bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long‐Term Follow‐up of Parenteral Bevacizumab In Patients with Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis
Authors: Ballestas Samir A. , Hidalgo Lopez Julio , Klein Adam M. , Steuer Conor , Shin Dong M. , Abousaud Marin , Schmitt Nicole C. , Teng Yong , Saba Nabil F. , Tkaczuk Andrew T.
Published: February 2023

Objective

The clinical course of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) varies from spontaneous remission to severe airway obstruction with wide variability in recurrence. Standard treatment involves debulking to improve voice and/or breathing. Non‐surgical therapies are emerging in hopes of non‐operative disease control. This retrospective review analyzes long‐term safety, efficacy, and durability of clinical control in the largest reported series of parenteral bevacizumab in adults with RRP.

Methods

Twenty‐three patients with known RRP who have been receiving off‐label systemic bevacizumab were included. Dosage, infusion interval, number of cycles, debulking requirements, subjective outcomes, adverse events, and reasons for treatment termination were investigated.

Results

Patients have been followed for an average of 791.43 (21–1468) days. The most common starting dosing regimen was 15 mg/kg at 3 weeks in 11 followed by 10 mg/kg at 6 weeks intervals in 6 individuals. Long‐term maintenance dosage varied with the least intensive regimen being 10 mg/kg at 14‐week intervals. Subjective improvement of voice and/or breathing was reported in 18/23 subjects. The median time for patients that needed a procedure after treatment was 634 days. Procedures after infusions decreased from 3.08 ± 2.48 procedures in the year prior to 0.52 ± 1.12 during systemic Bevacizumab, and to 0.86 ± 2.05 after stopping bevacizumab. Therapy termination occurred in 8 subjects where only 3 were due to adverse events.

Conclusion

Parenteral bevacizumab remains a well‐tolerated treatment for patients with recalcitrant RRP. There appears to be a durable reduction in the frequency of debulking surgery requirements although on a maintenance regimen. Laryngoscope, 133:2725–2733, 2023
Market chain analysis of chickpea in Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Worku Chernet , Mengistu Mulat , Bezie Sosina
Published: February 2023

The purpose of the paper is to explain the organization, behaviours and output of smallholder farmers of chickpea market and to analyse the structure–conduct–performance (S‐C‐P) of chickpea in the study area. The study was supported by a recent empirical study and used primary and secondary data from 122 respondents, as well as published and unpublished documents, to better understand how market structure and seller behaviour affect market performance. The study was conducted using the S‐C‐P model analytical approach. Weak oligopoly dominates the chickpea market in the research area (concentrated in the hands of few traders). The goal of the study was to fill the knowledge gap that existed on the topic, contribute to a proper understanding of the difficulties and enhance market development strategies for the benefit of producers, traders and other market participants. According to the research of the market structure, the district market has an oligopolistic market structure with a concentration ratio of 43.35%. In addition, the market is restricted by entry‐level obstacles such as a lack of funding, licensing requirements, the issue of constant supply and a lack of prior expertise in chickpea trading activities. The oligopolistic market structure has also led to chickpea market behaviours that is distinguished by a market strategy where the traders have the upper hand in determining the chickpea price. The study focuses on raising farmers' educational levels, enhancing extension and finance services, building transportation facilities to provide producers more negotiating leverage and accessing improved production techniques as a way to choose the best marketing outlet. Government agencies and relevant parties must step in to address the issues by disseminating current market data on the chickpea industry, enhancing market connectivity and supplying the market with their goods at competitive prices.
Risdiplam in non‐sitter patients aged 16 years and older with 5q spinal muscular atrophy
Authors: Ñungo Garzón Nancy Carolina , Pitarch Castellano Inmaculada , Sevilla Teresa , Vázquez‐Costa Juan Francisco
Published: February 2023

Introduction/Aims

Risdiplam has been approved for the treatment of patients with 5q spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), but data from type 2 non‐sitter patients are lacking. In this study we describe our experience regarding the use of risdiplam in a series of type 2 non‐sitter patients.

Methods

Type 2 SMA patients over 16 years of age were administered risdiplam through the expanded access program (NCT04256265). Patients were followed‐up with a battery of scales and clinical measures.

Results

Six non‐sitter patients (17 to 46 years old) were treated with risdiplam. One patient reported mild adverse events (dyspepsia and headache). After 1 year of treatment, all patients showed clinically meaningful improvements in at least one scale and none of them showed any clinically meaningful deterioration. Two patients showed a clinically meaningful increase in body mass index (>5%) and two others scored higher on the Revised Upper Limb Module (>2 points). Moreover, five patients had clinically meaningful improvements on the Egen Klassifikation 2 scale (>2 points), including the motor (axial and upper limbs), bulbar (speech and swallowing), and respiratory (coughing) domains. Four subjects achieved at least one of the goals set with the Goal Attainment Scale (GAS).

