bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling Costs and Life-Years Gained by Population-Wide Next-Generation Sequencing or Single-Gene Testing in Nonsquamous Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer in the United States
Authors: Lemmon Christopher A. , Zhou Jie , Hobbs Brian , Pennell Nathan A.
Published: January 2023

PURPOSE

Many patients with actionable driver oncogenes (ADOs) are never identified and thus never receive targeted treatment. This study evaluated the economic impact and the potential life-years gained (LYG) that can be attributed to the extent of next-generation sequencing (NGS) testing in the United States compared with single-gene testing (SGT) in patients with metastatic nonsquamous non–small-cell lung cancer in the United States.

METHODS

A model was developed to evaluate incremental rates of SGT or NSG testing on the basis of LYG and cost per LYG. ADOs included for NGS included EGFR, ALK, ROS1, BRAF, RET, MET, and NTRK. SGT included EGFR and ALK. Assumptions were made for expected incidence of ADOs. Survival distributions were fit to published trial averages of median and 5-year overall survival. Treatment costs were estimated from drug cost averages. Reimbursement costs were based on data from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

RESULTS

Each incremental 10% increase in NGS testing produces an average of 2,627.4 additional LYG, with an average cost savings per LYG of $75 US dollars (USD). Replacing SGT at the current rate of 80% with NGS testing would result in an average additional 21,09.6 LYG and reduce cost per LYG by an average of $599 USD. If 100% of eligible patients were tested with NGS and each identified patient had matched treatment, the total average cost per LYG would be $16,641.57 USD.

CONCLUSION

On the basis of current evidence, population-level simulations demonstrate that clinically relevant gains in survival with non-negligible reduction in costs are obtainable from widespread adoption of NGS testing and appropriate treatment matching for patients with advanced nonsquamous non–small-cell lung cancer.
Programmatic Precision Oncology Decision Support for Patients With Gastrointestinal Cancer
Authors: Keller Rachel B. , Mazor Tali , Sholl Lynette , Aguirre Andrew J. , Singh Harshabad , Sethi Nilay , Bass Adam , Nagaraja Ankur K. , Brais Lauren K. , Hill Emma , Hennessey Connor , Cusick Margaret , Del Vecchio Fitz Catherine , Zwiesler Zachary , Siegel Ethan , Ovalle Andrea , Trukhanov Pavel , Hansel Jason , Shapiro Geoffrey I. , Abrams Thomas A. , Biller Leah H. , Chan Jennifer A. , Cleary James M. , Corsello Steven M. , Enzinger Andrea C. , Enzinger Peter C. , Mayer Robert J. , McCleary Nadine J. , Meyerhardt Jeffrey A. , Ng Kimmie , Patel Anuj K. , Perez Kimberley J. , Rahma Osama E. , Rubinson Douglas A. , Wisch Jeffrey S. , Yurgelun Matthew B. , Hassett Michael J. , MacConaill Laura , Schrag Deborah , Cerami Ethan , Wolpin Brian M. , Nowak Jonathan A. , Giannakis Marios
Published: January 2023

PURPOSE

With the growing number of available targeted therapeutics and molecular biomarkers, the optimal care of patients with cancer now depends on a comprehensive understanding of the rapidly evolving landscape of precision oncology, which can be challenging for oncologists to navigate alone.

METHODS

We developed and implemented a precision oncology decision support system, GI TARGET, (Gastrointestinal Treatment Assistance Regarding Genomic Evaluation of Tumors) within the Gastrointestinal Cancer Center at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. With a multidisciplinary team, we systematically reviewed tumor molecular profiling for GI tumors and provided molecularly informed clinical recommendations, which included identifying appropriate clinical trials aided by the computational matching platform MatchMiner, suggesting targeted therapy options on or off the US Food and Drug Administration–approved label, and consideration of additional or orthogonal molecular testing.

RESULTS

We reviewed genomic data and provided clinical recommendations for 506 patients with GI cancer who underwent tumor molecular profiling between January and June 2019 and determined follow-up using the electronic health record. Summary reports were provided to 19 medical oncologists for patients with colorectal (n = 198, 39%), pancreatic (n = 124, 24%), esophagogastric (n = 67, 13%), biliary (n = 40, 8%), and other GI cancers. We recommended ≥ 1 precision medicine clinical trial for 80% (406 of 506) of patients, leading to 24 enrollments. We recommended on-label and off-label targeted therapies for 6% (28 of 506) and 25% (125 of 506) of patients, respectively. Recommendations for additional or orthogonal testing were made for 42% (211 of 506) of patients.

CONCLUSION

The integration of precision medicine in routine cancer care through a dedicated multidisciplinary molecular tumor board is scalable and sustainable, and implementation of precision oncology recommendations has clinical utility for patients with cancer.
Tumor-Derived Extracellular Vesicles as Complementary Prognostic Factors to Circulating Tumor Cells in Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Nanou Afroditi , Miao Jieling , Coumans Frank A.W. , Dolce Emily M. , Darga Elizabeth , Barlow William , Smerage Jeffrey B. , Paoletti Costanza , Godwin Andrew K. , Pusztai Lajos , Sharma Priyanka , Thompson Alastair , Hortobagyi Gabriel N. , Terstappen Leon W.M.M. , Hayes Daniel F.
Published: January 2023

PURPOSE

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are strongly prognostic for overall survival (OS) in metastatic breast cancer although additional prognostic biomarkers are needed. We evaluated the complementary prognostic value of tumor‐derived extracellular vesicles (tdEVs) next to CTCs.

