bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of a quasi‐3D dosimeter using radiochromic plastic for patient‐specific quality assurance
Authors: Cho Jin Dong , Jin Hyeongmin , Jung Seongmoon , Son Jaeman , Choi Chang Heon , Park Jong Min , Kim Jin Sung , Kim Jung‐in
Published: July 2023

Background

Patient‐specific QA verification ensures patient safety and treatment by verifying radiation delivery and dose calculations in treatment plans for errors. However, a two‐dimensional (2D) dose distribution is insufficient for detecting information on the three‐dimensional (3D) dose delivered to the patient. In addition, 3D radiochromic plastic dosimeters (RPDs) such as PRESAGE® represent the volume effect in which the dosimeters have different sensitivities according to the size of the dosimeters. Therefore, to solve the volume effect, a Quasi‐3D dosimetry system was proposed to perform patient‐specific QA using predetermined‐sized and multiple RPDs.

Purpose

For patient‐specific quality assurance (QA) in radiation treatment, this study aims to assess a quasi‐3D dosimetry system using an RPD.

Methods

Gamma analysis was performed to verify the agreement between the measured and estimated dose distributions of intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT). We fabricated cylindrical RPDs and a quasi‐3D dosimetry phantom. A practicability test for a pancreatic patient utilized a quasi‐3D dosimetry device, an in‐house RPD, and a quasi‐3D phantom. The dose distribution of the VMAT design dictated the placement of nine RPDs. Moreover, a 2D diode array detector was used for 2D gamma analysis (MapCHECK2). The patient‐specific QA was performed for IMRT, VMAT, and stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) in 20 prostate and head‐and‐neck patients. For each patient, six RPDs were positioned according to the dose distribution. VMAT SABR and IMRT/VMAT plans employed a 2%/2 mm gamma criterion, whereas IMRT/VMAT plans used a 3%/2 mm gamma criterion, a 10% threshold value, and a 90% passing rate tolerance. 3D gamma analysis was conducted using the 3D Slicer software.

Results

The average gamma passing rates with 2%/2 mm and 3%/3 mm criteria for relative dose distribution were 91.6% ± 1.4% and 99.4% ± 0.7% for the 3D gamma analysis using the quasi‐3D dosimetry system, respectively, and 97.5% and 99.3% for 2D gamma analysis using MapCHECK2, respectively. The 3D gamma analysis for patient‐specific QA of 20 patients showed passing rates of over 90% with 2%/2 mm, 3%/2 mm, and 3%/3 mm criteria.

Conclusions

The quasi‐3D dosimetry system was evaluated by performing patient‐specific QAs with RPDs and quasi‐3D phantom. The gamma indices for all RPDs showed more than 90% for 2%/2 mm, 3%/2 mm, and 3%/3 mm criteria. We verified the feasibility of a quasi‐3D dosimetry system by performing the conventional patient‐specific QA with the quasi‐3D dosimeters.
Management of urinary incontinence after radical cystectomy and orthotopic neobladder: A scoping review of international practices
Authors: Miao ShuYing , He QingWei , Zhang YuanFeng , Wang LiJuan , Jin XiaoDong , Bao ChunXiang , Wang Wei
Published: July 2023

Objectives

To identify and describe international practice in incontinence management after radical cystectomy and orthotopic neobladder.

Materials and Methods

A systematic scoping review following the methodology of the Joanne Briggs Institute was conducted in which the application searched 15 data sources to identify papers published in English, from 1979 to 2022.

Results

Of the 16 papers that met the eligibility criteria, articles in Eastern countries mainly focus on the effect of conservative treatment, while in Western countries, more attention is paid to the effect of surgical treatment. Clinical characteristics of patients included conservative treatment failure, duration of post‐operative intervention and unique differential treatment of male and female patients. Reported factors influencing the achievement of urinary incontinence (UI) include lack of evidence to guide management practice, limited value of conservative treatment, high risk of surgical treatment and uncertainty of efficacy; currently, early behavioural research and multimodal rehabilitation training have good results.

Conclusions

UI in neobladder patients is a distressing condition that is difficult to treat and often requires high‐quality rehabilitation guidance and surgical intervention. Further research to address current knowledge gaps is important to inform practice.
Two‐sided Krylov enhanced proper orthogonal decomposition methods for partial differential equations with variable coefficients
Authors: Wang Li , Miao Zhen , Jiang Yao‐Lin
Published: July 2023

In this paper, new fast computing methods for partial differential equations with variable coefficients are studied and analyzed. They are two kinds of two‐sided Krylov enhanced proper orthogonal decomposition (KPOD) methods. First, the spatial discrete scheme of an advection‐diffusion equation is obtained by Galerkin approximation. Then, an algorithm based on a two‐sided KPOD approach involving the block Arnoldi and block Lanczos processes for the obtained time‐varying equations is put forward. Moreover, another type of two‐sided KPOD algorithm based on Laguerre orthogonal polynomials in frequency domain is provided. For the two kinds of two‐sided KPOD methods, we present a theoretical analysis for the moment matching of the discrete time‐invariant transfer function in time domain and give the error bound caused by the reduced‐order projection between the Galerkin finite element solution and the approximate solution of the two‐sided KPOD method. Finally, the feasibility of four two‐sided KPOD algorithms is verified by several numerical results with different inputs and setting parameters.
Attack‐defense differential game to strength allocation strategies generation
Authors: Li Lingwei , Xiao Bing , Su Shihong , Zhang Haichao , Wu Xiwei , Guo Yiming
Published: July 2023

