bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis, redox properties, and catalytic hydrogen gas generation of porphycene cobalt complexes
Authors: Zhou Zihan , Koide Taro , Shiota Yoshihito , Yano Yoshio , Xu Ning , Ono Toshikazu , Shimakoshi Hisashi , Yoshizawa Kazunari , Hisaeda Yoshio
Published: February 2022

A new meso-tetrakis(3,5-di-tert-butylphenyl) substituted porphycene and its cobalt complex were synthesized and characterized. Several meso-tetraarylporphycene cobalt complexes having different substituents showed catalytic activity for the hydrogen gas evolution reaction (HER) in the presence of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) under electrochemical reductive conditions. The electrochemical potential of the HER was -1.50V vs. Ag/AgCl in THF. The active species of this reaction were determined to be the ligand reduced species of Co(II) porphycenes. The catalytic efficiencies of the cobalt complexes of meso-aryl substituted porphycenes and meso-tetraphenylporphyrin were compared and meso-tetraphenyl porphycene cobalt complex exhibited the best current efficiency of 72%. Based on these experimental results and theoretical calculations, we proposed a possible HER mechanism of this system.
2-Absorbing δ-Primary Intuitionistic Fuzzy Ideals of Commutative Rings
Authors: Onar Serkan , Özkan Erdogan Mehmet , Ersoy Bayram Ali , Hila Kostaq
Published: February 2022

In this paper, we study the primary intuitionistic fuzzy ideal, the intuitionistic fuzzy ideal expansion and [Formula: see text]-primary intuitionistic fuzzy ideal which assemble prime intuitionistic fuzzy ideals and primary intuitionistic fuzzy ideals. Some properties of them are investigated. Also, we scrutinize the relationships of [Formula: see text]-primary intuitionistic fuzzy ideal and [Formula: see text]-primary ideal of a commutative ring [Formula: see text]. Moreover, we give a fundamental result about correspondence theorem for [Formula: see text]-primary intuitionistic fuzzy ideals. Further, we introduce 2-absorbing [Formula: see text]-primary intuitionistic fuzzy ideals which are the generalization of 2-absorbing intuitionistic fuzzy ideals and 2-absorbing primary intuitionistic fuzzy ideals. Some properties of them are obtained.
Clarifying Soft Semi-Separation Axioms Using the Concept of Soft Element
Authors: Aydın Tuǧçe , Enginoǧlu Serdar , Mollaoǧulları Ahmet
Published: February 2022

Recently, soft semi-open sets being a generalization of soft open sets and soft topological notions related to them have been studied. However, these studies have not tackled the concept of soft elements. To this end, we conduct a grounding study on soft semi-open sets and investigate soft topological notions through this concept. We then define soft semi-separation axioms in soft topological spaces on a soft set via soft elements. Moreover, we examine the relationships between these spaces and their subspaces. Afterward, we clarify the theoretical section of the study with presented examples and study the relationships between soft semi-separation axioms and soft separation axioms. Finally, we discuss the study’s contributions to the literature and the need for further research.
On Algebraic and Topological Aspects of ILF-Automata
Authors: Kumari Mausam , Yadav Swati , Yadav Vijay K. , Tiwari S. P.
Published: February 2022

This work is toward the study of theory of IF-automata based on residuated lattices (ILF-automaton) and to use ILF-topological concepts for study of algebraic concepts therein. We introduce the notion of ILF-subsystems and strong ILF-subsystems of an ILF-automaton and show that these are precisely the ILF-closed sets with respect to the ILF-topologies introduced on state-set of an ILF-automaton. Finally, we study the characterization of separated ILF-subsystem for an ILF-automaton.
On Minimal Realization of ILF-Languages: A Categorical Approach
Authors: Verma Sunny , Yadav Swati , Yadav Vijay K. , Tiwari S. P.
Published: February 2022

This work is toward application of categorical concept to produce a minimal ILF-automaton for a given ILF-language. The ILF-equivalence relation over free monoid formed by a nonempty set together with categorical concepts is used for such construction.
Systematic Development in Medical by Using 3D Printing Technology: A Brief Review
Authors: Kumar Lalit , Haleem Abid , Javaid Mohd.
Published: February 2022

Three-dimensional (3D) printing has bought much enthusiasm for medical applications. The upgraded quality with the use of 3D printing has gained detailed clinical and associated results. This paper bridges the available writing, based on literature, about the capability of 3D printing innovation in medical applications. 3D printing can build highly complex individualized medical parts/tools/inserts, etc., with improved results and increments financial plausibility. This innovative approach offers a potential level of openness that is fundamental for remote and asset restricted areas where human services are frequently constrained. The 3D printing-based advances immensely affect the reproduction of terrible wounds, facial and appendage prosthetic improvement, and headways in biologic and manufactured inserts. It is identified from the available literature that 3D printing is being incorporated successfully in medical cases for improved medical results. Its applications fluctuate from anatomical models for study/training purposes to fully functional implantable body parts/organs.
Scenario Forecasting of the Agri-Food Sphere in Rural Territories Development in the Conditions of Digital Economy Formation
Authors: Gusmanov Rasul , Stovba Eugene , Paptsov Andrey , Salimova Guzel , Gusmanow Nurali
Published: February 2022