METHODS

We applied the open-source ACCEPT software to archived CellSearch images from the prospective clinical trial SWOG0500 to enumerate CTCs and tumor-derived extracellular vesicles (tdEVs) before and after one cycle of chemotherapy.

RESULTS

CTCs enumerated by ACCEPT were strongly correlated with classical ocular enumeration (correlation r = 0.98). OS was worse with elevated tdEVs (median OS for high/medium/low groups: 17.1 v 29.0 v 43.3 months; P < .0001). In patients with longer OS by CTC counts (< 5 CTC/7.5 mL blood), elevated tdEV levels were independently associated with poorer OS (multivariable analysis P < .001). OS was also longer for patients with low tdEVs after one cycle of chemotherapy (median OS for high/medium/low group: 10.8 v 17.8 v 26.7; P < .0001).

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the complementary prognostic significance of tdEVs in metastatic breast cancer before and after one cycle of chemotherapy.
Binding Mode of Actin–Aplyronine A–Tubulin Heterotrimeric Complex Revealed by Molecular Dynamics Simulation
Authors: Utomo Didik Huswo , Kita Masaki
Published: January 2023

The antitumor macrolide aplyronine A (ApA) disturbs microtubule (MT) dynamics by inducing the protein–protein interaction (PPI) between actin and tubulin. However, the detailed binding mode of the actin–ApA–tubulin heterotrimeric complex (HTC) and the molecular mechanism by which ApA inhibits MT are unclear. To establish the binding modes of the actin–ApA complex on the tubulin α/β-heterodimer, blind protein–protein docking and molecular dynamics simulations were performed. Two plausible HTC models having enough conformational and ligand stabilities were obtained, in which the C7 N,N,O-trimethylserine ester of ApA, an essential group for its potent cytotoxicity and PPI-inducing effect, interacted with Glu336/Asn337 or Arg123/Glu127 of β-tubulin. Based on the superposed models with the MT lattice, two possible mechanisms were proposed: the HTC would bind to the plus end of MT to potently inhibit tubulin assembly, or the actin–ApA complex would bind to the middle part of MT to form the internal HTC and destabilize MT structure. Our proposed models can explain why the actin–ApA complex inhibits MT dynamics at a much lower concentration than those of fibrous actin and tubulin proteins in cells.
Weak Affinity Chromatography Using Organic Solvents on Cyanopropyl- and Arene-Modified Silica-Gel Columns—Structural Demands for Host and Guest Moieties and Effect of Solvents
Authors: Satake Akiharu , Seino Kazuki , Odaka Yuki , Katagami Yuta , Kuramochi Yusuke
Published: January 2023

Weak affinity chromatography (WAC) is effective for isolating target compounds from analogous compounds with similar functional groups. Previously, a few chromatographic behaviors based on WAC using organic solvents were observed in a series of cyclic multiporphyrin systems on cyanopropyl-modified silica gel (CN-MS). Here, three cyclic porphyrin trimers with various rigidity were examined on CN-MS to understand the mechanism of the specific interactions between porphyrin derivatives and functional groups on modified silica gel. In addition to CN-MS, six modified silica-gel columns were tested to compare their retention abilities for a cyclic nickel porphyrin dimer (C4Ni2MsCP2). We examined the cosolvent effects of the pyridine eluents for C4Ni2MsCP2. Apparent dissociation constants of C4Ni2MsCP2 with functional groups on the MS columns and effective amounts of the functional groups were estimated by frontal affinity chromatography (FAC). 1H NMR titrations of acetonitrile and nitrobenzene to C4Ni2MsCP2 were conducted to compare their association constants with movable guest molecules to the dissociation constants with immobilized functional groups obtained in FAC. We found rigidity of cyclic porphyrin derivatives and immobilization of functional groups on silica gel is necessary for significant retentions using WAC. The affinity interaction does not occur at the center of C4Ni2MsCP2, but probably occurs on the surface composed of a bipyridyl moiety and the adjacent edges of the two porphyrins. Polar solvents, such as nitrobenzene, acetonitrile, and methanol, weakened the interaction. Although C4Ni2MsCP2 dissolves well in chloroform, the interactions between C4Ni2MsCP2 and the MS columns are considerably strengthened in the presence of chloroform. The competitiveness of solvents and cosolvents with the interaction of the porphyrin on WAC is independent of the solubility of the analyte.
Expression of MAP2, GFAP, and calcium in CA3 area of a modified organotypic hippocampal slice culture treated with kainic acid
Authors: Husna Machlusil , Handono Kusworini , Sujuti Hidayat , Aulanni'am Aulanni'am , Rukmigarsari Ettie
Published: January 2023

Background: Neurodegeneration due to neurotoxicity is one of the phenomena in temporal lobe epilepsy. Experimentally, hippocampal excitotoxicity process can occur due to kainic acid exposure, especially in the CA3 area. Neuronal death, astrocyte reactivity and increased calcium also occur in hippocampal excitotoxicity, but few studies have investigated immediate effect after kainic acid exposure. The organotypic hippocampal slice culture (OHSC) is a useful model for studying the neurodegeneration process, but there are still many protocol differences. In this study, minor modifications were made in the OHSC protocol. 