This paper addresses a difficult problem of strength allocation strategies generation with various adversaries and complex factors. Firstly, to investigate the strength allocation strategies generation problem, an attack‐defense differential game problem is formulated based on an improved Lanchester equation. Secondly, a numerical method, multi‐intervals simultaneous orthogonal collocation decomposition (MISOCD) method, is proposed to obtain the strength allocation strategies from the constructed model. Compared with the analytical method, MISOCD does not need to derive the necessary conditions. Thirdly, this study designs an approximated solution generation strategy based on adaptive learning pigeon‐inspired optimization algorithm to pregenerate the approximated strength allocation strategies in order to solve the initial value sensitivity problem. The approximated strategies are then used as the initial value guess of MISOCD method to generate optimal strength allocation strategies. Finally, two attack‐defense numerical simulations verify the effectiveness of strength allocation strategies generated by the proposed approach. Our proposed results provide a theoretical guide for both making attack‐defense strength allocation strategies and assessing confrontation actions.
Influence of eco‐product innovation and firm reputation on corporate social responsibility and competitive advantage: A mediation‐moderation analysis
Authors: Olaleye Banji Rildwan
Published: July 2023

Eco‐product innovation is a response to environmental legislation and social responsibility movements. Established agricultural manufacturers must figure out how to use green ideas and reputation to compete for business excellence. This study adopted a knowledge‐based approach to examine corporate social responsibility and competitive advantage. This study also examined how eco‐product innovation and reputation affect firms' competitive advantage. The proposed model was tested on 427 Nigerian agro‐allied manufacturers using causal pathways and structural equation modeling. Business competition is directly and indirectly affected by corporate social responsibility, eco‐product innovations, and firm reputation. Additionally, eco‐product innovation partially mediated the nexus between corporate social responsibility and competitive advantage, while reputation moderated the influence of eco‐product innovation. The findings suggest that manufacturers pursuing green initiatives should strive to participate in an eco‐friendly competition and deal with policy pressures in order to meet environmental standards. Overall, this study adds the environment and business competition to the idea of innovation.
Mechanical Properties of Cold‐Welded CoCrFeCuNi Nanowires with Side‐by‐Side Contact: A Molecular Dynamics Study
Authors: Xu Jianfei , Liu Xiuming , Zhang Yuhang , Hu Yiqun , Xia Re
Published: July 2023

Cold welding at the nanoscale is a promising technique for bottom‐up fabrication and assembly of nanostructured materials. Herein, the cold welding process of the CoCrFeCuNi high‐entropy‐alloy (HEA) nanowires in the form of side‐by‐side contact using molecular dynamics simulation is inestigated. The effects of overlap length, crystal orientation, and temperature are taken into consideration. The results demonstrate that strength is positively correlated with the overlap length. Fracture strain first increases up to a maximum and then decreases with the increase in overlap length. When the temperature increases from 300 to 900 K, the ultimate stress of the welded nanowires decreases from 1.18 to 0.87 GPa, and the welding stress decreases from −0.54 to −0.26 GPa. The crystal orientation significantly influences the deformation mechanism. For samples welded by nanowires with the same crystal orientation, the primary deformation mechanisms are twinning and dislocation slip. However, for samples welded by nanowires with different crystal orientations, the deformation is primarily mediated by the grain boundary slip. The research can enhance the understanding of the cold welding behavior for low‐dimensional materials and is hopeful to provide some valuable guidance for the bottom‐up fabrication and assembly of HEA nanocomponents.
Experimental Investigation on Electric and Dielectric Properties of Thallium Ions Doped Sodium Zinc Phosphate Glass
Authors: Belahcene Abdelhak , Kharroubi Mohamed , Bourezg Yousf Islem , Harfouche Messaoud , Gacem Lakhdar
Published: July 2023

Sodium zinc phosphate glasses modified by Tl2O addition of composition Na2−xTlxZnP2O7 (x = 0, 0.005, 0.01, and 0.015) are synthesized following the melt quenching technique. The structure of the glass samples is analyzed by the Fourier transform infrared absorption spectroscopy. The results suggest that the phosphate network is polymerized by the addition of Tl+ ions. The electrical conductivity, electric modulus, and dielectric constant characteristics of the glasses are measured over a wide continuous frequency range of 10−2 Hz–1 MHz and in the temperature range 293–473 K by the impedance spectroscopic method. The ac conductivity data are analyzed following the power law exponent (S) and the proposed correlated barrier hopping mechanism (CBH) is the most suitable conduction mechanism in the studied compositions. The electrical modulus formalism is applied to analyze the electric data to study their dielectric relaxation. Non‐Debye type relaxation is obtained. From the obtained results, the present glass can be used as a high‐energy capacitor.
Factors leading to supranormal cardiac index in pediatric pulmonary hypertension patients treated with parenteral prostanoid therapy
Authors: Miles Kimberley G. , Critser Paul J. , Evers Patrick D. , Cash Michelle , Magness Melissa , Geers Elizabeth , O'Neil Meredith , Gao Zhiqian , Ollberding Nicholas J. , Hirsch Russel
Published: July 2023