The study aims to scientifically substantiate the application of the scenario approach in predicting the development of the agri-food sector in rural areas. The conceptual novelty of the study is that it develops a scenario forecasting algorithm for the development of the agri-food sector of rural areas in the digital economy. It also clarifies methodological approaches and recommendations for forecasting production volumes of certain agri-food products at the zonal level. The paper shows that digitalization is one of the critical factors that directly ensure an increase in agribusiness efficiency in the current conditions in agriculture. An assessment of the impact of digital transformation processes on the activities of agricultural producers is given, and the advantages of using modern digital technologies in the agricultural sector are highlighted. Furthermore, the results of scenario forecasting of production volumes of agri-food products by farms of all categories are presented in the example of the non-black soil zone of the Republic of Bashkortostan. The study’s preliminary results are as follows: the world experience in scientific research on the use of digital technologies in the activities of agricultural producers was generalized.
An endemic species flock of Cypridopsinae (Crustacea, Ostracoda) from the ancient Lake Malawi (Africa), with the description of a new genus and three new species
Authors: JACOBS BRAM , MARTENS KOEN
Published: February 2022

We describe Malawidopsis gen. nov., a new genus of Cypridopsinae Kaufmann, 1900 from the African ancient Lake Malawi.                 The genus comprises at least 17 new species, which makes it a significant ostracod radiation in this lake, parallel to a similar (but independent) cypridopsine radiation in Lake Tanganyika. Three of these new species are here described: Malawidopsis stellae gen. et. sp. nov., the type species of the new genus; M. ruwaydae gen. et. sp. nov. and M. antoniae gen. et. sp. nov.. The other new species are briefly illustrated and described, but are left in open nomenclature (sp. A, B, C, etc.). Cypridopsis cunningtoni Sars, 1910 and Potamocypris fuelleborni Daday, 1910 are transferred to Malawidopsis gen. nov. and are identical to Malawidopsis spec. F and Malawidopsis spec. N, respectively.

                The new tribe Plesiocyprisopsini trib. nov. is erected, and comprises the cypridopsine genera previously in the Cypridopsini s.l. with the right valve overlapping the left valve, at least anteriorly.

                Potential drivers of speciation within this endemic clade in Lake Malawi are briefly discussed. Bathymetry might have been important, with most species being restricted to shallower depths and only four species also occurring at depths of 75 m or more, but very few specimens were retrieved from greater depths. Most species occurred on coarse sand, but this sediment category coincides with shallower stations. Overall, most species appear to have a wide geographical distribution in the lake, so no geographical parapatric speciation is apparent. The occurrence of all species in sexual populations and the significant differences in the male sexual organs and the valves suggest that sexual selection might have been the most important driver in the speciation process of this species flock, but this should be further explored. Following deep coring results in Lake Malawi, the present clade could be (at least) c one million years old.
Redescription of Pinnixa haematosticta Sakai, 1934, its transfer to Indopinnixa Manning & Morton, 1987, and a reappraisal of Indopinnixa kumejima Naruse & Maenosono, 2012 (Decapoda: Brachyura: Pinnotheridae)
Authors: KOMAI TOMOYUKI , NARUSE TOHRU , YOKOOKA HIROYUKI , TARU MASANORI , SHIMETSUGU MIHO , WATANABE TETSUYA
Published: February 2022

The poorly known pinnotherid crab, Pinnixa haematosticta Sakai, 1934, is redescribed on the basis of female holotype and additional specimens, including males and females, from Japan. The male characters of the species are documented for the first time. The species is transferred to Indopinnixa Manning & Morton, 1987 because the male pleonal somites 3–5 are functionally fused, the telson is wide, and the maxilliped 3 with the dactylus is distinctly longer than the propodus. Indopinnixa kumejima Naruse & Maenosono, 2012 is morphologically very similar to I. haematosticta n. comb., but a molecular phylogenetic analysis using partial fragments of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene supports the hypothesis that the two taxa as distinct. Morphologically, the two species are differentiated by the shape of the pereopod 4 merus (proportionally wider in I. haematosticta n. comb. than in I. kumejima). Our findings suggest that I. haematosticta n. comb. and I. kumejima are geographically distinct: I. haematosticta appears restricted to the Japanese mainland (Honshu to Kyushu) and Ohsumi Islands, while I. kumejima occurs in the Ryukyu and Ogasawara Islands.
Beautiful wing coloration pattern in a new doratomantispine species (Neuroptera: Mantispidae) from the mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber
Authors: JOUAULT CORENTIN , POUILLON JEAN-MARC , NEL ANDRÉ
Published: February 2022

A new species, namely Doratomantispa pouilloni sp. nov., of the mantidfly subfamily Doratomantispinae, is described and illustrated from a complete individual preserved in mid-Cretaceous amber from Tanai, northern Myanmar. Doratomantispa pouilloni sp. nov. preserves nearly all the diagnostic characters of this subfamily, but differs from the two other species of the genus Doratomantispa, inter alia, in its forelegs with stout trochanter, femora with nine spines on outer edge, two spines on inner edge, tibia with parallel sides, probasitarsomeres with around six pairs of black and thick spines; wings elongate and narrow, forewings with costal veinlets simple before ScP and RA fusion, coloration pattern present. Doratomantispa pouilloni sp. nov. highlights the diversity and the niche specialization of mid-Cretaceous Mantispidae from Tanai amber.
Atacamaptilia ambrosiavora gen. et sp. nov. (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae), a leaf miner of Ambrosia cumanensis (Asteraceae) in the Atacama Desert
Authors: ESPINOZA-DONOSO SEBASTIÁN , GONÇALVES GISLENE L. , VARGAS HÉCTOR A. , MOREIRA GILSON R. P.
Published: February 2022