Discussion

This series suggests that risdiplam is safe and may be effective in non‐sitter SMA patients older than 16 years of age. In these patients, functional scales and the GAS would be more sensitive than motor scales to detect changes, because they include axial, bulbar, and respiratory domains. Larger studies are needed to confirm these results.
Pediatric formulas: Categories, composition, and considerations
Authors: Klepper Corie M. , Moore Joseph , Gabel Megan E. , Fleet Sarah E. , Kassel Rachel
Published: February 2023

Formulas, liquid nutrition, may be consumed orally or via a feeding tube to provide partial or complete nutrition that a given individual could not obtain using natural food stuffs in their native form. A wide range of commercially available formulas exist, which may be used as sole‐source nutrition or in conjunction with other foods. Physicians and dietitians must understand the nature of and indications for specific formulas to treat diseases, provide complete nutrition to patients, and avoid harm. Products vary in macronutrient and micronutrient content and calorie concentration among many other factors. They are formulated specifically for patients of specific ages, correlating to nutritional needs and medical diagnoses. Additionally, formula availability, insurance coverage, mode of consumption, physiologic tolerance, and caregiver preference influence formula selection. Caregivers may also make their own pediatric formulas. We review commercial and homemade pediatric formulas.
Association of phase angle values and sarcopenia in older patients with heart failure
Authors: Bieger Patrícia , Sangali Tamirys Delazeri , Ribeiro Édina Caroline Ternus , Schweigert Perry Ingrid Dalira , Souza Gabriela Corrêa
Published: February 2023

Background

Sarcopenia presents an accelerated and accentuated muscle loss in patients with heart failure (HF), leading to a worse prognosis for these patients. This study sought to assess the association of phase angle (PA) values with sarcopenia and its components, as well as to establish a PA cutoff point to predict outcomes such as hospitalization and mortality in older adult patients with HF.

Methods

Sarcopenia diagnosis followed the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People criteria. Anthropometric, bioelectrical impedance (PA and body composition), functional capacity and inflammatory markers were assessed.

Results

Included patients were predominantly male (67%) and White, with a mean age of 69 ± 7 years, and a predominance of New York Heart Association I and II functional classes (82.1%) and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (70.8%). Of the total sample, 23.6% were identified as sarcopenic. Mean PA values were lower in patients with sarcopenia (4.9 ± 0.9 and 6.0 ± 0.8°; P < 0.001). The cutoff point detected for sarcopenia in the receiver operating characteristic curve was 5.45°, which is an independent predictor for sarcopenia. PA values below this cutoff point were also associated with each of the sarcopenic components evaluated. PA proved to be an independent predictor for hospitalization (P = 0.042) in the entire sample studied.

Conclusion

PA is associated with diagnostic components of sarcopenia and the cutoff point 5.45° proved to be an independent predictor of sarcopenia and hospitalization >3 years in older adult patients with HF.
The relationships among perceived stress, resilience, sleep quality and first‐month retention of newly employed nurses: A cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Lin Yueh‐E , Lin Chiu‐Tzu , Hu Mei‐Lien , Tzeng Sened , Chien Li‐Yu
Published: February 2023

Aim

Newly employed nurses are subject to high workplace stress, which leads to a low retention rate. Resilience can reduce burnout among nurses. The aim of this study was to explore the relationships among perceived stress, resilience, sleep quality of new nurses during initial employment, and their impacts on first‐month retention.

Design

This is a cross‐sectional study design.

Methods

We used a convenience sampling method to recruit 171 new nurses between January and September 2021. The Perceived Stress Scale, Resilience Scale, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Inventory (PSQI) were conducted in the study. Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the impacts on first‐month retention for newly employed nurses.

Results

The initial perceived stress, resilience, and sleep quality of the newly employed nurses were not correlated with the first‐month retention rate. Forty‐four per cent of the newly recruited nurses had sleep disorders. Resilience, sleep quality, and perceived stress of newly employed nurses were significantly correlated. Newly employed nurses assigned to their desired wards had lower perceived stress than their peers.
Leveraging machine learning to identify acute myeloid leukemia patients and their chemotherapy regimens in an administrative database
Authors: Cao Lusha , Huang Yuan‐Shung , Wu Chao , Getz Kelly , Miller Tamara P. , Ruiz Jenny , Fisher Brian T. , Seif Alix E. , Aplenc Richard , Li Yimei
Published: February 2023

Background

Administrative datasets are useful for identifying rare disease cohorts such as pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Previously, cohorts were assembled using labor‐intensive, manual reviews of patients’ longitudinal chemotherapy data.

Methods

We utilized a two‐step machine learning (ML) method to (i) identify pediatric patients with newly diagnosed AML, and (ii) among the identified AML patients, their chemotherapy courses, in an administrative/billing database. Using 2558 patients previously manually reviewed, multiple ML algorithms were derived from 75% of the study sample, and the selected model was tested in the remaining hold‐out sample. The selected model was also applied to assemble a new pediatric AML cohort and further assessed in an external validation, using a standalone cohort established by manual chart abstraction.

Results

For patient identification, the selected Support Vector Machine model yielded a sensitivity of 0.97 and a positive predictive value (PPV) of 0.97 in the hold‐out test sample. For course‐specific chemotherapy regimen and start date identification, the selected Random Forest model yielded overall PPV greater than or equal to 0.88 and sensitivity greater than or equal to 0.86 across all courses in the test sample. When applied to new cohort assembly, ML identified 3016 AML patients with 10,588 treatment courses. In the external validation subset, PPV was greater than or equal to 0.75 and sensitivity was greater than or equal to 0.82 for patient identification, and PPV was greater than or equal to 0.93 and sensitivity was greater than or equal to 0.94 for regimen identifications.