Methods: OHSC was obtained from two healthy wild type Wistar rats aged P10. Healthy culture slices were obtained and lasted up to 10 days in vitro (DIV 10). Bath application of kainic acid for 48 hours in DIV 10 followed by observation of its initial effects on neurons, astrocytes, and calcium via the expression of MAP2, GFAP, and intracellular calcium, subsequently.

Results: After 48 h of kainic acid administration, there was a significant increase in intracellular calcium (p = 0.006 < α), accompanied by a significant decrease in MAP2 (p = 0.003 < α ) and GFAP (p = 0.010 < α) expression.

Conclusion: These findings suggest early neuronal and astrocyte damage at the initial onset of hippocampal injury. This implies that astrocyte damage occurs early before an increase in GFAP that characterizes reactive astrogliosis found in other studies. Damage to neurons and astrocytes may be associated with increased intracellular calcium. It is necessary to develop further research regarding expression of calcium, MAP2, and GFAP at a spatial time after exposure to kainic acid and strategies to reduce damage caused by excitotoxicity.
The Embassy of Good Science – a community driven initiative to promote ethics and integrity in research
Authors: van Hoof Marc , Evans Natalie , Inguaggiato Giulia , Marušić Ana , Gordijn Bert , Dierickx Kris , van Zeggeren David , Dunnik Harald , Gesinn Alexander , Bouter Lex , Widdershoven Guy ,   EnTIRE and VIRT2UE consortia
Published: January 2023

The Embassy of Good Science (https://www.embassy.science) aims to improve research integrity and research ethics by offering an online, open, 'go-to' platform, which brings together information on research integrity and research ethics and makes that information accessible, understandable, and appealing. It effectively organizes and describes research integrity and research ethics guidelines, educational materials, cases, and scenarios. The Embassy is wiki-based, allowing users to add -- when logged in with their ORCID researcher id -- new information, and update and refine existing information. The platform also makes the research integrity and research ethics community visible and more accessible in pages dedicated to relevant initiatives, news and events. Therefore, the Embassy enables researchers to find useful guidance, rules and tools to conduct research responsibly. The platform empowers researchers through increased knowledge and awareness, and through the support of the research integrity and research ethics community. In this article we will discuss the background of this new platform, the way in which it is organized, and how users can contribute.
WP2_HUMAN CAPACITY BUILDING (Wp2.7) Practical toolkit on organization and management of iros
Authors: Cisi Maurizio , Asián Chaves Rosario
Published: January 2023

In the current globalization process, the competence of institutional strategies is fundamental to achieving an efficient internationalization process. In this regard, the International Relations Offices (IROs) of the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) may play a significant role in their own institutions' development. This manual (practical toolkit) has been drafted in the framework of the UNICAC project "University Cooperation Framework of Knowledge Transfer in Central Asia and China" implemented between January 2018 and October 2022. Funded by the European Commission through the KA2 - Capacity Building for Higher Education action of the Erasmus+ programme, the UNICAC project aims to increase the potentials for international and cross- regional cooperation of HEIs in Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and China trough a set of capacity building activities for International Relations Offices (IROs), thus contributing to better international networking, enhancement and better exploitation of their potentials for cooperation in Teaching, Learning and Research (T/L/R).
El desplazamiento del deseo en la poética de Fernanda Laguna.
Authors: Novelli Julieta
Published: January 2023

El trabajo se propone abordar aquella zona de la poética de Fernanda Laguna, artista visual y escritora argentina, constituida a partir de distintas voces feminizadas (Richard, 1994) que habilitan la problematización de la noción de género (Butler, 2019), así como la emergencia de nuevas subjetividades. De este modo, el análisis indagará el discurrir de estas voces por los estereotipos ligados, sobre todo, al placer y al deseo femenino. Se buscará describir los modos a partir de los cuales las voces lagunianas desbordan los lugares comunes presentes en el discurso amoroso, la tradición literaria y ciertas consignas provenientes del feminismo, otorgándoles nuevas potencias capaces de (re) nombrar el deseo.
Optimisation of Economic and Environmental Dispatch of Power System with and without Renewable Energy Sources
Authors: Rana Ankur Singh , Bhagyasree B. Bhavani , Harini T. M. , Sreekumar Sreenu , Raju More
Published: January 2023

Combined Economic and Environmental load dispatch is critical to the functioning of the power grid, and many models have been developed to address these issues using various techniques. Specially, soft computing methods have recently risen in popularity and have been used in a variety of popular and practical applications. The aim of this paper is to determine the benefits of applying Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) to the Combined Economic and Environmental Dispatch (CEED) problem in particular. Here, an attempt has been made to find the minimum cost of generation of a system of thermal and solar power plants. The problem is multi-objective and is converted into a single objective function using weighted sum method. Analysis is also done with and without unit commitment using Priority List method and the results are compared. The analyses has been done in MATLAB tool using six thermal power generators and thirteen solar power plants.
Diversity of plants used for non-medicinal purposes by the traditional communities of Coastal Karnataka, India
Authors: Bhandary M Jayakara
Published: January 2023