Adult and immature stages of Atacamaptilia ambrosiavora Vargas & Espinoza-Donoso gen. et sp. nov. (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae: Acrocercopinae) from the Atacama Desert of northern Chile are described and illustrated. The Neotropical Atacamaptilia Vargas & Espinoza-Donoso gen. nov. resembles the Old World genera Melanocercops Kumata & Kuroko, 1988 and Phodoryctis Kumata & Kuroko, 1988 in wing venation. However, differences in genitalia morphology enable the recognition of Atacamaptilia Vargas & Espinoza-Donoso gen. nov. as a different genus. COI sequences support this delimitation, since it is not closely phylogenetically related to these genera. A divergence of 18% (Kimura 2-parameter model) of A. ambrosiavora Vargas & Espinoza-Donoso gen. et sp. nov. to its nearest neighbor Leucospilapteryx omissella (Stainton, 1848) was found. The larvae of A. ambrosiavora Vargas & Espinoza-Donoso gen. et sp. nov. mine leaves of Ambrosia cumanensis Kunth (Asteraceae).
Two new species and new records of Campsurus Eaton (Ephemeroptera: Polymitarcyidae) in Amazon
Authors: CRUZ PAULO VILELA , MOLINERI CARLOS , HAMADA NEUSA
Published: February 2022

Campsurus Eaton is the second most speciose genus of mayflies in South America and, until recently, one of the most problematic. The scenario was so disorganized that the description of new species was strongly discouraged. In 2010 the genus started to be revised and, after more than ten years of advances, the taxonomic impediment was drastically reduced, facilitating new researches. The new evidence allowed us to investigate specimens of this genus collected from Amapá and Mato Grosso States, Brazil, which were impossible to assign to any species in the past. As results, two new species are described, Campsurus fortuitus sp. nov. and Campsurus froehlichi sp. nov.; and new records are provided for Campsurus cuyuniensis Traver, Campsurus indivisus Ulmer, Campsurus inusitatus Molineri & Salles, Campsurus jorgenseni Esben-Petersen, Campsurus litaninensis Spieth, Campsurus nessimiani Molineri & Salles, Campsurus pereirae Molineri & Salles and, Campsurus segnis Needham & Murphy.
A new species of Seticotasteromimus Germann from the Cameron Highlands of Malaysia (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Molytinae)
Authors: GERMANN CHRISTOPH
Published: February 2022

A third species of the genus Seticotasteromimus Germann, 2013 (Pissodini, Cotasteromimina) from the Cameron Highlands of Malaysia was accidentally discovered in the collections of the Natural History Museum Basel, during the separation of different weevil subfamilies. Seticotasteromimus crassirostris n. sp., is here described, based on a single male specimen, compared and differentiated from its sister species S. jarawa Germann, 2013 and S. brunomanseri Germann, 2021.
Experimental study of the source and transmission characteristics of train-induced vibration in the over-track building in a metro depot
Authors: Liang Ruihua , Ding Deyun , Liu Weifeng , Sun Fangqiu , Cheng Yilong
Published: February 2022

To improve the utilization of land resources, in recent years, there has been an increase in the design and construction of over-track buildings in metro depots in China. However, there are daily tasks such as testing, parking, and maintenance of metro trains in the depot, vibration induced by trains in those tasks may exert impact upon the residents living in the buildings over the metro depots. In this paper, detailed on-site measurements were carried out to investigate the source and transmission characteristics of train-induced vibrations in the metro depot. The main results indicated that (i) the magnitudes of train-induced vibration on the testing lines and throat areas are greater than other areas, and the issue of environmental vibrations induced by trains in the building near these areas need to be given more attention. (ii) Train-induced vibrations are more attenuated from the ground to the platform and less attenuated from the platform to the building floor, and most vibration acceleration levels below 30 Hz are even amplified during the transmission from the platform to the floors in the building, which could be because of the matching of the frequencies of train-induced vibrations and the natural frequencies of the superstructure.
Meaningfulness beyond Meaning-Making. Cultural Psychological Aspects of the Donor Portrait
Authors: Mazur Lucas B , Plontke Sandra
Published: February 2022

Art is a rich area in which to study psychological life through the lens of cultural psychology. While any kind of art can be studied within cultural psychology, in the current piece we argue that an art form known as the donor portrait, and more particularly a subcategory thereof known as the contact portrait, visually depicts core aspects of our psychological lives that constitute matters of fundamental interest within cultural psychology. After briefly discussing this particular art form, we focus on how these portraits visually depict four core aspects of cultural psychology. We first explore how the contact portrait navigates the “frontier problem” found at the intersection of individuality and commonality. We then examine how contact portraits catalyze, but do not cause, the viewer’s emotional engagement. The third aspect concerns the human struggle to make sense out of an unknown future. Finally, we discuss the search for meaningfulness beyond meaning-making depicted within these images and lying at the core of our psychological lives. These characteristics of the contact portrait attest to our human striving towards what lies beyond our current state, something that finds expression in the idea of Schaufrömmigkeit—a pious, humble need to see that which is ultimately unseeable.
Thermal and humid environment of rammed-earth dwellings in Northwest Sichuan
Authors: Liang Jiahua , Tan Jiaye , Jiang Bin
Published: February 2022