Conclusion

A carefully designed ML model can accurately identify pediatric AML patients and their chemotherapy courses from administrative databases. This approach may be generalizable to other diseases and databases.
Cost‐effectiveness analysis of recombinant factor IX Fc fusion protein compared with recombinant factor IX for the treatment of moderate–severe to severe hemophilia B in China
Authors: Zhou Ting , Wang Shuyue , Zhang Yao , Wu Runhui , Li Hongchao
Published: February 2023

Objective

To evaluate the lifetime cost‐effectiveness of recombinant factor IX Fc fusion protein (rFIXFc) and recombinant factor IX (rFIX) for the treatment of hemophilia B (HB) in China.

Methods

We developed a decision‐analytic Markov model including three health states: alive, requiring surgery, and dead. This model estimated the lifetime cost and quality‐adjusted life‐years (QALYs) of prophylaxis in childhood, followed by on‐demand treatment in adulthood for moderate–severe to severe HB patients from China's healthcare system perspective. Efficacy data derived from pivotal clinical trials, clinical guideline recommendations, and expert consultation were applied to two scenarios (full dose and low dose). One‐way sensitivity analysis and probabilistic sensitivity analysis (PSA) were performed to assess the robustness of the model.

Outcomes

Lifetime cost, QALYs, and the incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio were calculated, and the results were compared with willingness‐to‐pay (WTP) thresholds of one to three times the gross domestic product per capita of China in 2021 ($12,551–$37,653).

Results

RFIXFc was associated with lower cost and more QALYs than rFIX in both scenarios, which suggested that it is a dominant strategy (more effective and cheaper) for moderate–severe to severe HB in China. In the full‐dose scenario, rFIXFc saved more money and yielded more QALYs than in the low‐dose scenario (low doses are the typical clinical reality in China). PSA demonstrated that rFIXFc had an over 90% probability of being cost‐effective with full‐dose and low‐dose treatment at WTP thresholds of $12,551–$37,653.

Conclusions

Compared with rFIX, rFIXFc appears to be a cost‐effective option for the lifetime management of moderate–severe to severe HB patients in China.
Durable remissions achieved with reinfusion of CD19‐directed CAR‐T despite failure to induce or maintain B‐cell aplasia and single‐center experience with reinfusion of tisagenlecleucel
Authors: Galletta Thomas J. , Rubinstein Jeremy D. , Krupski Christa , Nelson Adam S. , Khoury Ruby , Dandoy Christopher E. , Davies Stella M. , Phillips Christine L.
Published: February 2023

CD19‐directed chimeric antigen receptor T lymphocytes (CAR‐T) have led to durable remissions in children with refractory and/or multiply relapsed B‐lymphoblastic leukemia. For those who relapse or lose B‐cell aplasia post CAR‐T, the role of CAR‐T reinfusion is unclear. We report two cases of durable remission with tisagenlecleucel reinfusion despite failure to achieve or maintain B‐cell aplasia, and compare these cases to six additional children who received multiple tisagenlecleucel infusions at our institution. Our experience suggests that reinfusion is safe and may be a definitive therapy for a small subset of patients. Reinfusion can also reintroduce remission and/or B‐cell aplasia, allowing for subsequent therapies.
The Arabidopsis INNER NO OUTER (INO) gene acts exclusively and quantitatively in regulation of ovule outer integument development
Authors: Skinner Debra J. , Dang Trang , Gasser Charles S.
Published: February 2023

The INNER NO OUTER (INO) gene is essential for formation of the outer integument of ovules in Arabidopsis thaliana. Initially described lesions in INO were missense mutations resulting in aberrant mRNA splicing. To determine the null mutant phenotype, we generated frameshift mutations and found, in confirmation of results on another recently identified frameshift mutation, that such mutants have a phenotype identical to the most severe splicing mutant (ino‐1), with effects specific to outer integument development. We show that the altered protein of an ino mRNA splicing mutant with a less severe phenotype (ino‐4) does not have INO activity, and the mutant is partial because it produces a small amount of correctly spliced INO mRNA. Screening for suppressors of ino‐4 in a fast neutron‐mutagenized population identified a translocated duplication of the ino‐4 gene, leading to an increase in the amount of this mRNA. The increased expression led to a decrease in the severity of the mutant effects, indicating that the amount of INO activity quantitatively regulates outer integument growth. The results further confirm that the role of INO in Arabidopsis development is specific to the outer integument of ovules where it quantitatively affects the growth of this structure.
Degree‐based topological indices of the molecular structure of hyaluronic acid–methotrexate conjugates in cancer treatment
Authors: Movahedi Fateme , Akhbari Mohammad Hadi
Published: February 2023