Parenteral prostanoid therapy (PPT) can result in supranormal cardiac index (SCI; >4 L/min/m2) in pediatric pulmonary hypertension (PPH) patients. We evaluated the incidence, hemodynamic factors, and outcomes associated with SCI in PPH. This retrospective cohort study included 22 PPH patients on PPT from 2005 to 2020. Hemodynamic profiles were compared between the baseline and 3–6 month follow‐up catheterization in the SCI and non‐SCI cohorts. Cox regression analysis examined time to composite adverse outcome (CAO; Potts shunt, lung transplant, or death) controlling for initial disease severity. SCI developed in 17 (77%) patients, of whom 11 (65%) developed SCI within 6 months. The SCI cohort was characterized by significant augmentation of cardiac index (CI) and stroke volume (SV) as well as reductions in systemic vascular resistance (SVR) and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR). Conversely, the non‐SCI cohort had unchanged SV despite a modest rise in CI as well as persistent vasoconstriction. After median follow‐up of 4.3 years (range 0.2–13 years), non‐SCI patients were at significantly increased risk for the CAO (5/5: three deaths, two Potts shunts) compared with SCI patients (5/17: two deaths, three lung transplants; adjusted hazard ratio 14.0 [95% confidence interval: 2.1–91.3], p < 0.001). A majority of PPH patients developed SCI within 6–12 months of starting PPT and demonstrated lower risk of adverse outcomes compared with non‐SCI patients. These data suggest that change in SVR and SV after 3–6 months of PPT may be early markers of therapeutic response and prognosis.
Recent Advances and Perspectives on the Promising High‐Voltage Cathode Material of Na3(VO)2(PO4)2F
Authors: Yin Ya‐Meng , Pei Cunyuan , Xia Wei , Luo Xiaojun , Li Dong‐Sheng
Published: July 2023

Na3(VO)2(PO4)2F (NVOPF) has emerged as one of the most promising cathode materials for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) attributed to its high specific capacity (130 mAh g−1), high operation voltage (>3.9 V vs Na+/Na), and excellent structural stability (<2% volume change). However, the comparatively low intrinsic electronic conductivity (≈10−7 S cm−1) of NVOPF leads to unsatisfactory electrochemical performance, especially at high rates, limiting its practical applications. To improve the conductivity and enhance Na storage performance, many efforts have been devoted to designing NVOPF, including morphology optimization, hybridization with conductive materials, metal‐ion doping, Na‐site regulation, and F/O ratio adjustment. These attempts have shown some encouraging achievements and shed light on the practical application of NVOPF cathodes. This work aims to provide a general introduction, synthetic methods, and rational design of NVOPF to give a deeper understanding of the recent progress. Additionally, the unique microstructure of NVOPF and its relationship with Na storage properties are also described in detail. The current status, as well as the advances and limitations of such SIB cathode material, are reported. Finally, future perspectives and guidance for advancing high‐performance NVOPF cathodes toward practical applications are presented.
Effect of Cr2O3 Content on the Viscosity and Crystallization Properties of Continuous Casting Mold Slag
Authors: Chen Zhang , He Xiaobo , Wang Lijun , Chou Kuo-Chih
Published: July 2023

Herein, the effect of Cr2O3 on the crystallization and flow behavior of CaO–SiO2–Al2O3–Na2O–CaF2 continuous casting mold slags is investigated. The viscosity in the slag at 1200–1500 °C is measured by the rotating cylinder method and a quantitative relationship between the viscosity and the Raman structure Q3/Q2 is constructed. The time–temperature–transformation and continuous cooling transformation diagrams for various slags are obtained using a single hot‐thermocouple technique. The results show that with the crystallization temperature decreases, it can be observed that the crystal growth mode gradually changes from 3D spherical and 2D massive to 1D needle‐like. The study finds the transition from network modifier to network forming agent in the slag for Cr2O3 content from 0 to 3 wt%. The Cr2O3 added to 1–2 wt% decreases the viscosity and promotes crystallization. The viscosity increases and the crystallization is inhibited when the content of Cr2O3 increases to 3 wt%. Meanwhile, when Cr2O3 is added to 3 wt%, the Cr2O3 crystalline phase precipitates except for the main crystalline phase 2CaO·SiO2.
Retracted: In Situ Observation of Phase Transformations of Pearlite Heat‐Resistant Steel during Solidification
Authors: Li Yaqiang , Wang Ziming , Li Yingying , Han Baochen , Sheng Pengcheng , Liu Yanting
Published: July 2023