As a traditional building material, rammed earth has gained popularity for its environmental friendliness and reusability. In this study, the hygrothermal performance of the wall material of traditional rammed-earth dwellings was experimentally measured, and the indoor and outdoor temperature and humidity variations of rammed-earth dwellings were experimentally measured for five days. Considering temperature and relative humidity as the driving potential for heat and humidity transfer and air penetration, an unsteady model of heat and humidity transfer of the rammed-earth wall and indoor and outdoor air was established. The accuracy of the model was verified using the measured data. The model was used to determine the rationality of the wall thickness in local rammed-earth dwellings. Based on data from typical local meteorological years, the indoor temperature and humidity changes in rammed-earth dwellings were numerically predicted. The average indoor temperature and humidity in summer were 26.56°C and 69.74%, and the variances were 3.26 and 43.17, respectively. The average indoor temperature and humidity in winter were 7.25°C and 83.62%, and the variances were 1.14 and 14.83, respectively. The research results demonstrate that a rammed-earth wall significantly reduces the influence of outdoor temperature fluctuation on the indoor thermal environment, with good humidity regulating performance.
Embolic Stroke in Setting of Iliac Vein Stenosis in an Avid Cyclist
Authors: Chhabra Nikita , Blech Benzion , Fortuin David , Wilansky Susan , Demaerschalk Bart M. , Dumitrascu Oana M.
Published: February 2022

External iliac vein stenosis related to cycling has rarely been reported as a cause of deep vein thrombosis. Ischemic stroke occurring in this condition due to paradoxical embolism across a preexisting patent foramen ovale (PFO) has yet to be reported. Here we report a case of embolic ischemic strokes in a young, avid cyclist with no prior known vascular risk factors. A thorough cerebrovascular workup revealed a right-to-left shunt on transesophageal echocardiogram that prompted venous thrombosis evaluation. Pelvic MR venogram demonstrated a 3.5 cm high-grade stenosis of the right external iliac vein, concerning for possible prior thrombotic disease. His strokes were deemed most likely a result of paradoxical emboli originating in the pelvis at the site of right external iliac vein stenosis. The patient ultimately opted for PFO closure for secondary stroke prevention, as he wished to continue daily cycling. This case highlights the importance of neurohospitalists considering iliac vein stenosis as a potential cause of embolic stroke of undetermined source, especially in young patients who are avid cyclists, as part of a thorough vascular workup.
Effectiveness and acceptability of noninvasive brain and nerve stimulation techniques for migraine prophylaxis: a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Cheng Yu-Chen , Zeng Bing-Yan , Hung Chao-Ming , Su Kuan-Pin , Wu Yi-Cheng , Tu Yu-Kang , Lin Pao-Yen , Stubbs Brendon , Carvalho Andre F. , Liang Chih-Sung , Chen Tien-Yu , Hsu Chih-Wei , Brunoni Andre R. , Suen Mein-Woei , Shiue Yow-Ling , Tseng Ping-Tao , Wu Ming-Kung , Li Cheng-Ta
Published: February 2022

Background

Current pharmacologic prophylactic strategies for migraine have exhibited limited efficacy, with response rates as low as 40%–50%. In addition to the limited efficacy, the acceptability of those pharmacologic prophylactic strategies were unacceptable. Although noninvasive brain/nerve stimulation strategies may be effective, the evidence has been inconsistent. The aim of this network meta-analysis (NMA) was to compare strategies of noninvasive brain/nerve stimulation for migraine prophylaxis with respect to their effectiveness and acceptability.

Methods

The PubMed, Embase, ScienceDirect, ProQuest, ClinicalTrials.gov, ClinicalKey, Cochrane CENTRAL, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were systematically searched to date of June 4th, 2021 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Patients with diagnosis of migraine, either episodic migraine or chronic migraine, were included. All NMA procedures were conducted under the frequentist model.

Results

Nineteen RCTs were included (N = 1493; mean age = 38.2 years; 82.0% women). We determined that the high frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over C3 yielded the most decreased monthly migraine days among all the interventions [mean difference = − 8.70 days, 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs): − 14.45 to − 2.95 compared to sham/control groups]. Only alternating frequency (2/100 Hz) transcutaneous occipital nerve stimulation (tONS) over the Oz (RR = 0.36, 95%CIs: 0.16 to 0.82) yielded a significantly lower drop-out rate than the sham/control groups did.

Conclusions

The current study provided a new direction for the design of more methodologically robust and larger RCTs based on the findings of the potentially beneficial effect on migraine prophylaxis in participants with migraine by different noninvasive brain/nerve stimulation, especially the application of rTMS and tONS.