The study of the topological indices in the quantitative structure–activity and structure–property models are used to predict the physicochemical properties of the chemical compounds. In this paper, we analyze the molecular structure of hyaluronic acid conjugated with methotrexate which is used in anticancer drugs. We obtain the exact formulas for several new Sombor‐type vertex‐degree‐based topological indices and the Banhatti–Sombor‐type vertex‐degree‐based topological indices of the molecular structure of hyaluronic acid–methotrexate conjugate using the graph theory and the edge‐partition approach. We use Matlab and Mathematica software to evaluate the results and accuracy of calculations. The numerical results in this study can help understand the biological activity of the chemical structure of these drugs.
Temperature‐Dependent Anharmonic Phonons in Quantum Paraelectric KTaO3 by First Principles and Machine‐Learned Force Fields
Authors: Ranalli Luigi , Verdi Carla , Monacelli Lorenzo , Kresse Georg , Calandra Matteo , Franchini Cesare
Published: February 2023

Understanding collective phenomena in quantum materials from first principles is a promising route toward engineering materials properties and designing new functionalities. This work examines the quantum paraelectric state, an elusive state of matter characterized by the smooth saturation of the ferroelectric instability at low temperature due to quantum fluctuations associated with anharmonic phonon effects. The temperature‐dependent evolution of the soft ferroelectric phonon mode in the quantum paraelectric KTaO3 in the range 0–300 K is modeled by combining density functional theory (DFT) calculations with the stochastic self‐consistent harmonic approximation assisted by an on‐the‐fly machine‐learned force field. The calculated data show that including anharmonic terms is essential to stabilize the spurious imaginary ferroelectric phonon predicted by DFT in the harmonic approximation, in agreement with experiments. Augmenting the DFT workflow with machine‐learned force fields allows for efficient stochastic sampling of the configuration space using large supercells in a wide temperature range, inaccessible to conventional ab initio protocols. This work proposes a robust computational workflow capable of accounting for collective behaviors involving different degrees of freedom and occurring at large time/length scales, paving the way for precise modeling and control of quantum effects in materials.
Grain Growth Mechanism of CZTSSe Films Controlled by the Evaporation Area of Se
Authors: Jian Yue , Xie Tianliang , Han Litao , Cao Lei , Wang Lijing , Zhou Wenhui , Zhou Zhengji , Kou Dongxing , Meng Yuena , Qi Yafang , Yuan Shengjie , Wu Sixin
Published: February 2023

Thermally evaporated Se, including the molecules of Se2, Se5, Se6, Se7, and Se8 in the vapor at 550–600 °C, is widely used for the selenization of CZTSSe films. However, active small‐molecule Se2 tends to form large clusters of Se atoms at saturation vapor pressure, resulting in the large Se deficiency and poor crystallization of CZTSSe films. To regulate the time for Se to reach saturation vapor pressure and promote the role of active small‐molecule Se, the evaporation area of Se is controlled. Then the corresponding grain growth mechanism of CZTSSe films and device efficiency are systematically investigated. The results demonstrate that the appropriate evaporation area of Se can not only optimize the time for Se vapor to reach saturation, promote the rapid reaction crystallization between the precursor films and active Se2, but also inhibit the nucleation at the CZTSSe/Mo interface, thus making the CZTSSe films show a perfect top‐down grain growth mode. By preliminary optimization, when the evaporation area of Se is 245 mm2, a large‐grain spanning monolayer CZTSSe thin film is obtained; meanwhile, a device with a high efficiency of 12.39% is achieved. This study provides a new selenization strategy for improving the crystallinity of CZTSSe thin films.
Spectral Engineering: The Key to High‐Performance Semitransparent Organic Photovoltaics
Authors: Li Yuanhao , Zheng Yingcong , Yan Cenqi , Wang Jiayu , Cheng Pei , Zhang Shiming
Published: February 2023

With the rapid development of organic photovoltaics (OPVs) in recent years, they are getting closer to industrialization. Semitransparency is a unique feature of OPVs, thus semitransparent OPVs (STOPVs) are regarded as one of the most promising directions for industrialization. However, there is a contradiction between the power conversion efficiency and visible transparency of STOPVs, as well as the need to further optimize the specific wavelength transmission and color index for practical applications. Spectral engineering is of high significance to solve the above issues. In this perspective, the recent research progress on spectral engineering for STOPVs from the views of material design, active layer engineering, and optical management is systematically summarized. The potential applications that utilize the different spectral features of STOPVs in agriculture, buildings, vehicles, and floating photovoltaics are introduced. Challenges and future research directions that promote the commercialization of STOPVs are also proposed.
Characterization and Comparative Analysis of Starches from Seeds of Five Jackfruit Cultivars
Authors: Kushwaha Radha , Singh Vinti , Kaur Seeratpreet , Kaur Devinder
Published: February 2023

Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) seeds are a byproduct of processing while they have an appreciable amount of starch. The current study is based on the isolation and characterization of starches from these seeds to check the suitability in terms of functional, structural, and pasting properties for determining its vital utilization. Therefore, five jackfruit cultivars (Hadiyava, Khaja, Safeda, Katahri, and Bhadaiya) are selected for the study. The amylose content, granule size, pasting properties, and relative crystallinity significantly (p < 0.05) vary in all selected five cultivars. With the lowest amylose values, Safeda cultivar starch reports higher absorption of oil and water (190.30% and 226.68%, respectively), solubility, swelling power, peak, trough, and final viscosity compared to the other starches. X‐ray diffraction results show that all five starches show a typical A‐type (15°, 17°–18°, and 23°) pattern. The first principal component (40.98%) is highly correlated with starch amylopectin content, physical properties, peak temperature, and swelling power.
Comparing and Detecting Stationarity and Dataset Shift
Authors: da Silva Camilla , Nisenson Jed , Boisvert Jeff
Published: February 2023