Abstract. Bhandary JM. 2021. Diversity of plants used for non-medicinal purposes by the traditional communities of Coastal Karnataka, India. Asian J Ethnobiol 4: 106-114. The Coastal Karnataka region of India, comprising of two districts called Dakshina Kannada and Udupi, is ethnobotanically prosperous owing to its floristic and cultural diversity. This is justified because many ethnobotanical studies have been reported from this area. However, all these studies are concerned only with documentation of traditional knowledge and medicinal plant diversity; the various non-medicinal uses of plants have not received any scientific attention so far. Therefore, this study was undertaken to document the diversity of plants used for edible, piscicidal, and fodder purposes and make different household materials. Plant specimens and associated traditional information were gathered from the knowledgeable elders from other areas’ different indigenous tribal and non-tribal communities. Prior-informed, open-ended interviews, and discussions were conducted with 32 purposively chosen informants in the field during different seasons of the study period. The botanical identity of the plants mentioned as applicable by informants was confirmed with the help of local flora, and enumeration of plant species was done based on the user category. A total of 125 species of angiosperm plants used for non-medicinal purposes by different traditional and tribal communities were documented during the present study. Among them, 116 species were used for any of the above four studied purposes, and only nine species were used for two different purposes. As many as 76 species were used for edible purposes, 18 species as piscicides, 21 species as fodder plants, and 19 species used to make baskets, mats, and other traditional artifacts used in daily lives. This study confirmed that the traditional communities of the study locality have considerable traditional knowledge about non-medicinal uses of local plants. However, the practical use of wild plants for the studied traditional purposes has gradually decreased due to a lack of interest in the newer generation and the availability of modern alternatives.
Diversity of edible plants traded in Legi Traditional Market, Surakarta, Indonesia
Authors: NURSHILLAH CINDY , ANGGOROWATI DARAVITA , PUTRI EKA RACHMA , BALGIS MALIKA , NURWULANDARI MURNI , MURTININGSIH MURTININGSIH , AGUSTINA NIA , WULANDARI PUTRI , LIZA NOR , HIMAWAN WHIDI , SETYAWAN AHMAD DWI
Published: January 2023

Abstract. Nurshillah C, Anggorowati D, Putri ER, Balgis M, Nurwulandari M, Murtiningsih, Agustina N, Wulandari P, Liza N, Himawan W, Setyawan AD. 2022. Diversity of edible plants traded in Legi Traditional Market, Surakarta, Indonesia. Asian J Ethnobiol 5: 52-61. A traditional market is used to conduct buying and selling transactions conducted by direct bargaining. The market is used as a center of socioeconomic activities and a social heritage representation. Many commodities are commonly traded in traditional markets, such as staple foods and other edible plant products such as vegetables, spices, tubers, and fruits. Some of them also have additional functions as herbal remedies. This research aims to inventory edible and medicinal plant species traded in the traditional market in Surakarta, Central Java, Indonesia, namely Legi Market. The method used in this research is the qualitative descriptive method. Direct research observations, including plant surveys and in-depth interviews with Legi Market traders, are used to collect the data. The results showed that the Legi market plays a vital role in the availability of the crops produced by village farmers. There are 92 species of edible plants recorded in the Legi Market, predominately with the Fabaceae group. Furthermore, leaf products were identified as the most commercialized plant parts. In terms of medicinal purposes, 17 species were listed to be used as treatment agents, with the rhizome being the most functioned part.
Documentation of the plants used in different Hindu rituals in Uttarakhand, India
Authors: CHANDRA SATISH
Published: January 2023

Abstract. Chandra S. 2022. Documentation of the plants used in different Hindu rituals in Uttarakhand, India. Asian J Ethnobiol 5: 92-101. Hinduism is one of the largest practicing religions. The Indian subcontinent is the cradle of this religion, and it is followed by a majority of the people of the subcontinent. Rituals are the main component of the Hindu tradition. Any ritual is a way to connect with God and offer salutation. From birth to the death of a person, one has to perform various rituals on enormous occasions. Methodology and material used in a ritual vary as per the presiding deity. In the sacrifice (Yajyan) and other worship procedures stage (Mandapa), different utensils and materials required to complete the rituals originated from plant products. These products represent the environmental and geographical structure of the area. Documentation of the plant species used in different Hindu rituals is done in the present article. A total of 104 plant species are enumerated. The use of plant species individually or in combination with others is also elaborated. Some terms used in the rituals, such as Panch Pallav, Panch Mewa, Saptanaja, Tambula, Panchamrita, Ashtha Bali, etc., which have botanical significance, are also discussed.
The biological characteristics of the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in the Weija Reservoir, Ghana
Authors: KPELLY EBENEZER DELALI , BLAY JOHN , YANKSON KOBINA
Published: January 2023