The phase transformation of pearlite heat‐resistant steel during solidification is observed using high‐temperature confocal scanning laser microscopy. The precipitation of the δ‐ferrite (δ) phase proceeds in a cellular manner at cooling rates of 5 and 15 °C min−1, whereas precipitation occurs in a dendritic manner at a cooling rate of 100 °C min−1. Furthermore, a change in the solidification path is observed at high cooling rates. When the experimental steel is cooled at a low cooling rate of 5 °C min−1, the sequence of continuous solidification is L → L + δ → L + δ + γ → δ + γ, which is consistent with that of equilibrium. However, when the cooling rate increases to 15 and 100 °C min−1, the sequence of continuous solidification is L → L + δ → L + δ + γ → L + γ→γ. Furthermore, at various cooling rates, the interface of the peritectic transformation of δ → γ presents three different modes: planar and cellular modes controlled by solute diffusion and massive transformation controlled by the processes that occur at the transformation interfaces. The different δ → γ transformation modes and the associated different degrees of volume shrinkage are hypothesized to lead to uneven strand shell growth during continuous casting.
Shear design and life cycle assessment of novel limestone calcined clay cement reinforced concrete beams
Authors: Huang Zhenyu , Deng Weixiong , Zhao Xiaolong , Zhou Yingwu , Xing Feng , Hou Pengkun , Chen Cheng
Published: July 2023

To reduce the impact on global warming, many countries and regions are advocating the use of low‐carbon and green supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) to improve the cement industry. This study investigates the shear behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) beams made with a novel green concrete, limestone, calcined clay, and cement clinker (LC3). Full‐scale shear tests were conducted on RC and LC3‐RC beams to evaluate their fundamental behavior for structural applications. The shear resistance of LC3 concrete beams was evaluated using Chinese, American, and Eurocode codes, while carbon emission and environmental impact were analyzed by life cycle assessment (LCA). Results showed that LC3‐RC and RC beams exhibited similar shear behavior in terms of crack initiation, propagation, and development. The increase in concrete strength improved the stiffness of LC3‐RC specimens, while RC specimens remained unchanged. The ductility of RC specimens was inversely proportional to concrete strength, while LC3‐RC beams exhibited optimal ductility. The increase in stirrup ratio significantly improved the shear resistance of both LC3‐RC and RC beams. With increased shear‐span ratio, the failure mode of LC3 specimens improved, changing from diagonal‐compression to shear compression or diagonal tension failure. The shear resistance of both LC3‐RC and RC beams was underestimated by GB 50010‐2010, ACI 318‐19, and Eurocode 2. LC3 concrete significantly reduced energy consumption and carbon emissions and achieved favorable environmental benefits in terms of GWP, PMFP, POFP, TAP, and TETP. Increasing usage of limestone in LC3 may further decrease environmental potential without sacrificing mechanical properties. The findings of this study contribute to the development of sustainable and environmentally friendly structures in engineering.
Corporate governance transparency: Do firm‐level ethics policies and country‐level investor protections substitute or complement?
Authors: Weber Thomas , Moghaddam Kaveh , Lewellyn Krista B. , Maleki Amirhossein
Published: July 2023

This study empirically investigates the direct and interactive effects of firm‐level ethics policies and country‐level investor protection on firm corporate governance transparency. Using data on 9298 firms collected from the Bloomberg Terminal, we find that there is a positive relationship between country‐level investor protection and firm corporate governance transparency. The results also support the argument that firms with existing ethics policies exhibit greater corporate governance transparency. We also find that in countries with weaker investor protection, the impact of firm‐level ethics policies on corporate governance transparency is stronger. This study advances our understanding of the corporate governance transparency determinants, and the empirical evidence supports the notion that firm‐level factors such as ethics policies may compensate for the lack of formal national investor protection regulations.
Innocent heroes or self‐absorbed alarmists? A thematic review of the variety and effects of storylines about young people in climate change discourses
Authors: Jones Charlotte A. , Davison Aidan , Lucas Chloe
Published: July 2023

Discourses about young people are interacting with climate change discourses in ways that often marginalize the young in social responses to climate change. The resulting stories about young people in a changing climate build upon long‐standing representations of youthhood in late modern societies as a liminal, ill‐defined state between childhood and adulthood. The social and behavioral sciences have both helped produce these stories and critically examined their origins, characteristics, and effects. This article offers a novel critical review of ideas about young people in climate change research across a wide variety of disciplines and fields, including geography, psychology, sociology, education, political studies, health studies, media studies, legal studies, and youth studies. We employ Hajer's account of discursive storylines to identify seven ways in which young people are storied in climate discourses. While distinct, stories of young people as innocent, vulnerable, heroic, alarmist, inheriting, apathetic or narcissistic overlap, and interact. This variety of storylines reflects the mutable category of young people and the deliberate ambiguity with which it is often deployed. We use this typology in three ways to advance the interests of young people in climate change discourses. First, we show how these discourses are indebted to while also changing understandings of young people in late modern societies. Second, we consider the potential impacts of these stories on young lives and on responses to climate change. Third, we identify prospects for new stories to emerge as young voices become increasingly important in urgent social discussions of climate change.