Machine learning algorithms have been increasingly applied to spatial numerical modeling. However, it is important to understand when such methods will underperform. Machine learning algorithms are impacted by dataset shift; when modeling domains of interest present non-stationarities there is no guarantee that the trained models are effective in unsampled areas. This work aims to compare the stationarity requirement of geostatistical methods to the concept of dataset shift. Also, workflow is developed to detect dataset shift in spatial data prior to modeling, this involves applying a discriminative classifier and a two sample Kolmogorv-Smirnov test to model areas. And, when required a lazy learning modification of support vector regression is proposed to account for dataset shift. The benefits of the lazy learning algorithm are demonstrated on the well-known non-stationary Walker Lake dataset and improves root mean squared error up to 25% relative to standard SVR approach, in areas where dataset shift is present.
Prosimos: Discovering and Simulating Business Processes with Differentiated Resources
Authors: López-Pintado Orlenys , Halenok Iryna , Dumas Marlon
Published: February 2023

Prosimos is an open-source tool that discovers business process simulation models from execution data (event logs) and that enables users to perform what-if analysis using the resulting models. Prosimos distinguishes itself from other data-driven business process simulation approaches in the way it models resources. Existing data-driven simulation approaches treat resources as undifferentiated entities, grouped into resource pools, and assume that all resources in a pool have the same performance and availability calendars. In contrast, Prosimos allows resources (within a pool) to have different performance and availability profiles. For example, instead of treating all claims officers in an insurance claims handling process as having the same performance and availability, Prosimos may capture scenarios where senior resources perform some tasks faster than junior ones, or scenarios where some resources work part-time. To this end, Prosimos integrates algorithms for discovering differentiated resource profiles from event logs.
χc1(2p): an overshadowed charmoniumlike resonance
Authors: Bruschini R. , González P.
Published: February 2023

Abstract

A thorough study of the JPC = 1++ elastic $$ {D}^0{\overline{D}}^{\ast 0} $$

D
0

D
¯

∗
0

and D+D∗− scattering, where the form of the meson-meson interaction is inferred from lattice QCD calculations of string breaking, is carried out for center-of-mass energies up to 4 GeV. We show that the presence of χc1(3872), which can be naturally assigned to either a bound or virtual charmoniumlike state close below the $$ {D}^0{\overline{D}}^{\ast 0} $$

D
0

D
¯

∗
0

threshold, can overshadow a quasiconventional charmoniumlike resonance lying above threshold. This makes difficult the experimental detection of this resonance through the $$ {D}^0{\overline{D}}^{\ast 0} $$

D
0

D
¯

∗
0

and D+D∗− channels, despite being its expected main decay modes. We analyze alternative strong and electromagnetic decay modes. Comparison with existing data shows that this resonance may have already been observed through its decay to ωJ/ψ.
Symmetry TFTs for 3d QFTs from M-theory
Authors: van Beest Marieke , Gould Dewi S. W. , Schäfer-Nameki Sakura , Wang Yi-Nan
Published: February 2023

Abstract

We derive the Symmetry Topological Field Theories (SymTFTs) for 3d supersymmetric quantum field theories (QFTs) constructed in M-theory either via geometric engineering or holography. These 4d SymTFTs encode the symmetry structures of the 3d QFTs, for instance the generalized global symmetries and their ’t Hooft anomalies. Using differential cohomology, we derive the SymTFT by reducing M-theory on a 7-manifold Y7, which either is the link of a conical Calabi-Yau four-fold or part of an AdS4× Y7 holographic solution. In the holographic setting we first consider the 3d $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 6 ABJ(M) theories and derive the BF-couplings, which allow the identification of the global form of the gauge group, as well as 1-form symmetry anomalies. Secondly, we compute the SymTFT for 3d $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 quiver gauge theories whose holographic duals are based on Sasaki-Einstein 7-manifolds of type Y7 = Yp,k($$ \mathbbm{CP} $$
CP
2). The SymTFT encodes 0- and 1-form symmetries, as well as potential ’t Hooft anomalies between these. Furthermore, by studying the gapped boundary conditions of the SymTFT we constrain the allowed choices for U(1) Chern-Simons terms in the dual field theory.
Commenting on Aristotle with a Knife
Authors: Bigotti Fabrizio
Published: February 2023

Drawing on a variety of sources, including manuscript notes and a wide variety of published material, this article offers the first analysis in English of Bassanio Landi’s works in their medical and philosophical context. I argue that while Landi’s output is characteristic of its sixteenth-century Paduan milieu, his approach to methodological questions in anatomy and the arts, as well as his paraphrase of Aristotle’s De anima, make it possible to locate him within the heretical tradition that stretches from Pietro Pomponazzi (1462–1525) to Paolo Sarpi (1552–1623).
A new model to predict the tool life in turning of titanium aluminides
Authors: García-Martínez Enrique , Miguel Valentín , Martínez-Martínez Alberto , Ayllón Jorge
Published: February 2023