Trial registration

CRD42021252638. The current study had been approval by the Institutional Review Board of the Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center (TSGHIRB No. B-109-29).
TC-hunter: identification of the insertion site of a transgenic gene within the host genome
Authors: Börjesson Vanja , Martinez-Monleon Angela , Fransson Susanne , Kogner Per , Johnsen John Inge , Milosevic Jelena , López Marcela Dávila
Published: February 2022

Background

Transgenic animal models are crucial for the study of gene function and disease, and are widely utilized in basic biological research, agriculture and pharma industries. Since the current methods for generating transgenic animals result in the random integration of the transgene under study, the phenotype may be compromised due to disruption of known genes or regulatory regions. Unfortunately, most of the tools that predict transgene insertion sites from high-throughput data are not publicly available or not properly maintained.

Results

We implemented TC-hunter, Transgene-Construct hunter, an open tool that identifies transgene insertion sites and provides simple reports and visualization aids. It relies on common tools used in the analysis of high-throughput data and makes use of chimeric reads and discordant read pairs to identify and support the transgenic insertion site. To demonstrate its applicability, we applied TC-hunter to four transgenic mice samples harboring the human PPM1D gene, a model used in the study of malignant tumor development. We identified the transgenic insertion site in each sample and experimentally validated them with Touchdown-polymerase chain reaction followed by Sanger sequencing.

Conclusions

TC-hunter is an accessible bioinformatics tool that can automatically identify transgene insertion sites from DNA sequencing data with high sensitivity (98%) and precision (92.45%). TC-hunter is a valuable tool that can aid in evaluating any potential phenotypic complications due to the random integration of the transgene and can be accessed at https://github.com/bcfgothenburg/SSF.
Optical coherence tomography: evaluating the effects of stent boost subtract imaging on stent underexpansion in STEMI patients
Authors: Duan Yuanyuan , Jing Limin , Pan Shi , Yan Sujuan , Wang Fang , Yu Hong , Zhang Beibei , Wei Guangsheng , Zhang Ming , Zhang Jiao
Published: February 2022

Background

To evaluate the effect of stent boost subtract (SBS) imaging on stent underexpansion during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) by optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Methods

One hundred thirty-eight STEMI patients who underwent drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation were prospectively recruited and divided into the SBS group (69 cases) and the CAG group (69 cases) according to whether SBS was used to guide PCI. Finally, OCT was performed on all enrolled patients, and the OCT results were used as the gold standard to evaluate the impact of standard SBS technology on stent underexpansion immediately after DES implantation.

Results

SBS identified 51 patients (24%) with stent underexpansion while OCT identified 56 patients (27.2%). SBS has a sensitivity of 80%, a specificity of 96%, a positive predictive value of 88%, and a negative predictive value of 93% for identifying stent underexpansion.

Conclusion

Compared with OCT, SBS technology is a rapid stent imaging evaluation method that can accurately quantify the stent expansion level and is time-saving and economical.
Adaptive treatment allocation and selection in multi-arm clinical trials: a Bayesian perspective
Authors: Arjas Elja , Gasbarra Dario
Published: February 2022

Background

Adaptive designs offer added flexibility in the execution of clinical trials, including the possibilities of allocating more patients to the treatments that turned out more successful, and early stopping due to either declared success or futility. Commonly applied adaptive designs, such as group sequential methods, are based on the frequentist paradigm and on ideas from statistical significance testing. Interim checks during the trial will have the effect of inflating the Type 1 error rate, or, if this rate is controlled and kept fixed, lowering the power.

Results

The purpose of the paper is to demonstrate the usefulness of the Bayesian approach in the design and in the actual running of randomized clinical trials during phase II and III. This approach is based on comparing the performance of the different treatment arms in terms of the respective joint posterior probabilities evaluated sequentially from the accruing outcome data, and then taking a control action if such posterior probabilities fall below a pre-specified critical threshold value. Two types of actions are considered: treatment allocation, putting on hold at least temporarily further accrual of patients to a treatment arm, and treatment selection, removing an arm from the trial permanently. The main development in the paper is in terms of binary outcomes, but extensions for handling time-to-event data, including data from vaccine trials, are also discussed. The performance of the proposed methodology is tested in extensive simulation experiments, with numerical results and graphical illustrations documented in a Supplement to the main text. As a companion to this paper, an implementation of the methods is provided in the form of a freely available R package ’barts’.

Conclusion

The proposed methods for trial design provide an attractive alternative to their frequentist counterparts.
A novel graphical evaluation of agreement
Authors: Kim Jongphil , Lee Ji-Hyun
Published: February 2022

Background

The Bland-Altman plot with the limits of agreement has been widely used as an absolute index for assessing test-retest reliability or reproducibility between two measurements. We have observed that in the settings where the relative index such as concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) or intraclass correlation coefficient is employed, the limits of agreement approach may be inconsistent with the scaled index. Particularly, the broad width of the limits of agreement may indicate a lack of agreement when the two measurements are highly concordant but an acceptable difference is not known and the common variance of the data is large. This research aims to create a novel, CCC-based guidance for graphical evaluation of reproducibility or reliability.

Methods

The concordance correlation coefficient is used to create a 100(1-α)% reference band from two measurements. Simulation studies and real examples, including the peak expiratory flow rate data in Bland and Altman’s paper and the test-retest reproducibility data of the Radiomics study, are implemented to assess the use of the reference band.

Results

In the absence of an acceptable difference between measurements, we found that the limits of agreement may not be consistent with the concordance correlation coefficient. Our simulation study results and real data application show that the proposed method can provide practitioners with a novel graphical evaluation that is consistent with results from the concordance correlation coefficient.