This article is categorized under:

Perceptions, Behavior, and Communication of Climate Change > Communication

Perceptions, Behavior, and Communication of Climate Change > Perceptions of Climate Change
Erratum to: Bethe/Gauge correspondence for ABCDEFG-type 3d gauge theories
Authors: Ding Xiang-Mao , Zhang Tinglyer
Published: July 2023

A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/JHEP04(2023)036
Spin supplementary condition in quantum field theory: covariant SSC and physical state projection
Authors: Kim Jung-Wook , Steinhoff Jan
Published: July 2023

Abstract

The spin supplementary conditions are constraints on spin degrees of freedom in classical relativity which restricts physical degrees of freedom to rotations. It is argued that the equivalent constraints in quantum field theory are the projection conditions on polarisation tensors, which remove timelike/longitudinal polarisations from the physical spectrum. The claim is supported by three examples of massive spinning particles coupled to electromagnetism: Dirac and Proca fields in quantum field theory, and 𝒩 = 1 worldline QFT for classical worldline theory. This suggests a resolution to the apparent discrepancy between effective field theory description of massive higher-spin fields [1, 2] and post-Newtonian effective field theory of spinning classical particles [3], where the former admits more unfixed parameters compared to the latter; the additional parameters are fixed by projection conditions and therefore are not tunable parameters.
The emerging roles of long noncoding RNAs in lymphatic vascular development and disease
Authors: Ivanov Konstantin I. , Samuilova Olga V. , Zamyatnin Andrey A.
Published: July 2023

Recent advances in RNA sequencing technologies helped uncover what was once uncharted territory in the human genome—the complex and versatile world of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). Previously thought of as merely transcriptional “noise”, lncRNAs have now emerged as essential regulators of gene expression networks controlling development, homeostasis and disease progression. The regulatory functions of lncRNAs are broad and diverse, and the underlying molecular mechanisms are highly variable, acting at the transcriptional, post-transcriptional, translational, and post-translational levels. In recent years, evidence has accumulated to support the important role of lncRNAs in the development and functioning of the lymphatic vasculature and associated pathological processes such as tumor-induced lymphangiogenesis and cancer metastasis. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the role of lncRNAs in regulating the key genes and pathways involved in lymphatic vascular development and disease. Furthermore, we discuss the potential of lncRNAs as novel therapeutic targets and outline possible strategies for the development of lncRNA-based therapeutics to treat diseases of the lymphatic system.
A temperature-robust level-set approach for eigenfrequency optimization
Authors: Pozzi Matteo , Bonaccorsi Giacomo , Braghin Francesco
Published: July 2023

The optimization of target eigenfrequencies is crucial for several engineering applications, including dynamical systems. Micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) used in time-keeping applications, for example, require exceptional frequency stability. Most eigenfrequency structural optimization methods focus on a deterministic approach, often neglecting potential fluctuations in operational conditions. Among these, temperature variations have long been known to have a detrimental effect on the natural frequencies of a structure. In this work, we show how eigenfrequency optimization can be applied to the field of structural dynamics while minimizing the variance of natural frequencies caused by external temperature uncertainties. To accomplish this, we employ a level-set optimization algorithm, known for its computational efficiency and ability to define crisp interfaces.
Homological growth of Artin kernels in positive characteristic
Authors: Fisher Sam P. , Hughes Sam , Leary Ian J.
Published: July 2023

We prove an analogue of the Lück Approximation Theorem in positive characteristic for certain residually finite rationally soluble (RFRS) groups including right-angled Artin groups and Bestvina–Brady groups. Specifically, we prove that the mod p homology growth equals the dimension of the group homology with coefficients in a certain universal division ring and this is independent of the choice of residual chain. For general RFRS groups we obtain an inequality between the invariants. We also consider a number of applications to fibring, amenable category, and minimal volume entropy.
Acetic acid, growth rate, and mass transfer govern shifts in CO metabolism of Clostridium autoethanogenum
Authors: Elisiário Marina P. , Van Hecke Wouter , De Wever Heleen , Noorman Henk , Straathof Adrie J. J.
Published: July 2023

Syngas fermentation is a leading microbial process for the conversion of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen to valuable biochemicals. Clostridium autoethanogenum stands as a model organism for this process, showcasing its ability to convert syngas into ethanol industrially with simultaneous fixation of carbon and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. A deep understanding on the metabolism of this microorganism and the influence of operational conditions on fermentation performance is key to advance the technology and enhancement of production yields. In this work, we studied the individual impact of acetic acid concentration, growth rate, and mass transfer rate on metabolic shifts, product titres, and rates in CO fermentation by C. autoethanogenum. Through continuous fermentations performed at a low mass transfer rate, we measured the production of formate in addition to acetate and ethanol. We hypothesise that low mass transfer results in low CO concentrations, leading to reduced activity of the Wood–Ljungdahl pathway and a bottleneck in formate conversion, thereby resulting in the accumulation of formate. The supplementation of the medium with exogenous acetate revealed that undissociated acetic acid concentration increases and governs ethanol yield and production rates, assumedly to counteract the inhibition by undissociated acetic acid. Since acetic acid concentration is determined by growth rate (via dilution rate), mass transfer rate, and working pH, these variables jointly determine ethanol production rates. These findings have significant implications for process optimisation as targeting an optimal undissociated acetic acid concentration can shift metabolism towards ethanol production.