Several tool wear models for machining operations have been reported in the literature. However, most of them are capable of modeling only a part of the wear curve, designed for quasi-linear curves or need to be fitted by means of differential equations. In this research, a new analytical easy-to-use wear model is proposed, taking into consideration the geometry of the cutting insert and the influence of the cutting speed and the tool-workpiece contact stress. In addition, the effect of the critical machining time, relative to the tool degradation, has also been introduced. The wear model describes completely the wear curve, from the initial rapid wear stage to the thermal-activated wear rate acceleration. The constants and parameters of the equation are determined by cutting experiments from the cutting forces and flank wear registers under a variety of technological parameters. This model has been validated for turning process on Ti48Al2Cr2Nb aluminide with uncoated carbide tool under different cutting conditions, varying the cutting speed and the geometrical position of the tool. It has been demonstrated its suitability to predict tool life, according to a defined wear criterion.
MOSPPA: monitoring system for palletised packaging recognition and tracking
Authors: Castaño-Amoros Julio , Fuentes Francisco , Gil Pablo
Published: February 2023

The paper industry manufactures corrugated cardboard packaging, which is unassembled and stacked on pallets to be supplied to its customers. Human operators usually classify these pallets according to the physical features of the cardboard packaging. This process can be slow, causing congestion on the production line. To optimise the logistics of this process, we propose a visual recognition and tracking pipeline that monitors the palletised packaging while it is moving inside the factory on roller conveyors. Our pipeline has a two-stage architecture composed of Convolutional Neural Networks, one for oriented pallet detection and recognition, and another with which to track identified pallets. We carried out an extensive study using different methods for the pallet detection and tracking tasks and discovered that the oriented object detection approach was the most suitable. Our proposal recognises and tracks different configurations and visual appearance of palletised packaging, providing statistical data in real time with which to assist human operators in decision-making. We tested the precision-performance of the system at the Smurfit Kappa facilities. Our proposal attained an Average Precision (AP) of 0.93 at 14 Frames Per Second (FPS), losing only 1% of detections. Our system is, therefore, able to optimise and speed up the process of logistic distribution.
Unraveling disparate roles of organisms, from plants to bacteria, and viruses on built cultural heritage
Authors: Sanmartín Patricia , Bosch-Roig Pilar , Pangallo Domenico , Kraková Lucia , Serrano Miguel
Published: February 2023

The different organisms, ranging from plants to bacteria, and viruses that dwell on built cultural heritage can be passive or active participants in conservation processes. For the active participants, particular attention is generally given to organisms that play a positive role in bioprotection, bioprecipitation, bioconsolidation, bioremediation, biocleaning, and biological control and to those involved in providing ecosystem services, such as reducing temperature, pollution, and noise in urban areas. The organisms can also evolve or mutate in response to changes, becoming tolerant and resistant to biocidal treatments or acquiring certain capacities, such as water repellency or resistance to ultraviolet radiation. Our understanding of the capacities and roles of these active organisms is constantly evolving as bioprotection/biodeterioration, and biotreatment studies are conducted and new techniques for characterizing species are developed. This brief review article aims to shed light on interesting research that has been abandoned as well as on recent (some ongoing) studies opening up new scopes of research involving a wide variety of organisms and viruses, which are likely to receive more attention in the coming years.

Key points

• Organisms and viruses can be active or passive players in heritage conservation

• Biotreatment and ecosystem service studies involving organisms and viruses are shown

• Green deal, health, ecosystem services, and global change may shape future research
Alanine-based spacers promote an efficient antigen processing and presentation in neoantigen polypeptide vaccines
Authors: Aguilar-Gurrieri Carmen , Barajas Ana , Rovirosa Carla , Ortiz Raquel , Urrea Victor , de la Iglesia Nuria , Clotet Bonaventura , Blanco Julià , Carrillo Jorge
Published: February 2023

Neoantigens are tumor-specific antigens that are mostly particular for each patient. Since the immune system is able to mount a specific immune response against these neoantigens, they are a promising tool for the development of therapeutic personalized cancer vaccines. Neoantigens must be presented to T cells by antigen presenting cells (APC) in the context of MHC-I or MHC-II molecules. Therefore, the strategy of vaccine delivery may have a major impact on the magnitude and quality of T cell responses. Neoantigen-based vaccines are frequently administered as a pool of individual synthetic peptides that induce mainly CD4+ T cell responses. MHC-I-mediated presentation and the elicitation of CD8+ T cell responses may be improved using DNA or RNA sequences that code for a unique long polypeptide that concatenates the different neoantigens spaced by linker sequences. When administered this way, the selection of the spacer between neoantigens is of special interest, as it might influence the processing and presentation of the right peptides by APCs. Here, we evaluate the impact of such linker regions on the MHC-I-dependent antigen presentation using an in vitro assay that assesses the MHC-I presentation of SIINFEKL, a H-2 Kb-restricted OVA peptide. Our results show that spacers used to generate epitope concatenates have a large impact on the efficiency of neoantigen processing and presentation by MHC-I molecules; in contrast, the peptide position and the flanking regions have a minimal impact. Moreover, linkers based on alanine residues promote a more efficient peptide presentation than the commonly used GGGS linker.
The Partner Perspective on Autologous and Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction
Authors: von Glinski Maxi , Holler Nikla , Kümmel Sherko , Wallner Christoph , Wagner Johannes Maximilian , Sogorski Alexander , Reinkemeier Felix , Reinisch Mattea , Lehnhardt Marcus , Behr Björn
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Partner involvement in the decision-making process concerning breast reconstruction (BR) after a breast cancer diagnosis may be very supportive for the patient. So far, no study evaluates partner satisfaction with the outcome after BR and the relationship to patient satisfaction. The aim of this study was to assess and compare partner satisfaction of BR with autologous tissue (ABR) and prosthetic implants (IBR), respectively, and compare it to patient-reported outcomes.