Conclusions

Our proposed novel scaled index-based guidance can be used for the graphical evaluation of reproducibility or reliability and may have advantages over the limits of agreement in settings where the concordance correlation coefficient is employed.
No axillary surgical treatment for lymph node-negative patients after ultra-sonography [NAUTILUS]: protocol of a prospective randomized clinical trial
Authors: Jung Ji Gwang , Ahn Se Hyun , Lee Seeyoun , Kim Eun-Kyu , Ryu Jai Min , Park Seho , Lim Woosung , Jung Yong Sik , Chung Il Yong , Jeong Joon , Chang Ji Hyun , Shin Kyung Hwan , Chang Jung Min , Moon Woo Kyung , Han Wonshik
Published: February 2022

Background

Following sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB), the axillary recurrence rate is very low although SLNB has a false-negative rate of 5–10%. In the ACOSOG Z0011 trial, non-sentinel positive-lymph nodes were found in more than 20% of the axillary dissection group; the SLNB only group did not have a higher axillary recurrence rate. These findings raised questions about the direct therapeutic effect of the SLNB. SLNB has post-surgical complications including lymphedema. Considering advances in imaging modalities and adjuvant therapies, the role of SLNB in early breast cancer needs to be re-evaluated.

Methods

The NAUTILUS trial is a prospective multicenter randomized controlled trial involving clinical stage T1–2 and N0 breast cancer patients receiving breast-conserving surgery. Axillary ultrasound is mandatory before surgery with predefined imaging criteria for inclusion. Ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy or needle aspiration of a suspicious node is allowed. Patients will be randomized (1:1) into the no-SLNB (test) and SLNB (control) groups. A total of 1734 patients are needed, considering a 5% non-inferiority margin, 5% significance level, 80% statistical power, and 10% dropout rate. All patients in the two groups will receive ipsilateral whole-breast radiation according to a predefined protocol. The primary endpoint of this trial is the 5-year invasive disease-free survival. The secondary endpoints are overall survival, distant metastasis-free survival, axillary recurrence rate, and quality of life of the patients.

Discussion

This trial will provide important evidence on the oncological safety of the omission of SLNB for early breast cancer patients undergoing breast-conserving surgery and receiving whole-breast radiation, especially when the axillary lymph node is not suspicious during preoperative axillary ultrasound.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04303715. Registered on March 11, 2020.
Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI in malignant pleural mesothelioma: prediction of outcome based on DCE-MRI measurements in patients undergoing cytotoxic chemotherapy
Authors: Vivoda Tomšič Martina , Korošec Peter , Kovač Viljem , Bisdas Sotirios , Šurlan Popovič Katarina
Published: February 2022

Background

The malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) response rate to chemotherapy is low. The identification of imaging biomarkers that could help guide the most effective therapy approach for individual patients is highly desirable. Our aim was to investigate the dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MR parameters as predictors for progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients with MPM treated with cisplatin-based chemotherapy.

Methods

Thirty-two consecutive patients with MPM were enrolled in this prospective study. Pretreatment and intratreatment DCE-MRI were scheduled in each patient. The DCE parameters were analyzed using the extended Tofts (ET) and the adiabatic approximation tissue homogeneity (AATH) model. Comparison analysis, logistic regression and ROC analysis were used to identify the predictors for the patient’s outcome.

Results

Patients with higher pretreatment ET and AATH-calculated Ktrans and ve values had longer OS (P≤.006). Patients with a more prominent reduction in ET-calculated Ktrans and kep values during the early phase of chemotherapy had longer PFS (P =.008). No parameter was identified to predict PFS. Pre-treatment ET-calculated Ktrans was found to be an independent predictive marker for longer OS (P=.02) demonstrating the most favourable discrimination performance compared to other DCE parameters with an estimated sensitivity of 89% and specificity of 78% (AUC 0.9, 95% CI 0.74-0.98, cut off > 0.08 min-1).

Conclusions

In the present study, higher pre-treatment ET-calculated Ktrans values were associated with longer OS. The results suggest that DCE-MRI might provide additional information for identifying MPM patients that may respond to chemotherapy.
Comparison of clinical characteristics between chronic bronchitis and non-chronic bronchitis in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Choi Joon Young , Yoon Hyoung Kyu , Lee Sang Yeub , Kim Jin Woo , Choi Hye Sook , Kim Yu-Il , Jung Ki-Suck , Yoo Kwang Ha , Kim Woo Jin , Rhee Chin Kook
Published: February 2022

Background

Chronic bronchitis (CB) is associated with poor outcomes in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The aim of this study was to identify the characteristics that distinguish chronic bronchitis (CB) from non-CB. In addition, the features of mild CB versus severe CB were compared and a cut-off level was defined according to CAT1 and CAT2 scores.

Methods

This study was based on the Korea COPD Subgroup Study (KOCOSS) database, constructed in a multicenter COPD cohort study that recruited patients from 54 centers. CB was defined as CAT1 and CAT2 scores ≥ 3; severe CB was defined as CAT1 and CAT2 scores ≥ 4, while mild CB was defined as either a CAT1 or a CAT2 score < 4. Baseline characteristics, 1-year exacerbation rate, and 3-year FEV1 decline were compared in non-CB versus CB patients and in patients with mild CB versus severe CB.