Key points

• Very low CO mass transfer rate leads to leaking of intermediate metabolite formate.

• Undissociated acetic acid concentration governs ethanol yield on CO and productivity.

• Impact of growth rate, mass transfer rate, and pH were considered jointly.

Graphical abstract
Gunshot wounds in parenchymatous organs: the morphology mainly depends on the physical properties of the affected tissues*
Authors: Thoma V. , Franchetti G. , Geisenberger D. , Glardon M. , Kromeier J. , Mierdel K. , Pollak S. , Wimmer S. , Perdekamp M. Große
Published: July 2023

In contrast to gunshot wounds in skin and bone, the medico-legal literature pays little attention to the appearance of bullet penetration sites in abdominal organs. It was only in 1983 that Metter and Schulz published an article entitled “Morphological features of gunshot wounds in the liver and spleen.” According to their observations, the organs in question showed stellate tears at the bullet penetration sites resembling skin wounds from contact shots to body regions having a bony support. The study presented simulated the real conditions by means of test shots to composite models consisting of porcine organs embedded in ballistic gelatin. The ammunition used was pistol cartridges 9 mm Luger with full metal jacket round nose bullets. The shots were video-documented with a high-speed camera in order to record the bullet’s travel through the target. In addition, the composite models fired at underwent CT examinations followed by a macroscopic assessment of the organs. The study confirmed the findings of Metter and Schulz with regard to the star-like appearance of gunshot wounds in the liver and spleen. Likewise, the kidney showed radiating tears originating from the bullet path, whereas the wound track in pulmonary tissue was tube-shaped and lacked additional cracks. The varying wound patterns in parenchymatous organs can reasonably be explained as a consequence of the respective viscoelastic tissue properties.
Natural variation and genetic loci underlying resistance to grain shattering in standing crop of modern wheat
Authors: Emebiri Livinus , Hildebrand Shane
Published: July 2023

Modern wheat (Triticum aestivumL.) cultivars have a free-threshing habit, which allows for easy manual or mechanical threshing. However, when harvesting is delayed or extreme weather events occur at harvest time, grain shattering can cause severe loss of harvestable yield. In the past, grain size was considered a predisposing factor as large, plump kernels can lead to buckling and breaking of the outer glume, but the correlation between glume strength and shattering is not strong in modern wheat, and it is hypothesised that there may be other genetic mechanisms. Data from two bi-parent populations and a wheat diversity panel were analyzed to explore the underlying genetic basis for grain shattering observed in multiple field experiments through quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis. Grain shattering had a significant and negative association with grain yield, irrespective of populations and environments. The correlation with plant height was positive in all populations, but correlations with phenology were population specific, being negative in the diversity panel and the Drysdale × Waagan population, and positive in the Crusader × RT812 population. In the wheat diversity panel, allelic variations at well-known major genes (Rht-B1, Rht-D1andPpd-D1) showed minimal association with grain shattering. Instead, the genome-wide analysis identified a single locus on chromosome 2DS, which explained 50% of the phenotypic variation, and mapping to ~ 10 Mb fromTenacious glume(Tg) gene. In the Drysdale × Waagan cross, however, thereduced height(Rht) genes showed major effects on grain shattering. At theRht-B1locus, theRht-B1ballele was associated with 10.4 cm shorter plant height, and 18% decreased grain shattering, whereasRht-D1breduced plant height by 11.4 cm and reduced grain shattering by 20%. Ten QTL were detected in the Crusader × RT812, including a major locus detected on the long arm of chromosome 5A. All the QTL identified in this population were non-pleiotropic, as they were still significant even after removing the influence of plant height. In conclusion, these results indicated a complex genetic system for grain shattering in modern wheat, which varied with genetic background, involved pleiotropic as well as independent gene actions, and which might be different from shattering in wild wheat species caused by major domestication genes. The influence ofRhtgenes was confirmed, and this provides valuable information in breeding crops of the future. Further, the SNP marker close toTgon chromosome 2DS should be considered for utility in marker-assisted selection.
Practice patterns of hepatobiliary surgery within the military
Authors: Suydam Camille R. , Aranda Marcos C. , O’Hara Thomas A. , Kobylarz Fred C. , Liang Joy N. , Bandera Bradley
Published: July 2023

Background

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the trends of hepatobiliary surgeries performed at military hospitals and to discuss potential implications on resident training and military readiness. While there is data to suggest centralization of surgical specialty services leads to improved patient outcomes, the military does not currently have a specific centralization policy. Implementation of such a policy could potentially impact resident training and readiness of military surgeons. Even in the absence of such a policy, there may still be a trend toward centralization of more complex surgeries like hepatobiliary surgeries. The present study evaluates the numbers and types of hepatobiliary procedures performed at military hospitals.