Patients and Methods

All patients undergoing ABR and IBR between January 2014 and December 2020 were asked to participate with their partners. Patient and partner satisfaction with breast reconstruction, overall outcome as well as patient’s perceived and self-reported psychosocial well-being were evaluated using the Breast-Q and a modified partner questionnaire, respectively.

Results

Fifty-three couples participated (IBR: n=30, ABR: n = 23). Patient and partner satisfaction with breast (r = 0.552), outcome (r = 0.465) as well as patient’s perceived and self-report psychosocial well-being (r = 0.495) were highly correlated with partners scoring significantly higher (p<0.001). In terms of partner satisfaction, both reconstructive procedures achieved satisfactory results. ABR scored higher in terms of softness of breast and how natural the breast feels to touch whereas IBR was rated superior evaluating the breast size.

Conclusion

Both reconstructive procedures achieve satisfactory results in terms partner satisfaction whereas patient’s psychosocial well-being was highly overestimated by their partners. Hence, partner inclusion in the regular psycho-oncological support might further sensitize them of the high psychological burden of a breast cancer diagnosis and therefore stabilize patients private support system.

Level of Evidence III

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ENSO teleconnections in terms of non-NAO and NAO atmospheric variability
Authors: King Martin P. , Keenlyside Noel , Li Camille
Published: February 2023

The validity of the long-held understanding or assumption that El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) has a remote influence on the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) in the January–February–March (JFM) months has been questioned recently. We examine this claim further using atmospheric data filtered to separate the variability orthogonal and parallel to NAO. This decomposition of the atmospheric fields is based on the Principal Component/Empirical Orthogonal Function method whereby the leading mode of the sea-level pressure in the North Atlantic sector is recognised as the NAO, while the remaining variability is orthogonal (unrelated) to NAO. Composite analyses indicate that ENSO has statistically significant links with both the non-NAO and NAO variability at various atmospheric levels. Additional bootstrap tests carried out to quantify the uncertainty and statistical significance confirm these relationships. Consistent with previous studies, we find that an ENSO teleconnection in the NAO-related variability is characterised by lower-stratospheric eddy heat flux anomalies (related to the vertical propagation of planetary waves) which appear in November–December and strengthen through JFM. Under El Niño (La Niña), there is constructive (destructive) interference of anomalous eddy heat flux with the climatological pattern, enhancing (reducing) fluxes over the northern Pacific and Barents Sea areas. We further show that the teleconnection of extreme El Niño is essentially a non-NAO phenomenon. Some non-linearity of the teleconnections is suggested, with El Niño including more NAO-related variability than La Niña, but the statistical significance is degraded due to weaker signals and smaller sample sizes after the partitioning. Our findings have implications for the general understanding of the nature of ENSO teleconnections over the North Atlantic, as well as for refining methods to characterise and evaluate them in models.
Minimal access surgery for congenital diaphragmatic hernia: surgical tricks to facilitate anchoring the patches to the ribs
Authors: Mansour Sherif , Curry Joe , Blackburn Simon , Mullassery Dhanya , Thakkar Hemanshoo , Ballington Jennifer , Leukogeorgakis Stavros , Cross Kate , Giuliani Stefano , De Coppi Paolo
Published: February 2023

Objective

Minimal Access Surgery (MAS) for Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH) repair is well described, yet only a minority of surgeons report this as their preferred operative approach. Some surgeons find it particularly difficult to repair the defect using MAS and convert to laparotomy when a patch is required. We present in this study our institutional experience in using an easy and relatively cheap methodology to anchor the patch around the ribs using Endo Close™. This device has an application in MAS for tissue approximation using percutaneous suturing.

Methods and technique

We retrospectively reviewed our database for patients undergoing MAS repair of CDH between 2009 and 2021. Outcome measures included length of surgery and recurrence rates after patch repair. Endo Close™ was used in all patients who required patch repair. We declare no conflict of interest and to not having received any funding from Medtronic (UK). The technique is as follows: (1) The edges of the diaphragm are delineated by dissection. When primary suture repair of the diaphragmatic hernia was unfeasible without tension, a patch was used. (2) The patch is anchored in place by two corner stitches at the medial and lateral borders. (3) The posterior border of the patch is fixed to the diaphragmatic edge by running or interrupted stitches. (4) For securing the anterior border, a non-absorbable suture is passed through the anterior chest wall and the patch border is taken with intracorporeal instruments. (5) Without making another stab incision, the Endo Close™ is tunnelled subcutaneously through the anterior chest wall. (6) The suture end is pulled through the Endo Close™ and the knot is tied around the rib. This procedure can be performed as many times as required to secure the patch.