Abstract. Kpelly DK, Blay Jr.J, Yankson K. 2022. The biological characteristics of the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in the Weija Reservoir, Ghana. Intl J Bonorowo Wetlands 12: 41-54. Studies on the biological characteristics of the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.) were undertaken in a manufactured lake, the Weija Reservoir, in Ghana from September 2007 to August 2008. From commercial landings, a sum of 657 specimens of O. niloticus was examined, of which 357 were males and 300 were females (sex ratio of 1: 0.84; P < 0.05). GSI was highest in March and May 2008 and low in December 2007 and August 2008, which suggested that O. niloticus spawned throughout the year, but major spawning occurred in March. The length at first sexual maturity (L50) was 16.33 cm for males and 13.49 cm for females. Observations on the frequency distribution of ovum size measured between 1.2 to 3.1 mm showed two distinct peaks that were not completely separated, which were probably shedding eggs in batches, indicating protracted spawning in the population. Fecundity ranged from 563 to 1542 ova for fish of total length 15.6-21.5 cm with a mean of 851 ± 13.2 eggs. The relationships between fecundity and body weight (BW) and fecundity (F) and total length (TL) were: F = 0.519 BW + 785.4 and F = 12.36 TL + 628.5. Furthermore, based on studies on monthly fluctuations in the GSI and the occurrence of the ripe gonad, the major reproductive activity of O. niloticus in the reservoir coincided with months with increasing total alkalinity, reduced water temperature, and dissolved oxygen. The regression coefficient of 3.1 for the length-weight relationship (for both females and males) was not significantly different from the expected value of (P > 0.05), indicating isometric growth of the population. Therefore, collection of the species as seed for stocking or brood stock or by fish farmers is recommended in March-April. Moreover, appropriate management policies with periodic studies of the fishery and the limnology of the reservoir are essential to sustain fishery production.
Comprehensive analysis of the effects of magnetic field gradient on the performance of the SERF co-magnetometer
Authors: Pang Haoying , Liu Feng , Fan Wenfeng , Wu Zhihong , Yuan Qi , Quan Wei
Published: January 2023

The magnetic field gradient affects the improvement of sensitivity and magnetic field suppression ability of the spin-exchange relaxation-free co-magnetometer. This paper proposes a response model of a co-magnetometer considering magnetic field gradient based on state-space method. The effects of transverse and longitudinal magnetic field gradients on the system’s scale factor, bandwidth and magnetic field response are analyzed. The analysis shows that transverse gradient affects the whole frequency band of system response, including steady-state and dynamic performance, while longitudinal gradient only affects steady-state response. With the increase of the gradient, the effect becomes more significant. The test results are in agreement with the theory, proving the accuracy of the theoretical analysis. The rotational sensitivity at 1 Hz decreases from 6.51 ×10−6 °/s/Hz1/2 to 5.05×10−5 °/s/Hz1/2 in the presence of a magnetic field gradient of −40 nT/cm, so the effect of the magnetic field gradient is critical. This work provides an accurate model for evaluating the effects of magnetic field gradients and provides a method for suppressing gradients using gradient coils, which are important for improving the sensitivity and accuracy of co-magnetometers.
General mathematical model for the period chirp in interference lithography
Authors: Bienert Florian , Graf Thomas , Ahmed Marwan Abdou
Published: January 2023

We present a general analytical model for the calculation of the spatial distribution of the grating period, enabling the unification of all configurations of classical laser interference lithography (LIL) and scanning-beam interference lithography (SBIL) into one formalism. This is possible due to the consideration of Gaussian beams instead of point sources which allow for the accurate description of not only the laser’s far-field but also its near-field. The proposed model enables the calculation of the grating period, the inclination and the slant of the grating lines on arbitrarily shaped substrates, originating from the interference of arbitrarily orientated and positioned Gaussian beams.
Transmission characteristics of vortex frozen waves in different obstacle channels
Authors: Lei Yi , Li Linjuan , Zhou Hongping , Guo Kai , Guo Zhongyi
Published: January 2023

The obstacle in a channel is a typical scenario for free-space optical (FSO) communications, however, it will destroy the information in channels, especially for the orbital angular momentum (OAM) multiplexing systems and cause performance degradation. Motivated by the feature of predefining intensity profile, here we propose to use frozen wave (FW) carrying OAM for the FSO communications to mitigate the influence of obstacles on the beam propagation. The key idea is to design the longitudinal intensity profile of FW to distribute the beam energy of the location where the obstacle exists over a large region and focus again on the central region after the obstacle for propagation. By analyzing the cases under different sizes, positions, and shapes of the obstacles with on-axis and off-axis scenarios, it has been demonstrated that the detection probability of OAM mode carried by FW can be improved by 0.35 and 0.15 in short-distance and long-distance transmission scenarios, respectively, when compared to that carried by Bessel-Gaussian beam. It demonstrates the FWs have great potential in the OAM-based FSO communications, especially for the obstacle channels.
Growth and adaptation mechanisms of tumour spheroids with time-dependent oxygen availability
Authors: Murphy Ryan J. , Gunasingh Gency , Haass Nikolas K. , Simpson Matthew J.
Published: January 2023