Results

Among the 2162 patients enrolled in this study, 497 (23%) had CB. These patients were more likely than non-CB patients to be current smokers; they also had higher symptom and depression/anxiety scores. Lung function tests showed lower FEV1, FEV1/FVC, and DLco values in CB patients. Among CB patients, 67.6% had mild disease. Symptom and depression/anxiety scores were worse in patients with severe CB than in patients with mild CB. There were no significant differences in the lung function tests of the two groups. Analysis of 1-year exacerbation rates in CB patients and non-CB patients revealed that patients with CB more frequently had moderate-to-severe exacerbations (OR = 1.46, p < 0.01). More severe exacerbation was also present in patients with severe CB than in patients with mild CB (OR = 2.52, p = 0.01). The difference in annual FEV1 decline rate did not significantly differ either between CB patients and non-CB patients or between patients with severe CB and patients with mild CB.

Conclusions

CB patients had worse symptoms and lung function than non-CB patients; CB patients also had more frequent moderate-to-severe exacerbation. Patients with severe CB had higher symptom scores and more frequent severe exacerbation than did patients with mild CB.
Fertility awareness and subclinical infertility among women trying to get pregnant at home
Authors: Iino Kaori , Fukuhara Rie , Yokota Megumi , Yokoyama Yoshihito
Published: February 2022

Background

Recent studies on fertility awareness among the reproductive population have reported the lack of accurate knowledge about fertility and assisted reproductive technologies. However, there has been little information regarding women trying to get pregnant at home. The aim of this study was to explore the prevalence of subclinical infertility among women trying to get pregnant at home, and to evaluate awareness regarding infertility and reasons for not visiting infertility clinics among women who use pregnancy-assist mobile applications to help them conceive.

Methods

A total of 2084 Japanese women responded to this online survey. We selected 1541 women according to the study criteria. Based on the results of 61 questions, we evaluated knowledge regarding fertility, prevalence of subclinical infertility, and reasons for not visiting the clinic among the participants.

Results

Despite the desire to conceive, the participants had an apparent tendency to overestimate the age limit for childbearing. A total of 338 (21.9%) women answered that in general women aged > 45 years could get pregnant. Approximately 40% of the women had possible subclinical infertility and were unaware of the fact. Additionally, about 70% of the women considered themselves to have infertility problems. Women who were aware of the possibility of infertility hesitated to visit the clinic due to unfamiliarity with a gynecologist or clinic, and apprehensions about the gynecologic examination.

Conclusions

In our study, some women required treatment for infertility. Nonetheless, they hesitated to visit an infertility clinic. Sexual health education, together with proper accessibility to gynecology clinics, are necessary to reduce involuntary childlessness.
Insulin resistance induced by de novo pathway–generated C16-ceramide is associated with type 2 diabetes in an obese population
Authors: Chathoth Shahanas , Ismail Mona H. , Alghamdi Hanan M. , Zakaria Hazem Mohamed , Hassan Khairi Ahmed , Alshomimi Saeed , Vatte Chittibabu , Cyrus Cyril , Alsaif Hind S. , Mostafa Ahmed , Shaaban Heba , Al Ali Amein
Published: February 2022

Background

Obesity and diabetes are two chronic metabolic diseases whose prevalence is increasing at an alarming rate globally. A close association between obesity, diabetes, and insulin resistance has been identified, and many studies have pinpointed obesity as a causal risk factor for insulin resistance. However, the mechanism underlying this association is not entirely understood. In the past decade, ceramides have gained attention due to their accumulation in certain tissues and their suggested role in initiating insulin resistance. This study aims to determine the association of specific ceramides and their major metabolizing enzymes with obesity-associated insulin resistance.

Methods

The samples comprised subcutaneous adipose tissues collected from three cohorts: lean non-diabetic (controls; n = 20), obese-non-diabetic (n = 66), and obese-diabetic (n = 32). Ceramide levels were quantified using LC-MS/MS and mRNA expression level for different enzymes were estimated using real-time PCR-based RNA expression analysis.

Results

C16-ceramide (P = 0.023), C16-dihydro-ceramide (P < 0.005), C18-dihydro-ceramide (P = 0.009) and C24-ceramide (P = 0.040) levels were significantly increased in the obese cohort compared to the control group. However, stratification of the obese group revealed a significant increase in the C16-ceramide levels (P = 0.027) and mRNA over expression of the serine palmitoyl transferases enzyme subunit SPT1 (P < 0.005) in the obese-diabetic cohort compared to the obese-non-diabetic cohort.

Conclusions

The present study indicates that C16-ceramide plays a pivotal role in inducing insulin resistance. Overexpression of SPT1 in the obese-diabetic group and its positive correlation with C16-ceramide suggest that C16-ceramide was generated through the de novo pathway.
Segmentation of structural parts of rosebush plants with 3D point-based deep learning methods
Authors: Turgut Kaya , Dutagaci Helin , Galopin Gilles , Rousseau David
Published: February 2022

Background

Segmentation of structural parts of 3D models of plants is an important step for plant phenotyping, especially for monitoring architectural and morphological traits. Current state-of-the art approaches rely on hand-crafted 3D local features for modeling geometric variations in plant structures. While recent advancements in deep learning on point clouds have the potential of extracting relevant local and global characteristics, the scarcity of labeled 3D plant data impedes the exploration of this potential.