Results

58 patients underwent MAS surgery for repair of CDH between 2009 and 2021. 48 (82%) presented with a left defect. 34 (58%) had a patch repair. The length of patch repair surgery for CDH ranged from 100–343 min (median 197). There was only one patient (3%) in the patch repair cohort that had a recurrent hernia, diagnosed 12 months after the initial surgery.

Conclusions

In our experience, MAS repair of CDH is feasible. We adopted a low threshold in using a patch to achieve a tension-free repair. We believe that the Endo Close™ is a cheap and safe method to help securing the patch around the ribs.
Efficacy and safety of double balloon catheter and dinoprostone for labor induction in multipara at term
Authors: Yuan Lu , Peng Jing , Yang Lijun , Zhao Yun
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The aim of this study was to comparatively assess the efficacy and safety of double balloon catheter (DBC) and dinoprostone as labor-inducing agents just for multipara at term.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted among multipara at term with a Bishop score < 6 who needed planned labor induction from January 1, 2020, to December 30, 2020 in Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hubei province, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology. They were divided into DBC group and dinoprostone group, respectively. Baseline maternal data, maternal and neonatal outcomes were recorded for statistical analysis. Total vaginal delivery rate, rate of vaginal delivery within 24 h, rate of uterine hyperstimulation combined with abnormal fetal heart rate(FHR) were regarded as the primary outcome variables. The difference between groups was considered statistically significant when p value < 0.05.

Results

A total of 202 multiparas was included for analysis (95 women in DBC group vs 107 women in dinoprostone group). There were no significant differences in total vaginal delivery rate and rate of vaginal delivery within 24 h between groups. Uterine hyperstimulation combined with abnormal FHR occurred exclusively in dinoprostone group.

Conclusion

DBC and dinoprostone seem to be equally effective, while, DBC seems to be safer than dinoprostone.
Action–effect knowledge transfers to similar effect stimuli
Authors: Esser Sarah , Haider Hilde , Lustig Clarissa , Tanaka Takumi , Tanaka Kanji
Published: February 2023

The ability to anticipate the sensory consequences of our actions (i.e., action–effects) is known to be important for intentional action initiation and control. Learned action–effects can select the responses that previously have been associated with them. What has been largely unexplored is how learned action–effect associations can aid action selection for effects that have not previously associated with an action but are similar to learned effects. In two studies, we aimed to show that when presented new, unknown action–effects, participants select the responses that have previously been associated with similar action–effects. In the first study (n = 27), action–effect similarity was operationalized via stimuli belonging to the same or different categories as the previously learned action–effects. In the second study (n = 31), action–effect similarity was realized via stimuli that require comparable motor responses in real life. Participants first learned that specific responses are followed by specific visual effect stimuli. In the test phase, learned effect stimuli, new but similar effect stimuli and new but dissimilar effect stimuli were presented ahead of the response. The findings revealed that both learned effect stimuli and new similar effect stimuli affected response times, whereas new dissimilar effects did not. When a learned or a new similar effect was followed by a learned response, compared to an unlearned response, the responses were faster. We interpret these findings in terms of action–effect learning. The action–effect once bound to an action is used to select an action if a similar effect for which no action has been learned yet is presented. However, it is noteworthy that, due to our design, other explanations for the found transfer are conceivable. We address these limitations in the General Discussion.
Ecocide Before the International Criminal Court: Simplicity is Better Than an Elaborate Embellishment
Authors: Palarczyk Danuta
Published: February 2023

In 2021, with their proposals of a new definition of ‘ecocide’, the Independent Expert Panel for the Legal Definition of Ecocide (‘IEPLDE’) and the Promise Institute for Human Rights (‘UCLA’) Group of Experts reignited the discussion on expanding the International Criminal Court’s (‘ICC’ or ‘Court’) jurisdiction over the gravest instances of environmental degradation. The proposed definitions form part of the broader campaign towards the international criminalisation of ‘ecocide’ and its prosecution before the ICC. This discussion challenges such ambitions, arguing that, in its current form, the Court would be unable to produce environmentally-satisfactory results. It underscores that the human-centric fundaments of modern international criminal law (‘ICL’) prevent the ICC from fusing different approaches and values governing international environmental law (‘IEL’) into its institutional design. A middle-ground is proposed instead: rather than surrendering the pursuit of environmental justice before the ICC or risking a ‘symbolic’ revolutionisation, the focus should be re-oriented on maximising the ‘environmental’ potential of the current statutory framework. This approach aligns with the strive towards greater ‘internationalisation’ of international courts and tribunals, encouraging more eager analysis of their statutory provisions from multiple perspectives and in the context of a variety of cross-sectoral international law norms, objectives, principles, and approaches. Two possible directions for progression in that regard are proposed: (i) more resourceful translation of environmental realities into the substantive prohibitions of war crimes and (ii) more active reliance on and application of a ‘greened’ scope of Articles 21(3) and 7(1) of the Statute.