Tumours are subject to external environmental variability. However,in vitrotumour spheroid experiments, used to understand cancer progression and develop cancer therapies, have been routinely performed for the past fifty years in constant external environments. Furthermore, spheroids are typically grown in ambient atmospheric oxygen (normoxia), whereas mostin vivotumours exist in hypoxic environments. Therefore, there are clear discrepancies betweenin vitroandin vivoconditions. We explore these discrepancies by combining tools from experimental biology, mathematical modelling, and statistical uncertainty quantification. Focusing on oxygen variability to develop our framework, we reveal key biological mechanisms governing tumour spheroid growth. Growing spheroids in time-dependent conditions, we identify and quantify novel biological adaptation mechanisms, including unexpected necrotic core removal, and transient reversal of the tumour spheroid growth phases.
Health service research definition builder: An R Shiny application for exploring diagnosis codes associated with services reported in routinely collected health data
Authors: Chalmers Kelsey , Gopinath Valérie , Elshaug Adam G.
Published: January 2023

Many administrative health data-based studies define patient cohorts using procedure and diagnosis codes. The impact these criteria have on a study’s final cohort is not always transparent to co-investigators or other audiences if access to the research data is restricted. We developed a SAS and R Shiny interactive research support tool which generates and displays the diagnosis code summaries associated with a selected medical service or procedure. This allows non-analyst users to interrogate claims data and groupings of reported diagnosis codes. The SAS program uses a tree classifier to find associated diagnosis codes with the service claims compared against a matched, random sample of claims without the service. Claims are grouped based on the overlap of these associated diagnosis codes. The Health Services Research (HSR) Definition Builder Shiny application uses this input to create interactive table and graphics, which updates estimated claim counts of the selected service as users select inclusion and exclusion criteria. This tool can help researchers develop preliminary and shareable definitions for cohorts for administrative health data research. It allows an additional validation step of examining frequency of all diagnosis codes associated with a service, reducing the risk of incorrect included or omitted codes from the final definition. In our results, we explore use of the application on three example services in 2016 US Medicare claims for patients aged over 65: knee arthroscopy, spinal fusion procedures and urinalysis. Readers can access the application at https://kelsey209.shinyapps.io/hsrdefbuilder/ and the code at https://github.com/kelsey209/hsrdefbuilder.
Assessing the sustainability of yellow anaconda (Eunectes notaeus) harvest
Authors: Camera Bruno F. , Quintana Itxaso , Strüssmann Christine , Waller Tomás , Barros Mariano , Draque Juan , Micucci Patrício A. , Miranda Everton B. P.
Published: January 2023

Sustainable wildlife management is necessary to guarantee the viability of source populations; but it is rarely practiced in the tropics. The yellow anaconda (Eunectes notaeus) has long been harvested for its leather. Since 2002 its harvest has operated under a management program in northeastern Argentina, which relies on adaptive management practices, that limit the minimum body length permitted for harvesting, the number of active hunters and the length of hunting seasons. Here we investigated the effects of yellow anaconda harvest on its demography based on 2002–2019 data and show that exploitation levels are sustainable. The gradual reduction in annual hunting effort, due to a decrease in the number of hunters and hunting season duration, reduced the total number of anacondas harvested. Conversely, captures per unit effort increased across the study period. The body size of anacondas was not influenced by the harvesting, and more females than males were caught. We also found that a decrease in mean temperature positively influenced anaconda harvest and the capture of giant individuals. Because sustainable use is a powerful tool for conservation, and anacondas are widespread in South America, these discoveries are highly applicable to other species and regions.
Measurement, data analysis and modeling of electromagnetic wave propagation gain in a typical vegetation environment
Authors: Zhang Chaoyi , Ma Zhangchao , Wang Jianquan , Yao Yan , Han Xiangna , He Xiang
Published: January 2023

This paper takes the specific environment covered by vegetation as the research object, carries out modeling and analysis, takes the large-scale fading model of wireless channel as the basis of data processing, researches the transmission law of electromagnetic wave in a typical vegetation environment, which can be divided into four situations. The signal attenuation in each case is theoretically derived and numerically simulated. From the view point of supporting vegetation environment channel, the large-scale channel measurement system is built to meet the actual needs, such as bandwidth, frequency, vegetation coverage, etc. the final vegetation environment channel model under the large-scale fading model is obtained. The results show that the path gain of four scenarios respectively are 81.3 dB, 36.5 dB, 1.6 dB, 1.5 dB, the value of path gain index is within the range of 2~3.5, four scenarios shadow fading standard deviation values are 7.1, 4.8, 10.1, 9.2, reflects the change of received power at the point caused by random factors such as reflection, absorption and scattering. In addition, the proposed channel model improves the gain about 15% compared with the tradition SUI model within vegetation coverage scene. The design process of the proposed model is carried out in the order of "studied the existing foundation → analyzed the existing problems → proposed the optimization scheme → simulation and verification results → actual measurement system". The advantage of paper’s method is that, when the signal frequency, transceiver distance, antenna height and vegetation environment characteristic parameters are given, the statistical analysis results of wireless channel data are obtained. The purpose of the proposed work establishes a signal propagation prediction model under the vegetation environment, realizes a theoretical basis for channel simulation, and provides the basis of anti-fading technologies.
Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio may predict clinical relapse in ulcerative colitis patients with mucosal healing
Authors: Kurimoto Noriyuki , Nishida Yu , Hosomi Shuhei , Itani Shigehiro , Kobayashi Yumie , Nakata Rieko , Ominami Masaki , Nadatani Yuji , Fukunaga Shusei , Otani Koji , Tanaka Fumio , Nagami Yasuaki , Taira Koichi , Kamata Noriko , Fujiwara Yasuhiro
Published: January 2023