Results

We adapted six recent point-based deep learning architectures (PointNet, PointNet++, DGCNN, PointCNN, ShellNet, RIConv) for segmentation of structural parts of rosebush models. We generated 3D synthetic rosebush models to provide adequate amount of labeled data for modification and pre-training of these architectures. To evaluate their performance on real rosebush plants, we used the ROSE-X data set of fully annotated point cloud models. We provided experiments with and without the incorporation of synthetic data to demonstrate the potential of point-based deep learning techniques even with limited labeled data of real plants.

Conclusion

The experimental results show that PointNet++ produces the highest segmentation accuracy among the six point-based deep learning methods. The advantage of PointNet++ is that it provides a flexibility in the scales of the hierarchical organization of the point cloud data. Pre-training with synthetic 3D models boosted the performance of all architectures, except for PointNet.
Internal fixation using fully threaded cannulated compression screws for fresh femoral neck fractures in adults
Authors: Yuan Kai-xuan , Yang Fan , Fu Kai , Zhu Dao-yu , Jiang Chen-yi , Jin Dong-xu , Wang Ze-hao , Peng Xiao-yuan , Gao You-Shui , Luo Peng-bo
Published: February 2022

Objectives

Internal fixation with multiple cannulated compression screws is an optional treatment for femoral neck fracture. Recently, fully threaded cannulated compression screws (FTCCS) have been introduced to fix fresh femoral neck fractures (FNF). The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of FTCCS.

Patients and methods

Patients with FNF fixed by multiple FTCCS from February 1st, 2014 to August 31st, 2017 were included in this study. They were followed for at least 12 months postoperatively. Nonunion, osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH), fixation failure, reoperation, and femoral neck shortening (FNS) were used to evaluate the outcomes. Risk factors including age, sex, fracture side, fracture displacement, fracture stability, fixation configuration, and screw numbers were analyzed.

Results

A total of 113 patients including 67 males and 46 females with an average age of 48.4 ± 13.4 years were included. The mean duration of follow-up was 27.1 months (range: 12–51 months). The incidence of nonunion, ONFH, fixation failure, and reoperation was 15.9%, 22.1%, 8.8%, and 24.8%, respectively. The rates of nonunion and reoperation were significantly higher in displaced fractures and unstable fractures. And patients with an unstable fracture had a higher risk of internal fixation failure. The median length of FNS was 2.9 mm (interquartile range: 0.9–6.5 mm, range: 0–17.5 mm). Age was a significant risk factor for FNS.

Conclusions

The screw fixation method with FTCCS provided encouraging clinical results which may be a rational choice for the treatment of fresh FNF. Displaced fractures and unstable fractures were attributed to the higher incidence of complications.

Trial registration: ChiCTR, ChiCTR1800017200. Registered 17 July 2018-Retrospectively registered, http: www.chictr.org.cn/showprojen.aspx?proj=29182.
Clinical and quality-of-life outcomes of a combined synthetic scaffold and autogenous tissue graft procedure for articular cartilage repair in the knee
Authors: Rosa Fernando Martins , Fernandes Julio Cesar , Delisle Josée , Ranger Pierre , Albano Mauro Batista , Filho Edmar Stieven
Published: February 2022

Background

Injuries to the articular cartilage of the knee often fail to heal properly due to the hypocellular and avascular nature of this tissue. Subsequent disability can limit participation in sports and decrease quality of life. Subchondral bone perforations are used for the treatment of small defects. Filling out the central portion in larger lesions becomes difficult, and scaffolds can be used as adjuvants, providing a matrix onto which the defect can be filled in completely. Also, autogenous cartilage grafts can be combined, acting as an inducer and improving healing quality, all in a single procedure.

Methods

This observational study evaluated the clinical and quality-of-life outcomes of patients with articular cartilage lesions of the knee undergoing repair via a microfracture technique combined with a synthetic scaffold and autogenous cartilage graft, with transosseous sutures and fibrin glue fixation, at 12 months of follow-up. Secondarily, it assessed whether combined procedures, previous surgical intervention, traumatic aetiology, lesion location, and age affect outcomes. The sample consisted of adult patients (age 18–66 years) with symptoms consistent with chondral or osteochondral lesions, isolated or multiple, ICRS grade III/IV, 2–12 cm2 in size. Patients with corrected angular deviations or instabilities were included. Those with BMI > 40 kg/m2, prior total or subtotal (> 30%) meniscectomy, second-look procedures, and follow-up < 6 months were excluded. Pain (VAS), physical activity (IKDC), osteoarthritis (WOMAC), and general quality of life (SF-36) were assessed.

Results

64 procedures were included, comprising 60 patients. There was significant improvement (P < 0.05) in VAS score (5.92–2.37), IKDC score (33.44–56.33), and modified WOMAC score (53.26–75.93) after surgery. The SF-36 showed significant improvements in the physical and mental domains (30.49–40.23 and 46.43–49.84 respectively; both P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Combination of microfractures, autogenous crushed cartilage graft, synthetic scaffold, and transosseous sutures with fibrin glue provides secure fixation for treatment of articular cartilage lesions of the knee. At 12-month follow-up, function had improved by 20 points on the IKDC and WOMAC, and quality of life, by 10 points on the SF-36. Age > 45 years had a negative impact on outcomes.