Methods

This study is a retrospective review of de-identified data from Military Health System Mart (M2) from 2014 to 2020. The M2 database contains patient data from all Defense Health Agency treatment facilities, encompassing all branches of the United States Military. Variables collected include number and types of hepatobiliary procedures performed and patient demographics. The primary endpoint was the number and type of surgery for each medical facility. Linear regression was used to evaluate significant trends in numbers of surgeries over time.

Results

Fifty-five military hospitals performed hepatobiliary surgeries from 2014 to 2020. A total of 1,087 hepatobiliary surgeries were performed during this time; cholecystectomies, percutaneous procedures, and endoscopic procedures were excluded. There was no significant decrease in overall case volume. The most commonly performed hepatobiliary surgery was “unlisted laparoscopic liver procedure.” The military training facility with the most hepatobiliary cases was Brooke Army Medical Center.

Conclusion

The number of hepatobiliary surgeries performed in military hospitals has not significantly decreased over the years 2014–2020, despite a national trend toward centralization. Centralization of hepatobiliary surgeries in the future may impact residency training as well as military medical readiness.
A study on the effect of nutrition education based on the goal attainment theory on oral nutritional supplementation after colorectal cancer surgery
Authors: Pi Jun-fang , Zhou Jing , Lu Ling-ling , Li Lan , Mao Chen-rong , Jiang Ling
Published: July 2023

Objective

To
investigate their compliance with postoperative oral nutritional supplementation and nutritional outcomes.

Methods

A total of 84 patients with colorectal cancer surgery with NRS-2002 risk score ≥ 3 who were treated with oral nutritional supplementation were selected and divided into control and observation groups according to the random number table method, with 42 cases in each group. The control group received conventional oral nutritional supplementation and dietary nutrition education; the observation group established a nutrition intervention group based on the Goal Attainment Theory and carried out individualized nutrition education based on the Goal Attainment Theory. The nutritional indicators at 1 day postoperative, 7 days postoperative, oral nutritional supplementation adherence scores at 7 and 14 days postoperative, and the attainment rate of trans-oral nutritional intake at 21 days postoperative were compared between the 2 groups of patients.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference between the nutritional status indexes of the 2 groups of patients before the intervention, p > 0.05; when comparing the prealbumin of the 2 groups of patients at 7 days postoperatively, the prealbumin level of the patients in the observation group at 7 days postoperatively (200.25 ± 53.25) was better than that of the control group (165.73 ± 43.00), with a p value of 0.002, and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Comparison of oral nutritional supplementation adherence scores at 7 and 14 days postoperatively showed that ONS treatment adherence scores were better than those of the control group, with statistically significant differences (p < 0.05). When comparing the attainment rate of oral nutritional intake at 21 days after surgery, the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Nutritional education based on the Goal Attainment Theory can effectively improve the adherence to oral nutritional supplementation therapy and protein intake attainment rate of colorectal cancer patients after surgery and effectively improve the nutritional status of patients.
Knowledge, feelings, and willingness to use palliative care in cancer patients with hematologic malignancies and solid tumors: a prospective, cross-sectional study in a comprehensive cancer center in Germany
Authors: Gebel Cordula , Basten Judith , Kruschel Isabel , Ernst Thomas , Wedding Ulrich
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Patients with hematologic malignancies (HM) receive palliative care (PC) less often and later than patients with solid tumors (ST). Patients’ lack of knowledge about PC and negative feelings about PC are barriers to their willingness to use PC. Is there a difference between patients with HM and ST in their knowledge and willingness to use PC?

Methods

Two hundred ten patients (85 HM, 125 ST) from an oncology day clinic at a university hospital participated in this cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey.

Results

Patients with HM and ST had high knowledge and mainly positive feelings about PC. More than half of the patients answered that they would feel reassured by the use of PC, and one-third would feel anxious or hopeless. The majority of patients (58.3%) were willing to use PC. There are no significant differences between patients with HM and ST. In multiple regression analysis, perceived chance of cure and feelings of reassurance and anxiety are associated with willingness to use PC, but not with the HM/ST disease group. More than half (53.9%) of the participants would like the treating physician to choose the timing of a discussion about PC.

Conclusion

Our study shows a high level of knowledge and relatively positive feelings of patients about PC, with no differences between patients with HM or ST. They expect their treating physician to initiate communication about PC. Communication should include the patient’s feelings about PC and their chances of a cure.
Obesity classification predicts early complications and mortality after acetabular fracture
Authors: Wier Julian , Firoozabadi Reza , Patterson Joseph T.
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Obesity remains a global epidemic. The effect of obesity on the risk of complications after acetabular fracture is unknown. Here, we evaluate the effect of BMI on early complications and mortality after acetabular fracture. We hypothesize that the risk of inpatient complications and mortality will be greater in patients with high BMI when compared to those with normal BMI.

Methods

Adult patients with acetabular fracture were identified via the Trauma Quality Improvement Program data from 2015 to 2019. The primary outcome was overall complication rate with reference to normal-weight patients (BMI = 25–30 kg/m2). The secondary outcome was rates of death. The association of obesity class on the primary and secondary outcomes was assessed using Bonferroni-corrected multiple logistic regression models considering patient, injury, and treatment covariates.