Endoscopic mucosal healing (MH) is an important treatment goal for patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) reflects systemic inflammation and has been reported to be a useful predictive marker for UC. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical utility of the NLR for predicting clinical relapse in UC patients with MH. We retrospectively enrolled patients with UC who underwent colonoscopy at the Osaka City University Hospital between January 2010 and December 2010, whose Mayo Endoscopic Subscore was 0 or 1. The correlation between the incidence of relapse and demographic factors, including the NLR, was analyzed. We included 129 patients in the present study. The median NLR at the time of endoscopy was 1.98, and differences in the high NLR group and the low NLR group were compared. During a median follow-up period of 46.4 months, 58 patients (45.0%) experienced relapse. The cumulative relapse-free rate was significantly higher in the low NLR group than in the high NLR group (P = 0.03, log-rank test). Multivariate analysis identified high NLR as an independent prognostic factor for clinical relapse (hazard ratio, 1.74; 95% confidence interval, 1.02–2.98; P = 0.04). NLR is a novel and useful predictor of clinical relapse in UC patients with MH, and it can potentially be a strong indicator to determine the appropriate treatment strategy and decision-making in clinical practice.
Difficulties in summing log-normal distributions for abundance and potential solutions
Authors: Talis Emma J. , Che-Castaldo Christian , Lynch Heather J.
Published: January 2023

The log-normal distribution, often used to model animal abundance and its uncertainty, is central to ecological modeling and conservation but its statistical properties are less intuitive than those of the normal distribution. The right skew of the log-normal distribution can be considerable for highly uncertain estimates and the median is often chosen as a point estimate. However, the use of the median can become complicated when summing across populations since the median of the sum of log-normal distributions is not the sum of the constituent medians. Such estimates become sensitive to the spatial or taxonomic scale over which abundance is being summarized and the naive estimate (the median of the distribution representing the sum across populations) can become grossly inflated. Here we review the statistical issues involved and some alternative formulations that might be considered by ecologists interested in modeling abundance. Using a recent estimate of global avian abundance as a case study (Callaghan et al. 2021), we investigate the properties of several alternative methods of summing across species’ abundance, including the sorted summing used in the original study (Callaghan et al. 2021) and the use of shifted log-normal distributions, truncated normal distributions, and rectified normal distributions. The appropriate method of summing across distributions was intimately tied to the use of the mean or median as the measure of central tendency used as the point estimate. Use of the shifted log-normal distribution, however, generated scale-consistent estimates for global abundance across a spectrum of contexts. Our paper highlights how seemingly inconsequential decisions regarding the estimation of abundance yield radically different estimates of global abundance and its uncertainty, with conservation consequences that are underappreciated and require careful consideration.
Daily use of chlorine dioxide effectively treats halitosis: A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Szalai Eszter , Tajti Péter , Szabó Bence , Hegyi Péter , Czumbel László Márk , Shojazadeh Saghar , Varga Gábor , Németh Orsolya , Keremi Beata
Published: January 2023

Objectives

We aimed to conduct a systematic review on published data in order to investigate the efficacy of mouthwash products containing chlorine dioxide in halitosis.

Study design

Systematic review and meta-analysis

Methods

Our search was conducted on 14th October 2021. We searched the following electronic databases: MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and CENTRAL. We analysed data on adults with halitosis, included only randomised controlled trials and excluded in vitro and animal studies. The interventional groups used chlorine dioxide, and the comparator groups used a placebo or other mouthwash. Our primary outcomes were changes in organoleptic test scores (OLS) and Volatile Sulfur Compound (VSC) levels from baseline to the last available follow-up.

Results

We found 325 articles in databases. After the selection process, ten articles were eligible for qualitative synthesis, and 7 RCTs with 234 patients were involved in the meta-analysis. Our findings showed a significant improvement in the parameters of the chlorine dioxide group compared to the placebo group in OLS one-day data (mean difference (MD): -0.82; 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs): [-1.04 –-0.6]; heterogeneity: I2 = 0%, p = 0.67); and one-week OLS data (MD: -0.24; 95% CIs: [-0.41 –-0.07]; I2 = 0%, p = 0.52); and also changes in H2S one-day data (standardised mean difference (SMD): -1.81; 95% CIs: [-2.52 –-1.10]); I2 = 73.4%, p = 0.02).

