published: April 2023

The main objective of this research is to determine the perception of teachers about the elements that increases the educational effectiveness of gamified apps in primary education. A methodology based on an importance-performance analysis was daeveloped, using a structural equations model to calcuate the degree of importance of each variable. The sample was formed of 212 Spanish teachers with experience using educational apps in the teaching–learning process. Six categories were identified as precursors of educational effectiveness: (1) curriculum connection, (2) feedback and operational experience, (3) assessment and learning analytics, (4) sustainability (Protection Personal data), (5) equal access and (6) flow. These six categories enhance the three traditional areas of gamification intervention: cognitive, emotional and social. In this sense, the design and adoption of an educational gamified app should: (1) establish a clear link between the game and curricular content and competence development; (2) promote self-regulated learning through individual and collaborative activities; (3) offer adapted learning by integrating differentiated personalized learning pathways; (4) integrate learning analytics that can be consulted by teacher, student and family; (5) comply with data protection regulation and promote a safe, sustainable and ethical use of the information generated; (6) take into account different levels of functional diversity. When the gamified app design incorporates these attributes, primary education teachers perceive that such resources can be integrated effectively into the teaching–learning processes.
Isolation and characterization of the hydrophilic BNI compound, 6-methoxy-2(3H)-benzoxazolone (MBOA), from maize roots
Authors: Otaka Junnosuke , Subbarao Guntur Venkata , MingLi Jiang , Ono Hiroshi , Yoshihashi Tadashi
Published: April 2023

Background and aims

Biological nitrification inhibition (BNI) is a chemical ecological phenomenon whereby plants specifically suppress nitrification by releasing inhibiting compounds from roots, an effective strategy for improving nitrogen uptake by limiting nitrogen losses from agricultural fields. During this study, we have aimed at characterizing hydrophilic BNI activity released from maize roots to understand the chemical basis for BNI function in maize.

Methods

Maize plants were grown hydroponically and root exudates were collected using water-based solutions and hydrophilic BNI activity was extracted. We isolated the target BNI compounds by a combination of chromatographic techniques and bioassays using a recombinant luminescent ammonia-oxidizing bacteriumNitrosomonas europaea(pHLUX20).

Results

We identified 6-methoxy-2(3H)-benzoxazolone (MBOA) as the responsible BNI compound with a median effective dose (ED50) = 0.76 μM. MBOA inhibited the conversion of NH3to NH2OH as well as NH2OH to NO2−inN. europaea, suggesting that MBOA blocks both ammonia monooxygenase and hydroxylamine oxidoreductase enzymatic pathways. Treatment with MBOA significantly suppressed NO2−and NO3−production during soil incubation, but this activity was reduced subsequently due to biodegradation of MBOA by soil microbes. A quantification experiment revealed that MBOA accounted for nearly 50% of the total BNI activity in hydrophilic and hydrophobic exudates from maize roots. A soil incubation test showed that two previously identified benzoxazinoids, HDMBOA and HDMBOA-β-glucoside, can be eventually transformed into MBOA.

Conclusion

We elucidated MBOA as the key component of BNI in maize. Collectively, the present findings will serve as the groundwork for construction of an advanced environment-friendly agricultural system.
The Rage of Lonely Men: Loneliness and Misogyny in the Online Movement of “Involuntary Celibates” (Incels)
Authors: Tietjen Ruth Rebecca , Tirkkonen Sanna K.
Published: April 2023

In this article, we investigate the relationship between loneliness and misogyny amongst the online movement of “involuntary celibates” (incels) that has become widely known through several violent attacks. While loneliness plays a prominent role in the incels’ self-descriptions, we lack a comprehensive analysis of their experience of loneliness and its role in their radicalization. Our article offers such an analysis. We analyze how loneliness is felt, described, and implicitly understood by incels, investigate the normative presumptions underlying their experiences, and critically reflect on the political function of their discourse of loneliness. We claim that it is the affective mechanism of ressentiment that transforms loneliness into antagonistic emotions and show how loneliness is exacerbated rather than alleviated through the incel community. Finally, we point to the relevance of our analysis for contemporary philosophical and feminist loneliness studies.
On groups of finite prüfer rank III
Authors: Wehrfritz B. A. F.
Published: April 2023

If G is a group of finite Prüfer rank we prove that G has a characteristic subgroup K of finite index such that every finite image of its derived subgroup K´ is nilpotent, so every finite image of K is nilpotent-by-abelian.
Analysis of the threshold image contrast obtained with the CDMAM 3.4 and CDMAM 4.0 phantoms
Authors: Biegała Michał , Jakubowska Teresa , Stępińska Anna , Woźniak Piotr
Published: April 2023

Quality control in mammography is a very important element. One of the parameters indicating the appropriate image quality is the threshold image contrast. The CDMAM phantom is used to measure this parameter. It is currently available in two versions 3.4 and 4.0. The aim of this work is to compare the threshold image contrast readings obtained with the CDMAM 3.4 and CDMAM 4.0 phantoms. In the measurements, 9 CDMAM 4.0 phantoms were used to check the difference in indications of individual copies. The phantom whose readings were closest to the average of all readings was used for comparative measurements with the CDMAM 3.4 phantom. Measurements were made on 40 mammography devices. The obtained images were read with the software provided by the phantom manufacturer and the CDMAM Analysis v2.3.0 (NCCPM) software. The average percentage difference between the minimum and maximum values indicated by the CDMAM 4.0 phantoms was 10.09%. Using the CDMAM Analysis v2.3.0 (NCCPM) software, the average difference in readings between the CDMAM 3.4 and CDMAM 4.0 phantoms is 7.93%, and when using the software provided by the phantom manufacturer, it is as much as 60.15%. The obtained results of the threshold image contrast are affected by the type of software used for reading and the accuracy of the execution of individual elements of the phantom. It is recommended to use CDMAM Analysis v2.3.0 (NCCPM) software or the latest software provided by the phantom manufacturer to read the phantom images.
Strategy-proofness implies minimal participation under single-peakedness
Authors: Müller Michael , Puppe Clemens
Published: April 2023

We study a model in which agents with single-peaked preferences can participate in a costly voting procedure to determine the value of a one-dimensional variable. We show that, for all positive participation costs and all profiles of individual preferences, there exists a unique equilibrium outcome with one single participant whenever the voting rule is strategy-proof, anonymous, and responsive in the sense that the outcome reacts to a unanimous move of the votes of all agents in the same direction; moreover, the single participant is always one of the ‘extremist’ voters, i.e. either one with the lowest or one with the highest peak. While this uncovers a strong tension between strategy-proofness and participation for all deterministic voting rules on the single-peaked domain (just as in the case of an unrestricted domain), there are simple probabilistic and strategy-proof voting rules that induce full participation in equilibrium.