Results

A total of 99,721 patients with acetabular fracture were identified. Class I obesity (BMI = 30–35 kg/m2) was associated with 1.2 greater adjusted relative risk (aRR; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1–1.3) of any adverse event, without significant increases in adjusted risk of death. Class II obesity (BMI = 35–40 kg/m2) was associated with aRR = 1.2 (95% CI 1.1–1.3) of any adverse event and aRR = 1.5 (95% CI 1.2–2.0) of death. Class III obesity (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2) was associated with aRR = 1.3 (95% CI 1.2–1.4) of any adverse event and aRR = 2.3 (95% CI 1.8–2.9) of death.

Conclusion

Obesity is associated greater risk of adverse events and death following acetabular fracture. Obesity severity classification scales with these risks.
Controlling weighted voting games by deleting or adding players with or without changing the quota
Authors: Kaczmarek Joanna , Rothe Jörg
Published: July 2023

Weighted voting games are a well-studied class of succinct simple games that can be used to model collective decision-making in, e.g., legislative bodies such as parliaments and shareholder voting. Power indices [1–4] are used to measure the influence of players in weighted voting games. In such games, it has been studied how a distinguished player’s power can be changed, e.g., by merging or splitting players (the latter is a.k.a. false-name manipulation) [5, 6], by changing the quota [7], or via structural control by adding or deleting players [8]. We continue the work on the structural control initiated by Rey and Rothe [8] by solving some of their open problems. In addition, we also modify their model to a more realistic setting in which the quota is indirectly changed during the addition or deletion of players (in a different sense than that of Zuckerman et al. [7] who manipulate the quota directly without changing the set of players), and we study the corresponding problems in terms of their computational complexity.
Assessment of the potential of the MET inhibitor tepotinib to affect the pharmacokinetics of CYP3A4 and P-gp substrates
Authors: Yalkinoglu Özkan , Becker Andreas , Krebs-Brown Axel , Vetter Claudia , Lüpfert Christian , Perrin Dominique , Heuer Jürgen , Biedert Herlind , Hirt Stefan , Bytyqi Afrim , Bachmann Angelika , Strotmann Rainer
Published: July 2023

Tepotinib is a highly selective, potent, mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (MET) inhibitor, approved for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer harboring MET exon 14 skipping alterations. The aims of this work were to investigate the potential for drug-drug interactions via cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4/5 or P-glycoprotein (P-gp) inhibition. In vitro studies were conducted in human liver microsomes, human hepatocyte cultures and Caco-2 cell monolayers to investigate whether tepotinib or its major metabolite (MSC2571109A) inhibited or induced CYP3A4/5 or inhibited P-gp. Two clinical studies were conducted to investigate the effect of multiple dose tepotinib (500 mg once daily orally) on the single dose pharmacokinetics of a sensitive CYP3A4 substrate (midazolam 7.5 mg orally) and a P-gp substrate (dabigatran etexilate 75 mg orally) in healthy participants. Tepotinib and MSC2571109A showed little evidence of direct or time-dependent CYP3A4/5 inhibition (IC50 > 15 μM) in vitro, although MSC2571109A did show mechanism-based CYP3A4/5 inhibition. Tepotinib did not induce CYP3A4/5 activity in vitro, although both tepotinib and MSC2571109A increased CYP3A4 mRNA. In clinical studies, tepotinib had no effect on the pharmacokinetics of midazolam or its metabolite 1’-hydroxymidazolam. Tepotinib increased dabigatran maximum concentration and area under the curve extrapolated to infinity by 38% and 51%, respectively. These changes were not considered to be clinically relevant. Tepotinib was considered safe and well tolerated in both studies. The potential of tepotinib to cause clinically relevant DDI with CYP3A4- or P-gp-dependent drugs at the clinical dose is considered low. Study 1 (midazolam): NCT03628339 (registered 14 August 2018). Study 2 (dabigatran): NCT03492437 (registered 10 April 2018).
Water and sediment pollution of intensively used surface waters during a drought period — a case study in Central Northern Namibia
Authors: Faulstich Leona , Arendt Robert , Reinhardt-Imjela Christian , Schulte Achim , Lengricht Joachim , Johannes Petrina
Published: July 2023

Semiarid regions are often affected by water scarcity and poor water quality. Seasonal changes in precipitation and drought events increase the pressure of use on water bodies and their pollution. In Central Northern Namibia, a high seasonal intra- and inter-annual variability of precipitation caused a 5-year lasting drought period. In the semiarid region, ephemeral channels and water pans represent the main water source, besides the institutionalized water supply. No systematic analysis of its quality has been conducted so far. The states of the surface waters at the end of the dry season in 2017 and the end of the rainy seasons in 2018 and 2019 were characterized by the analysis of physical–chemical parameters, focusing on usability. The first results show coarse contamination of the waters, which results in high turbidity values. Salt concentrations, such as Ca2+ and Na+, greatly increased due to evaporation. Al is present in high concentrations in solid and liquid phases, which indicates direct anthropogenic pollution. Spatial differences are evident in the study area and based on the precipitation gradient, land use, and population density. The waters cannot be used as drinking water without prior treatment.