Conclusion

Our data indicate that chlorine dioxide mouthwash may be a good supportive therapy in oral halitosis without known side effects.
Strategic Advertising Mechanisms: from Copy Strategy to Iconic Brands [Reseña]
Authors: Narain-Lucena Ángela
Published: January 2023

Strategic Advertising Mechanisms: from Copy Strategy to Iconic Brands integra los mecanismos estratégicos publicitarios más importantes y trascendentes (por su aplicabilidad en el mercado publicitario), desde los más clásicos como la USP de Reeves hasta los más modernos como las Lovemarks de Roberts. Además, considera mecanismos europeos como la Star Strategy de Séguéla, así como los métodos más consolidados por agencias y anunciantes (Procter & Gamble, Ogilvy). El texto supone un recorrido claro y conciso por la estrategia publicitaria, a través del contexto histórico en el que emergen los mecanismos que conforman el volumen, pasando por las necesidades del anunciante, la metodología, las similitudes y diferencias con el resto de mecanismos, y hasta una crítica a ideas preconcebidas expuestas por diferentes autores.
El reto de la medición de audiencias tradicionales y digitales en un mercado global
Authors: Gallardo-Camacho Jorge , García César , Puebla-Martínez Belén
Published: January 2023

Este monográfico titulado Audiencias y nuevas formas de emisión: lineal, bajo demanda, streaming y/o social cuenta con cinco artículos que representan la complejidad del fenómeno de las audiencias de una manera transversal desde diferentes perspectivas: el consumo de televisión tradicional, las visualizaciones de Netflix, la audiencia social de plataformas de video, los nuevos gustos de los espectadores por los formatos verticales impulsados por los teléfonos móviles, y la relación de los influencers con sus audiencias. Este número plantea el problema de la medición, cuantificación y comparación de audiencias en la nueva era digital. La medición de audiencias audiovisuales se enfrenta al problema de la falta de un sistema de medición aceptado en todas las regiones y por todos los agentes que participan en la producción y difusión de contenidos.
La alfabetización mediática e informacional en las facultades de comunicación en España [Reseña]
Authors: Vizcaíno-Alcantud Pablo
Published: January 2023

Hablar de alfabetización mediática es hablar de una realidad pregnante hoy día. Hacerlo, además, desde el enfoque académico es hacerlo de forma crítica y responsable. Por ello, esta obra plantea las principales cuestiones a debate sobre la alfabetización mediática como eje docente, como foco de estudio y en materia de transferencia. Un texto que recoge las principales conclusiones sobre este prisma educativo, transversal y de universal calado.
Capitalismo, filantropía y poder oculto: amenazas para la profesión periodística [Reseña]
Authors: Assif Mohamed
Published: January 2023

La simbiosis capitalismo-filantropía constituye un poder subyugante para el periodismo. No es un fenómeno nuevo que el dinero de los donantes impregne la agenda de los medios. Sin embargo, en esta era marcada por recesiones económicas, los filántropos se han erigido como uno de los principales garantes de la independencia y la objetividad de los mass media. Se trata, pues, de un arma de doble filo. Mientras los medios de comunicación ensalzan, de cara a la opinión pública, las obras caritativas en no pocos ámbitos de las fundaciones filantrópicas, éstas en connivencia con el sistema capitalista neoliberal capitalizan los beneficios generados por sus actos supuestamente altruistas. En consecuencia, consolidan, por una parte, el statu quo para mantener sus negocios en hegemonía absoluta; y, por otra, granjean la veneración de la opinión pública merced a los medios que se encargan de moldear su mente legitimando sus acciones. De modo que su cobertura mediática hipoteca los quehaceres profesionales. El periodismo, además, se ve precisado a lidiar con otro poder encubierto que se afana en amordazar, por todos los medios, al periodista de investigación. Es, por consiguiente, una confrontación asimétrica cuya resolución a través de estrategias de contrapoder ofrece un abanico de alternativas, no del todo factibles, para contrarrestar la tríada: capitalismo-filantropía-poder oculto.
ABOUT SOME APPROACHES TO DESIGN OF MULTI-NOMENCLATURE PRODUCTION SYSTEMS
Authors: Kondakov A. I.
Published: January 2023

Traditional approaches based on the use of traditional design procedures cannot be recommended as a scientific and methodological basis for designing multi-nomenclature productions. The methodological basis for designing these systems should be based on the use of formalized design procedures and formalized rules that are placed on a single computing platform. The procedures for designing multi-nomenclature systems should be preceded by the analysis of the planned to manufacture parts. It is effective to use for analysis the mathematical apparatus of technological similarity developed in the course of research. It allows you to obtain numerical estimates of the similarity of symbolically specified objects. There are relevant scientific and methodological approaches to the creation of multi-nomenclature productions, allowing to assess the technical and economic indicators of the system project being formed in an automated mode.
THE CALCULATION OF THE MAIN CHARACTERISTICS OF A TURBOMOLECULAR VACUUM PUMP WITH BLADES OF VARIABLE THICKNESS
Authors: Fomin M. V. , Fomina I. M.
Published: January 2023

The calculated dependences and the results of modeling the process of the flow of a rarefied gas through the flow part of a turbomolecular vacuum pump with blades of variable thickness in a three-dimensional formulation of the problem solution are presented. The Monte Carlo method was used for modeling. The calculations trace the movement of each gas molecule from the inlet to the outlet of the pump with the calculation of the probabilities of their passage in the forward and reverse directions. The gas flow mode is molecular.